bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zur zweiten und dritten Randwertaufgabe in der nichtlinearen Hyperelastizitätstheorie
Authors: Beckert Herbert
Published: June 2007

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die in einer früheren Untersuchung des Verfassers [2] entwickelte konstruktive Methode zur strengen Beschreibung endlicher Deformationen in der nichtlinearen Elastizitätstheorie von der ersten auf die zweite und dritte Randwertaufgabe übertragen. Zunächst wird die Deformation approximative über ein Differenzenverfahren entlang des Datenweges beschrieben und anschließend die Konvergenz bewiesen. Da im Falle der zweiten Randwertaufgabe der entspannte Zustand einem Randpunkt des Stabilitätsbereichs im Funktionalraum der Spannungskomponenten entspricht, wird eine H1,2 ⊖ V6‐Theorie entwickelt, um gegebenenfalls die Deformation zu stabilisieren. Die Methode läßt sich auf sehr allgemeine Strukturen der Hyperelastizitätstheorie ausdehnen.
Der Einfluß der Gas‐Teilchen‐Wechselwirkung auf den Turbulenzgrad einer turbulenten Zwei‐Phasen‐Strömung
Authors: Petrak D.
Published: June 2007

Für eine turbulente Gasströmung wird nach Abramovich ein Modell entwickelt, mit dem die turbulenzdämpfende Eigenschaft einer Feststoffzugabe untersucht werden kann. Parameter sind hierbei die Frequenz der turbulenten Gasschwankungen, die Feststoffpartikelgröße und die Feststoffkonzentration. Für die Turbulenzdämpfung sind hauptsächlich Partikelgröße und Partikelkonzentration bestimmend.
Existenz‐ und Konvergenzsätze für die Prandtlschen Grenzschicht‐differentialgleichungen unter Benutzung der Linienmethode
Authors: Lemmert R.
Published: June 2007

Es werden die Prandtlschen Grenzschichtdifferentialyleichungen
equation image
in G = (0, × (0, ∞) unter den Randbedingungen
equation image
betrachtet. Dabei werden zwei Fälle, nämlich ũ(y) > 0 für y > 0 und ũ(y) = 0 (d. h. das Fortsetzungsproblem und das Staupunktproblem), behandelt, indem mit Hilfe der v. Mises‐Transformation (*), (**) in
equation image
umgeschrieben wird. Das Problem (+) wird schließlich mit Hilfe der wohlbekannten Linienmethode gelöst; dabei ergeben sich neben Existenz‐ und Konvergenzsätzen auch quantitative Aussagen über das Verhalten der Lösung von (*), (**) am Rande von G und im Unendlichen.
Über die Lösbarkeit der Grundgleichungen der Strahlungshydrodynamik bei sehr kleiner und sehr großer Bouguer‐Zahl
Authors: Förste J.
Published: June 2007

Wir betrachten die Grundgleichungen der Strahlungshydrodynamik für sehr kleine und sehr große Bouguer‐Zahlen Bu. Für ebene instationäre Strömungen in einem beschränkten Gebiet wird ein Existenzsatz des Anfangs‐Randwertproblems bewiesen. Unter einer Zusatzvoraussetzung wird im Falle Bu < 1 ein Einzigkeitssatz gezeigt, während im Falle Bu > 1 die Frage der eindeutigen Bestimmtheit der Lösung offen bleibt.
On Optimal Control and Identification of Processes Governed by Parabolic Differential Equations of Second Order
Authors: Wolfersdorf L. V.
Published: June 2007

Maximum principles of Pontryagin's type are derived for various classes of optimal processes governed by mildly nonlinear parabolic differential equations of second order. The considered functionals correspond to an observation of the processes in finitely many given points as occurring at identification of such processes.
Nonlinear Complex Programming with Nonlinear Constraints
Authors: Das C. , Swarup K.
Published: June 2007

Following Mond [8, 9] a duality theory for nonlinear complex programming problems over polyhedral cones with nonlinear constraints is developed by making use of the linear duality theory.
Invertierung von 3‐diagonalen Matrizen
Authors: Grund Friedrich
Published: June 2007

Die inverse Matrix zu einer 3‐diagonalen Matrix wird mit dem direkten bzw. Gaußschen Verfahren berechnet. Es zeigt sich, daß ein Element der inversen Matrix als Produkt von rekursiv berechenbaren Hilfsgrößen gefunden werden kann. Es werden Verbindungen zwischen den beiden Verfahren gezeigt und Stabilitätsaussagen gemacht. Eine Beziehung für die explizite Angabe der inversen Matrix zu gewissen Matrizen wird angegeben. Numerische Beispiele sind angeführt.
Ein Ansatz für die Werkstoffdämpfung zwei‐ und dreidimensionaler Kontinua
Authors: Grundmann H.
Published: June 2007

Zur phänomenologischen Beschreibung der Werkstoffdämpfung wird eine Verknüpfung zwischen der Mittelspannung und der Volumendehnung einerseits und den Komponenten des Spannungs‐ und Verzerrungsdeviators andererseits entwickelt, durch die der Energieverlust in Beziehung zur Volumen‐ und Gestaltänderungsarbeit gesetzt wird. Ein besonderer Vorteil des Ansatzes besteht darin, daß für periodische Bewegungen eine übersichtliche komplexe Schreibweise möglich ist, und daß sich eine Linearisierung in einfacher Weise anbietet.
Sequentielle Rangauswahlprobleme ‐ eine Erweiterung des „Secretary Problems”︁
Authors: Platen Eckhard
Published: June 2007

Für sequentielle Rangauswahlprobleme, bei denen es sich um die Auswahl von m aus n (1 ≦ m ≦ n) sequentiell beobachtbaren Objekten ohne Rückgriffsmöglichkeit mit dem Ziel der Maximierung einer vorgegebenen Ertragsfunktion handelt, wird unter Voraussetzung einer bestehenden Rangfolge für die einzelnen Objekte die allgemeine Lösung angegeben. Davon ausgehend erfolgt die Lösung des speziellen Problems der Maximierung der Wahrscheinlichkeit für die Auswahl genau der m besten Objekte. Abschließend wird das asymptotische Verhalten der dabei gewonnenen optimalen Strategien bezüglich wachsender Objektanzahl n untersucht.
Zur Stabilität der Deformationen des tordierten elastoplastischen Kreiszylinders
Authors: Bruhns O.
Published: June 2007

Die vorliegende Arbeit nimmt Bezug auf zwei kürzlich in der ZAMM erschienene Arbeiten von B. Raniecki und A. Sawczuk über Thermoeffekte in der Plastizitätstheorie [1. 2]. Im zweiten Teil dieser Arbeiten betonen die Autoren die Beteutung der Koppeleffekte in der Stabilitätstheorie thermoplastischer Deformationen. Dazu zeigen sie, daß das ‘Einschnür‐Versangen’ des tordierten dünnwandigen kreiszylindrischen Rohres als Folge von Thermoeffekten gedeutet werden kann. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird nun gezeigt, daß dieses Beispiel einen Fehler enthalten muß. Bezogen auf dieses Beispiel erscheint daher die Bedeutung von Thermoeffekten für das Stabilitätsverhalten des betrachteten Körpers als zumindest fraglich.
Stochastic Stability of the Stationary Response of a System with Autoparametric Coupling
Authors: Ibrahim R. A. , Roberts J. W.
Published: June 2007

The paper relates to the response of a two degree of freedom vibratory system with non‐linear coupling of the type referred to as autoparametric, under the action of broadband stochastic excitation. In the particular arrangement considered, a broadband random force excites a primary vibratory system whose response acts as a random parametric loading of the coupled system with a consequent non‐linear reaction on the primary system. For such an arrangement earlier work has shown that large quasi‐stationary response of the coupled system may occur when the condition of internal resonance is realised. Otherwise stationary unimodal response of the primary system is obtained. In the present paper, the stability in the mean of the stationary response is investigated for a range of system parameters using a method based upon the Markov vector approach together with an approximate treatment of third and higher order statistical moments. The stability boundaries are determined from a numerical evaluation of the eigenvalues of a fourteenth order matrix derived from the dynamic moment equations and show the significant effect of the internal resonance detuning parameter. A further feature of the results is that beyond a certain value, increase of the primary system damping ratio appears to have a destabilising effect.
The Impact of Breast Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment on Intentions to Perform Cancer Surveillance Behaviors
Authors: Bennett Paul , Wilkinson Clare , Turner Jim , Griffith Gethin , France Barbara , Brain Kate , Gray Jonathon
Published: June 2007

One hundred and fifty‐four women undergoing breast/ovarian cancer genetic risk assessment completed questionnaires at entry into the Cancer Genetic Service for Wales (CGSW) assessment program and following risk provision, mapping the strength of intentions to engage in a number of preventive/surveillance behaviors, including seeing specialists, breast self‐examination, and involvement in screening programs, including mammography. A number of potential predictors of intentions were also assessed, including participants’ mood and emotional response to receiving risk information, the perceived benefits (in terms of reassurance and early disease detection) of engaging in each preventive behavior, and the perceived desires of their family and General Practitioner. Intentions to self‐examine did not change following risk provision, although strength of intentions to engage in some other preventive behaviors did lessen. Family and General Practitioners appeared to be strong social influences on behavioral intentions, as were the perceived benefits of gaining reassurance and/or early detection of disease.
Influence of stand age on nutrient and energy release through decomposition in alder‐cardamom agroforestry systems of the eastern Himalayas
Authors: Sharma G. , Sharma R. , Sharma E.
Published: June 2007

The influence of stand age (5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 years) on the decomposition of litter fractions, nutrient and energy release of mixtures of N2‐fixing alder (Alnusnepalensis) and non‐N2‐fixing large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) systems was compared. Seasonal decomposition rates were distinct with the highest rate in the first 6 months followed by subsequent seasons. The decomposition rate was substantially high in younger stands (10‐ to 15‐years) and declined in the older stands. Heat sink from the stand floor litter increased from 171 × 106 kJ year−1 in 5 years to 299 × 106 kJ year−1 at 15 years and then considerably decreased with advancing age. However, energy and nutrient releases were slow at a high initial lignin‐to‐initial N ratio and C‐to‐N ratio, and there was an inverse relationship between the k‐value of ash‐free‐mass and N expressed as a function of the C‐to‐N ratio. Quantities of nutrient release and energy loss per unit area in 24 months of decomposition were highest in 15 years and subsequently they lowered with advancing age. Nutrient loss indicated approximately uniform absolute and relative rates. Absolute energy consistently decreased by 81–88% in 24 months. Ash‐free mass of decomposing litter remaining at different retrieval dates was associated with a narrowing of the C‐to‐N ratio. The relative loss rate of ash‐free mass, nutrients and energy content was strongly related to the C‐to‐N ratio, litter temperature and litter moisture. The influence of Alnus in the younger stands on nutrient and energy releases were rapid, indicating accelerated nutrient cycling and energy dynamics. The intensity of the processes was highly phenomenal and considerably high in younger stands up to 20 years. Thus, an appropriate management cycle of the Alnus‐cardamom system for sustainability is 15–20 years.
Seasonal variation in fleshy fruit use and seed dispersal by the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus)
Authors: Takahashi Kazuaki , Shiota Tadatoshi , Tamatani Hiroo , Koyama Masaru , Washitani Izumi
Published: June 2007

Fruit use by the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) and seed clumping in bear scat were studied in central Japan using fecal analyses. Between May and November 2003 and 2004, the life form and fruit size of plants consumed by bears and the species composition and intactness of seeds contained in scat were examined in five transects (approximately 10 km × 10 m) in broad‐leaved deciduous forests. In 2003, scats with seeds were found only in the autumn, when fruiting trees and shrubs were abundant. In 2004, scats with seeds occurred intermittently from the summer, when fruiting plants were rare, up to the autumn. Yearly and seasonal variation in fruit use reflects the opportunistic foraging behavior of Japanese black bears. Seven of the nine plant species detected in scats had medium‐sized fruits (6–15 mm width), whereas the other two species had relatively large fruits (20–100 mm width). In total, 14,492 seeds were detected, of which 97.6% were intact; the remainder were damaged. Intact seeds of one or two species were found in each scat. The number of intact seeds per scat ranged from 1 to 5476. Japanese black bears seldom digest ingested seeds, thereby contributing to the seed dispersal of their food plants, including species with fruits that are too large to be swallowed by frugivorous birds.
Etiology and Surgical Interventions for Stiff Total Knee Replacements
Authors: González Della Valle Alejandro , Leali Alejandro , Haas Steven
Published: June 2007

Stiffness is the most prevalent early local complication of primary total knee replacement, affecting approximately 6 to 7% of patients undergoing surgery. The definition of stiffness after total knee replacement in terms of restriction of the arc of motion has evolved in the last 2 decades as patients and physicians expect better postoperative functional outcomes. Gentle manipulation under anesthesia within 3 to 4 months of surgery improves the range of motion in most patients. However, approximately 1% of patients, including those in which the window for manipulation has passed, will require further surgical interventions, which may include arthroscopy with lysis of adhesions, open debridement with exchange of the polyethylene insert, or revision of one or more components. This review will focus on describing the etiology of the problem and the results of the different surgical interventions for stiffness after total knee replacement.
Characterization of Turkish Quercus L. Taxa Based on Fatty Acid Compositions of the Acorns
Authors: Özcan Tamer
Published: June 2007

Total oil content and the composition of fatty acids were analyzed in the acorns of 16 Quercus taxa from Turkey. The range of total fat varied between 0.7 and 7.4%. Oleic (10.2–54.4%), linoleic (24.2–49.1%), palmitic (13.4–30.4%), alpha linolenic (1.5–8.6%) and stearic acid (1.5–4.5%) were major fatty acids for all taxa. Significantly differences at section level were found (p < 0.05) for palmitic, stearic and oleic acid concentration. Saturated (17.0–38.6%), mono unsaturated (11.0–55.5%) and unsaturated fatty acids (57.4–81.6%) in total oil were also significantly different between section Quercus, Cerris and Ilex (p < 0.05). In addition, sectional differences were significant (p < 0.02) for the relative concentrations of saturated fatty acids compared to mono, poly and total unsaturated fatty acids. Considerable variation of individual fatty acid levels were observed in related species and varieties. The species from section Ilex Loudon exhibited the highest levels of saturated fatty acid while the lowest levels were found in Q. brantii, Q. libani and Q. trojana from section Cerris Loudon. These species also had the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids. Whereas the lowest values were detected in the species of section Ilex. Both varieties of Q. cerris showed significant differences (p < 0.05) from the other species in section Cerris for all parameters, except for stearic acid and exhibited little variations among their individual populations. Different concentrations of fatty acids may be useful biochemical markers for the characterization of Quercus at the infrageneric level. Interesting ratios of linoleic:α‐linolenic acid especially in Q. robur ssp. robur, Q. hartwissiana, Q. vulcanica, Q. ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis and Q. libani also were detected with respect to dietary reference for fatty acid intake.
Burden of illness among commercially insured patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Joyce Amie T. , Zhao Yang , Bowman Lee , Flynn Jennifer A. , Carter Chureen T. , Ollendorf Daniel A.
Published: June 2007

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the direct costs of care for patients newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) by using retrospective healthcare claims data.

Methods

Patients aged 65 years or older with ≥1 claims containing a listed diagnosis of AD between January 1999 and November 2003 were selected. The first observed AD claim was deemed the index date. Control patients with no evidence of AD or dementia also were identified. Patients had a 12‐month pre‐index period and minimum 30‐day follow‐up. AD patients were matched to control patients on the basis of age, gender, and follow‐up duration. Annualized utilization and costs were calculated; generalized linear models (GLM) were undertaken, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Analyses focused on differences in costs among AD patients and controls.

Results

The average age of AD and control patients was 82 years; 38% were men (n = 2,475 AD; 4,950 controls). Average total costs for AD patients were more than five‐fold higher compared with controls ($28,263 vs $5,880; P < .001), driven primarily by inpatient costs. Total costs were significantly higher (P < .001) for AD patients in GLM modeling, with diagnosis group (AD vs control) as the most important predictor. Adjusted annual costs per patient were also five‐fold higher ($21,150 vs $4,053 for AD vs control, respectively) during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

The annual economic burden of AD to third‐party payers is more substantial than previously estimated ($3,805 to $8,200).
A novel PSENEN mutation in a patient with complaints of memory loss and a family history of dementia
Authors: Albani Diego , Batelli Sara , Pesaresi Marzia , Prato Francesca , Polito Letizia , Forloni Gianluigi , Pantieri Roberta
Published: June 2007

Presenilin enhancer‐2 (PSENEN) is a fundamental component of the γ‐secretase protein complex involved in β‐amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) processing, a key event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiopathogenesis. In a mild cognitive impairment (MCI)‐diagnosed woman, belonging to a family with a positive history for AD, we found that a novel PSENEN mutation (S73F) was the only genetic alteration of relevance. The mutation was absent in 253 age‐matched controls. In an attempt to learn the biochemical effects of this mutation, we cultured skin primary fibroblasts from the patient and her daughter, and we assessed Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) production. We did not find any relevant differences in comparison to age‐matched, normal subjects. Although our data do not definitively support a pathogenetic role for this mutation, it does not appear to be a common polymorphism. Further follow‐up is warranted in this family.
Comparison of Alzheimer's disease in American Indians, whites, and African Americans
Authors: Weiner Myron F. , Hynan Linda S. , Beekly Duane , Koepsell Thomas D. , Kukull Walter A.
Published: June 2007

Background

The recent development of a national Alzheimer's disease database makes it possible to compare the course of illness in various ethnic groups.

Methods

The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database was used to compare the clinical presentation and course of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in American Indians with whites and African‐Americans, and to compare findings in American Indians seen in Oklahoma with those seen elsewhere. We ascertained the diagnosis of probable and possible AD, gender, education, history of affected first‐degree relative, depression, history of stroke, Parkinson symptoms, age at onset of dementia, initial visit, and death. We also ascertained years from symptom onset and initial evaluation to death, initial Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE) score adjusted for education, and years from onset of symptoms.

Results

Data from 30,993 subjects were analyzed. There were statistically significant but only small differences between groups. American Indians had the lowest proportion of affected first‐degree relatives, depression, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Whites had the highest proportion of subjects with affected first‐degree relatives and depression, but the lowest history of stroke. African Americans had the most frequent history of stroke and extrapyramidal symptoms. Indians seen in Oklahoma had a lower proportion of affected first‐degree relatives than did those seen elsewhere.

Conclusions

Although there were no clinically significant differences in course of illness between these self‐identified ethnic groups, this finding with regard to American Indians must be interpreted with caution, because the subjects for whom we had information regarding ancestry reported a smaller proportion of American Indian (25%) than white (75%) heritage.
Forecasting the global burden of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Brookmeyer Ron , Johnson Elizabeth , Ziegler‐Graham Kathryn , Arrighi H. Michael
Published: June 2007

Background

Our goal was to forecast the global burden of Alzheimer's disease and evaluate the potential impact of interventions that delay disease onset or progression.

Methods

A stochastic, multistate model was used in conjunction with United Nations worldwide population forecasts and data from epidemiological studies of the risks of Alzheimer's disease.

Results

In 2006, the worldwide prevalence of Alzheimer's disease was 26.6 million. By 2050, the prevalence will quadruple, by which time 1 in 85 persons worldwide will be living with the disease. We estimate about 43% of prevalent cases need a high level of care, equivalent to that of a nursing home. If interventions could delay both disease onset and progression by a modest 1 year, there would be nearly 9.2 million fewer cases of the disease in 2050, with nearly the entire decline attributable to decreases in persons needing a high level of care.

Conclusions

We face a looming global epidemic of Alzheimer's disease as the world's population ages. Modest advances in therapeutic and preventive strategies that lead to even small delays in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease can significantly reduce the global burden of this disease.
Commentary on “Health economics and the value of therapy in Alzheimer's disease.” Report from the Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable on patient‐reported outcomes and dementia research
Authors: Frank Lori B.
Published: June 2007

The release of the Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance on the patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) measurement in February 2006 has specific implication for outcomes research in dementia. Advances in treatments for probable Alzheimer's disease present unique challenges to the measurement of clinical outcomes. Standards adapted for PROs measurement can be applied to provide an alternative perspective on efficacy, and to access a more comprehensive range of outcomes than is currently assessed in dementia trials. The draft guidance provides only limited direction with regard to proxy measurements, but the principles of PROs assessment should be applied to proxy respondent measures. Taking a broad view of outcome measurements can offset limitations related to utility assessment and the use of data in pharmacoeconomic evaluations of dementia treatments. Measurements that formally encompass patients and caregivers can enhance our understanding of the disorder, and improve conclusions about treatment effectiveness.
Commentary on “Health economics and the value of therapy in Alzheimer's disease.” Cost‐effectiveness studies
Authors: Wimo Anders , Norlund Anders
Published: June 2007

The high prevalence of dementia has a great impact on the formal care systems as well as on the situation for informal caregivers. Thus the question of cost effectiveness is crucial. This paper is based on the health‐economic portion of the dementia project of the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Healthcare. After a database search and quality judgment of papers, 35 papers were included (22 were pharmacoeconomic studies, and 13 focused on programs, such as daycare, caregiver support, and living arrangements). No empirical drug study was regarded as a complete health‐economic study. Of the four prospective, randomized, controlled trials, three yielded a nonsignificant difference regarding costs (all for donepezil), whereas there was a significant cost reduction in the Memantine study (favoring Memantine treatment), mainly due to reduction in caregiver time. The majority of the complete pharmacoeconomic modeling studies showed a dominance for drug treatment, indicating cost effectiveness. In conclusion, as regards the cost effectiveness of treatment for Alzheimer's disease, no evidence could be stated in terms of empirical studies, mainly because of a lack of studies. Although most models indicated cost effectiveness, the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Healthcare did not regard this as sufficient evidence of cost effectiveness. There is a need for larger and longer empirical studies, and for enlarged sensitivity analyses, in terms of model studies.
Historical note on Darwin's consideration of early‐onset dementia in older persons, thirty‐six years before Alzheimer's initial case report
Authors: Snyder Peter J. , Pearn Alison M.
Published: June 2007

In February 1871, the great naturalist Charles Darwin received a letter from Dr. James‐Crichton Browne, who was serving as Director of the largest lunatic asylum in England. Darwin had been introduced to Crichton‐Browne 2 years earlier by Henry Maudsley, who believed that the young psychiatrist could provide Darwin with clinical examples of extreme emotional expression, to aid him in preparing to write Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872). This particular letter from Crichton‐Browne contained the first and only reference to “premature dotage” or “senile decay” found anywhere in Darwin's entire corpus of correspondence, which amounted to more than 80,000 pages of handwritten letters to nearly 2,000 individuals throughout his lifetime. Moreover, this letter from Crichton‐Browne, received by Darwin 36 years before the first case report of senile dementia by Professor Alois Alzheimer, explicitly noted that such premature dotage is the result of “brain wasting.” Crichton‐Browne believed that senile dementia was the result of a central nervous system disease, with the emotional lability observed in his patients linked inextricably to the disease process. This early hypothesis, of interest to Darwin in 1871, anticipated the groundbreaking neurohistopathologic research and case description by Alzheimer 36 years later, and has been confirmed by all clinical research in this field since 1907. This concordance between psychological symptoms and Alzheimer's disease continues to be an important area of study, leading to recent advances in our understanding of the genetics, neurobiology, and neurochemistry of psychiatric illness in older adults.
Utopia for music performance graduates. Is it achievable, and how should it be defined?
Authors: Bennett Dawn
Published: June 2007

For the majority of undergraduate classical music performance students, ‘musotopia’ is a place where performance ambitions are realised with an international performance career. However, given that so few musicians achieve this ambition, should this ideal be redefined? This paper investigates instrumental musicians' careers by exploring the realities of professional practice. A detailed study which incorporated interviews, focus groups and a lengthy survey, revealed the multiplicity of roles in which most musicians engage in order to sustain their careers. The findings call into question the concept of a musician as a performer, positing that a musician is rather someone who practises within the profession of music in one or more specialist fields. The diversity of roles pursued by practising musicians is not reflected in the majority of conservatorium curricula, thus the enormous potential for the transfer of music graduate skills into the broad cultural industries setting remains largely unrealised. Acceptance of, and preparation for, a more holistic career will enable many more graduates to find their own musotopia.
Learning and teaching breathing and oboe playing: action research in a conservatoire
Authors: Gaunt Helena
Published: June 2007

This paper presents findings from action research in a conservatoire (the Guildhall School of Music & Drama) which focused on teaching and learning effective breathing in playing the oboe. A range of approaches and techniques emerged from a literature review. These were implemented in practice with oboe students at the Guildhall School, and changes in their practice and perceptions of breathing were analysed. Participants' responses to the approaches used were diverse, emphasising individual learning styles. Considerable changes in their breathing practice as oboists were observed, and in addition it was noted that in several cases their approach to learning became more reflective and self-directed.
The Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Gugolz Alessandro
Published: June 2007

The Sultanate of Oman has enacted a modern and detailed statute protecting its cultural heritage. It is one of the newest and most modern pieces of legislation within the Arab world and provides broad protection for the rich cultural heritage of the country. The enactment of the statute and its application to protect culture and the nation's cultural heritage became an important political aim, and the year 1994 was officially declared as the “Year of National Heritage”.
The Protection of Cultural Property in the Arab World
Authors: Irsheid Christine
Published: June 2007

This article presents a comparative description of the national legislation concerning the protection of cultural property in the various Arab nations and the influence of regional and international agreements. These different legislative schemes are also discussed in the context of attempts to unify the treatment of cultural property among these nations which face similar problems.
Evaluating Cultural Property: The Economic Approach
Authors: Frey Bruno S.
Published: June 2007

The preservation of cultural heritage is costly and one has to decide if and which items of cultural heritage are worth preserving. A method for determining the value of cultural heritage is therefore needed. In economics, several evaluation procedures are applied. This article briefly comments on impact studies and willingness- to-pay studies (hedonic market approach and the travel cost approach) and then focuses on contingent valuation surveys. The application of contingent valuation on the arts and related problems are discussed. Finally, the article combines the evaluation methods with democratic decisions by referenda. Switzerland presents an example of referenda held on art policy.
Ozone balloon soundings at Payerne (Switzerland): Reevaluation of the time series 1967–2002 and trend analysis
Authors: Jeannet P. , Stübi R. , Levrat G. , Viatte P. , Staehelin J.
Published: June 2007

This study documents the history of the Payerne (Switzerland) ozone series obtained with the Brewer‐Mast sonde from the end of 1966 until the change to the electrochemical concentration cell (ECC) sonde in autumn 2002, as well as the reevaluation of the original data. Several corrections were made in order to improve the homogeneity and the quality of the time series. We furthermore derived long‐term trends for the reevaluated time series using atmospheric variables in a stepwise regression model. In the stratosphere, trends over the 1970–2002 period remain nearly the same as over periods ending a few years earlier. For tropospheric ozone trends, a hockey stick model allowing for a change in trend in 1990 was used and a sensitivity analysis with different data sets was carried out. Besides the standard World Meteorological Organization (WMO) data evaluation procedure, we used alternative data sets (1) accounting for the preflight laboratory calibrations, or (2) ignoring the total ozone normalization, (3) as well as correcting for chemical interference with SO2. With all data sets, tropospheric trends were strongly positive in all seasons over the 1967–1989 period. In the 1990–2002 period, winter trends remained positive over the whole troposphere with all data sets, whereas in the other seasons, trends were generally negative near the ground and shifted to zero or positive values with increasing altitude in the troposphere. The alternative evaluation procedures strongly affect the derived tropospheric trends in the 1990–2002 period and their uncertainties.
Influence of solar flare's location and heliospheric current sheet on the associated shock's arrival at Earth
Authors: Zhao Xinhua , Feng Xueshang , Wu Chin‐Chun
Published: June 2007

We study the source locations of 130 solar flare‐type II radio burst events with the associated interplanetary shocks observed by L1 spacecraft (type A events) and 217 flare‐type II events without such shocks observed at L1 (type B events) during February 1997–August 2002. In particular, we investigate the relative positions between the flare sources, the heliospheric current sheet (HCS), and the Earth. We found the following results: (1) Solar flares are usually distributed within [S30°, N30°] in heliographic latitude and [S30°, N30°] × [E10°, W30°] is the predominant source region on the solar disk that includes the majority of geoeffective solar flares. (2) The shocks with the associated flares located near the HCS would have a lower probably of reaching the Earth. For the Earth‐encountered shocks, their initial speeds are distinctly higher when their associated flares are located near the HCS. (3) The angular distance from the flare source to the Earth (defined as Ψ below) also contributes to the probability of the associated shock being observed at the Earth. The shock arrival probability decreases with the increment of Ψ and the mean initial shock speed increases with Ψ for those Earth‐encountered shocks. (4) The so‐called “same‐opposite side effect” of the HCS is confirmed to exist. That is, the shocks whose associated flares are located on the same side of the HCS as the Earth (called as “same side events”) have a greater chance of reaching the Earth than those shocks with their associated flares on the opposite side (“opposite side events”). Here for the first time, a comprehensive sample of solar transient events of both arriving and nonarriving ones (at Earth) is used to testify to the same‐opposite side effect. These results would be valuable in understanding the solar‐terrestrial relations, and helpful for space weather prediction.
Estimation of light penetration, and horizontal and vertical visibility in oceanic and coastal waters from surface reflectance
Authors: Doron Maéva , Babin Marcel , Mangin Antoine , Hembise Odile
Published: June 2007

We present algorithms for the estimation of the vertical diffuse attenuation coefficient, Kd (m−1), and the beam attenuation coefficient, c (m−1), at 490 nm from irradiance reflectance. Our aim is to retrieve as analytically as possible [Kd(490) + c(490)]−1, a proxy for vertical visibility. The two algorithms are based on the semianalytical retrieval of the absorption coefficient a (m−1) and the backscattering coefficient bb (m−1) from reflectance at two wavelengths, 490 and 709 nm. The use of a near‐infrared wave band allows a small number of simple assumptions to be made, (1) light absorption at 709 nm is only due to pure seawater, and (2) there exists a constant ratio between the particulate backscattering coefficients at 490 and 709 nm. To estimate c(490), we developed an empirical relationship between b and bb for particles. Algorithm development, testing, and validation are achieved using data from the literature, a synthetic data set, and a large in situ data set of inherent and apparent optical properties measured in various environments. The algorithms are found to be valid both in coastal and oceanic waters, and largely insensitive to regional peculiarities in the inherent optical properties. The values of Kd(490) and c(490) are retrieved within a factor of 2.21 and 2.91 (95% confidence interval), respectively, using independent in situ data sets. This performance for Kd(490) is better or comparable to that of recently published algorithms. This study opens the way to the development of simple semianalytical ocean color algorithms that make the best use of spectral information.
Anti‐adipogenic action of pitavastatin occurs through the coordinate regulation of PPARγ and Pref‐1 expression
Authors: Nicholson A C , Hajjar D P , Zhou X , He W , Gotto A M , Han J
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:

Adipocyte differentiation in vitro is coordinately activated by two transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), but it is inhibited by preadipocyte factor‐1 (pref‐1). Statins, inhibitors of HMG‐CoA reductase and de novo cholesterol synthesis, can have pleiotropic effects which influence adipocyte phenotype by ill‐defined mechanisms. We investigated the effects of pitavastatin (NK‐104) on adipocyte differentiation and the transcriptional pathways involved.

Experimental approach:

The effects of pitavastatin on adipocyte differentiation were evaluated by the formation of oil droplets, content of cellular triglyceride and expression of adipocyte‐specific genes. Regulatory mechanisms were assessed by analysis of PPARγ, C/EBPα and pref‐1 expression.

Key results:

Pitavastatin significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes in response to adipogenic inducers. Evidence for inhibition included fewer Oil Red O positive droplets, less cellular triglyceride and decreased expression of adipocyte‐specific genes, including fatty acid binding protein (aP2), CD36, adipsin and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). The inhibitory effects of pitavastatin on adipocyte differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were time and concentration dependent. Pitavastatin significantly blocked induction of PPARγ expression, but not C/EBPα expression or DNA binding activity of PPARγ. Also, pitavastatin induced pref‐1 expression in preadipocytes and maintained expression of pref‐1 at high levels in differentiated cells.

Conclusions and implications:

Our data suggest that pitavastatin inhibits adipocyte differentiation by blocking PPARγ expression and activating pref‐1 expression. These studies may have implications in the regulation of adipogenesis in response to statins.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 807–815; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707250
Optical and structural study of GaN nanowires grown by catalyst-free molecular beam epitaxy. I. Near-band-edge luminescence and strain effects
Authors: Robins Lawrence H. , Bertness Kris A. , Barker Joy M. , Sanford Norman A. , Schlager John B.
Published: June 2007

GaN nanowires with diameters of 50–250 nm, grown by catalyst-free molecular beam epitaxy, were characterized by photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy at temperatures from 3 to 297 K, and high-resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD) at ≈297 K. The lattice parameters of the nanowires, determined by HRXRD, are in good agreement with recent measurements of freestanding quasisubstrates; the relative variation of the lattice parameters between the nanowires and quasisubstrates is ≤2×10−4. Both as-grown samples, which contained nanowires oriented normal to the substrate as well as a rough, faceted matrix layer, and dispersions of the nanowires onto other substrates, were examined by PL and CL. The D0XA line at 3.472 eV, ascribed to excitons bound to shallow donors, was observed in low-temperature PL and CL; free-exciton lines (XA at ≈3.479 eV, XB at ≈3.484 eV) were observed in PL at temperatures between 20 and 80 K. The linewidth of the D0XA peak was larger in PL spectra of the nanowires than in quasisubstrates. The broadening of the D0XA peak in PL of the nanowires is tentatively ascribed to inhomogeneous stress/strain. In addition, the D0XA peak was significantly broader in CL than in PL spectra of the same nanowire samples. The further large broadening of the CL peak (as compared to PL) is tentatively ascribed to Stark effect broadening, induced by the electric fields of trapped charges that are created in the CL excitation process.
Optical and structural study of GaN nanowires grown by catalyst-free molecular beam epitaxy. II. Sub-band-gap luminescence and electron irradiation effects
Authors: Robins Lawrence H. , Bertness Kris A. , Barker Joy M. , Sanford Norman A. , Schlager John B.
Published: June 2007

GaN nanowires with diameters of 50–250 nm, grown by catalyst-free molecular beam epitaxy, were characterized by photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy at temperatures from 3 to 297 K. Both as-grown samples and dispersions of the nanowires onto other substrates were examined. The properties of the near-band-edge PL and CL spectra were discussed in Part I of this study by [Robins et al. [L. H. Robins, K. A. Bertness, J. M. Barker, N. A. Sanford, and J. B. Schlager, J. Appl. Phys. 101,113505 (2007)]. Spectral features below the band gap, and the effect of extended electron irradiation on the CL, are discussed in Part II. The observed sub-band-gap PL and CL peaks are identified as phonon replicas of the free-exciton transitions, or excitons bound to structural defects or surface states. The defect-related peaks in the nanowires are correlated with luminescence lines previously reported in GaN films, denoted the Y lines [M. A. Reshchikov and H. Morkoc, J. Appl. Phys. 97, 061301 (2005)]. The CL was partially quenched by electron beam irradiation for an extended time; the quenching was stronger for the free and shallow-donor-bound exciton peaks than for the defect-related peaks. The quenching appeared to saturate at high irradiation dose (with final intensity ≈30% of initial intensity) and was reversible on thermal cycling to room temperature. The electron irradiation-induced quenching of the CL is ascribed to charge injection and trapping phenomena.
Magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements with uniform laser profiles
Authors: Puppin E. , Brenna M. , Pinotti E. , Valentini G. , Cubeddu R.
Published: June 2007

The probability distribution of the amplitude (ΔM) of Barkhausen jumps during magnetization reversal in thin films can be measured with optical techniques since each jump produces a variation (ΔI) of the laser beam intensity used to probe magnetization. Here we present a theoretical model which demonstrates that no distortion takes place if P(ΔM) is a power law [P(ΔM)=ΔM−α] with (α>=1.0). This prediction has been experimentally confirmed by measuring P(ΔI) in the same experimental conditions but in two different ways: first with a Gaussian and then with a constant intensity laser profile. In both cases the same power-law distribution has been observed with α=1.0.
Controlling dielectric and pyroelectric properties of compositionally graded ferroelectric rods by an applied pressure
Authors: Zheng Yue , Woo C. H. , Wang Biao
Published: June 2007

The polarization, charge offset, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties of a compositionally graded ferroelectric rod inside a high-pressure polyethylene tube are studied using a thermodynamic model based on the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire formulation. The calculated distribution of the polarization in the rod is nonuniform, and the corresponding charge offset, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties vary according to the applied pressure. This behavior may be used as a convenient means to control these properties for design optimization.
Rate kernel theory for pseudo-first-order kinetics of diffusion-influenced reactions and application to fluorescence quenching kinetics
Authors: Yang Mino
Published: June 2007

Theoretical foundation of rate kernel equation approaches for diffusion-influenced chemical reactions is presented and applied to explain the kinetics of fluorescence quenching reactions. A many-body master equation is constructed by introducing stochastic terms, which characterize the rates of chemical reactions, into the many-body Smoluchowski equation. A Langevin-type of memory equation for the density fields of reactants evolving under the influence of time-independent perturbation is derived. This equation should be useful in predicting the time evolution of reactant concentrations approaching the steady state attained by the perturbation as well as the steady-state concentrations. The dynamics of fluctuation occurring in equilibrium state can be predicted by the memory equation by turning the perturbation off and consequently may be useful in obtaining the linear response to a time-dependent perturbation. It is found that unimolecular decay processes including the time-independent perturbation can be incorporated into bimolecular reaction kinetics as a Laplace transform variable. As a result, a theory for bimolecular reactions along with the unimolecular process turned off is sufficient to predict overall reaction kinetics including the effects of unimolecular reactions and perturbation. As the present formulation is applied to steady-state kinetics of fluorescence quenching reactions, the exact relation between fluorophore concentrations and the intensity of excitation light is derived.
Evaluation of ⟨Ŝ2⟩ in density functional theory
Authors: Cohen Aron J. , Tozer David J. , Handy Nicholas C.
Published: June 2007

The evaluation of ⟨Ŝ2⟩ in density functional theory (DFT) is considered. Wang et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 102, 3477 (1995)] have derived an approximate, local density expression for ⟨Ŝ2⟩ and in the present study their formula is evaluated using densities from unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) and a range of DFT exchange-correlation functionals. The results are compared with those obtained by evaluating the conventional UHF expression using the Kohn-Sham orbitals, which is appropriate for the noninteracting system. A generalized gradient approximation for ⟨Ŝ2⟩ is then proposed and investigated.
Magnetic phase diagram of ultrathin films
Authors: Zablotskii V. , Stefanowicz W. , Maziewski A.
Published: June 2007

By micromagnetic simulations and analytically we study the nonhomogeneous magnetization states of ultrathin films with perpendicular and in-plane anisotropy. Ground and metastable states are mapped onto a (K1,K2) phase diagram (where K1 and K2 are the first and second anisotropy constants, accordingly). It is shown that in the part of the phase diagram where K2<0, on increasing K1 or K2 the initial homogeneous in-plane magnetization distribution evolves in two sequential steps: (i) the appearance of two-phase metastable states with gradually decreasing in-plane domain fraction and (ii) a jump to a perpendicular domain state reaching 50% of the in-plane domain fraction. In the metastability area of the phase diagram, the possibility of topological frustrations in two-phase domain patterns is shown.
Electroimpregnation of yarns and fabrics with nonwetting liquids
Authors: Kornev Konstantin G. , Burstyn Herschel , Kamath Yash
Published: June 2007

From the engineering point of view, it is attractive to finish fibers and fibrous materials with water-based solutions. However, coating or impregnation of hydrophobic fibrous materials with these liquids is difficult to achieve. In this paper, we consider electrowetting phenomenon as a promising method to fill the materials with nonwetting liquids. Theoretical models demonstrate the effect of applied electric field on impregnation efficiency. Planar fibrous sheets and yarns with interlaced wires are theoretically considered as examples of typical fibrous materials. We estimate the electric field needed to pull the liquid into the pores. Kinetics of forced impregnation into yarns is shown to be faster as compared to planar materials.