bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CATHODOLUMINESCENCE OF HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTORS Y–Ba–Cu AND La–Ba–Cu: THE RELATION BETWEEN RADIATION CENTERS AND OXYGEN SUBSYSTEM
Authors: FUGOL I. YA. , SAMOVAROV V.N. , RYBALKO YU. I. , ZHURAVLEV V.M.
Published: November 2004

Cathodoluminescence spectra of superconducting ceramic Y–Ba–Cu and La–Ba–Cu samples, texturated Y–Ba–Cu films and some classical metals and insulators are investigated. The HTSC multicomponent spectra display two characteristic spectral series of wide bands and narrow lines that are sensitive to the superconducting phase. The luminescence components can be attributed to oxygen radiation centers in the bulk and at the surface of the samples, namely, negative atomic and molecular ions, neutral molecules and oxygen vacancy-based centers.
HIGH PRESSURE STUDIES OF SUPERCONDUCTING Ba1−xKxBiO3
Authors: HUANG Z.J. , HUANG C.Y. , HOR P.H. , MENG R.L. , WANG Y.Q. , GAO L. , XUE Y.Y. , CHU C.W. , DABROWSKI B. , HINKS D.G.
Published: November 2004

We have studied the pressure effects of superconducting Ba 1−x K x BiO 3 for x=0.25, 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40 up to ~16 kbar . The superconducting transition temperature, Tc, increases linearly with pressure, P. We have found that dTc/dP decreases with increasing Tc, and reaches ~0 around Tc~29 K. For the x=0.35 sample, resistance reappears below Tc for pressure >12 kbar. This resistance depends strongly on the applied current. It becomes greater than the normal state resistance and noisy at high current.
90 K SUPERCONDUCTING PHASE IN THE R-Tl-Sr-Cu-O SYSTEMS WITH R=RARE EARTHS
Authors: SHENG Z.Z. , BURCHFIELD L.A. , MEASON J.M.
Published: November 2004

We have observed superconductivity at 90 K in the R-Tl-Sr-Cu-O systems with R=rare earths by resistance and ac susceptibility measurements. The 90 K phase (for R=Pr) can be assigned as a tetragonal Tl(Sr, Pr) 3 Cu 2 O x with a unit cell of a=3.8629 ±0.0006 Å and c=12.1671±0.0018 Å. The formation of the 90 K phase depends on rare earths, nominal compositions, and preparation conditions.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF DOUBLE BARRIER RESONANT TUNNELING SYSTEMS BIASED IN THE NEGATIVE DIFFERENTIAL RESISTANCE REGION
Authors: CHEN L.Y. , TING C.S.
Published: November 2004

A brief review is presented of the recently developed path integral method to investigate the frequency response of double-barrier resonant tunneling systems (DBRTS). This method enables us to analytically work out an important model of DBRTS’s even if the system is biased and driven far from equilibrium. The ac conductance and the imaginary admittance are found to be consistent with existent experiments and numerical simulations.
INTRINSIC FLUX PINNING FORCE IN HIGH Tc OXIDE SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: CAO Z.S. , ZHANG Y. , ZHAO Z.X.
Published: November 2004

A phenomenological model concerning the intrinsic flux pinning in high transition temperature oxide superconductors was proposed. The coherence length of this type of superconductors is sufficiently short to enable the layer structure along the c-axis in crystal specimens to provide by itself the flux pinning centers which have the considerably large flux pinning force. The critical current density estimated from this mechanism is also large.
THE XY-MODEL ON A PSEUDO-SPHERE: A RENORMALIZATION GROUP ANALYSIS
Authors: DASMAHAPATRA SRINANDAN
Published: November 2004

We present some simple arguments to indicate that the XY model defined on a space of constant negative curvature is disordered at all non-zero finite temperatures. This corroborates a result which Wilczek and Callan arrived at recently.
AN APPLICATION OF A GRAPH DISTANCE MEASURE TO THE CLASSIFICATION OF MUSCLE TISSUE PATTERNS
Authors: SANFELIU ALBERTO , FU K. S. , PREWITT J. M. S.
Published: November 2004

This paper describes an application of a distance measure between attributed relational graphs to the classification of muscle tissue patterns. The goal is to classify these patterns according to an increasing degree of abnormality. These degrees of abnormality are from 1 to 5 with 1 for completely normal muscles and 5 for completely abnormal muscles. The muscle tissue patterns are described as graphs with the nodes of the graphs representing groups of fibers, and the branches, the fibers which separate the nodes. The distance measure defined in this paper computes the number of modifications required to transform an input muscle tissue pattern to the reference one. For the application of the proposed distance measure a reference or ideal graph representing a normal muscle tissue pattern is created. Then the distance is calculated between the input pattern and the reference, and the numerical value of this distance is used for classification. Zero distance implies that the input pattern is normal and a distance greater than zero indicates the degree of abnormality.
IMAGE ANALYSIS METHODS FROM SEA-BED REFLECTIONS AND MULTIPLE REFLECTIONS
Authors: EL-HAWARY FERIAL
Published: November 2004

This paper addresses problems in underwater seismic image analysis and interpretation. We discuss basic issues involving acquisition and processing of signals due to reflections and multiple reflections from the sea bed and the underlying media. Aspects of compensating for the dynamic heave component present in the signals, using conventional and parallel Kalman filtering are discussed. Considerations for modeling the heave process are treated briefly. A number of information extraction algorithms that are central to the interpretation process are covered. Emphasis is given to delay and amplitude parameter estimation using a combined cross-relation-minimum variance filter, linearized recursive estimation and an event enhancement filter. Ingredients of a knowledge-based interpretation system for image analysis and interpretation are discussed.
TELESEISMIC DISCRIMINATION OF EARTHQUAKES AND NUCLEAR DETONATIONS WITH FEATURES DERIVED FROM MAXIMUM ENTROPY POWER SPECTRAL ESTIMATES
Authors: DYRDAL IDAR
Published: November 2004

This paper describes pattern recognition techniques for discriminating between earthquakes and underground nuclear detonations from teleseismic signals. The features investigated are obtained by Maximum Entropy Spectral Analysis techniques. Classification performance is evaluated on a seismic database recorded at the Large Aperture Seismic Array (LASA) in Montana. The events are randomly divided into design and test subsets. Several pattern recognition algorithms including Baye's quadratic classifier, the minimum distance classifier and the nearest neighbor rule are applied. The best results are obtained with spectral ratios from windows taken at regular intervals within the coda combined with bodywave magnitude. With the Baye's classifier, 85% correct classification was achieved for the test set events. For a reduced dataset containing only central Asian events, 96% was achieved.
A FAST CHINESE CHARACTERS ACCESSING TECHNIQUE USING MANDARIN PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTIONS
Authors: CHANG C.C. , WU H.C.
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we consider the problem of how to design a minimal perfect hashing function which is suitable for the Mandarin Phonetic Symbols system. Our main idea is inspired by Chang’s letter-oriented minimal perfect hashing scheme. By using our hashing function, 1303 Mandarin phonetic symbol transcriptions will be hashed to 1303 locations in the way of one-to-one correspondence.
THE DYNAMIC PYRAMID—A MODEL FOR MOTION ANALYSIS WITH CONTROLLED CONTINUITY
Authors: DENGLER J. , SCHMIDT M.
Published: November 2004

The Dynamic Pyramid is a model to solve the correspondence problem of image sequences. A robust estimation of local displacements is combined with controlled continuity constraints. At the heart of the model is the functional of an elastic membrane whose elastic constants are subject to variation. The continuity control function is derived from the tension in the displacement vector field at gray value edges. The displacement term of the functional is based on robust local binary correlations derived from the signs of the bandpass filtered images. The basic representation of the model is the pyramid: The original images are converted into Laplacian pyramids, the signs of which are the features to determine the local displacements as well as the continuity control function. The vector field is built up as a pyramid from coarse to fine, giving the final displacement vector field at the finest level.
CONTROL STRATEGIES IN A HIERARCHICAL KNOWLEDGE STRUCTURE
Authors: NIEMANN H. , SAGERER G. , EICHHORN W.
Published: November 2004

Two control strategies are presented as working on a hierarchical knowledge structure based on a semantic network. The control algorithms cover strict top-down control and a bidirectional control which is a mixture of top-down (model driven) and bottom-up (data driven) analysis. The knowledge used by the algorithm is represented in a semantic network. Besides the network some other knowledge sources may be generated automatically to direct the analysis and limit the search space. The approach was used successfully in image and speech understanding.
OFF-LINE PREPROCESSING AND VERIFICATION OF SIGNATURES
Authors: AMMAR MAAN , YOSHIDA YUUJI , FUKUMURA TERUO
Published: November 2004

This paper introduces an effective method for signature separation from nonhomogeneous noisy background. It also introduces a solution to the problem of simulated signature verification in off-line systems. Extraction of shape and density features and the effectiveness of using each and both of them are discussed in the light of experimental results.
HIGH LEVEL DOCUMENT ANALYSIS GUIDED BY GEOMETRIC ASPECTS
Authors: DENGEL ANDREAS , BARTH GERHARD
Published: November 2004

The realization of the paper-free office seems to be difficult that expected. Therefore, good paper-computer interfaces are necessary to transform paper documents into an electronic form, which allows the use of a filing and retrieval system. An electronic document page is an optically scanned and digitized representation of a printed page. Document analysis is the problem of interpreting and labeling the constitutents of the document. Although there are very reliable optical character recognition (OCR) methods, the process could be very inefficient. To prune the search space and to become more efficient, some search supporting methods have to be developed. This article proposes an approach to identify the layout of a document page by dividing it recursively into nested rectangular areas. The procedure is used as a basis for a document layout model, which is able to control an automatic interpretation mechanism for deriving a high level representation of the contents of a document. We have implemented our method in Common Lisp on a Symbolies 3640 Workstation and have run it for a large population of office documents. The results obtained have been very encouraging and have convincingly confirmed the soundness of our approach.
THE SIMULATION OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL ONE-MARKER AUTOMATA BY THREE-WAY TURING MACHINES
Authors: ITO AKIRA , INOUE KATSUSHI , TAKANAMI ITSUO
Published: November 2004

We denote a two-dimensional deterministic (nondeterministic) one-marker automaton by 2-DM1 (2-NM1), and a three-way two-dimensional deterministic (nondeterministic) Turing machine by TR2-DTM (TR2-NTM). In this paper, we show that the necessary and sufficient space for TR2-NTMs to simulate 2-DM1s (2-NM1s) is n log n (n2), and the necessary and sufficient space for TR2-DTMs to simulate 2-DM1s (2-NM1s) is 2O(n log n) (2 O(n2)), where n is the number of columns of rectangular input tapes.
PATH PLANNING FOR TWO COOPERATING ROBOTS
Authors: XUE QING , SHEU PHILLIP C.-Y.
Published: November 2004

We investigate the problem of finding collision-free paths for two planar robots which coordinately carry a rectangular object from an initial position and orientation to a destination position and orientation in a cluttered 2-D environment. The robot arms and the carried object construct a 6-link closed chain. The path planning problem for the 6-link closed chain is solved by using two major algorithms: the collision-free feasible configuration finding algorithm and the collision-free path finding algorithm. The collision-free feasible configuration finding algorithm finds all collision-free feasible configurations (CFFCs) of the 6-link closed chain in each discrete interval of two joint angles. The collision-free path finding algorithm builds a connection graph by CFFCs and the transitions between any two groups of CFFCs at adjacent joint intervals. Then a graph search method is used to find a collision-free path for each joint of the robots.
A formula for the inner spectral radius
Authors: Manjegani S. Mahmoud
Published: November 2004

This note presents an asymptotic formula for the minimum of the moduli of the elements in the spectrum of a bounded linear operator acting on Banach space X. This minimum moduli is called the inner spectral radius, and the formula established herein is an analogue of Gelfand′s spectral radius formula.
How does preference reversal appear and disappear? Effects of the evaluation mode
Authors: Schmeltzer Christophe , Caverni Jean‐Paul , Warglien Massimo
Published: November 2004

Preference reversal is a systematic change in the preference order between options when different response methods are used (e.g., choice vs. judgment). The present study focuses on procedures used to elicit preferences according to an evaluability hypothesis. Two experiments compared joint vs. separate evaluations and explicit vs. non‐explicit joint evaluations. Subjects had to express preferences between high‐variance gambles (HVGs) and low‐variance gambles (LVGs) either by choosing one gamble to play in a lottery or by assigning gambles minimum selling prices. We show that HVGs are preferred in both choice and pricing conditions when gambles are evaluated separately, and LVGs are preferred in both choice and selling conditions when gambles are evaluated in pairs: i.e., when the evaluation mode is held constant, classic preference reversal disappears. These results support the evaluability hypothesis, and suggest that preferences depend on whether subjects are allowed to compare the options they are asked to choose from or judge, independently of the nature of the scale (i.e., attractiveness vs. minimum selling price) they are required to adopt. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a chip‐based capillary gel electrophoresis method for quantification of a half‐antibody in immunoglobulin G4samples
Authors: Vasilyeva Elena , Woodard James , Taylor Frederick R. , Kretschmer Matthias , Fajardo Hans , Lyubarskaya Yelena , Kobayashi Kazumi , Dingley Amy , Mhatre Rohin
Published: November 2004

A method based on microfluidic technology was developed to support quantitative analysis of recombinant monoclonal immunoglobulin G4(IgG4) antibody samples. The assay was performed on an Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer in combination with the Protein 200 Plus LabChip® Kit and the Protein 200 Plus assay software. Capillary electrophoresis principles have been transferred to a chip format that integrates all separation, staining, virtual destaining, and detection steps. The method is referred to in this paper as chip‐based capillary gel electrophoresis (GelChip‐CE method). The GelChip‐CE method under nonreducing conditions proved to be a quantitative test for half‐antibody determination in IgG4samples. Similar to the traditional nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) method, the GelChip‐CE method includes a denaturing step prior to separation. We showed that denaturing the sample by heating resulted in an artificial increase in the amount of half‐antibody detected, which could be prevented by addition ofN‐ethylmaleimide to the sample buffer. The GelChip‐CE method allowed for analysis of IgG4samples with more accuracy, higher precision, and a faster turnaround time than SDS‐PAGE and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC).
A simple mechanism for reliable particle sorting in a microdevice with combined electroosmotic and pressure‐driven flow
Authors: Johann Robert , Renaud Philippe
Published: November 2004

Selective transport and sorting of particles in microfluidic devices by electroosmosis is complicated due to superposition of uncontrolled hydrodynamic pressure contributions on the electroosmotic force. In this paper, we present a microfluidic concept for the reliable and simple separation and sorting of particles in a microchip by electroosmosis combined with pressure‐driven flow. The presented device allows fluid quantities to be switched and particles to be sorted within a channel manifold using only a single power supply with fixed voltage and an electric switch. Consequently, chip operation and fluid switching procedure are greatly simplified compared to a situation, in which several independent power sources are used for flow balancing, as is the common procedure. With the triple‐T channel design presented, backpressure flow disturbing the electrokinetic fluid and particle separation process is eliminated by introducing controlled opposed hydrodynamic flow of buffer from side channels. This pressure‐driven flow is generated on‐chip by setting up differences in the reservoir pressures in a defined manner. A detailed flow analysis based on the equivalence of fluid flow and electric current is performed and the conditions for reliable chip function are worked out.
New directions of miniaturization within the biomarker research area
Authors: Marko‐Varga György A. , Nilsson Johan , Laurell Thomas
Published: November 2004

An overview of the current trends within protein expression profiling is given where multidimensional separation of both gel and liquid phase techniques linked to mass spectrometry is viewed as a major route in the global proteome mapping. A clear trend in these biochemical developments is the effort to sequence and identify low‐abundant protein expressions where assay miniaturization and integrated sample processing play a central role. Two areas of miniaturization within the proteomics field are addressed: (i) sample cleanup and enrichment, and (ii) silicon microstructure developments for protein chip microarrays.
Thermal stability of myofibrillar protein from Indian major carps
Authors: Sankar Thazhakot V , Ramachandran Alappat
Published: November 2004

The characteristics and stability of natural actomyosin (NAM) from rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) were investigated. The total extractable actomyosin (AM) was higher (7.60 mg ml−1) in the case of rohu compared with that from catla and mrigal (5 mg ml−1). Although the specific AM ATPase activity was similar (0.43–0.5 µmol P min−1mg P−1) among the three species, the total ATPase activity was lower in mrigal (25 µmol g−1meat) compared with the other species (37 µmol g−1meat). The inactivation rate constants (kd) of AM Ca ATPase activity showed differences in the stabilities of actomyosin among these fish, the actomyosin from catla being least stable. The NAM from these species was stable up to 20 °C at pH 7.0. Catla AM became unstable at 30 °C, while rohu and mrigal AM could withstand up to 45 °C. The thermal denaturation with respect to solubility, turbidity, ATPase activity, sulphhydryl group and surface hydrophobicity showed noticeable changes at around these temperatures. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Direct observation of lamellar 90° and 180° domains in single grains of PZT thin film at nanoscale resolution
Authors: Yu H. F. , Zeng H. R. , Chu R. Q. , Li G. R. , Yin Q. R.
Published: November 2004

A ferroelectric PZT thin film with (111) orientation was prepared by a sol–gel process and deposited by spin coating on a Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si wafer. The three‐dimensional (in‐plane and out‐of‐plane) domain structures were in situ visualized by using scanning force microscopy in piezoresponse mode at nanoscale resolution. Both lamellar 90° and 180° domain patterns with almost equal widths of 20–30 nm were extensively observed inside single grains. The domain distribution is a result of local mechanical stress at the interface between the grain and the substrate from periodic lattice‐constant mismatch. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Is hobo permissivity related to I reactivity and sensitive to chromatin compaction in Drosophila melanogaster?
Authors: BAZIN CLAUDE , DEJONGHE BÉATRICE , HIGUET DOMINIQUE
Published: November 2004

In Drosophila melanogaster, the hobo transposable element is responsible for a hybrid dysgenesis syndrome. It appears in the germline of progenies from crosses between females devoid of hobo elements (E) and males bearing active hobo elements (H). In the HE system, permissivity is the ability of females to permit hobo activity in their progeny when they have been crossed with H males. Permissivity displays both intra- and inter-strain variability and decreases with the age of the females. Such characteristics are reminiscent of those for the reactivity in the IR system. The reactivity is the ability of R females (devoid of I factors) to permit activity of the I LINE retrotransposon in the F1 females resulting from crosses with I males (bearing I factors). Here we investigated permissivity properties in the HE system related to reactivity in the IR system. Previously it had been shown that reactivity increases with the number of Su(var)3-9 genes, which increases chromatin compaction near heterochromatin. Using the same lines, we show that permissivity increases with the number of Su(var)3-9 genes. To investigate the impact of chromatin compaction on permissivity we have tested the polymorphism of position-effect variegation (PEV) on the whitemottled4 locus in RE strains. Our results suggest a model of regulation in which permissivity could depend on the chromatin state and on the hobo vestigial sequences.
Trace analysis for fracture networks of any convex shape
Authors: Thovert J.‐F. , Adler P. M.
Published: November 2004

Statistical properties of traces of fracture networks are related to the fracture volumetric density and to the average fracture surface and perimeter. These relations which hold whatever the fracture shapes provided that they are convex, can be extended to anisotropic networks. These relations can be used to check the statistical consistency of field data and to obtain macroscopic quantities such as the dimensionless density ρ′ which controls the geometric and transport properties of fractured media. A field example of anisotropic subvertical fractures whose sizes obey a power law, is analyzed along these lines.
Circulation in the Santa Maria Basin, California, during 1998
Authors: Ohashi Kyoko , Wang Dong‐Ping
Published: November 2004

Moored observations and numerical model results are used to describe the circulation during 1998 in Santa Maria Basin (SMB) and Santa Barbara Channel (SBC), located to the northwest and southeast, respectively, of a bend in the southern California coastline. Singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis of observed wind stress and currents yields a first mode that represents large‐scale alongshore flow variability that appears to be wind driven, and a second mode which mostly represents flow variability in SBC and appears coherent with wind stress shear there. A three‐dimensional numerical ocean circulation model is used to simulate the flow. The model‐derived surface heat flux is most similar to observation‐derived values in summer and least similar in winter, and more similar in SMB than in SBC. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the Coriolis and pressure gradient terms for modeled near‐surface currents supports the hypothesis that the large‐scale flow variability of the first mode is wind‐driven. It further suggests that an alongshore pressure gradient drives the poleward flow along SBC's northern shelf. Wind stress curl (of which the shear along SBC is a part) or its gradient may govern such a pressure gradient, although this could not be ascertained. Modeled and observed currents are similar in their directions, but both the annual mean and variance tend to be smaller for modeled flow. SVD analysis shows that modeled and observed flows have similar modes of variability. Remotely driven flow may play a role in SMB, especially in summer.
Nectar resource diversity organises flower‐visitor community structure
Authors: Potts Simon G. , Vulliamy Betsy , Roberts Stuart , O'Toole Chris , Dafni Amots , Ne'eman Gidi , Willmer Pat G.
Published: November 2004

Communities of nectar‐producing plants show high spatio‐temporal variation in the patterns of volume and concentration presentation. We illustrate a novel approach for quantifying nectar reward structures in complex communities, demonstrating that nectar resource diversity (defined as the variety of nectar volume–concentration combinations available) may be a fundamental factor organising nectarivore communities. In a series of diverse bee and entomophilous flower communities in Israel, our measure of nectar resource diversity alone explains the majority of variation in bee species richness, while other nectar variables (volume, concentration, energy value, and water content) have little predictive value per se. The new measure of nectar resource diversity is highly correlated with floral species richness and particularly with the species richness of annuals, yet it is additive in its effect on bee diversity. We conclude that relying solely upon measurements of mean nectar volume and mean nectar concentration overlooks a key characteristic of community‐level reward structure, nectar resource diversity, so that previous studies may have failed to identify an important determinant of flower‐visitor community structure.
9. A Mathematical Approach to Categorization and Labeling of Qualitative Data: The Latent Categorization Method
Authors: Larsen Kai R. , Monarchi David E.
Published: November 2004

As text databases increasingly become available to researchers, the limits to human cognition are rapidly reached. Focusing on examining objective realities, this paper introduces the latent categorization method, a novel new research method for analysis of large and midsize data sets. This method clusters text artifacts and extracts the words that were most important in creating the clusters. Further, it demonstrates a set of techniques for extracting knowledge from a representative data set involving 6135 abstracts from a variety of business-related journals.
Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans with an associated myeloproliferative disorder
Authors: Martin Lucy K. , Romanelli Paolo , Ahn Yeon Soong , Kirsner Robert S.
Published: November 2004

Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) is a cutaneous form of mastocytosis. It has been rarely associated with an underlying myeloproliferative disorder. We report the case of a patient, while receiving treatment for thrombocytosis, with both platelet production and function inhibitors presented with TMEP. TMEP is often refractory to therapy; however, our patient responded to treatment with PUVA.
Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal disease: Progress, challenges and dilemmas
Authors: Daley AJ , Garland SM
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Significant advances in the prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease have occurred in the last decade. In Australia, as well as in centres overseas, intrapartum penicillin given to carrier mothers has been shown to unequivocally decrease early onset neonatal GBS sepsis. In choosing which women should receive intrapartum chemoprophylaxis, recent data suggest that screening programmes for the detection of GBS carriage may be more effective than risk‐based strategies to prevent early onset neonatal GBS sepsis. Combined vaginal and rectal swabs, collected between 35 and 37 weeks gestation, either by a health care worker or by the patient herself and inoculated onto selective media after enrichment provide the optimum conditions to detect carriage. Increasingly erythromycin and clindamycin resistance is being described overseas, which may influence the choice of antibiotics used in those allergic to penicillin. Widespread antibiotic use, particularly with broad‐spectrum agents, may lead to increasing neonatal sepsis with ampicillin resistant organisms. Whilst rates of non‐GBS neonatal sepsis are generally stable there is evidence suggesting that Escherichia coli sepsis in premature infants is increasing. Novel vaccination strategies for GBS are being developed that may ultimately provide broader protection for mothers and babies and eliminate the need for intrapartum antibiotics.
Uncommon complication of herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Kannu P , Pinnock R
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  A 9‐year‐old‐girl who had herpes simplex encephalitis developed impending uncal herniation requiring surgical decompression. This case highlights the development of an uncommon complication despite the early initiation of treatment with acyclovir.
Difficulties in making the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease in early infancy
Authors: Nofech‐Mozes Y , Rachmel A , Schonfeld T , Schwarz M , Steinberg R , Ashkenazi S
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  This study highlights the less common presentations of Hirschsprung disease (HD) and HD‐associated enterocolitis (HAE) in neonates and infants. We present three infants whose diagnosis was delayed because of atypical presenting features, especially with failure to gain weight, decreased appetite, episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting and hypoalbuminaemia. The reported incidence of HAE ranges from 0 to 16.2%. To avoid complications of life‐threatening HAE, primary care physicians require a high index of suspicion of the more unusual presentations of HD in neonates and infants.
Hydranencephaly with extensive periventricular necrosis and numerous ectopic glioneuronal nests
Authors: Mori Fumiaki , Nishie Makoto , Tanno Kouzou , Sannohe Seiya , Kuroda Naohito , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: November 2004

The case reported here relates to a male infant with hydranencephaly who was born at 37 weeks of gestation and died immediately after birth. Post‐mortem examination revealed that the cerebral hemispheres had been replaced by fluid‐filled cavities within a normal‐sized cranium. The membranous hemispheric wall was composed of gliosed tissue with multiple foci of necrosis and hemosiderin‐laden macrophages. The ependyma was absent. Many necrotic foci containing hemosiderin were also found around the aqueduct and fourth ventricle. These findings suggest that hemorrhagic necrosis had occurred throughout the periventricular region, and more severely in the cerebral hemispheres. Moreover, numerous glioneuronal nests were found throughout the subarachnoid space and ventricles. Glioneuronal nests, if present, are usually minimal in hydranencephaly, whereas it is one of the pathological features of multicystic encephalopathy. The transition of multicystic encephalopathy to hydranencephaly has been demonstrated repeatedly. The former is a condition resulting from a severe circulatory disturbance, most often at the end of gestation or in the perinatal period. These lesions date later than hydranencephaly. Considering that numerous glioneuronal nests were found in the present case, it is likely that the encephaloclastic process developed toward the end of gestation.
Relationship between apoptosis and proliferation in secondary tumors of the brain
Authors: Vaquero Jesús , Zurita Mercedes , Aguayo Concepción , Coca Santiago
Published: November 2004

A correlation between apoptosis and proliferation in astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, but not in glioblastomas, has been previously reported. An index for apoptosis and proliferation was established for each tumor in a series of 20 brain metastases, and its correlation was studied using the Spearman rank correlation test. Apoptosis index (AI) ranged between 1 and 78% (mean ± SD: 11.48 ± 16.4). Proliferation index (PI) ranged between 2.4 and 21% (mean ± SD: 8.23 ± 4.8). When the relationship between AI and PI was studied, a clear correlation was found (r: 0.8965, 95% CI: 0.74–0.95; P < 0.0001). Therefore, it is concluded that a clear correlation exists between proliferation and apoptosis in secondary tumors of the brain.
Enhanced effect of thiobencarb on bispyribac‐sodium control of Echinochloa phyllopogon (Stapf ) Koss. in California rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: FISCHER ALBERT J. , CHEETHAM DAVID P. , VIDOTTO FRANCESCO , DE PRADO RAFAEL
Published: November 2004

Bispyribac‐sodium {sodium 2,6‐bis[(4,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐pyrimidinyl)oxy] benzoate} has recently been introduced to California where it effectively controls Echinochloa spp. in rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, biotypes of early watergrass (Echinochloa oryzoides (Ard.) Fritsch) and late watergrass (E. phyllopogon (Stapf ) Koss.) have evolved resistance to this herbicide. In 2001 and 2002, greenhouse and field experiments evaluated interactions between thiobencarb {S‐[(4‐chlorophenyl) methyl] diethylcarbamothioate} and bispyribac‐sodium on resistant (R) and susceptible (S) late watergrass in California rice. Synergism was assessed using Colby's test and regression analysis. In the greenhouse, thiobencarb at 4480 and 5333 g ai ha−1 synergistically reduced bispyribac‐sodium GR50 values on the R and S biotypes by 50–70% without increasing toxicity to rice. Synergism was also observed on S late watergrass in the field when 10 g ai ha−1 bispyribac‐sodium was mixed with 1120–2240 g ai ha−1 thiobencarb. These effects could be related to interactions between thiocarbamates and enzymes in Phase I reactions of herbicide metabolism. This synergism results in better control at lower rates allowing a reduction in weed control costs, the herbicide load on the environment and a lower selection pressure towards resistant weed biotypes.
Reputation Management Capabilities as Decision Rules*
Authors: Heugens Pursey P. M. A. R. , Van Riel Cees B. M. , Van Den Bosch Frans A. J.
Published: November 2004

abstract 

We draw on a detailed grounded theory study of the reactions of Dutch food firms to the recent introduction of genetically modified foods to inductively identify the capabilities that firms develop in response to reputational threats. Central to the view on capabilities we propose are the decision rules organizations use to link individual actions to organizational outcomes. Four reputation management capabilities were identified, which were aimed at, respectively: (1) engaging in a cooperative dialogue with relevant stakeholders; (2) presenting the organizational point of view favourably in the eyes of external beholders; (3) avoiding organizational ‘ownership’ of critical reputational threats; and (4) communicating meaningfully with affected parties, even under conditions of high adversity and time‐pressure.
Survival and Failure of Small Businesses Arising Through Government Privatization: Insights from Two New Zealand Firms*
Authors: Mouly V. Suchitra , Sankaran Jayaram K.
Published: November 2004

abstract 

Redundancies of personnel arising from the corporatization and even subsequent privatization/closure of several federal departments have contributed to the number of small businesses in New Zealand, a phenomenon that will likely be mirrored at least partially as other nations progressively liberalize their economies. Small businesses with such origins would appear to be especially prone to failure in a progressively liberalized trading environment; their precursors in the parent government departments or agencies would have been cocooned from immediate market conditions through budgetary allocations and a lack of competition. However, the scholarly literature on the behaviour of such small businesses is scant. Accordingly, we report the findings from a comparative investigation of two businesses that arose in the wake of the failure/closure of a corporatized federal service agency in New Zealand; one of the two businesses was much more successful than the other. Our major finding is that a small firm with such origins is likely to survive to the extent it avoids becoming complacent and being ‘stuck in the mud’ of the legacy of the failed federal parent. A predictor of such ability is the timing of small business formation: a small business that is formed by members who depart from the dying federal parent organization when the latter's closure is apparent, is more likely to survive than a business whose formation is precipitated by the demise of the federal parent and whose members remain in the parent organization until its formal closure.
Hepatic iron loading in patients with compound heterozygous HFE mutations
Authors: Lim Ee Mun , Rossi Enrico , De Boer W. Bastiaan , Reed William D. , Jeffrey Gary P.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Aim: To assess the severity of hepatic iron loading in patients with a compound heterozygous C282Y/H63D HFE genotype.

Methods: A total of 246 patients were referred to the Hepatology Clinic at a tertiary hospital for HFE genotyping and further assessment of elevated serum transferrin saturation and/or ferritin results, either with or without abnormal liver function tests. Subjects of the study were 19 patients compound heterozygous for HFE who had liver biopsy, quantitative liver iron estimation and liver histopathology.

Results: Mild iron overload [hepatic iron concentration between 30 and 100 μmol/g dry weight], was present in 16/19 compound heterozygous patients, three patients had values within the reference range. As well as the compound heterozygous HFE genotype, 18/19 patients were found to have had at least one additional risk factor for developing either iron loading or liver disease.

Conclusion: Compound heterozygous patients show no more than mild liver iron loading. The decision whether or not to recommend liver biopsy in C282Y/H63D patients with abnormal serum iron indices and/or liver function tests should be based on the need to evaluate liver damage rather than solely to assess liver iron loading.
RNA interference – small RNAs effectively fight viral hepatitis
Authors: Shlomai Amir , Shaul Yosef
Published: November 2004

Abstract: RNA interference (RNAi) is the process of sequence‐specific gene silencing, initiated by double‐stranded RNA that is homologous in sequence to the target gene. This unique phenomenon has been extensively investigated during the last few years not only in the context of its mechanism and its possible role in the regulation of gene expression and cell function, but also as a potential powerful tool for gene therapy. Targeting essential viral genes or oncogenic alleles are only some of the possible applications of RNAi in the field of gene‐directed therapy. This review covers the potential use of RNAi against hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, the main pathogens causing chronic liver disease. The major milestones along the discovery of RNAi will also be covered.
Clinical significance of elevated alanine aminotransferase in blood donors: a follow‐up study
Authors: Torezan‐Filho Mario Antonio , Alves Venancio Avancini Ferreira , Neto César Almeida , Fernandes Helena Sabino , Strauss Edna
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in blood donors can be related to many variables such as viral hepatitis, overweight and ethanol consumption.

Background/Aims: This study aims to define factors associated with ALT elevation in candidates for blood donation, to evaluate ALT levels during follow‐up, and to establish a histological diagnosis of hepatic disease.

Methods: Alcoholism, obesity, drug‐induced liver disease, diabetes, hemochromatosis and α 1‐anti‐trypsin deficiency were investigated in 119 subjects (113 males, six females, aged 33.4±8.4 years) who were hepatitis B surface antigen/anti‐hepatitis C virus negative and had been rejected as blood donors as a result of elevated ALT (>1.5 times the upper normal limit (UNL) in two determinations). During follow‐up, ALT was determined every 8 weeks and liver biopsy recommended in cases with persistently elevated ALT levels.

Results: Obesity (30.2%) and alcoholism (28.6%) were most frequently associated with ALT elevation and in 9.2% of cases no association was found. ALT levels decreased significantly, regardless of the associated factor. Liver histology in 40 patients showed steatosis (35%), steatohepatitis (30%), non‐specific reactive hepatitis (12.5% of cases), normal liver (15% of cases) and alcoholic cirrhosis, hemochromatosis and non‐specific portal fibrosis in three cases.

Conclusion: ALT levels usually dropped during follow‐up and although severe hepatic lesions can be found in asymptomatic blood donors, mild hepatic damage is the rule.
LIMITING POLYNOMIAL APPROXIMATION OF COMPLEXITY CLASSES
Authors: AUSIELLO G. , PROTASI M.
Published: November 2004

The concept of limiting approximation, formerly introduced by Gold for recursive functions, is applied to the polynomial level of complexity in order to determine meaningful characterizations of classes of functions and sets which are not (or which are not known to be) polynomially computable. In particular, characterizations of NP, PSPACE and other classes of elementary functions are provided in terms of limiting polynomial approximation. In addition trade-offs between the space required by the approximating functions and the rate of convergence of the approximation are shown.
DETERMINATION OF SEVERAL TRACE METALS IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS BY PIXE ANALYSIS AFTER SOLVENT EXTRACTION AND POLYSTYRENE-FILM COLLECTION
Authors: IWATA YOSHIHIRO , KORENAGA TATSUMI , SUZUKI NOBUO
Published: November 2004

Traces of vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc were quantitatively extracted with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) in benzene from a digested solution of biological materials and the metal-DDTC complexes were collected into a small amount of polystyrene foam produced by lyophilization of the benzene extract after addition of polystyrene. The polystyrene foam was dissolved in benzene and spread on Mylar film. After drying, a polystyrene film containing metal-DDTC complexes was produced on Mylar film, and then the polystyrene film was peeled from the Mylar film. This film was subjected to PIXE analysis. This method was applied to NBS SRM 1572 citrus leaves and a marine macroalgal sample, and 6 trace metals were simultaneously and accurately determined.
NUMERICAL STUDIES OF MANY ELECTRON SYSTEMS
Authors: SUGAR R. L.
Published: November 2004

The numerical simulation of many electron systems in condensed matter physics is described. Numerical algorithms are discussed in detail, and results are presented from simulations of the Hubbard model in two and three dimensions.
ON THE CANONICAL FORMULATION OF SUPERSYMMETRIC YANG-MILLS THEORIES
Authors: DI STEFANO ROSANNE , KREUZER MAXIMILIAN , REBHAN ANTON
Published: November 2004

We treat supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories in the canonical formulation. By a gauge invariant and Lorentz covariant ansatz for the canonical supersymmetry generators we rederive that supersymmetric theories based on spin 1 and spin [Formula: see text] exist only in dimensions 4, 6, and 10. Moreover we find that the algebra of these supersymmetry generators closes on the phase space without the need of auxiliary fields. This holds true also for the higher-dimensional theories where it is not possible to find auxiliary fields making the algebra close off-shell on the Lagrangian level.
MODULAR INVARIANCE IN S3 SYMMETRIC 2D CONFORMAL FIELD THEORIES
Authors: RAVANINI F.
Published: November 2004

Using GKO construction, we conjecture a formula for the characters of highest weight irreducible representations of the algebra of conformal models having S3 symmetry with spin 4/3 parafermionic currents constructed by Fateev and Zamolodchikov. The modular transformations of these characters are given and modular invariant partition functions are classified. It turns out that an A-D-E classification similar to that found in conformal and N=1 superconformal theories holds. For the particular case of the tricritical 3-state Potts model the connection with Virasoro characters is given.
STABILITY OF DEUTERONS IN STRONG MAGNETIC FIELDS: AN EXACTLY SOLVED MODEL
Authors: MOSHINSKY M. , LOYOLA G.
Published: November 2004

We consider the nucleons in the triplet state of the deuteron bound by an oscillator potential and in a strong magnetic field. Using an appropriate linear canonical transformation, we solve the problem exactly. The expectation value of the distance between the nucleons in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field diminishes slowly as we increase the latter, which suggests that the triplet state of the deuteron is stable. The conclusion is not altered when we consider possible transitions from the triplet to the singlet state due to the action of the magnetic field on the spins.
AN INFINITE CLASS OF NEW CONFORMAL FIELD THEORIES WITH EXTENDED ALGEBRAS
Authors: RAVANINI F.
Published: November 2004

A large class of 2D conformal field theories with extended Virasoro algebras related to the GKO construction on the coset SU(2)⊗SU(2)/SU(2) is introduced. Through a Feigin-Fuchs construction the Kac formula is deduced. Characters of the highest-weight irreducible representations are given in terms of the GKO decomposition branching functions. Modular invariant partition functions are constructed and an A-D-E classification based on a triple of simply-laced Lie algebras is analyzed in detail.
NEW HEAVY LEPTON PAIR-PRODUCTION FROM Z′ RESONANCES AT HADRON COLLIDERS
Authors: HEWETT J.L. , RIZZO T.G.
Published: November 2004

We examine the possibility that heavy lepton (L) pair production can be significantly enhanced by the existence of a new neutral gauge boson Z′ in hadron collisions. We find that in several E6-type models, the [Formula: see text] production cross section far exceeds that expected in the standard model. This may allow for the observation of [Formula: see text] pairs above the large W+W− background.
DIQUARKS AND DYNAMICS OF LARGE-P⊥ BARYON PRODUCTION
Authors: KIM V.T.
Published: November 2004

In the framework of a diquark model of the nucleon, the strong scaling violation of the p/π+-ratio in the pp-collisions from [Formula: see text] (IHEP, Serpukhov) to [Formula: see text] (FNAL) and to [Formula: see text] (CERN ISR) is described. A fairly good description of the magnitude of cross sections for single protons and for symmetric-proton-pairs with large-p⊥ is obtained. In the model with the dominating scalar (ud)-diquark, the yield relation Λ0/p≃K+/π+ is predicted.
INSTANTONS AND THE TRACE ANOMALY CONDITION
Authors: DOWRICK N. , MCDOUGALL N.A.
Published: November 2004

In the past, it has been claimed that instanton dynamics evaluated using the dilute-gas approximation with a cut-off do not satisfy the trace anomaly condition, and that inter-instanton interactions were required to correct this. However, we show that any model for instanton dynamics automatically satisfies the trace anomaly condition provided no dimensionful parameter other than the QCD scale Λ is introduced during the calculation, and we explain the origin of the previous (incorrect) conclusion.
THE VALIDITY OF THE WESS-ZUMINO ACTION IN CHIRAL SCHWINGER MODEL
Authors: PARK D.K. , CHO B.H.
Published: November 2004

We quantize the chiral Schwinger model with the Wess-Zumino action by using BJL(Bjorken-Johnson-Low) limit technique. In the bosonized chiral Schwinger model, the constraints are changed from second-class to first-class because of the Wess-Zumino action. The change gives a consistent quantization which is compatible with the Gauss constraint. In the fermionic chiral Schwinger, the constraints are second-class in the Poisson bracket level. These are transformed to first-class by considering Schwinger terms carefully.
MASSLESS POINT PARTICLE WITH RIGIDITY
Authors: PLYUSHCHAY M.S.
Published: November 2004

The model of relativistic particle with rigidity whose action A=−α∫ kds depends on the curvature of particle world trajectory k, is studied. The classical motion of the particle is shown to go along a helical line at superrelativistic velocity and its translational motion along the momentum direction—at the velocity of light (c). After quantization, the parameter a becomes integer, α=n, n>0. The quantum states of the system are massless states of helicities λ=n and λ=−n in which the evolution of gauge-invariant coordinate occurs at velocity c.