bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On multivariate subdivision schemes with nonnegative finite masks
Authors: Zhou Xinlong
Published: November 2005

We study the convergence of multivariate subdivision schemes with nonnegative finite masks. Consequently, the convergence problem for the multivariate subdivision schemes with nonnegative finite masks supported on centered zonotopes is solved. Roughly speaking, the subdivision schemes defined by these masks are always convergent, which gives an answer to a question raised by Cavaretta, Dahmen and Micchelli in 1991.
The time integrated far field for Maxwell’s and D’Alembert’s equations
Authors: Rauch Jeffrey , Mourou Gérard
Published: November 2005

For

x
x

large consider the electric field,

E
(
t
,
x
)

E(t,x)

, and its temporal Fourier Transform,

E
^

(
ω
,
x
)

\hat E(\omega ,x)

. The D.C. component

E
^

(
0
,
x
)

\hat E(0,x)

is equal to the time integral of the electric field. Experimentally, one observes that the D.C. component is negligible compared to the field. In this paper we show that this is true in the far field for all solutions of Maxwell’s equations. It is not true for typical solutions of the scalar wave equation. The difference is explained by the fact that though each component of the field satisfies the scalar wave equation, the spatial integral of

∂
t

E
(
t
,
x
)

\partial _t E(t,x)

vanishes identically. For the scalar wave equation the spatial integral of

∂
t

u
(
t
,
x
)

\partial _t u(t,x)

need not vanish. This conserved quantity gives the leading contribution to the time integrated far field. We also give explicit formulas for the far field behavior of the time integrals of the intensity.
On the number of different prime divisors of element orders
Authors: Moretó Alexander
Published: November 2005

We prove that the number of different prime divisors of the order of a finite group is bounded by a polynomial function of the maximum of the number of different prime divisors of the element orders. This improves a result of J. Zhang.
Witt kernels of bilinear forms for algebraic extensions in characteristic 2
Authors: Hoffmann Detlev
Published: November 2005

Let

F
F

be a field of characteristic

2
2

and let

K

/

F

K/F

be a purely inseparable extension of exponent

1
1

. We determine the kernel

W
(
K

/

F
)

W(K/F)

of the natural restriction map

W
F
→
W
K

WF\to WK

between the Witt rings of bilinear forms of

F
F

and

K
K

, respectively. This complements a result by Laghribi who computed the kernel for the Witt groups of quadratic forms for such an extension

K

/

F

K/F

. Based on this result, we will determine

W
(
K

/

F
)

W(K/F)

for a wide class of finite extensions which are not necessarily purely inseparable.
Fixed points of compact Kakutani maps with antipodal boundary conditions
Authors: O’Regan Donal , Perán Juan
Published: November 2005

We prove a fixed-point result for compact upper semicontinuous compact-convex-valued multifunctions satisfying antipodal boundary conditions on bounded symmetric subsets of a normed space. Two types or antipodal conditions are considered.
Positivity and strong ellipticity
Authors: ter Elst A. F. M. , Robinson Derek , Zhu Yueping
Published: November 2005

We consider partial differential operators

H
=
−
div
⁡
(
C
∇
)

H=-\operatorname {div} (C\nabla )

in divergence form on

R

d

\mathbf {R}^d

with a positive-semidefinite, symmetric, matrix

C
C

of real

L
∞

L_\infty

-coefficients, and establish that

H
H

is strongly elliptic if and only if the associated semigroup kernel satisfies local lower bounds, or, if and only if the kernel satisfies Gaussian upper and lower bounds.
Bubbling phenomena for fourth-order four-dimensional PDEs with exponential growth
Authors: Druet O. , Robert F.
Published: November 2005

We are concerned in this paper with the bubbling phenomenon for nonlinear fourth-order four-dimensional PDE’s. The operators in the equations are perturbations of the bi-Laplacian. The nonlinearity is of exponential growth. Such equations arise naturally in statistical physics and geometry. As a consequence of our theorem we get a priori bounds for solutions of our equations.
Equicompact sets of operators defined on Banach spaces
Authors: Serrano E. , Piñeiro C. , Delgado J.
Published: November 2005

Let

X
X

and

Y
Y

be Banach spaces. We say that a set

M

⊂

K

(
X
,
Y
)

\mathcal {M}\subset \mathcal {K}(X,Y)

(

K

(
X
,
Y
)

(\mathcal {K}(X,Y)

denotes the space of all compact operators from

X
X

into

Y
Y

) is equicompact if there exists a null sequence

(

x
n
∗

)
n

(x_n^*)_n

in

X
∗

X^*

such that

‖
T
x
‖
≤

sup
n

|

x
n
∗

(
x
)

|

\|Tx\|\leq \sup _n|x_n^*(x)|

for all

x
∈
X

x\in X

and all

T
∈

M

T\in \mathcal {M}

. It is easy to show that collectively compactness and equicompactness are dual concepts in the following sense:

M

\mathcal {M}

is equicompact iff

M

∗

=
{

T
∗

:
T
∈

M

}

\mathcal {M}^*=\{T^*\colon T\in \mathcal {M}\}

is collectively compact. We study some properties of equicompact sets and, among other results, we prove: 1) a set

M

⊂

K

(
X
,
Y
)

\mathcal {M}\subset \mathcal {K}(X,Y)

is equicompact iff each bounded sequence

(

x
n

)
n

(x_n)_n

in

X
X

has a subsequence

(

x

k
(
n
)

)
n

(x_{k(n)})_n

such that

(
T

x

k
(
n
)

)
n

(Tx_{k(n)})_n

is a converging sequence uniformly for

T
∈

M

T\in \mathcal {M}

; 2) if

Y
Y

does not have finite cotype and

M

⊂

K

(
X
,
Y
)

\mathcal {M}\subset \mathcal {K}(X,Y)

is a maximal equicompact set, then, given

ε
>
0

\varepsilon >0

and a finite set

{

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

}

\{x_1,\ldots ,x_n\}

in

X
X

, there is an operator

S
∈

M

S\in \mathcal {M}

such that

‖
T

x
i

‖
≤
(
1
+
ε
)
‖
S

x
i

‖

\|Tx_i\|\leq (1+\varepsilon )\|Sx_i\|

for

i
=
1
,
…
,
n

i=1, \ldots ,n

and all

T
∈

M

T\in \mathcal {M}

.
𝐿¹–framework for continuous dependence and error estimates for quasilinear anisotropic degenerate parabolic equations
Authors: Chen Gui-Qiang , Karlsen Kenneth
Published: November 2005

We develop a general

L
1

L^1

–framework for deriving continuous dependence and error estimates for quasilinear anisotropic degenerate parabolic equations with the aid of the Chen-Perthame kinetic approach. We apply our

L
1

L^1

–framework to establish an explicit estimate for continuous dependence on the nonlinearities and an optimal error estimate for the vanishing anisotropic viscosity method, without imposition of bounded variation of the approximate solutions. Finally, as an example of a direct application of this framework to numerical methods, we focus on a linear convection-diffusion model equation and derive an

L
1

L^1

error estimate for an upwind-central finite difference scheme.
Distance between toroidal surgeries on hyperbolic knots in the 3-sphere
Authors: Teragaito Masakazu
Published: November 2005

For a hyperbolic knot in the

3
3

-sphere, at most finitely many Dehn surgeries yield non-hyperbolic

3
3

-manifolds. As a typical case of such an exceptional surgery, a toroidal surgery is one that yields a closed

3
3

-manifold containing an incompressible torus. The slope corresponding to a toroidal surgery, called a toroidal slope, is known to be integral or half-integral. We show that the distance between two integral toroidal slopes for a hyperbolic knot, except the figure-eight knot, is at most four.
Mayer brackets and solvability of PDEs – II
Authors: Kruglikov Boris , Lychagin Valentin
Published: November 2005

For the Spencerδ\delta-cohomologies of a symbolic system we construct a spectral sequence associated with a subspace. We calculate the sequence for the systems of Cohen-Macaulay type and obtain a reduction theorem, which facilitates computation ofδ\delta-cohomologies by reducing dimension of the system. Using this algebraic result we prove an efficient compatibility criterion for a system of two scalar non-linear PDEs on a manifold of any dimension in terms of (generalized) Mayer brackets.
Duality for Hopf orders
Authors: Underwood Robert , Childs Lindsay
Published: November 2005

In this paper we use duality to construct new classes of Hopf orders in the group algebra

K

C

p
3

KC_{p^3}

, where

K
K

is a finite extension of

Q

p

\mathbb {Q}_p

and

C

p
3

C_{p^3}

denotes the cyclic group of order

p
3

p^3

. Included in this collection is a subcollection of Hopf orders which are realizable as Galois groups.
Automorphisms of fiber surfaces of genus 2, inducing the identity in cohomology
Authors: Cai Jin-Xing
Published: November 2005

Let

S
S

be a complex non-singular projective surface of general type with a genus

2
2

fibration and

χ
(

O

S

)
≥
5

\chi (\mathcal O_S)\geq 5

. Let

G
⊂
Aut
⁡
S

G \subset \operatorname {Aut}S

be a non-trivial subgroup of automorphisms of

S
S

, inducing trivial actions on

H
i

(
S
,

Q

)

H^i(S,\mathbb {Q})

for all

i
i

. Then

|

G

|

=
2

|G|=2

,

K
S
2

=
4
χ
(

O

S

)

K_S^2=4\chi (\mathcal O_S)

and

q
(
S
)
=
1

q(S)=1

. Examples of such surfaces are given.
Horrocks theory and the Bernstein-Gel’fand-Gel’fand correspondence
Authors: Coandă I. , Trautmann G.
Published: November 2005

We construct an explicit equivalence between a category of complexes over the exterior algebra, which we call HT–complexes, and the stable category of vector bundles on the corresponding projective space, essentially translating into more fancy terms the results of Trautmann (1978) which, in turn, were influenced by ideas of Horrocks (1964), (1980). However, the result expressed by Theorem 5.1 and its corollary, which establishes a relation between the Tate resolutions over the exterior algebra (described in a paper by Eisenbud, Fløystad, and Schreyer) and HT–complexes, might be new, although, perhaps, not a surprise to experts.
Constructive recognition of 𝑃𝑆𝐿(2,𝑞)
Authors: Conder M. , Leedham-Green C. , O’Brien E.
Published: November 2005

Existing black box and other algorithms for explicitly recognising groups of Lie type over

G
F

(
q
)

\mathrm {GF}(q)

have asymptotic running times which are polynomial in

q
q

, whereas the input size involves only

log
⁡
q

\log q

. This has represented a serious obstruction to the efficient recognition of such groups. Recently, Brooksbank and Kantor devised new explicit recognition algorithms for classical groups; these run in time that is polynomial in the size of the input, given an oracle that recognises

P
S
L

(
2
,
q
)

\mathrm {PSL}(2,q)

explicitly. The present paper, in conjunction with an earlier paper by the first two authors, provides such an oracle. The earlier paper produced an algorithm for explicitly recognising

S
L

(
2
,
q
)

\mathrm {SL}(2,q)

in its natural representation in polynomial time, given a discrete logarithm oracle for

G
F

(
q
)

\mathrm {GF}(q)

. The algorithm presented here takes as input a generating set for a subgroup

G
G

of

G
L

(
d
,
F
)

\mathrm {GL}(d,F)

that is isomorphic modulo scalars to

P
S
L

(
2
,
q
)

\mathrm {PSL}(2,q)

, where

F
F

is a finite field of the same characteristic as

G
F

(
q
)

\mathrm {GF}(q)

; it returns the natural representation of

G
G

modulo scalars. Since a faithful projective representation of

P
S
L

(
2
,
q
)

\mathrm {PSL}(2,q)

in cross characteristic, or a faithful permutation representation of this group, is necessarily of size that is polynomial in

q
q

rather than in

log
⁡
q

\log q

, elementary algorithms will recognise

P
S
L

(
2
,
q
)

\mathrm {PSL} (2,q)

explicitly in polynomial time in these cases. Given a discrete logarithm oracle for

G
F

(
q
)

\mathrm {GF}(q)

, our algorithm thus provides the required polynomial time oracle for recognising

P
S
L

(
2
,
q
)

\mathrm {PSL}(2,q)

explicitly in the remaining case, namely for representations in the natural characteristic. This leads to a partial solution of a question posed by Babai and Shalev: if

G
G

is a matrix group in characteristic

p
p

, determine in polynomial time whether or not

O
p

(
G
)

O_p(G)

is trivial.
Aurifeuillian factorization
Authors: Granville Andrew , Pleasants Peter
Published: November 2005

The Cunningham project seeks to factor numbers of the formbn±1b^{n}\pm 1withb=2,3,…b=2,3,\dotssmall. One of the most useful techniques isAurifeuillian Factorizationwhereby such a number is partially factored by replacingbnb^{n}by a polynomial in such a way that polynomial factorization is possible. For example, by substitutingy=2ky=2^{k}into the polynomial factorization(2y2)2+1=(2y2−2y+1)(2y2+2y+1)(2y^{2})^{2}+1=(2y^{2}-2y+1)(2y^{2}+2y+1)we can partially factor24k+2+12^{4k+2}+1. In 1962 Schinzel gave a list of such identities that have proved useful in the Cunningham project; we believe that Schinzel identifiedallnumbers that can be factored by such identities and we prove this if one accepts our definition of what “such an identity” is. We then develop our theme to similarly factorf(bn)f(b^{n})for any given polynomialff, using deep results of Faltings from algebraic geometry and Fried from the classification of finite simple groups.
Wavelet-based filters for accurate computation of derivatives
Authors: Hasson Maurice
Published: November 2005

Let

f
(
x
)

f(x)

be a smooth function whose derivative of a given order must be computed. The signal

f
(
x
)

f(x)

is affected by two kinds of perturbation. The perturbation caused by the presence of the machine epsilon

ϵ
M

\epsilon _M

of the computer may be considered to be an extremely high-frequency noise of very small amplitude. The way to minimize its effect consists of choosing an appropriate value for the step size of the difference quotient. The second perturbation, caused by the presence of noise, requires first the signal to be treated in some way. It is the purpose of this work to construct a wavelet-based band-pass filter that deals with the two cited perturbations simultaneously. In effect our wavelet acts like a “smoothed difference quotient" whose stepsize is of the same order as that of the usual difference quotient. Moreover the wavelet effectively removes the noise and computes the derivative with an accuracy equal to the one obtained by the corresponding difference quotient in the absence of noise.
Error estimate for the approximation of nonlinear conservation laws on bounded domains by the finite volume method
Authors: Ohlberger Mario , Vovelle Julien
Published: November 2005

In this paper we derive a priori and a posteriori error estimates for cell centered finite volume approximations of nonlinear conservation laws on polygonal bounded domains. Numerical experiments show the applicability of the a posteriori result for the derivation of local adaptive solution strategies.
Notes on some new kinds of pseudoprimes
Authors: Zhang Zhenxiang
Published: November 2005

J. Browkin defined in his recent paper (Math. Comp. 73 (2004), pp. 1031–1037) some new kinds of pseudoprimes, called Sylow

p
p

-pseudoprimes and elementary Abelian

p
p

-pseudoprimes. He gave examples of strong pseudoprimes to many bases which are not Sylow

p
p

-pseudoprime to two bases only, where

p
=
2

p=2

or

3
3

. In this paper, in contrast to Browkin’s examples, we give facts and examples which are unfavorable for Browkin’s observation to detect compositeness of odd composite numbers. In Section 2, we tabulate and compare counts of numbers in several sets of pseudoprimes and find that most strong pseudoprimes are also Sylow

2
2

-pseudoprimes to the same bases. In Section 3, we give examples of Sylow

p
p

-pseudoprimes to the first several prime bases for the first several primes

p
p

. We especially give an example of a strong pseudoprime to the first six prime bases, which is a Sylow

p
p

-pseudoprime to the same bases for all

p
∈
{
2
,
3
,
5
,
7
,
11
,
13
}

p\in \{2,3,5,7,11,13\}

. In Section 4, we define

n
n

to be a

k
k

-fold Carmichael Sylow pseudoprime, if it is a Sylow

p
p

-pseudoprime to all bases prime to

n
n

for all the first

k
k

smallest odd prime factors

p
p

of

n
−
1

n-1

. We find and tabulate all three

3
3

-fold Carmichael Sylow pseudoprimes

>

10

16

>10^{16}

. In Section 5, we define a positive odd composite

n
n

to be a Sylow uniform pseudoprime to bases

b
1

,
…
,

b
k

b_1,\ldots ,b_k

, or a Syl-upsp

(

b
1

,
…
,

b
k

)

(b_1,\ldots ,b_k)

for short, if it is a Syl

p

_p

-psp

(

b
1

,
…
,

b
k

)

(b_1,\ldots ,b_k)

for all the first

ω
(
n
−
1
)
−
1

\omega (n-1)-1

small prime factors

p
p

of

n
−
1

n-1

, where

ω
(
n
−
1
)

\omega (n-1)

is the number of distinct prime factors of

n
−
1

n-1

. We find and tabulate all the 17 Syl-upsp

(
2
,
3
,
5
)

(2,3,5)

’s

>

10

16

>10^{16}

and some Syl-upsp

(
2
,
3
,
5
,
7
,
11
)

(2,3,5,7,11)

’s

>

10

24

>10^{24}

. Comparisons of effectiveness of Browkin’s observation with Miller tests to detect compositeness of odd composite numbers are given in Section 6.
An old conjecture of Erdos–Turán on additive bases
Authors: Borwein Peter , Choi Stephen , Chu Frank
Published: November 2005

There is a 1941 conjecture of Erdős and Turán on what is now called additive basis that we restate: Conjecture 0.1(Erdős and Turán). Suppose that

0
=

δ
0

>

δ
1

>

δ
2

>

δ
3

⋯

0 = \delta _0>\delta _1>\delta _2>\delta _3\cdots

is an increasing sequence of integers and
\[

s
(
z
)
:=

∑

i
=
0

∞

z

δ
i

.

s(z) : = \sum _{i=0}^\infty z^{\delta _i}.

\]
Suppose that
\[

s
2

(
z
)
:=

∑

i
=
0

∞

b
i

z
i

.

s^2(z) := \sum _{i=0}^\infty b_i z^i.

\]
If

b
i

>
0

b_i>0

for all

i
i

, then

{

b
n

}

\{b_n\}

is unbounded. Our main purpose is to show that the sequence

{

b
n

}

\{b_n\}

cannot be bounded by

7
7

. There is a surprisingly simple, though computationally very intensive, algorithm that establishes this.
Orthogonal Laurent polynomials corresponding to certain strong Stieltjes distributions with applications to numerical quadratures
Authors: Díaz-Mendoza C. , González-Vera P. , Paiz M. , Rodríguez F.
Published: November 2005

In this paper we shall be mainly concerned with sequences of orthogonal Laurent polynomials associated with a class of strong Stieltjes distributions introduced by A.S. Ranga. Algebraic properties of certain quadratures formulae exactly integrating Laurent polynomials along with an application to estimate weighted integrals on

[
−
1
,
1
]

[-1,1]

with nearby singularities are given. Finally, numerical examples involving interpolatory rules whose nodes are zeros of orthogonal Laurent polynomials are also presented.
Some remarks on Richardson orbits in complex symmetric spaces
Authors: Noël Alfred
Published: November 2005

Roger W. Richardson proved that any parabolic subgroup of a complex semisimple Lie group admits an open dense orbit in the nilradical of its corresponding parabolic subalgebra. In the case of complex symmetric spaces we show that there exist some large classes of parabolic subgroups for which the analogous statement which fails in general, is true. Our main contribution is the extension of a theorem of Peter E. Trapa (in 2005) to real semisimple exceptional Lie groups.
A semi-implicit monotone difference scheme for an initial-boundary value problem of a strongly degenerate parabolic equation modeling sedimentation-consolidation processes
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Coronel Aníbal , Sepúlveda Mauricio
Published: November 2005

We prove the convergence of a semi-implicit monotone finite difference scheme approximating an initial-boundary value problem for a spatially one-dimensional quasilinear strongly degenerate parabolic equation, which is supplied with two different inhomogeneous flux-type boundary conditions. This problem arises in the modeling of the sedimentation-consolidation process. We formulate the definition of entropy solution of the model in the sense of Kru

z

ˇ

\check {\mbox {z}}

kov and prove convergence of the scheme to the unique

B
V

BV

entropy solution of the problem, up to satisfaction of one of the boundary conditions.
G Protein-coupled Receptor Gpr4 Senses Amino Acids and Activates the cAMP-PKA Pathway inCryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Xue Chaoyang , Bahn Yong-Sun , Cox Gary M. , Heitman Joseph
Published: November 2005

The Gα protein Gpa1 governs the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway and plays a central role in virulence and differentiation in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, but the signals and receptors that trigger this pathway were unknown. We identified seven putative proteins that share identity with known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). One protein, Gpr4, shares limited sequence identity with the Dictyostelium discoideum cAMP receptor cAR1 and the Aspergillus nidulans GPCR protein GprH and also shares structural similarity with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae receptor Gpr1. gpr4 mutants exhibited reduced capsule production and mating defects, similar to gpa1 mutants, and exogenous cAMP suppressed both gpr4 mutant phenotypes. Epistasis analysis provides further evidence that Gpr4 functions upstream of the Gα subunit Gpa1. Gpr4-Gpr4 homomeric interactions were observed in the yeast two-hybrid assay, and Gpr4 was shown to physically interact with Gpa1 in the split-ubiquitin system. A Gpr4::DsRED fusion protein was localized to the plasma membrane and methionine was found to trigger receptor internalization. The analysis of intracellular cAMP levels showed that gpr4 mutants still respond to glucose but not to certain amino acids, such as methionine. Amino acids might serve as ligands for Gpr4 and could contribute to engage the cAMP-PKA pathway. Activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway by glucose and amino acids represents a nutrient coincidence detection system shared in other pathogenic fungi.
Improved prediction of bacterial transcription start sites
Authors: Gordon J. J. , Towsey M. W. , Hogan J. M. , Mathews S. A. , Timms P.
Published: November 2005

Motivation: Identifying bacterial promoters is an important step towards understanding gene regulation. In this paper, we address the problem of predicting the location of promoters and their transcription start sites (TSSs) in Escherichia coli. The accepted method for this problem is to use position weight matrices (PWMs), which define conserved motifs at the sigma-factor binding site. However this method is known to result in large numbers of false positive predictions.

Results: Our approaches to TSS prediction are based upon an ensemble of support vector machines (SVMs) employing a variant of the mismatch string kernel. This classifier is subsequently combined with a PWM and a model based on distribution of distances from TSS to gene start. We investigate the effect of different scoring techniques and quantify performance using area under a detection-error tradeoff curve. When tested on a biologically realistic task, our method provides performance comparable with or superior to the best reported for this task. False positives are significantly reduced, an improvement of great significance to biologists.

Availability: The trained ensemble-SVM model with instructions on usage can be downloaded from

Contact:  m.towsey@qut.edu.au
Elucidation of directionality for co-expressed genes: predicting intra-operon termination sites
Authors: Gupta Anshuman , Maranas Costas D. , Albert Réka
Published: November 2005

Motivation: In this paper, we present a novel framework for inferring regulatory and sequence-level information from gene co-expression networks. The key idea of our methodology is the systematic integration of network inference and network topological analysis approaches for uncovering biological insights.

Results: We determine the gene co-expression network of Bacillus subtilis using Affymetrix GeneChip® time-series data and show how the inferred network topology can be linked to sequence-level information hard-wired in the organism's genome. We propose a systematic way for determining the correlation threshold at which two genes are assessed to be co-expressed using the clustering coefficient and we expand the scope of the gene co-expression network by proposing the slope ratio metric as a means for incorporating directionality on the edges. We show through specific examples for B. subtilis that by incorporating expression level information in addition to the temporal expression patterns, we can uncover sequence-level biological insights. In particular, we are able to identify a number of cases where (1) the co-expressed genes are part of a single transcriptional unit or operon and (2) the inferred directionality arises due to the presence of intra-operon transcription termination sites.

Availability: The software will be provided on request.

Contact:  ralbert@phys.psu.edu

Supplementary information:
DO REGULATIONS AFFECT BANKING PERFORMANCE? GOVERNMENT GOVERNANCE MAY MATTER
Authors: SHEN CHUNG‐HUA , CHANG YUEN‐HSIANG
Published: November 2005

The authors study the impact of restrictions on commercial banks' engagement in securities, insurance, and real estate, as well as a mix of banking and commerce. The model specifies the impact as a function of government governance (the rule of law), which allows the authors to investigate two conflicting hypothesis, i.e., the restriction‐enhancing hypothesis and facility‐supporting hypothesis. The former effect suggests that good governance enhances the hypothesized adverse effect of restrictions, and the latter suggests that good governance mitigates this adverse effect. The study clearly demonstrates that restrictions on commercial banks' right to engage in securities and insurance, along with restrictions on the mixing of banking and commerce, reduce bank profits. However, good governance mitigates such an adverse impact, i.e., the facility‐supporting hypothesis is supported. Restrictions on real estate, on the other hand, seem to have positive effects on bank profits. The results are robust to different specifications. (JEL G21, G28)
THE EFFECTS OF DISCRETIONARY FEDERAL SPENDING ON PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION RESULTS
Authors: EVANS THOMAS A.
Published: November 2005

Parliamentary rules make it difficult for opposition members of Parliament to influence government spending. As the electorate is aware of this situation discretionary federal spending is expected to affect vote‐share differently for majority and opposition incumbents. Consistent estimators yield positive and significant point estimates for the impact of increases in spending for majority incumbents in Canadian federal elections yet yield negative but insignificant point estimates for opposition incumbents. Furthermore, $100 additional federal spending per capita in an electoral district is estimated to increase majority candidates' vote‐share, regardless of incumbency, by between 1.5 and 2.5 percentage points. (JEL D72, H59)
POVERTY, PRICES, AND PLACE: HOW SENSITIVE IS THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF POVERTY TO COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS?
Authors: JOLLIFFE DEAN
Published: November 2005

This article examines how accounting for cost‐of‐living differences across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas affects measured rates of poverty. The spatial price index used is based on the Fair Market Rent data and was developed by the Census Bureau for use in its experimental poverty research program. Following U.S. federal definitions, poverty in nonmetro areas has been consistently higher than it has been in metro areas. Using the Fair Market Rent index to adjust for differences in cost of living results in a complete reversal of nonmetro‐metro rankings in terms of prevalence, depth, and severity of poverty for every year examined (1991 to 2002). (JEL I32, R1, C81)
TURNS IN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE: AN INFORMATION ADVANTAGE LINKED TO MANUFACTURING
Authors: DUNN LUCIA F. , MIRZAIE IDA A.
Published: November 2005

This research shows that the manufacturing sector contains private information advantages for consumer confidence. It examines the consumer confidence–manufacturing link by comparing the U.S. national‐level Index of Consumer Sentiment with identically constructed confidence indices from a key manufacturing state and a nonmanufacturing state. Granger causality analysis shows that the manufacturing state's confidence index leads the national index, whereas the nonmanufacturing state's confidence index lags it. Factors influencing confidence include percentage manufacturing employment, equity markets indicators, and disposable income. Fitting a consumption function to confidence measures for the three confidence indices shows the strongest relationship to be in the manufacturing state. (JEL D12)
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF COMPLIANCE AND LEVERAGE IN AUDITING AND REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT
Authors: CASON TIMOTHY N. , GANGADHARAN LATA
Published: November 2005

Evidence suggests that individuals often comply with regulations even though the frequency of inspections and audits is low. We report a laboratory experiment based on the dynamic model suggested by Harrington (1988) to explain this puzzle in which participants move between two inspection groups that differ in the probability of inspection and severity of fine. Enforcement leverage arises in the Harrington model from movement between the groups based on previous observed compliance and noncompliance. We find that compliance behavior does not change as sharply as the model predicts. A simple model of bounded rationality explains these deviations from optimal behavior. (JEL C91, Q20, Q28)
SUNK COSTS, PROFIT VARIABILITY, AND TURNOVER
Authors: GSCHWANDTNER ADELINA , LAMBSON VAL E.
Published: November 2005

Dynamic competitive models of industry evolution suggest that firm profit will be more volatile, and turnover lower, in industries with higher sunk costs. These implications are consistent with empirical observation. (JEL L00)
Ruptured uterus in a Nigerian community: a study of sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors
Authors: Ebeigbe Peter N. , Enabudoso Ehigha , Ande Adedapo B. A.
Published: November 2005

Background.  Ruptured uterus is a common obstetric emergency in Nigeria, associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is a need for definitive identification of the risk factors to guide effective interventions to curb its scourge.

Objective.  To identify the sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors for ruptured uterus in Benin City, Nigeria, and based on this, make appropriate recommendations toward curbing the incidence and morbidity and mortality associated with it.

Materials and methods.  Sociodemographic and obstetric variables in 51 women with ruptured uterus and 300 randomly selected hospital controls from the general obstetric population were compared. Fisher's exact test was used to determine statistical significance between proportions.

Results.  The incidence of ruptured uterus was 1 in 426 deliveries. The risk factors found were low socioeconomic class (OR = 6.8, CI = 3.6–12.9), being unbooked for antenatal care (OR = 10.4, CI = 5.4–20.0), grand multiparity (OR = 8.7, CI = 4.0–19.1), and prolonged obstructed labor (OR = 35.3, CI = 15.3–81.6).

Conclusion.  Measures that promote education and economic empowerment of women and the utilization of modern antenatal care will reduce the prevalence of rupture of the uterus in the community.
‘Older’ age is a risk factor for pelvic inflammatory disease in intrauterine device users
Authors: Viberga Ilze , Odlind Viveca , Berglund Lars
Published: November 2005

Background.  To asses the role of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) per se in the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and complicated PID in women considered at low risk of PID.

Methods.  Cases were 51 women admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of acute PID, and controls were 50 healthy women attending an outpatient clinic for routine gynecological check‐up. The women were 25–45 years old. Data were analyzed and compared between groups using the statistical program package sas.

Results.  IUD use was not associated with an increased risk of PID in general, but in women ≥35 years, IUD use was associated with a risk of PID [odds ratio (OR) = 4.2, confidence interval (CI) 1.1–16.3]. When adjusting for smoking, educational level, employment, and microbial findings in women with PID, IUD use was associated with complicated PID in women ≥35 years (OR = 33.9, CI 1.2–959.6), but not in younger women. When adjusting age and IUD use duration for each other in IUD users, age ≥35 years was a significant risk factor for PID (OR = 4.9, CI 1.3–19.2), but not long (≥5 years) duration. In IUD users with PID, age ≥35 years was a risk factor for a PID to be complicated in both the unadjusted and adjusted analysis (OR = 12.7, CI 1.6–102.3; OR = 12.1, CI 1.4–104.7), whereas long duration of IUD use was not. When adjusting for significant endocervical microbial findings, long duration of IUD use and age, only age ≥35 years, remained significantly associated with both PID and complicated PID (OR = 5, CI 1.1–21.9; OR = 36, CI – 1.9–670).

Conclusions.  IUD use was not associated with PID in low‐risk younger women, but in women ≥35 years, IUD use was associated with an increased risk of PID. The study also demonstrates an association between IUD use and complicated PID in women ≥35 years.
Effects of long‐term alleviation of nutrient limitation on shoot growth and foliar phenolics of Empetrum hermaphroditum
Authors: Shevtsova Anna , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Gallet Christiane , Zackrisson Olle , Jäderlund Anders
Published: November 2005

Alpine tundra ecosystems are characterised by low productivity, due in part to low nutrient availability. These ecosystems are often dominated by ‘stress tolerant’ species such as Empetrum hermaphroditum, which contribute to stress by producing and releasing biologically active phenolic compounds into the environment. In a nine‐year field experiment in alpine tundra, we investigated changes in growth and the levels (concentrations and contents) of foliar redox‐active phenolics of current‐year shoots of E. hermaphroditum in response to nine long‐term environmental manipulation treatments. The treatments were aimed at reducing ecological stresses commonly present in high‐latitude ecosystems, primarily stresses associated with low availability of N and other nutrients. Treatments included additions of various forms of N (single and combined applications of NH4+ and NO3−, inorganic N as a component of a full nutrient treatment, and protein as a source of organic N), and additions of glucose, activated carbon, and lime. Shoot growth and levels of foliar phenolics varied greatly between years, but the variation was not clearly explained by the inter‐annual variation in macroclimate. Addition of inorganic N generally stimulated growth (especially stem biomass) and increased levels of leaf phenolics. The responses were, however, slow, and varied both between years and between individual inorganic N treatments. Compared to the other treatments, application of inorganic N as a component of a full nutrient treatment had the most consistent positive effect on shoot growth and phenolic content, but it did not affect the concentration of phenolics, suggesting that the treatment did not affect the net rate of phenolic production per unit shoot biomass. During some years of the experiment, the combined application of NH4+ and NO3− resulted in increased production of phenolics per unit biomass accumulation. In contrast to inorganic N fertilisation, application of organic N generally reduced both shoot biomass and phenolic content. Non‐N treatments had no substantial effects on either the growth or levels of foliar phenolics of E. hermaphroditum. The observed long‐term responses of E. hermaphroditum to environmental manipulation treatments may be important for evaluating potential effects of variation in phenolics production and interference potential of this species under conditions of environmental change and for predicting long‐term responses of nutrient‐poor communities to environmental changes.
Anthocyanidin synthase in non‐anthocyanin‐producing Caryophyllales species
Authors: Shimada Setsuko , Inoue Yoriko T. , Sakuta Masaaki
Published: November 2005

Red colors in flowers are mainly produced by two types of pigments: anthocyanins and betacyanins. Although anthocyanins are widely distributed in higher plants, betacyanins have replaced anthocyanins in the Caryophyllales. There has been no report so far to find anthocyanins and betacyanins existing together within the same plant. This curious phenomenon has been examined from genetic and evolutionary perspectives, however nothing is known at the molecular level about the mutual exclusion of anthocyanins and betacyanins in higher plants. Here, we show that spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), which are both members of the Caryophyllales, have functional anthocyanidin synthases (ANSs). The ability of ANSs of the Caryophyllales to oxidize trans‐leucocyanidin to cyanidin is comparable to that of ANSs in anthocyanin‐producing plants. Expression profiles reveal that, in spinach, dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase (DFR) and ANS are not expressed in most tissues and organs, except seeds, in which ANS may contribute to proanthocyanidin synthesis. One possible explanation for the lack of anthocyanins in the Caryophyllales is the suppression or limited expression of the DFR and ANS.
A protocol to analyse cellular dynamics during plant development
Authors: Barbier de Reuille Pierre , Bohn‐Courseau Isabelle , Godin Christophe , Traas Jan
Published: November 2005

In vivo microscopy generates images that contain complex information on the dynamic behaviour of three‐dimensional (3D) objects. As a result, adapted mathematical and computational tools are required to help in their interpretation. Ideally, a complete software chain to study the dynamics of a complex 3D object should include: (i) the acquisition, (ii) the preprocessing and (iii) segmentation of the images, followed by (iv) a reconstruction in time and space and (v) the final quantitative analysis. Here, we have developed such a protocol to study cell dynamics at the shoot apical meristem in Arabidopsis. The protocol uses serial optical sections made with the confocal microscope. It includes specially designed algorithms to automate the identification of cell lineage and to analyse the quantitative behaviour of the meristem surface.
Exploration of jasmonate signalling via automated and standardized transient expression assays in tobacco cells
Authors: De Sutter Valerie , Vanderhaeghen Rudy , Tilleman Sofie , Lammertyn Freya , Vanhoutte Isabelle , Karimi Mansour , Inzé Dirk , Goossens Alain , Hilson Pierre
Published: November 2005

Although sequence information and genome annotation are improving at an impressive pace, functional ontology is still non‐existent or rudimentary for most genes. In this regard, transient expression assays are very valuable for identification of short functional segments in particular pathways, because they can be performed rapidly and at a scale unattainable in stably transformed tissues. Vectors were constructed and protocols developed for systematic transient assays in plant protoplasts. To enhance throughput and reproducibility, protoplast treatments were performed entirely by a liquid‐handling robot in multiwell plates, including polyethylene glycol/Ca2+ cell transfection with plasmid mixtures, washes and lysis. All transcriptional readouts were measured using a dual firefly/Renilla luciferase assay, in which the former was controlled by a reporter promoter and the latter by the 35S CaMV promoter, which served as internal normalization standard. The automated protocols were suitable for transient assays in protoplasts prepared from cell cultures of Nicotiana tabacum Bright Yellow‐2 and Arabidopsis thaliana. They were implemented in a screen to discover potential regulators of genes coding for key enzymes in nicotine biosynthesis. Two novel tobacco transcription factors were found, NtORC1 and NtJAP1, that positively regulate the putrescine N‐methyltransferase (PMT) promoter. In addition, combinatorial tests showed that these two factors act synergistically to induce PMT transcriptional activity. The development and use of high‐throughput plant transient expression assays are discussed.
Detection of human chromosomal abnormalities using a new technique combining 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenyl‐indole staining and image analysis
Authors: Liu JY , Ji MF , Wang XR , Luo RL , Ren X , Liu M , Wang QK
Published: November 2005

Chromosomal abnormalities are associated with a variety of diseases. We have developed a new technique for detecting chromosomal abnormalities, and the technique combines conventional 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenyl‐indole staining (DAPI) with image analysis. The image analysis consists of two simple steps: deconvolution and three‐dimensional reconstruction. The technique has been reported for analyzing plant chromosomes but has not been applied to analyze human chromosomes yet. To test the technique, we analyzed five translocations: 46,XX,t(3;21)(12;18), 46,XX,t(11;22), 46,XY,t(7;22), 46,XY,t(11;18), and 46,XY,t(3;7). The results showed that the karyotype of the 46,XX,t(3;21)(12;18) was 46,XX,t(3;21)(q11.1;p13),t(12;18) (q21.2;q23), and the karyotypes of the 46,XX,t(11;22), 46,XY,t(7;22), 46,XY,t(11;18), and 46,XY,t(3;7) were 46,XX,t(11;22)(q23;q12.1); 46,XY,t(7;22)(q32;q13.2); 46,XY,t(11;18)(q13.3;q23), and 46,XY,t(3;7)(q22.1;p13), respectively. The identity of derivative chromosomes involved in the translocations was verified by chromosome painting as well as FISH analyses with centromere probes. The new technique has two advantages: the procedure is simple and convenient, and the results are accurate. The technique has the potential to be used in cytogenetic studies and clinical diagnosis of human diseases in the future.
Structure–activity relationship of neuropeptide γ derived from mammalian and fish
Authors: Kim E.J. , Kim C.‐H. , Seo J.‐K. , Go H.‐J. , Lee S. , Takano Y. , Chung J.‐K. , Hong Y.‐K. , Park N.G.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  This study of relationship between structure and biologic activity was performed using five neuropeptide γs [NPγ; mammalian‐NPγ (M‐NPγ), trout‐NPγ (T‐NPγ), goldfish‐NPγ (G‐NPγ), bowfin‐NPγ (B‐NPγ), and shark‐NPγ (S‐NPγ)]. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed that all peptides took random structure in buffer solution. In neutral and acidic liposomes, M‐NPγ, T‐NPγ, B‐NPγ, and S‐NPγ still adopted random structure, while G‐NPγ had an α‐helical structure. The biologic activity of NPγs has been estimated by their effects on the intestinal motility and arterial relaxation. The intestinal motility was investigated with rat duodenum (RD), carp intestine (CI), and guinea‐pig ileum (GPI). The arterial relaxing effect was tested with guinea‐pig aorta (GPA) and rat mesenteric artery (RMA). In RD, the order of potency compared with the EC50 value was M‐NPγ > S‐NPγ > B‐NPγ > G‐NPγ > T‐NPγ. G‐NPγ was the most contractile agent in CI. S‐NPγ was the most contractile agent in GPI. Using an arterial relaxing test, the order of potency was G‐NPγ > T‐NPγ > B‐NPγ > S‐NPγ > M‐NPγ in GPA, and all NPγs remarkably reduced relaxing activity in RMA. Despite their structural similarities to NPγs, G‐NPγ has high affinity to tachykinin receptor‐binding sites in GPA and CI, indicating an α‐helical structure may have a critical role for receptor binding. However, an α‐helical structure does not play a critical role in recognizing receptor‐binding sites in RD and GPI.
Molecular phylogenetic study of Hopea and Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae): Evidence from the trnL–trnF and internal transcribed spacer regions
Authors: YULITA KUSUMADEWI S. , BAYER RANDALL J. , WEST JUDITH G.
Published: November 2005

Hopea and Shorea are economically important timber tree genera distributed throughout South‐East Asia. The taxonomic limits of these genera are problematic. Molecular phylogenies of Hopea and Shorea were inferred using two non‐coding regions of chloroplast (trnL–trnF) and nuclear ribosomal (internal transcribed spacer) DNA. The inferred phylogenetic relationships between Hopea and Shorea indicate that Shorea is paraphyletic and that Hopea is potentially monophyletic (particularly section Dryobalanoides). The inferred groupings within Shorea are very similar to a previous classification based on timber characteristics. The present study also identified four anomalous taxa, whose phylogenetic positions and taxonomic status require further investigation.
Genetic structure and random amplified polymorphic DNA diversity of the rapidly decliningAngelica palustris(Apiaceae) in Eastern Germany in relation to population size and seed production
Authors: DITTBRENNER ANKE , HENSEN ISABELL , WESCHE KARSTEN
Published: November 2005

Angelica palustris(Besser) Hoffm. (Apiaceae) is a rare wetland community species that is currently rapidly declining because of changes in land use. In the present study, we analyzed patterns of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) variation among nine populations ofA. palustrisin Germany to assess its overall genetic condition. We aimed to examine the level of genetic diversity as well as its local differentiation in relation to population size and geographic distancing between populations. Results achieved from φSTstatistics andamovaindicated that most of the variability is distributed among individuals within the populations (57.7%), whereas among‐population variation accounted for 30.2% of the variation. Variation between regions was 12.1%. This corresponds to the results of a multivariate analysis based on the asymmetric Soerensen similarity, which also suggested a strong population differentiation, as would be expected from a short‐lived species with limited seed dispersal capacities that had never covered extensive areas in Eastern Germany. Consistently the geographic differentiation was not reflected in the RAPD profile. Significant correlations were noted between population size and the percentage of polymorphic loci (P < 0.05) and genetic diversity (P < 0.05). An analysis of seed production showed positive relationships between average seed number and levels of genetic variation. Our results support concerns regarding the loss of genetic diversity in endangered plant populations because this process might have harmful effects on reproductive fitness.
Economic evaluation of ondansetron vs dimenhydrinate for prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery
Authors: PIWKO CHARLES , LASRY ARIELLE , ALANEZI KHALED , COYTE PETER C. , UNGAR WENDY J.
Published: November 2005

Background : Although rarely life‐threatening, postoperative vomiting (POV) is a distressing complication. The incidence of POV ranges from 34 to 90% in children undergoing strabismus surgery when antiemetics are not administered prophylactically.

Methods : In this study, a cost‐consequence analysis (CCA) is used to estimate the economic benefit of ondansetron and dimenhydrinate as antiemetics administered prophylactically in children undergoing strabismus surgery. This retrospective study was conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children based on a review of 70 charts.

Results : Ondansetron was more effective with 45.3 POV‐free patients (PFP) in an adjusted cohort of 100, while dimenhydrinate resulted in 38.2 PFP in an adjusted cohort of 100. The costs were significantly different between the two groups, CAD$ 185.90 (±26.37, 95% CI, CAD$ 173,89; CAD$ 197.90) and CAD$ 232.90 (±CAD$ 66.84, 95% CI, CAD$ 198.53; CAD$ 267.27) per patient for ondansetron and dimenhydrinate, respectively. The length of stay in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) represented over 97% of total costs, and the mean lengths of stay in the PACU for ondansetron and dimenhydrinate were significantly different, 3.43 and 4.41 h, respectively.

Conclusion : This study should serve as a pilot for a large‐scale investigation on the correlation between the length of stay in the PACU and the antiemetic agent used.