bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A miniaturized bandpass filter fabricated on high dielectric constant ceramic substrates
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Liang , Huang Tsung‐Hui , Chen Lih‐Shan , Sun Chian‐Hao , Wang Shuming , Houng Mau‐Phon , Fu Shen‐Li
Published: June 2007

A four‐pole open‐loop resonator bandpass filter fabricated on high dielectric constant (Zn0.9Mg0.1)TiO3 ceramic substrates is presented. The full‐wave simulator IE3D is utilized to calculate the coupling coefficients of each basic coupling structure and simulate S‐parameters of the designed bandpass filters. The center frequency of designed bandpass filter is fo = 2.45 GHz and the fractional bandwidth is 4%. The center frequency of the fabricated bandpass filter is at 2.47 GHz and the fractional bandwidth is 5%. The measured insertion loss and return loss of the filter is −3.68 and −14.92 dB, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2087–2090, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22698
A simple method for simultaneous measurement of the tilt angle and temperature
Authors: Yan Jinhua , He Sailing
Published: June 2007

A simple and compact sensor for simultaneous measurement of the tilt angle and temperature is presented. The sensor is composed of a fiber taper and a fiber Bragg grating. The tilt angle is measured by monitoring the tilt‐induced loss of the taper. The grating is used for enhancing the tilt angle sensitivity as well as monitoring the wavelength shift induced by the temperature variation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2248–2250, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22701
Microstrip line with short‐circuited edge as a high‐pass filter operating up to millimeter‐wave frequencies
Authors: Chramiec Jerzy , Kitlinski Marek , Janiczak Bogdan J.
Published: June 2007

The concept of very simple planar high‐pass filters using microstrip with short‐circuited edge has been extended to filters with pass‐bands beginning in the K and Ka bands. Two examples of such filters have been designed using electromagnetic simulator and fabricated on 0.5‐mm thick alumina substrate and on 0.254‐mm thick low permittivity organic substrate. Theoretical characteristics have been compared with the experimental data demonstrating practical utility of the proposed filter concept at frequencies attaining the millimeter‐wave range. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2178–2180, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22705
Ultra‐wide stopband microstrip low‐pass filter for harmonics suppression
Authors: Liu Haiwen , Bai Tieying , Knoechel Reinhard H. , Sun Lingling , Schuenemann Klaus F.
Published: June 2007

An ultra‐wide stopband microstrip lowpass filter(LPF) for harmonics suppression is introduced in this letter. The LPF is composed of three open stubs, a pair of spur‐lines, and a pair of parallel coupled‐lines with symmetrical structure. Measured results verify that the filter has a return loss better than −20 dB within 4.8–25 GHz, which is about eight times the filter cutoff frequency. The ultra‐wide stopband performance for higher harmonics suppression has great potential applications in wideband microstrip circuit and systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2148–2150, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22707
A novel internal antenna with high gain for wireless phone
Authors: Liu Ying , Bu Antao , Gong Shuxi , Kim Hyeongdong
Published: June 2007

A novel internal antenna for synchronous code division multiple access band wireless phone is presented. Traditional internal antenna is monopole or Planar Inverted‐F Antenna, which have no gain high enough in the limited space in phone. The proposed antenna is composed of two antenna elements with equal magnitude and 180° phase difference, to assure voice quality with high gain. The measured maximum gain is 2.69 dBi and maximum efficiency is 70.1% in the frequency band 450–470 MHz. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2112–2114, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22708
Analytical attenuation calculation of asymmetrical coplanar waveguide with finite‐extent ground planes for coplanar waveguide mode
Authors: Duyar Mehmet , Akan Volkan , Yazgan Erdem , Bayrak Mehmet
Published: June 2007

In this study, fast and new analytical formulations have been presented for correct loss calculations in asymmetrical coplanar waveguides (CPW) with finite‐extent ground planes for CPW mode. To generalize loss analysis for CPW mode, not only gaps but also finite ground planes are assumed as asymmetric. Moreover, dielectric thickness and ground plane widths are considered as finite for this transmission line. Another important concept presented in this article is that the proposed expressions are easily applicable for CAD platforms. Through the analyses, conformal mapping techniques (CMT) have been employed. The obtained results in this work have been compared with the results of other similar studies (spectral domain method, mode matching, etc.) available in the literature. These comparisons indicate that the expressions developed in this study are found to be more suitable for accurate calculations of loss as well as the characterization of asymmetrical CPW with finite‐extent ground planes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2082–2087, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22709
Internal antenna design of 900 MHz‐band mobile radio frequency identification system
Authors: Kim Yongjin , Yoon Ick‐Jae , Kim Youngeil
Published: June 2007

The development of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for tracking and controlling goods and products, and obtaining information through transponders (tags) from people and objects are growing very rapidly in modern communication area. Currently, researchers and engineers have taken a growing interest in putting a RFID reader system into a mobile cellular phone. In this study, we propose a wide band antenna for mRFID reader application. The proposed antenna is the wideband PIFA antenna that can cover from 800 MHz cellular frequency band to 900 MHz‐band RFID frequency band. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2079–2082, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22710
Novel circular in‐phase hybrid ring power divider
Authors: Betancourt Diego , del Rio Carlos
Published: June 2007

An experimental investigation about the Circular In‐Phase Hybrid Ring power divider is presented. This device is a Five Ports Hybrid Ring that has potential applications in Antenna Array feeding Networks. Its principal behavior characteristics are analyzed and compared with a conventional device. A prototype, which includes the effects of SMA connectors, was designed and measured corroborating the behavior of this circuit as a conventional five ports microstrip hybrid. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2314–2317, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22714
Intergraded LiNbO3 electrooptical electromagnetic field sensor
Authors: Lee Tsung‐Hsin , Wu Po‐I , Lee Ching‐Ting
Published: June 2007

An integrated electromagnetic field sensor using Z‐cut LiNbO3 Mach–Zehnder waveguide modulator and microantenna was fabricated and measured. A coplanar waveguide antenna was directly integrated with the traveling‐wave electrode of the Mach–Zehnder waveguide modulator on the same LiNbO3 substrate. The minimum detectable electric field strength is 8.91 × 10−4 V/m at 2 GHz. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2312–2314, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22715
Measurement and analysis of optical parameters in anisotropic slab one‐side leaky waveguides
Authors: Gao Fubin , Du Guotong , Sun Yuan , Zhang Ping
Published: June 2007

Leaky modes of anisotropic slab one‐side leaky waveguides have been analyzed, and an efficient method for measuring optical parameters of these waveguides is presented in this article by using the prism coupling technique. Measured results show that errors of the refractive indices are within 2.1 × 10−4. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2295–2299, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22721
Two by two ports fused fiber grating coupler
Authors: Ai Lung , Liu Wen‐Fung , Kuo Ching‐Ting , Fu Ming‐Yue , Chen Tzu‐Chiang
Published: June 2007

In this article we have demonstrated that a 2 × 2 ports fused fiber‐grating‐coupler can be implemented by combining the technique of fabricating a fused‐fiber coupler as well as that of writing a fiber Bragg grating for applying in an all‐fiber optical filter. The grating with the grating reflectivity of 87% is fabricated in the tapered region of a 2 × 2 fiber coupler with the coupling ratio of 80 and 20%, respectively to two different output ports. This device can be applied in optical multi/de‐multiplexing and add/drop filters for optical communication systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2309–2311, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22723
Urodynamic studies in women with stress urinary incontinence: Significant bacteriuria and risk factors
Authors: Choe Jin Ho , Lee Joong Shik , Seo Ju Tae
Published: June 2007

Aim

A prospective study was performed to determine the incidence of significant bacteriuria and to identify the risk factors for bacteriuria after urodynamic studies (UDSs) in women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

A total of 225 women with urodynamic SUI were evaluated. All women were negative on double‐screened urine cultures, in clean‐catch midstream urine (MSU) specimens, before UDS. Another urine specimen was obtained for urinalysis and culture at 3–7 days after UDS. Urinary culture with 105 CFU/ml or more was regarded as significant bacteriuria. To identify the risk factors for significant bacteriuria, the clinical characteristics of all patients including age, BMI, parity, medical and operation history, degree of pelvic organ prolapse, results of urinalysis, and UDS were evaluated.

Results

The prevalence of significant bacteriuria was 6.2%. The most common identified microorganism was Escherichia coli (57.1%). Univariate analysis demonstrated that a history of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI; P = 0.002) and urological surgery or procedure (P = 0.02) were significant predictors of significant bacteriuria. On multiple logistic regression analysis the past history of recurrent UTI was the only significant independent risk factor (OR = 28.5, 95% CI = 4.309–188.488, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

This study suggests that for most women with SUI it may be unnecessary to use preventive prophylactic antibiotics in UDS. However, our results suggest that in patients with a previous history of recurrent UTI or urologic surgery the risk for significant bacteriuria is increased and use of prophylactic antibiotics should be considered. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:847–851, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association among the symptoms, quality of life and urodynamic parameters in patients with improved lower urinary tract symptoms following a transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Seki Narihito , Yunoki Takakazu , Tomoda Toshihisa , Takei Mineo , Yamaguchi Akito , Naito Seiji
Published: June 2007

Aims

To investigate the associations of symptoms and the quality of life (QOL) with objective variables in a strictly selected large cohort of subjects with symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 557 males with BPO in whom a symptomatic improvement had been achieved by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), thus suggesting that their lower urinary tract symptoms were primarily due to BPO. The association between the preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and QOL score with objective variables including the residual volumes, prostate size and urodynamic parameters was statistically analyzed.

Results

Maximum flow rate (Qmax) positively and a residual urine volume (PVR) negatively correlated with symptoms and QOL score. Detrusor overactivity (DO) also was weakly, but broadly associated with the symptoms. Degree of detrusor contractility and bladder capacity had a weak association with only some storage symptoms. The degree of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) positively related to the scores on urgency, straining and total IPSS. Patients' age had positive correlation with the score on nocturia. The prostate volume was only negligibly correlated with either any symptoms or the QOL score.

Conclusions

Parameters, such as Qmax or PVR, obtained from the noninvasive urodynamics were most widely correlated with symptoms and QOL. Despite a large group with strict selection of men with LUTS possibly relating to BPO being studied, only weak association between the symptoms or QOL and objective parameters including urodynamics was confirmed. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:222–225, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonstandard perturbation approximation and travelling wave solutions of nonlinear reaction diffusion equations
Authors: Kaushik Aditya
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with the construction of a nonstandard numerical method to compute the travelling wave solutions of nonlinear reaction diffusion equations at high wave speeds. Related general properties are studied using the perturbation approximation. At high wave speed the perturbation parameter approaches to zero and the problem exhibits a multiscale character. That is, there are thin layers where the solution varies rapidly, while away from these layers the solution behaves regularly and varies slowly. Most of the conventional methods fail to capture this layer behavior. Thus, the quest for some new numerical techniques that may handle the travelling wave solutions at high wave speeds earns relevance. In this paper, one such parameter robust nonstandard numerical scheme is constructed, in the sense that its numerical solution converges in the maximum norm to the exact solution uniformly well for all finite wave speeds. To overcome the difficulty due to the nonlinearity, the problem is linearized using the quasilinearization process followed by nonstandard finite difference discretization. An extensive amount of analysis is carried out which uses a suitable decomposition of the error into smooth and singular component and a comparison principle combined with appropriate barrier functions. The error estimates are obtained, which ensures uniform convergence of the method. A set of numerical experiment is carried out in support of the predicted theory that validates computationally the theoretical results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2007
Conceptual linearization of Euler governing equations to solve high speed compressible flow using a pressure‐based method
Authors: Darbandi Masoud , Roohi Ehsan , Mokarizadeh Vahab
Published: June 2007

The main objective of the current work is to introduce a new conceptual linearization strategy to improve the performance of a primitive shock‐capturing pressure‐based finite‐volume method. To avoid a spurious oscillatory solution in the chosen collocated grids, both the primitive and extended methods utilize two convecting and convected momentum expressions at each cell face. The expressions are obtained via a physical‐based discretization of two inclusive statements, which are constructed via a novel incorporation of the continuity and momentum governing equations. These two expressions in turn provide a strong coupling among the Euler conservative statements. Contrary to the primitive work, the linearization in the current work respects the definitions and essence of physics behind deriving the Euler governing equations. The accuracy and efficiency of the new formulation are then investigated by solving the shock tube as a problem with moving normal and expansion waves and the converging‐diverging nozzle as a problem with strong stationary normal shock. The results show that there is good improvement in performance of the primitive pressure‐based shock‐capturing method while its superior accuracy is not deteriorated at all. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
A uniform estimate for the ELLAM scheme for transport equations
Authors: Wang Kaixin , Wang Hong
Published: June 2007

We prove a priori error estimate in a weighted energy norm for the Eulerian‐Lagrangian localized adjoint method (ELLAM) for the transport equations, without any special refinement or numerical stabilization introduced. The estimate holds uniformly with respect to ϵ. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
An error estimate on a Galerkin method for modeling heat and moisture transfer in fibrous insulation
Authors: Cheng Aijie , Wang Hong
Published: June 2007

We propose a Galerkin finite element method for numerically modeling the process of heat and moisture transfer in porous clothing assemblies, which takes into account radiative heat transfer and sorption of water vapor into the fibers of the medium. We prove an optimal‐order error estimate for the finite element method in energy norm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
A quadrature finite element Galerkin scheme for a biharmonic problem on a rectangular polygon
Authors: Aitbayev Rakhim
Published: June 2007

A quadrature Galerkin scheme with the Bogner–Fox–Schmit element for a biharmonic problem on a rectangular polygon is analyzed for existence, uniqueness, and convergence of the discrete solution. It is known that a product Gaussian quadrature with at least three‐points is required to guarantee optimal order convergence in Sobolev norms. In this article, optimal order error estimates are proved for a scheme based on the product two‐point Gaussian quadrature by establishing a relation with an underdetermined orthogonal spline collocation scheme. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Numerical convergence on adaptive grids for control volume methods
Authors: Khattri S.K. , Aavatsmark I.
Published: June 2007

An adaptive technique for control‐volume methods applied to second order elliptic equations in two dimensions is presented. The discretization method applies to initially Cartesian grids aligned with the principal directions of the conductivity tensor. The convergence behavior of this method is investigated numerically. For solutions with low Sobolev regularity, the found L2 convergence order is two for the potential and one for the flow density. The system of linear equations is better conditioned for the adaptive grids than for uniform grids. The test runs indicate that a pure flux‐based refinement criterion is preferable.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Up‐regulation of MKK4, MKK6 and MKK7 during prostate cancer progression: an important role for SAPK signalling in prostatic neoplasia
Authors: Lotan TL , Lyon M , Huo D , Taxy JB , Brendler C , Foster BA , Stadler W , Rinker‐Schaeffer CW
Published: June 2007

Identification of the signalling cascades that are differentially activated during prostatic tumourigenesis is a crucial step in the search for future molecular targets in this disease. The stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK) signalling cascade culminates in the phosphorylation of the JNK and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Recently, the upstream activators of these proteins, the MAPK kinases (MKKs), have been implicated as inhibitors of tumour progression in a variety of clinical and experimental tumour models. This study evaluates MKK4, MKK6 and MKK7 expression during prostate cancer progression in humans and in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of a mouse prostate (TRAMP) model of prostate tumourigenesis. Benign prostate, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions and tumour tissues were collected from 37 TRAMP mice. Additionally, six tissue microarrays were constructed with tumours from a matched group of 102 men who underwent radical prostatectomy. Tissues from 20 patients with extensive high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) were also analysed. For all samples, immunohistochemical staining for MKK4, MKK6 and MKK7 was scored in normal and neoplastic glands. Staining intensities of MKK4, MKK6 and MKK7 were significantly increased in HGPIN and prostate cancer compared to surrounding normal glands in both the TRAMP and human samples (p < 0.0001 for all markers). Increased levels of MKK4 or MKK7 correlated with higher pathological stage at prostatectomy (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04). Using multivariate analysis, there was no association between protein levels and time to biochemical recurrence in the human samples. The up‐regulation of MKK4, MKK6 and MKK7 during prostate cancer progression in both TRAMP and human tissues highlights an important role for the SAPK signalling cascade in prostatic neoplasia. The finding that higher MKK4 and MKK7 expression is associated with higher‐stage prostatic tumours underscores the dynamic regulation of these proteins during prostatic tumourigenesis. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taxonomy and structure of the Polish personality lexicon
Authors: Szarota Piotr , Ashton Michael C. , Lee Kibeom
Published: June 2007

We identified 1839 person‐descriptive adjectives from a Polish dictionary, and 10 judges classified those adjectives into five descriptive categories. Two hundred ninety adjectives (16 per cent) were classified by most judges as ‘Dispositions’ (i.e. relatively stable personality traits and abilities). We examined the structure of those 290 adjectives in self‐ratings from 350 respondents. In the five‐factor solution, two dimensions closely resembled Big Five Conscientiousness and Agreeableness, and two others represented rotated variants of Extraversion and Emotional Stability. The fifth factor was dominated by Intellect, containing little Imagination and no Unconventionality content. A six‐factor solution closely resembled the cross‐language HEXACO structure (but with ‘Intellect’ rather than ‘Openness to Experience’). Analyses of 369 peer ratings revealed five‐ and six‐factor solutions nearly identical to those of self‐ratings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions to daily events as a function of familiarity with an environment
Authors: Nezlek John B.
Published: June 2007

Undergraduate participants provided measures of their psychological well‐being and described the positive and negative events that occurred each day, once during the first and second semesters of an academic year. For four of the five measures of daily well‐being, reactivity to negative events decreased from the first to second semester, whereas for four of the five measures of well‐being, reactivity to positive events did not change over the year. These results suggest that familiarity with an environment moderates reactivity to negative daily events. As people become more familiar with an environment, negative events may elicit smaller decreases in well‐being. In contrast, increases in well‐being elicited by positive events appear to be unrelated to familiarity with the environment. More broadly, these differences suggest that the reactivity to positive and negative events reflect the operation of different processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agentic and communal bias in socially desirable responding
Authors: Lönnqvist Jan‐Erik , Verkasalo Markku , Bezmenova Irina
Published: June 2007

This research was designed to investigate Paulhus' communion management (CM) and self‐deceptive enhancement (SDE), socially desirable responding (SDR) scales as measures of general SDR, communal bias and agentic bias. The CM and SDE scales, as well as the Schwartz values survey (SVS), were administered to four samples drawn from different cultures and subcultures (N = 900). Participants completed the questionnaires in ‘honest’ and ‘fake good’ conditions. Although conceptions of which values were desirable varied strongly between samples and instructional sets, the CM scale was consistently related to general SDR and to communal bias. In contrast, the SDE scale was only related to general SDR. Contrary to expectations, neither scale could identify participants who ‘faked good’ under normal instructions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental personality, parenting and toddlers' externalising behaviours
Authors: van Aken C. , Junger M. , Verhoeven M. , van Aken M. A. G. , Deković M. , Denissen J. J. A.
Published: June 2007

This study examined the mediating role of parenting on the relation between parental personality and toddlers' externalising behaviours. Participants were 112 boys and their parents. The data were analysed using multilevel modelling and moderated mediation analyses. Several associations were found between parental personality and parenting dimensions. Additionally, several parenting dimensions were associated with children's externalising behaviours. Emotional stability was the only parental personality trait that was related to children's externalising behaviours. The effect of maternal emotional stability on children's aggressive behaviours appeared to be mediated by maternal support. For fathers, there appeared to be a direct effect of emotional stability on children's aggressive behaviours. In addition, for both mothers and fathers, emotional stability was directly related to children's attention problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of blend composition on diffusivity and solubility of small molecules in polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blends
Authors: Galdámez J. Román , Serna Lourdes V. , Larry Duda J. , Danner Ronald P.
Published: June 2007

The capillary column inverse gas chromatography technique was used to determine diffusivity and solubility data for several solvents in polymer blends composed of polystyrene and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). Diffusivity behaved as expected, increasing as the concentration of PVME increased in the blend. Knowing only the free‐volume parameters for the pure polymers, the free‐volume theory was successfully applied to predict the dependence of the diffusion coefficients on the blend composition. Transport in blends above the glass transition temperature is controlled by free volume, and the effect of concentration fluctuations is minimal at the temperatures studied. Experimental data show an increase in the partition coefficient of some solvents in the blends with respect to the pure polymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2071–2082, 2007
Gas permeability and selectivity of benzophenone aromatic isophthalic copolyamides
Authors: Carrera‐Figueiras Cristian , Aguilar‐Vega Manuel
Published: June 2007

The synthesis, thermal, and gas transport properties of poly(benzophenone isophthalamide), DBF/ISO, poly(benzophenone‐5‐tert‐butylisophthalamide), DBF/TERT, homopolymers, and their copolyamides with different DBF/TERT ratios are reported. The results indicate that the glass transition temperatures of the copolyamides increase as the concentration of DBF/TERT in the polyamide increases. The gas permeability coefficients for DBF/ISO are around 10−2 Barrers for O2 which situates this polymer as a barrier polymer. It was also found that permeability coefficients in all polyamides and copolyamides are independent of pressure for He or decrease slightly particularly with O2, CO2, and N2. It was seen that DBF/TERT is up to 15 times more permeable than DBF/ISO, depending on the gas being considered. This behavior was assigned to the presence of the bulky lateral substituent, the tert‐butyl group, in DBF/TERT and DBF/TERT‐co‐DBF/ISO copolyamides. This bulky substituent increases fractional free volume and interchain spacing; as a consequence, the gas permeability and diffusion coefficients generally increase. The experimental results for the gas permeability coefficients and permselectivity for the copolyamides was well represented by a semilogarithmic mixing rule of the homopolyamides permeability coefficients as a function of their volume fraction. The selectivity of gas pairs, such as He/O2 and He/CO2, decreased slightly with the addition of DBF/TERT. The temperature dependence of permeability for homopolyamides and copolyamides can be described by an Arrhenius type equation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2083–2096, 2007
Enhancement of thermoelectric performance in strongly correlated multilayered nanostructures
Authors: Freericks J. K. , Zlatić V.
Published: June 2007

The cover picture shows a false‐color plot of the density of states for a nanostructure consisting of two ideal metallic leads and a few layers of strongly correlated material in between. The picture originates from the article by Freericks and Zlatić [1]. In this work the authors present a novel approach to transport through strongly anisotropic structures. They illustrate how the electronic charge reconstruction near the interfaces of metal–“strongly correlated barrier”–metal devices can lead to a significant enhancement of the thermoelectric response due to the breaking of particle–hole symmetry.

This issue contains papers presented at the XXX International Conference of Theoretical Physics held in Ustroń, Poland, in September 2006.
Preface: phys. stat. sol. (b) 244/7
Authors: Maśka Maciej M. , Zipper Elżbieta , Dajka Jerzy
Published: June 2007

The XXX Jubilee International Conference of Theoretical Physics “Electron Correlations in Nano‐ and Macrosystems” was held in Ustroń, Poland, from 9 to 14 September 2006.

The current interest in theoretical aspects of solid state physics covers simultaneously macro, micro and nano systems. The broad range of practical applications ranges from technology to quantum and classical information storage. The purpose of the conference was to bring together scientists actively working in those areas of solid state physics in which electron correlations play an important role. Emphasis was given to the fundamental and vital role played by electron correlations. Particular topics included, among others, magnetism and unconventional superconductivity, electronic properties of low dimensional systems, transport phenomena in nano systems and spintronics. As the objective was to discuss ‘hot’ frontiers of modern physics, we invited distinguished scientists who have made significant contributions to the fields covered by the conference.

The scientific program of the conference included 39 lectures and 27 poster presentations. The truly international character of the conference was illustrated by the attendance of almost a hundred scientists from 13 nations of three continents. The Organizing Committee would like to express its gratitude to all speakers and contributors for delivering excellent talks and posters. We would also like to thank all of the referees for their conscientious and timely effort in reviewing all manuscripts. Their work improved significantly the quality of the papers presented in this issue. And finally, we wish to thank all the participants for attending this conference and for the friendly atmosphere during the whole meeting.
Structural characterization of II‐VI semiconductor nanoparticles
Authors: Neder R. B. , Korsunskiy V. I. , Chory Ch. , Müller G. , Hofmann A. , Dembski S. , Graf Ch. , Rühl E.
Published: June 2007

We present structure analysis techniques for nanoparticles, which use the explicit simulation of the nanoparticle structure. Data are based on X‐ray powder data, which are interpreted via the Debye equation and pair distribution function data. The techniques allow the exact determination of the nanoparticle structure, shape and defect structure. ZnO and ZnSe nanoparticles are of ellipsoidal shape with interatomic distance distribution equal to bulk phases. CdSe/ZnS forms core shell particles in which the ZnS shell is structurally incoherent to the core phase. All three materials are characterized by unusually high stacking fault density. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation and consequences of misfit dislocations in heteroepitaxial growth
Authors: Walther Markus , Biehl Michael , Kinzel Wolfgang
Published: June 2007

We investigate the formation of misfit dislocations in strained heteroepitaxial crystal growth and their influence on the structure of the growing layers. We use Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for an off‐lattice model in 1+1 dimensions with Lennard‐Jones interactions. Two different types of the formation of dislocations are found, depending on the sign and the magnitude of the misfit. Misfit dislocations affect the lateral and the vertical lattice spacing in heteroepitaxial growth. In addition, we observe a correlation between the lateral position of buried dislocations and grown mounds, depending on the sign of the misfit. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gauge capability studies for attribute data
Authors: Lyu JrJung , Chen Ming‐Nan
Published: June 2007

A gauge repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) method is developed to assess the capability of a measurement system. Although gauge capability studies have received substantial attention, few studies have investigated attribute data despite their wide application in industry. The primary aim of this research is to develop a procedure, based on the generalized linear model, to evaluate the R&R of a measurement system for attribute data. To calculate repeatability of a system, the procedure integrates the iterative weighted least squares (IWLS) method and deviance analysis. The proposed procedure is applied to an inclusion measurement system to verify its adequacy to model the process capability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced da Vinci surgical system simulator for surgeon training and operation planning
Authors: Sun L. W. , Van Meer F. , Schmid J. , Bailly Y. , Thakre A. A. , Yeung C. K.
Published: June 2007

Background

Although patients benefit considerably from minimally invasive surgery, the use of new instruments such as robotic systems is challenging for surgeons, and extensive training is required.

Method

We developed a computer‐based simulator of the da Vinci Surgical System, modelling the robot and designing a new interface.

Results

The simulator offers users a two‐handed interface to control a realistic model of the da Vinci robot. The simulator can be applied (i) to provide an environment in which to practice simple surgical skills and (ii) to serve as a visualization platform on which to validate port placement and robot pose for operation planning.

Conclusions

Virtual reality is a useful technique for medical training. The simulator is currently in its early stages, but this preliminary work is promising. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lightweight POSIX tracing
Authors: Terrasa Andrés , Espinosa Agustín , García‐Fornes Ana
Published: June 2007

In embedded systems, the typical host/target development scheme normally requires a tracing mechanism to be available in the target system in order to collect run‐time information of the application. This information is then used in the host system to debug, monitor, fine tune, etc., the application. Related to this, POSIX has recently incorporated the definition of standard tracing services into the complete POSIX 1003.1‐2001 standard. It is obvious that standard interfaces present several advantages for applications, specially regarding portability. However, the observed trend in real‐time operating systems (RTOSs) of progressively incorporating the POSIX interfaces have not reached the POSIX tracing services. As far as we know, this tracing interface has not been incorporated yet into any commercial RTOS, probably because it is quite recent and its tracing model is too complex and demanding for small, embedded real‐time systems. After carefully analyzing and then implementing and using the POSIX Trace standard in both RT‐Linux and MarteOS, this paper presents the redefinition of the POSIX tracing standard from the perspective of small real‐time systems and, in particular, systems conforming to the POSIX Minimal Realtime System Profile (MRSP). The new tracing model is calledLightweight POSIX tracing. The model has been carefully designed to maintain all the syntax, and almost all the semantics, of the original standard, but it allows for the definition of useful subsets of the original standard that can be implemented very efficiently. The experimental results show that a minimal tracing system which is appropriate for MRSP systems exhibits a significantly smaller memory footprint and lower overhead, compared to the implementation of the complete standard. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ameliorating mental mistakes in tradeoff studies
Authors: Smith Eric D. , Son Young Jun , Piattelli‐Palmarini Massimo , Terry Bahill A.
Published: June 2007

Tradeoff studies are broadly recognized and mandated as the method for simultaneously considering multiple alternatives with many criteria, and as such are recommended in the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR) process. Tradeoff studies, which involve human numerical judgment, calibration, and data updating, are often approached with under confidence by analysts and are often distrusted by decision makers. The decision‐making fields of Judgment and Decision Making, Cognitive Science and Experimental Economics have built up a large body of research on human biases and errors in considering numerical and criteria‐based choices. Relationships between experiments in these fields and the elements of tradeoff studies show that tradeoff studies are susceptible to human mental mistakes: This paper indicates ways to eliminate the presence, or ameliorate the effects of mental mistakes on tradeoff studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 222–240, 2007
Political risk at the interface of civilizations: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Howell Llewellyn D.
Published: June 2007

Political risk is the probability that an investor or investors will lose money due to factors in a society, a government, or its international environment. Risk will vary according to the theory applied to projection and measurement (assessment). Risk also varies at different investor levels, i.e. for all foreign investors, for a particular industry, for a particular firm, or for a specific project. (Howell, 2001b, p. 4) © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Croatia: A country “created from God's tears”
Authors: Zdravkovic Srdan , Amine Lyn S.
Published: June 2007

This article introduces Croatia as a newly independent Eastern European state that is emerging from centuries of rule by others. Croatia aims to be a modern European nation, offering great potential for international business, tourism, and economic development. Information about Croatia is in short supply, so this article provides valuable insights for businesspeople considering doing business in Croatia. This information can also serve as a general benchmark for neighboring countries that were members of the former Yugoslavia. In the article, we provide background cultural information on Croatia and discuss aspects of the environment relating to (1) political, regulatory, and legal conditions; (2) human resource factors; and (3) foreign direct investment, trade, and marketing conditions. We conclude with managerial and research implications, as well as an evaluation of the outlook for Croatia's future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The United Arab Emirates: The twenty‐first century beckons
Authors: Grant Jim , Golawala Fatema Shabbir , McKechnie Donelda S.
Published: June 2007

The United Arab Emirates is quickly making its presence known on the world stage; the country is shifting away from its dependence on oil and diversifying into new business sectors such as real estate, tourism, world‐class sporting events, finance, and construction. Development supported and encouraged by government, economic policy reforms, streamlined foreign investment regulations, and the multicultural lifestyle afforded to nationals and expatriates are contributing to exemplary growth. Despite uncertainty in the regional political situation, the country is stable and at low risk. In sum, the United Arab Emirates appears intent on attracting businesses from many parts of the world, now and throughout the twenty‐first century. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐resolved x‐ray fluorescence for monitoring the intake of mineral nutrients in living plants
Authors: Tsutsumimoto Kaoru , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: June 2007

We have applied a time‐resolved means of measurement for studying living plants. The intake of mineral nutrients in a living plant such as stevia has been observed by this measuring instrument. A solution containing K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn compounds was used as the mineral nutrient solution. The concentrations of the standard solutions were specifically chosen to obtain optimal intensities of the x‐ray peaks. The time dependence of the x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) intensity showed specific intake processes depending on the type of element. In addition, the experimental results suggest differences in the translocation of each element in the stevia stem. We conclude that time‐resolved XRF is a powerful technique for studying living plants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aspects of Informed Consent in Medical Practice in the Eastern Mediterranean Region During the 17th and 18th Centuries
Authors: Christopoulos Platon , Falagas Matthew E. , Gourzis Philippos , Trompoukis Constantinos
Published: June 2007

Informed consent is a question of central importance in contemporary medical ethics, and clinical practice is inconceivable without considering the issues it raises. Although it is often vigorously argued that consent, informed or otherwise, is a recent phenomenon and that no sources testify to its existence before the 20th century, it is difficult to accept that a process for regulating the common and fundamental parameters in the relationship between doctor and patient and the planning of treatment had not concerned previous eras. A review of the Registers of the Islamic Court of Candia (Heraklion) in Crete, a series of records that touches on, among other things, matters of medical interest, reveals that the concept of informed consent was not only known during a period that stretched from the mid‐17th to the early 19th century, but it was concerned with the same principles that prevail or have been a point of contention today. An extension of this study into other periods may thus provide contemporary researchers with material and information valuable in the discussion of today’s bioethical issues.
Mevalonic aciduria: Report of two cases
Authors: Bretón Martínez J. R. , Cánovas Martínez A. , Casaña Pérez S. , Escribá Alepuz J. , Giménez Vázquez F.
Published: June 2007

Mevalonic aciduria is a rare disease that is a consequence of a deficiency of mevalonate kinase, an inborn error in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Approximately 30 cases have been reported. We present our data on two siblings with mevalonic aciduria as a contribution to the recognition of this subject. Both were born after uneventful pregnancies. Their parents were healthy and not consanguineous. They had normal somatic and psychomotor development until they were around 2 years old. After the second year of life they developed mental retardation, ataxia and hypotonia. MRI showed cerebellar atrophy of both hemispheres and vermis. One sibling, from the age of 10 years onwards, suffered from complex partial seizures that were controlled with levetiracetam and lamotrigine. At 11 and 12 years of age, respectively, they were able to walk without help, but their gait was broad and ataxic. Their speech was dysarthric, fine motor skills were impaired as result of cerebellar ataxia, and they had moderate mental retardation. Diagnosis of mevalonic aciduria was made at this age through urinary organic acid analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, which revealed high urinary excretion of mevalonic acid. They are currently 18 and 17 years old, respectively, show mental retardation and are able to walk but with difficulty. In our patients, ataxia due to cerebellar atrophy and mental retardation have been the predominant clinical manifestations. In mildly affected patients who survive infancy, these seem to be the predominant findings.
Borges and contemporary Chinese avant-garde writings
Authors: Xuejun ZHANG
Published: June 2007

This paper intends to explore the influences of Borges on contemporary Chinese avant-garde writing in three aspects, namely, the recurrence and cyclical nature of time, the narrative labyrinth, and metafiction. The recurrence and cyclical nature of time avant-garde writers emphasize on constituting a self-contained circular structure, while the design of a labyrinth unfolds the chaos, obscurity, and indeterminacy of the world. Metafiction undermines the authenticity of traditional novels by exposing the fictitious nature of fictions.
Similar transplantation outcomes in patients bridged with cardiac assist devices for acute cardiogenic shock versus chronic heart failure
Authors: Drakos Stavros G. , Kfoury Abdallah G. , Long James W. , Stringham James C. , Gilbert Edward M. , Horne Benjamin D. , Hagan Mary‐Beth E. , Nelson Karah , Renlund Dale G.
Published: June 2007

Background

Heart failure (HF) patients may require cardiac assist device implantation prior to transplantation (Tx) because of either acute cardiogenic shock (ACS), with no prior history of HF, or for progression of pump failure in the setting of chronic HF.

Aims

To investigate whether patients implanted with a cardiac assist device for ACS, have similar post‐Tx outcomes as those who underwent cardiac assist device implantation because of progressive chronic HF.

Methods and results

We compared post‐Tx outcomes of consecutive patients bridged due to ACS (Acute Group) with the outcomes of patients bridged due to deterioration of chronic HF (Chronic Group). Seventy‐three patients had a cardiac assist device implanted and underwent subsequent cardiac Tx. Thirty‐five patients (48%) had a cardiac assist device implanted due to ACS, most often caused by massive acute myocardial infarction, and 38 patients (52%) because of progressive chronic HF. Despite greater compromise at the time of implantation, the Acute Group recovered satisfactorily and underwent Tx with similar post‐Tx survival rates as the Chronic Group patients [1‐year survival: 88.6% vs 86.8%, p=0.80, actuarial survival (mean follow‐up 4.2 years): 80.0% vs 81.6%, p=0.86)]. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in various post‐Tx events.

Conclusion

Patients with ACS who underwent emergency cardiac assist device implantation as bridge to Tx had similar post‐Tx outcomes as their more chronically ill counterparts who underwent device implantation on a non‐urgent basis.