bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explicit constructions of global stabilization and nonlinearH∞control laws for a class of nonminimum phase nonlinear multivariable systems
Authors: Lan Weiyao , Chen Ben M. , Lewis Frank L.
Published: September 2007

This paper investigates a global stabilization problem and a nonlinearH∞control problem for a class of nonminimum phase nonlinear multivariable systems. To avoid the complicated recursive design procedure, an asymptotic time‐scale and eigenstructure assignment method is adopted to construct the control laws for the stabilization problem and the nonlinearH∞control problem. A sufficient solvability condition is established onthe unstable zero dynamics of the system for global stabilization problem and nonlinearH∞control problem, respectively. Moreover, based on the sufficient solvability condition, an upper bound of the achievableL2‐gain is estimated for the nonlinearH∞control problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognition of line graph images in documents by tracing connected components
Authors: Fuda Toshimichi , Omachi Shinichiro , Aso Hirotomo
Published: September 2007

Up to the present there has been a great deal of research related to recognition and comprehension of document images. A large amount of this research focused on text although a significant amount of information in graph images within document images is also included. If it is possible to recognize and comprehend a graph image, electronic documents can be used more efficiently. Research on recognition methods focusing on graph images within document images dealt with solid line graph images (bar graphs and markers). This paper proposes a recognition method of graphs focusing on line graph images which do not include markers comprised by solid lines, dotted lines, broken lines, and dash‐dot lines. This paper also shows the effectiveness of this through experimentation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 103–114, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10615
A noise suppression method based on mutual control of spectral subtraction and spectral amplitude suppression
Authors: Furuta Satoru , Takahashi Shinya , Nakajima Kunio
Published: September 2007

This paper discusses a noise suppressor for use in the standard AMR (adaptive multi‐rate) voice codec in 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). The performance standards (TS 26.077) for 3GPP noise suppressors require both high quality and high noise suppression performance with limited computational complexity. This paper is based on the spectral subtraction method, and discusses the configuration in which spectral subtraction and amplitude suppression are mutually controlled according to the state of the input signal. The improved estimation of the subbandS/N(signal‐to‐noise ratio) for use in the control of spectral subtraction and amplitude suppression is also discussed. The proposed method is evaluated through simulation experiments, and its effectiveness is verified. Subjective evaluation tests (evaluation by third parties) and objective evaluation tests were performed in accordance with 3GPP TS 26.077, and all 3GPP performance requirement standards were met. The system obtained the first performance endorsement from 3GPP in March 2002. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 90–102, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20212
Treating shared data in a browsing‐oriented digital library
Authors: Sato Keizo , Nakashima Makoto , Ito Tetsuro
Published: September 2007

It frequently happens that large amounts of data with various formats on computers are shared by multiple users. However, a method of accessing these data efficiently has not been established. This paper considers a browsing‐oriented digital library in which shared data are arranged linearly according to their relationships, and formulates a method of extracting the desired data efficiently. For the data extraction, a browsing method is first described in which relevance possibility is suggested on the basis of the content information and the position information in the directory structure. Then a method is described in which efficient browsing is realized in terms of the relevance judgment cost and the retrieval effectiveness by performing extraction and rearrangement of data with the directory as a unit. The effect of the proposed method was verified by an experiment using data in a university laboratory. A navigator for browsing the shared data has also been designed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 79–89, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20265
Design and implementation of a parameter filter based on virtual bounding rectangles
Authors: Kakiuchi Masatoshi , Morishima Naoto , Sunahara Hideki
Published: September 2007

In this paper, the authors propose a high‐speed implementation of a parameter filter, using a multidimensional space search algorithm with the introduction of virtual bounding rectangles. The authors have proposed and implemented a KUPF architecture for the problem of packet classification reflecting the complex policies of a router. Because parameter filters generally have filters for multiple parameters, the conventional methods for increasing speed are not applicable to KUPF. R‐tree and R*‐tree, which construct a search tree using minimum bounding rectangles and accelerate the search, are known search methods for multidimensional spaces. Meanwhile, this proposal represents filter rules in multidimensional space with the introduction of virtual bounding rectangles, while normalizing differences in the properties of each parameter and applying an R*‐tree. KUPF‐VR, in which this proposal is implemented, had an improved search speed compared to conventional KUPF and was clearly superior in the case of a large number of filter rules, compared to methods specialized for IP packet processing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 92–103, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20287
3D head model generation using full‐face head shape measurement system
Authors: Koyasu Takehiko , Amano Toshiyuki , Sato Yukio
Published: September 2007

Recently, the application of human facial shapes has been attracting interest in such fields as authentication, amusement, and medical care. However, the systems now used in practice heavily burden the person undergoing measurement, because a long time is required for measurement and the user must maintain his or her facial expression. The paper considers the measurement of the human face and proposes a fast method for head shape measurement in which the number of projected patterns is decreased by utilizing the continuity of the facial shape and the uniformity of its reflectivity. Specifically, based on the assumption of continuity of the facial shape, the pattern projection of the upper bits is omitted in the spatial coding, and the spatial code is restored by utilizing the continuity of the facial shape. By applying this method, shape measurement with 8‐bit spatial resolution in the depth direction is achieved by five pattern light projection operations. Based on the fact that the reflectivity of the face is almost uniform, binarization is performed without complementary pattern projection, by using average image comparison and local threshold setting. With these measures, the head model can be acquired by the proposed method in 14 pattern imaging operations, compared with 36 pattern imaging operations required in the conventional measurement system based on spatial coding using complementary pattern light projection. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 82–91, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20377
Robust face detection under partial occlusion
Authors: Hotta Kazuhiro
Published: September 2007

In this paper, a robust face detection method under partial occlusion is proposed. In recent years, the effectiveness of face detection methods using support vector machines (SVM) has been reported, but in conventional algorithms, one kernel is applied to global features extracted from an image. Global features are easily influenced by partial occlusion, and therefore the conventional algorithms appear not to be robust in the presence of occlusion. Good handling of local features is necessary in order to provide robustness to partial occlusion in face detection methods based on SVM. We introduce a local kernel for good handling of local features in SVM and use summation as the integration method. In the experiment, a comparison was made with SVM based on the conventional global kernel and using face images including occlusions and face images including shadows caused by changes in the direction of the light source. The robustness of the proposed method to occlusion was demonstrated. It was also confirmed that faces could be detected from face images including practical occlusions such as sunglasses or scarves. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 39–48, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20614
Fast alignment of 3D geometrical models and 2D grayscale images using 2D distance maps
Authors: Iwashita Yumi , Kurazume Ryo , Konishi Kozo , Nakamoto Masahiko , Hashizume Makoto , Hasegawa Tsutomu
Published: September 2007

To create a textured virtual model of a real object, the 3D geometric model that is generally measured by a laser scanner must be aligned with the 2D image that is obtained from image sensors excluding some sensors for which geometric and photometric information are obtained at the same time. One conventional registration method that has been proposed compares the contour lines of the silhouette image of the 3D geometric model and of the 2D image and estimates the relative positions of both according to iterative calculations. However, a method that uses point correspondences of contour points in the 2D image and contour points of the silhouette image must find the nearest neighboring points for each iterative calculation, and the computational cost is high. Therefore, in this paper, the authors propose a new registration algorithm of grayscale images and 3D geometric models by using 2D distance maps that are constructed by using the Fast Marching Method from the boundary of an object on the grayscale image. They also show the effectiveness of the proposed method by performing simulation experiments and experiments using actual images. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 52–62, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20634
Proposal of flexible implementation of genetic algorithms on FPGAs
Authors: Tachibana Tatsuhiro , Murata Yoshihiro , Shibata Naoki , Yasumoto Keiichi , Ito Minoru
Published: September 2007

Genetic Algorithms (GA) can be used for various applications including complex computations such as combinatory optimization problems. Such GA applications are desired to be available to information appliances with poor resources by implementing them on dedicated hardware chips like FPGA. In this paper, we propose a method to efficiently design and implement GA applications on FPGA. Our method consists mainly of a parallel and pipelined architecture suitable for various GA applications and a model to predict the size of the synthesized hardware circuits from various parameter values such as the size of the problem and the number of parallel pipelines. In order to facilitate hardware design, we have implemented two tools. The first tool uses our prediction model and calculates parameter values with which the hardware circuits can be synthesized on a specified FPGA device. The second tool generates the RT level VHDL description when the parameter values are given. In order to show efficiency of the proposed method, we have applied our method to the Knapsack Problem and Traveling Salesman Problem. As a result, we have confirmed that the circuits synthesized with our tools achieve high performance on gate level simulation and low power consumption, and that our prediction model predicts the sizes of the synthesized circuits accurately enough for practical use. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 28–38, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20779
An optimization method focusing on fixed‐point arithmetic in applications for dynamically reconfigurable processor
Authors: Miyata Miwa , Shibata Yuichiro , Oguri Kiyoshi
Published: September 2007

Dynamically reconfigurable processors such as the Dynamically Reconfigurable Processor (DRP) released by NEC Electronics are composed of many interconnected coarse‐grained arithmetic blocks. Applications for DRP are described in a programming language like C and parallelism in the source code is automatically extracted by a compiler. At the same time, it is also important to optimize descriptions so that the potential performance of the device is effectively brought out. In this paper, we propose an optimized coding method to improve efficiency of parallel processing on DRP. In this technique, the same kind of multicycle operations are aggregated into single functions, keeping the sequential framework of a programming language. The effects of the method are evaluated with ray tracing processing as an example application. As a result, the proposed technique achieves 2.68 to 3.09 times performance improvement without large increase in the number of states nor severe degradation of the frequency. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 20–28, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20780
Image recognition method using intensity gradient vectors
Authors: Hiramoto Masao , Ogawa Takahiro , Haseyama Miki
Published: September 2007

This paper proposes a method for general image recognition based on the progress of increasing the pixels of image sensors and improving image quality. This method can also adapt to images which have undergone geometric transformations such as the rotation and movement of images. The proposed method uses a voting system that utilizes vectors. This method uses vectors which represent intensity gradients and vectors which show position to express images and also defines voting vectors and similarity for the recognition. In addition, the proposed method has characteristics of concentrating voting locations at an origin point if there are identical images such that the voting results do not influence geometric transformations. When we performed experiments on natural images including original images which may have undergone image processing such as Gaussian or median filtering and JPEG compression, we understood that distinct differences appeared in the similarities and that recognition was possible even if an artificial process was added to the images. Even further, when we examined recognition of images using the greatest number of voting points as an application of this method, we were able to show that the recognition capability was high and that a partial image contained in one image could also be recognized. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 15–27, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20792
Proposal of seamless interaction enabling direct conversation between video content viewer and CG generated performer
Authors: Doke Mamoru , Hamaguchi Narichika , Hayashi Masaki , Yagi Nobuyuki
Published: September 2007

We propose a conversation method called seamless interaction where the viewer can query a CG generated performer at any time while viewing video content based on CG, and can interrupt video content for direct conversation with the performer. In this paper, we explain the important requirements for achieving seamless interaction, and show an example mounting these requirements. Then, we use a subjective evaluation test to compare seamless interaction with images of interaction with CG characters using dedicated conversational CG characters. From these results, we show that seamless interaction is an effective method for viewers when engaged in passive viewing, such as viewing a television program, in terms of ease of interaction and ease of familiarity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 1–14, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20833
Domain classification of technical terms using the Web
Authors: Kida Mitsuhiro , Tonoike Masatsugu , Utsuro Takehito , Sato Satoshi
Published: September 2007

This paper proposes a method of domain classification of technical terms using the Web. In the proposed method, it is assumed that, for a certain technical domain, a list of known technical terms of the domain is given. Technical documents of the domain are collected through the Web search engine, which are then used for generating a vector space model for the domain. The domain specificity of a target term is estimated according to the distribution of the domain of the sample pages of the target term. Experimental evaluation results show that the proposed method of domain classification of a technical term achieved mostly 90% precision/recall. We then apply this technique of estimating domain specificity of a term to the task of discovering novel technical terms that are not included in any existing lexicons of technical terms of the domain. Out of 1000 randomly selected candidates of technical terms per domain, we discovered about 100 to 200 novel technical terms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 11–19, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20852
Knowledge management modeling in organizations
Authors: Fujita Yukihisa , Nakase Akihiko , Nakayama Yasuko , Toriumi Fujio , Ishii Kenichiro
Published: September 2007

A variety of knowledge sharing methods have been proposed based on experience and precedents. However, the effects of these methods have never been quantitatively investigated. This study proposes a knowledge sharing model in organizations to analyze the effect of knowledge management. Knowledge sharing processes are modeled and simulated using a multiagent approach. Knowledge repositories and knowledge managers improve organization performance. Additionally the “year 2007 issue” is represented using the model and its solutions are also shown. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 1–10, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20874
Flexible parametric models for relative survival, with application in coronary heart disease
Authors: Nelson Christopher P. , Lambert Paul C. , Squire Iain B. , Jones David R.
Published: September 2007

Relative survival is frequently used in population‐based studies as a method for estimating disease‐related mortality without the need for information on cause of death. We propose an extension to relative survival of a flexible parametric model proposed by Royston and Parmar for censored survival data. The model provides smooth estimates of the relative survival and excess mortality rates by using restricted cubic splines on the log cumulative excess hazard scale. The approach has several advantages over some of the more standard relative survival models, which adopt a piecewise approach, the main being the ability to model time on a continuous scale, the survival and hazard functions are obtained analytically and it does not use split‐time data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐parametric modelling of the distribution of the baseline risk in meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghidey W. , Lesaffre E. , Stijnen T.
Published: September 2007

In meta‐analysis of clinical trials, often meta‐regression analyses are performed to explain the heterogeneity in treatment effects that usually exist between trials. A popular explanatory variable is the risk observed in the control group, the baseline risk. The relationship between the treatment effect and the baseline risk is investigated by fitting a linear model that allows randomness on the true baseline risk by assuming a normal distribution with unknown mean and variance. However, the normality assumption could be too strong to adequately describe the underlying distribution. Therefore, we developed a new semi‐parametric method that relaxes the normality assumption to a more flexible and general distribution. We applied a penalized Gaussian mixture distribution to represent the baseline risk distribution. Furthermore, a bivariate hierarchical model is formulated in order to take into account the correlation between the baseline and treatment effect. To fit the proposed model, a penalized likelihood function is maximized by an Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm. We illustrate our method on a number of simulated data sets and on a published meta‐analysis data set. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Composite Emulsions and Complex Foams with the use of Microfluidic Flow‐Focusing Devices
Authors: Hashimoto Michinao , Garstecki Piotr , Whitesides George M.
Published: September 2007

A method is described for the formation of stable, composite aqueous emulsions of 1) combinations of distinct families of bubbles of nitrogen, 2) combinations of distinct families of droplets of an organic fluid (either perfluoro(methyl)decalin or hexadecane), and 3) combinations of bubbles and droplets. A system of two or three microfluidic flow‐focusing units is coupled to a single outlet channel. The composite emulsions can be precisely tuned, both in their composition and in the number fraction of components—either bubbles or droplets—of different types. The use of microfluidic technology, with closely coupled flow‐focusing units, guarantees that the emulsions are mixed locally at a controlled local stoichiometry. The emulsions self‐assemble in a nonequilibrium process to form a wide variety of highly organized periodic lattices.
Magnetophoretic Continuous Purification of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes from Catalytic Impurities in a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Kang Joo H. , Park Je‐Kyun
Published: September 2007

A magnetophoretic continuous purification method is presented of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from the superparamagnetic iron‐catalyst impurities in a microfluidic device without any influence on inherent SWCNT properties. By employing microfluidics and a magnetic‐field‐induced saw‐tooth nickel microstructure, a highly enhanced magnetic force in adjoining microchannels is exploited. The iron impurities of SWCNTs are attracted towards areas of higher magnetic‐flux density in the microchannels where magnetic field was asymmetrically generated perpendicularly to the streamline. We obtained highly purified SWCNTs at a rate of 0.36 mg h−1 and that are estimated to be about 99 % purity.
Formation of Nanotubes and Hollow Nanoparticles Based on Kirkendall and Diffusion Processes: A Review
Authors: Fan Hong Jin , Gösele Ulrich , Zacharias Margit
Published: September 2007

The Kirkendall effect is a consequence of the different diffusivities of atoms in a diffusion couple causing a supersaturation of lattice vacancies. This supersaturation may lead to a condensation of extra vacancies in the form of so‐called “Kirkendall voids” close to the interface. On the macroscopic and micrometer scale these Kirkendall voids are generally considered as a nuisance because they deteriorate the properties of the interface. In contrast, in the nanoworld the Kirkendall effect has been positively used as a new fabrication route to designed hollow nano‐objects. In this Review we summarize and discuss the demonstrated examples of hollow nanoparticles and nanotubes induced by the Kirkendall effect. Merits of this route are compared with other general methods for nanotube fabrication. Theories of the kinetics and thermodynamics are also reviewed and evaluated in terms of their relevance to experiments. Moreover, nanotube fabrication by solid‐state reactions and non‐Kirkendall type diffusion processes are covered.
SysTest: Improving the verification, validation, and testing process— Assessing six industrial pilot projects
Authors: Hoppe Markus , Engel Avner , Shachar Shalom
Published: September 2007

The overall objective of the SysTest project was to develop a generic Verification, Validation, and Testing (VVT) methodology guidelines and an economic VVT process model in order to realize improved product quality at reduced cost and time to market. Six real‐life pilot projects were conducted by the SysTest industrial partners in order to assess the effectiveness of the SysTest products. The pilot projects represented diverse industrial segments namely, aircrafts avionics and jet engines, automobile engine castings and embedded software, liquid food packaging manufacturing, and steel production. In this paper, we demonstrate that: (1) The SysTest products are generic and applicable for different industries and (2) a clear trend was established: Namely, the application of the SysTest products improves the process and product quality. In the case of the SysTest pilot project, the average project cost saving was 7.6% with standard deviation of 14.8%. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 323– 347, 2007
Experimental study of plate‐reinforced composite deep coupling beams
Authors: Su R. K. L. , Lam W. Y. , Pam H. J.
Published: September 2007

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the behavior of deep coupling beams of span‐to‐depth ratio (1·17) fabricated according to the newly proposed plate‐reinforced composite (PRC) coupling beam design. Three PRC coupling beams of small span/depth ratio fabricated based on different approaches for load transfers between steel plates and reinforced concrete (RC) were tested under reversed cyclic loading. This paper presents the experimental results and compares the overall performance of these three specimens with two geometrically identical RC coupling beam specimens, one with diagonal reinforcement and the other with conventional reinforcement details, tested by previous researchers. It was found that the performance of PRC deep coupling beams of small span‐to‐depth ratio with properly designed plate anchorage in the wall regions can be comparable to that of diagonally reinforced coupling beams while being able to achieve a higher shear capacity without causing the problem of steel congestion. The proper design approach for the plate anchorage of PRC coupling beams was also identified. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) Polymorphisms in a Caucasian Population with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Hinterseher Irene , Krex Dietmar , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Schmidt Karl G. , Pilarsky Christian , Schneiders Wolfgang , Saeger Hans D. , Bergert Hendrik
Published: September 2007

Background

The formation of a sporadic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is explained by the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and breakdown of structural components of the vascular wall. Matrix metalloproteinases are the principal matrix‐degrading proteases and are known to play a major role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in arterial vessels. Their activity is controlled by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Decreased TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 expression in the extracellular matrix of the walls of AAAs has been shown in several studies. This case control study was designed to investigate the possible impact of genetic variants of theTIMP‐1gene in the etiology of AAA.

Methods

TIMP‐1single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in a primary study sample of 50 patients with AAA and 44 controls. Differences in genotype and allele frequencies of identified polymorphisms were determined after sequencing the entire coding region and selected parts of the promoter using the automated laser fluorescence technique. A second sample (96 patients vs. 89 controls) was investigated by single‐base sequencing to confirm significant results.

Results

Three polymorphisms were identified, one of which, described for the first time in this article, is located in intron 4 (TIMP‐1: 328 + 16C> T). A statistically significant difference in allele frequencies for SNPTIMP‐1372T>C was detected in the primary study group. The C allele was more frequent in male patients with AAA than in the control group [23 vs. 4,p= 0.029, OR (95% CI) 4.38 (1.13‐20.47)]. However, this result could not be confirmed in a second sample of males [52 vs. 45,p= 0.624, OR (95% CI) 1.16 (0.65‐2.06)]. There were no statistically significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of the other detected SNPs between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our analysis of the entire coding region and selected parts of the promoter of theTIMP‐1gene failed to show an association between genetic polymorphisms and AAA, suggesting that variations in theTIMP‐1gene do not contribute to the development of AAA.
Predictors and Outcome of Readmission after Laparoscopic Intestinal Surgery
Authors: O’Brien David Patrick
Published: September 2007

Background

Previous studies have failed to identify predictors of early readmission after major intestinal operations. The objectives of this study were to determine readmission rates, outcomes, and predictors of readmission for patients undergoing laparoscopic colon and rectal operations.

Methods

Patients readmitted (PR) to the hospital within 30 days of discharge after laparoscopic colon and rectal operations were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The PR group was compared with patients that were not readmitted (NR). Outcomes and variables related to readmission were evaluated.

Results

There were 820 consecutive elective laparoscopic colon and rectal operations performed over a 5‐year period, with adequate follow‐up data for 787 cases. Seventy‐nine (10%) patients were readmitted. There was no difference in the age, sex, surgeon, or type of operation between the PR and NR groups. The most common causes for readmission were bowel obstruction (19%), ileus (18%), intra‐abdominal abscess (14%), and anastomotic leak (9%). Overall mean (median) length of stay (LOS) for the index admission was 3.7 ± 4.3 (3.0) days. Patients in the PR group had a trend toward a longer index admission LOS than the NR group (5.4 ± 8.8 [3.0] versus 3.5 ± 3.3 [3.0], p = 0.068). Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary comorbidities, and steroid use were more likely to be readmitted. Multivariate analysis confirmed that inflammatory bowel disease and pulmonary comorbidity are independent risk factors for readmission.

Conclusions

Early readmission after laparoscopic colon and rectal operations is not associated with early discharge. Identification of specific patient characteristics indicating risk for early readmission may allow for selective changes in perioperative care or discharge criteria to avoid unexpected readmission.
A Note on “Constant Latent Odds-Ratios Models and the Mantel–Haenszel Null Hypothesis” Hessen, 2005
Authors: Maris Gunter
Published: September 2007

In a recent paper, Hessen (Psychometrika 70(3):497–516, 2005) introduces the class of constant latent odds-ratios models as an extension of the Rasch model for which the sum score is still the sufficient statistic for ability. In this paper the relation between both the general and the general parametric constant latent odds-ratios model and the Rasch model is considered.
Early Dislocation Rate in Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Mai Kenny , Hardwick Mary E. , Walker Richard H. , Copp Steven N. , Ezzet Kace A. , Colwell Clifford W.
Published: September 2007

Wear debris from metal-on-polyethylene articulation in conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA) may limit THA longevity. Bearing surfaces made of modern ceramic material, with high wear resistance and low fracture risk, have the potential to extend the longevity of THA and make the procedure more suitable for young, active patients. Concerns regarding a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface have included potential for a higher incidence of dislocation caused by limited modular neck length and liner options. This prospective study assessed the early dislocation incidence for a ceramic-on-ceramic THA system. Out of the 336 consecutive ceramic-on-ceramic THA performed at our institution over an 8-year (1997–2005) period, 2 (0.6%) sustained dislocation during, and none after, the first postoperative year. Both dislocations were treated with closed reduction. No component fracture or revision for any reason has occurred in this series.
Differences in Oxidation Kinetics Between Conjugated and Non‐Conjugated Methyl Linoleate
Authors: Luna P. , de la Fuente M. A. , Salvador D. , Márquez‐Ruiz G.
Published: September 2007

The oxidation kinetics of conjugated methyl linoleate was compared with that of non‐conjugated methyl linoleate under mild oxidation conditions (30 °C in the dark). Samples of methyl 9‐cis,11‐trans‐linoleate, methyl 10‐trans,12‐cis linoleate and methyl 9‐cis,12‐cis linoleate were assayed separately and in mixtures. For comparative purposes, methyl α‐linolenate and methyl oleate were also used. Two complementary analytical approaches were selected to monitor the progress of oxidation, (1) the traditional follow‐up of residual substrate by gas liquid chromatography, and (2) an analytical procedure by high‐performance size‐exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) for direct measurement of the oxidation compounds formed. The HPSEC method enabled us to quantitate oxidized monomers, dimers and polymers concomitantly in a rapid and direct analysis. Results showed that conjugated methyl linoleate samples oxidized later than their non‐conjugated counterparts, and showed a very different oxidation pattern. Thus, formation of oxidized monomers was negligible and the first and major compounds formed were polymerization products. Also, under the conditions used, non‐conjugated and conjugated methyl linoleate samples in 1:1 mixtures led to decreased oxidation rate of non‐conjugated methyl linoleate and increased oxidation rate of conjugated methyl linoleate. This study supports the view that oxidation kinetics of conjugated dienes differ substantially from that of methylene‐interrupted dienes.
Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Motif Discovery Tools for Transcription Factor Binding Sites
Authors: Wei Wei , Yu Xiao-Dan
Published: September 2007

In the post-genomic era, identification of specific regulatory motifs or transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) in non-coding DNA sequences, which is essential to elucidate transcriptional regulatory networks, has emerged as an obstacle that frustrates many researchers. Consequently, numerous motif discovery tools and correlated databases have been applied to solving this problem. However, these existing methods, based on different computational algorithms, show diverse motif prediction efficiency in non-coding DNA sequences. Therefore, understanding the similarities and differences of computational algorithms and enriching the motif discovery literatures are important for users to choose the most appropriate one among the online available tools. Moreover, there still lacks credible criterion to assess motif discovery tools and instructions for researchers to choose the best according to their own projects. Thus integration of the related resources might be a good approach to improve accuracy of the application. Recent studies integrate regulatory motif discovery tools with experimental methods to offer a complementary approach for researchers, and also provide a much-needed model for current researches on transcriptional regulatory networks. Here we present a comparative analysis of regulatory motif discovery tools for TFBSs.
One order, two laws: recovering the ‘normative’
in English School theory
Authors: BAIN WILLIAM
Published: September 2007

This article takes as its starting point the failure of the so-called normative
wing of the English School to theorise the foundational determinants of value
from which international society derives its normative character. In other
words, they have not adequately thought through ‘the law behind the
law’; that is, the underlying basis of obligation in international
life. Thus, English School theorists are able to describe and to explain various
norms but they cannot make sense of the reasons why any of these norms should be
regarded as obligatory. Failure in this regard is attributable in large part to
the way in which pluralist and solidarist conceptions of international life are
typically understood as representing conflicting moral claims. This article
seeks to move beyond these seemingly incommensurable claims, and the debate to
which they give their names, by putting forward an account of obligation that
reconciles the unity of human community and the freedom of international society
in a single, intellectually coherent argument. The article concludes by arguing
that a normative version of English School theory formulated in this way opens
space for thinking through much of what still confounds the English School,
including the normative character of political economy, the existence of a
rational order of values, and the ever elusive meaning of world society.
Lessons in International Communication: Carr, Angell and Lippmann on human nature, public opinion and leadership
Authors: CHONG ALAN
Published: September 2007

The sub-field of International Communication within International Relations is insufficiently cognisant of the social foundations of communication. Through a selective interpretation of three prominent interwar thinkers’ works, it will be argued that International Communication is a largely social, even ideological, field. The advantage of reading interwar international theory lies in their eclectic appreciation of the power of public opinion and leadership without undue fixation with realist and idealist labels. By reading Edward Carr, Norman Angell and Walter Lippmann, one can tease out the following three themes for organising the study of International Communication: human nature assumptions; opinion as power; and leadership in foreign policy in terms of public education.
The concept of solidarity in the study of world politics: towards a critical theoretic understanding
Authors: WEBER MARTIN
Published: September 2007

The concept of solidarity has been used in IR theory with social theoretic connotations, which have remained, by and large, murky and unclear. Below, I argue that the concept of solidarity must be understood together with its normative implications, that these implications matter per se, and that this has yet to be realised in contexts where the concept is used in IR.
Seasonal variation in hornbill abundance in a West African national park detected using analysis of acoustic recordings
Authors: Rainey Hugo J. , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: September 2007

Distance sampling, line transects and radio-tracking have been used previously to estimate population abundances and movements of hornbills. We used a large dataset of audio recordings made over 10 years to estimate seasonal variation in abundance of three species: Black-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata, Yellow-casqued Hornbill C. elata and Brown-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes cylindricus, in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. The latter two species are Near Threatened. Recordings of hornbill wing-beats were used to control for potential seasonal variation in call production. Yellow- and Black-casqued Hornbill calls were 10 times as abundant from July to February as they were from March to June. Brown-cheeked Hornbills showed a similar trend, but less pronounced. From these data we concluded that large numbers of Yellow- and Black-casqued Hornbills had left the Taï National Park during this period. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the fragmentation and regeneration of the Upper Guinea forests and the relatively small size of the remaining forest habitat in the region.

Les taux d'abondance et de mouvement des populations de calaos étaient auparavant estimés par un échantillonnage et des analyses sur le logiciel Distance, des transects linéaires et des repérages télémétriques. Nous avons eu recours è un grand ensemble d'enregistrements audio effectués sur plus de 10 ans afin d'estimer la variation saisonniàre de l'abondance de trois espàces rencontrées dans le Parc National de Taï, en Côte d'Ivoire : le Grand Calao è Casque Noir Ceratogymna atrata, le Grand Calao è Casque Jaune Ceratogymna elata et le Calao è Joues Brunes Bycanistes cylindricus. Ces deux derniàres espàces sont aujourd'hui considérées comme presque menacées. Nous avons procédé è des enregistrements de battements d'ailes pour tester une potentielle variation saisonniàre de la production des cris. Les cris des Grands Calaos è Casque Jaune et è Casque Noir étaient dix fois plus abondants entre juillet et février qu'entre mars et juin. En revanche, les Calaos è Joues Brunes n'ont présenté qu'une petite variation du taux d'abondance entre ces deux périodes. D'apràs ces données, nous avons conclu qu'un grand nombre de Calaos è Casque Jaune et è Casque Noir quittent le Parc National de Taï entre mars et juin. La signification de ces découvertes est discutée en tenant compte de la fragmentation et de la régénération des forêts de Haute Guinée ainsi que de la dimension relativement petite de l'habitat forestier subsistant dans cette région.
Time budgets and habitat use of White-naped Cranes Grus vipio in the Ulz river valley, north-eastern Mongolia during the breeding season
Authors: Bradter Ute , Gombobaatar Sundev , Uuganbayar Chuluunbaatar , Grazia Tracy E. , Exo Klaus-Michael
Published: September 2007

Habitat loss and degradation are critical threats for the globally threatened White-naped Crane Grus vipio. We estimated the size of the area used per day and the time budgets of parental and non-parental White-naped Crane pairs in north-eastern Mongolia during 2000 and 2001. Six parental crane pairs used an area of 11–155 ha per day. The maximum distance of a focal parental crane from the roosting-site was 3,030 m. Habitat conservation measures for breeding White-naped Cranes need to be targeted to within at least 3 km of the roosting-site or nest-site. Parental cranes spent 79.6 ± 4.8% of the daylight period foraging and had reduced preening and resting behaviour to 4.4 ± 1.9%. Pairs without juveniles showed a pronounced period of resting and preening behaviour during midday, which was absent in parental cranes. This indicates that parental cranes may be time-stressed. We conclude that increases in feeding-related activities (e.g. caused by a decrease in food availability) are likely to be at the expense of parental vigilance. Conversely, increases in vigilance (due to e.g. increased disturbance) may have a negative impact on feeding-related activities. Both increases can potentially negatively affect reproductive success in this Vulnerable species.
The Chestnut-banded Plover is an overlooked globally Near Threatened Species
Authors: Simmons Rob , Baker Neil , Braby Rod , Dodman Tim , Nasirwa Oliver , Tyler Stephanie , Versfeld Wilferd , Wearne Keith , Wheeler Marius
Published: September 2007

Species that show obvious population declines are relatively easy to categorize as globally threatened under IUCN Red List criteria. However, species whose populations are highly concentrated at a few inaccessible sites that are unprotected or habitat-threatened and then disperse are more difficult to pigeon-hole. Here we re-assess the conservation status of one such species – the Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus – that occurs across Africa in specialized, inaccessible and arid habitat. Wetland bird counts from 1991 to the present allow us to determine a new world population estimate of about 17,830 birds. This allows us to determine a new 1% level and we identified only eight sites in southern and East Africa where these plovers congregate in numbers >1% when non-breeding. There are only five other sites that hold more than 100 birds, indicating that the species is not simply widely dispersed across suitable habitats. Simultaneous counts across southern and East Africa indicate that just three sites – Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour in Namibia and Lake Natron in Tanzania – can hold 87% of the world population during non-breeding periods. Since two of these sites are under threat from pollution, siltation and water abstraction, and the eight sites in total comprise just 30% of the area criteria set by IUCN, the bird meets one of the two qualifiers for globally Vulnerable status. Despite this, we cannot detect any long-term declines in population size, partly because of wide variations in population numbers over decadal time periods (itself an IUCN qualifier). It is clear that this bird should move from its present Least Concern status to Near Threatened and conservation measures be enacted at two of the top three sites – Walvis Bay and Lake Natron.
Implications of changing species definitions for conservation purposes
Authors: Garnett Stephen T. , Christidis Les
Published: September 2007

Concern has been expressed that failure to adopt phylogenetic or related species concepts will result in biodiversity loss. Here we describe how widespread adoption of such concepts may affect conservation administration and the social contract with elected governments that fund management of threatened species. We then review threatened species legislation, showing that most laws and international conventions avoid arguments over species' definitions altogether, thus negating arguments that such definitions should be changed to further species' conservation.
New information on the Critically Endangered Javanese Lapwing Vanellus macropterus, based mainly on unpublished notes by August Spennemann (c. 1878–1945)
Authors: (BAS) Van Balen S , Nijman Vincent
Published: September 2007

In a manuscript written by August Spennemann in the 1930s, information is presented on display behaviour, vocalizations and habitat at two hitherto unknown localities of the Javanese Lapwing Vanellus (Hoplopterus) macropterus, a species last recorded in 1940. We provide a translation of the notes and give a summary of all information additional to what has already been published on the species. The Javanese Lapwing is historically known from two discrete areas on the island of Java: one in the west along the north coast, and one in the east along the south coast. Spennemann's observations, made in 1927 and 1928 at Poponcol and Tegallurung, represent the last documented sightings of the species along the north coast and are situated some 75 km east of the north coast's previous easternmost known locality, effectively doubling the species' known range in western Java. At this time, the Javanese Lapwing was observed daily, and unlike at most other localities from where the species is known, was common. Spennemann observed them in groups of up to six birds, the largest group size recorded. Some local movement or migration is suggested by its erratic occurrence and off-shore sightings.
The five research C's
Authors: Chochinov Harvey Max
Published: September 2007

It is naïve to think that successful research, like any lifelong academic pursuit, can be reduced to a pithy, simplistic formula. Yet, after years of attempting to get it right and with still much to learn, it strikes me that successful research is comprised of certain indispensable elements. Based on considerable personal experience and reflection, I humbly offer the “Five Research C's”; their intent is to provide a framework for novice and expert investigators alike, to contemplate some of the basic constituents of empirical research.