bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of block error probability of trellis codes
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroshi , Fujiwara Toru , Takata Toyoo , Kasami Tadao
Published: July 2007

An efficient method is proposed to evaluate the block error probability of trellis codes. the notion of correct state on the most likely paths in Viterbi decoding on additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels is introduced. the probability that a state is correct and the probability that the state following a correct state is also correct are evaluated by simulation. These probabilities do not depend on block length. Then the block error probability for any given block length is estimated by simple calculation from the forementioned probabilities.

This method is applied for some specific 8‐PSK Ungerboeck codes with 24, 25, and 26 states. the results show that the values obtained by this method are very close to those by simulation. It is concluded that this method is very effective.
An intelligent digital signal processing system for stock trends based upon transient wave detection by using gabor representation and knowledge representation of waveforms
Authors: Tokinaga Shozo , Ishida Yasuyuki
Published: July 2007

This paper considers the realization of an intelligent digital signal processing system for representing time series and its applicatio to the classification of stock prices. the system utilizes an effective mechanism to detect the nonstationary part (transient waves) which includes important information on the time series based on the Gabor representation and the knowledge representatio of waveforms using an expert system. In the subsystem for digital signal processing, an adaptive ARMA model is fitted to the time series obtained by subtracting the moving average from the original time series to generate the time series containing enhanced transient waves.

The Gabor representation is applid to classify the kinds of transient waves. A set of codebooks for the spectrum of transient waves is used to identify the kind of transient wave. In the subsystem of the expert system, the characteristics of the time series obtained by digital signal processing and other features recognized by conventional methods such as trend lines are transferred to the frames so that the recognition rules of experts are applied to classify the time series. As an application, 194 time series of stock prices are recognized and classified into 11 categories.

The result shows that about 80 percent of the times series is recognized, and categories which are close to the original ones are included as the candidates.
An adaptive unidirectional linear response fuzzy controller based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Tang Zheng , Komori Masakazu , Ishizuka Okihiko , Tanno Koichi
Published: July 2007

This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy controller using unidirectional linear response (ULR) elements. The basic functions for a fuzzy controller including membership, minimum and defuzzification functions are realized by the ULR elements. Because the ULR element has diode‐like characteristics, it can be implemented by a diode‐connected mean‐opinion score (MOS) transistor in current‐mode implementations. The hardware implementation of the fuzzy controller using ULR elements should also be very simple and straightforward. The ULR fuzzy controller is applied to an inverted pendulum problem, and the effectiveness of the proposed ULR controller architecture and its learning capability based on reinforcement learning are demonstrated.
Approximation bounds of three‐layered neural networks—a theorem on an integral transform with ridge functions
Authors: Murata Noboru
Published: July 2007

Neural networks have attracted attention due to their capability to perform nonlinear function approximation. In this paper, in order to better understand this capability, a new theorem on an integral transform was derived by applying ridge functions to neural networks. From the theorem, it is possible to obtain approximation bounds which clarify the quantitative relationship between the function approximation accuracy and the number of nodes in the hidden layer. The theorem indicates that the approximation accuracy depends on the smoothness of the target function. Furthermore, the theorem also shows that this type of approximation method differs from usual methods and is able to escape the so‐called “curse of dimensionality,” in which the approximation accuracy depends strongly of the input dimension of the function and deteriorates exponentially.
An automatic‐repeat request policy for a data transmission system with three types of error probabilities
Authors: Yasui Kazumi , Nakagawa Toshio , Sandoh Hiroaki
Published: July 2007

In the data transmission, in general, the data error is inevitable due to the interference to the communication channel, e.g., temporary disconnection, the noise, and the distortion. Then the error control is indispensable in order to maintain a high quality of data and various methods have been devised from the viewpoint of reliability improvement. Among those, automatic‐repeat request (ARQ) is applied frequently to the point‐to‐point data transmission system, since the error can be controlled relatively simply.

This paper assumes that the data error occurs at random, usually in the transmission system; and a transmission model is discussed where the generaton of the error is enhandced greatly by the occurrence of the intermittent faults and their potential period. In other words, it is assumed that the transmission system has three states, i.e., normal, temporary fault, and permanent fault.

An ARQ model then is defined in which the error of the unit data arises with different probabilities in those states. When an error occurs, retransmissions are attempted for up to (N ‐ 1) times. If all retransmission trials fail, the transmission of the unit data is restarted from the initial state after the specified period. Using the probability genertive function, the mean time until the transmission of the unit data succeeds is derived. the optimal number N of retransmission trials that minimize the above mean time is determined analytically. Discussions are then made on the result using numerical examples.
Symmetry of periodic solutions of five coupled oscillators in a ring
Authors: Katsuta Yuuji , Kawakami Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

This paper considers the oscillators coupled in the form of a ring through resistors. It is described for the case of five oscillators that, for the symmetrical solutions, the analysis based on the conjugate class in group theory is useful. Major problems in the coupled oscillators are the existence of the synchronized periodic solution and its stability. In the case of the weakly nonlinear system, the problems of the synchronized periodic solution and the stability are almost answered by techniques that include mode analysis. In the case of the strongly nonlinear system, on the other hand, the periodic solutions with symmetry have been classified mostly based on the subgroup in the group theory when the number of coupled oscillators is less. When the number of oscillators is increased, however, the number of subgroups becomes tremendous, which makes systematic analysis difficult. This paper uses the conjugate class and shows that the symmetrical solutions can be classified systematically. It is also shown that the approximate periodic solution with symmetry can be approximately determined by the averaging based on the symmetry.
Wideband beamforming by means of band division
Authors: Taniguchi Tetsuki , Nishikawa Kiyoshi , Miyaki Akira
Published: July 2007

This paper describes a method that realizes wideband beamforming efficiently. In the proposed method, the band‐division processing is applied where the signal received from the array sensor is divided into the low‐and high‐frequency components and the fan‐filter with the wedge‐shaped transition region and an adequate order is applied to each of the divided bands. the mid‐point of the band is defined as the stopband edge of the lower band filter for dividing the band so that one‐half lowspeed processing is applied to the lower band and the lower‐band fan filter is realized by a lower order. the upper‐band fan filter is designed efficiently by including the high‐pass filter for the band division.

A design example is presented, and it is shown that both the computational complexity and the number of sensors are considerably reduced compared to the case of the direct design. In other words, it is shown that the band division is effective.
A hierarchical IFS image coding with the gaussian pyramid
Authors: Nakano Katsuhiko , Nakagawa Masahiro
Published: July 2007

A novel IFS coding scheme is proposed for image compression. the present method is based on hierarchical structure or the Gaussian pyramid of contracted images. In comparison with the conventional scheme (IFS or JPEG), the presently introduced hierarchical scheme is found to be useful, especially for relatively low‐bit rates. This is considered to be as a result of the subband division of the original image and the existence of the redundancy between the range and domain characteristics in the image. On the basis of the present scheme, it is found that the bit rate may be reduced up to the conventional scheme with the transform coding scheme, for the original monochrome image with 256×256 size and 8‐bit gray‐scale levels.
Predicting chaotic sequences in a blast furnace by a generalized radial basis function network
Authors: Miyano Takaya , Shibuta Hiroshi , Nakashima Ken , Ikenaga Yasuharu
Published: July 2007

Nonlinear forecasting is applied to characterize the complexities in time series of temperature fluctuations and pressure fluctuations observed in a blast furnace. A generalized radial basis function network and a Sugihara‐May predictor are used as the predictive models. the temperature sequence may be diagnosed as low‐dimensional chaos according to the scaling property of the prediction error as a function of the prediction‐time interval. Short‐term forecasts about the temperature sequence are successfully made by the network that has learned the underlying dynamics embedded in three‐dimensional delayed space.
Bifurcation of synchronized oscillations in an oscillator with hard characteristics
Authors: Nakamura Yuichi , Kawakami Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

It is critically important that the synchronization problem be studied as it pertains to oscillators with hard characteristics having two types of limit cycles where periodic external force is applied and oscillations are at a submultiple of the frequency of external force. This paper considers bifurcations of periodic states corresponding to harmonic synchronization and subharmonic synchronization of the order of one‐half and one‐third observed in a Duffing‐Rayleigh equation with hard characteristics. As a result, it was discovered that the synchronization region corresponding to each limit cycle exists independently and, under certain conditions, the two regions have mutual coalescence. Moreover, in the region of subharmonic synchronization of the order of one‐half it was observed that periodic doubling bifurcation intersects the Hopf bifurcation. As a result of analysis using Hopf bifurcations, it was also found that tangent bifurcations correlated with Arnold tongues and the associated resonance phenomena.
A method for psychological evaluation of external nonwhite noise when listening to audio signal based on fuzzy sets theory
Authors: Yamaguchi Shizuma , Saeki Tetsuro , Oimatsu Kensei
Published: July 2007

Recently, quality improvement of housing and the living environment has become a priority issue. the quality improvement of the acoustic field in a direct voice transmission as a fundamental method of information transmission is no exception. It is important to realize an acoustical environment in which the audience can concentrate on hearing sound without distraction due to external noise. the relationship between the voice signal and the external noise has been studied extensively by a number of researchers, thus significant achievements have been reported. Most of the results, however, have more or less focused on the voice signals from the viewpoint of perception and understanding of the voice with respect to the masking effect and articulation.

This paper differs from these studies in the following two aspects. First, the intent is to evaluate the external noise instead of the voice signal. Second, the sensory evaluation is based on the subjective judgment of human beings. the fuzziness necessarily associated with the subjective quantity is taken into account from the outset. Specifically, by using the fuzzy theory, this paper studies the problem of estimating or predicting the psychological judgment of the audience when meaningless nonwhite noise with an arbitrary power spectrum enters externally. the validity of the method proposed here is verified by means of the measured data from an indoor psychological experiment.
Time‐series analysis of behavior of a two‐link nozzle in a dishwasher
Authors: Nomura Hiroyoshi , Wakami Noboru , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: July 2007

The two‐link nozzle in the dishwaher‐dryer is composed of two links which rotate by the water flow. Although the behavior of the two‐link nozzle is related closely to the washing performance of the dishwasher, its behavior is complex. In this sense, in order to improve the washing performance of the dishwasher, it is necessary to analyze the behavior of the two‐link nozzle and to clarify the washing mechanism. This study aims at providing the basis for the analysis of the behavior of the two‐link nozzle. the motion of he nozzle is detected by image processing, and the behavior of the nozzle is analyzed based on the derived time‐series from the viewpoint of the deterministic chaos. the result is reported.

The following calculations are made as the data analysis: (1) analysis of the Poincaré section and the circle map, based on the attractor reconstructed from the time‐series; (2) calculation of the maximum Lyapunov exponent; and (3) calculation of the fractal dimension. As the result of analysis, the fractal dimension of approximately 2.4 as well as the positive maximum Lyapunov exponent are obtained from the time‐series data detected by the image processing. the noninvertible structure is observed in the circle map. Those results suggest that the behavior of the two‐link nozzle is related closely to the deterministic chaos.
Suppression effects of multiple access interference in direct sequence/spread spectrum multiple access system by using partial correlation weight coefficient control techniques
Authors: Asato Hideki , Tachikawa Shin'Ichi , Marubayashi Gen
Published: July 2007

This paper introduces a method for suppression of multiple access interference in the direct sequence/spread spectrum multiple access system (DS/SSMA). It is especially effective for the near‐far problem. When an integration period of cross correlation is divided into subintervals in the DS/SSMA system, the partial cross correlation values in the presence of noise and interference vary considerably from subinterval to subinterval. In the proposed system, allocating small weight coefficients to subintervals with large cross‐correlation values and large weight coefficients to subintervals with small cross‐correlation values results in considerable improvement in signal‐to‐noise ratio. Using this method, multiple access interference can be suppressed without knowing the PN sequences of other users. the principle of this system, a novel algorithm using partial correlation weight coefficient control techniques, will be illustrated with the help of computer simulations.
Adaptive line enhancers with discriminated structures
Authors: Watanabe Eiji , Okamura Yukio , Nishihara Akinori
Published: July 2007

The adaptive line enhancer eliminates noise from a sinusoidal signal with the unknown frequency buried in the noise and extracts the sinusoidal signal. the performance of the adaptive line enhancer is represented by the signal‐to‐noise improvement figure. the signal‐to‐noise improvement figure increases as the bandwidth of the adaptive line enhancer is made narrower. the conventional adaptive line enhancer, however, contains an incompatible problem in that the convergence of the adaptive coefficient is deteriorated when the signal‐to‐noise improvement figure is raised by narrowing the bandwidth.

This paper proposes the adaptive line enhancer with the discriminated structure to solve this problem. the adaptive line enhancer with the discriminated structure is composed of two parts. One is the (frequency) estimator that estimates the frequency of the unknown sinusoidal signal, and the other is the (sinusoidal signal) discriminator that discriminates the unknown sinusoidal signal from the noise. the estimator is the conventional adaptive line enhancer, and the bandwidth is determined so that the convergence of the adaptive coefficient is the fastest. the discriminator is the narrowband bandpass filter where the center frequency is controlled by the adaptation coefficient. This paper presents the optimal design method for each of those parts, and the effectiveness of the method is verified by a computer simulation.
Performance evaluations of hybrid automatic repeat request schemes for a data communication system
Authors: Yasui Kazumi , Nakagawa Toshio
Published: July 2007

It is generally impossible to avoid occurrences of errors of the data transmission because of the disturbing factors such as disconnections, noises or distortions in a communication line. Therefore, the error‐control procedure is indispensable to trnnsmit high‐quality data and its various techinques have been considered from the viewpoints of high reliability data transmission. the main techniques in the error‐correcting strategies are classified into the following three categories: (i) forward‐error‐correction (FEC) scheme; (ii) automatic‐repeat‐request (ARQ) scheme; and (iii) hybrid ARQ scheme. the hybrid ARQ scheme is the system combined FEC scheme with ARQ scheme. This aims to reduce the frequency of retransmissions as much as possible and to gain a constant data throughput, even in a worse communication environment, by coding error patterns that would be expected to occur frequently. However, when the first data of transmission has failed, the hybrid ARQ is removed to the ARQ policy with the same FEC, i.e., its data throughput decreases because of bit increments, such as codes to correct errors in the data transmission. This is called type‐I hybrid ARQ and its modified systems, which are called type‐II hybrid ARQ, have been studied and proposed by many authors. This paper suggests a new type‐II hybrid ARQ system from the viewpoint of improving the data throughput and derives the mean time to success of the data transmission. Then, the mean times of the system are compared analytically with those of the usual ARQ and the type‐I hybrid ARQ, and an evaluation is done.
Self‐Assembly of Silver(I) Coordination Polymers from AgX (X = BF4–, ClO4–, CF3COO–, and SO3CF3–) and a Rigid Bent 3,6‐Dicyano‐9‐phenylcarbazole Ligand: The Templating Effect of Anions
Authors: Wei Kai‐Ju , Ni Jia , Gao Jian , Liu Yangzhong , Liu Qing‐Liang
Published: July 2007

One rigid bent bridging ligand with highly planar π‐conjugated spacers, 3,6‐dicyano‐9‐phenylcarbazole (dcphcz), was designed and synthesized. The coordination reactions of dcphcz with a series of AgI salts with different counterions has been investigated. Four coordination polymers were obtained by solution reactions and characterized by IR,elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The solid‐state structures of {[Ag(dcphcz)]BF4}n (1) and {[Ag(dcphcz)]ClO4}n (2), exhibit similar 1D “zigzag” patterns. The complex {[Ag(dcphcz)][Ag2(dcphcz)(H2O)2](SO3CF3)3·C6H6·(H2O)2}n (3) includes two different one‐dimensional (1D) chain units: one forms double‐layer two‐dimensional (2D) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) through intermolecular Ag–O–Ag bridging interactions, the other features double‐layer 2D supramolecular networks through C–H···O hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The complex [Ag2(dcphcz)(CF3COO)2]n (4) features a bundle of novel nanotubular structures, which contain silver chains formed by carboxylate spacers. Furthermore, all these complexes are connected by face‐to‐face π···π stacking interactions between carbazolyl planes, affording a series of three‐dimensional (3D) architectures with different structural geometries. The structuraldiversities of these complexes demonstrated that counteranions and bridging ligands play essential roles in the construction of supramolecular frameworks. In addition, the luminescence properties of the free ligand dcphcz and complexes 1–4 were investigated.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Mu‐35: A Fluorogallophosphate Obtained by In Situ Generation of the Template
Authors: Lakiss Louwanda , Simon‐Masseron Angélique , Porcher Florence , Rigolet Séverinne , Patarin Joël
Published: July 2007

A two‐dimensional microporous fluorogallophosphate, named Mu‐35, closely related to ULM‐8, was hydrothermally synthesized by in situ generation of the structure‐directing agent. The precursor of the structure‐directing agent is ethylformamide, which is generated in situ by decomposition, and goes on to form ethylamine molecules that act as templates in the medium used for the synthesis. The fluorogallophosphate Mu‐35 (Mu is Mulhouse), Ga3(PO4)2(HPO4)F3(C2H8N)2(C2H7N)0.5 (Z = 8), crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn with the following unit cell parameters: a = 22.117(1), b = 17.3740(8), c = 10.1550(4) Å. The structure of fluorogallophosphate Mu‐35 was determined from single‐crystal XRD data. It exhibits anionic layers composed of an unusual arrangement of three‐, five‐, and eight‐membered rings (MR) [Ga2PO2F, Ga3P2O4F, and Ga3P3O8, respectively], and intercalated by protonated and nonprotonated ethylamine molecules. Mu‐35 was also characterized by powder XRD, SEM, elemental and thermal analyses, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 19F, and 31P MAS and 1H‐31P HETCOR experiments). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
The anchor and adjustment heuristic in time‐series forecasting
Authors: Lawrence Michael , O'connor Marcus
Published: July 2007

This paper explores the relevance of the anchor and adjustment heuristic in judgmental time‐series extrapolation. Using a database of real time series it examines the proposition that people anchor on the last history value of the series and make insufficient adjustments from it in making their forecast. In contrast to studies in behavioral decision making, analysis shows that the anchor and adjustment heuristic does not describe the behavior of time‐series forecasters. Adjustments from the anchor are often excessive, not insufficient. A number of possible explanations for this exceptional finding are explored.
Modifying quantitative forecasts of livestock production using expert judgments: An application to the australian lamb industry
Authors: Vere D. T. , Griffith G. R.
Published: July 2007

The judgmental modification of quantitative forecasts has become increasingly adopted in the production of agricultural commodity outlook information. Such modifications allow current period information to be incorporated into the forecast value, and ensure that the forecast is realistic in the context of current industry trends. This paper investigates the potential value of this approach in production forecasting in the Australian lamb industry. Several individual and composite econometric models were used to forecast a lamb‐slaughtering series with a selected forecast being given to a panel of lamb industry specialists for consideration and modification. The results demonstrate that this approach offers considerable accuracy advantages in the short‐term forecasting of livestock market variables, such as slaughtering, whose values can be strongly influenced by current industry conditions.
Wie die Würmer: „beinlose”︁ Bewegung
Authors: Zimmermann Klaus
Published: July 2007

Abgeschaut bei der Natur: Der Einsatz magnetischer Flüssigkeiten ermöglicht neue Wege, um einen technischen Wurm zu entwickeln. Wurmartige Bewegungssysteme könnten bei vielen Anwendungen hilfreich und inspirierend sein
Subject variation more than values clarification explains the reliability of willingness to pay estimates
Authors: Shiell Alan , McIntosh Karen
Published: July 2007

In a recent article in this journal, Smith offers additional evidence to support his claim that the test–retest reliability of willingness to pay measures increases along with willingness to pay because people take more time to consider their answers for the more highly valued (and therefore more ‘expensive’) goods. Unfortunately, by repeating a common misconception about what reliability actually measures, he overlooks an alternative explanation for the relationship he observed; namely, that subject variation increases with willingness to pay and that it is this, rather than any reduction in measurement error, that explains his findings. We show that 75% of the increase in reliability comes from increases in subject variation (that is different views about the value of good health), and that the relationship between measurement error and willingness to pay is not as simple as Smith suggests. However, our critique of Smith's paper should not be construed as criticism of the ideas being explored. We need to better understand the responses people give to contingent valuation exercises. Such understanding has to be based on a better appreciation of what reliability is and on more robust testing of alternative hypotheses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of ownership, subsidization and teaching activities on hospital costs in Switzerland
Authors: Farsi Mehdi , Filippini Massimo
Published: July 2007

This paper explores the cost structure of Swiss hospitals, focusing on differences due to teaching activities and those related to ownership and subsidization types. A stochastic total cost frontier with a Cobb–Douglas functional form has been estimated for a panel of 148 general hospitals over the six‐year period from 1998 to 2003. Inpatient cases adjusted by DRG cost weights and ambulatory revenues are considered as two separate outputs. The adopted econometric specification allows for unobserved heterogeneity across hospitals. The results suggest that teaching activities are an important cost‐driving factor and hospitals that have a broader range of specialization are relatively more costly. The excess costs of university hospitals can be explained by more extensive teaching activities as well as the relative complexity of the offered medical treatments from a teaching point of view. However, even after controlling for such differences university hospitals have shown a relatively low cost‐efficiency especially in the first two or three years of the sample period. The analysis does not provide any evidence of significant efficiency differences across ownership/subsidy categories. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ergonomic challenges in conventional and advanced apparel manufacturing
Authors: Kelly Michael J. , Ortiz Daniel J. , Folds Dennis J. , Courtney Theodore K.
Published: July 2007

Apparel manufacturing is a labor‐intensive, assembly‐line process requiring significant amounts of repetitive, skilled manipulation. A survey of three typical plants in the southeastern United States identified relatively high frequencies of musculoskeletal discomfort among the sewing operators. Poorly designed and maladjusted workstations contributed to these reported problems. Subsequent research found that ergonomic interventions including redesign and proper adjustment of workstations, use of ergonomically designed seating, and training in low‐risk methods and postures substantially reduced these complaints. Other innovations in equipment, job, and organizational design, with potential to reduce ergonomic problems, are also discussed.
Introducing manufacturing technologies: The quest for methods and tools
Authors: Bolk Henk
Published: July 2007

This article summarizes advanced viewpoints on organizations by focusing on the “configuration approach” and its consequences for thinking about manufacturing technology. The study describes criteria that methods and tools must meet in order to comply with modern insights into organizational behavior. It also describes rules to apply in projects where further enhancement and development of manufacturing technology is the issue. Several methods and tools, aiding in the design and implementation process, are described and evaluated.
Task and reliability analysis of lathe operation
Authors: Pines Edward , Goldberg Joseph H.
Published: July 2007

As machine tools have become larger, faster, and more automated, the role of the machinist has changed from a primary operator to a system monitor, who is further removed from the machining process. Estimation of system reliability must still consider the human monitor as an integral component, hut human failure estimates are harder to make as the operator is further removed from direct system control. To illustrate system reliability analysis for specific machining tasks, the reliability of both manual and computer‐numerical controlled (CNC) lathe operation tasks were evaluated. A task analysis was initially completed, detailing common failure modes in each subtask. Using the Technique for Human Error Prediction (THERP), human operator reliability was estimated at 0.90 for a 30‐element manual task, and 0.95 for an 18‐element CNC task. These estimates were considered acceptable for nonproduction work. Further decreases in reliability in the CNC task are expected as the result of operator program changes during machining. THERP was most useful in developing initial estimates of human reliability for the tasks, but additional studies are recommended in the areas of operator scanning strategies and human reliability in performance of more complex machining tasks.
Safety aspects in the use of radio‐controlled cranes in finnish industry
Authors: Pesonen J. , Lahtinen K.
Published: July 2007

Recently, the use of radio‐controlled cranes in Finnish manufacturing industry has increased considerably. This development has resulted in the diversification of tasks, more effective use of cranes, and sometimes also the improvement of working conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate safety effects of radio control and to identify the conditions where the use of radio‐controlled cranes is functional and, on the other hand, problematic. Data regarding experience in the use of radio‐controlled cranes in Finnish industry were collected with a questionnaire. A total of 70 manufacturing enterprises responded; they had a total of 252 cranes equipped with a radio‐control system. Data on cranes and their use, radio‐control devices, safety, and the properties of radio‐control systems were analyzed. The safely inspectors' observations on defects in the implementation of radio‐controlled cranes gave additional information about factors to be considered in the evaluation of hazards. Ergonomic properties of the control devices were also studied.
Chicken or egg? The interaction between manufacturing technologies and paradigms of work organization
Authors: Webster Juliet
Published: July 2007

This article considers the development of Computer Aided Production Management as a function of paradigms of work organization. CAPM design has been heavily influenced by manufacturing fashions—U.S. models of centralized production, and now, Japanese manufacturing methods. CAPM implementation is an important site for further technological innovation. To make CAPM workable in local conditions, users have to expend considerable effort in system customization. Case studies demonstrate how these systems are reconfigured when the standardized structures and rigid procedures of CAPM fail to fit users' own idiosyncratic manufacturing circumstances. Innovation therefore continues into the implementation stage of a technology's development.
Human resource issues in manufacturing improvement initiatives: Case study experiences in australia
Authors: Samson D. , Sohal A. , Ramsay E.
Published: July 2007

This article examines, using a case study format, companies that have attempted to introduce just‐in‐time, total quality management, and advanced manufacturing technologies as new manufacturing improvement initiatives. In all cases, it was found that the new systems cannot simply be placed into an organization without carefully attending to a number of human resource issues such as training and skills, cooperation and involvement, and overall work culture. In manufacturing management practice, the case studies indicate that although the content of new systems is well understood, the human resource process issues associated with implementing change are not.
Allowing for the human element: Human factors in small manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Wilson John R. , Neely Andy D. , Aggarwal Nina
Published: July 2007

Manufacturing industry is increasingly realizing that promoting greater involvement of workforces in the development and running of companies is a key to successful enterprises. A large human factors collaborative project between academia, government, and small manufacturing enterprises is discussed in this article. Two particular major strands of the work are taken up in more detail. The first involves the development of a framework within which human factors issues can be explained, examined, and promoted. The second strand embraces many of the pertinent human factors issues such as goal and target setting, performance measurement, reporting and reward systems, which are being examined as part of a detailed study of goal congruence.
Cellular manufacturing: Some human resource implications
Authors: Bratton John
Published: July 2007

This article considers some of the human resource management implications of the Japanese manufacturing system. The paper draws on case studies undertaken in England between 1985 and 1988. The paper presents a framework for analyzing the effects of Japanese methods. It is found that the Japanese system resulted in an enhancement of manual engineering skills. Further, it is argued that Japanese practices can coexist alongside traditional industrial relations systems, but because of uncertainty and high dependency on constituents, new organizational control configurations need to be developed.
Extended work cycle assembly—a crucial learning experience
Authors: Engström Tomas , Medbo Lars , Jonsson Dan
Published: July 2007

This paper reports on a crucial learning experience relating to design principles applied in the Volvo Car Corporation final assembly plant in Uddevalla, Sweden. These principles include the concept of holistic learning, specifically through the creation and transformation of complementary, interrelated physical, semantical, and cognitive structures. We report on the learning environment and learning aids, as well as the learning method applied to the assembly of one‐quarter of an automobile performed by one single person. Through the application of this learning concept, it proved possible to dramatically reduce the learning time required for long cycle time assembly work, making cycle times of 2 hours or more a practical proposition for full‐scale automotive manufacturing today. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Computerized ergonomic analysis in manufacturing: A results‐oriented approach for the practitioner
Authors: Marcotte Andrew J. , Joyce Marilyn
Published: July 2007

For ergonomics to be effectively implemented within an organization, nonspecialists in ergonomics organized in cross‐functional teams need the tools and the knowledge to perform. A worksite analysis and problem‐solving process, assisted by computer programs, can enable the organization's personnel to do the following: identify and prioritize the problems; solve the problems, often with minimal cost; and document results. This paper describes the use of ergonomics checklists and detailed ergonomics task analysis within the system. A case based on the computerized analysis illustrates the method. @ 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Integrating safety in manufacturing systems
Authors: Cheng Otto S. , Jiang Bernard C.
Published: July 2007

An integrated safety and manufacturing system (ISM) was developed. With this ISM system, a communication method between the safety system and the manufacturing system by means of a hybrid control strategy was introduced. The hybrid control strategy combined the hierarchical and heterarchical control in order to take advantage of both. Thus, a safety system can have the same weight as that of a manufacturing system, and is no longer an auxiliary part of a system. The safety approach, which was proposed for developing the safety system in ISM system. started by applying open‐loop safety controls and closed‐loop safety controls to machines. Applying a safety training program and personal protection equipment to humans followed. Then, a user‐coded safety module was developed for users who want to integrate the safety concept into their simulation system. Finally, a simulated application example illustrated the compatibility of the safety module and the differences of a system cell before and after integration with the safety system. The simulation results, from throughput, utilization, and safety aspects, are discussed. @ 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Regulation of c‐Met signaling by the tetraspanin KAI‐1/CD82 affects cancer cell migration
Authors: Takahashi Miho , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Abe Masakazu , Ishii Koutaro , Shirasuna Kanemitsu
Published: July 2007

It has been proposed that the metastasis suppressor CD82/KAI‐1, which is a member of the tetraspanin superfamily, regulates biological activity by associating with cell surface receptors or proteins. We show a novel association between CD82 and the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor c‐Met. Although ectopic expression of CD82 in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cells did not affect the tyrosine phosphorylation of c‐Met, these cells showed significant suppression of HGF‐induced lamellipodial protrusion and cell migration. CD82 selectively attenuated c‐Met signaling via the Ras‐Cdc42/Rac and the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Cdc42/Rac pathways. In contrast, another c‐Met signaling pathway that involves phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase was not affected by CD82. Signaling adapter proteins for c‐Met, such as Grb2 and p85, exhibited reduced association with c‐Met in cells that ectopically expressed CD82. These results indicate that the CD82‐c‐Met complex inhibits HGF‐induced cancer cell migration by the inactivation of small GTP‐binding proteins of the Rho family via c‐Met adapter proteins. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
KLF6 allelic loss is associated with tumor recurrence and markedly decreased survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Teixeira Miriam S. , Camacho‐Vanegas Olga , Fernandez Yolanda , Narla Goutham , DiFeo Analisa , Lee Bryant , Kalir Tamara , Friedman Scott L. , Schlecht Nicolas F. , Genden Eric M. , Urken Mark , Brandwein‐Gensler Margaret , Martignetti John A.
Published: July 2007

The Krüppel‐like transcription factor (KLF6) gene is a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) reported to be dysregulated and inactivated through loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and/or somatic mutation in a number of major human cancers. The aim of the present study was to examine KLF6 gene status and expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). A collection of 81 well‐characterized oral and oropharyngeal HNSCC samples were analyzed for evidence of KLF6 LOH and mutation and differences in expression patterns between normal and cancerous tissues and these findings were correlated with clinicopathological variables. We also tested the effect of KLF6 inhibition in HNSCC cell lines on proliferation and p21 expression. LOH was found in approximately 30% of cases and was strongly correlated with cancer progression, tumor recurrence and decreased patient survival. Overall, median survival of patients with LOH was less than half (19 vs. 41 months, p = 0.036, stratified on stage) than those without loss. Risk of death for patients with LOH was 8 times greater independent of tumor size, nodal status, tobacco smoking or treatment modality (HR 7.89, 95% CI: 1.9–32.4). Subsequent analyses revealed KLF6 mutations in only 2 of 20 samples, but altered subcellular protein localization in 64% of tumors. Targeted stable reduction of KLF6 in HNSCC cell lines increased cellular proliferation while decreasing p21 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that KLF6 LOH represents a clinically‐relevant biomarker predicting patient survival and tumor recurrence and that dysregulation of KLF6 function plays an important role in HNSCC progression. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wear of medical grade silicone rubber against titanium and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Pylios T. , Shepherd D. E. T.
Published: July 2007

The replacement of arthritic small joints, such as the fingers and wrist, has typically involved the use of one‐piece silicone rubber implants. Newer designs have involved the silicone moving against either a titanium or ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) component. The aim of this study was to investigate the wear of medical grade silicone rubber against titanium and UHMWPE. A pin‐on‐disc apparatus was used to slide a titanium and UHMWPE pin against a silicone disc, in the presence of either a Ringer's solution or bovine serum lubricant. Testing was undertaken at a sliding speed of 0.079 m/s and was continued for 10 km. Wear factors for titanium against silicone were 40.0 × 10−6 mm3/N m and 66.5 × 10−6 mm3/N m for bovine serum and Ringer's solution, respectively. The wear factors for UHMWPE against silicone were higher with values of 84.4 × 10−6 mm3/N m and 88.3 × 10−6 mm3/N m for bovine serum and Ringer's solution, respectively. The results of this study will be useful in future designs of finger and wrist implants that combine silicone rubber with either titanium or UHMWPE. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Sensitized chemiluminescence determination of fluorouracil in pharmaceutical and biological fluids based on potassium permanganate oxidation in the presence of formaldehyde
Authors: Sun Hanwen , Li Liqing , Chen Xueyan
Published: July 2007

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) reaction system was established for the anticancer drug fluorouracil (5‐FU). We developed a formaldehyde‐sensitized CL emission mechanism for 5‐FU‐KMnO4‐HCl systems by comparing the fluorescence emission with CL spectra. The illuminant was the singlet‐state bimolecular oxygen 1O21O2(1Δg1Δg), which is from 1O2(1Δg) produced in the reaction system, and emits CL spectra at 639 nm. The presence of formaldehyde can sensitize CL emission by accelerating the generation of 1O2(1Δg). The optimum conditions for CL emission were investigated. The relationship between the relative CL intensity and the concentration of the analyte showed good linearity. The determination limit was 3 × 10−8 g mL−1. The relative standard deviation (SD) was 1.8%. The proposed method was applied to the determination of fluorouracil in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids, and satisfactory results were obtained. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:213–219, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of manual and automated nucleic acid extraction from whole‐blood samples
Authors: Riemann Kathrin , Adamzik Michael , Frauenrath Stefan , Egensperger Rupert , Schmid Kurt W. , Brockmeyer Norbert H. , Siffert Winfried
Published: July 2007

Nucleic acid extraction and purification from whole blood is a routine application in many laboratories. Automation of this procedure promises standardized sample treatment, a low error rate, and avoidance of contamination. The performance of the BioRobot M48 (Qiagen) and the manual QIAmp® DNA Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen) was compared for the extraction of DNA from whole blood. The concentration and purity of the extracted DNAs were determined by spectrophotometry. Analytical sensitivity was assessed by common PCR and genotyping techniques. The quantity and quality of the generated DNAs were slightly higher using the manual extraction method. The results of downstream applications were comparable to each other. Amplification of high‐molecular‐weight PCR fragments, genotyping by restriction digest, and pyrosequencing were successful for all samples. No cross‐contamination could be detected. While automated DNA extraction requires significantly less hands‐on time, it is slightly more expensive than the manual extraction method. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:244–248, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linkage studies for T2D in Chop and C/EBPbeta chromosomal regions in Italians
Authors: Gragnoli Claudia , Pierpaoli Laura , Piumelli Nunzia , Chiaramonte Francesco
Published: July 2007

The genes causing type 2 diabetes (T2D), a complex heterogeneous disorder, differ and/or overlap in various populations. Among others there are two loci in linkage to T2D, the chromosomes 20q12‐13.1 and 12q15. These two regions harbor two genes, C/EBPbeta and CHOP, which are excellent candidate genes for T2D. In fact, C/EBPbeta protein cooperates with HNF4alpha (MODY1, monogenic form of diabetes) and 1alpha (MODY3, monogenic form of diabetes). C/EBPbeta mediates suppression of insulin gene transcription in hyperglycemia and may contribute to insulin‐resistance. It interacts in a complex pathway with the CHOP protein. CHOP may play a role in altered beta‐cell glucose metabolism, in beta‐cell apoptosis, and in lack of beta‐cell replication. Thus, both C/EBPbeta and CHOP genes may independently and interactively contribute to T2D. The chromosomal regions targeting C/EBPbeta and CHOP genes have never been previously explored in T2D. We planned to identify their potential contribution to T2D in Italians. We have genotyped a group of affected siblings/families with both late‐ and early‐onset T2D around the C/EBPbeta and the CHOP genes. We have performed non‐parametric linkage analysis in the total T2D group, in the late‐onset and the early‐onset group, separately. We have identified a suggestive linkage to T2D in the CHOP gene locus in the early‐onset T2D group (P = 0.04). We identified the linkage to T2D in the chromosome 12q15 region in the early‐onset T2D families and specifically target the CHOP gene. Our next step will be the identification of CHOP gene variants, which may contribute to the linkage to T2D in Italians. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 552–555, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Promotion of Fas‐mediated apoptosis in Type II cells by high doses of hepatocyte growth factor bypasses the mitochondrial requirement
Authors: Zhao Yongge , DiFrancesca Daniell , Wang Xue , Zarnegar Reza , Michalopoulos George K. , Yin Xiao‐Ming
Published: July 2007

The death receptor pathway is coupled to the mitochondria apoptosis pathway. However, mitochondrial participation, which is stimulated by Bid but suppressed by Bcl‐2/Bcl‐xL, is required in certain cells (Type II), but not in others (Type I). While these differences were originally characterized in the lymphoid cell lines, the typical Type II cells are represented by hepatocytes in vivo. The molecular mechanisms that distinguish Type II from Type I cells and the regulation are not fully understood. Fas can be sequestered by the HGF receptor c‐Met and high doses of HGF can promote cell death by freeing Fas from c‐Met complex. We thus reasoned that treatment of the Type II cells with high doses of HGF could enhance Fas‐mediated apoptosis and spare the mitochondria amplification. Indeed, such treatment led to increased apoptosis in Type II lymphoid cells, which could not be blocked by Bcl‐xL. Moreover, significant hepatocyte apoptosis was induced by this scheme in the absence of Bid with increased dissociation of Fas from c‐Met. These findings indicate that high doses of HGF could be used to promote apoptosis in Type II cells bypassing the requirement for mitochondria activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 556–563, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.