bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing organizations to improve data quality in their information systems
Authors: Tee Sing What , Bowen Paul L. , Doyle Peta , Rohde Fiona H.
Published: April 2007

Although managers consider accurate, timely and relevant information as critical to the quality of their decisions, evidence of large variations in data quality abounds. This research examines factors influencing the level of data quality within a target organization. The results indicate that management's commitment to data quality and the presence of data quality champions strongly influence data quality in the target organization. The results also show that the managers of the participating organization are committed to achieving and maintaining high data quality. However, changing work processes and establishing a data quality awareness culture are required to motivate further improvements to data quality.
Accountability and value enhancement roles of corporate governance
Authors: Koh Ping‐Sheng , Laplante Stacie Kelley , Tong Yen H.
Published: April 2007

We examine the twin roles of accountability and value enhancement of corporate governance in the context of financial reporting. We investigate the accountability role by examining the association between governance structures and abnormal accruals, and the value enhancement role by investigating the association between abnormal accruals explained by governance structures and future performance. We differentiate between governance mechanisms that have direct roles in the financial reporting process (audit related) from mechanisms that have indirect roles (board related). We find that independent and active audit committees and independent boards are important governance attributes for financial reporting. We show that both audit‐related and board‐related governance structures are value enhancing.
Initiating coverage, broker reputation and management earnings forecasts in Australia
Authors: Brown Rob , Chan Howard W. H. , Kee Ho Yew
Published: April 2007

We examine more than 5000 recommendations made by Australian brokers in the period 1996–2001. We find evidence that initiating recommendations produce greater share price responses than continuing recommendations, particularly for hold, underperform and sell recommendations. We also find evidence that initiating recommendations made by higher‐reputation brokers and those made in the absence of a management earnings forecast attract different share price responses. Finally, we find that share price responses to initiating recommendations, conditional on the market consensus recommendation, are significantly different to continuing recommendations.
Exploitative Learning and Entrepreneurial Orientation Alignment in Emerging Young Firms: Implications for Market and Response Performance*
Authors: Hughes Mathew , Hughes Paul , Morgan Robert E.
Published: April 2007

We examine exploitative learning and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in emerging young high technology firms located within business incubators. In the last five years, the UK government has invested approximately £125m in incubation activities. The rationale for supporting business incubation is to maximize knowledge sharing across firms with an expectation that it will leverage performance. This represents exploitative learning – the acquisition of established knowledge that carries clear known value and outcomes. Paradoxically, research into EO has repeatedly emphasized the value of knowledge created through exploratory learning mechanisms (‘play, discovery and experimentation’) in securing advantage. Theoretical and empirical questions are raised herein with regard to the value of exploitative learning within a network context which might negatively influence the impact of EO on the firm. Using configuration theory, we demonstrate that firms cannot sustain dual‐dominant orientations of exploitative learning and EO. A strongly configured EO generates high performance returns. However, multi‐group analysis reveals that these effects are particularly strong for those firms whose exploitative learning is weak. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
The European Union as a Model of International Co-operation in Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
Authors: Stein Josephine Anne , Ahmed Allam
Published: April 2007

This article presents European Union (EU) research policy as a stable, long-term form of organising international science and technology (S&T) co-operation, and evaluates the prospects for transposing this model to co-operation with non-European countries in the context of sustainable development (SD). The European approach combines scientific objectives with common political, social, economic and environmental aims through a form of partnership based on dynamism, collective decision-making and the distribution of research responsibility. It is argued that the prevailing character of co-operation between Europe and developing countries (DCs), which stresses the transfer of resources, does not adequately recognise the knowledge, capacity for innovation and valuable socio-cultural assets of partners within the developing world. The common objective of sustainable development in an increasingly interdependent world creates opportunities for extending aspects of the European model of S&T co-operation to wider partnerships to build scientific capacity, political stability, economic prosperity and environmental quality in a way that has been demonstrably successful within the European Union itself.
Spatio‐temporal profiling and degradation of α‐amylase isozymes during barley seed germination
Authors: Bak‐Jensen Kristian S. , Laugesen Sabrina , Østergaard Ole , Finnie Christine , Roepstorff Peter , Svensson Birte
Published: April 2007

Ten genes from two multigene families encode barley α‐amylases. To gain insight into the occurrence and fate of individual isoforms during seed germination, the α‐amylase repertoire was mapped by using a proteomics approach consisting of 2D gel electrophoresis, western blotting, and mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric analysis confirmed that the 29 α‐amylase positive 2D gel spots contained products of one (GenBank accession gi|113765) and two (gi|4699831 and gi|166985) genes encoding α‐amylase 1 and 2, respectively, but lacked products from seven other genes. Eleven spots were identified only by immunostaining. Mass spectrometry identified 12 full‐length forms and 12 fragments from the cultivar Barke. Products of both α‐amylase 2 entries co‐migrated in five full‐length and one fragment spot. The α‐amylase abundance and the number of fragments increased during germination. Assessing the fragment minimum chain length by peptide mass fingerprinting suggested that α‐amylase 2 (gi|4699831) initially was cleaved just prior to domain B that protrudes from the (βα)8‐barrel between β‐strand 3 and α‐helix 3, followed by cleavage on the C‐terminal side of domain B and near the C‐terminus. Only two shorter fragments were identified of the other α‐amylase 2 (gi|166985). The 2D gels of dissected tissues showed α‐amylase degradation to be confined to endosperm. In contrast, the aleurone layer contained essentially only full‐length α‐amylase forms. While only products of the above three genes appeared by germination also of 15 other barley cultivars, the cultivars had distinct repertoires of charge and molecular mass variant forms. These patterns appeared not to be correlated with malt quality.
Place‐Based versus People‐Based Geographic Information Science
Authors: Miller Harvey
Published: April 2007

Geographic information science and technologies are revolutionizing basic and applied science by allowing integrated holistic approaches to the analysis of geographic locations and their attributes. However, the increasing mobility and connectivity of many people in the world means that the relationships between people and place are becoming more subtle and complex, rendering a place‐based perspective incomplete. This article discusses the need to move beyond a place‐based perspective in geographic information science to include a people‐based perspective (i.e., the individual in space and time). It reviews the theories and technologies that can support the people‐based perspective and provides some example applications of the people‐based perspective.
Geographic Information Systems and Medical Geography: Toward a New Synergy
Authors: Sui Daniel Z.
Published: April 2007

The past decade has witnessed wide‐ranging applications of geographic information systems (GIS) in public health. The literature on GIS and medical geography has predominantly focused on how GIS can be applied as analytical and visualization tools to examine the geographic aspects of disease and health services. While GIS applications in medical geography are important and have been growing rapidly, this article argues that advances in medical geography can also have significant implications on the further development of GIScience. This article presents a comprehensive review of the reciprocal interaction between GIS and medical geography, and calls for a new synergy between both fields in future research and education efforts.
Rivers in the Solar System: Water Is Not the Only Fluid Flow on Planetary Bodies
Authors: Komatsu Goro
Published: April 2007

Water, either in liquid or ice form, is the most common fluid that forms channels and valleys on Earth. Lava flows also make channels. The responsible fluid is generally clear on Earth because the process of formation tends to be observable. Channels and valley landforms are widespread on surfaces of planetary bodies, but their formation processes are not normally observable in action. Therefore, planetary geologists rely on geomorphology and knowledge of the environment to infer the nature of the fluid that produced these features. A wide range of fluid flows, including water, lava of various compositions, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons, have been proposed for the genesis of channels and valleys on the Moon, Venus, Mars, Io, and Titan.
The Geographies of Disability: Reflections on the Development of a Sub‐Discipline
Authors: Imrie Rob , Edwards Claire
Published: April 2007

Geographers’ interest in the subject of disability has traditionally been confined to particular parts of the discipline, and usually been of marginal interest to most academics. This has mirrored a broader antipathy to the study of disability in the social sciences although, in recent years, geographical scholarship about space, place and disability has proliferated. In this review article, we outline and assess the significance of this trend, and we comment on the importance of theoretical and methodological developments in the sub‐discipline. In doing so, we anticipate the ways in which studies of geography and disability are likely to evolve.
Estimating the Shelf Life of Brown Pan Bread, Suitability of Survival Analysis Methodology
Authors: Salvador A. , Varela P. , Fiszman S.M. , Gómez G.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  This paper uses survival analysis methodology to estimate the shelf life of brown pan bread. The key concept of survival analysis is to focus the shelf‐life estimation on consumer rejection rather than on product deterioration. The likelihood function, which corresponds to the joint probability of the consumers' observations, is established for a suitable parametric model. The parameters of the model are estimated via the maximization of the likelihood function. From these, the survival function, as well as other quantities of interest is estimated. Different models were applied to the brown pan bread data and used to predict, and compare, the shelf life of brown pan bread for F(t) = 0.25 and 0.50 (25% and 50% consumer rejection). The variation in consumer's global acceptability of the product throughout its shelf life was studied.
Flaxseed in Breadmaking: Effects on Sensory Quality, Aging, and Composition of Bakery Products
Authors: Pohjanheimo Terhi A. , Hakala Mari A. , Tahvonen Raija L. , Salminen Seppo J. , Kallio Heikki P.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  This paper describes the effect of flaxseed on two bread formulations. The quality of bread rolls—containing flaxseed—and the quality of cinnamon rolls—containing flaxseed and flaxseed oil—is determined by sensory evaluation (texture, odor, and flavor), instrumental texture measurement and chemical analysis (fatty acids, fiber, secoisolarisiresinol diglycoside, and cadmium). Bread aging is monitored by measuring sensory attributes during storage. The results indicate that the flaxseed rolls retain moisture and softness more efficiently than the control rolls that do not contain flaxseed. No off‐odors were detected during the storage period from 0 to 6 d at room temperature (+22 °C), although flaxseed rolls and cinnamon rolls were discovered to be high in unsaturated fats. The major fatty acid in both bakery samples that contained flaxseed was α‐linolenic acid. The flaxseed rolls were also high in fiber. Therefore, from a nutritional viewpoint flaxseed shows beneficial properties in breadmaking. It has a positive impact on the texture parameters during storage as well as on the nutritional composition, for example, the content of fiber and unsaturated fats.
Physical, Morphological, and Barrier Properties of Edible Casein Films with Wax Applications
Authors: Sohail Syed S. , Wang Baowu , Biswas Mohammed A. S. , Oh Jun‐Hyun
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  The overall research objective was to investigate the effects of wax application to casein films on the physical, morphological, mechanical, and water barrier properties of the films. Casein films were prepared by cross‐linking with zein hydrolysate using transglutaminase. Wax was either incorporated into the film‐forming solution or coated onto the casein films. The physical, morphological, and mechanical properties of wax‐incorporated or wax‐coated casein films were characterized. The wax‐casein films exhibited darker color than casein film, and the film thickness ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 mm. Wax application significantly decreased the tensile strengths and Young's Modulus of casein films. The wax‐incorporated films exhibited a greater reduction in tensile strength and Young's Modulus than the wax‐coated films. The microstructures of wax‐casein films were relatively smooth and uniform when observed under a scanning electron microscope. Wax applications significantly decreased the water vapor permeability (WVP) of the casein films, and the wax‐coated casein films exhibited a greater decrease in WVP than the wax‐incorporated films.
Electronic Nose to Detect Strawberry Aroma Changes During Osmotic Dehydration
Authors: Buratti S. , Rizzolo A. , Benedetti S. , Torreggiani D.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  An electronic nose was used to detect the aroma evolution of strawberry fruits, cultivar “Camarosa,” during the osmotic dehydration in sorbitol and sucrose solutions. Strawberry slices were subjected to osmotic dehydration at 30 °C for 1, 2, 4, and 6 h using either 60% sucrose or 60% sorbitol solutions. Volatile compounds of fresh and processed strawberry slices were analyzed by electronic nose and gas chromatography. Electronic nose was able to reveal changes in the aroma profile during processing and permitted differentiation between dehydrated strawberry samples obtained by different osmotic treatments. The electronic nose has the advantage of being simple, rapid, and nondestructive. Such characteristics and the promising results of this work suggested that this device could be a useful and innovative tool to monitor strawberry aroma changes during osmotic dehydration, providing real‐time information about the effects of processing conditions and allowing the optimization of technological parameters.
Effect of Plasticizer Concentration and Solvent Types on Shelf‐life of Eggs Coated with Chitosan
Authors: Kim Su Hyun , No Hong Kyoon , Kim Soon Dong , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Effects of plasticizer concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% glycerol) and solvent types (1% acetic and 1% lactic acid) on internal quality of eggs coated with 2% chitosan solution were evaluated during 5 wk of storage at 25 °C. In comparison of plasticizer concentrations, eggs coated with chitosan dissolved in acetic acid containing 2% glycerol showed significant reduction in weight loss compared with the noncoated eggs during 5 wk of storage. At 2% glycerol, the Haugh unit and yolk index values suggested that chitosan‐coated eggs can be preserved for at least 3 wk longer than the control noncoated eggs during 5 wk of storage at 25 °C. Use of acetic acid rather than lactic acid as a chitosan solvent was more advantageous in view of shelf‐life extension of eggs.
A Method to Estimate the Hydration and Swelling Properties of Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Wood J. A. , Harden S.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Existing methodologies for estimating hydration properties in pulses (a potential indicator of cooking time) can be misleading and few measure both maximum hydration and the rate of hydration. Therefore, a new method, based on the Mitscherlich equation, was proposed and compared to existing methodologies. It was shown to be a superior estimator of both maximum hydration and hydration rate in desi and kabuli chickpeas. The new method was also superior for estimating maximum swelling and the rate of swelling in desi and kabuli chickpeas. Hydration and swelling data for 6 desi and 4 kabuli chickpea genotypes were compared using the new method and showed large genotypic differences. Use of the new method is recommended for estimating the hydration parameters of desi and kabuli chickpea for industry purposes and for selection of genotypes in breeding programs.
“Best if Used By …” How Freshness Dating Influences Food Acceptance
Authors: Wansink Brian , Wright Alan O.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  A recent variation of expiration dating is freshness dating (i.e., “best if used by”). This research investigates how freshness dating influences the taste acceptance of a refrigerated product. Sensory tests of 36 panelists show two key findings. First, freshness dating influences the acceptability of products in a discontinuous or nonlinear manner. Second, it does so because it influences perceptions of freshness and of healthfulness, not of safety. As a product approaches its “best if used by” date, there may be more for a manufacturer to lose than to gain by having decided to use “freshness dating” in the first place.
Synergistic Effects of Flavonoids on Cell Proliferation in Hepa‐1c1c7 and LNCaP Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Campbell Jessica K. , King Jennifer L. , Harmston Matt , Lila Mary Ann , Erdman John W.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anticancer properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative effects and synergistic interactions of a variety of flavonoids in Hepa‐1c1c7, a mouse liver cancer cell line, and LNCaP, a human prostate cancer cell line. Aglycone flavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and naringenin (at 12.5 to 50 μM), inhibited cancer cell proliferation in both cell lines in a dose dependent manner without cytotoxicity. In contrast, glycone flavonoids (rutin, quercetrin, and naringin) did not inhibit cell growth. Significant synergistic antiproliferative effects were demonstrated in both cancer cell lines when flavonoids were provided in combination treatments. These results suggest that combinations of flavonoids, which are naturally present in whole fruits and vegetables, are more effective in cancer cell growth inhibition than the individual flavonoids.
Betalain Stability and Degradation—Structural and Chromatic Aspects
Authors: Herbach Kirsten M. , Stintzing Florian C. , Carle Reinhold
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  In recent years, food coloring with artificial colorants has been increasingly disapproved by consumers. In return, application of coloring foodstuffs, among them betalain‐containing fruits and vegetables, has gained importance for the food industry. As commonly true for natural pigments, betalains are afflicted with inferior stability compared to synthetic dyes. Especially temperature, oxygen, and light are known to exhibit detrimental effects on betalain integrity, while certain antioxidants and chelating agents may act as stabilizers. Only recently, several studies expanded the knowledge on betalain degradation pathways, especially focusing on betacyanin decomposition. Additionally, new findings on stability and stabilization of betalains in cactus fruit juices extended the application range of betalainic foodstuffs. Focusing on betacyanins, the present review discusses betalain degradation mechanisms and provides a survey of compounds and conditions governing betalain stability in a beneficial or an unfavorable way. Finally, strategies for maintaining the chromatic properties and tinctorial strength of betalain‐based juices and pigment preparations as well as tools for color modulation by targeted betacyanin degradation are discussed.
Corona Compared with Triboelectric Charging for Electrostatic Powder Coating
Authors: Mayr M.B. , Barringer S.A.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research was to compare electrostatic and nonelectrostatic coating and determine the improvement between corona and triboelectric charging systems. Graham crackers were coated with food powder at 0, −50, or −95 kV or by tribocharging with teflon or nylon. Five sizes of sucrose from 13 to 138 μm were coated onto the crackers to determine the effect of particle size on coating efficiency. Three proteins, three carbohydrates, and one salt between 35 and 58 μm were analyzed to determine the effect of composition. Electrostatics improved transfer efficiency (TE) up to 27%, adhesion up to 40%, and reduced dust up to 99% over nonelectrostatic coating. Particle size and composition significantly affected the improvement produced by each charging method. As particle size increased, nonelectrostatic TE and adhesion increased, while dust decreased. Electrostatic TE increased and leveled off and adhesion and dust decreased with increasing particle size. Generally, corona TE, adhesion, and dust reduction was the highest, followed by teflon triboelectric, nylon triboelectric, and nonelectrostatic coating. For proteins, teflon produced higher charge to mass, TE, and adhesion than nylon. Although the corona system was most efficient, the teflon triboelectric system produced comparable results for some powders and may be necessary to produce a thick coating while minimizing back ionization and alleviating Faraday Cage effects.
Effects of NaCl Concentration on Salting‐in and Dilution During Salting‐out on Soy Protein Fractionation
Authors: Deak N. A. , Murphy P. A. , Johnson L. A.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Glycinin and β‐conglycinin are the main storage proteins in soybeans that can be fractionated by using alkali extraction, SO2, salting‐in with NaCl, salting‐out by dilution and pH adjustment to produce a glycinin‐rich fraction, a β‐conglycinin–rich fraction, and an intermediate fraction, which is a mixture of the two proteins. Two different strategies were employed to optimize the procedure to achieve high efficiency in recovering the β‐conglycinin–rich fraction. The first strategy was to optimize salting‐in effects of NaCl, and the effects of NaCl concentration on the yields and purities of the protein fractions were investigated. The maximum protein yield of the β‐conglycinin–rich fraction was obtained at 500 mM NaCl, but at the expense of purity. The optimum NaCl concentration was 250 mM, at which good protein yield (18.5%) and purity (84.5%) were achieved. At higher NaCl concentrations, the protein yields of the intermediate fractions were significantly lower, and the protein loss in the whey fraction increased. The second strategy was to improve the salting‐out step for the β‐conglycinin–rich fraction. At 0‐ and 0.5‐fold dilution, the purities and yields of the β‐conglycinin–rich fractions were significantly lower than at 1.0‐ and 2.0‐fold dilution. There were no differences in protein yields or purities when using 1.0‐ or 2.0‐fold dilution. According to these results, the recommended NaCl concentration for the salting‐in step is 250 mM and the dilution factor for salting‐out is 1.0.
Expression of vascular endothelial‐cadherin in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues
Authors: Kato Kenichirou , Takada Tadahiro , Fukusato Toshio
Published: April 2007

Aim:  Angiogenesis is important in tumor growth and progression to metastasis. Vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin is an endothelial cell‐specific cadherin required for angiogenesis, but its expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues has not been examined.

Methods:  Expression of VE‐cadherin was analyzed in 31 HCC frozen tissue specimens by immunohistochemical and immunoelectron microscopic procedures. In addition, the association of its expression with clinicopathological parameters was investigated to determine the possible diagnostic or predictive value of VE‐cadherin expression in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic liver lesions.

Results:  Immunoreactive VE‐cadherin expression was faint or barely detectable on sinusoidal endothelial cells of normal liver but was evident on sinusoidal or capillary endothelium of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC tissues. VE‐cadherin expression was more intense on capillary endothelium of HCC tissues in 26 (84%) of 31 patients than on sinusoidal endothelium of surrounding non‐tumorous liver tissues with chronic liver diseases. The intensity or intracapillary extent of positive stain for VE‐cadherin on capillary endothelium of HCC tissues was significantly associated with tumor size, capsular invasion and tumor cell differentiation in HCC.

Conclusions:  Intense VE‐cadherin expression was evident in capillary endothelium of HCC tissues, giving the first indication of association with clinicopathological features of HCC patients.
Identification of exocytotic membrane proteins, syntaxin‐1 and SNAP‐25, in Entamoeba histolytica from hamster liver
Authors: Ventura‐Juárez Javier , Salinas Eva , Campos‐Rodríguez Rafael , Kouri Juan B. , Quintanar J. Luis
Published: April 2007

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite causing dysentery and in some cases liver abscesses. These effects have been attributed to cytolytic substances released by exocytosis. In this study, the presence of the proteins syntaxin‐1 and SNAP‐25, which are assumed to be involved in exocytosis, were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy and western blot analysis. Syntaxin‐1 and SNAP‐25 were expressed in the vesicular, vacuolar and plasma membranes of E. histolytica trophozoites. It can be concluded that these proteins might be involved in exocytosis processes.
An infectious and selectable full‐length replicon system with hepatitis C virus JFH‐1 strain
Authors: Date Tomoko , Miyamoto Michiko , Kato Takanobu , Morikawa Kenichi , Murayama Asako , Akazawa Daisuke , Tanabe Junichi , Sone Saburo , Mizokami Masashi , Wakita Takaji
Published: April 2007

Aim:  The hepatitis C virus (HCV) strain JFH‐1 was cloned from a patient with fulminant hepatitis. A JFH‐1 subgenomic replicon and full‐length JFH‐1 RNA efficiently replicate in cultured cells. In this study, an infectious, selectable HCV replicon containing full‐length JFH‐1 cDNA was constructed.

Methods:  The full‐genome replicon was constructed using the neomycin‐resistant gene, EMCV IRES and wild‐type JFH‐1 cDNA. Huh7 cells were transfected with RNA synthesized in vitro, and then cultured with G418. Independent colonies were cloned to establish cell lines that replicate the full‐length HCV replicon.

Results:  HCV RNA replication was detected in each isolated cell line. HCV proteins and HCV RNA were secreted into culture medium, and exhibited identical density profiles. Interestingly, culture supernatants of the replicon cells were infectious for naïve Huh7 cells. Long‐term culture did not affect replication of replicon RNA in the replicon cells, but it reduced core protein secretion and infectivity of culture supernatant. Culture supernatant obtained after serial passage of replicon virus was infectious for Huh7 cells.

Conclusions:  Selectable infection was established using HCV replicon containing full‐length genotype 2a JFH‐1 cDNA. This system might be useful for HCV research.
Hepatitis C virus and malignancy
Authors: Suriawinata Arief , Thung Swan N.
Published: April 2007

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that causes chronic hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. HCV is associated with the development of primary liver tumors, namely hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and lymphoma. This article reviews HCV‐related malignancies, and their prevalence and probable oncogenesis.
Relating Design Process to Quality: A Virtual Design of Experiments Approach
Authors: Sobek Durward K. , Jain Vikas K.
Published: April 2007

This paper focuses on better understanding how design processes affect outcomes in mechanical engineering design. Following a general design research methodology, process data were collected from student design journals and tested for association with design quality as measured by an external evaluation using a virtual design of experiments approach. The results indicate that more time spent on system-level design (including problem generation, idea generation, and analysis activity) and on concept-level problem definition activity associate positively with design quality, while more time spent on concept-level idea generation, detailed design, and refinement associated negatively with design quality. These results imply that student designers should emphasize problem definition, information gathering, and system-level design work more so than high-level idea generation activities.
Design Process Error Proofing: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis of the Design Process
Authors: Chao Lawrence P. , Ishii Kosuke
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a new application of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) on design processes. Our research develops error-proofing methods for the product development process to prevent serious design errors that can compromise project features, time to market, or cost. Design process FMEA is a systematic method which allows product development teams to proactively predict potential problems. The method decomposes the design process into six potential problem areas—knowledge, analysis, communication, execution, change, and organization errors—with a question-based FMEA approach. The paper explains the method, illustrates it through a case study, and discusses its effectiveness. The paper concludes with the proposed work to address design process error-proofing solutions.
Controlling the Frequency Content of Inertia Forces in Dwelling Cam-Follower Systems
Authors: Flocker Forrest W.
Published: April 2007

Background. Cam-driven machines are frequently manufactured with the intent that they be installed in many different end applications, each with its own natural frequencies. A cam-driven component that performs well in one end application can excite obnoxious or damaging vibrations in another. Method of Approach. A Lagrange multiplier technique is presented that optimally modifies follower motion such that unwanted inertia force frequencies are suppressed. Results. An example problem illustrates the method and presents results. Conclusions. The technique provides a robust customization procedure, permitting the use of a cam-driven component in a wider variety of end applications.
Study on Structural Lightweight Design of Automotive Front Side Rail Based on Response Surface Method
Authors: Zhang Y. , Zhu P. , Chen G. L. , Lin Z. Q.
Published: April 2007

Nowadays, vehicle lightweight design is a main topic in automotive industry. Crashworthiness, which is the most important performance of a full vehicle, must be always satisfied in the study on body lightweight design. This paper presents research, from the point of view of safety, of structural lightweight design of the front side rail of a passenger car. The response surface method is used to create mathematical models that represent the relationship between structural sheet thicknesses and absorbed energy of the entire structure in the frontal crash simulation, and the relationship between structural sheet thicknesses and the mass of the entire structure. Then an optimization process is performed, and the structural mass and original absorbed energy are defined as objective and constraint functions, respectively. Minimum mass and structural sheet thicknesses are obtained with the satisfaction of original absorbed energy of the front side rail structure. The weight reduction of the front side rail is 26.95%.
Kinematics and Closed Optimal Design of a Kind of PRRRP Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Liu Xin-Jun , Guan Liwen , Wang Jinsong
Published: April 2007

This paper addresses optimal kinematic design of a PRRRP (P-prismatic joint, R-revolute joint) parallel manipulator that is horizontally actuated by linear actuators. Kinematically, the symmetrical PRRRP parallel manipulator has only one geometric parameter, i.e., the link length of each of the two legs. Here, we propose a design approach utilizing a performance chart and local performance specification. The key problem in the design of the manipulator is the determination of not the link length but the workspace that the manipulator can reach satisfying the design specification. Such a kind of workspace when the link length unit is defined as the basic good-condition workspace (GCW). For the manipulator studied here, the link length is actually the ratio of the desired task workspace to the basic GCW. This paper gives an effective method to obtain the basic GCW with respect to indices in closed forms. One of the advantages of the method is that the basic GCW is achieved by taking into account both the global and local indices.
EXACT SOLUTIONS IN ONE-DIMENSIONAL BOSE–EINSTEIN GAS IN A TIME-VARYING TRAP POTENTIAL AND ATOMIC SCATTERING LENGTH
Authors: KENGNE E. , CHUI S. T.
Published: April 2007

In this paper we discuss the solutions of the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation with variable coefficients that model a trapped, quasi-one-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensate with time-varying potential and time-varying atomic scattering length. By applying the theory of Jacobian elliptic functions, we propose a new ansatz to find two new families of solutions. We also obtained regions in the parameters space in which the found families of solutions exist.
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY AND FREEZING OF HARD SPHERES, BEYOND THE PERCUS–YEVICK APPROXIMATION
Authors: MORADI M. , RAZEGHIZADEH A.
Published: April 2007

The density functional theory for the freezing hard spheres is studied. We use a variety of the hard sphere direct correlation functions (DCFs) such as the one introduced by Roth et al. [J. Phys. Condens. Matter14, 12063 (2002)]; we call it RELK DCF, a new hard sphere DCF developed here by a combination of the RELK and the Percus–Yevick DCFs, and finally the generalized mean spherical approximation (GMSA). The structure factor, the freezing, and order parameters are calculated using these DCFs. The structure factor obtained by the new DCF is in good agreement with the Monte Carlo simulation. The best result for the freezing parameters in comparison with the Monte Carlo simulations is obtained by using our new expression for the DCF. Finally we obtain the Helmholtz free energy of the hard sphere FCC crystals using modified weighted density approximation (MWDA), and again the best results are obtained by using the new expression for the hard sphere DCF.
JOSEPHSON DYNAMICS OF A BOSE–EINSTEIN CONDENSATE IN AN ACCELERATED DOUBLE-WELL POTENTIAL
Authors: BHATTACHERJEE ARANYA B.
Published: April 2007

Motivated by a recent experiment on Bloch oscillation of Bose–Einstein condensates (BEC) in accelerated optical lattices, we consider the Josephson dynamics of a BEC in an accelerated double-well potential. We show that acceleration suppresses coherent population / phase oscillation between the two wells. Accelerating the double-well renders the Josephson coupling energy EJ time-dependent and this emerges as a source of dissipation. This dissipative mechanism helps to stabilize the system. The results are used to interpret a recent experimental result (M. Jona-Lasinio, O. Morsh, M. Cristiani E. Arimonod and C. Menotti, cond-mat / 0501572).
DOES THE TWO-STEP RESISTIVE TRANSITION REPRESENT AN INTRINSIC PROPERTY OF ELECTRON-DOPED CUPRATES?
Authors: HAMMAD T. R.
Published: April 2007

This work presents the results of the resistivity vs. temperature measurements obtained under different excitation currents, carried out on Nd 1.783 Ce 0.15 CuO 3.989 followed by the new analytical formula Nd 2-(4x + v-2)/3 Ce 0.15 CuO y. The measurements revealed different characteristics for different parts of the investigated sample. The obtained results may suggest the idea that double resistive superconducting transition in n-type polycrystalline cuprates is of a rather extrinsic future. The electron microscope photography applied in order to investigate the microstructure of the chosen samples also supported the above view.
THE COMPENSATION BEHAVIOR AND INITIAL SUSCEPTIBILITIES OF A MIXED-SPIN HEISENBERG FERRIMAGNETIC SYSTEM IN AN EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: LI JUN , DU AN , WEI GUOZHU
Published: April 2007

The magnetic properties of a mixed spin-2 and spin-5 / 2 Heisenberg ferrimagnetic system on a layered honeycomb lattice are investigated theoretically by a multisublattice Green-function technique which takes into account the quantum nature of Heisenberg spins. We calculate the magnetization and the compensation temperature and transition temperature of the system in an external magnetic field and in a zero external magnetic field, and find that the transition temperature of the system increases on the effect of an external magnetic field, the compensation point disappears when the single-ion anisotropy is not large and there are two compensation points when the anisotropy is large. We also calculate the initial susceptibilities of the system.
QUANTUM CONTROL BASED ON QUANTUM INFORMATION
Authors: CHEN ZONGHAI , ZHANG CHENBIN , DONG DAOYI
Published: April 2007

Quantum control strategy is discussed from the perspective of quantum information. First, the constraints imposed on quantum control by quantum theory are analyzed. Then some quantum control schemes based on quantum information are discussed, such as teleportation-based distant quantum control, quantum feedback control using quantum cloning and state recognition, quantum control based on measurement and Grover iteration. Finally, some applications of quantum control theory in quantum information and quantum computation such as quantum error correction coding, universality analysis of quantum computation, feedback-induced entanglement enhancement, etc., are presented and the potential applications of quantum control are also prospected.
LEGENDRIAN KNOTS AND LINKS CLASSIFIED BY CLASSICAL INVARIANTS
Authors: DING FAN , GEIGES HANSJÖRG
Published: April 2007

It is shown that Legendrian (respectively transverse) cable links in S3 with its standard tight contact structure, i.e. links consisting of an unknot and a cable of that unknot, are classified by their oriented link type and the classical invariants (Thurston–Bennequin invariant and rotation number in the Legendrian case, self-linking number in the transverse case). The analogous result is proved for torus knots in the 1-jet space J1(S1) with its standard tight contact structure.
ASYMPTOTICALLY SELF-SIMILAR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS OF A DAMPED WAVE EQUATION
Authors: SNOUSSI SEIFEDDINE , TAYACHI SLIM
Published: April 2007

We study the existence and the asymptotic behavior of global solutions of the damped wave equation [Formula: see text] where a ∈ ℝ, α >1, t > 0, x ∈ ℝn, n = 1,2,3, with initial condition (u (0), ut (0)) = (φ,ψ). For α > 2 and α > 1+2 / n, we prove the existence of mild global solutions for small initial data with low regularity and which are not in L1(ℝn). Under the additional hypothesis, (2 < α < 5, when n = 3), we prove that some of these solutions are asymptotic to the self-similar solutions of the associated semi-linear heat equation [Formula: see text] with homogeneous slowly decreasing initial data behaving like c|x|-2 / (α-1) as |x|→ ∞.
Spiropyrans Containing the Reactive Substituents in the 2H-Chromene Moiety
Authors: Lukyanov B. S. , Alekseenko Yu. S. , Mukhanov E. L. , Lukyanova M. B. , Metelitsa A. V. , Khalanskij K. N. , Tkachev V. V. , Ryashin O. N.
Published: April 2007

Some spiropyrans containing functional substituents in the [2H]-chromene part of the molecule were synthesized and their photochromic properties in solution and solid state were investigated. The presence of the formyl group in the [2H]-chromene fragment enhances the possibility to show photochromic properties in solution.
Insights to Clinical Use of Serial Determination in Titers of Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Autoantibodies
Authors: Kogure Toshiaki , Tatsumi Takeshi , Fujinaga Hiroshi , Niizawa Atsushi , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: April 2007

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody is a useful marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, clinical significance of follow-up in anti-CCP antibody titer has been pointed out. Thus, we investigated the serial determination in anti-CCP antibodies titer in RA patients. Six patients with RA, who were followed up for longer than 5 years, were assessed in anti-CCP antibodies and radiographs (Larsen score). Anti-CCP antibodies in frozen sera were measured using ELISA. As a result, 6 patients with RA were divided into two groups: one possessed high titers without variation, and the other was without high titers. Joint damage progressed during observation in 2 out of 3 patients with high anti-CCP titers in a retrospective assessment. In contrast, the RA patient, whose anti-CCP titer decreases although it had been high titer at baseline, did not show increase in the Larsen score. These findings suggest that it might be necessary to analyze changes in anti-CCP to predict the prognosis of joint destruction.
On a Class of Combinatorial Sums Involving Generalized Factorials
Authors: Chou W.-S. , Hsu L. C. , Shiue P. J.-S.
Published: April 2007

The object of this paper is to show that generalized Stirling numbers can be effectively used to evaluate a class of combinatorial sums involving generalized factorials.
Expression of a Tensor Commutation Matrix in Terms of the Generalized Gell-Mann Matrices
Authors: Christian Rakotonirina
Published: April 2007

We have expressed the tensor commutation matrixn⊗nas linear combination of the tensor products of the generalized Gell-Mann matrices. The tensor commutation matrices3⊗2and2⊗3have been expressed in terms of the classical Gell-Mann matrices and the Pauli matrices.
On the Rational Recursive Sequencexn+1=(A+∑i=0kαixn−i)/(B+∑i=0kβixn−i)
Authors: Zayed E. M. E. , El-Moneam M. A.
Published: April 2007

The main objective of this paper is to study the boundedness character, the periodic character, the convergence, and the global stability of the positive solutions of the difference equationxn+1=(A+∑i=0kαixn−i)/(B+∑i=0kβixn−i), n=0,1,2,…,whereA, B, αi, βiand the initial conditionsx−k,...,x−1,x0are arbitrary positive real numbers, whilekis a positive integer number.
Resting Tension Affects eNOS Activity in a Calcium-Dependent Way in Airways
Authors: Kitsiopoulou Eudoxia , Hatziefthimiou Apostolia A. , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Molyvdas Paschalis-Adam
Published: April 2007

The alteration of resting tension (RT) from 0.5 g to 2.5 g increased significantly airway smooth muscle contractions induced by acetylcholine (ACh) in rabbit trachea. The decrease in extracellular calcium concentration[Ca2+]ofrom 2 mM to 0.2 mM reduced ACh-induced contractions only at 2.5 g RT with no effect at 0.5 g RT. The nonselective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS),NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) increased ACh-induced contractions at 2.5 g RT. The inhibitor of inducible NOS, S-methylsothiourea or neuronal NOS, 7-nitroindazole had no effect. At 2.5 g RT, the reduction of[Ca2+]ofrom 2 mM to 0.2 mM abolished the effect of L-NAME on ACh-induced contractions. The NO precursor L-arginine or the tyrosine kinase inhibitors erbstatin A and genistein had no effect on ACh-induced contractions obtained at 2.5 g RT. Our results suggest that in airways, RT affects ACh-induced contractions by modulating the activity of epithelial NOS in a calcium-dependent, tyrosine-phosphorylation-independent way.
A Note on the Iterative MRI Reconstruction from Nonuniform k‐Space Data
Authors: Knopp Tobias , Kunis Stefan , Potts Daniel
Published: April 2007

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), methods that use a non‐Cartesian grid in k‐space are becoming increasingly important. In this paper, we use a recently proposed implicit discretisation scheme which generalises the standard approach based on gridding. While the latter succeeds for sufficiently uniform sampling sets and accurate estimated density compensation weights, the implicit method further improves the reconstruction quality when the sampling scheme or the weights are less regular. Both approaches can be solved efficiently with the nonequispaced FFT. Due to several new techniques for the storage of an involved sparse matrix, our examples include also the reconstruction of a large 3D data set. We present four case studies and report on efficient implementation of the related algorithms.
Iteration Scheme with Perturbed Mapping for Common Fixed Points of a Finite Family of Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Liou Yeong-Cheng , Yao Yonghong , Chen Rudong
Published: April 2007

We propose an iteration scheme with perturbed mapping for approximation of common fixed points of a finite family of nonexpansive mappings "Equation missing". We show that the proposed iteration scheme converges to the common fixed point "Equation missing" which solves some variational inequality.
On Generalized Periodic-Like Rings
Authors: Bell Howard E. , Yaqub Adil
Published: April 2007

LetRbe a ring with centerZ, Jacobson radicalJ, and setNof all nilpotent elements. CallRgeneralized periodic-like if for allx∈R∖(N∪J∪Z)there exist positive integersm,nof opposite parity for whichxm−xn∈N∩Z. We identify some basic properties of such rings and prove some results on commutativity.
Expression of Selected Integrins and Selectins in Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Żebrowska Agnieszka , Sysa-Jędrzejowska Anna , Wągrowska-Danilewicz Małgorzata , Joss-Wichman Ewa , Erkiert-Polguj Anna , Waszczykowska Elżbieta
Published: April 2007

Blister development in bullous pemphigoid (BP) results from destruction of hemidesmosomes and basement membrane components within the dermoepidermal junction by autoantibodies. Adhesion molecules can take part in pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of the study was to determine the localization and expression of L- and E-selectins andβ1,β3, andβ4 integrins by immunohistochemistry in skin lesions of 21 patients with BP, compared with 10 healthy subjects. Expression of L and E selectins andβ1,β3 integrins was detected mainly in basal keratinocytes and in inflammatory infiltrates in the dermis, expression ofβ4 integrin was irregular and was detected mainly in dermal part of the blister, while in the control group only weak and single expression of the examined molecules was detected in basal keratinocytes and endothelium cells. The obtained results reveal the important role of selected selectins and integrins in development of skin lesions in BP.