bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insider trading in China: the case for the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission
Authors: Cheng Hongming
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of illegal insider trading enforcement in China by focusing, among other things, on the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission's (CSRC) enforcement actions in the period 1993‐2006.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the CSRC's enforcement policies and practices of insider trading regulation, based upon administrative and judicial cases, face‐to‐face interviews with regulators, and policy documents.

Findings

A major finding of the study is the paucity of insider trading cases and the lack of convictions for insider trading offences in China. The campaign against securities offences did not actually come with the stricter enforcement of insider trading laws. A primary challenge in the insider trading regulation comes from the fact that most insider trading cases involve high‐ranking government and party officials. The CSRC lacks the power to directly administer discipline and penalties on government officials and party cadres for insider trading offences.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended that the CSRC be given more power, more resources and more trained regulators to detect and address insider trading activities. It is also recommended that the CSRC improve its surveillance capabilities by fully utilizing sophisticated computer surveillance software systems, by improving inter‐agency and inter‐market information‐sharing, and by cooperating with other countries' regulators and participating in the ISG's database to detect possible international insider trading.

Originality/value

The paper will be of interest to researchers in the field of financial crime and securities regulation. Regulators, the private sector and government departments will also benefit from an analysis of Chinese insider trading enforcement cases. This paper also suggests better strategies for dealing with insider trading offences in China. A fair and orderly market is crucial for investors in the Chinese market.
Mining e‐services in P2P‐based workflow enactments
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Shen Jun
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the feasible mining and proper selection of QoS‐aware services for a P2P‐based business process enactment framework, and enhance the relevant workflow prototype.Design/methodology/approach– Through observing and analysing unpredictable dynamic changes that commonly exist in e‐service workflow, a set of QoS specifications and monitoring mechanisms in a P2P workflow framework is proposed. These specifications are an evolving extension of services' description with semantic web facilitators for P2P‐based e‐services.

Findings

It has been demonstrated that the QoS‐OWL approach can be effectively used to describe and exploit e‐services, particularly in a decentralised environment. QoS‐OWL is also able to provide the deliberation of geographic information for e‐services, and facilitates the peers' effective cooperation and automates business processes. It is recommended that the approach be adopted in the dynamic online information system environment to increase efficiency and reduce costs in running e‐services.

Practical implications

The QoS attributes discussed in this paper are relatively typical for benchmarking purposes, so the extension of the QoS metrics specifications and related protocols need to be discussed in future work.

Originality/value

The authors propose an approach to dynamically selecting appropriate service‐oriented peers in a P2P network, where the composition of e‐services in a business process can be enhanced significantly. The approach is based on ontology and QoS perspectives, and the descriptions of services have rich semantic features in an attempt to make the service selection more intelligent and reliable. Therefore the proposal offers e‐service providers innovative initiatives to re‐engineer their business services.
Assessment of management options to reduce nitrogen load from agricultural source in the Grado‐Marano Lagoon (N‐E Italy) applying spatial decision support system techniques
Authors: Ianni E. , Ortolan I. , Scimone M. , Feoli E.
Published: May 2008

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an application of spatial decision support system tools (SDSS) for assessing management option to reduce the nitrogen load from agricultural sources. The SDSS has been developed within a case study for the drainage basin of the Grado and Marano Lagoon (N‐E Italy). Design/methodology/approach – The problem is at least partially solvable replacing some actual cash crops with alternative crops requiring lower nitrogen input but which are economically profitable. The decision support was designed with two components: a non‐spatial one (DSS) to support the choice among alternative crops (within different scenarios), and a spatial one (SDSS) to analyse and evaluate the spatial distribution of the cash crops finding suitable areas for the alternative crops. Findings – The use of alternative crops for reducing nitrogen loads to the Grado and Marano lagoon waters seems feasible and appropriate. A mosaic of poplar, grassland and cash crop areas in these areas of the pollution risk is the best alternative both in terms of total nitrogen reduction and in terms of farmers' income. Research limitations/implications – The paper proposes a SDSS to implement alternative crops in an area where the cash crops constitute a very strong consolidated agricultural system. The feasibility of the alternatives is dependent on the willingness of farmers to participate in the research and then to exploit its results. The availability of data only at municipal level limited the research, thus imposing a spatial resolution constraint. Originality/value – It is so far the first attempt, in Friuli Venezia Giulia region, to develop a spatial decision support system to mitigate the pollution of a lagoon from agricultural sources by trying to find suitable alternatives to well consolidated agricultural practices. It also constitutes a model that can be applied in similar contexts by coupling ecological and economic considerations.
Application of value stream mapping (VSM) for minimization of wastes in the processing side of supply chain of cottonseed oil industry in Indian context
Authors: Seth Dinesh , Seth Nitin , Goel Deepak
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and address various wastes in the supply chain of the edible cottonseed oil industry (specifically the processing side) using a value stream mapping (VSM) approach to improve productivity and capacity utilization in an Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical observations and interviewing techniques were used with open‐ended questions to understand the processes involved in the value chain of the cottonseed oil industry. Different chain links/members were investigated through personal visits and discussions. VSM is applied as an approach to the industry to identify and remove non‐value‐adding (NVA) activities.

Findings

Major findings obtained from the study are as follows. There is an excess cumulative inventory of 244 days in the whole supply chain. The industry is highly fragmented with a large number of small players present, which hampers the use of economies of scale. There are NVA activities present in the supply chain such as the moving of cottonseed oil from expeller mill to refinery. The industry still uses outdated technology which hampers the productivity.

Practical implications

Attention needs to be given to boosting the productivity of the oil sector. Waste removal from the oilseed‐processing sector is one key to improving the productivity of the sector.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the various wastes in the processing side of the supply chain of the Indian cottonseed oil industry, using VSM as an approach which was hardly ever attempted before. Wastes are then individually attacked to reduce or eliminate them from the system. Suggestions to make the whole chain more productive can be generalized and can be replicated in the context of other developing countries.
RuleML‐based learning object interoperability on the Semantic Web
Authors: Biletskiy Yevgen , Boley Harold , Ranganathan Girish R. , Boley Harold
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The present paper aims to describe an approach for building the Semantic Web rules for interoperation between heterogeneous learning objects, namely course outlines from different universities, and one of the rule uses: identifying (in)compatibilities between course descriptions.

Design/methodology/approach

As proof of concept, a rule set is implemented using the rule markup language (RuleML), a member of XML‐based languages. This representation in RuleML allows the rule base to be platform‐independent, flexibly extensible and executable.

Findings

The RuleML source representation is easily converted to other XML‐based languages (such as RDF, OWL and XMI) as well as incorporated into, and extracted from, existing XML‐based repositories (such as IEEE LOM and CanLOM) using XSL Transformations (XSLT).

Practical implications

The RuleML facts and rules represented in the positional slotted language are used by the OO jDREW reasoning engine to detect and map between semantically equivalent components of course outlines as the key step in their interoperation. In particular, this will enable the precise delivery of learning objects (e.g. course outlines) from repositories to a specific learner's context.

Originality/value

Although the particular scenario is discussed in the present paper, the proposed approach can be applied to other tasks related to enabling semantic interoperability.
It's all about people: change management's greatest lever
Authors: Brenner Mark
Published: May 2008

Purpose – This article explains why organizational change is anything but a mechanistic process. Instead, people, psychology, and organizational dynamics are the catalysts for and ultimate drivers of any successful change initiative. Ignoring the primacy of people is the central reason for the low success rate of enterprise‐wide change efforts over 20 years. Design/methodology/approach – The article examines reasons for the low success rate of change initiatives, the role of leadership over mechanics, values required as a platform for change and the primary need to focus on the “human factor” to develop committed stakeholders throughout the organization. All are building blocks to a six‐phase process to effect maximum change and commitment. Findings – Taking an organization through a rigorous change process requires finding and using various sources of organizational leverage, not the least of which is its people. Mastering the process is about identifying an array of levers and taking advantage of those levers' multiplier effects. Practical implications – Leaders will learn that neither the sheer force of executive will nor the organization's processes will be substantial or significant enough to implement change. Rather, only by motivating the workforce (and “leader‐force”) to commit to vision, values and mission, rather than dictating change by management edict will be successful. Originality/value – Executives can create an environment of commitment to underpin the change process by making strategy implementation a truly human endeavor and using methods and metrics to complement it.
Rehearsing tomorrow's leaders: the potential of mythodrama
Authors: Olivier Richard , Verity Julie
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper explores the potential of Mythodrama as a leadership learning intervention. It suggests that the new leadership capabilities required for future organizational success, can be built with this methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Henry V – Shakespeare's greatest inspirational leader – is used as case study to explain the Mythodrama methodology and some of the lessons that can be learnt about leadership from Henry's story.

Findings

Mythodrama is a powerful intervention for learning and rehearsing leadership behaviors. Great leaders have a repertoire of styles and demonstrate judgment about which style is relevant to the context. Authentic leadership requires self‐knowledge, belief and commitment, there is the potential to explore these personal traits through the mythodrama methodology.

Practical implications

Effective leaders are increasingly recognized as one of the most valuable assets of the organization. Hence, truly transforming learning methodologies – those that can touch people personally and deeply – promise to add future value to organizations that employ them.

Originality/value

Introduces and explores the potential of a leadership learning intervention. Explains how the methodology works and describes some of the skills and behaviors leaders can rehearse.
In place of strife
Authors: Downie Angus
Published: May 2008

In place of strife was the heading for a piece of legislation blueprinted in the Wilson government but never put into effect. They got cold feet from fear of political repercussions from the unions.
COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH CULTURAL ADAPTATION
Authors: Cobb Steven L. , Barker Thomas
Published: May 2008

As more organizations expand into the international marketplace, cultural barriers become a major threat to the ability of a firm to compete in the global marketplace. Culture varies radically among different ethnic groups and societies. It influences and is influenced by beliefs, customs, language, institutions, standards, and religion. Richard Lamm, former governor of Colorado, stressed in one of his syndicated columns that the culture of a country is a main determinate of whether new technology will be accepted in a country. The acceptance of the new technology is especially critical to competitiveness when a firm establishes operations and employs workers in a foreign country.
BANK COMPETITIVENESS IN THE FACE OF INTEREST RATE RISK
Authors: Cox Raymond A.K. , Prasad Rose M.
Published: May 2008

The values of assets and liabilities of financial institutions are subject to fluctuations in interest rate. The differential impact in interest rate changes between assets and liabilities is referred to, in banking, as interest rate risk. Of all threats to bank competitiveness this risk dwarfs all others. Banks traditionally have dealt with interest rate risk by restructuring their loan portfolios. In this paper, we construct a model to measure interest rate risk, called the Degree of Interest Rate Sensitivity (DIRS), and demonstrate its effectiveness for banks to compete. The degree of interest rate risk is of vital importance to the commercial bank which has to know its level and degree of interest‐rate risk in order to prudently manage it. Failure to adequately manage interest rate risk can lead to bankruptcy or, at the least, a lack of competitiveness.
The true cost of small drops: Is it realised by suppliers?
Authors: McConkey R.C.
Published: May 2008

Economies of distribution are greatly concerned with drop size. From the taking of an order to the delivering of the goods, there are certain elements of work and therefore costs involved which are dependent solely on the size of that order. The greater the number of packs on the order, therefore, the less the cost of this work per pack. This is the substance of a paper by R.C. McConkey delivered at the annual conference of the Hull Supply Company in Majorca earlier this year
How not to increase profit by a Physical Distribution survey
Authors: Humphreys R.G.
Published: May 2008

Introducing a minimum order quantity, reducing the range, or frequency of delivery, or stockouts ‐ all these are common suggestions arising out of physical distribution studies. They may indeed reduce costs. But be warned ‐ they may also reduce profits. This article outlines the precautions that should be taken before applying any of these remedies.
Retail floorspace: Assessing the need for shops
Authors: Thorpe David
Published: May 2008

A great deal of effort is devoted in planning exercises to balance the amount of new shopping floor space which can be permitted in one centre rather than another. David Thorpe suggests that the margin of error involved, because of the difficulties associated with forecasting total potential, may well be considerably greater than the “fine balancing” that occurs. This paper was originally presented at a PTRC Seminar in July 1975 at the University of Warwick.
Development and adaptation of a hospital cost and budgeting model for cross‐national use
Authors: Freeman Jean L. , Fetter Robert B. , Newbold Robert C. , Rodrigues Jean‐Marie , Gautier Daniel
Published: May 2008

Concern over the rising cost of medical care has caused many countries to investigate and implement different methods of cost containment, particularly for hospital services. In the United States, Medicare replaced its ‘cost‐based’ reimbursement system, in which hospital payments were based on the actual costs incurred in treating patients, with a system that pays hospitals a fixed price per case. Under this new system, all hospital discharges are classified into 467 Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) or types of cases based on the patient's age, sex, principal diagnosis, additional diagnoses (comorbidities and complications), surgical procedures performed, and the discharge status. During the first three years of the programme, the payment rate for each DRG is a function of a DRG weight (reflecting relative resource consumption), the hospital's historic costs of treating patients in that DRG, and a federally established rate adjusted for urban/rural differences and census region. In the fourth year the price will be based only on the DRG weight and the federally established rate.
Aspects of access to out‐patient clinics in the West of Ireland
Authors: Stevens Fiona M. , Gawley Mary E.
Published: May 2008

A study of various aspects of access to outpatients clinics in rural Ireland is reported. A dispersed catchment area is served by the Regional Hospital, Galway; 50 per cent of respondents live 20 miles from the hospital; in 40 per cent the round trip will take more than six hours and in 50 per cent the cost of travel will be more than IR £5. Transport‐related problems are cited as the major cause for previously missed appointments, especially in subjects expected to attend four or more times per year. The highest rate of defaulting was found in those patients who had been attending outpatient clinics for several years with a long interval between appointments. Housewives with elderly or young dependants constitute an occupational group with difficulty in keeping appointments.
Resource management initiative
Authors: Mills Ian
Published: May 2008

In November 1986 the NHS Management Board announced the piloting, at six acute hospitals, of a new approach to resource management whose focus is on achieving, and demonstrating, measurable improvements in patient care through better use of all the hospital's resources. (A parallel development, not considered in this paper, is the extension of resource managment for community health services.) The full involvement of doctors and nurses in the hospitals is fundamental to the new approach and at national level the initiative is sponsored jointly by the Management Board and the Joint Consultants Committee (JCC). The term ‘resource management’ replaces ‘management budgeting’ which was applied, originally, to the project launched in four hospitals in 1983. But the change is much more than one of name.
Hospital clinicians and managers: Adversaries or partners?
Authors: Eskin F.
Published: May 2008

Since the 1974 reorganisation of the British National Health Service, clinicians have continually voiced concern regarding the threat of encroachment on their clinical freedom by lay management, within the context of increasing financial stringency. The introduction of general management has reinforced these fears of interference by what is perceived by the medical profession to be vastly enhanced professional managerial power in relation to resource control in the sphere of direct patient care.
Trading for Health Services: Lessons from the Competitive Tendering Experience
Authors: Bach Stephen
Published: May 2008

The UK Government's White Paper lias met with mixed reactions partly created by the imprecision of the proposals. However, there is a precedent for contracts as, since 1983, competitive tendering has been mandatory for ancillary services in the NHS. This paper explores the experience of competitive tendering, and draw's out the implications for health authorities preparing to extend contracting to clinical services. The need for rigorous monitoring and for building service quality into the contracting process are viewed as paramount if contracting is to be successful.
The librarian as manager
Authors: Holbrook Anthony
Published: May 2008

Further education in Britain is beginning a period of severe economic restraint, with colleges being obliged to operate on static or even falling levels of finance and staffing. Libraries in FE are, naturally, subject to these same pressures: the effect of inflation on book‐funds needs no underlining. Librarians in many colleges are trying to provide a college service with dwindling resources—in real terms—without lowering standards. Whatever the designation of the librarian in charge (tutor librarian, college librarian etc,) his main task must be to maximise benefits from the given level of resources allocated to the library. This paper aims to describe very briefly some of the management techniques which may be helpful to, but often ignored by the typical librarian in charge of 1 or 2 clerical assistants, and, at the most, a professionally qualified deputy.
Commonplaces
Authors: Bingley Clive
Published: May 2008

The first consequence of the admonition (see page 34 quickly!) from the Persons of Wembley, that it is objectionable to seek to entertain or amuse you, is that I have spent 45 minutes of a bright Boxing‐Day morning wondering how the hell to begin this column. Then I reflect that the only effective cure for women's libbery is a happy sex‐life, and I raise a glass to the abolition of earnestness, to the defenestration of unisexuality, and to the abomination of wopersons in 1983. ‘Sexism’‐blathering dotties steer well clear of me this unfolding year!
Commonplaces
Authors: Bingley Clive
Published: May 2008

Positive cash flow ‐ LAMSAC, which is an acronym denoting Local Authorities Management Services & Computer Committee—an odd bird, by the sound of it, is to carry out a ‘major research study into income generation in public libraries in England’ for the Arts Minister.
Comment
Authors: Reid David
Published: May 2008

Many of you must have enjoyed the ersatz (or kitsch) view of Jewish traditional life in ‘Fiddler on the roof’. Topol banging and roaring out ‘Tradition’ is hugely enjoyable. But it is more than a good actor and a vigorous song. It is an appeal to the past; not nostalgia for the past as a dead thing—like Queen Anne—but as a living continuity.
Lysine acetylation can generate highly charged enzymes with increased resistance toward irreversible inactivation
Authors: Shaw Bryan F. , Schneider Gregory F. , Bilgiçer Başar , Kaufman George K. , Neveu John M. , Lane William S. , Whitelegge Julian P. , Whitesides George M.
Published: May 2008

This paper reports that the acetylation of lysine ε‐NH3+ groups of α‐amylase—one of the most important hydrolytic enzymes used in industry—produces highly negatively charged variants that are enzymatically active, thermostable, and more resistant than the wild‐type enzyme to irreversible inactivation on exposure to denaturing conditions (e.g., 1 h at 90°C in solutions containing 100‐mM sodium dodecyl sulfate). Acetylation also protected the enzyme against irreversible inactivation by the neutral surfactant TRITON X‐100 (polyethylene glycol p‐(1,1,3,3‐tetramethylbutyl)phenyl ether), but not by the cationic surfactant, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The increased resistance of acetylated α‐amylase toward inactivation is attributed to the increased net negative charge of α‐amylase that resulted from the acetylation of lysine ammonium groups (lysine ε‐NH3+ → ε‐NHCOCH3). Increases in the net negative charge of proteins can decrease the rate of unfolding by anionic surfactants, and can also decrease the rate of protein aggregation. The acetylation of lysine represents a simple, inexpensive method for stabilizing bacterial α‐amylase against irreversible inactivation in the presence of the anionic and neutral surfactants that are commonly used in industrial applications.
A NOTE ON SQUARE ROOT FILTERING FOR VECTOR AUTOREGRESSIVE MOVING‐AVERAGE MODELS
Authors: Ansley Craig F. , Kohn Robert
Published: May 2008

Abstract. A simplified version of the square root Kalman filter is obtained for a vector autoregressive moving‐average (VARMA) model. The algorithm is computationally more efficient that the standard square root algorithm and its output can be used to compute the likelihood of a VARMA model accurately.
PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION IN ARMA PROCESSES IN THE PRESENCE OF REGULAR BUT INCOMPLETE SAMPLING
Authors: Nijman Theo , Palm Franz
Published: May 2008

Abstract. We discuss the parameter identification of multivariate AR (1) models and of univariate ARMA (2,1) and AR (2) models if the variables in the model are observed every mth period where m is some integer greater than unity. The results indicate that the models will often not be globally identified even if they are locally identified and that the likelihood function can have a large number of local maxima.
A Polymorphism Within the
G6PC2
Gene Is Associated with Fasting Plasma Glucose Levels
Authors: Bouatia-Naji Nabila , Rocheleau Ghislain , Van Lommel Leentje , Lemaire Katleen , Schuit Frans , Cavalcanti-Proença Christine , Marchand Marion , Hartikainen Anna-Liisa , Sovio Ulla , De Graeve Franck , Rung Johan , Vaxillaire Martine , Tichet Jean , Marre Michel , Balkau Beverley , Weill Jacques , Elliott Paul , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , Meyre David , Polychronakos Constantin , Dina Christian , Sladek Robert , Froguel Philippe
Published: May 2008

Several studies have shown that healthy individuals with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels at the high end of the normal range have an increased risk of mortality. To identify genetic determinants that contribute to interindividual variation in FPG, we tested 392,935 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 654 normoglycemic participants for association with FPG, and we replicated the most strongly associated SNP (rs560887,
P
= 4 × 10
–7
) in 9353 participants. SNP rs560887 maps to intron 3 of the
G6PC2
gene, which encodes glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit–related protein (also known as IGRP), a protein selectively expressed in pancreatic islets. This SNP was associated with FPG (linear regression coefficient β = –0.06 millimoles per liter per A allele, combined
P
= 4 × 10
–23
) and with pancreatic β cell function (Homa-B model, combined
P
= 3 × 10
–13
) in three populations; however, it was not associated with type 2 diabetes risk. We speculate that
G6PC2
regulates FPG by modulating the set point for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells.
Use of Laser Microdissection for Phylogenetic Characterization of Polyphosphate-Accumulating Bacteria
Authors: Gloess Stefanie , Grossart Hans-Peter , Allgaier Martin , Ratering Stefan , Hupfer Michael
Published: May 2008

Our novel approach for taxonomic identification of uncultured bacteria harboring specific physiological features in complex environmental samples combines cell collection by laser microdissection and subsequent DNA analysis. The newly developed approach was successfully tested for collection and phylogenetic characterization of polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria in activated sludge and lake sediment.
The Two-Component System CesRK Controls the Transcriptional Induction of Cell Envelope-Related Genes in
Listeria monocytogenes
in Response to Cell Wall-Acting Antibiotics
Authors: Gottschalk Sanne , Bygebjerg-Hove Iver , Bonde Mette , Nielsen Pia Kiil , Nguyen Thanh Ha , Gravesen Anne , Kallipolitis Birgitte H.
Published: May 2008

The two-component system CesRK of
Listeria monocytogenes
responds to cell wall-acting antibiotics. We show here that CesRK controls the transcription of several cell envelope-related genes. The CesRK-dependent induction of these genes may be viewed as an attempt by
L. monocytogenes
to protect itself against the damaging effects of cell wall-acting antibiotics.
Temperature Sensitivity and Cell Division Defects in an
Escherichia coli
Strain with Mutations in
yghB
and
yqjA
, Encoding Related and Conserved Inner Membrane Proteins
Authors: Thompkins Kandi , Chattopadhyay Ballari , Xiao Ying , Henk Margaret C. , Doerrler William T.
Published: May 2008

Ludox density gradients were used to enrich for
Escherichia coli
mutants with conditional growth defects and alterations in membrane composition. A temperature-sensitive mutant named Lud135 was isolated with mutations in two related, nonessential genes:
yghB
and
yqjA
.
yghB
harbors a single missense mutation (G203D) and
yqjA
contains a nonsense mutation (W92TGA) in Lud135. Both mutations are required for the temperature-sensitive phenotype: targeted deletion of both genes in a wild-type background results in a strain with a similar phenotype and expression of either gene from a plasmid restores growth at elevated temperatures. The mutant has altered membrane phospholipid levels, with elevated levels of acidic phospholipids, when grown under permissive conditions. Growth of Lud135 under nonpermissive conditions is restored by the presence of millimolar concentrations of divalent cations Ca
2+
, Ba
2+
, Sr
2+
, or Mg
2+
or 300 to 500 mM NaCl but not 400 mM sucrose. Microscopic analysis of Lud135 demonstrates a dramatic defect at a late stage of cell division when cells are grown under permissive conditions.
yghB
and
yqjA
belong to the conserved and widely distributed
dedA
gene family, for which no function has been reported. The two open reading frames encode predicted polytopic inner membrane proteins with 61% amino acid identity. It is likely that YghB and YqjA play redundant but critical roles in membrane biology that are essential for completion of cell division in
E. coli
.
Simulation of Fluid Phase Equilibria in Square-Well Fluids: From Three to Two Dimensions
Authors: Vörtler Horst L.
Published: May 2008

We study the influence of geometric restrictions on vapour/liquid coexistence properties and critical data of square-well fluids. Starting with three-dimensional bulk systems, we model the confinement by slit-like pores with decreasing slit widths arriving finally at planar (two-dimensional) fluid layers. For both bulk and confined fluids, we use a uniform approach performing series of canonical ensemble Monte Carlo simulations with Widom-like (virtual) particle insertions to estimate chemical potential versus density isotherms. By estimating the corresponding vapour/liquid coexistence densities using a Maxwell-like equal area rule for the subcritical chemical potential isotherms, we are able to study the influence of the confinement not only on chemical potentials but also on the coexistence properties. Critical point data are calculated from the coexistence densities by means of scaling relations. In particular, we study the change of the critical temperature and critical density varying the slit width and including the two- and three-dimensional bulk fluids as limiting cases. While the difference between the bulk and the slit critical temperature is found to decay exponentially with an exponent reciprocal to a linear function in the slit width, no comparable simple relation describing the influence of the confinement on the critical density is found.
Leaf morphogenesis and growth in Cyperus eragrostis (Cyperaoeae)
Authors: Soros Connie L. , Dengler Nancy G.
Published: May 2008

We identified the zones of leaf extension, cell division, cell elongation, and cell differentiation in developing leaves of a sedge species, Cyperus eragrostis Lam. (Cyperaceae). The zone of leaf extension was located by measuring the separation between pinhole markers and by observing the staining pattern of Calcofluor White after pulse-labelling growing leaves. These observations were supported by determining growth rates of control and punctured leaves and by scanning electron and light microscopy of developing leaves. The location of the zone of cell division was assessed by enumerating mitotic figures, and the zone of cell elongation was established by measuring lengths of epidermal cells in cleared leaves. These studies indicated that the zone of leaf elongation is within the basal 10–15 mm of a leaf and that cell divisions are restricted to the basal 0.2–1 mm. Radial enlargement of internal tissues begins in the basal half of the elongation zone and cells are fully differentiated within a short distance above it. Expanding leaves can be divided into three zones: zone 1, a basal meristematic zone where cell division and some cell elongation occur; zone 2, a zone above the base where cells are elongating but cell division has ceased; and zone 3, a zone where elongation is complete and cells have reached their final length. This pattern of leaf development is similar to, but more condensed than, feat found in the related monocotyledonous family, the Poaceae. Keywords: Cyperus eragrostis, leaf development, leaf extension zone, Cyperaceae, cell enlargement.
Colonization of carnation stems by a nonpathogenic isolate of Fusarium oxysporum and its effect on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi
Authors: Postma Joeke , Luttikholt Anita J. G.
Published: May 2008

A nonpathogenic isolate of Fusarium oxysporum, 618-12, added to soil prior to the pathogen, suppressed fusarium wilt (F. o. f.sp. dianthi race 2) in a susceptible cultivar of carnation by 80% compared with the treatment with the pathogen only. The possibility of systemically induced resistance by the nonpathogenic isolate was assessed by inoculating antagonist and pathogen at different locations (stem versus soil, soil versus stem, and in a split-root system). No significant disease suppression was found with any of these spatially separated inoculations. However, inoculation of antagonist and pathogen at the same location within the stem (i.e., mixed stem inoculation) resulted in significant and reproducible disease reductions compared with stem inoculation with the pathogen alone. This reduction was found for different inoculum densities and different cultivars. Several other nonpathogenic Fusarium isolates could also reduce wilt symptoms in the susceptible carnation cultivar after mixed stem inoculation with the pathogen. This disease-suppressive effect after mixed stem inoculations may be caused by locally induced resistance or competition between isolates within the stem. Plants showed vascular browning around the inoculation point following inoculation with nonpathogenic isolates. Disease suppression, as well as vascular browning, were absent when dead conidia of the isolate 618-12 were used. After its addition to soil, the isolate was recovered from 44–78% of carnation stems. Spread of the nonpathogenic isolate within the stem occurred only in the first 4 days after stem inoculation, and it remained confined to limited distances from the inoculation point between 4 and 59 days after inoculation. The pathogenic isolate could be isolated at increasingly greater distances from the inoculation point during this period. These data suggest that the nonpathogenic isolate is not actively spread through the plant by growth of the fungus. Keywords: biological control, competition, induced resistance, wilt.
Interpretation of undrained self-boring pressuremeter test results incorporating unloading
Authors: Ferreira R. S. , Robertson P. K.
Published: May 2008

An interpretation method has been developed to incorporate nonlinear soil behavior to interpret undrained pressuremeter test results. The method makes use of both the loading and unloading portions of the pressuremeter test. The proposed interpretation method accepts that some level of soil disturbance may exist during the early loading portion of the pressuremeter test. This is accomplished by putting greater emphasis on the unloading portion and the final part of the loading portion of the test. The method is evaluated using self-boring pressuremeter results from Fucino, Italy. Key words : pressuremeter, interpretation, undrained, unloading.
Subsidence owing to tunnelling. I. Estimating the gap parameter
Authors: Lee K. M. , Rowe R. Kerry , Lo K. Y.
Published: May 2008

A simple, numerically based procedure for the estimation of the so-called gap parameter is described. The gap parameter represents the vertical displacement above the crown of the tunnel and is a measure of ground loss owing to tunnelling in soft ground. This parameter is a function of the three-dimensional elastoplastic deformation at the tunnel face, the tunnelling machine shield and lining geometry, and workmanship. This parameter can then be used to predict the resulting ground deformations using either two-dimensional finite element methods or empirical correlations. Key words : tunnelling, settlement, subsidence, clays, soft ground, analysis, design.
Lateral pile response to monotonie pile head loading
Authors: Yan Li , Byrne Peter M.
Published: May 2008

This paper presents results from a series of model tests of single vertical piles subjected to lateral monotonic pile head loading. Model tests were carried out in sand under a simulated field stress condition using the hydraulic gradient similitude technique. Studies were focused on examining various factors that affect the soil-pile interaction in terms of P–y curves. It was found that the P–y curves are highly nonlinear and stress-level dependent but are insensitive to the pile head loading conditions. The P–y curves at depths below one pile diameter were found to be normalized by the maximum soil Young's modulus Emax and the pile diameter. Comparison was made between the experimental P–y curves and those recommended by the American Petroleum Institute (API). It was found that the experimental P–y curves were significantly different from the API P–y curves. New procedures for constructing P–y curves are proposed and verified by numerical analyses of the observed model pile response. The results indicate that the API P–y curves based on a hyperbolic tangent function tend to overestimate the pile head stiffness, especially for fixed-head piles due to their stiffer shape in the small to medium pile deflection range. The proposed parabolic P–y curves can better resemble experimental P–y curves and consequently give a better prediction of pile response for both free- and fixed-head conditions. Finally, the proposed procedures were applied to analyze a full-scale pile load test, and good agreement was found between the predictions using the proposed parabolic P–y curves and the field test data. Key words : lateral loads, piles, model tests, sands.
Use of organophilic clay in sand-bentonite as a barrier to diesel fuel
Authors: Boldt-Leppin Brigitte EJ , Haug Moir D , Headley John V
Published: May 2008

A laboratory research program was conducted to evaluate the long-term hydraulic performance of sandbentonite liners augmented with organophilic clay and permeated with diesel fuel. This program was also designed to establish guidelines for the incorporation of organophilic clay in sandbentonite liners. The study involved three areas of testing. The first was to characterize the materials. The second was to evaluate various combinations of materials and preparation techniques through hydraulic conductivity tests. The third area involved unconfined infiltration tests. The primary hydraulic conductivity testing was broken into three phases. These investigated the hydraulic conductivity of organophilic sandbentonite liners using various percentages of organophilic clay and evaluated the hydraulic performance of these specimens when permeated with distilled water and diesel fuel. Hydraulic conductivity was measured in specially designed low gradient, low effective stress stainless-steel triaxial permeameters. The results of this test program indicated that small percentages (3%) of organophilic clay in a sandbentonite liner material could effectively be used to avoid desiccation cracking in a liner permeated with petroleum products. High percentages (7.5%) of organophilic clay in a sandbentonite mixture resulted in a liner permeable to water, but reduced permeability to diesel fuel.

Key words: organophilic clay, diesel fuel, bentonite, liners, hydraulic conductivity, triaxial permeability testing.
Eighteenth Canadian Geotechnical Colloquium: Limit States Design For Foundations. Part II. Development for the National Building Code of Canada
Authors: Becker Dennis E
Published: May 2008

The geotechnical engineering profession in Canada is in the process of evaluating limit states design (LSD) for its incorporation into codes of practice for foundation engineering to provide a consistent design approach between geotechnical and structural engineers. This paper describes the work carried out for the initial development of LSD for foundations in the National Building Code of Canada. A load and resistance factor design approach, based on a factored overall geotechnical resistance, is used. The resistance factors for the ultimate limit states of bearing capacity and sliding of shallow and deep foundations are derived from a direct calibration with working stress design (WSD) and from a reliability analysis. The resistance factors derived from both approaches are consistent with each other and provide a reasonably constant reliability index of about 3.0 to 3.5. A relationship is presented that relates the reliability index to a global factor of safety and resistance factor. Design examples are provided that show that the proposed LSD produces designs that are comparable with those produced by traditional WSD. The importance of serviceability limits states is discussed, and the items that require further study and research work to refine code calibration are identified.

Key words: limit states design, reliability index, code calibration, resistance factors, foundations, ultimate limit states.
Contrasting radial growth and canopy recruitment patterns in Liriodendrontulipifera and Nyssasylvatica: gap-obligate versus gap-facultative tree species
Authors: Orwig David A. , Abrams Marc D.
Published: May 2008

Radial growth patterns, canopy recruitment characteristics, and disturbance histories were examined in a shade-tolerant species, Nyssasylvatica Marsh., and a shade-intolerant species, Liriodendrontulipifera L., to determine the influence of canopy gaps in species with contrasting life histories. Tree cores of these co-occurring species were taken from three mixed-Quercus forests in northern Virginia. Most N. sylvatica individuals became established prior to 1850 and experienced multiple release and suppression periods coinciding with logging during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many L. tulipifera became established during the early 1900s following logging, and only a few individuals experienced prolonged suppression periods. Regardless of site, L. tulipifera grew faster than N. sylvatica (average radial growth >1.70 mm/year for L. tulipifera vs. <0.82 mm/year for N. sylvatica.). Liriodendrontulipifera also exhibited longer periods of mean yearly growth >2 mm (15–37 years for L. tulipifera vs. <5 years for Nsylvatica). Consecutive growth <0.5 mm/year ranged from 43 to 66 years in N. sylvatica vs. 2–11 years in L. tulipifera. Ring width patterns indicate that both species used different strategies following disturbance that enabled them to coexist in these forests. Nyssasylvatica persisted in subcanopy positions for extended periods of time but was capable of responding to release even after 170 years (i.e., gap facultative). In contrast, L. tulipifera appeared to rely on a strategy of rapid height and radial growth for canopy accession following large disturbances (i.e., gap obligate). The results of this study indicate the importance of using dendroecological techniques in the study of forest dynamics and species' growth strategies.
SUPERSYMMETRIC APPROACH TO QUASINORMAL MODES
Authors: JANA T. K. , ROY P.
Published: May 2008

Supersymmetry (SUSY) in quantum mechanics is extended from square integrable states to those satisfying the outgoing wave boundary condition. Using this formalism we obtain new exactly solvable potentials admitting quasinormal modes (QNM) solutions of the Klein–Gordon equation.
PUMP POWER DEPENDENCE OF PHASE-SHIFT, KERR AND ELECTROSTRICTIVE NONLINEARITIES IN SILICA CORE FIBER
Authors: SHARMA SUNITA , GHOSHAL S. K. , MOHAN DEVENDRA
Published: May 2008

Analytical, numerical and experimental studies have been made to estimate the pump power dependence on power loss in multimode fibers. The frequency response of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility is studied using the anharmonic oscillator model. The underlying mechanism responsible for loss in power propagating through the optical fiber has been understood in terms of two-photon absorption and phase shift. The present study has been done by transmitting the signal of Copper Vapor Laser (CVL) having λ=510.6 nm, with repetition rate ~5.6 kHz, pulse duration 60 ns, through 5 m long silica core multimode fiber. The contribution of the effect of Kerr and electrostrictive nonlinearities to power loss has also been calculated, separately. Results show that the power loss in optical fibers is greatly influenced by the presence of impurities and also the power level of the laser source.
ELECTROMAGNETIC SHAPE RESONANCES OF A DIELECTRIC SPHERE AND RADIATION OF PORTABLE TELEPHONES
Authors: NESTERENKO VLADIMIR V. , FEOLI ANTONIO , LAMBIASE GAETANO , SCARPETTA GAETANO
Published: May 2008

The frequency band used by cellular telephones includes the eigenfrequencies of a dielectric sphere with physical characteristics close to those of a human head. Proceeding from the spatial features of the natural modes of such a sphere, we propose an independent and clear evident accuracy test for the complicated numerical calculations which are conducted when estimating the potential hazard due to the use of cellular telephones, in particular, for the check of the proper handling of the electromagnetic shape resonances of a human head.
QUANTUM WELL EXCITONS AT LOW DENSITY
Authors: VÖRÖS ZOLTÁN , SNOKE DAVID W.
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we give an overview of our recent work in the quest for Bose–Einstein condensation of spatially indirect excitons. After discussing the benefits of using such particles as the participants of this intriguing quantum phase transition, we turn to the experimental difficulties and obstacles in the way to a successful realization of excitonic BEC.
CLASSICAL CORRELATION IN QUANTUM DIALOGUE
Authors: TAN YONG-GANG , CAI QING-YU
Published: May 2008

Classical communications are used in the post-processing procedure of quantum key distribution. Since the security of quantum key distribution is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, intuitively, the secret key can only be derived from the quantum states. We find that classical communications are incorrectly used in the so-called quantum dialogue type protocols. In these protocols, public communications are used to transmit secret messages. Our calculations show that half of Alice's and Bob's secret message is leaked through the classical channel. By applying the Holevo bound, we can see that the quantum efficiency claimed in the quantum dialogue type of protocols is not achievable.