bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Performance of Third‐Party Logistics Arrangements: A Relationship Marketing Perspective
Authors: Knemeyer A. Michael , Murphy Paul R.
Published: April 2006

By 2005, users of third‐party logistics services may be spending an average of nearly one‐third of their total logistics budgets (compared to 20 percent today) to support 3PL services (Gooley 2000). Yet, very little research has examined managerial activities that might influence the performance of these logistics outsourcing relationships. Over the past several years, the management approach that views relationships as key assets of the organization has gained increased prominence in the priorities and practices of many companies (Gruen, Summers and Acito 2000). The current study utilizes this relationship marketing perspective as the basis for evaluating the perceived performance of third‐party logistics arrangements. In particular, the current study examines the influence of six key relationship marketing dimensions on a customer's perceptions of their 3PL provider's performance. In so doing, the article builds on research (e.g., Goldsby and Stank 2000) that focuses on potential linkages between logistical performance metrics and managerial activities. The results suggest linkages between relationship marketing activities and the perceived performance of the 3PL arrangement.
The expression of IGF‐I and myostatin mRNAs in skeletal muscle of hypophysectomized and underfed rats during postnatal growth
Authors: Yamaguchi A. , Fujikawa T. , Tateoka M. , Soya H. , Sakuma K. , Sugiura T. , Morita I. , Ikeda Y. , Hirai T.
Published: April 2006

Aim:  To determine the roles of myostatin and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) during postnatal growth, we examined IGF‐I and myostatin mRNA expression in the skeletal muscles of hypophysectomized and underfed rats during postnatal growth.

Methods:  Five‐week‐old rats were divided into four groups: freely fed control, moderately underfed, severely underfed and hypophysectomized. Four weeks later, blood and muscle samples were gathered to determine serum IGF‐I, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, IGF‐I Ea, IGF‐I Eb and myostatin mRNA.

Results:  The weights of soleus, plantaris and masseter muscles were decreased in underfed and hypophysectomized rats. Hypophysectomy resulted in significant increases of type I MHC at the expense of type IIx in plantaris muscle and of neonatal MHC at the expense of types IIx and IIb in masseter muscle. Serum IGF‐I was decreased by underfeeding and hypophysectomy. Plantaris muscle IGF‐I Ea mRNA in underfed and hypophysectomized rats was significantly lower than in normal controls. Plantaris muscle IGF‐I Eb mRNA in underfed rats was significantly lower than in normal controls. Masseter muscle IGF‐I Eb mRNA in severely underfed rats was significantly lower than in normal control and hypophysectomized rats. Soleus muscle myostatin mRNA in hypophysectomized rats was significantly higher than in normal and significantly underfed rats. No significant differences in plantaris and masseter muscle myostatin mRNA were observed between groups.

Conclusion:  Suppressed muscle growth caused by hypophysectomy and underfeeding may be attributed mainly to reduced circulating IGF‐I and partially to reduced IGF‐I mRNA, rather than to a change in myostatin.
Does central nitric oxide chronically modulate the acute hypoxic ventilatory response in conscious rats?
Authors: Schwenke D. O. , Pearson J. T. , Kangawa K. , Shirai M.
Published: April 2006

Aim:  Hypoxia initiates an increase in ventilation (VE) through a cascade of events of which central nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as an important neuromodulator. There have not been any reports describing the consequences of long‐term imbalances in the central NO pathways on the modulation of the acute hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). Chronic hypoxia (CH) can potentially modify the HVR, and so we hypothesized that central NO may be involved. In this study we describe the long‐term role of central NO in the modulation of HVR before and after CH.

Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats (BW c. 200–320 g; n = 21) were implanted with an osmotic pump for continuous intracerebroventricular administration of either artificial cerebrospinal fluid (control), Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) (150 μg kg−1 day−1) or the NO‐donor, 3‐[4‐morpholinyl]‐sydnonimine‐hydrochloride (SIN‐1) (100 μg kg−1 day−1). The VE response to acute poikilocapnic hypoxia (8% O2 for 20 min) was measured by plethysmography seven days after surgery, in normoxia, and again after 14 days of exposure to CH (CH = 12% O2).

Results:  The magnitude of the HVR (c. 230% increase in VE) was unaltered by centrally infusing either l‐NAME or SIN‐1 for 1 week. CH did not modify the HVR, although baseline VE and HVR were shifted downward by l‐NAME during CH – because of a reduction in the frequency component.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that long‐term alterations in central NO levels may not alter the HVR under moderate CH, presumably because of the onset/development of compensatory mechanisms. However, NO appears to be an important component of the HVR following CH.
Assessing body condition and energy budget components by scoring abdominal profiles in free‐ranging pink‐footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus
Authors: Madsen Jesper , Klaassen Marcel
Published: April 2006

An abdominal profile index (API) was developed for pink‐footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus as a measure of body condition. On basis of carcass analysis of 56 adult geese with known API prior to collection, we found significant linear relationships between API against body mass, abdominal fat and total energy content. Hence, changes in API reflect net energy intake rates. As an example of the applicability of the calibration, we compared APIs of individually marked geese before and after long migration episodes and estimated the cost of flight at 8.9 kJ/km. In addition we estimated gain rates at three major staging sites along the spring flyway indicating an increase in fueling rates with latitude. Calibration of APIs and energy contents offers new opportunities for field studies of waterfowl energetics.
Weather conditions affect levels of extra‐pair paternity in the reed buntingEmberiza schoeniclus
Authors: Bouwman Karen M. , Komdeur Jan
Published: April 2006

Extra‐pair paternity (EPP) is common in many socially monogamous birds, but large variations in frequency of EPP are found both between and within species. Local ecological factors can affect the costs and benefits of extra‐pair mating behaviour, and may therefore influence the chance that individuals engage in extra‐pair copulations (EPCs). We investigated the effect of weather conditions during the peak fertile period of the female on the levels of EPP in reed buntingsEmberiza schoeniclus. The reed bunting is a socially monogamous passerine, with extremely high levels of EPP (50% of offspring in 80% of broods). We found that higher daily minimum temperatures and more rainfall during the peak fertile period were associated with lower proportions of EPP. As during adverse weather conditions individuals have to invest more in self maintenance, we suggest that during long periods of rain the extra‐pair mating behaviour of all individuals will be restricted, leading to lower proportions of EPP. During cold mornings, time‐consuming activities such as mate guarding are likely to be more strongly affected than less time‐consuming activities such as EPCs, leading to higher proportions of EPP.
FREE MOTION OF THIN SOLID FILM ON LIQUID SURFACE AS A ROUTE TOWARDS SELF-ORGANIZATION
Authors: YU SEN-JIANG , YE QUAN-LIN , WU LIANG-NENG , CHEN JIANG-XING , CUI YU-JIAN , GE HONG-LIANG
Published: April 2006

In this paper, we present the spontaneous formation of an unusual type of ordered structures in thin metal film systems deposited on silicon oil surfaces by a thermal evaporation method. These structures are composed of a large number of parallel rectangular-shaped domains and exhibit anti-symmetric characteristic. The experiment shows that thin solid films can move freely on liquid surfaces due to the near-zero adhesion of the solid–liquid interface, resulting in superposition of the films and formation of the ordered structures. Compressive stress gradient in the films is shown to be the driving force for self-organization. All characteristics of the ordered structures are discussed in detail based on special mechanical behaviors of these near-free sustained films.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TUNGSTEN OXIDE NANORODS
Authors: PARK BYOUNGTAE , YONG KIJUNG
Published: April 2006

A new method is developed to obtain crystalline nanorods of WO 3 using tungsten organometallic compound, tungsten hexacarbonyl, at a low temperature of around 700°C. The diameters of the nanorods were in the range of 20–50 nm, and their lengths were up to several micrometers. The WO 3 nanorods had a clean surface without any particles. HRTEM and SAED pattern analysis results showed that the synthesized WO 3 nanorods had a monoclinic single-crystalline structure.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND GROWTH PROCESS OF Al2O3 FILM ON PURE ALUMINUM BY MICRO-ARC OXIDATION
Authors: CHEN CHUANZHONG , DONG QING , WANG DIANGANG , JI QIANMAO
Published: April 2006

Ceramic coatings were formed on a pure aluminum substrate in an aqueous solution of phosphate salt, using the pulsating micro-arc oxidation method. XRD indicated that the film composed of pure γ- Al 2 O 3. SEM showed that the surface of the film was micro-porous with 1–5 μm pores. EDS gave the element distributions of the cross-section. The result indicated that elements from the electrolyte like P could be incorporated into the film during MAO process. The microhardness test showed that the film had an average hardness of 654 HV0.025. The growth process of the Al 2 O 3 ceramic-like film was discussed on the basis of the structure analysis.
OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDIES OF CHEMICALLY SYNTHESIZED ANTIMONY–CADMIUM SELENIDE THIN FILMS
Authors: MASUMDAR E. U.
Published: April 2006

CdSe:Sb thin films with Sb 3+ doping concentration varied from 0 to 5 mol% were obtained onto the amorphous glasses by a chemical bath deposition. The deposits were smooth, well adherent to the substrate support, uniform and diffusely reflecting with color changing from dark-orange red to yellowish-orange as doping concentration was increased from 0 to 5 mol%. The XRD studies revealed the polycrystalline nature of the samples. The optical gaps were determined and found to be decreased from 1.79 eV to 1.61 eV for the increase in Sb 3+ doping concentration from 0 to 0.1 mol% and it further increased with the increase in doping concentration. The transitions in these films were of the band-to-band direct type. The electrical conductivity is found to be enhanced with Sb 3+ doping concentration from 0 to 0.1 mol% and then decreased with further addition of antimony content in CdSe . The activation energies were calculated in both the conduction regions. The other material characteristics such as thermoelectric power, carrier concentration (n), mobility (μ), barrier height (ΦB) were studied as a function of working temperature and antimony doping concentration in CdSe .
A note on the difference schemes for hyperbolic‐elliptic equations
Authors: Ashyralyev A. , Judakova G. , Sobolevskii P. E.
Published: April 2006

The nonlocal boundary value problem for hyperbolic‐elliptic
equation d2u(t)/dt2 + Au(t) = f(t), (0 ≤ t ≤ 1), −d2u(t)/dt2 + Au(t) = g(t), (−1 ≤ t ≤ 0), u(0) = ϕ, u(1) = u(−1) in a Hilbert space H is considered. The second order of accuracy difference schemes for approximate
solutions of this boundary value problem are presented. The
stability estimates for the solution of these difference schemes
are established.
Single blow‐up solutions for a slightly subcritical biharmonic equation
Authors: El Mehdi Khalil
Published: April 2006

We consider a biharmonic equation under the Navier boundary
condition and with a nearly critical exponent (Pε): ∆2u = u9−ε, u > 0 in Ω and u = ∆u = 0 on ∂Ω, where Ω is a smooth bounded domain in
ℝ5, ε > 0. We study the asymptotic behavior
of solutions of (Pε) which are minimizing for the
Sobolev quotient as ε goes to zero. We show that such
solutions concentrate around a point x0 ∈ Ω as ε → 0, moreover x0 is a critical point of the Robin′s function. Conversely, we show that for any
nondegenerate critical point x0 of the Robin′s function, there
exist solutions of (Pε) concentrating around x0 as ε → 0.
Robust control problems of vortex dynamics in superconducting films with Ginzburg‐Landau complex systems
Authors: Belmiloudi Aziz
Published: April 2006

We formulate and study robust control problems for a
two‐dimensional time‐dependent Ginzburg‐Landau model with Robin
boundary conditions on phase‐field parameter, which
describes the phase transitions taking place in superconductor
films with variable thickness. The objective of such study is to
control the motion of vortices in the superconductor films by
taking into account the influence of noises in data. Firstly, we
introduce the perturbation problem of the nonlinear governing
coupled system of equations (the deviation from the desired
target). The existence and the uniqueness of the solution of the
perturbation are proved as well as stability under mild
assumptions. Afterwards, the robust control problems are
formulated in the case when the control is in the external
magnetic field and in the case when the control is in the initial
condition of the vector potential. We show the existence of an
optimal solution, and we also find necessary conditions for a
saddle point optimality.
Norming points and unique minimality of orthogonal projections
Authors: Shekhtman Boris , Skrzypek Lesław
Published: April 2006

We study the norming points and norming functionals of symmetric
operators on Lp spaces for p = 2m or p = 2m/(2m − 1). We prove some general result relating uniqueness of minimal
projection to the set of norming functionals. As a main
application, we obtain that the Fourier projection onto span [1, sin⁡x, cos⁡x] is a unique minimal
projection in Lp.
Strongly nonlinear elliptic variational unilateral problems in Orlicz space
Authors: Aharouch L. , Benkirane A. , Rhoudaf M.
Published: April 2006

We will be concerned with the existence result of
unilateral problem associated to the equations of the
form Au + g(x, u, ∇u) = f, where A is a Leray‐Lions operator from its
domain into . On the nonlinear lower order term g(x, u, ∇u), we assume that it is a Carathéodory
function having natural growth with respect to |∇u|, and satisfies the sign condition. The right‐hand side f belongs to .
Common fixed points of one‐parameter nonexpansive semigroups in strictly convex Banach spaces
Authors: Suzuki Tomonari
Published: April 2006

One of our main results is the following convergence
theorem for one‐parameter nonexpansive semigroups: let C be a bounded closed convex subset of a Hilbert space E, and let {T(t) : t ∈ ℝ+} be a strongly continuous semigroup of nonexpansive mappings on C. Fix u ∈ C and t1, t2 ∈ ℝ+ with t1 < t2. Define a sequence {xn} in C by for n ∈ ℕ, where {αn} is a sequence in (0, 1) converging to 0. Then {xn} converges strongly to a common fixed point of {T(t) : t ∈ ℝ+}.
On the exact controllability of a nonlinear stochastic heat equation
Authors: Ton Bui An
Published: April 2006

The exact controllability of a nonlinear stochastic heat equation with null Dirichlet boundary conditions, nonzero initial and target values, and an interior control is established.
On symmetric equilibrium of an isothermal gas with a free boundary and a body force
Authors: Zlotnik Alexander , Maksimov Mikhail
Published: April 2006

The equation of symmetric equilibrium of an isothermal gas with an
unknown boundary in the field of a body force is considered.
Conditions for solvability and insolvability of the problem as
well as for uniqueness and nonuniqueness of solutions are
presented. Examples of finite, countable, or continual sets of
solutions are constructed including equipotential ones. Static
stability of solutions is analyzed too.
Existence of positive solutions for some polyharmonic nonlinear equations in ℝn
Authors: Mâagli Habib , Zribi Malek
Published: April 2006

We will study the following polyharmonic nonlinear elliptic
equation (−∆) mu + f(‧, u) = 0 in ℝn, n > 2m.
Under appropriate conditions on the nonlinearity f(x, t), related
to a class of functions called m‐Green‐tight functions, we give
some existence results for the above equation.
General existence principles for nonlocal boundary value problems with φ‐Laplacian and their applications
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , O′Regan Donal , Stanek Svatoslav
Published: April 2006

The paper presents general existence principles which can be used
for a large class of nonlocal boundary value problems of the form , β(x) = 0, where fj satisfy local Carathéodory
conditions on some [0, T] × 𝒟j ⊂ ℝ2, fj are either regular or have singularities in their phase variables (j = 1, 2, 3), Fi : C1[0, T] → C0[0, T](i = 1, 2), and α, β : C1[0, T] → ℝ are continuous. The proofs
are based on the Leray‐Schauder degree theory and use
regularization and sequential techniques. Applications of general
existence principles to singular BVPs are given.
Conjugates of Phthalocyanines with Oligonucleotides as Reagents for Sensitized or Catalytic DNA Modification
Authors: Chernonosov Alexander A. , Koval Vladimir V. , Knorre Dmitrii G. , Chernenko Alexander A. , Derkacheva Valentina M. , Lukyanets Eugenii A. , Fedorova Olga S.
Published: April 2006

Several conjugates of metallophthalocyanines with deoxyribooligonucleotides were synthesized to investigate
sequence‐specific modification of DNA by them. Oligonucleotide parts of these conjugates were responsible for the recognition of selected complementary sequences on the DNA target. Metallophthalocyanines were able to induce the DNA modification: phthalocyanines of Zn(II) and Al(III) were active as photosensitizers in the generation of singlet oxygen 1O2, while phthalocyanine of Co(II) promoted
DNA oxidation by molecular oxygen through the catalysis of
formation of reactive oxygen species
(⋅2−, H2O2, OH). Irradiation of the reaction mixture containing either Zn(II)‐ or Al(III)‐tetracarboxyphthalocyanine conjugates of oligonucleotide pd(TCTTCCCA) with light of > 340 nm wavelength (Hg lamp or He/Ne laser) resulted in the modification of the 22‐nucleotide target
d(TGAATGGGAAGAGGGTCAGGTT). A conjugate of Co(II)‐tetracarboxyphthalocyanine with the oligonucleotide
was found to modify the DNA target in the presence of O2

and 2‐mercaptoethanol or in the presence of H2O2.
Under both sensitized and catalyzed conditions, the nucleotides
G13–G15
were mainly modified, providing evidence that the reaction proceeded in the double‐stranded oligonucleotide.
These results suggest the possible use of phthalocyanine‐oligonucleotide conjugates as novel artificial
regulators of gene expression and therapeutic agents for treatment of cancer.
Fractal Newton basins
Authors: Sahari M. L. , Djellit I.
Published: April 2006

The dynamics of complex cubic polynomials have been studied extensively in the recent years. The main interest in this work is to focus on the Julia sets in the dynamical plane, and then is consecrated to the study of several topics in more detail. Newton′s method is considered since it is the main tool for finding solutions to equations, which leads to some fantastic images when it is applied to complex functions and gives rise to a chaotic sequence.
Stability and bifurcation in a simplified four‐neuron BAM neural network with multiple delays
Authors: Yan Xiang-Ping , Li Wan-Tong
Published: April 2006

We first study the distribution of the zeros of a fourth‐degree
exponential polynomial. Then we apply the obtained results to a
simplified bidirectional associated memory (BAM) neural
network with four neurons and multiple time delays. By taking the
sum of the delays as the bifurcation parameter, it is shown that
under certain assumptions the steady state is absolutely stable.
Under another set of conditions, there are some critical values of
the delay, when the delay crosses these critical values, the Hopf
bifurcation occurs. Furthermore, some explicit formulae
determining the stability and the direction of periodic solutions
bifurcating from Hopf bifurcations are obtained by applying the
normal form theory and center manifold reduction. Numerical
simulations supporting the theoretical analysis are also included.
Singular boundary value problem on infinite time scale
Authors: Hao Zhao-Cai , Liang Jin , Xiao Ti-Jun
Published: April 2006

This paper deals with a class of singular boundary value problems
of differential equations on infinite time scale. An existence
theorem of positive solutions is established by using the
Schauder fixed point theorem and perturbation and operator
approximation method, which resolves the singularity successfully
and differs from those of some papers. In the end of the paper, an
example is given to illustrate our main result.
Stability results on age‐structured SIS epidemic model with coupling impulsive effect
Authors: Liu Helong , Xu Houbao , Yu Jingyuan , Zhu Guangtian
Published: April 2006

We develop an age‐structured epidemic model for malaria with
impulsive effect, and consider the effect of blood transfusion and
infected‐vector transmission. Transmission rates depend on age. We
derive the condition in which eradication solution is locally
asymptotically stable. The condition shows that large enough pulse
reducing proportion and relatively small interpulse time lead to
the eradication of the diseases.
On internal constraints in continuum mechanics
Authors: Rajagopal K. R. , Saccomandi Giuseppe
Published: April 2006

In classical particle mechanics, it is well understood that while
working with nonholonomic and nonideal constraints, one cannot
expect that the constraint be workless. It is curious that in
continuum mechanics, however, the implications of the result in
classical mechanics have not been clearly understood. In this paper,
we show that in dealing with the response of dissipative systems,
one cannot require that constraints do no work or ignore the fact
that the material response functions depend on the constraint
reaction. An example of this is the viscosity of a fluid depending
on the pressure.
Instability, nonexistence, and uniqueness in elasticity with porous dissipation
Authors: Leseduarte M. C. , Quintanilla R.
Published: April 2006

This paper is devoted to the study of the elasticity with porous
dissipation. In the context of the nonlinear problem, we prove
instability and nonexistence of solutions. In the context of the
linear problem, we obtain exponential growth. We also obtain
uniqueness of solutions of the backward in time problem of the
linear equations.
On the modelling of complex sociopsychological systems with some reasoning about Kate, Jules, and Jim
Authors: Bellomo Nicola , Carbonaro Bruno
Published: April 2006

This paper deals with the modelling of complex sociopsychological games and reciprocal feelings involving interacting individuals. The modelling is based on suitable developments of the methods of mathematical kinetic theory of active particles with special attention to modelling multiple interactions. A first approach to complexity analysis is proposed referring to both computational and modelling aspects.
Approximating fixed points of total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Alber YaI , Chidume CE , Zegeye H
Published: April 2006

We introduce a new class of asymptotically nonexpansive mappings and study approximating methods for finding their fixed points. We deal with the Krasnosel'skii-Mann-type iterative process. The strong and weak convergence results for self-mappings in normed spaces are presented. We also consider the asymptotically weakly contractive mappings.
Approximating common fixed points of two asymptotically quasi-nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces
Authors: Shahzad Naseer , Udomene Aniefiok
Published: April 2006

Suppose "Equation missing" is a nonempty closed convex subset of a real Banach space "Equation missing". Let "Equation missing" be two asymptotically quasi-nonexpansive maps with sequences "Equation missing" such that "Equation missing" and "Equation missing", and "Equation missing". Suppose "Equation missing" is generated iteratively by "Equation missing" where "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" are real sequences in "Equation missing". It is proved that (a) "Equation missing" converges strongly to some "Equation missing" if and only if "Equation missing"; (b) if "Equation missing" is uniformly convex and if either "Equation missing" or "Equation missing" is compact, then "Equation missing" converges strongly to some "Equation missing". Furthermore, if "Equation missing" is uniformly convex, either "Equation missing" or "Equation missing" is compact and "Equation missing" is generated by "Equation missing", where "Equation missing", "Equation missing" are bounded, "Equation missing" are real sequences in "Equation missing" such that "Equation missing" and "Equation missing", "Equation missing" are summable; it is established that the sequence "Equation missing" (with error member terms) converges strongly to some "Equation missing".
Common fixed point and invariant approximation results in certain metrizable topological vector spaces
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Berinde Vasile
Published: April 2006

We obtain common fixed point results for generalized "Equation missing"-nonexpansive "Equation missing"-subweakly commuting maps on nonstarshaped domain. As applications, we establish noncommutative versions of various best approximation results for this class of maps in certain metrizable topological vector spaces.
A degree theory for a class of perturbed Fredholm maps II
Authors: Benevieri Pierluigi , Calamai Alessandro , Furi Massimo
Published: April 2006

In a recent paper we gave a notion of degree for a class of perturbations of nonlinear Fredholm maps of index zero between real infinite dimensional Banach spaces. Our purpose here is to extend that notion in order to include the degree introduced by Nussbaum for local "Equation missing"-condensing perturbations of the identity, as well as the degree for locally compact perturbations of Fredholm maps of index zero recently defined by the first and third authors.
Fixed points and controllability in delay systems
Authors: Gao Hang , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2006

Schaefer's fixed point theorem is used to study the controllability in an infinite delay system "Equation missing". A compact map or homotopy is constructed enabling us to show that if there is an a priori bound on all possible solutions of the companion control system "Equation missing", then there exists a solution for "Equation missing". The a priori bound is established by means of a Liapunov functional or applying an integral inequality. Applications to integral control systems are given to illustrate the approach.
Mann iteration converges faster than Ishikawa iteration for the class of Zamfirescu operators
Authors: Babu GVR , Vara Prasad KNVV
Published: April 2006

The purpose of this paper is to show that the Mann iteration converges faster than the Ishikawa iteration for the class of Zamfirescu operators of an arbitrary closed convex subset of a Banach space.

Mann iteration converges faster than Ishikawa iteration for the class of Zamfirescu operatorshttp://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2007/97986
The anosov theorem for infranilmanifolds with an odd-order abelian holonomy group
Authors: Dekimpe K , De Rock B , Pouseele H
Published: April 2006

We prove that "Equation missing" for any continuous map "Equation missing" of a given infranilmanifold with Abelian holonomy group of odd order. This theorem is the analogue of a theorem of Anosov for continuous maps on nilmanifolds. We will also show that although their fundamental groups are solvable, the infranilmanifolds we consider are in general not solvmanifolds, and hence they cannot be treated using the techniques developed for solvmanifolds.
Hyperbolic monotonicity in the Hilbert ball
Authors: Kopecká Eva , Reich Simeon
Published: April 2006

We first characterize "Equation missing"-monotone mappings on the Hilbert ball by using their resolvents and then study the asymptotic behavior of compositions and convex combinations of these resolvents.
A General Formula for Fan‐Beam Lambda Tomography
Authors: Yu Hengyong , Wang Ge
Published: April 2006

Lambda tomography (LT) is to reconstruct a gradient‐like image of an object only from local projection data. It is potentially an important technology for medical X‐ray computed tomography (CT) at a reduced radiation dose. In this paper, we prove the first general formula for exact and efficient fan‐beam LT from data collected along any smooth curve based on even and odd data extensions. As a result, an LT image can be reconstructed without involving any data extension. This implies that structures outside a scanning trajectory do not affect the exact reconstruction of points inside the trajectory even if the data may be measured through the outside features. The algorithm is simulated in a collinear coordinate system. The results support our theoretical analysis.
Local ROI Reconstruction via Generalized FBP and BPF Algorithms along More Flexible Curves
Authors: Yu Hengyong , Ye Yangbo , Zhao Shiying , Wang Ge
Published: April 2006

We study the local region‐of‐interest (ROI) reconstruction problem, also referred to as the local CT problem. Our scheme includes two steps: (a) the local truncated normal‐dose projections are extended to global dataset by combining a few global low‐dose projections; (b) the ROI are reconstructed by either the generalized filtered backprojection (FBP) or backprojection‐filtration (BPF) algorithms. The simulation results show that both the FBP and BPF algorithms can reconstruct satisfactory results with image quality in the ROI comparable to that of the corresponding global CT reconstruction.
Modeling and Reconstruction of Mixed Functional and Molecular Patterns
Authors: Wang Yue , Xuan Jianhua , Srikanchana Rujirutana , Choyke Peter L.
Published: April 2006

Functional medical imaging promises powerful tools for the visualization and elucidation of important disease‐causing biological processes in living tissue. Recent research aims to dissect the distribution or expression of multiple biomarkers associated with disease progression or response, where the signals often represent a composite of more than one distinct source independent of spatial resolution. Formulating the task as a blind source separation or composite signal factorization problem, we report here a statistically principled method for modeling and reconstruction of mixed functional or molecular patterns. The computational algorithm is based on a latent variable model whose parameters are estimated using clustered component analysis. We demonstrate the principle and performance of the approaches on the breast cancer data sets acquired by dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
Multispectral Bioluminescence Tomography: Methodology and Simulation
Authors: Cong Alexander X. , Wang Ge
Published: April 2006

Bioluminescent imaging has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring physiological and pathological activities at cellular and molecular levels in living small animals. Using biological techniques, target cells can be tagged with reporters encoding several kinds of luciferase enzymes, which generate characteristic photons in a wide spectrum covering the infrared range. Part of the diffused light can reach the body surface of the small animal, be separated into several spectral bands using appropriate filters, and collected by a sensitive CCD camera. Here we present a bioluminescence tomography (BLT) method for a bioluminescent source reconstruction from multispectral data measured on the external surface, and demonstrate the advantages of multispectral BLT in a numerical study using a heterogeneous mouse chest phantom. The results show that the multispectral approach significantly improves the accuracy and stability of the BLT reconstruction even if the data are highly noisy.
Positively charged polysilsesquioxane/iodide lonic liquid as a quasi solid‐state redox electrolyte for dye‐sensitized photo electrochemical cells: Infrared, 29Si NMR, and electrical studies
Authors: Jovanovski Vasko , Orel Boris , Ješe Robi , Mali Gregor , Stathatos Elias , Lianos Panagiotis
Published: April 2006

A new sol‐gel precursor based on
1‐methyl‐3‐[3‐(trimethoxy‐λ4‐silyl)propyl]‐1H‐imidazolium iodide (MTMSPI+I−) was synthesized and investigated as a
potential novel quasi solid‐state ionic liquid redox electrolyte
for dye‐synthesized photoelectrochemical (DSPEC) cells of the
Graetzel type. MTMSPI+I− was hydrolyzed with acidified water
and the reaction products of the sol‐gel condensation reactions
assessed with the help of 29Si NMR and infrared spectroscopic techniques. Results of the time‐dependent spectra
analyses showed the formation of positively charged polyhedral
cube‐like silsesquioxane species that still contained a small
amount of silanol end groups, which were removed after heating at 200°C. After cooling, the resulting material formed
is a tough, yellowish, and transparent solid, which could be
reheated again and used for assembling DSPEC cells. The addition
of iodine increased the specific conductivity of the hydrolyzed
and nonhydrolyzed MTMSPI+I−, which we attributed to the
formation of triiodide ions contributed to the conductivity via
the Grotthus mechanism. DSPEC cells based on a titania‐dye system
with MTMSPI+I− electrolyte containing iodine (0.1 M) reached an overall efficiency between 3.3–3.7%.
Excited‐state relaxation of some aminoquinolines
Authors: Khimich M. N. , Uzhinov B. M.
Published: April 2006

The absorption and fluorescence spectra, fluorescence quantum
yields and lifetimes, and fluorescence rate constants (kf) of 2‐amino‐3‐(2′‐benzoxazolyl)quinoline (I),
2‐amino‐3‐(2′‐benzothiazolyl)quinoline (II),
2‐amino‐3‐(2′‐methoxybenzothiazolyl)‐quinoline (III),
2‐amino‐3‐(2′‐benzothiazolyl)benzoquinoline (IV) at
different temperatures have been measured. The shortwavelength
shift of fluorescence spectra of compounds studied
(23–49 nm in ethanol) as the temperature decreases (the
solvent viscosity increases) points out that the excited‐state
relaxation process takes place. The rate of this process depends
essentially on the solvent viscosity, but not the solvent
polarity. The essential increasing of fluorescence rate constant
kf (up to about 7 times) as the solvent viscosity increases
proves the existence of excited‐state structural relaxation
consisting in the mutual internal rotation of molecular fragments
of aminoquinolines studied, followed by the solvent orientational
relaxation.
The role of water in the photocatalytic degradation of acetonitrile and toluene in gas‐solid and liquid‐solid regimes
Authors: Addamo Maurizio , Augugliaro Vincenzo , Coluccia Salvatore , Paola Agatino Di , García-López Elisa , Loddo Vittorio , Marcì Giuseppe , Martra Gianmario , Palmisano Leonardo
Published: April 2006

Photocatalytic degradation of acetonitrile and toluene was carried
out both in gas‐solid and in liquid‐solid regimes by using
commercial TiO2 samples (Merck and Degussa P25). The
investigation was mainly aimed to study the influence of water
present in the reaction environment on the mechanism and
degradation rate of two probe molecules. In gas‐solid regime, the
reacting mixture consisted of toluene or acetonitrile, oxygen,
nitrogen, and water vapour. The main degradation product of
toluene was CO2 with small amounts of benzaldehyde. In
the presence of water vapour, the activity of TiO2 Merck remained stable but greatly decreased if water was absent. TiO2 Degussa P25 continuously deactivated, even in the
presence of water vapour. With both catalysts, the
photodegradation products of acetonitrile were CO2 and HCN; the activity was stable and was independent of the
presence of water vapour in the reacting mixture. The production
of HCN represents a drawback of acetonitrile photocatalytic
degradation but the elimination of HCN is not actually a
problem. In liquid‐solid regime, the main intermediates of toluene
photodegradation were p‐cresol and benzaldehyde; traces of
pyrogallol and benzyl alcohol were also found. Benzoic acid,
hydroquinone, and trans, trans muconic acid were detected only
when TiO2 Merck was used. The photodegradation products of
acetonitrile were cyanide, cyanate, formate, nitrate, and carbonate
ions.
Sizing stand‐alone photovoltaic systems
Authors: Balouktsis A. , Karapantsios T. D. , Antoniadis A. , Paschaloudis D. , Bezergiannidou A. , Bilalis N.
Published: April 2006

A method of sizing stand‐alone photovoltaic systems regarding the
reliability to satisfy the load demand, economy of components, and
discharge depth exploited by the batteries is presented in this
work. Solar radiation data simulated by an appropriate stochastic
time series model, and not actual measurements, are used in the
sizing procedure. This offers two distinct advantages: (a) sizing
can be performed even for locations where no actual data exist,
(b) the influence of the variation of the statistical parameters
of solar radiation in sizing can be examined. The method has been
applied and tested for several representative locations all over
Greece for which monthly daily average values of solar radiation
are given by ELOT (Hellenic Organization of
Standardization).
Photoelectrochemical characterization and photocatalytic properties of mesoporous TiO2/ZrO2 films
Authors: Smirnova Natalie , Gnatyuk Yuriy , Eremenko Anna , Kolbasov Gennadiy , Vorobetz Vera , Kolbasova Irina , Linyucheva Olga
Published: April 2006

Optically transparent, crack‐free mesoporous titania and
zirconia‐doped titania thin film photocatalysts were fabricated by
sol‐gel technique, using nonionic amphiphilic block copolymer
Pluronic P123 as template. The structural and optical properties
of these films were characterized using SEM, low‐angle XRD, and
UV/Vis spectroscopy, hexane adsorption investigation. Band gap
energy and the position of flatband potentials were estimated by
photoelectrochemical measurements. Enhancing of photocatalytic
activity of zirconia‐doped films relative to pure TiO2
originates from an anodic shift of the valence band edge
potential. Catalytic activity of mesoporous TiO2 and TiO2/ZrO2 (5–50% of ZrO2) films in the
processes of CrVI to CrIII photoreduction and 2,4‐dinitroaniline photooxidation correlates with crystalline size
and growth with increasing of specific surface area of the
samples.
Unravelling ecological analysis
Authors: Steel D. G. , Tranmer M. , Holt D.
Published: April 2006

Ecological analysis involves analysing aggregate data
for groups of individuals to make inferences about relationships
at the individual level. Often the results of such analyses give
badly biased estimates. This paper will consider the sources of
bias in linear regression analysis using aggregate data. The role
of variation of the individual level relationships between groups
and the consequent within-group correlations and how these are
related to auxiliary variables that characterise the differences
between groups is considered. A method of adjusting ecological
regression for the effects of auxiliary variables is described and
evaluated using data from the 1991 Australian Census.
On the control of a truncated general immigration process through the introduction of a predator
Authors: Kyriakidis E. G.
Published: April 2006

This paper is concerned with the problem of controlling a
truncated general immigration process, which represents a
population of harmful individuals, by the introduction of a
predator. If the parameters of the model satisfy some mild
conditions, the existence of a control-limit policy that is
average-cost optimal is proved. The proof is based on the
uniformization technique and on the variation of a fictitious
parameter over the entire real line. Furthermore, an efficient
Markov decision algorithm is developed that generates a sequence
of improving control-limit policies converging to the optimal
policy.
Modelling key market impacts and land allocation for biofuel production and forestry
Authors: Korobeinikov A. , Read P. , Parshotam A. , Lermit J.
Published: April 2006

It has been suggested that the large scale use of biofuel, that
is, fuel derived from biological materials, especially in
combination with reforestation of large areas, can lead to a
low-cost reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. In this
paper, a model of three markets: fuel, wood products, and land are
considered with the aim of evaluating the impact of large scale
biofuel production and forestry on these markets, and to estimate
the cost of a policy aimed at the reduction of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere. It is shown that the costs are lower than had been
previously expected.
An efficient method for minimizing a convex separable logarithmic function subject to a convex inequality constraint or linear equality constraint
Authors: Stefanov Stefan M.
Published: April 2006

We consider the problem of minimizing a convex separable logarithmic function over a region defined by a convex inequality constraint or linear equality constraint, and two-sided bounds on the variables (box constraints). Such problems are interesting from both theoretical and practical point of view because they arise in some mathematical programming problems as well as in various practical problems such as problems of production planning and scheduling, allocation of resources, decision making, facility location problems, and so forth. Polynomial algorithms are proposed for solving problems of this form and their convergence is proved. Some examples and results of numerical experiments are also presented.
Complementarity problem for η‐monotone‐type maps
Authors: Pani S. , Nanda S.
Published: April 2006

The purpose of this paper is to establish certain
existence theorems for complementarity problem in Banach space.
Complementarity problem is defined for η‐monotone operators
and some results have been established. The result for
complementarity problem was known for monotone operators.
Some limit theorems connected with Brownian local time
Authors: Ghomrasni Raouf
Published: April 2006

Let be a standard Brownian motion and let be a continuous version of its local time process. We show that the following limit is well defined for a large class of functions F(t, x), and moreover we connect it with the integration with respect to local time
. We give an illustrative example of the nonlinearity of the integration with respect to local time in the random case.
Sample‐path analysis of the proportional relation and its constant for discrete‐time single‐server queues
Authors: Ishizaki Fumio , Miyoshi Naoto
Published: April 2006

In the previous work, the authors have considered a discrete‐time
queueing system and they have established that, under some
assumptions, the stationary queue length distribution for the
system with capacity K1 is completely expressed in terms of the
stationary distribution for the system with capacity K0
(>K1). In this paper, we study a sample‐path version of this
problem in more general setting, where neither stationarity nor
ergodicity is assumed. We establish that, under some assumptions,
the empirical queue length distribution (along through a sample
path) for the system with capacity K1 is completely expressed
only in terms of the quantities concerning the corresponding
system with capacity K0 (>K1). Further, we consider a
probabilistic setting where the assumptions are satisfied with
probability one, and under the probabilistic setting, we obtain a
stochastic version of our main result. The stochastic version is
considered as a generalization of the author′s previous result,
because the probabilistic assumptions are less restrictive.
Generalized flow invariance for differentialinclusions
Authors: Bhaskar T. Gnana , Lakshmikantham V.
Published: April 2006

We introduce a generalized notion of invariance for differential
inclusions, using a proximal aiming condition in terms of proximal
normals. A set of sufficient conditions for the weak and strong
invariance in the generalized sense are presented.
On nondensely defined semilinear stochastic functionaldifferential equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Benchohra M. , Ntouyas S. K. , Ouahab A.
Published: April 2006

The nonlinear alternative of Leray‐Schauder type is used to
investigate the existence of solutions for first‐order semilinear
stochastic functional differential equations in Hilbert spaces.
Stabilization of Volterra equations by noise
Authors: Appleby John A. D. , Flynn Aoife
Published: April 2006

The paper studies the stability of an autonomous convolution
Itô‐Volterra equation where the linear diffusion term
depends on the current value of the state only, and the memory of
the past fades exponentially fast. It is shown that the presence
of noise can stabilize an equilibrium solution which is unstable
in the absence of this noise.
Links Between Repeated Sequences
Authors: Matsutani Sachiko
Published: April 2006

L1 and Alu elements are long and short interspersed
retrotransposable elements (LINEs and SINEs) in humans,
respectively. Proteins encoded in the autonomous L1 mediate
retrotransposition of the nonautonomous Alu and cellular
mRNAs. Alu is the only active SINE in the human genome
and is derived from 7SL RNA of signal recognition particle. In the
other eukaryotic genomes, various tRNA‐ and 5S rRNA‐derived SINEs
are found. Some of the tRNA‐ and 5S rRNA‐derived SINEs have
partner LINEs of which 3′ sequences are similar to those of the
SINEs. One of the tRNA‐derived SINEs is shown to be mobilized by
its partner LINE. Many copies of tRNA and 5S rRNA pseudogenes are
present in the human genome. These pseudogenes may have been
generated via the retrotransposition process using L1 proteins.
Although there are no sequence similarities between L1 and
Alu, L1 functionally links with Alu and even
cellular genes, impacting on our genome shaping.
Biosynthesis of Antitumoral and Bactericidal Sanguinarine
Authors: García Víctor P. , Valdés F. , Martín R. , Luis J. C. , Afonso A. M. , Ayala J. H.
Published: April 2006

A simple, rapid, and reliable TLC method for the separation and determination
of sanguinarine has been established. This intensively
studied biologically active alkaloid has a wide range of
potentially useful medicinal properties, such as
antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and antitumoral
activities. Sanguinarine has also been incorporated into
expectorant mixtures and has a strong bactericidal effect upon
gram‐positive bacteria, particularly Bacillus anthracis
and staphylococci. These medicinal properties are due to the
interaction of sanguinarine with DNA. A fibre‐optic‐based
fluorescence instrument for in situ scanning was used for
quantitative measurements. The sanguinarine was determined over
the range 5–40 ng and a detection limit of 1.60 ng. The
method was applied to the quantification of sanguinarine in tissue
culture extracts of Chelidonium majus L.
Apocynin Derivatives Interrupt Intracellular Signaling Resulting in Decreased Migration in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Klees Robert F. , De Marco Paul C. , Salasznyk Roman M. , Ahuja Disha , Hogg Michael , Antoniotti Sylvain , Kamath Lakshmi , Dordick Jonathan S. , Plopper George E.
Published: April 2006

Cancer cells are defined by their ability to divide uncontrollably
and metastasize to secondary sites in the body. Consequently,
tumor cell migration represents a promising target for anticancer
drug development. Using our high‐throughput cell migration assay,
we have screened several classes of compounds for noncytotoxic
tumor cell migration inhibiting activity. One such compound,
apocynin (4‐acetovanillone), is oxidized by peroxidases to yield a
variety of oligophenolic and quinone‐type compounds that are
recognized inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and may be inhibitors of
the small G protein Rac1 that controls cell migration. We report
here that while apocynin itself is not effective, apocynin
derivatives inhibit migration of the breast cancer cell line
MDA‐MB‐435 at subtoxic concentrations; the migration of
nonmalignant MCF10A breast cells is unaffected. These compounds
also cause a significant rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton,
cell rounding, and decreased levels of active Rac1 and its related
G protein Cdc42. These results may suggest a promising new route
to the development of novel anticancer therapeutics.