bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debt free idea loses allure
Authors: Gill Norman N. , Lynagh Paula
Published: July 2007

Milwaukee voters, after achieving long‐sought goal, in advisory referendum favor issuing of improvement bonds.
New frontier in city finance
Authors: Simpson Herbert D.
Published: July 2007

The state as the revenue‐collecting area and the city as the spender seen as financial development of the future.
How to break into politics
Authors: Edison Charles
Published: July 2007

High‐minded citizens have many opportunities to serve parties and make them what they think they should be.
The politician Hates P. R
Authors: Reichler Oxie
Published: July 2007

Machines yearn for return to [good old days] when they capitalzed on public apathy to gain complete control.
Apathy—our fifth column
Authors: Dumas John N.
Published: July 2007

Schenectady voters fail to respond to efforts of local newspapers to kindle the flame of civic consciousness.
Our ‘exploding’ big cities
Authors: Wheaton William L. C.
Published: July 2007

Great urban centers [may crumble about us] unless we find orderly plan for dispersion of people, trade and industry.
Phoenix Charter rises anew
Authors: Kelso Paul
Published: July 2007

Amendment clarifies positions of mayor and city manager after 25 years of confusion and political manipulation.
Candidates won't stay out
Authors: Dorr Harold M.
Published: July 2007

Money deposit in place of petitions fails to discourage candidacies in Michigan; experience abroad reported better.
Economic study pays off
Authors: Bitker Bruno V. , Slayton William L.
Published: July 2007

Instead of putting report on shelf, Milwaukee follows its recommendations and boosts city license revenues.
The people can, must do it
Authors: Devin William F.
Published: July 2007

A fighting mayor calls for prompt action to end state and federal usurpation of powers and duties of cities.
On the optimum flexure problem in structural mechanics
Authors: Carmichael D. G. , Clyde D. H.
Published: July 2007

The problem of optimal load transmission by flexure, and in particular the minimum moment volume problem in transversely loaded plane systems, is one of the few structural optimization problems admitting closed form solutions. The theory gives the minimum weight solutions for grillages, fibre‐reinforced plates, and space frames of preassigned depth. Characteristically, the route to the solution is through energy arguments or the calculus of variations. Early work also employed informal logical arguments, linear programming, and concave programming in the case of reinforced concrete slabs. More recently, concise function theoretic methods in Banach spaces have appeared. Initial investigations by the authors suggest that the optimum flexure problem can be handled straightforwardly by optimal control systems theory, a theory which offers the prospect of a consistent and systematic approach to design problems in general. New interpretations of, and insights into, the optimum flexure problem may be gained through optimal control theory.
Parallel digital penalty function constrained linear programming
Authors: Gibson J. A. , Gibbard R. W.
Published: July 2007

Search trajectories are determined with a research‐model, fully‐parallel, digital computer which has approximately the same speed capability as analogue computers and is constructed on similar design principles. Solution accuracy sensitivity to both algorithm and problem parameters is demonstrated. The advantages of speed and reliability of parallel digital circuits, in combination with the problem‐simplifying penalty function method, provides an improved optimization technique for applications in which speed rather than accuracy is the primary requirement.
The infinite‐order singular problem
Authors: Bortins R. , Boustany N. M. , Powers W. F.
Published: July 2007

In singular optimal control problems, the optimal control is determined by solving the algebraic equation which results by successively differentiating the switching function until the control appears explicitly. In certain classes of problems, the control never appears, and such problems are termed infinite‐order singular problems. It is shown that this class has many useful properties with respect to the theory and computation of optimal controls. In particular, it is shown that for the time‐invariant, singular, linear‐quadratic problem: (i) the singular order is infinity or less than or equal to the state dimension, (ii) infinite‐order problems can arise only from exact differential type cost functions, (iii) the range of the second‐variation operator (Hessian) is finite‐dimensional, (iv) the computational method converges strongly, and (v) conjugate direction methods converge in a finite number of steps. The latter property is especially useful in the generation of test problems for optimal control computation schemes.
Optimal maintenance policies under deterministic deterioration and stochastic failure
Authors: Feichtinger Gustav
Published: July 2007

Thompson1 considers a linear control model to ascertain the optimal preventive maintenance policy for production equipment and, simultaneously, its optimal sale date. He assumes age‐dependent deterministic continuous deterioration, production rate and linear efficiency of maintenance expenditures. In the present paper we first consider a linear maintenance model under a budget constraint. The impact of such a restriction is an earlier switch in the optimal bang‐bang policy. Then a non‐linear, non‐autonomous generalization of Thompson's model is analysed by the maximum principle. The optimal maintenance policy is shown to be downward sloping provided that in each time period the production rate is greater than the sum of interest and deterioration rate. The monotonicity of the optimal rate of preventive maintenance holds also under the additional possibility of random machine failure provided the production rate is greater than the sum of the rate of interest, the rate of deterioration and the rate of stochastic failure at each age. Moreover, it is shown that the higher the failure rate the smaller the optimal expenditures for preventive maintenance at any fixed age of the machine. In particular, the optimal maintenance rate at age t in a model without random failure is greater than those in any case including stochastic failure at the same age.
Aeroelastic optimization of orthotropic rectangular flat panels
Authors: Librescu L. , Beiner L.
Published: July 2007

The paper deals with a weight‐minimization problem of rectangular orthotropic flat panels placed in a high supersonic gas flow and subject to a flutter speed constraint. In‐plane compressive loads are taken into account. The problem is treated in the framework of the optimal control theory of distributed parameter systems. It is shown that the necessary optimality conditions are to be supplemented with a condition ensuring that the flutter speed of the optimal panel should coincide with the prescribed one. The general field equations governing the aeroelastic optimization problem are presented, and qualitative conclusions concerning the optimal thickness distribution are given. A few remarks on various methods for solving the field equations are also given.
The asymptotic ii‐test for singular periodic control problems with an application to the management of a class of ecosystems
Authors: Guardabassi G. , Scattolini R.
Published: July 2007

A basic problem in optimal control theory is to identify circumstances under which a (non‐constant or proper) periodic control exists which is better than the optimal constant one. Considerable attention has therefore been devoted in the literature to the development of criteria to test for properness, i.e. to test whether the optimal constant operation of a given system can definitely be improved by (proper) cycling in the sense that the average return associated with the latter is greater than the obviously constant one associated with the former. One of the most powerful results in this direction is the so‐called II‐test. In this paper, a special form of the II‐test, valid for singular optimal periodic control problems, is presented (asymptotic II‐test), and an application to the periodic control of a class of multispecies ecosystems is discussed.
Singular perturbation analysis of the closed‐loop discrete optimal control problem
Authors: Naidu D. S. , Rao A. K.
Published: July 2007

The closed‐loop optimal control of a linear, time‐invariant, singularly perturbed discrete system is considered. The resulting matrix Riccati difference equation is formulated in the singularly perturbed structure. It is observed that the degeneration affects some of the final conditions of the Riccati equation. A singular perturbation method is developed to obtain approximate solutions in terms of an outer series and a final correction series. The outer series takes advantage of the order reduction associated with degeneration and the correction series takes care of the affected final conditions. Two examples are given to illustrate the proposed method.
Application of linear and dynamic programming to the optimization of the production of hydroelectric power
Authors: Ölçer S. , Harsa C. , Roch A.
Published: July 2007

Application of the methods of control theory to industrial problems demands a match of the necessary computational tools to the actual financial constraints. The development of suboptimal control algorithms allows performance gains that were limited in the past to installations with extensive computer facilities to be reached now by smaller ones. Advances in this domain lead naturally to a rational use of modern control tools based on mini‐ and microcomputers. Within this framework, we present a general method for the optimal control of electric power plants. The optimization problem is described and formulated as the optimal control of a multivariable state‐space model in which the state and control vectors are constrained by sets of equality or inequality relations. The solution is obtained in two steps with linear and dynamic programming methods; the results are expressed in the form of parametric algorithms which set up the working point of the turbine‐generator units so that the resulting profit represents a maximum. The application of the method to the optimization of the production of a Swiss electricity company illustrates the approach.
Instationary dolphin flight: The optimal energy exchange between a sailplane and vertical currents in the atmosphere
Authors: De Jong Jan L.
Published: July 2007

Sailplanes, when launched, need to extract energy from vertical motion of the air. The usual procedure is to circle and climb in vertical currents of limited spatial dimension (‘thermals’) under cumulus clouds and thereafter to exchange the gained height into distance by gliding out to the next cumulus cloud. While doing so, sailplane pilots will often encounter larger‐scale regions where the atmosphere moves in a vertical direction. Until recently the optimal strategy in such situations was assumed to be to fly slower through regions with upward moving air and faster through regions with downward moving air. Only a few years ago it was discovered both in theory, from energy considerations, as well as in practice, by contest pilots, that in some circumstances more energy could be extracted from the atmosphere when the loadfactor, i.e., the total aerodynamic lifting force on the wings divided by the weight, was varied. The research reported in this paper was set up to investigate this phenomenon. To that end a simple dynamic model is assumed for the sailplane, and the optimization problem is formulated as an optimal control problem with terminal constraints. This optimal control problem is solved numerically for a number of different widths and strengths of the vertical currents encountered. The computer program used for this purpose is a rather general continuous optimal control program based on the use of (conjugate) gradients in function space and a projection operation to account for the terminal constraints.
The optimal LQ regulator with cheap control for not strictly proper systems
Authors: Scherzinger B. M. , Davison E. J.
Published: July 2007

The LQ optimal regulator problem with cheap control is investigated for plants of the form x = Ax + Bu, y = Cx + Du, where D ± 0 makes the plant not strictly proper. It is found that perfect regulation of the output with closed‐loop stability is achieved if and only if the plant is detectable, is minimum phase and there exist independent inputs equal to or greater in number to the number of independent outputs.
The optimal times and levels of impulsive acquisition of automation
Authors: Gaimon Cheryl
Published: July 2007

A dynamic optimization model is formulated to derive the optimal mix of output achieved manually and from automatic equipment. Therefore, the composition of the productive capacity is obtained for a firm over time. The actual times and levels at which automation should be acquired and the levels of change in manual output are determined over the planning horizon. Optimal policies are derived in order to minimize costs associated with deviation from the goal levels of total output, acquiring automation, changing the level of manual output, operating automation and operating manual equipment over time. Ordinary and impulsive optimal control theory techniques are applied to obtain solutions.
Synchronization of n non‐identical double‐integrated plants
Authors: Unbehauen H. , Vakilzadeh I.
Published: July 2007

Synchronization of n non‐identical double‐integral plants with non‐identical output initial conditions will be studied. Achievement of two objectives will furnish us with our synchronization goal: (i) elimination of steady‐state errors between the n outputs and (ii) portraying each of the n identical steady‐state outputs as a double integral (dt2) of a common input x(t).
The non‐linear beam via optimal control with bounded state variables
Authors: Maurer H. , Mittelmann H. D.
Published: July 2007

The non‐linear beam with bounded deflection is considered as an optimal control problem with bounded state variables. The theory of necessary optimality conditions leads to boundary value problems with jump conditions which are solved by multiple‐shooting techniques. A branching analysis is performed which exhibits the different solution structures. In particular, the second bifurcation point is determined numerically. The bifurcation diagram reveals a hysteresis‐like behaviour and explains the jumping to a different state at this bifurcation point.
Multilevel learning control of an absorption column
Authors: Najim K. , Chtourou M.
Published: July 2007

This paper describes the modelling and learning control of a packed absorption column. The packed column is the most popular equipment used for process absorption. The absorption column is used to reduce the concentration of CO2 in a gas mixture to a desired value. A solution of diethanolamine (DEA) is used as the absorbent. The flow rate of the absorbent and the concentration of CO2 in the gas mixture are considered as control and controlled variables respectively. The process model has been developed from considerations of mass balances, transport phenomena and the chemical reaction in the liquid phase.

A learning controller using a hierarchical structure of automata is used to achieve control of the column. The learning system is connected in a feedback manner with the column, which plays the role of the random medium where the learning system operates. Several simulation studies highlight the applicability of the learning control algorithm involved.
A revisit to the student learning problem
Authors: Chen Y. H.
Published: July 2007

A forgetful student wishes to accomplish a high knowledge level (ambitious) with a small effort (lazy). Two learning patterns are addressed. First, at low or intermediate knowledge level, the student improves faster as more knowledge is absorbed. Secondly, at high knowledge level, the more the student learns, the harder it is for an equal amount of improvement to be made. The study problem is cast into an optimal control setting. Study strategies are explored. One interesting finding in the second case is that the student may need to reduce the work intensity as the examination is approaching.
Optimal tracking and rejection of persistent bounded signals for mimo continuous systems
Authors: Kung Chung‐Chun , Lee Chin‐Cheng
Published: July 2007

This paper introduces a design methodology for an optimal stabilizing compensator that not only minimizes the maximum tracking error but also minimizes the maximum amplitude of the undesired part of the output of a multivariable (MIMO) continuous‐time system due to any persistent bounded disturbances. For this purpose a two‐parameter compensator scheme is adopted in the design of the feedback system. This paper emphasizes that the optimal compensator design problem is equivalent to a constrained L1‐norm minimization problem and its solution can be obtained by standard non‐linear programming routines.
Comparison of methods for design sensitivity analysis for optimal control of thermal systems
Authors: House John M. , Arora Jasbir S. , Smith Theodore F.
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study is to examine two analytical methods for the design sensitivity analysis of optimal control problems and to develop the analyses necessary for the application of the methods to thermal systems. The two methods are the direct differentiation method and the adjoint variable method. Results for these methods are compared with those obtained using central finite difference approximations for design sensitivity analysis. The adjoint variable method has the potential to reduce significantly computational times for design sensitivity analysis while sacrificing only a small amount of accuracy. As the number of functional requiring design sensitivity analysis increases, however, the adjoint variable method becomes less attractive and the direct differentiation method becomes more attractive.
Decoupling control based on the modified root locus approach
Authors: Wang Feng‐Sheng
Published: July 2007

Two control strategies, unity‐feedback and modified Smith predictor configurations, are introduced to design non‐square decoupling control systems. The complete decoupler has the same function structure for both systems. The root locus approach is extended to design the multiloop controllers for both configurations. Pole–zero cancellation is not included in the design procedures for the respective control strategies, so the control laws can handle minimum or non‐minimum phase reachable decoupling processes. The tuning region of the appropriate decoupling control configuration is determined through internal stability analysis. From the analysis we observe that if the product of the tuning parameter and the pseudogain of the subsystem is much smaller than unity, the control effects for the two decoupling control systems are no different. Since both decoupling controllers are essentially based on the process model, the control strategies are implemented in adaptive control schemes in the simulation examples.
On the structure of a class of time‐optimal trajectories
Authors: Glizer V. Y. , Shinar J.
Published: July 2007

Planar constant‐speed interception of an evader moving along a known trajectory is considered as a time‐optimal control problem. The condition which guarantees that the optimal trajectory of the pursuer consists of an initial turn at the maximum turning rate followed by a straight line segment is established. This condition is expressed as an inequality satisfied by the ratio of the minimum turning radius of the pursuer and the initial range, also called the geometrical singular perturbation parameter. The upper bound of this parameter is computed as a function of other non‐dimensional parameters of the interception.
Necessary optimality conditions for a generalized problem of production scheduling
Authors: Khmelnitsky Eugene , Kogan Konstantin
Published: July 2007

This communication concerns a derivation and study of necessary optimality conditions for production scheduling. The continuous‐time optimal control problem is stated for the analysis of extremal behaviour of a flexible flow shop. This is accomplished by means of the maximum principle, which is applied to the problem with irregular constraints and three typical forms of objective function.
Molecular weight dependence of polystyrene segmental dynamics in dilute blends with poly(vinyl methyl ether)
Authors: Zhang Liang , Lutz T. R. , Zhao Junshu , Ediger M. D.
Published: July 2007

The segmental dynamics of backbone‐deuterated polystyrenes (d3PS) with varying molecular weights (1.7–67 kg/mol) have been measured in blends with poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). 2H NMR T1 values at 15 and 77 MHz are reported for the pure d3PS and for the dilute d3PS component in PVME matrices. The temperature shift that is needed to superpose the NMR T1 data for the pure d3PS and the d3PS as a dilute component in the blend ranges from 45 to 70 K. In the framework of Lodge/McLeish model, the self‐concentration value for d3PS in these dilute blends with PVME is found to be independent of molecular weight. We thus establish for this system that the substantial influence of molecular weight on the blend segmental dynamics can be explained by homopolymer Tg differences. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2252–2262, 2007
Rheology of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/poly(butylene terephthalate) composites
Authors: Wu Defeng , Wu Liang , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2007

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube/Poly(butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites (PCTs) were prepared by melt compounding. The microstructure of PCTs was investigated using transmission electron micrographs and Fourier transform infra‐red spectrometer. The linear and nonlinear as well as transient rheological properties of PCTs were characterized by the parallel plate rheometer. The results reveal that the surface modification can improve the dispersion state of nanotube in matrix. PCTs present a low percolation threshold of about 1–2 wt % in contrast to that of Poly‐(butylene terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites. The network structure is very sensitive to both the quiescent and large amplitude oscillatory shear deformation, and is also to the temperature, which makes the principle of time‐temperature superposition (TTS) be valid on PCTs only in a very restricted temperature range. The stress overshoots to the reverse flow are strongly dependent on both the rest time and shear rate but show a strain‐scaling response to the startup of steady shear, indicating that the broken network can reorganize even under quiescent condition. The nanotube may experience the long‐range, more or less order during annealing process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2239–2251, 2007
Composition dependence of nanophase‐separated structures formed by star‐shaped terpolymers of the A1.0B1.0CX type
Authors: Takano A. , Kawashima W. , Wada S. , Hayashida K. , Sato S. , Kawahara S. , Isono Y. , Makihara M. , Tanaka N. , Kawaguchi D. , Matsushita Y.
Published: July 2007

Several hierarchical nanophase‐separated structures have been observed for a series of ABC star‐shaped terpolymers by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron computerized tomography (3D‐TEM). The seven terpolymers synthesized are composed of polyisoprene (I), polystyrene (S), and poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P), their volume fraction ratios of I:S:P are 1:1:X, where X equals 0.2, 0.4, 0.7, 1.2, 1.9, 3.0, and 4.9, respectively, and additional four samples were prepared by blending each two parent terpolymers. From morphological observation by TEM and tomography, a terpolymer with X of 0.2 shows lamellar structure with spheres at the interface, those with X ranging from 0.4 to 1.9 show cylindrical structures with two‐dimensional tiling, while those with X of 3.0 and 4.9 show hierarchical cylinders‐in‐lamella structure. Two the other terpolymer samples with X of 7.9 and 10 were produced by blending a P homopolymer with the terpolymer I1.0S1.0P4.9, and they both exhibited columnar piled disk cylinders in P matrix. From the comparison of the present results with the predictions by the Monte–Carlo simulation, it was confirmed that the observed nanophase‐separated structures of the ISP star‐shaped terpolymers are mostly in good agreement with the prediction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2277–2283, 2007
Basic characteristics of Ar/N2 atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium microwave discharge plasma jets
Authors: Yuji Toshifumi , Fujioka Kazunari , Fujii Shuitsu , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

To understand the mechanism of surface processing by atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium microwave discharge plasma jets of coaxial type without a resonator, we measured the vibrational and rotational temperatures in plasmas using optical emission spectroscopy. The plasma was excited by a microwave power supply, using a gas mixture of Ar and N2 as the plasma gas, and changing the flow rate of N2 gas. We also measured the change in the contact angle of a PET film before and after the plasma processing. It decreased as the plasma rotational temperature increased, indicating that the hydrophilicity of the PET surface was improved as the plasma rotational temperature became higher. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Outcome of Boxer's Fractures Treated by a Soft Wrap and Buddy Taping: A Prospective Study
Authors: Aaken Jan van , Kämpfen Stephan , Berli Martin , Fritschy Daniel , Santa Dominique Della , Fusetti Cesare
Published: July 2007

Introduction

The ideal treatment for a boxer's fracture remains controversial, particularly the degree of volar dislocation considered acceptable for nonoperative treatment.

Patients and Methods

From December 2003 to December 2004, 25 patients who sustained a subcapital metacarpal fracture of the little finger with volar angulation between 30 to 75° were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients were treated with a circular self-adherent wrap covering metacarpal bones II–Vand buddy taping of the ring and little fingers for a period of 3 weeks while allowing immediate free range of motion.

Results

Final evaluation at a mean of 5 months revealed all patients to be satisfied without subjective functional impairment. All fractures healed, and the angulation of the fracture remained unchanged, but moderate shortening was observed. Active flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint was significantly lower on the fracture side, but as the median degree of MCP flexion was the same, this statistical difference was without clinical relevance. There was no loss in grip strength. A subjective long-term evaluation was performed by phone; at a median of 3 years, a QuickDash score gave a median of 0 point.

Conclusion

Treating a boxer's fracture with angulation of up to 75° by soft wrap and buddy taping resulted in satisfied patients and good clinical results.
Arachidonic Acid but not Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Oleic Acid Activates NF‐κB and Elevates ICAM‐1 Expression in Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Ramakers Julian D. , Mensink Ronald P. , Schaart Gert , Plat Jogchum
Published: July 2007

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB as well as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 expression, which is involved in recruiting leukocytes to the side of inflammation is increased. Moreover, colonic arachidonic acid (ARA) proportions are increased and oleic acid (OA) proportions are decreased. Fish oils are protective in IBD patients however, a side‐by‐side comparison between effects of fish oils, ARA and OA has not been made. We therefore, compared effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) versus ARA and OA on ICAM‐1 expression in Caco‐2 enterocytes. To validate our model we showed that dexamethasone, sulfasalazine and PPARα (GW7647) or PPARγ (troglitazone) agonists significantly lowered ICAM‐1 expression. ICAM‐1 expression of non‐stimulated and cytokine stimulated Caco‐2 cells cultured for 22 days with ARA was significant higher as compared to EPA and OA. Furthermore, ARA increased NF‐κB activation in a reporter cell‐line as compared to EPA. Antibody array analysis of multiple inflammatory proteins particularly showed an increased monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 and angiogenin production and a decreased interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 production by ARA as compared to EPA. Our results showed that ARA but not EPA and OA activates NF‐κB and elevates ICAM‐1 expression in Caco‐2 enterocytes. It suggests that replacement of ARA by EPA or OA in the colon mucosa might have beneficial effects for IBD patients. Finally, we suggest that the pro‐inflammatory effects of ARA versus EPA and OA are not related to PPARγ activation and/or eicosanoid formation.
Increasing densities of leaf-cutting ants (Atta spp.) with proximity to the edge in a Brazilian Atlantic forest
Authors: Wirth Rainer , Meyer Sebastian T. , Almeida Walkiria R. , Araújo Manoel Vieira , Barbosa Veralucia S. , Leal Inara R.
Published: July 2007

Leaf-cutting ants (genera Atta and Acromyrmex) have been denoted key species of American rain-forest ecosystems (Fowler et al. 1989) because of their multifarious effects on the vegetation. Being dominant herbivores, cutting up to 13% of the standing leaf crop in a colony's territory per year, they affect directly and significantly individual plants, plant communities and ecosystems (Wirth et al. 2003). The considerable ecological impact of these ants is paralleled by the well-known fact that some species strongly benefit from human-driven habitat alterations and represent prime pests throughout Latin America (Cherrett 1986). Numerous studies have documented populations of leaf-cutting ant to increase with increasing agricultural land use, deforestation and/or disturbance (Fowler et al. 1986, Jaffe & Vilela 1989, Jonkman 1979). Specifically, elevated colony densities have been recorded in (1) transformed vegetation such as pastures (Fowler 1983) and plantations (Jaffe 1986, Oliveira et al. 1998), (2) early successional forests (Vasconcelos & Cherrett 1995), and recently (3) isolated forest remnants (Terborgh et al. 2001).
Trends in the prevalence of anaemia in Japanese adult women, 1989–2003
Authors: Hayashi Fumi , Yoshiike Nobuo , Yoshita Katsushi , Kawahara Kazuo
Published: July 2007

Objective

There is an increasing concern of anaemia in Japanese women, but no national trend data has existed to date. We analysed long-term national trends of anaemia in adult women.

Design

Secondary analyses of 15 consecutive cross-sectional nationwide surveys conducted during the period 1989–2003. Analyses were based on 5-year intervals (1989–1993, 1994–1998, 1999–2003).

Setting

Japan.

Subjects

The subjects included the National Health and Nutrition Survey of Japan (NHNS-J) population. Analyses were based on 50 967 non-pregnant/non-lactating women aged 20 years and over, with complete data sets. We stratified subjects into six age groups (20–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years and 70+ years), and three age groups (20–49 years, 50–69 years, 70+ years) for analyses on residential areas (metropolitan, cities and towns).

Results

Decreases in trends of mean haemoglobin values (intravenous) were significant in all age groups. Changes in the prevalence of anaemia were significant only in women aged 30–39 and 40–49 years. Anaemia (haemoglobin < 12.0 g dl−1) increased from 16.8% to 20.6% in women aged 30–39 years, and from 20.2% to 26.9% in women aged 40–49 years, respectively. Prevalence was highest in women aged 70 years and older in all times, but no significant change was observed.

Conclusions

Haemoglobin values have declined significantly in all ages in the last 15 years. Anaemia was especially significant in women aged 30–39 years and 40–49 years. Our findings suggest that a large number of young women in Japan are at risk of anaemia, so continuous monitoring and controlling efforts of this trend are needed.
A ginseng‐derived oestrogen receptor β (ERβ) agonist, Rb1 ginsenoside, attenuates capillary morphogenesis
Authors: Papapetropoulos A
Published: July 2007

Ginseng extracts contain a variety of active ingredients and have been shown to promote or inhibit angiogenesis, depending on the presence of different ginsenosides that exert opposing effects on blood vessel growth. Leung et al. in this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology report that Rb1, a ginsenoside that constitutes only 0.37–0.5% of ginseng extracts (depending on manufacturing and processing methods), blocks tube‐like network formation by endothelial cells in vitro. At the molecular level, Rb1 binds to the oestrogen receptors and stimulates the transcription of pigment epithelium‐derived factor that, in turn, inhibits matrix‐driven capillary morphogenesis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 172–174; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707360
Liver fibrosis: a balance of ACEs?
Authors: Warner Fiona J. , Lubel John S. , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Angus Peter W.
Published: July 2007

There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that the RAS (renin–angiotensin system) contributes to tissue injury and fibrosis in chronic liver disease. A number of studies have shown that components of a local hepatic RAS are up-regulated in fibrotic livers of humans and in experimental animal models. Angiotensin II, the main physiological effector molecule of this system, mediates liver fibrosis by stimulating fibroblast proliferation (myofibroblast and hepatic stellate cells), infiltration of inflammatory cells, and the release of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors such as TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1, IL (interleukin)-1β, MCP (monocyte chemoattractant protein)-1 and connective tissue growth factor. Furthermore, blockade of the RAS by ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonists significantly attenuate liver fibrosis in experimental models of chronic liver injury. In 2000 ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), a human homologue of ACE, was identified. ACE2 efficiently degrades angiotensin II to angiotensin-(1–7), a peptide which has recently been shown to have both vasodilatory and tissue protective effects. This suggests that ACE2 and its products may be part of an alternate enzymatic pathway in the RAS, which counterbalances the generation and actions of angiotensin II, the ACE2–angiotensin-(1–7)–Mas axis. This review focuses on the potential roles of the RAS, angiotensin II and ACE2 in chronic liver injury and fibrogenesis.
Chloroplast DNA Variation and Biogeography in the Genus Rorippa Scop. (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Bleeker W. , Weber‐Sparenberg C. , Hurka H.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Phylogenetic relationships and biogeography of 25 Rorippa species were studied using sequences of two non‐coding regions of chloroplast DNA (trnL intron, trnL/F spacer). Our results indicate a close relationship between European (R. islandica ssp. islandica, R. pyrenaica) and North American (R. curvipes, R. sinuata) mountain species. The polyploid European lowland species R. amphibia, R. palustris and R. sylvestris are much younger than the mountain species and have their closest relatives in western Asia and Siberia. Different colonization routes of the southern hemisphere are discussed for Rorippa. Australasia was colonized at least twice, most likely via the Malayan route. A molecular clock approach dates the first colonization to the end of Pliocene or early Pleistocene. R. gigantea reached Australia later in the Pleistocene. Our data provide evidence for an amphitropical disjunction between the South American (R. philippiana) and North American (R. curvisiliqua) species. Long‐distance dispersal via migrating birds is the most likely explanation for this intercontinental disjunction. Two of the analysed African species (R. nudiuscula, R. madagascariensis) have their closest relative (R. austriaca) in eastern Europe and western Asia. The lack of sequence divergence among these species indicates a colonization event probably not earlier than 100 000 years ago.
O
H
3
−
and O2H5− double Rydberg anions: Predictions and comparisons with NH4− and N2H7−
Authors: Melin Junia , Ortiz J. V.
Published: July 2007

A low barrier in the reaction pathway between the double Rydberg isomer of OH3− and a hydride-water complex indicates that the former species is more difficult to isolate and characterize through anion photoelectron spectroscopy than the well known double Rydberg anion (DRA), tetrahedral NH4−. Electron propagator calculations of vertical electron detachment energies (VEDEs) and isosurface plots of the electron localization function disclose that the transition state’s electronic structure more closely resembles that of the DRA than that of the hydride-water complex. Possible stabilization of the OH3− DRA through hydrogen bonding or ion-dipole interactions is examined through calculations on O2H5− species. Three O2H5− minima with H−(H2O)2, hydrogen-bridged, and DRA-molecule structures resemble previously discovered N2H7− species and have well separated VEDEs that may be observable in anion photoelectron spectra.
Molecular dynamics simulations of local field factors
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Tu Yaoquan , Tian He , Ågren Hans
Published: July 2007

In the present work, the authors evaluate a scheme based on molecular dynamics to derive local field factors. These are given without any assumption of a cavity by fitting the Langevin functions to the order parameters obtained from the molecular dynamics simulations. The local field factors so obtained, with the detailed chromophore-solvent interactions and solvent structures taken into account, are much smaller than those calculated from the conventional Onsager and Lorentz models. A numerical demonstration is given for two typical organic chromophore molecules, p-nitroaniline and p-nitro-N,N-dimethylaniline dissolved in chloroform.
Perturbative treatment of the electron-correlation contribution to the diagonal Born-Oppenheimer correction
Authors: Tajti Attila , Szalay Péter G. , Gauss Jürgen
Published: July 2007

A perturbative scheme for the treatment of electron-correlation effects on the diagonal Born-Oppenheimer correction (DBOC) is suggested. Utilizing the usual Møller-Plesset partitioning of the Hamiltonian formulas for first and second orders (termed as MP1 and MP2) are obtained by expanding the wave function in the corresponding coupled-cluster expressions for the DBOC[J. Gauss et al., J. Chem. Phys. 125, 144111 (2006)]. The obtained expressions are recast in terms of one- and two-particle density matrices in order to take advantage of existing analytic second-derivative implementations for many-body methods. Test calculations show that both MP1 and MP2 recover large fractions (on average 90% and 95%, respectively) of the coupled-cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) electron-correlation corrections to the DBOC and thus render the suggested MP treatments cost-effective (though still accurate) alternatives to high-level coupled cluster (CC) treatments. The applicability of the MP1 and MP2 schemes for treating DBOC is demonstrated in calculations for the atomization energies of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and tetracene. The corresponding corrections are surprisingly large (about 0.6kJ∕mol for benzene, 1.1kJ∕mol for naphthalene, 1.5kJ∕mol for anthracene, and 1.8kJ∕mol for tetracene) with the electron-correlation corrections reducing the corresponding Hartree-Fock self-consistent field values by 25%–30%.
Ab initioelectron propagators in molecules with strong electron-phonon interaction: II. Electron Green’s function
Authors: Dahnovsky Yuri
Published: July 2007

Ab initio electron propagator methods are developed to study electronic properties of molecular systems with strong electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions. For the calculation of electron Green’s functions we apply a canonical small polaron transformation that intrinsically contains strong electron-phonon effects. In the transformed Hamiltonian, the energy levels for the noninteracting particles are shifted down by the relaxation (solvation) energies. The Coulomb integrals are also renormalized by the electron-phonon interaction. For certain values of the electron-phonon coupling constants, the renormalized Coulomb integrals can be negative which implies the attraction between two electrons. Within the small polaron transformation we develop a diagrammatic technique for the calculation of electron Green’s function in which the electron-phonon interaction is already included into the multiple phonon correlation functions. Since the decoupling of the phonon correlation functions is impossible, and therefore, a Wick’s theorem for such correlation functions is invalid, there is no Dyson equation for the electron Green’s function. To find the electron Green’s function, we use different approximations. One of them is a link-cluster approximation that includes diagonal transitions for the renormalized zeroth Green’s function. In the linked-cluster approach the Dyson equation is derived in the most general case, where the self-energy operator is an arbitrary functional (not only in the Hartree-Fock approximation). It is shown that even a Hartree-Fock electron (hole) is not a particle any longer. It is a quasiparticle with a finite lifetime that depends on energy of particle and hole states in different ways. As a consequence of this, a standard description of a Hartree-Fock approximation in terms of wave functions becomes inappropriate in this problem. To challenge the linked-cluster approximation we develop a different approach: a sequential propagation approximation where scattering events occur only for sequential transitions. A self-consistent Hartree-Fock equation for a four-index Green’s function matrix is derived. In conclusion, the proposed schemes can be considered for future method developments for quantum chemical calculations for large molecules with strong nonadiabatic effects, e-e correlated electron transfer reactions, and electron transport in molecular transport junctions.
Surface modification of an amorphous Si thin film crystallized by a linearly polarized Nd:YAG pulse laser beam
Authors: Horita Susumu , Kaki Hirokazu , Nishioka Kensuke
Published: July 2007

Amorphous Si films of 60 and 10nm thick on glass substrates were irradiated by a linearly polarized Nd:YAG pulse laser with the wavelength λ=532nm at the incident angle θi=0. The surface of the irradiated 60-nm-thick film had both periodic ridges perpendicular to the electric field vector E and aperiodic ridges roughly parallel to E, where the spatial period of the periodic ridges was almost λ. From the continuous 10-nm-thick film, the separate rectangular Si islands were formed with a periodic distance of λ, with the edges parallel or perpendicular to E. When θi was increased from normal incidence of the s-polarized beam for a 60-nm-thick film, the aperiodic ridges were reduced while the periodic ridges were still formed. For a 10-nm-thick film, the Si stripes were formed perpendicular to E, using the s-polarized beam at θi=12°. In order to investigate the mechanisms of the surface modifications of, in particular, aperiodic ridges, islands, and stripes, we improved the previous theoretical model of the periodic distribution of the beam energy density (periodic E-D) generated by irradiation of the linearly polarized laser beam, taking account of the multireflection effect in the Si film which is semitransparent for λ. Further, the calculated E-D was corrected with respect to the thermal diffusion in the irradiated Si film. The calculation results show that the two-dimensional E-D consists of a constant or a dc term and a sinusoidal or an ac term which contains various spatial periods. The multireflection effect strongly influences the amplitude and phase of every ac term, which means that the amplitude and phase depend on the film thickness. The thermal diffusion during the heating of the irradiated film greatly reduces the amplitudes of the ac terms with periods below the thermal diffusion length. The theoretical calculation showed that, by increasing θi, the temperature distribution in the irradiated Si film was changed from two-dimensional toward one-dimensional, which can explain the above experimental results reasonably.
Application of a novel nonperiodic grating in scanning probe microscopy drift measurement
Authors: Chen Yuhang , Huang Wenhao
Published: July 2007

A technique based on two-dimensional nonperiodic grating is proposed to quantitatively measure the drift of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) instruments. Cross-correlation image analysis is adopted in determining the drift. The grating, named as zero-reference mark (ZRM), has specially designed codes and arrangement of the elements can be optimized to have maximum ratio of maximum peak to second maximum of the image correlation matrix. Design considerations of ZRM for drift measurement are discussed theoretically. Advantages of applying ZRM are analyzed by numerical simulation. Comparisons between ZRM and periodic grating show that ZRM has a sharper, less ambiguous correlation function. Adopting ZRM is much more insensitive to drift larger than one element width. Measurement sensitivity is improved by almost one order of magnitude. These characteristics of ZRM imply that it is suitable to be severed as a reference mark for SPM drift measurement.
Event Dependence and Heterogeneity in Duration Models: The Conditional Frailty Model
Authors: Box-Steffensmeier Janet M. , De Boef Suzanna , Joyce Kyle A.
Published: July 2007

We introduce the conditional frailty model, an event history model that separates and accounts for both event dependence and heterogeneity in repeated events processes. Event dependence and heterogeneity create within-subject correlation in event times thereby violating the assumptions of standard event history models. Simulations show the advantage of the conditional frailty model. Specifically they demonstrate the model's ability to disentangle the sources of within-subject correlation as well as the gains in both efficiency and bias of the model when compared to the widely used alternatives, which often produce conflicting conclusions. Two substantive political science problems illustrate the usefulness and interpretation of the model: state policy adoption and terrorist attacks.
Harmony: a concept analysis
Authors: Easley Robin
Published: July 2007

Title.  Harmony: a concept analysis

Aim.  This paper is a report of a concept analysis of harmony.

Background.  Historically, harmony has been poorly defined in nursing research. Harmony has been typically associated with music, but this concept also has a place in nursing. The term is used in current literature in various contexts, including the environment, and relating to mind, body, and spirit. Use of the term harmony is also evident in describing physical characteristics and connections between subjects or ideas, and as an adjective.

Methods  A literature search was conducted using the CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and OVID data bases from 1998 to 2003 with the keyword ‘harmony’. The reference lists of the identified papers were then searched for further sources and 29 papers were identified for inclusion into the paper. Wilson's process was used to conduct the concept analysis.

Findings.  Harmony is a major aspect of personal relationships, working relationships, and nurse–patient relationships. Both patient–clinician and clinician–clinician relationships are affected by the three attributes of harmony: balance, peace and rhythm. This balance is also an important factor in the incidence of disease and for optimal health. Five consequences of the concept are identified as pleasant environment, sense of satisfaction, positive self‐concept, beautiful sound, or effective programme.

Conclusion.  Harmony is potentially relevant to many aspects of nursing. In order for a nurse to have a positive relationship with a patient, harmony must be present in terms of a pleasant environment, feelings of satisfaction, positive self‐concepts, and effective nursing intervention programmes.