bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WELL-POSEDNESS AND APPROXIMATION FOR A ONE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS
Authors: AURICCHIO FERDINANDO , STEFANELLI ULISSE
Published: August 2005

This paper addresses a one-dimensional differential model describing the super-elastic effect in shape memory alloys. After a preliminary discussion on the model, we focus our attention on the study of the material constitutive relation and prove well-posedness and approximation results for some related initial value problem. Then, we turn our attention to the coupling of the constitutive law with a quasi-static momentum relation and solve the full PDE boundary value problem in one space dimension. In particular, we provide an existence and continuous dependence result and fully develop a spacetime discretization procedure.
FINDING MINIMA IN COMPLEX LANDSCAPES: ANNEALED, GREEDY AND RELUCTANT ALGORITHMS
Authors: CONTUCCI PIERLUIGI , GIARDINÀ CRISTIAN , GIBERTI CLAUDIO , VERNIA CECILIA
Published: August 2005

We consider optimization problems for complex systems in which the cost function has a multivalleyed landscape. We introduce a new class of dynamical algorithms which, using a suitable annealing procedure coupled with a balanced greedy-reluctant strategy drive the systems towards the deepest minimum of the cost function. Results are presented for the Sherrington–Kirkpatrick model of spin-glasses.
MODAL MODELLING OF THE NONLINEAR RESONANT FLUID SLOSHING IN A RECTANGULAR TANK I: A SINGLE-DOMINANT MODEL
Authors: HERMANN MARTIN , TIMOKHA ALEXANDER
Published: August 2005

Steady-state nonlinear resonant fluid sloshing in moving tanks can be characterized by a finite set of natural modes (leading modes). Approximate solutions of the original free boundary value problem can be found from a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (modal system) coupling time-dependent amplitudes of these leading modes. The derivation of the modal systems combines projective and asymptotic methods. The work presents an extensive survey of the literature and examines bifurcations of periodic (steady-state) solutions of the single-dominant modal system based on Moiseyev asymptotic ordering. It describes two-dimensional resonant fluid sloshing in a rectangular tank due to its horizontal harmonic oscillations. The periodicity condition yields a two-point boundary value problem that allows both asymptotic and numerical treatments within the framework of the perturbed bifurcation theory. A secondary bifurcation that is found for response curves shows the flaws of the single-dominant modal modelling. Modifications of the single-dominant model should account for internal (secondary) resonance in the mechanical system leading to amplification of higher modes. Part II will consider modal systems which take into account the internal resonance.
A POINTWISE BOUND ON THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD GENERATED BY A COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
Authors: PALLARD CHRISTOPHE
Published: August 2005

The behaviour of a collisionless plasma is described by the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system of equations. A criteria ensuring the existence of smooth solutions was given8 by Glassey and Strauss, along with pointwise bounds on the electromagnetic field generated by the particles. In this paper, we obtain an improved bound.
HOMOGENIZATION OF STRENGTH, FATIGUE AND CREEP DURABILITY OF COMPOSITES WITH NEAR PERIODIC STRUCTURE
Authors: ORLIK JULIA
Published: August 2005

Asymptotic homogenization technique and two-scale convergence is used for analysis of macro-strength, fatigue and creep durability of composites with a periodic structure. The linear damage accumulation rule is employed in the phenomenological micro-durability conditions (for each component of the composite) under varying cyclic or creep loading. Both local and nonlocal strength and durability conditions are analyzed. The strong convergence of the strength and fatigue and creep damage measures as the structure period tends to zero is proved and their limiting values are estimated.
NUCLEATION RATE OF DIAMOND FILMS ON WC-Co ALLOYS
Authors: LIU SHA
Published: August 2005

Diamond-coated hard alloys are prospective tool materials for extreme cutting conditions. Nucleation rate is one of important factors that affect the qualities of diamond thin films on WC-Co alloys. However, theoretical reports on nucleation rate of diamond films on WC-Co alloys are scarce. Combining the unique diamond strong orientation with substrate surface properties, an improved theoretical formula on nucleation rate of diamond films on the WC-Co alloys is deduced in this paper. First, taking account of the strong texture of diamond crystal, the expression, which is closer to the practical deposition process of diamond films on WC-Co alloys, is exclusively involved in both the effects of substrate compositions and substrate surface defects on the nucleation rate. Moreover, the theoretical formula to be slightly revised could be widely used to express nucleation rates of diamond films on various substrates.
FORMATION OF POROUS STRUCTURES ON Si SURFACE BY LASER-ASSISTED ETCHING
Authors: ZHENG H. Y. , CHAI J. C. , LAM Y. C. , ZHU H.
Published: August 2005

Porous silicon structures were observed in laser-assisted etching in a TMAH solution. The porous structures significantly increase the active surface areas and therefore are of great interest to the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industry, in the areas of high throughput drug discovery, reaction optimization and process development. Laser-assisted etching of silicon using a Nd :YAG laser with a TMAH solution is rarely studied but desirable as the solution is nontoxic. To the best of our knowledge, the porous structures directly produced this way have not been reported previously. In this paper, we discuss our experimental results and the possible mechanism of formation of the porous structures. A dummy micro-reactor was fabricated with selective porous surface structures to demonstrate its potential industrial applications.
THE INFLUENCE OF HUMIDITY ON THE SHEAR FORCE BETWEEN TIP AND SAMPLE IN NSOM USING PIEZOELECTRIC FORK
Authors: ZHANG TIANHAO , FANG ZHEYU , ZHENG JIANYA , GAO LIMO , YANG HAIDONG , YIN MEIRONG , YANG JIA , LU YANZHEN , KANG HUIZHEN , YANG DAPENG , YANG HUIZHAN
Published: August 2005

The distance between tip and sample can be regulated using piezoelectric quartz fork glued with micro optic fiber probe. A biquadrate vibration equation for the fork–probe–sample system is established to theoretically analyze the relations of the electric current flow through fork versus tip–sample (T–S) distance (I–d). The I–d curve and the action distance for shear force are influenced by environmental humidity. The results reinforce the opinions in the earlier works by other researches that the physical origin of the shear force is due to a material filling the tip–sample gap. Furthermore, the intrinsic reasons for shear force damping between tip and sample have been confirmed and developed, i.e. the water and hydrocarbon coupled between optic fiber probe and sample due to the capillary cohesion force.
CORRELATION OF TETRAHEDRAL AND TRIHEDRAL BONDING PROPERTIES IN AMORPHOUS CAMPHORIC CARBON THIN FILMS
Authors: RUSOP M. , SOGA T. , JIMBO T.
Published: August 2005

The tetrahedral carbon ( ta-C ) and boron doped amorphous carbon ( a-C:B ) thin films have been grown by pulsed laser deposition. The respective effects of diamond percentages by weight in the target (Dwt%) and boron percentages by weight in the camphoric carbon target (Bwt%), on the tetrahedral (sp3) and trihedral (sp2) bonding properties are discussed. The optical gap Eg and electrical resistivity ρ increase with Dwt%, up to 1.6 eV and 5.63 × 107 Ω cm respectively, for the film deposited using target with 50 Dwt%. We found that the Dwt% has modified the sp3 bonds content and the morphology of the carbon films. On the other hand, the Eg of a-C:B films is almost unchanged at about 0.95 eV up to 10 Bwt% and decreases thereafter to 0.6 eV at 16 Bwt%. The ρ increases initially to 2.29 × 106 Ω cm at 2 Bwt%, and decreases thereafter up to 4.58 × 105 and 1.82 × 104 Ω cm at 10 and 16 Bwt%, respectively. The variation of structural properties, Eg and ρ, can be related to the successful doping of B in the a-C films at low content of Bwt% (up to 10 Bwt%), as the structural properties and Eg remain almost unchanged and the ρ decreased. Since both Eg and ρ decreased sharply with higher Bwt%, this phenomenon can be related to graphitization. In this paper, the dependence of sp3 and sp2 impurity content on the growth and growth conditions of the films are also studied.
DISLOCATION AND DEFECT DENSITIES BY PAT IN 2024 AIRCRAFT MATERIAL USING TWO DIFFERENT ACTIVITY SOURCES
Authors: ABDEL-RAHMAN M. A. , ABDALLAH M. S. , BADAWI EMAD A.
Published: August 2005

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is a nuclear technique used in material science. Positron annihilation lifetime technique (PALT) measurements are used to study the behavior of defect concentration and dislocation density in a set of 2024 aluminum alloy. It has been shown that positrons can become trapped at imperfect locations in solids and their mean lifetime can be influenced by changes in the concentrations of such defects. No changes were observed in the mean lifetime after defect concentration became saturated. The mean lifetime and trapping rates for the samples deformed up to 36.4 percent. The concentration of defects range from 1.133 × 1016 to 2.061 × 1018 cm-3 at strains from 1.7 to 22.7%.
NUCLEATION AND SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF COBALT FILMS ELECTRODEPOSITED ON Pt/Si SUBSTRATES
Authors: SAHARI A. , AZIZI A. , FENINECHE N. , SCHMERBER G. , DINIA A.
Published: August 2005

Co films deposited on Pt/Si (100) surface by electrodeposition from mixed sulphate chloride baths are investigated. The influence of applied potentials on nucleation, growth and morphological properties is studied using electrochemistry, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. The electrochemical techniques show a deposition peak characteristic of diffusion-limited growth. For both applied potentials, we note that deposition occurs by instantaneous nucleation and diffusion-limited growth of 3D nucleation mechanism. Morphology observations reveal the granular structure of the electrodeposited Co layers surface with the root-mean-square roughness, Rq, varied between 7.80 and 8.95 nm. The average sizes of the Co crystallites depend strongly on the film thickness and applied potentials.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ZIRCONIA THERMAL BARRIER COATINGS
Authors: TIAN Y. S. , CHEN C. Z. , WANG D. Y. , JI QIANMAO
Published: August 2005

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are finding increasing applications in aeronautical, chemical, metallurgy industries, etc. As a ceramic material, ZrO 2 is one of the most widely used for TBCs owing to its excellent shock resistance, low thermal conductivity and relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). In this paper the thermomechanical properties of ZrO 2 and the evolution of ZrO 2-TBCs are reviewed. The failure mechanism of TBCs and corresponding methods for lengthening the lifetime of TBCs are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of graded thermal barrier coatings (GTBC) as well as the problems to be solved in fabricating advanced TBCs are elucidated.
PREPARATION AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF LEAD-FREE Bi0.5(Na0.4K0.6)0.5TiO3 THIN FILMS
Authors: YANG CHANGHONG , WANG ZHUO , MA GUANGPENG , GU SHENGLI , YANG YUGUO , YANG DONGMEI , HAN JIANRU
Published: August 2005

Lead-free Bi 0.5( Na 0.4 K 0.6)0.5 TiO 3 films have been synthesized by a chemical solution deposition method and deposited on p-Si (111) substrate by spin coating. Powder of the precursor solution heated at 650°C was studied by infrared scattering spectroscopy. The structural characteristics and crystallization of the films were examined by X-ray diffraction. The surface morphology and quality were studied using atomic force microscopy. The films exhibit good insulating properties and resistance to breakdown. The clockwise hysteresis curve is referred to as polarization type switching and the memory window is about 1.5 V.
DISPERSION OF INTERFACE OPTICAL PHONONS AND THEIR COUPLING WITH ELECTRONS IN ASYMMETRICAL WURTZITEGaN/Ga1-xAlxNQUANTUM WELLS
Authors: ZHANG LI , GAO SONG , SHI JUN-JIE
Published: August 2005

Within the framework of the dielectric continuum model and Loudon's uniaxial crystal model, the properties of frequency dispersion of the interface optical (IO) phonon modes and the coupling functions of electron–IO-phonon interaction in an asymmetrical wurtzite quantum well (QW) are deduced and analyzed via the method of electrostatic potential expansion. Numerical results reveal that in general, there are four branches of IO phonon modes in the systems. The dispersions of the four branches of IO phonon modes are obvious only when the free wavenumber ktin xy plane is small. The degenerating behavior of all the four branches of IO phonon modes in the asymmetric wurtzite QWs has been clearly observed for small kt. When ktis relatively large, with the increase of kt, the frequencies of the IO phonon modes converge to the four definite limiting frequencies in the corresponding wurtzite single planar heterostructure. This feature is obviously different from that in symmetric wurtzite QW, and the mathematical and physical reasons have been analyzed in depth. The calculations of electron–phonon coupling function show that the electrostatic distribution of the IO modes is neither symmetrical nor antisymmetrical, and the high-frequency IO phonon branches and the short-wavelength IO phonon modes play a more important role in the electron–phonon interaction.
MICROSTRUCTURES AND WEAR PROPERTIES OF THE COMPOSITE COATINGS LASER-FABRICATED ON TITANIUM ALLOY Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: TIAN Y. S. , CHEN C. Z. , WANG D. Y. , HUO Q. H. , LEI T. Q.
Published: August 2005

Composite coatings containing titanium carbides and borides are produced on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy by laser alloying technique. Microstructural analysis shows that coarse bulk-like and dendritic compounds are formed when alloyed with boron and carbon, separately. However, fine and uniformly distributed dendritic compounds are produced when alloyed with boron and carbon mixed powders. With microhardness of 1450–1600 HV 0.1, the coatings have excellent wear resistance compared with as-received sample.
CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE WITH A LIMITED PALMAR INCISION: CLINICAL RESULTS AND PILLAR PAIN AT 18 MONTHS FOLLOW-UP
Authors: Yung Patrick Shu-Hang , Hung Leung-Kim , Tong Christopher Wai-Chung , Ho Pak-Cheung
Published: August 2005

Limited open carpal tunnel release was performed in 58 hands (44 patients) using a single 1.5 cm palmar incision according to the technique described by Lee and Strickland.1The patients were assessed at regular intervals after surgery for hand functions and subjective symptoms, in particular pillar pain. There was rapid wound recovery with minimal post-operative pain and scarring, and return to functional activities within four weeks. At an average follow-up of 18 months (range 14–24 months), 91% of patients had complete or significant resolution of hand paraesthesia. No patient required further surgery. However, pillar pain was found in 48% of hands at four weeks, 21% at 12 weeks, 12% at six months, 9% at 12 months and 7% at the last follow-up. The significance of the incidence of pillar pain is discussed.
IS SYMPTOMATOLOGY USEFUL IN DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AND CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS?
Authors: Chow C. S. , Hung L. K. , Chiu C. P. , Lai K. L. , Lam L. N. , Ng M. L. , Tam K. C. , Wong K. C. , Ho P. C.
Published: August 2005

Hand paraesthesia is a common symptom found in patients either with carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical spondylosis. To differentiate between the two conditions, it is important to identify additional diagnostic symptoms. Ninety-two patients with operated carpal tunnel syndrome and 138 patients with spinal surgery for cervical spondylosis were reviewed. After exclusion of cases co-morbid with both cervical spondylosis and carpal tunnel syndrome or other neurological disorders, 44 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and 41 patients with cervical spondylosis were compared. There were significant differences in the symptomatology between the two groups. In carpal tunnel syndrome, 84% had nocturnal paraesthesia, 82% hand paraesthesia were aggravated by hand activity, and hand pain occurred in 64%. The incidences were only 10%, 7% and 10%, respectively in cervical spondylosis. Neck pain was present in 76% of cervical spondylosis but only in 14% of carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower limb symptoms were present in 44% of cervical spondylosis and only 9% in carpal tunnel syndrome.
TRIGGER FINGER CAUSED BY AN OLD PARTIAL FLEXOR TENDON LACERATION: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Tohyama Masahiko , Tsujio Tadao , Yanagida Ikuhisa
Published: August 2005

We report a rare case of trigger finger caused by an old partial laceration of the flexor digitorum superficialis. The triggering occurred five months after injury. This case was the latest presentation of triggering in the literature. The patient was managed by incising the A1 pulley and suturing the flexor tendon flap after trimming. He was relieved of triggering and there was no recurrence.
USE OF A HOLLOW NEEDLE FOR DRILLING HOLES IN SMALL BONES TO GUIDE INTRAOSSEOUS WIRES
Authors: Imran Danish , Tripathi Anil , Eckersley Rupert , Siddiqui Nashat
Published: August 2005

Holes are frequently drilled across small bones to achieve fixation with intraosseous wires. We describe an effective, simple and cheap atternative to the use of K-wires for this purpose in this article.
PISIFORM AND HAMATE COALITION: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Kawamura Kenji , Yajima Hiroshi , Takakura Yoshinori
Published: August 2005

Pisiform and hamate coalition is a rare anomaly of the carpal bones; a symptomatic case is an especially rare condition. We report a case of symptomatic pisiform and hamate coalition in a 15-year-old Japanese male. The literature of pisiform and hamate coalition is reviewed.
ULNAR DISLOCATION OF FIFTH CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT
Authors: Saleemi Aasim Javaid , Iqbal Mohammad Jawaid
Published: August 2005

Carpometacarpal dislocations may be dorsal, volar or divergent type but most are dorsal with involvement of 4th and 5th metacarpal. We are reporting first case of ulnar type of unilateral dislocation of 5th carpometacarpal joint.
AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE TRIQUETRUM: A CASE REPORT
Authors: POR Y. C. , CHEW W. Y. , TSOU I. Y. Y.
Published: August 2005

A case of total ischemia of the triquetrum after a crushing injury to the right wrist by a dumbbell is reported. He was treated conservatively with splinting and analgesia. There was complete clinical and radiological recovery after a follow-up of one year.
RUPTURE OF THE FLEXOR DIGITORUM PROFUNDUS TENDON TO THE SMALL FINGER WITHIN THE CARPAL TUNNEL
Authors: Grant I. , Berger A. C. , Ireland D. C. R.
Published: August 2005

We report three patients who sustained a rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon to the small finger within the carpal tunnel. There was a common mechanism of injury, each rupture occurred during resisted flexion of the digit with the metacarpophalangeal joint in extension. All the patients were male, one patient had an asymptomatic undiagnosed fracture of the hook of hamate, one patient had radiological evidence of piso-triquetral osteoarthritis. In each case, an attrition rupture was confirmed at surgery.
THE EFFECTS OF FOREARM ROTATION ON THREE WRIST MEASUREMENTS: RADIAL INCLINATION, RADIAL HEIGHT AND PALMAR TILT
Authors: Pennock Andrew T. , Phillips Craig S. , Matzon Jonas L. , Daley Elizabeth
Published: August 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and quantify the effects of forearm rotation on radial inclination, radial height and palmar tilt. Seventeen arms, nine cadaveric and eight volunteer, were examined using a radiolucent device that allowed for the controlled rotation of each arm. Lateral and posterior-anterior X-rays were taken at 5° increments which were then measured by two physicians using standardised protocol. The results revealed that all three measurements were significantly affected by forearm rotation with forearm supination increasing the apparent measurements and forearm pronation decreasing the apparent measurements. This relationship was well characterised by linear trend modelling such that forearm pronation of 10° decreased the apparent radial inclination, radial height and palmar tilt by 2.8°, 1.6 mm and 4.4°, respectively. This study demonstrates that forearm rotation is an important factor in the accurate evaluation of wrist measurements, and that slight rotation of the wrist during radiographic imaging may significantly alter management decisions given established surgical criteria.
IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS: RADIAL APPROACH TO CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THUMB CARPOMETACARPAL ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Tsai Tsu-Min , Laurentin-Perez Luis A. , Wong Michael S. , Tamai Makoto
Published: August 2005

Several authors have written about the co-existence of thumb carpometacarpal arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, and 4% to 43% of patients undergoing thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty also have a carpal tunnel release. Some authors advocate that carpal tunnel release and thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty should be performed at the same time. We perform a combined thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty and radial approach carpal tunnel release through a single incision. The purposes of this study are to (1) determine the safety of this approach and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in decreasing the pain and numbness observed prior to surgery.

Eight patients had combined thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty and radial approach carpal tunnel release. With an average follow up of 14 weeks, all patients reported an improvement in pain and numbness. No nerve injuries occurred, and no difficulty in wrist flexion was observed. One patient had pillar pain persisting at 19 weeks follow-up. One patient had basilar thumb pain at 19 weeks, though this was improved over pre-operative levels.
ASEPTIC NECROSIS OF THE HAMATE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Tukenmez Mehmet , Percin Sıtkı , Tezeren Gunduz
Published: August 2005

The case of a 25-year-old man with osteonecrosis of the hamate is reported. He had pain and swelling in his right wrist. The diagnosis was accomplished with plain radiographs as well as with MRI. The case was treated surgically that included resection of the necrotic bone. The occured cavity was filled with autogenous cancellous bone graft. In addition, capito-hamate arthrodesis was performed. Histopathological examination following the operation demonstrated avascular necrosis of the hamate. The arthrodesis was obtained four months after the operation.
A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF SILICONE-RUBBER INTERPOSITION ARTHROPLASTY FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE THUMB CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT
Authors: Minami Akio , Iwasaki Norimasa , Kutsumi Keiji , Suenaga Naoki , Yasuda Kazunori
Published: August 2005

There are several surgical options for osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. This paper presents our long-term clinical and radiographic review of 12 thumbs in ten patients treated by partial trapezial excision and silicone-rubber interposition arthroplasty. The follow-up period averaged 15; three years with a ten-year minimum. Although the procedure provided early pain relief in most thumbs, all but two had mild to severe pain at follow-up. The average range of post-operative palmar abduction was 23°. The average post-operative grip strength was 9.5 kg. Both tip and key pinch between thumb and index finger averaged about 50% that of normal subjects. Dislocation of the implant occurred in two joints and breakages in five. Bony erosions around the implant, which we attributed silicone synovitis, were found in four thumbs. The indications for silicone-rubber interposition arthroplasty for OA of the thumb CMC joint should be severely restricted as these produced unsatisfactory long-term results.
AN IMPROVISED DEPTH GAUGE USING A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE
Authors: Smith G. D. , Moreno R.
Published: August 2005

A simple solution to the problem of a broken depth gauge is suggested. A hypodermic needle is bent to simulate the shape of a depth gauge and used in a similar way. This allows measurement of the screw length against the scale on the set. We would advocate this method only when there is no suitable alternative depth gauge available.
FROM DISCRETE DETERMINISTIC DYNAMICS TO BROWNIAN MOTIONS
Authors: KOTELENEZ PETER M.
Published: August 2005

Two types of point particles, large and small, with state space ℝd are considered, where d ≥ 2 and "large" and "small" refer to different masses. The small particles move deterministically with very large initial velocities. They transfer their momenta to the large particles through a smooth mean field interaction which completely determines the motion of the large particles. The joint dynamics is described in a spacetime lattice by an Euler scheme for coupled oscillators with a friction term for the large particles. This lattice defines the mesoscale for the system. A scaling limit leads to a replacement of the mesoscale by the macroscale as follows: The very large initial velocities are assumed to be independent and they let a small particle interact with a large particle only for a short time, after which the particle escapes to infinity and new particles start interacting with the large particles. Thus, the initial spatial independence of the small particles causes independence in the time increments of the velocities of the large particles. Therefore, as the friction of the large particles and the speed of the small particles tend to infinity in this scaling limit, the positions of the large particles become the positions of spatially correlated Brownian motions whose correlations can be computed from the interaction force. A similar result holds for a system without friction, where the velocities of the large particles become spatially correlated Brownian motions.
IMPLEMENTING BUSINESS POLICIES WITHIN THE AUSTRALIAN CONTEXT: THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS WITHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: BRUNETTO YVONNE , FARR-WHARTON RODNEY
Published: August 2005

One strategy used by some Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) governments to stimulate national competitiveness is to encourage innovation via programmes aimed at assisting firms to collaborate. Economic Development Officers operate within a multi-government bureaucratic maze in order to implement these programmes. This paper examines what factors affect the way Economic Development Officers implement an array of government policies that foster collaboration amongst firms and the implications of those factors. The findings suggest that a number of factors compromise their ability to implement these policies effectively, especially since the implementation of New Public Management. In particular, the findings suggest that organisational bureaucratic communication processes moderate the way Economic Development Officers' perceive a chronic lack of resources and multi-stakeholder accountability. The findings reiterate the importance of ensuring that there is synergy between business policy goals and resourcing and accountability mechanisms for those expected to implement the programmes intended to foster collaboration amongst firms.
MULTIPLE PROGRESSION — A PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM FOR THE APPLICATION OF QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRY
Authors: LAGER THOMAS
Published: August 2005

After a thorough literature review of the present Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology and its use in the process industry, it has been concluded that present QFD systems do not address the specific needs of this type of industry. A new QFD system has consequently been developed based on those research findings. The new system has been specially adapted to Process Industry applications and production systems that are often characterised by long chains of customers and suppliers and sometimes by lack of direct contact with end users. The use of the new system is illustrated by a simplified industrial case, and its further application in Process Industry is discussed.
DAMPED LYα SYSTEMS
Authors: Wolfe Arthur M. , Gawiser Eric , Prochaska Jason X.
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  Observations of damped Lyα systems offer a unique window on the neutral-gas reservoirs that gave rise to galaxies at high redshifts. This review focuses on critical properties such as the H I and metal content of the gas and on independent evidence for star formation. Together, these provide an emerging picture of gravitationally bound objects in which accretion of gas from the IGM replenishes gas consumed by star formation. Other properties such as dust content, molecular content, ionized-gas content, gas kinematics, and galaxy identifications are also reviewed. These properties point to a multiphase ISM in which radiative and hydrodynamic feedback processes are present. Numerical simulations and other types of models used to describe damped Lyα systems within the context of galaxy formation are also discussed.
The Discovery and Analysis of Very Metal-Poor Stars in the Galaxy
Authors: Beers Timothy C. , Christlieb Norbert
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  We discuss the importance of very metal-poor stars to develop an understanding of the nature of the first stars that formed in the Universe and the nucleosynthesis events associated with them, as well as to refine models of galaxy formation, in particular for large spiral galaxies such as the Milky Way. After briefly reviewing the history of the search for very metal-deficient stars in the Galaxy, we summarize ongoing efforts, concentrating on the two large objective-prism surveys that have led to the discovery of the majority of stars with [Fe/H] < −2.0 known at present: the HK survey of Beers and collaborators and the Hamburg/ESO survey of Christlieb and collaborators. We then consider the wealth of information that can be gleaned from high-resolution spectroscopic study of very metal-poor stars. We close with a list of open questions and a discussion of new survey techniques that will expand the sample of recognized very metal-deficient stars in the Galaxy by several orders of magnitude.
Sungrazing Comets
Authors: Marsden Brian G.
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  After centuries of speculation that the early records of observations of bright comets near the sun involved repeated returns of a single sungrazing object, there came in the 1880s the realization, first by Kirkwood, and then most notably by Kreutz, that the observations could be explained by the existence of a group of related comets that had separated from each other at some earlier perihelion passage. After the appearance of further bright sungrazers in the mid-twentieth century, attempts were made to understand the specific manner in which the various members of this Kreutz Group of comets had evolved from each other. Beginning in 1979, coronagraphic observations from space allowed the detection of numerous additional Kreutz members that were completely vaporized as they grazed the sun. Since 1996, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) coronagraphs have revealed some 700 of these comets, giving rise to the thought that there is a constant stream of small members, much of the break-up having occurred instead near aphelion and even quite recently. Whereas consideration of break-up only near perihelion requires that the observed dispersion of the orbital parameters would take many millennia, recent calculations have shown that the evolution can be substantially sped up by allowing fragments to be rotationally spun off at heliocentric distances of many tens of AU. The SOHO observations have also allowed the recognition of three other substantial groups of sungrazing comets, as well as some pairs arriving only hours apart.
Physiology in perspective: The Wisdom of the Body. Neural control of the kidney
Authors: DiBona Gerald F.
Published: August 2005

Cannon equated the fluid matrix of the body with Bernard’s concept of the internal environment and emphasized the importance of “the safe-guarding of an effective fluid matrix.” He further emphasized the important role of the autonomic nervous system in the establishment and maintenance of homeostasis in the internal environment. This year’s Cannon Lecture discusses the important role of the renal sympathetic nerves to regulate various aspects of overall renal function and to serve as one of the major “self-regulatory agencies which operate to preserve the constancy of the fluid matrix.”
Physical activity and diabetes prevention
Authors: LaMonte Michael J. , Blair Steven N. , Church Timothy S.
Published: August 2005

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and is associated with a large economic burden, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Hyperglycemia is the hallmark clinical manifestation of diabetes and evolves through a multifactorial etiology of genetic, environmental, and behavioral enablers. Approximately 90% of diabetes cases are the non-insulin-dependent phenotype, which is characterized by a progressive deterioration in insulin-mediated glucose disposal, particularly by peripheral tissues. Our hypothesis is that the most proximal behavioral cause of insulin resistance is physical inactivity. Indeed, several streams of scientific research have demonstrated a role for physical activity in the etiology and prevention of diabetes and its related morbidity. In this review we will discuss some of the key observational and experimental studies that have examined associations among physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Superior laryngeal and hypoglossal afferents tonically influence upper airway motor excitability in anesthetized rats
Authors: Ryan Stephen , Nolan Philip
Published: August 2005

Upper airway (UA) muscle activity is stimulated by changes in UA transmural pressure and by asphyxia. These responses are reduced by muscle relaxation. We hypothesized that this is due to a change in afferent feedback in the ansa hypoglossi and/or superior laryngeal nerve (SLN). We examined 1) the glossopharyngeal motor responses to UA transmural pressure and asphyxia and 2) how these responses were changed by muscle relaxation in animals where one or both of these afferent pathways had been sectioned bilaterally. Experiments were performed in 24 anesthetized, thoracotomized, artificially ventilated rats. Baseline glossopharyngeal activity and its response to UA transmural pressure and asphyxia were moderately reduced after bilateral section of the ansa hypoglossi ( P < 0.05). Conversely, bilateral SLN section increased baseline glossopharyngeal activity, augmented the response to asphyxia, and abolished the response to UA transmural pressure. Muscle relaxation reduced resting glossopharyngeal activity and the response to asphyxia ( P < 0.001). This occurred whether or not the ansa hypoglossi, the SLN, or both afferent pathways had been interrupted. We conclude that ansa hypoglossi afferents tonically excite and SLN afferents tonically inhibit UA motor activity. Muscle relaxation depressed UA motor activity after section of the ansa hypoglossi and SLN. This suggests that some or all of the response to muscle relaxation is mediated by alterations in the activity of afferent fibers other than those in the ansa hypoglossi or SLN.
Diaphragmatic free radical generation increases in an animal model of heart failure
Authors: Supinski Gerald S. , Callahan Leigh A.
Published: August 2005

Heart failure evokes diaphragm weakness, but the mechanism(s) by which this occurs are not known. We postulated that heart failure increases diaphragm free radical generation and that free radicals trigger diaphragm dysfunction in this condition. The purpose of the present study was to test this hypothesis. Experiments were performed using halothane-anesthetized sham-operated control rats and rats in which myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Animals were killed 6 wk after surgery, the diaphragms were removed, and the following were assessed: 1) mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation, 2) free radical generation in resting and contracting intact diaphragm using a fluorescent-indicator technique, 3) 8-isoprostane and protein carbonyls (indexes of free radical-induced lipid and protein oxidation), and 4) the diaphragm force-frequency relationship. In additional experiments, a group of coronary ligation animals were treated with polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD, 2,000 units·kg−1·day−1) for 4 wk. We found that coronary ligation evoked an increase in free radical formation by the intact diaphragm, increased diaphragm mitochondrial H2O2 generation, increased diaphragm protein carbonyl levels, and increased diaphragm 8-isoprostane levels compared with controls ( P < 0.001 for the first 3 comparisons, P < 0.05 for 8-isoprostane levels). Force generated in response to 20-Hz stimulation was reduced by coronary ligation ( P < 0.05); PEG-SOD administration restored force to control levels ( P < 0.03). These findings indicate that cardiac dysfunction due to coronary ligation increases diaphragm free radical generation and that free radicals evoke reductions in diaphragm force generation.
Downregulation of diaphragm electron transport chain and glycolytic enzyme gene expression in sepsis
Authors: Callahan Leigh Ann , Supinski Gerald S.
Published: August 2005

Cellular energy metabolism is altered in sepsis as a consequence of dysfunction of mitochondrial electron transport and glycolytic pathways. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether sepsis is associated with compensatory increases in gene expression of electron transport chain and glycolytic pathway proteins or, alternatively, whether gene expression decreases in sepsis, contributing to abnormalities in energy metabolism. Studies were performed using diaphragms from control and endotoxin-treated (8 mg·kg−1·day−1) rats; at 48 h after endotoxin administration, animals were killed. Microarrays and RNAse protection assays were used to assess the expression of several electron transport chain components (cytochrome- c oxidase subunits Cox 5A, Cox 5B, and Cox 6A, ATP synthase, and ATP synthase subunit 5B) and of the rate-limiting enzyme for glycolysis, phosphofructokinase (PFK). Western blotting was used to assess protein levels for these electron transport chain subunits and PFK. Activity assays were used to assess electron transport chain and phosphofructokinase function. We found that sepsis evoked 1) a downregulation of genes encoding all examined electron transport chain components (e.g., cytochrome- c oxidase 5A decreased 45 + 7%, P < 0.01) and PFK ( P < 0.001), 2) reductions in protein levels for these electron transport chain subunits and PFK ( P < 0.05 for each), and 3) decreases in mitochondrial state 3 respiration rates and phosphofructokinase enzyme activity ( P < 0.01 for each comparison). We speculate that these sepsis-induced reductions in the expression of genes encoding critical electron transport and glycolytic proteins contribute to the development and persistence of sepsis-induced abnormalities in cellular energy metabolism.
Modulation of the contractile responses of guinea pig isolated tracheal rings after chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia with and without cold exposure
Authors: Chakrabarty Kaveri , Fahim M.
Published: August 2005

Previous studies have documented that repetitive exposure to intermittent hypoxia, such as that encountered in preparation to high-altitude ascent, influences breathing. However, the impact of intermittent hypoxia on airway smooth muscle has not been explored. Ascents to high altitude, in addition to hypoxia, expose individuals to cold air. The objective of the present study is to examine the effect of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIH) and CIH combined with cold exposure (CIHC) on tracheal smooth muscle responses to various contractile and relaxant agonists. Experiments were performed on tracheal rings harvested from adult guinea pigs exposed either to CIH or CIHC [14 days (6 h/day) at barometric pressure of 350 mmHg with and without cold exposure of 5°C] or to room air (normoxia). CIH and CIHC attenuated maximum contractile responses to ACh compared with normoxia. The maximum contractile response to histamine decreased with CIH, whereas CIHC restored the response back to normoxia. Both CIH and CIHC attenuated maximum contractile responses to 5-HT. Altered contractile responses after CIH and CIHC were independent of epithelium. Isoproterenol-induced relaxation was not altered by CIH, whereas it was enhanced after CIHC, and these responses were independent of the epithelium. The data demonstrate that intermittent exposure to hypoxia profoundly influences contractile response of tracheal smooth muscle, and cold exposure can further modulate the response, implying the importance of cold at high altitude.
Experience-Dependent Plasticity in S1 Caused by Noncoincident Inputs
Authors: Blake David T. , Strata Fabrizio , Kempter Richard , Merzenich Michael M.
Published: August 2005

Prior work has shown that coincident inputs became corepresented in somatic sensory cortex. In this study, the hypothesis that the corepresentation of digits required synchronous inputs was tested, and the daily development of two-digit receptive fields was observed with cortical implants. Two adult primates detected temporal differences in tap pairs delivered to two adjacent digits. With stimulus onset asynchronies of ≥100 ms, representations changed to include two-digit receptive fields across the first 4 wk of training. In addition, receptive fields at sites responsive to the taps enlarged more than twofold, and receptive fields at sites not responsive to the taps had no significant areal change. Further training did not increase the expression of two-digit receptive fields. Cortical responses to the taps were not dependent on the interval length. Stimuli preceding a hit, miss, false positives, and true negatives differed in the ongoing cortical rate from 50 to 100 ms after the stimulus but did not differ in the initial, principal, response to the taps. Response latencies to the emergent responses averaged 4.3 ms longer than old responses, which occurs if plasticity is cortical in origin. New response correlations developed in parallel with the new receptive fields. These data show corepresentation can be caused by presentation of stimuli across a longer time window than predicted by spike-timing–dependent plasticity and suggest that increased cortical excitability accompanies new task learning.
DECONSTRUCTING ENDOGENOUS PAIN MODULATIONS
Authors: Mason Peggy
Published: August 2005

A pathway from the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) through the ventromedial medulla (VMM) to the dorsal horn constitutes a putative endogenous nociceptive modulatory system. Yet activation of neurons in both PAG and VMM changes the responses of dorsal horn cells to nonnoxious stimuli and elicits motor and autonomic reactions that are not directly related to nociception. Activation of mu-opioid receptors in VMM and PAG also modifies processes in addition to nociceptive transmission. The descending projections of VMM neurons are not specific to nociception as VMM projects to the spinal superficial dorsal horn where thermoreceptors as well as nociceptors terminate. In addition, experiments with pseudorabies virus demonstrate multisynaptic pathways from VMM to sympathetic and parasympathetic target organs. VMM neurons respond to both noxious and unexpected innocuous stimuli of multiple modalities, and change their discharge during behaviors unrelated to pain such as micturition/continence and sleep/wake. In conclusion, all available evidence argues against the idea that PAG and VMM target nociception alone. Instead these brain stem sites may effect homeostatic adjustments made necessary by salient situations including but not limited to injury.
Interaction Between Amygdala and Neocortical Inputs in the Perirhinal Cortex
Authors: Pelletier Joe Guillaume , Apergis-Schoute John , Paré Denis
Published: August 2005

The rhinal cortices play a critical role in high-order perceptual/mnemonic functions and constitute the main route for impulse traffic to and from the hippocampus. However, previous work has revealed that neocortical stimuli that activate a large proportion of perirhinal neurons are unable to discharge entorhinal cells. In search of mechanisms that might facilitate impulse transfer from the neocortex to the entorhinal cortex, we have examined changes in excitability produced by activation of the lateral amygdala (LA) in isoflurane-anesthetized animals. LA stimulation activated a large proportion of peri- and entorhinal neurons. However, conditioning LA stimuli did not increase the ability of neocortical inputs to activate entorhinal cells even though such pairing produced marked increases in neocortically evoked field potentials and orthodromic firing in the perirhinal cortex. Moreover, increased neocortically evoked perirhinal field potentials and unit responses persisted when the conditioning LA shock was replaced by another neocortical stimulus at the same or at a different site as the testing shock. This perirhinal paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) was maximal with interstimulus intervals of ∼100 ms. Intracellular recordings of perirhinal neurons revealed that the PPF was generally associated with a rapid shift in the balance between inhibition and excitation, leading to an overall increase in perirhinal responsiveness. The significance of these findings for the role of the perirhinal cortex is discussed.
Expression of Leptin Receptors in Mononuclear Cells from Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemias
Authors: Tsiotra Panayoula C. , Pappa Vassiliki , Koukourava Athina , Economopoulos Theofanis , Tsigos Constantine , Raptis Sotirios A.
Published: August 2005

Leptin, the adipocyte hormone, and its receptor have been implicated in the differentiation/proliferation of hematopoietic cells. Given that the deregulated expression of a variety of growth factors and/or their receptors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain leukemias, we aimed to characterize the potential differences in the expression pattern of the two major leptin receptor transcript variants in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) between different hematologic malignancies. Using RT-PCR and Southern blotting, we compared the expression levels of the two major leptin receptors, the longest (OB-RL) and the shortest (OB-RS) splice variants, in PBMC from patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), healthy individuals and two human hematopoietic cell lines (HL-60 and K562).Expression of the OB-RS transcript clearly exceeded that of OB-RL in all patients and controls and in the HL-60 cells, but this was reversed in the K562 cell line. However, the expression of the OB-RL was significantly lower in MDS compared to controls and tended to be so in AML, while OB-RS tended to be higher in MDS and AML patients compared to controls, but this difference was not significant.Serum leptin levels and circulating soluble leptin receptor levels were slightly but not significantlyhigher in AML and MDS. These alterations in the expression of the leptin receptor isoforms in MDS and AML patients could suggest a potential role of leptin and its signaling in hematopoietic malignancies, which requires further examination.