bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoelectron emission and Raman scattering studies of nitrogenated tetrahedral amorphous carbon films
Authors: Shi J. R. , Wang J. P. , Wee A. T. S. , Yeo C. B. , Cheng C. T. , Ueda M. , Tomioka S. , Ohsako J.
Published: November 2002

Nitrogenated tetrahedral amorphous carbon (N:ta-C) films prepared by the filtered cathodic vacuum arc technique were studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature dependent resistance measurement. As the nitrogen flow rate varies from 0 to 20 sccm, the nitrogen content in the deposited film increases from 0 to 4.6 at. %. Curve fitting of the C 1s and N 1s XPS spectra shows that the C–C sp3 fraction decreases with an increase in nitrogen content and that the nitrogen atoms are mainly bonded in sp2 C–N bonds. The pure ta-C film has a work function of 4.35 eV and the N:ta-C films have a value around 4.55 eV. With an increase in nitrogen flow rate, the intensity ratio of the D peak to the G peak, ID/IG increases monotonously from 0.44 to 1.25 and the G peak width decreases from 220 to 199 cm−1. The Tauc optical band gap decreases from 2.2 to 1.8 eV.
1 potential, 2 potentials, 3 potentials–4: Untangling the UV photodissociation spectra of HI and DI
Authors: Le Roy Robert J. , Kraemer Geoffrey T. , Manzhos Sergei
Published: November 2002

A comprehensive empirical analysis based on exact quantum simulations of all available total absorption coefficient and branching-ratio data for the UV photodissociation spectra of HI and DI has been used to determine the potential energy curves of the four excited electronic states A 1Π1, a 3Π0+, a 3Π1, and t 3Σ1+, and the associated transition moment functions. It is shown that there is no need to invoke coupling among the various final-state wave functions to explain the data.
Influence of the focusing f number on the heating regime transition in laser absorption waves
Authors: Mori Koichi , Komurasaki Kimiya , Arakawa Yoshihiro
Published: November 2002

Laser plasma was produced in air atmosphere using a transversely excited atmospheric CO2 pulse laser; the influence of the focusing f number (≡ focal length/laser beam diameter) on the threshold of a heating regime transition in laser absorption waves was then investigated. As a result, when the laser energy was 10 J/pulse, the transition threshold was 2.6±0.4 MW/cm2 with f=1.1 optics and 3.7±0.4 MW/cm2 with f=2.2. The difference was explained in terms of the front area and absorption layer thickness in the laser supported detonation regime.
Superconducting trapped-field magnets: Temperature and field distributions during pulsed-field activation
Authors: Bræck S. , Shantsev D. V. , Johansen T. H. , Galperin Y. M.
Published: November 2002

We calculate the temperature and magnetic field distributions in a bulk superconductor during the process of pulsed-field magnetic activation. The calculations are based on the heat diffusion equation with account of the heat produced by flux motion, and the critical state model with temperature dependent critical current density. For a given activation time, the total amount of trapped flux Φ is maximum for an optimal value Bopt of the maximal applied field. We analyze how Bopt and Φ depend on the material parameters and the field ramp rate.
n-electron valence state perturbation theory: A spinless formulation and an efficient implementation of the strongly contracted and of the partially contracted variants
Authors: Angeli Celestino , Cimiraglia Renzo , Malrieu Jean-Paul
Published: November 2002

The n-electron valence state perturbation theory is reformulated in a spin-free formalism, concentrating on the “strongly contracted” and “partially contracted” variants. The new formulation is based on the introduction of average values in the unperturbed state of excitation operators which bear resemblance with analogous ones occurring in the extended Koopmans’ theorem and in the equations-of-motion technique. Such auxiliary quantities, which allow the second-order perturbation contribution to the energy to be evaluated very efficiently, can be calculated at the outset provided the unperturbed four-particle spinless density matrix in the active orbital space is available. A noticeable inequality concerning second-order energy contributions of the same type between the strongly and partially contracted versions is proven to hold. An example concerning the successful calculation of the potential energy curve for the Cr2 molecule is discussed.
Effect of active layer thickness on device properties of organic thin-film transistors based on Cu(II) phthalocyanine
Authors: Hoshino Satoshi , Kamata Toshihide , Yase Kiyoshi
Published: November 2002

We investigated the device properties of Cu(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc)-based bottom-contact thin-film transistors (TFTs) with various active layer thicknesses. The operating performance of the TFTs depended on the thickness, and a device with a CuPc layer of 80 nm showed the maximum field-effect mobility. We found that the field-effect mobility of the thinnest and thickest devices exhibited a marked source–drain bias dependence. The characteristics of these devices were not as good as those of the other TFTs. We attributed the source–drain bias dependence to a significantly trap-affected carrier transport process in a conduction channel formed in the vicinity of the gate insulator. We concluded that, in these TFTs, the conduction channel was formed at a different position in the CuPc layer depending on the thickness, and the thickness dependent operating performance originated from variations in the effect of carrier trapping on the carrier transport process in these conduction channels.
Orientation dependence of fluorescence lifetimes near an interface
Authors: Kreiter M. , Prummer M. , Hecht B. , Wild U. P.
Published: November 2002

The fluorescence lifetime of single DiI-dye molecules in a 20 nm polymer film on glass is measured as a function of the orientation of the absorption dipole moment. A strong dependence of the lifetime on the orientation of the dye molecules relative to the polymer/air interface is found. Molecules with a dipole moment perpendicular to the interface exhibit a lifetime which is by a factor of 2.1±0.1 longer than the lifetime of molecules with parallel dipole moments. The general trend of the results is in good agreement with theoretical predictions. However there are significant deviations which are attributed to varying molecular environments.
Comment on “Ion-assisted pulsed laser deposition of aluminum nitride thin films” [J. Appl. Phys. 87, 1540 (2000)]
Authors: Zanatta A. R. , Ribeiro C. T. M. , Alvarez F.
Published: November 2002

In a recent article [J. Appl. Phys. 87, 1540 (2000)] Lu et al. have reported on the achievement of good quality crystalline aluminum nitride (AlN) films deposited on Si〈100〉 substrates. The films were prepared in the 200–800 °C temperature range by the nitrogen-ion-assisted laser ablation of one AlN target. According to their experimental results, the infrared absorption bands due to Al–N bonds display a frequency shift of approx. 80 cm−1 as a consequence of the residual stress present in the AlN films. Interestingly, and despite such a high stress, the phonon vibration modes do not exhibit any appreciable shift. Actually, most of the phonon frequencies reported by Lu et al. perfectly match those observed in crystalline silicon. The analyses of Lu et al. probably contain inaccuracies regarding the true crystalline quality of their AlN films and is the subject of this comment.
Effect of aging on wettability of silicon surfaces modified by Ar implantation
Authors: Chassé M. , Ross G. G.
Published: November 2002

The contact angles of most surfaces modified by ion implantation change with the passage of time. The aim of this experiment is to better understand the mechanism leading to the aging of argon implanted silicon oxide surfaces. Coupons of silicon with its native oxide layer have been irradiated by means of 3 keV Ar ions with a fluence of 1.8×1016 Ar/cm2. Some of the implantations have been performed under oxygen partial pressure (∼5×10−5 Torr). The samples have been characterized at different periods of time after the implantation, by means of contact angle hysteresis measurements and angle resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS). Irradiation with Ar ions has produced a more hydrophilic surface immediately after implantation. With the passage of time, the contact angles have increased both in ambient air and in argon atmosphere. Characterization by means of XPS has shown that there is with time a small increase of the O concentration as well as a small decrease of the quantity of Ar in the silicon oxide surfaces. The shape of the C 1s and Si 2p spectra and their details are also slightly modified with the passage of time. A model using the ARXPS measurements suggests that for the samples implanted without oxygen, the aging would be principally due to the spreading of a natural carbonaceous surface layer dispersed into islands after the Ar implantation. The layer being more hydrophobic than the silicon oxide, its spreading would increase the apparent contact angles. On the other hand, the increase of the carbon concentration in the carbonaceous layer would produce a more hydrophobic surface and would be responsible for the aging of the samples implanted in O2 partial pressure. Results obtained by means of a simple model and the Cassie’s equation suggest that for the samples implanted without O2 gas, the contact angles of the substrate and the carbonaceous layer are 5° and 110°, respectively. The apparent contact angle obtained with the Cassie’s equation is in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
A Note on the Post-Flutter Dynamics of a Rotating Disk
Authors: Raman A. , Hansen M. H. , Mote, C. D.
Published: November 2002

The dynamic response of a thin, flexible disk spinning in an enclosed air-filled chamber, beyond the onset of aeroelastic flutter, is investigated experimentally. The results describe the occurrence of new nonlinear dynamic phenomena in the post-flutter regime. A primary instability leads to the Hopf bifurcation of the flat equilibrium to a finite amplitude backward traveling wave. A secondary instability causes this traveling wave to jump to a large-amplitude frequency locked, traveling wave vibration. For a small range of rotation speeds, both types of traveling wave motions co-exist. The results underscore the interplay between structural and fluidic nonlinearities in controlling the dynamic response of the fluttering disk in the post-flutter regime.
Transient Plane-Strain Response of Multilayered Elastic Cylinders to Axisymmetric Impulse
Authors: Yin X. C. , Yue Z. Q.
Published: November 2002

This paper presents an exact solution and an approximate solution, using the expansion of transient wave functions in a series of eigenfunctions, for the transient response of an infinitely long and multilayered circular cylinder subjected to uniformly distributed dynamic pressures at the boundaries. Numerical results are given to illustrate the effects of the layer properties on the interfacial stresses and the spatial and temporal variations of the displacement and stresses. In particular, the exact solution is used to examine the applicability of the thin shell theories to the transient response of multilayered cylinders.
Spatial survey of a magnetron plasma sputtering system using a Langmuir probe
Authors: Field D. J. , Dew S. K. , Burrell R. E.
Published: November 2002

A two-dimensional spatial survey is conducted for a magnetron sputtering plasma at two pressures (40 and 5 mTorr) using a Langmuir probe. The plasma density is found to be highest (up to 6.0×1010 cm−3) above the etch region of the cathode, near the magnetic trap. The density drops between the etch regions, near the edges of the cathode and also at distances farther away from the cathode. The floating potential was found to be most negative (down to −12 V) in regions where the highest electron temperatures were observed (up to almost 4 eV) and became less negative (near 0 V) in regions where the electron temperature was lowest (less than 0.5 eV). This complementary trend was consistent in all spatial locations and at both pressures. The plasma potential was found to have very weak dependence, if any, on spatial location and pressure. The relationship between electron transport processes, collision processes and electron temperatures is discussed. Electron energy distribution functions were found to be either Maxwellian or bi-Maxwellian in nature, depending on pressure and spatial location. Maxwellian distributions were found near the magnetic trap or source of the plasma. Bi-Maxwellian distributions were found further away from the source, and it appears they result from Maxwellian distributions bifurcating as they diffuse away from the source. The suitability of the popular models for this bifurcation is discussed.
The scaling method applied to beta particle line sources with a finite diameter
Authors: Schaart Dennis R.
Published: November 2002

The well‐known scaling method for planar and punctiform beta particle sources is extended to the case of a cylindrical source with a length larger than the beta particle range times two and with an infinitesimal or finite diameter. The equation for a spherical source with a finite diameter is also given. As a means of illustration, previously measured and simulated radial depth‐dose distributions of a 40‐mm‐long prototype intravascular beta source in polymethylmethacrylate are scaled to and compared with simulations in the latter medium. The results suggest that the scaling method is accurate to within about 3%, provided that the finite diameter of the source is taken into account.
PARASUPERSYMMETRIC COHERENT STATES FOR LANDAU LEVELS WITH DYNAMICAL SYMMETRY GROUP H4
Authors: FAKHRI H. , MOTAVALI H.
Published: November 2002

The eigenstates and their degeneracy for parasupersymmetric Hamiltonian of arbitrary order p, corresponding to the motion of a charged particle with spin [Formula: see text] on the flat surface in the presence of a constant magnetic field along z-axis, are calculated. The eigenstates are expressed in terms of Landau levels quantum states with dynamical symmetry group H4. Furthermore, parasupersymmetric coherent states with multiplicity degeneracy are derived for an ad hoc lowering operator of the eigenstates in terms of ordinary coherent states of Landau Hamiltonian.
CLASSIFICATION OF SIX-DIMENSIONAL REAL DRINFELD DOUBLES
Authors: ŠNOBL LIBOR , HLAVATÝ LADISLAV
Published: November 2002

Starting from the classification of real Manin triples we look for those that are isomorphic as six-dimensional Drinfeld doubles i.e. Lie algebras with the ad-invariant form used for construction of the Manin triples. We use several invariants of the Lie algebras to distinguish the nonisomorphic structures and give the explicit form of maps between Manin triples that are decompositions of isomorphic Drinfeld doubles. The result is a complete list of six-dimensional real Drinfeld doubles. It consists of 22 classes of nonisomorphic Drinfeld doubles.
HIDDEN SYMMETRIES IN SECOND-CLASS CONSTRAINED SYSTEMS: ARE NEW FIELDS NECESSARY?
Authors: VYTHEESWARAN A. S.
Published: November 2002

For many systems with second-class constraints, the question posed in the title is answered in the negative. We prove this for a range of systems with two second-class constraints. After looking at two examples, we consider a fairly general proof. It is shown that, to unravel gauge invariances in second-class constrained systems, it is sufficient to work in the original phase space itself. Extension of the phase space by introducing new variables or fields is not required.
FERMION MASSES AND MIXINGS IN GAUGE THEORIES
Authors: FALCONE D.
Published: November 2002

The recent evidence for neutrino oscillations stimulate us to discuss again the problem of fermion masses and mixings in gauge theories. In the standard model, several forms for quark mass matrices are equivalent. They become ansatze within most extensions of the standard model, where also relations between quark and lepton sectors may hold. In a seesaw framework, these relations can constrain the scale of heavy neutrino mass, which is often related to the scale of intermediate or unification gauge symmetry. As a consequence, two main scenarios arise. Hierarchies of masses and mixings may be explained by broken horizontal symmetries.
A NEW BASIS FOR QED BOUND STATE COMPUTATIONS
Authors: PESTIEAU J. , SMITH C.
Published: November 2002

A simple method to compute QED bound state properties is presented, in which binding energy effects are treated nonperturbatively. It is shown that to take the effects of all ladder Coulomb photon exchanges into account, one can simply perform the derivative of standard QED amplitudes with respect to the external momentum. For example, the derivative of the light-by-light scattering amplitude gives an amplitude for orthopositronium decay to three photons where any number of Coulomb photon exchanges between the e+e-is included.

Various applications are presented. From them, it is shown that binding energy must be treated nonperturbatively in order to preserve the analyticity of positronium decay amplitudes.

Interesting perspectives for quarkonium physics are briefly sketched.
Phylogenies and Community Ecology
Authors: Webb Campbell O. , Ackerly David D. , McPeek Mark A. , Donoghue Michael J.
Published: November 2002

▪ Abstract  As better phylogenetic hypotheses become available for many groups of organisms, studies in community ecology can be informed by knowledge of the evolutionary relationships among coexisting species. We note three primary approaches to integrating phylogenetic information into studies of community organization: 1. examining the phylogenetic structure of community assemblages, 2. exploring the phylogenetic basis of community niche structure, and 3. adding a community context to studies of trait evolution and biogeography. We recognize a common pattern of phylogenetic conservatism in ecological character and highlight the challenges of using phylogenies of partial lineages. We also review phylogenetic approaches to three emergent properties of communities: species diversity, relative abundance distributions, and range sizes. Methodological advances in phylogenetic supertree construction, character reconstruction, null models for community assembly and character evolution, and metrics of community phylogenetic structure underlie the recent progress in these areas. We highlight the potential for community ecologists to benefit from phylogenetic knowledge and suggest several avenues for future research.
Saproxylic Insect Ecology and the Sustainable Management of Forests
Authors: Grove Simon J.
Published: November 2002

▪ Abstract  Saproxylic insects comprise a diverse, species-rich and dominant functional group that share a dependence on dead wood and the old trees that generate it (mature timber habitat). Recent research has highlighted their sensitivity to forest management, with managed or secondary forests generally supporting fewer individuals, fewer species, and different assemblages compared to old-growth or primary forests. This sensitivity is a product of their association with a habitat that tends to diminish in managed forests. Many species also have low powers of dispersal relative to human-induced fragmentation, making breaks in habitat continuity particularly harmful. In western Europe, many species are now regionally extinct. Information is largely lacking elsewhere, but similar ecological and management principles should apply. Measures taken to protect the habitat of hollow-dependent vertebrates may ensure the survival of some saproxylic insects, but unless their needs are expressly considered, there remains the risk that many others may be lost as forest areas shrink and management of remaining areas intensifies.
Troubleshooting Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: Sanderson Michael J. , Shaffer H. Bradley
Published: November 2002

▪ Abstract  The number, size, and scope of phylogenetic analyses using molecular data has increased steadily in recent years. This has simultaneously led to a dramatic improvement in our understanding of phylogenetic relationships and a better appreciation for an array of methodological problems that continue to hinder progress in phylogenetic studies of certain data sets and/or particular parts of the tree of life. This review focuses on several persistent problems, including rooting, conflict among data sets, weak support in trees, strong but evidently incorrect support, and the computational issues arising when methods are applied to the large data sets that are becoming increasingly commonplace. We frame each of these issues as a specific problem to be overcome, review the relevant theoretical and empirical literature, and suggest solutions, or at least strategies, for further investigation of the issues involved.
Ten Key Texts on Digital Art: 1970-2000
Authors: Manovich Lev
Published: November 2002

This article highlights ten major written works that reflect the brief history of digital art. The lack of public knowledge on digital art is largely due to a lack of standard text. While seen by most as a relatively new art form, several exhibitions are mentioned here dating from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, all of which have had a major impact on the development of the field. Authors and editors chosen for the list include Gene Youngblood, Jasia Reichardt, Cynthia Goodman, Friedrich Kittler, Michael Benedikt, Minna Tarkka, Peter Weibel, Espen Aarseth, and Ulf Poschardt.
Generalized estimating equations: A hybrid approach for mean parameters in multivariate regression models
Authors: Lange Christoph , Whittaker John C. , Macgregor Alex J.
Published: November 2002

We propose an extension of the generalized estimating equation approach to multivariate regression models (Liang and Zeger, 1986) which allows the estimation of dispersion and association parameters in the covariance matrix partly using estimating equations as in Prentice and Zhao (1991), and partly by the direct use of consistent estimators. The advantages of this hybrid approach over that of Prentice and Zhao (1991) are a reduction in the number of fourth moment assumptions that must be made, and the consequent reduction in numerical complexity. We show that the type of estimation used for covariance parameters does not affect the asymptotic efficiency of the mean parameter estimates. The advantages of the hybrid model are illustrated by a simulation study. This work was motivated by problems in statistical genetics, and we illustrate our approach using a twin study examining association between the osteocalcin receptor and various osteoporisis-related traits.
Bayesian spatial models for small area estimation of proportions
Authors: Moura F AS , Migon H S
Published: November 2002

This article presents a logistic hierarchical model approach for small area prediction of proportions, taking into account both possible spatial and unstructured heterogeneity effects. The posterior distributions of the proportion predictors are obtained via Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. This automatically takes into account the extra uncertainty associated with the hyperparameters. The procedures are applied to a real data set and comparisons are made under several settings, including a quite general logistic hierarchical model with spatial structure plus unstructured heterogeneity for small area effects. A model selection criterion based on the Expected Prediction Deviance is proposed. Its utility for selecting among competitive models in the small area prediction context is examined.
Assessing uncertainty about parameter estimates with incomplete repeated ordinal data
Authors: Verzilli Claudio J , Carpenter James R
Published: November 2002

Data collected in clinical trials involving follow-up of patients over a period of time will almost inevitably be incomplete. Patients will fail to turn up at some of the intended measurement times or will not complete the study, giving rise to various patterns of missingness. In these circumstances, the validity of the conclusions drawn from an analysis of available cases depends crucially on the mechanism driving the missing data process; this in turn cannot be known for certain. For incomplete categorical data, various authors have recently proposed taking into account in a systematic way the ignorance caused by incomplete data. In particular, the idea of intervals of ignorance has been introduced, whereby point estimates for parameters of interest are replaced by intervals or regions of ignorance (Vansteelandt and Goetghebeur, 2001; Kenward et al., 2001; Molenberghs et al., 2001). These are identified by the set of estimates corresponding to possible outcomes for the missing data under little or no assumptions about the missing data mechanism. Here we extend this idea to incomplete repeated ordinal data. We describe a modified version of standard algorithms used for fitting marginal models to longitudinal categorical data, which enables calculation of intervals of ignorance for the parameters of interest. The ideas are illustrated using dental pain measurements from a longitudinal clinical trial.
Semiparametric Bayesian models for human brain mapping
Authors: Fahrmeir L , Gössl C
Published: November 2002

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has led to enormous progress in human brain mapping. Adequate analysis of the massive spatiotemporal data sets generated by this imaging technique, combining parametric and non-parametric components, imposes challenging problems in statistical modelling. Complex hierarchical Bayesian models in combination with computer-intensive Markov chain Monte Carlo inference are promising tools.

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it provides a review of general semiparametric Bayesian models for the analysis of fMRI data. Most approaches focus on important but separate temporal or spatial aspects of the overall problem, or they proceed by stepwise procedures. Therefore, as a second aim, we suggest a complete spatiotemporal model for analysing fMRI data within a unified semiparametric Bayesian framework. An application to data from a visual stimulation experiment illustrates our approach and demonstrates its computational feasibility.
Designing a Research Agenda to Improve the Quality of Emergency Care
Authors: Magid David J. , Rhodes Karin V. , Asplin Brent R. , Steiner John F. , Rumsfeld John S.
Published: November 2002

A systematic approach to develop a research agenda for improving the quality of emergency care is presented. This approach is based on the six domains of quality outlined by the Institute of Medicine (effective, timely, efficient, safe, patient‐centered, and equitable care) and a sequence of four research steps (evidence, synthesis, assessment, and intervention). Examples related to the care of patients with acute myocardial infarction are used to illustrate the proposed approach. Examples of other emergency medicine research topics relevant to the Institute of Medicine quality domains are also presented. Research to improve the quality of emergency care can benefit from a more systematic consideration of the domains of quality and the research steps necessary to generate evidence and inform quality improvement efforts in practice.
The Effects of the Absence of Emergency Medicine Residents in an Academic Emergency Department
Authors: French Daniel , Zwemer Frank L. , Schneider Sandra
Published: November 2002

Objective: What are the quality effects of an emergency medicine (EM) residency, and the associated 24/7 supervision of residents by faculty, in an academic emergency department (ED)? The authors evaluated activity and quality indicators when there were no EM residents present. The hypothesis of the study was that there was no difference between the patient care provided by faculty supervising EM residents and that with an alternative model without EM residents (AbsenceEMResident). Methods: To support the weekly residency educational program (Thursday), EM residents are not scheduled clinically for a 24‐hour period (ConfDay). Emergency medicine resident coverage (mean 62.7 hours) was replaced with incremental faculty and mid‐level providers (mean 41.0 hours). This study was limited to adult patients (22,527 visits of 39,190 ED total) for six months (January—June 2001) and compared indicators for ConfDay (n = 23) with all other days (NotConfDay, n = 158). Results: Comparing ConfDay (2,842 visits) with NotConfDay (19,685 visits), there was no difference in mean daily visits, inpatient admissions, intensive care unit admissions, or emergency medical services arrivals. ConfDay decision‐to‐admit time (333 vs. 313 min, p = 0.03) and length of stay for admissions (490 vs. 445 min, p = 0.000) were longer, with no difference for treat/release patients. There was no difference in the numbers of laboratory or radiology tests, consultations, unscheduled return visits, or patient satisfaction. Conclusion: During the study period, there was no measurable difference for most of the quality indicators studied. The AbsenceEMResident model is less efficient in admitting patients. Faculty supervision results in the same number of laboratory and radiology tests and consultations. Other specialties may consider this model if off‐hours care becomes a concern.
Defining and Evaluating Professionalism: A Core Competency for Graduate Emergency Medicine Education
Authors: Larkin Gregory Luke , Binder Louis , Houry Debra , Adams James
Published: November 2002

Professionalism, long a consideration for physicians and their patients, is coming to the forefront as an essential element of graduate medical education as one of the six new core competency requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Professionalism is also integral to the widely endorsed Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (Model). Program directors have now been charged with implementing the new core competencies in training programs and to assess the acquisition of these competencies in their trainees. To assist emergency medicine (EM) program directors in this endeavor, the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD‐EM) held a consensus conference in March 2002. A focused Consensus Group addressed the specific core competency of professionalism during the course of this conference, and the results are highlighted in this article. The definition and curricular requirements relating to professionalism are highlighted, specific techniques for evaluating this core competency in EM are reviewed, and recommendations are provided regarding the most appropriate assessment method for EM programs.
The Use of Standardized Patients within a Procedural Competency Model to Teach Death Disclosure
Authors: Quest Tammie E. , Otsuki J. Alan , Banja John , Ratcliff Jonathan J. , Heron Sheryl L. , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: November 2002

Objective: To design, implement, and evaluate a multi‐dimensional, interdisciplinary, educational training module that enables residents to deliver an effective and empathic death disclosure in the emergency setting. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) “Toolbox of Assessment Methods” to assess competency was adopted as the foundation of this project. Methods: Sixteen emergency medicine residents, eight postgraduate year 1 (PGY‐1) and eight PGY‐2, underwent a one‐day training and evaluation exercise. The exercise consisted of: 1) a large‐group didactic session, 2) a small‐group didactic session, and 3) two standardized patient (SP) examinations. Changes in comfort levels, training helpfulness, and competency were measured. Inter‐rater agreement between evaluators was examined. Results: Trainees reported improvement in comfort levels and high levels of satisfaction regarding the helpfulness of the training. Good interrater agreement was obtained regarding resident competency to perform a death disclosure between the faculty and SP evaluators [kappa 0.61; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.33 to 0.88]. However, overall agreement among raters was poor (kappa 0.16; standard error = 0.26). This poor agreement reflected a lack of agreement between resident and SP evaluators (kappa 0.08; 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.33) and resident and faculty evaluators (kappa ‐0.02; 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.26). Conclusions: This project used the ACGME “Toolbox of Assessment Methods” to evaluate the competency of emergency medicine trainees to perform an effective and empathic death disclosure. The finding of inconsistent competency assessments by resident self‐evaluators compared with those assessments made by faculty and standardized patients have important implications in future curricular design.
A Whole-Genome Linkage Scan Suggests Several Genomic Regions Potentially Containing Quantitative Trait Loci for Osteoporosis
Authors: Deng Hong-Wen , Xu Fu-Hua , Huang Qing-Yang , Shen Hui , Deng Hongyi , Conway Theresa , Liu Yong-Jun , Liu Yao-Zhong , Li Jin-Long , Zhang Hai-Tao , Davies K. M. , Recker Robert R.
Published: November 2002

Osteoporosis is an important health problem, particularly in the elderly women. Bone mineral density (BMD) is a major determinant of osteoporosis. For a sample of 53 pedigrees that contain 1249 sibling pairs, 1098 grandparent-grandchildren pairs, and 2589 first cousin pairs, we performed a whole- genome linkage scan using 380 microsatellite markers to identify genomic regions that may contain quantitative trait loci (QTL) of BMD. Each pedigree was ascertained through a proband with BMD values belonging to the bottom 10% of the population. We conducted two-point and multipoint linkage analyses. Several potentially important genomic regions were suggested. For example, the genomic region near the marker D10S1651 may contain a QTL for hip BMD variation (with two-point analysis LOD score of 1.97 and multipoint analysis LOD score of 2.29). The genomic regions near the markers D4S413 and D12S1723 may contain QTLs for spine BMD variation (with two-point analysis LOD score of 2.12 and 2.17 and multipoint analysis LOD score of 3.08 and 2.96, respectively). The genomic regions identified in this and some earlier reports are compared for exploration in extension studies with larger samples and/or denser markers for confirmation and fine mapping to eventually identify major functional genes involved in osteoporosis.
Wild-Type Estrogen Receptor (ERβ1) and the Splice Variant (ERβcx/β2) Are Both Expressed within the Human Endometrium throughout the Normal Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Critchley Hilary O. D. , Henderson Teresa A. , Kelly Rodney W. , Scobie Graeme S. , Evans Lee R. , Groome Nigel P. , Saunders Philippa T. K.
Published: November 2002

Estrogen action is mediated via two subtypes of the estrogen receptor (ER), usually referred to as ERα and ERβ. We have previously compared the spatial and temporal expressions of ERα and ERβ proteins in human endometrium and reported that endothelial cells exclusively express ERβ. In the present study we have extended our investigations to compare the pattern of expression of wild-type (ERβ1) and a newly identified ERβ variant isoform (ERβcx/β2) that lacks the ability to bind steroids.

mRNAs encoding both ERβ1 and ERβcx/β2 receptors were identified in human endometrial extracts by RT-PCR. Quantitative TaqMan R-TPCR demonstrated that levels of total mRNAs were increased significantly premenstrually as circulating progesterone levels declined. ERβ1 and ERβcx/β2 proteins were identified within multiple cell types within the endometrium using isotype-specific monoclonal antibodies; immunoexpression of ERβcx/β2 appeared less intense than that of ERβ1 in endometrial glandular epithelium and endothelial cells. Immunoexpression of ERβ1 appeared unchanged throughout the menstrual cycle. In contrast, levels of ERβcx/β2-specific immunoreactivity were specifically reduced in gland cells within the functional layer, but not in those of the basal layer, in the midsecretory phase. It is possible that coexpression of ERβcx/β2 in cells containing ERβ1 and/or ERα may modulate the effects of estrogens on the endometrium.
Effect of Subcutaneous Leptin Replacement Therapy on Bone Metabolism in Patients with Generalized Lipodystrophy
Authors: Simha Vinaya , Zerwekh Joseph E. , Sakhaee Khashayar , Garg Abhimanyu
Published: November 2002

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, which plays an important role in energy homeostasis, has been suggested to have an influence on bone development and remodeling. However, it is not clear from animal studies whether leptin is a stimulator or an inhibitor of bone growth. Cross-sectional studies in humans suggest that serum leptin levels are positively associated with bone mineral density (BMD), but these observations are not consistent, and whether this relationship is independent of obesity remains unclear. We therefore examined the effect of sc leptin administration on BMD and markers of bone turnover in two women, one with congenital generalized lipodystrophy and the other with acquired generalized lipodystrophy. Both patients had regular menstrual cycles. At baseline, the BMD for both patients, measured at the lumbar spine and total hip, was within 1 sd of the peak bone mass. There was no significant change in BMD in both patients after 16–18 months of leptin therapy. Similarly, concentrations of serum osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase or urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline and N-telopeptides remained unchanged after 6–8 months of leptin therapy, suggesting no effects of leptin on osteoblastic or osteoclastic activity. Our preliminary data suggest that sc leptin replacement in hypoleptinemic patients with generalized lipodystrophy has no effect on the mature adult skeleton.
Neurosteroid Quantification in Human Brain Regions: Comparison between Alzheimer’s and Nondemented Patients
Authors: Weill-Engerer Sébastien , David Jean-Philippe , Sazdovitch Véronique , Liere Philippe , Eychenne Bernard , Pianos Antoine , Schumacher Michael , Delacourte André , Baulieu Etienne-Emile , Akwa Yvette
Published: November 2002

Some neurosteroids have been shown to display beneficial effects on neuroprotection in rodents. To investigate the physiopathological significance of neurosteroids in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we compared the concentrations of pregnenolone, pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS), dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), progesterone, and allopregnanolone, measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, in individual brain regions of AD patients and aged nondemented controls, including hippocampus, amygdala, frontal cortex, striatum, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. A general trend toward decreased levels of all steroids was observed in all AD patients’ brain regions compared with controls: PREGS and DHEAS were significantly lower in the striatum and cerebellum, and DHEAS was also significantly reduced in the hypothalamus. A significant negative correlation was found between the levels of cortical β-amyloid peptides and those of PREGS in the striatum and cerebellum and between the levels of phosphorylated tau proteins and DHEAS in the hypothalamus. This study provides reference values for steroid concentrations determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in various regions of the aged human brain. High levels of key proteins implicated in the formation of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles were correlated with decreased brain levels of PREGS and DHEAS, suggesting a possible neuroprotective role of these neurosteroids in AD.
Ghrelin Expression in Islet Cell Tumors: Augmented Expression of Ghrelin in a Case of Glucagonoma with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasm Type I
Authors: Iwakura Hiroshi , Hosoda Kiminori , Doi Ryuichiro , Komoto Izumi , Nishimura Haruo , Son Choel , Fujikura Junji , Tomita Tsutomu , Takaya Kazuhiko , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Hayashi Tatsuya , Inoue Gen , Akamizu Takashi , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kojima Masayasu , Kangawa Kenji , Imamura Masayuki , Nakao Kazuwa
Published: November 2002

Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide that regulates GH release together with GHRH and somatostatin. The expression of ghrelin has been detected in the stomach, small intestine, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, kidney, placenta, and testis. Recently it was reported that ghrelin is present in pancreatic α-cells and that it stimulates insulin secretion. In this study, we examined the ghrelin expression in two cases of glucagonoma and two cases of insulinoma by Northern blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Ghrelin expression was identified in a case of glucagonoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasm type I both by Northern blot analysis using total RNA and by immunohistochemistry, although the plasma ghrelin level was not elevated. This is the first case of tumor in which ghrelin gene expression was detected by Northern blot analysis using total RNA.
Increased Circulatory Level of Biologically Active Full-Length FGF-23 in Patients with Hypophosphatemic Rickets/Osteomalacia
Authors: Yamazaki Yuji , Okazaki Ryo , Shibata Minako , Hasegawa Yukihiro , Satoh Kohei , Tajima Toshihiro , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Fujita Toshiro , Nakahara Kazuhiko , Yamashita Takeyoshi , Fukumoto Seiji
Published: November 2002

Hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia with inappropriately low serum 1,25-dihidroxyvitamin D level is commonly observed in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia, autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia and tumor-induced osteomalacia. Although the involvement of a newly identified factor, FGF-23, in the pathogenesis of ADHR and TIO has been suggested, clinical evidence indicating the role of FGF-23 has been lacking. We have previously shown that FGF-23 is cleaved between Arg179 and Ser180, and this processing abolished biological activity of FGF-23 to induce hypophosphatemia. Therefore, sandwich ELISA for biologically active intact human FGF-23 was developed using two kinds of monoclonal antibodies that requires the simultaneous presence of both the N-terminal and C-terminal portion of FGF-23. The serum levels of FGF-23 in healthy adults were measurable and ranged from 8.2 to 54.3 ng/L. In contrast, those in a patient with TIO were over 200 ng/L. After the resection of the responsible tumor, the elevated FGF-23 level returned to normal level within 1 h. The increase of serum concentrations of 1,25-dihidroxyvitamin D and phosphate, and the decrease of serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D followed the change of FGF-23. In addition, the elevated serum FGF-23 levels were demonstrated in most patients with XLH. It is likely that increased serum levels of FGF-23 contributes to the development of hypophosphatemia not only in TIO but also in XLH.
A distributed e-commerce system for virtual product development teams
Authors: Anderson N , Abdalla H
Published: November 2002

This paper presents a distributed information system that facilitates virtual multidisciplinary product development activities. A growing problem today for many companies is that of facing up to increasing global competition, increasing the importance of delivering the right product at the right time and at the least cost. To enable a company to provide competitive services, concurrent engineering methods are employed progressively more often. However, a truly effective concurrent engineering team requires specialists in a wide variety of occupations and skill bases. Effective communication and exchange of information between members usually require not only face-to-face meetings but also highly advanced tools. Various tools have been developed in the past with the premise of facilitating effective communication. However, these have realistically only covered a subsection of the total product development life-cycle. The work presented here displays an approach to the problem in terms of an Internet-based system, which provides a mechanism to allow integrated information sharing from the initial concepts through to the realization and the marketing of a product. The system effectively removes the barriers between people and incompatible computer systems and resulting from non-standardization.
Fuzzy set theoretical approach to design review of fuel pumps
Authors: Huang G Q , Jiang Z
Published: November 2002

While product design and development has received significant attention over the past years, the activity of design review (DR) has not been dealt with at an equal level, despite its paramount importance. This paper defines design review as the processing of mapping between the design objects that constitute a product design and the evaluation criteria against which the design is reviewed. Fuzzy set theory is introduced in this mapping process to deal with uncertainty and imprecision. The resulting fuzzy set theoretical approach to design review (FuzzySTAR) is used for reviewing a fuel pump design.
Quality assessment and delamination force evaluation in drilling glass fibre-reinforced plastic laminates—a finite element analysis and linear elastic fracture mechanics approach
Authors: Budan D Abdul , Vijayarangan S
Published: November 2002

Drilling experiments were conducted on bidirectional glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite laminates using high-speed steel drill tools in order to verify the effect of machining parameters and fibre concentration on the surface finish, hole quality and delamination. The experimental results revealed that the surface roughness (SR) value and hole diameter variation can be correlated with the drill speed, feed rates and fibre content. A finite element analysis (FEA) model is used to predict the effect of fibre percentage on the thrust force causing delamination. A modified simple plate bending equation derived from linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) is used to validate the FEA results. The predicted FEA results are shown to agree reasonably well with LEFM model results.
Extracting weld penetration information in tungsten—inert gas welding
Authors: Gao J , Wu C
Published: November 2002

Weld pool images provide abundant information about weld penetration while the weld penetration has a close relationship with the back weld width. The key to achieving weld penetration control is to establish a model describing the relationship between the front-side geometrical parameters of the weld pool and the back weld width with sufficient accuracy. By using a three-layer neural network, a new method to establish such a model has been proposed in this paper. The testing results show that the model has sufficient accuracy and can meet the requirements of weld penetration control. The model is used in the back weld width control test and a satisfactory result is obtained.
Improved preventive care in family practices with outreach facilitation: understanding success and failure
Authors: Hogg William , Baskerville Neil , Nykiforuk Candace , Mallen Dan
Published: November 2002

Objectives: To understand why some family practices with a facilitator improved preventive performance more than others. Sustainability of practice improvements one year after the intervention was also explored.

Methods: Interviews with physicians and nurses from seven practices and data gathered during the intervention were used to form case studies of three high performing and four low performing family practices. Case studies were developed using cross-case analysis with a combination of the constant-comparative method and memoing-diagramming. Two researchers independently conducted in-depth coding of transcripts and documents, individual case construction for each study site, and then cross-case analysis of the identified themes between study sites.

Results: Staff involvement and a positive attitude toward implementation of changes were central to high improvement in performance. A lack of computers, low staff involvement or high staff turnover were associated with low improvement in performance. Personal characteristics of the facilitator are important. Six of the seven practices still had the prevention tools in place one year after the intervention and all noted that participation had improved their understanding of preventive medicine.

Conclusions: When using facilitators, one should avoid practices in turmoil, strive for continuity over time, and recognise the importance of the relationship between the facilitator and the practice.