bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exfoliative glaucoma and primary open‐angle glaucoma: associations with death causes and comorbidity
Authors: Ritland J. S. , Egge K. , Lydersen S. , Juul R. , Semb S. O.
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  To investigate whether type of glaucoma or use of acetazolamide are associated with main cause of death and comorbidity.

Material and Methods:  The survival data, including date and cause of death, for 1147 patients with capsular or simple glaucoma who were ultimately hospitalized at the Eye Department, National Hospital, Oslo, between 1961 and 1970, were analysed. Binary logistic regression was carried out to investigate the patterns of death causes and comorbidity in subgroup analyses.

Results:  Patients with exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and those with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) showed no significant differences in rates of death caused by acute cerebrovascular diseases, cardiac diseases and cancer. Interestingly, we found that chronic cerebral diseases such as senile dementia, cerebral atrophy and chronic cerebral ischaemia (n = 81) were more common in patients with XFG than in those with POAG (p = 0.01) and in the group of acetazolamide users (p = 0.03). Patients with XFG had a higher probability of developing an acute cerebrovascular disease than patients with POAG (n = 228, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:  In this retrospective study, we found that comorbidity with acute cerebrovascular disease and chronic cerebral diseases (senile dementia, cerebral atrophy and chronic cerebral ischaemia) were more common in patients with XFG than in patients with POAG. Prospective data are needed in order to conclude upon the associations found in this study.
Visual acuity and refractive errors in a suburban Danish population: Inter99 Eye Study
Authors: Kessel Line , Hougaard Jesper Leth , Mortensen Claus , Jørgensen Torben , Lund‐Andersen Henrik , Larsen Michael
Published: December 2004

Purpose: The present study was performed as part of an epidemiological study, the Inter99 Eye Study. The aim of the study was to describe refractive errors and visual acuity (VA) in a suburban Danish population.

Methods: The Inter99 Eye Study comprised 970 subjects aged 30–60 years and included a random control group as well as groups at high risk for ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. The present study presents VAs and refractive data from the control group (n = 502). All subjects completed a detailed questionnaire and underwent a standardized general physical and ophthalmic examination including determination of best corrected VA and subjective refractioning.

Results: Visual acuity ≤ 0.05 was found in one eye of one subject and VA ≤ 0.3 in 11 eyes of 11 subjects. The main cause of reduced visual function was strabismic amblyopia. Myopia (≤ − 0.5 D, spherical equivalent refraction) was present in 33.1% of right eyes of the total population but in 56.8% of subjects with a university degree.

Conclusions: Strabismic amblyopia was a significant cause of unilateral visual impairment. Myopia was approximately twice as frequent in subjects with a university degree as in the remaining study population.
Activities of daily living in persons with intellectual disability: Strengths and limitations in specific motor and process skills
Authors: Kottorp Anders , Bernspång Birgitta , Fisher Anne G.
Published: December 2004

As there is a wide range of abilities among clients with intellectual disability, occupational therapists should use assessments of activities of daily living that specify clients’ strengths and limitations to guide and target interventions. The aim of the present study was to examine if activities of daily living performance skills differ between adults with mild and moderate intellectual disability. Three hundred and forty‐eight participants with either mild intellectual disability (n = 178) or moderate intellectual disability (n = 170) were assessed using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to examine the quality of their activities of daily living skills. The overall activities of daily living motor and activities of daily living process hierarchies of skill item difficulties remained stable between groups. Although participants with moderate intellectual disability had more difficulty overall with activities of daily living motor and activities of daily living process skills, they were able to carry out some of these activities equally as well as participants with mild intellectual disability. The findings are discussed in relation to the planning of specific interventions to improve the ability of clients with intellectual disability to carry out activities of daily living.
Handwriting of children who have hemiplegia: A profile of abilities in children aged 8–13 years from a parent and teacher survey
Authors: DuBois Louise , Klemm Anna , Murchland Sonya , Ozols Ann
Published: December 2004

Handwriting is a major occupational task for children attending mainstream schools in Australia, including children who have hemiplegia and attend their local school. A preliminary exploratory study was undertaken at the Crippled Children's Association of South Australia to determine the prevalence of handwriting difficulties in this population, as there is little information published on their specific abilities. The handwriting abilities of 42 primary school children with hemiplegia were surveyed, with replies gained from 31 parents and 25 teachers. Results indicate that parents report 75% of children have handwriting problems while teachers report 69% of children have difficulty. Greatest difficulty was reported with the ability to write from dictation, or to maintain neatness over long periods of time or at speed. Children with right hemiplegia, boys, and those having coexisting conditions experienced more generalised problems. Also noted to impact on performance was variability in the children's abilities from one day to the next.
Atrial septal aneurysm: MRI and echocardiography correlation
Authors: Puvaneswary M , Singham T , Bastian B
Published: December 2004

A case of a patient with atrial septal aneurysm with findings in echocardiography and MRI is described.
Surgical masks: operative field contamination following visor‐to‐visor contact
Authors: Cocciolone Raymond Alexander , Tristram Steven , Hewitt Peter Mac Donald
Published: December 2004

Background:  Clashing of surgical visor masks frequently occurs when two surgeons bend over an operative field simultaneously; however, it is unknown whether this results in contamination. The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential for operative field contamination following surgical visor‐mask clashes. The nature of bacterial contamination was also assessed.

Methods:  Thirty sham operative procedures were performed under normal operating conditions for a specified time period. The number of surgical visor mask clashes during each procedure was determined by randomization (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 clashes). All procedures were performed over a standard blood agar plate array. The degree of bacterial contamination was assessed by counting c.f.u. that developed after 24 h of incubation. Bacterial types were also determined.

Results:  Surgical visor mask clashes resulted in increased contamination of the operative field; however, this was found to be independent of the number of clashes. 95% of pathogens were coagulase negative Staphylococcus species. Other bacteria included Micrococcus species, Bacillus species, Corynebacterium species, various Gram negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus (< 1%).

Conclusion:  Surgical visor mask clashes increase the risk of bacterial contamination of the operative field.
Mitochondria, reactive oxygen species and longevity: some lessons from the Barja group
Authors: Skulachev Vladimir P.
Published: December 2004

To demonstrate that an uncoupling of respiration and phosphorylation, measured in vitro, reflects an in vivo situation, we badly need in vivo measurements of some uncoupling‐linked parameters. The importance of this assertion is illustrated by studies of Barja and co‐workers. A lower rate of H2O2 production by mitochondria isolated from long‐lived birds compared with short‐lived mammals of the same body weight (see publications by Barja's and Sohal's groups) could be explained by (i) an in vivo difference or (ii) an in vitro artefact. In both cases, the reason for lower H2O2 production may well be the same, i.e. a mild uncoupling of respiration in avian mitochondria showing lowered respiratory control. Again, this should be due to an in vivo operation of some bird‐specific natural uncouplers (the first case) or stronger in vitro damage to the avian mitochondria during their isolation and incubation (the second). The latter possibility seemed more probable when Barja and co‐workers revealed that the level of antioxidants in birds is lower than in mammals. However, further studies by the same group showed that the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids in birds is lower than in mammals, indicating a greater resistance of avian mitochondria to oxidative damage in vitro. Indeed, it was found that lipid peroxidation in isolated avian mitochondria occurs at a much lower rate than in mammals. More importantly, the in vivo level of peroxidation of lipids and proteins appears to be lower in birds than in mammals. Thus, it seems probable that longer lifespan of birds really does correlate with a slower rate of production of H2O2 by mitochondria in vivo.
Mitochondrial influence on aging rate in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Anson R. Michael , Hansford Richard G.
Published: December 2004

Virtually every model of mitochondrial involvement in aging shares the underlying proposition that mitochondrial dysfunction will accelerate the rate of aging. Caenorhabditis elegans is a post‐mitotic organism with limited capacity for replacement and repair, and there is a great deal of evidence that interventions which decrease the induction of damage extend lifespan in this model. However, decreased availability of ubiquinone in adulthood has also been found to promote longevity and stress resistance, and evidence tentatively supports decreased mitochondrial function under these conditions. In addition, gene silencing experiments and mutations that target mitochondrial electron transport have also been found to increase lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans, as has treatment with the mitochondrial inhibitor antimycin A. The involvement of damage by reactive oxygen species has been suggested, and yet many of these manipulations would be expected to increase the production of reactive oxygen species. The extension of lifespan by these interventions seems paradoxical and the mechanism, when it is elucidated, promises to have far‐reaching significance.
Is defective electron transport at the hub of aging?
Authors: Maklashina Elena , Ackrell Brian A. C.
Published: December 2004

The bulwark of the mitochondrial theory of aging is that a defective respiratory chain initiates the death cascade. The increased production of superoxide is suggested to result in progressive oxidant damage to cellular components and particularly to mtDNA that encodes subunits assembled in respiratory complexes. Earlier studies of respiration in muscle mitochondria obtained from large cohorts of patients supported this notion by showing that either singly or in combinations, the respiratory complexes exhibited decreased activity in the elderly. The following critique of the most cited publications over the past decade points out the systematic errors that put earlier work at odds with recent findings. These later investigations indicate that aging has no overt effect on either the electron transport system or oxidative phosphorylation.
Effects of Duraflo II Heparin‐Coated Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits on the Coagulation System, Endothelial Damage, and Cytokine Release in Patients with Cardiac Operation Employing Aprotinin and Steroids
Authors: Inui Kiyoshige , Shimazaki Yasuhisa , Watanabe Takao , Takahashi Toshiki , Minowa Takashi , Takeda Hirofumi , Yanagawa Naoki , Sotoda Yoko
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The effects of Duraflo II heparin coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuits, low‐dose aprotinin, and steroids on the coagulation system, endothelial damage, and cytokine release were evaluated by comparing those treated with low‐dose aprotinin and steroids. Twenty‐four adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, or valve repair surgery were randomly assigned to 2 groups: either heparin‐coated (Duraflo group, n = 12) or noncoated equipment (noncoated group, n = 12) groups. In the Duraflo group, the cardiopulmonary reservoir was also coated with heparin. There were no significant differences in age at the time of operation, aortic cross‐clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and rectal temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass. Standard systemic heparinization was performed. Methylpredonisolone and low‐dose aprotinin were given in both groups of patients. Serum XIIa factor, TAT, and IL‐6 were significantly higher in the control group than in the Duraflo group during cardiopulmonary bypass (p < 0.01). Serum IL‐8 was significantly higher in the control group than in the Duraflo group at 24 h after cardiopulmonary bypass (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in serum thrombomodulin and TNF‐α; both were within normal during the study period. These results indicate that the use of Duraflo II heparin coated equipment and a heparin‐coated cardiopulmonary reservoir suppressed excess coagulation and inflammatory reaction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass.
Research into the Development of a Wearable Bioartificial Kidney with a Continuous Hemofilter and a Bioartificial Tubule Device Using Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Saito Akira
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Current hemodialysis treatment is insufficient because of intermittent treatment and loss of tubular function. In order to overcome the loss of tubular function, a bioartificial kidney has been developed consisting of continuous hemofiltration (CHF) with 10 L/day of filtrate and a bioartificial tubule device using proximal tubular epithelial cells and hollow fiber membranes. Ten L/day of CHF enabled plasma levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid and, β2‐microglobulin in eight renal failure patients to be maintained at remarkably low levels. The concept was tested with 6 L (4 mL/min) of 10 L/day (7 mL/min) filtrate regenerated by a bioartificial tubule device and 4 L/day (3 mL/min) replaced by food and drinks. Lewis lung cancer‐porcine kidney 1 (LLC‐PK1) cells with a cell density of 107 cells/mL were seeded inside polysulfone hollow fiber modules four times at 1 h intervals while rotating the module 90° each time, and were cultured for 48 h to form confluent monolayers. The leak rates of urea and creatinine across LLC‐PK1 cell‐attached polysulfone membrane modules (membrane areas: 56 cm2 and 4000 cm2) were investigated. Via conversion from 56 m2 to 1 m2 hollow fiber modules with LLC‐PK1 cells for 24 h, the transport rates of H2O, glucose and Na+ were, respectively, 40, 65 and 35% of the target transported amounts from 6 L/day of filtrate. The rates are expected to approach 100% when 4–5 g/dL of albumin is added to the basal portion of the medium since the results were obtained without the addition of albumin for colloidal osmotic pressure.
Shifting nonbreeding distributions of migratory fauna in relation to climatic change
Authors: Austin Graham E. , Rehfisch Mark M.
Published: December 2004

The distributions of eight out of nine common species of waders (Charadrii) overwintering on UK estuaries have changed in association with recent climate change. These birds represent a high proportion of various populations from breeding grounds as far apart as Greenland to the west to high‐arctic Russia to the east. During warmer winters, smaller proportions of seven species wintered in south‐west Britain. The distributions of the smaller species show the greatest temperature dependence. The opposite was found for the largest species and no relationship was found for a particularly site‐faithful species.

In north‐west Europe, the winter isotherms have a broadly north to south alignment, with the east being colder than the west. The average minimum winter temperatures across the UK having increased by about 1.5°C since the mid‐1980s, the temperatures on the east coast during recent winters have been similar to those of the west coast during the mid‐1980s. On average, estuaries on the east and south coasts of Britain have muddier sediments than those on the west coast and thus support a higher biomass of the invertebrate prey of waders. We suggest that, with global climatic change, the advantage gained by waders wintering in the milder west to avoid cold weather‐induced mortality is diminished. Consequently, more choose to winter in the east and thus benefit from better foraging opportunities. The implications of these results are considered in terms of a site‐based approach to wildlife protection used in Europe and elsewhere.
Laser photocoagulation for choroidal neovascular membrane associated with optic disc drusen
Authors: Delyfer Marie N. , Rougier Marie B. , Fourmaux Eric , Cousin Philippe , Korobelnik Jean‐François
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  To report two cases of choroidal neovascular membrane associated with optic disc drusen which were successfully treated using argon laser photocoagulation.

Methods:  Choroidal neovascular complications of optic disc drusen were diagnosed in two of our patients, a 36‐year‐old woman and a 14‐year‐old girl. In both cases visual acuity was 20/100 in the affected eye. Fundus examination and angiography revealed a choroidal neovascular membrane. Computer tomography identified bilateral calcified drusen of the optic discs. Photocoagulation of neovascular tissues was immediately performed.

Results:  Visual acuity improved progressively, reaching 20/20 10 months after treatment in one case and 20/30 in the other. No recurrence was observed during follow‐up.

Conclusion:  Early diagnosis and immediate laser photocoagulation of vision‐threatening choroidal neovascular membranes associated with optic disc drusen helps stop progression towards the macula and improves longterm visual acuity.
Evaluation of surgical performance with intracameral mydriatics in phacoemulsification surgery
Authors: Behndig Anders , Eriksson Anders
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  To evaluate surgical performance using intracameral mydriatics (ICM) in phacoemulsification surgery in a series of consecutive cases.

Methods:  In a series of 198 consecutive procedures 50−200 µl of cyclopentolate 0.1%, phenylephrine 1.5% and lidocaine 1% was given intracamerally for mydriasis and anaesthesia. The previous 198 cases, dilated with topical mydriatics, were studied for comparison. Several pre‐ intra‐ and postoperative parameters were registered, and the subjective surgical performance was graded after each procedure. In 41 consecutive cases, the change in pulse and oxygen saturation induced by the ICM injection was registered.

Results:  No increase in operation time or complication rates was seen with ICM, compared to when standard topical mydriatics were used. The subjective surgical performance was ranked as equally good for both groups.

Conclusion:  From this clinical evaluation, our impression is that ICM performs well in routine phacoemulsification surgery.
Primary corneal myxoma
Authors: Hansen Louise Hillerup , Prause Jan Ulrik , Ehlers Niels , Heegaard Steffen
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  To present the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a corneal myxoma.

Methods:  A 36‐year‐old, white woman presented with blurred vision and a whitish opacity on the left cornea. Clinical examination revealed a whitish, non‐tender, 5 × 9 mm superficial tumour on the cornea. The tumour was excised and examined microscopically.

Results:  The tumour was composed of spindle‐shaped cells in a myxomatous ground substance. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for vimentin, muscle‐specific antigen and smooth muscle antigen. The tumour was classified as a myxoma of the cornea. The origin of the tumour is discussed.

Conclusion:  This is the second reported case of a corneal myxoma without prior corneal disease.
Amiodarone and optic neuropathy
Authors: Domingues M. F. , Barros H. , Falcão‐Reis F. M.
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  To investigate the clinical, perimetric, contrast sensitivity and visual evoked potentials findings in patients on longterm treatment with amiodarone.

Methods:  We enrolled 14 patients (age range 47–78 years, mean age 62.7 years) on chronic amiodarone therapy (mean cumulative dose of 519 g), and 14 age‐matched control subjects. Participants were submitted to ophthalmological examination, kinetic visual field testing (Goldmann), standard achromatic automated perimetry (central 30–2, Humphrey), computerized isoluminant chromatic contrast sensitivity (CCS) and pattern visual evoked potentials evaluation (VEP). Data from baseline, 6‐month and 1‐year follow‐up examinations were analysed. The main outcome measures were: initial and final corrected visual acuity; corneal, optic disc and fundus abnormalities; mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) central 30–2 perimetry parameters; visual field loss on kinetic perimetry; indices of CCS (tritan, protan and deutan axes), and pattern VEP latency (L‐VEP) and VEP amplitude (a‐VEP).

Results:  We found a statistically significant difference between the patients and controls' baseline L‐VEP and a‐VEP measurements (p < 0.001). We found no significant correlation between prolonged L‐VEP and duration of amiodarone use (r = 0.07). After a 1‐year follow‐up, we evidenced an average increment in L‐VEP of 1.96 ms and a‐VEP measurements showed a decline of 0.69 µV. In cumulative dose‐specific analyses, mean differences between baseline and 12‐month L‐VEP measurements were more evident in those taking higher than 200 g cumulative amiodarone doses (p = 0.03). We found abnormal tritan CCS results in 19 eyes (68%). Of these, four eyes belonged to patients with no ocular disease (diabetes, cataracts). No significant differences were observed between the baseline and 12‐month clinical eye examinations, central 30–2 perimetry and CCS results.

Conclusion:  We found a significant prolongation in pattern L‐VEP and a significant reduction in pattern a‐VEP in patients on longterm treatment with amiodarone compared to control subjects. Nevertheless, current data are insufficient to recommend appropriate methods of visual screening.
Relapsing polychondritis: a rare disease with varying symptoms
Authors: Peebo Beatrice Bourghardt , Peebo Markus , Frennesson Christina
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare systemic disease affecting primarily cartilaginous and proteoglycan‐rich structures. It is a potentially fatal disease with unknown aetiology. There are no specific tests for RPC. The diagnosis is dependant on clinical criteria, which include chondritis of both auricles, non‐erosive inflammatory polyarthritis, nasal chondritis, ocular inflammation, respiratory tract chondritis and cochlear and/or vestibular damage. Ocular symptoms will occur in approximately 60% of RPC patients. As an example, a patient with signs of RPC is described.

Methods/Result:  A 30‐year‐old woman was referred to our department for evaluation of a central corneal ulcer in the left eye. She had a history of recurrent pain in both her auricles and was also found to have a nasal septum perforation. Relapsing polychondritis was suspected.

Conclusion:  Non‐healing corneal ulcers should alert the ophthalmologist to look for unusual reasons for this condition. RPC is one possible cause.
Psychodynamic personality profile in first‐episode severe mental disorders
Authors: Heikkilä J. , Karlsson H. , Taiminen T. , Lauerma H. , Ilonen T. , Leinonen K.‐M. , Wallenius E. , Virtanen H. , Heinimaa M. , Kaljonen A. , Salokangas R. K. R.
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to relate measures of psychoanalytically derived personality traits to descriptive diagnosis and psychopathology in severe mental disorders.

Method:  Sixty‐one consecutive first‐episode patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe major depression were interviewed. Personality traits were assessed with the Karolinska Psychodynamic Profile (KAPP) and compared with the DSM‐IV diagnosis and symptom clusters derived from the BPRS.

Results:  There were no marked differences in personality traits between the three diagnostic groups, between schizophrenia and affective disorders or between psychotic and non‐psychotic illness. However, personality traits had significant associations with symptoms, especially with the emotional retardation cluster.

Conclusion:  Our findings do not support the hypothesis that severe mental disorders would differ from each other in terms of long‐standing psychodynamic personality profiles. Certain dysfunctional personality traits may predict especially negative emotional symptoms and possibly also predispose a person to them.
Poor maternal care and high maternal body mass index in pregnancy as a risk factor for schizophrenia in offspring
Authors: Kawai M. , Minabe Y. , Takagai S. , Ogai M. , Matsumoto H. , Mori N. , Takei N.
Published: December 2004

Objective:  We investigated whether antenatal factors in mothers would increase the risk of schizophrenia in the offspring, and also examined any relationship between these factors and histories of obstetric complications (OCs).

Method:  Using the Mother and Child Health Handbooks of 52 patients with schizophrenia and 284 healthy subjects, we evaluated the risk‐increasing effects of the frequency of antenatal care visits and mothers’ body mass index (BMI) at both early and late pregnancy.

Results:  In logistic regression analysis, there was a significant association between the number of antenatal care visits and the risk of the disorder; an increase in a unit of visits corresponds to a reduction of the risk by 12%. We also found a 24% increase in the risk with a one‐unit increase of BMI at the early pregnancy, and a 19% increase at the late pregnancy. These antenatal factors were found to contribute, in part, to an excess of OCs in individuals with schizophrenia.

Conclusion:  Poor maternal care during pregnancy and comparatively high maternal BMI especially at early pregnancy may cause a predisposition to schizophrenia in the offspring.
Ultraviolet Imaging Spectroscopy Shows an Active Saturnian System
Authors: Esposito Larry W. , Colwell Joshua E. , Larsen Kristopher , McClintock William E. , Stewart A. Ian F. , Hallett Janet Tew , Shemansky Donald E. , Ajello Joseph M. , Hansen Candice J. , Hendrix Amanda R. , West Robert A. , Keller H. Uwe , Korth Axel , Pryor Wayne R. , Reulke Ralf , Yung Yuk L.
Published: December 2004

Neutral oxygen in the saturnian system shows variability, and the total number of oxygen atoms peaks at 4 × 10
34
. Saturn's aurora brightens in response to solar-wind forcing, and the auroral spectrum resembles Jupiter's. Phoebe's surface shows variable water-ice content, and the data indicate it originated in the outer solar system. Saturn's rings also show variable water abundance, with the purest ice in the outermost A ring. This radial variation is consistent with initially pure water ice bombarded by meteors, but smaller radial structures may indicate collisional transport and recent renewal events in the past 10
7
to 10
8
years.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL LATTICES
Authors: DOLOCAN ANDREI , DOLOCAN VOICU OCTAVIAN , DOLOCAN VOICU
Published: December 2004

By using a new Hamiltonian of interaction we have calculated the interaction energy for two-dimensional and three-dimensional lattices. We present also, approximate analytical formulae and the analytical formulae for the constant of the elastic force. The obtained results show that in the three-dimensional space, the two-dimensional lattice has the lattice constant and the cohesive energy which are smaller than that of the three-dimensional lattice. For appropriate values of the coupling constants, the two-dimensional lattice in a two-dimensional space has both the lattice constant and the cohesive energy, larger than that of the two-dimensional lattice in a three-dimensional space; this means that if there is a two-dimensional space in the Universe, this should be thinner than the three-dimensional space, while the interaction forces should be stronger. On the other hand, if the coupling constant in the two-dimensional lattice in the two-dimensional space is close to zero, the cohesive energy should be comparable with the cohesive energy from three-dimensional space but this two-dimensional space does not emit but absorbs radiation.
EVOLUTION OF THE BAND GAP STRUCTURES IN ONE-DIMENSIONAL PHOTONIC CRYSTALS WITH THE MODIFICATIONS OF THE STRUCTURES FROM PHOTONIC QUANTUM WELLS TO HETEROSTRUCTURES
Authors: ZHAO LI-MING , GU BEN-YUAN , ZHOU YUN-SONG , WANG JONG-C.
Published: December 2004

We investigate the evolution of the band gap in one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals (PC) with the gradual modifications of structural configurations from photonic quantum wells to PC heterostructures. The transmissive spectra are calculated with the use of scattering matrix method. We find that the transmissive spectra and confined states strongly depend on the structural configurations of samples.
A NEW PROOF OF THE RHODES TYPE II CONJECTURE
Authors: AUINGER K.
Published: December 2004

For a given finite monoid M we explicitly construct a finite group G and a relational morphism τ:M→G such that only elements of the type II construct Mc relate to 1 under τ. This provides an elementary and constructive proof of the type II conjecture of John Rhodes. The underlying idea is also used to modify the proof of Ash's celebrated theorem on inevitable graphs. For any finite monoid M and any finite graph Γ a finite group G is constructed which "spoils" all labelings of Γ over M which are not inevitable.
THE GROUP OF AUTOMORPHISMS OF A 3-GENERATED 2-GROUP OF INTERMEDIATE GROWTH
Authors: GRIGORCHUK R. I. , SIDKI S. N.
Published: December 2004

The automorphism group of a 3-generated 2-group G of intermediate growth is determined and it is shown that the outer group of automorphisms of G is an elementary abelian 2-group of infinite rank.
MONOIDS AND COMPUTATIONS
Authors: TESSON PASCAL , THÉRIEN DENIS
Published: December 2004

This contribution wishes to argue in favor of increased interaction between experts on finite monoids and specialists of theory of computation. Developing the algebraic approach to formal computations as well as the computational point of view on monoids will prove to be beneficial to both communities. We give examples of this two-way relationship coming from temporal logic, communication complexity and Boolean circuits. Although mostly expository in nature, our paper proves some new results along the way.
ON THE SUPERDIMENSIONS OF RELATIVELY FREE NILPOTENT SEMIGROUPS
Authors: SHNEERSON L. M.
Published: December 2004

We prove that in the variety of nilpotent semigroups of class ≤2, which is defined by the Neumann–Taylor identity xyzyx=yxzxy, the sequence of the superdimensions for relatively free semigroups is convergent to 1 and at the same time every element of the sequence is strictly less than 1. This gives the first example of a semigroup variety for which the set of superdimensions for the free objects is infinite.
TIGHTENING THE THEORY-EXPERIMENT CONNECTION IN PHYSICS: Rn BASED SPACE AND TIME
Authors: BENIOFF PAUL
Published: December 2004

Some aspects of replacing C based physics by Cn based physics are discussed. Here Cn=Rn,In, where Rn (and In) is a set of length 2n string numbers in some basis. The discussion is limited to describing the experimental basis and choice for the numbers in Rn, and a few basic but interesting properties of Rn based space and time.
OPTIMAL STATE ESTIMATION AND CLONING FOR EQUATORIAL QUANTUM SYSTEMS WITH ARBITRARY DIMENSION
Authors: MACCHIAVELLO C.
Published: December 2004

We review the problem of optimal estimation of multiple phases for systems with arbitrary finite dimension and derive the optimal estimation fidelity for equatorial states. We present optimal phase covariant cloning transformations for d-dimensional systems, relating these results to the optimal estimation procedure.
BASIC LOGIC AND QUANTUM COMPUTING: LOGICAL JUDGEMENTS BY AN INSIDER OBSERVER
Authors: BATTILOTTI G.
Published: December 2004

We consider the logical assertions of a hypothetical observer who is inside a quantum computer and performs a reversible quantum measurement, obtaining a symmetric couple of new axioms, valid only inside the quantum computer. The result is that, in this logical framework, symmetry and paraconsistency hold.
TESTING QUANTUM STATISTICS WITH PARTICLES IN DISTINGUISHABLE STATES
Authors: BOSE S. , HOME D.
Published: December 2004

In this paper, we describe how it is possible to verify the quantum statistics of identical particles prepared in distinguishable internal states without ever bringing these particles to the same internal state. Examples are given for two, three and four identical particles prepared in two, three or four distinct states, respectively. We show that the identical nature of the particles can be probed through entanglement and their specific statistics can be probed by discriminating between types of entangled states.
FEEDBACK IN QUANTUM COMMUNICATION
Authors: BOWEN GARRY
Published: December 2004

In quantum communication, feedback may be defined in a number of distinct ways. An analysis of the effect feedback has on the rate information may be communicated is given, and a number of results and conjectures are stated.
CANONICAL FORM AND SEPARABILITY OF PPT STATES ON MULTIPLE QUANTUM SPACES
Authors: WANG XIAO-HONG , FEI SHAO-MING
Published: December 2004

By using the "subtracting projectors" method in proving the separability of PPT states on multiple quantum spaces, we derive a canonical form of PPT states in [Formula: see text] composite quantum systems with rank N, from which a sufficient separability condition for these states is presented.
PRACTICAL QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION USING POLARIZATION ENTANGLED STATES
Authors: BOVINO FABIO A. , VARISCO PIETRO , MARTINOLI ANNA , DE NICOLO PAOLO , BRUZZO SANDRA , COLLA ANNA MARIA , CASTAGNOLI GIUSEPPE , DI GIUSEPPE GIOVANNI , SERGIENKO ALEXANDER V.
Published: December 2004

We present the architecture and recent experimental results for a quantum key distribution system realized at Elsag spa Quantum Optics Laboratory with a key distribution rate suitable for practical industrial applications. The current system can reliably distribute secure cryptographic keys at a rate of 1,500 bit per second and higher at a few hundred meters, with a quantum bit error rate lower than 1%.
DETERMINISTIC PLUG-AND-PLAY FOR QUANTUM COMMUNICATION
Authors: LUCAMARINI MARCO , DI GIUSEPPE GIOVANNI
Published: December 2004

We present a scheme for secure deterministic quantum communication without using entanglement, in a plug-and-play fashion. The protocol is completely deterministic, both in the encoding procedure and in the control one, thus doubling the communication rate with respect to other setups; moreover, the deterministic nature of transmission, apart from rendering unnecessary bases revelation on the public channel, allows the realization of protocols like 'direct communication' and 'quantum dialogue.' The encoding exploits the phase degree of freedom of a photon, thus paving the way for an optical fiber implementation, feasible with present-day technology.
INSIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS FROM A BAYESIAN APPROACH TO QUANTUM INFORMATION
Authors: FUCHS CHRISTOPHER A. , PÉREZ-SUÁREZ MARCOS , SANTOS DAVID J.
Published: December 2004

Providing quantum theory, and thus quantum information, with some meaning, can only be the result of adopting a well-defined approach to the notion of probability. From a subjectivistic Bayesian approach to the latter, it follows that not only quantum states, but also quantum operations, are structural elements of a subjective nature. Furthermore, we provide a representation of any quantum operation as a stochastic matrix.
AN EFFICIENT TECHNIQUE TO INCLUDE SHEAR DEFORMATION IN SPLINE FINITE STRIP ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITE PLATES
Authors: SHEIKH A. H.
Published: December 2004

An efficient technique for the incorporation of transverse shear deformation in the analysis of laminated composite plates by spline finite strip method has been proposed. The Reissner-Mindlin's plate theory has been used to perform the formulation where transverse displacement and transverse shear strain components are the independent field variables. The interpolation function used for the transverse displacement is cubic whereas the shear strains are linear. To validate the proposed model and study its performance, numerical examples of composite plates have been solved and the results obtained have been compared with the published ones. Examples of isotropic plates have also been included as the model has not been tested with isotropic plates. A very thin plate has been analyzed to show that the proposed model is free from shear locking problems.
UNSTEADY FLOW COMPUTATIONS OVER MOVING BODY USING DYNAMIC MESHES
Authors: MANDAL J. C. , BALLMANN J.
Published: December 2004

An efficient implicit unstructured grid algorithm for solving unsteady inviscid compressible flows over moving body employing an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation is presented. In the present formulation, the time discretization is performed using a second-order accurate 3-point time integration scheme and the upwind-biased space discretization using second-order accurate finite volume formulation with Venkatakrishnan limiter. The face-velocities of the control volumes are computed using Geometric Conservation Laws. The nonlinear system arising from the implicit formulation is solved using an ILU preconditioned Newton–Krylov iteration at every time step. The computed results for two test cases involving harmonically oscillating NACA0012 airfoil are presented in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the present solver.
THERMOELASTIC WAVE PROPAGATION IN ANISOTROPIC LAYERED MEDIA — A SPECTRAL ELEMENT FORMULATION
Authors: CHAKRABORTY A. , GOPALAKRISHNAN S.
Published: December 2004

The generalized dynamic theory of thermoelasticity is used to investigate the propagation of plane harmonic waves in anisotropic layered media using the Spectral Finite Element Method (SFEM). Two different theories, due to Lord and Shulman (LS model) and Green and Lindsay (GL model), are considered for spectral layer element (SLE) formulation. The element is formulated in the frequency domain and the exact solution of the transformed equation is used as the interpolating polynomial of the unknown variables, which are the mechanical displacements and the thermal field. Consequently, single element captures the essential wave response of a layer of arbitrary thickness, when subjected to high frequency impact loading. This element is used to study the characteristic of the thermal wave, also known as the second sound, using nominal computational resource. The study is directed towards finding the justification of using the non-classical model of thermoelasticity and the effect of different parameters on the overall thermal and mechanical field. Stress state within a layered media with general ply-stacking is studied and the limitation of the classical theory in stress prediction is shown. Thermal wave propagation due to temperature burst and heat flux is captured and their properties are discussed.
AN ULTRASONIC MOTOR SPEED CONTROL SCHEME BASED ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND ITERATIVE CONTROLLER
Authors: SHI X. H. , LIANG Y. C. , XU X.
Published: December 2004

An ultrasonic motor speed control scheme is presented in this paper based on neural networks and iterative controller. Suitable ranges of the adaptive learning rates of neural network controller are presented through the theoretical analysis on the proposed model, which could guarantee its stability. The convergence of iterative controller is also discussed. Numerical results show that the control scheme is effective for various kinds of reference speeds of ultrasonic motors. Comparisons with the existing method show that the precision of control could be increased using the proposed method. Simulations also show that the proposed scheme is fairly robust against random disturbance to the control variables.
Lp ENERGY METHOD FOR MULTI-DIMENSIONAL VISCOUS CONSERVATION LAWS AND APPLICATION TO THE STABILITY OF PLANAR WAVES
Authors: KAWASHIMA SHUICHI , NISHIBATA SHINYA , NISHIKAWA MASATAKA
Published: December 2004

We introduce a new Lp energy method for multi-dimensional viscous conservation laws. Our energy method is useful enough to derive the optimal decay estimates of solutions in the W1,p space for the Cauchy problem. It is also applicable to the problem for the stability of planar waves in the whole space or in the half space, and gives the optimal convergence rate toward the planar waves as time goes to infinity. This energy method makes use of several special interpolation inequalities.
CENTERED DIFFERENCE SCHEMES FOR NONLINEAR HYPERBOLIC EQUATIONS
Authors: CHEN GUI-QIANG , TORO ELEUTERIO F.
Published: December 2004

A hierarchy of centered (non-upwind) difference schemes is identified for solving hyperbolic equations. The bottom of the hierarchy is the classical Lax–Friedrichs scheme, which is the least accurate in computation, and the top of the hierarchy is the FORCE scheme, which is the optimal scheme in the family. The FORCE scheme is optimal in the sense that it is monotone, has the optimal stability condition for explicit methods, and has the smallest numerical viscosity. It is shown that the FORCE scheme is consistent with the Lax entropy inequality, that is, the limit functions of the FORCE approximate solutions are entropy solutions. The convergence of the FORCE scheme is also established for the isentropic Euler equations and the shallow water equations. Some related centered difference schemes are also surveyed and discussed.
EVOLUTIONARY MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMISATION OF NEURAL NETWORKS FOR FACE DETECTION
Authors: WIEGAND STEFAN , IGEL CHRISTIAN , HANDMANN UWE
Published: December 2004

For face recognition from video streams speed and accuracy are vital aspects. The first decision whether a preprocessed image region represents a human face or not is often made by a feed-forward neural network (NN), e.g. in the Viisage-FaceFINDER® video surveillance system. We describe the optimisation of such a NN by a hybrid algorithm combining evolutionary multi-objective optimisation (EMO) and gradient-based learning. The evolved solutions perform considerably faster than an expert-designed architecture without loss of accuracy. We compare an EMO and a single objective approach, both with online search strategy adaptation. It turns out that EMO is preferable to the single objective approach in several respects.
INTEGRATED UNSUPERVISED AND ERROR-DRIVEN LEARNING FOR INCREMENTAL PROCESS IDENTIFICATION WITH NEURAL SINGLETON MODELS
Authors: VACHKOV GANCHO
Published: December 2004

In the paper a special incremental identification procedure for learning a Neural Singleton (NS) Model, as a simplification of the RBFNN model is proposed. At each epoch of this incremental procedure a special integrated learning algorithm for the neuron centers and then a supervised learning for the singletons are performed. As a result, the approximation error of the NS model is gradually decreased with the increment of the neurons at each learning epoch.

The newly proposed integrated unsupervised and Error-Driven learning algorithm is the main part of the incremental identification procedure. It is a modified version of the Neural-Gas learning algorithm, which uses the normalised evaluation error as feedback information. Thus the integrated learning algorithm is able to drive the neurons to the "more interesting" areas in the input space, where bigger evaluation errors exist, instead of just locating them in the areas of higher data density. The final result is an incremental growing type of NS model that gradually improves its approximation accuracy at each learning epoch.

A detailed test example is shown in the paper in order to evaluate the performance and to show the important features of the whole incremental identification procedure, including the integrated learning algorithm. Comparison results with the conventional (one-epoch and non-incremental) model are also given.
FUZZY RULE EXTRACTION FROM SIMPLE EVOLVING CONNECTIONIST SYSTEMS
Authors: WATTS MICHAEL J.
Published: December 2004

A method for extracting Zadeh–Mamdani fuzzy rules from a minimalist constructive neural network model is described. The network contains no embedded fuzzy logic elements. The rule extraction algorithm needs no modification of the neural network architecture. No modification of the network learning algorithm is required, nor is it necessary to retain any training examples. The algorithm is illustrated on two well known benchmark data sets and compared with a relevant existing rule extraction algorithm.
EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION FOR ON-LINE AND OFF-LINE PARAMETER TUNING OF EVOLVING FUZZY NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: CHAN ZEKE S. H. , KASABOV NIKOLA
Published: December 2004

This work applies Evolutionary Computation to achieve completely self-adapting Evolving Fuzzy Neural Networks (EFuNNs) for operating in both incremental (on-line) and batch (off-line) modes. EFuNNs belong to a class of Evolving Connectionist Systems (ECOS), capable of performing clustering-based, on-line, local area learning and rule extraction. Through Evolutionary Computation, its parameters such as learning rates and membership functions are continuously adjusted to reflect the changes in the dynamics of incoming data. The proposed methods are tested on the Mackey–Glass series and the results demonstrate a substantial improvement in EFuNN's performance.
Anthropology in Area Studies
Authors: Guyer Jane I.
Published: December 2004

▪ Abstract  After 1989, the interpretation of a complex set of disputes and exigencies settled into a conventional narrative of paradigm shift, in which the intellectual past became essentialized as “traditional area studies” and “classic anthropology.” This approach obscures the processes of engagement (including dispute) by which disciplinary change occurred. The Area Studies1engagement with interdisciplinary colleagues and voices from the “area” has been critically important over several decades. Necessarily, the intellectual terms for addressing other interlocutors about regional conditions and events have differed according to the experience of the area in changing universalist politics and analysis. The area/anthropology intersection is examined for Africa (where race is basic to disputes), Latin America (where the place of culture and race in political economic arguments is central), and Europe (where culture and nation are at issue). During the 1990s a collective approach to areas emerged. Anthropologists, and particularly scholars of Asia, played a major role. The varied angles from different areas are linked by a broadly shared concern with the formation of emergent political communities and with themes of governmentality. Although the wider circulation of these ideas is promising, does it risk losing the grounding and accountability that Area Studies imposed (like it or not)? The events of September 11, 2001 and those that followed have made starkly clear the poverty and the dangers of essentialism, and the importance of focusing on the loci from which terms of argumentation in relation to power arise. Middle Eastern Studies is briefly discussed as “epicenter” for defining such an approach.