bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrateilchen in der Quantenfeldtheorie
Authors: Schroer B.
Published: July 2007

It is shown that in the presence of zero restmass particles the spectral assumptions of Quantum field theory have to be modified. Particles coupled to zero rest mass particles may not be eigenstates of the mass operator. In such a case the usual asymptotic condition is not valid and the Hilbertspace has an entirely different structure from the Hilbertspace of “normal” quantum field theory. Quantumelectrodynamics provides an example for this situation. The electron is an “infraparticle”, i. e. an “almost” discrete eigenstate of the mass operator.
Zur heuristischen Begründung der Feldgleichungen freier Teilchen
Authors: Langbein Werner
Published: July 2007

Falls nicht ausdrücklich anders definiert, bezeichnen große Buchstaben Operatoren, die entsprechenden kleinen Buchstaben deren Eigenwerte. Räumliche Vektoren sind durch fett gedruckte (d. h. etwa der Impuls durch p), Vierervektoren durch einfache Buchstaben (d. h. etwa der Viererimpuls durch p) gekennzeichnet. Bei Verwendung der Indexschreibweise sollen lateinische Indizes von 1 bis 3, griechische von 0 bis 3 laufen. Über doppelt auftretende Indizes ist stets zu summieren.
Group Dynamics of Elementary Particles
Authors: Kleinert Hagen M.
Published: July 2007

It is proposed that particle interactions can be described by means of simple group operations in non‐compact Lie groups. Prescriptions for the structure of these group operations are formulated which are motivated by the study of simple models, in particular of the dynamics of the hydrogen atom. If they are fulfilled we call the structure “group dynamics”.

Neglecting at first internal symmetries, a few simple models are investigated in which group dynamics is possible. The group O(3,1) turns out to describe the coupling of pseudoscalar mesons, O(4,2) that of photons to baryons quite well: The pionic decay rates of baryon resonances up to spin 19/2 and the electromagnetic form factors of the nucleons are predicted in good agreement with experiment.

The internal symmetry SU(3) is included in the O(3.1) model of the pionic coupling in the simplest way, by assuming O(3,1) × SU(3) to be the dynamical group. This gives rise to a minimal symmetry breaking of the amplitudes and relates it to the mass differences in SU(3) multiplets: The amplitude consists of a product of a SU(3) Clebsch Gordan coefficient and a universal function of the velocity of the final baryon. The way the particle masses enter the decay rates is uniquely prescribed in this approach. The agreement with experiment is excellent.

Finally, the connection of this purely algebraic approach with related ideas, like the use of infinite component wave equations, is discussed.
The Boson Method for Anisotropic Superconductors
Authors: Matsumoto H. , Tachiki M. , Umezawa H.
Published: July 2007

In this paper a rigorous derivation of the boson method for anisotropic superconductors is presented. A most general form of macroscopic equations for the current and magnetic field is obtained from the assumption that the Lagrangian is gauge invariant. We then proceed to explain what kind of approximations can be introduced in order to simplify these macroscopic equations. We formulate the results in a form convenient for analysing the magnetic properties of anisotropic superconductors. An improved version of analysis for the vortex normal‐core energy is also presented.
Vacuum Stress‐Energy Tensor and Particle Creation in Isotropic Cosmological Models
Authors: Grib A. A. , Mamayev S. G. , Mostepanenko V. M.
Published: July 2007

Quantum theory of quantized scalar and spinor fields in homogeneous isotropic space‐time is considered. Particle interpretation of quantized field is given which is based on diagonalization of the Hamiltonian constructed by means of the metrical stress‐energy tensor (SET). This interpretation allows to define a normal ordering prescript which respects the conservation property of SET. With the help of Zeldovich‐Starobinsky regularization procedure [3] this allows to obtain the total renormalized vacuum expectation values of SET which include both nonlocal terms corresponding to the particle creation and local ones describing the vacuum polarization. Estimates for the total SET of scalar and spinor field on various stages of the evolution for realistic cosmological models are obtained. Also the effect of spontaneous breakdown of gauge symmetry for selfinteracting scalar field in a hyperbolic Friedman model is considered.
An alternative to the analysis of variance for reliability data
Authors: Edgeman Rick L.
Published: July 2007

Though the analysis of variance is a commonly applied method for testing for differences between means of several processes, it is based in part on the assumption that the processes give rise to output that is normally distributed on the measured variable. Reliability and life test studies frequently give birth to data that exhibit clear skew, and application of the analysis of variance is questionable in such cases. A method referred to as analysis of reciprocals, which is based on an assumed inverse Gaussian distribution, provides an alternative to the analysis of variance in these instances.

With applications in a variety of functional areas, including reliability and life testing, the inverse Gaussian distribution is able to accommodate substantial skew. It is hoped that this exposition will increase awareness of both the inverse Gaussian distribution and data analysis methods that are based on this distribution.
USING STEP STRESS TO EXPLORE THE KINETICS OF FAILURE
Authors: Luvalle M. J. , Hines L. L.
Published: July 2007

In this paper a case study is presented illustrating a new step stress experiment design and associated graphical techniques for analysing failure data. The design and analysis procedures probe the process causing failure and suggest models for the kinetic processes underlying failure. The resulting kinetic models can be used to extrapolate the high stress behaviour to operating conditions.

This case study concerns a failure mode observed at accelerated stresses in epoxy glass printed wiring boards. This failure mode has been found to be impossible to analyse using simple acceleration factors. The procedure described here quickly reveals this fact and indicates what kind of kinetic model is consistent with the observed data. The resulting qualitative model agrees with the results of independent physical experiments, and field experience.
Bimodal distribution. Are you sure?
Authors: Drapella Antoni
Published: July 2007

The paper points out complicated relations between the failure density function and the probability density function of logarithmic lifetime and practical consequences.
Analysis of run‐in process for PC manufacturing
Authors: Accumolli Alberto
Published: July 2007

This paper gives a review of the methodology used to tune the run‐in process of a PC manufacturing line. It shows in some detail the analysis carried‐out on the test data gathered on the manufacturing line and presents a clear picture of the run‐in process in order to choose the best compromise between process efficiency and costs.
Computer simulation of fast electromigration lifetime determination techniques
Authors: Gilfedder T. H. , Jones B. K.
Published: July 2007

The electromigration lifetime and the activation energy of the process are often determined by highly accelerated or fast methods. Some of these common methods have been simulated using a crack model of the defect. The TRACE, BEM and WIJET methods are considered and suggestions are made about the optimum test strategy.
Analysis of HBM ESD testers and specifications using a fourth‐order lumped element model
Authors: Verhaege Koen , Roussel Philippe J. , Groeseneken Guido , Maes Herman E. , Gieser Horst , Russ Christian , Egger Peter , Guggenmos Xaver , Kuper Fred G.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents the general and analytical solution of a fourth‐order lumped element model (LEM) to describe human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) testers including the main tester parasitic elements. The analytical fitting to the LEM of experimentally obtained HBM pulse data is a new scientifically justified tool to determine HBM tester parasitic elements. The impact of the test board capacitance on HBM testing is demonstrated and explained. Furthermore, the MIL 883C/3015.71 and EOS/ESD S5.1‐19912 Standards on HBM testers are evaluated upon their selectivity to the test board capacitance. Finally, recommendations to improve HBM tester specifications regarding their selectivity to the parasitic test board capacitance are formulated
Improving quality in iron casting by optimizing sand recycling
Authors: Sweeting F. B. J. , Thorpe W. R. , Pettitt A. N.
Published: July 2007

Two previous studies of the application of the techniques of information technology and statistics to the relatively low‐level records of a semi‐automated iron foundry have been made. Each has contributed to better knowledge and understanding of variables of the casting process, in the course of solving a specific problem. Encouraged by the enthusiasm for and quality of record keeping evident during the studies, it was decided to use the same investigative approach to make a deliberate search for any opportunity that might exist for improving the quality and/or productivity of green sand moulding.

Data collected over a period of ten weeks were analysed under four broad headings: products, input materials, process operations and control of process variables. A comparison of production figures from the start and finish of the datum period revealed a reduction in the mould rejection rate of 40 per cent with reductions in inputs of new sand and bentonite of 42 and 12 per cent, respectively. The seemingly onerous task of good process record keeping had proved to present an opportunity in disguise.
A data acquisition system for machine tool condition monitoring
Authors: Drake P. R. , Jennings A. D. , Grosvenor R. I. , Whittleton D.
Published: July 2007

A flexible, generically applicable and inexpensive data acquisition system (DAS), for machine tool condition monitoring, has been designed, constructed and installed as part of a European Union sponsored project. The DAS is more than just a data logger and an array of sensors. It also consists of a methodology for analysing data logging requirements and a relational database that supports this methodology. The database is held on a central ‘maintenance management’ computer. The monitoring to be carried out by the DAS is specified through this database, which contains detailed information about the DAS's facilities. This feature makes it simple to reconfigure the DAS to implement new monitoring requirements and to customize its operation to meet the needs of different machines. The information in the database is transformed into a look‐up table that is read by the software that sets up and controls the data logging processes.
A consumer incentive warranty policy and servicing strategy for products with uncertain quality
Authors: Murthy D. N. P. , Djamaludin I. , Wilson R. J.
Published: July 2007

Owing to quality uncertainty in manufacturing, some of the items produced can be non‐conforming. When items are sold with warranty, the warranty servicing cost for non‐conforming items can be high. Life testing can be used to weed out such items and reduce the warranty cost. Such testing is expensive in terms of time and money. Releasing items with no testing can result in an increased number of early failures which in turn leads to consumer dissatisfaction and affects future profits, due to a loss of consumers. We propose a new policy which involves no testing and incorporates an incentive feature to reduce consumer dissatisfaction.
An alternative method to test for randomness of a process
Authors: Holmes Donald S. , Mergen A. Erhan
Published: July 2007

The objective of this paper is to revisit an old technique for testing the randomness of a process. This method uses the mean square successive difference approach to estimate variance, compares this estimate with the usual variance estimate, and tests whether the two variance estimates are significantly different. If the test result is significant, it is concluded that the process is not random (i.e. not in control). The non‐random results are addressed to accomplish quality improvement.
An efficient encoding method for electrocardiography using spline functions
Authors: Imai Hidekl , Kiraura Nobuyoshi , Yoshlda Yutaka
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes a highly efficient encoding method for electrocardiogram using spline functions. The method consists of the extraction algorithm, which extracts feature samples from the electrocardiogram from the A/D converter, and the restoration algorithm which restores the original waveform from the extracted samples, using spline functions. In the extraction algorithm, maxima and minima, which is not due to noise, are extracted from the original waveform. Then the spline function is applied to perform a smooth interpolation. By this scheme, a highly accurate approximation is realized, which has not been achieved by the linear approximation using the traditional AZTEC method. According to the result of experiment, the root‐mean‐square error of the proposed method is approximately half the AZTEC method if the compression ratio is the same. The proposed method consists in the simple extraction algorithm, and can be implemented on a microprocessor. Thus, it is suited to the long‐term monitoring of the electrocardiogram to record abnormal waveforms.
A widely applicable configuration method for communication control equipment—Degeneration of parallelism in communication control processing
Authors: Yamashita Masahide
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes a configuration for a communication control system with a wide range of applications. The proposed configuration is based on the degenerate realization of serial processing (without any restriction of the order) and time‐division processing of seven kinds of parallelism included in the communication control processing, as well as on the degenerate realization by shared network bus for the processing request (token) transfer among the components. By the proposed eight kinds of standard configurations, a unified design is made for a wide range of performance from the terminal level to the communication control in a large‐scale preprocessing device. The serial processing realized by extracting the protocol‐dependent (level) functions and the programmed control provides a flexible means to cope with a wide range of requirements for such functions as odd or delete kinds of links and protocols. This paper outlines the eight kinds of standard configurations and the principle of selection among those together with the derivation of the proposed configurations.
Hierarchical properties of the κ ‐neighborhood template A‐type 2‐dimensional bounded cellular acceptor
Authors: Taniguchi Hiroshi , Inoue Katsushi , Takanami Itsuo
Published: July 2007

This paper discusses the hierarchical properties of the κ‐neighborhood template A‐type two‐dimensional bounded cellular acceptor (abbreviated as A‐2BCA(κ) on three‐dimensional tapes we proposed previously. An A‐2BCA(κ) is a three‐dimensional automaton which consists of a pair of a converter and a configuration‐reader. The former converts the given three‐dimensional tape to the two‐dimensional configuration and the latter determines the acceptance or nonacceptance of given three‐dimensional tape whether or not the derived two‐dimensional configuration is accepted.

We investigate how the difference of the neighborhood template of the converter or the configuration‐reader affects its accepting power. As a result, it is shown that when the converter is deterministic, the greater the number of neighbor cells of the converter and the more powerful the configuration‐reader, the more powerful the accepting power of the A‐2BCA(κ). However, this is not always true for the nondeterministic case. As far as this case is concerned, the following results are obtained:

(1) Nine‐neighbor is as powerful as five‐neighbor whatever the configuration‐reader combined;

(2) there exist classes of two‐dimensional automata such that indeed their accepting powers are different, but those of A‐2BCA(κ) using these are identical.
A study on initial value setting of the back‐propagation learning algorithm
Authors: Jia Qi , Toda Naohiro , Usui Shiro
Published: July 2007

There is no known systematic method for setting the initial values of weights and thresholds for backpropagation learning in multilayer feedforward neural networks. Thus, the trial‐and‐error method of providing random numbers distributed evenly over a certain range has come to be commonly used.

This paper defines characteristic parameters for a multilayer feedforward neural network to examine its information transmission capabilities and, using those parameters, clarifies the behavior of and problems with the conventional method using random initial values. One such problem is that the active range of a unit narrows rapidly as the number of inputs is increased. In view of this, a new method is proposed for determining initial values which expand the active range; and its usefulness is shown through numerical experiments.
Image restoration by averaged projection filter
Authors: Yamashita Yukihiko , Ogawa Hidemitsu
Published: July 2007

A restoration filter called the averaged projection filter (APF) is proposed for the linear degradation model. The proposed filter selects the image with the least deviation of noise component from among those minimizing the image component of the restored image in the averaged sense with respect to a set of original images. With the plain projection filter, the frequency of occurrence of images is ignored. In the averaged projection filter, the restoration quality of images occurring more frequently is improved at the expense of those occurring less frequently. A general form of the filter is obtained by using functional analysis. Some experimental results are illustrated which show the advantages of the proposed filter over the projection filter and the Wiener filter.
Performance of the PN superscalar processor as estimated by simulation
Authors: Arita Takaya , Ito Hiroaki , Sowa Masahiro
Published: July 2007

The authors have already proposed the multiple instruction‐stream execution system by a function‐partitioned superscalar processor, for extracting the fine‐grain parallelism. In the proposed system, the processor is divided into a number of heterogeneous processing units and the instruction stream is given separately to the processing units. The processing units communicate the tokens (control pulses) at a higher speed to control the execution of instruction according to the precedence relations among the instructions.

This paper considers the prototype model based on three kinds of machine instructions and evaluates the fundamental performances of the proposed execution scheme by simulation. Especially, the following items are examined: (1) load distribution by three kinds of instructions, (2) extracted parallelism and execution time of the program, (3) effect of token communication time and the effect of overlapped execution of token transmission/reception instructions, and (4) effect of access time of memory unit.
Quality factors of nonideal micro pillars
Authors: Gregersen N. , Nielsen T. R. , Tromborg B. , Mørk J.
Published: July 2007

The influence of fabrication-induced imperfections and material absorption on the quality (Q) factor of a microcavity pillar is studied numerically. The dependence on sidewall inclination, selective underetch, and intrinsic loss is quantified. The authors show that imperfections can lead to an improvement in Q and that a sidewall inclination angle of less than 1° causes a dramatic change in the Q factor. The variations in Q can be attributed to a delicate balance between effective index contrasts, mode overlap, and higher-order mode contributions.
Light controlled diffraction gratings in C60-doped nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Sun Xiudong , Yao Fengfeng , Pei Yanbo , Zhang Jianlong
Published: July 2007

The persistent hidden photorefractive gratings were produced in a homeotropic C60-doped liquid crystal cell by two 488nm writing beams. The persistent gratings can be hidden and revealed by turning off and on an incident laser beam at 488, 532, or 632nm at any incident angle in the presence of a dc electric field or by turning off and on the applied dc electric field in the presence of an illuminating beam. These hidden gratings can be rejuvenated after keeping as long as several hours in the presence of the dc electric field. The possible underlying mechanism involving the surface-mediated effect and the bulk-mediated Carr-Helfrich effect is proposed. Consistent with this mechanism, the diffraction efficiency of the hidden gratings shows a dependence on the power of the illuminating beam, and the hidden grating can be revealed by applying a higher voltage without any illumination.
Soviet and Russian Scholarship on Iran
Authors: Atkin Muriel
Published: July 2007

Soviet scholarship on Iran is extensive and highly organized. Just in the year 1980, 119 articles and books pertaining to Iran were published in the Soviet Union. The publications dealt with such topics as history, literature, economics, and geology (and do not include journalistic coverage of current events). The scale of Soviet scholarship on Iran since World War II is so vast that it would be hopelessly cumbersome to try to review or even list all the books and articles. This essay will attempt to provide an overview of the history of Iranian scholarship in the Soviet Union and Imperial Russia, to describe how the study of Islamic Iran in the Soviet Union is organized and oriented, and to look at a few of the most interesting works of recent years.
The Development and Institutionalization of Romani Representation and Administration. Part 2: Beginnings of Modern Institutionalization (Nineteenth Century—World War II)
Authors: Klímová-Alexander Ilona
Published: July 2007

This article is the second in this series, following “Part 1: The Legacy of Early Institutionalism: From Gypsy Fiefs to Gypsy Kings”, which covered the period from the arrival of Gypsies to Europe until the mid-nineteenth century and was published in Volume 32, Number 3 of Nationalities Papers. Part 2 describes the birth of the first modern forms of ethnically-based political and social organizations established by Romani elites from the nineteenth century up until the Second World War (WWII). The main pattern of the development of Romani representation and administration until the mid-nineteenth century—as described in Part 1—distinguished between institutionalization from within and without. In the time period described here, the pattern changes because the majority of organizations and institutions established in order to represent and administer Roma are started upon the initiative of Romani leaders. Some are, however, created under the umbrella or patronage of non-Romani authorities or organizations and their activities are controlled by these patrons; others are created in (various degrees of) cooperation with non-Romani authorities or organizations and a few are created and operate independently. In addition, during this period the first few non-Romani non-governmental organizations start to take interest in the plight of Roma, and some organizations are specifically created to address their plight and lobby “on their behalf.” The other pattern of the development that emerges in this period is the gradual ascent of the institutionalization to higher levels. While until the nineteenth century most of the Gypsies organized themselves locally and regionally (with the exception of the Polish Office of the Gypsy Kings and the Chief Voivods in Transylvania and Hungary), in this period we see the first attempts by Roma themselves to expand the institutionalization countrywide and even internationally. These patterns are again explored in the conclusion (and summarized in Table 1), while the main body deals with the various arrangements in a more or less chronological and geographical order.
Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol‐Related Problems: Prevalence amongst a General Practice Population
Authors: Redman Selina , Cockburn Jill , Reid Alexander L.A. , Sanson‐Fisher Robert W.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The prevalence of “at risk” levels of alcohol consumption and of alcohol‐related problems in a sample of general practice patients was examined. Consumption was measured using both Quantity Frequency (N = 2066) and retrospective diary (N = 808) measures. The two measures yielded similar results. The proportion of females drinking “at risk” levels (40 gms a day) ranged from 0.6% to 1.2% and between 4.1% and 5.8% of males were classified “at risk” (60gms/day). Using the SMAST to measure alcohol‐related problems, 8.6% of females and 12.1% of males were classified as “probable alcoholic”, while “possible alcoholism” was present in a further 15.1% of females and 20.1% of males. Only a weak relationship was found between being at physical risk on the basis of excessive consumption and being identified as having alcohol‐related problems by the SMAST. Logistic regression was used in an attempt to delineate predictors of alcohol‐related problems. Smoking status, alcohol consumption, age and report of skin problems entered the final model, but the prediction from this model was poor (X2 = 322.67, df = 204, p = 0.122). The results are discussed in terms of strategies for general practitioner detection and intervention with patients with alcohol‐related problems.
Twin Studies of Alcohol Consumption, Metabolism and Sensitivity
Authors: Martin N.G.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: It is a common observation that individuals differ greatly in their consumption of alcohol and, if they do drink, in their sensitivity to it. Comparison of identical (MZ) and non‐identical (DZ) twins is perhaps the best available design for estimating the relative contributions of environmental and genetic factors to individual differences. We have studied drinking habits in 3,810 adult twin pairs who responded to a mailed questionaire. Genetic factors are of major importance in determining the alcohol consumption of females of all ages but are modified in their expression by marriage. They are also important in young males but are overshadowed by environmental influences shared by brothers as they get older. In a laboratory study of alcohol metabolism and psychomotor sensitivity in more than 200 twin pairs we found heritabilities of 0.62 for peak BAC and 0.49 for rate of elimination. These did not differ significantly from their respective test‐retest reliabilities, which were surprisingly low, indicating the importance of short‐term environmental influences on ethanol metabolism. For certain psychomotor tests, particularly body sway, we found evidence that sensitivity to alcohol was strongly genetically determined. However, only 2 per cent of variance was accounted for by blood alcohol concentration. Two possible interpretations of our results are: ‐ i) the psychomotor tests we have used have little to do with driving competence and therefore our results are irrelevant for practical purposes, or ii) roadside tests of driving competence will be a more effective preventive measure than measuring concentrations of alcohol or other drugs in the blood.
The differential effect of a set of brief interventions on the functioning of a group of “early‐stage” problem drinkers
Authors: Sannibale Claudia
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of different treatment conditions on the functioning of a group of male problem drinkers (N = 96) presenting to a community agency for treatment. Clients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions and assessed before treatment and again a minimum of twelve months after using a number of drinking and non‐drinking‐related measures of functioning. Corroborative information was obtained from a person nominated by each client. Contact was maintained with clients and their collaterals throughout the follow‐up period. Follow‐up assessment data were available for 80 (83%) clients; and collateral information for 84 (88%) clients. At follow‐up, using self‐report data, 38 clients (40% of initial sample) were classified as improved, 5 were abstinent and 33 non‐problem drinkers. Analyses of variance and discriminant analyses were used to ascertain the effects of treatment on client status at follow‐up. Treatment was not found to exert a differential effect on outcome. Significant improvements were found on numerous measures of functioning irrespective of treatment conditions. The limitations of the study particularly in reference to sample size and characteristics are discussed and recommendations are made concerning the importance of incorporating client follow‐up into treatment regimens.
The availability of alcohol: prior research and future directions
Authors: Single Eric
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The relationship between the availability of alcohol and the amount of alcohol consumed is described. An historical overview is presented, followed by a review of the empirical evidence of the relationship. Neglected aspects of availability, including the impact of the physical environment within alcohol outlets, the behaviour of alcohol servers, and the structure of the alcohol industry, are considered.
Early intervention for hazardous drinking in the general hospital setting
Authors: Chick Jonathan
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The relationship between alcohol consumption and physical illness and injury is established. Despite the numerous estimates of the frequency with which problem drinkers are seen at general hospitals, it is unknown whether such cases are merely occasionally excessive drinkers and thus unlikely to go on to serious physical or psychiatric illness due to alcohol. Even if intervention were justified, it is uncertain whether such intervention would be effective. In this paper it is argued that treatment of the problem drinker identified in the general hospital can improve the outcome for him.
Australian drug policies 1988 and beyond — a drugs campaign evaluation
Authors: McDonald David , Brown Heather , Hamilton Margaret , Miller Mel , Stephenson Eric
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Australia's National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) commenced in 1985. It is an innovative approach to drug policies, emphasing reducing the demand for drugs, addressing all drugs and involving a partnership of all governments in Australia and the non‐government sector. The Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy agreed, in October 1988, to continue the Campaign into a second triennium in a substantially unchanged form. An evaluation of the first three years of the Campaign outlines its strengths and weaknesses, assesses the degree to which the Campaign's goals have been achieved and draws attention to the broader context within which the Campaign operates. The first triennium has been found to be successful, in that the NCADA has shown substantial movement towards achieving its goals and provides a firm base for further achievements. Based on the findings of the evaluation, we point to a number of key policy issues in the drugs field which are facing Australian society today and which provide the context for further development of Australian drug policies.
Comparison of Surface and Bulk Elastic Properties Using Synchrotron Radiation Diffraction
Authors: Lavelle B. , Vendier L. , Guiraud L.
Published: July 2007

In order to compare bulk and surface elastic coefficients, transmission and reflection measurements have been performed using synchrotron radiation. A pure Ni sample submitted to different levels of stress has been studied. The spectral analysis of the diffracted beam allows us to determine the strain for a given crystalline plane, with a precision in the range of goniometric X-ray analysis. From the strain Mohr circle and the sin2 Ψ law, the elastic characteristics for each studied crystalline plane can be deduced. We find significant differences between bulk and surface elastic coefficients.
Development of Intergranular Stress of Annealed Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Y.D. , Lin Peng R. , Mcgreevy R.L.
Published: July 2007

A high anisotropy for grain orientation dependent residual stress, or inter-granular stress, was previously found for the austenite and deformation-induced martensite in a cold-rolled 301 stainless steel. This paper focuses on the changes of both macroscopic residual stress and inter-granular residual stress in both phases after annealing at 500°C for 2 h. Such a detailed analysis of the relaxation of anisotropic residual stresses, induced by annealing, can provide insights into the mechanism of anisotropic recovery for different orientated grains/texture components.
Modification of Elastic Constants Via Texture Optimisation
Authors: Tarasiuk J. , Wierzbanowski K. , Kostrzewa M. , Peczkis B.
Published: July 2007

The elastic response of the material and hence the internal stress behaviour can be modified and improved by an appropriate crystallographic texture optimisation. The question is: which texture should have a sample in order to assure the best elastic properties (e.g. in the sense of stored internal stresses)? The genetic algorithm method was applied to solve this problem in the present work.
The Mechanism of Synovial Fluid Retention in Pressurized Joint Cavities
Authors: LU Y. , LEVICK J. R. , WANG W.
Published: July 2007

Objective: Hyaluronan (HA) in synovial fluid is vital to fluid retention in joint cavities. This study aims to evaluate a HA concentration polarization hypothesis and to examine, quantitatively, the agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results.

Methods: A non‐steady‐state model was developed for HA ultrafiltration and concentration polarization on the synovial surface. The Kedem‐Katchalsky equation was used to calculate the trans‐synovial filtration rate Q as the HA concentration polarization layer built up. Model parameters were based on data from experiments. Effects of parameters on fluid filtration were investigated.

Results: The HA osmotic pressure at the synovial surface was found to approach the intra‐articular pressure, P, during fluid infusion. The model simulated the experimentally observed decay in Q with the time at constant P, and predicted nonlinear P‐Q relations in good agreement with experimental results over a range of bulk HA concentrations, from pathological (0.2 g L−1) to physiological (4.0 g L−1). It gave quantitative insights into the development of the osmotic pressure and the significance of the HA reflection coefficient.

Conclusions: The osmotic pressure of a HA concentration polarization layer on the synovial surface leads to outflow buffering. This provides the mechanism by which the vital lubricating synovial fluid is retained in a joint cavity under pressure.
Differential Arterial/Venous Expression of NG2 Proteoglycan in Perivascular Cells Along Microvessels: Identifying a Venule‐Specific Phenotype
Authors: MURFEE WALTER L. , SKALAK THOMAS C. , PEIRCE SHAYN M.
Published: July 2007

Objective: Similar to other vascular pericyte markers, including smooth muscle (SM) α‐actin, desmin, and PDGF‐β‐receptor, NG2 proteoglycan is not pericyte specific. Therefore, the use of NG2 as a pericyte marker, especially in cell lineage studies, in comparison to other nonspecific pericyte markers requires an understanding of how its expression varies spatially within a microvascular network. The objective of this study was to characterize NG2 expression along vessels within rat microvascular networks and compare this to SM α‐actin expression.

Methods: Mesenteric tissue, subcutaneous tissue, spinotrapezius muscle, and gracilis muscle were harvested from 250‐g, female, Sprague–Dawley rats and stained for NG2 and SM α‐actin. The distribution of NG2 expression was evaluated in mesenteric networks (n = 28) with complementary observations in subcutaneous tissue and skeletal muscle.

Results: Perivascular cells, including mature smooth muscle cells (SMCs), immature SMCs, and pericytes, expressed NG2. Most importantly, NG2 expression was primarily confined to perivascular cells along arterioles and capillaries, and continuous expression was not observed along venules beyond the immediate postcapillary vessels. The differential expression of NG2 along the arteriolar side of microvascular networks was also observed in rat subcutaneous and skeletal muscle.

Conclusions: The results indicate that NG2 is expressed by all perivascular cells along arterioles, and its absence denotes a venule‐specific phenotype. These results identify for the first time a marker that differentiates venous smooth muscle and pericytes from other capillary‐ and arteriole‐associated perivascular cells.
Special Edition of Microcirculation Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Microcirculatory Society, Inc.
Authors: SEGAL STEVEN S. , JACKSON WILLIAM F.
Published: July 2007

This special edition of Microcirculation brings together the proceedings from the Symposium held in the spring of 2004 in the Natcher Auditorium on the campus of the National Institutes of Health to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Microcirculatory Society, Inc. Twelve brief reviews are introduced with the goals being to present a collective sense of the history of research in microcirculation, provide insight into where established topics of inquiry stand today, and to define emerging topics of investigation for future research efforts.
Robust Vascular Protective Effect of Hydroxamic Acid Derivatives in a Sickle Mouse Model of Inflammation
Authors: KAUL DHANANJAY K. , KOLLANDER RAHN , MAHASETH HEMCHANDRA , LIU XIAO‐DU , SOLOVEY ANNA , BELCHER JOHN , KELM ROBERT J. , VERCELLOTTI GREGORY M. , HEBBEL ROBERT P.
Published: July 2007

Objective: Clinically, the vascular pathobiology of human sickle cell disease includes an abnormal state of chronic inflammation and activation of the coagulation system. Since these biologies likely underlie development of vascular disease in sickle subjects, they offer attractive targets for novel therapeutics. Similar findings characterize the sickle transgenic mouse, which therefore provides a clinically relevant inflammation model.

Method: The authors tested two polyhydroxyphenyl hydroxamic acid derivatives, didox and trimidox, in sickle transgenic mice. Animals were examined by intravital microscopy (cremaster muscle and dorsal skin fold preparations) and by histochemistry before and after transient exposure to hypoxia, with versus without preadministration of study drug. Previous studies have validated the application of hypoxia/reoxygenation to sickle transgenic mice as a disease‐relevant model.

Results: Animals pretreated with these agents exhibited marked improvements in leukocyte/ endothelial interaction, hemodynamics and vascular stasis, and endothelial tissue factor expression. Thus, these drugs unexpectedly exert powerful inhibition on both the inflammation and coagulation systems.

Conclusions: Each of these changes is expected to be therapeutically beneficial in systemic inflammatory disease in general, and in sickle disease in particular. Thus, these novel compounds offer the advantage of having multiple therapeutic benefits in a single agent.
Early Years Centres for pre‐school children with primary language difficulties: what do they cost, and are they cost‐effective?
Authors: Law J. , Dockrell J. E. , Castelnuovo E. , Williams K. , Seeff B. , Normand C.
Published: July 2007

Background: High levels of early language difficulties raise practical issues about the efficient and effective means of meeting children's needs. Persistent language difficulties place significant financial pressures on health and education services. This has led to large investment in intervention in the early years; yet, little is known about the actual and relative costs of early years provision.

Aims: To profile the different costs incurred by two Early Years Centres (EYCs) partially funded by the charity I CAN and children receiving what might be termed ‘routine’ NHS speech therapy to provide an analysis of cost efficiency and equity.

Methods & Procedures: Costings for service provision for 91 children (mean age 2;9) were collected. The activity of staff at each site and the cost of staff allocated to services were computed. Data on other resources were also collected.

Outcomes & Results: The cost per child per session was on average £12. Despite the longer course of intervention in the first centre (10 compared with 6 weeks), the cost of the course per child was of the same order (£245 compared with £253). The annual cost of the early years provision per child was higher relative to the costs of the NHS provision, £645 compared with £181 in one EYC (A) and £462 compared with £173 in the other (B). When the cost of standard nursery provision was factored in, the difference in annual costs was rather less, with £5298 for the early years provision (EYC A) relative to £4276 in the comparison group. By contrast, the annual cost of early provision rises to £5926 relative to £8861 in the comparison group (EYC B).

Conclusions: The cost of the EYCs is relatively low and given the positive outcomes reported in the study of which this economic evaluation is a part, there is a good case for saying that they represent an efficient use of resources. The strengths and limitations of the economic evaluation are considered and the need for long‐term evaluations is highlighted.
Private Tutoring: how prevalent and effective is it?
Authors: Ireson Judith
Published: July 2007

Many families employ private tutors to help children with their schoolwork, thus participating in a 'shadow education' system that supplements normal schooling. International surveys show that there is wide variation in the extent of tutoring in different countries. This paper considers
reasons for this variation and evaluates evidence on the prevalence and effectiveness of private tutoring. The effectiveness of tutoring is mixed, with some well-designed programmes achieving large gains in attainment, whereas surveys show little impact. Some of these discrepancies arise from
weak conceptualisation and methodological issues. It is argued that quality indicators should be added to analyses of survey data to provide more reliable estimates. Evidence from research on extra-curricular activities is used to explore the 'penumbra' between public and private sector involvement.
Systematic monitoring of the shadow system is recommended. Policies should be developed, as it is likely that the prevalence of private tutoring will increase.
New Labour and educational disadvantage: the limits of area-based initiatives
Authors: Power Sally , Rees Gareth , Taylor Chris
Published: July 2007

Since coming to power in 1997, New Labour has adopted area-based initiatives (ABIs) as a key strategy to combat economic, social and (especially) educational disadvantage. This paper briefly outlines the history of ABIs within the UK and explores the discontinuities and continuities
between recent initiatives and their earlier counterparts. It argues that while New Labour's ABIs incorporate distinctive, new characteristics, they are largely based on the same assumptions which underpinned previous ABIs. The limits of these models, and the somewhat patchy track record of
ABIs, raise serious questions about their efficacy and the restricted policy repertoire of the UK State.
Redox modifications of spinach chloroplast fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase
Authors: Chen Ye , Xu Gen‐jun
Published: July 2007

Complete activation of chloroplast fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase by dithiothreitol involves the reduction of its four disulfide bonds as revealed by thiol titration and activity measurement. Both before and after reduction, the enzyme is inhibited by the thiol‐specific reagent 5,5′‐dithiobis (2‐nitrobenzoic acid) with complete inactivation upon modifications of the four accessible thiols. However, oxidative modification of the enzyme facillitates the reduction of the four mentioned disulfide bonds as the process of activation by DTT is accelerated.
Secretion of Bacillus α‐amylase from yeast directed by glucoamylase I signal sequence of Saccharomyces diastaticus
Authors: Kang Dae Ook , Hwang In Kyu , Kim Bo Yun , Ahn Soon Cheol , Mheen Tae Ick , Ahn Jong Seog , Byun Si Myung
Published: July 2007

For the secretion of Bacillus stearothermophilus α ‐amylase from yeast, a recombinant plasmid pGAT17 was constructed by fusing B. stearothermophilus α‐amylase structural gene in frame to the promoter and signal sequence of Saccharomyces diastaticus glucoamylase I gene (STA1). The secretion of the heterologous α‐amylase from S. diastaticus transformed with pGAT17 was confirmed by the halo formation around colonies on selective starch agar medium. About 80% of the total α‐amylase activity was detected in the extracellular culture medium. The secreted α‐amylase was glycosylated and its molecular weight increased from 61 kDa to 75 kDa. The thermostability of the glycosylated α‐amylase was markedly enhanced, compared with that of the non‐glycosylated enzyme from E. coli.
Purification of a protein inhibitor of erythrocyte plasma membrane Ca2 ‐ATPase by Ca2 ‐ATPase‐Sepharose affinity chromatography
Authors: Au K. S.
Published: July 2007

A protein inhibitor of erythrocyte plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase was purified to homogeneity using a Ca2+‐ATPase‐Sepharose affinity column. Inhibitor isolated by anion exchange chromatography was loaded onto the affinity column in the presence of Ca2+ and the purified inhibitor was eluted with EGTA. The estimated yield was 0.1‐0.2 mg protein inhibitor/1. red cells. SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of freshly purified inhibitor revealed one single silver stained band with an apparent molecular mass of 50‐51 kD.
Isolation and sequence determination of cDNA encoding mouse rab 4 and candidate approach for the beige mutation in mice
Authors: Ikeda Hiroyuki , Ikegami Tohru , Mitsui Tetsuo , Sendo Dai , Hayasaka Kiyoshi
Published: July 2007

The Chediak‐Higashi syndrome is characterized by partial albinism and recurrent infections with giant granules in granulocytes. This syndrome has been proposed to have a defect in vesicular transport. Rab 4 is a member of a family of Ras‐related small GTP‐binding proteins, which has been mapped in the locus of the Chediak‐Higashi syndrome. We isolated a full length cDNA of rab 4 from a cDNA library of mouse liver. The clone is 1428 base pairs (bp) in length and contains a 639 bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 213 residues. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous to rab 4 from rat and human. We analyzed rab 4 as a candidate gene of the beige mouse, but we could not find any change in the sequence of the coding region of rab 4 mRNA.
Cloning and expression of the inorganic pyrophosphatase gene from thermophilic bacterium PS‐3
Authors: Maruyama Satoshi , Maeshima Masanaga , Nishimura Masaki , Aoki Motoko , Ichiba Tetsuroh , Sekiguchi Junichi , Hachimori Akira
Published: July 2007

The thermophilic bacterium PS‐3 ppa gene encoding inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPiase) has been cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence was exactly the same as that determined on Edman degradation (Ichiba, T., Takenaka, O., Samejima, T. and Hachimori, A., J. Biochem. 108: 572‐578, 1990) except that amino acid‐70 is threonine instead of proline and two more amino acids, Asn‐Lys, are present at the carboxyl terminus. The structural gene containing BamH I and Hind III restriction cleaving sites at the 5′ and 3′ ends, respectively, was amplified by the PCR method. Escherichia coli JM109 was transformed with a synthetic DNA, and we found that thermophilic ppa was expressed in E. coli, as judged on enzyme assaying, SDS‐PAGE and immune assaying.