bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Kinematics of Tidal Debris from Omega Cen's Progenitor Galaxy
Authors: Chiba Masashi , Mizutani Arihiro
Published: June 2004

The kinematic properties of tidal debris from an orbiting Galactic satellite is presented, on the assumption that its central part once contained the most massive Galactic globular cluster, ω Cen. We simulate dynamical evolution of a satellite galaxy that follows the present-day and likely past orbits of ω Cen, and analyse the kinematic nature of their tidal debris and randomly generated Galactic stars comprising spheroidal halo and flat disk components. It is found that the debris stars show a retrograde rotation at ∼–100 km s–1, which may accord with a recently discovered stellar stream at a radial velocity of ∼300 km s–1 towards the Galactic longitude of ∼270°. These stars also contribute, only in part, to a reported retrograde motion of the outer halo in the north Galactic pole direction, without significantly modifying local halo kinematics near the Sun. The prospects for future debris searches and the implications for the early evolution of the Galaxy are briefly presented.
Photometric Properties of White Dwarf Dominated Halos
Authors: Lee Hyun-chul , Gibson Brad K. , Fenner Yeshe , Brook Chris B. , Kawata Daisuke , Renda Agostino , Holopainen Janne , Flynn Chris
Published: June 2004

Using stellar population synthesis techniques, we explore the photometric signatures of white dwarf progenitor dominated galactic halos, in order to constrain the fraction of halo mass that may be locked up in white dwarf stellar remnants. We first construct a 109 M⊙ stellar halo using the canonical Salpeter initial stellar mass distribution, and then allow for an additional component of low- and intermediate-mass stars, which ultimately give rise to white dwarf remnants. Microlensing observations towards the Large Magellanic Cloud, coupled with several ground-based proper motion surveys, have led to claims that in excess of 20% of the dynamical mass of the halo (1012 M⊙) might be found in white dwarfs. Our results indicate that (1) even if only 1% of the dynamical mass of the dark halo today could be attributed to white dwarfs, their main sequence progenitors at high redshift (z ≈ 3) would have resulted in halos more than 100 times more luminous than those expected from conventional initial mass functions alone, and (2) any putative halo white dwarf progenitor dominated initial mass function component, regardless of its dynamical importance, would be virtually impossible to detect at the present day, due to its extremely faint surface brightness.
A Model for the Formation of the Milky Way
Authors: Samland Markus
Published: June 2004

A new chemodynamical model for the formation and evolution of a Milky Way type galaxy is introduced. In this scenario, the galaxy forms inside a slowly growing dark matter halo in a ΛCDM cosmology. In contrast to the simple merger and collapse scenarios, the galactic mass grows continuously over a Hubble time. The whole formation scenario is simulated with a three-dimensional chemodynamical code. Within this model it is possible to follow the evolution of the galactic substructure in detail. The structure of the galactic components — halo, bulge, and disk — and the kinematical and chemical signatures of the stellar populations in the model are in excellent agreement with data from the Milky Way. The present model provides a detailed formation scenario for the Milky Way Galaxy and it yields new information about its kinematical and chemical history. The model predicts that even galaxies like the Milky Way show phases with supernova-driven galactic winds. However, with a mass loss of the order of only a few per cent of the total baryonic mass, these galaxies are in all probability not the main contributors to the enrichment of the intergalactic medium.
Physical Parameters of SDSS Stars, the Nature of the SDSS ‘Ring around the Galaxy’, and the SEGUE Project
Authors: Beers Timothy C. , Prieto Carlos Allende , Wilhelm Ronald , Yanny Brian , Newberg Heidi
Published: June 2004

Although the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) was primarily envisioned as a tool for understanding the nature of the ‘high redshift’ universe, significant discoveries have already been made at lower redshift, z ∼ 0, through studies of stars in the Milky Way galaxy. We have begun to explore the nature of the Milky Way by detailed investigation of the publicly accessible SDSS archive, using spectroscopically targeted stars of special interest (e.g. field horizontal-branch stars, carbon-enhanced stars, and F- and G-type turnoff stars), as well as the stars originally selected as photometric and reddening standards. The first step is to use the SDSS data (which includes independently calibrated five-band photometry and spectrophotometry of individual stars) to derive reliable estimates of the stellar physical parameters, such as Teff, log g, and [Fe/H], for stars that have been observed to date. Of particular interest, at present, are the stars that are apparently associated with the Monoceros Stream (also known as the SDSS ‘Ring around the Galaxy’), for which we report derived metallicities. The techniques we have developed for derivation of the physical parameters for these stars are presently being applied to other stars in the SDSS database, including the Early Data Release (EDR), as well as the first official public database, DR-1. Here we report on the progress made to date, and comment on what might be explored in the near future from a dedicated extension of the SDSS survey (SEGUE) that specifically targets stars in the Milky Way.
High-Resolution N-body Simulations of Galactic Cannibalism: The Magellanic Stream
Authors: Connors Tim W. , Kawata Daisuke , Maddison Sarah T. , Gibson Brad K.
Published: June 2004

Hierarchical clustering represents the favoured paradigm for galaxy formation throughout the Universe; due to its proximity, the Magellanic system offers one of the few opportunities for astrophysicists to decompose the full six-dimensional phase-space history of a satellite in the midst of being cannibalised by its host galaxy. The availability of improved observational data for the Magellanic Stream and parallel advances in computational power has led us to revisit the canonical tidal model describing the disruption of the Small Magellanic Cloud and the consequent formation of the Stream. We suggest improvements to the tidal model in light of these recent advances.
Cosmic Helium Production
Authors: Flynn Chris
Published: June 2004

K-dwarfs are very long lived, slowly evolving stars, so that their present day helium Y and metal content (metallicity Z) is essentially the same as when they were born. K-dwarfs thus contain a fossil record of the amount of helium and metals which has been produced in successive stellar generations over the lifetime of the Galaxy. We here estimate the amount of helium compared to the amount of metals produced via stellar fusion (Δ Y/ΔZ). We use K-dwarfs in the Hipparcos catalogue for which accurate metallicities and luminosities are available. By including recently measured K-dwarfs with super-solar metallicities we are able to obtain a very significant improvement on previous studies. The best fitting value is ΔY/ΔZ = 2.4 ± 0.4 at the 68% confidence level. Values as low as 1 or as high as 4 are excluded with more than 99% confidence.
Kinematics of the Galactic Bulge from Radial Velocity and Proper Motion Optical Surveys
Authors: Reylé Céline , Robin Annie C. , Picaud Sébastien
Published: June 2004

Large-scale surveys provide new constraints on the structure and evolution of the Milky Way. The population synthesis approach is a useful tool to interpret such data sets and to test scenarios of evolution of the Galaxy. New constraints on Galactic parameters have been obtained from the Besançon model of population synthesis, in particular in the inner regions, thanks to near-infrared surveys less affected by interstellar extinction than the optical ones. We present here a few preliminary comparisons between observed and simulated distributions of proper motions in the direction of the Galactic bulge. Next we discuss how bulge stars can be observed and separated from other populations with the RAVE and Gaia surveys.
Mass to Light Ratio, Initial Mass Function, and Chemical Evolution in Disk Galaxies
Authors: Portinari L. , Sommer-Larsen J. , Tantalo R.
Published: June 2004

Cosmological simulations of disk galaxy formation, when compared to the observed Tully–Fisher relation, suggest a low mass to light (M/L) ratio for the stellar component in spirals. We show that a number of 'bottom-light' initial mass functions (IMFs) suggested independently in the literature, do imply M/L ratios as low as required, at least for late type spirals (Sbc–Sc). However the typical M/L ratio, and correspondingly the zero point of the Tully–Fisher relation, is expected to vary considerably with Hubble type.

Bottom-light IMFs tend to have a metal production in excess of what is typically estimated for spiral galaxies. Suitable tuning of the IMF slope and mass limits, post-supernova fallback of metals onto black holes or metal outflows must then be invoked, to reproduce the observed chemical properties of disk galaxies.
Constraints on the Astrophysical Nature of r-Process Nucleosynthesis Sites from Inhomogeneous Chemical Evolution Models
Authors: Argast Dominik , Samland Markus
Published: June 2004

We present a detailed inhomogeneous chemical evolution study that considers for the first-time neutron star mergers as major r-process sources, and compare this scenario with the ones in which lower-mass (in the range 8–10 M⊙) or higher-mass core-collapse supernovae (with masses ≥20 M⊙) act as dominant r-process sites. We conclude that it is not possible at present to distinguish between the lower-mass and higher-mass supernovae scenarios within the framework of inhomogeneous chemical evolution. However, neutron-star mergers seem to be ruled out as the dominant r-process source, since their low rates of occurrence would lead to r-process enrichment that is not consistent with observations.
AFLP and RAPD analyses of intra- and interspecific variation in some Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis (Leguminosae) species
Authors: Saravanakumar P. , Kaga A. , Tomooka N. , Vaughan D. A.
Published: June 2004

Nine wild taxa from genus Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis (Leguminosae) were analysed by AFLP and RAPD methodologies. The objectives of these analyses were to describe the intraspecific variation in two widely distributed taxa, V. radiata var. sublobata (Roxb.)Verdcourt and V. trinervia (Heyne ex Wight & Arn.) Tateishi & Maxted, that have been confused with each other taxonomically. The genetic relationship between V. trinervia var. trinervia and V. trinervia var. bourneae (formerly known as V. bourneae Gamble) was also examined. In addition, a population recently collected in Myanmar, tentatively identified as V. dalzelliana, was analysed to determine its relationship to several other subgenus Ceratotropis species. The results supported the taxonomic revision of V. radiata var. sublobata and V. trinervia into two distinct species. Also, the new treatment of V. bourneae as a variety of V. trinervia is supported by this study. V. radiata var. sublobata has variation that reflects its origin, whereas this is not the case for V. trinervia. The V. dalzelliana-like accession from Myanmar was aligned with species in section Angulares of the subgenus Ceratotropis, but was considered to be quite distinct from other section Angulares species analysed in the study.
The impact of trampling on feldmark vegetation in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales
Authors: McDougall K. L. , Wright G. T.
Published: June 2004

A popular walking track in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, passes through areas of feldmark vegetation, a windswept community of sparse dwarf shrubs, cushion plants and herbs. The prevailing westerly winds in this area prune the windward edges of the dominant Epacris gunnii shrubs. Layering on the protected side effectively means that the shrubs slowly move across the ridgetops. Twenty-five transects were placed perpendicular to the track in a patch of feldmark north of Mt Kosciuszko. The density of selected species and the total number of species were recorded in quadrats placed in the track centre, track edges and feldmark vegetation at 5 and 10 m from both sides of the track to determine whether the track has interrupted feldmark processes and affected species abundance. The abundance of all species and the number of species per quadrat was lowest in the track centre. Three species (including E. gunnii) were found to be less abundant on the leeward edge of the track than on the windward edge, suggesting that the track has indirectly interfered with feldmark processes. Two of the species were as abundant on track edges as at 5 and 10 m from the track. The area of affected vegetation is currently very small and it may take decades before the effect is obvious to people using the track. Management options for reducing or eliminating the impact are discussed.
Phospholipases C and A2control lysosome-mediated IL-1β secretion: Implications for inflammatory processes
Authors: Andrei Cristina , Margiocco Paola , Poggi Alessandro , Lotti Lavinia V. , Torrisi M. R. , Rubartelli Anna
Published: June 2004

Blocking the activity of IL-1β has entered the clinical arena of treating autoimmune diseases. However, a successful outcome of this approach requires a clear definition of the mechanisms controlling IL-1β release. These are still unclear as IL-1β, lacking a secretory signal peptide, follows a nonclassical pathway of secretion. Here, we analyze the molecular mechanism(s) undergoing IL-1β processing and release in human monocytes and provide a unifying model for the regulated secretion of the cytokine. Our data show that in a first step, pro-caspase-1 and endotoxin-induced pro-IL-1β are targeted in part to specialized secretory lysosomes, where they colocalize with other lysosomal proteins. Externalization of mature IL-1β and caspase-1 together with lysosomal proteins is then facilitated by extracellular ATP. ATP triggers the efflux of K+from the cell, followed by Ca2+influx and activation of three phospholipases: phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and calcium-independent and -dependent phospholipase A2. Whereas calcium-independent phospholipase A2is involved in processing, phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and calcium-dependent phospholipase A2are required for secretion. Dissection of the events that follow ATP triggering allowed to demonstrate that K+efflux is responsible for phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C induction, which in turn allows the rise in intracellular free calcium concentration required for activation of phospholipase A2. This activation is ultimately responsible for lysosome exocytosis and IL-1β secretion.
CD154 is a negative regulator of autoaggressive CD8+T cells in type 1 diabetes
Authors: McGregor Catrin M. , Schoenberger Stephen P. , Green E. Allison
Published: June 2004

TNF/CD80 mice, a CD8+T cell-mediated model for type 1 diabetes, transgenically express tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and the costimulatory molecule CD80 in their pancreatic islets. Here we show that these molecules bypass the need for CD40–CD154 costimulatory interactions in activation of CD8+T cells, allowing us to determine the role of CD40–CD154 signals in regulation of autoaggressive CD8+T cells after theirin vivopriming. TNF/CD80 CD154-deficient mice rapidly develop diabetes, whereas CD154-sufficient mice do not. This finding correlates with the decreased numbers of CD4+CD25+T regulatory (TR) cells in the islets and pancreatic lymph nodes, in comparison to disease-protected CD154-sufficient mice. Administration of a CD40 agonistic antibody induces a systemic and tissue-specific increase in TRcells. However, this increase fails to delay diabetes development in the absence of CD154. Adoptive transfer studies show that CD8+T cells from TNF/CD80 CD154-deficient, but not CD154-sufficient, mice are resistant to regulationin vivo. This study provides evidence that CD40-transduced signals initiate TRcell increasein vivoand that CD154-transduced signals sensitize autoaggressive CD8+T cells to suppression.
Suppression of tumorigenesis by the p53 target PUMA
Authors: Hemann Michael T. , Zilfou Jack T. , Zhao Zhen , Burgess Darren J. , Hannon Gregory J. , Lowe Scott W.
Published: June 2004

The p53 tumor suppressor regulates diverse antiproliferative processes such that cells acquiring
p53
mutations have impaired cell-cycle checkpoints, senescence, apoptosis, and genomic stability. Here, we use stable RNA interference to examine the role of PUMA, a p53 target gene and proapoptotic member of the Bcl2 family, in p53-mediated tumor suppression.
PUMA
short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) efficiently suppressed
PUMA
expression and p53-dependent apoptosis but did not impair nonapoptotic functions of p53. Like
p53
shRNAs,
PUMA
shRNAs promoted oncogenic transformation of primary murine fibroblasts by the
E1A/ras
oncogene combination and dramatically accelerated
myc
-induced lymphomagenesis without disrupting p53-dependent cell-cycle arrest. However, the ability of PUMA to execute p53 tumor suppressor functions was variable because, in contrast to
p53
shRNAs,
PUMA
shRNAs were unable to cooperate with oncogenic
ras
in transformation. These results demonstrate that the p53 effector functions involved in tumor suppression are context dependent and, in some settings, depend heavily on the expression of a single proapoptotic effector. Additionally, they demonstrate the utility of RNA interference for evaluating putative tumor suppressor genes
in vivo
.
Vorticity-velocity-pressure formulation for Stokes problem
Authors: Amara M. , Chacón Vera E. , Trujillo D.
Published: June 2004

We propose a three-field formulation for efficiently solving a two-dimensional Stokes problem in the case of nonstandard boundary conditions. More specifically, we consider the case where the pressure and either normal or tangential components of the velocity are prescribed at some given parts of the boundary. The proposed computational methodology consists in reformulating the considered boundary value problem via a mixed-type formulation where the pressure and the vorticity are the principal unknowns while the velocity is the Lagrange multiplier. The obtained formulation is then discretized and a convergence analysis is performed. A priori error estimates are established, and some numerical results are presented to highlight the perfomance of the proposed computational methodology.
Deciding the nilpotency of the Galois group by computing elements in the centre
Authors: Fernandez-Ferreiros Pilar , Gomez-Molleda M.
Published: June 2004

We present a new algorithm for computing the centre of the Galois group of a given polynomial

f
∈

Q

[
x
]

f \in \mathbb {Q}[x]

along with its action on the set of roots of

f
f

, without previously computing the group. We show that every element in the centre is representable by a family of polynomials in

Q

[
x
]

\mathbb {Q}[x]

. For computing such polynomials, we use quadratic Newton-lifting and truncated expressions of the roots of

f
f

over a

p
p

-adic number field. As an application we give a method for deciding the nilpotency of the Galois group. If

f
f

is irreducible with nilpotent Galois group, an algorithm for computing it is proposed.
Multivariate refinable Hermite interpolant
Authors: Han Bin , Yu Thomas , Piper Bruce
Published: June 2004

We introduce a general definition of refinable Hermite interpolants and investigate their general properties. We also study a notion of symmetry of these refinable interpolants. Results and ideas from the extensive theory of general refinement equations are applied to obtain results on refinable Hermite interpolants. The theory developed here is constructive and yields an easy-to-use construction method for multivariate refinable Hermite interpolants. Using this method, several new refinable Hermite interpolants with respect to different dilation matrices and symmetry groups are constructed and analyzed. Some of the Hermite interpolants constructed here are related to well-known spline interpolation schemes developed in the computer-aided geometric design community (e.g., the Powell-Sabin scheme). We make some of these connections precise. A spline connection allows us to determine critical Hölder regularity in a trivial way (as opposed to the case of general refinable functions, whose critical Hölder regularity exponents are often difficult to compute). While it is often mentioned in published articles that “refinable functions are important for subdivision surfaces in CAGD applications", it is rather unclear whether an arbitrary refinable function vector can be meaningfully applied to build free-form subdivision surfaces. The bivariate symmetric refinable Hermite interpolants constructed in this article, along with algorithmic developments elsewhere, give an application of vector refinability to subdivision surfaces. We briefly discuss several potential advantages offered by such Hermite subdivision surfaces.
Grad-div stablilization for Stokes equations
Authors: Olshanskii Maxim , Reusken Arnold
Published: June 2004

In this paper a stabilizing augmented Lagrangian technique for the Stokes equations is studied. The method is consistent and hence does not change the continuous solution. We show that this stabilization improves the well-posedness of the continuous problem for small values of the viscosity coefficient. We analyze the influence of this stabilization on the accuracy of the finite element solution and on the convergence properties of the inexact Uzawa method.
On tractability of weighted integration over bounded and unbounded regions in ℝ^{𝕤}
Authors: Hickernell Fred , Sloan Ian , Wasilkowski Grzegorz
Published: June 2004

We prove that for the space of functions with mixed first derivatives bounded in

L
1

L_1

norm, the weighted integration problem over bounded or unbounded regions is equivalent to the corresponding classical integration problem over the unit cube, provided that the integration domain and weight have product forms. This correspondence yields tractability of the general weighted integration problem.
The Steiner triple systems of order 19
Authors: Kaski Petteri , Östergård Patric
Published: June 2004

Using an orderly algorithm, the Steiner triple systems of order1919are classified; there are11,084,874,82911,\!084,\!874,\!829pairwise nonisomorphic such designs. For each design, the order of its automorphism group and the number of Pasch configurations it contains are recorded;2,5912,\!591of the designs are anti-Pasch. There are three main parts of the classification: constructing an initial set of blocks, the seeds; completing the seeds to triple systems with an algorithm for exact cover; and carrying out isomorph rejection of the final triple systems. Isomorph rejection is based on the graph canonical labeling softwarenautysupplemented with a vertex invariant based on Pasch configurations. The possibility of using the (strongly regular) block graphs of these designs in the isomorphism tests is utilized. The aforementioned value is in fact a lower bound on the number of pairwise nonisomorphic strongly regular graphs with parameters(57,24,11,9)(57,24,11,9).
Rational double points on supersingular 𝐾3 surfaces
Authors: Shimada Ichiro
Published: June 2004

We investigate configurations of rational double points with the total Milnor number

21
21

on supersingular

K
3

K3

surfaces. The complete list of possible configurations is given. As an application, we also give the complete list of extremal (quasi-)elliptic fibrations on supersingular

K
3

K3

surfaces.
Zeros of Gegenbauer and Hermite polynomials and connection coefficients
Authors: Area Iván , Dimitrov Dimitar , Godoy Eduardo , Ronveaux André
Published: June 2004

In this paper, sharp upper limit for the zeros of the ultraspherical polynomials are obtained via a result of Obrechkoff and certain explicit connection coefficients for these polynomials. As a consequence, sharp bounds for the zeros of the Hermite polynomials are obtained.
Algebraic algorithms for the analysis of mechanical trusses
Authors: Babuška I. , Sauter S.
Published: June 2004

Infinite periodic lattices can be used as models for analyzing and understanding various properties of mechanical truss constructions with periodic structures. For infinite lattices, the problems of connectivity and stability are nontrivial from the mathematical point of view and have not been addressed adequately in the literature. In this paper, we will present a set of algebraic algorithms, which are based on ideal theory, to solve such problems. For the understanding of the notion “complicated three-dimensional lattices”, it is essential to have this paper with colored figures.
Canonical vector heights on K3 surfaces with Picard number three— An argument for nonexistence
Authors: Baragar Arthur
Published: June 2004

In this paper, we investigate a K3 surface with Picard number three and present evidence that strongly suggests a canonical vector height cannot exist on this surface.
The generalized Fisher hypothesis in the Asian markets
Authors: Al‐Khazali Osamah M.
Published: June 2004

This paper investigates the generalized Fisher hypothesis for nine equity markets in the Asian countries. It states that the real rates of return on common stocks and the expected inflation rate are independent and that nominal stock returns vary in a one‐to‐one correspondence with the expected inflation rate. The regression results indicate that stock returns in general are negatively correlated to both expected and unexpected inflation, and that common stocks provide a poor hedge against inflation. However, the results of the VAR model indicate the lack of a unidirectional causality between stock returns and inflation. It also fails to find a consistent negative response neither of inflation to shocks in stock returns nor of stock returns to shocks in inflation in all countries. It appears that the generalized Fisher hypothesis in the Asian markets is as puzzling as in the developed markets.
China textile trade
Authors: Taylor Gail
Published: June 2004

Introduces the special issue on the textile trade in China and its progress in recent years. Outlines its growth which has reinforced its role as a preferred supplier to major markets, and its alignment with other members of the WTO.
Perceptions of countries as producers of consumer goods
Authors: Ahmed Sadrudin A. , d'Astous Alain
Published: June 2004

This article presents the results of a survey of 209 Mainland Chinese male consumers carried out in the late 1990s. In this study, consumer judgements of products made in both highly and newly industrialised countries were obtained in a multi‐attribute and multi‐dimensional context. As expected, the results showed that Chinese consumers' perceptions of country of design and country of assembly were much more positive for products made in highly industrialised countries than for those made in newly industrialised countries. However, some exceptions to this are addressed. A multi‐attribute analysis with country‐of‐origin variables indicates that the perception of a T‐shirt quality was strongly related to price and product satisfaction assurance, whereas the perception of a T‐shirt purchase value was mainly linked to satisfaction assurance. It is therefore concluded that Chinese consumers, having recently emerged from a totalitarian state‐controlled market condition, are in the process of forming enduring attitudes towards products made in foreign countries. This provides excellent opportunities for countries/brands that wish to build an image of fashion leadership in the Chinese market to gain a first‐mover advantage.
Supplier‐retailer relationships in China's distribution channel for foreign brand apparel
Authors: Dickson Marsha A. , Zhang Li
Published: June 2004

This study investigated how Chinese retailers perceive their foreign brand apparel suppliers and explored the use of power theory for explaining these relationships. A survey of 150 apparel retailers operating in Beijing, China provided data for the study. Referent power positively influenced retailers' attitudes toward and non‐economic satisfaction with their suppliers. Greater referent power also reduced channel conflict and enhanced economic satisfaction with business performance. The importance of this source of power seems to be linked with the concept of guanxi in China, where respectful relationships are valued. Coercive threats to withhold necessary merchandise, service, or contracts increased channel conflict. Surprisingly, greater channel conflict was associated with increased economic satisfaction with business performance. This relationship is contemplated from a cultural perspective and recommendations are made to foreign brand apparel manufacturers wishing to access China's retail market.
Apparel industry in East Asian newly industrialized countries
Authors: Jin Byoungho
Published: June 2004

The East Asian newly industrialized countries (from now on, Asian NIC) of Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan have experienced decreasing export competitiveness due to rise of labor costs. While cheap labor has been the main source of competitiveness of Asian NIC, it cannot be a viable factor for Asian NIC any more. As the industry sector develops, its competitive advantage factors should be changed accordingly. This study is a preliminary attempt to illustrate how apparel industries in Asian NIC can obtain competitive advantage in the global economy and to suggest their future direction and challenges. By synthesizing industry‐specific and Asian NIC‐specific advantages, this study presents three critical factors for Asian NIC: global brand, global sourcing, and agility. Future directions and challenges for the industries are suggested.
Beyond the perfect storm: ITU Telecom 2003, 12‐18 October, Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Frieden Rob
Published: June 2004

Presents a review of the world's largest combined trade show and poly/technical forum, ITU Telecom 2003, which was held on 12‐13 October in Geneva. Reveals that there appears to be a migration towards an Internet ‐centric network, wireless technologies are becoming more developed and there is an increase in broadband access.
Patient‐controlled epidural technique improves analgesia for labor but increases cesarean delivery rate compared with the intermittent bolus technique
Authors: Halonen P. , Sarvela J. , Saisto T. , Soikkeli A. , Halmesmäki E. , Korttila K.
Published: June 2004

Background:  We tested the hypothesis that patient‐controlled epidural analgesia for labor (PCEA) provides better analgesia and satisfaction than the intermittent bolus technique (bolus) without affecting the mode of delivery.

Methods:  We randomized 187 parturients to receive labor analgesia using either the PCEA or bolus technique. The PCEA group received a starting bolus of 14 mg of bupivacaine and 60 µg of fentanyl in a 15‐ml volume, followed by a background infusion (bupivacaine 0.08% and fentanyl 2 µg ml−1) 5 ml h−1 with a 5‐ml bolus and 15‐min lock‐out interval. The bolus group received boluses of 20 mg of bupivacaine and 75 µg of fentanyl in a 15‐ml volume.

Results:  Parturients in the PCEA group had significantly (P < 0.05–0.01) less pain during the first and second stages of labor. There was no difference in the spontaneous delivery rate between the groups, but the cesarean delivery rate was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (16.3% vs. 6.7%) in the PCEA group than in the bolus group. Bupivacaine consumption was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (11.2 mg h−1 vs. 9.6 mg h−1) and the second stage of labor was significantly (P < 0.01) longer (70 min vs. 54 min) in the PCEA group than in the bolus group. Patient satisfaction was equally good in both groups.

Conclusion:  The PCEA technique provided better pain relief. This was associated with higher bupivacaine consumption, prolongation of the second stage of labor, and an increased rate of cesarean section.
Overdose deaths attributed to methadone and heroin in New York City, 1990–1998
Authors: Bryant W. K. , Galea S. , Tracy M. , Markham Piper T. , Tardiff K. J. , Vlahov D.
Published: June 2004

Aims  Methadone treatment has been shown to be an effective intervention that can lower the risk of heroin‐induced overdose death. Recent reports have suggested increases in methadone‐induced overdose deaths in several locations in the USA and in Europe. This study investigated the role of methadone and opiates in accidental overdose deaths in New York City.

Design  We analysed data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to examine all accidental drug overdose deaths in New York City between 1990 and 1998.

Findings  Of 7451 total overdose deaths during this period, there were 1024 methadone‐induced overdose deaths, 4627 heroin‐induced overdose deaths and 408 overdose deaths attributed to both methadone and heroin. Fewer than a third as many accidental overdose deaths were attributed to methadone than were attributed to heroin during this period. The proportion of accidental overdose deaths attributed to methadone did not change appreciably (12.6–15.8% of total overdose mortality), while the proportion of overdose deaths attributed to heroin increased significantly (53.5–64.2%) during the period of study.

Conclusions  There was no appreciable increase in methadone‐induced overdose mortality in New York City during the 1990s. Both heroin‐induced overdose mortality and prescriptions of methadone increased during the same interval.
Audio‐computerized self‐interviewing versus face‐to‐face interviewing for research data collection at drug abuse treatment programs
Authors: Perlis Theresa E. , Des Jarlais Don C. , Friedman Samuel R. , Arasteh Kamyar , Turner Charles F.
Published: June 2004

Aims  To assess audio computer‐assisted self‐interviewing (A‐CASI) as a mode of data collection with injecting drug users (IDUs) entering two drug treatment programs in New York City. A‐CASI has been found to increase reporting of sensitive items among a variety of population subgroups.

Design  A ﬁeld test of A‐CASI data collection conducted within an ongoing cross‐sectional study of drug use and HIV risk behaviors among IDUs entering drug treatment. Participants were assigned without bias to either a computer‐assisted interviewer‐administered personal interview (CAPI) or to a mixed CAPI/A‐CASI interview. In the latter, ‘sensitive’ portions (dealing with stigmatized behavior) of the questionnaire were self‐administered through A‐CASI, while the remaining portions were interviewer‐administered.

Setting  The Detoxification Program and the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program (MMTP) at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Participants  Seven hundred and eighty‐three IDUs entering drug treatment.

Measurements  Odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (controlling for demographic differences) for comparison of A‐CASI versus CAPI responses on 111 sensitive questions.

Findings  Twenty‐three statistically significant differences (each at P < 0.05), all in the direction of more reporting of the behaviors by the A‐CASI group. Forty‐one per cent of A‐CASI participants said they would prefer any subsequent interviews to be fully A‐CASI and 46% said they would prefer the mixed CAPI/A‐CASI mode.

Conclusions  A‐CASI was associated with greater reporting of potentially stigmatized drug, sex and HIV risk behaviors on a moderate number of questions. Moreover, a large majority of participants who used A‐CASI would like to be assigned to this method of data collection in future interviews.
Drug use patterns and mental health of regular amphetamine users during a reported ‘heroin drought’
Authors: Baker Amanda , Lee Nicole K. , Claire Melissa , Lewin Terry J. , Grant Tanya , Pohlman Sonja , Saunders John B. , Kay‐Lambkin Frances , Constable Paul , Jenner Linda , Carr Vaughan J.
Published: June 2004

Aims  The present study extends the findings of a pilot study conducted among regular amphetamine users in Newcastle, NSW, in 1998. It compares key features between current participants in a state capital city (Brisbane) and a regional city (Newcastle) and between the 1998 and current Newcastle sample.

Design  Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting  Brisbane and Newcastle, Australia.

Participants  The survey was conducted among 214 regular amphetamine users within the context of a randomized controlled trial of brief interventions for amphetamine use.

Measurements  Demographic characteristics, past and present alcohol and other drug use and mental health, treatment, amphetamine‐related harms and severity of dependence.

Findings  The main findings were as follows: (i) the rate of mental health problems was high among regular amphetamine users and these problems commonly emerged after commencement of regular amphetamine use; (ii) there were regional differences in drug use with greater accessibility to a wider range of drugs in a state capital city and greater levels of injecting risk‐taking behaviour outside the capital city environment; and (iii) there was a significant increase in level of amphetamine use and percentage of alcohol users, a trend for a higher level of amphetamine dependence and a significant reduction in the percentage of people using heroin and benzodiazepines among the 2002 Newcastle cohort compared to the 1998 cohort.

Conclusions  Further longitudinal research is needed to elucidate transitions from one drug type to another and from recreational to injecting and regular use and the relationship between drug use and mental health in prospective studies among users.

Implications  Intervention research should evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at: preventing transition to injecting and regular use of amphetamines; toward reducing levels of depression among amphetamine users and interventions among people with severe psychopathology and personality disorders; and toward reducing the prevalence of tobacco dependence among amphetamine users.
The effects on mortality of brief interventions for problem drinking: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Riper Heleen , Lemmers Lex
Published: June 2004

Aims  Brief interventions for problem drinking may result in decreased mortality rates. Long‐term follow‐up studies of brief interventions do not produce a clear answer to the question as to whether these interventions reduce mortality or not.

Methods  We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized studies comparing brief interventions with a control group, using the fixed‐effects model. A systematic literature search produced four studies in which the mortality status of subjects was verified at follow‐up. Six more studies reported some deaths at follow‐up but did not verify mortality in death registers, and 22 further studies did not report the mortality status of the included subjects.

Findings  The pooled relative risk (RR) of dying was 0.47 for the four studies with verified mortality rates (95% CI: 0.25, 0.89). The pooled RR of all 32 studies was comparable (RR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.84), as were the RRs of several other subsamples of studies. The prevented fraction was 0.33 in the studies with verified mortality rates.

Conclusions  Although the overall death rate was low in the population of problem drinkers, brief interventions do appear to reduce mortality.
Unsupervised separation of seismic waves using the watershed algorithm on time‐scale images
Authors: Roueff Antoine , Chanussot Jocelyn , Mars Jerome I. , Nguyen Minh‐Quy
Published: June 2004

This paper illustrates the use of image processing techniques for separating seismic waves. Because of the non‐stationarity of seismic signals, the continuous wavelet transform is more suitable than the conventional Fourier transforms for the representation, and thus the analysis, of seismic processes. It provides a 2D representation, called a scalogram, of a 1D signal where the seismic events are well localized and isolated. Supervised methods based on this time‐scale representation have already been used to separate seismic events, but they require strong interactions with the geophysicist. This paper focuses on the use of the watershed algorithm to segment time‐scale representations of seismic signals, which leads to an automatic estimation of the wavelet representation of each wave separately. The computation of the inverse wavelet transform then leads to the reconstruction of the different waves. This segmentation, tracked over the different traces of the seismic profile, enables an accurate separation of the different wavefields. This method has been successfully validated on several real data sets.
Calibration of cross‐line components for sea‐bed 4C acquisition systems
Authors: Bagaini Claudio , Muyzert Everhard
Published: June 2004

Faithful recording of the elastic wavefield at the sea‐bed is required for quantitative applications of 4C seismic. The accuracy of the recorded vectorial wavefield depends on factors that vary from deployment to deployment. This paper focuses on one such factor: the interaction of the acquisition system with the sea‐bed, which is referred to here as coupling. We show, using multi‐azimuth data recorded with a cable‐based sea‐bed acquisition system, whose sensor housing is cylindrically shaped and with the in‐line geophone fixed to the cable, that coupling depends on the propagation direction and wave type (P‐ or S‐waves) of the incident wavefield. We show that coupling is more critical for S‐waves than for P‐waves. Detection of inconsistent coupling using both P‐ and S‐waves is therefore mandatory. A data‐driven processing method to compensate for the frequency‐dependent coupling response of the cross‐line geophone is derived. Its application to field data verifies the effectiveness of the method.
Optimal use of PP and PS time‐lapse stacks for fluid–pressure discrimination
Authors: Stovas A. , Landrø M.
Published: June 2004

The combined use of time‐lapse PP and PS seismic data is analysed for optimal discrimination between pressure and saturation changes. The theory is based on a combination of the well‐known Gassmann model and the geomechanical grain model derived by Hertz and Mindlin. A key parameter in the discrimination process is the opening angle between curves representing constant changes in PP and PS reflectivity plotted against pressure and saturation changes. The optimal discrimination angle in the pressure–saturation space is 90° and this is used to determine optimal offset ranges for both PP and PS data. For typical production scenarios, we find an optimal offset range corresponding to an angle of incidence of 25–30°, for both PP and PS data. For gas we find slightly different results. This means that conventional survey parameters used in marine multicomponent acquisition should be sufficient for the purpose of estimating pressure and fluid saturation changes during production.
Fate of αGal +/+ pancreatic islet grafts after transplantation into αGal knockout mice
Authors: Chandra Abhilash P. , Salvaris Evelyn , Walters Stacey N. , Murray‐Segal Lisa , Gock Hilton , Lehnert Anne M. , Wong Jeffrey K. W. , Cowan Peter J. , D'Apice Anthony J. F. , O'Connell Philip J.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Background: Important phylogenetic differences between pig and human tissues prevent xenotransplantation from becoming a clinically feasible option. Humans lack the galactose‐α1,3‐galactose (αGal) epitope on endothelial cell surfaces and therefore have preformed anti‐αGal antibodies. The role of these antibodies in rejection of non‐vascular xenografts remains controversial. This study investigared the role of anti‐αGal antibodies in rejection of non‐vascularizedαGal+/+ grafts inαGal −/− mice.

Methods: αGal +/+ andαGal −/− pancreatic islets were transplanted under the renal capsule of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic (1)αGal −/− mice and (2)αGal +/+ mice.αGal −/− recepients were immunized with rabbit red blood cell membranes (RRBCs) to produce elevated anti‐αGal antibody levels.

Results: Six of the 18αGal −/− mice rejected theαGal +/+ grafts within 68 days whereas indefinite graft survival was achieved in the control groups. Animals with surviving islet grafts were challenged withαGal +/+ skin grafts. Although allαGal +/+ skin grafts were rejected within 58 days, the islet grafts remained intact. This observation correlated with the level ofαGal expression (which was very low on islets compared to skin) rather than the actual titre of anti‐αGal antibody.

Discussion: The results suggest that the level ofαGal expression plays an important role in graft survival. Therefore, its removal is important in the development of a pig islet donor for future clinical therapy.
Anti‐pig antibody levels in non‐human primates of various origin
Authors: Lam Tuan T. , Boeke‐Purkis Katrin , Lau Macy , Paniagua Ricardo , Schuurman Henk‐Jan , Morris Randall E.
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Natural anti‐porcine antibodies play a major role in hyperacute solid organ xenograft rejection in the pig‐to‐non‐human primate model. Work from other groups and our experience in transplantation experiments has shown that antibody levels are highly variable between non‐human primate species, and that extremely high levels can mediate hyperacute rejection even if organs from animals transgenic for human decay‐accelerating factor are used.

Methods:  Sera were obtained from cynomolgus monkeys wild‐caught in Mauritius, captive‐bred in the Philippines, captive‐bred in Indonesia (Indonesia‐Ind), and originating from Indonesia but colony‐bred in USA (Indonesia‐USA), from baboons wild‐caught in Kenya, and from rhesus monkeys originating from India but colony‐bred in USA (10 animals in each group). Antibody levels were determined using assays for haemolytic antibody (APA), IgM and IgG class anti‐Galα1‐3Gal antibody, and IgM and IgG class anti‐endothelial cell antibody.

Results:  Cynomolgus monkeys from the Philippines and Indonesia‐USA and rhesus monkeys showed median APA and IgM antibody levels in the same range as a pooled human serum standard, and median IgG levels well below the level in this standard. Cynomolgus monkeys from Mauritius and Indonesia‐Ind showed extremely high APA levels (median seven to 10 times the human serum standard): IgM class antibodies were also higher, while IgG class antibodies were in the range of the level in the human serum standard. Antibody levels in baboons were in between these two categories. The results of the APA assay showed a highly statistically significant correlation with the assays of IgM antibody, and this was also the case for the IgM antibody assays, indicative of the assessment of the same antibodies in these assays. The same was observed for the assays for IgG antibody. Taking body weight as an indicator for age, there was no relationship between body weight and levels of antibodies.

Conclusions:  Natural antibody levels show a significant variation between various groups of non‐human primates, with levels in some groups well above those in a human serum standard.