bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Property Rights Perspective on Venture Capital Investment Decisions
Authors: Dimov Dimo , Gedajlovic Eric
Published: November 2009

abstract

To understand how ownership differences influence specific types of strategic decisions, we examine the investment decisions of venture capital (VC) firms, for which a variety of property rights arrangements exist. We describe how VC firms are characterized by important differences in how and to whom various property rights are allocated. On this basis, we develop a series of hypotheses regarding differences in the range and types of investment opportunities pursued by private, corporate, and bank affiliated VC firms. Evaluating our hypotheses using data on investments carried out by 3557 firms, we find that these types of firm perform distinct roles in the ecology of VC financing.
Updating Poverty Maps without Panel Data: Evidence from Vietnam*
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Viet
Published: November 2009

A household survey and a census can be combined to estimate a poverty map for small areas. Ideally, the survey and the census should be conducted in the same year. In several empirical applications, however, survey and census years can be different, which might make poverty estimates biased. Using data from the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey 2002 and the 1999 Population and Housing Census, the present paper produces a 2002 poverty map for Vietnam and describes the biases when the survey and census years are not coincident. It is found that poverty estimates from the poverty mapping method taking into account the time difference between the survey and the census are quite close to survey‐based estimates, at least at the regional level.
Effects of Information on Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Golden Rice
Authors: Depositario Dinah Pura T. , Nayga, Jr. Rodolfo M. , Wu Ximing , Laude Tiffany P.
Published: November 2009

We examine the effects of information on consumer bidding behavior using a uniform‐price auction with four units supply for golden rice. Our findings show that mean willingness to pay (WTP) bids are highest under positive information, followed by no information, negative information, and unexpectedly lowest with two‐sided information. Participants might have put more weight on the negative when faced with both positive and negative information. There is also a minor difference in WTP with respect to the reference price between positive information and no information. Furthermore, the marginal effect on WTP of positive information vis‐à‐vis no information is minimal. This suggests that the positive information faced by consumers might not be compelling enough to drastically increase WTP bids for a genetically modified product such as golden rice.
Vulnerability of Vietnamese Elderly to Poverty: Determinants and Policy Implications*
Authors: Giang Long T. , Pfau Wade D.
Published: November 2009

We identify determinants of elderly poverty in Vietnam using household survey data from 2004. The elderly living in urban and rural areas face significantly different conditions. Some factors impact poverty in both urban and rural areas (e.g. age, marital status, region and remittance receipts), some factors are insignificant in both areas (e.g. living arrangements and household head characteristics) and some factors have a differing impact in the two areas (e.g. gender, ethnicity, and household composition and size). With these findings, we formulate policy priorities, including reducing regional disparities, promoting the rural economy and reforming social security.
Polygyny, census and effective population size in the threatened frog, Rana latastei
Authors: Ficetola G. F. , Padoa‐Schioppa E. , Wang J. , Garner T. W. J.
Published: November 2009

Effective population size (Ne) is a key determinant of genetic diversity of populations. In amphibians, the ratio effective population size/census size (Ne/N) is often very low, raising concerns for the long‐term persistence of genetic diversity in isolated populations. It has been proposed that the phenomenon of ‘genetic compensation’ increases the ratio Ne/N in small populations, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Polygyny can decrease Ne/N because of the negative relationship between polygyny and Ne. We used genetic information (microsatellites) to evaluate the relationship between census size, polygyny and Ne in populations of the threatened Italian agile frog Rana latastei. We reconstructed parentage in tadpoles from nine populations with eight to 32 breeding females, using a likelihood‐based method; we analysed simulated datasets with known properties to confirm the reliability of this approach in reconstructing polygyny. Furthermore, we estimated Ne using approximate Bayesian computation. The level of polygyny differed strongly among populations (average number of mates per breeding male: 2–6.4). Polygyny was greater in populations with larger census sizes. Moreover, variance in male mating success was larger in large populations. Effective population size increased with population size, but was negatively related to polygyny; as polygyny increased in large populations, this was associated with reduced Ne/N. In polygynous species, increasing levels of polygyny in large populations may explain the low Ne/N values, with important implications for the conservation of genetic diversity and for long‐term population persistence.
Induction of dystrophin Dp71 expression during neuronal differentiation: opposite roles of Sp1 and AP2α in Dp71 promoter activity
Authors: Morales‐Lázaro Sara Luz , González‐Ramírez Ricardo , Gómez Pablo , Tapia‐Ramírez Victor , De León Mario Bermúdez , Cisneros Bulmaro
Published: November 2009

In this study, we delineated the molecular mechanisms that modulate Dp71 expression during neuronal differentiation, using the N1E‐115 cell line. We demonstrated that Dp71 expression is up‐regulated in response to cAMP‐mediated neuronal differentiation of these cells, and that this induction is controlled at promoter level. Functional deletion analysis of the Dp71 promoter revealed that a 5′‐flanking 159‐bp DNA fragment that contains Sp1 and AP2 binding sites is necessary and sufficient for basal expression of this TATA‐less promoter, as well as for its induction during neuronal differentiation. Electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Sp1 and AP2α bind to their respective DNA elements within the Dp71 basal promoter. Overall, mutagenesis assays on the Sp1 and AP2 binding sites, over‐expression of Sp1 and AP2α, as well as knock‐down experiments on Sp1 and AP2α gene expression established that Dp71 basal expression is controlled by the combined action of Sp1 and AP2α, which act as activator and repressor, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that induction of Dp71 expression in differentiated cells is the result of the maintenance of positive regulation exerted by Sp1, as well as of the loss of AP2α binding, which ultimately releases the promoter from repression.
Randomized study comparing the efficacy and tolerance of a lipohydroxy acid shampoo to a ciclopiroxolamine shampoo in the treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Seite Sophie , Rougier André , Talarico Sergio
Published: November 2009

Background  The success of a dandruff treatment depends not only on the ability of a shampoo to control dandruff, but also on patient compliance, which is closely linked to the cosmetic attributes of the product.

Aim  The aim of this study was to compare efficacy, tolerance, and cosmetic properties of a LHA Shampoo [containing 0.1% lipohydroxy acid (LHA) and 1.3% salicylic acid] to a CPO shampoo [containing 1.5% ciclopiroxolamine (CPO), 3% salicylic acid, and 0.5% menthol] in subjects with seborrheic dermatitis (SD) of the scalp.

Methods  One hundred subjects with mild to moderate scalp SD were randomized to receive either the LHA shampoo or the CPO shampoo every 2 days for 4 weeks. Efficacy and tolerance were evaluated at days 0, 14, and 28.

Results  The LHA and the CPO shampoo both decreased symptoms of scale, erythema, itching, cutaneous discomfort, and dryness from baseline to day 28. A higher percentage of patients showed improvement in the group treated with the LHA formulation than in the group treated with the CPO formulation, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. At day 28, the tolerance and the global efficacy of the LHA shampoo were significantly better (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively) than those of the CPO shampoo. Furthermore, the cosmetic acceptability was better or significantly better for all the endpoints evaluated for the LHA shampoo (P = 0.02 for cleaning, P = 0.04 for lathering).

Conclusion  In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the lipohydroxy acid shampoo evaluated in this study is a more convenient, efficient, safe, and well‐tolerated cosmetic treatment for mild‐to‐moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp than a ciclopiroxolamine shampoo.
The science and art of hyaluronic acid dermal filler use in esthetic applications
Authors: Gold Michael
Published: November 2009

Background  The number of dermal fillers has expanded dramatically; clinicians can benefit from practical information on their optimal use.

Aims  To review key determinants of dermal filler performance, to discuss technical considerations, and to illustrate these factors based on the author’s clinical experience.

Methods  Current literature pertaining to the physicochemical properties of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers and implications for clinical use was reviewed. The author provides clinical guidelines for optimizing outcomes, illustrated with three case examples.

Results  Hyaluronic acids are nonimmunogenic, versatile, reversible, and have excellent benefit–risk profiles, making them near‐ideal filling agents. They differ in their manufacturing processes, viscosity, hardness, cohesivity, ease of injection, and ideal uses. Patient counseling and education with individualized selection of the appropriate agent is critical to provide satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusions  Clinicians must be technically proficient, balance esthetic need with facial anatomy, and consider HA properties to provide optimal outcomes.
Uncommonly reported side effects of hair removal by long pulsed‐alexandrite laser
Authors: Rasheed Ahmad I
Published: November 2009

Objective  To provide retrospective clinical review of some uncommonly reported side effects of long‐pulsed alexandrite laser treatment for hair removal.

Material and methods  Two hundred and fifty female patients suffering from hirsutism of the face were subjected to treatment by long pulse alexandrite laser for a maximum of 15 sessions per patient at 5‐ to 7‐week intervals.

Results  Apart from the commonly reported side effects of pigmentary changes, occasional blistering and rare scarring, other untoward effects have been observed. These include – among others – de‐novo growth of hair outside the area treated by laser, potentiation of co‐existing vellus hair in the treatment area, induction or aggravation of acne, rosacea‐like rash, premature grayness of hair, tunneling of hair under the skin, prolonged diffuse redness and edema of the face, focal hypopigmentation of the lip, angular cheilitis, allergic reaction to the cooling gas, and inflammatory and pigmentary changes of pre‐existing nevi.

Conclusion  Although the efficacy of long‐pulsed alexandrite laser seems unmistakable, the short‐ and long‐term untoward effects of such treatment have yet to be carefully delineated and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be adequately clarified.
Contact dermatitis from a presumed allergy to paraphenylenediamine
Authors: Hansen Daniel , Voutsalath Melissa
Published: November 2009

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a potent skin allergen found in permanent hair dye and temporary henna tattoo ink. Several cases of adverse skin reactions to PPD have been reported in the literature. Here we present a case involving a patient who acquired a temporary tattoo while vacationing in Mexico and subsequently developed contact dermatitis at the tattoo site. He provided a history of permanent hair dye use in the past with associated cutaneous reaction. Temporary tattoos have become increasingly popular with travelers and as a result so have reports of associated allergic contact dermatitis. Of concern is cross‐reaction of PPD to related compounds, severe reactions in younger populations and sequelae including increased sensitization, permanent scarring, and persistent postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Midface lifting with botulinum toxin: intradermal technique
Authors: Petchngaovilai Chariya
Published: November 2009

Background  An intradermal injection technique is a variation of the intramuscular or subcutaneous injection technique usually performed with botulinum toxin for facial rejuvenation. The technique applied to realign the imbalance of the facial muscles by weakening the downward pull of the depressors and allowing the levators to contract in a compensatory fashion results in midface lifting and rejuvenation.

Aims  To address the intradermal injection technique of botulinum toxin for midface lifting.

Methods  A restrospective review of the patients undergoing midface lifting during the year 2008, the procedure, the details of the injection technique, and outcomes are described.

Results  An intradermal injection technique of botulinum toxin successfully gives rise to midface lifting and rejuvenation.

Conclusion  An intradermal injection technique of botuinum toxin treatment is effective for aesthetic improvement in the midface.
Cutaneous allergic reactions to tattoo ink
Authors: Kaur Ravneet Ruby , Kirby William , Maibach Howard
Published: November 2009

Tattoo artists use many compounds to create tattoo pigment and several allergic reactions can occur as a result of these additives. The compositions of many inks have been identified; however, as new mixtures are created it becomes difficult to identify the specific ingredients in a particular ink. Allergic reactions to a particular pigment can manifest in several ways including allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic dermatitis. Subsequently, tattoo ink or pigment allergy reactions can be classified as acute inflammatory reactions, allergic hypersensitivities, and granulomatous, lichenoid, and pseudolymphomatous types of reactions. This paper will review the clinical manifestations and the most common compounds associated with cutaneous reactions to tattoo ink.
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N‐undecyl‐10‐enoyl‐l‐phenylalanine and its combination with niacinamide
Authors: Bissett Donald L , Robinson Larry R , Raleigh Patricia S , Miyamoto Kukizo , Hakozaki Tomohiro , Li Jim , Kelm Gary R
Published: November 2009

Objectives  N‐undecyl‐10‐enoyl‐l‐phenylalanine (Sepiwhite®, N‐undecylenoyl phenylalanine), a reported alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) receptor antagonist, has been observed to reduce melanin production in cultured melanocytes. In other testing, niacinamide has been found to inhibit melanosome transfer in cultured cells and to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented spots in clinical studies. Since these two agents function by different mechanisms, we conducted two studies to determine if their combination is more effective than niacinamide alone in reducing facial hyperpigmentation.

Methods  Two double‐blind, 10‐week (2‐week washout + 8‐week treatment), left‐right randomized, split‐face clinical studies were conducted. In one, two groups of Japanese women applied one of two pairs of test emulsion formulations: a vehicle control and a 5% niacinamide formulation (n= 40), or a 5% niacinamide and a 5% niacinamide plus 1%N‐undecylenoyl phenylalanine formulation (n = 40). Each formulation was applied to the randomly assigned side of the face. In the second study, Caucasian women applied one of three emulsions: vehicle control, 5% niacinamide formulation, or combination 5% niacinamide plus 1%N‐undecylenoyl‐phenylalanine formulation to the randomly assigned side of the face (n = ∼60 treatment sites per formulation). In both studies, hyperpigmented spots were evaluated at weeks 4 and 8 by quantitative image analysis.

Results  In both studies, the combination formulation was significantly more effective than the vehicle and the 5% niacinamide formulation in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation after 8 weeks.

Conclusions  The combination of 5% niacinamide and 1%N‐undecylenoyl phenylalanine is an effective anti‐aging technology for use on facial skin.
The use of infrared‐triggered cameras for surveying phasianids in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: LI SHENG , MCSHEA WILLIAM J. , WANG DAJUN , SHAO LIANGKUN , SHI XIAOGANG
Published: November 2009

We report on the use of infrared‐triggered cameras as an effective tool to survey phasianid populations in Wanglang and Wolong Nature Reserves, China. Surveys at 183 camera‐trapping sites recorded 30 bird species, including nine phasianids (one grouse and eight pheasant species). Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus and Temminck’s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii were the phasianids most often detected at both reserves and were found within the mid‐elevation range (2400–3600 m asl). The occupancy rate and detection probability of both species were examined using an occupancy model relative to eight sampling covariates and three detection covariates. The model estimates of occupancy for Blood Pheasant (0.30) and Temminck’s Tragopan (0.14) are close to the naïve estimates based on camera detections (0.27 and 0.13, respectively). The estimated detection probability during a 5‐day period was 0.36 for Blood Pheasant and 0.30 for Temminck’s Tragopan. The daily activity patterns for these two species were assessed from the time/date stamps on the photographs and sex ratios calculated for Blood Pheasant (152M : 72F) and Temminck’s Tragopan (48M : 21F). Infrared cameras are valuable for surveying these reclusive species and our protocol is applicable to research or monitoring of phasianids.
Perturbation of mitochondrial complex V alters the response to dietary restriction in Drosophila
Authors: Bahadorani Sepehr , Hur Jae H. , Lo Jr Thomas , Vu Kevin , Walker David W.
Published: November 2009

Studies in a broad spectrum of model organisms have reported that dietary restriction (DR) is associated with an increase in mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) function. However, the question of whether ETC function is required for DR‐mediated longevity remains controversial. Here, we report that genetic and pharmacological interventions that target mitochondrial complex V affect Drosophila lifespan in a nutrient‐dependent manner. These findings support a requirement for mitochondrial complex V in DR‐mediated longevity in flies.
A STUDY OF GLASS TESSERAE FROM MOSAICS IN THE MONASTERIES OF DAPHNI AND HOSIOS LOUKAS (GREECE)
Authors: ARLETTI R. , FIORI C. , VANDINI M.
Published: November 2009

In this work 51 glass mosaic tesserae from decorations of the two Greek monasteries of Daphni and Hosios Loukas were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis and X‐ray powder diffraction. On the basis of the chemical analyses, after discrimination between the tesserae of the original decorations and those from other periods, it was possible to outline the distinctive traits of Byzantine mosaic tesserae. In both the monasteries, the original mosaics were decorated with tesserae produced with plant ash based glass, either of the typical composition or a mixture with natron type glass. The samples from the Hosios Loukas decorations show a more homogeneous composition compared with those from Daphni. The major differences among the original samples are due to the presence of opacifiers and colourants.
Double exposure in Mozambique's Limpopo River Basin
Authors: SILVA JULIE A , ERIKSEN SIRI , OMBE ZACARIAS A
Published: November 2009

This paper examines how double exposure to economic and environmental stressors – and the interaction between the two – affect smallholder farmers in Mozambique's Limpopo River Basin. Studying two case study villages we find that people, in general, are resilient to environmental stressors. However, most households show less resilience to the socioeconomic stressors and shocks that have been introduced or intensified by economic globalisation. Our findings indicate that economic change brought about by structural adjustment policies pressures rural people to alter their approach to farming, which makes it more difficult for them to respond to environmental change. For example, smallholder farmers find it difficult to make a transition to commercial farming within the Limpopo Basin, in part because farming techniques that are well adapted to managing environmental variability in the region – such as seeding many small plots – are not well suited to the economies of scale needed for profitable commercial agriculture. People use a variety of strategies to cope with interactive environmental and economic stressors and shocks, but many face considerable constraints to profitably exploiting market‐based opportunities. We conclude that economic stressors and shocks may now be causing small‐scale agriculture to be less well adapted to ecological and climate variability, making smallholders more vulnerable to future climate change. Some local level policy interventions, including those that support and build on local environmental knowledge, could assist rural agricultural societies in adapting to future environmental change in the context of economic globalisation.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Biosolids Enhance the Growth of a Native Australian Grass on Sulphidic Gold Mine Tailings
Authors: Madejón E. , Doronila A. I. , Sanchez‐Palacios J. T. , Madejón P. , Baker A. J. M.
Published: November 2009

We tested the effect of the addition of biosolids combined with a native mycorrhizal inoculum (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi [AMF]) on growth of a native Australian grass, and on trace element stabilization of sulphidic gold mine tailings. A glasshouse trial was established on four substrates: tailings (T); tailings with a layer of 5 cm topsoil (TS); tailings amended with 100 dry t ha−1 biosolids (LB), and tailings amended with 500 dry t ha−1 biosolids (HB). Pots of 1.2 L of capacity were established; some were inoculated with a mixture of Glomus sp. (WUM51–9227), Scutelospora aurigloba (WUM51–53), and Acaulospora levis (WUM46) culture mix, and others were uninoculated controls. Seeds of the native Australian grass, Bothriochloa macra were sown in the pots. Root infection, plant biomass production, nutrients and trace element concentrations in shoots were investigated.

Addition of biosolids significantly increased AMF infection of roots compared to unamended substrates. No clear qualitative differences in colonization were detected. Addition of biosolids and AMF together clearly improved the establishment and growth of the native grass. Similar trends in nutritional status were shown for biosolids and inoculation with AMF treatments. Mycorrhizal inoculation increased plant biomass production and the effectiveness of nutrient uptake. The combined use of biosolids and mycorrhizal inoculation could be a reliable method for phytostabilization purposes in polluted substrates.
Personal Mastery and Lower Body Mobility in Community‐Dwelling Older Persons: The Invecchiare in Chianti Study
Authors: Milaneschi Yuri , Bandinelli Stefania , Corsi Anna Maria , Vazzana Rosamaria , Patel Kushang V. , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M.
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVES:To test the hypothesis that, in older persons, sense of personal mastery, defined as the extent to which one regards one's life chance as being under one's own control, predicts change in lower extremity performance during a 6‐year follow‐up.

DESIGN:Prospective cohort study.

SETTING:Community based.

PARTICIPANTS:Six hundred twenty‐six participants aged 65 and older.

MEASUREMENTS:Personal mastery was assessed at baseline using Pearlin's mastery scale. Lower extremity performance was measured at baseline and at 6‐year follow‐up using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) of lower extremity function.

RESULTS:Higher sense of mastery was associated with a significantly less‐steep decline in lower extremity performance. Participants in the two lowest quartiles of personal mastery had, respectively, a 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4–5.1,P=.01) and 3.2 (95% CI=1.6–6.6,P=.002) higher risk of experiencing a substantial decline (≥3 points) in SPPB scores after 6 years as those in the highest quartile.

CONCLUSIONS:Older individuals with poor sense of personal mastery are at high risk of accelerated lower extremity physical function decline. Whether interventions aimed at improving personal mastery may prevent disability remains unknown.
Methanogenic granular sludge as a seed in an anaerobic baffled reactor
Authors: Baloch M. I.
Published: November 2009

This paper reviews the importance of phase separation in anaerobic wastewater treatment, characteristics of anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), properties of anaerobic granular sludge, granulation process and advantages of granular sludge over nongranular sludge. The performance data of ABR and its modified configurations with regard to carbonaceous matter removal by using various seed sludges are compared. It is concluded that enhanced wastewater treatment efficiencies can be achieved with methanogenic granular seed sludge in an ABR because of a number of advantages associated with granular biomass over nongranular aggregates.
American Economic Relations with Asia
Authors: NOLAND Marcus
Published: November 2009

The USA and Asia have an enormous stake in each others' continuing prosperity. This outcome is linked to the preservation of the open international economic order, which in turn faces challenges at both the interstate diplomatic level and at the domestic political level. The global financial crisis is probably the worst since the Great Depression and the domestic politics makes it increasingly difficult to formulate a constructive trade policy. In the absence of adequate reform at the global level, the alternative could be further fragmentation into competing regional blocs. Asia holds the key, combining both dissatisfaction with existing global arrangements with the resources to reconstitute, at least at the regional level, an alternative set of institutions and practices. How Asia responds, acting to strengthen reformed global institutions or undermine them in favor of regional alternatives, will partly depend on the policies of the dominant global power, the USA.
Politics of Trade in the USA and in the Obama Administration: Implications for Asian Regionalism
Authors: BARFIELD Claude
Published: November 2009

Over the next four years, the Obama administration will face a series of strategic choices in forging policies to respond to a growing momentum for advances in Asian regional structures. Though faced with domestic political challenges; not least from within his own Democratic party – President Obama and his advisers will need to set a course for the reassertion of US leadership in constructing a trans‐Pacific vision, through new US‐based free trade agreements, signing on to existing agreements such as the P‐4 (Singapore, New Zealand, Brunei, the Philippines), or consolidating existing free trade agreements among Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations. In pursuing this vision, the US should take advantage of the fact that the next three APEC leaders meetings are in Singapore (2009), Japan (2010), and the USA (2011); a sequence ripe for synergistic teamwork.
US Foreign Direct Investment in East Asia: Strategy and Policy Issues
Authors: ZAINAL ABIDIN Mahani , ABDUL AZIZ Nor Izzatina
Published: November 2009

East Asian trade and investment policies have attracted US investment into the region, but these policies should be fine‐tuned for the region to compete effectively for US investment inflow and increase their global share of US foreign direct investment. The changes should consider the needs of the US investors and East Asia's own economic development. Bilateral free trade agreements with the US are the likely channel for these changes, but the question is whether East Asia is ready for a comprehensive and deep liberalization. East Asia should work toward a regional investment policy framework to facilitate and expand the regional production network developed by the US foreign direct investment.
Taxonomic revision of Lepisorus (J. Sm.) Ching sect. Lepisorus (Polypodiaceae) from China
Authors: QI Xin‐Ping , ZHANG Xian‐Chun
Published: November 2009

Abstract  The taxonomy of Lepisorus (J. Sm.) Ching sect. Lepisorus in China was revised based on herbarium specimen examinations, field observations, and microscopic study of rhizome scales, soral paraphyses, leaf epidermis, and spores. As a result, nine species were recognized: Lepisorus macrosphaerus (Baker) Ching, Lepisorus asterolepis (Baker) Ching, Lepisorus marginatus Ching, Lepisorus kuchenensis (Y.C. Wu) Ching, Lepisorus megasorus (C. Chr.) Ching, Lepisorus kawakamii (Hayata) Tagawa, Lepisorus subsessilis Ching & Y.X. Lin, Lepisorus affinis Ching, and Lepisorus nudus (Hook.) Ching. Lepisorus kawakamii (Hayata) Tagawa was reinstated; Lepisorus gyirongensis Ching & S.K. Wu and Lepisorus longus Ching were reduced to synonyms of L. nudus and L. affinis, respectively. The subdivision of Lepisorus macrosphaerus was not accepted. Rhizome scales and paraphyses are the most useful characters for species delimitation as well as for infrageneric classification. Characteristics of the leaf epidermis and spore ornamentation are usually stable and thus of great significance in understanding the relationships among groups within the genus.
A revision of Clematis sect. Atragene (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: YANG Wen‐Jing , LI Liang‐Qian , XIE Lei
Published: November 2009

Abstract  Clematis sect. Atragene is revised in this paper based on the examination of a large number of herbarium specimens, extensive field observations, and morphometric analyses. Brief taxonomic history and geographical distribution of the section are given, the relationships among the species are discussed, and the evolutionary trends of some characters in the section are evaluated. The staminodes of the plants in this section may have evolved from the outer stamens with petaloid filaments and gradually disappearing anthers. Subsequently, they may have evolved in two different ways. One possibility is that the staminodes elongate and become lanceolate, as long as sepals, and their apices turn into attenuate. The other is that the staminodes are spathulate, but not elongating, as long as stamens, and their apices turn into retuse from obtuse and rounded. The evolutionary trend of sepals may be from thin to thick in texture, and the veins from non‐prominent to prominent. As a result, five new series are established and nine species, two subspecies and nine varieties (including three new ranks) are recognized in this section. An identification key is provided, and each taxon is described and illustrated. Clematis sibirica and Clematis ochotensis are treated as subspecies of Clematis alpina due to their subtle differences and lack of, or few, overlapping distributions. Clematis fusijamana and Clematis fauriei are recognized as varieties of C. alpina ssp. ochotensis for the continuous variation of the velutinous strips on the sepal margins. Clematis iliensis is treated as variety of C. alpina ssp. sibirica for the continuous variation of leaf division types. Extensive variations in sepal color and basal caruncle size support degrading Clematis chiisanensis as a variety of Clematis koreana. The North American ser. Occientales may be primitive, whereas ser. Macropetalae may be the most advanced taxon in this section. Ser. Alpinae and ser. Koreanae are closely related to each other. However, the systematic position of ser. Tomentosae cannot be determined based on morphological characters alone in the present study.
An Analysis of Dual‐Kanban Just‐In‐Time Systems in a Non‐Repetitive Environment
Authors: Diaz Rafael , Ardalan Ali
Published: November 2009

Recent advances in approaches and production technologies for the production of goods and services have made just‐in‐time (JIT) a strong alternative for use in intermittent and small batch production systems, especially when time‐based competition is the norm and a low inventory is a must. However, the conventional JIT system is designed for mass production with a stable master production schedule. This paper suggests supplementing the information provided by production kanbans with information about customer waiting lines to be used by operators to schedule production in each work‐station of intermittent and small batch production systems. This paper uses simulation to analyze the effect of four scheduling policy variables—number of kanbans, length of the withdrawal cycle, information about customer waiting lines, and priority rules on two performance measures—customer wait‐time and inventory. The results show that using information about customer waiting lines reduces customer wait‐time by about 30% while also reducing inventory by about 2%. In addition, the effect of information about customer waiting lines overshadows the effect of priority rules on customer wait‐time and inventory.
Utility impact rating with subsurface utility engineering in project development
Authors: Jung Yeun J.
Published: November 2009

A lack of reliable information regarding the locations of underground utilities can not only result in property damage, construction delays, design changes, claims, injuries, and even deaths but can also cause traffic delays, local business disruptions, environmental problems, and utility service breakdowns in highway projects. The subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is an engineering process designed to reduce the potential of underground utility conflicts at the planning phase. The SUE uses new and existing technologies to identify, characterize, and map accurately the underground utilities with three major activities: designation, location, and data management. In this study, a decision-support tool called the SUE utility impact rating form, which refers to utility complexity at the construction site, has been developed to determine which projects should include SUE and the appropriate levels of SUE investigation to be used. In addition, case studies with benefit–cost ratio have been performed to verify the form.
USEFULNESS OF DIRECTED ACYCLIC SUBWORD GRAPHS IN PROBLEMS RELATED TO STANDARD STURMIAN WORDS
Authors: BATURO PAWEŁ , PIATKOWSKI MARCIN , RYTTER WOJCIECH
Published: November 2009

The class of finite Sturmian words consists of words having particularly simple compressed representation, which is a generalization of the Fibonacci recurrence for Fibonacci words. The subword graphs of these words (especially their compacted versions) have a very special regular structure. In this paper we investigate this structure in more detail than in previous papers and show how several syntactical properties of Sturmian words follow from their graph properties. Consequently simple alternative graph-based proofs of several known facts are presented. The very special structure of subword graphs leads also to special easy algorithms computing some parameters of Sturmian words: the number of subwords, the critical factorization point, lexicographically maximal suffixes, occurrences of subwords of a fixed length, and right special factors. These algorithms work in linear time with respect to n, the size of the compressed representation of the standard word, though the words themselves can be of exponential size with respect to n. Some of the computed parameters can be also of exponential size, however we provide their linear size compressed representations. We introduce also a new concept related to standard words: Ostrowski automata.
IN-PLACE UPDATE OF SUFFIX ARRAY WHILE RECODING WORDS
Authors: GALLÉ MATTHIAS , PETERLONGO PIERRE , COSTE FRANÇOIS
Published: November 2009

Motivated by grammatical inference and data compression applications, we propose an algorithm to update a suffix array while in the indexed text some occurrences of a given word are substituted by a new character. Compared to other published index update methods, the problem addressed here may require the modification of a large number of distinct positions over the original text. The proposed algorithm uses the specific internal order of suffix arrays in order to update simultaneously groups of indices, and ensures that only indices to be modified are visited. Experiments confirm a significant execution time speedup compared to the construction of suffix array from scratch at each step of the application.
NEW EFFICIENT BIT-PARALLEL ALGORITHMS FOR THE (δ, α)-MATCHING PROBLEM WITH APPLICATIONS IN MUSIC INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
Authors: CANTONE DOMENICO , CRISTOFARO SALVATORE , FARO SIMONE
Published: November 2009

We present new efficient variants of the (δ, α)-Sequential-Sampling algorithm, recently introduced by the authors, for the δ-approximate string matching problem with α-bounded gaps. These algorithms, which have practical applications in music information retrieval and analysis, make use of the well-known technique of bit-parallelism. An extensive comparison with the most efficient algorithms present in the literature for the same search problem shows that our newly proposed solutions achieve very good results in practice, in terms of both space and time complexity, and, in most cases, they outperform existing algorithms. Moreover, we show how to adapt our algorithms to other variants of the approximate matching problem with gaps, which are particularly relevant for their applications in other fields than music (e.g., molecular biology).
ON TRIPLE POINT NUMBERS OF 5-COLORABLE 2-KNOTS
Authors: MOHAMAD ABDUL , YASHIRO TSUKASA
Published: November 2009

In this paper we give a lower bound of triple point numbers of special family of 2-knots colored by the dihedral quandle of order 5.
RIBBON 2-KNOTS WITH DISTINCT RIBBON TYPES
Authors: YASUDA TOMOYUKI
Published: November 2009

A ribbon 2-knot is a 2-sphere in R4, which is obtained from m 2-spheres in R4 by connecting them with m - 1 pipes. Even in the case that a ribbon 2-knot K2 is constructed by two 2-spheres and one pipe, a way of constructing K2 is not always unique. That is, K2 might have presentations of two or more types.

The presentation that a pipe crosses two spheres n times is said to be an n-crossing ribbon presentation, and also n be the ribbon crossing number of this presentation.

In this note, we will show that for any positive integer i, there exists a ribbon 2-knot with presentations of two distinct types such that the difference of their ribbon crossing number is i; and in addition we will also show that for any positive integer j, there exists a ribbon 2-knot with presentations of j, distinct types such that they have the same ribbon crossing number.
FREE SELF DELTA-TRIVIALITY OF DELTA-SPLIT LINKS
Authors: NAKANISHI YASUTAKA , SHIBUYA TETSUO , TSUKAMOTO TATSUYA
Published: November 2009

A free self delta-trivial link is a link which can be transformed into a trivial link by trivializing a component only with self delta-moves on the component, one by one in any order. We show that if a link spans mutually disjoint disks whose singularities are arcs of the non-clasp-type and loops, then the link is free self delta-trivial. We also study free self sharp-triviality and free self pass-triviality of a link which spans mutually disjoint disks whose singularities are mutually disjoint simple arcs of the clasp-type.
ON A LOCAL MOVE FOR VIRTUAL KNOTS AND LINKS
Authors: OIKAWA TOSHIYUKI
Published: November 2009

We define a local move called a CF-move on virtual link diagrams, and show that any virtual knot can be deformed into a trivial knot by using generalized Reidemeister moves and CF-moves. Moreover, we define a new virtual link invariant n(L) for a virtual 2-component link L whose virtual linking number is an integer. Then we give necessary and sufficient conditions for two virtual 2-component links to be deformed into each other by using generalized Reidemeister moves and CF-moves in terms of a virtual linking number and n(L).
FABRICATION OF ALIGNED PIEZOELECTRIC NANOFIBER BY ELECTROSPINNING
Authors: NASIR MUHAMAD , KOTAKI MASAYA
Published: November 2009

The aligned hollow piezoelectric poly (viniliden fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber was prepared by co-axial electrospinning. Beaded free finer aligned hollow nanofibers have diameter range between 80 and 300 nm. Surface roughness and crystal structure of nanofiber fibers were successfully controlled by using special ionic additives. Furthermore, crystalinity of aligned fiber was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. Fourier transforms infra red (FTIR), polarized FTIR, and wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis of fiber showed that the aligned PVDF nanofiber had rich content β-phase crystal structure, and PVDF molecule orientation was along fiber axis. Advanced discussion will be exposed in this paper such as effect of electrospinning speeds on morphology, fiber diameter, crystalinity, and crystal structure of hollow PVDF nanofiber. Piezoelectric nanofiber has great potential application in advanced sensor and actuator.
FABRICATION OF STM TUNGSTEN NANOTIP BY ELECTROCHEMICAL ETCHING METHOD
Authors: TAHMASEBIPOUR GHODRAT , AHMADI VAHID , ABDULLAH AMIR , HOJJAT YOUSEF
Published: November 2009

With developments in nanoscience and nanotechnology, Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) has found a wide application in imaging the atoms, molecules, and nanostructures. This microscope uses an ultra sharp metallic tip for scanning sample surface to produce surface topographic image with atomic resolution. Reliability and resolution of STM images depend largely on the sharpness of the tip apex and repeatability of images depends on mechanical strength of tip material. During last decades, a variety of techniques and processes have been developed for fabrication of different metallic tips made from tungsten, platinum, platinum–iridium, gold, and silver. Electrochemical etching process is the most popular method for fabrication of nanotips with desired quality, reliability, and reproducibility and tungsten is normally the first choice for fabrication of STM tips as it has a high mechanical strength as well as a good electrical conductivity. Fabrication of STM tungsten tip by using electrochemical etching method and tip characterization has been the subject of several researches. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, effect of voltage type (AC/DC), time delay in turning off the voltage, tungsten wire diameter, environmental vibrations, electrolyte type, cathode material, and perpendicularity of tungsten wire (toward electrolyte surface) on the tip sharpness have not been studied so far. In this paper, effects of these parameters on the tip shape and sharpness are investigated. A proper set-up for STM tungsten nanotip fabrication by using electrochemical etching method is presented.
OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESSING TEMPERATURE TO ACHIEVE HIGH QUALITY SOL–GEL-DERIVED PZT THIN FILM
Authors: DEHGHANI SAJJAD , BARZEGAR ABDOLGHAFAR , SHEIKHI MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN
Published: November 2009

Ferroelectric PbZr 1-x Ti x O 3 (PZT) thin films have been extensively investigated because of their excellent piezoelectric, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, and dielectric properties. Sol–gel synthesis and spin-coating are popular routes to the formation of high quality, dense, and crack-free thin films. In this work, high quality, crack-free PZT thin films have been prepared by sol–gel method via spin-coating on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate by different temperature processings. The crystallographic and morphological properties of the films have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrical properties of thin films including the permittivity, loss tangent, and polarization–voltage hysteresis loop were measured and compared for different films. Finally, by optimizing temperature processing, highly textured and high quality films of PZT with perovskite phase were obtained on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates.
A VERSATILE BOTTOM UP APPROACH FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF TIN OXIDE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR POTENTIAL
Authors: SHAH M. A.
Published: November 2009

Functional oxides are presently much investigated for their potential applications in various areas and Tin oxide appears particularly interesting when grown in nanometer range. A versatile and an economic technique have been developed for the synthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles, which does not require any substrate or surfactant. The technique is based on a simple reaction of tin and water at low temperature. The water is regarded as benign and safe solvent and the nanostructures so produced are biocompatible. This synthetic technique has the following advantages: First, the synthesis needs no sophisticated equipments since it is conducted at low temperature of 200°C under normal atmosphere. Second, the clean surfaces of the as-synthesized nanostructures can be readily functionalized for various applications since there is neither a capping reagent nor a substrate. Finally, the approach is nontoxic without producing hazardous waste. Therefore, the technique could be extended and expanded to provide a general simple and convenient strategy for the synthesis of nanostructures of other functional materials with important scientific and technological applications. The relative studies are in process and will be reported in forth coming publications.
SIZED-CONTROLLED ZnO NANOPARTICLES, SYNTHESIS AND MORPHOLOGY
Authors: OFTADEH MOHSEN , SALAVATI-NIASARI MASOUD , DAVAR FATEMEH
Published: November 2009

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully prepared through the decomposition of zinc acetylacetonate precursor in oleylamine in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
SYNTHESIS OF COBALT AND COBALT OXIDE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
Authors: SALAVATI-NIASARI MASOUD , DAVAR FATEMEH
Published: November 2009

Co and Co3O4 nanoparticles are synthesized via a thermal decomposition method in the presence of oleylamine using a new precursor of [Bis(2-hydroxyacetophenato)cobalt(II)]. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The hysteresis loops of the obtained samples reveal the ferromagnetic behaviors of the enhanced coercivity (Hc) and decreased saturation magnetization (Ms) in contrast to their respective bulk materials.
The Term Structure of Interest Rates
Authors: Jarrow Robert A.
Published: November 2009

This paper reviews the term structure of interest rates literature relating to the arbitrage-free pricing and hedging of interest rate derivatives. Term structure theory is emphasized. Topics included are the HJM model, forward and futures contracts, the expectations hypothesis, and the pricing of caps/floors. Directions for future research are discussed.