bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spreadthink: Explaining ineffective groups
Authors: Warfield John N.
Published: July 2007

Extended testing of the performance of small groups working with complex issues has revealed the pervasive existence of a phenomenon which is here named ‘Spreadthink’. This phenomenon accounts for worldwide ineffectiveness of groups of people trying to work together to resolve complex issues under conditions that neither recognize nor compensate for Spreadthink.

Since Spreadthink is an immobilizing phenomenon, it deserves widespread attention and appropriate compensatory action by leaders, managers and administrators wherever complex issues are under serious consideration in organizations.

Concurrent with the testing that uncovered and documented Spreadthink, measures that can be taken to overcome the effects of Spreadthink have been tested. The evidence that would prove the effectiveness of these measures is equal in extent, but much less quantitative in nature than the evidence that supports the presence of Spreadthink. Nevertheless, a significant case can be made to the effect that if Spreadthink can be overcome in a particular situation, the system of management called interactive management provides the capability to overcome it in that situation.
Synergy and self‐organization in the evolution of complex systems
Authors: Corning Peter A.
Published: July 2007

Synergy of various kinds has played a significant creative role in evolution; it has been a prodigious source of evolutionary novelty. Elsewhere it has been proposed that the functional (selective) advantages associated with various forms of synergistic phenomena have been an important cause of the ‘progressive’ evolution of complex systems over time. Underlying the many specific steps in the complexification process, a common functional principle has been operative. Recent mathematical modelling work in biology, utilizing a new generation of non‐linear dynamical systems models, has resulted in a radically different hypothesis. It has been asserted that ‘spontaneous’, autocatalytic processes, which are held to be inherent properties of living matter itself, may be responsible for much of the order found in nature and that natural selection is merely a supporting actor. A new ‘physics of biology’ is envisioned in which emerging natural laws of organization will be recognized as being responsible both for driving the evolutionary process and for truncating the role of natural selection. This article describes these two paradigms in some detail and discusses the possible relationship between them. Their relevance to the process of human evolution is also briefly discussed.
A survey of applied systemology
Authors: McNeil Donald H.
Published: July 2007

In recent years there has been an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with conventional, rigid conceptualizations of systems and a growing initiative to supplant them with a more fluid paradigm for a general theory of systemicity. It has been proposed that a properly developed systemology would constitute an applied philosophy, highly relevant to a constructive re‐vision, not only of the sciences but also of human affairs. A homeokinetic paradigm with a heterarchical (toroidal) topology has been recommended as a replacement for linear and hierarchical archetypes of systems.

This paper first reintroduces the central concepts of systemology, then offers a survey of some systemological applications under the following subheadings:

•how the idea of systemicity can be reconceived so as to unshackle imagination;

•how systemological theory helps to decode the literature and appraise the discourse about ‘systems’;

•how systemological principles can confirm and/ or debunk cherished beliefs;

•how natural systems can be envisioned whole;

•how artificial systems may be planned and developed felicitously;

•how all systems in general may be better appreciated.
The systems thinker as revolutionary
Authors: De Greene Kenyon B.
Published: July 2007

The epoch of concern in this paper extends from about 1975 to about 2005: the phases of recession and depression of Kondratiev Cycle/Structure Number Four and the beginning of the phase of recovery of a possible fifth Kondratiev. During the past decade or so a number of meetings of international societies and a number of special issues of scientific and engineering journals have had themes like ‘science in the service of mankind’ and ‘engineering for peace’. Close examination of these themes suggests a high level of confirmation of the political, economic, and military status quo, and even the scientific and engineering status quo, coupled with a low level of novelty. This paper critically examines the traditional relationship between science and engineering on the one hand and policy‐making and decision‐making on the other. Systems theories like dissipative‐structure theory, chaos theory, and the author's field and Kondratiev theories now provide a better understanding of the evolution, instability, and structural change of human societies and of natural environments than was the case in the recent past. These theories suggest a present window of opportunity that may not recur for a long time, if ever, for the implementation of bold, even radical and revolutionary ideas. History indicates a high level of incompetence during ‘normal’, stable times that contrasts with the emergence of highly capable leaders during times of crisis like the French Revolution and the US Civil War. There is a good match between these facts and the theory of the action of fluctuations in unstable systems far from equilibrium. In the past great political and politico‐economic movements were shaped by the philosophical thinking of people like Voltaire and Hegel that preceded them. Now the questions must be forcefully addressed: can and should systems thinking best discharge its responsibilities through passive support and reconfirmation of a paradigm that provides major evidence for exhaustion? Or can and should systems thinking be directed actively and aggressively toward the implementation of a new paradigm? The author argues for the latter course. The Schumpeterian concept of creative destruction is extended. Means of accomplishing the newly defined goal are clarified.
Systems definitions and derivation based on structural data flow modelling
Authors: Razik Taher A. , Jacobs James W.
Published: July 2007

General systems definitions are often too vague or too prescriptively narrow for consistent, meaningful application by researchers across disciplines. The lack of a common, functional system definition has tended to fragment systems research and slow the advancement and general applicability of general systems theory (GST) development. This paper submits a general system definition based on a functional technique for dataflow diagramming (DFD) used in computer system analysis. This DFD‐based definition illustrates added coherence and utility for deriving many kinds of systems at different research levels, and urges wider adoption and trial of the definition and modelling technique as a basis for systems research and GST theory testing.
The Influence of Family Political Discussion on Youth Civic Development: Which Parent Qualities Matter?
Authors: McIntosh Hugh , Hart Daniel , Youniss James
Published: July 2007

Evidence suggesting that the growth of civic roots in adolescence may be crucial to the long-term development of citizenship has stimulated research into factors that might influence civic development during this time. One interesting finding to emerge from that exploration is the apparent importance ofdiscussionto the development of civic competence. Adolescents who discuss politics and current events with their parents, peers, or teachers tend to score higher than other youth on measures of civic behaviors, attitudes, and skills. They develop higher levels of political knowledge, show greater intention to vote in the future, and do better on a range of civic outcomes from petitioning and boycotting to raising money for charities and participating in community meetings (Torney-Purta et al. 2001; Andolina et al. 2003).
Teaching about War through Film and
Literature
Authors: Lieberfeld Daniel
Published: July 2007

This article draws upon my experience using film and literature to
teach political science majors and non-majors about war. It assesses
the value of using films and literature to teach about war, offers
organizing themes and approaches to the material, and discusses ways
to help students develop their capacities to analyze the politics of
war and of cultural products concerning war. The author thanks Joseph Yenerall for suggesting this
article, and Judith Sanders, Lawrence Lieberfeld, and the
reviewers of PS for help in its
preparation.
Contracting for Services in U.S. Military
Operations
Authors: Avant Deborah D.
Published: July 2007

When the U.S. deploys its forces around the world, an increasingly
important part of its operations is no longer managed by the U.S.
military, per se, but rather by what some call contractors, others
call private military and security companies, and still others call
mercenaries. In this essay, I will briefly describe the private
security industry and the larger global market for force that it is
a part of and how the U.S. military's increasing reliance on private
forces brings both benefit and risk.
Assessment of Accuracy of Suicide Mortality Surveillance Data in South Africa
Authors: Burrows Stephanie , Laflamme Lucie
Published: July 2007

Abstract. Although it is not a legal requirement in South Africa, medical practitioners determine the manner of injury death for a surveillance system that is currently the only source of epidemiological data on suicide. This study assessed the accuracy of suicide data as recorded in the system using the docket produced from standard medico-legal investigation procedures as the gold standard. It was conducted in one of three cities where the surveillance system had full coverage for the year 2000. In the medico-legal system, one-third of cases could not be tracked, had not been finalized, or had unclear outcomes. For the remaining cases, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were generally high, varying somewhat across sex and race groups. Poisoning, jumping, and railway suicides were more likely than other methods to be misclassified, and were more common among females and Whites. The study provides encouraging results regarding the use of medical practitioner expertise for the accurate determination of suicide deaths. However, suicides may still be underestimated in this process given the challenge of tracing disguised suicides and without the careful examination of potential misclassifications of true suicides as unintentional deaths.
Unemployment and Suicidal Behavior in a New Zealand Birth Cohort
Authors: Fergusson David M. , Boden Joseph M. , Horwood L. John
Published: July 2007

Abstract. This study examined the association between exposure to unemployment and suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation and attempted suicide) in a birth cohort of New Zealand young adults using fixed-effects logistic and Poisson regression models. Data were gathered on unemployment and suicidal behaviors at annual periods from ages 16-25 years. At all ages increasing exposure to unemployment was associated with increased risks of suicidal ideation (p < .0001) and number of suicide attempts (p < .0001). Following adjustment for fixed effects and time-dynamic covariates, associations between unemployment and suicidal ideation reduced to marginal significance (p < .10), while the association between unemployment and suicide attempts was not statistically significant (p > .10). After adjustment, those experiencing 6 or more months of unemployment in a given year had odds of suicidal ideation that were 1.43 (95% CI: .96 to 2.16) times higher, and rates of suicide attempts that were 1.72 (95% CI: .89 to 3.32) times higher, than those who were not exposed to unemployment. Although unemployment was associated with moderate increases in risks of suicidal behaviors, much of this association was explained by confounding factors.
How Useful is the Power Law of Practice for Recognizing Practice in Concentration Tests?
Authors: Hagemeister Carmen
Published: July 2007

Abstract. When concentration tests are completed repeatedly, reaction time and error rate decrease considerably, but the underlying ability does not improve. In order to overcome this validity problem this study aimed to test if the practice effect between tests and within tests can be useful in determining whether persons have already completed this test. The power law of practice postulates that practice effects are greater in unpracticed than in practiced persons. Two experiments were carried out in which the participants completed the same tests at the beginning and at the end of two test sessions set about 3 days apart. In both experiments, the logistic regression could indeed classify persons according to previous practice through the practice effect between the tests at the beginning and at the end of the session, and, less well but still significantly, through the practice effect within the first test of the session. Further analyses showed that the practice effects correlated more highly with the initial performance than was to be expected for mathematical reasons; typically persons with long reaction times have larger practice effects. Thus, small practice effects alone do not allow one to conclude that a person has worked on the test before.
The 10-Item Big Five Inventory
Authors: Rammstedt Beatrice
Published: July 2007

Abstract. The 10-Item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10; Rammstedt & John, 2007 ), a short scale version of the well-established BFI, was developed to provide a personality inventory for research settings with extreme time constraints. It allows assessing the Big Five by only two items per dimension. Previous research has clearly shown that the BFI-10 possesses psychometric properties that are comparable in size and structure to those of the full-scale BFI. Based on data from a large sample representative of the German adult population, the present study aimed to provide norms for the total sample and for subsamples depending on different sociodemographic variables and to investigate effects of gender, age, and education on the BFI-10. Results indicate that the sociodemographic effects found in the German representative sample clearly replicate those of previous research conducted in that field.
Radiosonde humidity corrections and potential Atmospheric Infrared Sounder moisture accuracy
Authors: McMillin Larry M. , Zhao Jiang , Rama Varma Raja M. K. , Gutman Seth I. , Yoe James G.
Published: July 2007

Although there are a number of sources of radiosonde data for validation of observations from other atmospheric sensors, routine operational sondes remain the main source for a large volume of data. In this study radiosonde moisture profiles are renormalized using Global Positioning System (GPS) Integrated Precipitable Water (IPW) vapor. The GPS‐adjusted radiosonde humidity profiles are then compared to the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) measurements. As a check, AIRS measurements are also compared with unadjusted radiosonde moisture profiles. It is shown that the GPS‐adjusted values are in better agreement with the AIRS measurements. On the basis of this result, the GPS‐adjusted radiosondes are used to assess the AIRS potential accuracy. This is valid because the errors in the AIRS measurements and the adjustments are independent. The GPS‐based renormalization of radiosonde humidity measurements produced a significant improvement in the agreement between AIRS and Vaisala RS 57 H type radiosondes in the lower troposphere, where much of the atmospheric water vapor resides. The adjustment also resulted in improved agreement between AIRS and radiosonde IPW estimates. The results showed a day/night bias in the radiosonde values as compared to the GPS and the AIRS values, demonstrating the potential use of the technique for evaluating and correcting this bias. Established corrections for humidity errors also have been applied to some operational radiosonde observations, specifically the published temperature correction developed for the Vaisala RS80 H type radiosonde. This correction produced a much smaller effect than the GPS adjustment.
Twenty million years of continuous deformation along the Karakorum fault, western Tibet: A thermochronological analysis
Authors: Valli Franck , Arnaud Nicolas , Leloup Philippe Hervé , Sobel Edward R. , Mahéo Gweltaz , Lacassin Robin , Guillot Stéphane , Li Haibing , Tapponnier Paul , Xu Zhiqin
Published: July 2007

The role of the Karakorum fault zone (KFZ) is debated. South of 33°N, ongoing dextral‐oblique slip along the SW edge of the Gar basin exhumes metamorphic and magmatic rocks of the Ayilari range. Minerals have recorded a continuum of deformation from temperatures >600–400°C down to <250°C. The 40Ar/39Ar ages, the oldest being 21.2 ± 1.0 Ma, yield minimum estimates for the initiation of the KFZ. These are in agreement with the U‐Th/Pb ages constraining the onset of deformation at ≥25–22 Ma. Thermochronologic results show slow cooling for the period ∼21–14 Ma, followed by rapid cooling between ∼14 and 4 Ma. These data demonstrate that right‐lateral motion was in progress in the early Miocene and that shear continued at least until 4 Ma, pointing to ≥20 Ma of deformation along the fault. Greenschist facies deformation superimposed upon the medium‐ to high‐grade deformation marks a kinematic change from pure dextral to dextral‐normal motion associated with the onset of rapid cooling. At the regional scale, the coexistence of transtension in the Gar basin with transpression documented along the Pangong range farther north suggests another example of the “zipper tectonics” model developed along the Red River fault. The kinematic shift induced the rise of the Ayilari range starting at 16–12 Ma and the incision of major river courses. The Indus River might have become captive of the relief at this time. The river's 120 km of apparent offset implies dextral motion at a long‐term rate of ≥8.5 ± 1.5 mm yr−1.
Transient storage as a function of geomorphology, discharge, and permafrost active layer conditions in Arctic tundra streams
Authors: Zarnetske Jay P. , Gooseff Michael N. , Brosten Troy R. , Bradford John H. , McNamara James P. , Bowden W. Breck
Published: July 2007

Transient storage of solutes in hyporheic zones or other slow‐moving stream waters plays an important role in the biogeochemical processes of streams. While numerous studies have reported a wide range of parameter values from simulations of transient storage, little field work has been done to investigate the correlations between these parameters and shifts in surface and subsurface flow conditions. In this investigation we use the stream properties of the Arctic (namely, highly varied discharges, channel morphologies, and subchannel permafrost conditions) to isolate the effects of discharge, channel morphology, and potential size of the hyporheic zone on transient storage. We repeated stream tracer experiments in five morphologically diverse tundra streams in Arctic Alaska during the thaw season (May–August) of 2004 to assess transient storage and hydrologic characteristics. We compared transient storage model parameters to discharge (Q), the Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor (f), and unit stream power (ω). Across all studied streams, permafrost active layer depths (i.e., the potential extent of the hyporheic zone) increased throughout the thaw season, and discharges and velocities varied dramatically with minimum ranges of eight‐fold and four‐fold, respectively. In all reaches the mean storage residence time (tstor) decreased exponentially with increasing Q, but did not clearly relate to permafrost active layer depths. Furthermore, we found that modeled transient storage metrics (i.e., tstor, storage zone exchange rate (αOTIS), and hydraulic retention (Rh)) correlated better with channel hydraulic descriptors such as f and ω than they did with Q or channel slope. Our results indicate that Q is the first‐order control on transient storage dynamics of these streams, and that f and ω are two relatively simple measures of channel hydraulics that may be important metrics for predicting the response of transient storage to perturbations in discharge and morphology in a given stream.
Topographic, meteorologic, and canopy controls on the scaling characteristics of the spatial distribution of snow depth fields
Authors: Trujillo Ernesto , Ramírez Jorge A. , Elder Kelly J.
Published: July 2007

In this study, LIDAR snow depths, bare ground elevations (topography), and elevations filtered to the top of vegetation (topography + vegetation) in five 1‐km2 areas are used to determine whether the spatial distribution of snow depth exhibits scale invariance, and the control that vegetation, topography, and winds exert on such behavior. The one‐dimensional and mean two‐dimensional power spectra of snow depth exhibit power law behavior in two frequency intervals separated by a scale break located between 7 m and 45 m. The spectral exponents for the low‐frequency range vary between 0.1 and 1.2 for the one‐dimensional spectra, and between 1.3 and 2.2 for the mean two‐dimensional power spectra. The spectral exponents for the high‐frequency range vary between 3.3 and 3.6 for the one‐dimensional spectra, and between 4.0 and 4.5 for the mean two‐dimensional spectra. Such spectral exponents indicate the existence of two distinct scaling regimes, with significantly larger variations occurring in the larger‐scale regime. Similar bilinear power law spectra were obtained for the fields of vegetation height, with crossover wavelengths between 7 m and 14 m. Further analysis of the snow depth and vegetation fields, together with wind data, support the conclusion that the break in the scaling behavior of snow depth is controlled by the scaling characteristics of the spatial distribution of vegetation height when snow redistribution by wind is minimal and canopy interception is dominant, and by the interaction of winds with features such as surface concavities and vegetation when snow redistribution by wind is dominant.
Numerical evaluation of alternative heat pulse probe designs and analyses
Authors: Saito Hirotaka , Šimůnek Jiri , Hopmans Jan W. , Tuli Atac
Published: July 2007

The heat pulse probe (HPP) has received more attention as it allows in situ, simultaneous, and automated measurements of soil hydraulic and thermal properties, as well as soil water fluxes. Although the currently used design allows many applications, changes in HPP design and analyses are needed to increase the sensitivity to smaller water fluxes. In this study, numerical simulations were used to evaluate the effects of (1) sensor locations and thermal properties of the HPP sensor body material, (2) the heater diameter and heat pulse intensity, and (3) vapor flow on HPP performance. A numerical study was carried out using the HYDRUS code for the HPP consisting of three parallel needles, spaced 6 mm apart. A heater of varying diameter in the center is surrounded by a pair of thermistor needles. Our results show that significantly different temperature responses will be obtained depending on the axial location of thermistors, and that only temperature measurements near the middle of the 33‐mm‐long heater fulfill the assumption of an infinite line heat source. It is shown that larger heater needle diameters allow larger heat pulses, leading to larger temperature differences between upstream and downstream thermistor needles and a higher sensitivity to water flux measurements. For example, for a standard 1‐mm‐diameter heater needle, ten times greater heat pulse input results in ten times greater sensitivity, but with the maximum temperature at the heater exceeding 100°C. This maximum temperature can be reduced to 80°C by increasing the heater diameter to 4 mm, while maintaining equal sensitivity. Consideration of vapor transport significantly reduced temperature increases near the heater caused by latent heat of vaporization. Larger heat pulses are beneficial for estimation of liquid water fluxes in the 1 cm d−1 range, provided vapor transport is considered.
Fine‐tuning of the innate immune response by microRNAs
Authors: Gantier Michael P , Sadler Anthony J , Williams Bryan R G
Published: July 2007

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as potent regulators of many biological processes, including cellular differentiation and disease. Recently, miRNA has been directly involved in innate immunity and transduction signalling by Toll‐like receptors and the ensuing cytokine response. In this review, we present an overview of what is currently known of the involvement of miRNA and RNA interference components in the fine‐tuning of innate immune responses.
Modeling of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators driven by repetitive nanosecond pulses
Authors: Likhanskii Alexandre V. , Shneider Mikhail N. , Macheret Sergey O. , Miles Richard B.
Published: July 2007

A detailed physical model for an asymmetric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in air driven by repetitive nanosecond voltage pulses is developed. In particular, modeling of DBD with high voltage repetitive negative and positive nanosecond pulses combined with positive dc bias is carried out. Operation at high voltage is compared with operation at low voltage, highlighting the advantage of high voltages, however the effect of backward-directed breakdown in the case of negative pulses results in a decrease of the integral momentum transferred to the gas. The use of positive repetitive pulses with dc bias is demonstrated to be promising for DBD performance improvement. The effects of the voltage waveform not only on force magnitude, but also on the spatial profile of the force, are shown. The crucial role of background photoionization in numerical modeling of ionization waves (streamers) in DBD plasmas is demonstrated.
Print your atomic force microscope
Authors: Kühner Ferdinand , Lugmaier Robert A. , Mihatsch Steffen , Gaub Hermann E.
Published: July 2007

Progress in scanning probe microscopy profited from a flourishing multitude of new instrument designs, which lead to novel imaging modes and as a consequence to innovative microscopes. Often these designs were hampered by the restrictions, which conventional milling techniques impose. Modern rapid prototyping techniques, where layer by layer is added to the growing piece either by light driven polymerization or by three-dimensional printing techniques, overcome this constraint, allowing highly concave or even embedded and entangled structures. We have employed such a technique to manufacture an atomic force microscopy (AFM) head, and we compared its performance with a copy milled from aluminum. We tested both AFM heads for single molecule force spectroscopy applications and found little to no difference in the signal-to-noise ratio as well as in the thermal drift. The lower E modulus seems to be compensated by higher damping making this material well suited for low noise and low drift applications. Printing an AFM thus offers unparalleled freedom in the design and the rapid production of application-tailored custom instruments.
Electrical conduction and photoluminescence properties of solution-grown ZnO nanowires
Authors: Jones Frank , Léonard François , Talin A. Alec , Bell Nelson S.
Published: July 2007

We report on the optical and electrical properties of zinc oxide nanorods synthesized in solution using Oswald ripening of ZnO nanodots with the addition of ethylenediamene growth directing agent. This method results in high quality, single crystalline ZnO nanorods that extend up to 3μm in length and have an average diameter of 25±7nm, compared to ∼75nm diameter for similarly prepared nanorods but without the addition of the growth directing agent. Furthermore, we find that the higher aspect ratio nanorods exhibit strong size-dependent electrical characteristics, with a critical diameter of about 27nm delimiting nonconductive and conductive behaviors. Theoretical calculations indicate that the origin of this size-dependent conductivity is the presence of surface states that deplete the carriers in the smaller diameter nanorods, and an estimate of the density of these states is provided.
Importance of aspect ratio over shape in determining the quantization potential of self-assembled zinc-blende III-V quantum dots
Authors: Rybchenko S. I. , Yeap G. , Gupta R. , Itskevich I. E. , Haywood S. K.
Published: July 2007

We have studied the effect of shape on the strain-modified electron∕hole confinement potential in zinc-blende quantum dots (QDs), using standard deformation potential theory and an anisotropic continuum-elasticity approximation. Calculations were performed for a variety of shapes of InAs∕GaAs (001) QDs. Our results show that the essential features of the confinement potential are determined primarily by one geometric parameter, i.e., the aspect ratio, being insensitive to other details of the QD shape. The underlying trends in strain distribution are also revealed. Our results suggest that a simple analytical model, based on the oblate-ellipsoid shape and isotropic elasticity approximation, adequately describes the major features of the strain-modified confinement potential for a wide range of self-assembled III-V (zinc-blende) QDs.
Electroosmotic flow in vapor deposited silicon dioxide and nitride microchannels
Authors: Hamblin Mark N. , Edwards John M. , Lee Milton L. , Woolley Adam T. , Hawkins Aaron R.
Published: July 2007

Electroosmotic flow was studied in thin film microchannels with silicon dioxide and silicon nitride sidewalls formed using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). A sacrificial etching process was employed for channel fabrication allowing for cross-sections with heights of 3 μm, ranging from 2 μm to 50 μm in width. Flow rates were measured for single channels and multichannel electroosmotic pump structures for pH levels ranging from 2.6 to 8.3, and zeta potentials were calculated for both silicon dioxide and silicon nitride surfaces. Flow rates as high as 0.086 μL∕min were measured for nitride multichannel pumps at applied electric fields of 300 V/mm. The surface characteristics of PECVD nitride were analyzed and compared to more well-known oxide surfaces to determine the density of amine sites compared to silanol sites.
A decontamination study of simulated chemical and biological agents
Authors: Uhm Han S. , Lee Han Y. , Hong Yong C. , Shin Dong H. , Park Yun H. , Hong Yi F. , Lee Chong K.
Published: July 2007

A comprehensive decontamination scheme of the chemical and biological agents, including airborne agents and surface contaminating agents, is presented. When a chemical and biological attack occurs, it is critical to decontaminate facilities or equipments to an acceptable level in a very short time. The plasma flame presented here may provide a rapid and effective elimination of toxic substances in the interior air in isolated spaces. As an example, a reaction chamber, with the dimensions of a 22cm diameter and 30cm length, purifies air with an airflow rate of 5000l∕min contaminated with toluene, the simulated chemical agent, and soot from a diesel engine, the simulated aerosol for biological agents. Although the airborne agents in an isolated space are eliminated to an acceptable level by the plasma flame, the decontamination of the chemical and biological agents cannot be completed without cleaning surfaces of the facilities. A simulated sterilization study of micro-organisms was carried out using the electrolyzed ozone water. The electrolyzed ozone water very effectively kills endospores of Bacillus atrophaeus (ATCC 9372) within 3min. The electrolyzed ozone water also kills the vegetative micro-organisms, fungi, and virus. The electrolyzed ozone water, after the decontamination process, disintegrates into ordinary water and oxygen without any trace of harmful materials to the environment.
Diagnostics of surface wave excited Kr/O2 plasma for low-temperature oxidation processes
Authors: Takeda Keigo , Kubota Yoshiki , Takashima Seigo , Hori Masaru , Serdyuchenko Anna , Ito Masafumi , Matsumi Yutaka
Published: July 2007

The characteristics of species in Kr/O2 mixture surface wave excited plasmas have been studied for clarifying the mechanism of plasma oxidation process. The absolute densities of the ground-state oxygen atom (P3j=0,1,2) and the metastable oxygen atom (D12) were measured by using vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. Under a microwave power of 1 kW and a total pressure of 90 Pa, the absolute density of O(P3j) atom decreased from 2×1014 to 3×1013 cm−3 with increasing Kr dilution ratio from 80 to 99%. However, the absolute density of O(D12) atom increased with the increase of Kr dilution ratio and had a peak at a high Kr dilution condition of 97%. The production mechanisms of O(P3j) and O(D12) atoms have been discussed on the results of the metastable Kr atom density, the electron density, and electron temperature measured by near-infrared absorption spectroscopy and Langmuir singe probe, respectively. Moreover, we have measured the characteristics of positive ions by using quadrupole mass spectroscopy. From these results, the bombardments of O2+ ions with low energy seem to affect the Si oxidation with oxygen atoms.
Effect of indium-flush method on the control of photoluminescence energy of highly uniform self-assembled InAs quantum dots by slow molecular beam epitaxy growth
Authors: Sasakura H. , Kayamori S. , Adachi S. , Muto S.
Published: July 2007

The control of the emission energy from self-assembled InAs quantum dots has been demonstrated by using indium flush. The low-temperature indium-flush method was found to control the emission energy preserving the high structural uniformity attributed to the slow dot growth. In the standard indium-flush method, where the substrate temperature was raised up from the dot-growth temperature, blueshift larger than the shift by the low-temperature indium flush was observed and was explained reasonably by the enhanced In/Ga-interdiffusion. Also, the effect of AlGaAs capping layer before the indium-flush step was studied.
Mirror Langmuir probe: A technique for real-time measurement of magnetized plasma conditions using a single Langmuir electrode
Authors: LaBombard B. , Lyons L.
Published: July 2007

A new method for the real-time evaluation of the conditions in a magnetized plasma is described. The technique employs an electronic “mirror Langmuir probe” (MLP), constructed from bipolar rf transistors and associated high-bandwidth electronics. Utilizing a three-state bias wave form and active feedback control, the mirror probe’s I-V characteristic is continuously adjusted to be a scaled replica of the “actual” Langmuir electrode immersed in a plasma. Real-time high-bandwidth measurements of the plasma’s electron temperature, ion saturation current, and floating potential can thereby be obtained using only a single electrode. Initial tests of a prototype MLP system are reported, proving the concept. Fast-switching metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors produce the required three-state voltage bias wave form, completing a full cycle in under 1μs. Real-time outputs of electron temperature, ion saturation current, and floating potential are demonstrated, which accurately track an independent computation of these values from digitally stored I-V characteristics. The MLP technique represents a significant improvement over existing real-time methods, eliminating the need for multiple electrodes and sampling all three plasma parameters at a single spatial location.
Spin-current pulse induced switching of vortex chirality in permalloy∕Cu∕Co nanopillars
Authors: Choi B. C. , Rudge J. , Girgis E. , Kolthammer J. , Hong Y. K. , Lyle A.
Published: July 2007

Dynamic response of the vortex magnetization in multilayered magnetic nanopillars to the spin-polarized current pulse has been investigated numerically. The equilibrium magnetization configurations in both magnetic layers are the vortex states with single magnetization cores at the disk center. It was found that the chirality of the vortex state in magnetic free layer can be controllably switched by applying current pulse with appropriate amplitude, polarity, and duration. The critical current density required for the chirality switching is found to be on the order of 108A∕cm2.
Accommodation mechanism of InN nanocolumns grown on Si(111) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Grandal J. , Sánchez-García M. A. , Calleja E. , Luna E. , Trampert A.
Published: July 2007

High quality InN nanocolumns have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on bare and AlN-buffered Si(111) substrates. The accommodation mechanism of the InN nanocolumns to the substrate was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Samples grown on AlN-buffered Si(111) show abrupt interfaces between the nanocolumns and the buffer layer, where an array of periodically spaced misfit dislocations develops. Samples grown on bare Si(111) exhibit a thin SixNy at the InN nanocolumn/substrate interface because of Si nitridation. The SixNy thickness and roughness may affect the nanocolumn relative alignment to the substrate. In all cases, InN nanocolumns grow strain- and defect-free.
Potent cross-reactive neutralization of SARS coronavirus isolates by human monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Zhu Zhongyu , Chakraborti Samitabh , He Yuxian , Roberts Anjeanette , Sheahan Tim , Xiao Xiaodong , Hensley Lisa E. , Prabakaran Ponraj , Rockx Barry , Sidorov Igor A. , Corti Davide , Vogel Leatrice , Feng Yang , Kim Jae-Ouk , Wang Lin-Fa , Baric Ralph , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Curtis Kristopher M. , Nabel Gary J. , Subbarao Kanta , Jiang Shibo , Dimitrov Dimiter S.
Published: July 2007

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) caused a worldwide epidemic in late 2002/early 2003 and a second outbreak in the winter of 2003/2004 by an independent animal-to-human transmission. The GD03 strain, which was isolated from an index patient of the second outbreak, was reported to resist neutralization by the human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) 80R and S3.1, which can potently neutralize isolates from the first outbreak. Here we report that two hmAbs, m396 and S230.15, potently neutralized GD03 and representative isolates from the first SARS outbreak (Urbani, Tor2) and from palm civets (SZ3, SZ16). These antibodies also protected mice challenged with the Urbani or recombinant viruses bearing the GD03 and SZ16 spike (S) glycoproteins. Both antibodies competed with the SARS-CoV receptor, ACE2, for binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD), suggesting a mechanism of neutralization that involves interference with the SARS-CoV–ACE2 interaction. Two putative hot-spot residues in the RBD (Ile-489 and Tyr-491) were identified within the SARS-CoV spike that likely contribute to most of the m396-binding energy. Residues Ile-489 and Tyr-491 are highly conserved within the SARS-CoV spike, indicating a possible mechanism of the m396 cross-reactivity. Sequence analysis and mutagenesis data show that m396 might neutralize all zoonotic and epidemic SARS-CoV isolates with known sequences, except strains derived from bats. These antibodies exhibit cross-reactivity against isolates from the two SARS outbreaks and palm civets and could have potential applications for diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of SARS-CoV infections.
Protein folding by zipping and assembly
Authors: Ozkan S. Banu , Wu G. Albert , Chodera John D. , Dill Ken A.
Published: July 2007

How do proteins fold so quickly? Some denatured proteins fold to their native structures in only microseconds, on average, implying that there is a folding “mechanism,” i.e., a particular set of events by which the protein short-circuits a broader conformational search. Predicting protein structures using atomically detailed physical models is currently challenging. The most definitive proof of a putative folding mechanism would be whether it speeds up protein structure prediction in physical models. In the zipping and assembly (ZA) mechanism, local structuring happens first at independent sites along the chain, then those structures either grow (zip) or coalescence (assemble) with other structures. Here, we apply the ZA search mechanism to protein native structure prediction by using the AMBER96 force field with a generalized Born/surface area implicit solvent model and sampling by replica exchange molecular dynamics. Starting from open denatured conformations, our algorithm, called the ZA method, converges to an average of 2.2 Å from the Protein Data Bank native structures of eight of nine proteins that we tested, which ranged from 25 to 73 aa in length. In addition, experimental Φ values, where available on these proteins, are consistent with the predicted routes. We conclude that ZA is a viable model for how proteins physically fold. The present work also shows that physics-based force fields are quite good and that physics-based protein structure prediction may be practical, at least for some small proteins.
Electrochemical attosyringe
Authors: Laforge François O. , Carpino James , Rotenberg Susan A. , Mirkin Michael V.
Published: July 2007

The ability to manipulate ultrasmall volumes of liquids is essential in such diverse fields as cell biology, microfluidics, capillary chromatography, and nanolithography. In cell biology, it is often necessary to inject material of high molecular weight (e.g., DNA, proteins) into living cells because their membranes are impermeable to such molecules. All techniques currently used for microinjection are plagued by two common problems: the relatively large injector size and volume of injected fluid, and poor control of the amount of injected material. Here we demonstrate the possibility of electrochemical control of the fluid motion that allows one to sample and dispense attoliter-to-picoliter (10
−18
to 10
−12
liter) volumes of either aqueous or nonaqueous solutions. By changing the voltage applied across the liquid/liquid interface, one can produce a sufficient force to draw solution inside a nanopipette and then inject it into an immobilized biological cell. A high success rate was achieved in injections of fluorescent dyes into cultured human breast cells. The injection of femtoliter-range volumes can be monitored by video microscopy, and current/resistance-based approaches can be used to control injections from very small pipettes. Other potential applications of the electrochemical syringe include fluid dispensing in nanolithography and pumping in microfluidic systems.
Interaction of herpes simplex virus RNase with VP16 and VP22 is required for the accumulation of the protein but not for accumulation of mRNA
Authors: Taddeo Brunella , Sciortino Maria Teresa , Zhang Weiran , Roizman Bernard
Published: July 2007

The virion host shutoff (vhs) protein encoded by the

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L
41

gene of herpes simplex virus 1 is an endoribonuclease. The enzyme is introduced into the cell during unpackaging of the virion upon entry and selectively degrades mRNA for several hours. The RNase activity ceases after the onset of synthesis of late (γ) viral proteins. Here we report that vhs protein does not accumulate in cells transiently transfected with only a plasmid encoding the

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41

gene. However, vhs does accumulate in cells cotransfected with plasmids expressing two other tegument proteins, VP16 and VP22. vhs does not directly interact with VP22 but, instead, binds VP22 only in the presence of VP16. In contrast to these findings, the amounts of vhs mRNA accumulating in the cells transfected solely with vhs are not significantly different from those detected in cells coexpressing vhs, VP16, and VP22. We conclude from these studies that the steady state of vhs mRNA, reflecting synthesis and turnover of mRNA, is not affected by the interaction of vhs protein with VP16 with VP22. A model is proposed in which the vhs protein may function to sequester mRNAs in compartments inaccessible to the cellular translational machinery and that VP16 and VP22 rescue the mRNAs by interacting with the vhs protein.
Graduate Education in the Field of Substance Abuse
Authors: Sharpe Lionel
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Twenty‐six part‐time students from a variety of professional backgrounds are enrolled in the first year of a Graduate Diploma in Social Science (Drug Dependence) at the Phillip Institute of Technology in Victoria. The course is conducted under the auspices of the School of Social Work and commenced in 1984. It is argued that the graduates from this unique course could play a key role in providing personnel to fill positions in the areas of clinical work, staff development, drug education, programme development and management and research.
Medical Education Project
Authors: Saunders John B.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The New South Wales Medical Education Project is described, with an emphasis on its first major workshop. The reasons for increased instruction for doctors in alcohol and other drug related problems are outlined.
Intercollegiate Working Party on Medical Education in Alcohol and Drugs
Authors: Chung Ian
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The history of medical education in alcohol and other drug problems is sketched and the development of professional interest groups and an Inter‐Collegiate Working Party outlined. Progress with a conjoint training approach is discussed.
Aboriginal Programmes, Queensland
Authors: Fua Cliff
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The extent of Aboriginal alcoholism and associated problems is described. One solution, that of training Aboriginal alcoholism counsellors at Biala, is outlined. Details of the course are given and its benefits are considered.
Education and Training Programme for Workers in South Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programmes
Authors: Walsh Pat
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Most of the content of the “Education and Training Programme for Workers in South Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programmes” was drawn from the expressed learning needs and ideas gathered from the workers in these programmes. This paper will describe the process used in gathering the material and a brief description of the content of this curriculum.
Chronic Pain ‐ A Psychiatrist's Perspective
Authors: Pilowsky I.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The frames of reference used by the psychiatrist in evaluating chronic pain are considered, including the psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural, affective, diagnostic, interpersonal, family and social. It is stressed that the pain experience is not a purely physical phenomenon. Pain management which alleviates any component of the experience is valuable.

Narcotics should rarely be used.
Chronic Pain ‐ A Surgeon's Viewpoint
Authors: Jamieson G.G.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: For the surgeon, there are three broad categories of chronic or continuing pain, namely post‐operative pain, surgically remediable pain and surgically unremediable pain. In the post‐operative situation, narcotics are used routinely and practice has changed little over many years. Surgically remediable pain is most often acute but is sometimes chronic, as in the case of pain caused by cancer of the pancreas where surgery is for palliation rather than cure. In the case of surgically unremediable pain, the patients have usually had surgical treatment for a cancer which then recurs. Such patients nowadays are nearly always managed in consultation with oncologists /pain specialists.
An Anaesthetist's Management of Chronic Pain
Authors: Cherry David A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Pain Clinics should be staffed to find alternative means of helping to control the symptoms of the patient with chronic pain other than by the administration of either non‐steroidal type analgesics or opioid analgesics. It is well known that the chronic administration of both of these agents causes long term problems except in the symptomatic control of the patient with cancer pain. The reasons for this are discussed. Alternative means of pain control are discussed including recent advances in the understanding of pain transmission and its alleviation; assessment techniques and some indication of the future of Pain Clinics are also given.