bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the persistence of DNA in decomposing leaves of genetically modified poplar trees
Authors: Hay Irene , Morency Marie-Josée , Séguin Armand
Published: July 2002

DNA transformation of forest tree species is now a striking reality and offers the possibility to generate transgenic trees with useful new characteristics. However, it is important to make the proper environmental assessment of these transgenic trees when established in field trials. For instance, the DNA released into the soil by decaying leaves and roots from the transgenic trees may become available for incorporation by soil microbes. The objective of this study was to investigate the persistence of recombinant plant marker genes in decomposing transgenic poplar leaf material. We studied the stability of the DNA encoding the neomycin phosphotransferase II resistance marker used in tree genetic engineering. DNA persistence in the environment was determined by placing transgenic poplar leaves in permeable bags that were located on weeds, on the soil, and below the soil and left under natural conditions on the site of a field trial for up to 12 months. This work is the first quantitative analysis of tree DNA stability in a natural forest environment. Our data indicate that fragments of the genetically modified DNA are not detectable in the field for more than 4 months.
Lateral diffusion and atmospheric CO2 mixing compromise estimates of rhizosphere respiration in a forest soil
Authors: Susfalk R B , Cheng W X , Johnson D W , Walker R F , Verburg P , Fu S
Published: July 2002

Measurements of rhizosphere carbon efflux are critical to the determination of soil carbon balance by CO2 flux measurements. We attempted to measure rhizosphere respiration in a forest ecosystem by transplanting 13C-enriched soils from a tallgrass prairie into a mixed-conifer forest soil but found that atmospheric air mixing and lateral diffusion confounded delta13C-CO2 measurements. Surface CO2 efflux (delta13C [Formula: see text] 20) was enriched 6 relative to soil CO2 measured at depth because of the presence of atmospheric-derived CO2 (8) near the soil surface. The delta13C-CO2 value of transplanted soil CO2 did not reflect its 13C-enriched carbon source but was within 1 of native soil CO2 because of lateral diffusion from the surrounding native soil. A two-component steady-state model of lateral diffusion supported our assertion that this soil was susceptible to atmospheric air mixing and lateral diffusion because of its high effective porosity and relatively low concentration of soil CO2. Percent rhizosphere respiration was estimated at 35 and 45% after applying corrections for atmospheric air mixing and (or) lateral diffusion. These confounding effects may be reduced or eliminated by utilizing a larger transplanted soil pit and by reducing soil CO2 diffusivity, for example, by increasing water content.
Discovery of recently adopted orphan receptors for apelin, urotensin II, and ghrelin identified using novel radioligands and functional role in the human cardiovascular system
Authors: Katugampola S D , Maguire J J , Kuc R E , Wiley K E , Davenport A P
Published: July 2002

Using novel synthetic radioligands, we have discovered receptors for the recently paired apelin (APJ orphan receptor), ghrelin (GHS orphan receptor), and urotensin II (orphan GPR14) in the human cardiovascular system and determined their anatomical localisation. In addition, we have established functional vasoactive properties for these three peptides as potential vasoconstrictor/vasodilator mediators and provided evidence for alteration of receptor density in cardiovascular disease. We find that receptors for apelin, ghrelin, and urotensin II are widely distributed in human cardiovascular tissue, suggesting perhaps vasoactive roles for these peptides in human vascular physiology and a potential role in pathophysiology. Apelin and urotensin II are potent vasoconstrictors with low efficacy, consistent with their low receptor density. Ghrelin receptor density was increased (approximately three- to fourfold) with atherosclerosis of coronary artery disease and accelerated atherosclerosis of saphenous vein grafts, compared with normal vessels, highlighting a potentially beneficial role for this novel vasodilator peptide in human vascular disease. Our approach has demonstrated one successful strategy for translating genetic information encoding recently paired orphan receptor ligands into discovery of function. This study has the advantage of focussing on the actual disease processes, which allow the more precise identification of novel therapeutic targets.Key words: apelin, ghrelin, urotensin II, human, orphan receptor.
Upregulation of endothelin-1 binding in tissues of salt-loaded stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Savage Paula , Jeng Arco Y
Published: July 2002

Upon maintained on a 1% NaCl drinking solution beginning at 7 weeks of age, the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRsp) developed severe hypertension and stroke; most died by 16 weeks. The mechanism by which these diseases evolve remains unclear. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent, peptidic vasoconstrictor and is implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular, renal, and central nervous system diseases. The purpose of the present study was to compare the binding of [125I]ET-1 to the brain, heart, kidney, liver, and spleen membrane preparations of 16-week-old SHRsp and age-matched normotensive WistarKyoto rats (WKY). The KD values for [125I]ET-1 binding to the corresponding tissues of the two strains were not significantly different, except in the brain (SHRsp: 17 ± 1 pM; WKY: 24 ± 1 pM). In contrast, the Bmax values measured in the brain, heart, kidney, and liver of SHRsp were 1.5- to 2.1-fold greater than those of their WKY counterparts. Competition of [125I]ET-1 binding to the membrane preparations by the specific ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 or the specific ETB receptor agonist sarafotoxin S6c revealed a similar proportion of ETA and ETB receptor subtypes in the corresponding tissues of the two rat strains. These results indicate that ET-1 binding is upregulated in SHRsp and suggest that ET-1 may play a pathophysiological role in this animal model of genetic hypertension.Key words: ETA receptor, ETB receptor, BQ-123, sarafotoxin 6C, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.
The inotropic effect of nitric oxide on mammalian papillary muscle is dependent on the level of β1-adrenergic stimulation
Authors: Reading S A , Barclay J K
Published: July 2002

We tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide has a positive inotropic effect on mammalian cardiac muscle contractility and that this effect sums with the positive inotropic effect of β1-adrenergic agonists when both are present. Feline right ventricular papillary muscles were stimulated to contract isometrically at 0.2 Hz in KrebsHenseleit bicarbonate buffer (KREBS) gassed with 95% O2and 5% CO2(26°C; pH 7.34). The nitric oxide (NO) donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 105M), and the membrane permeable cGMP analog 8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclo phosphate sodium (Br-cGMP, 105M), significantly increased developed force by 13.3 ± 1.5% (n = 11) and 7.8 ± 2.8% (n = 7), respectively. SNAP, at 10-5M, significantly increased the force developed by papillary muscle treated with 1011M or 109M dobutamine hydrochloride (a β1-adrenergic agonist) (n = 25, 11.3 ± 2.9% and 10.0 ± 3.6%, respectively) when compared with the addition of KREBS (n = 27, 2.6 ± 0.9% and 5.5 ± 0.9%), but the increase was less than predicted by the sum of inotropic effects of SNAP and dobutamine. SNAP at 10-5M did not change developed force in muscles treated with 107M dobutamine but it significantly decreased developed force in muscles challenged with 105M dobutamine (n = 18, 29.3 ± 5.0%) when compared with KREBS (n = 10, 41.5 ± 6.8%). Similarly, 104M 8-bromo-adenosine cyclic 3',5'-hydrogen phosphate monosodium (a membrane permeable cAMP analog) increased developed force 14.9 ± 3.3% and the addition of 105M Br-cGMP to those muscles significantly reduced developed force by 3.5% ± 1.1% (n = 7). Thus, the positive inotropic effect of NO decreased and ultimately became an attenuation as the level of β1-adrenergic stimulation increased due, at least in part, to an interaction between the cAMP and cGMP second messenger pathways.Key words: nitric oxide, β1-adrenergic, cGMP, cAMP, contractility, cardiac muscle.
Sulfate absorption inAplysiacalifornicagut: thyroid hormone stimulation
Authors: Gerencser George A , Levin Randy , Zhang Jianliang
Published: July 2002

Mucosal membranes of foregut epithelia of Aplysia californica contain a sodium/sulfate symporter. Mucosal or serosal application of triiodothyronine stimulated the absorptive activity of the sodium/sulfate symporter, whereas reverse triiodothyronine had no effect on it. It appears that thyroid hormone or its molluscan equivalent plays a role in the overall regulation of sulfate homeostasis by the A. californica gut.
O(1) QUERY TIME ALGORITHM FOR ALL PAIRS SHORTEST DISTANCES ON INTERVAL GRAPHS
Authors: SPRAGUE ALAN P. , TAKAOKA TADAO
Published: July 2002

We present an algorithm for the All Pairs Shortest Distance problem on an interval graph on n vertices: after O(n) preprocessing time, the algorithm can deliver a response to a distance query in O(1) time. The method used here is simpler than the method of Chen et al. [4], which has the same preprocessing and query time. It is assumed that an interval model for the graph is given, and ends of intervals are already sorted by coordinate. The preprocessing algorithm can be executed in the EREW PRAM model in O( log n) time, using n/ log n processors. These algorithms (sequential and parallel) may be extended to circular arc graphs, with the same time and processor bounds.
A MEASURE FOR THE LEXICOGRAPHICALLY FIRST MAXIMAL INDEPENDENT SET PROBLEM AND ITS LIMITS
Authors: UEHARA RYUHEI
Published: July 2002

We introduce a structural parameter of a graph, the longest directed path length (LDPL), and express the boundary of the difficulty of the problems along this parameter. The parallel complexity of the lexicographically first maximal independent set (LFMIS) problem gradually increases as the value of LDPL grows; the LFMIS problem on a graph of LDPL O( log kn) can be solved in O( log kn) time in parallel; and the problem is P-complete on a graph of LDPL Θ(n∊). Computing the LDPL itself is in NC2. This is important in the sense that a "measure" is valid only if measuring the complexity of a problem is easier than solving it. On the other hand, we also show the limits of the measure. We reduce the LFMIS problem to a kind of the lexicographically first maximal subgraph (LFMS) problems on a graph of LDPL 1. This implies that, even on a graph of LDPL 1, the LFMS problem is P-complete. Finally we discuss the probability that a random graph has LDPL l and show that a random graph of which each edge exists with probability p has LDPL Θ(np) with high probability. This implies the limit of the LDPL on the average case, because the LFMIS problem on a random graph can be efficiently solved in parallel.
VACUUM POLARIZATION NEAR BRANE WORLD COSMIC STRING
Authors: GRATS YU. V. , ROSSIKHIN A. A.
Published: July 2002

Gravitational field of cosmic strings in theories with extra spatial dimensions differs significantly from that in the 4D Einstein's theory. This means that all gravity induced properties of cosmic strings need to be revised. Here we consider the effect of vacuum polarization outside a straight infinitely thin cosmic string embedded in RS2 brane world.
THE EFFECT OF 4D EFFECTIVE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT ON THE STABILITY OF RANDALL–SUNDRUM SCENARIO
Authors: PIAO YUN-SONG , CAI RONG-GEN , ZHANG XINMIN
Published: July 2002

We study the Randall–Sundrum model with a small 4D effective cosmological constant on the brane, and drive a corrected radion potential following the Goldberger–Wise mechanism. We then discuss the effect of the 4D effective cosmological constant on the stability of the brane-system, and find that to quintessence determined by updated observation, the proper distance between the two branes required to solve the hierarchy problem can exist. However, during inflation, whether we can get a reasonable hierarchy scale is still uncertain.
GAUGE-INVARIANT REGULARISATION VIA SU(N|N)
Authors: ARNONE STEFANO , KUBYSHIN YURI A. , MORRIS TIM R. , TIGHE JOHN F.
Published: July 2002

We construct a gauge-invariant regularisation scheme for pure SU(N) Yang–Mills theory in dimension four or less (for N = ∞ in all dimensions), with a physical cutoff scale Λ, by using covariant higher derivatives and spontaneously broken SU(N|N) supergauge invariance. Providing their powers are within certain ranges, the covariant higher derivatives cure the superficial divergence of all but a set of one-loop graphs. The finiteness of these latter graphs is ensured by properties of the supergroup and gauge invariance. In the limit Λ → ∞, all the regulator fields decouple and unitarity is recovered in the renormalized pure SU(N) Yang–Mills theory. By demonstrating these properties, we prove that the regularisation works to all orders in perturbation theory.
ON THE SPACE–TIME SYMMETRIES OF NONCOMMUTATIVE GAUGE THEORIES
Authors: IORIO A. , SÝKORA T.
Published: July 2002

We study the space–time symmetries and transformation properties of the non-commutative U(1) gauge theory, by using Noether charges. We carry out our analysis by keeping an open view on the possible ways θμν could transform. Since the theory is not invariant under the conformal transformations, with the only exception of space–time translations, we conclude that the most natural and dynamically consistent requirement is that θμν does not transform under any space–time transformation. A similar analysis should apply to other gauge groups.
THE SPHERE S6VIEWED AS A G2/SU(3) COSET SPACE
Authors: MACFARLANE A. J.
Published: July 2002

By deriving an explicit and strikingly tractable parametrisation of the coset space G2/ SU (3), this paper develops a non-linear realisation of G2in which its SU(3) subgroup is realised linearly. Since SU(3) is not a symmetric subalgebra of G2the situation differs from that found for examples like chiral G⊗G or symmetric space G/H examples. Despite this the treatment exhibits great simplicity, some aspects of which stem from the parametrisation found. The well-known relationship of the coset space G2/ SU (3) to the SO (7)/ SO (6) description of the sphere S6emerges and provides explicitly the relative scale factor of the quadratic Casimir operators of G2and SO(7) inherent in the formalism.
NONCOMMUTATIVE QUANTUM MECHANICS: THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL CENTRAL FIELD
Authors: GAMBOA J. , MÉNDEZ F. , LOEWE M. , ROJAS J. C.
Published: July 2002

Quantum mechanics in a noncommutative plane is considered. For a general two-dimensional central field, we find that the theory can be perturbatively solved for large values of the noncommutative parameter (θ) and explicit expressions for the eigenstates and eigenvalues are given. The Green function is explicitly obtained and we show that it can be expressed as an infinite series. For polynomial type potentials, we found a smooth limit for small values of θ and for nonpolynomial ones this limit is necessarily abrupt. The Landau problem, as a limit case of a noncommutative system, is also considered.
Star-Triangle and Star-Star Relations in Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Baxter R. J.
Published: July 2002

The homogeneous three-layer Zamolodchikov model is equivalent to a four-state model on the checkerboard lattice which closely resembles the four-state critical Potts model, but with some of its Boltzmann weights negated. Here we show that it satisfies a "star-to-reverse-star" (or simply star-star) relation, even though we know of no star-triangle relation for this model. For any nearest-neighbour checkerboard model, we show that this star-star relation is sufficient to ensure that the decimated model (where half the spins have been summed over) satisfies a "twisted" Yang-Baxter relation. This ensures that the transfer matrices of the original model commute in pairs, which is an adequate condition for "solvability".
Exact Solutions for Correlations in the Kagomé Ising Antiferromagnet
Authors: Barry J. H. , Khatun M.
Published: July 2002

The kagomé Ising antiferromagnet is highly frustrated with its pair correlation decaying exponentially at large distance for all temperatures including absolute zero. Hence, the spin system does not support long-range orderings and is devoid of any phase transition. One proves, via local star-triangle and decoration-decimation transformations, that correlations in the kagomé Ising antiferromagnet at arbitrary temperatures can be represented as linear combinations of correlations in the honeycomb Ising ferromagnet at high temperatures (disordered region). Existent knowledge of all honeycomb Ising correlations upon a select (spatially compact) 10-site cluster is thus sufficient to determine all present kagomé Ising correlations upon an associated 9-site cluster. Examples of resulting exact solutions for pair and multisite correlations in the kagomé Ising antiferromagnet are presented at all temperatures. Applications include joint configuration probabilities, thermodynamic response functions such as the specific heat and the initial perpendicular susceptibility, and the inelastic neutron scattering function.
The Heisenberg Chain as a Dynamical Model for Protein Synthesis - Some Theoretical and Experimental Results
Authors: Schütz Gunter M.
Published: July 2002

The integrable Heisenberg quantum chain with certain non-diagonal boundary fields is the generator of a Markov process known as asymmetric exclusion process with open boundary conditions. This is a driven lattice gas where particles hop randomly along a one-dimensional chain and are injected and absorbed at the boundaries. This model has been suggested in 1968 by MacDonald, Gibbs and Pipkin as a model for the kinetics of protein synthesis on nucleic acid templates. The exact solution of the steady state of the system (corresponding to the exact ground state of the Heisenberg chain) which was obtained recently is shown to be in qualitative agreement with experimental data. The exact solution supports some of the original conclusions drawn from a mean field treatment by MacDonald et al. but gives deeper insight into one important aspect.
The Tidal Problem for Simple Circulations
Authors: Müller Detlev
Published: July 2002

Simple wave-circulation systems on the rotating spherical surface are considered in the framework of Laplace's tidal theory. For solid body rotation of the shallow 1-layer system the comparison of tidal theory and β-plane concepts shows that Matsuno's approach provides a consistent approximation for divergent low-frequency waves, while the midlatitude β-plane captures fewer aspects of the system. Tidal theory suggests an alternative formalism for extratropical low-frequency waves. The geography of wave activity depends on internal physics of the circulation: on a mean flow with constant layer thickness low-frequency waves populate an equatorial belt, while a hydrostatically driven eastward mean flow with varying layer thickness confines divergence-free Rossby waves to the extratropics. Effects of stratification and vertical shear are considered for solid body rotation of bishallow water with constant layer thickness. Rotation and mean flow stabilize against Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and the equatorial Kelvin wave is the most unstable mode of this flow. However, observed vertical shears in the tropical ocean remain well below the instability threshold. Baroclinic instability does not occur. Wave geography and stability characteristics of this system capture major features of the oceanic large-scale circulation.
On the Theory of Phase Transitions by the Collective Variables Methods
Authors: Ilnytskyi Ja. M. , Kozlovskii M. P. , Yukhnovskii I. R.
Published: July 2002

We calculate relatively accurate critical indices within the collective variables method applied to the phase transitions theory. Discussion on stability of the results and low-level comparison with the other approaches is made.
Non-Hermitian Dynamics of a Dissipative Squid in a MQC Experiment
Authors: Chiatti L. , Mignani R.
Published: July 2002

We describe the dynamics of a rf-SQUID, in presence of dissipation, by exploiting generalized non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. We discuss, by such an approach, the time evolution of the density matrix for an ohmic rf-SQUID in a MQC experiment. Our formalism allows us to recover the results by Caldeira and Leggett on the decay rate of the oscillations of the tunneling probability.
Self-Consistent Calculation of Surface States in Real Space
Authors: Yang Chih-Kai
Published: July 2002

An ab initio method is developed to calculate the surface electronic structure. The method is based on the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbitals and real-space recursive Green's function and can achieve self-consistency efficiently. Sample calculations include Fe(001)and Cr(001) systems and are compared with recent experiments using scanning tunneling microscope and photoemission. From the calculated local density of states several prominent surface states above and below the Fermi level are identified and found to agree well with the experimental results.
Variational Migdal–Kadanoff Approach to Molecular Ordering on a Lattice
Authors: Siringo Fabio
Published: July 2002

A variational extension of the Migdal–Kadanoff real space renormalization group method is applied to a recently proposed d-dimensional lattice model describing some aspects of molecular orientation in solids. As expected the method yields the exact fixed point for d=2, given the formal equivalence to the two-dimensional Ising model. For d=3 such equivalence breaks down and an approximate estimate of the fixed point is explicitly recovered and compared to the mean-field prediction. The possible existence of an intermediate symmetric phase is discussed.
Tight-Binding Model for DNA Double Chains: Metal–Insulator Transition Due to the Formation of a Double Strand of DNA
Authors: Iguchi Kazumoto
Published: July 2002

A tight-binding model is formulated for the calculation of the electronic structure of a double strand of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The theory is applied to DNA with a particular structure such as the ladder and decorated ladder structures. It is found that there is a novel type of metal–insulator transitions due to the hopping anisotropy of the system. A metal-semimetal-semiconductor transition is found in the former and an effective semiconductor-metal transition at finite temperature in the latter, as the effect of base paring between two strands of DNA is increased. The latter mechanism may be responsible for explaining the Meade and Kayyem's recent observation.
LOCAL STRUCTURE AND METAL–METAL INTERACTION IN SOME Cr(III)-DITHIOPHOSPHONATE COMPOUNDS
Authors: COZAR O. , MICU-SEMENIUC RODICA , DAVID L. , HAIDUC I.
Published: July 2002

Cr(III)-tris[4-metoxyphenyl-O-alkyl] -dithiophosphonate compounds (alkyl (R) = methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl) were prepared and investigated by UV-VIS, IR and EPR spectroscopies. The electronic spectra of these compounds show two bands at 13620–14000 cm -1 (ν1) and 18310–18500 cm -1 (ν2) assigned to 4 A 2g (F) → 4 T 2g (F) and 4 A 2g (F) → 4 T 1g (F) transitions. The valence vibrations of the PS2 group confirm the anizobidentate coordination of dithiophosphonate anions. EPR spectra suggest the superposition of two signals, one with a resolved fine structure typical for isolated Cr(III) ions in a pseudo-octahedral geometry (monomeric species) and a broad band at g eff ≈ 2, characteristic of strong exchange coupled chromium ions (dimeric or polynuclear species). The number of monomeric species increases with the dimension of alkyl radicals because the distance between chromium ions also increases.
CIRCUITRY IMPLEMENTATION AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF CHEN'S ATTRACTOR
Authors: ZHONG G. Q. , TANG WALLACE K. S.
Published: July 2002

Chen's attractor was recently reported and proved to be topologically different from the Lorenz butterfly attractor. In this paper, Chen's attractor is realized with an electronic circuit. Although the circuitry is straight-forward, it is the first design reported. In addition, the synchronization scheme between two Chen's attractors is also considered and realized.
IMPROVED REALIZATION OF MIXED-MODE CHAOTIC CIRCUIT
Authors: KILIÇ RECAI , ALÇI MUSTAFA , ÇAM UǦUR , KUNTMAN HAKAN
Published: July 2002

An improved realization of mixed-mode chaotic circuit which has both autonomous and nonautonomous chaotic dynamics is proposed. Central to this study is inductorless realization of mixed-mode chaotic circuit using FTFN-based inductance simulator. FTFN-based topology used in this realization enables the simulation of ideal floating and grounded inductance. This modification provides an alternative solution to the integration problem of not only mixed-mode chaotic circuit but also other chaotic circuits in the literature using CMOS VLSI technologies. In addition to this major improvement, CFOA-based nonlinear resistor was used in the new realization of mixed-mode chaotic circuit. The usage of CFOA-based nonlinear resistor in the circuit's structure reduces the component count and provides buffered and isolated output.
DOES THE JONES POLYNOMIAL DETECT THE UNKNOT?
Authors: BIGELOW STEPHEN
Published: July 2002

We address the question: Does there exist a non-trivial knot with a trivial Jones polynomial? To find such a knot, it is almost certainly sufficient to find a non-trivial braid on four strands in the kernel of the Burau representation. I will describe a computer algorithm to search for such a braid.
FRACTAL IMAGE COMPRESSION
Authors: FISHER YUVAL
Published: July 2002

This paper begins by presenting a simple explanation of the main ideas in fractal image compression. It then presents a brief discussion of the current state of the art along with some results comparing fractal encoding, JPEG, and a wavelet scheme. The conclusion contains references to many of the latest theoretical and implementation results.
MULTIFRACTAL SEGMENTATION OF IMAGES
Authors: VÉHEL JACQUES LÉVY , MIGNOT PASCAL
Published: July 2002

We propose a multifractal approach to the problem of image analysis. We show that an alternative description of images, based on a multifractal characterization, can be used instead of the classical approach that involves smoothing of the discrete data in order to compute local extrema. We classify each point of the image according to two parameters, its type of singularity and its relative height, by computing the spectra associated with different kinds of capacities defined from the gray levels. All this information is then used together through a Bayesian approach.
TILING STRATEGIES IN THE PATCHWORK METHOD AND THE DETERMINATION OF SCALE-AREA RELATIONS
Authors: BROWN CHRISTOPHER A. , MEACHAM BRUCE
Published: July 2002

The compass and patchwork methods estimate the length of a profile, or the area of a topographic data set, as a function of the scale of measurement. The strategy that is used for the patch placement, or the starting point used for the compass, appears to have some influence on the results. The results of different strategies are compared on the log-log plot of scale versus area or length. Positive slopes on these log-log plots indicate periodicity in the data set, at a wavelength corresponding to the local minimum.
DEVELOPING A NEW METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY USING THE FRACTAL DIMENSION
Authors: CASTILLO OSCAR , MELIN PATRICIA
Published: July 2002

The fractal dimension can be a useful tool in the identification of microorganisms, because it can be experimentally shown that the colonies of different types of bacteria have different geometrical forms, and as a result of this fact different fractal dimensions. Our method of identification of microorganisms for the food industry, is based on the application of a one to one map between the different types of bacteria and their corresponding fractal dimension. The importance of this new method can be related to the need of making more efficient the task of the quality control lab of the food industry.
The Application of Cobb-Douglas Production Cost Functions to Construction Firms in Japan and Taiwan
Authors: Lin Cheng-Ping
Published: July 2002

One of the most attractive issues in the construction industry today is cost reduction because depression is coming after Japan's bursting bubbles and spreading to other Asian countries. However, most researchers do not know how to solve this problem because they still know very little about the relationship between cost and output for the construction industry. Therefore, the author tried to analyze the cost function of construction firms with due consideration of their available resources by using Cobb-Douglas Production and Cost Functions in this paper. By statistical analysis, the cost and production functions of Japan's and Taiwan's construction firms were discovered.
The U.S. Productivity Figures and Foreign Direct Investment in Japan
Authors: Abugri Benjamin Adam , Soydemir Gökçe A.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, we present empirical evidence linking the movements in the U.S. $/Yen exchange rate and the U.S. productivity figures to the U.S. outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) in Japan by constructing a five variable vector autoregressive (VAR) model. Our results show a lagged and statistically significant negative response of the U.S. FDI to a one standard deviation increase in the U.S. productivity figures. We further find that a once and for all appreciation in the U.S. dollar increases the U.S. FDI in Japan which is consistent with the earlier findings in the literature. The U.S. export figures, however, are found to serve as a complement to the U.S. outbound FDI whereas the impact of the U.S. imports from Japan on the U.S. outbound FDI is found to be negative. The results support the view that a productivity increase in the U.S. decreases the amount of the U.S. outbound foreign direct investment in the long run.
EIGENSPACES FOR GRAPHS
Authors: LUO BIN , HANCOCK EDWIN , WILSON RICHARD
Published: July 2002

In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of using graph-based descriptions to learn the view structure of 3D objects. The graphs used in our study are constructed from the Delaunay triangulations of corner features. The investigation is divided into two parts. We commence by considering how relational structures can be encoded in a way which can be used to generate parametric eigenspaces. Here we investigate four different relational representations derived from the graphs. The first three of these are vector encodings of the adjacency graph, the weighted adjacency graph, and the point proximity matrix; the fourth representation is the edge weight histogram. We study the eigenspaces which result from these different representations. In addition, we investigate how multidimensional scaling may be used to generate eigenspaces from a set of pairwise distances between graphs.
THE INTENSIFICATION OF INNOVATION
Authors: DODGSON MARK , GANN DAVID M. , SALTER AMMON. J
Published: July 2002

This paper suggests that the innovation process has intensified as a result of the application of new digital technologies. These technologies that simulate, model and integrate, intensify the innovation process through facilitating economy of effort and definiteness of aim. Of all the many analytical lenses used to examine innovation, the most valuable in accounting for this "automation of innovation" is Rothwell's concept of the 5th Generation Innovation Process. Our paper revisits this element of Rothwell's (1992) prize-winning article in R&D Management. It reviews the use of a range of enabling technologies and strategic management practices for the automation of innovation that were either in gestation or unknown at the time of Rothwell's paper. Rothwell's speculation about the increased "electronification" of the innovation process, and of related technological and strategic integration, has proven to be correct. The use of the new "lectronic toolkit" can transform the innovation process by facilitating the transfer, transformation and control of information. Using insights from contemporary innovation and management research, this paper examines the benefits and limitations of these digital technologies in dealing with the challenges of innovation of reducing costs and increasing speed, predictability and strategic organisational integration. It presents a conceptual framework for assessing the intensification of innovation and outlines some strategic managerial precepts that will facilitate effective use of these technologies. The paper concludes with speculations about future developments in the intensification of innovation and its impact for strategic management, together with questions for further research.
"INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES AS SPILLOVER INFRASTRUCTURES" — UNDERSTANDING THE HIDDEN DYNAMICS OF KNOWLEDGE DISTRIBUTION IN AN INNOVATION SYSTEM
Authors: KUMARESAN NAGESWARAN , MIYAZAKI KUMIKO
Published: July 2002

Although knowledge spillover is considered as an important characteristic in a nations' technology infrastructure building process, studies on the necessary mechanisms to incorporate and induce them into the advanced technology infrastructure building process is still in its early stage. This paper discusses the role of integrated technologies and their knowledge carrying capacity to function as a spillover infrastructure. Knowledge carrying capacity of technologies identifies the ability of those technologies to function as a spillover infrastructure. Taking the case of robotics in Japan, this paper argues the important role of integrated technologies in creating a medium for knowledge distribution in an innovation system by providing comprehensive empirical evidences. We conclude that as intangible factors become important for building technological infrastructures, identifying the characteristics of integrated technologies in national systems will become an important strategic and policy issue.
Termination in language-based systems
Authors: Rudys Algis , Wallach Dan S.
Published: July 2002

Language run-time systems are increasingly being embedded in
systems to support run-time extensibility via mobile code. Such
systems raise a number of concerns when the code running in such
systems is potentially buggy or untrusted. Although sophisticated
access controls have been designed for mobile code and are shipping
as part of commercial systems such as Java, there is no support for
terminating mobile code short of terminating the entire language
run-time. This article presents a concept called "soft termination"
that can be applied to virtually any mobile code system. Soft
termination allows mobile code threads to be safely terminated
while preserving the stability of the language run-time. In
addition, function bodies can be permanently disabled, thwarting
attacks predicated on system threads eventually calling untrusted
functions. Soft termination guarantees termination by breaking any
potential infinite loops in mobile code. We present a formal design
for soft termination and an implementation of it for Java, built
using Java bytecode rewriting, which demonstrates reasonable
performance (3 to 25% slowdowns onbenchmarks).
Map graphs
Authors: Chen Zhi-Zhong , Grigni Michelangelo , Papadimitriou Christos H.
Published: July 2002

We consider a modified notion of planarity, in which two nations of a map are considered adjacent when they share any
point
of their boundaries (not necessarily an
edge
, as planarity requires). Such adjacencies define a
map graph
. We give an NP characterization for such graphs, derive some consequences regarding sparsity and coloring, and survey some algorithmic results.
Beware the engineering metaphor
Authors: Wang Wei-Lung
Published: July 2002

There are great similarities between the work of the software developer and the work of the mathematician.
Putting personalization into practice
Authors: Fink Josef , Koenemann Jürgen , Noller Stephan , Schwab Ingo
Published: July 2002

The N24 Web site [6] belongs to a network of sites operated by Kirch Group that complement associated television stations in Germany. The relaunch of the N24 site focuses on tighter integration with the N24 cable news brand, targeting managers in need of accurate real-time information delivery in the areas of investing, business, politics, and sports. The goals of personalization [5] include creating a one-to-one relationship with existing customers; providing direct access to personally relevant news; seamlessly integrating with the existing infrastructure, including content and its classification; and collecting information about user interests for driving cross-channel customer relationship management (CRM) activities.From the perspective of a registered user, the N24 site offers a "My News" section on the N24 home page (see Figure 1) that provides a personalized selection of "Top Five" news headlines with direct links to the respective full-text versions of news items. This news selection is dynamically updated in real time as users interact with the N24 site.
Laid-off usability engineer, or why we don't get no respect
Authors: Meads Jon
Published: July 2002

If you're a usability engineer, you probably know what it's like to wish for greater credibility and respect for your expertise and your contributions to a project. Maybe you've finally obtained it, after putting in your dues. Maybe you're still struggling with the attitudes of development, management, or marketing--who think they can provide the user perspective as well as you can. I'll bet you have some experience with being among the first to grow nervous about your job when money gets tight.In this column, Jon Meads explores why usability engineers don't get no respect and suggests a few approaches we can take to do something about it.
--- Elizabeth Buie
Measuring system normality
Authors: Burgess Mark , Haugerud Hårek , Straumsnes Sigmund , Reitan Trond
Published: July 2002

A comparative analysis of transaction time-series is made, for light to moderately loaded hosts, motivated by the problem of anomaly detection in computers. Criteria for measuring the statistical state of hosts are examined. Applying a scaling transformation to the measured data, it is found that the distribution of fluctuations about the mean is closely approximated by a steady-state, maximum-entropy distribution, modulated by a periodic variation. The shape of the distribution, under these conditions, depends on the dimensionless ratio of the daily/weekly periodicity and the correlation length of the data. These values are persistent or even invariant. We investigate the limits of these conclusions, and how they might be applied in anomaly detection.
A logical foundation for deductive object-oriented databases
Authors: Liu Mengchi , Dobbie Gillian , Ling Tok Wang
Published: July 2002

Over the past decade, a large number of deductive object-oriented database languages have been proposed. The earliest of these languages had few object-oriented features, and more and more features have systematically been incorporated in successive languages. However, a language with a clean logical semantics that naturally accounts for all the key object-oriented features, is still missing from the literature. This article takes us another step towards solving this problem. Two features that are currently missing are the encapsulation of rule-based methods in classes, and nonmonotonic structural and behavioral inheritance with overriding, conflict resolution and blocking. This article introduces the syntax of a language with these features. The language is restricted in the sense that we have omitted other object-oriented and deductive features that are now well understood, in order to make our contribution clearer. It then defines a class of databases, called
well-defined databases
, that have an intuitive meaning and develops a direct logical semantics for this class of databases. The semantics is based on the well-founded semantics from logic programming. The work presented in this article establishes a firm logical foundation for deductive object-oriented databases.
Meshed atlases for real-time procedural solid texturing
Authors: Carr Nathan A. , Hart John C.
Published: July 2002

We describe an implementation of procedural solid texturing that uses the texture atlas, a one-to-one mapping from an object's surface into its texture space. The method uses the graphics hardware to rasterize the solid texture coordinates as colors directly into the atlas. A texturing procedure is applied per-pixel to the texture map, replacing each solid texture coordinate with its corresponding procedural solid texture result. The procedural solid texture is then mapped back onto the object surface using standard texture mapping. The implementation renders procedural solid textures in real time, and the user can design them interactively.The quality of this technique depends greatly on the layout of the texture atlas. A broad survey of texture atlas schemes is used to develop a set of general purpose mesh atlases and tools for measuring their effectiveness at distributing as many available texture samples as evenly across the surface as possible. The main contribution of this paper is a new multiresolution texture atlas. It distributes all available texture samples in a nearly uniform distribution. This multiresolution texture atlas also supports MIP-mapped minification antialiasing and linear magnification filtering.
Rebirth of the computer industry
Authors: Lawson Harold W.
Published: July 2002

What types of products are required and who will provide them?
The case for reflective middleware
Authors: Kon Fabio , Costa Fabio , Blair Gordon , Campbell Roy H.
Published: July 2002

It's flexible and reconfigurable yet simple for programmers to use, notably for building dynamic distributed applications operating on the Net.
Challenges designing next-generation middleware systems
Authors: Tripathi Anand
Published: July 2002

This framework promises new classes of service, especially in terms of security, for policy-based development of distributed and collaborative applications.
Stop, thief!
Authors: Weiss Aaron
Published: July 2002

Recently it came to my attention that I'm an inveterate thief: a depraved criminal without a conscience, unleashing a trail of cheating and larceny for over two decades. The scary part is, I'm not alone. You, gentle reader, are probably as corrupt as I, if not more. Our accuser, Mr. Jamie Kellner, chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting, made a clear and compelling case in a recent interview published in CableWorld.
Generation of test matrices by similarity transformations
Authors: Ortega James M.
Published: July 2002

A method for obtaining test matrices with a prescribed distribution of characteristic roots is given. The process consists of using particularly simple similarity transformations to generate full matrices from canonical forms. The matrices generated also have known characteristic vectors, inverses and determinants.
Introduction to the new usability
Authors: Thomas Peter , Macredie Robert D.
Published: July 2002

This paper introduces the motivation for and concept of the "new usability" and positions it against existing approaches to usability. It is argued that the contexts of emerging products and systems mean that traditional approaches to usability engineering and evaluation are likely to prove inappropriate to the needs of "digital consumers." The paper briefly reviews the contributions to this special issue in terms of their relation to the idea of the "new usability" and their individual approaches to dealing with contemporary usability issues. This helps provide a background to the "new usability" research agenda, and the paper ends by posing what are argued to be the central challenges facing the area and those which lie at the heart of the proposed research agenda.
From use to presence
Authors: Hallnäs Lars , Redström Johan
Published: July 2002

The coming ubiquity of computational things urges us to consider what it means for something to be present in someone's life, in contrast to being just used for something. "Use" and "presence" represent two perspectives on what a thing is. While "use" refers to a general description of a thing in terms of what it is used for, "presence" refers to existential definitions of a thing based on how we invite and accept it as a part of our
lifeworld
. Searching for a basis on which these existential definitions are formed, we argue that the
expressions
of things are central for accepting them as present in our lives. We introduce the notion of an
expressional
, referring to a thing designed to be the bearer of certain expressions, just as an appliance is designed to be the bearer of a certain functionality. Aesthetics, as a logic of expressions, can provide a proper foundation for design for presence. We discuss the expressiveness of computational things as depending both on time structures and space structures. An aesthetical leitmotif for the design of computational things---a leitmotif that may be used to guide a normative design philosophy, or a design style---is described. Finally, we describe a practical example of what designing a mobile phone as an "expressional" might be like.
The knob & switch computer
Authors: Braught Grant , Reed David
Published: July 2002

The Knob & Switch Computer is a computer architecture simulator
designed to teach beginning students the basics of computer
organization. It differs from existing simulators in two
significant ways: (1) it incorporates cognitive hooks in the form
of knobs and switches that encourage exploration and discovery on
the part of the student; and (2) it can be presented one component
at a time, starting with a simple interactive data path and
building incrementally to a full-featured stored program machine.
Both of these features make it possible to engage beginning
students and effectively convey an understanding of how computers
work. The Knob & Switch Computer simulator can also motivate
the study of other computing topics such as data representation,
assembly language programming, and RISC vs. CISC architectures. In
addition to describing the Knob & Switch Computer, we discuss
experiences using the simulator in breadth-based introductory
courses both at Dickinson College and Creighton University.
Three simulator tools for teaching computer architecture
Authors: Yehezkel Cecile , Yurcik William , Pearson Murray , Armstrong Dean
Published: July 2002

Teaching computer architecture (at any level) is not an easy task.
To enhance learning, a critical mass of educators has begun using
simulator visualizations of different computer architectures. Here
we present three representative computer architecture simulators
for learning which show that there is a growing consensus for
computer simulation as a teaching tool for complex dynamic
processes, such as underlying computer operations. Simulators also
show the wide spectrum of pedagogical goals for teaching computer
organization and architecture. Specifically, the three simulators
we describe are (1) EasyCPU for the Intel 80x86 family of CPUs; (2)
Little Man Computer for a general von Neumann computer
architecture; and (3) RTLSim, a data path simulator for a MIPS-like
CPU. An appendix is provided for more detailed descriptions of each
simulator.