bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RECOGNITION OF TRANSITION PATTERNS IN A BUSINESS CYCLE MODEL USING UNSTABLE PERIODIC ORBITS
Authors: SAIKI YOSHITAKA , ISHIYAMA KEN-ICHI
Published: June 2011

More than a thousand unstable periodic orbits with relatively low periods are identified from a continuous dynamical system which represents business cycles of two countries with different fiscal policies. Patterns of regimes and regime transitions are clearly recognized by using the detected periodic orbits. Both regimes and regime transitions are essential structures in chaotic business fluctuations generated by interactive behavior among workers, entrepreneurs and governments.
MEASURING THE INTERMITTENT SYNCHRONICITY OF MACROECONOMIC GROWTH IN EUROPE
Authors: CROWLEY PATRICK M. , SCHULTZ AARON
Published: June 2011

Synchronization of growth rates are an important feature of international business cycles, particularly in relation to regional integration projects such as the single currency in Europe. Synchronization of growth rates clearly enhances the effectiveness of European Central Bank monetary policy, ensuring that policy changes are attuned to the dynamics of growth and business cycles in the majority of member states. In this paper, a dissimilarity metric is constructed by measuring the topological differences between the GDP growth patterns in recurrence plots for individual countries. The results show that synchronization of growth rates were higher among the euro area member states during the second half of the 1980s and from 1997 to roughly 2002. Apart from these two time periods, euro area member states do not appear to be more synchronized than a group of major international countries, suggesting that apart from specific times when European integration initiatives were being implemented, globalization was likely the dominant factor behind international business cycle synchronization.
TOWARD A LIFESPAN METRIC OF READING FLUENCY
Authors: WALLOT SEBASTIAN , VAN ORDEN GUY
Published: June 2011

Much evidence suggests complexity in cognitive and motor task performances [Gilden, 2001]. The present study builds upon this work, treating reading of text as a kind of complex coordination or coupling between reader and reading conditions. Three self-paced reading conditions presented connect text in units of different sizes: word, phrase, or sentence units, and repeatedly measure times between spacebar presses to advance the text. The three conditions reveal different patterns across the data. These patterns were evaluated using fractal analyses and Recurrent Quantification Analyses to distinguish highly fluent readers, PhD candidates in English literature, from competent but less fluent undergraduate readers.
AN INTERPLAY BETWEEN NONLOCALITY AND QUANTUM VIOLATION OF PATH–SPIN NONCONTEXTUALITY
Authors: HOME DIPANKAR , PAN ALOK KUMAR
Published: June 2011

In terms of a suitable variant of the EPR–Bohm example, we argue that the quantum mechanically predicted and experimentally verified violation of a Bell-type path–spin noncontextual realist inequality for an "intraparticle" path–spin entanglement involving single neutrons can be used to infer a form of nonlocality, distinct from Bell-type nonlocality, that is required for any relevant hidden variable model to be compatible with the quantum mechanical treatment of an EPR–Bohm-type "interparticle" entanglement.
OPTIMAL CLONING WITH RESPECT TO THE RELATIVE ERROR
Authors: RASTEGIN ALEXEY E.
Published: June 2011

The relative error of cloning of quantum states with arbitrary prior probabilities is considered. It is assumed that the ancilla may contain some a priori information about the input state to be cloned. The lower bound on the relative error for general cloning scenario is derived. Both the case of two-state set and case of multistate set are analyzed in detail. The treated figure of merit is compared with other optimality criteria. It is posed that the relative error is more expressive in the case of nearly indistinguishable states. The quantum circuit for optimal cloning of a pair of pure states is built.
CLASSICAL COMMUNICATION COSTS IN QUANTUM INFORMATION PROCESSING
Authors: LUO MING-XING , CHEN XIU-BO , YANG YI-XIAN , NIU XIN-XIN
Published: June 2011

Classical communication plays an important role in quantum information processing such as remote state preparation and quantum teleportation. First, in this paper, we present some simple faithful remote state preparation of an arbitrary n-qubit state by constructing entanglement resources and special measurement basis for the sender. Then to weigh the classical resource required, we present an information-theoretical model to evaluate the classical communication cost. By optimizing the classical communication in quantum protocols, we obtain the optimal classical communication cost. This model can also be applied to the quantum teleportation. Moreover, based on the present computation model, we reinvestigate some remote state preparation and teleportation protocols in which the classical communication cost was imperfectly computed. Finally, some problems will be presented.
CONSTRUCTING MAXIMALLY MULTIQUBIT ENTANGLED STATE VIA BELL-PAIR STATE
Authors: ZHA XIN-WEI , QI JIAN-XIA
Published: June 2011

Brown et al. and Borras et al. have explored numerical optimization procedures to search for highly entangled five- and six-qubit states. Here, we give a relation between the genuine multiqubit entangled state and Bell state for 4-, 5-, and 6-qubit systems. And the general method to construct maximally multipartite entangled state is also presented.
EFFECTS OF SURFACE ELASTICITY ON MIXED-MODE FRACTURE
Authors: FU X. L. , WANG G. F. , FENG X. Q.
Published: June 2011

Surface effects often significantly alter the physical and mechanical properties of nanosized materials and devices. In the present paper, we investigate the influence of surface elasticity on the mixed-mode fracture by a new finite element method with surface effects being incorporated. It is found that when the curvature radius at the crack root shrinks to nanometers, surface elasticity considerably affects the local stress distributions in the vicinity of the crack tip. Using the fracture criterion of maximum hoop stress, the influences of surface elasticity on the critical stress intensity factor and the propagation direction are addressed.
SIMULATION OF MULTI-PASS HOT ROLLING BY A MIXED ANALYTICAL-NUMERICAL METHOD
Authors: ZHANG JINLING , CUI ZHENSHAN
Published: June 2011

A mathematical model integrating analytical method with numerical method was established to simulate the multi-pass plate hot rolling process, predicting its strain, strain rate, stress and temperature. Firstly, a temperature analytical model was derived through series function solution, the coefficients in which for successive processes were smoothly transformed from the former process to the latter. Therefore, the continuous computation of temperature for multi-operation and multi-pass was accomplished. Secondly, kinematically-admissible velocity function was developed in Eulerian coordinate system according to the principle of volume constancy and characteristics of metal flow during rolling with undetermined coefficients — which were eventually solved by Markov variational principle. Thirdly, strain rate was calculated through geometric equations and the difference-equations for solving strain and a subsequent recurrent solution were established. Fourthly, rolling force was calculated on the base of Orowan equilibrium equation, considering the contribution to flow stress of strain, strain rate and temperature, rather than taking the flow stress as a constant. Consequently, the thermo-mechanics and deformation variables are iteratively solved. This model was employed in the simulation of an industrial seven-pass plate hot rolling schedule. The comparisons of calculated results with the measured ones and the FEM simulation results indicate that this mathematical model is able to reasonably represent the evolutions of various variables during hot rolling so it can be used in the analysis of practical rolling. Above all, the greatest advantage of the presented is the high efficiency. It costs only 12 seconds to simulate a seven-pass schedule, more efficient than any other numerical methods.
The Calabrian Stage, Pleistocene highstand in Malta: a new marker for unravelling the Late Neogene and Quaternary history of the islands
Authors: Pedley Martyn
Published: June 2011

The Late Neogene and Quaternary sedimentary record within the Maltese islands is very fragmentary and has generally been ignored by sedimentologists. Local stratigraphies for parts of the Quaternary have been erected from vertebrate remains contained in Quaternary cave and fissure deposits of the islands. However, no coherent correlation scheme has been proposed in which to encompass them. The situation is exacerbated by the absence of datable fossils within the majority of Quaternary deposits. Considerable progress in resolving these problems is, however, possible if recourse is made to the post-Messinian (Late Miocene) erosion features evidenced in the topography of the islands. In particular, a hitherto unrecognized marine erosion surface, the San Leonardo Marine Abrasion Surface, is described and dated by reference to the marine deposits (San Leonardo Beds) lying directly above it and similarities to contemporaneous SE Sicily marine deposits. This provides an end-Calabrian Stage (Emilian Sub-Stage) base line upon which to hang fragmentary information on later events that have shaped the topography of the Maltese islands. From this it can be confirmed that a tectonic deformation event spanning latest Messinian to mid- Pliocene times uplifted the islands and reactivated previously incipient graben systems. This deformation episode is shown to have ceased within the islands well before the early Calabrian (before
c
. 1.6 Ma). Subsequent minor regional uplift and eustacy together with subaerial weathering processes have been the principal agents in shaping the islands. Collectively, these processes have prevented terrestrial animal migrations into the Maltese islands from North Africa since Messinian times. However, the infrequent re-establishment of a marine lowstand isthmus virtually linking Malta with SE Sicily has permitted opportunistic animal migrations into the islands and the presence of these greatly aids in dating the sedimentological events.
Uplift and lateritization history of the Çaldağ ophiolite in the context of Neo-Tethyan ophiolite obduction and uplift: implications for the Cenozoic weathering history of western Anatolia
Authors: Tavlan Metin , Thorne Robert , Herrington Richard Jeremy
Published: June 2011

The Çaldağ ophiolite, in the Bornova Flysch Zone, is a fragment of Neo-Tethys in the Aegean province, western Turkey. The Bornova Flysch Zone is probably of Cretaceous age, and is locally covered by Early Eocene sediments of the Başlamış Formation that show the first evidence of exposure of ultramafic rocks. Field mapping confirms eight tectonic events correlated with the published regional history. The Çaldağ ophiolite would have been exposed to weathering only from the Mid-Palaeocene to the Late Miocene and from the Mid-Pliocene until the present. This weathering has resulted in the formation of an average
c
. 69 m thick oxide-dominated Ni-laterite. Biological, palaeoecological and isotopic records indicate favourable conditions for weathering, comparable with those of regions in which laterites form today. These data suggest that tropical to subtropical climatic conditions dominated through most of the Cenozoic; the Palaeocene–Eocene was significantly warmer than the Oligo-Miocene. Combining the exhumation history with the available climate data better constrains the periods suitable for laterite formation with implications for laterite formation regionally. The data indicate a possible total period of 50 Ma when laterite formation was possible, yet the profile measured at Çaldağ is indicative of either a shorter period of actual weathering or partial erosion of the formed profile.
Brittle tectonic reconstruction of palaeo-extension inherited from Mesozoic rifting in West Zagros (Kermanshah, Iran)
Authors: Navabpour Payman , Angelier Jacques , Barrier Eric
Published: June 2011

The present-day Zagros mountain belt of SW Iran corresponds to the former Arabian passive continental margin of the southern Neo-Tethyan basin, which existed since a Permian–Triassic rifting episode and underwent later collisional deformation in mid- to late Cenozoic time. In West Zagros, the Kermanshah Radiolarian Trough, separated from the Neo-Tethyan basin by the narrow continental platform of the Bisotun Limestone, resulted from the Triassic–Jurassic rifting of the passive margin. Brittle tectonic analyses of syndepositional normal fault slip data have been undertaken to study the extensional history of the passive margin in terms of palaeostress reconstruction. Dominant east–west trends of the inherited rift-related normal faults in West Zagros indicate an approximately north–south trend of extension that prevailed during the entire Mesozoic syn- to post-rift evolution of the radiolarian trough. This extension characterizes a stretched continental margin similar to the present-day passive margin of the British Isles. Considering the structural pattern of the inherited basement faults, as revealed by the present-day earthquake focal mechanisms, an oblique crustal stretching model is proposed for the rifting process.
The Furongian (late Cambrian) Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) in Avalonia
Authors: Woods Mark A. , Wilby Philip R. , Leng Melanie J. , Rushton Adrian W.A. , Williams Mark
Published: June 2011

The Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) of earliest late Cambrian (Furongian) age is identified in England. The excursion is found within a
c
. 145 m thick siliciclastic succession within the middle and higher part of the Outwoods Shale Formation of Warwickshire, and reaches a maximum δ
13
C
org
amplitude of 4.1‰ at values of −25.6‰. Biostratigraphical data show that the excursion occupies the greater part of the
Olenus
Biozone, an equivalent of the
Glyptagnostus reticulatus
Biozone that marks the base of the Furongian and coeval base of the Steptoean in North America. The amplitude of the excursion approaches that recorded in limestone-dominated Laurentian successions, and is greater than that recently documented for organic-rich mudstones of palaeocontinental Baltica in southern Sweden. A minor positive excursion above the SPICE may equate with a similar excursion recognized in Siberia. The SPICE in the Outwoods Shale Formation seems closely linked to the widely recognized early Furongian eustatic sea-level rise. There is no evidence in the English succession for slightly later regression, elsewhere considered coincident with the peak of the excursion and pivotal to some previous models explaining the SPICE.

Supplementary material:

Analytical results, including total organic carbon (TOC) values for each sample, are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18455
.
Hafnium isotope record of the Ancient Gneiss Complex, Swaziland, southern Africa: evidence for Archaean crust–mantle formation and crust reworking between 3.66 and 2.73 Ga
Authors: Zeh Armin , Gerdes Axel , Millonig Leo
Published: June 2011

Combined U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope analyses of zircons from 16 tonalite–trondjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneiss and granite samples from Swaziland reveal that the oldest rocks of the Ancient Gneiss Complex in southern Africa formed by reworking of Early Archaean or perhaps Late Hadean crust at 3.66 Ga, and that new crust was extracted from a depleted mantle source during Palaeoarchaean events between 3.54 and 3.32 Ga. This interpretation is supported by εHf
t
of −1.6 ± 2.0 obtained from 3.66 Ga TTG gneisses, corresponding to hafnium model ages between 3.77 ± 0.18 Ga, for a presumed Hadean–Early Archaean chondritic mantle, and 4.08 ± 0.18 Ga, for a presumed Hadean depleted mantle reservoir, with the first model age being the most likely in the light of recent data from worldwide sources. Furthermore, it is reflected by superchondritic εHf
t
up to +2.2 ± 2.0 for TTGs formed at 3.54, 3.45 and 3.32 Ga. The new datasets additionally show that the Palaeoarchaean crust formed between 3.54 and 3.32 Ga was intensely reworked afterwards, without significant addition of depleted mantle derived material, during orogenic and intracratonic melting processes at 3.23, 3.1 and 2.7 Ga. This is well reflected by an array of decreasing εHf
t
from +2.2 to −7.2 between 3.3 and 2.7 Ga, which can be forced by
176
Lu/
177
Hf of 0.0113, which is similar to that of present-day average continental crust, and might result from lower crust zircon fractionation during Archaean crust reworking.

Supplementary material:

Results of
in situ
U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope zircon analyses and concordia diagrams are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18465
.
The diversity of flow structures in felsic dykes
Authors: Tian Ye , Shan Yehua
Published: June 2011

Numerous structures and textures, which can be related to magma flow, were observed in felsic dykes intruding late Mesozoic granitoid plutons in the Jiaodong peninsula, in eastern Shandong province, eastern China. These flow structures may be classified into two categories, interior and peripheral. The former group includes magmatic bands, various types of folds (e.g. injection, sheath, similar and disharmonic folds), rotation of phenocrysts, magmatic foliation or lineation, and crenulation, whereas the latter includes hot tool marks and quarrying structures. Magmatic banding resulted from shearing of mingled magma during magma flow in the dykes. The magma seemed to flow rapidly, probably triggering turbulence in some thick dykes. Interaction at the contact between the hot, moving magma and the cold, stationary wallrock sometimes produced the peripheral structures. A few measurements of hot tool marks and of magmatic lineation reveal a roughly horizontal flow of magma within these dykes. For the dominant NE–SW-striking dyke set in the Laoshan granitoid pluton, the felsic magma probably ascended on or to the SW of the pluton to feed the dyke swarm, and then flowed laterally to drive the horizontal propagation of dykes.
Cutaneous hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis homolog: regulation by ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Skobowiat Cezary , Dowdy John C. , Sayre Robert M. , Tuckey Robert C. , Slominski Andrzej
Published: June 2011

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis maintains basal and stress-related homeostasis in vertebrates. Skin expresses all elements of the HPA axis including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), ACTH, β-endorphin (β-END) with corresponding receptors, the glucocorticoidogenic pathway, and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). To test the hypothesis that cutaneous responses to environmental stressors follow the organizational structure of the central response to stress, the activity of the “cutaneous HPA” axis homolog was investigated after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) wavelengths of UVA (320–400 nm), UVB (280–320 nm), and UVC (100–280 nm) in human skin organ culture and in co-cultured keratinocytes/melanocytes. The level of stimulation of CRH, POMC, MC1R, MC2R, CYP11A1, and CYP11B1 genes was dependent on UV wavelengths and doses, with the highest effects observed for highly energetic UVC and UVB. ELISA and Western assays showed significant production of CRH, POMC, ACTH, and CYP11A1 proteins and of cortisol, with a decrease in GR expression only after UVB and UVC. However, β-END expression was also stimulated by UVA. Immunocytochemistry localized the deposition of the aforesaid antigens predominantly to the epidermis with additional accumulation of CRH, β-END, and ACTH in the dermis. UVR-stimulated CYP11A1 expression was seen in the basal layer of the epidermis and cells of adjacent dermis. Thus, the capacity to activate or change the spatial distribution of the cutaneous HPA axis elements is dependent on highly energetic wavelengths (UVC and UVB), implying a dependence of a local stress response on their noxious activity with overlapping or alternative mechanisms activated by UVA.
Loss of PDGF-B activity increases hepatic vascular permeability and enhances insulin sensitivity
Authors: Raines Summer M. , Richards Oliver C. , Schneider Lindsay R. , Schueler Kathryn L. , Rabaglia Mary E. , Oler Angie T. , Stapleton Donald S. , Genové Guillem , Dawson John A. , Betsholtz Christer , Attie Alan D.
Published: June 2011

Hepatic vasculature is not thought to pose a permeability barrier for diffusion of macromolecules from the bloodstream to hepatocytes. In contrast, in extrahepatic tissues, the microvasculature is critically important for insulin action, because transport of insulin across the endothelial cell layer is rate limiting for insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. However, very little is known concerning the role in this process of pericytes, the mural cells lining the basolateral membrane of endothelial cells. PDGF-B is a growth factor involved in the recruitment and function of pericytes. We studied insulin action in mice expressing PDGF-B lacking the proteoglycan binding domain, producing a protein with a partial loss of function (PDGF-Bret/ ret). Insulin action was assessed through measurements of insulin signaling and insulin and glucose tolerance tests. PDGF-B deficiency enhanced hepatic vascular transendothelial transport. One outcome of this change was an increase in hepatic insulin signaling. This correlated with enhanced whole body glucose homeostasis and increased insulin clearance from the circulation during an insulin tolerance test. In obese mice, PDGF-B deficiency was associated with an 80% reduction in fasting insulin and drastically reduced insulin secretion. These mice did not have significantly higher glucose levels, reflecting a dramatic increase in insulin action. Our findings show that, despite already having a high permeability, hepatic transendothelial transport can be further enhanced. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to connect PDGF-B-induced changes in hepatic sinusoidal transport to changes in insulin action, demonstrating a link between PDGF-B signaling and insulin sensitivity.
A watertight acrylic-free titanium recording chamber for electrophysiology in behaving monkeys
Authors: Adams Daniel L. , Economides John R. , Jocson Cristina M. , Parker John M. , Horton Jonathan C.
Published: June 2011

Neurophysiological recording in alert monkeys requires the creation of a permanent aperture in the skull for repeated insertion of microelectrodes. Most laboratories use polymethyl methacrylate to attach a recording chamber over the skull opening. Here, we describe a titanium chamber that fastens to the skull with screws, using no polymethyl methacrylate. The gap between the base of the chamber and the skull is filled with hydroxyapatite, forming a watertight gasket. As the chamber base osseointegates with the skull, the hydroxyapatite is replaced with bone. Rather than having a finite lifetime, the recording chamber becomes more firmly anchored the longer it is in place. It has a small footprint, low profile, and needs little maintenance to control infection. Toilette consists of occasional application of betadine to clean the scalp margin, followed by application of neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin ointment. Antibiotic is also placed inside the chamber to suppress bacterial proliferation. Thickening of the dura within the chamber can be prevented by regular application of mitocycin C and/or bevacizumab, an antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor. By conducting an e-mail survey, this protocol for chamber maintenance was compared with procedures used in 37 other vision research laboratories. Refinement of appliances and techniques used for recordings in awake monkeys promises to increase the pace of scientific discovery and to benefit animal welfare.
Genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes involved in DNA methylation and synthesis in elite athletes
Authors: Terruzzi Ileana , Senesi Pamela , Montesano Anna , La Torre Antonio , Alberti Giampietro , Benedini Stefano , Caumo Andrea , Fermo Isabella , Luzi Livio
Published: June 2011

Physical exercise induces adaptive changes leading to a muscle phenotype with enhanced performance. We first investigated whether genetic polymorphisms altering enzymes involved in DNA methylation, probably responsible of DNA methylation deficiency, are present in athletes' DNA. We determined the polymorphic variants C667T/A1298C of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), A2756G of methionine synthase (MTR), A66G of methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), G742A of betaine:homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), and 68-bp ins of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) genes in 77 athletes and 54 control subjects. The frequency of MTHFR (AC), MTR (AG), and MTRR (AG) heterozygous genotypes was found statistically different in the athletes compared with the control group ( P = 0.0001, P = 0.018, and P = 0.0001), suggesting a reduced DNA methylating capacity. We therefore assessed whether DNA hypomethylation might increase the expression of myogenic proteins expressed during early (Myf-5 and MyoD), intermediate (Myf-6), and late-phase (MHC) of myogenesis in a cellular model of hypomethylated or unhypomethylated C2C12 myoblasts. Myogenic proteins are largely induced in hypomethylated cells [fold change (FC) = Myf-5: 1.21, 1.35; MyoD: 0.9, 1.47; Myf-6: 1.39, 1.66; MHC: 1.35, 3.10 in GMA, DMA, respectively] compared with the control groups (FC = Myf-5: 1.0, 1.38; MyoD: 1.0, 1.14; Myf-6: 1.0, 1.44; MHC: 1.0, 2.20 in GM, DM, respectively). Diameters and length of hypomethylated myotubes were greater then their respective controls. Our findings suggest that DNA hypomethylation due to lesser efficiency of polymorphic MTHFR, MS, and MSR enzymes induces the activation of factors determining proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts promoting muscle growth and increase of muscle mass.
Particle Swarm Optimization as an Efficient Computational Method in order to Minimize Vibrations of Multimesh Gears Transmission
Authors: Carbonelli Alexandre , Perret-Liaudet Joël , Rigaud Emmanuel , Le Bot Alain
Published: June 2011

The aim of this work is to present the great performance of the numerical algorithm of Particle Swarm Optimization applied to find the best teeth modifications for multimesh helical gears, which are crucial for the static transmission error (STE). Indeed, STE fluctuation is the main source of vibrations and noise radiated by the geared transmission system. The microgeometrical parameters studied for each toothed wheel are the crowning, tip reliefs and start diameters for these reliefs. Minimization of added up STE amplitudes on the idler gear of a three‐gear cascade is then performed using the Particle Swarm Optimization. Finally, robustness of the solutions towards manufacturing errors and applied torque is analyzed by the Particle Swarm algorithm to access to the deterioration capacity of the tested solution.
The Laplace Likelihood Ratio Test for Heteroscedasticity
Authors: van Zyl J. Martin
Published: June 2011

It is shown that the likelihood ratio test for heteroscedasticity,
assuming the Laplace distribution, gives good
results for Gaussian and fat‐tailed data. The
likelihood ratio test, assuming normality, is
very sensitive to any deviation from normality,
especially when the observations are from a
distribution with fat tails. Such a likelihood
test can also be used as a robust test for a
constant variance in residuals or a time series
if the data is partitioned into
groups.
Romanian Migration to the Community of Madrid (Spain): Patterns of Mobility and Return
Authors: Marcu Silvia
Published: June 2011

The article analyzes the process by which Romanian immigrants to the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain) return to their country. Starting with the empirical reality and the theoretical focuses on human mobility as a form of transnationalism, the article emphasises on the characteristics which distinguish the Romanian collective from other collectives of immigrants living in Spain; circular migration that creates work networks. The paper reflects how the intensive mobility contributes to a process that is continuous and partial—hardly ever final. The first part of the article presents the phases of Romanian migration to the Autonomous Community of Madrid. It then delves into the process by which Romanians return to their country of origin, while detailing those factors that influence their decision. The conclusions point towards a renewal of studies on mobility within the framework of the European Union that links the border dynamic with the migration process.
Bug Localization in Test-Driven Development
Authors: Ficco Massimo , Pietrantuono Roberto , Russo Stefano
Published: June 2011

Software development teams that use agile methodologies are increasingly adopting the test-driven development practice (TDD). TDD allows to produce software by iterative and incremental work cycle, and with a strict control over the process, favouring an early detection of bugs. However, when applied to large and complex systems, TDD benefits are not so obvious; manually locating and fixing bugs introduced during the iterative development steps is a nontrivial task. In such systems, the propagation chains following the bugs activation can be unacceptably long and intricate, and the size of the code to be analyzed is often too large. In this paper, a bug localization technique specifically tailored to TDD is presented. The technique is embedded in the TDD cycle, and it aims to improve developers' ability to locate bugs as soon as possible. It is implemented in a tool and experimentally evaluated on newly developed Java programs.
Signaling Proteins and Transcription Factors in Normal and Malignant Early B Cell Development
Authors: Pérez-Vera Patricia , Reyes-León Adriana , Fuentes-Pananá Ezequiel M.
Published: June 2011

B cell development starts in bone marrow with the commitment of hematopoietic progenitors to the B cell lineage. In murine models, the IL-7 and preBCR receptors, and the signaling pathways and transcription factors that they regulate, control commitment and maintenance along the B cell pathway. E2A, EBF1, PAX5, and Ikaros are among the most important transcription factors controlling early development and thereby conditioning mice homeostatic B cell lymphopoiesis. Importantly, their gain or loss of function often results in malignant development in humans, supporting conserved roles for these transcription factors. B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cause of pediatric cancer, and it is characterized by unpaired early B cell development resulting from genetic lesions in these critical signaling pathways and transcription factors. Fine mapping of these genetic abnormalities is allowing more specific treatments, more accurately predicting risk profiles for this disease, and improving survival rates.
Chemiluminescent Nanomicelles for Imaging Hydrogen Peroxide and Self‐Therapy in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhang Luzhong , Gao Jian , Wu Wei , Hu Yong , Jiang Xiqun
Published: June 2011

Hydrogen peroxide is a signal molecule of the tumor, and its overproduction makes a higher concentration in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. Based on the fact that peroxalates can make chemiluminescence with a high efficiency in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, we developed nanomicelles composed of peroxalate ester oligomers and fluorescent dyes, called peroxalate nanomicelles (POMs), which could image hydrogen peroxide with high sensitivity and stability. The potential application of the POMs in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer was also investigated. It was found that the PDT‐drug‐loaded POMs were sensitive to hydrogen peroxide, and the PDT drug could be stimulated by the chemiluminescence from the reaction between POMs and hydrogen peroxide, which carried on a self‐therapy of the tumor without the additional laser light resource.
Stock Price Prediction Based on Procedural Neural Networks
Authors: Liang Jiuzhen , Song Wei , Wang Mei
Published: June 2011

We present a spatiotemporal model, namely, procedural neural networks for
stock price prediction. Compared with some successful traditional models on simulating stock market,
such as BNN (backpropagation neural networks, HMM (hidden Markov model) and SVM (support vector machine)), the procedural neural network model processes both spacial and temporal information synchronously without slide time window, which is typically used in the well‐known recurrent
neural networks. Two different structures of procedural neural networks are constructed for modeling
multidimensional time series problems. Learning algorithms for training the models and sustained improvement of learning are presented and discussed. Experiments on Yahoo stock market of the past
decade years are implemented, and simulation results are compared by PNN, BNN, HMM, and SVM.
Weed Control and Peanut Tolerance with Ethalfluralin-Based Herbicide Systems
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Dotray P. A.
Published: June 2011

Field studies were conducted from 2007 through 2009 to determine weed efficacy and peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) response to herbicide systems that included ethalfluralin applied preplant incorporated. Control of devil's claw (Proboscidea louisianica(Mill.) Thellung), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentusL.), Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeriS. Wats.), and puncturevine (Tribulus terrestrisL.) was most consistent with ethalfluralin followed by either imazapic or imazethapyr applied postemergence. Peanut stunting was 19% when paraquat alone was applied early-postemergence. Stunting increased to greater than 30% when ethalfluralin applied preplant incorporated was followed byS-metolachlor applied preemergence and paraquat applied early-postemergence. Stunting (7%) was also observed when ethalfluralin was followed by flumioxazin plusS-metolachlor applied preemergence with lactofen applied mid-postemergence. Ethalfluralin followed by paraquat applied early-postemergence reduced peanut yield when compared to the nontreated check. Ethalfluralin applied preplant incorporated followed by imazapic applied mid-postemergence provided the greatest yield (6220 kg/ha). None of the herbicide treatments reduced peanut grade (sound mature kernels plus sound splits) when compared with the nontreated check.
EGF61 Polymorphism Predicts Complete Pathologic Response to Cetuximab-Based Chemoradiation Independent of KRAS Status in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Hu-Lieskovan Siwen , Vallbohmer Daniel , Zhang Wu , Yang Dongyun , Pohl Alexander , Labonte Melissa J. , Grimminger Peter P. , Hölscher Arnulf H. , Semrau Robert , Arnold Dirk , Dellas Kathrin , Debucquoy Annelies , Haustermans Karin , Machiels Jean-Pascal H. , Sempoux Christine , Rödel Claus , Bracko Matej , Velenik Vaneja , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: June 2011

Background: Cetuximab has shown significant clinical activity in metastatic colon cancer. However, cetuximab-containing neoadjuvant chemoradiation has not been shown to improve tumor response in locally advanced rectal cancer patients in recent phase I/II trials. We evaluated functional germline polymorphisms of genes involved in epidermal growth factor receptor pathway, angiogenesis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, DNA repair, and drug metabolism, for their potential role as molecular predictors for clinical outcome in locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative cetuximab-based chemoradiation.

Methods: 130 patients (74 men and 56 women) with locally advanced rectal cancer (4 with stage II, 109 with stage III, and 15 with stage IV, 2 unknown) who were enrolled in phase I/II clinical trials treated with cetuximab-based chemoradiation in European cancer centers were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples and genotyping was done by using PCR-RFLP assays. Fisher's exact test was used to examine associations between polymorphisms and complete pathologic response (pCR) that was determined by a modified Dworak classification system (grade III vs. grade IV: complete response).

Results: Patients with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) 61 G/G genotype had pCR of 45% (5/11), compared with 21% (11/53) in patients heterozygous, and 2% (1/54) in patients homozygous for the A/A allele (P < 0.001). In addition, this association between EGF 61 G allele and pCR remained significant (P = 0.019) in the 59 patients with wild-type KRAS.

Conclusion: This study suggested EGF A+61G polymorphism to be a predictive marker for pCR, independent of KRAS mutation status, to cetuximab-based neoadjuvant chemoradiation of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 5161–9. ©2011 AACR.
To DNA or not to DNA? That Is the Question, When It Comes to Molecular Subtyping for the Clinic!
Authors: Smeets Serge J. , Harjes Ulrike , van Wieringen Wessel N. , Sie Daoud , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Ylstra Bauke
Published: June 2011

Genome-wide RNA expression profiling has yielded tumor subtypes with strong predictive or prognostic value for a wide variety of cancers. Recently, for breast cancer two RNA expression classifiers have been adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also on the basis of DNA copy number profiles, tumor subtypes with different prognosis have been described, but have not yet led to clinical implementation. The genomic revolution caused by next generation sequencing of DNA samples presents additional mutation, balanced translocations, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and copy neutral loss of heterozygosity data simultaneously. We foresee a further boost of the potential of DNA profiling in the clinic when these multidimensional DNA factors will be implemented. Here we evaluate the current stratification power with DNA copy numbers. In a training and validation approach using data of 400 published breast cancer samples, we show that a DNA copy number classifier accurately classifies RNA expression subtypes. We consider this an important step forward for clinical implementation of genomic subtyping using DNA and discuss the extra dimensions upcoming techniques will bring to the DNA palette. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 4959–64. ©2011 AACR.
Preclinical Characterization of OSI-027, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of mTORC1 and mTORC2: Distinct from Rapamycin
Authors: Bhagwat Shripad V. , Gokhale Prafulla C. , Crew Andrew P. , Cooke Andy , Yao Yan , Mantis Christine , Kahler Jennifer , Workman Jennifer , Bittner Mark , Dudkin Lorina , Epstein David M. , Gibson Neil W. , Wild Robert , Arnold Lee D. , Houghton Peter J. , Pachter Jonathan A.
Published: June 2011

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently activated in human cancers, and mTOR is a clinically validated target. mTOR forms two distinct multiprotein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which regulate cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, and survival. Rapamycin and its analogues partially inhibit mTOR through allosteric binding to mTORC1, but not mTORC2, and have shown clinical utility in certain cancers. Here, we report the preclinical characterization of OSI-027, a selective and potent dual inhibitor of mTORC1 and mTORC2 with biochemical IC50 values of 22 nmol/L and 65 nmol/L, respectively. OSI-027 shows more than 100-fold selectivity for mTOR relative to PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, PI3Kγ, and DNA-PK. OSI-027 inhibits phosphorylation of the mTORC1 substrates 4E-BP1 and S6K1 as well as the mTORC2 substrate AKT in diverse cancer models in vitro and in vivo. OSI-027 and OXA-01 (close analogue of OSI-027) potently inhibit proliferation of several rapamycin-sensitive and -insensitive nonengineered and engineered cancer cell lines and also, induce cell death in tumor cell lines with activated PI3K–AKT signaling. OSI-027 shows concentration-dependent pharmacodynamic effects on phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and AKT in tumor tissue with resulting tumor growth inhibition. OSI-027 shows robust antitumor activity in several different human xenograft models representing various histologies. Furthermore, in COLO 205 and GEO colon cancer xenograft models, OSI-027 shows superior efficacy compared with rapamycin. Our results further support the important role of mTOR as a driver of tumor growth and establish OSI-027 as a potent anticancer agent. OSI-027 is currently in phase I clinical trials in cancer patients. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(8); 1394–406. ©2011 AACR.
KIAA0101 Interacts with BRCA1 and Regulates Centrosome Number
Authors: Kais Zeina , Barsky Sanford H. , Mathsyaraja Haritha , Zha Alicia , Ransburgh Derek J.R. , He Gang , Pilarski Robert T. , Shapiro Charles L. , Huang Kun , Parvin Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2011

To find genes and proteins that collaborate with BRCA1 or BRCA2 in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, we used an informatics approach and found a candidate BRCA interactor, KIAA0101, to function like BRCA1 in exerting a powerful control over centrosome number. The effect of KIAA0101 on centrosomes is likely direct, as its depletion does not affect the cell cycle, KIAA0101 localizes to regions coincident with the centrosomes, and KIAA0101 binds to BRCA1. We analyzed whether KIAA0101 protein is overexpressed in breast cancer tumor samples in tissue microarrays, and we found that overexpression of KIAA0101 correlated with positive Ki67 staining, a biomarker associated with increased disease severity. Furthermore, overexpression of the KIAA0101 gene in breast tumors was found to be associated with significantly decreased survival time. This study identifies KIAA0101 as a protein important for breast tumorigenesis, and as this factor has been reported as a UV repair factor, it may link the UV damage response to centrosome control. Mol Cancer Res; 9(8); 1091–9. ©2011 AACR.
Enhancing Mitochondrial Respiration Suppresses Tumor Promoter TPA-Induced PKM2 Expression and Cell Transformation in Skin Epidermal JB6 Cells
Authors: Wittwer Jennifer A. , Robbins Delira , Wang Fei , Codarin Sarah , Shen Xinggui , Kevil Christopher G. , Huang Ting-Ting , Van Remmen Holly , Richardson Arlan , Zhao Yunfeng
Published: June 2011

Differentiated cells primarily metabolize glucose for energy via the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, but cancer cells thrive on a different mechanism to produce energy, characterized as the Warburg effect, which describes the increased dependence on aerobic glycolysis. The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2), which is responsible for catalyzing the final step of aerobic glycolysis, is highly expressed in cancer cells and may contribute to the Warburg effect. However, whether PKM2 plays a contributing role during early cancer development is unclear. In our studies, we have made an attempt to elucidate the effects of varying mitochondrial respiration substrates on skin cell transformation and expression of PKM2. Tumorigenicity in murine skin epidermal JB6 P+ (promotable) cells was measured in a soft agar assay using 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) as a tumor promoter. We observed a significant reduction in cell transformation upon pretreatment with the mitochondrial respiration substrate succinate or malate/pyruvate. We observed that increased expression and activity of PKM2 in TPA-treated JB6 P+ cells and pretreatment with succinate or malate/pyruvate suppressed the effects. In addition, TPA treatment also induced PKM2 whereas PKM1 expression was suppressed in mouse skin epidermal tissues in vivo. In comparison with JB6 P+ cells, the nonpromotable JB6 P− cells showed no increase in PKM2 expression or activity upon TPA treatment. Knockdown of PKM2 using a siRNA approach significantly reduced skin cell transformation. Thus, our results suggest that PKM2 activation could be an early event and play a contributing role in skin tumorigenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 4(9); 1476–84. ©2011 AACR.
Phosphoproteins and the Dawn of Functional Phenotyping
Authors: Bodo J. , Hsi E.D.
Published: June 2011

Phosphorylation is one of the most important processes in cell signal transduction. Detection of phosphorylated proteins in cancer tissue is useful for prognosis and diagnosis, and it might be very helpful in monitoring treatment using targeted therapy. For these reasons, the in situ quantitative measurement and subcellular localization of phosphoproteins will likely be important. However, phosphoproteins are extremely labile, a likely explanation for inconsistent or contradictory reports. Thus, the development of new paradigms for tissue handling, immunostaining, and quality control are needed.
Changing Pathology with Changing Drugs: Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Cervera Pascale , Fléjou Jean-François
Published: June 2011

Gastrointestinal cancer treatment is being based more and more on pathology that yields integrated information leading to targeted therapy, i.e. morphological identification of the histological type of the tumor and its context, staging of the tumor, and identification of various targets. This provides a realistic appraisal of the tumor and allows surgeons and oncologists to choose the best treatment from an increased range of drug options. An accurate diagnosis remains the major determinant of treatment, but new drugs and new insights into molecular pathways acting in carcinogenesis enhance molecular diagnosis in cancer. In most adenocarcinomas, therapy is only organ orientated and staging dependent, and not patient targeted. Currently, the identification and validation of new targets as well as molecular classification of the tumors are inducing the incorporation of new tests into the daily practice of surgical pathology. These new tests require appropriate tissue preservation and selection of the tissue to be analyzed and harmonized to morphological criteria. In colorectal adenocarcinoma, which is the second most common malignant tumor in both genders, the biomarkers that are relevant at the present time are the genetic instability status of the tumor, the KRAS mutation status as a negative predictive marker for the overall rate of response to anti-EGFR treatment in patients with metastatic cancer, and BRAF mutation as an unfavorable prognostic marker. In gastric adenocarcinoma, HER2 overexpression is correlated with poor outcomes and more aggressive disease in a subset of cases with clinical response to trastuzumab. Met mutations have also been evidenced. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a highly chemoresistant tumor with several genetic alterations. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death with frequent KRAS mutations. No biomarker has been clearly identified in either of these tumors. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors that constitute less than 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies have been individualized since 1988. They express the KIT protein, a membrane receptor, and respond to imatinib which is a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, depending on the mutational status of the tumor.
Kidney Cancer Pathology in the New Context of Targeted Therapy
Authors: Allory Yves , Culine Stéphane , de la Taille Alexandre
Published: June 2011

The outcome in metastatic renal cancer remains poor with an overall survival at 5 years of less than 10%. However, molecular pathology in kidney cancer has developed extensively in the few last years, providing a basis for new systemic therapies including antiangiogenic drugs and mTOR inhibitors. Use of these targeted therapies in metastatic disease has improved the prognosis but still in a too-limited range, with a lack of consistent predictive biomarkers. The multiple entities of renal tumors add complexity to the research of biomarkers and the design of clinical trials. This review aims to focus on pathways in renal cancer (VHL/HIF, mTOR, c-MYC, c-MET, and immune response) in the respective tumor subtypes, accounting for the effects of targeted therapies and providing the framework to search for relevant predictive biomarkers and propose new trials. This overview underscores that the pathways are often intermingled and common (at least partially) to the different tumor subtypes.