bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE ALGEBRAIC HOLONOMY OF STABLE PRINCIPAL BUNDLES
Authors: BISWAS INDRANIL
Published: December 2010

Let EGbe a stable principal G–bundle over a compact connected Kähler manifold, where G is a connected reductive linear algebraic group defined over ℂ. Let H ⊂ G be a complex reductive subgroup which is not necessarily connected, and let EH⊂ EGbe a holomorphic reduction of structure group to H. We prove that EHis preserved by the Einstein–Hermitian connection on EG. Using this we show that if EHis a minimal reductive reduction (which means that there is no complex reductive proper subgroup of H to which EHadmits a holomorphic reduction of structure group), then EHis unique in the following sense: For any other minimal reduction of structure group (H′, EH′) of EGto some reductive subgroup H′, there is some element g ∈ G such that H′ = g-1Hg and EH′= EHg. As an application, we show the following:

Let M be a simply connected, irreducible smooth complex projective variety of dimension n such that the Picard number of M is one. If the canonical line bundle KMis ample, then the algebraic holonomy of the holomorphic tangent bundle T1, 0M is GL (n, ℂ). If [Formula: see text] is ample, the rank of the Picard group of M is one, the biholomorphic automorphism group of M is finite, and M admits a Kähler–Einstein metric, then the algebraic holonomy of T1, 0M is GL (n, ℂ).

These answer some questions posed in V. Balaji and J. Kollár, Publ. Res. Inst. Math. Sci.44 (2008) 183–211.
OBSTRUCTED BUNDLES OF RANK TWO ON A QUINTIC SURFACE
Authors: MESTRANO NICOLE , SIMPSON CARLOS
Published: December 2010

In this note we consider the moduli space of stable bundles of rank two on a very general quintic surface. We study the potentially obstructed points of the moduli space via the spectral covering of a twisted endomorphism. This analysis leads to generically non-reduced components of the moduli space, and components which are generically smooth of more than the expected dimension. We obtain a sharp bound asked for by O'Grady on when the moduli space is good.
COMPLETIONS OF MONOIDS WITH APPLICATIONS TO THE CUNTZ SEMIGROUP
Authors: ANTOINE RAMON , BOSA JOAN , PERERA FRANCESC
Published: December 2010

We provide an abstract categorical framework that relates the Cuntz semigroups of the C*-algebras A and [Formula: see text]. This is done through a certain completion of ordered monoids by adding suprema of countable ascending sequences. Our construction is rather explicit and we show it is functorial and unique up to isomorphism. This approach is used in some applications to compute the stabilized Cuntz semigroup of certain C*-algebras.
ENTANGLEMENT PROPERTY AND MONOGAMY RELATION OF GENERALIZED MIXED W STATES
Authors: ZHAO MING-JING , FEI SHAO-MING , WANG ZHI-XI
Published: December 2010

We introduce a new class of multipartite entangled mixed states with pure state decompositions of generalized W states, similar to Schmidt-correlated states having generalized GHZ states in the pure state decomposition. The entanglement and separability properties are studied according to PPT operations. Monogamy relations linked to these states are also investigated.
A TWO-STEP CHANNEL-ENCRYPTING QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION PROTOCOL
Authors: GUO FEN-ZHUO , GAO FEI , WEN QIAO-YAN , ZHU FU-CHEN
Published: December 2010

A two-step channel-encrypting quantum key distribution protocol is proposed. Using the previously shared EPR pairs as the quantum key, two bits of classical key can be established via one information carrier EPR state on average. In theory, the efficiency of this protocol reaches 100%, and there is no need to consume any entangled states including both the quantum key and the information carriers in ideal condition. The protocol can resist the particular attack that is fatal to other some channel-encrypting schemes. Principally, we prove the security against the most general individual attack of this protocol. Entanglement collapse in practical situation, as well as the realistic implementation of this protocol is also discussed.
The use of NEXTMap Britain for geological surveying in the Vale of York
Authors: Hall M. , Cooper A. H. , Ford J. , Price S. , Burke H.
Published: December 2010

The NEXTMap Britain digital elevation model (DEM) has opened many new opportunities that considerably help and enhance the way we undertake our geological mapping of bedrock, structure, and superficial and artificial deposits. The dataset has been successfully integrated into the digital and conventional mapping workflows of the Vale of York mapping team.

A variety of visualization and analysis techniques have been applied throughout the mapping process. These techniques include an initial appraisal of NEXTMap with a comparison to existing geological mapping to define the field mapping strategy and site-specific manipulation using Tablet PCs.

NEXTMap interpretation has made an important contribution to the understanding of the extensive glacial and proglacial deposits found in the Vale of York; such as sand bodies resting on lake deposits, and identifying details within morainic and alluvial complexes. For bedrock mapping, NEXTMap has been used to identify landform features that relate to the underlying geology, such as breaks in slope, the extent of escarpments, hillcrests and dip slopes, to provide an overview of the landscape and to save time in mapping out features in the field. Techniques have also been developed to automatically generate these landform features.

The dataset has also been used to identify areas where landsliding has occurred, for the accurate mapping of artificial ground and as a key surface for three-dimensional (3D) geological modelling.
Computing large matchings fast
Authors: Rutter Ignaz , Wolff Alexander
Published: December 2010

In this article we present algorithms for computing large matchings in 3-regular graphs, graphs with maximum degree 3, and 3-connected planar graphs. The algorithms give a guarantee on the size of the computed matching and take linear or slightly superlinear time. Thus they are faster than the best-known algorithm for computing maximum matchings in general graphs, which runs in
O
(√
nm
) time, where
n
denotes the number of vertices and
m
the number of edges of the given graph. For the classes of 3-regular graphs and graphs with maximum degree 3, the bounds we achieve are known to be best possible.

We also investigate graphs with block trees of bounded degree, where the
d
-block tree is the adjacency graph of the
d
-connected components of the given graph. In 3-regular graphs and 3-connected planar graphs with bounded-degree 2- and 4-block trees, respectively, we show how to compute
maximum
matchings in slightly superlinear time.
A faster algorithm for computing the girth of planar and bounded genus graphs
Authors: Djidjev Hristo N.
Published: December 2010

The
girth
of a graph
G
is the length of a shortest cycle of
G
. In this article we design an
O
(
n
5/4
log
n
) algorithm for finding the girth of an undirected
n
-vertex planar graph, the first
o
(
n
2
) algorithm for this problem. We also extend our results for the class of graphs embedded into an orientable surface of small genus. Our approach uses several techniques such as graph partitioning, hammock decomposition, graph covering, and dynamic shortest-path computation. We discuss extensions and generalizations of our result.
Length-bounded cuts and flows
Authors: Baier Georg , Erlebach Thomas , Hall Alexander , Köhler Ekkehard , Kolman Petr , Pangrác Ondřej , Schilling Heiko , Skutella Martin
Published: December 2010

For a given number
L
, an
L
-length-bounded edge-cut (node-cut, respectively) in a graph
G
with source
s
and sink
t
is a set
C
of edges (nodes, respectively) such that no
s
-
t
-path of length at most
L
remains in the graph after removing the edges (nodes, respectively) in
C
. An
L
-length-bounded flow is a flow that can be decomposed into flow paths of length at most
L
. In contrast to classical flow theory, we describe instances for which the minimum
L
-length-bounded edge-cut (node-cut, respectively) is Θ(
n
2/3
)-times (Θ(√
n
)-times, respectively) larger than the maximum
L
-length-bounded flow, where
n
denotes the number of nodes; this is the worst case. We show that the minimum length-bounded cut problem is
NP
-hard to approximate within a factor of 1.1377 for
L
≥ 5 in the case of node-cuts and for
L
≥ 4 in the case of edge-cuts. We also describe algorithms with approximation ratio
O
(min{
L
,
n/L
}) ⊆
O
√
n
in the node case and
O
(min {
L
,
n
2
/
L
2
,√
m
} ⊆
O
2/3
in the edge case, where
m
denotes the number of edges. Concerning
L
-length-bounded flows, we show that in graphs with unit-capacities and general edge lengths it is
NP
-complete to decide whether there is a fractional length-bounded flow of a given value. We analyze the structure of optimal solutions and present further complexity results.
Clustering lines in high-dimensional space
Authors: Gao Jie , Langberg Michael , Schulman Leonard J.
Published: December 2010

A set of
k
balls
B
1
, …,
B

k

in a Euclidean space is said to cover a collection of lines if every line intersects some ball. We consider the
k
-
center problem for lines
in high-dimensional space: Given a set of
n
lines

l

= {
l
1
,…,
l

n

in R
d
, find
k
balls of minimum radius which cover
l
. We present a 2-approximation algorithm for the cases
k
= 2, 3 of this problem, having running time quasi-linear in the number of lines and the dimension of the ambient space.

Our result for 3-clustering is strongly based on a new result in discrete geometry that may be of independent interest: a Helly-type theorem for collections of axis-parallel “crosses” in the plane. The family of crosses does not have finite Helly number in the usual sense. Our Helly theorem is of a new type: it depends on ε-contracting the sets.

In statistical practice, data is often incompletely specified; we consider lines as the most elementary case of incompletely specified data points. Clustering of data is a key primitive in nonparametric statistics. Our results provide a way of performing this primitive on incomplete data, as well as imputing the missing values.
Geodesic Fréchet distance inside a simple polygon
Authors: IV Atlas F. Cook , Wenk Carola
Published: December 2010

We present an alternative to parametric search that applies to both the nongeodesic and geodesic Fréchet optimization problems. This randomized approach is based on a variant of red-blue intersections and is appealing due to its elegance and practical efficiency when compared to parametric search.

We introduce the first algorithm to compute the geodesic Fréchet distance between two polygonal curves
A
and
B
inside a simple bounding polygon
P
. The geodesic Fréchet
decision
problem is solved almost as fast as its nongeodesic sibling in
O
(
N
2
log
k
) time and
O
(
k
+
N
) space after
O(k)
preprocessing, where
N
is the larger of the complexities of
A
and
B
and
k
is the complexity of
P
. The geodesic Fréchet
optimization
problem is solved by a randomized approach in
O
(
k
+
N
2
log
kN
log
N
) expected time and
O
(
k
+
N
2
) space. This runtime is only a logarithmic factor larger than the standard nongeodesic Fréchet algorithm [Alt and Godau 1995]. Results are also presented for the geodesic Fréchet distance in a polygonal domain with obstacles and the geodesic Hausdorff distance for sets of points or sets of line segments inside a simple polygon
P
.
How to probe for an extreme value
Authors: Goel Ashish , Guha Sudipto , Munagala Kamesh
Published: December 2010

In several systems applications, parameters such as load are known only with some associated uncertainty, which is specified, or modeled, as a distribution over values. The performance of the system optimization and monitoring schemes can be improved by spending resources such as time or bandwidth in
observing
or
resolving
the values of these parameters. In a resource-constrained situation, deciding which parameters to observe in order to best optimize the expected system performance (or in general, optimize the expected value of a certain objective function) itself becomes an interesting optimization problem.

In this article, we initiate the study of such problems that we term “model-driven optimization”. In particular, we study the problem of optimizing the minimum value in the presence of observable distributions. We show that this problem is NP-Hard, and present greedy algorithms with good performance bounds. The proof of the performance bounds are via novel sub-modularity arguments and connections to covering integer programs.
Including subjective norm and technology trust in the technology acceptance model
Authors: Lee Chang , Wan Guohua
Published: December 2010

This paper is concerned with a modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that includes subjective norm and technology trust as antecedents of adoption intention. Although much of previous research has included subjective norm as an adoption factor, the results obtained are not consistent. This study suggests that subjective norm is salient when adoption involves people living in collectivist societies. Trust in the ability of the technology is also important, particularly for people who are unfamiliar with new technologies. The proposed model was tested in the context of electronic ticketing for air travelers in China. Implications of the results in terms of both theory and practice are discussed.
A case study of project management practices in virtual settings
Authors: Beise Catherine , Carte Traci A. , Vician Chelley , Chidambaram Laku
Published: December 2010

In this paper we report a case study examining the communication processes engaged in by virtual project teams and their management. Twenty-two teams, using widely available groupware to communicate, work together, share documents, discuss ideas, and solve problems, designed and implemented a database. These teams were managed by a geographically-distributed management team. The case study is analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, from two perspectives--working in, and managing, virtual teams--using a framework that integrates virtual team dynamics and project management practices. Through the critical examination of communication content from the longitudinal experiences of multiple virtual project teams and their virtual management team, we identify successful project practices and uncover underlying interaction processes. Specifically, we found that high performing project teams differed from low performing teams in terms of process management, relational development, and proactive technology use behaviors. The five-person management team paralleled the project teams in evolving its own process management and relational development over time.
Modelling of the Automatic Depth Control Electrohydraulic System Using RBF Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zong-yi Xing , Yong Qin , Xue-miao Pang , Li-min Jia , Yuan Zhang
Published: December 2010

The automatic depth control electrohydraulic system of a certain minesweeping tank is complex nonlinear system, and it is difficult for the linear model obtained by first principle method to represent the intrinsic nonlinear characteristics of such complex system. This paper proposes an approach to construct accurate model of the electrohydraulic system with RBF neural network trained by genetic algorithm‐based technique. In order to improve accuracy of the designed model, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize centers of RBF neural network. The maximum distance measure is adopted to determine widths of radial basis functions, and the least square method is utilized to calculate weights of RBF neural network; thus, computational burden of the proposed technique is relieved. The proposed technique is applied to the modelling of the electrohydraulic system, and the results clearly indicate that the obtained RBF neural network can emulate the complex dynamic characteristics of the electrohydraulic system satisfactorily. The comparison results also show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the traditional clustering‐based method.
A Novel Pathway for the Biosynthesis of Heme inArchaea: Genome-Based Bioinformatic Predictions and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Storbeck Sonja , Rolfes Sarah , Raux-Deery Evelyne , Warren Martin J. , Jahn Dieter , Layer Gunhild
Published: December 2010

Heme is an essential prosthetic group for many proteins involved in fundamental biological processes in all three domains of life. InEukaryotaandBacteriaheme is formedviaa conserved and well-studied biosynthetic pathway. Surprisingly, inArchaeaheme biosynthesis proceedsviaan alternative route which is poorly understood. In order to formulate a working hypothesis for this novel pathway, we searched 59 completely sequenced archaeal genomes for the presence of gene clusters consisting of established heme biosynthetic genes and colocalized conserved candidate genes. Within the majority of archaeal genomes it was possible to identify such heme biosynthesis gene clusters. From this analysis we have been able to identify several novel heme biosynthesis genes that are restricted to archaea. Intriguingly, several of the encoded proteins display similarity to enzymes involved in hemed1biosynthesis. To initiate an experimental verification of our proposals twoMethanosarcina barkeriproteins predicted to catalyze the initial steps of archaeal heme biosynthesis were recombinantly produced, purified, and their predicted enzymatic functions verified.
Nonleukemic Granulocytic Sarcoma of Knee: A Case Report
Authors: Elghissassi Ibrahim , Inrhaoun Hanane , Mrabti Hind , Errihani Hassan
Published: December 2010

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare extramedullary tumor composed of immature myeloid cells. It is usually associated with leukemia or other myeloproliferative disorders. It occurs very rarely without overt hematologic diseases. A 19-year-old man presented with left knee mass. Biopsy with pathological analysis showed lymphoma aspect. Immunostains yielded the diagnosis of GS with myeloperoxidase and CD43 positivity. There was no systemic manifestation of leukemia, and bone marrow biopsiy was negative for neoplastic infiltration. Chemotherapy by CHOP was efficient, and the patient remaind alive and healthy 40 months after the end of treatment. The case is discussed in the framework of the existing literature about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this very rare condition.
Design Optimization of a Natural Gas Substation with Intensification of the Energy Cycle
Authors: Pellegrino Arcangelo , Villecco Francesco
Published: December 2010

Natural gas is currently the natural substitute of petroleum as an energy source, since the foreseen ending up of this latter in the next decades. As a matter of fact, natural gas is easier to handle, less dangerous to be transported, somehow environmentally more friendly. The gas ducts operate with large flow rates over very long distances at high pressures, which are usually lowered in proximity of the final substations by lamination valves which, in fact, dissipate energy. However, a careful management of the pressure reduction may allow an energy recovery while using the gas expansion to operate a turbine. In this case, gas must be preheated to compensate for the energy required by the expansion. A proper control of all the parameters involved becomes crucial to an intelligent use of these resources. In this paper, the possibility of using a pre‐heating system has been examined as a way to intensify the energy cycle in an expansion substation of the city gas network. Fuzzy logic has been used to optimize the natural gas expansion in a turbine to produce electrical energy. A fuzzy system has been designed and realized to control the whole process of gas expansion, from the gas pre‐heating to the pressure reduction. The system operates over the whole year, accounting for the pressure, temperature, and gas flow rate variations experienced in the gas line. The exit values of the latter and the inlet value of the gas pressure are selected as input variables, being the output variable the temperature of the pre‐heating water at the heat exchanger inlet.
On the S‐Invariance Property for S‐Flows
Authors: Saif Amin , Kılıçman Adem
Published: December 2010

We define an equivalence relation on a topological space which is acted by topological monoid S as a transformation semigroup. Then, we give some results about the S‐invariant classes for this relation. We also provide a condition for the existence of relative S‐invariant classes.
Animal Models of Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Otsuki Makoto , Yamamoto Mitsuyoshi , Yamaguchi Taizo
Published: December 2010

Animal models for CP in rats can be classified into 2 groups: one is noninvasive or nonsurgical models and the other is invasive or surgical models. Pancreatic injury induced by repetitive injections of supramaximal stimulatory dose of caerulein (Cn) or by intraductal infusion of sodium taurocholate (NaTc) recovered within 14 days, whereas that caused by repetitive injection of arginine or by intraductal infusion of oleic acid was persistent. However, the destroyed acinar tissues were replaced by fatty tissues without fibrosis. Transient stasis of pancreatic fluid flow by 0.01% agarose and minimum injury of the pancreatic duct by 0.1% NaTc solution induced progressive pancreatic injury although one alone is insufficient to cause persistent pancreatic injury. However, the damaged tissue was replaced by fatty tissue without fibrosis. Continuous pancreatic ductal hypertension (PDH) caused diffuse interlobular and intralobular fibrosis closely resembling human CP.
Correlations of Rainfall and Forest Type with Papilionid Assemblages in Assam in Northeast India
Authors: Barua Kamini Kusum , Slowik Jolanta , Bobo Kadiri Serge , Muehlenberg Michael
Published: December 2010

No comprehensive community studies have been done on the butterflies of the tropical monsoon forests of the East Himalayan region. We described the Papilionidae at one site within the continuous moist deciduous forest belt of Northeast India and their variation with season and forest type. We surveyed 20 permanent line transects, varying with respect to canopy openness and observed levels of disturbance. A total sample effort of 131 days during the dry and wet seasons of a two-year study resulted in 18,373 individuals identified from 28 Papilionidae species. Constrained canonical correspondence ordination was used to examine the effects of season, forest type, rainfall, year, altitude, and geographical position on the species assemblages. Results showed that rainfall, forest type, and season accounted for most variance in papilionid abundance. Rainfall was strongly correlated with the abundance of some species. Nine species were associated with gaps, 16 species were restricted to closed forest, and three species were encountered in both gaps and closed forest. Six species with narrow geographic range were found only in closed forest. The results confirm the strong seasonality of continental Southeast Asian butterfly assemblages.
Pancreatic Resections for Advanced M1-Pancreatic Carcinoma: The Value of Synchronous Metastasectomy
Authors: Seelig S. K. , Burkert B. , Chromik A. M. , Tannapfel A. , Uhl W. , Seelig M. H.
Published: December 2010

Background. For M1 pancreatic adenocarcinomas pancreatic resection is usually not indicated. However, in highly selected patients synchronous metastasectomy may be appropriate together with pancreatic resection when operative morbidity is low.
Materials and Methods. From January 1, 2004 to December, 2007 a total of 20 patients with pancreatic malignancies were retrospectively evaluated who underwent pancreatic surgery with synchronous resection of hepatic, adjacent organ, or peritoneal metastases for proven UICC stage IV periampullary cancer of the pancreas. Perioperative as well as clinicopathological parameters were evaluated.
Results. There were 20 patients (9 men, 11 women; mean age 58 years) identified. The primary tumor was located in the pancreatic head (n=9, 45%), in pancreatic tail (n=9, 45%), and in the papilla Vateri (n=2, 10%). Metastases were located in the liver (n=14, 70%), peritoneum (n=5, 25%), and omentum majus (n=2, 10%). Lymphnode metastases were present in 16 patients (80%). All patients received resection of their tumors together with metastasectomy. Pylorus preserving duodenopancreatectomy was performed in 8 patients, distal pancreatectomy in 8, duodenopancreatectomy in 2, and total pancreatectomy in 2. Morbidity was 45% and there was no perioperative mortality. Median postoperative survival was 10.7 months (2.6–37.7 months) which was not significantly different from a matched-pair group of patients who underwent pancreatic resection for UICC adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (median survival 15.6 months; P=.1). Conclusion. Pancreatic resection for M1 periampullary cancer of the pancreas can be performed safely in well-selected patients. However, indication for surgery has to be made on an individual basis.
Atopic Dermatitis‐Like Skin Lesions Reduced by Topical Application and Intraperitoneal Injection of Hirsutenone in NC/Nga Mice
Authors: Jeong Mi Sook , Choi Sun Eun , Kim Ji Young , Kim Jung Shim , Kim Eun Joo , Park Kwan Hee , Lee Do Ik , Joo Seong Soo , Lee Chung Soo , Bang Hyoweon , Lee Mi-Kyung , Choi Young Wook , Li Kap-sok , Moon Nam Ju , Lee Min Won , Seo Seong Jun
Published: December 2010

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease. The increasing prevalence and severity of AD have prompted the developments of safer, more effective drugs. Although topical corticosteroids have been used as first line therapy for AD, their potential side effects limit their clinical applications. To investigate the effect of hirsutenone (HIR), a diarylheptanoid compound, on AD‐like skin lesions and other factors related to immune response is the aim of this paper Th2‐related cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13), eosinophil, IgE inflammatory factors (COX‐2, iNOS) levels were reduced in blood, lymphocytes, and tissue after HIR treatment. These results suggest that HIR might be an effective treatment for AD.
On the Behavior of Fiberglass Epoxy Composites under Low Velocity Impact Loading
Authors: Chandekar Gautam S. , Thatte Bhushan S. , Kelkar Ajit D.
Published: December 2010

Response of fiberglass epoxy composite laminates under low velocity impact loading is investigated using LS-DYNA®, and the results are compared with experimental analysis performed using an instrumented impact test setup (Instron dynatup 8250). The composite laminates are manufactured using H-VARTM© process with basket weave E-Glass fabrics. Epon 862 is used as a resin system and Epicure-W as a hardening agent. Composite laminates, with 10 layers of fiberglass fabrics, are modeled using 3D solid elements in a mosaic fashion to represent basket weave pattern. Mechanical properties are calculated by using classical micromechanical theory and assigned to the elements using ORTHOTROPIC ELASTIC material model. The damage occurred since increasing impact energy is incorporated using ADVANCED COMPOSITE DAMAGE material model in LS-DYNA®. Good agreements are obtained with the failure damage results in LS-DYNA® and experimental results. Main considerations for comparison are given to the impact load carrying capacity and the amount of impact energy absorbed by the laminates.
Study of Ag and Au Nanoparticles Synthesized by ArcDischarge in Deionized Water
Authors: Tien Der-Chi , Chen Liang-Chia , Van Thai Nguyen , Ashraf Sana
Published: December 2010

The paper presents a study of Ag and Au nanofluids synthesized by the arc discharge method (ADM) in deionized water. The metallic Ag nanoparticle (Ag0) and ionic Ag (Ag+) have played an important role in the battle against germs which are becoming more drug‐resistant every year. Our study indicates that Ag nanoparticle suspension (SNPS) fabricated by using ADM without added surfactants exclusively contains the metallic Ag nanoparticle and ionic Ag. Besides that, the ADM in deionized water has also been employed for the fabrication process of Au nanoparticles. The experimental results indicate that the prepared Ag nanoparticles can react with the dissolved H2CO3 in deionized water, leading to the formation of Ag2CO3. Significantly different to Ag, the prepared Au nanoparticles with their surfaces bonded by oxygen are suspended in deionized water by the formation of hydrogen bonded with the neighboring water molecules.
Shedding of the Pandemic Swine-Origin Influenza A Virus (H1N1)
after Oseltamivir Administration
Authors: Weng Leiyun , Wang Qiang , Wang Wei , Ren Peijun , Deubel Vincent , Toyoda Tetsuya
Published: December 2010

We analyzed the virus shedding of an oseltamivir-treated patient who had been infected with the pandemic swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus which had an oseltamivir-sensitive neuraminidase. The virus was isolated from the pharyngeal swabs of the patient using MDCK cells, and the virus genome RNA was detected in the same samples both by real-time RT-PCR and RT-PCR. The virus was isolated until 44 h after oseltamivir administration although the virus genome was detected until one day after oseltamivir treatment was stopped. Due to their high sensitivity, RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR may cause misdiagnosis by detection of viral genome which does not infect, and classical virus isolation and clinical symptoms are recommended for the evaluation of oseltamivir treatment.
Relation between Fixed Point and Asymptotical Center of Nonexpansive Maps
Authors: Haddadi MohammadReza , Mazaheri Hamid , Ghasemi MohammadHusseinLabbaf
Published: December 2010

We introduce the concept of asymptotic center of maps and consider relation between asymptotic center and fixed point of nonexpansive maps in a Banach space.
Hybrid Modality Fusion of Planar Scintigrams and CT Topograms to Localize Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Breast Lymphoscintigraphy: Technical Description and Phantom Studies
Authors: Dickinson Renée L. , Erwin William D. , Stevens Donna M. , Bidaut Luc M. , Mar Martha V. , Macapinlac Homer A. , Wendt Richard E.
Published: December 2010

Lymphoscintigraphy is a nuclear medicine procedure that is used to detect sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). This project sought to investigate fusion of planar scintigrams with CT topograms as a means of improving the anatomic reference for the SLN localization. Heretofore, the most common lymphoscintigraphy localization method has been backlighting with a 57Co sheet source. Currently, the most precise method of localization through hybrid SPECT/CT increases the patient absorbed dose by a factor of 34 to 585 (depending on the specific CT technique factors) over the conventional 57Co backlighting. The new approach described herein also uses a SPECT/CT scanner, which provides mechanically aligned planar scintigram and CT topogram data sets, but only increases the dose by a factor of two over that from 57Co backlighting. Planar nuclear medicine image fusion with CT topograms has been proven feasible and offers a clinically suitable compromise between improved anatomic details and minimally increased radiation dose.
GISAXS View of Induced Morphological Changes in Nanostructured CeVO4Thin Films
Authors: Lučić Lavčević Magdy , Turković Aleksandra , Dubček Pavo , Crnjak Orel Zorica , Orel Bojan , Bernstorff Sigrid
Published: December 2010

Nanostructured CeVO4films, designed for applications in electrochemical cells and electrochromic devices, were obtained on glass substrates by the sol-gel process. An analysis of morphological modifications in these films, induced by ultrasonication, annealing, and introduction of lithium ions, was performed, using the grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering technique (GISAXS). The GISAXS results are discussed and related with complementary examinations of the same films in real space, performed by scanning electron microscopy on a different length scale.
Preparation, Characterization, and Modeling of Carbon Nanofiber/Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Sun Lan-Hui , Ounaies Zoubeida , Gao Xin-Lin , Whalen Casey A. , Yang Zhen-Guo
Published: December 2010

There is a lack of systematic investigations on both mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced epoxy matrix nanocomposites. In this paper, an in-depth study of both static and dynamic mechanical behaviors and electrical properties of CNF/epoxy nanocomposites with various contents of CNFs is provided. A modified Halpin-Tsai equation is used to evaluate the Young's modulus and storage modulus of the nanocomposites. The values of Young's modulus predicted using this method account for the effect of the CNF agglomeration and fit well with those obtained experimentally. The results show that the highest tensile strength is found in the epoxy nanocomposite with a 1.0 wt% CNFs. The alternate-current (AC) electrical properties of the CNF/epoxy nanocomposites exhibit a typical insulator-conductor transition. The conductivity increases by four orders of magnitude with the addition of 0.1 wt% (0.058 vol%) CNFs and by ten orders of magnitude for nanocomposites with CNF volume fractions higher than 1.0 wt% (0.578 vol%). The percolation threshold (i.e., the critical CNF volume fraction) is found to be at 0.057 vol%.
C16-Ceramide Analog Combined with Pc 4 Photodynamic Therapy Evokes Enhanced Total Ceramide Accumulation, Promotion of DEVDase Activation in the Absence of Apoptosis, and Augmented Overall Cell Killing
Authors: Separovic Duska , Saad Ziad H. , Edwin Ethan A. , Bielawski Jacek , Pierce Jason S. , Buren Eric Van , Bielawska Alicja
Published: December 2010

Because of the failure of single modality approaches, combination therapy for cancer treatment is a promising alternative. Sphingolipid analogs, with or without anticancer drugs, can improve tumor response. C16-pyridinium ceramide analog LCL30, was used in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT), an anticancer treatment modality, to test the hypothesis that the combined treatment will trigger changes in the sphingolipid profile and promote cell death. Using SCCVII mouse squamous carcinoma cells, and the silicone phthalocyanine Pc 4 for PDT, we showed that combining PDT with LCL30 (PDT/LCL30) was more effective than individual treatments in raising global ceramide levels, as well as in reducing dihydrosphingosine levels. Unlike LCL30, PDT, alone or combined, increased total dihydroceramide levels. Sphingosine levels were unaffected by LCL30, but were abolished after PDT or the combination. LCL30-triggered rise in sphingosine-1-phosphate was reversed post-PDT or the combination. DEVDase activation was evoked after PDT or LCL30, and was promoted post- PDT/LCL30. Neither mitochondrial depolarization nor apoptosis were observed after any of the treatments. Notably, treatment with the combination resulted in augmented overall cell killing. Our data demonstrate that treatment with PDT/LCL30 leads to enhanced global ceramide levels and DEVDase activation in the absence of apoptosis, and promotion of total cell killing.
Relationships between Plant Diversity and Grasshopper Diversity and Abundance in the Little Missouri National Grassland
Authors: Branson David H.
Published: December 2010

A continuing challenge in orthopteran ecology is to understand what determines grasshopper species diversity at a given site. In this study, the objective was to determine if variation in grasshopper abundance and diversity between 23 sites in western North Dakota (USA) could be explained by variation in plant species richness and diversity. In this system with relatively low plant diversity, grasshopper species richness and abundance were not significantly associated with plant species richness in either year. Although a number of significant associations between plant diversity and grasshopper diversity were found through regression analyses, results differed greatly between years indicating that plant species richness and diversity did not lead to strong effects on grasshopper diversity metrics. Plant species richness appears to be too coarse grained to lead to accurate predictions of grasshopper species richness in this system dominated by generalist grasshopper species.
Uptake of Non-Transferrin Iron by Erythroid Cells
Authors: Prus Eugenia , Fibach Eitan
Published: December 2010

Most of the iron in the plasma is bound to transferrin (Tf) and is taken up by cells through their surface Tf receptors (TfRs). Under pathological conditions of iron-overload, the plasma iron which is in excess of the binding capacity of Tf is present as non-Tf-bound iron. We probed the uptake of non-Tf iron and its consequences on the oxidative status of peripheral RBC and reticulocytes as well as developing erythroid precursors grown in vitro. The cells were exposed to ferrous ammonium sulfate under Tf-supplemented and Tf-free conditions. Using flow cytometry techniques, we found that both the TfR-deficient mature RBC and their TfR-containing precursors at all stages of maturation can take up non-Tf iron that accumulates as redox-active labile iron and generates reactive oxygen species. Such a mechanism may account for ineffective erythropoiesis of developing precursors in the bone marrow and for the shortening of the lifespan of mature RBCs in the circulation.
Behavioral/Lifestyle and Immunologic Factors Associated with HPV Infection among Women Older Than 45 Years
Authors: González Paula , Hildesheim Allan , Rodríguez Ana Cecilia , Schiffman Mark , Porras Carolina , Wacholder Sholom , Piñeres Alfonso García , Pinto Ligia A. , Burk Robert D. , Herrero Rolando
Published: December 2010

Background: Cervical human papilloma virus (HPV) detection increases after menopause, but its determinants need clarification.

Methods: In a case–control study nested within a 10,049 women cohort, we evaluated women 45 to 75 years old who acquired HPV infection and were HPV positive 5 to 6 years after enrollment (N = 252), and HPV-negative women as matched controls (N = 265). Detailed sexual behavior and cellular immune response were investigated. Odds ratios (OR) and attributable fractions were estimated.

Results: Women with 2+ lifetime partners had 1.7-fold (95% CI = 1.1–2.7) higher risk than monogamous women, with similar findings if their partners had other partners. Women with 2+ partners after last HPV-negative result had the highest risk (OR = 3.9; 95% CI = 1.2–12.4 compared with 0–1 partners). Weaker immune response to HPV-16 virus-like particles increased risk (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1–2.7 comparing lowest to highest tertile). Among women with no sexual activity in the period before HPV appearance, reduced immune response to phytohemagglutinin was the only determinant (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 0.94–8.8). Twenty-one percent of infections were explained by recent sexual behavior, 21% by past sexual behavior, and 12% by reduced immune response.

Conclusions: New infections among older women may result from sexual activity of women and/or their partners or reappearance of past (latent) infections possibly related to weakened immune response.

Impact: HPV infections among older women are associated with current and past sexual exposures and possibly with immune senescence. The risk of cancer from these infections is likely to be low but could not be fully evaluated in the context of this study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(12); 3044–54. ©2010 AACR.
Urine Menthol as a Biomarker of Mentholated Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Benowitz Neal L. , Dains Katherine M. , Dempsey Delia , Havel Christopher , Wilson Margaret , Jacob Peyton
Published: December 2010

Objectives: Menthol cigarettes are smoked by 27% of U.S. smokers, and there are concerns that menthol might enhance toxicity of cigarette smoking by increasing systemic absorption of smoke toxins. We measured urine menthol concentrations in relation to biomarkers of exposure to nicotine and tobacco carcinogens.

Methods: Concentrations of menthol glucuronide (using a novel analytical method), nicotine plus metabolites (nicotine equivalents, NE), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites were measured in the urine of 60 menthol and 67 regular cigarette smokers.

Results: Urine menthol was measurable in 82% of menthol and 54% in regular cigarette smokers. Among menthol smokers, urine menthol was highly correlated with NE, NNAL, and PAHs. In a multiple regression model NE but not menthol was significantly associated with NNAL and PAHs.

Conclusions: Urine menthol concentration is a novel biomarker of exposure in menthol cigarette smokers, and is highly correlated with exposure to nicotine and carcinogens. Menthol is not independently associated with carcinogen exposure when nicotine intake is considered. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(12); 3013–9. ©2010 AACR.
Risk of Urinary Bladder Cancer Is Associated with 8q24 Variant rs9642880[T] in Multiple Racial/Ethnic Groups: Results from the Los Angeles–Shanghai Case–Control Study
Authors: Cortessis Victoria K. , Yuan Jian-Min , Van Den Berg David , Jiang Xuejuan , Gago-Dominguez Manuela , Stern Mariana C. , Castelao Jose E. , Xiang Yong-Bing , Gao Yu-Tang , Pike Malcolm C. , Conti David V.
Published: December 2010

Background: Multiple chromosome 8q24 genotypic variants are strongly implicated in several cancers. Recent genome-wide association studies of urinary bladder cancer report risk to be associated with the T allele of rs9642880 on 8q24 among individuals of European descent.

Methods: We examined associations between bladder cancer risk and genotypes defined by rs9642880 and each of 8 additional 8q24 variants associated with risk of other cancers, in both high-risk non-Hispanic white and low-risk Chinese participants enrolled in a large population-based case–control study conducted in Los Angeles County and Shanghai.

Results: We confirmed association of rs9642880 T with bladder cancer risk not only among non-Hispanic whites but also among Chinese participants [overall per-allele relative risk estimate 1.32 (95% CI, 1.16–1.50; P = 0.000024)]. Subgroup analyses suggested that effects of rs9642880 are largely confined to nonsmokers and former smokers, and may be particularly important in the etiology of noninvasive papillary tumors. There was little indication that 8q24 SNPs associated with other cancer types—rs7008482, rs7000448, rs6983561, rs6983267, rs13281615, rs13254738, or rs10090154—are associated with bladder cancer risk.

Conclusions: Bladder cancer risk is associated specifically with variation in the discrete 8q24 region containing rs9642880. Factors other than rs9642880 genotypes seem to underlie differences in bladder cancer risk between non-Hispanic whites and Chinese.

Impact: Characterization of functional consequences of genetic variation in the discrete region including rs9642880 is needed to understand biological basis of this bladder cancer-specific 8q24 association in these racial/ethnic groups characterized by both high and low risk of bladder cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(12); 3150–6. ©2010 AACR.
Change in Physical Activity and Colon Cancer Incidence and Mortality
Authors: Wolin Kathleen Y. , Patel Alpa V. , Campbell Peter T. , Jacobs Eric J. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Colditz Graham A. , Gapstur Susan M.
Published: December 2010

Background: Although data on the association of physical activity and colon cancer risk is convincing, little research has examined whether change in physical activity alters risk of cancer incidence and mortality.

Methods: We examined the association of 10- and 15-year change in physical activity with risk of colon cancer incidence and mortality in the Cancer Prevention Study II. Endpoints were verified through medical record abstraction or registry or National Death Index linkage. Ten-year physical activity analysis included 1,863 incident and 826 fatal cases, whereas the longer-term exposure analysis included 1,386 incident and 602 fatal colon cancer cases. Age and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: Neither measure of physical activity change was associated with colon cancer incidence. Fifteen-year change was not associated with colon cancer mortality. However, consistently high physical activity over 10 years was associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer mortality as compared with those with consistently low activity. The association attenuated to borderline significance with adjustment for body mass index. Those consistently at or above sample median physical activity levels over 15 years had half the risk of colon cancer death as those consistently below the median.

Conclusions: Regular long-term physical activity was associated with a lower risk of colon cancer mortality.

Impact: This study suggests that long-term participation in physical activity provides the greatest reduction in risk of colon cancer death. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(12); 3000–4. ©2010 AACR.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Relation to Bladder Cancer Risk—The Shanghai Bladder Cancer Study
Authors: Tao Li , Xiang Yong-Bing , Wang Renwei , Nelson Heather H. , Gao Yu-Tang , Chan Kenneth K. , Yu Mimi C. , Yuan Jian-Min
Published: December 2010

Background: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) contains tobacco carcinogens. Hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and N-acetyltransferase (NAT2) are important isoenzymes in activation and detoxification, respectively, of tobacco carcinogens. Data on ETS and bladder cancer risk are sparse.

Methods: We examined the effects of ETS alone and combined with NAT2/CYP1A2 on bladder cancer risk among lifelong-nonsmokers in a case-control study involving 195 patients and 261 controls in Shanghai, China. A comprehensive history of ETS exposure was determined through in-person interviews while CYP1A2 and NAT2 phenotypes by a caffeine-based urinary assay.

Results: ETS exposure was related to an overall statistically nonsignificant 38% increased bladder cancer risk. The risk increased with increasing number of cigarettes smoked by household members or number of hours per day at workplace where coworkers smoked. Compared with no ETS exposure, subjects living with smoking parents during childhood had an OR of 2.43 (95% CI = 0.99–5.96) for bladder cancer. When all ETS sources were combined, the risk increased with increasing total ETS score (Ptrend = 0.03). The OR for high versus nil ETS exposure was 3.00 (95% CI = 1.24–7.26). The increased risk with ETS was mainly seen among individuals possessing a CYP1A2 high efficiency and/or a NAT2 slow acetylation phenotype (Ptrend = 0.04).

Conclusions: ETS was associated with an increased bladder cancer risk for lifelong-nonsmokers. The association was stronger for people possessing the at-risk phenotypes of CYP1A2 and/or NAT2.

Impact: Reducing exposure to ETS for children and genetically more susceptible individuals could be more effective for bladder cancer prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(12); 3087–95. ©2010 AACR.