bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operator regularization of Feynman diagrams at one-loop order
Authors: Shiekh A. Y.
Published: March 2011

It may be possible to use operator regularization with Feynman diagrams, which would greatly simplify its use, as it has so far been limited to the more complicated Schwinger approach. Operator regularization, unlike ζ-function regularization, is not limited to one-loop order and preserves supersymmetry, unlike dimensional regularization. In practice, the use of operator regularization in the context of Feynman diagrams is found not to complicate the calculation.
Measurement of swelling pressure: direct method versus indirect methods
Authors: Kayabali Kamil , Demir Saniye
Published: March 2011

Light structures including highways and railroads built over potentially expansive clay soils may suffer damage from swelling. Considerable research has been done in an attempt to characterize swelling properties of expansive soils. Although direct measurement of swelling pressure is relatively straightforward, it has not drawn much interest. The present study attempts to measure swelling pressure directly. We call experimental techniques for swelling pressure other than this direct method the indirect methods. Some indirect methods require more than one soil sample and that all samples be identical. However, natural soils may not always provide identical samples. Therefore, reconstructed identical soil samples produced from natural soils were used in the present study. For comparison, the restricted swell, swell-consolidation, double oedometer, and zero swell tests were employed as indirect methods. While the restricted swell test slightly underestimated swell pressure, swell-consolidation and zero swell tests overestimated it. The double oedometer test did not provide swell pressures correlatable with those found using the direct method. Free swell data correlated reasonably well with swell pressure data from the direct method, so an empirical form was established from which swell pressure can be easily estimated.
Synthesis and characterization of a naphthalimide–dye end-labeled copolymer by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization
Authors: Li Binxin , Majonis Daniel , Liu Peng , Winnik Mitchell A.
Published: March 2011

We describe the synthesis of an end-functionalized copolymer of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and N-hydroxysuccinimide methacrylate (NMS) by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. To control the polymer composition, the faster reacting monomer (NMS) was added slowly to the reaction mixture beginning 30 min after initating the polymerization (ca. 16% HPMA conversion). One RAFT agent, based on azocyanopentanoic acid, introduced a –COOH group to the chain at one end. Use of a different RAFT agent containing a 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide dye introduced a UV–vis absorbing and fluorescent group at this chain end. The polymers obtained had molecular weights of 30 000 and 20 000, respectively, and contained about 30 mol% NMS active ester groups.
Temperature effects on xanthone–β-cyclodextrin binding dynamics
Authors: Pace Tamara C. S. , Bohne Cornelia
Published: March 2011

The complexation dynamics of the triplet excited state of xanthone with β-cyclodextrin were studied at various temperatures between 10 and 50 °C. Association and dissociation rate constants were determined using the laser flash photolysis quenching methodology with Cu2+ as a quencher. The rate constants for the association and dissociation of triplet xanthone with β-cyclodextrin increased with temperature, while the equilibrium constant for the triplet excited state remained relatively constant. Equilibrium constants for the ground-state complexation of xanthone with β-cyclodextrin were determined from fluorescence studies at various temperatures. The ground-state binding efficiency decreased with temperature and was markedly greater than that of the triplet excited state at all temperatures. The enthalpy and entropy for the β-cyclodextrin complex formation of the ground and triplet excited states fall on the enthalpy–entropy compensation relationship previously established for cyclodextrin complexes. The activation enthalpies for the association and dissociation rate constants for triplet xanthone are similar. The activation entropy is favorable for the association process, whereas a negative activation entropy was measured for the dissociation process, suggesting that solvation plays a key role in the complex formation between xanthone and β-cyclodextrin.
The reactivity of diarylmethyl carbocations within non-protic zeolites
Authors: Hallett-Tapley Geniece L. , Schepp Norman P. , Cozens Frances L.
Published: March 2011

The generation of diarylmethyl carbocations within non-protic zeolites (LiY, NaY, KY, RbY, CsY, and NaX) was carried out via laser excitation (266 nm or 266 nm / 308 nm) of diarylacetic acids. Rapid loss of CO2, followed by photochemical oxidation of the diarylmethyl radicals resulted in the formation of the diarylmethyl carbocations. The reactivity of the diarylmethyl carbocations was found to be highly dependent on the alkali metal counterion and the Si/Al ratio of the zeolite framework. Furthermore, the effect of various para-electron donating substituents (4-H, 3-CH3, 4-CH3,4,4′-CH3, and 4-OCH3) on the diarylmethyl carbocation reactivity was investigated. Comparison of the Hammett plots constructed for the reactivity of the diarylmethyl carbocations in zeolites with those in solution (CH3CN–H2O (1:2) and TFE) showed decreased sensitivity of the electrophilic species towards para-electron donating substituents in the heterogeneous media. The leveling effect observed in the zeolite Hammett plots has been attributed to the presence of an isokinetic relationship, specifically, a low isokinetic temperature for the reaction of diarylmethyl carbocations with the aluminosilicate zeolite framework.
Fluorescence enhancement of amine-capped CdSe/ZnS quantum dots by thiol addition
Authors: Aguilera-Sigalat Jordi , Rocton Simon , Galian Raquel E. , Pérez-Prieto Julia
Published: March 2011

The present communication reports that while addition of alkyl thiols drastically reduces the fluorescence of CdSe core quantum dots, it actually enhances the emission properties of already highly fluorescent amine-capped CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots.
Investigation of ligand effects on exciton recombination in PbS nanoparticles
Authors: Zemke Jennifer M. , Novet Thomas E. , Tyler David R.
Published: March 2011

Multiple exciton generation (MEG) and exciton recombination were studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in PbS nanoparticles (NPs) capped with oleic acid (PbS–OLA) and 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonate (PbS–DMPS) ligands. Analysis of the transient absorption data showed that the PbS–DMPS nanoparticles exhibit increased rates of multi- and single-exciton recombination compared with the PbS–OLA nanoparticles; however, the MEG yield for both sets of particles was the same within experimental error. The origin of the differences in the exciton recombination decay rates is unknown, but it is speculated that it may be due to the ionic functionality of DMPS or to the different ligating atoms of the OLA and DMPS ligands. The PbS–DMPS nanoparticles were highly sensitive to the presence of oxygen, which caused a dramatic increase in nonradiative decay pathways, which can be mistaken for multiexciton absorbance and decay. Removal of oxygen eliminated the nonradiative decay pathways. Overall, this study showed that the dynamics of MEG can be modified by changing the NP ligand shell, a result that may be useful in the development of NP-based thin-film solar devices.
Excited state intramolecular proton transfer in 1-hydroxypyrene
Authors: Lukeman Matthew , Burns Misty-Dawn , Wan Peter
Published: March 2011

1-Hydroxypyrene (1) shows unusual acid–base chemistry in its singlet excited state. Whereas most hydroxyarenes experience a marked enhancement in their acidity when excited, and rapidly deprotonate to give the corresponding phenolate anion, this is not an important pathway for 1, despite theoretical predictions that 1 should experience enhanced acidity as well. In this work, we demonstrate that 1 undergoes a competing excited state intramolecular proton transfer from the OH to carbon atoms at the 3, 6, and 8 positions of the pyrene ring to give quinone methide intermediates. When the reaction is carried out in D2O, reversion of these quinone methides to starting material results in replacement of the ring hydrogens with deuterium, providing a convenient handle to follow the reaction with NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The quantum yield for the reaction is 0.025 and appears to not be strongly dependent on the water content when aqueous acetonitrile solutions are used. 1-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)pyrene (19) was prepared and studied and shows similar reactivity to 1.
Enhanced expression of epithelial sodium channels in the renal medulla of Dahl S rats
Authors: Amin Md. Shahrier , Reza Erona , El-Shahat Esraa , Wang Hong-Wei , Tesson Frédérique , Leenen Frans H.H.
Published: March 2011

Inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells from salt-sensitive (S) Dahl rats transport twice as much Na+as cells from salt-resistant (R) rats, possibly related to dysregulation of the renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). The effect of a high-salt diet on ENaC expression in the inner medulla of S versus R rats has not yet been studied. Young, male S and R rats were placed on a regular-salt (0.3%) or high-salt (8%) diet for 2 or 4 weeks. mRNA and protein expression of ENaC subunits were studied by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Intracellular distribution of the subunits in the IMCD was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. On regular salt, the abundance of the mRNA of β and γENaC was higher in the medulla of S rats than R rats. This was associated with a greater protein abundance of 90 kDa γENaC and higher immunoreactivity for both α and γ ENaC. High salt did not affect mRNA abundance in either strain and decreased apical staining of βENaC in IMCD of R rats. In contrast, high salt did not affect the higher apical localization of αENaC and increased the apical membrane staining for β and γENaC in the IMCD of S rats. Expression of ENaC subunits is enhanced in the medulla of S vs. R rats on regular salt, and further increased on high salt. The persistent high expression of αENaC and increase in apical localization of β and γENaC may contribute to greater retention of sodium in S rats on a high-salt diet.
Taxonomy of Farrea (Porifera, Hexactinellida, Hexactinosida) from the southwestern Atlantic, with description of a new species and a discussion on the recognition of subspecies in Porifera
Authors: Lopes D. A. , Hajdu E. , Reiswig H. M.
Published: March 2011

The present study reports three species of Farrea Bowerbank, 1862 from Campos Basin (southwestern Atlantic): Farrea herdendorfi Duplessis and Reiswig, 2004, Farrea occa Bowerbank, 1862, and Farrea campossinus sp. nov. This is the first record of F. herdendorfi for the South Atlantic and only the second record of the species worldwide. Farrea occa is described and reported to form mass occurrences in the area’s sponge and coral banks, as seen in extensive video recording undertaken between 900 and 1100 m depth. The new species approaches Farrea foliascens Topsent, 1906 very closely, but differs in that its hooked anchorate clavules are much larger and the meshes of its dictyonal framework rather more irregular. Our thoughts on whether the proposed new species deserved species or subspecies rank led to an investigation on the usage of subspecies rank in Porifera. A historical overview, mainly contrasting Demospongiae and Hexactinellida is offered here. We concluded that no rule of thumb is readily made out from the comparative analysis of various authors’ taxonomic decisions. Until one such agreement is achieved, it appears to us that naming new subspecies should be objectively argued for, or better, totally avoided, as a useless further dimension to taxonomic uncertainty in poriferan classification.
AN ADAPTIVE EBCA MODEL PROBING THE PROBLEM OF RIDING AGAINST THE TRAFFIC FLOW
Authors: WANG TAO , WANG JUN-FENG
Published: March 2011

Despite the rule that cyclists must ride on the right half of the road is written into the state vehicle code, the phenomenon of riding against the bicycle flow is still serious. To investigate the effect of bicycles going in the wrong direction, a Bi-Directional Adaptive EBCA model is developed in this paper. The phase transition F-J as well as the phase transition F-S-F are suggested by observing the spatial-temporal pattern. The deterministic case that the linear relationship between the average flow rate and the bicycle number disappears when the average density exceeds a particular value is shown. Under the stochastic case, the impacts of the avoiding probability Ps and the returning probability Pr on the traffic system are analyzed. The results of the simulation are in good agreement with the realistic bicycle flow.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW-CONCENTRATING SOLAR CELLS
Authors: XIAO W. B. , HE X. D. , LIU J. T. , GAO Y. Q.
Published: March 2011

At room temperature, the performance of low-concentrating solar cells is investigated experimentally and discussed by theory. The results show that the short-circuit current, which is larger than that of unconcentrated radiation, linearly increases with the light intensity and is directly proportional to the concentration ratio. However, the different behavior is obtained for the open-circuit voltage. The open-circuit voltage is also larger than that at the unconcentrated light level and follows a logarithmic function of the light intensity, showing almost no dependence on the concentration ratios. The main reason is the decrease in internal resistance of solar cell with decreasing spot size, because the increase of incident light intensity leads to an increase of current density. Therefore, an advantage of the low-concentrating photovoltaic systems results from the improvement of the short-circuit current, but not from the open-circuit voltage. This work is very significant for the design of low-concentrating system.
DIFFUSION-DRIVEN INSTABILITIES AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN AN AQUATIC PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEM WITH BEDDINGTON–DEANGELIS TYPE FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE
Authors: UPADHYAY RANJIT KUMAR , THAKUR N. K. , RAI V.
Published: March 2011

Predator–prey communities are building blocks of an ecosystem. Feeding rates reflect interference between predators in several situations, e.g. when predators form a dense colony or perform collective motion in a school, encounter prey in a region of limited size, etc. We perform spatio-temporal dynamics and pattern formation in a model aquatic system in both homogeneous and heterogeneous environments. Zooplanktons are predated by fishes and interfere with individuals of their own community. Numerical simulations are carried out to explore Turing and non-Turing spatial patterns. We also examine the effect of spatial heterogeneity on the spatio-temporal dynamics of the phytoplankton–zooplankton system. The phytoplankton specific growth rate is assumed to be a linear function of the depth of the water body.

It is found that the spatio-temporal dynamics of an aquatic system is governed by three important factors: (i) intensity of interference between the zooplankton, (ii) rate of fish predation and (iii) the spatial heterogeneity. In an homogeneous environment, the temporal dynamics of prey and predator species are drastically different. While prey species density evolves chaotically, predator densities execute a regular motion irrespective of the intensity of fish predation. When the spatial heterogeneity is included, the two species oscillate in unison. It has been found that the instability observed in the model aquatic system is diffusion driven and fish predation acts as a regularizing factor. We also observed that spatial heterogeneity stabilizes the system. The idea contained in the paper provides a better understanding of the pattern formation in aquatic systems.
DESIGN OF TIME DELAYED CHAOTIC CIRCUIT WITH THRESHOLD CONTROLLER
Authors: SRINIVASAN K. , RAJA MOHAMED I. , MURALI K. , LAKSHMANAN M. , SINHA SUDESHNA
Published: March 2011

A novel time delayed chaotic oscillator exhibiting mono- and double scroll complex chaotic attractors is designed. This circuit consists of only a few operational amplifiers and diodes and employs a threshold controller for flexibility. It efficiently implements a piecewise linear function. The control of piecewise linear function facilitates controlling the shape of the attractors. This is demonstrated by constructing the phase portraits of the attractors through numerical simulations and hardware experiments. Based on these studies, we find that this circuit can produce multi-scroll chaotic attractors by just introducing more number of threshold values.
TOPOLOGY OF RANDOM RIGHT ANGLED ARTIN GROUPS
Authors: COSTA ARMINDO , FARBER MICHAEL
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we study topological invariants of a class of random groups. Namely, we study right angled Artin groups associated to random graphs and investigate their Betti numbers, cohomological dimension and topological complexity. The latter is a numerical homotopy invariant reflecting complexity of motion planning algorithms in robotics. We show that the topological complexity of a random right angled Artin group assumes, with probability tending to one, at most three values, when n → ∞. We use a result of Cohen and Pruidze which expresses the topological complexity of right angled Artin groups in combinatorial terms. Our proof deals with the existence of bi-cliques in random graphs.
MAGNETIC AND ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE STUDIES OF Mn1+xFe2-2xTixO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) FERRITES
Authors: KUMAR SHALENDRA , KOO B. H. , LEE CHAN GYU , GAUTAM S. , CHAE K. H.
Published: March 2011

A series of polycrystalline bulk samples of Mn 1+x Fe 2-2x Ti x O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) have been prepared by using a conventional solid-state reaction method. The effect of Ti4+ ions substitution on magnetic and electronic structure of MnFe2O4 has been studied using isothermal d.c. magnetization and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) measurements. The magnetization studies infer that all samples have ferrimagnetic ordering at room temperature. The magneton number (nB) calculated using the magnetic hysteresis loop has been found to decrease linearly with the Ti substitution, which indicates that the system follows the Neel's two sub-lattice model. The decrease in the value of nB may be due to the dilution of the sub-lattice by Ti ions. The NEXAFS measurements performed at Fe/Ti L3, 2 edges indicate that Fe ions are in mixed valence state whereas Ti ions remain unchanged at 4+ state.
A NOVEL Ba/Nb CO-DOPED (Ba0.15Sr0.85)(Nb0.15Co0.85)O3–δ OXIDE AS AN OXYGEN ADSORBENT: STRUCTURAL AND OXYGEN SORPTION PROPERTIES
Authors: LU HUI , ZHANG YAN
Published: March 2011

The novel Ba/Nb co-doped (Ba0.15Sr0.85)(Nb0.15Co0.85)O3–δ oxide was synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The (Ba0.15Sr0.85)(Nb0.15Co0.85)O3–δ oxide was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG). The results demonstrate that the structural stability of the Ba/Nb co-doped (Ba0.15Sr0.85)(Nb0.15Co0.85)O3–δ was improved significantly compared to that of the Ba -doped SrCoO3–δ , in which a phase transformation occurred during the heating process. The incorporation of Nb5+ in the SrCoO3–δ -based oxides can significantly stabilize the neighboring oxygen octahedral, resulting in the improved stability of the (Ba0.15Sr0.85)(Nb0.15Co0.85)O3–δ . The oxygen sorption properties of (Ba0.15Sr0.85)(Nb0.15Co0.85)O3–δ between 300°C and 950°C in air were investigated, and a high sorption capacity of 9.45 mL O2 (STP)/g oxide was obtained.
FABRICATION OF ZINC OXIDE-BASED DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL BY CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITION
Authors: ARIYANTO NUGROHO P. , ABDULLAH H. , SYARIF J. , YULIARTO BRIAN , SHAARI SAHBUDDIN
Published: March 2011

Zinc oxide film has been fabricated by converting flower-like structure of zinc carbonate hydroxide made by chemical bath deposition technique. Flower-like structure is employed as charge transport network of dye-sensitized photoanode. Analysis of current density–voltage characteristic shows deposition temperature and deposition time of chemical bath deposition influence photovoltaic performance. Analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals short electron lifetime and high effective electron diffusion coefficient of zinc oxide-based dye-sensitized solar cell.
Magma sources and plumbing systems during break-up of the SE Greenland margin: preliminary results from ODP Leg 152
Authors: Fitton J. G. , Saunders A. D. , Larsen L. M. , Fram M. S. , Demant A. , Sinton C. , Party The
Published: March 2011

ODP Leg 152 drilled a transect across the SE Greenland seaward-dipping reflector sequence. The earliest, and most landward, lava flows (Hole 917A, Lower and Middle Series) represent a pre-break-up continental sequence showing an overall variation from olivine basalt to dacite. Evolution in deep crustal magma reservoirs, with a dwindling supply of primitive magma and an increasing role of crustal contamination, can account for the variation. Eruption of picrite and olivine basalt magmas (917A, Upper Series) marked a dramatic change in the style of magmatism to one of unrestrained passage of primitive magma from the mantle to the surface during the final phase of break-up. The younger parts of the seaward-dipping reflector sequence (915A and 918D) comprise compositionally uniform basalt (7.6 ± 0.8% MgO), suggesting that an effective magmatic filtering system was established, soon after break-up, in magma chambers associated with a spreading axis. The continental to oceanic magmatic transition is marked by clear changes in composition. The continental magmas had a garnet lherzolite source (indicated by low Y/Zr) and were contaminated with continental lithospheric mantle and crust (high Ba/Zr). The majority of the break-up and oceanic volcanic rocks show no evidence for lithospheric contamination (low Ba/Zr) and appear to have had a source in progressively shallower, depleted (?MORB-source) asthenosphere (increasing Y/Zr, low Nb/Zr).
Ocean-ridge discontinuities in Iceland
Authors: Gudmundsson Agust
Published: March 2011

The Tjörnes fracture zone in North Iceland and the South Iceland seismic zone are ocean-ridge discontinuities that are partly exposed on land. These are zones of high seismicity, but contrasting style of crustal deformation. Detailed field studies and numerical modelling suggest that the Tjörnes Fracture Zone has all the characteristics of an oceanic transform fault, is 7–9 Ma old, and developed along the zone of maximum shear stress between the nearby tips of the rift zones of the Kolbeinsey Ridge and North Iceland. Conversely, the results indicate that the South Iceland seismic zone developed within an area of shear-stress concentration between the overlapping rift zones in South Iceland. The development of the South Iceland seismic zone is a consequence of the propagation of the eastern rift zone to the southwest during the past 3 Ma.
Heat-stress-induced changes in central venous pressure do not explain interindividual differences in orthostatic tolerance during heat stress
Authors: Brothers R. Matthew , Keller David M. , Wingo Jonathan E. , Ganio Matthew S. , Crandall Craig G.
Published: March 2011

The extent to which heat stress compromises blood pressure control is variable among individuals, with some individuals becoming very intolerant to a hypotensive challenge, such as lower body negative pressure (LBNP) while heat stressed, while others are relatively tolerant. Heat stress itself reduces indexes of ventricular filling pressure, including central venous pressure, which may be reflective of reductions in tolerance in this thermal condition. This study tested the hypothesis that the magnitude of the reduction in central venous pressure in response to heat stress alone is related to the subsequent decrement in LBNP tolerance. In 19 subjects, central hypovolemia was imposed via LBNP to presyncope in both normothermic and heat-stress conditions. Tolerance to LBNP was quantified using a cumulative stress index (CSI), and the difference between normothermic CSI and heat-stress CSI was calculated for each individual. The eight individuals with the greatest CSI difference between normothermic and heat-stress tolerances (LargeDif), and the eight individuals with the smallest CSI difference (SmallDif), were grouped together. By design, the difference in CSI between thermal conditions was greater in the LargeDif group (969 vs. 382 mmHg × min; P < 0.001). Despite this profound difference in the effect of heat stress in decreasing LBNP tolerance between groups, coupled with no difference in the rise in core body temperatures to the heat stress (LargeDif, 1.4 ± 0.1°C vs. SmallDif, 1.4 ± 0.1°C; interaction P = 0.89), the reduction in central venous pressure during heat stress alone was similar between groups (LargeDif: 5.7 ± 1.9 mmHg vs. SmallDif: 5.2 ± 2.0 mmHg; interaction P = 0.85). Contrary to the proposed hypothesis, differences in blood pressure control during LBNP are not related to differences in the magnitude of the heat-stress-induced reductions in central venous pressure.
Highly Effective Gene Transfection In Vivo by Alkylated Polyethylenimine
Authors: Fortune Jennifer A. , Novobrantseva Tatiana I. , Klibanov Alexander M.
Published: March 2011

We mechanistically explored the effect of increased hydrophobicity of the polycation on the efficacy and specificity of gene delivery in mice. N-Alkylated linear PEIs with varying alkyl chain lengths and extent of substitution were synthesized and characterized by biophysical methods. Their in vivo transfection efficiency, specificity, and biodistribution were investigated. N-Ethylation improves the in vivo efficacy of gene expression in the mouse lung 26-fold relative to the parent polycation and more than quadruples the ratio of expression in the lung to that in all other organs. N-Propyl-PEI was the best performer in the liver and heart (581- and 3.5-fold enhancements, resp.) while N-octyl-PEI improved expression in the kidneys over the parent polymer 221-fold. As these enhancements in gene expression occur without changing the plasmid biodistribution, alkylation does not alter the cellular uptake but rather enhances transfection subsequent to cellular uptake.
Toxicokinetics of Kava
Authors: Rowe Anthony , Zhang Lillian Yuan , Ramzan Iqbal
Published: March 2011

Kava is traditionally consumed by South Pacific islanders as a drink and became popular in Western society as a supplement for anxiety and insomnia. Kava extracts are generally well tolerated, but reports of hepatotoxicity necessitated an international reappraisal of its safety. Hepatotoxicity can occur as an acute, severe form or a chronic, mild form. Inflammation appears to be involved in both forms and may result from activation of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells), either directly or via kava metabolites. Pharmacogenomics may influence the severity of this inflammatory response.
An Iteration Method for Common Solution of a System of Equilibrium Problems in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Kim Jong Kyu , Buong Nguyen
Published: March 2011

The strong convergence theorem is proved for finding a common solution for a system of equilibrium problems: find "Equation missing" where "Equation missing" is a closed convex subset of a Hilbert space "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" are "Equation missing" bifunctions from "Equation missing" into R given exactly or approximatively. As an application, finding a common solution for a system of variational inequality problems is given.
The Role of Serum Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain in Response and Progression in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Leleu Xavier , Xie Wanling , Bagshaw Meghan , Banwait Ranjit , Leduc Renee , Roper Nitin , Weller Edie , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: March 2011

Introduction: The serum free light chain (sFLC) has been widely used in the assessment of response in patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias. However, its use in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) has not been previously assessed. We sought to examine the role of sFLC in response and progression of patients with WM.

Methods: This study was conducted in a cohort of 48 patients with a diagnosis of WM, untreated (n = 20) or relapsed/refractory (n = 28), prospectively treated on a bortezomib and rituximab trial.

Results: Involved FLC (iFLC) response occurred in 79% patients versus 60% by M-spike protocol criteria. The median time to response was shorter with iFLC than per protocol (2.1 and 3.7 months; P = 0.05). Progression defined using iFLC also correlated well to progression in the protocol (κ = 0.63). However, the median time to progression (TTP) was more rapid by iFLC than per protocol (13.7 and 18.9 months). We also confirmed that a flare in iFLC in post–rituximab therapy did not correlate with lack of response or shorter TTP.

Conclusion: Involved sFLC may be a useful marker of tumor measurement, showing earlier response and progression compared with IgM or M-spike measurements. Clin Cancer Res; 17(9); 3013–8. ©2011 AACR.
Radical Prostatectomy in High-Grade Prostate Cancer, Salvage and Adjuvant Radiotherapy
Authors: Brodak Milos , Kosina Josef , Holub Lukas , Louda Miroslav , Odrazka Karel , Dolezel Martin , Sefrová Jana , Jansa Jan , Pacovsky Jaroslav
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Prostate cancer with a Gleason score (GS) of 8–10 is linked to a higher risk of recurrence and progression. The aim of this paper is to evaluate treatment results of our high-risk patient cohort.Patients and Methods: The cohort of 42 patients with radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen histology GS 8–10 was assessed. The patients were followed up after RP and radiotherapy (RT) was delivered in case of a biochemical relapse. Adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) was delivered only in case of a positive surgical margin (PSM). The following parameters were evaluated: biochemical progression-free survival (BPFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The second objective was to evaluate adverse effects of RP and RT. Results: The median follow-up time was 88 months (18–168). RP led to BPFS in 16 patients (38%). Five patients with PSM underwent aRT and 20 underwent salvage radiotherapy (sRT). One patient died of myocardial infarction and 1 patient died of metastatic disease. Skeletal metastases were recorded in 2 patients. The BPFS in RP combinations with sRT or aRT was reached in 29 patients (69%). The OS and CSS in our cohort reached 95 and 98%, respectively. Conclusion: Management with aRT only in PSM was very effective, according to our retrospective study.
Effects of Vardenafil on Testicular Torsion/Detorsion Damage: An Experimental Study in Pigs
Authors: Istanbulluoglu Mustafa Okan , Zor Murat , Celik Asuman , Cicek Tufan , Basal Seref , Ozgok Aysegul , Ustun Huseyin , Ozgok Yasar
Published: March 2011

Purpose: To investigate the effects of vardenafil HCl on testicular germ cell apoptosis and the expressions of iNOS and eNOS within the bilateral testes after unilateral torsion/detorsion (T/D) in a pig model. Methods: 12 male pigs weighing 50–55 kg were divided randomly into three groups (n = 4). Sham operation and T/D was performed in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 3 underwent T/D and received vardenafil (0.4 mg/kg) orally 45 min before detorsion. The testes were left in torsion for 2 h. In all groups, both testes were removed 8 h after the operation for histopathological analysis. Results: Except for group 1, the histopathologic parameters of the ipsilateral testes were higher than in the contralateral testes, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) (group 2) resulted in marked increases in germ cell apoptosis, iNOS and eNOS in the ischemic testes compared to the sham-operated group. The pigs treated with vardenafil (group 3) also showed significantly increased apoptotic cells, iNOS and eNOS levels compared to the sham-operated group. Conclusions: The results suggest that vardenafil HCl worsened histopathological changes related to oxidative stress in testicular injury and had no protective effect on testicular I/R injury in pigs.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Nocturia and Nocturia-Related Quality of Life in the Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Jian , Chen Jie , Zhang Chunfang , Li Qing , Xu Tao , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: March 2011

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence, risk factors of nocturia and nocturia-related quality of life. Methods: Age, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), alcohol abuse and smoking were analyzed using logistic analysis. Multiple linear-regression analysis was used to identify factors predicting the score on the Nocturia Quality of Life (N-QOL) questionnaire. Results: 1,198 adults completed this study. 411 individuals (34.3%) answered that they arose for urination at least twice during the night. The incidence of nocturia increased with age from 8.6% in individuals younger than 40 to 67.7% in those older than 70. Hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 2.322; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.387–3.887] and diabetes (OR 2.298; 95% CI: 1.066–4.954) were possible risk factors for nocturia. In male individuals, BPH (OR 3.900; 95% CI: 1.890–8.049) was another risk factor. Gender was not found to be associated with nocturia. Increasing episodes of nocturia (regression coefficient: –2.564; 95% CI: –3.08 to –2.049) and decreasing total sleeping hours (regression coefficient: 1.738; 95% CI: 0.948–2.527) were independent factors predicting a significantly lower N-QOL score. Conclusions: Hypertension, diabetes and BPH are associated with nocturia, suggesting that multiple approaches are needed when treating patients with nocturia. Nocturia has a significant impact on the nocturia-related quality of life when the patient has 2 or more episodes per night.
Safety of a New Compact Male Intermittent Catheter: Randomized, Cross-Over, Single-Blind Study in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Bagi Per , Hannibalsen Jane , Permild Rikke , Stilling Sine , Looms Dagnia K.
Published: March 2011

Introduction: A new compact male intermittent catheter was compared with a regular intermittent male catheter in terms of safety and acceptability. Methods: In this randomized, single-blind, cross-over study, healthy male volunteers were catheterized twice with a compact catheter and twice with a regular catheter. Results: 28 participants were enrolled. Mean ± SD discomfort (visual analogue scale; primary objective) was 2.25 ± 1.5 and 2.52 ± 1.8 for the compact and regular catheters, respectively (difference –0.27; 95% confidence interval –0.73 to 0.19); there was no significant difference in hematuria (p = 0.54) or discomfort/stinging/pain at first micturition (p = 0.56). During insertion, handling was easier (p = 0.0001) and touching the coating was necessary less often (2.2 vs. 81.3% of catheterizations; p < 0.0001) with the compact catheter; it was preferred by nurses for 20 of 23 participants. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Short-term safety of the new compact catheter was at least as good as that of the regular male intermittent catheter and handling was improved.
Prostate Cancer Does Not Influence Androgen Levels: A Radical Prostatectomy Cohort Study
Authors: De Nunzio Cosimo , Carluccini Alfonso , Cicione Antonio , Squillacciotti Stefano , Trucchi Alberto , Cantiani Andrea , Leonardo Costantino , Tubaro Andrea
Published: March 2011

Aim: To investigate the relationship between androgens and prostate cancer in patients scheduled for radical prostatectomy. Subjects and Methods: Patients scheduled for open radical prostatectomy were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before prostate biopsy and 12 months later to evaluate testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), PSA, calculated free and bioavailable testosterone. Results: 44 patients were consecutively enrolled. 15 patients (34%) presented a Gleason score (GS) of 6, 24 patients GS 7 (54%), 1 patient (2%) GS 8, and 4 patients GS 9 (9%). Mean prostate cancer volume was 4.3 ± 5.7 cm3. 24 patients presented a pT2 stage, 16 a pT3a stage, and 4 a pT3b stage. Positive surgical margins were detected in 12 patients (27.3%). No significant change of testosterone (4.21 ± 1.49 vs. 4.00 ± 1.48 ng/ml, p = 0.46), free testosterone (9.01 ± 3.64 vs. 8.85 ± 3.04 pg/ml, p = 0.83), SHBG (38 ± 14.39 vs. 38.5 ± 17.23 nmol/l, p = 0.71), calculated free testosterone (0.091 ± 0.13 vs. 0.067 ± 0.026, p = 0.563), and bioavailable testosterone (1.89 ± 0.722 vs. 1.88 ± 0.53, p = 0.912) was observed. Conclusions: In our single-center study, prostate cancer does not impact on serum androgen levels, however our results should be confirmed in a larger study.
SDF-1α Induction in Mature Smooth Muscle Cells by Inactivation of PTEN Is a Critical Mediator of Exacerbated Injury-Induced Neointima Formation
Authors: Nemenoff Raphael A. , Horita Henrick , Ostriker Allison C. , Furgeson Seth B. , Simpson Peter A. , VanPutten Vicki , Crossno Joseph , Offermanns Stefan , Weiser-Evans Mary C.M.
Published: March 2011

Objective—

PTEN inactivation selectively in smooth muscle cells (SMC) initiates multiple downstream events driving neointima formation, including SMC cytokine/chemokine production, in particular stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α). We investigated the effects of SDF-1α on resident SMC and bone marrow–derived cells and in mediating neointima formation.

Methods and Results—

Inducible, SMC-specific PTEN knockout mice (PTEN iKO) were bred to floxed-stop ROSA26-β-galactosidase (βGal) mice to fate-map mature SMC in response to injury; mice received wild-type green fluorescent protein–labeled bone marrow to track recruitment. Following wire-induced femoral artery injury, βGal(+) SMC accumulated in the intima and adventitia. Compared with wild-type, PTEN iKO mice exhibited massive neointima formation, increased replicating intimal and medial βGal(+)SMC, and enhanced vascular recruitment of bone marrow cells following injury. Inhibiting SDF-1α blocked these events and reversed enhanced neointima formation observed in PTEN iKO mice. Most recruited green fluorescent protein(+) cells stained positive for macrophage markers but not SMC markers. SMC-macrophage interactions resulted in a persistent SMC inflammatory phenotype that was dependent on SMC PTEN and SDF-1α expression.

Conclusion—

Resident SMC play a multifaceted role in neointima formation by contributing the majority of neointimal cells, regulating recruitment of inflammatory cells, and contributing to adventitial remodeling. The SMC PTEN-SDF-1α axis is a critical regulator of these events.
The Actin-Binding Protein Girdin and Its Akt-Mediated Phosphorylation Regulate Neointima Formation After Vascular Injury
Authors: Miyake Hiroshi , Maeda Kengo , Asai Naoya , Shibata Rei , Ichimiya Hitoshi , Isotani-Sakakibara Mayu , Yamamura Yumiko , Kato Katsuhiro , Enomoto Atsushi , Takahashi Masahide , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: March 2011

Rationale:

It is well established that the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have major roles in the vascular remodeling process. Our previous study showed that the Akt substrate Girdin, which is expressed in VSMCs and endothelial cells, is essential for postnatal angiogenesis. However, the function of Girdin and its Akt-mediated phosphorylation in VSMCs and their in vivo roles in vascular remodeling remain to be elucidated.

Objective:

We investigated the function of Girdin and its Akt-mediated phosphorylation using cultured VSMCs and animal models of vascular remodeling.

Methods and Results:

The depletion of Girdin by RNA interference disrupted the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in VSMCs, resulting in impaired cell migration. The depletion of Girdin also inhibited VSMC proliferation. Girdin expression was highly upregulated and its serine at position 1416 was phosphorylated in the neointima of carotid arteries after balloon injury in a rat model. The introduction of an adenovirus harboring short hairpin RNA against Girdin attenuated the proliferation of VSMCs and neointima formation without affecting reendothelialization. Furthermore, we found that neointima formation after femoral wire injury was significantly attenuated in Girdin S1416A knock-in mice, in which the Akt phosphorylation site of Girdin was mutated, thus indicating a major role for Girdin phosphorylation in vascular remodeling.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that Girdin and its Akt-mediated phosphorylation have major roles in the migration and proliferation of VSMCs and vascular remodeling, making the Akt/Girdin signaling pathway a potential target for the development of new therapeutics for vascular diseases.
The Security Curve and the Structure of International Politics: A Neorealist Synthesis
Authors: Fiammenghi Davide
Published: March 2011

Realist scholars have long debated the question of how much power states need to feel secure. Offensive realists claim that states should constantly seek to increase their power. Defensive realists argue that accumulating too much power can be self-defeating. Proponents of hegemonic stability theory contend that the accumulation of capabilities in one state can exert a stabilizing effect on the system. The three schools describe different points along the power continuum. When a state is weak, accumulating power increases its security. This is approximately the situation described by offensive realists. A state that continues to accumulate capabilities will eventually trigger a balancing reaction that puts its security at risk. This scenario accords with defensive realist assumptions. Finally, when the state becomes too powerful to balance, its opponents bandwagon with it, and the state's security begins to increase again. This is the situation described by hegemonic stability theory. These three stages delineate a modified parabolic relationship between power and security. As a state moves along the power continuum, its security increases up to a point, then decreases, and finally increases again. This modified parabolic relationship allows scholars to synthesize previous realist theories into a single framework.
Wissenschaft zwischen neuhumanistischem Bildungsideal und Staatsnutzen Zur Gründung der Berliner Universität 1810
Authors: Tress Werner
Published: March 2011

By now scholars agree that the foundation of the University of Berlin in 1810 and its glorification through the “Humboldtian myth” must be viewed separately. Nevertheless, ever since the 1910 centennial, historiography has rarely gone beyond references to the historical documents edited by Rudolf Köpke (1860) and Max Lenz (1910). Analyzing the lectures announced in the university calendar for the fall semester 1810/11, the essay shows that applied science and vocational training played a larger role than assumed. In founding the university, it seems, the authorities looked rather for the advancement of the common public interest (“Staatsnutzen”) than for the realization of a “Bildungsideal”. This essay pleads, therefore, for a comprehensive reassessment of the historical documents from the planning and founding stages of the University of Berlin.
Vom kairós zum Ereignis: Martin Heideggers Auseinandersetzung mit dem Urchristentum
Authors: Gorgone Sandro
Published: March 2011

The Greek term kairós signifies on the one hand an opportune moment and time for decision-making and on the other hand the unpredictable yet expected moment of Christ's return on the Judgment Day according to Paul. The goal of this essay is to establish the connection between kairós and Heidegger's central concept of ,,Ereignis", which he developed in his later years. The Freiburg lectures on the phenomenology of religious life from the early 1920s and the posthumously published works from the 1930s and 1940s will serve to illustrate how the tradition of the Greek and Christian kairós influenced Heidegger's development of the idea of possibly overcoming the chronometric and metaphysical understanding of time as ,,Jetztzeit". He was thus able to deny the ontological privilege of present and presence. The role of Paul is decisive for Heidegger's thinking: the factual experience of the first Christian communities has not only had an external influence on the ,,Daseinsanalytik"; it has also influenced the entire development of ,,Seinsgeschichte" and has had a significant impact on Heidegger's last attempt to define ,,Seinsgeschichte" itself through the ,,Ereignis" beyond any ontological perspective.
Professor Manfred Lachs: Wise Man of International Law
Authors: Piontek Eugeniusz
Published: March 2011

This article, based on the author’s presentation at the Conference “Sir Hersch Lauterpacht - Lawyer of Two Cultures”, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law of the University of Cambridge on 5‐6 November 2008, aims at briefly presenting the life and achievements of Professor and Judge Manfred H. Lachs (21 April 1914‐14 January 1993). During the course of his prolific career, Judge Lachs was active and excelled in four different roles; those of scholar and academic teacher, diplomat and international judge. In all these roles, with his innovative and ground-breaking ideas, he has left his mark on legal discourse and his legal thought continues to be of great influence even today.
The Element of Risk in International Investment Arbitration
Authors: Kałduński Marcin
Published: March 2011

Investments have always been exposed to a degree of risk. The present article, based on the author’s presentation at the conference “Sir Hersch Lauterpacht ‐ Lawyer of Two Cultures”, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law of the University of Cambridge on 5‐6 November 2008, examines the element of risk, inherent in any investment project, as it has been delineated through international investment arbitration. The main focus is on the duty, on the part of the investor, to make a risk-assessment and act in good faith. These duties, however, do not mean ipso facto that the investor is responsible for any occurrence that may damage the investment. It is at this point that tribunals bear an important obligation to balance investor and host State interests.
Singularity and Repetition in Carl Schmitt’s Vision of History
Authors: Lievens Matthias
Published: March 2011

Despite the problematic political positions he adopted during his life span, the work of Carl Schmitt contains a fascinating argument in favour of ‘the political’, which is understood as a plural symbolic space composed of friends and enemies who reciprocally recognise each other. Schmitt’s struggle for the political is a struggle for a public spirit which accounts for this plurality. One of the terrains on which Schmitt wages this struggle is that of historical meaning. The image of history is crucial for the political, as it is one level on which the relation between enemies is symbolised. In this paper, Schmitt’s polemic for a political conception of history, which gives the enemy and the defeated their due place as political subjects, will be reconstructed. Central to Schmitt’s endeavour is the attempt to think historical singularity, against the notion of repetition in history, against the understanding of history as a reservoir of ‘lessons’ and against ideologies of progress. Through his polemic, a profane and sober image of history appears which stresses singularity, relative contingency and openness, and the pluralisation of social temporalities. The enigmatic notion of the katechon will play a crucial role in providing a very minimal but crucial form of historical meaning for such a political conception of history.