bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A parametric segmentation functor for fully automatic and scalable array content analysis
Authors: Cousot Patrick , Cousot Radhia , Logozzo Francesco
Published: January 2011

We introduce FunArray, a parametric segmentation abstract domain functor for the fully automatic and scalable analysis of array content properties. The functor enables a natural, painless and efficient lifting of existing abstract domains for scalar variables to the analysis of uniform compound data-structures such as arrays and collections. The analysis automatically and semantically divides arrays into consecutive non-overlapping possibly empty segments. Segments are delimited by sets of bound expressions and abstracted uniformly. All symbolic expressions appearing in a bound set are equal in the concrete. The FunArray can be naturally combined via reduced product with any existing analysis for scalar variables. The analysis is presented as a general framework parameterized by the choices of bound expressions, segment abstractions and the reduction operator. Once the functor has been instantiated with fixed parameters, the analysis is fully automatic.

We first prototyped FunArray in Arrayal to adjust and experiment with the abstractions and the algorithms to obtain the appropriate precision/ratio cost. Then we implemented it into Clousot, an abstract interpretation-based static contract checker for .NET. We empirically validated the precision and the performance of the analysis by running it on the main libraries of .NET and on its own code. We were able to infer thousands of non-trivial invariants and verify the implementation with a modest overhead (circa 1%). To the best of our knowledge this is the first analysis of this kind applied to such a large code base, and proven to scale.
A shape analysis for optimizing parallel graph programs
Authors: Prountzos Dimitrios , Manevich Roman , Pingali Keshav , McKinley Kathryn S.
Published: January 2011

Computations on unstructured graphs are challenging to parallelize because dependences in the underlying algorithms are usually complex functions of runtime data values, thwarting static parallelization. One promising general-purpose parallelization strategy for these algorithms is optimistic parallelization.

This paper identifies the optimization of optimistically parallelized graph programs as a new application area, and develops the first shape analysis for addressing this problem. Our shape analysis identifies
failsafe
points in the program after which the execution is guaranteed not to abort and backup copies of modified data are not needed; additionally, the analysis can be used to eliminate redundant conflict checking. It uses two key ideas: a novel
top-down
heap abstraction that controls state space explosion, and a strategy for predicate discovery that exploits common patterns of data structure usage.

We implemented the shape analysis in TVLA, and used it to optimize benchmarks from the Lonestar suite. The optimized programs were executed on the Galois system. The analysis was successful in eliminating all costs related to rollback logging for our benchmarks. Additionally, it reduced the number of lock acquisitions by a factor ranging from 10x to 50x, depending on the application and the number of threads. These optimizations were effective in reducing the running times of the benchmarks by factors of 2x to 12x.
Multivariate amortized resource analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Jan , Aehlig Klaus , Hofmann Martin
Published: January 2011

We study the problem of automatically analyzing the worst-case resource usage of procedures with several arguments. Existing automatic analyses based on amortization, or sized types bound the resource usage or result size of such a procedure by a sum of unary functions of the sizes of the arguments.

In this paper we generalize this to arbitrary multivariate polynomial functions thus allowing bounds of the form
mn
which had to be grossly overestimated by

m
2
+n
2

before. Our framework even encompasses bounds like

∗
i,j≤n
m_i m
j

where the

m
i

are the sizes of the entries of a list of length
n
.

This allows us for the first time to derive useful resource bounds for operations on matrices that are represented as lists of lists and to considerably improve bounds on other super-linear operations on lists such as longest common subsequence and removal of duplicates from lists of lists.

Furthermore, resource bounds are now closed under composition which improves accuracy of the analysis of composed programs when some or all of the components exhibit super-linear resource or size behavior.

The analysis is based on a novel multivariate amortized resource analysis. We present it in form of a type system for a simple first-order functional language with lists and trees, prove soundness, and describe automatic type inference based on linear programming.

We have experimentally validated the automatic analysis on a wide range of examples from functional programming with lists and trees. The obtained bounds were compared with actual resource consumption. All bounds were asymptotically tight, and the constants were close or even identical to the optimal ones.
Delay-bounded scheduling
Authors: Emmi Michael , Qadeer Shaz , Rakamarić Zvonimir
Published: January 2011

We provide a new characterization of scheduling nondeterminism by allowing deterministic schedulers to delay their next-scheduled task. In limiting the delays an otherwise-deterministic scheduler is allowed, we discover concurrency bugs efficiently---by exploring few schedules---and robustly---i.e., independent of the number of tasks, context switches, or buffered events. Our characterization elegantly applies to any systematic exploration (e.g., testing, model checking) of concurrent programs with dynamic task-creation. Additionally, we show that certain delaying schedulers admit efficient reductions from concurrent to sequential program analysis.
Dynamic inference of static types for ruby
Authors: An Jong-hoon (David) , Chaudhuri Avik , Foster Jeffrey S. , Hicks Michael
Published: January 2011

There have been several efforts to bring static type inference to object-oriented dynamic languages such as Ruby, Python, and Perl. In our experience, however, such type inference systems are extremely difficult to develop, because dynamic languages are typically complex, poorly specified, and include features, such as eval and reflection, that are hard to analyze.

In this paper, we introduce
constraint-based dynamic type inference
, a technique that infers static types based on dynamic program executions. In our approach, we wrap each run-time value to associate it with a type variable, and the wrapper generates constraints on this type variable when the wrapped value is used. This technique avoids many of the often overly conservative approximations of static tools, as constraints are generated based on how values are used during actual program runs. Using wrappers is also easy to implement, since we need only write a constraint resolution algorithm and a transformation to introduce the wrappers. The best part is that we can eat our cake, too: our algorithm will infer sound types as long as it observes every path through each method body---note that the number of such paths may be dramatically smaller than the number of paths through the program as a whole.

We have developed Rubydust, an implementation of our algorithm for Ruby. Rubydust takes advantage of Ruby's dynamic features to implement wrappers as a language library. We applied Rubydust to a number of small programs and found it to be both easy to use and useful: Rubydust discovered 1 real type error, and all other inferred types were correct and readable.
Dynamic vectorization in the E2 dynamic multicore architecture
Authors: Putnam Andrew , Smith Aaron , Burger Doug
Published: January 2011

Previous research has shown that Explicit Data Graph Execution (EDGE) instruction set architectures (ISA) allow for power efficient performance scaling. In this paper we describe the preliminary design of a new dynamic multicore processor called E2 that utilizes an EDGE ISA to allow for the dynamic composition of physical cores into logical processors. We provide details of E2's support for dynamic reconfigurability and show how the EDGE ISA facilities outof- order vector execution.
Software-based branch predication for AMD GPUs
Authors: Taylor Ryan , Li Xiaoming
Published: January 2011

Branch predication is a program transformation technique that combines instructions of multiple branches of an if statement into a straight-line sequence and associates each instruction of the sequence with a predicate. The branch predication improves the execution of branch statements on processors that support predicated execution of instruction, e.g., Intel IA-64, because such transformation improves the instruction scheduling and might help cache performance. This paper proposes a novel software-based branch predication technique for GPU. The main motivation is that branch instructions can easily become a performance bottleneck for a GPU program because of the cost of branch instructions compared to ALU instructions and the possibility of low ALU utilization due to separation of ALU instructions within control flow blocks. Due to the SIMD nature and massive multi-threading architecture of the GPU, branching can be costly if more than one path is taken by a set of concurrent threads in a kernel. In this paper we reveal that branch predication can enable instruction packing, a VLIW-like GPU feature that is designed to increase the parallel execution of independent instructions, and can also decrease the number of control flow instructions thereby improving the performance of GPU kernels with both single and multiple branch paths. The key of our novel branch predication technique is a set of transformation rules that takes into consideration the specialties of the GPU architecture and implements software-based predicated execution of instruction on the GPU with little to no overhead. Furthermore, we identify architectural and program factors that affect the effectiveness of our technique and build a benefit analysis model for the transformation. The implementation of our technique on synthetic benchmarks and real-world application proves its effectiveness.
Developing regions: common goals, common problems?
Authors: Ferres Leo
Published: January 2011

The Seventh W4A International Cross-Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility was held on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th May 2010 as part of the Nineteenth International World Wide Web Conference(WWW2010) located at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. We ran over 2 days, welcomed 69 attendees. We accepted 31.25% of all submissions, each paper was peer reviewed by three members of our programme committee. We published ISBN'ed proceedings as part of the ACM Digital Library, and the best papers have been invited to submit extended versions of their work to Taylor and Francis' New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia.
A Glimpse of Various Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Kanwar Yashpal S. , Sun Lin , Xie Ping , Liu Fu-you , Chen Sheldon
Published: January 2011

Diabetic nephropathy is a well-known complication of diabetes and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure in the Western world. It is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments and by the thickening and hyalinization of intrarenal vasculature. The various cellular events and signaling pathways activated during diabetic nephropathy may be similar in different cell types. Such cellular events include excessive channeling of glucose intermediaries into various metabolic pathways with generation of advanced glycation products, activation of protein kinase C, increased expression of transforming growth factor β and GTP-binding proteins, and generation of reactive oxygen species. In addition to these metabolic and biochemical derangements, changes in the intraglomerular hemodynamics, modulated in part by local activation of the renin-angiotensin system, compound the hyperglycemia-induced injury. Events involving various intersecting pathways occur in most cell types of the kidney.
The Ratio of Eigenvalues of the Dirichlet Eigenvalue Problem for Equations with One‐Dimensional p‐Laplacian
Authors: Bognár Gabriella , Došlý Ondřej
Published: January 2011

We establish an estimate for the ratio of eigenvalues of the Dirichlet eigenvalue problem for the equation with one‐dimensional p‐Laplacian involving a nonnegative unimodal (single‐well) potential.
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activation during Cardioplegia-Induced Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury Attenuates Cardiomyocytic Apoptosis via Reduction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Yeh Chi-Hsiao , Chen Tzu-Ping , Wang Yao-Chang , Lin Yu-Min , Fang Shu-Wen
Published: January 2011

Cardioplegic-induced H/R injury results in cardiomyocytic apoptosis. AMPK has been shown to reduce ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Whether AMPK activation can attenuate cardiomyocytic apoptosis after cardioplegia-induced H/R injury is unknown. Cardiomyocytes were exposed to simulated ischemia by incubation in a hypoxic chamber with intermittent cold cardioplegia solution infusion at 20-minute intervals and subsequently reoxygenated in a normoxic environment. Various doses of AMPK activators (AICAR or metformin) were given 2 days before H/R injury. The cardiomyocytes were harvested after reoxygenation for subsequent examination. With both AMPK activators, the antiapoptotic genes of ER stress and UPR, the subsequent production of proapoptotic proteins was attenuated, and the antiapoptotic proteins were elevated. The activity of the apoptotic effectors of ER stress was also reduced with AMPK activation. Moreover, TUNEL staining showed that AMPK activation significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic cardiomyocytes after cardioplegia-induced H/R injury. Our results revealed that AMPK activation during cardioplegia-induced H/R injury attenuates cardiomyocytic apoptosis, via enhancement of antiapoptotic and reduction of proapoptotic responses, resulting from lessening ER stress and the UPR. AMPK activation may serve as a future pharmacological target to reduce H/R injury in the clinical setting.
Second‐Order Nonlinear Impulsive Integro‐Differential Equations of Mixed Type and Optimal Controls in Fractional Power Spaces
Authors: Peng Y.
Published: January 2011

A class of second‐order nonlinear impulsive integro‐differential equations of mixed type whose
principal part is given by time‐varying generating operators in fractional power spaces is considered. We introduce the reasonable PC‐α‐mild solution of second‐order nonlinear impulsive integro‐differential equations of mixed type and prove its existence. The existence of optimal controls for a Lagrange problem of systems governed by second‐order nonlinear impulsive integro‐equations of mixed type is also presented. An example is given for demonstration.
Beverage-Specific Alcohol Sale and Cardiovascular Mortality in Russia
Authors: Razvodovsky Y. E.
Published: January 2011

Objective. Recent research evidence suggests that the consumption of different types of alcoholic beverage may have a differential effect on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality rates. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between the consumption of different beverage types and CVD mortality rates in Russia across the later-Soviet and post-Soviet periods.Method. Age-standardized male and female CVD mortality data for the period 1970–2005 and data on beverage-specific alcohol sales were obtained Russian State Statistical Committee (Rosstat). Time-series analytical modeling techniques (ARIMA) were used to examine the relation between the sales of different alcoholic beverages and CVD mortality rates.Results. Vodka consumption as measured by sales was significantly associated with both male and female CVD mortality rates: a 1 liter increase in vodka sales would result in a 5.3% increase in the male CVD mortality rate and a 3.7% increase in the female rate. The consumption of beer and wine were not associated with CVD mortality rates.Conclusions. The findings from this study suggest that public health efforts should focus on both reducing overall consumption and changing beverage preference away from distilled spirits in order to reduce cardiovascular mortality rates in Russia.
The 3x + 1 Problem as a String Rewriting System
Authors: Sinyor Joseph
Published: January 2011

The 3x + 1 problem can be viewed, starting with the binary form for any n ∈   N, as a string of “runs” of 1s and 0s, using methodology introduced by Błażewicz and Pettorossi in 1983. A simple system of two unary operators rewrites the length of each run, so that each new string represents the next odd integer on the 3x + 1 path. This approach enables the conjecture to be recast as two assertions. (I) Every odd n ∈   N lies on a distinct 3x + 1 trajectory between two Mersenne numbers (2k − 1) or their equivalents, in the sense that every integer of the form (4m + 1) with m being odd is equivalent to m because both yield the same successor. (II) If Tr(2k − 1)→(2l − 1) for any r, k, l > 0, l < k; that is, the 3x + 1 function expressed as a map of k′s is monotonically decreasing, thereby ensuring that the function terminates for every integer.
Characterization of Mechanically Alloyed Nanocrystalline Fe(Al): Crystallite Size and Dislocation Density
Authors: Mhadhbi M. , Khitouni M. , Escoda L. , Suñol J. J. , Dammak M.
Published: January 2011

A nanostructured disordered Fe(Al) solid solution was obtained from elemental powders of Fe and Al using a high‐energy ball mill. The transformations occurring in the material during milling were studied with the use of X‐ray diffraction. In addition lattice microstrain, average crystallite size, dislocation density, and the lattice parameter were determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the morphology of the samples as a function of milling times. Thermal behaviour of the milled powders was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results, as well as dissimilarity between calorimetric curves of the powders after 2 and 20 h of milling, indicated the formation of a nanostructured Fe(Al) solid solution.
Improved Resolution and Reduced Clutter in Ultra‐Wideband Microwave Imaging Using Cross‐Correlated Back Projection: Experimental and Numerical Results
Authors: Jacobsen S. , Birkelund Y.
Published: January 2011

Microwave breast cancer detection is based on the dielectric contrast between healthy and malignant tissue. This radar‐based imaging method involves illumination of the breast with an ultra‐wideband pulse. Detection of tumors within the breast is achieved by some selected focusing technique. Image formation algorithms are tailored to enhance tumor responses and reduce early‐time and late‐time clutter associated with skin reflections and heterogeneity of breast tissue. In this contribution, we evaluate the performance of the so‐called cross‐correlated back projection imaging scheme by using a scanning system in phantom experiments. Supplementary numerical modeling based on commercial software is also presented. The phantom is synthetically scanned with a broadband elliptical antenna in a mono‐static configuration. The respective signals are pre‐processed by a data‐adaptive RLS algorithm in order to remove artifacts caused by antenna reverberations and signal clutter. Successful detection of a 7 mm diameter cylindrical tumor immersed in a low permittivity medium was achieved in all cases. Selecting the widely used delay‐and‐sum (DAS) beamforming algorithm as a benchmark, we show that correlation based imaging methods improve the signal‐to‐clutter ratio by at least 10 dB and improves spatial resolution through a reduction of the imaged peak full‐width half maximum (FWHM) of about 40–50%.
Immune Response in Ovarian Cancer: How Is the Immune SystemInvolved in Prognosis and Therapy: Potential for Treatment Utilization
Authors: Gavalas Nikos G. , Karadimou Alexandra , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Bamias Aristotelis
Published: January 2011

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death among women. Resistance to the disease occurs in more than 70% of the cases even after treated with chemotherapy agents such as paclitaxel‐ and platinum‐based agents. The immune system is increasingly becoming a target for intense research in order to study the host′s immune response against ovarian cancer. T cell populations, including NK T cells and Tregs, and cytokines have been associated with disease outcome, indicating their increasing clinical significance, having been associated with prognosis and as markers of disease progress, respectively. Harnessing the immune system capacity in order to induce antitumor response remains a major challenge.
This paper examines the recent developments in our understanding of the mechanisms of development of the immune response in ovarian cancer as well as its prognostic significance and the existing experience in clinical studies.
Localized Quantitative Characterization of Chemical Functionalization Effects on Adhesion Properties of SWNT
Authors: Lu Hao , Zhang Jiangnan , Lou Jun
Published: January 2011

Chemical modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) has been found to be an excellent method to promote SWNT dispersion, and possibly to improve interaction with matrices via covalent bonding. It is thus a quite promising technique to enhance the mechanical properties of SWNT-reinforced nanocomposites. However, the underlying mechanism of SWNT chemical functionalization effects on interfacial strength is not quantitatively understood, limiting their usefulness in the design of nanocomposites. In this work, an atomic force microscopy (AFM-) based adhesive force mapping technique combined with a statistical analysis method were developed and implemented to study adhesive interactions of small SWNT bundles functionalized by amino, epoxide, and hydroperoxide groups as compared to SDS-treated SWNT in controlled environment. Finally, the importance of such localized quantitative measurements in SWNT-reinforced nanocomposites design and fabrication was also discussed.
Electrospinning of Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) Nanofibres Encapsulated with Ag Nanoparticles for Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Xu Chao , Xu Feng , Wang Bin , Lu TianJian
Published: January 2011

Skin wound healing is an urgent problem in clinics and military activities. Although significant advances have been made in its treatment, there are several challenges associated with traditional methods, for example, limited donor skin tissue for transplantation and inflammation during long-term healing time. To address these challenges, in this study we present a method to fabricate Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) nanofibres encapsulated with Ag nanoparticle using electrospinning technique. The fibres were fabricated with controlled diameters (59 nm–3 μm) by regulating three main parameters, that is, EVOH solution concentration, the electric voltage, and the distance between the injection needle tip (high-voltage point) and the fibre collector. Ag was added to the nanofibres to offer long-term anti-inflammation effect by slow release of Ag nanoparticles through gradual degradation of EVOH nanofibre. The method developed here could lead to new dressing materials for treatment of skin wounds.
Neurofilament Proteins as Body Fluid Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gresle Melissa M. , Butzkueven Helmut , Shaw Gerry
Published: January 2011

Biomarkers of axonal degeneration have the potential to improve our capacity to predict and monitor neurological outcome in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Neurofilament proteins, one of the major proteins expressed within neurons and axons, have been detected in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples from MS patients and are now being actively investigated for their utility as prognostic indicators of disease progression in MS. In this paper, we summarize the current literature on neurofilament structure, assembly, and degeneration and discuss their potential utility as biomarkers for monitoring neurological decline in MS. We also discuss the need to further develop sensitive methods for assaying neurofilaments in blood to improve clinical applicability.
Laparoscopic Removal of Pelvic Hydatid Cysts in Young Female: A Case Report
Authors: Gorad Kedar , Rayate Neeraj , Oswal Kunal , Krishna Ashish , Deshmukh Avanish , Rajmanickam Sarvana , Puntambekar Shailesh
Published: January 2011

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused by larval stages of dog tapeworms belonging to the genus Echinococcus (family taeniidae) and is also referred to as echinococcosis. Human cystic echinococcosis caused byE. granulosusis the most common presentation and probably accounts for more than 95% of the estimated 2-3 million annual worldwide cases. The liver (70–80%) and lungs (15–25%) are the most frequent locations for echinococcal cysts. The diagnosis is made through the combined assessment of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. The treatment is mainly surgical, and, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, prognosis is good. With advances and increasing experience in laparoscopic surgery, many more attempts have been made to offer the advantage of such a procedure to these patients (Chowbey et al. (2003)).
Immune-Based Therapies for Sarcoma
Authors: Pollack Seth M. , Loggers Elizabeth T. , Rodler Eve T. , Yee Cassian , Jones Robin L.
Published: January 2011

Immunotherapy has shown promise in a number of tumor types, but its exact role in sarcoma remains to be defined. Advanced bone and soft tissue sarcomas are challenging diseases to treat with an unmet need for effective systemic therapy. Previous reports have suggested that immune-based treatments may be effective in sarcoma, but such approaches have not yet become part of standard clinical practice. A number of sarcoma subtypes express targets known as cancer testis antigens and hence may be excellent targets for immunotherapy. This paper will focus on the recent advances and understanding of cancer testis antigens in sarcoma and also clinical data of immunotherapeutic approaches in these diseases.
Rotigotine in the Long-Term Treatment of Severe RLS with Augmentation: A Series of 28 Cases
Authors: Godau Jana , Berg Daniela
Published: January 2011

This structured clinical observation includes 28 patients with severe RLS, severe augmentation, and previously frustrating changes of dopaminergic treatment. All were switched from their current dopaminergic regimen to an individually adjusted rotigotine monotherapy; dosages were kept stable for 12 months. Follow-up exams were performed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Severity of RLS symptoms (IRLS), augmentation (ASRS), depressive symptoms (BDI), and daytime sleepiness (ESS) were assessed at all visits. Median rotigotine dose was 4 mg. 27 of the 28 patients showed a major to complete reduction of RLS symptoms. IRLS and BDI scores (bothP<.001), but not ESS scores, were significantly reduced. IRLS and BDI amelioration remained stable over the 12-month follow-up period. Augmentation occurred in only one patient. 71.4% suffered at least one mostly mild side effect; most common were increased appetite with compulsive eating (42.9%), application site reaction (28.6%), and nausea (14.3%). In the clinical setting, rotigotine seems to be valuable for the long-term treatment of patients with severe RLS and augmentation.
Improved Left Ventricular Diastolic Function with Exercise Training in Hypertension: A Doppler Imaging Study
Authors: Zheng Huan , Luo Ming , Shen Yi , Fang Hong
Published: January 2011

Objective.To study the effects of 6 months’ exercise training on ventricular function in hypertensive patients.Methods.Both groups received routine anti-hypertensive pharmacological therapy and one received a 6 months’ exercise program in addition. All patients underwent incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test and echocardiography in baseline and after 6 months.Results.(1) In 6 months’ follow-up, PeakVO2, Powermax(max workload), AT (anaerobic threshold), VO2AT(VO2at anaerobic threshold), tAT(time from beginning to anaerobic threshold) (), were increased in the exercise group. HRrest(Heart rate at rest) was decreased (). LAVI (left atrial volume index), peak mitral filling velocities during early (E) and late (A) diastole E/A ratio, DT(deceleration time of the mitral E wave), IVST(Interventricular septum thickness in diastole), tissue Doppler indice Mean Ea/Aa ratio () were also improved. (2) Correlation analysis: 4 variates had significant effect on change of PeakVO2in the exercise group: age (), change of HRrest(), change of E/A (), change of Mean Ea/Aa (); Through analyzing 2 groups patients’ baseline values, their age (), VO2AT(), HRrest(), LAVI (), E/A () were found to be independent predictors of MeanEa/Aa. -value under .05 was considered statistically significant.Conclusion.6 months’ exercise could enhance hypertensive patients’ aerobic exercise level and diastolic function to a certain extent.
Effect of Honey on Peridural Fibrosis Formation after Laminectomy in Rats: A Novel Experimental Study
Authors: Farrokhi Majid Reza , Vasei Mohammad , Fareghbal Saeed , Bakhtazad Atefeh
Published: January 2011

Despite progress in surgical techniques, some patients still face postoperative recurrence of pain. Recently, more attention has
been focused on peridural fibrosis (PF), which may be responsible for recurrent pain after laminectomy or discectomy. Honey has been shown to exert anti‐inflammatory effects on exposed tissues besides its well‐known antibacterial properties. The aim of this study were to investigate the effects of honey on the prevention of postlaminectomy fibrosis formation in a rat model. A controlled blinded study was performed in 45 male adult white Sprague‐Dawley rats that underwent laminectomy at the L5‐L6 levels. They were divided into 3 groups (A, B, and C) of 15 rats each. Group A (sham) underwent laminectomy and group B was treated with normal saline at the laminectomy site. Rats in group C received 0.1 mL honey at the laminectomy site. All rats were killed 4 weeks after laminectomy. PF was found in 5 rats (33%) of control groups A and B, and in 2 rats (10%) in honey‐treated laminectomy group C. The difference was not statistically significant. Wound healing was not affected, and there was no cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Although honey appears to be safe, it cannot cause a significant reduction of PF formation after lumbar laminectomy in rats.
Fuzzy Filter Spectrum of a BCK Algebra
Authors: Xin Xiao Long , Ji Wei , Hua Xiu Juan
Published: January 2011

The notion of fuzzy s‐prime filters of a bounded BCK‐algebra is introduced. We discuss the relation between fuzzy s‐prime filters and fuzzy prime filters. By the fuzzy s‐prime filters of a bounded commutative BCK‐algebra X, we establish a fuzzy topological structure on X. We prove that the set of all fuzzy s‐prime filters of a bounded commutative BCK‐algebra forms a topological space. Moreover, we show that the set of all fuzzy s‐prime filters of a bounded implicative BCK‐algebra is a Hausdorff space.
Evidence for Dietary Niche Separation Based on Infraorbital Foramen Size Variation among Subfossil Lemurs
Authors: Muchlinski Magdalena N. , Godfrey Laurie R. , Muldoon Kathleen M. , Tongasoa Lydia
Published: January 2011

The size of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) has been used in drawing both phylogenetic and ecological inferences regarding fossil taxa. Within the order Primates, frugivores have relatively larger IOFs than folivores or insectivores. This study uses relative IOF size in lemurs to test prior trophic inferences for subfossil lemurs and to explore the pattern of variation within and across lemur families. The IOFs of individuals belonging to 12 extinct lemur species were measured and compared to those of extant Malagasy strepsirhines. Observations matched expectations drawn from more traditional approaches (e.g. dental morphology and microwear, stable isotope analysis) remarkably well. We confirm that extinct lemurs belonging to the families Megaladapidae and Palaeopropithecidae were predominantly folivorous and that species belonging to the genusPachylemur(Lemuridae) were frugivores. Very high values for relative IOF area inArchaeolemursupport frugivory but are also consistent with omnivory, as certain omnivores use facial touch cues while feeding. These results provide additional evidence that the IOF can be used as an informative osteological feature in both phylogenetic and paleoecological interpretations of the fossil record.
The Development of Cortical Sensitivity to Visual Word Forms
Authors: Ben-Shachar Michal , Dougherty Robert F. , Deutsch Gayle K. , Wandell Brian A.
Published: January 2011

The ability to extract visual word forms quickly and efficiently is essential for using reading as a tool for learning. We describe the first longitudinal fMRI study to chart individual changes in cortical sensitivity to written words as reading develops. We conducted four annual measurements of brain function and reading skills in a heterogeneous group of children, initially 7–12 years old. The results show age-related increase in children's cortical sensitivity to word visibility in posterior left occipito-temporal sulcus (LOTS), nearby the anatomical location of the visual word form area. Moreover, the rate of increase in LOTS word sensitivity specifically correlates with the rate of improvement in sight word efficiency, a measure of speeded overt word reading. Other cortical regions, including V1, posterior parietal cortex, and the right homologue of LOTS, did not demonstrate such developmental changes. These results provide developmental support for the hypothesis that LOTS is part of the cortical circuitry that extracts visual word forms quickly and efficiently and highlight the importance of developing cortical sensitivity to word visibility in reading acquisition.
Baroclinic Stationary Waves in Aquaplanet Models
Authors: Zappa Giuseppe , Lucarini Valerio , Navarra Antonio
Published: January 2011

An aquaplanet model is used to study the nature of the highly persistent low-frequency waves that have been observed in models forced by zonally symmetric boundary conditions.

Using the Hayashi spectral analysis of the extratropical waves, the authors find that a quasi-stationary wave 5 belongs to a wave packet obeying a well-defined dispersion relation with eastward group velocity. The components of the dispersion relation with k ≥ 5 baroclinically convert eddy available potential energy into eddy kinetic energy, whereas those with k < 5 are baroclinically neutral. In agreement with Green’s model of baroclinic instability, wave 5 is weakly unstable, and the inverse energy cascade, which had been previously proposed as a main forcing for this type of wave, only acts as a positive feedback on its predominantly baroclinic energetics. The quasi-stationary wave is reinforced by a phase lock to an analogous pattern in the tropical convection, which provides further amplification to the wave. It is also found that the Pedlosky bounds on the phase speed of unstable waves provide guidance in explaining the latitudinal structure of the energy conversion, which is shown to be more enhanced where the zonal westerly surface wind is weaker. The wave’s energy is then trapped in the waveguide created by the upper tropospheric jet stream. In agreement with Green’s theory, as the equator-to-pole SST difference is reduced, the stationary marginally stable component shifts toward higher wavenumbers, while wave 5 becomes neutral and westward propagating.

Some properties of the aquaplanet quasi-stationary waves are found to be in interesting agreement with a low frequency wave observed by Salby during December–February in the Southern Hemisphere so that this perspective on low frequency variability, apart from its value in terms of basic geophysical fluid dynamics, might be of specific interest for studying the earth’s atmosphere.
Near-Surface Transport Pathways in the North Atlantic Ocean: Looking for Throughput from the Subtropical to the Subpolar Gyre
Authors: Rypina Irina I. , Pratt Lawrence J. , Lozier M. Susan
Published: January 2011

Motivated by discrepancies between Eulerian transport estimates and the behavior of Lagrangian surface drifters, near-surface transport pathways and processes in the North Atlantic are studied using a combination of data, altimetric surface heights, statistical analysis of trajectories, and dynamical systems techniques. Particular attention is paid to the issue of the subtropical-to-subpolar intergyre fluid exchange. The velocity field used in this study is composed of a steady drifter-derived background flow, upon which a time-dependent altimeter-based perturbation is superimposed. This analysis suggests that most of the fluid entering the subpolar gyre from the subtropical gyre within two years comes from a narrow region lying inshore of the Gulf Stream core, whereas fluid on the offshore side of the Gulf Stream is largely prevented from doing so by the Gulf Stream core, which acts as a strong transport barrier, in agreement with past studies. The transport barrier near the Gulf Stream core is robust and persistent from 1992 until 2008. The qualitative behavior is found to be largely independent of the Ekman drift.
Identification of HIF2α as an important STAT5 target gene in human hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Fatrai Szabolcs , Wierenga Albertus T. J. , Daenen Simon M. G. J. , Vellenga Edo , Schuringa Jan Jacob
Published: January 2011

The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) fulfills essential roles in self-renewal in mouse and human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and its persistent activation contributes to leukemic transformation, although little molecular insight into the underlying mechanisms has been obtained. In the present study, we show that STAT5 can impose long-term expansion exclusively on human HSCs, not on progenitors. This was associated with an enhanced cobblestone formation under bone marrow stromal cells of STAT5-transduced HSCs. Hypoxia-induced factor 2α (HIF2α) was identified as a STAT5 target gene in HSCs, and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed STAT5 binding to a site 344 base pairs upstream of the start codon of HIF2α. Lentiviral RNA interference (RNAi)–mediated down-modulation of HIF2α impaired STAT5-induced long-term expansion and HSC frequencies, whereas differentiation was not affected. Glucose uptake was elevated in STAT5-activated HSCs, and several genes associated with glucose metabolism were up-regulated by STAT5 in an HIF2α-dependent manner. Our studies indicate that pathways normally activated under hypoxia might be used by STAT5 under higher oxygen conditions to maintain and/or impose HSC self-renewal properties.
Enzymatic Polymerization to an Alternating N-Phthaloyl Chitin Derivative Catalyzed by Chitinase
Authors: Ohmae Masashi , Kurosaki Kazuhiro , Makino Akira , Kobayashi Shiro
Published: January 2011

A chitin derivative with an alternating N-phthaloyl group was prepared via chitinase-catalyzed polymerization. A chitobiose oxazoline derivative with a N-phthaloyl group at the C2′ position was designed as a transition-state-analog substrate monomer for chitinase belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 18. The monomer was successfully polymerized by the enzyme catalysis, providing the corresponding chitin derivative. This implies that the recognition at the C2 position of the substrate by the family 18 chitinase in the −2 and +1 subsites is quite loose.
Chern classes of Deligne-Mumford stacks and their coarse moduli spaces
Authors: Tseng Hsian-Hua
Published: January 2011

Let $X$ be a complex projective algebraic variety with Gorenstein quotient
singularities and $\mathcal {X}$ a smooth Deligne-Mumford stack having $X$
as its coarse moduli space. We show that the CSM class $c^{SM}(X)$
coincides with the pushforward to $X$ of the total Chern class $c(T_{I
\mathcal{X}})$ of the inertia stack $I \mathcal {X}$. We also show that
the stringy Chern class $c_{str}(X)$ of $X$, whenever it is defined,
coincides with the pushforward to $X$ of the total Chern class $c(T_{II
\mathcal{X}})$ of the double inertia stack $II \mathcal {X}$. Some
consequences concerning stringy/orbifold Hodge numbers are deduced.
Moduli of bundles on exotic del Pezzo orders
Authors: Chan Daniel , Kulkarni Rajesh S.
Published: January 2011

We study bundles on rank 4 maximal orders on ${\Bbb P}^2$ ramified on a
smooth plane quartic. We compute the possible Chern classes for line
bundles. Our main result is that the moduli space of line bundles with
minimal second Chern class is either a point or a smooth genus two curve.
Derivation of the two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation from many body quantum dynamics
Authors: Kirkpatrick Kay , Schlein Benjamin , Staffilani Gigliola
Published: January 2011

We derive rigorously, for both ${\Bbb R}^2$ and $[{-}L,L]^{\times 2}$, the cubic
nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation in a suitable scaling limit from the
two-dimensional many-body Bose systems with short-scale repulsive pair
interactions. We first prove convergence of the solution of the BBGKY hierarchy,
corresponding to the many-body systems, to a solution of the infinite
Gross-Pitaevskii hierarchy, corresponding to the cubic NLS; and then we prove
uniqueness for the infinite hierarchy, which requires number-theoretical
techniques in the periodic case.
On the isoperimetric deficit in Gauss space
Authors: Cianchi A. , Fusco N. , Maggi F. , Pratelli A.
Published: January 2011

We prove a sharp quantitative version of the isoperimetric inequality in
the space ${\Bbb R}^n$ endowed with the Gaussian measure.
Local-to-global extensions for GL n in non-zero characteristic: a characterization of γ F ( s , π, Sym 2 , ψ) and γ F ( s , π, ∧ 2 , ψ)
Authors: Henniart Guy , Lomelí Luis
Published: January 2011

Let $F$ be a locally compact field of positive characteristic. In his thesis,
the second author used the Langlands-Shahidi method to define $\gamma$-factors
for the symmetric square and exterior square representations of the dual group of
${\rm GL}_n(F)$. We prove here that such $\gamma$-factors are characterized by local properties
--- including a multiplicativity property with respect to parabolic induction ---
and their role in global functional equations for $L$-functions. For this,
we prove that a given cuspidal representation of ${\rm GL}_n(F)$ is the component
at some place of a global automorphic representation, the ramification of which
is controlled at other places. In fact, we use an equivalent result for $\ell$-adic
Galois representations, due to O.~Gabber and N.~Katz, and transport it via
the global Langlands correspondence proved by L.~Lafforgue.
On central critical values of the degree four L -functions for GSp (4): the fundamental lemma, II
Authors: Furusawa Masaaki , Martin Kimball
Published: January 2011

We propose a new relative trace formula concerning the central critical
values of the spinor $L$-functions for GSp (4). The main result is a proof
of the fundamental lemma for the unit element of the Hecke algebra. Our
new relative trace formula has some significant advantages over the
previous ones for the subsequent development.
Uniformity and functional equations for local
zeta functions of $\mathfrak {K}$-split algebraic groups
Authors: Berman Mark N.
Published: January 2011

We study the local zeta functions of an algebraic group $\mathcal {G}$
defined over $\mathfrak {K}$ together with a faithful $\mathfrak
{K}$-rational representation $\rho$ for a finite extension $\mathfrak {K}$
of ${\Bbb Q}$. These are given by integrals over $\mathfrak {p}$-adic
points of ${\cal G}$ determined by $\rho$ for a prime $\mathfrak {p}$ of
$\mathfrak {K}$. We prove that the local zeta functions are almost uniform
for all $\mathfrak {K}$-split groups whose unipotent radical satisfies a
certain lifting property. This property is automatically satisfied if
$\mathcal {G}$ is reductive. We provide a further criterion in terms of
invariants of $\mathcal {G}$ and $\rho$ which guarantees that the local
zeta functions satisfy functional equations for almost all primes of
$\mathfrak {K}$. We obtain these results by using a $\mathfrak {p}$-adic
Bruhat decomposition of Iwahori and Matsumoto to express the zeta function
as a weighted sum over the Weyl group $W$ associated to $\mathcal {G}$ of
generating functions over lattice points of a polyhedral cone. The
functional equation reflects an interplay between symmetries of the Weyl
group and reciprocities of the combinatorial object. We construct families
of groups with representations violating our second structural criterion
whose local zeta functions do not satisfy functional equations. Our work
generalizes results of Igusa and du Sautoy and Lubotzky and has
implications for zeta functions of finitely generated torsion-free
nilpotent groups.
Combined effect of the drought duration and elevated atmospheric CO2 level on physiological and yield parameters of winter wheat
Authors: Varga B. , Balla K. , Bencze S. , Veisz O.
Published: January 2011

The unfavourable effects of climate change were studied in terms of changes in the stress tolerance of cereals. The yield and physiological parameters of two winter wheat genotypes (Mv Mambó, Mv Regiment) were analysed in the phytotron after water was completely withheld for 7 or 14 days in three phenophases. The plants were raised in climate chambers, one adjusted to ambient CO2concentration and the other to a higher level (750 μmol mol−1). The aim of the present work was to determine the correlations between the duration of water withholding and the phenological, physiological and yield parameters of winter wheat. It was hoped to identify how elevated CO2levels affected the stress sensitivity of plants and whether they contributed to counteracting the damaging effects of drought. In both varieties, the grain mass decreased to the greatest extent when water was withheld at first node appearance (5.9–71.3%). A longer period of drought at first node appearance and grain filling only reduced the grain number and mass in the case of enhanced CO2. The yield and physiological parameters of Mv Regiment, however, deteriorated substantially as a result of water deficiency, though this variety was better able to utilise surplus CO2, giving outstanding results at elevated CO2level.
Application of genetic engineering in potato breeding
Authors: Gorji A. , Polgar Z.
Published: January 2011

Potato breeding programmes worldwide are undergoing a period of rapid change. In order to be successful, breeders must adapt and incorporate the newest up-to-date techniques as they become available. Recent advances in biotechnology make it possible to develop and cultivate more and more sophisticated transgenic crops with multiple modified traits. Gene transfer methods can be used for a wide range of fundamental studies, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms of plant/pathogen interactions and the metabolic pathways in plants. Transgenic potato plants are being generated worldwide to investigate the impact of transgene expression on parameters as complex as yield. Historically, potato was one of the first successfully transformed crop plants. Nowadays, transgenic potatoes have been introduced into the food chain of people and animals in several countries. Some of the genetic modifications give potato plants increased resistance to biotic and abiotic environmental factors, while others lead to improved nutritional value, or cause the plants to produce proteins of the immune system of humans or animals or substances that may be used as vaccines in humans or veterinary medicine. The trend today is towards the generation of crops with output traits, e.g. modified starch or carotenoids, or the production of pharmaceuticals in tubers, whereas the early targets were input traits, e.g. herbicide resistance, pest or virus resistance. This review provides a summary of examples illustrating the versatility and applicability of transgenic biology in potato improvement.