bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does pharmacological castration as adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer after radiotherapy affect anxiety and depression levels, cognitive functions and quality of life?
Authors: Wiechno Paweł J. , Sadowska Małgorzata , Kalinowski Tomasz , Michalski Wojciech , Demkow Tomasz
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Adjuvant hormonotherapy for prostate cancer patients after radical radiotherapy has a well‐established value. However, the impact of such treatment on the patients' quality of life remains to be elucidated.

Objective

The objective is to assess the impact of adjuvant hormonotherapy with luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analogue after radical radiotherapy on anxiety and depression levels, cognitive function, sexual function and quality of life of prostate cancer patients.

Material and Methods

Two groups of patients were tested: men treated with adjuvant hormonotherapy (88 patients) and men without hormonotherapy (61 patients). Anxiety, depression and cognitive functions were evaluated. Patients answered questions addressing problems linked to hormonal equilibrium. The patients rated their mental status, physical status, quality of life and quality of their relationship.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between patients on hormonotherapy and without hormonotherapy in the level of anxiety and depression (p = 0.844 and p = 0.954) as well as in cognitive function (p = 0.661). Satisfactory sexual performance was preserved in 9/65 patients (14%) on hormonotherapy and the same was applied to 19/49 patients (39%) without hormonotherapy. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). Hormonotherapy was associated with decreased libido (p = 0.031), hot flushes (p < 0.001) and sweating (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the self‐rated physical and psychological well‐being (p = 0.476 and p = 0.597), quality of life (p = 0.622) and quality of relationship (p = 0.064).

Conclusions

Adjuvant hormonotherapy enhances neither anxiety nor depression, does not impair cognitive function but has a negative effect on the patients' sexual function. It does not worsen self‐rated quality of relationship and quality of life. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RhoC and guanine nucleotide exchange factor Net1 in androgen‐unresponsive mouse mammary carcinoma SC‐4 cells and human prostate cancer after short‐term endocrine therapy
Authors: Kawata Hirotoshi , Shimada Naoki , Kamiakito Tomoko , Komatsu Kenji , Morita Tatsuo , Ota Toshio , Obayashi Masaya , Shitara Kenya , Tanaka Akira
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Endocrine resistance is a critical issue in managing patients with prostate cancer. This study is undertaken to search for a potential molecular target connected with this process using a model system of androgen‐dependent and androgen‐unresponsive SC‐3 and SC‐4 cells.

METHODS

Expression profiles, actin stress fiber organization, and the levels of activated Rho GTPases were compared between SC‐4 and SC‐3 cells using an oligonucleotide microarray, phalloidin staining, and a Rho activation assay. The cell viability was analyzed with a Rho inhibitor or by stable transfection with either a dominant‐negative (DN) form of RhoC or a mutant form of NET1 (mutNET1). The expressions of RhoC, NET1, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were immunohistochemically analyzed in human prostate cancer specimens after short‐term endocrine therapy and in an untreated condition.

RESULTS

SC‐4 cells exhibited mesenchymal phenotypes with activation of Rho signals. Treatment with a Rho inhibitor suppressed the cell viability in SC‐4 cells, but not in SC‐3 cells. The cell viability of SC‐4 cells stably expressing DN‐RhoC and mutNET1 was also attenuated. In the immunohistochemical analysis, NET1 and the EMT marker of N‐cadherin were expressed at higher levels in prostate cancers after short‐term endocrine therapy than in untreated tumors, and RhoC expression was maintained after short‐term endocrine therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Rho signaling is involved in the cell survival of SC‐4 cells. The higher expressions of RhoC and NET1 in human prostate cancers after short‐term endocrine therapy suggest that RhoC and NET1 may become therapeutic targets during endocrine therapy. Prostate 72:1071–1079, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological Activities of Indian Celery, Seseli diffusum (Roxb. ex Sm.) Sant. & Wagh
Authors: Abbaskhan Ahmed , Choudhary Muhammed Iqbal , Ghayur Mohammed Nabeel , Parween Zeba , Shaheen Farzana , Gilani Anwar‐ul‐Hassan , Maruyama Takuro , Iqbal Kiran , Tsuda Yoshisuke
Published: November 2011

In continuation of our work on Indian celery (Seseli diffusum (Roxb. ex Sm.) Santapau & Wagh; Umbelliferae), the fractionation of the 80% MeOH–H2O extract of the seeds was performed to identify the principles responsible for its folk use as an antispasmodic and diuretic. Several compounds were isolated as active components: seselin (1) and anthriscinol methyl ether (4) showed a selective cytotoxicity to some yeast strains. Compound 1 also showed spasmolytic activity. On the other hand, isopimpinellin (3) and isorutarin (5) exhibited a spasmogenic effect on the smooth muscle preparations. Compound 5 was also found to have antioxidant activity. Among them, compound 4 was isolated for the first time from this plant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Antimutagenic Effect of Mistletoe Lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin)
Authors: Hong Chang‐Eui , Lyu Su‐Yun
Published: November 2011

A galactose‐ and N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine‐specific lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin, VCA), which is known for its anticancer activity, was isolated from mistletoe. In this study, we investigated the antimutagenic potentials of VCA by using the pre‐incubation method of the Ames test (Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100) in the presence or absence of S9 mixture. Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin was assessed for its antimutagenic properties against the mutagens 2‐aminoanthracene (2AA) and furylfuramide (AF‐2) for strain TA98, and sodium azide (NaN3) and 2‐aminoanthracene (2AA) for strain TA100. The concentrations used for this test compound were 100, 200 and 400 µg per plate. Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin showed moderate, but not negligible, protective effects regarding the antimutagenic properties against the direct‐acting mutagens NaN3 and AF‐2. Furthermore, VCA was more effective in preventing the mutagenicity of the indirect‐acting mutagen 2‐AA (in the presence of S9) when tested with both TA98 and TA100. In conclusion, this report has shown broad ranging antimutagenic effects of VCA to numerous mutagens in TA98 and TA100 Salmonella typhimurium strains. Although the data presented here cannot be applied in vivo, they can support other antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic findings for VCA. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Red Clover Extract Ameliorates Dyslipidemia in Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetic C57BL/6 Mice by Activating Hepatic PPARα
Authors: Qiu Longxin , Ye Hong , Chen Limei , Hong Yamin , Zhong Fojin , Zhang Tingting
Published: November 2011

The effects of red clover extract and its bioactive components, biochanin A and formononetin, on the blood glucose and lipid levels of streptozotocin (STZ) induced‐diabetic mice were investigated. Male diabetic C57BL/6 mice were induced by multiple low‐dose STZ administration and then treated with red clover extract or isoflavones for a period of 3 weeks. Red clover extract had no significant effect on lowering the blood glucose levels of STZ‐diabetic mice. Similarly, biochanin A and formononetin exerted no hypoglycemic effect. However, the serum triglycerides, total cholesterols and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels for STZ‐diabetic mice receiving red clover extract were significantly lower than that of untreated STZ‐diabetic mice. In addition, treatment with biochanin A or formononetin significantly ameliorated these lipid profiles in diabetic mice. The mRNA expression of two target genes transcriptionally regulated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α were determined by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and biochanin A or formononetin were found to significantly down‐regulate hepatic APOC3 expression, whereas they had no significant effect on hepatic APOA5 expression. Thus we conclude that red clover extract and biochanin A or formononetin significantly ameliorate the lipid profiles of STZ‐diabetic mice and these effects are achieved at least in part by activating hepatic PPARα. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of two cloud parametrization schemes using ARM and Cloud‐Net observations
Authors: Morcrette Cyril J. , O'Connor Ewan J. , Petch Jon C.
Published: November 2011

Ground‐based remote‐sensing observations from Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) and Cloud‐Net sites are used to evaluate the clouds predicted by a weather forecasting and climate model. By evaluating the cloud predictions using separate measures for the errors in frequency of occurrence, amount when present, and timing, we provide a detailed assessment of the model performance, which is relevant to weather and climate time‐scales. Importantly, this methodology will be of great use when attempting to develop a cloud parametrization scheme, as it provides a clearer picture of the current deficiencies in the predicted clouds.

Using the Met Office Unified Model, it is shown that when cloud fractions produced by a diagnostic and a prognostic cloud scheme are compared, the prognostic cloud scheme shows improvements to the biases in frequency of occurrence of low, medium and high cloud and to the frequency distributions of cloud amount when cloud is present. The mean cloud profiles are generally improved, although it is shown that in some cases the diagnostic scheme produced misleadingly good mean profiles as a result of compensating errors in frequency of occurrence and amount when present. Some biases remain when using the prognostic scheme, notably the underprediction of mean ice cloud fraction due to the amount when present being too low, and the overprediction of mean liquid cloud fraction due to the frequency of occurrence being too high. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Determination of pelvic orientation from sparse ultrasound data for THA operated in the lateral position
Authors: Schumann Steffen , Nolte Lutz‐P. , Zheng Guoyan
Published: November 2011

Background

B‐mode ultrasound imaging has the potential to replace conventional percutaneous digitization of bony landmarks in navigated total hip arthroplasties (THAs). For THAs operated in the lateral position, only one side of the pelvis is freely accessible. This paper presents a new ultrasound to statistical shape model (SSM) registration method for operating the pelvis in the lateral position, based on sparse ultrasound images, which does not interfere with the clinical routine in terms of redraping and repositioning the patient.

Methods

It is proposed to use the mid‐sagittal plane of the pelvis to symmetrically reflect data derived from sparse B‐mode ultrasound images of the ipsilateral patient side to the contralateral side. A SSM of the pelvis is registered to the bilaterally available data without additional information on the pubic tubercle region.

Results

The feasibility and robustness of the proposed method were evaluated by comprehensive in silico studies and laboratory experiments with plastic and dry cadaveric pelvises, showing a mean error of 3.48 ± 1.10° for anteversion angle and 1.26 ± 1.62° for inclination angle.

Conclusion

Experimental results demonstrate that the symmetry property of the pelvis could be used for registration in the lateral position without accessing the error‐prone pubic tubercle landmarks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model‐based framework for building extensible, high performance stream processing middleware and programming language for IBM InfoSphere Streams
Authors: Gedik Buğra , Andrade Henrique
Published: November 2011

This work presents an extensive case study on the model‐based design of a commercial‐grade stream processing middleware (IBM's InfoSphere Streams) its runtime and language (SPL) compiler. The model‐based underpinnings are pervasive throughout the whole environment, from describing inter‐process communication interfaces and objects to the design of the extensibility mechanism in the runtime and language. In addition to many software engineering advantages such as consistent, uniform, and self‐documented integration among the different parts of the system, we show intrinsic performance benefits to the platform derived from this design approach. First, we demonstrate how an incremental compilation strategy employed by the SPL compiler and rooted on the model description of the application, extracted by the compiler as part of the application building process, leads to better compile‐time performance. Second, we discuss how the model‐based code generation strategy employed by the SPL compiler also leads to increased runtime performance, by specializing the generated code to particular characteristics of the runtime environment. Finally, we show how the extensibility strategy used in the SPL language leads to automatic syntactic and semantic checks at compile time, while enabling behavioral reasoning and specific optimizations at runtime. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibration response of a 2.3 MW wind turbine to yaw motion and shut down events
Authors: Bassett Kyle , Carriveau Rupp , Ting David S‐K.
Published: November 2011

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a process of implementing a damage detection strategy for a mechanical system. Wind turbine machinery stands to benefit from SHM significantly as the ability to detect early stages of damage before significant malfunction or structural failure occurs would reduce costs of wind power projects by reducing maintenance costs. Vibration analysis of dynamic structural response is an approach to SHM that has been successfully applied to mechanical and civil systems and shows some promise for wind turbine application. Traditionally, a setback to turbine vibration‐based SHM techniques has been the unavailability of turbine vibration response data. This study begins to address this issue by presenting vibration response for a commercial 2.3 MW turbine to a limited number of operating conditions. A database of acquired vibration response signals detailing turbine response to yaw motion, start‐up, operation and shutdown has been assembled. A Daubechies sixth‐order wavelet was used to perform an eight‐level discrete wavelet decomposition such that general trends and patterns within the signals could be identified. With further development, the presented analysis of vibration response may be integrated into routines to reduce downtime and failure frequency of utility scale wind turbines. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the effectiveness of environmental enrichment in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Fabienne Delfour , Helen Beyer
Published: November 2011

Environmental enrichment is often used to improve well‐being and reduce stereotyped behaviors in animals under human care. However, the use of objects to enrich animal environments should not be considered to be effective until its success has been scientifically demonstrated. This study was conducted at Asterix Park in France in April 2009. The study investigated the use of 21 familiar objects with a group of six bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The dolphin trainers introduced four different objects into the dolphin pool every day on a rotating basis. Using a focal‐object sampling method, we collected and analyzed data from twenty‐one 15 min sessions. The results revealed a positive correlation between interest behaviors and interactive behaviors. Some dolphins had “favorite toys”. However, only 50% of objects elicited manipulative behaviors. These findings demonstrate that dolphins do not treat all objects provided to them as “toys”. Behavioral changes in the animals subsequent to the introduction of objects do not necessarily indicate an enrichment effect of the objects; rather, the motivation for the dolphins' behaviors toward the objects must be investigated. The animals' behavior must be considered in light of the social context and of the animals' individual behavioral profiles. The relevance of a constructivist approach to evaluating the effectiveness of enrichment programs is discussed. Zoo Biol 31: 137–150, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of diet on the incidence of and mortality owing to gastritis and renal disease in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa
Authors: Lane E.P. , Miller S. , Lobetti R. , Caldwell P. , Bertschinger H.J. , Burroughs R. , Kotze A. , van Dyk A.
Published: November 2011

Seventy‐two adult cheetahs were evaluated for the degree of gastritis by endoscopic biopsy and for renal disease by serum creatinine. Cheetahs free of Grade 3 gastritis and renal disease were placed on Trial A; remaining cheetahs were placed on Trial B, which ran concurrently. All cheetahs were monitored for 4 years. Cheetahs exited Trial A and entered Trial B if they developed Grade 3 gastritis or renal disease. Cheetahs exited Trial B if they developed clinical gastritis or renal disease that required a dietary change or aggressive medical therapy or died owing to either disease. Cheetahs on Trial A were fed either a supplemented meat diet (N = 26) or commercial cat food (N = 22). Cheetahs on Trial B were fed either the same meat diet (N = 28) or a commercial dry cat food formulated for renal disease (N = 16). Cheetahs fed meat on Trial A had a daily hazard of developing Grade 3 gastritis 2.21 times higher (95% CI 0.95–5.15) than cheetahs fed commercial cat food. This hazard was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). Mean gastritis scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Cheetahs fed commercial cat food in both Trials had lower serum urea levels and higher creatinine levels than those fed meat. Evidence for the effect of diet in cheetahs with gastritis and/or renal disease (Trial B) was inconclusive. The number of cheetahs dying of gastritis or renal disease at the facility has dropped markedly since the study began. These results indicate that diet may play an important role in the incidence of Grade 3 gastritis and that dietary and/or therapeutic management of gastritis may reduce mortality owing to gastritis and renal disease in captive cheetahs. Zoo Biol 31:669‐682, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emergency Surgery in Patients Who Have Undergone Recent Radiotherapy is Associated With Increased Complications and Mortality: Review of 536 Patients
Authors: Sullivan Michael C. , Roman Sanziana A. , Sosa Julie A.
Published: November 2011

Background

There is a paucity of data regarding patients undergoing emergency surgery following radiotherapy. This study examines the morbidity and mortality of patients having emergent surgery ≤90 days after irradiation.

Methods

We identified patients ≥18 years of age in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (Radiation group) who underwent irradiation ≤90 days before emergency surgery. Patients receiving concomitant chemotherapy were excluded. Subjects were compared to a Control group that did not have preoperative irradiation but underwent similar emergent procedures (matched 1:1 on age and procedure). Demographic and clinical characteristics, including patient co‐morbidities, functional status, and preoperative laboratory values, were assessed. Primary outcomes included 30‐day postoperative morbidity and mortality. Log‐transformed data, bivariate and multivariate linear and conditional logistic regression were used.

Results

A total of 536 patients were included, 268 per group. Patient demographics and preoperative co‐morbidities were similar between groups. The Radiation group had more mortality [23.9% vs. 11.6%, P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 2.4], major complications (45.1% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.014; OR 1.55), and a greater likelihood of sustaining a complication (48.1% vs. 38.1%, P = 0.019; OR 1.51). Days from admission to operation, operating time, likelihood of reoperation, days from operation to death, and length of hospital stay were not statistically different. By conditional logistic regression, death was independently associated with irradiation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), impaired preoperative functional status, and thrombocytopenia; and a major complication was associated with COPD, hypoalbuminemia, and preoperative wound infection.

Conclusions

Patients who require emergent surgery ≤90 days after irradiation sustain increased morbidity and mortality. Optimizing the nutritional and functional status of these patients may improve surgical outcomes.
The Importance of Preoperative Laryngeal Examination Before Thyroidectomy and the Usefulness of a Voice Questionnaire in Screening
Authors: Nam Inn‐Chul , Bae Ja‐Sung , Shim Mi‐Ran , Hwang Yeon‐Shin , Kim Min‐Sik , Sun Dong‐Il
Published: November 2011

Background

The objectives of this study were to emphasize the importance of preoperative laryngeal examination before thyroidectomy by investigating the incidence of coincident abnormal laryngeal conditions that impair the quality of voice, and evaluate the usefulness of the “thyroidectomy‐related voice questionnaire” as a screening tool.

Methods

Five hundred consecutive patients scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy underwent preoperative laryngeal examination and voice analysis and completed the questionnaire. According to the laryngeal examination results, patients were classified into normal and abnormal groups. Acoustic‐analysis results and questionnaire scores were compared between the two groups, and correlations between acoustic parameters and questionnaire scores were evaluated. The cutoff score of the questionnaire that can effectively discriminate between the two groups was also determined.

Results

The incidence of abnormal laryngeal conditions was 35.8%. The most common finding was laryngopharyngeal reflux (27.2%) followed by vocal nodule (4.8%), vocal polyp (1.8%), vocal cord palsy (1.2%), Reinke’s edema (0.4%), vocal cyst (0.2%), and vocal sulcus (0.2%). The perceptual grade of voice quality (0.33 ± 0.49 for normal group vs. 0.65 ± 0.62 for abnormal group, P = 0.000) and the questionnaire scores (3.21 ± 5.47 for normal group vs. 13.41 ± 11.67 for abnormal group, P = 0.000) of the two groups were significantly different, and there was a significant correlation between objective voice parameters and questionnaire scores. A questionnaire score of 5 showed the best sensitivity (74%) and specificity (71%) in discriminating between the two groups.

Conclusions

The incidence of coincident abnormal laryngeal conditions is relatively high; therefore, voice screening before thyroidectomy is important. The “thyroidectomy‐related voice questionnaire” is a simple and effective screening tool to detect preexisting laryngeal disorders that can affect the quality of voice.
Informal Child Support Contributions in Black Female-Headed Families
Authors: Craigie Terry-Ann L.
Published: November 2011

Key reforms to child support enforcement have aimed at increasing formal child support awards, levels and receipts. However, the role of child support contributions outside the formal child support system has been largely ignored. This study draws critical attention to these informal child support contributions, with chief focus on informal child support receipts of Black mothers. The study finds that Black mothers are significantly more likely to receive informal cash and in-kind child support contributions relative to other mothers, especially when non-resident fathers are also Black.
The Brics, the G-7 and Deploying New Global Economic Power
Authors: Drysdale Peter
Published: November 2011

The economies of the so-called BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are exceeding all expectations. Their current and future influence on the global economy is beyond doubt. However, it is still unclear which specific role these countries will play in relation to more industrialised countries (the G-7) and how they will cooperate among themselves. Can they help to solve the European mess? We argue that investment in emerging economies, such as the BRICS, is the main chance the EU and the US have to create growth. It is time for G-20 leaders to grab this opportunity as a powerful driver for global growth.
Flächenrecycling als Entwicklungschance und Konfliktlösungsstrategie in einer ökologisch hochsensiblen Wachstumsregion – das Beispiel Schiesser-Areal in Radolfzell am Bodensee
Authors: Elisabeth Megerle Heidi , Lassel Anja
Published: November 2011

Lake Constance region features a very high ecological value. At the same time Lake Constance is rated among the most innovative high-tech growth regions in Germany. As a result of this considerable conflicts of interest with regard to opposing land use systems arise. Based on the case study of the middle centre of Radolfzell, where land use conflicts are substantial, the effectiveness of land recycling measures of conversion sites was studied in detail. The survey revealed that the token measures in Radolfzell contributed to a sustainable urban and economic development.
Pulsating electrohydrodynamic cone-jets: from choked jet to oscillating cone
Authors: Bober David B. , Chen Chuan-Hua
Published: November 2011

Pulsating cone-jets occur in a variety of electrostatic spraying and printing systems. This paper reports an experimental study of the pulsation frequency to reconcile two models based on a choked jet and an oscillating cone, respectively. The two regimes are demarcated by the ratio of the supplied flow rate (${Q}_{s} $) to the minimum flow rate (${Q}_{m} $) required for a steady Taylor cone-jet. When ${Q}_{s} \lesssim {Q}_{m} $, the electrohydrodynamic flow is choked at the nozzle because the intermittent jet, when on, emits mass at the minimum flow rate; the pulsation frequency in the choked jet regime is proportional to ${Q}_{s} / {Q}_{m} $. When ${Q}_{s} \gtrsim {Q}_{m} $, the Taylor cone anchored at the nozzle experiences a capillary oscillation analogous to the Rayleigh mode of a free drop; the pulsation frequency in the oscillating cone regime plateaus to the capillary oscillation frequency, which is independent of ${Q}_{s} / {Q}_{m} $.
New palaeomagnetic, petrographic and 40Ar/39Ar data to test palaeogeographic reconstructions of Caledonide Svalbard
Authors: MICHALSKI KRZYSZTOF , LEWANDOWSKI MAREK , MANBY GEOFF
Published: November 2011

New palaeomagnetic and petrographic data are presented from Cambrian rocks of SW Svalbard to test, for the first time, Palaeozoic reconstructions of the major terranes of Svalbard. In the course of thermal demagnetization three ChRM (characteristic remanent magnetization) components were identified, which were labelled HORNL, HORNM and HORNH, respectively, on the basis of their different unblocking temperatures. The HORNM magnetization is related to the Late Ordovician–Silurian formation of the synmetamorphic S1 foliation. The HORNM palaeopole (Φ = −18.5°, Λ = 359°, Dp/Dm = 5.8°/11.4°, Plat = 6°N) matches exactly the Silurian sectors of the Baltica–Laurentia apparent polar wander paths after the closure of Iapetus (455–415 Ma). The 450 Ma 40Ar–39Ar age determination from mica ages obtained from the broad zone of mylonites along the Billefjorden Fault Zone which separates the Central and Eastern terranes, also suggests that the two terranes were eventually amalgamated by 450 Ma. The HORNMVGP also lies very near the palaeopole derived from the Middle Proterozoic rocks of the Eastern Terrane (Ny Friesland), metamorphosed during Caledonian time, suggesting its close proximity to the study area (Central Terrane). The present study has shown that at least two of the major terranes of Svalbard, as defined by previous authors, occupied similar geographical locations by Silurian time, and the previously proposed large-scale Late Devonian left lateral displacements are not supported.
Bank-Specific Default Risk in the Pricing of Bank Note Discounts
Authors: JAREMSKI MATTHEW
Published: November 2011

Bank notes were the largest component of the antebellum money supply despite losses as high as 5 percent in some years. Using a comprehensive bank-level panel of note discounts in New York City and Philadelphia, I explain this contradiction by showing that the secondary market reduced losses by accurately discounting notes based on their individual risk of default. Note discounts were almost exclusively sensitive to those factors which increased a bank's probability of default: specie suspensions, falling bond prices, and undiversified portfolios. Thus, by accounting for a bank's composition and environment, the market protected noteholders and allowed notes to circulate throughout the economy.
Making Consumers Comfortable: The Early Decades of Air Conditioning in the United States
Authors: BIDDLE JEFF E.
Published: November 2011

During the air conditioner industry's first four decades, most installations were “commercial comfort” air conditioning systems, purchased by retailers to increase demand for their products. Air conditioning spread unevenly through the commercial sector and across the country. Using data from a variety of sources, I offer a quantitative account of this diffusion, viewed through an interpretive framework that emphasizes differences across geographic markets and industries in the costs and benefits to retailers of installing air conditioning. Correlates of early adoption of commercial air conditioning include electricity rates and consumer income and education levels.
A Reading List for Economic Historians on the Great Recession of 2007–2009: Its Causes and Consequences
Authors: NEAL LARRY
Published: November 2011

“Someday you guys are going to need to tell me how we ended up with a system like this….we're not doing something right if we're stuck with these miserable choices.” President Bush, to Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke, after his briefing on September 16, 20081
Semantic holism and the insider–outsider problem
Authors: GARDINER MARK Q. , ENGLER STEVEN
Published: November 2011

This article argues that – despite the value of distinguishing between insiders and outsiders in a contingent and relative sense – there is no fundamental insider–outsiderproblem. We distinguish weak and strong versions of ‘insiderism’ (privileged versus monopolistic access to knowledge) and then sociological and religious versions of the latter. After reviewing critiques of the sociological version, we offer a holistic semantic critique of the religious version (i.e. the view that religious experience and/or language offers sui generis access to knowledge). We argue that all evidence for mental states is overt, public, and observable, and, hence, that there can be no significant difference in the access to knowledge of insiders and outsiders.
Infinite dimensional linear groups
Authors: Arrell D. G. , Robertson E. F.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

In this paper we show that some of Bass' results on the normal structure of the stable general linear group can be extended to infinite dimensional linear groups over non-commutative Noetherian rings.
On a quadratic integral inequality
Authors: Amos R. J. , Everitt W. N.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

The inequality considered is

where p and q are given real-valued coefficients on the interval [a, b), with b ≦ ∝, of the real line; here D is a linear manifold of the Hilbert function space L2(a, b), and μ is a real number characterised in terms of the spectrum of a uniquely determined self-adjoint differential operator in L2(a, b).
On the Holley-Preston inequalities
Authors: Edwards D. A.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

A new proof of the Holley-Preston generalisation of the Fortuin-Kastelyn-Ginibre inequalities is given, and Batty's extension to the case of infinite products is discussed briefly. An application of the theorems in combinatorial probability theory is described.
A stability problem with algebraic aspects
Authors: Atkinson F. V.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

We consider the set S(f) of λ-values for which there exists a function g ∊ L(t0, ∞) such that

has a solution not tending to 0; here f is a fixed function which is positive, non-decreasing and tends to ∞ with t. It is shown that if the jumps of logf(t) at its discontinuities are uniformly bounded, then S(f) is an additive group. This group is determined in some cases; some related groups are noted, which may coincide with S(f).
On the number ofL2-solutions of second order linear differential equations
Authors: Knowles Ian
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Letddenote the dimension of the vector space consisting of all solutions of the equation − (p(t)y′)′ +q(t)y= 0,a≤t< ∞; that lie in the function spaceL2[a, ∞). By means of certain bounds on the solutions of this equation, sufficiency criteria are obtained for the casesd= 0 andd= 2.
Coupled operator systems and multiparameter spectral theory
Authors: Roach G. F. , Sleeman B. D.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

In this paper a spectral theory for completely coupled linear operator systems is developed. These systems take the form

where Ak, Bk are n × n matrices with operator entries. Λ is an n × n matrix with complex scalar entries and xk is an n × 1 column vector. The main result is a Parseval equality and expansion theorem.
An integral inequality with an application to ordinary differential operators
Authors: Everitt W. N.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

This paper is concerned with integral inequalities of the form

where p, q are real-valued coefficients, with p and w non-negative, on the compact interval [a, b] and D is a linear manifold of functions so chosen that all three integrals are absolutely convergent.
On Schrödinger's factorization method for Sturm-Liouville operators
Authors: Schmincke U.-W.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

We consider the Friedrichs extension A of a minimal Sturm-Liouville operator L0 and show that A admits a Schrödinger factorization, i.e. that one can find first order differential operators Bk with where the μk are suitable numbers which optimally chosen are just the lower eigenvalues of A (if any exist). With the help of this theorem we derive for the special case L0u = −u″ + q(x)u with q(x) → 0 (|x| → ∞) the inequality

σd(A) being the discrete spectrum of A. This inequality is seen to be sharp to some extent.
Monotone techniques and semilinear elliptic boundary value problems
Authors: Brown K. J. , Lin S. S.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

This paper considers semilinear elliptic boundary value problems of the form

where the partial derivative ∂f/∂u is bounded above by the least eigenvalue of the linear elliptic operator L. Existence and uniqueness of solutions is proved by using monotone operator theory and sub and supersolution techniques.
A nonlinear singularly perturbed Volterra integrodifferential equation of nonconvolution type
Authors: Jordan G. S.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

We consider the nonconvolution initial value problem

where μ is a small positive parameter, b(t, s) is a given real kernel, and F, g are given real functions. For the convolution case b(t,s) = a(t − s). Lodge, McLeod, and Nohel recently established many qualitative properties of the solution of (+); we extend their results to the general nonconvolution problem. In particular, conditions are given that ensure that the solution of (+) decreases to a limiting value α(μ) > 1 as t → ∞.
Amenability of inverse semigroups and their semigroup algebras
Authors: Duncan J. , Namioka I.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

If G is a group, then G is amenable as a semigroup if and only if l1(G), the group algebra, is amenable as an algebra. In this note, we investigate the relationship between these two notions of amenability for inverse semigroups S. A complete answer can be given in the case where the set Es of idempotent elements of S is finite. Some partial results are obtained for inverse semigroups S with infinite Es.
Related oscillation criteria for higher order self-adjoint differential and integro-differential equations
Authors: Reid William T.
Published: November 2011

Within recent years considerable attention has been devoted to extensions of the classical Sturmian theory of real linear homogeneous differential equations of the second order. In particular, such extensions have included not only self-adjoint systems of differential equations, but also higher order self-adjoint differential and integro-differential equations. For problems in these latter categories, however, only limited attention has been given to detailed application of the general oscillation and comparison criteria. The present paper is devoted to this area, and, in particular, it is shown how existing criteria may be exploited to obtain comparison theorems between equations of different orders. Although the presented results have ready extensions to vector differential and integro-differential equations of higher order, [see, for example, 5,6,7], for simplicity attention is restricted to scalar equations. Section 2 is devoted to the statement of known general criteria of oscillation for self-adjoint equations of higher order, with special applications of these criteria presented in Section 3. Finally, Section 4 sketches the framework of corresponding applications for self-adjoint higher order integro-differential equations.
Existence and stability of solutions for semi-linear parabolic systems, and applications to some diffusion reaction equations
Authors: Amann Herbert
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

In this paper we study diffusion-reaction equations arising in the theory of chemical reactions. We prove the global existence and uniqueness of a solution without any restriction for the Lewis number and the Biot numbers. In addition, it is shown that there is at least one stationary state which is globally asymptotically stable (in a rather strong sense) provided the Thiele number is sufficiently small. These results are obtained as special cases from much more general results on semilinear parabolic systems, derived below.
Baer semigroup coordinatizations of modular lattices
Authors: Blyth T. S.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

In the coordinatization of lattices by Baer semigroups, two notable gaps that remain to be filled concern the coordinatization of modular and distributive lattices. In this paper we present coordinatizations of modular lattices. In a subsequent paper we shall deal with the distributive case. Here we show that a bounded lattice L is modular if and only if L can be coordinatized by a Baer semigroup S such that if eS, fS ∊ R(S) then there exist idempotents ē, ∊ S such that ēS = eS, S = fS and e¯, commute; equivalently, if and only if L can be coordinatized by a Baer semigroup S such that if eS, fS ∊ R(S) with e idempotent then there is an idempotent such that S = fS and e = ee.
Eigenfunction expansions associated with a two-parameter system of differential equations
Authors: Faierman M.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Techniques from the theory of partial differential equations are employed to prove the uniform convergence of the eigenfunction expansion associated with a two-parameter system of ordinary differential equations of the second order.
Oscillatory and asymptotic behaviour of all solutions of differential equations with deviating arguments
Authors: Philos Ch. G.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

This paper deals with the oscillatory and asymptotic behaviour of all solutions of a class of nth order (n > 1) non-linear differential equations with deviating arguments involving the so called nth order r-derivative of the unknown function x defined by

where r1, (i = 0,1,…, n – 1) are positive continuous functions on [t0, ∞). The results obtained extend and improve previous ones in [7 and 15] even in the usual case where r0 = r1 = … = rn–1 = 1.
Stabilization of control processes in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Pandolfi L.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

In this paper we study the stabilization problem for non autonomous control processes in Hilbert spaces. We prove that a stabilizing feedback exists if and only if an associated Riccati equation has a bounded solution which is symmetric and positive definite.

An application to control processes with delays in control is presented.
Positivity results for determinantal operators
Authors: Binding Paul , Browne Patrick J.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Let Vrs, s = 1 …, K be Hermitian operators on Hilbert spaces Hr, r = 1, …, k. For x = x1⊗…⊗xk ∊ H1⊗…⊗Hk we define Δx by the formal determinantal expansion Δx = ⊗det{Vrsxr}. Δ is extended to all of H by linearity and continuity. The paper presents results concerning positivity properties of Δ on decomposable tensors.
High frequency solutions of the delta wing equations
Authors: Hargrave B. A.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Uniformly valid asymptotic approximations are presented for solutions of the angular equations associated with the problem of diffraction by a plane angular sector. Error estimates are provided for all approximations. The asymptotic variable is related to the number of zeros of the solutions of the angular equations and expressions for the eigenvalues of the equations are presented in decoupled form.
Periodic solutions of ordinary differential equations with one-sided growth restrictions
Authors: Mawhin J. , Walter W.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

The existence of periodic solutions is proved for first order vector ordinary and functional differential equations when the right-hand side satisfies a one-sided growth restriction of Wintner type together with some conditions of asymptotic nature. Special cases in the line of Landesman-Lazer and of Winston are explicited.
Dirichlet, Neumann and mixed Dirichlet-Neumann boundary value problems for Uxy = 0 in rectangles
Authors: Abdul-Latif Ali I.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

It is well known that the Dirichlet problem for hyperbolic equations is a classical “not well posed” problem. Here we consider the Dirichlet, Neumann and mixed Dirichlet-Neumann boundary value problems for the hyperbolic equation uxy = 0 in all positions of the square and a class of rectangles. We also get a partial answer to the problem which deals with a ray that moves from any point on the boundary of a rectangle and is reflected on the boundary such that the angle between every ray and its reflection is π/2.
A class of symmetric ordinary differential operators whose deficiency numbers differ by an integer†
Authors: Gilbert Richard C.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Formulas are determined for the deficiency numbers of a formally symmetric ordinary differential operator with complex coefficients which have asymptotic expansions of a prescribed type on a half-axis. An implication of these formulas is that for any given positive integer there exists a formally symmetric ordinary differential operator whose deficiency numbers differ by that positive integer.
Perturbation of nonlinear partial differential variational inequalities, II
Authors: Stroescu Elena
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

This paper is devoted to the study of the weak respectively strong convergence of solutions of a variational inequality, with nonlinear partial differential operators of the generalized divergence form and of semimonotone type, under a perturbation of the domain of definition. In this study we use abstract convergence theorems given by Stroescu and Vivaldi, convergence concepts defined according to Stummel and compactness theorems of the natural imbedding of the Cartesian product of Sobolev spaces into the direct sum of Lp spaces, also by Stummel.
Entire solutions of Δpu = f(r, u)
Authors: Walter Wolfgang , Rhee H.
Published: November 2011

Sufficient conditions are given which ensure nonexistence of spherically symmetric entire solutions of Δpu = f(u), p ≧ 2. Sufficient conditions for existence of spherically symmetric entire solutions of Δpu = f(r, u) are also given.
Complementary variational principles for free molecular channel flow
Authors: Cole R. J.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

A collisionless gas flows through a finite rectangular duct which reflects molecules diffusely. The transmission probability Q of the duct involves the solution of a pair of coupled integral equations. Complementary variational principles have been employed which supply upper and lower bounds to Q. Numerical calculations have been made for a variety of duct shapes and compared, where appropriate, to those of other authors.
Multiplicity and bifurcation of periodic solutions in ordinary differential equations
Authors: Laloux B.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

One considers the linear differential systems where is a (not necessarily diagonal) matrix and one relates the computation of a general multiplicity defined from this system to the corresponding multiplicity of some eigenvalues of . Then applying these conclusions, one gives simple conditions ensuring the existence of odd or even periodic solutions for systems having the form .
Composite rational functions which are powers
Authors: Cohen S. D.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

A description is given of the rational functions A(X), B(X) over a field Ω for which A(B(X)) is an nth power in Ω(X).
A classification of the solutions of a differential equation according to their asymptotic behaviour
Authors: Elias Uri
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

The solutions of the differential equationLny+p(x)y= 0, whereLny= ρn(ρn−1… (ρ1(ρ0y)′)′ …)′ andp(x) is of one sign, are classified according to their behaviour asx→ ∞. The solution space is decomposed into disjoint, non-empty setsSk, 0≦K≦n, such that (−1)n−kp(x)≦0. We study the growth properties and the density of the zeros of the solutions which belong to the different setsSk, the structure of the sets and its connection with (k,n−k)-disfocality.
A second order Dirichlet differential expression that is not bounded below
Authors: Kwong Man Kam
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

We give in this note a second order singular differential expression of the form Lf = −f″ + qf on [0, ∞) that satisfies the Dirichlet condition but that is not bounded below.
Anti-isomorphisms of completely 0-simple semigroups
Authors: Houghton C. H.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Conditions for the existence of anti-isomorphisms and anti-automorphisms of completely 0-simple semigroups are derived and a method is given for the enumeration of finite 0-simple and simple semigroups up to isomorphism and anti-isomorphism.
The Poincaré–Bendixson theorem for certain differential equations of higher order
Authors: Smith Russell A.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

By adapting its well-known proof, the Poincaré–Bendixson theorem, on the existence of periodic orbits of plane autonomous systems, is extended to vector differential equations of the form f(D)x + bφ(g(D)x) = 0. The only restrictions placed on the vector function φ(y) are that its Jacobian matrix should be continuous and lie within a suitably chosen ellintic ball.
Regularität in der nichtlinearen Spektraltheorie
Authors: Weyer Jürgen
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

A non-linear spectral theory is developed which includes the spectral theory of linear operators and the theory of (maximal) monotone operators. In this nonlinear theory certain polytone operators will play the role of the linear or monotone operators. The concept of λ-polytonicity allows the characterization of regular points in terms of maximality. Furthermore, properties of the spectrum of non-linear operators are discussed in terms of the corresponding properties of their linearizations and vice versa.