bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DF3 epitope expression on MUC1 mucin is associated with tumor aggressiveness, subsequent lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hamada Tomofumi , Nomura Masahiro , Kamikawa Yoshiaki , Yamada Norishige , Batra Surinder K. , Yonezawa Suguru , Sugihara Kazumasa
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

DF3/MUC1 mucin is expressed in various cancer tissues, and many in vitro studies have suggested that it may play a role in the aggressive behavior of malignant tumors. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the relation between DF3/MUC1 expression and outcome has not yet been investigated in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of DF3/MUC1 expression in patients with OSCC.

METHODS:

The expression profile of DF3/MUC1 in OSCC tissues from 206 patients was examined using immunohistochemistry. Its prognostic significance in OSCC was statistically analyzed on the basis of detailed clinicopathologic factors.

RESULTS:

DF3/MUC1 expression was found to be significantly correlated with tumor aggressiveness, such as pathologic lymph node metastasis (P = .002), advanced tumor stage (P = .02), diffuse invasion of cancer cells (P = .03), and vascular invasion (P = .01). Respectively, the overall survival (OS)and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were significantly worse for patients with DF3/MUC1 expression compared with those without DF3/MUC1 expression (P = .001 and P = .0003, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DF3/MUC1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS (P = .04 for both). In addition, DF3/MUC1 expression was found to be an independent risk factor for subsequent regional lymph node metastasis (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS:

Aberrant expression of DF3/MUC1 is an independent prognostic factor indicating poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. DF3/MUC1 expression is a risk factor for subsequent lymph node metastasis in patients with OSCC and therefore may represent an indication for elective neck dissection. Patients with OSCC demonstrating positive expression of DF3/MUC1 should be followed carefully. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Representation of the brain's superior protocerebrum of the flesh fly, Neobellieria bullata, in the central body
Authors: Phillips‐Portillo James , Strausfeld Nicholas J.
Published: March 2012

The central complex of the insect brain is a system of midline neuropils involved in transforming sensory information into behavioral outputs. Genetic studies focusing on nerve cells supplying the central complex from the protocerebrum propose that such neurons play key roles in circuits involved in learning the distinction of visual cues during operant conditioning. To better identify the possible sites of such circuits we used Bodian and anti‐synapsin staining to resolve divisions of the superior protocerebrum into discrete neuropils. Here we show that in the fly Neobellieria bullata, the superior protocerebrum is composed of at least five clearly defined regions that correspond to those identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Intracellular dye fills and Golgi impregnations resolve “tangential neurons” that have intricate systems of branches in two of these regions. The branches are elaborate, decorated with specializations indicative of pre‐ and postsynaptic sites. The tangentially arranged terminals of these neurons extend across characteristic levels of the central complex's fan‐shaped body. In this and another blowfly species, we identify an asymmetric pair of neuropils situated deep in the fan‐shaped body, called the asymmetric bodies because of their likely homology with similar elements in Drosophila. One of the pair of bodies receives collaterals from symmetric arrangements of tangential neuron terminals. Cobalt injections reveal that the superior protocerebrum is richly supplied with local interneurons that are likely participants in microcircuitry associated with the distal processes of tangential neurons. Understanding the morphologies and arrangements of these and other neurons is essential for correctly interpreting functional attributes of the central complex. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3070–3087, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dependence of paranodal junctional gap width on transverse bands
Authors: Rosenbluth Jack , Petzold Chris , Peles Elior
Published: March 2012

Mouse mutants with paranodal junctional (PNJ) defects display variable degrees of neurological impairment. In this study we compare control paranodes with those from three mouse mutants that differ with respect to a conspicuous PNJ component, the transverse bands (TBs). We hypothesize that TBs link the apposed junctional membranes together at a fixed distance and thereby determine the width of the junctional gap, which may in turn determine the extent to which nodal action currents can be short‐circuited underneath the myelin sheath. Electron micrographs of aldehyde‐fixed control PNJs, in which TBs are abundant, show a consistent junctional gap of ∼3.5 nm. In Caspr‐null PNJs, which lack TBs entirely, the gap is wider (∼6–7 nm) and more variable. In CST‐null PNJs, which have only occasional TBs, the mean PNJ gap width is comparable to that in Caspr‐null mice. In the shaking mutant, in contrast, which has approximately 60% of the normal complement of TBs, mean PNJ gap width is not significantly different from that in controls. Correspondingly, shaking mice are much less impaired neurologically than either Caspr‐null or CST‐null mice. We conclude that in the absence or gross diminution of TBs, mean PNJ gap width increases significantly and suggest that this difference could underlie some of the neurological impairment seen in those mutants. Surprisingly, even in the absence of TBs, paranodes are to some extent maintained in their usual form, implying that in addition to TBs, other factors govern the formation and maintenance of overall paranodal structure. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2774–2784, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐conforming finite elements for axisymmetric charged droplet deformation dynamics and Coulomb explosions
Authors: Radcliffe A.J.
Published: March 2012

The deformations of both electrically charged and uncharged incompressible axisymmetric Newtonian viscous liquid droplets acting under the effects of surface tension (but not gravity) are studied using a non‐conforming, discontinuous Galerkin finite element procedure with moving meshes.

The full Navier–Stokes equations are discretized and solved in an Eulerian manner with a simple predictor–corrector Lagrangian updating of the free boundary location coincident with the droplet surface at each solution iteration.

By using linear Crouzeix–Raviart basis functions for the velocity and piecewise constant pressures, results are presented both for the simple (oscillatory) relaxation of elongated electrically charged/uncharged droplets to a sphere and for the deformation to steady state/Coulomb explosions of initially slightly oblate/prolate spheroidal droplets charged beyond/to the Rayleigh limit. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuberous sclerosis and epilepsy: Role of astrocytes
Authors: Wong Michael , Crino Peter B.
Published: March 2012

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is among the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Focal brain lesions in TSC, known as cortical tubers, have been implicated in promoting epileptogenesis in TSC. Histological, cellular, and molecular abnormalities in astrocytes are characteristic features of tubers and perituberal cortex, suggesting that astrocyte dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of epilepsy in TSC. Numerous astrocytes can be seen histologically in tubers expressing glial fibrillary acidic and S100 proteins. In some analyses, astrocytes exhibit enhanced activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin suggesting a link betweenTSC1andTSC2mutations and astrocytic proliferation. Astrocytic proliferation in subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is associated with progressive growth and compression of surrounding brain structures by these lesions. Increased numbers of enlarged astrocytes has been observed in several TSC mouse models and may be intimately linked to epileptogenesis. Impairment of astrocytic buffering mechanisms for glutamate and potassium has been identified in TSC animal models and human tuber tissue and likely promotes neuronal excitability and seizures in TSC. Targeting these defects in astrocytes may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for epilepsy in patients with TSC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rainfall trend and its implications for water resource management within the Yarra River catchment, Australia
Authors: Barua Shishutosh , Muttil Nitin , Ng A. W. M. , Perera B. J. C.
Published: March 2012

Rainfall is the key climatic variable that governs the regional hydrologic cycle and availability of water resources. Recent studies have analysed the changes in rainfall patterns at global as well as regional scales in Australia. Recent studies have also suggested that any analysis of hydroclimatic variables should be performed at the local scale rather than at a large or global scale because the trends and their effects may be different from one location to the other. Because no studies were found specific to the Yarra River catchment, which is an important catchment in Victoria, Australia, this study performs a spatiotemporal trend analysis on long‐term rainfall records at 15 measuring stations within the catchment. The Mann–Kendall test was used to detect trends, and Sen's slope estimator was used to calculate the slopes in both monthly and annual rainfall. Moreover, a cumulative summation technique was used to identify the trend beginning year, and prewhitening criteria were tested to check for autocorrelation in the data. The results showed that the monthly rainfall has generally decreasing trends except in January and June. Significant decreasing rainfall trends were observed in May (among the autumn months of March, April and May) at most stations and also in some other months at several stations. A decreasing trend was also observed in the annual rainfall at all stations. This study indicates that there has been a consistent reduction in rainfall over the catchment, both spatially and temporally over the past 50 years, which will have important implications for the future management of water resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DO CREDIT RATING AGENCIES ADD VALUE? EVIDENCE FROM THE SOVEREIGN RATING BUSINESS
Authors: Cavallo Eduardo , Powell Andrew , Rigobon Roberto
Published: March 2012

The debt crisis in several European Union nations has resulted in a set of downgrades in sovereign ratings, sparking a lively debate whether these opinions actually matter. Ratings and bond spreads may both be considered as noisy signals of fundamentals. Ratings only add value if, controlling for spreads and observable country fundamentals, they help explain other market variables. We employed a unique dataset of over 75 000 daily observations on emerging countries around rating actions by the three major agencies. We found that ratings do indeed add information, and this finding is robust to a variety of different tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast non‐negative temporal deconvolution for laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Podgorski Kaspar , Haas Kurt
Published: March 2012

Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) is a common technique for high resolution fluorescent imaging. Here we describe a fast algorithm for non‐negative deconvolution and apply it to readout of LSM detector photocurrents. By broadening photon impulses and deconvolving sampled photocurrent, effective quantum efficiency of the imaging system is increased. Using simulation and imaging with a custom‐built two‐photon microscope, we demonstrate improved fidelity of images acquired at short dwell times over a wide range of photon rates. Images formed show increased correlation‐to‐sample equivalent to a 25% increase in photon rate, lower noise, and reduced bleed‐through compared to conventional image generation. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of wool keratin/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite
Authors: Li Jiashen , Liu Xuan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yu , Han Yanxia , Hu Junyan , Li Yi
Published: March 2012

Taking the inspiration from the biomineral, the wool keratin was selected to modulate the assembly of nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals via a coprecipitation method. A series of keratin/HA nanocomposite with different ratios were synthesized by adjusting the concentrations of keratin solutions and calcium phosphate and their final components were detected by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that keratin in the composite decreased the crystallinity of HA. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to examine the chemical and surface structure of the composites. In vitro biocompatibility results revealed that cells showed better viability on keratin/HA composites which have a ratio of organics and inorganics similar to that of natural bones. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
A phase 3 trial of the efficacy and safety of oral recombinant calcitonin: The oral calcitonin in postmenopausal osteoporosis (ORACAL) trial
Authors: Binkley Neil , Bolognese Michael , Sidorowicz-Bialynicka Anna , Vally Tasneem , Trout Richard , Miller Colin , Buben Christine E , Gilligan James P , Krause David S ,   for the Oral Calcitonin in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (ORACAL) Investigators
Published: March 2012

The Oral Calcitonin in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (ORACAL) study was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active- and placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, phase 3 study to assess the efficacy and safety of oral recombinant calcitonin for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. A total of 565 women age 46 to 86 (mean 66.5) years were randomized (4:3:2) to receive oral recombinant salmon calcitonin (rsCT) tablets (0.2 mg/d) plus placebo nasal spray, synthetic salmon calcitonin (ssCT) nasal spray (200 IU/d) plus placebo tablets, or placebo (placebo tablets plus placebo nasal spray), respectively for 48 weeks. All women received calcium (≥1000 mg/d) and vitamin D (800 IU/d). Women randomized to oral rsCT had a mean ± SD percent increase from baseline in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) (1.5% ± 3.2%) that was greater than those randomized to ssCT nasal spray (0.78% ± 2.9%) or placebo (0.5% ± 3.2%). Lumbar spine BMD change in those receiving nasal calcitonin did not differ from placebo. Oral rsCT treatment also resulted in greater improvements in trochanteric and total proximal femur BMD than ssCT nasal spray. Reductions in bone resorption markers with oral rsCT were greater than those observed in ssCT nasal spray or placebo recipients. Approximately 80% of subjects in each treatment group experienced an adverse event, the majority of which were mild or moderate in intensity. Gastrointestinal system adverse events were reported by nearly one-half of women in all treatment groups and were the principal reason for premature withdrawals. Less than 10% of women experienced a serious adverse event and no deaths occurred. Overall, oral rsCT was superior to nasal ssCT and placebo for increasing BMD and reducing bone turnover. Oral rsCT was safe and as well tolerated as ssCT nasal spray or placebo. Oral calcitonin may provide an additional treatment alternative for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Enhancement of DNA vaccine efficacy by targeting the xenogeneic human chorionic gonadotropin, survivin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 combined tumor antigen to the major histocompatibility complex class II pathway
Authors: Wei Yuying , Sun Yuanjie , Song Chaojun , Li Haitao , Li Yongming , Zhang Kui , Gong Jiuyu , Liu Fei , Liu Zhijia , August J. T. , Jin Boquan , Yang Kun
Published: March 2012

Background

A number of strategies have been used to improve the efficacy of the DNA vaccine for the treatment of tumors. These strategies, ranging from activating CD4+ T cell, manipulating antigen presentation and/or processing to anti‐angiogenesis, focus on one certain aspect in the functioning of the vaccine. Therefore, their combination is necessary for rational DNA vaccines design by synergizing different regimens and overcoming the limitations of each strategy.

Methods

A DNA fragment (HSV) encoding the C terminal 37 amino acids of human chorionic gonadotropin β chain (hCGβ), 5 different HLA‐restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes from human survivin and the third and fourth extracellular domains of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was inserted into the sequence between the luminal and transmembrane domain of human lysosome‐associated membrane protein‐1 cDNA for the construction of a novel DNA vaccine.

Results

This novel vaccine, named p‐L/HSV, has a potent antitumor effect on the LL/2 lung carcinoma model in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. The immunologic mechanism involved in the antitumor effect referred to the activation of both cellular and humoral immune response. In addition, the tumor vasculature was abrogated as observed by immunohistochemistry in p‐L/HSV immunized mice. Furthermore, the immunized mice received an additional boost with p‐L/HSV 6 months later and showed a strong immune recall response.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that the strategies of combining antitumor with antiangiogenesis and targeting the tumor antigen to the major histocompatibility complex class II pathway cooperate well. Such a study may shed new light on designing vaccine for cancer in the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of the Global Economic Crisis on Cyprus Tourism and Policy Responses
Authors: Boukas Nikolaos , Ziakas Vassilios
Published: March 2012

This study examines the impacts of the global economic crisis on Cyprus tourism and the pertinent policy responses. A qualitative approach was adopted by conducting eight semi‐structured interviews with tourism authorities and suppliers/professionals. Findings indicated the main impacts of the crisis on Cypriot tourism: lack of competitiveness, decreased visitation/revenues, inadequate quality and escalated pricing. Furthermore, findings identify three types of policy measures: (i) immediate response measures; (ii) foreign investment in tourism; and (iii) diversification of the tourism product and quality improvement. The study highlights the need for Cyprus to develop a comprehensive tourism planning framework. It is suggested that crisis plans of small island states should be developed upon a holistic framework that leverages their destination capitals. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IDENTIFYING DESERT THRESHOLDS BY MAPPING INVERSE ERODIBILITY AND RECOVERY POTENTIALS IN PATCH PATTERNS USING SPECTRAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL ALGORITHMS
Authors: Shoshany M.
Published: March 2012

Desert thresholds are narrow zones of spatial instability between semi‐arid and arid regions. Identifying and mapping such thresholds is difficult because of the high diversity of vegetation, soil and bare rock patterns in these regions. Here, we suggest incorporating pattern information from remote sensing imagery in the assessment of eco‐geomorphic transitions. A new methodology was developed for this purpose based on the analysis of potential inverse trends of erosion and recovery embedded in these patterns. The methodology applies spectral mixing analysis to map surface conditions and uses mathematical morphology algorithms of dilation and erosion to identify potential erodibility and recovery trends. Boundary lines are then delineated by classifying combinations of these inverse trends and assessed with reference to their separability. This approach is implemented along the climatic gradient between the Judean Mountains and the Dead Sea in central Israel using mid‐resolution Landsat TM data. The identified threshold lines fit well with lithological, soil and phytogeographical boundaries as delineated in low‐scale maps, yet add significant explicitness to their spatial definition. Such explicitness is instrumental for assessing future desert shifts because of global warming and extended overgrazing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virality in social media: the SPIN Framework
Authors: Mills Adam J.
Published: March 2012

This paper begins by providing foundational descriptions of the social media environment and viral marketing, including relevant examples from current public policy events. Then, proposed is a conceptual model of virality in social media, induced from analysis of successful viral marketing campaigns. The SPIN Framework suggests four key success factors for viral campaigns: spreadability, propagativity, integration and nexus. Finally, both theoretical and actionable implications for scholars and public policy makers alike are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of silica nanopowder on the properties of wood flour/polymer composite
Authors: Deka Biplab K. , Maji Tarun K.
Published: March 2012

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (1:1:1:0.5) were solution blended by using a mixture of solvents consisting of xylene and tetrahydrofuran (THF) (70:30). SiO2 nanoparticles were modified by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Wood polymer composites (WPC) were prepared by using polymer mixture, polyethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐co‐GMA), wood flour, and modified SiO2. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the intensity of the peaks of polymer mixture decreased due to incorporation of SiO2. The dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles and morphological characteristics were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interaction between SiO2 nanoparticles, PE‐co‐GMA, polymer mixture, and wood was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tensile and flexural properties of the composites improved significantly due to the incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles. Thermal stability, hardness, flame retardancy, and water resistance capacity were also found to enhance. Maximum improvement in properties was observed by the inclusion of 3 phr modified SiO2 in WPC. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of melt extrusion and thermokinetic mixing methods in poly(ethylene terephthalate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Özen İlhan , İnceoǧlu Funda , Acatay Kazım , Menceloǧlu Yusuf Ziya
Published: March 2012

The scope of this study consists in studying the effects of processing type on thermal stability of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and its nanocomposites prepared with organically modified clays. To achieve this goal, an intercalating agent was synthesized and montmorillonite type of clay modified with this intercalating agent was mixed with the PET by using melt extrusion and high‐shear thermokinetic mixing method. According to the results, manganese in the raw clay—though chemically bound—was found to be responsible for the decreased intrinsic viscosity (IV) values, i.e. decreased molecular weight in PET/organoclay nanocomposites. Besides, it was revealed that working on the thermokinetic mixer provided substantial contributions such as shorter processing times in comparison to the melt extrusion method, elimination of drying step before melt processing, which has been accepted as an inevitable process for PET so far, less thermal degradation because of short processing times, and more homogeneous and better dispersion of the clay particles in PET matrix phase. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Melt flow behavior in capillary extrusion of nanosized calcium carbonate‐filled poly(L‐lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Liang Ji‐Zhao , Tang Chak‐Yin , Zhou Lin , Tsui Chi‐Pong , Li Feng‐Jiao
Published: March 2012

Nanosized calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO3)‐filled poly‐L‐lactide (PLLA) biocomposites were compounded by using a twin‐screw extruder. The melt flow behavior of the composites, including their entry pressure drop, melt shear flow curves, and melt shear viscosity were measured through a capillary rheometer operated at a temperature range of 170–200°C and shear rates of 50–103 s−1. The entry pressure drop showed a nonlinear increase with increasing shear stress and reached a minimum for the filler weight fraction of 2% owing to the “bearing effect” of the nanometer particles in the polymer matrix melt. The melt shear flow roughly followed the power law, while the effect of temperature on the melt shear viscosity was estimated by using the Arrhenius equation. Hence, adding a small amount of nano‐CaCO3 into the PLLA could improve the melt flow behavior of the composite. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1839–1844, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Project onward: an innovative e‐health intervention for cancer survivors
Authors: Duffecy Jennifer , Sanford Stacy , Wagner Lynne , Begale Mark , Nawacki Ewa , Mohr David C.
Published: March 2012

Objective

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an Individual Internet Intervention (III) embedded and integrated into an Internet Support Group (ISG) with the ultimate goal of enhancing adherence and learning, compared with an individual internet invention alone.

Method

Thirty‐one posttreatment cancer survivors were randomized in groups of seven to nine to either the 8‐week III + ISG intervention or the 8‐week III condition. Seventeen participants met the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) criteria for depressive symptoms (HADS ≥ 8).

Results

Among all participants, the mean number of logins over 8 weeks was 20.8 ± 17.7 logins for the III + ISG compared with 12.5 ± 12.5 in III‐only (p = 0.15). Two participants in the III + ISG dropped out, compared with five in III (p = 0.39). Among the 17 participants with depressive symptoms at baseline, both the Onward and the III‐only condition showed large reductions in the depression scale of HADS (d = 1.27 and 0.89, respectively). Improvement over time and time x treatment effects only reached trend significance levels (ps = 0.07 & 0.12) as this pilot was not powered to detect these differences.

Conclusion

Both the III + ISG and III‐only demonstrated pre‐post reductions in depressive symptoms and high rates of utilization compared with other web‐based treatments for depression. Although it is premature to make any determination as to the efficacy of the interventions tested in this feasibility study, these results indicate that pursuing the III + ISG model, as well as standard IIIs, may be fruitful areas of future research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A metamaterial having a frequency dependent elasticity tensor and a zero effective mass density
Authors: Milton Graeme , Seppecher Pierre
Published: March 2012

Within the context of linear elasticity we show that a two‐terminal network of springs and masses, can respond exactly the same as a normal spring, but with a frequency dependent spring constant. A network of such springs can have a frequency dependent effective elasticity tensor but zero effective mass density. The internal masses influence the elasticity tensor, but do not contribute to the effective mass density.
Optically erasing disorder in semiconductor microcavities using polariton–polariton interactions
Authors: Liew T. C. H.
Published: March 2012

Through resonant coherent optical excitation of upper branch polaritons in semiconductor microcavities, an effective screening of the disorder potential experienced by lower branch polaritons is predicted. The effect is due to polariton–polariton interactions, which generate bistability for the upper‐polariton states and introduce an effective potential for lower‐polaritons. The effect represents a simple tool to improve the characteristics of devices operating in the low density regime.
DEFF: a new architecture for private online social networks
Authors: Raji Fatemeh , Miri Ali , Jazi Mohammad Davarpanah , Malek Behzad
Published: March 2012

In recent years, online social networks (OSNs) have had explosive growth in numbers and popularity. In an OSN, users communicate with each other and share information about themselves. However, limiting the flow of private information across OSNs is very important especially because most OSNs provide insufficient privacy settings to control information leakage. In this paper, we propose a mediated architecture for OSNs that protects users' information from both the OSN provider and unauthorized OSN users. Our proposed approach delegates most of the computation tasks to a semi‐trusted proxy server. We exploit a simplified broadcast encryption method in order to design a dynamic, efficient, flexible, and fine‐grained (DEFF) control system. In the proposed DEFF system, users are allowed to cryptographically categorize their friends into different relations and to share data with arbitrary groups of them. The results of our analysis indicate that the DEFF system fully protects users' privacy and is very efficient in terms of communication and computation complexities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A security‐enhanced key agreement protocol based on chaotic maps
Authors: Chen Tzung‐Her , Wang Bing‐Jian , Tu Tai‐Yuan , Wang Chih‐Hung
Published: March 2012

Recently, Tseng et al. proposed a novel key agreement protocol based on chaotic maps. They claimed that their protocol achieved the session key agreement between server and users with user's anonymity and security. Although Niu and Wang proposed a new improvement, the presented scheme involved an additional participant, the trusted party, in such a way that the system cost raised a lot. To inherit the superiority of Tseng et al. but remove the security weaknesses, it is worthwhile to point out the kernel of drawback in the scheme of Tseng et al. and, further, propose a security‐enhanced scheme by overcoming the drawback with slight modifications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression verification: proving the equivalence of similar programs
Authors: Godlin Benny , Strichman Ofer
Published: March 2012

Proving the equivalence of successive, closely related versions of a program has the potential of being easier in practice than functional verification, although both problems are undecidable. There are three main reasons for this claim: (i) it circumvents the problem of specifying what the program should do; (ii) the problem can be naturally decomposed and hence is computationally easier; and (iii) there is an automatic invariant that enables to prove equivalence of loops and recursive functions in most practical cases. Theoretical and practical aspects of this problem are considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification and characterization of an organic-solvent-tolerant cellulase from a halotolerant isolate, Bacillus sp. L1
Authors: Li Xin , Yu Hui-Ying
Published: March 2012

A halotolerant isolate Bacillus sp. L1 producing extracellular cellulase was isolated from Yuncheng, China. Production of the enzyme started from mid-exponential phase of bacterial growth and reached a maximum level during the post-stationary phase. The cellulase was purified to homogeneity with molecular mass of 45 kDa. Substrate specificity test indicated that it was an endoglucanase for soluble cellulose. Optimal enzyme activity was found to be at 60 °C, pH 8.0, and 7.5 % NaCl. Furthermore, it was highly active and stable over broad ranges of temperature (30–80 °C), pH (7.0–9.0), and NaCl concentration (2.5–15 %), thus showing its excellent thermostable, alkali-stable, and halotolerant nature. The cellulase activity was greatly inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, indicating that it was a metalloenzyme. Significant inhibition by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and phenylarsine oxide revealed that serine and cysteine residues were essential for the enzyme catalysis. Moreover, the cellulase was highly active in the presence of surfactants, and it showed high stability in the presence of water-insoluble organic solvents with log P  owat least 0.88. Results from this study indicate that the purified cellulase from isolate L1 may have considerable potential for industrial application owing to its useful properties.
Characterization of Water/Sucrose Laurate/n‐Propanol/Allylbenzene Microemulsions
Authors: Fanun Monzer , Ayad Ziad , Mudalal Samer , Dahoah Shirel , Meltzer Diana , Schwarze Michael , Schomäcker Reinhard , Blum Jochanan
Published: March 2012

Water/n‐propanol/sucrose laurate/allylbenzene micellar systems were formulated and applied in the isomerization of allylbenzene in the presence of heterogenized derivatives of some platinum group catalysts. The ratio (w/w) of n‐propanol/surfactant studied herewith was 2/1. Temperature insensitive microemulsions were found. The microemulsions were characterized by the volumetric parameters, density, excess volume, ultrasonic velocity, and isentropic compressibility. The densities increase with increases in the water volume fraction. Excess volumes of the microemulsions decrease for water volume fractions below 0.2, level off for water volume fractions between 0.2 and 0.6 then increase for water volume fractions above 0.6. Excess volumes of the studied micellar systems increase with temperature. Isentropic compressibilities increase with temperature for water volume fractions below 0.8 and decrease for water volume fractions above 0.8. Structural transitions from water‐in‐oil to bicontinuous to oil‐in‐water occur along the microemulsion phase. The particle hydrodynamic diameter of the oil‐in‐water microemulsions at the 0.95 water volume fraction was found to decrease with temperature.
DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN CHICKPEA AS EVALUATED BY ROOT CHARACTERISTICS, PLANT WATER STATUS, MEMBRANE INTEGRITY AND CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUES
Authors: KUMAR NEERAJ , NANDWAL A. S. , WALDIA R. S. , SINGH S. , DEVI S. , SHARMA K. D. , KUMAR A.
Published: March 2012

Root traits, such as depth and root biomass, have been identified as the most promising plant traits in chickpea for terminal drought tolerance. With this objective, five contrasting genotypes of chickpea, viz. ICCV-4958, H-208, HC-5, RSG-931 and CSJ-379, having wide adaptability to drought prone areas at national level were assessed for various root characteristics under two environments, i.e. irrigated and rain-fed. The sampling was done at full bloom stage and there were significant differences in the rooting depth among the genotypes both under irrigated and rain-fed conditions. The chickpea roots penetrated to a minimum depth of 92 cm in CSJ-379 and maximum of 122 cm in ICCV-4958 under rain-fed conditions. The rooting depth remained higher under rain-fed than irrigated environment. Under irrigated conditions, the chickpea roots were able to grow to a maximum depth of 99 and 97 cm in HC-5 and ICCV-4958, respectively. Among the genotypes, biomass per plant of the root was higher in ICCV-4958 (6.7 g) and HC-5 (5.6 g) under rain-fed conditions. Similar observations were recorded for root/shoot ratio, dry weights of stem, leaf, nodules and total dry weight per plant. The moisture stress increased the biomass partitioning towards the roots. The water potential (ψw), osmotic potential (ψs) and relative water content (RWC %) of leaf were –0.98 MPa, –1.82 MPa and 60%, respectively, in the genotype HC-5, and –1.02 MPa, –1.72 MPa and 64%, respectively, in ICCV-4958 under rain-fed conditions. The rates of photosynthesis, and transpiration, values of the stomatal conductance and photochemical efficiency/quantum yield as indicated by Fv/Fm ratio were in the range of 6.7 to 10.6 (μmol m−2 s−1), 1.27 to 2.38 (mmol m−2 s−1), 0.23 to 0.48 (mol m−2 s−1) and 0.457 to 0.584, respectively, under rain-fed conditions. Genotypes HC-5 and ICCV-4958 also maintained higher photosynthetic and transpiration rates and Fv/Fm ratio than others. The maximum Fv/Fm values in these genotypes were correlated with the higher photosynthetic rate and dry matter yield per plant. Relative stress injury (RSI %) values in HC-5 and ICCV-4958 noticed were 25.3% and 23.7%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that under rain-fed conditions, genotypes ICCV-4958 and HC-5 had higher dry weight of stem, leaves, roots, nodules and total dry weight per plant, rooting depth, root/shoot ratio, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, photochemical efficiency and better plant water status but lower stomatal conductance than other genotypes. These traits are directly associated with maximum seed yield per plant, i.e. 15.6 g and 14.7 g per plant, respectively, in these genotypes. Therefore, both the genotypes in future can be used in crop improvement programme of chickpea breeding for drought tolerance.
Pathways of Dominance and Displacement: The Varying Fates of Legacy Unions in New Democracies
Authors: Caraway Teri L.
Published: March 2012

Legacy unions—formerly state-backed unions that survived democratic transitions—are one of the most persistent legacies of authoritarian rule. While usually successful in maintaining their preeminent position, legacy unions have in some cases been overtaken by competing unions. Deploying a set of paired comparisons of legacy unions that entered the transition with similar legacies but experienced different fates—Indonesia with South Korea and Poland with Russia—this article examines why some legacy unions continued to dominate (Indonesia and Russia) and others did not (South Korea and Poland). The author identifies four pathways of change: endurance (Indonesia), attrition (South Korea), hegemony (Russia), and rupture (Poland). Several features of the transition context propelled legacy unions down distinct pathways of change—the widespread mobilization of workers outside of state-sponsored unions early in the transition, partisan links, and the structure of union competition.
Short-form versions of the Spanish MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories
Authors: JACKSON-MALDONADO DONNA , MARCHMAN VIRGINIA A. , FERNALD LIA C. H.
Published: March 2012

The Spanish-language MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories (S-CDIs) are well-established parent report tools for assessing the language development of Spanish-speaking children under 3 years. Here, we introduce the short-form versions of the S-CDIs (SFI and SFII), offered as alternatives to the long forms for screening purposes or in applications requiring a less-demanding instrument. Norming data (SFI: n = 601; SFII: n = 2,534) from diverse populations in Mexico are described. Developmental trends, gender differences, and socioeconomic status effects are reported that parallel those for the long forms. An additional small-scale study (n = 62) demonstrates strong convergence between responses on the long and the short forms. These results provide evidence that the S-CDI SFs have promise for a range of clinical and research applications.
Changes in adult children's participation in parent care
Authors: SZINOVACZ MAXIMILIANE E. , DAVEY ADAM
Published: March 2012

Care-giving research has focused on primary care-givers and relied on cross-sectional data. This approach neglects the dynamic and systemic character of care-giver networks. Our analyses address changes in care-givers and care networks over a two-year period using pooled data from the US Health and Retirement Study, 1992–2000. Based on a matrix of specific adult-child care-givers across two consecutive time-points, we assess changes in any adult-child care-giver and examine the predictors of change. A change in care-giver occurred in about two-fifths of care-giving networks. Ability to provide care based on geographical proximity, availability of alternative care-givers, and gender play primary roles in the stability of care networks. Results underline the need to shift care-giving research toward a dynamic and systemic perspective.
On the motion of a rigid body with a cavity filled with a viscous liquid
Authors: Silvestre Ana L. , Takahashi Takéo
Published: March 2012

We study the motion of a rigid body with a cavity filled with a viscous liquid. The main objective is to investigate the well-posedness of the coupled system formed by the Navier–Stokes equations describing the motion of the fluid and the ordinary differential equations for the motion of the rigid part. To this end, appropriate function spaces and operators are introduced and analysed by considering a completely general three-dimensional bounded domain. We prove the existence of weak solutions using the Galerkin method. In particular, we show that if the initial velocity is orthogonal, in a certain sense, to all rigid velocities, then the velocity of the system decays exponentially to zero as time goes to infinity. Then, following a functional analytic approach inspired by Kato's scheme, we prove the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions. Finally, the functional analytic approach is extended to obtain the existence and uniqueness of strong solutions for regular data.
A relaxation result in the framework of structured deformations in a bounded variation setting
Authors: Baía Margarida , Matias José , Miguel Santos Pedro
Published: March 2012

We obtain an integral representation of an energy for structured deformations of continua in the space of functions of bounded variation, as a first step to the study of asymptotic models for thin defective crystalline structures, where phenomena as slips, vacancies and dislocations prevent the effectiveness of classical theories.
Trace inequalities for weighted Hardy—Sobolev spaces in the non-diagonal case
Authors: Cascante Carme , Ortega Joaquin M.
Published: March 2012

We give characterizations of the positive Borel measures μ on $\mathbb{S}^n$ so that the weighted Hardy–Sobolev spaces $H_s^p(w)$ are imbedded in Lq(dμ), for a range of s > 0, 0 < p, q < + ∞, q ≠ p, where w is a doubling weight in the unit sphere of ℂn.
Bee (Apis mellifera) Venom Produced Toxic Effects of Higher Amplitude in Rat Thoracic Aorta than in Skeletal Muscle—An Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Florea Adrian , Crăciun Constantin
Published: March 2012

In this study, changes produced in aorta and triceps surae muscle of Wistar rats as response to bee venom (BV) envenomation were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and morphometry. A subchronic treatment of 30 days with daily doses of 700 μg BV/kg and an acute-lethal treatment with a single dose of 62 mg BV/kg were performed. The subchronic treatment resulted in endothelial cell retraction, a thicker subendothelial layer, and thinner elastic laminae and musculoelastic layers in aorta, and thicker endothelium and basal laminae in skeletal muscle. In both tissues polymorphous, swollen mitochondria with disrupted cristae were observed. The acute treatment produced extensive endothelial lesions, breakdown of the collagen layer and migration of muscle cells toward the intima in the aorta, and dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum in the skeletal muscle cells. Mitochondria were almost devoid of cristae or with few circular cristae in the smooth muscle cells while most of the mitochondria presented abnormal circular cristae in the skeletal muscle cells. Degenerative alterations in the aorta were of higher intensity in our experiments—both the intima and media strongly responded to BV, in contrast to those found at the level of the skeletal muscle cells where a moderate degenerative myopathy was recorded.
Planetary period oscillations in Saturn's magnetosphere: Evolution of magnetic oscillation properties from southern summer to post‐equinox
Authors: Andrews D. J. , Cowley S. W. H. , Dougherty M. K. , Lamy L. , Provan G. , Southwood D. J.
Published: March 2012

We investigate the evolution of the properties of planetary period magnetic field oscillations observed by the Cassini spacecraft in Saturn's magnetosphere over the interval from late 2004 to early 2011, spanning equinox in mid‐2009. Oscillations within the inner quasi‐dipolar region (L ≤ 12) consist of two components of close but distinct periods, corresponding essentially to the periods of the northern and southern Saturn kilometric radiation (SKR) modulations. These give rise to modulations of the combined amplitude and phase at the beat period of the two oscillations, from which the individual oscillation amplitudes and phases (and hence periods) can be determined. Phases are also determined from northern and southern polar oscillation data when available. Results indicate that the southern‐period amplitude declines modestly over this interval, while the northern‐period amplitude approximately doubles to become comparable with the southern‐period oscillations during the equinox interval, producing clear effects in pass‐to‐pass oscillation properties. It is also shown that the periods of the two oscillations strongly converge over the equinox interval, such that the beat period increases significantly from ∼20 to more than 100 days, but that they do not coalesce or cross during the interval investigated, contrary to recent reports of the behavior of the SKR periods. Examination of polar oscillation data for similar beat phase effects yields a null result within a ∼10% upper limit on the relative amplitude of northern‐period oscillations in the south and vice versa. This result strongly suggests a polar origin for the two oscillation periods.
Nitrous acid at Concordia (inland site) and Dumont d'Urville (coastal site), East Antarctica
Authors: Kerbrat Michael , Legrand Michel , Preunkert Susanne , Gallée Hubert , Kleffmann Jörg
Published: March 2012

During the austral summer 2010/2011, nitrous acid (HONO) was investigated for the first time at Concordia (75°06′S, 123°33′E) and Dumont D'Urville (66°40′S, 140°01′E), two sites located in East Antarctica. Hereby, for the first time in Antarctica, HONO was measured by deploying a long path absorption photometer (LOPAP). At Concordia, HONO mixing ratios at 1 m above the snow surface ranged between 5 and 60 pptv from end of December 2010 to mid January 2011. Lowest levels were observed under cloudy conditions. Levels exhibit a diurnal cycle with a maximum in the morning (around 06:00) and in the evening (around 21:00). At Dumont d'Urville, background mixing ratios remained close to 2 pptv in February 2011. No clear diurnal cycles were detected at that site but several events of air masses export from inland Antarctica were encountered with enhanced HONO levels (10 pptv) at night. These first HONO data gained in East Antarctica are discussed in terms of sources and sinks along with synoptic weather conditions.