bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave-Assisted Chemistry: a Rapid and Sustainable Route to Synthesis of Organics and Nanomaterials
Authors: Polshettiwar Vivek , Nadagouda Mallikarjuna N. , Varma Rajender S.
Published: January 2009

The use of emerging microwave (MW)-assisted chemistry techniques in conjunction with benign reaction media is dramatically reducing chemical waste and reaction times in several organic syntheses and chemical transformations. The present review summarizes recent developments in MW-assisted synthesis, name reactions and organic transformations, and rapid generation of nanoparticles with uniform size distribution. Greener protocols have been developed for the synthesis of various bio-active heterocycles, namely 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles, 1,3-dioxanes, pyrazoles, hydrazones and 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones, which proceed under the influence of microwaves and using eco-friendly conditions. These high-yielding methods were catalyzed efficiently by solid-supported Nafion NR50 under solvent-free conditions and polystyrene sulfonic acid in aqueous media. The eco-friendly nucleophilic substitution chemistry in water to generate cyclic amines via double N-alkylation of primary amines or hydrazines by dihalides or tosylates enables the greener synthesis of a range of pharmaceutically active heterocycles. Similarly, efficient MW synthesis of various azides, thiocyanates, and sulfones in aqueous medium occurs wherein nucleophilic substitution reaction takes place in the absence of a phase-transfer catalyst. Bulk and shape-controlled synthesis of noble nanostructures via MW-assisted spontaneous reduction of noble metal salts using α-d-glucose, sucrose, and maltose is described. MW method also accomplishes the cross-linking reaction of poly(vinyl alcohol) with metallic systems such as Pt, Cu, and In; bimetallic systems, namely Pt–In, Ag–Pt, Pt–Fe, Cu–Pd, Pt–Pd, and Pd–Fe; and single-walled nanotubes, multi-walled nanotubes, and buckminsterfullerenes (C-60). The strategy is extended to the formation of biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films with noble nanometals; such metal decoration and alignment of carbon nanotubes in CMC is possible using a MW approach that also enables the shape-controlled bulk synthesis of Ag and Fe nanorods in poly(ethylene glycol).
Alkoxy Isothiocyanates as Intermediates in the Flash Vacuum Pyrolysis of Alkoxythioureas
Authors: Pedersen Carl Th. , Jensen Frank , Flammang Robert
Published: January 2009

Methoxy isothiocyanate MeO–NCS 2b was detected by matrix isolation IR spectroscopy following flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) of N-methoxythioureas, N-tert-butyl-N′-methoxythiourea 1d being the best precursor. Isothiocyanates 3, amines, and aldehydes are also generated by FVP of several substituted N-alkoxythioureas 1 in the temperature range 400–800°C. The formation of these products can be explained either by secondary pyrolysis of initially formed alkoxy isothiocyanates 2, or by an initial cleavage of the O–N bond in 1 via a free-radical mechanism. N-Cyanoamines 4 and/or the tautomeric carbodiimides 5 are formed by another pathway. The pyrolyses were monitored by IR spectroscopy and online mass spectrometry or tandem mass spectrometry, and the reaction mechanisms are supported by theoretical calculations.
Microwave Heating in Conjunction with UV Irradiation: a Tool for the Oxidation of 1,4-Dihydropyridines to Pyridines
Authors: Kormos Chad M. , Hull Rachel M. , Leadbeater Nicholas E.
Published: January 2009

Microwave heating is used for the preparation of 1,4-dihydropyridines and then, in conjunction with UV irradiation, is used for the efficient oxidation of the 1,4-dihydropyridines to pyridines. The oxidation reactions are performed in a sealed vessel using oxygen as the oxidant and an electrodeless discharge lamp as the irradiation source.
Human dimensions of wildlife population management in Australasia - history, approaches and directions
Authors: Miller Kelly K.
Published: January 2009

It is now widely accepted that it is important to understand the ‘human dimensions’ of wildlife management issues in order to achieve management goals. This growing field of study was born in the 1960s and involves an examination of societal values, knowledge and behaviours associated with wildlife and wildlife management issues. This paper provides an overview of the history and directions in human dimensions research, focusing specifically on its application for wildlife population management in Australasia (in particular, Australia and New Zealand). It also provides a ‘toolkit’ of methods and approaches for those wishing to undertake, interpret or utilise human dimensions enquiries.
Comparisons through time and space suggest rapid evolution of dispersal behaviour in an invasive species
Authors: Alford Ross A. , Brown Gregory P. , Schwarzkopf Lin , Phillips Benjamin L. , Shine Richard
Published: January 2009

During a biological invasion, we expect that the expanding front will increasingly become dominated by individuals with better dispersal abilities. Over many generations, selection at the invasion front thus will favour traits that increase dispersal rates. As a result of this process, cane toads (Bufo marinus) are now spreading through tropical Australia about 5-fold faster than in the early years of toad invasion; but how have toads changed to make this happen? Here we present data from radio-tracking of free-ranging cane toads from three populations (spanning a 15-year period of the toads’ Australian invasion, and across 1800 km). Our data reveal dramatic shifts in behavioural traits (proportion of nights when toads move from their existing retreat-site to a new one, and distance between those successive retreat-sites) associated with the rapid acceleration of toad invasion. Over a maximum period of 70 years (~50 generations), cane toads at the invasion front in Australia apparently have evolved such that populations include a higher proportion of individuals that make long, straight moves.
Monitoring waterbird populations with aerial surveys - what have we learnt?
Authors: Kingsford R. T. , Porter J. L.
Published: January 2009

We can use aerial surveys of waterbirds to identify high-conservation-value wetlands, estimate species’ abundance and track changes in wetland condition. Two major approaches prevail. Transects to estimate a few species (1–20, often ducks) are predominantly used in North America and counts of entire waterbird assemblages on discrete wetlands are favoured in Australia. Such differences reflect wetland type, discrete (whole count) and continuous (transect) sampling, different objectives and history. There are few continuous large-scale aerial surveys of waterbirds, despite cost efficiencies and effectiveness. We review the eastern Australian waterbird survey that samples about one-third of the continent (2.697 million km2). Each October, during 1983–2007, all waterbirds were estimated on an average of 811 wetlands, within ten 30-km-wide survey bands, separately extending across latitudes from the east coast to central Australia. The survey has demonstrated the importance of arid wetlands for waterbirds and provided management data on distribution, abundance and breeding of waterbirds. Most significantly, long-term temporal data for individual wetlands provided strong evidence for the impacts of water resource development (dam building, diversion of water). These data have influenced wildlife management, river rehabilitation and restoration policies at a national scale.
Neural signature of the conscious processing of auditory regularities
Authors: Bekinschtein Tristan A. , Dehaene Stanislas , Rohaut Benjamin , Tadel François , Cohen Laurent , Naccache Lionel
Published: January 2009

Can conscious processing be inferred from neurophysiological measurements? Some models stipulate that the active maintenance of perceptual representations across time requires consciousness. Capitalizing on this assumption, we designed an auditory paradigm that evaluates cerebral responses to violations of temporal regularities that are either local in time or global across several seconds. Local violations led to an early response in auditory cortex, independent of attention or the presence of a concurrent visual task, whereas global violations led to a late and spatially distributed response that was only present when subjects were attentive and aware of the violations. We could detect the global effect in individual subjects using functional MRI and both scalp and intracerebral event-related potentials. Recordings from 8 noncommunicating patients with disorders of consciousness confirmed that only conscious individuals presented a global effect. Taken together these observations suggest that the presence of the global effect is a signature of conscious processing, although it can be absent in conscious subjects who are not aware of the global auditory regularities. This simple electrophysiological marker could thus serve as a useful clinical tool.
Percutaneous retrieval of dislodged central venous port catheter: experience of 25 patients in a single institute
Authors: Wang Po-Chin , Liang Huei-Lung , Wu Tuno-Ho , Huang Jer-Shyung , Lin Yih-Huie , Huang Yi-Luan , Chou Chen-Pin , Yang Tsung-Lung , Pan Huay-Ben
Published: January 2009

Background: For a dislodged port catheter, percutaneous retrieval by using a loop snare or a basket is the standard technique, with high success. However, once a loop snare fails, the likelihood of success with other tools is considered low.

Purpose: To report our experience of percutaneous retrieval of dislodged port catheters and to emphasize the usefulness of grasping forceps.

Material and Methods: During a 6-year period, a total of 25 dislodged port catheters were retrieved in our institute. The interval between port catheter implantation and dislodged catheter retrieval was 3–85 months (mean 23 months). The time of delayed retrieval ranged from 3 to 604 days (mean 58 days). A loop snare or grasping forceps were used via either the femoral or jugular route.

Results: The prevalence of port catheter dislodgement was 0.4% in our institute. All dislodged port catheters were successfully removed, including four patients with delayed retrieval of more than 90 days. A loop snare was used in 20 patients, with technical success in 18. Grasping forceps were used in seven patients, all with success (including the two patients who failed by initial use of a loop snare). No procedure-related complications were encountered, except transient arrhythmia in four patients requiring no medication.

Conclusion: Although the prevalence of port catheter dislodgement is low, percutaneous attempts at retrieval should be performed in all patients, even in chronic settings. A loop snare is the instrument of choice for retrieval. Grasping forceps can be used as an auxiliary instrument, especially in patients where a loop snare fails.
Effects of gadolinium contrast agents in naïve and nephrectomized rats: Relevance to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
Authors: Grant D. , Johnsen H. , Juelsrud A. , Løvhaug D.
Published: January 2009

Background: Human nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rare condition reported in patients with severe renal insufficiency exposed to a gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agent. An animal model of NSF could help to investigate its mechanisms and lead to prevention and treatment.

Purpose: To evaluate a possible animal model of NSF using naïve and partially nephrectomized rats to induce conditions similar to those in patients at risk of NSF.

Material and Methods: Naïve rats received intravenous doses of 5 or 10 mmol/kg Omniscan; 5 mmol/kg Magnevist; 1 mmol/kg caldiamide; 1, 2.5, or 5 mmol/kg gadodiamide; 25 µmol/kg GdCl3; or 25 µmol/kg Gd citrate. Partially nephrectomized rats received 5 mmol/kg Omniscan; 5 mmol/kg Magnevist; 1 mmol/kg caldiamide; 1 mmol/kg gadodiamide; 25 µmol/kg GdCl3; or 25 µmol/kg Gd citrate. There were three or four animals per group. Clinical signs were recorded during treatment. At termination, clinical biochemistry, histopathology, and tissue Gd and Zn concentrations were investigated.

Results: Similar responses to treatment were seen in naïve and nephrectomized rats. High doses of gadodiamide were toxic, necessitating early termination of the affected animals. Skin lesions appeared in naïve and nephrectomized groups treated with gadodiamide or Omniscan, coinciding with the onset of signs of pruritus, i.e., intensive scratching. The histomorphological features of the skin lesions were also consistent with superficial physical trauma. Dermal fibrosis was not a feature of these skin lesions in any of the groups, i.e., no increased collagen density, CD34+ cells, or increased fibroblasts. This was supported by skinfold measurements that demonstrated no increased skin thickness. Treatment with the gadolinium-based contrast agents and Gd salts resulted in increased Gd content of several tissues. The Gd salts were mainly taken up by the liver and spleen, possibly reflecting formation of insoluble particles and macrophage uptake. Zn tissue concentrations were normal or increased. Other major treatment-related changes included increased serum rat C-reactive protein and histamine; mineralization affecting the dermis, stomach, and blood vessels; and renal proximal tubule vacuolation.

Conclusion: The visible skin lesions seen in this study appeared to be caused by excessive scratching in response to pruritus. As there was no evidence of dermal fibrosis, the cardinal feature of human NSF, this did not appear to be a model of human NSF.
Leonhard Euler and a 𝑞-analogue of the logarithm
Authors: Koelink Erik , Van Assche Walter
Published: January 2009

We study a

q
q

-logarithm which was introduced by Euler and give some of its properties. This

q
q

-logarithm has not received much attention in the recent literature. We derive basic properties, some of which were already given by Euler in a 1751 paper and in a 1734 letter to Daniel Bernoulli. The corresponding

q
q

-analogue of the dilogarithm is introduced. The relation to the values at

1
1

and

2
2

of a

q
q

-analogue of the zeta function is given. We briefly describe some other

q
q

-logarithms that have appeared in the recent literature.
A remark on the regularity of the div-curl system
Authors: Mitrea Irina , Mitrea Marius
Published: January 2009

As a limiting case of the classical Calderón-Zygmund theory, in this note we study the Besov regularity of differential forms

u
u

for which

d
u

du

and

δ
u

\delta u

have absolutely integrable coefficients in

R

n

{\mathbb R}^n

.
Two way subtable sum problems and quadratic Gröbner bases
Authors: Ohsugi Hidefumi , Hibi Takayuki
Published: January 2009

Hara, Takemura and Yoshida discussed toric ideals arising from two way subtable sum problems and showed that these toric ideals are generated by quadratic binomials if and only if the subtables are either diagonal or triangular. In the present paper, we show that if the subtables are either diagonal or triangular, then their toric ideals possess quadratic Gröbner bases.
Capping groups and some cases of the Fontaine-Mazur conjecture
Authors: Bleher Frauke , Chinburg Ted , Froelich Jennifer
Published: January 2009

In this paper we will prove some cases of the Fontaine-Mazur conjecture. Let

p
p

be an odd prime and let

G

Q

,
{
p
}

G_{\mathbb {Q},\{p\}}

be the Galois group over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

of the maximal unramified-outside-

p
p

extension of

Q

\mathbb {Q}

. We show that under certain hypotheses, the universal deformation of the action of

G

Q

,
{
p
}

G_{\mathbb {Q},\{p\}}

on the

2
2

-torsion of an elliptic curve defined over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

has finite image. We compute the associated universal deformation ring, and we show in the process that

S
^

4

\hat {S}_4

caps

Q

\mathbb {Q}

for the prime

2
2

, where

S
^

4

\hat {S}_4

is the double cover of

S
4

S_4

whose Sylow

2
2

-subgroups are generalized quaternion groups.
Distinguishing properties of Arens irregularity
Authors: Hu Zhiguo , Neufang Matthias
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we present a number of examples of commutative Banach algebras with various Arens irregularity properties. These examples illustrate in particular that strong Arens irregularity and extreme non-Arens regularity, the two natural concepts of “maximal” Arens irregularity for general Banach algebras as introduced by Dales-Lau and Granirer, respectively, are indeed distinct. Thereby, an open question raised by several authors is answered. We also link these two properties to another natural Arens irregularity property.
The Folsom-Ono grid contains only integers
Authors: Zwegers Sander
Published: January 2009

In a recent paper, Folsom and Ono constructed a canonical sequence of weight 1/2 mock theta functions and a canonical sequence of weight 3/2 weakly holomorphic modular forms, both using Poincaré series. They show a remarkable symmetry in the coefficients of these functions and conjecture that all the coefficients are integers. We prove that this conjecture is true by giving an explicit construction for the weight 1/2 mock theta functions, using some results found by Guerzhoy.
On the linearity of torsion-free nilpotent groups of finite Morley rank
Authors: Altinel Tuna , Wilson John
Published: January 2009

It is proved that every torsion-free nilpotent group of finite Morley rank is isomorphic to a matrix group over a field of characteristic zero.
Jack polynomials and the coinvariant ring of 𝐺(𝑟,𝑝,𝑛)
Authors: Griffeth Stephen
Published: January 2009

We study the coinvariant ring of the complex reflection group

G
(
r
,
p
,
n
)

G(r,p,n)

as a module for the corresponding rational Cherednik algebra

H

\mathbb {H}

and its generalized graded affine Hecke subalgebra

H

\mathcal {H}

. We construct a basis consisting of non-symmetric Jack polynomials and, using this basis, decompose the coinvariant ring into irreducible modules for

H

\mathcal {H}

. The basis consists of certain non-symmetric Jack polynomials whose leading terms are the “descent monomials” for

G
(
r
,
p
,
n
)

G(r,p,n)

recently studied by Adin, Brenti, and Roichman as well as Bagno and Biagoli. The irreducible

H

\mathcal {H}

-submodules of the coinvariant ring are their “colored descent representations”.
Polyhedral embeddings of snarks in orientable surfaces
Authors: Kochol Martin
Published: January 2009

An embedding of a 3-regular graph in a surface is calledpolyhedralif its dual is a simple graph. An old graph-coloring conjecture is that every 3-regular graph with a polyhedral embedding in an orientable surface has a 3-edge-coloring. An affirmative solution of this problem would generalize the dual form of the Four Color Theorem to every orientable surface. In this paper we present a negative solution to the conjecture, showing that for each orientable surface of genus at least 5, there exist infinitely many 3-regular non-3-edge-colorable graphs with a polyhedral embedding in the surface.
Splitting necklaces and measurable colorings of the real line
Authors: Alon Noga , Grytczuk Jarosław , Lasoń Michał , Michałek Mateusz
Published: January 2009

A (continuous) necklace is simply an interval of the real line colored measurably with some number of colors. A well-known application of the Borsuk-Ulam theorem asserts that every

k
k

-colored necklace can be fairly split by at most

k
k

cuts (from the resulting pieces one can form two collections, each capturing the same measure of every color). Here we prove that for every

k
≥
1

k\geq 1

there is a measurable

(
k
+
3
)

(k+3)

-coloring of the real line such that no interval can be fairly split using at most

k
k

cuts. In particular, there is a measurable

4
4

-coloring of the real line in which no two adjacent intervals have the same measure of every color. An analogous problem for the integers was posed by Erdős in 1961 and solved in the affirmative by Keränen in 1991. Curiously, in the discrete case the desired coloring also uses four colors.
On strings of consecutive integers with a distinct number of prime factors
Authors: De Koninck Jean-Marie , Friedlander John , Luca Florian
Published: January 2009

Let

ω
(
n
)

\omega (n)

be the number of distinct prime factors of

n
n

. For any positive integer

k
k

let

n
=

n
k

n=n_k

be the smallest positive integer such that

ω
(
n
+
1
)
,
…
,
ω
(
n
+
k
)

\omega (n+1),\ldots ,\omega (n+k)

are mutually distinct. In this paper, we give upper and lower bounds for

n
k

n_k

. We study the same quantity when

ω
(
n
)

\omega (n)

is replaced by

Ω
(
n
)

\Omega (n)

, the total number of prime factors of

n
n

counted with repetitions.
A condition for spectral continuity of positive elements
Authors: Mouton S.
Published: January 2009

Let

a
a

be an element of a Banach algebra

A
A

. We introduce a compact subset

T
(
a
)

T(a)

of the complex plane, show that the function which maps

a
a

onto

T
(
a
)

T(a)

is upper semicontinuous and use this fact to provide a condition on

a
a

which ensures that if

(

a
n

)

(a_n)

is a sequence of positive elements converging to

a
a

, then the sequence of the spectral radii of the terms

a
n

a_n

converges to the spectral radius of

a
a

in the case that

A
A

is partially ordered by a closed and normal algebra cone and

a
a

is a positive element.
The proper and semi-proper forcing axioms for forcing notions that preserve ℵ₂ or ℵ₃
Authors: Hamkins Joel , Johnstone Thomas
Published: January 2009

We prove that the PFA lottery preparation of a strongly unfoldable cardinal

κ
\kappa

under

¬

0
♯

\neg 0^\sharp

forces

PFA
⁡
(

ℵ
2

-preserving
)

\operatorname {PFA}(\aleph _2\text {-preserving})

,

PFA
⁡
(

ℵ
3

-preserving
)

\operatorname {PFA}(\aleph _3\text {-preserving})

and

PFA

ℵ
2

\operatorname {PFA}_{\aleph _2}

, with

2
ω

=
κ
=

ℵ
2

2^\omega =\kappa =\aleph _2

. The method adapts to semi-proper forcing, giving

SPFA
⁡
(

ℵ
2

-preserving
)

\operatorname {SPFA}(\aleph _2\text {-preserving})

,

SPFA
⁡
(

ℵ
3

-preserving
)

\operatorname {SPFA}(\aleph _3\text {-preserving})

and

SPFA

ℵ
2

\operatorname {SPFA}_{\aleph _2}

from the same hypothesis. It follows by a result of Miyamoto that the existence of a strongly unfoldable cardinal is equiconsistent with the conjunction
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper S upper P upper F upper A left-parenthesis normal alef 2 hyphen preserving right-parenthesis plus upper S upper P upper F upper A left-parenthesis normal alef 3 hyphen preserving right-parenthesis plus upper S upper P upper F upper A Subscript normal alef 2 Baseline plus 2 Superscript omega Baseline equals normal alef 2">

SPFA
⁡
(

ℵ
2

-preserving
)
+
SPFA
⁡
(

ℵ
3

-preserving
)
+

SPFA

ℵ
2

+

2
ω

=

ℵ
2

\operatorname {SPFA}(\aleph _2\text {-preserving}) +\operatorname {SPFA}(\aleph _3\text {-preserving})+ \operatorname {SPFA}_{\aleph _2}+2^\omega =\aleph _2

. Since unfoldable cardinals are relatively weak as large cardinal notions, our summary conclusion is that in order to extract significant strength from PFA or SPFA, one must collapse

ℵ
3

\aleph _3

to

ℵ
1

\aleph _1

.
First neighborhood complete ideals in two-dimensional Muhly local domains are projectively full
Authors: Debremaeker Raymond
Published: January 2009

Let

(
R
,

M

)

(R, \mathcal {M})

be a two-dimensional Muhly local domain, i.e., an integrally closed Noetherian local domain with algebraically closed residue field and the associated graded ring an integrally closed domain.

Motivated by recent work of Ciuperca, Heinzer, Ratliff and Rush on projectively full ideals, we prove that every complete ideal adjacent to the maximal ideal

M

\mathcal {M}

is projectively full.
On an open problem regarding totally Fenchel unstable functions
Authors: Boţ Radu , Csetnek Ernö
Published: January 2009

We give an answer to Problem 11.5 posed in Stephen Simons’s book From Hahn-Banach to Monotonicity.
Induced quasi-actions: A remark
Authors: Kleiner Bruce , Leeb Bernhard
Published: January 2009

We observe that the notion of an induced representation has an analog for quasi-actions and give some applications.
Intersection of modular polynomials
Authors: Ling Jie
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we consider the intersection of classic modular polynomials. The intersection number on affine space is given by the well-known Hurwitz class numbers. We give two different ways to compute the intersection number by two different compactifications of

A

2

\mathbb {A}^2

. This yields a new and more elementary formula for the intersection number. Consequently we get a class number relation. We also give a pure combinatorial proof of this class number relation.
Large and moderate deviations for slowly mixing dynamical systems
Authors: Melbourne Ian
Published: January 2009

We obtain results on large deviations for a large class of nonuniformly hyperbolic dynamical systems with polynomial decay of correlations1/nβ1/n^\beta,β>0\beta >0. This includes systems modelled by Young towers with polynomial tails, extending recent work of M. Nicol and the author which assumedβ>1\beta >1. As a byproduct of the proof, we obtain slightly stronger results even whenβ>1\beta >1. The results are sharp in the sense that there exist examples (such as Pomeau-Manneville intermittency maps) for which the obtained rates are best possible. In addition, we obtain results on moderate deviations.
A new bound on the number of special fibers in a pencil of curves
Authors: Yuzvinsky S.
Published: January 2009

In a paper by J. V. Pereira and the author it was proved that any pencil of plane curves of degree

d
>
1

d>1

with irreducible generic fiber can have at most five completely reducible fibers although no examples with five such fibers had ever been found. Recently Janis Stipins has proved that if a pencil has a base of

d
2

d^2

points, then it cannot have five completely reducible fibers. In this paper we generalize Stipins’ result to arbitrary pencils. We also include into consideration more general special fibers that are the unions of lines and non-reduced curves. These fibers are important for characteristic varieties of hyperplane complements.
Asymptotic analysis of a Dirichlet problem for the heat equation on a coated body
Authors: Li Jingyu , Rosencrans Steve , Wang Xuefeng , Zhang Kaijun
Published: January 2009

Of concern is the protection from overheating of an isotropically conducting body by an anisotropically conducting coating which is thin compared to the scale of the body. We assume either that the whole thermal tensor of the coating is small or that it is small in the directions normal to the body (a case we call “optimally aligned coating”). We study the asymptotic behavior of the solution to the heat equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions on the outer surface of the coating, as the thickness of the coating shrinks. We obtain the exact scaling relations between the thermal tensor and the thickness of the coating so that the effective (limiting) condition on the boundary of the body is of Dirichlet, Robin or Neumann type, with the last condition indicating good insulation.
A version of Lomonosov’s theorem for collections of positive operators
Authors: Popov Alexey , Troitsky Vladimir
Published: January 2009

It is known that for every Banach space

X
X

and every proper

W
O
T

WOT

-closed subalgebra

A

\mathcal A

of

L
(
X
)

L(X)

, if

A

\mathcal A

contains a compact operator, then it is not transitive; that is, there exist non-zero

x
∈
X

x\in X

and

f
∈

X
∗

f\in X^*

such that

⟨
f
,
T
x
⟩
=
0

\langle f,Tx\rangle =0

for all

T
∈

A

T\in \mathcal A

. In the case of algebras of adjoint operators on a dual Banach space, V. Lomonosov extended this result as follows: without having a compact operator in the algebra, one has

|

⟨
f
,
T
x
⟩

|

≤
‖

T
∗

‖
e

\bigl \lvert \langle f,Tx\rangle \bigr \rvert \le \lVert T_*\rVert _e

for all

T
∈

A

T\in \mathcal A

. In this paper, we prove a similar extension of a result of R. Drnovšek. Specifically, we prove that if

C

\mathcal C

is a collection of positive adjoint operators on a Banach lattice

X
X

satisfying certain conditions, then there exist non-zero

x
∈

X
+

x\in X_+

and

f
∈

X
+
∗

f\in X^*_+

such that

⟨
f
,
T
x
⟩
≤
‖

T
∗

‖
e

\langle f,Tx\rangle \le \lVert T_*\rVert _e

for all

T
∈

C

T\in \mathcal C

.
On the topology of manifolds with positive isotropic curvature
Authors: Gadgil Siddartha , Seshadri Harish
Published: January 2009

We show that a closed orientable Riemannian

n
n

-manifold,

n
≥
5

n \ge 5

, with positive isotropic curvature and free fundamental group is homeomorphic to the connected sum of copies of

S

n
−
1

×

S
1

S^{n-1}\times S^1

.
Topological complexity of configuration spaces
Authors: Farber Michael , Grant Mark
Published: January 2009

The topological complexity

T
C

(
X
)

\mathsf {TC}(X)

is a homotopy invariant which reflects the complexity of the problem of constructing a motion planning algorithm in the space

X
X

, viewed as configuration space of a mechanical system. In this paper we complete the computation of the topological complexity of the configuration space of

n
n

distinct points in Euclidean

m
m

-space for all

m
≥
2

m\ge 2

and

n
≥
2

n\ge 2

; the answer was previously known in the cases

m
=
2

m=2

and

m
m

odd. We also give several useful general results concerning sharpness of upper bounds for the topological complexity.
Interlacing and nonorthogonality of spectral polynomials for the Lamé operator
Authors: Bourget A. , McMillen T. , Vargas A.
Published: January 2009

Polynomial solutions to the Heine-Stieltjes equation,the Stieltjes polynomials, and the associatedVan Vleck polynomialshave been studied since the 1830’s in various contexts including the solution of the Laplace equation on an ellipsoid. Recently there has been renewed interest in the distribution of the zeros of Van Vleck polynomials as the degree of the corresponding Stieltjes polynomials increases. In this paper we show that the zeros of Van Vleck polynomials corresponding to Stieltjes polynomials of successive degrees interlace. We also show that the spectral polynomials formed from the Van Vleck zeros are not orthogonal with respect to any measure. This furnishes a counterexample, coming from a second order differential equation, to the converse of the well-known theorem that the zeros of orthogonal polynomials interlace.
On a conjecture of Tomas Sauer regarding nested ideal interpolation
Authors: Shekhtman Boris
Published: January 2009

Tomas Sauer conjectured that if an ideal complements polynomials of degree less than

n
n

, then it is contained in a larger ideal that complements polynomials of degree less than

n
−
1

n-1

. We construct a counterexample to this conjecture for polynomials in three variables and with

n
=
3

n=3

.
On injectivity of quasiregular mappings
Authors: Iwaniec Tadeusz , Kovalev Leonid , Onninen Jani
Published: January 2009

We give sufficient conditions for a planar quasiregular mapping to be injective in terms of the range of the differential matrix.
Acute Tonsillitis
Authors: Stubbs B.M. , Isaacs A.L.
Published: January 2009

Sore throat is a common condition in primary care. As many as 1 in 10 people suffer recurrent episodes of tonsillitis. The cost per year to the NHS for primary care consultations, before investigation and treatment, for sore throats is estimated at 60 million pounds. It is also estimated that 35 million work and school days are lost in the UK per year because of sore throats.
Acute Sinusitis in Primary Care
Authors: Dobbs Frank
Published: January 2009

Sinusitis is a common diagnosis in primary care, and around the third to fifth commonest reason for prescription of antibiotics. Yet, a recent Cochrane review of effectiveness of antibiotic for acute sinusitis concluded that antibiotics have only a small treatment effect with 80% of patients getting better within 2 weeks without antibiotic as against 90% in those given antibiotic. Why is this, and how can we target appropriate treatment to those who will benefit?
Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shiner Alice , Burbos Nikolaos
Published: January 2009

Ovarian cysts and tumours are a relatively common finding among women of many ages, particularly with the wider use of regular physical examinations and ultrasound. Although the finding of an ovarian mass can be a source of considerable anxiety, most of those in younger women are not malignant and may be able to be managed entirely within primary care. However, malignant tumours of several varieties occur and many will require investigation and management by secondary care.
From Generalism to Specialty—A Short History of General Practice
Authors: Simon Chantal
Published: January 2009

As we launch into the second volume of InnovAiT, it is easy to forget that training for general practice became compulsory less than 30 years ago. General practice is a relatively new specialty of medicine, and the National Health Service that we work in, together with its concept of health care for all, is just 60 years old. It is often helpful to understand the context of the past, and this special editorial aims to provide a ‘Back to the Future’ glance of general practice and how it has evolved into the respected specialty that it is today.
Quantitative Distribution of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ in Citrus Plants with Citrus Huanglongbing
Authors: Li Wenbin , Levy Laurene , Hartung John S.
Published: January 2009

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB), or greening disease, is strongly associated with any of three nonculturable gram-negative bacteria belonging to ‘Candidatus Liberibacter spp.’ ‘Ca. Liberibacter spp.’ are transmitted by citrus psyllids to all commercial cultivars of citrus. The diseases can be lethal to citrus and have recently become widespread in both São Paulo, Brazil, and Florida, United States, the locations of the largest citrus industries in the world. Asiatic HLB, the form of the disease found in Florida, is associated with ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ and is the subject of this report. The nonculturable nature of the pathogen has hampered research and little is known about the distribution of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in infected trees. In this study, we have used a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay to systematically quantify the distribution of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ genomes in tissues of six species of citrus either identified in the field during survey efforts in Florida or propagated in a greenhouse in Beltsville, MD. The populations of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ inferred from the distribution of 16S rDNA sequences specific for ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in leaf midribs, leaf blades, and bark samples varied by a factor of 1,000 among samples prepared from the six citrus species tested and by a factor of 100 between two sweet orange trees tested. In naturally infected trees, above-ground portions of the tree averaged 1010 ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ genomes per gram of tissue. Similar levels of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ genomes were observed in some but not all root samples from the same plants. In samples taken from greenhouse-inoculated trees, levels of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ genomes varied systematically from 104 genomes/g at the graft inoculation site to 1010 genomes/g in some leaf petioles. Root samples from these trees also contained ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ at 107 genomes/g. In symptomatic fruit tissues, ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ genomes were also readily detected and quantified. The highest levels of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in fruit tissues were found in the locular membranes and septa (108 genomes/g), with 100-fold lower levels of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in the meso and pericarp of such fruit. Our results demonstrate both the ubiquitous presence of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in symptomatic citrus trees as well as great variation between individual trees and among samples of different tissues from the same trees. Our methods will be useful in both the management and scientific study of citrus HLB, also known as citrus greening disease.
Interaction of the Mite Aceria mangiferae with Fusarium mangiferae, the Causal Agent of Mango Malformation Disease
Authors: Gamliel-Atinsky E. , Freeman S. , Sztejnberg A. , Maymon M. , Ochoa R. , Belausov E. , Palevsky E.
Published: January 2009

The role of the mango bud mite, Aceria mangiferae, in carrying conidia of Fusarium mangiferae, vectoring them into potential infection sites, and assisting fungal infection and dissemination was studied. Following the mite's exposure to a green fluorescent protein-marked isolate, conidia were observed clinging to the mite's body. Agar plugs bearing either bud mites or the pathogen were placed on leaves near the apical buds of potted mango plants. Conidia were found in bud bracts only when both mites and conidia were co-inoculated on the plant, demonstrating that the mite vectored the conidia into the apical bud. Potted mango plants were inoculated with conidia in the presence or absence of mites. Frequency and severity of infected buds were significantly higher in the presence of mites, revealing their significant role in the fungal infection process. Conidia and mite presence were monitored with traps in a diseased orchard over a 2-year period. No windborne bud mites bearing conidia were found; however, high numbers of windborne conidia were detected in the traps. These results suggest that A. mangiferae can carry and vector conidia between buds and assist in fungal penetration but does not play a role in the aerial dissemination of conidia between trees.
Ultrastructural Alterations in Fusarium sambucinum and Heterobasidion annosum Treated with Aluminum Chloride and Sodium Metabisulfite
Authors: Avis T. J. , Rioux D. , Simard M. , Michaud M. , Tweddell R. J.
Published: January 2009

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) have received increasing attention as antifungal agents for the control of plant diseases. In an effort to understand their toxic action on fungi, ultrastructural changes and membrane damage in Fusarium sambucinum (Ascomycota) and Heterobasidion annosum (Basidiomycota) in response to salt exposure was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Conidial membrane damage was quantified using SYTOX Green stain, which only enters altered membranes. The results showed that mortality of the conidia was generally closely associated with SYTOX stain absorption in F. sambucinum treated with Na2S2O5 and in H. annosum treated with AlCl3 or Na2S2O5, suggesting that these salts cause membrane alterations. For both fungi, ultrastructural alterations in conidia treated with AlCl3 and Na2S2O5 included membrane retraction, undulation, and invagination. At higher concentrations or exposure periods to the salts, loss of membrane integrity, cytoplasmic leakage, and cell rupture were observed. Ultrastructural alterations and increased SYTOX stain absorption in salt-treated conidia appear consistent with a mode of action where AlCl3 and Na2S2O5 alter membrane integrity and permeability.
Where do seedlings go? A spatio‐temporal analysis of seedling mortality in a semi‐arid gypsophyte
Authors: De La Cruz Marcelino , Romao Roberto L. , Escudero Adrián , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: January 2009

Studies of seedling population dynamics often focus on survival because it provides an integrated measure of seedling performance. However, this approach involves a substantial loss of information because survival is the net result of a wide range of mechanisms. The present study overcomes these shortcomings by investigating spatial and temporal patterns in the causes of plant mortality in a population of Helianthemum squamatum seedlings. We use new point pattern analyses based on K functions combined with a new null model (“independent labeling”). A total of 871 seedlings of H.squamatum were mapped and regularly monitored over an 18‐month period. More than 60% of seedlings died during this period. Causes of mortality were spatially structured, and these structures shifted through time. Small differences in either the time of emergence or the environment surrounding H. squamatum seedlings had profound influences on their fate. Seedlings emerging late in the season under the canopy of adult plants died from drought more often than expected, whereas those emerging earlier in the same microsite survived more than expected. The identity of neighbors also affected the spatio‐temporal dynamics of mortality causes. Our results show that seedling‐adult interactions cannot be easily predicted from simple models, and that the time of seedling emergence, its age and the identity of its neighbors determine the sign and the spatial scale of these interactions. The new methods introduced in this article open an avenue for the detailed analyses of the spatio‐temporal dynamics of plant mortality and can help to disentangle the complexity of biotic interactions along environmental severity gradients.
Lactobacillus strains stabilize intestinal microbiota in Japanese cedar pollinosis patients
Authors: Kubota Akira , He Fang , Kawase Manabu , Harata Gaku , Hiramatsu Masaru , Salminen Seppo , Iino Hisakazu
Published: January 2009

A randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to ascertain the intestinal microbiota‐altering properties of LGG and L. gasseri TMC0356 (TMC0356) in Japanese cedar Cryptomeria japonica pollinosis patients. Fecal bacteria communities were examined before and after fermented milk administration using culture, FISH and T‐RFLP methods. Test group subjects showed the presence of LGG and TMC0356 along with a significant increase in fecal lactobacilli (P < 0.001) after giving LGG and TMC0356 fermented milk. Culture and FISH analysis revealed no significant changes in other intestinal bacterial groups. Each subject exhibited a characteristic T‐RFLP profile pattern that varied quantitatively and qualitatively with JCP shedding. Profile changes were observed in 53% of placebo group subjects and in 21% of test group subject's post‐administration, indicating that LGG and TMC0356 suppressed intestinal microbiota changes in JCPsis patients. The results suggest that intestinal microbiota might be more sensitive to exposure to environmental allergens than expected from the results of general culture method studies. Stabilization of intestinal microbiota by selected probiotic strains such as LGG and TMC0356 could be beneficial to homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota and useful in the management of JCPsis.
Deletion of the ectodomain unleashes the transforming, invasive, and tumorigenic potential of the MET oncogene
Authors: Merlin Simone , Pietronave Stefano , Locarno Deborah , Valente Guido , Follenzi Antonia , Prat Maria
Published: January 2009

The c‐MET proto‐oncogene, encoding the p190 hepatocyte growth factor tyrosine kinase receptor, can acquire oncogenic potential by multiple mechanisms, such as gene rearrangement, amplification and overexpression, point mutation, and ectopic expression, all resulting in its constitutive activation. Hepatocyte growth factor receptor truncated forms are generated by post‐translational cleavage: p140 and p130 lack the kinase domain and are inactive. Their C‐terminal remnant fragments are generally undetectable in normal cells, but a membrane‐associated truncated form is recognized by anti‐C‐terminus antibodies in some human tumors, suggesting that a hepatocyte growth factor receptor lacking the ectodomain, but retaining the transmembrane and intracellular domains (Met‐EC−), could acquire oncogenic properties. Herein we show that NIH‐3T3 cells transduced with MET‐EC− expressed a membrane‐associated constitutively tyrosine‐phosphorylated 60‐kDa protein and, similarly to NIH‐3T3 cells expressing the cytosolic oncoprotein Tpr‐Met, showed activated extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and Akt downstream transducers. Compared to control NIH‐3T3 cells, NIH‐3T3‐Met‐EC− cells grew faster and showed anchorage‐independent growth and invasive properties in all aspects similar to cells expressing the transforming TPR‐MET. Nude female mice injected subcutaneously with NIH‐3T3‐Met‐EC− cells developed visible tumors, displaying the typical morphology of carcinomas with polygonal cells, in contrast to sarcomas with spindle‐shaped cells induced by the injection of NIH‐3T3‐Tpr‐Met cells. It is suggested that the different subcellular localization of the oncoproteins, more than differences in signal transduction, could be responsible for the tumor phenotype. All together, these data show that deletion of the ectodomain activates the hepatocyte growth factor receptor and its downstream signaling pathways, unleashing its transforming, invasive, and tumorigenic potential. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 633–638)
An approach to canine behavioural genetics employing guide dogs for the blind
Authors: Takeuchi Y. , Hashizume C. , Arata S. , Inoue‐Murayama M. , Maki T. , Hart B. L. , Mori Y.
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this study was to attempt to find related variables of the canine genome with behavioural traits of dogs maintained and tested in a guide dog facility which provided a relatively uniform environment. The study involved 81 Labrador Retrievers that were being trained as guide dogs. Each dog was taken on walk‐out sessions in which the trainer weekly recorded observations that were related to behavioural traits. The records were subjected to key‐word analysis of 14 behaviour‐related words. A factor analysis on the appearance rate of the 14 key words or phrases resulted in the extraction of six factors that accounted for 67.4% of the variance. Factor 1, referred to as aggressiveness, was significantly related to the success or failure of the dog in qualifying as a guide dog, and was also related to the variable of litter identification. Factor 2, referred to as distraction, was related to the variable of trainer. Factor 3, activity level, was related to the variable of sex, and was significantly related to the polymorphisms of c.471T>C in the solute carrier family 1 (neuronal/epithelial high affinity glutamate transporter) member 2 gene and c.216G>A in the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase gene. The involvement of polymorphisms c.471T>C and c.216G>A in behavioural patterns related to activity level is similar to comparable genetic studies in other mammalian species. These results contribute to a greater understanding of the role of these genes in behaviour.
Quantitative trait loci for performance traits in a broiler × layer cross
Authors: Ambo M. , Moura A. S. A. M. T. , Ledur M. C. , Pinto L. F. B. , Baron E. E. , Ruy D. C. , Nones K. , Campos R. L. R. , Boschiero C. , Burt D. W. , Coutinho L. L.
Published: January 2009

An F2 resource population, derived from a broiler × layer cross, was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for body weights at days 1, 35 and 41, weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency from 35 to 41 days and intestinal length. Up to 577 F2 chickens were genotyped with 103 genetic markers covering 21 linkage groups. A preliminary QTL mapping report using this same population focused exclusively on GGA1. Regression methods were applied to line‐cross and half‐sib models for QTL interval mapping. Under the line‐cross model, eight QTL were detected for body weight at 35 days (GGA2, 3 and 4), body weight at 41 days (GGA2, 3, 4 and 10) and intestine length (GGA4). Under the half‐sib model, using sire as common parent, five QTL were detected for body weight at day 1 (GGA3 and 18), body weight at 35 days (GGA2 and 3) and body weight at 41 days (GGA3). When dam was used as common parent, seven QTL were mapped for body weight at day 1 (GGA2), body weight at day 35 (GGA2, 3 and 4) and body weight at day 41 (GGA2, 3 and 4). Growth differences in chicken lines appear to be controlled by a chronological change in a limited number of chromosomal regions.