bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global existence and asymptotic decay of solutions to the non-isentropic Euler–Maxwell system
Authors: Feng Yue-Hong , Wang Shu , Kawashima Shuichi
Published: June 2014

The non-isentropic compressible Euler–Maxwell system is investigated in ℝ3 in this paper, and the Lq time decay rate for the global smooth solution is established. It is shown that the density and temperature of electron converge to the equilibrium states at the same rate [Formula: see text] in Lq norm. This phenomenon on the charge transport shows the essential relation of the equations with the non-isentropic Euler–Maxwell and the isentropic Euler–Maxwell equations.
Limitations on quantum dimensionality reduction
Authors: Harrow Aram W. , Montanaro Ashley , Short Anthony J.
Published: June 2014

The Johnson–Lindenstrauss Lemma is a classic result which implies that any set of n real vectors can be compressed to O( log n) dimensions while only distorting pairwise Euclidean distances by a constant factor. Here we consider potential extensions of this result to the compression of quantum states. We show that, by contrast with the classical case, there does not exist any distribution over quantum channels that significantly reduces the dimension of quantum states while preserving the 2-norm distance with high probability. We discuss two tasks for which the 2-norm distance is indeed the correct figure of merit. In the case of the trace norm, we show that the dimension of low-rank mixed states can be reduced by up to a square root, but that essentially no dimensionality reduction is possible for highly mixed states.
Encoding secret information in measurement settings
Authors: Assad Syed M. , Kalev Amir
Published: June 2014

Secure communication protocols are often formulated in a paradigm where the message is encoded in measurement outcomes. In this work, we propose a rather unexplored framework in which the message is encoded in measurement settings rather than in their outcomes. In particular, we study two different variants of such secure communication protocols in which the message alphabet corresponds to measurement settings of mutually unbiased bases.
On the construction of optimal asymmetric quantum codes
Authors: Wang Liqi , Zhu Shixin
Published: June 2014

Constacyclic codes are important classes of linear codes that have been applied to the construction of quantum codes. Six new families of asymmetric quantum codes derived from constacyclic codes are constructed in this paper. Moreover, the constructed asymmetric quantum codes are optimal and different from the codes available in the literature.
Research on Proactive Services Based on Context Rules in Virtual Environment
Authors: Chen Ming-Zhi , Lin Bo-Gang , Chen Shui-Li
Published: June 2014

The issues of Human–Machine Interface (HMI) of Virtual Environment (VE) are discussed in view of users' potential application requirements in VE. The Human-centered HMI containing rich context information is proposed by taking the advantage of the abundant research findings of artificial intelligence and pervasive computing. The technology of context-aware computing is introduced in this study for providing initiative services mode as well. First, in view of the characteristics of VE, the Web Ontology Language (OWL) is adopted to model the context information. Second, the modified ID3 decision-tree algorithm is applied to automatically generate the context rules of VE. Third, the polymorphic proactive services model based on context rules is designed. Finally, an example is given to illustrate how to apply context rule-inference to realize proactive services. The experiment demonstrates the correctness and effectiveness of the above mentioned algorithm and model.
On the formula Fp = u2 + pv2
Authors: Alba González Juan José , Berrizbeitia Pedro , Luca Florian
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we show that if p ≡ 1 ( mod 4) is prime, then Fp admits a representation of the form u2 + pv2 for some integers u and v, where Fn is the nth Fibonacci number.
Series solution of unsteady peristaltic flow of a Carreau fluid in small intestines
Authors: Riaz Arshad , Nadeem S. , Ellahi R. , Akbar Noreen Sher
Published: June 2014

The study of peristaltic flow of a Carreau fluid in a non-uniform tube under the consideration of long wavelength is presented. The flow is investigated in a wave frame of reference moving with velocity of the wave c. Numerical integration has been used to obtain the graphical results for pressure rise and frictional forces. The effects of various emerging parameters are investigated through graphs.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPIN INJECTION AND TRANSPORT IN Alq3 AND Co–PHTHALOCYANINE-BASED ORGANIC SPIN VALVES
Authors: MAJUMDAR SAYANI , DEY SUKUMAR , HUHTINEN HANNU , DAHL JOHNNY , TUOMINEN MARJUKKA , LAUKKANEN PEKKA , VAN DIJKEN SEBASTIAAN , MAJUMDAR HIMADRI S.
Published: June 2014

Recent experimental reports suggest the formation of a highly spin-polarized interface ("spinterface") between a ferromagnetic (FM) Cobalt ( Co ) electrode and a metal-phthalocyanine (Pc) molecule. Another report shows an almost 60% giant magnetoresistance (GMR) response measured on Co / H 2 Pc -based single molecule spin valves. In this paper, we compare the spin injection and transport properties of organic spin valves with two different organic spacers, namely Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum ( Alq 3) and CoPc sandwiched between half-metallic La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 (LSMO) and Co electrodes. Alq 3-based spin valves exhibit clear and reproducible spin valve switching with almost 35% negative GMR at 10 K, in accordance with previous reports. In contrast, cobalt-pthalocyanine ( CoPc )-based spin valves fail to show clear GMR response above noise level despite high expectations based on recent reports. Investigations of electronic, magnetic and magnetotransport properties of electrode/spacer interfaces of LSMO/ CoPc / Co devices offer three plausible explanations for the absence of GMR: (1) CoPc films are strongly chemisorbed on the LSMO surface. This improves the LSMO magnetic properties but also induces local traps at the LSMO interface for spin-polarized charge carriers. (2) At the Co / CoPc interface, diffusion of Co atoms into the organic semiconductor (OS) layer and chemical reactivity between Co and the OS deteriorates the FM properties of Co . This renders the Co / CoPc interface as unsuitable for efficient spin injection. (3) The presence of heavy Co atoms in CoPc leads to large spin–orbit coupling in the spacer. The spin relaxation time in the CoPc layer is therefore considerably smaller compared to Alq 3. Based on these findings, we suggest that the absence of GMR in CoPc -based spin valves is caused by a combined effect of inefficient spin injection from FM contacts and poor spin transport in the CoPc spacer layer.
Nature-inspired position determination using inherent magnetic fields
Authors: Taghvaeeyan Saber , Rajamani Rajesh
Published: June 2014

Many creatures in nature, including butterflies, newts, and mole rats, use the Earth's inherent magnetic field for navigation. They use magnetic field lines and variations in field intensity to determine their geographical position. This paper seeks to apply similar techniques to measure the positions of individual ferromagnetic objects found all around us in everyday life. Ferromagnetic objects have inherent magnetic fields around them. We show here that the magnetic field variation around a ferromagnetic object can be modeled using purely the geometry of the object under consideration. By exploiting this model, the position of the object can be measured quite accurately using a small inexpensive magnetic sensor. Further, the use of just one additional redundant magnetic sensor can eliminate the need to calibrate the position measurement system. As demonstrated in the paper through a series of experimental results, the developed measurement system is applicable to accurate position measurement of small and large ferromagnetic objects, including cars on highways, oscillating pistons in internal combustion engines, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, as well as moving parts in many machines.
Strategic Feeding of Ammonium and Metal Ions for Enhanced GLA-Rich Lipid Accumulation inCunninghamella bainieri2A1
Authors: Shuib Shuwahida , Wan Nawi Wan Nazatul Naziah , Taha Ekhlass M. , Omar Othman , Abdul Kader Abdul Jalil , Kalil Mohd Sahaid , Abdul Hamid Aidil
Published: June 2014

Strategic feeding of ammonium and metal ions (Mg2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Co2+, and Zn2+) for enhanced GLA-rich lipid accumulation inC. bainieri2A1 was established. When cultivated in nitrogen-limited medium, the fungus produced up to 30% lipid (g/g biomass) with 12.9% (g/g lipid) GLA. However, the accumulation of lipid stopped at 48 hours of cultivation although glucose was abundant. This event occurred in parallel to the diminishing activity of malic enzyme (ME), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and ATP citrate lyase (ACL) as well as the depletion of metal ions in the medium. Reinstatement of the enzymes activities was achieved by feeding of ammonium tartrate, but no increment in the lipid content was observed. However, increment in lipid content from 32% to 50% (g/g biomass) with 13.2% GLA was achieved when simultaneous feeding of ammonium, glucose, and metal ions was carried out. This showed that the cessation of lipid accumulation was caused by diminishing activities of the enzymes as well as depletion of the metal ions in the medium. Therefore, strategic feeding of ammonium and metal ions successfully reinstated enzymes activities and enhanced GLA-rich lipid accumulation inC. bainieri2A1.
The Static Breaking Technique for Sustainable and Eco-Environmental Coal Mining
Authors: Bing-yuan Hao , Hui Huang , Zi-jun Feng , Kai Wang
Published: June 2014

The initiating explosive devices are prohibited in rock breaking near the goaf of the highly gassy mine. It is effective and applicable to cracking the hard roof with static cracking agent. By testing the static cracking of cubic limestone (size:200×200×200 mm) with true triaxial rock mechanics testing machine under the effect of bidirectional stress and by monitoring the evolution process of the cracks generated during the acoustic emission experiment of static cracking, we conclude the following: the experiment results of the acoustic emission show that the cracks start from the lower part of the hole wall until they spread all over the sample. The crack growth rate follows a trend of “from rapidness to slowness.” The expansion time is different for the two bunches of cracks. The growth rates can be divided into the rapid increasing period and the rapid declining period, of which the growth rate in declining period is less than that in the increasing period. Also, the growth rate along the vertical direction is greater than that of the horizontal direction. Then the extended model for the static cracking is built according to the theories of elastic mechanics and fracture mechanics. Thus the relation formula between the applied forces of cracks and crack expansion radius is obtained. By comparison with the test results, the model proves to be applicable. In accordance with the actual geological situation of Yangquan No. 3 Mine, the basic parameters of manpower manipulated caving breaking with static crushing are settled, which reaps bumper industrial effects.
A Comparison of Abundance and Diversity of Epiphytic Microalgal Assemblages on the Leaves of the SeagrassesPosidonia oceanica(L.) andCymodocea nodosa(Ucria) Asch in Eastern Tunisia
Authors: Mabrouk Lotfi , Ben Brahim Mounir , Hamza Asma , Mahfoudhi Mabrouka , Bradai Med Najmeddine
Published: June 2014

We studied spatial patterns in assemblages of epiphytic microalgae on the leaves of two seagrass species with different morphologies and longevity,Cymodocea nodosaandPosidonia oceanica, which cooccur in Chebba in Eastern Tunisia. Epiphyte assemblages were described for each species in summer. Epiphyte microalgal assemblages were more abundant on the leaves ofC. nodosabut more diversified on the leaves ofP. oceanica. We suggest that the differences in species composition and abundance between those seagrass species may reflect an interaction of timescales of seagrass longevity with timescales of algal reproductive biology. Short-livedC. nodosawas dominated by fast growing species such as the cyanobacteria speciesOscillatoriasp., whileP. oceanicaleaves were colonized by more mature and diversified species such as Prorocentrales. Local environmental conditions (hydrodynamics, light penetration), host characteristics (meadow type, shapes forms of leaves, life span, and growth rate), and grazing effect seem also to be responsible for these dissimilarities in epiphytic microalgae communities.
Prediction Model for Object Oriented Software Development Effort Estimation Using One Hidden Layer Feed Forward Neural Network with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yadav Chandra Shekhar , Singh Raghuraj
Published: June 2014

The budget computation for software development is affected by the prediction of software development effort and schedule. Software development effort and schedule can be predicted precisely on the basis of past software project data sets. In this paper, a model for object-oriented software development effort estimation using one hidden layer feed forward neural network (OHFNN) has been developed. The model has been further optimized with the help of genetic algorithm by taking weight vector obtained from OHFNN as initial population for the genetic algorithm. Convergence has been obtained by minimizing the sum of squared errors of each input vector and optimal weight vector has been determined to predict the software development effort. The model has been empirically validated on the PROMISE software engineering repository dataset. Performance of the model is more accurate than the well-established constructive cost model (COCOMO).
Dynamics and Motivations of Media Marketing: The Role of Globalization and Empowerment
Authors: Colapinto Cinzia , Benecchi Eleonora
Published: June 2014

Audience fragmentation, convergence, and technology development have changed consumption patterns and brand communication. Media companies should consider TV series and movies as brands to be exploiting at national/international level. Using a dynamic diffusion model, we analyze the evolution of popularity in a specific country under different hypotheses. Then we propose an optimal decision model which describes the decision maker’s point of view in a two-sided market.
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia Induced Pancreatitis in Pregnancy
Authors: Gupta Natasha , Ahmed Seema , Shaffer Lemuel , Cavens Paula , Blankstein Josef
Published: June 2014

Acute pancreatitis caused by severe gestational hypertriglyceridemia is a rare complication of pregnancy. Acute pancreatitis has been well associated with gallstone disease, alcoholism, or drug abuse but rarely seen in association with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia may occur in pregnancy due to normal physiological changes leading to abnormalities in lipid metabolism. We report a case of severe gestational hypertriglyceridemia that caused acute pancreatitis at full term and was successfully treated with postpartum therapeutic plasma exchange. Patient also developed several other complications related to her substantial hypertriglyceridemia including preeclampsia, chylous ascites, retinal detachment, pleural effusion, and chronic pericarditis. This patient had no previous family or personal history of lipid abnormality and had four successful prior pregnancies without developing gestational hypertriglyceridemia. Such a severe hypertriglyceridemia is usually seen in patients with familial chylomicronemia syndromes where hypertriglyceridemia is exacerbated by the pregnancy, leading to fatal complications such as acute pancreatitis.
Prevalence of Corneal Astigmatism in Patients before Cataract Surgery in Northern China
Authors: Yuan Xiaoyong , Song Hui , Peng Gang , Hua Xia , Tang Xin
Published: June 2014

Purpose. To analyze the prevalence and presentation patterns of corneal astigmatism in cataract surgery candidates in a teaching hospital in northern China.Methods. From May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013, partial coherence interferometry (IOLMaster) measurements of all qualified cataract surgery candidates were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results. The study evaluated 12,449 eyes from 6,908 patients with a mean age of69.80±11.15(SD) years. The corneal astigmatism was 0.5 diopters (D) or less in 20.76% of eyes, 1.0 D or more in 47.27% of eyes, 2.0 D or more in 13.16% of eyes, and 3.0 D or more in 3.75% of eyes. With-the-rule astigmatism was found in 30.36% of eyes, while against-the-rule was found in 52.41% of eyes. The percentage of against-the-rule astigmatism increased with age.Conclusion. Our study showed that almost one-half of preoperative eyes (47.27%) in northern China have a corneal astigmatism of 1.0 D or more, indicating that more surgical techniques or toric IOLs are needed to achieve better visual rehabilitation.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents from the Age Range of 2 to 19 Years Old in Brazil
Authors: Niehues Janaina R. , Gonzales Ana Inês , Lemos Robson R. , Bezerra Poliana Penasso , Haas Patrícia
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Infant juvenile obesity is currently a worldwide public health problem and it is increasing at alarming rate in the Brazilian population, showing its relevance in terms of public health.Objectives. Determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents between 2 and 19 years old in different regions of Brazil.Methods. The following electronic databases were searched (from September through November 2013): Medline (PubMed), LILACS, and SciELO, using the descriptors and Boolean operators (obesity) and (overweight) and (child) and (prevalence) and (Brazil). Prospective and/or cross-sectional designs studies were found regarding the prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents in the five regions of Brazil.Results. A total of 191 scientific articles were found of which 17 met all inclusion criteria. A higher prevalence of overweight was found in the south (25.7%) and north (28.8%) of the country, and obesity in the southeast (15.4%) and south (10.4%).Conclusions. The scope of the studies was mostly based on municipal coverage, which resulted in limitations for conclusive analysis, showing the need for further studies of prevalence at the national level, with emphasis on public health in obese children and adolescents throughout the Brazilian territory.
In VitroDissolution andIn VivoBioavailability of Six Brands of Ciprofloxacin Tablets Administered in Rabbits and Their Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Fahmy Sahar , Abu-Gharbieh Eman
Published: June 2014

This study was undertaken to assess thein vitrodissolution andin vivobioavailability of six brands of ciprofloxacin oral tablets available in the UAE market using rabbits. Thein vitrodissolution profiles of the six ciprofloxacin products were determined using the USP dissolution paddle method. Pharmacokinetic modeling using compartmental and noncompartmental analysis was done to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of ciprofloxacin after single-dose oral administration.In vitrorelease study revealed that the amount of ciprofloxacin released in 20 minutes was not less than 80% of the labeled amount which is in accordance with the pharmacopoeial requirements. All tested products are considered to be very rapid dissolving except for formulae A and D. Ciprofloxacin plasma concentration in rabbits was best fitted to a two-compartment open model. The lowest bioavailability was determined to be for product A (93.24%) while the highest bioavailability was determined to be for product E (108.01%). Postmarketing surveillance is very crucial to ensure product quality and eliminating substandard products to be distributed and, consequently, ensure better patient clinical outcome. The tested ciprofloxacin generic products distributed in the UAE market were proven to be of good quality and could be used interchangeably with the branded ciprofloxacin product.
Baicalein Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Wang Zhongxia , Jiang Chunping , Chen Weibo , Zhang Guang , Luo Dongjun , Cao Yin , Wu Junhua , Ding Yitao , Liu Baorui
Published: June 2014

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a disastrous disease and the treatment for HCC is rather limited. Separation and identification of active compounds from traditionally used herbs in HCC treatment may shed light on novel therapeutic drugs for HCC.Methods. Cell viability and colony forming assay were conducted to determine anti-HCC activity. Morphology of cells and activity of caspases were analyzed. Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and JNK were also examined. Levels of unfolded protein response (UPR) markers were determined and intracellular calcium was assayed. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to investigate the role of UPR and autophagy in baicalein-induced cell death.Results. Among four studied flavonoids, only baicalein exhibited satisfactory inhibition of viability and colony formation of HCC cells within water-soluble concentration. Baicalein induced apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, possibly by downregulating prosurvival Bcl-2 family, increasing intracellular calcium, and activating JNK. CHOP was the executor of cell death during baicalein-induced ER stress while eIF2αand IRE1αplayed protective roles. Protective autophagy was also triggered by baicalein in HCC cells.Conclusion. Baicalein exhibits prominent anti-HCC activity. This flavonoid induces apoptosis and protective autophagy via ER stress. Combination of baicalein and autophagy inhibitors may represent a promising therapy against HCC.
Variability in Growth, Physiological, and Biochemical Characteristics among Various Clones ofDalbergia sissooin a Clonal Seed Orchard
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Bakshi Meena
Published: June 2014

Growth and physiological variability among clones ofDalbergia sissoogrowing in a CSO revealed maximum height and GBH in Gonda clones (C196 and C198) and minimum growth attributes in Rajasthan clones. All biochemical constituents except sugar were also maximum in Gonda clones. Maximum chl. a, total chl., and chlorofluorescence (CF) were recorded in C235 and C123 while chl. b was maximum in C198. Among tested clones, sugar content was maximum in C60 (Chhachhrauli) while C198 (Gonda) revealed maximum protein content. Heritability estimates of 8 characters at 99% revealed strong genetic control of total chls., sugars, proteins, and chl. b; however, maximum genetic gains of 117% and 80% were recorded for sugar and protein content, respectively. Correlation matrix revealed a positive correlation between height and GBH and CF. Among biochemical constituents, chl. a, and chl. b, chl. b, and total chl. were correlated significantly at 0.1% level. Regarding contribution of different parameters to variability, height and GBH were the greatest contributors. Clustering of clones on the basis of all three parameters separated clones in one major and six minor clusters. Average distance from centroid was found to be 22.61 whereas the maximum distance from centroid was 50.75.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Preferential Flow in Fractured Network with Clogging Process
Authors: Chen Xiaobing , Zhao Jian , Chen Li
Published: June 2014

In this study, physical experiments and numerical simulations are combined to provide a detailed understanding of flow dynamics in fracture network. Hydraulic parameters such as pressure head, velocity field, Reynolds number on certain monitoring cross points, and total flux rate are examined under various clogging conditions. Applying the COMSOL Multiphysics code to solve the Navier‐Stokes equation instead of Reynolds equation and using the measured data to validate the model, the fluid flow in the horizontal 2D cross‐sections of the fracture network was simulated. Results show that local clogging leads to a significant reshaping of the flow velocity field and a reduction of the transport capacity of the entire system. The flow rate distribution is highly influenced by the fractures connected to the dominant flow channels, although local disturbances in velocity field are unlikely to spread over the whole network. Also, modeling results indicate that water flow in a fracture network, compared with that in a single fracture, is likely to transit into turbulence earlier under the same hydraulic gradient due to the influence of fracture intersections.
Development of a High Precision Edge Alignment System for Touch-Panel Glass Substrates
Authors: Lee Hau-Wei , Liu Chien Hung , Chen Jenq-Shyong
Published: June 2014

There are two kinds of alignment systems, marked and unmarked. The glass substrate for touch panels is categorized as an unmarked work piece. Vision based glass substrate alignment (GSA) relies on the edge of the glass. Traditional GSA systems compensate first for angular and then for linear error. This reduces alignment accuracy and increases alignment time and edge detection usually takes longer than 10 ms. This study proposes an effortless edge detection method. This method is very simple and can significantly reduce the time taken to detect the edge to about 6 ms using a 1.3 megapixel image. In this study, a floating center idea is used to control the glass substrate on a high precision coplanar XXY alignment stage. According to the method, users can set the rotation center anywhere as long as it is on the working ( xy) plane. Tolerance prognosis is also considered in this study to help the operator decide if the substrate is usable or should be rejected. The experimental results show alignment repeatability of the x, y, and θ axes to be 1 μm, 1 μm, and 5 arcsec, respectively.
biomvRhsmm:Genomic Segmentation with Hidden Semi-Markov Model
Authors: Du Yang , Murani Eduard , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Wimmers Klaus
Published: June 2014

High-throughput technologies like tiling array and next-generation sequencing (NGS) generate continuous homogeneous segments or signal peaks in the genome that represent transcripts and transcript variants (transcript mapping and quantification), regions of deletion and amplification (copy number variation), or regions characterized by particular common features like chromatin state or DNA methylation ratio (epigenetic modifications). However, the volume and output of data produced by these technologies present challenges in analysis. Here, a hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) is implemented and tailored to handle multiple genomic profile, to better facilitate genome annotation by assisting in the detection of transcripts, regulatory regions, and copy number variation by holistic microarray or NGS. With support for various data distributions, instead of limiting itself to one specific application, the proposed hidden semi-Markov model is designed to allow modeling options to accommodate different types of genomic data and to serve as a general segmentation engine. By incorporating genomic positions into the sojourn distribution of HSMM, with optional prior learning using annotation or previous studies, the modeling output is more biologically sensible. The proposed model has been compared with several other state-of-the-art segmentation models through simulation benchmarking, which shows that our efficient implementation achieves comparable or better sensitivity and specificity in genomic segmentation.
p120 Modulates LPS-Induced NF-κB Activation Partially through RhoA in Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Qin Lingzhi , Qin Shenghui , Zhang Yanli , Zhang Chao , Ma Heng , Li Naping , Liu Liwei , Wang Xi , Wu Renliang
Published: June 2014

p120-Catenin (p120) is an adherens junction protein recognized to regulate cell-cell adhesion. Emerging evidence indicates that p120 may also play an important role in inflammatory responses, and the regulatory mechanisms are still unknown. In the present study, we showed that p120 was associated with airway inflammation. p120 downregulation induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, accompanied with IκBαdegradation, p65 nuclear translocation, and increased expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- treated C57BL mice and human bronchial epithelial cells (BECs). Moreover, we first found that p120 directly coprecipitated with RhoA in BECs. After LPS stimulation, although total RhoA and p120-bound RhoA were unchanged, RhoA activity was increased. Y27632, a ROCK inhibitor, could partially inhibit nuclear translocation of p65. Overexpression of p120 inactivated RhoA and NF-κB in BECs, whereas p120 loss significantly increased RhoA activity, p65 nuclear translocation, and IL-8 expression. Taken together, our study supports the regulatory role of p120 in airway inflammation and reveals that p120 may modulate NF-κB signaling partially through RhoA.
The Biological Effects of Sex Hormones on Rabbit Articular Chondrocytes from Different Genders
Authors: Chang Shwu Jen , Kuo Shyh Ming , Lin Yen Ting , Yang Shan-Wei
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects of sex hormones (17β-estradiol and testosterone) on rabbit articular chondrocytes from different genders. We cultured primary rabbit articular chondrocytes from both genders with varying concentration of sex hormones. We evaluate cell proliferation and biochemical functions by MTT and GAG assay. The chondrocyte function and phenotypes were analyzed by mRNA level using RT-PCR. Immunocytochemical staining was also used to evaluate the generation of collagen-II. This study demonstrated that 17β-estradiol had greater positive regulation on the biological function and gene expressions of articular chondrocytes than testosterone, with the optimal concentrations of 10−6and 10−7 M, particularly for female chondrocytes.
In Memoriam: An Appreciation for the NCI R25T Cancer Education and Career Development Program
Authors: Chang Shine
Published: June 2014

On September 7, 2013, the NCI R25T award mechanism ended its final “receipt/review/award cycle” after more than two decades shaping the cancer prevention and control workforce. Created in 1991 to respond to a national shortage of cancer prevention and control researchers, the R25T supported innovative institutional programs with specialized curricula preparing individuals for careers as independent scientists for the field. Required elements ensured developing transdisciplinary sensibilities and skills highly suited to team science, including conducting collaborative research with mentors of complementary expertise. R25Ts provided trainee stipends, research, education, and travel funds at levels far higher than T32 National Service Research Awards to attract individuals from diverse disciplines. Graduates are faculty at all academic ranks, and hold leadership positions such as associate directors of cancer prevention and control. Beyond its trainees, R25Ts also recruited into the field other students exposed through courses in specialized prevention curricula, as well as course instructors and trainee mentors, who did not initially consider their work to be relevant to cancer prevention. Although advances are being achieved, prevention efforts are not yet fully realized, and currently unknown is the impact on the workforce of terminating the R25T, including whether it is another barrier to preventing cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 1133–6. ©2014 AACR.
Time to Screening in the Systems of Support to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Wang Ching-Yun , de Dieu Tapsoba Jean , Anderson Melissa L. , Vernon Sally W. , Chubak Jessica , Fuller Sharon , Green Beverly B.
Published: June 2014

Understanding how interventions affect time to completion of colorectal cancer screening might assist in planning and delivering population-based screening interventions. The Systems of Support to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening (SOS) study was conducted between 2008 and 2011 at 21 primary care medical centers in Western Washington. Participants in the study, ages 50 to 73 years, were eligible if they were enrolled in Group Health (Seattle, WA) and were due for colorectal cancer screening. Of note, 4,675 recruited participants were randomized to usual care or one of three interventions with incremental levels of systems of support for completion of colorectal cancer screening. We conducted time to screening analyses of the SOS data in years 1 and 2. We investigated whether these effects were time-varying. For year 1, the intervention effects on the time to completion of colorectal cancer screening were the strongest during the first two post-randomization months and then decreased, with no significant effect after the fifth month. For year 2, the intervention effects on the time to colorectal cancer screening increased from the first to the third month and then decreased, with no significant effect after the fifth month. Hence, each of the interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening had its greatest effect within the first 3 months after being offered to participants. Future studies should test whether booster interventions offered later could increase screening rate among those who remain unscreened. Additional research is needed to develop intervention strategies for colorectal cancer screening that focus on sustained behavior over time. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1683–8. ©2014 AACR.
The First Human Laparoscopy and NOTES Operation: Dimitrij Oscarovic Ott (1855-1929)
Authors: Hatzinger Martin , Fesenko Alexander , Sohn Michael
Published: June 2014

Dimitrij Oscarovic Ott (1855-1929) can undoubtedly be called the true pioneer of laparoscopy, especially of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. In 1901 already he performed abdominal examinations via a transvaginal access calling this procedure ‘ventroscopy'. In 1902 the publication of his first results, as well as a description of the method and the equipment used, were released. In addition to Georg Kelling (1866-1945) and Hans Christian Jacobaeus (1879-1937), he therefore was one of the pioneers of present-day laparoscopy. Whereas Kelling published and presented his first results of merely animal trials in 1901 and Jacobaeus performed his first interventions on humans only in 1910, Ott had already used his new method in clinical practice since 1901. By only one incision in the cul-de-sac and utilizing a head lamp system similar to reflector lamps used by otolaryngologists, he inspected the abdominal cavity making use of a gynecological speculum. The patient was positioned in an extreme head-down position; for better lighting he used an additional light source which was connected to the speculum. Nowadays in Russia Prof. Ott still is a legend, especially in St. Petersburg. He was the director of the National Institute of Obstetrics and the personal physician to Empress Aleksandra Fedorovna (1872-1918). He is regarded as the father of the Russian school of obstetrics and gynecology as well as the founder of endoscopic surgery and laparoscopy in Russia.
Morphology and Histomorphometry of the Bladder and Urethra in Ovariectomized Rats after Long-Term Use of Tibolone
Authors: Henriques Helene Nara , Bergmann de Carvalho Ana Carolina , Pantaleão Jose Augusto Soares , Guzmán-Silva Maria Angélica
Published: June 2014

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of long-term high-dose tibolone on the bladders and urethras of ovariectomized rats. Methods: Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in 14 young adult rats randomly divided into 2 groups. Experimental rats (n = 9) received 1 mg/day of tibolone orally; control rats (n = 6) received a placebo. After 150 days, the bladders and urethras were removed. Bladder cell proliferation was analyzed by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. A histomorphometric analysis was performed for epithelial thickness and the percent areas of collagen fibers and blood vessels. Data were compared using a Mann-Whitney test (significance level at p < 0.05). Results: Urothelial thickness and the percent area of collagen fibers and blood vessels were not significantly different between the tibolone and control groups in the bladder and urethra. In addition, urothelium cell proliferation in the bladder showed a low immunopositivity in both groups. Furthermore, the glycogen and glycoprotein contents in urethral epithelium were slightly modified by tibolone and no change was observed in the bladder. Conclusion: Long-term administration of tibolone has no effect on urothelial trophism, collagen fibers, the number of vessels, or cell proliferation in the urethra and bladder of the ovariectomized rat.
Sex Differences in T-Lymphocyte Tissue Infiltration and Development of Angiotensin II Hypertension
Authors: Pollow Dennis P. , Uhrlaub Jennifer , Romero-Aleshire Melissa J. , Sandberg Kathryn , Nikolich-Zugich Janko , Brooks Heddwen L. , Hay Meredith
Published: June 2014

There is extensive evidence that activation of the immune system is both necessary and required for the development of angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced hypertension in males. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sex differences exist in the ability of the adaptive immune system to induce Ang II–dependent hypertension and whether central and renal T-cell infiltration during Ang II–induced hypertension is sex dependent. Recombinant activating gene-1 (
Rag-1
)
–/–
mice, lacking both T and B cells, were used. Male and female

Rag-1
–/–

mice received adoptive transfer of male CD3
+
T cells 3 weeks before 14-day Ang II infusion (490 ng/kg per minute). Blood pressure was monitored via tail cuff. In the absence of T cells, systolic blood pressure responses to Ang II were similar between sexes (Δ22.1 mm Hg males versus Δ18 mm

Hg females). After adoptive transfer of male T cells, Ang II significantly increased systolic blood pressure in males (Δ37.7 mm

Hg;
P
<0.05) when compared with females (Δ13.7 mm

Hg). Flow cytometric analysis of total T cells and CD4
+
, CD8
+
, and regulatory Foxp3
+
-CD4
+
T-cell subsets identified that renal lymphocyte infiltration was significantly increased in males versus females in both control and Ang II–infused animals (
P
<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining for CD3
+
-positive T cells in the subfornical organ region of the brain was increased in males when compared with that in females. These results suggest that female

Rag-1
–/–

mice are protected from male T-cell–mediated increases in Ang II–induced hypertension when compared with their male counterparts, and this protection may involve sex differences in the magnitude of T-cell infiltration of the kidney and brain.
What Scale Affords Us: Sizing the World Up through Scale
Authors: Kee Joan
Published: June 2014

In the 1990s, contemporary art's “global turn” was vividly demonstrated by artists whose works directly reflected upon their experiences of moving across vast geographical distances. Coinciding with a multidisciplinary crisis over globalization as expressed through different approaches to the question of scale, the ambivalence towards the global turn's expansionism was vividly taken up by the large number of Asian artists whose rise to international prominence was enabled by this “turn.” Artists like Suh Do-Ho, Naoya Hatakeyama, and Danh Vo engaged with scale not simply as metonymical reflections of the world, but as a means of responding to those systems, standards, and hierarchies whose own assumptions about scale were mobilized to put things in their proper, but not always rightful, place.
Rat Diaries
Authors: El-Noshokaty Shady
Published: June 2014

Rat Diaries is a series of drawings that attempts to map the intensity of everyday life in Egypt intertwined with intuitive visual and verbal comments on art practice. The drawings are multi-layered juxtapositions of various forms and contrasting types of lines that move from controlled shapes to seemingly uncontrolled scribbling, from figures to abstract shapes. What this layering achieves is a proposition of form that is ultimately unattainable. With all their pretension to ground the subject within the given coordinates of experiential reality, El-Noshokaty's maps refuse to communicate daily life as objectively mapable. The grid that is supposed to provide a support structure for the map and accommodate the given spatio-temporal coordinates is overcome by an intricacy of lines. These lines cover the grid with a labyrinthine maze and refuse to communicate an experience. But the lines are not as out of control or accidental as they might seem. While reflecting emotional content, they are also critically operational “devices” in a sense that they render the tyranny of the grid and its silent objectivity obsolete. The drawings that are accumulations of traces from experiential reality (emotions, everyday impressions, banal listing of events) crystalize reality in forms that no longer refer back to their original context.
The Nightingale's Butcher Manifesto
Authors: Irani Hooshang , Gharib Gholam Hossein , Shirvani Hassan
Published: June 2014

Perhaps the earliest manifesto in Iranian art, “The Nightingale's Butcher Manifesto” fights for an Iranian avant-garde—an avant-garde based on new modes of abstraction so as to break the chains of both Iran's artistic traditions and the social concerns of figuration.
Volume and Environment II
Authors:   Azad Group
Published: June 2014

This second manifesto marks a shift from abstraction to conceptualism in Iranian art worlds. It lays the foundation for contemporary art as it has developed in the country, albeit set in tension with, and written amid, the massive social upheaval in Iran just before the 1979 Revolution.
Displaced Boundaries: Geometric Abstraction from Pictures to Objects
Authors: Amor Monica
Published: June 2014

This review concerns Osbel Suarez, Cold America: Geometric Abstraction in Latin America (1934–1973), an exhibition presented by the Fundación Juan March in Madrid, Feb 11–May 15, 2011 and Alejandro Crispiani's book Objetos para transformar el mundo: Trayectorias del arte concreto-invención, Argentina y Chile, 1940–1970 [Objects to Transform the World: Trajectories of Concrete-Invention Art, Argentina and Chile, 1940–1970] (Buenos Aires: Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, 2011). The review briefly assesses the state of the literature on Latin American Geometric Abstractio and analyzes these two publications from 2011, which stand precisely for traditional approaches and new developments in the field.
Roundtable on the Return to Classical Film Theory
Authors: Andrew Dudley , Kaes Anton , Keller Sarah , Liebman Stuart , Michelson Annette , Turvey Malcolm
Published: June 2014

Stuart Liebman: I want to take up several issues in Malcolm's introduction in order to amplify, and perhaps to qualify, some of his remarks. He rightly notes that we are presently living through a period of scholarly engagement with early film theory. Malcolm implies that the current interest is somehow larger and more extensive than it used to be, and there is some truth in that. In addition to those texts he mentions, one must cite Richard Taylor's massive efforts to reclaim through retranslation vast amounts of Eisenstein's writings, including a great deal of new material. He has also done the same for many of Pudovkin's texts. Taylor's efforts built on his joint project with Ian Christie to substantially expand the texts available by lesser-known Soviet figures in their excellent anthology The Film Factory, published in 1988, the same year that Abel's anthology on French cinema was released.
Epstein Revealed: A Review of Jean Epstein
Authors: Michelson Annette
Published: June 2014

Long-awaited, too long delayed, the writings of Jean Epstein (1897–1953) are now available to English-language readers in a generous selection of excerpts from his theoretical work. Well chosen by the co-editors, Sarah Keller and Jason N. Paul, and decently if somewhat unevenly translated, they are complemented by a series of lively essays on Epstein's various interests, which ranged widely.
Vertov, the View from Nowhere, and the Expanding Circle
Authors: Turvey Malcolm
Published: June 2014

Classical film theorists are commonly divided into two opposing camps. In one are placed those, such as Rudolf Arnheim and V. I. Pudovkin, who “put their faith in the image,” to borrow André Bazin's phrase, arguing that “the most aesthetically significant feature of the film medium is its capacity to manipulate reality, that is, to rearrange and thereby reconstitute the profilmic event (the event that transpires in front of the camera).” In the other belong realists, like Bazin and Siegfried Kracauer, who “put their faith in reality,” believing that “the truly cinematic film stays as close to recording as possible, eschewing the interpretation, recreation, or reconstitution of reality.” One of the many unusual things about the films and writings of Dziga Vertov is that they appear to straddle both camps at once.
Dance and Fetish: Phenomenology and Metz's Epistemological Shift
Authors: Chateau Dominique , Lefebvre Martin
Published: June 2014

Christian Metz is remembered today as having almost single-handedly transformed the culture of film studies. This widely held view was summarized by one commentator, who wrote that “with Metz a new research paradigm is born, as well as a new generation of scholars. The ontological theories are followed by methodological theories.” According to another, “Metz exemplified a new kind of film theorist, one who came to the field already ‘armed’ with the analytic instruments of a specific discipline, who was unapologetically academic and unconnected to the world of film criticism.” Of course, Metz didn't just surge like a meteor on the scene of film studies. His arrival was “prepared” by the filmologie movement spear-headed in Paris by Gilbert Cohen-Séat and by two early film semiology essays published by Roland Barthes in La Revue internationale de filmologie. Yet it is Metz who is rightly remembered as the figurehead of film semiology.
Weak Ties in the Singaporean Labour Market
Authors: Baharom Adzahar Fadzli
Published: June 2014

According to Granovetter, weak ties link individuals to other social circles that place them in strategic positions to gain access to job information and opportunities otherwise not available in their innate networks. This paper affirms that weak ties, as a form of social capital, matter and that they assist in explaining variations in status attainment between ethnic groups in Singapore. I show that access to weak ties affects status attainment differently across ethnic groups and that the Malay’s weaker performance in the labour market is partly due to their lower access to weak ties. This paper would be of interest to scholars concerned with the intertwining of social stratification with social capital and ethnicity.
A Phenomenology of being “Very China”
Authors: Yang Peidong
Published: June 2014

This paper offers an ethnographic account of the self-formation experiences of Mainland Chinese undergraduate students as “foreign talents” in a Singaporean university. While extant scholarship often points out that international educational sojourn has transformative effects on the student-sojourners, detailed empirical examination of how such transformations take place is still lacking; this paper furnishes a microscopic case study in this vein. By looking at Chinese international students in the (Southeast) Asian city-state Singapore, the paper is also an effort to offer a relatively rare glimpse into the subjective dimension of intra-Asia student mobility. Furthermore, with regard to the Singapore local context, this account seeks to throw some new light on the hotly-debated “foreign talent” issue from the perspective of the scholarship-receiving students (“scholars”). With the title being a playful riff on G.W.F. Hegel’s philosophical canon, this paper uses Hegelian notions such as self-consciousness, the “other”, desire, and negation to narrate and analyse those aspects of the Mainland Chinese scholars’ self-(trans)formative experiences revolving around the idiom of “very China”-ness.