bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications associated with transobturator sling procedures: analysis of 233 consecutive cases with a 27 months follow-up
Authors: Kaelin-Gambirasio Isabelle , Jacob Sandrine , Boulvain Michel , Dubuisson Jean-Bernard , Dällenbach Patrick
Published: September 2009

Backround

The transobturator tape procedure (TOT) is an effective surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. However data concerning safety are rare, follow-up is often less than two years, and complications are probably underreported. The aim of this study was to describe early and late complications associated with TOT procedures and identify risk factors for erosions.

Methods

It was a 27 months follow-up of a cohort of 233 women who underwent TOT with three different types of slings (Aris®, Obtape®, TVT-O®). Follow-up information was available for 225 (96.6%) women.

Results

There were few per operative complications. Forty-eight women (21.3%) reported late complications including de novo or worsening of preexisting urgencies (10.2%), perineal pain (2.2%), de novo dyspareunia (9%), and vaginal erosion (7.6%). The risk of erosion significantly differed between the three types of slings and was 4%, 17% and 0% for Aris®, Obtape® and TVT-O® respectively (P = 0.001). The overall proportion of women satisfied by the procedure was 72.1%. The percentage of women satisfied was significantly lower in women who experienced erosion (29.4%) compared to women who did not (78.4%) (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05-0.38, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Late post operative complications are relatively frequent after TOT and can impair patient's satisfaction. Women should be informed of these potential complications preoperatively and require careful follow-up after the procedure. Choice of the safest sling material is crucial as it is a risk factor for erosion.
A HIV-1 heterosexual transmission chain in Guangzhou, China: a molecular epidemiological study
Authors: Han Zhigang , Leung Tommy WC , Zhao Jinkou , Wang Ming , Fan Lirui , Li Kai , Pang Xinli , Liang Zhenbo , Lim Wilina WL , Xu Huifang
Published: September 2009

Background

We conducted molecular analyses to confirm four clustering HIV-1 infections (Patient A, B, C & D) in Guangzhou, China. These cases were identified by epidemiological investigation and suspected to acquire the infection through a common heterosexual transmission chain.

Methods

Env C2V3V4 region, gag p17/p24 junction and partial pol gene of HIV-1 genome from serum specimens of these infected cases were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nucleotide sequenced.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses indicated that their viral nucleotide sequences were significantly clustered together (bootstrap value is 99%, 98% and 100% in env, gag and pol tree respectively). Evolutionary distance analysis indicated that their genetic diversities of env, gag and pol genes were significantly lower than non-clustered controls, as measured by unpaired t-test (env gene comparison: p < 0.005; gag gene comparison: p < 0.005; pol gene comparison: p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Epidemiological results and molecular analyses consistently illustrated these four cases represented a transmission chain which dispersed in the locality through heterosexual contact involving commercial sex worker.
Collagenofibrotic Glomerulopathy: Three Case Reports in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Renata DR , Custódio Fabiano B , Guimarães Camila SO , Corrêa Rosana RM , Reis Marlene A
Published: September 2009

Background

We are reporting the first Collagenofibrotic Glomerulopathy (CG) in South America. So, this collagen type III glomerulopathy is not limited to Japan but may be found throughout the world.

Case Reports

We describe three patients that presented some factors in common, such as sex, age and the presence of non-nephrotic proteinuria associated with microscopic hematuria. The findings with the immunofluorescence microscopy, of immunoglobulins, and components of the complement were usually negative. The picrosyrius staining showed the presence of reddish material in the mesangium, when it was seen under standard microscopy; however, when it was seen with birefringence, it became greenish under polarized light, showed the collagen found in this area of the glomerulus. The identification of CG was made through electronic microscopic scanning, and curved and disorganized fibers were found.

Conclusion

These cases are the first from South America to be reported, and they are about an idiopathic renal disease that is not related to any specific races or locations. The reports contribute to a better understanding of this disease, which although not so prevalent, should be considered as an importantly differential diagnostic of cases of proteinuria.
Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated disease protein TDP-43 promotes dendritic branching
Authors: Lu Yubing , Ferris Jacob , Gao Fen-Biao
Published: September 2009

Background

TDP-43 is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein implicated in the pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases. In diseased neurons, TDP-43 is depleted in the nucleus, suggesting a loss-of-function pathogenic mechanism. However, the normal function of TDP-43 in postmitotic neurons is largely unknown.

Results

Here we demonstrate that overexpression of Drosophila TDP-43 (dTDP-43) in vivo significantly increases dendritic branching of sensory neurons in Drosophila larvae. Loss of dTDP-43 function, either in a genetic null mutant or through RNAi knockdown, decreased dendritic branching. Further genetic analysis demonstrated a cell-autonomous role for dTDP-43 in dendrite formation. Moreover, human TDP-43 (hTDP-43) promoted dendritic branching in Drosophila neurons, and this function was attenuated by mutations associated with ALS.

Conclusion

These findings reveal an essential role for TDP-43 in dendritic structural integrity, supporting the notion that loss of normal TDP-43 function in diseased neurons may compromise neuronal connectivity before neuronal cell loss in FTD and ALS.
Paired Box Gene 8-Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Fusion Protein and Loss of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Synergistically Cause Thyroid Hyperplasia in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Diallo-Krou Ericka , Yu Jingcheng , Colby Lesley A. , Inoki Ken , Wilkinson John E. , Thomas Dafydd G. , Giordano Thomas J. , Koenig Ronald J.
Published: September 2009

Approximately 35% of follicular thyroid carcinomas and a small fraction of follicular adenomas are associated with a t(2;3)(q13;p25) chromosomal translocation that fuses paired box gene 8 (PAX8) with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ gene (PPARG), resulting in expression of a PAX8-PPARγ fusion protein, PPFP. The mechanism by which PPFP contributes to follicular thyroid neoplasia is poorly understood. Therefore, we have created mice with thyroid-specific expression of PPFP. At 1 yr of age, 25% of PPFP mice demonstrate mild thyroid hyperplasia. We bred these mice to mice with thyroid-specific single-allele deletion of the tumor suppressor Pten, denoted ThyPten+/−. In humans, PTEN deletion is associated with follicular adenomas and carcinomas, and in mice, deletion of one Pten allele causes mild thyroid hyperplasia. We found that PPFP synergizes with ThyPten+/− to cause marked thyroid hyperplasia, but carcinomas were not observed. AKT phosphorylation was increased as expected in the ThyPten+/− thyroids, and also was increased in the PPFP thyroids and in human PPFP follicular cancers. Staining for the cell cycle marker Ki-67 was increased in the PPFP, ThyPten+/−, and PPFP;ThyPten+/− thyroids compared with wild-type thyroids. Several genes with increased expression in PPFP cancers also were found to be increased in the thyroids of PPFP mice. This transgenic mouse model of thyroidal PPFP expression exhibits properties similar to those of PPFP thyroid cancers. However, the mice develop thyroid hyperplasia, not carcinoma, suggesting that additional events are required to cause follicular thyroid cancer.
Smicl is required for phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and affects 3′-end processing of RNA at the midblastula transition inXenopus
Authors: Collart Clara , Ramis Joana M. , Down Thomas A. , Smith James C.
Published: September 2009

Smicl (Smad-interacting CPSF 30-like) is an unusual protein that interacts with transcription factors as well as with the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF). Previous work has shown that Smicl is expressed maternally in the Xenopus embryo and is later required for transcription of Chordin. In this paper we search for additional targets of Smicl. We identify many genes whose onset of expression at the midblastula transition (MBT) requires Smicl and is correlated with the translocation of Smicl from cytoplasm to nucleus. At least one such gene, Xiro1, is regulated via 3′-end processing. In searching for a general mechanism by which Smicl might regulate gene expression at the MBT, we have discovered that it interacts with the tail of Rpb1, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Our results show that Smicl is required for the phosphorylation of the Rpb1 tail at serine 2 of the repeated heptapeptide YSPTSPS. This site becomes hyperphosphorylated at the MBT, thus allowing the docking of proteins required for elongation of transcription and RNA processing. Our work links the onset of zygotic gene expression in the Xenopus embryo with the translocation of Smicl from cytoplasm to nucleus, the phosphorylation of Rpb1 and the 3′-end processing of newly transcribed mRNAs.
Polycomb group-dependent imprinting of the actin regulatorAtFH5regulates morphogenesis inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gerald Jonathan Nesbit Fitz , Hui Poh Shi , Berger Frédéric
Published: September 2009

During embryogenesis, Polycomb group (PcG) complexes deposit silencing histone modifications and target homeotic genes, which regulate the patterning of other transcription factors. This transcriptional network further maintains cell fate. However, genome-wide identification of histone modifications has suggested that PcG complexes might regulate genes other than those encoding transcription factors. In Arabidopsis, we show that PcG activity directly targets the actin regulator formin ARABIDOPSIS FORMIN HOMOLOGUE 5 (AtFH5). PcG activity silences the paternal allele of AtFH5, restricting its expression to the maternal allele. AtFH5 thus appears to be a new, maternally expressed imprinted gene. We further demonstrate that AtFH5 is responsible for morphological defects caused by the loss of PcG activity in the seed.
Early lineage specification of long-lived germline precursors in the colonial ascidianBotryllus schlosseri
Authors: Brown Federico D. , Tiozzo Stefano , Roux Michelle M. , Ishizuka Katherine , Swalla Billie J. , De Tomaso Anthony W.
Published: September 2009

In many taxa, germline precursors segregate from somatic lineages during embryonic development and are irreversibly committed to gametogenesis. However, in animals that can propagate asexually, germline precursors can originate in adults. Botryllus schlosseri is a colonial ascidian that grows by asexual reproduction, and on a weekly basis regenerates all somatic and germline tissues. Embryonic development in solitary ascidians is the classic example of determinative specification, and we are interested in both the origins and the persistence of stem cells responsible for asexual development in colonial ascidians. In this study, we characterized vasa as a putative marker of germline precursors. We found that maternally deposited vasa mRNA segregates early in development to a posterior lineage of cells, suggesting that germline formation is determinative in colonial ascidians. In adults, vasa expression was observed in the gonads, as well as in a population of mobile cells scattered throughout the open circulatory system, consistent with previous transplantation/reconstitution results. vasa expression was dynamic during asexual development in both fertile and infertile adults, and was also enriched in a population of stem cells. Germline precursors in juveniles could contribute to gamete formation immediately upon transplantation into fertile adults, thus vasa expression is correlated with the potential for gamete formation, which suggests that it is a marker for embryonically specified, long-lived germline progenitors. Transient vasa knockdown did not have obvious effects on germline or somatic development in adult colonies, although it did result in a profound heterochrony, suggesting that vasa might play a homeostatic role in asexual development.
The role of gamma interferon in innate immunity in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Sieger Dirk , Stein Cornelia , Neifer David , van der Sar Astrid M. , Leptin Maria
Published: September 2009

The zebrafish genome contains ten genes that encode class II cytokine-like peptides, of which the two that are related most closely to mammalian interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were named IFN-γ1 and IFN-γ2. Although the zebrafish has become a popular model system to study immune mechanisms, and although interferons are central regulators of immunity, which zebrafish cytokines correspond functionally to mammalian IFN-γ has not been established. We used zebrafish embryos to assay the functions of IFN-γ1 and IFN-γ2, and have identified a subset of zebrafish homologs of the mammalian IFN-responsive genes as IFN-γ targets in the zebrafish embryo: these genes are upregulated in response to raised levels of either IFN-γ1 or IFN-γ2. Infection studies using two different pathogens show that IFN-γ signalling is required for resistance against bacterial infections in the young embryo and that the levels of IFN-γ need to be regulated tightly: raising IFN-γ levels sensitizes fish embryos against bacterial infection. Embryos injected with high doses of Escherichia coli are able to clear the bacteria within a day, and the γ-interferons are necessary for this defence reaction. The protective response to Yersinia ruckeri, a natural fish pathogen that is lethal at low doses, also requires IFN-γ. As in the induction of target genes, the two interferons act at least partly redundantly. Together with the previously demonstrated type III interferon response, these results show that the counterparts of the mammalian viral and bacterial interferon-dependent defence functions are in place in zebrafish embryos, and suggest that zebrafish IFN-γ1 and IFN-γ2 are functionally equivalent to mammalian IFN-γ.
Intercepting Moving Objects: Fundamental Principles Learned from Baseball
Authors: Gray Rob
Published: September 2009

The ability to intercept a moving object is critical to many workplace tasks. Human factors research on baseball has significantly advanced the understanding of how this skill is performed. Baseball batters routinely generate contact between a cylindrical bat and a spherical ball even though the ball travels the distance from the mound to the plate in less than half a second. Outfielders seem to run effortlessly to the location where a fly ball is headed even though its trajectory can be altered by wind, air resistance, and ball spin. This chapter addresses the question “How do they do that?” by exploring how visual cues are used to perform the amazing acts of object interception involved in baseball. I first review the visual cues to distance, speed, direction of motion, and time to collision available to a baseball player. It is demonstrated that in many cases, reliable visual information is not available for making these judgments, and therefore indirect information such as body language, event history, and situational context must also be used. I next examine research that has investigated how these sources of visual information are used to perform specific baseball skills, including hitting, catching a fly ball, and catching a line drive. Finally, I consider how the knowledge derived from baseball can be extended to nonsporting domains such as the workplace.
Expertise: Acquisition, Limitations, and Control
Authors: Lewandowsky Stephan , Thomas Jacqueline L.
Published: September 2009

This chapter reviews the current status of research on expertise, with a tripartite emphasis on expertise acquisition, the limitations associated with expertise, and the extent to which expert skill performance is subject to conscious control. We outline how deliberate practice often enables experts to perform their skills automatically, and we explain the limitations and costs associated with this automaticity. Those limitations include its specificity, brittleness, and limited ability to be transferred to new tasks. Further costs include expediency, mediocrity, and inflexibility. We next discuss whether and in which situations experts are able to exert conscious control over their automatic skills, with the finding that the exertion of control is sometimes at a short-term cost to performance. Finally, we emphasize pragmatic means by which expert performance can be enhanced, either by avoiding known pitfalls or by increasing the level of control that experts can exert over their own behavior.
Principles for Designing Effective and Efficient Training of Complex Cognitive Skills
Authors: Paas Fred , van Gog Tamara
Published: September 2009

This chapter describes principles for the design of training of complex cognitive tasks that pose relatively great challenges to the cognitive capacity of the trainee. Using the theoretical framework of cognitive load, we argue that the structures that constitute human cognitive architecture need to be taken into account in the design of effective and efficient training. For training complex cognitive tasks, this means that cognitive load needs to be controlled by optimizing the relationship between (a) the intrinsic load imposed by the complexity of the training task and (b) the effective (germane) and ineffective (extraneous) loads imposed by the design of the training tasks. Design principles for training tasks, for sequences of training tasks in fixed training programs (in which all trainees receive the same sequence), and for ways to create adaptive or personalized training programs (in which each trainee receives a personalized sequence) are discussed. Simple to complex sequencing of training tasks, decreasing support, increasing contextual interference, and spacing are discussed as effective principles for fostering learning and transfer in fixed training programs. System-controlled, shared-responsibility, and advisory models for task selection are discussed as possible models to be used to foster learning and transfer in adaptive training programs.
Laboratory Measurement of the Actual Tire-Pavement Contact Pressure Using a Static Test Device
Authors: Hu Xiaodi , Sun Lijun , Walubita Lubinda F.
Published: September 2009

It is well-known that the tire-pavement contact pressure (TPCP) is hardly circular or uniformly distributed as often assumed. In this study, using a simple but effective static test set-up, numerous actual TPCPs between a loaded wheel-tire and the surface of an asphalt-mix slab were measured in the laboratory. Various TPCP loading conditions were investigated, including varying the tire inflation pressures, varying the load levels, and using different tire types, different tire tread patterns, and tire ages. Analysis of the results indicated that a linear proportional relationship existed between the following variables: (a) Tire inflation pressure and TPCP, (b) load level and the effective tire-pavement contact area, and (c) load level and TPCP. At a fixed constant tire inflation pressure, an increment in the load level significantly impacted the tire edges compared to the middle zone, and at a constant wheel loading, an increase in the tire inflation pressure will result in possibly a 1.5 times increase in the TPCP. This is detrimental to pavements and is undesirable. Furthermore, the TPCP under new tires was observed to be closer to being uniformly distributed than that under the old tires. In other words, in terms of distresses, if all other factors are equal, an old tire will likely cause more damage to an asphalt pavement than a new tire.
Energy-Based Approach for Determining Flow Number
Authors: Bausano Jason , Williams R. Christopher
Published: September 2009

The Asphalt Mixture Performance Test (AMPT) is being used in research and is nearing completion to be adopted by highway agencies for evaluating the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures. The implementation of Superpave volumetric mixture design has occurred in nearly all state agencies in the United States. This implementation has been done mostly without an accompanying performance test. Researchers have been examining a number of candidate performance tests, and more recently a growing consensus is that a repeated, unconfined, and uniaxial loading test will become a part of the Superpave AMPT. This test will allow mixture designers to optimize binder content and aggregate structure by evaluating a mixture’s resistance to permanent deformation. The AMPT will allow contractors or state highway agencies to evaluate the performance of their mixtures in this test methodology. This paper examines an energy-based approach to determine flow number. The current method examines strain rate versus cycles, and the minimum point is the onset of tertiary flow and thus is defined as the flow number value. However, one low data point could result in a misleading flow number. Mathematically, it would be correct, but in practice it could be misleading in assessing the ability of a mixture to resist permanent deformation. The energy-based approach plots creep stiffness times cycles versus cycles and is able to identify a well-defined failure point. This well-defined point is defined as an energy-based flow number. It was found that this energy-based flow number can be 65–75 % greater than the current method for determining flow number.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Twist-Core Method for Estimating Concrete Strength
Authors: Mora-Ruacho José
Published: September 2009

The twist-core method is a technique for estimating in-place concrete strength. A preliminary study on the failure torque determined by this method and standard compressive strength for different strengths and two types of coarse aggregate was carried out. The results show that the equipment used was appropriate for producing quick results. A good torque-compressive strength correlation was observed. A theoretical torque-strength prediction model is presented and was observed as being unreliable for predicting concrete strength. Thus an experimental correlation is needed for specific materials. It was observed that torque-resistance is influenced by the type of aggregate used. The method could potentially be used for estimating in-place concrete strength.
SignalCAD: A Digital Signal Processing Software for Forced and Ambient Vibration Testing of Engineering Structures
Authors: Şahin Abdurrahman , Bayraktar Alemdar
Published: September 2009

Commercial tools for measurement and analysis of vibration signals have traditionally been very expensive. In the last decade, however, multi-channel measurement systems have become relatively inexpensive. The analysis functionality in most inexpensive instruments is limited. Therefore, many companies are using alternatives for post processing of measurement results. MATLAB is a platform that is popular for this purpose and which offers many advantages over dedicated menu driven systems. The open functions in MATLAB assure flexibility and the possibility to modify functions for specific needs. In this paper, the presentation and numerical applications of an interactive and comparative digital signal processing software developed in MATLAB by writers is described. The software is named as SignalCAD. For developing SignalCAD, about 120 new functions have been created and are used with MATLAB Signal Processing Toolbox functions. The SignalCAD program is a powerful tool that deals with processing raw measured data obtained from forced and ambient vibration testing of engineering structures. SignalCAD offers extensive functionalities for the visualization and processing of the measurement data and the determination and visualization of the spectral analysis results. The program disposes of a graphical user interface, which what makes it very intuitive and easy to handle. The most common spectral analysis techniques have been used in SignalCAD. The possibilities of the program are demonstrated with a three dimensional steel frame model vibration test and some results are compared with commercial PULSE signal analysis software.
Peripheral concentrations of inhibin A, ovarian steroids, and gonadotropins associated with follicular development throughout the estrous cycle of the sow
Authors: Noguchi Michiko , Yoshioka Koji , Itoh Seigo , Suzuki Chie , Arai Sachiko , Wada Yasunori , Hasegawa Yoshihisa , Kaneko Hiroyuki
Published: September 2009

We investigated changes in peripheral concentrations of inhibin A, total inhibin, steroids, and gonadotropins throughout the intact estrous cycle of the sow in relation to ovarian changes determined by daily transrectal ultrasonography. All visible follicles of 3 mm or more in diameter were classified as small (≥3 and <6 mm) or large (≥6 mm). Follicular recruitment was identified in two periods of the cycle: one from the late luteal to the follicular phase, characterized by an increase in the number of small follicles followed by the appearance of large follicles; and another during the early luteal phase, consisting only of increased numbers of small follicles. Plasma concentrations of inhibin A increased (P<0.05), coinciding with the two periods of follicle emergence. Estradiol (E2) levels increased (P<0.05) during the follicular phase, but not during the early luteal phase. An inverse relationship (P<0.01) between the patterns of inhibin and FSH concentrations was noted around the two periods of follicle emergence, but there was no relationship (P≥0.1) between the patterns of plasma E2and FSH during the early luteal phase. In conclusion, measurement of plasma inhibin A levels combined with ultrasonographic examination of the ovaries revealed two periods of synchronous follicular growth during the sow's estrous cycle. The results strongly suggest that inhibin A functions as a negative feedback regulator of FSH secretion throughout the estrous cycle, whereas E2appears to influence FSH secretion only during the follicular phase.
Disruption of the murine dynein light chain gene Tcte3-3 results in asthenozoospermia
Authors: Rashid Sajid , Grzmil Pawel , Drenckhahn Joerg-Detlef , Meinhardt Andreas , Adham Ibrahim , Engel Wolfgang , Neesen Juergen
Published: September 2009

To elucidate the role of the mouse geneTcte3(Tctex2), which encodes a putative light chain of the outer dynein arm of cilia and sperm flagella, we have inactivated this gene in mice using targeted disruption. Breeding of heterozygous males and females resulted in normal litter size; however, we were not able to detect homozygousTcte3-deficent mice using standard genotype techniques. In fact, our results indicate the presence of at least three highly similar copies of theTcte3gene (Tcte3-1,Tcte3-2, andTcte3-3) in the murine genome. Therefore, quantitative real-time PCR was established to differentiate between mice having one or two targetedTcte3-3alleles. By this approach,Tcte3-3−/−animals were identified, which were viable and revealed no obvious malformation. Interestingly, some homozygousTcte3-3-deficient male mice bred with wild-type female produced no offspring while otherTcte3-3-deficient males revealed decreased sperm motility but were fertile. In infertileTcte3-3−/−males, spermatogenesis was affected and sperm motility was reduced, too, resulting in decreased ability of Tcte3-3-deficient spermatozoa to move from the uterus into the oviduct. Impaired flagellar motility is not correlated with any gross defects in the axonemal structure, since outer dynein arms are detectable in sperm ofTcte3-3−/−males. However, in infertile males, deficientTcte3-3function is correlated with increased apoptosis during male germ cell development, resulting in a reduction of sperm number. Moreover, multiple malformations in developing haploid germ cells are present. Our results support a role ofTcte3-3in generation of sperm motility as well as in male germ cell differentiation.
Experimental Confirmation of Analytical Composition Routes in Three-Phase Partially Miscible Flow
Authors: LaForce T.. , Cinar Y.. , Johns R.T.. T. , Orr F.M.. M.
Published: September 2009

In this paper, effluent data from laboratory experiments are compared with analytical composition routes and profiles for three- phase partially miscible flow of three-component mixtures. Coreflood experiments were run in vertical glass bead packs to achieve approximately 1D displacements with stable displacement fronts. The displacements employed in this study include modest effects of dispersion, but dispersion does not substantially alter the composition routes.

Analytical composition routes are developed by the method of characteristics (MOC) for 1D, dispersion-free flow where up to three flowing phases may be present. The exponents used in the relative permeability model were obtained by fitting profiles from one drainage (oil injection) and one imbibition (water/alcohol injection) displacement. The resulting parameters were used to construct the analytical solutions for the remaining displacements. Development of the analytical solutions to Riemann problems is outlined.

Different parameters are obtained for the imbibition and drainage experiments, indicating that hysteresis occurs in the experiments. Comparison of the experimental results with the analytical solutions shows that the mathematical model captures the essential features of the experimental displacements. In the cases in which the analytical solutions fail to model accurately the physical displacements, the effects of simplifying assumptions in the model are examined.
Subwavelength Optics: Theory and Technology
Authors: Fu Yongqi
Published: September 2009

From the beginning of this century, there has been a dramatic increase in interest in the study of surface plasmon polaritons-based metallic subwavelength structures and learning. This is a refreshing concise book on issues and considerations in designing, nanofabrication and characterization of subwavelength plasmonic structures as well as their applications in imaging, superfocusing, semiconductor lasers, data storage, optical communications, biosensing, and immunoassays. The book can serve as a textbook for education and training as well as a reference book that aids research and development in those areas integrating light, photonics, nanotechnology, semiconductors, chemistry, and biology. Another aim of the book is to stimulate the interest of researchers, engineers, and businessmen to foster collaboration through multidisciplinary programs in this frontier science, leading to development and transition of the resulting technology. Both basic and applied aspects are presented in this book. Many illustrative worked-out examples and instructive exercises are given, which should prove to be particularly useful.
Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Boutayeb A. , Mehdad S. , Mokhtar N. , Aguenaou H.
Published: September 2009

Diabetes and obesity currently threaten the health, well-being and economic welfare of virtually
every country in the world. Worldwide, overweight and obesity are increasing at alarming rates. As a
disease, obesity diminishes both quality of life and life expectancy, but it is also a common risk factor for
other diseases like Cardio Vascular Diseases, arthritis, diabetes and many types of cancer. The incidence of
diabetes linked to obesity has jumped significantly during the last two decades. Moreover, obesity and type
2-diabetes are affecting people all over the world including children and adolescents. Diabetes and obesity
are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the general population. The twin epidemics
constitutes one of the major public health problems challenging all concerned social and economic groups,
including scientists, health decision makers, nongovernmental organizations, industry associations, public
and private sectors and volunteers.
Factory Farming and Potential Problems in International Trade
Authors: Lutz Brenda J. , Lutz James M.
Published: September 2009

Trade in products from intensive farming of livestock has the potential to lead to disputes, especially as opposition to factory farming on ethical, health, environmental, and developmental grounds has increased. Many European countries currently prohibit livestock agricultural practices that are allowed in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere, thus creating the possibility of international economic conflict. WTO regulations permit the consideration of health and environmental factors as possible causes for placing limitations on imports but not ethical or developmental causes. While the WTO currently does not directly recognize concerns about animal welfare and developmental issues, interest groups and parties emphasizing these factors can support other efforts to limit imports.
Ending the Tax Haven Scandals
Authors: Kudrle Robert T.
Published: September 2009

States around the world appear more determined than ever to end tax haven abuse. The new U.S. administration, for example, is taking action against both major tax haven problems: corporation income tax avoidance and personal income tax evasion. Some progress may be made. This essay argues, however, that only radically new policy will likely suffice either to shore up corporate tax revenues or to sharply diminish evasion. Global formula apportionment is needed if the corporate income tax is to be preserved, and only a combination of automatic information sharing among governments and source withholding can stamp out evasion. As in most areas of international economic policy, U.S. leadership is essential.
On the fourth order zero-finding methods for polynomials
Authors: Ilic Snezana , Rancic Lidija
Published: September 2009

The fourth order methods for the simultaneous approximation of simple complex zeros of a polynomial are considered. The main attention is devoted to a new method that may be regarded as a modification of the well known cubically convergent Ehrlich-Aberth method. It is proved that this method has the order of convergence equals four. Two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the convergence behavior of the studied methods.
Ordinary, absolute and strong summability and matrix transformations
Authors: Jarrah Abdullah , Malkowsky Eberhard
Published: September 2009

Many important sequence spaces arise in a natural way from various concepts of summability, namely ordinary, absolute and strong summability. In the first two cases they may be considered as the domains of the matrices that define the respective methods of summability; the situation, however, is different and more complicated in the case of strong summability. Given sequence spaces X and Y, we find necessary and sufficient conditions for the entries of a matrix to map X into Y, and characterize the subclass of those matrices that are compact operators. This paper gives a survey of recent research in the field of matrix transformations at the University of Nis Serbia and Montenegro, in the past four years.
Matrix transformations in the sets χ(Np, Nq) where χ is of the form sξ or sξo or sξ(c)
Authors: de Malafosse , Malkowsky Eberhard
Published: September 2009

In this paper we deal with matrix transformations mapping in either of the sets s?(Nq), s?o(Nq) or s?(c)(Nq). Then we study some properties of the sets s?(Np Nq) and s?o(Np Nq) and give a characterization of matrix transformations in these spaces. These results generalize those given in [11, 14, 16].
A generalization of Kurepa’s inequality
Authors: Dragomir Sever
Published: September 2009

A generalization of Kurepa?s inequality in inner product spaces that extends in its turn the de Bruijn refinement of the Cauchy-Buniakovsky-Schwarz inequality for sequences of real and complex numbers is given.
A study of some aspects of topological groups
Authors: Adhikari M.R. , Rahaman M.
Published: September 2009

The aim of this paper is to find a generalization of topological groups. The concept arises out of the investigation to obtain a group structure on the set [X,Y], of homotopy classes of maps from a space X to a given space Y for all X which is natural with respect to X. We also study the generalized topological groups. Finally, associated with each generalized topological group we construct a contra variant functor from the homotopy category of pointed topological spaces and base point preserving continuous maps to the category of groups and homomorphism.
Composition operators from Bloch type spaces to F(p, q, s) spaces
Authors: Zhu Xiangling
Published: September 2009

Suppose that if is an analytic self-map of the unit disk, the compactness of the composition operator C? from the Bloch type space into the space F(p, q, s) is investigated .
Warped product contact CR-submanifolds of trans-Sasakian manifolds
Authors: Sirajuddin Khan , Khan Azam
Published: September 2009

B.Y. Chen [4] showed that there exists no proper warped CR-submanifolds N_ x ? NT of a Kaehler manifold and obtained many results on CR-warped products NT x ? N_. Contact CR-warped product submanifolds in Sasakian manifold were studied by I. Hasegawa and I. Mihai [6]. In this paper we have investigated the existence of contact CR-warped product submanifolds in more general setting of trans-Sasakian manifolds. .
Weak and strong form of g-irresolute functions
Authors: Jafari S. , Rajesh N.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this paper is to give two new types of irresolute functions called, completely g-irresolute functions and weakly g-irresolute functions. We obtain theirs characterizations and theirs basic properties. .
A common fixed point theorem using implicit relation and property (E.A) in metric spaces
Authors: Pathak H. , Rodriguez-López Rosana , Verma R.K.
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we prove a common fixed point theorem for a quadruple of mappings by using an implicit relation [6] and property (E.A) [1] under weak compatibility. Our theorem improves and generalizes the main Theorems of Popa [6] and Aamri and Moutawakil [1] .Various examples verify the importance of weak compatibility and property (E.A) in the existence of common fixed point and examples are also given to the implicit relation and to validate our main Theorem. We also show that property (E.A) and Meir-Keeler type contractive condition are independent to each other. .
Intuitionistic fuzzy contra strong precontinuity
Authors: Krsteska Biljana , Ekici Erdal
Published: September 2009

The concept of intuitionistic fuzzy contra strongly precontinuous mapping are introduced and studied. Properties and relationship of intuitionistic fuzzy contra strongly precontinuous mapping are established. Some applications to fuzzy compact spaces are given. .
Approximating common fixed points of finite family of asymptotically nonexpansive non-self mappings
Authors: Saluja G.S.
Published: September 2009

Let K be a nonempty closed convex nonexpansive retract of a real uniformly convex Banach space E with P as a nonexpansive retraction. Let T1 , T2 , ... , TN : K ? E be N asymptotically nonexpansive nonself mappings with sequences {rin} such that ??(n=1) rin < ?, for all 1 ? i ? N and n n=1 n F = ?N(i-1) F (Ti) ? ?. Let {?in}, {?in} and {?in} are sequences in [0, 1] with i=1 ?in + ?in + ?in = 1 for all i = 1, 2, ... , N . From arbitrary x1 ? K , define the sequence {xn} iteratively by (6), where {uin} are bounded sequences in K with ??(n=1) uin < ?. (i) If the dual E*of E has the Kadec-Klee property, then {xn} converges weakly to a common fixed point x*? F ; (ii) if {T1 , T2 , ... , TN} satisfies condition (B), then {xn} converges strongly to a common fixed point x*? F. .
Some new sequence spaces and almost convergence
Authors: Gupkari Sameer
Published: September 2009

The sequence space arc have been defined and the classes (arc : lp) and (arc : c) of infinite matrices have been characterized by Aydin and Ba?ar (On the new sequence spaces which include the spaces c0 and c, Hokkaido Math. J. 33(2) (2004), 383-398) [1], where 1 ? p ? ?. The main purpose of the present paper is to characterize the classes (arc : f) and (arc : f0), where f and f0 denote the spaces of almost convergent and almost convergent null sequences with real or complex terms. .
Some simple criteria of starlikeness for meromorphic functions
Authors: Cãtaş Adriana
Published: September 2009

In this paper we will use the theory of differential subordinations to obtain a new condition for meromorphic functions, defined in the punctured disc ? = U \ {0}, U = {z ? C : |z| < 1}, which are of the form f(z) = 1/2 + anzn + an+1zn+1 + ... , to be starlike functions. The new condition for starlikeness is expressed by means of |(1 - ?)zf(z) + z2 f'(z) + ?|, where ? ? [0, 1). .
On convergence and divergence of Fourier expansions associated to Jacobi measure with mass points
Authors: Fejzullahu Bujar
Published: September 2009

We prove the failure of a.e. convergence of the Fourier expansion in terms of the orthonormal polynomials with respect to the measure (1 - x)?(1 + x)?dx + M?1 + N?1, where ?t is the delta function at a point t and M > 0; N > 0: Lebesgue norms of Koornwinder's Jacobi-type polynomials are applied to obtain a new proof of necessary conditions for mean convergence. .
Regression models of volume increment percentage in the Most represented stands of coniferous tree species in Serbia
Authors: Bankovic Stanisa , Medarevic Milan , Pantic Damjan
Published: September 2009

Considering the great significance of volume increment in forestry, it is understandable that there are numerous methods of its assessment. However, all these methods have some disadvantages, either the accuracy of the obtained results, too large scope of works of forest inventory (economicity), or the restriction only to stands of certain silvicultural type. To make the method of stand volume increment more economic and simplified, we defined regression models for volume increment percentage assessment in fir, spruce, Austrian pine and Scots pine stands in Serbia. Empirical data were fitted by four regression models for each tree species. The criteria for the final selection of models for the determination of volume increment percentage were the relevant statistic parameters of regression and correlation analysis, and the degree of concordance of "real" and fitted ("table") values of volume increment percentage. The selected models for the above tree species are Fir Spruce Austrian pine Scots pine In the practical work of the assessment of current volume increment in the stand, in regular forest inventories, the method of volume increment percentage should be implemented with correction factors for the fitting of "table" (obtained by this method) values of volume increment and "real" values (obtained by the method of diameter increment), on at least 10 % of the stands of the same or similar stand class (same or similar tree species and stand form). In this way, the costs of forest inventory would be reduced, and the obtained results would range within the limits of the required accuracy .
The possibilities of using group regression in the analysis of the diameter structure development in selection forests of Tara
Authors: Mitrovic Slobodanka , Bankovic Stanisa
Published: September 2009

Based on the presented study results, it can be concluded that the distribution of tree numbers per diameter degrees (diameter structure) in the four measurements of the compartments 51 and 75, did not change. It was also concluded that one functional dependence could be applied for both compartments N=e5,9?e?0,39*d The result of the above is that also in the following measurements, the diameter structure will remain unchanged, in cases of the same or similar selection cuttings both by the scope and by the distribution of felled trees per diameter classes The primary objective of this type of study is to predict, based on a mathematical model of diameter structure development, effect of the scope of selection cuttings and the number of recruitments on the diameter structure, and the simulation of growth, the distribution of trees per diameter classes in the following measurement or measurements, i.e. to foresee the future development of selection stands.
Ontogeny of beech seedlings in the first vegetation period in stand conditions
Authors: Bobinac Martin
Published: September 2009

The ontogenetic properties of moesian beech seedlings were analysed in the first vegetation growth period at identical sites, but in different stand conditions based on the divergent values of unique and complex biological characteristics. The seedlings were formed on the deluvium at the site of montane beech forests (Fagetum moesiacae montanum typicum Jov. 1976) on deep eutric brown soil. The terrain is gently sloped, exposure east-southeast, altitude about 470 m The seedlings from the completely closed part of the stand are the phenotype of the sciomorphic structural form. Their above-ground shoots usually consist of: hypocotyl, cotyledons (or their scars), above-cotyledon internode-epicotyl, a weak (leafless, as a rule), sylleptically formed "above-epicotyl axis", two opposite, primary, leaves and vegetative buds, large terminal and undeveloped in the axyl cotyledons and primary leaves Compared to the conditions in the closed canopy, seedlings on the felling area differ in some biological properties and form a different phenotype In the different environment conditions, the greater significance of differences between identical biological properties is expressed according to the order of their origin. The most expressed differences occur in the development of the "above-epicotyl axis". In the juvenile stage of ontogeny, in the conditions of more illuminated felling area, Moesian beech can form shoots with shortened or incomplete cycle of morphogenesis and thus it is ontogenetically adapted to site and weather conditions More intensive growth of the "above-epicotyl axis" of the seedlings on the felling area conditioned the averagely higher seedlings at the end of the first vegetation growth period, more numerous assimilation apparatus, larger diameter root collar, larger diameter of hypocotyl and epicotyl parts. The range between average effects of growth in closed stands and in felling area points to the development potentials of beech depending on the factors of ecological nature, which can be controlled, to some extent, by silvicultural measures.
Carpesium abrotanoides L., a new species in the flora of Serbia in the hunting ground "Crni lug"
Authors: Radulovic Stojanka
Published: September 2009

Based on the references and based on the collected plant material in the field, it can be concluded that Carpesium abrotanoides L. is a new species in the flora of Serbia The marshroute study of the hunting ground "Crni lug" shows that the plant occurs individually throughout the territory and that it builds the facies along the border of the forest in gentle depressions. This plant is most frequent in the drained depressions ? -In the mono-dominant forest stands of narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) of dense canopy (0.7). C. abrotanoides L. is among the most numerous species in the ground layer, but it does not exceed 10% of coverage either in natural stands or in artificially established stands ? -In the open and semi-open depressions of the former pool "Siva?a-Blatina", the plant has a dense population. Based on the number of individuals and their vigour, it can be concluded that this locality is the optimal site of the species C. abrotanoides L. in the hunting ground. The species C. abrotanoides L. is avoided by the game .