bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE METRIC THEORY OF MIXED TYPE LINEAR FORMS
Authors: DICKINSON DETTA , HUSSAIN MUMTAZ
Published: July 2012

In this paper the metric theory of Diophantine approximation of linear forms that are of mixed type is investigated. Khintchine–Groshev theorems are established together with the Hausdorff measure generalizations. The latter includes the original dimension results obtained in [H. Dickinson, The Hausdorff dimension of sets arising in metric Diophantine approximation, Acta Arith.68(2) (1994) 133–140] as special cases.
An Efficient Rigorous Approach for Identifying Statistically Significant Frequent Itemsets
Authors: Kirsch Adam , Mitzenmacher Michael , Pietracaprina Andrea , Pucci Geppino , Upfal Eli , Vandin Fabio
Published: July 2012

As advances in technology allow for the collection, storage, and analysis of vast amounts of data, the task of screening and assessing the significance of discovered patterns is becoming a major challenge in data mining applications. In this work, we address significance in the context of frequent itemset mining. Specifically, we develop a novel methodology to identify a meaningful support thresholds*for a dataset, such that the number of itemsets with support at leasts*represents a substantial deviation from what would be expected in a random dataset with the same number of transactions and the same individual item frequencies. These itemsets can then be flagged as statistically significant with a small false discovery rate. We present extensive experimental results to substantiate the effectiveness of our methodology.
Size and Treewidth Bounds for Conjunctive Queries
Authors: Gottlob Georg , Lee Stephanie Tien , Valiant Gregory , Valiant Paul
Published: July 2012

This article provides new worst-case bounds for the size and treewith of the result
Q
(
D
) of a conjunctive query
Q
applied to a database
D
. We derive bounds for the result size |
Q
(
D
)| in terms of structural properties of
Q
, both in the absence and in the presence of keys and functional dependencies. These bounds are based on a novel “coloring” of the query variables that associates a
coloring number C
(
Q
) to each query
Q
. Intuitively, each color used represents some possible entropy of that variable. Using this coloring number, we derive tight bounds for the size of
Q
(
D
) in case (i) no functional dependencies or keys are specified, and (ii) simple functional dependencies (keys) are given. These results generalize recent size-bounds for join queries obtained by Atserias et al. [2008]. In the case of arbitrary (compound) functional dependencies, we use tools from information theory to provide lower and upper bounds, establishing a close connection between size bounds and a basic question in information theory. Our new coloring scheme also allows us to precisely characterize (both in the absence of keys and with simple keys) the treewidth-preserving queries---the queries for which the treewidth of the output relation is bounded by a function of the treewidth of the input database. Finally, we give some results on the computational complexity of determining the size bounds, and of deciding whether the treewidth is preserved.
Prediction markets for education
Authors: Ellis Cali Mortenson , Sami Rahul
Published: July 2012

In this letter, we report the results of a quasi-experimental study of prediction markets as a pedagogical tool in an undergraduate setting.
Stochastic selfish routing
Authors: Nikolova Evdokia , Stier-Moses Nicolas
Published: July 2012

We present a model for routing games in which edge delay functions are uncertain and users are risk-averse. We investigate how the uncertainty and risk-aversion transform the classical theory on routing games, including equilibria existence, characterization and price of anarchy.
Computing approximate pure Nash equilibria in congestion games
Authors: Caragiannis Ioannis , Fanelli Angelo , Gravin Nick , Skopalik Alexander
Published: July 2012

Among other solution concepts, the notion of the pure Nash equilibrium plays a central role in Game Theory. Pure Nash equilibria in a game characterize situations with non-cooperative deterministic players in which no player has any incentive to unilaterally deviate from the current situation in order to achieve a higher payoff. Unfortunately, it is well known that there are games that do not have pure Nash equilibria. Furhermore, even in games where the existence of equilibria is guaranteed, their computation can be a computationally hard task. Such negative results significantly question the importance of pure Nash equilibria as solution concepts that characterize the behavior of rational players. Approximate pure Nash equilibria, which characterize situations where no player can significantly improve her payoff by unilaterally deviating from her current strategy, could serve as alternative solution concepts provided that they exist and can be computed efficiently. In this letter, we discuss recent positive algorithmic results for approximate pure Nash equilibria in congestion games.
Carbon footprint optimization
Authors: Bagchi Deepak , Biswas Shantanu , Narahari Y. , Suresh P. , Lakshmi L. Udaya , Viswanadham N. , Subrahmanya S. V.
Published: July 2012

We discuss four problems that we have identified under the umbrella of carbon economics problems: carbon credit allocation (CCA), carbon credit buying (CCB), carbon credit selling (CCS), and carbon credit exchange (CCE). Because of the strategic nature of the players involved in these problems, game theory and mechanism design provides a natural way of formulating and solving these problems. We then focus on a particular CCA problem, the carbon emission reduction problem, where the countries or global industries are trying to reduce their carbon footprint at minimum cost. We briefly describe solutions to the above problem.
Creating Your Own Stock Photos with Your iPhone: A camera app review
Authors: Parish Tracy
Published: July 2012

The struggle to find images that balance cost effectiveness for the client along with relevancy to the learner is an all too familiar encounter instructional designers face. To solve this need instructional designers are creating their own collection of stock images using what's at hand; their iPhones. Choosing the right app for the task can be a daunting one, but here Tracy Parish reviews 11 different apps that will help make the amateur photographer look like a pro and expand their image resources.
Gene and cytokine therapy for heart failure: molecular mechanisms in the improvement of cardiac function
Authors: Nagai Toshio , Komuro Issei
Published: July 2012

Despite significant advances in pharmacological and clinical treatment, heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many new therapeutic strategies, including cell transplantation, gene delivery, and cytokines or other small molecules, have been explored to treat HF. Recent advancement of our understanding of the molecules that regulate cardiac function uncover many of the therapeutic key molecules to treat HF. Furthermore, a theory of paracrine mechanism, which underlies the beneficial effects of cell therapy, leads us to search novel target molecules for genetic or pharmacological strategy. Gene therapy means delivery of genetic materials into cells to achieve therapeutic effects. Recently, gene transfer technology in the cardiovascular system has been improved and several therapeutic target genes have been started to examine in clinical research, and some of the promising results have been emerged. Among the various bioactive reagents, cytokines such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and erythropoietin have been well examined, and a number of clinical trials for acute myocardial infarction and chronic HF have been conducted. Although further research is needed in both preclinical and clinical areas in terms of molecular mechanisms, safety, and efficiency, both gene and cytokine therapy have a great possibility to open the new era of the treatment of HF.
Layer-specific strain analysis: investigation of regional deformations in a rat model of acute versus chronic myocardial infarction
Authors: Bachner-Hinenzon Noa , Ertracht Offir , Malka Assaf , Leitman Marina , Vered Zvi , Binah Ofer , Adam Dan
Published: July 2012

Myocardial infarction (MI) injury extends from the endocardium toward the epicardium. This phenomenon should be taken into consideration in the detection of MI. To study the extent of damage at different stages of MI, we hypothesized that measurement of layer-specific strain will allow better delineation of the MI extent than total wall thickness strain at acute stages but not at chronic stages, when fibrosis and remodeling have already occurred. After baseline echocardiography scans had been obtained, 24 rats underwent occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion. Thirteen rats were rescanned at 24 h post-MI and eleven rats at 2 wk post-MI. Next, rats were euthanized, and histological analysis for MI size was performed. Echocardiographic scans were postprocessed by a layer-specific speckle tracking program to measure the peak circumferential strain (SCpeak) at the endocardium, midlayer, and epicardium as well as total wall thickness SCpeak. Linear regression for MI size versus SCpeak showed that the slope was steeper for the endocardium compared with the other layers ( P < 0.001), meaning that the endocardium was more sensitive to MI size than the other layers. Moreover, receiver operating characteristics analysis yielded better sensitivity and specificity in the detection of MI using endocardial SCpeak instead of total wall thickness SCpeak at 24 h post-MI ( P < 0.05) but not 2 wk later. In conclusion, at acute stages of MI, before collagen deposition, scar tissue formation, and remodeling have occurred, damage may be nontransmural, and thus the use of endocardial SCpeak is advantageous over total wall thickness SCpeak.
A lumped parameter model of cerebral blood flow control combining cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling
Authors: Spronck Bart , Martens Esther G. H. J. , Gommer Erik D. , van de Vosse Frans N.
Published: July 2012

Cerebral blood flow regulation is based on a variety of different mechanisms, of which the relative regulatory role remains largely unknown. The cerebral regulatory system expresses two regulatory properties: cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling. Since partly the same mechanisms play a role in cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling, this study aimed to develop a physiologically based mathematical model of cerebral blood flow regulation combining these properties. A lumped parameter model of the P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery and its distal vessels was constructed. Blood flow regulation is exerted at the arteriolar level by vascular smooth muscle and implements myogenic, shear stress based, neurogenic, and metabolic mechanisms. In eight healthy subjects, cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling were challenged by squat-stand maneuvers and visual stimulation using a checkerboard pattern, respectively. Cerebral blood flow velocity was measured using transcranial Doppler, whereas blood pressure was measured by finger volume clamping. In seven subjects, the model proposed fits autoregulation and neurovascular coupling measurement data well. Myogenic regulation is found to dominate the autoregulatory response. Neurogenic regulation, although only implemented as a first-order mechanism, describes neurovascular coupling responses to a great extent. It is concluded that our single, integrated model of cerebral blood flow control may be used to identify the main mechanisms affecting cerebral blood flow regulation in individual subjects.
Variational Iteration Method for q‐Difference Equations of Second Order
Authors: Wu Guo-Cheng
Published: July 2012

Recently, Liu extended He′s variational iteration method to strongly nonlinear q‐difference equations. In this study, the iteration formula and the Lagrange multiplier are given in a more accurate way. The q‐oscillation equation of second order is approximately solved to show the new Lagrange multiplier′s validness.
Sufficient and Necessary Conditions of Complete Convergence for Weighted Sums of PNQD Random Variables
Authors: Wu Qunying
Published: July 2012

The complete convergence for pairwise negative quadrant dependent (PNQD) random variables is studied. So far there has not been the general moment inequality for
PNQD sequence, and therefore the study of the limit theory for PNQD sequence is very difficult and challenging. We establish a collection that contains relationship to overcome the difficulties that there is no general moment inequality. Sufficient and necessary conditions of complete convergence for weighted sums of PNQD random variables are obtained. Our results generalize and improve those on complete convergence theorems previously obtained by Baum and Katz (1965) and Wu (2002).
New Approximate Analytical Solutions of the Falkner‐Skan Equation
Authors: Yun Beong In
Published: July 2012

We propose an iterative method for solving the Falkner‐Skan equation. The method provides approximate analytical solutions which consist of coefficients of the previous iterate solution. By some examples, we show that the presented method with a small number of iterations is competitive with the existing method such as Adomian decomposition method. Furthermore, to improve the accuracy of the proposed method, we suggest an efficient correction method. In practice, for some examples one can observe that the correction method results in highly improved approximate solutions.
Insights into Neonatal Oral Feeding through the Salivary Transcriptome
Authors: Maron Jill L.
Published: July 2012

Background. The development of safe and effective oral feeding skills in the newborn is complex and may be associated with significant morbidities. Our understanding of neonatal oral feeding maturation at the molecular level is limited, providing an opportunity to utilize emerging molecular techniques to accurately assess neonatal oral feeding skills.Objective. To identify key regulatory genes in neonatal saliva involved in successful oral feeding.Methods. Previously, our laboratory identified 9,286 genes in saliva that statistically significantly altered their gene expression as premature newborns gained advanced oral feeding skills. In this report, genes previously identified underwent an updated and targeted pathway analysis with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify potential candidate genes involved in successful oral feeding. Genes were considered if they were in the five most significantly up- and down-regulated physiological pathways and were associated with the keywords “feeding”, “digestion” and “development”.Results. There were 2,186 genes that met criteria. Pathways associated with feeding behavior, cranial nerve development, and the development of the nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems were highlighted.Discussion. These data provide important insights into the biological processes involved in oral feeding in the newborn at a molecular level and identify novel pathways associated with successful oral feeding.
Subacute Therapeutic Dosing of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Artesunate-Amodiaquine Combination Preserves Plasma Cholesterol, Renal Antioxidant Status, and Organ Weights in Rats
Authors: Otuechere Chiagoziem A. , Edewor Gloria , Kale Oluwafemi Ezekiel , Ekor Martins
Published: July 2012

Recent instances of breakdowns of malaria control programs and the constant emergence of drug-resistant parasites to monotherapies have shored up the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as the malaria therapy of choice. We evaluated a subacute therapeutic dosing of artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine on plasma cholesterol, renal antioxidants, and organ weights in rats. Sixteen albino rats were grouped into three. Group A (n=5) served as the control. Groups B (n=6) and C (n=5) were administered, twice daily, oral therapeutic doses of artemether-lumefantrine (1.14/6.86 mg/kg/d) and artesunate-amodiaquine (2.86/8.58 mg/kg/d), respectively, for seven days. From our results, ACTs did not significantly (P>0.05) alter catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, myeloperoxidase, and total glutathione levels when compared with the control. Plasma total cholesterol levels also decreased insignificantly (P>0.05). Organ-system weights were not significantly (P>0.05) different from control rats. Artesunate-amodiaquine, but not artemether-lumefantrine, significantly increased (P<0.05) lactate dehydrogenase activity and also afforded a 27.2% decrease in heart weight when compared with control. Also, both ACTs increased (P<0.05) lipid peroxidation. Overall, artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine may preserve renal antioxidants and organ weights in vivo. However, caution is required above therapeutic indications or in chronic doses as this may predispose to renal oxidative stress.
Morita Equivalence of Brandt Semigroup Algebras
Authors: Maysami Sadr Maysam
Published: July 2012

We show that Banach semigroup algebras of any two Brandt semigroups over a fixed group are Morita equivalence with respect to the Morita theory of self-induced Banach algebras introduced by Grønbæk. As applications, we show that the bounded Hochschild (co)homology groups of Brandt semigroup algebras over amenable groups are trivial and prove that the notion of approximate amenability is not Morita invariant.
Acute Hepatic Failure as a Leading Manifestation in Exertional Heat Stroke
Authors: Jin Qi , Chen Erzhen , Jiang Jie , Lu Yiming
Published: July 2012

Background. Acute hepatic failure (AHF) is uncommon as a leading symptom in patients with exertional heat stroke (EHS). Which stage to perform the liver transplantation for severe hepatic failure in EHS is still obscure at clinical setting. The conservative management has been reported to be successful in treating heat-stroke-associated AHF even in the presence of accepted criteria for emergency liver transplantation.Case Presentation. Here, we reported a 35-year-old male who presented with very high transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia, significant prolongation of the prothrombin time, and coma. No other causes for AHF could be identified but physical exhaustion and hyperthermia. Although the current patient fulfilled London criteria for emergency liver transplantation, he spontaneously recovered under conservative treatment including intravenous fluids, cooling, diuretics as mannitol, and hepatocyte growth-promoting factors.Conclusions. Meticulous supportive management could be justified in some selected cases of AHF due to EHS.
Continuous Remote Monitoring in Hazardous Sites Using Sensor Technologies
Authors: Manes Gianfranco , Collodi Giovanni , Fusco Rosanna , Gelpi Leonardo , Manes Antonio
Published: July 2012

The deployment of a distributed point source monitoring system based on wireless sensor networks in an industrial site where dangerous substances are produced, used, and stored is described. Seven essential features, fundamental prerequisites for our estimating emissions method, were identified. The system, consisting of a wireless sensor network (WSN) using photoionisation detectors (PIDs), continuously monitors the volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration at a petrochemical plant on an unprecedented time/space scale. Internet connectivity is provided via TCP/IP over GPRS gateways in real time at a one-minute sampling rate, thus providing plant management and, if necessary, environmental authorities with an unprecedented tool for immediate warning in case critical events happen. The platform is organised into subnetworks, each including a gateway unit wirelessly connected to the WSN nodes. Environmental and process data are forwarded to a remote server and made available to authorized users through a rich user interface that provides data rendering in various formats, in addition to worldwide access to data. Furthermore, this system consists of an easily deployable stand-alone infrastructure with a high degree of scalability and reconfigurability, as well as minimal intrusiveness or obtrusiveness.
Development of a Fiber-Optic Sensing System for Train Vibration and Train Weight Measurements in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai C. C. , Kam Jacob C. P. , Leung David C. C. , Lee Tony K. Y. , Tam Aiken Y. M. , Ho S. L. , Tam H. Y. , Liu Michael S. Y.
Published: July 2012

A novel operation system to detect train vibration and train weight using FBG sensing network has been designed and tested in Hong Kong. The purpose of the system is for real time condition monitoring of trains. Because of the fast response of optical systems, the trains can be monitored in real-time during its normal service without any special arrangement. Hence, the condition checking can be realized without any disruption on the operating condition of the railway system.
Creation of Two-Particle Entanglement in Open Macroscopic Quantum Systems
Authors: Merkli M. , Berman G. P. , Borgonovi F. , Tsifrinovich V. I.
Published: July 2012

We consider an open quantum system ofNnot directly interacting spins (qubits) in contact with both local and collective thermal environments. The qubit-environment interactions are energy conserving. We trace out the variables of the thermal environments andN−2qubits to obtain the time-dependent reduced density matrix for two arbitrary qubits. We numerically simulate the reduced dynamics and the creation of entanglement (concurrence) as a function of the parameters of the thermal environments and the number of qubits,N. Our results demonstrate that the two-qubit entanglement generally decreases asNincreases. We show analytically that, in the limitN→∞, no entanglement can be created. This indicates that collective thermal environments cannot create two-qubit entanglement when many qubits are located within a region of the size of the environment coherence length. We discuss possible relevance of our consideration to recent quantum information devices and biosystems.
The Continuing Evolution of HIV-1 Therapy: Identification and Development of Novel Antiretroviral Agents Targeting Viral and Cellular Targets
Authors: Hartman Tracy L. , Buckheit Robert W.
Published: July 2012

During the past three decades, over thirty-five anti-HIV-1 therapies have been developed for use in humans and the progression from monotherapeutic treatment regimens to today’s highly active combination antiretroviral therapies has had a dramatic impact on disease progression in HIV-1-infected individuals. In spite of the success of AIDS therapies and the existence of inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, protease, entry and fusion, and integrase, HIV-1 therapies still have a variety of problems which require continued development efforts to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, while making drugs that can be used throughout both the developed and developing world, in pediatric populations, and in pregnant women. Highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAARTs) have significantly delayed the progression to AIDS, and in the developed world HIV-1-infected individuals might be expected to live normal life spans while on lifelong therapies. However, the difficult treatment regimens, the presence of class-specific drug toxicities, and the emergence of drug-resistant virus isolates highlight the fact that improvements in our therapeutic regimens and the identification of new and novel viral and cellular targets for therapy are still necessary. Antiretroviral therapeutic strategies and targets continue to be explored, and the development of increasingly potent molecules within existing classes of drugs and the development of novel strategies are ongoing.
Molecular Imaging in Breast Cancer: From Whole-Body PET/CT to Dedicated Breast PET
Authors: Koolen B. B. , Vogel W. V. , Vrancken Peeters M. J. T. F. D. , Loo C. E. , Rutgers E. J. Th. , Valdés Olmos R. A.
Published: July 2012

Positron emission tomography (PET), with or without integrated computed tomography (CT), using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is based on the principle of elevated glucose metabolism in malignant tumors, and its use in breast cancer patients is frequently being investigated. It has been shown useful for classification, staging, and response monitoring, both in primary and recurrent disease. However, because of the partial volume effect and limited resolution of most whole-body PET scanners, sensitivity for the visualization of small tumors is generally low. To improve the detection and quantification of primary breast tumors with FDG PET, several dedicated breast PET devices have been developed. In this nonsystematic review, we shortly summarize the value of whole-body PET/CT in breast cancer and provide an overview of currently available dedicated breast PETs.
Simple Ion Transfer at Liquid|Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Sanchez Vallejo L. J. , Ovejero J. M. , Fernández R. A. , Dassie S. A.
Published: July 2012

The main aspects related to the charge transfer reactions occurring at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) are described. The particular topics to be discussed involve simple ion transfer. Focus is given on theoretical approaches, numerical simulations, and experimental methodologies. Concerning the theoretical procedures, different computational simulations related to simple ion transfer are reviewed. The main conclusions drawn from the most accepted models are described and analyzed in regard to their relevance for explaining different aspects of ion transfer. We describe numerical simulations implementing different approaches for solving the differential equations associated with the mass transport and charge transfer. These numerical simulations are correlated with selected experimental results; their usefulness in designing new experiments is summarized. Finally, many practical applications can be envisaged regarding the determination of physicochemical properties, electroanalysis, drug lipophilicity, and phase-transfer catalysis.
An Assessment of Internet Uses, Practices, and Barriers for Professional Development by Agricultural Science Teachers in Lagos State
Authors: Olowa Olatomide Waheed
Published: July 2012

The paper reports a study carried out on the utilisation of the Internet by agricultural science teachers in Lagos state focusing on uses, practices, and barriers. A questionnaire was developed based on literature and was administered to 300 agricultural science teachers in Lagos schools. 275 questionnaires properly completed were analyzed. Data reveal that 130 teachers are using the Internet for teaching agricultural science in classrooms as well as for various activities that enhance their professional development. Nevertheless, it was found that agricultural science teachers in Lagos State have not fully utilised the Internet because of barriers related to time factor, accessibility, and facilities. It is suggested that for the proliferation of Internet practices, there needs to be an increase in funding for technology, an introduction of computer/technology education, a provision of pedagogical training for teachers, and a provision of administrational support.
Successful Treatment of Early-Stage Jejunum Adenocarcinoma by Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Using Double-Balloon Endoscopy: A Case Report
Authors: Suzuki Hirobumi , Yamada Atsuo , Watabe Hirotsugu , Kobayashi Yuka , Hirata Yoshihiro , Yamaji Yutaka , Yoshida Haruhiko , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: July 2012

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) has generally been considered to have a poor prognosis because of nonspecific presentations and difficulties in detection of the disease. The advent of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) makes it possible to access to the small intestine for endoscopic interventions. We describe a successful case of early jejunum adenocarcinoma completely resected by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) using double-balloon endoscopy (DBE). Early diagnosis and EMR using new technologies such as CE and DBE may improve the recognition of this disease that, at present, has a poor prognosis.
On Multivalued Nonexpansive Mappings in ℝ‐Trees
Authors: Samanmit K. , Panyanak B.
Published: July 2012

The relationships between nonexpansive, weakly nonexpansive, *‐nonexpansive, proximally nonexpansive, proximally continuous, almost lower semicontinuous, and ɛ‐semicontinuous mappings in ℝ‐trees are studied. Convergence theorems for the Ishikawa iteration processes are also discussed.
Acidification and Nitrogen Eutrophication of Austrian Forest Soils
Authors: Jandl Robert , Smidt Stefan , Mutsch Franz , Fürst Alfred , Zechmeister Harald , Bauer Heidi , Dirnböck Thomas
Published: July 2012

We evaluated the effect of acidic deposition and nitrogen on Austrian forests soils. Until thirty years ago air pollution had led to soil acidification, and concerns on the future productivity of forests were raised. Elevated rates of nitrogen deposition were believed to cause nitrate leaching and imbalanced forest nutrition. We used data from a soil monitoring network to evaluate the trends and current status of the pH and the C : N ratio of Austrian forest soils. Deposition measurements and nitrogen contents of Norway spruce needles and mosses were used to assess the nitrogen supply. The pH values of soils have increased because of decreasing proton depositions caused by reduction of emissions. The C : N ratio of Austrian forest soils is widening. Despite high nitrogen deposition rates the increase in forest stand density and productivity has increased the nitrogen demand. The Austrian Bioindicator Grid shows that forest ecosystems are still deficient in nitrogen. Soils retain nitrogen efficiently, and nitrate leaching into the groundwater is presently not a large-scale problem. The decline of soil acidity and the deposition of nitrogen together with climate change effects will further increase the productivity of the forests until a limiting factor such as water scarcity becomes effective.
Blowup Analysis for a Nonlocal Diffusion Equation with Reaction and Absorption
Authors: Wang Yulan , Xiang Zhaoyin , Hu Jinsong
Published: July 2012

We investigate a nonlocal reaction diffusion equation with absorption under Neumann boundary. We obtain optimal conditions on the exponents of the reaction and absorption terms for the existence of solutions blowing up in finite time, or for the global existence and boundedness of all solutions. For the blowup solutions, we also study the blowup rate estimates and the localization of blowup set. Moreover, we show some numerical experiments which illustrate our results.
Numerical Solutions of Stochastic Differential Equations Driven by Poisson Random Measure with Non‐Lipschitz Coefficients
Authors: Yu Hui , Song Minghui
Published: July 2012

The numerical methods in the current known literature require the stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by Poisson random measure satisfying the global Lipschitz condition and the linear growth condition. In this paper, Euler′s method is introduced for SDEs driven by Poisson random measure with non‐Lipschitz coefficients which cover more classes of such equations than before. The main aim is to investigate the convergence of the Euler method in probability to such equations with non‐Lipschitz coefficients. Numerical example is given to demonstrate our results.
Modular Identities and Explicit Evaluations of a Continued Fraction of Ramanujan
Authors: Saikia Nipen
Published: July 2012

We study a new continued fraction of Ramanujan. We prove its modular identities and give some explicit evaluations.
NontoxigenicVibrio choleraeSepticemia in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Kadkhoda Kamran , Adam Heather , Gilmour Matthew W. , Hammond Gregory W.
Published: July 2012

We report a recent case of non-O1, non-O139, nontoxigenicVibrio choleraesepticemia in a post-liver-transplant immunocompromised patient associated with prior seafood consumption. Non-O1, non-O139V. choleraestrains have been reported in several cases of extraintestinal infections and seem to be emerging infectious agents especially in patients with immunocompromising conditions.
Phenethyl Isothiocyanate (PEITC) Inhibits the Growth of Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma HSC-3 Cells throughG0/G1Phase Arrest and Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: Chen Po-Yuan , Lin Kai-Chun , Lin Jing-Pin , Tang Nou-Ying , Yang Jai-Sing , Lu Kung-Wen , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: July 2012

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), an effective anticancer and chemopreventive agent, has been reported to inhibit cancer cell growth through cell-cycle arrest and induction of apoptotic events in various human cancer cells models. However, whether PEITC inhibits human oral squamous cell carcinoma HSC-3 cell growth and its underlying mechanisms is still not well elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of PEITC in HSC-3 cells and examined PEITC-modulated cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. The contrast-phase and flow cytometric assays were used for examining cell morphological changes and viability, respectively. The changes of cell-cycle and apoptosis-associated protein levels were determined utilizing Western blotting in HSC-3 cells after exposure to PEITC. Our results indicated that PEITC effectively inhibited the HSC-3 cells’ growth and caused apoptosis. PEITC inducedG0/G1phase arrest through the effects of associated protein such as p53, p21, p17, CDK2 and cyclin E, and it triggered apoptosis through promotion of Bax and Bid expression and reduction of Bcl-2, leading to decrease the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and followed the releases of cytochromec, AIF and Endo G then for causing apoptosis in HSC-3 cells. These results suggest that PEITC could be an antitumor compound for oral cancer therapy.
MicroRNAs in Human Malignant Gliomas
Authors: Mizoguchi Masahiro , Guan Yanlei , Yoshimoto Koji , Hata Nobuhiro , Amano Toshiyuki , Nakamizo Akira , Sasaki Tomio
Published: July 2012

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a new class of small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate a wide spectrum of gene expression in a posttranscriptional manner. MiRNAs play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, invasion, and apoptosis for various types of tumor. Recent studies have identified dysregulation of specific miRNAs in malignant gliomas. Global expression profiling of miRNAs has revealed several miRNAs clinically implicated in human glioblastomas. Some miRNAs are clearly associated with clinical outcome and chemo- and radio-therapy resistance in these tumors. Furthermore, miRNAs also regulate specific signaling pathways, including the critical core pathways in glioblastoma. As a result, miRNAs have the potential to affect the responses to molecular-targeted therapies. More recent studies have revealed that miRNAs might be associated with cancer stem cell properties, affecting tumor maintenance and progression. Recent investigation have revealed that miRNAs are not only biological markers with diagnostic implications, but also one of the most promising treatment targets in human glioblastoma. Herein, we summarized the novel insights of miRNAs into human malignant gliomas.
Ultrasonic Measurement of Corrosion Depth Development in Concrete Exposed to Acidic Environment
Authors: Yingfang Fan , Zhiqiang Hu , Jianglin Liu
Published: July 2012

Corrosion depth of concrete can reflect the damage state of the load-carrying capacity and durability of the concrete structures servicing in severe environment. Ultrasonic technology was studied to evaluate the corrosion depth quantitatively. Three acidic environments with the pH level of 3.5, 2.5, and 1.5 were simulated by the mixture of sulfate and nitric acid solutions in the laboratory. 354 prism specimens with the dimension of 150 mm × 150 mm × 300 mm were prepared. The prepared specimens were first immersed in the acidic mixture for certain periods, followed by physical, mechanical, computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasonic test. Damage depths of the concrete specimen under different corrosion states were obtained from both CT and ultrasonic test. Based on the ultrasonic test, a bilinear regression model is proposed to estimate the corrosion depth. It is shown that the results achieved by ultrasonic and CT test are in good agreement with each other. Relation between the corrosion depth of concrete specimen and the mechanical indices such as mass loss, compressive strength, and elastic modulus is discussed in detail. It can be drawn that the ultrasonic test is a reliable nondestructive way to measure the damage depth of concrete exposed to acidic environment.
Buffer Management and Hybrid Probability Choice Routing for Packet Delivery in Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Pan Daru , Cao Wei , Zhang Han , Lin Mu
Published: July 2012

Due to the features of long connection delays, frequent network partitions, and topology unsteadiness, the design of opportunistic networks faces the challenge of how to effectively deliver data based only on occasional encountering of nodes, where the conventional routing schemes do not work properly. This paper proposes a hybrid probability choice routing protocol with buffer management for opportunistic networks. A delivery probability function is set up based on continuous encounter duration time, which is used for selecting a better node to relay packets. By combining the buffer management utility and the delivery probability, a total utility is used to decide whether the packet should be kept in the buffer or be directly transmitted to the encountering node. Simulation results show that the proposed routing outperforms the existing one in terms of the delivery rate and the average delay.
Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Bilateral Pulmonary Emboli following Arteriovenous Fistula Thrombectomy: A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Shah Avni , Ansari Naheed , Hamadeh Zaher
Published: July 2012

Number of patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is growing worldwide. Hemodialysis remains the main modality of renal replacement therapy for ESRD patients. A patent hemodialysis access (arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft) plays a key role in successful delivery of hemodialysis. Common vascular access issues encountered by patients and nephrologists are thrombosis and infection. The thrombosed access is declotted by various percutaneous techniques these days by multiple outpatient access centers in a timely fashion. Thrombolysis can give rise to various complications, a few of which can be life threatening. A young hemodialysis patient underwent percutaneous thrombolysis of his clotted arteriovenous fistula. Outpatient access thrombectomy was complicated immediately afterwards with cardiac arrest requiring cardiac resuscitation in the recovery room. The patient was admitted to intensive care unit after life sustaining care. Work up revealed multiple pulmonary emboli to both lung fields on CT scan of the chest. Patient was anticoagulated and discharged from the hospital. Thrombolysis of clotted hemodialysis access is associated commonly with occurrences of pulmonary embolic which are usually asymptomatic. Massive pulmonary embolization due to access thrombolysis is rare. Nephrologists and radiologists should be aware of this dangerous complication particularly in patients with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease.
Recent Subthreshold Design Techniques
Authors: Radfar Mohsen , Shah Kriyang , Singh Jugdutt
Published: July 2012

Considering the variety of studies that have been reported in low-power designing era, the subthreshold design trend in Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits has experienced a significant development in recent years. Growing need for the lowest power consumption has been the primary motivation for increase in research in this area although other goals, such as lowest energy delay production, have also been achieved through sub-threshold design. There are, however, few extensive studies that provide a comprehensive design insight to catch up with the rapid pace and large-scale implementations of sub-threshold digital design methodology. This paper presents a complete review of recent studies in this field and explores all aspects of sub-threshold design methodology. Moreover, near-threshold design and low-power pipelining are also considered to provide a general review of sub-threshold applications. At the end, a discussion about future directions in ultralow-power design is also included.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Thermal Properties of Lead(II) Complex with Bathophenanthroline and Benzoyltrifluoroacetonate Ligands
Authors: Hosseini Saeideh , Marandi Farzin , Şahin Ertan , Musevi Seyid Javad
Published: July 2012

A new Pb(II) complex, [Pb(bp)2(btfa)2]  1, has been synthesized with bathophenanthroline (bp) and benzoyltrifluoroacetone (Hbtfa) and characterized by elemental analysis IR and  1H NMR spectroscopy as well as by thermal properties and X‐ray crystallography. The coordination number of the Pb(II) ions in 1 is eight, with the PbN4O4 coordination polyhedron containing a stereochemically “inactive” electron lone pair with holodirected coordination spheres. In solid state, there are π⋯π, C–H⋯F, C–H⋯O, and F⋯F interactions between adjacent units to generate 3D supramolecular structure.
Global Quantitative Phosphoproteome Analysis of Human Tumor Xenografts Treated with a CD44 Antagonist
Authors: Weigand Stefan , Herting Frank , Maisel Daniela , Nopora Adam , Voss Edgar , Schaab Christoph , Klammer Martin , Tebbe Andreas
Published: July 2012

The cell surface glycoprotein CD44 plays an important role in the development and progression of various tumor types. RG7356 is a humanized antibody targeting the constant region of CD44 that shows antitumor efficacy in mice implanted with CD44-expressing tumors such as MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. CD44 receptor seems to function as the main receptor for hyaluronic acid and osteopontin, serving as coreceptor for growth factor pathways like cMet, EGFR, HER-2, and VEGFR and by cytoskeletal modulation via ERM and Rho kinase signaling. To assess the direct impact of RG7356 binding to the CD44 receptor, a global mass spectrometry–based phosphoproteomics approach was applied to freshly isolated MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografts. Results from a global phosphoproteomics screen were further corroborated by Western blot and ELISA analyses of tumor lysates from CD44-expressing tumors. Short-term treatment of tumor-bearing mice with RG7356 resulted in modifications of the MAPK pathway in the responsive model, although no effects on downstream phosphorylation were observed in a nonresponsive xenograft model. Taken together, our approach augments the value of other high throughput techniques to identify biomarkers for clinical development of targeted agents. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4329–39. ©2012 AACR.
Enhancement of Synthetic Lethality via Combinations of ABT-888, a PARP Inhibitor, and Carboplatin In Vitro and In Vivo Using BRCA1 and BRCA2 Isogenic Models
Authors: Clark Caroline C. , Weitzel Jeffrey N. , O'Connor Timothy R.
Published: July 2012

Individuals with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. The resulting tumors typically lack homologous recombination repair as do a subset of sporadic tumors with acquired BRCA deficiency. Clinical responses to monotherapy with platinum drugs or poly PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been shown for BRCA-associated cancers. However, there are limited data on combination therapy with PARPi and platinum drugs, the mechanism of action of this combination, and the role of BRCA1 or BRCA2 in chemosensitivity. We compared the efficacy of ABT-888 (a PARPi) with that of cisplatin or carboplatin (platinum drugs) alone or in combinations by examining the survival of treated Brca-proficient and -deficient mouse embryonic stem cells. In addition, drug-induced growth inhibition of a BRCA1 and a BRCA2 null cell line were compared with their isogenic BRCA-complemented lines. Although each monotherapy killed or inhibited proliferation of Brca/BRCA-deficient cells, an enhanced effect was observed after treatment with ABT-888 in combination with carboplatin. Moreover, the ABT-888/carboplatin combination delayed tumor growth in Brca2 xenografts. The drugs caused DNA damage and apoptosis. Along with greater PARP activity in Brca/BRCA-deficient cells, these effects correlated with increased chemosensitivity. Our data suggest that ABT-888 and carboplatin combination treatment will be more successful than monotherapy in addressing many BRCA-associated cancers. A randomized phase II trial has recently been initiated to test this hypothesis to assist in the discovery of more effective therapies for patients with BRCA. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(9); 1948–58. ©2012 AACR.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 IIIc as a Therapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Hagio Masahito , Seya Tomoko , Ishiwata Toshiyuki
Published: July 2012

A high percentage of colorectal carcinomas overexpress a lot of growth factors and their receptors, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and FGF receptor (FGFR). We previously reported that FGFR2 overexpression was associated with distant metastasis and that FGFR2 inhibition suppressed cell growth, migration, and invasion. The FGFR2 splicing isoform FGFR2IIIb is associated with well-differentiated histologic type, tumor angiogenesis, and adhesion to extracellular matrices. Another isoform, FGFR2IIIc, correlates with the aggressiveness of various types of cancer. In the present study, we examined the expression and roles of FGFR2IIIc in colorectal carcinoma to determine the effectiveness of FGFR2IIIc-targeting therapy. In normal colorectal tissues, FGFR2IIIc expression was weakly detected in superficial colorectal epithelial cells and was not detected in proliferative zone cells. FGFR2IIIc-positive cells were detected by immunohistochemistry in the following lesions, listed in the order of increasing percentage: hyperplastic polyps < low-grade adenomas < high-grade adenomas < carcinomas. FGFR2IIIc immunoreactivity was expressed in 27% of colorectal carcinoma cases, and this expression correlated with distant metastasis and poor prognosis. FGFR2IIIc-transfected colorectal carcinoma cells showed increased cell growth, soft agar colony formation, migration, and invasion, as well as decreased adhesion to extracellular matrices. Furthermore, FGFR2IIIc-transfected colorectal carcinoma cells formed larger tumors in subcutaneous tissues and the cecum of nude mice. Fully human anti-FGFR2IIIc monoclonal antibody inhibited the growth and migration of colorectal carcinoma cells through alterations in cell migration, cell death, and development-related genes. In conclusion, FGFR2IIIc plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Monoclonal antibody against FGFR2IIIc has promising potential in colorectal carcinoma therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(9); 2010–20. ©2012 AACR.