bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heedless programming: ignoring detectable error is a widespread hazard
Authors: Thimbleby Harold
Published: January 2012

Software should be correct and robust. This paper suggests that we need forthright words for the failure of not being robust—heedless and heedlessness—and of recursively creating software (such as a compiler or virtual machine) that itself does not support dependable software development. Heedless programming is common, particularly affecting ‘trivial’ operations such as on numbers, and extends deep into programming language design and into the use of computers more widely, thus making robust, dependable applications of all sorts unnecessarily problematic. The paper defines the problem and presents a call to action to start addressing the problems identified. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Pathways to Erythropoiesis Induced by Dimerization of Intracellular C-Mpl in Human Hematopoietic Progenitors
Authors: Parekh Chintan , Sahaghian Arineh , Kim William , Scholes Jessica , Ge Shundi , Zhu Yuhua , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Hollis Roger , Kohn Donald , Ji Lingyun , Malvar Jemily , Wang Xiaoyan , Crooks Gay
Published: January 2012

The cytokine thrombopoietin (Tpo) plays a critical role in hematopoiesis by binding to the extracellular domain and inducing homodimerization of the intracellular signaling domain of its receptor, c-Mpl. Mpl homodimerization can also be accomplished by binding of a synthetic ligand to a constitutively expressed fusion protein F36VMpl consisting of a ligand binding domain (F36V) and the intracellular signaling domain of Mpl. Unexpectedly, in contrast to Tpo stimulation, robust erythropoiesis is induced after dimerization of F36VMpl in human CD34+ progenitor cells. The goal of this study was to define the hematopoietic progenitor stages at which dimerization of intracellular Mpl induces erythropoiesis and the downstream molecular events that mediate this unanticipated effect. Dimerization (in the absence of erythropoietin and other cytokines) in human common myeloid progenitors and megakaryocytic erythroid progenitors caused a significant increase in CD34+ cells (p < .01) and induced all stages of erythropoiesis including production of enucleated red blood cells. In contrast, erythropoiesis was not seen with Tpo stimulation. CD34+ cell expansion was the result of increased cell cycling and survival (p < .05). Microarray profiling of CD34+ cells demonstrated that a unique transcriptional pattern is activated in progenitors by F36VMpl dimerization. Ligand-inducible dimerization of intracellular Mpl in human myeloerythroid progenitors induces progenitor expansion and erythropoiesis through molecular mechanisms that are not shared by Tpo stimulation of endogenous Mpl.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Guiding Principles for Supporting New Literacies in Your Classroom
Authors: Karchmer‐Klein Rachel , Shinas Valerie Harlow
Published: January 2012

In this article, the authors propose four principles to guide teachers’ thinking as they use technology to support teaching and literacy learning in 21st century classrooms. Specifically, teachers must be aware of emerging technologies, recognize the complexities of new literacies, realize tech‐savvy students may not be skilled readers and writers of web‐based texts, and develop assessments to evaluate 21st century skills. Keeping these principles in mind will help teachers prepare students to become effective readers and writers of digital texts.
Got Books?
Authors: Miller Julie
Published: January 2012

View From the Chalkboard essays share readers’ reflections on teaching experiences, advice for new teachers, and perspectives on current issues.
Reconceptualizing Critical Literacy Teaching in ESL Classrooms
Authors: Lau Sunny Man Chu
Published: January 2012

An instructional focus on critical literacy (CL) encourages students to become active readers and writers of cultural texts so that they can create their own meanings in order to shape and transform their social conditions (Lankshear & McLaren, 1993; Shor, 1992). It is, however, seldom pursued with English learners (ELs) because teachers assume that students’ limitations in English will preclude academic engagement with complex social and moral issues. The participatory action research described in this article challenges this assumption (Lau, 2010). Working with an ESL teacher in the Greater Toronto Area, I documented the progress of Grades 7 and 8 ELs engaged in CL work despite their limited English proficiency
Conversations with Leaders: Principles of Effective Writing Instruction
Authors: Zumbrunn Sharon , Krause Keegan
Published: January 2012

Findings from research demonstrate that student writing proficiency and classroom writing instruction is a national concern (Applebee & Langer, 2006, 2009; Graham, Harris, Fink‐Chorzempa, & MacArthur, 2003; Persky, Daane, & Jin, 2003). This qualitative study explored principles of effective writing instruction through the perspectives of leading authorities in the field of writing. Five major themes of effective writing instruction emerged: (1) Effective writing instructors realize the impact of their own writing beliefs, experiences, and practices; (2) Effective writing instruction encourages student motivation and engagement; (3) Effective writing instruction begins with clear and deliberate planning, but is also flexible; (4) Effective writing instruction and practice happens every day; and (5) Effective writing instruction is a scaffolded collaboration between teachers and students. This article summarizes recommendations for best practices in the writing classroom.
Replaying history on process models for conformance checking and performance analysis
Authors: van der Aalst Wil , Adriansyah Arya , van Dongen Boudewijn
Published: January 2012

Process mining techniques use event data to discover process models, to check the conformance of predefined process models, and to extend such models with information about bottlenecks, decisions, and resource usage. These techniques are driven by observed events rather than hand‐made models. Event logs are used to learn and enrich process models. By replaying history using the model, it is possible to establish a precise relationship between events and model elements. This relationship can be used to check conformance and to analyze performance. For example, it is possible to diagnose deviations from the modeled behavior. The severity of each deviation can be quantified. Moreover, the relationship established during replay and the timestamps in the event log can be combined to show bottlenecks. These examples illustrate the importance of maintaining a proper alignment between event log and process model. Therefore, we elaborate on the realization of such alignments and their application to conformance checking and performance analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Association Rules

Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining

Application Areas > Business and Industry

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Data Concepts
A Model of Sexually and Physically Victimized Women's Process of Attaining Effective Formal Help over Time: The Role of Social Location, Context, and Intervention
Authors: Kennedy Angie C. , Adams Adrienne , Bybee Deborah , Campbell Rebecca , Kubiak Sheryl Pimlott , Sullivan Cris
Published: January 2012

As empirical evidence has demonstrated the pervasiveness of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in the lives of women, and the links to poor mental health outcomes, attention has turned to examining how women seek and access formal help. We present a conceptual model that addresses prior limitations and makes three key contributions: It foregrounds the influence of social location and multiple contextual factors; emphasizes the importance of the attainment of effective formal help that meets women's needs and leads to positive mental health outcomes; and highlights the role of interventions in facilitating help attainment. We conclude with research and practice implications.
36 months observational clinical study of 38 adult Pompe disease patients under alglucosidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Regnery Caroline , Kornblum Cornelia , Hanisch Frank , Vielhaber Stefan , Strigl‐Pill Nicola , Grunert Birgit , Müller‐Felber Wolfgang , Glocker Franz Xaver , Spranger Matthias , Deschauer Marcus , Mengel Eugen , Schoser Benedikt
Published: January 2012

Objectives

Glycogen storage disease type 2(GSD2)/Pompe disease is characterized by respiratory and skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy, resulting in functional disability and reduced life span.

Methods

We present an open‐label, investigator‐initiated observational study of alglucosidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in 38 adult‐onset GSD2 patients (20 female, 18 male) with a mean age at disease onset of 36.2 ± 10.5 years. Mean delay between symptom onset and start of ERT was 14.5 ± 7.2 years. Assessments included serial Walton Gardner Medwin scale, arm function tests, timed 10‐meter walk tests, 4‐stair climb tests, modified Gowers’ maneuvers, 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), MRC sum score, forced vital capacities (FVC), creatine kinase (CK) levels, and SF‐36 self‐reporting questionnaires. All tests were performed at baseline and every 12 months for 36 months of ERT.

Results

In the 6MWT we found 21 patients able to walk at baseline a mean distance of 312 ± 165.5 m, improving to 344 ± 165.8 m after 12 months (p = 0.006), remaining at 356.4 ± 155.9 m at 24 months (p = 0.033), and declining to 325.6 ± 174.8 m after 36 months of ERT (p = 0.49, n.s.). The mean FVC in 28 patients was 80.27 ± 14.08% of predicted normal at baseline, after 12 months 79.19 ± 13.09%, at 24 months 78.62 ± 16.55%, and 77.19 ± 18.05% after 36 months. Only mean CK levels were significantly decreased by 8.8% (p = 0.041). All other tests were statistically non‐significant changed.

Conclusion

Our data denote a rather variable course of neuromuscular deficits in chronic adult‐onset Pompe patients during 36 months of alglucosidase alfa ERT.
Complications of pamidronate therapy in paediatric osteoporosis
Authors: Chilbule Sanjay K. , Madhuri Vrisha
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Pamidronate, used for the treatment of paediatric osteoporosis, reduces the fracture rate and improves ambulatory status. Intravenous pamidronate therapy has known complications which have not been stratified based on its dose and distribution. This study aims to assess the early minor and major medical and late surgical complications and the effect of the dose and regimen of infusion on these events in paediatric osteoporosis.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Materials and methods

Three regimens for pamidronate infusion were followed in sequential periods in 10 years. Regimen A delivered 1.5 mg/kg/day as a single dose once in 3 months. Regimen B delivered 2 mg/kg/day for 3 days twice a year, while regimen C delivered 1 mg/kg/day for 3 days every 3–4 months. Adverse events were classified as early (major and minor) or late (surgical).

Results

Forty-eight children received 158 infusions using one of the three regimens. Twenty-nine complications occurred in 24 children. A significant difference in the complication rate was present among the three regimens ( P = 0.005). Nineteen children had minor complications, mainly febrile reaction or asymptomatic hypocalcaemia. Four major complications consisting of one seizure, one respiratory distress and two hypocalcaemic tetany were encountered, all with regimen B. Intraoperative complication faced was loss of position due to splintering of the cortex while rush rodding. This was seen in 20% of the long bone segments operated in those who received pamidronate as compared to 4.4% of the segments which were operated prior to the initiation of pamidronate therapy; the odds of splintering were 5.4 times higher for those patients who were bone segment rodded after pamidronate therapy.

Discussion

Intravenous pamidronate is associated with complications in 50% of children with paediatric osteoporosis, with a dose-dependent significant difference. Major complications are not uncommon with higher doses and can be avoided by increasing the number of doses per year and decreasing the dose per cycle. Surgical difficulty, when possible, can be avoided by correcting any major deformities at presentation prior to the induction of pamidronate therapy.
Surgical Count Practice Variability and the Potential for Retained Surgical Items
Authors: Edel Elizabeth Morell
Published: January 2012

Validating existing count practices and reducing individual practice variance are necessary to decrease the risk for retained surgical items. A quality improvement project was undertaken at one large city hospital to identify best practice and eliminate variability in count practices. The project included an analysis of 20 surgical count policies from hospitals across the country and a review of count practices among nurses and surgical technologists at the facility. Assessment of the policies and practices indicated that clinical practice requirements in the policies varied greatly, and there was a high degree of count practice variability among staff members. The facility OR manager and OR quality coordinator collaborated with staff nurses and surgical technologists to identify practices that created variability and then addressed each one to create a new count policy and reduce the risk of retained surgical items.
Complications in Surgery
Authors: Stein Patricia
Published: January 2012

Complications in Surgery Michael Mulholland, Gerard Doherty 2nd edition 2011, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 800 pages, hardcover
LY294002 inhibits TLR3/4‐mediated IFN‐β production via inhibition of IRF3 activation with a PI3K‐independent mechanism
Authors: Zhao Wei , Qi Jianni , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Meng , Wang Peng , Gao Chengjiang
Published: January 2012

TLR3 and TLR4 utilize adaptor TRIF to activate interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), resulting in interferon β (IFN‐β) production to mediate anti‐viral infection. In this report, we analyzed the effect of two known phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin on LPS‐ and poly(I:C)‐induced IFN‐β production in peritoneal macrophages. LY294002 inhibited LPS‐ and poly(I:C)‐induced IFN‐β transcription and secretion. In contrast, wortmannin could not inhibit IFN‐β production. Furthermore, IRF3 transcriptional activation and binding to IFN‐β promoter were found to be inhibited by LY294002. Therefore, our findings demonstrate LY294002 negatively regulates LPS‐ and poly(I:C)‐induced IFN‐β production through inhibition of IRF3 activation in a PI3K‐independent manner.
Dimerization, but not phosphothreonine binding, is conserved between the forkhead‐associated domains of Drosophila MU2 and human MDC1
Authors: Luo Shukun , Ye Keqiong
Published: January 2012

MU2
and
MU2
bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)
Clinical evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery in the management of stage IB2–IIB cervical cancer
Authors: Gong Lin , Lou Jian‐Yan , Wang Ping , Zhang Jia‐Wen , Liu Hui , Peng Zhi‐Lan
Published: January 2012

Objective

To evaluate clinical efficacy, toxicity, and survival outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by radical surgery (RS) among patients with cervical cancer stage IB2–IIB.

Methods

In a retrospective clinical study at West China Second Hospital, Chengdu, data were analyzed from 414 patients who underwent NACT followed by radical surgery (NACT–RS) or RS alone between January 2008 and November 2009.

Results

The clinical response for NACT was 90%. Lymph node metastasis (25% versus 48%, P < 0.05) and deep cervical stromal invasion more than 0.5, (68% versus 91%, P < 0.05) were significantly lower among responders than among non‐responders, respectively, in the NACT–RS group. The 2‐year progression‐free survival and 2‐year overall survival were 93.0% and 95.5% in the NACT–RS group, and 94.5% and 97.1% in the RS group (P > 0.05). Parametric infiltration (hazard ratio [HR], 7.668; P < 0.05) and lymph node metastasis (HR, 7.714; P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for all study patients.

Conclusion

Compared with RS, NACT–RS did not show a significant advantage for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. However, the data provide the rationale for assessing NACT–RS in a multicenter randomized clinical trial setting. NACT may be considered as an alternative treatment when radiotherapy is not available.
Short- and Long-term Effects of Online Advertising: Differences between New and Existing Customers
Authors: Breuer Ralph , Brettel Malte
Published: January 2012

Online advertising has short- and long-term effects. Little is known, however, about which online advertising channel works best to address particular customer groups when short- and long-term effects, are taken into account. We look at the sales effect of search engine marketing (SEM), banner advertising, price comparison advertising (PCA) and coupon/loyalty advertising (CLA) on new and existing customers. Our analysis, which uses a sample of 2.8 million purchases, shows that SEM has the longest effect, followed by banners, CLA, and PCA. We find that CLA works better for existing customers than for new customers, whereas PCA works better to attract new customers.
The link between supply chain fit and financial performance of the firm⋆
Authors: Wagner Stephan M. , Grosse‐Ruyken Pan Theo , Erhun Feryal
Published: January 2012

The bottom‐line financial impact of supply chain management has been of continuing interest. Building on the operations strategy literature, Fisher's (1997) conceptual framework, a survey of 259 U.S. and European manufacturing firms, and secondary financial data, we investigate the relationship between supply chain fit (i.e., strategic consistencies between the products’ supply and demand uncertainty and the underlying supply chain design) and the financial performance of the firm. The findings indicate that the higher the supply chain fit, the higher the Return on Assets (ROA) of the firm, and that firms with a negative misfit show a lower performance than firms with a positive misfit.
Tail structure and bed friction velocity distribution of gravity currents propagating over an array of obstacles
Authors: Tokyay Talia , Constantinescu George , Meiburg Eckart
Published: January 2012

The bed friction velocity distribution and sediment entrainment potential of Boussinesq compositional gravity currents propagating over a series of obstacles and over a smooth surface, respectively, are analysed based on high-resolution, three-dimensional large-eddy simulations. The investigation focuses on the parameter regime for which currents with a high volume of release go through an extended slumping phase with approximately constant front velocity (Tokyay, Constantinescu & Meiburg, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 672, 2011, 570–605). Under these conditions, a quasi-steady regime is reached between consecutive obstacles that is similar to the steady regime observed for constant-density channel flows over bottom obstacles. At a given location, this quasi-steady regime is reached in the tail of the current after the passage of the front and the associated hydraulic jumps reflected from the first few downstream obstacles. A double-averaging procedure is employed to characterize the global changes in the structure of the tail region between currents with a high volume of release propagating over smooth surfaces and over obstacles. Reynolds-number-induced scale effects on the flow and turbulence structure within the tail region are discussed in some detail. The presence of this quasi-steady regime is significant, since the simulations with obstacles show that most of the sediment is entrained by the tail of the current, rather than by its front. A detailed analysis of the effects of the obstacle shape on the quasi-steady mean flow and turbulence structure is presented, which provides insight into why gravity currents over dunes can entrain more sediment than gravity currents over ribs of comparable size. Finally, the bed friction velocity distributions and the potential to entrain sediment are compared for a compositional current with a high volume of release during the slumping phase, and a current with a low volume of release for which transition to the buoyancy–inertia phase occurs a short time after the release of the lock gate.
A Blessing or a Curse? State Support for Terrorist Groups
Authors: Carter David B.
Published: January 2012

Little existing work has systematically examined the factors that help terrorist groups survive or contribute to their failure. State support for terrorist groups is commonly thought to be a factor that helps groups to survive. I demonstrate with newly collected data that state sponsorship is not always helpful to terrorist groups. The resources provided by sponsors increase a group's ability to maintain itself internally. However, when a group has a sponsor that provides it with safe haven, the risk of the group being forcefully eliminated by the target increases. I argue that sponsors that provide safe haven can have incentives to provide information to the target about the groups to avoid potential costs from target military operations within their territory. The key empirical findings suggest that state sponsorship is a less serious problem for target states than many previously thought.
Democratic Reliability, Precommitment of Successor Governments, and the Choice of Alliance Commitment
Authors: Mattes Michaela
Published: January 2012

Given frequent leadership turnover and leaders' need to appeal to voters, democracies should face difficulties in maintaining their alliance commitments. Yet the empirical evidence predominantly shows that they do make reliable allies. Democratic governments can increase reliability by binding future administrations through the choice of alliance commitment. While defense pacts precommit future leaders to close military cooperation with an ally, consultation pacts leave more room for discretion. This research note examines when precommitment through a defense pact is likely to occur. A government should be more likely to conclude a defense pact if potential successors have different preferences regarding the alliance, if the government believes that it will lose power soon, and if the costs of precommitment are not too high. I test the theoretical expectations using the Alliance Treaty Obligations and Provisions (ATOP) data between 1945 and 2003. The findings support the argument and suggest an answer to the puzzle of why states sometimes conclude whole-hearted commitments and other times seemingly half-hearted ones.
Paths to Financial Policy Diffusion: Statist Legacies in Latin America's Globalization
Authors: Brooks Sarah M. , Kurtz Marcus J.
Published: January 2012

The dominant approaches to the study of capital account liberalization have highlighted institutional barriers to reform and have also demonstrated an important role for interdependence, or the diffusion of a policy innovation from one country to another, as a causal force. Our approach contrasts with the institutional approach and seeks to clarify the political mechanisms of international policy diffusion. Specifically, we develop and test hypotheses that posit that structural economic legacies of the pre–reform era both condition the way in which international diffusion operates, and create the societal and economic interests that help produce varying capital account policy outcomes in the domestic political sphere. Analysis of capital account liberalization strategies in post–debt-crisis Latin America (1983–2007) reveals that capital account opening and the channels through which this innovation diffuses are conditioned by the legacy of a country's pre–debt crisis economic development model. Specifically, the degree to which advanced import-substituting industrialization was pursued prior to the reform era affects capital account policy by shaping both the relevant international peer groups through which policy models diffuse, and the sorts of domestic interests that are likely to influence the liberalization process. International diffusion also varies in its impact depending on domestic political and economic conditions.
Performing International Systems: Two East-Asian Alternatives to the Westphalian Order
Authors: Ringmar Erik
Published: January 2012

This article provides a framework for the comparative study of international systems. By analyzing how international systems are framed, scripted, and performed, it is possible to understand how interstate relations are interpreted in different historical periods and parts of the world. But such an investigation also has general implications—inter alia for a study of the nature of power, the role of emotions in foreign policymaking, and public opinion formation. Case studies are provided by the Sino-centric, the Tokugawa, and the Westphalian systems. As this study shows, the two East Asian systems were in several respects better adapted than the Westphalian to the realities of international politics in the twenty-first century.
Surgical tracheostomy in morbidly obese patients: technical considerations and a two-flap technique for access
Authors: Khoo S G , Rajaretnam N
Published: January 2012

Objective:

In an era in which percutaneous tracheostomies are frequently performed in ‘suitable’ necks, more technically complex cases are referred to the otolaryngologist. We describe the surgical technique used and close cooperation required in securing the airway of a morbidly obese patient.

Case report:

A 52-year-old, morbidly obese man with significant comorbidities was referred for surgical tracheostomy following spinal fractures. This was complicated by a previous percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy scar. Tension-free skin advancement was not possible with a deeply plunging trachea; a vertical skin incision was dropped inferiorly to the sternum for access. A size 8 Shiley XLT Proximal Extension cuffed tracheostomy tube was inserted successfully.

Conclusion:

We describe safe airway surgery in a morbidly obese man, and outline requirements including the use of a specially designed operating table, the need for an elongated proximal limb tracheostomy tube, and the use of a distal two-flap technique for access to a deeply plunging trachea.
Three positive solutions for semilinear elliptic problems involving concave and convex nonlinearities
Authors: Hsu Tsing-San , Lin Huei-li
Published: January 2012

We study the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions for the Dirichlet problem

where λ > 0, 1 < q < 2, p = 2* = 2N/(N − 2), 0 ε Ω ⊂ ℝN, N ≥ 3, is a bounded domain with smooth boundary ∂Ω and f is a non-negative continuous function on $\bar{\varOmega}$. Assuming that f satisfies some hypothesis, we prove that the equation admits at least three positive solutions for sufficiently small λ.
A new class of Banach space with the drop property
Authors: Wulede Suyalatu , Ha Wudunqiqige
Published: January 2012

We discuss a new class of Banach spaces which are wider than the strongly convex spaces introduced by Congxin Wu and Yongjin Li. We prove that the new class of Banach spaces lies strictly between either the class of uniformly convex spaces and strongly convex spaces or the class of fully k-convex spaces and strongly convex spaces. The new class of Banach spaces has inclusive relations with neither the class of locally uniformly convex spaces nor the class of nearly uniformly convex spaces. We obtain in addition some characterizations of this new class of Banach spaces.
Multiple existence of solutions for a singularly perturbed nonlinear elliptic problem on a Riemannian manifold
Authors: Hirano Norimichi
Published: January 2012

Let (M, g) be a compact smooth N-dimensional Riemannian manifold without boundary. We consider the multiple existence of positive solutions of the problem

where Δg stands for the Laplacian in M and f ε C2(M).
An analysis of embryo development in palm: interactions between dry matter accumulation and water relations in Pritchardia remota (Arecaceae)
Authors: Pérez Hector E. , Hill Lisa M. , Walters Christina
Published: January 2012

Assessments of seed storage physiology among Arecaceae (palm) species are often inconclusive because seeds exhibit diverse responses to low temperature and moisture conditions. Interrelationships between dry matter accumulation, cell structure and water relations during seed development of the endangered Hawaiian endemic palm, Pritchardia remota, suggest that damage from drying results from mechanical strain. Endosperm and fruits accumulate dry mass through most of the 400 d gestation period, but embryos reached maximum dry mass about 250 d post-anthesis (DPA). Mostly sucrose and some triacylglycerols accumulated in the cytoplasm and vacuoles of embryo cells, and organelles in mature embryo cells de-differentiated. Water content and water potential decreased as embryos matured and embryos contained about 0.45 g H2O (g dry mass)− 1 ( − 26 MPa) at shedding. Mature embryos survived drying to 0.16 g g− 1 ( − 49 MPa), but further drying was lethal. A model of allowable cell shrinkage is consistent with the substantial, but incomplete, desiccation tolerance acquired in P. remota embryos, and provides a new framework to explain variation in critical water contents as embryos develop. We suggest that desiccation tolerance, which distinguishes recalcitrant and orthodox physiologies among seeds, can be quantified by mechanical strain when embryo cells shrink during drying.
DEBT POLICY RULE, PRODUCTIVE GOVERNMENT SPENDING, AND MULTIPLE GROWTH PATHS: A NOTE
Authors: Minea Alexandru , Villieu Patrick
Published: January 2012

In a very interesting endogenous growth model, Futagami, Iwaisako, and Ohdoi [Macroeconomic Dynamics 12 (2008), 445–462] study the long-run growth effect of borrowing for public investment. Their model exhibits (i) the multiplicity of balanced growth paths (BGPs) in the long run (two steady states) and (ii) a possible indeterminacy of the transition path to the high-growth BGP. The goal of this note is to show that their results depend on a sharp assumption, namely the definition of the public debt target as a ratio to private capital. If the target is defined in terms of public debt–to–GDP ratio, both results vanish: the model exhibits a unique BGP (no multiplicity) and the adjustment path to this unique equilibrium is determinate (no indeterminacy).
Slot coupled patch antenna in MCM-D for millimeter wave detector matrix applications
Authors: Tavakol Vahid , Qi Feng , Ocket Ilja , Schreurs Dominique , De Raedt Walter , Nauwelaers Bart
Published: January 2012

In this work we assess the feasibility of fabricating a matrix of antennas for the millimeter (mm)-wave band using the “Multi Chip Module – Deposited (MCM-D)” process. The main focus of the design is to minimize the cross coupling between the antennas fabricated on the common substrate. We investigate the use of a virtual cavity formed by metalized vias in order to reduce the cross coupling to the neighboring cells. The radiation efficiency is analyzed in detail, and experimental results of a 2 × 2 array are presented.
Expanding shrub range slows Alaskan erosion
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: January 2012

The relationship between permafrost, Arctic vegetation, soil erosion, and changing air temperatures is complicated. For instance, rising temperatures melt surface permafrost layers and increase shrub growth. These shrubs can catch drifting snow, thereby insulating the soil during the winter and accelerating permafrost degradation—facilitating their own proliferation. Alternatively, increased vegetation can shift energy transfer dynamics, cooling the surface and protecting permafrost. Hence, expanding Arctic shrub populations may either reinforce or counteract permafrost erosion. The complexity of the interactions makes firsthand accounts of these dynamics particularly important.
Historical temporal trends in groundwater levels from British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Rayne Sierra , Forest Kaya
Published: January 2012

A time trend study of groundwater monitoring well levels was conducted in British Columbia, Canada. Trend data was available for a total of 210 groundwater monitoring well stations throughout the province with end-of-month water levels over the period of record. Significant temporal trends in groundwater levels were found at 67 stations (40.4% of all stations amenable to statistical examination, and 31.9% of all available stations). Of these 67 stations, 10 had increasing groundwater level trends and the remaining 57 had declining groundwater level trends. Thus, 34.3% of stations with a sufficiently long time series for analysis displayed declining groundwater level trends, while 6.0% have increasing trends, and 59.6% of these stations appear to have no significant temporal variation in groundwater levels. Geographic distinctions in groundwater level time trends are difficult to make owing to the unbalanced distribution of monitoring sites throughout the province. Based on percentages of total stations with a sufficiently long monitoring record for statistical analysis, it appears that the semi-arid Thompson/Nicola and Okanagan zones of British Columbia are most likely to have declining groundwater levels. Overall, a substantial proportion of groundwater monitoring wells in British Columbia - which have been operated with varying record lengths dating from recent installations to sites with records back to the 1950s - are exhibiting declining levels. At a significant number of other sites in the monitoring network, records are too short and/or poorly populated to facilitate statistical analysis.
Using Gene Expression to Predict Differences in the Secretome of Human Omental vs. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Authors: Hoggard Nigel , Cruickshank Morven , Moar Kim‐Marie , Bashir Shabina , Mayer Claus‐Dieter
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to characterize differences in the secretome of human omental compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue using global gene expression profiling. Gene expression was measured using Affymetrix microarrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) in subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in two independent experiments (n = 5 and n = 3 independent subjects; n = 16 arrays in total, 2 for each subject). Predictive bioinformatic algorithms were employed to identify secreted proteins. Microarray analysis identified 22 gene probe sets whose expression was significantly different with a fold change (FC) greater than 5 in expression in both experiments between omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Using bioinformatic predictive programs 11 of these 22 probe sets potentially coded for secreted proteins. Pathway network analysis of the secreted proteins showed that three of the proteins are part of a common pathway network. These proteins gremlin 1 (GREM1), pleiotrophin (PTN), and secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI) are expressed respectively 43×, 23×, and 5× in omental adipose tissue relative to subcutaneous adipose tissue as determined by real‐time PCR. The presence of GREM1, PTN, and SLPI protein in human adipose tissue was confirmed by western blotting. All three proteins are expressed in the human Simpson‐Golabi‐Behmel syndrome (SGBS) preadipocyte cell line. The expression of GREM1, PTN, and SLPI changed with the differentiation of the preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. Gene expression coupled with predictive bioinformatic algorithms have identified several genes coding for secreted proteins which are expressed differently in omental adipose tissue compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue proving a valid alternative approach to help further define the adipocyte secretome.
Retracted Article: Honeycomb-like Co–B amorphous alloy catalysts assembled by a solution plasma process show enhanced catalytic hydrolysis activity for hydrogen generation
Authors: Tong Dong Ge , Chu Wei , Wu Ping , Zhang Li
Published: January 2012

A novel solution plasma process was developed to assemble honeycomb-like Co–B amorphous alloy catalysts with 253.33 m2 g−1 specific surface area using triethanolamine (TEA) as a soft template.
Size effects in reactive circular site interactions
Authors: Saddawi Salma , Strieder William
Published: January 2012

The complete series solution for the reactant diffusion and reaction at two diffusion-controlled chemically reactive surface sites of radii a1 and a2, located in an inert plane an arbitrary center-to-center distance d apart, is presented. Rigorous, analytical forms are developed to calculate the site reaction rates in terms of the dimensionless intersite distance σ [=d/(a1 + a2)] and the site radius ratio γ (=a1/a2). Numerical simulation and approximate theoretical results from the recent literature are compared to the exact site reaction rates. While general agreement was noted over the ranges of γ and σ, significant errors in the Wilemski-Fixman-Weiss site rates were found at small γ and σ < 3.
A two-color tunable infrared/vacuum ultraviolet spectrometer for high-resolution spectroscopy of molecules in molecular beams
Authors: Woodward Jonathan R. , Watanabe Hirokazu , Ishiuchi Shun-Ichi , Fujii Masaaki
Published: January 2012

We describe here the key technical elements of a two-color tunable IR/VUV photoionization TOF mass spectrometer system which allows a wide-range of high-resolution experiments to be performed on a diverse range of cold molecules and clusters in a molecular beam. In particular we highlight the methods we have applied to provide efficient wavelength separation of the VUV radiation from the longer wavelength components used to generate it and discuss a number of systems that we have studied with the instrument which highlight its flexibility for use in the study of molecular spectroscopy.
Vibrational resonance in Duffing systems with fractional-order damping
Authors: Yang J. H. , Zhu H.
Published: January 2012

The phenomenon of vibrational resonance (VR) is investigated in over- and under-damped Duffing systems with fractional-order damping. It is found that the factional-order damping can induce change in the number of the steady stable states and then lead to single- or double-resonance behavior. Compared with vibrational resonance in the ordinary systems, the following new results are found in the fractional-order systems. (1) In the overdamped system with double-well potential and ordinary damping, there is only one kind of single-resonance, whereas there are double-resonance and two kinds of single-resonance for the case of fractional-order damping. The necessary condition for these new resonance behaviors is the value of the fractional-order satisfies α > 1. (2) In the overdamped system with single-well potential and ordinary damping, there is no resonance, whereas there is a single-resonance for the case of fractional-order damping. The necessary condition for the new result is α > 1. (3) In the underdamped system with double-well potential and ordinary damping, there are double-resonance and one kind of single-resonance, whereas there are double-resonance and two kinds of single-resonance for the case of fractional-order damping. The necessary condition for the new single-resonance is α < 1. (4) In the underdamped system with single-well potential, there is at most a single-resonance existing for both the cases of ordinary and fractional-order damping. In the underdamped systems, varying the value of the fractional-order is equivalent to change the damping parameter for some cases.
Relaxor ferroelectric behavior of BaMnO3 (2H) at room temperature
Authors: Satapathy S. , Singh M. K. , Pandit Pragya , Gupta P. K.
Published: January 2012

Geometrically frustrated hexagonal BaMnO3 (2H) is an interesting material due to the presence of more than one ferroic order parameters. Although the material is well known, still there exists confusion on the crystal structure of this material at room temperature and its ferroelectric properties have not been explored. Here, we report noncentrosymmetric crystal structure and ferroelectric properties of BaMnO3 (2H) at room temperature. The dielectric diffusivity calculated from modified Curie-Weiss laws and non linear Vogel-Fulcher fittings implies weak relaxor characteristic of BaMnO3 (2H). The ferroelectric properties arise due to off centering of Mn4+ ion in unit cell and weak relaxor properties are attributed to the presence of a smaller amount of Mn3+ cations which creates disorder in 2H-BaMnO3.
High power rapidly tunable system for laser cooling
Authors: Valenzuela V. M. , Hernández L. , Gomez E.
Published: January 2012

We present a laser configuration capable of fast frequency changes with a high power output and a large tuning range. The system integrates frequency tuning with an acousto-optic modulator with a double pass tapered amplifier. A compensation circuit keeps the seed power constant and prevents damage to the amplifier. A single mode fiber decouples the modulation and amplification sections and keeps the alignment fixed. The small power required to saturate the amplifier makes the system very reliable. We use the system to obtain a dipole trap that we image using a beam derived from the same configuration.
Bortezomib interferes with C-KIT processing and transforms the t(8;21)-generated fusion proteins into tumor-suppressing fragments in leukemia cells
Authors: Fang Hai-Tong , Zhang Bo , Pan Xiao-Fen , Gao Li , Zhen Tao , Zhao Hong-Xia , Ma Liang , Xie Jun , Liu Zi , Yu Xian-Jun , Cheng Xin , Feng Ting-Ting , Zhang Feng-Xiang , Yang Yong , Hu Zhong-Guo , Sheng Guo-Qing , Chen Yong-Long , Chen Sai-Juan , Chen Zhu , Zhou Guang-Biao
Published: January 2012

The boronic acid dipeptide bortezomib inhibits the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 26S proteasome and shows significant therapeutic efficacy in multiple myeloma. However, recent studies suggest that bortezomib may have more complex mechanisms of action in treating cancer. We report here that the endocytosis and lysosomal degradation of the receptor tyrosine kinase C-KIT are required for bortezomib- but not tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib-caused apoptosis of
t
(8;21) leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumor cells, suggesting that C-KIT may recruit an apoptosis initiator. We show that C-KIT binds and phosphorylates heat shock protein 90β (Hsp90β), which sequestrates apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). Bortezomib dephosphorylates pHsp90β and releases Apaf-1. Although the activated caspase-3 is not sufficient to cause marked apoptosis, it cleaves the
t
(8;21) generated acute myeloid leukemia 1-eight twenty one (AML1-ETO) and AML1-ETO9a fusion proteins, with production of cleavage fragments that perturb the functions of the parental oncoproteins and further contribute to apoptosis. Notably, bortezomib exerts potent therapeutic efficacy in mice bearing AML1-ETO9a–driven leukemia. These data show that C-KIT-pHsp90β-Apaf-1 cascade is critical for some malignant cells to evade apoptosis, and the clinical therapeutic potentials of bortezomib in C-KIT–driven neoplasms should be further explored.
Smoltification in an Impounded, Adfluvial Redband Trout Population Upstream from an Impassable Dam: Does It Persist?
Authors: Holecek Dean E. , Scarnecchia Dennis L. , Miller Shannon E.
Published: January 2012

This study evaluated whether a population of adfluvial redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdnerii (a subspecies of rainbow trout) in Mann Creek and Reservoir, southwestern Idaho, continues to undergo smoltification. This population had an anadromous component before the construction of main‐stem and tributary dams in 1958 and 1967, respectively. Smoltification was assessed by quantifying the proportion of juvenile migrants that displayed high skin reflectance, comparing mean gill Na+,K+‐ATPase activity among migrants, and examining migration timing compared with that of neighboring steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout) populations. Approximately one‐quarter of the 1,502 juvenile migrants trapped and examined displayed the intermediate or high skin reflectance (nonbanded silvery coloration) characteristic of smolts; the other fish maintained a banded coloration more typical of resident fish. For 78 samples of gill filaments over the course of the migration season (18 March to 3 June), Na+,K+‐ATPase activity varied considerably among fish (0.95–5.81 μmol Pi · h−1 · mg protein−1) and doubled in nonbanded fish over the course of the migration period. ATPase activity was significantly higher for nonbanded fish than for banded fish at the end of the migration period (21 May – 4 June). Juvenile adfluvial redband trout migrated from Mann Creek in approximate synchrony with neighboring steelhead populations. These results suggest the possibility that in areas in the Snake River drainage where steelhead have been extirpated as a result of artificial barriers, remnant populations retain the potential for anadromy.
Effect of Experience with Predators on the Behavior and Survival of Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge
Authors: Wahl David H. , Einfalt Lisa M. , Wojcieszak Douglas B.
Published: January 2012

We assessed predator acclimation as a technique to improve the poststocking survival of juvenile muskellunge Esox masquinongy and tiger muskellunge (muskellunge × northern pike E. lucius) in laboratory, pond, and lake experiments. For all experiments, a subset of esocids was exposed to feeding largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (250–300 mm total length). In laboratory pools containing simulated vegetation (50% of pool), we tested the vulnerability of predator‐acclimated and naive muskellunge and tiger muskellunge to largemouth bass predation. For both species, survival rates were similar regardless of predator experience. Predator‐acclimated esocids, however, spent more time in the vegetation, indicating that exposure to predators may alter some behaviors. We also introduced equal numbers of naive and predator‐acclimated tiger muskellunge into ponds and lakes containing largemouth bass. To determine the number of surviving fish, ponds were drained after 7 d, whereas lakes were sampled immediately after stocking and throughout the fall. We found similar survival rates between naive and predator‐acclimated individuals, suggesting that predator acclimation techniques that are successful with other species are not effective in reducing losses of stocked muskellunge and tiger muskellunge.