bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revised stratigraphy and depositional history for the Horseshoe Canyon Formation (Upper Cretaceous), southern Alberta plains
Authors: Eberth David A. , Braman Dennis R.
Published: August 2012

The Upper Cretaceous paralic to nonmarine Horseshoe Canyon Formation (HCFm) of southern Alberta is divided into seven mappable members: Strathmore, Drumheller, Horsethief, Morrin, Tolman, Carbon, and Whitemud (bottom to top). This subdivision, based on combined outcrop and subsurface analyses, reflects lithostratigraphic variations related to changes in sea level (previously recognized) and newly documented changes in climate, volcanism, and orogenesis in an evolving foreland basin. Million-year-scale cycles of orogenesis resulted in changes in sediment supply and rates of subsidence in the basin and are interpreted in the context of a simple, two-phase foreland-basin sequence stratigraphic model: (i) overthrust loading resulting in reduced rates of sediment supply and subsidence in the most distal portions of the Alberta foredeep (our field area); (ii) tectonic quiescence leading to increased rates of sediment supply and subsidence during proximal-foredeep rebound. During the first ∼2.5 Ma of its history (Strathmore and Drumheller members), the HCFm was tectonically and climatically “stable”, and depositional style and stratigraphic architecture were influenced by vertical aggradation and modest progradation of shorelines. During the remaining ∼4.5 Ma (Horsethief, Morrin, Tolman, Carbon, and Whitemud members), there were more complex and frequent changes in climate, volcanism, orogenesis, landscape weathering, and soil formation. Understanding this previously unrecognized complexity is critical for correctly assessing hydrocarbon resource distributions and biostratigraphic and taphonomic patterns.
Stratigraphy of the upper Hazelton Group and the Jurassic evolution of the Stikine terrane, British Columbia1ESS Contribution 20120051.
Authors: Gagnon J.-F. , Barresi T. , Waldron John W.F. , Nelson J.L. , Poulton T.P. , Cordey F.
Published: August 2012

The Lower to Middle Jurassic Hazelton Group represents the final stage of magmatic arc activity in the intraoceanic Stikine terrane, which was followed by accretion within the Cordilleran terrane collage. The Hazelton Group is exposed in the following areas: (i) on the periphery of the Bowser Basin, where arc and back-arc strata are overlain by mainly sedimentary strata of the upper Hazelton Group and then by the clastic basin fill of the Bowser Lake Group; and (ii) within a 300 km long rift system, the Eskay rift, west of the Bowser basin, where a predominantly bimodal volcanic succession contains significant mineral deposits. Examination of representative stratigraphic sections throughout the regional extent of the upper Hazelton Group has suggested significant revisions and clarification of its stratigraphy and include the following: (i) informal division of the Hazelton Group into upper and lower parts and recognition of a diachronous unconformity or unconformities at the boundary between them; (ii) establishment of a type section for the sandstone-dominated Smithers Formation; (iii) establishment of separate Quock and revised Spatsizi formations in the north and extension of the Quock Formation to include all lithostratigraphically equivalent units of blocky, thinly bedded siliceous mudstone and tuff around the periphery of the Bowser basin; and (iv) introduction of the Iskut River Formation for rift-related and volcanic facies in the Eskay rift area. Two independent rifting events occurred during deposition of the Hazelton Group: a Late Sinemurian to Early Pliensbachian phase in the northwest-trending Hazelton trough and a more restricted Aalenian to Bajocian extensional event in the Eskay rift.
Prevalence of traditional and novel markers of cardiovascular disease risk in Scottish adolescents: socioeconomic effects
Authors: Buchan Duncan S. , Ollis Stewart , Thomas Non-Eleri , Simpson Alan , Young John D. , Cooper Stephen-Mark , Malina Robert M. , Cockcroft John R. , Baker Julien S.
Published: August 2012

Information on the health status and physical activity of Scottish adolescents is limited. This study examines the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Scottish adolescents by socioeconomic status (SES). Participants were recruited from two high schools that differed in the SES of the students in attendance. The sample included 73 boys and 34 girls (16.4 ± 0.6 years). Variables included anthropometry, physical activity, physical fitness, blood pressure, diet, and 11 metabolic markers of CVD risk. Significant sex differences (P ≤ 0.01) were noted for stature, waist circumference, waist–hip ratio, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular power, sprint speed, and several CVD risk factors: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Boys from a lower SES had significantly higher levels of glucose and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) but lower levels of adiponectin compared with boys from a higher SES. Girls from a lower SES had significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher glucose and PAI-1 levels but lower levels of insulin and adiponectin than girls from a higher SES. High fat diets, low physical activity levels, and elevated CRP and total cholesterol levels were the CVD risk factors most commonly identified as being at-risk levels in this cohort, regardless of sex or SES. SES differences were not consistently apparent, but several CVD risk factors were identified as elevated in this sample of adolescents, regardless of sex or SES.
Blood platelet-derived microparticles release and bubble formation after an open-sea air dive
Authors: Pontier Jean-Michel , Gempp Emmanuel , Ignatescu Mihaela
Published: August 2012

Bubble-induced platelet aggregation offers an index for evaluating decompression severity in humans and in a rat model of decompression sickness. Endothelial cells, blood platelets, or leukocytes shed microparticles (MP) upon activation and during cell apoptosis. The aim was to study blood platelet MP (PMP) release and bubble formation after a scuba-air dive in field conditions. Healthy, experienced divers were assigned to 1 experimental group (n = 10) with an open-sea air dive to 30 msw for 30 min and 1 control group (n = 5) during head-out water immersion for the same period. Bubble grades were monitored with a pulsed doppler according to Kissman Integrated Severity Score (KISS). Blood samples for platelet count (PC) and PMP (annexin V and CD41) were taken 1 h before and after exposure in both groups. The result showed a decrease in post-dive PC compared with pre-dive values in experimental group with no significant change in the control group. We observed a significant increase in PMP values after the dive while no change was revealed in the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between the PMP values after the dive and the KISS bubble score. The present study highlighted a relationship between the post-dive decrease in PC, platelet MP release, and bubble formation. Release of platelet MPs could reflect bubble-induced platelet aggregation and could play a key role in alteration of the coagulation. Further studies must investigate endothelial and leukocyte MP release in the same field conditions.
Effects of high molecular weight alcohols from sugar cane fed alone or in combination with plant sterols on lipid profile and antioxidant status of Wistar rats
Authors: Kitts David D. , Kopec Aneta , Zawistowski Jerzy , Popovich David G.
Published: August 2012

The effect of feeding a mixture of high molecular weight alcohols derived from sugarcane (SCA), both alone and in combination with phytosterols (PS), on changes in plasma lipids, organ cholesterol accumulation, and antioxidant status of Wistar rats was undertaken. Three separate experiments were conducted and each experiment had 3 subsets. In experiment 1, rats were fed on an AIN-76, semi-synthetic diet supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The second experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet (AIN-76+0.5% cholesterol) containing 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The third experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet that contained 2% PS in combination with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA. Rats fed the atherogenic diet exhibited significant elevations in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and significant reductions in the high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio, regardless of the presence of 0.5% or 5% SCA mixture. Serum cholesterol increased 29% to 35% in these animals compared with animals fed the nonatherogenic diets. In contrast, animals fed atherogenic diets that contained 2% PS exhibited no difference in serum lipids compared with counterparts fed nonatherogenic diets. The combined presence of SCA with PS had no effect on further lowering plasma cholesterol. No changes in C-reactive protein were observed, but plasma oxygen radical scavenging capacity values significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when rats were fed the atherogenic diets that contained the combination of PS and SCA. This result corresponded to an apparent greater (p < 0.05) susceptibility of red blood cells to oxidative stress
Effects of 2 different prior endurance exercises on whole-body fat oxidation kinetics: light vs. heavy exercise
Authors: Chenevière Xavier , Borrani Fabio , Droz David , Gojanovic Boris , Malatesta Davide
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 different prior endurance exercises on subsequent whole-body fat oxidation kinetics. Fifteen men performed 2 identical submaximal incremental tests (Incr2) on a cycle ergometer after (i) a ∼40-min submaximal incremental test (Incr1) followed by a 90-min continuous exercise performed at 50% of maximal aerobic power-output and a 1-h rest period (Heavy); and (ii) Incr1 followed by a 2.5-h rest period (Light). Fat oxidation was measured using indirect calorimetry and plotted as a function of exercise intensity during Incr1 and Incr2. A sinusoidal equation, including 3 independent variables (dilatation, symmetry and translation), was used to characterize the fat oxidation kinetics and to determine the intensity (Fatmax) that elicited the maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during Incr. After the Heavy and Light trials, Fatmax, MFO, and fat oxidation rates were significantly greater during Incr2 than Incr1 (p < 0.001). However, Δ (i.e., Incr2–Incr1) Fatmax, MFO, and fat oxidation rates were greater in the Heavy compared with the Light trial (p < 0.05). The fat oxidation kinetics during Incr2Heavy showed a greater dilatation and rightward asymmetry than Incr1Heavy, whereas only a greater dilatation was observed in Incr2Light (p < 0.05). This study showed that although to a lesser extent in the Light trial, both prior exercise sessions led to an increase in Fatmax, MFO, and absolute fat oxidation rates during Incr2, inducing significant changes in the shape of the fat oxidation kinetics.
Postexercise cooling interventions and the effects on exercise-induced heat stress in a temperate environment
Authors: Hausswirth Christophe , Duffield Rob , Pournot Hervé , Bieuzen François , Louis Julien , Brisswalter Jeanick , Castagna Olivier
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cool water immersion (20 °C; CWI) while wearing a cooling jacket (Cryovest;V) and a passive control (PAS) as recovery methods on physiological and thermoregulatory responses between 2 exercise bouts in temperate conditions. Nine well-trained male cyclists performed 2 successive bouts of 45 min of endurance cycling exercise in a temperate environment (20 °C) separated by 25 min of the respective recovery interventions. Capillary blood samples were obtained to measure lactate (La–), sodium (Na+), bicarbonate (HCO3–) concentrations and pH, whilst body mass loss (BML), core temperature (Tcore), skin temperature (Tskin), heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake , and minute ventilation were measured before (Pre), immediately after the first exercise bout (Ex1), the recovery (R), and after the second exercise bout (Ex2). V and CWI both resulted in a reduction of Tskin at R (–2.1 ± 0.01 °C and –11.6 ± 0.01 °C, respectively, p < 0.01). Despite no difference in final values post-Ex2 (p > 0.05), V attenuated the rise in HR, minute ventilation, and oxygen uptake from Ex1 to Ex2, while Tcore and Tskin were significantly lower following the second session (p < 0.05). Further, CWI was also beneficial in lowering Tcore, Tskin, and BML, while a rise in Na+ was observed following Ex2 (p < 0.05). Overall results indicate that cooling interventions (V and CWI) following exercise in a temperate environment provide a reduction in thermal strain during ensuing exercise bouts.
A critical evaluation of body composition modalities used to assess adipose and skeletal muscle tissue in cancer
Authors: Di Sebastiano Katie M. , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: August 2012

The majority of cancer patients experience some form of body composition change during the disease trajectory. For example, breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy gain fat and lose skeletal muscle, which are associated with increased risk of cancer recurrence and clinical comorbidities. In contrast, advanced cancer patients, such as lung and colorectal cancer patients, experience symptoms of cancer cachexia (accelerated loss of skeletal muscle with or without adipose tissue loss), which are associated with decreased treatment response and poorer survival rates in advanced cancers. The heterogeneity of body composition features and their diverse implications across different cancer populations supports the need for accurate quantification of muscle and adipose tissue. Use of appropriate body composition modalities will facilitate an understanding of the complex relationship between body composition characteristics and clinical outcomes. This will ultimately support the development and evaluation of future therapeutic interventions that aim to counter muscle loss and fat gain in cancer populations. Despite the various metabolic complications that may confound the accurate body composition measurement in cancer patients (i.e., dehydration may confound lean tissue measurement), there are no guidelines for selecting the most appropriate modalities to make these measurements. In this review we outline specific considerations for choosing the most optimal approaches of lean and adipose tissue measurements among different cancer populations. Anthropometric measures, bioelectrical impedance analysis, air displacement plethysmography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging will be discussed.
Extremely short duration high-intensity training substantially improves endurance performance in triathletes
Authors: Jakeman John , Adamson Simon , Babraj John
Published: August 2012

High-intensity training (HIT) involving 30-s sprints is an effective training regimen to improve aerobic performance. We tested whether 6-s HITs can improve aerobic performance in triathletes. Six subelite triathletes (age, 40 ± 9 years; weight, 86 ± 11 kg; body mass index, 26 ± 3 kg·m–2) took part in cycle HIT and 6 endurance-trained subelite athletes (age, 36 ± 9 years; weight, 82 ± 11 kg; BMI, 26 ± 3 kg·m–2) maintained their normal training routine. Before and after 2 weeks of HIT, involving 10 × 6-s sprints or normal activity, participants performed a self-paced 10-km time trial and a time to exhaustion test on a cycle ergometer. Finger prick blood samples were taken throughout the time to exhaustion test to determine blood lactate concentration. Two weeks of HIT resulted in a 10% decrease in self-paced 10-km time trial (p = 0.03) but no significant change in time to exhaustion. The time taken to reach onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA, defined as the point where blood lactate reaches 4 mmol·L–1) was significantly increased following 2 weeks of HIT (p = 0.003). The change in time trial performance was correlated to the change in time taken to reach OBLA (R2 = 0.63; p = 0.001). We concluded that a very short duration HIT is a very effective training regimen to improve aerobic performance in subelite triathletes and this is associated with a delay in blood lactate build-up.
Contractor default prediction model for surety bonding1This paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue on Construction Engineering and Management.
Authors: Awad Adel , Fayek Aminah Robinson
Published: August 2012

Contractor default is one of the major risks that threaten a project’s success in the construction industry. Previous studies have focused mainly on evaluation of the contractor’s financial aspects to predict contractor default. There remains a need for a comprehensive model that has the ability to incorporate the evaluation of all the project aspects, project team, contractual risks, and project management evaluation criteria to predict the possibility of a contractor’s default on a specific construction project. This paper presents a contractor default prediction model (CDPM) from the surety bonding perspective that incorporates these criteria and uses a fuzzy inference system for reasoning. The CDPM provides a more objective, structured, and comprehensive approach for contractor default prediction for surety practitioners, project owners, and for self-assessment by contractors to reduce the risk of contractor default. The multi-attribute utility function was used to develop a group consensus system (GCS) to aggregate the participating experts’ opinions to build the CDPM. The accuracy of the GCS was found to be 91.1%. A novel approach for fuzzy rule base development is applied to develop the rule base for the CDPM. The CDPM was validated using 30 contractor default prediction cases, and the accuracy was found to be 86.5%.
Post simulation visualization model for effective scheduling of modular building construction1This paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue on Construction Engineering and Management.
Authors: Moghadam Mansooreh , Al-Hussein Mohamed , Al-Jibouri Saad , Telyas Avi
Published: August 2012

The factory-based modular construction process has proven to increase the speed of construction, and improve quality and safety, while providing value to the customer and a rapid return on investment to the builder and owner. However, onsite module assembly creates new schedule demands, as activities are scheduled on a minute-by-minute basis; therefore simulation of the process becomes essential at early stages of a project. Although simulation proves to be an effective tool for project engineers to assess complex construction operations, it remains a symbolic base model with no visual link to the actual physical shape and look of the project’s activities. This paper presents the application of integrated simulation and post simulation visualization as a tool to assist the modular construction industry in scheduling onsite installation of prefabricated modules. The proposed methodology uses simulation model output as an ASCII file in a binary format and imports this ASCII file to 3D Studio Max to perform the animation. The output from the high level simulation model is transformed into frames/second in 3D Studio Max. The proposed methodology was tested on the planned construction of a 34-storey building in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Simulation visualization of the process proved to be effective in communicating the value and simplicity of a minute-by-minute schedule. Based on the output information, the most efficient solutions were generated. The use of post simulation visualization was effective in analyzing the construction methods of the case study which consisted of 950 structural steel modules. Issues related to construction activities’ productivity were synchronized to achieve onsite installation of the project in only 56 working days.
A framework for indoor construction resources tracking by applying wireless sensor networks1This paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue on Construction Engineering and Management.
Authors: Shen Xuesong , Lu Ming
Published: August 2012

The state-of-the-art tracking technologies, such as the global positioning system (GPS) and the radio frequency identification (RFID), lend themselves well to applications in relatively open areas, while falling short of accuracy and reliability in indoor or partially covered application settings due to signal blockage, distortion or deterioration. This research aims to address this challenge in construction engineering by exploring a cost-effective positioning methodology to realize automated and continuous tracking of construction resources. The emerging ZigBee-based wireless sensor networks (WSN) technology is introduced. A framework of WSN application is proposed for indoor construction resources tracking, which consists of a group of stationary and mobile sensor nodes that can communicate with one another. Real-time locations of the mobile nodes can be determined by applying the localization method based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and geometric trilateration.
Variable separation solutions of the Wick-type stochastic Broer–Kaup system
Authors: Liu Cuiyun , Wang Yueyue , Dai Chaoqing
Published: August 2012

With the help of Hermite transformation, we obtain variable separation solutions of the Wick-type stochastic Broer–Kaup system in the white noise environment. These variable separation solutions are more general than travelling solutions reported in the literature. To illustrate the novelty of variable separation solutions, we present some localized structures with chaotic behaviors.
Are higher degree even zonals really harmful for the LARES/LAGEOS frame-dragging experiment?
Authors: Renzetti G.
Published: August 2012

The low-altitude effects of LARES are examined to determined how they can impact the outcome of the hoped 1% frame-dragging measurement in the LARES–LAGEOS experiment. This analysis, based on a different approach than other studies recently appearing in the literature, shows that the spherical harmonics of the Earth gravity field with degree ℓ > 60 may represent a threat because their errors map significantly into LARES orbital disturbances compared to frame-dragging. The GIF48 model was used. It is questionable whether future Earth gravity models by GRACE and GOCE will be of sufficient accuracy.
Interpretation of the photon: wave–particle duality
Authors: Hoy Gilbert R. , Odeurs Jos
Published: August 2012

A simple model is provided to obtain the space–time probability-distribution function of a photon emitted without recoil by an excited system (atom, nucleus, …) in one dimension. A three-dimensional formulation is not needed for our discussion. A quantum mechanical calculation, using the Heitler method, is employed to obtain the solution. The space–time probability-distribution function is not the photon wavefunction. In fact, the area under the space–time probability-distribution function is time dependent. It obtains its final value only as t → ∞. The frequency composition of the photon is found and its time dependence determined to be in accord with the time–energy uncertainty principle. In the wave picture, the coherence length of a photon is found to be equal to the distance from the maximum probability-density position in the photon back toward the source to a position where the probability density has decreased to e–1 of its maximum value. The concept of the coherence length is applied to understand the exponential lifetime curve in the wave picture. This latter measurement is usually explained by saying, in the particle picture, that the photon can appear immediately after formation of the excited state or at a variety of later times according to an exponential probability distribution.
Dissipative dynamics of a driven two-level quantum dot interacting with a structured reservoir with two-peaked spectrum
Authors: Guo Xiaoyong , Ren Zhongzhou , Guo Guangjie , Zhou Bo
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we investigate the dissipative dynamics of a driven two-level quantum dot weakly coupled with a structured reservoir that is characterized by a double-peaked spectral function. We discuss the time-dependent dissipation coefficients and the Bloch vector by using a time-local non-markovian master equation. It is shown that the decay rates display temporarily negative values that can be manipulated by the distance between the two peaks in the spectral function. For the strong pumping case, the nonsecular effect gives rise to the non-markovian dynamics of the Bloch vector. However, for the weak pumping case, the non-markovian dynamics show up when contributions from secular and nonsecular terms are comparable. In the long time limit, the signature of non-markovian dynamics disappears and the behavior obeys Fermi’s golden rule.
Analytical solution to laser short-pulse heating of microsized metal wire: volumetric and surface heat source considerations
Authors: Yilbas B.S. , Al-Dweik A.Y.
Published: August 2012

Analytical solution for laser short-pulse heating of a micro-sized metal wire is presented. In the analysis, volumetric and surface heat sources are incorporated for the same pulse intensity. The volumetric heat source resembles absorption by irradiated field according to Lambert’s Beer law while a surface heat source represents short pulse heating through high intensity thermal contact at the surface. The method of Lie point symmetries is combined with a Fourier cosine transformation to solve the temperature equation with appropriate boundary conditions. It is found that temperature profiles differ significantly for volumetric heat source and surface heat source considerations; in which case, volumetric heat source consideration results in considerably lower surface temperatures than that of the surface heat source consideration.
EFFECTS OF THERMAL CREEP ON COOLING OF MICROFLOWS IN SHORT MICROCHANNELS WITH CONSTANT WALL TEMPERATURE
Authors: AMIRI-JAGHARGH ALI , NIAZMAND HAMID , RENKSIZBULUT METIN
Published: August 2012

Fluid flow and heat transfer in the entrance region of rectangular microchannels of various aspect ratios are numerically investigated in the slip-flow regime with particular attention to thermal creep effects. Uniform inlet velocity and temperature profiles are prescribed in microchannels with constant wall temperature. An adiabatic section is also employed at the inlet of the channel in order to prevent unrealistically large axial temperature gradients due to the prescribed uniform inlet temperature as well as upstream diffusion associated with low Reynolds number flows. A control-volume technique is used to solve the Navier–Stokes and energy equations which are accompanied with appropriate velocity slip and temperature jump boundary conditions at the walls. Despite the constant wall temperature, axial and peripheral temperature gradients form in the gas layer adjacent to the wall due to temperature jump. The simultaneous effects of velocity slip, temperature jump and thermal creep on the flow and thermal patterns along with the key flow parameters are examined in detail for a wide range of cross-sectional aspect ratios, and Knudsen and Reynolds numbers. Present results indicate that thermal creep effects influence the flow field and the temperature distribution significantly in the early section of the channel.
CUPRATES, MANGANITES AND COBALTITES: MULTIELECTRON APPROACH TO THE BAND STRUCTURE
Authors: KORSHUNOV M. M. , OVCHINNIKOV S. G. , SHNEYDER E. I. , GAVRICHKOV V. A. , ORLOV YU. S. , NEKRASOV I. A. , PCHELKINA Z. V.
Published: August 2012

High-Tc superconductors with CuO 2 layers, manganites La 1-x Sr x MnO 3 and cobaltites LaCoO 3 present several mysteries in their physical properties. Most of them are believed to come from the strongly-correlated nature of these materials. From the theoretical viewpoint, there are many hidden rocks in making the consistent description of the band structure and low-energy physics starting from the Fermi-liquid approach. Here, we discuss the alternative method — multielectron approach to the electronic structure calculations for the Mott insulators — called LDA + GTB (local density approximation + generalized tight-binding) method. Its origin is a straightforward generalization of the Hubbard perturbation theory in the atomic limit and the multiband p-d Hamiltonian with the parameters calculated within LDA. We briefly discuss the method and focus on its applications to cuprates, manganites and cobaltites.
A VANISHING VISCOSITY APPROACH TO A RATE-INDEPENDENT DAMAGE MODEL
Authors: KNEES DOROTHEE , ROSSI RICCARDA , ZANINI CHIARA
Published: August 2012

We analyze a rate-independent model for damage evolution in elastic bodies. The central quantities are a stored energy functional and a dissipation functional, which is assumed to be positively homogeneous of degree one. Since the energy is not simultaneously (strictly) convex in the damage variable and the displacements, solutions may have jumps as a function of time. The latter circumstance makes it necessary to recur to suitable notions of weak solution. However, the by-now classical concept of global energetic solution fails to describe accurately the behavior of the system at jumps.

Hence, we consider rate-independent damage models as limits of systems driven by viscous, rate-dependent dissipation. We use a technique for taking the vanishing viscosity limit, which is based on arclength reparametrization. In this way, in the limit we obtain a novel formulation for the rate-independent damage model, which highlights the interplay of viscous and rate-independent effects in the jump regime, and provides a better description of the energetic behavior of the system at jumps.
NONLINEAR THIN-WALLED BEAMS WITH A RECTANGULAR CROSS-SECTION — PART II
Authors: FREDDI LORENZO , MORA MARIA GIOVANNA , PARONI ROBERTO
Published: August 2012

In this paper we report the second part of our results concerning the rigorous derivation of a hierarchy of one-dimensional models for thin-walled beams with a rectangular cross-section. Denoting by h and δh ≪ h the length of the sides of the cross-section of the beam, we analyze the limit behavior of a nonlinear elastic energy which scales as [Formula: see text] when ϵh/δh → 0.
FROM THE MODELING OF THE IMMUNE HALLMARKS OF CANCER TO A BLACK SWAN IN BIOLOGY
Authors: BELLOUQUID ABDELGHANI , DE ANGELIS ELENA , KNOPOFF DAMIAN
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with the modeling of the early stage of cancer phenomena, namely mutations, onset, progression of cancer cells, and their competition with the immune system. The mathematical approach is based on the kinetic theory of active particles developed to describe the dynamics of large systems of interacting cells, called active particles. Their microscopic state is modeled by a scalar variable which expresses the main biological function. The modeling focuses on an interpretation of the immune-hallmarks of cancer.
NOVEL CLASSIFICATION OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE USING HEART RATE VARIABILITY ANALYSIS
Authors: DUA SUMEET , DU XIAN , SREE S. VINITHA , V. I. THAJUDIN AHAMED
Published: August 2012

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been proven to be a non-invasive marker of the autonomic modulation of the heart. Nonlinear analyses of HRV signals have shown that the HRV is reduced significantly in patients with CAD. Therefore, in this work, we extracted nonlinear features from the HRV signals using the following techniques: recurrence plots (RP), Poincare plots, and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). We also extracted three types of entropy, namely, Shannon entropy (ShanEn), approximation entropy (ApEn), and sample entropy (SampEn). These features were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The significant principal components were evaluated using eight classification techniques, and the performances of these techniques were evaluated to determine which presented the highest accuracy in classifying normal and CAD classes. We observed that the multilayer perceptron (MLP) method resulted in the highest classification accuracy (89.5%) using our proposed technique.
ON WELL-ROUNDED IDEAL LATTICES II
Authors: FUKSHANSKY LENNY , HENSHAW GLENN , LIAO PHILIP , PRINCE MATTHEW , SUN XUN , WHITEHEAD SAMUEL
Published: August 2012

We study well-rounded lattices which come from ideals in quadratic number fields, generalizing some recent results of the first author with Petersen [On ideal well-rounded lattices, Int. J. Number Theory8(1) (2002) 189–206]. In particular, we give a characterization of ideal well-rounded lattices in the plane and show that a positive proportion of real and imaginary quadratic number fields contains ideals giving rise to well-rounded lattices.
ON THE REPRESENTATIONS OF INTEGERS BY CERTAIN QUADRATIC FORMS
Authors: XIA ERNEST X. W. , YAO OLIVIA X. M.
Published: August 2012

In this paper, using the (p, k)-parametrization of theta functions given by Alaca, Alaca and Williams, we establish some theta function identities. Explicit formulas are obtained for the number of representations of a positive integer n by the quadratic forms [Formula: see text] with a ≠ 0, a + b + c = 4 and [Formula: see text] with k + l = 2 and r + s + t = 2 by employing these identities.
A NEW POINT IN LAGRANGE SPECTRUM
Authors: PRASAD K. C. , MAHATO HRISHIKESH , MISHRA SUDHIR
Published: August 2012

Let I denote the set of all irrational numbers, θ ∈ I, and simple continued fraction expansion of θ be [a0, a1, …, an, …]. Then a0 is an integer and {an}n≥1 is an infinite sequence of positive integers. Let Mn(θ) = [0, an, an-1, …, a1] + [an+1, an+2, …]. Then the set of numbers { lim sup Mn(θ) ∣ θ ∈ I} is called the Lagrange Spectrum 𝔏. Notably 3 is the first cluster point of 𝔏. Essentially lim inf 𝔏 or [Formula: see text]. Perron [Über die approximation irrationaler Zahlen durch rationale, I, S.-B. Heidelberg Akad. Wiss., Abh. 4 (1921) 17 pp; Über die approximation irrationaler Zahlen durch rationale, II, S.-B. Heidelberg Akad. Wiss., Abh.8 (1921) 12 pp.] has found that lim inf { lim sup Mn(θ) ∣ θ = [a0, a1, a2, …, an, …] and [Formula: see text]. This article forwards the value of lim inf{lim sup Mn(θ) ∣ θ = [a0, a1, …, an, …] and an ≥ 4 frequently}, a long awaited cluster point of Lagrange Spectrum.
AN EXTENSION OF STERN'S CONGRUENCE
Authors: SUN ZHI-HONG , WANG LIN-LIN
Published: August 2012

Let {En} be the Euler numbers. In the paper we determine E2mk+b – Eb modulo 2m+7, where k and m are positive integers and b ∈ {0, 2, 4, …}.
Retail beamed power using millimeter waves
Authors: Komerath Narayanan , Kar Aravinda
Published: August 2012

Retail delivery of electric power through millimeter waves is relevant in developing areas where the market for communication devices outpaces the power grid infrastructure. It is also a critical component of an evolutionary path towards terrestrial and space-based renewable power generation. Narrow-band power can be delivered as focused beams to receivers near end-users, from central power plants, rural distribution points, UAVs, tethered aerostats, stratospheric airship platforms, or space satellites. The article surveys the available knowledge base on millimeter wave beamed power delivery. It then considers design requirements for a retail beamed power architecture, in the context of rural India where power delivery is lagging behind the demand growth for connectivity. A survey of technology developments relevant to millimeter wave beaming is conducted, and indicates that massive, mass-produced solid-state arrays capable of achieving good efficiency and cost effectiveness are possible in the near term to enable such retail power beaming architectures.
ACM Education Council meets
Authors: Owens Barbara Boucher
Published: August 2012

The ACM Education Council met June 18-19 after the ACM Turing Centenary Celebration (see next article) at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
Computer Science Education Week shines in 2011
Authors: Richardson Debra
Published: August 2012

The third annual Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek, http://www.csedweek.org/) was enormously successful with roughly double the engagement over the previous year. We can all look forward to CSEdWeek 2012 being even bigger and better, especially with the SIGCSE community's full participation.
Inflammation in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lim Andy K. H. , Tesch Gregory H.
Published: August 2012

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide but current treatments remain suboptimal. This review examines the evidence for inflammation in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy in both experimental and human diabetes, and provides an update on recent novel experimental approaches targeting inflammation and the lessons we have learned from these approaches. We highlight the important role of inflammatory cells in the kidney, particularly infiltrating macrophages, T-lymphocytes and the subpopulation of regulatory T cells. The possible link between immune deposition and diabetic nephropathy is explored, along with the recently described immune complexes of anti-oxidized low-density lipoproteins. We also briefly discuss some of the major inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, including the role of adipokines. Lastly, we present the latest data on the pathogenic role of the stress-activated protein kinases in diabetic nephropathy, from studies on the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase and the c-Jun amino terminal kinase cell signalling pathways. The genetic and pharmacological approaches which reduce inflammation in diabetic nephropathy have not only enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease but shown promise as potential therapeutic strategies.
Common Carotid Artery Diameter and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight or Obese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lloyd Kelly D. , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Kuller Lewis H. , Mackey Rachel H. , Wong Eric A. , Sutton-Tyrrell Kim
Published: August 2012

Arterial diameter is an underutilized indicator of vascular health. We hypothesized that interadventitial and lumen diameter of the common carotid artery would be better indicators of vascular health than carotid plaque or intima media thickness (IMT). Participants were 491 overweight or obese, postmenopausal women who were former or current hormone therapy (HT) users, 52–62 years, with waist circumference>80 cm. We evaluated cross-sectional associations of cardiovascular risk factors with carotid measures, by HT status. Former HT users had a worse cardiovascular profile than current HT users: larger adventitial (6.94 mm versus 6.79 mm) and lumen diameter (5.44 mm versus 5.31 mm, bothP<0.01) independent of cardiovascular risk factors; IMT and plaque were similar. Larger diameters were best explained by former HT use, higher pulse pressure, and greater weight. Independent of potential confounders, overweight and obese postmenopausal former HT users had larger carotid diameters than current HT users. Carotid diameter should be considered in studies of HT.
Next Generation Orthopaedic Implants by Additive Manufacturing Using Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Murr Lawrence E. , Gaytan Sara M. , Martinez Edwin , Medina Frank , Wicker Ryan B.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents some examples of knee and hip implant components containing porous structures and fabricated in monolithic forms utilizing electron beam melting (EBM). In addition, utilizing stiffness or relative stiffness versus relative density design plots for open-cellular structures (mesh and foam components) of Ti-6Al-4V and Co-29Cr-6Mo alloy fabricated by EBM, it is demonstrated that stiffness-compatible implants can be fabricated for optimal stress shielding for bone regimes as well as bone cell ingrowth. Implications for the fabrication of patient-specific, monolithic, multifunctional orthopaedic implants using EBM are described along with microstructures and mechanical properties characteristic of both Ti-6Al-4V and Co-29Cr-6Mo alloy prototypes, including both solid and open-cellular prototypes manufactured by additive manufacturing (AM) using EBM.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Syphilis Using Two- and Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography: Case Report
Authors: Araujo Júnior Edward , Martins Santana Eduardo Felix , Rolo Liliam Cristine , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes
Published: August 2012

The numbers of syphilis cases have been increasing considerably, especially in eastern europe, thereby contributing towards greater chances of cases of congenital syphilis. Some of the complications of congenital syphilis can be detected on two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS), and these are generally manifested in the second trimester of pregnancy. The commonest ultrasonographic signs are hepatosplenomegaly, placentomegaly, and fetal growth restriction, while lower-frequency occurrences include intrahepatic calcifications, ascites, fetal hydrops, and even fetal death. Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) is a relatively new imaging technique that is adjuvant to 2DUS and enables detailed assessment of the fetal surface anatomy. We present a case of a 21-year-old primigravida with a diagnosis of congenital syphilis, with obstetric 2DUS findings of hepatosplenomegaly, ascites, pericardial effusion and hyperechogenicity of the cerebral parenchyma. 3DUS in rendering mode allowed clear assessment of the fetal limbs, especially the feet, which appeared twisted and lacked some toes. It allowed the parents to understand the pathological condition better and improved prenatal management and neonatal followup. 3DUS can be used routinely for assessing fetal malformations resulting from congenital infections.
Severe Gastrooesophageal Reflux Disease Associated with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
Authors: Sujay N. K. , Jones Matthew , Whittle Emma , Murphy Helen , Auth Marcus K. H.
Published: August 2012

Prenatal alcohol exposure may have adverse effects on the developing foetus resulting in significant growth restriction, characteristic craniofacial features, and central nervous system dysfunction. The toxic effects of alcohol on the developing brain are well recognised. However, little is known about the effects of alcohol on the developing gastrointestinal tract or their mechanism. There are few case reports showing an association between foetal alcohol syndrome and gastrointestinal neuropathy. We report a rare association between foetal alcohol syndrome and severe gastrooesophageal reflux disease in an infant who ultimately required fundoplication to optimise her growth and nutrition. The child had failed to respond to maximal medical treatment (domperidone and omeprazole), high calorie feeds, PEG feeding, or total parenteral nutrition. The effect of alcohol on the developing foetus is not limited to the central nervous system but also can have varied and devastating effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
An Update on Less Invasive and Endoscopic Techniques Mimicking the Effect of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Verdam Froukje J. , Schouten Ruben , Greve Jan Willem , Koek Ger H. , Bouvy Nicole D.
Published: August 2012

Obesity (BMI 30–35 kg/m2) and its associated disorders such as type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease have reached pandemic proportions worldwide. For the morbidly obese population (BMI 35–50 kg/m2), bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective treatment to achieve significant and sustained weight loss, with concomitant positive effects on the metabolic syndrome. However, only a minor percentage of eligible candidates are treated by means of bariatric surgery. In addition, the expanding obesity epidemic consists mostly of relatively less obese patients who are not (yet) eligible for bariatric surgery. Hence, less invasive techniques and devices are rapidly being developed. These novel entities mimic several aspects of bariatric surgery either by gastric restriction (gastric balloons, gastric plication), by influencing gastric function (gastric botulinum injections, gastric pacing, and vagal nerve stimulation), or by partial exclusion of the small intestine (duodenal-jejunal sleeve). In the last decade, several novel less invasive techniques have been introduced and some have been abandoned again. The aim of this paper is to discuss the safety, efficacy, complications, reversibility, and long-term results of these latest developments in the treatment of obesity.
Microglia, Alzheimer's Disease, and Complement
Authors: Crehan Helen , Hardy John , Pocock Jennifer
Published: August 2012

Microglia, the immune cell of the brain, are implicated in cascades leading to neuronal loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent genome-wide association studies have indicated a number of risk factors for the development of late-onset AD. Two of these risk factors are an altered immune response and polymorphisms in complement receptor 1. In view of these findings, we discuss how complement signalling in the AD brain and microglial responses in AD intersect. Dysregulation of the complement cascade, either by changes in receptor expression, enhanced activation of different complement pathways or imbalances between complement factor production and complement cascade inhibitors may all contribute to the involvement of complement in AD. Altered complement signalling may reduce the ability of microglia to phagocytose apoptotic cells and clear amyloid beta peptides, modulate the expression by microglia of complement components and receptors, promote complement factor production by plaque-associated cytokines derived from activated microglia and astrocytes, and disrupt complement inhibitor production. The evidence presented here indicates that microglia in AD are influenced by complement factors to adopt protective or harmful phenotypes and the challenge ahead lies in understanding how this can be manipulated to therapeutic advantage to treat late onset AD.
Al(NO3)3 · 9H2O: An Efficient Catalyst for the One‐Pot Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones Both under Reflux or Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Kolvari Eskandar , Mirzaeeyan Maryam
Published: August 2012

Al(NO3)3 · 9H2O efficiently catalyzes the three‐component Biginelli reaction between an aldehyde, a β‐dicarbonyl compound, and urea or thiourea in refluxing ethanol and solvent‐free (SF) conditions to afford the corresponding dihydropyrimidinones in high yields. The advantages of this method involve the easy procedure, the environmentally friendly process, and the low cost of the Lewis acid catalyst.
The Unfolded Protein Response Induces the Angiogenic Switch in Human Tumor Cells through the PERK/ATF4 Pathway
Authors: Wang Yugang , Alam Goleeta N. , Ning Yu , Visioli Fernanda , Dong Zhihong , Nör Jacques E. , Polverini Peter J.
Published: August 2012

Neovascularization is a limiting factor in tumor growth and progression. It is well known that changes in the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia and glucose deprivation (GD), can induce VEGF production. However, the mechanism linking GD to tumor growth and angiogenesis is unclear. We hypothesize that GD induces the angiogenic switch in tumors through activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). We report that UPR activation in human tumors results in elevated expression of proangiogenic mediators and a concomitant decrease in angiogenesis inhibitors. cDNA microarray results showed that GD-induced UPR activation promoted upregulation of a number of proangiogenic mediators (VEGF, FGF-2, IL-6, etc.) and downregulation of several angiogenic inhibitors (THBS1, CXCL14, and CXCL10). In vitro studies revealed that partially blocking UPR signaling by silencing protein kinase RNA–like ER kinase (PERK) or activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) significantly reduced the production of angiogenesis mediators induced by GD. However, suppressing the alpha subunit of hypoxia-inducible factors had no effect on this process. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) confirmed binding of ATF4 to a regulatory site in the VEGF gene. In vivo results confirmed that knockdown of PERK in tumor cells slows down tumor growth and decreases tumor blood vessel density. Collectively, these results show that the PERK/ATF4 arm of UPR mediates the angiogenic switch and is a potential target for antiangiogenic cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 72(20); 5396–406. ©2012 AACR.