bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homogenization Structures and Applications II
Authors: Nguetseng Gabriel
Published: December 2009

In part I of this article [Z. Analysis Anwendungen 22 (2003) 73–107] we presented a mathematical theory of homogenization structures and we subsequently constructed a new homogenization approach that proves highly fitted to systematically tackle nonstochastic homogenization problems beyond usual periodic homogenization theory. In this way, various concrete homogenization problems arising in nonperiodic physical processes can henceforth be considered. Of course, this releases us from the classical periodicity hypothesis to which reference is usually systematically made for lack of a suitable mathematical framework beyond the periodic setting. With a view to pointing out the wide scope of this new homogenization approach, we consider in this paper two classes of homogenization problems of major interest as regards their close connection with practical applications: the so-called discrete problems dealing with differential operators whose coefficients are constant on each cell

% \varepsilon \left( k+Y\right)

with

k\in \mathbb{Z}^{N},

where

\varepsilon >0

and

Y=(0,1)^{N},

and the so-called composite homogenization problems arising in the technology of composite materials. The exactness of the homogenization results confirms the essential role the homogenization structures are destined to play in homogenization.
On Generalized Lipschitz Classes and Fourier Series
Authors: Tikhonov Sergey
Published: December 2009

In 1967 R. P. Boas Jr. found necessary and sufficient conditions of belonging of a function to a Lipschitz class. Later Boas's findings were generalized by many authors (e.g. M. and S. Izumi (1969), L.-Y. Chan (1991) and others). Recently, L. Leindler (2000) and J. Nemeth (2001) have published two papers, in which they have generalized all the previous results. The authors have considered the case, when the order of modulus of smoothness equals one (L. Leindler) or two (J. Nemeth). In this paper, we prove theorems of Boas-type for the modulus of smoothness of any order. Furthermore, we solve the inverse problem. Also, we discuss some conditions on a majorant which are equivalent to the well-known conditions of Bari-Stechkin.
On the Cauchy Problem for Systems Containing Locally Explicit Equations
Authors: Pryadko Irina N.
Published: December 2009

We consider so-called locally explicit equations involving nonlinear differentials. Such equations are characterized by certain continuity and semigroup properties of the corresponding quasiflow and arise typically in the mathematical modelling of non-smooth mechanical and physical systems. Under some natural hypotheses, we prove the local solvability of the corresponding Cauchy problem by applying Schauder's fixed point principle to a suitable equivalent integral equation. Afterwards, we illustrate the abstract existence result by means of an application to an automatic regulation system involving a hysteresis element of stop type.
Atypical Bifurcation Without Compactness
Authors: Benevieri Pierluigi , Furi Massimo , Martelli Mario , Pera Maria Patrizia
Published: December 2009

We prove a global bifurcation result for an abstract equation of the type

Lx + \lambda h(\lambda,x) = 0

, where

L: E \to F

is a linear Fredholm operator of index zero between Banach spaces and

h\colon \mathbb R \times E \to F

is a

C^{1}

(not necessarily compact) map. We assume that

L

is not invertible and, under suitable conditions, we prove the existence of an unbounded connected set

\Sigma

of nontrivial solutions of the above equation (i.e. solutions

(\lambda,x)

with

\lambda \neq 0

) such that the closure of

\Sigma

contains a trivial solution

(0,\bar x)

. This result extends previous ones in which the compactness of

h

was required. The proof is based on a degree theory for Fredholm maps of index zero developed by the first two authors.
A Regularity Result for the Heterogeneous Evolution Dam Problem
Authors: Lyaghfouri Abdeslem
Published: December 2009

We consider a non steady-state fluid flow through a heterogeneous porous medium governed by a nonlinear Darcy law. Under a general condition on the permeability, we prove the

L^p

-continuity of the saturation for any

p ≥ 1

.
A Global Lipschitz Continuity Result for a Domain Dependent Dirichlet Eigenvalue Problem for the Laplace Operator
Authors: Lamberti Pier Domenico , Lanza de Cristoforis Massimo
Published: December 2009

Let

\Omega

be an open connected subset of

{\mathbb{R}}^{n}

for which the Poincar\'{e} inequality holds. We consider the Dirichlet eigenvalue problem for the Laplace operator in the open subset

\phi(\Omega)

of

{\mathbb{R}}^{n}

, where

\phi

is a locally Lipschitz continuous homeomorphism of

\Omega

onto

\phi(\Omega)

. Then we show Lipschitz type inequalities for the reciprocals of the eigenvalues of the Rayleigh quotient

\frac{\int_{\phi(\Omega)}|Dv|^{2}\,dy}{ \int_{\phi(\Omega)}|v|^{2}\,dy}

upon variation of

\phi

, which in particular yield inequalities for the proper eigenvalues of the Dirichlet Laplacian when we further assume that the imbedding of the Sobolev space

W^{1,2}_{0}(\Omega)

into the space

L^{2}(\Omega)

is compact. In this case, we prove the same type of inequalities for the projections onto the eigenspaces upon variation of

\phi

.
Double Positive Solutions of Three-Point Boundary Value Problems for p-Laplacian Difference Equations
Authors: HE ZHIMIN
Published: December 2009

By means of double fixed-point theorem in a cone, the existence of double positive solutions of three-point boundary value problems for p-Laplacian difference equations is considered.
Fractal Polynomial Interpolation
Authors: Navascués María Antonia
Published: December 2009

A general procedure to define non-smooth versions of classical approximants by means of fractal interpolation functions is proposed. A complete and explicit description in the frequency domain of the functions constructed is obtained through their exact Fourier transforms. In particular, the generalization of the polynomial interpolation is developed. The Lagrange basis of the space of polynomials of degree lower or equal than N is generalized to a basis of fractal polynomials. As a consequence of the process, the density of the polynomial fractal interpolation functions with non-null scale vector in the space of continuous functions in a compact interval is deduced. Furthermore, a method for the interpolation of real data is proposed, by the construction of a fractal function coming from any classical approximant. The convergence of the process when the partition is refined is proved, supposing the convergence of the smooth interpolant.
Low-Frequency Stability Analysis of Periodic Traveling-Wave Solutions of Viscous Conservation Laws in Several Dimensions
Authors: Oh Myunghyun , Zumbrun Kevin
Published: December 2009

We generalize the work of Oh & Zumbrun and Serre on spectral stability of spatially periodic traveling waves of systems of viscous conservation laws from the one-dimensional to the multi-dimensional setting. Specifically, we extend to multi-dimensions the connection observed by Serre between the linearized dispersion relation near zero frequency of the linearized equations about the wave and the homogenized system obtained by slow modulation (WKB) approximation. This may be regarded as partial justification of the WKB expansion; an immediate consequence is that hyperbolicity of the multi-dimensional homogenized system is a necessary condition for stability of the waves. As pointed out by Oh & Zumbrun in one dimension, the description of the low-frequency dispersion relation is also a first step in the determination of time-asymptotic behavior.
Non-Compact and Sharp Embeddings of Logarithmic Bessel Potential Spaces into Hölder-Type Spaces
Authors: Edmunds David E. , Gurka Petr , Opic Bohumír
Published: December 2009

In our recent paper [Compact and continuous embeddings of logarithmic Bessel potential spaces. Studia Math. 168 (2005), 229–250] we have proved an embedding of a logarithmic Bessel potential space with order of smoothness

\sigma

less than one into a space of

\lambda(\cdot)

-Hölder-continuous functions. We show that such an embedding is not compact and that it is sharp.
Existence of Periodic Solutions of a Class of Planar Systems
Authors: Yang Xiaojing
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we consider the existence of periodic solutions for the following planar system:

J u'=\nabla H(u)+ G(u)+h(t)\,,

where the function

H(u)\in C^3(\R^2\backslash \{0\},\,\R)

is positive for

u\ne 0

and positively

(q,\,p)

-quasi-homogeneous of quasi-degree

pq,\, \,G: \R^2\to \R^2

is local Lipschitz and bounded,

h\in L^\infty(0,\,2\pi)

is

2\pi

-periodic and

J

is the standard symplectic matrix.
Controllability Results for Nondensely Defined Semilinear Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Benchohra M. , Górniewicz L. , Ntouyas S. K. , Ouahab A.
Published: December 2009

In this paper we investigate the controllability of first order semilinear functional and neutral functional differential equations in Banach spaces.
Spectral Properties of a Fourth Order Differential Equation
Authors: Möller Manfred , Pivovarchik Vyacheslav
Published: December 2009

The eigenvalue problem

y^{(4)}(\lambda,x)-(gy')'(\lambda,x)= \lambda^2y(\lambda,x)

with boundary conditions

y(\lambda,0)=0

,

y''(\lambda,0)=0

,

y(\lambda,a)=0

,

y''(\lambda,a)+i \alpha\lambda y'(\lambda,a)=0

is considered, where

g\in C^1[0,a]

and

\alpha >0

. It is shown that the eigenvalues lie in the closed upper half-plane and on the negative imaginary axis. A formula for the asymptotic distribution of the eigenvalues is given and the location of the pure imaginary spectrum is investigated.
Computational Aspects of a Method of Stochastic Approximation
Authors: Runovski Konstantin V. , Rystsov Igor , Schmeisser Hans-Jürgen
Published: December 2009

A method of stochastic approximation is studied in the framework of the general convergence theory for families of linear polynomial operators of interpolation type. The description of the corresponding computational procedure, in particular, its input parameters, is given. Some optimization problems and aspects of implementation of the algorithm by means of
Maple
are discussed. It is shown that the algorithm can be applied not only to problems of “pure approximation” in the spaces

\,L_p\,

with

\,0<p \le+\infty

, but also to problems of signal processing, especially, if one is interested in strong oscillating data or data containing an essential stochastic item.
Associated Spaces Defined by Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Hoai Le Thu , Tutschke Wolfgang
Published: December 2009

The paper deals with initial value problems for desired functions

u(t,x)

depending on the time

t

and one spacelike variable

x

. In case the initial function

\varphi (x)

satisfies an associated (ordinary) differential equation, the solution

u(t,x)

satisfies the associated differential equation for each

t

. If the general solution of the associated differential equation is known, one gets a system of ordinary differential equations for the desired coefficients depending on

t

. In any case, the solution can be obtained as fixed point of a related integro-differential operator.
On the Summation of Series in Terms of Bessel Functions
Authors: Trickovic Slobodan B. , Vidanovic Mirjana V. , Stankovic Miomir S.
Published: December 2009

In this article we deal with summation formulas for the series

\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{J_\mu(nx)}{n^\nu}

, referring partly to some results from our paper in J. Math. Anal. Appl. 247 (2000) 15–26. We show how these formulas arise from different representations of Bessel functions. In other words, we first apply Poisson's or Bessel's integral, then in the sequel we define a function by means of the power series representation of Bessel functions and make use of Poisson's formula. Also, closed form cases as well as those when it is necessary to take the limit have been thoroughly analyzed.
Blow-up of Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Parabolic Equations
Authors: Lingling Zhang
Published: December 2009

In this paper, the blow up of solutions for a class of nonlinear parabolic equations

u_t(x,t)=\nabla _{x}(a(u(x,t))b(x)c(t)\nabla _{x}u(x,t))+g(x,|\nabla _{x}u(x,t) |^2,t)f(u(x,t))

with mixed boundary conditions is studied. By constructing an auxiliary function and using Hopf's maximum principles, an existence theorem of blow-up solutions, upper bound of “blow-up time” and upper estimates of “blow-up rate” are given under suitable assumptions on

a, b,c, f, g

, initial data and suitable mixed boundary conditions. The obtained result is illustrated through an example in which

a, b,c, f, g

are power functions or exponential functions.
Existence of Nondecreasing and Continuous Solutions for a Nonlinear Integral Equation with Supremum in the Kernel
Authors: Caballero Josefa , López Belén , Sadarangani Kishin
Published: December 2009

Using a technique associated with measures of noncompactness we prove the existence of nondecreasing solutions of an integral equation of Volterra type with supremum in the kernel, in the space

C[0,1]

.
Positive Solutions to a Boundary Value Problem for the Beam Equation
Authors: Yang Bo
Published: December 2009

We consider a two-point boundary value problem for the beam equation, in which the boundary conditions mean that the beam is simply supported at both ends. Some a priori estimates to positive solutions for the problem are obtained. Existence and nonexistence results for positive solutions of the problem are established.
The Wulff Problem for Diffuse Interfaces
Authors: Manzi Guido
Published: December 2009

We consider the non-local free energy functional defined by Bellettini, De Masi and Presutti in [
J. Math. Phys.
46 (2004)(8)], and we study its infimum over the class of functions with zero average (Wulff problem). We prove that the infimum is a minimum achieved on a particular antisymmetric strictly increasing function called the finite volume instanton. The result can be interpreted as an extension of the Wulff theorem to a not sharp interface.
Metric and $\omega^*$-Differentiability of Pointwise Lipschitz Mappings
Authors: Duda Jakub
Published: December 2009

We study the metric and

w^*

-differentiability of pointwise Lipschitz mappings. First, we prove several theorems about metric and

w^*

-differentiability of pointwise Lipschitz mappings between

\mathbb{R}^n

and a Banach space

X

(which extend results due to Ambrosio, Kirchheim and others), then apply these to functions satisfying the spherical Rado–Reichelderfer condition, and to absolutely continuous functions of several variables with values in a Banach space. We also establish the area formula for pointwise Lipschitz functions, and for

(n,\lambda)

-absolutely continuous functions with values in Banach spaces. In the second part of this paper, we prove two theorems concerning metric and

w^*

-differentiability of pointwise Lipschitz mappings

f:X\mapsto Y

where

X,Y

are Banach spaces with

X

being separable (resp.

X

separable and

Y=G^*

with

G

separable).
Nontangential Limits of Poisson Integrals Associated to Dunkl Operators for Dihedral Groups
Authors: Scalas Florence
Published: December 2009

In this paper we study the differentiation and maximal functions of complex Borel measures on the unit circle of

\mathbb C

with respect to the measures associated to Dunkl differential-difference operators for dihedral groups. We prove that the Poisson integrals corresponding to these differential-difference operators have nontangential limits almost everywhere. Our approach relies on the proof of the doubling condition to obtain an appropriate covering lemma.
Unilateral Contact Problems for two Perpendicular Elastic Structures
Authors: Khludnev Alexander , Leugering Günter
Published: December 2009

We consider the problem of unilateral contact between two elastic perpendicular plates. The main focus is on the boundary conditions along the contact zone. We propose a mixed domain formulation. Some limit cases for the considered problem are justified. In particular, a unilateral contact between a plate and a beam is also analyzed.
Discontinuous Irregular Oblique Derivative Problems for Nonlinear Elliptic Equations of Second Order
Authors: Wen Guochun , Xu Zuoliang
Published: December 2009

In this paper, the discontinuous irregular oblique derivative problems (or discontinuous Poincar

{\rm\acute e}

boundary value problems) for nonlinear elliptic equations of second order in multiply connected domains are discussed by using a complex analytic method. Firstly the uniqueness of solutions for such boundary value problems is proved and a priori estimates of their solutions are given, and then by the Leray-Schauder theorem, the existence of solutions of the above problems is verified. As a special case the result about the continuous irregular oblique derivative problem for the nonlinear equations is derived.
Basic Topological and Geometric Properties of Orlicz Spaces over an Arbitrary Set of Atoms
Authors: Hudzik Henryk , Szymaszkiewicz Lucjan
Published: December 2009

Orlicz spaces

l^\varphi(\Gamma)

over an arbitrary set

\Gamma

, being a natural generalizations of Orlicz sequence spaces are studied. The following problems in these spaces are considered: relationships between the Luxemburg norm and the modular, Fatou property, relationships between the Luxemburg norm and the Orlicz norm, equality of the Orlicz norm and the Amemiya norm, order continuous elements, a formula for the norm in the quotient space

l^\varphi(\Gamma)/h^\varphi(\Gamma)

in terms of the modular

I_\varphi

for both the Luxemburg and the Orlicz norm, the problem when the equality of the space

l^\varphi(\Gamma)

and its subspace

h^\varphi(\Gamma)

holds, isometric representation of the dual spaces

(h^\varphi(\Gamma))^*

,

(l^\varphi(\Gamma))^*

,

(h^\varphi_o(\Gamma))^*

and

(l^\varphi_o(\Gamma))^*

, representation of support functionals, criteria for smooth points and extreme points of

S(l^\varphi(\Gamma))

and problem of the existence of such points. It is worthy noticing that the problem of the existence of smooth points on

S(l^\varphi(\Gamma))

depends essentially on the assumption if

\Gamma

is countable or not.
Decay Estimates for Hyperbolic Balance Laws
Authors: Kawashima Shuichi , Yong Wen-An
Published: December 2009

This work is concerned with time-decay properties of small-amplitude global smooth solutions to the initial value problem for hyperbolic systems of balance laws admitting an entropy and satisfying the stability condition. By using energy methods in both the physical space and the Fourier space, we obtain the optimal decay estimates of solutions and their derivatives in the

L^2

-norm up to order

s-1

, provided that the initial data are in

H^s

. A key ingredient in our analysis is a time-weighted energy estimate, leading to a decay estimate for multi-dimensional problems without assuming the

L^1

property on initial data.
Remarks on $C^{1,\gamma}$-Regularity of Weak Solutions to Elliptic Systems with BMO Gradients
Authors: Daněček Josef , John Oldrich , Stará Jana
Published: December 2009

The interior

C^{1,\gamma}

-regularity for a weak solution with BMO-gradient of a nonlinear nonautonomous second order elliptic systems is investigated.
A Generation Result for Cosine Functions of Operators
Authors: Henríquez Hernán R. , Landero H. Carlos
Published: December 2009

In this work a generation result for strongly continuous cosine functions of operators is established, and the result is applied to study a geometric property of self-accessible states of linear second order abstract control systems.
Existence Theory for Steady Flows of Fluids with Pressure and Shear Rate Dependent Viscosity, for Low Values of the Power-Law Index
Authors: Bulíček Miroslav , Fišerová V.
Published: December 2009

We deal with a system of partial diﬀerential equations describing a steady ﬂow of a homogeneous incompressible non-Newtonian ﬂuid with pressure and shear rate dependent viscosity subject to the homogeneous Dirichlet (no-slip) boundary condition. We establish a global existence of a weak solution for a certain class of such ﬂuids in which the dependence of the viscosity on the shear rate is polynomiallike, characterized by the power-law index. A decomposition of the pressure and Lipschitz approximations of Sobolev functions are considered in order to obtain almost everywhere convergence of the pressure and the symmetric part of the velocity gradient and thus obtain new existence results for low value of the power-law index.
An ionic liquid proposed as solvent in aromatic hydrocarbon separation by liquid extraction
Authors: Pereiro Ana B. , Rodríguez Ana
Published: December 2009

Liquid–liquid extraction is the most common method for extraction of aromatics from their mixtures with aliphatic hydrocarbons. An ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide [BMpyr][NTf2] was tested as solvent for this separation. The liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) of the ternary mixtures heptane + benzene, or toluene, or ethylbenzene + [BMpyr][NTf2] were carried out at 298.15 K. The solvent ability of the IL was evaluated in terms of solute distribution ratio and selectivity. The results were compared with those previously reported for the extraction of aromatics from its mixtures with heptane by using ILs. The conventional process using sulfolane as solvent was discussed. The experimental LLE data were correlated by non‐random two liquid equation. A proposal of extraction process with this IL as solvent is simulated by conventional software and the results are shown. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Living with Costello syndrome: Quality of life issues in older individuals
Authors: Hopkins Elizabeth , Lin Angela E. , Krepkovich Katherine E. , Axelrad Marni E. , Sol‐Church Katia , Stabley Deborah L. , Hossain Jobayer , Gripp Karen W.
Published: December 2009

Clinical and molecular analyses of Costello syndrome are proceeding at a rapid pace, including the delineation of the adult phenotype. We designed a two‐part survey in order to describe the quality of life (QoL) of older individuals with Costello syndrome. The survey consisted of the Costello syndrome quality of life (CSQoL): Caregiver Questionnaire, to obtain objective information such as skills, activities, and medical issues from caregivers; and the CSQoL:Self‐Questionnaire assessing subjective information including self‐esteem, life satisfaction, and interpersonal relations from affected individuals. Thirteen of 18 (72%) individuals with Costello syndrome (age 16–34 years, mean 22 years) and caregiver pairs responded. The data were analyzed to study day‐to‐day life, and to determine potential impediments on QoL for older individuals with Costello syndrome. The CSQoL:Caregiver total scores were significantly lower than the CSQoL:Self total scores as demonstrated by the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test (P < 0.008). The CSQoL:Caregiver total scores appear negatively correlated with total number of medical issues (r = −0.549; P = 0.065). No association was found between the CSQoL:Self scores and total number of medical issues (r = −0.107; P = 0.769). Four impediments to QoL for individuals with Costello syndrome were identified: relationships outside of their immediate circle of family and friends, lack of independence, male gender, and the presence of major medical issues. This information may be useful to the families and health care professionals of adults with Costello syndrome. As a measurable characteristic, QoL may have utility as a metric in future therapeutic trials. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A paternally transmitted complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) involving chromosomes 2, 6, and 18 includes eight breakpoints and five insertional translocations (ITs) through three generations
Authors: Gruchy Nicolas , Barreau Morgane , Kessler Ketty , Gourdier Dominique , Leporrier Nathalie
Published: December 2009

Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are uncommon and mainly occur de novo. We report here on a familial CCR involving chromosomes 2, 6, and 18. The propositus is a boy first referred because of growth delays, hypotonia, and facial anomalies, suggestive of deletion 18q syndrome. However, a cytogenetic family study disclosed a balanced CCR in three generations, which was detailed by FISH using BAC clones, and consisted of eight breakpoints with five insertional translocations (ITs). The propositus had a cryptic 18q deletion and a 6p duplication. Paternal transmission of this CCR was observed through three generations without meiotic recombination. Our investigation allowed us to provide porosities counseling and management of prenatal diagnosis for propositus cousin who carries this particular CCR. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extending the phenotype of monosomy 1p36 syndrome and mapping of a critical region for obesity and hyperphagia
Authors: D'Angelo Carla S. , Kohl Ilana , Varela Monica Castro , de Castro Cláudia I.E. , Kim Chong A. , Bertola Débora R. , Lourenço Charles M. , Koiffmann Célia P.
Published: December 2009

Rearrangements of 1p36 are the most frequently detected abnormalities in diagnostic testing for chromosomal cryptic imbalances and include variably sized simple terminal deletions, derivative chromosomes, interstitial deletions, and complex rearrangements. These rearrangements result in the specific pattern of malformation and neurodevelopmental disabilities that characterizes monosomy 1p36 syndrome. Thus far, no individual gene within this region has been conclusively determined to be causative of any component of the phenotype. Nor is it known if the rearrangements convey phenotypes via a haploinsufficiency mechanism or through a position effect. We have used multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification to screen for deletions of 1p36 in a group of 154 hyperphagic and overweight/obese, PWS negative individuals, and in a separate group of 83 patients initially sent to investigate a variety of other conditions. The strategy allowed the identification and delineation of rearrangements in nine subjects with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Our work reinforces the association of monosomy 1p36 and obesity and hyperphagia, and further suggests that these features may be associated with non‐classical manifestations of this disorder in addition to a submicroscopic deletion of ∼2–3 Mb in size. Multiplex ligation probe amplification using the monosomy 1p36 syndrome‐specific kit coupled to the subtelomeric kit is an effective approach to identify and delineate rearrangements at 1p36. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ectodermal dysplasia‐like syndrome with mental retardation due to contiguous gene deletion: Further clinical and molecular delineation of del(2q32) syndrome
Authors: Rifai Laila , Port‐Lis Marylin , Tabet Anne‐Claude , Bailleul‐Forestier Isabelle , Benzacken Brigitte , Drunat Séverine , Kuzbari Suzanne , Passemard Sandrine , Verloes Alain , Aboura Azzedine
Published: December 2009

We report on a patient with an interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 2 at 2q31.2q33.2. She had prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, cleft palate, camptodactyly, bilateral talipes equinovarus, severe intellectual disability, and ectodermal anomalies. She showed thin, atrophic skin, sparse, brittle, slowly growing hair, oligodontia with abnormally shaped teeth, normal sweating, and normal fingernails, consistent with a diagnosis of ectodermal dysplasia. Array CGH analysis (Agilent 44K®) showed the deletion to span 26 Mb, between cytogenetic bands 2q31.2 and 2q33. The deletion leads to hemizygosity for the HOXD cluster and its regulatory elements, COL3A1/COL5A2, GTF3C3, CASP8, CASP10, and SABT2 could perhaps interfere with long range control of DLX1 and DLX2 expression. This girl confirms the existence of a clinically recognizable 2q32 microdeletion syndrome, as recently delineated by Van Buggenhout et al. and confirms a novel putative locus for ectodermal dysplasia on chromosome 2q31q33. We recommend considering cytogenetic and/or molecular screening for del(2q32) in patients with developmental disability and ectodermal dysplasia‐like phenotype, including thin skin, oligodontia, dysplastic teeth, and sparse hair. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review of the recently defined molecular mechanisms underlying thanatophoric dysplasia and their potential therapeutic implications for achondroplasia
Authors: Martínez‐Frías María Luisa , de Frutos Cristina A. , Bermejo Eva ,   ECEMC Working Group, Nieto M. Angela
Published: December 2009

Achondroplasia (ACH), thanatophoric dysplasia (TD) types I and II, hypochondroplasia (HCH), and severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans (SADDAN) are all due to activating mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. We review the clinical, epidemiological, radiological, molecular aspects, and signaling pathways involved in these conditions. It is known that FGFR3 signaling is essential to regulate bone growth. The signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT1) pathway is involved in the inhibition of chondrocyte proliferation, and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are involved in chondrocyte differentiation. Hence, FGFR3 signaling is pivotal in chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation through these two different active pathways. Recent studies on the molecular mechanisms involved in chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation, demonstrated that Snail1 participates in the control of longitudinal bone growth and appears to be essential to transduce FGFR3 signaling during chondrogenesis. This result was confirmed in a newborn infant with TD, and suggests new non‐surgical therapeutic approaches, that is, Snail1 as a new encouraging therapeutic target. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attacks on local persons by chimpanzees in Bossou, Republic of Guinea: long‐term perspectives
Authors: Hockings Kimberley J. , Yamakoshi Gen , Kabasawa Asami , Matsuzawa Tetsuro
Published: December 2009

Attacks on humans by nonhuman primates are one of the most serious causes of human–primate conflict, and strongly influence people's perceptions and tolerance of nonhuman primates. Despite their importance, systematic and extensive records of such attacks are rare. Here, we report the attacks that occurred on local persons by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Bossou, Republic of Guinea, from 1995 to 2009. There have been a total of 11 attacks during this period, the majority of which were directed toward children. They varied in their severity, but all were nonfatal. Attacks took place on a road and narrow paths that bordered the forest or in cultivated fields and orchards where opportunities for human–chimpanzee contact are high. Attacks occurred between the months of March and October, coinciding with wild fruit scarcity, increased levels of crop‐raiding, and periods of human cultivation with likely increased human usage of paths. Although the families of attack victims felt angry and fearful toward chimpanzees after attacks, some drew on their traditional beliefs to explain why chimpanzees were respected, protected, and could not hurt them, even when attacks occurred. We provide suggestions for reducing future nonhuman primate attacks on humans in an effort to mitigate human–primate conflict situations. Am. J. Primatol. 72:887–896, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of Artificial Neural Networks to classify primate vocalizations: a pilot study on black lemurs
Authors: Pozzi Luca , Gamba Marco , Giacoma Cristina
Published: December 2009

The identification of the vocal repertoire of a species represents a crucial prerequisite for a correct interpretation of animal behavior. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been widely used in behavioral sciences, and today are considered a valuable classification tool for reducing the level of subjectivity and allowing replicable results across different studies. However, to date, no studies have applied this tool to nonhuman primate vocalizations. Here, we apply for the first time ANNs, to discriminate the vocal repertoire in a primate species, Eulemur macaco macaco. We designed an automatic procedure to extract both spectral and temporal features from signals, and performed a comparative analysis between a supervised Multilayer Perceptron and two statistical approaches commonly used in primatology (Discriminant Function Analysis and Cluster Analysis), in order to explore pros and cons of these methods in bioacoustic classification. Our results show that ANNs were able to recognize all seven vocal categories previously described (92.5–95.6%) and perform better than either statistical analysis (76.1–88.4%). The results show that ANNs can provide an effective and robust method for automatic classification also in primates, suggesting that neural models can represent a valuable tool to contribute to a better understanding of primate vocal communication. The use of neural networks to identify primate vocalizations and the further development of this approach in studying primate communication are discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 72:337–348, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence of dietary differentiation among late Paleocene–early Eocene plesiadapids (Mammalia, primates)
Authors: Boyer Doug M. , Evans Alistair R. , Jernvall Jukka
Published: December 2009

Plesiadapis cookei is an extinct relative of extant euarchontans (primates, dermopterans; scandentians), which lived in North America during the late Paleocene. P. cookei body mass has been estimated to be ∼2.2 kg, making it large compared with other species of its genus from North America, but similar to some from Europe. In particular, size as well as dental form similarities to P. russelli have been noted. However, it is thought that P. russelli evolved from P. tricuspidens, and into Platychoerops daubrei. Dental similarities among P. cookei, P. russelli, and P. daubrei have been hypothesized to reflect a more folivorous diet than utilized by P. tricuspidens. Here we test the hypothesis that P. cookei is more dietarily specialized than P. tricuspidens by quantifying functionally significant aspects of molar, premolar, and incisor forms. Casts of M2s and P4s of P. tricuspidens, P. cookei, and P. daubrei were microCT‐scanned. We measured the relief index and/or the complexity from surface reconstructions of scans. Results show that P. cookei has higher M2 relief and complexity than P. tricuspidens; P. daubrei exhibits the highest relief and complexity. Similarly, P. cookei has a more complex P4 than P. tricuspidens, whereas that of P. daubrei exhibits the highest complexity. Finally, the I1 of P. cookei resembles more the incisor of P. daubrei than that of P. tricuspidens. Because high relief and complexity of dentitions are related to fibrous plant diets in living mammals, these findings support the hypothesis that previously identified similarities among P. cookei, P. russelli and P. daubrei reflect a folivorous diet. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic integration of molar cusp size variation in baboons
Authors: Koh Christina , Bates Elizabeth , Broughton Elizabeth , Do Nicholas T. , Fletcher Zachary , Mahaney Michael C. , Hlusko Leslea J.
Published: December 2009

Many studies of primate diversity and evolution rely on dental morphology for insight into diet, behavior, and phylogenetic relationships. Consequently, variation in molar cusp size has increasingly become a phenotype of interest. In 2007 we published a quantitative genetic analysis of mandibular molar cusp size variation in baboons. Those results provided more questions than answers, as the pattern of genetic integration did not fit predictions from odontogenesis. To follow up, we expanded our study to include data from the maxillary molar cusps. Here we report on these later analyses, as well as inter‐arch comparisons with the mandibular data. We analyzed variation in two‐dimensional maxillary molar cusp size using data collected from a captive pedigreed breeding colony of baboons, Papio hamadryas, housed at the Southwest National Primate Research Center. These analyses show that variation in maxillary molar cusp size is heritable and sexually dimorphic. We also estimated additive genetic correlations between cusps on the same crown, homologous cusps along the tooth row, and maxillary and mandibular cusps. The pattern for maxillary molars yields genetic correlations of one between the paracone–metacone and protocone–hypocone. Bivariate analyses of cuspal homologues on adjacent teeth yield correlations that are high or not significantly different from one. Between dental arcades, the nonoccluding cusps consistently yield high genetic correlations, especially the metaconid–paracone and metaconid–metacone. This pattern of genetic correlation does not immediately accord with the pattern of development and/or calcification, however these results do follow predictions that can be made from the evolutionary history of the tribosphenic molar. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paternity and social rank in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) from the Budongo Forest, Uganda
Authors: Newton‐Fisher Nicholas E. , Thompson Melissa Emery , Reynolds Vernon , Boesch Christophe , Vigilant Linda
Published: December 2009

We analyzed patterns of paternity and male dominance rank in the Sonso community of wild East African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Budongo Forest, Uganda. Our major objective was to determine whether and how social rank influenced paternity success. We successfully genotyped 52 individuals at up to nine microsatellite loci, using DNA extracted from fecal samples. Of 24 offspring analyzed, we identified sires for 21. Paternity success was significantly correlated with social rank, with alpha males siring a disproportionate number of offspring. However, both middle‐ and low‐ranking males also fathered offspring, and the priority‐of‐access model provided a relatively poor prediction of which males would be successful and under what circumstances. The concentration of paternities among only seven males and the tendency for high‐ranking males to sire offspring of multiparous females suggest that both individual variation in male quality and the resource value of particular females may be mediating factors. In comparison with other chimpanzee studies, our results support the hypothesis that larger male cohort size reduces the ability of the alpha male to monopolize females, though within our study, male number did not affect the success of the alpha. Successful sires were not necessarily those who achieved the highest mating success with the females whose offspring they sired, but were those who demonstrated higher investment by spending significantly more time in association with these females. Finally, we estimate extra‐group paternity at 0–5%, supporting other evidence that the community serves as the primary reproductive unit in chimpanzees. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synanthropic primates in Asia: Potential sentinels for environmental toxins
Authors: Engel Gregory , O'Hara Todd M. , Cardona‐Marek Tamara , Heidrich John , Chalise Mukesh K. , Kyes Randall , Jones‐Engel Lisa
Published: December 2009

Macaques are similar to humans both physiologically and behaviorally. In South and Southeast Asia they are also synanthropic, ecologically associated with humans. Synanthropy with humans raises the possibility that macaques come into contact with anthropogenic toxicants, such as lead and mercury, and might be appropriate sentinels for human exposures to certain toxic materials. We measured lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) levels and characterized the stable isotopic compositions of δ15N and δ13C in hair from three groups of free‐ranging macaques at the Swoyambhu temple in Kathmandhu, Nepal, an urban population that has abundant contact with humans. Hair lead levels were significantly higher among young macaques and differed among the three groups of macaques that were sampled. Hair Hg levels were low. No statistical association was found between stable isotopic compositions (δ15N and δ13C) and Pb and Hg levels. Our data did not find evidence that lead levels were associated with diet. We conclude that, in this population of macaques, behavioral and/or physiologic factors may play a significant role in determining exposure to lead. Chemical analysis of hair is a promising, noninvasive technique for determining exposure to toxic elements in free‐ranging nonhuman primates. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RNA‐mediated neurodegeneration in repeat expansion disorders
Authors: Todd Peter K. , Paulson Henry L.
Published: December 2009

Most neurodegenerative disorders are thought to result primarily from the accumulation of misfolded proteins, which interfere with protein homeostasis in neurons. For a subset of diseases, however, noncoding regions of RNAs assume a primary toxic gain‐of‐function, leading to degeneration in many tissues, including the nervous system. Here we review a series of proposed mechanisms by which noncoding repeat expansions give rise to nervous system degeneration and dysfunction. These mechanisms include transcriptional alterations and the generation of antisense transcripts, sequestration of mRNA‐associated protein complexes that lead to aberrant mRNA splicing and processing, and alterations in cellular processes, including activation of abnormal signaling cascades and failure of protein quality control pathways. We place these potential mechanisms in the context of known RNA‐mediated disorders, including the myotonic dystrophies and fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome, and discuss recent results suggesting that mRNA toxicity may also play a role in some presumably protein‐mediated neurodegenerative disorders. Lastly, we comment on recent progress in therapeutic development for these RNA‐dominant diseases. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:291–300
Novel peptide from spider venom inhibits P2X3 receptors and inflammatory pain
Authors: Grishin Eugene V. , Savchenko Ganna A. , Vassilevski Alexander A. , Korolkova Yuliya V. , Boychuk Yaroslav A. , Viatchenko‐Karpinski Viacheslav Y. , Nadezhdin Kirill D. , Arseniev Alexander S. , Pluzhnikov Kirill A. , Kulyk Vyacheslav B. , Voitenko Nana V. , Krishtal Oleg O.
Published: December 2009

P2X3 purinoreceptors expressed in mammalian sensory neurons play a key role in several processes, including pain perception. From the venom of the Central Asian spider Geolycosa sp., we have isolated a novel peptide, named purotoxin‐1 (PT1), which is to our knowledge the first natural molecule exerting powerful and selective inhibitory action on P2X3 receptors. PT1 dramatically slows down the removal of desensitization of these receptors. The peptide demonstrates potent antinociceptive properties in animal models of inflammatory pain. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:680–683
Relationship between atrophy and β‐amyloid deposition in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Chételat Gaël , Villemagne Victor L. , Bourgeat Pierrick , Pike Kerryn E. , Jones Gareth , Ames David , Ellis Kathryn A. , Szoeke Cassandra , Martins Ralph N. , O'Keefe Graeme J. , Salvado Olivier , Masters Colin L. , Rowe Christopher C. ,   Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle Research Group
Published: December 2009

Objective

Elucidating the role of aggregated β‐amyloid in relation to gray matter atrophy is crucial to the understanding of the pathological mechanisms of Alzheimer disease and for the development of therapeutic trials. The present study aims to assess this relationship.

Methods

Brain magnetic resonance imaging and [11C]Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)‐positron emission tomography scans were obtained from 94 healthy elderly subjects (49 with subjective cognitive impairment), 34 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 35 patients with Alzheimer disease. The correlations between global and regional neocortical PiB retention and atrophy were analyzed in each clinical group.

Results

Global and regional atrophy were strongly related to β‐amyloid load in participants with subjective cognitive impairment but not in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer disease. Global neocortical β‐amyloid deposition correlated to atrophy in a large brain network including the hippocampus, medial frontal and parietal areas, and lateral temporoparietal cortex, whereas regional β‐amyloid load was related to local atrophy in the areas of highest β‐amyloid load only, that is, medial orbitofrontal and anterior and posterior cingulate/precuneus areas.

Interpretation

There is a strong relationship between β‐amyloid deposition and atrophy very early in the disease process. As the disease progresses to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease clinical stages, pathological events other than, and probably downstream from, aggregated β‐amyloid deposition might be responsible for the ongoing atrophic process. These findings suggest that antiamyloid therapy should be administered very early in the disease evolution to minimize synaptic and neuronal loss. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:317–324
Luminescent chiral organoboron 8‐aminoquinolate‐coordination polymers
Authors: Tokoro Yuichiro , Nagai Atsushi , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: December 2009

We have successfully synthesized optically active organoboron aminoquinolate‐based coordination polymers bearing the chiral side chain derived from L‐alanine, and studied their optical behavior by UV–vis and photoluminescence spectroscopies. Higher absolute quantum yields (ΦF) of the obtained polymers, measured by integrating sphere method, were observed with electron‐withdrawing substituent (ΦF = 0.80) than with electron‐donating substituent (ΦF = 0.52). The circular dichroism (CD) study in the mixed solvents of CHCl3 and DMF showed that the secondary structures of the obtained polymers were stabilized by hydrogen‐bonding interaction in the side chain. From concentration dependence on the CD spectra, the chirality of the obtained polymers originated from the nature of one molecule. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of bubble growth in a limited amount of liquid
Authors: Xu Xingming , Zhao Guoqun , Li Huiping
Published: December 2009

In this study, we examined the growth of a spherical bubble in a limited amount of liquid by using a finite‐element‐based numerical simulation method. The bubble growth was assumed to be controlled by both momentum and mass transfer. A truncated power‐law constitutive equation was used to describe the rheology of the melt. The gas inside the bubble followed the ideal gas law. The gas concentration at the bubble surface obeyed Henry's law. A computer code was programmed to solve the equations with the Galerkin method. A backward Euler scheme was used to discretize time. Grids were remeshed after each incremental time step to ensure the accuracy of the numerical results. The bubble growth process was simulated with the code. The numerical results, such as the instantaneous bubble size, gas pressure inside the bubble, and gas concentration profile in the liquid, were predicted. The influences of the liquid volume, initial gas pressure, temperature, and rheology of the melt on bubble growth were also studied. The results of the bubble growth simulation in this study were in satisfactory agreement with others' work. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010