bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commutative Stochastic Games
Authors: Venel Xavier 
Published: October 2014

We are interested in the convergence of the value of n-stage games as n goes to infinity and the existence of the uniform value in stochastic games with a general set of states and finite sets of actions where the transition is commutative. This means that playing an action profile a1 followed by an action profile a2, leads to the same distribution on states as playing first the action profile a2 and then a1. For example, absorbing games can be reformulated as commutative stochastic games. When there is only one player and the transition function is deterministic, we show that the existence of a uniform value in pure strategies implies the existence of 0-optimal strategies. In the framework of two-player stochastic games, we study a class of games where the set of states is ℝm and the transition is deterministic and 1-Lipschitz for the L1-norm, and prove that these games have a uniform value. A similar proof shows the existence of an equilibrium in the nonzero-sum case. These results remain true if one considers a general model of finite repeated games, where the transition is commutative and the players observe the past actions but not the state.
The effects of smoking on the eye: the role of the ophthalmic nurse
Authors: Cope Graham 
Published: October 2014

Cigarette smoking is an important factor in the pathogenesis and progression of several diseases of the eye, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and also reduces the efficacy of therapy and surgical treatment. Nicotine and reactive oxygen species contribute to vasoconstriction, reduced oxygen availability and chronic inflammation. The awareness among eye care professionals of the effects of smoking on the eye is adequate, but many do not participate actively in identifying smokers and providing them with advice and support to quit. A barrier to quitting smoking in patients with eye diseases is their lack of knowledge that smoking can be harmful to their eyesight. More awareness is needed to increase the education process and to engage with patients to advise and support them to quit.
Uric acid levels in blood are associated with clinical outcome in soft-tissue sarcoma patients
Authors: Szkandera Joanna , Gerger Armin , Liegl-Atzwanger Bernadette , Stotz Michael , Samonigg Hellmut , Ploner Ferdinand , Stojakovic Tatjana , Gary Thomas , Leithner Andreas , Pichler Martin 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRecent evidence indicates toward a role of uric acid (UA) as a potential antioxidant. Elevated UA levels were shown to be associated with better survival in various malignancies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of pre-operative UA levels on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients who underwent curative surgical resection.Three hundred and fifty-seven patients with STS were included in the study. Pre-operative serum UA level was measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. The effect of UA levels on CSS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. To further evaluate the prognostic impact of UA levels, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional models were calculated.Among the 357 STS patients, cancer-related deaths occurred in 20 (24.7%) of 81 patients with a serum UA level <279.6 µmol/L and in 36 (13%) of 276 patients with a UA level ≥279.6 µmol/L. In univariate analysis, elevated UA levels were significantly associated with increased CSS in STS patients [hazard ratio (HR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26–0.77, p=0.004]. Furthermore, elevated UA levels remain a significant factor for better CCS in multivariate analysis (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.75, p=0.003).Our study is the first one to demonstrate that higher UA levels are associated with positive clinical outcome in STS patients. UA levels are a simple and cost-effective test for the assessment of the prognosis of STS patients.
Diophantine cryptography in free metabelian groups: Theoretical base
Authors: Myasnikov Alexei , Roman'kov Vitalii 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this paper we study so-called Diophantine cryptology, a collection of cryptographic schemes where the computational security assumptions are based on hardness of solving some Diophantine equations, and some general ideas and techniques that occur in this area. In particular, we study an interesting variation of the endomorphism problem in groups, termed the
A combined view on composition, molecular structure, and micromechanics of fungal degraded softwood
Authors: Wagner Leopold , Bader Thomas K. , Ters Thomas , Fackler Karin , de Borst Karin 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Fungal decay alters the composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of wood cell walls. To understand better the structure-function relationships during fungal decay, selected annual rings of fungal deteriorated Scots pine sapwood were analyzed in terms of their composition, microstructure, and micromechanical properties. The datasets were acquired separately for earlywood and latewood concerning the S2 cell wall layer and the cell corner middle lamella (CCML) and analyzed by means of principal component analysis and partial least squares regression analysis. Links between cell wall stiffness and hardness and the composition and microstructure could be established. Increased mechanical properties in the CCML, as obtained by nanoindentation, were correlated to the degradation of pectins. In the S2 layer, the altered data were related to the degradation of hemicelluloses and lignin modification during fungal decay.
Todos los jefes: Reflections on the Origins of UC MEXUS
Authors: Lepp Kathryn Vincent 
Published: October 2014

This memoir recalls the individuals and initiatives that formed the basis of the University of California Institute for Mexico and the United States (UC MEXUS) from its conception by UC President David Saxon in 1980 through its formal establishment within the University of California system in 1992. Throughout the period, the UC MEXUS project served as a vehicle for evolution and expression of the University’s objective of leading the nation in its binational approach to scientific collaboration, political discourse, Chicano/Latino studies, and broadly relevant topics in the arts and humanities.
Esta memoria recuerda a los individuos y las iniciativas que sentaron las bases del Instituto para México y Estados Unidos de la Universidad de California (UC MEXUS) desde su concepción por el presidente de la UC David Saxon en 1980 hasta su establecimiento formal dentro del sistema de la Universidad de California en 1992. A lo largo de este tiempo, el proyecto UC MEXUS ha servido como vehículo para la evolución y expresión del objetivo universitario de conducir a la nación a la colaboración científica, el discurso político, los estudios chicanos/latinos y temas de gran relevancia en las artes y las humanidades desde un enfoque binacional.
Mexican Studies/Estudios Mexicanos
Authors: Ordóñez Jaime Edmundo Rodríguez 
Published: October 2014

The essay evokes the origins and development of Mexican Studies/Estudios Mexicanos (MS/EM) during the thirty years of its existence. It explains the process that led to the agreement in 1982 between the University of California Consortium for Mexico and the United States (UC MEXUS) and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) to establish the multidisciplinary journal that appeared in 1985. It recalls the difficult process of developing a new journal with standards. It also provides a brief survey of MS/EM’s evolution and the varied nature of articles published in the multidisciplinary journal. Finally, it thanks the many dedicated persons who have contributed to its success.
El ensayo evoca los orígenes y el desarrollo de Mexican Studies/Estudios Mexicanos (MS/EM) durante sus treinta años de existencia. En él, se explica el proceso que llevó al acuerdo en 1982 entre el Consorcio para México y Estados Unidos (UC MEXUS) de la Universidad de California y la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) para establecer la revista multidisciplinaria que apareció en 1985. Además, recuerda el difícil proceso para desarrollar una nueva revista con los estándares requeridos. También proporciona un breve recuento de la evolución de MS/EM y de la naturaleza variada de los artículos publicados en esta revista interdisciplinaria. Finalmente, agradece a las numerosas personas dedicadas que han contribuido a su éxito.
“In the Name of Civilization and with a Bible in Their Hands:” Religion and the 1846–48 Mexican-American War
Authors: Guardino Peter 
Published: October 2014

Religion was crucial to how Americans and Mexicans saw their enemies and motivated themselves to contribute to the 1846–1848 war. The very strength of religious attitudes made controlling their effects difficult. Some U.S. troops attacked Mexican Catholicism, inspiring Mexican resistance. Conversely, Mexican authorities sometimes sought to limit religiously inspired resistance. Furthermore, at a key moment some Mexicans felt their religious concerns required them to violently oppose their own government. Mexican negotiators gained protections for Catholics in the territory transferred by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, but anti-Catholic politicians in the U.S. Senate eliminated these protections before ratifying the treaty.
La religión constituyó un factor crucial en la manera de concebir al enemigo y de animarse a participar en la guerra de 1846–1848 entre estadounidenses y mexicanos. La misma fuerza de las actitudes religiosas dificultaba el control de sus efectos. Algunas tropas estadounidenses atacaban el catolicismo mexicano e inspiraban así la resistencia. A su vez, las autoridades mexicanas a veces buscaban limitar la resistencia inspirada por la religión. Además, en un momento clave, algunos mexicanos sintieron que sus preocupaciones religiosas les exigían oponerse violentamente a su propio gobierno. Los negociadores mexicanos obtuvieron protección para los católicos en el territorio transferido mediante el Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo, pero los políticos anticatólicos del Senado de Estados Unidos suprimieron esta protección antes de ratificar el tratado.
La masculinidad marginada en la vanguardia postrevolucionaria: el caso de El Café de Nadie de Arqueles Vela
Authors: Espinosa Ángela Cecilia 
Published: October 2014

Este artículo analiza los temas de género y sexualidad en textos clave del estridentismo mexicano: Actual No. 1 (1922) de Manuel Maples Arce, El movimiento estridentista (1926) de Germán List Arzubide y El Café de Nadie (1924) de Arqueles Vela. La crítica reciente ha tachado a los estridentistas de machistas y homofóbicos. Sin embargo, a mi parecer El Café de Nadie representa un caso excepcional, ya que subvierte el discurso dominante del hombre mexicano como viril y fuerte. Al resaltar la figura femenina de lapelona (una “flapper”), Vela más bien expone la crisis de la masculinidad engendrada por la Revolución.
This article analyzes gender and sexuality in key texts from the Stridentist movement: Actual no. 1 (1921) by Manuel Maples Arce, El movimiento estridentista (1926) by Germán List Arzubide, and El Café de Nadie (1924) by Arqueles Vela. Recent scholarship has criticized the stridentists for their homophobic, machista attitudes. Nevertheless, I argue that El Café de Nadie subverts the dominant discourse of the virile Mexican man. By highlighting the figure of lapelona (the Mexican equivalent of a “flapper”), Vela exposes the crisis in masculinity engendered by the Revolution.
From the Screen to the Wall: Siqueiros and Eisenstein in Mexico
Authors: Herrera Juan Carlos Arias 
Published: October 2014

The relation between Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein and “The Three Greats” of Mexican muralism has been widely discussed. The opposite connection, the influence of Eisenstein’s ideas and techniques on Mexican artists, however, has been less analyzed. This text examines the relation between Eisenstein’s aesthetic theories and David Alfaro Siqueiros’ poetics of mural painting. Through the analysis of the work The March of Humanity, I propose that Eisenstein and Siqueiros established a productive dialogue focused on the concept of dialectics that, according to them, was the key to producing a new link between art and the masses.La relación entre el cineasta ruso Sergei Eisenstein y los llamados “Tres Grandes” del muralismo mexicano ha sido ampliamente discutida. La conexión contraria, sin embargo, esto es, la influencia de las ideas y técnicas de Eisenstein sobre los artistas mexicanos, ha sido menos analizada. Este texto examina la relación entre las teorías estéticas de Eisenstein y la poética de la pintura mural de David Alfaro Siqueiros. A través del análisis de la obra La Marcha de la Humanidad, me interesa mostrar que Eisenstein y Siqueiros establecieron un diálogo productivo centrado en el concepto de dialéctica, el cual, de acuerdo con los dos autores, era la clave para la producción de un nuevo vínculo entre el arte y las masas.
Induction of autophagy supports the bioenergetic demands of quiescent muscle stem cell activation
Authors: Tang Ann H , Rando Thomas A 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe exit of a stem cell out of quiescence into an activated state is characterized by major metabolic changes associated with increased biosynthesis of proteins and macromolecules. The regulation of this transition is poorly understood. Using muscle stem cells, or satellite cells (SCs), we found that autophagy, which catabolizes intracellular contents to maintain proteostasis and to produce energy during nutrient deprivation, was induced during SC activation. Inhibition of autophagy suppressed the increase in ATP levels and delayed SC activation, both of which could be partially rescued by exogenous pyruvate as an energy source, suggesting that autophagy may provide nutrients necessary to meet bioenergetic demands during this critical transition from quiescence to activation. We found that SIRT1, a known nutrient sensor, regulates autophagic flux in SC progeny. A deficiency of SIRT1 led to a delay in SC activation that could also be partially rescued by exogenous pyruvate. These studies suggest that autophagy, regulated by SIRT1, may play an important role during SC activation to meet the high bioenergetic demands of the activation process.
Phaeochromocytoma presenting with polyuria: an uncommon presentation of a rare tumour
Authors: Atapattu N , Imalke K A C P , Madarasinghe M , Lamahewage A , de Silva K S H 
Published: October 2014

Summary
Children rarely present with phaeochromocytoma. Their presentation differs from that of adults. The classic triad of sweating, headache and palpitation may not always present in children with phaeochromocytoma. In this study, we present a 6-year-old girl who came to us with polyuria and polydipsia for evaluation of suspected diabetes insipidus. She gave a clear history of increased sweating in the recent past. On clinical examination, she was noted to have high blood pressure. Subsequent investigations revealed a phaeochromocytoma. Her polyuria and hypertension resolved immediately after the surgery. We did not have the facilities to arrange for genetic tests; however, the patient and the family members are under follow-up for other associated conditions.

Learning points

Polyuria and polydipsia are rare symptoms of phaeochromocytoma.

Complete physical examination prevented unnecessary investigations for polyuria and led to a correct diagnosis.

Classic features are not always necessary for diagnostic evaluation of rare diseases.
Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Effect of Different Antibiotics Mixed with CuO, MgO and ZnO Nanoparticles in Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli cultures
Authors: Alenó Raúl , Collazo Anthony López , Medina Eulalia , Figueroa Lourdes Díaz , Ramírez José I. , Ferrer Torres Edmy J. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTDue to the rapid advance of the emergence of resistant microorganisms to different antibiotics, there is a need to create new antimicrobial agents. It is possible that Nanotechnology has a great impact in this area since the nanoparticles can improve the antimicrobial effect of the antibiotics. In this study we used three different metal oxides nanoparticles, the MgO, ZnO and CuO. These nanoparticles were selected because their interactions leading to cell death and their optical properties. The aim of this study is to develop new methods that are more effective against resistance bacteria, developing antibacterial agents using different nanoparticles against Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC BAA-1026). This study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial effects of a combination of nanoparticles together with different concentrations of three antibiotics, Gentamicin, Cephalexin and Co-Trimoxazole. The results showed that some nanoparticles are effective to inhibit growth in these microorganisms by increasing the effectiveness of the antibiotic. Therefore, the present study indicates that the combination of the nanoparticles with antibiotics may be applicable as a new antimicrobial agent.
Synthesis of ZnxMg1-xO Nanocrystals and the Assessment of their Antimicrobial Activity against Escherichia Coli
Authors: Cedeño-Mattei Yarilyn , Concepción-Abreu Rosa , Perales-Pérez Oscar 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTThe present work focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of ZnxMg1-xO solid solutions. ZnxMg1-xO solid solutions were synthesized through the thermal decomposition of ZnMg-precursor synthesized in aqueous and ethanol solutions via a two-steps process. The antimicrobial activity of ZnxMg1-xO solid solution against E. coli was evaluated using the spread plate method in presence of ZnxMg1-xO powder of different contents of Zn species, ‘x’. The powder concentrations evaluated were 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm. Zn0.10Mg0.90O powders exhibited a bacterial growth inhibition between 38% and 100% when the powder concentration increased from 500 up to 1500 ppm, respectively. A decreasing trend was observed for x = 0.30 and above; the corresponding bacterial growth inhibition was 12%, 6%, and 5% when the particles concentration was, respectively, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm. X-Ray diffraction analyses suggested the incorporation of Zn ions into the MgO lattice for ‘x’ values below 0.10, enhancing the antimicrobial activity; the formation of two isolated oxide phases observed at larger ‘x’ values (e.g. x = 0.30 and x = 0.50 Zn), could explain the detected inhibition of the corresponding antimicrobial activity.
Ink-Jet Printed Cu/CuxO/Ag ReRAM Memory Devices Fabricated on Flexible Substrate
Authors: Zou Simin , Hamilton Michael C. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTRecently, flexible electronics is attracting growing attention due to its various properties such as lightness and flexibility, which cannot be replaced by rigid electronics. In this study, we investigate flexible ink-jet printed Cu/CuxO/Ag capacitor-like structure that exhibits bipolar resistive switching behavior under direct current voltage sweeps. A vaccum-free and low temperature process is used to fabricate this ReRAM memory device, which allows straightforward fabrication and a structure for characterization of the possible use of CuxO as an insulating layer in these devices. Our device displays a resistive switching ratio greater than 30 between the high resistance and low resistance state at room temperature. The devices exhibit metallic behavior in the low resistance state and a semiconductor behavior is found in the initial and high resistance states as observed in temperature dependent resistance measurements. The resistive switching mechanism of the fabricated structures is explained by the formation and rupture of conductive filament paths.
In situ coupling of atomic force microscopy and sub-micrometer focused X-ray techniques
Authors: Cornelius Thomas W. , Ren Zhe , Mastropietro Francesca , Langlais Simon , Davydok Anton , Richard Marie-Ingrid , Dupraz Maxime , Verdier Marc , Beutier Guillaume , Boesecke Peter , Thomas Olivier 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTA scanning force microscope for in situ nanofocused X-ray studies (SFINX) has been developed which can be installed on diffractometers at synchrotron beamlines allowing for the combination with various techniques such as coherent X-ray diffraction and fluorescence. The capabilities of this device are demonstrated on Cu nanowires and on Au islands grown on sapphire (0001). The sample topography, crystallinity, and elemental distribution of the same area are investigated by recording simultaneously an AFM image, a scanning X-ray diffraction map, and a fluorescence map. Additionally, the mechanical response of Au islands is studied by in situ indentation tests employing the AFM-tip and recording 2D X-ray diffraction patterns during mechanical loading.
Crosswell Magnetic Sensing of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Subsurface Applications
Authors: Rahmani Amir Reza , Bryant Steve , Huh Chun , Athey Alex , Ahmadian Mohsen , Chen Jiuping , Wilt Michael 
Published: October 2014

Summary
Stable dispersions of superparamagnetic nanoparticles that are already in use in biomedicine as image-enhancing agents also have potential use in subsurface applications. Surface-coated nanoparticles are capable of flowing through micron-sized pores across long distances in a reservoir, with modest retention in rock. These particles change the magnetic permeability of the flooded region, and thus one can use them to enhance images of the flood. In this paper, we model the propagation of a “ferrofluid” slug in a reservoir and its response to a crosswell magnetic tomography system.
This approach to monitoring fluid movement within a reservoir is built on established electromagnetic (EM) conductivity-monitoring technology. In this work, however, we investigate the contrast between injected and resident fluids when they have different magnetic permeabilities. Specifically, we highlight the magnetic response at low frequency to the magnetic excitations generated by a vertical magnetic dipole source positioned at the injection well. At these frequencies, the induction effect is small, the casing effect is manageable, the crosswell response originates purely from the magnetic contrast in the formation, and changes in fluid conductivities are irrelevant.
The sensitivity of the measurements to the magnetic slug is highest when the slug is closest to the source or receivers and lower when the slug is midway in the interwell region. At low frequencies, the magnetic response of the ferrofluid slug is largely independent of frequency. As expected for the conductive slug, the sensitivity of the inductive measurements is negligible at low frequencies whereas significant levels of detectability result at higher frequencies. We demonstrate sensitivity to the vertical boundaries of the slug by shifting the vertical position of the excitation source relative to the magnetic slug. The slug geometry plays a key role in determining the magnetic response. With a fixed volume of ferrofluid, there is an optimum slug geometry that results in the maximum magnetic response. Hydrodynamic dispersion of the slug has negligible effect on the magnetic response during early stages of the waterflood. As the slug travels farther into the formation, however, dispersion reduces the concentration of nanoparticles, and the spatial contributions of the magnetic measurements are more diffuse. We illustrate how these low-frequency excitation behaviors are consistent with the quasistatic magnetic dipole physics. The fact that the progress of the magnetic slug can be detected at very early stages of the flood, that the traveling slug's vertical boundaries can be identified at low frequencies, and that the magnetic nanoparticles can be sensed well before the actual arrival of the slug at the observer well provide significant value of the use of the magnetic-contrast agents in crosswell EM tomography.