The influence of oscillations on global existence for a class of semi-linear wave equations

The goal of this paper is to study the global existence of small data solutions to the Cauchy problem for the nonlinear wave equation u(tt) - a(t)(2) Delta u = u(t)(2) - a(t)(2)vertical bar del u vertical bar(2). In particular we are interested in statements for the 1D case. We will explain how the interplay between the increasing and oscillating behavior of the coefficient will influence global existence of small data solutions. Copyright c 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A history of agricultural production at Neolithic Catalhoyuk East, Turkey

A history of agricultural production is proposed for Neolithic Catalhoyuk East, central Turkey, using archaeobotanical, environmental, population and settlement studies. In the aceramic early phase of site occupation, intensive strategies developed as changes in population and environment caused stress on food supplies produced within a limited territory. Food exchange may have been part of the social means by which Catalhoyuk and nearby contemporary settlements amalgamated into the single site of the main occupation phase. Population change, inherited territories and continuing environmental impact led to the development of an extensive system of agriculture using widely dispersed dry soils, with an intensive regime applied to nearby alluvial soils. Social tensions caused by the evolution of this system contributed to the fissioning of the site by the Chalcolithic.

Efficacy and safety of entecavir for chronic HBV in HIV/HBV coinfected patients receiving lamivudine as part of antiretroviral therapy

Background: Prolonged use of lamivudine in patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) leads to an increasing risk of lamivudine resistance in both diseases. We investigated the addition of entecavir, a potent inhibitor of HBV polymerase, to lamivudine-containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in patients who experienced rebound in HBV viremia while maintaining Suppression of plasma HIV RNA less than 400 copies/ml. Methods: Sixty-eight patients were randomized to entecavir 1 mg (n = 51) or placebo (n = 17) once daily for 24 weeks; 65 patients continued the study with entecavir for an additional 24 weeks. Lamivudine-containing HAART was continued throughout. Results: At week 24, the mean HBV DNA in entecavir-treated patients was 5.52 log(10) - copies/ml versus 9.27 log(10) copies/ml for placebo, and at week 48, it was 4.79log(10) copies/ml versus 5.63log(10) copies/ml, respectively. The mean HBV DNA change from baseline for entecavir was -3.65 log(10) copies/ml (versus + 0.11 for placebo, P < 0.0001) and alanine aminotransferase normalization in 34%. of patients (versus 8% for placebo, P=0.08)At 48 weeks, mean change in HBV DNA reached -4.20log(10) copies/ml inpatients who received entecavir for the entire 48 weeks. The frequency of adverse events with entecavir and placebo was comparable. Through 48 weeks, no clinically relevant changes in HIV viremia or CD4 cell Counts were identified. Conclusion: In this study, entecavir was associated with rapid, clinically significant reductions in HBV DNA, with maintenance of HIV viremia suppression, in HIV/HBV coinfected patients with HBV viremia while on lamivudine treatment. (C) 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

N-methylation of diamino-substituted macrocyclic complexes: Intramolecular cyclisation

Two new macropolycyclic hexaamines L(2) and L(4) as their copper(II) complexes have been isolated as products from the condensation of the diamino-substituted macrocyclic complex trans-(6,13-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-tetradecane-6,13-diamine)copper(II) [CuL(1)](2+) with aqueous formaldehyde. Both of the complexes exhibit methylene bridges between the pendant amine and the adjacent co-ordinated macrocyclic N-donors. Their crystal structures have been determined: [CuL(2)(NCS)][SCN], triclinic, space group P (1) over bar, a = 7.133(2), b = 9.813(2), c = 16.745(3) Angstrom, alpha = 101.05(2), beta = 99.36(2), gamma = 99.77(2)degrees, Z = 2; [CuL(4)Cl][ClO4]. H2O, triclinic, space group P (1) over bar, a = 9.3327(8), b = 10.8989(6), c = 12.672(1) Angstrom, alpha = 68.591(6), beta = 78.899(6), gamma = 87.384(6)degrees, Z = 2. The complexes exhibit square-pyramidal geometries, and significantly lower-energy electronic maxima relative to their parent complex [CuL(1)](2+). Electrochemistry of [CuL(2)](2+) revealed a reversible Cu-II-Cu-I redox couple, by contrast to those of macromonocyclic analogues.

Dynamic strain measurement using piezoelectric polymer film

Piezoelectric polymers have been used to form the basis of dynamic strain gauges for the detection of stress waves. The linearity of response was tested using a split Hopkinson pressure bar arrangement. The results obtained illustrate the effectiveness of piezoelectric film strain gauges in the measurement of axial stress waves.

Mid-humeral sentinel lymph node dissection in patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma

In rare cases, lymphatic drainage from the malignant melanomas in the upper extremity may follow an unpredictable pattern (outside the axillary nodes), and these aberrant sentinel nodes may represent the only site of regional lymph node metastases. The precise anatomical landmarks and technical aspects of surgical exploration of these aberrant sentinel lymph nodes are rarely described in the literature, including aberrant sentinel mid-humeral lymph nodes. This report describes a step-by-step dissection of the mid-humeral sentinel lymph nodes in two patients with a primary malignant melanoma in the upper extremity, identified by lymphatic mapping. Recognition of precise regional anatomy and following a special surgical technique makes the procedure safe and successful, thus avoiding local complications and allowing a prompt recovery. Melanoma Res 20:138-140 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Validation of a strategy to diagnose coronary artery disease and predict cardiac events in high-risk renal transplant candidates

Background We validated a strategy for diagnosis of coronary artery disease ( CAD) and prediction of cardiac events in high-risk renal transplant candidates ( at least one of the following: age >= 50 years, diabetes, cardiovascular disease). Methods A diagnosis and risk assessment strategy was used in 228 renal transplant candidates to validate an algorithm. Patients underwent dipyridamole myocardial stress testing and coronary angiography and were followed up until death, renal transplantation, or cardiac events. Results The prevalence of CAD was 47%. Stress testing did not detect significant CAD in 1/3 of patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the stress test for detecting CAD were 70, 74, 69, and 71%, respectively. CAD, defined by angiography, was associated with increased probability of cardiac events [log-rank: 0.001; hazard ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-2.92]. Diabetes (P=0.03; hazard ratio: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.06-2.45) and angiographically defined CAD (P=0.03; hazard ratio: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08-2.78) were the independent predictors of events. Conclusion The results validate our observations in a smaller number of high-risk transplant candidates and indicate that stress testing is not appropriate for the diagnosis of CAD or prediction of cardiac events in this group of patients. Coronary angiography was correlated with events but, because less than 50% of patients had significant disease, it seems premature to recommend the test to all high-risk renal transplant candidates. The results suggest that angiography is necessary in many high-risk renal transplant candidates and that better noninvasive methods are still lacking to identify with precision patients who will benefit from invasive procedures. Coron Artery Dis 21: 164-167 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Age-dependent increase in blood pressure in two different Native American communities in Brazil

Objective Cardiovascular risk factors were surveyed in two Indian populations (Guarani, n=60; Tupinikin, n=496) and in a non-Indian group (n=114) living in the same reserve in southeast Brazilian coast. The relationship between an age-dependent blood pressure (BP) increase with salt consumption was also investigated. Methods Overnight (12 h) urine was collected to evaluate Na excretion. Fasting glucose and lipids, anthropometry, BP, ECG and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured in a clinic visit. Participation (318 men/352 women, age 20-94 years; mean=37.6 +/- 14.9 years) comprised 80% of the eligible population. Results The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol was similar in Tupinikins and in non-Indians and higher than in Guaranis. The prevalence of smoking and obesity was higher in the latter group. Hypertension and diabetes were detected in only one individual of the Guarani group. Mean BP adjusted to age and BMI was significantly lower (P<0.01) in Guaranis (82.8 +/- 1.6 mmHg) than in Tupinikins (92.3 +/- 0.5 mmHg) and non-Indians (91.6 +/- 1.1 mmHg). Urinary Na excretion (mEq/12h), however, was similar in the three groups (Guarani=94 +/- 40; Tupinikin=105 +/- 56; non-Indian=109 +/- 55; P>0.05). PWV (m/s) was lower (P<0.01) in Guarani (7.5 +/- 1.4) than in Tupinikins (8.8 +/- 2.2) and non-Indians (8.4 +/- 2.0). Multiple regression analysis showed that age and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were independent predictors of SBP and DBP (r(2)=0.44) in Tupinikins, whereas the WHR was the unique independent predictor of BP variability in Guaranis (r(2)=0.22). Conclusion Lower BP levels in Guaranis cannot be explained by low salt intake observed in other primitive populations. J Hypertens 27:1753-1760 (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Characterization of the Biocompatible Magnetic Colloid on the Basis of Fe(3)O(4) Nanoparticles Coated with Dextran, Used as Contrast Agent in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, the so-called Endorem (TM) colloidal suspension on the basis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (mean diameter of 5.5 nm) coated with dextran, were characterized on the basis of several measurement techniques to determine the parameters of their most important physical and chemical properties. It is assumed that each nanoparticle is consisted of Fe(3)O(4) monodomain and it was observed that its oxidation to gamma-Fe(2)O(3) occurs at 253.1 degrees C. The Mossbauer spectroscopy have shown a superparamagnetic behavior of the magnetic nanoparticles. The Magnetic Resonance results show an increase of the relaxation times T(1), T(2), and T(2)* with decreasing concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles. The relaxation effects of SPIONs contrast agents are influenced by their local concentration as well as the applied field strength and the environment in which these agents interact with surrounding protons. The proton relaxation rates presented a linear behavior with concentration. The measured values of thermooptic coefficient partial derivative n/partial derivative T, thermal conductivity K, optical birefringence Delta n(0), nonlinear refractive index n(2), nonlinear absorption beta` and third-order nonlinear susceptibility vertical bar chi((3))vertical bar are also reported.

Could the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with 3.7 and 5.55 GBq of ((131)I)NaI, on an outpatient basis, be safe?

Objectives The first objective of this study was to evaluate the radiological impact on relatives and the environment because of outpatient treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with 3.7 and 5.55 GBq of ((131)I)NaI. The second objective was to determine, analyze, and evaluate whole-body radiation dose to caregivers, the production of contaminated solid waste, and the potentiality of radiation dose and surface contamination existing inside patients` households. Methods Twenty patients were treated on an outpatient basis, taking into consideration their acceptable living conditions, interests, and willingness to comply with medical and radiation-safety guidelines. The caregivers themselves, as well as the potentiality of the radiation dose inside patients` residences, were monitored with a thermo-luminescence dosimeter. Surface contamination and contaminated solid wastes were identified and measured by using a Geiger-Muller detector. Results and discussion Twenty-six monitored individuals received accumulated effective radiation doses of less than 1.0 mSv, and only one 2.8 mSv, throughout the 7 days of measurement. The maximum registered value for the potential of radiation dose inside all living areas was 1.30 mSv. The monitored surface contamination inside patients` dwellings showed a mean value of 4.2 Bq/cm(2) for all surfaces found to be contaminated. A total of 2.5l of contaminated solid waste was generated by the patients with 3.33 MBq of all estimated activity. Conclusion This study revealed that the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with 3.7 and 5.55 GBq of ((131)I)NaI, on an outpatient basis, can be safe when overseen by qualified professionals and with an adapted radiation-protection guideline. Even considering the radioiodine activity level and the dosimetric methodology applied here, negligible human exposure and a nonmeasurable radiological impact to the human environment were found. Nucl Med Commun 30:533-541 (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Effect of specific leaf nitrogen on radiation use efficiency and growth of sunflower

Specific leaf nitrogen (SLN, g/m(2)) is known to affect radiation use efficiency (RUE, g/MJ) in different crops, However, this association and importance have not been well established over a range of different nitrogen regimes for held-grown sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). An experiment was conducted to investigate different combinations and rates of applied nitrogen on SLN, RUE, and growth of sunflower, A fully irrigated crop was sown on an alluvial-prairie soil (Fluventic Haplustoll) and treated with five combinations of applied nitrogen, Greater nitrogen increased biomass, grain number, and yield, but did not affect harvest index energy-corrected for oil (0.4) or canopy extinction coefficient (0.88), Decreases in biomass accumulation under low nitrogen treatments were associated,vith reductions in leaf area index (LAI) and light interception, When SLN and RUE were examined together, both were less in the anthesis to physiological maturity period, but relatively stable between bud visible and anthesis, However, the effects of canopy SLN on RUE were confounded by high SLN in the top of the canopy and the crop maintaining SLN by reducing LAI, Measurements of leaf CO2 assimilation and theoretical analyses of RUE supported that RUE was related to SLN, The major effect of nitrogen on early growth of sunflower was mediated by leaf area and the distribution of SLN in the canopy rather than direct effects of canopy SLN on RUE alone. Greater responses of RUE to SLN are more evident later in growth, and may be related to the demand of nitrogen by the grain.

Effect of radiation environment on radiation use efficiency and growth of sunflower

The level of incident radiation and the proportion of radiation that is diffuse affects radiation use efficiency (RUE) in crops, However, the degree of this effect, and its importance to growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) have not been established. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of radiation environment on RUE, growth, and yield of sunflower. A fully irrigated crop was sown on an alluvial-prairie soil (Fluventic Haplustoll) and was exposed to three distinct radiation environments. In two treatments, the level of incident radiation was reduced by 14 and 20% by suspending tao different types of polyethylene plastic films well above the crop. In addition to the reductions in incident radiation, the proportion of radiation that was diffuse was increased by about 14% in these treatments. Lower incident radiation and increased proportion of diffuse radiation had no effect on total biomass, phenology, leaf area, and the canopy light extinction coefficient (k = 0.89). However, yield was reduced in shaded treatments due to smaller grain size and lower harvest index. Although crop RUE measured over the entire crop cycle (1.25 g/MJ) did not differ significantly among treatments, there was a trend where RUE compensated for less intercepted incident radiation. Theoretical derivations of the response of RUE to different levels of incident radiation supported this finding. Shaded sunflower crops have the ability to produce biomass similar to unshaded crops by increasing RUE, but have lower harvest indices.

Super-Yangian double and its central extension

We introduce the super-Yangian double DY(h over bar), [gl(m/n)] and its central extension DY(h over bar)[gl(m/n)]. We give their defining relations in terms of current generators and obtain Drinfeld co-multiplication. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: distinct patterns of onset, diagnosis, and prognosis for male versus female patients

Background. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a distinctive pancreatic neoplasm with low metastatic potential. This study examines clinical differences and prognosis between male and female Patients. Methods. The medical records of 34 consecutive patients with pancreatic solid pseudopapillaly neoplasms between 1990 and 2006 were reviewed. Whenever feasible, organ-preserving operation was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and Student t test. Results. There were 27 women (79%) and seven men (21%) with median age of 23 years. Mean diameter of the tumor was 7 cm. Tumor size tended to be smaller in patients treated in more recent years. Conservative surgery was possible in I I patients including spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy in 3, central pancreatectomy in 5, and enucleation in 3 patients. Median hospital stay was 11 days, morbidity rate was 62%, including 17 patients with grade A pancreatic fistula, and there was no operative mortality. Mean follow-up time was 84 months. Tumor recurred in 2 patients (6%). Overall late morbidity rate was 12%. At the time of diagnosis, age was ((x) over bar +/- SD) higher among male patients (25 +/- 2 years vs 37 +/- 7 years, P < .05) with no difference in tumor size. The neoplasms were more aggressive in male Patients; therefore, conservative surgery was less likely. There was no correlation between tumor aggressiveness and age of the patient or size of tumor. Conclusion. This is the first single center study to demonstrate that solid pseudopapillary neoplasms in male patients have distinct Patterns Of onset and aggressiveness when compared with female patients. Although valid prognostic criteria are still lacking, it appears that male patients may be best treated by more radical operation and should be observed more closely during follow-up.

DNA damage and repair in leukocytes of melanoma patients exposed in vitro to cisplatin

Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs can be an obstacle to a successful treatment of cancer patients in part associated with individual response and differences in the DNA repair system. The Comet assay is an informative test to investigate DNA damage and repair in cells in response to a variety of DNA-damaging agents, including chemotherapeutic drugs. The aim of this study was to assess leukocytes damage after in-vitro cisplatin treatment and DNA repair action using the Comet assay in 20 patients with melanoma and 20 cancer-free individuals. Leukocytes` DNA damage before and after cisplatin treatment, in three different concentrations, was analyzed. The DNA repair capability was investigated after 1-5 h of in-vitro cells growing without cisplatin. The Comet score of the patients` basal DNA damage was higher than that observed in controls, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.85). Although both groups had similar Comet scores to all cisplatin concentrations tested and the DNA repair times, the basal DNA damage (P < 0.001) and cisplatin damages (P < 0.005) were statistically lower than the different repair times investigated. Considering the progressive increase in the Comet score due to repair time, the negative results here observed could be associated with the reduced cell culture incubation that should be better evaluated. Considering the mutagenic action of cisplatin on tumor cells and the importance of individual DNA repair mechanisms in the chemotherapeutic melanoma treatment, the peripheral leukocytes could be particularly useful as a tool for DNA repair response identified by the Comet assay. Melanoma Res 21:99-105 (C) 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.