bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale as a predictor of cognitive development and IQ in full‐term infants: a 6‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Canals Josefa , Hernández‐Martínez Carmen , Esparó Griselda , Fernández‐Ballart Joan
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To evaluate the predictive capacity of neonatal behaviour on infant mental and psychomotor development at 4 and 12 months, and infant intelligence at 6 years.

Method:  Eighty full‐term newborns were followed from 3 days until 6 years. Neonatal behaviour was assessed by the Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (NBAS) at 3 days postpartum, infant mental and psychomotor development was assessed by the Bayley Scales for Infant Development at 4 and 12 months, and child intelligence was assessed by the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence at 6 years.

Results:  Neonatal general irritability was the predictor of mental development at 12 months. Self‐regulation behaviours were predictors of psychomotor development at 4 and 12 months and verbal and total intelligence quotient at 6 years. Neonatal orientation was a predictor of performance Wechsler subtests related to visomotor abilities and attention.

Conclusions:  Neonatal self‐regulation behaviours were the best predictors of infant development and intelligence. We suggest that the NBAS could be a useful tool to observe behaviours related to later development in healthy infants.
Interleukin‐10 gene polymorphism reflects the severity of chronic immune thrombocytopenia in Japanese patients
Authors: SAITOH T. , KASAMATSU T. , INOUE M. , MITSUI T. , KOISO H. , YOKOHAMA A. , HANDA H. , MATSUSHIMA T. , TSUKAMOTO N. , KARASAWA M. , OGAWARA H. , NOJIMA Y. , MURAKAMI H.
Published: April 2011

Introduction:  T‐helper cell type 1 (Th1) polarization of the immune response has been documented in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Interleukin (IL)‐10 is the most important factor regulating Th1 and T‐helper type 2 cytokine synthesis. This study evaluated the impact of IL‐10 polymorphisms on both susceptibility to, and severity of, chronic ITP.

Methods:  We analyzed ‐1082(G/A), ‐812(C/T), and ‐592(C/A) IL‐10 polymorphisms in 90 patients with adult chronic ITP and 202 race‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls.

Results:  No significant differences in the genotype or haplotype frequencies were observed between the patient with chronic ITP and the control group. However, more patients with the ‐592AA genotype showed a severe thrombocytopenic state (platelet count <10 × 109/l) than those with the ‐592CC/CA genotypes (44.1%vs. 19.6%, P = 0.01). Furthermore, more patients with the ATA/ATA haplotype showed a severe thrombocytopenic state than those without the ATA/ATA haplotype (44.1%vs. 19.6%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion:  According to our data, patients with low producer type of IL‐10 polymorphisms have more severe thrombocytopenia, suggesting that IL‐10 gene polymorphisms may reflect the severity of ITP.
Melanocyte stem cells: a melanocyte reservoir in hair follicles for hair and skin pigmentation
Authors: Nishimura Emi K.
Published: April 2011

Most mammals are coated with pigmented hair. Melanocytes in each hair follicle produce melanin pigments for the hair during each hair cycle. The key to understanding the mechanism of cyclic melanin production is the melanocyte stem cell (MelSC) population, previously known as ‘amelanotic melanocytes’. The MelSCs directly adhere to hair follicle stem cells, the niche cells for MelSCs and reside in the hair follicle bulge–subbulge area, the lower permanent portion of the hair follicle, to serve as a melanocyte reservoir for skin and hair pigmentation. MelSCs form a stem cell system within individual hair follicles and provide a ‘hair pigmentary unit’ for each cycle of hair pigmentation. This review focuses on the identification of MelSCs and their characteristics and explains the importance of the MelSC population in the mechanisms of hair pigmentation, hair greying, and skin repigmentation.
Bacterial tactic response to silver nanoparticles
Authors: Ortega‐Calvo José‐Julio , Molina Rodrigo , Jimenez‐Sanchez Celia , Dobson Peter J. , Thompson Ian P.
Published: April 2011

In this study, we investigated the tactic response of Pseudomonas putida G7, a representative soil bacterium, towards silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The study integrated the characterization of surface area and size distribution of AgNPs, toxicity determinations, based on ATP production, and assessment of the repellent reaction by means of an inverted capillary assay (‘chemical‐in‐pond’ method), and changes in the motility behaviour determined by computer‐assisted motion analysis. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that nanoparticles can elicit a negative tactic response in bacteria at low but environmentally relevant, sublethal concentrations. Data obtained by the chemical‐in‐pond method indicated that cells exposed to 0.1 mg l−1 of two AgNPs preparations, differing in particle size (maximum diameter ≤ 100 nm and ≤ 150 nm respectively), were repelled in the gradients created inside the capillaries. However, cells exposed to similar low concentration of AgNO3 did not demonstrate any detectable repellent response, although it reduced cell viability by 20%, a decrease comparable to that caused by AgNPs. Computer analysis of swimming behaviour of cells exposed to AgNPs (0.2 mg l−1) revealed a significant increase in turning events, as compared with unexposed controls, which is characteristic of bacterial repellent response. Greater AgNPs concentrations (up to 100 mg l−1) also induced changes in the swimming behaviour, although they did not induce any detectable repellent response as determined by the chemical‐in‐pond assays. In contrast, AgNO3 failed to induce the repellent swimming behaviour within the wide range of concentrations tested (0.001–100 mg l−1), and caused a significant inhibition of cell motility at a concentration above 0.1 mg l−1. The evidence presented here suggests there are likely to be alternative mechanisms by which nano‐scale silver induces a repellent response, which is more direct than the toxic response of macro‐forms of silver, attributed to ion formation and exposure.
Evaluating Major Events and Avoiding the Mercantilist Fallacy*
Authors: Abelson Peter
Published: April 2011

This paper reviews various methods for evaluating the economic impacts of major events such as World (Catholic) Youth Day and the Football World Cup. The paper recommends cost–benefit analysis, which is surprisingly rarely used for such evaluations. A computable general equilibrium (CGE) model may provide estimates of national or regional output or consumption impacts. But CGE models are not usually designed to estimate very short‐term impacts on economies or welfare effects, allowing, for example, for labour opportunity costs and non‐market effects. A case study based on the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix supports these observations. The paper also discusses and dismisses various other evaluation methods such as input–output or economic impact analysis and injected export expenditure that typically exaggerate the benefits of export income (the Mercantilist Fallacy).
Central Bank Independence Revisited
Authors: Walsh Carl E.
Published: April 2011

The recent financial crisis has drawn attention to the interactions between monetary and fiscal policies and their potential implications for central bank independence. I focus on aspects of these interactions. First, is central bank independence meaningless with fiscal acquiescence? And does central bank independence threatens potential gains from monetary and fiscal policy coordination?
Monetary–Fiscal Interactions: How to Improve Policy Outcomes?*
Authors: Libich Jan , Savage James , Walsh Carl
Published: April 2011

It has long been recognised that the interaction between monetary and fiscal policy may be an important determinant of the outcomes of both policies. To provide some insights into how this interaction and macroeconomic outcomes can be improved, a symposium was held at the 2010 Australian Conference of Economists. This piece summarises the discussion, with the full papers by Michal Franta, Jan Libich and Petr Stehlík; Don Brash; Carl Walsh; Jacopo Cimadomo; Stephen Kirchner; and Eric Leeper and Todd Walker appearing later in this issue.
Human skeletal muscle glycogen utilization in exhaustive exercise: role of subcellular localization and fibre type
Authors: Nielsen Joachim , Holmberg Hans‐Christer , Schrøder Henrik D. , Saltin Bengt , Ørtenblad Niels
Published: April 2011

Non‐technical summary  During prolonged high‐intensity exercise the main fuel for muscular work is glycogen, the storage form of glucose in skeletal muscle. The role of muscle glycogen in muscle function is best demonstrated by the inability to sustain prolonged high‐intensity exercise when the glycogen stores are depleted. Despite this knowledge, the reason why muscle function is depressed when glycogen levels are low is still not known. We show that after prolonged exhaustive exercise the depletion of glycogen stores is dependent on its localization within the muscle cells. These results show that consideration of distinct localizations within the muscle cells may advance understanding of how and why low muscle glycogen content impairs muscle function.
Coupling of the phosphatase activity of Ci‐VSP to its voltage sensor activity over the entire range of voltage sensitivity
Authors: Sakata Souhei , Hossain Md. Israil , Okamura Yasushi
Published: April 2011

Non‐technical summary Ci‐VSP is a protein that consists of a voltage sensor domain (VSD) and a cytoplasmic phosphatase region. The phosphatase activity is regulated by the VSD. Detailed mechanisms of how the VSD regulates the phosphatase activity are elusive. The voltage range where the phosphatase activity is coupled with the VSD provides important clues to the coupling mechanisms. This paper examined the voltage sensitivity of the phosphatase activity over a wide range of voltage by electrophysiological methods, imaging analysis and mathematical modelling. The results demonstrate that the voltage dependency of the phosphatase activity correlates with that of the VSD. Thus, the phosphatase activity of Ci‐VSP is coupled to the VSD over the entire range of voltages that elicit movement of the VSD.
Confinement of Activating Receptors at the Plasma Membrane Controls Natural Killer Cell Tolerance
Authors: Guia Sophie , Jaeger Baptiste N. , Piatek Stefan , Mailfert Sébastien , Trombik Tomasz , Fenis Aurore , Chevrier Nicolas , Walzer Thierry , Kerdiles Yann M. , Marguet Didier , Vivier Eric , Ugolini Sophie
Published: April 2011

Signaling through inhibitory NK cell receptors determines the distribution, and hence responsiveness, of activating receptors.
Cholesterol Enhances Helicobacter pylori Resistance to Antibiotics and LL-37
Authors: McGee David J. , George Alika E. , Trainor Elizabeth A. , Horton Katherine E. , Hildebrandt Ellen , Testerman Traci L.
Published: April 2011

The human gastric pathogen
Helicobacter pylori
steals host cholesterol, modifies it by glycosylation, and incorporates the glycosylated cholesterol onto its surface via a cholesterol glucosyltransferase, encoded by
cgt
. The impact of cholesterol on
H. pylori
antimicrobial resistance is unknown.
H. pylori
strain 26695 was cultured in Ham's F12 chemically defined medium in the presence or absence of cholesterol. The two cultures were subjected to overnight incubations with serial 2-fold dilutions of 12 antibiotics, six antifungals, and seven antimicrobial peptides (including LL-37 cathelicidin and human alpha and beta defensins). Of 25 agents tested, cholesterol-grown
H. pylori
cells were substantially more resistant (over 100-fold) to nine agents than were
H. pylori
cells grown without cholesterol. These nine agents included eight antibiotics and LL-37.
H. pylori
was susceptible to the antifungal drug pimaricin regardless of cholesterol presence in the culture medium. A
cgt
mutant retained cholesterol-dependent resistance to most antimicrobials but displayed increased susceptibility to colistin, suggesting an involvement of lipid A. Mutation of
lpxE
, encoding lipid A1-phosphatase, led to loss of cholesterol-dependent resistance to polymyxin B and colistin but not other antimicrobials tested. The
cgt
mutant was severely attenuated in gerbils, indicating that glycosylation is essential
in vivo
. These findings suggest that cholesterol plays a vital role in virulence and contributes to the intrinsic antibiotic resistance of
H. pylori
.
Structural and Binding Analysis of Pyrimidinol Carboxylic Acid and
N
-Hydroxy Quinazolinedione HIV-1 RNase H Inhibitors
Authors: Lansdon Eric B. , Liu Qi , Leavitt Stephanie A. , Balakrishnan Mini , Perry Jason K. , Lancaster-Moyer Candra , Kutty Nilima , Liu Xiaohong , Squires Neil H. , Watkins William J. , Kirschberg Thorsten A.
Published: April 2011

HIV-1 RNase H breaks down the intermediate RNA-DNA hybrids during reverse transcription, requiring two divalent metal ions for activity. Pyrimidinol carboxylic acid and
N
-hydroxy quinazolinedione inhibitors were designed to coordinate the two metal ions in the active site of RNase H. High-resolution (1.4 Å to 2.1 Å) crystal structures were determined with the isolated RNase H domain and reverse transcriptase (RT), which permit accurate assessment of the metal and water environment at the active site. The geometry of the metal coordination suggests that the inhibitors mimic a substrate state prior to phosphodiester catalysis. Surface plasmon resonance studies confirm metal-dependent binding to RNase H and demonstrate that the inhibitors do not bind at the polymerase active site of RT. Additional evaluation of the RNase H site reveals an open protein surface with few additional interactions to optimize active-site inhibitors.
Connection Domain Mutations in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Do Not Impact Etravirine Susceptibility and Virologic Responses to Etravirine-Containing Regimens
Authors: Gupta Soumi , Vingerhoets Johan , Fransen Signe , Tambuyzer Lotke , Azijn Hilde , Frantzell Arne , Paredes Roger , Coakley Eoin , Nijs Steven , Clotet Bonaventura , Petropoulos Christos J. , Schapiro Jonathan , Huang Wei , Picchio Gaston
Published: April 2011

Connection domain mutations (CDMs) in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) alter susceptibility to some nucleoside/nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NRTIs/NNRTIs). Their effects on susceptibility and virologic responses to etravirine were analyzed. Seventeen CDMs were evaluated: L283I, E312Q, G333D, G333E, G335C, G335D, N348I, A360I, A360T, A360V, V365I, T369I, A371V, A376S, I393L, E399D, and E399G. CDM prevalence and effects on virologic responses were analyzed retrospectively using clinical data. The effects on etravirine susceptibility were assessed in clinical samples and confirmed using site-directed mutants. The most prevalent CDMs (>10%) were A371V, E399D, A376S, N348I, A360T, G333E, and L283I. CDM presence was positively correlated with thymidine analogue-associated mutations, but not with NNRTI resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). The presence or number of CDMs did not significantly reduce etravirine susceptibility, although small reductions were seen in samples with G333D, N348I, A360V, T369I, and A376S. N348I, E399G, and N348I/T369I were associated with reduced etravirine susceptibility when present with K103N, L100I, or Y181C. N348I or T369I was associated with reduced etravirine susceptibility when present with K101P or K103R/V179D. Virologic responses to an etravirine-containing regimen were slightly diminished when G333D, G335D, or A376S was present, but this was not confirmed in subgroups with higher baseline resistance or without etravirine RAMs. CDMs alone do not confer substantial reductions in etravirine susceptibility but can further reduce etravirine susceptibility in combination with certain NNRTI mutations. Since virologic responses to etravirine were not affected by CDMs, the clinical impacts of these mutations on etravirine susceptibility appear to be minimal.
Ion-mobility mass spectrometry of complexes of nickel and acetonitrile
Authors: Schröder Detlef
Published: April 2011

Mono- and dications of microsolvated nickel complexes of acetonitrile are probed by means of ion-mobility mass spectrometry. Specifically, the complexes [(CH3CN)nNi]+, [(CH3CN)nNi]2+, [(CH3CN)nNiOH]+, and [(CH3CN)nNiCl]+(n= 0–6) are compared to each other and their reactions with background water are probed. In general, the arrival times of the ions in the ion-mobility experiment linearly increase with the mass-to-charge ratio, but for the smaller, more reactive complexes, the arrival times are notably larger than expected from their mass. This effect is attributed to the markedly larger reactivity of these particular ions, as reflected in both charge-separation processes as well as adduct formation upon interaction with background water.
Evidence-based use of anti-TNFα therapy in Crohn's disease; where are we in 2011?
Authors: Everett S M , Hamlin P J
Published: April 2011

The efficacy of anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNFα) therapy with infliximab and adalimumab in moderate to severe Crohn's disease has now been proved. This article reviews the evidence supporting best practice with these agents in the light of recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance. Recent studies point to greater efficacy when these drugs are used early in the disease, particularly when mucosal healing can be achieved. For infliximab, the combination with immunomodulator drugs appears to afford greater efficacy, but possibly at the expense of the risk of rare but serious side effects. Patients should be selected carefully for treatment based on prognostic factors predicting aggressive disease, on the one hand, and comorbid factors that might predict side effects, on the other. Multiple drug combinations should be avoided where possible. Finally, a minority of patients in stable remission with complete mucosal healing may be selected for anti-TNFα drug withdrawal.
CELLULAR AUTOMATON SUPERCOLLIDERS
Authors: MARTÍNEZ GENARO J. , ADAMATZKY ANDREW , STEPHENS CHRISTOPHER R. , HOEFLICH ALEJANDRO F.
Published: April 2011

Gliders in one-dimensional cellular automata are compact groups of non-quiescent and non-ether patterns (ether represents a periodic background) translating along automaton lattice. They are cellular automaton analogous of localizations or quasi-local collective excitations traveling in a spatially extended nonlinear medium. They can be considered as binary strings or symbols traveling along a one-dimensional ring, interacting with each other and changing their states, or symbolic values, as a result of interactions. We analyze what types of interaction occur between gliders traveling on a cellular automaton "cyclotron" and build a catalog of the most common reactions. We demonstrate that collisions between gliders emulate the basic types of interaction that occur between localizations in nonlinear media: fusion, elastic collision, and soliton-like collision. Computational outcomes of a swarm of gliders circling on a one-dimensional torus are analyzed via implementation of cyclic tag systems.
INFORMATION AND PARTICLE PHYSICS
Authors: NG WEI KHIM , PARWANI RAJESH R.
Published: April 2011

Information measures for relativistic quantum spinors are constructed to satisfy various postulated properties such as normalization invariance and positivity. Those measures are then used to motivate generalized Lagrangians meant to probe shorter distance physics within the maximum uncertainty framework. The modified evolution equations that follow are necessarily nonlinear and simultaneously violate Lorentz invariance, supporting previous heuristic arguments linking quantum nonlinearity with Lorentz violation. The nonlinear equations also break discrete symmetries. We discuss the implications of our results for physics in the neutrino sector and cosmology.
THE MECHANISM OF A CONTROLLED PENDULUM SYNCHRONIZING WITH PERIODIC MOTIONS IN A PERIODICALLY FORCED, DAMPED DUFFING OSCILLATOR
Authors: LUO ALBERT C. J. , MIN FUHONG
Published: April 2011

In this paper, the analytical conditions for the controlled pendulum synchronizing with periodic motions in the Duffing oscillator are developed using the theory of discontinuous dynamical systems. From the analytical conditions, the synchronization invariant domain is obtained. The partial and full synchronizations of the controlled pendulum with periodic motions in the Duffing oscillator are discussed. The control parameter map for the synchronization is achieved from the analytical conditions, and numerical illustrations of the partial and full synchronizations are carried out to illustrate the analytical conditions. This synchronization is different from the controlled Duffing oscillator synchronizing with chaotic motion in the periodically excited pendulum. Because the periodically forced, damped Duffing oscillator possesses periodic and chaotic motions, further investigation on the controlled pendulum synchronizing with complicated periodic and chaotic motions in the Duffing oscillator will be accomplished in sequel.
ON AUTONOMOUS AND NONAUTONOMOUS MODIFIED HYPERCHAOTIC COMPLEX LÜ SYSTEMS
Authors: MAHMOUD GAMAL M. , AHMED MANSOUR E. , SABOR NABIL
Published: April 2011

In this paper autonomous and nonautonomous modified hyperchaotic complex Lü systems are proposed. Our systems have been generated by using state feedback and complex periodic forcing. The basic properties of these systems are studied. Parameters range for hyperchaotic attractors to exist are calculated. These systems have very rich dynamics in a wide range of parameters. The analytical results are tested numerically and excellent agreement is found. A circuit diagram is designed for one of these hyperchaotic complex systems and simulated using Matlab/Simulink to verify the hyperchaotic behavior.
A SEMI-CLASSICAL APPROACH TO SIGNATURE SPLITTING AND SIGNATURE INVERSION IN ODD–ODD NUCLEI
Authors: KUMAR VINOD , KUMAR SURESH , KUMAR SUSHIL , HASAN ZAFRUL , KORANGA BIPIN SINGH , KUMAR DEEPAK , NEGI DINESH , ANGUS LEE
Published: April 2011

The signature inversion observed in rotational bands belonging to high-j configurations of odd–odd deformed nuclei has been analyzed within the framework of an axially symmetric rotor plus two-particle model. The Coriolis and n–p interaction are considered the main cause of energy staggering. However, γ-triaxial deformation and the numbers of valence protons, Np, and neutrons, Nn also contribute to the energy staggering between odd- and even-spin states.
A STUDY OF CHARGE-PICKUP INTERACTIONS BY (158A GeV)PbNUCLEI
Authors: SHER G. , RANA M. A.
Published: April 2011

We investigate the charge-pickup cross section of 158A GeV207Pb projectiles on Bi , Pb , Cu and Al targets using CR39 nuclear track detectors. The target-detector stacks were exposed at CERN SPS beam facility. Chemical etched detectors are scanned using optical microscope, and the data in the form of etched cone heights have been collected. We have identified the beam and fragment charge states in particular charge-pickup (Z = 83) by the Pb ions using the etched cone heights. Dependence of charge-pickup cross section of 158A GeV207Pb projectiles on the target mass number is described and results are compared to similar measurements found in the literature.
On the Merging of Domain-Specific Heterogeneous Ontologies Using WordNet and Web Pattern-Based Queries
Authors: Mohammed Maree , Mohammed Belkhatir
Published: April 2011

Ontologies are a basic interest in various computer science disciplines such as semantic web, information retrieval, database design, etc. They aim at providing a formal, explicit and shared conceptualisation and understanding of common domains between different communities. In addition, they allow for concepts and their constraints of a specific domain to be explicitly defined. However, the distributed nature of ontology development and the differences in viewpoints of ontology engineers have resulted in the so-called "semantic heterogeneity" between ontologies. Semantic heterogeneity constitutes the major obstacle against achieving interoperability between ontologies. To overcome this obstacle, we present a multipurpose framework which exploits the WordNet generic knowledge base for the following purposes: (i) discovering and correcting the incorrect semantic relations between the concepts of the ontology in a specific domain, this step is a primary step of ontology merging; (ii) merging domain-specific ontologies through computing semantic relations between their concepts; (iii) handling the issue of missing concepts in WordNet through the acquisition of statistical information on the Web; (iv) enriching WordNet with these missing concepts. An experimental instantiation of the framework and comparisons with state-of-the-art syntactic- and semantic-based systems validate our proposal.
Sense-Making View of Knowledge Management: Theoretical Development and Empirical Validation
Authors: Yoo Dong Kyoon
Published: April 2011

The dynamics of knowledge management (KM) have evolved from the information-processing view of KM to the sense-making view of KM. The information-processing view of KM has been prevalent in the slow-paced, predicable environment. The sense-making view of KM, on the other hand, emerges in the environment where the fast, unpredictable pace of change is salient. Despite its significant and growing importance, there is a limited and fragmented understanding of the sense-making view of KM. This study addresses the issue of how the sense-making view of KM can be embodied by presenting and testing a research model. Data collected from 208 interdisciplinary teams were used to examine the research model by structural equation modeling. Results indicate that cognitive empowerment has a significant impact on perspective taking. Trust and media richness are critical determinants of cognitive empowerment. This study provides important insights of the role of cognition and behaviour in building the sense-making view of KM.
R2O: Relation to Ontology Transformation System
Authors: Khan Sharifullah , Sonia Kiran
Published: April 2011

Ontology represents a data source at a higher level of abstraction. Extracting metadata from an autonomous data source and transforming it into source ontology is a tedious and error prone task because the metadata are either incomplete or not available. The essential metadata of a source can be extracted from its data. Our proposed methodology extracts the essential metadata from the data through reverse engineering. In addition, it comprises a set of transformation rules that transform extracted metadata into ontology. The transformation system R2O has been implemented. The evaluation of the proposed transformation is based on two factors, namely (a) correct identification and transformation of metadata and (b) preservation of information capacity. The research has been evaluated through experimental results and mathematical proof. The evaluation shows that the transformation is total and injective, and it preserves information capacity.
Clustering Generalised Instances Set Approaches for Text Classification
Authors: Najadat Hassan , Obeidat Rasha , Hmeidi Ismail
Published: April 2011

This paper introduces three new text classification methods: Clustering-Based Generalised Instances Set (CB-GIS), Multilevel Clustering-Based Generalised Instances Set (MLC_GIS) and Multilevel Clustering-Based, k Nearest Neighbours (MLC-kNN). These new methods aim to unify the strengths and overcome the drawbacks of the three similarity-based text classification methods, namely, kNN, centroid-based and GIS. The new methods utilise a clustering technique called spherical K-means to represent each class by a representative set of generalised instances to be used later in the classification. The CB-GIS method applies a flat clustering method while MLC-GIS and MLC-kNN apply multilevel clustering. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the new methods and compare them with kNN, centroid-based and GIS classifiers on the Reuters-21578(10) benchmark dataset. The evaluation has been performed in terms of the classification performance and the classification efficiency. The experimental results show that the top-performing classification method is the MLC-kNN classifier, followed by the MLC-GIS and CB-GIS classifiers. According to the best micro-averaged F1 scores, the new methods (CB-GIS, MLC-CIS, MLC-kNN) have improvements of 4.48%, 4.65% and 4.76% over kNN, 1.84%, 1.92% and 2.12% over the centroid-based and 5.26%, 5.34% and 5.45% over GIS respectively. With respect to the best macro-averaged F1 scores, the new methods (CB-GIS, MLC-CIS, MLC-kNN) have improvements of 10.29%, 10.19% and 10.45% over kNN, respectively, 0.1%, 0.03% and 0.29% over the centroid-based and 3.75%, 3.68% and 3.94% over GIS respectively.
Effective Flow of Micropolar Fluid through a Thin or Long Pipe
Authors: Pažanin Igor
Published: April 2011

The aim of this paper is to present the result about asymptotic approximation of the micropolar fluid flow through a thin (or long) straight pipe with variable cross section. We assume that the flow is governed by the prescribed pressure drop between pipe′s ends. Such model has relevance to some important industrial and engineering applications. The asymptotic behavior of the flow is investigated via rigorous asymptotic analysis with respect to the small parameter, being
the ratio between pipe′s thickness and its length. In the case of circular pipe, we obtain the explicit formulae for the approximation showing explicitly the effects of microstructure on the flow. We prove the corresponding error estimate justifying the obtained asymptotic model.
Some Fixed-Point Theorems for Multivalued Monotone Mappings in Ordered Uniform Space
Authors: Turkoglu Duran , Binbasioglu Demet
Published: April 2011

We use the order relation on uniform spaces defined by Altun and Imdad (2009) to prove some new fixed-point and coupled fixed-point theorems for multivalued monotone mappings in ordered uniform spaces.
Recovery of Motor Imagery Ability in Stroke Patients
Authors: de Vries Sjoerd , Tepper Marga , Otten Bert , Mulder Theo
Published: April 2011

Objective. To investigate whether motor imagery ability recovers in stroke patients and to see what the relationship is between different types of imagery and motor functioning after stroke.Methods. 12 unilateral stroke patients were measured at 3 and 6 weeks poststroke on 3 mental imagery tasks. Arm-hand function was evaluated using the Utrecht Arm-Hand task and the Brunnström Fugl-Meyer Scale. Age-matched healthy individuals (N=10) were included as controls.Results. Implicit motor imagery ability and visual motor imagery ability improved significantly at 6 weeks compared to 3 weeks poststroke.Conclusion. Our study shows that motor imagery can recover in the first weeks after stroke. This indicates that a group of patients who might not be initially selected for mental practice can, still later in the rehabilitation process, participate in mental practice programs. Moreover, our study shows that mental imagery modalities can be differently affected in individual patients and over time.
Some Identities on Bernstein Polynomials Associated with q‐Euler Polynomials
Authors: Bayad A. , Kim T. , Lee B. , Rim S.-H.
Published: April 2011

We investigate some interesting properties of the q‐Euler polynomials. The purpose of this paper is to give some relationships between
Bernstein and q‐Euler polynomials, which are derived by the p‐adic integral representation of the Bernstein polynomials associated with q‐Euler polynomials.
Quantitative Effects of Repeated Muscle Vibrations on Gait Pattern in a 5-Year-Old Child with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Camerota Filippo , Galli Manuela , Celletti Claudia , Vimercati Sara , Cimolin Veronica , Tenore Nunzio , Filippi Guido M. , Albertini Giorgio
Published: April 2011

Objective. To investigate quantitatively and objectively the effects of repeated muscle vibration (rMV) of triceps surae on the gait pattern in a 5-year-old patient with Cerebral Palsy with equinus foot deformity due to calf spasticity.Methods. The patient was assessed before and one month after the rMV treatment using Gait Analysis.Results. rMV had positive effects on the patient's gait pattern, as for spatio-temporal parameters (the stance duration and the step length increased their values after the treatment) and kinematics. The pelvic tilt reduced its anteversion and the hip reduced the high flexion evidenced at baseline; the knee and the ankle gained a more physiological pattern bilaterally. The Gillette Gait Index showed a significant reduction of its value bilaterally, representing a global improvement of the child's gait pattern.Conclusions. The rMV technique seems to be an effective option for the gait pattern improvement in CP, which can be used also in very young patient. Significant improvements were displayed in terms of kinematics at all lower limb joints, not only at the joint directly involved by the treatment (i.e., ankle and knee joints) but also at proximal joints (i.e., pelvis and hip joint).
The Dual EGFR/HER2 Inhibitor Lapatinib Synergistically Enhances the Antitumor Activity of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Panobinostat in Colorectal Cancer Models
Authors: LaBonte Melissa J. , Wilson Peter M. , Fazzone Will , Russell Jared , Louie Stan G. , El-Khoueiry Anthony , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Ladner Robert D.
Published: April 2011

As key molecules that drive progression and chemoresistance in gastrointestinal cancers, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER2 have become efficacious drug targets in this setting. Lapatinib is an EGFR/HER2 kinase inhibitor suppressing signaling through the RAS/RAF/MEK (MAP/ERK kinase)/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/AKT pathways. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a novel class of agents that induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis following the acetylation of histone and nonhistone proteins modulating gene expression and disrupting HSP90 function inducing the degradation of EGFR-pathway client proteins. This study sought to evaluate the therapeutic potential of combining lapatinib with the HDACi panobinostat in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines with varying EGFR/HER2 expression and KRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA mutations. Lapatinib and panobinostat exerted concentration-dependent antiproliferative effects in vitro (panobinostat range 7.2–30 nmol/L; lapatinib range 7.6–25.8 μmol/L). Combined lapatinib and panobinostat treatment interacted synergistically to inhibit the proliferation and colony formation in all CRC cell lines tested. Combination treatment resulted in rapid induction of apoptosis that coincided with increased DNA double-strand breaks, caspase-8 activation, and PARP cleavage. This was paralleled by decreased signaling through both the PI3K and MAPK pathways and increased downregulation of transcriptional targets including NF-κB1, IRAK1, and CCND1. Panobinostat treatment induced downregulation of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 mRNA and protein through transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. In the LoVo KRAS mutant CRC xenograft model, the combination showed greater antitumor activity than either agent alone, with no apparent increase in toxicity. Our results offer preclinical rationale warranting further clinical investigation combining HDACi with EGFR and HER2-targeted therapies for CRC treatment. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3635–48. ©2011 AACR.
Phospho-Sulindac (OXT-328) Combined with Difluoromethylornithine Prevents Colon Cancer in Mice
Authors: Mackenzie Gerardo G. , Ouyang Nengtai , Xie Gang , Vrankova Kvetoslava , Huang Liqun , Sun Yu , Komninou Despina , Kopelovich Levy , Rigas Basil
Published: April 2011

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) sulindac and the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) antagonist difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), individually and together, are effective inhibitors of colon carcinogenesis. However, chronic use of sulindac is associated with significant side effects. We evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy of phospho-sulindac (P-S, OXT-328), an apparently safe derivative of sulindac, together with DFMO, in HT-29 human colon cancer xenografts. Nude mice were divided into four groups as follows: group 1 received vehicle (corn oil); group 2 received P-S (100 mg/kg/d) by oral gavage; group 3 received DFMO (2% in drinking water); and group 4 received P-S (100 mg/kg/d) by gavage plus DFMO (2% in drinking water; P-S/DFMO). Eighteen days after implantation, compared with controls, tumor volume was inhibited 65.9% by P-S, 52.9% by DFMO, and 70.9% by P-S/DFMO (P < 0.01 for all). P-S/DFMO reduced cell proliferation 27.1% and increased apoptosis 38.9% compared with controls (P < 0.05 for both). Compared with controls, P-S reduced the levels of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), whereas DFMO reduced polyamine content (putrescine and spermidine) and TrxR levels. Importantly, P-S/DFMO decreased putrescine and spermidine levels and the expression of Trx-1, TrxR, and cyclooxygenase (COX) 2. Of these molecular targets, TrxR most consistently correlated with tumor growth. Study results show that P-S/DFMO is an efficacious drug combination for colon cancer prevention and also show the safety of P-S, which may overcome the limiting side effects of conventional sulindac. P-S/DFMO has an intricate mechanism of action extending beyond polyamines and including the thioredoxin system, an emerging regulator of chemoprevention. P-S/DFMO merits further evaluation. Cancer Prev Res; 4(7); 1052–60. ©2011 AACR.
Epigenetic Underpinnings of Developmental Sex Differences in the Brain
Authors: Nugent Bridget M. , McCarthy Margaret M.
Published: April 2011

Sexual differentiation of the brain is a crucial developmental process that enables the lifelong expression of sexually dimorphic behaviors, including those necessary for successful reproduction. During a perinatal sensitive period, gonadal hormones defeminize and masculinize the male brain, and a lack of gonadal steroids allows for feminization in the female. This hormonally-induced differentiation permanently alters neural structures, creating highly dimorphic brain regions; however, the mechanism by which hormones exert their long-lasting effects are still largely unknown. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications serve as an interface for environmental stimuli to exert control over the genome. These modifications have the capacity to activate or repress gene expression, thereby shaping the developmental outcomes of cells, circuits, and structures in the brain. Sex differences in methylation, methyl-binding proteins, and chromatin modifications indicate that epigenetic mechanism may be important for sexual differentiation of the brain. The data outlined in this review provide evidence that gonadal hormones in the neonatal brain influence epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, but also emphasize the primitive status of our current understanding of epigenetics and sexual differentiation and the brain.
Efficacy of Anti-Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Anakinra (Kineret®) in a Case of Refractory Sweet’s Syndrome
Authors: Kluger Nicolas , Gil-Bistes Déborah , Guillot Bernard , Bessis Didier
Published: April 2011

Sweet’s syndrome is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by fever, an elevated neutrophil count, and painful erythematous cutaneous lesions. Histopathological analysis reveals a neutrophilic dermal infiltrate. Systemic corticosteroid therapy remains the mainstay of treatment. We report the case of a 66-year-old male patient who had a 5-year history of Sweet’s syndrome refractory to various conventional treatments. Anti-interleukin-1 receptor antagonist anakinra was initiated and this resulted in a dramatic clinical and biological improvement. Anakinra is a promising treatment for neutrophilic dermatoses and sheds light on the interleukin-1/inflammasome pathway as central in the physiopathology of neutrophilic dermatosis.
Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes
Authors: Harmon Kimberly G. , Asif Irfan M. , Klossner David , Drezner Jonathan A.
Published: April 2011

Background—

The true incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in US athletes is unknown. Current estimates are based largely on case identification through public media reports and estimated participation rates. The purpose of this study was to more precisely estimate the incidence of SCD in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes and assess the accuracy of traditional methods for collecting data on SCD.

Methods and Results—

From January 2004 through December 2008, all cases of sudden death in NCAA student-athletes were identified by use of an NCAA database, weekly systematic search of public media reports, and catastrophic insurance claims. During the 5-year period, there were 273 deaths and a total of 1 969 663 athlete participant-years. Of these 273 deaths, 187 (68%) were due to nonmedical or traumatic causes, 80 (29%) to medical causes, and 6 (2%) to unknown causes. Cardiovascular-related sudden death was the leading cause of death in 45 (56%) of 80 medical cases, and represented 75% of sudden deaths during exertion. The incidence of SCD was 1:43 770 participants per year. Among NCAA Division I male basketball players, the rate of SCD was 1:3100 per year. Thirty-nine (87%) of the 45 cardiac cases were identified in the NCAA database, only 25 (56%) by use of public media reports, and 9 (20%) from catastrophic claims data.

Conclusions—

SCD is the leading medical cause of death and death during exercise in NCAA student-athletes. Current methods of data collection underestimate the risk of SCD. Accurate assessment of SCD incidence is necessary to shape appropriate health policy decisions and develop effective strategies for prevention.
Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor Blocker Reduces Intimal Neovascularization and Plaque Growth in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice
Authors: Cheng Xian Wu , Song Haizhen , Sasaki Takeshi , Hu Lina , Inoue Aiko , Bando Yasuko K. , Shi Guo-Ping , Kuzuya Masafumi , Okumura Kenji , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: April 2011

The interactions between the renin-angiotensin system and neovascularization in atherosclerotic plaque development are unclear. We investigated the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonism in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice with a special focus on plaque neovascularization. ApoE
−/−
mice fed a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups and administered vehicle or olmesartan for 12 weeks. Quantification of plaque areas at the aortic root and in the thoracic and abdominal aorta revealed that, in all 3 of the regions, olmesartan reduced intimal neovessel density and the mRNA levels of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4. Olmesartan increased the levels of collagen and elastin, reduced the level of macrophages in the aortic root, and reduced the mRNA and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 in aortic roots and thoracic aortas. Aortic ring assay revealed that olmesartan-treated ApoE
−/−
mice had a markedly lower angiogenic response than that of untreated ApoE
−/−
mice. Bone marrow–derived endothelial progenitor cell-like c-Kit
+
cells from olmesartan-treated ApoE
−/−
mice showed marked impairment of cellular functions and lower expression of TLR2/TLR4 and MMP-2 compared with those of untreated controls. MMP-2 deficiency reduced intimal neovessel density and atherosclerotic lesion formation. Olmesartan and small-interfering RNA targeting TLR2 reduced the levels of TLR2, and MMP-2 mRNA induced angiotensin II in cultured endothelial cells. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonism appears to inhibit intimal neovascularization in ApoE
−/−
mice, partly by reducing TLR2/TLR4-mediated inflammatory action and MMP activation, thus decreasing atherosclerotic plaque growth and increasing plaque instability.
Lexicon-Based Methods for Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Taboada Maite , Brooke Julian , Tofiloski Milan , Voll Kimberly , Stede Manfred
Published: April 2011

We present a lexicon-based approach to extracting sentiment from text. The Semantic Orientation CALculator (SO-CAL) uses dictionaries of words annotated with their semantic orientation (polarity and strength), and incorporates intensification and negation. SO-CAL is applied to the polarity classification task, the process of assigning a positive or negative label to a text that captures the text's opinion towards its main subject matter. We show that SO-CAL's performance is consistent across domains and in completely unseen data. Additionally, we describe the process of dictionary creation, and our use of Mechanical Turk to check dictionaries for consistency and reliability.
Black Students’ Perspectives on Learning Assets at a Former White University
Authors: Kamper Gerrit D , Steyn Miemsie G
Published: April 2011

In view of the challenge which higher education constitutes for most black South African students, this study focuses on study elements and aspects which black students regard as helpful and supportive. Our research question was: What do black students view as assets in their studies at tertiary institutions, specifically at the University of Pretoria? In their model of student development, Chickering and Reisser (1993) identified seven vectors which represent the main aspects of student development, as well as seven institutional influences on student development. We used this model to investigate how the learning assets which our participants identified could provide distinct guidelines for the provision of institutional support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. A qualitative approach was followed where the ‘photo voice’ method (Olivier et al., 2009), combined with focus group discussions and narratives, was used to collect the data. Three themes emerged from our data. Students viewed their own study inspiration, the encouragement from within the university and from families and community, as well as a sense of physical security, as their main learning assets.
“Every Secret Thing”? Racial Politics in Ansuyah R. Singh’s Behold the Earth Mourns
Authors: Burton Antoinette
Published: April 2011

The history of Indians in South Africa turns on several racialized axes at once. The consolidation of a common “settler” identity derived from racially discriminatory treatment under both the colonial and the apartheid state was always already shaped by anxieties about proximity to, and dependence on, “native” Africans. Ansuyah Singh’s 1960 novel, Behold the Earth Mourns, offers one pathway into this complex history if we read the African characters not as background but as part of its superstructural apparatus - and if we understand how sexuality helped shape even small histories of interracial connection. Insisting on the material presence of Africans in this fictional account of Indian anti-apartheid politics in 1940s South Africa helps to nuance our histories of the development of a self-consciously racialized Indian settler identity, which was dependent - in economic, political and imaginative terms - on the literal and figurative work of the indigenous African.
Global Crises, Social Justice, and Teacher Education
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: April 2011

When the U.S. government released its 2007 census figures in January 2010, it reported that 12% of the U.S. population— more than 38 million people—were foreign born. First-generation people were now one out of every eight persons in the nation, with 80% coming from Latin America and Asia. This near-record transformation, one in which diasporic populations now constitute a large and growing percentage of communities throughout the nation and an ever-growing proportion of children in our schools, documents one of the most profound reasons that we must think globally about education. This transformation is actually something of which we should be proud. The United States and a number of other nations are engaged in a vast experiment that has rarely been attempted before. Can we build a nation and a culture from resources and people from all over the world? The impacts of these global population flows on education and on teacher education are visible all around us.