bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A REPRESENTATION TO APPLY USUAL DATA MINING TECHNIQUES TO CHEMICAL REACTIONS — ILLUSTRATION ON THE RATE CONSTANT OF SN2 REACTIONS IN WATER
Authors: HOONAKKER FRANK , LACHICHE NICOLAS , VARNEK ALEXANDRE , WAGNER ALAIN
Published: April 2011

Chemical reactions always involve several molecules of two types, reactants and products. Existing data mining techniques, eg. Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) methods, deal with individual molecules only. In this article, we propose to use a Condensed Graph of Reaction (CGR) to merge all molecules involved in a reaction into one molecular graph. This allows one to consider reactions as pseudo-molecules and to develop QSAR models based on fragment descriptors. Then ISIDA (In SIlico Design and Analysis) fragment descriptors built from CGRs are used to generate models for the rate constant of S N 2 reactions in water, using three usual attribute-value regression algorithms (linear regression, support vector machine, and regression trees). This approach is compared favorably to two state-of-the-art relational data mining techniques.
AUTOMATIC ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS' FREE-TEXT ANSWERS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS
Authors: HOU WEN-JUAN , TSAO JIA-HAO
Published: April 2011

For improving the interaction between students and teachers, it is fundamental for teachers to understand students' learning levels. An intelligent computer system should be able to automatically evaluate students' answers when the teacher asks some questions. We first built the assessment corpus from the course in the university. With the corpus, we applied the following procedures to extract the relevant information and then built the feature model: (1) remove the punctuation and decimal numbers because it plays the noise roles, (2) apply the part-of-speech tagging such that the syntactic information is extracted, (3) for grouping the information, take the stemming and normalization procedure to sentences, and (4) extract other features. In this study, we treated the assessment problem as the classifying problem, and tried two kinds of classification strategies: two and three classifying classes. For two classes, we got an average of 66.3% precision rate at first. When adding n-gram concept to the feature model, the system reached to the average of 71.9% precision rate which increased performance by 5.6%. The same tendency emerged for three-class experiment. The experiments with SVM show exhilarating results and some improving efforts will be further made in the future.
Participation of Oxygen in Charge/Discharge Reactions in Li1.2Mn0.4Fe0.4O2: Evidence of Removal/Reinsertion of Oxide Ions
Authors: Kikkawa Jun , Akita Tomoki , Tabuchi Mitsuharu , Tatsumi Kuniaki , Kohyama Masanori
Published: April 2011

We have investigated the charge-discharge mechanism in the first cycle and the origin of its high charge–discharge capacity for Li1.2Mn0.4Fe0.4O2 (0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiFeO2) positive electrode material of lithium ion batteries. Results reveal that oxygen loss occurs in the entire region of the Li1.2Mn0.4Fe0.4O2 particles composed of Mn-rich (Fe-substituted Li2MnO3) and Fe-rich (Mn-substituted LiFeO2) nanodomains during the first charge. Nanodomains of Mn-Li ferrites with a spinel structure start to be formed along the particle surfaces. During the first discharge, the extracted oxygen is partially reinserted preferentially into the Fe-rich nanodomains as oxide ions rather than in the Mn-rich nanodomains, and the proportion of the spinel nanodomains decreases. The origin of the high charge–discharge capacity might be ascribed to the participation of the oxide ions and neutral oxygen species in charge compensation by incorporation of the LiFeO2 component into Li2MnO3. Irreversible capacity at the first cycle can be caused by the irreversible loss of oxygen during the charge and irreversible structural changes throughout the cycle: the movements of transition metal ions inducing random cation-site occupation throughout the cycle, associated with the formation and incomplete disappearance of the spinel ferrite nanodomains which is almost electrochemically-inactive under the applied voltage range.
Relationship between Cation Segregation and the Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Kinetics of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ Thin Film Electrodes
Authors: Kubicek Markus , Limbeck Andreas , Frömling Till , Hutter Herbert , Fleig Jürgen
Published: April 2011

Pulsed laser deposited La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC) thin film electrodes on yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) single crystals were investigated by impedance spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Effects caused by different film deposition temperatures, thermal annealing and chemical etching were studied. Correlations between changes in electrode polarization resistance of oxygen reduction and surface composition were found. At high deposition temperatures and after thermal annealing an inhomogeneous cation distribution was detected in the surface-near region, most manifest in a significant Sr enrichment at the surface. An activating effect of chemical etching of LSC is described, which can lower the polarization resistance by orders of magnitude. Chemistry behind this activation and thermal degradation was analyzed by ToF-SIMS and ICP-OES measurements of in-situ etched LSC films. The latter allow quantitative depth resolved compositional analysis with nominally sub nm resolution. High resolution scanning electron microscopy images illustrate the accompanying changes in surface morphology. All measurements suggest that stoichiometric LSC surfaces intrinsically exhibit very high activity towards oxygen reduction.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) increase human mesangial foam cell formation by increasing Golgi SCAP glycosylation in vitro
Authors: Yuan Yang , Zhao Lei , Chen Yaxi , Moorhead John F. , Varghese Zac , Powis Stephen H. , Minogue Shane , Sun Zilin , Ruan Xiong Z.
Published: April 2011

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is one of the causative factors of diabetic nephropathy, which is associated with lipid accumulation in glomeruli. This study was designed to investigate whether Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML; a member of the AGEs family) increases lipid accumulation by impairing the function of sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) in human mesangial cells (HMCs). Intracellular cholesterol content was assessed by Oil Red O staining and quantitative assay. The expression of molecules controlling cholesterol homeostasis was examined using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. The activity of Golgi-processing enzymes was determined using enzyme-based methods, and the translocation of SCAP from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi was detected by confocal microscopy. CML increased cholesterol accumulation in HMCs. Exposure to CML increased expression and abnormal translocation of SCAP from the ER to the Golgi even in the presence of a high concentration of LDL. The increased SCAP translocation carried more SREBP-2 to the Golgi for activation by proteolytic cleavages, enhancing transcription of 3-hydroxy-3-methylclutaryl-CoA reductase and the LDL receptor. CML increased Golgi mannosidase activity, which may enhance glycosylation of SCAP. This prolonged the half-life and enhanced recycling of SCAP between the ER and the Golgi. The effects of CML were blocked by inhibitors of Golgi mannosidases. AGEs (CML) increased lipid synthesis and uptake, thereby causing foam cell formation via increasing transcription and protein glycosylation of SCAP in HMCs. These data imply that inhibitors of Golgi-processing enzymes might have a potential renoprotective role in prevention of mesangial foam cell formation.
Hemodynamic changes in the kidney in a pediatric rat model of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Seely Kathryn A. , Holthoff Joseph H. , Burns Samuel T. , Wang Zhen , Thakali Keshari M. , Gokden Neriman , Rhee Sung W. , Mayeux Philip R.
Published: April 2011

Sepsis is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in children. Understanding the development of pediatric sepsis and its effects on the kidney are critical in uncovering new therapies. The goal of this study was to characterize the development of sepsis-induced AKI in the clinically relevant cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of peritonitis in rat pups 17–18 days old. CLP produced severe sepsis demonstrated by time-dependent increase in serum cytokines, NO, markers of multiorgan injury, and renal microcirculatory hypoperfusion. Although blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged after CLP, renal blood flow (RBF) was decreased 61% by 6 h. Renal microcirculatory analysis showed the number of continuously flowing cortical capillaries decreased significantly from 69 to 48% by 6 h with a 66% decrease in red blood cell velocity and a 57% decline in volumetric flow. The progression of renal microcirculatory hypoperfusion was associated with peritubular capillary leakage and reactive nitrogen species generation. Sham adults had higher mean arterial pressure (118 vs. 69 mmHg), RBF (4.2 vs. 1.1 ml·min−1·g−1), and peritubular capillary velocity (78% continuous flowing capillaries vs. 69%) compared with pups. CLP produced a greater decrease in renal microcirculation in pups, supporting the notion that adult models may not be the most appropriate for studying pediatric sepsis-induced AKI. Lower RBF and reduced peritubular capillary perfusion in the pup suggest the pediatric kidney may be more susceptible to AKI than would be predicted using adults models.
Impulses of activation but not motor modules are preserved in the locomotion of subacute stroke patients
Authors: Gizzi Leonardo , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk , Felici Francesco , Ivanenko Yuri P. , Farina Dario
Published: April 2011

It has been hypothesized that the coordinated activation of muscles is controlled by the central nervous system by means of a small alphabet of control signals (also referred to as activation signals) and motor modules (synergies). We analyzed the locomotion of 10 patients recently affected by stroke (maximum of 20 wk) and compared it with that of healthy controls. The aim was to assess whether the walking of subacute stroke patients is based on the same motor modules and/or activation signals as healthy subjects. The activity of muscles of the lower and upper limb and the trunk was measured and used for extracting motor modules. Four modules were sufficient to explain the majority of variance in muscle activation in both controls and patients. Modules from the affected side of stroke patients were different from those of healthy controls and from the unaffected side of stroke patients. However, the activation signals were similar between groups and between the affected and unaffected side of stroke patients, and were characterized by impulses at specific time instants within the gait cycle, underlying an impulsive controller of gait. In conclusion, motor modules observed in healthy subjects during locomotion are different from those used by subacute stroke patients, despite similar impulsive activation signals. We suggest that this pattern is consistent with a neuronal network in which the timing of activity generated by central pattern generators is directed to the motoneurons via a premotor network that distributes the activity in a task-dependent manner determined by sensory and descending control information.
Nonredundant Functions for Akt Isoforms in Astrocyte Growth and Gliomagenesis in an Orthotopic Transplantation Model
Authors: Endersby Raelene , Zhu Xiaoyan , Hay Nissim , Ellison David W. , Baker Suzanne J.
Published: April 2011

The AKT family, comprising three highly homologous kinases, is an essential mediator of the PTEN/PI3K pathway, which is deregulated in many human cancers. A thorough understanding of the specific activities of each isoform in normal and disease tissues is lacking. We evaluated the role of each Akt isoform in gliomagenesis by using a model system driven by common glioma abnormalities, loss of function of p53 and Pten, and expression of EGFRvIII. Both Pten deletion and EGFRvIII expression accelerated the proliferation of p53-null primary murine astrocytes. All three Akt isoforms were expressed and phosphorylated in astrocytes, with significantly higher activation in Pten-null cells. Despite substantial compensation in many contexts when individual Akt isoforms were inhibited, isoform-specific effects were also identified. Specifically, loss of Akt1 or Akt2 decreased proliferation of Pten wild-type astrocytes, whereas combined loss of multiple isoforms was needed to inhibit proliferation of Pten-null astrocytes. In addition, Akt3 was required for anchorage-independent growth of transformed astrocytes and human glioma cells, and Akt3 loss inhibited invasion of transformed astrocytes. EGFRvIII expression transformed p53-null astrocytes with or without Pten deletion, causing rapid development of high-grade astrocytoma on intracranial transplantation. Furthermore, tumorigenesis of Pten;p53-null astrocytes expressing EGFRvIII was delayed by Akt1 loss and accelerated by Akt2 loss. Taken together, these results indicate context-dependent roles for individual Akt isoforms and suggest that there may be heterogeneous tumor response to isoform-specific inhibitors. Cancer Res; 71(12); 4106–16. ©2011 AACR.
Identification of Aldo-Keto Reductase AKR1B10 as a Selective Target for Modification and Inhibition by Prostaglandin A1: Implications for Antitumoral Activity
Authors: Díez-Dacal Beatriz , Gayarre Javier , Gharbi Severine , Timms John F. , Coderch Claire , Gago Federico , Pérez-Sala Dolores
Published: April 2011

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins (cyPG) are reactive eicosanoids that may display anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative actions, possibly offering therapeutic potential. Here we report the identification of members of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) family as selective targets of the cyPG prostaglandin A1 (PGA1). AKR enzymes metabolize aldehydes and drugs containing carbonyl groups and are involved in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Thus, these enzymes represent a class of targets to develop small molecule inhibitors with therapeutic activity. Molecular modeling studies pointed to the covalent binding of PGA1 to Cys299, close to the active site of AKR, with His111 and Tyr49, which are highly conserved in the AKR family, playing a role in PGA1 orientation. Among AKR enzymes, AKR1B10 is considered as a tumor marker and contributes to tumor development and chemoresistance. We validated the direct modification of AKR1B10 by biotinylated PGA1 (PGA1-B) in cells, and confirmed that mutation of Cys299 abolishes PGA1-B incorporation, whereas substitution of His111 or Tyr49 reduced the interaction. Modification of AKR1B10 by PGA1 correlated with loss of enzymatic activity and both effects were increased by depletion of cellular glutathione. Moreover, in lung cancer cells PGA1 reduced tumorigenic potential and increased accumulation of the AKR substrate doxorubicin, potentiating cell-cycle arrest induced by this chemotherapeutic agent. Our findings define PGA1 as a new AKR inhibitor and they offer a framework to develop compounds that could counteract cancer chemoresistance. Cancer Res; 71(12); 4161–71. ©2011 AACR.
Preclinical Validation of Electrochemotherapy as an Effective Treatment for Brain Tumors
Authors: Agerholm-Larsen Birgit , Iversen Helle K. , Ibsen Per , Moller Jakob M. , Mahmood Faisal , Jensen Kurt Svarre , Gehl Julie
Published: April 2011

Electrochemotherapy represents a strategy to enhance chemotherapeutic drug uptake by delivering electrical pulses which exceed the dielectric strength of the cell membrane, causing transient formation of structures that enhance permeabilization. Here we show that brain tumors in a rat model can be eliminated by electrochemotherapy with a novel electrode device developed for use in the brain. By using this method, the cytotoxicity of bleomycin can be augmented more than 300-fold because of increased permeabilization and more direct passage of drug to the cytosol, enabling highly efficient local tumor treatment. Bleomycin was injected intracranially into male rats inoculated with rat glia-derived tumor cells 2 weeks before the application of the electrical field (32 pulses, 100 V, 0.1 ms, and 1 Hz). In this model, where presence of tumor was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before treatment, we found that 9 of 13 rats (69%) receiving electrochemotherapy displayed a complete elimination of tumor, in contrast to control rats treated with bleomycin only, pulses only, or untreated where tumor progression occurred in each case. Necrosis induced by electrochemotherapy was restricted to the treated area, which MRI and histology showed to contain a fluid-filled cavity. In a long-range survival study, treatment side effects seemed to be minimal, with normal rat behavior observed after electrochemotherapy. Our findings suggest that electrochemotherapy may offer a safe and effective new tool to treat primary brain tumors and brain metastases. Cancer Res; 71(11); 3753–62. ©2011 AACR.
Chromosome Mapping of H1 Histone and 5S rRNA Gene Clusters in Three Species of Astyanax (Teleostei, Characiformes)
Authors: Hashimoto D.T. , Ferguson-Smith M.A. , Rens W. , Foresti F. , Porto-Foresti F.
Published: April 2011

We report here on the physical mapping of the H1 histone genes (hisDNA) and the 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in 3 Neotropical fish species of the genus Astyanax(A. altiparanae, A. bockmanni and A. fasciatus) and the comparative analysis of the chromosomes bearing these genes. Nucleotide analyses by sequencing of both genes were also performed. The distribution of the H1 histone genes was more conserved than that of the rRNA genes, since these were always located in the pericentromeric regions of 2 chromosome pairs. 5S rDNA was found on one of the pairs that presented an H1 histone cluster; this seems to be a conserved chromosomal feature of the genus Astyanax. In addition, individuals of A. bockmanni and A. fasciatus showed clusters of 5S rDNA on 1 pair of acrocentric chromosomes, not found in A. altiparanae. The results obtained by chromosome mapping as well as by sequencing of both genes showed that A.bockmanni is more closely related to A. fasciatus than to A. altiparanae. The results allow the characterization of cytogenetic markers for improved elucidation of the processes involved in karyotype differentiation of fish genomes.
The Pig Genome Project Has Plenty to Squeal about
Authors: Fan B. , Gorbach D.M. , Rothschild M.F.
Published: April 2011

Significant progress on pig genetics and genomics research has been witnessed in recent years due to the integration of advanced molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics and computational biology, and the collaborative efforts of researchers in the swine genomics community. Progress on expanding the linkage map has slowed down, but the efforts have created a higher-resolution physical map integrating the clone map and BAC end sequence. The number of QTL mapped is still growing and most of the updated QTL mapping results are available through PigQTLdb. Additionally, expression studies using high-throughput microarrays and other gene expression techniques have made significant advancements. The number of identified non-coding RNAs is rapidly increasing and their exact regulatory functions are being explored. A publishable draft (build 10) of the swine genome sequence was available for the pig genomics community by the end of December 2010. Build 9 of the porcine genome is currently available with Ensembl annotation; manual annotation is ongoing. These drafts provide useful tools for such endeavors as comparative genomics and SNP scans for fine QTL mapping. A recent community-wide effort to create a 60K porcine SNP chip has greatly facilitated whole-genome association analyses, haplotype block construction and linkage disequilibrium mapping, which can contribute to whole-genome selection. The future ‘systems biology’ that integrates and optimizes the information from all research levels can enhance the pig community’s understanding of the full complexity of the porcine genome. These recent technological advances and where they may lead are reviewed.
Facilitating in vitro Tape Stripping: Application of Infrared Densitometry for Quantification of Porcine Stratum Corneum Proteins
Authors: Klang V. , Schwarz J.C. , Hartl A. , Valenta C.
Published: April 2011

Infrared (IR) densitometry is a highly practical method recently proposed for protein analysis during in vivo tape stripping. However, this method has not yet been validated for the quantification of porcine stratum corneum (SC) proteins. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish calibration curves for the analysis of adhesive tapes removed from porcine ear skin. To this end, the protein absorption (as determined via IR densitometry) was correlated with the protein content determined with the Micro BCA™ protein assay after extraction of the tapes. The obtained linear regressions confirm that IR densitometry is suitable for the quantification of not only human, but also porcine, SC proteins. The pattern of protein removal observed with porcine skin differs from that of human skin due to more pronounced corneocyte clustering and deep ‘canyons’, which necessitates specific evaluation of porcine skin samples and a working protocol that takes this into account. The presented data will facilitate future analysis of porcine SC proteins during in vitro tape stripping.
Transoral Robotic Geniohyoidpexy as an Additional Step of Transoral Robotic Tongue Base Reduction and Supraglottoplasty: Feasibility in a Cadaver Model
Authors: Vicini Claudio , Montevecchi Filippo , Dallan Iacopo , Canzi Pietro , Tenti Giulia
Published: April 2011

Purpose of the Study:To evaluate the feasibility of including an additional step of transoral geniohyoidpexy in the transoral robotic tongue base reduction (TBR) and supraglottoplasty (SGP) procedure in order to better reproduce the classic Chabolle operation with expected similar outcomes but possibly with far less invasivity. Procedure: A da Vinci surgical system was used in 2 cadavers. Dissection was carried out via a transoral approach in the same setting of TBR and SGP, after completing the basic tongue base and supraglottic steps. Result: A complete geniohyoidpexy was performed transorally. After identification, the hyoid bone body was rapidly dissected free from the suprahyoid muscles near the midline to the inferior border. Conclusion: A transoral robotic access to the hyoid bone was demonstrated. The procedure proved to be feasible in the same robotic setting of TBR and SGP.
Can Bile Acids Be an Etiological Factor for Laryngeal Carcinoma?
Authors: Tutar Hakan , Erdamar Husamettin , Köybaşioğlu Ahmet , Dinç Aykut Erdem , Ceylan Alper , Uslu Sabri
Published: April 2011

Purpose: The objective of this study is to show the accumulation of bile acids in laryngeal tissues of laryngeal carcinoma patients. Materials and Methods: The present study compared the total bile acid level in the hypopharyngeal tissue, tumor tissue, and blood of 21 primary laryngeal carcinoma patients (study group) to that in the hypopharyngeal tissue and blood of 15 patients with benign laryngeal lesions (control group). Results: The total bile acid level was significantly higher in the tumor and hypopharyngeal tissues of the study group than in the hypopharyngeal tissues of the control group; however, the difference in the blood total bile acid level between the 2 groups was not significant. Conclusion: Bile acids in reflux material accumulate in the laryngeal tissue in laryngeal carcinoma patients; therefore, bile acids should be considered a carcinogenic factor in the etiology of laryngeal carcinoma because of their mutagenicity due to DNA breaking, as they cause chronic inflammation due to intracellular accumulation.
Quantitative Spatiotemporal Evaluation of Dynamically Downscaled MM5 Precipitation Predictions over the Tampa Bay Region, Florida
Authors: Hwang Syewoon , Graham Wendy , Hernández José L. , Martinez Chris , Jones James W. , Adams Alison
Published: April 2011

This research quantitatively evaluated the ability of the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) to reproduce observed spatiotemporal variability of precipitation in the Tampa Bay region over the 1986–2008 period. Raw MM5 model results were positively biased; therefore, the raw model precipitation outputs were bias corrected at 53 long-term precipitation stations in the region using the cumulative distribution function (CDF) mapping approach. CDF mapping effectively removed the bias in the mean daily, monthly, and annual precipitation totals and improved the RMSE of these rainfall totals. Observed daily precipitation transition probabilities were also well predicted by the bias-corrected MM5 results. Nevertheless, significant error remained in predicting specific daily, monthly, and annual total time series. After bias correction, MM5 successfully reproduced seasonal geostatistical precipitation patterns, with higher spatial variance of daily precipitation in the wet season and lower spatial variance of daily precipitation in the dry season. Bias-corrected daily precipitation fields were kriged over the study area to produce spatiotemporally distributed precipitation fields over the dense grids needed to drive hydrologic models in the Tampa Bay region. Cross validation at the 53 long-term precipitation gauges showed that kriging reproduced observed rainfall with average RMSEs lower than the RMSEs of individually bias-corrected point predictions. Results indicate that although significant error remains in predicting actual daily precipitation at rain gauges, kriging the bias-corrected MM5 predictions over a hydrologic model grid produces distributed precipitation fields with sufficient realism in the daily, seasonal, and interannual patterns to be useful for multidecadal water resource planning in the Tampa Bay region.
The Orientalist-Literati Relationship in the Northwest
Authors: Diamond Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2011

Lahore emerged as a new intellectual centre in northwest India for British Orientalists and Indian intellectuals after the destruction of Delhi during the Great Revolt of 1857. Two prominent individuals who moved to Lahore at this time were Gottlieb Leitner, a philologist and Orientalist scholar, and Maulana Muhammad Hussain Azad, an Urdu poet, literary critic and teacher. Leitner, a naturalised British citizen who studied in Istanbul and completed higher education in Arabic and Turkish in London, became principal of the new Government College in Lahore in 1864. In this position, he exercised a deep influence on education in the northwest by promoting the development and study of vernacular (Urdu language) education, founding and leading a major scientific and literary organisation, the Anjuman-e Punjab. Having aroused strong British opposition, both to his ideas and his combative personality, Leitner’s support and assistance from the local literati allowed him to develop and implement his ideas. Leitner’s most significant partner was Muhammad Hussain Azad, also a new arrival to Lahore after fleeing Delhi in 1857. Leitner and Azad worked together in the Anjuman-e Punjab to promote their literary and social concerns. They became advocates of neo-Orientalist educational reforms through their public speeches and writing, including works in Urdu intended for, among others, the education of Maulvis. The bracketing of these European and Indian partners is conceptualised in this article through their roles as members of their respective communities as well as outsiders to these very communities. The analysis shows how their complex identities helped them to become highly influential figures in the new cultural environment of post-1857 Lahore.
Justice Mahmood and English Education in India
Authors: Guenther Alan M.
Published: April 2011

This article traces the motif of English education in Justice Syed Mahmood’s intellectual history and demonstrates the dialogical nature of knowledge formation in British India. While his own educational experience at Cambridge University had a profound and lasting impact on his own conception of the nature and purpose of education, Mahmood transformed and adapted that experiential knowledge to serve his predominant public concerns. He was increasingly committed to arresting the perceived decline in social standing, political influence and above all educational competence of the Muslim community in India. Seeing government service as the birthright of the ashraf Muslim classes, he encouraged the creation of institutions that would facilitate the training of young men from fine families to become effective bureaucrats in the government machinery of British India. In all these endeavours, Mahmood considered the promotion of English education to be the key to real progress for individuals and for the Muslim community.
Do you really have to pay? Balancing cost and quality in information for business
Authors: Buckley Owen Tim
Published: April 2011

This article considers the growing availability and importance of free information, balanced against the risks its use can pose. Information professionals most value content that is unique, whether paid-for or free. Management perceptions about the ubiquity of free information could threaten both information managers and content vendors. Intermediaries can add value by melding vendor with donor portfolio management. What is the impact of vendors’ practice of moving to software-based workflow solutions for end-users, based on their raw content? The article also warns vendors against attempting to sidestep intermediaries, who will increasingly seek out content that is both free and unique.
Impact of Milieu Teaching on Communication Skills of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Christensen-Sandfort Robyn J. , Whinnery Stacie B.
Published: April 2011

This 5-month study examined the impact of a behaviorally based naturalistic teaching strategy, milieu teaching, on the communication skills of preschool-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in an early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom. A multiple baseline across participants design was used. Communication targets were selected based on each child’s Individualized Education Plan. Milieu teaching strategies were implemented in two activities per day per target. Generalization and maintenance effects were also determined. Results indicated that milieu strategies are an effective means of providing communication skills instruction for young children with ASD in an ECSE classroom.
Biomechanical Comparisons Between 4-Strand and Modified Larson 2-Strand Procedures for Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee
Authors: Miyatake Shin , Kondo Eiji , Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Hirschmann Michael , Halewood Camilla , Jakobsen Bent W. , Yasuda Kazunori , Amis Andrew A.
Published: April 2011

Background: The posterolateral corner (PLC) resists tibial varus angulation, external rotation, and, to a lesser extent, posterior translation. It is important that reconstructions of posterolateral knee injuries restore joint laxity and patient function, but residual laxities are often observed.

Hypothesis: The knee laxity after a new 4-strand PLC reconstruction would be closer to normal than after a 2-strand “modified Larson” reconstruction.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Fourteen intact cadaveric knees were mounted in a 6 degrees of freedom rig and subjected to the following external loading conditions: a 90-N posterior tibial force, a 5-N·m external rotation torque, and 5-N·m varus moment. Knee kinematics were recorded with an active optical tracking system for the intact, PLC-deficient, modified Larson PLC reconstruction and 4-strand PLC reconstruction.

Results: With external tibial torque, the rotational laxity in 4-strand reconstruction was significantly less than in the PLC-deficient ( P < .0001) and modified Larson reconstruction ( P = .0112) and did not differ significantly from intact laxity at any angle of flexion. In response to posterior load, posterior translation did not change in any of the tested conditions, while the coupled external rotation laxity in 4-strand PLC reconstruction was significantly less than in the PLC-deficient ( P < .0001) and modified Larson reconstruction ( P < .0486) and was not significantly different from the intact movements for both reconstructions. The varus angulation-versus-flexion curves were significantly different between the PLC-deficient and both PLC reconstructions ( P < .0001). The varus laxity was not significantly different between the modified Larson reconstruction, the 4-strand reconstruction, and the intact knee.

Conclusion: This study showed that the rotational knee laxity in response to both external rotation and posterior translation load were significantly better after the 4-strand PLC reconstruction than after the modified Larson reconstruction, although significant differences were not found between the 2 procedures for varus laxity.

Clinical Relevance: The 4-strand PLC reconstruction may produce a better biomechanical outcome, especially during external rotation and posterior translation tibial load. The authors suggest that this relates to load sharing among 4 graft strands crossing the joint.
Comment on: Black and Green Tea Consumption and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mullin Gerard E.
Published: April 2011

Black and Green Tea Consumption and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta‐Analysis Wang ZM Zhou B Wang YS et al Am J Clin Nutr. 2011; 93:506‐515
Environmental Correlates of Overweight and Obesity in Community Residing Older Adults
Authors: Eisenstein Amy R. , Prohaska Thomas R. , Kruger Judy , Satariano William A. , Hooker Steven , Buchner David , Kealey Melissa , Hunter Rebecca H.
Published: April 2011

Objective: This study examines the role of environmental correlates of overweight and obesity among older adults independent of walking activity and lower body function. Methods: In-person interviews were conducted with 789 adults aged 65 and older, residing in four areas in the U.S. Demographic information, general health, lower body function, walking behavior, and awareness of environmental infrastructure features using the modified Neighborhood Environment Walking Survey (NEWS) were obtained. Regression analyses examined the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and environmental infrastructure features, adjusting for demographics and lower body function. Results: Older adults who perceived their neighborhood as less safe from crime and had reduced access to services were more likely to have higher BMI. Controlling for demographic and functional characteristics, access to services remained significant. This association remained significant for those with lower functional status. Discussion: This research suggests that neighborhood environment may have an influence on BMI above and beyond walking activity.
Impaired cholinergic mechanisms following exposure to monocrotophos in young rats
Authors: Sankhwar Madhu Lata , Yadav Rajesh S , Shukla Rajendra K , Pant Aditya B , Singh Dhirendra , Parmar Devendra , Khanna Vinay K
Published: April 2011

Studies on the neurobehavioral toxicity of monocrotophos, an organophosphate, have been carried out on rats following their exposure from postnatal day (PD) 22 to PD 49 to investigate whether neurobehavioral changes are transient or persistent. Exposure of rats to monocrotophos (0.50 or 1.0 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) decreased body weight (10% and 30%) and impaired grip strength (28% and 32%) and learning ability (65% and 68%) at both the doses, respectively in comparison to controls. A trend of recovery was observed in body weight and learning, while decrease in grip strength persisted in rats 15 days after withdrawal. Activity of acetylcholinesterase was decreased in frontal cortex (36% and 67%), hippocampus (21% and 49%) and cerebellum (29% and 51%) in monocrotophos-treated rats at both the doses. The decrease in the activity of acetylcholinesterase persisted in frontal cortex and hippocampus; however, a trend of recovery was observed in cerebellum 15 days after withdrawal. Binding of 3 H-quinuclidinyl benzilate ( 3 H-QNB) to frontocortical (19% and 35%), hippocampal (32% and 39%) and cerebellar (19% and 28%) membranes was decreased in monocrotophos-treated rats compared to controls. The decrease in the binding of 3 H-QNB persisted in frontocortical, hippocampal and cerebellar membranes 15 days after withdrawal. The results suggest that repeated exposure to monocrotophos in rats may cause behavioral and neurochemical modifications which may persist even after withdrawal. The findings are of concern in view of the high consumption of monocrotophos in many countries.
Monetary Integration in the European Union
Authors: Ferreira Paulo
Published: April 2011

This article compares the degree of monetary integration in the European Union countries, divided into two groups: the Eurozone countries and the new members. The motivation of the study is the need of alternative adjustment mechanisms in the eventuality of asymmetric shocks. We compare the situation of the new members with the Eurozone, focusing on covered and uncovered interest parity conditions and employing cointegration methodologies. Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands are the countries displaying stronger evidence of monetary integration. The Czech Republic shows little evidence of monetary integration, while Hungary and Poland do not show any evidence.
Sanctioning Iran
Authors: Alam Aftab
Published: April 2011

Since the early 2000s considerable attention has been focused on Iran’s nuclear ambition. While the US and the West claim that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons capability, Iran categorically denies these accusations and asserts that its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, especially generating electricity to meet future energy demands. For an amicable solution to the current crisis, it is necessary that both Iran and the West must make concessions to address the legitimate concerns of the other. Iran must address the concerns about the true nature of its nuclear programme, and the West must offer Iran a deal that respects its dignity and guarantees its national security. Iran must be ready to answer all of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA’s) outstanding questions about the country’s nuclear programme and should offer for any intrusive inspections and monitoring of its facilities. Diplomacy and dialogue should always be preferred over any other means of dispute resolution and they must be resolutely pursued. Sanctions and coercion have never worked and are unlikely to work in the case of Iran. Military action would be counterproductive and dangerous and must be avoided.
The Bollywood in Indian and American Perceptions
Authors: Matusitz Jonathan , Payano Pam
Published: April 2011

This analysis compares Indian and US perceptions of Bollywood. It is the first to provide such a comparison. Overall, the authors found that both Indian and US perceptions of Bollywood are positive and negative. On some dimensions, Indian and US perceptions differ sharply from each other; on other dimensions, a few similarities become apparent. Overall, Indian perceptions of Bollywood are both negative and positive. While their concept of Bollywood is perceived as demeaning, stereotyping of the Muslim culture, and alienating economically and culturally marginalised audiences, it is also recognised as treasuring India’s national identity, portrayal of women in some circles (e.g., alcoholics attempting to become accepted into the chic and alluring society), Hindi traditional lifestyles, and lighthearted humor. While the Bollywood phenomenon has permeated many cultures worldwide, these cultures still differ in the way they perceive this rising Indian movie industry. Not only does this analysis serve to demonstrate many lessons in cross-cultural understanding; it also corroborates the fact that Bollywood embodies an emerging socio-economic current of globalisation. It is one of the largest movie industries in the world, producing about 1,000 movies a year, and it has heavily influenced Hollywood and other Western movie markets.
A comprehensive assessment of cerebellar damage in multiple sclerosis using diffusion tractography and volumetric analysis
Authors: Anderson VM , Wheeler-Kingshott CAM , Abdel-Aziz K , Miller DH , Toosy A , Thompson AJ , Ciccarelli O
Published: April 2011

Background: White matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) is widespread, but the extent of cerebellar involvement and impact on disability needs to be clarified.

Objective: This study aimed to assess cerebellar WM and GM atrophy and the degree of fibre coherence in the main cerebellar connections, and their contribution to disability in relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS).

Methods: Fourteen patients with RRMS, 12 patients with PPMS and 16 healthy controls were recruited. Cerebellar WM and GM volumes and tractography-derived measures from the middle and superior cerebellar peduncles, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and directional diffusivities, were quantified from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients were assessed on clinical scores, including the MS Functional Composite score subtests. Linear regression models were used to compare imaging measures between 12 RRMS, 11 PPMS and 16 controls, and investigate their association with clinical scores.

Results: Patients with PPMS showed reduced FA and increased radial diffusivity in the middle cerebellar peduncle compared with controls and patients with RRMS. In PPMS, lower cerebellar WM volume was associated with worse performance on the upper limb test. In the same patient group, we found significant relationships between superior cerebellar peduncle FA and upper limb function, and between superior cerebellar peduncle FA, MD and radial diffusivity and speed of walking.

Conclusion: These findings indicate reduced fibre coherence in the main cerebellar connections, and link damage in the whole cerebellar WM, and, in particular, in the superior cerebellar peduncle, to motor deficit in PPMS.
Gender, human rights and cultural diversity: Reflections on a career in transcultural psychiatry
Authors: Kastrup Marianne C.
Published: April 2011

The three issues of gender equality, human rights and cultural diversity have dominated my organizational commitments, research, and clinical practice in transcultural psychiatry. These issues are intertwined in many ways and have broad implications for transcultural psychiatry. With increasing globalization, psychiatrists in many countries are likely to be treating patients who have migrated from different cultures and who may have been exposed to a variety of traumatic experiences that have a profound impact on their mental health. Of particular concern is the group of torture survivors and the elucidation of their symptom manifestations, as well as effective therapeutic interventions, which clearly show how human rights issues are linked to research and clinical psychiatry. The analyses of how different ethnic groups use psychiatric services, epitomize how important it is to pay attention to gender aspects in the interpretation of the findings and their therapeutic, as well as policy, implications.
Cumulative Abuse: Do Things Add Up? An Evaluation of the Conceptualization, Operationalization, and Methodological Approaches in the Study of the Phenomenon of Cumulative Abuse
Authors: Scott-Storey Kelly
Published: April 2011

For women, any one type of abuse rarely occurs in isolation of other types, and a single abusive experience is often the exception rather than the norm. The importance of this concept of the cumulative nature of abuse and its negative impact on health has been well recognized within the empirical literature, however there has been little consensus on what to call this phenomenon or how to study it. For the most part researchers have operated on the premise that it is the sheer number of different types of cumulating abuse experiences that is primarily responsible for worse health outcomes among women. And although this simplistic ‘more is worse’ approach to conceptualizing and operationalizing cumulative abuse has proven to be a powerful predictor of poorer health, it contradicts growing empirical evidence that suggests not all victimizations are created equal and that some victimizations may have a more deleterious effect on health than others. Embedded in abuse histories are individual and abuse characteristics as well as other life adversities that need to be considered in order to fully understand the spectrum and magnitude of cumulative abuse and its impact on women’s health. Furthermore, given the long-term and persistent effects of abuse on health it becomes imperative to not only evaluate recent abusive experiences, but rather all abuse experiences occurring across the lifespan. This review highlights and evaluates the conceptual, operational, and methodological challenges posed by our current methods of studying and understanding the phenomenon of cumulative abuse and suggests that this phenomenon and its relationship to health is much more complex than research is currently portraying. This paper calls for the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration in order to more effectively and innovatively study the phenomenon of cumulative abuse.
The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program
Authors: Alexandre Charles R.
Published: April 2011

On January 3, 2006, the Rhode Island General Assembly enacted legislation that mandated the Department of Health (DOH) to implement a program to register qualified patients and their caregivers to allow possession and cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana for personal use for statutorily defined illnesses and debilitating conditions. This study was designed to describe the formulation and implementation of the program; identify stakeholder expectations and perceptions of the program; identify patient’s expectations prior to enrollment; and identify patient’s perceived experience of the enrollment process. The study findings indicated that 309 different practitioners had certified 980 patients was an indication of a level of program effectiveness meeting patient needs; that there was no indication that patients had been arrested or prosecuted for participating in the program; and that despite ongoing concerns with consistent access to marijuana, patients were pleased that the program existed.
Higher Risk of Severe Drug-Induced Liver Injury among Hispanic HIV-Infected Patients after Initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Lamar Zanetta S. , Núnez Marina
Published: April 2011

Background: Little is known about differences across ethnicities in the development of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation. Methods: This is a retrospective, longitudinal, comparative, pilot study. DILI within the first year of HAART was evaluated in 50 HIV-infected Hispanics without viral hepatitis who initiated HAART between 2000 and 2009. It was compared to white and black patients (1:1:1) matched by age and CD4 counts. Results: HAART-related DILI of any grade occurred in 30 of 150 (20%) patients and was associated with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) use (OR 4.49 [95%CI 1.5-13.8]). Severe DILI was significantly more frequent among Hispanics compared to other groups (6% vs. 0%; P = .04). Of the 3 patients with severe DILI, 2 underwent liver imaging and had hepatic steatosis. Conclusions: Severe DILI within the first year of HAART initiation was infrequent and restricted to Hispanics. Additional studies are needed to determine if fatty liver is involved in the excess of severe DILI observed in this group.