bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ILLUSTRATION OF GENERALISED ARMA (GARMA) TIME SERIES MODELING OF FOREST AREA IN MALAYSIA
Authors: PILLAI THULASYAMMAL RAMIAH , SHITAN MAHENDRAN
Published: April 2012

Forestry is the art and science of managing forests, tree plantations, and related natural resources. The main goal of forestry is to create and implement systems that allow forests to continue a sustainable provision of environmental supplies and services. Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees, whether productive or not. Forest area of Malaysia has been observed over the years and it can be modeled using time series models. A new class of GARMA models have been introduced in the time series literature to reveal some hidden features in time series data. For these models to be used widely in practice, we illustrate the fitting of GARMA (1, 1; 1, δ) model to the Annual Forest Area data of Malaysia which has been observed from 1987 to 2008. The estimation of the model was done using Hannan-Rissanen Algorithm, Whittle's Estimation and Maximum Likelihood Estimation.
OPTIMAL CONTROL USING PONTRYAGIN'S MAXIMUM PRINCIPLE IN A LINEAR QUADRATIC DIFFERENTIAL GAME
Authors: KHAKESTARI MARZIEH , IBRAGIMOV GAFURJAN , SULEIMAN MOHAMED
Published: April 2012

This paper deals with a class of two person zero-sum linear quadratic differential games, where the control functions for both players subject to integral constraints. Also the necessary conditions of the Maximum Principle are studied. Main objective in this work is to obtain optimal control by using method of Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. This method for a time-varying linear quadratic differential game is described. Finally, we discuss about an example.
BÉNARD-MARANGONI FERROCONVECTION WITH FEEDBACK CONTROL
Authors: MOKHTAR NOR FADZILLAH MOHD , ARIFIN NORIHAN MD
Published: April 2012

The effect of feedback control on the onset of Bénard-Marangoni ferroconvection in a horizontal ferrofluid layer heated from below is investigated theoretically. The lower boundary is rigid and the upper free boundary is assumed to be flat and undeformable. A linear stability analysis is used and the Galerkin method is employed to find the critical stability parameters numerically. It is found that the onset of instability can be delayed through the use of feedback control.
AUTOMATIC QUADRATURE SCHEME FOR EVALUATING HYPERSINGULAR INTEGRALS
Authors: OBAIYS SUZAN J. , ESKHUVATOV Z. K. , NIK LONG N. M. A.
Published: April 2012

Hasegawa constructed the automatic quadrature scheme (AQS), of Cauchy principle value integrals for smooth functions. There is a close connection between Hadamard and Cauchy principle value integral. In this paper, we modify AQS for hypersingular integrals with second-order singularities, using hasegawa's formula and based on the relations between Hadamard finite part integral and Cauchy principle value integral. Numerical experiments are also given, to validate the modified AQS.
Cadherins in Brain Morphogenesis and Wiring
Authors: Hirano Shinji , Takeichi Masatoshi
Published: April 2012

Cadherins are Ca2+-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules that play critical roles in animal morphogenesis. Various cadherin-related molecules have also been identified, which show diverse functions, not only for the regulation of cell adhesion but also for that of cell proliferation and planar cell polarity. During the past decade, understanding of the roles of these molecules in the nervous system has significantly progressed. They are important not only for the development of the nervous system but also for its functions and, in turn, for neural disorders. In this review, we discuss the roles of cadherins and related molecules in neural development and function in the vertebrate brain.
The Delicate Balance Between Secreted Protein Folding and Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation in Human Physiology
Authors: Guerriero Christopher J. , Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2012

Protein folding is a complex, error-prone process that often results in an irreparable protein by-product. These by-products can be recognized by cellular quality control machineries and targeted for proteasome-dependent degradation. The folding of proteins in the secretory pathway adds another layer to the protein folding “problem,” as the endoplasmic reticulum maintains a unique chemical environment within the cell. In fact, a growing number of diseases are attributed to defects in secretory protein folding, and many of these by-products are targeted for a process known as endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). Since its discovery, research on the mechanisms underlying the ERAD pathway has provided new insights into how ERAD contributes to human health during both normal and diseases states. Links between ERAD and disease are evidenced from the loss of protein function as a result of degradation, chronic cellular stress when ERAD fails to keep up with misfolded protein production, and the ability of some pathogens to coopt the ERAD pathway. The growing number of ERAD substrates has also illuminated the differences in the machineries used to recognize and degrade a vast array of potential clients for this pathway. Despite all that is known about ERAD, many questions remain, and new paradigms will likely emerge. Clearly, the key to successful disease treatment lies within defining the molecular details of the ERAD pathway and in understanding how this conserved pathway selects and degrades an innumerable cast of substrates.
Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidative Damage, and Antioxidative Defense Mechanism in Plants under Stressful Conditions
Authors: Sharma Pallavi , Jha Ambuj Bhushan , Dubey Rama Shanker , Pessarakli Mohammad
Published: April 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as a normal product of plant cellular metabolism. Various environmental stresses lead to excessive production of ROS causing progressive oxidative damage and ultimately cell death. Despite their destructive activity, they are well-described second messengers in a variety of cellular processes, including conferment of tolerance to various environmental stresses. Whether ROS would serve as signaling molecules or could cause oxidative damage to the tissues depends on the delicate equilibrium between ROS production, and their scavenging. Efficient scavenging of ROS produced during various environmental stresses requires the action of several nonenzymatic as well as enzymatic antioxidants present in the tissues. In this paper, we describe the generation, sites of production and role of ROS as messenger molecules as well as inducers of oxidative damage. Further, the antioxidative defense mechanisms operating in the cells for scavenging of ROS overproduced under various stressful conditions of the environment have been discussed in detail.
Application of the Hori Method in the Theory of Nonlinear Oscillations
Authors: da Silva Fernandes Sandro
Published: April 2012

Some remarks on the application of the Hori method in the theory of nonlinear oscillations are presented. Two simplified algorithms for determining the generating function and the new system of differential equations are derived from a general algorithm proposed by Sessin. The vector functions which define the generating function and the new system of differential equations are not uniquely determined, since the algorithms involve arbitrary functions of the constants of integration of the general solution of the new undisturbed system. Different choices of these arbitrary functions can be made in order to simplify the new system of differential equations and define appropriate near‐identity transformations. These simplified algorithms are applied in determining second‐order asymptotic solutions of two well‐known equations in the theory of nonlinear oscillations: van der Pol equation and Duffing equation.
A Pilot Study of Mifepristone in Combat-Related PTSD
Authors: Golier Julia A. , Caramanica Kimberly , DeMaria Rebecca , Yehuda Rachel
Published: April 2012

Background. We obtained pilot data to examine the clinical and neuroendocrine effects of short-term mifepristone treatment in male veterans with PTSD.Methods. Eight male veterans with military-related PTSD completed a randomized, double-blind trial of one week of treatment with mifepristone (600 mg/day) or placebo. The primary clinical outcome measures were improvement in PTSD symptoms and dichotomously defined clinical responder status as measured by the CAPS at one-month follow-up. Additional outcome measures included self-reported measures of PTSD symptom severity, CAPS-2 symptom subscale scores, and morning plasma cortisol and ACTH levels.Results. Mifepristone was associated with significant improvements in total CAPS-2 score. At one-month follow-up, all four veterans in the mifepristone group and one of four veterans in the placebo group achieved clinical response; three of four veterans in the mifepristone group and one of four veterans in the mifepristone group remitted. Mifepristone treatment was associated with acute increases in cortisol and ACTH levels and decreases in cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor number in lymphocytes.Conclusions. Further controlled trials of the effects of mifepristone and their durability are indicated in PTSD. If effective, a short-term pharmacological treatment in PTSD could have myriad uses.
Transfer Function Models with Time-Varying Coefficients
Authors: Moura Maria Sílvia de A. , Morettin Pedro A. , Toloi Clélia M. C. , Chiann Chang
Published: April 2012

We consider a transfer function model with time-varying coefficients. We propose an estimation procedure, based on the least squares method and wavelet expansions of the time-varying coefficients. We discuss some statistical properties of the estimators and assess the validity of the methodology through a simulation study. We also present an application of the proposed procedure to a real pair of series.
Zipf′s Law, Hierarchical Structure, and Cards‐Shuffling Model for Urban Development
Authors: Chen Yanguang
Published: April 2012

Hierarchy of cities reflects the ubiquitous structure frequently observed in the natural world and social institutions. Where there is a hierarchy with cascade structure, there is a Zipf′s rank‐size distribution, and vice versa. However, we have no theory to explain the spatial dynamics associated with Zipf′s law of cities. In this paper, a new angle of view is proposed to find the simple rules dominating complex systems and regular patterns behind random distribution of cities. The hierarchical structure can be described with a set of exponential functions that are identical in form to Horton‐Strahler′s laws on rivers and Gutenberg‐Richter′s laws on earthquake energy. From the exponential models, we can derive four power laws including Zipf′s law indicative of fractals and scaling symmetry. A card‐shuffling model is built to interpret the relation between Zipf′s law and hierarchy of cities. This model can be expanded to illuminate the general empirical power‐law distributions across the individual physical and social sciences, which are hard to be comprehended within the specific scientific domains. This research is useful for us to understand how complex systems such as networks of cities are self‐organized.
Complete Remission of Human Parvovirus B19 Associated Symptoms by Loxoprofen in Patients with Atopic Predispositions
Authors: Kazama Itsuro , Sasagawa Naoko , Nakajima Toshiyuki
Published: April 2012

Two cases of women in their thirties with past histories of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis developed a low grade fever, followed by a butterfly-shaped erythema, swelling of their fingers, and polyarthralgia. Despite such symptoms that overlap with those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the diagnostic criteria for SLE were not fulfilled. Due to positive results for human parvovirus B19 (HPV-B19) IgM antibodies in the serum, diagnoses of HPV-B19 infection were made in both cases. Although acetaminophen failed to improve their deteriorating symptoms, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), loxoprofen, completely removed the symptoms immediately after the administration. In those cases, since the patients were predisposed to atopic disorders, an increased immunological response based on the lymphocyte hypersensitivity was likely to be involved in the pathogenesis. The immunomodulatory property of NSAID was thought to repress such lymphocyte activity and thus provided a rapid and sustained remission of the disease.
The Effects of Velvet Antler of Deer on Cardiac Functions of Rats with Heart Failure following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Shao Ming-Jing , Wang Shuo-Ren , Zhao Ming-Jing , Lv Xi-Ling , Xu Hao , Li Lin , Gu Huan , Zhang Jiu-Liang , Li Ge , Cui Xiang-Ning , Huang Li
Published: April 2012

Velvet antler of deer (VAD) is a commonly-used kidney-Yang supplementing traditional Chinese medication. According to the heart-kidney-related theory, heart Yang originates in kidney Yang and heart failure due to heart Yang deficiency can be treated by tonifying kidney Yang. In this study, we investigated therapeutic effects of VAD on cardiac functions in rats with heart failure following myocardial infarction. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were subjected either to left coronary artery ligation (N=36) or to sham operation (N=12). One week after the surgery, rats with heart failure received daily treatment of double-distilled water, captopril or VAD by gavage for consecutively four weeks, while sham-operated animals were given double-distilled water. Ultrasonic echocardiography was adopted to examine cardiac structural and functional parameters and serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration was measured using radioimmunoassay. We found that VAD partially reversed changes in cardiac functional parameters and serum BNP levels in rats with heart failure. These results provide further evidence for the heart-kidney-related theory and suggest that VAD might be a potentially alternative and complementary medicine for the treatment of heart failure.
Stat3 Activation in Urothelial Stem Cells Leads to Direct Progression to Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ho Philip Levy , Lay Erica Julianne , Jian Weiguo , Parra Diana , Chan Keith Syson
Published: April 2012

Two subtypes of human bladder cancer, noninvasive papillary and muscle-invasive cancer, develop through independent pathologic and molecular pathways. Human invasive bladder cancer frequently develops without prior clinical evidence of a noninvasive tumor stage. However, an animal model that recapitulates this unique clinical progression of invasive bladder cancer has not yet been developed. In this study, we created a novel transgenic mouse model of invasive bladder cancer by targeting an active dimerized form of Stat3 to the basal cells of bladder epithelium. When exposed to the carcinogen nitrosamine, Stat3-transgenic mice developed invasive cancer directly from carcinoma in situ (CIS), bypassing the noninvasive papillary tumor stage. Remarkably, invasive bladder cancer driven by active Stat3 was predominantly composed of stem cells, which were characterized by cytokeratin 14 (CK14) staining and enhanced tumor sphere-forming ability. Active Stat3 was also shown to localize to the nucleus of human invasive bladder cancers that were primarily composed of CK14+ stem cells. Together, our findings show that Stat3-induced stem cell expansion plays a critical role in the unique clinical progression of invasive bladder cancer through the CIS pathway. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3135–42. ©2012 AACR.
Immunotherapy of Cancer with 4-1BB
Authors: Vinay Dass S. , Kwon Byoung S.
Published: April 2012

4-1BB (CD137), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, is an activation-induced T-cell costimulatory molecule. Signaling via 4-1BB upregulates survival genes, enhances cell division, induces cytokine production, and prevents activation-induced cell death in T cells. The importance of the 4-1BB pathway has been underscored in a number of diseases, including cancer. Growing evidence indicates that anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies possess strong antitumor properties, which in turn are the result of their powerful CD8+ T-cell activating, IFN-γ producing, and cytolytic marker–inducing capabilities. In addition, combination therapy of anti-4-1BB with other anticancer agents, such as radiation, has robust tumor-regressing abilities against nonimmunogenic or poorly immunogenic tumors. Furthermore, the adoptive transfer of ex vivo anti-4-1BB–activated CD8+ T cells from previously tumor-treated animals efficiently inhibits progression of tumors in recipient mice that have been inoculated with fresh tumors. In addition, targeting of tumors with variants of 4-1BBL directed against 4-1BB also have potent antitumor effects. Currently, a humanized anti-4-1BB is in clinical trials in patients with solid tumors, including melanoma, renal carcinoma, and ovarian cancer, and so far seems to have a favorable toxicity profile. In this review, we discuss the basis of the therapeutic potential of targeting the 4-1BB–4-1BBL pathway in cancer treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(5); 1062–70. ©2012 AACR.
Benefits of multi-sports physical education in the elementary school context
Authors: Pesce Caterina , Faigenbaum Avery , Crova Claudia , Marchetti Rosalba , Bellucci Mario
Published: April 2012

Objective:

In many countries, physical education (PE) is taught by classroom teachers (generalists) during the formative years of elementary school. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and psychological outcomes of multi-sports PE taught by qualified PE teachers (specialists) and how they contribute to children’s physical and mental health development.

Design:

Experimental study with non-random assignment.

Setting:

Four elementary schools in Italy (Rome) stratified by urban district.

Method:

One hundred and twenty-five upper elementary school children (10-11 years) were assigned to an eight month multi-sports or traditional PE programme taught by a PE specialist or a generalist, respectively. Pre- and post-intervention tests assessed children’s fitness (aerobic fitness, abdominal strength and endurance, and hamstring flexibility) and coordination (kinesthetic discrimination ability, response orientation ability), goal (task and ego) orientation, perceived physical ability and social self-efficacy. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were performed on physical and psychological test measures.

Results:

The results demonstrated that the multi-sports approach to PE induced more pronounced improvements in aerobic fitness and kinesthetic discrimination ability, as well as small but significant improvements in task orientation, ego orientation and social self-efficacy, when compared to traditional PE taught by a generalist.

Conclusions:

A multi-sports approach to elementary school PE contributes to the development of children’s physical fitness and goal orientations, which support engagement in physical activity. These findings highlight the role of qualified PE specialists and multi-sport, skill-based curricula to obtain positive physical and psychological outcomes that may facilitate the development of a healthy child.
New Australian Working Time Minimum Standards: Reproducing the Same Old Gendered Architecture?
Authors: Charlesworth Sara , Heron Alexandra
Published: April 2012

This article focuses on the minimum working time standards in the ‘safety net’ created by the Fair Work Act 2009. We draw on an analysis of on-paper minima in the 10 National Employment Standards and in two Modern Awards covering paid care workers . We argue that the gendered legacy of poorer working time provisions in non-standard jobs held by many Australian women workers has been reproduced in the architecture of the new Fair Work regime. Our case study suggests that the permanent full-time norm of employment continues to permeate working time regulation, despite the fragmentation of the standard employment relationship with the growth in casual and part-time work. Not only does casual status limit the access of many women workers to particular National Employment Standards, but there remain significant and gendered differences in award minimum working time standards, particularly for casual and part-time care workers, in comparison with the conditions and protections provided in one of the key male industry awards. Further, a hierarchy of working time standards for care workers has been reproduced, underpinned by differences in contract status, job classification and work location. This leaves those at the bottom of this hierarchy with little working time or income security.
The Performance of IRT Model Selection Methods With Mixed-Format Tests
Authors: Whittaker Tiffany A. , Chang Wanchen , Dodd Barbara G.
Published: April 2012

When tests consist of multiple-choice and constructed-response items, researchers are confronted with the question of which item response theory (IRT) model combination will appropriately represent the data collected from these mixed-format tests. This simulation study examined the performance of six model selection criteria, including the likelihood ratio test, Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), corrected AIC, Bayesian information criterion, Hannon and Quinn’s information criterion, and consistent AIC, with respect to correct model selection among a set of three competing mixed-format IRT models (i.e., one-parameter logistic/partial credit [1PL/PC], two-parameter logistic/generalized partial credit [2PL/GPC], and three-parameter logistic/generalized partial credit [3PL/GPC]). The criteria were able to correctly select less parameterized IRT models, including the PC, 1PL, and 1PL/PC models. In contrast, the criteria were less able to correctly select more parameterized IRT models, including the GPC, 3PL, and 3PL/GPC models. Implications of the findings and recommendations are discussed.
Tinnitus and Suicide
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Walter Garry , Friedland Peter
Published: April 2012

Suicides among tinnitus sufferers are rare. Indeed, on examining the public record (newspapers and the Web), the authors identified only 4 cases in the past 10 years that had been examined by a coroner. Nevertheless, the deaths of Rick Tharp, Dietrich Hectors, William Morris, and Robert McIndoe prompt reconsideration of the association between tinnitus and suicide that appears to be weak. The article also draws attention to a subject that is receiving attention in the medical literature—namely, the role of “precipitants” (in this case, tinnitus) in completed suicide and the need to screen some cases of severe, disabling tinnitus for the presence or absence of coinciding psychopathology, which is very amenable to treatment.
Psychometric properties of a revised version of the Visual Analog Mood Scales
Authors: Kontou E , Thomas SA , Lincoln NB
Published: April 2012

Objective:

To assess the internal consistency, validity and factor structure of a revised version of the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS-R) in healthy older adults and aphasic stroke patients.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Participants:

Fifty healthy older people and 71 aphasic stroke patients.

Setting:

Community and hospital.

Measures:

The healthy participants were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the VAMS-R. The aphasic stroke patients completed the VAMS-R and Visual Analogue Self Esteem Scale (VASES) and the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire 21 (SADQH-21) was completed by a nurse or carer.

Results:

The internal consistency of the scale was high (healthy adults alpha 0.74, aphasic stroke patients alpha 0.80). The VAMS-R correlated significantly with the HADS in healthy participants (HADS Anxiety rs = 0.59, P < 0.001, HADS Depression rs = 0.49, P = 0.001) and the VASES ( rs = −0.69, P < 0.001) and SADQH-21 ( rs = 0.43, P = 0.001) in stroke patients. Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors in the scale: negative mood states, energy levels and happiness. The three factors accounted 73% of the variance in healthy participants and 70% of the variance in aphasic stroke patients.

Conclusions:

The VAMS-R showed better psychometric properties than the original VAMS. Reversing the happy and energetic items improved the ability of the scale to assess mood states.
Clinical Features and Genetic Analysis of Children With Hyperekplexia in Korea
Authors: Lee Cha Gon , Kwon Min-Jung , Yu Hee Joon , Nam Sook Hyun , Lee Jeehun , Ki Chang-Seok , Lee Munhyang
Published: April 2012

Hyperekplexia is a rare inherited neurologic disorder that is characterized by hypertonia and an exaggerated startle response to sudden external stimuli. Until now, 5 genes are known to be associated with hyperekplexia: GLRA1, SLC6A5, GLRB, GPHN, and ARHGEF9. In this report, we performed a clinical and genetic analysis of 4 Korean children with hyperekplexia. Two patients had typical clinical manifestations of hyperekplexia that initially were misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Direct sequencing of the GLRB and GLRA1 genes revealed 2 novel mutations, GLRB c.298-1G>A and c.1028C>T (p.S343F), in patient 1 and 1 novel mutation, GLRA1 c.895C>T (p.R299X), in patient 2. The other 2 familial cases, patients 3 and 4, exhibited startle responses, which appeared at the age of 1 year, and had global developmental delay. Those patients showed negative results for the 5 genes.
Mutation in an mtDNA Protein-Coding Gene
Authors: Shanske Sara , Naini Ali , Chmait Ramen H. , Akman Hasan O. , Mansukhani Mahesh , Lu Jiesheng , Hirano Michio , DiMauro Salvatore
Published: April 2012

Prenatal diagnosis of disorders due to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tRNA gene mutations is problematic. Experience in families harboring the protein-coding ATPase 6 m.8993T>G mutation suggests that the mutant load is homogeneous in different tissues, thus allowing prenatal diagnosis. We have encountered a novel protein-coding gene mutation, m.10198C>T in MT-ND3. A baby girl homoplasmic for this mutation died at 3 months after severe psychomotor regression and respiratory arrest. The mother had no detectable mutation in accessible tissues. The product of a second pregnancy showed only wild-type mt genomes in amniocytes, chorionic villi, and biopsied fetal muscle. This second girl is now 18 months old and healthy. Our observations support the concept that the pathogenic mutation in this patient appeared de novo and that fetal muscle biopsy is a useful aide in prenatal diagnosis.
Capturing the Stream of Behavior
Authors: Lizdek Ivana , Sadler Pamela , Woody Erik , Ethier Nicole , Malet Giles
Published: April 2012

The present article advances a joystick-based methodology for recording and studying time-dependent patterns as continuous phenomena. It is particularly useful for capturing moment-to-moment changes with regard to a state space defined by two orthogonal axes, as in studies involving the interpersonal circumplex or the mood circumplex. A joystick monitoring program (free, downloadable, executable software available at www.wlu.ca/science/psadler ) is used. While watching a recorded interaction displayed on the computer screen, an observer moves the joystick to indicate a target person’s moment-to-moment behavior, and the X– Y coordinates are written frequently (e.g., twice per second) to a data file. The authors describe the software and the nature of the data obtained. The authors also suggest possible applications, such as studying subtle patterns of interpersonal behavior during interactions and studying individual differences in the perception of moment-to-moment variations in a target person’s affect.
Palm or Cell? Comparing Personal Digital Assistants and Cell Phones for Experience Sampling Research
Authors: Burgin Chris J. , Silvia Paul J. , Eddington Kari M. , Kwapil Thomas R.
Published: April 2012

Personal digital assistants (PDA), particularly Palm Pilots, are popular data collection devices in experience sampling research. The declining availability of such devices, however, has prompted researchers to explore alternative technologies for signaling participants and collecting responses. The present research considers interactive voice response (IVR) methods, which can deliver questions and collect data using common cell phones. Participants completed an experience sampling study using either a PDA ( n = 428) or a cell phone under three different conditions (IVR condition n = 98; IVR Callback condition n = 93; IVR Callback Comeback condition n = 94). We found that response rates were higher when people used PDAs (69%) than when they used their cell phones (IVR condition = 51%), but response rates increased when people could call back within a few minutes of missing a signal (IVR Callback condition = 58%) and had a face-to-face meeting with a researcher midweek (IVR Callback Comeback = 64%). The daily life ratings were similar across the conditions. The findings are encouraging for researchers interested in using IVR cell phone methods for ecological momentary assessment, but more work is needed to develop procedures or incentives that increase response rates.
Prelude to the Common Core
Authors: Woolard J. Christopher
Published: April 2012

As states struggle with the notion of international competitiveness, the quality and rigor of academic content standards has come into question. While Ohio’s content standards are well regarded, the state initiated a process to revise the standards and eventually joined with the majority of states in adopting a voluntary set of national standards—the Common Core. This study uses the Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC) methodology to examine Ohio’s current math content standards in comparison to TIMSS, PISA, high performing international counterparts, and the recently released Common Core. Specifically, it examines whether the state’s standards are “a mile wide and inch deep.” Second, this study analyzes whether high performing countries’ standards are more aligned to Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) through the SEC lens of topic and cognitive expectations. Ohio’s standards generally are less focused than the international comparisons, not very aligned to TIMSS and PISA, and have lower cognitive expectations. The CCSS have greatly increased that focus by reducing the number of topics in the analyzed grade levels while increasing the levels of cognitive expectations. These results provide a baseline for comparison to the full implementation of the Common Core. Once fully implemented, policy makers will have a reference point for evaluation of policy goals.
Fixed drug eruption induced by topical olopatadine ophthalmic solution
Authors: Bilgili SG , Karadag AS , Karadag R , Bulut G , Calka O
Published: April 2012

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) usually develops after oral administration and is described as a cutaneous reaction recurring at the same location each time the drug is taken. Olopatadine is both a H1 histamine receptor antagonist and a mast cell stabilizer, indicated for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Here, we report a 14-year-old male patient who developed FDE localised on the lateral side of periorbital rim bilaterally, whilst applying olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. As far as we know, FDE due to olopatadine has not been previously reported in the literature. We deem it appropriate to report this case because FDE that results from the application of topical drugs is a rare event in the literature.
Increasing Latina/o College Completion
Authors: González Kenneth P. , Arámbula Turner Tracy
Published: April 2012

In this essay, the authors accomplish three tasks: (a) identify common limitations of programs designed to increase the success rates of Latina/o college students; (b) describe the common characteristics of programs that exhibit effective practice; and (c) provide a framework to guide colleges and universities in designing effective program components that address the common factors impeding Latina/o student success in college.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Authors: Torres Vasti , Zerquera Desiree
Published: April 2012

This article seeks to identify and assess the readiness of Potential Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)—institutions located within Latino communities projected to increase the number of Latino/a high school graduates. Institutions are described based on evaluation of institutional missions, planning documents, programs, and marketing strategies—resulting in three institutional categories: unaware, aware, and committed institutions.
Reading Acceleration Program
Authors: Pilotti Maura , Martinez Edward , Broderick Tyler , Caballero Sharon , LaGrange Linda
Published: April 2012

A well-established principle in the literature on learning, which maintains that variability of practice enhances long-term retention, served as the foundation of a summer program intended to ameliorate reading skills in incoming freshmen. During a 4-week period, students received reading instruction in the context of four areas: humanities, social/behavioral sciences, natural/physical sciences and visual arts. Reading scores increased for most participants from pre- to post-testing. Attitudes towards basic skills such as reading, writing, cooperative work and public speaking also improved from pre- to post-testing.
Work–family boundary management styles in organizations
Authors: Kossek Ellen Ernst , Lautsch Brenda A.
Published: April 2012

We develop a cross-level model and typology of work–family (W–F) boundary management styles in organizations. A boundary management style is the general approach an individual uses to demarcate boundaries and attend to work and family roles. We argue that variation in W–F boundary management styles (integrator, separator, alternating) is a function of individual boundary-crossing preferences (flexibility, permeability, symmetry, direction); the centrality and configuration of work–family role identities; as well as the organizational work–family climate for customization. The model assumes that an individual’s perceived control to enact a boundary style that aligns with boundary-crossing preferences and identities has direct effects on individual perceptions of work–family conflict and also moderates the level of work–family conflict of boundary management styles experienced across organizational contexts. We offer propositions relevant to future research and practice.
Uncoupling protein 2 gene polymorphisms are associated with obesity
Authors: Oktavianthi Sukma , Trimarsanto Hidayat , Febinia Clarissa A , Suastika Ketut , Saraswati Made R , Dwipayana Pande , Arindrarto Wibowo , Sudoyo Herawati , Malik Safarina G
Published: April 2012

Background

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene polymorphisms have been reported as genetic risk factors for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined the association of commonly observed UCP2 G(−866)A (rs659366) and Ala55Val (C > T) (rs660339) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with obesity, high fasting plasma glucose, and serum lipids in a Balinese population.

Methods

A total of 603 participants (278 urban and 325 rural subjects) were recruited from Bali Island, Indonesia. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. Obesity was determined based on WHO classifications for adult Asians. Participants were genotyped for G(−866)A and Ala55Val polymorphisms of the UCP2 gene.

Results

Obesity prevalence was higher in urban subjects (51%) as compared to rural subjects (23%). The genotype, minor allele (MAF), and heterozygosity frequencies were similar between urban and rural subjects for both SNPs. All genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. A combined analysis of genotypes and environment revealed that the urban subjects carrying the A/A genotype of the G(−866)A SNP have higher BMI than the rural subjects with the same genotype. Since the two SNPs showed strong linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.946, r2 = 0.657), a haplotype analysis was performed. We found that the AT haplotype was associated with high BMI only when the urban environment was taken into account.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated the importance of environmental settings in studying the influence of the common UCP2 gene polymorphisms in the development of obesity in a Balinese population.
Survey for asymptomatic malaria cases in low transmission settings of Iran under elimination programme
Authors: Zoghi Samaneh , Mehrizi Akram A , Raeisi Ahmad , Haghdoost Ali A , Turki Habibollah , Safari Reza , Kahanali Asadallah Ahmadi , Zakeri Sedigheh
Published: April 2012

Background

In malaria endemic areas, continuous exposure to Plasmodium parasites leads to asymptomatic carriers that provide a fundamental reservoir of parasites, contributing to the persistence of malaria transmission. Therefore, in the present investigation, the presence and prevalence of malaria asymptomatic cases were determined to evaluate the reservoir of infection in two malaria endemic areas with a previous history of malaria transmission in the south of Iran, Bashagard and Ghale-Ganj districts of Hormozgan and Kerman provinces, respectively, where malaria transmission has been drastically reduced in the recent years.

Methods

The population samples (n=500 from each of the studied areas) were randomly collected from non-febrile, long-term residing, aged two to over 60years, during 20092010. Three identical surveys were carried out in both study areas and in each phase all the consent participants were interviewed and clinically examined. In all, three surveys to detect hidden parasite reservoirs (both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax), thick and thin blood smears and a highly sensitive nested-PCR were applied. In addition, the sero-prevalence survey for detecting malaria exposure was done by using a serological marker.

Results

In this study, P. vivax and P. falciparum parasites were not detected by light microscopy and nested-PCR assay in all three surveys of samples. Antibody responses against P. vivax and P. falciparum were detected in 1 % and 0.2 % of the total examined individuals, respectively, in Bashagard district. Regarding to Ghale-Ganj district, about 0.9% of the individuals had IgG -specific antibody to P. vivax at the first and second surveys, but at the third survey 0.45% of the participants had positive antibody to P. vivax parasite. IgG -specific antibody to P. falciparum was detected in 0.2% of the participants at the first and follow-up surveys. The overall regional differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Taken together, the lack of asymptomatic carrier with the evidence of extremely low sero-positive to both P. vivax and P. falciparum among examined individuals supported the limited recent transmission in the studied areas and, therefore, these parts of Iran have potential to eliminate the disease in the next few years. However, continued follow up and action are still needed in both studied areas and also in their neighbouring province, Sistan and Baluchistan, which has the highest reported cases of malaria in Iran and also, has the largest border line with Afghanistan and Pakistan, with no elimination activities. This data will provide useful information for managing elimination activities in Iran.
Nitric oxide augments mesenchymal stem cell ability to repair liver fibrosis
Authors: Ali Gibran , Mohsin Sadia , Khan Mohsin , Nasir Ghazanfar Ali , Shams Sulaiman , Khan Shaheen N , Riazuddin Sheikh
Published: April 2012

Background

Liver fibrosis is a major health problem worldwide and poses a serious obstacle for cell based therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent and important candidate cells for future clinical applications however success of MSC therapy depends upon their homing and survival in recipient organs. This study was designed to improve the repair potential of MSCs by transplanting them in sodium nitroprusside (SNP) pretreated mice with CCl4induced liver fibrosis.

Methods

SNP 100 mM, a nitric oxide (NO) donor, was administered twice a week for 4 weeks to CCl4-injured mice. MSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 wild type mice and transplanted in the left lateral lobe of the liver in experimental animals. After 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed and liver improvement was analyzed. Analysis of fibrosis by qRT-PCR and sirius red staining, homing, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum levels between different treatment groups were compared to control.

Results

Liver histology demonstrated enhanced MSCs homing in SNP-MSCs group compared to MSCs group. The gene expression of fibrotic markers; αSMA, collagen 1α1, TIMP, NFκB and iNOS was down regulated while cytokeratin 18, albumin and eNOS was up-regulated in SNP-MSCs group. Combine treatment sequentially reduced fibrosis in SNP-MSCs treated liver compared to the other treatment groups. These results were also comparable with reduced serum levels of bilirubin and ALP observed in SNP-MSCs treated group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that NO effectively augments MSC ability to repair liver fibrosis induced by CCl4in mice and therefore is a better treatment regimen to reduce liver fibrosis.
Coexistence of benign phyllodes tumor and invasive ductal carcinoma in distinct breasts: case report
Authors: Neto Guerino Barbalaco , Rossetti Claudia , Souza Natalia A , LA Fonseca Fernando , Azzalis Ligia Ajaime , Junqueira Virginia Berlanga Campos , Valenti Vitor E , de Abreu Luiz Carlos
Published: April 2012

This report describes a rare case of coexistence of benign phyllodes tumor, which measured 9 cm in the right breast, and invasive ductal carcinoma of 6 cm in the left breast, synchronous and independent, in a 66-year-old patient. The patient underwent a bilateral mastectomy due to the size of both lesions. Such situations are rare and usually refer to the occurrence of ductal or lobular carcinomain situwhen associated with malignant phyllodes tumors, and more often in ipsilateral breast or intra-lesional.
Suppression of endothelial cell activity by inhibition of TNFα
Authors: Shu Qiang , Amin Mohammad A , Ruth Jeffrey H , Campbell Phillip L , Koch Alisa E
Published: April 2012

Introduction

TNFα is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the effects of certolizumab pegol, a TNFα blocker, on endothelial cell function and angiogenesis.

Methods

Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were stimulated with TNFα with or without certolizumab pegol. TNFα-induced adhesion molecule expression and angiogenic chemokine secretion were measured by cell surface ELISA and angiogenic chemokine ELISA, respectively. We also examined the effect of certolizumab pegol on TNFα-induced myeloid human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell adhesion to HMVECs, as well as blood vessels in RA synovial tissue using the Stamper-Woodruff assay. Lastly, we performed HMVEC chemotaxis, and tube formation.

Results

Certolizumab pegol significantly blocked TNFα-induced HMVEC cell surface angiogenic E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression and angiogenic chemokine secretion (P < 0.05). We found that certolizumab pegol significantly inhibited TNFα-induced HL-60 cell adhesion to HMVECs (P < 0.05), and blocked HL-60 cell adhesion to RA synovial tissue vasculature (P < 0.05). TNFα also enhanced HMVEC chemotaxis compared with the negative control group (P < 0.05) and this chemotactic response was significantly reduced by certolizumab pegol (P < 0.05). Certolizumab pegol inhibited TNFα-induced HMVEC tube formation on Matrigel (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data support the hypothesis that certolizumab pegol inhibits TNFα-dependent leukocyte adhesion and angiogenesis, probably via inhibition of angiogenic adhesion molecule expression and angiogenic chemokine secretion.
RedeR: R/Bioconductor package for representing modular structures, nested networks and multiple levels of hierarchical associations
Authors: Castro Mauro AA , Wang Xin , Fletcher Michael NC , Meyer Kerstin B , Markowetz Florian
Published: April 2012

Visualization and analysis of molecular networks are both central to systems biology. However, there still exists a large technological gap between them, especially when assessing multiple network levels or hierarchies. Here we present RedeR, an R/Bioconductor package combined with a Java core engine for representing modular networks. The functionality of RedeR is demonstrated in two different scenarios: hierarchical and modular organization in gene co-expression networks and nested structures in time-course gene expression subnetworks. Our results demonstrate RedeR as a new framework to deal with the multiple network levels that are inherent to complex biological systems. RedeR is available from http://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/RedeR.html.
TLR-activated conventional DCs promote γ-secretase-mediated conditioning of plasmacytoid DCs
Authors: Pérez-Cabezas Begoña , Naranjo-Gómez Mar , Ruiz-Riol Marta , Bastos-Amador Patricia , Fernández Marco A , Carmona Francesc , Nuñez Fatima , Pujol-Borrell Ricardo , Borràs Francesc E
Published: April 2012

Involvement of γ-secretase-mediated mechanisms, including the Notch pathway, in the cell-contact dependent communication between human DC subsets.

Cooperative events between DC subsets involve cell contact and soluble factors. Upon viral challenge, murine pDCs induce cDC cooperation through CD40-CD40L interactions and IL-15 secretion, whereas in humans, the same effect is mediated by IFN-α. Conversely, during bacterial infections, pDC maturation may be induced by activated cDCs, although no mechanisms had been described so far. Here, we investigate how human pDCs are “conditioned” by cDCs. Blood-borne DC subsets (cDCs and pDCs) were sorted from healthy donors. IL-3-maintained pDCs were cocultured with LPS-activated, poly (I:C)-activated, or control cDCs [cDCLPS, cDCP(I:C), cDCCTRL]. Coculture experiments showed that cDCLPS-conditioned pDCs up-regulated maturation markers, such as CD25 and CD86, whereas SNs contained higher amounts of IL-6 and CCL19 compared with control conditions. Gene-expression analyses on sorted cDCLPS or cDCP(I:C) conditioned pDCs confirmed the induction of several genes, including IL-6 and CCL19 and remarkably, several Notch target genes. Further studies using the γ-secretase/Notch inhibitor DAPT and soluble Notch ligands resulted in a significantly reduced expression of canonical Notch target genes in conditioned pDCs. DAPT treatment also hampered the secretion of CCL19 (but not of IL-6) by cDCLPS conditioned pDCs. These results reveal the involvement of γ-secretase-mediated mechanisms, including the Notch pathway, in the cell contact-dependent communication between human DC subsets. The resulting partial activation of pDCs after encountering with mature cDCs endows pDCs with an accessory function that may contribute to T cell recruitment and activation.