bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methodology and intermediate layer for the automatic creation of ontology instances stored in relational databases
Authors: Stanimirović Aleksandar , Bogdanović Miloš , Stoimenov Leonid 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYIn this paper, we introduce our solution for mapping local ontologies to relational and object‐oriented representations. This solution is part of the GeoNis framework for the interoperability of geo‐information systems applications in a local community environment. The GeoNis framework is based on a hybrid ontology approach for data integration. Therefore, a very important subject in our research on semantic data integration is the creation of mapping between a spatial information source and its local ontology. We developed the OWL2RDB mapping language to create an intermediate layer between a relational database and the OWL ontology. This intermediate layer contains rules (expressed in the OWL2RDB language) for mapping between the structural elements of a relational database and the concepts of OWL ontologies. We also present a system that uses the OWL2RDB intermediate layer to create classes that can handle ontology instances stored in relational databases. We have developed a prototype for a tool that uses this proposed approach for the automatic generation of translator/wrapper components in the GeoNis interoperability environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progressive intercarrier and co‐channel interference mitigation for underwater acoustic multi‐input multi‐output orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing
Authors: Huang Jianzhong , Zhou Shengli , Huang Jie , Preisig James , Freitag Lee , Willett Peter 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTMulti‐input multi‐output orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (MIMO‐OFDM) has been actively studied for high data rate communications over the bandwidth‐limited underwater acoustic (UWA) channels. Unlike existing receivers that treat the intercarrier interference (ICI) as additive noise, in this paper, the proposed receiver considers ICI explicitly together with the co‐channel interference (CCI) due to parallel transmissions in MIMO‐OFDM. Using a recently developed progressive receiver framework, the proposed receiver starts with low‐complexity ICI‐ignorant processing and then progresses to ICI‐aware processing with increasing ICI levels. The key components of the proposed receiver include the following: (1) compressed sensing‐based sparse channel estimation, (2) soft‐input soft‐output minimum mean square error/Markov chain Monte Carlo detector for interference mitigation, and (3) soft nonbinary low‐density parity check decoding. In addition to simulation, we use real data from the Surface Processes and Acoustic Communications Experiment 2008 (SPACE08) and the Mobile Acoustic Communications Experiment 2010 (MACE10) to verify the system performance, where the transmitter in SPACE08 was stationary and that in MACE10 was slowly moving. Simulation and experimental results show that explicitly addressing ICI and CCI significantly improves the performance of MIMO‐OFDM in UWA systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dutch House Martins Delichon urbicum gain blood parasite infections over their lifetime, but do not seem to suffer
Authors: Piersma Theunis , van der Velde Marco 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn a southern Spanish population of the colonial-breeding Afrotropical migrant House Martins Delichon urbicum, a high overall prevalence of (molecularly assayed) haemosporidian infections (in the non-parasitological literature usually denoted with the inclusive term ‘malaria’) was associated with negative fitness consequences for individuals carrying single or double infections. To verify this in a northern population, we here report on the occurrence of malaria in 112 fledgling and 358 adult House Martins from The Netherlands. Repeatability of molecular essays was 94.4% (n = 125). Malaria was not found in any of the fledglings, but 77% of the adults carried single or double infections of two Haemoproteus haplotypes (Delurb1, Delurb2) and five Plasmodium haplotypes (GRW2, GRW9, GRW11, COLL6 and Turdus1). The two Haemoproteus and two of the Plasmodium haplotypes overlapped with nine haplotypes observed in Spain, with Dutch birds showing another four. Haemoproteus infections were common (occurring in 70% of adult samples) and Plasmodium was rare (9%). Molecularly sexed females with blood parasite infections tended towards a higher chance of double infection (33%) than males (23%). Of 64 cases of birds captured in successive years, 23% showed no change in infection status, 5% lost infection, and there was an 85% chance for adults to gain a ‘malaria’ type. Within a single breeding season, infection status did not change in 6 of 13 cases (46%). However, in 6 of the 7 cases of change (86%), there was loss of a Haemoproteus infection. Infection status did not correlate with body mass or body size, tail asymmetry, occurrence of louse flies, nor with the likelihood of recapture in the subsequent year. The limited evidence so far suggests that House Martins get infected away from the European breeding grounds.
Applying Western decision-making theory to the study of transport infrastructure development in China: The case of the Harbin metro
Authors: Groenleer Martijn , Jiang Tingting , de Jong Martin , de Bruijn Hans 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In recent decades, China has undergone massive urban transformation, an important component of which is transport infrastructure development. Although Western observers often hail China’s decision making on megaprojects as effective and efficient, this image deserves scrutiny. Political power and decision-making processes in China are not as centralized as many tend to believe, the field of policy actors can be diffuse and issues can be highly contested. Consequently, although some tremendous successes have been reported, not all large infrastructure projects have proceeded smoothly. This article unveils how decision-making processes on large infrastructure projects in China evolve, and why projects sometimes take much longer than might have been expected on the basis of the dominant image of Chinese decision making. It does so by presenting an in-depth study of a decision-making process that took much longer than initially foreseen: the design and construction of the Harbin metro system.
Amelanotic melanoma of the mandible: A case report
Authors: Kawasaki Goro , Yanamoto Souichi , Yoshitomi Izumi , Mizuno Akio , Fujita Shuichi , Umeda Masahiro 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAmelanotic melanoma of the oral mucosa is extremely rare. We describe herein our experience of amelanotic melanoma arising in the mandibular mucosa. An 85‐year‐old woman was referred to our clinic with swelling of the left lower gingival mucosa. The histopathological diagnosis was amelanotic melanoma, as determined by immunohistochemical examination. The tumor cells were positive for S‐100, Melan‐A, HMB‐45, and vimentin. The patient declined surgical treatment, so she received irradiation therapy. At a total dose of 10 Gy, the patient exhibited lassitude, so we terminated radiotherapy. Bleeding from the tumor persisted, and the patient developed anemia and hypouresis. She also contracted pneumonia. The patient’s general condition worsened, and she died.
Silencing of essential genes by RNA interference inHaemonchus contortus
Authors: ZAWADZKI J. L. , KOTZE A. C. , FRITZ J.-A. , JOHNSON N. M. , HEMSWORTH J. E. , HINES B. M. , BEHM C. A. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYIn this study we assessed three technologies for silencing gene expression by RNA interference (RNAi) in the sheep parasitic nematodeHaemonchus contortus. We chose as targets five genes that are essential inCaenorhabditis elegans(mitr-1, pat-12, vha-19, glf-1andnoah-1), orthologues of which are present and expressed inH. contortus, plus four genes previously tested by RNAi inH. contortus(ubiquitin, tubulin, paramyosin, tropomyosin). To introduce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the nematodes we tested (1) feeding free-living stages ofH. contortuswithEscherichia colithat express dsRNA targetting the test genes; (2) electroporation of dsRNA intoH. contortuseggs or larvae; and (3) soaking adultH. contortusin dsRNA. For each gene tested we observed reduced levels of mRNA in the treated nematodes, except for some electroporation conditions. We did not observe any phenotypic changes in the worms in the electroporation or dsRNA soaking experiments. The feeding method, however, elicited observable changes in the development and viability of larvae for five of the eight genes tested, including the ‘essential’ genes,Hc-pat-12, Hc-vha-19andHc-glf-1. We recommend theE. colifeeding method for RNAi inH. contortusand provide recommendations for future research directions for RNAi in this species.
Once upon a time, there was a pulchritudinous princess . . .: The role of word definitions and multiple story contexts in children's learning of difficult vocabulary
Authors: WILKINSON KATHRYN S. , HOUSTON-PRICE CARMEL 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe close relationship between children's vocabulary size and their later academic success has led researchers to explore how vocabulary development might be promoted during the early school years. We describe a study that explored the effectiveness of naturalistic classroom storytelling as an instrument for teaching new vocabulary to 6- to 9-year-old children. We examined whether learning was facilitated by encountering new words in single versus multiple story contexts, or by the provision of age-appropriate definitions of words as they were encountered. Results showed that encountering words in stories on three occasions led to significant gains in word knowledge in children of all ages and abilities, and that learning was further enhanced across the board when teachers elaborated on the new words’ meanings by providing dictionary definitions. Our findings clarify how classroom storytelling activities can be a highly effective means of promoting vocabulary development.
Solitary IgM phase II response has a limited predictive value in the diagnosis of acute Q fever
Authors: RAVEN C. F. H. , HAUTVAST J. L. A. , HERREMANS T. , LEENDERS A. C. A. P. , SCHNEEBERGER P. M. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYWe investigated the positive predictive value (PPV) of a solitary positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) phase II response for the serodiagnosis of acute Q fever detected with either an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Initial and follow-up sera from patients suspected of acute Q fever were included if initially only IgM phase II tested positive with IFA in 2008 (n=92), or ELISA in 2009 (n=85). A seroconversion for Q fever was defined as an initial sample being IgG phase II negative but positive in the follow-up sample. The PPV of an initial isolated IgM phase II result detected by IFA or ELISA was 65% and 51%, respectively, and therefore appeared not to adequately predict acute Q fever. For this reason it cannot be used as a diagnostic criterion nor should it be included in public health notification without confirmation with other markers or a follow-up serum sample.
Looking Forward, Conceptualizing Feminist Security Studies
Authors: Sjoberg Laura 
Published: February 2012

In previous work, I characterized Feminist Security Studies as pluralistic, but transformative:
Research in Feminist Security Studies reformulates mainstream approaches to traditional security issues, foregrounds the roles of women and gender in conflict and conflict resolution, and reveals the blindness of security studies to issues that taking gender seriously shows as relevant to thinking about security. Together, these works, as a research program, show that gender analysis is necessary, conceptually, for understanding international security, important for analyzing causes and predicting outcomes, and essential to thinking about solutions and promoting positive change in the security realm. (Sjoberg 2009a, 184; see also Sjoberg 2006, 2009b; Sjoberg and Martin 2010.)
Localized density enhancements in the magnetosheath: Three‐dimensional morphology and possible importance for impulsive penetration
Authors: Karlsson T. , Brenning N. , Nilsson H. , Trotignon J.‐G. , Vallières X. , Facsko G. 
Published: February 2012

We use Cluster multipoint density measurements, using the spacecraft potential, to identify localized density enhancements (>50%) in the magnetosheath, and estimate their three‐dimensional morphology and orientation. Typically one dimension of the density enhancements is shorter than others, is directed perpendicular to the background magnetic field, and varies from ∼0.1 RE to 10 RE, with the other two dimensions a factor 3–10 greater. The density structures are oriented with the longest sides in the general direction of the bow shock and magnetopause. Examples of density structures both convecting with the same velocity as the background magnetosheath flow (“embedded plasmoids”), and convecting with an excess xGSE velocity component (“fast plasmoids”) are found. Possible importance for the impulsive penetration mechanism for plasma entry in the magnetosphere is analyzed by comparing the results to laboratory results, via a parameter scaling. The estimation of the three‐dimensional topology of the density enhancements will enable a comparison with localized magnetosheath populations inside the magnetosphere, observed earlier, to determine if these originate from penetrated magnetosheath density enhancements.
Mean Atlantic meridional overturning circulation across 26.5°N from eddy‐resolving simulations compared to observations
Authors: Xu X. , Schmitz W. J. , Hurlburt H. E. , Hogan P. J. 
Published: February 2012

Observations along 26.5°N are used to examine the time mean structure of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) in eddy‐resolving simulations with the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). The model results yield a 5 year mean AMOC transport of 18.2 Sv, compared to 18.4 Sv based on data. The modeled northward limb of the AMOC has a vertical structure similar to observations. The southward limb is shallower than observed but deeper than other ocean general circulation models and includes a secondary transport maximum near 4000 m corresponding to Nordic Seas Overflow Water. The modeled flow through the Florida Strait and the deep western boundary current (DWBC) east of Abaco, Bahamas, are also approximately consistent with observations. The model results are used to clarify the sources of the northward AMOC transport and to explore the circulation pattern of the southward transport in the western subtropical North Atlantic in the range 18–33°N. About 14.1 Sv of the modeled northward AMOC transport is through the Florida Strait and the remainder through the mid‐ocean, primarily in the Ekman layer, but also below 600 m. The modeled AMOC transport is about 2/3 surface water and 1/3 Antarctic Intermediate Water with no contribution from the thermocline water in between. In the western subtropical North Atlantic the model results depict a complicated deep circulation pattern, associated with the complex bathymetry. The DWBC flows southward then eastward in both the upper and lower North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) layers but with different offshore recirculation pathways, and there exists a second, more northern branch of eastward flow in the lower NADW layer.
Effects of NOxcontrol and plume mixing on nighttime chemical processing of plumes from coal‐fired power plants
Authors: Brown Steven S. , Dubé William P. , Karamchandani Prakash , Yarwood Greg , Peischl Jeff , Ryerson Thomas B. , Neuman J. Andrew , Nowak John B. , Holloway John S. , Washenfelder Rebecca A. , Brock Charles A. , Frost Gregory J. , Trainer Michael , Parrish David D. , Fehsenfeld Frederick C. , Ravishankara A. R. 
Published: February 2012

Coal‐fired electric power plants produce a large fraction of total U.S. NOx emissions, but NOx from this sector has been declining in the last decade owing to installation of control technology. Nighttime aircraft intercepts of plumes from two different Texas power plants (Oklaunion near Wichita Falls and W. A. Parish near Houston) with different control technologies demonstrate the effect of these reductions on nighttime NOxoxidation rates. The analysis shows that the spatial extent of nighttime‐emitted plumes to be quite limited and that mixing of highly concentrated plume NOx with ambient ozone is a determining factor for its nighttime oxidation. The plume from the uncontrolled plant had full titration of ozone through 74 km/2.4 h of downwind transport that suppressed nighttime oxidation of NO2 to higher oxides of nitrogen across the majority of the plume. The plume from the controlled plant did not have sufficient NOx to titrate background ozone, which led to rapid nighttime oxidation of NO2 during downwind transport. A plume model that includes horizontal mixing and nighttime chemistry reproduces the observed structures of the nitrogen species in the plumes from the two plants. The model shows that NOx controls not only reduce the emissions directly but also lead to an additional overnight NOx loss of 36–44% on average. The maximum reduction for 12 h of transport in darkness was 73%. The results imply that power plant NOxemissions controls may produce a larger than linear reduction in next‐day, downwind ozone production following nighttime transport.
Conformational transitions of proteins engaged in DNA double-strand break repair, analysed by tryptophan fluorescence emission and FRET
Authors: Stankova Katia , Ivanova Katia , Mladenov Emil , Rosidi Bustanur , Sharma Aparna , Boteva Rayna , Iliakis George 
Published: February 2012

We analysed protein–DNA and protein–protein interactions relevant to the repair of DNA DSBs (double-strand breaks) by NHEJ (non-homologous end-joining). Conformational transitions in mammalian DNA ligases III (LigIII) and IV (LigIV), as well as in PARP-1 [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1], were analysed upon binding to double-stranded DNA by changes in tryptophan emission and FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) from tryptophan to DNA-conjugated Alexa Fluor® 532. For LigIII, two non-equivalent high- and low-affinity DNA-binding sites are detected interacting sequentially with DNA. PARP-1 displays a single high-affinity DNA-binding site and can displace bound DNA fragments from the low-affinity site of LigIII, consistent with its mediator role in LigIII–DNA interactions. For the LX [LigIV–XRCC4 (X-ray cross-complementation group 4)] complex, a single DNA-binding site is detected. Binding of Ku to DNA was accompanied by conformational changes in the protein and intermolecular FRET from dansyl chromophores of the labelled Ku to the Alexa Fluor® chromophores of Alexa Fluor® 532-conjugated DNA. The average distance of 5.7 nm calculated from FRET data is consistent with a location of Ku at the very end of the DNA molecule. Binding of LX to Ku–DNA complexes is associated with conformational changes in Ku, translocating the protein further towards the DNA ends. The protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions detected and analysed generate a framework for the characterization of molecular interactions fundamental to the function of NHEJ pathways in higher eukaryotes.
Effects of ghrelin on homocysteine‐induced dysfunction and inflammatory response in rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Dongjuan , Wang Haichang , Luo Peng , Hwang Andrew , Sun Dongdong , Wang Yabin , Zhang Zheng , Liu Nan , Wang Shenxu , Li Chengxiang , Cao Feng 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGhrelin is a well‐characterized hormone that has protective effects on endothelial cells. Elevated HCY (homocysteine) can be a cardiovascular risk factor, but it is not known whether ghrelin can inhibit HCY‐induced dysfunction and inflammatory response in rat CMECs (cardiac microvascular endothelial cells). We found that HCY treatment for 24 h inhibited proliferation and NO (nitric oxide) secretion, but with increased cell apoptosis and secretion of cytokines in CMECs. In contrast, ghrelin pretreatment significantly improved proliferation and NO secretion, and inhibited cell apoptosis and secretion of cytokines in HCY‐induced CMECs. In addition, Western blot assay showed that NF‐κB (nuclear factor κB) and cleaved‐caspase 3 expression were elevated, and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression were decreased after treatment with HCY, which was significantly reversed by pretreatment with ghrelin. The data suggest that ghrelin inhibits HCY‐induced CMEC dysfunction and inflammatory response, probably mediated by inhibition of NF‐κB activation.
New approach to isolate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) from human umbilical cord blood
Authors: Hussain Issam , Magd Salah A. , Eremin Oleg , El‐Sheemy Mohamed 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHUCB (human umbilical cord blood) has been frequently used in clinical allogeneic HSC (haemopoietic stem cell) transplant. However, HUCB is poorly recognized as a rich source of MSC (mesenchymal stem cell). The aim of this study has been to establish a new method for isolating large number of MSC from HUCB to recognize it as a good source of MSC. HUCB samples were collected from women following their elective caesarean section. The new method (Clot Spot method) was carried out by explanting HUCB samples in mesencult complete medium and maintained in 37°C, in a 5% CO2 and air incubator. MSC presence was established by quantitative and qualitative immunophenotyping of cells and using FITC attached to MSC phenotypic markers (CD29, CD73, CD44 and CD105). Haematopoietic antibodies (CD34 and CD45) were used as negative control. MSC differentiation was examined in neurogenic and adipogenic media. Immunocytochemistry was carried out for the embryonic markers: SOX2 (sex determining region Y‐box 2), OLIG‐4 (oligodendrocyte‐4) and FABP‐4 (fatty acid binding protein‐4). The new method was compared with the conventional Rosset Sep method. MSC cultures using the Clot Spot method showed 3‐fold increase in proliferation rate compared with conventional method. Also, the cells showed high expression of MSC markers CD29, CD73, CD44 and CD105, but lacked the expression of specific HSC markers (CD34 and CD45). The isolated MSC showed some differentiation by expressing the neurogenic (SOX2 and Olig4) and adipogenic (FABP‐4) markers respectively. In conclusion, HUCB is a good source of MSC using this new technique.