bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kasoma's Afriethics
Authors: Banda Fackson
Published: June 2009

This article reappraises Kasoma's ethical framework of Afriethics. By locating Afriethics within the wider sociopolitical context, it demonstrates the extent to which Kasoma's religious, professional and scholarly outlooks coalesced in the formulation of Afriethics. The study rationalizes the ethical orientation in terms of its underlying epistemological and ontological framework of cultural relativism. It concludes that Kasoma's Afriethics is heavily influenced by the rhetoric of African cultural exceptionalism. The reappraisal establishes, first, how Afriethics seems to downplay Africa's complex media history. Second, its overreliance on the doctrine of African exceptionalism robs it of its analytic objectivity. Third, its theoretical grounding is not sufficiently explored in terms of normative media and social theory. Fourth, its appropriation as praxis seems to disregard the interpenetrated nature of African and western media cultures. The study concludes with a call for greater dialogue about the practicality of Afriethics in a globalizing African media context.
Contemporary Discourses On Violence in Central American Newspapers
Authors: Huhn Sebastian , Oettler Anika , Peetz Peter
Published: June 2009

It is commonly understood that criminal violence has superseded political violence in Central America. Focusing on the social construction of violent realities in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua, the authors describe the print media landscape in Central America and examine both the quality of leading newspapers and the main clusters of topics constituting the news discourse on violence. The analysis of the macro-structure of topic management in Central American newspapers allows a differentiation of the `talk of crime': it is more heterogeneous than often thought. There are signs that the problem of juvenile delinquency is emerging as the centre of a cross-country discourse on `ordinary violence'. On the other hand, the talk of crime is centred around a few topic clusters, with sexual violence and border-related discourse on violence being of key importance. Finally, the article points to a heterogeneous array of discourse events that is connected to political developments and power relations.
A Clash of Media Systems?
Authors: Rolland Asle
Published: June 2009

In 2006, the British company Mecom bought up the Norwegian company Orkla Media, an important player in eight European countries. The article discusses the possible effects from two perspectives, (1) Hallin and Mancini's `Three Models of Media and Politics' and (2) the old and new media order described by the Norwegian `Power and Democracy' study. From perspective (1), the takeover will put the Norwegian media system to the test, as Mecom represents the liberal and Norway the democratic corporatist model. The article examines the takeover in relation to the criteria Hallin and Mancini use to distinguish between the models, and pays particular attention to the burden of defining one's journalistic stand as social responsibility, drawing partly on lessons from the US. With regard to perspective (2), it is noted that Norway has already implemented salient features of the liberal model. Mecom, however, adds an international dimension, and its commercialism may be different from that of Norway's new media order.
The Nation as a Political Stage
Authors: Castelló Enric
Published: June 2009

This article offers a theoretical contribution to the question of how nations are `built' through the mass media and specifically in television fiction. The author criticizes the assumption that the nation is an anachronism in a globalized world, arguing instead that the concept of national culture should be revisited in terms of political negotiation. The article argues that television fiction is one of the most powerful mechanisms for reinventing national culture because of the banal and routine way in which this is portrayed. It is pointed out that, in television fiction, the process of national culture building is mainly grounded in four main elements: localization and territory; language issues and uses; cultural representation; and historical and institutional references. It is proposed that the `fictional nation' is a politically conceptualized stage on which stories can take place.
Folk Media for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Höivik Susan , Luger Kurt
Published: June 2009

Developmental communication through mass media has been practised and researched for years, its successes and failures documented in this and other journals. Yet hardly any effort has been made to utilize traditional means of communication like puppetry, poetry, street drama or folk song for development goals. Such `folk media' would appear to have many advantages: they are locally accepted, adaptable and low-cost; moreover, they presuppose neither literacy nor modern technology. This article presents a pilot project from the Himalayas that investigates how indigenous or traditional practices of communication can be employed in remote areas to raise awareness on environmental issues.
Review: Menstrual migraine: therapeutic approaches
Authors: MacGregor E. Anne
Published: June 2009

The development of diagnostic criteria has enabled greater recognition of menstrual migraine as a highly prevalent and disabling condition meriting specific treatment. Although few therapeutic trials have yet been undertaken in accordance with the criteria, the results of those published to date confirm the efficacy of acute migraine drugs for symptomatic treatment. If this approach is insufficient, the predictability of attacks provides the opportunity for perimenstrual prophylaxis. Continuous contraceptive strategies provide an additional option for management, although clinical trial data are limited. Future approaches to treatment could explore the genomic and nongenomic actions of sex steroids.
Implementation of computer-based language therapy in aphasia
Authors: Archibald Lisa M.D. , Orange Joseph B. , Jamieson Donald J.
Published: June 2009

A first step in evaluating the use of computers in language therapy for individuals with aphasia is to establish the treatment as active in small groups prior to large-scale clinical trials. The present study evaluated a comprehensive computer-based language therapy program in a group of eight individuals with chronic in aphasia varying broadly in age, time post onset and aphasia type. Results revealed an overall therapeutic benefit in auditory comprehension, as well as positive trends in functional communication. Findings suggest that comprehensive therapy programs may be beneficial for many individuals with aphasia, and computer-based therapy may be one feasible avenue of providing this intervention.
Review: Pathophysiology and treatment of bacterial meningitis
Authors: Hoffman Olaf , Weber Joerg R.
Published: June 2009

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and immediate treatment. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are the most common and most aggressive pathogens of meningitis. Emerging antibiotic resistance is an upcoming challenge. Clinical and experimental studies have established a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms resulting in brain damage, sequelae and neuropsychological deficits. We summarize the current pathophysiological concept of acute bacterial meningitis and present current treatment strategies.
Marriage à la Mode, An Eighteenth-Century Wedding Dress, Hat and Shoes Set from the Olive Matthews Collection, Chertsey Museum
Authors: Evans Grace
Published: June 2009

A rare and important group of items, a set consisting of a wedding dress, hat and shoes, form part of the Olive Matthews Collection at Chertsey Museum. This paper looks in detail at the construction of each of these garments. It also provides an account of how key aspects of provenance were uncovered. Other examples of contemporary wedding dresses are discussed. Finally it goes on to demonstrate how the newly uncovered facts about these garments, reviewed alongside contemporary social and economic contextual details, can further enhance our understanding of these and similar surviving pieces.
Fashionable Life in Eighteenth-Century Gdansk: The Drawings of Daniel Chodowiecki (1726–1801)
Authors: Kajdanska Alexandra
Published: June 2009

Alexandra Kajdanska was granted the Doreen Yarwood Award in 2003. The award was eventually taken up in 2005 and a preliminary report was published in the Costume Society's Newsletter in 2007. This paper places Daniel Chodowiecki in historical content and comments on a number of his drawings which present the lifestyle of his friends and countrymen in and around the Polish city of Gdansk in 1773.
The History of the Dress Code at the University of Zagreb — From Jesuit Talers to Newly Designed Academic Gowns
Authors: Potocic Matkovic Vesna Marija , Soljacic Ivo , Bajs Zlatka Mencl
Published: June 2009

At the foundation of the Academy (University) in 1669, every person who achieved an academic degree earned the right to wear academic dress and other insignia. However, the Jesuit professors preferred to wear the garments of their order. Academic dress was not developed afterwards because the Empress Maria Theresia did not approve of it. At a later date the deans wore a gold chain with a pendant medal. There was a tradition in which a beadle carried the university mace on ceremonial occasions. There were official students' garments at the university from 1895 to 1942. New ceremonial academic robes were designed in 1998 based on historical research.
The Ballets Russes Connection with Fashion
Authors: Vettese Samantha
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the influence that the costume designers of the Ballets Russes, many of whom were important artists from significant art movements of the day, had on contemporaneous fashion. It looks at why in particular the 'Ballets Russes' artists Leon Bakst and Natalia Goncharova went on to involve themselves in actual fashion production and the similarities between their work and the fashion designers producing work at the same time, principally Paul Poiret, Mariano Fortuny and Coco Chanel. Overall, this paper investigates the significance of the cultural times and of the distinct characteristics of the separate art forms, that may have encouraged avant-garde art and fashion to crossover and collaborate so unreservedly.
Fustians in Englishmen's Dress: From Cloth to Emblem
Authors: Sykas Philip A.
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the nature of the textiles known as fustians, originally imported but later manufactured in England. The focus is on eighteenth-century England when fustians underwent further development into modern cloth types. Evidence of the use of fustians for men's dress, and the status of those who wore them, is explored to shed further light on the developments leading up to the association of fustian with working-class men. The paper is based on a presentation delivered at the Costume Society Symposium: Town and Country Style in 2007.
Clothing the Family of an MP in the 1690s: An Analysis of the Day Book of Edward Clarke of Chipley, Somerset
Authors: Clarke Bridget
Published: June 2009

An analysis of the Day Book 1692–1703 of Edward Clarke of Chipley, Somerset (1650–1710), MP for Taunton, reveals evidence of his expenses on clothes for his children. He also describes where the family shopped and who did the shopping, what materials were used and what they cost, who made the clothes and whether clothes were refurbished. The article uses the correspondence of Edward and his wife Mary to show how fashion and clothes were an enduring interest and subject of discussion in both town and country.
'Sent from Town': Commissioning Clothing in Britain During the Long Eighteenth Century
Authors: Lambert Miles
Published: June 2009

The long period from the Restoration to the accession of Queen Victoria saw a rise in 'popular consumerism' affecting many aspects of British society and commerce, nowhere more so than in the market for textiles and clothing. Consumers were offered an increasing range of finished goods, rather than merely materials, but many of these were available only in larger towns. To access goods, customers often relied on the long-established process of commissioning at a distance through the offices of family members, friends or business contacts, acting as agents. This formed a significant channel for elite and popular consumption.
Portable Pets: Live and Apparently Live Animals in Fashion, 1880–1925
Authors: Long Julia
Published: June 2009

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, well-dressed women around the world embraced the emerging trend of animal-bedecked styles. Both live and stuffed animals were lavishly featured in daily ensembles, and the beauty of the natural world was assimilated into the world of fashion. This paper will examine this trend and its various avenues, looking specifically at the incorporation of live and stuffed animals into dress, the popularity of taxidermy, and the methods of reanimating dead creatures. The paper also takes into account the dual underlying reasons for this trend: the pervasive interest in the natural world and the special affinity women had for animals.
Headlines Make Fashion: The Use of Newsprint Fabric and Newspaper Clippings in Fashion and Fancy Dress
Authors: Eck Carly
Published: June 2009

This article explores the use of newspaper-printed fabric in nineteenth- and twentieth-century fancy dress costumes, as well as its employment by fashion designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli and John Galliano. It examines the use of authentic newspaper clippings and paper applied to fancy dress and fashion, and discusses Viktor and Rolf's innovative method of using real newspaper within their conceptual framework.
Characterization in vitro and engraftment potential in vivo of human progenitor T cells generated from hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Awong Génève , Herer Elaine , Surh Charles D. , Dick John E. , La Motte-Mohs Ross N. , Zúñiga-Pflücker Juan Carlos
Published: June 2009

T-cell development follows a defined set of stage-specific differentiation steps. However, molecular and cellular events occurring at early stages of human T-cell development remain to be fully elucidated. To address this, human umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were induced to differentiate to the T lineage in OP9-DL1 cocultures. A developmental program involving a sequential and temporally discrete expression of key differentiation markers was revealed. Quantitative clonal analyses demonstrated that CD34+CD38− and CD34+CD38lo subsets of UCB contain a similarly high T-lineage progenitor frequency, whereas the frequency in CD34+CD38+/hi cells was 5-fold lower. Delta-like/Notch-induced signals increased the T-cell progenitor frequency of CD34+CD38−/lo cells differentiated on OP9-DL1, and 2 distinct progenitor subsets, CD34+CD45RA+CD7++CD5−CD1a− (proT1) and CD34+CD45RA+CD7++CD5+CD1a− (proT2), were identified and their thymus engrafting capacity was examined, with proT2 cells showing a 3-fold enhanced reconstituting capacity compared with the proT1 subset. Furthermore, in vitro–generated CD34+CD7++ progenitors effectively engrafted the thymus of immunodeficient mice, which was enhanced by the addition of an IL-7/IL-7 antibody complex. Taken together, the identification of T-progenitor subsets readily generated in vitro may offer important avenues to improve cellular-based immune-reconstitution approaches.
Blockade of interleukin-6 signaling augments regulatory T-cell reconstitution and attenuates the severity of graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Chen Xiao , Das Rupali , Komorowski Richard , Beres Amy , Hessner Martin J. , Mihara Masahiko , Drobyski William R.
Published: June 2009

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and is characterized by the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we have identified interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a critical inflammatory cytokine that alters the balance between the effector and regulatory arms of the immune system and drives a proinflammatory phenotype that is a defining characteristic of GVHD. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of the IL-6 signaling pathway by way of antibody-mediated blockade of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) markedly reduces pathologic damage attributable to GVHD. This is accompanied by a significant increase in the absolute number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that is due to augmentation of thymic-dependent and thymic-independent Treg production. Correspondingly, there is a significant reduction in the number of T helper 1 and T helper 17 cells in GVHD target organs, demonstrating that blockade of IL-6 signaling decreases the ratio of proinflammatory T cells to Tregs. These studies demonstrate that antibody blockade of the IL-6R serves to recalibrate the effector and regulatory arms of the immune system and represents a novel, potentially clinically translatable, strategy for the attenuation of GVHD.
Paediatric respiratory training in Europe: political, educational and historical perspective*
Authors: Zach M.S.
Published: June 2009

The paediatric Harmonised Education in Respiratory Medicine for European Specialists (HERMES) initiative of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has produced a new European syllabus for Paediatric Respiratory Medicine [1]. This review will first briefly describe the political landscape into which this syllabus is released, including the relevant European Union (EU) regulations and principles and the role of trans‐European umbrella organisations. Special attention is paid to the difficult relationship between European training concepts and national traditions and regulations.

Secondly, the review takes an educational perspective, after briefly describing the competency‐based approach to training and the current concepts of the European Academy of Paediatrics/Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS)‐Section of Paediatrics on training in a tertiary care paediatric speciality. This review illustrates how the different segments of a training programme (syllabus, curriculum, learning aids and quality‐assurance measures) combine into a coherent whole. The parts of the programme that would be best provided on a European level are highlighted.

Thirdly, this review briefly describes the historical background of the current situation, from the development of the ERS Paediatric Assembly to the first syllabus, with a brief look at the adult HERMES initiative, and finally the current activities of the paediatric HERMES project.

Publication of the new paediatric respiratory syllabus can be considered as the first step on a long and demanding journey; the next components of the project and the political challenge of translating these emerging European concepts into national regulations are discussed in this review.
Bub2 regulation of cytokinesis and septation in budding yeast
Authors: Park Su Young , Cable Addie E , Blair Jessica , Stockstill Katherine E , Shannon Katie B
Published: June 2009

Background

The mitotic exit network (MEN) is required for events at the end of mitosis such as degradation of mitotic cyclins and cytokinesis. Bub2 and its binding partner Bfa1 act as a GTPase activating protein (GAP) to negatively regulate the MEN GTPase Tem1. The Bub2/Bfa1 checkpoint pathway is required to delay the cell cycle in response to mispositioned spindles. In addition to its role in mitotic exit, Tem1 is required for actomyosin ring contraction.

Results

To test the hypothesis that the Bub2 pathway prevents premature actin ring assembly, we compared the timing of actin ring formation in wild type, bub2Δ, mad2Δ, and bub2Δmad2Δ cells both with and without microtubules. There was no difference in the timing of actin ring formation between wild type and mutant cells in a synchronized cell cycle. In the presence of nocodazole, both bub2Δ and mad2Δ cells formed rings after a delay of the same duration. Double mutant bub2Δmad2Δ and bfa1Δmad2Δ cells formed rings at the same time with and without nocodazole. To determine if Bub2 has an effect on actomyosin ring contraction through its regulation of Tem1, we used live cell imaging of Myo1-GFP in a bub2Δ strain. We found a significant decrease in the total time of contraction and an increase in rate of contraction compared to wild type cells. We also examined myosin contraction using Myo1-GFP in cells overexpressing an epitope tagged Bub2. Surprisingly, overexpression of Bub2 also led to a significant increase in the rate of contraction, as well as morphological defects. The chained cell phenotype caused by Bub2 overexpression could be rescued by co-overexpression of Tem1, and was not rescued by deletion of BFA1.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that the Bub2 checkpoint pathway does not have a specific role in delaying actin ring formation. The observed increase in the rate of myosin contraction in the bub2Δ strain provides evidence that the MEN regulates actomyosin ring contraction. Our data suggest that the overexpression of the Bub2 fusion protein acts as a dominant negative, leading to septation defects by a mechanism that is Tem1-dependent.
Afferent signalling from the acid-challenged rat stomach is inhibited and gastric acid elimination is enhanced by lafutidine
Authors: Edelsbrunner Martin E , Nakano Motoko , Holzer Peter
Published: June 2009

Background

Lafutidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, the gastroprotective effect of which is related to its antisecretory activity and its ability to activate a sensory neuron-dependent mechanism of defence. The present study investigated whether intragastric administration of lafutidine (10 and 30 mg/kg) modifies vagal afferent signalling, mucosal injury, intragastric acidity and gastric emptying after gastric acid challenge.

Methods

Adult rats were treated with vehicle, lafutidine (10 – 30 mg/kg) or cimetidine (10 mg/kg), and 30 min later their stomachs were exposed to exogenous HCl (0.25 M). During the period of 2 h post-HCl, intragastric pH, gastric volume, gastric acidity and extent of macroscopic gastric mucosal injury were determined and the activation of neurons in the brainstem was visualized by c-Fos immunocytochemistry.

Results

Gastric acid challenge enhanced the expression of c-Fos in the nucleus tractus solitarii but caused only minimal damage to the gastric mucosa. Lafutidine reduced the HCl-evoked expression of c-Fos in the NTS and elevated the intragastric pH following intragastric administration of excess HCl. Further analysis showed that the gastroprotective effect of lafutidine against excess acid was delayed and went in parallel with facilitation of gastric emptying, measured indirectly via gastric volume changes, and a reduction of gastric acidity. The H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine had similar but weaker effects.

Conclusion

These observations indicate that lafutidine inhibits the vagal afferent signalling of a gastric acid insult, which may reflect an inhibitory action on acid-induced gastric pain. The ability of lafutidine to decrease intragastric acidity following exposure to excess HCl cannot be explained by its antisecretory activity but appears to reflect dilution and/or emptying of the acid load into the duodenum. This profile of actions emphasizes the notion that H2 receptor antagonists can protect the gastric mucosa from acid injury independently of their ability to suppress gastric acid secretion.
A mental health first aid training program for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: description and initial evaluation
Authors: Kanowski Len G , Jorm Anthony F , Hart Laura M
Published: June 2009

Background

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training was developed in Australia to teach members of the public how to give initial help to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis situation. However, this type of training requires adaptation for specific cultural groups in the community. This paper describes the adaptation of the program to create an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) course and presents an initial evaluation of its uptake and acceptability.

Methods

To evaluate the program, two types of data were collected: (1) quantitative data on uptake of the course (number of Instructors trained and courses subsequently run by these Instructors); (2) qualitative data on strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for the future derived from interviews with program staff and focus groups with Instructors and community participants.

Results

199 Aboriginal people were trained as Instructors in a five day Instructor Training Course. With sufficient time following training, the majority of these Instructors subsequently ran 14-hour AMHFA courses for Aboriginal people in their community. Instructors were more likely to run courses if they had prior teaching experience and if there was post-course contact with one of the Trainers of Instructors. Analysis of qualitative data indicated that the Instructor Training Course and the AMHFA course are culturally appropriate, empowering for Aboriginal people, and provided information that was seen as highly relevant and important in assisting Aboriginal people with a mental illness. There were a number of recommendations for improvements.

Conclusion

The AMHFA program is culturally appropriate and acceptable to Aboriginal people. Further work is needed to refine the course and to evaluate its impact on help provided to Aboriginal people with mental health problems.
A Statistical Analysis of Student Questions in a Cell Biology Laboratory
Authors: Keeling Elena L. , Polacek Kelly M. , Ingram Ella L.
Published: June 2009

Asking questions is an essential component of the practice of science, but question-asking skills are often underemphasized in science education. In this study, we examined questions written by students as they prepared for laboratory exercises in a senior-level cell biology class. Our goals were to discover 1) what types of questions students asked about laboratory activities, 2) whether the types or quality of questions changed over time, and 3) whether the quality of questions or degree of improvement was related to academic performance. We found a majority of questions were about laboratory outcomes or seeking additional descriptive information about organisms or processes to be studied. Few questions earned the highest possible ranking, which required demonstration of extended thought, integration of information, and/or hypotheses and future experiments, although a majority of students asked such a question at least once. We found no correlation between types of student questions or improvement in questions and final grades. Only a small improvement in overall question quality was seen despite considerable practice at writing questions about science. Our results suggest that improving students' ability to generate higher-order questions may require specific pedagogical intervention.
Prevalence and Incidence of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders in the United States: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Golden Sherita H. , Robinson Karen A. , Saldanha Ian , Anton Blair , Ladenson Paul W.
Published: June 2009

Context: There has not been a comprehensive compilation of data regarding the epidemiology of all endocrine and metabolic disorders in the United States.

Evidence Acquisition: We included 54 disorders with clinical and public health significance. We identified population-based studies that provided U.S. prevalence and/or incidence data by searching PubMed in December 2007 for English-language reports, hand-searching reference lists of six textbooks of endocrinology, obtaining additional resources from identified experts in each subspecialty, and searching epidemiological databases and web sites of relevant organizations. When available, we selected articles with data from 1998 or later. Otherwise, we selected the article with the most recent data, broadest geographical coverage, and most stratifications by sex, ethnicity, and/or age. Ultimately, we abstracted data from 70 articles and 40 cohorts.

Evidence Synthesis: Endocrine disorders with U.S. prevalence estimates of at least 5% in adults included diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, osteopenia, mild-moderate hypovitaminosis D, erectile dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and thyroiditis. Erectile dysfunction and osteopenia/osteoporosis had the highest incidence in males and females, respectively. The least prevalent conditions, affecting less than 1% of the U.S. population, were diabetes mellitus in children and pituitary adenoma. Conditions with the lowest incidence were adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and pituitary adenomas. Certain disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism and thyroid disorders, were more common in females. As expected, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was highest among ethnic minorities. Sparse data were available on pituitary, adrenal, and gonadal disorders.

Conclusions: The current review shows high prevalence and incidence of common endocrine and metabolic disorders. Defining the epidemiology of these conditions will provide clues to risk factors and identify areas to allocate public health and research resources.
Skeletal Muscle Mass in Acromegaly Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Dual-Photon X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Freda Pamela U. , Shen Wei , Reyes-Vidal Carlos M. , Geer Eliza B. , Arias-Mendoza Fernando , Gallagher Dympna , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: June 2009

Context: GH and IGF-I are nitrogen retaining and anabolic, but the impact of long-term exposure to supraphysiological GH and IGF-I, either from endogenous overproduction in acromegaly or exogenous sources, on skeletal muscle (SM) mass is not clear.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess SM mass by whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acromegaly and test the hypothesis that dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) lean tissue mass-derived estimates of SM accurately estimate true SM mass.

Design, Setting, and Patients: The design was a cross-sectional study in 27 acromegaly patients compared with predicted models developed in 315 nonacromegaly subjects and to matched controls.

Outcome Measures: Mass of SM from whole-body MRI and lean tissue from DXA were measured.

Results: SM mass did not differ from predicted or control values in active acromegaly: 31.75 ± 8.6 kg (acromegaly) vs. 33.06 ± 8.9 kg (predicted); SM was 95.6 ± 12.8% of predicted (range 66.7–122%) (P = 0.088). Lean tissue mass (DXA) was higher in acromegaly than controls: 65.91 ± 15.2 vs. 58.73 ± 13.5 kg (P < 0.0001). The difference between lean tissue mass (DXA) and SM in acromegaly patients was higher than that in controls (P < 0.0001) consistent with an enlarged non-SM lean compartment in acromegaly. SM mass predicted by DXA correlated highly with SM mass by MRI (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). SM (MRI) to SM (DXA predicted) ratio was 1.018 (range 0.896–1.159), indicating high agreement of these measures of SM.

Conclusions: SM mass in active acromegaly patients did not differ from predicted values. SM mass estimated from DXA agreed highly with SM by MRI, supporting the validity of the DXA model in assessing SM in acromegaly and other disorders of GH/IGF-I secretion.
REVISED PERCEPTIONS: CHANGING DIALECT PERCEPTIONS IN WISCONSIN AND MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA
Authors: Remlinger Kathryn , Salmons Joseph , Von Schneidemesser Luanne
Published: June 2009

This article documents the developing awareness of and positive attitudes toward regional English used in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin and also exemplifies some key regional markers in each variety. Findings demonstrate how this awareness and affinity has taken shape through historical processes. These processes have affected the structure of variation in that features once considered ethnic markers are now recognized as regional features. This indexical shift has occurred through relations with outsiders and economic processes. These new indexes are reinforced through discursive and metadiscursive practices, in particular those represented in the media, and are very much underway, shifting and changing at present. With them, some structural features have come to mean “local” and those who use them are perceived to be the “best” speakers and thus the “most authentic” locals, despite the fact that many of the stereotypical features are found throughout the upper Midwest, even in other parts of the United States and southern Ontario.
Looking beyond death: a morphogenetic role for the TNF signalling pathway
Authors: Mathew Sam J. , Haubert Dirk , Krönke Martin , Leptin Maria
Published: June 2009

Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory mediator with the capacity to induce apoptosis. An integral part of its apoptotic and inflammatory programmes is the control of cell shape through modulation of the cytoskeleton, but it is now becoming apparent that this morphogenetic function of TNF signalling is also employed outside inflammatory responses and is shared by the signalling pathways of other members of the TNF-receptor superfamily. Some proteins that are homologous to the components of the TNF signalling pathway, such as the adaptor TNF-receptor-associated factor 4 and the ectodysplasin A receptor (and its ligand and adaptors), have dedicated morphogenetic roles. The mechanism by which TNF signalling affects cell shape is not yet fully understood, but Rho-family GTPases have a central role. The fact that the components of the TNF signalling pathway are evolutionarily old suggests that an ancestral cassette from unicellular organisms has diversified its functions into partly overlapping morphogenetic, inflammatory and apoptotic roles in multicellular higher organisms.
TORC1 controls degradation of the transcription factor Stp1, a key effector of the SPS amino-acid-sensing pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shin Chun-Shik , Kim Sun Young , Huh Won-Ki
Published: June 2009

The target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway plays crucial roles in the regulation of eukaryotic cell growth. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nitrogen sources in the extracellular environment activate the TOR signaling pathway. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation of TOR activity in response to extracellular nitrogen sources are poorly understood. Here, we report that degradation of Stp1, a transcription factor for amino acid uptake and a key effector of the SPS amino-acid-sensing pathway, is controlled by TOR activity in S. cerevisiae. Using a genome-wide protein localization study, we found that Stp1 disappeared from the nucleus upon inactivation of TOR complex 1 (TORC1) by rapamycin, suggesting the involvement of Stp1 in the TOR signaling pathway. Supporting this notion, a knockout mutant for the STP1 gene was found to be hypersensitive to rapamycin, and overexpression of STP1 conferred resistance to rapamycin. Interestingly, we found that the rapamycin-induced disappearance of Stp1 from the nucleus resulted from Stp1 degradation, which was dependent on the activity of a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-like phosphatase, Sit4, which is a well-known downstream effector of TORC1. Taken together, our findings highlight an intimate connection between the amino-acid-sensing pathway and the rapamycin-sensitive TOR signaling pathway.
Real-time observation of cathodic cleaning during variable-polarity gas tungsten arc welding of aluminium alloy
Authors: Sarrafi R , Lin D , Kovacevic R
Published: June 2009

Online observation is expected to provide a better understanding of the cathodic cleaning of oxides from the molten pool during variable-polarity gas tungsten arc welding (VP GTAW) of aluminium alloys. In this paper, a machine-vision system with appropriate illumination and filtering is used to monitor in real time the effect of different process parameters on the cleaning of oxides from the molten pool during VP GTAW of Al 6061. Based on the observations, the process conditions under which a clean molten pool can be achieved are determined. In addition, the control of the welding process to maintain the consistency of cathodic cleaning is discussed. The results showed that in order to have an oxide-free molten pool, the solid surface in front of the molten pool should be cleaned from oxides by the electric arc. The choice of process parameters to satisfy this condition has been discussed. It was found that the percentage of direct current electrode positive (DCEP) polarity in the cycle of current has the highest impact on the cathodic cleaning, with the arc current having less influence, and the welding speed showing the least effect. Furthermore, in order to keep the consistency of oxide cleaning, process parameters should be set or controlled to maintain the cleaned zone larger than the molten pool.
Model of vibration in drilling into fibre-reinforced composite materials
Authors: Huang B W
Published: June 2009

A model of the dynamic drill characteristics while drilling through fibre-reinforced composite materials (FRCMs) is investigated in this study. Anisotropic and inhomogeneous materials such as FRCMs, which are used to improve product quality, make it possible to improve production rate and avoid drill breakage. Such materials were used to study the dynamic characteristics of the drilling process. A theoretical analysis model for drilling composite materials is proposed. A pre-twisted beam is used to simulate the drill. A moving Winkler-type elastic foundation is used to approximate the drilling process time-dependent boundary. Numerical analysis indicates that the vibration amplitude changes significantly as the drill moves through composite material.
Nanofinishing of hard materials using micro-electrodischarge machining
Authors: Jahan M P , Anwar M M , Wong Y S , Rahman M
Published: June 2009

Micro-electrodischarge machining (micro-EDM) has been found to be an effective method of machining all types of conductive material, regardless of hardness. The process is being widely used in the production of tools and dies using hard and difficult-to-cut materials, where the surface quality of the product is of prime importance. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the feasibility of achieving fine surface finish in the micro-EDM of hard tungsten carbide (WC) and tool steel (SKH-51). Three different approaches: sinking, milling, and powder mixed dielectric (PMD) micro-EDM were applied in order to obtain a fine surface finish. The surface characteristics of machined WC and SKH-51 were studied and compared based on the surface topography achieved, the average surface roughness ( Ra), and the peak-to-valley roughness ( Rmax) of the machined surface. It has been found that the topography and finish of the machined surface greatly depend on the discharge energy during machining. The surface generated using micro-EDM milling is found to be smoother and defect-free compared with those generated by die-sinking. At the same discharge energy, SKH-51 tool steel provides lower Ra and Rmax when compared with WC. Finally, graphite PMD has been applied in the micro-EDM of SKH-51, as it provides comparatively lower Ra and Rmax. It has been found that both the Ra and Rmax were significantly reduced and crater distribution became more uniform when graphite nanopowder mixed dielectric was applied. Among the approaches, PMD milling micro-EDM has been found to provide a relatively improved surface finish during machining SKH-51.
Numerical prediction of tonal noise generation in an inlet vaned low-speed axial fan using a hybrid aeroacoustic approach
Authors: Díaz Argüelles K M , Fernández Oro J M , Marigorta E Blanco , Morros C Santolaria
Published: June 2009

This work presents a numerical prediction of the tonal noise generation in a single-stage, axial flow fan, using a hybrid approach that first calculates the noise sources (generation) using conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques, and then estimates the noise level in the blower far-field region (propagation) by means of an aeroacoustic analogy. As a starting point, an unsteady three-dimensional full-annulus simulation of the internal flow is carried out, using a wall-modelled large eddy simulation (WMLES) scheme for the turbulence closure to identify the acoustic sources. A well-tested commercial CFD package, FLUENT, was employed for that purpose, so a complete set of unsteady forces exerted over the blades was calculated. Following, a generalization of Lighthill's aeroacoustic analogy, the so-called Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FFWH) aeroacoustic analogy, was numerically implemented using a C++algorithm to resolve an integral formulation of the free-field FFWH wave equation, where CFD data are included in the source terms. The major contribution was expected to be found in the estimation of the tonal noise levels, directly linked to the intensity of the stator—rotor interaction phenomena. Additionally, intensive experimental measurements in the noise propagation region of the fan were conducted, in order to validate the numerical study. A reasonable agreement was found in the tonal noise spectra, although important discrepancies appeared due to the attenuation produced by the fan casing, not considered in the numerical model. Although limitations in the current computational resources led to the use of a relatively coarse mesh in the CFD modelling, the numerical study provided valuable information about the particular influence of the tonal noise sources, estimating accordingly overall experimental trends, and showing the potentiality of numerical tools to deal with noise control for designers and researchers.
Magnetic planetary gear drive
Authors: Xu L , Zhu X
Published: June 2009

In this study, a magnetic planetary gear drive is proposed and its operating principle is introduced. The equations of the geometrics and kinematics for the drive are given. The equations of the magnetic induction intensity for the magnetic gear teeth are deduced. The equations of the torques between the planetary gears and sun gear or crown gear are developed. The available parameters of the magnetic planetary drive are presented and the magnetic flux density distributions of the magnetic gear teeth are investigated. The torques between the planetary gears and sun gear or crown gear are analysed. When the relative rotating angle between the gears is increased, the magnetic torque grows, gets to a maximum value, and then drops. The maximum torque represents extreme load-carrying ability of the drive system. The pole pair number, the tooth thickness and the tooth width of the magnetic gears, and the speed ratio of the drive have obvious influence on the output torques. To obtain a large magnetic torque, a large tooth width of the gear, a proper pole pair number, a proper radial thickness of the tooth, a large planetary gear number, and a large speed ratio should be chosen.
Comparison of the effect of soot deposition on the flow and thermal characteristics of finned-plate-type and shell-and-tube-type exhaust gas recirculation cooling devices
Authors: Charles F , Ewing D , Cotton J S , Gerges I E , Chang J-S
Published: June 2009

Experiments were conducted to characterize the effect that diesel soot deposition has on the operational characteristics of a finned-plate-type compact exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling device for Reynolds numbers from approximately 900 to 1200, typical of the values used in EGR applications. The results show that the Colburn j factor did not change significantly during diesel exhaust gas exposure for 5h at the lower Reynolds number, but the j factor and friction factor changed by 30–40 per cent during exposure for 5h at the Reynolds number of 1200. The Colburn j factor and friction factor for the plate-type device changed more slowly than those results for shell-and-tube heat exchangers at Reynolds numbers of 7000–9000, typical of the values used for these devices in EGR applications. Thus, the results show that the finned-plate-type compact heat exchanger operational characteristics should be less affected by soot deposition than the shell-and-tube devices in EGR applications.
Maximum acceptable differential speed ratio of lateral torque-vectoring differentials for vehicles
Authors: Sawase K , Inoue K
Published: June 2009

A lateral torque-vectoring differential consists of a slip clutch for torque vectoring from right to left, another slip clutch for torque vectoring from left to right, differential gears, and some planetary gears which generate the differential speeds of the slip clutches. The present authors introduced a design parameter, namely the maximum acceptable differential speed ratio, and showed that the design parameter is very useful to analyse the lateral torque-vectoring differentials. The minimum of the design parameter is determined by the vehicle driving condition in which the torque-vectoring differential should be activated. In order to find the most appropriate value of the design parameter, this paper studies possible influences — namely the vehicle track, vehicle cornering radius, dynamic tyre radius difference between right and left wheels, lateral torque vectoring, and tyre—road friction characteristic — on the maximum acceptable differential speed ratio. As a result, the lateral torque vectoring and tyre—road friction characteristic should be considered as much as the vehicle track or cornering radius; meanwhile the dynamic tyre radius variation is negligible. Finally, a determination method for the maximum acceptable differential speed ratio is proposed.
Strength design of a knuckle component using moving least-squares response-surface-based approximate optimization methods
Authors: Song C Y , Lee J-S
Published: June 2009

The paper deals with the strength design of an automotive knuckle component under bump and brake loading conditions. The design problem is formulated such that cross-sectional sizing variables are determined by minimizing the weight of a knuckle component subject to stresses, deformations, and frequency constraints. The initial design model is generated on the basis of an actual vehicle specification. The finite element analysis is conducted using ABAQUS, and optimal solutions are obtained via the moving least-squares method (MLSM) in the context of response-surface-based approximate optimization. For the meta-modelling of inequality constraint functions such as stresses, deformations, and frequency, a constraint-feasible moving least-squares method (CF-MLSM) is suggested in the present study. The method of CF-MLSM, compared with a conventional MLSM, has been shown to ensure the constraint feasibility in a case where the approximate optimization process is employed. The solution results from proposed optimization methods present improved design performances under both bump and brake conditions.
Numerical investigation of the influence of variable diffuser vane angles on the performance of a centrifugal compressor
Authors: Jiao K , Sun H , Li X , Wu H , Krivitzky E , Schram T , Larosiliere L M
Published: June 2009

In this study, the performance of a turbocharger compressor system for light-duty diesels, encompassing the airflow geometry from impeller inlet to volute exit, has been simulated numerically, and the effects of variable diffuser vane angles on the compressor performance and operating range have been investigated. It is found that the angle of the diffuser vane has significant influence on the compressor operating range, and optimized design of the variable diffuser vane angle can increase the stable operating range and improve the compressor efficiency significantly when compared with fixed diffuser vane angles and vaneless designs. However, changing the diffuser vane angle alone may not achieve the full control of the operating range of a compressor desired. Other technologies (e.g. variable inlet guide vanes, casing treatment, or optimum impeller design) may also be necessary to achieve the widest operating range required.