bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Distribution of Viral Antigen in Alpacas Persistently Infected With Bovine Pestivirus
Authors: Henningson J. N. , Steffen D. J. , Topliff C. L. , Kurth K. L. , Dubielzig R. R. , Brodersen B. W. , Bedenice D. , Eskridge K. M. , Callan R. J. , Reggiardo C. , Rupp G. P. , Kelling C. L.
Published: June 2012

Recently, confirmed occurrences of persistent bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in North American alpacas have raised concerns about the role of persistently infected (PI) alpacas in transmission of virus among herds, yet only limited pathological descriptions of persistent infections in alpacas have been reported. The objective of this study was to characterize BVDV antigen distribution in 10 PI alpacas of varying age and to compare viral antigen distribution and localization in tissues of PI alpacas with 5 PI calves of varying age. Ocular dysplasia was evident in 1 PI alpaca, constituting the first reported congenital ocular lesion in PI alpacas. Viral antigen was widely distributed in alpaca tissues and was prominent in neurons, endothelial cells, and vascular tunica media myocytes but had limited distribution in lymphoid tissues and moderate distribution in epithelium of several organ systems of alpacas. Macrophages in the alpaca gastrointestinal system submucosa and lymph node medullary sinuses often had prominent labeling. In addition, only 1 alpaca had antigen labeling in the bone marrow in contrast to PI cattle. Labeled cells in calf tissues were more widely distributed, occurring prominently in lymphoid and epithelial tissues. Common features of the 2 host species were widespread antigen labeling and absence of lymphoid depletion.
Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia in Tomm5–/– Mice
Authors: Vogel P. , Read R. W. , Rehg J. E. , Hansen G. M.
Published: June 2012

Almost all mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nuclear DNA and synthesized in the cytosol as pre-proteins. There is a protein translocase located in the mitochondrial outer membrane that transports mitochondrial pre-proteins into mitochondria. The central component of this translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOMM) complex is TOMM40, and TOMM5 is one of three small subunits associated with TOMM40. Translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 5 homolog ( Tomm5–/–) knockout mice demonstrated an unexpected lung-specific phenotype characterized by widespread intra-alveolar fibrosis. Although TOMM5-deficient mice tested normal in a very broad range of phenotyping assays, they displayed histopathological lesions in the lung that were consistent with those reported in humans with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), which is also known as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP). The lesions had a patchy distribution in the lung and were characterized by the presence of intraluminal fibrogenic buds consisting of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts embedded in a loose connective tissue matrix that occupied the lumina of alveoli and alveolar ducts, with preservation of underlying alveolar architecture. In addition to macrophages, which were numerous in affected and surrounding alveoli, eosinophils comprised the most common and widespread inflammatory cell. Taken together, the findings in Tomm5–/– mice provide yet another example of the value of histopathology as a baseline assay in high-throughput phenotyping systems.
Multi-scale failure analysis of plain-woven composites
Authors: Bacarreza Omar , Aliabadi MH , Apicella Alfonso
Published: June 2012

A numerical model capable of dealing with progressive degradation of plain woven composites in a computationally efficient manner is presented in this article. A semi-analytical homogenization method is used to derive effective properties of the composite from the material properties of the constituents. The progressive failure is described using nonlocal continuum damage mechanics where the driving internal variable for the damage is the nonlocal strain. The model was implemented into Abaqus/Explicit, where the failure of a longitudinal tension and an open hole tension specimens were simulated in a multi-scale manner and verified experimentally.
Institutional investor influence on global climate change disclosure practices
Authors: Cotter Julie , Najah Muftah M
Published: June 2012

Using a stakeholder engagement perspective, we investigate the collective influence of institutional investors on a comprehensive set of climate change disclosures for a global sample of large companies. The proposition tested in this paper is that the influence of these powerful stakeholders is positively associated with climate change disclosure via corporate communications channels. We find the extent and quality of climate change disclosures to be associated with three indicators of corporate responsiveness to institutional investor expectations about the disclosure of this information. These are completion and publication of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) questionnaire on CDP’s website, indications in corporate communications that CDP activities have influenced climate change disclosures, and the extent and quality of climate change information provided in CDP questionnaire responses.
Nipple Pain during Breastfeeding with or without Visible Trauma
Authors: McClellan Holly L. , Hepworth Anna R. , Garbin Catherine P. , Rowan Marnie K. , Deacon Jane , Hartmann Peter E. , Geddes Donna T.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Nipple pain is a major cause of early weaning. The causes of nipple pain are diverse, and most treatments involve experience-based assessment. There is little knowledge of the intensity or variation in pain experienced by breastfeeding women. Given the high breastfeeding initiation rates, it is important to evaluate pain experienced by lactating women in detail.

Objective:

To investigate and compare the pain experienced by breastfeeding women using objective measures.

Methods:

The type, effect, and severity of pain were measured using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory, and Visual Analogue Scale, respectively, for 2 groups of breastfeeding women. One group were experiencing persistent nipple pain despite treatment, and the other had obvious signs of nipple trauma.

Results:

Pain intensity and interference scores were highly variable for both groups. Mothers with nipple trauma reported significantly higher mean pain intensity and breastfeeding interference. Higher pain intensity scores were related to higher interference scores. After accounting for pain intensity, higher interference with general activity, mood, and sleep interference was related to longer duration of pain. There was no difference in MPQ class scores.

Conclusions:

The ramifications of nipple pain extend far beyond the act of breastfeeding, particularly for women whose pain lasts several months. Given the lack of evidence-based treatments, it is not surprising that pain is a major contributor to premature weaning. Further research into the causes of nipple pain is necessary to enable the implementation of effective interventions, thus reducing further complications such as infection and postnatal depression. Detailed pain analysis may assist in assessing the success of these interventions.
Polypropylene (PP)-based wood polymer composites
Authors: Sobczak Lukas , Welser Romana , Brüggemann Oliver , Haider Andreas
Published: June 2012

Five different maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP) coupling agents (CAs) have been tested in wood polymer composites with wood contents of 40% and 60%. The tested CAs cover a wide range of backbone molecular weight ( Mw 55–181 kDa) and also vary in MA graft level (0.5–1.5%). Furthermore, one PP copolymer-based product is among them. Mechanical properties (flexural strength, impact strength and heat deflection temperature) and water absorption (WA) have been evaluated as responses. Finally, dynamic rheological measurements on several compounds have been performed. The results show that the backbone polymer structure of the CA is the most important factor for its efficiency. Molecular weight seems to have an influence on WA properties. As regards to rheological measurements, a lubricant-like effect of a CA indicates a reduced capability for compatibilization at the interface.
Adivasi Mobilization in Contemporary India: Democratizing the Local State?
Authors: Nilsen Alf Gunvald
Published: June 2012

This article addresses the political aspects of the structural marginalization of Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes) in India. Relating to critical debates about the changing nature of state–society relations in India, the article assesses the argument that the best way for social movements in India to advance their oppositional projects is to harness the state to their attempts to deepen democracy and advance subaltern emancipation. The trajectories of two Adivasi movements in western Madhya Pradesh are analysed, and I discuss the conceptual and political lessons that can be learnt from these case studies in terms of the relationship between subaltern politics and state power in contemporary India. Theoretically grounded in Marxian state theory, the article puts forward the argument that it is necessary to move beyond both anti-statism and state-centrism in order to develop a politically enabling engagement with contemporary Adivasi mobilization in India.
Structural energy flow optimization through adaptive shunted piezoelectric metacomposites
Authors: Collet Manuel , Ouisse Morvan , Ichchou Mohamed N
Published: June 2012

In this article, a numerical approach for modeling and optimizing two-dimensional smart metacomposites is presented. The proposed methodology is based on the Floquet–Bloch theorem in the context of elastodynamics including distributed shunted piezoelectric patches. The dedicated numerical technique is able to cope with the multimodal wave dispersion behavior over the whole first Brillouin zone for periodically distributed two-dimensional shunted piezomechanical systems. Some indicators allowing the optimization of the shunt impedance for specific performance objectives are presented and applied for illustration purposes on the design of an adaptive metacomposite with specific functionalities. In order to validate the strategy, the designed metacomposite is integrated in a support structure, and a full three-dimensional model is derived to illustrate the efficiency of the approach.
Preimmigration Family Cohesion and Drug/Alcohol Abuse Among Recent Latino Immigrants
Authors: Dillon Frank R. , Rosa Mario De La , Sanchez Mariana , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: June 2012

Given the growing population of Latino immigrants in the United States, it is critical for counselors to understand pre- and postimmigration social contextual factors affecting the mental health of this heterogeneous ethnic population. The objective of our cross-sectional, retrospective study was to investigate the potential protective influence of preimmigration family cohesion on drug/alcohol abuse just prior to migration among 527 Latino young adults (age 18–34 years). Multivariate Poisson regression indicated that preimmigration family cohesion was inversely related with harmful/hazardous alcohol consumption, the frequency/quantity of alcohol use, and illicit drug use when controlling for the potentially confounding sociodemographic factors of gender, age, education, income, marital status, and immigration status (documented or undocumented). Associations between family cohesion and drug/alcohol use behaviors varied between Central American immigrants and Caribbean/South American regional groups. Preimmigration findings offer a fuller contextual understanding of the lives of Latino young adult immigrants and support the importance of family cohesion as a buffer against drug/alcohol abuse.
Intraparenchymal Chordoid Meningioma
Authors: Xi Shaoyan , Zhang Yu , Lin Suxia , Liang Jianzhong , Zeng Jing , Wu Qiuliang
Published: June 2012

Most meningiomas are benign and correspond to World Health Organization grade I, whereas chordoid meningioma is a rare subtype, which is regarded as grade II. This report presents 1 case of intraparenchymal chordoid meningioma. The intraparenchymal chordoid meningioma consisted predominantly of tissue that was histologically similar to chordoma, featuring cords or trabeculae of eosinophilic and often vacuolated cells in an abundant mucoid matrix background. Tumor cells were diffusing positive for epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin, and focusing positively for progesterone receptor, but showed lack of immunoreactivity with cytokeratin, S-100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Follow-up at 8 months showed no recurrence. Reports about chordoid meningioma are not uncommon, but reports on intraparenchymal lesion are rare. Besides, the result of magnetic resonance imaging in the present case suggested that intraparenchymal chordoid meningioma was a metastasis tumor. This report reminds of the importance of differential diagnosis in the case of intraparenchymal lesion.
Non–Small Cell Bronchial Carcinoma Metastasizing into a Prolactin-Producing Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Rotondo Fabio , Kovacs Kalman , Macdonald R. Loch , Prud’homme Gerald J , Latta Eleanor , Munoz David
Published: June 2012

This study presents the case of a 66-year-old man with a non–small cell bronchial carcinoma that metastasized into a prolactin (PRL)-producing pituitary adenoma. The pituitary adenoma cells were immunoreactive for PRL and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is hypothesized that VEGF and PRL played a role in the development of metastasis within the adenoma.
Calling and Well-Being Among Adults
Authors: Torrey Carrie L. , Duffy Ryan D.
Published: June 2012

With a sample of 194 adults, approximately half of which were involuntarily unemployed, the present study explored (a) how calling related to core self-evaluations and life satisfaction, (b) whether core self-evaluations mediated the relation of calling to life satisfaction, and (c) how these relations differed for employed/voluntarily unemployed and involuntarily unemployed adults. Mediation analyses among the three variables were tested for each group. For both groups, calling was a significant, moderate predictor of core self-evaluations. Further, core self-evaluations was found to fully mediate in the link between calling and life satisfaction among the involuntarily unemployed group and partially mediate this relation among the employed/voluntarily unemployed group. The results of the present study suggest that higher levels of calling (regardless of employment status) relates to life satisfaction via a more positive sense of self. For the employed/voluntarily unemployed group, there may be benefits of a calling beyond positive self-evaluations.
Nonclinical Toxicological Evaluation of Occidiofungin, a Unique Glycolipopeptide Antifungal
Authors: Tan Wei , Cooley Jim , Austin Frank , Lu Shi-En , Pruett Stephen B. , Smith Leif
Published: June 2012

Occidiofungin, a glycolipopeptide obtained from the liquid culture of Burkholderia contaminans MS14, has been identified as a novel fungicide. The present study was designed to initially assess the in vitro toxicity in a rat hepatoma (H4IIE) cell line and acute toxicological effects of occidiofungin using a mouse model. In vitro toxicity was observed in all variables at 5 μmol/L. B6C3F1 mice were given single and repeat doses of occidiofungin up to 20 mg/kg. Key effects were a reduction in body and organ weights. However, no significant decrease in body weight was noted at a dose of 1 mg/kg, which is comparable to the dose level of other cyclic glycopeptide antifungal agents currently approved for human use. Microscopic examination of treated mice did not identify any signs of organ-specific toxicity at the dose levels tested.
An assessment of the validity of empirical measures of state satisfaction with the systemic status quo
Authors: Kang Choong-Nam , Gibler Douglas M.
Published: June 2012

There exists no consensus as to what indicates state satisfaction with the systemic status quo even though it has been a widely used concept in the empirical literature on conflict. This is surprising because satisfaction is not a new concept in International Relations and has been accorded a central role in many theories of war. In this article, we present a measure of satisfaction based on the cost of money for sovereign borrowers and compare that measure to several leading indicators of satisfaction. We find little correlation among the existing indicators and similar variation in their ability to predict conflict. Overall, our results suggest that the cost of money may serve as a useful indicator of satisfaction as it: (1) best predicts behaviors consistent with satisfied (dissatisfied) states; (2) is least likely to obscure the impact of other common independent variables; and (3) can also be included with measures of dyadic preferences in multivariate models of conflict.
Gender acquisition in bilingual children: French–German, Italian–German, Spanish–German and Italian–French
Authors: Eichler Nadine , Jansen Veronika , Müller Natascha
Published: June 2012

This study compares gender acquisition within determiner phrases between monolingual German children and bilingual children acquiring a Romance language (French, Spanish, Italian) and German or two Romance languages simultaneously. Furthermore, the two languages within the bilingual children are compared to one another with respect to the acquisition of gender. The influence of different factors on gender acquisition is discussed: language dominance, transparency of gender marking and/or reliability of gender cues in the respective languages. It shows that bilingual children can acquire the gender systems in both languages just as monolinguals and that bilingualism per se does not have a delaying effect. In bilingual children, as in monolingual children, German is most problematic in terms of gender acquisition. French represents only slightly more problems than Spanish and Italian, the latter two-gender systems being acquired with ease. Since adult phonological gender rules are characterized by their rather low validity in German and in French, lower accuracy with German gender indicates that the way how gender is marked in the languages influences acquisition more than the validity of gender rules; in German and not in French, gender marking is intertwined with case and number markings. Although our results suggest that gender accuracy depends on the language acquired, some children do not fit into the expected pattern of gender acquisition with respect to the analysed languages. Interestingly, all these children show a language imbalance. Therefore, we claim that the children’s gender accuracy can be predicted on the basis of the language acquired, but language dominance can blur this ranking. Interestingly, it is not the case that gender is delayed in the weak language of the bilingual children; language imbalance has the effect that the child may not tend towards the predicted side of an accuracy ranking (for the weaker language). A further result of this study is that accuracy on neuter gender is lower in bilingual German than in monolingual German, suggesting that the fact that the bilingual children acquire a two-gender system simultaneously with a three-gender system has a delaying effect for target-like neuter marking.
Investigations on mechanical and sliding wear behaviour of short fibre-reinforced vinylester-based homogenous and their functionally graded composites
Authors: Gangil Brijesh , Patnaik Amar , Kumar Anoop , Kumar Mukesh
Published: June 2012

Now-a-days, short fibre-reinforced functionally graded polymer composites are used in numerous structural applications. This article presents the investigation on mechanical and sliding wear characteristics of short Kevlar fibre-reinforced vinylester resin homogenous and its functionally graded polymer composites. The composites are fabricated by simple mechanical stirring (for homogeneous) and vertical centrifugal casting technique (for graded), respectively. Among the investigated physical and mechanical characteristics, the characteristics like void-fraction, hardness and flexural strength are found to be enhanced in the case of functionally graded materials than homogeneous composites, and this increases with fibre loading. Similarly, the characteristics like tensile strength and impact strength are found to be deteriorated in case of functionally graded materials than homogeneous composites, and this increases with fibre loading. At the end, dry sliding wear behaviour are determined experimentally on pin-on-disk type friction and wear monitoring test rig, under abrasive medium environment. The designed parameters used are sliding velocities (1.5–4.5 m/s), fibre loading (0–20 wt%), normal loads (10–25 N), sliding distance (1–4 km) and abrasive grit size of 18–48 µm that creates abrasive medium. It is observed that for similar test conditions functionally graded materials exhibit much higher wear resistance than homogeneous composites. Sliding wear characteristics and their significant factor settings are successfully analysed using statistics-based Taguchi experimental design. Finally, dynamic mechanical properties of the investigated homogenous/functionally graded materials composites are studied in order to investigate the overall flexibility and interaction of the constituents, so as to improve the specific wear rate. Storage modulus of the composites improves with Kevlar fibre loading. Graded composites in most cases exhibits higher storage modulus than homogeneous composites. Surface morphology studies reveal the dynamics of erosion wear and underlying micro-mechanisms that serve as determinant for wear performance of such composites.
Development of in situ measurement system for welding deformation using digital cameras
Authors: Shibahara M , Ikushima K , Itoh S
Published: June 2012

A three-dimensional (3D) deformation (in plane and out of plane deformations) measurement method is developed using digital cameras, which require no special equipment. This method is a non-contact method, and it can sequentially measure over the entire photographed image. Furthermore, since image analysis is based on the technique of image matching, the method is applicable even when the deformation to be measured is large. In addition, since it is possible to use all pixels as measuring points, the number of available measuring points at one time is the same as the number of effective pixels of the camera. In this study, the proposed method is applied to the sequential measurement of displacement under strong lighting levels in arc welding. Through the comparison of the results measured by a 3D shape measurement system (LAT-3D) using a laser displacement gauge and digital caliper, the quantitative validity of the proposed method is also verified.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma with special emphasis on preconditioning regimen: a nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Ishida Takashi , Hishizawa Masakatsu , Kato Koji , Tanosaki Ryuji , Fukuda Takahiro , Taniguchi Shuichi , Eto Tetsuya , Takatsuka Yoshifusa , Miyazaki Yasushi , Moriuchi Yukiyoshi , Hidaka Michihiro , Akashi Koichi , Uike Naokuni , Sakamaki Hisashi , Morishima Yasuo , Kato Koji , Suzuki Ritsuro , Nishiyama Takeshi , Utsunomiya Atae
Published: June 2012

Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is an intractable mature T-cell neoplasm. We performed a nationwide retrospective study of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for ATL in Japan, with special emphasis on the effects of the preconditioning regimen. This is the largest study of ATL patients receiving HSCT. Median overall survival (OS) and 3-year OS of bone marrow or peripheral blood transplantation recipients (n = 586) was 9.9 months (95% confidence interval, 7.4-13.2 months) and 36% (32%-41%), respectively. These values for recipients of myeloablative conditioning (MAC; n = 280) and reduced intensity conditioning (RIC; n = 306) were 9.5 months (6.7-18.0 months) and 39% (33%-45%) and 10.0 months (7.2-14.0 months) and 34% (29%-40%), respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated 5 significant variables contributing to poorer OS, namely, older age, male sex, not in complete remission, poor performance status, and transplantation from unrelated donors. Although no significant difference in OS between MAC and RIC was observed, there was a trend indicating that RIC contributed to better OS in older patients. Regarding mortality, RIC was significantly associated with ATL-related mortality compared with MAC. In conclusion, allogeneic HSCT not only with MAC but also with RIC is an effective treatment resulting in long-term survival in selected patients with ATL.
Temperature and composition dependent excitonic luminescence and exciton-phonon coupling in CdSeS nanocrystals
Authors: Wu Wenzhi , Yu Dongqi , Ye Hong-an , Gao Yachen , Chang Qing
Published: June 2012

The yellow- and red-emitting CdSeS nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized through one-step organometallic synthesis method are uniformly assembled in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). A higher-energy emission band originates from band-edge excitonic state appeared at low temperature. With the Se dopant concentration increasing, the luminescent spectra of CdSeS NCs have a red-shifted emission peak and a shorter luminescent lifetime, which is attributed to the existence of trapping state caused by surface defect and Se dopant. CdSeS NC shows a shorter luminescence lifetime and higher energy emission peak in PMMA matrix than that in toluene, indicating that the former is more favorable to transfer energy through exciton-phonon coupling. The upconversion luminescence (UCL) is observed using 800 nm femtosecond laser excitation. The pump power dependence demonstrated UCL spectra of yellow-emitting CdSeS NCs has a slope of 2.2, while that of red-emitting CdSeS NCs has a slope of 1.4. The results demonstrate that the two-photon absorption plays a dominating role when Se concentration of CdSeS NCs is lower, while phonon-assisted UCL by one-photon excitation gradually takes place with the amount of Se dopants increasing.
Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 glycoprotein 150 does not contribute to latency amplification in vivo
Authors: Ruiss Romana , Ohno Shinji , Steer Beatrix , Zeidler Reinhard , Adler Heiko
Published: June 2012

Background

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) is used as a model to study the function of gammaherpesvirus glycoproteins. gp150 of MHV-68, encoded by open reading frame M7, is a positional homolog of gp350/220 of EBV and of gp35/37 of KSHV. Since it had been proposed that gp350/220 of EBV might be a suitable vaccine antigen to protect from EBV-associated diseases, gp150 has been applied as a model vaccine in the MHV-68 system. When analyzing the function of gp150, previous studies yielded conflicting results on the role of gp150 in latency amplification, and disparities between the mutant viruses which had been analyzed were blamed for the observed differences.

Results

To further develop MHV-68 as model to study the function of gammaherpesvirus glycoproteins in vivo, it is important to know whether gp150 contributes to latency amplification or not. Thus, we re-evaluated this question by testing a number of gp150 mutants side by side. Our results suggest that gp150 is dispensable for latency amplification. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of vaccination with gp150 using gp150-containing exosomes. Vaccination with gp150 induced a strong humoral and cellular immune response, yet it did not affect a subsequent MHV-68 challenge infection.

Conclusions

In this study, we found no evidence for a role of gp150 in latency amplification. The previously observed contradictory results on the role of gp150 in latency amplification were not related to differences between the mutant viruses which had been used.
Preliminary evidence for obesity-associated insulin resistance in adolescents without elevations of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Cohen Jessica I , Maayan Lawrence , Convit Antonio
Published: June 2012

Background

To ascertain whether the associations between obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance established in human adult studies are found among adolescents.

Methods

We contrasted 36 obese and 24 lean youth on fasting glucose, insulin levels, lipid profile, hemoglobin A1C, markers of hepatic function, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels. The cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-4 and the adipokines leptin, resistin, and adiponectin were also compared between the two groups. The fasting glucose and insulin values were used to estimate the degree of insulin resistance with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). T-tests and correlations were run to examine group differences and associations between groups. In addition, regression analyses were used to ascertain whether the markers of inflammation were predictive of the degree of insulin resistance.

Results

Although obese adolescents had clear evidence of insulin resistance, only CRP, fibrinogen and leptin were elevated; there were no group differences in pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines nor adiponectin and resistin. Anthropometric measures of obesity and level of insulin resistance were highly correlated to the acute phase reactants CRP and fibrinogen; however, the degree of insulin resistance was not predicted by the pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine markers. Obese adolescents had higher white blood cell counts. In addition they had higher circulating alanine aminotransferase concentrations and lower circulating albumin and total protein than lean adolescents, possibly as a result of hepatocyte damage from fatty liver.

Conclusion

Unlike rodent or adult studies, we found that wide-spread systemic inflammation is not necessarily associated with insulin resistance among adolescents. This finding does not support the current paradigm that the associations between obesity and insulin resistance are, to a significant degree, mediated by low grade systemic inflammation. These data support the need for further adolescent studies to explore these associations.
Minireview: Aldosterone Biosynthesis: Electrically Gated for Our Protection
Authors: Guagliardo Nick A. , Yao Junlan , Hu Changlong , Barrett Paula Q.
Published: June 2012

Aldosterone produced by adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells plays an important role in maintaining salt/water balance and, hence, blood pressure homeostasis. However, when dysregulated, aldosterone advances renal and cardiovascular disease states. Multiple steps in the steroidogenic pathway require Ca2+, and the sustained production of aldosterone depends on maintained Ca2+ entry into the ZG cell. Nevertheless, the recorded membrane potential of isolated ZG cells is extremely hyperpolarized, allowing the opening of only a small fraction of low-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels of the Cav3.x family, the major Ca2+ conductance on the ZG cell membrane. As a consequence, to activate sufficient Ca2+ channels to sustain the production of aldosterone, aldosterone secretagogs would be required to affect large decreases in membrane voltage, a requirement that is inconsistent with the exquisite sensitivity of aldosterone production in vivo to small changes (0.1 mm) in extracellular K+. In this review, we evaluate the contribution of membrane voltage and voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels to the control of aldosterone production and consider data highlighting the electrical excitability of the ZG cell. This intrinsic capacity of ZG cells to behave as electrical oscillators provides a platform from which to generate a recurring Ca2+ signal that is compatible with the lengthy time course of steroidogenesis and provides an alternative model for the physiological regulation of aldosterone production that permits both amplitude and temporal modulation of the Ca2+ signal.
Schubert’s Drei Klavierstücke, D. 946, Nos. 1 and 2, and the Case of the Crossed-Out C Section
Authors: Rusch René
Published: June 2012

Schubert’s Drei Klavierstücke, D. 946 (c. 1828, pub. 1868), raise several questions regarding their compositional genesis and editorial processes. Most peculiar is Schubert’s omission of an entire C section in A♭ major of what was originally to be a five-part rondo form (A–B–A–C–A) in the first piano piece. Scholars have noted this revision, acknowledging Brahms’s role as the anonymous editor of these pieces. Yet why Schubert crossed out this entire section in the manuscript remains unanswered.

Focusing on the first two Klavierstücke, since both occur within the same manuscript and are believed to have been written consecutively, this article explores some possible motivations for Schubert’s removal of the C section from the first piano piece. In particular, the article suggests that, even though the first two pieces originally shared a similar tonal and formal plan, Schubert’s treatment of mixture in the respective opening refrains may have caused him to opt instead for a three-part ternary form for the first piece and a five-part rondo form for the second. The article closes by comparing Schubert’s use of mixture in the first two piano pieces with that of several other works written by the composer around the same time.
Nature, technology and sound design in Gojira (1954)
Authors: McCorkle Brooke
Published: June 2012

In the last decade, studies dedicated to Japanese monster films, and the Gojira/Godzilla (Honda Ishiro, 1954) film series in particular, have expanded. Though many academics examine the Gojira films through a lens of popular culture and socio-historic context, almost no one considers
the importance of sound in the movies and its contribution to the narrative. This article fills this current gap in the scholarship. An analysis of the sound design for the original Gojira (1954) reveals a more nuanced understanding both of the film and the era of its conception. The soundtrack
for Gojira aurally characterizes a crucial issue in post-war Japanese culture, an issue that continues to have relevance today: the balance between nature and technology.
Colour, embodiment and dread in High Tension and A Tale of Two Sisters
Authors: Cameron Allan
Published: June 2012

With their elaborate twist endings and blurred character identities, Haute Tension/ High Tension (Alexandre Aja, 2003/2005) and Janghwa, Hongryeon/A Tale of Two Sisters (Kim Ji-woon 2003) exemplify what Thomas Elsaesser calls the ‘mind game film’. At the same time, they
embody the raw physicality of horror cinema. As in many Gothic stories, the state of bodies (missing, wounded, corrupted) and of minds (frightened, paranoid, psychotic) is made manifest in the ‘body’ of the text itself. Thus, the greenish hues of High Tension suggest a body in
decay, while in A Tale of Two Sisters the artful combination of red and green tones inflects otherwise restrained scenes with a fleshy physicality. Colour operates at a heightened level in these films, both as an affective trigger and a narrative code. It embodies ‘bad feeling’
but also offers a key to ‘reading’ the unstable relationship between the actual and the virtual. It also tells us, finally, about genre, orchestrating a fluid movement between the restrained atmospherics of what Cynthia Freeland refers to as ‘art-dread’, and the raw
power of graphic horror, between psychological anxiety and visceral embodiment.
Predicting Language Change Between 3 and 5 Years and Its Implications for Early Identification
Authors: Law James , Rush Robert , Anandan Chantelle , Cox Marie , Wood Rachael
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Early language delays across the preschool period have important implications for children, parents, and services raising the significance of early identification. Screening tests are an appealing solution but have proved problematic. A combined risk model would seem promising but has yet to be tested. The goal of this study was to examine the factors that predict language change in a nationally representative sample of children between 3 and 5 years when most children are identified as being in need of services.

METHODS:

By using data from children (n = 13 016) in the Millennium Cohort Study (a national UK birth cohort), linear regression was used to predict 5-year performance from 3-year test performance data coupled with sociodemographic and within-child factors and indicators of parental concern. Patterns of change were identified and logistic regression was used to predict the difference between children for whom profiles change and those for whom they do not.

RESULTS:

The final model (predicting 32% of the variance) included maternal education, pattern construction, behavior, language concerns, and 3-year vocabulary. Four change patterns were identified: one consistently low (n = 201), one consistently high (n = 12 066), a group that is resilient (n = 572), and one with a declining profile (n = 177). The models accurately predicted 71% of the declining group and 99% of the resilient group. Maternal education (odds ratio: 0.49) and behavior (odds ratio: 0.9) were significant predictors for the former and maternal education (odds ratio: 0.6) and pattern construction (odds ratio: 1.03) the latter.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early identification of delayed language remains problematic but, once identified, there are key indicators that predict which children are likely to be more or less at risk across time. The implications are discussed in terms of policy and practice.
Impact of Language Proficiency Testing on Provider Use of Spanish for Clinical Care
Authors: Lion K. Casey , Thompson Darcy A. , Cowden John D. , Michel Eriberto , Rafton Sarah A. , Hamdy Rana F. , Killough Emily Fitch , Fernandez Juan , Ebel Beth E.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To measure the impact of an objective evaluation of provider Spanish-language skills on self-reported language proficiency and comfort using Spanish in a range of clinical scenarios.

METHODS:

We enrolled pediatric residents with any self-reported Spanish language ability from 3 residency programs. Participants completed a baseline survey, objective language testing, and a posttest survey. We gathered demographics, self-reported Spanish ability, and comfort using Spanish in various clinical scenarios, which were grouped and analyzed by degree of complexity. Between surveys, a language testing service administered a 20-minute, telephone-based assessment of general Spanish proficiency. Scores were reported on a scale from 1 to 12, with scores ≥9 designated “proficient.” Participants received a numeric score and brief qualitative feedback on their language ability.

RESULTS:

Following testing, residents (n = 76) were significantly less likely to report comfort using Spanish in straightforward clinical scenarios, from 64% to 51% (P = .007). That difference was accounted for entirely by residents who tested at a non-proficient level (56% to 39%, P = .006). Testing had no impact on comfort using Spanish in complex or medical-legal scenarios, at any proficiency level. We found no change in self-reported Spanish proficiency in any resident group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Objective Spanish-language testing decreased nonproficient resident comfort using Spanish in straightforward clinical encounters, but it did not change comfort in complex or legal scenarios. In combination with education and enforceable policies, language testing may play an important role in decreasing nonproficient Spanish use and improving care for patients with limited English proficiency.
RCT of a Mentoring and Skills Group Program: Placement and Permanency Outcomes for Foster Youth
Authors: Taussig Heather N. , Culhane Sara E. , Garrido Edward , Knudtson Michael D.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the impact of a mentoring and skills group intervention for preadolescent children in foster care on placement stability and permanence at 1-year postintervention.

METHODS:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 9- to 11-year-old children who were maltreated and placed in foster care (n = 54 control; n = 56 intervention). State child welfare records provided information on number of placement changes, placement in residential treatment, and case closure (ie, permanency). Rates of adoption and reunification were also examined. Analysis was by intention to treat.

RESULTS:

After controlling for baseline functioning and preintervention placement history, intervention youth were 71% less likely to be placed in residential treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.98). There were no significant treatment differences in predicting placement changes or permanency for the total sample. Among a subsample of children living in nonrelative foster care at baseline, intervention youth had 44% fewer placement changes (incidence ratio = 0.56, 95% CI 0.34–0.93), were 82% less likely to be placed in a residential treatment center (OR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.03–0.96), and were 5 times more likely to have attained permanency at 1 year postintervention (OR = 5.14, 95% CI 1.55–17.07). More intervention youth had reunified 1-year postintervention [χ2(1, N = 78) = 3.99; P < .05], and the pattern of findings suggested that intervention youth had higher rates of adoption. A significant interaction [χ2(1, N = 110) = 5.43; P = .02] demonstrated that the intervention attenuated the impact of baseline behavior problems on placement changes.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings suggest that participation in a 9-month mentoring and skills group intervention leads to greater placement stability and permanence, especially for children in nonrelative foster care.
Long-term artificially aging process and vibration analysis of pipes
Authors: Kocsis D. , Horváth R. , Manó S. , Godó Z. A.
Published: June 2012

The identification of property changes and damage in various structures is one of the major points in the engineering society. This work contains the method and results of a long-term aging process implemented by an experimental system. We applied a chemical and heat artificial aging test on metal and plastic pipes to indicate the degradation levels and results with suitable measuring instruments. During our measurements of aged pipes vibration tests were performed to get information about the changing of the vibration spreading properties of different materials. We were searching for information about the property changing of widely used pipe materials to estimate the rate of degradation and the service life of these instruments more accurately.
Six-switch converter fed sensorless three-phase IM drive for home appliances
Authors: Elbarbary Z.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, a single-phase to three-phase converter is proposed to provide variable output voltage and frequency. The proposed topology employs only six IGBT switches, which form the front-end rectifier and the output inverter for the one step conversion from single-phase supply to output three-phase supply. The front-end rectifier permits bidirectional power flow and provides excellent regulation against fluctuations in source voltage. Moreover, it incorporates active input current shaping feature. An easy method to implement control strategy is proposed. This control strategy ensures nearly unity input power factor with sinusoidal input current over the operating range. Based on sensorless vector control technique, the proposed converter is used for the speed control of the three-phase induction motor. A low cost motor drive can be achieved using the proposed converter and control technique. Simulation and experimental results are carried out to analyse and explore the characteristics of the low cost drive system.
Progress in High Conversion Efficiency a-Si/μc-Si Tandem Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuhiro , Aya Youichirou , Hishida Mitsuoki , Yata Shigeo , Shinohara Wataru , Yoshida Isao , Kanematsu Daiji , Terakawa Akira , Iseki Masahiro , Tanaka Makoto
Published: June 2012

A fabrication technology for high-quality, device-grade microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) thin film with a higher deposition rate has been required to reduce the production cost of amorphous silicon (a-Si)/μc-Si tandem modules. Localized Plasma Confinement CVD (LPC-CVD) has been proposed as one solution to this problem. It was found that this CVD is suitable for the deposition of high crystalline fractions and (220) orientation in the development of small-to-medium-size substrates. Since then, we have been developing high-rate deposition technology for production-size substrates by using the essence of LPC-CVD and evaluation techniques for μc-Si materials and plasma. A stabilized module efficiency of 11.1% was reported with a very high deposition rate on a production-size substrate. To improve conversion efficiency, we have been focusing on elemental technologies as well as high-rate deposition technology. Stabilized conversion efficiency of 12.2% for small-size cells (1 cm2) and stabilized module conversion efficiency of 10.7% for production-size substrates were achieved.
Numerical model of electro-osmotic consolidation in clay
Authors: HU L. , WU W. , WU H.
Published: June 2012

Electro-osmotic consolidation is a unique soil improvement technique. A physics-based model for electro-osmotic consolidation is proposed, in which Biot's consolidation equation is coupled with the electro-osmotic flow and control equation for an electrical field, and the displacement of soil mass and pore-water pressure can be obtained. Furthermore, the non-linear variation of the mechanical and electrical properties of the soil mass during consolidation is incorporated into the model. The numerical solution agrees well with the analytical solution. The developed model can predict the ground displacement and provide useful data for the design of an electro-osmosis treatment system.
Briefing: A strategic direction for Liverpool's gay village
Authors: Eastham Richard
Published: June 2012

The Stanley Street area is widely recognised as the ‘gay village’ of Liverpool with an identity as the centre of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) scene. It hosts a vibrant night-time economy comprising bars, pubs and clubs that cater for the LGB&T community. Feria Urbanism, a Bournemouth-based urban design practice, was commissioned by Liverpool City Council to develop a strategic direction for the area. The project investigated a wide range of topics, including the redesign of the street, the creation of a new public space, the use of planning controls, architectural modifications to listed buildings and traffic management.