bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off-Hour Admission and In-Hospital Stroke Case Fatality in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Program
Authors: Reeves Mathew J. , Smith Eric , Fonarow Gregg , Hernandez Adrian , Pan Wenqin , Schwamm Lee H.
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Previous reports have shown higher in-hospital mortality for patients with acute stroke who arrived on weekends compared with regular workdays. We analyzed the effect of presenting during off-hours, defined as weekends and weeknights (versus weekdays), on in-hospital mortality and on quality of care in the Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke program.

Methods—

We analyzed data from 187 669 acute ischemic stroke and 34 845 acute hemorrhagic stroke admissions who presented to the emergency departments of 857 hospitals that participated in the GWTG-Stroke program during the 4-year period 2003 to 2007. Off-hour presentation was defined as presentation anytime outside of 7:00
am
to 6:00
pm
on weekdays. Quality of care was measured using standard GWTG quality indicators covering acute, subacute, and discharge measures. The relationship between off-hour presentation and in-hospital case fatality was examined using generalized estimating equation logistic regression adjusting for demographics, risk factors, arrival mode, and hospital characteristics.

Results—

Half of ischemic stroke admissions and 57% of hemorrhagic stroke admissions presented during off-hours. Among ischemic stroke admissions, the in-hospital case fatality rate was 5.8% for off-hour presentation compared with 5.2% for on-hour presentation (
P
<0.001). For hemorrhagic stroke admissions, in-hospital case fatality was 27.2% for off-hour presentation compared with 24.1% for on-hour presentation (
P
<0.001). After adjusting for patient-level and hospital-level factors, presentation during off-hours was significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality for both ischemic stroke (adjusted OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.14) and hemorrhagic stroke admissions (adjusted OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.27). No differences were observed between off-hour presentation and any of the quality of care measures.

Conclusions—

Off-hour presentation was associated with an increased risk of dying in-hospital, although the absolute effect was small for ischemic stroke admissions (0.6% difference; number needed to harm=166) and moderate for hemorrhagic stroke (3.1% difference; number needed to harm=32). Reducing the disparity in hospital-based outcomes for admissions that present during off-hours represents a potential target for quality improvement efforts, although evidence of differences in the quality of care by time of presentation was lacking.
Numerical modelling of extraction of spudcans
Authors: ZHOU X.X. , CHOW Y.K. , LEUNG C.F.
Published: November 2008

A finite element model was developed to simulate the extraction of spudcans embedded in soft clay. The spudcan was assumed to be ‘wished in place'. To simulate the effect of installation, assumptions were made to approximate the stress field and excess pore water pressure field in the soil above the spudcan, and for the effect of installation beneath the spudcan, load was applied on the spudcan until bearing failure of the soil was achieved. Thereafter, the maximum installation load (preload) was reduced to the maintained vertical load, and consolidation of the soil was allowed to occur to simulate the waiting (operational) period of the spudcan. In spite of the simplifying assumptions made in the finite element model, the results show an encouraging measure of agreement with the centrifuge tests results of Purwana et al. The significance of base suction in the extraction of the spudcan is further demonstrated. Parametric studies using marine clay properties show that the ratio of the difference between the breakout force and the top soil resistance at breakout over the maximum installation load depends largely on the soil properties and the waiting time after adjusting for the effect of the geometric size of the spudcan. Hence this may be a plausible way to estimate the force required for the extraction of spudcans embedded in soft clay.
Estimation of Clinical Axial Extension of Class II Caries Lesions with Ultraspeed and Digital Radiographs: An In-vivo Study
Authors: Bin-Shuwaish M. , Dennison J. B. , Yaman P. , Neiva G.
Published: November 2008

Clinical Relevance

Both Ultraspeed and RVG-6000 radiographs underestimated the true clinical extension of Class II caries lesions; however, the RVG-6000 was more accurate in estimating the axial extension of a lesion than Ultraspeed films. Placement of Ultraspeed film was more pleasant for the patient than the RVG-6000 size 2 sensor.
Adolescent Psychiatry and the Concepts of “Open System” in the Service of EGO Growth and Evolvement
Authors: Hofstatter Leopold , Amanat Ebrahim
Published: November 2008

The design of a carefully planned treatment program for disturbed adolescents within the framework of Bertalanffy's “Open System” theory is presented in some detail. It follows closely the four psychiatrically important principles of:

1. Openness and interaction (mutuality) 2. Intrinsic spontaneous goal directed activity 3. Maintenance of a “steady state” of balanced tension, and 4. Increasing self-governing organization.

It addresses itself to both the patient as a system and the related systems of his ward, his unit (patients and staff), his family, school, and even civic organizations. The treatment program has proven promising in the two years of its existence.
Psychosocial Stress and Ischaemic Heart Disease: An Evaluation in the Light of the Diseases' Attribution to War Service
Authors: Tennant Christopher
Published: November 2008

This review of the psychosocial aetiology of ischaemic heart disease is prompted by a recent decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to accept that the ischaemic heart disease of a non combatant World War II veteran could be attributed to his war service. In the light of existing clinical and research evidence the Tribunal appears to have erred in its judgement. The precedent this particular decision establishes may prove extremely costly.
The Psychiatrist in the Spinal Unit
Authors: Fraser Allen
Published: November 2008

The value of psychiatric involvement in the routine management of spinal-injured patients is described with particular reference to one psychiatrist's experience in a busy spinal unit. Proposals for future expansion of the service are made.
Potential for Psychiatric Leadership in Health Care
Authors: Eisen Peter
Published: November 2008

Some individual Australian psychiatrists have held influential positions in the administration of health care, academic institutions and medical research. It is timely to assess whether individual or group action best meets psychiatry's professional and service needs. Through an exploration of aspects of professionalism, power, leadership, change in the nature and control of health care, and psychiatry's political roles, a case is made for corporate action aimed at psychiatry establishing leadership roles in Australian health care.
Mental Phenomena as Changes of State in a Finite-State Machine
Authors: Kydd R. R. , Wright J. J.
Published: November 2008

This paper examines the classical functions of the psyche—cognition, affection and conation—from a phenomenological viewpoint and finds them to be defined each in terms of the other. It is held that this circularity of definition reflects the fundamental unity of conscious experience and, as a consequence, that the search for the biological substrate underlying individual functions too readily degenerates into a morphological and biochemical phrenology. An alternative approach, based on considerations from the field of artificial intelligence, is discussed. This approach provides a description of mental phenomena as changes of state in a finite-state machine, the next state being determined by both previous states and current inputs. This concept is shown to be compatible with the descriptions of conscious experience outlined in the phenomenology of Karl Jaspers. It is suggested that neurobiological investigations should be directed towards defining the processes by which state changes occur and further seeking to define mental pathology as aberrations of these dynamic processes.
The History and Present Status of Moral Insanity
Authors: Ellard John
Published: November 2008

Psychiatric taxonomies, always a little uncertain, are most confused and illogical when they endeavour to encompass the moral and legal aspects of human behaviour. The concept of moral insanity represented a step backwards when it came into being, but it has persisted for a century and a half, changing only its title. Its creation and its subsequent history exemplify some of the common errors in psychiatric theorising.
A Survey of Patients in a Regional Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Unit
Authors: Harrison Arthur W. , Kernutt Graeme J. , Piperoglou Michael V.
Published: November 2008

The functioning is described of a regional geriatric psychiatry unit with inpatient beds supplemented by an active community team. Data were collected on 100 consecutive patients admitted between November 1985 and July 1986. Eighty-seven per cent of patients were discharged during the course of the study, the majority (66%) to their own homes or to special accommodation houses, 9% to nursing homes, 7% to general hospitals for treatment and 5% to other psychiatric hospitals for social reasons. The patients were characterized by multiple psychiatric and physical disorders, 26% receiving multiple major psychiatric diagnoses. Fifty-two per cent suffered from significant previously recognized physical disorders and 47% had significant physical illnesses diagnosed for the first time during their admission. At the conclusion of the study 7% remained in long-term wards.
Training in Psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Grant Donald A.
Published: November 2008

Since the establishment of the Fellowships Board and the Committee for Training in 1985, training in psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand has come under close scrutiny and development of training has been given new impetus. This paper reviews the development of training in psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand over the last three decades, focusing on the philosophical, organisational and accreditation aspects. The present scene, with its strengths and weaknesses, is reviewed and compared with that currently existing in the United States and Britain. Possible future directions and recommendations are then outlined.
The angiopoietin 1/angiopoietin 2 balance as a prognostic marker in primary glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Sie Mariska , Wagemakers Michiel , Molema Grietje , Mooij Jan Jakob A. , de Bont Eveline S. J. M. , den Dunnen Wilfred F. A.
Published: November 2008

Object

In the present study, the authors analyzed the ANGPT1/ANGPT2 balance in the context of therapeutic outcome in 62 patients with primary glioblastomas multiforme (GBMs).

Methods

The tumor tissue used was obtained in adult patients who underwent neurosurgical debulking. Microvessel density was assessed by morphometric analysis. Double immunostaining for Ki 67/CD34 and cleaved caspase-3/CD34 was used to investigate the proliferation and apoptotic fraction of both endothelial and tumor cells. The expression of VEGFs (A–D) was evaluated on immunohistochemistry. To measure tumor vascular stabilization, the ANGPT1/ANGPT2 mRNA balance was determined using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Within the hypoxic perinecrotic tumor area, the apoptotic fraction of endothelial cells was positively correlated with VEGFA expression (p < 0.001). Higher levels of VEGFA correlated with greater proliferation of endothelial cells in the intermediate tumor area (p = 0.031). Vascular endothelial growth factor D was significantly more highly expressed within the perinecrotic tumor area compared with the intermediate tumor area (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between the ANGPT1/ANGPT2 balance and the survival time of patients with GBMs (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that the ANGPT1/ANGPT2 balance has prognostic value in patients with primary GBMs. The authors' findings support the need for further studies of the feasibility of antiangiogenic therapy in primary GBMs, with a special focus on the normalization of tumor vasculature.
Hybrid kernel learning via genetic optimization for TS fuzzy system identification
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Yupu
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a new TS fuzzy system identification approach based on hybrid kernel learning and an improved genetic algorithm (GA). Structure identification is achieved by using support vector regression (SVR), in which a hybrid kernel function is adopted to improve regression performance. For multiple‐parameter selection of SVR, the proposed GA is adopted to speed up the search process and guarantee the least number of support vectors. As a result, a concise model structure can be determined by these obtained support vectors. Then, the premise parameters of fuzzy rules can be extracted from results of SVR, and the consequent parameters can be optimized by the least‐square method. Simulation results show that the resulting fuzzy model not only achieves satisfactory accuracy, but also takes on good generalization capability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inadvertent subclavian artery catheter placement complicated by stroke: Endovascular management and review
Authors: Jahromi Babak S. , Tummala Ramachandra P. , Levy Elad I.
Published: November 2008

Background:

Removal of large‐bore venous catheters misplaced within the subclavian artery risks significant hemorrhage due to the noncompressible entry site. Comorbidities in these patients often make traditional surgical approaches prohibitive.

Case Description:

We present a case of inadvertent subclavian artery placement of a central venous catheter complicated by thromboembolic stroke, illustrate treatment with a combination of percutaneous closure and temporary balloon tamponade, and review the endovascular management of this unusual problem.

Conclusion:

Endovascular treatment of inadvertent subclavian artery catheterization appears to be a reasonable option, and its less‐invasive nature may be beneficial for patients in whom the underlying disease initially required central venous access. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: FeCl3/TMSCl: An Effective Catalytic System for the Conjugate Addition of Sodium p‐Toluenesulfinate to α,β‐Enones.
Authors: Sreedhar B. , Reddy M. Amarnath , Reddy P. Surendra
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Feasibility Study on Membrane‐Aided Cleanup and Fractionation of Fatty Acid Esters Produced from Waste Fats
Authors: Wichmann Hubertus , Sahlabji Taher , Ohnesorge Maren , Vogt Roland , Bahadir Müfit
Published: November 2008

Significant efforts are being made to replace mineral oil by renewable raw materials in technical products such as lubricating oils. Energy‐ and cost‐effective production and refinement routes for such oils, e. g., fatty acid esters, are in progress. In this context, a feasibility study is performed into whether the application of membrane‐aided separation procedures is suitable for the hydrophobic matrix of fatty acid methylesters (FAME). It is found that an enrichment of saturated acid esters from 28 to 51% is possible in just three steps for an unsaturated fatty acid ester matrix. The free fatty acids content can also be considerably reduced. This cleanup effect can be enhanced by the inclusion of a basic additive.
Missing row reconstruction on three low index surfaces of ten FCC metals
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Min , Zhang Min‐Yan , Xu Ke‐Wei
Published: November 2008

With modified embedded‐atom method (MEAM), the surface energies of the perfect and (1×2) missing row structure on (100), (110) and (111) surfaces, and (1×3), (1×4) and (1×5) missing row structure on (110) surface have been calculated for ten FCC metals Pb, Au, Pt, Ir, Ag, Pd, Rh, Cu, Ni and Al. According to the energy minimization, we know that the (1×2) missing row reconstruction cannot be formed spontaneously on (100) and (111) surfaces of all ten FCC metals. However, not only (1×2) but also (1×3) missing row reconstruction can be formed on (110) surface of Au, Pt and Al spontaneously. These are consistent with the experimental results except Al for which the experiment has not been reported. The results are also analyzed in terms of the surface configurations and valence electron structures. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhancing the pinning strengths in polycrystalline MgB2
Authors: Obaidat I. M. , Albiss B. A. , Gharaibeh M. , Hasan M. K.
Published: November 2008

The dependence of the critical current density, Jc, on the gamma irradiation dose in MgB2 polycrystalline superconducting specimens has been studied. The MgB2 samples were irradiated with 10 MR and 20 MR doses of γ‐rays. The critical current density, Jc was found to be enhanced almost at all temperatures after irradiation. The enhancement of Jc was found to be linear with the irradiation dose at all temperatures. We also report on the correlation between the superconducting transition temperature and the residual resistivity ratio. Most of our results agree with the Testardi and Mooij rules which suggest that the dominant pairing mechanism of MgB2 is the phonon‐mediated interaction. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The influence of melt stirring intensity on the axial impurity distribution in proustite single crystals grown by the Stockbarger method using ACRT
Authors: Distanov V. E. , Kirdyashkin A. G.
Published: November 2008

The influence of modulated crucible rotation on the axial distribution of Cu, Mg and Si impurities in proustite single crystals grown by the Stockbarger method using ACRT is studied in a wide range of Taylor numbers (1.9·105 < Ta < 7.12·107). The impurity content in the upper part and in the tail portion of the grown crystals is measured using X‐ray‐phase analysis. Micro and macrostriations are observed in the grown crystals. The wavelengths of impurity content fluctuations have been determined. The microfluctuations of axial impurity content are caused by modulated crucible rotation. The studies have revealed that the ACRT provides an effective removal of impurities from the main part of the grown crystal at high intensity of melt stirring, and consequently, the ACRT can be applied validly to decrease the impurity content during the growing of high‐quality proustite single crystals. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The heterotrimeric G‐protein α‐subunit Gαq regulates TCR‐mediated immune responses through an Lck‐dependent pathway
Authors: Ngai Jacob , Methi Trond , Andressen Kjetil Wessel , Levy Finn Olav , Torgersen Knut Martin , Vang Torkel , Wettschureck Nina , Taskén Kjetil
Published: November 2008

Here, we examined the functional involvement of heterotrimeric G‐proteins in TCR‐induced immune responses. TCR/CD3 crosslinking resulted in activation of both Gαq and Gαs, but not Gαi‐2. Targeting of Gαs, Gαi‐2 and Gαq using siRNA demonstrated a specific role of Gαq in TCR signaling. Jurkat TAg T cells with Gαq knockdown displayed reduced activation of Lck and LAT phosphorylation, but paradoxically showed sustained ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased NFAT‐AP‐1‐reporter activity implicating Gαq in the negative control of downstream signaling and IL‐2‐promoter activity. Primary T cells isolated from Gαq‐deficient mice had a similar TCR signaling response with reduced proximal LAT phosphorylation, sustained ERK1/2 phosphorylation and augmented immune responses including increased secretion of IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐12 and TNF‐α. The effects on NFAT‐AP‐1‐reporter activity were sensitive to the Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 and were reversed by transient expression of constitutively active Lck. Furthermore, expression of constitutively active Gαq Q209L elevated Lck activity and Zap‐70 phosphorylation. Together these data argue for a role of Gαq in the fine‐tuning of proximal TCR signals at the level of Lck and a negative regulatory role of Gαq in transcriptional activation of cytokine responses.
A Griscelli syndrome type 2 murine model of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
Authors: Pachlopnik Schmid Jana , Ho Chen‐Hsuan , Diana Julien , Pivert Gérard , Lehuen Agnès , Geissmann Frédéric , Fischer Alain , de Saint Basile Geneviève
Published: November 2008

Griscelli syndrome type 2 is caused by mutations in the RAB27A gene and is a rare and potentially fatal immune disorder associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Animal models could provide assistance for better understanding the mechanisms and finding new treatments. Rab27a‐deficient (ashen) mice do not spontaneously develop HLH. When injected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) strain WE, Rab27a‐deficient C57BL/6 mice developed wasting disease, hypothermia, splenomegaly, cytopenia (anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), hypertriglyceridemia and increased levels of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, GM‐CSF, IL‐12, CCL5 and IL‐10. Activated macrophages with hemophagocytosis were found in liver sections of these mice. Compared with perforin‐deficient mice, LCMV‐infected Rab27a‐deficient mice showed a substantially better survival rate and slightly higher viral doses were needed to trigger HLH in Rab27a‐deficient mice. This study demonstrates that LCMV‐infected Rab27a‐deficient C57BL/6 mice develop features consistent with HLH and, therefore, represent a murine model of HLH in human Griscelli syndrome type 2.
Design of allele‐specific primers and detection of the human ABO genotyping to avoid the pseudopositive problem
Authors: Yaku Hidenobu , Yukimasa Tetsuo , Nakano Shu‐ichi , Sugimoto Naoki , Oka Hiroaki
Published: November 2008

PCR experiments using DNA primers forming mismatch pairing with template lambda DNA at the 3′ end were carried out in order to develop allele‐specific primers capable of detecting SNP in genomes without generating pseudopositive amplification products, and thus avoiding the so‐called pseudopositive problem. Detectable amounts of PCR products were obtained when primers forming a single or two mismatch pairings at the 3′ end were used. In particular, 3′ terminal A/C or T/C (primer/template) mismatches tended to allow PCR amplification to proceed, resulting in pseudopositive results in many cases. While less PCR product was observed for primers forming three terminal mismatch pairings, target DNA sequences were efficiently amplified by primers forming two mismatch pairings next to the terminal G/C base pairing. These results indicate that selecting a primer having a 3′ terminal nucleotide that recognizes the SNP nucleotide and the next two nucleotides that form mismatch pairings with the template sequence can be used as an allele‐specific primer that eliminates the pseudopositive problem. Trials with the human ABO genes demonstrated that this primer design is also useful for detecting a single base pair difference in gene sequences with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of at least 45.
DNA repair phenotype and cancer susceptibility—A mini review
Authors: Li Chunying , Wang Li‐E. , Wei Qingyi
Published: November 2008

DNA repair is a complicated biological process, consisting of several distinct pathways, that plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of genomic integrity. The very important field of DNA repair and cancer risk has developed rapidly in the past decades. In this review of selected published data from our laboratory, we describe mostly our work on the study of phenotypic markers of nucleotide excision repair (NER), as measured by the benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE)/ultraviolet (UV)‐induced mutagen sensitivity assays, BPDE‐induced adduct assay, host cell reactivation (HCR)‐DNA repair capacity (DRC) assay, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay and reverse‐phase protein lysate microarray (RPP) assay, by using peripheral blood lymphocytes in a series of molecular epidemiological studies. Results of our studies suggest that individuals with reduced DRC have an elevated cancer risk. This finding needs additional validation by other investigators, and we also discussed issues in conducting this kind of research in the future. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐risk factor profile, estrogen levels, and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women
Authors: Rod Naja Hulvej , Hansen Åse Marie , Nielsen Jens , Schnohr Peter , Grønbæk Morten
Published: November 2008

Obesity, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and postmenopausal hormone use are known modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. We aim to measure incidence rates of breast cancer for women with favorable levels on all 4 risk factors (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2, alcohol <1 drink/week, physically active and no current hormone use) and to evaluate their associations with estrogen. The 5,054 postmenopausal women in the Copenhagen City Heart Study were asked about risk factors at baseline in 1981–3 and were followed until 2002 in the Danish Cancer Registry, with <0.1% loss to follow‐up. Estradiol was measured in a subset of 1,042 women. During follow‐up, 263 women developed breast cancer. Twenty‐six percent of the women had a favourable risk factor profile, and their breast cancer rates were markedly lower (154 per 100,000 years) than women with 3+ risk factors (460 per 100,000 years). One, two and three risk factors were associated with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.92), 1.84 (1.26; 2.67) and 2.79 (1.59; 4.88) compared to women with a favourable profile. Each of the risk factors was associated with estrogen. In conclusion, the risk of breast cancer was markedly lower for women with a favourable risk profile than for other women and lower estrogen levels is a possible explanation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repression of NF‐κB and activation of AP‐1 enhance apoptosis in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Huang Xu , Olumi Aria F.
Published: November 2008

TNFα and TRAIL, 2 members of the tumor necrosis factor family, share many common signaling pathways to induce apoptosis. Although many cancer cells are sensitive to these proapoptotic agents, some develop resistance. Recently, we have demonstrated that upregulation of c‐Fos/AP‐1 is necessary, but insufficient for cancer cells to undergo TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Here we present a prostate cancer model with differential sensitivity to TNFα and TRAIL. We show that inhibition of NF‐κB or activation of AP‐1 can only partially sensitize resistant prostate cancer cells to proapoptotic effects of TNFα or TRAIL. Inhibition of NF‐κB by silencing TRAF2, by silencing RIP or by ectopic expression of IκB partially sensitized resistant prostate cancer. Similarly, activation of c‐Fos/AP‐1 only partially sensitized resistant cancer cells to proapoptotic effects of TNFα or TRAIL. However, concomitant repression of NF‐κB and activation of c‐Fos/AP‐1 significantly enhanced the proapoptotic effects of TNFα and TRAIL in resistant prostate cancer cells. Therefore, multiple molecular pathways may need to be modified, to overcome cancers that are resistant to proapoptotic therapies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated compound verification using 2D‐NMR HSQC data in an open‐access environment
Authors: Keyes Philip , Hernandez Gonzalo , Cianchetta Giovanni , Robinson James , Lefebvre Brent
Published: November 2008

Since the introduction of NMR prediction software, medicinal chemists have imagined submitting their compounds to corporate compound registration systems that would ultimately display a simplified pass/fail result. We initially implemented such a system based on HPLC and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) data that is embedded within our industry standard sample submission and registration process. By using gradient‐heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) experiments, we have extended this concept to NMR data through a comparison of experimentally acquired data against predicted 1H and 13C NMR data. Integration of our compound registration system with our analytical instruments now provides our chemists unattended and automated NMR verification for collections of submitted compounds. The benefits achieved from automated processing and interpretation of results produced enhanced confidence in our compound library and released the chemists from the tedium of manipulating large amounts of data. This allows scientists to focus more of their attention to the drug discovery process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma ADMA concentrations at birth and mechanical ventilation in preterm infants: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Richir Milan C. , van Leeuwen Paul A.M. , van den Berg Anemone , Wessels Ronni , Twisk Jos W.R. , Rauwerda Jan A. , Teerlink Tom , de Vries Theo P.G.M. , van Elburg Ruurd M.
Published: November 2008

Rationale

Nitric oxide (NO) produced in the lung is an important mediator of normal lung development, vascular smooth muscle relaxation, and ventilation perfusion matching. NO is synthesized from arginine by the action of NO‐synthase (NOS). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous derivate of arginine, inhibits NOS and is thereby a determinant of NO synthesis. We compared ADMA and arginine levels in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation with preterm infants who did not require mechanical ventilation and determined the relation between ADMA and the length of mechanical ventilation in these infants.

Methods

Thirty preterm infants, mean (SD) gestational age 29.3 (1.7) weeks and birth weight 1,340 (350) gram, of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the VU University Medical Center were included. ADMA and arginine were measured in umbilical cord blood and the length of mechanical ventilation (days) was registered.

Results

Gestational age and birth weight were significantly smaller in infants requiring mechanical ventilation, but were not significantly correlated with plasma ADMA concentration after birth. Plasma ADMA concentrations were significantly higher in infants who required mechanical ventilation than in infants who did not require mechanical ventilation (1.53 ± 0.23 and 1.37 ± 0.14 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.036). ADMA concentration was significantly related to length of mechanical ventilation (B = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.1–5.6; P = 0.006), also after adjustment for gestational age (B = 2.3; 95% CI: 0.4–4.2; P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Preterm infants who require mechanical ventilation have increased ADMA levels compared to non‐ventilated preterm infants. ADMA levels at birth are related to the length of mechanical ventilation. An increased ADMA concentration could reduce NO synthesis, which could lead to insufficient gas exchange and, consequently, a longer period of mechanical ventilation. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1161–1166. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Jiangnan gentry’s responses to “The great famine in 1877–1878”: The famine relief in north Jiangsu
Authors: Hu ZHU
Published: November 2008

Although “The great famine in 1877–1878” breaking out in the early years of Emperor Guangxu’s reign has mainly struck North China areas, it has also great social impact on another important area—Jiangnan. The past surveys in academic circle basically ignore the meaning of this drought from the aspect of localism in Jiangnan. When an important movement of drought relief in modern China is mentioned, that is, the rise of charity relief in the late Qing Dynasty, the judgment is not totally accurate. In fact, when they were purely facing the drought, Jiangnan produced various responses carrying a firm stand of localism to protect their county and land. Among these responses, drought relief in the north of Jiangsu launched by gentries from Jiangnan is essentially a continuity of traditional drought relief in Jiangnan since the Ming and Qing dynasties.
A changing target language: trends in American English as viewed from the EFL perspective of China
Authors: Xianlong Fan
Published: November 2008

Changing trends in colloquial American English from the viewpoint of a visitor and their implications for teaching of English in China. Knowing that language changes and an appreciation of current changes is of great importance for foreign-language learners as it helps enable them to have a good command of the current language so as to strengthen their ability to communicate with native speakers with facility. The reality Chinese learners of English face is, however, that they hardly have opportunities to be exposed to natural spoken forms of the target language around them, let alone access to its current changing trends. This paper aims to present such information. Based on the investigation I made among native English-speaking Americans, it tries, from a descriptive pragmatic point of view, to give an account of some salient trends of American English in daily communication. It takes everyday spoken American English as the object of study, for it is the kernel part of the language for social interaction. It is this part of the language that first undergoes changes in response to various social events, and that, having much to do with the study of language use, deserves our special attention.
“Cloud-Cuckoo-Land” or: Feedback as the Central Component in Foreign-Language Teaching
Authors: Walmsley J. B.
Published: November 2008

In this paper I shall argue that FEEDBACK constitutes a central but unjustly neglected concept in the study of institutionalized foreign language learning. Since feedback is the crucial element in distinguishing cybernetic from linear models in general, I shall also be adopting the position that language learning, and foreign-language learning in particular, is best represented in cybernetic terms. To date, however, as Crothers and Suppes (1967:19) point out, feedback in psychological literature (and the same is true, I think, for the literature on foreign-language teaching) has usually been characterized simply as a 0, 1 event-that is, as a binary opposition which could be represented as “yes/no.” Our discussion will show, however, that even in the limited communication situation of the foreign-language classroom the students can and do extract much more from the behavior of the teacher than we might suppose – even if what they learn is somewhat different in nature from what the teacher intends. In proposing an explicitly cybernetic approach as a basis for modeling foreign-language learning, we must be careful to point out that this approach has most in common with many models put forward to explain particular processes within biology and, in the study of speech, with those postulated to explain speech degeneration (Arnold 1960, 1961; Gerard 1959; Milisen 1966; West 1957; Wolf and Wolf 1959; Wood 1945) and also some aspects of speech production and perception (Laver's 1970 model is implicitly cybernetic, as are Corder's speculations on the role of error in foreign-language learning. The analysis-by-synthesis model of speech perception, in that it can be reduced to the form HYPOTHESIS + FEEDBACK, is also essentially cybernetic in nature.)
The Role of Fallacies in the Diachrony of Sentence Connectives
Authors: Abraham Werner
Published: November 2008

In this essay, the methodological point of departure is the assumption that the Saussurian inherited distinction between diachronic and synchronic levels of description is fictitious and arbitrary and will therefore have to be abandoned in its stringent interpretation (see Baumgärtner's convincing display of arguments (Baumgärtner 1969) and, in the same vein, Kanngießer 1972). Not only, it will be argued, is this meanwhile classical dichotomy unnecessary, and does it fail to account for similarities between semantic change and certain types of human reasoning, but it leads into blind alleys when one attempts to systematize various linguistic phenomena. The integration of catachresis, metaphor, and other figurative usage of lexical items into a theory of grammar are cases in point (Abraham 1975).
On the (in)applicability of Piagetian thought to language learning
Authors: Felix Sascha W.
Published: November 2008

In recent years research on language acquisition (both L1 and L2) has gradually turned away from the domain of pure description towards dealing with problems of explanation. Most students of language development feel that it is somewhat insufficient to merely state the linguistic regularities and verbal strategies that according to the available production data appear to govern processes of language learning; rather, it seems desirable that the regularities observable in the learner's verbal behavior over time be in some wayexplained. Frequently, the termexplanationis—implicitly rather than explicitly—understood as an attempt to reduce the specific linguistic regularities found in language learning processes to a set of some more general (i.e. non-linguistic) principles that will not only control other learning tasks as well, but will also govern man's mental activities as such (Slobin 1973, Schlesinger 1977, Larsen-Freeman 1976, Bever 1970, Wong-Fillmore 1976). Among those mental domains which appear to provide principles general enough to be applicable to problems of language, learning cognition or rather cognitive development turned out to be the most promising. As a consequence, a large number of studies focused on the attempt toexplainformal linguistic properties of language learning processes in terms of more general regularities in man's cognitive abilities as they develop (Seliger 1980, Gass 1980, Felix 1976, Sinclair-de-Zwart 1973, Meisel 1979, Clahsen 1979). In fact, the termexplanationfrequently means little more than reducing language acquisition to aspects of cognitive development.
On predicting phonological difficulty in second language acquisition
Authors: Eckman Fred R.
Published: November 2008

The amount of influence that a learner's native language has on the acquisition of a second language is an issue which has received considerable attention in research on second language acquisition. The thesis of this paper is that, within the context of the Interlanguage Hypothesis (Selinker 1972) and the Markedness Differential Hypothesis (Eckman 1977), some important properties of a learner's interlanguage (IL) can be predicted.

More specifically, it is shown that speakers of Cantonese and Japanese internalize different IL rules in attempting to deal with English word-final voice contrasts. Whereas speakers of Cantonese devoice word-final obstruents in the target language, Japanese speakers insert a word-final schwa after the voiced obstruent. However, each of these rules can be correlated with facts about the phonology of the native language, supporting the conclusion that some important aspects of ILs can be predicted on the basis of a comparison of the native and target languages.
The Relationship Between Conceptual Level and Communicative Competence in French
Authors: Horwitz Elaine K.
Published: November 2008

This study explored the relationship between conceptual level a social cognitive variable and second language communicative competence. Conceptual level indexes both cognitive complexity and interpersonal maturity which have been related to first language communicative abilities. The research hypotheses stated that conceptual level was related to the development of communicative competence while foreign language aptitude was related to linguistic competence (mastery of the structural components of a second language).

Conceptual level was found to be related to both communicative and linguistic competence(r = .54, p < .001;r = .48, p < .001)as was foreign language aptitude(r = .40, p < .01; r = .41, p < .01). However, foreign language aptitude was not found to be related to linguistic competence when conceptual level was statistically controlled (r = .20, p < .135). Conceptual level, on the other hand, was found to be related to communicative competence when foreign language aptitude was statistically controlled (r = .42, p < .01). Thus, conceptual level appears to be an important individual variable in second language learning.
Intake: On Models and Methods for Discovering Learners' Processing of Input
Authors: Chaudron Craig
Published: November 2008

Models of the second language acquisition process have not specifically elaborated on the nature of the learner's perception and processing of target language input, a process known as intake. They have typically failed to specify the mechanisms or variables involved in the intake process or to distinguish between the stages of processing input from perception, to comprehension, to assimilation into an interlanguage grammar. Research and theoretical models from L1 psycholinguistic literature have been neglected. Recent L1 and L2 research on language processing are compared, and experimental methods for eliciting data to confirm them are discussed.
The Social Context for Language Learning—A Neglected Situation?
Authors: Breen Michael P.
Published: November 2008

This paper offers an examination of classroom language learning from the perspectives of research and teaching. It addresses two questions: (1) What are the specific contributions of the classroom to the process of language development?; and (2) In what ways might the teacher exploit the social reality of the classroom as a resource for the teaching of language? The paper explores the classroom as a special social situation and identifies certain aspects of classroom language learning that seem to be neglected by current research. It offers also new directions for research and proposals for language teaching deduced from particular social and psychological characteristics of classroom life.
Getting the Subtle Distinctions: Should versus Had Better
Authors: Altman Roann
Published: November 2008

Careful observation of the speech of even advanced learners of English often reveals usage that deviates in some way from the target language. One area of difficulty appears to be the system of modality that includes such forms as must, have to, should, had better, can, and may, among others. Some errors are purely grammatical in nature. For example:
(1) (a) In fact, they musted to return back home.

(b) Perhaps if I went to France maybe I can do it.

Others are not so much ungrammatical as inappropriate. For example,
(2) (a) Should I give you the receipt for this?
uttered by a bank teller should actually have been shall, since the teller was not really asking me for my advice but was trying to find out whether I wanted the receipt. In (2b),
(2) (b) I should take this English class.

the student was actually trying to ascertain which section of a class to sign up for, and really needed to convey that he was required to take that particular class. In order to ascertain the possible cause for these persistent misuses of the modals, several measures of modal usage were developed and administered to groups of native and non-native speakers. The results showed that the understanding non-natives have of expressions of modality is qualitatively different from the understanding of natives. Some possible causes for this discrepancy in understanding are suggested along with possible solutions for remedying the problem.
Learners' Hypotheses for the Acquisition of Lexis
Authors: Giacobbe Jorge , Cammarota Marie-Ange
Published: November 2008

In this article the relationship between the source language (Spanish) and the target language (French) in the construction of lexis during the first phases of target language acquisition is examined from a psycholinguistic perspective. After an analysis of two case studies, it is hypothesized that there are two types of approaches to the construction of lexis used by Hispanophones learning French: systematic and non-systematic.
Curricular and Extra-Curricular Factors in Multilingual Education
Authors: Housen Alex , Beardsmore Hugo Baetens
Published: November 2008

Analysis of multilingual acquisition processes in the European School of Brussels reveals how both curricular and extra-curricular factors combine to account for high levels of proficiency in three or four languages. The school operates in seven languages, and all pupils must learn at least three, though the combination is open to choice. Curricular design ties in with the prerequisites for success as posited in Cummins' (1981, 1984) Interaction Hypothesis, Krashen's (1982) Input Hypothesis, and Swain's (1983) Output Hypothesis. These alone do not account for the high levels of achievement attested, because they do not include the extra-curricular factors which provide the essential supplementary conditions for active, productive use of a given language in meaningful two-way negotiation among peers. Schumann's (1979) Acculturation Model allows one to tap this primordial extra-curricular factor, even though it was not designed for an educational context. Four soft techniques were used to test the hypotheses: participant observation, written questionnaires, informal interviews, and open-ended formal interviews based on a 26-item questionnaire (N = 8). Results indicate that only Schumann's model can bring to the fore whether self-initiated meaningful two-way negotiation is used as a supplement to formal instruction in a multilingual environment; they also show how social and psychological distance tie in with curricular structure to enhance the acquisition process.
The FSI/ILR/ACTFL Proficiency Scales and Testing Techniques
Authors: Clark John L. D. , Clifford Ray T.
Published: November 2008

The major purposes of this article are to briefly describe the rationale and history of development of the “proficiency-based” testing movement in the United States, its current status, and areas in which additional research and development work are recommended to enhance both the psychometric validity and practical value of this approach.
Preemption and the Learning of L2 Grammars
Authors: Rutherford William E.
Published: November 2008

Although most of the theoretical work in second language acquisition (SLA) over the years has led to advancement of theories of developing grammars, some recent SLA research has begun to investigate how those grammars are actually learned, relevant to current theories of learnability. This article (a) considers some of the claims for learnability principles that have been proposed within the first language (L1) context and the problems associated with their application to SLA, (b) examines four second language (L2) phenomena with respect to a promising variety of learnability theory labeledpreemption, and (c) suggests in what ways research on learnability in SLA can contribute to the further development of learnability theory in general.
Connectionism and Universals of Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Gasser Michael
Published: November 2008

This article examines the implications of connectionist models of cognition for second language theory. Connectionism offers a challenge to the symbolic models which dominate cognitive science. In connectionist models all knowledge is embodied in a network of simple processing units joined by connections which are strengthened or weakened in response to regularities in input patterns. These models avoid the brittleness of symbolic approaches, and they exhibit rule-like behavior without explicit rules. A connectionist framework is proposed within which hypotheses about second language acquisition can be tested. Inputs and outputs are patterns of activation on units representing both form and meaning. Learning consists of the unsupervised association of pattern elements with one another. A network is first trained on a set of first language patterns and then exposed to a set of second language patterns with the same meanings. Several simulations of constituent-order transfer within this framework are discussed.