bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity of Physical Function Responses to Exercise in Older Adults
Authors: Nicklas Barbara J.
Published: October 2010

Behavioral exercise interventions, aimed at improving either aerobic endurance or muscular strength, are currently the only therapy found, on average, to consistently retard loss of physical function in aging adults. However, not all individuals experience the same magnitude of benefit from a given exercise treatment, and certain persons may respond more favorably to a particular mode of exercise than another. Research now shows that genetic predisposition is one of the factors accounting for interindividual differences in responses to exercise as well as differences in the propensity to engage in exercise. This article discusses how a common variant in a single gene (the angiotensin-1 converting enzyme gene) could emerge as a prospective tool to identify older individuals more likely to benefit from and adhere to a specific type of exercise activity over another type.
Genetic Thinking in the Study of Social Relationships
Authors: Reiss David
Published: October 2010

For nearly a generation, researchers studying human behavioral development have combined genetically informed research designs with careful measures of social relationships such as parenting, sibling relationships, peer relationships, marital processes, social class stratifications, and patterns of social engagement in the elderly. In what way have these genetically informed studies altered the construction and testing of social theories of human development? We consider five points of entry where genetic thinking is taking hold. First, genetic findings suggest an alternative scenario for explaining social data. Associations between measures of the social environment and human development may be due to genes that influence both. Second, genetic studies add to other prompts to study the early developmental origins of current social phenomena in midlife and beyond. Third, genetic analyses promise to shed light on understudied social systems, such as sibling relationships, that have an impact on human development independent of genotype. Fourth, genetic analyses anchor in neurobiology individual differences in resilience and sensitivity to both adverse and favorable social environments. Finally, genetic analyses increase the utility of laboratory simulations of human social processes and of animal models.
Effects of electrical current on transport processes in resistance spot welding
Authors: Wei P. S. , Wu T. H.
Published: October 2010

The effects of alternating current (ac) and direct current (dc) on cooling rate, solute distribution and nugget shape after solidification, which are responsible for microstructure of the fusion zone, during resistance spot welding, are realistically and extensively investigated. The computer program developed by Wang and Wei is used to predict transport variables in workpieces and electrodes during heating, melting, cooling and freezing periods. The model accounts for electromagnetic force, heat generations at the electrode/workpiece interface and faying surface between workpieces, and dynamic electrical resistance including bulk resistance and contact resistances at the faying surface and electrode/workpiece interfaces, which are functions of hardness, temperature, electrode force and surface condition. The computed results show that in contrast to dc, using ac readily produces the nugget in an ellipse shape. Deficit and excess of solute content occur in a thin layer around the boundary and interior of the nugget respectively.
Mechanisms increasing welding efficiency during new development of double shielded TIG process
Authors: Li D. J. , Lu S. P. , Li D. Z. , Li Y. Y.
Published: October 2010

A new welding method has been developed for the tungsten inert gas process which can both improve the weld depth/width (D/W) ratio and protect the electrode from oxidation during the welding process. The effects of the welding parameters and the Marangoni convection patterns on the weld pool shapes are discussed. Results showed that the change of welding parameters directly change the temperature distribution on the pool surface and the concentration addition of the surface active element, hence, eventually affect the pattern and strength of the Marangoni convection. For the liquid pool on stainless steel, the weld shapes depends to a large extent on the pattern and strength of the Marangoni convection. It is possible to generate a heavy oxide layer on pool surface under a relatively high oxygen content to affect the surface tension stress. The heavy oxide layer may inhibit the heat flow on the weld pool surface, and reduce the D/W ratio.
Fatigue crack growth under a constant amplitude loading of Al-6061-T6 welds obtained by modified indirect electric arc technique
Authors: Ambriz R. R. , Mesmacque G. , Ruiz A. , Amrouche A. , López V. H. , Benseddiq N.
Published: October 2010

The characteristics of the fatigue crack growth in the base metal, weld metal and heat affected zone (HAZ) were quantified by testing compact type specimens of 6061-T6 welds obtained by the modified indirect electric arc technique. The fatigue crack growth depends on the microstructure imposed by the welding thermal cycle and it was observed that in the HAZ the crack growth rate is lower than that in the weld metal, but higher than that in the base metal. Microhardness maps revealed that this behaviour is due to the formation of a larger plastic zone around of the crack tip produced by loss of hardening. A comparison of fatigue crack growth of weld metal and HAZ for modified indirect electric arc and friction stir welding shows that the weld metal produced by friction stir welding exhibits better resistance to crack propagation, but both processes behaved similarly in the HAZ.
Rolling to control residual stress and distortion in friction stir welds
Authors: Wen S. W. , Colegrove P. A. , Williams S. W. , Morgan S. A. , Wescott A. , Poad M.
Published: October 2010

Considerable residual stress and distortion can be produced by friction stir welding, impeding industrial implementation. Finite element analysis has been used to develop three innovative rolling methods that reduce residual stress and distortion in friction stir welds. Of the three methods, post-weld direct rolling where a single roller is applied to roll the top surface of the weld after the weld metal has cooled to room temperature proved the most effective. The residual stress predictions from the model compared favourably with residual stress measurements reported in an accompanying paper. Finally, the effectiveness of using post-weld direct rolling is illustrated with an industrial example of a large integrally stiffened panel, where the distortion was virtually eliminated.
Frameshift mutation hotspot identified in Smith-Magenis syndrome: case report and review of literature
Authors: Truong Hoa T , Dudding Tracy , Blanchard Christopher L , Elsea Sarah H
Published: October 2010

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex syndrome involving intellectual disabilities, sleep disturbance, behavioural problems, and a variety of craniofacial, skeletal, and visceral anomalies. While the majority of SMS cases harbor an ~3.5 Mb common deletion on 17p11.2 that encompasses the retinoic acid induced-1 (RAI1) gene, some patients carry small intragenic deletions or point mutations in RAI1. We present data on two cases of Smith-Magenis syndrome with mutation of RAI1. Both cases are phenotypically consistent with SMS and RAI1 mutation but also have other anomalies not previously reported in SMS, including spontaneous pneumothoraces. These cases also illustrate variability in the SMS phenotype not previously shown for RAI1 mutation cases, including hearing loss, absence of self-abusive behaviours, and mild global delays. Sequencing of RAI1 revealed mutation of the same heptameric C-tract (CCCCCCC) in exon 3 in both cases (c.3103delC one case and and c.3103insC in the other), resulting in frameshift mutations. Of the seven reported frameshift mutations occurring in poly C-tracts in RAI1, four cases (~57%) occur at this heptameric C-tract. Collectively, these results indicate that this heptameric C-tract is a preferential hotspot for single nucleotide insertion/deletions (SNindels) and therefore, should be considered a primary target for analysis in patients suspected for mutations in RAI1. We expect that as more patients are sequenced for mutations in RAI1, the incidence of frameshift mutations in this hotspot will become more evident.
LATS2 is De-methylated and Overexpressed in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Predicts Poor Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hu Chun-Fang , Chen Jing , Yan Li-Xu , Zeng Yi-Xin , Shao Jian-Yong
Published: October 2010

Background

LATS2, which encodes a novel serine/threonine kinase, is known to be important in centrosome duplication and in the maintenance of genomic stability. Recently, a potential role for LATS2 in cancer has been reported. In breast cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), LATS2 mRNA is downregulated and has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor. However, the role of LATS2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma has not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of LATS2 and its clinicopathological involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma to understand its effect on cell survival.

Methods

Using quantitative real time PCR and immunoblotting, the expression of LATS2 was detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and in the immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line NP69. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed LATS2 protein expression in 220 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases. The association of LATS2 protein expression with the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were subsequently assessed. Using methylation specific PCR, we detected the methylation status of the LATS2 promoter. RNA interference was performed by transfecting siRNA to specifically knock down LATS2 expression in 5-8F and CNE2.

Results

LATS2 protein was detected in 178 of 220 (80.91%) cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. LATS2 overexpression was a significant, independent prognosis predictor (P= 0.037) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Methylation specific PCR revealed that 36.7% (11/30) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and all of the chronic nasopharyngeal inflammation samples were methylated. Functional studies showed that the suppression of LATS2 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (5-8F and CNE2) cell lines by using specific small interfering (siRNA) resulted in the inhibition of growth, induction of apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle increase. Overexpression of LATS2 in NP69 stimulated cell proliferation.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that LATS2 might play a role in the tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by promoting the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Transfection with specific siRNA might be feasible for the inhibition of growth, induction of apoptosis and S phase increase in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The chondroitin/dermatan sulfate synthesizing and modifying enzymes in laryngeal cancer: Expressional and epigenetic studies
Authors: Kalathas Dimitrios , Triantaphyllidou Irene-Eva , Mastronikolis Nicholas S , Goumas Panos D , Papadas Thoedore A , Tsiropoulos Gabriel , Vynios Demitrios H
Published: October 2010

Background

Significant biochemical changes are observed in glycosaminoglycans in squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma. The most characteristics are in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate fine structure and proportion, which might be due to differential expression of the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. The aim of the present work was the investigation in expressional and epigenetic level of the enzymes involved in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate biosynthesis in laryngeal cancer.

Methods

Tissues subjected to total RNA and DNA isolation, and protein extraction. The techniques used in this study were RT-PCR analysis, western blotting and methylation specific PCR.

Results

We identified that many enzymes were expressed in the cancerous specimens intensively. Dermatan sulfate epimerase was expressed exclusively in the cancerous parts and in minor amounts in healthy tissues; in the macroscopically normal samples it was not detected. Furthermore, chondroitin synthase I and chondroitin polymerizing factor were strongly expressed in the cancerous parts compared to the corresponding normal tissues. Sulfotransferases, like chondroitin 6 sulfotransferase 3, were highly expressed mainly in healthy specimens.

Conclusions

The study of the various chondroitin/dermatan synthesizing enzymes revealed that they were differentially expressed in cancer, in human laryngeal cartilage, leading to specific chondroitin/dermatan structures which contributed to proteoglycan formation with specific features. The expression of the examined enzymes correlated with the glycosaminoglycan profile observed in previous studies.
Intellectual Property
Authors: Walker David A.
Published: October 2010

The Intellectual Property department in each issue of Geophysics provides U.S. patent abstracts, published patent abstracts of U.S. patent applications, and published abstracts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Cost savings and safety of ICD remote control by telephone: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Bikou Olympia , Licka Manuela , Kathoefer Sven , Katus Hugo A , Bauer Alexander
Published: October 2010

We examined the costs and safety of follow-up of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In a prospective study, a remote monitoring system was used to interrogate ICD devices via telephone. Twenty patients with an ICD were followed up conventionally (clinic visits) or remotely at 1, 3 and 6 months after implantation of the ICD. A total of 30 transmissions of ICD data were made via the remote monitoring system. Five transmissions (17%) were interrupted, mainly due to a loss of telemetry, but no data were lost. The duration of the remote follow-up was 12.7 min less than follow-up in clinic (25.8 min, P < 0.05). Five of the remote follow-up transmissions concerned arrhythmia episodes. These lasted significantly longer than those without arrhythmia (16.6 vs. 4.9 min, P < 0.05). In three patients an unscheduled visit to the outpatient clinic was necessary. The cost of remote follow-up for 100 ICD patients/year was calculated to be €44,267, or about 16% of the cost of conventional in-clinic follow-up.
Recruitment challenges associated with a randomised controlled trial within a general telephone counselling service
Authors: Burgess Nicole , Christensen Helen , Griffiths Kathleen M , Farrer Louise
Published: October 2010

We investigated recruitment into a randomised controlled trial (RCT) following contact with a generalist telephone counselling service. Telephone counsellors were required to ask callers if they would be willing to receive a telephone call to discuss their possible involvement in a trial designed to evaluate the use of a web-based mental health intervention. The five centres involved answered a total of 34,722 counselling calls during the recruitment period. Only 9% of callers were invited by the telephone counsellor to receive the recruitment call and of all callers, only 2.6% agreed. Common reasons reported by the telephone counsellors for not referring eligible applicants to the trial included their view that it was inappropriate to ask the caller, feeling uncomfortable about asking the question, being concerned that the invitation might affect the counselling relationship and forgetting to ask. The presence of an on-site trial manager, regular encouragement and feedback, and tailored and specific recruiter training may improve rates of recruitment in future trials.
A telephone-linked computer system for home enteral nutrition
Authors: Boisseau Nicolas , Burde Alain , Bachmann Patrick , Senesse Pierre , Hebuterne Xavier
Published: October 2010

We studied the effect of telephone-linked computer (TLC) communication in patients being treated with home enteral nutrition. A total of 290 patients were enrolled in the study which compared two groups of patients who were recruited at different times (control: 193, TLC: 97). At baseline there were no significant differences in characteristics or clinical practice between the two groups. Over a three-month period, 823 automatic telephone calls were dialled out to the TLC patients and in 787 of the calls (96%) there were complete responses to all questions. A total of 205 alert messages were generated for the 823 calls. Less than 10% were false alerts. All health outcome measures, the EQ-5D and three components of the SF-36 improved slightly with time in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. The patients' body mass index increased slightly in both groups, but the change was not significant. Home enteral nutrition prevented weight loss and improved some components of the QOL scores. The TLC system detected a high number of abnormal nutritional symptoms.
Evaluation of a home telemonitoring service for adult patients with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study
Authors: Grzincich Gianluigi , Gagliardini Rolando , Bossi Anna , Bella Sergio , Cimino Giuseppe , Cirilli Natalia , Viviani Laura , Iacinti Eugenia , Quattrucci Serena
Published: October 2010

We have conducted a pilot trial of a home telemonitoring system involving 60 adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) enrolled at four Italian CF centres. Thirty randomly selected patients received a home device to perform spirometry and to measure oxygen saturation. The data were transferred to a data centre which forwarded them to the patient's CF clinic. The telemonitoring system was evaluated using questionnaires completed by patients and their doctors. The doctors reported that telemonitoring was useful in monitoring their patients' health status and in decreasing the CF centre workload. The data transfer procedure posed no particular problems for the patients. The major difficulties reported by the patients were night-time saturimetry measurements, and in the first week of the study, data transmission to the data centre. The pilot trial was positive and therefore merits a larger study.
Telemedicine in vascular surgery: clinical experience in a single centre
Authors: Robaldo Alessandro , Rousas Nikolaos , Pane Bianca , Spinella Giovanni , Palombo Domenico
Published: October 2010

Over a three-year period we performed 630 carotid endarterectomy procedures in 588 patients. From these we selected 90 patients (group A) who fulfilled the criteria for discharge one day after surgery. These patients were given an electronic blood pressure meter, a videophone for use at home and an antihypertensive drug (amlodipine). Using web-based videoconferencing, we monitored the patients every 4 hours for the first two days. The other 498 patients (group B) were discharged on the second postoperative day. There were no significant differences between the groups in demographic characteristics, risk factors, carotid lesions, operative time, postoperative complications or blood loss. No cervical hematomas developed in group A. No patients needed to be readmitted because of major complications relating to the carotid endarterectomy. During the video-communication, 28 patients (31%) with a hypertensive crisis were treated by administration of amlodipine. At discharge, a questionnaire showed that there was a feeling of insecurity in both groups: 87% in group A vs. 79% in group B ( P > 0.05). In group A, insecurity decreased after the first video connection and disappeared after the 8th day postoperatively. Telemedicine appears feasible and useful in carotid endarterectomy and may have other applications in vascular surgery care.
Designing and remotely testing mobile diabetes video games
Authors: DeShazo Jonathan , Harris Lynne , Turner Anne , Pratt Wanda
Published: October 2010

We have investigated game design and usability for three mobile phone video games designed to deliver diabetes education. The games were refined using focus groups. Six people with diabetes participated in the first focus group and five in the second. Following the focus groups, we incorporated the new findings into the game design, and then conducted a field test to evaluate the games in the context in which they would actually be used. Data were collected remotely about game usage by eight people with diabetes. The testers averaged 45 seconds per question and answered an average of 50 total nutrition questions each. They self-reported playing the game for 10–30 min, which coincided with the measured metrics of the game. Mobile games may represent a promising new way to engage the user and deliver relevant educational content.
A web-based communication system for integrated care in cerebral palsy: design features, technical feasibility and usability
Authors: Gulmans Jitske , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam MR , Visser Jacqueline JW , Nijeweme-d'Hollosy Wendy Oude , van Gemert-Pijnen JEWC Lisette , van Harten Wim H
Published: October 2010

We developed a secure, web-based system for parent-professional and inter-professional communication. The aim was to improve communication in the care of children with cerebral palsy. We conducted a six-month trial of the system in three Dutch health-care regions. The participants were the parents of 30 cerebral palsy patients and 120 professional staff involved in their care. Information about system usage was extracted from the system's database. The experience of the parents and professionals was evaluated by a questionnaire after six months. The system proved to be technically robust and reliable. A total of 21 parents (70%) and 66 professionals (55%) used the system. The parents submitted 111 questions and 59 responses, with a mean of 5 questions (range 1–17) and 3 responses (range 1–9) per parent. The professionals submitted 79 questions and 237 responses, with a mean of 2 questions (range 1–8) and 4 responses (range 1–23) per professional. Most parents (95%) and some professionals (30%) reported value in using the system, which ranged from efficiency and accessibility to flexibility and transparency. The web-based communication system was technically feasible and produced improved parent-professional and inter-professional communication. It may be especially valuable if frequent interventions or consultations about a child's care are required, involving complex care networks of different professionals and organisations.
How serious are the symptoms of callers to a telephone triage call centre?
Authors: North Frederick , Varkey Prathibha
Published: October 2010

Adverse events such as deaths following telephone triage calls are rare, suggesting that the process is basically safe. However, if calls tend to concern mostly minor illnesses, then adverse events following calls would be uncommon even if the triage process itself was flawed. We investigated hospitalization rates following triage calls and compared them to hospitalization following two other types of medical access, emergency department (ED) visits and office visits. For the Ask Mayo Clinic telephone triage centre, hospitalization rates for adult calls concerning chest pain and abdominal pain were each 13%. Based on national survey data, hospitalization for adult ED visits concerning the same symptoms were 33% (chest pain) and 19% (abdominal pain). Office visits had hospitalization rates significantly lower than triage calls in all age groups, while ED visits had higher hospitalization rates than triage calls in all age groups. There are both qualitative and quantitative similarities between triage calls and ED visits and, using hospitalization as an indicator, some subgroups of triage calls are nearly as serious as ED visits.
Energy saving potential of high yield pulp (HYP) application by addition of small amounts of bleached wheat straw pulp
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , Yuan Zhirun , Ni Yonghao
Published: October 2010

High-yield pulp (HYP) has found wide applications in many paper grades. Usually, the strength properties of HYP must be improved and its freeness fine-tuned before sending it for paper machining, by means of refining at a low consistency, which requires energy. In this study, the possibility of avoiding refining of HYP was investigated by adding low percentages of refined and bleached wheat straw pulp (BWSP) to a HYP-containing mixture. The results show that the strength properties of a HYP and a hardwood kraft (HWKP) mixture can be improved with approximately 10% refined BWSP. In this manner, refining energy of 20 kWh t-1is needed, and the pulp quality is improved to a similar level to that obtained from the same pulp mixture refined with an energy input of 70 kWh t-1. This approach also works for 100% HYP. The practical implication is that only a small percentage of refined BWSP is needed to improve the strength property of a HYP or HYP/HWKP mixtures, so that less refining energy is required in the low-consistency refining process.
Theoretical analysis of moisture transport in wood as an open porous hygroscopic material
Authors: Hozjan Tomaz , Svensson Staffan
Published: October 2010

Moisture transport in an open porous hygroscopic material such as wood is a complex system of coupled processes. For seasoned wood in natural climate three fully coupled processes active in the moisture transport are readily identified: (1) diffusion of vapor in pores; (2) phase change from one state to another, also called moisture sorption; and (3) diffusion of bound water in wood tissue (in the cell wall). A mathematical model for predicting moisture transport in wood for a given condition must at least consider the dominating active processes simultaneously to be considered accurate. In this study, a theoretical investigation is conducted on the influence of the model parameters on the model response to a known step change of ambient vapor pressure. The objective is twofold. First, to investigate if model simplification can be conducted in a transparent and stringent manner, not compromising required model accuracy and precision. Second, to show model characteristics that could enable tailored experimental studies to verify or discard variations of this type of transport model. The model sensitivity analyses clearly showed that there are large differences on the degree of influence of the three processes on the outcome of the coupled model. Least significant is the bound water diffusion. Based on the results from the sensitivity analyses, a simplified model for moisture transport in wood is proposed.
Extraterrestrial Biblical Hermeneutics and the Making of Heaven's Gate
Authors: Zeller Benjamin E.
Published: October 2010

The new religious movement popularly called Heaven's Gate emerged in the mid-1970s. This article argues that its two co-founders, Marshall Herff Applewhite (1932–1997) and Bonnie Lu Nettles (1928–1985), employed what I call extraterrestrial biblical hermeneutics in constructing the theological worldview of Heaven's Gate. This hermeneutics developed out of the New Age movement and its broader interest in ufology, extraterrestrial life, and alien visitation, and postulates a series of close encounters and alien visitations. Borrowing from its New Age and ufological origins, the hermeneutics assumes an extraterrestrial interest in assisting human beings to self-develop, as well as a technological materialism antithetical to supernaturalist readings of the Bible. As I argue here, this extraterrestrial biblical hermeneutics led Applewhite and Nettles to read the Bible as supporting a message of alien visitation, self-transformation, and ultimately extraterrestrial technological rapture.
Proteins Induced Formation of Hydrothermal Nitrogen Doped Carbons
Authors: Baccile Niki , Titirici Maria-Magdalena
Published: October 2010

This contribution illustrates the synthesis of nitrogen-containing hydrothermal carbon particles from a mixture of glucose, as carbon source, and different types of proteins, as nitrogen sources. Casein, ovalbumin, hemoglobin and gelatin were chosen here as model compounds. The particle size and the level of structural order could be tuned according to the protein type and the amount utilized.
Modeling of Subgrain Growth Kinetics: 3D Monte-Carlo Simulation
Authors: Suzudo Tomoaki , Kaburaki Hideo , Itakura Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2010

We used a three-dimensional Monte Carlo method to investigate subgrain growth with different initial values for average grain-boundary misorientation, and found that abnormal grain growth emerges for relatively large average misorientation, with remaining cases revealing an exponential kinetics of subgrain growth. We also found that the growth exponent was ˜4.4, and that it was virtually independent of the average misorientation. Self-similarity of the misorientation distribution was observed during growth.
Stretchable and Washable Electronics for Embedding in Textiles
Authors: Vervust Thomas , Bossuyt Frederick , Axisa Fabrice , Vanfleteren Jan
Published: October 2010

Electronics in “wearable systems” or “smart textiles” are nowadays mainly realized on traditional interconnection substrates, like rigid Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) or mechanically flexible substrates. The electronic modules are detachable to allow cleaning and washing of the textile. In order to achieve a higher degree of integration and user comfort, IMEC-UGent/CMST developed a technology for flexible and stretchable electronic circuits. The electronic system is completely embedded in an elastomer material like PDMS (silicone), resulting in soft and stretchable electronic modules. The technology uses standard packaged components (IC's) and meander shaped copper tracks, so that stretchable systems with complex functionality can be achieved. Testing methods for washability were selected and developed. First tests are showing promising results, leveling the path to washable electronics in textiles. In order to show the possibilities of the technology in the field of textile applications a 7x8 single color stretchable LED-matrix was designed and integrated in textile. This LED-matrix can be applied for example in wearable signage applications.
Las bases cognitivas del estilo lingüístico
Authors: Aijón Oliva Miguel Ángel , Serrano María José
Published: October 2010

Studies on variation in linguistic structure have rarely tried to move beyond description and find an explanation for the correlations observed between formal variants and internal, social and/or situational factors. In our view, the usual insistence on the need for synonymy between alternating forms has obscured the fact that it is precisely differences in meaning –however subtle they be– that may account for the existence and maintenance of alternations within a linguistic system. The main aim of this paper is to propose a theoretical concept of linguistic style, this being understood as the possibility of making meaningful choices on all internal and external levels of linguistic usage, from the formal to the pragmatic-discursive and social-situational ones, and which could be ultimately explainable by general principles of human cognition. Starting from an empirical investigation on Spanish verbal clitics, it will be shown how the discursive and cognitive meanings of grammatical variants may constitute the basis not only for their internal covariations, but also for their potential as interactional stylistic resources, which in turn might explain their social distribution.
¿Tienen un rol especial las jóvenes en la supuesta recuperación del valenciano?
Authors: Casesnoves Ferrer Raquel
Published: October 2010

The interest in studying women's speech in situations of linguistic contact lies in the importance of women’s speech in the intergenerational transmission and, consequently, in the future of languages. Being linguistically conservative or innovative, women tend to adhere to any change involving an improvement in their social status. In this article we aim to assess if women, specially the young ones, are playing a special role in the revival or normalization process of Valencian. We base our study in the data from two works on attitude, competence and linguistic uses carried out, following a similar methodology, in 1998 and 2008 in different secondary schools of Valencia. The results show that Valencian women are not leading any sociolinguistic change mainly due to the fact that neither the prestige nor the use of Valencian has increased over the last years.
Towards determining social class in Arabic-speaking communities and implications for linguistic variation
Authors: Habib Rania
Published: October 2010

One purpose of this paper is discovering the socioeconomic indicators that determine social class identification in Arabic-speaking Communities. Another purpose is investigating whether those socioeconomic indicators have the same influence as social class on linguistic variation. The study focuses on a community of fifty-two Christian rural migrant speakers to the City of Hims in Syria. They display variation in their use of the rural form, [q], and the corresponding urban prestigious form, [?]. The community’s general assignment of social class is tested against four socioeconomic indicators: income, education, occupation, and residential area. The statistical analysis shows stronger association between social class and income and residential area; weaker association with occupation; and no association with education. Among the socioeconomic indicators that showed association with social class, only income and occupation exhibited similar results to social class (i.e., emerged statistically insignificant regarding the variable use of both [q] and [?]). Residential area showed different results. Unlike social class and like education that is not associated with social class, it emerged as statistically significant regarding the variable use of [?] and statistically insignificant regarding the variable use of [q].
Dialect Contact and Accommodation in a Standard Context
Authors: Hernández-Campoy Juan Manuel
Published: October 2010

Many of the linguistic processes that may take place in dialect contact situations between two mutually intelligible varieties of the same language have to do with the transference of features from one variety to the other. The dialects that are socially in contact may become linguistically changed in the competences of individual speakers as a result of psychological contact. Giles’ Accommodation Theory is a fruitful basis for understanding the linguistic convergence/divergence that takes place when speakers of different dialects interact: linguistic accommodation between speakers of different dialect backgrounds can help the role of face-to-face interaction in the diffusion of change. The aim of this paper is to analyse and trace the route and rate of accommodation followed by Murcian Spanish speakers when in contact situation with Standard Castilian speakers in the context of Standard Castilian speaking areas. This route and rate will allow us to predict the modification in the competence of individual Murcian speakers with the transference of linguistic features from the standard to the non-standard variety as well as to find out the social and psychological factors behind the process of accommodation
Multilingualism: Learning and Instruction
Authors: Peek Ron
Published: October 2010

This is a review of Mehrsprachigkeit: lernen und lehren/Multilingualism: Learning and Instruction/Le Plurilinguisme: apprendre et enseigner/O Plurilinguismo: aprender e ensinar. Selected papers from the L3 conference in Freiburg/Switzerland 2005. Martha Gibson, Britta Hufeisen und Cornelia Personne (Hg.) (2008)
‘I am under cool’: Humorous mock-translation as a claim to expertise in an Irish language class
Authors: Garland Jennifer
Published: October 2010

This paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of ways in which language ideologies (Rumsey, 1990; Schieffelin, Woolard, & Kroskrity, 1998; Silverstein, 1979) and local discourse practices are exploited in the construction of linguistic expertise through an examination of the uses of humor in an Irish language class. Various forms of humor, including puns and formulaic jokes, rely on specific knowledge on the part of both teller and audience (Norrick, 1993, 2003) and thus have been referred to as a “short intelligence test” (Sherzer, 1985). In this paper, I examine the ways in which humor is used both to mitigate risks associated with displaying a lack of linguistic knowledge and to claim a variety of linguistic expertise that involves knowing about the language of study even without knowing a specific structure or vocabulary item.
Is it just the telenovelas? Learning Spanish in Israeli schools
Authors: Muchnik Malka
Published: October 2010

The article deals with the study of Spanish as a heritage or foreign language in Israel. It reports on research conducted at junior high and high schools, which included a student questionnaire and semi-structured in-depth interviews with teachers. One of the goals of the study was to reveal the motivation for selecting Spanish, a language which over the past decade has become increasingly popular at schools. Another goal was to research the progress students made in the study of the language. The study sought to reveal whether motivations, previous knowledge of the language and personal background of the learners influence their language proficiency. Results show that motivation does not guarantee success in language learning. Moreover, the belief that watching telenovelas (Spanish soap operas) and learning popular songs helps students learn Spanish was found to be incorrect. Significant factors found to be possible predictors of success are previous knowledge, language use, learning years and learners' age.
Nutritional status of adolescents: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study
Authors: Araújo Cora Luiza , Dumith Samuel C. , Menezes Ana M. B. , Hallal Pedro C. , Vieira Maria de Fátima A. , Madruga Samanta W. , Victora Cesar G.
Published: October 2010

We evaluate the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and maternal variables on the nutritional status of adolescents aged 11 years. We conducted a prospective cohort study including 4,452 adolescents born in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, in 1993, accounting for 87.5% of the original cohort. Nutritional status was evaluated based on World Health Organization criteria. Subjects were classified according to nutritional status into thin, normal, overweight and obese. Independent variables analyzed included skin color, socioeconomic status, maternal schooling, and maternal body mass index (BMI). Analyses were stratified by sex, and multivariable regression was performed using the multinomial logistic approach. Overall, 7% of adolescents were classified as thin, 11.6% as overweight, and 11.6% as obese. Among boys, thinness was inversely associated with maternal schooling and maternal BMI. Among girls, thinness was directly associated with maternal BMI. Overweight and obesity were directly associated with socioeconomic status and maternal BMI, the former showing the strongest association with nutritional status among adolescents.
Intake of fat and fiber-rich foods according to socioeconomic status: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study
Authors: Neutzling Marilda B. , Araújo Cora Luiza , Vieira Maria de Fátima A. , Hallal Pedro C. , Menezes Ana M. B. , Victora Cesar G.
Published: October 2010

This study describes the food intake of adolescents participating in the 1993 birth cohort from Pelotas, Southern Brazil, according to socioeconomic position. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in the 2004-2005 follow-up visit. Food intake in the previous year was evaluated using the Block questionnaire. Socioeconomic status was evaluated based on an assets index, divided into quintiles. Foods with the highest frequency of daily intake were white bread (83%), butter or margarine (74.6%), beans (66.4%) and milk (48.5%). Intake of butter or margarine, bread, and beans was more frequent among poorer adolescents, and the inverse was true for milk. Intake of fruits and vegetables was low in all socioeconomic strata, but particularly low among the poor. In early adolescence, all socioeconomic groups showed high consumption of foods rich in fat and low consumption of foods rich in fiber.
Sedentary behavior in adolescents: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study
Authors: Dumith Samuel C. , Hallal Pedro C. , Menezes Ana M. B. , Araújo Cora Luiza
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sedentary behavior and investigate associated factors in adolescents 11 years of age from the 1993 birth cohort in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Sedentary behavior was investigated with a questionnaire, and was defined as spending more than two hours per day watching television, playing videogames, or using the computer. Of the 4,452 adolescents interviewed, 98% reported watching television, 44% playing videogames, and 22% using the computer. The average time spent on each of these electronic media was 197, 36, and 17 minutes per day, respectively. Prevalence of sedentary behavior was 79.7% (95%CI: 78.6; 80.9) and showed a positive association with socioeconomic level and nutritional status and a negative association with well-being. These 11-year-olds spent extensive time at TV viewing, videogames, and the computer. Special attention should be given to the most exposed groups of adolescents, including the more affluent, overweight, and those with limited schooling.
Medicine use among adolescents: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study
Authors: Bertoldi Andréa D. , Tavares Noemia U. L. , Hallal Pedro C. , Araújo Cora Luiza , Menezes Ana M. B.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate medicine use and associated factors among adolescents. This was a prospective cohort study including 4,452 adolescents born in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in 1993. Information on medicine use in the 15 days prior to the interviews was collected from the mothers. Overall prevalence of medicine use was 30.9%, and 64.7% of the medicines had been prescribed by a physician. The most frequently used pharmacological groups were medicines for the nervous (35.9%) and respiratory systems (25.7%). Medicine use was directly associated with socioeconomic status, maternal schooling, complications during pregnancy or delivery, and neonatal problems resulting in the need for intensive care. Underweight and obese adolescents were more likely to use medicines as compared to those with normal body mass index. A direct association was observed between maternal use of hypnotic drugs and sedatives and adolescent medicine use. It is essential to implement educational policies aimed at promoting rational use of medicines by adolescents.
Early determinants of attention and hyperactivity problems in adolescents: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study
Authors: Anselmi Luciana , Menezes Ana M. B. , Barros Fernando C. , Hallal Pedro C. , Araújo Cora Luiza , Domingues Marlos R. , Rohde Luis A.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to assess early determinants of attention and hyperactivity problems in adolescents. In 1993, all hospital births in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were monitored and mothers were interviewed (N = 5,249). At 11 years of age, 4,423 mothers answered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in order to evaluate attention and hyperactivity problems in the adolescents. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson regression. Prevalence of attention and hyperactivity problems was 19.9%. Factors associated with the outcome in the adjusted analysis were: male gender, low family income, smoking during pregnancy, minor psychiatric disorders in the mother, and history of child's behavioral/emotional problems at four years of age. Early life events impacted attention and hyperactivity problems in adolescence. Risk factors for attention and hyperactivity problems found in this study were similar to those reported in other cultures.
Role of PTH1R internalization in osteoblasts and bone mass using a phosphorylation-deficient knock-in mouse model
Authors: Datta Nabanita S , Samra Tareq A , Mahalingam Chandrika D , Datta Tanuka , Abou-Samra Abdul B
Published: October 2010

Phosphorylation, internalization, and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors, such as the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor (PTH1R), are well characterized and known to regulate the cellular responsiveness in vitro. However, the role of PTH1R receptor phosphorylation in bone formation and osteoblast functions has not yet been elucidated. In previous studies, we demonstrated impaired internalization and sustained cAMP stimulation of a phosphorylation-deficient (pd) PTH1R in vitro, and exaggerated cAMP and calcemic responses to s.c. PTH infusion in pdPTH1R knock-in mouse model. In this study, we examined the impact of impaired PTH1R phosphorylation on the skeletal phenotype of mice maintained on normal, low, and high calcium diets. The low calcium diet moderately reduced (P<0.05) bone volume and trabecular number, and increased trabecular spacing in both wild-type (WT) and pd mice. The effects, however, seem to be less pronounced in the female pd compared to WT mice. In primary calvarial osteoblasts isolated from 2-week-old pd or WT mice, PTH and PTHrP decreased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (pERK1/2), a member of mitogen-activated protein kinase, and cyclin D1, a G1/S phase cyclin, in vitro. In contrast to WT osteoblasts, down-regulation of cyclin D1 was sustained for longer periods of time in osteoblasts isolated from the pd mice. Our results suggest that adaptive responses of intracellular signaling pathways in the pd mice may be important for maintaining bone homeostasis.
Clinical and Histologic Evaluation of a Granular Bovine Bone Biomaterial Used as an Adjunct to GTR With a Bioresorbable Bovine Pericardium Collagen Membrane in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects
Authors: Stavropoulos Andreas , Chiantella Giovanni , Costa Dinu , Steigmann Marius , Windisch Péter , Sculean Anton
Published: October 2010

Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and histologic healing of deep intrabony defects treated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with a collagen membrane from bovine pericardium and implantation of granular bovine bone biomaterial.

Methods: Thirty patients with one deep, combined 1‐ and 2‐wall intrabony defect exhibiting a probing depth ≥6 mm and an associated intrabony defect ≥3 mm were treated with GTR with a bioresorbable collagen membrane from bovine pericardium and adjunct implantation of a granular bovine bone biomaterial. The clinical results were evaluated 1 and 3 years after surgery. In addition, five teeth fulfilling the inclusion criteria but scheduled for extraction because of advanced periodontitis or restorative considerations were treated similarly and then extracted along with a portion of their surrounding periodontal tissues for histologic evaluation 6 months after surgery.

Results: Healing was uneventful in all patients. Significant clinical improvements were observed at 1 and 3 years postoperatively (P <0.01; probing depth averaged 4.4 ± 1.6 and 4.7 ± 1.4 mm and clinical attachment level gain was 3.9 ± 1.4 and 3.5 ± 1.3 mm, respectively). The histologic evaluation revealed formation of new cellular cementum and new periodontal ligament in four of the five cases. In general, the xenograft particles seemed to be mostly embedded in connective tissue without any evidence of new bone formation.

Conclusion: GTR treatment of intrabony defects with the collagen membrane from bovine pericardium and adjunct implantation of the new bovine bone biomaterial may result in significant clinical improvements that can be maintained over a period of 3 years, and regeneration of cementum and periodontal ligament, but without bone formation.