bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryptococcal meningitis accompanying lymphocytic inflammation predominantly in cerebral deep white matter: A possible manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Kuwahara Hiroya , Tsuchiya Kuniaki , Kobayashi Zen , Inaba Akira , Akiyama Haruhiko , Mizusawa Hidehiro
Published: May 2013

Cryptococcal meningitis is rarely complicated by immune‐mediated leukoencephalopathy, but the precise pathomechanism is uncertain. A 72‐year‐old Japanese man treated with prednisolone for Sweet disease developed a subacute progression of meningitis, which was considered as neuro‐Sweet disease. A treatment by methylprednisolone rapidly improved CSF findings with a remarkable decrease in lymphocyte numbers in the blood, but the patient's consciousness still worsened after the cessation of the treatment. The patient developed cryptococcal meningitis and MRI showed abnormal intensities predominantly in the cerebral deep white matter along with the recovery of lymphocyte numbers in the blood, which resulted in death. A postmortem examination of the brain revealed degenerative lesions, especially at the cerebral white matter and cortex adjacent to the leptomeninges abundantly infiltrated by Cryptococcus neoformans. In the affected cerebral deep white matter, perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes was prominent in coexistence with reactive astrocytes and vascular proliferation, but these findings were not observed in the subcortical and cortical lesions. Cryptococcus neoformans was not present within the brain parenchyma. This is the first report of a case suggesting that cryptococcal meningitis can accompany lymphocytic inflammation predominantly in cerebral deep white matter as a possible manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
Predictors of low levels of self‐efficacy among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in South Korea
Authors: Lee Haejung , Lim Yeonjung , Kim Sungmin , Park Hye‐Kyung , Ahn Jong‐Joon , Kim Yunseong , Lee Bong Chun
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to identify related factors of low levels of self‐efficacy in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A cross‐sectional research design used descriptive statistics, χ2 test, t‐test, and binary logistic regression. Two hundred and forty‐five patients with COPD were recruited from five hospitals in South Korea. The COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire, Personal Resource Questionnaire 2000, BODE index, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version were utilized to assess self‐efficacy, disease‐related knowledge, social support, disease severity, and physical activity, respectively. The BODE index, affect‐oriented coping, and duration since diagnosis of COPD were included as significant predictors of self‐efficacy. These findings suggest possible screening methods to identify patients with low levels of self‐efficacy and future intervention targeting for these patients would strengthen the efficiency of an intervention.
Peer Effects in UK Adolescent Substance Use: Never Mind the Classmates?
Authors: McVicar Duncan , Polanski Arnold
Published: May 2013

This article estimates peer influences on the alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use of UK adolescents. We present evidence of large, positive and statistically significant peer effects in all three behaviours when classmates are taken as the reference group. We also find large, positive and statistically significant associations between own substance use and friends' substance use. When both reference groups are considered simultaneously, the influence of classmates either disappears or is much reduced, whereas the association between own and friends' behaviours does not change. The suggestion is that classmate behaviour is primarily relevant only inasmuch as it proxies for friends' behaviour.
The gut mucosal immune system in the neonatal period
Authors: Battersby Anna J. , Gibbons Deena L.
Published: May 2013

Invasive sepsis in the newborn period is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. The infant immune system undoubtedly differs intrinsically from the mature adult immune system. Current understanding is that the newborn infant immune system displays a range of competencies and is developing rather than deficient. The infant gut mucosal immune system is complex and displays a plethora of phenotypic and functional irregularities that may be clinically important. Various factors affect and modulate the infant gut mucosal immune system: components of the intestinal barrier, the infant gut microbiome, nutrition and the maternal–infant hybrid immune system. Elucidation of the phenotypic distribution of immune cells, their functional significance and the mucosa‐specific pathways used by these cells is essential to the future of research in the field of infant immunology.
Moral Persuasion and the Diversity of Fictions
Authors: Liao Shen‐yi
Published: May 2013

Narrative representations can change our moral actions and thoughts, for better or for worse. In this article, I develop a theory of fictions' capacity for moral education and moral corruption that is fully sensitive to the diversity of fictions. Specifically, I argue that the way a fiction influences our moral actions and thoughts importantly depends on its genre. This theory promises new insights into practical ethical debates over pornography and media violence.
Celiac Plexus Block for Treatment of Pain Associated with Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhong Wa , Yu Zhong , Zeng Jing‐Xian , Lin Ying , Yu Tao , Min Xiao‐Hui , Yuan Yu‐Hong , Chen Qi‐Kui
Published: May 2013

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has a high rate of neural invasion (80 to 100%) and can be associated with moderate to severe pain in pancreatic cancer. Treatment of pain with celiac plexus blockage (CPB) combined with the three‐step ladder utilization of pharmaceutical analgesics following WHO guidelines is used, but the evidence in randomized controlled trials is inconsistent. This meta‐analysis identified and compared seven randomized control trials of pain relief from pancreatic cancer, by treatment with medical management alone to celiac plexus blockade with medical management. While no evidence of potential publication bias was detected, group size and statistical power may account for some of the inconsistent conclusions. The combined CPB groups had a significantly lower pain score at 4 weeks, but significance was not maintained at 8 weeks. The combined CPB groups required significantly less drug use compared to the combined control groups treated with pharmaceutical analgesics.
Symptom severity of panic disorder associated with impairment in emotion processing of threat‐related facial expressions
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Min , Kim Yura , Yeon Bora , Lee Hae‐Kook , Kweon Yong‐Sil , Lee Chung Tai , Lee Kyoung‐Uk
Published: May 2013

Aim

To compare emotion recognition patterns between patients with panic disorder (PD) and healthy volunteers and to analyze the correlation between the degree of emotion recognition impairment and symptom severity in patients with PD.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with PD and 20 healthy controls were tested with a facial emotional expression recognition task involving four basic emotions (i.e. happiness, sadness, anger, and fear). Emotion recognition measures included the recognition threshold, response time, response time of correctly classified emotions (response time_crt), and recognition error. An average of all four emotions for each emotion recognition measure was compared between the two groups and then a comparison of recognition measures for each specific emotion was conducted. The correlations between severity of the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Panic Disorder Severity Scale with emotion recognition indices were also analyzed.

Results

Average recognition threshold was significantly higher in the PD group compared to the control group. In the PD group, there was a non‐significant trend of increase in the emotion recognition threshold for fear and the response time for anger compared with the control group. In the correlation analysis, higher trait anxiety was associated with slower response time_crt for anger and a higher BDI score was associated with slower response times and response time_crt for happiness and anger.

Conclusion

This study suggests that symptom severity of PD might be associated with impairment in emotion processing of threat‐related facial expressions.
Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves performance in emotional memory retrieval as a function of level of anxiety and stimulus valence
Authors: Balconi Michela , Ferrari Chiara
Published: May 2013

Aims

Anxiety behavior showed a consistent attentional bias toward negative and aversive memories, induced by a right frontal cortical superiority, based on an unbalance effect between the two hemispheres. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the memory retrieval process of positive versus negative emotional stimulus, as a function of anxiety level.

Methods

A repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paradigm was used to induce cortical activation of the left DLPFC. Subjects (n = 27; age range, 21–36 years), who were divided into two different groups (high/low anxiety; State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), were required to perform a task consisting of two experimental phases: an encoding phase (lists composed of positive and negative emotional words); and a retrieval phase (old stimuli and new stimuli to be recognized). Moreover, new stimuli (distractors) semantically related or unrelated to the old stimuli were used to test a possible interference effect induced by the semantic association.

Results

rTMS over the left DLPFC affects memory retrieval. High‐anxiety subjects benefited in greater measure from frontal left stimulation with a reduced negative bias (increased accuracy and reduced response time for the positive stimuli) and a significant increased performance for the semantically related distractors (reduced interference effect).

Conclusion

Left DLPFC activation favors the memory retrieval of positive emotional information and might limit the unbalance effect induced by right hemispheric superiority in high levels of anxiety.
Percentage reduction of depression severity versus absolute severity after initial weeks of treatment to predict final response or remission
Authors: Lin Ching‐Hua , Chen Cheng‐Chung , Wang Fu‐Chiang , Lane Hsien‐Yuan
Published: May 2013

Aim

Percentage reduction of depression severity has been used to predict both response and remission of major depression. We aimed to compare the accuracy to predict response or remission by percentage reduction of depression score or depression score after initial weeks of treatment.

Methods

The subjects were 126 depressed inpatients who received 20 mg/day fluoxetine for 6 weeks. Symptom severity was assessed using the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐17). Response was defined as a reduction of 50% or more of the HAMD‐17. Remission was defined as a score of ≤7 of the HAMD‐17. At weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4, the percentages of HAMD‐17 score reduction, the percentages of mood cluster score reduction, HAMD‐17 scores, and mood cluster scores were regarded as potential predictors. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to determine the cut‐off point of predictors at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Results

One‐hundred and seven patients completed the 6‐week trial. At weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, percentages of HAMD‐17 score reduction or HAMD‐17 scores were the best predictors of responder or remitters, respectively. Using the percentage of HAMD‐17 score reduction at each assessment as a predictor of response generated a larger area under the curve than other predictors. Conversely, applying the absolute HAMD‐17 score at each assessment as a predictor of remission had the largest area under the curve.

Conclusion

Applying percentage of reduction in depression severity during the early weeks of treatment can predict response, and it is reasonable to apply depression severity to predict remission.
Resequencing and association analysis of MIR137 with schizophrenia in a Japanese population
Authors: Egawa Jun , Nunokawa Ayako , Shibuya Masako , Watanabe Yuichiro , Kaneko Naoshi , Igeta Hirofumi , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: May 2013

MicroRNA may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. A recent meta‐analysis of genome‐wide association studies indicated a significant association between schizophrenia and a common intronic variation in MIR137HG (microRNA 137 host gene) encoding the primary microRNA‐137. To explore additional risk variations for schizophrenia, we resequenced MIR137 and performed an association analysis in 1321 Japanese individuals. By resequencing, we detected four sequence variations in the 5' and 3' flanking regions. There were no significant associations between these variations and schizophrenia. Our resequencing and association analysis of MIR137 failed to find additional risk variations for schizophrenia.
Association between high serum total bilirubin and post‐stroke depression
Authors: Tang Wai Kwong , Liang Huajun , Chu Winnie Chiu Wing , Mok Vincent , Ungvari Gabor S. , Wong Ka Sing
Published: May 2013

Aim

High serum bilirubin predicts depression in non‐stroke subjects, but it is unknown whether it also predicts post‐stroke depression (PSD). This study examined the association between the risk of PSD and bilirubin level.

Methods

Six hundred and thirty‐five patients with acute ischemic stroke in Hong Kong were recruited. Serum total bilirubin, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured in all patients during their hospital stay. A psychiatrist gave the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV to all patients 3 months after the index stroke, with 61 patients diagnosed with PSD: 27 with major depression, 24 with minor depression and 10 with dysthymia.

Results

In the full sample, the 25%, 50% and 75% percentile bilirubin levels were 7.0, 10.0 and 14.0 μmol/L, respectively. Significant differences were found between the PSD and non‐PSD groups in terms of bilirubin level (P = 0.006). In post‐hoc comparisons, the proportion of patients with bilirubin ≥14.1 μmol/L was significantly higher in the PSD group (37.7% vs 19.7%, P = 0.001). In the final regression model, bilirubin level (≥14.1 μmol/L) remained a significant independent predictor of PSD, with an odds ratio of 2.4.

Conclusions

High bilirubin level is associated with PSD. Further investigations are needed to clarify the underlying pathophysiological link between bilirubin level and PSD.
Usefulness of near‐infrared spectroscopy to detect brain dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder when inferring the mental state of others
Authors: Iwanaga Ryoichiro , Tanaka Goro , Nakane Hideyuki , Honda Sumihisa , Imamura Akira , Ozawa Hiroki
Published: May 2013

Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for identifying abnormalities in prefrontal brain activity in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as they inferred the mental states of others.

Methods

The subjects were 16 children with ASD aged between 8 and 14 years and 16 age‐matched healthy control children. Oxygenated hemoglobin concentration was measured in the subject's prefrontal brain region on NIRS during tasks expressing a person's mental state (MS task) and expressing an object's characteristics (OC task).

Results

There was a significant main effect of group (ASD vs control), with the control group having more activity than the ASD group. But there was no significant main effect of task (MS task vs OC task) or hemisphere (right vs left). Significant interactions of task and group were found, with the control group showing more activity than the ASD group during the MS task relative to the OC task.

Conclusions

NIRS showed that there was lower activity in the prefrontal brain area when children with ASD performed MS tasks. Therefore, clinicians might be able to use NIRS and these tasks for conveniently detecting brain dysfunction in children with ASD related to inferring mental states, in the clinical setting.
Immunogenicity of pandemic influenza A H1N1/2009 adjuvanted vaccine in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Gavaldà J. , Cabral E. , Perez‐Romero P. , Len O. , Aydillo T. , Campins M. , Quintero J. , Peghin M. , Nieto J. , Charco R. , Pahissa A. , Cordero E. ,   Spanish Network for the Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI)
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenicity of a vaccine against this virus in a prospective cohort of transplanted pediatric patients without previous influenza infection who received one dose of MF59®‐adjuvanted pandemic H1N1/2009 vaccine. Seventeen patients who were being regularly followed up at the Outpatient Clinic of the Children's Transplant Unit (liver and kidney transplantation) in Hospital Universitari Vall d′Hebron (Barcelona) were included. Seroconversion was demonstrated in 15 of 17 (88.2%) vaccinated children. There were no rejection episodes or major adverse events. The MF59®‐adjuvanted pandemic H1N1/2009 vaccine was safe and elicited an adequate response.
The Teachable Moment Captured: A Framework for Nurse‐led Smoking Cessation Interventions for Parents of Hospitalized Children
Authors: Kells Meredith , Rogers Jayne , Oppenheimer Sarah C. , Blaine Kevin , McCabe Margaret , McGrath Ellen , Woodring Barbara , Geller Alan C.
Published: May 2013

This article explores the topic of smoking cessation counseling for parents in the context of pediatric hospitalization. Teachable moments, a widely used concept in the literature, uses three key concepts including perception of risk, emotional response, and self‐concept to precipitate change (McBride, Health Education Research, 18 [McBride, 2003], 156–170). The interweaving of these concepts with institutional systems; clinically trained personnel; parental smoking considerations; parent presence; and external supports, or collectively the novel idea of the “capturable moment”, may allow for an increased rate of parental smoking cessation. Using these concepts, the authors constructed a hospital model for pediatric nursing efforts in parental smoking cessation. The pilot study built on this framework in February 2010 began enrolling parents of hospitalized pediatric patients into two intervention groups to motivate smoking cessation. Starting in September 2010, new electronic medical record‐based systems of identifying parents who smoke were implemented in the hopes of enhancing enrollment numbers and streamlining recruitment. It is hoped that by introducing this process and framework, there will be increased national dialogue related to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, routine screening for SHS exposure, and nursing recognition of teachable moments.
Differentiating sexual preference in men: Using dual task rapid serial visual presentation task
Authors: Zappalà Angelo , Antfolk Jan , Bäckström Anna , Dombert Beate , Mokros Andreas , Santtila Pekka
Published: May 2013

Cognition research suggests that allocating attention resources to evolutionarily relevant stimuli is facilitated suggesting that sexual stimuli interfere with human information processing. In a group of gay (n = 13) and straight men (n = 13) recruited in Finland, Germany and Italy, we investigated if and how sexually relevant visual stimuli affect information processing of both a target one (T1) and a subsequent target two (T2) in a dual target rapid serial visual presentation procedure. We hypothesized that: (1) due to the attentional blink (AB) phenomenon, the accuracy of reporting of T2 would decrease when following accurately identified sexually preferred T1 compared to accurately identified non‐sexually preferred T1; 2) due to the pop out effect, the accuracy of reporting of T1 and T2 would be relatively increased when T1 and T2 were sexually preferred by the participants compared to when they were not. Our findings did not support hypothesis 1 but supported hypothesis 2. We further found that the pop out effect had a good capacity to differentiate sexual preference between the groups of gay and straight men. We conclude that dual target rapid serial visual presentation can be used as an attention‐based measurement to differentiate sexual preference in men. Limitations and the applicability in the field of measuring sexual preference were discussed.
Conscious knowledge influences decision‐making differently in substance abusers with and without co‐morbid antisocial personality disorder
Authors: Mellentin Angelina I. , Skøt Lotte , Teasdale Thomas W. , Habekost Thomas
Published: May 2013

Decision‐making impairment, as measured by the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), is a consistent finding among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). We studied how this impairment is influenced by co‐morbid antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and conscious knowledge of the task. Three groups were investigated:SUDindividuals without co‐morbidASPD(n = 30),SUDindividuals with co‐morbidASPD(n = 16), and healthy controls (n = 17). BothSUDandSUD+ASPDparticipants had poor overallIGTperformance. A block‐by‐block analysis revealed thatSUDparticipants exhibited slow but steady improvement across theIGT, whereasSUD+ASPDparticipants exhibited initial normal improvement, but dropped off during the last 40 trials. Conscious knowledge of the task was significantly correlated to performance for controls andSUDparticipants, but not forSUD+ASPDparticipants. Our findings suggest that decision‐making proceeds differently inSUDandSUD+ASPDindividuals due to differences in acquisition and application of conscious knowledge.
The Skin Picking Impact Scale: Factor structure, validity and development of a short version
Authors: Snorrason Ivar , Olafsson Ragnar P. , Flessner Christopher A. , Keuthen Nancy J. , Franklin Martin E. , Woods Douglas W.
Published: May 2013

In the present study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Skin Picking Impact Scale (SPIS; Keuthen, Deckersbach, Wilhelm et al., 2001), a 10 item self‐report questionnaire designed to assess the psychosocial impact of skin picking disorder (SPD). Participants were 650 individuals who met criteria for SPD in an online survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated a unitary factor structure with high internal consistency (α = 0.94). Consequently, we constructed an abbreviated 4‐item version that retained good internal consistency (α = 0.87) and a robust factor structure. Both the short and the full versions demonstrated discriminant and convergent/concurrent validity. In conclusion, the findings indicate that both versions are psychometrically sound measures of SPD related psychosocial impact; however, some potential limitations of the full scale are discussed.
Development of the Knee Numeric‐Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES – ACL): A condition‐specific questionnaire
Authors: Comins J. D. , Krogsgaard M. R. , Brodersen J.
Published: May 2013

Patient‐related outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to gauge treatment effects in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. Valid measures of specific conditions depend on relevant item content. While item content can be derived either from clinicians (face validity) or from patients, item relevance and comprehensiveness can only be confirmed by the patient (content validity). Focus group and single interviews were conducted with patients' pre‐ and post‐ACL reconstruction in order to construct a condition‐specific PROM for the target patients. One hundred fifty‐seven items from a previously conducted literature search were used as a basis for content genesis. Content saturation was achieved after three focus groups and seven single interviews. Thirty‐eight items from the literature search were directly endorsed, and five modified items were endorsed. Twelve new item themes with verbatim content emerged. Thus, a 55‐item pilot PROM consisting of six conceptual domains was assembled. We have constructed a condition‐specific PROM for measurement of surgical and non‐surgical treatment effects on ACL deficiency. The instrument possesses face and content validity. A pilot survey to assess the psychometric properties will be performed using Rasch measurement theory.
Overcoming Curricular Bifurcation: A Departmental Approach to Curriculum Reform1
Authors: Maxim Hiram H. , Höyng Peter , Lancaster Marianne , Schaumann Caroline , Aue Maximilian
Published: May 2013

The collegiate foreign language profession has become increasingly aware of the unnecessarily detrimental effects of bifurcated curricula on student learning and departmental governance, yet there have been few instances to date of departments that have been able to achieve unified, articulated programs of study. This article presents one foreign language department's initiatives and activities to do just that. We describe the collaborative process that the German Studies Department at Emory University underwent in its full‐scale revision of the undergraduate curriculum. The chairperson begins the description by explaining his role in the reform process. Other faculty members continue the description by outlining the institutional and department context, the impetus for reform, the curriculum's theoretical framework, and the different curricular levels. An ongoing, multi‐year project, the revised curriculum has placed demands on students and faculty but also indicated promise for enhanced departmental identity and student learning.
Translation and Bilingual Practice for German Vocabulary Teaching and Learning
Authors: Augustyn Prisca
Published: May 2013

This article offers a critical examination of the current practices and beliefs about vocabulary teaching and learning in typical communicative‐approach German classrooms. While research on vocabulary acquisition is scarce, frequency dictionaries reveal that current practice is based heavily on the use of concrete, referential lexemes that may be easier to teach but may not represent the most frequently occurring vocabulary in spoken and written texts. For teaching high‐frequency vocabulary, which is often abstract and non‐referential, this paper explores strategies for bilingual practice, validating the pedagogical use of the learners’ first language. These strategies integrate translation into the classroom as a productive strategy for learning that promotes learner autonomy. By discussing techniques for bilingual classroom practice for the acquisition of core vocabulary at the introductory and intermediate level, this article lends support to recent proposals for integrating translation and extensive reading as key strategies for developing vocabulary.
How College Learners of German Envision Their Final Attainment: Between Community and Future Self
Authors: Chavez Monika
Published: May 2013

This study explores the ways first‐, second‐, and third‐year college students (n=352) perceived their likely attainment of 19 morpho‐syntactic, phonological, pragmatic, and lexical features of German. Analyses further differentiated perceptions by the learner variables of year of enrollment, gender, achievement, motivation for language study, focus in class, experience with native speakers, and travel abroad. Results indicate experiential variables, particularly achievement and authentic experiences, to be of primary importance in shaping learners’ expectations. Grammatical features, especially nominal morphology, subjunctive, and passive were considered particularly difficult to attain, and more advanced learners were overall more optimistic than their less experienced peers. Learners’ belief in their eventual ability to use language in a socially appropriate manner was associated with actual or desired authentic experiences. The study concludes with a discussion of how learners’ imaginings of their future, more proficient selves can benefit from connections with a language‐using community.
From Broadway to Berlin: Transformative Learning through German Hip‐Hop
Authors: Sosulski Michael J.
Published: May 2013

This article explores the possibilities for effecting Transformative Learning in students of German language and culture through the use of popular music videos, in both the target and the students’ own languages. Transformative Learning, a term that has differing valences in numerous academic disciplines, is employed here in its social‐scientific context to denote the ability of learners to negotiate successfully between different cultural frames of reference in order to understand their experiences of cultural dissonance (Anderson & Cunningham, 2010). While Transformative Learning is indeed a higher order cognitive goal, the author argues here that the German language classroom can be an ideal location for building the skills (reflection, interpretation, acquisition of concepts and nuanced self understanding) that set the stage for Transformative Learning to take place over time. The author first lays the theoretical groundwork for this type of learning, followed by a brief introduction to the concept of transculturation (Pratt, 2005) as an important framework for understanding developments in German hip‐hop musical and visual styles from the early 1990s to the present. The article includes an in‐depth comparison of music videos from Germany and the United States.
The Sound of German: Descriptions of Accent by Native and Non‐Native Listeners
Authors: Wilkerson Miranda E.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a study of factors affecting judgments of native and non‐native accent in German. The data suggest that listener status (native or non‐native speakers) and degree of experience with German play a role in the aspects of speech which raters cite as salient. Interestingly, the same descriptive terms used by raters were shown to mean different things for different raters, raising questions about the relationship between perceptions of accents and the ways people describe them, which, in turn, hold implications for language teaching.
First indigenous transmission of Japanese Encephalitis in urban areas of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Authors: Kumari Roop , Kumar Kaushal , Rawat Ashok , Singh GirRaj , Yadav Narendra K. , Chauhan Lakhbir S.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Until 2010, no Japanese encephalitis (JE) had been reported from Delhi. Upon report of four confirmed cases of JE in September 2011, detailed investigations were carried out to determine whether the cases were imported or indigenous.

Methods

Entomological surveys were carried out and all mosquito pools were tested for the detection of JE virus by ELISA method using specific monoclonal antibody. Human blood samples from contacts of the patients were tested by IgM‐captured ELISA method. Pig's blood samples were also tested for the detection of JE virus.

Results

Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex vishnui and Culex pseudovishnui mosquitoes were found. In contrast to rural areas, their breeding habitats were different in the city. 19 pools were tested. JE virus was detected in two pools of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus females reared from field‐collected larvae, indicating vertical transmission. One pool of Cx. vishnui was also positive. This is the first report for the detection of JE virus in mosquitoes from Delhi. JE IgM antibodies in five contacts/residents indicate recent infection. JE virus was also detected in pigs.

Conclusion

Present analysis shows that of four reported JE cases, three were confirmed indigenous, indicating that the virus is multiplying in the city. Mapping of infected JE vector mosquitoes in the cities is required for preventive measures to contain further spread of the disease.
Ocular histiocytic sarcoma in a cat
Authors: Scurrell Emma , Trott Adele , Rozmanec Michael , Belford Chris J.
Published: May 2013

A 13‐year‐old male neutered British blue cat presented with uveitis, hyphema, and dyscoria in the right eye. Light microscopic examination revealed that the ciliary body, iris root, drainage angle, and adjacent choroid were infiltrated by sheets of large neoplastic mononuclear and multinucleate round to polygonal cells. Neoplastic cells stained immunopositive for CD18 and HLA‐DR (MHC class II) and were immunonegative for CD3, CD79a, MUM‐1, CD117 (c‐Kit), and S100. These findings were consistent with a histiocytic sarcoma. The cat later developed multiple cutaneous masses composed of a similar neoplastic cell population to that seen in the eye. Eight months following enucleation, the cat developed respiratory distress and was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed multiple pulmonary tumors associated with a pleural effusion.
Ethical and regulatory guidelines in clinical trials of xenocorneal transplantation in Korea; the Korean xenocorneal transplantation consensus statement
Authors: Kim Mee Kum , Lee Jong Joo , Choi Hyuk Jin , Kwon Ivo , Lee HyungKeun , Song Jong‐Suk , Kim Myoung Joon , Chung Eui‐Sang , Wee Won Ryang , Park Chung‐Gyu , Kim Sang Joon
Published: May 2013

Background

To establish the consensus about the conditions for undertaking clinical trials in xenocorneal transplantation in Korea, specific issues regarding the xenocorneal transplantation on ethical and regulatory aspects are addressed, and the guidelines to conduct clinical trial of the xenocorneal transplantation are proposed.

Method and Results

Chapter 1 reviews the key ethical requirements and progress of a Korean regulatory framework for clinical trials of xenocorneal transplantation. Chapters 2–7 provide recommendations on source pigs, quality control of porcine corneal procurement, preclinical efficacy required to justify a clinical trial, strategies to prevent transmission of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), patient selection for clinical trials, and informed consent in xenocorneal transplantation using either cellularized or decellularized porcine graft, which are essentially based on the International Xenotransplantation Association (IXA) islet xenotransplantation consensus statement. The consensus statement of the inclusion criteria for the patients' selection has been made by the executive board members in Korean External Eye Disease Society.

Conclusions

This consensus statement will be a good initiative for Korean Food and Drug Administration to discuss final regulatory guidelines in conducting clinical trials of xenocorneal transplantation in Korea and for International Xenotransplantation Association to develop International Consensus Standards of Xenocorneal Transplantation.
Molecular phylogeny ofGeoplaninae (Platyhelminthes) challenges current classification: proposal of taxonomic actions
Authors: Carbayo Fernando , Álvarez‐Presas Marta , Olivares Cláudia T. , Marques Fernando P. L. , Froehlich Eudóxia M. , Riutort Marta
Published: May 2013

Despite likely being the most diverse group within theTricladida, the systematics of land planarians (Geoplanidae) has received minor attention. The most species‐rich ingroup, the subfamilyGeoplaninae, is restricted to theNeotropics. The systematics ofGeoplaninae remains uncertain. Unique features supporting the genera are scanty; moreover, parts of the known species have been poorly described, making comparative studies difficult. Likewise the evolutionary relationships among land planarians remain insufficiently understood. In the present study, a phylogenetic hypothesis for selected taxa ofGeoplaninae based on the molecular data is presented and discussed in the light of morphological features. Our phylogenetic inference is based on the fragments of three nuclear regions (18S, 28S rDNAandEF‐1α) and a mitochondrial marker (cytochrome oxidaseI) for which we considered three optimality criteria (parsimony, maximum likelihood andBayesian inference). Although our data provide little support for most basal nodes, our phylogenetic trees show a number of well‐supported clades, unveiling morphologically homogeneous groups. According to these results, we propose to separateGeoplanaintoBarreirana(formerly considered a subgenus),Crateragen. n.,Imbiragen. n.,Matuxiagen. n.,Obamagen. n. andParabagen. n., emend the diagnoses ofBarreirana,Geoplana,Notogynaphallia,PasiphaandXerapoaand review the classification of the species within these genera. ForGeoplana goetschisensuMarcus, (1951), a new name is proposed.
Roles of plasma-generated vacuum-ultraviolet photons and oxygen radicals in damaging nanoporous low-k films
Authors: Lee Joe , Graves David B.
Published: May 2013

One important class of low-k materials used as interconnect dielectrics employs methyl groups added to nanoporous SiO2 matrices. These carbon-doped oxide materials are known to be susceptible to damage from plasma species during various stages of plasma processing. Two key active species generated in O2 plasma are oxygen (O) radicals and vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) photons. These species are known to cause carbon loss, resulting in damaging increases in dielectric constant throughout the film. However, the mechanisms through which this damage is incurred are poorly understood. By capping the substrate in different ways during plasma exposure, it is possible to expose films to either photons alone or O atoms alone. The authors report measurements of damage induced by VUV photons only, O radicals only, and the combination of O radicals and photons. Through HF stripping, they note that carbon extraction from photons and from radicals yields different outcomes; the profile of carbon concentration within the modified region is different for each case. Damage from photons alone can be modeled and model predictions are in good agreement with measurements. Damage from O atoms alone can only be modeled if it is assumed that the near-surface region has a significantly reduced diffusivity compared to the bulk of the film. Experiment and model agree that both photons alone and O radicals alone damage the material by removing carbon. When radicals and photons are present simultaneously during plasma exposure, however, more C removal appears to be occurring in the model than experimentally observed. Remarkably, if only radicals are exposed to the film after short (10–30 s) plasma exposures, very little additional damage is incurred during this radical-only exposure. The most straightforward interpretation of these results appears to be that photons combine synergistically with radicals in the pores to narrow the pores, thereby reducing film diffusivity in the C-poor, plasma-damaged regions.
Structural and magnetic properties of NiAs-type FeSe and related alloy layers
Authors: Song Guibin , Matsui Hiroaki , Akai Hisazumi , Tabata Hitoshi
Published: May 2013

A single phase of β-FeSe was obtained under Se-rich conditions (β-FeSey: y ≧ 1.15) using pulsed laser deposition. The excess Se content in the layers resulted in a decrease of the unit cell volume owing to the nonstoichiometric composition. However, β-FeSey layers did not show any remarkable change of magnetic properties with the exception of decreased saturation magnetization. On the other hand, doping with Cr ions caused lattice distortions along the c-axis direction following a change of the crystallographic superstructure from 4c to 3c types, as confirmed by x-ray diffraction and temperature-dependent magnetization. As a consequence, high coercivity and high anisotropy of in-plane magnetism at 300 K were observed in Cr-rich β-Fe1−xCrxSe1.28 (x = 0.166) layers. Finally, the authors confirmed a correlation between electron transport and magnetism in β-Fe1−xCrxSe1.28 layers from the results of temperature-dependent resistivity and Hall measurements.
Magnetic drug targeting by ferromagnetic microwires implanted within blood vessels
Authors: Hournkumnuard Kanok , Natenapit Mayuree
Published: May 2013

Purpose:

The targeting of ferromagnetic drug carrier nanoparticles (DCNPs) by dilute microferromagnetic wires implanted within blood vessels and subjected to an externally applied uniform magnetic field of 0.1–0.8 T was evaluated to determine their effectiveness in increasing the concentration of the DCNPs around the target wires.

Methods:

The transport of DCNPs under the influences of diffusion, blood convection, and magnetic force was simulated by solving the continuity equation using the finite difference method. Then the spatial distribution and time evolution of the particle concentration was determined. The effectiveness of implant‐assisted magnetic drug targeting was evaluated from the average concentration of DCNPs around the representative target wire.

Results:

The average concentration of DCNPs of an average radius larger than 80 nm carried by blood flow with an average inlet flow rate of 1.1 cm s−1 was increased to more than 60% of the injected concentration by using an externally applied magnetic field strength of 0.1 T.

Conclusions:

The effectiveness of concentrating DCNPs of an average radius not larger than 100 nm around the target wire within a small vein was significantly improved using an externally applied magnetic field strength of not greater than 0.8 T.
Collimated blue light generation in rubidium vapor
Authors: Kienlen Marcus B. , Holte Noah T. , Dassonville Hunter A. , Dawes Andrew M. C. , Iversen Kurt D. , McLaughlin Ryan M. , Mayer Shannon K.
Published: May 2013

We describe an experiment for generating and characterizing a beam of collimated blue light (CBL) in a rubidium vapor. Two low-power, grating-feedback diode lasers, operating at 780.2 nm (5S1/2→5P3/2) and 776.0 nm (5P3/2→5D5/2), respectively, provide step-wise excitation to the 5D excited state in rubidium. Under the right experimental conditions, cascade decay through the 6P excited state will yield a collimated blue (420-nm) beam of light with high temporal and spatial coherence. We investigate the production of a blue beam under a variety of experimental conditions and characterize the spatial coherence and spectral characteristics. This experiment provides advanced undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to investigate nonlinear optical phenomena in the laboratory and uses equipment that is commonly available in laboratories equipped to investigate diode-laser-based absorption spectroscopy in rubidium.
Student understanding of the application of Newton's second law to rotating rigid bodies
Authors: Close Hunter G. , Gomez Luanna S. , Heron Paula R. L.
Published: May 2013

We report on an investigation of student understanding of rigid body dynamics in which we asked students in introductory calculus-based physics to compare the translational motions of identical rigid bodies subject to forces that differed only in the point of contact at which they were applied. There was a widespread tendency to claim that forces that cause rotational motion have a diminished effect on translational motion. A series of related problems was developed to examine whether similar errors would be made in other contexts, and interviews were conducted to probe student thinking in greater depth. In this paper, we describe the results of our investigation and also describe a series of different interventions that culminated in the development of a tutorial that improves student ability to apply Newton's second law to rotating rigid bodies.
The mechanical career of Councillor Orffyreus, confidence man
Authors: Jenkins Alejandro
Published: May 2013

In the early 18th century, J. E. E. Bessler, known as Orffyreus, constructed several wheels that he claimed could keep turning forever, powered only by gravity. He never revealed the details of his invention, but he conducted demonstrations (with the machine's inner workings covered) that persuaded competent observers that he might have discovered the secret of perpetual motion. Among Bessler's defenders were Gottfried Leibniz, Johann Bernoulli, Professor Willem 's Gravesande of Leiden University (who wrote to Isaac Newton on the subject), and Prince Karl, ruler of the German state of Hesse-Kassel. We review Bessler's work, placing it within the context of the intellectual debates of the time about mechanical conservation laws and the (im)possibility of perpetual motion. We also mention Bessler's long career as a confidence man, the details of which were discussed in popular 19th-century German publications but have remained unfamiliar to authors in other languages.
Galvanic Replacement Reactions in Metal Oxide Nanocrystals
Authors: Oh Myoung Hwan , Yu Taekyung , Yu Seung-Ho , Lim Byungkwon , Ko Kyung-Tae , Willinger Marc-Georg , Seo Dong-Hwa , Kim Byung Hyo , Cho Min Gee , Park Jae-Hoon , Kang Kisuk , Sung Yung-Eun , Pinna Nicola , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: May 2013

Hollowing Out Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Corrosion is normally a problem, but it can be useful, for example, when you wish to create hollow metal nanoparticles, whereby the reduction of one metal species in solution drives the dissolution of the core of the particle.

Oh
et al.

(p.
964
; see the Perspective by

Ibáñez and Cabot

) adapted this approach to metal oxide nanoparticles by placing Mn
3
O
4
nanocrystals in solution with Fe
2+
ions, which replaces the nanocrystal exterior with γ-Fe
2
O
3
. At sufficiently high Fe
2+
concentrations, hollow γ-Fe
2
O
3
nanocages formed. These hollow structures could be used as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
An Accurate Geometric Distance to the Compact Binary SS Cygni Vindicates Accretion Disc Theory
Authors: Miller-Jones J. C. A. , Sivakoff G. R. , Knigge C. , Körding E. G. , Templeton M. , Waagen E. O.
Published: May 2013

For Good Measure

SS Cygni is a well-studied binary star system in the northern constellation Cygnus, consisting of a white dwarf that accretes matter from its companion star.

Miller-Jones
et al.

(p.
950
; see the Perspective by

Schreiber

) used radio observations to derive a model-independent distance to this prototypical accreting white dwarf system. The measurement places the system significantly closer than previously determined, reconciling the observed properties of SS Cygni with our current understanding of accretion theory.
Mother, Love
The Nature and Nurture of Love
From Imprinting to Attachment in Cold War America

by Marga Vicedo

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2013. 331 pp. $45, £31.50. ISBN 9780226020556.
Authors: Harris Ben
Published: May 2013

Vicedo's examination of the history of attachment theory and the concept of "mother love" illustrates the impact prevailing preconceptions have on efforts to draw social lessons from biology.
Detection of Epidemic USA300 Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains by Use of a Single Allele-Specific PCR Assay Targeting a Novel Polymorphism of
Staphylococcus aureus pbp3
Authors: Chadwick Sean G. , Prasad Aditya , Smith W. Lamar , Mordechai Eli , Adelson Martin E. , Gygax Scott E.
Published: May 2013

In recent years, the dramatic increase in community-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA) infections has become a significant health care challenge. Early detection of CA-MRSA is important because of its increased virulence associated with the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME), Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), and other toxins that may contribute to disease severity. In particular, the USA300 epidemic clone has emerged and now represents the cause of as much as 98% of CA-MRSA skin and soft tissue infections in the United States. Current diagnostic assays used to identify CA-MRSA strains are based on complex multiplex PCRs targeting the staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) DNA junction, a multitude of genes, and noncoding DNA fragments or on a number of lengthy sequence-typing methods. Here, two nucleotide polymorphisms, G88A and G2047A, that were found to be in strict linkage disequilibrium in the
S. aureus
penicillin-binding protein 3 (
pbp3
) gene were also found to be highly associated with the USA300 clone of CA-MRSA. Clinical isolates that contained this
pbp3
allele were also positive for the presence of SCC
mec
type IV, the ACME, and the PVL toxin gene and matched the t008 or t121 molecular
spa
types, which are associated specifically with the USA300 CA-MRSA clone. A single allele-specific PCR targeting the G88A polymorphism was developed and was found to be 100% sensitive and specific for the detection of USA300 CA-MRSA and 91.5% sensitive and 100% specific for the detection of all CA-MRSA isolates in this study.