bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling cutter and shoots supporting device
Authors: Малюков  , Malyukov Sergey
Published: January 2014

Modeling of cutter and shoots supporting device is done that will improve the completeness of shoots cutting of minor trees and shrubs and the effectiveness of brush cutter. In quality support proposed shoots supporting device. They provide support the vegetation having small resistance to a bend, at milling. When creating the model finite element method was used. It enables maximum adequately mathematically describe cutter and supporting device. Cutter surface was divided into a large number of flat triangles, which are easily joined together and allow you to reproduce any form of surface.
Performance and Fatty Acid Composition of Adipose Tissue, Breast and Thigh in Broilers Fed Flaxseed: A Review
Authors: Hernandez F
Published: January 2014

Interest on the enrichment of poultry meat with n-3 fatty acids has increased given its important role in human health. Flaxseed is the main sources of n-3 fatty acids, and contains between 45 to 71% of total fatty acids of the oil as α-linolenic acid. This paper reviews the plausibility of n-3 enrichment. Its focus is on the processing of flaxseed and begins by summarizing the benefits of supplementation on broiler performance. The literature on altering the FA deposition in different tissues is then reviewed, and the factors that affect the incorporation of n-3 PUFA into edible tissues of poultry are investigated. Flaxseed supplementation caused a reduction in the abdominal fat pad, and the main fatty acid deposited in the tissue is LNA. The use of fold-change analysis allowed interpreting and determining the variation of results within experiments that do not report data in similar units of measure. The fold change analysis identified three categories of desaturation response to feeding flaxseed to broilers, resulting in different values for EPA and DHA in both breast and thigh tissues: high, medium and low fold-changes. The use of flaxseed oil, whole or ground flaxseed 14 to 21 day before slaughter is recommended to poultry producers as feeding strategies to optimize n-3 enrichment, without compromising animal performance. Enriched DHA deposition could be accomplished feeding whole flaxseed.
Effects of Nutrition Education on Nutrition Knowledge and Iron Status in Primary School Pupils of Gatanga District, Muranga Country, Kenya
Authors: Gitau Gladys , Kimiywe Judith , Waudo Judith , Mbithe Dorcus
Published: January 2014

School-age children are both growing and learning, and anaemia can affect cognitive function, motor performance and educational achievements of this age group. Nutrition education has not been given the priority it deserves in primary schools due to the busy school curriculum. It is in this light this study was designed for one teaching calendar year. Subjects & methods: Pupils (n=601) covering the age 11-18 years were included. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three main Nutrition Education strategies on nutrition knowledge and iron status among primary schools children in Gatanga district. A baseline survey was conducted in 12 randomly selected schools for class six pupils and their households. Questionnaires and an interview schedule were used to collect data, with pre and post tests. The interventions schools were Mabanda, Kigio and Kirwara (experimental) and Gakurari (control school). Baseline data were analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Nutri-Survey computer packages using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The data were coded to search for emerging themes. This led to the identification of variables and concepts of iron deficiency in the children, which was crucial to the design of the corrective measures model for the interventions. On average the mean mark, in nutrition knowledge at baseline was 30.05%. In the post-tests all experimental schools (n=154) significantly improved in nutrition knowledge, and the peer facilitated school performed best with (51.52+24.79) marks, Researcher facilitated school (48.39+22.23) and the agriculture staff (38.70+9.87). The pre-test post- test improvement in the control school (31.21+12.74) was however not significant (p>0.05). A total of 31.4 % pupils ( Sub sample n=89) were found to be anaemic after altitude adjustments at a calculated factor 0.5 for Gatanga altitude (2237m ASL). Pupils’ haemoglobin status were not significantly different (p>0.05) between the experimental and control schools at baseline, notable differences occurred in the experimental schools after the interventions. Relationship between nutrition knowledge and nutrient intake was positive and there was a statistically significant relationship between nutrition knowledge and hemoglobin levels at p<0.05 (R2=0.253, p=0.025). Anemia was found to be a significant problem and therefore the need for a comprehensive intervention strategy by all stakeholders to improve the iron status in this age group.
Use of Decompression Instant Vacuum (DIC) Method into Vegetal Snack Production from Dehydrated Apple (cv. Reineta) and Pear (cv.Conferencia)
Authors: De la Fuente M , Folgueral O , Prieto B , Fresno J , González-Raurich M
Published: January 2014

One of the raising dehydration techniques more recently developed is instant decompression controlled vacuum (DIC; Détente instantannée Contrôlée), which causes a modification of micro- and macrostructure of food causing an expansion of the product, which improves their texture, color and rehydration capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate specifically cultivars of pear (Conferencia) and apple (Reineta) from Bierzo (León, Spain) as raw material during processing from dehydrated process (DIC) and determines their suitability for snack industrial applications.

To this end, samples of each fruit species were taken at harvest (0 weeks), and after 6 and 12 weeks of storage, peeled and sliced in two formats (2 and 4 mm). Several parameters were measured before (ºBrix, firmness and weight loss) and after (moisture content and water activity) DIC process.

Results indicate that apple shows more stable for any format-studied compare to pear during DIC process, since it presented less variability (17%) than pear (46%) according to the applied format. The format modifies aw values registered during the entire DIC process; because 2mm slices have lower water activity and moisture content values than 4mm slices. Apple marks hardness parameters along its storage (<4.5 kg·cm-2), that provided greater firmness and consistency than pear along storage, so all studied parameters reflected that apple was more suitable for DIC process than pear.
Nutritional Characterization of Shoots and Other Edible Products of an Edible Bamboo - Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
Authors: Sood Sangita , Walia Shivani , Gupta Mahesh , Sood Anil
Published: January 2014

Dendrocalamus hamiltonii is a locally available variety of multipurpose bamboo which is mainly cultivated as wood substitute, fodder and edible shoots used for making pickles. As this is a predominant species of bamboo popular with the masses, therefore, an effort was made to evaluate its shoots for quality parameters. Results showed that it contained 91.06 % moisture, 0.81% ash, 0.29% fat and 1.50% fiber. Edible bamboo shoots need to be processed and utilized immediately due to their seasonal availability and short shelf life. Some edible products such as preserve, candy, chutney, nuggets, cracker (papad) and chukh were prepared which were then analyzed for nutritional and organoleptic evaluation. The results revealed that prepared formulations were nutritionally rich and acceptable by sensory scores. Such an activities are bound to provide livelihood opportunities to the local population thereby, exploring the value of bamboo resource as underutilized health food.
Baseline bone mineral density and bone turnover in pre-operative hip and knee arthroplasty patients
Authors: James S. J. , Mirza S. B. , Culliford D. J. , Taylor P. A. , Carr A. J. , Arden N. K.
Published: January 2014

Aims

Osteoporosis and abnormal bone metabolism may prove to be significant factors influencing the outcome of arthroplasty surgery, predisposing to complications of aseptic loosening and peri-prosthetic fracture. We aimed to investigate baseline bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in patients about to undergo arthroplasty of the hip and knee.

Methods

We prospectively measured bone mineral density of the hip and lumbar spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in a cohort of 194 patients awaiting hip or knee arthroplasty. We also assessed bone turnover using urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), a type I collagen crosslink, normalised to creatinine.

Results

The prevalence of DEXA proven hip osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) among hip and knee arthroplasty patients was found to be low at 2.8% (4 of 143). Spinal osteoporosis prevalence was higher at 6.9% (12 of 175). Sixty patients (42% (60 of 143)) had osteopenia or osteoporosis of either the hip or spine. The mean T-score for the hip was -0.34 (sd 1.23), which is within normal limits, and the mean hip Z-score was positive at 0.87 (sd 1.17), signifying higher-than-average BMD for age. The median urinary DPD/creatinine was raised in both female patients at 8.1 (interquartile range (IQR) 6.6 to 9.9) and male patients at 6.2 (IQR 4.8 to 7.5).

Conclusions

Our results indicate hip and knee arthroplasty patients have higher BMD of the hip and spine compared with an age-matched general population, and a lower prevalence of osteoporosis. However, untreated osteoporotic patients are undergoing arthroplasty, which may negatively impact their outcome. Raised DPD levels suggest abnormal bone turnover, requiring further investigation. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:14–19.
Effectiveness of Responsive Teaching With Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Karaaslan Ozcan , Mahoney Gerald
Published: January 2014

A randomized control study was conducted to evaluate Responsive Teaching (RT) with a sample of 15 Turkish preschool-aged children with Down syndrome (DS) and their mothers over a six-month period of time. RT is an early intervention curriculum that attempts to promote children's development by encouraging parents to engage in highly responsive interactions with them. Subjects were randomly assigned to treatment conditions: the control group consisted of standard preschool classroom services; the RT group received bi-weekly RT parent-child sessions in addition to standard services. RT mothers made significantly greater increases in their Responsiveness and Affect as wellas decreases in Directiveness than control group mothers. There were also significant group differences in children's interactive engagement and development. Children in the RT group improved their developmental quotient scores by an average of 47% compared to 7% for children in the control group. Results are described in terms of the effects of parental responsive interaction on the developmental functioning of children with DS.
Identifying Perspectives of Health in Adults With Intellectual Disability Through Engagement in Participatory Research
Authors: Cardell Beth
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this paper is to present the contributions adults with intellectual disability can make to health-related research in an effort to encourage the inclusion of this population in research. Photovoice was used to develop collaboration between the researcher and a group of adults with intellectual disability. In addition to individual interviews and observations, the participants completed a photograph assignment aimed at identifying things that are good or bad for health. Four themes emerged from this study: defining health, feeling connected, having something to do, and being part of the community. Additionally, insight was gleaned on promoting health in this population. Health promotion curricula need to include skill development and support building along with this population's strengths, interests, and context.
Gaining Insight from Innovation: Promising Practices that Promote Integrated Employment by State IDD Agencies
Authors: Timmons Jaimie , Bose Jennifer , Hall Allison
Published: January 2014

State employment agency policies and practices vary widely in their level of commitment to improving access to integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). State IDD agencies are charged to seek creative approaches to policy formation, organizational change, and service provision that directly influence the development of employment opportunities. The goal of this study was to understand the promising practices and strategies being used by state intellectual and developmental disabilities agencies in order to understand what factors make these strategies successful, the lessons learned from implementation, and how the themes derived from this analysis can help to further articulate integrated employment as the preferred outcome for individuals with IDD. Semistructured, one-on-one telephone interviews with key state IDD agency personnel revealed six themes that were common across 30 state agency practices. These were (a) identifying barriers, (b) forming a coalition, (c) developing a mission and strategic plan, (d) aligning the infrastructure with vision and policies, (e) building stakeholder capacity, and (f) measuring progress and monitoring implementation. Recommendations are offered to state agency administrators to broaden perceptions about methods for expanding integrated employment options and outcomes at the systems level.
Factors Affecting Human Tactile Response to Wash-Treated Garments: Analysis of Fabric and Garment Effects in Dynamic Wear
Authors: Barker Roger , Bernard Andrew , Hinks David , Liston Gail , Jones Christopher , Singleton Stephen
Published: January 2014

This paper describes studies conducted to understand how a selected group of blouse materials contributed to tactile sensations on the human body during active wear; and to determine how the response was affected through wash treatment. Human subject hand evaluations and controlled garment wear studies were used to quantify subjective response to the tactile properties of materials that had been washed, starched, or softened. Fabric hand was analyzed using paired comparison and bipolar hand evaluation protocols. A novel human subject wear protocol was developed to assess material interactions with body location in dynamic wear. This study also shows how different protocols for subjectively evaluating tactile response were correlated in fabrics and garments that were deliberately washed, softened, or starched to achieve different levels of softness or stiffness.
Resolving sets for four families of distance-regular graphs
Authors: Guo Jun , Li Fenggao , Wang Kaishun
Published: January 2014

Recently upper bounds on the metric dimension of Grassmann graphs, bilinear forms graphs, doubled Grassmann graphs and twisted Grassmann graphs have been obtained by Bailey, Meagher, Feng and the present authors. In this paper, we continue this research and construct resolving sets with smaller sizes for these graphs. As a result, we improve the known upper bounds on the metric dimension for the latter three graphs.
Beyond anemia: hepcidin, monocytes and inflammation
Authors: Zhang Xiaolan , Rovin Brad H.
Published: January 2014

Hepcidin is an iron regulatory protein mainly synthesized by the liver. Hepatocyte production of
hepcidin is responsible for serum hepcidin, is responsive to body iron stores, and is critical for
maintaining iron homeostasis. Monocytes and macrophages also express hepcidin, and in contrast to
the liver, hepcidin expression is primarily regulated by inflammatory mediators and infectious
agents. Monocyte and macrophage hepcidin is likely to be more important on a local rather than
systemic level, contributes to host defense and may modulate inflammatory processes. This review
summarizes recent findings and hypotheses on the relationship of hepcidin to the mononuclear
phagocyte system.
Understanding Timelines: Conceptual Metaphor and Conceptual Integration
Authors: Coulson Seana , Cánovas Cristobal Pagán
Published: January 2014

One of the most broadly investigated topics in the conceptual metaphor literature is the importance of spatial construals for thinking and talking about time. We address the relationship between conceptual metaphor theory (CMT) and conceptual integration theory (CIT) by exploring how people understand timelines - both as graphical objects, in discourse about timelines taken from newspapers and the web, and in poetic examples. The inferential structure of the timeline is well captured by the conceptual metaphors TIME IS SPACE and EVENTS ARE OBJECTS. Instantiated graphically, the timeline serves as a material anchor for a conceptual integration network representing partial cognitive models of time, lines, objects, and a hybrid model known as a ‘blend’. Understood in respect to this network, the analogue properties of the line give it novel computational properties facilitating inferences about the events that the timeline represents. The history of the modern timeline suggests that it reflects a distributed cognitive process, involving multiple individuals over a large span of time and illustrating the importance of cultural evolution in the development of conceptual integration networks. Analysis of both poetry and everyday discourse about timelines suggests that conventional mapping schemas are best viewed not as determining the interpretation of timelines but as providing soft constraints that help guide interpretation. Future metaphor research will best proceed via a merger of techniques from CMT and CIT, characterizing metaphor as involving complex networks of mappings that can be updated flexibly as a function of context and goals.
Ways of Perceiving, Moving, and Thinking: Revindicating Culture in Conceptual Metaphor Research
Authors: Caballero Rosario , Ibarretxe-Antuñano Iraide
Published: January 2014

Metaphor in cognitive linguistics is understood as a mapping where properties from one domain - the source - are transferred onto another domain: the target. The conceptual associations between source and target have usually been considered universal, unidirectional, and usage-based. One of the issues generally taken for granted, yet often underexplored, is the critical role of the notion of culture when characterizing conceptual metaphor. In this paper, we revisit and problematize the concepts of universality, unidirectionality, and usage-basedness and argue in favour of a broader-scoped approach to metaphor that brings in the notion of culture as key to metaphor research. By ‘culture’, we mean two, related things: (a) shared beliefs, knowledge, and world view(s) characterizing national, ethnic, and speech communities; and (b) the discourse communities using metaphor: i.e., those subcultures within broader cultural frames that are characterized by specific knowledge schemas, needs, and interests. To do so, we look into metaphors used by non-Western cultures and the architectural community when expressing the ways they perceive and think about their worlds.
Evaluation of flow-induced nanoclay orientation and microstructural stability in polyethylene/clay nanocomposites via melt rheological and thermal analysis
Authors: Sarkari Nima Mostofi , Katbab Ali Asghar , Nazockdast Hossein
Published: January 2014

The effects of shear rate upon the flow-induced nanoclay orientation and morphological stability in film blown polyethylene clay nanocomposites were studied by means of linear and nonlinear rheological characterization parallel with differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Nanocomposite samples were prepared using a modular twin screw extruder followed by film processing technique. XRD analysis performed on film samples showed that the samples exhibited intercalated/exfoliated microstructure. The 3D physical networks were formed by the clay nanolayers in the structures of undrawn samples. However, the breakdown of the clay physical networks during film processing as a result of the imposed shear field within the die area and also an elongational flow field was evidenced. Time sweep test performed at various shear rates and shearing times using a rheometric mechanical spectrometer showed that, in all samples, the time required for the restructurization of the clay nanolayers during relaxation of the melt was found to be higher than 3600 s.
Awareness of current recommendations and guidelines regarding strength training for youth
Authors: Fröberg Andreas , Alricsson Marie , Ahnesjö Jonas
Published: January 2014

Aim: Physical conditioning of youth has always been a controversial topic as it raises ethical, physiological, and medical issues. Current recommendations and guidelines suggest that strength training is a relatively safe and worthwhile method in conditioning youth. This, however, requires well-informed coaches who follow age-appropriate strength training recommendations and guidelines, compiles well-designed strength training programs, and provides qualified supervision and instructions. The purpose of this study was to investigate coaches’ awareness of current recommendations and guidelines regarding strength training for youth.

Method: A total of 39 football (US: soccer) coaches (34 males and 5 females) training boys in age groups 8–12 years were included in this study. Data were collected using an attitude statement questionnaire, and the assertions were based upon current recommendations and guidelines.

Results: The results revealed significant differences among coaches in terms of knowledge of important aspects of strength training for youth.

Conclusions: The results suggested that coaches in the present study were not aware of the latest recommendations and guidelines regarding strength training for youth.
Symbolic Computation on Soliton Solutions for Variable-coefficient Quantum Zakharov-Kuznetsov Equation in Magnetized Dense Plasmas
Authors: Awawdeh Fadi , Al-Shara' Safwan , Jaradat H.M. , Alomari A.K. , Alshorman Rafat
Published: January 2014

The (3+1)-dimensional quantum Zakharov-Kuznetsov equations with variable coefficients have the applications to nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in dense magnetoplasmas. Via a simplified bilinear method and symbolic computation, we construct the multiple solitary wave solutions, analyze the elastic collisions with the constant and variable coefficients, and observe that solitons no longer keep rectilinear propagation and display different shapes because of the inhomogeneities of media. Then, a dense magnetoplasma consisting of electrons and singly charged ions is considered. The basic set of quantum hydrodynamic is reduced to the quantum Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation by using the reductive perturbation technique. Parametric analysis is carried out in order to illustrate that the soliton amplitude, width and velocity are affected by the quantum diffraction and obliqueness effect. Furthermore, propagation characteristics and interaction behaviors of the solitons are also discussed through the graphical analysis and the characteristic-line method.
Back Translation vs. Collaborative Translation: A Comparative Study of Persian Subtitles in English Movies
Authors: Khosravani Yasaman , Dastjerdi Hossein Vahid
Published: January 2014

Back translation is a common technique to assess the accuracy of translation, but its application in different contexts is often subject to controversy. The aim of the present paper is first to check the appropriateness of back translation for movie subtitling purposes on the one hand and on the other, to see which technique leads to a better translation, collaborative translation or back translation. To achieve this aim, 50 Persian sentences with problems in their translations were randomly selected from
Vertical Inequality, Land Reform, and Insurgency in Colombia
Authors: Flores Thomas Edward
Published: January 2014

How can we understand the origins and resilience of Colombia’s long-running insurgency? A leading theory emphasizes the feasibility of insurgency, identifying drug trafficking as the main culprit. I propose an alternative theory of civil violence that emphasizes how bargaining over property rights in the face of deep vertical inequality deepens the subordinate group’s social identity, heightens its sense of grievance, and facilitates collective violence. An examination of the history of land reform struggles in Colombia echoes this pattern. Struggles over land reforms in the 1920s and 1930s created new patterns of collective action that helped sustain campesino groups in the “independent republics” of the 1950s and 1960s and the creation of the FARC in 1964. This analysis suggests that the Colombian state’s lack of credibility on issues of land reform demands a significant third-party enforcement of any peace agreement and confidence-building measures between the FARC and the Colombian government.
Evaluation study on a macroporous silica-based isohexyl-BTP adsorbent for minor actinides separation from nitric acid medium
Authors: Liu Ruiqin , Wang Xinpeng , Wei Yuezhou , Shi Weiqun , Chai Zhifang
Published: January 2014

To separate the long-lived minor actinides (MA = Am, Cm) from high level liquid waste (HLLW), we have been studying
a partitioning technology named “MAREC” (Minor Actinides Recovery from HLLW by Extraction Chromatography) process which consists of
two separation columns packed with silica-based adsorbents. In this work, we prepared the silica-based
2,6-bis(5,6-diisohexyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine (isohexyl-BTP/SiO2-P) adsorbent used in the second
column (0.01 ∼ 0.1 mol dm
–3 HNO3) in the MAREC process for the separation of trivalent minor actinides (MA(III))
from trivalent rare earth elements (RE(III)) which are contained in HLLW. The content of extracting agent isohexyl-BTP in
isohexyl-BTP/SiO2-P was as high as 33.3% of the total mass of the adsorbent. The adsorbent exhibited high
affinity and selectivity for Am(III) over RE(III) not only in nitric acid solution but also in nitrate solution. Investigation showed
that only a small part of isohexyl-BTP molecules inside isohexyl-BTP/SiO2-P leaked into
0.01 mol dm
–3 HNO3 with or without γ-irradiation. The adsorption performance of
isohexyl-BTP/SiO2-P did not evidently change after 120 d of contact with 0.01 mol dm
–3 nitric
acid. Furthermore, after γ-irradiated in 0.01 mol dm
–3 HNO3 under the experimental conditions,
isohexyl-BTP/SiO2-P exhibited higher adsorption for RE(III) than before γ-irradiation.
Advances in computational actinide chemistry in China
Authors: Wang Dongqi , Su Jing , Wu Jingyi , Li Jun , Chai Zhifang
Published: January 2014

The advances in computational actinide chemistry made in
China are reviewed. Several areas relevant to chemistry of actinides in gas,
liquid, and solid phases have been explored. However, we limit the scope to
selected contributions in the chemistry of molecular actinide systems in gas
and liquid phases. These studies may be classified into two categories:
treatment of relativistic effects, which cover the development of two- and
four-component Hamiltonians and the optimization of relativistic
pseudopotentials, and the applications of theoretical methods in actinide
chemistry. The applications include (1) the electronic structures of
actinocene, noble gas complexes, An-C multiple bonding compounds, uranyl and
its isoelectronic species, fluorides and oxides, molecular systems with
metal-metal bonding in their isolated forms (U2, Pu2) and in
fullerene (U2@C60), and the excited states of actinide complexes;
(2) chemical reactions, including oxidation, hydrolysis of UF6, ligand
exchange, reactivities of thorium oxo and sulfido metallocenes,
CO2/CS2 functionalization promoted by trivalent uranium complex;
and (3) migration of actinides in the environment. A future outlook is
discussed.
Densification treatment and properties of carbon fiber reinforced contact strip
Authors: Yuan Hua , Wang Chengguo , Zhang Shan , Lin Xue , Yu Meijie
Published: January 2014

The high temperature caused by current-carrying wear could affect the thermal reliability of resin-based contact strip greatly. This study adopted liquid-phase impregnation-carbonization (IC) technique to improve the thermal stability and densification of carbon fiber reinforced contact strip (CFRCS). The influence of this method was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, thermal gravimetric analysis and energy-dispersive spectrometry; meanwhile, specimen composition and friction and mechanism properties were also analyzed. The results show that heat treatment is helpful in improving the material’s temperature tolerance. When specimens undergo IC treatment four times, resistivity and wear rate would reduce gradually under impregnating conditions of carbonization temperature (800°C), dipping liquid concentration (60%), and dipping temperature (60°C). IC treatment is effective in reducing material porosity and improving the impact resistance performance compared with only carbonized sample. Densification treatment can also improve the samples’ compressive strength and bending strength. The main wear mechanisms of CFRCS-25 and CFRCS-800 against copper with electrical current are similar; these are arc erosion wear and oxidation wear accompanied by adhesive wear. Adhesive wear and oxidative wear is more severe for CFRCS-25 than CFRCS-800.
MicroRNA profile of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas: new diagnostic and prognostic insights
Authors: Dettmer Matthias S , Perren Aurel , Moch Holger , Komminoth Paul , Nikiforov Yuri E , Nikiforova Marina N
Published: January 2014

The diagnosis of conventional and oncocytic poorly differentiated (oPD) thyroid carcinomas is difficult. The aim of this study is to characterise their largely unknown miRNA expression profile and to compare it with well-differentiated thyroid tumours, as well as to identify miRNAs which could potentially serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers. A total of 14 poorly differentiated (PD), 13 oPD, 72 well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas and eight normal thyroid specimens were studied for the expression of 768 miRNAs using PCR-Microarrays. MiRNA expression was different between PD and oPD thyroid carcinomas, demonstrating individual clusters on the clustering analysis. Both tumour types showed upregulation of miR-125a-5p, -15a-3p, -182, -183-3p, -222, -222-5p, and downregulation of miR-130b, -139-5p, -150, -193a-5p, -219-5p, -23b, -451, -455-3p and of miR-886-3p as compared with normal thyroid tissue. In addition, the oPD thyroid carcinomas demonstrated upregulation of miR-221 and miR-885-5p. The difference in expression was also observed between miRNA expression in PD and well-differentiated tumours. The CHAID algorithm allowed the separation of PD from well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas with 73–79% accuracy using miR-23b and miR-150 as a separator. Kaplan–Meier and multivariate analysis showed a significant association with tumour relapses (for miR-23b) and with tumour-specific death (for miR-150) in PD and oPD thyroid carcinomas. MiRNA expression is different in conventional and oPD thyroid carcinomas in comparison with well-differentiated thyroid cancers and can be used for discrimination between these tumour types. The newly identified deregulated miRNAs (miR-150, miR-23b) bear the potential to be used in a clinical setting, delivering prognostic and diagnostic informations.
Exogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 reduces contractions in human colon circular muscle
Authors: Amato Antonella , Baldassano Sara , Liotta Rosa , Serio Rosa , Mulè Flavia
Published: January 2014

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) is a naturally occurring peptide secreted by intestinal L-cells. Though its primary function is to serve as an incretin, GLP1 reduces gastrointestinal motility. However, only a handful of animal studies have specifically evaluated the influence of GLP1 on colonic motility. Consequently, the aims of this study were to investigate the effects induced by exogenous GLP1, to analyze the mechanism of action, and to verify the presence of GLP1 receptors (GLP1Rs) in human colon circular muscular strips. Organ bath technique, RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used. In human colon, exogenous GLP1 reduced, in a concentration-dependent manner, the amplitude of the spontaneous contractions without affecting the frequency and the resting basal tone. This inhibitory effect was significantly reduced by exendin (9–39), a GLP1R antagonist, which per se significantly increased the spontaneous mechanical activity. Moreover, it was abolished by tetrodotoxin, a neural blocker, or Nω-nitro-l-arginine – a blocker of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The biomolecular analysis revealed a genic and protein expression of the GLP1R in the human colon. The double-labeling experiments with anti-neurofilament or anti-nNOS showed, for the first time, that immunoreactivity for the GLP1R was expressed in nitrergic neurons of the myenteric plexus. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that GLP1R is expressed in the human colon and, once activated by exogenous GLP1, mediates an inhibitory effect on large intestine motility through NO neural release.
A Distorted Circadian Clock Causes Early Flowering and Temperature-Dependent Variation in Spike Development in the Eps-3Am Mutant of Einkorn Wheat
Authors: Gawroński Piotr , Ariyadasa Ruvini , Himmelbach Axel , Poursarebani Naser , Kilian Benjamin , Stein Nils , Steuernagel Burkhard , Hensel Goetz , Kumlehn Jochen , Sehgal Sunish Kumar , Gill Bikram S , Gould Peter , Hall Anthony , Schnurbusch Thorsten
Published: January 2014

Viable circadian clocks help organisms to synchronize their development with daily and seasonal changes, thereby providing both evolutionary fitness and advantage from an agricultural perspective. A high-resolution mapping approach combined with mutant analysis revealed a cereal ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana LUX ARRHYTHMO/PHYTOCLOCK 1 (LUX/PCL1) as a promising candidate for the earliness per se 3 (Eps-3Am) locus in einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.). Using delayed fluorescence measurements it was shown that Eps-3Am containing einkorn wheat accession KT3-5 had a distorted circadian clock. The hypothesis was subsequently confirmed by performing a time course study on central and output circadian clock genes, which showed arrhythmic transcript patterns in KT3-5 under constant ambient conditions, i.e., constant light and temperature. It was also demonstrated that variation in spikelet number between wild-type and mutants is sensitive to temperature, becoming negligible at 25°. These observations lead us to propose that the distorted clock is causative for both early flowering and variation in spike size and spikelet number, and that having a dysfunctional LUX could have neutral, or even positive, effects in warmer climates. To test the latter hypothesis we ascertained sequence variation of LUX in a range of wheat germplasm. We observed a higher variation in the LUX sequence among accessions coming from the warmer climate and a unique in-frame mutation in early-flowering Chinese T. turgidum cultivar ‘Tsing Hua no. 559.’ Our results emphasize the importance of the circadian clock in temperate cereals as a promising target for adaptation to new environments.
Mortality and Morbidity of VLBW Infants With Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18
Authors: Boghossian Nansi S. , Hansen Nellie I. , Bell Edward F. , Stoll Barbara J. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Carey John C. , Adams-Chapman Ira , Shankaran Seetha , Walsh Michele C. , Laptook Abbot R. , Faix Roger G. , Newman Nancy S. , Hale Ellen C. , Das Abhik , Wilson Leslie D. , Hensman Angelita M. , Grisby Cathy , Collins Monica V. , Vasil Diana M. , Finkle Joanne , Maffett Deanna , Ball M. Bethany , Lacy Conra B. , Bara Rebecca , Higgins Rosemary D.
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE:

Little is known about how very low birth weight (VLBW) affects survival and morbidities among infants with trisomy 13 (T13) or trisomy 18 (T18). We examined the care plans for VLBW infants with T13 or T18 and compared their risks of mortality and neonatal morbidities with VLBW infants with trisomy 21 and VLBW infants without birth defects.

METHODS:

Infants with birth weight 401 to 1500 g born or cared for at a participating center of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network during the period 1994–2009 were studied. Poisson regression models were used to examine risk of death and neonatal morbidities among infants with T13 or T18.

RESULTS:

Of 52 262 VLBW infants, 38 (0.07%) had T13 and 128 (0.24%) had T18. Intensity of care in the delivery room varied depending on whether the trisomy was diagnosed before or after birth. The plan for subsequent care for the majority of the infants was to withdraw care or to provide comfort care. Eleven percent of infants with T13 and 9% of infants with T18 survived to hospital discharge. Survivors with T13 or T18 had significantly increased risk of patent ductus arteriosus and respiratory distress syndrome compared with infants without birth defects. No infant with T13 or T18 developed necrotizing enterocolitis.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this cohort of liveborn VLBW infants with T13 or T18, the timing of trisomy diagnosis affected the plan for care, survival was poor, and death usually occurred early.
C-coherent rings, C-semihereditary rings and C-regular rings
Authors: Zhu Zhanmin
Published: January 2014

Let C be a class of some finitely presented left R-modules. A left R-module M is called C-injective, if ExtR1(C, M) = 0 for each C ∈ C. A right R-module M is called C-flat, if Tor1R(M, C) = 0 for each C ∈ C. A ring R is called C-coherent, if every C ∈ C is 2-presented. A ring R is called C-semihereditary, if whenever 0 → K → P → C → 0 is exact, where C ∈ C and P is finitely generated projective and K is finitely generated, then K is also projective. A ring R is called C-regular, if whenever P/K ∈ C, where P is finitely generated projective and K is finitely generated, then K is a direct summand of P. Using the concepts of C-injectivity and C-flatness of modules, we present some characterizations of C-coherent rings, C-semihereditary rings, and C-regular rings.
Assessing perceived voice similarity using Multidimensional Scaling for the construction of voice parades
Authors: McDougall Kirsty
Published: January 2014

In recent years forensic phoneticians, in consultation with psychologists and law enforcement officers, have put considerable effort into devising and refining procedures for preparing and conducting fair voice parades. In England and Wales, a procedure for conducting a voice parade is outlined in a 2003 Home Office circular; this has been successfully implemented in a number of cases. These guidelines explain that a phonetician should examine the foil voice samples to ensure that the voices provide a fair comparison against the suspect, however, a formalised method for making this comparison is not offered. The present paper presents a method for assessing the degree of perceived (lay-listener judged) similarity among a group of voices for potential inclusion in a voice parade using Multidimensional Scaling.
Bridging the gap between stylistic and cognitive approaches to authorship analysis using Systemic Functional Linguistics and multidimensional analysis
Authors: Nini Andrea , Grant Tim
Published: January 2014

In the present state of the art of authorship attribution there seems to be an opposition between two approaches: cognitive and stylistic methodologies. It is proposed in this article that these two approaches are complementary and that the apparent gap between them can be bridged using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and in particular some of its theoretical constructions, such as codal variation. This article deals with the theoretical explanation of why such a theory would solve the debate between the two approaches and shows how these two views of authorship attribution are indeed complementary. Although the article is fundamentally theoretical, two example experimental trials are reported to show how this theory can be developed into a workable methodology of doing authorship attribution. In Trial 1, a SFL analysis was carried out on a small dataset consisting of three 300-word texts collected from three different authors whose socio-demographic background matched across a number of parameters. This trial led to some conclusions about developing a methodology based on SFL and suggested the development of another trial, which might hint at a more accurate and useful methodology. In Trial 2, Biber's (1988) multidimensional framework is employed, and a final methodology of authorship analysis based on this kind of analysis is proposed for future research.
Effects of the telephone on perceived voice similarity: implications for voice line-ups
Authors: Nolan Francis , McDougall Kirsty , Hudson Toby
Published: January 2014

This study is relevant to forensic cases where an earwitness claims to be able to remember and identify a voice, and, more generally, to voice recognition. Given that a voice may have been heard over the telephone, it is important to know the effects of the telephone on voice quality. In particular we may ask whether the perceptual distance between two voice samples is affected by telephone transmission. In this paper the effects of the telephone are tested by an experiment using fifteen speakers of Standard Southern British English from the DyViS database of accent-matched young adult male speakers. For each possible pairing of speakers (including same-same pairs) twenty listeners heard a short speech sample from each of the two speakers and were asked to rate the distance between the two voices on a scale of 1 (very similar) to 9 (very different). The speech samples had been recorded simultaneously in both studio and telephone quality and were heard in ‘studio only’, ‘telephone only’, and ‘mixed (telephone and studio)’ pairs. Average similarity ratings across all speaker pairings for the three media conditions showed that the same pairs of voices are judged to be more similar when recorded over the telephone than at full bandwidth. When presentation qualities are mixed the voices sound more different for the listener; it is likely that the different transmission characteristics are being conflated with the voice differences. Implications for forensic cases are discussed.
Interpreting, video communication and the sequential reshaping of institutional talk in the bilingual and distributed courtroom
Authors: Licoppe Christian , Vernier Maud
Published: January 2014

This article presents the first naturalistic study of courtroom interpreting with a video link and a remote defendant appearing from his prison, based on extensive video recordings and ethnographic observations made during pre trial hearings in France. Working within a video-ethnographic and conversation analytic perspective, we focus on the production of the prosecuting counsel's argument, which usually occurs in a ‘monologue-like’ fashion in the co-present courtroom, with dockside simultaneous interpreting proceeding alongside it. In the socio-technical assemblage that characterises the bilingual distributed courtroom, we document here how the production of the counsel's argument opens up to various forms of conversational cooperative sequences and to the production of embedded sequences leading to increased opportunities for participation. Roles become somewhat blurred, while the production of the prosecuting counsel's argument acquires a multi-voiced character. Though not defined as such from the start, the work of the interpreter emerges from such environments as a kind of extended stretch of ‘long’ consecutive interpreting.
Where the science ends and the law begins: likelihood ratio-based forensic voice comparison in a $150 million telephone fraud
Authors: Rose Phil
Published: January 2014

The first use of likelihood ratios for the evaluation of forensic voice comparison evidence in a real trial in Australia is documented. Important steps in the process of estimating the strength of evidence – from acoustic-phonetic features in the utterances ‘yes’ and ‘not too bad’ – are described and explained. These comprise the nature and currency of likelihood ratios, choice of features, graphical demonstration of similarity and typicality of suspect and offender speech samples, and their multivariate likelihood ratio evaluation against a reference sample. Improvements in likelihood ratio estimation since the case are exemplified; in particular how to demonstrate that the approach actually works. The reception of the likelihood ratio-based evidence during the trial is used to highlight some problems in its rational evaluation by a court.
The Merging of the Sacred and the Profane
Authors: Momen Moojan
Published: January 2014

The Baha’i Faith has very few communal rituals. There is little structure or set form to the regular meetings of the community or to such ceremonial occasions as weddings and funerals. Furthermore, there are textual instructions in the authoritative texts of the Baha’i Faith that prohibit the creation of a clerical class and the development of rituals over time. If then ritual is an essential part of religion, what substitutes for ritual in the Baha’i community? To answer this question, this paper goes back to Durkheim’s functionalist ideas that ritual creates the boundaries between the sacred and the profane (or secular), and also creates a sense of awe and an experience of the community as a living reality, reinforcing the sense of unity and strengthening the community. With regard to the first of these functions, in fact the boundaries between the sacred and the profane are deliberately blurred in the Baha’i Faith, and all of space and time potentially sacralized; conversely, it could be said that much of what would be regarded in other religious communities as sacred space and sacred time is secularized. With regard to the second of these functions, if Durkheim’s analysis is correct, ritual is not essential to religion for its own sake, but rather on account of the unity and reinforcement of the sense of community that it creates. When we come to consider the Baha’i Faith, there are a number of other factors that create unity and a sense of community. First, there are doctrinal factors such as the doctrine of the Covenant. Second, there are psychological factors such as a common vision (oneness of humanity and world unity). Third, there is the camaraderie of working together to achieve that vision—a common pathway along which all Baha’is are travelling. In all, these factors appear to be sufficient to substitute for the function of ritual in the Baha’i Faith.