bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Zoonotic Disease Surveillance Supported by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center
Authors: Burke R. L. , Kronmann K. C. , Daniels C. C. , Meyers M. , Byarugaba D. K. , Dueger E. , Klein T. A. , Evans B. P. , Vest K. G.
Published: December 2011

The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC), Division of Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System conducts disease surveillance through a global network of US Department of Defense research laboratories and partnerships with foreign ministries of agriculture, health and livestock development in over 90 countries worldwide. In 2010, AFHSC supported zoonosis survey efforts were organized into four main categories: (i) development of field assays for animal disease surveillance during deployments and in resource limited environments, (ii) determining zoonotic disease prevalence in high‐contact species which may serve as important reservoirs of diseases and sources of transmission, (iii) surveillance in high‐risk human populations which are more likely to become exposed and subsequently infected with zoonotic pathogens and (iv) surveillance at the human–animal interface examining zoonotic disease prevalence and transmission within and between human and animal populations. These efforts have aided in the detection, identification and quantification of the burden of zoonotic diseases such as anthrax, brucellosis, Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, Hantaan virus, influenza, Lassa fever, leptospirosis, melioidosis, Q fever, Rift Valley fever, sandfly fever Sicilian virus, sandfly fever Naples virus, tuberculosis and West Nile virus, which are of military and public health importance. Future zoonotic surveillance efforts will seek to develop local capacity for zoonotic surveillance focusing on high risk populations at the human–animal interface.
Stardust interstellar dust calibration: Hydrocode modeling of impacts on Al‐1100 foil at velocities up to 300 km s−1 and validation with experimental data
Authors: PRICE Mark C. , KEARSLEY Anton T. , BURCHELL Mark J. , HOWARD Lauren E. , HILLIER Jon K. , STARKEY Natalie A. , WOZNIAKIEWICZ Penny J. , COLE Mike J.
Published: December 2011

Abstract– We present initial results from hydrocode modeling of impacts on Al‐1100 foils, undertaken to aid the interstellar preliminary examination (ISPE) phase for the NASA Stardust mission interstellar dust collector tray. We used Ansys’ AUTODYN to model impacts of micrometer‐scale, and smaller projectiles onto Stardust foil (100 μm thick Al‐1100) at velocities up to 300 km s−1. It is thought that impacts onto the interstellar dust collector foils may have been made by a combination of interstellar dust particles (ISP), interplanetary dust particles (IDP) on comet, and asteroid derived orbits, β micrometeoroids, nanometer dust in the solar wind, and spacecraft derived secondary ejecta. The characteristic velocity of the potential impactors thus ranges from <<1 to a few km s−1 (secondary ejecta), approximately 4–25 km s−1 for ISP and IDP, up to hundreds of km s−1 for the nanoscale dust reported by Meyer‐Vernet et al. (2009). There are currently no extensive experimental calibrations for the higher velocity conditions, and the main focus of this work was therefore to use hydrocode models to investigate the morphometry of impact craters, as a means to determine an approximate impactor speed, and thus origin. The model was validated against existing experimental data for impact speeds up to approximately 30 km s−1 for particles ranging in density from 2.4 kg m−3 (glass) to 7.8 kg m−3 (iron). Interpolation equations are given to predict the crater depth and diameter for a solid impactor with any diameter between 100 nm and 4 μm and density between 2.4 and 7.8 kg m−3.
Bilateral dentigerous cysts (heterotopic polyodontia) in a yearling Standardbred colt
Authors: Smith L. C. R. , Zedler S. T. , Gestier S. , Keane S. E. , Goodwin W. , van Eps A. W.
Published: December 2011

This article describes the occurrence of bilateral dentigerous cysts in a 1‐year‐old entire male Standardbred horse. Computer tomography (CT) with a positive contrast CT fistulogram was used to accurately define the anatomy of the cysts preoperatively. Conventional surgical techniques were used to remove the cysts under general anaesthesia. The CT studies were able to precisely define the margins of the cysts and facilitated uncomplicated surgical excision. Follow‐up examination of the animal revealed excellent cosmesis at the surgical site. Histology was used to confirm the diagnosis of bilateral dentigerous cysts. Preoperative CT studies are invaluable to precisely define the anatomical locations of the dental anomalies associated with dentigerous cysts and thereby allow confident and uncomplicated excision. Dentigerous cysts may occur bilaterally in horses.
Simulation of Mist Film Cooling on Rotating Gas Turbine Blades
Authors: Dhanasekaran T. S. , Wang Ting
Published: December 2011

Film cooling techniques have been successfully applied to gas turbine blades to protect them from the hot flue gas. However, a continuous demand of increasing the turbine inlet temperature to raise the efficiency of the turbine requires continuous improvement in film cooling effectiveness. The concept of injecting mist (tiny water droplets) into the cooling fluid has been proven under laboratory conditions to significantly augment adiabatic cooling effectiveness by up to 50%–800% in convective heat transfer and impingement cooling. The similar concept of injecting mist into air film cooling has not been proven in the laboratory, but computational simulations have been performed on stationary turbine blades. As a continuation of previous research, this paper extends the mist film cooling scheme to the rotating turbine blade. For the convenience of understanding the effect of rotation, the simulation is first conducted with a single pair of cooling holes located near the leading edge at either side of the blade. Then, a row of multiple-hole film cooling jets is put in place under both stationary and rotating conditions. Both the laboratory (baseline) and elevated gas turbine conditions are simulated and compared. Elevated conditions refer to a high temperature and pressure closer to actual gas turbine working conditions. The effects of various parameters including mist concentration, water droplet diameter, droplet wall boundary condition, blowing ratio, and rotational speed are investigated. The results showed that the effect of rotation on droplets under laboratory conditions is minimal. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model employed is the discrete phase model (DPM) including both wall film and droplet reflect conditions. The results showed that the droplet-wall interaction is stronger on the pressure side than on the suction side, resulting in a higher mist cooling enhancement on the pressure side. The average rates of mist cooling enhancement of about 15% and 35% were achieved under laboratory and elevated conditions, respectively. This translates to a significant blade surface temperature reduction of 100–125 K with 10% mist injection at elevated conditions.
Injection compression molding of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures
Authors: Nagato Keisuke , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Nakao Masayuki
Published: December 2011

High-aspect-ratio nanostructures were replicated by injection compression molding. The effects of the mold temperature and pattern shape on the degree of replication were investigated using a replication technique for optical disks (digital versatile disks) and a Ni stamper with patterns with a width and height of 200 and 400 nm. A higher mold temperature and a smaller area-duty ratio (hill area/unit area) of the Ni stamper, i.e., a larger area-duty ratio of the replica resulted in better replication because a Ni stamper with a smaller area-duty ratio suppresses the formation of a skin layer.
Measurement of sub-natural linewidth AC Stark shifts in cold atoms: An experiment for an advanced undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Kleykamp J. D. , Hachtel A. J. , Kane D. G. , Marshall M. D. , Souther N. J. , Harnish P. K. , Bali S.
Published: December 2011

We measure sub-MHz AC Stark shifts, also known as light shifts, in an undergraduate laboratory setting using Raman pump-probe spectroscopy to observe sub-natural linewidth spectral features in the transmission spectrum of a weak probe beam passing through a sample of cold 85Rb atoms confined in a magneto-optical trap. To make this observation a pair of inexpensive fast photodiodes and acousto-optic modulators is needed, in addition to equipment commonly found in advanced undergraduate optics labs with laser cooling and atom trapping setups. A theoretical description of light shifts accessible to junior and senior-level physics majors is provided.
Unraveling a classical mechanics brain twister
Authors: Paris Norman , Broide Michael L.
Published: December 2011

We present a comprehensive analysis of an intriguing classical mechanics problem involving the coupled motion of two blocks. The problem illustrates fundamental physics concepts and theoretical techniques. We solve the equations of motion numerically and gain insight into common misconceptions about this system. The problem provides rich opportunities for student investigations using analytical and numerical methods.
The added mass of a spherical projectile
Authors: Pantaleone J. , Messer J.
Published: December 2011

When a ball moves through the air, the air exerts a force on the ball. For a sphere moving at constant velocity with respect to the air, this force is called the drag force and it has been well measured. If the sphere moves with a nonconstant velocity there are additional forces. These “unsteady” forces depend on the sphere’s acceleration and, in principle, also on higher derivatives of the motion. The force equal to a constant times the acceleration is called the “added mass” because it increases the effective inertia of the sphere moving through the fluid. We measure the unsteady forces on a sphere by observing the one- and two-dimensional projectile motion of light spheres around the highest point. The one-dimensional motion is well described by just the usual buoyant force and the added mass as calculated in the ideal fluid model. This measurement is an excellent experiment for introductory physics students. For spheres in two-dimensional projectile motion the downward vertical acceleration at the highest point increases with the horizontal velocity. This effect can be described by an additional force proportional to the speed times the acceleration.
Making Muscles Grow by G Protein–Coupled Receptor Signaling
Authors: Guttridge Denis C.
Published: December 2011

Gα
i2
operates through multiple signaling pathways to stimulate maturation and growth of skeletal muscle fibers.
Bacterial-Fungal Interactions: Hyphens between Agricultural, Clinical, Environmental, and Food Microbiologists
Authors: Frey-Klett P. , Burlinson P. , Deveau A. , Barret M. , Tarkka M. , Sarniguet A.
Published: December 2011

Bacteria and fungi can form a range of physical associations that depend on various modes of molecular communication for their development and functioning. These bacterial-fungal interactions often result in changes to the pathogenicity or the nutritional influence of one or both partners toward plants or animals (including humans). They can also result in unique contributions to biogeochemical cycles and biotechnological processes. Thus, the interactions between bacteria and fungi are of central importance to numerous biological questions in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, food production, and medicine. Here we present a structured review of bacterial-fungal interactions, illustrated by examples sourced from many diverse scientific fields. We consider the general and specific properties of these interactions, providing a global perspective across this emerging multidisciplinary research area. We show that in many cases, parallels can be drawn between different scenarios in which bacterial-fungal interactions are important. Finally, we discuss how new avenues of investigation may enhance our ability to combat, manipulate, or exploit bacterial-fungal complexes for the economic and practical benefit of humanity as well as reshape our current understanding of bacterial and fungal ecology.
Adaptation to Environmental Stimuli within the Host: Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bretl Daniel J. , Demetriadou Chrystalla , Zahrt Thomas C.
Published: December 2011

Pathogenic microorganisms encounter a variety of environmental stresses following infection of their respective hosts.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the etiological agent of tuberculosis, is an unusual bacterial pathogen in that it is able to establish lifelong infections in individuals within granulomatous lesions that are formed following a productive immune response. Adaptation to this highly dynamic environment is thought to be mediated primarily through transcriptional reprogramming initiated in response to recognition of stimuli, including low-oxygen tension, nutrient depletion, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, altered pH, toxic lipid moieties, cell wall/cell membrane-perturbing agents, and other environmental cues. To survive continued exposure to these potentially adverse factors,
M. tuberculosis
encodes a variety of regulatory factors, including 11 complete two-component signal transduction systems (TCSSs) and several orphaned response regulators (RRs) and sensor kinases (SKs). This report reviews our current knowledge of the TCSSs present in
M. tuberculosis
. In particular, we discuss the biochemical and functional characteristics of individual RRs and SKs, the environmental stimuli regulating their activation, the regulons controlled by the various TCSSs, and the known or postulated role(s) of individual TCSSs in the context of
M. tuberculosis
physiology and/or pathogenesis.
RADIATIVE DECAY ZH→γAH IN THE LITTLE HIGGS MODEL WITH T-PARITY
Authors: CORTÉS-MALDONADO I. , TAVARES-VELASCO G.
Published: December 2011

In the little Higgs model with T-parity (LHTM), the only tree-level kinematically allowed two-body decay of the ZH boson can be the ZH→AHH decay and thus one-loop induced two-body decays may have a significant rate. We study the ZH→γAH decay, which is induced at the one-loop level by a fermion triangle and is interesting as it depends on the mechanism of anomaly cancelation of the model. All the relevant two- and three-body decays of the ZH gauge boson arising at the tree-level are also calculated. We considered a small region of the parameter space where f is still allowed to be as low as 500 GeV by electroweak precision data. We analyzed the scenario of a Higgs with a mass of 120 GeV. We found that the ZH→γAH branching ratio can be of the order of a tree-level three-body decay and may be at the reach of detection at the LHC for f close to 500 GeV, but it may be difficult to detect for f = 1 TeV . There is also an scenario where the Higgs boson has an intermediate mass such that the ZH→AHH decay is closed, the ZH→γAH gets considerably enhanced and the chances of detection get a large boost.
Soymorphin-5, a soy-derived μ-opioid peptide, decreases glucose and triglyceride levels through activating adiponectin and PPARα systems in diabetic KKAy mice
Authors: Yamada Yuko , Muraki Aya , Oie Mariko , Kanegawa Norimasa , Oda Ayako , Sawashi Yurina , Kaneko Kentaro , Yoshikawa Masaaki , Goto Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kawada Teruo , Ohinata Kousaku
Published: December 2011

Soymorphin-5 (YPFVV) derived from soybean β-conglycinin β-subunit is a μ-opioid agonist peptide having anxiolytic-like activity. Here, we show that soymorphin-5 improves glucose and lipid metabolism after long-term oral administration to KKAy mice, a type 2 diabetes model animal. Soymorphin-5 inhibited hyperglycemia without an increase in plasma insulin levels in KKAy mice. Soymorphin-5 also decreased plasma and liver triglyceride (TG) levels and liver weight, suggesting that soymorphin-5 improved lipid metabolism. Soymorphin-5 increased plasma adiponectin concentration and liver mRNA expression of AdipoR2, a subtype of adiponectin receptor that is involved in stimulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α pathway and fatty acid β-oxidation. The expressions of the mRNA of PPARα and its target genes acyl-CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 A, and uncoupling protein-2, in the liver were also increased after oral administration of soymorphin-5. Furthermore, des-Tyr-soymorphin-5 (PFVV) without μ-opioid and anxiolytic-like activities did not decrease blood glucose levels in KKAy mice. These results suggest that μ-opioid peptide soymorphin-5 improves glucose and lipid metabolism via activation of the adiponectin and PPARα system and subsequent increases of β-oxidation and energy expenditure in KKAy mice.
Soil Characteristics and Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contortavar.latifolia) Performance Two Decades after Disk Trenching of Unburned and Broadcast-Burned Plots in Subboreal British Columbia
Authors: Boateng Jacob O. , Heineman Jean L. , Bedford Lorne , Nemec Amanda F. Linnell
Published: December 2011

We examined the effects of low-impact broadcast-burning and disk-trenching planting position (control, hinge, trench) on soil characteristics and lodgepole pine foliar nutrition and growth over two decades at a subboreal site in British Columbia, Canada. Broadcast burning had virtually no effect on either the bulk density or chemical properties of soil. In contrast, significant reductions in soil bulk density and increases in soil nutrient availability persisted for 20 years in hinge position soils relative to undisturbed (control) soil between trenches. These effects on bulk density and nutrient availability are associated with significant differences in pine size by year 6. Burning and planting positions interacted significantly in their effect on pine height, diameter, and stem volume for at least 19 years. Pine survival was high regardless of burning or planting position. Neither broadcast burning nor planting position significantly affected lodgepole pine foliar nutrient status in this study.
Increased Survival of Glioblastoma Patients Who Respond to Antiangiogenic Therapy with Elevated Blood Perfusion
Authors: Sorensen A. Gregory , Emblem Kyrre E. , Polaskova Pavlina , Jennings Dominique , Kim Heisoog , Ancukiewicz Marek , Wang Meiyun , Wen Patrick Y. , Ivy Percy , Batchelor Tracy T. , Jain Rakesh K.
Published: December 2011

The abnormal vasculature of the tumor microenvironment supports progression and resistance to treatment. Judicious application of antiangiogenic therapy may normalize the structure and function of the tumor vasculature, promoting improved blood perfusion. However, direct clinical evidence is lacking for improvements in blood perfusion after antiangiogenic therapy. In this study, we used MRI to assess tumor blood perfusion in 30 recurrent glioblastoma patients who were undergoing treatment with cediranib, a pan-VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tumor blood perfusion increased durably for more than 1 month in 7 of 30 patients, in whom it was associated with longer survival. Together, our findings offer direct clinical evidence in support of the hypothesis that vascular normalization can increase tumor perfusion and help improve patient survival. Cancer Res; 72(2); 402–7. ©2011 AACR.
Norepinephrine Promotes the β1-Integrin–Mediated Adhesion of MDA-MB-231 Cells to Vascular Endothelium by the Induction of a GROα Release
Authors: Strell Carina , Niggemann Bernd , Voss Melanie J. , Powe Desmond G. , Zänker Kurt S. , Entschladen Frank
Published: December 2011

The migratory activity of tumor cells and their ability to extravasate from the blood stream through the vascular endothelium are important steps within the metastasis cascade. We have shown previously that norepinephrine is a potent inducer of the migration of MDA-MB-468 human breast carcinoma cells and therefore investigated herein, whether the interaction of these cells as well as MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435S human breast carcinoma cells with the vascular endothelium is affected by this neurotransmitter as well. By means of a flow-through assay under physiologic flow conditions, we show that norepinephrine induces an increase of the adhesion of the MDA-MB-231 cells, but not of MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-435S cells to human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). The adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells was based on a norepinephrine-mediated release of GROα from HMVECs. GROα caused a β1-integrin–mediated increase of the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Most interestingly, this effect of norepinephrine, similar to the aforementioned induction of migration in MDA-MB-468 cells, was mediated by β-adrenergic receptors and therefore abrogated by β-blockers. In conclusion, norepinephrine has cell line–specific effects with regard to certain steps of the metastasis cascade, which are conjointly inhibited by clinically established β-blockers. Therefore, these results may deliver a molecular explanation for our recently published retrospective data analysis of patients with breast cancer which shows that β-blockers significantly reduce the development of metastases. Mol Cancer Res; 10(2); 197–207. ©2011 AACR.
Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) among Hospitalized Children in Kuwait
Authors: Owayed Abdullah F. , Husain Entesar H. , Al-Khabaz Ahmad , Al-Qattan Hanan Y. , Al-Shammari Nufoud
Published: December 2011

Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for the 2009 influenza A H1N1 infection in Kuwait. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of hospitalized children with laboratory-confirmed influenza A H1N1 infection in two hospitals in Kuwait was conducted. Epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, risk factors for severe disease, complications and mortality were analyzed. Results: The medical records of 197 children hospitalized for the 2009 pandemic H1N1 infection from August 2009 to January 2010 were reviewed. The majority of the children (104; 52.8%) were admitted during the month of October. The median age was 2 years. Most of the admitted children were in two age categories: 64 infants ≤1 year (32%) and 62 schoolchildren >5 years (31%). The most frequent presentations were fever in 193 (98%), cough in 155 (79%) and runny nose in 105 (53%) cases. The majority of the admitted children (109; 55%) had been previously healthy. All children received an antiviral agent (oseltamivir), and antibiotics were administered to 147 (75%). Bacterial co-infections occurred in 3 (1.5%) of all hospitalized children. Six (3%) children were admitted to the intensive care unit, of whom 4 (66%) required artificial ventilation. There was only 1 mortality. Conclusions: The pandemic H1N1 infection was associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. The majority of hospitalized children had previously been healthy. Most of the admitted children had an uncomplicated clinical course.
Transmembrane α-Helix 2 and 7 Are Important for Small Molecule-Mediated Activation of the GLP-1 Receptor
Authors: Rye Underwood Christina , Møller Knudsen Sanne , Schjellerup Wulff Birgitte , Bräuner-Osborne Hans , Lau Jesper , Knudsen Lotte Bjerre , Peters Günther H. , Reedtz-Runge Steffen
Published: December 2011

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) activates the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), which belongs to family B of the G-protein-coupled receptors. We previously identified a selective small molecule ligand, compound 2, that acted as a full agonist and allosteric modulator of GLP-1R. In this study, the structurally related small molecule, compound 3, stimulated cAMP production from GLP-1R, but not from the homologous glucagon receptor (GluR). The receptor selectivity encouraged a chimeric receptor approach to identify domains important for compound 3-mediated activation of GLP-1R. A subsegment of the GLP-1R transmembrane domain containing TM2 to TM5 was sufficient to transfer compound 3 responsiveness to GluR. Therefore, divergent residues in this subsegment of GLP-1R and GluR are responsible for the receptor selectivity of compound 3. Functional analyses of other chimeric receptors suggested that the existence of a helix-helix interface between TM1 and TM7 is important for the compound 3 response. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis revealed that a Phe195-Leu substitution in TM2 and a Thr391-Ala substitution in TM7 increased and decreased the efficacy of compound 3 without disturbing the potency or efficacy of GLP-1. Collectively, differential effects of receptor mutations suggest that TM2 and/or TM7 are important for compound 3-mediated activation of GLP-1R.
Randomized, Phase II Study Comparing Interferon Combined with Hepatic Arterial Infusion of Fluorouracil plus Cisplatin and Fluorouracil Alone in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Tatsuya , Arai Kuniaki , Sunagozaka Hajime , Ueda Teruyuki , Terashima Takeshi , Yamashita Taro , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Sakai Akito , Nakamoto Yasunari , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: December 2011

Objective: This randomized phase II trial compared the response rates to treatment with interferon (IFN) combined with hepatic arterial infusion of fluorouracil (FU) plus cisplatin (CDDP) or FU alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 114 patients with measurable advanced HCC were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. FU (300 mg/m2, days 1–5, days 8–12) with or without CDDP (20 mg/m2, days 1 and 8) was administered via the hepatic artery. IFNα-2b was administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Results: The response rates were 45.6% for the IFN/FU + CDDP group and 24.6% for the IFN/FU group. The response rate was significantly higher in the IFN/FU + CDDP group (p = 0.030). The median overall survival period was 17.6 months in the IFN/FU + CDDP group versus 10.5 months in the IFN/FU group (p = 0.522). The median progression-free survival period was 6.5 months in the IFN/FU + CDDP group versus 3.3 months in the IFN/FU group (p = 0.0048). Hematological toxicity was common, but no toxicity-related deaths were observed. Conclusion: These results show the clinical efficacy of adding CDDP to the hepatic arterial infusion of FU in combined chemotherapy regimens with IFN.
Midterm Stability and Hemodynamic Performance of a Transfemorally Implantable Nonmetallic, Retrievable, and Repositionable Aortic Valve in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Bijuklic Klaudija , Tuebler Thilo , Reichenspurner Hermann , Treede Hendrik , Wandler Andreas , Harreld John H. , Low Reginald I. , Schofer Joachim
Published: December 2011

Background—

Misplacement during percutaneous aortic valve implantation can be associated with severe complications. The direct flow medical (DFM) valve is repositionable and retrievable; however, the nonmetallic inflatable and conformable design of the valve results in less radial force, which may have an impact on stability and valve function over time. We, therefore, analyzed the midterm stability of the position, shape, and hemodynamic performance of the DFM percutaneous aortic valve.

Methods and Results—

Sixteen symptomatic high-risk for surgery patients with aortic stenosis and a logistic EuroSCORE >20 underwent implantation and were the subject of this analysis. Clinical, echocardiographic, and dual-source multislice computed tomography data were obtained during 2-year follow-up. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 81% and 69%, respectively. The dual-source multislice computed tomography follow-up indicated no changes in position, diameter, and orifice area of the DFM valve over time. Echocardiography revealed a significant decrease of the mean gradient from baseline (50.1±11.3 mm Hg) to 30 days (19.6±5.7 mm Hg,
P
<0.001), which remained stable over 2 years. The aortic valve area increased from 0.57±0.15 cm
2
at baseline to 1.47±0.35 cm
2
at 30 days (
P
<0.001) and did not significantly change during 2-year follow-up. Of the patients, 73% had no aortic regurgitation (AR) and 27% had minimal AR.

Conclusions—

In this preliminary series, the 2-year follow-up data of patients, in whom the nonmetallic, repositionable, and retrievable DFM valve was successfully implanted, show stability of the position, shape, and hemodynamic performance, with no AR in most patients.
Influencing Climate Change Policy
Authors: Clark Cynthia E. , Crawford Elise Perrault
Published: December 2011

Firms face a great deal of pressure to engage in the heightened debate about climate change policies and practices. Building on the corporate political strategy literature, the authors evaluate how firms choose to influence those policies when faced with pressure from shareholders and activists. The authors triangulate firms’ choice of corporate political activity (CPA) with their environmental performance to draw out whether performance affects the firm’s choice of engagement level in CPA. The authors find that firms in the S&P 500 use a form of constituency-building (CB) more often than a financial-incentive (FI) tactic and that environmental performance moderates this choice. To date, there is little research connecting corporate political activity and climate change policies and performance. This research is intended to contribute to this literature gap.
Melt mixed compatibilized polypropylene/clay nanocomposites. II. Dispersion vs. thermal properties, optical transmittance, and fracture behaviors
Authors: Lai S.-M. , Chen W.-C. , Zhu X. S.
Published: December 2011

Compatibilized polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites using two different types of maleated compatibilizers, polyolefin elastomer-grafted maleic anhydride (POE- g-MA) and PP-grafted maleic anhydride (PP- g-MA), to improve the dispersion of various amounts of commercial organoclay (Closite 20 A) were prepared via a melt-mixing technique. The optical transmittance for the POE- g-MA compatibilized nanocomposites was lower than that of PP- g-MA compatibilized cases, although POE- g-MA greatly increased the interlayer spacing of the clay compared with PP- g-MA. The optical transmittance of POE- g-MA compatibilized cases increased with increasing clay content, as a result from a preferentially POE- g-MA adsorbed onto the surface and edge of clay moiety. PP- g-MA compatibilized system conferred higher tensile strength, Young's modulus, or cutting strength through crystalline yielding effect even at the nanofracture zone of deformation, but lower tear strength than POE- g-MA compatibilized system. The current results suggested that high extent of exfoliation may not guarantee high transparency or strength varied with different deformation behaviors.
Struggles on the frontier of professional control: Leading cases from Canada
Authors: Campbell Shelagh , Haiven Larry
Published: December 2011

Professions and unions have often been positioned as opposing alternatives or logics of action in theories of labour. Professions embrace a spirit of individualism and mystique, privileged by a social status, while unions are collectivist and seek respect and to usurp power from a dominant class. How do professionals successfully shift their position from dominance to subordination when they engage in collective bargaining? This article proposes that collective representation of professions is not a substitution of one form of power for another, but rather is the expression of a new arena of power for labour playing itself out at the forefront of work regulation in Canada. Three cases of labour disputes of professionalized workers highlight the struggle over the exercise of discretion and illustrate that collective bargaining is an occupational closure strategy that alters the boundaries of a profession in an attempt to maintain professional control.
High Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in HIV‐Infected Peruvian Children
Authors: Chao Christina K. , Czechowicz Josephine A. , Messner Anna H. , Alarcón Jorge , Kolevic Roca Lenka , Larragán Rodriguez Marsi M. , Gutiérrez Villafuerte César , Montano Silvia M. , Zunt Joseph R.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To measure the prevalence and to identify risk factors of hearing impairment in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected children living in Peru.

Study design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

Two public hospitals and 1 nonprofit center in Lima, Peru, between August 2009 and April 2010.

Subjects

A total of 139 HIV‐infected children, ages 4 to 19 years.

Methods

Hearing impairment and otologic health were assessed with pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and otoscopy. The primary outcome was hearing loss, defined as average threshold >25dB for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, in one or both ears. Historical and socioeconomic information was obtained through parental survey and medical chart review. Statistical analysis included univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Fifty‐four (38.8%) of 139 children had hearing impairment. On multivariate analysis, risk factors included: tympanic membrane perforation (odds ratio [OR] 7.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65‐30.5; P =. 01), abnormal tympanometry (OR 2.71; 95% CI, 1.09‐6.75; P =. 03), cerebral infection (OR 11.6; 95% CI, 1.06‐126; P =. 05), seizures (OR 5.20; 95% CI, 1.21‐22.4; P =. 03), and CD4 cell count <500 cells/mm3 (OR 3.53; 95% CI, 1.18‐10.5; P =. 02).

Conclusions

The prevalence of hearing impairment in HIV‐infected children in Lima, Peru was 38.8%. Middle ear disease, prior cerebral infection, and low CD4 cell count were significantly associated with hearing impairment. The high prevalence of hearing impairment emphasizes the need for periodic hearing assessment in the routine clinical care of HIV‐infected children.
Vaccinating to Help Ourselves and Others
Authors: Vietri Jeffrey T. , Li Meng , Galvani Alison P. , Chapman Gretchen B.
Published: December 2011

Background. Many behaviors affect not only the self but also others. The utility of a vaccination to each individual depends on population immunity, the cumulative result of individual vaccination decisions. However, little is known about how the benefit to others influences vaccination decisions. Methods. In a series of 3 experiments ( N = 292, 316, and 299) using hypothetical scenarios and college student respondents, we tested whether the vaccination decisions of individuals were sensitive to the level of immunity in the population when it had implications for either altruistic or free-riding vaccination behavior. Results. Our findings indicate that decisions of individuals were sensitive to opportunities both to free ride by refusing vaccination and to vaccinate altruistically. Although individuals were most willing to get vaccinated when they were at risk themselves, they were also sensitive to the amount of good they could do for others. This altruistic sensitivity was strongest when individuals were not vulnerable to the disease themselves. Conclusions. The most effective vaccination strategies, from a public health perspective, often entail vaccinating the disease transmitters rather than those who are most vulnerable. Consequently, those who bear the burden of vaccination and those who benefit are not the same individuals. Thus, effective vaccination campaigns require that disease transmitters vaccinate even when it is not in their self-interest to do so. Our results suggest that it may be possible to encourage vaccination by appealing to altruistic motives.
Improvement of data quality for post-closure care of landfills using a tiered decision matrix approach case studies
Authors: Sizirici Banu , Tansel Berrin
Published: December 2011

The development of a systematic approach which can be used as a decision-making tool to extend or shorten the post-closure care (PCC) period requires technically sound and justifiable methods. These methods can incorporate analysis and interpretation of available data and information from closed landfill. Analysis of existing data from closed landfills may present challenges due to variations in the data collection procedures, data analysis methods and reporting methodologies used during active and post-closure periods of a landfill. A tiered decision matrix was developed to assess and verify the quality of monitoring data collected and documented from closed landfills. The matrix provides a baseline for the needs to improve the quality of data collection and documentation for current and future practices. Challenges due to discrepancies in data reporting and inconsistencies in quality assurance/quality control protocols during data collection, reporting, and analyses are presented with case studies. Solutions are presented to validate and improve the quality of available data based on this study.
The Role of Selected Team Design Elements in Successful Sibling Teams
Authors: Farrington Shelley Maeva , Venter Elmarie , Boshoff Christo
Published: December 2011

For any team to function effectively, several basic elements need to be present. The extent to which these elements are present increases the chances of a successful team outcome. Since a family business can be viewed as a type of team, the literature on how to design effective teams is also relevant to business families. The primary objectives of this study are to identify the team design elements commonly referred to in the family business literature and to empirically test their influence on the effectiveness of South African sibling teams in family businesses. The empirical findings of this preliminary study show that physical resources, skills diversity, and strategic leadership are important determinants of sibling team success whereas role clarity and competence are not.
Stimulating Reform
Authors: McGuinn Patrick
Published: December 2011

This article offers an analysis of the origins, evolution, and impact of the Obama administration’s Race to the Top (RTTT) competitive grant program and places it in the broader context of the debate over the No Child Left Behind Act and the shifting intergovernmental relations around education. RTTT is fundamentally about two things: creating political cover for state education reformers to innovate and helping states construct the administrative capacity to implement these innovations effectively. The program has had a significant impact on the national political discourse around education and pushed many states to propose or enact important policy changes, particularly around charter schools and teacher-evaluation processes. However, we should remain realistic in our expectations about what RTTT can accomplish; although the program’s approach may be different from that of earlier federal education programs, many of the political and institutional obstacles to sustaining meaningful reform at the federal and state levels remain largely the same. RTTT will struggle to surmount these obstacles in the short term, even as it hopes to transform them over the longer term.
The Bias Against Creativity
Authors: Mueller Jennifer S. , Melwani Shimul , Goncalo Jack A.
Published: December 2011

People often reject creative ideas, even when espousing creativity as a desired goal. To explain this paradox, we propose that people can hold a bias against creativity that is not necessarily overt and that is activated when people experience a motivation to reduce uncertainty. In two experiments, we manipulated uncertainty using different methods, including an uncertainty-reduction prime. The results of both experiments demonstrated the existence of a negative bias against creativity (relative to practicality) when participants experienced uncertainty. Furthermore, this bias against creativity interfered with participants’ ability to recognize a creative idea. These results reveal a concealed barrier that creative actors may face as they attempt to gain acceptance for their novel ideas.
Finding consistent patterns: A nonparametric approach for identifying differential expression in RNA-Seq data
Authors: Li Jun , Tibshirani Robert
Published: December 2011

We discuss the identification of features that are associated with an outcome in RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and other sequencing-based comparative genomic experiments. RNA-Seq data takes the form of counts, so models based on the normal distribution are generally unsuitable. The problem is especially challenging because different sequencing experiments may generate quite different total numbers of reads, or ‘sequencing depths’. Existing methods for this problem are based on Poisson or negative binomial models: they are useful but can be heavily influenced by ‘outliers’ in the data. We introduce a simple, non-parametric method with resampling to account for the different sequencing depths. The new method is more robust than parametric methods. It can be applied to data with quantitative, survival, two-class or multiple-class outcomes. We compare our proposed method to Poisson and negative binomial-based methods in simulated and real data sets, and find that our method discovers more consistent patterns than competing methods.
HLA-DRB1*15:01 and multiple sclerosis: a female association?
Authors: Irizar Haritz , Muñoz-Culla Maider , Zuriarrain Olaia , Goyenechea Estibaliz , Castillo-Triviño Tamara , Prada Alvaro , Saenz-Cuesta Matias , De Juan Dolores , Lopez de Munain Adolfo , Olascoaga Javier , Otaegui David
Published: December 2011

Background: The association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the HLA-DRB1*15:01 haplotype has been proven to be strong, but its molecular basis remains unclear. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants and sex have been proposed to modulate this association.

Objectives: 1) Test the association of MS with *15:01 and VDR variants; 2) check whether VDR variants and/or sex modulate the risk conferred by *15:01; 3) study whether *15:01, VDR variants and/or sex affect HLA II gene expression.

Methods: Peripheral blood from 364 MS patients and 513 healthy controls was obtained and DNA and total RNA were extracted from leukocytes. HLA-DRB1, DRB5 and DQA1 gene expression measurements and *15:01 genotyping were performed by qPCR. VDR variants were genotyped by PCR-RFLP.

Results: Our data confirms that the *15:01 haplotype confers a higher risk of suffering from MS (OR = 1.364; 95% CI = 1.107–1.681). No association was found between VDR variants and MS, but they were shown to moderately modulate the risk conferred by *15:01. Sex confers a much stronger modulation and the *15:01-MS association seems to be female specific. A higher *15:01 frequency has been observed in Basques (45.1%). *15:01 positive samples showed a significant overexpression of DRB1 ( p < 0.001), DRB5 ( p < 0.001) and DQA1 ( p = 0.004) in patients. DRB1 ( p = 0.004) and DRB5 ( p < 0.001) were also overexpressed in *15:01 controls.

Conclusions: We confirm the *15:01-MS association and support that it is female specific. The relevance of ethnic origin on association studies has also been highlighted. HLA-DRB1*15:01 seems to be a haplotype consistently linked to high HLA II gene expression.
What is the Difference between ‘Desistance’ and ‘Resilience’? Exploring the Relationship between Two Key Concepts
Authors: Fitzpatrick (née Taylor) Claire
Published: December 2011

This article seeks to explore the relationship between two very important and distinct key concepts – desistance and resilience – by bridging theoretical insights from Criminology and Social Work. These concepts have developed quite separately and in different disciplinary contexts, and there are some clear differences between them. However, it is argued here that research on desistance and resilience also has much in common, in terms of the underlying mechanisms that enable these two distinct ‘processes’ to occur and in relation to the practical implications for working with vulnerable young people.
Children's confidences, parents’ confessions: Child welfare dialogues as technologies of control
Authors: Hennum Nicole Marie Janine
Published: December 2011

Abstract:

The article presents findings from a detailed examination of dialogical sequences recorded in written documents from Norwegian child welfare services. Using a frame drawn from Foucault's theory of technologies of control, it describes how conversations between the social workers and parents function as disciplining tools. By emphasizing children's rights under Norwegian law and scientific based knowledge about children, the social workers regulate the parents’ life towards what is culturally considered as proper parenting in Norway. In doing so, they assign the children and the parents different subject positions in the dialogues. I will argue that the children become subjects through what is perceived as the sharing of confidences, while the parents become subjects through confessions and admissions.
Identity work and client resistance underneath the canopy of active employment policy
Authors: Caswell Dorte , Eskelinen Leena , Olesen Søren Peter
Published: December 2011

In the Danish employment system social workers have the important institutional task of trying to establish a labour market perspective for each cash benefit recipient, even when the client has other problems in addition to unemployment. The client’s ‘capacity for work’ must be documented and described. In this article we examine the dilemmas that occur in the interaction between clients and social workers. We show how clients try to evade the demands of labour market related identities in their negotiations with social workers. Our analysis focuses on two cases, selected from a vast qualitative material, that represent cases in which the client’s dissatisfaction becomes apparent. The results indicate that clients are active participants who resist, protest against and sometimes even avoid the identities offered by the employment system.
Collaboration in grounded theory analysis: Reflections and practical suggestions
Authors: Pieters Huibrie C. , Dornig Katrina
Published: December 2011

Analytic triangulation is a well known strategy to enhance rigor in qualitative research, but little is known about the process to develop and maintain an intellectually vital analytic dyad. As two recent doctoral graduates, we reflect back on our mutually beneficial, interdisciplinary collaboration. We describe pragmatic guidelines to select an effective analytic partner, to structure work sessions, and to respond to the challenges of shifting needs over time. Utilizing specific examples, we address the intellectual, interpretive, and personal benefits of our analytic partnership. Our reflections may be useful for scholars using grounded theory such as doctoral students, early career researchers, as well as faculty who are mentoring doctoral students doing qualitative research.
Energy Expenditure in Preterm Infants Supplemented With Canola Oil Versus Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil
Authors: Cohen Shlomi , Dollberg Shaul , Mimouni Francis B. , Peled Yohanan , Mandel Dror
Published: December 2011

Objective. To test the hypothesis that intestinal fat losses and energy expenditure (EE) are lower in preterm infants (PTIs) supplemented with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil than in those supplemented with canola oil (CO). Design/Methods. A total of 6 PTIs were studied in a randomized, crossover design. Gestational age was 28 to 34 weeks, and birth weight was 920 to 1269 g. Infants were randomized to supplementation with either 34 kcal (4 g) CO per kg per day or 34 kcal (4.4 g) MCT oil per kg per day for 3 days followed by 3 days of the other oil. EE was measured at baseline, after 3 days of the first oil supplementation, and after 3 days of the alternate oil supplementation based on indirect calorimetry. Also, 72-hour stool samples were collected. Results. The coefficient of added fat absorption was 99.5% ± 0.9% of the MCT oil versus 90.0% ± 16.2% of the CO (P = .056). EE increased after CO supplementation by 4.33 ± 5.96 kcal/kg/d and by 4.17 ± 3.97 kcal/kg/d after MCT (nonsignificant). Thus, after correction for net additional energy intake, energy retained from 34 kcal/kg of added fat was 26.1 ± 6.9 kcal/kg/d after CO and 30.1 ± 5.0 kcal/kg/d after MCT (P = .09). Conclusions. MCT oil may be better absorbed than CO in growing PTIs. The metabolic cost of absorption of MCT oil and CO are similar.