bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power harvesting systems design for railroad safety
Authors: Pourghodrat Abolfazl , Nelson Carl A , Hansen Sean E , Kamarajugadda Vedvyas , Platt Stephen R
Published: April 2013

Railroad crossings represent a significant danger in railroad transportation systems. Each year thousands of accidents occur that involve trains and other vehicles at unprotected railroad crossings, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and injuries. Additionally, derailments occur on average once every 6 h across the United States due to mechanical failures and improperly maintained track, endangering property and lives. The lack of electrical infrastructure in remote areas is a primary barrier impeding the installation of safety enhancements such as warning light systems and track health monitoring sensors that could reduce the frequency of such accidents. Providing on-demand power by harvesting energy from deflecting railroad track during the passage of trains is a promising approach compared with the cost of installing electrical power lines or the lack of robust solar and/or wind power solutions. This paper discusses the design and development of several power harvesting devices capable of scavenging power from the vertical deflection of railroad track. The design of a cam-based generator device driven by the train wheels is also discussed. Simulation and testing results on these devices are also presented in this paper.
The building and rebuilding of walls: Aspirations, commitments and tensions within an Andean community and the archaeological monument they inhabit
Authors: Sillar Bill
Published: April 2013

Walls are at the foundation of ‘civil society’: physical and symbolic barriers that differentiate people and activities. Cooperation in construction work expresses people’s aspirations and can be a focus for the development of group solidarity. However, walls change the control and use of space, causing tensions and social divisions. In Raqchi, a small Peruvian village whose houses and fields are located within the ruins of a major archaeological complex, walls are a major concern. The work involved in house building, community projects, a monumental Inka temple and recent heritage reconstruction shows how the choice of materials and techniques is influenced by social relations and labour exchange. Tensions are expressed over land ownership and community priorities as well as with heritage management. The community’s identity and status are also strongly influenced by building work that is dependent on the Catholic Church, NGOs, the municipality and the nation state.Walls can be read as a document of this contested history.
Every tweet counts? How sentiment analysis of social media can improve our knowledge of citizens’ political preferences with an application to Italy and France
Authors: Ceron Andrea , Curini Luigi , Iacus Stefano M , Porro Giuseppe
Published: April 2013

The growing usage of social media by a wider audience of citizens sharply increases the possibility of investigating the web as a device to explore and track political preferences. In the present paper we apply a method recently proposed by other social scientists to three different scenarios, by analyzing on one side the online popularity of Italian political leaders throughout 2011, and on the other the voting intention of French Internet users in both the 2012 presidential ballot and the subsequent legislative election. While Internet users are not necessarily representative of the whole population of a country’s citizens, our analysis shows a remarkable ability for social media to forecast electoral results, as well as a noteworthy correlation between social media and the results of traditional mass surveys. We also illustrate that the predictive ability of social media analysis strengthens as the number of citizens expressing their opinion online increases, provided that the citizens act consistently on these opinions.
Floating on the Same Plane: Metropolis, Money and the Culture of Abstraction
Authors: Cunningham David
Published: April 2013

This article argues that the emergence of a trans-disciplinary discourse of ‘visual culture’ must be understood as, above all, a constitutively urban phenomenon. More specifically, it is in the historically new form of the capitalist metropolis, as described most famously by Simmel, that the ‘hyper-stimulus’ of modern visual culture has its social and spatial conditions. Paradoxically, however, it is as a result of this that visual culture studies is also intrinsically ‘haunted’ by a certain spectre of the invisible: one rooted in those forms of ‘real abstraction’ which Marx identifies with the commodity and the money form. Considering, initially, the canonical urban visual forms of the collage and the spectacle, these are each read in a certain relation to Simmel’s account of metropolitan life and of the money form, and, through this, to what the author claims are those forms of social and spatial abstraction that must be understood to animate them. Finally, the article returns to the entanglement of the visible and invisible entailed by this, and concludes by making some tentative suggestions about something like a paradoxical urban ‘aesthetic’ of abstraction on such a basis.
Locating the Visual
Authors: Hjorth Larissa
Published: April 2013

Smartphones are increasingly becoming an all-pervasive and embedded part of everyday life. In this phenomenon, the rise of high-quality camera phones and growth in distribution services via social media has heralded new forms of visuality. With geotagging almost a default setting, these new visualities are marked by a different relationship between information, co-presence, and place. In particular, these new visualities are shaping, and shaped by, gender. One key location that has become famous for its high deployment of camera phone practices, especially self-portraiture ( sel-ca) by women, is Seoul, South Korea. However, as camera phone practices increasingly intertwine with locative media, we see a shift in the motivations, genres, and affects. In this article, I explore some preliminary studies conducted into women’s use of camera phones and how, with the overlay of locative media like geotagging, this is shifting the role of camera phone images in depicting place and intimacy.
The Stellenbosch consensus statement on health promoting schools
Authors: Macnab Andrew
Published: April 2013

Health promotion uses a range of complementary approaches to provide individuals and communities with knowledge that will enable them to improve their own health and wellbeing. Encouraging children to adopt healthy lifestyle habits is a central objective, and health promotion at a community level, particularly through health promoting schools, may be an effective strategy. Health promoting schools are well within the capacity of even poor countries, as they focus on the school and its culture, and establishing health promoting schools requires a change in mindset and refinement of educational investment rather than the provision of major new resources, engagement of non-government organizations or obtaining international funding. A consensus of current evidence and essential concepts underlying health promotion in schools, principles that contribute to success or failure, and opportunities for implementation and engagement is presented, based on shared experience and dialogue at a 2011 international colloquium held at Stellenbosch University.
Politics, class actors, and health sector reform in Brazil and Venezuela
Authors: Mahmood Qamar , Muntaner Carles
Published: April 2013

Universal access to healthcare has assumed renewed importance in global health discourse, along with a focus on strengthening health systems. These developments are taking place in the backdrop of concerted efforts to advocate moving away from vertical, disease-based approaches to tackling health problems. While this approach to addressing public health problems is a step in the right direction, there is still insufficient emphasis on understanding the socio-political context of health systems. Reforms to strengthen health systems and achieve universal access to healthcare should be cognizant of the importance of the socio-political context, especially state–society relations. That context determines the nature and trajectory of reforms promoting universality or any pro-equity change. Brazil and Venezuela in recent years have made progress in developing healthcare systems that aim to achieve universal access. These achievements are noteworthy given that, historically, both countries had a long tradition of healthcare systems which were highly privatized and geared towards access to healthcare for a small segment of the population while the majority was excluded. These achievements are also remarkable since they took place in an era of neoliberalism when many states, even those with universally-based healthcare systems, were moving in the opposite direction. We analyze the socio-political context in each of these countries and look specifically at how the changing state–society relations resulted in health being constitutionally recognized as a social right. We describe the challenges that each faced in developing and implementing healthcare systems embracing universality. Our contention is that achieving the principle of universality in healthcare systems is less of a technical matter and more a political project. It involves opposition from the socially conservative elements in the society. Navigation to achieve this goal requires a political strategy that involves various actors within the state, the political society and civil society.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for Preoperative Imaging of the Plantar Plate
Authors: Klein Erin E. , Weil Lowell , Weil Lowell Scott , Knight Jessica
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare preoperative findings on musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation to observed intraoperative findings for patients undergoing surgical correction of plantar plate tears. Fifty consecutive patients with forefoot pain and a suspected unilateral plantar plate tear at the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint were identified. The same examiner performed a 2-plane (longitudinal and transverse) musculoskeletal ultrasound on the painful second MTP joint. The contralateral second MTP joint was used for comparison. Longitudinal ultrasound images were graded as “torn” or “intact.” Transverse ultrasound images were used to localize the suspected pathology. Results of the ultrasound were compared with observed intraoperative pathology. Forty-five plantar plate tears were identified intraoperatively. Longitudinal ultrasound images correctly identified 40 plantar plate tears. The longitudinal ultrasound had a sensitivity of 91.1%, a specificity of 25%, a positive predictive value of 91.1%, and a negative predictive value of 25%. Transverse ultrasound images identified 36 plantar plate tears correctly localizing only 19 tears. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has been widely used to identify and localize pathology in many soft tissue structures. Whereas the longitudinal ultrasound images were useful in identifying plantar plate tears, the same cannot be said about the ability to localize the tear on the transverse ultrasound images. Therefore, ultrasound may not be as good an imaging modality as magnetic resonance imaging for identification and localization of plantar plate pathology.

Levels of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level II
Effect of surface modification of pure Ti on tribological and biological properties of bone tissue
Authors: Qi H , Wu H Y
Published: April 2013

Surfaces are the primary place of contact between bone and implant without an intervening soft tissue layer. Titanium based alloys are widely used for orthopaedic implants due to their high biocompatibility and high corrosion resistance. However, pure Ti is a soft material with a low shear resistance, and its poor wear resistance limits its application. TiO2 biological coating has not yet been produced by double glow plasma surface alloying, which is a technique based on both ion nitriding and sputtering. Wear resistance and blood compatibility of materials were studied in this paper. The results showed that friction coefficient and wear rate of oxygenised layer were lower than that of the matrix. In the dynamic clotting time, uniform rutile TiO2 (1 0 1) film after plasma oxygenising due to high electron density, low cavity density and electrostatic attraction of Ca2+ ions on the TiO2 surface exhibited the best biocompatibility.
Dielectric properties of CaTiO3 coatings prepared by plasma spraying
Authors: Sedlacek J , Ctibor P , Kotlan J , Pala Z
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a study of dielectric properties, namely the relative permittivity and loss factor dependence on the frequency of a weak electric field. Perovskite CaTiO3 was studied in the form of coatings and self-supporting plates made by plasma spraying. A conventional gas stabilised plasma gun (GSP) as well as a water stabilised plasma gun (WSP) were employed. It was observed that plasma sprayed titanates exhibit a strong relaxation of permittivity and loss factor decrease with a frequency rise. These properties are influenced by spray technique and spraying parameters, but the relaxation character in general is preserved in all cases. The volume resistivity of the samples was studied as well. Several aspects of the structural features of plasma deposits, especially the phase composition, porosity character, and their influence on dielectric properties are discussed.
Nanomechanical properties of duplex treated 42CrMo4 steel
Authors: Chen J. , Li X. Y. , Ji R. , Khan R. , Fuentes G.
Published: April 2013

Active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) has attracted interest from researchers and industries as it can overcome several intrinsic problems in direct current glow discharge plasma nitriding such as arcing, hollow cathode, edge effects and the strong temperature dependence on the shape of the samples. In this study, an advanced duplex system based on ASPN and chromium nitride coating was synthesised on 42CrMo4 steels. The effects of ASPN on the mechanical properties, nanoimpact resistance and scratch resistance at different load ranges were investigated. The results show that the surface hardness H, reduced elastic modulus Er and the ratios of H/ Er and H3/ E2 r can significantly be improved at the testing load range from 5 to 100 mN. The enhanced nanoimpact and scratch resistance can be well correlated to the improved H/ Er and H3/ E2 r.
Naive B-cell trafficking is shaped by local chemokine availability and LFA-1–independent stromal interactions
Authors: Coelho Fernanda M. , Natale Daniela , Soriano Silvia F. , Hons Miroslav , Swoger Jim , Mayer Jürgen , Danuser Renzo , Scandella Elke , Pieczyk Markus , Zerwes Hans-Günter , Junt Tobias , Sailer Andreas W. , Ludewig Burkhard , Sharpe James , Figge Marc Thilo , Stein Jens V.
Published: April 2013

Key Points

CXCR5, but not CXCR4 or CCR7, acts with LFA-1 to mediate random B-cell migration in the T-cell area and B-cell follicles. In contrast, stromal guidance during B-cell migration is LFA-1 independent and CXCR5 independent.
Gβγ-mediated activation of protein kinase D exhibits subunit specificity and requires Gβγ-responsive phospholipase Cβ isoforms
Authors: Lau Winnie WI , Chan Anthony SL , Poon Lydia SW , Zhu Jing , Wong Yung H
Published: April 2013

Background

Protein kinase D (PKD) constitutes a novel family of serine/threonine protein kinases implicated in fundamental biological activities including cell proliferation, survival, migration, and immune responses. Activation of PKD in these cellular activities has been linked to many extracellular signals acting through antigen receptor engagement, receptor tyrosine kinases, as well as G protein-coupled receptors. In the latter case, it is generally believed that the Gα subunits of the Gqfamily are highly effective in mediating PKD activation, whereas little is known with regard to the ability of Gβγ dimers and other Gα subunits to stimulate PKD. It has been suggested that the interaction between Gβγ and the PH domain of PKD, or the Gβγ-induced PLCβ/PKC activity is critical for the induction of PKD activation. However, the relative contribution of these two apparently independent events to Gβγ-mediated PKD activation has yet to be addressed.

Results

In this report, we demonstrate that among various members in the four G protein families, only the Gα subunits of the Gqfamily effectively activate all the three PKD isoforms (PKD1/2/3), while Gα subunits of other G protein families (Gs, Gi, and G12) are ineffective. Though the Gα subunits of Gifamily are unable to stimulate PKD, receptors linked to Giproteins are capable of triggering PKD activation in cell lines endogenously expressing (HeLa cells and Jurkat T-cells) or exogenously transfected with (HEK293 cells) Gβγ-sensitive PLCβ2/3isoforms. This indicates that the Gi-mediated PKD activation is dependent on the released Gβγ dimers upon stimulation. Further investigation on individual Gβγ combinations (i.e. Gβ1with Gγ1–13) revealed that, even if they can stimulate the PLCβ activity in a comparable manner, only those Gβ1γ dimers with γ2, γ3, γ4, γ5, γ7, and γ10can serve as effective activators of PKD. We also demonstrated that Gi-mediated PKD activation is essential for the SDF-1α-induced chemotaxis on Jurkat T-cells.

Conclusions

Our current report illustrates that Gβγ dimers from the Giproteins may activate PKD in a PLCβ2/3-dependent manner, and the specific identities of Gγ components within Gβγ dimers may determine this stimulatory action.
Comparison of polystyrene nanoparticles and UV-inactivated antigen-displaying adenovirus for vaccine delivery in mice
Authors: Johrden Lena , Tenbusch Matthias , Lietz Ruth , Bonsmann Michael Storcksdieck genannt , Niezold Thomas , Wildner Oliver , Bayer Wibke
Published: April 2013

Background

Inert nanoparticles are attracting attention as carriers for protein-based vaccines. Here we evaluate the immunogenicity of the model antigen ovalbumin delivered on polystyrene particles and directly compare particulate delivery with adenovirus-based immunization.

Findings

Mice were vaccinated with soluble ovalbumin, ovalbumin-coated polystyrene particles of different sizes, or an adenovirus-based expression-display vector that encodes and displays a pIX-ovalbumin fusion protein. Antibody responses were clearly higher when ovalbumin was administered on polystyrene particles compared to soluble protein administration, regardless of the particle size. Compared to adenovirus-based immunization, antibody levels were lower if an equivalent amount of protein was delivered, and no cellular immune response was detectable.

Conclusions

We demonstrate in a side-by-side comparison that inert nanoparticles allow for the reduction of the administered antigen amount compared to immunization with soluble protein and induce strongly enhanced antibody responses, but responses are lower compared to adenovirus-based immunization.
Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a retrospect of four cases
Authors: Zhang Mi , Liu Xiaohong , Song Zhigang , Zou Liangjian , Xiang Bo
Published: April 2013

Objective

We have reviewed the medical histories of 4 patients who underwent operations between November 2004 and February 2011 at Changhai Hospital for cardiac papillary fibroelastoma.

Methods

Diagnosis was demonstrably suggested by echocardiography. Tumor locations were mitral valve (1), left atrium (1), and aortic valve (2). Indications for operation were previous cerebrovascular accident for the mitral tumor, incidental apopsychia and giant mobile mass for the left atrium, ingravescent chest tightness and palpitations for the first aortic tumor, and severe regurgitation of aortic valve for the second aortic tumor. The study was approved by the Changhai Hospital Ethics Committee, and the consent from the patients or their immediate family was obtained.

Results

Surgical excision with necessary valve replacement operations was performed in all cases. All patients had uneventful postoperative recoveries. No evidence of regurgitation or recurrence was seen on echocardiography at follow-up.

Conclusions

Despite their histologically benign aspect, cardiac papillary fibroelastomas should be removed because of potential embolic complications.
Limit of detection and limit of quantification development procedures for organochlorine pesticides analysis in water and sediment matrices
Authors: Saadati Naghmeh , Abdullah Md Pauzi , Zakaria Zuriati , Sany Seyedeh Belin Tavakoli , Rezayi Majid , Hassonizadeh Houshang
Published: April 2013

Background

Reliable values for method validity of organochlorine pesticides determination were investigated, in water by solid phase extraction and in sediment by Soxhlet extraction, followed by gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector. Organochlorine pesticides are categorized as Persistent Organic Pollutants. Hence, critical decisions to control exposure to these chemicals in the environment are based on their levels in different media; it is important to find valid qualitative and quantitative results for these components. In analytical chemistry, internal quality procedures are applied to produce valid logical results.

Result

In this study, 18 organochlorine pesticides were targeted for analysis and determination in water and river sediment. Experiments based on signal-to-noise ratio, calibration curve slope and laboratory fortified blank methods were conducted to determine the limits of qualification and quantification. The data were compared with each other. The limitation values, following Laboratory Fortified Blank, showed significant differences in the signal-to-noise ratio and calibration curve slope methods, which are assumed in the results for the sample concentration factor to be 1,000 times in water and 10 times in sediment matrices. The method detection limit values were found to be between 0.001 and 0.005 μg/L (mean of 0.002 ± 0.001) and 0.001 and 0.005 μg/g (mean of 0.001 ± 0.001). The quantification limits were found to be between 0.002 and 0.016 μg/L (mean of 0.006 ± 0.004) and 0.003 and 0.017 μg/g (mean of 0.005 ± 0.003 μg/L) for water and sediment, respectively, based on the laboratory fortified blank method. Because of different slopes in the calibration methods, it was also found that the limitation values for some components from the internal standard were higher than from external standard calibration, because in the latter a factor for injection efficiency is applied for calibration.

Conclusion

Technically, there are differentiations between detection limits for quality and quantity from component to component, resulting from noise, response factors of instruments and matrix interference. However, the calculation method is the cause of differentiation for each component of the different methods. The results show that for no matter what component, the relationship between these levels in different methods is approximately: Signal to Noise : Calibration Slope = 1:10. Therefore, due to different methods to determine LOD and LOQ, the values will be different. In the current study, laboratory fortified blank is the best method, with lower limitation values for Soxhlet and solid phase extraction of OCPs from sediment and water, respectively.
Lymphoma B-cell responsiveness to CpG-DNA depends on the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Ben Abdelwahed Rym , Cosette Jérémie , Donnou Sabrina , Crozet Lucile , Ouakrim Hanane , Fridman Wolf Herman , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Mahjoub Aouni , Fisson Sylvain
Published: April 2013

Background

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have important properties that can be exploited for immunotherapy against tumors. Locally injected immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODNs), which are TLR9 agonists, have shown promise in cancer models. Several studies have demonstrated that these motifs have immunologic effects similar to those of bacterial DNA and can stimulate monocytes, macrophages, dendritic, and B cells, which then produce several proinflammatory cytokines. However, these CpG-ODNs appear to produce opposite effects on tumor B cells.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the direct effects of a murine class B CpG (1826) ODNs on lymphoma B cellsin vitroandin vivo,using mouse models of non-Hodgkin B lymphomas developing in immunoprivileged sites, specifically the brain and the eye, and in subcutaneous sites.

Results

In vitro, CpG-ODNs produced antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on lymphoma B cells.In vivo, it had an antitumor effect when injected into tumors in murine models of subcutaneous lymphoma (SCL) and primary cerebral lymphoma (PCL). However, its intravitreal administration into a primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) mouse model did not produce an antitumor effect.In vitroexperiments using supernatant from mouse PIOL samples demonstrated that the PIOL molecular microenvironment inhibits the antiproliferative effect of CpG-ODNs on lymphoma B-cells.

Conclusions

Responsiveness to CpG stimulation differs in subcutaneous, cerebral, and ocular tumors, according to the tumoral and molecular microenvironment, and this should be considered for further therapeutic approaches.
The influence of the inactives subset generation on the performance of machine learning methods
Authors: Smusz Sabina , Kurczab Rafał , Bojarski Andrzej J
Published: April 2013

Background

A growing popularity of machine learning methods application in virtual screening, in both classification and regression tasks, can be observed in the past few years. However, their effectiveness is strongly dependent on many different factors.

Results

In this study, the influence of the way of forming the set of inactives on the classification process was examined: random and diverse selection from the ZINC database, MDDR database and libraries generated according to the DUD methodology. All learning methods were tested in two modes: using one test set, the same for each method of inactive molecules generation and using test sets with inactives prepared in an analogous way as for training. The experiments were carried out for 5 different protein targets, 3 fingerprints for molecules representation and 7 classification algorithms with varying parameters. It appeared that the process of inactive set formation had a substantial impact on the machine learning methods performance.

Conclusions

The level of chemical space limitation determined the ability of tested classifiers to select potentially active molecules in virtual screening tasks, as for example DUDs (widely applied in docking experiments) did not provide proper selection of active molecules from databases with diverse structures. The study clearly showed that inactive compounds forming training set should be representative to the highest possible extent for libraries that undergo screening.
Grammar Tests as a Motivational Tool for Grade 7 Students of Assumption College Thonburi (ACT)
Authors: Boonmusik Apinya
Published: April 2013

This study focused on the use of teacher-designed Grammar tests for assessing Student s' grammar knowledge on certain topics after the same classroom learning experience. Traditional grammar tests are used with sample students to assess them along with two teacher-designed tests. Test 1 is made up of multiple choice, arranging words into sentence, gap-fills, and competing the text of the sentence. Test 2 on the other hand is made up of the same test types but provided with colorful pictures, chart presentations, and simplified choices, it was found that students were more motivated in trying their best to answer all questions in test 1 and test 2.
An Investigation into the Effects of Time of Administration and Language of Instruction on Persian Language Learners' Listening Ability
Authors: Soureshjani Kamal Heidari
Published: April 2013

Among sundry factors influencing an individual score "Environmental factors" and "Test rubric" play significant roles. The present article attempted to investigate the influence of "time of administration" and "language of instruction", each relating to the above-mentioned factors respectively on the Iranian EFL students' listening ability. To do so, 90 male and female language learners were selected and an old version of TOEFL test was given to them in order to ensure their proficiency level. Then, a listening comprehension test, derived from the material they were studying, was distributed among them at different times, each time with specific conditions and purposes. Results of the study revealed that students' performance was better when: The test was given in the morning, and with Persian (the students' native language) instructions. Conducting such studies can add valuable knowledge to the existing body of knowledge regarding the preparation of the best conditions for test takers on the exams.
Teaching Tense through Texts and Drills: Comparison of Test Scores
Authors: Witchukriangkrai Thunyapat
Published: April 2013

Comparison of Teaching Tense through Texts and Drills: A Case Study in Thailand was to study the effectiveness, the causes and advantages and disadvantages of the effects following from these teaching methods. Both grammar classes of grade 11 students of English Program Department of Assumption College Thonburi were taught by two different teaching methods, using texts and drills. They were tested by pre-test and post-test. The results and the opinions of both tests of both classes were compared. The students in the class taught by drills got higher development score; however, the other class already got high scores in their pre-test and we can't see much improvement from their score because there's not much chance to improve anymore. Moreover, the questionnaire asking about the students' opinions and suggestions about the tests expressed that one of the most possible way suggested is that teachers should choose the teaching styles which are appropriate with their own students according to some specific, individual factors of each class.
C-test and Vocabulary Knowledge
Authors: KARIMI NEDA
Published: April 2013

This study aims to investigate the applicability of C-test in vocabulary assessment. Doing so four C-tests, two different in terms of their lexical richness (measured through P_Lex) and the other two different in terms of their lexical variation (measured through type/token ratio), were developed and the performance of 74 and 77 Iranian TEFL MA students on these tests was examined. These C-tests were identical in every term except lexical characteristics. The results revealed that the test takers performed significantly different in both situations. This led to the conclusion that C-test has the potential to tap vocabulary knowledge and with the consideration of lexical characteristics of C-test texts we can tailor C-tests that are suitable for vocabulary knowledge assessment.
A comparative study of composing processes in reading- and graph-based writing tasks
Authors: Yang Hui-Chun
Published: April 2013

The study compares EFL writers' processes in composing reading-based writing (RW) and graph-based writing (GW) tasks developed for a university English proficiency exam. Think-aloud protocols and interviews of ten university-level nonnative English-speaking writers were collected to explore writers' composing processes. The results revealed that both types of the tasks require global comprehension of source texts as well as integrative manipulation of available information for writing. Some differences, however, existed across tasks and writers of varying score levels, with the RW tasks eliciting a more interactive and facilitative process than the GW tasks for the higher scoring writers. These results suggested that these tasks might measure different aspects of academic writing ability. Several considerations of the task constructs should apply in properly determining their use in a language test. The findings could be used to provide insights into the nature of RW and GW tasks and contribute to the validity of source-based writing tasks.
An Investigation of the Writing Test Used at the Institute of International Studies, Ramkhamhaeng University (IIS-RU), Thailand
Authors: Kansopon Venus
Published: April 2013

This study primarily investigated the validity and reliability of the writing assessments and their backwash effects on the undergraduates of Institute of International Studies, Ramkhamhaeng University (IIS-RU). The English-major students had academic writing skills problem, especially among the non-native English speakers, whose writing ability was critical to their academic achievement as they were required to produce many academic writing tasks. There were some native English speaking students who were also unable to write essays or compose properly. The IIS professors motivated their students to develop their writing skills by using writing tests (e.g., essay exam and writing prompt test) as the instruments to measure students' writing competence, ability, and knowledge in curriculum.
The epidemiology of septic shock in French intensive care units: the prospective multicenter cohort EPISS study
Authors: Quenot Jean-Pierre , Binquet Christine , Kara Fady , Martinet Olivier , Ganster Frederique , Navellou Jean-Christophe , Castelain Vincent , Barraud Damien , Cousson Joel , Louis Guillaume , Perez Pierre , Kuteifan Khaldoun , Noirot Alain , Badie Julio , Mezher Chaouki , Lessire Henry , Pavon Arnaud
Published: April 2013

Introduction

To provide up-to-date information on the prognostic factors associated with 28-day mortality in a cohort of septic shock patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

Prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study in ICUs from 14 French general (non-academic) and university teaching hospitals. All consecutive patients with septic shock admitted between November 2009 and March 2011 were eligible for inclusion. We prospectively recorded data regarding patient characteristics, infection, severity of illness, life support therapy, and discharge.

Results

Among 10,941 patients admitted to participating ICUs between October 2009 and September 2011, 1,495 (13.7%) patients presented inclusion criteria for septic shock and were included. Invasive mechanical ventilation was needed in 83.9% (n = 1248), inotropes in 27.7% (n = 412), continuous renal replacement therapy in 32.5% (n = 484), and hemodialysis in 19.6% (n = 291). Mortality at 28 days was 42% (n = 625). Variables associated with time to mortality, right-censored at day 28: age (for each additional 10 years) (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-1.38), immunosuppression (HR = 1.63; 95%CI: 1.37-1.96), Knaus class C/D score versus class A/B score (HR = 1.36; 95%CI:1.14-1.62) and Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (HR = 1.24 for each additional point; 95%CI: 1.21-1.27). Patients with septic shock and renal/urinary tract infection had a significantly longer time to mortality (HR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.42-0.75).

Conclusion

Our observational data of consecutive patients from real-life practice confirm that septic shock is common and carries high mortality in general ICU populations. Our results are in contrast with the clinical trial setting, and could be useful for healthcare planning and clinical study design.
Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus during Pregnancy
Authors: Clohessy Penelope , Polis Suzanne , Post Jeffrey
Published: April 2013

Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is expected to be unlikely in pregnancy due to the relative immunosuppression and increase in viraemia that occurs. We report the first case of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurring in pregnancy.
Results from the OASE project
Authors: Breuer Dirk , Erik Weis & the OASE project team
Published: April 2013

OASE - Optical Access Seamless Evolution, Outline.Optical Access
Seamless Evolution – OASE, Next Generation Optical Access.
Coverage and boundaries. Access network evolution. Migration on
existing networks structures. Access network evolution. New structures
enabling minimal TCO at still growing bandwidth. Principal
interrelationship between network structure and costs in
access/aggregation networks. Feeder link length: Which transmission
reach should be provided by NGOA systems? Feeder link length: Which
transmission reach should be provided by NGOA systems? Feeder link
fiber demand: The dark side of site darkening - Additional cable
required. Traffic model. Network dimensioning requirements.
Sustainable traffic evolution. The sustainable traffic per user
growths exponentially.
Gleefully gory:The aesthetics of horror and Michael Slade’s Ghoul
Authors: Newell Jonathan
Published: April 2013

A generic hybrid of mystery and horror, Michael Slade’s Ghoul (1987) is a highly violent, often graphically disgusting novel, refusing to shy away from nauseating scenes or grotesque images. My article uses Ghoul to explore a major aesthetic paradox that numerous philosophers
of art have grappled with – the paradox of horror, that is, why we enjoy horror fiction despite its manifest unpleasantness. The article uses Slade’s novel to demonstrate the weaknesses of several pre-existing theories, going on to argue against their totalizing approaches to the
genre and aesthetics in favour of a particularist theory. The article then formulates a specific theory of the paradox of horror as it relates to Ghoul specifically, building on recent scholarship on disgust by Carolyn Korsmeyer and earlier work by Susan Feagin, Berys Gaut and others. In doing
so it questions the aesthetic methodologies often applied to horror fiction and revisits discussion of the paradox of horror, examining the subject from a new, specific perspective centred around the aesthetic possibilities of disgust.
An uncle too many: Uncle Paavo as spectre from the past
Authors: Nichols Bill
Published: April 2013

This short subject discusses the personal impact of the memories of Uncle Paavo, the absent war victim in Kanerva Cederström’s documentary Kaksi enoa/Two Uncles (1991). The short subject is a companion piece to Ilona Hongisto’s article on the same film, published in
this issue.
Four transcultural case studies: Transmedial walks, drives and observations
Authors: Seaman Bill
Published: April 2013

This article discusses four different case studies related to complex technological works that were created through international collaborations.The Exquisite Mechanism of Shivers/Ex.MechRed Dice/Des ChiffréCom↔SpaceA China of Many SensesThe article discusses
elements of language, culture, technological creation and process.
Third culture? From the arts to the sciences and back again
Authors: Malina Roger F.
Published: April 2013

I substantiate the argument that lead me to believe very strongly that we need to find new ways for the arts and sciences to collaborate, and to create a networked culture that brings the arts and humanities into interaction with the sciences and engineering. Our world faces many problems,
on all scales, and we must use all the different approaches to create a world culture that is sustainable and respects and nurtures the differing world-views of each community. We have no choice but to forge new art–science collaborations.
Patterns, bodies and metamorphosis: The Hox Zodiac
Authors: Vesna Victoria , Ramakrishnan Siddharth
Published: April 2013

The Homeobox (Hox) genes essentially define body regions in all animals including humans – responsible for determining two arms, two legs, one nose and so on. This gene is shared by all living beings – from the snail to the elephant to humans – and it can now be manipulated
into transforming certain parts of the body into others. We have observed such transformations, such as that of an amputated antenna into a limb, as far back as 1901, termed neomorphosis (Morgan 1901), and it has only recently re-emerged as an area of scientific study. Spontaneous transformations
and induced regenerations are fascinating research topics that are fast becoming a reality; some scientists are postulating that it may be possible that the hox gene could be central to limb regeneration in the future. This article will present the Hox Zodiac project, which attempts to introduce
this subject and push the ideas further into speculation of mutation (i.e. humans and animals) into creatures that may resemble the mythical beings we know as fiction. The starting point of this wheel of life is the Chinese zodiac, consisting of twelve animals that are associated with humans.
In the process of development, it became interesting to note that half of the animals on the wheel are those used in the lab – rat, pig, monkey, dog, sheep and rabbit. The ox, tiger, horse, snake and rooster are considered mythical and the dragon could easily fall into the category of
a genetically modified creature that is to re-emerge in the future. Since medical and scientific testing on humans is strictly forbidden, scientists have virtually shifted to animals for all such studies. Thus, everything that is used on our bodies and minds is directly related to the animal
kingdom. The pig heart and rat mind are symbols for the paradox of science that uses animals in ways that are at once disconnected while subconsciously connecting us more than ever by using research results in medical and food products we consume. Although the controversy of using animals
in labs is widely known and often violently opposed, the artist in the lab questions how this research impacts our collective consciousness, especially with the growing trend of brain-computer interfaces and particularly synthetic telepathy. This relationship of the human to the metaphorical
meaning of the animal kingdom brought to mind Jung’s research on metaphors, symbolism and archetypes, which became central to the Hox Zodiac.
Flexibility in architecture and its relevance for the ubiquitous house
Authors: Ćetković Alexander
Published: April 2013

One of the important modernist terms – flexibility – offers the introduction of time and of the unknown as parameters in design. Yet the development of flexibility in modern architecture shows also the ambivalent relationship between architecture and the user – the
objective of incorporating flexibility in archi-tecture. The span between introducing the freedom of choice and expression and the reality of totally controlled spaces and movements shows the range of interpretations of this subject. By looking at the strategies and evolution of flexibility
in architecture one can project possible problems and frictions for the new discipline – ubiquitous computing. Both flexible architecture and the ubiquitous house are devoted to space, time and technology, and intend to give the user the maximum of possibilities inside the house. What
are the mistakes that some of the development in flexible architecture has made, that ubiquitous computing might learn from, especially in its relation to the user?
World on the head of a pin: Visualizing micro and macro points of view in China’s Boxer War of 1900
Authors: Sebring Ellen
Published: April 2013

The vast visual coverage of the Boxer Uprising in northern China that ended with foreigners traipsing through the Forbidden City in Beijing reflects both the richly innovative image technology at the turn of the century and the international interest in events that involved many of
the world’s most powerful nations. Historians and students who seek to understand the incident through the innovative technology of today can, for the first time, access primary source images in large numbers malleably displayed in the digital environment. The sheer volume of images
collected in one place offers powerful new insights into a history already broadly covered in analytical texts and first-person accounts. One qualitative difference from previous histories is the emergence of subjective points of view that can be conveyed in multidimensional models that juxtapose
experiential recordings of the day. Harnessing the tension of contrasting viewpoints – who knew what when – enables today’s learners to see through the lenses of past participants whose understanding was limited by location, communications and, one must remember, by not knowing
the outcome. Those who were besieged in the Foreign Legations did not know if they would survive; soldiers and rebels on the road to Beijing knew only the difficulties of the march; illustrations in newspaper reports overseas were coloured by politics and both national and international rivalries.
Digital visual representations have the possibility of recreating the collision of experiences that allow users to move between personal records and public reporting from the time to gain a knowledge that is unmitigated by an author’s text-based presentation and conclusions. The result
is as much a revolution in perception of historical events – perception-based learning – as it is in information about these events.
A pilgr-(image) to Second Life
Authors: Karoussos Katerina J.
Published: April 2013

The article illustrates an alternative topology by taking advantage of the possibilities for new forms of perception in the realm of online virtual worlds. It is based on the outcomes of the ‘Noetic Grace’ project that was held in Linden Lab’s Second Life™ (SL)
platform as a part of Yoshikaze project, supported form Humlab, Umeå University. During three months of virtual residency in Yoshikaze studio, the author experimented with different kinds of spatiotemporal awareness formed from the notions of virtuality as expressed during the times
of late antiquity. Saint John of Damascus (c. 676–749) was speaking about ‘virtual vision’ when he referred to the concept of ‘noetic grace’. Such an approach raises some fundamental questions about whether virtual worlds can have the potential to alter visual
mechanisms in the whole spectrum of imagery; both in its creation as well as in its vision. Technologies of computing can be considered as the most outstanding practice of Descartes’ theories. However even if Cartesian resonance can be regarded as an abstract Logos and as such it is
clearly distinguished from the class of the world, its principal effect to western thought was that of its dualism as a deterministic organization. Hence, Euclidian plane with a chosen Cartesian system, the so-called Cartesian plane, became the standard spatial environment. In the dual process
model of thinking the forward and backward reasoning can be used to express Euclidian transformations in which the points are detached. Their interaction exists solely to define themselves in relation to the other, rather than to embed themselves in an aggregate space. Nevertheless, scientific
progress has demonstrated a source that spurts many kinds of phenomena that are by far distinct from those of a systematic space. Anisotropic and heterogeneous topologies, magnetic flux, non-linear, dynamic systems and emergence are some of the findings that can alter the whole spectrum of
human awareness. Consequently, in order to create a being-to-be into virtual worlds, one has to overcome the notion of single-self objectiveness and its systematic space and act as a potential entity released from any references that may set barriers to a formation of a different perception
and imagery.