bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interacting in pairs in a test of oral proficiency: Co-constructing a better performance
Authors: Brooks Lindsay
Published: June 2009

This study, framed within sociocultural theory, examines the interaction of adult ESL test-takers in two tests of oral proficiency: one in which they interacted with an examiner (the individual format) and one in which they interacted with another student (the paired format). The data for the eight pairs in this study were drawn from a larger study comparing the two test formats in the context of high-stakes exit testing from an Academic Preparation Program at a large Canadian university. All of the test-takers participated in both test formats involving a discussion with comparable speaking prompts. The findings from the quantitative analyses show that overall the test-takers performed better in the paired format in that their scores were on average higher than when they interacted with an examiner. Qualitative analysis of the test-takers' speaking indicates that the differences in performance in the two test formats were more marked than the scores suggest. When test-takers interacted with other students in the paired test, the interaction was much more complex and revealed the co-construction of a more linguistically demanding performance than did the interaction between examiners and students. The paired testing format resulted in more interaction, negotiation of meaning, consideration of the interlocutor and more complex output. Among the implications for test theory and practice is the need to account for the joint construction of performance in a speaking test in both construct definitions and rating scales.
The influence of interlocutor proficiency in a paired oral assessment
Authors: Davis Larry
Published: June 2009

The use of pair work in speaking assessment may encourage collaboration in the classroom and has other advantages (Saville & Hargreaves, 1999; Taylor, 2000) but from a measurement perspective, the paired oral format may be problematic because a partner may unfairly influence an examinee's performance or otherwise bias scores. In this study, the influence of interlocutor proficiency on speaking performance was examined in a group of 20 first-year students at a Chinese university. The students were divided into groups of relatively high and low English proficiency and tested once with a partner of similar proficiency and once with a partner of higher or lower proficiency. Interlocutor proficiency level had no observable effect on Rasch analysis ability measures, but lower-level examinees produced more language (words) when working with a higher-level partner. The majority of dyads produced collaborative interactions (Galaczi, 2008), unless an examinee was paired with a much lower-level partner, in which case the interaction tended to be asymmetric. Overall, these data suggest that proficiency differences among examinees need not preclude use of the paired oral test format.
Co-constructed interaction in a paired speaking test: The rater's perspective
Authors: May Lyn
Published: June 2009

The definition and operationalization of interactional competence in speaking tests that entail co-construction of discourse is an area of language testing requiring further research. This article explores the reactions of four trained raters to paired candidates who oriented to asymmetric patterns of interaction in a discussion task. Through an analysis of candidate discourse combined with rater notes, stimulated verbal recalls, rater discussions and scores awarded for interactional effectiveness, the article examines the extent to which raters compensate or penalize candidates for their role in co-constructing asymmetric interactional patterns. The article argues that key features of the interaction are perceived by the raters as mutual achievements, and it further suggests that the awarding of shared scores for interactional competence is one way of acknowledging the inherently co-constructed nature of interaction in a paired speaking test.
Assessing paired orals: Raters' orientation to interaction
Authors: Ducasse Ana Maria , Brown Annie
Published: June 2009

Speaking tasks involving peer-to-peer candidate interaction are increasingly being incorporated into language proficiency assessments, in both large-scale international testing contexts, and in smaller-scale, for example course-related, ones. This growth in the popularity and use of paired and group orals has stimulated research, particularly into the types of discourse produced and the possible impact of candidate background factors on performance. However, despite the fact that the strongest argument for the validity of peer-to-peer assessment lies in the claim that such tasks allow for the assessment of a broader range of interactional skills than the more traditional interview-format tests do, there is surprisingly little research into the judgments that are made of such performances. The fact that raters, and rating criteria, are in a crucial mediating position between output and outcomes, warrants investigation into how raters construe the interaction in these tasks. Such investigations have the potential to inform the development of interaction-based rating scales and ensure that validity claims are moved beyond the content level to the construct level. This paper reports the findings of a verbal protocol study of teacher-raters viewing the paired test discourse of 17 beginner dyads in a university-based Spanish as a foreign language course. The findings indicate that the raters identified three interaction parameters: non-verbal interpersonal communication, interactive listening, and interactional management. The findings have implications for our understanding of the construct of effective interaction in paired candidate speaking tests, and for the development of appropriate rating scales.
Neighborhood Disadvantage, Stressful Life Events, and Adjustment Among Mexican American Early Adolescents
Authors: Roosa Mark W. , Burrell Ginger L. , Nair Rajni L. , Coxe Stefany , Tein Jenn-Yun , Knight George P.
Published: June 2009

This study examined a stress process model in which stressful life events and association with delinquent peers mediated the relationship of neighborhood disadvantage to Mexican American early adolescents’ mental health. The authors also proposed that child gender, child generation, and neighborhood informal social control would moderate the relationship of neighborhood disadvantage to children’s experiences of stressful life events. With data from 738 Mexican American early adolescents, results generally provided support for the theoretical model although the relationships of neighborhood disadvantage to stressful life events and adjustment were weaker than expected. Additional research is needed to corroborate these results and determine why neighborhood disadvantage may have different relationships to adjustment for Mexican American early adolescents than for others.
The Effect of Soil Burial Degradation of Oil Palm Trunk Fiber-filled Recycled Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Abdul Khalil H.P.S. , Poh B.T. , Jawaid M. , Ridzuan R. , Suriana R. , Said M.R. , Ahmad F. , Nik Fuad N.A.
Published: June 2009

Soil burial tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of biodegradation on the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) and the mass loss of OPT fiber-filled RPP composites, as compared to control samples (virgin PP and RPP without filler). The composite samples were prepared using 30% w/w of OPT filler with a size of 100 µm. Compounding was carried out using a Haake Rheodrive 500 twin-screw compounder operating at 190°C and 8 MPa for 30 min. The effect of biodegradation was performed in a perspex plastic apparatus for 12 months. Assessments of the mechanical properties and the percentage of mass loss were carried out at 3, 6, and 12 months of exposure in soil. The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) of materials deteriorate with an increase in exposure time. The effects of biodegradation increase with burial period, i.e., from 0 to 12 months. The tensile properties, flexural properties, and impact strength of the composites decrease by about 38—47%, 37—50%, and 47%, respectively, as compared to the value before the biological test. In contrast, the mass of the composite samples increased by ∼12.7%, whereas for PP and RPP, it increased by around 10.7 and 9.2%, respectively. SEM analysis was conducted to analyze the deterioration and the poor fiber—matrix bonding of composites.
Recycled Polypropylene-Oil Palm Biomass: The Effect on Mechanical and Physical Properties
Authors: Abdul Khalil H.P.S. , Poh B.T. , Issam A.M. , Jawaid M. , Ridzuan R.
Published: June 2009

In this study, 25-year-old oil palm biomass (OPB) fiber—polypropylene (PP) composites are prepared by five different fiber loadings (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%). The types of OPB used are oil palm empty fruit bunches, oil palm frond, and oil palm trunk. Transmission electron microscopy has confirmed that the cell wall structures of the various oil palm fibers have different cell wall thicknesses and exhibit the same ultrastructure as that of wood. The fibers consist of middle lamella, primary, and thick secondary walls with different thicknesses for different types of fibers. The secondary wall is differentiated into a S1 layer, a unique multi-lamellae S 2 layer, and a S3 layer. OPB fibers are compounded with PP using a Brabender DSK 42/7 twin screw extruder. The mechanical features such as tensile, flexural and impact properties of the OPB—PP composite are studied. The melt flow index (MFI) of the composite materials is also studied. Generally, the results show that lower fiber loading (10%) exhibits the highest tensile strength and MFI properties as compared to higher fiber loading (50%). Evidence of a fiber—matrix interphase is analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.
Dynamic Mechanical and Dielectric Behavior of Banana-Glass Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Pothan Laly A. , George Chandy N. , John Maya Jacob , Thomas Sabu
Published: June 2009

Hybrid composites of glass and banana fiber (obtained from the pseudo stem of Musa sapientum) in polyester matrix, are subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis over a range of temperature and three different frequencies. The effect of temperature on the storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E′′), and loss factor or damping efficiency (tan δ) is determined. All the properties are compared with those of the neat polyester samples and the un-hybridized composites. The effects of the layering pattern of the two fibers on the ultimate viscoelastic behavior of the composites are also investigated. Composites are prepared with banana as the surface layer and glass as the surface layer and also as an intimate mixture of glass and banana. At temperatures above T g,, the storage modulus values are found to decrease even with the addition of glass fiber for the geometry where glass is the core material. The value of the storage modulus of the composites with the above mentioned geometry is found to be different, above and below Tg, the value above Tg being lower than that below Tg unlike in unhybridized composite. The loss modulus curves and the damping peaks are found to be flattened by the addition of glass. Layering pattern or the geometry of the composites is found to have a profound effect on the dynamic properties of the composite. An intimately mixed composite is found to have the highest storage modulus values in all compositions. The values are consistent with the results of tensile strength. The tan δ curve is found to be affected by the layering pattern followed and gives insight into the interaction in the material. The dielectric behavior of the composites are also found to be dependent on the glass fiber volume fraction as well as the layering pattern employed.
Flax/PP Weft-knitted Thermoplastic Composites and its Tensile Properties
Authors: Li Hong-Xia , Li Hong-Xia , Li Liu  , Zhou Yan-Wei , Gu Huang
Published: June 2009

Flax/polypropylene (PP) weft-knitted environmentally friendly technical composites were developed. The relationship between the tensile properties of some composites and volume fractions as well as knitting structures was investigated. Analysis revealed that the full-gage rib was superior to the 1 × 1 rib as far as the tensile strength of the laminates was concerned. The research concluded that 50 : 50 volume fraction of flax/PP was considered to be optimum when the tensile strength was the major concern. The laying direction of the fabric in the laminates played an important role for the composite strength.
Seawater Durability of Epoxy/Vinyl Ester Reinforced with Glass/Carbon Composites
Authors: Narasimha Murthy H.N. , Sreejith M. , Krishna M. , Sharma S.C. , Sheshadri T.S.
Published: June 2009

Seawater aging response was investigated in marine-grade glass/epoxy, glass/vinyl ester, carbon/epoxy and carbon/vinyl ester composites with respect to water uptake, interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, and tensile fracture surface observations. The reduction of mechanical properties was found to be higher in the initial stages which showed saturation in the longer durations of seawater immersion. The flexural strength and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) dropped by about 35% and 27% for glass/epoxy, 22% and 15% for glass/vinyl ester, 48% and 34% for carbon/epoxy 28%, and 21% carbon/vinyl ester composites respectively. The water uptake behavior of epoxy-based composites was inferior to that of the vinyl system.
Dissolution of Voids during Compression Molding of SMC
Authors: Lundström T.S. , Holmgren A.
Published: June 2009

During compression molding of sheet molding compounds air bubbles are formed that can deteriorate several properties of the final composite. The story of such bubbles is directly set by the local pressure distribution during pressing. A number of experiments have therefore been performed in order to derive the relation between the pressure and dissolution rate of some gases into relevant resins. The experimental results follow Henry’s law up to a pressure of 0.7 MPa and the rate of dissolution is highest for CO 2 in pure polyester. When applying the results to the process in focus it is found that even large bubbles can be dissolved into the liquid resin during manufacturing. Hence, there is a potential to produce parts with very low void content.
Experimental Study on Shrinkage Properties of Cement-stabilized Macadam Reinforced with Polypropylene Fiber
Authors: Peng Zhang  , Qingfu Li
Published: June 2009

A parametric experimental study has been conducted to investigate the effect of polypropylene fiber on the shrinkage of cement-stabilized macadam. Four different fiber volume fractions were used: 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1%. Tests without mixing fibers were also carried out. Using the micrometer gauge method and the strain gauge method, the dry shrinkage coefficient and thermal shrinkage coefficient of cement-stabilized macadam were measured, respectively. The results indicate that polypropylene fiber can effectively decrease the average dry shrinkage coefficient and average thermal shrinkage coefficient of cement-stabilized macadam. The average dry shrinkage coefficient of long curing period is smaller than that of short curing period, while the average thermal shrinkage coefficient of long curing period is much larger than that of shot curing period. When the fiber volume fraction is not beyond 0.1%, the average dry shrinkage coefficient and average thermal shrinkage coefficient are gradually decreasing with the increase in fiber volume fraction. Furthermore, polypropylene fiber appears to be highly effective in controlling dry and thermal shrinkage cracking of cement-stabilized macadam.
The Tensile Properties of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced ABS and ABS/PA6 Composites
Authors: Li J. , Zhang Y.F.
Published: June 2009

In this study acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymer was reinforced with HNO3-treated short carbon fibers (HCFs). The effects of HCF concentration on the tensile properties of the composites were examined. Increasing the HCF concentration in the ABS matrix from 10 to 30 wt% resulted in improved tensile strength and tensile modulus. To obtain a strong interaction at the interface, polyamide-6 (PA6) at varying concentrations was introduced into the ABS/10 wt% SCF composite. The incorporation and increasing amount of PA6 in the composites increased tensile properties of the ABS/PA6/HCF systems due to the improved adhesion at the interface, which was confirmed by the ratio of tensile strength as an adhesion parameter. These results were also supported by scanning electron micrographs of the ABS/PA6/HCF composites, which exhibited an improved adhesion between the SCFs and the ABS/PA6 matrix.
Preparation and Characterization of Phosphate Glass Fibers and Fabrication of Poly(caprolactone) Matrix Resorbable Composites
Authors: Khan Ruhul A. , Parsons A.J. , Jones I.A. , Walker G.S. , Rudd C.D.
Published: June 2009

Phosphate glass fibers (20Na2O—24CaO—16MgO—40P 2O5) were prepared with varying pulling speeds from 50 to 2000 m/min. Fiber diameters ranging from 48 ± 6 μm to 12 ± 4 μm were obtained at pulling speeds of 50 and 2000 m/min respectively. Degradation tests of the fibers (up to 7 days) were carried out in aqueous medium at 37°C and indicated that phosphate glass fibers experience a higher mass loss initially before reaching a plateau. Before composite fabrication, fibers were treated using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Phosphate glass fiber reinforced poly(ε-caprolactone) matrix unidirectional composites were prepared by using both in-situ polymerization and compression molding techniques. For in-situ polymerized composites (25% fiber by volume), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), and impact strength (IS) were found to be 105 MPa, 5.9 GPa, 88 MPa, 6.8 GPa, and 27 kJ/m2, respectively. For compression molded composites (10% fiber by volume), FS, FM, TS, TM, and IS were found to be 55 MPa, 2.1 GPa, 46 MPa, 1.6 GPa, and 14 kJ/m2 respectively. After 6 weeks of immersion in aqueous media (37°C), the fibers inside the composite had degraded as determined by scanning electron microscope.
RETRACTED: Carbon Nanotube as a Reinforcing Additive for PEEK Composite Filled with Carbon Fiber
Authors: Li J. , Zhang L.Q.
Published: June 2009

Retracted
Erosion Studies of Short Glass Fiber-reinforced Thermoplastic Composites and Prediction of Erosion Rate Using ANNs
Authors: Suresh Arjula , Harsha A.P. , Ghosh M.K.
Published: June 2009

Erosion behavior of polyetherketone (PEK) reinforced by short glass fibers with varying fiber content (0—30 wt%) has been studied. Steady-state erosion rates have been evaluated at different impact angles (15°—90°) and impact velocities (25—66 m/s) using silica sand particles as an erodent. PEK and its composites exhibited maximum erosion rate at 30° impact angle indicating ductile erosion behavior. The erosion rates of PEK composites increased with increase in amount of glass fiber. Also, artificial neural networks technique has been used to predict the erosion rate based on the experimentally measured database of PEK composites. The effect of various learning algorithms on the training performance of the neural networks was investigated. The results show that the predicted erosion rates agreed well when compared with the experimentally measured values. It shows that a well-trained neural network will help to analyze the dependency of erosive wear on material composition and testing conditions making use of relatively small experimental databases.
Impact, Tear, and Dielectric Properties of Cotton/Polypropylene Commingled Composites
Authors: Tomlal E. Jose , Thomas P.C. , George K.C. , Jayanarayanan K. , Joseph Kuruvilla
Published: June 2009

Natural fibers can be used as reinforcements in thermoplastic non-structural applications. Commingling them with matrix fibers lowers the melt flow distance of molten matrix during the processing. In this study, polypropylene (PP) and textile cotton fibers were commingled and fabricated to composite laminates. Process variables like temperature, pressure, and holding time affect the mechanical properties like impact strength and tear resistance. Fiber content and winding pattern or fiber orientation were also important for the optimization of the mechanical properties. The modification of the interface by chemical treatments of the matrix or reinforcement with reagents like potassium permanganate, benzoyl peroxide, and maleic anhydride modified PP enhances some mechanical properties like tear strength of cotton fiber-reinforced PP commingled composite systems. Fiber content, treatments, and moisture also varies dielectric constant and volume resistivity.
Can Public Opposition to Inheritance Tax be Weakened?
Authors: Prabhakar Rajiv
Published: June 2009

Inheritance tax is the subject of recent political controversy in Britain. Public opinion appears to be a major barrier to boosting this tax. Evidence exists that suggests considerable public disquiet with inheritance tax. Recently, some commentators have argued that the way that inheritance tax is presented or `framed' could enhance public support for this tax. This article presents original focus group evidence on this claim. I note that while opposition to inheritance tax is deep-rooted, framing can help mitigate opposition. This article is important because it provides evidence on a live area of policy debate.
Public Service Motivation
Authors: Cerase Francesco Paolo , Farinella Domenica
Published: June 2009

To what extent can PSM be considered a characteristic that evolves in the course of the individual's working life? After offering this question as a contribution to a research agenda on PSM, the article examines in what way the different dimensions of PSM, held by a group of employees in the Italian Revenue Agency, relate to their perceptions of recent changes in working conditions. It also explores the relationship between perception of change, PSM dimensions and job satisfaction, work motivation and organizational commitment. Out of the web of interactions that tie together these variables some support is found for the argument that there is a relationship between some PSM dimensions and changes in the work environment. It is suggested, however, that the question raised, besides needing further studies, could be much better researched with a longitudinal study of a cohort of individuals.
Towards a Common Understanding of Corruption in Africa
Authors: Fraser-Moleketi Geraldine
Published: June 2009

Corruption takes place at the interface between the public and private sectors. The corollary of this argument is that effective anti-corruption strategies must be designed to both enhance democracy in the political sphere as well as corporate governance in the private sector. Corruption has been manifest in all historical epochs — the periods of colonialism, neo-colonialism and the Cold War and in the contemporary period. In an effort to fight the Cold War through proxy nations in the South, the global superpowers overthrew many democratically elected regimes in Africa, Asia and Latin America and often replaced them with malleable regimes. The legacy of the Cold War has created an environment for the forces of Globalization, which are supranational in character to once again exploit the vulnerabilities of nation states. By situating corruption in its historical context and by linking it to the unregulated and regulated markets of capitalism, nationally and globally, corruption can be seen as more than the relationship between the bribe giver and the bribe taker. It has historical roots; it is systemic and goes beyond the individual to the structural and the institutional levels. By asserting that corruption is rooted in the forces of the market and in the pursuit of profitability, corruption often seen as `the price of doing business' must not be viewed as an intrinsic element of the value system of democratic capitalism.
Information Management — Headache or Opportunity?
Authors: Ceeney Natalie
Published: June 2009

There has been significant recent focus on information and data handling in the public sector prompted, in part, by the loss of two discs from HMRC in late 2007 containing the details of 25 million citizens. This article explores the issues behind this new focus, and examines how many of the underlying issues are either new, or really different from the issues that Boards explore every day in relation to other business challenges. Drawing on recent publications as well as from the author's experience as Government Head of Profession in this arena, this article argues that information assets are as much opportunities as risks, and that the opportunities are still poorly understood, and information assets underexploited. It also proposes that Boards need to treat information management as a core business challenge, and use existing techniques, particularly that of risk management and cultural change, to ensure that they address the critical challenges that digital information presents.
Influence of Process Pressure on Local Facesheet Instability for Ultra-light Sandwich Structures
Authors: Rion Julien , Stutz Samuel , Leterrier Yves , Månson Jan-Anders E.
Published: June 2009

Skin wrinkling phenomenon is investigated in the case of ultra-light sandwich structures with a honeycomb core manufactured by one-shot vacuum bag processing. The interplay between process pressure and compressive strength of the skin is established. It is observed that the size of the adhesive menisci between honeycomb cell walls and skin, and the waviness of the skin increases with process pressure. As these two effects exert opposing influences on the compressive strength of the skin, an optimal process pressure equal to 0.7 bar is identified experimentally and confirmed by an analytical model.
Vibration and Buckling of Sandwich Laminates having Interfacial Imperfections
Authors: Chakrabarti Anupam , Sheikh Abdul Hamid
Published: June 2009

Vibration and buckling of sandwich laminates are studied for different degrees of imperfections at the layer interfaces using a refined plate theory. In this plate theory, the through-thickness variation of transverse shear stresses is represented by piecewise parabolic functions, where the continuity of these stresses is satisfied at the layer interfaces. The transverse shear stresses free condition at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate is also satisfied. The interlaminar imperfections are represented by in-plane displacement jumps at the layer interfaces by a linear spring layer model. Many new results are generated that should be useful for future research as there is no such published result on imperfect sandwich plates.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Sandwich Structures: A Review of Some Inspection Techniques
Authors: Hsu David K.
Published: June 2009

This article is a summary of research and development conducted by the author's group at Iowa State University for the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of sandwich structures in aviation, space, and marine applications. The targets of inspection include manufacture defects, in-service damage due to human and natural causes, and the inspection of repairs on sandwich structures. The emphases adopted in the development of NDE techniques and instruments for sandwich structures are imaging capability, quantitative inspection, and the ease of use in the field. This article describes the various NDE methods for sandwich structures, especially those techniques and instruments developed at Iowa State University that had gone through the research, development, and field test stages.
An evaluation of hotel website attribute utilization and effectiveness by hotel class
Authors: Musante Michael D. , Bojanic David C. , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2009

The internet is an increasingly important communication and distribution channel for hotels. The purpose of the study was to examine website attribute utilization and effectiveness for hotels of various class levels. In the study, hotels were segmented based on level of accommodation using the `Star Rating' system. Each hotel website was evaluated on 27 content items. Aggregate attribute ratings for each hotel category were then compared for significant differences. In general, it was found that with each step up in hotel class website attribute utilization and effectiveness increased. The results indicated that there were significant differences between 5-Star hotels and hotels from other classes. While there were only modest differences between 3-Star and 4-Star hotels, both classes offered website content that was more complete and effective than Budget hotels. The findings are presented and discussed.
Solo travel: Explorative insights from a mature market (Switzerland)
Authors: Laesser Christian , Beritelli Pietro , Bieger Thomas
Published: June 2009

This study examines solo travel, and offers (1) a conceptual framework of solo travelers, (2) a profile of these types of travelers (by socio-demographic characteristics), and (3) a profile of travels (by specific descriptors). The data for this study stem from a comprehensive survey of Swiss travel behavior conducted in 2004 by the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland).

The conceptual model is derived from transportation research. It proposes an a priori segmentation of four types of solo travel, delineated on the combination of the (1) departure status (a single, one-person household, compared to a collective, multi-persons household) and (2) arrival status (solo travel, compared to group travel), thus creating a two-by-two matrix with four segments overall.

Solo travelers basically either tend to foster an existing social network or try to nurse their curiosity and at the same time look for new social contacts. The results of the profiling further reveal significant differences between the solo travel groups, as well as towards a control group incorporating all other travel. They include income, profession, and age, as well as familiarity with the destination, choice of type of accommodation, expenditures and various types of trips. However, no significant differences can be reported with regard to the choice of destination.
A determination of destination competitiveness for Taiwan's hot springs tourism sector using the Delphi technique
Authors: Lee Cheng-Fei , King Brian
Published: June 2009

This study proposes a guiding framework for the future development of hot springs tourism in Taiwan, drawing upon the factors influencing the competitiveness of the sector. The importance of each of the factors is evaluated using a modified version of the Delphi technique. An expert panel was drawn up and following three rounds of discussion, arrived at a consensus on the following determinant groupings (a total of 76 items): tourism destination resources and attractors (27 items), tourism destination strategies (33 items), and tourism destination environments (16 items). The results highlight prospective priority areas for bringing about improvements in the hot springs tourism domain. It was found that there should be an emphasis on measures to ensure the safety and security of hot springs bathing, on the application of sustainability principles to hot springs related enterprises, and on the development of policies and plans. Further research is needed to validate the applicability of the proposed guiding framework, drawing upon a wider range of perspectives, including outside Taiwan.
Scary food: Commodifying culinary heritage as meal adventures in tourism
Authors: Gyimóthy Szilvia , Mykletun Reidar Johan
Published: June 2009

This article portrays the changing status and use of a traditional Norwegian meal, Smalahove, in designing tourist experiences. Against all odds, this peculiar relic of Nordic gastronomy (salted, smoked and cooked sheep's head) has become a part of the destination brand of Voss, a small West Norwegian township, renowned for its topographic qualities related to extreme sports. In order to understand the recent success of Smalahove, we studied various culinary experience concepts offered to visitors. Based on data from a mixed-method case study approach, we found that entrepreneurs in the Voss region had developed a new commodification approach to a culinary heritage. Smalahove is marketed not only as a nostalgic and authentic rural dish, but also as a challenging culinary trophy appealing to thrill-seeking consumers. The implications of the Sheep's head case are twofold. First, it represents new commercial potentials for marketing `extreme' culinary specialties. Second, it is an example of innovative rural destination branding, by which local dishes are not mere idyllic expressions of an agricultural past, but an opportunity to open up potential new avenues for the co-branding of rural destinations and regional food products.
Lineages of human T-cell clones, including T helper 17/T helper 1 cells, isolated at different stages of anti–factor VIII immune responses
Authors: Ettinger Ruth A. , James Eddie A. , Kwok William W. , Thompson Arthur R. , Pratt Kathleen P.
Published: June 2009

The development of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) after factor VIII (FVIII) infusions is a serious complication that affects approximately one-quarter of hemophilia A patients who have access to replacement therapy. To investigate the differentiation of naive T cells into FVIII-specific helper T cells that promote B-cell activation and antibody secretion, HLA-DRA-DRB1*0101-restricted T-cell clones that respond to a specific epitope in FVIII were isolated from a mild hemophilia A subject (the proband) 19 weeks and 21 months after his development of a high-titer inhibitor. Clones responding to the same epitope were also isolated from his multiply infused brother, who has not developed a clinically significant inhibitor. The 19-week proband clones were T helper (TH)17/TH1- or TH1/TH2-polarized, whereas all 8 clones isolated 21 months postinhibitor development were TH2-polarized cells. In contrast, all 6 clones from the brother who did not develop an inhibitor were TH1-polarized, indicating that tolerance to FVIII can be maintained even with circulating TH1-polarized cells that respond vigorously to in vitro FVIII stimulation. This is the first evidence that TH17/TH1-polarized cells play a role in hemophilic immune responses to FVIII. Furthermore, this is the first report of successful isolation and expansion of antigen-specific human TH17/TH1 clones using standard culture conditions.
The supernatant of apoptotic cells causes transcriptional activation of hypoxia-inducible factor–1α in macrophages via sphingosine-1-phosphate and transforming growth factor-β
Authors: Herr Barbara , Zhou Jie , Werno Christian , Menrad Heidi , Namgaladze Dmitry , Weigert Andreas , Dehne Nathalie , Brüne Bernhard
Published: June 2009

Macrophages infiltrating solid tumors exhibit a tumor-supporting phenotype and are critical for tumor development. Little is known which tumor-derived signal provokes this phenotype shift and how these signals are interpreted in macrophages to support tumor growth. We used the supernatant of apoptotic cells and noticed transcriptional, nuclear factor of activated T cells-dependent up-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)–1α mRNA, subsequent protein expression, and HIF-1 activity. Blocking calcineurin with cyclosporine A attenuated nuclear factor of activated T cells binding during electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis and circumvented the HIF-1α mRNA increase. Knockdown experiments, receptor analysis, and antibody neutralization pointed to sphingosine-1-phosphate and transforming growth factor-β as the initiators of the HIF-1 response. The use of macrophages from conditional HIF-1α knockout mice revealed that macrophages, under the impact of apoptotic cell supernatants, use HIF-1 to produce factors that induce CD31 expression in murine embryonic stem cells. Our study supports the notion that soluble factors produced from apoptotic tumor cells activate the HIF-1 system under normoxia in macrophages to enhance their tumor-promoting capacity by, for example, releasing vascular endothelial growth factor. This shows the importance of HIF-1–elicited responses in regulatory macrophages under normoxia.
Absence of collagen-induced platelet activation caused by compound heterozygous GPVI mutations
Authors: Dumont Bénédicte , Lasne Dominique , Rothschild Chantal , Bouabdelli Maxime , Ollivier Véronique , Oudin Claire , Ajzenberg Nadine , Grandchamp Bernard , Jandrot-Perrus Martine
Published: June 2009

The glycoprotein VI (GPVI)/FcRγ complex is a key receptor for platelet activation by collagen. We describe, for the first time, 2 genetic abnormalities in one patient. This 10-year-old girl presented ecchymoses since infancy, a prolonged bleeding time despite a normal platelet count and no antiplatelet antibodies. Collagen-induced platelet activation was null, whereas GPVI quantification by flow cytometry evidenced an incomplete deficiency. Immunoblotting showed an abnormal migration of residual GPVI, and no FcRγ defect. GPVI DNA sequencing revealed (1) an R38C mutation in exon 3 of one allele and (2) an insertion of 5 nucleotides in exon 4 of the other allele, leading to a premature nonsense codon and absence of the corresponding mRNA. Introduction of the R38C mutation into recombinant GPVI-Fc resulted in abnormal protein migration and a loss of collagen binding. Thus, this composite genetic GPVI deficiency and dysfunction cause absence of platelet responses to collagen and a mild bleeding phenotype.
Identification of patients with poorer survival in primary myelofibrosis based on the burden of JAK2V617F mutated allele
Authors: Guglielmelli Paola , Barosi Giovanni , Specchia Giorgina , Rambaldi Alessandro , Lo Coco Francesco , Antonioli Elisabetta , Pieri Lisa , Pancrazzi Alessandro , Ponziani Vanessa , Delaini Federica , Longo Giovanni , Ammatuna Emanuele , Liso Vincenzo , Bosi Alberto , Barbui Tiziano , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: June 2009

A total of 186 patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were genotyped for JAK2V617F at diagnosis aimed at analyzing the correlation of mutational status and mutated allele burden with outcome variables, including time to anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, massive splenomegaly, leukemia, and with overall survival. A total of 127 JAK2V617F-mutated patients (68% of whole series) were divided in quartiles of V617F allele burden. After a median follow-up of 17.2 months, 23 patients died, 15 because of leukemia. A JAK2V617F mutated status did not impact on the rate of leukemia transformation or overall survival. Patients in the lower quartile had shorter time to anemia and leukopenia and did not progress to large splenomegaly. Furthermore, survival was significantly reduced in the lower quartile compared with upper quartiles and JAK2 wild-type patients. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with reduced survival were age, a blast count more than 1%, and a JAK2V617F burden within first quartile. Causes of death in the lower quartile were represented mainly by systemic infections. We conclude that a low JAK2V617F allele burden at diagnosis is preferentially associated with a myelodepletive rather than myeloproliferative phenotype and represents an independent factor associated with shortened survival in patients with PMF.
Risk of arterial cardiovascular events in patients after pulmonary embolism
Authors: Klok Frederikus A. , Mos Inge C.M. , Broek Lisette , Tamsma Jouke T. , Rosendaal Frits R. , de Roos Albert , Huisman Menno V.
Published: June 2009

Studies have reported inconsistent evidence for an association between venous thrombosis and arterial cardiovascular events. We further studied the association between both diseases by comparing the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) contrasted to patients with comparable baseline risk characteristics (patients in whom PE was clinically suspected but ruled out). Included were 259 patients with provoked PE, 95 patients with unprovoked PE, and 334 control patients without PE. Patients diagnosed with PE were treated with vitamin K antagonists for 6 months. Median follow-up was 4.2 years. Sixty-three arterial cardiovascular events were registered (incidence, 5.1/100 patient-years). Adjusted hazard ratio was not different between patients with all-cause PE and control patients (1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-2.3) but increased for patients with unprovoked PE versus both patients with provoked PE and control patients without PE (2.18; 95% CI, 1.1-4.5; and 2.62; 95% CI, 1.4-4.9, respectively). This effect was confirmed after redefining the study start date to the moment the vitamin K antagonists were discontinued. Our study underlines the association between unprovoked venous thrombosis and arterial cardiovascular events; however, risk differences between patients with provoked PE and patients in whom PE was clinically suspected but ruled out could not be demonstrated.
Biochemical characterization of malate synthase G of P. aeruginosa
Authors: Roucourt Bart , Minnebo Nikki , Augustijns Patrick , Hertveldt Kirsten , Volckaert Guido , Lavigne Rob
Published: June 2009

Background

Malate synthase catalyzes the second step of the glyoxylate bypass, the condensation of acetyl coenzyme A and glyoxylate to form malate and coenzyme A (CoA). In several microorganisms, the glyoxylate bypass is of general importance to microbial pathogenesis. The predicted malate synthase G of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has also been implicated in virulence of this opportunistic pathogen.

Results

Here, we report the verification of the malate synthase activity of this predicted protein and its recombinant production in E. coli, purification and biochemical characterization. The malate synthase G of P. aeruginosa PAO1 has a temperature and pH optimum of 37.5°C and 8.5, respectively. Although displaying normal thermal stability, the enzyme was stable up to incubation at pH 11. The following kinetic parameters of P. aeruginosa PAO1 malate synthase G were obtained: Km glyoxylate (70 μM), Km acetyl CoA (12 μM) and Vmax (16.5 μmol/minutes/mg enzyme). In addition, deletion of the corresponding gene showed that it is a prerequisite for growth on acetate as sole carbon source.

Conclusion

The implication of the glyoxylate bypass in the pathology of various microorganisms makes malate synthase G an attractive new target for antibacterial therapy. The purification procedure and biochemical characterization assist in the development of antibacterial components directed against this target in P. aeruginosa.
Comparative genomics and evolution of conserved noncoding elements (CNE) in rainbow trout
Authors: Moghadam Hooman K , Ferguson Moira M , Danzmann Roy G
Published: June 2009

Background

Recent advances in the accumulation of genetic mapping and DNA sequence information from several salmonid species support the long standing view of an autopolyploid origin of these fishes (i.e., 4R). However, the paralogy relationships of the chromosomal segments descendent from earlier polyploidization events (i.e., 2R/3R) largely remain unknown, mainly due to an unbalanced pseudogenization of paralogous genes that were once resident on the ancient duplicated segments. Inter-specific conserved noncoding elements (CNE) might hold the key in identifying these regions, if they are associated with arrays of genes that have been highly conserved in syntenic blocks through evolution. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the chromosomal positions of subset of CNE in the rainbow trout genome using a comparative genomic framework.

Results

Through a genome wide analysis, we selected 41 pairs of adjacent CNE located on various chromosomes in zebrafish and obtained their intervening, less conserved, sequence information from rainbow trout. We identified 56 distinct fragments corresponding to about 150 Kbp of sequence data that were localized to 67 different chromosomal regions in the rainbow trout genome. The genomic positions of many duplicated CNE provided additional support for some previously suggested homeologies in this species. Additionally, we now propose 40 new potential paralogous affinities by analyzing the variation in the segregation patterns of some multi-copy CNE along with the synteny association comparison using several model vertebrates. Some of these regions appear to carry signatures of the 1R, 2R or 3R duplications. A subset of these CNE markers also demonstrated high utility in identifying homologous chromosomal segments in the genomes of Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr.

Conclusion

CNE seem to be more efficacious than coding sequences in providing insights into the ancient paralogous affinities within the vertebrate genomes. Such a feature makes these elements extremely attractive for comparative genomics studies, as they can be treated as 'anchor' markers to investigate the association of distally located candidate genes on the homologous genomic segments of closely or distantly related organisms.
Monocytes and neutrophils expressing myeloperoxidase occur in fibrous caps and thrombi in unstable coronary plaques
Authors: Tavora Fabio R , Ripple Mary , Li Ling , Burke Allen P
Published: June 2009

Background

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) -containing macrophages and neutrophils have been described at sites of plaque rupture. The presence of these cells in precursor lesions to acute rupture (thin cap atheroma, or vulnerable plaque) and within thrombi adjacent to ruptures has not been described, nor an association with iron-containing macrophages within unstable plaques.

Methods

We studied 61 acute ruptures, 15 organizing ruptures, 31 thin cap fibroatheromas, and 28 fibroatheromas from 72 sudden coronary death victims by immunohistochemical and histochemical techniques. Inflammatory cells were typed with anti-CD68 (macrophages), anti-BP-30 (neutrophil bactericidal glycoprotein), and anti-MPO. Iron was localized by Mallory's Prussian blue stain. In selected plaques alpha smooth muscle actin (DAKO, Carpinteria, CA, clone M0851) was performed.

Results

MPO positive cells were present in 79% of ruptured caps, 28% of thin cap fibroatheroma, and no fibroatheromas; neutrophils were present in 72% of ruptures, 8% of thin cap fibroatheromas, and no fibroatheromas. Iron containing foam cells were present in the caps of 93% of acute ruptures, of 85% of organizing ruptures, 20% of thin cap atheromas, and 10% of fibroatheromas. MPO positive cells were more frequent in occlusive than non-occlusive thrombi adjacent to ruptures (p = .006) and were more numerous in diabetics compared to non-diabetics (p = .002)

Conclusion

Unstable fibrous caps are more likely to contain MPO-positive cells, neutrophils, and iron-containing macrophages than fibrous caps of stable fibroatheromas. MPO-positive cells in thrombi adjacent to disrupted plaques are associated with occlusive thrombi and are more numerous in diabetic patients.
Expression of multidrug resistance markers ABCB1 (MDR-1/P-gp) and ABCC1 (MRP-1) in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Walsh Naomi , Larkin Annemarie , Kennedy Susan , Connolly Lisa , Ballot Jo , Ooi Wei , Gullo Giuseppe , Crown John , Clynes Martin , O'Driscoll Lorraine
Published: June 2009

Background

Renal cell carcinoma patients respond poorly to conventional chemotherapy, this unresponsiveness may be attributable to multidrug resistance (MDR). The mechanisms of MDR in renal cancer are not fully understood and the specific contribution of ABC transporter proteins which have been implicated in the chemoresistance of various cancers has not been fully defined in this disease.

Methods

In this retrospective study the expression of two of these transporter efflux pumps, namely MDR-1 P-gp (ABCB1) and MRP-1 (ABCC1) were studied by immunohistochemistry in archival material from 95 renal cell carcinoma patients.

Results

In the first study investigating MDR-1 P-gpandMRP-1 protein expression patterns in renal cell carcinoma patients, high levels of expression of both efflux pumps are observed with 100% of tumours studied showing MDR-1 P-gpandMRP-1 positivity.

Conclusion

Although these findings do not prove a causal role, the high frequency of tumours expressing these efflux pumps suggests that they may be important contributors to the chemoresistance of this tumour type.