bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Active Families’: Familization, Housing and Welfare across Generations in East Asia
Authors: Izuhara Misa , Forrest Ray
Published: October 2012

Debates around welfare change have tended to concentrate on the balance between market and state provision. Although there is increasing reference to a mixed economy of welfare, this generally signifies a greater emphasis on a third sector of voluntary/community level provision. However, the family sphere has been, and still remains, an important and dynamic source of welfare provision across changing regimes and between generations. With this as background, the article addresses three particular questions. First, how has the role of families in the welfare mix changed over time? Second, how do family ‘strategies’ adapt to structural changes in order to maximize collective/individual benefits in certain areas and how do these strategies evolve over generations? Third, is such family engagement in welfare influenced by policy shifts appropriately conceptualized as ‘re‐familization’ or ‘de‐familization'? These issues are explored in the comparative socio‐economic and cultural contexts of China and Japan and draw on qualitative research with three generations of families in Shanghai and Tokyo.
COG6 Interacts with a Subset of the Golgi SNAREs and Is Important for the Golgi Complex Integrity
Authors: Kudlyk Tetyana , Willett Rose , Pokrovskaya Irina D. , Lupashin Vladimir
Published: October 2012

Vesicular tethers and SNAREs are two key protein components that govern docking and fusion of intracellular membrane carriers in eukaryotic cells. The conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex has been specifically implicated in the tethering of retrograde intra‐Golgi vesicles. Using yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation approaches, we show that the COG6 subunit of the COG complex is capable of interacting with a subset of Golgi SNAREs, namely STX5, STX6, GS27 and SNAP29. Interaction with SNAREs is accomplished via the universal SNARE‐binding motif of COG6. Overexpression of COG6, or its depletion from cells, disrupts the integrity of the Golgi complex. Importantly, COG6 protein lacking the SNARE‐binding domain is deficient in Golgi binding, and is not capable of inducing Golgi complex fragmentation when overexpressed. These results indicate that COG6–SNARE interactions are important for both COG6 localization and Golgi integrity.
Trade in Services and TFP: The Role of Regulation
Authors: van der Marel Erik
Published: October 2012

What determines total factor productivity (TFP) growth in services: is it services trade or services–trade regulation? To respond to this question, we use four indicators of international trade in services since 1990 to 2005, namely foreign direct investment (FDI) inward stock, services imports, domestic sales of foreign affiliates (FATS) and FDI inflows, to examine what type of services trade forms a direct determinant. Subsequently, we analyse what type of sector‐specific regulation has played an inhibiting effect on services TFP growth. Such analysis contrasts with former studies in which mainly factor inputs and economy‐wide regulation are used to explain services TFP. This paper provides evidence that neither trade nor entry barriers are robust determinants to explain cross‐country differences. Instead, regulations on operational procedures affecting the variables costs structure of the firm seem to play a more important role in explaining TFP growth between countries, particularly in combination with information and communication technology (ICT) capital.
A symplectic proof of a theorem of Franks
Authors: Collier Brian , Kerman Ely , Reiniger Benjamin M. , Turmunkh Bolor , Zimmer Andrew
Published: October 2012

A celebrated theorem in two-dimensional dynamics due to John Franks asserts that every area-preserving homeomorphism of the sphere has either two or infinitely many periodic points. In this work we re-prove Franks’ theorem under the additional assumption that the map is smooth. Our proof uses only tools from symplectic topology and thus differs significantly from previous proofs. A crucial role is played by the results of Ginzburg and Kerman concerning resonance relations for Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms.
A Method for the Autonomous Control of Lower Limb Exoskeletons for Persons With Paraplegia
Authors: Quintero Hugo A. , Farris Ryan J. , Goldfarb Michael
Published: October 2012

This paper describes a control method for a lower limb powered exoskeleton that enables a paraplegic user to perform sitting, standing, and walking movements. The different maneuvers are commanded by the user based on postural information measured by the device. The proposed user interface and control structure was implemented on a powered lower limb orthosis, and the system was tested on a paraplegic subject with a T10 complete injury. Experimental data is presented that indicates the ability of the proposed control architecture to provide appropriate user-initiated control of sitting, standing, and walking. The authors also provide a link to a video that qualitatively demonstrates the user's ability to independently control basic movements via the proposed control method.
Transient Conduction From Parallel Isothermal Cylinders
Authors: Alassar Rajai S.
Published: October 2012

The transient heat conduction from two parallel isothermal cylinders is studied using the naturally fit bipolar cylindrical coordinates system. The energy equation is expanded in a Fourier series using appropriate basis functions to eliminate one of the physical coordinates. The resulting modes of the expansion are solved using a finite difference scheme. It is shown that, as is the case with a single isothermal cylinder in an infinite medium, steady states for two isothermal cylinders are not possible and heat transfer changes indefinitely with time.
Experimental Investigation on the Forced Response of a Dummy Counter-Rotating Turbine Stage With Friction Damping
Authors: Berruti Teresa , Maschio Vanni
Published: October 2012

The paper shows the results of the experimental activity about the dynamics of a stage of a counter-rotating turbine of an open rotor architecture engine. The tests presented here explore the dynamic behavior of a simplified counter-rotating turbine stage. The test results show the dynamic behavior of a counter-rotating turbine stage and highlight the importance of the presence of dry friction for vibration damping.
Solar Hybrid Combined Cycle Performance Prediction Influence of Gas Turbine Model and Spool Arrangements
Authors: Barigozzi G. , Bonetti G. , Franchini G. , Perdichizzi A. , Ravelli S.
Published: October 2012

A modeling procedure was developed to simulate design and off-design operation of hybrid solar gas turbines in a combined cycle (CC) configuration. The system includes a heliostat field, a receiver, and a commercial gas turbine (GT) interfaced with a conventional steam Rankine cycle. Solar power input is integrated in the GT combustor by natural gas. Advanced commercial software tools were combined together to get design and off-design performance prediction: TRNSYS® was used to model the solar field and the receiver while the gas turbine and steam cycle simulations were performed by means of Thermoflex®. Three GT models were considered, in the 35–45 MW range: a single shaft engine (Siemens SGT-800) and two two-shaft engines (the heavy-duty GT Siemens SGT-750 and the aero derivative GE LM6000 PF). This was in order to assess the influence of different GT spool arrangements and control strategies on GT solarization. The simulation method provided an accurate modeling of the daily solar hybrid CC behavior to be compared against the standard CC. The effects of solarization were estimated in terms of electric power and efficiency reduction, fossil fuel savings, and solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency.
Atomic layer deposition of Al-doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Tynell Tommi , Yamauchi Hisao , Karppinen Maarit , Okazaki Ryuji , Terasaki Ichiro
Published: October 2012

Atomic layer deposition has been used to fabricate thin films of aluminum-doped ZnO by depositing interspersed layers of ZnO and Al2O3 on borosilicate glass substrates. The growth characteristics of the films have been investigated through x-ray diffraction, x-ray reflection, and x-ray fluorescence measurements, and the efficacy of the Al doping has been evaluated through optical reflectivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements. The Al doping is found to affect the carrier density of ZnO up to a nominal Al dopant content of 5 at. %. At nominal Al doping levels of 10 at. % and higher, the structure of the films is found to be strongly affected by the Al2O3 phase and no further carrier doping of ZnO is observed.
Optimization of the visibility of graphene on poly-Si film by thin-film optics engineering
Authors: Chen Tao , Mastropaolo Enrico , Bunting Andrew , Stevenson Tom , Cheung Rebecca
Published: October 2012

A multilayer optical system containing poly-Si film, SiO2 film, and Si substrate (poly-Si substrate) has been designed to enhance the visibility of graphene in contact with poly-Si. Film thicknesses of poly-Si and SiO2 have been optimized by parametric study of the integral contrast of single layer graphene using transfer matrix theory. The multilayer poly-Si substrate and the most commonly used 285 nm SiO2/Si substrate (SiO2 substrate) have been fabricated. Graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition on Ni catalyst has been transferred to the substrates and the visibility of the graphene on the different substrates has been compared. The samples have been characterized by optical microscope, illuminated with light from halogen lamp, and/or filtered with a 600 nm narrow band optical filter. The contrast of graphene on poly-Si substrate has been increased to near 8.7% under 600 nm narrow band illumination from nearly invisible under ordinary illumination, while the contrast of graphene on SiO2 remains almost the same. Raman spectroscopy has been used to verify the presence of the single layer graphene on the poly-Si substrate.
Single‐scan rest/stress imaging 18F‐labeled flow tracers
Authors: Alpert Nathaniel , Dean Fang Yu‐Hua , Fakhri Georges El
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

The authors report a novel measurement strategy to obtain both rest and stress blood flow during a single, relatively short, scan session.

Methods:

Measurement of rest‐stress myocardial blood flow with long‐lived tracers usually requires separate scan sessions to remove the confounding effects of residual radioactivity concentration in the blood and tissue. The innovation of this method is to treat the rest‐stress scan as a single entity in which the flow parameters change due to pharmacological challenge. With this approach the fate of a tracer molecule is naturally accounted for, no matter if it was introduced during the rest or stress phase of the study. Two new dual‐injection kinetic models are considered that represent the response to pharmacological stress as a transitional or transient increase of myocardial blood flow. The authors present the theory of the method followed by the specific application of the theory to18F‐Flurpiridaz, a new myocardial flow‐imaging agent.

Results:

Myocardial blood flow was accurately and precisely estimated from a single‐scan rest/stress study for the long half‐lived tracer18F‐Flurpiridaz. By accounting for the time‐dependence of the kinetic parameters, the proposed models achieved good accuracy and precision (5%) under different vasodilators and different ischemic states.

Conclusions:

Detailed simulations predict that accurate and precise rest‐stress blood flow measurements can be obtained in 20–30 min.
Blue Road Approach to Special Relativity
Authors: Huggins Elisha
Published: October 2012

In 1968, Robert Brehme1 wrote a carefully crafted paper on “The Advantage of Teaching Relativity with Four-Vectors.” In his abstract he points out that “the emphasis on relativistic mass is both undeserved and misleading.” Our approach is to find the best way to teach introductory physics in a way that includes modern physics. We have found that by starting with special relativity in the first week of the course, we establish a background we can use to introduce modern physics topics as we go along. While we agree that the four-vector formalism for relativity is elegant, it is clearly inappropriate in a physics course where we have not even discussed the concept of a coordinate system. Instead, we base all our discussion on the principle of relativity itself,2 which we feel may be a more basic concept than Minkowski's four vectors.
Slipping and Tipping: Measuring Static Friction with a Straightedge
Authors: Dietz Eric , Aguilar Isaac
Published: October 2012

Following a discussion of forces, torques, and the conditions for static equilibrium, I tell my introductory mechanics class that I will show them how to measure the coefficient of static friction, μs, between the surfaces of a block and the front bench using nothing but a straightedge. After a few seconds of hushed anticipation, I nudge the block in Fig. 1 (a) gently with the straightedge, applying a horizontal force F that gradually increases from zero to a value that either causes the object to slip (Fs) or to tip (Ft). Which of these happens first depends on μs, the depth D of the block, and on h, the height above the bench surface at which F is applied. Starting at the bottom of the block, it tends to slip before tipping, but there is a critical height hc above which the block tips before slipping. The value of hc at which this transition occurs is then used to produce a value of μs for these surfaces.
Dashboard Videos
Authors: Gleue Alan D. , Depcik Chris , Peltier Ted
Published: October 2012

Last school year, I had a web link emailed to me entitled “A Dashboard Physics Lesson.”1 The link, created and posted by Dale Basier on his Lab Out Loud blog, illustrates video of a car's speedometer synchronized with video of the road. These two separate video streams are compiled into one video that students can watch and analyze. After seeing this website and video, I decided to create my own dashboard videos to show to my high school physics students. I have produced and synchronized 12 separate dashboard videos, each about 10 minutes in length, driving around the city of Lawrence, KS, and Douglas County, and posted them to a website.2 Each video reflects different types of driving: both positive and negative accelerations and constant speeds. As shown in Fig. 1, I was able to capture speed, distance, and miles per gallon from my dashboard instrumentation. By linking this with a stopwatch, each of these quantities can be graphed with respect to time. I anticipate and hope that teachers will find these useful in their own classrooms, i.e., having physics students watch the videos and create their own motion maps (distance-time, speed-time) for study.
Simultaneous Tracking of Multiple Points Using a Wiimote
Authors: Skeffington Alex , Scully Kyle
Published: October 2012

This paper reviews the construction of an inexpensive motion tracking and data logging system, which can be used for a wide variety of teaching experiments ranging from entry-level physics courses to advanced courses. The system utilizes an affordable infrared camera found in a Nintendo Wiimote to track IR LEDs mounted to the objects to be tracked. Two quick experiments are presented using the motion tracking system to demonstrate the diversity of tasks this system can handle. The first experiment uses the Wiimote to record the harmonic motion of oscillating masses on a near-frictionless surface, while the second experiment uses the Wiimote as part of a feedback mechanism in a rotational system. The construction, capabilities, demonstrations, and suggested improvements of the system are reported here.
The Pulley: A Parable of Effort and Reward
Authors: Gluck Paul
Published: October 2012

The Alwood machine and various problems involving pulleys are sta(p)le diets of students when applying Newton's second law of motion. Interest in such problems can be increased and discussion enlivened by couching them in forms that have in them elements of suspense (sic!) or competition. Two didactic papers have suggested versions in this vein.1,2 Here we should like to present a discussion that contrasts models and theoretical constructs with a reallife situation. A mathematician N and a physicist P having identical masses m sit at the same height at the ends of a rope passing over a pulley, as in Fig. 1(a). They decide on a race to climb up the rope, the first one to reach the pulley wins. Which one of them will be the winner? Is it prudent to work hard, or does the indolent get there first by mere force of thought? The following qualitative discussion could be of interest when introducing the class to the Atwood machine.
Peer Assessment with Online Tools to Improve Student Modeling
Authors: Atkins Leslie J.
Published: October 2012

Introductory physics courses often require students to develop precise models of phenomena and represent these with diagrams, including free-body diagrams, light-ray diagrams, and maps of field lines. Instructors expect that students will adopt a certain rigor and precision when constructing these diagrams, but we want that rigor and precision to be an aid to sense-making rather than meeting seemingly arbitrary requirements set by the instructor. By giving students the authority to develop their own models and establish requirements for their diagrams, the sense that these are arbitrary requirements diminishes and students are more likely to see modeling as a sense-making activity. The practice of peer assessment can help students take ownership; however, it can be difficult for instructors to manage. Furthermore, it is not without risk: students can be reluctant to critique their peers, they may view this as the job of the instructor, and there is no guarantee that students will employ greater rigor and precision as a result of peer assessment. In this article, we describe one approach for peer assessment that can establish norms for diagrams in a way that is student driven, where students retain agency and authority in assessing and improving their work. We show that such an approach does indeed improve students' diagrams and abilities to assess their own work, without sacrificing students' authority and agency.
Temporary Personal Radioactivity
Authors: Myers Fred
Published: October 2012

As part of a bone scan procedure to look for the spread of prostate cancer, I was injected with radioactive technetium. In an effort to occupy/distract my mind, I used a Geiger counter to determine if the radioactive count obeyed the inverse-square law as a sensor was moved away from my bladder by incremental distances.
Effects of low harmonics on tone identification in natural and vocoded speech
Authors: Liu Chang , Azimi Behnam , Tahmina Qudsia , Hu Yi
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the contribution of low-frequency harmonics to identifying Mandarin tones in natural and vocoded speech in quiet and noisy conditions. Results showed that low-frequency harmonics of natural speech led to highly accurate tone identification; however, for vocoded speech, low-frequency harmonics yielded lower tone identification than stimuli with full harmonics, except for tone 4. Analysis of the correlation between tone accuracy and the amplitude-F0 correlation index suggested that “more” speech contents (i.e., more harmonics) did not necessarily yield better tone recognition for vocoded speech, especially when the amplitude contour of the signals did not co-vary with the F0 contour.
Standards and Infrastructure for Innovation Data Exchange
Authors: Haak Laurel L. , Baker David , Ginther Donna K. , Gordon Gregg J. , Probus Matthew A. , Kannankutty Nirmala , Weinberg Bruce A.
Published: October 2012

Data on the global R&D enterprise are inconsistently structured and shared, which hinders understanding and policy.
Knowing the Boundaries: Extending the Differential Adhesion Hypothesis in Embryonic Cell Sorting
Authors: Amack Jeffrey D. , Manning M. Lisa
Published: October 2012

Successful embryogenesis requires proper sorting and compartmentalization of different cell types. Mechanical interactions between cells help govern these processes. In the past, physics-based theories have guided in vitro studies of cell sorting and tissue surface tension. Recent experiments have challenged this approach, indicating that adhesive molecules also act as signaling molecules that initiate local reorganization of actomyosin and demonstrating that cells at the boundary of a colony of initially identical cells become “mechanically polarized.” Extending physical models to account for mechanical polarization helps solve a long-standing paradox about magnitudes of tissue surface tensions and potentially explains discrepancies between recent in vivo and in vitro cell-sorting experiments. New experiments are needed to further explore the connection between mechanical polarization and tissue boundary formation in vivo.
Animal Behavior and the Microbiome
Authors: Ezenwa Vanessa O. , Gerardo Nicole M. , Inouye David W. , Medina Mónica , Xavier Joao B.
Published: October 2012

Feedbacks between microbiomes and their hosts affect a range of animal behaviors.
Heterodoxy and Its Discontents
The Pseudoscience Wars
Immanuel Velikovsky and the Birth of the Modern Fringe

by Michael D. Gordin

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2012. 301 pp. $29, £18.50. ISBN 9780226304427.
Authors: Wellerstein Alex
Published: October 2012

Through an examination of the controversies sparked by best-selling author Immanuel Velikovsky (
Worlds in Collision
), Gordin considers the shifting location of the boundaries of legitimate science.
Cilia Discern Left from Right
Authors: Norris Dominic P. , Grimes Daniel T.
Published: October 2012

Determination of vertebrate left-right body asymmetry requires immotile cilia that sense fluid flow generated by nearby motile cilia.
Neural Stem Cell Engraftment and Myelination in the Human Brain
Authors: Gupta Nalin , Henry Roland G. , Strober Jonathan , Kang Sang-Mo , Lim Daniel A. , Bucci Monica , Caverzasi Eduardo , Gaetano Laura , Mandelli Maria Luisa , Ryan Tamara , Perry Rachel , Farrell Jody , Jeremy Rita J. , Ulman Mary , Huhn Stephen L. , Barkovich A. James , Rowitch David H.
Published: October 2012

Neural stem cell transplantation study suggests myelin formation in children with a severe hypomyelination disorder.
Advanced Yellow Fever Virus Genome Detection in Point-of-Care Facilities and Reference Laboratories
Authors: Domingo Cristina , Patel Pranav , Yillah Jasmin , Weidmann Manfred , Méndez Jairo A. , Nakouné Emmanuel Rivalyn , Niedrig Matthias
Published: October 2012

Reported methods for the detection of the yellow fever viral genome are beset by limitations in sensitivity, specificity, strain detection spectra, and suitability to laboratories with simple infrastructure in areas of endemicity. We describe the development of two different approaches affording sensitive and specific detection of the yellow fever genome: a real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and an isothermal protocol employing the same primer-probe set but based on helicase-dependent amplification technology (RT-tHDA). Both assays were evaluated using yellow fever cell culture supernatants as well as spiked and clinical samples. We demonstrate reliable detection by both assays of different strains of yellow fever virus with improved sensitivity and specificity. The RT-qPCR assay is a powerful tool for reference or diagnostic laboratories with real-time PCR capability, while the isothermal RT-tHDA assay represents a useful alternative to earlier amplification techniques for the molecular diagnosis of yellow fever by field or point-of-care laboratories.
Is Streptococcus pyogenes Resistant or Susceptible to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole?
Authors: Bowen Asha C. , Lilliebridge Rachael A. , Tong Steven Y. C. , Baird Robert W. , Ward Peter , McDonald Malcolm I. , Currie Bart J. , Carapetis Jonathan R.
Published: October 2012

Streptococcus pyogenes
is commonly believed to be resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), resulting in reservations about using SXT for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) where
S. pyogenes
is involved.
S. pyogenes
'
in vitro
susceptibility to SXT depends on the medium's thymidine content. Thymidine allows
S. pyogenes
to bypass the sulfur-mediated inhibition of folate metabolism and, historically, has resulted in apparently reduced susceptibility of
S. pyogenes
to sulfur antibacterials. The low thymidine concentration in Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) is now regulated. We explored
S. pyogenes
susceptibility to SXT on various media. Using two sets of 100 clinical
S. pyogenes
isolates, we tested for susceptibility using SXT Etests on MHA containing defibrinated horse blood and 20 mg/liter β-NAD (MHF), MHA with sheep blood (MHS), MHA alone, MHA with horse blood (MHBA), and MHA with lysed horse blood (MHLHBA). European Committee on Antibacterial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints defined susceptibility (MIC, ≤1 mg/liter) and resistance (MIC, >2 mg/liter). In study 1, 99% of
S. pyogenes
isolates were susceptible to SXT on MHA, MHBA, and MHLHBA, with geometric mean MICs of 0.04, 0.04, and 0.05 mg/liter, respectively. In study 2, all 100
S. pyogenes
isolates were susceptible to SXT on MHF, MHS, MHA, and MHLHBA with geometric mean MICs of 0.07, 0.16, 0.07, and 0.09 mg/liter, respectively. This study confirms the
in vitro
susceptibility of
S. pyogenes
to SXT, providing support for the use of SXT for SSTIs. A clinical trial using SXT for impetigo is ongoing.
Laser Cutting Eliminates Nucleic Acid Cross-Contamination in Dried-Blood-Spot Processing
Authors: Murphy Sean C. , Daza Glenda , Chang Ming , Coombs Robert
Published: October 2012

Dried blood spots (DBS) are useful for molecular assays but are prone to false positives from cross-contamination. In our malaria DBS assay, cross-contamination was encountered despite cleaning techniques suitable for HIV-1. We therefore developed a contact-free laser cutting system that effectively eliminated cross-contamination during DBS processing.
Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus Uses a Clathrin-Mediated and Dynamin 2-Dependent Endocytosis Pathway That Requires Rab5 and Rab7 as Well as Microtubules
Authors: Cheng Ching Y. , Shih Wing L. , Huang Wei R. , Chi Pei I. , Wu Ming H. , Liu Hung J.
Published: October 2012

The specific cell pathways involved in bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) cell entry have not been determined. In this work, colocalization of the M protein of BEFV with clathrin or dynamin 2 was observed under a fluorescence microscope. To better understand BEFV entry, we carried out internalization studies with a fluorescently labeled BEFV by using a lipophilic dye, 3,30-dilinoleyloxacarbocyanine perchlorate (DiO), further suggesting that BEFV uses a clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. Our results suggest that clathrin-mediated and dynamin 2-dependent endocytosis is an important avenue of BEFV entry. Suppression of Rab5 or Rab7a through the use of a Rab5 dominant negative mutant and Rab7a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) demonstrated that BEFV requires both early and late endosomes for endocytosis and subsequent infection in MDBK and Vero cells. Treatment of BEFV-infected cells with nocodazole significantly decreased the M protein synthesis and viral yield, indicating that microtubules play an important role in BEFV productive infection, likely by mediating trafficking of BEFV-containing endosomes. Furthermore, BEFV infection was strongly blocked by different inhibitors of endosomal acidification, suggesting that virus enters host cells by clathrin-mediated and dynamin 2-dependent endocytosis in a pH-dependent manner.
Differential Pathological and Immune Responses in Newly Weaned Ferrets Are Associated with a Mild Clinical Outcome of Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Infection
Authors: Huang Stephen S. H. , Banner David , Degousee Norbert , Leon Alberto J. , Xu Louling , Paquette Stephane G. , Kanagasabai Thirumagal , Fang Yuan , Rubino Salvatore , Rubin Barry , Kelvin David J. , Kelvin Alyson A.
Published: October 2012

Young children are typically considered a high-risk group for disease associated with influenza virus infection. Interestingly, recent clinical reports suggested that young children were the smallest group of cases with severe pandemic 2009 H1N1 (H1N1pdm) influenza virus infection. Here we established a newly weaned ferret model for the investigation of H1N1pdm infection in young age groups compared to adults. We found that young ferrets had a significantly milder fever and less weight loss than adult ferrets, which paralleled the mild clinical symptoms in the younger humans. Although there was no significant difference in viral clearance, disease severity was associated with pulmonary pathology, where newly weaned ferrets had an earlier pathology improvement. We examined the immune responses associated with protection of the young age group during H1N1pdm infection. We found that interferon and regulatory interleukin-10 responses were more robust in the lungs of young ferrets. In contrast, myeloperoxidase and major histocompatibility complex responses were persistently higher in the adult lungs; as well, the numbers of inflammation-prone granulocytes were highly elevated in the adult peripheral blood. Importantly, we observed that H1N1pdm infection triggered formation of lung structures that resembled inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissues (iBALTs) in young ferrets which were associated with high levels of homeostatic chemokines CCL19 and CXCL13, but these were not seen in the adult ferrets with severe disease. These results may be extrapolated to a model of the mild disease seen in human children. Furthermore, these mechanistic analyses provide significant new insight into the developing immune system and effective strategies for intervention and vaccination against respiratory viruses.
Human Cytomegalovirus Infection of M1 and M2 Macrophages Triggers Inflammation and Autologous T-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Bayer Carina , Varani Stefania , Wang Li , Walther Paul , Zhou Shaoxia , Straschewski Sarah , Bachem Max , Söderberg-Naucler Cecilia , Mertens Thomas , Frascaroli Giada
Published: October 2012

Macrophages (Mϕ) are first targets during human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and are thought to be crucial for viral persistence and dissemination. However, since Mϕ are also a first line of defense and key modulators of the immune response, these cells are at the crossroad between protection and viral pathogenesis. To date, the Mϕ-specific contribution to the immune response against HCMV is still poorly understood. In view of the opposite roles of M1 and M2 Mϕ during initiation and resolution of the immune response, we characterized the effects of HCMV infection on classically activated M1 Mϕ and alternatively activated M2 Mϕ. Although HCMV susceptibility was higher in M2 Mϕ, HCMV established a productive and persistent infection in both types of Mϕ. Upon HCMV encounter, both types of Mϕ acquired similar features of classical activation and secreted high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. As a functional consequence, conditioned media obtained from HCMV-infected M1 and M2 Mϕ potently activated freshly isolated monocytes. Finally, compared to HCMV-infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells, infected M1 and M2 Mϕ were more efficient in stimulating proliferation of autologous T cells from HCMV-seropositive donors at early times (24 h) postinfection, while the Mϕ immunostimulatory properties were reduced, but not abrogated, at later times (72 h postinfection). In summary, our findings indicate that Mϕ preserve proper antigen presentation capacity upon HCMV infection while enhancing inflammation, thus suggesting that Mϕ play a role in the maintenance of the large HCMV-specific T-cell repertoire in seropositive individuals.
Correlates of Protective Cellular Immunity Revealed by Analysis of Population-Level Immune Escape Pathways in HIV-1
Authors: Carlson Jonathan M. , Brumme Chanson J. , Martin Eric , Listgarten Jennifer , Brockman Mark A. , Le Anh Q. , Chui Celia K. S. , Cotton Laura A. , Knapp David J. H. F. , Riddler Sharon A. , Haubrich Richard , Nelson George , Pfeifer Nico , DeZiel Charles E. , Heckerman David , Apps Richard , Carrington Mary , Mallal Simon , Harrigan P. Richard , John Mina , Brumme Zabrina L. ,   the International HIV Adaptation Collaborative
Published: October 2012

HLA class I-associated polymorphisms identified at the population level mark viral sites under immune pressure by individual HLA alleles. As such, analysis of their distribution, frequency, location, statistical strength, sequence conservation, and other properties offers a unique perspective from which to identify correlates of protective cellular immunity. We analyzed HLA-associated HIV-1 subtype B polymorphisms in 1,888 treatment-naïve, chronically infected individuals using phylogenetically informed methods and identified characteristics of HLA-associated immune pressures that differentiate protective and nonprotective alleles. Over 2,100 HLA-associated HIV-1 polymorphisms were identified, approximately one-third of which occurred inside or within 3 residues of an optimally defined cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope. Differential CTL escape patterns between closely related HLA alleles were common and increased with greater evolutionary distance between allele group members. Among 9-mer epitopes, mutations at HLA-specific anchor residues represented the most frequently detected escape type: these occurred nearly 2-fold more frequently than expected by chance and were computationally predicted to reduce peptide-HLA binding nearly 10-fold on average. Characteristics associated with protective HLA alleles (defined using hazard ratios for progression to AIDS from natural history cohorts) included the potential to mount broad immune selection pressures across all HIV-1 proteins except Nef, the tendency to drive multisite and/or anchor residue escape mutations within known CTL epitopes, and the ability to strongly select mutations in conserved regions within HIV's structural and functional proteins. Thus, the factors defining protective cellular immune responses may be more complex than simply targeting conserved viral regions. The results provide new information to guide vaccine design and immunogenicity studies.
Infection of Vascular Endothelial Cells with Human Cytomegalovirus under Fluid Shear Stress Reveals Preferential Entry and Spread of Virus in Flow Conditions Simulating Atheroprone Regions of the Artery
Authors: DuRose Jenny B. , Li Julie , Chien Shu , Spector Deborah H.
Published: October 2012

Atherosclerosis is a major pathogenic factor in cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. While risk factors for atherosclerosis tend to be systemic, the distribution of atherosclerotic plaques within the vasculature is preferentially located at branch points and curves where blood flow is disturbed and shear stress is low. It is now widely accepted that hemodynamic factors can modulate endothelial gene expression and function and influence the pathophysiological changes associated with atherosclerosis. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a ubiquitous pathogen, has long been proposed as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. To date, the role of HCMV in atherogenesis has been explored only in static conditions, and it is not known how HCMV infection is influenced by the physiological context of flow. In this study, we utilized a parallel-plate flow system to simulate the effects of shear stresses in different regions of the vasculature
in vitro
. We found that endothelial cells cultured under low shear stress, which simulates the flow condition of atheroprone regions
in vivo
, are more permissive to HCMV infection than cells experiencing high shear stress or static conditions. Cells exposed to low shear stress show increased entry of HCMV compared to cells exposed to high shear stress or static conditions. Viral structural gene expression, viral titers, and viral spread are also enhanced in endothelial cells exposed to low shear stress. These results suggest that hemodynamic factors modulate HCMV infection of endothelial cells, thus providing new insights into the induction/acceleration of atherosclerosis by HCMV.
Cervical pedicle screw fixation in traumatic cervical subluxation after laminectomy using the pedicle axis view technique under fluoroscopy
Authors: Machino Masaaki , Yukawa Yasutsugu , Ito Keigo , Nakashima Hiroaki , Kanbara Shunsuke , Morita Daigo , Kato Fumihiko
Published: October 2012

Cervical pedicle screw (CPS) fixation has recently been performed in patients in need of cervical reconstruction. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who was operated for traumatic cervical vertebra subluxation using CPS fixation, in whom laminectomy had been performed in the past. We performed CPS fixation using the pedicle axis view technique under fluoroscopy. The four pedicle screws were accurately inserted within the pedicles without perforating the bone cortex of the pedicles. A navigation system is useful for cervical spine surgery because it enables a surgeon to perform relatively safe and accurate surgery during transpedicular screw fixation. However, attachment of the stereotactic reference arc to the spinous process is impossible, and the application of a navigation system is limited in cases in which laminectomy has been performed in the past. We have been using the pedicle axis view technique under fluoroscopy and have found that if we take care of the entry point accurately, we can safely insert the pedicle screw in cases with fewer landmarks.
Rare immediate hypersensitivity to rifampicin in a patient with tuberculosis requiring drug discontinuation
Authors: Farah Nima , Williams Andrew , Joyce Michelle , Bothamley Graham H , Rajakulasingam K
Published: October 2012

A 47-year-old Turkish female patient was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the sacro-iliac joints and terminal ileum. She developed a severe adverse drug reaction while taking first-line tuberculosis therapy consisting of isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin as Rifater and ethambutol. Within 5 min of ingestion she developed pruritic rash, angioedema and breathing difficulties, resulting in an A&E admission. The tuberculosis therapy was discontinued. Intradermal and oral challenge tests for rifampicin were conducted but abandoned early on due to reactions which included audible wheeze, vomiting, throat pain and violent rigours. Clinical manifestations were swiftly treated with appropriate medications. This resulted in a change to the tuberculosis treatment regime, where streptomycin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide were given for 2 months and isoniazid and ethambutol for 12 months. Allergic reactions to rifampicin are rare and should be distinguished from flushing due to pyrazinamide. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by clinicians can be life saving.
Spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula due to femoral hernia
Authors: Kumar Awanish , Pahwa Harvinder Singh , Pandey Anand , Kumar Suresh
Published: October 2012

Spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula is a rare entity. We encountered a case of spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula in the groin region due to femoral hernia. A 60-year-old man presented with spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula in the left groin region without signs of peritonitis. He was kept on conservative treatment, but on third postadmission day, he developed a swelling in his right groin, which became firm and irreducible with signs of intestinal obstruction. On exploratory laparotomy, bilateral femoral hernias were noted with formation of enterocutaneous fistula on the left side. Reduction and repair of hernia was performed. In view of the rarity of this complication, this case is being reported here.
Ascending aortic aneurysm causing hoarse voice: a variant of Ortner's syndrome: Figure 1
Authors: Eccles Sinan Robert , Banks John , Kumar Pankaj
Published: October 2012

A 68-year-old man with a persistent hoarse voice was found to have a left vocal cord paralysis. Clinical examination revealed signs consistent with aortic regurgitation. Subsequent investigation revealed an ascending aortic aneurysm. He underwent aortic root and ascending aorta replacement and his hoarseness improved. Ortner's syndrome refers to hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy secondary to a cardiovascular abnormality. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy due to aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta is extremely rare, with aneurysms of the aortic arch being a more common cause.
Incidentally diagnosed right-sided intrathoracic kidney
Authors: Pandey Jigyasa , Gujral Ratni B , Kumar Awanish
Published: October 2012

Ectopic kidney is a well-known congenital anomaly. Intrathoracic kidney, as a form of renal ectopia, is an extremely rare entity. A 62-year-old man presented to the department of radiodiagnosis for evaluation of urinary problems. On the basis of ultrasonography, he was diagnosed to be having intrathoracic kidney, which was confirmed by CT scan. We present the details of the patient and brief review of the relevant literature.
Otolith mass as a predictor of age in kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) from four Colorado reservoirs
Authors: Lepak Jesse M. , Cathcart C. Nathan , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: October 2012

Estimating ages of individuals in fish populations is crucial for determining characteristics necessary to effectively manage sport fisheries. Currently, the most accepted approach for fish age determination is using thin sectioned otoliths for interpretation. This method is labor-intensive, requires extensive training, and subjectively determines age. Several studies have shown that otolith mass increases with age, yet use of otolith mass to determine fish age is relatively underutilized. However, determining fish age using otolith mass requires relatively little training, is relatively nonsubjective, and is faster compared with other aging techniques. We collected kokanee salmon (i.e., landlocked sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka ) in 2004 from four reservoirs and from 2000 to 2009 in one reservoir to evaluate the efficacy of using otolith mass to determine fish ages. We used a machine learning technique to predict kokanee salmon ages using otolith mass and various other covariates. Our findings suggest this method has potential to substantially reduce time and financial resources required to age fish. We conclude that using otolith mass to determine fish age may represent an efficient and accurate approach for some species.
APPLYING A METACOGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE ON THE INFLUENCE OF METACOGNITIVE DIMENSIONS ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS
Authors: URBAN BORIS
Published: October 2012

This paper contributes to research on metacognitions which focuses on cognitive processes that enable entrepreneurs to create new ventures and to think beyond existing knowledge structures to become adaptable in an entrepreneurial context. Two streams of research, entrepreneurial intentions and metacognitions, jointly inform the hypotheses. Individuals with entrepreneurial intent apply some degree of conscious consideration to the possibility of starting a new business, where these intentions are the result of metacognitions. The empirical evidence ensuing from this study indicates that only the knowledge metacognitive dimension is a significant predictor of entrepreneurial intentions. The study makes a contribution in that the articulation and testing of metacognitive dimensions provides a meaningful categorization, where there are many opportunities for educators to develop skill building exercises that target metacognitions.
INTEGRATED STEADY-STATE AND DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF MULTI-UNIT AIR CONDITIONERS BASED ON TWO-PHASE FLUID NETWORK MODEL
Authors: XU HONGBO , SHAO SHUANGQUAN , ZOU HUIMING , TIAN CHANGQING
Published: October 2012

An integrated simulation model is developed to investigate the steady-state and dynamic performance of multi-unit air conditioners (MUACs). It is built as two-phase fluid network which is able to describe different systems by incidence matrixes. And the submodels are embedded in the system framework, where the submodels can be either steady-state or dynamic model, distributed parameter or lumped parameter model. For this case, the numerical submodels are employed with moving-boundary models of condenser and evaporator, steady-state models of compressor and electronic expansion valve. The comparison with experimental data shows that it cannot only predict the steady-state performance, but also catch dynamic trends with high accuracy, for example, the differences of evaporating pressure < ± 4%, condensing pressure < ± 3%, compressor discharge temperature < ± 4° C , superheating degree < ± 2° C and subcooling degree < ± 1° C . Therefore, the simulation model is confirmed as an effective tool to analyze the steady and transient characteristics and optimize the design and control algorithm of MUACs.
A UNIVERSALITY RESULT FOR THE GLOBAL FLUCTUATIONS OF THE EIGENVECTORS OF WIGNER MATRICES
Authors: BENAYCH-GEORGES FLORENT
Published: October 2012

We prove that for [Formula: see text] the eigenvectors matrix of a Wigner matrix, under some moments conditions, the bivariate random process [Formula: see text] converges in distribution to a bivariate Brownian bridge. This result has already been proved for GOE and GUE matrices. It is conjectured here that the necessary and sufficient condition, for the result to be true for a general Wigner matrix, is the matching of the moments of orders 1, 2 and 4 of the entries of the Wigner with the ones of a GOE or GUE matrix. Surprisingly, the third moment of the entries of the Wigner matrix has no influence on the limit distribution.
Alternate reality gaming
Authors: Kim Jeffrey Y. , Allen Jonathan P. , Lee Elan
Published: October 2012

Millions update the state of the game on the way to a common conclusion, in one case to help the Operator regain control of a spaceship and bring her crew back to the future.
IT diffusion in developing countries
Authors: Shih Eric , Kraemer Kenneth L. , Dedrick Jason
Published: October 2012

Policymakers need to recognize that developing economies have different drivers for IT investment than their wealthier brethren.
WiDGET
Authors: Watanabe Yasuko , Davis John D. , Wood David A.
Published: October 2012

The recent paradigm shift to multi-core systems results in high system throughput within a specified power budget. However, future systems still require good single thread performance--no longer the predominant design priority--to mitigate sequential bottlenecks and/or to guarantee service-level agreements. Unfortunately, near saturation in voltage scaling necessitates a long-term alternative to dynamic voltage and frequency scaling.

We propose an energy-proportional computing infrastructure, called WiDGET, that decouples thread context management from a sea of simple execution units (EUs). WiDGET's decoupled design provides flexibility to alter resource allocation for a particular power-performance target while turning off unallocated resources. In other words, WiDGET enables dynamic customization of different combinations of small and/or powerful cores on a single chip, consuming power in proportion to the delivered performance.

Over all SPEC CPU2006 benchmarks, WiDGET provides average per-thread performance that is 26% better than a Xeon-like processor while using 8% less power. WiDGET can also scale down to a level comparable to an Atom-like processor, turning off resources to reduce average power by 58%. WiDGET achieves high power efficiency (BIPS
3
/W), exceeding Xeon-like and Atom-like processors by up to 2x and 21x, respectively.