bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
English and Cantonese in a bilingual call centre in Hong Kong
Authors: LAM MARVIN , YU CAROL
Published: November 2013

With the rapid development of telecommunications and the business processing outsourcing (BPO) industry, many companies are establishing call centres for customer service in developing countries, where English is the major language used in the industry but often not spoken as the first language. While there is an abundance of research on call centre communication from the perspectives of business and management, sociolinguistics and applied linguistics, there is still a dearth of information about the use of English in the BPO industry with the coexistence of other languages. This paper presents a comparative study on the use of English and Cantonese in call centre communication conducted in an international healthcare insurance organisation in Hong Kong. English and Cantonese calls with apparent conflicts were transcribed and analysed in terms of how customer service representatives (CSRs) respond to complaints, and how customers enact their negative emotions while complaining.
First-Body Versus Third-Body: Dialogue Between an Experiment and a Combined Discrete and Finite Element Approach
Authors: Renouf Mathieu , Nhu Viet-Hung , Saulot Aurélien , Massi Francesco
Published: November 2013

The present paper proposes to analyze relations between the behavior of two bodies in contact (local stress and vibration modes) and the rheology of third-body particles. Experiments are performed on a system composed of a polycarbonate disk in contact with a steel cylinder, where birefringent property of polycarbonate allows us to observe shear-stress isovalues. Multiscale numerical simulations involve the coupling between finite elements and discrete elements to model simultaneously nonhomogeneous third-body flows within a confined contact and dynamical behavior of the bodies in contact. Comparisons between experiments and simulations are performed on the dynamic response of the system, the stress distribution, as well as the evolution of third-body particles within the contact. Such comparisons exhibit not only qualitative results but also quantitative ones and suggest a new approach to study in deeper third-body rheology.
Development, Use, and Accuracy of a Homogenized Fuel Region Model for Thermal Analysis of a Truck Package Under Normal and Fire Accident Conditions
Authors: Kamichetty Krishna Kumar , Venigalla Venkata , Greiner Miles
Published: November 2013

In the current work, a geometrically-accurate two-dimensional model is developed of an isolated fuel assembly within isothermal compartment walls. Finite difference thermal simulations are performed to determine the cladding temperature for a range of compartment wall temperatures and assembly heat generation rates. The results for zero-heat-generation-rate are used to determine a temperature-dependent effective thermal conductivity of the fuel region. The effective volumetric specific heat of the region is determined from a lumped capacity model. These effective properties are then applied to a two-dimensional model of a legal weight truck cask with homogenized (smeared) fuel regions. Steady-state normal conditions of transport simulations are performed for a range of fuel heat generation rates. The generation rate that brings the zircaloy cladding to its radial-hydride formation temperature, predicted by the homogenized model, is greater than that determined by simulations that employ an accurate-geometry fuel region model. Transient regulator fire accident simulations are then performed for a range of fire durations. The critical fire duration is defined as the minimum that brings the fuel cladding to its burst-rupture temperature. That duration is found to decrease as the fuel heat generation rate increases. The critical durations predicted by the homogenized fuel-region model are shorter than those predicted by the accurate-geometry model.
Removing Salt from the Wound
Authors: Eid Tore
Published: November 2013

Central nervous system–specific chloride extrusion enhancers show promise as therapeutics for neuropathic pain.
Identification of RNase L-Dependent, 3′-End-Modified, Viral Small RNAs in Sindbis Virus-Infected Mammalian Cells
Authors: Girardi Erika , Chane-Woon-Ming Béatrice , Messmer Mélanie , Kaukinen Pasi , Pfeffer Sébastien
Published: November 2013

Small RNAs play a critical role in host-pathogen interaction. Indeed, small RNA-mediated silencing or RNA interference (RNAi) is one of the earliest forms of antiviral immunity. Although it represents the main defense system against viruses in many organisms, the antiviral role of RNAi has not been clearly proven in higher vertebrates. However, it is well established that their response to viral infection relies on the recognition of viral RNAs by host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to trigger activation of the interferon pathway. In the present work, we report the existence of a novel small noncoding RNA population produced in mammalian cells upon RNA virus infection. Using Sindbis virus (SINV) as a prototypic arbovirus model, we profiled the small RNA population of infected cells in both human and African green monkey cell lines. Here, we provide evidence for the presence of discrete small RNAs of viral origin that are not associated with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), that are highly expressed and detected by Northern blot analysis, and that accumulate as 21- to 28-nucleotide (nt) species during infection. We report that the cellular antiviral endoribonuclease RNase L cleaves the viral genome, producing in turn the small RNAs. Surprisingly, we uncovered the presence of a modification on the 3′-end nucleotide of SINV-derived viral small RNAs (SvsRNAs) that might be at the origin of their stability. Altogether, our findings show that stable modified small viral RNAs could represent a novel way to modulate host-virus interaction upon SINV infection.

IMPORTANCE
In a continuous arms race, viruses have to deal with host antiviral responses in order to successfully establish an infection. In mammalian cells, the host defense mechanism relies on the recognition of viral RNAs, resulting in the activation of type I interferons (IFNs). In turn, the expression of many interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) is induced to inhibit viral replication. Here we report that the cytoplasmic, interferon-induced, cellular endoribonuclease RNase L is involved in the accumulation of a novel small RNA population of viral origin. These small RNAs are produced upon SINV infection of mammalian cells and are stabilized by a 3′-end modification. Altogether, our findings indicate that in our system RNA silencing is not active against Sindbis virus (SINV) and might open the way to a better understanding of the antiviral response mediated by a novel class of small RNAs.
Nitrogen and Carbon Status Are Integrated at the Transcriptional Level by the Nitrogen Regulator NtrC
In Vivo
Authors: Schumacher Jörg , Behrends Volker , Pan Zhensheng , Brown Dan R. , Heydenreich Franziska , Lewis Matthew R. , Bennett Mark H. , Razzaghi Banafsheh , Komorowski Michal , Barahona Mauricio , Stumpf Michael P. H. , Wigneshweraraj Sivaramesh , Bundy Jacob G. , Buck Martin
Published: November 2013

Nitrogen regulation in
Escherichia coli
is a model system for gene regulation in bacteria. Growth on glutamine as a sole nitrogen source is assumed to be nitrogen limiting, inferred from slow growth and strong NtrB/NtrC-dependent gene activation. However, we show that under these conditions, the intracellular glutamine concentration is not limiting but 5.6-fold higher than in ammonium-replete conditions; in addition, α-ketoglutarate concentrations are elevated. We address this glutamine paradox from a systems perspective. We show that the dominant role of NtrC is to regulate
glnA
transcription and its own expression, indicating that the glutamine paradox is not due to NtrC-independent gene regulation. The absolute intracellular NtrC and GS concentrations reveal molecular control parameters, where NtrC-specific activities were highest in nitrogen-starved cells, while under glutamine growth, NtrC showed intermediate specific activity. We propose an
in vivo
model in which α-ketoglutarate can derepress nitrogen regulation despite nitrogen sufficiency.

IMPORTANCE
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for cell growth after carbon, and its metabolism is coordinated at the metabolic, transcriptional, and protein levels. We show that growth on glutamine as a sole nitrogen source, commonly assumed to be nitrogen limiting and used as such as a model system for nitrogen limitation, is in fact nitrogen replete. Our integrative quantitative analysis of key molecules involved in nitrogen assimilation and regulation reveal that glutamine is not necessarily the dominant molecule signaling nitrogen sufficiency and that α-ketoglutarate may play a more important role in signaling nitrogen status. NtrB/NtrC integrates α-ketoglutarate and glutamine signaling—sensed by the UTase (
glnD
) and PII (
glnB
), respectively—and regulates the nitrogen response through self-regulated expression and phosphorylation-dependent activation of the nitrogen (
ntr
) regulon. Our findings support α-ketoglutarate acting as a global regulatory metabolite.
A clinical method for physicians in palliative care: the four points of agreement vital to a consultation; context, issues, story, plan
Authors: Noble Bill , George Rob , Vedder Rachel
Published: November 2013

In palliative care, where interactions cross clinical, pathological, psychological, social and spiritual considerations, it may be useful to take a minimal approach and avoid an overcomplicated or formulaic structure for the consultation. We will concern ourselves with points in the encounter where doctor and patient with or without family or carers need to be in agreement. Whether a consultation is based on a structured interview, a cue-based assessment or a narrative approach, the points of agreement or concordance need to cover four key areas; missing any of these has grave consequences for the clinical relationship. Without concordance, patients may be right to conclude that you don't know why you're all there (context), you don't know what's the matter (issues), you don't know what's going on (story) or you don't know what you're doing (plan). These four elements may serve also as a guide to the quality and effectiveness of an encounter among a doctor, patient and carers. We consider how this clinical method might integrate the nosological practices of doctors in palliative care services better, and we argue that finding concordance is likely to establish a better doctor–patient relationship at a human and professional level through empathy and trust rather than just a technical exchange.
Physical activity is medicine for older adults
Authors: Taylor Denise
Published: November 2013

There is evidence from high quality studies to strongly support the positive association between increased levels of physical activity, exercise participation and improved health in older adults. Worldwide, around 3.2 million deaths per year are being attributed to inactivity. In industrialised countries where people are living longer lives, the levels of chronic health conditions are increasing and the levels of physical activity are declining. Key factors in improving health are exercising at a moderate-to-vigorous level for at least 5 days per week and including both aerobic and strengthening exercises. Few older adults achieve the level of physical activity or exercise that accompanies health improvements. A challenge for health professionals is to increase physical activity and exercise participation in older adults. Some success in this has been reported when physicians have given specific, detailed and localised information to their patients, but more high quality research is needed to continue to address this issue of non-participation in physical activity and exercise of a high enough level to ensure health benefits.
A NEW METHOD TO CALCULATE THE STOCHASTIC BACKGROUND OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVES GENERATED BY COMPACT BINARIES
Authors: EVANGELISTA EDGARD F. D. , DE ARAUJO JOSÉ C. N.
Published: November 2013

In the study of gravitational waves (GWs), the stochastic background generated by compact binary systems are among the most important kinds of signals. The reason for such an importance has to do with their probable detection by the interferometric detectors [such as the Advanced LIGO (ALIGO) and Einstein Telescope (ET)] in the near future. In this paper we are concerned with, in particular, the stochastic background of GWs generated by double neutron star (DNS) systems in circular orbits during their periodic and quasi-periodic phases. Our aim here is to describe a new method to calculate such spectra, which is based on an analogy with a problem of Statistical Mechanics. Besides, an important characteristic of our method is to consider the time evolution of the orbital parameters.
SURFACE HYDROPHILIC MODIFICATION FOR CARBON/CARBON COMPOSITES AND ITS EFFECT ON THE BONDING STRENGTH OF HYDROXYAPATITE COATING
Authors: ZHANG LEILEI , LI HEJUN , SONG QIANG , LI KEZHI , LU JINHUA , LI WEI , MIKHALOVSKY SERGEY V. , CAO SHENG
Published: November 2013

In order to improve the bonding strength of hydroxyapatite coating on carbon/carbon composites, a surface hydrophilic modification was performed on carbon/carbon composites using a combination of H 2 O 2 and FeSO 4 ⋅ 7 H 2 O under ultraviolet irradiation. The hydroxyapatite coating was prepared by an ultrasound-assisted electrochemical deposition method. The results showed that the surface hydrophilic modification introduced a large number of oxygen-containing functional groups ( C = O , C – O and COOH group) onto the surface of carbon/carbon composites. The surface hydrophily of the modified carbon/carbon composites was significantly improved with the water contact angle decreasing from 85.7 ± 4.1° to 11.9 ± 1.5°. The modified carbon/carbon composites had strong induction ability for the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals. The hydroxyapatite showed a wavy-shaped crystal at initial deposition process and subsequently formed a compact and uniform coating. The bonding strength of hydroxyapatite coating on modified carbon/carbon composites (9.58 ± 0.40 MPa) was significantly higher than that of the coating on unmodified carbon/carbon composites (3.04 ± 0.20 MPa).
The exponential law for partial, local and proper maps and its application to otopy theory
Authors: Bartłomiejczyk Piotr , Nowak-Przygodzki Piotr
Published: November 2013

We introduce the topology in the set of local maps and prove the exponential law for partial, local and proper maps.
Examining Incentives to Share Demand Information with your Channel Partner
Authors: Niraj Rakesh , Narasimhan Chakravarthi
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we examine the information-sharing behavior of firms in a distribution channel context. Channel alliance initiatives like ECR and category management often involve pooling of information available with manufacturers and retailers. Such pooling of information should lead to better decision making and hence it is desirable. However, in practice, category management is often implemented with an intriguing institution of category captain, that involves the retailer entering into an alliance with only one (of many) supplier in a category.

We first analyze the information sharing incentives of a manufacturer and retailer in a bilateral monopoly and identify the importance of quality of information available with the firms and the degree of complementarity of resources in determining the effectiveness of information sharing. We then show how these forces might lead to the emergence of the category captain phenomena in a model with competing manufacturers selling through a common retailer.
PESTICIDE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EXTERNALITIES FROM US AGRICULTURE — THE IMPACT OF THEIR INTERNALIZATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: SHAKHRAMANYAN NIKOLINKA , SCHNEIDER UWE A. , McCARL BRUCE A.
Published: November 2013

Climate change may affect the use of pesticides and their associated environmental and human health impacts. This study employs and modifies a partial equilibrium model of the US agricultural sector to examine the effects of alternative regulations of the pesticide and greenhouse gas emission externality. Simulation results indicate that without pesticide externality regulations and low greenhouse gas emission mitigation strategy, climate change benefits from increased agricultural production in the US are more than offset by increased environmental costs. Although the combined regulation of pesticide and greenhouse gas emission externalities increases farmers' production costs, their net income effects are positive because of price adjustments and associated welfare shifts from consumers to producers. The results also show heterogeneous impacts on preferred pest management intensities across major crops. While pesticide externality regulations lead to substantial increases in total water use, climate policies induce the opposite effect.
Potential Survival Benefit of Anti-Apoptosis Protein: Survivin-Derived Peptide Vaccine with and without Interferon Alpha Therapy for Patients with Advanced or Recurrent Urothelial Cancer—Results from Phase I Clinical Trials
Authors: Tanaka Toshiaki , Kitamura Hiroshi , Inoue Ryuta , Nishida Sachiyo , Takahashi-Takaya Akari , Kawami Sachiyo , Torigoe Toshihiko , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Tsukamoto Taiji , Sato Noriyuki , Masumori Naoya
Published: November 2013

We previously identified a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A24-restricted antigenic peptide, survivin-2B80–88, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, recognized by CD8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). In a phase I clinical trial of survivin-2B80-88 vaccination for metastatic urothelial cancer (MUC), we achieved clinical and immunological responses with safety. Moreover, our previous study indicated that interferon alpha (IFNα) enhanced the effects of the vaccine for colorectal cancer. Therefore, we started a new phase I clinical trial of survivin-2B80–88 vaccination with IFNαfor MUC patients. Twenty-one patients were enrolled and no severe adverse event was observed. HLA-A24/survivin-2B80–88 tetramer analysis and ELISPOT assay revealed a significant increase in the frequency of the peptide-specific CTLs after vaccination in nine patients. Six patients had stable disease. The effects of IFNαon the vaccination were unclear for MUC. Throughout two trials, 30 MUO patients received survivin-2B80–88 vaccination. Patients receiving the vaccination had significantly better overall survival than a comparable control group of MUO patients without vaccination(P=0.0009). Survivin-2B80–88 vaccination may be a promising therapy for selected patients with MUC refractory to standard chemotherapy. This trial was registered withUMIN00005859.
Optimal Skip-Stop Schedule under Mixed Traffic Conditions for Minimizing Travel Time of Passengers
Authors: Feng Sun , Wen-tao Zhu , Ying Ye , Dian-hai Wang
Published: November 2013

Given the lower efficiency resulting from the overload of bus stops, the capacity and travel time of passengers influenced by skip-stop operation are analyzed under mixed traffic conditions, and the travel time models of buses and cars are developed, respectively. This paper proposes an optimization model for designing skip-stop service that can minimize the total travel time for passengers. Genetic algorithm is adopted for finding the optimal coordination of the stopping stations of overall bus lines in an urban bus corridor. In this paper, Tian-Mu-Shan Road of Hangzhou City is taken as an example. Results show that the total travel time of all travelers becomes 7.03 percent shorter after the implementation of skip-stop operation. The optimization scheme can improve the operating efficiency of the road examined.
Voluntary Wheel Running Does Not Affect Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Young Adult and Aged Mice
Authors: Martin Stephen A. , Dantzer Robert , Kelley Keith W. , Woods Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2013

Objective(s): Peripheral stimulation of the innate immune system with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes prolonged depressive-like behavior in aged mice that is dependent on indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) activation. Regular moderate-intensity exercise training has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects that might reduce depressive-like behavior in aged mice. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that voluntary wheel running (VWR) would attenuate LPS-induced depressive-like behavior and brain IDO gene expression in 4- and 22-month-old C57BL/6J mice. Methods: Mice were housed with a running wheel (VWR) or no wheel (standard) for 30 (young adult mice) or 70 days (aged mice), after which they were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (young adult mice: 0.83 mg/kg; aged mice: 0.33 mg/kg). Results: Young adult VWR mice ran on average 6.9 km/day, while aged VWR mice ran on average 3.4 km/day. Both young adult and aged VWR mice increased their forced exercise tolerance compared to their respective standard control groups. VWR had no effect on LPS-induced anorexia, weight loss, increased immobility in the tail suspension test and decreased sucrose preference in either young adult or aged mice. Four (young adult mice) and 24 h (aged mice) after injection of LPS, mRNA transcripts for TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IDO were upregulated in the whole brain independently of VWR. Conclusion: Prolonged physical exercise has no effect on the neuroinflammatory response to LPS and its behavioral consequences in young adult and aged mice.
Overlapping Values, Mutual Prejudices
Authors: van Steden Ronald , van der Wal Zeger , Lasthuizen Karin
Published: November 2013

What determines professional motivations and values of security operatives: sector or profession? Our article aims to answer this question through a survey study among police officers ( n = 405) and private security guards ( n = 329) in the Netherlands. Our results show that both groups closely resemble each other in how they prioritize motivations and values, although police officers have a slightly more “missionary” and “crime fighting” work ethic than private security guards. Mutual perceptions, however, reveal contrasts: Police officers look down on private security guards, while private security guards look up to police officers. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
Growth of text-embedded lexicon in Catalan: From childhood to adolescence
Authors: Llauradó Anna , Tolchinsky Liliana
Published: November 2013

Lexical development is a key facet of later language development. To characterize the linguistic knowledge of school age children, performance in the written modality must also be considered. This study tracks the growth of written text-embedded lexicon in Catalan-speaking children and adolescents. Participants ( N = 2161), aged from 5 to 16 years produced six different texts: a film explanation, a film recommendation, a joke telling and definitions of a noun, a verb and an adjective. The resultant corpus of 11,332 texts was analyzed using four distributional measures of lexical development: word length, lexical density, use of adjectives and nominalizations. Heylighen’s F-measure of level of text formality was also computed. Word length, use of adjectives and nominalizations were powerful indicators of lexical development. Text type and home language had an effect on these measures. Lexical density showed no clear developmental change, and did not vary by type of text. Heylighen’s F-measure was a weaker developmental indicator. Educational implications are discussed.
Influence of scaffold composition over in vitro osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs and in vivo inflammatory response
Authors: Costa-Pinto Ana R , Vargel I , Tuzlakoglu K , Correlo VM , Sol PC , Faria S , Piskin E , Reis RL , Neves Nuno M
Published: November 2013

To understand the role of chitosan in chitosan-poly(butylene succinate) scaffolds (50% wt), 50%, 25%, and 0% of chitosan were used to produce different scaffolds. These scaffolds were in vitro seeded and cultured with human bone marrow stromal cells in osteogenic conditions, revealing that higher percentage of chitosan showed enhanced cell viability over time, adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Scaffolds were also implanted in cranial defects and iliac submuscular region in Wistar rats, and the results evidenced that chitosan-containing scaffolds displayed mild inflammatory response and good integration with surrounding tissues, showed by connective tissue colonization and the presence of new blood vessels. Scaffolds without chitosan-evidenced necrotic tissue in scaffolds’ interior, proving that chitosan exerts a positive effect over cell behavior and displays a milder host inflammatory response in vivo.
Responses to and Resources for Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Odero Merab , Hatcher Abigail M. , Bryant Chenoia , Onono Maricianah , Romito Patrizia , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Turan Janet M.
Published: November 2013

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is reported by one in three women globally, but the prevalence is much higher in East Africa. Though some formal and informal resources do exist for women experiencing IPV, data suggest that disclosure, help seeking, and subsequent utilization of these resources are often hindered by sociocultural, economic, and institutional factors. This article explores actions taken by victims, available support services, and barriers to the utilization of available IPV resources by pregnant women in rural Nyanza, Kenya. Qualitative data were collected through nine focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with pregnant women, partners or male relatives of pregnant women, and service providers. Data were managed in NVivo 8 using a descriptive analytical approach that harnessed thematic content coding and in-depth grounded analysis. We found that while formal resources for IPV were scarce, women utilized many informal resources (family, pastors, local leaders) as well as the health facility. In rare occasions, women escalated their response to formal services (police, judiciary). The community was sometimes responsive to women experiencing IPV but often viewed it as a “normal” part of local culture. Further barriers to women accessing services included logistical challenges and providers who were undertrained or uncommitted to responding to IPV appropriately. Moreover, the very sanctions meant to address violence (such as fines or jail) were often inhibiting for women who depended on their partners for financial resources. The results suggest that future IPV interventions should address community views around IPV and build upon locally available resources—including the health clinic—to address violence among women of childbearing age.
Participatory budgeting at scale and bridging the rural−urban divide in Chengdu
Authors: Cabannes Yves , Ming Zhuang
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the development of the participatory budgeting (PB) process in the rural villages and communities of the city of Chengdu in China between 2009 and 2012. During this period, more than 40,000 PB-funded projects were implemented in more than 2,300 communities. These projects addressed the growing divide between urban and rural development and increased security of land use rights, resulting in large improvements in the day-to-day lives of millions of villagers. But PB in Chengdu also introduced democratic changes at the local level through processes of deliberation and greater democratic autonomy for village residents. This paper describes the mechanisms through which PB operated locally, and discusses how the process has differed from other instances of PB in China, as well as its innovations in international terms. Despite its successes, PB in Chengdu faces some challenges, namely its expansion from village to township level, the permanent need for support from the Communist Party at a high level, and insufficient research and evaluation.
Trajectories of Japanese and South Korean Environmental Aid: A Comparative Historical Analysis
Authors: Tonami Aki , Müller Anders Riel
Published: November 2013

Environmental aid has become a major component of development aid. We analyzed the contingent characters of environmental aid of Japan and South Korea using the definition of Williams, which regards aid policy as donor driven and autobiographical of the donor agencies and societies from which they sprang. Both Japan and South Korea consider environmental aid as an important tool of their diplomacy. A combination of a moral obligation and domestic, international, political, and economic interests underpin both countries’ environmental aid policy. Seen from the stated policies and practices, both countries use accounts of their past as once-developing countries trying to catch up in their aid narrative. In this manner, the environmental aid of Japan and South Korea is autobiographic, reflecting their interpretation of their own development history and position in global politics.
Reading between the code choices: Discrepancies between expressions of language attitudes and usage in a contact situation
Authors: Ghimenton Anna
Published: November 2013

According to a national survey on language usage, Veneto dialect (spoken in Veneto, one of Italy’s northeastern regions) benefits from the widest usage range compared to other regional dialects spoken in the Italoromance domain. We collected 35 hours of interactional data and conducted attitudinal interviews. From these data, we examined a family’s language policy (nuclear and extended family) and its influence on a child’s (Francesco, aged 17–30 months) language environment and acquisition of norms of usage. The juxtaposition of the attitudinal interviews of the adults in Francesco’s environment with the interactional data collected revealed numerous discrepancies between the adults’ expressed attitudes and their production. We argue that attitudes do not necessarily predict language choices and that the relationship between the two is more complicated than a cause-and-consequences one, in particular when these concern dialect usage. Rather, there is a dynamic link between attitudes and language choices as these are constantly (re)defined, negotiated and reconfigured during interaction.
Personal reminiscences about Erich L. Lehmann
Authors: Rojo Javier
Published: November 2013

Several works have been written about Erich L. Lehmann’s fundamental and influential work in statistics and about his life. This work recounts the author’s personal reminiscences about being a student of Erich L. Lehmann and later a colleague and a friend.
Gastrojejunal Anastomosis Exclusively Using the “NOTES” Technique in Live Pigs
Authors: Vanbiervliet Geoffroy , Gonzalez Jean-Michel , Bonin Eduardo Aimore , Garnier Emmanuelle , Giusiano Sophie , Saint Paul Marie-Christine , Berdah Stéphane , Barthet Marc
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) could reduce procedure-associated morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of performing a simple model of gastrojejunal anastomosis in a living porcine model exclusively using NOTES. Methods. It was a prospective experimental animal study concerning pigs weighing between 25 and 30 kg. Endoscopies were performed using a double-channel gastroscope. A preliminary phase allowed for the development of the technique on 3 animals that were immediately euthanized. The experimental phase included the implementation of a gastrojejunal anastomosis in 9 animals. Antibiotic therapy was continued for 7 days with gradual feeding. Surviving animals were euthanized after 3 weeks. Anastomosis permeability in each animal was confirmed by opacification, endoscopy, and histopathological analysis. The main outcome measurements were the feasibility and animal survival at 3 weeks postsurgery. Results. The entire procedure was performed on 9 animals (4 males and 5 females). Anastomosis required 4.7 ± 1.2 stitches (range 4-7). The average total length of the procedure was 143 ± 50.8 minutes (range 87-225 minutes). One bleeding, 2 suture dehiscences, and a poor stomach incision were the immediate complications endoscopically resolved. At 3 weeks, 5 animals had survived. Three animals died as a result of anastomotic leakage confirmed at necropsy and histopathology. In the surviving animals, histology confirmed permeable anastomoses with collagen scar tissue and continuity of the mucosa and mucosa muscle layers. Conclusion. Successful gastrojejunal anastomosis by NOTES is technically feasible but is subject to a learning curve.
CD169 mediates the capture of exosomes in spleen and lymph node
Authors: Saunderson Sarah C. , Dunn Amy C. , Crocker Paul R. , McLellan Alexander D.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

This study has identified a novel capture mechanism for host-derived vesicles within the spleen and lymph node. This pathway modulates the immune response to circulating particulate antigens.
Loss of Asxl1 leads to myelodysplastic syndrome–like disease in mice
Authors: Wang Jiapeng , Li Zhaomin , He Yongzheng , Pan Feng , Chen Shi , Rhodes Steven , Nguyen Lihn , Yuan Jin , Jiang Li , Yang Xianlin , Weeks Ophelia , Liu Ziyue , Zhou Jiehao , Ni Hongyu , Cai Chen-Leng , Xu Mingjiang , Yang Feng-Chun
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Deletion/haploinsufficiency of Asxl1 causes MDS-like disease in mice. Asxl1 loss reduces the HSC pool and decreases HSC hematopoietic repopulating capacity in vivo.
A mouse protein that localizes to acrosome and sperm tail is regulated by Y-chromosome
Authors: Bhattacharya Rupa , Devi Manju S , Dhople Vishnu M , Jesudasan Rachel A
Published: November 2013

Background

Acrosomal proteins play crucial roles in the physiology of fertilization. Identification of proteins localizing to the acrosome is fundamental to the understanding of its contribution to fertilization. Novel proteins are still being reported from acrosome. In order to capture yet unreported proteins localizing to acrosome in particular and sperm in general, 2D-PAGE and mass spectrometry analysis of mouse sperm proteins was done.

Results

One of the protein spots identified in the above study was reported in the NCBI database as a hypothetical protein from Riken cDNA 1700026L06 that localizes to chromosome number 2. Immunofluorescence studies using the antibody raised in rabbit against the recombinant protein showed that it localized to mouse acrosome and sperm tail. Based on the localization of this protein, it has been named m ouse a crosome and s perm t ail protein (MAST, [Q7TPM5 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/protein/Q7TPM5)]). This protein shows 96% identity to the rat spermatid specific protein RSB66. Western blotting showed that MAST is expressed testis-specifically. Co-immunoprecipitation studies using the MAST antibody identified two calcium-binding proteins, caldendrin and calreticulin as interacting partners of MAST. Caldendrin and calreticulin genes localize to mouse chromosomes 5 and 8 respectively. In a Yq-deletion mutant mouse, that is subfertile and has a deletion of 2/3rd of the long arm of the Y chromosome, MAST failed to localize to the acrosome. Western blot analysis however, revealed equal expression of MAST in the testes of wild type and mutant mice. The acrosomal calcium-binding proteins present in the MAST IP-complex were upregulated in sperms of Yq-del mice.

Conclusions

We have identified a mouse acrosomal protein, MAST, that is expressed testis specifically. MAST does not contain any known motifs for protein interactions; yet it complexes with calcium-binding proteins localizing to the acrosome. The misexpression of all the proteins identified in a complex in the Yq-del mice invokes the hypothesis of a putative pathway regulated by the Y chromosome. The role of Y chromosome in the regulation of this complex is however not clear from the current study.
Therapeutic effect of dienogest on adenosarcoma arising from endometriosis: a case report
Authors: Tasaka Nobutaka , Matsumoto Koji , Satoh Toyomi , Minaguchi Takeo , Onuki Mamiko , Ochi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Yumiko O , Sakata Akiko , Noguchi Masayuki , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki
Published: November 2013

Dienogest is a novel synthesized progestin used for treatment of endometriosis. This is the first case report describing a therapeutic effect of dienogest on a gynecologic malignancy. The patient was a 44-year-old woman with advanced adenosarcoma arising from the endometriosis in the rectovaginal space and infiltrating the left pelvic wall, left ureter, rectum and vagina. The residual tumor after tumor debulking surgery was resistant to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Dienogest was used as a substitute for medroxyprogesterone acetate because of the presence of deep vein thrombosis. Based on the RECIST criteria, partial response was obtained with oral dienogest therapy at six months and the serum CA125 level also decreased from 70 U/ml to 16 U/ml. The tumor remained stable up to 21 months. Thromboembolism or other adverse effects did not occur during the dienogest therapy. Dienogest may be useful for the treatment of adenosarcoma arising from endometriosis.
A Multi-Technique Characterization of Cronstedtite Synthesized by Iron-Clay Interaction in a Step-By-Step Cooling Procedure
Authors: Pignatelli I. , Mugnaioli E. , Hybler J. , Mosser-Ruck R. , Cathelineau M. , Michau N.
Published: November 2013

The cooling of steel containers in radioactive-waste storage was simulated in a step-by-step experiment from 90 to 40ºC. Among newly formed clay minerals observed in run products, cronstedtite was identified by a number of analytical techniques (powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy). Cronstedtite has not previously been recognized to be so abundant and so well crystallized in an iron—clay interaction experiment. The supersaturation of experimental solutions with respect to cronstedtite was due to the availability of Fe and Si in solution, as a result of the dissolution of iron metal powder, quartz, and minor amounts of other silicates. Cronstedtite crystals are characterized by various morphologies: pyramidal (truncated or not) with a triangular base and conical with a rounded or hexagonal cross-section. The pyramidal crystals occur more frequently and their polytypes (2M1, 1M, 3T) were identified by selected area electron diffraction patterns and by automated diffraction tomography. Cronstedtite is stable within the 90-60ºC temperature range. At temperatures of ⩽ 50ºC, the cronstedite crystals showed evidence of alteration.
Reaction Pathways of Clay Minerals in Tropical Soils: Insights from Kaolinite-Smectite Synthesis Experiments
Authors: Ryan Peter C. , Huertas F. Javier
Published: November 2013

Pedogenic smectite from a young (Holocene) tropical soil was reacted in Al-rich solution at 150ºC for a range of reaction times (3 to 120 days) in orderto study mechanisms and rates associated with the transformation of smectite to kaolinite via interstratified kaolinite-smectite (K-S). As has been observed in tropical soils, the overall reaction rate is logarithmic, with rapid initial transformation of smectite to K-S with ~50% smectite layers, followed by progressively slower transformation of intermediate K-S to kaolinite-rich K-S and eventually Fe-kaolinite. Sub-micron hexagonal non-Fe-bearing kaolinite forms in the final stage (after 120 days) as a minor mineral in an assemblage dominated by Fe-kaolinite. The pedogenic smectite used as starting material consisted of two end-members, Fe-beidellite and Al-smectite, enabling comparison of reaction pathways. Fe-beidellite transforms to K-S or Fe-kaolinite within 3 days, whereas Al-smectite transforms much more slowly, appearing to reach a maximum rate in intermediate stages. This difference is probably due to hydrolysis of relatively weak Mg-O and Fe-O bonds (relative to Al-O bonds) in Fe-beidellite octahedral sheets, which drives rapid reaction, whereas the driving force behind transformation of Al-smectite is more likely to be related to stripping of tetrahedral sheets which reaches its maximum rate at intermediate stages. Multiple analytical approaches have indicated that Al is rapidly fixed from solution into smectite interlayers within K-S, and that K-S and Fe-kaolinite inherit octahedral Fe and Mg from precursor smectite; as the reaction progresses, octahedral sheets become progressively more Al-rich and Fe and Mg are lost to solution. These results demonstrate that: (1) early-formed pedogenic smectite in tropical soils is expected to transform to kaolinite via interstratified K-S; (2) K-S has a strong potential to sequester plant-toxic Al in tropical soil; and (3) the presence in tropical soils of Fe-kaolinites with relatively large cation exchange capacities may be related to inheritance of octahedral sheets from precursor smectite and K-S.
Kinetics of Desorption of Water, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, and Toluene from a Montmorillonite
Authors: Clausen Pascal , Meier Lorenz , Hughes Eric , Plummer Christopher J. G. , Månson Jan-Anders E.
Published: November 2013

Desorption processes of low-molecular-weight compounds from the surface of smectites into the gas phase determine a number of processes, e.g. those involved in drug delivery and the release of herbicides. The desorption has not been investigated thoroughly and is not well understood. The present study was undertaken in order to understand better the factors influencing these desorption mechanisms. Starting with a very pure standard (Na+-rich) montmorillonite (Kunipia-F), which was exchanged against cations with different hydration properties (Ca2+, Li+, phenyltrimethylammonium, hexyltrimethyl-ammonium), the experiments explored the rate of desorption of volatiles with different chemical functionalities (water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and toluene). The desorption was monitored by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal conditions, and by ramping the temperature at a constant rate. The experiments were compared with numerical calculations based on finite-element methods and with analytical models. These data point to a two-step mechanism where the desorption follows the curve of the equilibrium desorption isotherms of those molecules on the montmorillonite. The bulk-like volatiles (i.e. volatiles with release kinetics close to that of the bulk liquids) were desorbed in a first step. With a decrease in the degree of coverage of the volatile on the montmorillonite, the desorption was increasingly dominated by the strength of interaction between the volatile and the interlayer cations of the montmorillonite.
Innovation in knowledge exchange: An approach to the dissemination of research findings in support of design practice
Authors: Self James , Dalke Hilary , Evans Mark
Published: November 2013

The ability to embody design intentions is critical to an industrial designer's studio practice. From the design sketch to 3D computer-aided design, an increasing variety of design tools are employed in the embodiment of design proposals. A literature review identified the implicit
characteristics of tool use during design activity. These characteristics were employed in surveys of design practitioners and design students. Findings indicated a tendency for student design activity to be characterized by convergence and less exploration, early fixation and attachment to
concept, in contrast to the practitioners' more divergent and iterative approach. A concern for conventional research dissemination, articulated through conference papers and academic journals, to engage a practice-orientated audience lead to the development of a digital resource (IDsite).
The paper describes an interim pilot of the resource. Findings suggest, although IDsite requires further development, the approach has relevance in terms of the communication of design knowledge.
How cognitive typology affects second language acquisition: A study of Japanese and Chinese learners of English
Authors: Spring Ryan , Horie Kaoru
Published: November 2013

This study looks at the effect of one's first language type, as proposed by Talmy (2000) and Slobin (2004), on their second language acquisition. Talmy (2000) gives an account of languages as being either verb-framed or satellite-framed based on how path and manner of motion are encoded in motion events. Meanwhile, Slobin (2004) argues for a third language type, which he calls equipollently-framed. This study compares and contrasts the learning curves of equipollently-framed language (Mandarin Chinese) native speakers and verb-framed language (Japanese) native speakers as they learn a satellite-framed language (English). It examines not only the learner's pattern preferences, but also their manner of motion encoding preferences and deictic verb usage to show that there is a clear difference in how the two groups of learners acquire a second language of a different type from their own native language.
Corpus methods in pragmatics: The case of English and Russian emotions
Authors: Apresjan Valentina
Published: November 2013

The present paper is a comparative corpus study of the verbal expression of emotional etiquette in American English and Russian. The study is conducted against the backdrop of certain assumptions regarding the cross-cultural centrality and marginality of emotions as formulated in the current research on cross-cultural pragmatics. The paper employs corpus-based methods to test the frequencies of the linguistic expression of different types of emotions in Russian and American English as encountered in diagnostic contexts of first-person reporting. Contrary to many currently accepted theories, the present study demonstrates no absolute prevalence of positive or ethical over negative or non-ethical emotions in Russian or American English. It also disproves certain more specific claims (the predominance of ‘pity’ in Russian), while confirming others (prominence of ‘shame’ in Russian). Certain tendencies in emotional etiquette lean toward cross-cultural universality (e.g., ‘gratitude’ as the most frequently expressed emotion), while others differ. Overall, Russian speakers tend to report more passive negative emotions (‘fear’), while English speakers prefer reporting active negative emotions (‘anger’). Russian speakers are more “self-deprecating” than English speakers, as they favor expressing ‘shame’ over ‘pride.’ At the same time, they show less empathy with the addressee, reporting more ‘contempt’-like and less ‘pity’-like emotions. The results obtained in this study can be useful for understanding and formulating culturally specific pragmatic peculiarities and hence preferred conversational strategies in the two languages.
What goes unsaid: Expression of complaints and advice about health in Eastern Ecuador
Authors: Hardin Karol J.
Published: November 2013

In this article, I examine patient complaints and folk wisdom in the context of doctor-patient communication in Eastern Ecuador. The study specifically focuses on implied information in complaints to physicians and on folk-medical advice in which speakers mean something different from what they state literally. Data were obtained from Spanish-speaking medical personnel as well as from participant observation over a period of years. Physicians initially experienced cross-cultural misunderstandings with patients; however, with experience, they were able to work out the meaning of implicatures to diagnose and treat disease appropriately. The discussion particularly draws from Grice's (1975) maxims and resulting implicatures to describe how common complaints and folk wisdom may be realized and interpreted. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding context in order to comprehend patients' messages.