bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Management as a Source of Innovation and Competitive Advantage for SMEs in Peripheral Regions
Authors: Harris Richard , McAdam Rodney , McCausland Irene , Reid Renee
Published: February 2013

The advent of knowledge management has offered new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in peripheral regions to leverage knowledge as a source of competitive advantage. However, few studies at firm level examine the role of knowledge management in helping to improve innovation and competitiveness in SMEs in such regions. This paper explores how SMEs in peripheral regions can use knowledge management concepts and practices of knowledge acquisition and assimilation to achieve higher levels of innovation implementation. Survey findings indicate that more innovative firms are more likely to acquire or source external knowledge through various methods, and are more likely to have higher levels of absorptive capacity. Overall, the authors conclude that SMEs in peripheral regions can use knowledge acquisition and assimilation as antecedents to innovation to help overcome innate tangible resource limitations.
Long‐term outcome after allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation with reduced‐intensity conditioning in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: El‐Cheikh Jean , Crocchiolo Roberto , Furst Sabine , Stoppa Anne‐Marie , Ladaique Patrick , Faucher Catherine , Calmels Boris , Lemarie Claude , De Colella Jean‐Marc Schiano , Granata Angela , Coso Diane , Bouabdallah Reda , Chabannon Christian , Blaise Didier
Published: February 2013

This study examines the long‐term outcomes of a cohort of patients with myeloma who were treated with reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens after a minimum follow‐up of 5 years at our centre. A total of 53 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (Allo‐SCT) between January 2000 and January 2007 were identified. The median follow‐up of living patients was 84 months (51–141). The median age of the MM patients was 50 (28–70) years. Fifty‐one patients (96%) received a transplant from a sibling donor. The median time between diagnosis and Allo‐SCT was 34 months (6–161), and the median time between auto‐SCT and Allo‐SCT was 10 months (1–89). Fifty‐one patients (96%) received at least one auto‐SCT; 24 patients (45%) received a tandem auto‐Allo‐SCT. At last follow‐up, 21 patients (40%) are alive > 5 years post RIC Allo‐SCT. At last follow‐up, 14 (26%) are in first complete remission (CR), and four patients (8%) in second CR after donor lymphocyte infusion or re‐induction with one of the new anti‐myeloma drugs (bortezomib or lenalidomide) after Allo‐SCT. Eight patients (38%) among these long survivors received one of these new drugs as induction or relapse treatment before Allo‐SCT. Disease status and occurrence of cGvHD were significantly associated with progression‐free survival (PFS); hazard ratio (HR) = 0.62 (0.30–1.29, P = 0.20). Acute GvHD was correlated with higher transplant‐related mortality; HR = 4.19 (1.05–16.77, P = 0.04). No variables were associated with overall survival (OS). In conclusion, we observe that long‐term disease control can be expected in a subset of MM patients undergoing RIC Allo‐SCT. After 10 years, the OS and PFS were 32% and 24%, respectively. The PFS curve after Allo‐SCT stabilizes in time with a plateau after 6 years post Allo‐SCT. Am. J. Hematol. 88:370–374, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Five novel mutations of GALNS in Korean patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA
Authors: Park Hyung‐Doo , Ko Ah‐Ra , Ki Chang‐Seok , Lee Soo‐Youn , Kim Jong‐Won , Cho Sung Yoon , Kim Se Hwa , Park Sung Won , Sohn Young Bae , Jin Dong‐Kyu
Published: February 2013

Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA; OMIM #253000) is caused by the deficiency of N‐acetylgalactosamine‐6‐sulfate sulfatase (GALNS), a lysosomal enzyme involved in the catabolism of keratan and chondroitin sulfate. In this study, we examined biochemical and genetic data from 6 Korean patients presenting with classic MPS IVA by measuring GALNS activity in peripheral blood leukocytes and skin fibroblasts. We initially identified Korean patients with MPS IVA by clinical, biochemical, and genetic analyses. We performed PCR‐direct sequencing to identify molecular defects of the GALNS gene in patients and assessed the mutational statuses of family members as well as 50 healthy unrelated subjects. In silico analyses were performed to check for novel mutations. The mean age of the six female patients was 8.0 ± 5.2 years (range: 2–17 years), and were all found to have severe reductions of GALNS enzyme. A total of 12 mutant alleles were identified, corresponding to 7 different mutations. Five novel mutations were c.218A>G (p.Y73C), c.451C>A (p.P151T), c.725C>G (p.S242C), c.752G>A (p.R251Q), and c.1000C>T (p.Q334X). Two other mutations were c.1156C>T (p.R386C) and c.1243‐1G>A. Two mutations, c.451C>A and c.1000C>T, accounted for 58% of all mutations in this sample. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of a new multiple osteochondromas classification through Switching Neural Networks
Authors: Mordenti Marina , Ferrari Enrico , Pedrini Elena , Fabbri Nicola , Campanacci Laura , Muselli Marco , Sangiorgi Luca
Published: February 2013

Multiple osteochondromas (MO), previously known as hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by the formation of several benign cartilage‐capped bone growth defined osteochondromas or exostoses. Various clinical classifications have been proposed but a consensus has not been reached. The aim of this study was to validate (using a machine learning approach) an “easy to use” tool to characterize MO patients in three classes according to the number of bone segments affected, the presence of skeletal deformities and/or functional limitations. The proposed classification has been validated (with a highly satisfactory mean accuracy) by analyzing 150 different variables on 289 MO patients through a Switching Neural Network approach (a novel classification technique capable of deriving models described by intelligible rules in if‐then form). This approach allowed us to identify ankle valgism, Madelung deformity and limitation of the hip extra‐rotation as “tags” of the three clinical classes. In conclusion, the proposed classification provides an efficient system to characterize this rare disease and is able to define homogeneous cohorts of patients to investigate MO pathogenesis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of pax1, pax9, and uncx sclerotomal genes during Xenopus laevis embryogenesis
Authors: Sánchez Romel Sebastián , Sánchez Sara S.
Published: February 2013

Background: The axial skeleton develops from the sclerotome, a mesenchymal cell population derived from somites. Sclerotomal cells migrate from somites to the perinotochordal and perineural space where they differentiate into chondrocytes to form cartilage and bone. In anurans, little is known about the way how the sclerotome changes as development proceeds and how these events are regulated at the molecular level. Pax1, Pax9, and Uncx4.1 genes play a central role in the morphogenesis of the axial skeleton in vertebrates, regulating cell proliferation and chondrogenic specification of the sclerotome. Results: In this work, we cloned and examined through whole‐mount in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction the expression patterns of pax1, pax9, and uncx transcription factors in the anuran Xenopus laevis. Conclusions: We found that these genes are similarly expressed in the sclerotome and in the pharyngeal pouch. A detailed analysis of the location of these transcripts showed that they are expressed in different subdomains of the sclerotomal compartment and differ from that observed in other vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 242:562–569, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genotoxic bioactivation of constituents of a diesel exhaust particle extract by the human lung
Authors: Iba Michael M. , Caccavale Robert J.
Published: February 2013

The ability of the human lung to catalyze genotoxic bioactivation of constituents of diesel exhaust particle (DEP) extract (DEPE) and the identity of the lung enzymes involved in the bioactivation were investigated using human lung tissues obtained from surgical resections. Genotoxicity was determined by lung S9‐catalyzed mutagenicity of DEPE constituents to Salmonella typhimurium TA98NR in the Ames test and by DEPE‐induced pneumocyte DNA damage response as determined by γH2Ax expression in ex vivo tissues. S9 was prepared from lung explants treated ex vivo with either DEPE to induce pulmonary enzymes (DEPE‐S9) or vehicle only (CON‐S9). TA98NR served as the tester strain for the purpose of enhancing and minimizing the contribution of lung S9 and Salmonella, respectively, to DEPE bioactivation. DEPE‐S9 was 2.2–fold more active than CON‐S9 or rat liver S9 in DEPE bioactivation and the bioactivation was inhibited 58, 45, 22, and 16% by α‐naphthoflavone, dicumarol, ketoconazole, and ticlopidine, respectively. Alveolar S9 was less active than bronchioalveolar S9 in DEPE bioactivation. DEPE and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) induced γ‐pH2Ax expression in pulmonary cells. Pulmonary CYP1A1 and NQO1 were induced by DEPE treatment, with the constitutive and induced CYP1A1 distributed throughout all peripheral lung regions, whereas NQO1 was limited in distribution to bronchiolar epithelium. The results show that the human lung is highly active in catalyzing genotoxic bioactivation of diesel emission constituents and that CYP1A and NQO1 play major roles in the reaction. The findings underscore the usefulness of human lung tissues in studies of the pneumotoxicity potential of chemicals to humans. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:158–171, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of poly(butylene succinate) microspheres for delivery of levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mohanraj Krithika , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: February 2013

Parkinson's is a major neurodegenerative disorder that occurs due to loss of dopaminergic neurons in basal ganglia. Conventional therapy includes surgery that involves lot of risk and administration of levodopa which is accompanied by poor bioavailability, short half‐life, and side effects. In the present study, poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) microspheres‐based drug delivery system to improve the bioavailability of the drug levodopa was evaluated for the first time. Biodegradable porous and smooth PBSu microspheres were prepared by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique (W/O/W) and the effect of solvent and surfactant was studied. The maximum encapsulation efficiency achieved was 53.93% and 62.28% for porous and smooth microspheres, respectively. In vitro drug release was studied in phosphate buffered saline and simulated CSF buffer of pH 7.4. Initially a burst effect followed by sustained release of drug was obtained for about 32 h and 159 h for porous and smooth microspheres, respectively. The release rate was higher in simulated CSF when compared with PBS, due to higher concentration of sodium ions and cations in simulated CSF. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Enhancement of mechanical properties of experimental composite by Fuller's earth nanofibers for cervical restoration
Authors: Houshyar Aydin , Khavandi Ali Reza , Javadpour Jafar , Samani Saeed , Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad Reza , Atai Mohammad
Published: February 2013

In this research, we studied improvement of mechanical properties of dimethacrylate‐silica based dental composites by addition of Fuller's Earth (FE) clay. Three composites were made as base compounds consisting of 68, 58, and 48 wt % resin and 31, 41, and 51 wt % silica, respectively. Afterward, the composites were modified by adding FE. Mechanical properties including flexural strength, flexural modulus, work‐of‐fracture, fracture toughness, and microhardness were measured. Clay particles and fracture surface of composites consisting of 51 wt % silica (with and without FE) were examined by SEM. Measured results showed that flexural strength, work‐of‐fracture, flexural modulus, and microhardness of all composites increased by including FE nanofibers. Fracture toughness except for composite including 51 wt % silica had similar variations. It seems that locating FE nanofibers in weak resin region among silica particles leads to strengthening mechanisms, such as bridging and crack deflection, which cause improvement in mechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among children and adolescents in Singapore, 2008–2010
Authors: Ang Li Wei , Tey Su Hui , Cutter Jeffery , James Lyn , Goh Kee Tai
Published: February 2013

A national pediatric survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in Singapore. The aim was to assess the impact of the national childhood immunization program against hepatitis B implemented for all newborns since 1987. The survey involved prospective collection of residual sera from Singapore residents aged 1–17 years attending inpatient services or day surgery in two public hospitals between August 2008 and July 2010. A total of 1,200 sera were collected comprising 400 in each of the three age groups of 1–6, 7–12, and 13–17 years. The sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg (anti‐HBs). Four of the 1,200 samples tested positive for HBsAg, giving an overall prevalence of 0.3%. One and three in the 7–12 years and 13–17 years age groups, respectively, were positive for HBsAg. About 40% possessed anti‐HBs (≥10 mIU/ml); the antibody prevalence decreased significantly from 63.8% in children aged 1–6 years to 32.8% in 7–12 year olds, and 23.5% in 13–17 year olds (P < 0.0005). The successful implementation of the national childhood hepatitis B immunization program over the last two decades has resulted in a low prevalence of HBsAg among children and adolescents. Singapore has achieved the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region's goal in reducing the prevalence of chronic HBV infection to below 2% among children aged 5 years and older by 2012 and to below 1% by 2017. J. Med. Virol. 85:583–588, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diurnal variations in summertime lightning activity in Tropical Asia
Authors: Sen Roy Shouraseni , Balling Robert C.
Published: February 2013

Many meteorological phenomena exhibit distinctive diurnal variations that vary substantially from place to place. In this investigation, we use Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data to assess spatial patterns in the diurnal variations of summertime lightning activity throughout tropical Asia. Harmonic analysis of the dataset reveals strong diurnal patterns in lightning activity with most locations exhibiting an afternoon maximum and a late‐night, early morning minimum. Notable exceptions include the eastern coastal areas of the Indian subcontinent and China, with the peak activity occurring in the early evening hours. We generally find that the diurnal patterns are related to orographic interactions as well as the seasonal wind circulation of onshore winds along the coastal areas. The strength of the cycle was relatively stronger in the interior of the continent particularly over northwestern India and the Tibetan plateau. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Influence of sky temperature distribution on sky view factor and its applications in urban heat island
Authors: Zhu Shanyou , Guan Huade , Bennett John , Clay Roger , Ewenz Caecilia , Benger Simon , Maghrabi Abdullrahman , Millington Andrew C.
Published: February 2013

The sky view factor (SVF) is a commonly used indicator in research fields of urban microclimate such as the urban heat island (UHI). Analytical methods have been widely adapted in SVF estimation with the development of accurate three dimensional (3D) data, in which, however, the sky radiance is usually assumed to be isotropic. In this study, we discuss the sky temperature distribution and its influence on the SVF calculation based on its definition and differential geometry, and then according to the nocturnal net outgoing radiation ratio of cloudy skies to that of clear skies, the effective SVF (ESVF) is presented and defined to explain UHI intensity variance. The results of numerical computation combined with calculations from true 3D building data for Adelaide, Australia, demonstrate that the sky temperature variance has little effect on SVF estimation. While for totally overcast or cloudy sky conditions, Ts is less different from the sky temperature than for clear skies, the proposed ESVF is sensitive to the sky temperature distribution and cloud cover fraction, providing the potential ability to analyse UHI intensity for various cloudy conditions. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Free‐living bacterial communities associated with tubeworm (Ridgeia piscesae) aggregations in contrasting diffuse flow hydrothermal vent habitats at the Main Endeavour Field, Juan de Fuca Ridge
Authors: Forget Nathalie L. , Kim Juniper S.
Published: February 2013

We systematically studied free‐living bacterial diversity within aggregations of the vestimentiferan tubeworm Ridgeia piscesae sampled from two contrasting flow regimes (High Flow and Low Flow) in the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (Northeast Pacific). Eight samples of particulate detritus were recovered from paired tubeworm grabs from four vent sites. Most sequences (454 tag and Sanger methods) were affiliated to the Epsilonproteobacteria, and the sulfur‐oxidizing genus Sulfurovum was dominant in all samples. Gammaproteobacteria were also detected, mainly in Low Flow sequence libraries, and were affiliated with known methanotrophs and decomposers. The cooccurrence of sulfur reducers from the Deltaproteobacteria and the Epsilonproteobacteria suggests internal sulfur cycling within these habitats. Other phyla detected included Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Deinococcus–Thermus. Statistically significant relationships between sequence library composition and habitat type suggest a predictable pattern for High Flow and Low Flow environments. Most sequences significantly more represented in High Flow libraries were related to sulfur and hydrogen oxidizers, while mainly heterotrophic groups were more represented in Low Flow libraries. Differences in temperature, available energy for metabolism, and stability between High Flow and Low Flow habitats potentially explain their distinct bacterial communities.
Assessment of Phytoestrogen and Mycoestrogen Recognition by Recombinant Human Estrogen Receptor‐α Using Ligand Titration Arrays
Authors: Andres Sarah A. , Bumpus Stefanie B. , Wittliff James L.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Exposure to phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens has emerged as a public health issue due to their potentially endocrine disruption activities resulting from direct interaction with sex‐steroid hormone receptors. There is a significant requirement for comprehensive, reproducible methods to determine the extent of estrogen mimicry by compounds encountered in the environment to estimate risk:benefit ratios, particularly in humans.

Objective

To develop a systematic approach for assessing recognition of chemically diverse compounds by human estrogen receptor proteins to aid in their assessment as endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs).

Methods

Recombinant human estrogen receptor‐α protein (rhERα) was expressed in Saccharomyces cervisiae as an ubiquitin fusion under control of a CUP1 promoter and partially purified with heparin affinity chromatography in the unliganded state. A novel radio‐ligand binding array was developed to evaluate structurally diverse compounds, both naturally occurring and synthetic, for estrogen binding activity and affinity.

Results

Binding affinities of suspected estrogen mimics for rhERα were calculated over a range of [3H]estradiol‐17β concentrations using Lundon OneSite® and Compete® software.

Conclusion

β‐zearalanol, a mycoestrogen similar to zearalenone used as an ICCVAM validation substance for the in vitro estrogen receptor binding assays (ICCAM report), was employed as a model estrogen mimic to illustrate the approach, methods and calculations using these techniques. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An experimental investigation of evaporation rates for different volatile organic compounds
Authors: Heymes Frédéric , Aprin Laurent , Bony Aurélia , Forestier Serge , Cirocchi Stefano , Dusserre Gilles
Published: February 2013

Experiments were performed in order to measure evaporation rates of four different volatile organic compounds (VOC; 2‐propanol, 1‐hexene, acetone, propanal) and water. Evaporation mass flow rates and liquid temperatures where recorded. Different correlations were tested versus the experimental. Exponents and constant were recalculated to fit the experimental data. This new correlation was tested on an additional VOC experimentation (ethanol) and the accuracy of the correlation was satisfying. The correlation robustness was investigated versus temperature and wind velocity. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2013
Cellular Plasticity Confers Migratory and Invasive Advantages to a Population of Glioblastoma-Initiating Cells that Infiltrate Peritumoral Tissue
Authors: Ruiz-Ontañon Patricia , Orgaz Jose L. , Aldaz Beatriz , Elosegui-Artola Alberto , Martino Juan , Berciano Maria T. , Montero Juan A. , Grande Lara , Nogueira Lorena , Diaz-Moralli Santiago , Esparís-Ogando Azucena , Vazquez-Barquero Alfonso , Lafarga Miguel , Pandiella Atanasio , Cascante Marta , Segura Victor , Martinez-Climent Jose A. , Sanz-Moreno Victoria , Fernandez-Luna Jose L.
Published: February 2013

Glioblastoma (GBM) is associated with infiltration of peritumoral (PT) parenchyma by isolated tumor cells that leads to tumor regrowth. Recently, GBM stem-like or initiating cells (GICs) have been identified in the PT area, but whether these GICs have enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities compared with GICs from the tumor mass (TM) is presently unknown. We isolated GICs from the infiltrated PT tissue and the TM of three patients and found that PT cells have an advantage over TM cells in two-dimensional and three-dimensional migration and invasion assays. Interestingly, PT cells display a high plasticity in protrusion formation and cell shape and their migration is insensitive to substrate stiffness, which represent advantages to infiltrate microenvironments of different rigidity. Furthermore, mouse and chicken embryo xenografts revealed that only PT cells showed a dispersed distribution pattern, closely associated to blood vessels. Consistent with cellular plasticity, simultaneous Rac and RhoA activation are required for the enhanced invasive capacity of PT cells. Moreover, Rho GTPase signaling modulators αVβ3 and p27 play key roles in GIC invasiveness. Of note, p27 is upregulated in TM cells and inhibits RhoA activity. Gene silencing of p27 increased the invasive capacity of TM GICs. Additionally, β3 integrin is upregulated in PT cells. Blockade of dimeric integrin αVβ3, a Rac activator, reduced the invasive capacity of PT GICs in vitro and abrogated the spreading of PT cells into chicken embryos. Thus, our results describe the invasive features acquired by a unique subpopulation of GICs that infiltrate neighboring tissue.
Concise Review: The Sox2-Oct4 Connection: Critical Players in a Much Larger Interdependent Network Integrated at Multiple Levels
Authors: Rizzino Angie
Published: February 2013

The transcription factors Sox2 and Oct4 have been a major focus of stem cell biology since the discovery, more than 10 years ago, that they play critical roles during embryogenesis. Early work established that these two transcription factors work together to regulate genes required for the self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESC). Surprisingly, small changes (∼twofold) in the levels of either Oct4 or Sox2 induce the differentiation of ESC. Consequently, ESC must maintain the levels of these two transcription factors within narrow limits. Genome-wide binding studies and unbiased proteomic screens have been conducted to decipher the complex roles played by Oct4 and Sox2 in the transcriptional circuitry of ESC. Together, these and other studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular machinery that sustains the self-renewal of ESC and restrains their differentiation. Importantly, these studies paint a landscape in which Oct4 and Sox2 are part of a much larger interdependent network composed of many transcription factors that are interconnected at multiple levels of function.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with a Mitochondrial DNA Deletion
Authors: Cherry Anne B. C. , Gagne Katelyn E. , Mcloughlin Erin M. , Baccei Anna , Gorman Bryan , Hartung Odelya , Miller Justine D. , Zhang Jin , Zon Rebecca L. , Ince Tan A. , Neufeld Ellis J. , Lerou Paul H. , Fleming Mark D. , Daley George Q. , Agarwal Suneet
Published: February 2013

In congenital mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorders, a mixture of normal and mutated mtDNA (termed heteroplasmy) exists at varying levels in different tissues, which determines the severity and phenotypic expression of disease. Pearson marrow pancreas syndrome (PS) is a congenital bone marrow failure disorder caused by heteroplasmic deletions in mtDNA. The cause of the hematopoietic failure in PS is unknown, and adequate cellular and animal models are lacking. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are particularly amenable for studying mtDNA disorders, as cytoplasmic genetic material is retained during direct reprogramming. Here, we derive and characterize iPS cells from a patient with PS. Taking advantage of the tendency for heteroplasmy to change with cell passage, we isolated isogenic PS-iPS cells without detectable levels of deleted mtDNA. We found that PS-iPS cells carrying a high burden of deleted mtDNA displayed differences in growth, mitochondrial function, and hematopoietic phenotype when differentiated in vitro, compared to isogenic iPS cells without deleted mtDNA. Our results demonstrate that reprogramming somatic cells from patients with mtDNA disorders can yield pluripotent stem cells with varying burdens of heteroplasmy that might be useful in the study and treatment of mitochondrial diseases.
A Contrastive Lexical Approach to Second Language Acquisition: A Theoretical Framework and Related Techniques
Authors: Maftoon Parviz , Ziafar Meisam
Published: February 2013

Despite criticisms set against methods by postmethodologists who believe that teaching methods must be cast aside, new methods can be proposed that better meet learners' needs as a continuation of the chain of former methods introduced in the past. The present study proposes some language teaching techniques after introducing the theoretical underpinnings of a new approach in language teaching, that is, a Contrastive Lexical Approach (CLA) that responds to the major criticisms posed by postmethodologists through employing CLA tenets. It is argued that through equipping learners with first language (L1) equivalents for second language (L2) formulaic utterances learners have a chance to fall back on their L1, but this time they do not equate literal translations of L2 forms with their L1; rather they have the correct equivalents at their disposal to resort to. Formulaic utterances in L2 can be contrasted to their L1 equivalents to put learners at an advantageous position in their mastery of L2 and in enhancing their fluency.
Exact charged black-hole solutions in D-dimensional f (T) gravity: torsion vs curvature analysis
Authors: Capozziello S. , González P. A. , Saridakis E. N. , Vásquez Y.
Published: February 2013

Abstract

We extract exact charged black-hole solutions with flat transverse sections in the framework of D-dimensional Maxwell-f(T) gravity, and we analyze the singularities and horizons based on both torsion and curvature invariants. Interestingly enough, we find that in some particular solution subclasses there appear more singularities in the curvature scalars than in the torsion ones. This difference disappears in the uncharged case, or in the case wheref(T) gravity becomes the usual linear-in-Tteleparallel gravity, that is General Relativity. Curvature and torsion invariants behave very differently when matter fields are present, and thusf(R) gravity andf(T) gravity exhibit different features and cannot be directly re-casted each other.
Multi-centered invariants, plethysm and grassmannians
Authors: Cacciatori Sergio L. , Marrani Alessio , van Geemen Bert
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Motivated by multi-centered black hole solutions of Maxwell-Einstein theories of (super)gravity in D = 4 space-time dimensions, we develop some general methods, that can be used to determine all homogeneous invariant polynomials on the irreducible (SL

h
(p,

$ \mathbb{R} $
) ⊗ G
4)-representation (p
, R), where p denotes the number of centers, and SL

h
(p,

$ \mathbb{R} $
) is the “horizontal” symmetry of the system, acting upon the indices labelling the centers. The black hole electric and magnetic charges sit in the symplectic representation R of the generalized electric-magnetic (U -)duality group G
4.

We start with an algebraic approach based on classical invariant theory, using Schur polynomials and the Cauchy formula. Then, we perform a geometric analysis, involving Grassmannians, Plücker coordinates, and exploiting Bott’s Theorem.

We focus on non-degenerate groups G
4 “of type E
7” relevant for (super)gravities whose (vector multiplets’) scalar manifold is a symmetric space. In the triality-symmetric stu model of
$ \mathcal{N} $
= 2 supergravity, we explicitly construct a basis for the 10 linearly independent degree-12 invariant polynomials of 3-centered black holes.
Even tiers and resonances on the real projective plane
Authors: Cacciapaglia Giacomo , Kubik Bogna
Published: February 2013

Abstract

In this work we focus on various phenomenological aspects of the lightest even tiers, (2, 0) and (0, 2), in models based on a Real Projective Plane in 6 dimensions. We discuss the spectrum of the levels due to loop corrections, and the limit when the two radii are equal, in which case the two levels mix with each other and a new basis is defined. We also discuss the dependence of the spectrum on the ratio of the two radii. These results are essential to understand the phenomenology of the model at colliders (LHC) and to predict the relic abundance of Dark Matter. Finally, we estimate the bounds on the radius from resonant decays of the even tiers at the LHC, showing that they can be in the 600 GeV range after the complete analysis of the 2011 data.
Time-series modeling and prediction of global monthly absolute temperature for environmental decision making
Authors: Ye Liming , Yang Guixia , Van Ranst Eric , Tang Huajun
Published: February 2013

A generalized, structural, time series modeling framework was developed to analyze the monthly records of absolute surface temperature, one of the most important environmental parameters, using a deterministicstochastic combined (DSC) approach. Although the development of the framework was based on the characterization of the variation patterns of a global dataset, the methodology could be applied to any monthly absolute temperature record. Deterministic processes were used to characterize the variation patterns of the global trend and the cyclic oscillations of the temperature signal, involving polynomial functions and the Fourier method, respectively, while stochastic processes were employed to account for any remaining patterns in the temperature signal, involving seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models. A prediction of the monthly global surface temperature during the second decade of the 21st century using the DSC model shows that the global temperature will likely continue to rise at twice the average rate of the past 150 years. The evaluation of prediction accuracy shows that DSC models perform systematically well against selected models of other authors, suggesting that DSC models, when coupled with other ecoenvironmental models, can be used as a supplemental tool for short-term (∼10-year) environmental planning and decision making.
The effect of vitamin E-bonded polysulfone membrane dialyzer on a new oxidative lipid marker
Authors: Kitamura Yuki , Kamimura Kumi , Yoshioka Noriko , Hosotani Yoko , Tsuchida Kenji , Koremoto Masahide , Minakuchi Jun
Published: February 2013

The use of vitamin E-bonded cellulose membrane dialyzers has been reported to cause a decrease in oxidative lipid marker levels (Nakai et al., Ther Apher Dial 14:505–540, 1; Nakai et al., J Jpn Soc Dial Ther 45:1–47, 2; Mashiba et al., Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 21:1801–1808, 3). However, few studies have identified this effect with vitamin E-bonded polysulfone membranes, and no studies report the same effect on alpha (1) antitrypsin–LDL complex, a new oxidative lipid marker. This prompted us to examine the influence of use of VPS-HA vitamin E-bonded polysulfone high-flux membrane dialyzers on this new oxidative lipid marker. The subjects were 17 patients who had been dialyzed with VPS-HA for 12 months. The subjects’ baseline characteristics were as follows. Their average age was 65.6 ± 13.1 years, comprising 8 males and 9 females; hemodialysis vintage was 83.8 ± 85.4 months. Eight had chronic glomerular nephropathy and five had diabetic nephropathy. The primary outcome was defined as alpha (1) antitrypsin–LDL complex level after 12 months, as a post-study using VPS-HA. Secondary outcomes included triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. The data were analyzed pre-study and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months for alpha (1) antitrypsin–LDL complex, and pre-study and post-study for the other indicators. Twelve months after switching to VPS-HA, alpha (1) antitrypsin–LDL complex, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol had significantly decreased. Triglycerides and HDL cholesterol had not significantly changed. Hemodialysis therapy with VPS-HA was shown to decrease alpha (1) antitrypsin–LDL complex, an index of oxidative stress, and also to decrease some lipid markers.
On the reliability of DNA sequences ofOphiocordyceps sinensisin public databases
Authors: Zhang Shu , Zhang Yong-Jie , Liu Xing-Zhong , Zhang Hong , Liu Dian-Sheng
Published: February 2013

Some DNA sequences in the International Nucleotide Sequence Databases (INSD) are erroneously annotated, which has lead to misleading conclusions in publications. Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis) is a fungus endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, and more than 100 populations covering almost its distribution area have been examined by us over recent years. In this study, using the data from authentic materials, we have evaluated the reliability of nucleotide sequences annotated as O. sinensis in the INSD. As of October 15, 2012, the INSD contained 874 records annotated as O. sinensis, including 555 records representing nuclear ribosomal DNA (63.5 %), 197 representing protein-coding genes (22.5 %), 92 representing random markers with unknown functions (10.5 %), and 30 representing microsatellite loci (3.5 %). Our analysis indicated that 39 of the 397 internal transcribed spacer entries, 27 of the 105 small subunit entries, and five of the 53 large subunit entries were incorrectly annotated as belonging to O. sinensis. For protein-coding sequences, all records of serine protease genes, the mating-type gene MAT1-2-1, the DNA lyase gene, the two largest subunits of RNA polymerase II, and elongation factor-1α gene were correct, while 14 of the 73 β-tubulin entries were indeterminate. Genetic diversity analyses using those sequences correctly identified as O. sinensis revealed significant genetic differentiation in the fungus although the extent of genetic differentiation varied with the gene. The relationship between O. sinensis and some other related fungal taxa is also discussed.
Physicochemical Properties of Sb, Sn, Zn, and Sb–Sn System
Authors: Gancarz Tomasz , Gąsior Władysław , Henein Hani
Published: February 2013

The physicochemical properties, viscosity, density, and surface tension, were measured using the discharge crucible method (DC) on five alloys of Sb–Sn. The performance of the DC method was demonstrated with measurements on pure metals Sb, Sn, Zn, and comparisons with the corresponding literature data. The results reported in this study are for Sb–Sn alloys containing (10, 20, 25, 50, and 75) at% of Sb at 550 K to 850 K. The results show that all the physicochemical properties decrease with decreasing temperature and increase with increasing Sb content in the alloy. The experimentally measured surface-tension values are compared with the Butler model. Several models for viscosity are compared and discussed.
Ultrasonic Initiation of the Alkaline Hydrolysis of Triglycerides (Saponification) Without Phase Catalysis
Authors: Mercantili Laura , Davis Frank , Higson Séamus P. J.
Published: February 2013

A study into the ultrasonic initiated alkaline hydrolysis of triglycerides (also known as the saponification reaction) is described. Sunflower oil is used as a source of triglycerides. The reaction is driven by the ultrasound from either an ultrasonic water bath (35 kHz–85 W) or a probe (40 kHz–50 W) in the presence of potassium hydroxide (KOH). It will be shown that ultrasound is effective as a power source to initiate and drive the reaction, that a high reaction yield is achievable in only 15 min of total power application while working at ambient temperature, and that no detectable by‐products are generated during the reaction. Comparison of the two methods shows the ultrasonic probe to be the superior technique. Our method demonstrates reasonable yields can be obtained without the need for excess alkali or phase transfer catalysis. Curing the soap for several weeks allowed the saponification reaction to proceed to completion. Suggestions for a practical application have also been given.
Irradiation‐tolerant lung cancer cells acquire invasive ability dependent on dephosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain
Authors: Ishihara Seiichiro , Yasuda Motoaki , Nishioka Takeshi , Mizutani Takeomi , Kawabata Kazushige , Shirato Hiroki , Haga Hisashi
Published: February 2013

Radiotherapy is one of the major treatment modalities for malignancies. However, cells surviving irradiation often display high levels of invasiveness. This study shows that irradiation‐tolerant lung adenocarcinoma demonstrates high invasive capability depending on dephosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC). In a collagen gel overlay condition, low‐invasive subclones of lung adenocarcinoma (A549P‐3) showed a round morphology and diphosphorylation of MRLC. In contrast, irradiation‐tolerant A549P‐3 cells (A549P‐3IR) displayed high invasiveness and a lower level of MRLC diphosphorylation. In addition, inhibition of MRLC phosphatase activity decreased the invasive activity. These findings suggest that A549P‐3IR cells acquire high invasiveness through MRLC dephosphorylation.
Gegenwart und Zukunft der Integrierten Versorgung in der Schweiz
Authors: Berchtold Peter
Published: February 2013

Einleitung

Die Integrierte Versorgung nimmt in der Schweiz trotz Ablehnung eines entsprechenden Gesetzesartikels im Juni 2012 einen zunehmend wichtigen Platz ein. Fast 20 Prozent der Schweizer Versicherten sind heute einem der 73 Ärztenetze angeschlossen. Das bedeutet gegenüber 2008 mehr als eine Verdoppelung. Mit Blick auf die immer häufiger auftretenden chronischen Krankheiten und die wachsende Komplexität medizinischer Behandlungen stehen zukünftig vor allem vertikale, d.h. sektorenübergreifende Integrationsansätze im Fokus des Interesses. Diese versprechen bessere Qualität und mehr Effizienz der Versorgung.
‘Paper Communists’ – Bolshevik party membership in the Russian Civil War
Authors: Lonergan Gayle
Published: February 2013

This article illustrates the recruitment profile of the Civil War cohort of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1919 to 1921.It disputes the traditional historiography, which presents the party as undergoing a linear process of decay and corruption ending in the period of the careerists of the Brezhnev period. Instead it demonstrates that even in the early period of the revolutionary republic the party was an attractive prospect for those wishing to attain position and privilege. Once it had shown itself to be the victor in the conflict, the party enjoyed considerable popularity in unexpected regions, attracting ambitious young peasants from the peripheries of the former Empire.
Adolescent Survivors After Suicide:
Authors: Bartik Warren , Maple Myfanwy , Edwards Helen , Kiernan3 Michael
Published: February 2013

Background: While the research literature exploring suicide bereavement has expanded in recent years, this has been primarily quantitative and has focused more on the bereavement experience of parents and siblings. The bereavement experience of young people affected through the suicide death of a friend remains under-conceptualized and not well understood. Aims: To develop an understanding of the experiences of young people bereaved by the suicide of a friend. Method: Ten young people participated in a pilot study with in-depth interviews to explore their suicide bereavement experiences. Narrative inquiry methodology was utilized to analyze the qualitative data. Results: The findings indicated multiple grief experiences caused by suicide. Four themes reported are meaning making, feeling guilt, risky coping behavior, and relating to friends following suicide loss. Conclusions: Implications include the need for increased awareness that friends of young people who die by suicide may have significant health and well-being challenges associated with bereavement, and that friends in these circumstances may not readily present at services for assistance.
Suicide Ideation and Attempt in a Community Cohort of Urban Aboriginal Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Luke Joanne N. , Anderson Ian P. , Gee Graham J. , Thorpe Reg , Rowley Kevin G. , Reilly Rachel E. , Thorpe Alister , Stewart Paul J.
Published: February 2013

Background: There has been increasing attention over the last decade on the issue of indigenous youth suicide. A number of studies have documented the high prevalence of suicide behavior and mortality in Australia and internationally. However, no studies have focused on documenting the correlates of suicide behavior for indigenous youth in Australia. Aims: To examine the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempt and the associated factors for a community 1 The term ”community” refers specifically to Koori people affiliated with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. cohort of Koori 2 The term ”Koori” refers to indigenous people from the south-eastern region of Australia, including Melbourne. The term ”Aboriginal” has been used when referring to indigenous people from Australia. The term ”indigenous” has been used throughout this article when referring to the first people of a nation within an international context. (Aboriginal) youth. Method: Data were obtained from the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) Young People’s Project (YPP), a community initiated cross-sectional data set. In 1997/1998, self-reported data were collected for 172 Koori youth aged 12–26 years living in Melbourne, Australia. The data were analyzed to assess the prevalence of current suicide ideation and lifetime suicide attempt. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to identify closely associated social, emotional, behavioral, and cultural variables at baseline and Cox regression modeling was then used to identify associations between PCA components and suicide ideation and attempt. Results: Ideation and attempt were reported at 23.3% and 24.4%, respectively. PCA yielded five components: (1) emotional distress, (2) social distress A, (3) social distress B, (4) cultural connection, (5) behavioral. All were positively and independently associated with suicide ideation and attempt, while cultural connection showed a negative association. Conclusions: Suicide ideation and attempt were common in this cross-section of indigenous youth with an unfavorable profile for the emotional, social, cultural, and behavioral factors.
The Emergency Telephone Conversation in the Context of the Older Person in Suicidal Crisis:
Authors: Deuter Kate , Procter Nicholas , Rogers John
Published: February 2013

Background: Suicide in older people is a significant public health issue with a predicted future increase. Contemporary research directs considerable attention toward physical, mental, and social risk factors that contribute to suicidality in older people; still, little is understood about the fundamental meanings that older people in suicidal crisis attribute to these factors. Aims: The aim of this qualitative study was to describe, analyze, and compare counselors’ and older peoples’ perceptions of the suicidal crisis during an emergency telephone conversation. Methods: Data collection consisted of individual interviews with telephone counselors (N = 7) working within an emergency mental health triage service, and listening to telephone calls (N = 14) received by the service responding to people aged 65 years and over in suicidal crisis. Triangulation of the two data sets resulted in the emergence of three key themes. Results: We found (1) congruence in the way risk factors were perceived by counselors and communicated during telephone conversations, (2) dissension between counselors’ perceptions of end-of-life issues and older people’s feelings of ambivalence about wanting to die and not knowing what to do and (3) the need for working side-by-side with the older person, exploring acute changes and immediate capacity for change. Conclusions: An explicit focus on risk factors alone may preclude counselors from gaining a deeper understanding of suicidal crisis in an older person’s life. This research has begun to capture and illuminate how telephone counselors can deliver effective crisis intervention as older people struggle and make meaning through their suffering.
Linearisable ultradiscrete systems with sign variables and the confinement of singularities
Authors: Mimura N. , Satsuma J. , Ramani A. , Grammaticos B.
Published: February 2013

We present the singularity analysis of the ultradiscrete analogue of linearisable mappings of Quispel-Roberts-Thompson (QRT) type. The ultradiscretisation method used here is one which keeps track of signs and thus can be applied without the positivity restrictions of the classical ultradiscretisation approach. We show that in all cases the mappings possess confined singularities. The same is true for two non-autonomous equations, which are equally linearisable in the discrete case. We construct explicitly the solutions of the ultradiscrete mappings analysed here.
Molecular dynamics simulations of evaporation-induced nanoparticle assembly
Authors: Cheng Shengfeng , Grest Gary S.
Published: February 2013

While evaporating solvent is a widely used technique to assemble nano-sized objects into desired superstructures, there has been limited work on how the assembled structures are affected by the physical aspects of the process. We present large scale molecular dynamics simulations of the evaporation-induced assembly of nanoparticles suspended in a liquid that evaporates in a controlled fashion. The quality of the nanoparticle crystal formed just below the liquid/vapor interface is found to be better at relatively slower evaporation rates, as less defects and grain boundaries appear. This trend is understood as the result of the competition between the accumulation and diffusion times of nanoparticles at the liquid/vapor interface. When the former is smaller, nanoparticles are deposited so fast at the interface that they do not have sufficient time to arrange through diffusion, which leads to the prevalence of defects and grain boundaries. Our results have important implications in understanding assembly of nanoparticles and colloids in non-equilibrium liquid environments.