bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Playing to Learn: A Review of Physical Games in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Tomlinson Brian , Masuhara Hitomi
Published: July 2009

This article focuses on the potential of competitive games involving physical movement to facilitate the acquisition of a second or foreign language and argues that such activities can promote educational development too. It first provides a critical overview of the literature on physical games in language learning. Then, it outlines our theoretical position and puts forward a flexible framework for the development of principled learning materials that are designed to make use of physical games in language lessons at all levels and for all ages. This framework is text driven, in that it treats the game as a text that provides the learners with a rich, engaging, and purposeful exposure to language in use. It is also task driven, in that it provides the learners with a physical outcome that can only be achieved through language use. This framework operates in ways designed to stimulate the multidimensional mental representation and the deep processing required for effective and durable learning. The framework is exemplified by reference to physical games we have played with language learners of different levels and ages in different cultures, and then the principles and potential benefits of these games are discussed. In our conclusion, we summarize the benefits of physical games for language learners and point out the potential benefits of physical games in all educational contexts.
Challenges of Online Game Development: A Review
Authors: Morgan Graham
Published: July 2009

The focus of this article is to determine how the engineering practices common in online game development may be approached differently to promote more diverse online gaming scenarios. The technical difficulties in providing online gaming are not trivial, requiring substantially larger budgets compared with their non-online counterparts: Commercial failure of an online game could be costly. Therefore, when considering alternate engineering approaches, those that appear tried and tested in other domains, and hence may be lower-cost solutions, are considered.
An Exploratory Analysis of Gender Differences in Punitiveness in Two Countries
Authors: Kutateladze Besiki , Crossman Angela M.
Published: July 2009

Although social scientists have long studied attitudes toward severity of punishment, theoretically driven, validated measures that gauge a female—male gap in punitiveness are rare and those tested in different countries are even more so. Studies conducted in different geographical locations and/or at different times reveal inconsistent findings on whether such a gap in fact exists and, if so, whether women or men are more punitive. As a result, it is not clear whether individual differences in punitiveness are due to the differences between men and women or to the type of measures used. To address this shortcoming, the current study explored the putative female—male gap in punitiveness by using the same multi-item measure of individual punitiveness with two very different samples, one selected in Georgia (country) and the second in the New York metropolitan area (NYC). The results showed that while females and males were not distinctly different in their views on punishment and sentencing laws in either country, women and men were punitive in different ways. This finding partially supports previously reported results. In addition, individuals in the NYC sample seemed to be comparatively more punitive than the individuals in the Georgian sample. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Determinants of Blood Rheology in Healthy Adults and Children Using the Microchannel Array Flow Analyzer
Authors: Katayama Yasutomi , Horigome Hitoshi , Takahashi Hideto , Tanaka Kiyoji , Yoshinaga Masao
Published: July 2009

Purpose: The reference values of blood rheology in healthy participants, especially children, are not available. The purpose of this study was to determine the blood passage time (BPT) as an index of blood rheology, in healthy children and adults, using the microchannel array flow analyzer, and to investigate the hematological factors that define BPT. Methods: Participants were 61 healthy children (35 boys, 26 girls; age 5-6 years) and 71 healthy adults (24 men, age 35.2 ± 14.1 years; 47 women, age 44.7 ± 14.1 years, mean ± standard deviation [SD]). Blood passage time and various hematological variables (blood cell count, serum lipids, and fibrinogen) were measured and compared among the 4 study groups. Results: Blood passage time values were significantly higher in adult men (48.8 ± 5.8 seconds) than in boys (41.9 ± 4.0 seconds), girls (43.7 ± 7.8 seconds), and adult women (42.4 ± 4.8 seconds). Stepwise regression analysis identified erythrocyte count and hemoglobin (Hb) as the significant and independent determinants of BPT (P < .05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that BPT is significantly longer in healthy adult men than in adult women and children, and that erythrocyte count and Hb are significant determinants of blood rheology.
Platelet Aggregation in Children With Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Gursel Orhan , Avni Atay A. , Emin Kurekci A. , Avcu Ferit , Nevruz Oral , Senses Zeynep , Ozturk Emel , Hasimi Adnan , Ozcan Okan
Published: July 2009

This study was performed to investigate the platelet aggregation alterations in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples of children with Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection. Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, ristocetin, or epinephrine was studied with photometric aggregometry in 30 patients before and after eradication therapy and in a control group including 15 children. The pretreatment mean maximum aggregation values and slope were significantly lower (P < .0001) in the study group at 10 μmol/L concentrations of ADP (ADP-like defect). The maximum aggregation values and slope revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the study group after therapy and the control group. We concluded that H pylori infection may cause dysfunction of platelets in children and can be reversed by H pylori eradication therapy. Further studies should be carried out to determine the mechanisms of platelet dysfunction in children with H pylori infection.
Increasing of the Aminoglicosyde Antibiotic Activity Against a Multidrug-Resistant E. coli by Turnera ulmifolia L. and Chlorpromazine
Authors: Coutinho Henrique D. M. , Costa José G. M. , Lima Edeltrudes O. , Falcão-Silva Vivyanne S. , Siqueira-Júnior José P.
Published: July 2009

In this study, an ethanol extract of Turnera ulmifolia L. (EETU) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) were tested for their antimicrobial activity alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics against two strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The growth of neither E. coli strain was inhibited by the extract. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration values were ≥1 mg/ml for both the strains of E. coli. However, the extract did increase the antimicrobial effects of amikacin, neomycin, and tobramycin. A similar effect of CPZ on amikacin, kanamycin, and tobramycin indicated the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides. Results suggest that extracts from T. ulmifolia could be used as a plant-derived natural product with resistance-modifying activity, constituting a new weapon against bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
The Neural Stem Cell Line CTX0E03 Promotes Behavioral Recovery and Endogenous Neurogenesis After Experimental Stroke in a Dose-Dependent Fashion
Authors: Stroemer Paul , Patel Sara , Hope Andrew , Oliveira Cathy , Pollock Kenny , Sinden John
Published: July 2009

Background. This study investigated behavioral recovery in rats following implanting increasing doses of CTX0E03 cells into the putamen ipsilateral to the stroke damage. Postmortem histological analysis investigated possible mechanisms of behavioral recovery. Methods. At 4 weeks after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), rats were treated with 4500, 45 000, or 450 000 CTX0E03 cells or vehicle implanted into the putamen with testing on a battery of tasks preocclusion and postocclusion. Histological examination of brains included assessment of lesion volumes, implant cell survival and differentiation, changes to host brain matrix, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis using immunohistochemical methods. Results. Statistically significant dose-related recovery in sensorimotor function deficits (bilateral asymmetry test [BAT; P < .0002] in the mid- and high-dose groups and rotameter test after amphetamine exposure [ P < .05] in the high-dose group) was found in the CTX0E03 cell implanted groups compared to the vehicle group. In-life functional improvements correlated with cell dose, though did not correlate with survival of CTX0E03 cells measured at postmortem. Surviving CTX0E03 cells differentiated into oligodendroglial and endothelial phenotypes. MCAO-induced reduction of neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) was partially restored to that observed in sham operated controls. No adverse CTX0E03 cell-related effects were observed during in-life observations or on tissue histology. Conclusions. This study found that the implantation of CTX0E03 human neural stem cells in rats after MCAO stroke promoted significant behavioral recovery depending on cell dose. The authors propose a paracrine trophic mechanism, which is triggered early after CTX0E03 cell implantation, and which in turn targets restoration of neurogenesis in the SVZ of MCAO rats.
Trainee Evaluation Through After-action Review by Comparison
Authors: Fernlund Hans , Gonzalez Avelino J. , Ekblad Joakim , Rodriguez Adelein
Published: July 2009

We describe an investigation into how to automate after-action review (AAR) to provide non-trivial, individual feedback to trainees in a military training context. On a high-level basis, our approach is to monitor the actions of the trainee(s) and compare them with those of software agents (called expert agents) whose behavior represents that of an expert-level performer. By identifying and logging discrepancies between the trainee and the expert agent, a measure of valuable feedback can be given to the trainee to whom the expert agent was assigned to ‘shadow’. The comparisons are made in two dimensions concurrently: the physical dimension and the tactical dimension. In a physical comparison, the trainee is compared with the physical location of the expert agent. In the tactical comparison, the context of the agent is compared with that of the trainee. If the latter comparison agrees, then it can be said that the trainee is employing the same tactics as the agent. The context of the trainee is un-intrusively inferred through a novel process called context agents. A prototype is built and tested with data from an instrumented live exercise. Results indicate that the procedure has significant promise to provide much-needed automation in AAR.
Architecture of the Counter Insurgency Experiment
Authors: Monday Paul
Published: July 2009

The Counter Insurgency (COIN) Experiment was performed in March 2007 using a distributed network. It focused on simulating urban operations in Central Asia in 2015. A major goal of the experiment was to demonstrate the use of a complex Models and Simulation federation to train and evaluate doctrine for a COIN Environment. Participating federates included OFOTB, FireSim, JSAF, CultureSim, EADSim, CMS2, UC, ACRT, ACRT-DR, JNEM, ISM, SA Server, MC2, Communications & Electronics Research Development & Engineering Center (CERDEC), CES, AOI Server, EFS, Reporter, DataLogger and SEAMS.This was an entity-level distributed simulation event that included sites at Ft Knox, Ft Sill, Ft Bliss, and Huntsville, using the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) and HLA protocols.Approximate entity counts included 1000 US vehicles and soldiers, 1000 Local Police and Army, 1200 insurgents, and 20,000 civilians from various population groups.

Several new and enhanced models contributed to the richness of the COIN environment. A Force model was developed that allowed each station to control its rules of engagement, which is crucial for a situation where the enemy depend on who and where you are. A model of uniformed entities versus plain clothes was added since insurgents do not generally show themselves as such.The JNEM/ISM provided real-time feedback on the mood of the various civilian population groups. A new model of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) was developed that simulated several trigger types, decoys and countermeasures. Suppressive effects were added, including non-lethal rounds. The area-of-interest model was improved to allow good simulation performance in a dense urban environment. The terrain database had 10,000 fully modeled multi-elevation buildings along with 650,000 volume buildings.

COIN marked a dramatic leap forward in our ability to simulate urban warfare. It showed that it is possible to use entity-level simulation to examine situations relevant to today’s Army, such as stability operations, counter insurgencies, and the hybrid enemy.This experiment demonstrated many first uses of innovative models and techniques that are now standard, and established a benchmark of success in terms of its fidelity, performance, and complexity.
Competitive Pricing Decisions in Uncertain Times
Authors: Enz Cathy A. , Canina Linda , Lomanno Mark
Published: July 2009

This article examines the pricing, demand (occupancy), and revenue dynamics in the U.S. hotel industry for the period 2001 to 2007. The results of this seven-year study, which compares hotels' rates to the pricing behavior of competing hotels, reveal that in both bad times (2001—2003) and good times (2004—2007), hotels that offered average daily rates above those of their direct competitors had lower comparative occupancies but higher relative revenue per available rooms (RevPAR). Based on 67,008 hotel observations, this pattern of demand and revenue behavior was consistent for hotels in all market segments (resorts and extended-stay properties were excluded from the study). Overall, the results suggest that the best way for a hotel to have higher revenue performance than its competitive set is to maintain higher rates. This finding suggests that lodging demand may be inelastic in local markets. The results of this study confirm the stance of hotel operators who resist the pressure to undercut competitors' prices.
Hyatt Corporation v. Women’s International Bowling Congress, Inc
Authors: Toh Rex S. , Noble Foster T.
Published: July 2009

Attrition clauses in hotel group sales agreements are potentially contentious issues for hotel operators and meeting planners. However, an analysis of the classic case of Hyatt Corporation v. Women’s International Bowling Congress, Inc. shows the pitfalls of a poorly drawn agreement. Based on that analysis, the most effective attrition clauses would, among other things, balance the competing needs of the hotel and its clients. Such an agreement would specify the cutoff times for cancellation of the room block and permit slippage of the block. It would also provide for liquidated damages for the loss of business to the hotel for rooms not picked up. While the agreement would allow the hotel to sell rooms not picked up, it would at the same time reduce the attrition charges by whatever profit the hotel realizes from those sales. Likewise, if the hotel shortcuts the block, damages would be reduced. Finally, the contract should address compensation to the group if the hotel must walk group members due to overbooking.
Use of E-Mail Signature Files in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Honeycutt Earl D.
Published: July 2009

Hotel companies could include marketing messages with their e-mail signature files (.sig files), but this study found that fewer than half of 392 hotels did so. Many e-mail signature files simply contained the title and contact information of the responding party, often with a privacy statement. Since the prospective customer has contacted the hotel for information, it seems appropriate to include a .sig file that includes marketing elements, such as hotel attributes, promotions and special offers, and awards or honors received. The addition of a .sig file costs nothing and provides a way for the hotel to build its brand identity while cutting through advertising clutter on the inter-net and in other media.
The Utility of Integrity Testing for Controlling Workers’ Compensation Costs
Authors: Sturman Michael C. , Sherwyn David
Published: July 2009

Integrity tests can be a hiring tool to help employers determine which of their prospective employees will be more likely to engage in unproductive, dangerous, or otherwise risky actions on the job. Candidates are surprisingly candid when answering test questions about their workplace theft or drug use, but the tests also have control questions intended to indicate when an applicant provides false answers in an attempt to answer “correctly.” Although tests represent an additional expense in the hiring process, a study of a large hotel chain found that the savings in screening out potentially expensive employees more than made up for the costs of conducting the tests, based on a substantial reduction in workers’ compensation claims. A conservative estimate is that the company experienced a 50 percent one-year return on investment from the test. It is important to note that the tests do not violate U.S. employment laws, as data show that the tests create no adverse impact on protected groups.
A Framework for Knowledge-Based Crisis Management in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
Authors: Racherla Pradeep , Hu Clark
Published: July 2009

Crisis management, disaster recovery, and organizational continuity are critical areas of competence for managers of individual businesses and entire destinations. For large-scale problems, crisis management may be a critical factor that determines the sustainability and success of a destination. In this article, the authors develop a framework that incorporates knowledge management principles to enhance the effectiveness of crisis management and planning for the hospitality and tourism industry. In addition, the authors develop a crisis typology based on the perceptions and knowledge needs of Philadelphia-area lodging operators. Subsequently, the authors apply the framework to envision the design concept of a knowledge-enabled crisis management system that can better support the crisis management and preparedness of a regional hospitality and tourism industry.
Mutational spectrum at GATA1 provides insights into mutagenesis and leukemogenesis in Down syndrome
Authors: Cabelof Diane C. , Patel Hiral V. , Chen Qing , van Remmen Holly , Matherly Larry H. , Ge Yubin , Taub Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2009

Down syndrome (DS) children have a unique genetic susceptibility to develop leukemia, in particular, acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMkL) associated with somatic GATA1 mutations. The study of this genetic susceptibility with the use of DS as a model of leukemogenesis has broad applicability to the understanding of leukemia in children overall. On the basis of the role of GATA1 mutations in DS AMkL, we analyzed the mutational spectrum of GATA1 mutations to begin elucidating possible mechanisms by which these sequence alterations arise. Mutational analysis revealed a predominance of small insertion/deletion, duplication, and base substitution mutations, including G:C>T:A, G:C>A:T, and A:T>G:C. This mutational spectrum points to potential oxidative stress and aberrant folate metabolism secondary to genes on chromosome 21 (eg, cystathionine-β-synthase, superoxide dismutase) as potential causes of GATA1 mutations. Furthermore, DNA repair capacity evaluated in DS and non-DS patient samples provided evidence that the base excision repair pathway is compromised in DS tissues, suggesting that inability to repair DNA damage also may play a critical role in the unique susceptibility of DS children to develop leukemia. A model of leukemogenesis in DS is proposed in which mutagenesis is driven by cystathionine-β-synthase overexpression and altered folate homeostasis that becomes fixed as the ability to repair DNA damage is compromised.
Therapeutic potential of an anti-CD79b antibody–drug conjugate, anti–CD79b-vc-MMAE, for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Dornan David , Bennett Fiona , Chen Yvonne , Dennis Mark , Eaton Dan , Elkins Kristi , French Dorothy , Go Mary Ann T. , Jack Andrew , Junutula Jagath R. , Koeppen Hartmut , Lau Jeffrey , McBride Jacqueline , Rawstron Andy , Shi Xiaoyan , Yu Nancy , Yu Shang-Fan , Yue Peng , Zheng Bing , Ebens Allen , Polson Andrew G.
Published: July 2009

Here we describe the generation of an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) consisting of a humanized anti-CD79b antibody that is conjugated to monomethylauristatin E (MMAE) through engineered cysteines (THIOMABs) by a protease cleavable linker. By using flow cytometry, we detected the surface expression of CD79b in almost all non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, suggesting that anti–CD79b-vcMMAE could be widely used in these malignancies. By using NHL cell lines to simulate a patient population we discovered that a minimal cell-surface expression level of CD79b was required for in vitro activity. Within the subpopulation of cell lines above this minimal threshold, we found that sensitivity to free MMAE, mutation of cancer genes, and cell doubling time were poorly correlated with in vitro activity; however, the expression level of BCL-XL was correlated with reduced sensitivity to anti–CD79b-vcMMAE. This observation was supported by in vivo data showing that a Bcl-2 family inhibitor, ABT-263, strikingly enhanced the activity of anti–CD79b-vcMMAE. Furthermore, anti–CD79b-vcMMAE was significantly more effective than a standard-of-care regimen, R-CHOP (ie, rituximab with a single intravenous injection of 30 mg/kg cyclophosphamide, 2.475 mg/kg doxorubicin, 0.375 mg/kg vincristine, and oral dosing of 0.15 mg/kg prednisone once a day for 5 days), in 3 xenograft models of NHL. Together, these data suggest that anti–CD79b-vcMMAE could be broadly efficacious for the treatment of NHL.
ADA-deficient SCID is associated with a specific microenvironment and bone phenotype characterized by RANKL/OPG imbalance and osteoblast insufficiency
Authors: Sauer Aisha V. , Mrak Emanuela , Jofra Hernandez Raisa , Zacchi Elena , Cavani Francesco , Casiraghi Miriam , Grunebaum Eyal , Roifman Chaim M. , Cervi Maria C. , Ambrosi Alessandro , Carlucci Filippo , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Villa Anna , Rubinacci Alessandro , Aiuti Alessandro
Published: July 2009

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is a disorder of the purine metabolism leading to combined immunodeficiency and systemic alterations, including skeletal abnormalities. We report that ADA deficiency in mice causes a specific bone phenotype characterized by alterations of structural properties and impaired mechanical competence. These alterations are the combined result of an imbalanced receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin axis, causing decreased osteoclastogenesis and an intrinsic defect of osteoblast function with subsequent low bone formation. In vitro, osteoblasts lacking ADA displayed an altered transcriptional profile and growth reduction. Furthermore, the bone marrow microenvironment of ADA-deficient mice showed a reduced capacity to support in vitro and in vivo hematopoiesis. Treatment of ADA-deficient neonatal mice with enzyme replacement therapy, bone marrow transplantation, or gene therapy resulted in full recovery of the altered bone parameters. Remarkably, untreated ADA–severe combined immunodeficiency patients showed a similar imbalance in RANKL/osteoprotegerin levels alongside severe growth retardation. Gene therapy with ADA-transduced hematopoietic stem cells increased serum RANKL levels and children's growth. Our results indicate that the ADA metabolism represents a crucial modulatory factor of bone cell activities and remodeling. The trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00598481 and #NCT00599781.
Targeted disruption of Zfp36l2, encoding a CCCH tandem zinc finger RNA-binding protein, results in defective hematopoiesis
Authors: Stumpo Deborah J. , Broxmeyer Hal E. , Ward Toni , Cooper Scott , Hangoc Giao , Chung Yang Jo , Shelley William C. , Richfield Eric K. , Ray Manas K. , Yoder Mervin C. , Aplan Peter D. , Blackshear Perry J.
Published: July 2009

Members of the tristetraprolin family of tandem CCCH finger proteins can bind to AU-rich elements in the 3′-untranslated region of mRNAs, leading to their deadenylation and subsequent degradation. Partial deficiency of 1 of the 4 mouse tristetraprolin family members, Zfp36l2, resulted in complete female infertility because of early embryo death. We have now generated mice completely deficient in the ZFP36L2 protein. Homozygous Zfp36l2 knockout (KO) mice died within approximately 2 weeks of birth, apparently from intestinal or other hemorrhage. Analysis of peripheral blood from KO mice showed a decrease in red and white cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Yolk sacs from embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) Zfp36l2 KO mice and fetal livers from E14.5 KO mice gave rise to markedly reduced numbers of definitive multilineage and lineage-committed hematopoietic progenitors. Competitive reconstitution experiments demonstrated that Zfp36l2 KO fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells were unable to adequately reconstitute the hematopoietic system of lethally irradiated recipients. These data establish Zfp36l2 as a critical modulator of definitive hematopoiesis and suggest a novel regulatory pathway involving control of mRNA stability in the life cycle of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
Transcription of the rat testis-specific Rtdpoz-T1 and -T2 retrogenes during embryo development: co-transcription and frequent exonisation of transposable element sequences
Authors: Huang Chiu-Jung , Lin Wan-Yi , Chang Che-Ming , Choo Kong-Bung
Published: July 2009

Background

Retrotransposition is an important evolutionary force for the creation of new and potentially functional intronless genes which are collectively called retrogenes. Many retrogenes are expressed in the testis and the gene products have been shown to actively participate in spermatogenesis and other unique functions of the male germline. We have previously reported a cluster of retrogenes in the rat genome that encode putative TRAF- and POZ-domain proteins. Two of the genes, Rtdpoz-T1 and -T2 (abbreviated as T1 and T2), have further been shown to be expressed specifically in the rat testis.

Results

We show here that the T1 and T2 genes are also expressed in the rat embryo up to days 16–17 of development when the genes are silenced until being re-activated in the adult testis. On database interrogation, we find that some T1/T2 exons are chromosomally duplicated as cassettes of 2 or 3 exons consistent with retro-duplication. The embryonic T1/T2 transcripts, characterised by RT-PCR-cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends, are further found to have acquired one or more noncoding exons in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR). Most importantly, the T1/T2 locus is embedded within a dense field of relics of transposable element (TE) derived mainly from LINE1 and ERV sequences, and the TE sequences are frequently exonised through alternative splicing to form the 5'-UTR sequences of the T1/T2 transcripts. In a case of T1 transcript, the 3'-end is extended into and terminated within an L1 sequence. Since the two genes share a common exon 1 and are, therefore, regulated by a single promoter, a T2-to-T1 co-transcription model is proposed. We further demonstrate that the exonised 5'-UTR TE sequences could lead to the creation of upstream open reading frames resulting in translational repression.

Conclusion

Exonisation of TE sequences is a frequent event in the transcription of retrogenes during embryonic development and in the testis and may contribute to post-transcriptional regulation of expression of retrogenes.
Retrospective analysis of nosocomial infections in the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in China during 2003 and 2007
Authors: Ding Ji-Guang , Sun Qing-Feng , Li Ke-Cheng , Zheng Ming-Hua , Miao Xiao-Hui , Ni Wu , Hong Liang , Yang Jin-Xian , Ruan Zhan-Wei , Zhou Rui-Wei , Zhou Hai-Jiao , He Wen-Fei
Published: July 2009

Background

Nosocomial infections are a major threat to patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Limited data exist on the epidemiology of ICU-acquired infections in China. This retrospective study was carried out to determine the current status of nosocomial infection in China.

Methods

A retrospective review of nococomial infections in the ICU of a tertiary hospital in East China between 2003 and 2007 was performed. Nosocomial infections were defined according to the definitions of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The overall patient nosocomial infection rate, the incidence density rate of nosocomial infections, the excess length of stay, and distribution of nosocomial infection sites were determined. Then, pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were further investigated.

Results

Among 1980 patients admitted over the period of time, the overall patient nosocomial infection rate was 26.8% or 51.0 per 1000 patient days., Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) accounted for most of the infections (68.4%), followed by urinary tract infections (UTI, 15.9%), bloodstream (BSI, 5.9%), and gastrointestinal tract (GI, 2.5%) infections. There was no significant change in LRTI, UTI and BSI infection rates during the 5 years. However, GI rate was significantly decreased from 5.5% in 2003 to 0.4% in 2007. In addition, A. baumannii, C. albicans and S. epidermidis were the most frequent pathogens isolated in patients with LRTIs, UTIs and BSIs, respectively. The rates of isolates resistant to commonly used antibiotics ranged from 24.0% to 93.1%.

Conclusion

There was a high and relatively stable rate of nosocomial infections in the ICU of a tertiary hospital in China through year 2003–2007, with some differences in the distribution of the infection sites, and pathogen and antibiotic susceptibility profiles from those reported from the Western countries. Guidelines for surveillance and prevention of nosocomial infections must be implemented in order to reduce the rate.
Allergy from infancy to adolescence. A population-based 18-year follow-up cohort
Authors: Kaila Minna , Rautava Päivi , Holmberg-Marttila Doris , Vahlberg Tero , Aromaa Minna , Sillanpää Matti
Published: July 2009

Background

Anxious parents have many concerns about the future health of their atopic infants. Paediatricians and primary care practitioners need to seek knowledge on long-term outcomes in order to cope with the increasing caseload of suspected allergy and the concerns of parents. The aim of the study was to assess suspected and diagnosed allergy in infancy as predictors of allergy and asthma in adolescence.

Methods

Families expecting their first baby and making their first visit to a maternity health care clinic in 1986 were selected as the study population in a random sample. There were 1278 eligible study families. The data were provided of the children at the ages of 9 and 18 months and 3, 5, 12, 15 and 18 years by health care professionals, parents, and adolescents (themselves).

Results

At the age of 9 months, the prevalence of allergy suspicions was distinctly higher than that of allergy diagnoses. At the age of five years suspected allergy approaches were nil, and the prevalence of diagnosed allergy was about 9%. During the adolescence, the prevalence of self-reported allergy increases steadily up to the age of 18 years, and that of asthma remains at approximately 5%. Suspected allergy at the age of 9 or 18 months and at the 5 years of age does not predict allergy at adolescence. Compared with non-allergic children, children with definite allergy at the age of 5 were over 8 times more likely to have allergy and nearly 7 times more likely to have asthma in adolescence.

Conclusion

An early ascertained diagnosis of allergy, but not suspicions of allergy, predicts prevailing allergy in adolescence. Efforts need to be focused on accurate diagnosis of early childhood allergies.
Hurdles at work: perceptions of hospital food handlers
Authors: Bertin Cilce Helena Figueiredo Preza , Rezende Magda Andrade , Sigulem Dirce Maria , Morais Tania Beninga
Published: July 2009

Background

Food handlers have a very important role in preventing food contamination during its preparation and distribution. This responsibility is even greater in hospitals, since a large number of patients have low immunity and consequently food contamination by pathogenic bacteria could be particularly harmful. Therefore, a good working environment and periodic training should be provided to food handlers by upper management.

Methods

This study is qualitative research by means of focus group and thematic content analysis methodologies to examine, in detail, the statements by food handlers working in the milk and specific-diet kitchens in a hospital to understand the problems they face in the workplace.

Results

We found that food handlers are aware of the role they play in restoring patients' health; they consider it important to offer a good-quality diet. However, according to their perceptions, a number of difficulties prevent them from reaching this aim. These include: upper management not prioritizing human and material resources to the dietetic services when making resource allocation decisions; a perception that upper management considers their work to be of lesser importance; delayed overtime payments; lack of periodic training; managers lacking administrative skills; insufficient dietitian staff assistants, leading to overwork, at the same time as there is an excess of dietitians; unhealthy environmental working conditions – high temperature, high humidity, loud and constant noise level, poor ventilation; lack of food, and kitchen utensils and equipment; and relationship conflicts with chief dieticians and co-workers.

Conclusion

From these findings, improvement in staff motivation could be achieved by considering non-financial incentives, such as improvement in working conditions and showing appreciation and respect through supervision, training and performance appraisal. Management action, such as investments in intermediary management so that managers have the capacity to provide supportive supervision, as well as better use of performance appraisal and access to training, may help overcome the identified problems.
Subchronic infusion of the product of inflammation prostaglandin J2 models sporadic Parkinson's disease in mice
Authors: Pierre Sha-Ron , Lemmens Marijke AM , Figueiredo-Pereira Maria E
Published: July 2009

Background

Chronic neuroinflammation is implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Inflammation involves the activation of microglia and astrocytes that release high levels of prostaglandins. There is a profound gap in our understanding of how cyclooxygenases and their prostaglandin products redirect cellular events to promote PD neurodegeneration. The major prostaglandin in the mammalian brain is prostaglandin D2, which readily undergoes spontaneous dehydration to generate the bioactive cyclopentenone prostaglandins of the J2 series. These J2 prostaglandins are highly reactive and neurotoxic products of inflammation shown in cellular models to impair the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway and cause the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. PD is a disorder that exhibits accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in neuronal inclusions (Lewy bodies). The role of J2 prostaglandins in promoting PD neurodegeneration has not been investigated underin vivoconditions.

Methods

We addressed the neurodegenerative and behavioral effects of the administration of prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) simultaneously into thesubstantia nigra/striatumof adult male FVB mice by subchronic microinjections. One group received unilateral injections of DMSO (vehicle, n = 6) and three groups received PGJ2 [3.4 μg or 6.7 μg (n = 6 per group) or 16.7 μg (n = 5)] per injection. Immunohistochemical and behavioral analyses were applied to assess the effects of the subchronic PGJ2 microinfusions.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a PGJ2 dose-dependent significant and selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in thesubstantia nigrawhile the GABAergic neurons were spared. PGJ2 also triggered formation of aggregates immunoreactive for ubiquitin and α-synuclein in the spared dopaminergic neurons. Moreover, PGJ2 infusion caused a massive microglia and astrocyte activation that could initiate a deleterious cascade leading to self-sustained progressive neurodegeneration. The PGJ2-treated mice also exhibited locomotor and posture impairment.

Conclusion

Our studies establish the first model of inflammation in which administration of an endogenous highly reactive product of inflammation, PGJ2, recapitulates key aspects of PD. Our novel PGJ2-induced PD model strongly supports the view that localized and chronic production of highly reactive and neurotoxic prostaglandins, such as PGJ2, in the CNS could be an integral component of inflammation triggered by insults evoked by physical, chemical or microbial stimuli and thus establishes a link between neuroinflammation and PD neurodegeneration.
Mutation analysis of Rad18 in human cancer cell lines and non small cell lung cancer tissues
Authors: Nakamura Tadahiko , Ishikawa Shinji , Koga Yoshikatsu , Nagai Youhei , Imamura Yu , Ikeda Kouei , Mori Takeshi , Nomori Hiroaki , Baba Hideo
Published: July 2009

Background

Genetic instability is known as a cause of oncogenesis. Though Rad18 is reported to function in a post replication mismatch repair system, the relation between the status of Rad18 and human tumorigenesis has not been described so far.

Methods

Mutation analysis of 34 human cancer cell lines and 32 non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues were performed by RT-PCR SSCP. Expression level of Rad18 was measured by real time RT-PCR. Stable transfectant was constructed for in vitro study.

Results

No mutation was found in both cancer cell lines and NSCLC tissues. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 302 was detected in 51.5% of the cell lines and 62.5% of NSCLC tissues. Interestingly, Rad18 was homozygously deleted in a pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell line PC3. Furthermore, there was no difference in the expression level of wild type Rad18 and Rad18 with SNP. The growth, cell morphology, sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs and in vitro DNA repair activity between wild type Rad18 and Rad18 with SNP revealed to have no difference in vitro.

Conclusion

Though the frequency of SNP was tended to be higher in NSCLC patients than healthy volunteers (57.7%), as the difference was not significant, we have concluded that there is no relation between Rad18 SNP and lung cancer development.
Time-resolved measurements of low concentration aromatic hydrocarbons in diesel exhaust using a resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization method
Authors: Misawa K , Tanaka K , Yamada H , Goto Y , Matsumoto J , Yamato Y , Ishiuchi S , Fujii M , Endo K , Hayashi S
Published: July 2009

Time-resolved measurements of the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in exhaust from a diesel vehicle fitted with an oxidation catalyst and operated in JE05 mode are performed at a sensitivity of 10 ppb using a supersonic jet/resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization (Jet-REMPI) method. The concentrations of benzene, naphthalene, and phenol in exhaust from the test vehicle are measured before entering and after exiting from the oxidation catalyst. The total hydrocarbon (THC) is measured simultaneously using a constant volume sample (CVS) instrument fitted with a flame ionization detector (FID). Concentration changes of benzene, naphthalene and phenol are recorded at 1 s intervals and quantified using standard samples. Comparison of these signals with the real-time THC data shows that the time dependence of the individual species is almost the same as that of the THC before the oxidation catalyst but substantially different after.
Micro- and macroscopic visualization of particulate matter trapping and regeneration processes in wall-flow diesel particulate filters
Authors: Hanamura K , Karin P , Cui L , Rubio P , Tsuruta T , Tanaka T , Suzuki T
Published: July 2009

Particulate matter trapping and regeneration processes in wall-flow diesel particulate filters (DPFs) without catalysts were investigated through micro- and macroscopic visualization experiment. The vertical walls of a small DPF were polished using a lapping process to create a mirror-like surface on each ceramic particle grain. Using an all-in-focus optical microscope, micro-scale flow pores inside the DPF wall could be clearly observed from the polished surface to a depth of 100 μm. Furthermore, a real-time video with a speed of 30 frames per second could be sharply recorded. Through the microscopic cross-sectional view, transition from depth filtration to surface filtration could be observed clearly. Only surface pores opened on the wall surface were related to the filtration depth, i.e. the penetration depth. During regeneration of the DPF without catalyst, after a particulate (soot) cake was burnt out, the particulates trapped inside the surface pores were oxidized. On the other hand, using a half-cylindrical-shaped, wall-flow DPF, the overall trapping phenomena and regeneration process were clarified through a long-distance focusing lens camera. Diesel particulates were trapped almost uniformly over the entire surface of an inflow channel of the DPF in the direction of the channel flow, while the trapped particulates were not necessarily oxidized uniformly since there was a large temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the flow channel. The regeneration patterns were strongly dependent on the initial particulate mass and the inlet temperature of the working gas, including the microscopic phenomena in each location. Consequently, microscopic surface pores played a significant role in the regeneration process as well as in the beginning of trapping. Furthermore, at a macroscopic level, a uniform temperature and wall-flow distributions were found to be significant for quick regeneration.
Development of a probabilistic mechanistic model for reliability assessment of gas cylinders in compressed natural gas vehicles
Authors: Chamberlain S , Chookah M , Modarres M
Published: July 2009

Until now, there has been no probabilistic modelling or comprehensive risk analysis of the reliability of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelled vehicles and support systems. This is due to sparse failure and accident data, which, in turn, is largely due to the small number of such vehicles in operation and the relatively new technology compared with diesel and gasoline engines. Direct estimation of the failure frequencies of system components requires a large quantity of data. However, estimation of reliability using probability physical models (i.e. the physics-of-failure approach) is another option that requires less data. This approach is used in this research and discussed in this paper.

CNG fuel system components are subject to degradation caused by stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue. A quick risk analysis shows that the storage cylinder is the most risk-significant component in CNG vehicles. The cylinder is a vulnerable component in the system, due to the presence of corrosive constituents in the stored CNG fuel and mechanical fatigue due to frequent fillings. Physics-of-failure modelling is used to estimate the frequency of leakages and ruptures of the CNG cylinders.

The analytical model proposed in this paper is based on the probabilistic fracture mechanics of the associated corrosion-enhanced fatigue-failure mechanisms. The proposed model estimates the probability distribution function of the frequency of cylinder failure leading to particular CNG gas-release scenarios, while incorporating the impact of the manufacturing process, material properties, and inspection methodology. The estimated frequency of cylinder failure based on the physics of failure is used to update the overall risk associated with CNG bus systems, which has been the subject of research by the authors in the past.
Characteristic foliation on the discriminant hypersurface of a holomorphic Lagrangian fibration
Authors: Hwang Jun-Muk , Oguiso Keiji
Published: July 2009

We give a Kodaira-type classification of general singular fibers of a holomorphic Lagrangian fibration in Fujiki's class C . Our approach is based on the study of the characteristic vector field of the discriminant hypersurface, which naturally arises from the defining equation of the hypersurface via the symplectic form. As an application, we show that the characteristic foliation of the discriminant hypersurface has algebraic leaves which are either rational curves or smooth elliptic curves.
Integral concentration of idempotent trigonometric polynomials with gaps
Authors: Bonami Aline , Révész Szilárd Gy.
Published: July 2009

We prove that for all $p>1/2$ there exists a
constant $\gamma_p>0$ such that, for any symmetric measurable
set of positive measure $E\subset {\Bbb T}$ and for any
$\gamma<\gamma_p$, there is an idempotent trigonometrical
polynomial $f$ satisfying $\int_E |f|^p
> \gamma \int_{\Bbb T} |f|^p$. This disproves a conjecture of
Anderson, Ash, Jones, Rider and Saffari, who proved the existence
of $\gamma_p<0$ for $p>1$ and conjectured that it does not exists
for $p=1$.

Furthermore, we prove that one can take $\gamma_p=1$ when $p>1$
is not an even integer, and that polynomials $f$ can be chosen
with arbitrarily large gaps when $p\neq 2$. This shows striking
differences with the case $p=2$, for which the best constant is
strictly smaller than $1/2$, as it has been known for twenty
years, and for which having arbitrarily large gaps with such
concentration of the integral is not possible, according to a
classical theorem of Wiener. We find sharper results for $0<p\leq 1$ when we restrict to open
sets, or when we enlarge the class of idempotent trigonometric
polynomials to all positive definite ones.
An introduction to potential theory in calibrated geometry
Authors: Harvey F. Reese , Lawson H. Blaine
Published: July 2009

In this paper we introduce and study the notion of plurisubharmonic functions
in calibrated geometry. These functions generalize
the classical plurisubharmonic functions from complex geometry
and enjoy their important properties.
Moreover, they exist in abundance whereas the corresponding
pluriharmonics are generally quite scarce.
A number of the results
established in complex analysis via plurisubharmonic functions are extended
to calibrated manifolds. This paper introduces and investigates questions
of pseudo-convexity in the context of a general calibrated manifold $(X,\phi)$.
Analogues of totally real submanifolds are introduced and used to construct
enormous families of strictly $\phi$-convex
spaces with every topological type allowed by
Morse Theory. Specific calibrations are used as examples throughout.

In a sequel, the duality between $\phi$-pluri\-sub\-harmonic functions and
$\phi$-positive
currents is investigated.
This study involves boundaries,
generalized Jensen measures, and other geometric objects on a calibrated manifold.
Fragmentation sociale et cohésion sociale en éducation au Canada
Authors: Dalley Phyllis , Begley Michael
Published: July 2009

This article presents an analysis of ten years of Franco-Canadian publications on the issue of multicultural and intercultural education. More specifically, the authors explore the space occupied by the notion of social fragmentation within this literature. Although not referenced specifically, this fragmentation tends to be the source of criticisms made of multicultural education. Likewise, social cohesion is proposed by supporters of intercultural education as an answer to the question of social unity in a pluralistic society.