bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproducing Kernel Space Method for the Solution of Linear FredholmIntegro‐Differential Equations and Analysis of Stability
Authors: Lv Xueqin , Gao Yue
Published: May 2012

We present a numerical method to solve the linear Fredholm integro‐differential equation in reproducing kernel space. A simple algorithm is given to obtain the approximate solutions of the equation. Through the comparison of approximate and true solution, we can find that the method can effectively solve the linear Fredholm integro‐differential equation. At the same time the numerical solution of the equation is stable.
A Topology-Based Metric for Measuring Term Similarity in the
Gene Ontology
Authors: Mazandu Gaston K. , Mulder Nicola J.
Published: May 2012

The wide coverage and biological relevance of the Gene Ontology (GO), confirmed through its successful use in protein function prediction, have led to the growth in its popularity. In order to exploit the extent of biological knowledge that GO offers in describing genes or groups of genes, there is a need for an efficient, scalable similarity measure for GO terms and GO-annotated proteins. While several GO similarity measures exist, none adequately addresses all issues surrounding the design and usage of the ontology. We introduce a new metric for measuring the distance between two GO terms using the intrinsic topology of the GO-DAG, thus enabling the measurement of functional similarities between proteins based on their GO annotations. We assess the performance of this metric using a ROC analysis on human protein-protein interaction datasets and correlation coefficient analysis on the selected set of protein pairs from the CESSM online tool. This metric achieves good performance compared to the existing annotation-based GO measures. We used this new metric to assess functional similarity between orthologues, and show that it is effective at determining whether orthologues are annotated with similar functions and identifying cases where annotation is inconsistent between orthologues.
SIRT3 Is a Mitochondrial Tumor Suppressor: A Scientific Tale That Connects Aberrant Cellular ROS, the Warburg Effect, and Carcinogenesis
Authors: Haigis Marcia C. , Deng Chu-Xia , Finley Lydia W.S. , Kim Hyun-Seok , Gius David
Published: May 2012

Tumors exhibit metabolic reprogramming characterized by increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the preferential use of glucose, which is known as the Warburg effect. However, the mechanisms by which these processes are linked remain largely elusive. Murine tumors lacking Sirt3 exhibit abnormally high levels of ROS that directly induce genomic instability and increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein levels. The subsequent transcription of HIFα-dependent target genes results in cellular metabolic reprogramming and increased cellular glucose consumption. In addition, agents that scavenge ROS or reverse the Warburg effect prevent the transformation and malignant phenotype observed in cells lacking Sirt3. Thus, mice lacking Sirt3 provide a model that mechanistically connects aberrant ROS, the Warburg effect, and carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2468–72. ©2012 AACR.
Loss of Cell-Surface Laminin Anchoring Promotes Tumor Growth and Is Associated with Poor Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Akhavan Armin , Griffith Obi L. , Soroceanu Liliana , Leonoudakis Dmitri , Luciani-Torres Maria Gloria , Daemen Anneleen , Gray Joe W. , Muschler John L.
Published: May 2012

Perturbations in the composition and assembly of extracellular matrices (ECM) contribute to progression of numerous diseases, including cancers. Anchoring of laminins at the cell surface enables assembly and signaling of many ECMs, but the possible contributions of altered laminin anchoring to cancer progression remain undetermined. In this study, we investigated the prominence and origins of defective laminin anchoring in cancer cells and its association with cancer subtypes and clinical outcomes. We found loss of laminin anchoring to be widespread in cancer cells. Perturbation of laminin anchoring originated from several distinct defects, which all led to dysfunctional glycosylation of the ECM receptor dystroglycan. In aggressive breast and brain cancers, defective laminin anchoring was often due to suppressed expression of the glycosyltransferase LARGE. Reduced expression of LARGE characterized a broad array of human tumors in which it was associated with aggressive cancer subtypes and poor clinical outcomes. Notably, this defect robustly predicted poor survival in patients with brain cancers. Restoring LARGE expression repaired anchoring of exogenous and endogenous laminin and modulated cell proliferation and tumor growth. Together, our findings suggest that defects in laminin anchoring occur commonly in cancer cells, are characteristic of aggressive cancer subtypes, and are important drivers of disease progression. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2578–88. ©2012 AACR.
Myocardial Motion and Deformation: What Does It Tell Us and How Does It Relate to Function?
Authors: Bijnens B. , Cikes M. , Butakoff C. , Sitges M. , Crispi F.
Published: May 2012

The assessment of cardiac pump function and the potential of local myocardium to contribute to the overall performance are of great importance in many cardiovascular abnormalities. Assessing intrinsic cardiac function requires obtaining information on the true contractility of the heart muscle, assessed locally but interpreted in the context of its contribution to the global ejection performance and potential to adapt to changing circumstances. Contemporary imaging techniques offer the possibility of noninvasive quantification of myocardial deformation. These new clinical tools are attractive to use for the assessment of ventricular function. However, it is of great importance to understand cardiac mechanics – a complex interplay between the tissue structure/shape, force development, and interaction with the environment/neighbors – to interpret alterations in deformation and to extract clinically relevant conclusions. The combination of insight into the measurement techniques and their limitations, together with knowledge of myocardial mechanics and physiology, opens new perspectives to improve the assessment and management of fetal, pediatric, and adult patients.
Molecular Characterization of the Regenerative Response Induced by Intrarenal Transplantation of Selected Renal Cells in a Rodent Model of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Genheimer Christopher W. , Ilagan Roger M. , Spencer Thomas , Kelley Rusty W. , Werdin Eric , Choudhury Sumana , Jain Deepak , Ludlow John W. , Basu Joydeep
Published: May 2012

Dedifferentiation and proliferation of resident tubular epithelial cells is a mechanism of action potentially contributing to repair and regeneration in kidneys presenting with ischemic or chronic disease. To more efficiently develop cell and tissue engineering technologies for the kidney, we have developed molecular assays to evaluate the acquisition of a pluripotent state associated with stem/progenitor cell phenotype during induction of a regenerative response within the kidneys of rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) following therapeutic intervention. Intrarenal delivery of selected bioactive renal cells leads to significant upregulation of pluripotency-associated SOX2 mRNA within the diseased kidney tissue from 1 to 24 weeks after treatment. The overall regenerative response index was assessed by quantitative composite expression of CD24, NODAL and LEFTY1 proteins, which were induced within 1 week of cell treatment and peaked at 12 weeks after treatment, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05) compared to untreated CKD controls. Molecular assays that incorporate the assessment of SOX2 and the regenerative response index may prove to be valuable tools for the detection and monitoring of the tissue response after the delivery of regenerative treatments for CKD, thereby significantly shortening the developmental timelines associated with such therapies.
Mild Iron Overload in an African American Man with SLC40A1 D270V
Authors: Lee Pauline L. , Gaasterland Terry , Barton James C.
Published: May 2012

We report on a 46-year-old black man who resided in Alabama with normal transferrin saturation, mild hyperferritinemia, chronic hepatitis C, and 3+ iron in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Exome sequencing revealed heterozygosity for SLC40A1 D270V (exon 7, c.809A→T), a mutation previously reported only in 1 black patient with iron overload who resided in the Republic of South Africa. The present patient was also heterozygous for: heme transporter FLVCR1 novel allele P542S (exon 10, 1624C→T); FLVCR1 T544M (rs3207090); hemopexin (HPX) R371W (rs75307540); ferritin scavenger receptor (SCARA5) R471H (rs61737287); and transferrin receptor (TFRC) G420S (rs41295879). He had no HFE, TFR2,HJV, or HAMP mutations. D270V was not detected in 19 other African Americans with iron overload who resided in Alabama. The allele frequency of SLC40A1 D270V in 258 African American adults who participated in a health appraisal clinic was 0.0019 (95% confidence interval 0–0.0057). D270V could explain ‘classical’ ferroportin hemochromatosis phenotypes in some African Americans.
Effects of Glyceryl Glucoside on AQP3 Expression, Barrier Function and Hydration of Human Skin
Authors: Schrader A. , Siefken W. , Kueper T. , Breitenbach U. , Gatermann C. , Sperling G. , Biernoth T. , Scherner C. , Stäb F. , Wenck H. , Wittern K.-P. , Blatt T.
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim: Aquaporins (AQPs) present in the epidermis are essential hydration-regulating elements controlling cellular water and glycerol transport. In this study, the potential of glyceryl glucoside [GG; alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-alpha-(1->2)-glycerol], an enhanced glycerol derivative, to increase the expression of AQP3 in vitro and ex vivo was evaluated. Methods: In vitro studies with real-time RT-PCR and FACS measurements were performed to test the induction by GG (3% w/v) of AQP3 mRNA and protein in cultured human keratinocytes. GG-containing formulations were applied topically to volunteer subjects and suction blister biopsies were analyzed to assess whether GG (5%) could penetrate the epidermis of intact skin, and subsequently upregulate AQP3 mRNA expression and improve barrier function. Results: AQP3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in cultured human keratinocytes. In the studies on volunteer subjects, GG significantly increased AQP3 mRNA levels in the skin and reduced transepidermal water loss compared with vehicle-controlled areas. Conclusion: GG promotes AQP3 mRNA and protein upregulation and improves skin barrier function, and may thus offer an effective treatment option for dehydrated skin.
Pulmonary Venous Anatomy Imaging With Low-Dose, Prospectively ECG-Triggered, High-Pitch 128-Slice Dual-Source Computed Tomography
Authors: Thai Wai-ee , Wai Bryan , Lin Kaity , Cheng Teresa , Heist E. Kevin , Hoffmann Udo , Singh Jagmeet P. , Truong Quynh A.
Published: May 2012

Background—

The efforts to reduce radiation from cardiac computed tomography (CT) are essential. Using a prospectively triggered, high-pitch dual-source CT protocol, we aim to determine the radiation dose and image quality in patients undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) imaging.

Methods and Results—

In 94 patients (61±9 years; 71% male) who underwent 128-slice dual-source CT (pitch 3.4), radiation dose and image quality were assessed and compared between 69 patients with sinus rhythm and 25 patients with atrial fibrillation. Radiation dose was compared in a subset of 19 patients with prior retrospective or prospectively triggered CT PV scans without high pitch. In a subset of 18 patients with prior magnetic resonance imaging for PV assessment, PV anatomy and scan duration were compared with high-pitch CT. Using the high-pitch protocol, total effective radiation dose was 1.4 (1.3, 1.9) mSv, with no difference between sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation (1.4 versus 1.5 mSv;
P
=0.22). No high-pitch CT scans were nondiagnostic or had poor image quality. Radiation dose was reduced with high-pitch (1.6 mSv) compared with standard protocols (19.3 mSv;
P
<0.0001). This radiation dose reduction was seen with sinus rhythm (1.5 versus 16.7 mSv;
P
<0.0001) but was more profound with atrial fibrillation (1.9 versus 27.7 mSv;
P
=0.039). There was excellent agreement of PV anatomy (κ 0.84;
P
<0.0001) and a shorter CT scan duration (6 minutes) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (41 minutes;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Using a high-pitch dual-source CT protocol, PV imaging can be performed with minimal radiation dose, short scan acquisition, and excellent image quality in patients with sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation. This protocol highlights the success of new cardiac CT technology to minimize radiation exposure, giving clinicians a new low-dose imaging alternative to assess PV anatomy.
Heart Rate Dependence of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity at Different Arterial Pressures in Rats
Authors: Tan Isabella , Butlin Mark , Liu Ying Yi , Ng Keith , Avolio Alberto P.
Published: May 2012

Arterial stiffness, as measured by aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent marker of cardiovascular disease and events in both healthy and diseased populations. Although some cardiovascular risk factors, such as age and blood pressure, show a strong association with PWV, the association between heart rate (HR) and PWV is not firmly established. Furthermore, this association has not been investigated at different arterial blood pressures. To study effects of HR on aortic PWV at different mean arterial pressures (MAPs), adult (12 weeks; n=7), male, anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly paced at HRs of between 300 and 450 bpm, at 50-bpm steps. At each pacing step, aortic PWV was measured across a physiological MAP range of 60 to 150 mmHg by infusing sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. When compared at the same MAP, increases in HR resulted in significant increases in PWV at all of the MAPs >80 mmHg (ANOVA,
P
<0.05), with the greatest significant change of 6.03±0.93% observed in the range 110 to 130 mmHg. The positive significant association between HR and PWV remained when PWV was adjusted for MAP (ANOVA,
P
<0.001). These results indicate that HR dependency of PWV is different at higher pressures than at lower pressures and that HR may be a confounding factor that should be taken into consideration when performing analysis based on PWV measurements.
Perspectives on Decision Making About Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among 11- to 12-Year-Old Girls and Their Mothers
Authors: Griffioen Anne M. , Glynn Susan , Mullins Tanya K. , Zimet Gregory D. , Rosenthal Susan L. , Fortenberry J. Dennis , Kahn Jessica A.
Published: May 2012

Introduction. The aims of this qualitative study were to explore ( a) the factors influencing mothers’ decisions to vaccinate 11- to 12-year-old daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) and ( b) the mothers’ and daughters’ perspectives about HPV vaccine–related decision making. Methods. Participants were girls ( N = 33) who had received an HPV vaccine and their mothers ( N = 32), recruited from suburban and urban pediatric practices. Semistructured interviews were conducted with girls and mothers separately, and data were analyzed using framework analysis. Results. The primary factors influencing mothers’ decisions to vaccinate daughters against HPV were ( a) mother’s beliefs and experiences; ( b) interactions with clinicians, friends, and family members; and ( c) exposure to media reports/marketing. Most daughters believed the decision to be vaccinated was a mutual one, although most mothers believed the decision was theirs. Conclusions. This study provides novel insights into perspectives on decision making about HPV vaccination among mothers and 11- to12-year-old daughters, which can be used in interventions to improve vaccination rates.
Recent Johannine Studies: Part Two: Monographs
Authors: Moloney Francis J.
Published: May 2012

This survey presents recent studies of the Gospel of John that have attended to the long-standing question of the relationship that may or may not exist between the Johannine story of Jesus and words and events from his life. A renewed interest in a closer link between John and history is taking place. Recent work on the role of “witness” in the early Church and in the transmission of traditions is also related to this search for the relationship between John and history, as is the ongoing debate over the relationship between the Fourth Gospel and the Synoptic Tradition. The debate over the religious and social background to John has been enriched by recent studies that attempt to locate the Gospel in the Roman Empire, and trace the influence of Roman religion and Imperial practices in the Johannine text. Rich studies of Johannine Theology continue to appear, and the recent turn to a more literary evaluation of the Gospel has led to a strong growth in interest in the role of Johannine characters within the story. Some claim that they are entirely subject to the Johannine rhetoric, while others prefer to single them out as distinct and identifiable “personalities.”
Identification of junk buyers’ contribution to recycling of household waste in Hanoi, Vietnam, through a physical composition analysis
Authors: Kawai Kosuke , Osako Masahiro , Matsui Saburo , Dong Nguyen The
Published: May 2012

Even in developing countries, the amount of containers and packaging waste are increasing in line with population concentration and lifestyle changes in urban areas. This can cause serious problems for the disposal of municipal solid waste. Through a physical composition analysis of household waste in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, this study aimed to identify the contribution made by junk buyers to recycling. Interviews on the handling of recyclable waste by households were conducted. About 232 kg of recyclable waste was sampled from a total of 115 households, and about 230 kg of municipal solid waste was sampled from a total of 101 households and sorted into 69 categories for measurement by volume and weight. The interview survey revealed that a high proportion of households tended to routinely store recyclable waste for sale or donation to junk buyers. Junk buyers accounted for 8.8% of recycling by weight or 26.0% by volume according to the results of the physical composition analysis. In addition, the results suggested that containers and packaging waste accounted for the largest proportion of household waste by volume. Junk buyers recycled 25.5% by weight of containers and packaging waste. In the formulation of new plans for municipal solid waste management to improve the current situation and handle future challenges, the role of the informal sector should be monitored carefully and reliable data on recyclable waste should be collected continuously.
Protective effect of Urtica dioica on liver damage induced by biliary obstruction in rats
Authors: Oguz Serhat , Kanter Mehmet , Erboga Mustafa , Ibis Cem
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Urtica dioica (UD) against liver damage in the common bile duct-ligated rats. A total of 24 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups, namely, control, bile duct ligation (BDL) and BDL + received UD groups, containing eight animals in each group. The rats in UD-treated groups were given UD oils (2 ml/kg) once a day intraperitoneally for 2 weeks starting 3 days prior to BDL operation. The change demonstrating the bile duct proliferation and fibrosis in expanded portal tracts includes the extension of proliferated bile ducts into the lobules; inflammatory cell infiltration into the widened portal areas were observed in BDL group. Treatment of BDL with UD attenuated alterations in liver histology. The α-smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin-positive ductular proliferation and the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling in the BDL were observed to be reduced with the UD treatment. The data indicate that UD attenuates BDL-induced cholestatic liver injury, bile duct proliferation and fibrosis.
Gene expression of Hsp70, Hsp90 and Hsp110 families in normal palate and cleft palate during mouse embryogenesis
Authors: Zhu Yongfei , Ren Chuanlu , Wan Xuying , Zhu Yuping , Zhu Jiangbo , Zhou Hongyuan , Zhang Tianbao
Published: May 2012

Most previous studies focused on a small number of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and their relationships with embryogenesis, and the actual roles of these Hsps in normal and abnormal embryonic development remain unclear. It was found in the present systemic study that except for Grp170, whose expression was not detectable at GD18, all 19 Hsps of Hsp70, Hsp90 and Hsp110 families were expressed in the normal development of embryonic palate tissue in mice, but their expression patterns varied with different Hsps, presenting as a correlation with the developmental phases. In the treatment group by all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of HspA1A, HspA1L, HspA8, HspA9, HspA12A, HspA12B, HspA13, HspA14, Hsp90AA1, Hsp90AB1, Grp94, Trap1, Hsp105, Hsp110 and Grp170 was higher in the palates at GD11 (the beginning of palate development), the mRNA abundance of HspA1A, HspA12A and HspA12B was higher at GD18 (before birth) and an mRNA expression peak of HspA1L, HspA8, HspA9, Hsp90AA1, Grp94, Hsp110 and Grp170 was observed at GD17. The mRNA abundance of most genes in atRA-induced cleft palates of the treatment group was different from that of the control group. Grp78, HspA14 and Hsp105 were closely associated with the normal palate development and cleft palate in mouse embryo, possibly as palate development-related genes. Except Grp170, the other genes may be closely associated with the development of mouse palates through participating in the stress response process and/or the antiapoptosis process.
Protective role of melatonin supplementation against nicotine-induced liver damage in mouse
Authors: Mercan Sevcan , Eren Banu
Published: May 2012

The present study was carried out to determine histopathological effects of nicotine, one of the most significant components of tobacco, on mouse liver and ameliorative effect of melatonin on liver damage. A total of 140 mature Swiss Albino mice ( Mus musculus) were divided into four experimental groups: control group, nicotine group, melatonin group and nicotine + melatonin group. Each group was further subdivided into seven groups (five mice each) according to the time of killing (12 h and days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 after drug administration). In nicotine and nicotine + melatonin groups, 3 mg/kg of nicotine was injected intraperitoneally every day until killing. The nicotine + melatonin group was additionally injected with 10 mg/kg of melatonin after 30 min of nicotine injection. The melatonin group was injected only with 10 mg/kg of melatonin every day until killing. All the treatments were given 2 h before sunset, when melatonin receptors were active. After the last injection, five mice from each group were killed at 12th hour and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21; the livers were removed for histopathological processing by light microscopy. The histopathological results revealed time-dependent degeneration in the livers of mice in nicotine group. Regenerative changes in the nicotine and melatonin groups were observed when compared with nicotine groups.
Patterns of Injuries in Domestic Violence in a Romanian Population
Authors: Curca George Cristian , Dermengiu Dan , Hostiuc Sorin
Published: May 2012

In Romania, the quantification of traumatic injuries is achieved in medical- legal services; therefore, each domestic violence (DV) victim needs a medical-legal certificate to prove in a court of law the presence of traumatic injuries. In this study, we aimed to determine the pattern of traumatic injuries in DV. A total of 219 consecutive DV cases were included. For each victim, a detailed medical-legal examination was performed, including specialized consults, if needed. Results were analyzed statistically using the SPSS software. Traumatic injuries in DV cases were usually located in the head, face, and neck areas and had a low severity index. Severe lesions were found in less than 10% and no sexual aggression was found. The severity increases with age and is higher for males than females. The pattern of DV–associated injuries we have encountered is similar to the one found in other similar studies. Knowing this pattern may be useful in clinical practice to detect cases of DV.
Are You Baby-Friendly? Knowledge Deficit among US Maternity Staff
Authors: Sadacharan Radha , Santana Stephanie , Sanchez Emily , Matlak Stephanie , Grossman Xena , Makrigiorgos Gregory , Merewood Anne
Published: May 2012

Background:

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative began in 1991. In 2010, approximately 3% of United States (US) hospitals were Baby-Friendly certified. When collecting data for related studies, we noted that many maternity staff erroneously claimed their hospital was Baby-Friendly.™

Objective:

To determine whether maternity staff in US hospitals could accurately describe their institution’s status with regard to Baby-Friendly certification.

Methods:

In 2010-2011, we called all maternity hospitals in the US and asked to be connected to the maternity service. We then asked the person answering the maternity service phone: “Is your hospital a Baby-Friendly hospital?” and recorded the position of the respondent.

Results:

We called 2974 hospitals, and received answers on Baby-Friendly status from 2851. According to the Baby-Friendly USA Website ( http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org ), 3% (75/2851) of these hospitals were Baby-Friendly. However, staff at 62% (1780/2851) stated their hospital was Baby-Friendly. Staff at 15% (424/2851) did not know what the caller meant by “Baby-Friendly hospital.” Accuracy of knowledge varied dependent on the respondent’s job title ( P < .001). International Board Certified Lactation Consultants were most likely to be accurate, with 89% answering correctly. There was a strong positive correlation between the proportion of Baby-Friendly hospitals and the proportion of correct responses by state ( r = 0.62, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Although the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was established over 20 years ago, most US maternity staff responding to a telephone survey either incorrectly believed their hospital to be Baby-Friendly certified or were unaware of the meaning of “Baby-Friendly hospital.”
On the rhetorical strategies of leaders: Speaking clearly, standing back, and stepping down
Authors: Dewan Torun , Myatt David P
Published: May 2012

Followers wish to coordinate their actions in an uncertain environment. A follower would like his action to be close to some ideal (but unknown) target; to reflect his own idiosyncratic preferences; and to be close to the actions of others. He learns about his world by listening to leaders. Followers fail to internalize the full benefits of coordination and so place insufficient emphasis on the focal views of relatively clear leaders. A leader sometimes stands back, by restricting what she says, and so creates space for others to be heard; in particular, a benevolent leader with outstanding judgement gives way to a clearer communicator in an attempt to encourage unity amongst her followers. Sometimes a leader receives no attention from followers, and sometimes she steps down (says nothing); hence a leadership elite emerges from the endogenous choices of leaders and followers.
Thermo-mechanical modeling of thin slab direct rolling of Nb steels
Authors: Shahtout Mohamed I , Younes Mohammad A , Ahmed Mahmoud Hamed
Published: May 2012

This study presents the application of thermo-mechanical modeling of thin slab direct rolling on Nb-steels to improve mechanical and metallurgical properties of hot rolled steel strips. An integrated software model has been developed to predict and optimize final product properties based on rolling process parameters. The model calculates different rolling parameters, such as strain ( ε), critical strain ( εc), and peak strain ( εp), together with a type of recrystallization softening. The effect of changing rolling finishing temperature and interpass time on microstructure behavior and final product mechanical properties is considered. The model can handle steels with different micro-alloying elements, but only Nb-steel is presented here. The developed model has been validated online on a six-stand hot rolling line. Samples were taken from the final product and examined for mechanical properties and microstructure. Very good matching has been observed between predicted properties and corresponding values obtained from experimental examination.
Assessment of aileron tab installation influence on light sport aircraft flutter characteristics
Authors: Cecrdle Jiri
Published: May 2012

This article deals with the aileron flutter of the light sport aircraft. It gives an assessment of the influence of the retrofitting of the tab with regard to the aircraft aileron flutter characteristics. The necessary actuation system stiffness and the aileron flapping frequency to ensure stability at maximal speed of the aircraft are evaluated. The study was motivated by the M-7 aircraft accident in the western Bohemia in 2006. The finite element model was prepared by the optimization (gradient-based methods) utilizing the geometry and the test results to obtain the unknown structural parameters (stiffness, inertia). The design variables were mass and stiffness characteristics, initial values of design variables were set according geometry. The design responses (constrains and objective functions) were formulated in order to match ground vibration tests and other known data.
Audit regulation and the development of the auditing profession:The case of Sweden
Authors: Öhman Peter , Wallerstedt Eva
Published: May 2012

In the wake of the Companies Act of 1895, which stipulated that limited companies should appoint an auditor, an auditing field gradually emerged in Sweden. Our historical review from the end of the nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century reveals a reciprocal relationship between audit regulation and the development of the auditing profession. Laws and additional rules both codified auditing practice and paved the way for a strengthening of the profession’s position. The findings also show that critical events have triggered these developments. In 1932, a corporate financial scandal forced the profession to improve auditing methods and formulate ethical rules, and the law that followed was considered a significant indication of the importance of auditors in Sweden. The profession’s position was further strengthened in the 1970s when auditors’ associations became rule-making bodies, and the state decided upon additional assignments for auditors. To meet the 1983 prescription in the Companies Act that at least one auditor in a limited company should be authorized or approved, the number of authorized public accountants increased significantly.
A contract-law perspective on legal cases in financial reporting:The Netherlands, 1880–1970
Authors: Camfferman Kees
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes a framework for the historical analysis of judicial decisions in financial reporting that may provide a basis for comparative research in the historical relation between the law and accounting. It is suggested that contract law may have been the dominant legal domain in which such judicial decisions were taken. To illustrate the approach, an analysis is presented of the development of judicial decisions on financial reporting in the Netherlands from the late nineteenth century to the second half of the twentieth century. It is found that contract law provided the dominant frame of reference for financial reporting cases. The overall development of contract law explains why, in substance, it was difficult for interested parties to challenge accounting policy choice in court. A tentative comparative conclusion is that this substantive position was quite comparable to that arrived at in the UK, despite the different legal setting. Further research should investigate whether the predominance of a contract-law view of financial reporting led to greater similarities in the legal understanding of financial reporting across the civil-law/common-law divide than is commonly supposed.
Infection of an equine placenta with a novel mycobacterial species leading to abortion
Authors: Johnson Aime K. , Roberts John F. , Hagan Alexander , Wilborn Robyn R. , Dujovne Ghislaine , Sells Stephen F. , Donahue J. Michael
Published: May 2012

A 25-year-old pregnant American Quarter Horse mare presented with a 1-week history of progressively worsening vaginal discharge. Transrectal ultrasound revealed increased thickness of the combined uterus and placenta with evidence of chorioallantoic edema but no placental separation. A thickened amnion was visible on transabdominal ultrasound. Abortion occurred 2 days after presentation despite medical treatment. At necropsy, the chorioallantois had variable but diffuse thickening with focally extensive browning of the chorionic surface in the right horn and adjacent body. There were fluid-filled sacculations on the allantoic surface of the umbilical cord, allantoamnion, and chorioallantois associated with diffuse perivascular fluid microscopically. A nonbranching acid-fast bacterium identified as belonging to the genus Mycobacterium Runyon group IV was isolated from the chorioallantois and uterine fluid. Ziehl–Neelsen stain confirmed the presence of intracellular acid-fast bacilli in trophoblasts of the gravid horn and the cervical star area. The current case is unique in that the mycobacteria did not initiate a significant granulomatous inflammatory response in the chorion unless villar necrosis occurred. Sequence analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and the rpoβ gene, encoding the β subunit of RNA polymerase, indicated that the strain of mycobacteria isolated in this case belonged to a novel species of rapidly growing mycobacteria and not to an established species. Mycobacteria are an uncommon and sporadic cause of placentitis and abortion, but should be suspected in cases of chronic placentitis that are not restricted to the cervical star area.
Toward a Taxonomy Linking Game Attributes to Learning
Authors: Bedwell Wendy L. , Pavlas Davin , Heyne Kyle , Lazzara Elizabeth H. , Salas Eduardo
Published: May 2012

The serious games community is moving toward research focusing on direct comparisons between learning outcomes of serious games and those of more traditional training methods. Such comparisons are difficult, however, due to the lack of a consistent taxonomy of game attributes for serious games. Without a clear understanding of what truly constitutes a game, scientific inquiry will continue to reveal inconsistent findings, making it hard to provide practitioners with guidance as to the most important attribute(s) for desired training outcomes. This article presents a game attribute taxonomy derived from a comprehensive literature review and subsequent card sorts performed by subject matter experts (SMEs). The categories of serious game attributes that emerged represent the shared mental models of game SMEs and serve to provide a comprehensive collection of game attributes. In order to guide future serious games research, the existing literature base is organized around the framework of this taxonomy.
Architectures for Developing Multiuser, Immersive Learning Scenarios
Authors: Nadolski Rob J. , Hummel Hans G. K. , Slootmaker Aad , van der Vegt Wim
Published: May 2012

Multiuser immersive learning scenarios hold strong potential for lifelong learning as they can support the acquisition of higher order skills in an effective, efficient, and attractive way. Existing virtual worlds, game development platforms, and game engines only partly cater for the proliferation of such learning scenarios as they are often inadequately tuned for learning. First, this study aims to identify architectures that more effectively support the development of multiuser immersive learning scenarios. Second, this study takes up the challenge to define and assemble more flexible architectures that cater for fast and easy development, which will become important in the current period of economic breakdown. Third, this study describes how such architectures should enable research into guidelines for multiuser immersive learning scenario design and development. This study outlines a method for defining and setting up such architectures by using experts and existing literature.
Factors and Structural Model Related to End-of-Life Nursing Care in General Ward in Japan
Authors: Yoshioka Saori , Moriyama Michiko
Published: May 2012

This study aimed to determine the factors related to the implementation of end-of-life nursing care in general wards and to examine the adequacy of the hypothetical care implementation model. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. As the results of multiple regression analysis, 8 factors were determined: subjective evaluation of nurses’ own team, positive attitudes toward caring for dying persons, existence of a role model, death relief (Death Attitude Inventory), knowledge of symptom management knowledge of family assessment, abstract judgment skill, and participation in the seminar. The hypothetical model was constructed using these factors, and the adequacy of this model was confirmed by a structural equation modeling. These factors and the model would give suggestions of educational content and its method, which should be provided to general ward nurses.
Evaluation of End-of-Life Cancer Care in the ICU
Authors: Kinoshita Satomi , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the evaluation of end-of-life care from bereaved family of cancer patients who had died in intensive care units in Japan. Cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire surveys were conducted on community dwelling individuals aged 40-79 who were randomly sampled from census tracts. End-of-life care was assessed using the Good Death Inventory and Care Evaluation Scale. The respondents were 4011 bereaved family and response rate was 40%. Of 390 respondents had experienced bereavement in intensive care unit. Of 152 respondents had lost a loved one due to cancer. The result showed that bereaved family of cancer patients evaluated lower than the non-cancer patients for “The doctors dealt promptly with discomforting symptoms of the patients’ (p=0.009), ‘The nurses had adequate knowledge and skills’ (p=0.016), ‘Admission (use) was possible when necessary without waiting' (p=0.008) , Consideration was given to the health of the family (P=0.039) and Physical and psychological comfort (p=0.03). Overall, it can be presumed that the cancer patients' bereaved family evaluated about symptoms management and doctors and nurses skills was low. There is a need to improve for end-of-life care of cancer patients and to conduct further research to explore quality-improvement interventions to bereaved family of cancer in intensive care unit.
The Practical Nurse
Authors: Wittenberg-Lyles Elaine , Goldsmith Joy , Richardson Brian , Hallett Jennifer S. , Clark Raymond
Published: May 2012

Licensed practical nurses provide the majority of bedside care in long-term care facilities and home care settings, and their communication with patients and families is pivotal to interventions aimed at reducing burdensome transitions to acute care settings. Although good communication skills are required for practical nurses, they receive limited instruction in their training. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of communication training for the practical nurse. A pre–post survey design was used to assess the COMFORT communication training curriculum provided to licensed practical nursing students. A comparison of mean scores on communication skills attitudes and perceived nursing competency revealed statistically significant improvement in attitudes and self-efficacy. This study shows promise for the feasibility and utilization of the COMFORT curriculum for nurse communication training. Further research should address the nurse’s ability to perform COMFORT communication skills in the clinical setting.
An execution environment for flexible task-oriented software on multicore systems
Authors: Rauber Thomas , Rünger Gudula
Published: May 2012

The article addresses the challenges of software development for current and future parallel computers, which are expected to be dominated by multicore and many-core architectures. Using these multicore processors for cluster systems will create systems with thousands of cores and deep memory hierarchies. To efficiently exploit the tremendous parallelism of these hardware platforms, a new generation of programming methodologies is needed. This article proposes a parallel programming methodology exploiting a task-based representation of application software. For the specification of task-based programs, a coordination language is presented, which uses external variables to express the cooperation between tasks. For the actual execution of a task-based program on a specific parallel architecture, different dynamic scheduling algorithms embedded into an execution environment are introduced. Runtime experiments for complex methods from a numerical analysis are performed on different parallel execution platforms.
The Impact of Government Spending on Private Spending in a Two-Sector Economy
Authors: Valcarcel Victor
Published: May 2012

Based on evidence that the dynamics of private spending on durables seem to differ from that of nondurables and services, this article disaggregates the impact of an exogenous government shock into its effect on each type of consumption good. Different calibrations of a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model suggest that increases in government spending crowd out private spending on durable goods, while they serve to expand nondurable and services spending. Vector autoregression (VAR) estimates across these sectors yield qualitatively similar results. The estimated responses are driven by a negative correlation between durable spending and two measures of government spending that has not greatly varied over time—whereas the correlation between nondurable spending and government consumption has remained consistently positive throughout the sample. Estimates are consistent with a Great Moderation in three components of consumption, whereas moderations in the volatility of government spending took place earlier than the 1980s. The Great Recession of 2008–2009 saw an increase in volatility of consumption spending with no similar increases in the uncertainty of government spending.
Effect of inter-string friction on tennis ball rebound
Authors: Haake Steve , Allen Tom , Jones Alex , Spurr James , Goodwill Simon
Published: May 2012

Tennis players report anecdotally that the choice of string material affects the amount of spin applied to the ball by the racket. Previous research on the effect of the coefficient of friction of tennis strings has concluded that ball rebound is mostly, but not always, independent of the string friction. To understand this better, tennis balls were projected at a fixed racket at 25 m·s−1 with backspin varying from 0 to 400 rad·s−1 at an angle of 40° and 60° to the normal with strings made from either nylon or polyester. Each string type was modified by lubricating it to give low friction or sanding it to give high friction. It was shown that the inter-string friction μs had different consequences depending upon whether the strings slid across each other during contact. The ball tended to roll at high μs, unless the inbound backspin was high enough to induce slipping. A decrease in μs allowed slipping of the strings over each other which reduced the horizontal impulse applied to the ball. At very low μs the ball was induced to overspin at steep impacts or slip at shallow angles. It was concluded that the dominant effect of a change in inter-string friction was in the string movement rather than the coefficient of friction between the ball and strings, and that the effect was dependent upon impact angle and spin.
A semiotic approach to mind and culture
Authors: Cousins Steven D
Published: May 2012

The data of cultural psychology indicate a process of intentionality—of signifying or “pointing to” things from a first-person perspective—unaccounted for by the information-processing model. This “pointing to” process cannot be reduced to a dyadic relation between signifier and signified, because “pointing to” requires a third term—a goal or purpose to which the signifier-signified relation serves as a means. This third term defined here as the intendant—entails a future state or outcome in the world, and a subject who anticipates that outcome. Signifier points to signified in the service of the intendant, and this process, being intrinsic to all thoughts, makes intentionality intrinsic to all thoughts as well. Intentionality is a matter of “bringing to bear” the intendant on experience, of assimilating experience to one’s own point of view. This point of view is grounded in the shared symbol system of a given culture, but this symbol system itself is dependent on and continually shaped by the process of reference, as experienced by a community of individuals. Intentionality thus forms the basis of the “mutual constitution” of mind and culture.
Unity and diversity in a collaborative research project
Authors: Akkerman Sanne , Admiraal Wilfried , Simons Robert Jan
Published: May 2012

Studies on crossing boundaries show evidence that diversity in perspectives amongst group members does not need to be overcome by unity in order for collaboration to take place. This study explores what mechanisms of collaboration allow groups to maintain both unity and diversity. A longitudinal study of a Dutch inter-university research project is reported. The analysis considered how the group pursues the aim to function as a unified collective as well as the aim to include diverse project agendas and diverse theoretical perspectives. The results show two mechanisms. The first mechanism refers to an extension of diverse individually into diverse collectively voiced positions. The second mechanism includes a continuous shift in the way these diverse collective positions are constructed. This latter indicates how various types of boundaries are continuously negotiated during collaboration. We conclude that research on crossing boundaries should consider unity and diversity as two dialogically related and multilayered dimensions.
Mixed up perspectives: Reply to Chryssides et al. and Daanen and their critique of enactive cultural psychology
Authors: Verheggen Theo , Baerveldt Cor
Published: May 2012

In earlier contributions to Culture & Psychology we have put forward enactivism as an epistemological alternative for representationalist accounts of meaning in relation to action and experience. Critics continue to charge enactive cultural psychology of being a solipsistic and a materialist reductionistic epistemology. We address that critique, arguing that it consistently follows from misunderstanding in particular the enactivist notion of “operational closure,” and from mixing up two observer viewpoints that must be analytically severed when describing living, cognitive systems. Moreover, Daanen (2009) argued that in particular Heidegger’s phenomenology can help to reconcile enactive cultural psychology and social representation theory. We reply that although enactivism is indeed close to phenomenology, Daanen fails to appreciate Heidegger’s much more radical break with a philosophy of consciousness to anchor meaningful Being. Consequently, representationalist accounts cannot be salvaged, least of all by invoking Heidegger.