bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Polymorphic Alleles of FGF Receptor 4 on Colon Cancer Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Heinzle Christine , Gsur Andrea , Hunjadi Monika , Erdem Zeynep , Gauglhofer Christine , Stättner Stefan , Karner Josef , Klimpfinger Martin , Wrba Friedrich , Reti Andrea , Hegedus Balazs , Baierl Andreas , Grasl-Kraupp Bettina , Holzmann Klaus , Grusch Michael , Berger Walter , Marian Brigitte
Published: September 2012

A gly388arg polymorphism (rs351855) in the transmembrane domain of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR4) is associated with increased risk, staging, and metastasis in several different types of cancer. To specifically assess the impact of the polymorphic FGFR4 in colorectal cancer (CRC), we engineered CRC cell lines with distinct endogenous expression patterns to overexpress either the FGFR4gly or FGFR4arg alleles. The biologic analyses revealed an oncogenic importance for both polymorphic alleles, but FGFR4gly was the stronger inducer of tumor growth, whereas FGFR4arg was the stronger inducer of migration. An evaluation of clinical specimens revealed that FGFR4 was upregulated in 20/71 patients independent of gly388arg status. There was no correlation between the presence of an FGFR4arg allele and CRC or polyp risk in 3,471 participants of the CORSA study. However, among 182 patients with CRC, FGFR4arg-carriers had a fivefold higher risk of tumors that were stage II or greater. Together, our results established that both allelic forms of FGFR4 exert an oncogenic impact and may serve equally well as therapeutic targets in CRC. One important implication of our findings is that FGFR4arg-carriers are at a higher risk for more aggressive tumors and therefore may profit from early detection measures. Cancer Res; 72(22); 5767–77. ©2012 AACR.
Deficient DNA Damage Signaling Leads to Chemoresistance to Cisplatin in Oral Cancer
Authors: Wang Ling , Mosel Adam J. , Oakley Gregory G. , Peng Aimin
Published: September 2012

Activation of the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) is an important determinant of cell sensitivity to cisplatin and other chemotherapeutic drugs that eliminate tumor cells through induction of DNA damage. It is therefore important to investigate whether alterations of the DNA damage-signaling pathway confer chemoresistance in cancer cells and whether pharmacologic manipulation of the DDR pathway can resensitize these cells to cancer therapy. In a panel of oral/laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines, we observed deficiencies in DNA damage signaling in correlation with cisplatin resistance, but not with DNA repair. These deficiencies are consistent with reduced expression of components of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent signaling pathway and, in particular, strong upregulation of Wip1, a negative regulator of the ATM pathway. Wip1 knockdown or inhibition enhanced DNA damage signaling and resensitized oral SCC cells to cisplatin. In contrast to the previously reported involvement of Wip1 in cancer, Wip1 upregulation and function in these SCC cells is independent of p53. Finally, using xenograft tumor models, we showed that Wip1 upregulation promotes tumorigenesis and its inhibition improves the tumor response to cisplatin. Thus, this study reveals that chemoresistance in oral SCCs is partially attributed to deficiencies in DNA damage signaling, and Wip1 is an effective drug target for enhanced cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(11); 2401–9. ©2012 AACR.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Is Required for Vasa Vasorum Plexus Stability in Hypercholesterolemic Mice
Authors: Mollmark Jessica I. , Park Andrew J.-H. , Kim Justin , Wang Thomas Z. , Katzenell Sarah , Shipman Samantha L. , Zagorchev Lyubomir G. , Simons Michael , Mulligan-Kehoe Mary Jo
Published: September 2012

Objective—

Vasa vasorum are angiogenic in advanced stages of human atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemic mouse models. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is the predominant angiogenic growth factor in the adventitia and plaque of hypercholesterolemic low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient/apolipoprotein B
100/100
mice (DKO). FGF-2 seems to play a role in the formation of a distinct vasa vasorum network. This study examined the vasa vasorum structure and its relationship to FGF-2.

Methods and Results—

DKO mice treated with saline, antiangiogenic recombinant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
23
(rPAI-1
23
), or soluble FGF receptor 1 were perfused with fluorescein-labeled
Lycopersicon esculentum
lectin. Confocal images of FGF-2–probed descending aorta adventitia show that angiogenic vasa vasorum form a plexus-like network in saline-treated DKO similar to the FGF-2 pattern of distribution. Mice treated with rPAI-1
23
and soluble FGF receptor 1 lack a plexus; FGF-2 and vasa vasorum density and area are significantly reduced. A perlecan/FGF-2 complex is critical for plexus stability. Excess plasmin produced in rPAI-1
23
-treated DKO mice degrades perlecan and destabilizes the plexus. Plasmin activity and plaque size measured in DKO and DKO/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
−
/−
mice demonstrate that elevated plasmin activity contributes to reduced plaque size.

Conclusion—

An FGF-2/perlecan complex is required for vasa vasorum plexus stability. Elevated plasmin activity plays a significant inhibitory role in vasa vasorum plexus and plaque development.
Biglycan Induces the Expression of Osteogenic Factors in Human Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells via Toll-Like Receptor-2
Authors: Song Rui , Zeng Qingchun , Ao Lihua , Yu Jessica A. , Cleveland Joseph C. , Zhao Ke-seng , Fullerton David A. , Meng Xianzhong
Published: September 2012

Objective—

Although biglycan (BGN) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) accumulation has been observed in calcific, stenotic aortic valves, their role in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease is poorly understood. We hypothesized that soluble BGN induces the osteogenic response in human aortic valve interstitial cells via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 and mediates the proosteogenic effect of oxLDL.

Methods and Results—

Aortic valve interstitial cells of stenotic valves express higher levels of BGN. Stimulation of cells from normal valves with BGN increased the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) among the chondrogenic/osteogenic markers examined and caused accumulation of calcium deposits. TLR2 silencing, but not TLR4 silencing, reduced BMP-2 and ALP levels after BGN stimulation although coimmunoprecipitation revealed that BGN interacts with both TLR2 and TLR4. BGN induced the phosphorylation of
extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase
-1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB. Inhibition of
extracellular-regulated kinase
-1/2 markedly reduced the upregulation of BMP-2 and ALP expression by BGN whereas inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase or nuclear factor-κB had a moderate effect. Stimulation of aortic valve interstitial cells with oxLDL upregulated BGN expression and release. Knockdown and neutralization of BGN reduced the effect of oxLDL on BMP-2 and ALP expression.

Conclusion—

Extracellular soluble BGN induces the expression of BMP-2 and ALP in human aortic valve interstitial cells primarily via TLR2 and contributes to the proosteogenic effect of oxLDL. These findings highlight the potential role of soluble BGN and oxLDL in the development of calcific aortic valve disease.
Acute Liver Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase I Overexpression Recapitulates Reduced Palmitate Oxidation of Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Lewandowski E. Douglas , Fischer Susan K. , Fasano Matthew , Banke Natasha H. , Walker Lori A. , Huqi Alda , Wang Xuerong , Lopaschuk Gary D. , O’Donnell J. Michael
Published: September 2012

Rationale:

Muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I is predominant in the heart, but the liver isoform (liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase I [L-CPT1]) is elevated in hearts with low long chain fatty acid oxidation, such as fetal and hypertrophied hearts.

Objective:

This work examined the effect of acute L-CPT1 expression on the regulation of palmitate oxidation and energy metabolism in intact functioning rat hearts for comparison with findings in hypertrophied hearts.

Methods and Results:

L-CPT1 was expressed in vivo in rat hearts by coronary perfusion of Adv.cmv.L-CPT1 (L-CPT1, n=15) vs phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) infusion (PBS, n=7) or empty virus (empty, n=5). L-CPT1 was elevated 5-fold at 72 hours after Adv.cmv.L-CPT1 infusion (
P
<0.05), but muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I was unaffected. Despite similar tricarboxylic acid cycle rates, palmitate oxidation rates were reduced with L-CPT1 (1.12 ± 0.29 μmol/min per gram of dry weight, mean±SE) vs PBS (1.6 ± 0.34). Acetyl CoA production from palmitate was reduced with L-CPT1 (69 ± 0.02%;
P
<0.05; PBS=79 ± 0.01%; empty=81 ± 0.02%), similar to what occurs in hypertrophied hearts, and with no difference in malonyl CoA content. Glucose oxidation was elevated with L-CPT1 (by 60%). Surprisingly, L-CPT1 hearts contained elevated atrial natriuretic peptide, indicating induction of hypertrophic signaling.

Conclusions:

The results link L-CPT1 expression to reduced palmitate oxidation in a nondiseased adult heart, recapitulating the phenotype of reduced long chain fatty acid oxidation in cardiac hypertrophy. The implications are that L-CPT1 expression induces metabolic remodeling hypertrophic signaling and that regulatory factors beyond malonyl CoA in the heart regulate long chain fatty acid oxidation via L-CPT1.
Improving NWP Model Cloud Forecasts Using Meteosat Second-Generation Imagery
Authors: van der Veen Siebe H.
Published: September 2012

The cloud mask of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is a nowcasting Satellite Application Facility (SAF) that is used to improve initial cloudiness in the High-Resolution Limited-Area Model (HIRLAM). This cloud mask is based on images from the Meteorological Satellite (Meteosat) Second Generation (MSG) satellite. The quality of the SAF cloud mask appeared to be better than initial HIRLAM clouds in 84% of the cases. Forecasts have been performed for about a week in each of the four seasons during 2009 and 2010. Better initial clouds in HIRLAM always lead to better cloud predictions. Verification of forecasts showed that the positive impact is still present after 24 h in 59% of the cases. This is remarkable, because initial dynamics was kept unchanged. The magnitude of the positive impact on cloud predictions is more or less proportional to the initial cloud improvement, and it decreases with forecast length. Also, forecast 2-m temperatures are affected by initial clouds. The generally positive bias of the 2-m temperature errors becomes a few tenths of a degree larger during the night but it decreases a comparable amount during daylight, because MSG tends to increase the cloud amounts in HIRLAM. The standard deviation of the errors often improves slightly in the first part of the forecast, indicating that forecast temperatures correlate better with observations when MSG is used for initialization. For longer lead times, however, standard deviations deteriorate a few tenths of a degree in seven of the eight verification periods, which all had a length of about a week.
Parent and Physician Perceptions of Medical Home Care for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in the State of Kentucky
Authors: Williams Patricia Gail , Tomchek Scott , Grau Rebecca , Bundy Myra Beth , Davis Deborah Winders , Kleinert Harold
Published: September 2012

The medical home model of care is widely accepted as the ideal for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) but may be very difficult to implement. In this study, parents of children with autism and pediatricians caring for children with autism in Kentucky were surveyed to determine the current status of primary care services for children with ASDs. Results indicated that the majority of families and physicians were comfortable with the routine health care provided to children with ASDs, but had concerns about physician ability to provide information regarding community resources, address comorbid conditions associated with autism, and discuss treatment options. The need for physician education regarding available national and regional autism resources is clear. Creative strategies involving collaboration across medical, educational, and community systems appear to be essential for establishing effective medical homes for children with ASDs.
New Urban Teachers Transcending Neoliberal Educational Reforms
Authors: Costigan Arthur T.
Published: September 2012

This article presents 7 years of qualitative research into the emerging understandings of a population of 456 beginning 7 to 12 urban teachers who supplied 130 participants who were enrolled in a total of 26 MSEd English Language Arts courses over 7 years. These were interviewed while teaching in urban schools focused primarily on testing and accountability systems, and their class writings were used to present seven of their voices in this study. The study investigates participant engagement in two theoretical frameworks emphasized in the courses: first, the neoliberal ideology of testing and accountability; second, the transactional tradition of aesthetic education. The study finds that education students need not passively acquiesce to neoliberal reforms, but can reclaim a culturally critical stance in their teaching.
A 3D object model for wireless camera networks with network constraints
Authors: Tan Jindong , Kong Fanyu , Liang Wei
Published: September 2012

A new general 3D object model is required in the literature of smart camera networks to facilitate future research. This paper presents a novel hierarchical and structural 3D model description which is well suited for both events detection and real-time free viewpoint surveillance. With this 3D model, sparse points are used to reconstruct objects. In addition, the state of the model is easy to track and estimate, which can be used to reduce time and computation when reconstructing the model. Further, data flow in the network is reduced to a level that smart cameras can afford. A concrete data structure of the model is described in this paper and its reconstruction method, the fusion method, is provided. Finally, experiment results show its feasibility, efficiency and effectiveness.
“The Love of My Life”
Authors: Pope Stacey
Published: September 2012

Academic research has typically focused upon the importance of sports fandom for men, and there is also a lack of comparative work which examines fans of different sports. This article aims to address this omission by exploring the meaning and importance of sports fandom for women. Drawing on a “grounded theory” approach, 85 semi-structured interviews were conducted with female fans of men’s football (soccer) and rugby union in England. Building upon Giulianotti’s (2002) work, I develop a preliminary model of female fandom. I examine two female fan “types” (“hot’ and “cool” fans), and explore two different kinds of gender performance (“masculine” femininities and “feminine” femininities) which helped to connote these. My findings demonstrate the need to consider the range and diversity of women’s supporter styles.
Cultural geography I
Authors: Kirsch Scott
Published: September 2012

A series of ‘cultural turns’ across human geography have left cultural geography itself with something of an identity crisis. I suggest that overlapping strains of materialism are already providing cultural geography with some of its ‘connective wiring’ and core concerns. Common materialist sensibilities are evident in recent theoretically and empirically engaged work on value and waste, which highlights the transformative work of meaning-making cultural processes in the world. Close contextual engagements with waste have offered geographers an ‘enhanced’ means of grounding their materialisms by turning to processes occurring at the bottom of the value chain. Waste has also provided a window onto the contested cultural work of coding things for value, and the research has served to accentuate an engagement with materiality as transformation and process.
No Differences in Prevalence of Osteoarthritis or Function After Open Versus Endoscopic Technique for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Holm Inger , Øiestad Britt Elin , Risberg May Arna , Gunderson Ragnhild , Aune Arne Kristian
Published: September 2012

Background:

Although arthroscopic techniques are the most common procedures today when reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), many surgeons still prefer the open and/or 2-incision techniques.

Hypothesis:

There are no differences in knee function or prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in patients who have undergone the open versus endoscopic technique for ACL reconstruction using the patellar tendon autograft.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Sixty-seven patients with subacute or chronic rupture of the ACL were randomly assigned to open (OPEN) (n = 33) or endoscopic (ENDO) (n = 34) reconstruction. Function was evaluated by the Cincinnati knee score, single-legged hop tests, and isokinetic muscle strength tests. The radiographs were classified according to the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) classification system, defining grade 2 or more as the cutoff point for knee OA. The Insall-Salvati ratio and the Blackburne-Peel ratio were used to calculate the patellar position and height.

Results:

Mean age at inclusion and at the 12-year follow-up evaluation was 27.9 ± 8.6 and 39.8 ± 8.6 years, respectively. At 12-year follow-up, 53 patients (79%) were eligible for evaluation. There were no significant differences between the 2 surgical procedures with respect to the pain, function, muscle strength, hop tests, patellar height, or the prevalence of OA. The prevalence of OA was high in the tibiofemoral joint on the operated side, 79% and 80% in the OPEN and ENDO groups, respectively. For the uninvolved knee, the corresponding numbers were 36% and 21%.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the open procedure does not produce more functional problems or osteoarthritis compared with the endoscopic technique up to 12 years postoperatively.
Restoration of Shoulder Biomechanics According to Degree of Repair Completion in a Cadaveric Model of Massive Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Oh Joo Han , McGarry Michelle H. , Jun Bong Jae , Gupta Akash , Chung Kyung Chil , Hwang James , Lee Thay Q.
Published: September 2012

Background:

Complete repair in massive rotator cuff tear may not be possible, allowing for only partial repair. However, the effect of partial repair on glenohumeral biomechanics has not been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the rotational range of motion (ROM), glenohumeral kinematics, and gap formation at the repaired tendon edge following massive cuff tear and repair according to the degree of repair completion.

Hypothesis:

Posterior fixation will restore the altered biomechanics of massive rotator cuff tear.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight cadaveric shoulders were tested at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction in the scapular plane. Muscle loading was applied based on physiological muscle cross-sectional area ratios. Maximum internal (MaxIR) and external rotations (MaxER) were measured. Humeral head apex (HHA) position and gap formation at the repaired tendon edge were measured using a MicroScribe from MaxIR to MaxER in 30° increments. Testing was performed for intact, massive cuff tear, complete repair, and 4 types of partial repair. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences.

Results:

Massive tear significantly increased ROM and shifted HHA superiorly in MaxIR at all abduction angles ( P < .05). The complete repair restored ROM to intact ( P < .05), while all partial repairs did not. Abnormal HHA elevation due to massive tear was restored by all repairs ( P < .05). Release of the anterior single row alone and release of the marginal convergence significantly increased gap formation at the anterior tendon edge ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

This study emphasizes the importance of anterior fixation in massive cuff tear to restore rotational range of motion and decrease gap formation at the repaired tendon edge and of posterior fixation to restore abnormal glenohumeral kinematics due to massive cuff tear.

Clinical Relevance:

If complete repair of massive cuff tear is not possible, posterior cuff (infraspinatus) repair is necessary to restore abnormal glenohumeral kinematics, and margin convergence anteriorly is recommended to decrease gap formation of the repaired tendon edge, which may provide a better biomechanical environment for healing.
The effect of air gaps in moist protective clothing on protection from heat and flame
Authors: Lu Yehu , Li Jun , Li Xiaohui , Song Guowen
Published: September 2012

The distribution of air gaps and moisture in thermal protective clothing has a large and complicated impact on thermal protective performance. The effect of air gap size on the thermal protective performance of flame-resistant fabrics with different moisture content was investigated under intense exposures. The air gap sizes from 0 to 24 mm were analyzed using an air gap height regulation device. Fabrics with different moisture content were prepared, and the thermal protective performance was evaluated. The results showed that the effect of air gaps was influenced by the amount of moisture added to the fabric. It was also determined that the moisture in the fabric significantly increased the thermal protective performance ( P < 0.05). The positive effect of moisture was enhanced by the amount of moisture if the air gap size was less than 12 mm; the effect of moisture varied for air gaps larger than 12 mm. The mechanisms associated with heat and mass transfer in moist fabric were discussed. The results suggest that protective clothing design should consider the combined effects of air gap and moisture. Based on the current study, air gaps of 9–12 mm seem to achieve maximum thermal protection.
Progressive and Accelerated Disability Onset by Race/Ethnicity and Education among Late Midlife and Older Adults
Authors: Latham Kenzie
Published: September 2012

Objective: This study explores the pace of severe disability onset with an emphasis on the role of race/ethnicity and education. More specifically, this research examines whether race/ethnicity and educational attainment are independent predictors of progressive and accelerated disability onset. Method: Using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Waves 2 to 10 (1994-2010), a series of discrete-time Cox proportional hazards models with multiple competing events were created to ascertain whether respondents developed progressive or accelerated disability in subsequent waves. Results: Black and Hispanic respondents were at an increased risk of developing progressive disability. Respondents without a high school degree were more likely to experience progressive or accelerated disability. Discussion: Low educational attainment was a particularly strong predictor of accelerated disability onset and may represent an acute lack of resources over the life course. Race and ethnicity were important predictors of progressive disability onset, which may reflect racial/ethnic variations in the disabling process.
Collaborative Value Creation
Authors: Austin James E. , Seitanidi Maria May
Published: September 2012

In this second of a two-part focused review of the nonprofit business and corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature, the authors present the third and fourth components of the collaborative value creation (CVC) framework: the partnering processes that unpack the value creation dynamics and the collaboration outcomes that examine the benefits and costs on multiple levels. The authors suggest that greater value is created at all levels of analysis, micro, meso, and macro, as collaboration moves from sole creation to co-creation of value. The CVC framework assigns equal importance to all forms of value (economic, social, and environmental), types of actors (individuals, organizations, and societies), and time scales (short/long term), providing the analytical paths for assessing value creation holistically. Examining systematically the processes and the outcomes of value co-creation allows for greater specificity, dimensionality, and inclusivity. The article concludes by delineating the contribution of the CVC framework and offering recommendations for future research.
Discharge coefficient measurements of round, inclined orifices with inlet cross-flow in and against direction of inclination
Authors: Hüning Marcus
Published: September 2012

In an effort to improve the validated understanding of aerodynamic losses across orifices, this publication describes discharge coefficient measurements, derived from a specially designed test rig. This rig contains a straight, square section main channel (20 × 20 mm2) with exchangeable orifice plates at one side wall with 7 mm hole diameters. The channel was supplied with compressed air at between about zero velocity and nearly the speed of sound. Static pressure ratios across orifices were varied between 1.05 and 2 in addition. Test orifices had inclinations of 0°, 30° and 60° in and against inlet cross-flow. Further, orifice length-to-diameter ratios were varied to 0.5, 1 and 2. Orifice inlet and outlet corners were sharp. The main channel velocity was determined using a pitot tube, a thermocouple and flush-mounted static pressure off-takes. Orifice downstream pressure was measured by a flush mounted static pressure off-take. Orifice through flow was determined by a calibrated hot film measurement device with constant temperature difference control, equipped with an additional thermocouple to determine fluid properties.
Estimation of transverse tensile behavior of Zircaloy pressure tubes using ring-tensile test and finite element analysis
Authors: Samal MK , Balakrishnan KS , Parashar J , Tiwari GP , Anantharaman S
Published: September 2012

Determination of transverse mechanical properties from the ring type of specimens directly machined from the nuclear reactor pressure tubes is not straightforward. It is due to the presence of combined membrane as well as bending stresses arising in the loaded condition because of the curvature of the specimen. These tubes are manufactured through a complicated process of pilgering and heat treatment and hence, the transverse properties need to be determined in the as-manufactured condition. It may not also be possible to machine small miniaturized specimen in the circumferential direction especially in the irradiated condition. In this work, we have performed ring-tensile tests on the un-irradiated ring tensile specimen using two split semi-cylindrical mandrels as the loading device. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed in order to determine the material true stress–strain curve by comparing experimental load–displacement data with those predicted by finite element analysis. In order to validate the methodology, miniaturized tensile specimens were machined from these tubes and tested. It was observed that the stress–strain data as obtained from ring tensile specimen could describe the load–displacement curve of the miniaturized flat tensile specimen very well. However, it was noted that the engineering stress–strain as directly obtained from the experimental load–displacement curves of the ring tensile tests were very different from that of the miniaturized specimen. This important aspect has been resolved in this work through the use of an innovative type of 3-piece loading mandrel.
Assessing the effects of track input on the response of insulated rail joints using field experiments
Authors: Askarinejad Hossein , Dhanasekar Manicka , Cole Colin
Published: September 2012

Manufacturers of insulated rail joints (IRJs) have to follow the quality assurance regime stipulated in the national design standards; unfortunately, IRJs still exhibit a very low and highly variable service life. It is widely believed that the service life of IRJs is affected by the track input under the passage of loaded wheels; however, there is a paucity of literature with regard to the actual mechanical behaviour of IRJs in the track. An extensive field test was, therefore, conducted on an in-service heavy haul corridor in Australia with the specific aim of understanding the effect of the track input on the response of the IRJs. Data on the wheel–rail force, rail/joint-bar strain, sleeper acceleration and ballast pressure signatures in the time domain were determined from the experiment. This data was subsequently systematically analysed to compare the relative structural merits of two IRJs resting on different sleeper spaces and a reference continuous rail subjected to similar real-life coal traffic loading.
Wetland chronosequence as a model of peatland development: Vegetation succession, peat and carbon accumulation
Authors: Tuittila Eeva-Stiina , Juutinen Sari , Frolking Steve , Väliranta Minna , Laine Anna M , Miettinen Antti , Seväkivi Marja-Liisa , Quillet Anne , Merilä Päivi
Published: September 2012

Model validation experiments are fundamental to ensure that the peat growth models correspond with the diversity in nature. We evaluated the Holocene Peatland Model (HPM) simulation against the field observations from a chronosequence of peatlands and peat core data. The ongoing primary peatland formation on the isostatically rising coast of Finland offered us an exceptional opportunity to study the peatland succession along a spatial continuum and to compare it with the past succession revealed by vertical peat sequences. The current vegetation assemblages, from the seashore to a 3000 year old bog, formed a continuum from minerotrophic to ombrotrophic plant communities. A similar sequence of plant communities was found in the palaeovegetation. The distribution of plant functional types was related to peat thickness and water-table depth (WTD) supporting the assumptions in HPM, though there were some differences between the field data and HPM. Palaeobotanical evidence from the oldest site showed a rapid fen–bog transition, indicated by a coincidental decrease in minerotrophic plant functional types and an increase in ombrotrophic plant functional types. The long-term mean rate of carbon (C) accumulation varied from 2 to 34 g C/m2 per yr, being highest in the intermediate age cohorts. Mean nitrogen (N) accumulation varied from 0.1 to 3.9 g N/m2 per yr being highest in the youngest sites. WTD was the deepest in the oldest sites and its variation there was temporally the least but spatially the highest. Evaluation of the HPM simulations against the field observations indicated that HPM reasonably well simulates peatland development, except for very young peatlands.
Changes in the Erica ciliaris Loefl. ex L. peat bogs of southwestern Europe from the 17th to the 20th centuries ad
Authors: Sousa A , Morales J , García-Barrón L , García-Murillo P
Published: September 2012

This paper analyses a reconstruction of changes from the 17th to the 20th centuries in peat bogs with Erica ciliaris Loefl. ex L. heathlands in southwestern Europe. The reconstruction is performed by means of a multidisciplinary method based on photointerpretation, the examination of historical sources (documentation and maps), and an analysis of microtopography. Historical sources and aerial photos from 1956 and 1987 have also been used to reconstruct the impacts of anthropic activity. In the study area, Doñana Natural Park (SW Iberian Peninsula), peat bogs currently occupy slightly more than 8% of the area that they covered at the beginning of the 17th century. A parallel analysis of anthropic activity in the area over the last four centuries reveals the key role of humans in the disappearance of these peat bogs. This drastic reduction of peat bog area during the 20th century is due to a lowering of the water-table as a result of the impacts of anthropic activity, primarily the establishment of monocultures of Eucalyptus spp. and Pinus pinea. An earlier lowering of the water-table, before these plantations, is attributable to a process of aridisation associated with post-‘Little Ice Age’ warming. Therefore, the impacts associated with climatic trends are synergistically superimposed on those derived from the intense anthropic activity that occurred during the second half of the 20th century. This synergy resulted in a reduction of the surface occupied by the studied peat bogs and their associated E. ciliaris heathlands by 91.1% in SW Europe.
On the improvement of the Copyright Law of Korea for library services for persons with disabilities
Authors: Yoon Hee-Yoon , Kim Sin-Young
Published: September 2012

One of the most important issues for world libraries at the present time is to extend copyright limitations and exceptions for reproduction, for library preservation and distribution services including lending and ILL/DDS, the printout and transmission of Internet information resources, copying of library materials which are rarely available through normal trade channel and government publications, and the reproduction and electronic transmission of materials for persons with disabilities. Korean copyright law restricts access to information for persons with disabilities and often overrides their fair use rights. For these reasons, this study analysed the copyright exceptions for persons with disabilities in six major countries (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, and Republic of Korea) and suggested a re-draft of the Copyright Law of Korea to improve library services for persons with disabilities.
Mortality of a captive axis deer (Axis axis) and a llama (Lama glama) due to ingestion of Wedelia glauca
Authors: Giannitti Federico , Margineda Carlos A. , Cid María S. , Diab Santiago S. , Weber Natalia , Rodríguez Alejandro , Campero Carlos M. , Odriozola Ernesto R.
Published: September 2012

The current study describes a naturally occurring cluster of cases of Wedelia glauca intoxication. Seven of 14 axis deer ( Axis axis) and 1 of 8 llamas ( Lama glama) in a zoo of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, died suddenly after ingestion of a new batch of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa) hay bales contaminated with the hepatotoxic plant W. glauca. Necropsies of 1 deer and 1 llama were performed. Pathological findings in both animals included severe diffuse acute centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis and hemorrhage, and clear yellowish translucent gelatinous edema on the wall of the gall bladder and the serosa of the choledochoduodenal junction. Fragments of W. glauca plants were identified in the hay based on the botanical characteristics of the leaves. Samples of gastric contents were examined by microhistological analysis, which identified epidermal fragments of W. glauca based on the presence of characteristic uniseriate glandular hairs (trichomes), confirming recent ingestion of W. glauca in both cases. The fragments were quantified and represented 5% of all examined vegetal fragments in the deer and 10% in the llama.
The Development of an Algorithm to Identify Potential Social Security Disability Beneficiaries
Authors: Frey William , Riley Jarnee , Gonin Rene , Kalton Graham , Weathers Robert R. , Kalasunas Susan A. , Stegman Michelle L.
Published: September 2012

The Social Security Administration funded the development of a screener that could accurately classify household members into one of four disability groups (likely disabled, possibly disabled, not disabled, or current social security disability beneficiaries) for purposes of a larger national study. The authors developed a questionnaire, tested five screener algorithms on data from a pilot study, and assessed the performance of each screener in identifying individuals who are likely disabled, possibly disabled, and not disabled. An algorithm using the item response theory methodology of Rasch modeling offered the greatest improvement over the original screener algorithm and appeared to be quite superior to the other alternatives.
Leveraging Web-Based Environments for Mass Atrocity Prevention
Authors: Harding Tucker B. , Whitlock Mark A.
Published: September 2012

A growing literature exploring large-scale, identity-based political violence, including mass killing and genocide, debates the plausibility of, and prospects for, early warning and prevention. An extension of the debate involves the prospects for creating educational experiences that result in more sophisticated analytical products that enhance preventive policy action. This article details an attempt to bridge the theory to practice gap. It describes the role of a simulation COUNTRY X within the educational contexts of both a graduate course in prevention of mass killing and genocide at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), and a practitioner training workshop designed for regional conflict early warning analysts in Africa. The authors review educational theory describing problem-based learning and apply it to a web-based educational simulation. Using a recent training of professional conflict early warning analysts as their case study, they explore several assumptions regarding the utility of simulated environments as educational tools in moving from theory to practice. Use of the simulation resulted in active and engaged participation by learners, increased capacity for well-reasoned perspective taking, and improved analytical confidence in complex scenarios.
Loss in the NICU
Authors: Sandler Carla L. , Robinson Elizabeth , Carter Brian S.
Published: September 2012

Siblings of patients that have lengthy stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be affected emotionally by their brother’s or sister’s condition, separation, or even death. In an effort to assess the effect of perinatal loss on siblings a student-led inquiry was designed and tested. A scripted interview was composed to determine whether or not children were effectively processing the loss of their sibling. While a single case is reported, the methodology proved useful and opens the door to further consideration of providing sibling-oriented grief and bereavement services in the NICU.
Communicating Web Accessibility to the Novice Developer
Authors: Youngblood Susan A.
Published: September 2012

Novice Web developers and other technical communicators need to learn not only accessibility standards but also factors that make designs usable to audiences with disabilities. One challenge of teaching accessibility to novices is creating exigency; another is emulating experiences of users with disabilities. This article tackles teaching novices to create Web sites for visually impaired audiences using a five-stage, recursive approach. Teaching best coding practices is only one stage: Instructors should create exigency by introducing real users and their experiences. They should also check for accessibility and emulate screen-reader output using tools such as WAVE and FANGS, respectively. Furthermore, novice developers should examine how different tools can be used in combination to provide a variety of feedback.
Ethical Considerations of Using Narrative to Communicate Science
Authors: Dahlstrom Michael F. , Ho Shirley S.
Published: September 2012

This article discusses three ethical considerations science communicators face when considering narrative as a communication technique for science policy contexts: (a) What is the underlying purpose of using narrative: comprehension or persuasion? (b) What are the appropriate levels of accuracy to maintain? (c) Should narrative be used at all? These considerations intersect with perceptions of the appropriate roles of communication and of scientists within democracy. By providing a clearer articulation of these ethical considerations, the authors hope that narrative can become a more useful communication technique toward informed science policy decisions.
The active vibration attenuation of a built-in motorized milling spindle
Authors: Qiao Xiaoli , Zhu Changsheng
Published: September 2012

An active vibration control scheme is proposed for suppressing the vibration of the high-speed induction electric spindle with a built-in force actuator to improve the performance of high-speed milling system. The built-in force actuator is a set of windings, which are added to the stator of electric spindle motor. An improved fast block least mean square (FBLMS) adaptive filter is adopted to produce the reference control force, which is used to obtain the control current of force actuator, and then a controlled, non-contact electromagnetic control force on the electric spindle is produced by the force actuator to control actively chatter, unbalanced vibration and disturbance signals of milling system. The built-in motorized spindles dynamic is modeled by means of the finite element method, the dynamic milling, the air gap excitation current of torque and radial electromagnetic control force are modeled, the control force coefficient and the unbalanced magnetic pull force coefficient are identified by finite element analysis, and then the active vibration control scheme for the flexible induction electric spindle is designed. The vibration, with a different frequency component, is investigated. The results show that the improved FBLMS adaptive filter and the proposed active control scheme have an obvious effect on suppressing the spindle chatter, unbalanced vibration and other frequency vibration components in the built-in motorized milling spindle.
Stress analysis of the cracked and uncracked transversely isotropic sectors with different types of boundary conditions
Authors: Faal Reza Teymoori , Hassani Alireza
Published: September 2012

The anti-plane deformation of an uncracked transversely isotropic sector is studied for two different types of boundary conditions. The solution of the problem is accomplished by means of two methods for each boundary condition, namely using the finite Fourier cosine transform and the method of separation of variables. The closed-form solutions are obtained for displacement and stress fields in the whole domain for each kind of boundary conditions. In the special cases, i.e. finite wedges, the results for the stress field show an exact agreement with those in the literature. In the following, the stress analysis of a transversely isotropic sectors weakened by a circular crack as well as radial crack is accomplished. The resultant singular integral equation of the Cauchy type are solved numerically and, finally, the stress intensity factors of the crack tips versus the ratios of the material properties are plotted and discussed.
On the connection between heat and wave problems in quantum calculus and applications
Authors: Nemri Akram
Published: September 2012

Using the q2-Laplace transform and its inverse transform introduced early on by Hahn and deeply studied by Abdi we have prove that the q-analogues of the heat and wave equations are linked as in the classical case of Bragg and Dettman. As an application, we proved first, through the q-wave polynomials, that the q-Hermite and the q-little Jacobi polynomials are related. Second, we have given a q-analogue of the Poisson kernel studied by Fitouhi and Annabi.
On conservation laws in nonlocal elasticity associated with internal long-range interactions
Authors: Huang Zaixing
Published: September 2012

A Lagrangian formulation with nonlocality is investigated in this paper. The nonlocality of the Lagrangian is introduced by a new nonlocal argument that is defined as a nonlocal residual satisfying the zero mean condition. The nonlocal Euler–Lagrangian equation is derived from the Hamilton’s principle. The Noether’s theorem is extended to this Lagrangian formulation with nonlocality. With the help of the extended Noether’s theorem, the conservation laws relevant to energy, linear momentum, angular momentum and the Eshelby tensor are determined in the nonlocal elasticity associated with the mechanically based constitutive model. The results show that the conservation laws exist only in the form of the integral over the whole domain occupied by the body. The localization of the conservation laws is discussed in detail. We demonstrate that not every conservation law corresponds to a local equilibrium equation. Only when the nonlocal residual of conservation current exists, can a conservation law be transformed into a local equilibrium equation by localization.
Parents’ Perceptions of Their Children’s Social Behavior
Authors: Hutchins Tiffany L. , Prelock Patricia A.
Published: September 2012

This article describes a family-centered collaborative approach to the development and socially valid assessment of Social Stories™ and comic strip conversations (CSCs) for supporting the social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Seventeen children with ASD (ages 4–12 years) participated in either an immediate or a wait-intervention control group. Parents’ perceptions of the effects of Social Stories™ and CSCs to promote more appropriate social behaviors were compared across baseline, intervention, and withdrawal phases of study. Visual analyses of subjective ratings indicated that the intervention was effective for 13 of 17 children (i.e., for 76.5% of cases). Perceived effects of treatment were linked only to the variable of verbal mental age with a minimum age of 3 years predicting success. The authors argue that Social Stories™ and CSCs lead to socially valid outcomes. Although there are exceptions, they are most likely to be effective for addressing social behaviors in the context of interpersonal conflicts when children demonstrate a minimum verbal age of 3 years. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Positive Family Intervention for Severe Challenging Behavior I
Authors: Durand V. Mark , Hieneman Meme , Clarke Shelley , Wang Mo , Rinaldi Melissa L.
Published: September 2012

The present study was a multisite randomized clinical trial assessing the effects of adding a cognitive-behavioral intervention to positive behavior support (PBS). Fifty-four families who met the criteria of (a) having a child with a developmental disability, (b) whose child displayed serious challenging behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, tantrums), and (c) who scored high on a measure of parental pessimism were randomly assigned to either PBS intervention or a combination of PBS and optimism training for parents (positive family intervention [PFI]). A manualized approach to both interventions was used for eight weekly individual sessions. Both groups improved in scores of parental pessimism as well as on standardized measures and direct observations of child challenging behavior. The PFI intervention resulted in significantly improved scores on the General Maladaptive Index of the Scales of Independent Behavior–Revised when compared with the PBS alone group. No differences in attrition were observed across the two different approaches. Importantly, significant improvements in child behavior at home were achieved through a clinic-based approach. Implications for working with families who may be less likely to benefit from parent training are discussed.