bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Double-speak” at the White House: A corpus-assisted study of bisociation in conversational laughter-talk
Authors: Partington Alan
Published: September 2011

In this paper, I consider whether the theory of bisociation, the sudden shift from one script (or narrative outline), or language mode or register to another, first developed in relation to joke humor, can help shed light on other forms of laughter-talk (defined as the talk preceding and provoking, intentionally or otherwise, an episode of laughter), particularly that observed in one form of (semi-)spontaneous discourse, namely White House press briefings.

Two corpora of briefings transcripts were compiled, one from the Democrat era and one from the subsequent Bush administration, and the laughter bouts, along with their contexts and information on speaker and audience kinesics, were collected and transferred into separate laughter files. Not only was it found that several different forms of bisociation play an important role in briefings laughter-talk, but also that these forms are employed to attempt to achieve an intriguing variety of particular rhetorical argumentative aims, from criticizing the President to threatening an opponent's face to winning audience affiliation.

Corpora have only rarely been used to investigate participants' interaction in discourse and still less in studies of laughter-talk or humor interaction. This paper, therefore, is intended as a contribution to the nascent interdisciplinary field of Corpus-Assisted Discourse Studies (CADS).
Effect of interspecies quorum sensing on the formation of aerobic granular sludge
Authors: Zhang Sheng-Hua , Yu Xin , Guo Feng , Wu Zhuo-ying
Published: September 2011

Quorum sensing (QS) is a form of microbial communication that relies on small signal molecules to regulate group behaviors such as bioﬁlm formation in response to population density. In this study, we attempted to apply the paradigm of bacterial QS to aerobic granular sludge (AGS) formation for wastewater treatment. An essential element of interspecies QS signals, boron, was added to a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) to stimulate AGS growth. Bioassays elaborated the activity of autoinducer-2 (AI-2). We found that boron accelerated AGS growth, resulting in improved settlement performance and increased biomass in the SBR. During continuous SBR operation, the AGS showed an obvious increase in AI-2 activity, which implies that interspecies QS was closely associated with AGS formation. Analysis of EPS showed that boron stimulated tryptophan production, and increased the hydrophobia of AGS. From these results, it was speculated that the addition of boron may have promoted the formation of boron complexed to (R)-4, 5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione (DPD) as the precursor of AI-2, which resulted in accelerated interspecies QS. The results also suggested QS as a novel regulation target for the biogranulation process, such as AGS formation.
Parental Grief after a Child'S Drug Death Compared to other Death Causes: Investigating a Greatly Neglected Bereavement Population
Authors: Feigelman William , Jordan John R. , Gorman Bernard S.
Published: September 2011

This comparative survey contrasted 571 parents who lost children to various death causes: 48 to drug-related deaths and overdoses, 462 to suicide, 24 to natural death cases, and 37 to mostly accidental death cases. Groups were compared in terms of grief difficulties, mental health problems, posttraumatic stress, and stigmatization. Results did not show any appreciable differences in these respects between the suicide bereaved parents and those losing children to drug-related deaths. However, when the suicide and drug-related death survivors were specifically contrasted against accidental and natural death loss cases, a consistent pattern emerged showing the former group was consistently more troubled by grief and mental health problems than the latter two sub-groups. These differences remained when controls of time since the loss and gender differences were employed as covariates. These findings suggest that the powerful and intense stigma against drug use and mental illness, shared among the public-at-large, imposes challenges in healing of immense proportion for these parents as they find less compassionate responses from their significant others, following their losses.
Inflammation Is Necessary for Long-Term but Not Short-Term High-Fat Diet–Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Lee Yun Sok , Li Pingping , Huh Jin Young , Hwang In Jae , Lu Min , Kim Jong In , Ham Mira , Talukdar Saswata , Chen Ai , Lu Wendell J. , Bandyopadhyay Guatam K. , Schwendener Reto , Olefsky Jerrold , Kim Jae Bum
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

Tissue inflammation is a key factor underlying insulin resistance in established obesity. Several models of immuno-compromised mice are protected from obesity-induced insulin resistance. However, it is unanswered whether inflammation triggers systemic insulin resistance or vice versa in obesity. The purpose of this study was to assess these questions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to wild-type mice and three different immuno-compromised mouse models (lymphocyte-deficient Rag1 knockout, macrophage-depleted, and hematopoietic cell-specific Jun NH2-terminal kinase–deficient mice) and measured the time course of changes in macrophage content, inflammatory markers, and lipid accumulation in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle along with systemic insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

In wild-type mice, body weight and adipose tissue mass, as well as insulin resistance, were clearly increased by 3 days of HFD. Concurrently, in the short-term HFD period inflammation was selectively elevated in adipose tissue. Interestingly, however, all three immuno-compromised mouse models were not protected from insulin resistance induced by the short-term HFD. On the other hand, lipid content was markedly increased in liver and skeletal muscle at day 3 of HFD.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the initial stage of HFD-induced insulin resistance is independent of inflammation, whereas the more chronic state of insulin resistance in established obesity is largely mediated by macrophage-induced proinflammatory actions. The early-onset insulin resistance during HFD feeding is more likely related to acute tissue lipid overload.
Potential Role of Regulatory T Cells in Reversing Obesity-Linked Insulin Resistance and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Eller Kathrin , Kirsch Alexander , Wolf Anna M. , Sopper Sieghart , Tagwerker Andrea , Stanzl Ursula , Wolf Dominik , Patsch Wolfgang , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Eller Philipp
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential role of FoxP3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) in reversing obesity-linked insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy in rodent models and humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To characterize the role of Tregs in insulin resistance, human visceral adipose tissue was first evaluated for Treg infiltration and second, the db/db mouse model was evaluated.

RESULTS

Obese patients with insulin resistance displayed significantly decreased natural Tregs but an increase in adaptive Tregs in their visceral adipose tissue as compared with lean control subjects. To further evaluate the pathogenic role of Tregs in insulin resistance, the db/db mouse model was used. Treg depletion using an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody enhanced insulin resistance as shown by increased fasting blood glucose levels as well as an impaired insulin sensitivity. Moreover, Treg-depleted db/db mice developed increased signs of diabetic nephropathy, such as albuminuria and glomerular hyperfiltration. This was paralleled by a proinflammatory milieu in both murine visceral adipose tissue and the kidney. Conversely, adoptive transfer of CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs significantly improved insulin sensitivity and diabetic nephropathy. Accordingly, there was increased mRNA expression of FoxP3 as well as less abundant proinflammatory CD8+CD69+ T cells in visceral adipose tissue and kidneys of Treg-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Data suggest a potential therapeutic value of Tregs to improve insulin resistance and end organ damage in type 2 diabetes by limiting the proinflammatory milieu.
One-Hour Postload Plasma Glucose Levels and Diastolic Function in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Sciacqua Angela , Miceli Sofia , Greco Laura , Arturi Franco , Naccarato Paola , Mazzaferro Deborah , Tassone Eliezer J. , Turano Laura , Martino Francesco , Sesti Giorgio , Perticone Francesco
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

To address whether glucose tolerance status, and in particular 1-h postload plasma glucose levels, may affect diastolic function in 161 never-treated hypertensive white subjects. Impaired left ventricular relaxation, an early sign of diastolic dysfunction, represents the first manifestation of myocardial involvement in diabetic cardiomyopathy. A plasma glucose value ≥155 mg/dL for the 1-h postload plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is able to identify subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) at high risk for type 2 diabetes and with subclinical organ damage.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects underwent OGTT and standard echocardiography. Diastolic function was assessed by pulsed Doppler transmitral flow velocity and tissue Doppler imaging. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by Matsuda index.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 120 had NGT, 26 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 15 had type 2 diabetes. According to the 1-h postload plasma glucose cutoff point of 155 mg/dL, we divided NGT subjects as follows: NGT <155 mg/dL (n = 90) and NGT ≥155 mg/dL (n = 30). Those with NGT ≥155 mg/dL had higher left atrium dimensions (P < 0.0001) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) (P = 0.037) than those with NGT <155 mg/dL. By contrast, early/late transmitral flow velocity and all tissue Doppler parameters were significantly lower in those with NGT ≥155 mg/dL than in those with NGT<155 mg/dL. At multiple regression analysis, 1-h glucose was the major determinant of left atrium area, IVRT, septal e′, septal e′-to-a′ ratio, lateral e′, and lateral e′-to-a′ ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

The main finding of this study is that 1-h postload plasma glucose is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Subjects with NGT ≥155 mg/dL had significantly worse diastolic function than those with NGT<155 mg/dL.
Noncarious Cervical Lesions and Their Association With Toothbrushing Practices: In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Brandini DA , de Sousa ALB , Trevisan CL , Pinelli LAP , Santos SC do Couto , Pedrini D , Panzarini SR
Published: September 2011

Clinical Relevance

Knowledge of the characteristics and etiologies of noncarious cervical lesions assists dentists in selecting an appropriate treatment and improving the prognosis.
Personnel Issues
Authors: Gottschalk P.
Published: September 2011

Many of the potential problems with outsourcing can be avoided by carefully deciding which IT services can appropriately be contracted out and which cannot. Other problems, however, can only be avoided by an effective implementation of that decision and one such is the potential staff problem when transferring IT management and operation to an external body. Staff, however, often find the growth potential, greater variety, and greater business focus of some outsourcing jobs very appealing, and working for an outsourcing vendor is actually popular with some staff once the transition has been made. To an IT staff person, the vendor organization can offer wide and interesting career paths and almost a return to the traditionally sized IT section with all its scope for specialism. This variety of career path is unlikely to be offered by the slimmed-down IT provision internal to most organizations. The vendor’s core business is IT and hence resources flow into new developments and advances in a way that can give interesting and rewarding career opportunities. Instead of IT staff being treated as a necessary overhead, they become the organization’s critical asset. Not all outsourcing jobs are equally appealing, however, and some roles can be very unpopular (Robson, 1997).
Non-Line-of-Sight Error Mitigation in Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Su Szu Lin , Su Yi Wen , Shou Ho Nien , Chen Chien Sheng
Published: September 2011

When there is non-line-of-sight (NLOS) path between the mobile station (MS) and base stations (BSs), it is possible to integrate many kinds of measurements to achieve more accurate measurements of the MS location. This paper proposed hybrid methods that utilize time of arrival (TOA) at five BSs and angle of arrival (AOA) information at the serving BS to determine the MS location in NLOS environments. The methods mitigate the NLOS effect simply by the weighted sum of the intersections between five TOA circles and the AOA line without requiring priori knowledge of NLOS error statistics. Simulation results show that the proposed methods always give superior performance than Taylor series algorithm (TSA) and the hybrid lines of position algorithm (HLOP).
Species Identification on a Small Sample Size of RNA Sequences by Combined Method of Noise Filtering with L2-Norm
Authors: Hu Yu Jen , Hu Yuh Hua , Ke Jyh Bin , Kuo Tin Chi , Yen Ching Ho , Liu Shan Pang
Published: September 2011

This paper proposed a noise filter with L2-norm distance method to design a classification of RNA sequences for the species identification, included of the small sample size of the nucleic acid sequence. This method amended and expanded the study by Hu et al. in 2011 [1]. We verified this method with the biological sample "slipper orchids" and its hybrid for biological species identification test. The result is showed that after applied our method, we can distinguish the paternity of a hybrid among a set of samples of "slipper orchids".
The Image Skeleton Extraction Algorithm Based on Highest Rectangle
Authors: Wang Wei Qing
Published: September 2011

Currently, the thinning algorithms based on the template have no completeness, so there are more error-retention and error-deletion pixels in their thinning results. In this article, using the highest rectangle which can not be eliminated, we put forward a new image-skeleton-extraction algorithm. Because the highest rectangle has completeness, there are no error-retention and error-deletion pixels in its thinning results. The algorithm can effectively eliminate the fracture phenomenon that is generated in the traditional algorithm. At the same time, the skeleton-thinning width is only one pixel, and it achieved to the ideal state. Experiments proved that the thinning result of this algorithm is more effective, and its operational efficiency is better.
A Real-Time Monitoring System of Energy Measurement
Authors: Li Ai Guo , He Jing , Du Jiao Jiao , Yang Qi , Wang Wen Kai
Published: September 2011

Real-time monitoring of energy measurement is a crucial and challenging field of application research. Development of practical real-time monitoring system of energy measurement has important practical significance. Measurement of a plant's energy requirements are analyzed, The real-time monitoring of energy measurement are based on B / S structure design , and the actual problems are analyzed and discussed in the real-time monitoring system. The system's design and implementation method are analyzed in the practical application, to meet the requirements of real-time system. the real-time data collection, data analysis, data flow management are involved.
Practical Economic Statistical Design of ̅X Chart
Authors: Rojanarowan Napassavong , Punyasiri Nopavut
Published: September 2011

This paper developed an understandable economic mathematical model of total cost of quality related to the use of control chart. This model considers both statistical quality and cost criteria. The statistical quality constraints considered in this paper are type I error (α) and type II error (β). The total cost of quality is a function of sample size (n) and sampling frequency (f). The model of total cost can be optimized to determine values of n and f that minimize the total cost of quality, while quality level is satisfied. The model can be solved by common spreadsheet program. The economic statistical model is developed under the real situation of a case study company to make the model realistic.
Nondestructive Prediction of Optimal Harvest Time of Cherry Tomatoes Using VIS-NIR Spectroscopy and PLSR Calibration
Authors: Yang Hai Qing
Published: September 2011

In situ determination of optimal harvest time of tomatoes is of value for growers to optimize fruit picking schedule. This study evaluates the feasibility of using visible and near infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy to make an intact estimation of harvest time of tomatoes. A mobile, fibre-type, AgroSpec VIS-NIR spectrophotometer (Tec5, Germany), with a spectral range of 350-2200 nm, was used for spectral acquisition of tomatoes in reflection mode. The harvest time of tomatoes was measured by the days before harvest. After dividing spectra into a calibration set (70%) and an independent prediction set (30%), spectra in the calibration set were subjected to a partial least-squares regression (PLSR) with leave-one-out cross validation to establish calibration models. Validation of calibration models on the independent prediction set indicates that the best model can produce excellent prediction accuracy with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.90, root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 2.5 days and residual prediction deviation (RPD) of 3.01. It is concluded that VIS-NIR spectroscopy coupled with PLSR models can be adopted successfully for in situ determination of optimal harvest time of tomatoes, which allows for automatic fruit harvest by a horticultural robot.
Preparation of Protein-Loaded Poly(L-Lactide) Microspheres by Solution-Enhanced Dispersion by Supercritical CO2
Authors: Chen Ai Zheng , Zhao C. , Wang Shi Bin , Liu Yuan Gang
Published: September 2011

SiO2-hemoglobin-poly(L-lactide) (SiO2-Hb-PLLA) microspheres were prepared in a process of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2 (SEDS). SiO2 nanoparticles were loaded with Hb by adsorption firstly and then the Hb-SiO2 nanoparticles were further coated with PLLA by the SEDS process. The resulted microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser diffraction particle size analyser and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The drug release profiles were also determined. The Hb-SiO2-PLLA microspheres have a narrow particle size distribution (PDI 0.189) with a mean particle size of 897nm and a drug loading of 7.1%. After coating with PLLA, the drug release from SiO2-Hb-PLLA showed a sustained process mainly in zero-order kinetics; only 3.7% drug was released in the first 24 hours, versus 51.9% for those without coating, which revealed that the coating of PLLA significantly retarded the drug release. The results also indicate that the SEDS process is a typical physical process to produce protein-loaded polymer microspheres without changing the molecular structure of proteins, which is potential in the application of designing proteins drug delivery system.
Functional Conservation and Innovation of Amphioxus RIP1-Mediated Signaling in Cell Fate Determination
Authors: Li Jun , Yuan Shaochun , Qi Lin , Huang Shengfeng , Huang Guangrui , Yang Manyi , Xu Liqun , Li Yuxin , Zhang Renwei , Yu Yingcai , Chen Shangwu , Xu Anlong
Published: September 2011

Recently, receptor interacting protein (RIP)-1 has been recognized as an intracellular sensor at the crossroads of apoptosis, necroptosis, and cell survival. To reveal when this crucial molecule originated and how its function in integrating stress signals evolved, in this study we report on two RIP1 homologs in Chinese amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtauense), designated B. belcheri tsingtauense RIP1a and B. belcheri tsingtauense RIP1b. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that they are generated by domain recombination and lineage-specific duplication. Similar to human RIP1, both B. belcheri tsingtauense RIP1a and B. belcheri tsingtauense RIP1b activate NF-κB in a kinase activity-independent manner and induce apoptosis through the Fas-associated death domain protein-caspase cascade. Moreover, we found that the natural point mutation of Q to I in the RIP homotypic interaction motif of B. belcheri tsingtauense RIP1a provides negative feedback for amphioxus RIP1-mediated signaling. Thus, our study not only suggests that RIP1 has emerged as a molecular switch in triggering cell death or survival in a basal chordate, but also adds new insights into the regulation mechanisms of RIP1-related signaling, providing a novel perspective on human diseases mediated by RIP1.
A Shimizu Non‐Aldol Approach to the Formal Total Synthesis of Palmerolide A
Authors: Pujari Sandip A. , Gowrisankar Parthasarathy , Kaliappan Krishna P.
Published: September 2011

A formal total synthesis of palmerolide A has been accomplished by assembling three fragments by means of successive Julia–Kocienski olefination, Yamaguchi esterification, and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM). Our initial efforts to combine the first two fragments through a Julia–Kocienski reaction between a secondary sulfone and a ketone were not successful; nevertheless, it was feasible between a primary sulfone and aldehyde. Yamaguchi esterification with the third fragment then set the stage for a RCM reaction. Initial failure of the RCM with a PMB‐ether adjacent to the olefins and the difficulty in cleaving the PMB‐ether prompted us to change the choice of protecting groups, which then paved the way to the macrocyclic core of palmerolide A.
Scale‐Up of flat plate photobioreactors considering diffuse and direct light characteristics
Authors: Quinn Jason C. , Turner Chris W. , Bradley Thomas H.
Published: September 2011

This study investigates the scaling of photobioreactor productivity based on the growth ofNannochloropsis salinaincorporating the effects of direct and diffuse light. The scaling and optimization of photobioreactor geometry was analyzed by determining the growth response of a small‐scale system designed to represent a core sample of a large‐scale photobioreactor. The small‐scale test apparatus was operated at a variety of light intensities on a batch time scale to generate a photosynthetic irradiance (PI) growth dataset, ultimately used to inform a PI growth model. The validation of the scalability of the PI growth model to predict productivity in large‐scale systems was done by comparison with experimental growth data collected from two geometrically different large‐scale photobioreactors operated at a variety of light intensities. For direct comparison, the small‐scale and large‐scale experimental systems presented were operated similarly and in such a way to incorporate cultivation relevant time scales, light intensities, mixing, and nutrient loads. Validation of the scalability of the PI growth model enables the critical evaluation of different photobioreactor geometries and design optimization incorporating growth effects from diffuse and direct light. Discussion focuses on the application of the PI growth model to assess the effect of diffuse light growth compared to direct light growth for the evaluation of photobioreactors followed by the use of the model for photobioreactor geometry optimization on the metric of areal productivity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:363–370. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogen Production Integrated with Simultaneous CO2 Sequestration on Fly Ashes from Power Plants
Authors: Molga E. , Cherbanski R.
Published: September 2011

Integration of chemical reactions with in situ adsorptive separation of one of the reaction products helps to improve the reactant conversion or/and product selectivity. In the steam‐methane reforming (SMR) process, despite a reversibility of employed reactions, the in situ adsorption of CO2 enables an almost total conversion of methane and produced CO, so pure hydrogen can be obtained directly from a single‐step adsorptive reactor. However, the main problem in practical application of such integrated process is a saturation of sorbent with CO2 and the need of its cyclic regeneration. A series of experiments to determine the kinetics for CO2 sorption on fly ashes were performed under operating conditions usually applied for the sorption‐enhanced SMR process and the possible CO2 uptake was estimated. The obtained results indicate that fly ashes can be utilized as an efficient and cheap sorbent for the considered hydrogen production process.
A New Route towards Redox Bistability through the Inspection of Manganese–Porphyrin Complexes
Authors: Kepenekian Mikaël , Vetere Valentina , Le Guennic Boris , Maldivi Pascale , Robert Vincent
Published: September 2011

The redox and spin versatilities of manganese–porphyrin complexes [MnIIP] are examined to construct a redox‐switchable device. The electronic structure of [MnIIIP]+ was analyzed by using wavefunction‐based calculations (complete active spaces plus single excitations on top of the active spaces, that is, CAS+singles). A non‐negligible σ‐type electron‐transfer configuration is present in the [MnIIIP]+ S=2 ground state. By contrast, the [MnIIP.]+ valence tautomer is a purely π‐type intramolecular charge transfer, thus reflecting an S=3 spin state as a result of the strong ferromagnetic interaction (J=30 meV) between the S=5/2 MnII ion and the S=1/2 porphyrin radical cation P.+. The change of the redox‐sensitive site in the valence tautomer leads to a ‘triangular scheme’ that involves a critical step in which a simultaneous electron transfer and spin change are expected to induce bistability. From the wavefunction inspection, a meso‐substituted porphyrin candidate was designed to support this scenario. The complete active‐space second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2) adiabatic energy difference between the S=2 and the S=3 spin states was reduced down to 0.15 eV, thereby giving rise to a metastable S=3 state characterized by a 0.10 Å extension of the porphyrin cavity radius. These results not only confirm the rather versatile nature of these inorganic systems but also demonstrate that redox and spin changes are intermingled in this class of compounds and can be used for applied devices.
Acylation Mechanisms of DMSO/[D6]DMSO with Di‐tert‐butylketene and Its Congeners
Authors: Knorr Rudolf
Published: September 2011

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and tBu2C=C=O in diglyme require heating to about 150 °C to furnish the Pummerer‐type product tBu2CHCO2CH2SCH3 through a novel mechanistic variant. The “ester enolate” tBu2C=C(O–)–O–S+(CH3)2 arising through the reversible addition of DMSO (step 1) to C‐1 of tBu2C=C=O must be trapped through protonation (step 2) at C‐2 by a carboxylic acid catalyst to form tBu2CH–C(=O)–O–S+(CH3)2 so that the reaction can proceed. The ensuing cleavage (step 3) of the O–S bond and one of the C–H bonds in the –S(CH3)2 group (E2 elimination, no ylide intermediate) results in the formation of tBu2CHCO2– and H3CS–CH2+, whose combination (step 4) generates the final product. With a mixture of DMSO and [D6]DMSO competing for tBu2C=C=O in diglyme, the small value of the kinetic H/D isotope effect (KIE) kH/kD = 1.26 at 150 °C indicates that the cleavage of the C–H/C–D bonds (step 3) does not occur in the transition state with the highest free enthalpy. Therefore, the practically isotope‐independent steps 1 and 2 determine the overall rate. The alternative slow initial protonation at C‐2 of tBu2C=C=O generating the acylium cation tBu2CHC≡O+ can be excluded. Preparatory studies were undertaken to compare the mechanistic behavior of tBu2C=C=O with that of two related acylating agents: (i) The anhydride (tBu2CHCO)2O affords the same Pummerer‐type product more slowly, again with an unexpectedly small KIE of 1.24 at 150 °C, which indicates that the overall rate is limited here by the almost isotope‐independent initial O‐acylation of DMSO in the addition/elimination (AE) mechanism. (ii) The acyl chloride tBu2CHCOCl affords ClCH2SCH3 through a more common mechanistic variant involving neither the ketene nor the acylium cation tBu2CHC≡O+: The modestly enhanced kH/kD value of 2.4 at 55 °C shows that the C–H/C–D bond fissions contribute to the overall rate in cooperation with the retarded initial O‐acylation. Deuterium labeling was quantified through 1H and 13C NMR integrations of deuterium‐shifted signals.
BEM solution to magnetohydrodynamic flow in a semi‐infinite duct
Authors: Bozkaya Canan , Tezer‐Sezgin M.
Published: September 2011

We consider the magnetohydrodynamic flow that is laminar and steady of a viscous, incompressible, and electrically conducting fluid in a semi‐infinite duct under an externally applied magnetic field. The flow is driven by the current produced by a pressure gradient. The applied magnetic field is perpendicular to the semi‐infinite walls that are kept at the same magnetic field value in magnitude but opposite in sign. The wall that connects the two semi‐infinite walls is partly non‐conducting and partly conducting (in the middle). A BEM solution was obtained using a fundamental solution that enables to treat the magnetohydrodynamic equations in coupled form with general wall conductivities. The inhomogeneity in the equations due to the pressure gradient was tackled, obtaining a particular solution, and the BEM was applied with a fundamental solution of coupled homogeneous convection–diffusion type partial differential equations. Constant elements were used for the discretization of the boundaries (y  =  0, −a ⩽ x ⩽ a) and semi‐infinite walls at x  =  ±a, by keeping them as finite since the boundary integral equations are restricted to these boundaries due to the regularity conditions as y  →  ∞ . The solution is presented in terms of equivelocity and induced magnetic field contours for several values of Hartmann number (M), conducting length (l), and non‐conducting wall conditions (k). The effect of the parameters on the solution is studied. Flow rates are also calculated for these values of parameters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tried and true: A survey of successfully promoted academic hospitalists
Authors: Leykum Luci K. , Parekh Vikas I. , Sharpe Bradley , Boonyasai Romsai T. , Centor Robert M.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Academic hospital medicine is a new and rapidly growing field. Hospitalist faculty members often fill roles not typically held by other academic faculty, maintain heavy clinical workloads, and participate in nontraditional activities. Because of these differences, there is concern about how academic hospitalists may fare in the promotions process.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine factors critical to the promotion of successfully promoted hospitalists who have achieved the rank of either associate professor or professor.

DESIGN:

A cross‐sectional survey.

PARTICIPANTS:

Thirty‐three hospitalist faculty members at 22 academic medical centers promoted to associate professor rank or higher between 1995 and 2008.

MEASUREMENTS:

Respondents were asked to describe their institution, its promotions process, and the activities contributing to their promotion. We identified trends across respondents.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐six hospitalists responded, representing 20 institutions (79% response rate). Most achieved promotion in a nontenure track (70%); an equal number identified themselves as clinician‐administrators and clinician educators (40%). While hospitalists were engaged in a wide range of activities in the traditional domains of service, education, and research, respondents considered peer‐reviewed publication to be the most important activity in achieving promotion. Qualitative responses demonstrated little evidence that being a hospitalist was viewed as a hindrance to promotion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Successful promotion in academic hospital medicine depends on accomplishment in traditional academic domains, raising potential concerns for academic hospitalists with less traditional roles. This study may provide guidance for early‐career academic hospitalists and program leaders. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Lack of association of RAD51 genetic variations with hepatitis B virus clearance and occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Korean population
Authors: Pasaje Charisse Flerida A. , Kim Jeong‐Hyun , Park Byung‐Lae , Cheong Hyun Sub , Bae Joon Seol , Park Tae‐Joon , Lee Jin‐Sol , Kim Yongha , Lee Hyo‐Suk , Koh InSong , Kim Yoon Jun , Shin Hyoung Doo
Published: September 2011

The RecA homolog, E. coli (S. cerevisiae) (RAD51) may modulate hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by maintaining genome integrity and mediating homologous DNA repairs. In this study, 16 sequence variations were detected by resequencing all exons, the exon–intron boundary, and promoter regions of the human RAD51 gene in DNA samples of 24 unrelated individuals. To investigate the association of common variations in the RAD51 locus with HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence, six common polymorphisms were genotyped in a total of 1,103 Korean HBV cohort, composed of 433 spontaneously recovered patients as controls and 670 chronic carriers of HBV, who were stratified further into 327 cirrhosis/chronic hepatitis patients and 343 patients with HCC infected with HBV. Logistic analyses revealed no significant association of RAD51 polymorphisms and haplotypes with HBV clearance and HCC occurrence (P > 0.05). Furthermore, with age of infection as an important factor in disease progression to HCC, results from the Cox proportional hazards analysis showed no significant associations between any of the tested RAD51 variants and the age of onset of HCC (P > 0.05), suggesting that genetic polymorphisms of RAD51 may not play an important role in clearance of HBV and disease progression to HCC. Although studies in other populations are needed to confirm these findings, this preliminary data may contribute to the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of hepatitis. J. Med. Virol. 83:1892–1899, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stability of hepatitis B surface antigen over time: Implications for studies using stored sera
Authors: Fung James , Lai Ching‐Lung , Young John , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Yuen John , Seto Wai‐Kay , Yuen Man‐Fung
Published: September 2011

In chronic hepatitis B, quantitative measurements of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been studied increasingly using stored sera to determine its usefulness in disease management. However, the stability of stored HBsAg levels has not been established. The current study determines prospectively the stability of HBsAg levels in sera stored for 1 year. Fresh sera from 105 samples were divided into 5 aliquots. The first aliquot was used to determine HBsAg at the time of blood sampling. The remaining four aliquots were stored at −20°C and thawed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to determine the HBsAg levels. HBsAg was measured by adopting the research protocol using the Elecsys HBsAg II assay. At baseline, age and HBV DNA showed a significant correlation with HBsAg levels (r = −0.291, P = 0.003 and r = 0.256, P = 0.003, respectively). There was no overall significant difference observed between the HBsAg levels measured at the different time points. There was high correlation between each consecutive time points from baseline to 3 months, 3–6 months, 6–9 months, and 9–12 months (r = 0.991, 0.987, 0.989, 0.993, respectively, all P < 0.001). The overall log difference in HBsAg levels between baseline and at 12 months was 0.03 (range, −0.29 to 0.85), with over 99% of samples showing no significant change (defined as >1 log) after 12 months. In conclusion, HBsAg levels remained stable in stored frozen sera for 12 months without significant changes, and could be used to quantify HBsAg accurately. J. Med. Virol. 83:1900–1904, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence typing of adenovirus from samples from hematological stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Al Qurashi Yasir Mohammed A. , Guiver Malcolm , Cooper Robert J.
Published: September 2011

Adenovirus infections are usually mild or even asymptomatic, but infections with the virus are being recognized increasingly as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the immunocompromised, particularly hematological stem cell transplant patients where infections can be life threatening and mortality may reach 60%. Typing by sequencing the HVR7 region of the hexon was established and validated using 60 isolates of different serotypes from the six of the seven species which had been typed previously by serum neutralization. Analysis of nucleotide sequences was used to type 227 samples from 41 hematological stem cell transplant recipients. Types from six species were detected but species C types were detected in 51.4% and species A in 34.3% of patients. Seven patients were infected with different adenovirus types sequentially and a further six patients had evidence of simultaneous multiple infections. Many of the sequences had several differences from the prototype strains which will allow tracing of outbreaks and provide evidence for cross‐infection in a hospital setting. In this study, the phylogenetic analysis of adenovirus sequences from hematological stem cell transplant patients' samples showed evidence of two possible cross‐infection incidents involving three and five patients, respectively. J. Med. Virol. 83:1951–1958, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The DINO trial – challenges for translation into clinical practice
Authors: Collins Carmel T. , Gibson Robert A. , Makrides Maria
Published: September 2011

Infants born prematurely require higher amounts of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than can be supplied through current strategies. Increasing the DHA content of breast milk and formula while achievable may not be the most efficacious approach. A new approach is required that enables direct delivery to the infant enabling maximum dose to be achieved as early as possible.
Application of boundary layer wind‐profiling radar data to a Springtime Snowstorm Analysis in Urumqi
Authors: Minzhong Wang , Wenshou Wei , Qing He , Qing Yang , Yong Zhao , Hongjun Li , Wen Huo
Published: September 2011

The Urumqi Institute of Desert Meteorology under the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) launched an observational experiment with a boundary layer wind‐profiling radar in Urumqi City in February to March 2010. As described in this paper, wind profiles from the experiment were used to first compare with radiosonde data measured simultaneously to verify the confidence of wind‐profiling radar data, which was used to analyse the wind field characteristics and other related issues in a snowstorm process that took place in Urumqi on 28 March 2010. Both wind direction and speed derived from wind‐profiling radar data have good consistency with those from radiosonde data (wind velocity coefficient: 0.85; wind direction coefficient: 0.78). Before the snowstorm, a surface wind shear occurred. After outbreak of the event, the local weather was dominated by northwesterly and northerly winds at increasing velocities, while temperature was dropping and air pressure increased. Through in‐depth analyses of the time‐height profiles of the snowstorm process, it can be determined on a preliminary basis that the snowstorm was induced by a cold front system that entered the area around 2200–2300 LST on 27 March. A shear line that developed from a lower to a higher altitude represented both height and location of the frontal zone, and the cold front motion was broadly in a northeast‐southwest direction. The wind direction in the process changed counterclockwise with height: this was mainly governed by cold advection, and baroclinic instability was established soon after the overpass of the cold front, eventually leading to the snowstorm. During the weather event, the equivalent reflectivity factor Ze was consistent with the onset and end of the snowstorm, the height at which rain (snow) particles were formed and snowfall intensity. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Rainfall statistics evaluation of ECMWF model and TRMM data over Bangladesh for flood related studies
Authors: Rahman Md. Mizanur , Singh Arya Dhyan , Goel Narendra Kumar , Mitra Ashis Kumar
Published: September 2011

Quantitative precipitation estimates from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) modelling system and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) may be used for areas where rainfall data are not available or where the number of rainfall stations is inadequate. In this study, ECMWF 40 years re‐analysis (ERA40) and TRMM satellite estimated daily rainfall data have been analysed at three station locations, Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Sylhet, in the Bangladesh territories of Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna basins, respectively. Statistical verifications (visual verification, yes/no dichotomous verification and continuous variables verification methods) have been applied to these data. Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) rainfall data are used as the reference data.

The continuous variables verification methods show the better accuracy of the TRMM data. The probability of occurrence of TRMM rainfall is close to the BMD‐observed data. It implies that the TRMM data can be used for modelling of design flood in areas where observed rainfall data are not available. However, in the case of the TRMM rainfall data, the chances of missing a flood event are higher compared to the ECMWF data. Yes/no dichotomous verification methods show that ECMWF rainfall data are safe to use for flood‐forecasting‐related planning purposes because rain events are estimated better in ECMWF. The probability of occurrence of ECMWF rainfall shows that these data can also be used to estimate the design flood flow. Both ECMWF and TRMM rainfall data may be used where locally observed rainfall data are not available. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The filter design from data (FD2) problem: parametric‐statistical approach
Authors: Novara Carlo , Milanese Mario , Bitar Eilyan , Poolla Kameshwar
Published: September 2011

A large body of literature exists on the filter design problem, assuming that the system to be filtered is known. However, in most practical situations, the system is not known, but a set of measured data is available. In such situations, a two‐step procedure is typically adopted: a model is identified from this data set, and a filter is designed based on the identified model. In this paper, we consider an alternative approach, which uses the available data not for the identification of a model, but for the direct design of the filter. Such a direct design is investigated within a parametric‐statistical framework for both the cases of linear time‐invariant and nonlinear systems. The noise is assumed to be stochastic, and optimality refers to minimizing the estimation error variance. It is shown that the direct design has superior features with respect to the two‐step design, especially in the presence of modeling errors. Another relevant advantage of the direct design over the two‐step procedure is that minimum variance (Kalman) filters for nonlinear systems are, in general, difficult to derive and/or to implement. On the contrary, the direct approach allows for a very efficient filter design. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed direct design, two examples are presented: the first is related to estimation of the Lorentz chaotic attractor; the second, involving real data, is related to estimation of vehicle yaw rate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing sulforaphane absorption and excretion in healthy men through the combined consumption of fresh broccoli sprouts and a glucoraphanin-rich powder
Authors: Cramer Jenna M. , Teran-Garcia Margarita , Jeffery Elizabeth H.
Published: September 2011

Sulforaphane (SF) is a chemopreventive isothiocyanate (ITC) derived from glucoraphanin (GRP) hydrolysis by myrosinase, a thioglucoside present in broccoli. The ability of broccoli powders sold as supplements to provide dietary SF is often of concern as many supplements contain GRP, but lack myrosinase. In a previous study, biomarkers of SF bioavailability from a powder rich in GRP, but lacking myrosinase, were enhanced by co-consumption of a myrosinase-containing air-dried broccoli sprout powder. Here, we studied the absorption of SF from the GRP-rich powder used in the previous study, but in combination with fresh broccoli sprouts, which are commercially available and more applicable to the human diet than air-dried sprout powder. A total of four participants each consumed four meals (separated by 1 week) consisting of dry cereal and yogurt with sprouts equivalent to 70 μmol SF, GRP powder equivalent to 120 μmol SF, both or neither. Metabolites of SF were analysed in blood and urine. The 24 h urinary SF-N-acetylcysteine recovery was 65, 60 and 24 % of the dose ingested from combination, broccoli sprout and GRP powder meals, respectively. In urine and plasma, ITC appearance was delayed following the GRP powder meal compared with the sprout and combination meals. Compared with the GRP powder or sprouts alone, combining broccoli sprouts with the GRP powder synergistically enhanced the early appearance of SF, offering insight into the combination of foods for improved health benefits of foods that reduce the risk for cancer.
The Empire Struck Back: Sanctions and Compensation in the Mexican Oil Expropriation of 1938
Authors: Maurer Noel
Published: September 2011

The Mexican expropriation of 1938 was the first large-scale non-Communist expropriation of foreign-owned natural resource assets. The literature makes three assertions: the United States did not fully back the companies, Mexico did not fully compensate them for the value of their assets, and the oil workers benefitted from the expropriation. This article finds that none of those assertions hold. The companies devised political strategies that maneuvered a reluctant President Roosevelt into supporting their interests, and the Mexican government more than fully compensated them as a result. Neither wages for oil workers nor Mexican government oil revenue rose after the expropriation.
ASYMPTOTIC THEORY FOR MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION OF THE MEMORY PARAMETER IN STATIONARY GAUSSIAN PROCESSES
Authors: Lieberman Offer , Rosemarin Roy , Rousseau Judith
Published: September 2011

Consistency, asymptotic normality, and efficiency of the maximum likelihood estimator for stationary Gaussian time series were shown to hold in the short memory case by Hannan (1973, Journal of Applied Probability 10, 130–145) and in the long memory case by Dahlhaus (1989, Annals of Statistics 34, 1045–1047). In this paper we extend these results to the entire stationarity region, including the case of antipersistence and noninvertibility.
FIXED-B ASYMPTOTICS FOR THE STUDENTIZED MEAN FROM TIME SERIES WITH SHORT, LONG, OR NEGATIVE MEMORY
Authors: McElroy Tucker , Politis Dimitris N.
Published: September 2011

This paper considers the problem of variance estimation for the sample mean in the context of long memory and negative memory time series dynamics, adopting the fixed-bandwidth approach now popular in the econometrics literature. The distribution theory generalizes the short memory results of Kiefer and Vogelsang (2005,Econometric Theory21, 1130–1164). In particular, our results highlight the dependence on the kernel (we include flat-top kernels), whether or not the kernel is nonzero at the boundary, and, most important, whether or not the process is short memory. Simulation studies support the importance of accounting for memory in the construction of confidence intervals for the mean.