bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromal features are predictive of disease mortality in oral cancer patients
Authors: Marsh Daniel , Suchak Krishna , Moutasim Karwan A , Vallath Sabarinath , Hopper Colin , Jerjes Waseem , Upile Tahwinder , Kalavrezos Nicholas , Violette Shelia M , Weinreb Paul H , Chester Kerry A , Chana Jagdeep S , Marshall John F , Hart Ian R , Hackshaw Allan K , Piper Kim , Thomas Gareth J
Published: November 2010

Worldwide, approximately 405 000 cases of oral cancer (OSCC) are diagnosed each year, with a rising incidence in many countries. Despite advances in surgery and radiotherapy, which remain the standard treatment options, the mortality rate has remained largely unchanged for decades, with a 5‐year survival rate of around 50%. OSCC is a heterogeneous disease, staged currently using the TNM classification, supplemented with pathological information from the primary tumour and loco‐regional lymph nodes. Although patients with advanced disease show reduced survival, there is no single pathological or molecular feature that identifies aggressive, early‐stage tumours. We retrospectively analysed 282 OSCC patients for disease mortality, related to clinical, pathological, and molecular features based on our previous functional studies [EGFR, αvβ6 integrin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), p53, p16, EP4]. We found that the strongest independent risk factor of early OSCC death was a feature of stroma rather than tumour cells. After adjusting for all factors, high stromal SMA expression, indicating myofibroblast transdifferentiation, produced the highest hazard ratio (3.06, 95% CI 1.65–5.66) and likelihood ratio (3.6; detection rate: false positive rate) of any feature examined, and was strongly associated with mortality, regardless of disease stage. Functional assays showed that OSCC cells can modulate myofibroblast transdifferentiation through αvβ6‐dependent TGF‐β1 activation and that myofibroblasts promote OSCC invasion. Finally, we developed a prognostic model using Cox regression with backward elimination; only SMA expression, metastasis, cohesion, and age were significant. This model was independently validated on a patient subset (detection rate 70%; false positive rate 20%; ROC analysis 77%, p < 0.001). Our study highlights the limited prognostic value of TNM staging and suggests that an SMA‐positive, myofibroblastic stroma is the strongest predictor of OSCC mortality. Whether used independently or as part of a prognostic model, SMA identifies a significant group of patients with aggressive tumours, regardless of disease stage. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fragmentation‐free LC‐MS can identify hundreds of proteins
Authors: Bochet Pascal , Rügheimer Frank , Guina Tina , Brooks Peter , Goodlett David , Clote Peter , Schwikowski Benno
Published: November 2010

One of the most common approaches for large‐scale protein identification is LC, followed by MS. If more than a few proteins are to be identified, the additional fragmentation of individual peptides has so far been considered as indispensable, and thus, the associated costs, in terms of instrument time and infrastructure, as unavoidable. Here, we present evidence to the contrary. Using a combination of (i) highly accurate and precise mass measurements, (ii) modern retention time prediction, and (iii) a robust scoring algorithm, we were able to identify 257 proteins of Francisella tularensis from a single LC‐MS experiment in a fragmentation‐free approach (i.e. without experimental fragmentation spectra). This number amounts to 59% of the number of proteins identified in a standard fragmentation‐based approach, when executed with the same false discovery rate. Independent evidence supports at least 27 of a set of 31 proteins that were identified only in the fragmentation‐free approach. Our results suggest that additional developments in retention time prediction, measurement technology, and scoring algorithms may render fragmentation‐free approaches an interesting complement or an alternative to fragmentation‐based approaches.
Proteomic analysis of egg white proteins during storage
Authors: Omana Dileep A. , Liang Yue , Kav Nat N. V. , Wu Jianping
Published: November 2010

Egg storage causes egg white to lose its viscous nature to form a thin liquid, commonly referred to as egg white thinning. To understand the mechanisms underlying egg white thinning, white‐shell eggs were used in the present study to determine the proteome‐level changes of egg white proteins occurred during storage. Egg white thinning was observed visually after 20 days of storage at ambient temperature (22±2°C) when the maximum number of proteome‐level changes occurred. The proteins that showed significant changes in abundance during storage included ovalbumin, clusterin, ovoinhibitor, ovotransferrin, and prostaglandin D2 synthase. Among these, only the abundance of clusterin was observed to change continuously during the storage period. Hence, it is expected that the increase in the concentrations of clusterin and ovoinhibitor along with the change of ovalbumin content during storage might contribute to egg white thinning. Degradation of ovalbumin/clusterin during egg storage may be due to the combined effect of proteolysis and increase in pH; this may also be partly responsible for egg white thinning phenomenon.
Identification of proteins associated with ligand‐activated estrogen receptor α in human breast cancer cell nuclei by tandem affinity purification and nano LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Tarallo Roberta , Bamundo Angela , Nassa Giovanni , Nola Ernesto , Paris Ornella , Ambrosino Concetta , Facchiano Angelo , Baumann Marc , Nyman Tuula A. , Weisz Alessandro
Published: November 2010

Estrogen receptor α (ER‐α) is a key mediator of estrogen actions in breast cancer (BC) cells. Understanding the effects of ligand‐activated ER‐α in target cells requires identification of the molecular partners acting in concert with this nuclear receptor to transduce the hormonal signal. We applied tandem affinity purification (TAP), glycerol gradient centrifugation and MS analysis to isolate and identify proteins interacting with ligand‐activated ER‐α in MCF‐7 cell nuclei. This led to the identification of 264 ER‐associated proteins, whose functions highlight the hinge role of ER‐α in the coordination of multiple hormone‐regulated nuclear processes in BC cells.
Examining serum amyloid P component microheterogeneity using capillary isoelectric focusing and MALDI‐MS
Authors: Weiss Noah G. , Jarvis Jason W. , Nelson Randall W. , Hayes Mark A.
Published: November 2010

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a glycoprotein of interest due to its presence in amyloid plaque formations. As with most glycoproteins, SAP can possibly vary greatly in its isoforms, which can be an important factor toward understanding the role of SAP. Interestingly, previous characterizations suggest varying degrees of microheterogeneity, some of which are in conflict. In this work, we provide new information to clarify SAP's microheterogeneity profile using CIEF to carefully analyze pooled samples and by studying individual samples across populations with mass spectrometric immunoassay. With respect to CIEF, a single pI band was observed suggesting that human SAP does not have extensive heterogeneity concluded from gel IEF experiments in the past. Additionally, this is supported by a population study, which revealed an overwhelming degree of uniformity. Overall, this work corroborates the idea that SAP is relatively consistent across the population and with respect to microheterogeneity.
Proteomic analysis of the maize rachis: Potential roles of constitutive and induced proteins in resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation
Authors: Pechanova Olga , Pechan Tibor , Williams W. Paul , Luthe Dawn S.
Published: November 2010

Infection of the maize (Zea mays L.) with aflatoxigenic fungus Aspergillus flavus and consequent contamination with carcinogenic aflatoxin is a persistent and serious agricultural problem causing disease and significant crop losses worldwide. The rachis (cob) is an important structure of maize ear that delivers essential nutrients to the developing kernels and A. flavus spreads through the rachis to infect kernels within the ear. Therefore, rachis plays an important role in fungal proliferation and subsequent kernel contamination. We used proteomic approaches and investigated the rachis tissue from aflatoxin accumulation resistant (Mp313E and Mp420) and susceptible (B73 and SC212m) maize inbred lines. First, we compared rachis proteins from resistant and susceptible inbred lines, which revealed that the young resistant rachis contains higher levels of abiotic stress‐related proteins and proteins from phenylpropanoid metabolism, whereas susceptible young rachis contains pathogenesis‐related proteins, which are generally inducible upon biotic stress. Second, we identified A. flavus‐responsive proteins in rachis of both resistant and susceptible genotypes after 10‐ and 35‐day infection. Differential expression of many stress/defense proteins during rachis juvenility, maturation and after A. flavus challenge demonstrates that resistant rachis relies on constitutive defenses, while susceptible rachis is more dependent on inducible defenses.
A novel strategy for the targeted analysis of protein and peptide metabolites
Authors: Williamson Nicholas A. , Reilly Charles , Tan Chor‐Teck , Ramarathinam Sri‐Harsha , Jones Alun , Hunter Christie L. , Rooney Francis R. , Purcell Anthony W.
Published: November 2010

In many biological applications such as epitope discovery or drug metabolism studies, the detection of naturally processed exogenous proteins (e.g. vaccines or peptide therapeutics) and their metabolites is frequently complicated by the presence of a complex endogenous mixture of closely related or even identical compounds. We describe a method that incorporates stable isotope labelling of the protein of interest, allowing the selective screening of the intact molecule and all metabolites using a modified precursor ion scan. This method involves monitoring the low‐molecular‐weight fragment ions produced during MS/MS that distinguish isotopically labelled peptides from related endogenous compounds. All isotopically labelled peptides can be selected using this method. The technique makes no assumptions about the processed or post‐translational state of the peptide, and hence can selectively screen out modified peptides that would otherwise be missed by single reaction monitoring approaches. This method does not replace single reaction monitoring or regular precursor scanning techniques; instead, it is a method that can be used when the assumptions required for the former two techniques cannot be predicted. The potential for this technique to be used in metabolism and pharmacokinetic experiments is discussed with specific examples looking at the metabolism of α‐synuclein in serum and the brain.
Quantum‐Dot‐Encoded Microbeads for Multiplexed Genetic Detection of Non‐amplified DNA Samples
Authors: Gao Yali , Stanford William L. , Chan Warren C. W.
Published: November 2010

Barcoding technologies have become the basis for a new generation of molecular diagnostic platforms for measuring biomarkers in a high‐throughput, rapid, and sensitive manner. Thus far, researchers have mainly focused on preparing different types of barcodes but, in order to use them optimally in genomic‐ and proteomic‐based applications, there is a need to understand the effect of barcode and assay parameters on their performance. Herein, quantum‐dot barcodes are systematically characterized for the detection of non‐amplified DNA sequences. The effect of capture probes, reporter probes, and target DNA sequence lengths are studied, as well as the effect of the amount of noncomplementary sequences on the hybridization kinetics and efficiency. From DNA denaturation to signal detection, quantum‐dot‐barcode assays require less than one hour to detect a target DNA sequence with a linear dynamic range of 0.02–100 fmol. Three optically distinct quantum‐dot barcodes are used to demonstrate the multiplexing capability of these barcodes for genomic detection. These results suggest that quantum‐dot barcodes are an excellent platform for multiplex, rapid, and sensitive genetic detection.
Evolutionary TBL template generation
Authors: Milidiú Ruy Luiz , Duarte Julio Cesar , Santos Cícero Nogueira dos
Published: November 2010

Transformation Based Learning (TBL) is a Machine Learning technique frequently used in some Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks. TBL uses rule templates to identify error-correcting patterns. A critical requirement in TBL is the availability of a problem domain expert to build these rule templates. In this work, we propose an evolutionary approach based on Genetic Algorithms to automatically implement the template generation process. Additionally, we report our findings on five experiments with useful NLP tasks. We observe that our approach provides template sets with a mean loss of performance of 0.5% when compared to human built templates
Engineering Good Times: Fiscal Manipulation in a Global Economy
Authors: O’Mahony Angela
Published: November 2010

In a global economy, a country’s international economic ties affect both how desirable pre-electoral fiscal manipulation is to the government, and how costly it is to the government to engage in such manipulation. Governments are more likely to engage in pre-electoral fiscal manipulation when the country’s exchange rate is flexible and the domestic economy is highly open to international trade, and when the exchange rate is fixed and the domestic economy is relatively closed to international trade. This argument is tested empirically through a quantitative analysis of changes in government debt in twenty OECD countries from 1974 to 2008.
Responses of sugar beet to sulphur fertilizer in England
Authors: JAGGARD K. W. , ZHAO F.-J.
Published: November 2010

Six field experiments were carried out in eastern England between 2003 and 2005 to test the effect of sulphur (S) fertilizer on the yield of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). The experiments were undertaken at sites where there had previously been a positive response to S in other crops or where no S-containing materials had been applied for more than 20 years. No individual experiment produced a significant positive response to S application, but the treatments that received no S fertilizer produced the smallest yield in five of the six experiments. Analysis across years using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedures showed that there was a positive and significant sugar yield response in beet of 0·56 t/ha where positive responses had previously been recorded in other crops grown on these loamy sand soils. Beet crops grown in soils of this type should receive S fertilizer that can be applied conveniently as sufficient ammonium sulphate to supply the first dressing of N.
Modulated waves in a periodically driven annular cavity
Authors: BLACKBURN H. M. , LOPEZ J. M.
Published: November 2010

Time-periodic flows with spatio-temporal symmetry Z2 × O(2) – invariance in the spanwise direction generating the O(2) symmetry group and a half-period-reflection symmetry in the streamwise direction generating a spatio-temporal Z2 symmetry group – are of interest largely because this is the symmetry group of periodic laminar two-dimensional wakes of symmetric bodies. Such flows are the base states for various three-dimensional instabilities; the periodically shedding two-dimensional circular cylinder wake with three-dimensional modes A and B being the generic example. However, it is not easy to physically realize the ideal flows owing to the presence of end effects and finite spanwise geometries. Flows past rings are sometimes advanced as providing a relevant idealization, but in fact these have symmetry group O(2) and only approach Z2 × O(2) symmetry in the infinite aspect ratio limit. The present work examines physically realizable periodically driven annular cavity flows that possess Z2 × O(2) spatio-temporal symmetry. The flows have three distinct codimension-1 instabilities: two synchronous modes (A and B), and two manifestations of a quasi-periodic (QP) mode, either as modulated standing waves or modulated travelling waves. It is found that the curvature of the system can determine which of these modes is the first to become unstable with increasing Reynolds number, and that even in the nonlinear regime near onset of three-dimensional instabilities the dynamics are dominated by mixed modes with complicated spatio-temporal structure. Supplementary movies illustrating the spatio-temporal dynamics are available at journals.cambridge.org/flm.
A forgotten facial nerve tumour: granular cell tumour of the parotid and its implications for treatment
Authors: Lerut B , Vosbeck J , Linder T E
Published: November 2010

We present a rare case of a facial nerve granular cell tumour in the right parotid gland, in a 10-year-old boy. A parotid or neurogenic tumour was suspected, based on magnetic resonance imaging. Intra-operatively, strong adhesions to surrounding structures were found, and a midfacial nerve branch had to be sacrificed for complete tumour removal. Recent reports verify that granular cell tumours arise from Schwann cells of peripheral nerve branches. The rarity of this tumour within the parotid gland, its origin from peripheral nerves, its sometimes misleading imaging characteristics, and its rare presentation with facial weakness and pain all have considerable implications on the surgical strategy and pre-operative counselling. Fine needle aspiration cytology may confirm the neurogenic origin of this lesion. When resecting the tumour, the surgeon must anticipate strong adherence to the facial nerve and be prepared to graft, or sacrifice, certain branches of this nerve.
Effect of central compartment neck dissection on hypocalcaemia incidence after total thyroidectomy for carcinoma
Authors: Mitra I , Nichani J R , Yap B , Homer J J
Published: November 2010

Introduction:

Central compartment neck dissection is increasingly performed as part of surgical management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. However, elective central neck dissection remains controversial due to complications and lack of evidence of survival benefit.

Objective:

To investigate and compare rates of transient and permanent hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy alone, compared with total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection, for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Methods:

Retrospective study of 127 consecutive patients referred with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, 2004–2006; 78 patients had undergone total thyroidectomy (group one) and 49 total thyroidectomy with central compartment node dissection (group two). Surgery was performed in various hospitals by both otolaryngologists and endocrine surgeons.

Results:

In groups one and two, the incidence of transient hypocalcaemia was 18 per cent (14/78) and 51 per cent (25/49) (p < 0.001), and the incidence of permanent hypocalcaemia 1 per cent (one of 77) and 12 per cent (six of 49) (p < 0.01), respectively. Most patients undergoing central neck dissection had evidence of pathological level six lymphadenopathy (29/49).

Conclusion:

Total thyroidectomy combined with central neck dissection for the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma is more likely to result in transient (51 per cent) and permanent (12 per cent) hypocalcaemia. Elective neck dissection should be performed selectively, with a high expectation of post-operative hypocalcaemia.
Impact of the CNT growth process on gold metallization dedicated to RF interconnect applications
Authors: Yap Chin Chong , Tan Dunlin , Brun Christophe , Li Hong , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Baillargeat Dominique , Tay Beng Kang
Published: November 2010

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a unique group of materials with high aspect ratio, mechanical and electrical properties, which are of great interests in the field of interconnects, and radio frequency applications. In order to incorporate CNTs into any of these applications successfully, one important issue that has to be resolved is the critical parameters (temperature and reactant gases) associated with the growth of the CNTs. As such, the effect of these growth requirements on the adjacent components should be studied. In this work, we examined specifically the effect of carbon nanotubes growth on the underlying metallization, in particular gold, dedicated for radio-frequency-based applications. The gold coplanar lines were annealed at 800°C in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system to simulate the worst-case condition. The reflection and transmission parameters were analyzed using a probe station connected to a vector network analyzer. Carbon nanotubes grown on different barrier layers were also characterized using a scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy to identify a suitable barrier layer for gold. Our results showed that it is promising to integrate carbon nanotubes grown using PECVD onto Au coplanar waveguide without degrading the S-parameters measurements up to 20 GHz.
Dosimetry of an in vitro exposure system for fluorescence measurements during 2.45 GHz microwave exposure
Authors: Kenaan Mohamad , Moisescu Mihaela G. , Savopol Tudor , Martin Diana , Arnaud-Cormos Delia , Leveque Philippe
Published: November 2010

An in vitro system for 2.45 GHz microwave (MW) exposure with real-time fluorescence measurements is proposed. This system is specifically designed for the measurement of those biophysical parameters of living cells or membrane models which can be quantified by spectrofluorometric methods (e.g. membrane generalized polarization (GP), membrane fluidity, membrane potential, etc.). The novelty of the system consists in the possibility to perform fluorescence measurements on the biological samples simultaneously with their exposure to MW. The MW applicator is an open ended coaxial antenna which is dipped into a cuvette. The distribution of electromagnetic field and specific absorption rate (SAR) in the cuvette are provided from a rigorous electromagnetic numerical analysis performed with a finite difference-time domain (FDTD) based tool. With this system, fluorescence measurements were used to calculate the membrane GP values of giant unilamellar vesicle suspensions that were acquired during exposure to a 1.2 W incident power. For this power, the SAR distribution and mean SAR value for the whole volume were calculated based on temperature measurements made at different positions inside the cuvette.
„Oseltadelir“
Authors: Kruker Anna Tina , Krause Martin
Published: November 2010

Wir berichten die Geschichte eines 62-jährigen Religionslehrers, der im Dezember 2009 während der H1N1-Epidemie hospitalisiert war. Er stellte sich mit 38.3 °C Fieber und Dyspnoe notfallmäßig vor. Mit klinischen Rasselgeräuschen über beiden Lungen, erhöhtem CRP und radiologischen Lungenveränderungen wurde bei hoher Vortestwahrscheinlichkeit die Verdachtsdiagnose einer H1N1-Influenza-Pneumonie gestellt. Es bestanden mehrere Komorbiditäten wie eine koronare und hypertensive Herzkrankheit, ein insulinpflichtiger Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 und eine chronische Niereninsuffizienz. Wir entschieden uns zur antiviralen Behandlung mit Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) in Standarddosierung 2 × 75 mg. Diese wurde weitergeführt, obwohl im Nasopharynxsekret mittels PCR keine H1N1-Influenzaviren nachgewiesen werden konnten. Der klinische Verlauf war erfreulich, die Atmung besserte. Jedoch erlebte der Patient eine äußerst beängstigende Psychose mit seltsamen Halluzinationen und wahnhaften Inhalten, welche nahezu einen fatalen Ausgang hatten. Ob der Grund für das delirante Bild durch die Akutkrankheit oder medikamentös bedingt war, kann letztlich nicht mit Sicherheit gesagt werden. Die Datensuche zeigte jedoch, dass neuropsychiatrische Nebenwirkungen von Oseltamivir anekdotisch beschrieben, aber nicht prospektiv-randomisiert untersucht worden sind.
Der sanfte Riese...
Authors: Henzen Christoph
Published: November 2010

Die Akromegalie ist eine seltene Erkrankung mit langsam einschleichenden Krankheitsmanifestationen, was die Diagnose in der Regel um Jahre verzögert. Typisch für die Akromegalie sind neben dem akralen Wachstum, vor allem die Hyperhidrose und kardiorespiratorische Erkrankungen, welche die Mortalität gegenüber der Normalpopulation ums Dreifache erhöhen. Die klinische Verdachtsdiagnose wird durch die Messung des hGH im Glukose-Suppression-Test und die Bestimmung des IGF-1 gesichert. Die Ursache ist praktisch immer ein Hypophysen-Makroadenom, welches meistens kombiniert chirurgisch mittels transsphenoidaler Resektion und medikamentös mit Somatostatin-Analoga, Pegvisomant und Dopamin-Agonisten behandelt wird.
„Mit der Zahnbürste dem Herzinfarkt vorbeugen?“ oder „Brush your Brain too!“
Authors: Beer Juerg H.
Published: November 2010

Die Assoziation von kardiovaskulären Ereignissen mit Periodontitis wird präsentiert. Die Möglichkeit des kausalen Links wegen chronischer, niedriggradiger Entzündung (erhöhtes CRP, erhöhtes Fibrinogen) wird diskutiert. Anhand einer kürzlichen Studie aus Schottland, bei der seltenes Zähneputzen mit erhöhten kardiovaskulären Ereignissen assoziiert war, wird erneut der Bias (Alter, männliches Geschlecht und tieferer sozioökonomischer Status) erwähnt. Schlussfolgerungen: Sicher ist das Rauchen ein gemeinsamer Risikofaktor. Vor allem in der präoperativen Phase sind entzündliche dentogene Herde zu eliminieren, speziell vor Implantaten.
Kranken-Geschichten und andere Geschichten im Multimedia-Zeitalter... Da war doch noch was?
Authors: Kohler Hans-Peter
Published: November 2010

Das Multimedia-Zeitalter ist faszinierend und zugleich grenzenlos! Die Fortschritte in der Unterhaltungselektronik sind beeindruckend. Unser privater wie auch beruflicher Alltag wird zunehmend von verschiedenen elektronischen „Gadgets“ begleitet und mitbestimmt. Dieser Fortschritt müsste sich eigentlich sehr positiv auf unseren Klinikalltag auswirken. Ist das so? Der Zugang zu Patientendaten, das Verordnen von Medikamenten, wie auch das Beurteilen von radiologischen Untersuchungen am Computerbildschirm, ist mit Hilfe des Computers und Klinikinformationssystemen kinderleicht geworden. All diese technischen Fortschritte haben einen Einfluss auf die Arzt-Patientenbeziehung, auf die Kommunikation zwischen Arzt und Pflege, zeigen aber auch Auswirkungen auf die Kommunikation zwischen den behandelnden Ärzten. Sind all diese Veränderungen zum Wohle unserer Patientinnen und Patienten? Führt der Einsatz von Klinikinformationssystemen zu einer verbesserten Patientenbetreuung und womöglich zu einem besseren medizinischen Ergebnis? Was hat sich in den vergangen Jahren eigentlich verändert? Befinden wir uns auf dem richtigen Weg? Der Artikel versucht diese Veränderungen kritisch zu analysieren.
Childhood Socio-Emotional Characteristics as Antecedents of Marital Stability and Quality
Authors: Kinnunen Ulla , Pulkkinen Lea
Published: November 2010

The study was part of the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development in which the same persons have been followed from age 8 through to age 36. The present sample was restricted to those men (n = 131) and women (n = 132) who were either living, or had lived, in a cohabiting or marital relationship. Data on socio-emotional characteristics were collected at ages 8 and 14 using teacher ratings, and on personality traits at age 27 using personality inventories. Marital data were collected at age 36 using an interview and questionnaires. The results showed, first, that divorced individuals differed from those in intact marriages in the aggressiveness versus compliance dimension in childhood and adolescence; the divorced individuals having been more aggressive and less compliant. Second, marriage at a young age in women, and unstable careers and childlessness in men added to the explanation of divorce. Third, poor-quality marriages were linked to anxiety and passivity in childhood for women, and to anxiety, emotional lability, and aggression for men. Neuroticism in early adulthood explained dissatisfaction with the current relationship for men and hostility in the relationship for women. The results suggest that low emotional regulation plays a significant role as an antecedent of subsequent partner relationships.
Chronic Stimulation–Induced Changes in the Rodent Thyroarytenoid Muscle
Authors: McMullen Colleen A. , Butterfield Timothy A. , Dietrich Maria , Andreatta Richard D. , Andrade Francisco H. , Fry Lisa , Stemple Joseph C.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Therapies for certain voice disorders purport principles of skeletal muscle rehabilitation to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance. However, applicability of limb muscle rehabilitation to the laryngeal muscles has not been tested. In this study, the authors examined the feasibility of the rat thyroarytenoid muscle to remodel as a consequence of increased activity instantiated through chronic electrical stimulation.

Method

Twenty adult Sprague-Dawley rats (
Rattus norvegicus),
assigned to a 1-week or 2-week stimulation group, were implanted with a nerve cuff electrode placed around the right recurrent laryngeal nerve and were fitted with a head connector. All animals were placed under anesthesia twice a day for 1 hr each time. Following the training, rats were killed, and thyroarytenoid muscles were isolated for histology and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mean muscle fiber area decreased, neuromuscular junction density increased, mitochondrial content increased qualitatively, and glycogen-positive fibers increased, demonstrating exercise-induced changes similar to those seen in limb muscles after endurance training.

Conclusion

Rat thyroarytenoid muscles are capable of remodeling in response to chronic electrical stimulation.
Developing consumer-directed care for people with a disability: 10 lessons for user participation in health and community care policy and program development
Authors: Ottmann Goetz F. , Laragy Carmel
Published: November 2010

This paper outlines 10 lessons derived from the development of a consumer-directed care program for families with disabled children in Melbourne, Australia. The following program elements proved to be of importance over the course of the development process: (1) research participants should be involved as early as possible; (2) an open, inclusive communication style in conjunction with a good understanding of potential concerns and a careful framing of the policy issue is required to build trust and allow meaningful collaboration; (3) various strands of evidence have to be woven together; (4) ongoing commitment and support from management and key stakeholders; (5) effective knowledge transfer and cultural change processes; (6) capacity building; (7) mediation of power differentials; (8) community building; (9) participant re-engagement strategies; and (10) solid project management skills. What is known about the topic? User involvement in planning and decision making has become the policy of choice for government as well as health and social care service providers in most democratic countries. However, there are few examples highlighting key factors for successful user involvement. What does this paper add? Based on a longitudinal review of a program developed with significant user involvement, this paper outlines 10 key requirements underpinning participatory strategies for project and policy design. What are the implications for practitioners? Participatory methodologies are potentially complex, have to be meticulously planned and resourced, and have to be carefully managed. To meaningfully involve users in more intricate projects may require the input of experienced professionals.
The First Steps Program: a case study of a new model of community child health service
Authors: Barnes Margaret I. , Pratt Jan , Finlayson Kathleen , Pitt Barbara , Knight Cheryl
Published: November 2010

Community Child Health Nursing Services provide support for new mothers; however, the focus has often been on individual consultations, complemented by a series of group sessions soon after birth. We describe a new model of community care for first-time mothers that centres on group sessions throughout the whole contact period. The model was developed by practicing child health nurses for a large health service district in south-east Queensland, which offers a comprehensive community child health service. Issues identified by clinicians working within existing services, feedback from clients and the need for more resource-efficient methods of service provision underpinned the development of the model. The pilot program was implemented in two community child health centres in Brisbane. An early individual consultation to engage the family with the service was added in response to feedback from clinicians and clients. The modified model has since been implemented service-wide as the ‘First Steps Program’. The introduction of this model has ensured that the service has been able to retain a comprehensive service for first-time parents from a universal population, while responding to the challenges of population growth and the increasing number of complex clients placing demands on resources.
Shear stress-induced changes of membrane transporter localization and expression in mouse proximal tubule cells
Authors: Duan Yi , Weinstein Alan M. , Weinbaum Sheldon , Wang Tong
Published: November 2010

Our previous studies of microperfused single proximal tubule showed that flow-dependent Na
+
and HCO
3
−
reabsorption is due to a modulation of both NHE3 and vacuolar H
+
-ATPase (V-ATPase) activity. An intact actin cytoskeleton was indicated to provide a structural framework for proximal tubule cells to transmit mechanical forces and subsequently modulate cellular functions. In this study, we have used mouse proximal tubule (MPT) cells as a model to study the role of fluid shear stress (FSS) on apical NHE3 and V-ATPase and basolateral Na/K-ATPase trafficking and expression. Our hypothesis is that FSS stimulates both apical and basolateral transporter expression and trafficking, which subsequently mediates salt and volume reabsorption. We exposed MPT cells to 0.2 dynes/cm
2
FSS for 3 h and performed confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis to compare the localization and expression of both apical and basolateral transporters in control cells and cells subjected to FSS. Our findings show that FSS leads to an increment in the amount of protein expression, and a translocation of apical NHE3 and V-ATPase from the intracellular compartment to the apical plasma membrane and Na/K-ATPase to the basolateral membrane. Disrupting actin by cytochalasin D blocks the FSS-induced changes in NHE3 and Na/K-ATPase, but not V-ATPase. In contrast, FSS-induced V-ATPase redistribution and expression are largely inhibited by colchicine, an agent that blocks microtubule polymerization. Our findings suggest that the actin cytoskeleton plays an important role in FSS-induced NHE3 and Na/K-ATPase trafficking, and an intact microtubule network is critical in FSS-induced modulation of V-ATPase in proximal tubule cells.
Kom Groun Jamiekan Daans Haal Liricks: Memba SE A Plie Wi A Plie
Authors: Devonish Hubert
Published: November 2010

This article analyses a Jamaican cultural event, "Dance Hall", as a speech event. It then focusses on a particular controversy surrounding the lyrics of a piece of dance hall music performed by Buju Banton. It argues that much of the discussion about the lyrics in Britain and the USA dealt with these lyrics outside the sociolinguistic context of the Jamaican dance hall within which Buju Banton's recorded performance would be understood by many Jamaicans to belong. The article further argues that the international misunderstanding is compounded by the fact that Jamaicans as a group refuse to recognise Jamaican, the language of the lyrics, as a language separate and apart from English. The conclusion is that if this were to happen, it would be easier to present Jamaican cultural output to the international community in a manner which forces that community to understand and respect the linguistic and sociocultural autonomy of such output. Since Jamaican (i.e. Jamaican Creole) is the language of dance hall performances, the article was written in Jamaican and an English translation provided. There is a brief discussion of the process by which a sociolinguistic academic article was conceived of and written in Jamaican, traditionally a language of oral informal discourse.
Complex sentence constructions in Nyulnyul, Western Australia
Authors: McGregor William B.
Published: November 2010

This paper investigates complex sentence constructions in Nyulnyul (Kimberley, Western Australia). Three primary types of inter-clausal relationships — embedding (part-whole), dependence (part-part) and scope (whole-whole) — permit an initial typology of complex sentence types. This paper focuses on embedding and dependence, ignoring scope. It is argued that non-finite clauses must be embedded in a finite clause, whereas finite clauses cannot be, and may only be related to another finite clause by dependence. Dependence relations can be classified (following Halliday 1985) according to two independent emically significant parameters: parataxis vs. hypotaxis; and extension vs. elaboration vs. enhancement. The contrast between parataxis and hypotaxis is examined, and it is argued that hypotaxis involves the reduction in status of the dependent clause; consequences of this are discussed. Embedding involves nominalisation, and with this the 'entitisation' of an event, and the consequent unchallangeability of the clause.
Possessives and topicality
Authors: Taylor John R.
Published: November 2010

This paper deals with certain aspects of prenominal possessives (i.e. expressions of the kind John's wife, the city's destruction) in English. Consideration of the discourse function of the construction leads to the prediction that the possessor nominal will be high in topicality, whilst the possessee nominal will generally denote a highly non-topical entity. A number of text-based studies of the possessive confirm these predictions. It is then argued that the distribution of topicality within the construction offers a unified explanation of a range of grammaticality judgements.
Developing an educational linguistics for English language teaching
Authors: Christie Frances
Published: November 2010

The relevance of linguistic studies to educational practices has been an issue hotly debated for some time among specialists in English language education. Many such specialists have questioned the value of any linguistic insights, preferring to rely on various pedagogical theories, most of them not informed by any rigorous examination of language, its nature and functions, or its role in learning. This paper argues the importance of developing an educational linguistics, the better to inform curriculum planning and pedagogical practices in schools. In particular the paper argues the importance of the contributions of systemic functional linguistic perspectives to the development of a model of language and literacy of a kind which can usefully underpin curriculum planning and learning theory. Such a model, while drawing extensively upon other related contemporary social theories, will nonetheless place a functional grammar firmly at the heart of its concerns.
The use of grammar, the grammar of use
Authors: Widdowson Henry G.
Published: November 2010

This paper1 is meant to be a contribution to the current debate on the scope and accountability of grammatical description by a critical examination of features of the systemic-functional model. As to scope, I consider to what extent this grammar can actually account for language use in text. I argue that the semantic functions which are specified in the separate components of systemic-functional grammar combine pragmatically under variable conditions of interpretation which will always elude grammatical analysis, and that although it is possible to analyse text as manifesting linguistic categories, the interpretation of text as the realization of these categories in discourse is a pragmatic matter beyond the scope of grammar. This means that you can make use of grammatical description, and therefore make it useful, but use and usefulness cannot be intrinsic design features of the description, and cannot be adduced as measures of its validity.
The ingredients of style in contemporary illustration
Authors: Ashwin Clive
Published: November 2010

Although widely used, the notion of style is as yet poorly defined in relation to illustration. The author discusses the concept of style and proposes seven variables which serve to provide an analytical framework for the characterisation and differentiation of styles in contemporary illustration.
Image design and modification
Authors: Sless David
Published: November 2010

This paper reports an experimental pedagogic investigation of design behaviour. The subjects were design students and they were required to modify an image on the basis of feedback from a target audience. Results showed a consistent improvement in performance of the image with successive modifications. The study also shows a progressive build-up of resistance on the part of subjects to further modifications of the image. The implications for design education and practice are discussed.
The graphics triangle
Authors: Brown Bruce
Published: November 2010

A definition is proposed for three basic values used in attempting communication; these values are then compared and combined in a model which recognises areas of design activity. This model is then used as a diagnostic tool to elucidate contemporary attitudes toward the design of communications.
A comparison of the graphic qualities of Prestel, Antiope and Tel idon
Authors: McLaren Ian
Published: November 2010

As viewdata systems expand rapidly to meet the estimated huge market demand coming into view, the graphics quality, legibility and display standards that they offer also come under in creasingly cut teal s cru tiny. The author rep o rts on an important study earned out for the EEC Commission, focussing on this aspect of the videotex story.
The background to perspective
Authors: Penrice Leonard
Published: November 2010

This paper presents Leonardo's theory of picture perception as a model of a productive theory. The theory itself will not stand up to modern cnticism hut was nevertheless the essential basis for the development o f a communicative technology (perspective naturalism) of remarkable and continuing power. The author concludes that the most productive theorising from the designer's point of view is likely to occur within his own discipline, and that designers must have the confidence to pursue enquiries even though they may lack the kind of ngour that is thought essential in some other areas.
Writing-system as a concept in linguistics
Authors: Mountford John
Published: November 2010

In a proposed systemisation of terminology concerned with writing, the most precise relationship assigned is that between 'writing-system ' as genus and 'orthography ' as one of its species, viz. the species designed to serve the general purposes of literacy, as opposed to the specialised purposes of the other four species of writing-system (stenography, cryptography, paedography, technography). 'Orthography' is further distinguished from 'spelling*, spelling being that part of a writing-system which realises the verbal component of writing. A non-verbal component of writing is recognised analogous to the non-verbal component of speech, and a linguistic 'graphology ' is called for, comparable to phonology.
Can children read familiar words set in unfamiliar type?
Authors: Coghill Vera
Published: November 2010

Materials f or teaching young children to read are usually printed in a sans serif type face. Teacher's assume that children cannot read other types. Five year old beginning readers were asked to read familiar words and sentences set in unfamiliar type faces. It was found that they could read text set in a variety of types.
Graphic codes for flow charts
Authors: Richards Clive James , Johnson Ronald
Published: November 2010

Established standards for flowcharting computer programs are outlined and alternatives to these standards are described. Some of the better known graphic codes are mentioned, although the coverage is not claimed to be comprehensive. The authors present their own method which aims to emphasize the flow and was designed with the graphically unskilled user in mind.
Schemata in text processing and design
Authors: Schumacher Gary M.
Published: November 2010

The concept of schema has come to play an important role in recent models of human cognitive functioning. In this paper, the major characteristics of this concept are outlined. This is followed by a discussion of how the concept has influenced psychologists and educators in their views of the processes involved in reading, comprehending and remembering prose passages. In a final section, some of the implications of the concept of schema for text design and construction are considered.
Simplifying DHSS forms and letters
Authors: Cutts Martin , Maher Chrissie
Published: November 2010

The authors, founders of the Plain English Campaign, evaluated and redesigned social security forms and leaflets. They describe how the design of one particular document was developed through several stages of criticism and testing, and demonstrate that document design involves balancing the needs of users with the requirements of administrators.
London's public transport diagrams — visual comparisons of some graphic conventions
Authors: Burke Michael , McLaren Ian
Published: November 2010

Comparisons are made between the conventions employed in public transport diagrams within the greater London area. A basic difference is noted between rail and bus networks. Individual conventions are commented upon; in addition to identifying functional differences (ie stopping point, interchange, terminus) it is observed that conventions are also employed to signify frequency.
Informed design for forms
Authors: Wright Patricia
Published: November 2010

This paper seeks to develop a heuristic that can be used by form designers during the design process. This heuristic is based on an analysis of the interaction between the form and those who use it (ie, complete it or adminster it). The interaction is analysed in terms of the cognitive processes involved in dealing with the form (perception, memory, decision making, etc). This analysis also provides a framework for interpreting the available research literature. Detailed consideration of users' requirements shows that a multiplicity of design skills are needed for effective form design. This in turn has implications for the nature of the design process.
Problems in public documents
Authors: Rose Andrew M.
Published: November 2010

The failure to understand and use public documents correctly is a serious problem. Several studies are presented which attempt to identify the aspects of documents related to the lack of understanding. Different approaches are used, including a critical incident survey, a ranking of document difficulty, correlational studies, and an information processing analysis of document users' tasks. The major conclusion is that most problems are caused by the failure to consider the requirements of a document from the perspective of the document's audience
The plain English movement in America
Authors: Clive Michael , Russo Francine
Published: November 2010

This paper outlines the recent history of the language simplification movement in the United States. Legislation has been passed in several states, and commercial organisation are realising the benefits of clear communication with the public. The authors conclude that although the movement has demonstrated that legal and technical difficulties can be overcome, some observers remain unconvinced that there are cost benefits for businesses who invest in good communication; for these, only time and experience will prove the point.