bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conversation analytic perspective on teaching English pronunciation: The case of speech rhythm
Authors: Szczepek Reed Beatrice
Published: March 2012

Recent decades have seen an ongoing debate over the implications of English as a global lingua franca for English teaching methodologies and curricula, particularly regarding pronunciation. The two opposing perspectives are native‐like accuracy on the one hand, and international intelligibility on the other. This paper suggests a third approach, which starts from an interactional perspective on phonetics and prosody, and asks, first, what the interactional relevance of individual pronunciation features may be, and, second, how non‐native speakers would benefit from acquiring them. Taking speech rhythm as an example, the paper argues that as long as non‐native speakers are able to accomplish the interactional projects they set out to accomplish, non‐native features of their accent variety need not be made prominent in pronunciation teaching.

Seit einigen Jahrzehnten werden in der angewandten Sprachwissenschaft Auswirkungen des globalen Gebrauchs des Englischen als Lingua Franca auf Lehrmethodologie und Lehrpläne für Englisch als Fremdsprache diskutiert, besonders im Bereich des Ausspracheunterrichts. Zwei gegensätzliche Perspektiven werden von Befürwortern quasi‐muttersprachlicher Korrektheit einerseits, und internationaler Verständlichkeit andererseits vertreten. In diesem Artikel wird ein dritter Ansatz angeboten, der von einer interaktionalen Perspektive auf Phonetik und Prosodie ausgeht. Hier wird zuerst nach der interaktionalen Relevanz einzelner Aussprachemerkmale gefragt, und dann untersucht, ob, und inwieweit Nicht‐Muttersprachlerinnen vom Erlernen dieser Merkmale profitieren. Der Artikel verwendet Sprechrhythmus als Beispiel, und argumentiert, dass wenn Nicht‐Muttersprachlerinnen in der Lage sind ihre interaktionalen Ziele erfolgreich zu verwirklichen, ihre nicht‐muttersprachlichen Aussprachevarianten keine bedeutende Stellung im Ausspracheunterricht einnehmen müssen.
EX‐DIVIDEND DAY PRICE BEHAVIOR OF EXCHANGE‐TRADED FUNDS
Authors: Ruan Jun (Tony) , Ma Tongshu
Published: March 2012

We document that for exchange‐traded funds (ETFs), the price falls on average by the dividend amounts on the ex‐dividend day, and there are significantly positive abnormal volumes. This is because trading in ETFs entails lower transaction costs and lower risk than trading in equity closed‐end funds (CEFs) and individual stocks. Similar results are also found for equity CEFs. However, regression analyses indicate that transaction costs and risk are indeed negligible for ETFs but not for equity CEFs and that risk remains important for a sample of stocks matched based on transaction costs. Overall, the results support the short‐term traders hypothesis.
Daily Inhalation Rate and Time‐Activity/Location Pattern in Japanese Preschool Children
Authors: Kawahara Junko , Tanaka Shigeho , Tanaka Chiaki , Aoki Yasunobu , Yonemoto Junzo
Published: March 2012

Lack of data on daily inhalation rate and activity of children has been an issue in health risk assessment of air pollutants. This study aimed to obtain the daily inhalation rate and intensity and frequency of physical activity in relation to the environment in Japanese preschool children. Children aged four–six years (n= 138) in the suburbs of Tokyo participated in this study, which involved three days' continuous monitoring of physical activity using a tri‐axial accelerometer and parent's completion of a time/location diary during daily life. The estimated three‐day mean daily inhalation rate (body temperature, pressure, saturated with water vapor) was 9.9 ± 1.6 m3/day (0.52 ± 0.09 m3/kg/day). The current daily inhalation rate value of 0.580 m3/kg/day proposed for use in health risk assessment in Japan is confirmed to be valid to calculate central value of inhaled dose of air pollutants in five‐ to six‐year‐old children. However, the 95th percentile daily inhalation rate of 0.83 m3/kg/day based on measurement for five‐year‐old children is recommended to be used to provide an upper bound estimate of exposure that ensure the protection of all five‐ to six‐year‐old children from the health risk of air pollutants. Children spent the majority of their time in sedentary and light level of physical activity (LPA) when indoors, while 85% of their time when outdoors was spent in LPA and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. The results suggest the need to consider variability of minute respiratory ventilation rate according to the environment for more refined short‐term health risk assessment.
On the Risk Management and Risk Governance of Petroleum Operations in the Barents Sea Area
Authors: Aven Terje , Renn Ortwin
Published: March 2012

In this article, we discuss issues of risk management and risk governance with respect to petroleum operations in the Barents Sea area. We will focus on the decision problems related to whether or not to open the Barents Sea for petroleum activities in special vulnerable areas. We will explore to what extent the International Risk Governance Council risk governance framework provides valuable insights for and assistance to the decisionmaker and other stakeholders (including the industry and NGOs). The study covers issues related to risk assessment and appraisal, risk acceptance and tolerability, the use of the precautionary principle, risk perception, stakeholder involvement, risk communication, and risk management. The overall aim of the article is to point to areas where the risk governance could have been and can be improved for these and similar decision problems.
Multiobjective Prioritization Methodology and Decision Support System for Evaluating Inventory Enhancement Strategies for Disrupted Interdependent Sectors
Authors: Resurreccion Joanna , Santos Joost R.
Published: March 2012

Disruptions in the production of commodities and services resulting from disasters influence the vital functions of infrastructure and economic sectors within a region. The interdependencies inherent among these sectors trigger the faster propagation of disaster consequences that are often associated with a wider range of inoperability and amplified losses. This article evaluates the impact of inventory‐enhanced policies for disrupted interdependent sectors to improve the disaster preparedness capability of dynamic inoperability input‐output models (DIIM). In this article, we develop the dynamic cross‐prioritization plot (DCPP)—a prioritization methodology capable of identifying and dynamically updating the critical sectors based on preference assignments to different objectives. The DCPP integrates the risk assessment metrics (e.g., economic loss and inoperability), which are independently analyzed in the DIIM. We develop a computer‐based DCPP tool to determine the priority for inventory enhancement with user preference and resource availability as new dimensions. A baseline inventory case for the state of Virginia revealed a high concentration of (i) manufacturing sectors under the inoperability objective and (ii) service sectors under the economic loss objective. Simulation of enhanced inventory policies for selected critical manufacturing sectors has reduced the recovery period by approximately four days and the expected total economic loss by $33 million. Although the article focuses on enhancing inventory levels in manufacturing sectors, complementary analysis is recommended to manage the resilience of the service sectors. The flexibility of the proposed DCPP as a decision support tool can also be extended to accommodate analysis in other regions and disaster scenarios.
Clinical Comparison of ICD Detection Algorithms that Include Rapid‐VT Zones
Authors: HIRSH DAVID S. , CHINITZ LARRY A. , BERNSTEIN NEIL E. , HOLMES DOUGLAS S. , RAO SATYA , AIZER ANTHONY
Published: March 2012

Introduction: The safe use of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) to terminate rapid ventricular tachycardias (VTs) (cycle length 240–320 ms) is predicated on the ability of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to distinguish rapid VT from ventricular fibrillation (VF). We set out to compare the time to device charging following the induction of VF of various ICD multizone detection algorithms for rapid VT/VF discrimination.

Methods and Results: Data on the time to device charging following the induction of VF at the time to device implantation were collected on 62 consecutive patients in a nonrandomized prospective cohort fashion. Multizone programming for the Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and St. Jude Medical devices was based on prior clinically validated data. Sixty‐two subjects were studied (Boston Scientific = 16, Medtronic = 27, St. Jude Medical = 19) and 124 tests for VF detection were performed (Boston Scientific = 32, Medtronic = 54, St. Jude Medical = 38). Mean time to charging was significantly prolonged in the Boston Scientific group as was the percentage of tests where charge initiation occurred >5 seconds from VF‐induction: 4.24, 3.99, and 3.00 seconds and 19%, 4%, and 0% for the Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and St. Jude Medical groups, respectively, P < 0.05. ATP was the first therapy administered in 9.4% of tests in the Boston Scientific group.

Conclusion: The Boston Scientific multizone VT/VF discrimination algorithm results in a prolonged time to VF detection, and consequently, prolonged time to appropriate initiation of device charging. Further studies are needed to determine whether prolonged detection times lead to clinically significant events. (PACE 2012; 35:1222–1231)
One‐Year Clinical Outcome of a Randomized Trial of Polymer‐Free Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stents Versus Biodegradable Polymer‐Based Rapamycin‐Eluting Stents in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: ZHANG LAN , YUAN JIA , LIU GAN , ZHONG JIN‐PENG , YIN YUE‐HUI , SHE QIANG , SU LI , LING ZHI‐YU , CHEN YUN‐QING
Published: March 2012

Background:
 More widespread use of drug‐eluting stents (DES) to treat coronary heart disease (CHD) has recently generated more attention to thrombosis, which was relative to the polymer. Polymer‐free and biodegradable polymer‐based stents are more frequently studied, but their efficacy on preventing detrimental clinical events is unclear.

Methods and Results:
 To assess whether polymer‐free paclitaxel‐eluting stent (YINYI stent) was noninferior or equivalent to biodegradable polymer‐based rapamycin‐eluting stents (EXCEL stent) in preventing detrimental clinical cardiovascular events, a total of 167 consecutive CHD patients requiring DES implantation were randomly divided into the YINYI group (n = 82) and the EXCEL group (n = 85). The primary end‐point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The secondary end‐points included stent thrombosis events, all‐cause mortality, and rehospitalization. The study was designed to test the noninferiority or equivalence of the YINYI stent compared with the EXCEL stent with respect to one‐year MACE according to a noninferiority or equivalence margin of 0.1. One‐year MACE was 6.10% in the YINYI group versus 5.88% in the EXCEL group. The lower limit of the one‐sided 95% confidence interval was −0.0582 (P = 0.002 from the test for noninferiority). The 95% confidence interval for the equivalence test was [−0.0698, 0.0742] (P1=0.004 and P2=0.007 from 2 times the 1‐sided test for equivalence). There was no statistically significant difference in thrombosis events, all‐cause death, and rehospitalization (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
 In this small randomized trial, polymer‐free paclitaxel‐eluting stents appear to be noninferior or equivalent to biodegradable polymer‐based rapamycin‐eluting stents. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:604–610)
How Do Previous Mental Health, Social Support, and Stressful Life Events Contribute to Postnatal Depression in a Representative Sample of Australian Women?
Authors: Chojenta Catherine , Loxton Deborah , Lucke Jayne
Published: March 2012

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors for postnatal depression (PND) using longitudinal data in a representative sample of Australian women.

Methods: Mailed survey data collected from the youngest cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were analyzed. Of the women in this cohort, 2451 had a child in the 4 years preceding survey 4 in 2006, and those who reported being diagnosed or treated for PND at survey 4 (n = 252) were compared to those who had no report of PND at survey 4 (n = 2324) in order to identify risk factors for PND.

Results: Women with a history of depression (from survey 2 in 2000 and from survey 3 in 2003) were more likely to report postnatal depression (odds ratio [OR] 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–3.18 and OR 2.15; 95% CI, 1.37–3.35, respectively). Contrary to previous research, demographic factors were not significantly related to PND. Women who rated their affectionate support and positive social interaction as being available some of the time were significantly more likely to experience PND (OR 2.37; 95% CI, 1.24–4.53) than those who rated this type of support as being available all of the time.

Discussion: While previous mental health problems and a history of stressful life events were found to be significant risk factors for PND, the results of this study show that women with PND are also lacking some aspects of social support around the time of the birth of their children. Implications for treatment and policy are discussed.
Vapor Transport Sintering of Porous Calcium Phosphate Ceramics
Authors: Schlosser Margarete , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim
Published: March 2012

Vapor transport sintering (VTS) of calcium phosphates in various reactive atmospheres was investigated as a new fabrication method for ceramic scaffolds with fully interconnected porosity. Experiments were carried out for two different starting compositions—β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)—within various halide atmospheres and in water vapor. During the nondensifying VTS process, grain and pore size increase simultaneously although the interconnectivity of the pores is retained. Successful VTS is possible in the presence of several halide acids (HCl, HBr) and solid chlorides (MgCl2, CaCl2, AgCl). At elevated temperatures, sufficient amounts of volatile species are formed to sustain material transport through evaporation and condensation. The resulting microstructure and phase composition are both adjustable by choosing appropriate precursor materials, additives and process parameters. Furthermore, the use of AgCl as a sintering additive both facilitates VTS and the condensation of finely dispersed Ag particles on the scaffold's surface, which may lend antibacterial properties to the implant material.
Relative performance of different dental professional groups in screening for occlusal caries
Authors: Brocklehurst Paul , Ashley James , Walsh Tanya , Tickle Martin
Published: March 2012

Brocklehurst P, Ashley J, Walsh T, Tickle M. Relative performance of different dental professional groups in screening for occlusal caries. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  The use of role substitution, where different levels of practitioner undertake the duties of the most qualified clinician, is common in medicine and dentistry. Proponents argue that role substitution has the potential to increase dentists’ efficiency and effectiveness, thereby freeing up resources to improve access and reduce oral health inequalities. Given the current global economic climate, many countries are re‐examining models of service provision to utilize role substitution. The objective of this study was to determine whether different members of the dental team could meet the diagnostic threshold set by the World Health Organization, when screening photographs of occlusal surfaces for dental caries.

Methods:  Participants were sampled purposively and included; final‐year dental students, final‐year hygiene‐therapy students, primary care dentists, hygiene‐therapists and dental nurses. Following a brief training package, participants were asked to score 102 clinical photographs of both carious and noncarious extracted teeth and determine whether the tooth was ‘healthy’ or had ‘suspected decay’. The time delay between consecutive photographs was set at 8‐s. Judgment decisions were compared against the International Caries Detection and Assessment System as the gold standard, with scores of two or less representing ‘healthy’. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were determined for each participant and clinical group. Kappa was calculated to determine test–retest reliability.

Results:  Dental nurses had the highest median sensitivity (87.9%), although all groups were comparable. The median specificity for the groups was lower than their sensitivity scores, with dentists scoring the highest (71.0%). Dentists also scored the highest median positive predictive value (57.8%), whilst dental nurses scored the highest negative predictive value (91.3%). The median level of agreement was high for all groups; the highest median score was for the final‐year dental students (88.9%).

Conclusions:  Even with minimal training, different members of the dental team show the potential to screen for occlusal caries to a similar standard as primary care dentists. This requires further testing in vivo, but has important implications for the productivity and design of the future dental workforce.
Increased secretion of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 (TIMPs ‐1 and ‐2) in fibroblasts are early indictors of oral sub‐mucous fibrosis and ageing
Authors: Pitiyage Gayani N. , Lim Kue P. , Gemenitzidis Emilios , Teh Muy‐Teck , Waseem Ahmad , Prime Stephen S. , Tilakaratne Wanninayake M. , Fortune Farida , Parkinson E. K.
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 454–462

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is associated with paan chewing, altered collagen metabolism, inflammation and the upregulation of numerous cytokines. OSMF fibroblasts accumulate senescent cells at an increased rate because of increased reactive oxygen species production and DNA double‐strand breaks (DDBs), generated intrinsically by damaged mitochondria. This results in a reduced replicative lifespan. However, it is still unclear which other changes are intrinsic to the fibroblasts and associated with OSMF rather than the paan chewing habit or the OSMF environment. Both the oral epithelium and the mesenchyme have elevated levels of TGF‐β1 in OSMF in vivo. However, in cultured fibroblasts, secreted levels of TGF‐β1, other cytokines and the matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 showed no association with OSMF. In contrast, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2, were increased in 10/11 OSMF fibroblast cultures relative to normal and non‐diseased paan user controls. OSMF fibroblast collagen levels were normal. TIMP levels correlated with replicative lifespan of the cultures but not with the presence of senescent cells, as senescent cell depletion in OSMF fibroblast cultures did not result in a reduction in either TIMP‐1 or TIMP‐2. However, the introduction of unrepairable DDBs into normal oral fibroblasts by ionizing radiation increased TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 secretion by two‐fold and seven‐fold, respectively, within 5 days, replicating early senescence and the elevation seen in OSMF cultures. Therefore, increased fibroblast TIMP‐1/2 levels could be early disease‐specific markers of OSMF onset, DDBs and ageing and may have clinical significance, as OSMF can be reversed in its early stages.
The effects of mouthguards on the athletic ability of professional golfers
Authors: Pae Ahran , Yoo Ra‐Kyung , Noh Kwantae , Paek Janghyun , Kwon Kung‐Rock
Published: March 2012

Abstract –  The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of stabilization splints and mouthguards on the athletic ability of professional golfers. For this study, eight professional golfers with a mean age of 20.5 were selected. These participants performed four trials of 10 driver swings and 10 putts with or without a stabilization splint (control group) or mouthguard. For the 4th trial, the splints were adjusted using a simple blind test so that the participants were unaware of the unilateral molar contact. The drive distance, club head speed, initial ball speed, and putting accuracy were compared and analyzed before and after the application of equal bilateral molar occlusion. When the bilateral molar occlusion was applied using a mouthguard or stabilization splint, the club head speed and driving distance in the presence of the oral appliances were significantly increased compared with those without the presence of either appliance (P < 0.05). Alternatively, the initial ball speed and putting accuracy in the presence of these appliances were increased compared with those without the presence of an appliance; however, this effect was not statistically significant. When the mouthguards or stabilization splints were adjusted to result in unilateral molar occlusion, the club head speed and driving distance in the presence of the appliances were significantly decreased compared with those that were obtained without these appliances (P < 0.05). The initial ball speed and the putting accuracy were not affected by the use of the appliances. No difference was observed in the effectiveness of the stabilization splint and mouthguard when bilateral molar occlusion was performed. The occlusion stability that results from stabilization splints and mouthguards is thought to increase the club head speed and driving distance in professional golf players.
Orofacial diseases in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Petti S , Polimeni A , Berloco PB , Scully C
Published: March 2012

Oral Diseases(2012)19, 18–36

Objective: Solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at risk of several diseases, principally attributable to immunosuppression. This global overview of SOT/HSCT‐associated orofacial diseases is aimed at providing a practical instrument for the oral healthcare management of SOT/HSCT recipients.

Methods: Literature search was made through MEDLINE. The associations between orofacial diseases and SOT/HSCT were assessed using observational studies and case series and were classified into ‘association’, ‘no association’, and ‘unclear association’.

Results: Lip/oral cancers, drug‐induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), infections, including hairy leukoplakia and, less frequently, post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) and oral lichenoid lesions of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), were associated with SOT. Lip/oral cancers, GVHD, mucositis, DIGO, infections and, less frequently, PTLDs were associated with HSCT. Associations of orofacial granulomatosis‐like lesions and oral mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue‐type lymphoma with SOT, and of pyogenic granuloma and hairy leukoplakia with HSCT were unclear. Periodontal disease and dental caries were not associated with SOT/HSCT. For none of the local treatments was there a strong evidence of effectiveness.

Conclusions: Solid organ transplant/HSCT recipients are at risk of orofacial diseases. Adequate management of these patients alleviates local symptoms responsible for impaired eating, helps prevent systemic and lethal complications, and helps where dental healthcare has been neglected.
Free Energy Calculations on Snake Venom Metalloproteinase BaP1
Authors: Lingott Torsten , Merfort Irmgard , Steinbrecher Thomas
Published: March 2012

BaP1 is a snake venom metalloproteinase from the venom of Bothrops asper, showing high structural homology with the catalytic domain of human adamalysins and matrix metalloproteinases. It induces the release of cytokines, like interleukin‐1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Recently, the high‐resolution crystal structure of BaP1 with a bound inhibitor became available, representing an interesting model concerning inhibitor design for medicinally important metalloproteinases such as tumor necrosis factor alpha–converting enzyme and MMP13. We here use computational modeling to gain a better understanding about the binding properties of various ligands to BaP1, with a focus on computing ligand binding free energies. The obtained results should be of general significance for future research on medicinally important metalloproteinases. We have investigated the binding of the original inhibitor in detail and calculated its binding strength using MMP/GBSA free energy calculations. Additionally, the binding strengths of alternative ligands have been computed, and two of them are predicted and experimentally verified to strongly inhibit the enzyme. A suggestion for chemical modifications of BaP1 inhibitors could be made to guide future synthesis efforts. Furthermore, a contribution to the proteolytic reaction mechanism of metzincins is given. The pK value of the catalytically active glutamic acid residue 143 has been found to be significantly raised when compared with a free glutamate side chain. Calculations on other matrix metalloproteinases confirmed that this is not confined to BaP1, but seems to be a common feature of metzincins.
Application of MIKE SHE modelling system to set up a detailed water balance computation
Authors: Rahim Bahaa‐eldin E. A. , Yusoff Ismail , Jafri Azmi M. , Othman Zainudin , Abdul Ghani Azman
Published: March 2012

Estimation of total water balance is a substantial issue for watershed modelling in order to simulate the major components of the hydrological cycle to determine the stress of different anthropogenic activities on the available water resources within a catchment. In this context, the fully distributed physically based MIKE SHE modelling system was used to simulate the individual hydrological components of the total water balance for the Paya Indah Wetlands (PIW) watershed in the west of Peninsular Malaysia. Results reveal that the overall water balance is predominantly controlled by climate variables. Application of the model to the PIW watershed provides detailed estimation of the total water balance for a first‐order catchment in which actual evapotranspiration (ET) represents approximately 65 and 58%, while overland flow (OL) to the PIW lake system represents 12.38 and 12.3% of the total rainfall during the calibration and validation periods, respectively. The difference of the inflow and outflow was taken as storage in depth. Overall, the model gives a reasonable output of total error of less than 1% of the total rainfall, which in turn indicates that the interaction among components is satisfactorily sustained.
Genetic Influences on Oral Fat Perception and Preference
Authors: Keller Kathleen L.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Research suggests that dietary fat is perceived not only by texture, but also by taste. However, the receptors for chemosensory response to fat have not been identified. We report on 2 genes,TAS2R38 and CD36, that may play a role in fat perception and preference in humans. TAS2R38 is a taste receptor for bitter thiourea compounds, including 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) and phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Nontasters of these compounds tend to be poor at discriminating fat in foods, even though they prefer higher fat versions of these foods. CD36, a fatty acid translocase expressed on multiple cell types including taste cells, plays a critical role in fat preferences in animals. In studies conducted in our laboratory with African‐American adults, we identified a variant in the CD36 gene, rs1761667, that predicts oral responses to fat. Individuals who have the A/A genotype at this site tend to find Italian salad dressings creamier than those who have other genotypes at this site. In addition, A/A individuals report higher preferences for added fats, oils, and spreads (for example margarine). Assuming these data are confirmed in other populations, screening for CD36 genotype may provide helpful information to food companies for developing fat‐modified products.
Overexpression of Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 suppresses transforming growth factor‐β mediated liver fibrosis
Authors: CAI Yu , ZHOU Chao Hui , FU Da , SHEN Xi Zhong
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE:  To determine the function of Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) on the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

METHODS:  In vivo Smurf2 expression in fibrotic and cirrhotic rat and human liver tissues were measured using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry. In vitro Smurf2 levels were determined in LX‐2 cell line with or without transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 treatment; I, III, IV collagen and laminin levels were determined by ELISA. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1‐Smurf2 was transfected into LX‐2 cells, and WB and ELISA were utilized to analyze the expression of TGF‐β receptor type I (TβRI), Smad7, collagens and laminin with or without proteasome inhibitor MG‐132. Coimmunoprecipitation was utilized to characterize the interactions among these factors and the ubiquitination levels. pcDNA3.1‐Smad7 vector was transfected and subsequent examinations were conducted just as Smurf2.

RESULTS:  Smurf2 levels were elevated in the early period of fibrotic rat liver and TGF‐β1‐treated LX‐2 cells but were reduced in the cirrhotic livers. Smurf2 overexpression in LX‐2 cells reduced TβRI and Smad7 levels, which was accompanied by decreased collagen and laminin levels. Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that Smurf2 interacted with TβRI and Smad7, which increased TβRI and Smad7 ubiquitin levels. Smad7 overexpression reduced the TβRI level and was accompanied by decreased collagen and laminin levels. MG‐132 could antagonize these effects.

CONCLUSION:  Smurf2 interacts with Smad7 to suppress TGF‐β‐mediated liver fibrosis through the ubiquitin‐dependent degradation of TβRI during the early period of liver fibrosis.
Adenocarcinoma (NOS) of buccal mucosa metastasising to lung and frontal lobe of the brain: report of a rare case
Authors: Rajeev R. , Beena V.T. , Choudhary K. , Divya G.
Published: March 2012

Background:  Adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified (ANOS), is a malignant salivary gland tumor that exhibits ductal differentiation but lacks any of the histomorphological features that characterize the other defined types of salivary carcinoma.

Case presentation:  This article describes a case of ANOS of the buccal mucosa rapidly metastasizing to the right lung and frontal lobe of brain.

Conclusion:  Even though metastatic adenocarcinomas in the oral cavity from other primary sites are a common inclusion among the metastatic tumor of oral cavity, the distant metastasis from an ANOS is a rare finding.
The Interplay Between Gesture and Speech in the Production of Referring Expressions: Investigating the Tradeoff Hypothesis
Authors: de Ruiter Jan P. , Bangerter Adrian , Dings Paula
Published: March 2012

The tradeoff hypothesis in the speech–gesture relationship claims that (a) when gesturing gets harder, speakers will rely relatively more on speech, and (b) when speaking gets harder, speakers will rely relatively more on gestures. We tested the second part of this hypothesis in an experimental collaborative referring paradigm where pairs of participants (directors and matchers) identified targets to each other from an array visible to both of them. We manipulated two factors known to affect the difficulty of speaking to assess their effects on the gesture rate per 100 words. The first factor, codability, is the ease with which targets can be described. The second factor, repetition, is whether the targets are old or new (having been already described once or twice). We also manipulated a third factor, mutual visibility, because it is known to affect the rate and type of gesture produced. None of the manipulations systematically affected the gesture rate. Our data are thus mostly inconsistent with the tradeoff hypothesis. However, the gesture rate was sensitive to concurrent features of referring expressions, suggesting that gesture parallels aspects of speech. We argue that the redundancy between speech and gesture is communicatively motivated.
Modeling Listeners’ Emotional Response to Music
Authors: Eerola Tuomas
Published: March 2012

An overview of the computational prediction of emotional responses to music is presented. Communication of emotions by music has received a great deal of attention during the last years and a large number of empirical studies have described the role of individual features (tempo, mode, articulation, timbre) in predicting the emotions suggested or invoked by the music. However, unlike the present work, relatively few studies have attempted to model continua of expressed emotions using a variety of musical features from audio‐based representations in a correlation design. The construction of the computational model is divided into four separate phases, with a different focus for evaluation. These phases include the theoretical selection of relevant features, empirical assessment of feature validity, actual feature selection, and overall evaluation of the model. Existing research on music and emotions and extraction of musical features is reviewed in terms of these criteria. Examples drawn from recent studies of emotions within the context of film soundtracks are used to demonstrate each phase in the construction of the model. These models are able to explain the dominant part of the listeners’ self‐reports of the emotions expressed by music and the models show potential to generalize over different genres within Western music. Possible applications of the computational models of emotions are discussed.
Making heads or tails of probability: An experiment with random generators
Authors: Morsanyi Kinga , Handley Simon J. , Serpell Sylvie
Published: March 2012

Background. The equiprobability bias is a tendency for individuals to think of probabilistic events as ‘equiprobable’ by nature, and to judge outcomes that occur with different probabilities as equally likely. The equiprobability bias has been repeatedly found to be related to formal education in statistics, and it is claimed to be based on a misunderstanding of the concept of randomness.

Aims. The aim of the present study was to examine whether experimenting with random generators would decrease the equiprobability bias.

Sample. The participants were 108 psychology students whose performance was measured either immediately after taking part in a training session (n= 55), or without doing any training exercises (n= 53).

Method. The training session consisted of four activities. These included generating random sequences of events, and learning about the law of large numbers. Subsequently, the participants were tested on a series of equiprobability problems, and a number of other problems with similar structure and content.

Results. The results indicated that the training successfully decreased the equiprobability bias. However, this effect was moderated by participants’ cognitive ability (i.e., higher ability participants benefitted from the training more than participants with lower cognitive ability). Finally, the training session had the unexpected side effect of increasing students’ susceptibility to the representativeness heuristic.

Conclusions. Experimenting with random generators has a positive effect on students’ general understanding of probability, but the same time it might increase their susceptibility to certain biases (especially, to the representativeness heuristic). These findings have important implications for using training methods to improve probabilistic reasoning performance.
Composting for Avian Influenza Virus Elimination
Authors: Elving Josefine , Emmoth Eva , Albihn Ann , Vinnerås Björn , Ottoson Jakob
Published: March 2012

Effective sanitization is important in viral epizootic outbreaks to avoid further spread of the pathogen. This study examined thermal inactivation as a sanitizing treatment for manure inoculated with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N1 and bacteriophages MS2 and ϕ6. Rapid inactivation of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N1 was achieved at both mesophilic (35°C) and thermophilic (45 and 55°C) temperatures. Similar inactivation rates were observed for bacteriophage ϕ6, while bacteriophage MS2 proved too thermoresistant to be considered a valuable indicator organism for avian influenza virus during thermal treatments. Guidelines for treatment of litter in the event of emergency composting can be formulated based on the inactivation rates obtained in the study.
The Variable Subdomain of Escherichia coli SecA Functions To Regulate SecA ATPase Activity and ADP Release
Authors: Das Sanchaita , Grady Lorry M. , Michtavy Jennifer , Zhou Yayan , Cohan Frederick M. , Hingorani Manju M. , Oliver Donald B.
Published: March 2012

Bacterial SecA proteins can be categorized by the presence or absence of a variable subdomain (VAR) located within nucleotide-binding domain II of the SecA DEAD motor. Here we show that VAR is dispensable for SecA function, since the VAR deletion mutant
secA
Δ
519
–
547
displayed a wild-type rate of cellular growth and protein export. Loss or gain of VAR is extremely rare in the history of bacterial evolution, indicating that it appears to contribute to
secA
function within the relevant species in their natural environments. VAR removal also results in additional
secA
phenotypes: azide resistance (Azi
r
) and suppression of signal sequence defects (PrlD). The SecAΔ(519–547) protein was found to be modestly hyperactive for SecA ATPase activities and displayed an accelerated rate of ADP release, consistent with the biochemical basis of azide resistance. Based on our findings, we discuss models whereby VAR allosterically regulates SecA DEAD motor function at SecYEG.
Identification of the HetR Recognition Sequence Upstream of
hetZ
in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120
Authors: Du Ye , Cai Yan , Hou Shengwei , Xu Xudong
Published: March 2012

HetR is the master regulator of heterocyst differentiation in
Anabaena
sp. strain PCC 7120 and has been found to specifically bind to an inverted-repeat-containing region upstream of
hetP
, a heterocyst differentiation gene. However, no such inverted-repeat sequence can be found in promoters of other genes in the genome.
hetZ
is a gene involved in early heterocyst differentiation. As shown with the
gfp
reporter gene, transcription from P

hetZ

was correlated to the expression level of
hetR
and inhibition by RGSGR, the pentapeptide derived from the C terminus of PatS. As detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, a recombinant HetR showed specific binding to the region upstream of
hetZ
, and the binding was inhibited by RGSGR. Tests of a series of the upstream fragments delimited the HetR-binding site to a 40-bp region that shows similarity to that upstream of
hetP
. The introduction of substitutions of bases conserved in the two HetR-binding sites showed that at least 12 bases are required for recognition by HetR. Deletion of a 51-bp region containing the HetR-binding site completely eliminated the transcription activity of P

hetZ

. Based on the HetR recognition sequence of
hetZ
, those upstream of
hetR
and
patA
are proposed.
Postgenomic Analyses Reveal Development of Infectious Anaplasma phagocytophilum during Transmission from Ticks to Mice
Authors: Mastronunzio Juliana E. , Kurscheid Sebastian , Fikrig Erol
Published: March 2012

Obligate intracellular bacteria of theRickettsialesorder have evolved to colonize both arthropod and mammalian hosts, but few details are known about the bacterial adaptations that occur during transmission from blood-feeding arthropods to mammals. Here we apply proteomics and transcriptome sequencing toAnaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, inIxodes scapularistick salivary glands, to detect proteins or genes expressed by the pathogen during transmission feeding by the tick. We detected expression of 139 genes, representing 11% of the open reading frames (ORFs) in theA. phagocytophilumgenome. The predominant categories of proteins were ribosomal proteins, cell surface proteins, chaperones, and uncharacterized proteins. There was no evidence of DNA replication enzymes, suggesting that most of theA. phagocytophilumcells were no longer dividing. Instead, protein expression reflected conversion to the extracellular, infectious “dense-core” (DC) form. High expression of a DC-specific marker, APH_1235, further suggested this developmental transition in ticks. We showed that blocking APH_1235 with antibodies reducedA. phagocytophiluminfection levels in mammalian cell culture. This work represents a starting point for clarifying essential proteins expressed byA. phagocytophilumduring transmission from ticks to mammals and demonstrates that the abundantly expressed, DC-associated APH_1235 protein is important duringin vivoinfection byA. phagocytophilum.
Factors predicting work status 3 months after injury: results from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study
Authors: Lilley Rebbecca , Davie Gabrielle , Ameratunga Shanthi , Derrett Sarah
Published: March 2012

Objective

Few studies examine predictors of work status following injury beyond injuries presenting to a hospital or emergency department. This paper examines the combined influences of socio-demographic, occupational, injury and pre-existing health and lifestyle factors as predictors of work status 3 months after hospitalised and non-hospitalised injury in a cohort of injured New Zealand workers.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study, New Zealand.

Participants

2626 workforce active participants were identified from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study; 11 participants with missing outcome responses were excluded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome of interest was ‘not working’ at the time of interview.

Results

720 (27%) reported ‘not working’ 3 months after injury. The most important pre-injury predictors of not working following injury found by multidimensional modelling were as follows: low or unknown income, financial insecurity, physical work tasks, temporary employment, long week schedules, obesity, perceived threat to life and hospital admission. Contrary to expectations, workers reporting less frequent exercise pre-injury had lower odds of work absence. Pre-injury psychosocial and health factors were not associated with not working.

Conclusion

Certain pre-injury socio-demographic, physical work, work organisation, lifestyle and injury-related factors were associated with not working 3 months after injury. If these findings are confirmed, intervention strategies aimed at improving return to work should address multiple dimensions of both the worker and the workplace.
Identifying, understanding and overcoming barriers to medication error reporting in hospitals: a focus group study
Authors: Hartnell Nicole , MacKinnon Neil , Sketris Ingrid , Fleming Mark
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The under-reporting of medication errors can compromise patient safety. A qualitative study was conducted to enhance the understanding of barriers to medication error reporting in healthcare organisations.

Methods

Focus groups (with physicians, pharmacists and nurses) and in-depth interviews (with risk managers) were used to identify medication error reporting beliefs and practices at four community hospitals in Nova Scotia, Canada. Audio tapes were transcribed verbatim and analysed for thematic content using the template style of analysis. The development and analysis of this study were guided by Safety Culture Theory.

Results

Incentives for medication error reporting were thematised into three categories: patient protection, provider protection and professional compliance. Barriers to medication error reporting were thematised into five categories: reporter burden, professional identity, information gap, organisational factors and fear. Facilitators to encourage medication error reporting were classified into three categories: reducing reporter burden, closing the communication gap and educating for success. Participants indicated they would report medication errors more frequently if reporting were made easier, if they were adequately educated about reporting, and if they received timely feedback.

Conclusions

Study results may lead to a better understanding of the barriers to medication error reporting, why these barriers exist and what can be done to successfully overcome them. These results could be used by hospitals to encourage reporting of medication errors and ultimately make organisational changes leading to a reduction in the incidence of medication errors and an improvement in patient safety.
Survey of the use of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest in UK paediatric emergency departments
Authors: Scholefield Barnaby R , Lyttle Mark D , Berry Kathleen , Duncan Heather P , Morris Kevin P
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To ascertain current use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after paediatric cardiac arrest in UK emergency departments (EDs), and views on participating in a UK randomised controlled trial (RCT) incorporating early induction of TH in ED.

Design

Anonymous web-based survey of 77 UK Emergency Medicine (EM) consultants from 28 UK EDs that see children during the period April–June 2010.

Results

62% (48/77) of surveyed consultants responded from 21/28 (75%) EDs. All managed children post cardiac arrest. 90% (43/48) were aware of the literature concerning TH after cardiac arrest in adults. However, 63% (30/48) had never used TH in paediatric practice. All departments had at least one method of inducing TH (surface cooling; air/water blankets; intravenous cold fluid or catheters). Reasons stated for not inducing TH included no equipment available (26%; 11/42), TH not advocated by the local PICU (24%; 10/42) and not enough evidence for its use (24%; 10/42). TH was considered based on advice from the local Paediatric Intensive Care Units (68%; 17/25) or likelihood of recovery after arrest (32%; 8/25). There was strong support for a UK RCT of TH versus normothermia (85%; 40/47). The proposed RCT was felt to be ethical (87%; 40/48) with use of deferred consent acceptable (74%; 34/46).

Conclusion

UK EM consultants are aware of TH but infrequently initiate the therapy in children for a number of reasons. Their involvement would enable early induction of TH in EDs after paediatric cardiac arrest during a UK RCT. The authors have demonstrated the availability of suitable equipment and EM consultant support for participation in such a RCT.
‘Do you know where your cyanide kit is?’: a study of perceived and actual antidote availability to emergency departments in the South West of England
Authors: Mitchell Louisa J , Higginson Ian , Smith Jason E , Swains Liam , Farrant Jennifer , Gagg James , Lindenbaum Charlotte , Mathieu Nick
Published: March 2012

Objective

The authors set out to investigate perceived and actual availability of antidotes recommended for stocking in emergency departments (EDs) by the College of Emergency Medicine in EDs in the South West of England.

Methods

Data collectors were asked to physically locate each relevant antidote in the ED, and check whether the recommended quantity was available. If the antidote was not available in the department, the data collector located where in the hospital stocks were available. Senior medical and nursing staff were asked to specify where they believed the antidotes were stored or who they would ask if they did not know. It was then ascertained whether their source of advice would have known the location.

Results

5 out of 6 departments returned data with an overall response rate from senior medical and nursing staff of 80%. Knowledge of common antidote locations was variable, and stocking of antidotes did not universally meet the College of Emergency Medicine recommendations.

Conclusion

Stocking of important antidotes should be rationalised and simplified using central locations, preferably close to the ED. Clinically important antidotes may not be available for patients when they need them. Clear guidance should be available for staff detailing the location of antidotes. There is a need for clarification around the treatment of cyanide poisoning to facilitate rational antidote stocking for this potentially lethal condition.