bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing interlaminar fracture characteristics of woven CFRP prepreg composites through CNT dispersion
Authors: Joshi Sunil C. , Dikshit Vishwesh
Published: July 2011

The inter-ply characteristics of polymeric prepreg composites influence their interlaminar fracture toughness and the overall performance. This article embarks on engineering the inter-ply interfaces of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. A novel and practical technique for dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) onto woven CFRP prepreg is presented. The interlaminar fracture toughness of these CFRP lay-ups was evaluated experimentally and compared with the regular (without any CNTs) specimen. Double cantilever beam and end notch flexure tests were conducted for interlaminar fracture studies. It was observed that the addition of MWCNTs in between the CFRP prepreg plies helps in strengthening the interface. There existed an optimum percentage in which these nanofillers should be added. The presence of nanotubes increased fiber bridging within the ply interfaces, which in turn controlled the inter-ply crack propagation. The findings and the mechanisms are discussed using the test data, SEM pictures, schematics, and scans of the fractured surfaces.
Developing and Validating New Concepts and Measures of Program Goal Ambiguity in the U.S. Federal Government
Authors: Jung Chan Su
Published: July 2011

The previous research on goal ambiguity has suggested some methodological issues, such as the lack of a clear concept of program goal ambiguity, the use of single-dimension goal ambiguity, the exclusive dependence on perceptual data, and the lack of large-sample empirical studies. Recognizing these issues and identifying goal components or contents (target, time limit, and external evaluation) of goal-setting theory and of the program goal system in the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) of the U.S. federal government, this study conceptualizes program goal ambiguity and its three subdimensions: target-specification goal ambiguity, time-specification goal ambiguity, and program evaluation goal ambiguity. In addition, this study develops the objective measures of the three new dimensions of program goal ambiguity and then provides the empirical evidence of the validity, including the convergent or concurrent and discriminant validity, and reliability of the three new measures. The intention of this study is to develop a means to empirically demonstrate goal ambiguity in the U.S. federal programs and, furthermore, build a foundation for the future research related to program goal ambiguity in public administration. To this purpose, the current research focuses on the U.S. federal programs, using a sample consisting of 767 programs.
Building Community Capacity to Engage Government
Authors: D’Agostino Maria J. , Kloby Kathryn
Published: July 2011

Much intellectual effort is dedicated to examining the relationship between citizens and their government. In theory, for example, it is presumed that if government officials and citizens work collaboratively to determine and prioritize community needs, then public policies and government actions are likely to reflect the contributions and wishes of the public. As a result of such interactions and collaborative action, communities are assumed to have the capacity to engage their government to articulate concerns and solve problems. Examining these assumptions, this exploratory case study focuses on post-Katrina New Orleans to determine if rebuilding strategies that made the effort to include citizens in the process have increased community capacity. The authors consult key community organizers and the directors of leading nonprofit organizations to speak on behalf of citizens. Capitalizing on the hands-on experiences of organizational leaders and community organizers, in-depth interviewing is used to learn more about these efforts and to understand the nonprofit–government relationship and its contribution to building community capacity. Case study results are discussed in relation to the assumptions of Cuthill and Fein’s theory of local governance and community capacity building. The authors conclude with a discussion of the research implications and areas in need of further examination.
The Public–Private Partnership Enabling Field
Authors: Jooste Stephan F. , Scott W. Richard
Published: July 2011

This study investigates the emergence of a collection of diverse organizations designed to enable and govern infrastructure public–private partnerships (PPPs). The authors use the concept of organizational fields as a theoretical lens to investigate this panoply of organizations in three international contexts: British Columbia (Canada), Victoria (Australia), and South Africa. They observe a similar set of actors in each of these “PPP-enabling fields” but detect significant variation in the actor characteristics and the way that they are arranged on different projects. They theorize on a number of PPP-enabling fields aspects, including typical project arrangements, predominant field intermediaries, and salient institutional logics.
Governing With One Hand on the Plow
Authors: Potter Michael Ross
Published: July 2011

The constitutional school of American public administration contends that the founding fathers’ intentions for government legitimize our modern administrative state. The Constitution and the rhetoric surrounding its ratification are of primary importance to this school. Federal Farmer was one of the most intelligent critics of the Constitution during the ratification debate. His writings represent recurring themes in the governance of the United States that are pertinent to modern-day administrators. These writings present the modern reader with three lessons: Character matters for civil servants, civil servants should understand their constitutional and ethical roles, and bureaucrats must be engaged in the political process and understand the various groups attempting to influence them to be effective.
Sleep Medicine Clinical and Surgical Training during Otolaryngology Residency
Authors: Shen Tianjie , Shimahara Erika , Cheng Jing , Capasso Robson
Published: July 2011

Objective

The authors sought to assess the otolaryngology residency training experiences in adult sleep medicine and sleep surgery in the United States.

Study Design

Internet survey.

Setting

US academic otolaryngology residency programs.

Subjects and Methods

This Internet survey was emailed to the program directors of 103 US Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–approved otolaryngology residency programs in 2010.

Results

A total of 47 program directors responded, representing 46% of programs surveyed. In 59% of these programs, there was at least 1 faculty member with clinical practice dedicated to adult medicine. Most commonly, these clinicians spent less than 50% of their clinical time on adult sleep medicine. While most otolaryngology residents were reported being well trained in commonly performed procedures such as septoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), the training on hypopharyngeal or multilevel surgeries, such as partial glossectomy, tongue base resection, hyoid or tongue suspension, or geniotubercle advancement, was considered less frequent. The overall exposure to education regarding the interpretation of original data of laboratory‐based sleep studies or portable home monitoring devices was infrequent. A significant portion of respondents indicated that they would like to expand their residents’ exposure to adult sleep medicine and sleep surgery.

Conclusion

This survey provides a starting point to further assess the rigor of sleep medicine/sleep surgery training in US residency programs. Continued assessment and strengthening of the current curriculum are crucial to keep residents up to date with this evolving field. This result calls attention to the importance of bolstering sleep medicine and surgery curriculum to meet the academic requirements of otolaryngology training.
The General, the Watchman, and the Engineer of Control
Authors: Deseriis Marco
Published: July 2011

Taking cue from the Marxian analysis of the relationship between cooperation and capitalist command in Capital and the Grundrisse, the article reviews how Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri have addressed this matter. Drawing from the notorious fragment of the Grundrisse on the general intellect, Hardt and Negri argue that in post-industrial societies the production of value tends to coincide with the ensemble of social activities. Hardt and Negri maintain that since any social activity is potentially a value-generating practice, the capitalist organization of labor is increasingly parasitical and external to the social bios. From this flows that labor can no longer be measured in abstract units of time and the exploitation of living labor leaves way to the expropriation of the common. The second part of the article challenges Hardt and Negri’s idealized view of the common by arguing that in the society of control communication and cooperation are always affected and tinged by the media that enable them—the vast majority of which are owned by private corporations. Neither the general in Marx’s Capital who organizes the workers from above nor the watchman and regulator of the Grundrisse, the contemporary engineer of control deploys micro-mechanisms of control inside the digital networks that modulate social cooperation. Drawing from Andrejevic’s notion of the “digital enclosure” and Terranova’s analysis of subjectification in the societies of control, the article concludes with a reflection on post-consensual forms of cooperation that cannot be integrated without igniting a catastrophic transformation of the system.
Testing English language learners under No Child Left Behind
Authors: Bunch Michael B.
Published: July 2011

Title III of Public Law 107-110 (No Child Left Behind; NCLB) provided for creation of assessments of English language learners (ELLs) and established, through the Enhanced Assessment Grant program, a platform from which four consortia of states developed ELL tests aligned to rigorous statewide content standards. Those four tests (ACCESS for ELLs, CELLA, ELDA, and MWA) are now in use in one or more states, along with a host of other commercially available or locally developed tests. The tests (those developed by consortia as well as the others) are quite similar in many ways, principally in their contents: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Most measure these domains with a combination of multiple-choice (MC) and open-ended (OE) test items. This article provides an overview to the four consortium-developed tests as well as an in-depth analysis of one representative example. It also provides a summary of the characteristics of four commercially available tests. Not surprisingly, the four commercially available tests are rather similar to one another and to the consortium-developed tests in terms of content, psychometric characteristics, and development. The primary difference between the two sets is that the commercially available tests tend to report percentile ranks as well as proficiency levels. Now that the Race to the Top program is in place, we face many of the same challenges we faced a decade ago when NCLB was passed. While the Enhanced Assessment Grant competition emphasized summative assessment, the latest competition emphasizes formative assessment, which gives rise to the hope that educators can not only discover students’ strengths and weaknesses with these new tests, but do so in a timely manner and have opportunities to use the information constructively. Current work by at least one organization is encouraging in this regard.
Standards-based classroom assessments of English proficiency: A review of issues, current developments, and future directions for research
Authors: Llosa Lorena
Published: July 2011

With the United States’ adoption of a standards-based approach to education, most attention has focused on the large-scale, high-stakes assessments intended to measure students’ mastery of standards for accountability purposes. Less attention has been paid to the role of standards-based assessments in the classroom. The purpose of this paper is to discuss key issues and challenges related to the use of standards-based classroom assessments to assess English language learners’ English proficiency. First, the paper describes a study of a standards-based classroom assessment of English proficiency in a large urban school district in California. Second, using this study as an example and drawing from the literature in language testing on classroom assessment, this paper highlights the major issues and challenges involved in using English proficiency standards as the basis for classroom assessment. Finally, the article outlines a research agenda for the field given current developments in the areas of English proficiency standards and classroom assessment.
Issues in vertical scaling of a K-12 English language proficiency test
Authors: Kenyon Dorry M. , MacGregor David , Li Dongyang , Cook H. Gary
Published: July 2011

One of the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act is that states show adequate yearly progress in their English language learners’ (ELLs) acquisition of English language proficiency. States are required to assess ELLs’ English language proficiency annually in four language domains (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) to measure their progress; they are also required to report on a composite comprehension measure. Often the clearest way to effectively monitor students’ progress is to measure assessment results across grades on the same scale. In measurement terms, scores from tests across all grade levels can be put on the same scale using vertical scaling. In addition, to help stakeholders understand and interpret the results, these scale scores are often interpreted in terms of proficiency levels. In this article, we use the vertical scaling of WIDA ACCESS for ELLs®, a large-scale K-12 Academic English Language Proficiency assessment to illustrate measurement and practical issues involved in this technique. We first give background on the need for vertical scaling. We then assess the literature on vertical scaling and describe the procedures used for WIDA ACCESS for ELLs® to vertically scale test scores and interpret the results in terms of the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs® Proficiency Scale. Next we review several studies that have been conducted to gauge the effectiveness of that scaling. We end the paper with a discussion of the broad issues that arise from vertical scaling.
Oral translation as a test accommodation for ELLs
Authors: Stansfield Charles W.
Published: July 2011

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act (US Government, 2001), the current iteration of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, makes it clear that states, districts, schools and teachers are accountable for the education of English language learners (ELLs), as well as all other students. To implement an accountability system, NCLB requires states to create content standards (a set of curricular goals and objectives) for English language arts, mathematics, and science. They must also develop and administer assessments that measure student progress toward mastery of these content standards. Finally, states, districts, and schools must demonstrate that they are making adequate yearly progress toward bringing all students to a previously established level of mastery of these standards (called Proficient) with the goal that by the year 2014 all students will achieve this level.
Under the Surface
Authors: Gullhaugen Aina Sundt , Nøttestad Jim Aage
Published: July 2011

The present study yields an in-depth examination of the interpersonal and affective world of high-security and detention prisoners with possible (Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version [PCL:SV] ≥ 13) and strong (PCL:SV ≥ 18) indications of psychopathy. A group of male inmates ( n = 16) was compared with noncriminal and non–personality disordered controls ( n = 35) on measures of self and other (Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form [YSQ-SF], Inventory of Interpersonal Problems–Circumplex Scales [IIP-C]), and the experience and regulation of affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS], Emotion Control Questionnaire 2 [ECQ2]). Results confirm the established grandiose, dominant, and callous characteristics of the psychopath (PCL:SV, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders [SCID-II], DSM-IV and ICD-10 Personality Questionnaire [DIP-Q], IIP-C), while demonstrating personal distress and important nuances and variations in psychopathic offenders’ interpersonal and affective functioning (YSQ-SF, PANAS, ECQ2, SCID-II, DIP-Q). These preliminary findings support, expand, and challenge the ordinary portrayal of the psychopath and, if replicated in larger samples, point to a need for an expansion or reformulation of the concept, measurement, and treatment of psychopathy.
The influence of cultural capital on consumption of scientific culture: A survey of visitors to an open house event at a public scientific research institution
Authors: Kato-Nitta Naoko
Published: July 2011

Based on the concept of cultural capital, this study explores the relationship between habitual behaviors of individuals regarding their past accumulation of such capital and current responses to a scientific institute’s public outreach activity. At an open house held at the Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), anonymous questionnaires were distributed among 1,350 visitors and collected from 785 of them (collection rate = 58.1%). The results, measuring the past five to six years, showed that the respondents accumulated cultural capital through participation in scientific activities as well as in activities involving art, music, and literature. Given these quantified values, correlations between citizens’ levels of accumulated cultural capital and their current scientific consumption behavior were studied. A statistical analysis of the two components of cultural capital (science and technology/art and literature) showed that people’s accumulated scientific capital influenced their current behavior and revealed a correlation between the two components.
The weight of communication: The Canadian Medical Association Journal’s discourse on obesity
Authors: Wisniewski A. E.
Published: July 2011

In this exploratory analysis, I use a Burkean dramatist approach to investigate the relatively under-examined dynamics of how medical knowledge on obesity has changed outside of the American context. I examine how, over the past forty years, Canadian medical professionals have used the Canadian Medical Association Journal to generate a field of knowledge which organizes the ways in which obesity can be described, studied and treated. I argue that since the 1970s medical professionals have been increasingly interested in the relationship between obesity and a broadly defined social environment, and that this merger is rhetorically realized in the concept of the “obesogenic environment.” I suggest that the process of engaging obesity has generated rhetoric that has often been resonant with the political ideologies expressed in health policy, but that can also create opportunities for the expression of alternative social goals
Working the fringes: The role of letters to the editor in advancing non-standard media narratives about climate change
Authors: Young Nathan
Published: July 2011

This article examines the role of letters to the editor in advancing and sustaining non-standard narratives about climate change in the print media. The letters page is a unique section of the newspaper that is subject to distinct functional and normative pressures. It is also a place where standard media norms are weakest and non-journalistic narratives have an opportunity to leak in. Using research into climate change coverage in eight major Canadian dailies in 2007–2008, the article employs content analysis and critical discourse analysis to examine how letters advance fringe arguments into the print media landscape that would not stand up to regular journalistic scrutiny. While these arguments come from all sides of the issue, it is argued that letters are particularly important for establishing and legitimizing conservative-skeptical perspectives on climate change.
Collective bargaining in a time of crisis: developments in the private sector in Europe
Authors: Glassner Vera , Keune Maarten , Marginson Paul
Published: July 2011

This article discusses crisis-related developments in collective bargaining in the private sector across the EU since the onset of the crisis during 2008. It analyses developments in the incidence, procedures and content of collective bargaining during the crisis and is cross-nationally and cross-sectorally comparative. It also examines how economic developments, industrial relations institutions and public policy might explain these developments. The article shows that collective bargaining responses to the crisis have been much more frequent in multi-employer bargaining systems than in single-employer bargaining systems, both at sectoral and company level. Major differences also exist between manufacturing and services, with bargaining being more prevalent in the former. In procedural terms, with some exceptions, the crisis has accelerated the longer-term trend towards organized decentralization. Substantively, restoring competitiveness and maintaining employment are central to the agenda of crisis-response agreements. The trade-offs are more integrative under multi-employer bargaining systems and where public policy offers support in negotiating short-time working schemes, and more distributive under single-employer bargaining.
Company-level collective agreements during the 2008-2010 crisis: four cases from Germany
Authors: Zagelmeyer Stefan
Published: July 2011

Between autumn 2008 and spring 2010, the German economy faced the most serious economic downturn since World War II. Demand, orders, output and profits declined in many sectors and for many companies at unprecedented rates. The German federal government, the state governments and the social partners have introduced and/or adapted a wide range of policy instruments to cope with the crisis. In addition to unilateral use by management of a wide range of policies to address the declining demand for products and labour, joint activities on the part of management, trade unions and/or works councils sought to address the situation through agreements on cost-cutting programmes. This article analyses four cases of company-level ‘concession’ bargaining during the peak time of the crisis (2009) in Germany and considers how the social partners might help enterprises to maintain employment in the face of a crisis situation.
It must have been love ... but it’s over now: the crisis and collapse of social partnership in Ireland
Authors: Doherty Michael
Published: July 2011

This article examines the key factors behind the collapse of the Irish social partnership process in 2010 and looks at some of the broader implications that can be drawn. It categorizes the partnership process as being driven by extreme pragmatism, rather than ideological conviction, on the part of the main actors and looks at how the shifting positions of the state, labour and capital, as well as the focus on processes over outcomes, led to the demise of the much-admired Irish model.
Crisis and trade union challenges in Portugal and Spain: between general strikes and social pacts
Authors: Campos Lima Maria da Paz , Artiles Antonio Martín
Published: July 2011

This article examines the responses of trade union confederations to the impact of the international crisis of 2007—2010 in Portugal and in Spain. Both countries had socialist governments in power and were in particularly vulnerable positions when the crisis struck. During this period trade union confederations negotiated social pacts and called general strikes. Drawing from the literature on social pacts, general strikes and on the identities and strategic actions of trade unions, the article explores the dynamics of government policies and trade union responses and their implications for the relationship between social pacts and general strikes.
Mucin-Producing Urothelial-Type Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate as a Mimicker of Colonic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Yen-Lin , Chian Jung-Hwa , Hsiao Po-Jen
Published: July 2011

A 59-year-old man presented with persistent urinary obstructive symptoms, gross hematuria, and mucusuria. Subsequently, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-negative mucin-producing urothelial type adenocarcinoma of prostate was found. The serum PSA level was within the normal limit. Colonoscopy, positron emission tomography, and other tumor surveys showed this to be the only prostate lesion. Microscopically, there was an adenocarcinoma with copious mucin production, with the formation of mucin pools. The neoplastic glands were variously arranged in cribriform, glandular, and villous adenoma–like patterns. This is a very rare tumor, of which there are only 20 cases reported in the literature in the English language. It is critical to distinguish it from mucinous acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate and from metastatic adenocarcinoma of either the bladder or colon. This is mainly because mucin-producing urothelial type adenocarcinoma of the prostate has a different clinical behavior, and hence, the treatment plan is different from that for conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma. Specifically, it has a more aggressive clinical course and is unresponsive to hormone therapy.
Renal-Cell Carcinomas in End-Stage Kidneys
Authors: Bhatnagar Ramneesh , Alexiev Borislav A.
Published: July 2011

Clear-cell papillary renal-cell carcinoma (CCPC) and acquired cystic kidney disease-associated carcinoma (ACDAC) are neoplasms with distinct morphological characteristics that behave less aggressively than conventional renal-cell carcinomas. End-stage kidney specimens from 61 patients (47 males and 14 females) with 109 renal-cell carcinomas were selected. Papillary renal-cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy (61/109, 56%), followed by CCPC (20/109, 18%). The CCPC showed a papillary or tubular/solid architecture, clear cytoplasm, low nuclear grade, and a distinct immunohistochemical profile (RCC−, vimentin+, CK7+, p504S−). ACDAC displayed a variety of architectural patterns, eosinophilic cytoplasm, high nuclear grade, intratumoral calcium oxalate deposits, and an immunohistochemical profile similar to type 2 papillary renal-cell carcinoma (RCC+, vimentin+, CK7−/+, p504S+). Less than 5% (3/69) of pathologically staged renal-cell carcinomas in end-stage kidneys presented with lymphogenous and/or hematogenous metastases.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Protein Expression in a Cohort of Stage II Colorectal Cancer Patients With Characterized Tumor Budding and Mismatch Repair Protein Status
Authors: Kevans David , Wang Lai Mun , Sheahan Kieran , Hyland John , O’Donoghue Diarmuid , Mulcahy Hugh , O’Sullivan Jacintha
Published: July 2011

Introduction: The relationship between tumor budding, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expression, and survival has not been closely examined in stage II colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to assess proteins implicated in EMT and to correlate their expression with tumor budding, microsatellite status, and survival. Methods: A total of 258 stage II CRCs were identified (tumor budding characterized in 122 cases). Immunohistochemistry for LAMC2, E cadherin, cathepsin L, and β catenin using tissue microarrays was performed. EMT and mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression were correlated with tumor budding and survival. Results: LAMC2 positivity ( P < .001) and low membranous β catenin ( P = .056) were associated with tumor budding. In a univariate survival analysis, tumor budding ( P < .001), LAMC2 positivity ( P < .03), and stromal cytoplasmic cathepsin L ( P = .025) predicted poorer prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed tumor budding to be the only variable independently associated with survival: hazard ratio = 7.9 (95% confidence interval = 3-21); P < .001. Tumor budding was more frequent in microsatellite-stable (MSS) versus microsatellite-instable (MSI) tumors: 48% versus 26%, respectively; P = .087. MSS cases exhibited reduced membranous β catenin ( P = .002) and increased cytoplasmic and nuclear β catenin ( P < .001) compared with MSI cases. Conclusion: Epithelial mesenchymal protein expression plays a key role in tumor budding and prognosis in early-stage colorectal cancer and requires further evaluation.
Incidental Prostatic Paraganglia in Radical Prostatectomy Specimens
Authors: Maniar Kruti P. , Unger Pamela D. , Samadi David B. , Xiao Guang-Qian
Published: July 2011

Paraganglia are an uncommon but previously reported finding in the genitourinary system. Recognition of this entity in the prostate is important in distinguishing it from prostatic adenocarcinoma. In this series, 1230 radical prostectomy specimens were examined for the presence of paraganglia, and a total of 57 cases (4.5%) were found to contain paraganglia. The majority of paraganglia were extraprostatic and could easily mimic extension of prostatic adenocarcinoma into extraprostatic tissue. It is important to recognize paraganglia, particularly when they are extraprostatic and could confer a falsely higher tumor stage to the patient. The paraganglia demonstrated characteristic histology, and immunohistochemistry was supportive when enough tissue was available. No association between patient age and frequency of paraganglia was found.
The Use of the Bethesda Terminology in Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Results in a Lower Rate of Surgery for Nonmalignant Nodules
Authors: Ozluk Yasemin , Pehlivan Esmehan , Gulluoglu Mine G. , Poyanli Arzu , Salmaslioglu Artur , Colak Nese , Kapran Yersu , Yilmazbayhan Dilek
Published: July 2011

The Bethesda system (BS) for reporting thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA), which classifies nodules as nondiagnostic (ND), benign (B), atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), suspicious for follicular neoplasm (SFN/FN), suspicious for malignancy (SFM), or malignant (M), uses clinically valuable management guidelines. The authors employed a similar in-house classification system (IS) for thyroid FNAs, using the categories of ND, B, suspicious follicular cells (SFC), follicular lesion/neoplasm (FL/FN), SFM, and M. The authors compared IS and BS, and assessed the utility of BS in clinical practice. A total of 581 nodules with cytological/histological follow-up were examined and indeterminate lesions by BS were reclassified. The sensitivity and specificity for malignancy using IS were similar to that of BS (77% vs 99%). However, when SFN/FN and SFM were both considered positive, the results for IS and BS were as follows: sensitivity, 85% versus 85%; specificity, 87% versus 94%; and diagnostic accuracy, 86% versus 90%, respectively. Discrepancies between cytological and histological data were evident in 35 cases among all categories of BS except AUS/FLUS. The rate of surgery for nonmalignant nodules was lesser (20% vs 9%) by BS. Among 34 AUS/FLUS cases with follow-up data, hypocellularity was the case in 11 (46%) nonneoplastic and 10 (100%) neoplastic nodules. The use of BS results in a lower rate of surgery for nonmalignant nodules even though patients with borderline cytopathologic features are still encountered. AUS/FLUS category can be separated into subgroups according to the factors causing difficulties in the interpretation. There is a need of accumulation of AUS/FLUS cases to do further evaluations and studies.
Microbiological Evaluation of Indoor Air of Kindergartens in Fatih District of Istanbul
Authors: Önoğlu Nazan , Önal Ayşe Emel , Güngör Günay , Ayvaz Özkan , Özel Sevda
Published: July 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the total mould and bacteria levels in the kindergartens in Istanbul City, Fatih District.

Materials: This is a cross sectional study and was performed in 15 preschool institutions in Fatih district in May 2007.

Methods: Merck Air Sampler Mas 100 was used for measurements.

Results: The total amounts of bacteria grown in the stations measured (classroom, lunch room, kitchen and toilets) were as follows: 946.43 ± 1033.79 CFU·m−3 in the morning and 849.29 ± 594 CFU·m−3 in the afternoon. Total mould numbers were 489.64 ± 441.25 CFU·m−3 in the morning and 993.39 ± 1013.52 CFU·m−3 in the afternoon. Cladosporium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were found to be the most commonly reproduced mould species. The total mould levels were found to be higher in stations with aluminium window framing and floor carpeting. Furthermore, when compared in terms of total mould levels, there was no difference between concrete and brick buildings; and also, total bacteria count was higher in brick buildings during the morning measurements.

Conclusion: For providing a better indoor air quality in kindergartens, natural ventilation, polyvinyl chloride windows, concrete building, minimum furniture and textile materials (sofas, cushions, curtains and kids’ clothing) are preferable.
A Detailed Study of Window-typed Air-Conditioner Filtration of PM2.5 in Residential Buildings of Hong Kong
Authors: Mak Henry K.C. , Chan Daniel W.T. , Law Leo K.C. , Tung Thomas C.W.
Published: July 2011

For the purpose of reducing occupants’ exposure to micro-particulates, air filtration has been widely used in air-conditioned buildings. This paper proposes a practical procedure to evaluate the filter performance of window-typed air-conditioners on removing micro-particulates (PM2.5). Five residential apartments fitted with air-conditioners in the bedrooms were investigated. The site investigation involved, operating an air-conditioner at two different settings of normal filtration; additional filtration scenarios were operated for comparison, as well as one off-mode measurement. During the measurement, concentrations of particulates and tracer gas were monitored simultaneously. Based on the decay profiles of PM2.5 and tracer gas, the performances of air-conditioners at normal and additional scenarios monitored in the five apartments were within the ranges of 1.7–3.0% and 11.9–23.3%, respectively. The performance of additional filters was about 7.6 times more effective than the normal filtration.
Acknowledging or denying membership: Reviewers’ responses to non-anglophone scientists’ manuscripts
Authors: Englander Karen , López-Bonilla Guadalupe
Published: July 2011

Publishing scientific articles is a crucial activity performed by a scientist to demonstrate inclusion as part of the community of scientists: a community constituted by journal editors, reviewers, authors and readers. A manuscript submitted to journals is first read by reviewers, and their decision to accept it creates membership in the community for the author with its attendant privileges of ingroup status. Rejection bars such membership. In this article we examine the language used by this powerful individual — the journal reviewer — to recognize another individual — the author — as being a member or not. Five reviewer reports of two different manuscripts submitted by non-native English-speaking authors are analyzed in this case study. Complementary discourse analytical approaches are used: group ideology, syntactic structure and personal pronouns. The analysis of the linguistic strategies used reveals three distinct positions that the reviewers adopt within this under-researched genre.
The role of external broadcasting in a closed political system: A case study of the German post-war states
Authors: Meyen Michael , Scheu Andreas
Published: July 2011

This article investigates the role and impact of external broadcasting (radio and television) on a closed political system, through the example of the two post-war German states: the West German Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the East German German Democratic Republic (GDR). The aim is to debunk myths about the influence of external broadcasting on the events that led to German reunification in 1990. The study follows a historical approach and discusses what role external media played during the years of a divided Germany. The findings are based on several historical sources, research reports from the 1950s and 1960s and over 100 biographical interviews with former residents of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The article analyses the impact of external broadcasting on citizens and the political elite in times of crisis as well as during everyday life.
Psychology Degrees
Authors: Rajecki D. W. , Borden Victor M. H.
Published: July 2011

Psychology is a very popular undergraduate major. Examining wage data from a range of degree holders reveals much about the expected career trajectories of those with psychology degrees. First, regarding baccalaureates, psychology and other liberal arts graduates—compared with those from certain preprofessional and technical undergraduate programs—generally fall in relatively low tiers of salary levels at both starting and later career points. Salary levels among baccalaureate alumni groups correlate with averaged measures of salary satisfaction, repeated job seeking, and perceptions of underemployment. These patterns seem to stem from the specific occupational categories (job titles) entered by graduates in psychology compared with other graduates, calling into question the employability advantage of so-called generic liberal arts skills. Second, psychology master’s degree holders also generally fall in a low tier of salary among their science, engineering, and health counterparts. Third, psychology college faculty (including instructors) fall in low tiers of salary compared with their colleagues from other academic fields. Such broadly based indications of the relative economic disadvantages of psychology degrees have implications for career counseling in the field.
Identification of a specific intronic PEAR1 gene variant associated with greater platelet aggregability and protein expression
Authors: Faraday Nauder , Yanek Lisa R. , Yang Xiao Ping , Mathias Rasika , Herrera-Galeano J. Enrique , Suktitipat Bhoom , Qayyum Rehan , Johnson Andrew D. , Chen Ming-Huei , Tofler Geoffrey H. , Ruczinski Ingo , Friedman Alan D. , Gylfason Arnaldur , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Bray Paul F. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Becker Diane M. , Becker Lewis C.
Published: July 2011

Genetic variation is thought to contribute to variability in platelet function; however, the specific variants and mechanisms that contribute to altered platelet function are poorly defined. With the use of a combination of fine mapping and sequencing of the platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) gene we identified a common variant (rs12041331) in intron 1 that accounts for ≤ 15% of total phenotypic variation in platelet function. Association findings were robust in 1241 persons of European ancestry (P = 2.22 × 10−8) and were replicated down to the variant and nucleotide level in 835 persons of African ancestry (P = 2.31 × 10−27) and in an independent sample of 2755 persons of European descent (P = 1.64 × 10−5). Sequencing confirmed that variation at rs12041331 accounted most strongly (P = 2.07 × 10−6) for the relation between the PEAR1 gene and platelet function phenotype. A dose-response relation between the number of G alleles at rs12041331 and expression of PEAR1 protein in human platelets was confirmed by Western blotting and ELISA. Similarly, the G allele was associated with greater protein expression in a luciferase reporter assay. These experiments identify the precise genetic variant in PEAR1 associated with altered platelet function and provide a plausible biologic mechanism to explain the association between variation in the PEAR1 gene and platelet function phenotype.
Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived thymic epithelial cell progenitors enhance T-cell reconstitution after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Lai Laijun , Cui Cheng , Jin Jingjun , Hao Zhifang , Zheng Qiuhong , Ying Mingang , Boyd Richard , Zhao Yong
Published: July 2011

We have reported that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can be selectively induced in vitro to differentiate into thymic epithelial cell progenitors (TEPs). When placed in vivo, these mESC-derived TEPs differentiate into cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells, reconstitute the normal thymic architecture, and enhance thymocyte regeneration after syngeneic BM transplantation (BMT). Here, we show that transplantation of mESC-derived TEPs results in the efficient establishment of thymocyte chimerism and subsequent generation of naive T cells in both young and old recipients of allo-geneic BM transplant. GVHD was not induced, whereas graft-versus-tumor activity was significantly enhanced. Importantly, the reconstituted immune system was tolerant to host, mESC, and BM transplant donor antigens. Therefore, ESC-derived TEPs may offer a new approach for the rapid and durable correction of T-cell immune deficiency after BMT, and the induction of tolerance to ESC-derived tissue and organ transplants. In addition, ESC-derived TEPs may also have use as a means to reverse age-dependent thymic involution, thereby enhancing immune function and decreasing infection rates in the elderly.
Homeostatic cytokines orchestrate the segregation of CD4 and CD8 memory T-cell reservoirs in mice
Authors: Yang Lili , Yu Yang , Kalwani Manorama , Tseng Tai-Wei Joy , Baltimore David
Published: July 2011

Memory T cells (TMs) have been detected in many tissues but their quantitative distribution remains largely undefined. We show that in mice there is a remarkably biased accumulation of long-term CD4 TMs into mucosal sites (mainly gut, especially Peyer patches), and CD8 TMs into lymph nodes and spleen (in particular, peripheral lymph nodes [PLNs]). This distinction correlates with their differentiated expression of PLN- and gut-homing markers. CD8 and CD4 TMs selectively require the expression of PLN-homing marker CCR7 or gut-homing marker α4β7 for maintenance. PLNs and gut supply CD8 and CD4 TMs with their individually favored homeostatic cytokine, IL-15, or IL-7. Cytokine stimulation in turn regulates the different gut-homing marker expression on CD4 and CD8 TMs. IL-15 plays a major role in vivo regulating CD8 TMs homing to PLNs. Thus, the reservoir segregation of CD4 and CD8 TMs meets their individual needs for homeostatic cytokines and is under feedback control of cytokine stimulation.
IRF4 mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Havelange Violaine , Pekarsky Yuri , Nakamura Tatsuya , Palamarchuk Alexey , Alder Hansjuerg , Rassenti Laura , Kipps Thomas , Croce Carlo M.
Published: July 2011

Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a member of the interferon regulatory factor family of transcription factors and has been shown to have critical functions at several stages of B-cell development. Genome-wide association study identified a polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region of IRF4 as a chronic lymphocytic leukemia risk locus. In this study, we report a recurrent heterozygous somatic mutation in the DNA-binding domain of IRF4 detected in 7 of 457 chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients (1.5%). Patients with IRF4 mutation have a good prognosis, and 4 of 6 have a trisomy 12. We also found that IRF4 mRNA expression is higher in the patients with the mutation.
The PI3K pathway drives the maturation of mast cells via microphthalmia transcription factor
Authors: Ma Peilin , Mali Raghuveer Singh , Munugalavadla Veerendra , Krishnan Subha , Ramdas Baskar , Sims Emily , Martin Holly , Ghosh Joydeep , Li Shuo , Chan Rebecca J. , Krystal Gerald , Craig Andrew W. , Takemoto Clifford , Kapur Reuben
Published: July 2011

Mast cell maturation is poorly understood. We show that enhanced PI3K activation results in accelerated maturation of mast cells by inducing the expression of microphthalmia transcription factor (Mitf). Conversely, loss of PI3K activation reduces the maturation of mast cells by inhibiting the activation of AKT, leading to reduced Mitf but enhanced Gata-2 expression and accumulation of Gr1+Mac1+ myeloid cells as opposed to mast cells. Consistently, overexpression of Mitf accelerates the maturation of mast cells, whereas Gata-2 overexpression mimics the loss of the PI3K phenotype. Expressing the full-length or the src homology 3– or BCR homology domain–deleted or shorter splice variant of the p85α regulatory subunit of PI3K or activated AKT or Mitf in p85α-deficient cells restores the maturation but not growth. Although deficiency of both SHIP and p85α rescues the maturation of SHIP−/− and p85α−/− mast cells and expression of Mitf; in vivo, mast cells are rescued in some, but not all tissues, due in part to defective KIT signaling, which is dependent on an intact src homology 3 and BCR homology domain of p85α. Thus, p85α-induced maturation, and growth and survival signals, in mast cells can be uncoupled.
Systematic discovery of unannotated genes in 11 yeast species using a database of orthologous genomic segments
Authors: ÓhÉigeartaigh Seán S , Armisén David , Byrne Kevin P , Wolfe Kenneth H
Published: July 2011

Background

In standard BLAST searches, no information other than the sequences of the query and the database entries is considered. However, in situations where two genes from different species have only borderline similarity in a BLAST search, the discovery that the genes are located within a region of conserved gene order (synteny) can provide additional evidence that they are orthologs. Thus, for interpreting borderline search results, it would be useful to know whether the syntenic context of a database hit is similar to that of the query. This principle has often been used in investigations of particular genes or genomic regions, but to our knowledge it has never been implemented systematically.

Results

We made use of the synteny information contained in the Yeast Gene Order Browser database for 11 yeast species to carry out a systematic search for protein-coding genes that were overlooked in the original annotations of one or more yeast genomes but which are syntenic with their orthologs. Such genes tend to have been overlooked because they are short, highly divergent, or contain introns. The key features of our software - called SearchDOGS - are that the database entries are classified into sets of genomic segments that are already known to be orthologous, and that very weak BLAST hits are retained for further analysis if their genomic location is similar to that of the query. Using SearchDOGS we identified 595 additional protein-coding genes among the 11 yeast species, including two new genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found additional genes for the mating pheromone a-factor in six species including Kluyveromyces lactis.

Conclusions

SearchDOGS has proven highly successful for identifying overlooked genes in the yeast genomes. We anticipate that our approach can be adapted for study of further groups of species, such as bacterial genomes. More generally, the concept of doing sequence similarity searches against databases to which external information has been added may prove useful in other settings.