bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘New agriculture’ for sustainable development? Biofuels and agrarian change in post-war Sierra Leone
Authors: Maconachie Roy , Fortin Elizabeth 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn sub-Saharan Africa, commercial bioenergy production has been hailed as a new form of ‘green capitalism’ that will deliver ‘win-win’ outcomes and ‘pro poor’ development. Yet in an era of global economic recession and soaring food prices, biofuel ‘sustainability’ has been at the centre of controversy. This paper focuses on the case of post-war Sierra Leone, a country that has over the last decade been consistently ranked as one of the poorest in the world, facing food insecurity, high unemployment and entrenched poverty. Following a recent government strategy to secure foreign direct investment in biofuels production in agriculturally rich regions of the country, the largest foreign investment in Sierra Leone since the end of its civil war has been secured: a Swiss company is to invest US$368 million into a large-scale biofuels project over the course of 3 years, and promises to simultaneously stimulate an enabling environment for investment, provide job opportunities for youth and increase food production. For multiple actors involved in the project, the concept of ‘sustainability’ is crucial but accordingly there are varying interpretations of its meaning. Such differences in interpretation and the complex contradictions within discourses of sustainability are in turn framed by the various scales within which these actors are situated. While attempts have been made to manage these contradictions through global sustainability standards, the unequal power relations between different actors will ultimately determine the ways in which they are likely to be resolved. The paper concludes by reflecting on how these processes may be contributing to a changing governance landscape and wider global political economy within which bioenergy is being produced, processed and consumed.
Ending it all: Genesis and Revelation
Authors: Hill Sarah 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBecause of their brevity, many pop songs of the last 50 years seemingly elude the application of narrative theory. But the deliberate lengthening of individual tracks during the early years of progressive rock exposes them to precisely that kind of examination. One such song is ‘Supper's Ready’, which closes the 1972 Genesis albumFoxtrot. This allegorical 23-minute epic, abundant with references to the Book of Revelation, provides an intriguing model for the ‘concept song’, and confounds the listener's expectations – lyrical, musical, narrative, structural and temporal. In this article I explore the seven tableaux of ‘Supper's Ready’, paying particular attention to the treatment of the apocalyptic theme, apply formalist and narrative theories of interpretation, and consider ways in which the song's design demands that the listener engage with both its concept and its construction.
Afro-Samurai: techno-Orientalism and contemporary hip hop
Authors: McLeod Ken 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article examines the practice and recent rise in the use of various aspects of Japanese popular culture in hip hop, particularly as manifest in the work of RZA, Kanye West and Nicki Minaj. Often these references highlight the high-tech, futuristic aesthetic of much Japanese popular culture and thus resonate with concepts and practices surrounding Afro-futurism. Drawing on various theories of hybridity, this article analyses how Japanese popular culture has informed constructions of African American identity. In contrast to the often sensational media coverage of racial tensions between African American and Asian communities, the nexus of Japanese popular culture and African American hip hop evinces a sympathetic connection based on shared notions of Afro-Asian liberation and empowerment achieved, in part, through a common aesthetic of technological mastery and appropriation. The synthesis of Asian popular culture and African American hip hop represents a globally hybridised experience of identity and racial formation in the 21st century.
Cluster reduction and compensatory lengthening in the acquisition of possessive -s
Authors: MEALINGS KIRI TRENGOVE , DEMUTH KATHERINE 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPrevious research shows that two-year-olds' third person singular -s and plural -s are produced more accurately in utterance-final compared to utterance-medial position. However, only the third person singular is affected by coda complexity. This study explores these effects with possessive -s. Acoustic analysis of twelve two-year-olds' elicited imitations examined the use of simple versus complex codas (e.g. Sue's vs. Doug's) both utterance-medially and utterance-finally. Morpheme production was surprisingly robust across contexts, though coda clusters were often simplified to a lengthened -s morpheme utterance-medially (e.g., Dou's [dɐz]). The findings raise many questions about the development of speech planning processes across populations.
Inspiring Capital? Deconstructing myths and reconstructing urban environments, Edinburgh, 1860–2010
Authors: MADGIN REBECCA , RODGER RICHARD 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT:‘Inspiring Capital’ is the sign that confronts visitors and residents alike at the boundaries of the Edinburgh administrative area. It is a consciously ambiguous message of self-promotion: the logo proclaims the dual standing of the city of Edinburgh as a European capital city and a city of international capital. The article uses a long-run approach to explore how, by inventing and nurturing a myth about Edinburgh as a non-industrial city, councillors and planners privileged the ancient and historical character of the city and so conditioned policies associated with urban renewal and land use.
Radiation therapist perspectives on cone-beam computed tomography practices and response to information
Authors: Gillan Caitlin , Li Winnie , Harnett Nicole 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionWith recent technological advances in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), more image-related clinical information is being collected, at more frequent intervals throughout the treatment course. As radiation therapy (RT) programmes further develop IGRT technology, the aim of this study is to assess whether the distribution and communication of professional responsibilities is evolving to ensure appropriate use of the technology.MethodsRadiation therapists practicing at any of the 14 Ontario RT centres were sent an electronic survey (n = 400). Closed-ended quantitative items addressed perceptions regarding policies, comfort, and professional responsibility in addressing CBCT concerns. Focus was on gynaecological, lung, head and neck (H&N) disease sites. Options for qualitative comments and explanations were included where appropriate.ResultsSeventy-nine surveys were submitted. Respondents from 12/14 (85·7%) centres used CBCT for at least one of three disease sites, most commonly on a daily basis. Five of these centres (41·7%) did not require radiation oncologist CBCT review, with others requiring it Day 1 or weekly. Potential CBCT observations of concern were grouped as set-up issues, tumour changes, organ-at-risk (OAR) changes, contour changes and ancillary findings (especially lung and airway changes). Respondents believed they consulted another professional about a CBCT in 20·2% of H&N patients, 19·6% of lung patients and 9·7% of gynaecological patients. The level of comfort in doing so varied from 77·0% for H&N to 89·5% for lung. Respondents were most likely to believe themselves responsible for changes in OARs (92·2% believing themselves responsible), and least likely for ancillary findings (62·7%).ConclusionsThrough preliminary insight from Ontario therapists, a degree of inconsistency is apparent between perceptions, practices and assigned roles in the management of CBCT information. Clear definition of the scope and nature of therapists’ responsibility for interpreting and addressing changes on CBCT images should be developed within each centre.
Distributed control system for a parallel‐connected AC/DC converters
Authors: Chunkag Viboon , Kanthaphayao Yutthana , Kamnarn Uthen 
Published: May 2013

This study presents a distributed control system for parallel‐connected AC/DC converters. The proposed system composed of isolated CUK AC/DC converters which each converter has its own controller and a simple current‐sharing circuit. The purposes are modular system and distributed control. The control system consists of an analogue circuit and a microcontroller. The analogue circuit is used for a current sharing and control the input current to be in‐phase with the input voltage. The microcontroller is used for generating the control signals to adjust gain of the current sharing and to control the output voltage. The performance evaluation was conducted through the simulation and experimental results, on a three‐module parallel‐connected, with a 540 W load, a − 48 V of DC bus output voltage. The performance of the proposed system has been achieved as follows: the current sharing is quite well; the redundant operation can be implemented in this system, the fast transient response and a high‐power factor.
Improved zero‐voltage‐switching pulse width modulation full bridge converter with self‐regulating auxiliary current
Authors: Chen Zhong , Liu Shasha , Shi Liangchen 
Published: May 2013

An improved zero‐voltage‐switching (ZVS) phase‐shift full‐bridge converter with self‐regulating auxiliary current is proposed. ZVS of lagging‐leg switches can be achieved in whole conversion range because of the introduced active auxiliary circuit. Meanwhile, the auxiliary circuit that features simple control of the auxiliary switches has no effect on the main power transferring path and the auxiliary energy stored for ZVS of lagging‐leg can be regulated by the load current without significantly increasing conduction loss over the entire load range. The operation principle of the proposed converter is discussed in detail and further simplification of the proposed topology is suggested. The design method of key parameters is carefully depicted. Finally, the operation and performance of the proposed converter are verified on a 1 kW/54 V, 100 kHz prototype.
Morphology and size control of nanocalcium carbonate crystallised in reverse micelle system with cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Authors: Wang Nong , Wang Xingquan , Yang Lijuan , Chen Huisheng 
Published: May 2013

The influence of ω0, the mole ratio of water‐to‐surfactant content ([H2O]/[surfactant]), on the crystal size of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) produced by reaction crystallisation in microemulsion systems was investigated. Crystallisation was induced by the reaction between an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate and water in oil micellar solutions of calcium chloride stabilised by cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and cosurfactant n‐ butylalcohol. The X‐ray diffraction results showed that calcite is the main state of CaCO3 crystal when ω0> 30, but because of the stable reverse micelles system, vaterite was the predominant crystal form when ω0< 30. Scanning electron microscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy results showed spherical CaCO3 nanoparticles obtained with narrow size distribution, and with the ratio of water‐to‐surfactant increasing from 3.40 to 22.63, the particles size increased from 15 to 70 nm. The influence of ω0 on the crystal size and morphology of CaCO3 was very clear.
Tall cell variant: An aggressive form of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Prendiville Stephen , Burman Kenneth D. , Ringel Matthew D. , Shmookler Barry M. , Deeb Ziad E. , Wolfe Katherine , Azumi Norio , Wartofsky Leonard , Sessions Roy B. 
Published: May 2013

Twenty‐four cases of the tall cell variant (TCV), a subset of papillary thyroid carcinoma, were identified in a group of 624 patients with thyroid cancer. All pathology specimens were reviewed, and each patient's carcinoma was categorized according to characteristics on presentation, local recurrence, distant metastases, follow‐up, and tumor‐related mortality. The TCV group was compared with a historical control group (Mazzaferri and Jhiang: 1355 patients). The TCV group had a statistically higher percentage of stage 3 and 4 carcinoma, extrathyroidal invasion, and tumor size less than 1.5 cm than the control group. There was no statistical relationship between age greater than 50 years and stage in the TCV group. No relationship could be found between TCV histology and recurrence or mortality. These findings, combined with those of studies that link stage on presentation to poor outcomes, have led to our conclusion that TCV is an aggressive malignancy warranting appropriate treatment and close follow‐up.
Radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the palate: An extended follow‐up study
Authors: Li Kasey K. , Powell Nelson B. , Riley Robert W. , Troell Robert J. , Guilleminault Christian 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVEThe goal was to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency (RF) of the palate on speech, swallowing, taste, sleep, and snoring 12 to 18 months after treatment.METHODSTwenty‐two patients were evaluated by clinical examination, questionnaires, and visual analog scales. The patients with relapse of snoring were offered further RF treatment.RESULTSAfter a mean follow‐up of 14 months, no adverse effect was reported. Subjective snoring scores relapsed by 29% overall. Nine patients (41%) noted relapse of snoring from 2.1 ± 1.1 to 5.7 ± 2.7 (P < 0.001). Eight of the patients underwent further RF treatment with a reduction of snoring from 5.8 ± 2.9 to 3.3 ± 3.1 (P = 0.01).CONCLUSIONThe success of RF volumetric reduction of the palate diminishes with time, as with other surgical procedures of the palate. However, the minimal invasiveness of the RF provided a high patient acceptance for retreatment, and relapse of snoring can be improved.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in laryngeal and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Magary Steven P. , Ryan Matthew W. , Tarnuzzer R. W. , Kornberg Lori 
Published: May 2013

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are known for their aggressive growth and propensity to metastasize. Invasion is facilitated by matrix metalloproteineases (MMPs). Tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) negatively regulate MMP activity. MMP and TIMP expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). qRT‐PCR allows measurement of several mRNAs from as little as 4 μg of total cellular RNA. We measured MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐1 expression in 8 specimens of primary tumors and adjacent normal tissue. MMP‐1 was overexpressed in 6 of 8 tumors, and MMP‐9 was over‐expressed in 4 of 7 tumors. MMP‐2 was expressed in 3 of 8 tumors and 3 of 8 normal samples. TIMP‐1 was expressed in all specimens. This work demonstrates that qRT‐PCR can be used to examine expression of specific mRNAs in clinical specimens. Therefore this method provides another tool for the molecular analysis of tumors.
Effects of intracochlear factors on spiral ganglion cells and auditory brain stem response after long‐term electrical stimulation in deafened kittens
Authors: Araki Susumu , Kawano Atsushi , Lee Seldon H. , Shepherd Robert K. , Funasaka Sotaro , Clark Graeme M. 
Published: May 2013

Using an animal model, we have studied the response of the auditory brain stem to cochlear implantation and the effect of intracochlear factors on this response. Neonatally, pharmacologically deafened cats (100 to more than 180 days old) were implanted with a 4‐electrode array in both cochleas. Then, the left cochlea of each cat was electrically stimulated for total periods of up to 1000 hours. After a terminal 14C‐2‐deoxyglucose (2DG) experiment, the fraction of the right inferior colliculus with a significant accumulation of 2DG label was calculated. Using 3‐dimensional computer‐aided reconstruction, we examined the cochleas of these animals for spiral ganglion cell (SGC) survival and intracochlear factors such as electrode positions, degeneration of the organ of Corti, and the degree of fibrosis of the scala tympani. The distribution of each parameter was calculated along the organ of Corti from the basal end. There was a positive correlation between SGC survival and the level of fibrosis in the scala tympani, and a negative correlation between SGC survival and the degree of organ of Corti degeneration. Finally, there was a negative correlation between the 2DG‐labeled inferior colliculus volume fraction and the degree of fibrosis, particularly in the 1‐mm region nearest the pair of electrodes, and presumably in the basal turn.
Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: No need for postmaneuver restrictions
Authors: Nuti Daniele , Nati Catia , Passali Desiderio 
Published: May 2013

The liberatory maneuver of Semont is an effective physical treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It works because it causes otoconia to move out the posterior canal. The effectiveness of the maneuver is thought to be indicated by the appearance of a liberatory nystagmus. After the maneuver, patients are usually instructed to keep their heads erect for several days and not to lie on the pathologic side for about a week. Here we investigated the prognostic value of liberatory nystagmus and whether restrictions are necessary after treatment. Fifty‐six patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo underwent the Semont maneuver and were checked after 20 minutes, 24 hours, and 1 week. The patients were told that they could sleep or move as they pleased, without any particular precautions. We found that liberatory nystagmus had a high prognostic value and that it was not necessary for patients to avoid certain positions or movements after treatment.
Acoustic analysis of the voice in phonatory fistuloplasty after total laryngectomy
Authors: Arias Mariano Rosique , RamÓN JosÉ Luis , Campos Matilde , Cervantes Juan JimÉNez 
Published: May 2013

A comparative study of the voice with sustained phonation of the vowel /a/ was made in 3 groups of male patients: (1) 20 patients receiving total laryngectomy for epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx who had acquired good voice quality after a phonatory fistuloplasty with a Herrmann voice prosthesis; (2) 20 patients undergoing total laryngectomy for epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx who had learned esophageal speech; and (3) 20 subjects with normal voices. Statistical analysis yielded significant differences in fundamental voice frequency between the 3 groups, with the patients with phonatory prostheses revealing the closest to a normal voice. For other parameters used, such as jitter, shimmer, and harmonics/noise ratio, voice quality with a phonatory prosthesis was similar to that obtained with esophageal speech.
Breast Milk Is Better Than Formula Milk in Preventing Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Liver Disease in Infants Receiving Prolonged Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Kulkarni Sakil , Mercado Velma , Rios Mirta , Arboleda Richard , Gomara Roberto , Muinos William , Reeves‐Garcia Jesse , Hernandez Erick 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Breast milk has been shown to be associated with greater success with regard to weaning children with intestinal failure off parenteral nutrition (PN). There are only a few studies investigating the role of breast milk in decreasing PN‐associated liver disease (PNALD). The aim of our study was to determine whether breast milk is better than formula milk in preventing PNALD in infants receiving PN for >4 weeks.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of newborns requiring prolonged parenteral nutrition. We divided the sample into 3 different groups (exclusive breast‐feeding, exclusive formula‐feeding, and mixed feeding. We compared baseline characteristics, feeding profiles and liver function tests, and liver enzymes among the 3 groups.Results:Among infants receiving PN for >4 weeks, we found that infants who were fed only breast milk were significantly less likely to develop PNALD (34.6%) compared with those who were fed only formula milk (72.7%; P = 0.008). The mean maximum conjugated bilirubin (P = 0.03) and the mean maximum aspartate aminotransferase were significantly lower in the breast‐fed group (P = 0.04) compared with the formula‐fed group. Among the mixed‐feeding group, infants who received a higher percentage of breast milk showed a significant negative correlation with the mean maximum conjugated bilirubin. (Pearson correlation −0.517, P = 0.027). The mean number of days receiving PN and the average daily lipid intake in the 2 groups was not significantly different.Conclusions:As a modality for early enteral nutrition, breast milk is protective against the development of PNALD in infants receiving PN for >4 weeks.
Nonredundant Function of Zeins and Their Correct Stoichiometric Ratio Drive Protein Body Formation in Maize Endosperm
Authors: Guo Xiaomei , Yuan Lingling , Chen Han , Sato Shirley J. , Clemente Thomas E. , Holding David R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractZeins, the maize (Zea mays) prolamin storage proteins, accumulate at very high levels in developing endosperm in endoplasmic reticulum membrane-bound protein bodies. Products of the multigene α-zein families and the single-gene γ-zein family are arranged in the central hydrophobic core and the cross-linked protein body periphery, respectively, but little is known of the specific roles of family members in protein body formation. Here, we used RNA interference suppression of different zein subclasses to abolish vitreous endosperm formation through a variety of effects on protein body density, size, and morphology. We showed that the 27-kilodalton (kD) γ-zein controls protein body initiation but is not involved in protein body filling. Conversely, other γ-zein family members function more in protein body expansion and not in protein body initiation. Reduction in both 19- and 22-kD α-zein subfamilies severely restricted protein body expansion but did not induce morphological abnormalities, which result from reduction of only the 22-kD α-zein class. Concomitant reduction of all zein classes resulted in severe reduction in protein body number but normal protein body size and morphology.
Tensile properties of corroded embedded steel bars B500c in concrete
Authors: Apostolopoulos Ch. Alk. , Kappatos Vassilios 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe corrosion of reinforcing steel bars reduces significantly the life and durability of concrete structures. This critical concern causes great losses to the economy and industry. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the effects of corrosion on the tensile mechanical properties of embedded steel bars B500c in concrete.Design/methodology/approachThe concept is based on the curve fitting modelling, as well the mathematical correlation of the tensile mechanical properties between corroded bare and corroded embedded steel bars. In order to achieve this, extensive experiments were carried out on both bare (Ø8, 10, 12, 16 and 18 mm) and embedded (Ø8 mm) steel bars B500c, which were subjected to artificially accelerated corrosive conditions in a chloride‐rich atmosphere for several exposure times.FindingsThe research results show that the estimation method is available and effective in simulating the tensile mechanical behaviour of corroded reinforcing steel bars B500c.Originality/valueAs far as is known, this is the first time that an advanced data processing technique has been employed to try to find the mathematical correlation of the existing corrosion damage on the residual tensile properties between bare and embedded steel bars. It is argued that these models can be developed in order to reduce the need for expensive experimental investigation in materials.