bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letting Go? The Federal Communications Commission in the Era of Deregulation
Authors: Crandall Robert W.
Published: November 2009

Alfred Kahn's book, Letting Go: Deregulating the Process of Deregulation, suggested that regulators step aside once they have set basic rules for entry into erstwhile monopolized markets. Unfortunately, communications regulators have not heeded Professor Kahn's advice. I provide an analysis of the effects of three exercises in U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation or "deregulation": (1) the post-1996 unbundling regime designed to facilitate entry into local telecommunications markets; (2) the continuation and extension of the high-cost "universal service" program funded by the taxation of long-distance telephony; and (3) the FCC's attempt to regulate cable television rates.
Designing Competition Policy for Telecommunications
Authors: Robinson Glen O. , Weisman Dennis L.
Published: November 2009

This paper explores the role of the essential facilities doctrine in circumscribing the scope of network sharing obligations in telecommunications. Among other things it argues that a proper application of the doctrine of essential facilities should recognize the prominence of dynamic over static efficiency in promoting consumer welfare. Regulators may be averse to recognizing these tradeoffs because unlike the behavior of prices the welfare losses from foregone innovation may be unobservable to the regulators' constituency. Moreover, an emphasis on dynamic efficiency requires the short-term regulator to take the "long view"  fostering the competitive process rather than emulating the competitive outcome.
Regulation of Freight Railroads in the Modern Era: 1970 - 2010
Authors: Gaskins Darius W.
Published: November 2009

The fundamental tension between the freight railroads' network economics and economic regulation has never been resolved. Lip service has been paid to declining marginal costs and Ramsey pricing, but the actual practice of economic regulation has not coped with the economic dilemma. This paper relates the trials and tribulations of railroad regulation from the perspective of a participant that has seen the struggle both as a regulator and a regulatee.
Alfred Kahn as a Case Study of a Political Entrepreneur: An Essay in Honour of his 90th Birthday
Authors: Weiser Philip J.
Published: November 2009

The success of airline deregulation challenged the claims of public choice theory, which asserts that regulation serves the purposes of the regulated firms themselves. One prominent explanation for airline deregulation is that "political entrepreneurs" can, under certain circumstances, challenge the status quo. Nonetheless, commentators have failed to examine how Fred Kahn fits the model of a political entrepreneur. By examining Kahn's success as a political entrepreneur, this Essay highlights how commentators and policymakers can gain important insights into how to spur regulatory reform and oversee regulatory reform efforts like that necessary to modernize our system of spectrum management.
A Two-Sided Market Analysis of Provider Investment Incentives with an Application to the Net-Neutrality Issue
Authors: Musacchio John , Schwartz Galina , Walrand Jean
Published: November 2009

We address whether local ISPs should be allowed to charge content providers, who derive advertising revenue, for the right to access end-users. We compare two-sided pricing where such charges are allowed to one-sided pricing where they are prohibited. By deriving provider equilibrium actions (prices and investments), we determine which regime is welfare-superior as a function of a few key parameters. We find that two-sided pricing is more favorable when the ratio between parameters characterizing advertising rates and end-user price sensitivity is either low or high.
Costs of Neutral/Unmanaged IP Networks
Authors: Clarke Richard N.
Published: November 2009

An important issue in "network neutrality" is the degree to which networks that comprise the Internet may be "managed" by their operators. This paper examines the current costs of unmanaged/neutral network technology and demonstrates that as customer Internet usage patterns evolve and become both more bandwidth-intensive and real-time oriented, a model of pure neutrality would be extremely expensive for consumers. Unmanaged network capacity sufficient to accommodate expected consumer demand growth currently would result in bills between $143 and $416 per month  depending on the customers level of TV viewing. Such fees would likely make unmanaged/neutral Internet service commercially prohibitive.
Net Neutrality, Unbundling, and their Effects on International Investment in Next-Generation Networks
Authors: Wallsten Scott , Hausladen Stephanie
Published: November 2009

This paper examines the net neutrality debate in countries outside the U.S., particularly in the EU. Most appear to have endorsed the idea of net neutrality and believe that policies promoting unbundling  mandatory network sharing  will ensure neutral networks. We argue that unbundling may not necessarily affect incumbent incentives to prioritize certain traffic. Because unbundling can affect investment incentives, we use a new dataset to examine empirically the effects of unbundling on investment in new fiber networks in Europe. We find a significant negative correlation between the number of unbundled DSL connections per capita and the number of fiber connections.
The Functioning of Inter-modal Competition in the Transportation Market: Evidence from the Entry of Low-cost Airlines in Germany
Authors: Friebel Guido , Niffka Marko
Published: November 2009

We investigate the entry of low-cost airlines (LCAs) in the German market. The strong competitive pressure of LCAs forced incumbent air and rail operators to reconsider their pricing strategy. Lufthansa reacted by a drastic cut of all prices for all intra-German origin and destinations (O&Ds). The physical conditions of DB, the incumbent railroad operator, made it harder to react. Being an open system, changing the price system on one O&Ds has substantial opportunity costs on other O&Ds in the same rail network. This imposes constraints on price strategies LCA and Lufthansa do not have to satisfy to the same extent.
Pricing Dynamics of Network Utilities in Developing Countries
Authors: Chisari Omar , Kessides Ioannis N.
Published: November 2009

This paper examines the pricing of a utility with an underdeveloped network facing a competitive fringe, short-run network adjustment costs, theft of service, and the threat of retaliatory government intervention that is increasing with the price it charges. Under a variety of plausible assumptions (in the context of developing countries) the utility will find its long-run profits enhanced if it exercises pricing restraint in the early stages of network development. These findings provide some useful insights for the design of post-privatization regulatory governance in developing countries where years of price controls have contributed to choking off investment in network expansion.
On the Value Added Taxation Status of National Postal Operators
Authors: De Donder Philippe , Cremer Helmuth , Dudley Paul , Rodriguez Frank
Published: November 2009

We study the pricing and welfare implications of changing the VAT status of the national postal operator (NPO) from exempt to rated. We build a model where the NPO offers both single-piece and bulk mail to customers, some of them VAT rated, others VAT exempt. We solve for the optimal Ramsey prices under monopoly and under access-based competition for bulk mail. We finally perform numerical simulations in order to determine how prices, volumes and welfare might be affected by the change in the NPOs VAT status, both under monopoly and under access-based competition for bulk mail.
A Framework for Modeling "Real-Life" Airline Networks
Authors: Bilotkach Volodymyr
Published: November 2009

This paper develops a new model, which allows for the co-existence of hub-and-spoke and point-to-point networks in the airline industry. Passengers are segmented between the non-stop and one-stop services. In the baseline model, the monopoly airlines ability to segment the market and effectively set up the mixed network depends on the cost savings due to the through-hub service relative to exogenous quality difference between the one-stop and non-stop flights. Socially inefficient entry with the new non-stop service where an incumbent is operating the hub-and-spoke network is possible.
A Recipe for Ratings Reform
Authors: Calomiris Charles W
Published: November 2009

Contrary to conventional wisdom, incentives to inflate credit ratings reflect pressures from buy-side investors who use inflated ratings to reduce the impact of regulation and ratings-based restrictions on their portfolio holdings. Charles Calomiris suggests ways to get effective reform.
Cheating Tendency in Examinations among Secondary School Students in Nigeria: A Case Study of Schools in the Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State
Authors: Bisong Nonso Ngozika , Akpama Felicia , Edet Pauline B.
Published: November 2009

This study is designed to examine cheating tendency among secondary school students in Nigeria, with evidence from schools in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. A total of 331 respondents in Senior Secondary 3 classes were randomly selected from 10 post-primary schools in the area. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit information on cheating tendency, the level of supervision, forms of cheating behaviour, and gender influence on cheating tendency. The data were analysed using percentages and chi-square statistics to highlight mean differences with respect to the identified variables. The results revealed some levels of statistically significant differences in respect of cheating tendencies on the identified variables. Based on these findings, it is recommended that an ethical reorientation programme, combined with the implementation of a stiff penalty, will reduce cheating tendency in all levels of the Nigerian educational system.
Equity Education: A Longitudinal Study Comparing Multicultural Knowledge and Dispositions of Field-Based and Campus-Based Teacher Candidates
Authors: Thompson Johnnie , Bakken Linda , Mau Wei-Cheng
Published: November 2009

Two groups of teacher candidates, enrolled either in a field-based or campus-based program, were measured before and after their first semester of teacher education courses and again at the end of their student teaching semester. The two groups were compared regarding their knowledge of multicultural education issues, dispositions towards diverse populations, and their perception of confidence in teaching in diverse classrooms. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) with repeated measures indicated that there was a significant increase for both groups in multicultural knowledge after the first semester and that this knowledge was maintained throughout their program. Results also indicated that there was a significant increase in a positive attitude toward multicultural education for both groups after their first semester; however, this positive attitude was not maintained. In terms of perceived confidence in teaching, both groups increased after the first semester, and the field-based group continued to increase until the end of their undergraduate program. The findings suggest that the field-based experience continues to impact students' multicultural knowledge and their perceived self-efficacy.
Generic Skills and Collaborative Learning in Tertiary Education: An Empirical Examination of Student Perceptions
Authors: Brooks Gordon , More Elizabeth , Leslie Julian
Published: November 2009

Cooperative and collaborative learning – learning in small groups – is generally considered an effective learning approach with benefits including learning gains and personal enhancement. Successful group activities, however, assume competence in a number of skills. Identification of the particular skills that students need to successfully negotiate collaborative learning is imperative in preparing students for these activities. However, the contemporary student body in many developed countries is becoming increasingly diverse. This empirical article seeks to identify whether undergraduate students from different countries and language backgrounds have different perceptions of the relative importance of Ehrman & Dornyei's generic sub-skills. A cohort of students who completed a first-year undergraduate management subject were surveyed. Analysis of 266 responses identified the skills that students consider most important and demonstrated that the different student groups held the same perceptions of the importance of the 25 skills considered. The implications and benefits for preparing students for group work are considered.
The Effects of Statistical Analysis Software and Calculators on Statistics Achievement
Authors: Christmann Edwin P.
Published: November 2009

This study compared the effects of microcomputer-based statistical software and hand-held calculators on the statistics achievement of university males and females. The subjects, 73 graduate students enrolled in univariate statistics classes at a public comprehensive university, were randomly assigned to groups that used either microcomputer-based statistics software or hand-held calculators in performing their statistical calculations. The effects of the independent variables of microcomputer-based statistics software and hand-held calculators on the dependent variable of statistics achievement were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance that revealed no significant difference on the basis of gender (p = 0.622). However, the two-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the achievement of students who used the microcomputer-based statistics software and those who used hand-held calculators (p = 0.024), with those students who used microcomputer-based statistical analysis software scoring higher. Additionally, a significant interaction effect was disclosed (p = 0.027), with an effect size of 0.621, indicating that, on average, those males who used microcomputers outperformed 73% of the females who used microcomputers in performing their statistical calculations; while the females who used hand-held calculators outperformed 71% of the male users of calculators, on the basis of an effect size calculation of 0.545.
Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate Effectiveness of Registered Dietitian–Led Diabetes Management on Glycemic and Diet Control in a Primary Care Setting in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Meng-Chuan , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Wang Huan-Sen , Shin Shyi-Jang
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

In this randomized controlled trial we evaluated the effect of registered dietitian–led management of diabetes on glycemic control and macronutrient intake in type 2 diabetic patients in primary care clinics in Taiwan and studied the association between changes in macronutrient intake and glycemic measures.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We recruited 154 adult patients with type 2 diabetes and randomly assigned them to a routine care control group (n = 79) or a registered dietitian–led intervention group (n = 75) who received on-site diabetic self-management education every 3 months over 12 months.

RESULTS

Over the 1-year period, neither the intervention group (n = 75) nor the control group (n = 79) had significant changes in A1C, whereas the intervention patients with poorly controlled baseline A1C (≥7%) (n = 56) had significantly greater improvements in A1C and fasting plasma glucose than the control subjects (n = 60) (−0.7 vs. −0.2%, P = 0.034; −13.4 vs. 16.9 mg/dl, P = 0.007) during the same period. We also found significant net intervention-control group differences in overall energy intake (−229.06 ± 309.16 vs. 56.10 ± 309.41 kcal/day) and carbohydrate intake (−31.24 ± 61.53 vs. 7.15 ± 54.09 g/day) (P < 0.001) in patients with poorly controlled A1C. Multivariable adjusted modeling revealed an independent association between changes in carbohydrate intake and A1C in the intervention group (n = 56; β = 0.10, SEM = 0.033, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

On-site registered dietitian–led management of diabetes can improve glycemic control in patients with poorly managed type 2 diabetes in primary care clinics in Taiwan. A reduction in carbohydrate intake may improve glycemic status.
U-500 Regular Insulin
Authors: Davidson Mayer B. , Navar Maria D. , Echeverry Diana , Duran Petra
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical experience and the pharmacokinetics of U-500 regular insulin in severely insulin-resistant obese type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients requiring >200 units of insulin with A1C levels >8.0% were switched to U-500 regular insulin. For the pharmacokinetic study, fasting subjects received 100 units of U-500 regular insulin subcutaneously, and samples drawn before and every 30–60 min for glucose, insulin, and C-peptides until glucose fell below 100 mg/dl.

RESULTS

U-500 regular insulin doses were adjusted using the same approach as for adjusting NPH insulin doses. Mean values at baseline and at minimum A1C levels were, respectively, A1C 9.9 and 7.1%, 3.2 and 3.3 units/kg, and weight 98.6 and 102.8 kg. Pharmacokinetically, insulin concentrations rose briskly by 30 min and remained elevated for at least 7 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Uncontrolled severely insulin-resistant obese type 2 diabetic patients can be satisfactorily controlled with U-500 regular insulin.
Early Glucose Abnormalities in Cystic Fibrosis Are Preceded by Poor Weight Gain
Authors: Hameed Shihab , Morton John R. , Jaffé Adam , Field Penny I. , Belessis Yvonne , Yoong Terence , Katz Tamarah , Verge Charles F.
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

Progressive β-cell loss causes catabolism in cystic fibrosis. Existing diagnostic criteria for diabetes were based on microvascular complications rather than on cystic fibrosis–specific outcomes. We aimed to relate glycemic status in cystic fibrosis to weight and lung function changes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We determined peak blood glucose (BGmax) during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) with samples every 30 min for 33 consecutive children (aged 10.2–18 years). Twenty-five also agreed to undergo continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) (Medtronic). Outcome measures were change in weight standard deviation score (wtSDS), percent forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV1), and percent forced vital capacity (%FVC) in the year preceding the OGTT.

RESULTS

Declining wtSDS and %FVC were associated with higher BGmax (both P = 0.02) and with CGM time >7.8 mmol/l (P = 0.006 and P = 0.02, respectively) but not with BG120 min. A decline in %FEV1 was related to CGM time >7.8 mmol/l (P = 0.02). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine optimal glycemic cutoffs, CGM time above 7.8 mmol/l ≥4.5% detected declining wtSDS with 89% sensitivity and 86% specificity (area under the ROC curve 0.89, P = 0.003). BGmax ≥8.2 mmol/l gave 87% sensitivity and 70% specificity (0.76, P = 0.02). BG120 min did not detect declining wtSDS (0.59, P = 0.41). After exclusion of two patients with BG120 min ≥11.1 mmol/l, the decline in wtSDS was worse if BGmax was ≥8.2 mmol/l (−0.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.0 ± 0.4 for BGmax <8.2 mmol/l, P = 0.04) or if CGM time above 7.8 mmol/l was ≥4.5% (−0.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.2 for time <4.5%, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

BGmax ≥8.2 mmol/l on an OGTT and CGM time above 7.8 mmol/l ≥4.5% are associated with declining wtSDS and lung function in the preceding 12 months.
Exposure to Low Amounts of Ultrasound Energy Does Not Improve Soft Tissue Shoulder Pathology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alexander Lisa D. , Gilman David R.D. , Brown Derek R. , Brown Janet L. , Houghton Pamela E.
Published: November 2009

Background

Although therapeutic ultrasound is commonly used to treat shoulder injuries, research to date on the ability of ultrasound to improve outcomes for shoulder pathologies is conflicting.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically and critically review available literature to ascertain whether beneficial effects of ultrasound were associated with certain shoulder pathologies or particular ultrasound treatment protocols.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched, and the included studies, identified through pair consensus, were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized ultrasound for soft tissue shoulder injury or pain.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Eight studies included in this review (n=586 patients, median PEDro score=8.0/10) evaluated various parameters, including the duration of patients' symptoms (0–12 months), duty cycle (20% and 100%), intensity (0.1–2.0 W/cm2), treatment time per session (4.5–15.8 minutes), number of treatments (6–39), and total energy applied per treatment (181–8,152 J).

Data Synthesis

Inconsistent outcome measures among studies precluded meta-analysis; however, 3 RCTs showed statistically significant benefits of ultrasound, 2 of which examined calcific tendinitis. Studies that showed beneficial effects of ultrasound typically had 4 times longer total exposure times and applied much greater ultrasound energy per session (average of 4,228 J) compared with studies that showed no benefit of ultrasound (average of 2,019 J). No studies that delivered ≤720 J per session showed improvement in treatment groups.

Limitations

Current research involving ultrasound treatment protocols that delivered low levels of ultrasound energy do not adequately address whether ultrasound can improve outcomes for shoulder disorders.

Conclusion

Determining whether therapeutic ultrasound can affect soft tissue shoulder pathologies will require further research and systematic reviews that involve appropriate ultrasound treatment protocols.
Multi-particle three-dimensional coordinate estimation in real-time optical manipulation
Authors: Seidelin Dam Jeppe , Perch-Nielsen Ivan , Palima Darwin , Glückstad Jesper
Published: November 2009

We have previously shown how stereoscopic images can be obtained in our three-dimensional optical micromanipulation system [J. S. Dam et al., Opt. Express 16, 7244 (2008)]. Here, we present an extension and application of this principle to automatically gather the three-dimensional coordinates for all trapped particles with high tracking range and high reliability without requiring user calibration. Through deconvolving of the red, green, and blue colour planes to correct for bleeding between colour planes, we show that we can extend the system to also utilize green illumination, in addition to the blue and red. Applying the green colour as on-axis illumination yields redundant information for enhanced error correction, which is used to verify the gathered data, resulting in reliable coordinates as well as producing visually attractive images.
Aberrational vignetting and eikonal theory
Authors: Gitin Andrey
Published: November 2009

If an aperture stop is located inside of a real optical system, then a variation of an entrance pupil depends on the inclination of the incident beam of light rays. This effect called “aberrational vignetting” depends on aberration of the part of the optical system, which is located between the aperture stop and the entrance pupil. A theory of aberrational vignetting has been developed using the eikonal theory.
Cellular transplantation for the nervous system: impact of time after preparation on cell viability and survival
Authors: Gobbel Glenn T. , Kondziolka Douglas , Fellows-Mayle Wendy , Uram Martin
Published: November 2009

Object

Cell transplantation has shown promise for the treatment of various neurological disorders, but the factors that influence cell survival and integration following transplantation are poorly understood. In fact, little is known regarding how simple but potentially critical variables, including the method of cellular preparation and administration, might affect transplant success. The goal of the present study was to determine the impact of time between tissue preparation and implantation on cellular viability. Time can vary with cell preparation, delivery to the operating room, and surgical technique. This study was also designed to evaluate the sensitivity of various methods of assessing implant viability.

Methods

Cell lines of neural progenitor cells and bone marrow stromal cells were generated from healthy adult mice. On the day of experimentation, the cells were collected, suspended in a balanced salt solution, and sequentially assessed for viability for up to 3.5 hours based on their appearance under phase-contrast microscopy, their ability to retain a fluorescent dye, and their attachment to a cultivation surface for 24 hours.

Results

When viability was measured based on the ability of cells to retain a fluorescent dye, there was a decrease in viability of 10–15% each hour. Based on the ability of the cells to attach to a culture surface and grow for 24 hours, viability decreased more rapidly at approximately 20% per hour. In addition, only about one-third of the cells judged viable based on phase-contrast microscopy or acute dye retention were found to be viable based on plating, and only 10% of the cells initially judged as viable were still capable of survival after 3 hours in suspension.

Conclusions

The authors' results indicate that that there can be significant losses in viability between preparation and implantation and that more sophisticated methods of evaluation, such as the ability of cells to attach to a substrate and grow, may be required to detect decreases in viability. The time between preparation and implantation will be an important factor in clinical trial design.
Burst stimulation of the auditory cortex: a new form of neurostimulation for noise-like tinnitus suppression
Authors: De Ridder Dirk , Vanneste Sven , van der Loo Elsa , Plazier Mark , Menovsky Tomas , van de Heyning Paul
Published: November 2009

Object

Tinnitus is an auditory phantom percept related to tonic and burst hyperactivity of the auditory system. Two parallel pathways supply auditory information to the cerebral cortex: the tonotopically organized lemniscal system, and the nontonotopic extralemniscal system, which fire in tonic and burst mode, respectively. Electrical cortex stimulation is a method capable of modulating activity of the human cortex by delivering stimuli in a tonic or burst way. Burst firing is shown to be more powerful in activating the cerebral cortex than tonic firing, and bursts may activate neurons that are not activated by tonic firing.

Methods

Five patients with an implanted electrode on the auditory cortex were asked to rate their tinnitus distress and intensity on a visual analog scale before and after 40-Hz tonic and 40-Hz burst (5 pulses at 500 Hz) stimulation. All patients presented with both high-pitched pure tone and white noise components in their tinnitus.

Results

A significantly better suppression for narrowband noise tinnitus with burst stimulation in comparison with tonic stimulation (Z = −2.03, p = 0.04) was found. For pure tone tinnitus, no difference was found between tonic and burst stimulation (Z = −0.58, p = 0.56). No significant effect was obtained for stimulation amplitude (Z = −1.21, p = 0.23) and electrical charge per pulse (Z = −0.67, p = 0.50) between tonic and burst stimulation. The electrical current delivery per second was significantly different (Z = −2.02, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Burst stimulation is a new form of neurostimulation that might be helpful in treating symptoms that are intractable to conventional tonic stimulation. Further exploration of this new stimulation design is warranted.
Long-term results of thalamic deep brain stimulation for essential tremor
Authors: Zhang Kai , Bhatia Sanjay , Oh Michael Y. , Cohen David , Angle Cindy , Whiting Donald
Published: November 2009

Object

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) has proven to be efficacious in the treatment of essential tremor (ET). The authors report on long-term follow-up of a series of patients treated at 1 institution by 1 neurosurgeon.

Methods

Thirty-four patients with ET received unilateral or bilateral VIM DBS. The tremor and handwriting components of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin clinical tremor rating scale were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Visual analog scale scores for overall patient satisfaction and tremor control were recorded. Stimulation parameters at different intervals after surgery were also recorded.

Results

The average follow-up period was 56.9 months. The average tremor score improved from 3.27 preoperatively to 0.64 postoperatively (on stimulation; p < 0.001) and the average handwriting score improved from 2.94 to 0.89 (p < 0.001). The average visual analog scale score for overall satisfaction was 8.12 and for tremor control was 1.43. Overall, there was an 80.4% improvement in tremor and 69.7% improvement in handwriting. In 12 patients both tremor and handwriting scores were compared between 57.3 months and 90.7 months after surgery and no significant changes were discovered. Comparison of stimulation parameters at onset and at 1–3, 3–5, 5–7, and > 7 years after surgery showed significant differences, with a gradual increase in stimulation parameters within 5 years after surgery. The overall hardware-related complication rate was 23.5%.

Conclusions

Deep brain stimulation of the VIM is an efficient and safe treatment for ET. Tremor and handwriting improvements in long-term follow-up are stable. The patients' perception of their outcome is quite good. However, tolerance may develop in some patients requiring changes in stimulation parameters.
Age- and time-dependent effects on functional outcome and cortical activation pattern in patients with median nerve injury: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Fornander Lotta , Nyman Torbjörn , Hansson Thomas , Ragnehed Mattias , Brismar Tom
Published: November 2009

Object

The authors conducted a study to determine age- and time-dependent effects on the functional outcome after median nerve injury and repair and how such effects are related to changes in the pattern of cortical activation in response to tactile stimulation of the injured hand.

Methods

The authors studied 11 patients with complete unilateral median nerve injury at the wrist repaired with epineural suture. In addition, 8 patients who were reported on in a previous study were included in the statistical analysis. In the entire study cohort, the mean age at injury was 23.3 ± 13.4 years (range 7–57 years) and the time after injury ranged from 1 to 11 years. Sensory perception was measured with the static 2-point discrimination test and monofilaments. Functional MR imaging was conducted during tactile stimulation (brush strokes) of Digits II–III and IV–V of both hands, respectively.

Results

Tactile sensation was diminished in the median territory in all patients. The strongest predictor of 2-point discrimination was age at injury (p < 0.0048), and when this was accounted for in the regression analysis, the other age- and time-dependent predictors had no effect. The activation ratios (injured/healthy hand) for Digit II–III and Digit IV–V stimulation were positively correlated (rho 0.59, p < 0.011). The activation ratio for Digit II–III stimulation correlated weakly with time after injury (p < 0.041). The activation ratio of Digits IV–V correlated weakly with both age at injury (p < 0.048) and time after injury (p < 0.033), but no predictor reached significance in the regression model. The mean ratio of ipsi- and contralateral hemisphere activation after stimulation of the injured hand was 0.55, which was not significantly different from the corresponding ratio of the healthy hand (0.66).

Conclusions

Following a median nerve injury (1–11 years after injury) there may be an initial increase in the volume of the cortical representation, which subsequently declines during the restoration phase. These dynamic changes may involve both median and ulnar nerve cortical representation, because both showed negative correlation with time after injury. These findings are in agreement with animal studies showing that cortical plasticity is an important mechanism for functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury and repair.
Hypomania with hypersexuality following bilateral anterior limb stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Chang Chun-Hung , Chen Shin-Yuan , Hsiao Yi-Ling , Tsai Sheng-Tzung , Tsai Hsin-Chi
Published: November 2009

This 28-year-old Chinese man was referred for deep brain stimulation (DBS) evaluation for an 8-year history of refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder. After the patient had signed an informed consent, the authors implanted DBS leads. Hypomania with hypersexuality was noted on stimulation at Contact 2 and became aggravated with a higher voltage (≥ 3 V) during chronic bilateral DBS. After the voltage was decreased to 1 V, the patient's hypomanic symptoms subsided and his libido returned to baseline.
Beyond the Pale? Avigdor Lieberman and Demographic Racism in Israel
Authors: H. Sa'di Ahmad
Published: November 2009

The long-term shift of the Israeli public to the right has resulted in the ascendance of a host of radical right wing ideologies and political parties. Yisrael Beitenu party, led by Avigdor Lieberman, an émigré from the former USSR, has attracted special attention for its xenophobic and fierce anti-Palestinian racist platform on the one hand, and for its audience which is largely composed of new Russian immigrants on the other. Various explanations have been given for the ascendance of this party, such as the imperialist culture of its Russian audience, its populist messages which lure citizens – mostly new migrants – disillusioned with the liberal democratic system and the racism prevalent in Russian culture towards the Muslim peoples of central Asia. However, a careful review of the political attitudes of Yisrael Beitenu supporters reveals that their beliefs are not significantly different from those held by mainstream Israelis. Thus, instead of looking for explanations for the rise of Yisrael Beitenu exogenous to Israeli culture and society, this article traces these reasons to the colonial nature of Israeli society, where a schizophrenic culture has emerged in which existing reality is denied, and even condemned. The new immigrants, beside the syndrome of over-loyalty which they have, seem to misinterpret the colonial culture into which they arrived. They seem to adhere to the facts of life as they are without much obfuscation or vindication.
The Image of the Mother in the Poetry of Mahmoud Darwish
Authors: Hamzah Hussain
Published: November 2009

In Arab culture the mother comes closer than any other image to representing womanly perfection. The word ‘mother’ has no negative connotations in that culture, in contradistinction to ‘woman’. A woman who attains the status of mother thus obtains a kind of legitimacy in the male-oriented societies of the Middle East. Palestinian national poet Mahmoud Darwish describes the relationship he had with his mother in childhood as equivocal. He thought that his mother hated him; however, when he was arrested for the first time in Israel, at the age of sixteen, he came to feel that he was her favourite son. As a result of this relationship in childhood Darwish in his poetry gave expression to his lost childhood happiness and used it to compensate for the historical and political circumstances which encompassed him at every stage of his poetic career. The image of the mother in Darwish's poetry can be divided into five parts: his actual mother, the communal mother, mother earth, mother as cultural identity, and mother as poem.
Application of the WHO Keys of Safer Food to Improve Food Handling Practices of Food Vendors in a Poor Resource Community in Ghana
Authors: Donkor Eric  S. , Kayang Boniface  B. , Quaye Jonathan , Akyeh Moses  L.
Published: November 2009

Data was collected from food vendors in a poor resource community in Ghana, which showed that the vendors constituted an important source of oro-faecal transmission. Following this, the WHO five keys of safer food were utilized in an evidence based training programme for the vendors to improve their food handling practices. Impact assessment of the food safety training showed that 67.6% of the vendors had acquired some knowledge from the workshop and were putting it into practice. Lack of food safety equipment was a major hinderance to behavioral change among the vendors as far food handling practices are concerned.
Modification of Different Zirconium Propoxide Precursors by Diethanolamine. Is There a Shelf Stability Issue for Sol-Gel Applications?
Authors: Spijksma Gerald I. , Blank Dave H. A. , Bouwmeester Henny J. M. , Kessler Vadim G.
Published: November 2009

Modification of different zirconium propoxide precursors with H2dea was investigated by characterization of the isolated modified species. Upon modification of zirconium n-propoxide and [Zr(OnPr)(OiPr)3(iPrOH)]2 with ½ a mol equivalent of H2dea the complexes [Zr2(OnPr)6(OCH2CH2)2NH]2 (1) and [Zr2(OnPr)2(OiPr)4(OCH2CH2)2NH]2 (2) were obtained. However, 1H-NMR studies of these tetranuclear compounds showed that these are not time-stable either in solution or solid form. The effect of this time instability on material properties is demonstrated by light scattering and TEM experiments. Modification of zirconium isopropoxide with either ½ or 1 equivalent mol of H2dea results in formation of the trinuclear complex, Zr{η3μ2-NH(C2H4O)2}3[Zr(OiPr)3]2(iPrOH)2 (3) countering a unique nona-coordinated central zirconium atom. This complex 3 is one of the first modified zirconium propoxide precursors shown to be stable in solution for long periods of time. The particle size and morphology of the products of sol-gel synthesis are strongly dependent on the time factor and eventual heat treatment of the precursor solution. Reproducible sol-gel synthesis requires the use of solution stable precursors.
Phytochemical Screening and Polyphenolic Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Crude Leaf Extract of Helichrysum pedunculatum
Authors: Aiyegoro Olayinka A. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: November 2009

We evaluated the in vitro antioxidant property and phytochemical constituents of the aqueous crude leaf extract of Helichrysum pedunculatum. The scavenging activity on superoxide anions, DPPH, H2O2, NO and ABTS; and the reducing power were determined, as well as the flavonoid, proanthocyanidin and phenolic contents of the extract. The extract exhibited scavenging activity towards all radicals tested due to the presence of relatively high total phenol and flavonoids contents. Our findings suggest that H. pedunculatum is endowed with antioxidant phytochemicals and could serve as a base for future drugs.
Testing Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) as a Method of Land Cover Classification of TERRA-ASTER Satellite Images
Authors: Quirós Elia , Felicísimo Ángel  M. , Cuartero Aurora
Published: November 2009

This work proposes a new method to classify multi-spectral satellite images based on multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and compares this classification system with the more common parallelepiped and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. We apply the classification methods to the land cover classification of a test zone located in southwestern Spain. The basis of the MARS method and its associated procedures are explained in detail, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) is compared for the three methods. The results show that the MARS method provides better results than the parallelepiped method in all cases, and it provides better results than the maximum likelihood method in 13 cases out of 17. These results demonstrate that the MARS method can be used in isolation or in combination with other methods to improve the accuracy of soil cover classification. The improvement is statistically significant according to the Wilcoxon signed rank test.
Recent Developments of an Opto-Electronic THz Spectrometer for High-Resolution Spectroscopy
Authors: Hindle Francis , Yang Chun , Mouret Gael , Cuisset Arnaud , Bocquet Robin , Lampin Jean-François , Blary Karine , Peytavit Emilien , Akalin Tahsin , Ducournau Guillaume
Published: November 2009

A review is provided of sources and detectors that can be employed in the THz range before the description of an opto-electronic source of monochromatic THz radiation. The realized spectrometer has been applied to gas phase spectroscopy. Air-broadening coefficients of HCN are determined and the insensitivity of this technique to aerosols is demonstrated by the analysis of cigarette smoke. A multiple pass sample cell has been used to obtain a sensitivity improvement allowing transitions of the volatile organic compounds to be observed. A solution to the frequency metrology is presented and promises to yield accurate molecular line center measurements.
New Method for Estimation of Aeolian Sand Transport Rate Using Ceramic Sand Flux Sensor (UD-101)
Authors: Udo Keiko
Published: November 2009

In this study, a new method for the estimation of aeolian sand transport rate was developed; the method employs a ceramic sand flux sensor (UD-101). UD-101 detects wind-blown sand impacting on its surface. The method was devised by considering the results of wind tunnel experiments that were performed using a vertical sediment trap and the UD-101. Field measurements to evaluate the estimation accuracy during the prevalence of unsteady winds were performed on a flat backshore. The results showed that aeolian sand transport rates estimated using the developed method were of the same order as those estimated using the existing method for high transport rates, i.e., for transport rates greater than 0.01 kg m–1 s–1.
Effect of Low Temperature Pre-Treatment on Anther Culture in Selected Indica, Japonica Rice Varieties and their Inter Sub-Specific Hybrids
Authors: Herath HNI , Bandara DC , Samarajeewa PK , Wijesundara DSA
Published: November 2009

Effect of cold pre-treatment of panicles with reduced temperatures (of 5°C, 7°C, 8°C and 10°C) and exposure for different time durations (at weekly intervals up to 4 weeks) on anther culture of Japonica rice variety Hu lo tao, Indica rice varieties Bg 90-2, Bg 379-2 and their F1 hybrids for high frequency callus induction and plant regeneration was investigated. Anthers were cultured in N6 medium with 5% sucrose, 2 mg l-1 2,4 D and 0.5 mg l-1 Kinetin. The cultures were kept in the dark at 28 ± 2°C for callus induction. Induced calli of 1-2 mm diameter were transferred to half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l-1 Kinetin and 0.5 mg l-1 NAA. The effect of variety and cold pre-treatment was significant at 5% probability level. The Indica varieties had the lowest callus induction frequency (0.3% - 7.0%). Japonica and Japonica × Indica hybrids had high callus induction (12.3% - 70.0%). The F1 hybrid Hu lo tao × Bg 90-2 had comparatively high callus induction (31.0% - 70.0%) than the other genotypes. Japonica variety Hu lo tao and F1 hybrids had highest callus development at cold pre-treatment at 8°C for 14 and 21 days. The highest green plant regeneration was observed in F1 hybrid, Hu lo tao × Bg 90-2 followed by Japonica variety subjected to 8°C for 14 days. Very poor green plant regeneration was observed in Indica variety, Bg 90-2 when it was exposed to 7°C for 21 and 28 days. Variety Bg 379-2 did not produce any green plant at any treatment. The F1 hybrid Hu lo tao × Bg 379-2 produced lower green plants than F1 hybrid Hu lo tao × Bg 90-2. Cold pre treatment at 8°C temperature for 14 days was found to be most effective for anther culture in experimental genotypes used in the study. Key words: variety, cold pre-treatment, callus induction, plant regeneration, rice DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i1.1322 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (1): 11-16, 2009
Effect of Rooting Media, Nephtheline Acetic Acid and Gibberelic Acid (GA3) on Growth Performances of Chirita moonii
Authors: Rubasinghe MK , Amarasinghe KGKD , Krishnarajha SA
Published: November 2009

The effects of rooting media and Naphthelene Acetic Acid (NAA) on rooting as well as Gibberallic Acid (GA3) on growth and flowering of the endemic wild plant Chirita moonii were investigated. Two rooting media (i.e. sand alone and sand + coir dust (1:1)) with four levels of NAA (0 mg/l, 100mg/l, 150mg/l and 200mg/l) in factorial combinations were used to investigate the most suitable rooting media and NAA levels for rooting of soft wood cuttings. Three rooting media of sand, coir dust and sand + coir dust (1:1) with four levels of NAA (0 mg/l, 1000mg/l, 2000 mg/l and 3000 mg/l) were tested on rooting of leaves. Effect of five concentrations of Gibberalline (0 mg/l, 50 mg/l, 100 mg/l, 150 mg/l and 200 mg/l) on growth and flowering of seedlings were investigated. Significantly higher (p
Exploring the origins of burnout among secondary educators
Authors: Van Tonder Christian L. , Williams Colette
Published: November 2009

Orientation: Maslach and Leiter (1997) have suggested that burnout constitutes an erosion of the soul. Burnout is a non-discriminatory phenomenon with a pronounced negative impact on the individual employee and the organisation and is particularly prevalent among educators.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the probable reasons for burnout among secondary educators. Study motivation: Several South African studies have focused on the phenomenon of burnout among educators but the probable reasons for burnout in this population have not yet received adequate attention. This study extended earlier international research that probed this facet.Research design, approach and method: A mixed-methods design with a predominantly qualitative methodology was employed to explore the probable reasons for burnout among 59 educators from three urban secondary schools in Gauteng, South Africa. Data comprised Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey protocols and rich data work descriptions. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the f ve participants who tested highest on the burnout indicators.Main ﬁndings: The results indicated that a negative learner profile and workload were the most frequently cited reasons for potential burnout.Practical/managerial implications: Burnout requires considered attention and aggressive context-specific intervention to contain its negative impact on both the educator and the student learning experience.
Visualization of Multiprotein Complexes by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Schrum Adam G.
Published: November 2009

Multiprotein complexes and other protein‐protein interactions play important roles in virtually all cellular processes. Analysis of coimmunoprecipitation of protein complexes by flow cytometry (IP‐FCM, or “the fly‐p” method) provides a sensitive means to measure these interactions in the native/nondenatured state. First, immunoprecipitating antibodies are covalently coupled to polystyrene latex beads whose low autofluorescence is compatible with flow cytometry. These antibody‐coupled beads are used to immunoprecipitate a specific protein (primary analyte) present in cell lysates. Finally, the protein complexes associated with the beads are probed with fluorochrome‐conjugated antibodies specific for interaction partners, or secondary analytes, that may be associated with the primary analyte. The use of quantitative flow cytometric methodology can allow the semiquantitative fluorescence data generated to be converted into estimated numbers of coassociated molecules on the beads. The method represents a robust technique to assess native protein‐protein interactions without requiring genetic engineering or large sample sizes. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 87:5.9.1‐5.9.14. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.