bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon-assisted growth and high visible-light optical reflectivity of amorphous silicon oxynitride nanowires
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shi Tielin , Tang Zirong , Liu Dan , Xi Shuang , Li Xiaoping , Lai Wuxing
Published: July 2011

Large amounts of amorphous silicon oxynitride nanowires have been synthesized on silicon wafer through carbon-assisted vapor-solid growth avoiding the contamination from metallic catalysts. These nanowires have the length of up to 100 μm, with a diameter ranging from 50 to 150 nm. Around 3-nm-sized nanostructures are observed to be homogeneously distributed within a nanowire cross-section matrix. The unique configuration might determine the growth of ternary amorphous structure and its special splitting behavior. Optical properties of the nanowires have also been investigated. The obtained nanowires were attractive for their exceptional whiteness, perceived brightness, and optical brilliance. These nanowires display greatly enhanced reflection over the whole visible wavelength, with more than 80% of light reflected on most of the wavelength ranging from 400 to 700 nm and the lowest reflectivity exceeding 70%, exhibiting performance superior to that of the reported white beetle. Intense visible photoluminescence is also observed over a broad spectrum ranging from 320 to 500 nm with two shoulders centered at around 444 and 468 nm, respectively.
Imaging of hibernomas: A retrospective study on twelve cases
Authors: Papathanassiou Zafiria G , Alberghini Marco , Taieb Sophie , Errani Costantino , Picci Piero , Vanel Daniel
Published: July 2011

Background

To analyze the imaging features of hibernomas on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI).

Methods

Twelve hibernomas were retrospectively assessed with CT and MR imaging and compared to the histology of the specimen

Results

Nine females and three males with a mean age of 30 years were included. Ten tumors occurred in the thigh and two affected the subcutis of the periscapular and buttock regions. On eight CT scans, seven (87,5%) lesions were homogeneous and mildly to moderately hyperdense compared to subcutaneous fat while one lesion was heterogeneous with mixed hypo and hyperattenuating areas. On six T1W images, five (83,3%) lesions appeared homogeneous and hypointense relative to subcutaneous fat and one was heterogeneous. Incomplete fat suppression was depicted in all cases. All lesions displayed marked enhancement. Large intratumoral vessels were depicted in three of the 12 (25%) cases. Septations were depicted on four of the eight unenhanced CT and on all six MRI examinations.

Conclusions

Hibernoma usually appears hypodense and hypointense relative to subcutaneous fat on pre-contrast CT and MR T1W with variable enhancement patterns and incomplete fat suppression on STIR or fat-saturated sequences. These characteristics relate directly to the presence of brown fat. However, atypical findings such as heterogeneous patterns of mixed fatty and non fatty components on unenhanced CT and MR T1W can be also encountered. Absence of large intratumoral vessels should not exclude hibernomas from the differential diagnosis of regional lipomatous tumors.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage II Colon Cancer With Poor Prognostic Features
Authors: O'Connor Erin S. , Greenblatt David Yu , LoConte Noelle K. , Gangnon Ronald E. , Liou Jinn-Ing , Heise Charles P. , Smith Maureen A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Adjuvant chemotherapy is typically considered for patients with stage II colon cancer characterized by poor prognostic features, including obstruction, perforation, emergent admission, T4 stage, resection of fewer than 12 lymph nodes, and poor histology. Despite frequent use, the survival advantage conferred on patients with stage II disease by chemotherapy is yet unproven. We sought to determine the overall survival benefit of chemotherapy among patients with stage II colon cancer having poor prognostic features.

Patients and Methods

A total of 43,032 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent colectomy for stage II and III primary colon adenocarcinoma diagnosed from 1992 to 2005 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) –Medicare database. χ2 and two-way analysis of variance were used to assess differences in patient- and disease-related characteristics. Five-year overall survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression with propensity score weighting.

Results

Of the 24,847 patients with stage II cancer, 75% had one or more poor prognostic features. Adjuvant chemotherapy was received by 20% of patients with stage II disease and 57% of patients with stage III disease. After adjustment, 5-year survival benefit from chemotherapy was observed only for patients with stage III disease (hazard ratio[HR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.67). No survival benefit was observed for patients with stage II cancer with no poor prognostic features (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.25) or stage II cancer with any poor prognostic features (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.13).

Conclusion

Among Medicare patients identified with stage II colon cancer, either with or without poor prognostic features, adjuvant chemotherapy did not substantially improve overall survival. This lack of benefit must be considered in treatment decisions for similar older adults with colon cancer.
'Ought' and Ability
Authors: Graham Peter A.
Published: July 2011

A principle that many have found attractive is one that goes by the name “'Ought' Implies 'Can'.” According to this principle, one morally ought to do something only if one can do it. This essay has two goals: to show that the principle is false and to undermine the motivations that have been offered for it. Toward the end, a proposal about moral obligation according to which something like a restricted version of 'Ought' Implies 'Can' is true is floated. Though no full-fledged argument for this proposal is offered, that it fits with a rather natural and intuitive picture of the structure of morality and seems to explain certain salient features of the debate over whether the principle is true, goes some way toward recommending it.
Defining the Mer1 and Nam8 meiotic splicing regulons by cDNA rescue
Authors: Qiu Zhicheng R. , Schwer Beate , Shuman Stewart
Published: July 2011

Meiosis-specific pre-mRNA splicing in budding yeast embraces multiple pre-mRNA targets grouped into regulons defined by their genetic requirements for vegetatively optional splicing factors (e.g., splicing enhancer Mer1 and the U1 snRNP subunit Nam8) or snRNA modifications (trimethylguanosine caps). Here, we genetically demarcate a complete meiotic splicing regulon by the criterion of cDNA bypass of the requirement for the governing splicing regulators to execute sporulation. We thereby show that the Mer1 and Nam8 regulons embrace four essential pre-mRNAs: MER2, MER3, SPO22, and AMA1. Whereas Nam8 also regulates PCH2 splicing, PCH2 cDNA is not needed for sporulation by nam8Δ diploids. Our results show that there are no essential intron-containing RNAs missing from the known roster of Mer1 and Nam8 targets. Nam8 is composed of three RRM domains, flanked by N-terminal leader and C-terminal tail segments. We find that the RRM2 and RRM3 domains, and their putative RNA-binding sites, are essential for yeast sporulation, whereas the leader, tail, and RRM1 modules are not.
Emotion Regulation and Problem Behaviours in Turkish Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Ozdemir Selda
Published: July 2011

This study examined the group differences of 49 boys and girls from two different groups of Turkish children with and without attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) in the following two variables: emotional intensity and perceived self-efficacy. In order to measure emotional intensity and perceived self-efficacy, children completed the Emotion Regulation Interview (ERI) and described their ideas regarding how they would feel and act in six emotionally challenging situations. Findings from ERI indicated that Turkish children with AD/HD reported more intense feelings of anger and worry but also having confidence in their ability to regulate this arousal. Overall, results suggested underlying problems with emotion regulation in children with AD/HD.
Rehabilitation Counsellor Preferences for Rural Work Settings: Results and Implications of an Australian Study
Authors: Gittoes Elise , Mpofu Elias , Matthews Lynda R.
Published: July 2011

This study sought to identify influences on rehabilitation counsellors' preference to work in rural areas, including their recruitment to, and retention in, rural work settings. Participants were 38 practicing rehabilitation counsellors (31% males) recruited through the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors and the Rehabilitation Counselling Association of Australasia. The mean age of participants was 38.67 years (SD= 12.9 years, age range, 25 to 65 years). Nineteen (50%) were working in rural areas at the time of the survey. A specifically designed survey, the Work Setting Preference Inventory (WSPI), which incorporated both quantitative and qualitative response options, was used to collect data. Analysis involved open coding of data into themes that emerged from the participants' responses. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to quantify the prevalence or salience of particular themes. Results suggest that participants perceived preference to work in rural area to be influenced by the unique lifestyle of rural communities and family friendly employer policies. They perceived the availability of employment and training opportunities and supplemental financial compensations as incentives to attract rehabilitation counsellors to work in rural areas. Programs to recruit rehabilitation counsellors to rural areas should address employee lifestyle preferences in the context their overall career development.
Implementing a Suitable Jobs Register in the Construction Industry: Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Keele Sophie M. , Treuer Kathryn , Sturre Vanessa L.
Published: July 2011

This pilot study investigated the efficacy of a job register index to support return to work (RTW) for injured workers in the construction industry. Participants included injured workers (n = 22), supervisors/managers (n = 23), treating practitioners (n = 5), occupational rehabilitation consultants (n = 5), union representatives/occupational health and safety representatives (n = 5), RTW coordinators (n = 2), steering committee members (n = 4) and the designated project officer (n = 1). A pre–post test intact group design was used to evaluate the perceived utility of the job register. A partial set of the sample including injured workers and supervisors/managers participated in the pretrial phase (n = 28) while the trial phase included more numerous stakeholder groups to assess the perceived utility of the register (n = 39). Participants completed surveys that incorporated a number of differing sections including injury description and circumstances, communication and collaboration with others, their overall opinion of the return to work process in general and suggestions for future improvements. Additional questions were designed for those participating in the trial with regards to the efficacy of the register. Data were analysed using analysis of variance procedures with pairwise comparisons of pre–post intervention test means. Alternative job options were seen to be offered more frequently. Communication and cooperation improved postimplementation. Supervisors perceived the job register a useful innovation to facilitate RTW. The register represents a new resource to the construction industry with potential for wider application following further study.
Evaluation of Satisfaction of Parents With the Use of Videoconferencing for a Pediatric Genetic Consultation
Authors: Hopper Bruce , Buckman Melissa , Edwards Matthew
Published: July 2011

Telegenetics is a new development in the service delivery of Genetic Services in Australia. This project was designed to establish if it was an acceptable alternative to a face-to-face consultation in the genetic assessment of intellectual disability, including morphological assessment, of the patient. Ten children from two outreach clinics in rural NSW who were referred by their pediatrician were assessed by a single geneticist via telehealth and then seen again face-to-face as a ‘gold standard'. Satisfaction surveys were then sent to both the parents and the referring pediatricians. After the face-to-face appointment, the clinical geneticist reviewed the recordings of both the transmitted footage and the high definition footage that was sent separately. There were very few morphological findings missed by the telegenetic assessments. The discrepancies that were noted could decrease in frequency as staff become more familiar with the methods. The parents of the patients reported no problem with the cameras and telehealth. They would have preferred face-to-face appointment but would be happy to have the telehealth appointment if it meant being seen earlier. This pilot study suggests that clinical genetic diagnostic assessment could be performed by telemedicine.
Endoplasmic reticulum quality control and dysmyelination
Authors: Kraus Allison , Michalak Marek
Published: July 2011

Dysmyelination contributes to several human diseases including multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, leukodystrophies, and schizophrenia and can result in serious neurological disability. Properly formed, compacted myelin sheaths are required for appropriate nerve conduction velocities and the health and survival of neurons. Many different molecular mechanisms contribute to dysmyelination and many of these mechanisms originate at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is a critical organelle for myelin biosynthesis and maintenance as the site of myelin protein folding quality control, Ca2+homeostasis, cholesterol biosynthesis, and modulation of cellular stress. This review paper highlights the role of the endoplasmic reticulum and its resident molecules as an upstream and dynamic contributor to myelin and myelin pathologies.
Determination of the Soil-Water Retention Curve and the Hydraulic Conductivity Function Using a Small Centrifuge
Authors: Martins Reis Rodrigo , Nogueira Sterck Wagner , Bastos Ribeiro Artur , Dell’Avanzi Eduardo , Saboya Fernando , Tibana Sergio , Roberto Marciano Cláudio , Ramires Sobrinho Rubens
Published: July 2011

An alternative methodology for direct determination of the soil-water retention curve (SWRC) and evaluation the hydraulic conductivity of the unsaturated soil was developed using a commercially available small centrifuge with a swinging type rotor assembly without in-flight instrumentation. The testing procedure consists of spinning up four initially saturated soil specimens until constant water content is achieved for a given angular speed. The soil – suction relationship is determined by relating the respective water content to the suction magnitude induced by the ceramic plate at the specimen’s base. The hydraulic conductivity of the unsaturated soil is estimated by dividing the cumulative flow rate measured at each angular speed by the respective hydraulic gradient applied at specimen’s middle height. This methodology was applied for evaluating the SWRC of a residual gneissic soil profile using both, undisturbed and remolded soil specimens. The results show good agreement to other well established methodologies such as filter-paper method, porous plate funnel and suction plate extractor. The determined unsaturated hydraulic conductivities magnitudes were compared to the theoretical predicted values given by the Mualem – van Genuchten model (van Genuchten, 1980) indicating good agreement. Overall, it can be concluded that the methodology proposed ensures good agreement in determining the SWRC and the hydraulic conductivity of studied soils.
Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) assisted migration potential: testing establishment north of the species range
Authors: McLane Sierra C. , Aitken Sally N.
Published: July 2011

The translocation of species into habitable locations outside of their current ranges, termed assisted migration, has been proposed as a means of saving vulnerable species from extinction as a result of climate change. We explore the use of this controversial technique using a threatened keystone species in western North America, whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), as a case study. Species distribution models predict that whitebark pine will be extirpated from most of its current range as temperatures rise over the next 70 years. However, the same models indicate that a large area within northwestern British Columbia, Canada, is climatically suitable for the species under current conditions and will remain so throughout the 21st century. To test the capacity of whitebark pine to establish relative to climatic and habitat features within its predicted climatic range, we planted seeds from seven populations in eight locations spanning from 600 km southeast to 800 km northwest of the northern boundary of the current species range. During the first three growing seasons, germination occurred in all locations. Nearly three times as many treated (induced maturation and broken dormancy) than untreated seeds germinated, and most treated seeds germinated a year earlier than the untreated seeds. Germination, survival, and growth were primarily influenced by seed mass, site climate conditions related to the duration of snow cover, and provenance temperature. Our experiment provides a preliminary test of models predicting the existence of climatically suitable whitebark pine habitat north of the current species ranges. More broadly, our techniques and results inform the development of scientific guidelines for assisting the migration of other species that are highly threatened by climate change. Applied case studies of this kind are critical for assessing the utility of species distribution models as conservation planning tools.
No Time to ‘Weight’: The Link between Obesity and Stroke in Women
Authors: Antillon Daphne , Towfighi Amytis
Published: July 2011

The obesity epidemic in the USA threatens the gains that have been made in the prevention and treatment of stroke. Both obesity and stroke disproportionately affect women more than men. Understanding the effect of obesity on stroke risk in women may be a useful stepping stone to reducing the burden of stroke in this vulnerable population. This article reviews the association between stroke and general obesity, abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome in women. All three factors have been shown to independently increase stroke risk in women.
Do we need hermeneutics at all? Plato on the art of interpretation
Authors: Deretic Irina
Published: July 2011

The main claim of this paper is to show how Plato?s views on hermeneutike
techne are more relevant to the contemporary discussions on hermeneutics than
it is commonly regarded. We will elucidate and critically discuss whether
Plato?s understanding of the grounds, methods and merits of the hermeneutics
in the Protagoras is adequate, consistent and still relevant. Also, we will
attempt to find out which position in the contemporary discussion of
hermeneutics is the closest to Plato?s own ideas and claims on the essence
and meaning of the art of interpretation.
Does Genetic Ancestry Explain Higher Values of Glycated Hemoglobin in African Americans?
Authors: Maruthur Nisa M. , Kao W.H. Linda , Clark Jeanne M. , Brancati Frederick L. , Cheng Ching-Yu , Pankow James S. , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values are higher in African Americans than whites, raising the question of whether classification of diabetes status by HbA1c should differ for African Americans. We investigated the relative contribution of genetic ancestry and nongenetic factors to HbA1c values and the effect of genetic ancestry on diabetes classification by HbA1c in African Americans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. We estimated percentage of European genetic ancestry (PEA) for each of the 2,294 African Americans without known diabetes using 1,350 ancestry-informative markers. HbA1c was measured from whole-blood samples and categorized using American Diabetes Association diagnostic cut points (<5.7, 5.7–6.4, and ≥6.5%).

RESULTS

PEA was inversely correlated with HbA1c (adjusted r = −0.07; P < 0.001) but explained <1% of its variance. Age and socioeconomic and metabolic factors, including fasting glucose, explained 13.8% of HbA1c variability. Eleven percent of participants were classified as having diabetes; adjustment for fasting glucose decreased this to 4.4%. Additional adjustment for PEA did not significantly reclassify diabetes status (net reclassification index = 0.034; P = 0.94) nor did further adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and metabolic risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The relative contribution of demographic and metabolic factors far outweighs the contribution of genetic ancestry to HbA1c values in African Americans. Moreover, the impact of adjusting for genetic ancestry when classifying diabetes by HbA1c is minimal after taking into account fasting glucose levels, thus supporting the use of currently recommended HbA1c categories for diagnosis of diabetes in African Americans.
Vildagliptin Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilatation in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: van Poppel Pleun C.M. , Netea Mihai G. , Smits Paul , Tack Cees J.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor vildagliptin improves endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixteen subjects with type 2 diabetes (age 59.8 ± 6.8 years, BMI 29.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2, HbA1c 6.97 ± 0.61) on oral blood glucose–lowering treatment were included. Participants received vildagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. or acarbose 100 mg t.i.d. for four consecutive weeks in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. At the end of each treatment period, we measured forearm vasodilator responses to intra-arterially administered acetylcholine (endothelium-dependent vasodilator) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium-independent vasodilator).

RESULTS

Infusion of acetylcholine induced a dose-dependent increase in forearm blood flow in the experimental arm, which was higher during vildagliptin (3.1 ± 0.7, 7.9 ± 1.1, and 12.6 ± 1.4 mL ⋅ dL−1 ⋅ min−1 in response to three increasing dosages of acetylcholine) than during acarbose (2.0 ± 0.7, 5.0 ± 1.2, and 11.7 ± 1.6 mL ⋅ dL−1 ⋅ min−1, respectively; P = 0.01 by two-way ANOVA). Treatment with vildagliptin did not significantly change the vascular responses to sodium nitroprusside.

CONCLUSIONS

Four weeks’ treatment with vildagliptin improves endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in subjects with type 2 diabetes. This observation might have favorable cardiovascular implications.
Short Form of the Chinese Version Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth Scale
Authors: Wang Ruey-Hsia , Lo Fu-Sung , Chen Bai-Hsiun , Hsu Hsiu-Yueh , Lee Yann-Jinn
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To test the psychometric properties of the short form of the Chinese version Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth scale (C-DQOLY-SF).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A 30-item C-DQOLY-SF was administered to 371 adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, correlation with HbA1c, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were used to examine the psychometric characteristics of C-DQOLY-SF.

RESULTS

A 25-item questionnaire with three correlated second-order factor structures best fitted data. Scores on the 25-item C-DQOLY-SF significantly correlated with HbA1c values. Cronbach’s α and ICCs of each scale and subscale ranged from 0.77 to 0.90 and from 0.70 to 0.92, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The C-DQOLY-SF has satisfactory reliability and validity. The C-DQOLY-SF can be conveniently used in clinical settings to assess the quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Mediterranean Diet and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study
Authors:   The InterAct Consortium
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) and risk of developing type 2 diabetes, across European countries.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We established a case-cohort study including 11,994 incident type 2 diabetic case subjects and a stratified subcohort of 15,798 participants selected from a total cohort of 340,234 participants with 3.99 million person-years of follow-up, from eight European cohorts participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. The relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED) (score range 0–18) was used to assess adherence to MDP on the basis of reported consumption of nine dietary components characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. Cox proportional hazards regression, modified for the case-cohort design, was used to estimate the association between rMED and risk of type 2 diabetes, adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

The multiple adjusted hazard ratios of type 2 diabetes among individuals with medium (rMED 7–10 points) and high adherence to MDP (rMED 11–18 points) were 0.93 (95% CI 0.86–1.01) and 0.88 (0.79–0.97), respectively, compared with individuals with low adherence to MDP (0–6 points) (P for trend 0.013). The association between rMED and type 2 diabetes was attenuated in people <50 years of age, in obese participants, and when the alcohol, meat, and olive oil components were excluded from the score.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large prospective study, adherence to the MDP, as defined by rMED, was associated with a small reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in this European population.
Paclitaxel as an anticancer agent: isolation, activity, synthesis and stability
Authors: Nikolic Vesna , Savic Ivan , Savic Ivana , Nikolic Ljubisa , Stankovic Mihajlo , Marinkovic Valentina
Published: July 2011

Paclitaxel is isolated from the Pacific yew. It can be obtained from the European yew, but only after chemical modification of the isolated compound by a semi-synthesis procedure. The procedure for total synthesis of paclitaxel is very complicated, involving multiple steps, and the yields of paclitaxel are meagre. This substance is also a metabolite of certain kinds of fungus. The microbiological pathway for producing paclitaxel compared with isolation from plant material involves shorter procuction times but a small yield. Cyclodextrins are usually used for improving the solubility of paclitaxel in aqueous media, with polymeric and other substances added. Paclitaxel has anticancer activity and use for preparing the formulations intravenously administrated to patients with tumors. The paclitaxel concentration in these formulations is determined using validated HPLC methods.
Globalization and Foreign Direct Investment in the Textile, Garment, and Leather Industry
Authors: Witkowska Janina
Published: July 2011

The subject of this paper is analysis and assessment of foreign direct investment (FDI) as made by transnational corporations in the textile, garment, and leather industry on a world economic scale under conditions of globalization. Significant changes are occurring in the sector and industry structure of global FDI. In terms of the three sectors of the economy, a long-term shift of FDI to the service sector at a cost to investments in manufacturing may be seen. Foreign investments are being made in the textile, garment, and leather industry. They are growing in the long term. However, the dynamics of the FDI streams flowing to this industry is one of the lowest in manufacturing. Over the long term (1990-2007), the share of the textile, garment, and leather industry in global FDI stock decreased from 1.5% to 0.6% in 2007. In spite of the labour-intensive character of this industry, in their bulk, the FDI are destined to the highly developed countries.
Venture Capital and Business Angels and the Creation of Innovative Firms in Poland
Authors: Lewandowska Lucyna
Published: July 2011

The article discusses innovations as a strategic instrument that makes firms and the economy more competitive and drives GDP growth. It shows that their creation is determined by the micro- and macroeconomic factors, including the technical, institutional, legislative and capital infrastructure, etc., that comprise the business environment. Special attention is given to private equity and venture capital funds and business angels that are the most interesting types of investors funding risky innovation projects. As well as making funds available, they offer their knowledge, know-how, business contacts and active involvement in the Project they decide to fund. Their nature makes them a perfect vehicle, capable of both stimulating innovation activity and earning relatively high rates of return on the investors’ capital. The article also points out that conditions fostering further development of the described types of entrepreneurship and innovation financing and a dynamic environment generating innovative capacity should be created.
Impact of European Integration on the Functioning of the Insurance Market in Poland
Authors: Ratowska-Dziobiak Eleonora
Published: July 2011

The transformation process, that has begun 20 years ago, generated significant changes in the structure and organization of Polish economy. It stimulated development of particular market's segments, especially of the insurance sector. Poland's accession to the European Union required conformity to Its regulations, fulfillment of several conditions connected with the membership in the European Community. The purpose of this article is to present the main consequences of Poland's integration with EU in the field of insurance market. Joining the common market was an important challenge for this sector in our country.
Rhinacanthus nasutus Protects Cultured Neuronal Cells against Hypoxia Induced Cell Death
Authors: Brimson James M. , Tencomnao Tewin
Published: July 2011

Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz (Acanthaceae) is an herb native to Thailand and Southeast Asia, known for its antioxidant properties. Hypoxia leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species in cells and is a leading cause of neuronal damage. Cell death caused by hypoxia has been linked with a number of neurodegenerative diseases including some forms of dementia and stroke, as well as the build up of reactive oxygen species which can lead to diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzeheimer’s disease. In this study we used an airtight culture container and the Mitsubishi Gas Company anaeropack along with the MTT assay, LDH assay and the trypan blue exlusion assay to show that 1 and 10 µg mL−1 root extract of R. nasutus is able to significantly prevent the death of HT-22 cells subjected to hypoxic conditions, and 0.1 to 10 µg mL−1 had no toxic effect on HT-22 under normal conditions, whereas 100 µg mL−1 reduced HT-22 cell proliferation. We also used H2DCFDA staining to show R. nasutus can reduce reactive oxygen species production in HT-22 cells.
Furocoumarin Derivatives from Radix Angelicae Dahuricae and Their Effects on RXRα Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Liu Dong-Ping , Luo Qiang , Wang Guang-Hui , Xu Yang , Zhang Xiao-Kun , Chen Quan-Cheng , Chen Hai-Feng
Published: July 2011

A novel furocoumarin derivative named oxyalloimperatorin (1), together with seventeen furocoumarins 2–18 were isolated from the radix of Angelica dahurica. The chemical structure of new metabolite was characterized by analysis of IR, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data. Among the isolated compounds, 13, 16, and 18 (each at 20 μM) could significantly promote the gene transcriptional function of nuclear receptor RXRα. While 7–9, 13, 14, and the new structure 1 (each at 20 μM) showed significant reduction in RXRα gene transcriptional activities induced by 9-cis-retinoid acid. The findings indicated that these furocoumarin skeleton derivatives might hold beneficial effects on many intractable diseases, such as cancer and metabolic diseases, due to their potential activities on regulating the transcriptional activation function of RXRα.
Defining Terms for Integrated (Multi-Inter-Trans-Disciplinary) Sustainability Research
Authors: Stock Paul , Burton Rob J.F.
Published: July 2011

Our contemporary social and ecological problems, including climate change, peak oil and food security, necessitate solutions informed by multiple backgrounds that singular disciplines seem unable to provide, and possibly, are even incapable of providing. The increasing occurrence of multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary (MIT) research projects speak to the recognition of that necessity. But as the literature and our own experiences bear out, just calling a project “beyond disciplinary” or integrated does not necessarily yield the intended outcomes or make progress toward alleviating the hurdles of bridging disciplines. Here we examine the distinctions between three categories (multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary) of integrated research and offer reflections on how sustainability researchers can categorize their research to improve common understandings.
La militarisation de l'Afrique sous la République
Authors: Hinard François
Published: July 2011

It is probably not possible to describe the origins of the IIIa Augusta, but by scrutinizing the status of Africa in 27 B.C., by noticing the romanization of the population of the province since 146 and paying attention to its governor's title during the last century of the Republic we demonstrate that a standing army stationed permanently in Africa, probably from the outset of the province, and that for internal reasons Augustus made no change.
Biographie d'un centurion (C.I.L., VIII, 217-218)
Authors: Lassère Jean-Marie
Published: July 2011

The inscription on the mausoleum of the Petronii (which Ch. Saumagne formerly revised) acquaints us with the centurion [M. Petronius] Fortunatus who served for a very long time with thirteen legions. He was probably serving either with the IIIrd Gallica or with the expeditionary forces sent to the East by the IIIrd Augusta in 195 A.D. when he was given the dona militaria. This point of reference, if accepted, induces to assume that he was born about 154-155 A.D. in Africa, where his tria nomina have nothing unusual. He was called up in Moesia about 172, for the bellum sarmaticum. In spite of his long time in the Service and many distinctions, he never succeeded in becoming a primipilus. He retired in Cillium which is probably the hometown of his wife Claudia Marcia Capitolina. Their only son, who bore his father's names, also served as a centurion, but he died young. The mausoleum that the veteran built reminds the one of the Flavii by its architecture, as well as by the poem engraved on it, of which only a few lines are still extant.
211At-AntiCD33 in NMRI nu/nu mice
Authors: Sriyapureddy S. , Krull D. , Petrich T. , Meyer G.-J. , Knapp W. H. , Walte A.
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study is to verify the in vivo stability, to determine the biodistribution and to estimate the unspecific radiotoxicity of an 211At-labelled CD33-antibody (211At-anti-CD33) in mice with a view to therapeutic application in treating leukaemia. Animals, methods: 211At was produced via the 209Bi(α,2n)211At reaction and was linked via 3-211At-succinimidyl-benzoate to the anti-CD33-antibody. The biodistribution and the in vivo stability in serum were determined after i.v.-injection in NMRI nu/nu-mice. For toxicity experiments, mice received either three times 315–650 kBq 211At-antiCD33 or unlabelled antibody and NaCl-solution respectively. Results: 211At-antiCD33 showed a characteristic biodistribution complying with the unspecific antibody retention in the reticular endothelial system. The largest proportion of radioactivity remained in blood and blood-rich tissues with a minor accumulation in the thyroid and stomach. After 21 h, > 85% of activity in serum still represented intact antibody. Mice showed no difference in unspecific toxicity of 211At-labelled antibodies over six months compared to those treated with unlabelled antibody and NaCl-solution respectively, with regard to histopathologic lesions, survival time, behaviour and haemograms. Conclusion: The radiolabelling method yielded adequate in vivo stability of 211At-antiCD33. Biodistribution with rapid elimination of free 211At via kidneys and urine complies with requirements for targeted therapy. Activity doses potentially required for treatment do not elicit radiotoxicity to normal organs in mice. Further development is required to enhance the apparent specific activity and to verify the efficacy in an adequate animal model before phase I clinical studies in leukaemia can be envisaged.
Evaluation of Imbalance in Stratified Blocked Randomization
Authors: Glass A. , Kundt G.
Published: July 2011

Objectives: If in a clinical trial prognostic factors are known in advance, it is often recommended that randomization of patients should be stratified. The best-known method is permuted-block randomization within strata. But it suffers from the disadvantage that imbalance still occurs in the trial as a whole if there are a large number of strata, or/and the block sizes are too large for the number of patients. The results of Hallstrom and Davis are appropriate for evaluating the risk of such a troubled situation by using two special cases of their general variance formula. But it is merely generally argued for whichever practical situations these special cases are valid. Consequently, additional investigations are required to reveal the conditions for correct application.

Methods: We investigated the range of validity of special cases by performing computer simulations, varying a number of trial characteristics, and discuss the application of results for practical situations.

Results: The validity of special cases is not given in each situation. Depending on block size, a binomial distribution model is valid for a permitted average maximum number of patients per stratum between 36% and 57% of considered block sizes, whereas the uniform distribution model works adequately from at least 70%. In an intermediate range of invalidity, implementation of a simulation study is necessary to compute the probability distribution of differences.

Conclusions: Our results are important if choosing the stratified permuted-block randomization to estimate the risk for an intolerable overall imbalance when planning a trial.
Rêver pour aller mieux
Authors: de Sinéty Jean-Marie
Published: July 2011

Contrairement aux apparences et à l’air du temps, « rêver pour aller mieux » pourrait ne pas être une ineptie. Nous suivrons les pas de Jean-Jacques Rousseau dans Les rêveries d’un promeneur solitaire pour goûter et savourer avec lui, le plaisir de la libre association de penser et d’imaginer. Quelques écrits de G Bachelard, de Freud, de Lacan et des praticiens du rêve-éveillé en psychanalyse nous confirmeront le bien-fondé de cette démarche. Enfin nous retrouverons en séance, à travers quelques « fenêtres sur cure » le travail thérapeutique de l’imaginaire en psychanalyse.
La région centrale du Panama, un nouvel espace mondial ?
Authors: Collin-Delavaud Anne
Published: July 2011

Résumé La région centrale du Panama, après avoir, pendant un siècle, joué un rôle de lieu de passage de marchandises, profite de la croissance mondiale du commerce maritime pour se transformer très rapidement en améliorant non seulement les conditions du transit, mais en créant de nouveaux ports et zones d’activités. Au-delà de la consolidation de sa vocation, elle se diversifie dans les services en particulier bancaires et commerciaux, elle joue la carte du tourisme et créé les meilleures conditions d’accueil des investisseurs avec le boom immobilier et l’installation de sièges sociaux régionaux.
Les villes d'Afrique subsaharienne dans le champ de la géographie française et de la production documentaire : une géographie de villes « fantômes » ?
Authors: Fournet-Guérin Catherine
Published: July 2011

Résumé Dans le champ de la géographie française au xx e siècle, les villes d’Afrique ont été longtemps négligées. L’article expose et analyse cet état de fait, en détaillant le cas des études malgaches. Celui-ci permet de montrer que lorsque les villes d’Afrique ont fait l’objet de recherches en géographie, elles ont souvent été étudiées sous des angles ruralistes. Cette vision stéréotypée de l’Afrique urbaine se perpétue dans des productions documentaires à destination d’un public plus large. Dans la géographie scolaire, si la place générale de l’Afrique est en régression, l’Afrique urbaine est bien présente, mais avec une focalisation sur la pauvreté et le secteur informel. Toutefois, depuis les années soixante-dix, la géographie scientifique s’est départie de ces préjugés anciens, a élargi ses thèmes d’études et s’intéresse désormais à un champ très large, rattrapant son retard sur d’autres sciences humaines et sociales.
Les villes-santé et le développement durable : convergence, concurrence ou écran ?
Authors: Le Goff Erwan , Séchet Raymonde
Published: July 2011

Résumé L’adhésion au réseau des Villes-Santé de l’OMS implique de dépasser les seules compétences des communes en matière de santé (hygiène, salubrité) et d’intégrer la santé dans l’ensemble des politiques communales. « Créés » à la même période, les Villes-Santé et le développement durable ont parcouru depuis plus de vingt ans des chemins qui se sont croisés ou éloignés. L’analyse des discours des Villes-Santé et du développement durable met en évidence certaines convergences, mais également une concurrence entre ces deux philosophies, dont l’une d’entre elles, le développement durable, a pu faire écran à la promotion de la santé telle qu’elle est défendue par le réseau des villes-santé.
Engaged Moments: Mediated Action and Children with Autism in the Classroom Setting
Authors: Bagatell Nancy
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this microethnographic study is to explore ways to better understand engagement in occupation of children with autism spectrum disorder. Using video data, moments of engagement were examined in a child with autism spectrum disorder during the daily classroom activity of Circle Time. The interpretive frame focused on mediated action, the interaction between the agent, and cultural tools. Three scenes were analyzed using narrative and micro-analytic strategies. Analyses of two scenes highlighted how social and material mediators offer opportunities for engagement. Other children with autism provided appropriate scaffolds and demonstrated evidence of intersubjectivity, whereas material tools provided proximal prompts that enabled the child to engage. The third scene suggests that engagement may not always be observable (i.e., engagement may be a subjective state). Implications for practice and methodological insights are offered.
Textos científicos em ciência da informação e ginzburg: uma vinculação possível
Authors: Job Ivone
Published: July 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho é expor a influência de Carlo Ginzburg na literatura científica brasileira da área da Ciência da Informação (CI), que utiliza o método ou o paradigma indiciário, venatório ou divinatório. Foram relacionados dez textos, sendo duas dissertações e oito artigos de periódicos, publicados no período de 2000 a 2006 e analisadas as citações. As contribuições dos textos apontam no sentido de que é possível, através do paradigma indiciário, revelar a subjetividade presente na visão do pesquisador que investiga a realidade humana. Os cientistas da informação poderão, assim, ter a oportunidade de assumir o papel de facilitadores na comunicação da informação, participando ativamente do processo de construção do conhecimento.
Ontologia: o termo e a idéia
Authors: Schiessl José Marcelo
Published: July 2011

Aborda o conceito de Ontologia e relaciona alguns problemas que motivam os pesquisadores desta área. Contextualiza a sobrecarga informacional em virtude do crescente volume de texto eletrônico armazenado em bases de dados, em especial na Web, e sua implicação na manutenção do fluxo da informação. Além disso, introduz a idéia da Web Semântica como uma solução para a organização dos conteúdos das páginas nos sítios da Web e o papel preponderante das ontologias, dentro deste contexto, que auxiliam a automatização da interpretação destes conteúdos e otimiza a recuperação da informação.
Através do espelho: o argumento do “conhecimento do criador” no contexto da ciência da informação
Authors: Renault Leonardo Vasconcelos
Published: July 2011

Ao reconhecer suas características sociais, a Ciência da Informação, se vê diante de uma nova questão: quem são os sujeitos edificadores do conhecimento da área no contexto brasileiro? A pergunta pelo sujeito construtor do conhecimento direcionada à Ciência da Informação, revela o contexto de produção do que tomamos hoje como emblemático ou paradigmático para a área, no contexto nacional. Além disso, o processo de construção desse conhecimento, as questões éticas e as vinculações de poder a que possam estar suscetíveis a Ciência da Informação, são discutidas no artigo. Por fim, a possibilidade de alternativas de construção de uma imagem que sustente o hibridismo entre ciência e tecnologia, ética e poder é apresentada como possível norteador das ações dos sujeitos “demiurgos” da área de Ciência da Informação.
A produção científica disponível ao mundo: a tecnologia, a vontade e os acessos
Authors: Pavani Ana M. B.
Published: July 2011

Este artigo aborda o acesso à informação de um ponto de vista que relaciona a evolução da tecnologia aos procedimentos de tratamento da informação e à vontade de obter conhecimento. Inicia com alguns eventos na Antigüidade, no final da Idade Média/início da Idade Moderna e no século XIX. A seguir apresenta um panorama das bibliotecas tradicionais nos dias atuais e faz um contraponto com as bibliotecas digitais. Encerra com uma menção ao movimento internacional para os arquivos abertos e o acesso aberto à informação, trazendo alguns exemplos de benefícios.
Padrões para bibliotecas digitais abertas e interoperáveis
Authors: Sayão Luís Fernando
Published: July 2011

A interoperabilidade é uma das principais preocupações no desenvolvimento de sistemas de bibliotecas digitais abertas e que operam em rede. Entretanto, a interoperabilidade como forma de viabilização de intercâmbio de informações e de serviços cooperativos, exige a aplicação de um elenco de padrões abertos que cubram todos os processos de um repositório digital. A idéia deste documento é revisar os principais padrões, normas e protocolos que formam a infra-estrutura de uma biblioteca digital aberta e plenamente interoperável.
Provedores de dados, provedores de serviços e periódicos em ciência da informação, biblioteconomia e áreas afins
Authors: Café Ligia Maria Arruda , Fachin Gleisy Regina Bóries
Published: July 2011

Descreve provedores de dados, provedores de serviços e periódicos científicos disponíveis na Ciência da Informação, Biblioteconomia e áreas afins nacionais e internacionais. Apresenta aspectos estudados sobre periódicos científicos on-line, mostrando que esta opção vem ocupando cada vez mais espaço na realidade do acesso livre. Ressalta a necessidade de uma estrutura material e humana mais estável para que sejam possíveis a manutenção e atualização desses periódicos de forma a que possam contribuir eficientemente com os sistemas de comunicação científica de acesso livre e gratuito