bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing a patient's decision to choose the type of treatment to improve dental esthetics
Authors: Grzic Renata , Spalj Stjepan , Lajnert Vlatka , Glavicic Snjezana , Uhac Ivone , Kovacevic-Pavicic Daniela
Published: July 2012

Backgroung/Aim. Interest in dental esthetics has increased rapidly during the
last few decades among both patients and dentists, and the creation of a
natural dental appearance has become an important task in all fields of
dentistry, especially in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry. The aim of
this research was to investigate factors influencing a patient's decision to
choose the type of treatment to improve dental esthetics. Methods. A total of
700 Caucasian subjects participated in the crosssectional study (261 men, 439
women, aged 18-86 years, mean age 46.2 ? 18.6). The study included clinical
examination and a self-administrated questionnaire based on self-perceived
esthetics, satisfaction with the appearance of their maxillary anterior teeth
and previous dental experience. Multiple logistic regression was used in
statistical analysis. Results. Hiding teeth during smile was the most
important predictor for choosing fixed prosthetic restorations (OR 9.1),
followed by self-perceived bad fixed prosthesis, malpositioned teeth and
female gender (OR 2.9, 2.4, and 1.5, respectively). The increase in
satisfaction with dental appearance and previous orthodontic therapy reduced
chances for seeking prosthetic therapy (each OR 0.4). The significant
predictors for bleaching choosing were hiding teeth during smiling, already
done bleaching, female gender, lower levels of satisfaction with dental
appearance and the absence of the previous orthodontic therapy (OR 5.8, 2.4,
1.8, 0.5 and 0.4, respecitively). Hiding teeth during smile, self-perceived
malposition and crowding, and lower levels of satisfaction, were significant
predictors for choosing orthodontic treatment (OR 3.1, 2.4, 2.2 and 0.6,
respectively). None of current dental statuses was statistically significant
predictor for choosing prosthodontic, bleeching nor orthodontic therapy.
Conclusion. The psychological elements and female gender are the main
predictors of seeking dental therapy. Understanding the prevalence of
dissatisfaction with the present esthetics and desired treatments to improve
esthetics can be a guide for strategies for intervention to improve
esthetics.
Expression of oxidative stress in metastatic retinoblastomaa comparative study
Authors: Mukhopadhyay S , Dutta J , Raut R , Datta H , Bhattacharyay A K
Published: July 2012

Objective: To compare oxidative stress between primary retinoblastoma and retinoblastoma with distant metastasis. Patients and methods: Forty consecutive patients presented with primary retinoblastoma and the same number of patients presented with distant metastasis, attending the outpatient department of our hospital between August 2002 and April 2005. All the patients with retinoblastoma underwent a standard metastasis workup and were subsequently categorized into two groups (without metastasis and with metastasis).Venous blood samples were drawn from each patient. After proper centrifugation, serum was collected and antioxidant enzymes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assayed. Main outcome measures: Serum collected from the patients was subjected to biochemical assay of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidise) and ROS to determine any difference in enzyme activity between the two groups. Results: Antioxidant levels were found to be less in the metastasis group as compared to the primary intraocular retinoblastoma group(p<0.05).Mean ROS activity was found to be increased in metastatic group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The decreased antioxidant enzymes level along with increased ROS activity in patients with metastatic retinoblastoma reflect increased oxidative stress as compared to primary intraocular retinoblastoma patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6543 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 271-276
Hemodynamic effects of intraocular epinephrine during cataract surgery: a double blinded placebo controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Miratashi Seyed Ali Mohammad , Behdad Shekoufeh , Ayatollahi Vida , Ahmadi Afsar
Published: July 2012

Objective: To evaluate hemodynamic effects of intraocular epinephrine irrigation in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Materials and methods: This study was conducted as a prospective double blinded clinical trial at the Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Eighty-eight patients of age 38-90 years undergoing were randomly allocated into two groups: Group E received intraocular irrigation fluid (balanced salt solution) with epinephrine 1:1000, 000, and group C received intraocular irrigation fluid (balanced salt solution) without epinephrine. Heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured before and at 5, 10, 15 minutes after starting intraocular infusion of epinephrine1:1000, 000 in both groups. Results: HR and SBP were similar in the two groups at different time intervals. DBP was decreased at 5 minutes after epinephrine administration in the epinephrine group and increased at 10 and 15 minutes but there was no significant differences between the two groups.Conclusion: Intraocular infusion of epinephrine 1:1,000,000 can be used during cataract surgery without hemodynamic side effects and so is a safe and effective method for this purpose.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6546 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 288-294
Artificial drainage devices for glaucoma surgery: an overview
Authors: Chaudhry M , Grover S , Baisakhiya S , Bajaj A , Bhatia M S
Published: July 2012

Artificial drainage devices (ADD) create an alternative pathway for aqueous drainage from the anterior chamber of an eye through a tube to the subconjunctival bleb connected to an equatorial plate under the conjunctiva. The ADDs, both valved and non-valved, are available for end stage or refractory glaucoma. Currently, some of these devices, particularly the Express shunt, are recommended for the primary treatment of glaucoma. In this article, we highlight various ADDs, their indications and contraindications, surgical techniques and associated complications.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6547 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 295-302
Accommodative spasm with bilateral vision loss due to untreated intermittent exotropia in an adult
Authors: Shanker V , Ganesh S , Sethi S
Published: July 2012

Background: Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is an exodeviation intermittently controlled by fusional mechanisms. Patients with IXT may present with asthenopic symptoms, blurred vision, headaches, diplopia or visual confusion and reading difficulties; especially after prolonged periods of near work. Objective: To report the presentation and management of a young adult with intractable accommodative spasm secondary to long standing intermittent exotropia. Case: The patient was found to have bilateral accommodative spasm with high pseudomyopia and severe impairment of vision. There was a tendency for recurrence with discontinuation of cycloplegics.Conclusion: A total relief of symptoms was noticed after strabismus surgery was undertaken for the exotropia. A detailed orthoptic evaluation with emphasis on recognizing accommodative spasm as an unusual presentation of IXT, could aid in appropriate diagnosis and treatment of such cases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6552 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 319-322
How should the ophthalmologists treat the methanol-induced toxic optic neuropathy?
Authors: Sanaei-Zadeh H
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6563 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 348-350
Prevalence and Covariates of Undiagnosed Hypertension in the Adult Population of Puducherry, South India
Authors: Bharati DR , Nandi P , Yamuna TV , Lokeshmaran A , Agarwal L , Singh JB , Basu M , Das P , Pal R
Published: July 2012

Background Globally the prevalence of both hypertension and pre-hypertension are increasing and pre-hypertension has been associated with higher cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and pre-hypertension and associated covariates among adults of rural and urban area of Puducherry. Material and Methods A population based cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practices area of Department of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute without intervention. Results Among 856 participants, 27.6 percent were hypertensive and 57 percent pre-hypertensive; the magnitude of both stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension increased with the age. Of the hypertensives, 26.3 and 28.7 percent were from rural and urban area respectively, whereas in pre-hypertension the corresponding figures were 61 and 53.4 percent.  Significantly increased risk of hypertension was noted among adults with increasing age, having less than six members in the family, suffering from obesity (general and abdominal obesity) and living sedentary life. On the other hand, the probability of having increased risk of pre-hypertension was significantly higher among adults living in the rural areas, having non-vegetarian dietary habit, suffering from obesity (general and abdominal obesity), living sedentary life and having family history of hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression however showed significant correlation of hypertension with increasing age, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco addiction and obesity (general and central). Significant correlates of pre-hypertensive were rural residence, sedentary living habits, family history of hypertension, tobacco addiction and obesity (general and central). Conclusion The present findings show high prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension among population of Puducherry in South India.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v2i2.6576 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2012;2(2):191-199
Editorial
Authors: Welch Penny , Wright Susan
Published: July 2012

Welcome to this issue of Learning and Teaching: The International Journal of Higher Education in the Social Sciences. Our thanks go to the authors of articles, commentaries and reviews, the anonymous referees who read the articles, the publishers who provided review copies of the books, our own publisher Berghahn and the Editorial Board.
Cultures of learning and learning culture: Socratic and Confucian approaches to teaching and learning
Authors: Gorry Jonathan
Published: July 2012

A wide variety of British universities are expanding efforts to attract international students. This article argues that higher education's implicit claim to all-inclusive 'universality' may hereby be challenged by subsequent issues of cultural particularity. Here I set to conceptualise possible differences in the learning culture of Asian international students through a Confucian-Socratic framework. The Socratic method, our archetypal Occidental model, is traditionally seen as an experiential learner-centred pedagogy that values creativity and intellectual independence. But the Confucian approach, the archetypal Oriental exemplar, is normally presented as a didactic teaching-centred pedagogy with greater emphasis on strategic, directed thinking. I conclude that refl ection in these ways may lead to a culturally sensitive form of education and also help identify the epistemological and ontological dimensions that enhance a more flexible approach to teaching and learning.
A public secret: 'education for quality' and suicide among Chinese elite university students
Authors: Bregnbaek Susanne
Published: July 2012

This article is based on anthropological fieldwork undertaken at two elite universities in Beijing. It addresses the paradoxical situation of the many instances of suicide among Chinese elite university students in Beijing, which constitute a public secret. The pressure of education weighs heavily on the shoulders of China's only child in each family, known as the generation of little emperors and little empresses. Since the 1980s, the suzhi jiaoyu reforms (education for quality) have involved various attempts to reduce the pressure of education. However, simultaneously the aim is to increase the competitiveness of individuals. Drawing on existential and phenomenological thought, I suggest that the discourse seems to objectify and quantify a concern for well-being, rather than recognising its intersubjective character. Finally, I argue that the suicides are controversial since they are seen as a form of social criticism.
Report on a field visit to Mondragón University: a cooperative experience/experiment
Authors: Wright Susan , Greenwood Davydd , Boden Rebecca
Published: July 2012

We have been investigating universities in our own countries for many years and are now turning our attention to exploring alternatives to current reforms. As part of these investigations, we spent two days of interviews and meetings at Mondragón, a town in Gipúzkoa in the Spanish Basque Country.

Mondragón is at the centre of one of the largest groups of co-operatives in the world and in 1997 set up what is probably the only co-operative university in existence. This highly successful university has a solidary economy, effective methods of knowledge generation and transfer, and is expanding. Among its unique features are flat hierarchies and forms of self-management, community engagement and student participation built on an overall concept of the solidarity of the stakeholders.
Commentaries
Authors: Schram Sanford F. , Mills David , May Tim , Zuber-Skerritt Ortrun , Quiddington Peter , Bönisch-Brednich Brigitte , Greenwood Davydd
Published: July 2012

Commentaries on issues raised by Richard Arum and Josipa Roska's Academically Adrift
In vitro plant regeneration in Banana (Musa sp.) cv. sabri
Authors: Huq Amdadul , Akter Shahina , Islam Shahina , Khan Salim
Published: July 2012

The establishment of a micro-propagation protocol for banana (Musa sp.) cv. Sabri, was carried out using meristematic stem cuttings explant. MS medium supplemented with BAP singly or in combination with auxin, IAA and coconut water was used for this purpose. Highest percentage of shoot regeneration (90%) and maximum number of shoots (10) per explant were observed when cultured on MS + 4.0 mg/1 BAP + 2.0 mg/1 IAA + 13% (v/v) coconut water. Best response towards root induction was achieved on half MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 IBA. The regenerated healthy rooted plantlets were transferred to small plastic pot containing garden soil and compost in a ratio of 2:1. Through this method, complete micro-propagated plantlets were obtained within three months.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11444   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 143-146, 2012
Admixture of Isubgol husk together with conventionally used agar as gelling agent for Potato and Stevia regeneration
Authors: Khan Salim , Maruf Abdullah Al , Aktera Shahina , Habiba Ahashan , Banua Tanjina Akhtar , Islam Shahina
Published: July 2012

Attempts have been made to find a substitute for agar as gelling agent. The study was conducted on commercially important crop plants like    potato varieties (Diamond and Granola) and Stevia. 'Isubgol', the mucilaginous husk, derived from Plantago ovata was successfully used as a gelling material in tissue culture media. The price of 'Isubgol husk' is cheaper than the conventionally used agar and it had reduced the price of gelling agent approximately by 47.5 % in plant tissue culture media. The use of 'Isubgol husk' along with agar can reduce the cost of gelling agents. The response from media gelled with Isubgol husk in potato and Stevia was similar to that from media solidified with agar. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11447 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 161-166, 2012
Scenario of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Neck Masses in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Rahman Md Atiqur , Biswas Md Mamun Ali , Sikder Abdul Mannan
Published: July 2012

Background: Masses in the neck are very common and these may range from inflammatory to neoplastic lesions. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, quick and minimally invasive procedure that is well recognized and widely accepted diagnostic tool in separating inflammatory lesions from cystic and neoplastic lesions of the neck. We designed this study in our populations for evaluation of FNAC of different neck masses and that might facilitate the diagnosis and management of these lesions. Objectives: To find out the frequency of different pathological conditions detected on FNAC, to determine the prevalence of neck masses with respect to age and sex and to assert their organs of origin and the nature of the lesions. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Enam Medical College, Savar, Dhaka from January 2009 to August 2010. The patients of any age and either sex with neck masses were included. Total 526 patients with neck swellings were included in this study. Among these 60.6% were females and 39.4% were males with male to female ratio of 1:1.54. The age of the patients ranged from 10 months to 85 years with mean age of 32.52 ±17.01 years. Results: Of the 526 cases 341 (64.8%) were from lymph nodes, 127 cases (24.2%) from thyroid glands, 32 cases (6.1%) from salivary glands, 14 cases (2.7%) from cysts and 12 cases (2.2%) from soft tissues. FNAC revealed that 86.2% of the lesions were non-malignant which included 60.5% of inflammatory lesions and 25.7% of other benign lesions. Malignant lesions were found in 8% of cases and 5.9% of the cases were categorized as indeterminate follicular neoplasm of the thyroid gland. Conclusion: Reactive lymphadenitis is the commonest condition in the neck swellings followed by tuberculous lymphadenitis, nodular goiter and malignant neoplasm, especially metastatic carcinoma.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i1.11131 J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(1): 8-14
Serum Lipids and Diabetic Retinopathy in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Rahman Md Rezwanur , Arslan M Iqbal , Hoque Md Mozammel , Mollah Forhadul Hoque , Shermin Shahana
Published: July 2012

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is the commonest and usually the first observable vascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Along with hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia is a contributing factor for the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy. It is postulated that dyslipidaemia results in formation of hard exudate by increasing blood viscosity and altering the fibrinolytic system. A case control study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka during the period of January 2006 to December 2007 to evaluate the serum lipid profile in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects with diabetic retinopathy.Materials and Methods: Total 85 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects were included in this study, 40 were cases having retinopathy and 45 were age and sex matched controls without retinopathy. Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were compared between cases and controls. Unpaired t-test and chi-square test were done between groups as tests of significance.Results: All the parameters of lipid profile showed dyslipidaemic trend both in cases and controls. In the cases TG was significantly higher and HDL-C was significantly lower than that of controls (p < 0.05) whereas no significant difference was found between cases and controls with respect to serum TC and LDL-C.Conclusion: It can be concluded that high TG and low HDL-C are associated with diabetic retinopathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11464 J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 63-66
Gross Morphological Variation in Preterm Placenta in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
Authors: Akhter Fahima , Ferdousi Roxana , Sultana Rayhana
Published: July 2012

Background: Preterm birth is the primary cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity.  Recently, it has become a significant issue in public health policies of developing countries.  Among the various causes, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and Gestational diabetes  mellitus (GDM) are two important high-risk factors for preterm birth. Again, placenta is a  mirror that reflects the well-being of the fetus and continuously undergoes a change in weight,  structure, shape and function in order to support the well-being of the fetus.Objective: To  make an in-depth analysis on the possible gross morphological changes in preterm placenta in  respect of GDM and PIH.Materials and Methods: The study was observational, analytical  and cross sectional. The patients under this study were selected from the Obstetric ward of  BSMMU and BIRDEM Hospital, from June 2005 to October 2005. A total of sixty-six samples  were collected from women during 28 weeks to 36 completed weeks of gestation. Among them,  twenty-two samples were from mothers having GDM, twenty-two having PIH and twenty-two  belonged to normal pregnancy (control group). The placentas were examined to measure their  diameter, thickness, cotyledons number, weight, and volume.Results: In this study, the GDM  group showed significantly higher values for the variables of diameter, weight, volume and  number of cotyledons as compared to PIH group. On the other hand, the thickness of the  placenta showed lower values in GDM group, but the result did not reach a significant level.Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it is difficult to establish a clear-cut correlation  about placental changes in diabetic and hypertensive mothers during pregnancy. However, the  changes in placental weight, volume and diameter found in gestational diabetic mother may be  a long term compensatory mechanism, aiming to secure a sufficient nutrient supply to support  the growth of the foetus. So, postnatal examination of the placenta can yield information that  may be important for immediate and late management of the mother and neonate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11466 J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 71-75
Cancer Registry and Its Different Aspects
Authors: Alam AMM Shariful
Published: July 2012

At both the national and community level, cancer registration schemes are central to research into the nature and causation of cancer, to the planning of health service resources and cancer control programmes, and to the assessment of their efficacy. Cancer registration is thus a part of the modern health information system. There are two major types of cancer registries -hospital-based registries and population-based registries. It is of paramount importance that the issue of development of cancer registry in developing countries should be taken into account. Although, the cancer registry system in Bangladesh is in infantile stage, it should be the aim of the health planner of our country to develop population-based cancer registry as early as possible. The extra difficulties and expenses involved are certainly outweighed by the enhanced validity and usefulness of the data generated. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11467 J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 76-80
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: A Case Report
Authors: Bhattacharjee Shekhar , Bhattacharjee Swapna
Published: July 2012

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease which usually presents with  shortness of breath. We report a case of a female patient who presented with dyspnoea. We  diagnosed her as a case of PPH on the basis of detailed history, careful physical examination  and common investigations like electrocardiogram (ECG), chest radiography and Doppler  echocardiograhy.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11468   J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 81-84
Microbial Monitoring of Surface Water in South Africa: An Overview
Authors: Luyt Catherine D. , Tandlich Roman , Muller Wilhelmine J. , Wilhelmi Brendan S.
Published: July 2012

Infrastructural problems force South African households to supplement their drinking water consumption from water resources of inadequate microbial quality. Microbial water quality monitoring is currently based on the Colilert®18 system which leads to rapidly available results. Using Escherichia coli as the indicator microorganism limits the influence of environmental sources on the reported results. The current system allows for understanding of long-term trends of microbial surface water quality and the related public health risks. However, rates of false positive for the Colilert®18-derived concentrations have been reported to range from 7.4% to 36.4%. At the same time, rates of false negative results vary from 3.5% to 12.5%; and the Colilert medium has been reported to provide for cultivation of only 56.8% of relevant strains. Identification of unknown sources of faecal contamination is not currently feasible. Based on literature review, calibration of the antibiotic-resistance spectra of Escherichia coli or the bifidobacterial tracking ratio should be investigated locally for potential implementation into the existing monitoring system. The current system could be too costly to implement in certain areas of South Africa where the modified H2S strip test might be used as a surrogate for the Colilert®18.
Isolation and Characterization of 46 Novel Polymorphic EST-Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) Markers in Two Sinipercine Fishes (Siniperca) and Cross-Species Amplification
Authors: Qu Chunmei , Liang Xufang , Huang Wei , Cao Liang
Published: July 2012

With the development of next generation sequencing technologies, transcriptome level sequence collections are emerging as prominent resources for the discovery of gene-based molecular markers. In this study, we described the isolation and characterization of 46 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci for Siniperca chuatsi and Siniperca scherzeri from the transcriptome of their F1 interspecies hybrids. Forty-three of these loci were polymorphic in S. chuatsi, and 20 were polymorphic in S. scherzeri. In S. chuatsi, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8, and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.13 to 1.00 and from 0.33 to 0.85, respectively. In S. scherzeri, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 9, and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.19 to 1.00 and from 0.28 to 0.88, respectively. We also evaluated the cross-amplification of 46 polymorphic loci in four species of sinipercine fishes: Siniperca kneri, Siniperca undulata, Siniperca obscura, and Coreoperca whiteheadi. The interspecies cross-amplification rate was very high, totaling 94% of the 184 locus/taxon combinations tested. These markers will be a valuable resource for population genetic studies in sinipercine fishes.
Implication of Tumor Microenvironment in Chemoresistance: Tumor-Associated Stromal Cells Protect Tumor Cells from Cell Death
Authors: Castells Magali , Thibault Benoît , Delord Jean-Pierre , Couderc Bettina
Published: July 2012

Tumor development principally occurs following the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor cells. These changes pave the way for the transformation of chemosensitive cells to chemoresistant ones by influencing the uptake, metabolism, or export of drugs at the cellular level. Numerous reports have revealed the complexity of tumors and their microenvironment with tumor cells located within a heterogeneous population of stromal cells. These stromal cells (fibroblasts, endothelial or mesothelial cells, adipocytes or adipose tissue-derived stromal cells, immune cells and bone marrow-derived stem cells) could be involved in the chemoresistance that is acquired by tumor cells via several mechanisms: (i) cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions influencing the cancer cell sensitivity to apoptosis; (ii) local release of soluble factors promoting survival and tumor growth (crosstalk between stromal and tumor cells); (iii) direct cell-cell interactions with tumor cells (crosstalk or oncologic trogocytosis); (iv) generation of specific niches within the tumor microenvironment that facilitate the acquisition of drug resistance; or (v) conversion of the cancer cells to cancer-initiating cells or cancer stem cells. This review will focus on the implication of each member of the heterogeneous population of stromal cells in conferring resistance to cytotoxins and physiological mediators of cell death.
Simulating Controlled Radical Polymerizations with mcPolymer—A Monte Carlo Approach
Authors: Drache Marco , Drache Georg
Published: July 2012

Utilizing model calculations may lead to a better understanding of the complex kinetics of the controlled radical polymerization. We developed a universal simulation tool (mcPolymer), which is based on the widely used Monte Carlo simulation technique. This article focuses on the software architecture of the program, including its data management and optimization approaches. We were able to simulate polymer chains as individual objects, allowing us to gain more detailed microstructural information of the polymeric products. For all given examples of controlled radical polymerization (nitroxide mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) homo- and copolymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT)), we present detailed performance analyses demonstrating the influence of the system size, concentrations of reactants, and the peculiarities of data. Different possibilities were exemplarily illustrated for finding an adequate balance between precision, memory consumption, and computation time of the simulation. Due to its flexible software architecture, the application of mcPolymer is not limited to the controlled radical polymerization, but can be adjusted in a straightforward manner to further polymerization models.
Behavior-Based Cleaning for Unreliable RFID Data Sets
Authors: Fan Hua , Wu Quanyuan , Lin Yisong
Published: July 2012

Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology promises to revolutionize the way we track items and assets, but in RFID systems, missreading is a common phenomenon and it poses an enormous challenge to RFID data management, so accurate data cleaning becomes an essential task for the successful deployment of systems. In this paper, we present the design and development of a RFID data cleaning system, the first declarative, behavior-based unreliable RFID data smoothing system. We take advantage of kinematic characteristics of tags to assist in RFID data cleaning. In order to establish the conversion relationship between RFID data and kinematic parameters of the tags, we propose a movement behavior detection model. Moreover, a Reverse Order Filling Mechanism is proposed to ensure a more complete access to get the movement behavior characteristics of tag. Finally, we validate our solution with a common RFID application and demonstrate the advantages of our approach through extensive simulations.
Mosaicing of Hyperspectral Images: The Application of a Spectrograph Imaging Device
Authors: Moroni Monica , Dacquino Carlo , Cenedese Antonio
Published: July 2012

Hyperspectral monitoring of large areas (more than 10 km2) can be achieved via the use of a system employing spectrometers and CMOS cameras. A robust and efficient algorithm for automatically combining multiple, overlapping images of a scene to form a single composition (i.e., for the estimation of the point-to-point mapping between views), which uses only the information contained within the images themselves is described here. The algorithm, together with the 2D fast Fourier transform, provides an estimate of the displacement between pairs of images by accounting for rotations and changes of scale. The resulting mosaic was successively georeferenced within the WGS-84 geographic coordinate system. This paper also addresses how this information can be transferred to a push broom type spectral imaging device to build the hyperspectral cube of the area prior to land classification. The performances of the algorithm were evaluated using sample images and image sequences acquired during a proximal sensing field campaign conducted in San Teodoro (Olbia-Tempio—Sardinia). The hyperspectral cube closely corresponds to the mosaic. Mapping allows for the identification of objects within the image and agrees well with ground-truth measurements.
Harvesting Energy from the Counterbalancing (Weaving) Movement in Bicycle Riding
Authors: Yang Yoonseok , Yeo Jeongjin , Priya Shashank
Published: July 2012

Bicycles are known to be rich source of kinetic energy, some of which is available for harvesting during speedy and balanced maneuvers by the user. A conventional dynamo attached to the rim can generate a large amount of output power at an expense of extra energy input from the user. However, when applying energy conversion technology to human powered equipments, it is important to minimize the increase in extra muscular activity and to maximize the efficiency of human movements. This study proposes a novel energy harvesting methodology that utilizes lateral oscillation of bicycle frame (weaving) caused by user weight shifting movements in order to increase the pedaling force in uphill riding or during quick speed-up. Based on the 3D motion analysis, we designed and implemented the prototype of an electro-dynamic energy harvester that can be mounted on the bicycle’s handlebar to collect energy from the side-to-side movement. The harvester was found to generate substantial electric output power of 6.6 mW from normal road riding. It was able to generate power even during uphill riding which has never been shown with other approaches. Moreover, harvesting of energy from weaving motion seems to increase the economy of cycling by helping efficient usage of human power.
Multi-Sensor Fusion of Infrared and Electro-Optic Signals for High Resolution Night Images
Authors: Huang Xiaopeng , Netravali Ravi , Man Hong , Lawrence Victor
Published: July 2012

Electro-optic (EO) image sensors exhibit the properties of high resolution and low noise level at daytime, but they do not work in dark environments. Infrared (IR) image sensors exhibit poor resolution and cannot separate objects with similar temperature. Therefore, we propose a novel framework of IR image enhancement based on the information (e.g., edge) from EO images, which improves the resolution of IR images and helps us distinguish objects at night. Our framework superimposing/blending the edges of the EO image onto the corresponding transformed IR image improves their resolution. In this framework, we adopt the theoretical point spread function (PSF) proposed by Hardie et al. for the IR image, which has the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a uniform detector array and the incoherent optical transfer function (OTF) of diffraction-limited optics. In addition, we design an inverse filter for the proposed PSF and use it for the IR image transformation. The framework requires four main steps: (1) inverse filter-based IR image transformation; (2) EO image edge detection; (3) registration; and (4) blending/superimposing of the obtained image pair. Simulation results show both blended and superimposed IR images, and demonstrate that blended IR images have better quality over the superimposed images. Additionally, based on the same steps, simulation result shows a blended IR image of better quality when only the original IR image is available.
Pour une sociologie des problématisations politiques de l'École
Authors: Sawicki Frédéric
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article se veut un plaidoyer en faveur du décloisonnement des recherches sur les politiques scolaires. En plus de présenter les contributions du numéro, il analyse les raisons du long désintérêt de la science politique pour ce domaine, il met en exergue certains des apports majeurs à la sociologie de l’action publique des recherches menées sur les politiques scolaires en France au cours des vingt dernières années, et attire l’attention des spécialistes des politiques scolaires sur la nécessité d’être plus attentifs aux acteurs « centraux » qui concourent à la « problématisation » des questions scolaires.
La mise en système et l'économicisation de l'enseignement en France au début des années 1950 : la fonctionnalisation d'une institution
Authors: Bongrand Philippe
Published: July 2012

Résumé Alors que l’enseignement de la III e  République visait implicitement à reproduire les structures socio-économiques qui lui étaient contemporaines, pendant les « Trente glorieuses », au contraire, l’unification du système éducatif est explicitement conçue pour orienter des individus vers différentes catégories professionnelles à faire advenir. Tout en revendiquant l’objectif d’égalité des chances des enfants, « la réforme de l’enseignement » entend en particulier répondre à des besoins en cadres et techniciens. Ce projet d’une école aussi juste socialement qu’efficace économiquement est alors scellé dans les structures, durables, d’un système éducatif qui entend répartir les élèves vers les différents secteurs et niveaux professionnels. Observé entre la fin des années 1940 et le milieu des années 1950, au prisme de publications professionnelles et d’archives administratives, cet endossement d’une finalité économique se place au croisement, d’une part, de l’investissement accru des milieux agricoles et industriels dans la formation et, d’autre part, de concurrences internes à l’institution scolaire pour définir la réforme. Ce croisement est catalysé par la circulation de savoirs qui étayent et rendent compatibles des lectures économiques et démocratiques de l’enseignement. L’article envisage ainsi la politique publique de réforme de l’enseignement comme rouage d’un processus de fonctionnalisation économique de l’institution scolaire.
L'européanisation de l'École française en débat : le cas contrasté de l'évaluation des établissements scolaires
Authors: Buisson-Fenet Hélène , Pons Xavier
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article interroge le processus d’européanisation du système éducatif français à travers l’exemple d’une mesure typique de la nouvelle gestion publique préconisée dans plusieurs arènes européennes et internationales sur les bonnes pratiques en matière de gouvernance éducative : l’évaluation des établissements scolaires. Pour cela, il mobilise une partie des matériaux recueillis lors d’une enquête qualitative sur les politiques d’évaluation des établissements dans quatre pays européens. Plutôt qu’une « européanisation » du système éducatif français, l’article montre les effets limités et ambigus des initiatives supra- et internationales et les spécificités de la politique nationale d’évaluation. Sans nier l’existence d’emprunts ponctuels et les références à une gouvernance européenne par les idées ou les instruments de mesure, il insiste sur le poids des médiations professionnelles dans la mobilisation d’exemples étrangers et dans la traduction en contexte des impératifs d’évaluation.
La dimensión innovadora de la empresa
Authors: Pacheco Espejel Arturo Andrés , González I. A. Rivera , Soto E. Meixueiro
Published: July 2012

Résumé Les environnements interne et externe des entreprises sont en mutation : les préférences des clients évoluent, les technologies et les connaissances progressent, les structures des marchés se transforment, les politiques gouvernementales s’ajustent, etc. Il s’ensuit que les entreprises, quels que soient leur taille ou leur positionnement, doivent repenser, réinventer et s’adapter constamment et de manière intelligente, en s’appuyant sur l’innovation continue comme levier stratégique pour améliorer leur productivité, leur compétitivité et, par conséquent, leur rentabilité. L’innovation se niche potentiellement partout dans l’entreprise, et pas seulement dans les machines ou dans la conception des produits ; il ne s’agit pas d’un phénomène spontané (« syndrome de l’étincelle ») ni de chance ni de magie. L’innovation continue se cultive ; c’est-à-dire que des conditions entrepreneuriales adéquates doivent être créées pour la générer de manière continue. L’objectif central de ce travail est de définir la dimension innovatrice des entreprises à partir de la caractérisation de la dynamique et de la nature de l’entreprise, en mettant en place les conditions nécessaires pour produire des projets innovateurs de manière continue.
Les phases amont des projets innovants et la construction du groupe-projet
Authors: Lizarralde I. , Pilnière Véronique
Published: July 2012

Résumé Nous nous intéressons ici aux phases amont de la mise en place de projets complexes. Nous considérons comme « projets complexes », des projets qui se proposent de spécifier, de mettre en œuvre et de pérenniser des changements organisationnels profonds dans les entreprises ou, plus généralement, dans les activités sous contraintes économiques. Ces projets sont généralement liés à l’innovation sous ses diverses formes : innovation produit naturellement, mais aussi innovation process, innovation organisationnelle ou innovation sociale. Le manager ou le chef de projet en charge d’une telle transformation complexe va devoir réfléchir à la façon dont il va s’organiser, aux personnes concernées par le projet dont il prend la responsabilité. La question à laquelle nous allons nous intéresser dans cette contribution est la suivante : comment est-il possible de faire collaborer positivement des personnes et faire démarrer efficacement des projets communs dans la mesure où ces personnes défendent a priori des points de vue divergents sur la nature des problèmes posés, sur les solutions que l’on peut leur imaginer et sur des façons « réalistes » d’y parvenir.
Normalización del cemento. Resistencias mecánicas: Algunos comentarios sobre el método de ensayo
Authors: Gaspar Tebar Demetrio
Published: July 2012

Not avaible
Método de ensayo patrón para medir la expansión potencial de morteros de cemento portland, expuestos a la acción de los sulfatos
Authors: Talero Morales Rafael
Published: July 2012

Not avaible
Resistencia química del hormigón. IV.-Acción del agua de mar: influencia de la adición de escoria a un cemento portland de alta resistencia inicial. Evolución de las resistencias mecánicas a flexotracción y del coeficiente de corrosión
Authors: Sagrera-Moreno José Luis , Gaspar-Tébar Demetrio
Published: July 2012

Not avaible
Resistencia química del hormigón. VI.-Acción del agua de mar artificial que fluye a través de un lecho de mortero fabricado con un cemento portland de alta resistencia inicial
Authors: Díaz-Mora Rosario , Sagrera-Moreno José Luis , Gaspar-Tébar Demetrio
Published: July 2012

Not available
Corrosión de armaduras embebidas en hormigón carbonatado
Authors: Andrade C. , Algaba S. , González J. A.
Published: July 2012

Not available
Ahorro de energía en la clinkerización empleando CaF2 y CaS04 como mineralizadores. Estudio de la fluorellestadita
Authors: Blanco-Varela M. Teresa , Vázquez Tomás
Published: July 2012

Not available
Estudio de un cemento de las ruinas de Teotihuacan
Authors: Goldschimdt A. , Camargo R.
Published: July 2012

Not available
Tabla de frecuencias y espectros de absorción infrarroja de compuestos relacionados con la química del cemento
Authors: Vázquez-Moreno T. , Blanco-Varela M. T.
Published: July 2012

Not available
Corrosión de armaduras galvanizadas y sin proteger embebidas en cemento aluminoso estabilizado
Authors: Pérez M. , Triviño F. , Andrade C.
Published: July 2012

Not available
Resistencia química del hormigón. XII.- Influencia de la adición de escoria a un cemento portland. Estudio por DRX del sistema cemento 3/escoria-agua potable filtrada
Authors: Gaspar-Tebar Demetrio , Sagrera-Moreno José Luis
Published: July 2012

Not available
Influencia del contenido en álcalis de los cementos sobre la corrosión de armaduras galvanizadas
Authors: Andrade C. , Macias A.
Published: July 2012

Not available
Corrosión de tuberías en instalaciones de edificación
Authors: Calleja José , Fernández Molina Enrique
Published: July 2012

This paper deals with the behaviour during about one year, of cast-iron and galvanized cast-iron tubes used for water pipes in building instalations, either as such or previously wrapped up in newspaper —according to some local practices—, from the viewpoint of their corrosion in contact with cement mortars and concretes in which they are normally embedded.
Provisional practical results of the study up to date, as well as their interpretation and evaluation and conclusions drawn from them emphasize how inadequate and damaging such practices may be and lead to reject their application.
As far as the influence of PA-350 cements containing blast-furnace slags, and S-11-350 cements (blas-furnace slag cements) are concerned, which have been used in the work and are specified in Spanish Cement Standards RC-75, the results do not show any difference in behaviour between both cements, in the sense that neither the one nor the other cause corrosion of not wrapped cast-iron tubes, either galvanized or not, in the experimental working conditions, when observed after one year of embedment.
The results also show the importance of using adequate materials and accomplishing regulations of good practice in building, to avoid the bad behaviour of either of the mentioned, tubes in water pipes, as far as their durability against corrosion is concerned.
Resistencia química del hormigón. XVII.- Acción de una disolución saturada de yeso: influencia de la adición de escoria a un cemento portland resistente al yeso. Evolución de las resistencias mecánicas a flexotracción y de los coeficientes de corrosión
Authors: Sagrera-Moreno José Luis , Gaspa-Tebar Demetrio
Published: July 2012

In the present work, the second of the new series initiated with industrial Portland cement of high initial resistance, there is studied the influence exerted by the addition of distinct quantities of groundgranulated slag to industrial Portland cement resistant to sulfate (cement 2 < > P-450-Y) in its chemical-resistant behaviour to the action of dissolution saturated with gypsum determining the evolution of the resistance by the Koch-Steinegger method, as likewise the mechanical resistances and flexotracction of mortar test specimens (1:3) of 1 x 1 x 6 cm manufactured with said cement 2 and with the cement 2 mixtures slag = 85/15 - 65/35 - 40/60 and 30/70. in weight, sumerged in potable water filtering some series of 12 test specimens and in a dissolution saturated with gypsum other series analogous to the previous ones, for 56 - 90 -180 and 360 days, after curing them for 24 hours in a saturation of humidity to 20 ± 2ºC, and then, 21 days under filtered potable water. There has been made evident the favourable action which, from the mechanical-resistant point of view, is exerted by the addition of slag-in a special manner, of high quantities - to cement 2.
Influencia del CaF2 sobre la capacidad de reacción de crudos de cemento
Authors: Palomo Ángel , Blanco M. Teresa
Published: July 2012

The effect of a small quantity of CaF2 on the capacity of reaction of raw mixes has been studied in this paper; and for this purpose the thermal behaviours of a commercial raw mix without the addition of CaF2 were compared at different ages of clinkerization.
The times required to complete the reactions at different temperatures are estimated. The mineralizer effect of fluorspar has a maximun at temperatures of clinkerization of about 1.200ºC and ages of cinkerization of about 10 minutes.