bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐induced responses of xylem structure of Larix sibirica (Pinaceae) from the Russian Altay
Authors: Fonti Patrick , Bryukhanova Marina V. , Myglan Vladimir S. , Kirdyanov Alexander V. , Naumova Oksana V. , Vaganov Eugene A.
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: Xylem structure determines the hydraulic and mechanical properties of a stem, and its plasticity is fundamental for maintaining tree performance under changing conditions. Unveiling the mechanism and the range of xylem adjustment is thus necessary to anticipate climate change impacts on vegetation.

• Methods: To understand the mechanistic process and the functional impact of xylem responses to warming in a cold‐limited environment, we investigated the relationship between temperature and tracheid anatomy along a 312‐yr tree‐ring chronology of Larix sibirica trees from the Altay Mountains in Russia.

• Key results: Climate‐growth analyses indicated that warming favors wider earlywood cell lumen, thicker latewood walls, denser maximum latewood, and wider rings. The temperature signal of the latewood was stronger (r > 0.7) and covered a longer and more stable period (from June to August) than that of earlywood and tree‐ring width. Long‐term analyses indicated a diverging trend between lumen and cell wall of early‐ and latewood.

• Conclusions: Xylem anatomy appears to respond to warming temperatures. A warmer early‐growing season raises water conduction capacity by increasing the number and size of earlywood tracheids. The higher‐performing earlywood tracheids promote more carbon fixation of the latewood cells by incrementing the rate of assimilation when summer conditions are favorable for growth. The diverging long‐term variation of lumen and cell wall in earlywood vs. latewood suggests that xylem adjustments in latewood increase mechanical integrity and support increasing tree size under the ameliorated growing conditions.
Long‐term trends mask variation in the direction and magnitude of short‐term phenological shifts
Authors: Iler Amy M. , Høye Toke T. , Inouye David W. , Schmidt Niels M.
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: Plants are flowering earlier in response to climate change. However, substantial interannual variation in phenology may make it difficult to discern and compare long‐term trends. In addition to providing insight on data requirements for discerning such trends, phenological shifts within subsets of long‐term records will provide insight into the mechanisms driving changes in flowering over longer time scales.

• Methods: To examine variation in flowering shifts among temporal subsets of long‐term records, we used two data sets of flowering phenology from snow‐dominated habitats: subalpine meadow in Gothic, Colorado, USA (38 yr), and arctic tundra in Zackenberg, Greenland (16 yr). Shifts in flowering time were calculated as 10‐yr moving averages for onset, peak, and end of flowering.

• Key results: Flowering advanced over the course of the entire time series at both sites. Flowering shifts at Gothic were variable, with some 10‐yr time frames showing significant delays and others significant advancements. Early‐flowering species were more responsive than later‐flowering species, while the opposite was true at Zackenberg. Flowering shifts at Zackenberg were less variable, with advanced flowering across all 10‐yr time frames. At both sites, long‐term advancement seemed to be primarily driven by strong advancements in flowering in the 1990s and early 2000s.

• Conclusions: Analysis of long‐term trends can mask substantial variation in phenological shifts through time. This variation in the direction and magnitude of phenological shifts has implications for the evolution of flowering time and for interspecific interactions with flowering plants and can provide more detailed insights into the dynamics of phenological responses to climate change.
The conjugation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to small peptides for generating multifunctional supramolecular nanofibers/hydrogels
Authors: Li Jiayang , Kuang Yi , Shi Junfeng , Gao Yuan , Zhou Jie , Xu Bing
Published: May 2013

Here we report supramolecular hydrogelators made of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and small peptides. The covalent linkage of Phe–Phe and NSAIDs results in conjugates that self-assemble in water to form molecular nanofibers as the matrices of hydrogels. When the NSAID is naproxen (1), the resultant hydrogelator 1a forms a hydrogel at a critical concentration (cgc) of 0.2 wt % at pH 7.0. Hydrogelator 1a, also acting as a general motif, enables enzymatic hydrogelation in which the precursor turns into a hydrogelator upon hydrolysis catalyzed by a phosphatase at physiological conditions. The conjugates of Phe–Phe with other NSAIDs, such as (R)-flurbiprofen (2), racemic flurbiprofen (3), and racemic ibuprofen (4), are able to form molecular hydrogels, except in the case of aspirin (5). After the conjugation with the small peptides, NSAIDs exhibit improved selectivity to their targets. In addition, the peptides made of D-amino acids help preserve the activities of NSAIDs. Besides demonstrating that common NSAIDs are excellent candidates to promote aromatic–aromatic interaction in water to form hydrogels, this work contributes to the development of functional molecules that have dual or multiple roles and ultimately may lead to new molecular hydrogels of therapeutic agents for topical use.
La moquerie par l'image : un retour du blasphème ?
Authors: Bœspflug François
Published: May 2013

La dérision envers la religion n’est pas une nouveauté, et le christianisme, dès ses origines, n’a pas été épargné. Depuis le début du xx e siècle, la multiplication des œuvres d’art qui s’attaquent à la religion va de pair avec la sécularisation des sociétés occidentales. Mais, au xxi e siècle, la diffusion mondialisée des images et leur utilisation politique invitent à réinterroger la notion de « blasphème ».
Revues et accès libre
Authors: Fridenson Patrick
Published: May 2013

Développement du numérique, concentration de l’édition scientifique, transformation du rôle des bibliothèques... Ces évolutions ont eu d’importantes conséquences sur les revues et leur modèle économique. Faut-il rendre accessibles librement les articles issus de la recherche publique, comme le recommande la Commission européenne ? Ne risque-t-on pas ainsi de plaquer un modèle conçu pour les sciences exactes sur le paysage bien plus divers et bien plus fragile de l’édition en sciences humaines ?
Régression postdémocratique en Hongrie
Authors: Rupnik Jacques
Published: May 2013

La Hongrie, naguère considérée comme le « bon élève » des démocraties postsoviétiques, laisse aujourd’hui de nombreux observateurs perplexes et provoque l’inquiétude. Comment le Fidesz de Viktor Orbán est-il devenu un parti souverainiste et nationaliste ? L’évolution de la Hongrie est-elle un cas isolé, ou un symptôme de la crise de la démocratie en Europe ?
Taming the wild west of business coaching training: An emerging conceptual framework
Authors: Maritz Jeanette
Published: May 2013

Orientation: Although it is believed that business coaching provides a positive intervention in building and supporting management capability, there has been little empirical research into the frameworks that could be applied in business coach training in the South African context.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe an emerging conceptual framework for business coach training programmes.Motivation of the study: An empirical void existed in coach training pedagogy with regard to business coach training programmes.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative, design was used to describe and understand the needs of business coaching stakeholders. Data were collected by means of focus groups, individual interviews and naïve sketches from business coach stakeholders such as the purchasers of coaching, coach educators, coachees (n = 30). Data were analysed using a thematic approach.Main findings: The findings were conceptualised and described in terms of the business coach educator as a role model and facilitator of learning, the business coach learner as an adult learner and the educational context. An appreciative environment was recommended. The procedure suggested a progressive broadening of knowledge and skills in an outcomes-based education model. The outcome envisioned a competent business coach who practises both ethically and competently.Practical/managerial implications: A key prerequisite for the future of business coach training programmes should be a coaching curriculum that is embedded in empirical research, with well-defined theoretical frameworks that guide coaching training and practice.Contribution/value-add: An emerging conceptual framework for business coach training programmes was described that could stimulate debate on what should matter in business coach training.
Employability attributes and personality preferences of postgraduate business management students
Authors: Potgieter Ingrid , Coetzee Melinde
Published: May 2013

Orientation: The demand for sustained employability and a proactive career agency has led to a renewed interest in the dispositional and psychological attributes of students and employees – like their employability attributes and personality preferences – because these relate to the proactive management of their career development in a changing employment world.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between employees’ employability attributes (as the Employability Attributes Scale measures them) and their personality preferences (as the Myers-Briggs Type indicator, Form M, measures them). Motivation for the study: There seems to be a paucity of information about how employees’ personality preferences relate to their employability attributes in South Africa’s multicultural organisational context.Research design, approach and method: The authors conducted a quantitative survey. It involved a non-probability sample of 304 early career adults enrolled for an Honour’s degree in business management in an open distance learning higher education institution. They used correlational statistics and multiple regression analyses to analyse the data.Main findings: The authors observed a number of significant relationships between the participants’ personality preferences and their employability attributes.Practical/managerial implications: Career counsellors and human resource practitioners need to recognise how employees’ personality preferences influence their employability attributes in the management of their career development and employability.Contribution/value add: The findings add to the existing career literature on the career metacompetencies that influence employees’ employability. They also provide valuable information that organisations can use for career development support and counselling practices in the contemporary world of work.
A Constructive Method for Computing Generalized Manley-Rowe Constants of Motion
Authors: Kartashova Elena , Tec Loredana
Published: May 2013

The Manley-Rowe constants of motion (MRC) are conservation laws written out for a dynamical system describing the time evolution of the amplitudes in resonant triad. In this paper we extend the concept of MRC to resonance clusters of any form yielding generalized Manley-Rowe constants (gMRC) and give a constructive method how to compute them. We also give details of a Mathematica implementation of this method. While MRC provide integrability of the underlying dynamical system, gMRC generally do not but may be used for qualitative and numerical study of dynamical systems describing generic resonance clusters.
Servant Leadership in Teaching
Authors: Iyer Ramajanaki Doraiswamy
Published: May 2013

Sound education is the supporting spine for the economic and social development of any nation and is primarily responsible for eradication of poverty and enhancement of an individual’s earnings . Teachers are the gatekeepers for the holistic character building of students and hence it is essential that they in turn are taken care of by effective leadership at schools. Leadership in schools should bring about a transformation encourages great and committed teaching. School leaders can pave way for setting clear directions and the fertile background for professional development of teachers. Teaching, like nursing is a noble profession that brings to minds an image of vocation and dedication.Servant leadership is a unique approach to leadership that emphasizes on selfless service of followers  by being their servant, rather than assuming a command and control hierarchical role in the organization. This paper tries to examine the concept of servant leadership in the context of teaching. Key words: Servant Leadership, Teacher,Teaching
Staff Retention in Developing Countries: A Case Study of an NGO in the Health Sector
Authors: Bakuwa Rhoda Cynthia , Chasimpha Francis , Masamba Joyce
Published: May 2013

Given the importance of human resources as a source of competitive advantage and the fact that staff turnover is inevitable, the retention of skilled staff is vital in any organizational set up. In the health sector, particularly in developing countries, staff retention is regarded as an important human resource management issue. Any critical shortages prevent the delivery of quality healthcare services. Therefore, it is imperative for managers to identify factors that employees’ value and which consequently influence their intention to continue working for an organization. It is against this backdrop that this paper attempted to examine the key determinants of staff retention in developing countries based on a case study of an NGO in the health sector in Malawi. Using survey data collected from 299 employees, the results of this study revealed that it was the non financial/intangible rewards and not the financial package that significantly contributed to employees’ feelings of satisfaction and their intention to continue working for the case NGO. These results imply that when designing retention strategies, it is not just about money, but rather, it is important to factor in intangible rewards which could provide psychological satisfaction and may indeed have a deeper and longer lasting effect.
The Impact of Knowledge Sharing on the Relationship between Organizational Culture and Job Satisfaction: the Perception of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Practitioners in Hong Kong
Authors: Tong Canon , Tak Walder Ip Wah , Wong Anthony
Published: May 2013

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of knowledge sharing on the relationship between organizational culture and job satisfaction of ICT industry in Hong Kong so that appropriate strategies can be put in place by relevant decision-makers to enhance corporate performance. Design/Methodology/Approach - The research includes items of culture dimension, knowledge sharing dimension, job satisfaction dimension and demographic information. Data collected from 228 valid respondents by an internet-based self-administrative anonymous questionnaire survey were analyzed by factor analysis and multiple regressions; validity, reliability and the mediating effect of knowledge sharing were also tested. Findings - Research findings revealed that organizational culture significantly influences knowledge sharing and job satisfaction and that knowledge sharing plays an important mediating role between organizational culture and job satisfaction. Practical Implications - The insightful results provide empirical evidence as potential guidance to employers of ICT industries and management to establish appropriate strategies to retain valuable staff and improve the efficiency of their human resources including incentive and reward policies. Originality/Value - This research studied the relationships between organizational culture, knowledge sharing and job satisfaction in Hong Kong context since most of the previous studies has focused on western countries. It is unique in that it investigated the mediating effects of knowledge sharing on job satisfaction of ICT practitioners in Hong Kong. The results of this research provide empirical evidence to guide employers and managers towards a collaborative and beneficial organizational culture, enhancement of knowledge sharing practices, and sustainable human resource strategies.   Keywords Organizational Culture, Knowledge Sharing, Job Satisfaction, China insurance Industry, Foreign Fund, Challenge
Role of In-Service Promoted Secondary School Heads in Strengthening Secondary Education in Kohat Division (Pakistan)
Authors: Suleman Qaiser , Hussain Ishtiaq
Published: May 2013

The purpose of the current paper was to explore the role of in-service promoted secondary school heads in strengthening secondary education. The objectives of the study were: (a) to investigate the role of in-service promoted secondary school heads in strengthening secondary education; (b) to investigate the weak areas of in-service promoted secondary school heads in strengthening secondary education; and (c) to suggest workable recommendations to improve the administrative performance of in-service promoted secondary school heads. All the teachers and students at secondary school level in Kohat Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to male secondary school heads, teachers and students only. The study was further delimited to 30 secondary schools in each district of Kohat Division i.e., Karak, Kohat and Hangu. In order to ensure adequate representation of the population, 450 teachers and 900 students were selected through simple random sampling technique. The nature of the study was descriptive and questionnaires were used as research instrument. Pilot testing was conducted to eliminate the weaknesses, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questions in the questionnaires. Data was collected through personal visits. Then it was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. Statistical tools, i.e., percentage and chi square were used for the statistical treatment of the data. After analysis of the data, the researchers arrived at the conclusions that the overall administrative performance of in-service promoted secondary school heads was ineffective and unproductive. They lack the qualities of effective leadership and successful administration. Based on findings of the study, it is strongly recommended that a special professional training programme regarding school administration and management should be institutionalized so that in-service promoted secondary school heads may be equipped with the modern techniques of school management and administration. KEYWORDS: Role, In-service Promoted Secondary School Heads, Strengthening, Secondary Education
Association of Veiling with Religious Obligation among University Students
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad Khalid , Zaman Qamar , Akhtar Muhammad , Shahzad Muhammad Asif
Published: May 2013

Veiling is considered a religious obligation among Muslim women. With respect to veil there are certain Ayat in the Holy Quran (saying of Almighty Allah) as well as Ahadith (saying of the Holy Prophet SAW) that confirmed veil as a religious obligation for Muslim women. For a long time Muslims ruled Indo-Pak Sub-continent influencing heavily on local society. Role of Sufia is another factor of the religious attitude of the people of the Pakistan.  But the slogan of modernization and imitation of the traditions of developed countries is a common issue now day that is spoiling the culture of non developed countries. As Pakistan is a country among those who remained a colony of the British who while leaving the region left behind some cultural elements that have been dominated in the society by the name of modernization and veil is one among these changing cultural aspects. Therefore, this study was designed to see the association of veil with religious obligation among university students in Pakistan.  The results of the study revealed that it has mixed trend towards the use of veil among university students in Pakistan.   Key words: Veil, culture, religious obligation, the Holy Quran, modernization
Preparing for Merger: An Art and Science Approach for Organisational Development
Authors: Schroeder Harold
Published: May 2013

High failure rates continue to be reported for organizational change projects in general and mergers and acquisitions in particular, with the failures most often attributed to cultural incompatibilities or other people-related issues. The article identifies factors believed to be contributing to this situation, which mean that organisations are often inadequately prepared for the challenges of merger and integration. The Art and Science of TransformationTM framework developed by Schroeder & Schroeder, Inc. and two related organizational change readiness assessment tools are discussed as a suggested approach for improvement of the prospects for a successful merger. These enable organizations considering a merger to determine their current state of change readiness in terms of art and science skills as well as proven organizational change shaping levers, and identify the cultural and people-related factors that can facilitate or hinder transformation.  In this way, potential risks can be identified and eliminated and key drivers of successful transformation can be strengthened. Keywords: Mergers, Organizational Transformation, Art and Science
Effect of Compensation Factors on Employee Satisfaction- A Study of Doctor’s Dissatisfaction in Punjab
Authors: Yaseen Ayesha
Published: May 2013

Introduction- Doctors job satisfaction can be increase by providing good compensation system like valid pay, recognition, promotional opportunity and meaningful work. These factors have positive relationship with job satisfaction of doctors. Objectives/Purpose- The aim of this research is to find out various issues of compensation management for the doctors in civil hospitals and to explore that compensation has direct effect on doctor’s satisfaction level. Research design/research methodology- This is a tentative research where survey has been conducted in well known civil hospitals of Punjab’s main cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Bahawalpur.  Primary data has been assembled through questionnaire. And secondary data collected through research papers. Findings- Findings have shown that pay, recognition, promotion opportunities, and meaningful work are factors of compensation management which have direct effect on job satisfaction on doctors. But the main reason of doctor’s dissatisfaction is, because they are not getting proper service structure and not finding their work meaningful. Government should increase satisfaction of doctors by providing this type of non financial compensation. Recommendation/suggestion- The most important thing is that government should revise and make amendment in the service structure of doctors. Because the main reason of doctors dissatisfaction in Punjab is actually the service structure. Government should implement proper performance management system to tackle the issues related to feedback, performance and promotions of doctors. Contribution- This study plays a vital role in persuading the policy makers to think over the factors which effect on doctor’s satisfaction in civil hospitals. The findings of this research are valuable, which can be useful for the worldwide in order to tackle such issues again. Key words: Doctors, Compensation, Salary, Promotion opportunity, Satisfaction
Caregiver Burden Assessment in Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Dada Tanuj , Aggarwal Ashutosh , Bali Shveta Jindal , Wadhwani Meenakshi , Tinwala Sana , Sagar Rajesh
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To assess the magnitude of caregiver burden and depression in primary caregivers of patients with primary congenital glaucoma.

Methods

Fifty-five primary caregivers of children diagnosed with primary congenital glaucoma were evaluated. The magnitude of burden on caregivers was assessed using a Caregiver Burden Questionnaire (CBQ). The overall aggregate burden and burden across 3 domains—socioeconomic, emotional, and psychological—was evaluated. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated using a Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) standard questionnaire and graded from mild to severe.

Results

The mean age of the presenting children was 8.11±46.71 months; all of them were male. The mean age of the study participants was 33.6±8.36 years (53 female, 2 male). Thirty-nine (71%) individuals were identified to have moderate aggregate burden and 3 (5%) had severe aggregate burden. Twelve (22%) subjects were noted to have moderate depression, while 6 of them (11%) had either severe or very severe grades of depression.

Conclusions

Caregivers of patients with primary congenital glaucoma have significant emotional and psychological burden. Moderate to severe depression may be present in one-third of individuals giving primary care to children with congenital glaucoma.
Management of Complications in Long-Term LVAD Support
Authors: Schweiger Martin , Vierecke Juliane , Potapov Evgenij , Krabatsch Thomas
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Management of complications in long-term LVAD support like aortic regurgitation, progressive decline of right ventricular function, or pump thrombosis are challenging.

Methods and Results

After 2.5 years on a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) a 59-year-old patient was admitted to hospital due to severe hemolysis caused by a partial occlusion and thrombosis caused by a shift of the LVAD inflow cannula towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle (LV). Preoperative assessment revealed additional severe aortic regurgitation and impaired right ventricular (RV) function (severe tricuspid regurgitation, RV ejection fraction 25%, central venous pressure 14 mmHg). After LVAD device exchange and aortic valve replacement (AVR) RV failure occurred and a temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) was employed. RVAD explantation was feasible 21 days after surgery. The patient was discharged to a rehabilitation center.

Discussion

In this case, LVAD exchange with concomitant AVR and temporary RVAD efforts saved the patient's life and restored a good quality of life.
Suppression of Titanium Particle-Induced TNF-Alpha Expression and Apoptosis in Human U937 Macrophages by siRNA Silencing
Authors: Sun Kening , Li Yaping , Lu Zhidong , Zhang Liang , Gao Zhihui , Jin Qunhua
Published: May 2013

Aseptic loosening of joint prosthetics is one of the most frequent reasons for the failure of total joint replacement surgeries. A major cause of the aseptic loosening is osteolysis caused by a periprosthetic inflammatory response to wear particles released from implanted prosthetics. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is thought to play a dominant role in wear-induced inflammation. It was shown previously by our group, as well as by other researchers, that macrophages produce abundant TNF-α when exposed to particulate titanium (Ti), which is widely used as a biomaterial in arthroplastic surgery. In the present study, we have tested the feasibility of using siRNA as a therapeutic intervention against wear-induced TNF-α production. Our data show that transfection of U937 macrophage cells with TNF-α siRNA inhibits Ti particle-induced expression of TNF-α mRNA and protein by >65%. Moreover, U937 cells transfected with TNF-α siRNA were significantly more resistant to Ti particle-induced apoptosis (>60%, p<0.05) and caspase-3 activation (>50%, p<0.05) compared with normal U937 cells. Collectively, our data show that siRNA can be an effective way to inhibit Ti particle-induced TNF-α expression and the activation of downstream pathways such as apoptosis in macrophages. These data provide a foundation for future studies to investigate the use of siRNA targeting inflammatory cytokines as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of aseptic loosening of prosthetic materials used in arthroplastic surgery.
Long-Term Peritoneal Dialysis Experience: Quality Control Supports the use of Fluconazole to Prevent Fungal Peritonitis
Authors: Lopes Karina , Rocha Ana , Rodrigues Anabela , Carvalho Maria João , Cabrita António
Published: May 2013

Background

Fungal peritonitis (FP) is rare, but it is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Patients and Methods

A prospective study was conducted based on the peritonitis episodes registry to evaluate FP rate, possible risk factors, and outcomes. The impact of prophylactic intervention with oral fluconazole was evaluated.

Results

Over 24 years of experience, 417 patients underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD), followed for 956 patient-years. By the end of the study, the peritonitis rate reached 0.47 episodes per patient-year of treatment (ep/pt-y). FP was detected in 24 patients. The global rate of FP was 0.03 ep/pt-y (4.8%). Candida species accounted for 92% of the FP. Risk factors identified: recent use of antibiotics in 63% (13 episodes of bacterial peritonitis and 2 exit-site infections (ESI)) and immunosuppressive therapy in 8%. While rare, the FP proportion was still observed to increase from the beginning of the program, reaching 7.8% (0.05 ep/pt-y). A strategy of antifungal prophylaxis with oral fluconazole during peritonitis or ESI antibiotic therapy was adopted, which allowed thereafter a 4.0% falling FP proportion (by study end, rate of 0.01 ep/pt-y). Catheter removal occurred in all patients. The mortality rate was 12.5%. Reinsertion of dialysis catheter was attempted in 4 patients and PD was successfully resumed in 3 patients.

Conclusions

FP was associated with high mortality and required early removal of the catheter in all patients. Recent use of antibiotics was a predisposing factor to PF The quality control process determined a prophylactic strategy and reduction of PF after introduction of oral fluconazole was implemented.
Extended Characterization of a New Class of Membranes for Blood Purification: The High Cut-off Membranes
Authors: Boschetti-de-Fierro Adriana , Voigt Manuel , Storr Markus , Krause Bernd
Published: May 2013

High cut-off membranes are a new class of blood purification membranes whose particular characteristics present challenges for commonly-used characterization methods. Dextran sieving curves for representative blood purification membranes of the high-flux and high cut-off types were measured and compared to curves for the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). The performance was also determined after blood exposure for the most permeable synthetic membranes. High cut-off membranes were observed to be more open than the GFB before blood exposure, but become tighter and more selective after the exposure, keeping the permeation for low and middle molecules while restraining the filtration of large species.

Based on dextran sieving experiments for a variety of commercially available blood purification membranes, we present a novel method for classifying blood purification membranes. By using a well-established technique and introducing a new characteristic parameter for the sieving curve – the molecular weight retention onset (MWRO) – a graph of molecular weight cut-off versus molecular weight retention onset provides the landscape of dialysis membrane types. This meaningful representation is based on only one in vitro method, and allows the membrane classification by indirectly considering two structural parameters: pore size and pore size distribution. In this way, the families of low-flux, high-flux, protein leaking, and high cut-off membranes are clearly differentiated. The differentiation allows for the definition of MWCO/MWRO regions for the different types, so that further classification of newly developed membranes can be easily achieved.
Effects of Hemoperfusion in the Treatment of Childhood Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis
Authors: Chen Lina , Wang Zheng , Zhai Songhui , Zhang Hui , Lu Jing , Chen Xiuying
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Immune mediators play a role in the pathogenesis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) nephritis. Since hemoperfusion (HP) is able to eliminate the immune mediators in many diseases, we investigated the effects of HP in the treatment of HSP nephritis.

Methods

90 children with HSP nephritis were enrolled and followed up for 12 months. They were assigned to the HP group or the control group, respectively. Both groups were treated with corticosteroids and other supportive therapy. Patients in the HP group received HP for 3 consecutive days. The major outcomes included the percentage of patients with HSP nephritis, extrarenal symptoms, and recurrences and changes in serum levels of immune mediators.

Results

The percentage of patients with nephritis in the HP group was less than that in the control group at each visit; the differences for prortions at 1, 3, 6, 12 months were 16.7% (p = 0.133), 31.3% (p = 0.004), 10.8% (p = 0.283), and 20.6% (p = 0.003), respectively. The severity and duration of abdominal and joint pains in the acute phase were significantly improved in the HP group compared to those in the control group. Hemoperfusion also significantly reduced patients’ serum levels of immune mediators including IgA, TNF-α, IL-6, and LTB4. However, recurrences between the two groups were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Hemoperfusion in combination with corticosteroid was more effective than corticosteroid alone in treating HSP nephritis. The effects may be achieved by eliminating immune mediators.
Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Techniques
Authors: Sica Gigliola
Published: May 2013

The therapeutic use of stem cells and tissue engineering techniques are emerging in urology. Here, stem cell types, their differentiating potential and fundamental characteristics are illustrated. The cancer stem cell hypothesis is reported with reference to the role played by stem cells in the origin, development and progression of neoplastic lesions. In addition, recent reports of results obtained with stem cells alone or seeded in scaffolds to overcome problems of damaged urinary tract tissue are summarized. Among others, the application of these biotechnologies in urinary bladder, and urethra are delineated. Nevertheless, apart from the ethical concerns raised from the use of embryonic stem cells, a lot of questions need to be solved concerning the biology of stem cells before their widespread use in clinical trials. Further investigation is also required in tissue engineering utilizing animal models.
Endovesical Treatment as an Alternative to BCG for Intermediate or High-Risk NMI Bladder Cancer
Authors: Serretta Vincenzo , Colombo Renzo
Published: May 2013

A shortage of BCG is foreseen till the end of 2013.

Which will be the management of intermediate and high-risk NMI-BC if BCG will not be available? In patients harboring high-risk NMI tumors, particularly T1G3 and Tis, the first therapeutic choice is radical cystectomy. Device-assisted therapies, although showing promising results, should be considered only for selected patients.

In intermediate risk patients, intravesical chemotherapy remains a legitimate option even if BCG is available. Thus, in a period of BCG shortage, intravesical chemotherapy should be offered, preferably preceded by early instillation, according to the EAU guidelines.
Rediscovering Liberal Education in China The Benefits of Dialogue and Inquiry
Authors: Rowe Stephen
Published: May 2013

I engage the comparative/dialogical approach to assess the prevalent process/virtue orientation to education in the United States, both its perils and the sense in which it is reflective of a deeper embodiment of liberal education. From encounter with Chinese colleagues, with their urge to adopt liberal education practices, I report a commonly shared awareness of the failure of modernity to cultivate mature humanity, and consequent recognition of the need to draw on the riches of the respective traditions. I discover that traditional resources—both Western and Chinese—become more vividly and effectively available when they are reappropriated in dialogue with those from different traditions who are undertaking the same task—something quite distinct from fundamentalism. The task/problem/inquiry orientation to education could lead to a worldwide revival of liberal education and even enable the university, as a now global institution, to contribute to addressing the other urgent problems and issues of our era.
Capacidades institucionales en investigación
Authors: Reyes Luis Alonso
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i10.1060 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología, No. 10, junio 2012 pp 17-22
Convergencia económica en América Central: Evidencia empírica, 1975-2005
Authors: Macías Ruano Mirta , Reyes Luis Alonso
Published: May 2013

Se presentan hechos estilizados del crecimiento económico y la convergencia interregional para Centroamérica expuestos en la literatura empírica de crecimiento. Para ello, se hace un análisis de corte transversal para el período de referencia 1975-2005, y con ello establecer la existencia o no de convergencia en los niveles del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) per cápita entre los países analizados. Adicionalmente, se indaga sobre el efecto de algunos determinantes sobre el crecimiento económico durante el período 1993-2005. Los resultados indican que en el largo plazo (1975-2005) se acepta la hipótesis de convergencia, pero este proceso se revierte a partir de la década de 1980 y los valores de los coeficientes se reducen drásticamente en el último período 1995- 2005. En cuanto a las determinantes del crecimiento económico se encontró que las variables educativas, el gasto en formación bruta de capital fijo y la tasa crecimiento poblacional son significativas estadísticamente. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i10.1065 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología, No. 10, junio 2012 pp 100-116
Intensidad del fondo del cielo como indicador de eyecciones coronales solares y efectos geomagneticos
Authors: Guerrero Maribel Suyapa , Stemborg Guillermo , Roviera Marta
Published: May 2013

Dada la importancia del impacto de las perturbaciones de los fenómenos geoefectivos en la magnetósfera de la Tierra y sus consecuencias sobre ella, resultan de mucho interés el estudio de todos los fenómenos solares que influencian el clima de la Tierra; en este caso las eyecciones coronales de masa solar (CME) a través de los datos del dispositivo Sky Tester del coronógrafo MICA (Mirror Coronograph in Argentina), un telescopio solar con base en Tierra, del coronógrafo C1 de LASCO a bordo del SOHO. En esta investigación se ha planteado una correlación entre las CME como indicador del fondo de cielo a través de las mediciones del Sky Tester que observa el brillo del cielo alrededor del disco solar o aureola, llamado halo. También se plantea la correlación entre los halos CME y los disturbios geomagnéticos por medio del índice geomagnético "K", que indica el tipo de tormentas que provocan las CME sobre la magnetósfera terrestre. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i10.1067 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología, No. 10, junio 2012 pp 135-149
Observatorios económicos y de emprendimiento desde la academia
Authors: Acevedo Amaya Mario Roberto , Argueta Moreno Jesús , Ortega Jiménez Cesar Humberto
Published: May 2013

A nivel mundial los Observatorios Económico y de Emprendimiento (OEE) buscan incrementar las potencialidades de una nación, y en especial cuando son realizados desde la academia, buscan potencializar esas capacidades que tienen las universidades para responder de manera oportuna a las necesidades de conocimiento científico-tecnológico del sector productivo de un país. En este sentido, las actividades de los OEE desde la academia deberán ser un instrumento estratégico fundamental que articule el Sistema Nacional de Monitoreo y Evaluación de los distintos sectores económicos, así como las cuentas nacionales, mediante la identificación de las necesidades de conocimiento del sector productivo y de la producción de conocimientos relevantes en la universidad. Sumado a ello, la adopción de mecanismos adecuados de investigación, desarrollo e innovación que permitan una vinculación, aprendizaje y difusión. Los OEE desde las academias constituyen el desarrollo pionero en la investigación oportuna de la realidad económica y empresarial de nuestro país, con la finalidad de adoptar los correctivos necesarios en la economía, a través de los “tanques de pensamiento” como instrumento de política universitaria para apoyar en etapas tempranas, con un sentido prospectivo, o en etapas posteriores con un sentido correctivo. A su vez, los OEE colaboraran con las actividades de importancia social, económica y empresarial que pudieran requerir la acción oportuna de la universidad en conjunto con los distintos actores a fin de crear conciencia critica y toma de decisiones efectivas. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i11.1072 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología, No. 11, diciembre 2012 pp 29-44
La construcción social del calentamiento global cambiando los términos del debate desde américa latina
Authors: Guerrero Maribel , De Souza Silva José
Published: May 2013

Este título es apenas una sugerencia; lo que interesa es su significado. Quiere decir que el calentamiento global es lo que nuestra visión de mundo o concepción de realidad nos permite percibir. En este caso, la humanidad tiene acceso a la naturaleza del calentamiento global y su dinámica a través del discurso oficial hegemónico sobre el tema y, por lo tanto, a través de la visión de mundo de sus protagonistas. Por eso se empieza con “la construcción social” para significar la intervención de valores, intereses y compromisos humanos en el debate sobre el calentamiento global. Sin embargo, se hace el contrapunto estratégico al título, sugiriendo que esta situación es examinada críticamente desde una perspectiva diferente que emerge desde América Latina, distinta de la que prevalece en el debate global. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i11.1075 Revista Ciencia y Tecnología, No. 11, diciembre 2012 pp 70-77
Stereo Vision-Based Human Tracking for Robotic Follower
Authors: Petrović Emina , Leu Adrian , Ristić-Durrant Danijela , Nikolić Vlastimir
Published: May 2013

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of real-time vision-based human tracking to enable mobile robots to follow a human co-worker. A novel approach to combine stereo vision-based human detection with human tracking using a modified Kalman filter is presented. Stereo vision-based detection combines features extracted from 2D stereo images with reconstructed 3D object features to detect humans in a robot's environment. For human tracking a modified Kalman filter recursively predicts and updates estimates of the 3D coordinates of a human in the robot's camera coordinate system. This prediction enables human detection to be performed on the image region of interest contributing to cost effective human tracking. The performance of the presented method was tested within a working scenario of a mobile robot intended to follow a human co-worker in indoor applications as well as in outdoor applications.
Employing Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Co-Operative Path Planning
Authors: Habib Durdana , Jamal Habibullah , Khan Shoab A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract In this paper, we work to develop a path planning solution for a group of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) approach. Co-operation among team members not only helps reduce mission time, it makes the execution more robust in dynamic environments. However, the problem becomes more challenging as it requires optimal resource allocation and is NP-hard. Since UAVs may be lost or may suffer significant damage during the course of the mission, plans may need to be modified in real-time as the mission proceeds. Therefore, multiple UAVs have a better chance of completing a mission in the face of failures. Such military operations can be treated as a variant of the Multiple Depot Vehicle Routing Problem (MDVRP). The proposed solution must be such that m UAVs start from multiple source locations to visit n targets and return to a set of destination locations such that (1) each target is visited exactly by one of the chosen UAVs (2) the total distance travelled by the group is minimized and (3) the number of targets that each UAV visits may not be less than K or greater than L.
Subsection Evolution in GA for Trajectory Planning of a Space Manipulator
Authors: Zeng Cen , Wei Xiaopeng , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2013

Abstract A free-floating space manipulator has outstanding advantages and wide application prospects compared with other categories. This paper discusses the concepts and categories of space robots and introduces the current trajectory-planning algorithm for a space robot and its ground simulation system in the main countries of the world. This paper also constructs a system model for the space manipulator system and gives the kinematic equation of such a manipulator system. A dynamic equation of the manipulator's joints is also developed by using Lagrange equations. Continuous Cartesian trajectory planning is also studied in this paper based on differential kinematical equations and momentum conservation equations. Finally, this paper presents the subsection evolution algorithm in GA to realize the trajectory tracking of a free-floating space manipulator and a simulation about the free floating space manipulator and its corresponding analyses are given.
Interactive Collision Avoidance Based on Surrounding Mobility Type for an Intelligent Powered Wheelchair
Authors: Ito Takuma , Kamata Minoru
Published: May 2013

Abstract Electric powered wheelchairs have been developed for people with disabilities and the elderly who have difficulties walking and participating in social activities. However, for users with decreased cognitive abilities and judgment due to further aging, mobility aids that are not only powered but also intelligent are required. Intelligent powered wheelchairs with autonomous locomotion functions are one solution to this problem. This research focused on the complexity of coexisting “mobility types” on sidewalks and a prototype intelligent wheelchair equipped with interactive strategies for collision avoidance based on the surrounding mobility type was developed. In order to classify the mobility type of coexisting traffic participants, image-processing components combined with LIDAR were developed. Based on the classification results, the wheelchair selected and executed either a changing-lanes strategy or deceleration strategy autonomously.
Bait Preferences and Population Status of Small Mammals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: Kumar Alexander V. , Linzey Donald W. , Smith Charles R.
Published: May 2013

Small mammal bait preferences and population status were studied in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the summer of 2010. The possible occurrence of the least weasel (Mustela nivalis) in the Park was also assessed. Traps baited with peanut butter caught significantly more small mammals than empty traps or traps baited with potted meat. The overall number of small mammals caught was significantly less than in an extensive study in the Park during 1999–2003, although the effort (measured as trap-nights) for the two studies was similar. A drought that occurred between the two studies and/or the relatively recent appearances of the coyote (Canis latrans) and European wild boar (Sus scrofa) may have contributed to the significantly lower numbers of small mammals caught. Implications of climate change for small mammal populations are discussed. M. nivalis was not trapped during the study. Future, more intensive studies are recommended to explore thoroughly the possibility of M. nivalis inhabiting the Park and the effects of C. latrans and S. scrofa on small mammal populations within the park.