bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are we there yet? The role of continuous assessment in musical theatre training
Authors: Harrison Scott , Sabey Paul , O’Bryan Jessica
Published: November 2014

This article seeks to interrogate aspects of assessment practices in musical theatre. Practices in the training of musical theatre students are rarely a source for reflection, and this project sought to unveil some of the processes of learning, teaching and assessment in a new musical theatre degree. The larger project on which this article is based sought to develop and evaluate assessment protocols that assisted in facilitating practices with a stronger alignment with the professional realities of musical theatre. The data for this research consists of perceptions of students and their lecturers in relation to the implementation of a continuous assessment regime in a musical theatre degree in Australia. The assessment process is designed to provide students with regular commentary about their progress. In addition to end-of-semester exams, weekly marks are awarded for approximately twenty sub-activities within the broad areas of acting, dance, performance project, singing and speech. In addition, this means of assessment is located within a degree structure that employs a sliding scale across three years: students are assessed through formative assessment in the early years, and summative in the later years of the degree. Through individual interviews with staff and students, the efficacy of this assessment process was documented. Staff members who worked with students in the programme were interviewed to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of such an approach. Students were interviewed to determine whether they believed it assisted them in both their learning and in achieving goals during and beyond the degree. An action research cycle was initiated and the findings demonstrate a relative degree of agreement between expectations of participants in the course and the proposed outcomes at the end of the degree. These findings, combined with artefacts from the programme and previously reported student perceptions, are presented as a model that may provide the potential for replication in other training programmes that seek to prepare students for the realities of a career in the creative and performing arts.
Last chances and long journeys: Rocky and Violet come to Broadway
Authors: Lodge Mary Jo
Published: November 2014

In this performance review, the author considers two new musicals premiering on Broadway in the spring of 2014: Rocky, the stage adaptation of Sylvester Stallone’s 1976 movie, by Thomas Meehan and Stephen Flaherty, and Violet, the adaptation of Doris Betts’ short story ‘The Ugly Pilgrim’, by Brian Crawley and Jeanine Tesori. Although in theme and subject matter the author finds certain similarities between these shows, the productions themselves play out quite differently and offer an interesting comparative analysis.
Reviews
Authors: Hetra Michael , Thomaidis Konstantinos , Warner Rebecca , Yuh Ji Hong (Kayla) , Clum John M.
Published: November 2014

Dangerous Rhythm: Why Movie Musicals Matter, Richard Barrios (2014) New York: Oxford University Press, 288 pp., ISBN: 9780199973842, h/bk, £22.99

The Legacy of Opera: Reading Music Theatre as Experience and Performance, Dominic Symonds and Pamela Karantonis (2013) Amsterdam and New York: Rodopi, 269 pp., ISBN: 9789042036918, p/bk, $78

West End Broadway: The Golden Age of the American Musical in London, Adrian Wright (2012) Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 376 pp., ISBN: 9781843837916, h/bk, £25

A Million Miles from Broadway: Musical Theatre beyond New York and London, Mel Atkey (2012) Vancouver and London: Friendlysong Books, 296 pp., ISBN: 9780991695706, p/bk, $23.60

Love Song: The Lives of Kurt Weill and Lotte Lenya, Ethan Mordden (2012) New York: St. Martins, 334 pp., ISBN: 9780312676575, h/bk, $25.95
Avaliação da percepção da aceitação da família e dos amigos: contributos para a validade da estrutura factorial da Perceived Aceptance Scale (PAS)
Authors: Figueiredo Cláudia , Maia José , Pinheiro Maria do Rosário
Published: November 2014

A Escala de Percepção da Aceitação-PAS (Brock, Sarason, Sanghvi & Gurung, 1998; Versão portuguesa de Pinheiro & Ferreira, 2001) mede, nos relacionamentos com o pai, a mãe, a família e os amigos, a apreciação pessoal de que os outros se preocupam connosco e nos valorizam independentemente das nossas atitudes e acções pontuais. Procurando contribuir para o processo de validação transcultural da PAS neste estudo, a partir de uma amostra de estudantes universitários, são apresentados e discutidos os resultados da Análise Factorial Confirmatória com recurso a um estimador apropriado para lidar com dados ordinais (Muthén & Muthén, 2005). Conclui-se que os modelos propostos reproduzem adequadamente a estrutura de cada subescala e da escala no seu todo. Na análise do ajustamento local verifica-se que os valores de R2 que cada factor extrai por item se situam entre .11 e .80, requerendo uma interpretação cuidada da qualidade semântica de alguns deles. São sugeridas as respectivas alterações.
Momentos de inovação e mudança espontânea: Um estudo exploratório
Authors: Cruz Graciete , Gonçalves Miguel M.
Published: November 2014

Os processos de mudança espelham a centralidade dos contínuos movimentos dinâmicos que pontuam o carácter experiencial da vida humana. Seja na terapia ou na “vida real” o mais provável é que estes processos obedeçam aos mesmos princípios desenvolvimentais. Assim, é curioso que a investigação em psicoterapia tenha vindo a dar relativamente pouca importância aos processos de mudança que ocorrem espontaneamente, no quotidiano das pessoas. Neste estudo analisámos três tipos de narrativas de situações de dificuldade (ultrapassadas, persistentes e actuais) de um conjunto de participantes (N=27), que não estavam actualmente em acompanhamento terapêutico. O Sistema de Codificação dos Momentos de Inovação (M. Gonçalves, Matos & Santos, 2007) foi utilizado para caracterizar e comparar estes três tipos de narrativas. Os resultados são apresentados tendo em consideração as investigações que têm sido conduzidas em psicoterapia, com esta metodologia. Estes resultados sugerem que esta metodologia pode facilitar a compreensão do modo como narrativamente as pessoas elaboram as suas dificuldades de vida no quotidiano e que o processo de mudança tem semelhanças com o que tem sido encontrado na investigação em psicoterapia.
Duft der Zeit
Authors: Han Byung-Chul
Published: November 2014

Die heutige Zeitkrise hängt nicht zuletzt mit der Verabsolutierung der vita activa zusammen. Sie führt zu einem Imperativ der Arbeit, der den Menschen zu einem arbeitenden Tier (animal laborans) degradiert. Die Hyperaktivität des Alltags nimmt dem menschlichen Leben jegliche Kraft zum Verweilen und zur Kontemplation. Dadurch wird die Erfahrung erfüllter Zeit unmöglich. Notwendig für die Überwindung der heutigen Zeitkrise sind die Revitalisierung der vita contemplativa und das Wiedererlernen der Kunst des Verweilens.
Price Disclosure Rules and Consumer Price Comparison
Authors: Stühmeier Torben
Published: November 2014

Search frictions are regarded as a major impediment to active competition in many markets. In some markets, such as financial and retail gasoline, governments and consumer protection agencies call for compulsory price reporting. Consumers could then more easily compare the firms’ offers. We show that for a given level of price comparison, mandatory price reporting indeed generally benefits consumers. Such regulation, however, feeds back into firms’ strategies, resulting in lower levels of price comparison in equilibrium. This effect may dominate so that the regulation leads to higher expected market prices.
Comparison of chemical composition and biological activities of Seseli rigidum fruit essential oils from Serbia
Authors: Ilić Marija D. , Jovanović Vesna P. Stankov , Mitić Violeta D. , Jovanović Olga P. , Mihajilov-Krstev Tatjana M. , Marković Marija S. , Stojanović Gordana S.
Published: November 2014

Plants from genus Seseli, have been widely used in European traditional medicine, exhibiting antibacterial, antifungal, insect repellent, emmenogogue, antiflatulence, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-tumor, antirheumatic activities and protective effect on human lymphocytes DNA. They usually grow on mountain rocky terrains. Part of their habitat on Vidlic Mountain, located in South-east Serbia, was struck with a large wildfire. Seseli rigidum fruit essential oils (from post fire and control areas) compositions were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, identifying monoterpenes α-pinene and sabinene as most abundant. Statistical tests showed a non-significant difference in chemical composition of these two oils, but a significant difference in comparison with the herb from a geographically different origin. Antimicrobial tests showed strong activities of the oils against tested bacteria, thus confirming its administration in various inflammation processes as a quite effective remedy. Applying DPPH. and ABTS+. radical scavenging and total reducing Fe(III) to Fe(II) power assays, antioxidant characteristics of both studied essential oils were estimated as weak, though of close values. Seseli rigidum fruit essential oil was proven as a potent inhibitor of human and horse serum cholinesterase, recognizing its possible application as neural protective agent
Immunoactive ionic liquids based
on 2-hydroxyethylamines and 1-R-indol-3-ylsulfanylacetic acids. Crystal
and molecular structure of immunodepressant tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium
indol-3-ylsulfanylacetate
Authors: Mirskova Anna N. , Adamovich Sergey N. , Mirskov Rudolf G. , Kolesnikova Olga P. , Schilde Uwe
Published: November 2014

Immunoactive ionic liquids (2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium 1-R-indol-3-ylsulfanyl-acetates HN+R1R2(CH2CH2OH) ∙ -O(O)CCH2S-Ind-R3-1 (1-5), were synthesized by the reaction of (2-hydroxyethyl)amines with indol-3-ylsulfanylacetic- or 1-benzylindol-3-ylsulfanylacetic acid. 1: R1 = R2 = CH2CH2OH, R3 = H; 2: R1 = СН3,R2=CH2CH2OH, R3 = H; 3: R1 = R2 = CH3, R3 = H; 4: R1 = R2 = CH2CH2OH, R3 = СH2С6Н5; 5: R1 = СН3; R2 = CH2CH2OH; R3 = СH2С6Н5. The structure of each compound was elucidated by IR, NMR 1H, 13С, and 15N techniques and their composition was confirmed by elemental analysis. The crystal structure of tris-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium indol-3-ylsulfanylacetate was investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Immunoactive properties of the title compounds were screened.
Chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of extractable compounds of Betula litwinowii (Betulaceae) buds
Authors: Isidorov Valery A. , Bagan Róża , Szczepaniak Lech , Swiecicka Izabela
Published: November 2014

In spite of the long history of therapeutic use of buds from different birch species in folk medicine the existing information on their chemical composition is insufficient. The main goal was to develop a method for GC-MS determination of the chemical profile of birch buds as well as their antimicrobial activity. 150 substances of different classes were identified in Betula litwinowii buds. The volatile elements of the buds were mainly represented by sesquiterpene compounds. Ether extracts also contained other biologically active components such as flavonoids and triterpenoids. However, a particular feature of this fraction was the high content of sesquiterpene phenylpropenoids, including esters of ferulic and caffeic acids with caryophyllene-type alcohols that had not been previously found in any biological samples. Apart from carbohydrates, a series of free amino acids were detected in methanol extracts. The antimicrobial activity of the ether extracts of the buds was observed against all of the microorganisms tested, with MIC values from 0.04 to 0.08 mg mL-1 for Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. However, their inhibitory activities against tested Gram-negative bacteria were rather occasional.
Modular p-adic L-functions attached to real quadratic fields
and arithmetic applications
Authors: Greenberg Matthew , Seveso Marco Adamo , Shahabi Shahab
Published: November 2014

Let

f
∈

S

k
0

+
2

⁢

(

Γ
0

⁢

(

N
⁢
p

)

)

${f\in S_{k_{0}+2}(\Gamma_{0}(Np))}$

be a normalized N-new eigenform with

p

∤
N

${p\,{\nmid}\,N}$

and such that

a
p
2

≠

p

k
0

+
1

${a_{p}^{2}\neq p^{k_{0}+1}}$

and

ord
p

⁡

(

a
p

)

<

k
0

+
1

${\operatorname{ord}_{p}(a_{p})<k_{0}+1}$

. By Coleman’s theory, there is a p-adic family

𝐅

${\mathbf{F}}$

of eigenforms whose weight

k
0

+
2

${k_{0}+2}$

specialization is f. Let K
be a real quadratic field and let ψ be an unramified character of

Gal
⁡

(

K
¯

/
K

)

${\operatorname{Gal}(\overline{K}/K)}$

. Under mild hypotheses on the discriminant of K and the
factorization of N, we construct a p-adic L-function

ℒ

𝐅
/
K

,
ψ

${\mathcal{L}_{\mathbf{F}/K,\psi}}$

interpolating the central critical values of the Rankin L-functions associated to the base change to K of the specializations of

𝐅

${\mathbf{F}}$

in classical weight, twisted by ψ. When the character ψ
is quadratic,

ℒ

𝐅
/
K

,
ψ

${\mathcal{L}_{\mathbf{F}/K,\psi}}$

factors into a product of
two Mazur-Kitagawa p-adic L-functions. If, in addition,

𝐅

${\mathbf{F}}$

has
p-new specialization in weight

k
0

+
2

${k_{0}+2}$

, then under natural parity
hypotheses we may relate derivatives of each of the Mazur-Kitagawa factors
of

ℒ

𝐅
/
K

,
ψ

${\mathcal{L}_{\mathbf{F}/K,\psi}}$

at

k
0

${k_{0}}$

to Bloch–Kato logarithms of
Heegner cycles. On the other hand the derivatives of our p-adic L-functions encodes the position of the so called Darmon cycles. As an
application we prove rationality results about them, generalizing theorems
of Bertolini–Darmon, Seveso, and Shahabi.
How Impressionable Were the Younger Reagan Cohorts?
Authors: Cook Zachary F.
Published: November 2014

Younger voters today, defined as under the age of 30 and often labeled the Millennial Generation, have shown high support for Barack Obama and for certain statements about activist government. Are we witnessing some generational effect for a significant percentage of the Millennials, stemming from their growing up during impressionable years under first George W. Bush and then Obama? To study this question with a historical analogy, I use the ANES to compare under-30 cohorts under Jimmy Carter as a benchmark and then Ronald Reagan much more extensively. I find evidence consistent with categories advanced by Sears (1983). The Reagan years disproportionately shifted this age group’s symbolic attitudes, including partisanship, self-reported ideology, and approval of Reagan himself, but not most specific policy opinions. If this finding generalizes, recent events may leave a Democratic imprint on the Millennials, but their current measures of policy liberalism should not be attributed overmuch to Obama’s influence.
Deformation Behavior and Dynamic Recovery Kinetics of Ultrahigh Strength Steel BR1500HS at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Xia Yufeng , Ji Shuai , Zhang Yandong , Wu Dongsen , Quan Guozheng
Published: November 2014

The flow behaviors of ultrahigh strength steel BR1500HS at elevated temperature were studied by performing hot tension tests at the temperatures of 773 K, 873 K, 1023 K and 1173 K, and strain rates of 0.01 s
Modeling the Adsorption Step during Hydrogen Purification in Gas Treatment Application
Authors: Belgacem Balsam , Chlendi Mohamed , Bagane Mohamed
Published: November 2014

The present work is interested in modeling the adsorption step for the process of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) for hydrogen purification. This work aims at modeling the adsorption of one or more compounds in a mixture at different pressures ranging from 8 to 20 bars at ambient temperature. The flow was presented by the piston model with an axial dispersion. The equilibrium isotherm was expressed by the Langmuir model for the mono-component adsorption and the model of Langmuir extended for the multi-component adsorption. Moreover, two models of kinetic transfer between the gaseous and solid phases were considered, the first-order model based on the approximation of the Linear Driving Force (LDF) and a sophisticated model which is the Surface Diffusion model (SD). As a first step, the CH4/H2 mixture adsorption on activated carbon was studied. In a second step, the adsorption of CH4/CO2/H2 on activated carbon and of CH4/N2/H2 on a 5A° molecular sieve was studied taking into consideration an interaction parameter for the extended Langmuir model. The simulation results obtained after the resolution of the equations of the model in a developed program, compared with the experimental results from previous works, show a rather satisfactory agreement on the level of stoichiometric time and kinetic mass transfer.
Improved Load Compensation using Harmonic Compensator in dq0 Current Controller for DSTATCOM
Authors: Geddada Nagesh , Mishra Mahesh Kumar
Published: November 2014

This paper presents distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) with dq0 current controller and sine pulse width modulation (SPWM) switching for compensation of unbalanced nonlinear load in distribution system. DSTATCOM, connected in parallel to load at the point of common coupling (PCC), is used for supplying reactive and harmonic components of load current demand. This dq0 current controller is implemented in synchronous reference frame (SRF) rotating at fundamental frequency and consists of harmonic compensation (HC) regulator along with proportional integrator (PI) regulator. HC regulator is realized by number of sinusoidal signal integrators (SSIs) in parallel. The SSI provides high gain for tuned harmonic frequency and helps in minimizing filter current tracking error while compensating for load harmonic currents. Zero-axis controller, which compensates load neutral current and helps in obtaining balanced utility currents, is provided along with d, q controllers. SPWM switching generates inverter gating pulses at constant frequency, which reduces stress levels on VSI switches and simplifies the design of interface filter. Simulation studies of DSTATCOM load compensation with dq0 current controller are carried out in Matlab/Simulink and experimental verification is done using dSpace 1104 with Matlab real-time interface (RTI).
The Roles and Involvement of Local Government Human Resource Professionals in Coastal Cities Emergency Planning
Authors: Mann Stacey Cole , Islam Tanveer
Published: November 2014

Across the US, coastal cities are threatened by many different man-made and natural hazards. From oil spill to hurricanes, tsunamis or coastal flooding, these cities should be prepared for emergency situations and should have well-organized emergency plans for their citizens. As a department that has contact with local government employees, human resource (HR) professionals understand the concepts that are important in times of crisis, including benefits management, training and development, and compensation. From mitigation to recovery, employees are vital to planning and responding to an emergency, and in a time when local government is focused on serving its citizens, local government human resource professionals serve those protecting those citizens – local government employees. The objective of this paper is to assess the roles and involvement of local government human resource professionals in emergency planning in coastal cities nationwide. Using responses collected from HR professionals in coastal cities with populations of 50,000 – 249,999, this paper investigates common HR issues included in emergency plans. Based on the analysis of their responses, gaps are identified and recommendations are made of ways in which human resources can contribute more effectively towards emergency planning for coastal cities.
Summation of smooth functions of two variables with perturbed Fourier coefficients
Authors: Solodky Sergey G. , Sharipov Kosnazar K.
Published: November 2014

The present paper is devoted to the problem of
recovering smooth functions from their Fourier coefficients. We
consider the functions of two variables. Herewith this problem is
ill-posed. The problem is studied in the case of given smoothness of
the functions as well as when a parameter of smoothness is supposed
to be unknown.
Effect of blood on ROM diagnosis accuracy of PAMG-1 and IGFBP-1 detecting rapid tests
Authors: Ramsauer Babett , Duwe Wiebke , Schlehe Bettina , Pitts Regina , Wagner Dirk , Wutkewicz Katja , Chuvashkin Dmitry , Abele Harald , Lachmann Robert
Published: November 2014

Vaginal bleeding may be present in up to 30% of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of a rupture of the fetal membranes (ROM). The presence of blood may lead to false positive results with biochemical markers. The data presented in this study came from a multi-centric prospective observational clinical study that, for the first time, systematically evaluated the performance of placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) detecting tests in 151 women with vaginal bleedings as well as signs and symptoms indicative of ROM. Our data showed better performance for the PAMG-1 compared with the IGFBP-1 detecting tests in all quality parameters evaluated. In detail, sensitivity (SN) was 97.8% (91.0%), specificity (SP) was 91.5% (75.0%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 94.6% (83.5%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 96.4% (85.7%) for PAMG-1 tests (and IGFBP-1 tests, respectively). A major difference between both tests was related to the number of non-evaluable test results (e.g., hidden bands due to blood smear on the test strips). While 2% of all results were not evaluable for PAMG-1 tests, this artifact appeared in 11% of the results obtained with IGFBP-1 tests. This difference and also those in Specificity and PPV were statistically significant, demonstrating superiority of PAMG-1 over IGFBP-1 detecting tests. In conclusion, the PAMG-1 detecting test was significantly less susceptible to interference by blood than the IGFBP-1 detecting test.
Is pharmacologic research on pregnant women with psychoses ethically permissible?
Authors: McCullough Laurence B. , Coverdale John H. , Chervenak Frank A.
Published: November 2014

There is a consistent view in the literature that research on pregnant woman with psychoses is ethically questionable or impermissible. This paper provides a critical appraisal of these views by asking whether pharmacologic research on pregnant women with psychosis for maternal, fetal, and newborn benefit is ethically permissible. We examine separately the documented clinical benefits and risks to the pregnant patient, the fetal patient, and the neonatal and pediatric patient. The outcomes reported in the pertinent literature do not support the conclusion that pharmacologic management of psychosis during pregnancy results in documented, unacceptable risk to the pregnant, fetal, or neonatal patient and is therefore ethically ruled out. Claims that research on the pharmacologic management of psychosis during pregnancy is ethically impermissible because of unacceptable risk of harm to pregnant, fetal, neonatal, or pediatric patients cannot therefore be supported. Having shown that such research is permissible, we then ask what ethical considerations should guide study design. We show that Phase I studies are appropriate and can meet the requirements of the Common Rule, which are more specific than international guidance. As a matter of professionally responsible obstetric practice, pregnant women with psychoses should be included, and not be neglected, in research for both maternal and fetal benefit.
Endometrial cancer and microsatellite instability status
Authors: Kanopiene Daiva , Vidugiriene Jolanta , Povilas Valuckas Konstantinas , Smailyte Giedre , Uleckiene Saule , Bacher Jeff
Published: November 2014

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is an important
factor in the development of various cancers as an identifier
of a defective DNA mismatch repair system. The objective
of our study was to define the association between
microsatellite instability status and traditional clinicopathologic
characteristics of endometrioid type adenocarcinoma.
Material and methods: MSI status of endometrial
cancer was examined by employing the Promega
MSI Analysis System. This system uses 5 mononucleotide
markers to identify MSI in tumour and normal tissue DNA
(BAT-25, BAT-26, NR-21, NR-24, and MONO-27), and 2 pentanucleotide
markers (Penta C and Penta D) for specimen
identification. In this study, we investigated MSI status
in 109 endometrial carcinomas. Results and conclusions:
One hundred (92%) of 109 endometrial cancers showed
endometrioid type histology and only 9 (8%) non-endometrioid
type. MSI-high was found in 17% (17/100)
of endometrioid type adenocarcinomas, in 0% (0/9) of
non-endometrioid carcinomas. Selected clinicopathologic
parameters for endometrioid type adenocarcinomas were
compared to the MSI status which was separated into two
groups – MSI-high and MSI stable. The results showed
that MSI-high status was related to clinicopathologic
parameters such as deep myometrial invasion and higher
histologic grade in endometrioid type adenocarcinomas.
Quick and effective method of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell extraction
Authors: Gudleviciene Zivile , Kundrotas Gabrielis , Liudkeviciene Regina , Rascon Jelena , Jurga Marcin
Published: November 2014

Background. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently exploited in numerous clinical trials to investigate their potential in immune regulation, hematopoesis or tissue regeneration. The most common source of MSCs for clinical use is human bone marrow. To generate sufficient numbers of cells relevant to clinical use in most cases the high volumes (20-50 ml) of bone marrow aspirates are taken. Methods. In this pilot study, 8 healthy bone marrow donors were included. Two different MSC extraction methods were evaluated: MSCs extraction from 60 ml of bone marrow using density gradient and MSCs extraction from 6 ml using red blood cell (RBC) lysis. Results. Our results showed that after RBC lysis the efficient amount of human MSCs can be isolated from 10 times less bone marrow volume (6 ml). Moreover, using small volume of bone marrow the adequate therapeutical dose of MSCs could be achieved during similar period of time (3-4 weeks). In conclusion, we have shown that MSCs isolation using RBC lysis is an effective and more advantageous method in comparison to standard MSCs isolation using density-gradient. Using RBC lysis from small volume of bone marrow the same amount of MSCs were obtained as usually using large volume and density-gradient.
Contra Spem Spero: The Third Sector’s Resilience in the Face of Political Turbulence and Legislative Change in Ukraine
Authors: Krasynska Svitlana
Published: November 2014

The iconic Ukrainian poem, “Contra Spem Spero,” with its theme of resilience in the face of enduring hardships, appears as salient for the Ukrainian people today as when it was composed more than a hundred years ago. Political instability and a far from favorable legislative system have affected Ukraine’s society in a variety of ways since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. How have Ukraine’s nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) been shaped by these conditions? A review of academic and applied literature, as well as governmental reports and legislative texts, reveals that the political and legislative environment in Ukraine is highly unstable and, at times, antagonistic to NGOs. However, indicators of sector activity and interviews with Ukrainian nonprofits suggest that the sector, overall, has not changed significantly during the last decade of substantial political and legislative changes. This paper suggests that Ukrainian nonprofits (much like Ukrainian society in general) appear to exist in a parallel universe with the governmental and legislative world. Ukrainian nonprofits are generally not supported by and are largely independent from the government. The concept of a shadow economy in Ukraine is discussed as a way of understanding how nonprofit organizations continue to function in what is often an adverse policy environment.

“Contra Spem Spero” (1890), translated from Latin as “Against all Hope I Hope,” is the title of a poem by one of Ukraine’s most revered poets, Lesya Ukraїnka.
The importance of iron chelation and iron availability during PpIX-induced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Curnow Alison , Pye Andrew
Published: November 2014

Background:

Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-induced photodynamic therapy (PDT) is being utilised as a topical method of localised ablation of certain non-melanoma skin cancers and precancers. Standardised protocols have been implemented to good effect when the disease remains superficial but improvement is required to treat thicker or acrally located conditions. Concurrent administration of an iron chelator during PpIX-PDT has been demonstrated to increase cellular accumulation of PpIX by reducing its bioconversion to haem (an iron dependent process) thus increasing cell kill on subsequent irradiation. Iron however, can also play a role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and limiting its availability via chemical chelation could theoretically reduce the efficacy of PpIX-PDT, so that a response less than that maximally feasible is produced.

Materials and methods:

The effects of iron availability and chelation on PpIX-PDT have therefore been investigated via fluorescence quantification of PpIX accumulation, single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) measurement of ROS-induced DNA damage and trypan blue exclusion assessment of cell viability. Cultured human cells were utilised and incubated in standardised iron conditions with the PpIX precursor’s aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) or its methyl ester (MAL) in the presence or absence of either of the iron chelating agents desferrioxamine (DFO) or hydroxypyridinone (CP94), or alternatively iron sulphate as a source of iron.

Results:

ALA or MAL incubation was found to significantly increase cellular PpIX accumulation pre-irradiation as anticipated and this observation correlated with both significantly increased DNA damage and reduced cellular viability following irradiation. Co-incubation with either of the iron chelators investigated (DFO or CP94) significantly increased pre-irradiation PpIX accumulation as well as DNA damage and cell death on irradiation indicating the positive effect of iron chelation on the effectiveness of PpIX-induced PDT. The opposite effects were observed however, when the cells were co-incubated with iron sulphate, with significant reductions in pre-irradiation PpIX accumulation (ALA only) and DNA damage (ALA and MAL) being recorded indicating the negative effects excessive iron can have on PpIX-PDT effectiveness. Some dark toxicity produced by iron sulphate administration in non-irradiated control groups was also observed.

Conclusion:

Iron chelation and availability have therefore been observed to positively and adversely affect the PpIX-PDT process respectively and it is concluded that the effects of increased PpIX accumulation pre-irradiation produced via iron chelation outweigh any limitations reduced iron availability may have on the ability of iron to catalyse ROS generation/cascades following PpIX-induced PDT. Further investigation of iron chelation within dermatological applications where enhanced PpIX-PDT treatment effects would be beneficial is therefore warranted.
Influence of methyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate copolymers on the compatibility, morphology and mechanical properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) and polycarbonate blends
Authors: Jinxin He , Yang Guo , Shulin Sun , Huixuan Zhang
Published: November 2014

Methyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate copolymers (MMA-co-GMA) were prepared to compatibilize the poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and polycarbonate (PC) blends. The chemical reactions between the PBT and the epoxy groups and the good miscibility between the PC and the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) phase were responsible for the excellent compatibilization effect of the MMA-co-GMA copolymers. The MMA-co-GMA copolymers decreased the melting and crystallization temperature of the PBT phase in the PBT/PC blends. Dynamic mechanical analysis result showed that the exchange reactions were inhibited due to the compatibilization reactions owing to the consumption of the carboxyl/hydroxyl end groups of the PBT phase. MMA-co-GMA copolymers decreased the phase domain size of the PBT/PC blends, and with the increase in GMA content in the MMA-co-GMA copolymers, the blends changed from a double continuous phase to a single continuous phase structure. Tensile test indicated that the yield stress, elongation at break and elastic modulus of the PBT/PC blends increased due to the addition of MMA-co-GMA. The impact strength of the blends changed unnoticeably.
An improved analytical method for iodine-129
determination in low-level radioactive waste
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Kong , Wang TsingHai , Jian Li-Wei , Chen Wei-Han , Tsai Tsuey-Lin , Wang Chu-Fang
Published: November 2014

In this study, an alkaline-digestion pretreatment and a subsequent
ICP-MS measurement were conducted for iodine-129 (I-129) determination in
low-level radioactive waste. A TMAH + H2O2 + Triton X-100
mixed alkaline digestion was the most effective mixture for I-129
determination. Using this alkaline reagent, a high level of I-129 recovery
(101 ± 6%) was achieved for the analysis of the I-129-spiked
standard reference materials NIST 2709 and 2711. Importantly, the I-129
concentrations determined for ten real samples provided by the Lan-Yu
radioactive waste temporary storage site were found to be below the detection
limit (0.011 mg/kg). This value was only approximately
30–70% of the values determined using the I-129/Cs-137 scaling
factor. This means that using the I-129/Cs-137 scaling factor severely
overestimates the I-129 concentration in these low-level radioactive
wastes. We therefore suggest that a detailed re-inspection of the I-129/Cs-137
scaling factor should be performed to appropriately categorize these low-level
radioactive wastes.
Preparation and characterization of new phases in Na-(U0.5Pu0.5)-Mo-O and
Na-(Th
x
U1−x
)-Mo-O (x = 0.5 and 0.8) systems by X-ray and thermal methods
Authors: Dahale Nandakumar Dattatrya , Sali Sanjay Krishnarao , Keskar Meera Sanjay , Phatak Rohan Anil , Kesavaiyer Krishnan , Kannan Shanmugaperumal
Published: November 2014

Na2(Th
x
U1−x
)(MoO4)3 and Na4(Th
x
U1−x
)(MoO4)4 (x = 0.5 and
0.8) were synthesized, by reacting (Th
x
U1−x
)(MoO4)2 with Na2MoO4 in appropriate
molar ratios at 873 K in an evacuated quartz ampoule for 25 h. While
Na2(U0.5Pu0.5)(MoO4)3 and Na4(U0.5Pu0.5)(MoO4)4 were
synthesized, by reacting (U0.5Pu0.5)(MoO4)2 with Na2MoO4 in appropriate molar
ratios at 873 K in argon atmosphere for 45 h. The crystal structure of these compounds
were derived from powder XRD data in a tetragonal system (space group: I41/a) by Rietveld profile
method. Thermogravimetric curves of Na2(Th
x
U1−x
)(MoO4)3 and
Na4(Th
x
U1−x
)(MoO4)4 did not show any weight changes up to 973 K in helium
atmosphere. High temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD) studies of Na2(Th
x
U1−x
)(MoO4)3
and Na4(Th
x
U1−x
)(MoO4)4 in vacuum showed positive thermal expansion in the
temperature range of 298 to 873 K.
Studies on the feasibility of using completely
incinerable reagents for the single-cycle separation of
americium(III) from simulated high-level liquid
waste
Authors: Nayak P. K. , Kumaresan R. , Chaurasia Shivkumar , Venkatesan K. A. , Subramanian G. G. S. , Prathibha T. , Syamala K. V. , Selvan B. Robert , Rajeswari S. , Antony M. P. , Vasudeva Rao P. R. , Bhanage B. M.
Published: November 2014

The extraction and stripping behavior of various metal ions present in the fast reactor simulated high-level liquid waste (FR-SHLLW)
was studied using a solvent phase composed of a neutral extractant,
N,N,-didodecyl-N′,N′-dioctyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (D3DODGA) and an acidic extractant, di-2-ethylhexyl
diglycolamic acid (HDEHDGA) in n-dodecane (n-DD). The third phase formation behavior of the solvent formulation D3DODGA +
HDEHDGA/n-DD, was studied when it was contacted with FR-SHLLW, and the concentration of neutral and acidic extractant needed to avoid
the third phase formation was optimized. The distribution ratio of various metal ions present in FR-SHLLW was measured in a solution of
0.1 M D3DODGA + 0.2 M HDEHDGA/n-DD. The extraction of Am(III) was accompanied by the co-extraction of
lanthanides and unwanted metal ions such as Zr(IV), Y(III), and Pd(II). A procedure was developed to minimize the extraction of
unwanted metal ions by using aqueous soluble complexing agents in FR-SHLLW. Based on those results, the counter-current mixer-settler
run was performed in a 20-stage mixer-settler. Quantitative extraction of Am(III), Ln(III), Y(III), and Sr(II) in 0.1 M
D3DODGA + 0.2 M HDEHDGA/n-DD was observed. The recovery of Am(III) from the loaded organic phase was carried out by
the optimized aqueous formulation composed of 0.01 M diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) + 0.5 M citric
acid (CA) at pH 1.5. The stripping of Am(III) was accompanied by co-stripping of some early lanthanides. However the later lanthanides
(Eu(III) and beyond) were not back extracted to Am(III) product. Therefore, the studies foresee the possibility of intra-lanthanides as
well as lanthanide-actinide separation in a single-processing cycle.
Quantum white noise convolution operators with application to differential equations
Authors: Barhoumi Abdessatar , Lanconelli Alberto , Rguigui Hafedh
Published: November 2014

In this paper we introduce a quantum white noise
(QWN) convolution calculus over a nuclear algebra of
operators. We use this calculus to discuss new solutions of some
linear and non-linear differential equations.
What is meant by hybridity? An investigation of hybridity and related terms in genre studies
Authors: Mäntynen Anne , Shore Susanna
Published: November 2014

This article is an investigation and a discussion of hybridity and related terms as used in linguistic studies of genre. The theoretical points that are made are illustrated with data from empirical research done by others and with the authors’ own data. The focus is on written texts but hybridity in spoken interaction is also discussed. The article defines the notion of genre and discusses (proto)typicality in relation to genre and hybridity. Recontextualization is also discussed. This is followed by a discussion of terms that have been used to talk about the processes of hybridity, firstly, as used in research that has mainly been done on spoken interaction. The focus then turns to terms that have mainly been used in research on written texts: sequential intertextuality, genre embedding, genre appropriation, genre blending, as well as terms referring to pervasive trends such as commodification. Terms that take a product-like perspective on hybridity are then discussed. First there is a discussion of terms, such as “macrogenre,” which are used to describe the products of hybridization. This is followed by a discussion of genre chains and superordinate categories, such as “genre colonies,” grouped together because of the hybridizing forces that permeate them.
Detection of Formaldehyde in Flames Using UV and MIR Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Nau Patrick , Koppmann Julia , Lackner Alexander , Brockhinke Andreas
Published: November 2014

Absorption spectroscopy in the ultraviolet (UV) and mid-infrared (MIR)
spectral region has been used in a comparative study for the detection
of formaldehyde in laminar low pressure flames of dimethyl ether (DME)
and methane. Both spectral regions were tested to explore respective
advantages and limitations, especially for the detection of stable
molecules in flames. In the UV, cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS),
a highly sensitive multi-pass absorption technique, has been used for
the detection of formaldehyde in the A − X41
0 hot band at
370 nm. For measurements in the mid-infrared, the fundamental
CO-stretch vibration ν
2 of formaldehyde at 5.9 μm was
used. MIR laser radiation was generated with a pulsed quantum cascade
laser (QCL), a novel laser type which offers high output energies and
excellent beam quality in the MIR. It was shown that MIR-QCL
absorption spectroscopy and UV-CRDS have a comparable sensitivity,
even though only single-pass absorption was used in the
MIR. Additionally, MIR-QCL is clearly superior in terms of the
simplicity of the experimental setup. This shows the large potential
of QCL based laser absorption spectroscopy for the sensitive detection
of trace species in the MIR.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance: an update
Authors: Montgomery Magdalene K , Turner Nigel
Published: November 2014

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance (IR); however, a large variety of association and intervention studies as well as genetic manipulations in rodents have reported contrasting results. Indeed, even 39 years after the first publication describing a relationship between IR and diminished mitochondrial function, it is still unclear whether a direct relationship exists, and more importantly if changes in mitochondrial capacity are a cause or consequence of IR. This review will take a journey through the past and summarise the debate about the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction and its possible role in causing decreased insulin action in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Evidence is presented from studies in various human populations, as well as rodents with genetic manipulations of pathways known to affect mitochondrial function and insulin action. Finally, we have discussed whether mitochondria are a potential target for the treatment of IR.
GEP-NETS UPDATE: Interventional radiology: role in the treatment of liver metastases from GEP-NETs
Authors: de Baere Thierry , Deschamps Frederic , Tselikas Lambros , Ducreux Michel , Planchard David , Pearson Ernesto , Berdelou Amandine , Leboulleux Sophie , Elias Dominique , Baudin Eric
Published: November 2014

Neuroendocrine tumors from gastro-pancreatic origin (GEP-NET) can be responsible for liver metastases. Such metastases can be the dominant part of the disease as well due to the tumor burden itself or the symptoms related to such liver metastases. Intra-arterial therapies are commonly used in liver only or liver-dominant disease and encompass trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), trans-arterial embolization (TAE), and radioembolization (RE). TACE performed with drug emulsified in Lipiodol has been used for the past 20 years with reported overall survival in the range of 3–4 years, with objective response up to 75%. Response to TACE is higher when treatment is used as a first-line therapy and degree of liver involvement is lower. Benefit of TACE over TAE is unproven in randomized study, but reported in retrospective studies namely in pancreatic NETs. RE provides early interesting results that need to be further evaluated in terms of benefit and toxicity. Radiofrequency ablation allows control of small size and numbered liver metastases, with low invasiveness. Ideal metastases to target are one metastasis <5 cm, or three metastases <3 cm, or a sum of diameter of all metastases below 8 cm. Ablation therapies can be applied in the lung or in the bones when needed, and more invasive surgery should be probably saved for large-size metastases. Even if the indication of image-guided therapy in the treatment of GEP-NET liver metastases needs to be refined, such therapies allow for manageable invasive set of treatments able to address oligometastatic patients in liver, lung, and bones. These treatments applied locally will save the benefit and the toxicity of systemic therapy for more advanced stage of the disease.
Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate induces autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Liu Meng-Ling , Wang Jing-Lei , Wei Jie , Xu Lin-Lin , Yu Mei , Liu Xiao-Mei , Ruan Wen-Li , Chen Jia-Xiang
Published: November 2014

Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) has been widely used as plasticizers, plastic softeners, and flame retardants in industry and reported to have a deleterious effect on the male reproductive system in animals besides delayed neurotoxicity. Our preliminary results found that TOCP could disrupt the seminiferous epithelium in the testis and inhibit spermatogenesis, but the precise mechanism is yet to be elucidated. This study shows that TOCP inhibited viability of rat spermatogonial stem cells in a dose-dependent manner. TOCP could not lead to cell cycle arrest in the cells; the mRNA levels ofp21,p27,p53, and cyclin D1 in the cells were also not affected by TOCP. Meanwhile, TOCP did not induce apoptosis of rat spermatogonial stem cells. After treatment with TOCP, however, both LC3-II and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I were markedly increased; autophagy proteins ATG5 and beclin 1 were also increased after treatment with TOCP, indicating that TOCP could induce autophagy in the cells. Ultrastructural observation under the transmission electron microscopy indicated that autophagic vesicles in the cytoplasm containing extensively degraded organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum increased significantly after the cells were treated with TOCP. In summary, we have shown that TOCP can inhibit viability of rat spermatogonial stem cells and induce autophagy of the cells, without affecting cell cycle and apoptosis.
Anti-DFS70 Antibodies: A Useful Biomarker in a Pediatric Case With Suspected Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Fabris Martina , Zago Silvia , Tosolini Raffaello , Melli Paola , Bizzaro Nicola , Tonutti Elio
Published: November 2014

Antidense fine speckles 70 (anti-DFS70) antibodies, a peculiar antinuclear antibody (ANA) pattern by indirect immunofluorescence, is frequently observed in ANA-positive individuals with no evidence of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. They may be found in many different inflammatory conditions and in healthy individuals. We herein report a case of an 8-year-old girl presenting with generalized edema, hypertension, hepatomegaly, and a history of pharyngitis, which occurred 3 weeks earlier. Laboratory analysis revealed low complement C3 (6 mg/dL), microhematuria, and proteinuria. A diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis was made. Anti-dsDNA, antiextractable nuclear antigens, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were negative. However, a highly positive (1:640) ANA immunofluorescence test with dense fine speckles pattern was found. The presence of anti-DFS70 immunoglobulin G antibodies was confirmed by a specific immunoassay. In conclusion, the presence of isolated anti-DFS70 antibodies may be useful to exclude an autoimmune pathogenesis in those children with a positive ANA test and a clinical picture possibly attributable to systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. This will avoid further unnecessary investigation with the potential for incorrect diagnosis and possibly harmful treatment.