bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halifax’s Nocturne versus(?) the spectacle of neo-liberal civics
Authors: Haiven Max
Published: September 2012

Halifax’s Nocturne: Art at Night has been met with almost universal enthusiasm from both the city’s arts community as well as local political and business elites. This article argues that, while there is much laudable about events like Nocturne, and while many of the works
and performances they feature are reflexive and critical, they risk participating in (and promoting) what I term ‘neo-liberal civics’. Ironically, these public events take place and have resonance only within a cultural, social and political landscape already dramatically privatized,
one where the meaning of ‘creativity’ has become a battleground.
When Talk is “Free”: The Effect of Tariff Structure on Usage under Two- and Three-Part Tariffs
Authors: Ascarza Eva , Lambrecht Anja , Vilcassim Naufel
Published: September 2012

In many service industries, firms introduce three-part tariffs to replace or complement existing two-part tariffs. In contrast with two-part tariffs, three-part tariffs offer allowances, or “free” units of the service. Behavioral research suggests that the attributes of a pricing plan may affect behavior beyond their direct cost implications. Evidence suggests that customers value free units above and beyond what might be expected from the change in their budget constraint. Nonlinear pricing research, however, has not considered such an effect. The authors examine a market in which three-part tariffs were introduced for the first time. They analyze tariff choice and usage behavior for customers who switch from two-part to three-part tariffs. The findings show that switchers significantly “overuse” in comparison with their prior two-part tariff usage. That is, they attain a level of consumption that cannot be explained by a shift in the budget constraint. The authors estimate a discrete/continuous model of tariff choice and usage that accounts for the valuation of free units. The results show that the majority of three-part-tariff users value minutes under a three-part tariff more than they do under a two-part tariff. The authors derive recommendations for how the provider can exploit these insights to further increase revenues.
Determining Consumers’ Discount Rates with Field Studies
Authors: Yao Song , Mela Carl F. , Chiang Jeongwen , Chen Yuxin
Published: September 2012

Because utility/profits, state transitions, and discount rates are confounded in dynamic models, discount rates are typically fixed for the purpose of identification. The authors propose a strategy of identifying discount rates. The identification rests on imputing the utility/profits using decisions made in a context in which the future is inconsequential, the objective function is concave, and the decision space is continuous. They then use these utilities/profits to identify discount rates in contexts in which dynamics become material. The authors exemplify this strategy using a field study in which cell phone users transitioned from a linear to a three-part-tariff pricing plan. They find that the estimated discount rate corresponds to a weekly discount factor (.90), lower than the value typically assumed in empirical research (.995). When using a standard .995 discount factor, they find that the price coefficient is underestimated by 16%. Moreover, the predicted intertemporal substitution pattern and demand elasticities are biased, leading to a 29% deterioration in model fit and suboptimal pricing recommendations that would lower potential revenue gains by 76%.
Performance of different screening methods for the determination of urinary glycosaminoclycans
Authors: Afyoncu Ebru , Yılmaz Gülsen , Yılmaz Fatma M. , Yücel Doğan
Published: September 2012

Background: The study aim was to compare the performance of three different methods used for determining urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) levels in spot and 24-h urine samples.

Methods: Performance characteristics were studied for cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), and manual and automated dimethylmethylene blue (DMB) methods.

Results: For automated DMB method, within-run precisions were 9.10% and 1.98%, and between-day precisions were 13.0% and 5.81% in low- and high-urine pools, respectively. The method was linear up to 100 mg/L of GAG concentration. The detection limit of the method was 0.71 mg/L. Mean recovery was 95.7%.

Conclusions: The automated DMB method was found to give better performance characteristics than cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and manual DMB methods. It is a fast, cheap, simple and reliable method and can be applied in many diseases in which GAG is used as a screening test.
Theatre: A Neglected Site of Public History?
Authors: Dean David
Published: September 2012

Although theatrical representations of the past have been examined by theatre and performance studies scholars, public historians have preferred to focus on historical re-enactments in living history sites, museums, or on film and television. This article argues that theatre is a compelling site for representing and understanding the past through a case study of one of the most performed plays in recent Canadian repertoire, Vern Theissen's Vimy. Drawing on a survey of audience members and the author's experiences as an academic historian working with a national theatre company, it proposes ways in which further study and practice can illuminate our understanding of the public and its pasts.
Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Pregnancy and Infant Neuropsychological Development
Authors: Morales Eva , Guxens Mònica , Llop Sabrina , Rodríguez-Bernal Clara L. , Tardón Adonina , Riaño Isolina , Ibarluzea Jesús , Lertxundi Nerea , Espada Mercedes , Rodriguez Agueda , Sunyer Jordi
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate whether circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] concentration in pregnancy is associated with neuropsychological development in infants.

METHODS:

The Spanish population-based cohort study INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project recruited pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy between November 2003 and February 2008. Completed data on 1820 mother-infant pairs were used. Maternal plasma 25(OH)D3 concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in pregnancy (mean 13.5±2.1 weeks of gestation). Offspring mental and psychomotor scores were assessed by trained psychologists at age 14 months (range, 11–23) by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. β-Coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mental and psychomotor scores associated with continuous or categorical concentrations of maternal plasma 25(OH)D3 were calculated by using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS:

The median plasma value of 25(OH)D3 in pregnancy was 29.6 ng/mL (interquartile range, 21.8–37.3). A positive linear relationship was found between circulating concentrations of maternal 25(OH)D3 concentrations in pregnancy and mental and psychomotor scores in the offspring. After adjustment for potential confounders, infants of mothers with 25(OH)D3 concentrations in pregnancy >30 ng/mL showed higher mental score (β = 2.60; 95% CI 0.63–4.56) and higher psychomotor score (β = 2.32; 95% CI 0.36–4.28) in comparison with those of mothers with 25(OH)D3 concentrations <20 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS:

Higher circulating concentration of maternal 25(OH)D3 in pregnancy was associated with improved mental and psychomotor development in infants.
Relevance of long non-coding RNAs in tumour biology
Authors: Nagy Zoltán , Szabó Diána Rita , Zsippai Adrienn , Falus András , Rácz Károly , Igaz Péter
Published: September 2012

The discovery of the biological relevance of non-coding RNA molecules represents one of the most significant advances in contemporary molecular biology. It has turned out that a major fraction of the non-coding part of the genome is transcribed. Beside small RNAs (including microRNAs) more and more data are disclosed concerning long non-coding RNAs of 200 nucleotides to 100 kb length that are implicated in the regulation of several basic molecular processes (cell proliferation, chromatin functioning, microRNA-mediated effects, etc.). Some of these long non-coding RNAs have been associated with human tumours, including H19, HOTAIR, MALAT1, etc., the different expression of which has been noted in various neoplasms relative to healthy tissues. Long non-coding RNAs may represent novel markers of molecular diagnostics and they might even turn out to be targets of therapeutic intervention. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1494–1501.
Improving Heavy-Oil Well Economics with Hollow Microsphere Cementing Solutions: Case History
Authors: Carver Bob , Fitryansyah Yudy , Binyamin Agung KP
Published: September 2012

Forecasts for world energy demand project significant growth in heavy oil, which constitutes a large resource base to exploit. Estimated resources of unconventional oil (heavy oil, bitumen, oil sands, and oil shales) are claimed to be as much as 7 trillion bbl, with technical recoverable quantities varying from 1 to 3 trillion bbl. Because some of the heavy oils are too viscous to flow at reservoir conditions, special production technologies are required to facilitate flow from the reservoir to the wellhead, which equates to an increase in production and operating costs. Thus, exploration technology is of minor importance because large resources have already been discovered, so optimizing production technology is of greater importance.

Heavy oils are usually found at relatively shallow depths that are structurally faulted and in unconsolidated sands. This type of formation imposes lost-circulation problems during drilling and completion, especially during cementing. Because the common production method for heavy-oil resources is steam injection, full steam resistance and cement-sheath integrity up to the surface is desired. In Duri, Indonesia, conventional treatments with lost circulation material (LCM) pills and/or cement plugs before primary cementing have proven to be costly because of the associated rig time and materials. Moreover, most of these troublesome wells will have no cement returns to the surface during the cementing process, and, as a consequence, show poor bonding or even free pipe during evaluation.

A high-strength, low-density (HSLD) cement system was suggested for increasing primary cementing success in steam-injected, low-fracture-gradient areas. The hollow microsphere cement system is HSLD-acknowledged as a feasible solution because conventional cement designs lose to the formation. After optimizing a HSLD cement design in the lab with reliable results, execution was successful in addressing lost circulation in primary cementing, with even more reductions in remediation costs.

This paper presents a case-history study as well as the development background and process to obtain the optimum solution to overcome lost circulation during cementing in Duri, Indonesia, including optimizing a cement-job design using software, lab test results, a slurry design with economic analysis, and finally cement-bond evaluation results showing the added value for the operator from this initiative.
Internet-Based Methods May Reach Higher-Risk Men who have Sex with
Men Not Reached Through Venue-Based Sampling§
Authors: Sanchez Travis , Smith Amanda , Denson Damian , DiNenno Elizabeth , Lansky Amy
Published: September 2012

Background:

Internet-based sampling methods may reach men who have sex with men (MSM) who don’t attend physical venues frequented by MSM and may be at higher risk of HIV infection.

Methods:

Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine characteristics of adult MSM participants in 2 studies conducted in the same 5 U.S. cities: the 2003-2005 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) which used sampling from physical MSM venues (e.g., bars, clubs) and the 2007 Web-based HIV Behavioral Surveillance (WHBS) pilot which used sampling through online banner advertisements.

Results:

Among 5024 WHBS MSM, 95% attended a physical MSM venue in the past 12 months, and 75% attended weekly. WHBS MSM who were black, aged 18-21 years, not college educated, bisexual- or heterosexual-identifying, and reported unknown HIV serostatus were less likely to have attended a physical MSM venue in the past 12 months (all p<0.01). Compared to NHBS MSM, WHBS MSM were more likely to be white, younger, college-educated, report unknown HIV serostatus, report unprotected anal intercourse with a casual partner, and have first met that partner online (all p<0.0001). WHBS MSM were less likely to have been under the influence of drugs during most recent sex (p=0.01) or not know their sex partner’s HIV serostatus (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Many MSM recruited online also attended physical venues, but attendance varied by sub-group. Participants in WHBS and NHBS differed, and WHBS may represent a group of MSM at higher risk of HIV infection. These findings suggest that an internet-based method may be a useful supplement to NHBS.
Is Back-Projection Methodology Still Relevant for Estimating HIV Incidence from National Surveillance Data?
Authors: Mallitt Kylie-Ann , Wilson David P , McDonald Ann , Wand Handan
Published: September 2012

Accurate estimates of HIV incidence are crucial to understand the extent of transmission of the infection, evaluate intervention strategies and effectively plan new public health control measures. HIV/AIDS surveillance systems in numerous industrialised countries record the number of known new HIV and/or AIDS diagnoses, which are often used as a surrogate marker for HIV incidence. HIV/AIDS diagnosis data have been used to reconstruct historical HIV incidence trends using modified back-projection methods. Estimates of HIV incidence are most robust when reliable data on the number of incident infections, a subset of all diagnoses, is widely available, and surveillance systems should prioritise the collection of these data. Back-projection alone provides reliable estimates of HIV incidence in the past, but is not useful when estimating current or future HIV incidence. However, back-projection methodology should be used in conjunction with other corroborative methods to estimate current HIV incidence, and methods to combine the various techniques should be investigated.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Body Shape and Eating Attitude among Indian Female Healthcare Students
Authors: Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Yadav Tarun , Arya Kishore , Mathur Shachi , Kataria Dinesh Kumar
Published: September 2012

Objective:

The current study aimed at assessing eating attitude and body shape concerns among Indian female healthcare students who had received some teaching/training in Psychiatry.

Method:

The study was conducted at government medical and nursing college. All the undergraduate healthcare students enrolled with institute at the time of study constituted the sampling frame for the study. Survey-based methodology was used for data collection. Study scales included semi-structured proforma, Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) (including the three sub-scales), and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Data were analyzed using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation statistics and ANOVA with post hoc analysis.

Results:

A total of 498 students returned the completed study questionnaire. There was significant correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and EAT-26 scores) including the sub-scales score of EAT-26). Similarly, BMI and BSQ scores were also significantly correlated.

Discussion:

The findings from current study help understand the body shape and eating attitudes of Indian female healthcare students who had received some teaching/training in Psychiatry.
A Study of Postpartum Depression in a Fast Developing Country: Prevalence and Related Factors
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Burgut F. Tuna , Ghuloum Suheila , Sheikh Javaid
Published: September 2012

Background:

Depression is a common and disabling complication of post-partum women. There is a paucity of research on postpartum depressive disorders and their predictors in women from Arab countries.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors of postpartum depression among Arab women in Qatar using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Score (EPDS).

Design:

This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted during the period from January 2010 to May 2011.

Setting:

Primary healthcare centers of the Supreme Council of Health, State of Qatar.

Subjects:

A representative sample of 1669 mothers within 6 months after delivery were approached and 1379 (82.6%) mothers participated in this study.

Methods:

The study was based on a face-to-face interview with a designed diagnostic screening questionnaire. Occurrence of postpartum depressive symptoms was assessed by the EPDS. Also, socio-demographic characteristics, medical and family history, and obstetric variables of patients were collected through a designed questionnaire. The diagnostic screening questionnaire was reviewed and calculated the final score which identified the risk cases.

Results:

The prevalence of postpartum depression among the study sample was 17.6%. Mothers of age above 35 years (49.9% vs. 39.2%; p < 0.001), low education below intermediate level (51% vs. 35.8%; p < 0.001), housewives (38.7% vs. 29%; p = 0.03), with low monthly income (QR 5000–9999) (43.2% vs. 32.2%; p < 0.001) were significantly at high risk for postpartum depression. Maternal complications (38.7% vs. 26.1%; p < 0.001) and caesarean section (36.2% vs. 28.8%; p = 0.022) were significantly higher among depressed mothers compared to non-depressed women. Financial difficulties (OR=2.04; p < 0.001), prematurity (OR=1.64; p = 0.025), poor family support (OR=1.52; p = 0.016), dissatisfaction in marital life (OR=1.26; p = 0.005), poor marital relationship (OR=1.13; p = 0.05) were the main predictors of postpartum depression.

Conclusion:

This prevalence of postpartum depression in women living in Qatar was comparable to previous epidemiological research done in developing countries. Financial difficulties, prematurity, lack of family support, and poor marital relationships have been identified as main risk factors for developing postpartum depression.
Impact of Co-Morbid Mental Illness on the Diagnosis and Management of Patients Hospitalized for Medical Conditions in a General Hospital
Authors: Briskman I. , Bar G. , Boaz M. , Shargorodsky M.
Published: September 2012

Aims:

Comorbidities including hyperglycemia, diabetes, and hypertension are frequently observed in psychiatric patients. Nevertheless, this population has higher rates of morbidity and mortality from medical illnesses compared to non-psychiatric patients. The present study evaluated the diagnosis and management of general medical hospitalized patients with and without mental illness.

Methods:

The study group consisted of 200 hospitalized subjects including 100 subjects who met the DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and 100 age-matched controls. All patients were evaluated for a comorbid condition, concomitant medication, biochemical parameters. Comorbid conditions were defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program risk factors categories: diabetes (fasting plasma glucose level ⩾ 126 mg/dl and/or pharmacological treatment); hypertension (systolic blood pressure ⩾ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ⩾ 90 mm Hg and/or pharmacological treatment); dyslipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia (⩾ 150 mg/dl); and/or pharmacological treatment and/or low HDL cholesterol level (< 40 mg/dl in men and < 50 mg/dl in women).

Results:

The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, mean blood pressure, glucose, and lipids. Patients with a history of psychiatric illness were less frequently diagnosed with medical conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes compared to the non-psychiatric population, though according NCEP criteria, these conditions did not significantly differ between the two groups. Significantly fewer psychiatric than non-psychiatric patients received aspirin, statins, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic medications. Although more obesity was diagnosed in psychiatric patients, significantly fewer diet consults were performed during hospitalization. While significantly more smokers and more pulmonary hospitalizations were observed in the psychiatric group, fewer subjects in this group received instruction for smoking cessation compared to the non-psychiatric population.

Conclusions:

Comorbid medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity are under-diagnosed and under-treated in hospitalized psychiatric patients compared with the non-psychiatric population. Patients with mental illness have significantly less preventive intervention during hospitalization.
The Relationship Between Leisure and Well-Being in Taiwanese College Students
Authors: Yang Wan-Chi , Chen Ko-Chia , Hsueh Yao-Shun , Tan Chao-Ping , Chang Chia-Ming
Published: September 2012

Psychologists have different perspectives about well-being. In the satisfaction of needs theory it is stated that well-being is achieved when an individual's needs are satisfied. In this study we explored the relationships among leisure involvement, perceived health status, and leisure
benefits to construct a model of the well-being of college students. A structural model based on the descriptive statistics from a convenience sample revealed that although leisure involvement was not directly related to leisure benefits, it did have an impact on well-being. In addition, perceived
health status and leisure benefits were found to have a direct effect of well-being. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance to future researchers.
Can an Emotional Intelligence Program Improve Adolescents' Psychosocial Adjustment? Results from the Intemo Project
Authors: Ruiz-Aranda Desireé , Salguero Jose Martín , Cabello Rosario , Palomera Raquel , -Berrocal Pablo Fernández
Published: September 2012

We analyzed the effects on a group of Spanish adolescents of an emotional intelligence (EI) education program based on Mayer and Salovey's (1997) model of adolescent psychosocial adjustment. Participants were 147 high school students aged between 13 and 16 years, of whom 69 were in
the control group and 78 were in the training group. We conducted the research using a quasiexperimental pretest-intervention-posttest design during 2 academic years. This training program was conducted as part of the ongoing project known as INTEMO and was implemented during 10 weekly sessions
of 1 hour. Students who participated in the EI program reported better psychosocial adjustment (e.g., lower levels of depression and anxiety, less atypicality, somatization, and social stress, and higher self-esteem) compared to students in the control group. Implications of these findings
for educational curricula are discussed, and recommendations for future research are made.
Fathers' Parenting and Children's Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Father-Child Conflict
Authors: Yin Xiayun , Li Zhihua , Su Linyan
Published: September 2012

In this study we explored the degree to which father-child conflict mediated the relationship between father parenting and child adjustment in a sample of 338 Chinese children. It was found that fathers' parenting was associated with child adjustment, and father-child conflict. Father-child
conflict was found to mediate the relationship between fathers' parenting and child adjustment.
Venture Capital in Japan: A Financial Instrument Supporting the Innovativeness of the Japanese Economy
Authors: Młodawska Jolanta
Published: September 2012

Venture capital (literally “high–risk capital”) is designated for the financing of small companies that by themselves lack sufficient resources, but whose activities indicate potentially high profits in the future. It can play a special role in the development of the technologically advanced industries as well as in the growth of entrepreneurship understood as a readiness to establish new companies (“start–ups”). Two factors: First, the relatively small number of new companies as well as the number of companies subject to liquidation over the year (“firm turnover”) in Japan, and second, the insignificant prestige associated with the profession of entrepreneur do not foster growth in the dynamics of this form of financing ventures. The cited indicator for Japan in among the lowest in comparison with other highly developed countries1, while the profession of entrepreneur is not the foremost dream of college graduates. They would much rather prefer realizing their professional careers as members of the government bureaucracy or employees of a major corporation2. However, this mindset is slowly changing, if for no other reason then, in spite of popular conviction, because most small companies are not established during periods of prosperity, but near the end of the downward phase of the economic cycle. That is exactly the phase Japan has been dealing with for several years now. Young, creative people, recruited from the unemployed, are seeking self–employment, using all possible opportunities embedded in the “again starting up” machinery of the economy.
Differences in the Development and Investment in Human Capital in the Member States of the European Union
Authors: Przygodzki Zbigniew
Published: September 2012

Human capital and knowledge are most important factors of current development processes, contributing to the innovativeness and competitiveness of the economies. The important role of these factors was underlined also in Europe 2020 Strategy. However, due to immaterial character of investment in human capital and because of the high level of decentralization of human capital development policy, these actions are characterized by a relatively low efficiency. Thus, the aim of this paper is firstly to identify the importance of human capital development policy within EU policies. Secondly, it is to identify and conduct a comparative analysis of national differences in human capital development and to identify points of reference for key measures of the development in question. Thirdly, this paper is to specify models of human capital development policy from the perspective of how much involved local authorities are in its implementation and efficiency.
The Concept of Sustainable Development and Its Impact on the Shaping of Modern International Relations through Global Agreements
Authors: Rydz-Żbikowska Anna
Published: September 2012

The goal of this article is a depiction of the process of the molding of the concept of sustainable development as well as a look at the influence that this concept has exerted on contemporary international politics, especially taking into account agreements of worldwide scope. This article is also an effort at demonstrating that the foundations of the concept of sustainable development can be traced to certain economic theories. The final section of this article is devoted to the characteristics of individual conferences initiated by the United Nations in order to promote enduring and sustainable development on a world scale. Also presented are the achievements of the individual conferences and their roles in demarcating universally obligatory principles and standards of sustainable development.
Comparison of Multiple Carrier Disposition PWM Techniques Applied for Multi-Level Shunt Active Filter
Authors: Kathalingam Sebasthi , Karantharaj Porkumaran
Published: September 2012

Comparison of Multiple Carrier Disposition PWM Techniques Applied for Multi-Level Shunt Active Filter

This work presents the simulation of a shunt active filter using seven-level cascaded inverter. The ultimate objective is to bring out the influence of multiple carrier level shifted PWM techniques on the performance of a shunt active filter. Classical disposition PWM techniques such as PD, POD and APOD have been used to generate the gating signals for the inverter active switches. A comparison is presented to substantiate the effect of these techniques in filtering. The comparison is made from the perspective of reduction in THD of source currents after filtering. For compensation current extraction synchronous detection method has been used. The harmonic reduction is achieved in source currents as well as source voltages.
One Way of Output Voltage Hold Circuit Improvement at Low Resistance Comparator
Authors: Radetić Radijle , Milivojević Dragan , Pavlov Marijana , Brodić Darko
Published: September 2012

One Way of Output Voltage Hold Circuit Improvement at Low Resistance Comparator

The article presents a way of improvement the important performances of an electronic low resistance comparator. The practical usage of a realized instrument prototype shows some disadvantages: the time until the result appears at the display is to long (the stationary state establishing sequence should be shorter) because of the negative influence of parasitic voltages. Modification of output voltage hold circuit gives quite convenient instrument response time. The parasitic voltage disturbance is decreased to acceptable value, even though the comparator is modified for multirange measurement. The paper describes some details of a solution and its conformation in practical usage.
Spermine Oxidation Products Induce Mitochondrial Alterations on Tumor Cells
Authors: Agostinelli Enzo
Published: September 2012

Spermine Oxidation Products Induce Mitochondrial Alterations on Tumor Cells

Cytotoxic products of polyamines generatedin situby an enzyme-catalyzed reaction may be useful as a new avenue in combating cancer. This study demonstrates that multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells (colon adenocarcinoma and melanoma) are significantly more sensitive than the corresponding wild type (WT) ones to hydrogen peroxide and aldehydes, the products of bovine serum amine oxidase (BSAO)-catalyzed oxidation of spermine. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations showed the major ultrastructural alterations of the mitochondria. These were more pronounced in MDR than in WT cells. After treatment with BSAO/spermine a higher mitochondrial membrane depolarization and an increased mitochondrial activity in drug-resistant cells were observed. The results suggest that enzymatically formed cytotoxic agents activate stress signal transduction pathways, leading to apoptotic cell death, mainly in multidrug resistant cell lines.
Convergence analysis of household expenditures using the absolute β-convergence method
Authors: Domazet Anto , Sendić Rusmir , Alić Adi
Published: September 2012

Convergence analysis of household expenditures using the absolute β-convergence method

Background: The paper examines the convergence of household expenditures, in terms of a possible usage of the standardized, rather than consumer-tailored marketing, mainly on a regional level. Objectives: The main goal of this research is to study the existence of consumption expenditure convergence in the EU-27 countries, in the period between 2000 and 2007. Methods/Approach: The analysis used the absolute β-convergence method, in order to investigate the existence of a negative correlation between the growth over time in the overall consumption expenditure in EU member-countries for each individual product and service category and the initial expenditure level. Results: According to the obtained results, in the period between 2000 and 2007, the EU-27 countries reached a high level of consumer expenditure convergence, which provides a basis for developing a regional concept of the standardized international marketing for these countries' markets. Conclusions: The results provide an empirical contribution to claims on consumer convergence in the countries included into economic integrations. Also, the obtained results can be used to create a basis for defining and applying the regional marketing concept for companies focusing on the EU-27 countries' market.
Assessing College Readiness
Authors: Maruyama Geoffrey
Published: September 2012

This article examines the logic underlying different models for assessing the college readiness of high school students. It focuses on benchmark scores that purportedly identify students who are college ready and presents the challenges of using threshold scores from a single assessment instrument to represent readiness. As well as providing logical and methodological reasons to be wary of threshold scores, analyses of Minnesota and national data illustrate their shortcomings. The article argues that assessments of college readiness should (a) use benchmarks with meaning and consequences for students, (b) employ multiple measures to provide readiness information more precise than from a threshold score derived from any single assessment, and (c) present readiness in terms of probabilities or likelihoods rather than as ready or not.
Fluoride Ion as Ligand and Hydrogen Bond Acceptor: Crystal Structures of Two Dinuclear CuII Complexes Built on a Diazecine Template
Authors: Olguín Juan , Bernès Sylvain , Gasque Laura
Published: September 2012

Two dinuclear CuII complexes based on a diazecine ligand were characterized by X-ray diffraction, one of which includes the rare CuII–F bond, resulting from dissociation of a BF4− ion. The F− ligands actively participate in the crystal structure, behaving as acceptors for hydrogen bonding.
Preliminary Ray Tracing and Experimental Study on the Effect of Mirror Coating on the Optical Efficiency of a Solid Dielectric Compound Parabolic Concentrator
Authors: Pei Gang , Li Guiqiang , Su Yuehong , Ji Jie , Riffat Saffa , Zheng Hongfei
Published: September 2012

This study aims to determine the necessity of applying a mirror coating on the side of a truncated solid dielectric CPC (compound parabolic concentrator) since ray tracing analysis has revealed that part of the incoming rays do not undergo total internal reflection, even within the half acceptance angle of the CPC. An experiment was designed and conducted indoors and outdoors to study the effect of mirror coating on the optical performance of a solid dielectric CPC. Ray tracing was also employed for the detailed analysis and its results are compared with the measurements. Based on these, a concept of partial coating is proposed and verified through simulation. The results show that a partly coated solid dielectric CPC may have a better optical efficiency than a solid CPC without coating for a certain range of incidence angles.
Experimental Aspects of Colloidal Interactions in Mixed Systems of Liposome and Inorganic Nanoparticle and Their Applications
Authors: Michel Raphael , Gradzielski Michael
Published: September 2012

In the past few years, growing attention has been devoted to the study of the interactions taking place in mixed systems of phospholipid membranes (for instance in the form of vesicles) and hard nanoparticles (NPs). In this context liposomes (vesicles) may serve as versatile carriers or as a model system for biological membranes. Research on these systems has led to the observation of novel hybrid structures whose morphology strongly depends on the charge, composition and size of the interacting colloidal species as well as on the nature (pH, ionic strength) of their dispersing medium. A central role is played by the phase behaviour of phospholipid bilayers which have a tremendous influence on the liposome properties. Another central aspect is the incorporation of nanoparticles into vesicles, which is intimately linked to the conditions required for transporting a nanoparticle through a membrane. Herein, we review recent progress made on the investigations of the interactions in liposome/nanoparticle systems focusing on the particularly interesting structures that are formed in these hybrid systems as well as their potential applications.
Biocompatibility of Chitosan Carriers with Application in Drug Delivery
Authors: Rodrigues Susana , Dionísio Marita , López Carmen Remuñán , Grenha Ana
Published: September 2012

Chitosan is one of the most used polysaccharides in the design of drug delivery strategies for administration of either biomacromolecules or low molecular weight drugs. For these purposes, it is frequently used as matrix forming material in both nano and micron-sized particles. In addition to its interesting physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties, which include high mucoadhesion and a great capacity to produce drug delivery systems, ensuring the biocompatibility of the drug delivery vehicles is a highly relevant issue. Nevertheless, this subject is not addressed as frequently as desired and even though the application of chitosan carriers has been widely explored, the demonstration of systems biocompatibility is still in its infancy. In this review, addressing the biocompatibility of chitosan carriers with application in drug delivery is discussed and the methods used in vitro and in vivo, exploring the effect of different variables, are described. We further provide a discussion on the pros and cons of used methodologies, as well as on the difficulties arising from the absence of standardization of procedures.
Control of Scar Tissue Formation in the Cornea: Strategies in Clinical and Corneal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wilson Samantha L. , El Haj Alicia J. , Yang Ying
Published: September 2012

Corneal structure is highly organized and unified in architecture with structural and functional integration which mediates transparency and vision. Disease and injury are the second most common cause of blindness affecting over 10 million people worldwide. Ninety percent of blindness is permanent due to scarring and vascularization. Scarring caused via fibrotic cellular responses, heals the tissue, but fails to restore transparency. Controlling keratocyte activation and differentiation are key for the inhibition and prevention of fibrosis. Ophthalmic surgery techniques are continually developing to preserve and restore vision but corneal regression and scarring are often detrimental side effects and long term continuous follow up studies are lacking or discouraging. Appropriate corneal models may lead to a reduced need for corneal transplantation as presently there are insufficient numbers or suitable tissue to meet demand. Synthetic optical materials are under development for keratoprothesis although clinical use is limited due to implantation complications and high rejection rates. Tissue engineered corneas offer an alternative which more closely mimic the morphological, physiological and biomechanical properties of native corneas. However, replication of the native collagen fiber organization and retaining the phenotype of stromal cells which prevent scar-like tissue formation remains a challenge. Careful manipulation of culture environments are under investigation to determine a suitable environment that simulates native ECM organization and stimulates keratocyte migration and generation.
Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Lactic Acid-Fermented Soymilk on Rats Fed a High Cholesterol Diet
Authors: Kobayashi Maki , Hirahata Rie , Egusa Shintaro , Fukuda Mitsuru
Published: September 2012

The effect of fermented soymilk on rats fed a high cholesterol diet was investigated to clarify the cholesterol-lowering function. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7 weeks were fed a control diet (1% cholesterol, high cholesterol diet), high cholesterol diet containing 11.7% fermented soymilk diet (5% soy protein as final concentration, F-5), or high cholesterol diet containing 23.4% fermented soymilk diet (10% soy protein as final concentration, F-10) for 5 weeks. The liver weight and fat mass were decreased by the ingestion of fermented soymilk. The hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the F-5 and F-10 groups were significantly lowered compared to those in the control group. The plasma total cholesterol level of the F-10 group was significantly decreased. The expression of SREBP-2, a cholesterol synthesis-related gene, was significantly decreased in liver of the F-5 group, but the expression of CYP7a1, a cholesterol catabolism-related gene, was significantly increased. These results suggest that fermented soymilk can modulate the cholesterol metabolism in rats fed a high cholesterol diet.
Radiometric and Geometric Analysis of Hyperspectral Imagery Acquired from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Hruska Ryan , Mitchell Jessica , Anderson Matthew , Glenn Nancy F.
Published: September 2012

In the summer of 2010, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral calibration and characterization experiment of the Resonon PIKA II imaging spectrometer was conducted at the US Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) UAV Research Park. The purpose of the experiment was to validate the radiometric calibration of the spectrometer and determine the georegistration accuracy achievable from the on-board global positioning system (GPS) and inertial navigation sensors (INS) under operational conditions. In order for low-cost hyperspectral systems to compete with larger systems flown on manned aircraft, they must be able to collect data suitable for quantitative scientific analysis. The results of the in-flight calibration experiment indicate an absolute average agreement of 96.3%, 93.7% and 85.7% for calibration tarps of 56%, 24%, and 2.5% reflectivity, respectively. The achieved planimetric accuracy was 4.6 m (based on RMSE) with a flying height of 344 m above ground level (AGL).
The Effects of Biocompatible Compared with Standard Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions on Peritonitis Microbiology, Treatment, and Outcomes: The Balanz Trial
Authors:   The balANZ Trial Writing Committee:, Johnson David W. , Brown Fiona G. , Clarke Margaret , Boudville Neil , Elias Tony J. , Foo Marjorie W.Y. , Jones Bernard , Kulkarni Hemant , Langham Robyn , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan , Schollum John , Suranyi Michael G. , Tan Seng H. , Voss David
Published: September 2012

Background

A multicenter, multi-country randomized controlled trial (the balANZ study) recently reported that peritonitis rates significantly improved with the use of neutral-pH peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions low in glucose degradation products (“biocompatible”) compared with standard solutions. The present paper reports a secondary outcome analysis of the balANZ trial with respect to peritonitis microbiology, treatment, and outcomes.

Methods

Adult incident PD patients with residual renal function were randomized to receive either biocompatible or conventional (control) PD solutions for 2 years.

Results

The safety population analysis for peritonitis included 91 patients in each group. The unadjusted geometric mean peritonitis rates in those groups were 0.30 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22 to 0.41] episodes per patient–year for the biocompatible group and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.39 to 0.62) episodes per patient–year for the control group [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.90; p = 0.01]. When specific causative organisms were examined, the rates of culture-negative, gram-positive, gram-negative, and polymicrobial peritonitis episodes were not significantly different between the biocompatible and control groups, although the biocompatible group did experience a significantly lower rate of non-pseudomonal gram-negative peritonitis (IRR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.92; p = 0.03). Initial empiric antibiotic regimens were comparable between the groups. Biocompatible fluid use did not significantly reduce the risk of peritonitis-associated hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.34), but did result in a shorter median duration of peritonitis-associated hospitalization (6 days vs 11 days, p = 0.05). Peritonitis severity was more likely to be rated as mild in the biocompatible group (37% vs 10%, p = 0.001). Overall peritonitis-associated technique failures and peritonitis-related deaths were comparable in the two groups.

Conclusions

Biocompatible PD fluid use was associated with a broad reduction in gram-positive, gram-negative, and culture-negative peritonitis that reached statistical significance for non-pseudomonal gram-negative organisms. Peritonitis hospitalization duration was shorter, and peritonitis severity was more commonly rated as mild in patients receiving biocompatible PD fluids, although other peritonitis outcomes were comparable between the groups.
Transatlantic Online Community of Practice
Authors: Schwartz-Bechet Barbara , Bos-Wierda Roelien , Barendsen Ronald
Published: September 2012

Global citizenship and an international orientation are high on the agenda in higher education both in Europe and in the USA. The realization of ambitions in this sphere is often problematic since student and staff exchange is a costly and time consuming affair. In this paper we will explore to what extent the use of technology may facilitate this process and what the added value is. To that end we will demonstrate how a university in the Netherlands and a university in the United States began a partnership in the area of teacher education. Through the use of technology, faculty and student teachers in the Netherlands and the USA socialize and collaborate on the secure educational platform Myschoolsnetwork.com. We will focus on the relationship between the social and the professional, the formal and the informal. We will demonstrate how parts of the US and NL curricula were synchronized and how students on both sides of the Atlantic uploaded lesson plans, webquests and classroom dilemmas .

We will discuss why and how we began our partnership and provide detailed instructions on how to achieve success in the development in a transatlantic partnership. and explore what factors determine success or failure. In the conclusion plans for the future will be described.
A journey towards inclusive education; a case study from a ‘township’ in South Africa
Authors: Luger Rosemary , Prudhomme Debbie , Bullen Ann , Pitt Catherine , Geiger Martha
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this case study was to relate part of the journey to appropriate education for two young children with physical disabilities in a low socio-economic peri-urban informal settlement – or ‘township’ – in South Africa. The part of the on-going journey described here spanned four-and-a-half years and included the two children, their families, their teachers, their community and a small team of rehabilitation professionals working for a non-profit organisation in the area. The rehabilitation professionals’ goals were to provide support for the children, their families, their current special care centre and the school(s) they would attend in the future. The steps from the special care centre, to a mainstream early childhood development (ECD) centre for both of them, and then on to (a) a school for learners with special educational needs (LSEN) for one child and (b) a mainstream primary school for the other, are described. Challenges encountered on the way included parental fears, community attitudes and physical accessibility. Practical outcomes included different placements for the two children with implications and recommendations for prioritised parent involvement, individual approaches, interdisciplinary and community-based collaborations. Recommendations are given for clinical contexts, curricula and policy matters; for research and for scaling up such a programme through community workers.