bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of different load application devices on fracture resistance of restored premolars
Authors: Silva Gisele Rodrigues da , Silva Natércia Rezende da , Soares Paulo Vinícius , Costa Ana Rosa , Fernandes-Neto Alfredo Júlio , Soares Carlos José
Published: April 2013

This in vitro study analyzed the effect of different load application devices on fracture resistance and failure mode of maxillary premolars restored with composite resin. Sixty human maxillary premolars received standardized mesio-occluso-distal cavity preparations and were restored with composite resin. The specimens were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10). Compressive loading was applied using 6 different metallic devices: S2: 2-mm sphere; S6: 6-mm sphere; C2: 2-mm cylinder; C6: 6-mm cylinder; WS: wedge shape device; and MAT: individualized metallic antagonist tooth. Data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The failure mode was recorded based on the 4 sequential levels. Statistical analysis revealed that WS presented significantly higher fracture resistance than S6 and C6. No significant difference was found among MAT, C2, S2 and S6. Sphere and cylinder with 6 mm were similar, with the lowest values of all groups. MAT presented the least number of catastrophic failures while C2, S2 and WS presented the highest. The type of load application device influences significantly the behavior of the teeth-restoration complex during mechanical fracture resistance test.
Influence of alloy microstructure on the microshear bond strength of basic alloys to a resin luting cement
Authors: Bauer José , Costa José Ferreira , Carvalho Ceci Nunes , Souza Douglas Nesadal de , Loguercio Alessandro Dourado , Grande Rosa Helena Miranda
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of microstructure and composition of basic alloys on their microshear bond strength (µSBS) to resin luting cement. The alloys used were: Supreme Cast-V (SC), Tilite Star (TS), Wiron 99 (W9), VeraBond II (VBII), VeraBond (VB), Remanium (RM) and IPS d.SIGN 30 (IPS). Five wax patterns (13mm in diameter and 4mm height) were invested, and cast in a centrifugal casting machine for each basic alloy. The specimens were embedded in resin, polished with a SiC paper and sandblasted. After cleaning the metal surfaces, six tygon tubes (0.5 mm height and 0.75 mm in diameter) were placed on each alloy surface, the resin cement (Panavia F) was inserted, and the excess was removed before light-curing. After storage (24 h/37°C), the specimens were subjected to µSBS testing (0.5 mm/min). The data were subjected to a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Turkey's test (α=0.05). After polishing, their microstructures were revealed with specific conditioners. The highest µSBS (mean/standard deviation in MPa) were observed in the alloys with dendritic structure, eutectic formation or precipitation: VB (30.6/1.7), TS (29.8/0.9), SC (30.6/1.7), with the exception of IPS (31.1/0.9) which showed high µSBS but no eutectic formation. The W9 (28.1/1.5), VBII (25.9/2.0) and RM (25.9/0.9) showed the lowest µSBS and no eutectic formation. It seems that alloys with eutectic formation provide the highest µSBS values when bonded to a light-cured resin luting cement.
Biofilms of black tooth stains: PCR analysis reveals presence of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Costa Marília Teixeira , Dorta Miriam Leandro , Ribeiro-Dias Fátima , Pimenta Fabiana Cristina
Published: April 2013

This study investigated the presence of the black-pigmented bacteria Prevotella nigrescens and Prevotella intermedia, the non-black-pigmented bacteria Actinomyces spp and particularly the cariogenic pathogen Streptococcus mutans in the dental biofilms of patients with or without black extrinsic tooth stains, using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Analysis of the dental biofilms of patients with (n=26) or without (n=26) black tooth stains was performed using duplex PCR for the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (P. nigrescens, P. intermedia, Actinomyces spp) and glucosyltransferase-I gene for S. mutans. P. nigrescens and S. mutans were the most frequent bacteria detected in both groups. The least frequently detected were P. intermedia and Actinomyces spp. The similar bacterial composition of dental biofilms of black tooth stains and healthy tooth surfaces indicates that black tooth stains are not free of cariogenic bacteria.
Soy milk as a storage medium to preserve human fibroblast cell viability: an in vitro study
Authors: Moura Camilla Christian Gomes , Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira , Reis Manuella Verdinelli de Paula , Fernandes Neto Alfredo Júlio , Soares Carlos José
Published: April 2013

Soy milk (SM) is widely consumed worldwide as a substitute for cow milk. It is a source of vitamins, carbohydrates and sugars, but its capacity to preserve cell viability has not been evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of SM to maintain the viability of human fibroblasts at short periods compared with different cow milks. Human mouth fibroblasts were cultured and stored in the following media at room temperature: 10% Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) (positive control group); long shelf-life ultra-high temperature whole cow milk (WM); long shelf-life ultra-high temperature skim cow milk (SKM); powdered cow milk (PM); and soy milk (SM). After 5, 15, 30 and 45 min, cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test with post-analysis using the Dunn's method (α=0.05). SKM showed the lowest capacity to maintain cell viability in all analyzed times (p<0.05). At 30 and 45 min, the absorbance levels in control group (DMEM) and SM were significantly higher than in SKM (p<0.05). Cell viability decreased along the time (5-45 min). The results indicate that SM can be used as a more adequate storage medium for avulsed teeth. SKM was not as effective in preserving cell viability as the cell culture medium and SM.
Color stability of modern composites subjected to different periods of accelerated artificial aging
Authors: Drubi-Filho Brahim , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , Cruvinel Diogo Rodrigues , Sousa Ana Beatriz Silva , Pires-de-Souza Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability of composites subjected to different periods of accelerated artificial aging (AAA). A polytetrafluorethylene matrix (10 x 2 mm) was used to fabricate 24 test specimens of three different composites (n=8): Tetric Ceram (Ivoclar/Vivadent); Filtek P90 and Z250 (3M ESPE), shade A3. After light activation for 20 s (FlashLite 1401), polishing and initial color readout (Spectrophotometer PCB 687; BYK Gardner), the test specimens were subjected to AAA (C-UV; Comexim), in 8-h cycles: 4 h exposure to UV-B rays at 50°C and 4 h condensation at 50°C. At the end of each cycle, color readouts were taken and the test ended when the mean value of ΔE attained a level ≥3.30. Tetric Ceram presented alteration in ΔE equal to 3.33 in the first aging cycle. For Filtek P90 and Z250, two (ΔE=3.60) and four (ΔE=3.42) AAA cycles were necessary. After each cycle, there was a reduction of luminosity in all the samples (ΔL). It was concluded that a short period of AAA was sufficient to promote clinically unacceptable color alteration in composites, and that this alteration was material-dependent.
Effect of fluoride on tooth erosion around orthodontic brackets
Authors: Caldeira Erika Machado , Fidalgo Tatiana Kelly da Silva , Passalini Paula , Marquezan Mariana , Maia Lucianne Cople , Nojima Matilde da Cunha Gonçalves
Published: April 2013

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride in prevention of tooth erosion around orthodontic brackets under erosive challenge. Edgewise brackets were bonded with TransbondTM XT composite on vestibular surface of 40 bovine incisors. The teeth were assigned to 4 groups (n=10): G1: Remineralizing saliva; G2: Erosive challenge; G3: Experimental group submitted to topical application of neutral fluoride gel (2% NaF) before erosive challenge; G4: Experimental group submitted to three daily applications of fluoride dentifrice (PFM 1500 ppmF) during erosive challenge. After 14 days of erosive challenge, direct visual and tactile examination were performed by two calibrated and trained examiners (Kappa = 0.867). The following scores were used: 0 = Intact enamel, 1 = Demineralized enamel without cavity, 2 = Demineralized enamel with cavity, 3 = Remineralized enamel without cavity, 4 = Remineralized enamel with cavity. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were applied to determine erosion levels, establishing a confidence interval of 95% (p<0.05). G2 and G3 presented 100% of score 2, with large cavities, presenting rough and opaque surface. G4 showed 50% of score 3 and 50% of score 4. Considering the studied conditions, it was found a significant difference between G2 and G4 and between G3 and G4 (p<0.01). By contrast to single application of neutral fluoride gel, the high frequency of use of fluoride at low concentration had a great influence during the dynamics of erosion.
Etiologic factors associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma in non-smokers and non-alcoholic drinkers: a brief approach
Authors: Vargas-Ferreira Fabiana , Nedel Fernanda , Etges Adriana , Gomes Ana Paula Neutzling , Furuse Cristiane , Tarquinio Sandra Beatriz Chaves
Published: April 2013

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the fifth most common type of cancer in the world. The effect of some etiological factors is well established in the literature, such as consumption of tobacco and alcohol. However, approximately 15 to 20% of all oral cancer cases occur in patients without the traditional risk factors, reflecting in numerous cases of OSCC in non-smokers and non-alcoholic drinkers. Also, several studies have suggested a possible association between human papillomavirus and OSCC. Under these aspects, the purpose of this study is to address cases of oral cancer in non-smokers and non-drinkers focusing on the role of HPV, thus contributing to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of OSCC. A computer database search was performed using the Pubmed database. The search key words were: epidemiology, oral squamous cell carcinoma, risk factors and human papillomavirus. It is important to assess patients without the potential risk factors, since this knowledge may help identifying other features associated with the occurrence of oral cancer, enabling an appropriate clinical management and monitoring.
Diversity dynamics of mammals in relation to tectonic and climatic history: comparison of three Neogene records from North America
Authors: Badgley Catherine , Finarelli John A.
Published: April 2013

In modern ecosystems, regions of topographic heterogeneity, when compared with nearby topographically homogeneous regions, support high species densities of mammals and other groups. This biogeographic pattern could be explained by either greater diversification rates or greater accommodation of species in topographically complex regions. In this context, we assess the hypothesis that changes in landscape history have stimulated diversification in mammals. Landscape history includes tectonic and climatic processes that influence topographic complexity at regional scales. We evaluated the influence of changes in topographic complexity and climate on origination and extinction rates of rodents, the most diverse clade of mammals.

We compared the Neogene records of rodent diversity for three regions in North America. The Columbia Basin of the Pacific Northwest (Region 1) and the northern Rocky Mountains (Region 2) were tectonically active over much of the Cenozoic and are characterized by high topographic complexity today. The northern Great Plains (Region 3) have been tectonically quiescent, with low relief, throughout the Cenozoic. These three regions have distinctive geologic histories and substantial fossil records. All three regions showed significant changes in diversification and faunal composition over the Neogene. In the montane regions, originations and extinctions peaked at the onset and close, respectively, of the Miocene Climatic Optimum (17–14 Ma), with significant changes in faunal composition accompanying these episodes of diversification. In the Great Plains, rodents showed considerable turnover but infrequent diversification. Peak Neogene diversity in the Great Plains occurred during cooling after the Miocene Climatic Optimum. These histories suggest that climatic changes interacting with increasing topographic complexity intensify macroevolutionary processes. In addition, close tracking of diversity and fossil productivity with the stratigraphic record suggests either large-scale sampling biases or the mutual response of diversity and depositional processes to changes in landscape history.
Evaluation of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse as an Alternative Livestock Feed
Authors: Houx James H. , Roberts Craig A. , Fritschi Felix B.
Published: April 2013

Recently, sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] has garnered renewed attention as a promising feedstock for ethanol production. A byproduct of this is bagasse, which is sweet sorghum stalks remaining after juice extraction. It is possible that sweet sorghum bagasse could provide a source of livestock feed and that its nutritive value could be increased by ammoniation. Ammoniation refers to the treatment of low‐quality forages with NH3 to improve crude protein concentration, digestibility, and animal intake. The main objective of this study was to evaluate sweet sorghum bagasse as a livestock feed and determine the effect of ammoniation on in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and crude protein (CP) of sweet sorghum bagasse. In vitro true digestibility and CP were determined on bagasse of 12 sweet sorghum cultivars grown in three environments and treated with and without anhydrous NH3 (39.0 g kg−1). Across environments, ammoniation increased bagasse IVTD from a mean of 731 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) to a mean of 750 g kg−1 DM, but IVTD of bagasse from only two of three environments was increased. Crude protein averaged 117 g kg−1 DM for ammoniated samples compared to 26 g kg−1 DM for nontreated samples. Ammoniation increased CP in every cultivar and in every environment. Sweet sorghum bagasse IVTD and CP characteristics combined with large yields indicate that this byproduct could serve as livestock feed and merits further investigation.
Breeding Potential of Elite Pee Dee Germplasm in Upland Cotton Breeding Programs
Authors: Campbell B. T. , Weaver D. B. , Sharpe R. , Wu J. , Jones D. C.
Published: April 2013

Successful plant breeding programs begin with parental line selection. Effective parental line selection is facilitated when the breeding potential of candidate parental lines is known. Using topcross families involving germplasm from eight U.S. public cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) breeding programs, we evaluated the breeding potential of recently developed, elite Pee Dee germplasm. Based on parental line mean performance, hybrid performance, and genetic effect estimates, the breeding potential for recently developed, elite Pee Dee germplasm was similar to or better than the breeding potential of two well‐known, commercial cultivars. Results suggest that crosses involving germplasm from the USDA‐ARS, Stoneville, MS, and USDA‐ARS, Maricopa, AZ, cotton germplasm enhancement programs offer high fiber quality potential. In addition, our results suggest that recently developed, elite Pee Dee germplasm can be used to generate offspring with a lessened or absent negative relationship between agronomic performance and fiber quality. Cotton breeders can use the information provided herein to facilitate their efforts to develop elite breeding lines, recurrent parents, and/or commercial cultivars.
Emission of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide from a full-scale single-stage nitritation-anammox reactor
Authors: Kampschreur M. J. , Poldermans R. , Kleerebezem R. , van der Star W. R. L. , Haarhuis R. , Abma W. R. , Jetten M. S. M. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M.
Published: April 2013

At a full-scale single-stage nitritation-anammox reactor, off-gas measurement for nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) was performed. NO and N2O are environmental hazards, imposing the risk of improving water quality at the cost of deteriorating air quality. The emission of NO during normal operation of a single-stage nitritation-anammox process was 0.005% of the nitrogen load while the N2O emission was 1.2% of the nitrogen load to the reactor, which is in the same range as reported emission from other full-scale wastewater treatment plants. The emission of both compounds was strongly coupled. The concentration of NO and N2O in the off-gas of the single-stage nitritation-anammox reactor was rather dynamic and clearly responded to operational variations. This exemplifies the need for time-dependent measurement of NO and N2O emission from bioreactors for reliable emission estimates. Nitrite accumulation clearly resulted in increased NO and N2O concentrations in the off-gas, yielding higher emission levels. Oxygen limitation resulted in a decrease in NO and N2O emission, which was unexpected as oxygen limitation is generally assumed to cause increased emissions in nitrogen converting systems. Higher aeration flow dramatically increased the NO emission load and also seemed to increase the N2O emission, which stresses the importance of efficient aeration control to limit NO and N2O emissions.
Nutrient removal in an electrically enhanced membrane bioreactor
Authors: Wei V. , Oleszkiewicz J. A. , Elektorowicz M.
Published: April 2013

Integration of the membrane bioreactor (MBR) into wastewater treatment facilities has gained popularity in recent years due to increasingly stringent discharge permits. However, up to now no research has been conducted on the combination of nitrification, denitrification and electrochemical phosphorus removal into a MBR system. In this study a novel electrically enhanced MBR (EMBR) system was used. Without pH adjustment and external carbon source supplementation, using synthetic feed, ammonium-nitrogen was completely eliminated; COD, total nitrogen and ortho-phosphorus were removed by 94.3%, 77% and 86.6%, respectively. The power consumption was 0.22 kW/m3 of the influent synthetic wastewater. With a control MBR run in parallel, the applied voltage gradient of 1.82 V/cm did not exhibit adverse influence on the microbial growth. This system has the potential to achieve phosphorus removal through alternating the direct current intensity.
Performance evaluation of planted and unplanted subsurface-flow constructed wetlands for the post-treatment of UASB reactor effluents
Authors: Dornelas Filipe Lima , Machado Matheus Boechat , von Sperling Marcos
Published: April 2013

A system comprised by a UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) reactor followed by two horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands in parallel was evaluated for the treatment of the wastewater generated in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil (50 inhabitants each unit). One unit was planted (Typha latifolia) and the other was unplanted. Influent and effluent samples were collected for a period of seven months. The systems were able to produce final effluents with low concentrations of organic matter and suspended solids, but showed not to be efficient in the removal of nutrients. Mean effluent concentrations for the planted and unplanted units were, respectively: BOD: 15 and 19 mg/L; COD: 42 and 64 mg/L; TSS: 3 and 5 mg/L; TN: 27 and 33 mg/L; N-NH3: 25 and 29 mg/L; P Total: 1.2 and 1.5 mg/L. The planted wetland presented effluent concentrations and removal efficiencies significantly (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, 5% significance level) better than the unplanted unit for most constituents. The study shows that horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands can be effectively used as a post-treatment option for the effluent from UASB reactors.
Predictive indicators of the safety of swimming pool waters
Authors: Nikaeen M. , Hatamzadeh M. , Vahid Dastjerdi M. , Hassanzadeh A.
Published: April 2013

Many outbreaks related to swimming pools could have been prevented or reduced if the pool had been well managed and effectively monitored. The aim of this study was to evaluate physicochemical and microbial parameters that can be proposed as an indicator for the safety of swimming pools. A total of 234 water samples, over a 10-month period in 2006–2007, were collected from indoor swimming pools in Isfahan. All water samples were analyzed for physicochemical and microbial parameters including temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, free chlorine, heterotrophic plate count (HPC), total (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC), fecal streptococci (FS) Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). The highest isolation of microbial indicators was for total coliforms (38%) and the lowest for fecal streptococci (3%). The correlation analyses indicated that free chlorine concentration had a significant negative relationship with the heterotrophic bacteria population and total coliforms. Total coliforms presented a significant correlation with the other microbiological indicators. The results clearly showed that the hygienic quality of the swimming pools was dependent on the efficacy of disinfection. Thus, the free chlorine and pH were good operational indices for the quality control of swimming pools and must be maintained in the recommended range to ensure optimal disinfection. The results also showed that TC and HPC were reliable and practical indicators for routine quality surveillance and assessment of the efficiency of the disinfection process and safety of swimming pools.
Product distance matrix of a graph and squared distance matrix of a tree
Authors: Bapat R.B. , Sivasubramanian S.
Published: April 2013

Let G be a strongly connected, weighted directed graph. We define a product
distance ?(i,j) for pairs i,j of vertices and form the corresponding
product distance matrix. We obtain a formula for the determinant and the
inverse of the product distance matrix. The edge orientation matrix of a
directed tree is defined and a formula for its determinant and its inverse,
when it exists, is obtained. A formula for the determinant of the
(entry-wise) squared distance matrix of a tree is proved.
Content-based image retrieval using spatial-color and Gabor texture on a mobile device
Authors: Lee Yong-Hwan , Kim Bonam , Rhee Sang-Burm
Published: April 2013

Mobile image retrieval is one of the most exciting and fastest growing
research fields in the area of multimedia technology. As the amount of
digital contents continues to grow users are experiencing increasing
difficulty in finding specific images in their image libraries. This paper
proposes a new efficient and effective mobile image retrieval method that
applies a weighted combination of color and texture utilizing spatial-color
and second order statistics. The system for mobile image searches runs in
real-time on an iPhone and can easily be used to find a specific image. To
evaluate the performance of the new method, we assessed the Xcode simulations
performance in terms of average precision and F-score using several image
databases and compare the results with those obtained using existing methods
such as MPEG-7. Experimental trials revealed that the proposed descriptor
exhibited a significant improvement of over 13% in retrieval effectiveness,
compared to the best of the other descriptors.
Using bivariate polynomial to design a dynamic key management scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Tsai Yu-Ting , Castiglione Aniello , Palmieri Francesco
Published: April 2013

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have become increasingly popular in monitoring
environments such as: disaster relief operations, seismic data collection,
monitoring wildlife and military intelligence. The sensor typically consists
of small, inexpensive, battery-powered sensing devices fitted with wireless
transmitters, which can be spatially scattered to form an ad hoc
hierarchically structured network. Recently, the global positioning system
(GPS) facilities were embedded into the sensor node architecture to identify
its location within the operating environment. This mechanism may be
exploited to extend the WSN?s applications. To face with the security
requirements and challenges in hierarchical WSNs, we propose a dynamic
location-aware key management scheme based on the bivariate polynomial key
predistribution, where the aggregation cluster nodes can easily find their
best routing path to the base station, by containing the energy consumption,
storage and computation demands in both the cluster nodes and the sensor
nodes. This scheme is robust from the security point of view and able to
work efficiently, despite the highly constrained nature of sensor nodes.
Activity inference for constructing user intention model
Authors: Hwang Myunggwon , Jeong Do-Heon , Kim Jinhyung , Song Sa-Kwang , Jung Hanmin
Published: April 2013

User intention modeling is a key component for providing appropriate services
within ubiquitous and pervasive computing environments. Intention modeling
should be concentrated on inferring user activities based on the objects a
user approaches or touches. In order to support this kind of modeling, we
propose the creation of object-activity pairs based on relatedness in a
general domain. In this paper, we show our method for achieving this and
evaluate its effectiveness.
A hybrid approach to secure hierarchical mobile IPv6 networks
Authors: Gao Tianhan , Guo Nan , Yim Kangbin
Published: April 2013

Establishing secure access and communications in a hierarchical mobile IPv6
(HMIPv6) network, when a mobile node is roaming into a foreign network, is a
challenging task and has so far received little attention. Existing
solutions are mainly based on public key infrastructure (PKI) or
identity-based cryptography (IBC). However, these solutions suffer from
either efficiency or scalability problems. In this paper, we leverage the
combination of PKI and certificate-based cryptography and propose a
hierarchical security architecture for the HMIPv6 roaming service. Under
this architecture, we present a mutual authentication protocol based on a
novel cross-certificate and certificate-based signature scheme. Mutual
authentication is achieved locally during the mobile node?s handover. In
addition, we propose a key establishment scheme and integrate it into the
authentication protocol which can be utilized to set up a secure channel for
subsequent communications after authentication. As far as we know, our
approach is the first addressing the security of HMIPv6 networks using such
a hybrid approach. In comparison with PKI-based and IBCbased schemes, our
solution has better overall performance in terms of authenticated handover
latency.
On nonsmooth multiobjective fractional programming problems involving (p, r)− ρ −(η ,θ)- invex functions
Authors: Jayswal Anurag , Prasad Ashish , Stancu-Minasian I.M.
Published: April 2013

A class of multiobjective fractional programming problems (MFP) is considered
where the involved functions are locally Lipschitz. In order to deduce our
main results, we introduce the definition of (p,r)?? ?(?,?)-invex class about
the Clarke generalized gradient. Under the above invexity assumption,
sufficient conditions for optimality are given. Finally, three types of dual
problems corresponding to (MFP) are formulated, and appropriate dual theorems
are proved.
Heteronormativity in Online Information about Sex: A South Australian Case Study
Authors: Riggs Damien W.
Published: April 2013

Whilst sex education in Australia has moved beyond a focus solely on abstinence, it is still in many instances shaped by what Silin refers to as the ‘silences' that accompany topics considered unspeakable to young people. The present article focuses specifically on one such silence, namely the representation of non-heterosexual sexualities and non-gender-normative people in the context of sex education. By focusing on three South Australian websites that act as first ports of call in terms of information about sex and sex education to young people and their parents, the analysis provided suggests that two of the three websites evoke a range of heteronormative and gender-normative assumptions, with one of these sites more explicitly emphasising reproductive heterosex, and the other adopting a liberal approach that nonetheless fails to adequately challenge stereotypes about non-heterosexuality and non-gender normativity. The third site, by contrast, provides relatively progressive inclusion of a range of genders and sexualities, and addresses homophobia and its effects. The article concludes by suggesting that websites providing information about sex to young people and their parents must make a substantive shift away from perpetuating the silencing of marginal sexualities and genders, and towards contributing to open public discussion about young people and sex.
Normative ‘Sexual’ Knowledge and Critique as a Mode of Resistance — A Response to Damien Riggs
Authors: Burns Kellie
Published: April 2013

In this response to Damien Riggs' analysis of sex education websites, the author draws on Foucault's understanding of knowledge, power and governmentality to understand how some forms of knowledge about sex and sexuality become normalised ‘official knowledge’ that frame institutional policies and practices and shape everyday discourses. Foucault provides a framework for analysing sexuality as a modality of government that produces and manages what types of knowledge are, or are not, ‘knowable’ about sex, gender and sexuality. The author then considers the implications for those who are marginalised or silenced in ‘official’ knowledge cultures of this kind. Theory, she argues, provides tools for disrupting normative knowledge about childhood sexuality, which frames educational practices and everyday discourses.
Views from Somewhere: Situated Knowledges and Partial Perspectives in a Hong Kong Kindergarten Classroom
Authors: Blaise Mindy , Leung Vivienne W.M. , Sun Chunrong
Published: April 2013

This article demonstrates an engaged situated methodology by drawing from an exploratory study of literacy activities in a Hong Kong kindergarten classroom. Bringing together feminist understandings of situated knowledges and Asian critical cultural studies ideas about ‘Asia as method’, the authors recognize that all aspects of knowledge production are situated individually and globally. The authors work with their different positionalities by dialoguing across partial viewpoints. This strategy of inter-referencing begins to blur hierarchical and binary thinking about insider/outsider perspectives and Western/Chinese pedagogies. Working with dialoguing and inter-referencing across partial perspectives, the authors enact de-colonizing and de-imperializing methodologies to develop new reflexive and transformative knowledge practices.
Young Children's Living and Learning Experiences under the Biliterate and Trilingual Education Policy in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee I-Fang , Tseng Chao-Ling
Published: April 2013

Seeking to understand contemporary Asian childhoods and children's learning in different lifeworlds (both learning and living experiences), this article highlights Hong Kong as an example to understand children's early literacy learning under the biliterate and trilingual education policy in Hong Kong. Through looking at the portraits of children's lifeworlds in relation to the learning of biliteracies and trilingualism, we reflect upon the provocative notions of ‘best pedagogical practice’ as well as considering globalization and Westernization in the socio-cultural and political contexts of Hong Kong. Through the discussions, layers of opportunities are created for teachers to reconceptualize the effects of dominant socio-cultural production of studenthood and the ways in which children's multiple and varied childhoods are adding dimensions of learning.
Making Use of Old and New: Korean Early Childhood Education in the Global Context
Authors: Park Eunhye , Lee Jeehyun , Jun Hong-Ju
Published: April 2013

This article focuses on Korean early childhood education in the global and postcolonial context. Special attention is paid to Western and traditional beliefs and practices of childhood education projected by the postings on the walls of an early childhood institution in Korea. Three major features found on the walls of the early childhood institution – that is, collective postings, socially appropriate practices, and rules for self-regulation – are interpreted in terms of the layers of educational practices that consist of Korean early childhood education. This article discusses how Korean early childhood education ‘consumes' the outside influences in order to increase its educational competitiveness in the global context, while maintaining traditional educational practices.
Media Literacy in the Lifeworlds of Malaysian Children
Authors: Baboo Shanthi Balraj
Published: April 2013

Many children grow up in contemporary Malaysia with an array of new media. These include television, video games, mobile phones, computers, Internet, tablets, iPads and iPods. In using these new media technologies, children are able to produce texts and images that shape their childhood experiences and their views of the world. This article presents some selected findings and snapshots of the media lifeworlds of children aged 10 in Malaysia. This article is concerned with media literacy and puts a focus on the use, forms of engagement and ways that children are able to make sense of media technologies in their lives. The study reveals that children participate in many different media activities in their homes. However, the multimodal competencies, user experiences and meaning-making actions that the children construct are not engaged with in productive ways in their schooling literacies. It is argued that media literacy should be more widely acknowledged within home and school settings.
Investigation of 3,5-dichlorosalicylate-copper(II)-(3-pyridylmethanol or N,N′-diethylnicotinamide) complex systems by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Husáriková Lucia , Repická Zuzana , Valigura Dušan , Valko Marián , Mazúr Milan
Published: April 2013

Copper(II) complex systems, containing 3,5-dichlorosalicylic acid (3,5-Cl2salH) and different copper salts (Cu(ac)2 or CuSO4), with varying concentrations of 3-pyridylmethanol (ronicol, ron) or N,N′-diethylnicotinamide (denia) as ligands, were prepared. The effects of Cu(II) salts containing anions of different basicity and two different N-donor ligands with varying ligand-to-metal ratio (x) on the formation of the resultant complexes in the water/methanol solutions were studied by EPR spectroscopy at low temperature of 98 K. When ligand concentration was increased, the resolution and signal intensity of the 14N perpendicular super-hyperfine splitting patterns increased (for ron more progressively), becoming saturated at higher ligand concentrations. In comparing the ronicoland denia-containing systems, both g-factors (g ⊥, g ‖) are systematically higher and the parallel hyperfine splitting (A ‖) systematically lower in denia-containing systems for both Cu(II) salts.
Electrical conductivity of systems based on Na3AlF6-SiO2 melt
Authors: Korenko Michal , Priščák Jozef , Šimko František
Published: April 2013

The electrical conductivity of molten binary and ternary mixtures based on the NaF-AlF3-SiO2 system was investigated by means of a tube-cell (composed of pyrolytic boron nitride) with stationary electrodes. An impedance/gain-phase analyser (National Instruments; a high-performance modular chassis controlled by Labview™ software) was used for the cell impedance measurement. The conductivity was found to vary linearly with temperature in all the mixtures investigated. The concentration dependence of electrical conductivity (isotherms) thus obtained was divided into two parts. The first represents the concentration region of up to 10 mole % of SiO2, the second the region with a higher concentration of SiO2 (from 10 mole % to 40 mole %). While the conductivity decreased considerably with the concentration of SiO2 in the second part, it increased surprisingly in the low concentration range. From these results, the influence of electrolyte composition and temperature on the electrical conductivity was examined.
Thermodynamic properties of dimethyl phthalate + vinyl acetate, diethyl phthalate + vinyl acetate or bromocyclohexane, and dibutyl phthalate + vinyl acetate or 1,2-dichlorobenzene at T = 298.15–308.15 K
Authors: Rostamkolahi Abbas , Rostami Abbas , Koohyar Fardad , Kiani Farhoush
Published: April 2013

Thermodynamic properties (densities and viscosities) of binary mixtures of diethyl phthalate (DEP) + bromocyclohexane, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) + 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and vinyl acetate (1) + dimethyl phthalate (DMP) (2), + diethyl phthalate (2), or + dibutyl phthalate (2) were measured over the whole range of mole fractions at atmospheric pressure and different temperatures (T = 298.15 K to 308.15 K). For these mixtures, their excess molar volumes (V E) and viscosity deviations (Δη) were calculated from the experimental data. These results were correlated with the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation to derive the coefficients and standard errors.
School Bullying: Introducing the Issue
Authors: Rana Niti
Published: April 2013

Beginning of the world. Void reigned then. Darkness alone existed. Then God created light. Soon he created land, rivers, hills and humans. But he was not satisfied with this multitude. He desperately wanted to carve the most beautiful creature on the earth. So at one fine heavenly moment, he set himself for the task. He then took all the lovely features from different creatures and lumped them into his new creation. "Abracadabra! Abracadabra!" chanted God, and lo! There emerged a camel.
Basic Psychological Needs in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Borg-Laufs Michael
Published: April 2013

In this article, four basic psychological needs, derived from psychological basic research, are presented. These are the needs for orientation and control, pleasure gain/distress avoidance, self esteem protection, and attachment. It is argued, that the satisfaction or violation of these needs has a main impact on the development of children and adolescents. To take these needs into account in various areas of pedagogical and psychosocial work gives good opportunities to help children and adolescents developing in a desired direction. The use of this concept is helpful in western societies as well as in developing countries.
Meaning of Education in the Bhagavad Gita
Authors: Ghimire Janardan
Published: April 2013

Our academia is familiar with the educational theories and thoughts developed in the West. However, we have no adequate information about our own historical and cultural thoughts in relation to education, despite their importance and comprehensiveness. In the Bhagavad Gita, I noticed that some of the basic components of educational philosophy are present. Among the various aspects of educational thoughts, this paper deals with the interpretation of the meaning of education that can be found in the Bhagavad Gita. Interpretation of a comprehensive meaning of education consisted within the Bhagavad Gita can contribute to inspire academicians to look behind the curtain of history for searching valuable knowledge. It can also provide some bases for comparative study of educational philosophy in the East and the West. From methodological perspective, this paper is a product of an Arts-based hermeneutical interpretation of a historical scripture that has established interesting links to cultural practice, personal experiences and feelings of the author.
Une analyse de la réglementation des personnes itinérantes selon une perspective pothienne de la discrimination
Authors: Bouclin Suzanne , Sala Joëlle Pastora
Published: April 2013

In this article, we will rely on the critical analysis of Dianne Pothier regarding discrimination and human dignity in order to establish propositions that we name the “Pothier perspective.” Our aim is to demonstrate the applicability of the Pothier perspective to the issues relating to street-involved people's dignity. We apply her analysis to a particular context – the implementation and the effects of the Obstructive Solicitation Regulation in Winnipeg. We find that Pothier's perspective helps us probe the complex ways in which formal decision-making bodies create and reinforce barriers to improving the life conditions of street-involved people. Among other things, the Pothier analysis deepens our understanding of power dynamics and shifting variations within the context of homelessness. However, Pothier also focuses on the manner in which people conceive of creative ways to develop strategies to maintain their dignity despite discriminatory experiences. Her perspective brings a different discussion about the homelessness in Winnipeg, which may facilitate innovative strategies for anti-poverty groups more broadly.
The Case for the Federation of Law Societies Rejecting Trinity Western University's Proposed Law Degree Program
Authors: Craig Elaine
Published: April 2013

L'Université Trinity Western (l'UTW), une école chrétienne privée en Colombie-Britannique, pourrait devenir la première faculté de droit chrétienne du Canada. Trinity Western pratique la discrimination fondée sur l'orientation sexuelle tant dans sa politique d'embauche que dans sa politique d'admission. On a aussi constaté qu'elle entrave la liberté académique. Les établissements dont les politiques discriminatoires vont à l'encontre des valeurs juridiques fondamentales ne sont pas compétents pour procurer une formation juridique. La Fédération des ordres professionnels de juristes du Canada, l'organisme national qui coordonne les 14 ordres professionnels du Canada, ne devrait pas approuver des programmes d’établissements qui ont des politiques discriminatoires. La décision de ne pas approuver la demande de l'UTW résisterait à une contestation judiciaire de celle-ci. Le contexte juridique dans lequel une décision de la Fédération ferait l'objet d'un examen judiciaire a changé depuis que la Cour suprême du Canada a tranché en faveur de Trinity Western dans l'arrêt Université Trinity Western c B.C. College of Teachers. La décision de la Fédération serait examinée selon la norme de la décision raisonnable plutôt que de la décision correcte. Considérant la mission, le mandat et les exigences académiques actuelles de la Fédération, une décision de rejeter la demande de l'UTW serait confirmée par les tribunaux parce qu'elle est raisonnable. L'UTW devrait être libre de faire de la recherche et de l'enseignement conformément à ses engagements religieux. L'UTW ne devrait cependant pas être autorisée à imposer au public un programme fondé sur la religion qui ne peut pas être en mesure de fournir une formation juridique conforme à ce que les organismes de réglementation de la profession juridique au Canada ont reconnu comme nécessaire pour protéger le public.
Epigenetic Modulating Agents as a New Therapeutic Approach in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Maes Ken , Menu Eline , Van Valckenborgh Els , Van Riet Ivan , Vanderkerken Karin , De Bruyne Elke
Published: April 2013

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B-cell malignancy. Therefore, new targets and drugs are urgently needed to improve patient outcome. Epigenetic aberrations play a crucial role in development and progression in cancer, including MM. To target these aberrations, epigenetic modulating agents, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), are under intense investigation in solid and hematological cancers. A clinical benefit of the use of these agents as single agents and in combination regimens has been suggested based on numerous studies in pre-clinical tumor models, including MM models. The mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood but appear to involve a combination of true epigenetic changes and cytotoxic actions. In addition, the interactions with the BM niche are also affected by epigenetic modulating agents that will further determine the in vivo efficacy and thus patient outcome. A better understanding of the molecular events underlying the anti-tumor activity of the epigenetic drugs will lead to more rational drug combinations. This review focuses on the involvement of epigenetic changes in MM pathogenesis and how the use of DNMTi and HDACi affect the myeloma tumor itself and its interactions with the microenvironment.
Relaxation Time and the Problem of the Pleistocene
Authors: Holland Steven
Published: April 2013

Although changes in habitat area, driven by changes in sea level, have long been considered as a possible cause of marine diversity change in the Phanerozoic, the lack of Pleistocene extinction in the Californian Province has raised doubts, given the large and rapid sea-level changes during the Pleistocene. Neutral models of metacommunities presented here suggest that diversity responds rapidly to changes in habitat area, with relaxation times of a few hundred to a few thousand years. Relaxation time is controlled partly by metacommunity size, implying that different provinces or trophic levels might have measurably different responses to changes in habitable area. Geologically short relaxation times imply that metacommunities should be able to stay nearly in equilibrium with all but the most rapid changes in area. A simulation of the Californian Province during the Pleistocene confirms this, with the longest lags in diversity approaching 20 kyr. The apparent lack of Pleistocene extinction in the Californian Province likely results from the difficulty of sampling rare species, coupled with repopulation from adjacent deep-water or warm-water regions.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress Response and Its Physiological Roles in Plants
Authors: Deng Yan , Srivastava Renu , Howell Stephen
Published: April 2013

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is a highly conserved mechanism that results from the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER. The response plays an important role in allowing plants to sense and respond to adverse environmental conditions, such as heat stress, salt stress and pathogen infection. Since the ER is a well-controlled microenvironment for proper protein synthesis and folding, it is highly susceptible to stress conditions. Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins activates a signaling pathway, called the unfolded protein response (UPR), which acts to relieve ER stress and, if unsuccessful, leads to cell death. Plants have two arms of the UPR signaling pathway, an arm involving the proteolytic processing of membrane-associated basic leucine zipper domain (bZIP) transcription factors and an arm involving RNA splicing factor, IRE1, and its mRNA target. These signaling pathways play an important role in determining the cell’s fate in response to stress conditions.