bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborating with the United nations: Does Flexibility Imply Informality?
Authors: Fromageau Edouard
Published: March 2011

Collecting information has always been both a necessity and a challenge for the United Nations. The timely and accurate knowledge of relevant facts is undoubtedly a necessary prerequisite when exercising its functions. However, given the lack of autonomous sources of information, the United Nations is more often than not reliant upon States to acquire information before they take any action. Recent practice in this respect is marked by informality and opaqueness. These traits come into sharp focus particularly in the context of investigations led by United Nations. What this article will attempt to show is that flexibility, or at least good-functioning, does not necessarily imply informality. By taking similar examples of exchanges of information at the international, European and domestic levels, it will be argued that a formal legal basis stressing a limited number of conditions for the exchange of information has already been established and thus may be possible in the context of the United Nations.
Policing Interpol: The Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files and the Right to a Remedy
Authors: Ling Cheah Wui
Published: March 2011

The impact of Interpol's work on the lives of private individuals has come under increased human rights criticism and scrutiny of late. In response, Interpol has strengthened the position of the Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files as an independent, remedial body. The Commission has been charged with the task of ensuring that Interpol meets its human rights obligations, particularly the right to an adequate and effective remedy. This article charts the Commission's historical evolution and critically situates it within Interpol's institutional landscape, with a view to assessing the scope and limits of the Commission's powers. While its status as an independent, remedial body has indeed been strengthened, a holistic appraisal of the Commission's powers against rapidly crystallizing standards of IO accountability highlights a number of shortcomings and the need for further steps to be taken.
From Advisory Opinions to Binding Decisions: The new Appeal Mechanism of the Un system of Administration of Justice
Authors: Vargiu Paolo
Published: March 2011

In 2009 the United Nations launched a new two-tier system of administration of justice. The system is composed of two standing bodies, the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNApT), the latter acting as an appeals mechanism against decisions of the UNDT. The former system foresaw the United Nations Administrative Tribunal (UNAT) as the sole body of administration of justice within the UN, while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) acted as review mechanism on the decisions of the UNAT. However, this review system was abolished in 1995 and, since then, no option was available to unsuccessful (or partially successful) staff members for having a UNAT judgment reviewed. The lack of any option for review led to criticisms and instances for reform of the whole system, which eventually led to the establishment of a Redesign Panel, which suggested the establishment of a two-tier system of administration of justice, with the aim of meeting the 'basic standards of due process established in international human rights instruments'. The recently established Appeals Tribunal should fill the gap created by the abolition of the ICJ competence to review the judgments rendered by the UNAT. This article evaluates the improvement to the system represented by the establishment of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal in three main steps. The first is the identification of the shortcomings of the previous review mechanism before the ICJ. The second is the overview of the problems of the former system of administration of justice within the UN. The third and final step is the analysis of the scope of jurisdiction of the new UNApT.
Galen and Astrology: A Mésalliance?
Authors: Cooper Glen
Published: March 2011

The author examines the question of Galen's affinity with astrology, in view of Galen's extended astrological discussion in the De diebus decretoriis (Critical Days). The critical passages from Galen are examined, and shown to be superficial in understanding. The author performs a lexical sounding of Galen's corpus, using key terms with astrological valences drawn from the Critical Days, and assesses their absence in Galen's other works. He compares Galen's astrology with the astrology of Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos, and evaluates their respective strategies of scientific reasoning. Three types of inference are introduced and applied to Galen's astrology. Finally, he concludes that the empirical side of Galen's science does not depend upon astrological methods or concepts, but that these were introduced for their rhetorical effect in presenting his new medical methodology. It is suggested that continued attention to Galen's astrology has obscured the truly important empirical scientific method that Galen developed.
"Not worth one Groat": The Status, Gentility and Credit of Lawrence and Sarah Crabb of Antigua
Authors: Barber Sarah
Published: March 2011

This article recreates the lives of two settlers in Antigua between the years 1690 and 1740. As such, it is a key addition to the paltry number of studies of the island of Antigua and the other Leeward Islands of the West Indies. It takes as its base point the study of the Antigua settler elite identified by Richard Sheridan in his article, now forty years old, which constructed the institutional systems of landholding, taxation, customs and the Slave Trade which produced so-called Plantation Society. In the years preceding this, however, life for everyone concerned in the West Indies was uncertain and insecure. is was as much the case for those at the top of the socio-political ladder, such as island governors and Crown viceroys, as for relatively modest settlers, such as the subjects of this essay, Lawrence and Sarah Crabb. For all of those who were incorporated into the 18thcentury Plantocracy, many more were sacrificed in the struggles of early capitalism, buoyed up not by the level of 'credit' that they were accorded, but by the levels of debt they carried. The construction of a social history of modest settlers is made possible through the survival of documents which were kept by the Crabb's agent, George Moore, and which he would subsequently use in a Chancery case against his late friend's widow. These manuscripts have not been used before, except for occasional references to the legal precedents established by the case, Moore v. Meynell, and, given the paucity and patchiness of manuscript survivals for the Caribbean in the seventeenth century, show what can be reconstructed from otherwise overlooked sources. The result is a study of the measurement of a person's worth, and the increasing elision of God and Mammon in gauging credit, value and trust. In the case of the Crabbs, particularly because Lawrence was himself a man of little initial wealth who clawed his way up through his own ingenuity and his wife's family's West Indian estates, we are able to demonstrate how the language of credit and worthiness applied not only to men of business and politics but also to women.
The Wisconsin Covenant: A Closer Look at Participants, Access, and Redistribution in Higher Education
Authors: Birkeland Kathryn , Arney Jo
Published: March 2011

In recent years, policy makers in the federal government have repeatedly acknowledged a policy problem surrounding the rising cost of higher education and its relation to attendance and retention of low- and middle-income and minority students. With higher education policy making mainly confined to state governments, however, distinctive solutions to this problem have been arising in individual states. This article presents an overview of the data collected about students that were eligible to sign the covenant, a discussion about the effect of this type of funding on the redistributive nature of higher education, and a hypothesis about the ability of this program to achieve its goal. The authors find that the program participation rate is lower in more racially diverse public schools and in public schools with more students qualified for subsidized lunches.
Long-Term Infrastructure Partnerships: Contracting Risks and Risk-Reduction Strategies
Authors: Bloomfield Pamela , Ahern F. Daniel
Published: March 2011

Long-term commercial contracts between governments and private companies to design, build, finance, and/or manage infrastructure projects, often labeled ‘‘public-private partnerships,’’ offer the potential to improve project quality and cost-effectiveness. However, the success of these contracts from the public’s perspective depends upon government’s capacity to capture these potential benefits. While some long-term infrastructure contracts have met their performance and cost-saving objectives, the failure of other high-visibility infrastructure contracts demonstrates that the long-term viability of these complex arrangements is far from guaranteed. This essay examines the heightened contracting risks posed by long-term infrastructure partnerships, provides illustrative examples of flawed contracting practices, and offers a series of recommendations to public owners for practical measures to reduce the public’s exposure to risk in these contracts, thereby enhancing the prospects for success.
Schooling ‘Truant’ Tribes
Authors: Bara Joseph
Published: March 2011

British colonial education in India, promoted under the policy frame of ‘filteration’, barely reached the remote recesses of the empire. Permeation was sluggish and growth uneven. A case in point would be the tribal hinterland of Chhotanagpur in Bengal province. This article shows that while parts of Bengal led colonial India in educational growth, places like Chhotanagpur, in stark contrast to centres such as Calcutta, remained largely untouched. This, despite the fact, that the system was introduced as early as 1839 (as a local project at the behest of the concerned official) in Chhotanagpur. Not only that, the system so introduced also received considerable impetus in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century from the colonial agenda of ‘civilizing’ the ‘barbarians’. For this task, the government usually relied upon the services of missionaries. The efforts of the missionaries, their humanitarian attitude toward the tribals notwithstanding, were ineluctably marred by the constraints of their mission field and prejudiced missionary paradigm. Owing to which, the missionaries were unable to devise a pro-tribal educational policy, thus leading to the tribals receiving the faulty system on their own terms. While the tribals valorized certain aspects of the system, they were, unlike elsewhere, unable to further develop the system through indigenous initiative.
Impact of Diabetic Foot Related Complications on the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQol) of Patients - A Regional Study in Spain
Authors: García-Morales E. , Lázaro-Martínez J.L. , Martínez-Hernández D. , Aragón-Sánchez J. , Beneit-Montesinos J.V. , González-Jurado M.A.
Published: March 2011

The diabetic foot reduces the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with diabetes mellitus. This study aims at ascertaining the impact of the etiological factors of the diabetic foot on the various aspects of HRQoL. This is a comparative study involving type 1 or type 2 (n = 421) diabetic patients divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 258) includes diabetic patients without foot lesions and group 2 (n = 163) includes patients suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer. The HRQoL of the sample was assessed by using the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. The overall HRQoL score was 68.58 ± 18.24 in group 1 and 50.99 ± 18.98 in group 2 ( P < .001). The diabetic foot—related etiological factors that significantly reduce these patients’ HRQoL are neuropathy, amputation history, and poor metabolic control ( P < .001). Quality of life was lower in women with diabetic foot than in men. Neuropathy—regarded as the main etiological factor in the diabetic foot—also proved to be a variable that reduces the HRQoL. Paradoxically, peripheral vascular disease did not prove to have a negative impact on the quality of life.
Marginal zone macrophages suppress innate and adaptive immunity to apoptotic cells in the spleen
Authors: McGaha Tracy L. , Chen Yunying , Ravishankar Buvana , van Rooijen Nico , Karlsson Mikael C. I.
Published: March 2011

Marginal zone macrophages (MZMs) are a small subset of specialized splenic macrophages known to interact with apoptotic material entering the spleen from circulation. To evaluate whether MZMs regulate immunity to apoptotic material we depleted MZMs and assessed innate and adaptive immune responses to apoptotic cells administered systemically. MZM depletion altered the spatial localization of apoptotic cells, which accumulated in T-cell areas of the lymphoid follicles. MZM depletion also enhanced phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by red pulp (CD68+F4/80+) macrophages, which expressed increased CD86, MHCII, and CCR7. MZM depletion led to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and enhanced lymphocyte responsiveness to apoptotic cell antigens. Furthermore, we found that MZM depletion accelerated autoimmune disease progression in mice genetically prone to systemic lupus erythematosus and caused significant mortality in wild-type mice repeatedly exposed to exogenous apoptotic thymocytes. These findings support the hypothesis that MZMs are central in the clearance of apoptotic cells to minimize the immunogenicity of autoantigens.
Popular Royalists, Empire, and Politics in Southwestern New Granada, 1809 – 1819
Authors: Echeverri Marcela
Published: March 2011

This article examines the royalist forces that rose in defense of the colonial order in the southwestern region of New Granada, Colombia, a royalist stronghold where slaves and local Indians united with Spanish forces to fight against independence armies. Enslaved blacks and Indians were perceived by royalist elites as valuable allies, and for that reason elites were willing to negotiate and offer concessions to secure their loyalty. I describe the complex negotiations with Indians in terms of tribute payment, and with slaves over freedom, that have been left completely out of an independence narrative that has assumed that Indians and blacks participated as royalists exclusively as cannon fodder or always in disadvantageous terms. My contribution is specifically to provide insight into the ways in which Indians and slaves positioned themselves as political actors in the context of empire, and how their particular political histories determined their negotiation with royalist factions during the independence process, when, for both groups, militia service became an avenue for social mobility and provided new means of protecting and expanding their rights.
An ezrin-rich, rigid uropod-like structure directs movement of amoeboid blebbing cells
Authors: Lorentzen Anna , Bamber Jeffrey , Sadok Amine , Elson-Schwab Ilan , Marshall Christopher J.
Published: March 2011

Melanoma cells can switch between an elongated mesenchymal-type and a rounded amoeboid-type migration mode. The rounded ‘amoeboid’ form of cell movement is driven by actomyosin contractility resulting in membrane blebbing. Unlike elongated A375 melanoma cells, rounded A375 cells do not display any obvious morphological front–back polarisation, although polarisation is thought to be a prerequisite for cell movement. We show that blebbing A375 cells are polarised, with ezrin (a linker between the plasma membrane and actin cytoskeleton), F-actin, myosin light chain, plasma membrane, phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate and β1-integrin accumulating at the cell rear in a uropod-like structure. This structure does not have the typical protruding shape of classical leukocyte uropods, but, as for those structures, it is regulated by protein kinase C. We show that the ezrin-rich uropod-like structure (ERULS) is an inherent feature of polarised A375 cells and not a consequence of cell migration, and is necessary for cell invasion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that membrane blebbing is reduced at this site, leading to a model in which the rigid ezrin-containing structure determines the direction of a moving cell through localised inhibition of membrane blebbing.
CRSBP-1/LYVE-1 ligands disrupt lymphatic intercellular adhesion by inducing tyrosine phosphorylation and internalization of VE-cadherin
Authors: Hou Wei-Hsien , Liu I-Hua , Tsai Cheng C. , Johnson Frank E. , Huang Shuan Shian , Huang Jung San
Published: March 2011

Cell-surface retention sequence (CRS) binding protein (CRSBP-1) is a membrane glycoprotein identified by its ability to bind PDGF-BB and VEGF-A via their CRS motifs (clusters of basic amino acid residues). CRSBP-1 is identical to LYVE-1 and exhibits dual ligand (CRS-containing proteins and hyaluronic acid) binding activity, suggesting the importance of CRSBP-1 ligands in lymphatic function. Here, we show that CRSBP-1 ligands induce disruption of VE-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion and opening of intercellular junctions in lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) monolayers as determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and Transwell permeability assay. This occurs by interaction with CRSBP-1 in the CRSBP-1–PDGFβR–β-catenin complex, resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of the complex, dissociation of β-catenin and p120-catenin from VE-cadherin, and internalization of VE-cadherin. Pretreatment of LECs with a PDGFβR kinase inhibitor abolishes ligand-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of VE-cadherin, halts the ligand-induced disruption of VE-cadherin intercellular adhesion and blocks the ligand-induced opening of intercellular junctions. These CRSBP-1 ligands also induce opening of lymphatic intercellular junctions that respond to PDGFβR kinase inhibitor in wild-type mice (but not in Crsbp1-null mice) as evidenced by increased transit of injected FITC–dextran and induced edema fluid from the interstitial space into lymphatic vessels. These results disclose a novel mechanism involved in the opening of lymphatic intercellular junctions.
Sphingomyelin upregulation in mature neurons contributes to TrkB activity by Rac1 endocytosis
Authors: Trovò Laura , Van Veldhoven Paul P. , Martín Mauricio G. , Dotti Carlos G.
Published: March 2011

A developmentally regulated loss of membrane cholesterol was reported to be sufficient and necessary for activation of neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2 (TrkB) in aged neurons in vitro. However, TrkB activity in low cholesterol neurons remains confined to detergent-resistant membrane fractions, indicating that additional lipidic changes occur with age. Analysis of neuronal lipids at different developmental stages revealed a sharp increase in sphingomyelin (SM) during neuronal maturation. Reduction of SM abrogated TrkB activation in mature neurons, whereas increasing SM in immature neurons triggered receptor activation. TrkB activity in high SM background was the consequence of enhanced phosphorylation in the detergent-resistant fractions and increased Rac1-mediated endocytosis. The current results reveal developmental upregulation of SM as an important mechanism for sustaining TrkB activity in the mature nervous system, in addition to the presence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Compression-Induced Morphological and Molecular Structural Changes of Cellulose Tablets Probed with near Infrared Imaging
Authors: Shinzawa Hideyuki , Awa Kimie , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: March 2011

An analytical technique based on band shift analysis to derive key information concerning molecular structural changes from near infrared (NIR) imaging data was demonstrated in the present study. Molecular structural changes induced by compression process of sets of cellulose tablets under varying pressure levels were monitored by NIR imaging. The detailed band position shift analysis of the spectral features has provided insight into the compression mechanism of cellulose tablets. It has been shown that fine features of the deformation of the crystalline structure can be readily captured by band shift analysis of specific peaks. Substantial band position shifts were observed when pressure was applied to cellulose samples, indicating the disintegration of crystalline structures and an increase in the amorphous component. Band shift analysis may be applicable to a wide range of NIR imaging data to derive an in-depth understanding of systems even if the NIR images exhibit unwanted baseline shifts due to morphological changes in the samples.
Prediction of Potato Processing Quality by near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy of Ground Raw Tubers
Authors: Haase Norbert U.
Published: March 2011

The technique of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was tested to predict the processing quality of potatoes by scanning (850–2500 nm) ground raw potatoes ( n = 2517) from nine growing seasons and four to five locations. Calibration equations were developed for dry matter, starch, reducing sugars, sucrose and total sugar as well as lightness of dehydrated potatoes and potato crisps, and quality score of finished French fries. Two strategies in modelling were compared, an annually repeated (incremental) and a retrospective calculation at the end of the project with inclusion or removal of spectral outliers. The best coefficients of determination ( r2) within independent validation sets were about 0.99 for dry matter, 0.96 for starch, 0.43 for reducing sugars, 0.71 for sucrose and 0.66 for total sugar. The RPD statistic (ratio of standard error of prediction to sample standard deviation) was up to 8.5 and 5.4 (dry matter and starch content, respectively), but was unacceptably low in the case of reducing sugars (1.7) and low for sucrose (2.4) and total sugar (2.3). Direct prediction of processing quality resulted in r2 values of 0.52 for dehydrated potatoes, 0.69 for potato crisps and 0.56 for French fries, but the RPD of these models were too low even for screening purposes ( RPD < 2.0).
Children and health-care research: best treatment, best interests and best practice
Authors: Biggs Hazel
Published: March 2011

In order for children to receive the best possible medical treatment, it is essential that research is conducted to discover safe and effective interventions and dosages. This article focuses on the legal and ethical implications of recruiting into health-care research minors who are not competent to consent. It considers the role played by best interests in obtaining valid parental consent for the participation of children in research, both at common law and under the Regulations that govern clinical trials of medicinal products. In doing so it questions the legality of parental consent to children's involvement in research, and identifies some inconsistencies in parental understandings of best interests in relation to medical research and treatment.
Biological and genetic factors associated with ABCB1 and pregnane-X-receptor expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the STANISLAS cohort
Authors: Jeannesson Elise , Siest Gerard , Herbeth Bernard , Albertini Laetitia , Shahabi Payman , Pfister Michele , Visvikis-Siest Sophie
Published: March 2011

Background: ABCB1 is a membrane transporter ubiquitously expressed particularly in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Resistance to drugs is associated with genetic variations of its gene and with modulation of its expression through the pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) transcription factor. We have previously shown that ABCB1polymorphisms were associated with blood lipid concentrations.

Methods: We wanted to investigate the variation factors and the genetic determinants of ABCB1 and PXR expressions in PBMCs, and their interrelationships with plasma lipid levels. ABCB1 and PXR mRNA were quantified by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in PBMCs of 42 men and 39 women.

Results: ABCB1 and PXR were both expressed in PBMCs of all individuals, but their expressions were not significantly correlated. ABCB1 mRNA was correlated with body mass index (BMI; p=0.01) and age (p=0.03). In women, lymphocyte count also correlated with ABCB1 transcripts (p<0.01). After adjustment for BMI, correlation with age disappears. PXR mRNA expression depends on gender with men expressing higher PXR levels (p=0.01). PXR expression also correlates with γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT; p=0.02), but this disappeared after adjustment.

Conclusions: Neither ABCB1 nor PXR expressions correlate with ABCB1gene variants. Finally, association between ABCB1 or PXR expression in PBMCs and lipid or apolipoprotein plasma concentrations were not significant in this subset of healthy subjects. These results should be confirmed in a larger population sample and extended to patients with various cardiovascular risk profiles.
CYP2D6 genotyping in breast cancer patients by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Beer Beate , Plattner Sabine , Hubalek Michael , Oberguggenberger Anne , Sztankay Monika , Meraner Verena , Achleitner Regina , Oberacher Herbert
Published: March 2011

The application of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotyping to allow a personalized treatment approach for breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy has been repeatedly discussed. However, the actual clinical relevance of the CYP2D6 genotype in the endocrine treatment of breast cancer still remains to be elucidated. A major prerequisite for the successful and valid evaluation of the CYP2D6 genotype with regard to its pharmacokinetic and clinical relevance is the availability of a comprehensive, accurate and cost-effective CYP2D6 genotyping strategy. Herein we present a CYP2D6 genotyping assay employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ion pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICEMS). The genotyping strategy involves the simultaneous amplification of nine variable regions within the CYP2D6 gene by a two-step PCR protocol and the direct analysis of the generated PCR amplicons by ICEMS. The nucleotide composition profiles generated by ICEMS enable the differentiation of 37 of the 80 reported CYP2D6 alleles. The assay was applied to type the CYP2D6 gene in 199 Austrian individuals including 106 breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment. The developed method turned out to be a highly applicable, robust and cost-effective approach, enabling an economical CYP2D6 testing for large patient cohorts.
A Role-Playing Exercise That Demonstrates the Process of Evolution by Natural Selection: Caching Squirrels in a World of Pilferers
Authors: Riechert Susan E. , Leander Rachel N. , Lenhart Suzanne M.
Published: March 2011

We introduce a strategic role-playing exercise that is based on the fact that the strategies animals use in storing food for periods of famine differ in the degree to which the cache is successfully relocated and defended from pilferers. This highly engaging board game offers high school and college students a clear understanding of the process of natural selection.
A Pilot Study of Concentrated EMDR: A Brief Report
Authors: Grey Earl
Published: March 2011

The current research used a quantitative single-case study design to investigate the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for a participant diagnosed with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD), severe without psychotic features, and panic disorder with agoraphobia. Treatment frequency was three sessions per week, with twelve 90-minute reprocessing sessions provided over a period of 1 month; the study also evaluated this application of “concentrated EMDR.” At baseline, mean scores on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were 49 and 38, and at 3-month follow-up, the scores had decreased to 8 and 7 respectively. The results of this pilot study indicate that concentrated EMDR may be effective in treating comorbid MDD and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The study also evaluated the application of concentrated EMDR, with treatment frequency increased from one session to three sessions per week. Twelve 90-minute reprocessing sessions were provided over a period of 1 month. Results show the apparent effectiveness of concentrated EMDR.
EMDR for Survivors of Life-Threatening Cardiac Events: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Arabia Emanuele , Manca Maria Luisa , Solomon Roger M.
Published: March 2011

This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and concomitant depressive and anxiety symptoms in survivors of life-threatening cardiac events. Forty-two patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation who (a) qualified for the PTSD criterion “A” in relation to a cardiac event and (b) presented clinically significant PTSD symptoms were randomized to a 4-week treatment of EMDR or imaginal exposure (IE). Data were gathered on PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. EMDR was effective in reducing PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms and performed significantly better than IE for all variables. These findings provide preliminary support for EMDR as an effective treatment for the symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety that can follow a life-threatening cardiac event.
Traitement du souvenir dépendant du sommeil et mode d’action de l’EMDR
Authors: Stickgold Robert
Published: March 2011

On pense que l’efficacité particulière de l’EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) dans le traitement de l’état de stress post-traumatique résulte de changements dans l’état cérébral et mental du sujet qui sont induits par la stimulation sensorielle bilatérale, mais la nature spécifique de ces changements et leurs conséquences demeurent inconnues. La possibilité que la stimulation bilatérale induise un état psychologique et cérébral semblable à celui qui est induit par les mouvements oculaires rapides, lors du sommeil paradoxal, est corroborée par des études montrant que le sommeil favorise certaines formes de traitement du souvenir, sans doute nécessaires à la résolution du traumatisme. Ces études, parallèlement à des recherches directes sur l’effet de la stimulation bilatérale sur le traitement des souvenirs et des émotions, et à des études comparatives identifiant les caractéristiques que doit revêtir la stimulation bilatérale pour traiter efficacement les traumatismes, nous conduiront finalement à comprendre le fondement neurobiologique de l’EMDR.
Approche des deux méthodes : un modèle de conceptualisation de cas dans le contexte de l’EMDR
Authors: de Jongh Ad , Broeke Erik ten , Meijer Steven
Published: March 2011

Cet article décrit un modèle complet qui permet d’identifier des souvenirs cibles essentiels pour le traitement EMDR. L’“Approche des deux méthodes” peut s’appliquer à la conceptualisation et à la réalisation du traitement pour une large gamme de symptômes et de problèmes autres que ceux qui sont directement en lien avec l’ESPT. Le modèle se compose de deux types de conceptualisation de cas. La Première méthode s’applique aux symptômes permettant de préciser de manière significative les événements étiologiques ou aggravants sur une ligne du temps. Elle est principalement destinée à la conceptualisation et au traitement de troubles de l’Axe I du DSM-IV-TR. La Seconde méthode est utilisée pour identifier les souvenirs qui sous-tendent les croyances fondamentales dysfonctionnelles. Cette méthode est principalement destinée à traiter les formes plus graves de psychopathologie, comme la phobie sociale sévère, l’ESPT complexe ou les troubles de la personnalité. Les deux méthodes de conceptualisation de cas sont expliquées point par point, en détail, et sont illustrées par des exemples de cas.
A review of risk prioritisation schemes of pathogens, pests and weeds: principles and practices
Authors: HEIKKILÄ J.
Published: March 2011

Societys resources are scarce, and biosecurity actions need to be targeted and prioritised. Various models have been developed that prioritise and rank pests and diseases according to the risks they represent. A prioritisation model allows utilisation of scientific, ecological and economic information in decision-making related to biological hazards. This study discusses such models and the properties associated with them based on a review of 78 prioritisation studies. The scope of the models includes all aspects of biosecurity (human, animal and plant diseases, and invasive alien species), but with an emphasis on plant health. The geographical locations of the studies are primarily North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Half of the studies were conducted during the past five years. The review finds that there generally seems to be several prioritisation models, especially in the case of invasive plants, but only a select few models are used extensively. Impacts are often accounted for in the model, but the extent and economic sophistication of their inclusion varies. Treatment of uncertainty and feasibility of control was lacking from many studies.;
Temporary Worker Performance and its Antecedent Factors from the Viewpoint of Relationship Marketing
Authors: Chou Ying-Chyi , Chang Pao-Long , Yen Hsin-Yi
Published: March 2011

We aimed to determine the factors affecting the performance of temporary workers. The key mediating variables model (Morgan & Hunt, 1994) of relationship marketing was used to determine the antecedent and mediating factors. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that
relationship management activity had positive effects on temporary worker performance through mediator variables of trust and commitment. These findings can be of use to firms that hire and manage temporary workers.
The Effects of Parent Education Programs on the Development of Children Aged Between 60 and 72 Months
Authors: Aral Neriman , Baran Gülen , Gürsoy Figen , Akyol Aysel Köksal , Ayhan Aynur Bütün , Biçakçi Müdriye Yildiz , Erdoğan Serap
Published: March 2011

The effects of a parent education program on the development of children aged between 60 and 72 months attending preschool were assessed. Participants were children attending 9 kindergartens located in central Ankara and their parents (experimental group: 68 children, 68 parents, control
group: 68 children, 68 parents). Data were gathered using a general information form, and the version of the Brigance Early Development Inventory II (Brigance, 2004), that was adapted for use in Turkey by Aral et al. (2008). There was a significant difference between the scores on the subtests
of the Brigance Early Development Inventory II and the total pretest and corrected posttest scores independent of group, but no significant difference was found between the scores of the groups on the Brigance Early Development Inventory II or the total pretest and corrected posttest scores.
The results also revealed that the parent education program had a minimal effect on children's daily life and social emotional skills.
Modeling Motivations for Blogging: An Expectancy Theory Analysis
Authors: Liao Hsiu-Li , Liu Su-Houn , Pi Shih-Ming
Published: March 2011

Expectancy theory is applied to construct a conceptual framework and identify key factors that motivate bloggers to create and maintain a weblog. A questionnaire was distributed to 177 bloggers. Our research findings suggest that bloggers with high motivational rewards have the highest
levels of blogging intention, and that a blogger with higher blogging intention is willing to invest more time in maintaining their blog and posts more articles on their blog. Pouring out feelings and regularly connecting with friends and acquaintances were the two most important motivational
rewards. Unlike news reporters, intrinsic rewards are more important than extrinsic rewards for bloggers. For the bloggers studied here, blogging is a reliable tool to ensure that people they care about have an easy way of keeping in contact with them.
Innovation Strategies for Organizational Change in a Tea Restaurant Culture: A Social Behavior Perspective
Authors: Horng Jeou-Shyan , (Monica) Hu Meng-Lei , Hong Jon-Chao , Lin Yi-Chia
Published: March 2011

The researchers aimed to clarify the innovation mechanism for organizational change using the perspectives of social behavior and personality in a study of the Cha for TEA multiconcept tea chain restaurants, which is the biggest tea company in Taiwan. Innovation and creativity
theories and Rhodes' (1961) 4P (person, process, product, and place) theory were adopted as a guideline for developing an in-depth interview. A case-based and qualitative research approach was used to facilitate the investigation of mechanisms associated with the behavior and personality of
creative individuals. The results of this study can be useful for enterprises involved in establishing new service businesses.
Exchange-traded funds of the eurozone sovereign debt
Authors: Drenovak Mikica , Urosevic Branko
Published: March 2011

Periods of high uncertainty bring liquidity concerns to the forefront for
sovereign bond investors. Arguably the most liquid and cost-effective way for
retail and small institutional investors to gain diversified sovereign bond
exposure is through an exchange traded fund (ETF). In this paper we study the
performance, country exposure, and replicating characteristics of a sample of
31 European index ETFs with exposure to eurozone sovereign debt. The obtained
results are presented in the context of underlying index selection rules,
types of replication, and movements in sovereign debt interest rates and
sovereign CDS spreads. It is demonstrated that the ETFs focused on accurately
track corresponding bond indices. This is consistent with earlier findings
for equity index ETFs. Our results may be of interest for institutional
investors, regulators, and everyone interested in sovereign debt investments.
Venture financing of start-ups: A model of contract between VC fund and entrepreneur
Authors: Osintsev Yury
Published: March 2011

Venture capital has become one of the main sources of innovation in the
modern, global economy. It is not just a substitute for bank loans: it has
proven to be a more efficient way of financing projects at different stages.
On one hand, venture financing allows for projects with higher risk, which
leads to the possibility of higher returns on investment. On the other hand,
venture investors who usually have managerial experience often participate in
governing the business, which certainly adds value to the enterprise. In this
paper we establish the model of contract between the venture capital fund and
the entrepreneur, focusing on probably the most important issue of this
contract: the shares of the parties in the business. The shares in the
company determine the distribution of the joint surplus. The expected joint
profits are not just exogenously specified in the contract but are dependent
on the behavioral variables of both parties at the stage of fulfilling the
contract. We call the behavioral variable of the entrepreneur ?effort? and
the one of the venture fund ?advice?. The probability of the project?s
success, and hence the expected joint revenues, are increased by these two.
However, both kinds of effort are costly to the respective parties that have
made them. Based on this fact we can elaborate the profit functions of both
sides of the contract. Our model can be considered as a basis for specifying
contracts concerning venture financing. It can provide the logic for how the
equilibrium shares of entrepreneur and venture fund are obtained.
Serbian insurance market: Select issues
Authors: Obadovic Mirjana , Avdaliovic Veselin , Obadovic Milica
Published: March 2011

Every day insurance companies face a number of risks arising from the
insurance industry itself, as well as risks arising from insurance company
operations. In this constant fight against risks insurance companies use
different models and methods that help them better understand, have a more
comprehensive view of, and develop greater tolerance towards risks, in order
to reduce their exposure to these risks. The model presented in this paper
has been developed for implementation in insurance risk management directly
related to insurance company risk, i.e. it is a model that can reliably
determine the manner and intensity with which deviations in the initial
insurance risk assessment affect insurance company operations, in the form of
changes in operational risks and consequently in insurance companies?
business strategies. Additionally we present the implementation of the model
in the Serbian market for the period 2005-2010.
The necessity of having „Knowledge on knowledge“ in tourism
Authors: Stefanovic Vidoje , Jovicic Dobrica
Published: March 2011

Knowledge, as the most productive factor of production and international
competitiveness, represents an area of the biggest interest for every
country, because with its increasing and spreading, numerous strategically
important goals are achieved. However, there's always open question of
fullness, depth, resource, direction, intensity etc. of state regulations so
sensitive and very important area of work such as a ?production? of knowledge
(research work), its dispersion, transfer and usage, but also misusage.
Following that, it's important to point at the existence of international
(global) mechanism of control, not so much of creation, because it's not so
possible, but applying of some knowledge's (nuclear armament control, toxic
waste control, radioactive material control etc.). By that, the humanity is
actually, defending itself from himself, from its irresponsible members.
Considering that tourist activity is actively enhanced and dynamic, the use
of knowledge is necessary in all tourist offices extension modalities. A high
quantum of knowledge is also requireable at a tourist market with high
competitiveness.
Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of dihydropyrimidine-2-thiones
Authors: Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Ghasemzadeh Ali
Published: March 2011

Chalcone derivatives were prepared by the condensation of various substituted
aryl aldehydes and acetophenone in alkaline ethanol, while
pyrimidine-2-thione derivatives were prepared by the combination of chalcones
and thiourea under conventional and ultrasonic conditions. Advantages of the
ultrasound effect were observed and high yields of the products were obtained
after 20-30 min sonication. Characterization and structural elucidation of
the products was realized based on chemical, analytical and spectral
analyses. The results clearly demonstrated a high efficiency of the
ultrasonic systems was achieved in the chemical processes.
Comparative analysis of amniotic fluid lamellar body count and foam stability test as indices of fetal lung maturity
Authors: Visnjevac Jovana , Novakov-Mikic Aleksandra , Nikolic Aleksandra , Visnjevac Nemanja
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn caused by the
fetal lung immaturity is a very serious clinical problem. Different tests of
prenatal analysis of amniotic fluid, such as lamellar body count and
Clements? test, are available for predicting the fetal lung maturity.
Material and methods. A prospective clinical study was conducted on amniotic
fluid samples from 2005 to 2006. The amniotic fluid samples were obtained at
the gestational age of 30 to 42 weeks and collected by vaginal amniotomy,
amniotomy during Caesarean section and 72 hours before the delivery by
amniocentesis. A haematology analyzer (Nikon-Kohden?) was used to determine
the lamellar body counts. Clements? test involved adding an equal volume of
96% ethanol to the multiple amniotic fluid volume (1:2, 1:4, 1:16, 1:32),
followed by shaking and noting the presence of ring of bubbles. After the
delivery, we compared the lamellar body count results and Clements? test and
the outcome of pregnancies, primarily the development of respiratory distress
syndrome. The most specific lamellar body cutoffs for maturity and immaturity
were determined according to receiver operating characteristic curves.
Results and Discussion. Out of 232 amniotic fluid samples which were tested,
112 samples were collected after vaginal amniotomy, 88 during the Caesarean
delivery and 32 samples by amniocentesis. The overall incidence of
respiratory distress syndrome was 14.6%. Receiver operating characteristic
curves were used to identify cutoff points for the test. We found that both
tests are good screening tests for predicting the fetal lung maturity with
the area under the curve of 0.782 in Clements? test and 0.751 in the lamellar
body count. Clements? cutoff 2 with sensitivity of 67.6% and specificity of
72.2%, proved best in the prediction of the fetal lung maturity. The lamellar
body count cutoff of 42x10?/?l had the sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity
of 64.6% in predicting the fetal lung maturity. Conclusion. Although both
tests are good in predicting the fetal lung maturity, the lamellar body count
has more advantages, because it is not only more objective, but also
inexpensive, easy and fast to do, requires a small sample volume and is
universally available.
Diagnosis and treatment of esophageal diseases in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Serbia
Authors: Milosevic Ivana , Korac Milos , Brmbolic Branko
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Gastrointestinal complications are common manifestations of
acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The aim of this study was to establish
the type and frequency of esophageal disease, the influence of antiretroviral
therapy on it and the most adequate approach to this group of patients.
Material and methods. This study included 146 patients with acquired immune
deficiency syndrome treated at the Institute of Infectious and Tropical
Diseases of Clinical Centre in Serbia from 1991-2001. The statistical data
processing was done by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for
Windows version 10.0. The level of statistical significance was defined to be
p?0.05 and p?0.01. The diagnosis was made upon endoscopic exams,
pathohistological findings and isolation of causative agents. Results.
Esophagitis was found in 78 (53.41%) patients. These patients complained
mostly of odynophagia and dysphagia. The most common was Candida esophagitis.
It was diagnosed in 59 (40.41%) patients; 5 patients (3.42%) had
cytomegalovirus esophagitis; 2 patients (1.37%) had herpes simplex virus
esophagitis, and one-patient (0.68%) had a mixed Candida and herpes simplex
virus infection of esophagus. Idiopathic esophageal ulcer was diagnosed in
one (0.68%) patient. Conclusion. Seventy-eight (53.41%) patients with
acquired immune deficiency syndrome had esophagitis. Candida (40.41%) was the
most common cause of esophagitis. Viral esophagitis was less common:
cytomegalovirus in 5 patients (3.42%); herpes simplex virus in 2 patients
(1.37%), and idiopathic esopghageal ulcer in 1 patient (0.68%)). These
patients complained mostly of odynophagia and dysphagia. Modern
antiretroviral therapy reduces the frequency of esophagitis and therefore
changes symptomatology in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.