bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic waste management cost: a scenario-based analysis for Greece
Authors: Achillas Ch , Vlachokostas Ch , Moussiopoulos N. , Perkoulidis G. , Banias G. , Mastropavlos M.
Published: January 2011

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is recognized as a priority waste stream internationally, mostly due to their volume and hazardousness. This paper presents an analysis for the quantification of WEEE management cost for Greece, taking into consideration scenarios for reverse logistics network’s development and WEEE volume scenarios. Transportation cost, which represents a major cost element for any reverse logistics network, is modelled with the use of mathematical programming, targeting towards the optimization of locations for the development of required intermediate storage infrastructures. Additionally, overall operational cost and recycling fees are estimated.
Active multimodal vibration suppression of a flexible structure with piezoceramic sensor and actuator by using loop shaping
Authors: Sethi V , Franchek MA , Song G
Published: January 2011

This paper represents active multimodal vibration control of a flexible beam structure with piezoceramic (PZT) actuators and sensors using the loop shaping method. With surface-bonded PZT patch actuators and sensors, the flexible beam has both sensing and actuating capacities. Due to its flat auto spectrum in the specified frequency range, the Schroeder wave is used as an excitation signal for the non-parametric identification of the flexible beam structure. The identified open loop model is then used for the closed loop design by using the loop shaping method based on the extended sensitivity charts. A loop shaping compensator is designed to achieve multimodal vibration suppression. Numerical results showed a reduction of 8 decibels for the first mode and 12–14 decibels for the second and third modes. Experimental results closely match the simulation results. Furthermore, the results of loop shaping method are compared with those of the methods of linear quadratic regulator and pole-placement control, which are designed based on state space models via the parametric identification of the flexible beam. Comparisons show that the loop shaping method is easier to design since a parametric identification is not required and requires less control effort while maintaining the effectiveness in vibration suppression.
Impact and costs of targeted recruitment of minorities to the National Lung Screening Trial
Authors: Duda Catherine , Mahon Irene , Chen Mei Hsiu , Snyder Bradley , Barr Richard , Chiles Caroline , Falk Robert , Fishman Elliot K , Gemmel David , Goldin Jonathan G , Brown Kathleen , Munden Reginald F , Vydareny Kay , Aberle Denise R
Published: January 2011

Background To promote results in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) that are generalizable across the entire US population, a subset of NLST sites developed dedicated strategies for minority recruitment.

Purpose To report the effects of targeted strategies on the accrual of underrepresented groups, to describe participant characteristics, and to estimate the costs of targeted enrollment.

Methods The 2002–2004 Tobacco Use Supplement was used to estimate eligible proportions of racial and ethnic categories. Strategic planning included meetings/conferences with key stakeholders and minority organizations. Potential institutions were selected based upon regional racial/ethnic diversity and proven success in recruitment of underrepresented groups. Seven institutions submitted targeted recruitment strategies with budgets. Accrual by racial/ethnic category was tracked for each institution. Cost estimates were based on itemized receipts for minority strategies relative to minority accrual.

Results Of 18,842 participants enrolled, 1576 (8.4%) were minority participants. The seven institutions with targeted recruitment strategies accounted for 1223 (77.6%) of all minority participants enrolled. While there was a significant increase in the rate of minority accrual pre-implementation to post-implementation for the institutions with targeted recruitment (9.3% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.0001), there was no significant difference for the institutions without (3.5% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.46). Minority enrollees at the seven institutions tended to have less than a high school education, be economically disadvantaged, and were more often uninsured. These socio-demographic differences persisted at the seven institutions even after adjusting for race and ethnicity. The success of different strategies varied by institution, and no one strategy was successful across all institutions. Costs for implementation were also highly variable, ranging from $146 to $749 per minority enrollee.

Limitations Data on minority recruitment processes were not consistently kept at the individual institutions. In addition, participant responses via newspaper advertisements and the efforts of minority staff hired by the institutions could not be coded on Case Report Forms.

Conclusions Strategic efforts were associated with significant increases in minority enrollment. The greatest successes require that a priori goals be established based on eligible racial/ethnic proportions; the historical performance of sites in minority accrual should factor into the selection of sites; recruitment planning must begin well in advance of trial launch; and there must be endorsement by prominent representatives of the racial groups of interest.
Curcumin modulates the immune response associated with LPS-induced periodontal disease in rats
Authors: Guimarães Morgana R , de Aquino Sabrina Garcia , Coimbra Leila S , Spolidorio Luis C , Kirkwood Keith L , Rossa Carlos
Published: January 2011

Curcumin is a plant-derived dietary spice ascribed various biological activities. Curcumin therapeutic applications have been studied in a variety of conditions, but not on periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition initiated by an immune response to micro-organisms of the dental biofilm. Experimental periodontal disease was induced in rats by injecting LPS in the gingival tissues on the palatal aspect of upper first molars (30 µg LPS, 3 times/week for 2 weeks). Curcumin was administered to rats daily via oral gavage at 30 and 100 mg/kg body weight. Reverse transcriptase-qPCR and ELISA were used to determine the expression of IL-6, TNF-α and prostaglandin E2 synthase on the gingival tissues. The inflammatory status was evaluated by stereometric and descriptive analysis on hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections, whereas modulation of p38 MAPK and NK-κB signaling was assessed by Western blot. Curcumin effectively inhibited cytokine gene expression at mRNA and protein levels, but NF-κB was inhibited only with the lower dose of curcumin, whereas p38 MAPK activation was not affected. Curcumin produced a significant reduction on the inflammatory infiltrate and increased collagen content and fibroblastic cell numbers. Curcumin potently inhibits innate immune responses associated with periodontal disease, suggesting a therapeutic potential in this chronic inflammatory condition.
Reconstructing the Wangunk Reservation Land System: A Case Study of Native and Colonial Likeness in Central Connecticut
Authors: Ives Timothy H.
Published: January 2011

This article brings land systems into dialogue to explain the successful coexistence of the Wangunks, a native community of central Connecticut, and their English neighbors during the colonial period. Using the interpretive research focus of likeness, structurally similar aspects of Wangunk and English land tenure are compared, including diversified landholdings extending from a village center, cooperation of individual and common rights, and a gendered proprietorship. This discourse suggests that the character of Wangunk ethnicity resonates from the values that motivated their land system more than from its structures. Furthermore, distinctive elements of the Wangunk Reservation land system, as hereby reconstructed, contribute to an emerging sense that articulations of native and English land systems are not only dynamic but locally distinct across New England.
Online survey of the perceived need for ethics support in a large National Health Service Foundation Trust
Authors: Johnston C S
Published: January 2011

This article explores the attitudes of consultants in a large UK teaching hospital to the need for formal clinical ethics support. Data obtained through an anonymous online questionnaire illustrate the ways in which consultants deal with clinical ethical dilemmas and their confidence in such decision-making. In the absence of formal ethics support a large proportion of consultants who took part in the survey said that they would consult with colleagues when faced with a clinical ethical dilemma and the majority considered that this satisfactorily resolved the issue. However, 80% of respondents stated that they would find a form of ethics support within the Trust to be useful. Consultants also noted the reasons for, and barriers to, using ethics support. The response rate to the survey was low, perhaps indicating a lack of interest in the topic or that clinical ethics discussion is of low priority.
Children, best interests and the courts: a response to Bridgeman
Authors: Lyons Barry
Published: January 2011

In the context of critically ill children, Baines contended that the best interests test was neither objective nor coherent, and thus of little applicability in making end-of-life decisions. In reply, Bridgeman attempted to refute these claims through legal analysis and contended that the doctrine allowed for responsive, fact-specific, context-sensitive and prudential reasoning. This paper is a response to Bridgeman, and argues that an examination of case law reveals the subjective and value-laden nature of the test. Courts must make decisions in contested cases, but there is no reason to hold that a judge can divine the best interests of a critically ill child better than either parents or medical staff. This paper analyses a number of cases where judicial decisions appear at odds with the child's best interests, and argues that as the outcome depends upon the value system of the decision-maker the test is unhelpful in contested end-of-life cases.
Chemical genetics approach to drug discovery by diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) of peptidomimetics
Authors: Trabocchi Andrea , Cavalieri Duccio , Guarna Antonio
Published: January 2011

Chemical genetics, which relies on selecting small molecules for their ability to induce a biological phenotype or to interact with a particular gene product, is a new powerful tool for lead generation in drug discovery. Accordingly, diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) of small-molecule peptidomimetics gives access to collections of new chemotypes bearing high structural diversity. Biological evaluation using cell growth as a phenotypic screening on Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletant strains is a powerful tool to identify new chemotypes as hit compounds in the discovery of new antifungal and anticancer agents, and also in the dissection of their mode of action. Our contribution in this field focused on the screening of morpholine-based peptidomimetic collections toward yeast deletant strains, which provided the identification of new chemotypes involved in mitochondria metabolism and respiration.
Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer by a Liquid Bead Array Hybridization Assay
Authors: Markou Athina , Strati Areti , Malamos Nikos , Georgoulias Vasilis , Lianidou Evi S
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

Molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is crucial to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for individualized therapies. We developed a multiplexed PCR-coupled liquid bead array to detect the expression of multiple genes in CTCs.

METHODS

mRNA isolated from immunomagnetically enriched CTCs was subjected to multiplex PCR for KRT19 (keratin 19; also known as CK19), ERBB2 [v-erb-b2 erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2, neuro/glioblastoma derived oncogene homolog (avian); also known as HER2], SCGB2A2 (secretoglobin, family 2A, member 2; also known as MGB1, mammaglobin A), MAGEA3 (melanoma antigen family A, 3), TWIST-1 [twist homolog 1 (Drosophila)], and HMBS (hydroxymethylbilane synthase; also known as PBGD). Biotinylated amplicons were hybridized against fluorescent microspheres carrying gene-specific capture probes and incubated with streptavidin–phycoerythrin. We quantified the captured labeled amplicons and decoded the beads by Luminex flow cytometry. The assay was validated for limit of detection, specificity, and comparison with reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and its clinical performance was evaluated in 64 patients with operable breast cancer, 20 patients with metastasis, and 17 healthy individuals.

RESULTS

The assay was specific for each gene in complex multiplexed formats and could detect the expression of each gene at the level of a single SK-BR-3 cell. The assay produced results comparable to those for RT-qPCR for each gene. None of the genes tested was detected in the CTC fraction of healthy donors. We detected KRT19, ERBB2, MAGEA3, SCGB2A2, and TWIST1 in 26.6%, 12.5%, 18.7%, 10.9%, and 31.2% of operable breast cancer patients, respectively, and detected the corresponding genes in 65%, 20%, 30%, 20%, and 20% of patients with verified metastasis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of 6 genes in CTCs can be measured simultaneously and reliably, thereby saving precious sample and reducing the costs and time of analysis.
Masking in Social Network Sites — Translating a Real-World Social Practice to the Online Domain
Authors: van den Berg Bibi , Leenes Ronald
Published: January 2011

Research shows that most social network sites contain serious privacy risks for users. Many of these risks revolve around users´ inability to know exactly who the “audience” is that witnesses their online behaviours. In this article we argue that in the offline world individuals regularly use the strategy of “masking” to hide their visibility when the composition of their audience is unknown. We claim that “masking” should also be facilitated in social network sites to enhance users´ privacy-protection. However, SNSs´ platform design, focused on self-presentation, makes its implementation difficult.
Martensitic phase transition in pure zirconia: a crystal chemistry viewpoint
Authors: Trolliard Gilles , Mercurio Danièle , Perez-Mato Juan Manuel
Published: January 2011

A crystal chemistry approach was carried out in order to decipher the mechanisms involved in phase transitions of zirconia. A detailed analysis of structures, based on structural sheets of half fluorite cell thick and described in terms of SDF and HDF (for slightly and highly distorted fluorite) sheets is proposed for the first time. This approach allowed clarifying the relationships between tetragonal, orthorhombic and monoclinic forms. This concept permits to propose simple structural relationships between the structures of the different polymorphs. These relationships and their correlated transformation pathways were confirmed using symmetry group relations. The results were compared to those obtained by the phenomenological approach of the tetragonal → monoclinic (T → M) martensitic phase transition. The different lattice correspondences are revisited and discussed. For the first time, some fine structural models were proposed to describe the pathways of atomic displacements taking place during each possible phase transitions. The T→M phase transition is the main transformation pathway. It may solely gives rise to the C-type lattice correspondence, the (100)
M

||(100)
T
and [001]
M

||[001]
T
relationship allowing the minimum structural changes during the transformation. The B-type variant with (100)
M

||(100)
T
and [010]
M

||[001]
T
may be developed from an indirect pathway involving either a ferroelastic phase transition by domain switching taking place in the T phase before the T → M phase transition operates or a two stage process involving a combined T → O and O → M successive and independent transitions. The orthorhombic phase is an alternative form to the monoclinic one and is in no way an intermediate phase.
Investigating the Hydrothermal Growth of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Through Seed Layer Control
Authors: Bendall James S. , Tan Swee Ching
Published: January 2011

Controlling the growth of ZnO nanostructures for photovoltaic applications will ensure greater device efficiency and parameter control. This paper reports on methods to engineer the morphology and tailor the nanostructure growth direction through the hydrothermal synthesis method. Effective control is achieved through the use of a sputtered zinc layer together with modifications of the growth solution. These nanostructures have been developed with a view to incorporation into excitonic solar cells, and methods to improve surface stability using a fully aqueous synthesis method will be discussed.
Photo-Curing of off-set Printing Inks by Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Schmitt Michael , Kuhn Sylvia , Wotocek Matthias , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: January 2011

ZnO nanoparticles surface functionalized with α-oxo-carboxylic acids have been used as photo-initiators for the curing of UV off-set printing inks. Other than commercial molecular photo-initiators ZnO nanoparticles do not migrate in the cured resins, they do not leach out and therefore, even if in contact with food, there is no danger of contamination. ESR and in-situ Raman-spectroscopy have been applied to analyze the kinetics of this free radical bulk photo-polymerization process. Upon UV irradiation the Photo-Kolbe-reaction (decarboxylation of carbonic acids by the photo generated electron hole) takes place as could be confirmed by ESR and GC-MS measurements.
Ni/nano-TiO2 Composite Electrocoatings: Correlation Between Structural Characteristics Microhardness and Wear Resistance
Authors: Spanou Stella , Pavlatou Evangelia A.
Published: January 2011

Nanocomposite coatings were obtained by electrochemical codeposition of TiO2 nano-particles (mean diameter 21 nm, Degussa P25) with nickel, from an additive-free Watts type bath. Pure Ni and composite Ni-TiO2 coatings were electrolytically deposited under both direct and pulse current conditions and an extended region of electrolysis conditions (pH, current density, TiO2 loading in the bath). Pure Ni deposits were produced under the same experimental conditions for comparison. The aim of this study was to correlate the observed structural characteristics of the coatings (crystallographic orientation and grain size of nickel matrix,) and incorporation percentage with the resulting microhardness values and tribological behavior. Overall, the data have demonstrated that when attributing the observed strengthening effect of composites, not only grain refinement and dispersion strengthening mechanisms, but also preferred crystalline orientation should be taken into consideration. The variation of the wear rate is directly associated with the microhardness variations and consequently, governed by the same parameters that determine the synergistic strengthening mechanism proposed. Pure and composite coatings with [110] crystalline orientation exhibited the highest microhardness values and wear resistance.
Electrochemical and in situ Spectroelectrochemical Properties of Phthalocyanines Bearing N-Benzyl-4-Phenyloxyacetamide Moieties
Authors: Koç İmran , Camur Meryem , Bulut Mustafa , Özkaya Ali Riza
Published: January 2011

The general redox behaviour of phthalocyanines bearing N-benzyl-4-phenyloxyacetamide moieties (H2Pc, ZnPc, NiPc, CuPc, and CoPc) has been identified by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry on Pt in dimethylsulfoxide/tetrabutylammonium perchlorate. These measurements showed that the complexes indicate subsequent one-electron reduction and oxidation processes. Although the voltammetric measurements implied the association of the redox processes of some complexes with aggregation phenomenon, the complete evaluation of the aggregation effects by only these measurements was not possible. In situ UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical measurements enabled us to assign the ligand- and metal-based redox processes, and identify if the aggregation affects these processes. These measurements suggested that the redox processes of H2Pc, NiPc, and CuPc are coupled by aggregation phenomenon, while those of ZnPc and especially CoPc are not, probably due to the difference in their axial coordinating properties.
Reduced serum total osteocalcin is associated with metabolic syndrome in older men via waist circumference, hyperglycemia, and triglyceride levels
Authors: Yeap Bu B , Chubb S A Paul , Flicker Leon , McCaul Kieran A , Ebeling Peter R , Beilby John P , Norman Paul E
Published: January 2011

In the above article published in the European Journal of Endocrinology (2010) 163 265–272, the authors apologise for an error and clarify that total osteocalcin was measured in aliquots of plasma and not in serum as stated. The authors opine that as the assay is appropriate for either serum or plasma, it is not likely to have influenced the results.
Targeted Introgression of a Wheat Stem Rust Resistance Gene by DNA Marker-Assisted Chromosome Engineering
Authors: Niu Zhixia , Klindworth Daryl L , Friesen Timothy L , Chao Shiaoman , Jin Yue , Cai Xiwen , Xu Steven S
Published: January 2011

Chromosome engineering is a useful strategy for transfer of alien genes from wild relatives into modern crops. However, this strategy has not been extensively used for alien gene introgression in most crops due to low efficiency of conventional cytogenetic techniques. Here, we report an improved scheme of chromosome engineering for efficient elimination of a large amount of goatgrass (Aegilops speltoides) chromatin surrounding Sr39, a gene that provides resistance to multiple stem rust races, including Ug99 (TTKSK) in wheat. The wheat ph1b mutation, which promotes meiotic pairing between homoeologous chromosomes, was employed to induce recombination between wheat chromosome 2B and goatgrass 2S chromatin using a backcross scheme favorable for inducing and detecting the homoeologous recombinants with small goatgrass chromosome segments. Forty recombinants with Sr39 with reduced surrounding goatgrass chromatin were quickly identified from 1048 backcross progenies through disease screening and molecular marker analysis. Four of the recombinants carrying Sr39 with a minimal amount of goatgrass chromatin (2.87–9.15% of the translocated chromosomes) were verified using genomic in situ hybridization. Approximately 97% of the goatgrass chromatin was eliminated in one of the recombinants, in which a tiny goatgrass chromosome segment containing Sr39 was retained in the wheat genome. Localization of the goatgrass chromatin in the recombinants led to rapid development of three molecular markers tightly linked to Sr39. The new wheat lines and markers provide useful resources for the ongoing global effort to combat Ug99. This study has demonstrated great potential of chromosome engineering in genome manipulation for plant improvement.
Pathological Video Game Use Among Youths: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Gentile Douglas A. , Choo Hyekyung , Liau Albert , Sim Timothy , Li Dongdong , Fung Daniel , Khoo Angeline
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVES:

We aimed to measure the prevalence and length of the problem of pathological video gaming or Internet use, to identify risk and protective factors, to determine whether pathological gaming is a primary or secondary problem, and to identify outcomes for individuals who become or stop being pathological gamers.

METHODS:

A 2-year, longitudinal, panel study was performed with a general elementary and secondary school population in Singapore, including 3034 children in grades 3 (N = 743), 4 (N = 711), 7 (N = 916), and 8 (N = 664). Several hypothesized risk and protective factors for developing or overcoming pathological gaming were measured, including weekly amount of game play, impulsivity, social competence, depression, social phobia, anxiety, and school performance.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of pathological gaming was similar to that in other countries (∼9%). Greater amounts of gaming, lower social competence, and greater impulsivity seemed to act as risk factors for becoming pathological gamers, whereas depression, anxiety, social phobias, and lower school performance seemed to act as outcomes of pathological gaming.

CONCLUSION:

This study adds important information to the discussion about whether video game “addiction” is similar to other addictive behaviors, demonstrating that it can last for years and is not solely a symptom of comorbid disorders.
Cigarette Advertising and Teen Smoking Initiation
Authors: Hanewinkel Reiner , Isensee Barbara , Sargent James D. , Morgenstern Matthis
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To test the specificity of the association between cigarette advertising and adolescent smoking initiation.

METHODS:

A longitudinal survey of 2102 adolescents, aged 10 to 17 years at baseline, who never smoked was conducted by using masked images of 6 cigarette advertisements and 8 other commercial products with all brand information digitally removed. The exposure variable was a combination of contact frequency and cued recall of brands for cigarette and other advertisements. Multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regressions were used to assess smoking initiation 9 months after the baseline assessment as a function of cigarette-advertisement exposure, other advertisement exposure, and baseline covariates.

RESULTS:

Thirteen percent (n = 277) of students initiated smoking during the observation period. Although the incidence of trying smoking was associated with increased exposure to cigarette advertisements (10% in the low, 12% in the medium, and 19% in the high cigarette-advertisement exposure tertile initiated smoking), exposure to other advertisements did not predict smoking initiation. Compared with low exposure to cigarette advertisements, high exposure remained a significant predictor of adolescent smoking initiation after controlling for baseline covariates (adjusted relative risk: 1.46 [95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.97]; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results support the notion of a content-related effect of cigarette advertisements and underlines the specificity of the relationship between tobacco marketing and teen smoking; exposure to cigarette advertisements, but not other advertisements, is associated with smoking initiation.
Getting Beyond “Good Job”: How to Give Effective Feedback
Authors: Gigante Joseph , Dell Michael , Sharkey Angela
Published: January 2011

This article is the fourth in a series by the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP) reviewing the critical attributes and skills of superb clinical teachers. The previous article in this series reviewed the vital importance of direct observation of students.1 The purpose of this article is to describe how to use the information gained from the direct observation, namely the role of feedback. Although too often used interchangeably, encouragement, evaluation, and feedback are quite distinct. Encouragement (eg, “good job!”) is supportive but does nothing to improve the learner's skills. Evaluation is summative and is the final judgment of the learner's performance. Feedback, however, is designed to improve future performance. This article focuses on feedback—what it is, why it is important, some of the barriers to effective feedback, and how to give helpful feedback.
A Systematic Review of Interventions to Improve Handwriting
Authors: Hoy Monica M. P. , Egan Mary Y. , Feder Katya P.
Published: January 2011

Background. Handwriting difficulties are among the most common reasons for referral of children to occupational therapy. Purpose. To determine the effectiveness of handwriting interventions. Methods. A systematic review was carried out. Included studies were randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials of interventions that could be used by an occupational therapist to improve written output (printing or writing) among school-aged children identified as having difficulties with handwriting. Electronic searches of relevant databases were conducted up to January 2010. Findings. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies tested (1) relaxation and practice with or without EMG, (2) sensory-based training without handwriting practice, and (3) handwriting-based practice (including sensory-focused or cognitive focused handwriting practice). Regardless of treatment type, interventions that did not include handwriting practice and those that included less than 20 practice sessions were ineffective. Implications. Effective occupational therapy for improving handwriting must include adequate handwriting practice.
Factor Structure of the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test-3rd Edition (MVPT-3)
Authors: Brown Ted , Elliott Stephen
Published: January 2011

Background. The Motor-Free Visual Perception Test–3rd edition (MVPT-3) is commonly used to assess the visual perceptual functioning of adults. MVPT-3 users need to be knowledgeable about its factor structure and dimensionality. Purpose. To investigate the factor structure and dimensionality of the MVPT-3 when used with adults with and without neurological impairment. Methods. The MVPT-3 scores of 221 participants aged 20+ years (49 with and 172 without neurological impairment) were used to complete a principal components analysis of the MVPT-3 scale. Findings. The MVPT-3 test items loaded upon 11 viable factors, accounting for 58.15% of the test's total variance. Implications. The MVPT-3 exhibited multi-dimensionality instead of the predicted unidimensionality and therefore may not be an appropriate measure of overall visual perceptual ability in its current format. Consequently, healthcare professionals who use the MVPT-3 to assess the visual perception of their clients should exercise caution when attempting to interpret its results.
Mindfulness and Flow in Occupational Engagement: Presence in Doing
Authors: Reid Denise
Published: January 2011

Background. Flow is a psychological state that might be viewed as desirable, and it occurs when a person is aware of his or her actions but is not being aware of his or her awareness. Mindfulness is viewed not as the achievement of any particular state, but as intentional awareness of what is, being aware of awareness. Purpose. To examine theoretical perspectives and empirical research on flow and mindfulness, and offer suggestions about the relevance of these concepts to occupational engagement. Key issues. Both flow and mindfulness involve being present, actively engaged, and attentive. The experience and practice of flow and mindfulness are relevant to the experience of occupational engagement. Implications. Understanding flow and mindfulness may help occupational therapists improve the therapeutic occupational engagement process with their clients through enhancing depth and meaning of occupational experiences, as well as health and well-being.
Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains isolated in the region of Nis, Serbia
Authors: Miljkovic-Selimovic Biljana , Ng Lai-King , Price Lawrence , Kocic Branislava , Babic Tatjana
Published: January 2011

Introduction. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli represent one of
the main causes of bacterial diarrhoea in humans. Although the disease is
usually mild and self-limiting, severe chronic sequelae may occur, such as
reactive arthritis, Guillain-Barr? and Miller Fisher syndromes. Serotyping is
used as an epidemiological marker, while post-infective polyneuropathies are
associated with several O serotypes. Objective. Strains of C. jejuni and C.
coli were serotyped based on heat stable (HS) and heat labile (HL) antigens,
as well as biotypes to determine strain diversity. Methods. Campylobacter
spp. was isolated using selective blood media with antibiotics.
Differentiation to the species level was done by a combination of biotyping
tests and by a PCR-based RFLP test. The isolates were characterised by Penner
and Lior serotyping methods. Results. The serotypes showed diversity without
predominant serotypes. 24 HS serotypes were detected among 29 C. jejuni
strains, and seven serotypes among nine C. coli strains. HL serotyping method
successfully typed 62.5% of strains. Among 16 C. jejuni strains 14 serotypes
were detected, and three among four C. coli strains. A C. jejuni strain
associated with a patient with Guillain-Barr? syndrome was typed as biotype
II, O:19. Conclusion. The biotyping and serotyping results have indicated
that C. jejuni and C. coli strains in the region of Nis, Serbia are diverse
and could be probably of unrelated sources of origin or reservoirs. The
strain associated with the Guillain-Barr? syndrome patient was serotype O:19,
one of the most common in this post-infective complication.
Determination of the need for solar UV radiation protection
Authors: Letic Milorad
Published: January 2011

Introduction. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, the eyes and the
immune system are well known. The need for UV radiation protection is
popularized by the introduction of UV index. Uneven intensity of UV radiation
in different regions in different periods of the year and in different times
of the day requires that recommendations for UV radiation protection are
given for possible UV index values in those regions. Objective. The aim of
the study is to establish a simple and consistent method for the
determination of the need for UV radiation protection in Serbia where UV
radiation intensity can be approximated as uniform. Methods. Possible values
of UV index during the year and the sun elevation during the day in periods
throughout the year were used for the determination of maximal possible UV
index values. These values were compared to UV index forecasts regarding UV
radiation protection. Results. Maximal possible values for UV index were used
for producing the colour graph. Colours on the graph indicate the need for UV
radiation protection. Green - protection is not needed, yellow - protection
is needed, red - protection is obligatory. Comparisons with the need for
protection based on forecasts showed congruence in 97% of cases. Conclusion.
The use of the graph for the determination of the need for UV radiation
protection gives nearly the same results as recommendations based on UV index
forecasts. The advantages of the graph are that it gives recommendations for
the whole year, for the time intervals during the day in every period of the
year and for the whole territory of Serbia.
Symptomatic calcified splenic artery aneurysm: Case report
Authors: Colovic Radoje , Colovic Natasa , Grubor Nikica , Kaitovic Marko
Published: January 2011

Introduction. Although the third most common aneurysm within the abdomen,
after aneurysms of the aorta and iliac arteries, splenic artery aneurysms are
rare, but not exceptionally. Owing to new imaging techniques, they have been
discovered with increasing frequency. Case Outline. Authors present a
47-year-old woman, multipara, who presented with left upper abdominal pain in
whom X-ray showed a calcified ring in the area of distal pancreas. Selective
angiography confirmed a splenic artery aneurysm of its proximal part. During
an open surgery the aneurysm was excised (aneurismectomy) without immediate,
early or late complications. The patient became symptom-free. Conclusion. In
patients, particularly women, the multiparas who present with epigastric or
left upper abdominal pain of unknown aetiology, splenic artery aneurysm has
to be taken into account. Further diagnostic procedures such as plain X-ray
and selective angiography in suspected cases should be performed. Surgery or
other treatment modalities are to be seriously considered in all patients,
particularly in those with increased risk of rupture.
Family health and family physician’s influence on prevention of psychoactive substances abuse
Authors: Lapcevic Mirjana , Dimitrijevic Ivan
Published: January 2011

The family, as the basic social unit, has a decisive role in the health and
disease of its members. It is the primary unit where health needs are formed
and solved. By its own resources the family independently resolves about 75%
of the total health requirements. In the paper the authors study family
characteristics which influence family health and diseases, indicators of
family health and the scale of life values. Also, the study evaluates social
factors, communication and the influence of the usage of psychoactive
substances on family health and the quality of family life. To form the
personality of a child three factors are most significant: love, the feeling
of safety and the presence of harmonious relationship between the parents.
Life harmony in a family also depends on the quality of structural components
of the personality and the interaction of motivation of its members. Early
childhood determines the future personality of the adult person. At that
period, habits and partially attitudes are formed. In harmonious family
relationships the parents are the role model to children. Verbal and
non-verbal communication enrich the relationship among people and enable
efforts in supporting understanding, compassion and care for others by mutual
agreement. On the scale of life values of Serbian citizens health holds the
first position. Immediately following the health issue is good relationship
in the family. As healthcare is not only the task of healthcare services, but
also of each individual, family and the society as a whole, it is on
healthcare personnel to educate the citizens how to preserve and improve
their own health and the health of their family by a continual healthcare and
education. Above all, this concerns avoidance of bad habits, such as smoking,
immoderate alcohol consumption, narcotic abuse, physical inactivity,
hypercaloric nutrition, etc. Also, it is significant to make an early
recognition of disease symptoms and to turn for help to the chosen doctor on
time. Family medicine and family doctors can in the best way, entirely and
continually, prevent and treat numerous diseases occurring as the result of
family dysfunction, with active participation of each individual, family,
healthcare services and the community.
Higher Education in Europe: A Comparative Female Approach
Authors: Piussi Anna Maria , Arnaus Remei
Published: January 2011

The recognition of women's growing quantitative participation in higher education worldwide has to date been rarely accompanied by analysis of the quality of this participation. In Europe, the national and transnational policies of the past few decades have promoted female inclusion in higher education, through positive action aimed at bridging the gender gap, but have not taken into account the different human experience, aspirations, values and expertise of women, interpreting these as a minus value and thereby neutralizing the sexual difference in a universalistic male-dominated paradigm. This article draws on case-study research in five European universities, exploring the free, original voice of women who, as teachers, researchers and university administrators, recount their own university experience, the obstacles in their path and the resistance met with, as well as their own strategies and work practices – including inventive practices – expressing in words their desires and aspirations above and beyond the given order. In the current crisis of the Western universities, caught in the grips of financial distress and symbolic conflicts regarding their mission, we need to give a political transformative sense to these practices and words, offering a new measure of university life necessary for all.
Modeling of flow and mass transport in granular porous media
Authors: Coutelieris Frank
Published: January 2011

The scope of this work is to estimate the effective mass-transfer coefficient in a two-phase system of oil and water fluid droplets, both being in a porous medium. To this end, a tracer is advected from the flowing aqueous phase to the immobile non-aqueous one. Partitioning at the fluid-fluid interface and surface diffusion are also taken into account. By using spatial/volume-averaging techniques, the appropriately simplified boundary-value problems are described and numerically solved for the flow velocity field and for the transport problem. The problem was found to be controlled by the Peclet number of the flowing phase, the dimensionless parameter Λ, containing both diffusion and partition in the two phases, as well as the geometrical properties of the porous structure. It is also verified that the usually involved unit cell-configurations underestimate the mass transport to the immobile phase.
Far field emission of micropillar and planar microcavities lattice-matched to ZnTe
Authors: Jakubczyk Tomasz , Pacuski Wojciech , Duch Paweł , Godlewski Piotr , Golnik Andrzej , Kruse Carsten , Hommel Detlef , Gaj Jan
Published: January 2011

We investigate light emission from ZnTe-based microcavities containing CdTe quantum dots (QDs), with 2D (planar cavity) and 0D (pillar cavities) photonic confinement. The angular distribution from the planar cavity is presented as well as 2D cross-sections of the far field distribution of radiation from the micropillars. The efficient and desirable modification of the isotropic radiation of the QDs is shown for such structures. The diffraction observed is found to be inherent for such experiments with large numerical aperture of the lens and small diameters of the investigated pillars. This diffraction is successfully modeled.
DEFENSE RESPONSE TRIGGERED BY SCLEROTIUM ROLFSII IN TEA PLANTS
Authors: Bhagat Indramani , Chakraborty Bishwanath
Published: January 2011

Total phenols and ortho-dihydroxy phenols from healthy and Sclerotium rolfsii inoculated roots of 18 varieties of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] were estimated after 7 days of inoculation. The total phenol contents and ortho-dihydroxy phenols decreased in susceptible varieties and increased in resistant varieties following inoculation with S. rolfsii. Among all the tested varieties, K-1/1 variety showed maximum increase in total phenols and ortho-dihydroxy phenol contents after inoculation with S. rolfsii. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity was increased after 4 days of inoculation in eighteen tested varieties. Highest increase in PAL activity was seen on tea roots of TV-26 variety. Peroxidase activity was also increased in all the tested varieties and highest increase was noticed in HV-39 variety. The results showed that changes in the levels of phenols and the enzymes like PAL and Peroxidase (POD) form an important part in the resistance mechanism of the tea plants against infections with S. rolfsii. Resistant varities of tea plants might have an inducible system to produce phenolic compounds and activate certain enzymes following infection with the pathogen whereas susceptible varities seem to be suppressive in this aspect. Key words: Resting pathogen; resistance mechanism.DOI: 10.3126/eco.v17i0.4106EcoprintAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 17, 2010Page: 69-76Uploaded date: 3 January, 2011
OCCURRENCE OF NITROGEN-FIXING CYANOBACTERIA IN LOCAL RICE FIELDS OF ORISSA, INDIA
Authors: Dey H. S. , Tayung K. , Bastia A. K.
Published: January 2011

Cyanobacterial diversity occurring in some local rice fields of Orissa, India has been studied in two different seasons and influence of pH, organic carbon  (%) and conductivity were correlated on their population. At different locations and seasons the pH of the soil varies from 6.30±0.20 to 6.66±0.305. Conductivity and organic carbon (%) varies from 0.6±0.10 to 0.76±0.152 and 0.56±0.045 to 0.70±0.025 respectively. Altogether 58 taxa belonging to 20 genera were obtained and characterized. Out of these 19 forms were heterocystous and 39 were non-heterocystous. Highest abundance of cyanobacteria was found in order Nostocales which was represented by 15 species. Among the species relative abundance of Oscillatoria chalybea  (9.90%) was found to be highest followed by Phormidium purpurascens (8.49%), Cylindrospermum muscicola and Oscillatoria chlorina (8.01%). Highest Shannon's diversity index was recorded in sampling site 1, followed by site 2. Comparatively the diversity index was more during winter than in summer in all the study sites. Highest similarity index (0.174) was found in summer-summer isolates of site 1 and 3. Among the environmental variables (i.e., soil pH, organic carbon (%), conductivity) highly positive correlation was observed between cyanobacterial population and soil pH (r ≥ 9) in all the three sampling sites. The study indicates ubiquitous distribution of cyanobacteria in rice fields and could be exploited for biofertilizer in agriculture. Key words: Cyanobacteria; Rice fields; Abundance; Diversity index; Environmental variablesDOI: 10.3126/eco.v17i0.4120EcoprintAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 17, 2010Page: 77-85Uploaded date: 3 January, 2011
Immunomodulatory Activity of Dietary Fiber: Arabinoxylan and Mixed-Linked Beta-Glucan Isolated from Barley Show Modest Activities in Vitro
Authors: Samuelsen Anne Berit , Rieder Anne , Grimmer Stine , Michaelsen Terje E. , Knutsen Svein H.
Published: January 2011

High intake of dietary fiber is claimed to protect against development of colorectal cancer. Barley is a rich source of dietary fiber, and possible immunomodulatory effects of barley polysaccharides might explain a potential protective effect. Dietary fiber was isolated by extraction and enzyme treatment. A mixed-linked β-glucan (WSM-TPX, 96.5% β-glucan, Mw 886 kDa), an arabinoxylan (WUM-BS-LA, 96.4% arabinoxylan, Mw 156 kDa), a mixed-linked β-glucan rich fraction containing 10% arabinoxylan (WSM-TP) and an arabinoxylan rich fraction containing 30% mixed-linked β-glucan (WUM-BS) showed no significant effect on IL-8 secretion and proliferation of two intestinal epithelial cell lines, Caco-2 and HT-29, and had no significant effect on the NF-κB activity in the monocytic cell line U937-3κB-LUC. Further enriched arabinoxylan fractions (WUM-BS-LA) from different barley varieties (Tyra, NK96300, SB94897 and CDCGainer) were less active than the mixed-linked β-glucan rich fractions (WSM-TP and WSM-TPX) in the complement-fixing test. The mixed-linked β-glucan rich fraction from NK96300 and CDCGainer showed similar activities as the positive control while mixed‑linked β-glucan rich fractions from Tyra and SB94897 were less active. From these results it is concluded that the isolated high molecular weight mixed-linked β-glucans and arabinoxylans from barley show low immunological responses in selected in vitro test systems and thus possible anti-colon cancer effects of barley dietary fiber cannot be explained by our observations.
Combined Effects of Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2 Selective Inhibitors on Ovarian Carcinoma in Vivo
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Jie , Jiang Hong-Ru , Xu Xiao-Li , Zhang Jun , Liu Mei-Lin , Zhai Ling-Yun
Published: January 2011

The present study was designed to investigate the combined effects of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 selective inhibitors on human ovarian SKOV-3 carcinoma cells xenograft-bearing mice. The animals were treated with 3 mg/kg SC-560 (a COX-1 selective inhibitor) alone, 25 mg/kg celecoxib (a COX-2 selective inhibitor) alone, or SC-560/celecoxib by gavage, twice a day for three weeks. To test the mechanism of inhibition of tumor growth by COX selective inhibitors, the index of proliferating cells in tumor tissues was determined by immunostaining and the index of apoptotic cells by the terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The inhibitory rate on tumor growth in the combination group was 35.54% which is significant statistically compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). In the combination group, the index of cell proliferation and apoptosis were 12.40% and 51.03% respectively, which are significant statistically compared with those of the control group (22.56%, 19.07%, all P < 0.05). These studies indicate that synergism between two COX inhibitors and inhibitor combination treatment has particular potential for chemoprevention of ovarian cancer growth.