bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Social and Temporal Distance on Evaluation of Corporate Ambivalent Behavior
Authors: Chung Sunghun , Park Jooyoung
Published: August 2013

Based on construal level theory and subadditivity effect, in this study we examined the joint impacts of multiple dimensions of psychological distance (i.e., social and temporal distance) on consumer evaluations of a company in which the behavior was ambivalent in terms of morality
or competence. The findings indicated that consumers perceiving the company as both socially and temporally close evaluated it more favorably when ambivalence concerned morality. However, when 1 or more dimensions of psychological distance extended, consumers tended to evaluate the company
more favorably when the source of ambivalence concerned competence. These findings suggest that consumer evaluations of a company are influenced by not only which aspect of company behavior is ambivalent, but also by whether or not it is a single dimension or multiple dimensions of psychological
distance being considered. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Effect of Decision Makers' Education Level on their Corporate Risk Taking
Authors: Wang Yonghai , Zhou Wei , Chang Ke-Chiun
Published: August 2013

We examined whether or not the education level of corporate decision makers helps explain their level of corporate risk taking. Using a sample population of listed companies in China, we documented a significant negative correlation between decision makers' education level and their
level of corporate risk taking. Corporations run by more highly educated decision makers were found to have lower leverage and less volatile earnings. These results have important implications for corporate governance and educational choices.
Characteristics of, prevalence of, and risk factors for corneal pigmentation (pigmentary keratopathy) in Pugs
Authors: Labelle Amber L. , Dresser Christine B. , Hamor Ralph E. , Allender Matthew C. , Disney Julia L.
Published: August 2013

Objective—To determine the characteristics of, prevalence of, and risk factors for corneal pigmentation (CP) in Pugs.

Design—Prospective cross-sectional study.

Animals—295 Pugs > 16 weeks old.

Procedures—Ophthalmic examination of the anterior segment of each eye was performed, including determination of tear film characteristics (Schirmer tear test and tear film breakup time) and corneal sensitivity. Digital photographs of the head and each eye were obtained. Corneal pigmentation of eyes was graded as absent, very mild, mild, moderate, or severe. Signalment and medical history information and American Kennel Club registration status were recorded.

Results—CP was detected in at least 1 eye of 243 of the 295 (82.4%) Pugs; CP was typically very mild or mild. Detection of CP was not significantly associated with coat color, age, eyelid conformation, or tear film characteristics but was significantly associated with sex of dogs. The severity of CP was not significantly associated with American Kennel Club registration status or age, but was significantly associated with sex, tear film characteristics, and coat color. Iris hypoplasia was detected in 72.1% of the Pugs. Iris-to-iris persistent pupillary membranes were detected in 85.3% of the Pugs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prevalence of CP in Pugs in this study was high. Unexpectedly high prevalences of iris hypoplasia and persistent pupillary membranes were also identified. The condition identified in these Pugs was a pigmentary keratopathy, rather than pigmentary keratitis or corneal melanosis. This condition may have a genetic basis, and further studies are warranted to determine etiology.
Crystallographic and structural characterization of heterometallic platinum compounds part IV: heterotetranuclear clusters
Authors: Melník Milan , Mikuš Peter , Holloway Clive
Published: August 2013

This review includes over two hundred heterotetranuclear platinum clusters. The clusters are of the compositions Pt3M, Pt3M2, PtM3, Pt′2MM′, PtM2M′ and PtMM′M”. There are twenty five different M atoms (transition and non-transition) as a partner(s) of platinum. The four metal atoms are found in a tetrahedral, planar-rhombohedral, butterfly, spited-triangular, cubane, eight — and oligo-membered rings and a unique structures. There is wide variety of the ligands from uni to- undecadentate, with the most common P and C donor sites. The shortest Pt-M (transition) versus Pt-M (non-transition) bond distances are 2.4833(8)Å (M=Pd) vs. 2.4365(5)Å (Ge). Several relationships between the various structural parameters were found and are discussed.
Detecting codimension one manifold factors with the piecewise disjoint arc-disk property and related properties
Authors: Halverson Denise , Repovš Dušan
Published: August 2013

We show that all finite-dimensional resolvable generalized manifolds with the piecewise disjoint arc-disk property are codimension one manifold factors. We then show how the piecewise disjoint arc-disk property and other general position properties that detect codimension one manifold factors are related. We also note that in every example presently known to the authors of a codimension one manifold factor of dimension n ≥ 4 determined by general position properties, the piecewise disjoint arc-disk property is satisfied.
Skeletally Dugundji spaces
Authors: Kucharski Andrzej , Plewik Szymon , Valov Vesko
Published: August 2013

We introduce and investigate the class of skeletally Dugundji spaces as a skeletal analogue of Dugundji space. Our main result states that the following conditions are equivalent for a given space X: (i) X is skeletally Dugundji; (ii) every compactification of X is co-absolute to a Dugundji space; (iii) every C*-embedding of the absolute p(X) in another space is strongly π-regular; (iv) X has a multiplicative lattice in the sense of Shchepin [Shchepin E.V., Topology of limit spaces with uncountable inverse spectra, Uspekhi Mat. Nauk, 1976, 31(5), 191–226 (in Russian)] consisting of skeletal maps.
Kernels of representations of Drinfeld doubles of finite groups
Authors: Burciu Sebastian
Published: August 2013

A description of the commutator of a normal subcategory of the fusion category of representation Rep A of a semisimple Hopf algebra A is given. Formulae for the kernels of representations of Drinfeld doubles D(G) of finite groups G are presented. It is shown that all these kernels are normal Hopf subalgebras.
A new periodicity concept for time scales
Authors: Adivar Murat
Published: August 2013

By means of the shift operators we introduce a new periodicity concept on time scales. This new approach will enable researchers to investigate periodicity notion on a large class of time scales whose members may not satisfy the condition there exists a P > 0 such that $$t \pm P \in \mathbb{T}$$ for all $$t \in \mathbb{T}$$, which is being currently used. Therefore, the results of this paper open an avenue for the investigation of periodic solutions of q-difference equations and more.
On Ramanujan sums over the Gaussian integers
Authors: Nowak Werner
Published: August 2013

This note deals with Ramanujan sums c
m(n) over the ring ℤ[i], in particular with asymptotics for sums of c
m(n) taken over both variables m, n.
Infinite families of recursive formulas generating power moments of Kloosterman sums: O
−(2n,2r) case
Authors: Kim Dae
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we construct eight infinite families of binary linear codes associated with double cosets with respect to a certain maximal parabolic subgroup of the special orthogonal group SO
−(2n, 2r). And we obtain four infinite families of recursive formulas for the power moments of Kloosterman sums and four those of 2-dimensional Kloosterman sums in terms of the frequencies of weights in the codes. This is done via Pless power moment identity and by utilizing the explicit expressions of exponential sums over those double cosets related to the evaluations of “Gauss sums” for the orthogonal groups O
−(2n, 2r).
On the measurability of functions with quasi-continuous and upper semi-continuous vertical sections
Authors: Grande Zbigniew
Published: August 2013

Let f: ℝ2 → ℝ be a function with upper semicontinuous and quasi-continuous vertical sections f
x(t) = f(x, t), t, x ∈ ℝ. It is proved that if the horizontal sections f
y(t) = f(t, y), y, t ∈ ℝ, are of Baire class α (resp. Lebesgue measurable) [resp. with the Baire property] then f is of Baire class α + 2 (resp. Lebesgue measurable and sup-measurable) [resp. has Baire property].
Λ-strongly summable sequence spaces in n-normed spaces defined by ideal convergence and an Orlicz function
Authors: Esi Ayhan , Kemal Özdemir M.
Published: August 2013

In this paper we introduce some certain new sequence spaces via ideal convergence, λ-sequence and an Orlicz function in n-normed spaces and study different properties of these spaces and also establish some inclusion results among them.
Some paranormed Euler sequence spaces of difference sequences of order m
Authors: Karakaya Vatan , Savas Ekrem , Polat Harun
Published: August 2013

The main purpose of this work is to extend the sequence spaces which are defined in [KARAKAYA, V.—POLAT, H.: Some new paranormed sequence spaces defined by Euler and difference operators, Acta Sci. Math. (Szeged) 76 (2010), 87–100] and [POLAT, H.—BASAR, F.: Some Euler spaces of difference sequences of order m, Acta Math. Sci. Ser. B Engl. Ed. 27 (2007), 254–266] by using difference operator of order m, and to give their alpha, beta and gamma duals. Furthermore, we characterize some classes of the related matrix transformations.
Every set is “symmetric” for some function
Authors: Nowik Andrzej , Szyszkowski Marcin
Published: August 2013

Let 〈h
n〉 denote a sequence of positive real numbers. We show that for every set A ⊆ ℝ there exists a function f: ℝ → ω such that A = {x ∈ ℝ: (∈〈h
n〉)[h
n ↘ 0 & (∀n ∈ ℕ)(f(x − h
n) = f(x + h
n) = f(x))]}. This solves a problem of K. Ciesielski, K. Muthuvel and A. Nowik.
Pressures of the Season
Authors: Plank Stephen B. , Condliffe Barbara Falk
Published: August 2013

High-stakes tests are the most heavily weighted measures in accountability systems developed in response to No Child Left Behind. While some studies show high-stakes accountability being related to test score gains, others suggest these policies do not improve achievement and often result in unintended consequences. To understand mechanisms driving positive and negative effects on student learning, it is necessary to look beyond achievement data and step inside classrooms. We present findings from 2 years of observation in 23 second and third grade classrooms, capitalizing on the combination of grade levels and seasons during which we observed. On the theoretically important domain of instructional support, we find classroom quality is lower when classrooms are under greatest pressure to increase test performance.
2013 AERA Presidential Address
Authors: Tierney William G.
Published: August 2013

The author argues that the role of a public intellectual involves a science of knowing as well as the knowledge gained by a researcher’s work and life. Including both, the intellectual moves beyond educational organizations and finds ways to become more involved not only with larger issues of public policy but also with those with whom he or she is engaged. The assumption here is that to help reduce poverty a researcher’s focus needs to move beyond the ivory tower. By way of examples drawn from research pertaining to increasing access to college, the article highlights cognitive and noncognitive factors necessary for academic success.
Lexical Aspects of Very Advanced L2 French
Authors: Lundell Fanny Forsberg , Lindqvist Christina
Published: August 2013

Abstract:

The present study investigates the possibilities for adult learners to attain nativelikeness in the domain of lexis. Aspects investigated are general lexical knowledge (C-test), receptive deep knowledge, productive collocation knowledge, and productive lexico-pragmatic knowledge in a group of long-residency Swedish French second language (L2) users in France and a matched native control group. The analysis includes correlations between these different vocabulary aspects as well as their relation to the length of residence in the target-language (TL) community. The study reveals that it is possible for L2 learners to attain nativelikeness in general lexical knowledge and lexico-pragmatic knowledge, whereas deep knowledge and collocations are especially difficult for L2 learners, supporting earlier research findings. Furthermore, a strong correlation is found between general lexical knowledge and collocations, but surprisingly not between any of the other aspects, or between vocabulary aspects and length of residence. The results are discussed in light of individual differences in research.
Finding Reliable Shortest Paths in Dynamic Stochastic Networks
Authors: Wu Xing
Published: August 2013

A reliable a priori shortest path (RASP) offers the least time budget and ensures that a traveler can arrive at the destination on time with the desired probability. A RASP is equivalent to enumerating all nondominated paths under the first-order stochastic dominance rule. Compared with the problem in static networks, the RASP problem becomes more complex in dynamic networks because it is more difficult to compute path travel time distributions. Two modules of process are the keys to solving the RASP problem. One module is the convolution scheme (how to compute a path travel time distribution from its member links' travel time distributions), and the other module is the stochastic dominance scheme (how to determine nondominated paths). This study aims to find an efficient solution algorithm for this problem. An alternative convolution method is developed on the basis of the adaptive discretization approach, which was originally proposed to solve the RASP problem in static networks. In contrast, the higher-order stochastic dominance rule can be shown to reduce the number of nondominated paths; this rule promises to improve computational efficiency. Numerical experiments show that the second-order stochastic dominance rule offers good approximations, and the central processing unit time is reduced by at least 50%.
Aircraft Rerouting due to Abrupt Facility Outages
Authors: Ryerson Megan S. , Churchill Andrew M.
Published: August 2013

Abrupt airport outages resulting from terrorism, natural disasters, and incidents can cause reroutes and fuel-critical situations for flights. Although aircraft carry reserve fuel for holding and diversions, poor situational awareness and incomplete information about conditions may cause disordered reroutes. In this paper a deterministic routing model for airport outages that assigns flights an arrival time at a diversion airport is developed. The model includes a parameter for decision time, allowing one to investigate the value of faster response with advanced technologies. The model minimizes flight time after the disaster to ensure that flights avoid fuel emergencies. Model formulations include an unconstrained allocation of flights to diversion airports and a constrained allocation of flights according to routing rules; this formulation is suboptimal but provides a powerful tool because of its potential ease of implementation. The models are used to determine how coordinated traffic flow management actions could have diverted flights and reduced fuel-critical situations immediately following the destructive 2011 Tωhoku earthquake. It is found that under reasonable assumptions about diversion airports and capacities, all flights can be accommodated without reaching a fuel-critical state for a decision occurring 20 min after the disaster. A longer diversion decision-making process results in some flights reaching emergency conditions, requiring the use of other, less preferred diversion airports and expedited handling procedures. The more constrained model requires faster response for full accommodation of flights.
Radiographic and clinical outcome after 1- and 2-level transsacral axial interbody fusion
Authors: Hofstetter Christoph P. , Shin Benjamin , Tsiouris Apostolos John , Elowitz Eric , Härtl Roger
Published: August 2013

Object

The paracoccygeal approach allows for instrumentation of L5/S1 and L4/5 by using a transsacral rod (AxiaLIF; TransS1, Inc.). The authors analyzed clinical and radiographic outcomes of 1- or 2-level AxiaLIF procedures with focus on durability of the construct.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 38 consecutive patients who underwent either 1-level (32 patients) or 2-level (6 patients) AxiaLIF procedures at the authors' institution. The Oswestry Disability Index (minimum clinically important difference [MCID] ≥ 12) and visual analog scale ([VAS]; MCID ≥ 3) scores were collected. Disc height and Cobb angles were measured on pre- and postoperative radiographs. Bony fusion was determined on CT scans or flexion/extension radiographs.

Results

Implantation of a transsacral rod allowed for intraoperative distraction of the L5/S1 intervertebral space and resulted in increased segmental lordosis postoperatively. At a mean follow-up time of 26.2 ± 2.4 months, however, graft subsidence (1.9 mm) abolished partial correction of segmental lordosis. Moreover, subsidence of the construct reduced L5/S1 lordosis in patients with 1-level AxiaLIF by 3.2° and L4–S1 lordosis in patients with 2-level procedures by 10.1° compared with preoperative values (p < 0.01). Loss of segmental lordosis predicted failure to improve VAS scores for back pain in the patient cohort (p < 0.05). Overall, surgical intervention led to modest symptomatic improvement; only 26.3% of patients achieved an MCID of the Oswestry Disability Index and 50% of patients an MCID of the VAS score for back pain. At last follow-up, 71.9% of L5/S1 levels demonstrated bony fusion (1-level AxiaLIF 80.8%, 2-level AxiaLIF 33.3%; p < 0.05), whereas none of the L4/5 levels in 2-level AxiaLIF fused. Five constructs developed pseudarthrosis and required surgical revision.

Conclusions

The AxiaLIF procedure constitutes a minimally invasive technique for L5/S1 instrumentation, with low perioperative morbidity. However, the axial rod provides inadequate long-term anterior column support, which leads to subsidence and loss of segmental lordosis. Modification of the transsacral technique to allow for placement of a solid interposition graft may counteract subsidence of the construct.
Intracranial hypotension masquerading as nonconvulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Hedna Vishnumurthy Shushrutha , Kumar Abhay , Miller Bayard , Bidari Sharathchandra , Salardini Arash , Waters Michael F. , Hella Maria , Valenstein Edward , Eisenschenk Stephan
Published: August 2013

Intracranial hypotension (IH) has been a known entity in neurocritical care since 1938. Even though many cases are spontaneous, the incidence of intracranial hypotension in the neurocritical care setting is increasing by virtue of the increased number of neurosurgical interventions. Whether spontaneous or secondary in etiology, diagnosis of IH usually requires the presence of orthostatic symptoms, including headaches and nausea with low opening CSF pressure. However, typical clinical features in the appropriate clinical context and imaging, even with normal CSF pressure, can indicate IH. In the neurocritical care setting, challenges for accurate semiology include altered sensorium and reduced levels of responsiveness for which many etiologies may exist, including metabolic dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, IH, or nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). The authors describe 3 patients whose clinical picture and electroencephalography (EEG) findings initially suggested NCSE but who did not respond to treatment with antiepileptic drugs alone. Neuroimaging suggested IH, and subsequent treatment of IH successfully improved the patient's clinical status. To the authors' knowledge this paper is the first in the literature that reports a correlation of IH with electrographic findings similar to NCSE as cause and effect. The authors' hypothesis is that thalamocortical dysfunction causes EEG findings that appear to be similar to those in NCSE but that these conditions do not coexist. The EEG activity is not epileptogenic, and IH results in blocking network pathways producing thalamocortical dysfunction. The authors discuss the hypothesis and pathophysiology of these epileptiform changes in relation to IH.
Low-dose head computed tomography in children: a single institutional experience in pediatric radiation risk reduction
Authors: Morton Ryan P. , Reynolds Renee M. , Ramakrishna Rohan , Levitt Michael R. , Hopper Richard A. , Lee Amy , Browd Samuel R.
Published: August 2013

Object

In this study, the authors describe their experience with a low-dose head CT protocol for a preselected neurosurgical population at a dedicated pediatric hospital (Seattle Children's Hospital), the largest number of patients with this protocol reported to date.

Methods

All low-dose head CT scans between October 2011 and November 2012 were reviewed. Two different low-dose radiation dosages were used, at one-half or one-quarter the dose of a standard head CT scan, based on patient characteristics agreed upon by the neurosurgery and radiology departments. Patient information was also recorded, including diagnosis and indication for CT scan.

Results

Six hundred twenty-four low-dose head CT procedures were performed within the 12-month study period. Although indications for the CT scans varied, the most common reason was to evaluate the ventricles and catheter placement in hydrocephalic patients with shunts (70%), followed by postoperative craniosynostosis imaging (12%). These scans provided adequate diagnostic imaging, and no patient required a follow-up full-dose CT scan as a result of poor image quality on a low-dose CT scan. Overall physician comfort and satisfaction with interpretation of the images was high. An additional 2150 full-dose head CT scans were performed during the same 12-month time period, making the total number of CT scans 2774. This value compares to 3730 full-dose head CT scans obtained during the year prior to the study when low-dose CT and rapid-sequence MRI was not a reliable option at Seattle Children's Hospital. Thus, over a 1-year period, 22% of the total CT scans were able to be converted to low-dose scans, and full-dose CT scans were able to be reduced by 42%.

Conclusions

The implementation of a low-dose head CT protocol substantially reduced the amount of ionizing radiation exposure in a preselected population of pediatric neurosurgical patients. Image quality and diagnostic utility were not significantly compromised.
Amniotic fluid and serum biomarkers from women with neural tube defect–affected pregnancies: a case study for myelomeningocele and anencephaly
Authors: Tsurubuchi Takao , Ichi Shunsuke , Shim Kyu-won , Norkett William , Allender Elise , Mania-Farnell Barbara , Tomita Tadanori , McLone David G. , Ginsberg Norman , Mayanil C. Shekhar
Published: August 2013

Object

The authors sought to identify novel biomarkers for early detection of neural tube defects (NTDs) in human fetuses.

Methods

Amniotic fluid and serum were drawn from women in the second trimester of pregnancy. The study group included 2 women pregnant with normal fetuses and 4 with fetuses displaying myelomeningocele (n = 1), anencephaly (n = 1), holoprosencephaly (n = 1), or encephalocele (n = 1). Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) were isolated and cultured. The cells were immunostained for the stem cell markers Oct4, CD133, and Sox2; the epigenetic biomarkers H3K4me2, H3K4me3, H3K27me2, H3K27me3, H3K9Ac, and H3K18Ac; and the histone modifiers KDM6B (a histone H3K27 demethylase) and Gcn5 (a histone acetyltransferase). The levels of 2 markers for neural tube development, bone morphogenetic protein–4 (BMP4) and sonic hedgehog (Shh), were measured in amniotic fluid and serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The AFSCs from the woman pregnant with a fetus affected by myelomeningocele had higher levels of H3K4me2, H3K4me3, H3K27me2, and H3K27me3 and lower levels of KDM6B than the AFSCs from the women with healthy fetuses. The levels of H3K9ac, H3K18ac, and Gcn5 were also decreased in the woman with the fetus exhibiting myelomeningocele. In AFSCs from the woman carrying an anencephalic fetus, levels of H3K27me3, along with those of H3K9Ac, H3K18ac, and Gcn5, were increased, while that of KDM6B was decreased. Compared with the normal controls, the levels of BMP4 in amniotic fluid and serum from the woman with a fetus with myelomeningocele were increased, whereas levels of Shh were increased in the woman pregnant with a fetus displaying anencephaly.

Conclusions

The levels of epigenetic marks, such as H3K4me, H3K27me3, H3K9Ac, and H3K18A, in cultured AFSCs in combination with levels of key developmental proteins, such as BMP4 and Shh, are potential biomarkers for early detection and identification of NTDs in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.
Resection of supratentorial lobar cavernous malformations in children
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Smith Edward R. , Goumnerova Liliana , Proctor Mark R. , Madsen Joseph R. , Scott R. Michael
Published: August 2013

Object

The authors present a series of children with supratentorial lobar cavernous malformations (CMs). Current imaging and operative techniques along with long-term follow-up were incorporated to characterize the response to surgical treatment in this pediatric population.

Methods

The senior author's operative experience was reviewed retrospectively along with a review of the Boston Children's Hospital database from 1997 to 2011 for children with supratentorial lobar CMs. Lobar CM was defined as having a supratentorial location but not involving the thalamus/hypothalamus or basal ganglia. Baseline patient demographics, pertinent radiographic findings, operative outcomes, and long-term results were evaluated and compared between patients managed operatively and those who were managed nonoperatively.

Results

Of 238 CMs identified, 181 (76%) were lobar. Compared with patients managed with observation only, those selected for surgery were older (p = 0.03), more likely to have symptomatic lesions (p < 0.001), and had larger lesions (p < 0.001). Of the 83 CMs selected for surgery, 98% were completely resected. Over a total of 384.5 patient-years of follow-up after surgery (mean 4.6 years; median 2.7 years; range 0.1–22.3 years), there were no subsequent hemorrhages in any patient undergoing complete resection; 1 of the 2 incompletely resected lesions rebled during the follow-up period. Radiographically, there was 1 recurrence (1.2%) in a child with multiple CMs; there were no recurrences of completely resected single lesions. Of the 48 patients who presented with seizures (acute or chronic), 46 (96%) were seizure free at follow-up. The permanent neurological complication rate of surgery was 5%; these complications were limited to those patients whose lesions were in eloquent locations.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with symptomatic supratentorial lobar CMs are ideal candidates for surgery, for which there are high complete resection rates, rewarding long-term seizure outcomes, and low operative morbidity. Observation may be warranted in smaller asymptomatic lesions located within eloquent cortex.
Microbial Enzymes with Special Characteristics for Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Nigam Poonam
Published: August 2013

This article overviews the enzymes produced by microorganisms, which have been extensively studied worldwide for their isolation, purification and characterization of their specific properties. Researchers have isolated specific microorganisms from extreme sources under extreme culture conditions, with the objective that such isolated microbes would possess the capability to bio-synthesize special enzymes. Various Bio-industries require enzymes possessing special characteristics for their applications in processing of substrates and raw materials. The microbial enzymes act as bio-catalysts to perform reactions in bio-processes in an economical and environmentally-friendly way as opposed to the use of chemical catalysts. The special characteristics of enzymes are exploited for their commercial interest and industrial applications, which include: thermotolerance, thermophilic nature, tolerance to a varied range of pH, stability of enzyme activity over a range of temperature and pH, and other harsh reaction conditions. Such enzymes have proven their utility in bio-industries such as food, leather, textiles, animal feed, and in bio-conversions and bio-remediations.
Emerging Biomarkers in Glioblastoma
Authors: McNamara Mairéad , Sahebjam Solmaz , Mason Warren
Published: August 2013

Glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor, has few available therapies providing significant improvement in survival. Molecular signatures associated with tumor aggressiveness as well as with disease progression and their relation to differences in signaling pathways implicated in gliomagenesis have recently been described. A number of biomarkers which have potential in diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of response to therapy have been identified and along with imaging modalities could contribute to the clinical management of GBM. Molecular biomarkers including O(6)-methlyguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosomes 1p and 19q, loss of heterozygosity 10q, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), epidermal growth factor, latrophilin, and 7 transmembrane domain-containing protein 1 on chromosome 1 (ELTD1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor suppressor protein p53, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p16INK4a gene, cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), phospholipid metabolites, telomerase messenger expression (hTERT messenger ribonucleic acid [mRNA]), microRNAs (miRNAs), cancer stem cell markers and imaging modalities as potential biomarkers are discussed. Inclusion of emerging biomarkers in prospective clinical trials is warranted in an effort for more effective personalized therapy in the future.
A New Agro/Forestry Residues Co-Firing Model in a Large Pulverized Coal Furnace: Technical and Economic Assessments
Authors: Xu Weigang , Niu Yanqing , Tan Houzhang , Wang Denghui , Du Wenzhi , Hui Shien
Published: August 2013

Based on the existing biomass co-firing technologies and the known innate drawbacks of dedicated biomass firing, including slagging, corrosion and the dependence on fuel, a new model of agro/forestry residue pellets/shreds and coal co-fired in a large Pulverized Coal (PC) furnace was proposed, and the corresponding technical and economic assessments were performed by co-firing testing in a 300 MW PC furnace and discounted cash flow technique. The developed model is more dependent on injection co-firing and combined with co-milling co-firing. Co-firing not only reduces CO2 emission, but also does not significantly affect the fly ash use in cement industry, construction industry and agriculture. Moreover, economic assessments show that in comparison with dedicated firing in grate furnace, agro/forestry residues and coal co-firing in a large PC furnace is highly economic. Otherwise, when the co-firing ratio was below 5 wt%, the boiler co-firing efficiency was 0.05%–0.31% higher than that of dedicated PC combustion, and boiler efficiencies were about 0.2% higher with agro/forestry residues co-firing in the bottom and top burner systems than that in a middle burner system.
Narrative History of the Resistance Screening Center: It’s Origins, Leadership and Partial List of Public Benefits and Scientific Contributions
Authors: Cowling Ellis , Young Carol
Published: August 2013

Forty years ago, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service developed and currently operates the Resistance Screening Center near Asheville, North Carolina, as a service to both industry and university-based tree improvement programs and tree-seed exporting companies in the southern US, Mexico, and Central America. Seed lots from more than 15,000 selections of slash and loblolly pines have been evaluated for genetically-controlled resistance to fusiform rust and other diseases including pitch canker, dogwood anthracnose, and brown spot needle blight. The screening system uses a greenhouse-based artificial inoculation system with controlled density of inoculum from geographically diverse sources of the rust pathogen. Results are completed in 6–9 months and are reasonably well-correlated with field-based progeny tests. Operating costs of the Center are shared by both the USDA Forest Service and its clients. The technologically sophisticated methods and professional skills of the Center staff have been applied to facilitate and accelerate progress in region-wide timber production, scientific understanding of the fusiform rust pathosystem, and graduate education of forest geneticists and pathologists in universities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Worldviews and Cultural Safety Transforming Sexual Assault Service Provision for Children and Young People
Authors: Funston Leticia
Published: August 2013

Child Sexual Assault (CSA) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a complex issue that cannot be understood in isolation from the ongoing impacts of colonial invasion, genocide, assimilation, institutionalised racism and severe socio-economic deprivation. Service responses to CSA are often experienced as racist, culturally, financially and/or geographically inaccessible. A two-day forum, National Yarn Up: Sharing the Wisdoms and Challenges of Young People and Sexual Abuse, was convened by sexual assault services to identify the main practice and policy concerns regarding working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people (C&YP), families and communities in the context of CSA. The forum also aimed to explore how services can become more accountable and better engaged with the communities they are designed to support. The forum was attended by eighty invited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal youth sexual assault managers and workers representing both “victim” and “those who sexually harm others” services. In keeping with Aboriginal Community-Based Research methods forum participants largely directed discussions and contributed to the analysis of key themes and recommendations reported in this article. The need for sexual assault services to prioritise cultural safety by meaningfully integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Worldviews emerged as a key recommendation. It was also identified that collaboration between “victims” and “those who sexually harm” services are essential given Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander C&YP who sexually harm others may have also been victims of sexual assault or physical violence and intergenerational trauma. By working with the whole family and community, a collaborative approach is more likely than the current service model to develop cultural safety and thus increase the accessibility of sexual assault services.
Pachydictyols B and C: New Diterpenes from Dictyota dichotoma Hudson
Authors: Abou-El-Wafa Ghada , Shaaban Mohamed , Shaaban Khaled , El-Naggar Mohamed , Maier Armin , Fiebig Heinz , Laatsch Hartmut
Published: August 2013

Two new diterpenoids, pachydictyol B (1a/1b) and C (2), were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the marine brown alga, Dictyota dichotoma, collected from the Red Sea coast of Egypt, along with the known metabolites, pachydictyol A (3a), dictyol E (4), cis-africanan-1α-ol (5a), fucosterol (6), tetrahydrothiophen-1,1-dioxide and poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid. GC-MS analysis of the nonpolar fractions also indicated the presence of β-bourbonene and nonanal, along with three hydrocarbons and five fatty acids or their simple derivatives, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the unsaponifiable algal petroleum ether extract revealed the presence of a further eight compounds, among them 2,2,6,7-tetramethyl-10-oxatricyclo[4.3.0.1(1,7)]decan-5-one (7), N-(4-bromo-n-butyl)-pipe ridin-2-one (8) and tert-hexadecanethiol. Structures 1–6 were assigned by 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectra (EI, CI, HREI and HRESI) and by comparison with data from related structures. The crude algal extract was potently active against the breast carcinoma tumor cell line, MCF7 (IC50 = 0.6 µg mL−1); pachydictyol B (1a) and dictyol E (4) showed weak antimicrobial properties, and the other compounds were inactive. Pachydictyols B (1a) and C (2) demonstrated a weak and unselective cytotoxicity against twelve human tumor cell lines with a mean IC50 of >30.0 µM.
Hydrogel Microwell Arrays Allow the Assessment of Protease-Associated Enhancement of Cancer Cell Aggregation and Survival
Authors: Loessner Daniela , Kobel Stefan , Clements Judith , Lutolf Matthias , Hutmacher Dietmar
Published: August 2013

Current routine cell culture techniques are only poorly suited to capture the physiological complexity of tumor microenvironments, wherein tumor cell function is affected by intricate three-dimensional (3D), integrin-dependent cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. 3D cell cultures allow the investigation of cancer-associated proteases like kallikreins as they degrade ECM proteins and alter integrin signaling, promoting malignant cell behaviors. Here, we employed a hydrogel microwell array platform to probe using a high-throughput mode how ovarian cancer cell aggregates of defined size form and survive in response to the expression of kallikreins and treatment with paclitaxel, by performing microscopic, quantitative image, gene and protein analyses dependent on the varying microwell and aggregate sizes. Paclitaxel treatment increased aggregate formation and survival of kallikrein-expressing cancer cells and levels of integrins and integrin-related factors. Cancer cell aggregate formation was improved with increasing aggregate size, thereby reducing cell death and enhancing integrin expression upon paclitaxel treatment. Therefore, hydrogel microwell arrays are a powerful tool to screen the viability of cancer cell aggregates upon modulation of protease expression, integrin engagement and anti-cancer treatment providing a micro-scaled yet high-throughput technique to assess malignant progression and drug-resistance.
Sinulariolide Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Apoptosis through Activation of Mitochondrial-Related Apoptotic and PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP Pathway
Authors: Chen Yi-Jen , Su Jui-Hsin , Tsao Chia-Yu , Hung Chun-Tzu , Chao Hsiang-Hao , Lin Jen-Jie , Liao Ming-Hui , Yang Zih-Yan , Huang Han , Tsai Feng-Jen , Weng Shun-Hsiang , Wu Yu-Jen
Published: August 2013

Sinulariolide, an active compound isolated from the cultured soft coral Sinularia flexibilis, has potent anti-microbial and anti-tumorigenesis effects towards melanoma and bladder cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of sinulariolide on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell growth and protein expression. Sinulariolide suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of HCC HA22T cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced both early and late apoptosis according to flow cytometry, Annexin V/PI stain and TUNEL/DAPI stain analyses. A mechanistic analysis demonstrated that sinulariolide-induced apoptosis was activated through a mitochondria-related pathway, showing up-regulation of Bax, Bad and AIF, and down- regulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, MCl-1 and p-Bad. Sinulariolide treatment led to loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c to the cytosol, and activation of both caspase-9 and caspase-3. Sinulariolide-induced apoptosis was significantly blocked by the caspase inhibitors Z-VAD-FMK and Z-DEVD-FMK. The increased expression of cleaved PARP also suggested that caspase-independent apoptotic pathway was involved. In the western blotting; the elevation of ER chaperones GRP78; GRP94; and CALR; as well as up-regulations of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP; and diminished cell death with pre-treatment of eIF2α phosphatase inhibitor; salubrinal; implicated the involvement of ER stress-mediated PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP apoptotic pathway following sinulariolide treatment in hepatoma cells. The current study suggested sinulariolide-induced hepatoma cell cytotoxicity involved multiple apoptotic signal pathways. This may implicate that sinulariolide is a potential compound for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
A 3D QSAR Study of Betulinic Acid Derivatives as Anti-Tumor Agents Using Topomer CoMFA: Model Building Studies and Experimental Verification
Authors: Ding Weimin , Sun Miao , Luo Shaman , Xu Tao , Cao Yibo , Yan Xiufeng , Wang Yang
Published: August 2013

Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural product that exerts its cytotoxicity against various malignant carcinomas without side effects by triggering the mitochondrial pathway to apoptosis. Betulin (BE), the 28-hydroxyl analog of BA, is present in large amounts (up to 30% dry weight) in the outer bark of birch trees, and shares the same pentacyclic triterpenoid core as BA, yet exhibits no significant cytotoxicity. Topomer CoMFA studies were performed on 37 BA and BE derivatives and their in vitro anti-cancer activity results (reported as IC50 values) against HT29 human colon cancer cells in the present study. All derivatives share a common pentacyclic triterpenoid core and the molecules were split into three pieces by cutting at the C-3 and C-28 sites with a consideration toward structural diversity. The analysis gave a leave-one-out cross-validation q2 value of 0.722 and a non-cross-validation r2 value of 0.974, which suggested that the model has good predictive ability (q2 > 0.2). The contour maps illustrated that bulky and electron-donating groups would be favorable for activity at the C-28 site, and a moderately bulky and electron-withdrawing group near the C-3 site would improve this activity. BE derivatives were designed and synthesized according to the modeling result, whereby bulky electronegative groups (maleyl, phthalyl, and hexahydrophthalyl groups) were directly introduced at the C-28 position of BE. The in vitro cytotoxicity values of the given analogs against HT29 cells were consistent with the predicted values, proving that the present topomer CoMFA model is successful and that it could potentially guide the synthesis of new betulinic acid derivatives with high anti-cancer activity. The IC50 values of these three new compounds were also assayed in five other tumor cell lines. 28-O-hexahydrophthalyl BE exhibited the greatest anti-cancer activities and its IC50 values were lower than those of BA in all cell lines, excluding DU145 cells.
Identification of Capacitive MEMS Accelerometer Structure Parameters for Human Body Dynamics Measurements
Authors: Benevicius Vincas , Ostasevicius Vytautas , Gaidys Rimvydas
Published: August 2013

Due to their small size, low weight, low cost and low energy consumption, MEMS accelerometers have achieved great commercial success in recent decades. The aim of this research work is to identify a MEMS accelerometer structure for human body dynamics measurements. Photogrammetry was used in order to measure possible maximum accelerations of human body parts and the bandwidth of the digital acceleration signal. As the primary structure the capacitive accelerometer configuration is chosen in such a way that sensing part measures on all three axes as it is 3D accelerometer and sensitivity on each axis is equal. Hill climbing optimization was used to find the structure parameters. Proof-mass displacements were simulated for all the acceleration range that was given by the optimization problem constraints. The final model was constructed in Comsol Multiphysics. Eigenfrequencies were calculated and model’s response was found, when vibration stand displacement data was fed into the model as the base excitation law. Model output comparison with experimental data was conducted for all excitation frequencies used during the experiments.
Concurrence entre établissements et choix de l'école : les personnels de direction mis à l'épreuve ?
Authors: Combaz Gilles
Published: August 2013

Parmi les transformations récentes qui ont affecté le fonctionnement des systèmes éducatifs de la plupart des pays occidentaux, le choix de l’école par les familles et la concurrence entre les établissements représentent deux dimensions importantes. En France, des mesures ont été prises en 2007 pour étendre la liberté de choix des familles. Ceci a contribué indirectement à mettre en concurrence les établissements par le biais des caractéristiques sociales des élèves qu’ils étaient susceptibles d’attirer. Les personnels de direction sont directement concernés par ces phénomènes. Prenant appui sur une enquête nationale réalisée auprès 332 personnes et sur une vingtaine d’entretiens, l’article montre que cette évolution met à l’épreuve leur loyauté. Confrontés à une pluralité de logiques contradictoires, ils éprouvent des difficultés à construire les compromis nécessaires pour garantir l’intérêt général de l’établissement.
Les apprentissages informels dans la formation pour adultes
Authors: Cristol Denis , Muller Anne
Published: August 2013

Les apprentissages que l’on qualifie d’informels tiennent de fait aujourd’hui une place prépondérante dans la formation tout au long de la vie. Leur expansion et leur impact dans les champs de la vie professionnelle, de l’économie sociale et de la vie quotidienne ont donné lieu à un travail de théorisation qui mérite d’être recensé pour en saisir la portée. La notion d’apprentissages informels est complexe, floue et instable. Aussi la diversité des terrains d’observation liée à l’hétérogénéité des définitions constitue un frein à une catégorisation arrêtée, ce qui implique de faire un état des lieux à partir de la recension des écrits produits et de retracer les étapes historiques clés du développement de ces apprentissages informels. À la suite de cet état des lieux et de l’identification des étapes historiques, la présente note de synthèse cherche à éclairer les notions d’hybridation et de continuum entre formel, non formel et informel pour conférer un positionnement épistémologique aux apprentissages informels. Une tentative de classification de ceux-ci est proposée en fonction de leur champ d’opérationnalisation et un inventaire des enjeux qui leur sont liés est suggéré sous forme de cartographie avec identification des terrains privilégiés sur lesquels se déploient aujourd’hui les apprentissages informels.
Ethos professionnel et professionnalisation : le cas de formateurs occasionnels en entreprise dans le cadre des transferts de technologies
Authors: Lemaître Denis , Morace Christophe , Coadour Damien
Published: August 2013

De plus en plus les grandes entreprises industrielles sont contraintes, lorsqu’elles vendent leurs systèmes, de former leurs clients à la maîtrise technique. Elles choisissent occasionnellement parmi leurs ingénieurs et techniciens des formateurs chargés d’assurer ce service. Pour se professionnaliser comme formateurs et affronter les dilemmes liés à leur activité, ceux-ci se forgent un ethos professionnel, fruit de leur personnalité, de leurs stratégies et des contraintes professionnelles rencontrées. L’enquête menée auprès de formateurs d’un grand groupe industriel permet d’identifier trois formes d’ethos différentes, celle du formateur aventurier et virtuose, celle du formateur par vocation et celle de l’expert technique. Elle éclaire par ce biais singulier le processus de professionnalisation des formateurs en entreprise.
Innovación y conocimiento libre: cuestiones morales y políticas
Authors: De La Cueva González-Cotera Javier
Published: August 2013

En el presente trabajo se parte de que la innovación requiere transmisión de información. En la actualidad, el contenido de la transmisión de información se halla sometido a una regulación legal, habitualmente la propiedad intelectual, donde los agentes intervinientes y su requisito de sistema de permisos dificultan la transmisión libre. Para solucionar esta problemática, se están promoviendo dos tipos de soluciones: el primero mediante código legal y el segundo mediante código informático. Estas soluciones, que se fundamentan en razones morales, tienen consecuencias políticas y determinan el modelo de sociedad que podemos construir mediante el conocimiento transmitido.