bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R&D and Unionism: Comparative Evidence from British Companies and Establishments
Authors: Menezes-Filho Naercio , Ulph David , Van Reenen John
Published: June 2015

U.S. research has found that unionization adversely affects research and development investment, consistent with the view that labor unions' rent-seeking activities act as a tax on innovation. In this U.K. study, preliminary analysis of two datasets (a cross-section of plants and a company panel for the years 1983–90) shows the same negative correlation. This correlation completely disappears, however, when controls are included for such factors as cohort effects and the availability of innovative technology in the industry. Moreover, R&D intensity appears to have been higher in enterprises where there were low levels of union density than in those where there was no union presence. Some evidence suggests that the difference between U.K and U.S. results may be due to cross-country differences in the prioritization of non-pay issues in bargaining.
Bargaining Unit Composition and the Returns to Education and Tenure
Authors: Babcock Linda , Engberg John
Published: June 2015

Using data on collectively bargained outcomes in Pennsylvania schools in 1983–89, the authors find a strong relationship between the returns to education and tenure and the distribution of those attributes in the bargaining unit. For instance, the higher the median level of teacher tenure in a district, the greater was the pay gap between teachers with low and high tenure. This relationship was very strong in districts with vigorous community support for union activities and weak or nonexistent in districts with low union support. The authors argue that, consistent with the “median voter model,” the unions in this study pushed hardest to advance the interests of their typical members, and that they were most effective in doing so where the community was generally supportive of unions.
Absenteeism and Employee Sharing: An Empirical Analysis Based on French Panel Data, 1981–1991
Authors: Brown Sarah , Fakhfakh Fathi , Sessions John G.
Published: June 2015

The authors investigate the effects on absenteeism of two types of employee sharing plans—profit-sharing and employee share ownership—in 127 French firms over the years 1981–91. Both types of plan were associated with statistically significant reductions in absenteeism. Most effective was the presence of a share ownership plan by itself (not in combination with profit-sharing), which was associated with a reduction in employee absence of approximately 14%. The presence of both plans together reduced absence by about 11%, and the presence of only a profit-sharing plan reduced absence by about 7%. Among firms in which both types of plan were present, a given sharing plan reduced absence more effectively when it was introduced second than when it was introduced first; in fact, where employee share ownership already existed, the introduction of profit-sharing actually increased absence slightly.
Trade Liberalization and Wage Inequality in Mexico
Authors: Hanson Gordon H. , Harrison Ann
Published: June 2015

During the 1980s in Mexico the wage gap between skilled and unskilled workers widened. The authors assess the extent to which this increased wage inequality was associated with Mexico's sweeping trade reform in 1985. Examining data on 2,354 Mexican manufacturing plants for 1984–90 and Mexican Industrial Census data for 1965–88, they find that the reduction in tariff protection in 1985 disproportionately affected low-skilled industries. Goods from that sector, the authors suggest, may have fallen in price because of increased competition from economics with reserves of cheap unskilled labor larger than Mexico's. The consequent increase in the relative price of skill-intensive goods could explain the increase in wage inequality.
Are Mandated Health and Safety Committees Substitutes for or Supplements to Labor Unions?
Authors: Weil David
Published: June 2015

A subject of recurring debate in both academia and the business world is whether workplace committees and other forms of employee participation are substitutes for or supplements to labor unions. One well-established effect of unionization is increased enforcement of government labor policies such as OSHA; this study investigates the enforcement effects of mandated safety and health committees. A comparison of OSHA inspection records for the two years preceding and following the implementation of committee mandates in Oregon in 1991 shows that mandated committees significantly increased the differences between union and nonunion workplaces in OSHA enforcement, with enforcement strengthening considerably in union workplaces but edging upward only slightly in nonunion workplaces. The committees thus appear to have acted more as supplements to than substitutes for labor unions.
On the Evidence of a Working Spouse Penalty in the Managerial Labor Market
Authors: Hotchkiss Julie L. , Moore Robert E.
Published: June 2015

This analysis of March 1993 Current Population Survey data suggests that managers with working wives earn lower wages than their counterparts with non-working wives. The labor supply decisions of managers' wives appear to be unaffected by (that is, “exogenous” with respect to) their husbands' wages. In contrast, there is evidence that the labor supply decisions of non-managers' wives are affected by their husbands' wages, and when the analysis takes account of that endogeneity, it is found that non-managers do not suffer a working spouse penalty. The analysis also highlights some important issues related to the use of instrumental variables.
Do Unions Make Enterprises Insolvent?
Authors: Freeman Richard B. , Kleiner Morris M.
Published: June 2015

This study investigates the impact of unionization on closures of firms, business lines, and establishments. Analyzing data from two major data sets—one (from the COMPUSTAT files) on the union status of solvent and insolvent enterprises and business lines, and one (obtained by matching files from the Current Population Survey) on the union status of workers who have lost their jobs due to permanent plant closures or business failures—the authors find little support for the hypothesis that unionization increases the insolvency of firms. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that unions behave in an economically rational manner, pushing wages to the point where union firms may expand less rapidly than nonunion firms, but not to the point where the firm, plant, or business line closes down.
The Gender Earnings Differential in the Russian Transition Economy
Authors: Ogloblin Constantin G.
Published: June 2015

Using data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS), the first nationally representative household survey in the Russian Federation, the author examines the gender earnings differential in Russia during the country's transition to a market economy. The gender wage ratio is calculated at 71.7%, and most of the difference is found to be attributable to occupational and industrial employment segregation by gender. The author argues that the lower pay in “female” industries and occupations is determined by the interaction of the institutional factors inherited from the Soviet past with the forces of the emerging market.
Determinants of the Survival of Gainsharing Programs
Authors: Kim Dong-One
Published: June 2015

Using data from a 1992 survey of 211 organizations with gainsharing experience, the author examines determinants of the survival of gainsharing. He finds statistically significant associations between program survival and several factors, including employee approval by vote, union participation in program administration, low reliance on outside consultants, re-training, new employee training, small bonus group, labor intensity, sound corporate financial health, and major capital investment. Also positively correlated with program survival was program performance (the degree of success in achieving program goals), but that association was considerably weaker for young programs than for older ones. Variables such as re-training, new employee training, small bonus group, and good corporate financial health affected program survival via their influence on program performance.
Firms' Wage Policies and the Rise in Labor Market Inequality: The Case of Portugal
Authors: Cardoso Ana Rute
Published: June 2015

Applying a multi-level wage regression model to a matched employer-employee data set for the years 1983 and 1992, the author investigates whether changes in company wage policies can account for the sharp rise in labor market inequality in Portugal. The results suggest that traditional wage progression mechanisms based on seniority lost influence between the two years, whereas general skills became more valued by employers. Changes in the returns to tenure at the micro level thus had an equalizing impact on the distribution, but sharply increased returns to education, as well as a rising wage disadvantage for women relative to men, increased overall inequality.
From Experience to Expertise
Authors: Bocala Candice
Published: June 2015

This article presents a case study of how educators in one northeastern school district participated in school-based learning through lesson study (LS). Using a sociocultural perspective on teachers’ learning, I compared the participation of educators who were new to lesson study (“LS novices”) with those who had more experience with the practice (“LS experienced practitioners”). Consistent with prior research, I discovered that LS novices focused primarily on learning the routine and on the novelty of observing instruction. LS experienced practitioners, in contrast, were comfortable with the routine and thus concentrated instead on how they elicited students’ thinking. I discuss how educators might progress from having a less developed to a more developed understanding of lesson study, and how supports such as routine participation and interactions with knowledgeable experts might help educators develop their understanding and application of lesson study over time.
Unraveling the Complexity of Student Teachers’ Learning in and From the Workplace
Authors: Leeferink Han , Koopman Maaike , Beijaard Douwe , Ketelaar Evelien
Published: June 2015

This study reports on how student teachers’ workplace experiences were transformed into learning experiences. In total, 26 stories from 10 student teachers were collected by means of digital logs and in-depth interviews and unraveled using a new technique of reconstructing stories into webs. In these webs, the factors that played a role in student teachers’ learning processes, the relationships between these factors, and the chains of student teachers’ activities and experiences in their learning processes were visualized. The results show that student teachers’ learning from experiences is a process involving many interrelated personal and social aspects, including past and present experiences gained in multiple situations and contexts over time. Four chains of activities and experiences could be distinguished in their learning processes. The findings indicate that reconstructing stories into webs is a promising technique for unraveling the complexity of learning from workplace experiences.
Current insights into computer-aided immunotherapeutic design strategies
Authors: Cai Zhi , Zhang Guoyin , Zhang Xuejin , Liu Yan , Fu Xiaojing
Published: June 2015

Drug designing costs as well as design of immunotherapeutic agents could be nearly halved through the involvement of computer-aided drug designing methods in discovery and research. The inter-disciplinary, time-, and money-consuming process of drug discovery is amended by the development of drug designing, the technique of creating or finding a molecule that can render stimulatory or inhibitory activity upon various biological organisms. Meanwhile, the advancements made within this scientific domain in the last couple of decades have significantly modified and affected the way new bioactive molecules have been produced by the pharmaceutical industry. In this regard, improvements made in hardware solutions and computational techniques along with their efficient integration with biological processes have revolutionized the in silico methods in speeding up the lead identification and optimization processes. In this review, we will discuss various methods of recent computer-aided drug designing techniques that forms the basis of modern day drug discovery projects.
Forgiveness Reduces Anger in a School Bullying Context
Authors: Watson Hayley , Rapee Ron , Todorov Natasha
Published: June 2015

Forgiveness has been shown to be a helpful strategy for victims of many different forms of abuse and trauma. It has also been theoretically linked to positive outcomes for victims of bullying. However, it has never been experimentally manipulated in a school bullying context. This research investigates an experimental manipulation providing children with response advice following a bullying incident. Children read hypothetical physical and verbal bullying scenarios, followed by advice from a friend to either respond with forgiveness, avoidance, or revenge, in a within-subjects repeated measures design. One hundred eighty-four children aged 11 to 15 from private schools in Sydney participated in this study. Results indicated that advice to forgive the perpetrator led to significantly less anger than advice to either avoid or exact revenge. Avoidance was the most likely advice to be followed by students and the most likely to result in ignoring the bullying and developing empathy for their abuser. However, it also resulted in interpretations of the bullying as being more serious. Forgiveness is suggested as an effective coping response for ameliorating the affective aggressive states of victimized youth, with further exploration needed regarding the interplay between the avoidance and forgiveness processes.
Geothermal energy – The global opportunity
Authors: Adams Charlotte A , Auld Alison MC , Gluyas Jon G , Hogg Simon
Published: June 2015

Exploitation of geothermal energy offers a consistent and secure low carbon energy supply. Geothermal energy resources are associated with a variety of geological settings, are available at temperatures ranging from a few tens of degrees to several hundred degrees and may be used for the provision of heat, power or both. Their exploration, assessment and exploitation draw from a wide range of techniques. Improvements in deep drilling and energy conversion technologies mean that many countries could develop geothermal energy systems. There are both economic and technical risks and challenges associated with geothermal energy exploitation; however, the potential for geothermal resources to provide low carbon and continuous power, heat or both means that they have the potential to be an increasingly important part of the energy mix for many areas of the globe.
Tolerability of Topical Retinoids
Authors: Culp Leonora , Moradi Tuchayi Sara , Alinia Hossein , Feldman Steven R.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Topical retinoids are first-line treatment options for acne vulgaris. These drugs, however, produce varying degree of cutaneous irritation within the first few weeks of treatment.

Objective:

Our purpose was to examine differences in tolerability of topical retinoids and assess whether these differences would be clinically meaningful.

Methods:

A PubMed search was performed for sources on topical retinoids in acne vulgaris treatment. Thirty-four clinical studies were analyzed.

Results:

Thirteen studies had statistically significant results on tolerability of retinoid based on retinoid, vehicle, concentration, or skin type. All studies classified most of skin reactions as mild-moderate. Large differences in the number of dropouts due to irritation were not identified.

Conclusion:

Irritation studies did not show a high frequency of clinically significant irritation with topical retinoids. We anticipate that the large variation in patient use of topical retinoids would likely account for more variation in response than differences between drug formulations.
Efficacy of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors in Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Sotoodian Bahman , Lo Jacky , Lin Andrew
Published: June 2015

Background:

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is associated with severe pain and significant impairment for patients.

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) in the treatment of OLP.

Methods:

Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched using the keywords “calcineurin inhibitor OR tacrolimus OR pimecrolimus” AND “oral lichen planus.”

Results:

Four retrospective studies that looked at the effects of tacrolimus on OLP; 4 randomized, double-blind clinical trials (RDBCT) comparing tacrolimus with topical corticosteroids; and 5 RDBCT comparing pimecrolimus with placebo or triamcinolone were noted. Six open prospective and multiple case reports assessing the efficacy of calcineurin inhibitor for treatment of diverse types of OLP were found.

Conclusion:

There is strong evidence to suggest that the use of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and pimecrolimus 1% cream is superior or equally efficacious as traditional therapies for OLP. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are well tolerated, with no significant systemic adverse effects.
Towards a new conceptualisation of marginalisation
Authors: Mowat Joan G
Published: June 2015

The OECD report ‘Equity, Excellence and Inclusiveness in Education’ (Schleicher, 2014) highlights the disparities in attainment and opportunity between children in many countries across the world putting them at risk of marginalisation. This article draws from both sociological and psychological theory to forward a new theoretical framework by which marginalisation, as it applies to a wide range of contexts, can be conceptualised and further interrogated. It examines how marginalisation is experienced, with a specific focus upon children and schooling, and uses the concept of resilience as a lens through which marginalisation can be understood. It recognises the importance of the wider societal and political context whilst also taking account of the interpretive framework of the individual and how risk and protective factors within the wider environment shape the experience and perceptions of the individual.
Quantitative EEG Neurometric Analysis–Guided Neurofeedback Treatment in Dementia
Authors: Surmeli Tanju , Eralp Emin , Mustafazade Ilhan , Kos Hadi , Özer Gül Elif , Surmeli Orkun H.
Published: June 2015

Dementia is a debilitating degenerative disorder where the sufferer’s cognitive abilities decline over time, depending on the type of dementia. The more common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular or multi-infarct dementia. In this study, 20 subjects with dementia (9 of Alzheimer’s type, and 11 with vascular dementia) were treated using qEEG-guided neurofeedback training. The Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was used as the primary outcome measure. The results showed an increase of the MMSE scores for all subjects regardless of dementia type with an average MMSE score increase of 6 points, which was found to be significant. To our knowledge this is the first time the same modality was shown to be beneficial in both dementia groups.
The effectiveness of the waffle-cone technique in treating complex intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Lee Shih-min , Kim Young-Joon , Ko Jung Ho
Published: June 2015

We report 13 consecutive cases of complex intracranial aneurysms treated by the waffle-cone technique and the midterm angiographic results and discuss the effectiveness and safety of this technique. We performed a retrospective review to evaluating the angiographic results and clinical effectiveness of 15 cases in which waffle-cone stenting for treating broad-necked complex intracranial aneurysms at our institution up to July 2008. Among these 15 patients, we enrolled 13 patients who had undergone at least one follow-up angiography. We collected patient data including age, sex, ruptured state, aneurysm size, neck size, complications, initial Hunt and Hess (HH) grade, modified Rankin Score (mRS) at the last angiographic follow-up, and initial and follow- up angiographic results.

The mean size of the aneurysm was 10.6 mm (range, 4.0 to 20.4 mm) and the mean size of the aneurysm neck was 5.7 mm (range, 2.7 to 9.2 mm). The mean angiographic follow-up time was 13.6 months (range, six to 30 months). There were no procedure-related complications. However, there were two delayed complications. One complication was delayed focal embolic infarct and the other complication was delayed rebleeding. Angiographic improvement was achieved in two cases (15.4%), stable occlusion was achieved in seven cases (53.8%), and recanalization or compaction that needed retreatment occurred in four cases (30.8%). We think that the waffle-cone technique is an effective alternative in selected aneurysms unable to be “Y” stented or surgically clipped.
The future of digital archive collections: Augmenting public service media geo-locative archives
Authors: Hutchinson Jonathon P.
Published: June 2015

During 2011, the now defunct ABC Pool (abc.net.au/pool) project developed an experiment that sought to combine emerging augmented reality (AR) technology with the archival collection of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The MyBurb project attempted to alter experiences of Australian suburbs by augmenting ABC archives in contemporary suburban environments to explore the blur between physical and digital spaces with its citizens. Mobile media, specifically geo-locative AR applications such as Layar are “one of the most widely used mobile AR applications” (Liao & Humphreys, 2014, p. 2) and challenge the sociological implications of hybrid spaces as “[m]obile interfaces … allow users to be constantly connected to the Internet while walking through urban spaces” (de Souza e Silva, 2006, p. 261). The project was successfully implemented, but was rarely utilized by the audience it sought to engage, revealing a division between aspects of the ABC’s remit and engaging its audience through mobile technology and environmental hybridity. This observation supports the cultural production gap Hesmondhalgh (2007) identified between the production and consumption of cultural goods, which I argue could be facilitated through technological intermediation as part of the broader concept of cultural intermediation (Hutchinson, 2013; Maguire & Matthews, 2010; Negus, 2002). How then could cultural intermediation facilitate the collaborative production of cultural goods to include the affordances of geo-locative media while avoiding the disconnection between the MyBurb project and its stakeholders? The data presented within this paper represents 3 years of research at ABC Pool where I was embedded as the community manager/researcher in residence.
Investigating the Prevalence of Academic Redshirting Using Population-Level Data
Authors: Huang Francis L.
Published: June 2015

The practice of academic redshirting, or holding children back a year prior to their enrolling in kindergarten, continues to be a controversial practice. Although most studies investigating redshirting have used small statewide samples or older, nationally representative data sets, the current study uses population-level data from one state that spans several years. Findings indicate a downward trend in redshirting rates (3.5% in fall of 2012), and redshirted students were consistently more likely to be White boys who were not economically disadvantaged. Students with disabilities were also more likely to be redshirted. Of the redshirted students, the majority were born in the summer months (>70%). Rates have been stable and lower than previously reported national estimates, suggesting that the practice is not as widespread as feared.
Insertion of a pressure sensing arrayminimally affects hindfoot bone kinematics
Authors: Natsakis Tassos , Burg Josefien , Dereymaeker Greta , Jonkers Ilse , Sloten Jos Vander
Published: June 2015

Background

Understanding the development of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is of high importance and interest; however its causality is poorly understood and several links to joint loading conditions have been made. One way of quantifying joint loading conditions is by measuring the intra‐articular pressure distribution during gait simulations performed by in‐vitro experimental set‐ups. However the effect of inserting a pressure sensing array in the ankle joint could potentially disturb the proper kinematics and therefore the loading conditions.

Methods

In this study, we performed in‐vitro gait simulations in 7 cadaveric feet, before and after inserting a pressure sensing array and quantified the effect on the joints range of motion (ROM). The gait was simulated with a stance phase duration of one second using a custom build cadaveric gait simulator (CGS).

Results

The results show a limited effect in the ROM for all the joints of the hind foot, not exceeding the variability observed in specimens without a sensor. However, no consistent direction (increase/decrease) can be observed.

Conclusion

The results suggest that even though the effect of inserting a pressure sensing array is minimal, it needs to be evaluated against the demands/requirements of the application.
Immunogenicity of 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine among infants attending Mbagathi District Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Walekhwa Michael , Muturi Margaret , Bukusi Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the serum concentration of IgG antibodies as an indicator of immunogenicity, alongside the assessment of socio-demographic factors that affect IgG antibody levels in infants immunized with 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-10) at the Mbagathi District Hospital in Kenya.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study measured serum IgG antibodies among infants who had completed a 3-dose course of PCV-10. IgG antibodies to pneumococcal serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: The majority (83%) of infants who completed the required dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine had serum titres of pneumococcal disease- (PD) specific IgG antibodies of between 0.34 mg/dl and 0.36 mg/dl. 4% of infants had serum titres of 0.30 mg/dl to 0.33 mg/dl. The remaining 2% had IgG antibody titres of either ≤0.25 mg/dl, or between 0.25 mg/dl to 0.29 mg/dl. Additionally, there was multi-collinearity among the IgG antibody levels of the infants studied and several variables that had an effect on these levels. These included: alcohol consumption by infants’ biological mothers during pregnancy (r =.595, p ≤ 0.05); maternal diet during pregnancy (r =.137, p ≤ 0.05); breastfeeding frequency (r =.220, p ≤ 0.05); proximity to other children (r =.133, p ≤ 0.05); child hospitalization (r =.131, p ≤ 0.05) and chronic illness (r =.154, p ≤0.01).

Conclusion: PCV-10 is immunogenic against PD four weeks after completion of 3-doses among the infants attending the Child Welfare clinic at the Mbagathi District Hospital in Kenya. Socio-demographic factors which include consumption of alcoholic drinks by infant’s biological mother during pregnancy and study infant chronic illness negatively affect the development of PD specific IgG. A balanced maternal diet during pregnancy and a breastfeeding frequency superior to three times per day have a significant positive effect on serum pneumococcal IgG levels among infants.
Effects of conventional immunosuppressive therapy on functional and pathological features of CNS lupus in NZB/W mice
Authors: Alexander Jessy , Jacob Alexander , Quigg Richard J.
Published: June 2015

Neurological involvement is one of the most devastating complications of the disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To understand the effect of the drugs, cyclophosphamide (CY) and prednisolone (PD) on CNS manifestations, the New Zealand Black/White (NZB/W) lupus mice, were given a cocktail of both drugs by intraperitoneal injections daily from 22 to 44 weeks of age. The treatment prolonged survival (10% of the treated 20 NZB/W mice died compared to 50% of the 30 NZB/W mice, with no mortality in the control NZW mice). Real-time PCR analysis showed a three- to fifteen-fold increase in the expression of GFAP, vimentin and syndecan4 in the cerebral cortex of 44 week NZB/W mice. These alterations were prevented by CY and PD treatment. Immunostaining revealed increased GFAP expression in NZB/W mice compared to congenic, nondiseased NZW mice, which was prevented by treatment. In addition, concomitant changes were observed in the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, collagen IV and fibronectin. To determine the impact of these alterations on the neurological manifestations of SLE, behavior was studied in these mice. The NZB/W mice were spontaneously less active in the open field and exhibited a decrease in distance traveled (58% of control, p<0.01) and ambulatory measurements (52% of control, p<0.01). They took more time (8.8+1.2min) to escape from the maze compared to the control NZW mice (2.6+0.8min). Even more striking was that the behavioral deficits were alleviated in these mice by CY and PD treatment. These results support the hypothesis that increased astrogliosis and altered extracellular matrix proteins may be two of the critical factors that mediate lupus brain disease.
Buckling Behaviour of Cylindrical Panels
Authors: Ashok R.B. , Srinivasa C.V , Suresh Y.J. , Prema Kumar W.P.
Published: June 2015

Experimental studies were made on isotropic cylindrical panels made of Aluminum 7075-T6 under uniaxial compression. The experimental values of the critical buckling load were determined using four different methods. The critical buckling load was also determined using MSC/NASTRAN and CQUAD8 finite element. The experimental values of the critical buckling load obtained by different methods were compared with the finite element solution. The effects of the panel angle, panel length and panel thickness on the critical buckling load of isotropic cylindrical panels made of Aluminum 7075-T6 were studied. It is found that the Method III (based on a plot of applied load versus average axial strain) yields the highest value for critical buckling load and Method II (based on a plot of applied load versus square of out-of-planede deflection) the lowest value for critical buckling load. The experimental values given by Method III are seen to be closest to the finite element solution. Critical buckling load increases monotonically as panel angle increases.
Orthoamide und Iminiumsalze, XC. Das RIBIL-Konzept – Reaktive Iminiumsalz-basierte ionische Flüssigkeiten
Authors: Kantlehner Willi , Saur Stefan , Knobloch Georg , Tussetschläger Stefan
Published: June 2015

Es wird vorgeschlagen, das Akronym „RIBIL“ für flüssige, reaktive, Iminiumsalz-basierte Verbindungen zu verwenden. Eine Zusammenstellung von strukturell unterschiedlichen RIBILs wird vorgestellt. Die Anwendung von RIBILs als Reaktionsmedium ist vorteilhaft, da sie bei geeigneter Wahl der Reaktanden eine besonders einfache Aufarbeitung erlaubt. Die Reaktion äquimolarer Mengen an aliphatischen Carbonsäuren und Alkoholen in N,N-Dimethyl-(hydroxymethylen)iminium-hydrogensulfat (DMF/H2SO4-Addukt) (20c) führt zu Carbonsäureestern, die sich aus dem Reaktionsgemisch als zweite Phase abscheiden.
Synthesis and characterization of a disordered variant of KB5O7(OH)2
Authors: Ortner Teresa S. , Schauperl Michael , Wurst Klaus , Hofer Thomas S. , Huppertz Hubert
Published: June 2015

The potassium pentaborate KB5O7(OH)2 reported herein crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21
/c (no. 14) with the lattice parameters a = 904.8(2), b = 753.2(2), c = 1214.9(5) pm, β = 117.16(2)°, and V = 0.73663(5) nm3 (Z = 4). It is a disordered structural variant of an already known compound with the same composition (a = 766.90(3), b = 904.45(3), c = 1223.04(4) pm, β = 119.132(2)°, and V = 0.74101(5) nm3 (Z = 4)) reported by Wu in 2011. The disorder of the potassium cation in the single crystal structure determination of KB5O7(OH)2 presented here leads to a remarkably elongated a axis and a corresponding reduction of the length of the b axis in comparison to the ordered compound. The disordered variant was obtained through a hydrothermal synthesis from KNO3, B2O3, and Ce(NO3)3·6H2O with a molar ratio of 1:1:0.07.
Adrenal insufficiency in a child following unilateral excision of a dual-hormone secreting phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Sjoeholm Annika , Li Cassandra , Leem Chaey , Lee Aiden , Stack Maria P , Hofman Paul L , Wheeler Benjamin J
Published: June 2015

Phaeochromocytomas are a rare clinical entity, with dual hormone-secreting lesions particularly uncommon, seen in <1%. ACTH is the most common hormone co-produced, and is potentially lethal if not diagnosed. We present the case of a previously well 10-year-old boy, who presented acutely with a hypertensive crisis and was found to have a unilateral, non-syndromic phaeochromocytoma. Medical stabilization of his hypertension was challenging, and took 3 weeks to achieve, before proceeding to unilateral adrenalectomy. Post-operatively the child experienced severe fatigue and was subsequently confirmed to have adrenal insufficiency. He improved markedly with hydrocortisone replacement therapy, which is ongoing 6 months post-operatively. In retrospect this likely represents unrecognized, sub-clinical ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome secondary to an ACTH/or precursor dual-hormone secreting phaeochromocytoma. At follow-up, his hypertension had resolved, there was no biochemical evidence of recurrence of the phaeochromocytoma, and genetic analysis was indicative of a sporadic lesion.

Learning points

Dual hormone secreting phaeochromocytomas with ACTH/or a precursor may cause secondary adrenal insufficiency following surgical removal.

The concurrent features of Cushing's syndrome can be mild and easily overlooked presenting diagnostic and management pitfalls.

As concomitant syndromes of hormone excess are rare in phaeochromocytomas; the diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion.

Serial/diurnal cortisol levels, ACTH measurement +/− low dose dexamethasone suppression (when clinically stable, appropriate adrenergic blockade in place, and well supervised), can all be considered as needed.
Javaslat talajosztályozási rendszerünk megújítására: alapelvek, módszerek, alapegységek
Authors: Michéli Erika , Fuchs Márta , Láng Vince , Szegi Tamás , Dobos Endre , Szabóné Kele Gabriella
Published: June 2015

A jelenlegi, 1960 években kidolgozott genetikus alapokon nyugvó magyar talaj-osztályozási rendszerünk modernizálására az elmúlt évtizedek hazai tapasztalatai, dokumentált adathalmazai, valamint a nemzetközi standardok és elvárások alapján teszünk javaslatot. Munkánk kiindulási alapja az elődeink által definiált 29 talaj-képző folyamat, 39 talajtípus, és az azokhoz kapcsolódó tartalmi leírás és vizsgálati adatokból nyert információ. Módszereink az egyszerű elemzések és statisztikai számítások mellet a pedometria módszerére, a taxonómiai távolságszámításra és klaszteranalízisre támaszkodtak.

Eredményeink alapján a jelenlegi hazai talajtípusok egy része jól elkülöníthető, mások pontosabb definícióra szorulnak, vagy egyes esetekben összevonásra kerül-hetnek. A nemzetközi gyakorlatban meglévő és hazánkban is jellegzetes típusokat pedig, bevezetésre javaslunk.

A szigorúbb és mind a mélységi, morfológiai és összetételbeli tulajdonságok te-kintetében számszerűbb meghatározásokon alapuló javasolt struktúra központi egy-sége az ismertetett 15 talajtípus.

Ezeket a típusokat jól definiált diagnosztikus szintek, talajtulajdonságok és anyagok jelenléte vagy kizárása alapján, hierarchikus és számítógépes osztályozó kulccsal sorolhatók be. Az osztályozás alacsonyabb szintjei, az altípus és a változati tulajdonságok pedig, többszörös választási lehetőségek alapján pontosíthatók. A további talajtípusokat és altípusaik valamint változataikat későbbi közleményekben mutatjuk be.
Correlations between three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived left atrial functional parameters and aortic stiffness in healthy subjects – Results from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study
Authors: Nemes Attila , Piros GyÁ , Domsik P , Kalapos A , Lengyel Cs , Orosz A , Forster T
Published: June 2015

Left atrial (LA) distension has been demonstrated to be linked with aortic stiffness in different patient populations. Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) seems to be a promising tool for volumetric and functional evaluation of the LA. The aim of the present study was to determine whether correlations exist between 3DSTE-derived LA volume-based and strain parameters characterizing all phasic functions of the LA and echocardiographic aortic elastic properties in healthy subjects. The study included 19 healthy volunteers (mean age: 37.9 ± 11.4 years, 11 men) who had undergone complete two-dimensional (2D) Doppler transthoracic echocardiography extended with the assessment of aortic elastic properties and 3DSTE. Results: None of LA volumes correlated with echocardiographic aortic elastic properties. Active atrial stroke volume correlated with aortic stiffness index (ASI, r = 0.45, p = 0.05). None of other volume-based functional properties signifcantly correlated with aortic stiffness parameters. Global peak 3D strain correlated with aortic strain (r = ‒0.46, p = 0.05). global radial pre-atrial contraction strain correlated with ASI (r = ‒0.49, p = 0.04) and AS (r = ‒0.50, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Correlations exist between 3DSTE-derived LA functional parameters and eschocardiographic aortic elastic properties in healthy subjects.
The effect of subchronic supplementation with folic acid on homocysteine induced seizures
Authors: Rasic-Markovic A , Rankov-Petrovic B , Hrncic D , Krstic D , Colovic M , Macut Dj , Djuric D , Stanojlovic Olivera
Published: June 2015

Influence of folic acid on the CNS is still unclear. Folate has a neuroprotective effect, while on the other hand excess folate can exacerbate seizures in epileptics. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of subchronic administration of folic acid on behavioural and electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of DL homocysteine thiolactone induced seizures in adult rats. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase in different brain regions was investigated. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into groups: 1. Controls (C, 0.9% NaCl); 2. DL homocysteine-thiolactone 8.0 mmol/kg (H); 3. Subchronic supplementation with folic acid 5 mg/kg for 7 days (F) and 4. Subchronic supplementation with F + single dose of H (FH). Seizure behaviour was assessed by incidence, latency, number and intensity of seizure episodes. Seizure severity was described by a descriptive scale with grades 0–4. For EEG recordings, three gold-plated recording electrodes were implanted into the skull. Subchronic supplementation with folic acid did not affect seizure incidence, median number of seizure episodes and severity in FH, comparison with H (p > 0.05). The majority of seizure episodes in all groups were of grade 2. There were no significant differences in lethal outcomes at 24 h upon H injection in the FH vs. H group. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase was significantly increased in almost all examined structures in the FH vs. H group. Subchronic folic acid administration did not exacerbate H induced seizures and completely recovered the activity of ATPases.
The Therapeutic Challenge of Targeting HER2 in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Diver Elisabeth J. , Foster Rosemary , Rueda Bo R. , Growdon Whitfield B.
Published: June 2015

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, diagnosed in more than 50,000 women annually. While the majority of women present with low-grade tumors that are cured with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, a significant subset of women experience recurrence and do not survive their disease. A disproportionate number of the more than 8,000 annual deaths attributed to endometrial cancer are due to high-grade uterine cancers, highlighting the need for new therapies that target molecular alterations specific to this subset of tumors. Numerous correlative scientific investigations have demonstrated that the HER2 (ERBB2) gene is amplified in 17%–33% of carcinosarcoma, uterine serous carcinoma, and a subset of high-grade endometrioid endometrial tumors. In breast cancer, this potent signature has directed women to anti-HER2-targeted therapies such as trastuzumab and lapatinib. In contrast to breast cancer, therapy with trastuzumab alone revealed no responses in women with recurrent HER2 overexpressing endometrial cancer, suggesting that these tumors may possess acquired or innate trastuzumab resistance mechanisms. This review explores the literature surrounding HER2 expression in endometrial cancer, focusing on trastuzumab and other anti-HER2 therapy and resistance mechanisms characterized in breast cancer but germane to endometrial tumors. Understanding resistance pathways will suggest combination therapies that target both HER2 and key oncogenic escape pathways in endometrial cancer.

Implications for Practice:

This review summarizes the role of HER2 in endometrial cancer, with a focus on uterine serous carcinoma. The limitations to date of anti-HER2 therapy in this disease site are examined, and mechanisms of drug resistance are outlined based on the experience in breast cancer. Potential opportunities to overcome inherent resistance to anti-HER2 therapy in endometrial cancer are detailed, offering opportunities for further clinical study with the goal to improve outcomes in this challenging disease.
Monitoring of setting time of self-consolidating concrete using ultrasonic wave propagation method and other tools
Authors: Wang Xuhao , Taylor Peter , Wang Kejin , Lim Malcolm
Published: June 2015

Concrete setting behaviour and strength development strongly influence the scheduling of construction operations such as surfacing, trowelling, jointing, saw-cutting and formwork removal. The aim of this study was to investigate technologies available to monitor the changing properties of a fresh mixture, particularly for use with self-consolidating concrete (SCC). In order to evaluate test methods to monitor the setting and stiffening behaviour of conventional concrete and SCC, mixtures were made with different aggregate types and sizes and different cementitious materials. A number of techniques were used to monitor setting time, stiffening and formwork pressure of SCC mixtures. These included longitudinal (P-wave) ultrasonic wave propagation, penetrometer-based setting time, semi-adiabatic calorimetry and formwork pressure. Tests were conducted on a large matrix of SCC mixes designed for bridge construction applications. The results revealed that the P-wave test and calorimetric measurements can be used to monitor the stiffening and setting of SCC mixtures.
A környezeti nevelés elmélete és gyakorlata
Authors: Csenger Lajosné
Published: June 2015

A fenntartható fejlődésből, mint globális kérdésből kiindulva nemzetközi és hazai egyezmények és dokumentumok biztosítják az elméleti alapokat a tanulók környezettudatosságra nevelésének iskolai gyakorlatához. A környezeti nevelésre azért kell különös hangsúlyt fektetni, mert szerepet játszik a környezettel kapcsolatos értékek, attitűdök, érzelmek kialakításában és formálásában, a környezet megóvása iránti elhivatottság megalapozásában, hozzájárul a környezettel kapcsolatos problémák felfedezéséhez, az azokat előidéző okok feltárásához, a megoldáshoz szükséges készségek kialakulásához, a tapasztalatszerzéshez, az elsajátított ismeretek alkalmazásához. A Nemzeti alaptantervek (1995–2012) által megfogalmazott célok és feladatok csak a pedagógiai kultúra megújulása, új tanulási környezet implementációja, interdiszciplináris szemlélet segítségével érhetők el.
Tanösvények hatékonyságának vizsgálata
Authors: Kollarics Tímea
Published: June 2015

A tanösvények jelentős szerepet töltenek be a környezeti szemléletformálásban, valamint fontos ökoturisztikai attrakciók is. A tanösvények eredményességének, tényleges hasznosulásának meghatározása nehéz, objektív mérési rendszer szükséges hozzá a többi tudományterülethez hasonlóan. A hazai tanösvények hatékonyságvizsgálatánál megkíséreltük az ismeretszerzés vizsgálatát kérdőíves módszerrel. A hatékonyságvizsgálat a pedagógiai aspektusokon túl tervezési-módszertani kérdésekre is válaszokat ad, valamint a látogatói elégedettség mérésére is alkalmas. A felméréseket három helyszínen végeztük (Tiszavirág ártéri sétaút és tanösvény, Gyadai tanösvény és Lóczy-gejzír sétaút), a tanulmány a Gyadai tanösvény felmérésének eredményeit és tapasztalatait mutatja be.
A gyermekneveléssel kapcsolatos attitűd jellemzői a 0–7 éves korú gyermeket nevelő családokban [1]
Authors: Csima Melinda , Deutsch Krisztina , Bánfai Bálint , Betlehem József , Jeges Sára , Tancsics Dóra , Lampek Kinga
Published: June 2015

A szülő–gyermek kapcsolat a személyiségfejlődés különböző területeire hatással van, így a nevelési gyakorlat megismerése mind a neveléstudományi, mind pedig a pszichológiai kutatások egyik központi kérdése. Kutatásunk célja a 0–7 éves korú gyermeket nevelő szülők nevelési stílusának a megismerése, valamint a nevelési gyakorlatot befolyásoló tényezőknek az azonosítása volt. Az adatok elemzése során megállapítást nyert, hogy a vizsgálatba bevont szülők körében a gyermeknevelési attitűdök és gyakorlatok irányítással kapcsolatos aspektusai kevésbé, a gondoskodást kifejező rugalmas nevelői attitűdök inkább hangsúlyosak.
„Ezek a mai szülők!” – Kisgyermekekkel foglalkozó pedagógusok szülőképének néhány jellegzetessége
Authors: Podráczky Judit , Nyitrai Ágnes
Published: June 2015

A szülőkkel való kapcsolat erősítése, a szülői bevonódás elősegítése, a szülői kompetencia támogatása terén jelentős szemléleti változások történtek, ennek ellenére a pedagógusok gyakran keveslik a szülők érdeklődését, a szülők pedig a pedagógusoktól kapott segítséget nem tartják elegendőnek. A helyzet jobbításához szükséges lenne többet tudnunk arról, hogy a pedagógusok mit gondolnak a szülők nevelési szokásairól, hiszen ezek a vélekedések a pedagógus és a szülők együttműködését jelentősen befolyásoló tényezők. Pilotkutatásunkban kisgyermeknevelőkkel és óvodapedagógusokkal beszélgettünk arról, hogyan vélekednek a gyermekek meséhez, képeskönyvhöz, médiához való viszonyáról és az ezt alakító tényezőkről. Az interjúk mintegy melléktermékeként a mintában szereplő pedagógusok szülőképének néhány eleme is kirajzolódott. Írásunkban ebből adunk ízelítőt.
A logoterápia alapfogalmainak szupervíziós vonatkozásai
Authors: Varga Szabolcs
Published: June 2015

A tanulmányban azt kívánom bemutatni, hogy a logoterápia alapfogalmai mennyiben egyeztethetőek össze a szakmai személyiségfejlesztés (szupervízió) elméletével, elveivel, nem utolsó sorban annak gyakorlatával. Vizsgálom, hogyan alkalmazhatóak e fogalmak a szakmai személyiségfejlesztés eseteiben. Kitérek arra, hogy a Frankl által értett emberkép összhangban áll-e a szupervízió céljaival. Bemutatom azokat a logoterápiás alapfogalmakat, melyek álláspontom szerint alapjait képezhetik a szakmai személyiség fejlesztésének is.
Feketéné Szakos Éva: Innovatív irányok az ezredforduló utáni andragógiában
Authors: Hangya Dóra
Published: June 2015

A könyv szerzője, Feketéné Dr. Szakos Éva az Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem Pedagógiai és Pszichológiai Karának Neveléstudományi Intézetében az Andragógia és Művelődéselmélet Tanszék habilitált tudományos főmunkatársa. Az ELTE-n szerzett okleveles középiskolai tanári végzettséget, valamint 2001-ben PhD, 2013-ban habilitált doktori fokozatot a neveléstudomány (andragógia) területén. 2010-ig a Szent István Egyetem egyetemi docense és az ELTE óraadója volt. 2007 óta oktat az ELTE Neveléstudományi Doktori Iskolájában, melynek Andragógia Programját 2014-ig vezette. Az MTA Pedagógiai Bizottság Andragógiai Albizottságának tagja. Kutatási területei az andragógia elméletei, a felnőttek tanulása és a felnőttképzés trendjei.