bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICT and Human Capital Role in Achieving Knowledge-Based Economy: Applications on Malaysia's Manufacturing
Authors: Ahmed Elsadig Musa
Published: June 2006

Using Information and communication technology (ICT) in the activities of Malaysia's manufacturing sector contributes significantly to its productivity growth in general and total factor productivity (TFP) growth of the sector in particular. This study assumes that the use of ICT in the manufacturing sector is increasing from year to year in the form of a geometric progression due to the rapid innovations of ICT around the globe. Labour input was subdivided into skilled semi-skilled and unskilled, to measure the achievement of the knowledge-based economy (K-economy) through human capital involved in the sector. The results of this study show that the contribution of the ICT used in the sector was the highest one among the input terms. This means that achieving K-economy through ICT is faster than achieving it through the human capital and other traditional inputs. The impact of ICT on TFP contributions is significant and better than skilled labour as an indicator of knowledge workers (human capital) that showed a very low contribution of TFP. But the growth rate of TFP is lower compared with the growth rate of the ICT. As a result, the achievement of the K-economy is not in a geometric progression like that of the ICT development.
An Empirical Examination of Knowledge-Sharing Model in Information Systems Groups
Authors: Ali Jafar , Hasan Bassam
Published: June 2006

Knowledge-sharing represents a key ingredient for group performance and success in work projects. Thus, understanding factors affecting knowledge-sharing in group work settings is critical for group effectiveness and success. Based on organisational behaviour and information systems (IS) literatures, the present study suggests that group efficacy and group cohesion will have direct effects on perceived loafing. In turn, perceived loafing, group efficacy, and group cohesion are posited to have direct effects on a member's behavioural intention to share knowledge with other group members. The results revealed that group efficacy and group cohesion had negative effects on perceived loafing which, in turn, demonstrated a negative effect on behavioural intention to share knowledge. Group efficacy and group cohesion demonstrated non-significant direct effects on behavioural intention. These results provide valuable implications for research and practice.
Ascorbate enhancement of H1 histamine receptor sensitivity coincides with ascorbate oxidation inhibition by histamine receptors
Authors: Dillon Patrick F. , Root-Bernstein Robert S. , Lieder Charles M.
Published: June 2006

Ascorbate has previously been shown to enhance both α1- and β2-adrenergic activity. This activity is mediated by ascorbate binding to the extracellular domain of the adrenergic receptor, which also decreases the oxidation rate of ascorbate. H1 histamine receptors have extracellular agonist or ascorbate binding sites with strong similarities to α1- and β2-adrenergic receptors. Physiological concentrations of ascorbate (50 μM) significantly enhanced histamine contractions of rabbit aorta on the lower half of the histamine dose-response curve, increasing contractions of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 μM histamine by two- to threefold. Increases in ascorbate concentration significantly enhanced 0.2 μM histamine (5–500 μM ascorbate) and 0.3 μM histamine (15–500 μM ascorbate) in a dose-dependent manner. Histamine does not measurably oxidize over 20 h in oxygenated PSS at 37°C. Thus the ascorbate enhancement is independent of ascorbate's antioxidant effects. Ascorbate in solution oxidizes rapidly. Transfected histamine receptor membrane suspension with protein concentration at >3.1 μg/ml (56 nM maximum histamine receptor) decreases the oxidation rate of 392 μM ascorbate, and virtually no ascorbate oxidation occurs at >0.0004 mol histamine receptor/mol ascorbate. Histamine receptor membrane had an initial ascorbate oxidation inhibition rate of 0.094 min·μg protein−1·ml−1, compared with rates for transfected ANG II membrane (0.055 min·μg protein−1·ml−1), untransfected membrane (0.052 min·μg protein−1·ml−1), creatine kinase (0.0082 min·μg protein−1·ml−1), keyhole limpet hemocyanin (0.00092 min·μg protein−1·ml−1), and osmotically lysed aortic rings (0.00057 min·μg wet weight−1·ml−1). Ascorbate enhancement of seven-transmembrane-spanning membrane receptor activity occurs in both adrenergic and histaminergic receptors. These receptors may play a significant role in maintaining extracellular ascorbate in a reduced state.
Creation and Reduction of a Morphologically Detailed Model of a Leech Heart Interneuron
Authors: Tobin Anne-Elise , Van Hooser Stephen D. , Calabrese Ronald L.
Published: June 2006

Conductance-based neuron models aid in understanding the role intrinsic and synaptic currents play in producing neuronal activity. Incorporating morphological detail into a model allows for additional analysis of nonhomogeneous distributions of active and synaptic conductances, as well as spatial segregation of electrical events. We developed a morphologically detailed “Full Model” of a leech heart interneuron that replicates reasonably well intracellular recordings from these interneurons. However, it constitutes hundreds of compartments, each increasing parameter space and simulation time. To reduce the number of compartments of the Full Model, while preserving conductance densities and distributions, its compartments were grouped into functional groups that each share identical conductance densities. Each functional group was sequentially reduced to one or two compartments, preserving surface area, conductance densities, and its contribution to input resistance. As a result, the input resistance and membrane time constant were preserved. The axial resistances of several compartments were rescaled to match the amplitude of synaptic currents and low-threshold calcium currents and the shape of action potentials to those in the Full Model. This reduced model, with intrinsic conductances, matched the activity of the Full Model for a variety of simulated current-clamp and voltage-clamp data. Because surface area and conductance distribution of the functional groups of the Full Model were maintained, parameter changes introduced into the reduced model can be directly translated to the Full Model. Thus our computationally efficient reduced morphology model can be used as a tool for exploring the parameter space of the Full Model and in network simulations.
Quantifying the Magnitude of Changes in Synaptic Level Parameters With Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Holmes William R. , Grover Lawrence M.
Published: June 2006

Experimental evidence supports a number of mechanisms for the synaptic change that occurs with long-term potentiation (LTP) including insertion of AMPA receptors, an increase in AMPA receptor single channel conductance, unmasking silent synapses, and increases in vesicle release probability. Here we combine experimental and modeling studies to quantify the magnitude of the change needed at the synaptic level to explain LTP with these proposed mechanisms. Whole cell patch recordings were used to measure excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitude in response to near minimal afferent stimulation before and after LTP induction in CA1 pyramidal cells. Detailed neuron and synapse level models were constructed to estimate quantitatively the changes needed to explain the experimental results. For cells in normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), we found a 60% average increase in EPSP amplitude with LTP. This was explained in the models by a 63% increase in the number of activated synapses, a 64% increase in the AMPA receptor single channel conductance, or a 73% increase in the number of AMPA receptors per potentiated synapse. When the percentage LTP was above the average, the required increases through the proposed mechanisms became nonlinear, particularly for increases in the number of receptors. Given constraints from other experimental studies, our quantification suggests that neither unmasking silent synapses nor increasing the numbers of AMPA receptors at synapses is sufficient to explain the magnitude of LTP we observed, but increasing AMPA single channel conductance or vesicle release probability can be sufficient. Our results are most compatible with a combination of mechanisms producing LTP.
Progress in Chemoprevention Drug Development: The Promise of Molecular Biomarkers for Prevention of Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Cancer—A Plan to Move Forward
Authors: Kelloff Gary J. , Lippman Scott M. , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Sigman Caroline C. , Pearce Homer L. , Reid Brian J. , Szabo Eva , Jordan V. Craig , Spitz Margaret R. , Mills Gordon B. , Papadimitrakopoulou Vali A. , Lotan Reuben , Aggarwal Bharat B. , Bresalier Robert S. , Kim Jeri , Arun Banu , Lu Karen H. , Thomas Melanie E. , Rhodes Helen E. , Brewer Molly A. , Follen Michele , Shin Dong M. , Parnes Howard L. , Siegfried Jill M. , Evans Alison A. , Blot William J. , Chow Wong-Ho , Blount Patricia L. , Maley Carlo C. , Wang Kenneth K. , Lam Stephen , Lee J. Jack , Dubinett Steven M. , Engstrom Paul F. , Meyskens Frank L. , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Hawk Ernest T. , Levin Bernard , Nelson William G. , Hong Waun Ki ,   for the AACR Task Force on Cancer Prevention
Published: June 2006

This article reviews progress in chemopreventive drug development, especially data and concepts that are new since the 2002 AACR report on treatment and prevention of intraepithelial neoplasia. Molecular biomarker expressions involved in mechanisms of carcinogenesis and genetic progression models of intraepithelial neoplasia are discussed and analyzed for how they can inform mechanism-based, molecularly targeted drug development as well as risk stratification, cohort selection, and end-point selection for clinical trials. We outline the concept of augmenting the risk, mechanistic, and disease data from histopathologic intraepithelial neoplasia assessments with molecular biomarker data. Updates of work in 10 clinical target organ sites include new data on molecular progression, significant completed trials, new agents of interest, and promising directions for future clinical studies. This overview concludes with strategies for accelerating chemopreventive drug development, such as integrating the best science into chemopreventive strategies and regulatory policy, providing incentives for industry to accelerate preventive drugs, fostering multisector cooperation in sharing clinical samples and data, and creating public-private partnerships to foster new regulatory policies and public education.
Pattern of cause-specific childhood mortality in a malaria endemic area of Burkina Faso
Authors: Hammer Gaël P , Somé Florent , Müller Olaf , Kynast-Wolf Gisela , Kouyaté Bocar , Becher Heiko
Published: June 2006

Background

Reliable mortality data are a prerequisite for planning health interventions, yet such data are often not available in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Demographic surveillance systems (DSS) implementing the verbal autopsy (VA) method are the only possibility to observe cause-specific mortality of a population on a longitudinal basis in many countries.

Methods

This paper reports all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates in children under the age of five years from 1999 until 2003 in a malaria holoendemic area of north-western Burkina Faso. The DSS of the Nouna Health Research Centre, in which VA data were analysed, covers a rural population of about 30,000 (41 villages) and an urban population of about 25,000 (Nouna town).

Results

A total of 1,544 deaths were analysed, 87 (6%), 225 (14%), 317 (21%) and 915 (59%) of which occurred in the periods < 1 month, 1–5 months, 6–11 months and 1–4 years respectively. All cause mortality rates of children under five years were higher in the rural than the urban area (34 vs 24 per 1,000 person-years) and in the rainy than the dry season (35 vs 29 per 1,000 person-years). Malaria was the most frequent diagnosis (42%) with peak mortality rates in infants aged 6–11 months.

Conclusion

Malaria is the most important cause of death in this remote area of SSA, even considering the low specificity of malaria diagnosis in young children. Strengthening the existing malaria control tools is of prime importance to reduce the high childhood mortality in the endemic areas of SSA.
Early expression of the Helicase-Like Transcription Factor (HLTF/SMARCA3) in an experimental model of estrogen-induced renal carcinogenesis
Authors: Debauve Gaël , Nonclercq Denis , Ribaucour Fabrice , Wiedig Murielle , Gerbaux Cécile , Leo Oberdan , Laurent Guy , Journé Fabrice , Belayew Alexandra , Toubeau Gérard
Published: June 2006

Background

The Helicase-Like Transcription Factor (HLTF/SMARCA3) belongs to the family of SWI/SNF proteins that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel chromatin in a variety of cellular processes. Several SWI/SNF genes are disrupted in cancer, suggesting a role of tumor suppressor. Similarly, the HLTF gene was recently found to be inactivated by hypermethylation in a number of advanced colon and gastric tumors. However, other evidences indicated a 20-fold HLTF overexpression in cell lines derived from various neoplasms (ovary, breast, cervix, kidney...).

Results

In the present study, we investigated HLTF expression by immunohistochemistry in a model of kidney tumors induced by continuous administration of diethylstilbestrol to male Syrian golden hamsters. A strong labeling was already detected in small tumor buds, making HLTF an early cancer marker in this model. Although every cell stained for HLTF at this early stage, the number of HLTF-positive cells decreased to 10% with cancer progression, and these positive cells were dispersed in the tumor mass. HLTF expression was conserved in the HKT-1097 cell line established from kidney tumors, but again only 10% of positive cells were found in xenografts produced by HKT-1097 cells in nude mice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data suggest thatHLTFgene activation is linked to initial steps of carcinogenesis in this model and should be investigated in early stages of other neoplasms.
Comparison of paraffin-embedded skin biopsies from different anatomical regions as sampling methods for detection of Leishmaniainfection in dogs using histological, immunohistochemical and PCR methods
Authors: Xavier Sílvio Coura , de Andrade Hélida Monteiro , Monte Semíramis Jamil Hadad , Chiarelli Ingrid Maria , Lima Wanderson Geraldo , Michalick Marilene Suzan Marques , Tafuri Washington Luiz , Tafuri Wagner Luiz
Published: June 2006

Background

We compared skin biopsy samples from different anatomical regions for detecting Leishmania in dogs, using histological (HE), immunohistochemical (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.

Results

The sensitivity was 82.8 percent for PCR, 62.1 percent for IHC and 44.8 percent for HE. These methods do not appear to depend on the clinical status of the animal or the anatomical source of the skin sample; there is no "best region" for any method. However, PCR was more effective than IHC and HE for ear and nose skin samples whereas IHC was better than HE for nose samples. There was weak agreement between PCR and HE for all tissue samples; good agreement between PCR and IHC for ear and abdomen samples, and weak agreement for nose; and optimal agreement between IHC and HE for ear and abdomen and good agreement for nose samples.

Conclusion

The PCR on ear skin could be the best procedure for diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis. The good agreement between PCR and IHC indicates that IHC can be used as an alternative method. Finally, tissue samples from ears, nose and abdomen, particularly ears and nose, are potentially useful for diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis independently of the animal's clinical status.
Variation in the RAD51 gene and familial breast cancer
Authors: Lose Felicity , Lovelock Paul , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Mann Graham J , Pupo Gulietta M , Spurdle Amanda B ,   the Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer
Published: June 2006

Introduction

Human RAD51 is a homologue of the Escherichia coli RecA protein and is known to function in recombinational repair of double-stranded DNA breaks. Mutations in the lower eukaryotic homologues of RAD51 result in a deficiency in the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks. Loss of RAD51 function would therefore be expected to result in an elevated mutation rate, leading to accumulation of DNA damage and, hence, to increased cancer risk. RAD51 interacts directly or indirectly with a number of proteins implicated in breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Similar to BRCA1 mice, RAD51-/- mice are embryonic lethal. The RAD51 gene region has been shown to exhibit loss of heterozygosity in breast tumours, and deregulated RAD51 expression in breast cancer patients has also been reported. Few studies have investigated the role of coding region variation in the RAD51 gene in familial breast cancer, with only one coding region variant – exon 6 c.449G>A (p.R150Q) – reported to date.

Methods

All nine coding exons of the RAD51 gene were analysed for variation in 46 well-characterised, BRCA1/2-negative breast cancer families using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. Genotyping of the exon 6 p.R150Q variant was performed in an additional 66 families. Additionally, lymphoblastoid cell lines from breast cancer patients were subjected to single nucleotide primer extension analysis to assess RAD51 expression.

Results

No coding region variation was found, and all intronic variation detected was either found in unaffected controls or was unlikely to have functional consequences. Single nucleotide primer extension analysis did not reveal any allele-specific changes in RAD51 expression in all lymphoblastoid cell lines tested.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that RAD51 is not a major familial breast cancer predisposition gene.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Biology in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Kalyankrishna Shailaja , Grandis Jennifer R.
Published: June 2006

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in several epithelial malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which exhibits EGFR overexpression in up to 90% of tumors. EGFR ligands such as transforming growth factor alpha are also overexpressed in HNSCC. EGFR plays a critical role in HNSCC growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. However, EGFR inhibitors as monotherapy have yielded only modest clinical outcomes. Potential mechanisms for lack of response to EGFR inhibition in HNSCC include constitutive activation of signaling pathways independent of EGFR, as well as genetic aberrations causing dysregulation of the cell cycle. EGFR-directed therapy may be optimized by identifying and selecting those HNSCC patients most likely to benefit from EGFR inhibition. Resistance to EGFR inhibition may be circumvented by combination therapy employing EGFR inhibitors together with other treatment modalities.
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced, Nonmetastatic, Squamous Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Consensus, Controversy, and Conundrum
Authors: Brizel David M. , Esclamado Ramon
Published: June 2006

Radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy (CRT) is superior to radiotherapy alone for the treatment of locally advanced, nonmetastatic squamous carcinoma of the head and neck (HNC). Three issues affect the use of CRT as primary treatment for advanced HNC. The first issue is the definition of advanced stage and the initial therapeutic choice of surgery or CRT and the role of post-CRT neck dissection. Function preservation considerations should guide the choice between surgery and CRT for patients with resectable disease. Fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography scanning may identify patients who require adjuvant neck dissection. The second issue is optimization of radiotherapy and chemotherapy schedules. Ideally, concurrent chemotherapy should be incorporated into radiotherapy (RT) regimens that would constitute optimal therapy were RT to be administered as single-modality treatment. Modified fractionation schemes constitute optimal single-modality RT. Platinum schedules other than bolus dosing every 3 to 4 weeks are effective and may be less toxic. The third issue is integration of biologically targeted therapy into CRT treatment programs. Epidermal growth factor receptor blockade enhances the effectiveness of RT alone. Its role and that of angiogenic blockade in CRT are under investigation.
Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway–Targeted Therapy in Patients With Recurrent and/or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Cohen Ezra E.W.
Published: June 2006

The development of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm in the therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) based on the nearly universal expression of this protein, the negative prognostic associations with expression, and robust preclinical data. Clinical trials to date have demonstrated modest activity of these drugs as single agents with reproducible major response rates of 5% to 15% in SCCHN depending on agent, dose, and schedule. The biology of responsiveness to these agents remains unclear, although an association of development of cutaneous toxicity with positive outcome has been reported repeatedly. Nevertheless, molecular markers of response or resistance have yet to be fully delineated. In the near future, phase III clinical trials will elucidate the role of these agents in second-line recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) disease, the combination of EGFR inhibitors with other therapeutic strategies will be broadly advanced, and a set of molecular predictors of benefit will begin to emerge. This article will review the progress in utilization of EGFR inhibitors in R/M SCCHN.
Nucleolar protein upstream binding factor is sequestered into adenovirus DNA replication centres during infection without affecting RNA polymerase I location or ablating rRNA synthesis
Authors: Lawrence F. J. , McStay B. , Matthews D. A.
Published: June 2006

When human adenovirus infects human cells there is disruption of rRNA biogenesis. This report examines the effect of adenovirus infection on the nucleolar protein, upstream binding factor (UBF) which plays a major role in regulating rRNA synthesis. We determined that early after infection, UBF associates with the replication of viral DNA, preferentially associating with the ends of the linear viral genome, and that addition of anti-UBF serum to in vitro replication assays markedly reduced viral DNA replication. Regions of UBF important to these observations are also established. Interestingly, sequestering the majority of UBF from the nucleolus did not lead to the ablation of rRNA synthesis or the sequestration of RNA pol I. In infected cells the bulk of RNA synthesis was RNA pol I associated and distinct from the location of most of the detectable UBF. We propose that UBF plays a role in viral DNA replication, further strengthening the role of nucleolar antigens in the adenovirus life cycle.
Supply Chain Management: Technology, Globalization, and Policy at a Crossroads
Authors: Johnson M. Eric
Published: June 2006

Supply chain management is an important application area for INFORMS, with many opportunities for our community to contribute models and insight. The seemingly relentless forces of globalization and technology continually present us with new supply chain challenges and opportunities for further progress. Over the past decade, researchers and practitioners have developed many models and methods that have influenced supply chain practices. However, as managers and management scientists have embraced these new approaches for improving supply chain competitiveness, these initiatives have slipped into the middle of many important corporate and public debates.
Superpave and the Aggregate Industry
Authors: Buchanan MS , Marek CR , Powell JD
Published: June 2006

The Superior Performing Asphalt Pavement (Superpave) mix design system was developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program, which was completed in 1993. Superpave consists of new methodologies for evaluation and selection of hot mix asphalt (HMA) material constituents along with new laboratory compaction protocols. During Superpave development, significant research focused on the performance grade asphalt binder system and gyratory compaction development. In contrast, very little research was performed to determine those aggregate properties and specification requirements most closely related to HMA mix performance. In 2000, the aggregate industry prepared a white paper for, and at the request of, the Transportation Research Board Expert Task Group on Superpave Mixtures and Aggregates. The paper focused on discussion of aggregate related issues that presented challenges to the implementation and use of Superpave. Since the white paper was written, Superpave has undergone modifications (specifications and general use or practice) based on completed research and general knowledge obtained. Many Superpave modifications were addressed in varying degrees in the white paper, and it is now important to discuss the impact of these modifications on HMA performance and the aggregate industry. In addition, other aggregate related issues are presented and discussed, including inconsistent fine aggregate definition, influence of minus 0.075 mm sieve material on fine aggregate specific gravity determination, aggregate production and particle shape, and the influence of aggregate on dynamic modulus.
Beholding Blood Sacrifice in The Passion of the Christ
Authors: Prince Stephen
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ includes many digital special effects and significant departures from the physical facts of scourging and crucifixion.Yet viewers frequently described the film as “realistic.” The essay explores this paradox in terms of the relative weight of importance viewers ascribe to film style as opposed to content.
Caché
Authors: OSTERWEIL ARA
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT In Michael Haneke's Caché, a successful bourgeois couple is harassed by an unknown perpetrator who delivers surveillance videos of their home to them. By allegorizing the dilemma of postcolonial France through an Oedipal drama of suspicion, betrayal, and deception, Haneke sets the stage for a taut thriller that pivots upon the return of the barely repressed.
Translation of Chinese Xiehouyu (Sayings) and Relevance Theory
Authors: Liu Chiung-wen , Zhang Grace Qiao
Published: June 2006

This study pioneers in applying the relevance theoretical framework developed by Gutt (1991, 2000a) and based on Sperber and Wilson's relevance theory (1986, 1995) to Chinesexiehouyutranslations. A Chinesexiehouyuis an idiom or an enigmatic folk saying consisting of two parts. This study examines direct approaches and indirect approaches with or without the substitution of appropriate metaphors. It argues that while relevance theory is effective in both approaches, it is particularly important for indirect translation because there are various ways of translating axiehouyuindirectly, depending upon what meaning aspects of the original the target audience will find relevant. A match-up metaphor in the target language may not always be available, but whenever possible the strategy of substituting metaphors should be utilised to maximise contextual effects and minimise the processing effort; this is probably the most effective way to achieve optimal relevance. As an instance of interpretive use, a translation's success depends on the achievement of optimal relevance. The translator has to pay attention to the kind and degree of interpretative resemblance the audience expects: that is to say, a translator should take the target audience's cognitive environment into account and choose the most applicable approach to guide the audience in achieving optimal relevance.
Team Work as a Method in Translation
Authors: Klimkowski Konrad
Published: June 2006

As Guadec correctly
remarked,1 “the job of a translator tends to become more and more
of a team job”. Anyone observing current
tendencies in the translation market cannot but agree with this statement. Even
a brief glance at modern CAT technology solutions available shows beyond doubt
that the tendency towards group translation rather than individual translation
is already a matter of fact. This state of affairs opens a very interesting
domain of theoretically-oriented studies on the meaning of the term “group
translation”, its boundary criteria, measurements of success and its logistical
background. The present paper is an introductory study marking my first steps
in this research direction. I start by defining distinctive constituents of the
group translation process, then reflect on modes of their interaction -
observed during the group translation sessions of the Warsztaty
Translatorskie/Workshop on Translation conference - and discuss the
process's influences on students of translation and translators in general.
Macroeconomic Regimes and Changing Cost Structures in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Radosevic Slavo , Kutlaca Djuro
Published: June 2006

This paper explores the relationship between macroeconomic regimes and the intensity of change in cost structures in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Change in the cost structure may be considered as a structural factor, with a potential to strongly affect macroeconomic policy and vice versa. Macroeconomic policies should take into account the intensity of change in cost structures and its effects on the tightness of the macroeconomic regime. Similar macroeconomic polices have different sectoral (industry) and overall growth effects. A successful macroeconomic policy handles both the underlying industry structure and the intensity of changes in costs. An analysis of the relationship between industry cost structures and macroeconomic regimes in five CEE countries shows that i) cost structures are more homogenous within industries than within countries; ii) changes in cost structures are dominantly intra-industry, i.e. unrelated to changes in industry structures, though in some countries structural and specialisation effects were also found to be significant. Linking the intensity of changes in industry cost structures with a composite measure of macroeconomic stability, the paper identifies a country-specific relationship between changes in costs and macroeconomic stability. Based on these findings, arguments are provided for the integration of macroeconomic and industrial (technology) policies.
Book Reviews
Authors: Kapás Judit , Csaba László , Mészáros Sándor
Published: June 2006

(1)Douglass C. North: Understanding the Process
of Economic Change (Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2005,
187 pp. - Reviewed by Judit Kapás), (2) Vladimir Mau: From Crisis to Growth
(London: Centre for Research into Post-Communist Economies, New series, No. 21,
2005, 305 pp. - Reviewed by László Csaba), (3) Imre Ferto: Agri-food Trade
between Hungary and the EU (Budapest: Századvég, 2004, 257 pp. - Reviewed
by Sándor Mészáros)
Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation in Hate Crime Victimization: Identity Politics or Identity Risk?
Authors: Dunbar Edward
Published: June 2006

This study examined the impact of hate crimes upon gay and lesbian victims, reviewing 1,538 hate crimes committed in Los Angeles County. Differences between sexual orientation and other hate crime categories were considered for offense severity, reportage to law enforcement, and victim impact. The type of offense varied between crimes classified for sexual orientation (n = 551) and other bias-motivated crimes (n = 987). Assault, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking were predictive of sexual orientation hate crimes. Sexual orientation bias crimes evidenced greater severity of violence to the person and impact upon victim level of functioning. More violent forms of aggression were predictive of gay and lesbian victim’s underreportage to law enforcement. For sexual orientation offenses, victim gender and race/ethnicity differences were predictive of the base rates of crime reportage as well. These findings are considered in terms of a group-risk hypothesis, encountered by multiple outgroup persons, that influences help-seeking behavior and ingroup identity.
Female Sex Offenders: A Comparison of Solo Offenders and Co-Offenders
Authors: Vandiver Donna M.
Published: June 2006

Even though much of the prior sex offender literature focuses on males, recent research has included females as offenders. Such research, however, has been limited by small sample sizes. Several researchers have proposed typologies of female sex offenders that include both females who act alone (i.e., solo offenders) and females who act with another person (i.e., co-offenders), often a male. The current research includes a cross-national sample of 123 females who were solo offenders and 104 who were co-offenders. It was found that the two groups of females were not significantly different in regard to their age, race, time of offense, and the location of the offense. Co-offenders were more likely than solo offenders to have more than one victim, to have both male and female victims, to be related to the victim, and to have a nonsexual offense in addition to the sexual offense listed.
To Tell or Not to Tell: Lifestyle Impacts on Whether Adolescents Tell About Violent Victimization
Authors: Nofziger Stacey , Stein Rachel E.
Published: June 2006

Adolescent sexual and physical victimization is an issue of serious social concern in our society. This study examines the predictors of whether juveniles tell about these experiences. We specifically question whether the adolescents’ lifestyles inhibit victims from telling anyone about the assault and determine if such predictors vary by sex. Using data from the National Survey of Adolescents, we find that the victims’ lifestyles do predict help-seeking but that the importance of these measures varies by the type of victimization and the sex of the adolescent. Lifestyles influence reporting the event more consistently for victims of sexual assaults than physical assaults. In addition, while several lifestyle measures are significant for sexually victimized girls, the context of the event is more important for boys who are sexually victimized. Aspects of the adolescents’ lifestyles are not as important for telling about physical victimization.
Particle Clogging in Radial Flow: Microscale Mechanisms
Authors: Valdes Julio R. , Santamarina J. Carlos
Published: June 2006

Fluid-flow-driven particle migration through porous networks reflects the interplay between various particle-level forces, the relative size between migrating particles and pore constrictions, and the spatial variability of the velocity field. Experimental evidence shows that particle migration in radial fluid flow results in self-stabilizing annular clogging patterns when the particle size approaches the constriction size. Conversely, flow localization and flushing instability are observed when the particle size is significantly smaller than the pore-throat size.
On A Model for the Claim Number Process
Authors: Ruohonen Matti
Published: June 2006

A model for the claim number process is considered. The claim number process is assumed to be a weighted Poisson process with a three-parameter gamma distribution as the structure function. Fitting of this model to several data encountered in the literature is considered, and the model is compared with the two-parameter gamma model giving the negative binomial distribution. Some credibility theory formulae are also presented.
Construction of the New Belgian Motor Third Party Tariff Structure
Authors: Lemaire Jean
Published: June 2006

The paper describes how a study group, appointed by the Belgian Professional Union of Insurance Companies, designed a new tariff structure in motor third party liability. Particular emphasis was given to the construction of a more efficient bonus–malus system.
Hedging by Sequential Regression: An Introduction to the Mathematics of Option Trading
Authors: Föllmer H. , Schweizer M.
Published: June 2006

It is widely acknowledge that there has been a major breakthrough in the mathematical theory of option trading. This breakthrough, which is usually summarized by the Black–Scholes formula, has generated a lot of excitement and a certain mystique. On the mathematical side, it involves advanced probabilistic techniques from martingale theory and stochastic calculus which are accessible only to a small group of experts with a high degree of mathematical sophistication; hence the mystique. In its practical implications it offers exciting prospects. Its promise is that, by a suitable choice of a trading strategy, the risk involved in handling an option can be eliminated completely.

Since October 1987, the mood has become more sober. But there are also mathematical reasons which suggest that expectations should be lowered. This will be the main point of the present expository account. We argue that, typically, the risk involved in handling an option has an irreducible intrinsic part. This intrinsic risk may be much smaller than the a priori risk, but in general one should not expect it to vanish completely. In this more sober perspective, the mathematical technique behind the Black–Scholes formula does not lose any of its importance. In fact, it should be seen as a sequential regression scheme whose purpose is to reduce the a priori risk to its intrinsic core.

We begin with a short introduction to the Black–Scholes formula in terms of currency options. Then we develop a general regression scheme in discrete time, first in an elementary two-period model, and then in a multiperiod model which involves martingale considerations and sets the stage for extensions to continuous time. Our method is based on the interpretation and extension of the Black–Scholes formula in terms of martingale theory. This was initiated by Kreps and Harrison; see, e.g. the excellent survey of Harrison and Pliska (1981,1983). The idea of embedding the Black–Scholes approach into a sequential regression scheme goes back to joint work of the first author with D. Sondermann. In continuous time and under martingale assumptions, this was worked out in Schweizer (1984) and Föllmer and Sondermann (1986). Schweizer (1988) deals with these problems in a general semimartingale model.
What is a Sports Car?
Authors: Ingenbleek Jean-François , Lemaire Jean
Published: June 2006

Principal component analysis is employed to construct a new formula defining ‘sports cars’, a classification variable commonly used by Belgian insurers in motor insurance. Five hundred and eighty-one different car models were used in the design of the formula. It is based solely on the cars' technical characteristics and hence does not rely on the subjective opinion of experts; the resulting classification is independent of units of measurement employed. Thus the definition is suitable for application world-wide.
The Aggregate Claims Distribution in the Individual Model with Arbitrary Positive Claims
Authors: De Pril Nelson
Published: June 2006

In an earlier paper the author derived a recursion formula which permits the exact computation of the aggregate claims distribution in the individual life model. To save computing time he also proposed an approximative procedure based on the exact recursion.

In the present contribution the exact recursion formula and the related approximations are generalized to the individual risk theory model with arbitrary positive claims. Error bounds for the approximations are given and it is shown that they are smaller than those of the Kornya-type approximations.
On Experience Rating and Optimal Reinsurance
Authors: Rantala Jukka
Published: June 2006

This paper presents applications of stochastic control theory in determining an insurer's optimal reinsurance and rating policy. Optimality is defined by means of variances of such variables as underwriting result of the insurer, solvency margins of the insurer and reinsurer and the premiums paid by policy-holders.
Key aspects of how the brain learns
Authors: Zull James E.
Published: June 2006

This chapter presents a brain‐based model of adult learning and connects the model to practice.
An analysis of the effect of elongational viscosity on the flow in a spiral–mandrel die
Authors: Sun Y. , Gupta M.
Published: June 2006

A three‐dimensional flow of a low‐density polyethylene in a spiral–mandrel die for a blown‐film extrusion is simulated. The effect of elongational viscosity on the flow in the spiral–mandrel die is analyzed. Elongational viscosity is found to have only a minor effect on the velocity distribution, but a significant effect on the pressure and temperature distributions in the die. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25: 90–97, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20061
CHD7 gene and non‐syndromic cleft lip and palate
Authors: Félix Têmis M. , Hanshaw Benjamin C. , Mueller Robert , Bitoun Pierre , Murray Jeffrey C.
Published: June 2006

Cleft lip and palate is a common birth defect that has a complex etiology resulting from an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Few genes are known to contribute to its etiology. CHARGE syndrome is a common multiple malformation syndrome in which 20–36% of the cases have clefting. CHARGE is caused by mutations or deletions in the CHD7 gene. We analyzed the coding regions of CHD7 in nine CHARGE cases and identified five mutations, four of which were novel. We sequenced selected CHD7 exons in non‐syndromic clefting cases from Iowa and Philippines populations, as well as matched controls. Variants in non‐syndromic cases were found, however, the numbers were not statistically different from the controls. Association analysis of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using 878 case‐parent triads from Iowa and Philippines population showed no significant overtransmission. Mutations in CHD7 are not common in isolated clefting cases and we found minimal evidence that CHD7 can act as a modifier for non‐syndromic clefting. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relevance criteria identified by health information users during Web searches
Authors: Crystal Abe , Greenberg Jane
Published: June 2006

This article focuses on the relevance judgments made by health information users who use the Web. Health information users were conceptualized as motivated information users concerned about how an environmental issue affects their health. Users identified their own environmental health interests and conducted a Web search of a particular environmental health Web site. Users were asked to identify (by highlighting with a mouse) the criteria they use to assess relevance in both Web search engine surrogates and full‐text Web documents. Content analysis of document criteria highlighted by users identified the criteria these users relied on most often. Key criteria identified included (in order of frequency of appearance) research, topic, scope, data, influence, affiliation, Web characteristics, and authority/person. A power‐law distribution of criteria was observed (a few criteria represented most of the highlighted regions, with a long tail of occasionally used criteria). Implications of this work are that information retrieval (IR) systems should be tailored in terms of users' tendencies to rely on certain document criteria, and that relevance research should combine methods to gather richer, contextualized data. Metadata for IR systems, such as that used in search engine surrogates, could be improved by taking into account actual usage of relevance criteria. Such metadata should be user‐centered (based on data from users, as in this study) and context‐appropriate (fit to users' situations and tasks)
Vom Einfluß des Analysewerkzeugs auf die Modellbildung – Zur statischen Analyse des Wiegmann‐Polonceau‐Trägers in der 2. Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Holzer Stefan M.
Published: June 2006

Zu den beliebtesten Tragsystemen des Eisenhochbaus der zweiten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts zählte der Wiegmann‐Polonceau‐Träger. Das erste größere Bauwerk in Deutschland, an dem dieser Träger eingesetzt wurde, war die Schrannenhalle in München (erbaut 1851–53). Die Wiedereröffnung der wieder aufgestellten Schrannenhalle im September 2005 gibt den Anlaß, die statische Modellbildung für diese Trägerart durch die Literatur zum Eisenhochbau der Zeit zu verfolgen und die Wechselwirkung von Berechnungsmethoden und Modellbildung zu analysieren.
Drug‐eluting stent implantation for treatment of recurrent renal artery in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Kakkar Aman K. , Fischi Michael , Narins, Craig R.
Published: June 2006

Percutaneous renal artery stenting has become the treatment of choice for renal artery stenosis. In‐stent restenosis (ISR) still remains a persistent problem. Drug eluting stents have significantly reduced the incidence of ISR in coronary arteries. We report a case in which recurrent renal ISR was successfully treated with paclitaxel‐eluting stent implantation, using intravascular ultrasound guidance, with maintained stent patency at 6 months. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
o‐Nitrobenzyl Photolabile Protecting Groups with Red‐Shifted Absorption: Syntheses and Uncaging Cross‐Sections for One‐ and Two‐Photon Excitation
Authors: Aujard Isabelle , Benbrahim Chouaha , Gouget Marine , Ruel Odile , Baudin Jean‐Bernard , Neveu Pierre , Jullien Ludovic
Published: June 2006

We evaluated the o‐nitrobenzyl platform for designing photolabile protecting groups with red‐shifted absorption that could be photolyzed upon one‐ and two‐photon excitation. Several synthetic pathways to build different conjugated o‐nitrobenzyl backbones, as well as to vary the benzylic position, are reported. Relative to the reference 4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl group, several o‐nitrobenzyl derivatives exhibit a large and red‐shifted one‐photon absorption within the near‐UV range. Uncaging after one‐photon excitation was studied by measuring UV‐visible absorption and steady‐state fluorescence emission on model caged ethers and esters. In the whole series investigated, the caged substrates were released cleanly upon photolysis. Quantum yields of uncaging after one‐photon absorption lie within the 0.1–1 % range. We observed that these drop as the maximum wavelength absorption of the o‐nitrobenzyl protecting group is increased. A new method based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) after two‐photon excitation was used to measure the action uncaging cross section for two‐photon excitation. The series of o‐nitrobenzyl caged fluorescent coumarins investigated exhibit values within the 0.1–0.01 Goeppert–Mayer (GM) range. Such results are in line with the low quantum yields of uncaging associated with cross‐sections of 1–50 GM for two‐photon absorption. Although the cross‐sections for one‐ and two‐photon absorption of o‐nitrobenzyl photolabile protecting groups can be readily improved, we emphasize the difficulty in enlarging the corresponding action uncaging cross‐sections in view of the observed trend of their quantum yield of uncaging.