bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Markers Addressing Preanalytical Variations of Blood and Plasma Processing Identified by Broad and Targeted Metabolite Profiling
Authors: Kamlage Beate , Maldonado Sandra González , Bethan Bianca , Peter Erik , Schmitz Oliver , Liebenberg Volker , Schatz Philipp
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Metabolomics is a valuable tool with applications in almost all life science areas. There is an increasing awareness of the essential need for high-quality biospecimens in studies applying omics technologies and biomarker research. Tools to detect effects of both blood and plasma processing are a key for assuring reproducible and credible results. We report on the response of the human plasma metabolome to common preanalytical variations in a comprehensive metabolomics analysis to reveal such high-quality markers.

METHODS

Human EDTA blood was subjected to preanalytical variations while being processed to plasma: microclotting, prolonged processing times at different temperatures, hemolysis, and contamination with buffy layer. In a second experiment, EDTA plasma was incubated at different temperatures for up to 16 h. Samples were subjected to GC-MS and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry–based metabolite profiling (MxP™ Broad Profiling) complemented by targeted methods, i.e., sphingoids (as part of MxP™ Lipids), MxP™ Catecholamines, and MxP™ Eicosanoids.

RESULTS

Short-term storage of blood, hemolysis, and short-term storage of noncooled plasma resulted in statistically significant increases of 4% to 19% and decreases of 8% to 12% of the metabolites. Microclotting, contamination of plasma with buffy layer, and short-term storage of cooled plasma were of less impact on the metabolome (0% to 11% of metabolites increased, 0% to 8% decreased).

CONCLUSIONS

The response of the human plasma metabolome to preanalytical variation demands implementation of thorough quality assurance and QC measures to obtain reproducible and credible results from metabolomics studies. Metabolites identified as sensitive to preanalytics can be used to control for sample quality.
Beyond the ‘Shingle Factory’: The Armory Show in the Popular Press after 1913
Authors: Renn Melissa
Published: December 2013

While much has been written on the media coverage of the Armory Show in its opening year, to date there has been no comprehensive study of how the exhibition was discussed in the popular press in the following decades. Drawing on new archival research, this article explores how the exhibition was portrayed in the American media after 1913. Looking closely at the many articles on the Armory Show published in periodicals such as Life, Time and Vogue from the 1930s through to the 1970s, this historiographical study compares the varied ways the exhibition was represented in the popular press, demonstrating the key role the media played in mythologizing and canonizing the Armory Show, along with shaping its legacy as a controversial, watershed event in the history of modern art.
Exhibition Review
Authors: Betancourt Diana Campbell
Published: December 2013

KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE Curated by Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, Fort Cochin, Kerala, India, 12 December 2012–17 March 2013
Religious Networks in Madura: Pesantren, Nahdlatul Ulama, and Kiai as the Core of Santri Culture
Authors: Pribadi Yanwar
Published: December 2013

This paper addresses three institutions in Madurese santri culture: the pesantren (Islamic traditional education system), the Nahdlatul Ulama, and the kiai (tradisional Islamic authority). These three elements have characterised and become central part of both Islam and politics in Madura. The issues are raised in this paper: the nature of pesantren, the role of Nahdlatul Ulama, and kiais within the whole tradition of santri Islam in Madura. How does each of these elements form relationships with the others? These questions lead to answer the main question: Is Islam in Madura different from Islam in other places in Indonesia? Today, it seems clear that despite their rather changed perceptions of modern education, Islamic associations, and men of religion, Madurese people continue to preserve their sacred values, as the main three elements of the santri culture in Madura which have had a great influence on society, in both religious and worldly domains. The people share the view that Islamic law (shari’a) is fundamental to daily life and thus must be integrated in all aspects of life. However, like Islam in other places in Indonesia, the characteristic of Islam in Madura emphasizes primarily, but not exclusively, on aspects such as mysticism and local cultures.

 [Artikel ini menjelaskan tiga elemen penting budaya santri yang melekat pada masyarakat Madura, yaitu pesantren, mewakili elemen pendidikan Islam tradisional, Nahdlatul Ulama, mewakili organisasi Islam, dan kiai, merepresentasikan tokoh Islam. Ketiga elemen tersebut berjalin-kelindan dan membentuk relasi yang kompleks antara Islam dan politik sebagaimana dipraktikkan dalam masyarakat Madura. Dua persoalan penting yang hendak dijawab melalui artikel ini yaitu bagaimana karakter pesantren, Nahdlatul Ulama, dan kiai yang menjadi dasar Islam-santri di Madura dan bagaimana ketiga elemen tersebut saling terkait satu sama lain. Persoalan ini kemudian mengantarkan pada pertanyaan penting lainnya, yakni apakah Islam di Madura memiliki karakteristik dan bentuk yang berbeda dengan Islam yang hidup di wilayah lain di Indonesia? Sampai sekarang, meski masyarakat Madura mengalami pergeseran dalam menilai pendidikan modern, organisasi Islam, dan ulama, mereka masih tetap mempertahankan nilai-nilai sakral agama. Ini bisa dibuktikan dengan kuatnya pengaruh pesantren, Nahdlatul Ulama, dan kiai dalam urusan agama dan duniawi. Masyarakat Madura meyakini bahwa syariat Islam sangat penting dan perlu diterapkan dalam keseluruhan aspek kehidupan mereka. Namun, seperti Islam di wilayah lain di Indonesia, Islam di Madura juga sangat dipengaruhi oleh tasawuf dan budaya lokal.]
From Musaylima to the Khārijite Najdiyya
Authors: Makin Al
Published: December 2013

This paper tries to reconstruct the following accounts: the defeat of Musaylima and the death of his prominent followers, and the rise of the Khārijite Najdiyya in Yamama. Moreover, this study seeks the evidence which points to the possible connection between Musaylima’s movement and the Khārijite Najdiyya. This paper highlights that many founders and prominent leaders of the Khārijites, and particularly the Najdiyya sect, came from the tribe of Ḥanīfa, to which Musaylima belonged. This, among other things, seems to have become the main impulse of attraction for the people of Ḥanīfa to join the sect. Additionally, the ‘characteristics’ and the ‘image’ of the Najdiyya reflect those of Musaylima. This leads us to conjecture that the people of Ḥanīfa, having failed to defend their prophet Musaylima and the land of Yamāma against the Medinan caliphate under Abū Bakr in the Battle of ‘Aqraba, later joined the Khārijite Najdiyya.

 [Artikel ini menjelaskan kekalahan Musaylima dan kematian pengikut-pengikut utamanya serta kemunculan aliran Khawārij Najdiyya di Yamāma. Melalui artikel ini, penulis membuktikan relasi antara gerakan Musaylima dan Khawārij Najdiyya. Ini bisa dibuktikan dengan mencermati fakta bahwa sebagian pendiri dan tokoh utama Khawārij, utamanya sekte Najdiyya, berasal dari suku Ḥanīfa suku yang juga menjadi asal muasal Musaylima. Kesamaan suku inilah dan beberapa faktor lainnya nampaknya menjadi daya tarik tersendiri bagi orang-orang suku Ḥanīfa untuk bergabung dengan sekte Najdiyya. Selain itu, ‘karakteristik’ dan ‘imej’ sekte Najdiyya yang menyerupai gerakan Musaylima adalah hal lain yang turut menguatkan asumsi tersebut. Pandangan inilah yang kemudian mengantarkan penulis pada kesimpulan bahwa setelah gagal mempertahankan nabi mereka, Musaylima, dan wilayah mereka, Yamāma, melawan khilafah Islam di Madinah yang dipimpin Abū Bakr, suku Ḥanīfa memilih memberontak dan bergabung dengan sekte Khawārij Najdiyya.]
Consumer Well-Being: Effects of Subgoal Failures and Goal Importance
Authors: Devezer Berna , Sprott David E. , Spangenberg Eric R. , Czellar Sandor
Published: December 2013

Although there is increased awareness of issues surrounding consumer well-being, consumers often lack the personal commitment to improve their quality of life. This article builds on the concept of a goal hierarchy to propose that small acts may have unintended, large consequences on various domains of consumer well-being. A decrease in commitment to well-being goals (e.g., sustaining the natural environment) may stem from people's failure to achieve everyday subgoals (e.g., failing to recycle a newspaper). Four experiments in three contexts (i.e., consumer overspending, environmentally friendly behaviors, and charitable donations) show that when people perceive the endgoal as unimportant, even a single behavioral failure may reduce commitment to a well-being endgoal and weaken future intentions to perform behaviors that improve their quality of life. In addition, goal importance moderates the adverse relationship between subgoal performance and endgoal commitment. The authors present consumer-specific and marketer-controlled drivers of goal importance (i.e., goal visualization, self-relevance of goals, and aversive consequences of subgoal failure) and discuss actionable insights for practitioners.
Regularization of autoconvolution and other ill-posed quadratic equations by decomposition
Authors: Flemming Jens
Published: December 2013

Standard methods for regularizing ill-posed nonlinear equations rely on derivatives of
the nonlinear forward mapping. Thereby stronger structural properties of the concrete problem are neglected
and the derived algorithms only show mediocre efficiency.
We concentrate on nonlinear mappings with quadratic structure and develop a derivative-free regularization method that
allows us to apply classical techniques known from linear inverse problems to quadratic equations.
In fact, regularization of a quadratic problem can be reduced to regularization of one linear problem and
a downstream inversion of a well-posed quadratic mapping.
The motivation for considering problems with quadratic structure in more detail comes from applications in
laser optics where kernel-based autoconvolution-type equations have to be solved.
Changes in chemical composition of decayed Scots pine and beech wood
Authors: Tomak Eylem Dizman
Published: December 2013

In this study, changes in chemical composition of aged and unaged Scots pine and beech wood decayed by brown-rot fungi Coniophora puteana and Poria placenta were presented by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Samples were exposed to six complete cycles of accelerated aging for 12 days and then subjected to brown-rot fungi attack for 8 weeks. Weight loss of samples was found to be 25–46% depending on wood and fungi species and being aged ones. Accelerated aging treatments seemed to have a slight role on chemical composition of Scots pine and beech samples while they increased biodegradation of samples. FT-IR spectra showed degradation of wood carbohydrates revealed by reduction of the peaks responsible for hemicellulose and cellulose at 1730, 1370, 1150, and 897 cm-1 in pine and 1730, 1370, 1027, and 897 cm-1 in beech. Stronger lignin peaks at 1650, 1593, 1506, 1455, 1422, 1261, and 1230 cm-1 in pine and 1650, 1506, 1455, and 1422 cm-1 in beech were obtained after decay test. FT-IR spectra of samples were consistent with the degradation mechanism of brown-rot fungi. In general, changes in the carbohydrate and lignin peaks were greater in samples exposed to accelerated aging treatments for both wood species.
Influence of cutting parameters during drilling of filled glass fabric-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Mudegowdar Murugesh
Published: December 2013

In the present work, an attempt has been made to investigate the drilling behavior of the titanium dioxide (TiO2)- and zinc sulfide (ZnS)-filled glass fabric-reinforced polymer (GFRP) matrix composites. The volume fractions in the matrix were chosen as 1%, 2%, and 3%. Drilling has been conducted on CNC Vertical Machining Center. Speed and feed of drilling and drill tool geometry were considered as the varying parameters with three levels. Thrust force, delamination factor, and surface roughness have been considered as the output parameters and measured in each combination of parameters chosen. Results reveal that the addition of filler will increase the thrust force developed during drilling and indicate that drill point angle has a direct effect on the thrust value. Delamination factor increases with increase in feed and decreases as speed increases. Also, it can be observed that surface roughness decreases with increase in speed and increases with increase in feed. ZnS-filled composite shows less damage than TiO2.
Kommunikationsformenadressen oder: Prozeduren des Situationsvollzugs am Beispiel von Weblogs
Authors: Meiler Matthias
Published: December 2013

Using the example of weblogs the paper raises the question what kind ofprocedures are necessary to enable speech acts (written or spoken), pictures(moving or static), typography, layout, etc. – i.e., procedures thatare considered to be possibility conditions for acts of communication. Toanswer that question a category from early Textual Linguistics – Formsof Communication (initially: Ermert 1979) – is reconstructed in its developmentthroughout the history of Textual and Media Linguistics (cf.Brinker 6[1985] 2005; Dürscheid 2005; Holly 1996, 2011b; Domke 2010a)and is reconceptualized with a more pragmatic resp. praxeological approach.In order to do this, the concept of Speech Procedures – developedby the Functional Pragmatics approach (cf. Ehlich [1986] 1991) – ischosen, conceptually located, and adapted to enable a description that addressesall the actions which establish – quite simultaneously to acts ofcommunication – the possibility to communicate and which are clusteredand differentiated as Medializing and Addressing Procedures. In a bodythey work on the tasks of situating communication in space and time andbetween communicators. Hereby going beyond Genre Theory (cf. e.g.Puschmann 2013), it is possible to conceive of weblogs ever so adequatelyas being situated on an average level of communicational knowledge.
The establishment of the coherent anaphoric system and preferred argument structures in Hungarian children’s narration
Authors: Fekete Gabriella
Published: December 2013

Bár a szövegfunkciók minden nyelvben megegyeznek, minden egyes nyelv — nyelvtani sajátosságainak megfelelően — különböző nyelvi eszközöket használ a koreferencia-rendszer egfelelő kiépítésére. A gyerekek az elbeszélésekben használt összefüggő anaforarendszer kiépítésére szolgáló kompetenciát fokozatosan fejlesztik ki, és ebben a mondattani ismeretekben való fejlődésük is összetetten befolyásoló tényező. Következésképpen, a beszélők — nyelvi kompetenciájuktól függően — különböző szövegszervezési stratégiákhoz folyamodnak, amelyeken belül bizonyos bővítményszerkezeti konfigurációkat jobban kedvelnek.Tanulmányunk a magyar gyerekek szövegszervezési kompetenciájának fejlődését vizsgálja, arra keresve a választ, hogy milyen nyelvi stratégiákat használnak, és melyek az általuk kedveltebb bővítményes szerkezetek.A korpusz létrehozására felhasznált feladat egy képeskönyv elmesélése volt (Mayer, 1969). 75 magyar anyanyelvű gyermek és felnőtt vett részt a kísérletben: 3, 5, 7–8, 11–12 éves gyermekek és felnőttek.Eredményeink kimutatták, hogy a magyar gyerekek és felnőttek által szerkesztett elbeszélésekben előforduló nyelvi szerkezetek skálája hasonlóságokat mutat. Ezzel szemben a nyelvi formák, amelyek segítségével a beszélők betöltik a beszédfunkciókat, némiképpen eltérnek. Ezeknek a szövegszervezési problémáknak pszichológiai és nyelvi kompetenciabeli okait fedezhetjük fel a gyermekek elbeszéléseiben.A preferált argumentális szerkezetek 0 vagy 1 lexikális alakot tartalmaznak, és a teljes főnevek túlnyomó többsége tárgy, alany vagy bővítmény, szemben az ágenssel. úgy tűnik azonban, hogy az információmennyiséget szabályozó narrációs kötöttségek beszédfunkciótól függően változnak.
The Place of Relic Worship in Buddhism: An Unresolved Controversy?
Authors: Werner Karel
Published: December 2013

Although worship of the relics of the Buddha — and its corollary, st?pa worship — is a widespread feature of Buddhist devotional practice among both lay Buddhists and monks, there is in some quarters a view that, while recommended to lay followers, it is forbidden to monks. This controversy started very early after the Buddha’s parinibb?na and has reverberated throughout the centuries till the present time. Its source is in the Mah?parinibb?na Sutta, and it stems from the ambiguity in the meaning of the compound sar?ra-p?j? in the Buddha’s reply to ?nanda’s two questions concerning the actions to be taken after the Master’s death with respect to his body. The resolution of the controversy depends on a correct understanding of the nature of the Buddha’s replies to the two questions. This paper analyses the relevant passages of the sutta and the way they have been translated, correctly or incorrectly, into Western languages and into Chinese, and finally arrives at a solution derived entirely from within the text of the Mah?parinibb?na Sutta itself.
MOLECULAR TYPING OF Candida albicans ISOLATES FROM HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS
Authors: Bonfim-Mendonca Patricia de Souza , Fiorini Adriana , Shinobu-Mesquita Cristiane Suemi , Baeza Lilian Cristiane , Fernandez Maria Aparecida , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet
Published: December 2013

SUMMARY Introduction: The majority of nosocomial fungal infections are caused by Candida spp. where C. albicans is the species most commonly identified. Molecular methods are important tools for assessing the origin of the yeasts isolated in hospitals. Methods: This is a study on the genetic profifiles of 39 nosocomial clinical isolates of C. albicans using two typing methods: random amplifified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellite, two different primers for each technique were used. Results: RAPD provided 10 and 11 different profiles with values for SAB of 0.84 ± 0.126 and 0.88 ± 0.08 for primers M2 and P4, respectively. Microsatellite using two markers, CDC3 and HIS3, allowed the observation of six and seven different alleles, respectively, with combined discriminatory power of 0.91. Conclusions: Although genetic variability is clear, it was possible to identify high similarity, suggesting a common origin for at least a part of isolates. It is important to emphasize that common origin was proven from yeasts isolated from colonization (urine, catheter or endotracheal secretions) and blood culture from the same patient, indicating that the candidemia must have started from a site of colonization. The combination of RAPD and microsatellite provides a quick and efficient analysis for investigation of similarity among nosocomial isolates of C. albicans.
OVICIDAL EFFECT OF PIPERACEAE SPECIES ON Biomphalaria glabrata, Schistosoma mansoni HOST
Authors: Rapado Ludmila Nakamura , Lopes Priscila Orechio de Moraes , Yamaguchi Lydia Fumiko , Nakano Eliana
Published: December 2013

SUMMARY Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease with public health importance in tropical and subtropical regions. An alternative to the disease control is the use of molluscicides to eliminate or reduce the intermediate host snail population causing a reduction of transmission in endemic regions. In this study nine extracts from eight Piperaceae species were evaluated against Biomphalaria glabrata embryos at blastula stage. The extracts were evaluated in concentrations ranging from 100 to 10 mg/L. Piper crassinervium and Piper tuberculatum extracts were the most active (100% of mortality at 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L respectively).
Bender elements and system identification for estimation of Vs
Authors: El-Sekelly Waleed , Mercado Vicente , Abdoun Tarek , Zeghal Mourad , El-Ganainy Hesham
Published: December 2013

Accurate estimation of shear wave velocity is necessary in most geotechnical earthquake engineering applications. This paper details two different methodologies implemented for the estimation of the shear wave velocity profile of soil deposits. The first implemented method employs bender elements, whereas the second relies on a system identification technique and the use of acceleration recordings. In order to compare the two techniques, two centrifuge experiments were conducted using saturated Ottawa F#55 sand in a one-dimensional laminar container. The sand was deposited at void ratios 0·723 and 0·625, respectively. Shear wave velocity profiles obtained using both techniques were compared. These profiles were also compared to those documented in the literature. The results agree well with each other and with the values from the literature. The matching results support the validity of using both methods as a means of estimating the shear wave velocities in centrifuge models as well as in full-scale testing.
A new characterization of markets that don't replicate any option through minimal-lattice subspaces: A computational approach
Authors: Katsikis Vasilios
Published: December 2013

In this paper the notion of strongly resolving markets with respect to the positive basis of a minimal lattice-subspace Y of Rm is defined. It is proved that if the number of securities is less than half the dimension of Y, then not a single (non-trivial) option can be replicated. This result extends already known results regarding the notion of a market being strongly resolving. Both theoretical and computational methods are provided in order to establish criteria for the characterization of markets that do not replicate any option.
Quadriceps tendon rupture - treatment results
Authors: Popov Iva , Ristic Vladimir , Maljanovic Mirsad , Milankov Vukadin
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Quadriceps tendon rupture is a rare but rather serious injury.
If this injury is not promptly recognized and early operated, it may lead to
disability. This research was aimed at pointing out the results and
complications of the quadriceps tendon rupture surgical treatment. Material
and Methods. This retrospective multicentric study was conducted in a group
of 29 patients (mostly elderly men). Lysholm knee scoring scale was used to
evaluate the surgical results. The post-operative results were compared in
relation to the type of tendon rupture reconstructions (acute or chronic),
various surgical techniques, type of injuries (unilateral or bilateral) as
well as the presence or absence of comorbid risk factors in the patients.
Results. The average value of a Lysholm score was 87.6. Excellent and
satisfactory Lysholm score results dominated in our sample of patients.
Better post-operative results were recorded in the group of patients without
risk factors, in case of a bilateral injury, and in case of an acute injury.
The best result was obtained after performing the reconstruction using
anchors, and the worst result came after using Codivilla technique.
Discussion and Conclusion. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are an
absolute imperative in management of this injury. We have not proven that a
certain surgical technique has an advantage over the others. A comorbid risk
factor is related to a lower Lysholm score. Despite a few cases of
complications, we can conclude that the surgical treatment yields
satisfactory results.
Expression of somatostatine in ischemia of rat brain
Authors: Babovic Sinisa , Srdic-Galic Biljana , Soldatovic-Stajic Branislava , Cvjetkovic-Bosnjak Mina , Krstonosic Bojana , Mijatov-Ukropina Ljilja
Published: December 2013

Introduction. This study used the immunohistochemical method to follow the
expression of cytoplasmatic protein somatostanin in the course of ischemia of
rat brain. The aim of the study was to define all the areas of expression of
somatostain and to show the protein distribution on the map. Material and
Methods. All the sections of telencephalon, diencephalon and midbrain were
studied in resistant, and transitory ischemia, which enabled us to observe
the reaction of neurons to an ischemic attack or to repeated attacks. Results
and Discussion. The results of this study show that there is a difference in
the reaction between the resistant and transitory ischemia groups of rats,
especially in the parietofrontal cortex, area amygdaloidea anterior,
clastrum, nc. reuniens and nc. suprachiasmaticus. The mapping shows the
reaction in the structures of motor, sensitive and sensory cortex, mostly in
the laminae II/III and V/VI, hippocampus - gyrus dentatus and CA1, CA2, CA3,
endopiriform nucleus, paraventricular and periventricular nucleus of
hypothalamus, corpus amygdaloideum, claustrum and caudoputamen. The more
primitive sections of the brain - rhinencephalon, also showed a reaction,
which led us to conclude that both newer and older brain structures reacted
immunohistochemically. Histological data showed that small neurons are most
commonly found while the second most common are big pyramidal cells of
multipolar and bipolar type, with the different body shape. Conclusion. Our
findings have confirmed the results of rare studies that dealt with these
issues, and offered a precise and detailed map of cells expressing
somatostanin in the rat brain following ischemic attack.
Effects of occupational stress on working ability of patients suffering from arterial hypertension
Authors: Matic Marijana , Jovanovic Jovana , Jovanovic Jovica , Macvanin Nada
Published: December 2013

Introduction. The aim of this research was to quantify the presence of
occupational stressors and to analyze their effects on temporary and
permanent working ability of workers with arterial hypertension. Material and
Methods. The research included 817 workers. The study group consisted of 504
workers with arterial hypertension without other diseases or disorders,
whereas the control group was composed of 313 healthy workers. Results. The
study group showed a significantly higher level of total occupational stress
index as well as of the stress index related to high job demands, conflicts
at work place, underload and time limit (p<0.001) compared to the control
group. A positive and statistically significant correlation between total
occupational stress index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure was found
in the study group. The total level of occupational stress over 40 led to a
significant increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in persons with
arterial hypertension. The analysis of temporary working inability determined
a statistically significantly higher level of lost workdays per a worker in
the study group compared to the controls (p<0.001). The average number of
lost workdays per a worker in a year in the study group increased
statistically significantly along with the occupational stress index values
at their work place (p<0.001). In the study group the number of workers
eligible for disability retirement over a period of one year was
significantly higher compared to the controls. The number of workers eligible
for disability retirement in the exposed group increased statistically
significantly along with occupational stress index values at their work
place. Conclusion. The results show that occupational stress is a significant
factor in the development of arterial hypertension and reduction of work
ability of exposed workers.
The Governing of Education in Europe: Commercial Actors, Partnerships and Strategies
Authors: Simons Maarten , Lundahl Lisbeth , Serpieri Roberto
Published: December 2013

Contemporary research on the European policy space in education has paid much attention to decentralisation, deregulation and new modalities of privatisation and marketisation, but there is less focus on how these processes and policies are actually played out in education. It is argued that understanding the role of commercial actors, new local and global markets and public—private partnerships in the governing of education becomes increasingly important. The aim of the article is to introduce the special issue on commercialisation of the European Educational Research Journal by discussing some general issues: theoretical and methodological considerations when studying privatisation and commercialisation in the governing of education, conceptual clarifications, and finally, possible themes and topics for study, but also for further debate.
Old and New Markets in Education: Austerity, Standards and ICT as Pushes towards Privatisation(s) in Italy
Authors: Grimaldi Emiliano
Published: December 2013

This article deals with the issue of privatisation(s) in the field of education. In doing so, it focuses on three distinct, although interrelated, processes currently being experienced in the Italian education system: (a) the widening of the spaces for private schooling; (b) the ongoing privatisation of policy and the related blurring of the boundaries between public policy-making and the private sector; and (c) the dynamics of new/old markets where commercial actors and edu-businesses sell tools, technologies, knowledge and data, policy programs and recipes that inform educational processes. The work tries to highlight some connections between specific developments in these three processes of privatisation(s) and three distinct policy trends that are increasingly shaping the European education space, namely austerity, standardisation, and digitalisation. The conclusion discusses the actual and potential implications of all of this for both the ongoing transformation of the role of the education state in the post-welfarist scenario, and the restructuring of the societal governing of education, reflecting on the relationship between these specific processes of privatisation(s), the related reshaping of the role of the education state, that seems to shift towards a metagovernance function, and the developing of a new market-like governmental environment informed by the neo-liberal imaginary.
Liberalisation and Privatisation of Higher Education in Flanders: Passing the Point of No Return? A Case Study
Authors: Broucker Bruno , De Wit Kurt
Published: December 2013

The higher education system in Flanders is characterised by tight regulation and a tradition of excluding private providers from the sector. However, as in other European countries, the Belgian public sector has been confronted with the principles of New Public Management (NPM) and trends of liberalisation and privatisation. The same goes for the higher education sector where recently a private company has been recognised by the Flemish government as a higher education institution. This event triggers several questions: what are the consequences when the traditional providers seem to have lost their monopoly? What can this case tell us about the introduction of the principles of NPM in a closed system of higher education? This article comes to the conclusion that private actors still have to move within a framework that is highly conditional and that a closed higher education system can largely remain untouched by a clear-cut, well-defined ‘intrusion’ in the system. On the other hand, actors become aware that knowledge gaps in the market will be filled in by other providers, if the traditional providers do not react to them adequately themselves, and therefore need to optimise their behaviour in order to meet citizens' expectations.
Limited Recovery of β-Cell Function After Gastric Bypass Despite Clinical Diabetes Remission
Authors: Dutia Roxanne , Brakoniecki Katrina , Bunker Phoebe , Paultre Furcy , Homel Peter , Carpentier André C. , McGinty James , Laferrère Blandine
Published: December 2013

The mechanisms responsible for the remarkable remission of type 2 diabetes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) are still puzzling. To elucidate the role of the gut, we compared β-cell function assessed during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and an isoglycemic intravenous glucose clamp (iso-IVGC) in: 1) 16 severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes, up to 3 years post-RYGBP; 2) 11 severely obese normal glucose-tolerant control subjects; and 3) 7 lean control subjects. Diabetes remission was observed after RYGBP. β-Cell function during the OGTT, significantly blunted prior to RYGBP, normalized to levels of both control groups after RYGBP. In contrast, during the iso-IVGC, β-cell function improved minimally and remained significantly impaired compared with lean control subjects up to 3 years post-RYGBP. Presurgery, β-cell function, weight loss, and glucagon-like peptide 1 response were all predictors of postsurgery β-cell function, although weight loss appeared to be the strongest predictor. These data show that β-cell dysfunction persists after RYGBP, even in patients in clinical diabetes remission. This impairment can be rescued by oral glucose stimulation, suggesting that RYGBP leads to an important gastrointestinal effect, critical for improved β-cell function after surgery.
Serial serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations and prognostic variables in 33 cats with pancreatitis
Authors: Stockhaus Christian , Teske Erik , Schellenberger Katinka , Huisinga Elke , Konietschke Ursula , Mangelsdorf Susanne , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To identify factors significantly associated with prognosis in cats hospitalized because of pancreatitis.

Design—Prospective case series.

Animals—33 cats hospitalized for treatment of pancreatitis (diagnosis determined on the basis of clinical signs and serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity [fPLI] concentration ≥ 5.4 μg/L).

Procedures—Cats were hospitalized (day 1) for 2 to 16 days and observed for 44 days or until they died or were euthanized. Results of physical examination and hematologic and serum biochemical analysis, including measurement of serum fPLI concentration, performed on the day of hospital admission were analyzed to determine whether they were associated with outcome (ie, survival to at least 44 days vs death or euthanasia).

Results—On day 1, mean × SD serum fPLI concentration among the 33 cats was 22.0 × 16.4 μg/L. Mean age of the cats was 12.7 × 3.8 years (range, 4 to 19 years). Eleven of the 33 (33%) cats died or were euthanized before day 44. In univariate analyses, dyspnea, hypothermia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, and serum fPLI concentration were significantly associated with an adverse outcome. However, in a multivariate analysis, only severe dyspnea, hyperkalemia (potassium concentration > 5.5 mmol/L), and serum fPLI concentration at the time of hospital admission were found to be significantly associated with an adverse outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that dyspnea, hyperkalemia, and serum fPLI concentration at the time of hospital admission were significant prognostic factors for cats hospitalized because of pancreatitis.
Diagnostic accuracy of a point-of-care urine bacteriologic culture test in dogs
Authors: Olin Shelly J. , Bartges Joseph W. , Jones Rebekah D. , Bemis David A.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To determine diagnostic accuracy of a compartmented bacteriologic culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing plate (CCSP) for detection of bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates.

Design—Evaluation study.

Sample—62 frozen, previously characterized bacterial isolates from canine urine cultures and 147 canine urine samples.

Procedures—The study was conducted in 2 phases: preliminary assay validation (phase 1) and diagnostic validation (phase 2). For phase 1, the frozen bacterial isolates were revitalized and tested with the CCSP and with standard aerobic microbiological culture (SAMC). For phase 2, the urine samples were tested with the CCSP and SAMC in parallel.

Results—For phase 1, after 24 hours of culture, 46 of 62 (74%) bacterial isolates had growth on the CCSP and all (100%) had growth in SAMC. For bacterial isolates with growth, the CCSP allowed correct identification of 45 of 46 (98%) isolates. Isolates yielding no growth on the CCSP were gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus spp [n = 7] and Enterococcus spp [9]). In phase 2, the overall diagnostic accuracy of the CCSP, compared with SAMC, was 94% (sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 99%). The positive predictive value was 98% and negative predictive value was 92%. Susceptibility results for enrofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as determined with the CCSP had greatest concordance with those determined by SAMC (71% and 96%, respectively), compared with other antimicrobial susceptibilities.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Use of the CCSP led to accurate exclusion of UTI in dogs without a UTI but was less reliable for diagnosis of UTI, particularly infections caused by gram-positive cocci. Standard aerobic microbiological culture remains the gold standard for detection of UTI in dogs.
Symmetric Neutral-Atmosphere Mapping Functions: A Review of the State-Of-The-Art
Authors: Sharifi M.A. , Souri A.H.
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to review of six recent symmetric mapping functions. The mapping function can be largely used for GPS meteorological measurements, InSAR atmospheric corrections and precise measurements of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). These spacebased techniques use radio signal that propagate through the Earth's atmosphere. The electrically-neutral region, predominantly the troposphere, affects the speed and direction of travel of radio waves leading to existence of excess path. The mapping function models the elevation angle dependence of the delay. Within the past decade, significant improvements have been achieved in order to use of Numerical Weather Models (NWM) for geodetic positioning. Ray-tracing algorithms have been performed through refractivity shells retrieved from NWMs in order to relate zenith delays to slant delays. Therefore, there seems to be a real need for deep review of recent developments in the mapping function domain. This paper proposes a comprehensive review of the symmetric mapping functions state of the art, their spatio-temporal variations and used NWM and generic models. Niell Mapping Function (NMF), Vienna Mapping Function (VMF1), University of New Brunswick-VMF1 (UNB-VMF1) mapping functions, Global Mapping Function (GMF) and Global Pressure and Temperature (GPT2)/GMF are reviewed in this paper.
Controllling Simulation Experiment Design for Agent-Based Models Using Tree Representation of Parameter Space
Authors: Szufel Przemysław , Kamiński Bogumił , Wojewnik Piotr
Published: December 2013

An important aspect of the simulation modelling process is sensitivity analysis. In this process, agent-based simulations often require analysis of structurally different parameter specifications - the parameters can be represented as objects and the object-oriented simulation configuration leads to nesting of simulation parameters. The nested parameters are naturally represented as a tree rather than a flat structure. The standard tools supporting multi-agent simulations only allow only the representation of the parameter space as a Cartesian product of possible parameter values. Consequently, their application for the required tree representation is limited. In this paper an approach to tree parameter space representation is introduced with an XML-based language. Furthermore, we propose a set of tools that allows one to manage parameterization of the simulation experiment independently of the simulation model.
Time of concentration of surface flow in complex hillslopes
Authors: Sabzevari Touraj , Saghafian Bahram , Talebi Ali , Ardakanian Reza
Published: December 2013

Time of concentration (TC) of surface flow in watersheds depends on the coupled response of hillslopes and stream networks. The important point in this background is to study the effects of the geometry and the shape of complex hillslopes on the time of concentration considering the degree of flow convergence (convergent, parallel or divergent) as well as the profile curvature (concave, straight or convex). In this research, the shape factor of complex hillslopes as introduced by Agnese et al. (2007) is generalized and linked to the TC. A new model for calculating TC of complex hillslopes is presented, which depends on the plan shape, the type and degree of profile curvature, the Manning roughness coefficient, the flow regime, the length, the average slope, and the excess rainfall intensity. The presented model was compared to that proposed by Singh and Agiralioglu (1981a,b) and Agiralioglu (1985). Moreover, the results of laboratory experiments on the travel time of surface flow of complex hillslopes were used to calibrate the model. The results showed that TC for convergent hillslopes is nearly double those of parallel and divergent ones. TC in convex hillslopes was very close to that in straight and concave hillslopes. While the effect of convergence on TC is considerable, the curvature effect confirmed insignificant. Finally, in convergent hillslopes, TC increases with the degree of convergence, but in divergent hillslopes, it decreases as degree of divergence increases.
The use of sodium polytungstate as an X-ray contrast agent to reduce the beam hardening artifact in hydrological laboratory experiments
Authors: Nakashima Yoshito
Published: December 2013

Iodine is conventionally used as a contrast agent in hydrological laboratory experiments using polychromatic X-ray computed tomography (CT) to monitor two-phase Darcy flow in porous geological media. Undesirable beam hardening artifacts, however, render the quantitative analysis of the obtained CT images difficult. CT imaging of porous sand/bead packs saturated with iodine and tungsten-bearing aqueous solutions, respectively, was performed using a medical CT scanner. We found that sodium polytungstate (Na6H2W12O40) significantly reduced the beam hardening compared with potassium iodide (KI). This result is attributable to the location of the K absorption edge of tungsten, which is nearer to the peak of the polychromatic X-ray source spectrum than that of iodine. As sodium polytungstate is chemically stable and less toxic than other heavy element bearing compounds, we recommend it as a promising contrast agent for hydrological CT experiments.
Changing Media Preferences?
Authors: Näsi Matti , Räsänen Pekka
Published: December 2013

As the Internet provides extensive sources of information and entertainment platforms, traditional forms of media have come under scrutiny ever since the early days of the information and communication technologies (ICTs). In the present article, we examine how media preferences in Finland have changed over the past ten years by focusing on the perceived importance of television, newspapers and the Internet. We use three sets of nationally representative survey data from 1999, 2004 and 2009, respectively, to establish a comparative view of the preferences during this time. Our findings indicate that even though the perceived importance of the Internet has increased during the past ten years, media preferences in general have not changed radically. In addition, we are able to witness clear variations between socio-demographic groups across all points in time. Some of these variations have weakened over time, but not all of them. Broader implications for a changing media landscape are discussed in relation to the results.
Contribution to the knowledge of the parasitic fauna of fish off Adelie Land, Antarctica
Authors: Zdzitowiecki Krzysztof , Ozouf−Costaz Catherine
Published: December 2013

In total, 42 fish belonging to 16 species were examined. All fish were infected. Parasitic worms were endoparasites: Digenea (eight species), Cestoda (three mixed groups of larval forms), Acanthocephala (two species) and Nematoda (one species in adult and one in larval stage, and two Contracaecum spp. in larval stage). Undetermined parasitic Copepoda and Hirudinea were external parasites. Summing up previous and new data 25 species and mixed groups were found. Parasites in larval stage using fish as intermediate or paratenic hosts were more numerous than species maturing in fish. For example, 1913 nematodes Contracaecum spp. were recorded in one fish, whereas the digenean, Genolinea bowersi, was the most numerous maturing parasite (168 specimens in one fish).
Consumption of the Whole-Grain Rye Bread and Progression of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Meija Laila , Cauce Vinita , Siksna Inese , Joffe Rafaels , Ignace Gita , Bobere Natālija , Lietuvietis Vilnis , Lejnieks Aivars , Söderholm Paivi , Adlercreutz Herman
Published: December 2013

Whole-grain rye intake has been suggested to have anti-cancer effect, including changes in serum hormones and reduced prostate specific antigen (PSA) in animals and humans. In this study, we investigated the effect of high intake of whole-grain rye bread on prostate cancer progression as assessed by PSA concentration in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fifteen men with prostate cancer who did not receive prior therapy were randomised and given a daily supplement of 250 g refined wheat bread for two weeks and, afterwards, 250 g whole-grain rye bread for six weeks. Blood samples were taken from fasting men at baseline and after two and six weeks to measure the PSA and sex hormones. The dietary intake was: energy intake 3452 kcal; protein intake 166 g, carbohydrate intake 334 g, fat 149 g, saturated fat intake 52 g, and fibre intake 40 g. Plasma total PSA, free PSE, testosterone concentrations and free androgen index tended to be higher after refined white bread treatment and lower after whole-grain rye treatment. However, none of the differences were statistically significant. There were no significant changes in sex hormone binding globulin, luteinising hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone. In this intervention trial, whole-grain rye consumption did not result in significant changes in PSA and sex hormones, which may be related to high fat intake. Further prospective trials are indicated to evaluate the potential of whole-grain rye bread, taking into account other factors.
Effect of the Glonass-Specific Receiver Antenna Phase Center Corrections on the Results of European Regional GNSS Network
Authors: Liwosz Tomasz
Published: December 2013

In the paper I investigated the effect of the GLONASS-specific receiver antenna phase center corrections on the results of a regional permanent GNSS network. I made analysis, using Bernese GPS Software 5.0, of GPS-only and GPS-GLONASS (GNSS) observations collected at permanent sites in Europe. Two types of GNSS solutions were computed: with GPS phase center corrections used for observations of both systems, and with the system specific corrections for observations of the respective system. The Bernese software was modified accordingly to use GLONASS specific corrections for GLONASS measurements. The results, i.e., coordinates and tropospheric zenith delays were analyzed and compared between computed solutions. Introducing GLONASS-specific receiver antenna phase center corrections did not improve the repeatability of the GNSS coordinate time series. Differences of coordinates between the two GNSS solutions were highly repeatable but offsets (biases) were observed; maximum bias for horizontal component was 1 mm and 4 mm for up component. Similar biases were observed for stations with the same antenna models. Periodic signal with a period of 1/3-year was found in difference time series between GPS and GNSS solutions for north component with a maximum peak-to-peak amplitude 2.8 mm. The periodic signal was attributed to GLONASS.