bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rosacea: pathogenesis, clinical forms and therapy
Authors: Preisz Klaudia , Kárpáti Sarolta
Published: July 2010

A rosacea az egyik leggyakoribb, krónikus gyulladásos bőrbetegség. Centrofacialisan megjelenő erythema, teleangiectasiák, papulák és pustulák jellemzik. A klinikai kép alapján az új nemzetközi klasszifikáció 4 fő alcsoportot különít el: erythemás-teleangiectasiás, papulopustulosus, phymatosus és ocularis altípust. Az egyes formák kezelése is eltérő. A folyamat patomehanizmusa a mai napig nem tisztázott pontosan. Genetikai és környezeti tényezők mellett kóros érreakciónak, dermalis mátrixdegenerációnak, egyes mikroorganizmusoknak, mintDemodex folliculorumésHelicobacter pyloritulajdonítanak szerepet. A szerzők az összefoglaló közleményben áttekintik a rosacea új klasszifikációját, a főbb patogenetikai tényezők szerepét és a terápiás lehetőségeket.
Comparing Levels of Anxiety During Bed and Shower Baths in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lopes Juliana de Lima , Nogueira-Martins Luiz Antonio , Gonçalves Maria Aparecida Batistão , Barros Alba Lucia Bottura Leite de
Published: July 2010

This study compared the levels of anxiety presented by patients with acute myocardial infarction in bed and shower baths and the influence of antecedent variables: age, gender, medications, previous hospitalization and/or bed bath, patients' preference regarding the professional's gender, risk factors and anxiety-traits. This crossover study was conducted between February and August 2007 in coronary units. The sample was composed of 71 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was applied before the baths (bed and shower baths), immediately after the baths and twenty minutes after the second evaluation. Results revealed that patients were more anxious in the bed bath than in the shower in the three assessments (p <0.0001) and the only variable that interfered with state-anxiety was high blood pressure.
Sistemas de medição de desempenho: uma revisão e classificação da literatura
Authors: Tezza Rafael , Bornia Antonio Cezar , Vey Ivan Henrique
Published: July 2010

O objetivo do presente artigo é classificar sistemas de medição de desempenho (SMD) de acordo com as abordagens utilizadas. Foram revisadas 140 abordagens sobre o tema, no período de 1980 a 2007. Após a revisão, as abordagens foram classificadas baseando-se em cinco critérios: quanto à abrangência; quanto ao tipo de abordagem; quanto ao foco; quanto ao nível de medição; quanto ao grau de complexidade; bem como a algumas questões complementares. Verifica-se que o ambiente em que os SMD estão mais difundidos é o corporativo, no entanto, atualmente, várias abordagens vêm tratando da cadeia de suprimentos, serviços e indivíduo. A maioria das abordagens analisadas foi do tipo prática, com foco não financeiro e nos mais diversos níveis de medição e grau de complexidade. As contribuições deste trabalho concentram-se na geração de um melhor e sistematizado conhecimento sobre o tema de sistemas de medição de desempenho, bem como na identificação das tendências futuras dentro deste tema.
Formação de professores e pedagogias críticas: é possível ir além das narrativas redentoras?
Authors: Fischman Gustavo E. , Sales Sandra Regina
Published: July 2010

O artigo apresenta reflexões sobre a pedagogia crítica como narrativa redentora nos cursos de formação de professores. Quando se usa a pedagogia crítica adotando essas narrativas, as escolas são apresentadas de maneira dualista, ou seja, como vítima e, ao mesmo tempo, causadora de muitos problemas educacionais e sociais. A ironia é que, além disso, a escola e os professores aparecem nessa narrativa como os melhores recursos da esperança pedagógica. Argumentamos que, para que a pedagogia crítica se torne um discurso político-educacional viável na formação docente, é necessário considerar novas estratégias para além das posições redentoras, abandonando essencialismos dicotômicos e a figura do “superprofessor consciente crítico”, como agente de mudança educacional.
Uma análise acerca do boicote dos estudantes aos exames de avaliação da educação superior
Authors: Leitão Thiago , Moriconi Gabriela , Abrão Mariangela , Silva Dayse
Published: July 2010

O artigo analisa o fenômeno denominado boicote aos exames que compõem o sistema de avaliação do ensino superior no Brasil, dando ênfase ao Exame Nacional de Avaliação do Desempenho do Estudante (ENADE). Evidencia a magnitude do fenômeno, ao longo do tempo, entre as instituições públicas e privadas, por tipo de boicote. A análise econométrica realizada tomou como base os dados do último triênio de avaliação do ENADE, identificando as variáveis que mais afetaram a decisão do aluno em adotar esse comportamento, assim como permitindo traçar um perfil do estudante que aderiu ao fenômeno. Como principal conclusão, o estudo mostra que o boicote, quando analisado de uma forma geral, não se mostra significativo, uma vez que o percentual de ocorrência nunca foi superior a 3,5%; quando analisado por curso, porém, a incidência desse fenômeno apresentou grandes variações. O presente artigo também apresenta algumas possíveis motivações para esse comportamento, entre elas, a insatisfação do aluno com o curso ou com a instituição.
Titulação escolar, condição de "elite" e posição social
Authors: Coradini Odaci Luiz
Published: July 2010

O artigo tem como objetivo a apresentação de resultados do exame das relações entre titulação universitária, ocupação profissional e posição social no Brasil das últimas décadas. Utilizando como fonte de dados empíricos os microdados dos censos, é confrontada a titulação universitária com os destinos ocupacionais e o rendimento do trabalho principal. Conforme a hipótese geral, como os usos sociais da titulação universitária se inscrevem numa diversidade de mercados e de relações diferenciadas com a estrutura de poder, por um lado ocorre o crescimento da proporção daqueles que têm alguma ocupação de "elite", por outro, a forte polivalência nos usos da titulação universitária resulta também na grande quantidade dos que exercem alguma ocupação com rendimento inferior ao daqueles da categoria ocupacional correspondente ao título. A área de conhecimento tem pouca importância para tanto, ao contrário das possibilidades de usos da titulação em alguma função de comando ou abaixo da respectiva categoria profissional.
Raça versus etnia: diferenciar para melhor aplicar
Authors: Santos Diego Junior da Silva , Palomares Nathália Barbosa , Normando David , Quintão Cátia Cardoso Abdo
Published: July 2010

Frequentemente, estudos que utilizam populações são questionados quanto à homogeneidade de suas amostras em relação à raça e etnia. Esses questionamentos procedem, pois a heterogeneidade amostral pode aumentar a variabilidade dos resultados e mascará-los. Esses dois conceitos (raça e etnia) são confundidos inúmeras vezes, mas existem diferenças sutis entre ambos: raça engloba características fenotípicas, como a cor da pele, e etnia também compreende fatores culturais, como a nacionalidade, afiliação tribal, religião, língua e as tradições de um determinado grupo. A despeito da ampla utilização do termo "raça", cresce entre os geneticistas a definição de que raça é um conceito social, muito mais que científico.
Treatment for Advanced and Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma: Combined Modalities
Authors: Rauh-Hain J. Alejandro , Carmen Marcela G.
Published: July 2010

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the role of radiation therapy for advanced stage endometrial cancer in order to differentiate between patients who should receive only radiation therapy and patients requiring surgery and/or chemotherapy in addition to radiation.Evaluate the role of surgery for stage IV and recurrent endometrial cancer in order to select patients most likely to benefit from cytoreductive surgery.Evaluate the role of chemotherapy, particularly in conjunction with radiotherapy, in advanced stage endometrial carcinoma and select appropriate candidates for multimodality therapy.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Women with recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer constitute a heterogeneous group of patients. Depending on previous treatment, women with recurrent endometrial cancer may be appropriate candidates for surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, or chemotherapy. Women with advanced stage disease at presentation may also be appropriate candidates for systemic and local therapies. We review the treatment options available to treat recurrent and locally advanced endometrial cancer.

Treatment choice depends largely on the localization of disease, the patient's performance status and previous treatment history, as well the tumor's hormonal receptor status. Radiation therapy is appropriate for isolated vaginal recurrences in patients with no previous history of radiation therapy. Patients with recurrent low-grade tumors overexpressing estrogen and progesterone receptors may be treated with progestin therapy. Systemic therapy is appropriate for patients with disseminate recurrences or advanced stage disease at presentation, or for those with receptor-negative tumors. We review all these different treatment strategies available to patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
The hidden life of NAD+-consuming ectoenzymes in the endocrine system
Authors: Malavasi Fabio , Deaglio Silvia , Zaccarello Gianluca , Horenstein Alberto L , Chillemi Antonella , Audrito Valentina , Serra Sara , Gandione Marina , Zitella Andrea , Tizzani Alessandro
Published: July 2010

Ectoenzymes are a family of cell surface molecules whose catalytic domain lies in the extracellular region. A subset of this family, nucleotide-metabolizing ectoenzymes, are key components in the regulation of the extracellular balance between nucleotides (e.g. NAD+ or ATP) and nucleosides (e.g. adenosine). Their substrates and products are signalling molecules that act by binding to specific receptors, triggering signals that regulate a variety of functions, ranging from the migration of immune cells, to synaptic transmission in the brain, to hormone/receptor interactions in the glands. Almost two decades of accumulated data indicate that these regulatory processes significantly affect the endocrine system, a tightly controlled information signal complex with clear evidence of fine regulation. Functional models discussed in this review include insulin secretion, bone modelling and the association between hormones and behaviour. The emerging pattern is one of a system operating as a scale-free network that hinges around hubs of key molecules, such as NAD+ or ATP. The underlying natural link between nucleotides, ectoenzymes and the endocrine system is far from being clearly demonstrated. However, the body of evidence supporting the existence of such connection is growing exponentially. This review will try to read the available evidence in a hypothesis-oriented perspective, starting from the description of NAD+ and of ecto- and endoenzymes involved in its metabolism.
Hydro-environmental modeling of proposed Severn barrage, UK
Authors: Ahmadian Reza , Falconer Roger , Lin Binliang
Published: July 2010

This paper presents details of a numerical modelling study of the Cardiff–Weston barrage proposal for Britain’s River Severn, previously studied by the Severn Tidal Power Group. The study focuses mainly on investigating the potential far-field and near-field hydro-environmental impacts of the barrage by using an integrated one- and two-dimensional numerical hydro-environmental model. The model was set up for a large domain, starting from the outer Bristol Channel close to Lundy Island to the River Severn tidal limit near Gloucester. Potential changes in water elevations, tidal currents and consequently flood risk, sediment concentrations and background bacterial levels were assessed by comparing the model predictions for both the existing conditions and those with the barrage included. The results of the study show that the barrage has the potential to reduce maximum water elevations and tidal currents in this highly dynamic estuary. As a result of changes in tidal currents, a corresponding reduction in suspended sediment levels will lead to a predicted reduction in the concentration levels of faecal bacteria, which are associated with sediment deposition/erosion and increased light penetration within the water column. An increase and change in the benthic biodiversity of the estuary is also predicted to occur.
Lerwick district heating scheme Shetland Islands, UK
Authors: Martin Neville Adrian , Spence William
Published: July 2010

District heating schemes are rare in the UK. Incineration of municipal waste has become controversial despite it being common practice in much of Europe where it is seen as good environmental practice. Currently in the UK many waste to energy recovery plants are being developed which use complex technologies that avoid the word ‘incineration’. Many produce only electricity, dumping most of the potential energy as heat. Heat is about 50% of the UK energy demand. Without most of this being met by sustainable sources such as energy recovery plants, the UK will not meet its ambitious carbon reduction commitments. Energy recovery plants have the potential to be the main catalyst to establish district heating networks in the UK. Once the networks are established other heat sources from power stations, industry and renewable sources can join in. The scheme at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, UK, has been operating for 10 years and has been so successful that new heat sources are required if it is to go forward and eventually serve the whole town. The study looks at how the scheme was conceived, sold to the customers, developed and how it is likely to expand further.
Monist Models of Mind and Biological Psychiatry
Authors: McLaren Niall
Published: July 2010

Theories of psychiatry do not exist an intellectual vacuum. They must mesh at many points with other bodies of knowledge. Biological psychiatry tries to prove that mental disorder and brain disorder are one and the same thing. This has no rational basis in any accepted theory of mind. This article examines two other philosophical theories that biological psychiatrists might use as their rationale: Dennett’s functionalism and Searle’s natural biologism. However, these avowedly antidualist theories fail, as they secretly rely on irreducibly dualist notions to complete their explanatory accounts of mind. Biological psychiatry is thus an ideology, not a scientific theory.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Water Quality of an Urbanized River in Algeria: The Case of Soummam Wadi
Authors: Maane‐Messai S. , Laignel B. , Motelay‐Massei A. , Madani K. , Chibane M.
Published: July 2010

Spatial and temporal variations of water quality were investigated at four sites of an urbanized river in Algeria during a period of low water level in the years 2002, 2003, and 2004. Physical‐chemical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, suspended matter, chemical oxygen demand [COD], and 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand [BOD5]) were measured. The Soummam River showed a strong pollutant load, which was organic in origin and expressed by mean concentrations in suspended matter, COD and BOD5 exceeding 150, 100, and 50 mg/L, respectively. The spatial variation highlighted two areas—(1) the first one gathers the upstream and central sites of the river, and (2) the second one is found downstream. In the downstream area, the pollutant load is almost twice as high as in the first area and, the percent saturation of dissolved oxygen is relatively weak (<55%). This load is the result of the significant volume of urban and industrial emissions in the river, the high temperature during low‐water‐level periods, and flood events, which occurred just before the period of low water level. The Soummam River was classified according to the criteria of appreciation of surface water and was found to be extremely polluted. This work is one of the first studies on the quality of rivers in Algeria. This research will be useful as a first step for future works in North Africa and will add to knowledge on the water quality in the Mediterranean Basin.
Modification of Pineapple Peel Fiber as Metal Ion Adsorbent through Reaction with Succinic Anhydride in Pyridine and Dimethyl Sulfoxide Solvents
Authors: Hu Xiuyi , Zhao Mouming , Huang Huihua
Published: July 2010

Reactions between saponified pineapple peel fiber (SPPF) and succinic anhydride were performed in refluxed pyridine and dimethyl sulfoxide to obtain modified pineapple peel fiber in pyridine (MPPF‐PY) and modified pineapple peel fiber in dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature (MPPF‐DMRT) and at 70°C (MPPF‐DM70) as novel metal ionic adsorbents. The modified pineapple peel fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The MPPF‐PY, MPPF‐DMRT, and MPPF‐DM70 showed higher Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ adsorption capacity than raw pineapple peel fiber (RPPF) and SPPF. Dimethyl sulfoxide favored introduction of a carboxylic function group into pineapple peel fiber compared with pyridine. The elevated reaction temperature of dimethyl sulfoxide could increase the adsorption capacity of the modified pineapple fiber. Optimum pH values for Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ removal by MPPF‐DM70 were pH 5.5, 7.5, and 5.5, respectively. The Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ adsorptions by MPPF‐DM70 followed the pseudo second‐order kinetics model and Langmuir model.
Anaerobic Biological Treatment of Alginate Production Wastewaters in a Pilot‐Scale Expended Granular Sludge Bed Reactor Under Moderate to Low Temperatures
Authors: Li Gaojie , Zhang Zhenjia
Published: July 2010

Psychrophilic anaerobic digestion recently has been demonstrated as a cost‐effective option for the treatment of a range of wastewater categories. In this study, the treatment of alginate production wastewaters was carried out in a pilot‐scale expended granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor. After a 40‐day startup with two inocula, a 163‐day experiment was run, from moderate to low temperatures, to treat seaweed‐based‐production wastewater. The results showed that inoculating with the active granular sludge instead of flocculent biomass can remarkably speed up the startup, and, at applied organic loading rates of 1.5 to 3.0 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m3·d, COD removal efficiencies of 55.4 to 72.6% were achieved. The volatile suspended solids ratio decreased slowly with operation time, as a result of the extremely slow growth rates of microorganisms and the accumulation of inorganic substances. Morphological examination and particle‐size distribution of the granules revealed their tendency to disintegrate. Inorganic precipitates, microorganism shift, and substrate limitations may have contributed to it.
The Capture and Destruction of Escherichia coli from Simulated Urban Runoff Using Conventional Bioretention Media and Iron Oxide‐coated Sand
Authors: Zhang Lan , Seagren Eric A. , Davis Allen P. , Karns Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2010

The performance, sustainability, and mechanisms of bacterial removal from stormwater runoff by bioretention systems are poorly understood. The potential for removal of microorganisms in bioretention systems was evaluated using column studies and simulated urban stormwater runoff. Conventional bioretention media (CBM) removed 82% of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain B6914 cells; iron‐oxide coated sand (IOCS) significantly enhanced capture, with 99% efficiency. This improvement possibly was because of the greater positive surface charge and roughness of the IOCS. Trapped strain B6914 cells decayed more rapidly in CBM, however, with more than 99.98% die‐off within one week compared with the IOCS in which approximately 48% of trapped cells survived. Predation and competition from native microorganisms in CBM were verified to play a dominant role in rapid destruction of trapped strain B6914. In particular, protozoan grazing appeared to play an important role, with the die‐off of trapped B6914 increasing with increasing concentrations of protozoa.
Constructed Wetlands for Water Pollution Management of Aquaculture Farms Conducting Earthen Pond Culture
Authors: Lin Ying‐Feng , Jing Shuh‐Ren , Lee Der‐Yuan , Chang Yih‐Feng , Sui Hsuan‐Yu
Published: July 2010

This study established farm‐scale constructed wetlands integrated to shrimp ponds, using existing earthern pond areas, with a wetland‐to‐pond ratio of only 0.086 for shrimp culture. The constructed wetlands were used as practice for aquaculture water and wastewater treatment, to regulate the water quality of shrimp ponds and manage pollution from pond effluents. The results of water quality monitoring for influent and effluent showed that constructed wetlands significantly reduced total suspended solids (59 to 72%), turbidity (55 to 65%), chlorophyll a (58 to 72%), 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand (29 to 40%), and chemical oxygen demand (13 to 24%) from pond water. The wetland treatment sufficiently regulated water quality of the recirculating shrimp pond, which was significantly (p<0.05) better than that in a control shrimp pond, without the connection of constructed wetlands. Furthermore, the wetland‐treated effluent satisfied the national effluent standards for aquaculture farms (R.O.C. Environmental Protection Administration, 2007). Accordingly, wetland treatment applications were proposed to implement the best management practices to reduce pollution from aquaculture farms in Taiwan.
Treatment of Ammonia by Catalytic Wet Oxidation Process Over Platinum‐Rhodium Bimetallic Catalyst in a Trickle‐Bed Reactor: Effect of pH
Authors: Hung Chang‐Mao , Lin Wei‐Bang , Ho Ching‐Lin , Shen Yun‐Hwei , Hsia Shao‐Yi
Published: July 2010

This work adopted aqueous solutions of ammonia for use in catalytic liquid‐phase reduction in a trickle‐bed reactor with a platinum‐rhodium bimetallic catalyst, prepared by the co‐precipitation of chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6) and rhodium nitrate [Rh(NO3)3]. The experimental results demonstrated that a minimal amount of ammonia was removed from the solution by wet oxidation in the absence of any catalyst, while approximately 97.0% of the ammonia was removed by wet oxidation over the platinum‐rhodium bimetallic catalyst at 230°C with an oxygen partial pressure of 2.0 MPa. The oxidation of ammonia has been studied as a function of pH, and the main reaction products were determined. A synergistic effect is manifest in the platinum‐rhodium bimetallic structure, in which the material has the greatest capacity to reduce ammonia. The reaction pathway linked the oxidizing ammonia to nitric oxide, nitrogen, and water.
Medical Technology and the U.S. Healthcare System: Is This the Road to Abilene?
Authors: Sheingold Steven , Sheingold Brenda Helen
Published: July 2010

The conventional wisdom that Americans are unwilling to discuss limits to healthcare resources or tolerate any restrictions on treatment choices presents a formidable barrier to implementing policies that would reduce healthcare cost growth. Typical explanations for the conventional wisdom are plentiful, but not entirely useful in providing guidance for appropriate policy responses. In this paper, we analyze an organizational theory known as the Abilene Paradox to explain the lack of public engagement and the paucity of research concerning public values and preferences on difficult healthcare issues such as the use of medical technology. The analysis suggests that one strategy for improving policymaking would be to expand on recent research efforts concerning public participation in decisions about medical technology. These efforts demonstrate that when structured, deliberative methods are employed, members of the public are both willing and able to engage as social decision makers for allocating limited resources.
Developing an Instrument for Measuring Human Dignity and Its Relationship to Health in Palestinian Refugees
Authors: Khatib Rasha , Armenian Haroutune
Published: July 2010

This study was conducted in an attempt to asses a recently developed instrument to measure dignity and examine how it affects health status. In this study it was expected that those who scored lower on this dignity scale (under development) were more likely to also have lower health status. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted during the month of July, 2006, among 404 adult Palestinian refugees to examine the association between dignity and health. Health was assessed using the SF‐36 questionnaire. Dignity was assessed using an instrument consisting of four themes; autonomy, self‐respect, worthiness, and self‐esteem. Results show a positive association between health and dignity levels. Four of the models assessed physical health; of them, role limitation due to physical health, pain, and general health appear to statistically significantly improve per one unit improvement in dignity scores (OR = 1.045, 1.068, and 1.104, respectively, with p‐values <0.001). Four other models assessed mental health; of those, energy/fatigue and emotional problems appear to statistically significantly improve per unit increase in dignity scores (OR = 1.094, 1.066, respectively, with p‐values <0.001).
Reflective Skills of Pre-Service Teachers: A Cross-Cultural Study of American and Japanese College Students
Authors: Izumi-Taylor Satomi , Lee Yu-Yuan , Moberly Deborah , Wang Lei
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine similarities and differences in concepts of reflection among American and Japanese pre-service teachers majoring in early childhood education. Pre-service teachers completed a survey asking them to describe approaches and processes of reflection in their daily practice. The quantitative and qualitative data analysis revealed that both American and Japanese pre-service teachers considered reflection to be related to their thinking, improvement, and morals. However, although American pre-service teachers viewed reflection to be associated with teaching skills, none of their Japanese counterparts perceived it in this way. Their cultures clearly influenced their concepts of reflection: specifically, American pre-service teachers noted that college instructors encouraged them to write down their reflections, while their Japanese counterparts indicated that reflection was supported by talking to others. Reflection was perceived to be a disposition by American pre-service teachers, whereas their Japanese counterparts viewed it as a skill that they had already learned from early childhood. Implications for teacher education are also presented.
Enhancing the First-Year University Experience: Linking University Orientation and Engagement Strategies to Student Connectivity and Capability
Authors: Larmar Stephen , Ingamells Ann
Published: July 2010

Over the past decade in Australia there has been an increasing focus in higher education on identifying cogent approaches for assisting first-year university students in their transition into the university setting. In recent years, an emerging body of literature has given emphasis to the efficacy of a range of strategies for engaging first-year undergraduate students. This article reports on a range of effective school-based university orientation and engagement activities that have been informed by the current body of knowledge on student engagement in higher education. Discussion gives emphasis to the impacts of a range of strategies on the early learning environment experiences of first-year students within the School of Human Services and Social Work at Griffith University, Australia. Attention is also drawn to some of the implications for best practice in the orientation and engagement of first-year students at the levels of the institution, academics and students. Finally, the article identifies how the school-based initiated strategies suggest a broad set of possibilities for engagement and change.
Chemical conjugation of biomacromolecules: A mini-review
Authors: Farkaš Pavol , Bystrický Slavomír
Published: July 2010

Biological studies showed that assembles of biomolecules can dramatically change their physiological effectiveness. Covalent coupling of different types of biomolecules leads to novel biomacromolecules of different properties. Generally, bioconjugate chemistry opens a new dimension in biomedical and biotechnology research. In this review, some important chemical methods of bioconjugates preparation used in the practice are described. Proteins and saccharides modification methods and employment of linkers used to achieve new functionalities are discussed. Common bioconjugation methods are emphasized and novel methods from recent years are described. Except in chemistry, benefits and limits of the studied methods are outlined.
Sport and Physical Activities in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sekot Aleš
Published: July 2010

Sport and Physical Activities in the Czech Republic

The situation on the field of physical/sportive activities in Czech Republic has been affected in the course of recent decades with fundamental political, economical and cultural changes of transforming society and general situation of workforce in context of sedentary society in particular. To contribute to increasing knowledge of the present-day position of sport in the Czech Republic means to search the relevant relations of municipalities and their policies to various levels of sport. To discuss the situation of sport includes describing the present position and role of sport activities in different societal and demografic parts of society too. From the perspective of the situation in sport delivery at the municipal level it must be borne in mind that there are diverse voluntary sports organizations in existence within the municipality, and, naturally, there is also the private sector. Underlying health determinants of a socioeconomic nature play a major role in causing vulnerability to health risks, including obesity as relevant negative reflection of passive way of life. Representative documents retrieved on national and school policies reflected by findings of the PREVOB Project confirmed mutually dependent and interconnected topical issues like nutrition policy and physical activity policy. The phenomenon of physical/sportive activity is connected with lifestyle behaviours. The most critical policy area on physical/sportive activity is the sole fact of sedentary nature of contemporary society: a very high level of prestige of sport and sportive activities in Czech society is incompatible with a very low level of practical regular physical or sport activities.
The gender of coffee
Authors: Helms Elissa
Published: July 2010

This article explores the gendering of reconciliation initiatives from the perspective of Bosniac women active in women's NGOs in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina. I illustrate how established patriarchal gender relations and socialistera models of women's community involvement framed the ways in which some women's NGO participants constructed essential ethno-national and gender differences, in contrast to dominant donor discourses. This leads to exploration of how gender patterns embedded in the institution of komšiluk (good-neighborliness), particularly women's coffee visits, provided both obstacle and opportunity for renewed life together among ethnic others separated by wartime ethnic cleansing. Distinguishing between the two concepts, I show how, from the perspective of women's roles and experiences, “life together” may be all that displaced women want or expect out of “reconciliation” initiatives, and that even this may be beyond the capacity of many displaced people to forego talk about injustices and guilt stemming from the war.
New lamps for old?
Authors: Hart Keith
Published: July 2010

The Editors of Focaal asked me to comment on
the recent award of a so-called Nobel Prize in
economic sciences to Oliver Williamson, a
founder of New Institutional Economics (NIE),
and Elinor Ostrom, a political scientist who is
best known for her work on “common property
regimes” and “public entrepreneurs.” The
committee of the Bank of Sweden commended
the two of them for their work on “economic
governance,” which has reshaped how economists
think about the nature of the firm and
the boundaries between private and public institutions.
The Human Document Project and Challenges
Authors: Manz Andreas
Published: July 2010

Literature, newspapers or science use the internet, paper and written language for documenting their contents and transmitting it to the readers. The time scale for this is typically a human generation or can be much less. Technically speaking, printed paper, as such, will not necessarily survive very much longer. The computerized modern world has boosted the storage and accessibility of much more information. However, this has not improved the survival time scale [1]. [...]
Molecular Characterization of the Archaeal Community in an Amazonian Wetland Soil and Culture-Dependent Isolation of Methanogenic Archaea
Authors: Pazinato Jeanedy M. , Paulo Ezio N. , Mendes Lucas W. , Vazoller Rosana F. , Tsai Siu M.
Published: July 2010

Tropical wetlands are the major natural source of methane released into the atmosphere, producing about 60% of all natural emissions. The great wetland areas of the Amazon basin are the largest source of methane in this region, contributing an estimated 5% of the total emissions from the world’s flooded areas. However, despite the important role that methanogenic archaea play in these environments, there have been few studies on the composition of their archaeal communities. In this survey, four 16S rRNA archaeal clone libraries from different depths were constructed to examine the archaeal community in an Amazon wetland soil. A total of 599 clones were used to perform diversity and phylogenetic analyses. A broad, diverse archaeal community was found at the site, with the diversity decreasing as the depth increased (Shannon index range: 2.40–1.94). Phylogenetic analysis revealed sequences belonging to two archaeal phyla, with 65% classified as Crenarchaeota and 35% classified as Euryarchaeota. Within the Euryarchaeota group, most sequences were clustered into the Methanococci and Methanomicrobia classes, two groups of methanogens. Based on the abundance of methanogenic organisms, culture–dependent isolation was used to isolate these organisms. To enhance the growth of methanogenic archaea, a modified atmosphere (H2:CO2 = 80:20) was established combined with an anoxic environment for 18 months. Among the isolates, the genera Methanosarcina and Methanobacterium were detected throughout the anaerobic in vitro cultivation, indicating a possible role for these organisms in methane production. In conclusion, these exploratory molecular and culture–dependent approaches enhance our understanding of the archaeal community and methanogenic archaea living in wetland soils of the eastern Amazon and their role in methane production.
Erev, I. et al. A Choice Prediction Competition for Market Entry Games: An Introduction. Games 2010, 1, 117-136
Authors: Erev Ido , Ert Eyal , Roth Alvin E.
Published: July 2010

Ion Juvina found an error in our manuscript published in Games. [...]
Total Fume and Metal Concentrations during Welding in Selected Factories in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Balkhyour Mansour Ahmed , Goknil Mohammad Khalid
Published: July 2010

Welding is a major industrial process used for joining metals. Occupational exposure to welding fumes is a serious occupational health problem all over the world. The degree of risk to welder’s health from fumes depends on composition, concentration, and the length of exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate workers’ welding fume exposure levels in some industries in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In each factory, the air in the breathing zone within 0.5 m from welders was sampled during 8-hour shifts. Total particulates, manganese, copper, and molybdenum concentrations of welding fumes were determined. Mean values of eight-hour average particulate concentrations measured during welding at the welders breathing zone were 6.3 mg/m3 (Factory 1), 5.3 mg/m3 (Factory 2), 11.3 mg/m3 (Factory 3), 6.8 mg/m3 (Factory 4), 4.7 mg/m3 (Factory 5), and 3.0 mg/m3 (Factory 6). Mean values of airborne manganese, copper, and molybdenum levels measured during welding were in the range of 0.010 mg/m3–0.477 mg/m3, 0.001 mg/m3–0.080 mg/m3 and 0.001 mg/m3–0.058 mg/m3 respectively. Mean values of calculated equivalent exposure values were: 1.50 (Factory 1), 1.56 (Factory 2), 5.14 (Factory 3), 2.21 (Factory 4), 2.89 (Factory 5), and 1.20 (Factory 6). The welders in factories 1, 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to welding fume concentration above the SASO limit value, which may increase the risk of respiratory health problems.
The Health Effect of Psychostimulants: A Literature Review
Authors: Favrod-Coune Thierry , Broers Barbara
Published: July 2010

Prevalence of psychostimulant use is high, and raising in several countries. Nicotine is the legal stimulant causing the most important public health impact. Cocaine ranks among the most used illicit substances after cannabis. Stimulant medications are frequently misused. Psychostimulants can lead to addiction, have physical, psychological and social health consequences and can induce a great disease burden. The aim of the present article is to provide a literature review on the health effects of stimulants as potential drugs of abuse. It will cover essentially cocaine, amphetamines and its derivatives (including methamphetamines and 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy), nicotine, caffeine and khat, and touch upon the issues of prescribed substances (anti-depressants, weight control medications, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medications, hypersomniac disorder). Their pharmacology, addictive potential, health consequences and treatment will be discussed. We used Medline for the literature review from 1990 to the date of this review, and mention the findings of human and animal studies (the latter only if they are of clinical relevance).
Grassland Governance and Common-Interest Communities
Authors: Schutz Anthony B.
Published: July 2010

In the United States, today’s ranches are engaging in small-scale nature-based endeavors to diversify their income base. But the geographic boundary of the land they own creates a relatively small area within which to operate, and fragmented ownership diminishes the ability of any single landowner to produce nature-based income. Collective action among nearby landowners can produce a set of resources from which all members of the group can profit. Such action can enhance the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of grasslands and the populations that use them. This article shows that common-interest communities can be used to provide and allocate wildlife and other resources on ranchlands, enabling individual landowners to generate more income from selling nature-based experiences to customers. Common-interest communities are familiar in urban settings but they have not yet been used in this setting. Thus, the article proposes a new approach to ranchland management based upon a familiar set of largely private legal arrangements. More broadly, the article illustrates the relevance of private law and private property to sustainable development by explaining how property owners can use private law to engage in environmentally beneficial and economically profitable enterprises on the vast privately owned landscape of the U.S. Great Plains.
Combining Life Cycle Thinking with Social Theory: Case Study of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) in the Philippines
Authors: Sahakian Marlyne D.
Published: July 2010

Resource depletion remains central to human economic activity with resulting negative consequences for the local and global environment. Material and energy consumption patterns are also increasing globally, as developing countries follow the trail blazed by more industrialized countries. Consumers play a role in shifting towards more sustainable forms of consumption. However, consumer-oriented public-policy measures are often restricted to informational campaigns based on moral and price arguments. A multidisciplinary approach to sustainable consumption must go beyond this limited vision of consumers if transitions toward more environmentally friendly consumption patterns are to be made possible. Both a biophysical and social understanding of consumption is necessary. This paper proposes a systemic approach to consumption studies, combining an assessment of consumption patterns with an understanding of the drivers behind them. The concepts will be illustrated using a case study of the government-led promotion of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in Metro Manila, the Philippines. Conclusions will include general policy-recommendations.
Behind the Looking-Glass: A Review on Human Symmetry Perception
Authors: Treder Matthias Sebastian
Published: July 2010

The human visual system is highly proficient in extracting bilateral symmetry from visual input. This paper reviews empirical and theoretical work on human symmetry perception with a focus on recent issues such as its neural underpinnings. Symmetry detection is shown to be a versatile, ongoing visual process that interacts with other visual processes. Evidence seems to converge towards the idea that symmetry detection is subserved by a preprocessing stage involving spatial filters followed by information integration across the visual field in higher-tier cortical areas.
Combined evaluation of myocardial perfusion and coronary morphology in the identification of subclinical CAD
Authors: Vincenti G. , Quercioli A. , Zaidi H. , Nkoulou R. , Dewarrat S. , Rager O. , Ambrosio G. , Seimbille Y. , Mach F. , Ratib O. , Schindler T. H.
Published: July 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the mean effective radiation dose of 13N-ammonia PET/CT and ECGpulsing CT angiography (CTA) in the evaluation of myocardial perfusion, myocardial blood flow (MBF) and coronary morphology for the identification of subclinical CAD. Patients, material, methods: Following rest-stress 13N-ammonia PET/CT perfusion imaging and MBF quantification, ECG-pulsing CTA at a pulse window of 70% of the R-R cycle was performed in ten healthy controls and in sixteen individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. Individual radiation dose exposure for ECG-pulsing CTA was estimated from the dose-length product. Results: PET demonstrated normal perfusion in all study individuals, while hyperemic MBFs during dipyridamole stimulation and the myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in cardiovascular risk individuals were significantly lower than in healthy controls (1.34 ± 0.26 vs. 2.28 ± 0.47 ml/g/min and 1.48 ± 0.39 vs. 3.24 ± 0.81, both p . 0.0001). Further, ECG-pulsing CTA identified mild calcified and non-calcified coronary plaque burden in 7 (43%) individuals of the cardiovascular risk group. Rest-stress 13N-ammonia PET/CT perfusion study yielded a mean effective radiation dose of 3.07 ± 0.06 mSv (2.07 ± 0.06 mSv from the rest-stress 13N-ammonia injections and 1.0 mSv from the 2 CT transmission scans), while ECG-pulsing CTA was associated with 5.57 ± 2.00 mSv. The mean effective radiation dose of the combined 13N-ammonia PET/CT and ECG-pulsing CTA exams in the evaluation of myocardial perfusion and coronary morphology was 8.0 ± 1.5 mSv. Conclusion: 13N-ammonia PET/CT and ECG-pulsing CTA affords cardiac hybrid imaging studies in the evaluation of subclinical CAD with a relatively low mean effective radiation exposure of 8.0 ± 1.5mSv.
Monitoring of Intraportal Liver Cell Application in Children
Authors: Meyburg Jochen , Hoerster Friederike , Schmidt Jan , Poeschl Johannes , Hoffmann Georg F. , Schenk Jens-Peter
Published: July 2010

Despite recent advances and promising results in children, liver cell transplantation (LCT) should still be regarded as an experimental therapy. Several substantial complications are known from animal studies and individual patients. However, safety data on liver cell infusion in children are scarce. We used LCT in four children of different ages (3 weeks to 11 years, 3–40 kg) and underlying diseases [acute liver failure ( n = 1), urea cycle disorders ( n = 2), and Crigler-Najjar syndrome ( n = 1)]. Vital parameters, portal vein flow (PVF), portal vein pressure (PVP), and liver enzymes were measured every 5 min during cell application and hourly thereafter between applications. An application protocol with discontinuation rules depending on changes in PVF and PVP was developed and successfully applied. Application was feasible in all children despite the catastrophic overall condition of the patient with acute liver failure. No application-related changes in vital parameters were found, and none of the children experienced clinical signs of portal vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or anaphylactic reactions. Time courses for changes in PVF, PVP, and liver enzymes were obtained. Thorough monitoring of portal vein pressure and duplex sonography according to a defined protocol is likely to increase safety of cell application in pediatric LCT.
Dystrophin Expression following the Transplantation of Normal Muscle Precursor Cells Protects mdx Muscle from Contraction-Induced Damage
Authors: Rousseau Joel , Dumont Nicolas , Lebel Carl , Quenneville Simon P. , Côté Claude H. , Frenette Jérome , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: July 2010

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent muscular dystrophy. Currently, there is no cure for the disease. The transplantation of muscle precursor cells (MPCs) is one of the possible treatments, because it can restore the expression of dystrophin in DMD muscles. In this study, we investigated the effects of myoblasts injected with cardiotoxin on the contractile properties and resistance to eccentric contractions of transplanted and nontransplanted muscles. We used the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) as a model for our study. We conclude that the sole presence of dystrophin in a high percentage of muscle fibers is not sufficient by itself to increase the absolute or the specific force in the EDL of transplanted mdx muscle. This lack of strength increase may be due to the extensive damage that was produced by the cardiotoxin, which was coinjected with the myoblasts. However, the dystrophin presence is sufficient to protect muscle from eccentric damage as indicated by the force drop results.