bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between oligopeptides and oxidised titanium surfaces detected by vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Di Foggia Michele , Taddei Paola , Torreggiani Armida , Dettin Monica , Tinti Anna
Published: June 2010

Five alternating polar/hydrophobic oligopeptides derived from EAK 16 (AEAEAKAKAEAEAKAK) were examined in comparison with EAK 16 (peptide 1) both after solubilisation/lyophilisation and deposition on oxidised titanium surfaces. The peptides were synthesised for their possible use as biomimetic materials due to their self‐assembling properties and the presence, in one of them, of the arginine‐glycine‐aspartic (RGD) sequence, an active modulator of cell adhesion. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies were used to investigate the influence of the amino acid substitution on the self‐assembling properties of the peptides under both experimental conditions. In the lyophilised peptides, β‐sheet was the prevailing conformation (65–69%) as in EAK 16, irrespective of acid substitution (E→D, peptide 2), basic substitution (K→O, peptide 3), hydrophobic spacer substitution (A→Abu, peptide 4 and A→Y, peptide 5) and RGD insertion (peptide 6). After deposition on oxidised titanium, the main conformation remained β‐sheet. The side‐chain shortening of the acidic amino acid residue (peptide 2) or the insertion of a rigid and bulky residue such as Y (peptide 5) decreased the self‐assembling ability more than the side‐chain shortening of the basic amino acid residue (peptide 3) or the insertion of the RGD head (peptide 6). The interaction with the oxidised titanium surface was mainly due to carboxylate groups with a bidentate bridging coordination and C O peptidic groups. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of quinolones in fish by liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection: Comparison of sub‐2 μm particles and conventional C18 columns
Authors: Zhang Hong , Chen Si , Lu Yanbin , Dai Zhiyuan
Published: June 2010

A simple and effective multi‐residue analysis method is presented for the extraction and determination of eleven quinolones (pipemidic acid, enoxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, enrofloxacin, gatifloxacin, difloxacin, oxolinic acid, nalidixic acid and flumequine) in fish tissues. In this study, multi‐residue separations on four columns packed with 5 μm or sub‐2 μm particles were simultaneously developed for the purpose of comparison. Various gradients were optimized and best resolutions were achieved on each column. A short and sub‐2 μm particle‐sized HPLC column was chosen for its advantages in analysis time and column performance. Additionally, considering the matrix effect of the complex crude fish tissue, an effective extraction protocol was also established for sample pre‐treatment procedure. Good recoveries (71–98%) were obtained from samples fortified with a mix of eleven quinolones at three levels, with satisfactory relative standard deviations and limits of detection. As a result, the sub‐2 μm HPLC column and proposed analytical procedures have been evaluated and applied to the analysis of different fish tissues. Detectable residues were observed in 8 of 30 samples, at concentrations ranging from 4.74 to 23.27 μg/kg.
Recurrent Low Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Cholestasis Following Liver Transplantation For Bile Salt Export Pump (Bsep) Disease (Posttransplant Recurrent Bsep Disease)
Authors: Siebold Leah , Dick Andre A. S. , Thompson Richard , Maggiore Giuseppe , Jacquemin Emanuel , Jaffe Ronald , Strautnieks Sandra , Grammatikopoulos Tassos , Horslen Simon , Whitington Peter F. , Shneider Benjamin L.
Published: June 2010

Bile salt export pump (BSEP) deficiency is a hereditary cholestatic syndrome that results from mutations in the ABCB11 (ATP-binding cassette B11) gene. Severely affected patients develop end-stage liver disease in the first decade of life. Liver transplantation has traditionally been thought of as curative for BSEP disease. We describe the clinical course of 6 patients who developed recurrent low γ-glutamyl transpeptidase cholestasis, that mimicks BSEP disease, following transplantation. All had documented genetic defects in ABCB11 that were predicted to lead to a congenital absence of BSEP protein. The time to development of recurrence was variable; 4 underwent repeat liver transplantation for complications of recurrent disease and all 4 again developed recurrent disease after retransplantation. Siblings of these patients who also underwent liver transplantation for BSEP disease have not developed “recurrent” disease. Three of the patients with “recurrent” disease ultimately died, 2 as a direct result of complications of their liver disease. Liver Transpl 16:856–863, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Digital necroses and vascular thrombosis in severe spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Rudnik‐Schöneborn Sabine , Vogelgesang Silke , Armbrust Sven , Graul‐Neumann Luitgard , Fusch Christoph , Zerres Klaus
Published: June 2010

Infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) caused by homozygous SMN1 gene deletions/mutations is characterized by neuronal loss and axonopathy of motor neurons. We report two unrelated patients with severe SMA type I who had only one SMN2 copy and developed ulcerations and necroses of the fingers and toes. Sural nerve biopsy was normal in patient 1, whose affected skin displayed necroses and thrombotic occlusions of small vessels. Corresponding to a mouse model and other patients with similar findings, we believe that severe survival motor neuron (SMN) deficiency may present as vasculopathy. Muscle Nerve 42: 144–147, 2010
The giving standard: conditional cooperation in the case of charitable giving
Authors: Wiepking Pamala , Heijnen Merijn
Published: June 2010

In this study, we make a first attempt to investigate the mechanisms of conditional cooperation in giving outside experiments, using retrospective survey data on charitable giving (the Giving the Netherlands Panel Study 2005 (GINPS05, 2005; N = 1474)). Our results show that in the case of door‐to‐door donations, social information affects perceived social norms for giving and, through this perception, influences the level of actual donations. The effect of social information on actual door‐to‐door donations is fully mediated by perceived social norms for giving. Furthermore, we found empirical support for the giving standard hypothesis. People in different income categories donate roughly the same amounts in separate instances (they use the same social information), and as a result people in lower income households donate a higher percentage of their income to charitable organizations.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coming soon to a live theater near you: performing arts trailers as paratexts
Authors: Preece Stephen Bruce
Published: June 2010

Dramatic changes in technology present not‐for‐profit performing arts organizations with both opportunities and challenges for engaging and attracting audiences. With its emphasis on deep engagement with a select group of users, the Internet “long tail” presents a natural application for this sector; however, performing arts groups must grapple with developing the most optimal web‐based content for their particular organizational needs. This paper analyzes the use of web‐based video offerings used currently by professional symphony orchestras in the United States and Canada. One third of observed websites included video of some kind (including a wide‐array of content), while roughly half of that number focused on promoting concerts scheduled for the future. An even smaller number have embraced the practice of presenting performing arts previews (after the longstanding tradition within the film industry) as a purposeful kind of paratext, including representational elements of the work, the performers, and the overall concert context. A conceptual frame of video types is presented and discussed, with particular attention to the preview format. The research on film previews as an analogous vehicle is evaluated including the tradition of telling the incomplete story, while also promoting the movie. The research on paratexts in relation to books, theatre programs, and film trailers is reviewed and the case is made for web‐based performing arts previews as an emergent genre within the paratext conceptual frame. Specific video examples currently in use illustrate theory and concepts presented in the paper.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Solution of Gorkov's Theory for Type‐II Superconductors by Means of the Correlation Function of the Gap
Authors: Brandt E. H.
Published: June 2010

The non‐local theory for type‐II superconductors given in a previous paper is shown to be valid even at zero temperature, where Gorkov's theory cannot be linearized. The periodic solutions for the gap. Δ, and the magnetic field, H, may be calculated from this theory by introducing the correlation function of A and H. The properties of the correlation function are discussed in detail. An explicit form of the non‐local functional is given which has to be minimized with respect to a few Fourier coefficients of |Δ|2 and H. In this way, the magnetization curve and the field distribution H is obtained.
Dependence of the Thermopower on Temperature and Crystal Direction in the Highly Anisotropic Organic Semiconductor TEA (TCNQ)21)
Authors: Parges J. P. , Brau A.
Published: June 2010

An investigation is made of the thermopower in the three available directions of crystals of TEA(TCNQ)2 and on a moulding pellet at temperatures between 100 and 300 °K. The thermopower is found to be highly anisotropic with an anomalous sign for one direction; it is negative in the directions of highest and lowest electrical conductivity but positive in the direction of intermediate conductivity.
Mössbauer Spectrum Depending on the Degree of Spin‐sYstem ordering (II)
Authors: Ya. Selyutin G.
Published: June 2010

The problem of the broadening and shift of the Mössbauer line for a ferromagnet and para magnet is discussed.
Displacement Field Of a Dislocation Loop in Anisotropic Cubic Crystals
Authors: Ohr S. M.
Published: June 2010

The displacement field around a dislocation loop in anisotropic cubic crystals has been calculated on the basis of the continuum theory. The components of displacement were obtained by means of the Fourier inversion formula applied to the product of Fourier trans forms of the elastic Green's function and the body force density appropriate for a circular dislocation loop. In performing the inverse transformation, the radial part of the integration was carried out analytically while the double integral over solid angle was evaluated numerically. The results for dislocation loops in copper and niobium are presented in the form of equi‐displacement contour plots. I n general, the displacement field is proportional to the anisotropy factor A = 2c44/(c11 − c11). In copper, the magnitude of the displacement field is greater than that of an elastically isotropic crystal by a factor of as much as two.
Magnetic Properties of NpPt and PuPt
Authors: Smith J. L. , Hill H. H.
Published: June 2010

NpPt was found t o be antiferromagnetic below 27 K; PuPt ferromagnetic (or perhaps ferrimagnetic) below 19 K and antiferromagnetic between 19 and 44 K. The apparent ferromagnetic saturation moment of PuPt is ≈ 0. 22 μBper Pu atom. The transition from anti‐ferromagnetism t o ferromagnetism in PuPt is moderately sensitive t o applied field, the overall cooperative magnetic behavior of the compound being qualitatively similar to that of the heavy rare earth metals.
On the Photoionization of Deep Repulsive Impurity Centres in Semiconductors
Authors: Yartsev V. M.
Published: June 2010

The photoionization spectrum is calculated for impurity centres having a repulsive Coulomb potential a t large distances. The short range potential is well approximated by a delta‐function. Effects of the electron‐phonon coupling are taken into account both to the acoustical and optical modes. Transitions to a higher lying band are considered. The results are in satisfactory agreement with the observed spectral dependence.
On the Calculation of the Magnetization for the Heisenberg Model at Low Temperature
Authors: Potapkov N. A.
Published: June 2010

Expansions of the spontaneous magnetization and susceptibility in powers of a dimensionless temperature are obtained exactly for the Heisenberg model at S ≧1. No approximative models (like that of Dyaon) are used. This is achieved by means of an identity representing the Heisenberg Hamiltonian in terms of products of Pauli operators2 (analogues of the spin operators) and by developing a perturbation theory for calculating the thermodynamic quantities using double‐time Green's functions.
Albumin Nanoshell Encapsulation of Near‐Infrared‐Excitable Rare‐Earth Nanoparticles Enhances Biocompatibility and Enables Targeted Cell Imaging
Authors: Naczynski Dominik J. , Andelman Tamar , Pal David , Chen Suzie , Riman Richard E. , Roth Charles M. , Moghe Prabhas V.
Published: June 2010

The use of traditional fluorophores for in vivo imaging applications is limited by poor quantum yield, poor tissue penetration of the excitation light, and excessive tissue autofluorescence, while the use of inorganic fluorescent particles that offer a high quantum yield is frequently limited due to particle toxicity. Rare‐earth‐doped nanoparticles that utilize near‐infrared upconversion overcome the optical limitations of traditional fluorophores, but are not typically suitable for biological application due to their insolubility in aqueous solution, lack of functional surface groups for conjugation of biomolecules, and potential cytotoxicity. A new approach to establish highly biocompatible and biologically targetable nanoshell complexes of luminescent rare‐earth‐doped NaYF4 nanoparticles (REs) excitable with 920–980 nm near‐infrared light for biomedical imaging applications is reported. The approach involves the encapsulation of NaYF4 nanoparticles doped with Yb and Er within human serum albumin nanoshells to create water‐dispersible, biologically functionalizable composite particles. These particles exhibit narrow size distributions around 200 nm and are stable in aqueous solution for over 4 weeks. The albumin shell confers cytoprotection and significantly enhances the biocompatibility of REs even at concentrations above 200 µg REs mL−1. Composite particles conjugated with cyclic arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (cRGD) specifically target both human glioblastoma cell lines and melanoma cells expressing αvβ3 integrin receptors. These findings highlight the promise of albumin‐encapsulated rare‐earth nanoparticles for imaging cancer cells in vitro and the potential for targeted imaging of disease sites in vivo.
Property improvement of thermoplastic mung bean starch using cotton fiber and low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Prachayawarakorn Jutarat , Hommanee Luxsana , Phosee Darin , Chairapaksatien Parichat
Published: June 2010

Due to high water uptake and low mechanical properties of biodegradable thermoplastic starch, thermoplastic starch prepared from mung bean starch (TPMBS) was modified by the incorporation of cotton fiber and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). The effect of different ratios of cotton fiber/LDPE, i.e., 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10, on water uptake, mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties of TPMBS was examined. Different TPMBS samples were prepared using internal mixer for compounding and compression molding machine for shaping samples. It was found that the TPMBS incorporated with 10:0, 7:3, and 3:7 cotton fiber/LDPE showed an increase in the stress at maximum load and Young's modulus. Moreover, the water absorption of all of the modified TPMBS samples tended to decrease as compared to the pure TPMBS. Morphological, thermal, and biodegradable properties of different TPMBS samples were also investigated.
Educational developers: The multiple structures and influences that support our work
Authors: Sorcinelli Mary Deane , Austin Ann E.
Published: June 2010

Recognizing that educational development is an important strategic lever for ensuring institutional quality, this chapter examines aspects of the careers of educational developers, including the kinds of positions they hold, the influences on their educational practice, and the factors that affect their programmatic priorities.
Understanding the disciplines within the context of educational development
Authors: Taylor K. Lynn
Published: June 2010

Because the primary teaching resource of faculty members is their disciplinary expertise, it is essential that educational developers understand how their work is shaped by an appreciation of how the structure, processes, and culture of a discipline influence faculty decisions about teaching and learning.
Unheard voices among faculty developers
Authors: Mighty Joy , Ouellett Mathew L. , Stanley Christine A.
Published: June 2010

Despite the evolution and increasing maturity of the field of faculty development over the last five decades, it currently lacks diversity of social identities and perspectives.
The cell wall integrity checkpoint: coordination between cell wall synthesis and the cell cycle
Authors: Negishi Takahiro , Ohya Yoshikazu
Published: June 2010

The cell wall is an essential cellular component for the survival of fungi. The cell wall of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoes remodelling during the cell cycle. Evidence is accumulating that there are regulatory mechanisms that link cell wall remodelling and cell cycle progression. Here, we review one such mechanism, known as the ‘cell wall integrity checkpoint’, which functions to control cell cycle progression in response to cell wall perturbation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Copper Containing Spinel‐type In2S3 Nanocrystals Prepared by Rapid Pyrolysis of a Single Molecular Precursor
Authors: Quiroga‐González Enrique , Bensch Wolfgang , Duppel Viola , Kienle Lorenz
Published: June 2010

Copper containing spinel‐type In2S3 nanocrystals were prepared by rapid pyrolysis (RP) from a single source inorganic‐organic hybrid molecular precursor with an initial Cu:In:S ratio of 1:9:16.5. The precursor was synthesized in a one‐step hydrothermal reaction with high yield. After a treatment of the precursor for 10 s at 1000 °C a powdered material was obtained. The X‐ray powder pattern exhibits broad reflections indicative for the spinel‐type and crystallites in the nanometer range, however, the positions of the reflections match well with different compounds of the In‐S and Cu‐In‐S systems. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies in connection with EDX analyses evidence the presence of cubic spinel‐type copper containing In2S3. Two such In2S3 phases coexist with one being copper poor and the other having a larger copper content. The coexistence of these two compounds is reflected by the Raman and UV/Vis spectra.
CacyBP/SIP Expression is Involved in the Clinical Progression of Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Ningju , Ma Qingyong , Wang Yinna , Ma Gang , Zhai Huihong
Published: June 2010

Objective

Calcyclin‐binding protein or Siah‐1‐interacting protein (CacyBP/SIP) is a target protein of the S100A6, which is a member of the S100 family. It has been shown that CacyBP/SIP plays important roles in cell cycle progression, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation of CacyBP/SIP expression and clinical significance in breast cancer.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the CacyBP/SIP expression in 79 pairs of breast cancer tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. Western blot analysis and semiquantitative RT‐PCR were used to measure CacyBP/SIP protein and mRNA levels in three pairs of fresh breast cancer tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. The clinical data were collected by telephone follow‐up for 5 years.

Results

CacyBP/SIP mRNA and protein levels in breast cancer tissues were significantly higher compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. Poor cellular differentiation, lymph node invasion, and clinicopathological staging in breast cancer were associated with CacyBP/SIP expression. Other factors, such as age, menses, and tumor size, were not related to CacyBP/SIP expression. The up‐regulation of CacyBP/SIP expression also was shown to increase recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer and to correlate with short overall survival rate.

Conclusions

CacyBP/SIP expression is evident in more advanced clinical progression of breast cancer, and it might be a biomarker for poor prognosis and a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Characterization of Walnut Oils (Juglans regia L.) from Asturias, Spain
Authors: Bada J. C. , León‐Camacho M. , Prieto M. , Copovi P. , Alonso L.
Published: June 2010

A total of 15 walnut (Juglans regia L.) samples from 15 cultivars from different geographical areas (Villaviciosa, Colunga, Ribadesella, Llanes, Nava, Peñamellera and Sariego) from Asturias, Spain were studied. Samples of virgin walnut oil were obtained from dehusked ground walnuts by extraction at a pressure of 160 kg cm−2 and temperature below 40 °C for 3 min. The oil obtained by pressure was filtered for analysis. Fatty acid, sterol and tocopherol compositions as determined by capillary column gas chromatography (GC) and triacylglycerols composition as determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are reported. The overall composition (percentages of husk, oil and moisture) was also determined. The higher percentages of fatty acids, as determined by capillary GC, corresponded to palmitic (6.11 ± 0.06–7.49 ± 0.04%), oleic (11.70 ± 1.10–18.90 ± 1.19%), linoleic (59.81 ± 1.03–64.77 ± 1.25%) and linolenic (11.11 ± 0.05–15.65 ± 1.09%). γ‐Tocopherol was the major component of the total tocopherols in the sample under study (289.01 ± 6.02–676.52 ± 5.98 mg kg−1 oil). β‐Sitosterol was the major sterol found (78.61 ± 1.45–86.50 ± 1.35%) followed by Δ5‐avenasterol (5.54 ± 0.92–13.81 ± 1.06%). The main triacylglycerides were LLL (24.67 ± 1.31–29.20 ± 1.22%), followed by LLLn (14.63 ± 1.01–17.06 ± 1.13%), OLL + PoLO (13.81 ± 1.01–16.14 ± 1.16%) and PLL + LnOO (11.83 ± 1.09–14.10 ± 1.10%).
A reverse genetics system of African horse sickness virus reveals existence of primary replication
Authors: Matsuo Eiko , Celma Cristina C.P. , Roy Polly
Published: June 2010

African horse sickness virus (AHSV), a member of the orbivirus genus of the family Reoviridae, is an insect‐vectored pathogen of horses of concern to the equine industry. Studies on AHSV replication and pathogenesis have been hampered by the lack of reverse genetics allowing targeted mutation of viral genomes. We demonstrate that AHSV single‐stranded RNA synthesized in vitro (core transcripts) is infectious and that there are distinct primary and secondary stages of the replication cycle. Transfection with a mixture of core transcripts from two different serotypes or a mixture of core transcripts and a T7 derived transcript resulted in the recovery of reassortant viruses. Recovery of infectious ASHV from nucleic acid will benefit investigation of the virus and the generation of attenuated vaccines.
From Pilot Project to Annual Success: Creating an Evidence—Based Leadership Program for Medical Directors in Long—Term Care
Authors: Bhaloo Tajudaullah , Mithani Akber
Published: June 2010

Engaging physicians in health care administration is critical. Within Canada, physician leadership programs have not been designed to meet the needs of medical directors in Long-Term Care (LTC). This article explains how a pilot program for medical directors in LTC was created to develop their leadership skills, and how it has now become an annual event. The program must evolve to enable medical directors to participate in system change and innovation within LTC.

Il est essentiel de faire participer les médecins à l'administration de la santé. Au Canada, les programmes de leadership des médecins ne sont pas conçus pour répondre aux besoins des directeurs médicaux en soins de longue durée (SLD). Le présent article expose la création d'un projet pilote à l'intention de directeurs médicaux en SLD afin qu'ils développent leurs qualités de chef, ainsi que la transformation de ce projet en événement annuel. Le programme doit évoluer afin de permettre aux directeurs médicaux de participer aux modifications du système et à l'innovation en SLD.
Évaluation de la responsabilité des hôpitaux à l'égard de la prestation de services non rémunérés
Authors: Ells Carolyn
Published: June 2010

D'ordinaire, les hôpitaux assument les coûts de services de santé non rémunérés, cependant, il n'est plus possible de le faire en raison des compressions budgétaires. Le présent article définit des aspects éthiques et juridiques importants de l'obligation d'un hôpital à l'égard des services non rémunérés dans un contexte de ressources limitées. Sauf dans certaines situations d'urgence, même si un hôpital n'a pas l'obligation d'assurer la prestation de services aux personnes qui ne sont pas en mesure d'en acquitter les frais, certaines lignes directrices sont proposées afin d'aider les hôpitaux à répondre aux demandes de services non rémunérés.
Lighting the Way to Interdisciplinary Primary Health Care
Authors: Prada Gabriela
Published: June 2010

Between 2004 and 2006, the Enhancing Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Primary Health Care (EICP) initiative undertook research on interdisciplinary collaboration. The last report prepared by the Initiative, Interdisciplinary Primary Health Care: Finding the Answers — A Case Study Report, offers a research-based blueprint for action by showcasing some current successful collaborative practices in primary health care. Several key learnings are discussed, especially in areas such as health human resources, funding, liability, regulation, information and communication technologies, management and leadership and planning and evaluation. Each of the primary health care organizations that were studied has created very different organizational cultures and teams. Each has faced different obstacles and developed innovative solutions to overcome them, indicating that there is no single right way, no step-by-step prescription as how to best pursue this method of care. Their innovative approaches are enlightening the way to interdisciplinary primary health care.
Models of Primary Care Service Delivery in Ontario: Why Such Diversity?
Authors: Muldoon Laura , Rowan Margo S. , Geneau Robert , Hogg William , Coulson David
Published: June 2010

A surprisingly large and ever-growing number of alternative models of primary care service delivery have been developed in Ontario. The models are relatively poorly understood, and it is unclear why there are so many of them. What needs of providers and of government as payer are they attempting to address? Through a literature review and interviews with key informants, we sought to explain why there are so many models.
Primary Mental Health Care Reform: Catch the Wave
Authors: Gagné Marie-Anik , Dudgeon Scott , Kates Nick
Published: June 2010

There is growing energy behind primary mental health care reform — from political activity, research, funding and clinical practice. The evidence that early adopters have been busy reforming mental health services in primary health care is apparent in the rise of references to primary mental health care and collaborative care in national and provincial planning documents, clinical trials examining the efficacy of collaborative mental health care, funded clinical programs across the country, and the establishment of a nationally funded initiative — the Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative — to research and develop tools to implement collaborative mental health care. In conclusion, there is real momentum in primary mental health care reform. Health care planners and executives will want to turn their attention to collaborative care as the benefits to individuals and their families, the health care system, and to the economy are clear.
Pandemic Influenza Planning for Children and Youth: Who's Looking Out for Our Kids?
Authors: Bruce-Barrett Cindy , Matlow Anne , Rafman Sandra , Samson Lindy
Published: June 2010

Recent worldwide attention on influenza pandemics has mainly focused on planning and preparation. Some published plans appear to have missed some unique considerations relevant to children and youth, leaving a serious and potentially devastating gap in our pandemic response. This paper highlights those unique considerations and encourages health administrators and policy-makers to rise to the challenge and demonstrate leadership by ensuring that all institutions consider children and youth in their pandemic planning.
Shifting Clinical Accountability and the Pursuit of Quality: Aligning Clinical and Administrative Approaches
Authors: Dobrow Mark J. , Sullivan Terrence , Sawka Carol
Published: June 2010

This paper presents a narrative review of the literature on clinical accountability, and draws particularly on England's experience establishing “clinical governance” as a base to examine the establishment of a clinical accountability framework for cancer services in Ontario. The review suggests that clinical governance and accountability approaches that actively mesh clinical and administrative approaches at both system and local levels are more likely to be effective in improving quality of care.
Interventions That Improved a Practice Environment: “Making a Difference”
Authors: van der Wal Rena , Globerman Judith
Published: June 2010

This paper reports on the intervention phase of a participatory action study designed to improve the practice environment within a critical care unit in a research teaching hospital. The intervention strategy involved the hiring of a facilitator who worked with unit staff to engage in a process of addressing their priority issues related to the practice environment. Examples of interventions included staff retreats, communication workshops, task groups and leadership training. Challenges and key learnings are reported.
Mental Health Needs and Service Use in Ontario
Authors: Martin Lynn , Hirdes John P.
Published: June 2010

This study uses data from the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health (RAI-MH) on everyone admitted to an Ontario inpatient psychiatric facility between October 2005 and June 2007 to describe patients characteristics and service utilization, and to determine whether these differ based on prioritization of mental health issues in the Integrated Health Service Plan (IHSP) put forth by the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) providing service.
Developing Effective Advertising Self-Regulation in Australia: Reflections on the Old and New Systems
Authors: Harker Debra , Harker Michael , Volkov Michael
Published: June 2010

The regulation of advertising is a controversial and difficult process. Over the past three decades, two attempts have been made in Australia to produce more acceptable ads. This paper reviews these systems using a macro framework for analysis which contextualises advertising in society. The systems have the fundamental process of handling complaints about advertising in common, however there are advantages and disadvantages of each and these are discussed. Important insights for the development of regulation of advertising are presented together with critical implications for the future of the industry.
Australian and Taiwanese Advertiser'S Perceptions of Internet Marketing
Authors: Hsu Tzu-wen , Murphy Jamie , Purchase Sharon
Published: June 2010

With the Internet being a relatively new communication medium, the perceptions of advertising agencies on the use and future of Internet marketing has important implications for companies using these agencies to develop their advertising strategies. This research investigates the perception of advertiser s towards the use of the Internet as a communication medium. Drawn from two different countries, Australia and Taiwan, advertiser perceptions fell into four different clusters: optimistic tomorrow, cautious adopters, doubting laggards and technology realists. While Australian advertisers were represented in all four categories, Taiwanese advertisers were mainly cautious adopters or technology realists. Although the Australian agencies represent a diverse range of perceptions, the Taiwanese agencies all had a low belief about the future of Internet marketing.
The Effects of a Change in Customer Disposition on the Zone of Tolerance: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Devlin James F. , Gwynne Anne L. , Ennew Christine T.
Published: June 2010

The zone of tolerance is recognised in both the service quality and satisfaction literature as representing both a range of expectations and an area of acceptable outcomes in service interactions. This analysis presents hypotheses which are derived from existing literature, concerning the possible impact of a change in the “disposition of the customer”. That is whether cumulative experience has left the customer favourably or negatively disposed towards the service, and hence the impact on desired and adequate expectations and consequently the zone of tolerance. The study offers a particularly valuable insight as it is framed in a longitudinal dimension. Findings from a quantitative study suggest those who become more favourably disposed towards a service over time are likely to have significantly higher adequate expectations and a smaller zone of tolerance. Further analysis suggests that the change in the disposition of the customer is also significantly related to the change in adequate expectation standards over time.
Customer Service and Relationship Management in the Context of Technology-Enabled Service Delivery Systems
Authors: Walker Rhett H. , Francis Heather
Published: June 2010

Increasingly contemporary theorists argue that the emergence of electronic markets and associated systems have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness by which a marketer can establish, develop and maintain customer relationships. Notwithstanding, evidence suggests that this enthusiasm may need to be tempered by acknowledging that, for a sizeable group of customers, technology-enabled service delivery may lead to less than satisfactory experiences that ultimately impact upon the ability to develop relationships of mutual benefit. This paper explores issues associated with trust, reliability and a felt need for personal contact which impact upon an individual's capacity and willingness to use technology-enabled service delivery. Clearly providers must recognise that a production driven ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to electronically enhanced service delivery may have negative implications for an organisation's customer relationship management program. Managerial implications and a proposed research agenda are discussed.
Goods and Services Differences in Television Advertising: An Australian Replication
Authors: Gauci David , Hill Railton
Published: June 2010

Services possess a number of well-known characteristics that differentiate them from goods. Previous research indicates that goods and services marketers may adopt different advertising strategies, presumably in order to overcome or exploit these differences in the nature of service products. 352 Australian television commercials for goods and services were content analysed to determine whether the advertising strategies for goods and services were, in fact, different. Each commercial was categorised according to two classification schemes. The study found that goods and services marketers did appear to adopt different advertising strategies. However, mixed results emerged in terms of predictions based on previous overseas research. Several possible explanations for these findings are offered.
Effects of low-fat dairy consumption on markers of low-grade systemic inflammation and endothelial function in overweight and obese subjects: an intervention study
Authors: van Meijl Leonie E. C. , Mensink Ronald P.
Published: June 2010

Although increased concentrations of plasma inflammatory markers are not one of the criteria to diagnose the metabolic syndrome, low-grade systemic inflammation is receiving large attention as a metabolic syndrome component and cardiovascular risk factor. As several epidemiological studies have suggested a negative relationship between low-fat dairy consumption and the metabolic syndrome, we decided to investigate the effects of low-fat dairy consumption on inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules in overweight and obese subjects in an intervention study. Thirty-five healthy subjects (BMI>27 kg/m2) consumed, in a random order, low-fat dairy products (500 ml low-fat milk and 150 g low-fat yogurt) or carbohydrate-rich control products (600 ml fruit juice and three fruit biscuits) daily for 8 weeks. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α were decreased by 0·16 (sd 0·50) pg/ml (P = 0·070), and soluble TNF-α receptor-1 (s-TNFR-1) was increased by 110·0 (sd 338·4) pg/ml (P = 0·062) after the low-fat dairy period than after the control period. s-TNFR-2 was increased by 227·0 (sd 449·0) pg/ml (P = 0·020) by the dairy intervention. As a result, the TNF-α index, defined as the TNF-α:s-TNFR-2 ratio, was decreased by 0·000053 (sd 0·00 012) (P = 0·015) after the dairy diet consumption. Low-fat dairy consumption had no effect on IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 concentrations. The present results indicate that in overweight and obese subjects, low-fat dairy consumption for 8 weeks may increase concentrations of s-TNFR compared with carbohydrate-rich product consumption, but that it has no effects on other markers of chronic inflammation and endothelial function.
Crustal seismic velocity structure of southern Poland: preserved memory of a pre-Devonian terrane accretion at the East European Platform margin
Authors: NARKIEWICZ M. , GRAD M. , GUTERCH A. , JANIK T.
Published: June 2010

The updated geological and potential fields data on the East European Platform margin in SE Poland confirm the existence of several regional units differing in Ediacaran to Silurian development: the Upper Silesian Block, Małopolska Block and Łysogóry Block. All the blocks are characterized by a distinct crustal structure seen in Vp velocity models obtained from the seismic refraction data of the CELEBRATION 2000 Programme. The first two units are interpreted as exotic terranes initially derived from Avalonia-type crust and ultimately accreted before the late Early Devonian. The Łysogóry Block is probably a proximal terrane displaced dextrally along the Baltica margin. The sutures between the terranes do not precisely match lateral gradients in Vp models. This is partly explained by a limited resolution of refraction seismic data (20 km wide interpretative window). Most of the difference is related, however, to a post-accretionary tectonism, mainly Variscan transtension–transpression. The latter processes took advantage of lithospheric memory recorded earlier as zones of rheological weakness along the former suture zones. The course of the East European Platform margin (= Teisseyre–Tornquist Zone) corresponds most likely to the Nowe Miasto–Zawichost Fault marking the NE boundary of the proximal Łysogóry Terrane.
PREVALENCE OF CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES AMONG IRANIAN GEORGIANS
Authors: RAFIEE LALEH , SAADAT MOSTAFA
Published: June 2010

Consanguineous marriage – marriage between relatives – has received a great deal of attention as a potential risk factor for many adverse health outcomes. The present cross-sectional study was done in order to illustrate the prevalence and types of consanguineous marriages among Iranian Georgians living in Frydoonshahr (Isfahan province, central Iran). Data on consanguineous marriages were collected using a simple questionnaire. The total number of couples in this study was 646. Consanguineous marriage was classified by the degree of relationship between couples. First cousin marriages (14.2%) were the most common type of consanguineous marriages, followed by second cousin (7.0%), beyond second cousin (1.5%) and first cousin once removed (0.6%). The mean inbreeding coefficient (α) was calculated as 0.0104 for the population. The present study shows that the study population, as other Iranian populations, has a high level of consanguinity.
PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES OF BODY MASS INDEX IN FOUR GROUPS OF QUEBEC ADULTS
Authors: PLOURDE HUGUES , NOLIN BERTRAND , RECEVEUR OLIVIER , LEDOUX MARIELLE
Published: June 2010

The objective of the present analysis was to study the associations between body weight psychosocial correlates and body mass index (BMI) among four groups of adults in the Quebec population. Data were taken from the Social Lifestyles and Health 1998 Survey performed by the Institut de la Statistique du Québec (ISQ). The suggested guidelines of the ISQ were used to estimate the population's proportions and for statistical analysis. The groups studied were 25- to 44- and the 45- to 64-year-old men and women. In all groups, currently trying to lose weight increased the odds of reporting an excess weight. Better perceived eating habits was associated with lower BMI in most groups except in the 25- to 44-year-old women, where the trend was not significant. Higher number of physical activities related to transport and cigarette smoking were associated with lower BMI in both men groups. In both women groups, more frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages decreased significantly the odds of reporting excess body weight. A university degree was associated with a lower BMI only in the 25- to 44-year-old men. Regular practise of leisure time physical activity was associated with a lower BMI only in 45- to 64-year-old women. Opposite associations were observed between perceived health and BMI. In the 45- to 64-year-old men, better perceived health increased the odds of reporting an excess weight. Conversely, the odds of reporting excess weight decreased with better health in 25- to 44-year-old women. Many correlates differ between age group and sex. The identification of these factors illustrates the need to adapt obesity-related programmes toward specific sub-groups within the general population.
Locomotion of a passively flapping flat plate
Authors: ZHANG JIE , LIU NAN-SHENG , LU XI-YUN
Published: June 2010

Locomotion of a passively flapping flat plate has been studied numerically by means of a multiblock lattice Boltzmann method. A flexible plate is modelled by a rigid plate with a torsion spring acting about the pivot at the leading edge of the plate. A dynamic model of this kind is called a lumped-torsional-flexibility model. When the leading edge is forced to heave sinusoidally, the plate pitches passively and propels itself in the horizontal direction as a result of the fluid–plate interaction. We have investigated various aspects of the mechanics behind the behaviour of the flapping plate, including the periodic- and non-periodic-flow states, the spontaneous motion of the plate, vortical structure and how they compare to similar propulsion systems in animals. In the periodic-flow regime, two dynamical responses of the passively pitching plate (forward and backward movements) are observed. Which movement will occur depends only on the frequency ratioFof the natural frequency of the system and the heaving frequency associated with the lumped torsional flexibility. It is found that the plate will select the forward movement whenF> 1 and the backward movement whenF≤ 1. In the forward-movement regime, analysis of the dynamical behaviours and propulsive properties of the passively pitching plate indicates that the torsional flexibility can remarkably improve the propulsive performance. In addition, four kinds of vortex structures in the near wake are identified, which mainly depend on the forward speed of the plate. Finally the forward movement is compared to the flapping-based locomotion of swimming and flying animals. The results obtained in this study are consistent with the observations and measurements of swimming and flying animals; thus, they may provide physical insights into understanding of the propulsive mechanisms of the flapping wings and fins of animals.
Zinc, metallothioneins and immunosenescence
Authors: Mocchegiani E. , Malavolta M. , Costarelli L. , Giacconi R. , Cipriano C. , Piacenza F. , Tesei S. , Basso A. , Pierpaoli S. , Lattanzio F.
Published: June 2010

Ageing is an inevitable biological process with gradual and spontaneous biochemical and physiological changes and increased susceptibility to diseases. The nutritional factor, zinc, may remodel these changes with subsequent healthy ageing, because zinc improves the inflammatory/immune response as shown byin vitroandin vivostudies. The intracellular zinc homeostasis is regulated by buffering metallothioneins (MT) and zinc transporters (ZnT and ZIP families) that mediate the intracellular zinc signalling assigning to zinc a role of ‘second messenger’. In ageing, the intracellular zinc homeostasis is altered, because high MT are unable to release zinc and some zinc transporters deputed to zinc influx (ZIP family) are defective leading to low intracellular zinc content for the immune efficiency. Physiological zinc supplementation in the elderly improves these functions. However, the choice of old subjects for zinc supplementation has to be performed in relation to the specific genetic background of MT and IL-6, because the latter is involved both in MTmRNA and in intracellular zinc homeostasis. Old subjects carrying GG genotypes (C–carriers) in the IL-6–174G/C locus display high IL-6, low intracellular zinc content, impaired innate immunity and enhanced MT. Old subjects carrying GC and CC genotypes (C+carriers) display satisfactory intracellular zinc content, adequate innate immunity and are more prone to reach longevity. Zinc supplementation in old C–carriers restores natural killer cell cytotoxicity and zinc status. The genetic variations of the IL-6−174G/C locus when associated with those of the MT1A+647A/C locus are useful tools for the choice of old people for zinc supplementation.
A Revolution in Roman History?
Authors: Osborne Robin , Vout Caroline
Published: June 2010

Whether or not Syme made a convincing case for revolution at Rome, hisRoman Revolutiondid not effect a revolution in Roman history. To be sure, his choice of where to start and where to end his discussion was unorthodox (if orthodoxy was the old edition of theCambridge Ancient Historyor Rice Holmes or the periodization of Oxford Greats), but his relentless focus on individual political actors and their relations with one another differs from the emphasis of earlier scholars only in its priorities and intensity. Whether or not Wallace-Hadrill makes a convincing case for revolution at Rome,Rome's Cultural Revolutionis revolutionary. To be sure, the individual parts of the book have been variously anticipated in particular studies, but the insistence that what happens in the history of buildings,instrumentum domesticum, dress, and monuments constitutes not simply the background to a political story, but is itselfthestory of Late Republican Rome — in W.-H.'s own words ‘that the political transformation of the Roman world is integrally connected to its cultural transformation’ (xix) — challenges the assumptions on which Roman historians have built the history of the Republic ever since Asinius Pollio.
Hellenized Romans and Barbarized Greeks. Reading the End of Dionysius of Halicarnassus,Antiquitates Romanae
Authors: Peirano Irene
Published: June 2010

In theAntiquitates Romanae, Dionysius of Halicarnassus presents the Romans as a nation of Greeks. Throughout his narrative, Dionysius shows how the Romans have surpassed other Greek nations in the quintessentially Greek areas of morality and conduct. However, this assessment of Rome's cultural and ethnic identity proves to be much more nuanced when read side by side with the narrative of the concluding books of theAntiquitates Romanae, a largely unexplored section of the work dealing with the war between the Romans and Pyrrhus. The culturally-based definition of Roman ‘Greekness’ is accompanied, particularly in the last portion of the narrative, by a troubling awareness of its inherent instability as the Romans increasingly display the tendencies which eventually caused the ‘barbarization’ of Greece.