bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of molecular chaperones on aberrant protein oligomers in vitro: super-versus sub-stoichiometric chaperone concentrations
Authors: Cappelli Sara , Penco Amanda , Mannini Benedetta , Cascella Roberta , Wilson Mark R. , Ecroyd Heath , Li Xinyi , Buxbaum Joel N. , Dobson Christopher M. , Cecchi Cristina , Relini Annalisa , Chiti Fabrizio
Published: January 2016

Living systems protect themselves from aberrant proteins by a network of chaperones. We have tested in vitro the effects of different concentrations, ranging from 0 to 16 μm, of two molecular chaperones, namely αB-crystallin and clusterin, and an engineered monomeric variant of transthyretin (M-TTR), on the morphology and cytotoxicity of preformed toxic oligomers of HypF-N, which represent a useful model of misfolded protein aggregates. Using atomic force microscopy imaging and static light scattering analysis, all were found to bind HypF-N oligomers and increase the size of the aggregates, to an extent that correlates with chaperone concentration. SDS-PAGE profiles have shown that the large aggregates were predominantly composed of the HypF-N protein. ANS fluorescence measurements show that the chaperone-induced clustering of HypF-N oligomers does not change the overall solvent exposure of hydrophobic residues on the surface of the oligomers. αB-crystallin, clusterin and M-TTR can diminish the cytotoxic effects of the HypF-N oligomers at all chaperone concentration, as demonstrated by MTT reduction and Ca2+ influx measurements. The observation that the protective effect is primarily at all concentrations of chaperones, both when the increase in HypF-N aggregate size is minimal and large, emphasizes the efficiency and versatility of these protein molecules.
Dehydration and Rehydration of Cooked Mussels
Authors: Tribuzi G. , Laurindo J. B.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate different drying methods (oven-drying, vacuum-drying, and freeze-drying) applied to cooked mussels meat and the resulting rehydration and water-holding capacity. Drying curves were obtained using an online weighting system that allows continuous monitoring of sample weight during processing. The influence of the processing temperature on the drying rates and on the properties of dehydrated samples was assessed. In the studied conditions, freeze-drying presented higher drying rates and less structure alterations compared to the other drying methods investigated. The equilibrium rehydration capacity of oven-dried and vacuum-dried mussels was about 37 % lower than rehydration capacity of freeze-dried samples for the rehydration performed at 20 °C and about 21 % lower for rehydration performed at 80 °C.
From Distributional Semantics to Conceptual Spaces: A Novel Computational Method for Concept Creation
Authors: McGregor Stephen , Agres Kat , Purver Matthew , Wiggins Geraint A.
Published: January 2016

We investigate the relationship between lexical spaces and contextually-defined conceptual spaces, offering applications to creative concept discovery. We define a computational method for discovering members of concepts based on semantic spaces: starting with a standard distributional model derived from corpus co-occurrence statistics, we dynamically select characteristic dimensions associated with seed terms, and thus a subspace of terms defining the related concept. This approach performs as well as, and in some cases better than, leading distributional semantic models on a WordNet-based concept discovery task, while also providing a model of concepts as convex regions within a space with interpretable dimensions. In particular, it performs well on more specific, contextualized concepts; to investigate this we therefore move beyond WordNet to a set of human empirical studies, in which we compare output against human responses on a membership task for novel concepts. Finally, a separate panel of judges rate both model output and human responses, showing similar ratings in many cases, and some commonalities and divergences which reveal interesting issues for computational concept discovery.
The IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis: Issues and Problems
Authors: Guzman Martin , Heymann Daniel
Published: January 2016

This paper reviews the IMF DSA (Debt Sustainability Analysis) framework. We first examine the concept of debt sustainability, and argue that the evaluation exercise necessarily entails putting into question market expectations embodied in yield spreads. When the views of the analyst on the capacity of debt repayment differ from the ones reflected in market interest rate premiums, the use of market interest rates for assessing debt sustainability leads to an inconsistency that will in turn bias the assessment. We then show that IMF projections for assessing debt sustainability have been repeatedly biased, which may have contributed to distort the timing of sovereign debt restructurings and the consequent processes of renegotiation. We conclude with a discussion on how the existing DSA framework could be improved.
Performance Analysis of Coherent Optical Communication System for M-QAM Higher Modulation Level
Authors: Kaur Amrinder , Dewra Sanjeev
Published: January 2016

In this paper, performance of QAM sequence generator in coherent optical communication system is investigated. Results are obtained for different square constellation types such as 4-QAM, 16-QAM, 64-QAM and 256-QAM using Hyperbolic-secant pulse generator. For the distance of 120 km and bit rate of 10 Gbps, it is investigated that 4-QAM provides maximum Q factor of 33.93 and minimum BER of 6e-253, whereas 16-QAM, 64-QAM & 256-QAM provides Q factor of 31.47, 22.85 & 8 and BER of 5e-218, 3e-116 & 2e-16, respectively. Decrement in Quality factor and increase in BER are observed with increment in the M-value of QAM. It is further observed that Eye opening decreases with increment in levels of QAM.
Cultural Variations in the Effect of Interview Privacy and the Need for Social Conformity on Reporting Sensitive Information
Authors: Mneimneh Zeina M. , Tourangeau Roger , Pennell Beth-Ellen , Heeringa Steven G. , Elliott Michael R.
Published: January 2016

Privacy is an important feature of the interview interaction mainly due to its potential effect on reporting information, especially sensitive information. Here we examine the effect of third-party presence on reporting both sensitive and relatively neutral outcomes. We investigate whether the effect of third-party presence on reporting sensitive information is moderated by the respondent’s need for social conformity and the respondent’s country of residence. Three types of outcomes are investigated: behavioral, attitudinal, and relatively neutral health events. Using data from 22,070 interviews and nine countries in the cross-national World Mental Health Survey Initiative, we fit multilevel logistic regression to study reporting effects on questions about suicidal behavior and marital ratings, and contrast these with questions about having high blood pressure, asthma, or arthritis. We find that there is an effect of third-party presence on reporting sensitive information and no effect on reporting of neutral information. Further, the effect of the interview privacy setting on reporting sensitive information is moderated by the need for social conformity and the cultural setting.
Effects of Cluster Sizes on Variance Components in Two-Stage Sampling
Authors: Valliant Richard , Dever Jill A. , Kreuter Frauke
Published: January 2016

Determining sample sizes in multistage samples requires variance components for each stage of selection. The relative sizes of the variance components in a cluster sample are dramatically affected by how much the clusters vary in size, by the type of sample design, and by the form of estimator used. Measures of the homogeneity of survey variables within clusters are related to the variance components and affect the numbers of sample units that should be selected at each stage to achieve the desired precision levels. Measures of homogeneity can be estimated using standard software for random-effects models but the model-based intracluster correlations may need to be transformed to be appropriate for use with the sample design. We illustrate these points and implications for sample size calculation for two-stage sample designs using a realistic population derived from household surveys and the decennial census in the U.S.
Social organization and demography of reintroduced Dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas neglecta) in North Ferlo Fauna Reserve, Senegal
Authors: Abáigar Teresa , Cano Mar , Djigo Cheikh A.T. , Gomis Jacques , Sarr Thialao , Youm Babacar , Fernández-Bellon Hugo , Ensenyat Conrad
Published: January 2016

As part of a reintroduction project in Senegal, 23 (9.14) captive-born Dorcas gazelles were released into a 440-ha fenced-in area in Katané (North Ferlo Fauna Reserve, Senegal) in March 2009. After 4 years of seasonal monitoring, the gazelles showed progressive adaptation of their behavior to semi-wild living conditions. Breeding gradually became seasonal, and 53.8% of births occurred during the rainy season (July to September). Gazelle group size and composition varied seasonally. Groups were smallest during the dry season (2.29±1.72) and largest at the beginning of the rainy season (4.18±2.73). Social group composition also showed seasonal variation. There were always a larger proportion of solitary males than solitary females and mixed couples were observed throughout the year. All-male groups were found the least. The proportion of adult females with subadults and juveniles decreased during the early rainy season, while mixed adults, subadults and juveniles groups increased during this period. The mortality rate during the first weeks after release was 13%. Four years of monitoring after release, demographic traits of this released population reveal its adaptation from captive to natural-living conditions.
The location choice of graduate entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom
Authors: Polonyová Eva , Ondoš Slavomír , Ely Philip
Published: January 2016

The graduates’ startup formation process represents a possible future role for universities in the form of active-participation, when speaking of the regional development. Tracking the path of entrepreneurial graduates who are moving between home, university, and employment, allows us to identify the specific motives that determine their migration decisions. The choice of location of graduate entrepreneurs is naturally affected by the context of their home region, as the availability of resources leads to a rising entrepreneurial intention. Similarly, the location of the startups flourish in densely populated urban regions, as well as in wealthier locations. At the same time, the vibrancy of the local entrepreneurial ecosystems is enhanced through mutual exchange and collaboration; and the higher the number of startups already present in a region, the higher the probability becomes for interaction and creativity. A leading tendency, not least to be mentioned, is that the preference to start new businesses is connected to highly-skilled creative sectors of the economy.
Livelihood assessment in district 1 of Medellin – Colombia
Authors: Mendoza Ciro Alfonso Serna , Czerny Miroslawa , Pineda Abraham Allec Londoño , Rojas Oscar Alonso Velez
Published: January 2016

The livelihood approach aims at the analysis, understanding and restrictions that the poorest people have to face in order to recover from difficult situations. The Department for International Development model is applied to an urban zone with the purpose of making an assessment of the livelihood of the district ’la Comuna 1’ in Medellin, Colombia, which has been recognised as the poorest and one of the most dangerous districts of the city. The case study presents both a quantitative analysis (macro) and qualitative (micro) analysis, as a mixed method that allows a more complete analysis and understanding of livelihood, and providing a deeper understanding of the district from the livelihood approach. The results indicate a stable growth of livelihood during the period of analysis.
Impacts of ICT on the Spatial Differentiation of Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in Poland
Authors: Werner Piotr , Iwańczak Bartłomiej
Published: January 2016

The development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has significant economic and social impacts at both the global and regional level. Some of these implications have been perceived as positive and unexpected. While both the positive and negative social and economic impacts have been highlighted in the literature, opinions on these impacts remain ambiguous. Those aspects considered to be advantageous include faster communication, ease of use, development in the range of services and revenues, and an increase in individuals’ free time allowance. ICT penetrates all branches of the economy as a set of general purpose technologies. New information and communication technologies ease everyday life, serve as tools to help people in extreme situations, e.g. accidents, illnesses or natural disasters, and are also the pillars of contemporary entertainment media. The usefulness of ICT has been stressed and loudly disseminated to a large extent by the media. On the other hand, these new technologies sensitize society in quite new ways to the well-known natural hazards that people have encountered in the past.
Remote ischemic conditioning for acute ischemic stroke: dawn in the darkness
Authors: Pan Jingrui , Li Xiangpen , Peng Ying
Published: January 2016

Stroke is a leading cause of disability with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Of all strokes, 87% are ischemic. The only approved treatments for acute ischemic stroke are intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase within 4.5 h and thrombectomy within 8 h after symptom onset, which can be applied to just a few patients. During the past decades, ischemic preconditioning has been widely studied to confirm its neuroprotection against subsequent ischemia/reperfusion injury in the brain, including preconditioning in situ or in a remote organ (such as a limb) before onset of brain ischemia, the latter of which is termed as remote ischemic preconditioning. Because acute stroke is unpredicted, ischemic preconditioning is actually not suitable for clinical application. So remote ischemic conditioning performed during or after the ischemic duration of the brain was then designed to study its neuroprotection alone or in combination with alteplase in animals and patients, which is named as remote ischemic perconditioning or remote ischemic postconditioning. As expected, animal experiments and clinical trials both showed exciting results, indicating that an evolution in the treatment for acute ischemic stroke may not be far away. However, some problems or disputes still exist. This review summarizes the research progress and unresolved issues of remote ischemic conditioning (pre-, per-, and post-conditioning) in treating acute ischemic stroke, with the hope of advancing our understanding of this promising neuroprotective strategy for ischemic stroke in the near future.
Distribution of sexually transmitted diseases in a group of symptomatic male patients using urine samples and PCR technique / Distribuția bolilor cu transmitere sexuală într-un grup de barbați simptomatici utilizand probe de urina si tehnica PCR
Authors: Vica Mihaela Laura , Junie Lia Monica , Grad Alecsandra Iulia , Tataru Alexandru , Matei Horea Vladi
Published: January 2016

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a very important cause of illness worldwide and prolonged, untreated infections with STD pathogens may have serious consequences. Our study aims to evaluate the distribution of six different STDs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium) in male urine samples. First void urine samples from 52 symptomatic patients were collected between April 2014 and April 2015. DNA was extracted, purified and amplified via multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of the six STD pathogens, further identified using a 2% agarose gel electrophoresis with ethidium bromide as staining agent. STD frequency in the study group was 53.84 % (28 patients), mostly in the 20-29 years age group. Among positive patients, six presented multiple infections. 35 positive DNA samples were identified in the study: 17 of C. trachomatis, 9 of U. urealyticum, 7 of N. gonorrhoeae and 2 of M. genitalium. Wide scale application of the system based on the simultaneous detection of these six pathogens inducing STD may facilitate diagnosis, especially in multiple infections.
ABCB1 gene polymorphisms is not associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in Romanian children
Authors: Butila Anamaria Todoran , Sin Anca , Szabo Elisabeta Racoş , Micheu Cristian , Moldovan Valeriu G. , Voidazan Septimiu , Bănescu Claudia
Published: January 2016

Background: P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a drug efflux transporter, encoded by the gene MDR1 ABCB1 multidrug resistant, reduces the penetration through the brain by the AEDs. Overexpression of Pgp in blood-brain barrier in epileptic patients play an important rol in pharmacoresistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible association between C1236T and G2677T ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and drug-resistant epilepsy in Romanian children.

Material and Methods: A total of 194 children with epilepsy hospitalized in the Paediatric Neurology and Psychiatry Clinic in Tirgu Mureş and 153 healthy controls were included in this study. Of the initial group, those cases that met the criteria for idiopathic and cryptogenic epilepsies (114 cases) were stratified in 31drug-resistant and 83 drug-responsive patients. The C1236T and G2677T genetic polymorphisms were assessed by RFLP-PCR (polymerase chain-restriction fragment length polymorphism) followed by gel electrophoresis.

Results: Molecular analysis of ABCB1 gene polymorphism identified 1236CT heterozygous to be highly represented in drug-responsive group, with a p value of 0.001. Also, in idiopathic epilepsy subgroups (with partial and generalized type of seizures), in case of 1236TT and CT genotypes we found highly significant differences between drug-responsive patients and those resistant to antiepileptic treatment (p-0.003 and p-0.002 respectively). No association between G2677T polymorphism and total epilepsy was found.

Conclusions: Our results show that MDR1 C1236T and G2677T polymorphisms are not associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in the study population, but 1236TT and 1236CT genotype variants and also 2677TT were found to be significantly associated with drug-responsive idiopathic epilepsy.
CX3CR1 expression and megakaryocytic series assessment on bone marrow biopsies in acquired aplastic anemia. Correlations with hematological parameters.
Authors: Gavrilut (Tomescu) Cosmina Ioana , Bondor Cosmina , Fetica Bogdan , Fulop Annamaria , Urian Laura , Petrov Ljubomir
Published: January 2016

The study objective was to examine the clinical and hematological significance of receptor CX3CR1 and megakaryocytes in patients with aplastic anemia.

Method. 40 patients diagnosed with aplastic anemia and 10 case-control were included in the study. Were analyzed bone-marrow biopsies regarding cellularity, the presence of megakaryocytes and immunohistochemical expression of CX3CR1, CD4, CD8, CD45RO. We divided patients according to CX3CR1 intensity and the presence of megakaryocytes in 4 groups, which were analyzed comparatively. We realized the second division of patients in 4 groups, depending on the CX3CR1 intensity and cellularity of bone-marrow biopsy.

Results. Statistically significant differences between the case group and the control group were observed in terms of the percentage of CD8, CD45RO positive cells and positivity for CX3CR1. In the lot of patients with aplastic anemia, we found statistically significant differences between groups with megakaryocytes present and absent, in terms of the number of lymphocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, ESR at 1 hour, ESR at 2 hours, bone marrow cellularity.

Conclusions. CX3CR1 could be involved in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia, influencing bone marrow cellularity. Megakaryocytes influence more hematological parameters, so we suggest using thrombopoietin receptor analogues as 1st line treatment along with the immunosuppressive treatment.
Platinum derivatives: generic brands vs. original, in vitro tests
Authors: Cetean Sînziana , Căinap Călin , Soriţău Olga , Tatomir Corina , Virag Piroska , Hangan Adriana , Oprean Luminiţa , Oprean Radu
Published: January 2016

The entry of the generic drugs on the market was an impressive development of the pharmaceutical industry and due to their lower prices also a decrease in the cost price for the treatment of patients. The difference in price (sometimes even 50%) between generics and original and different response to therapy sometimes raised serious questions related to their therapeutic equivalence. The scientific community is increasingly interested in this aspect, with studies (in vitro and on patients) demonstrated statistically significant differences in terms of differences generic / original drug. In this context, the aim of our study was to assess the in vitro cytotoxic activity of oxaliplatin (original and generic drug) on DLD-1 cell lines, HT-29, and carboplatin cytotoxic activity (and the reference molecule from Santa Cruz Biotechnology) on cell line A2780. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay.

Regarding the cell line DLD-1, IC50 values of generics was lower than the original after exposure for 24 hours to oxaliplatin but after 48 hours of exposure were not statistically significant differences. HT-29 line has a higher resistance to chemotherapy compared with oxaliplatin, the IC 50 values after 48 hours of exposure are higher than those for the line DLD-1. IC50 values are confirmed by morphological analysis of cells. Regarding carboplatin were not recorded statistically significant differences between the two generic drugs tested.

Although other studies reported differences between generic and branded drugs in terms of hypersensibility reactions, adverse effects and efficacity, we cannot extrapolate our findings to the patients. Further studies on patients are neeeded for a better evaluation of the efficacity of generic vs. original drugs.
Pulmonary heart valve replacement using stabilized acellular xenogeneic scaffolds; effects of seeding with autologous stem cells
Authors: Harpa Marius Mihai , Movileanu Ionela , Sierad Leslie Neil , Cotoi Ovidiu Simion , Suciu Horatiu , Sircuta Carmen , Preda Terezia , Nistor Dan , Branzaniuc Klara , Deac Radu , Dandel Michael , Gurzu Simona , Harceaga Lucian , Olah Peter , Simionescu Agneta , Simionescu Dan
Published: January 2016

Background: We hypothesized that an ideal heart valve replacement would be acellular valve root scaffolds seeded with autologous stem cells. To test this hypothesis, we prepared porcine acellular pulmonary valves, seeded them with autologous adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and implanted them in sheep and compared them to acellular valves.

Methods: Fresh porcine pulmonary valve roots were decellularized with detergents and enzymes. ADSCs were isolated from subdermal fat and injected within the acellular cusps. Valves were then implanted in an extra-anatomic pulmonary position as RV to PA shunts: Group A (n=6) consisted of acellular valves and Group B (n=6) of autologous stem cell-seeded acellular xenografts. Sheep were followed up for 6 months by echocardiography and histologic analysis was performed on explanted valves.

Results: Early evolution was favorable for both groups. All Group A animals had physiologic growth without any signs of heart failure and leaflets were found with preserved structure and mobility, lacking signs of thrombi, inflammation or calcification. Group B sheep however expressed signs of right ventricle failure starting at one month, accompanied by progressive regurgitation and right ventricle dilatation, and the leaflets were found covered with host tissue. No cells were found in any Group A or B explants.

Conclusions: Acellular stabilized xenogeneic pulmonary valves are reliable, stable, non-immunogenic, non-thrombogenic and non-calcifying scaffolds with excellent hemodynamics. Seeding these scaffolds with autologous ADSCs was not conducive to tissue regeneration. Studies aimed at understanding these novel observations and further harnessing the potential of stem cells are ongoing.
Impaired quality of life in adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and skeletal symptoms
Authors: Che Hélène , Roux Christian , Etcheto Adrien , Rothenbuhler Anya , Kamenicky Peter , Linglart Agnès , Briot Karine
Published: January 2016

Objective

Adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) may suffer from skeletal symptoms leading to functional disability. No data on their quality of life (QoL) have been reported so far. Our objectives were to evaluate the QoL and its determinants in XLH adults.

Patients and methods

We conducted a prospective study in XLH adults, who consulted for musculoskeletal symptoms between 2013 and 2014. We assessed their QoL using HAQ, RAPID3 and SF36, and analysed the variables associated with low QoL. We compared their QoL to that of patients affected with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) (paired on age and gender), a rheumatologic disorder with a known low QoL.

Results

Fifty-two XLH adults (37 women (71.1%); mean age 41.8±13.3 years) were included; 44 (84.6%) patients had an altered QoL. Increased age and presence of structural lesions were significantly associated with worse QoL (HAQ, RAPID3) (P<0.05). Presence of enthesopathies was significantly associated with worse RAPID3 (OR=4.45 (1.09–18.29), P=0.038). Treatment with phosphate supplements and vitamin D in XLH adults were significantly associated with a better SF36-mental component score (OR=0.14 (0.03–0.57), P=0.007 and OR=0.26 (0.07–0.98), P=0.047 respectively). QoL was significantly worse in XLH than in ax-SpA adults (VAS pain, SF36-PCS, RAPID3) (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our study showed i) QoL of XLH adults is altered and significantly worse than that of ax-SpA patients (VAS pain, SF36-PCS and RAPID3), ii) structural lesions and especially enthesopathies are associated with a worse QoL and iii) treatment using phosphate supplements and/or vitamin D is associated with a better mental health score.
Global chemical reactivity parameters for several chiral beta-blockers from Density Functional Theory Viewpoint
Authors: Talmaciu Mona Maria , Bodoki Ede , Oprean Radu
Published: January 2016

Background and aim.  Beta-adrenergic antagonists have been established as first line treatment in the medical management of hypertension, acute coronary syndrome and other cardiovascular diseases, as well as for the prevention of initial episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices, glaucoma, and have recently become the main form of treatment of infantile hemangiomas.The aim of the present study is to calculate for 14 beta-blockers several quantum chemical descriptors in order to interpret various molecular properties such as electronic structure, conformation, reactivity, in the interest of determining how such descriptors could have an impact on our understanding of the experimental observations and describing various aspects of chemical binding of beta-blockers in terms of these descriptors.Methods. The 2D chemical structures of the beta-blockers (14 molecules with one stereogenic center) were cleaned in 3D, their geometry was preoptimized using the software MOPAC2012, by PM6 method, and then further refined using standard settings in MOE; HOMO and LUMO descriptors were calculated using semi-empirical molecular orbital methods AM1, MNDO and PM3, for the lowest energy conformers and the quantum chemical descriptors (HLG, electronegativity, chemical potential, hardness and softness, electrophilicity) were then calculated.Results. According to HOMO-LUMO gap and the chemical hardness the most stable compounds are alprenolol, bisoprolol and esmolol. The softness values calculated for the study molecules revolve around 0.100. Propranolol, sotalol and timolol have among the highest electrophilicity index of the studied beta-blocker molecules. Results obtained from calculations showed that acebutolol, atenolol, timolol and sotalol have the highest values for the electronegativity index. Conclusions. The future aim is to determine whether it is possible to find a valid correlation between these descriptors and the physicochemical behavior of the molecules from this class. The HLG could be correlated to the experimentally recorded electrochemical properties of the molecules. HOMO could be correlated to the observed oxidation potential, since the required voltage is related to the energy of the HOMO, because only the electron from this orbital is involved in the oxidation process.
Religious Pluralism or Conformity in Southeast Asia’s Cultural Legacy
Authors: Reid Anthony
Published: January 2016

In a recently published book, the present author argues that Asia is “the great laboratory of religious pluralism.” The jostling together of mosques, viharas, churches and all kinds of temples has long been a feature of the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, while anthropologists have celebrated the diversity of its rural people. Yet there is a paradox. At the level of formal religious adherence, Southeast Asia looks to be one of the world’s least diverse regions. This article addresses both the deeper sources of religious tolerance and the modern factors tending, notably in Indonesia, to replace that pattern with one of greater religious conformity. The Indonesian state motto is the epitome of this paradox –Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, ‘They are many, yet they are one.’  The article concludes that while the older tolerance of diversity is indeed under threat today, Southeast Asia’s own traditions should prove a valuable supplement to modern human rights concepts in maintaining the balance.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i3.2352
Ishkālīyāt al-Intimā’ al-Waṭanī ‘inda al-Muhājirīn al-Ḥaḍārimah fī Indūnīsīyā fī al-Niṣf al-Awwal min al-Qarn al-‘Ishrīn
Authors: Ghaleb Yahya Mohamed Ahmed
Published: January 2016

In the early years of the twentieth century, the Hadrami community showed interest in the place from where their ancestors came to Indonesia. This research aims to analyze these historical events and provide logical interpretations of them. It relies on historical and contemporary documents, especially newspapers issued by the Hadrami community in Indonesia. It also identifies factors, causes and consequences of these events through many tracks. First, it extrapolates  the development of the community from the beginning of the twentieth century, when Hadrami nationalist ideas and feelings of belonging to the Hadrami homeland appeared. Secondly, it identifies the reasons behind that, the factors that helped its spread and the problems that resulted from these events. Thirdly, the research explores the status of the community after the outbreak of this problem and the nature of the relationship between the two groups during the subsequent years until the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in 1942. Finally, it studies the impact on the future of the Hadrami community in Indonesia.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i3.2355
Hospital Utilization Among Children With the Highest Annual Inpatient Cost
Authors: Peltz Alon , Hall Matt , Rubin David M. , Mandl Kenneth D. , Neff John , Brittan Mark , Cohen Eyal , Hall David E. , Kuo Dennis Z. , Agrawal Rishi , Berry Jay G.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Children who experience high health care costs are increasingly enrolled in clinical initiatives to improve their health and contain costs. Hospitalization is a significant cost driver. We describe hospitalization trends for children with highest annual inpatient cost (CHIC) and identify characteristics associated with persistently high inpatient costs in subsequent years.

METHODS:

Retrospective study of 265 869 children age 2 to 15 years with ≥1 admission in 2010 to 39 children’s hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. CHIC were defined as the top 10% of total inpatient costs in 2010 (n = 26 574). Multivariate regression and regression tree modeling were used to distinguish individual characteristics and interactions of characteristics, respectively, associated with persistently high inpatient costs (≥80th percentile in 2011 and/or 2012).

RESULTS:

The top 10% most expensive children (CHIC) constituted 56.9% ($2.4 billion) of total inpatient costs in 2010. Fifty-eight percent (n = 15 391) of CHIC had no inpatient costs in 2011 to 2012, and 27.0% (n = 7180) experienced persistently high inpatient cost. Respiratory chronic conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5–3.5), absence of surgery in 2010 (OR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.8–2.1), and technological assistance (OR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5–1.7) were associated with persistently high inpatient cost. In regression tree modeling, the greatest likelihood of persistence (65.3%) was observed in CHIC with ≥3 hospitalizations in 2010 and a chronic respiratory condition.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most children with high children’s hospital inpatient costs in 1 year do not experience hospitalization in subsequent years. Interactions of hospital use and clinical characteristics may be helpful to determine which children will continue to experience high inpatient costs over time.
Innovations in Communications Technology and the Restructuring of the Roman Catholic Church
Authors: Anderson Jane
Published: January 2016

The Roman Catholic Church considers Communications Technology (CT) to be an important instrument for preserving ‘universal’ traditions and culture, and, for this reason, polarising forces in the Church have vied for dominance of this machinery in recent decades. This article uses Turner's theory of anti-structure and Urry’s ideas about mobility to examine how innovations in CT are contributing to the restructuring of the Church. On the one hand, Church-as-structure aligned with normative communitas, as exempli?ed in the role and person of Pope John Paul II and conservative religious movements, used innovations in CT to mobilise and creatively restore hierarchical arrangements. On the other hand, ideological communitas, as exempli?ed by marginalised Catholic liberal movements, employed innovations in CT to mobilise and promote an egalitarian vision in democratic-like connections. This article concludes with a discussion about how innovations in CT are likely to continue to shape the Church with particular reference to Australia.
The Reversed Global Mobilities of the Islamic State
Authors: Gwizdalski Andrzej
Published: January 2016

An estimated 4,000 young Westerners have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join the Islamic State (IS). This paper examines this recent phenomenon by critically reviewing the current mainstream terrorism framework commonly used to understand IS and proposing an alternative model based on globalisation and mobilities theories. The global mobilities (or globilities) framework is applied through a review of recently published academic and non-academic literature on IS. Particular attention is paid to questions of statehood, religion, media and identity and their role in motivating Westerners to move to IS; reversed global ?ows of religiously motivated people are highlighted. The paper suggests that the global mobilities framework allows consideration of IS as other than just a terrorist organisation, arguing the people joining it could be viewed as migrants rather than simply terrorists and victims. The paper contributes a critical perspective allowing for an alternative understanding of IS and ways of dealing with this phenomenon.
Wpływ wykorzystywanych źródeł energii na stan środowiska naturalnego w Polsce
Authors: Frodyma Katarzyna
Published: January 2016

The use of different energy sources is an increasingly serious challenge for the countries for which sustainable development also means better use of energy resources and environmental improvement. The production and use of energy influences our living standards, but at the same time degrades and destroys  the environment. The main aim of the study is to assess the impactthe energy sources used have on the natural environment in Poland. The paper discusses changes in how energy is acquired from traditional and renewable sources in individual provinces in Poland.It  also analyses the state of the natural environment, with particular reference to air and water pollution. An attempt is made to assess whether increasing the use of renewable energy sources has a positive impact on reducing environmental degradation.
Sustainability of Dr. Meilė Lukšienė’s Teaching in the Context of the National Education Strategy
Authors: Ališauskas Ričardas , Dukynaitė Rita
Published: January 2016

The article provides the analysis of scientific creations by Dr. Hab. Meilė Lukšienė in the context of the National Education Strategy 2013–2022. It aims at evaluating the potential of persistence and sustainability of M. Lukšienė’s scientific thought and revealing the fact that works by M. Lukšienė still bear relevance to implementation of the recent National Education Strategy. Moreover, an original interpretation of the National Education Strategy in the context of the State Progress Strategy “Lithuania 2030” is provided and the most relevant goals set in the National Education Strategy for the school system are presented in the article.

The aim of this article is to disclose the relation between contributions by Meilė Lukšienė and the National Education Strategy 2013–2022 as well as to demonstrate the potential for employing M. Lukšienė’s works in further reforms of education in Lithuania.

The methods applied in the study: analysis of research and documentary sources, synthesis of a range of scientific and strategic vision ideas, and shaping of strategic policy for further reconstruction of Lithuania’s education.
Conformity of Textbooks with the Goals of Personality Education Set by Lithuanian Education being Reformed on the Base of Ideas of Humanistic Paradigm, as a Qualitative Prerequisite
Authors: Bruzgelevičienė Ramutė
Published: January 2016

During the first decade of Lithuanian educational reform based on the shift in education paradigms textbooks were considered the main source of teaching and were supposed to help to seek new goals in personality education as well as strengthen the paradigm being implemented. Traditionally, textbook was seen as the only teacher tool in that period. However, according to the research carried out in the first decade of the 21st century, textbook along with accompanying printed material still remains the most often used tool in a Lithuanian classroom that pupils continue to use as their main means of study.

It is essential that the state level educational documents regulating quality of textbooks include such qualitative criteria that would direct textbooks toward complying with the principles of humanistic paradigm and implementing the goals of personality education. The object of research is the extent to which regulations of the documents monitoring quality of textbooks are focused on implementation of the personality education goals set by Lithuanian education being reformed on the base of humanistic paradigm of education.

As a method, qualitative research using documentary research strategy has been chosen for this article, primary documentary sources are examined and the results are analyzed according to the stages of Grounded Theory, i.e. coding, theoretical sampling and comparing. Having conducted comparative analysis of the documents regulating quality of textbooks with specific character education goals as well as content of categories and subcategories expressing humanistic paradigm of education, the following conclusions are drawn: At the outset of Lithuanian Educational Reform, when discussing demands for suitable teaching tools in the schools being reformed, the scientists projected the shift from objectivist approach common to authoritarian soviet school to a constructivist one, underlined necessity to cooperate with a person’s nature, i.e. they directed focus to humanistic paradigm of education and brought the goals of textbooks to seek personality education up-to-date.

In the analyzed group of documents regulating quality of textbooks no sustainable system of quality criteria has settled, but the task set for textbooks to seek character education goals, as a quality field, has remained stable throughout the whole period of educational reform.

The documents regulating quality of textbooks do not designate their paradigmatic orientation, therefore there is a clear paradigmatic confusion when discussing a concept of a textbook (its purpose, function, methodological setup etc.) both when it comes to comparing documents from different years and certain documents within themselves. This paradigmatic confusion in the document statements remains stable throughout the whole period of educational reform.
Effects of the Peer-Review Method on Writing Proficiency
Authors: Čėsnienė Žaneta
Published: January 2016

Although peer-review has proved to be beneficial in many writing classrooms abroad, this method is scarcely used among Lithuanian educators. Different studies highlight contrastive results, weighing either to the benefit of teacher-or peer-review. The value of peer-review is often underestimated because teachers tend to undervalue students’ abilities as both writers and reviewers. To achieve the most from peer-review, it is important to define the actual expectations for peer-review and to form an appropriate peer-editing rubric as a helpful tool for peer-reviewers. Different analyses of peer-reviewed and self-reviewed writings highlighted the differences between peer-reviewers’ and self-reviewers’ ability to notice errors, revise, and improve writings.

The article inquires into the peer-review method as a way to promote students’ writing proficiency and describes the research conducted at Klaipėda University after having introduced the peer-review method in the study process. The research describes quantitative and qualitative research results based on peer-reviews, self-reflections and questionnaires filled in by the 1st year English Philology students. The research results prove that the peer-review method helps to develop critical evaluation skills, equipping students with the ability to effectively review and notice various defects that weaken the argument of the paper on a local as well as global level, thus making students better writers. The peer-review method activates cognitive processes that influence learning, as students get actively involved into the learning process facilitating their peers and improving their own writing skills. Peer-review modeling in the classroom develops not only students’ specific but also personal and social skills and leads to students’ constructive collaboration by shifting from the teacher-centered to student-centered learning approach.
Circular concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) stub columns subjected to axial compression
Authors: Li Yong-Jin , Han Lin-Hai , Xu Wu , Tao Zhong
Published: January 2016

Circular concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) consists of the circular inner CFST and circular outer reinforced concrete. In this paper, the axial compressive behaviour of the composite column is experimentally and analytically investigated. Ten concrete-encased CFST specimens, four reference CFST specimens and two reference reinforced concrete specimens were tested; the parameters include the ratio of the steel tube diameter to the column diameter and the concrete strength. The influence of these parameters on the axial load in relation to axial strain, ultimate compressive strength and ductility is discussed. A finite-element model is established, where a stress against strain model is suggested for the concrete confined by circular stirrups located outside the steel tube. The predictions are verified against the test results of the stub columns. Analysis is then performed to investigate the internal force distribution and stress development during the loading process. Parametric analysis is conducted to discover the influence of critical parameters. Finally, simplified superposition methods are suggested to predict the ultimate compressive strength.
La población de la Intendencia de Puebla en las postrimerías del régimen colonial
Authors: Grajales Porras Agustín
Published: January 2016

A partir   de  la información  recopilada  de los padrones  -militares  y parroquiales  principalmente-  se analiza  el tamaño  y Ia composición sociodemográfica   de  la  población  de  Ia intendencia  de  Puebla   a finales   de  la colonia, así como  un  esbozo  general   sobre  su distribución  y estructura  por  "partidos"  de acuerdo a SU  composición  étnica,
Pesquisa nocturna: Carlo Ginzburg
Authors: Anderson Perry
Published: January 2016

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Índice de documentos sobre la intolerancia y la represión religiosas
Authors: Campos Goenaga María Isabel , Pérez Zevallos Juan Manuel
Published: January 2016

Índice   de   documentos   sobre  los  procesos contra   los indios  por  idolatría   durante   la colonia.   Incluye  diversos   ramos:   Civil,  inquisición,  indios,   mercedes,    bienes   nacionales   y reales   cedulas   originales    del  Archivo   General  de  la Nación.   lnvita   a investigar   los efectos reales  de la evangelización y a reflexionar en la razón  por  la cual  resurgían   los elementos  de  la religión   prehispánica   entremezclados  con  el cristianismo.
Política y legalidad migratorias en el Reino Unido y América (c. 1850-1925): la consolidación de un marco discriminatorio común
Authors: Contarino Sparta Luciana L.
Published: January 2016

La intensificación de las migraciones de larga distancia a partir de las últimas décadas del siglo XIX tuvo su correlato en una actividad legislativa dirigida a restringir su flujo en el Reino Unido, uno de los principales países receptores de tiempos decimonónicos. De todos modos, también en los estados americanos subpoblados y ávidos de inmigrantes se multiplicaron las regulaciones legales restrictivas. Si bien la aceptación o el rechazo de los inmigrantes se relacionó con las fluctuantes necesidades de mano de obra, también es cierto que su deseabilidad o indeseabilidad se basó en estereotipos culturales o nacionales que sistemáticamente menoscabaron el aporte que podían brindar los originarios de ámbitos considerados extraños a la llamada civilización occidental. En realidad, se construyeron ideales racializados dirigidos a excluir o invisibilizar a los sectores de la población que pasaron a ser considerados “minorías”.
The Nursing Measures of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Respiratory Failure Treated by Noninvasive Ventilator
Authors: Chen Rong
Published: January 2016

Objective: To analyze the nursing measures and curative effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with respiratory failure treated by noninvasive ventilator; Methods: Retrospectively analyze the clinical data in 35 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with respiratory failure treated by noninvasive ventilator between June 2011 and June 2012 in the hospital; Results: All the patients’ conditions were improved after the treatment and nursing, and the differences of pH value, PaO2, PaCO2 were significant (p < 0.05); Conclusion: Effective nursing measures can enhance the curative effects when the noninvasive ventilator is applied to the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with respiratory failure.