bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restratification revisited: The changing landscape of primary medical care in England and California
Authors: McDonald Ruth
Published: June 2012

Restratification, a process which involves medical elites exerting control over members of their profession, was seen by the US sociologist Eliot Freidson as helping to maintain the continued dominance of the medical model and the profession’s ability to determine its own fate. Drawing on interviews with primary care doctors in England and California this article reports the emergence of new strata or elites, with groups of doctors involved in both surveillance of others and action to improve compliance in deficient individuals and organizations. The article compares responses of primary care doctors to these developments and explores the implications in the context of Freidson’s predictions.
Ward features and stigma experiences of mental health service users in Belgium and England: A replication study
Authors: Schneider Justine , Beeley Chris , Scales Kezia , Bailey Simon , Verhaeghe Mieke , Bracke Piet
Published: June 2012

Background:

Stigmatizing attitudes can impair the quality of life of people with mental health problems. Psychiatric hospitalization can generate stigma. Are some approaches to care less stigmatizing than others?

Aims:

This study was designed to replicate findings from Flanders, Belgium in an English context, investigating how ward size and treatment approach affected service users’ expectations and experiences of stigma.

Methods:

The translated Belgian questionnaire was administered to 70 service users in 15 inpatient adult mental health settings in central England. Adjustments were made to the multivariate analysis in light of the smaller sample size, in order to replicate the original equation as closely as possible.

Results:

Neither ward size nor individualized care proved significant in the smaller English sample, which was subject to the risk of type II error. Across two models, self-rejection correlated with age (negatively), social rejection and stigma expectations.

Conclusions:

This analysis shows that attempts to translate evidence about psychiatric inpatient services must take into account differences between the settings, populations and models of care. Expectations as well as outcomes of stigma may be relevant when assessing the impact of psychiatric hospital treatment on individual patients.
Romesh Chunder Dutt’s Indian-English epics and epochs
Authors: Reddy Sheshalatha
Published: June 2012

At the turn of the last century, the Indian poet, novelist, economist, historian, and civil servant Romesh Chunder Dutt published two English-language “condensations” and translations of the authoritative Sanskrit tellings of the ancient epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. This essay argues that, for Dutt, the epics document the past, its social mores and its artefacts, while simultaneously serving as historical artefacts of, as well as living organisms from, that past. The epics are excavated treasures that embody not the dead weight of a now inanimate object but a living, breathing, speaking voice. In transposing the Sanskrit sloka into the English trochaic octametre in his translations, Dutt measures out “India” in verse, transposing the material, metrical, and spoken form of the once-known to the once-again nation. Thus, his translations of the ancient epics simultaneously establish and blur the epochal time of a supposedly historically and geographically stable and singular entity known as “India” and in so doing illustrate the fraught category of “Modern Indian Literature” and the modern Indian nation, which depends on recovering an “authentic” pre-colonial identity to inaugurate its modernity under British colonial rule.
Re-reading postcolonial poetry: Arun Kolatkar’s Jejuri
Authors: Bird Emma
Published: June 2012

This paper considers how Arun Kolatkar’s 1976 Commonwealth Prize winning sequence Jejuri constitutes a challenge to the interpretation of postcolonial poetry. In particular, it is concerned with examining the interpretive demands Jejuri makes of its readers, arguing that its microcosmic spatial and temporal composition requires the reader to dispense with his or her own sense of exteriority to, or distance from, the text. At the same time, Kolatkar’s use of cross-cultural and trans-historical imagery situates Jejuri within a macrocosmic, global network that implicitly compels the reader to adopt an interpretive position undetermined by national or cultural preconceptions. Jejuri is thus a sequence that prompts specialist postcolonial readers to question the set of methodological practices they work within. Moreover, the interpretive demands made of the reader confirm the ethical imperative of the act of reading more generally, requiring the non-specialist audience to also abandon preconceptions about the meaning of the sequence. This paper draws on Edward Said’s notion of worldliness in order to suggest that Kolatkar’s sequence requires a particular kind of critical response: one that is attentive to the historical and cultural specificities of the text, and yet one that is able to acknowledge the wider political implications of reading the poems.
Safeguarding Justice Research
Authors: Jasso Guillermina
Published: June 2012

What do people think is just? A basic element in justice research is the just reward–the observer’s idea about what is just for a particular rewardee. But discerning the just reward is not easy; much intervenes between the idea and its expression. Justice theory suggests four classes of measures, one direct and three indirect, each class encompassing several designs for data collection and data analysis. This paper examines direct designs and one of the three classes of indirect designs–that based on the justice evaluation–and revisits the longstanding challenge of justice-evaluation-based indirect designs, namely, to reduce or eliminate the correlation between the actual reward and the unobserved just reward. The paper presents statistical, algebraic, and empirical evidence to show how the factorial survey, with its layers of randomization, protects against bias, mitigating the correlation in the one-reward design and destroying it in the multiple-reward design. Of course, the search for better measures continues. As with length and weight, new theory and new technology will bring new and better measures of the just reward.
The Effects of Framing Grades on Student Learning and Preferences
Authors: Bies-Hernandez Nicole J.
Published: June 2012

Two experiments examined whether framing effects, in terms of losses and gains, can be extended to student learning and grading preferences. In Experiment 1, participants rated psychology course syllabi to investigate preferences for differently framed grading systems: a loss versus gain grading system. The results showed a clear framing effect with more negative impressions of the loss grading system. Experiment 2 demonstrated that framing a grading system in terms of losses negatively influenced learning in actual psychology courses, as this group earned lower grades. This study has potential implications for decision-making theories in cognitive psychology as well as for teaching psychological courses.
Interteaching and the Testing Effect
Authors: Lambert Tonya , Saville Bryan K.
Published: June 2012

In a number of studies, interteaching has produced better student-learning outcomes than traditional teaching methods. Little research, however, has examined ways to make interteaching more effective. Research on the testing effect suggests that frequent testing may improve performance. Thus, including postdiscussion quizzes as a part of interteaching might enhance its efficacy. In this study, college students completed an interteaching session in a simulated classroom setting. Some students completed a postdiscussion quiz, whereas others completed anagrams. All students returned 1 week later to take another quiz over the material they had discussed the previous week. Students who completed postdiscussion quizzes had significantly lower quiz scores than students who completed anagrams. Thus, postdiscussion quizzes may not enhance the efficacy of interteaching.
The Use of Flashcards in an Introduction to Psychology Class
Authors: Golding Jonathan M. , Wasarhaley Nesa E. , Fletcher Bradford
Published: June 2012

Four hundred fifteen undergraduate students in an Introduction to Psychology course voluntarily reported their use of flashcards on three exams as well as answered other questions dealing with flashcard use (e.g., when did a student first use flashcards). Almost 70% of the class used flashcards to study for one or more exams. Students who used flashcards for all three exams had significantly higher exam scores overall than those students who did not use flashcards at all or only used flashcards on one or two exams. These results are discussed in terms of retrieval practice, a specific component of using flashcards.
Effectiveness of a Culturally Tailored Diabetes Self-Management Program for Chinese Americans
Authors: Sun Angela C. , Tsoh Janice Y. , Saw Anne , Chan Joanne L. , Cheng Joyce W.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to test the feasibility and efficacy of a diabetes self-management and education program for Chinese Americans in a support group format. The rationale for the study was to create culturally appropriate diabetes education and management programs in response to the growing diabetes prevalence among Chinese Americans. The investigators hypothesized that participants will have improved diabetes knowledge and practices, hemoglobin A1C, and social support. The study objectives were at least: 50% will have significant improvements in diabetes knowledge and practice activities, 30% of participants will have significant improvements in A1C, and 50% will report a gain in emotional support.

Methods

The program consisted of 12 90-minute diabetes education and support group sessions offered in a medical office setting. The sample included 23 Chinese Americans with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Using a single-group, pre-post test design, A1C and diabetes knowledge were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Data were collected through clinical assessments and written questionnaires.

Results

The results indicated high attendance and statistically significant increases in glycemic control and diabetes knowledge. Statistically insignificant differences were shown in diabetes management practices. Secondary outcomes assessed participants’ perceived diabetes management and emotional and social support.

Conclusions

Diabetes Self-Management: A Cultural Approach (DSMCA) support group model demonstrates that a culturally tailored support group utilizing a community-based participatory research approach is an effective format to improve diabetes self-management skills among Chinese Americans. The program can be adapted for other ethnic populations. The efficacy of the intervention can be further tested in larger randomized trials.
Standardization as Institutional Work: The Regulatory Power of a Responsible Investment Standard
Authors: Slager Rieneke , Gond Jean-Pascal , Moon Jeremy
Published: June 2012

This paper conceptualizes standardization as institutional work to study the emergence of a standard and the deployment of its regulatory power. We rely on unique access to longitudinal archival data for exploring how the FTSE4Good index, a responsible investment index, emerged as a standard for socially responsible corporate behavior. Our results show how three types of standardization work – calculative framing, engaging and valorizing – support the design, legitimation and monitoring processes whereby a standard acquires its regulatory power. Our findings reveal new facets in the dynamics of standardization by approaching standardization as a product of institutional work and in showing how unintended consequences of that work can be recaptured to strengthen the regulatory power of the standard.
The Emergence of a Standards Market: Multiplicity of Sustainability Standards in the Global Coffee Industry
Authors: Reinecke Juliane , Manning Stephan , von Hagen Oliver
Published: June 2012

The growing number of voluntary standards for governing transnational arenas is presenting standards organizations with a problem. While claiming that they are pursuing shared, overarching objectives, at the same time they are promoting their own respective standards that are increasingly similar. By developing the notion of ‘standards markets’, this paper examines this tension and studies how different social movement and industry-driven standards organizations compete as well as collaborate over governance in transnational arenas. Based on an in-depth case study of sustainability standards in the global coffee industry, we find that the ongoing co-existence of multiple standards is being promoted by the interplay between two countervailing mechanisms: convergence and differentiation. In conjunction, these mechanisms are enabling the emergence and persistence of a market for standards through what we describe as meta-standardization of sustainable practices. Meta-standardization leads to convergence at the ‘rules of the game’ level, but allows also differentiation at the attributes level, which is enabling parties to create and maintain their own standards. Our study helps to advance the understanding of transnational governance by explaining the dynamics of competing and collaborating non-state actors in constituting a standards market.
Inquiry-based instruction within a community of practice for gifted–ADHD college students
Authors: Hua Olivia (Liv) , Shore Bruce M , Makarova Evgeniya
Published: June 2012

A number of characteristics are shared between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gifted populations. They include issues with sustaining attention, following directions, and completing tasks. When an individual is both gifted and has ADHD (gifted–ADHD) he has unique educational needs that may put him at risk for underachievement. To date the literature largely addresses how to remediate perceived deficits. Less has been written about how to develop the talent of these twice-exceptional individuals. The present semi-autobiographical narrative proposes that inquiry-based instruction within an authentic community of practice can play an integral role in talent development for gifted–ADHD undergraduate students.
Torsional stress distributions in tubes with external and internal notches
Authors: Zappalorto Michele , Lazzarin Paolo
Published: June 2012

Practical expressions useful to assess the elastic stress distribution in a torque loaded axisymmetric tube, weakened by circumferential U- and blunt V-shaped notches, are presented. The solution is obtained as an extension of a previous analytical solution valid for axisymmetric solid shafts. It accounts for the local geometry (notch tip root radius and notch opening angle) as well as for the global geometry (inner and outer diameter of the tube). Shear stress fields are written as a function of the shear stress at the notch tip. Varying global and local geometries, the obtained equations are compared with a large bulk of finite element results, showing a good agreement.
Deviant Disabilities
Authors: Flacks Simon
Published: June 2012

The Equality Act 2010, in keeping with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, excludes those identified as drug and alcohol ‘addicted’ from the scope of provisions prohibiting discrimination against disabled people. This article addresses the significance of, and justification for, this exclusion. It begins with a legislative background to the relevant limitation and subsequently examines its rationale according to prevailing legal, medical and sociological discourses. The article then considers the relevance of the discussion for disability rights. Although ‘addiction’, or the preferred term, ‘substance dependence’, is classified as a disability for international systems of disease classification, the relevance of substance dependence for discussion on disability rights, and of disability for discussion on substance dependence, has largely escaped critical comment.
Performance evaluation of an attic radiant barrier system using three-dimensional transient finite element method
Authors: Asadi Somayeh , Hassan Marwa M , Beheshti Ali
Published: June 2012

A three-dimensional transient finite element model was developed to evaluate the thermal performance of an attic radiant barrier system as an energy-efficient insulation technology. The finite element model simulates different heat transfer modes including convection, radiation, and conduction. Hourly experimental data collected in a housing complex in Zachary, LA, were used to validate the finite element analysis. Upon validation, the design variables and their influence on the performance of the radiant barrier insulation system were investigated. Among the different design variables, the presence of an air gap on both sides of the radiant barrier had a significant effect on the performance of the insulation system.
Persecution or protection? Understanding the differential public response to two road-based surveillance systems
Authors: Haines Alina , Wells Helen
Published: June 2012

Over the past decade, drivers in the UK have become subject to increasing amounts of surveillance as they go about their daily activities. Both speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems watch over ever-expanding portions of the road network with a view to the identification of motor vehicles being used in an illegal manner, potentially leading to the offending individual being traced and punished and the protection of ‘law-abiding’ road users. Both technologies also generate large volumes of data which could be used to increase the State’s knowledge about our movements. As such, the two systems have many similarities. However, the public reception of the two technologies has shown marked differences. This article combines the findings of two separate research projects, one of which focused on speed cameras and the other on ANPR, but both of which included an exploration of the surveillance experience of UK drivers. The findings suggest that, while both forms of surveillance have their supporters and opponents, the ways in which these positions are justified show some significant difference. It is proposed that this can be explained in terms of differences in the ‘criminal’ nature of the populations who constitute their respective behavioural foci, along with strategies adopted in the marketing of the two systems. Drivers, as a result, occupy a complex role which veers between the dominance of the identities of offender and victim, alternatively protected by and problematized by state surveillance of their activities which increasingly intrudes into their lives.
All Things NASN—The 2012 Annual Report
Authors: Mazyck Donna , Galemore Cynthia A.
Published: June 2012

The NASN 2012 Annual Report provides highlights from the past 12 months, showcasing accomplishments in each area of NASN’s strategic plan: Programs/Services, Research, Public Relations, and Advocacy. The association strives to improve the level of service provided to our members and ensure that membership dues are more than offset by member services and value by continually addressing the strategic plan as outlined by the NASN Board of Directors. Based on this Annual Report, the NASN School Nurse Editorial Advisory Board identified 12 membership tips that will be referenced throughout this article, encouraging members to take advantage of a variety of benefits available to them.
NASN Board of Directors Discusses NASN Legislative Priorities on Capitol Hill
Authors: Shubert Angela
Published: June 2012

The NASN Board of Directors visited members of Congress on Capitol Hill in January to promote NASN’s legislative priorities. Known as the annual “NASN Hill Day,” this experience provides an opportunity for Board members to use their advocacy skills to encourage members of Congress to support issues school nurses care most about—improving the health and well-being of all students. Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with members of Congress is vital to sustaining NASN’s voice and presence on Capitol Hill.
ASK1 promotes apoptosis of normal and malignant plasma cells
Authors: Lin Fan-Ru , Huang Shang-Yi , Hung Kuo-Hsuan , Su Shin-Tang , Chung Cheng-Han , Matsuzawa Atsushi , Hsiao Michael , Ichijo Hidenori , Lin Kuo-I
Published: June 2012

Although the overproduction of immunoglobulins by short-lived plasma cells accompanying an immune response links with their apoptosis, how long-lived plasma cells adapt to ensure their longevity in this context is obscure. Here, we show that apoptosis signal–regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) contributes to apoptosis of plasma cells because ASK1 activity was induced during differentiation of short-lived plasma cells, and, when produced by ASK1-deficient mice, these cells survived better than those of control mice. Moreover, antigen-specific long-lived plasma cells generated by immunization accumulated in ASK1-deficient mice, suggesting ASK1 also plays a negative role in survival of long-lived plasma cells. In malignant plasma cells, ASK1 transcription was directly suppressed by B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1). The expression of ASK1 and Blimp-1 showed an inverse correlation between normal human mature B cells and bone marrow plasma cells from patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Suppression of ASK1 is crucial for cell survival because its enforced expression in MM cells caused apoptosis in vitro and lowered MM load in a xenograft animal model; furthermore, alteration of ASK1 activity affected MM cell survival. Our findings indicate a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of survival in normal and malignant plasma cells by ASK1.
Overexpression of IL-1 receptor accessory protein in stem and progenitor cells and outcome correlation in AML and MDS
Authors: Barreyro Laura , Will Britta , Bartholdy Boris , Zhou Li , Todorova Tihomira I. , Stanley Robert F. , Ben-Neriah Susana , Montagna Cristina , Parekh Samir , Pellagatti Andrea , Boultwood Jacqueline , Paietta Elisabeth , Ketterling Rhett P. , Cripe Larry , Fernandez Hugo F. , Greenberg Peter L. , Tallman Martin S. , Steidl Christian , Mitsiades Constantine S. , Verma Amit , Steidl Ulrich
Published: June 2012

Cellular and interpatient heterogeneity and the involvement of different stem and progenitor compartments in leukemogenesis are challenges for the identification of common pathways contributing to the initiation and maintenance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we used a strategy of parallel transcriptional analysis of phenotypic long-term hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), short-term HSCs, and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors from individuals with high-risk (−7/7q−) AML and compared them with the corresponding cell populations from healthy controls. This analysis revealed dysregulated expression of 11 genes, including IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP), in all leukemic stem and progenitor cell compartments. IL1RAP protein was found to be overexpressed on the surface of HSCs of AML patients, and marked cells with the −7/7q− anomaly. IL1RAP was also overexpressed on HSCs of patients with normal karyotype AML and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, suggesting a pervasive role in different disease subtypes. High IL1RAP expression was independently associated with poor overall survival in 3 independent cohorts of AML patients (P = 2.2 × 10−7). Knockdown of IL1RAP decreased clonogenicity and increased cell death of AML cells. Our study identified genes dysregulated in stem and progenitor cells in −7/7q− AML, and suggests that IL1RAP may be a promising therapeutic and prognostic target in AML and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome.
Preservation of Renal Function by Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Shin Dong Ho , Lee Mi Jung , Kim Seung Jun , Oh Hyung Jung , Kim Hyoung Rae , Han Jae Hyun , Koo Hyang Mo , Doh Fa Mee , Park Jung Tak , Han Seung Hyeok , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook
Published: June 2012

Context:

Subclinical hypothyroidism is not a rare condition, but the use of thyroid hormone to treat subclinical hypothyroidism is an issue of debate.

Objective:

This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of thyroid hormone therapy on the changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in subclinical hypothyroidism patients with stage 2–4 chronic kidney disease.

Patients:

A total of 309 patients were included in the final analysis.

Main Outcome Measure:

The changes in eGFR over time were compared between patients with and without thyroid hormone replacement therapy using a linear mixed model. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to determine the effect of thyroid hormone on renal outcome, a reduction of eGFR by 50%, or end-stage renal disease. The independent prognostic value of subclinical hypothyroidism treatment for renal outcome was ascertained by multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results:

Among the 309 patients, 180 (58.3%) took thyroid hormone (treatment group), whereas 129 (41.7%) did not (nontreatment group). During the mean follow-up duration of 34.8 ± 24.3 months, the overall rate of decline in eGFR was significantly greater in the nontreatment group compared to the treatment group (−5.93 ± 1.65 vs. −2.11 ± 1.12 ml/min/yr/1.73 m2; P = 0.04). Moreover, a linear mixed model revealed that there was a significant difference in the rates of eGFR decline over time between the two groups (P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed that renal event-free survival was significantly lower in the nontreatment group (P < 0.01). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, thyroid hormone replacement therapy was found to be an independent predictor of renal outcome (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12–0.68; P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Thyroid hormone therapy not only preserved renal function better, but was also an independent predictor of renal outcome in chronic kidney disease patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Linking Magnetic Clusters: Ferrimagnetic Interactions in a Nonanuclear Nickel(II) Cluster
Authors: Iijima Fumichika , Hasumi Koen , Shiga Takuya , Newton Graham N , Oshio Hiroki
Published: June 2012

A nonanuclear nickel(II) cluster, [Ni9(H4L)2(OMe)6(OAc)10(H2O)4]·14H2O (1·14H2O), was synthesized by the reaction of an amide ligand H5L (= 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-N1,N3-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-benzenedicarboxamide) with nickel acetate in the presence of triethylamine. The cluster molecule consists of two cubane units and a mononuclear central moiety, connected by acetate bridges. In the cubane cores, ferromagnetic interactions between nickel ions were operative, and the total spin ground state was S = 7 due to ferrimagnetic interactions between the two ferromagnetic cubane cores and the mononuclear nickel spacer.
How Does Methanol Assist the Hydrogen Transfer in Pd-catalyzed Cyclocarbonylation of Allylic Alcohols? Insights from a DFT Study
Authors: Hassan Mawia , Zhang Xin , Zhang Wenchao , Guo Xiaojia , Chen Biaohua , Lei Ming
Published: June 2012

The carbonylation mechanisms of allylic alcohol catalyzed by [PdHCl(bppm)] complex were studied using a density functional theory (DFT) method. The results indicate that the catalytic cycle consists of three main steps: alkene insertion, CO insertion, and hydrogen transfer and product elimination. Pathways with a Pd(II) character are more favorable than that with Pd(IV) character. Methanol serves as the proton shuttle in carbonylation and reduces the energy barrier by 15.4 kcal mol−1 below that without methanol assistance.
Charge Transfer at the Interfaces between Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and Pentacene as Investigated by ESR
Authors: Ito Masaaki , Marumoto Kazuhiro
Published: June 2012

Electron spin resonance (ESR) study was performed on organic layered films of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/pentacene that were fabricated with different deposition speed of pentacene on PEDOT:PSS in order to investigate charge formation at the PEDOT:PSS/pentacene interfaces. Clear increases in ESR signals of not only pentacene but also PEDOT were observed, which are caused by the charge transfer at the interfaces. The charge transfer is prominent at high deposition speed of pentacene, which means that slow deposition speed is suitable for solar-cell fabrication without charge formation.
Improvement of Thermal Stability of Gold Nanoparticles by Synergistic Interligand Interactions
Authors: Okumura Atsushi , Tsuchido Yoshitaka , Yamada Kou , Todori Kenji , Machida Shigeru
Published: June 2012

Three types of novel gold nanoparticles containing a different condensed ring in their ligands were prepared. Their thermal stability was found to be much higher than that of typical gold nanoparticles surrounded by long-chain alkanethiols because of strong interligand interaction formed by the condensed rings (π–π stacking). A clear correlation was found between the thermal stability and the strength of π–π stacking.
Bioinformatics applied to gene transcription regulation
Authors: Altobelli Gioia
Published: June 2012

Understanding regulation of gene transcription is central to molecular biology as well as being of great interest in medicine. The molecular syntax of the concerted transcriptional activation/repression of gene networks in mammal cells, which shape the physiological response to the molecular signals, is often unknown or not completely understood. Combining genome-wide experiments within silicoapproaches opens the way to a more systematic comprehension of the molecular mechanisms of transcription regulation. Diverse bioinformatics tools have been developed to help unravel these mechanisms, by handling and processing data at different stages: from data collection and storage to the identification of molecular targets and from the detection of DNA motif signatures in the regulatory sequences of functionally related genes to the identification of relevant regulatory networks. Moreover, the large amount of genome-wide scale data recently produced has attracted professionals from diverse backgrounds to this cutting-edge realm of molecular biology. This mini-review is intended as an orientation for multidisciplinary professionals, introducing a streamlined workflow in gene transcription regulation with emphasis on sequence analysis. It provides an outlook on tools and methods, selected from a host of bioinformatics resources available today. It has been designed for the benefit of students, investigators, and professionals who seek a coherent yet quick introduction toin silicoapproaches to analyzing regulation of gene transcription in the post-genomic era.
Relacionamentos interorganizacionais e resultados: estudo em uma rede de cooperação horizontal da região central do Paraná
Authors: Castro Marcos de , Bulgacov Sergio , Hoffmann Valmir Emil
Published: June 2012

A partir de uma lacuna evidenciada na literatura, esta pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar os resultados gerados por uma rede interorganizacional de cooperação do segmento varejista de materiais de construção. Para tanto, buscou-se primeiramente compreender os seus motivadores, bem como os dificultadores e facilitadores, para levantar em seguida os seus resultados e verificar de que forma estes se relacionam com aqueles fatores: motivadores, facilitadores e dificultadores e sua relação com os resultados dos relacionamentos constituem o eixo central na discussão apresentada no referencial teórico. O estudo de caso se mostrou a estratégia mais indicada para esta pesquisa descritiva, pois sua flexibilidade permitiu a combinação de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos. As evidências indicam que o principal dificultador foi o baixo nível de cooperação e a alta competição entre as empresas participantes. No que tange aos resultados dos relacionamentos, constata-se que os fatores motivadores não encontram correspondência, quando em confronto com os resultados dos relacionamentos. Evidencia-se, ainda, aparente correlação positiva entre o fator dificultador relacionado à cooperação e à competição com o fato das ações da associação não produzirem os efeitos esperados.
Commentary: Fifty Years of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) – Making the Difference for the European Oncology Community
Authors: Meunier Françoise , Lawler Mark , Pinedo H.M.
Published: June 2012

A brief history of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer is presented, and its goals and successes are described.
Shear bond strength evaluation of bonded molar tubes on fluorotic molars
Authors: Silva-Benítez Erika L. , Zavala-Alonso Veronica , Martinez-Castanon Gabriel A. , Loyola-Rodriguez Juan P. , Patiño-Marin Nuria , Ortega-Pedrajo Irene , García-Godoy Franklin
Published: June 2012

Objective:

To study the shear bond strength (SBS), sites of failure, and micromorphology of bonded molar tubes used on teeth affected by dental fluorosis.

Materials and Methods:

This in vitro study included 140 first molars classified according to Dean's index for dental fluorosis. Samples were divided into seven groups: (1) healthy teeth etched for 15 seconds, (2) teeth with moderate fluorosis (MOF) etched for 15 seconds, (3) teeth with MOF etched for 150 seconds, (4) teeth with MOF microabrasion etched for 15 seconds, (5) teeth with severe fluorosis (SEF) etched for 15 seconds, (6) teeth with SEF etched for 150 seconds, and (7) teeth with SEF microabrasion etched for 15 seconds. All samples were incubated and were then submitted to the SBS test and evaluated with the modified adhesive remnant index (ARI) and analyzed by using a scanning electronic microscope.

Results:

The SBS mean value for healthy enamel was 20 ± 10.2 MPa. For the group with MOF, the etched 150-second mean value was the highest (19 ± 7.6 MPa); for the group with SEF treated with microabrasion and etched for 15 seconds, the mean value was (13 ± 4.1 MPa). Significant differences (P ≤ .05) were found in the ARI between healthy and fluorosed groups.

Conclusions:

Fluorotic enamel affects the adhesion of bonded molar tubes. The use of overetching in cases of MOF and the combination of microabrasion and etching in SEF provides a suitable adhesion for fixed appliance therapy.
A Critical Evaluation of Glycated Protein Parameters in Advanced Nephropathy: A Matter of Life or Death
Authors: Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: June 2012

Chronic kidney disease remains as one of the major complications for individuals with diabetes and contributes to considerable morbidity. Individuals subjected to dialysis therapy, half of whom are diabetic, experience a mortality of ∼20% per year. Understanding factors related to mortality remains a priority. Outside of dialysis units, A1C is unquestioned as the “gold standard” for glycemic control. In the recent past, however, there is evidence in large cohorts of diabetic dialysis patients that A1C at both the higher and lower levels was associated with mortality. Given the unique conditions associated with the metabolic dysregulation in dialysis patients, there is a critical need to identify accurate assays to monitor glycemic control to relate to cardiovascular endpoints. In this two-part point-counterpoint narrative, Drs. Freedman and Kalantar-Zadeh take opposing views on the utility of A1C in relation to cardiovascular disease and survival and as to consideration of use of other short-term markers in glycemia. In the narrative preceeding this counterpoint, Dr. Freedman suggests that glycated albumin may be the preferred glycemic marker in dialysis subjects. In the counterpoint narrative below, Dr. Kalantar-Zadeh defends the use of A1C as the unquestioned gold standard for glycemic management in dialysis subjects.

—William T. Cefalu, MD Editor in Chief, Diabetes Care
The Margin of Exposure to Formaldehyde in Alcoholic Beverages
Authors: Monakhova Yulia , Jendral Julien , Lachenmeier Dirk
Published: June 2012

The Margin of Exposure to Formaldehyde in Alcoholic Beverages

Formaldehyde has been classified as carcinogenic to humans (WHO IARC group 1). It causes leukaemia and nasopharyngeal cancer, and was described to regularly occur in alcoholic beverages. However, its risk associated with consumption of alcohol has not been systematically studied, so this study will provide the first risk assessment of formaldehyde for consumers of alcoholic beverages.

Human dietary intake of formaldehyde via alcoholic beverages in the European Union was estimated based on WHO alcohol consumption data and literature on formaldehyde contents of different beverage groups (beer, wine, spirits, and unrecorded alcohol). The risk assessment was conducted using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach with benchmark doses (BMD) for 10 % effect obtained from dose-response modelling of animal experiments.

For tumours in male rats, a BMD of 30 mg kg-1body weight per day and a "BMD lower confidence limit" (BMDL) of 23 mg kg-1d-1were calculated from available long-term animal experiments. The average human exposure to formaldehyde from alcoholic beverages was estimated at 8·10-5mg kg-1d-1. Comparing the human exposure with BMDL, the resulting MOE was above 200,000 for average scenarios. Even in the worst-case scenarios, the MOE was never below 10,000, which is considered to be the threshold for public health concerns.

The risk assessment shows that the cancer risk from formaldehyde to the alcohol-consuming population is negligible and the priority for risk management (e.g. to reduce the contamination) is very low. The major risk in alcoholic beverages derives from ethanol and acetaldehyde.
The Effects of Central Angiotensin II and Its Specific Blockers on Nociception. Possible Interactions with Oxidative Stress Status / Efekti Centralnog Angiotenzina II I Njegovih Specifičnih Blokatora Na Nocicepciju. Moguće Interakcije Sa Statusom Oksidativnog Stresa
Authors: Arcan Oana , Ciobica Alin , Bild Walther , Stoica Bogdan , Hritcu Lucian , Cojocaru Dumitru
Published: June 2012

It has already been demonstrated that a complete brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exists distinctly separate from the peripheral system and is implicated in complex functions such as memory, emotional responses and pain. Regarding the implications of angiotensin II (the main bioactive peptide of RAS) in pain, although there are many studies in this area of research, most of the results are controversial. Also, it seems that oxidative stress follows angiotensin II infusion, but the role of AT1 vs. AT2 receptors is not well established. In this context, we were interested in studying the effects of central RAS on nociception, through the intracerebroventricular administration of losartan and PD-123177 (antagonists for the AT1/AT2 receptors), as well as an ACE inhibitor (captopril) and also angiotensin II in rats, which were subsequently tested using the hot-plate task, a well known behavioral test for pain perception. We present here the analgesic effect of angiotensin II administration, as shown by in creased latency-time in the hot-plate, as well as a nociceptive effect of angiotensin II blockers like AT1 and AT2 specific antagonists (losartan and PD-123177) and an ACE inhibitor (captopril), as their administration resulted in decreased latency-time. Moreover, we demonstrated a significant correlation between the results of the nociceptive behavioral task and the levels of some main oxidative stress markers. This provides additional evidence for an analgesic effect of Ang II administration, as well as for a nociceptive effect of Ang II blockers. Moreover, a significant correlation between the nociception and angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress is presented.
Behaviour of Humans and Behaviour of Models in Dynamic Space
Authors: Nijkamp Peter
Published: June 2012

Behaviour of Humans and Behaviour of Models in Dynamic Space

This paper addresses new trends in quantitative geography research. Modern social science research - including economic and social geography - has in the past decades shown an increasing interest in micro-oriented behaviour of actors. This is inter alia clearly reflected in spatial interaction models (SIMs), where discrete choice approaches have assumed a powerful position. This paper aims to provide in particular a concise review of micro-based research, with the aim to review the potential - but also the caveats - of micro-models to map out human behaviour. In particular, attention will be devoted to interactive learning principles that shape individual decisions. Lessons from cognitive sciences will be put forward and illustrated, amongst others on the basis of computational neural networks or spatial econometric approaches. The methodology of deductive reasoning under conditions of large data bases in studying human mobility will be questioned as well. In this context more extensive attention is given to ceteris paribus conditions and evolutionary thinking.
Analysis of the Labour Market in Metropolitan Areas: A Spatial Filtering Approach
Authors: Kossowski Tomasz , Hauke Jan
Published: June 2012

Analysis of the Labour Market in Metropolitan Areas: A Spatial Filtering Approach

The power of today's computers allows us to perform computation on massive quantities of data on the one hand and produces enormous amounts of analysis output on the other, as noted by Griffith in his 2003 book. Besides, visualisation and spatial filtering (the core of considerations in Griffith's book) have a chance to be widely used in research practice, especially in geosciences and, more precisely, for georeferenced data. Following the idea proposed by Patuelli et al. (2006, 2009), we analysed the labour market in Poland, focusing on metropolitan areas and their surroundings. The analysis was performed on a data set for the unemployment rate in the 2,478 Polish communes. We took into account spatial autocorrelation and used spatial filtering techniques to construct components of an orthogonal map pattern. As shown in Tiefelsdorf & Griffith (2007), the spatial filtering techniques could be employed in both, parametric and semi-parametric approaches. In this paper we adopted a parametric one.
Transformation of Poland's Spatial-Economic Structure in the Years 1998-2008
Authors: Czyż Teresa
Published: June 2012

Transformation of Poland's Spatial-Economic Structure in the Years 1998-2008

The article consists of two parts. Part one offers a diagnostic description of the current spatial-economic structure of Poland in which regions are divided into core and peripheral ones. The division rests on a systemic measure of the level of economic development, viz. the income potential / population potential ratio. Part two is an analysis of changes in Poland's spatial-economic structure over the years 1998-2008 where an attempt is made to determine how far those changes coincided with visions of the country's spatial structure presented in planning conceptions.
Inter-Communal Cooperation and Regional Development: The Case of Romania
Authors: Săgeată Radu
Published: June 2012

Inter-Communal Cooperation and Regional Development: The Case of Romania

Romania's local administrative-territorial organisation shows a high degree of fragmentation. The situation tends to worsen as some villages break away from the parent communes and form new administrative-territorial structures. Since their area is fairly small and adequate financial resources to sustain some coherent, long-term development programmes are missing, a solution would be for them to associate freely into inter-communal cooperation structures, which is a basic prerequisite for attracting European structural funds. Such a type of cooperation practice was experienced in this country at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, inter-communal cooperation could be achieved in two ways: by an association of local communities patterned on historical ‘lands’ (after the French model) and by the establishment of a town, of the metropolitan type, to polarise cooperation structures.
Cypriot Olympians’ Socialization into Sport
Authors: Shippi Panayiotis
Published: June 2012

Cypriot Olympians’ Socialization into Sport

Since the mid-20th century, and parallel with the devaluation of the classical Olympic idea, the classical Olympic amateur status has been modified: Olympians have been permitted to earn money legally via their sport performances. They have been legally defined as employees, and they have become to be regarded as "Olympic professionals".

The Cypriot elite athletes, who joined the Olympic family in 1980, did not follow international trends regarding this special kind of professionalism. Their start in sport also was to be different from the beginning of most professional Olympic athletes’ sporting careers. The objective of this article is to present information on the particular characteristics of Cypriot Olympians’ socialization into sport based on the findings of an empirical research carried out by the author. The investigation was carried out by quantitative (standardized questionnaire) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) methods among Cypriot Olympians, their coaches, and managers. The quantitative data were summarized by Microsoft Excel 2003 program. Qualitative information was analyzed according to the special criteria.

The results deal with the following topics: the athletes’ age at the start and at the specialization, their motivations, their socializing agents, and their parents’ sporting experiences. In the conclusion the impact of the Cypriot sport culture and the ambivalent Cypriot sport politics on the athletes’ early sport socialization is emphasized.
The Theoretical Background of Local Sport Policy in Hungary: Sport Concepts of Hungarian Cities of County Rank
Authors: Kozma Gábor , Radics Zsolt , Teperics Károly
Published: June 2012

The Theoretical Background of Local Sport Policy in Hungary: Sport Concepts of Hungarian Cities of County Rank

In line with international trends, we could also observe in Hungary beginning in the late 1990s increasing attention given by local governments to sports. Hungarian provisions of law related to sports (including, in particular, Act I of 2004 on sports) put local governments in charge of some very important tasks. Among other things, local governments were to determine the local concept of sports development and to ensure its implementation, cooperate with local sports organizations and sports associations, and as owners maintain and operate the sports facilities. In light of the above facts, the study analyzes the sport concepts adopted by the local governments of the Hungarian cities of county rank and tries to find the answers to the following questions: 1. To what extent are the documents concerned in accordance with the requirements usually drafted for the development concepts and which platforms they involve?; 2. To what extent did the local governments recognize the relationship between the sports and place marketing on the level of concept-making?

As a conclusion of the study, the following significant establishments can be made: 1. Comparing the existing sport concepts with the general requirements of the development concepts, a large number of deficiencies can be observed; 2. The areas mentioned in the situation-analysis part of these documents are in close relationship with the importance of the topics concerned; 3. The local governments of the cities of county rank decisively recognized the role of sports in place marketing.