bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplier-induced demand for psychiatric admissions in Northern New England
Authors: Watts Bradley V , Shiner Brian , Klauss Gunnar , Weeks William B
Published: September 2011

Background

The development of hospital service areas (HSAs) using small area analysis has been useful in examining variation in medical and surgical care; however, the techniques of small area analysis are underdeveloped in understanding psychiatric admission rates. We sought to develop these techniques in order to understand the relationship between psychiatric bed supply and admission rates in Northern New England. Our primary hypotheses were that there would be substantial variation in psychiatric admission across geographic settings and that bed availability would be positively correlated with admission rates, reflecting a supplier-induced demand phenomenon. Our secondary hypothesis was that the construction of psychiatric HSAs (PHSAs) would yield more meaningful results than the use of existing general medical hospital service areas.

Methods

To address our hypotheses, we followed a four-step analytic process: 1) we used small area analytic techniques to define our PHSAs, 2) we calculated the localization index for PHSAs and compared that to the localization index for general medical HSAs, 3) we used the number of psychiatric hospital beds, the number of psychiatric admissions, and census data to calculate population-based bed-supply and psychiatric admission rates for each PHSA, and 4) we correlated population-based admission rates to population-based psychiatric bed supply.

Results

The admission rate for psychiatric diagnosis varied considerably among the PHSAs, with rates varying from 2.4 per 100,000 in Portsmouth, NH to 13.4 per 100,000 in Augusta, ME. There was a positive correlation of 0.71 between a PHSA's supply of beds and admission rate. Using our PSHAs produced a substantially higher localization index than using general medical hospital services areas (0.69 vs. 0.23), meaning that our model correctly predicted geographic utilization at three times the rate of the existing model.

Conclusions

The positive correlation between admission and bed supply suggests that psychiatric bed availability may partially explain the variation in admission rates. Development of PHSAs, rather than relying on the use of established general medical HSAs, improves the relevance and accuracy of small area analysis in understanding mental health services utilization.
Technology assessment of automated atlas based segmentation in prostate bed contouring
Authors: Hwee Jeremiah , Louie Alexander V , Gaede Stewart , Bauman Glenn , D'Souza David , Sexton Tracy , Lock Michael , Ahmad Belal , Rodrigues George
Published: September 2011

Background

Prostate bed (PB) contouring is time consuming and associated with inter-observer variability. We evaluated an automated atlas-based segmentation (AABS) engine in its potential to reduce contouring time and inter-observer variability.

Methods

An atlas builder (AB) manually contoured the prostate bed, rectum, left femoral head (LFH), right femoral head (RFH), bladder, and penile bulb of 75 post-prostatectomy cases to create an atlas according to the recent RTOG guidelines. 5 other Radiation Oncologists (RO) and the AABS contoured 5 new cases. A STAPLE contour for each of the 5 patients was generated. All contours were anonymized and sent back to the 5 RO to be edited as clinically necessary. All contouring times were recorded. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to evaluate the unedited- and edited- AABS and inter-observer variability among the RO. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests and a Pearson correlation were performed. ANOVA analysis using logit transformations of DSC values was calculated to assess inter-observer variability.

Results

The mean time for manual contours and AABS was 17.5- and 14.1 minutes respectively (p = 0.003). The DSC results (mean, SD) for the comparison of the unedited-AABS versus STAPLE contours for the PB (0.48, 0.17), bladder (0.67, 0.19), LFH (0.92, 0.01), RFH (0.92, 0.01), penile bulb (0.33, 0.25) and rectum (0.59, 0.11). The DSC results (mean, SD) for the comparison of the edited-AABS versus STAPLE contours for the PB (0.67, 0.19), bladder (0.88, 0.13), LFH (0.93, 0.01), RFH (0.92, 0.01), penile bulb (0.54, 0.21) and rectum (0.78, 0.12). The DSC results (mean, SD) for the comparison of the edited-AABS versus the expert panel for the PB (0.47, 0.16), bladder (0.67, 0.18), LFH (0.83, 0.18), RFH (0.83, 0.17), penile bulb (0.31, 0.23) and rectum (0.58, 0.09). The DSC results (mean, SD) for the comparison of the STAPLE contours and the 5 RO are PB (0.78, 0.15), bladder (0.96, 0.02), left femoral head (0.87, 0.19), right femoral head (0.87, 0.19), penile bulb (0.70, 0.17) and the rectum (0.89, 0.06). The ANOVA analysis suggests inter-observer variability among at least one of the 5 RO (p value = 0.002).

Conclusion

The AABS tool results in a time savings, and when used to generate auto-contours for the femoral heads, bladder and rectum had superior to good spatial overlap. However, the generated auto-contours for the prostate bed and penile bulb need improvement.
HOX genes in ovarian cancer
Authors: Kelly Zoë L , Michael Agnieszka , Butler-Manuel Simon , Pandha Hardev S , Morgan Richard GL
Published: September 2011

The HOX genes are a family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors that determine cellular identity during development. Here we review a number of recent studies showing that HOX genes are strongly expressed in ovarian cancer, and that in some cases the expression of specific HOX genes is sufficient to confer a particular identity and phenotype upon cancer cells. We also review the recent advances in elucidating the different functions of HOX genes in ovarian cancer. A literature search was performed using the search terms HOX genes (including specific HOX genes), ovarian cancer and oncogenesis. Articles were accessed through searches performed in ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed and ScienceDirect. Taken together, these studies have shown that HOX genes play a role in the oncogenesis of ovarian cancer and function in the inhibition of apoptosis, DNA repair and enhanced cell motility. The function of HOX genes in ovarian cancer oncogenesis supports their potential role as prognostic and diagnostic markers, and as therapeutic targets in this disease.
Impact of cannabis use on thalamic volume in people at familial high risk of schizophrenia
Authors: Welch Killian A. , Stanfield Andrew C. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Whalley Heather C. , Job Dominic E. , Moorhead Thomas W. , Owens David G. C. , Lawrie Stephen M. , Johnstone Eve C.
Published: September 2011

Background

No longitudinal study has yet examined the association between substance use and brain volume changes in a population at high risk of schizophrenia.

Aims

To examine the effects of cannabis on longitudinal thalamus and amygdala-hippocampal complex volumes within a population at high risk of schizophrenia.

Method

Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained from individuals at high genetic risk of schizophrenia at the point of entry to the Edinburgh High-Risk Study (EHRS) and approximately 2 years later. Differential thalamic and amygdala-hippocampal complex volume change in high-risk individuals exposed (n= 25) and not exposed (n= 32) to cannabis in the intervening period was investigated using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

Cannabis exposure was associated with bilateral thalamic volume loss. This effect was significant on the left (F= 4.47,P= 0.04) and highly significant on the right (F=7.66,P=0.008). These results remained significant when individuals using other illicit drugs were removed from the analysis.

Conclusions

These are the first longitudinal data to demonstrate an association between thalamic volume loss and exposure to cannabis in currently unaffected people at familial high risk of developing schizophrenia. This observation may be important in understanding the link between cannabis exposure and the subsequent development of schizophrenia.
Alpha sarcoglycan is required for FGF-dependent myogenic progenitor cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cassano Marco , Dellavalle Arianna , Tedesco Francesco Saverio , Quattrocelli Mattia , Crippa Stefania , Ronzoni Flavio , Salvade Agnese , Berardi Emanuele , Torrente Yvan , Cossu Giulio , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: September 2011

Mice deficient in α-sarcoglycan (Sgca-null mice) develop progressive muscular dystrophy and serve as a model for human limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D. Sgca-null mice suffer a more severe myopathy than that of mdx mice, the model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This is the opposite of what is observed in humans and the reason for this is unknown. In an attempt to understand the cellular basis of this severe muscular dystrophy, we isolated clonal populations of myogenic progenitor cells (MPCs), the resident postnatal muscle progenitors of dystrophic and wild-type mice. MPCs from Sgca-null mice generated much smaller clones than MPCs from wild-type or mdx dystrophic mice. Impaired proliferation of Sgca-null myogenic precursors was confirmed by single fiber analysis and this difference correlated with Sgca expression during MPC proliferation. In the absence of dystrophin and associated proteins, which are only expressed after differentiation, SGCA complexes with and stabilizes FGFR1. Deficiency of Sgca leads to an absence of FGFR1 expression at the membrane and impaired MPC proliferation in response to bFGF. The low proliferation rate of Sgca-null MPCs was rescued by transduction with Sgca-expressing lentiviral vectors. When transplanted into dystrophic muscle, Sgca-null MPCs exhibited reduced engraftment. The reduced proliferative ability of Sgca-null MPCs explains, at least in part, the severity of this muscular dystrophy and also why wild-type donor progenitor cells engraft efficiently and consequently ameliorate disease.
An inducible kras
V12 transgenic zebrafish model for liver tumorigenesis and chemical drug screening
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Emelyanov Alexander , Koh Chor Hui Vivien , Spitsbergen Jan M. , Parinov Serguei , Gong Zhiyuan
Published: September 2011

Because Ras signaling is frequently activated by major hepatocellular carcinoma etiological factors, a transgenic zebrafish constitutively expressing the krasV12 oncogene in the liver was previously generated by our laboratory. Although this model depicted and uncovered the conservation between zebrafish and human liver tumorigenesis, the low tumor incidence and early mortality limit its use for further studies of tumor progression and inhibition. Here, we employed a mifepristone-inducible transgenic system to achieve inducible krasV12 expression in the liver. The system consisted of two transgenic lines: the liver-driver line had a liver-specific fabp10 promoter to produce the LexPR chimeric transactivator, and the Ras-effector line contained a LexA-binding site to control EGFP-krasV12 expression. In double-transgenic zebrafish (driver-effector) embryos and adults, we demonstrated mifepristone-inducible EGFP-krasV12 expression in the liver. Robust and homogeneous liver tumors developed in 100% of double-transgenic fish after 1 month of induction and the tumors progressed from hyperplasia by 1 week post-treatment (wpt) to carcinoma by 4 wpt. Strikingly, liver tumorigenesis was found to be ‘addicted’ to Ras signaling for tumor maintenance, because mifepristone withdrawal led to tumor regression via cell death in transgenic fish. We further demonstrated the potential use of the transparent EGFP-krasV12 larvae in inhibitor treatments to suppress Ras-driven liver tumorigenesis by targeting its downstream effectors, including the Raf-MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways. Collectively, this mifepristone-inducible and reversible krasV12 transgenic system offers a novel model for understanding hepatocarcinogenesis and a high-throughput screening platform for anti-cancer drugs.
From the Editor—Multiattribute and Intertemporal Preferences, Probability, and Stochastic Processes: Models and Assessment
Authors: Keller L. Robin
Published: September 2011

Our first article, by Jay Simon and Francois Melese is on “A Multiattribute Sealed-Bid Procurement Auction with Multiple Budgets for Government Vendor Selection.” Next, Ali E. Abbas develops “The Multiattribute Utility Tree.” In our third article, Thomas W. Keelin and Bradford W. Powley introduce a method for encoding uncertainty on a continuous variable using “Quantile-Parameterized Distributions.” Next, Warren J. Hahn and James S. Dyer present “A Discrete Time Approach for Modeling Two-Factor Mean-Reverting Stochastic Processes.” The final article is by Jeffery L. Guyse and Jay Simon on “Consistency Among Elicitation Techniques for Intertemporal Choice: A Within-Subjects Investigation of the Anomalies.”
Labour market policy in the crisis: the UK in comparative perspective
Authors: Clegg Daniel
Published: September 2011

This article examines labour market policy measures adopted to counteract the effects of the current economic crisis, comparing the UK policy response to reactions of governments in other developed countries. It shows that, despite having entered the crisis with one of the least developed packages of policies to support unemployed people of any country, the UK has done unusually little to bolster provision in this field, despite the social and economic benefits that increased investment would bring. In the light of this, the article critically revisits the UK's status since the late 1990s as a labour market policy ‘success story’.
Abolishing the 10p tax band: some observations
Authors: Grover Chris
Published: September 2011

In his last Budget as the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2007, Gordon Brown abolished the 10p starting rate of income tax. This was to prove to be a controversial move and one that was of significance for income maintenance policy. This article focuses on this significance by examining the competing economic, political and social objectives that framed the abolition of the 10p tax band, the messages that its abolition sent to low paid childless workers and the impacts of its abolition.
The impact of the tax and benefit system on second earners
Authors: Evans Martin , Harkness Susan
Published: September 2011

This article analyses the theoretical and applied aspects of employment disincentives for second earners that exist in the British tax benefit system. The shortcomings of existing tax-benefit income profiles are examined, together with the underlying role of tax credits in disincentives compared with other factors. The potential of such disincentives to worsen employment of second earners in a recession is addressed. Conclusions suggest that a more sophisticated applied approach is required by social policy analysts, together with improved ways to profile incentives in the tax benefit system.
Living on a low income and using banks to pay bills
Authors: Nice Katharine , Irvine Annie
Published: September 2011

This article discusses the use of automated banking facilities among people on low incomes. In doing so, it questions assumptions inherent in recent UK government policy that making full use of banking facilities to pay bills is a universally desirable norm. The article presents qualitative research evidence to explore how and why people on low incomes do and do not use banks, and automated payments in particular. Supporting the findings of previous research, the article describes how low financial resources can be a barrier to using automatic transfers, but also notes how personal choice, familiarity and routine can also influence preferences. Therefore, it is argued that a range of policy responses may be necessary to facilitate higher transactional use of bank accounts.
Addressing financial exclusion among families living in poverty
Authors: Stewart Tom
Published: September 2011

This article discusses Barnardo’s policy recommendations on high-cost credit and financial exclusion. The report is based on a research project undertaken by Barnardo’s, which followed the lives of 16 families living in poverty over the course of a year. It concludes that, in order to widen access to mainstream financial services, there is a role for government to provide incentives to banks that take on new business among the financially excluded and in disadvantaged areas. In addition, clearer consumer protection is required for high-cost credit customers and reform of the Social Fund could better meet the needs of families living in persistent poverty.
Stress testing the UK welfare system for unemployment
Authors: Figari Francesco , Salvatori Andrea , Sutherland Holly
Published: September 2011

This article examines the resilience (or otherwise) of the United Kingdom social protection system in the face of increasing unemployment. It explores the extent to which benefits protect the household incomes of unemployed people both in relative terms and in comparison with an absolute income threshold. It finds that for the people most likely to become unemployed in the first phase of the current downturn most of any protection they have comes from the earnings of other household, members. In the case of sole-earner households, the benefit system fails to maintain household income above the poverty threshold in most cases and the relative drop in income for this group is very high by international standards.
A strategic unity: defining the third sector in the UK
Authors: Alcock Pete
Published: September 2011

Academics, policy makers and practitioners often stress the need for definition to inform analysis and policy. This paper explores recent debate on the identification of a third sector of organisational activity in the UK. It reviews some leading academic models that have sought to locate this sector alongside others, and then examines attempts to identify the sector as a focus for policy and practice. The importance of policy discourses in shaping debate and constructing definition is explained and the potentially fractured nature of these discourses is explored. These are then contrasted with discourses from practice. A distinction is made between exogenous and endogenous approaches to definition, and the implications of each discussed. The paper identifies a strategic unity within discourse in the UK over the last decade and argues that this has been effective in constituting a unified third sector within policy and practice, albeit one with underlying diversity and potential longer-term instability.
Voluntary action and the state in historical perspective
Authors: Harris Bernard
Published: September 2011

New Labour has encouraged the development of a ‘partnership’ between the statutory and voluntary sectors in which both sides are expected to work together to improve welfare provision. However, if the voluntary sector has always sought a partnership with the state, it is important to ask how this partnership has changed over time and may change in the future. This paper examines the relationship between the two sectors over the last two centuries. It begins by discussing the role played by the voluntary sector and the history of statutory–voluntary relations during the 19th century. It then examines the development of the ‘new philanthropy’ in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before considering the voluntary sector’s response to the expansion of state welfare provision after 1945. The final section summarises the paper’s main arguments and compares Labour and Conservative attitudes to the role of voluntary social provision before the 2010 General Election.
A new pair of eyes? Environmental volunteering and public policy
Authors: Sibley Miles
Published: September 2011

The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) is a practical environmental volunteering agency. Its daily engagement with local action provides it with insights not shared by policy makers who view the natural environment in isolation. This means that BCTV needs to engage with a variety of government departments. Environmental issues cannot be divorced from wider social and economic concerns. Effective policy making needs to be ‘joined up’ and informed by the practical insights of those working on the ground.
UK government policy and ‘social investment’
Authors: Westall Andrea
Published: September 2011

UK government policy towards social investment has taken three overlapping but different forms: community investment; third sector capacity building; and now investment in social and environmental outcomes. This paper argues that the latest approach creates both opportunities and some potential problems for third sector finance. This ‘outcome’ focus applies to all organisations and activities that generate particular impacts, not just third sector organisations. It may also ignore potentially transformative forms of social investment, particularly those relating to different financial values and processes.
The Compact 10 years on: government’s approach to partnership with the voluntary and community sector in England
Authors: Zimmeck Meta
Published: September 2011

This paper examines the history of the Compact, a partnership agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector in England, over the last 10 years and addresses issues of public policy. In particular, it examines how the implementation of the Compact has been slower, patchier and less energetic than might have been expected for an initiative of ‘both practical and symbolic importance’ and how the proposed ‘refreshment’ is unlikely significantly to alter this situation.
Challenges for tax policy towards individual charitable giving: the experience of recent attempts to ‘reform’ the UK Gift Aid scheme
Authors: Pharoah Cathy
Published: September 2011

This paper explores some challenges for tax policy towards individual charitable giving through a review of recent initiatives to reform Gift Aid, the scheme responsible for most UK tax-effective private donating. Although often regarded as a model by other countries, Gift Aid has been subject to extensive charity pressure for radical reform. The paper argues that while operational problems prompted the reform call, wider tax policy challenges have emerged and contributed to shifting the focus from radical to more limited administrative options for change.
Hybridity, diversity and the division of labour in the third sector: what can we learn from homelessness organisations in the UK?
Authors: Buckingham Heather
Published: September 2011

While the boundaries between different sectors within the welfare mix have always been indistinct, increasing involvement of third sector organisations (TSOs) in government contracts has accentuated the ‘blurring’ of these boundaries over recent decades. This paper builds on existing analyses of hybridity in the third sector and presents the welfare pyramid as a theoretical framework within which hybridisation and its implications for TSOs of different types can be explored. Taking homelessness TSOs as an example, it highlights the existence of a division of labour among these organisations (which seems to have been exacerbated by contracting) and underlines the need for policy makers to carefully consider TSOs’ varied roles, strengths and limitations.
New challenges or different opportunities? Voluntary adoption agencies and the shifting terrain of childcare services
Authors: Fink Janet , Jong Anisa de , Langan Mary
Published: September 2011

This paper examines some of the developments and trends that affected the fluctuating relationship between state and voluntary provision of adoption services in England during New Labour's terms of office. Using examples drawn from the work of one voluntary adoption agency (VAA), the paper explores the tensions within this relationship and the increase in state regulation of childcare services. It pays particular attention to the impact of equalities legislation on faith-based adoption agencies and to role of the inter-agency fee. The paper concludes by considering recent interventions in this area by the Conservative-led coalition government and their implications for VAAs.
Civil society organisations and community development: reflections on the Georgian experience
Authors: Vasadze Nino , Datuashvili Eka
Published: September 2011

This paper draws on the experience of the Centre for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG) to explore the current situation of the ‘civil sector’ in post-Soviet Georgia. More specifically, it addresses the emergence of community development in the country and the challenges it faces now and in the future. The paper begins with a brief account of the development of a ‘third sector’ in Georgia before reviewing the work of the CSRDG and highlighting its impact and the constraints on further development. It concludes by calling for a strategic partnership between civic organisations, international agencies and the state to create the conditions in which community development and the third sector could thrive.
An exploration of the importance of supervision practice in the voluntary sector
Authors: Jenkinson Hilary
Published: September 2011

This paper discusses the relevance of supervision practice within the voluntary sector and argues that it is necessary and important. The paper examines what is meant by supervision and explores the factors relating to the nature of the work that point to the necessity of supervision for workers. The nature of supervision is explored, providing a discussion of both the functions and the practical dimensions of supervision.
GP commissioning: implications for the third sector
Authors: Dickinson Helen , Miller Robin
Published: September 2011

The reforms proposed in the 2010 UK National Health Service (NHS) White Paper hold the potential for major changes to the landscape of the NHS. Although the third sector is not mentioned very much in this document, the implications for the sector are significant. This paper sets out the recent history of NHS reform and the detail of the changes before outlining some of the potential implications of these changes for the third sector.
Disability Identity of Leaders in the Self-Advocacy Movement
Authors: Caldwell Joe
Published: September 2011

Life stories and perspectives of leaders in the self-advocacy movement were explored to enhance knowledge about disability identity formation. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 leaders in the self-advocacy movement. Five major themes emerged: (a) resistance—claiming personhood and voice; (b) connection with disability community; (c) reclaiming disability and personal transformation; (d) interconnection with broader disability rights movement; and (e) bond with social justice and interdependency.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cognitive Processing in Young Adults With Down Syndrome
Authors: Jacola Lisa M , Byars Anna W , Chalfonte-Evans Melinda , Schmithorst Vincent J , Hickey Fran , Patterson Bonnie , Hotze Stephanie , Vannest Jennifer , Chiu Chung-Yiu , Holland Scott K , Schapiro Mark B
Published: September 2011

The authors used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate neural activation during a semantic-classification/object-recognition task in 13 persons with Down syndrome and 12 typically developing control participants (age range  =  12–26 years). A comparison between groups suggested atypical patterns of brain activation for the individuals with Down syndrome. Correlation analyses between an index of visual spatial ability and brain activation depicted a positive relationship between (a) this index and brain activation in regions of the occipital and parietal lobes for the typically developing individuals and (b) the middle and dorsal frontal gyri in the individuals with Down syndrome. These findings supported the authors' hypothesis that persons with Down syndrome demonstrate atypical neural activation compared with typically developing individuals matched for chronological age.
Properties of wood chips for thermomechanical pulp (TMP) production as a function of spout angle
Authors: Hellström Lisbeth M. , Gradin Per A. , Engstrand Per , Gregersen Øyvind
Published: September 2011

Spruce wood chips were produced under well-controlled conditions in a laboratory wood chipper at spout angles of 30°, 40°, and 50° at a cutting rate of 20 m s-1 and with a nominal chip length of 25 mm. The chips were then refined under thermomechanical pulp (TMP) conditions in a pilot refiner plant. The pulp properties such as freeness, average fiber length, and shives content were determined and evaluated as a function of specific energy consumption. For a first stage refining and for a freeness value of 350 ml, a decrease in specific electrical energy consumption could be achieved by performing the wood chipping at a spout angle of 50° as compared to 30° which is the spout angle commonly used. A patent application regarding this method has been filed and is pending. It is realized that a freeness value is not directly indicative of any quality measure, such as, for example tensile index and light scattering coefficient but the obtained results can be interpreted to be promising. Further studies are needed regarding the impact of the modified chipping process.
Diabetes reduces left ventricular ejection fraction-irrespective of presence and extent of coronary artery disease
Authors: Ehl Niklas F , Kühne Michael , Brinkert Miriam , Müller-Brand Jan , Zellweger Michael J
Published: September 2011

Background

It is not clear whether diabetes reduces systolic left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF) irrespective of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to compare the LVEF between diabetic and non-diabetic patients with respect to the extent of CAD.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients undergoing stress myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) were evaluated. MPS was interpreted using a 20-segment model with a five-point scale to define summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score, and summed difference score. LVEF was measured by gated SPECT and then compared with respect to diabetic status and SSS categories. Of 2635 patients, data of 2400 was available. Of these, 24% were diabetic, mean age was 64±11y, and 31% were female. Diabetics had a significantly lower LVEF compared with non-diabetics regardless of the extent of CAD: 53±13 and 55±13% respectively (P=0.001). Diabetics and non-diabetics did not differ significantly in the distribution of SSS categories. Diabetes was an independent predictor of decreased LVEF (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2–2.0; P<0.001).

Conclusion

Diabetics had a lower LVEF than non-diabetics. This difference could be demonstrated regardless of CAD extent and might in part explain their generally worse cardiac survival compared with non-diabetics on an epidemiological level. In addition, this finding points to discussed mechanisms other than CAD lowering LVEF in diabetics.
The effect of nutrition on the neural mechanisms potentially involved in melatonin-stimulated LH secretion in female Mediterranean goats
Authors: Zarazaga Luis A , Celi Irma , Guzmán José Luis , Malpaux Benoît
Published: September 2011

This research examines which neural mechanisms among the endogenous opioid, dopaminergic, serotonergic and excitatory amino acid systems are involved in the stimulation of LH secretion by melatonin implantation and their modulation by nutritional level. Female goats were distributed to two experimental groups that received either 1.1 (group H;n=24) or 0.7 (group L;n=24) times their nutritional maintenance requirements. Half of each group was implanted with melatonin after a long-day period. Plasma LH concentrations were measured twice per week. The effects of i.v. injections of naloxone, pimozide, cyproheptadine andN-methyl-d,l-aspartate (NMDA) on LH secretion were assessed the day before melatonin implantation and again on days 30 and 45. The functioning of all but the dopaminergic systems was clearly modified by the level of nutrition, melatonin implantation and time elapsed since implantation. Thirty days after implantation, naloxone increased LH concentrations irrespective of the level of nutrition (P<0.05), similar to NMDA in the melatonin-implanted H goats (HM;P<0.01). On day 45, naloxone increased LH concentrations in the HM animals (P<0.05), similar to cyproheptadine in both the non-implanted H (HC) and the HM animals (P<0.01). Finally, at 45 days, NMDA increased the LH concentration in all subgroups (P<0.01). These results provide evidence that the effects of different neural systems on LH secretion are modified by nutritional level and melatonin implantation. Endogenous opioids seem to be most strongly involved in the inhibition of LH secretion on days 30 and 45 after melatonin implantation. However, the serotonergic mechanism appears to be most influenced by nutritional level.
Retention of Implant-Supported Overdenture With Bar/Clip and Stud Attachment Designs
Authors: Savabi Omid , Nejatidanesh Farahnaz , Yordshahian Forough
Published: September 2011

The degree of retention for overdenture attachments depends on design, location, and alignment of supporting dental implants and the type of attachments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention of an implant-supported overdenture with different attachment designs. An overdenture was made on an edentulous mandibular model with 2 ITI implants (4.1 × 10 mm) in the symphyseal region. Five specimens of 8 attachment designs with corresponding abutments and superstructures were used: ITI regular Dolder bar with 1 metal clip, ITI regular Dolder bar with cantilever and 3 metal clips, Hader bar with 1 plastic clip, Hader bar with cantilever and 3 plastic clips, Sphero block abutment with Rhein plastic caps (green, white, and pink), and retentive anchor with ITI elliptical matrix. The attachments' housings were interchangeable and fixed into the overdenture through nut and screw. The overdenture attachments were subjected to 8 consecutive pulls on a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 50.8 mm/min in the vertical and posteroanterior directions. Analysis of variance and Duncan tests were used to determine differences between mean retention values (α = .05). The highest average value retention was recorded for the ITI Dolder bar with cantilever and 3 metal clips in both the vertical and posteroanterior directions, respectively (P < .05). The Rhein pink caps had the lowest retention in the posteroanterior direction (P < .05). Retention decreased over the course of consecutive pulls for all attachments in both directions. The type, number, and placement of attachments affect the retention of implant-supported mandibular overdentures.
Effect of Dialysis Modality on Survival of Hepatitis C-Infected ESRF Patients
Authors: Bose Bhadran , McDonald Stephen P. , Hawley Carmel M. , Brown Fiona G. , Badve Sunil V. , Wiggins Kathryn J. , Bannister Kym M. , Boudville Neil , Clayton Philip , Johnson David W.
Published: September 2011

Background and objectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients. Despite a lower incidence and risk of transmission of HCV infection with peritoneal dialysis (PD), the optimal dialysis modality for HCV-infected ESRF patients is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dialysis modality on the survival of HCV-infected ESRF patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The study included all adult incident ESRF patients in Australia and New Zealand who commenced dialysis between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2008, and were HCV antibody-positive at the time of dialysis commencement. Time to all-cause mortality was compared between hemodialysis (HD) and PD according to modality assignment at day 90, using Cox proportional hazards model analysis.

Results

A total of 424 HCV-infected ESRF patients commenced dialysis during the study period and survived for at least 90 days (PD n = 134; HD n = 290). Mortality rates were comparable between PD and HD in the first year (10.7 versus 13.8 deaths per 100 patient-years, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.26) and thereafter (20 versus 15.9 deaths per 100 patient-years, respectively; HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.88).

Conclusions

The survival of HCV-infected ESRF patients is comparable between PD and HD.
The Effect of a Family-based Intervention Model On Internet-addicted Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Zhong Xin , Zu Si , Sha Sha , Tao Ran , Zhao Chongsi , Yang Fengchi , Li Mei , Sha Peng
Published: September 2011

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a family-based intervention program for Internet addiction in Chinese adolescents. Adolescents (N = 57), diagnosed as having Internet addiction, were divided randomly into an intervention group (n = 28) and a control group (n
= 29). Participants in the intervention group participated in a 14-session family-based group intervention while participants in the control group received conventional group therapy only. Assessment tools were administered to both groups at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and
at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Results indicted that the family-based group intervention is more effective in decreasing Internet use and enhancing family function.
The Customer's Perspective on Waiting Time in Electronic Marketing
Authors: Lin Hung-Yuan , Chang Ting-Yueh
Published: September 2011

From the perspective of range theory we explored whether or not consumer evaluation of waiting time depends on a comparison between the actual waiting time and the expected range of waiting time that is specified in the marketing communication. A 2 × 2 between-subjects design
was employed, and evaluation of waiting time served as a critical dependent variable. Results indicated that consumers' evaluation of waiting time was significantly different when they were advised of different ranges of waiting time guarantee. For the condition of 3-7 days of waiting time
guarantee, participants' evaluation of waiting time was significantly favorable because the actual number of waiting days was less than the maximum of 7 in the guarantee.
Use of Message Framing and Color in Vaccine Information to Increase Willingness to Be Vaccinated
Authors: Chien Yu-Hung
Published: September 2011

Some young Taiwanese people who did not receive the H1N1 vaccine were infected with the influenza. In this study prospect theory was combined with color psychology in order to explore if 2 factors, framing of the message (gain vs. loss) and color combination (white text on a red background
vs. white text on a blue background), influenced the persuasiveness of televised vaccination information and viewers' willingness to be vaccinated. Participants were 120 university students, aged between 19 and 24, who were randomly divided into 4 groups to view televised vaccination information
that was presented using different combinations of the factors. Participants then completed questionnaires and a significant interaction was found between message framing and color combination, which affected information persuasiveness and the respondents' willingness to be vaccinated. Loss-framed
messages with white text on a red background was the most effective at enhancing vaccination information persuasiveness and people's willingness to be vaccinated.
Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Exhaustion, And Job Performance
Authors: Moon Tae Won , Hur Won-Moo
Published: September 2011

In this paper we examined how emotional intelligence (EI) affects emotional exhaustion (burnout) resulting from emotional labor, and how emotional exhaustion influences an individual's job performance in terms of organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Partial least squares
regression analyses were conducted on data from 295 retail sales employees in South Korea. Of the 4 factors identified in the EI model developed by Schutte et al. (1998) we found that 3 (appraisals of emotions, optimism, and social skills) were negatively associated with emotional exhaustion
but the fourth factor of utilization of emotion showed no significant links with emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion was found to be negatively related to job performance in terms of organizational commitment and job satisfaction and the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion was
confirmed in the relationship between job performance and appraisals of emotions, optimism, and social skills as factors in emotional intelligence.
Service Quality, Relationship Quality, and Customer Loyalty in Taiwanese Internet Banks
Authors: Lee Gin-Yuan , Chu Po-Young , Chao YU
Published: September 2011

While deregulation of financial institutions has increased competition in the Taiwanese banking industry, the advent of e-commerce has provided business opportunities for consumer financing operations. Network banking helps banks to develop relationship marketing by delegating tasks
to customers, thus improving customer loyalty. The relationships between service quality, relationship quality, and customer loyalty were investigated in this study. It was found that crisis handling and relationships are negatively, and relationship quality and customer loyalty, and service
quality and customer loyalty positively, correlated. Customer loyalty in Taiwanese Internet banks can be increased by improving service quality and relationship quality.
On the homeomorphism groups of manifolds and their universal coverings
Authors: Kowalik Agnieszka , Rybicki Tomasz
Published: September 2011

Let H
c(M) stand for the path connected identity component of the group of all compactly supported homeomorphisms of a manifold M. It is shown that H
c(M) is perfect and simple under mild assumptions on M. Next, conjugation-invariant norms on Hc(M) are considered and the boundedness of Hc(M) and its subgroups is investigated. Finally, the structure of the universal covering group of Hc(M) is studied.
Normalizers and self-normalizing subgroups II
Authors: Širola Boris
Published: September 2011

Let $\mathbb{K}$ be a field, G a reductive algebraic $\mathbb{K}$-group, and G
1 ≤ G a reductive subgroup. For G
1 ≤ G, the corresponding groups of $\mathbb{K}$-points, we study the normalizer N = N
G(G
1). In particular, for a standard embedding of the odd orthogonal group G
1 = SO(m, $\mathbb{K}$) in G = SL(m, $\mathbb{K}$) we have N ≅ G
1 ⋊ µm($\mathbb{K}$), the semidirect product of G
1 by the group of m-th roots of unity in $\mathbb{K}$. The normalizers of the even orthogonal and symplectic subgroup of SL(2n, $\mathbb{K}$) were computed in [Širola B., Normalizers and self-normalizing subgroups, Glas. Mat. Ser. III (in press)], leaving the proof in the odd orthogonal case to be completed here. Also, for G = GL(m, $\mathbb{K}$) and G
1 = O(m, $\mathbb{K}$) we have N ≅ G
1 ⋊ $\mathbb{K}$
×. In both of these cases, N is a self-normalizing subgroup of G.
The determination of changes in the expression of genes for selected specific transcriptional factors in in vitro ductal breast cancer cells under the influence of paclitaxel
Authors: Ziaja-Sołtys Marta , Rzymowska Jolanta
Published: September 2011

This study aimed to determine the changes in the expression of genes for selected specific transcriptional factors that have both activating and repressing functions in in vitro ductal breast cancer cells, under the influence of paclitaxel, applying the microarray technique. The cells are treated with 60 ng/ml and 300 ng/ml doses of paclitaxel that correspond to those applied in breast cancer therapy. About 60 ng/ml doses of paclitaxel cause a statistically significant increase in expression of all the 16 analysed genes coding transcriptional factors, ranging from 1.84-fold (for PO4F2) to 4.65-fold (for LMO4) (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control cells, and enhanced the taxane mechanism of action. The 300 ng/ml doses of paclitaxel cause a cytotoxic effect in the cells. In this article, we argue that these changes in gene expression values may constitute prognostic and predictive factors in ductal breast cancer therapy.
Problem of Trust in Alliance Networks
Authors: Sroka Włodzimierz
Published: September 2011

Problem of Trust in Alliance Networks

At a time of growing globalization, we can observe the increasing role of cooperative strategies among companies, including alliances, joint ventures, and networks. Trust is one of the most important factors of success for any business activity. It relates especially to alliance networks because it can lower transaction costs, increase productivity and innovativeness, facilitate inter-organizational relationships and resolve conflicts. Therefore the article comprehensively discusses the problems of trust in alliance networks. The conclusion of the text is that trust building in alliance networks has an influence on the effectiveness of the whole network. The text is based on the latest world literature as well as the personal experience of the author in creating effective cooperative network agreements.
The Influence of Broadband Regulation in EU on the Development of the Regulated Technology
Authors: Mihevc Andrej
Published: September 2011

The Influence of Broadband Regulation in EU on the Development of the Regulated Technology

The aim of the article is to answer the question if the level of intensity of "ex ante" regulation (also "regulation") imposed by NRA (national regulatory Authority or regulators) influence on the development of incumbent DSL technology against other Access technologies. There are several approaches which support the basic idea of regulation, that "ex ante" regulation promotes the competition. The approaches must be also based on the size of the market. In the internet world there are different access technologies. Open Access is crucial for the development of competition. Regulators have to ensure, that also new entrants can reach end users through the facilities of the incumbent operator. Based on the approach of three criteria, European Commission defines two wholesale relevant access markets both based on DSL technology ("bitstream" access and unbundled local loop) susceptible to sector specific "ex ante" regulation. In the last stage also optical access is included on the relevant markets. Other technologies are still not equivalent to incumbent DSL technology according to the opinion of the commission. The intensity of regulation influences on the competition conditions. It influences on the level where and at which point of the investment ladder entrants will enter the market through wholesale inputs or through building its own infrastructure.
Profitability of dairy farming in relation to the type of feeding system
Authors: Frelich Jan , Šlachta Martin , Střeleček František , Lososová Jana
Published: September 2011

Profitability of dairy farming in relation to the type of feeding system

We investigated the profitability of dairy farms in relation to the type of feeding system (seasonal pasture vs. permanent housing). An economic analysis was carried out of data on the structure and financial health of 50 farms in 2007 using questionnaires filled in by the farmers. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to reveal causal relationships between a number of characteristics of the farms. The two axis of PCA explained 40.48% and 16.13% of the variability among the selected farm characteristics. Profitability related more to the number of subsidies, the area of arable land, the number of livestock and to the milk and plant production than to the area of meadows and pastures. Although a better cow performance was achieved on farms with confined herds, the profit per agricultural area and profit rate did not differ significantly between the two feeding strategies (P>0.05). The profit was 3,259 and 3,655 CZK/ha on average and the profit rate 7.9% and 5.6% on average on farms with pastured herds and on farms with confined herds, respectively. A lowering of input costs and a more effective utilisation of grasslands may further enhance profitability.