bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radioresistance of glioma stem cells: Intrinsic characteristic or property of the ‘microenvironment‐stem cell unit’?
Authors: Mannino Mariella , Chalmers Anthony J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that glioblastoma possess ‘stem‐like’ cells, low concentrations of which can initiate a tumour. It has been proposed that these cells are radioresistant, and that this property contributes to the poor treatment outcomes of these tumours. In this paper we propose that radioresistance is not simply an intrinsic characteristic of glioma stem cells but a result of interactions between these cells and microenvironmental factors, i.e. the ‘microenvironment – stem cell unit’. The critical role of the microenvironment, along with glioma stem cells, is supported directly or indirectly by the following observations: glioma stem cells have been shown to reside preferentially in specific niches, the characteristics of which are known to influence cellular responses to radiation; radiation modifies environmental factors; and, contrarily to the consistency of clinical data, in vitro experiments have reported a wide variety in the radiation response of these cells.The paper, therefore, focuses on the interaction between tumour stem cells and the microenvironment, analyzing how its various elements (endothelial cells, extracellular matrix, cytokines, nitric oxide, oxygen levels) are affected by radiation and how these might influence the response of tumour stem cells to radiation.Finally, we summarize the ongoing debate on the optimal culture conditions for glioma stem cells and the difficulties in designing assays that reliably characterize their radiation response.
Radon exhalation rate from soil, sand, bricks, and sedimentary samples collected from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Rafique Muhammad , Rahman Saeed Ur , Mahmood Tahir , Rahman Said , Matiullah  , Rehman Shafi Ur 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Experimental results concerning the radon exhalation rate from samples of building materials which were collected from the districts of Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan are presented. The study aims at assessing the contribution of building materials towards the total indoor radon exposure to the inhabitants of the studied area. In this context, samples of building materials, namely, soil, sand, gravel aggregates, and bricks were collected from different parts of the districts of Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. After processing, the samples were placed in plastic containers and box type radon detectors were installed in it at heights of 25 cm above the surface of the samples. The containers were then hermetically sealed. After 80 days of exposure to radon, CR-39 detectors were etched in 25% NaOH at 80 °C for 16 h and counted under an optical microscope. The measured track densities were related to radon concentrations. Radon exhalation rate from soil, gravel aggregates, sands, and bricks varied from 171 ± 11 to 344 ± 11, 168 ± 17 to 322 ± 11, 366 ± 8 to 649 ± 8 and 184 ± 14 to 231 ± 14 mBq m–2 h–1, respectively. Present data have been compared with the published data for other parts of the world.
© 2011, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Palynological study of Lake Kotokel’ bottom sediments (Lake Baikal region)
Authors: Bezrukova E.V. , Tarasov P.E. , Kulagina N.V. , Abzaeva A.A. , Letunova P.P. , Kostrova S.S. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Pollen and AMS14C analyses of bottom sediments from the upper nine meters of the Lake Kotokel’ section were carried out. The regional climate and landscape dynamics during the Late Glacial and Holocene has been reconstructed with an average time resolution of ~120 years. It is shown that the climatic conditions in the Kotokel’ basin during Termination I (~15.5–11 ka) were characterized by short drastic changes resulting in the reorganization of landscapes and vegetation. Five short (400–1200 years) intervals have been recognized: 15.5–14.7, 14.7–14.3, 14.3–13.2, 13.2–12.5, and 12.5–11.7 ka. In the early Holocene (~11 ka), the climate became less continental and stayed such till ~7 ka. Later on, it again became more continental, which led to a significant decrease in average annual precipitation and winter temperatures and an increase in average summer temperatures. The pollen record from Lake Kotokel’ agrees with the general climatic trend for the Northern Hemisphere. The amplitude of vegetation and climatic variations during the Late Glacial is best expressed as compared with the previous regional pollen records. This is probably because the ecosystem of the small lake localized deep inside the continent, at the boundary of two large ecotones (forest and steppe), is highly sensitive to moisture deficit.
The new dated detailed pollen record from the Lake Kotokel’ bottom sediments might be regarded as a key section for the reconstruction of variations in regional vegetation and climatic dynamics for the last 15–15.5 kyr. The results obtained refined the kind of changes in regional vegetation, and the reliable age model permitted intra- and interregional correlations of environmental changes.
Dividend Increases and Initiations and Default Risk in Equity Returns
Authors: Charitou Andreas , Lambertides Neophytos , Theodoulou Giorgos 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis study extends the Grullon, Michaely, and Swaminathan (2002) analysis by incorporating default risk. Using data for firms that either increased or initiated cash dividend payments during the 23-year period 1986–2008, we find reduction in default risk. This reduction is shown to be a priced risk factor beyond the Fama and French (1993) risk measures, and it explains the dividend payment decision and the positive market reaction around dividend increases and initiations. Further analysis reveals that the reduction in default risk is a significant factor in explaining the 3-year excess returns following dividend increases and initiations.
Rural Long-term Care Work, Gender, and Restructuring
Authors: Leach Belinda , Joseph Gillian 
Published: May 2011

RÉSUMÉLa restructuration – l’introduction de changements qui modifient la façon dont les soins de santé sont délivrés pour optimiser l’éfficacité à moindre coût – s’ajoutant à la ruralité et aux idéologies et pratiques sexistes des milieux ruraux produit des établissements de soins longue durée dont les environnements ne sont pas sans conséquences particulières pour leur personnel féminin et pour les résidents et les communautés qu’ils desservent.Cette étude avait pour but d’évaluer dans quelle mesure la ruralité affecte la mise en place de la classification des patients dans les foyers de soins longue durée en Ontario. La méthodologie de l’étude comprenait des entretiens et des groupes de travail avec du personnel de soins longue durée directement en contact avec les patients, des administrateurs et des informateurs clés en première ligne. Les conclusions de l’étude ont montré que l’offre des soins de santé de longue durée en milieu rural a lieu lorsqu’un environnement de travail restructuré rejoint les idéologies et pratiques qui prennent des caractéristiques particulières lorsque celles-ci ont été developpées et soutenues dans un contexte rural. Ces facteurs determinent le marché du travail et les conditions de travail des femmes en milieu rural. Nous défendons que ceci produit une expérience rurale unique pour le personnel des soins longue durée, et nous concluons que ceux qui mettent en place les systèmes de classification doivent prendre en compte les facteurs contextuels tout autant que les exigences pratiques et financières.
Les pratiques de soins palliatifs à domicile: lieu d’exclusion sociale des personnes âgées en fin de vie?
Authors: Hébert Marijo , Nour Kareen , Durivage Patrick , Wallach Isabelle , Billette Véronique , Freitas Zelda 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe understanding of palliative care practices at home (PCH) is limited by the lack of available scientific knowledge. This is explained by the fact that its practices are relatively recent and they question our relationship with death and dying individuals. This study aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge about PCH with the elderly. More specifically, with a perspective of social exclusion, it aims to understand how practices either do or do not produce social exclusion with seniors receiving palliative care. Nineteen participants from two local community services centers were interviewed and six multidisciplinary meetings were attended for observation. This study suggests that positive representations concerning the elderly in palliative care and recognition of their autonomy can avoid social exclusion, including its symbolic and identificatory dimensions. However, standardization of practices seems to contribute to institutional exclusion and foster nonrecognition.
Physical activity and obesity in children with congenital cardiac disease
Authors: Ray Trenda D. , Green Angela , Henry Karen 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundChildren with congenital cardiac disease experience challenges in developing healthy patterns of physical activity due to decreased exercise capacity and parental fear and confusion about what is permissible. The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity habits in children 10–14 years of age with congenital cardiac disease and the relationship of those habits to obesity as defined by body mass index.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used self-report measures and clinical data to describe the association between physical activity participation and body mass index in 10- to 14-year-old children with congenital cardiac disease. Further, physical activity levels were compared between children who were overweight or obese and those who were not.ResultsChildren (n = 84; 51 males; 33 females) reported low rates of physical activity compared to reports on healthy children. Only 9.5% were overweight (body mass index between the 85th and 94th percentile), and alarmingly 26% were obese (body mass index at or above the 95th percentile). Physical activity and body mass index were not significantly correlated (r = −0.11, p = 0.45) and there was no significant difference in mean physical activity (t = 0.67) between children who were overweight or obese and those who were not.ConclusionsChildren in this study reported low rates of physical activity and a higher obesity rate than was reported in previous studies. However, the two were not significantly correlated. Further research is indicated to determine the specific factors contributing to obesity and to test interventions to combat obesity in children with congenital cardiac disease.
Role of toxicological determinations of amphetamines and cannabinoids in hair of adolescent patients in cardiologic diagnostic management
Authors: Kłys Małgorzata , Szydłowski Lesław , Rojek Sebastian 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundParental suspicions that the child may possibly take narcotics may be substantiated by hair analysis, which may not only identify the narcotic abuse profile, but also define the minimum period of narcotic usage.ObjectiveA toxicological hair analysis aiming at detecting the presence of amphetamines and cannabinoids in children with cardiac complaints of unclear aetiology, with a view of establishing a diagnosis.Material and methodThe authors analysed hair samples collected from the occipital region of three adolescent patients for the presence of substances of abuse – amphetamines and cannabinoids. Hair strands were subjected to segmentation and chemical processing and subsequently analysed by liquid chromatography–mass detection method.ResultsIndicating the presence of amphetamines and cannabinoids in hair samples, the toxicological analysis allowed for explaining cardiac complaints and personality changes in adolescent patients, with the said changes being associated with addiction to the above xenobiotics extending over some period.
A Meta-study of the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce and Reserving Oversight Committee Research in this area between 2004 and 2009 ‐ Abstract of the Discussion
Authors: Gibson Elisabeth 
Published: May 2011

This abstract relates to the following paper:GibsonE.R., BarlowC., BruceN.A., FeliskyK.M., FisherS., HilaryN.G.J., HilderI.M., KamH., MatthewsP.N. & WinterR.A Meta-study of the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce and Reserving Oversight Committee Research in this area between 2004 and 2009. British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321711000067.
A Meta-study of the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce and Reserving Oversight Committee Research in this area between 2004 and 2009
Authors: Gibson E. R. , Barlow C. , Bruce N. A. , Felisky K. M. , Fisher S. , Hilary N. G. J. , Hilder I. M. , Kam H. , Matthews P. N. , Winter R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe General Insurance Board of the Faculty and Institute of Actuaries responded to some of the criticisms raised in the Morris review of the Actuarial Profession and in the press by rating agencies and others, regarding the Actuarial Profession's approach to actuarial reserving in general insurance by setting up a taskforce known as the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce (GRIT). The taskforce worked from 2004 to 2006 and produced a significant report, including some new professional content and recommendations for further areas of development and research. Since then, through the GRIT successor body: the Reserving Oversight Committee (ROC), many working parties have formed and many General Insurance Research Organisation (GIRO) presentations and papers have been forthcoming. One area that has been a recurring theme through the last five years is how the Profession models and communicates the uncertainty in the claims reserving process. In the context of recent events in global financial markets, the forthcoming new regulatory framework of Solvency II, and the developments in other professions globally through IFRS and other drivers, it is timely that actuaries take stock of the many changes in our practices over the last five years and consider the direction actuaries should take for the challenges that lie ahead. This paper is a meta-study of the output of GRIT and ROC on reserving and uncertainty, with the intention of meeting these objectives.
Economic Scenario Generators and Solvency II
Authors: Varnell E. M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe Solvency II Directive mandates insurance firms to value their assets and liabilities using market consistent valuation. For many types of insurance business Economic Scenario Generators (ESGs) are the only practical way to determine the market consistent value of liabilities. The directive also allows insurance companies to use an internal model to calculate their solvency capital requirement. In particular, this includes use of ESG models. Regardless of whether an insurer chooses to use an internal model, Economic Scenario Generators will be the only practical way of valuing many life insurance contracts. Draft advice published by the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors (CEIOPS) requires that insurance firms who intend to use an internal model to calculate their capital requirements under Solvency II need to comply with a number of tests regardless of whether the model (or data) is produced internally or is externally sourced. In particular the tests include a ‘use test’, mandating the use of the model for important decision making within the insurer. This means that Economic Scenario Generators will need to subject themselves to the governance processes and that senior managers and boards will need to understand what ESG models do and what they don't do. In general, few senior managers are keen practitioners of stochastic calculus, the building blocks of ESG models. The paper therefore seeks to explain Economic Scenario Generator models from a non-technical perspective as far as possible and to give senior management some guidance of the main issues surrounding these models from an ERM/Solvency II perspective.
Atomic-Scale Phase Composition through Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Atom Probe Tomography Data
Authors: Keenan Michael R. , Smentkowski Vincent S. , Ulfig Robert M. , Oltman Edward , Larson David J. , Kelly Thomas F. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe demonstrate for the first time that multivariate statistical analysis techniques can be applied to atom probe tomography data to estimate the chemical composition of a sample at the full spatial resolution of the atom probe in three dimensions. Whereas the raw atom probe data provide the specific identity of an atom at a precise location, the multivariate results can be interpreted in terms of the probabilities that an atom representing a particular chemical phase is situated there. When aggregated to the size scale of a single atom (∼0.2 nm), atom probe spectral-image datasets are huge and extremely sparse. In fact, the average spectrum will have somewhat less than one total count per spectrum due to imperfect detection efficiency. These conditions, under which the variance in the data is completely dominated by counting noise, test the limits of multivariate analysis, and an extensive discussion of how to extract the chemical information is presented. Efficient numerical approaches to performing principal component analysis (PCA) on these datasets, which may number hundreds of millions of individual spectra, are put forward, and it is shown that PCA can be computed in a few seconds on a typical laptop computer.
Strain-Induced Selective Growth in 1.5% Temper-Rolled Fe∼1%Si
Authors: Bennett Tricia A. , Kalu Peter N. , Rollett Anthony D. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractStrain-induced selective growth was investigated in a 1.5% temper-rolled Fe∼1%Si alloy using the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. The EBSD technique was used to quantify the presence of orientation spreads within grains and to show that this particular case of selective growth can be directly related to differences in stored energy as reflected in the geometrically necessary dislocation content. The differences in stored energy were sufficient to give rise to selective growth as evidenced by bi-modal grain sizes.
A 17th-Century Demonstration of Language Relationship
Authors: Eros John F. 
Published: May 2011

Summary
In 1650 Meric Casaubon (1599–1671) published a treatise in which he systematically presented rules for demonstrating language relationship; in his study he applied these rules to English and Greek. The explicitness of his theoretical formulations and the examples contained in his practical application of these rules offer a splendid opportunity for pinpointing the causes of the backwardness of historical linguistics in its so-called prescientific period. Careful observation of Casaubon’s presentation shows that it was his formulation of the rules of generally permissible phonetic changes, more than anything else, that prevented him from writing a really good study.
A microsatellite analysis of five Colonial Spanish horse populations of the southeastern United States
Authors: Conant E. K. , Juras R. , Cothran E. G. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe domestic horse (Equus caballus) was re‐introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers. Although horses from other parts of Europe were subsequently introduced, some New World populations maintain characteristics ascribed to their Spanish heritage. The southeastern United States has a history of Spanish invasion and settlement, and this influence on local feral horse populations includes two feral‐recaptured breeds: the Florida Cracker and the Marsh Tacky, both of which are classified as Colonial Spanish horses. The feral Banker horses found on islands off the coast of North Carolina, which include, among others, the Shackleford Banks, the Corolla and the Ocracoke, are also Colonial Spanish horses. Herein we analyse 15 microsatellite loci from 532 feral and 2583 domestic horses in order to compare the genetic variation of these five Colonial Spanish Horse populations to 40 modern horse breeds. We find that the Corolla horse has very low heterozygosity and that both the Corolla and Ocracoke populations have a low mean number of alleles. We also find that the Florida Cracker population has a heterozygosity deficit. In addition, we find evidence of similarity of the Shackleford Banks, Marsh Tacky and Florida Cracker populations to New World Iberian horse breeds, while the origins of the other two populations are less clear.
Hair follicles contribute significantly to penetration through human skin only at times soon after application as a solvent deposited solid in man
Authors: Liu Xin , Grice Jeff E. , Lademann Juergen , Otberg Nina , Trauer Sindy , Patzelt Alexa , Roberts Michael S. 
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Depending on the body site and the substances, the hair follicles can contribute significantly to the penetration of topically applied substances. However, the quantitative and selective description of the follicular and intercellular penetration kinetics is difficult due to the lack of suitable models to differentiate between the different penetration pathways. Recently, for the first time, the follicular transport was measured directly in man in vivo indicating that the hair follicles are responsible for a fast delivery of topically applied substances.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• In the present study, pharmacokinetic principles were applied to define the underlying relative penetration of caffeine through follicles and through intact stratum corneum with time in vivo. Absorption from hair follicles was found to contribute more than one third of the total percutaneous absorption of caffeine. Additionally, it was observed that the uptake by the hair follicles appeared at early times and was transient.AIMS The aim of this study was to define the underlying relative penetration of caffeine through hair follicles and through intact stratum corneum with time in vivo through pharmacokinetic modelling.METHODS Caffeine plasma concentration–time profiles after topical application into skin with or without hair follicle blocking were modelled using the Wagner–Nelson method or a compartmental model with first order absorption and elimination. Pharmacokinetic parameters describing absorption rate and extent of absorption through hair follicles or the stratum corneum were determined separately and compared with each other.RESULTS The obtained pharmacokinetic parameters from the two methods were similar. The absorption rate constant of caffeine for hair follicles was nearly 10 times higher than that for the stratum corneum and the percentage of absorption from hair follicles was more than half of that of the stratum corneum. In addition, the absorption from the stratum corneum showed an approximately 10 min delay while there was no delay for absorption from hair follicles. All caffeine absorbed by hair follicles occurs within 30 min of application and accounts for 10.5 to 33.8% of the total amount absorbed across the skin for all subjects, whereas absorption of caffeine through the stratum corneum can occur over several hours.CONCLUSION Hair follicles contribute significantly to percutaneous absorption of caffeine after topical application in man in vivo only at times soon after application.