bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MOCVD of SrTa2O6Thin Films for High-k Applications
Authors: Regnery Stephan , Thomas Reji , Haselier Hans , Ehrhart Peter , Waser Rainer , Lehnen Peer , Miedl Stefan , Schumacher Markus 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTSrTa2O6thin films with thickness between 6 and 150nm were deposited in a multi-wafer planetary MOCVD reactor combined with a TRIJET® liquid delivery system using a single source precursor, strontium-tantalum-(methoxyethoxy)-ethoxide dissolved in toluene. A rather narrow process window for the deposition of stoichiometric SrTa2O6was found for this precursor at low pressures and a susceptor temperature around 500°C. Films were grown on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si, TiNx/Si, and SiO2/Si substrates. The as-deposited films were X-ray amorphous and could be crystallized by post-annealing at a temperature ≥700°C. The SrTa2O6phase was dominating within a broad range of compositions (Sr/Ta: 0.4–0.7) and a perovskite type phase was observed for Sr/Ta > 0.7. The electrical properties have been investigated with MIM and MIS capacitors after sputter deposition of Pt top electrodes. The amorphous films had a relative permittivity, ε, in the range of 25–45, and low leakage currents. Crystallized films were investigated with Pt MIM capacitors. For stoichiometric SrTa2O6the dielectric permittivity reached values of ε = 100–110, but the leakage currents were increased. Remarkably, the permittivity is not very sensitive to deviations from the exact stoichiometry of the SrTa2O6phase (Sr/Ta: 0.40.7), but a decrease to values of ε = 30–40 is observed along with the phase transition at high Sr contents.
Neoplastic Meningitis from Solid Tumors: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Lombardi Giuseppe , Zustovich Fable , Farina Patrizia , Della Puppa Alessandro , Manara Renzo , Cecchin Diego , Brunello Antonella , Cappetta Alessandro , Zagonel Vittorina 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Compare the use of i.t. therapy and systemic therapies for patients with neoplastic meningitis.Describe new drugs showing promise for neoplastic meningitis.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Neoplastic meningitis is a result of the spread of malignant cells to the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space and their dissemination within the cerebrospinal fluid. This event occurs in 4%–15% of all patients with solid tumors and represents an important prognostic factor for poor survival. Neoplastic meningitis should be diagnosed in the early stages of disease to prevent important neurological deficits and to provide the most appropriate treatment. Despite new diagnostic approaches developed in recent years, such as positron emission tomography–computed tomography and new biological markers, the combination of magnetic resonance imaging without and with gadolinium enhancement and cytology still has the greatest diagnostic sensitivity.
Recently, no new randomized studies comparing intrathecal (i.t.) with systemic treatment have been performed, yet there have been a few small phase II studies and case reports about new molecularly targeted substances whose successful i.t. or systemic application has been reported. Trastuzumab, gefitinib, and sorafenib are examples of possible future treatments for neoplastic meningitis, in order to better individualize therapy thus allowing better outcomes.
In this review, we analyze the most recent and interesting developments on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Contracting Benefits of Corporate Giving: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Balakrishnan Ramji , Sprinkle Geoffrey B. , Williamson Michael G. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT
We use a laboratory experiment to examine whether corporate giving to charity motivates employees. We find a strong altruism effect. Even when employees cannot be remunerated for their actions, employee contributions to employers significantly increase as the level of corporate giving increases. We also find a signaling effect. When employees can be remunerated for their actions, employee contributions initially increase as the level of corporate giving increases. Thus, even though corporate giving to charity decreases the amount that can be shared between employees and employers, employees behave as if more charitable employers will return proportionally more to employees. It is not until relatively high levels of corporate giving that employee contributions to employers eventually decrease. Collectively, our results suggest that corporate giving is an effective lever for motivating employee effort and contributions to organizational endeavors. Corporate giving can increase the efficacy of implicit (relational) contracts and reduce the need for formal accounting-based reward systems and controls.
Comparing the Value Relevance, Predictive Value, and Persistence of Other Comprehensive Income and Special Items
Authors: Jones Denise A. , Smith Kimberly J. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT
Gains and losses reported as other comprehensive income (OCI) and as special items (SI) are often viewed as similar in nature: transitory items with little ability to predict future cash flows and minimal implications for company value. However, current accounting standards require SI gains and losses to be recognized in net income, while OCI gains and losses are deferred until realized. This study empirically compares OCI and SI gains and losses using a model that jointly estimates value relevance, predictive value, and persistence. Results show that both SI and OCI gains and losses are value-relevant, but SI gains and losses exhibit zero persistence (i.e., are transitory), while OCI gains and losses exhibit negative persistence (i.e., partially reverse over time). Further, we find that SI gains and losses have strong predictive value for forecasting both future net income and future cash flows, while OCI gains and losses have weaker predictive value.
Data Availability: All data are publicly available from sources indicated in the text.
The effects of application time of a self-etching primer and debonding methods on bracket bond strength
Authors: Parrish Brandon C. , Katona Thomas R. , Isikbay Serkis C. , Stewart Kelton T. , Kula Katherine S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjective:To test the manufacturer's recommendation for the application rubbing time of a self-etching primer (Transbond Plus, 3M Unitek) and to compare the resulting bond strength of a resin composite (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek) in the traditional laboratory tension on all four wings with a simulation of the clinical single-wing lift-off debonding instrument (LODI; 3M Unitek).Materials and Methods:Flattened stainless-steel maxillary incisor orthodontic brackets (Victory Series, 3M Unitek) were bonded to 108 flattened bovine incisors. The enamel was rubbed with the self-etching primer for 0, 5 (the manufacturer's recommendation), and 10 seconds during a 10-second application. Traditional four-wing and LODI simulated debonding forces and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) were recorded.Results:One-way analysis of variance testing among rubbing times and debonding methods indicated a significant difference in strength with 0 and 5 seconds of rubbing and between traditional and LODI simulated tension. The bond strengths were higher in the ARI  =  1 subset compared to the ARI  =  3–5 subsets.Conclusions:The manufacturer's recommendation for primer rubbing time produced the highest bond strength. Less force is required for debonding when tension is applied to one wing (LODI simulation) vs on all four wings.
Interleukin-18 Promoter Gene Polymorphisms are not Associated with Myocardial Infarction in Type 2 Diabetes in Slovenia
Authors: Kariž S , Petrovič D 
Published: July 2011

Interleukin-18 Promoter Gene Polymorphisms are not Associated with Myocardial Infarction in Type 2 Diabetes in SloveniaType 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic inflammation may play a central role in both diseases. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine, which is considered important in acute coronary syndromes and type 2 diabetes. We investigated the association of the -137 (G>C), polymorphism (rs187238) and the -607 (C<A) polymorphism (rs1946518) of the IL-18 gene promoter region in 495 Caucasians with type 2 diabetes, of whom 169 had MI and 326 subjects had no clinically evident coronary artery disease (controls). We also investigated the impact of these polymorphisms on the serum IL-18 level in subsets of both groups and in a normal group. Genotype distributions of the polymorphisms showed no significant difference between cases and controls. However, IL-18 serum levels were significantly lower in diabetics with the137 CC genotype than in those with other genotypes (241.5 ± 132.7 ng/Lvs.340.2 ± 167.4 ng/L; p <0.05). High sensitivity C-reactive protein and IL-18 serum levels were higher in diabetics in the MI group than in the control group. We conclude that these IL-18 promoter gene polymorphisms are not risk factors for MI in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes.
Molecular Genetic Characterization of β-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Syndrome in the Albanian Population
Authors: Babameto-Laku A , Mitre A , Berisha S , Mokini V , Roko D 
Published: July 2011

Molecular Genetic Characterization of β-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Syndrome in the Albanian Populationβ-Thalassemia (β-thal) is a major public health problem in Albania as it is in many Mediterranean countries. We determined the different β-thal alleles that are present in the Albanian population by using the temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis (TTGE) method because of its high throughput, cost-effectiveness, sensitivity and simplicity. DNA from blood of 68 patients with β-thal, 26 with sickle cell anemia or sickle cell β-thal, 54 parents of these patients and 14 heterozygotes related to these families. We found the IVS-I-110 (G>A), codon 39 (C>T), IVS-I-6 (T>C), IVS-I-1 (G>A) and codon 44 (-C) mutations that accounted for nearly 90% of the β-thal alleles. Their frequencies were similar to those found in other studies in the Albanian population. This method has permitted the detection of heterozygotes for β-thal in this population and offers a prenatal diagnosis with a probability of 90% accuracy.
Neogene and Quaternary development of the Turiec Basin and landscape in its catchment: a tentative mass balance model
Authors: Kováč Michal , Hók Jozef , Minár Jozef , Vojtko Rastislav , Bielik Miroslav , Pipík Radovan , Rakús Miloš , Kráľ Ján , Šujan Martin , Králiková Silvia 
Published: July 2011

Neogene and Quaternary development of the Turiec Basin and landscape in its catchment: a tentative mass balance modelThe development of the Turiec Basin and landscape evolution in its catchment has been reconstructed by methods of geological research (structural geology, sedimentology, paleoecology, and geochronological data) as well as by geophysics and geomorphology. The basin and its surrounding mountains were a subject of a mass balance study during periods of tectonic activity, accompanied by considerable altitudinal differentiation of relief and also during quiet periods, characterized by a development of planation surfaces in the mountains. The coarse clastic alluvial fans deposited beneath the offshore pelitic sediments document the rapid Middle Miocene uplift of mountains on the margin of the Turiec Basin. The Late Miocene finegrained sedimentation represents the main fill of this basin and its origin was associated with the formation of planation surfaces in the surrounding mountains. The rapid uplift of the western and northern parts of the catchment area during the latest Miocene and Early Pliocene times further generated the deposition of coarse-grained alluvial fans. The Late Pliocene basin inversion, due to uplift of the whole Western Carpathians mountain chain, was associated with the formation of the Early Quaternary pediment and ultimately with the formation of the Turiec river terrace systems.
From ‘Televangelist’ to ‘Intervangelist’: The Emergence of the Streaming Video Preacher
Authors: Bekkering Denis J. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract: The present study begins by recovering the origins of the terms “televangelism” and “televangelist.” “Televangelism” first appeared in 1958 as the title of a proselytization project of the Southern Baptist Convention that combined dramatic television programs with efforts to engage viewers in person. “Televangelist” was introduced in 1975 to describe an emerging type of American television preacher, the most successful of whom built powerful parachurch organizations. The neologism “intervangelist” is then presented to label contemporary video preachers broadcasting online. A content analysis of video platforms on the site http://www.streamingfaith.com reveals a group of intervangelists who head established or aspiring megachurches. It is demonstrated that the information and opportunities for interaction surrounding the videos of these intervangelists provide their ministries with tools for gaining the attention and donations of viewers, as well as resources for attracting physical attendees to their churches.
“Ideals of Stability, Order and Fidelity”: The Love Dare Phenomenon, Convergence Culture, and the Marriage Movement
Authors: Frank Gillian 
Published: July 2011

Abstract: This article explores the bestselling evangelical marital advice book, The Love Dare, which is based upon the top-selling independent movie of 2008, Fireproof. It describes how evangelicals are using traditional media and new media to influence mainstream culture in their quest to turn back the tide of rising divorce rates and secular sexual values. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have undergone a process of self-transformation and thousands have kept online journals detailing their attempts to rebuild their dissolving relationships using The Love Dare. This study examines both The Love Dare and the journals of its participants to analyze how churches are transmitting pro-marriage messages and the asymmetrical manner in which evangelical audiences are taking up these messages. It thus reveals a paradox at the heart of the pro-marriage movement between the promise of marital salvation and the reality of marital dissolution and discord.
Women and Blogging: An Exercise in the Thealogy of Carol Christ
Authors: Messina-Dysert Gina 
Published: July 2011

Abstract: According to Carol Christ, the “voices of women are a lifeline,” 1 a sentiment that has been loudly echoed by women in blogging communities. Blogs have offered a voice to all who wish to be heard—and women have consistently created and participated in blogging communities at a higher rate than men in search of the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences in a public forum. Within blogging communities, women have been empowered to engage in embodied thinking and bring together their personal experiences with philosophical and theological reflection. Thus, blogs have become a tool for women's experiences, ideas, and questions to be further shaped and modulated through those of other women.
Theological and Psychological Reflections on Identity in Sport
Authors: Watson Nick 
Published: July 2011

Abstract: This essay examines “athletic identity” from a Christian theological and psychological standpoint. In discussing the concept of identity within the sports world, I address a range of related issues such as idolatry, sin, and states of heart such as pride and humility. According to Phil Night, founder and chairperson of Nike, sports “define the culture of the world” 1 and thus an examination of the cultural context in which identity is formed is also presented. Areas for future research are provided in the conclusion, for example, reflections on identity for sportspersons with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Hal Lindsay and the Great Dispensational Mutation
Authors: Sweetnam Mark S. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract: “Prophecy expert” Hal Lindsey has been an extraordinarily influential figure in American popular culture. His distinctive interpretation of the prophetic Scriptures has had remarkable success and has been a crucial shaping force on the way in which Americans think about the future. Notwithstanding this, he remains little-studied and poorly understood. The purpose of this article is to locate Lindsey in his theological and cultural context, and to examine the complicated relationship between his understanding of Scripture and that of dispensationalism. In contrast to the ease with which some critics have conflated Lindseyian pop-dispensationalism and classical dispensationalism, this article argues that Lindsey, in fact, engaged in a dramatic and fundamental re-shaping of dispensational norms.
“I Think You and I Are Destined to Do This Forever”: A Reading of the Batman/Joker Comic and Film Tradition through the Combat Myth
Authors: Nichols Michael 
Published: July 2011

Abstract: This paper compares comic and film representations of the characters Batman and the Joker to the structure and characterization of religious narratives known as “combat myths,” which generally portray a figure of order defending society against a chaos monster. The paper also demonstrates how the Batman film of 2008, The Dark Knight, updates the mythic theme by casting the opposing characters as representatives of democratic society and terrorism, respectively. Ultimately, I argue that by investigating how the rivalry of Batman and the Joker reinvigorates this ancient, cross-cultural mythic theme, we gain insight into the enduring popularity and significance of these characters.
An International Perspective on Peritoneal Dialysis among Indigenous Patients
Authors: Prakash Suma 
Published: July 2011

Objective To review utilization rates, outcomes, and barriers to peritoneal dialysis (PD) in indigenous peoples from an international perspective. Methods Articles were obtained from Medline and EMBASE and from author name and reference searches. Data from census bureaus and renal registries in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States were used. Studies were included if they contained information on utilization of, outcomes of, or barriers to PD in indigenous populations. Results In 2007, of all prevalent PD patients, 7.0%, 5.1%, 28.2%, and 1.3% in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States respectively were of indigenous background. The proportions of prevalent renal replacement therapy patients on PD reflected the national rates—New Zealand being the highest at 0.29, and the United States the lowest at 0.05. Mortality was generally higher in indigenous than in non-indigenous PD patients. Variations in mortality study results likely reflect differences in the definitions of explanatory variables such as rurality and in the availability of local specialty care services. Technique failure and peritonitis rates were higher among indigenous than among non-indigenous patients. Conclusions The less favorable outcomes in indigenous PD patients across countries may, in part, be a manifestation of reduced access to resources. Understanding the effects of socio-economic, geographic, cultural, and language issues, and of health literacy discrepancies on various aspects of PD education, training, and outcomes can potentially identify ways in which outcomes might be improved among indigenous patients on PD.
Anti-tuberculosis drug resistance and associated risk factors in a tertiary level TB center in Iran: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Merza Muayad Aghali , Farnia Parissa , Tabarsi Payam , Khazampour Mehdi , Masjedi Mohammad Reza , Velayati Ali Akbar 
Published: July 2011

Introduction: This study aimed to determine first-line anti-tuberculosis drug resistance rates in new and previously treated cases and to identify risk factors associated with multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) at the National Reference Tuberculosis Laboratory of Iran. Methodology: This was a retrospective analysis of all confirmed TB patients from December 2000 to June 2005. Drug susceptibility testing to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide was performed on Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium according to the proportion method. Results: Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were isolated from 1,742 patients with TB, of whom 935 (53.7%) were male. The mean age of patients was 44.2 ± 17.4 years (SD). A total of 1,074 patients were native Iranians while 668 (38.3%) were immigrant patients. Out of 1,139 (65.4%) new cases, 340 (29.9%) had at least one drug resistance. Of 603 (34.6%) previously treated cases, 416 (69.0%) had resistant strains. There were 263 patients (15.1%) with MDR-TB, 72 of whom were new (6.3% of all new cases) and 191 were previously treated (31.7% of all previously treated cases). Factors associated with MDR-TB included age under 45 years, male sex, previous TB treatment, immigration, poor living conditions, and unemployment. Conclusions: The high rate of initial resistance in MDR-TB cases and the high rate of MDR-TB in a young age group were indicators of recent transmission. Therefore, closer monitoring of transmission trends of drug resistant strains should be considered as priority, to ensure a successful TB control programme.
Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage and serum in 3 patients with 2009 Influenza A(H1N1)v severe pneumonia
Authors: Estella Angel 
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1)v pneumonia has led to a notable increase of admissions to intensive care units. A cytokine-mediated inflammatory response has been well documented in pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, few studies have focused on the role of these inflammatory mediators in infections caused by the Influenza A (H1N1)v. In this study, we assess the inflammatory response mediated by cytokines at the local and systemic levels in three cases of severe pneumonia caused by Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Methodology: Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were obtained from three mechanically ventilated patients diagnosed with Influenza A (H1N1) virus pneumonia by bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage. Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) were meassured in these samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: High levels of C Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin below 1 ng/ml and absence of leukocytosis were common findings in all patients. TNF α and IL-1ß were not detected in the serum. IL-6 levels in serum were (94, pg/ml, 77 pg/ml and 84 pg/ml) respectively in the three patients, while IL-8 levels were (30,2 pg/ml, 128 pg/ml and 40,5 pg/ml). In the BAL samples, only one of the analysed cytokines, IL-1ß was present at detectable levels in two patients (21 pg/ml and 11 pg/ml respectively). Conclusions: Our results support previous findings which suggest that high levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in serum somehow participate in the inflammatory response in severe cases of pandemic influenza pneumonia.