bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keeping Military Discipline
Authors: Chrissanthos Stefan G.
Published: February 2013

This chapter offers a brief history of military discipline in ancient armies, and also investigates how and to what degree societies inflicted discipline on their soldiers, and how, in various ways, soldiers imposed discipline on themselves. Then, it addresses the evolution of military discipline from Greece until eventually something similar to a modern system developed in the early Roman Empire. The death of Alexander had precipitated almost fifty years of continuous warfare that ultimately resulted in the development of the Hellenistic monarchies. The Roman army represented something completely new in ancient Mediterranean warfare. It is observed that the Principate represented a major step in the evolution of ancient military discipline.
The Development and Training of Cavalry in Greece and Rome
Authors: Hyland Ann
Published: February 2013

This chapter explores the development and training of Greek and Roman cavalries. Xenophon discussed Greek and Roman cavalry training, and much of his advice is present in modern horsemanship techniques. He showed that Athenian cavalry and care of horses had degenerated. Arrian discussed complicated cavalry maneuvers, which have certain affinities with some modern equestrian competitions. A strong thread of Roman horsemanship in modern riding has been observed. The description of the opening of the Cantabrian Gallop is a rather confused set of orders, no doubt understood by those used to such maneuvers. An exhibition of long-range javelin-throwing by the most proficient horsemen is then reported. Spatha has been a major weapon used by the Roman cavalry. Arrian's maneuvers exhibit the depth of training given to the best Roman cavalry.
Roman Rituals of War
Authors: Rich John
Published: February 2013

This chapter demonstrates the continuity and change in, and problematic sources about, Roman rituals, which were linked to the incidence of war and peace. The augurium salutis and the closing of the shrine of Janus Geminus are the two rituals that could only be conducted in time of peace. The burning of enemy arms after a victory was a Roman combat ritual. Another, much rarer, ritual of military return came into renewed prominence under Augustus, namely the dedication of spolia opima, a tradition that was subsequently used to serve the purposes of the Augustan regime. The fetials' rituals were concerned with the preliminaries of war, the solemnization of treaties, and the surrender of Roman offenders. The ritual activities of the fetials addressed the issue of communal responsibility.
The Athenian Expedition to Sicily
Authors: Brice Lee L.
Published: February 2013

This chapter discusses the Sicilian Expedition by Athens. Athens sent a large military force to Sicily in what has come to be called the Sicilian Expedition. The expedition, which grew into a massive military effort led by multiple generals, began with multiple leaders, one of whom, Nicias, had opposed it from the beginning. It is noted that the Athenian withdrawal in Sicily initially appears to have been ridiculous given their success, but as Thucydides explained, it was based on the late season and the lack of cavalry, money, allies, and supplies. The final phase of the expedition began with a naval battle. The expedition that had begun in 415 with a grand send-off in Athens ended in 413 with a tortuous retreat and pursuit.
Roman Warfare with Sasanian Persia
Authors: Lee A. D.
Published: February 2013

This chapter explains the warfare between the Roman Empire and Sasanian Persia, specifically presenting an historical review of Roman–Persian warfare. The Roman Empire presented many new military challenges, one of the most serious and certainly the most consistent of which was that introduced by Sasanian Persia to the east. The Sasanian regime was able to pose a more serious military threat to the Roman Empire compared with its predecessor. Sasanian siege capability led to increased Roman investment in the fortification of cities and towns on and near the frontier. A recent re-examination of the evidence has prompted a revised interpretation involving Persian tunnellers deliberately collapsing their tunnel on top of Roman pursuers after a grisly underground fight in the dark.
Introduction
Authors: Dill Karen E.
Published: February 2013

In this introductory chapter, core tenets of media psychology are presented. Included in this presentation are definitions relevant to the field of media psychology; historical events in media psychology; the ubiquity of media in the developed world, and its advantages and disadvantages; how we use media today; implications in media use and socialization; and an overview and key features of the chapters included. In presenting these ideas, the evident breadth and depth of the scholarship should demonstrate the field’s promise of a bright and fascinating future.
Representations of Gender in the Media
Authors: Scharrer Erica L.
Published: February 2013

Individuals young and old can learn a great deal from the ways in which men and women and boys and girls are depicted in the media. Alongside other socializing influences such as family and peers, the media help form perceptions of gender roles, and can shape the behaviors that stem from those perceptions. This chapter first reviews the evidence from content analysis research to determine the most prevalent patterns in gender representations in the media, with particular emphasis on television, video games, advertising, and magazine content. It then connects the themes that emerged in the content analysis literature—underrepresentation of women, depictions of physical appearance, domestic roles, and professional roles—to studies measuring the influence of such media depictions. In doing so, the topics of gender role socialization and body image disturbance are discussed, and the social implications of such media effects are identified.
Children, Adolescents, and the Internet: Are There Risks Online?
Authors: Donnerstein Ed
Published: February 2013

Media psychologists have studied the impacts of media portrayals for decades. This body of research is rich in both theory and data. Although we know a great deal about traditional media like television, the platforms and devices available to children and adolescents to view and interact with today are far beyond those we studied only a few years ago (see Chapter 2). The media landscape is rapidly changing, and this chapter looks at some of the effects of the Internet and these newer technologies on riskrelated behaviors for these audiences. The effects of exposure to violence, sex, food marketing, and the concerns of cyberbullying and sexual exploitation are examined within the context of children and adolescents’ increasing move away from traditional media platforms. This is emerging and ongoing research and offers both theoretical and empirical opportunities for the future of media psychology.
Pathological Technology Addictions: What Is Scientifically Known and What Remains to Be Learned
Authors: Gentile Douglas A. , Coyne Sarah M. , Bricolo Francesco
Published: February 2013

Several case studies, research studies, and anecdotal reports suggest that there is a subset of people for whom computer, Internet, and video games have several of the symptoms of a dysfunctional compulsive disorder, often referred to in the popular press as an addiction. Although several scientific studies have measured various facets of this issue, there has been no common framework within which to view these studies. This chapter examines the international literature, and finds that there is robust construct validity (via convergent validity and comorbidity) for pathological technology use, regardless of how individual researchers have defined or measured it. Most measurement approaches demonstrate high reliability. Most studies show broad patterns of construct validity similar to other “addictions.” Pathological use also shows some evidence of predictive validity. Questions concerning definitional issues are raised, and a common set of diagnostic criteria are proposed. Several questions remain to be studied, including the prevalence of pathological technology use, its etiology, its course, and the best way to diagnose and treat it. Nonetheless, it is clear that some people are already suffering from problems associated with pathological use, and the psychiatric and psychological communities would benefit from a common framework within which to approach and study it.
Media Psychology: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Dill Karen E.
Published: February 2013

In this concluding chapter, general issues related to the future of media psychology are presented. Among these issues are the growing concern over negative media effects; how to avoid reductionist and dichotomous thinking about media; emphasizing effective communication about media psychology research and application to the public; continuing to define and refine the field of media psychology; and avenues for extending and complicating theoretical approaches. The chapter concludes with a comprehensive list of future directions for new research in the field.
Introduction
Authors: Immerman Richard H. , Goedde Petra
Published: February 2013

This chapter discusses the theme of this volume, which is the Cold War. The essays in this volume take note of the centrality between the superpower rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, but also offer a wide-ranging reevaluation of the Cold War based on innovative conceptual frameworks that have evolved incrementally over time in the field of international history. The authors stress the global dimensions of the Cold War; attempt to transcend the strict separation of the political, economic, and ideological; and consider cultural aspects of the Cold War and the synergy between domestic and international developments. The volume also considers the relevance of the history of human rights and the work of international non-governmental organizations as integral to the history of the global Cold war.
Economics and the Cold War
Authors: Jackson Ian
Published: February 2013

This chapter explores the economic aspect of the Cold War. It analyzes historiographic debates on the role of economic factors in the Cold War and discusses the nature and scope of the conflict between the rival economic systems of Western capitalism and Soviet communism. The chapter describes the structures of the Western and Soviet-led economic orders and the interaction between the two blocs during the Cold War. It also examines contemporary research concerning the effectiveness of the strategic embargo employed by the Western states against the communist nations and highlights the role of economic issues in the ending of the Cold War.
Cold War Intelligence History
Authors: Prados John
Published: February 2013

This chapter examines the role of intelligence operations in the history of the Cold War. The analysis reveals that Cold War intelligence agencies played important roles in foreign policy in the way they conditioned the perceptions of leaders and catalyzed events. One of the best examples of this is the direct influence of intelligence operations upon diplomacy in the U-2 Affair. The chapter, which suggests that intelligence activities in the Cold War produced diplomatic and military consequences and influenced international agreements, also discusses the role of espionage and technical data collection in providing diplomats with vital information for negotiations with their counterparts.
Locating The Transnational in the Cold War
Authors: Eschen Penny Von
Published: February 2013

This chapter examines the role of the transnational in the Cold War. It suggests that Cold War transnationalism must be considered as a highly specific political and ideological formation, and analyzes transnational projects such as those reflected in the memorialization film of actor Bruce Lee and Congolese political leader Patrice Lumumba. The chapter contends that attention to transnational movements and formations raises fundamental questions about who should tell the story of the Cold War and comments on Kamila Shamsie's critically acclaimed 2009 book Burnt Shadows. It also shows that interconnectedness of the Cold War with national and transnational histories that predated the particular policies/crises of the Cold War.
The Religious Cold War
Authors: Kirby Dianne
Published: February 2013

This chapter, which examines the place of religion during the Cold War years, suggests that there were conflicting attitudes toward religion in both the United States and the Soviet Union. It explains that Protestant suspicion of the Vatican complicated U.S.–Vatican relations while church leaders within the Soviet bloc were divided between those who advocated cooperation and those who preferred resistance and active opposition. The chapter also contends that religion provided the United States with a stick with which to beat the new communist regimes, and argues that the so-called religious Cold War influenced religion in the West and the developing world in a variety of ways.
Ethical Theories in Jewish Mystical Writings
Authors: Dan Joseph
Published: February 2013

This chapter explores the medieval genre of sifrut ha-musar (ethical literature), which has largely been ignored in the recent burgeoning of the field of Jewish ethics. This neglect is attributed to the fact that the genre does not call halakhah into question, as does Jewish ethics generally, particularly through the notion of lifnim mi-shurat ha-din (supererogation), that one must act beyond the letter of the law. But this does not mean that musar is non-ethical; rather, its purpose was to “harmonize the spirituality of God with the values guiding his worship.” This spiritualization of Jewish ritual and culture generated creativity for nearly a thousand years around the Jewish world, first in Islamic contexts and then climaxing in Christian milieus.
Jewish Business Ethics
Authors: Leff Barry J.
Published: February 2013

This chapter discusses the Jewish approach to business ethics. It first identifies several fundamental principles of Jewish business ethics, and then applies them to several common issues in business ethics: fraud, anti-competitive behaviour, theft (including theft of intellectual property), deception, kick-backs, and contract negotiation and interpretation. Next, the chapter discusses a number of concrete examples where Jewish sources have much to tell us about how to conduct business morally. It is shown that the Jewish approach to business ethics does not impose one-sided support for any particular group (employers vs. employees, individuals vs. society), but rather is an attempt to find a nuanced balance between competing interests so that the final conclusion represents a solution recognized as just.
Jewish Ethics and War
Authors: Kasher Asa
Published: February 2013

This chapter discusses Jewish ethics and war. It first turns to ancient and medieval Jewish sources to describe what they tell us about the ethics of going to war (jus ad bellum) and of waging war (jus in bello)—especially Deuteronomy 20–21 and Maimonides' code of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah. Recognizing that until the founding of the modern State of Israel, Jews fought in armies governed by non-Jewish rulers, it then examines a nineteenth-century book intended to instruct Jews about how to act in military service. The overriding principle in that book and in the few other Jewish treatments of the ethics of war during the last two thousand years was “the law of the land is the law,” and that law was determined by the non-Jewish ruler. What happens, though, when Jews determine the law of the land? The chapter examines some Jewish writings published just before and after the establishment of the State of Israel that anticipate this issue. It discusses the doctrine of “purity of arms” that has shaped Israeli military ethics, the role of the military rabbinate, the Code of Ethics which now governs Israel's military actions, the ethics of fighting terrorism, and the ethics of seeking peace.
Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Reisigl Martin
Published: February 2013

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) has entered the mainstream of linguistic and social science research with a strong transdisciplinary orientation and social engagement. This chapter introduces six variants of CDA: (1) Fairclough’s approach, which is strongly social theoretically embedded and informed by systemic functional linguistics; (2) van Leeuwen’s and Kress’s social semiotic and systemic functional approach; (3) van Dijk’s socio-cognitive approach; (4) the form of CDA promoted by the Duisburg Group around S. and M. Jäger, who keenly draw on Foucault’s approach to discourse analysis and Link’s discourse theory; (5) the Oldenburg approach, which is upheld by Gloy, Januschek, and others; and (6) the “Viennese” and “Lancaster” traditions of CDA, often termed the “discourse historical approach” and sometimes “discourse sociolinguistics.”
Sociolinguistic Variation and Change in Sign Languages
Authors: Schembri Adam , Johnston Trevor
Published: February 2013

This chapter describes sociolinguistic variation and change in sign languages, the natural language of deaf communities. Factors that drive sociolinguistic variation and change in both spoken- and signed-language communities are broadly similar. Social factors include, for example, a signer’s age group, region of origin, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Linguistic factors include phonological processes such as assimilation and reduction, and grammaticalization. Deaf signing communities are invariably minority communities embedded within larger majority communities whose languages are in another entirely different modality, and which may have written systems and extensive written literatures, unlike sign languages. The chapter exemplifies sociolinguistic variation in signed languages at the levels of phonology, lexicon, and grammar.
Language Policy and Ideology in Latin America
Authors: Hamel Rainer Enrique
Published: February 2013

This chapter focuses on language policies in the domains of bi- and multilingualism, and the associated language ideologies that contrast mono- and multilingual with plurilingual orientations. It looks at the ways in which language policies and ideologies intervene in the educational systems and options in Latin America. First, the chapter outlines the history and some general characteristics of the indigenous and the immigrant educational settings with regard to the macro level of policy and the micro level of curriculum. Then, it looks at some basic differences, as well as shared problems and solutions, in order to develop an integrated interpretation of language and education policy in Latin America. Next, the chapter explores what solutions different countries and regions offer to the challenges of globalization, from new foreign-language policies and primary education bilingual programmes to South American integration based on massive bilingualism of the main state languages.
Language Ideologies, Policies, and Attitudes toward Signed Languages
Authors: Hill Joseph
Published: February 2013

This chapter describes how ideologies about signed languages have come about, and what policies and attitudes have resulted. Language ideologies have governed the formal recognition of signed language at local, national, and international levels, such as that of the United Nations. The chapter discusses three major areas in the study of attitudes toward signed languages: Attitudes versus structural reality; the social factors and educational policies that have contributed to language attitudes; and the impact of language attitudes on identity and educational policy. Even in the United States, American Sign Language does not get recognition as a language in every region, and the attempt to suppress sign language is still operative. This is a worldwide issue for many countries with histories of opposition tosigned languages that parallel the history of the United States.
The Evolution of Research on U.S. Environmental Policy
Authors: Kamieniecki Sheldon , Kraft Michael E.
Published: February 2013

This article establishes a foundation for this book. It begins by analyzing the various phases and contexts of U.S. environmental policy and the literature. It then addresses certain problematic approaches in the literature. It identifies a so-called bias of environmentalism in many research approaches and publications, wherein scholars begin their work with a specific conclusion and frame their research in such a way, intentionally or not, that their results support that conclusion. An overview of the six parts of the book is also presented.
Sustainable Development and Governance
Authors: Mazmanian Daniel A. , Nijaki Laurie Kaye
Published: February 2013

This article addresses the question of how can and should environmental and economic resources be governed, given the objectives of sustainability. It begins with an overview of the rationale for sustainability. This is followed a discussion of the requisite features of society and governance system in a sustainability epoch, along with recognition of several critical barriers to attaining it today. Finally, it considers several of the major features or criteria of governing in an epoch of sustainable development that are prerequisites and indicative of the changes to come, which helps to identify critical research needs for the future.
Public Opinion on Environmental Policy in the United States
Authors: Daniels David P. , Krosnick Jon A. , Tichy Michael P. , Tompson Trevor
Published: February 2013

This article considers survey questions that have been used to measure environmental attitudes and beliefs, along with evidence addressing the question of whether these items are best thought of as unidimensional or multidimensional. It begins by outlining the main theme: employing different measures of environmental attitudes and beliefs leads to strikingly different conclusions about Americans' commitment to environmental protection. It assesses evidence on the measures' trends over time and the measures' correlations with social and political variables. Taken together, this evidence leads to the conclusion that each measure has integrity and would be best examined on its own, rather than combined with other measures into indexes seeking to describe higher-order constructs. The article then considers evidence on how such environmental attitudes and beliefs may have impacted environmental policy via candidate choice, dynamic representation, and ballot propositions. Finally, it highlights directions for future research on public opinion and environmental policy.
Predicting the rate of invasion of the agent of Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Ogden Nicholas H. , Lindsay L. Robbin , Leighton Patrick A.
Published: February 2013

Identifying invading tick populations provides early warning for emerging tickborne diseases that are expanding their geographic range. But how fast do tickborne pathogens invade after ticks become established?

Surveillance data for the tick Ixodes scapularis and the agent of Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi in southern Canada, an area where these species currently are invading, revealed a space‐time cluster of ticks of low B. burgdorferi infection prevalence in southern Quebec signalling the location where tick populations became established beginning in 2004. The cluster disappeared in 2009, indicating a 5‐year gap between tick and B. burgdorferi invasion.

Simulations of a model of I. scapularis populations and B. burgdorferi transmission identified numbers of immigrating ticks, rather than host density and diversity, as key determinants of the speed of pathogen invasion after ticks become established.

Greater numbers of immigrating infected nymphs would be expected in Central compared with Eastern Canada because nymphal and larval ticks in source populations in Midwestern USA are active in spring when migratory birds can carry ticks north. Whereas in northeastern USA, tick populations that are sources for immigrating ticks for Eastern Canada have active nymphs, but few larvae are active in spring. Consequently, we hypothesized that a 5‐year gap would occur between tick and B. burgdorferi invasion in Eastern Canada, but a much shorter gap would occur in Central Canada.

Consistent with this hypothesis, analysis of surveillance data revealed clusters of ticks with low infection prevalence of ≥5 years duration in locations in Eastern Canada where I. scapularis is invading, but a nonsignificant cluster of only 3‐year duration in regions of Central Canada where I. scapularis is invading.

Synthesis and applications. We have identified the speed at which the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi invades following the invasion of the tick Ixodes scapularis, and that the synchrony of larval and nymphal tick activity in spring is a key factor determining the gap between tick and pathogen invasion. This has immediate application in interpreting imminence of Lyme disease risk when surveillance identifies emerging tick populations in Canada. It also has general application in predicting of the speed of invasion of emerging tickborne pathogens elsewhere in the world.
Public Deliberation, Network Analysis and the Political Integration of Muslims in Britain
Authors: Cinalli Manlio , O'Flynn Ian
Published: February 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract

This article

One of the first papers to bring deliberative theory and network theory together. Maps ‘who is talking to whom’ in the field of ethnic relations in Britain. Argues that, while Muslim actors do not necessarily couch their claims in general terms, they are well integrated nevertheless.

In this article, we examine the assumption that, insofar as actors deliberate well, political integration will follow. We do so specifically with respect to the political integration of Muslims in the field of ethnic relations in Britain, using data retrieved from two quality British broadsheets. Our approach has two components. First, we consider the quality of the deliberative interventions actors make, comparing Muslim actors with other actors. Second, we use measures drawn from network analysis to assess the level of political integration as indicated by the ties that those deliberative interventions forge. Our findings show that the link between how Muslim actors deliberate and their political integration in the field is more complex that one might assume. Although Muslims do not deliberate as well as normative deliberative theory says they should, empirically they are politically integrated, having forged diverse relationships that avoid the danger of polarisation.
Did Oral Interventions by the Indonesian Central Bank Support the Rupiah?
Authors: Sahminan Sahminan , de Haan Jakob
Published: February 2013

Most previous studies on the effectiveness of oral interventions (statements by officials in support of the exchange rate) focus on industrial countries. The present paper examines whether statements by Bank Indonesia officials (i.e. the central bank of Indonesia) during the period 2004–2007 have had any effect on the level and volatility of the rupiah–dollar exchange rate. Our exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models suggest that oral interventions have little impact on the level of the spot exchange rate, but increase the volatility of the spot exchange rate. Oral interventions indicating a stronger or weaker rupiah also have little influence on the level of the forward exchange rate while neutral statements lead to more volatility.
Gaining access or going public? Interest group strategies in fiveEuropean countries
Authors: Dür Andreas , Mateo Gemma
Published: February 2013

Interest groups differ in the strategies they use to influence public policy. Some mainly try to gain access (i.e., have direct contact with decision makers), whereas others tend to ‘go public’ by launching campaigns that aim to mobilise the broader public. In this article it is argued that group type – namely the distinction between business associations, professional associations and citizen groups – is a major determinant of the choice of strategy. The effect of group type, however, is conditional on the group's endowment with material resources and the issue context: the differences across group types are largest for resource‐rich associations and associations active in distributive policy fields. Original data from surveys of national associations in fiveEuropean countries (Austria,Germany,Ireland,Latvia andSpain) enable the assessment of this argument. The theoretical expectations are supported, with the results having relevance for the normative evaluation of political systems and the positive study of interest group influence.
Origins of party formation and new party success in advanced democracies
Authors: Bolleyer Nicole , Bytzek Evelyn
Published: February 2013

Which new parties entered national parliaments in advanced democracies over the last four decades and how did they perform after their national breakthrough? This article argues that distinguishing two types of party formation (that facilitate or complicate party institutionalisation) helps to explain why some entries flourish, while others vanish quickly from the national stage. New parties formed by individual entrepreneurs that cannot rely on ties to already organised groups are less likely to get reelected to parliament after breakthrough than rooted newcomers. This hypothesis is tested on a newly compiled dataset of new parties that entered parliaments in 17 advanced democracies from 1968 onwards. Applying multilevel analyses, the factors that shape newcomers' capacity to reenter parliament after breakthrough are assessed. Five factors have significant effects, yet affect party performance only in particular phases: both a party's electoral support at breakthrough and its operation in a system with a strong regional tier increase the likelihood of initial reelection. In contrast, a distinct programmatic profile, the permissiveness of the electoral system and easy access to free broadcasting increase a party's chance of repeated reelection. Only formation type significantly affects both phases and does so most strongly, substantiating the theoretical approach used in this article.
Regression effect of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α on liver cirrhosis in rats
Authors: Fan Ting Ting , Hu Ping Fang , Wang Jian , Wei Ji , Zhang Qing , Ning Bei Fang , Yin Chuan , Zhang Xin , Xie Wei Fen , Chen Yue Xiang , Shi Bin
Published: February 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether cirrhosis could be reversed after treated with hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), a key transcriptional regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and function.

Methods

Early and advanced stages of liver cirrhosis were induced by thioacetamide (TAA) administration. The adenovirus carrying HNF4α gene was injected into cirrhotic rats via the tail vein. The effect of HNF4α on cirrhosis was evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical examination.

Results

Early stage of cirrhosis was remarkably resolved by HNF4α to a nearly‐normal extent and advanced cirrhosis was partially ameliorated in vivo. The enforced expression of HNF4α downregulated profibrogenic factors remarkably including α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, fibroblast‐specific protein (FSP)‐1, collagen I and III. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that HNF4α administration inhibited extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway through the downregulation of phosphorated ERK and phosphorated JunD. In addition, HNF4α readjusted the balance between extracellular matrix deposition and degradation through the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase and downregulation of its inhibitors. Moreover, HNF4α treatment inhibited angiogenesis as determined by CD31 and CD34 immunostaining.

Conclusions

Our findings broaden the knowledge on the reversibility of different stages of cirrhosis as HNF4α could present a promising alternative for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
What is the importance of age on treatment of the elderly in the intensive care unit?
Authors: BRANDBERG C. , BLOMQVIST H. , JIRWE M.
Published: February 2013

Background

By 2050, the percentage of the population older than 80 years will double, and some data suggest that elderly patients receive less advanced treatment. Information of outcome in elderly (≥ 65 year), representing roughly half the intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, in Sweden is scarce.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. We included all critically ill patients aged 65 or older (n = 605), admitted to the ICU during the years 2010–2011. Patients were categorized into two age groups: 65–79 (64%) and above 80 (36%). Demographic and epidemiology data were registered, as well as primary diagnosis, Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III) mortality (ICU and hospital), withhold/withdraw life‐sustaining treatment, the ICU workload, length of stay (ICU and hospital) and discharge location.

Results

Hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients above 80 years compared with patients 65–79 years of age (33.7% vs. 22.8%). These patients received less treatment and obtained more limitations in care (withhold/withdraw life‐sustaining treatments). Patients above 80 years received less invasive ventilatory support (28.3% vs. 37.8%) and shorter length of invasive ventilatory support (1.1 ± 3.9 vs. 2.9 ± 7.4) compared with patients aged 65–79. In multivariate analysis, patients ≥ 80 years received less mechanical ventilation and more limitations in care even after adjustment for SAPS III and comorbidity.

Conclusions

Patients above 80 years received less treatment and obtained more limitations in life‐sustaining treatments compared with patients aged 65–79, even after adjustment for severity of illness and comorbidity.
The association between audit committee effectiveness and audit risk
Authors: Contessotto Christine , Moroney Robyn
Published: February 2013

Audit committees (ACs) are expected to play a key role in improving financial statement integrity and as a consequence reduce audit risk. Companies reporting conformity with regulations can have an AC that appears effective but is not actually effective in substance. We surveyed audit partners and managers to identify their indicators of actual AC effectiveness (auditor‐chosen list). We hypothesize a negative association between AC effectiveness and audit risk, only when an auditor‐chosen list, rather than extent of conformity with regulations, is used to measure effectiveness. Results support our expectations.
Surprise! Public historical geographies, user engagement and voluntarism
Authors: Mills Sarah
Published: February 2013

This paper aims to expand understandings of ‘public geographies’, not usually associated with historical geography, through considering voluntarism. It seeks to bring together debates on research practice, positionality and the ‘surprise’ instances of user engagement. To do so, it draws on two experiences and opportunities that emerged during my doctoral research in Wales on the cultural‐historical geographies of scouting in Britain: first, curating an exhibition and second, cataloguing and ‘making’ an archive collection. Both of these were voluntary collaborative activities and outside ‘the research project’, and yet they shaped and influenced the research process in unique and unforeseen ways. Overall, the paper uses these examples as a way into exploring geographical debates on research users, non‐academic communities and the role of the researcher as a volunteer.
The Clash between Social Policy and Traditional Values: Unmet Welfare Needs Sustained by the Culture of Familism in South Korea
Authors: Phillips Ruth , Jung Yong‐Moon
Published: February 2013

Drawing from a wider study of the ideas of poverty and inequality in South Korea, this paper reports on the lived experiences of disadvantaged South Koreans and their relationship to the National Basic Livelihood Security System (NBLSS), a flagship social assistance program aimed at addressing poverty and inequality. Utilizing a cultural approach to understanding and analysing policy responses to poverty, the impact of familism in the application of the NBLSS safety net is examined. Research data is presented through the testimonies, obtained through qualitative research interviews, of disadvantaged research participants and those who work with them, as well as policy‐makers' perspectives, revealing key flaws in the current NBLSS policy objectives. It is clearly evident that, by clinging to outdated Confucian conceptualizations of familial piety as a justification for highly selectivist access to what is no more than a subsistence level of financial support for poor people, the proposition of a poverty safety net is compromised and is widely missing its aim of reducing poverty and inequality in contemporary South Korea.
Morphological characteristics of the Pterodoras granulosus digestive tube (Valenciennes, 1821) (Osteichthyes, Doradidae)
Authors: de Melo Germano Ricardo , Stabille Sandra Regina , de Britto Mari Renata , Pereira Joice Naiara Bertaglia , Faglioni Juliana Raquel Scoz , de Miranda Neto Marcílio Hubner
Published: February 2013

Little is known about the digestive tube (DT) morphology of the fish Pterodoras granulosus. Therefore, macro‐, meso‐ and microscopic aspects of 15 P. granulosus DTs were analysed. The muscular layer was composed of striated skeletal muscle in the oesophagus and smooth muscle in the other segments. The epithelium progressed from a stratified pavement in the oesophagus to a simple column in the other segments, with a flat striated border in the intestine. A large number of mucus‐secreting periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive cells were observed in the oesophagus. In the stomach, the number of glands in the region decreased towards the cardiac–fundic region, and none were found in the pylorus. The intestine showed an epithelium with absorption cells and an increasing number of PAS‐positive caliciform cells towards the distal region. Tests showed that the oesophagus is adapted for passing and preparing food for the chemical digestion that occurs in the stomach, which also has storage functions without grinding action. The proximal intestinal region was consistent with fat absorption, and the medium region, with the absorption of other nutrients. The distal region was short and consistent with a role in absorption for osmoregulation as well as in the formation, storage and disposal of faeces.
Molecular mechanism of action of bisphenol and bisphenolAmediated by oestrogen receptor alpha in growth and apoptosis of breast cancer cells
Authors: Sengupta S , Obiorah I , Maximov PY , Curpan R , Jordan VC
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose

Oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binds to different ligand which can function as complete/partial oestrogen‐agonist or antagonist. This depends on the chemical structure of the ligands which modulates the transcriptional activity of the oestrogen‐responsive genes by altering the conformation of the liganded‐ERαcomplex. This study determined the molecular mechanism of oestrogen‐agonistic/antagonistic action of structurally similar ligands, bisphenol (BP) and bisphenolA(BPA) on cell proliferation and apoptosis ofERα+ ve breast cancer cells.

Experimental Approach

DNAwas measured to assess the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells.RT‐PCRandChIPassays were performed to quantify the transcripts ofTFF1gene and recruitment ofERαandSRC3at the promoter ofTFF1gene respectively. Molecular docking was used to delineate the binding modes ofBPandBPAwith theERα.PCR‐based arrays were used to study the regulation of the apoptotic genes.

Key Results

BPandBPAinduced the proliferation of breast cancer cells; however, unlikeBPA,BPfailed to induce apoptosis.BPAconsistently acted as an agonist in our studies butBPexhibited mixed agonistic/antagonistic properties. Molecular docking revealed agonistic and antagonistic mode of binding forBPAandBPrespectively.BPAtreatment resembledE2treatment in terms ofPCR‐based regulation of apoptotic genes whereasBPwas similar to4OHTtreatment.

Conclusions and Implications

The chemical structure ofERαligand determines the agonistic or antagonistic biological responses by the virtue of their binding mode, conformation of the liganded‐ERαcomplex and the context of the cellular function.
Effects by silodosin on the partially obstructed rat ureter in vivo and on human and rat isolated ureters
Authors: Villa L , Buono R , Fossati N , Rigatti P , Montorsi F , Benigni F , Hedlund P
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose

α1‐adrenoceptor (‐AR) antagonists may facilitate ureter stone passage in humans. We aimed to study effects by the α1A‐AR selective antagonist silodosin (compared to tamsulosin and prazosin) on ureter pressures in a rat model of ureter obstruction, and on contractions of human and rat isolated ureters.

Experimental Approach

After ethical approval, ureters of male rats were cannulated beneath the kidney pelvis for in vivo ureteral intraluminal recording of autonomous peristaltic pressure waves. A partial ureter obstruction was applied to the distal ureter. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was recorded. Approximate clinical and triple clinical doses of the α1‐AR antagonists were given intravenously. Effects by the α1‐AR antagonists on isolated human and rat ureters were studied in organ baths.

Key Results

Intravenous silodosin (0.1–0.3 mg kg−1) or prazosin (0.03–0.1 mg kg−1) reduced obstruction‐induced increases in intraluminal ureter pressures by 21–37% or 18–40% respectively. Corresponding effects by tamsulosin (0.01 or 0.03 mg kg−1) were 9–20%. Silodosin, prazosin and tamsulosin reduced MAP by 10–12%, 25–26% (P < 0.05), or 18–25% (P < 0.05) respectively. When effects by the α1A‐AR antagonists on obstruction‐induced ureter pressures were expressed as a function of MAP, silodosin had six‐ to eightfold and 2.5‐ to eightfold better efficacy than tamsulosin or prazosin respectively. Silodosin effectively reduced contractions of both human and rat isolated ureters.

Conclusions and Implications

Silodosin inhibits contractions of the rat and human isolated ureters and has excellent functional selectivity in vivo to relieve pressure‐load of the rat obstructed ureter. Silodosin as pharmacological ureter stone expulsive therapy should be clinically further explored.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Negative Life Events From Late Childhood to Adolescence
Authors: Johnson Daniel P. , Rhee Soo Hyun , Whisman Mark A. , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John K.
Published: February 2013

This multiwave longitudinal study tested two quantitative genetic developmental models to examine genetic and environmental influences on exposure to negative dependent and independent life events. Participants (N = 457 twin pairs) completed measures of life events annually from ages 9 to 16. The same genetic factors influenced exposure to dependent events across time and increased in magnitude during the transition to adolescence. Independent events were less genetically influenced than dependent events in boys, but not girls. Shared environmental influences decreased in magnitude as youth transitioned into adolescence. Nonshared environmental influences were mostly age specific and contributed significantly to both types of events at all ages. Results provide theoretical implications for developmental risk pathways to stress exposure and stress‐related psychopathology.
An emerging role for Wnt and GSK3 signaling pathways in schizophrenia
Authors: Singh KK
Published: February 2013

Schizophrenia is a disabling illness with limited treatment options. The underlying pathophysiology remains unknown, partially due to its heterogeneous nature, and a lack of understanding of the biological functions of genetic risk factors. Several signaling pathways have been implicated, however, with the varying degrees of support. In this article, I will focus on the converging evidence supporting a prominent role for Wnt and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) signaling in the biological bases of schizophrenia. This includes current pharmacological therapies that target GSK3, animal model and cell‐based studies, and recent human genetic findings that implicate Wnt and GSK3 signaling.
Clinical and genetic heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Sabatelli M , Conte A , Zollino M
Published: February 2013

Although clinical picture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a stereotypical one, resulting from combination of signs secondary to dysfunction of both upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN), clinical heterogeneity is a consistent feature of the disease. Age of onset, relative mix of UMN and LMN signs, duration of the disease and association with other conditions are major factors contributing to variable clinical phenotypes. Genetically, familial forms of ALS are associated with a large number of pleiotropic genes whose mutations impair different biochemical pathways, resulting in overlapping clinical and pathological phenotypes. Over the last few years contribution of large‐ and low‐effect genes to sporadic ALS is increasingly recognized.
Board Task Evolution: A Longitudinal Field Study in theUK
Authors: Machold Silke , Farquhar Stuart
Published: February 2013

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Several studies have investigated the antecedents of board tasks but there are disagreements about the number of tasks, their content and how they are operationalized. Moreover, the question of how board tasks evolve is under‐researched. This study seeks to map the patterns of board tasks over time and the contingent conditions under which they evolve.

Research Findings/Insights

By means of a longitudinal observation study of sixUKboards, this study shows how board task profiles can be categorized according to (1) the range of tasks boards engage with, (2) the degree and mode of adaptability of board tasks to changing strategic contexts, and (c) the extent to which boards are passive.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Traditional governance theories such as agency and resource‐dependency perspectives provide insights to the content of board tasks, but do not explain how and why these tasks change. Combining traditional conceptualizations of board tasks with a process‐based theoretical lens offers new insights into board tasks and how effectively they are performed.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The results show how boards can better structure their activities to make effective use of scarce meeting time. Activities such as dissemination of information should be curtailed to leave more room for board debate on strategic issues. The study also highlights how board evaluations may benefit from having a “fly‐on‐the‐wall” observer.