bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchrotron study of metal localization inTypha latifolia L. root sections
Authors: Qian Yu , Feng Huan , Gallagher Frank J. , Zhu Qingzhi , Wu Meiyin , Liu Chang-Jun , Jones Keith W. , Tappero Ryan V.
Published: October 2015

Understanding mechanisms that control plant root metal assimilation in soil is critical to the sustainable management of metal-contaminated land. With the assistance of the synchrotron X-ray fluorescence technique, this study investigated possible mechanisms that control the localization of Fe, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in the root tissues ofTypha latifolia L. collected from a contaminated wetland. Metal localizations especially in the case of Fe and Pb in the dermal tissue and the vascular bundles were different. Cluster analysis was performed to divide the dermal tissue into iron-plaque-enriched dermal tissue and regular dermal tissue based on the spatial distribution of Pb and Fe. Factor analysis showed that Cu and Zn were closely correlated to each other in the dermal tissues. The association of Cu, Zn and Mn with Fe was strong in both regular dermal tissue and iron-plaque-enriched dermal tissue, while significant (p< 0.05) correlation of Fe with Pb was only observed in tissues enriched with iron plaque. In the vascular bundles, Zn, Mn and Cu showed strong association, suggesting that the localization of these three elements was controlled by a similar mechanism. Iron plaque in the peripheral dermal tissues acted as a barrier for Pb and a buffer for Zn, Cu and Mn. The Casparian strip regulated the transportation of metals from dermal tissues to the vascular bundles. The results suggested that the mechanisms controlling metal localization in root tissues varied with both tissue types and metals.
Dehydration of raffinose pentahydrate: structures of raffinose 5-, 4.433-, 4.289- and 4.127-hydrate at 93 K
Authors: Viriyarattanasak Chotika , Shiro Motoo , Munekawa Shigeru , Franks Felix , Ikeda Satomi , Kajiwara Kazuhito
Published: October 2015

Raffinose [orO-α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→6)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fructofuranoside] pentahydrate, C18H32O16·5H2O, (I), and three lower hydrates, namely the 4.433-, (II), 4.289-, (III), and 4.127-hydrated, (IV), forms, obtained in the course of the dehydration of (I), have been studied. The unit cells in the space groupP212121are of similar dimensions for all the crystals. The conformation of the raffinose molecules remains almost the same across the four crystal structures. The raffinose molecules are linked into a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network involving all the –OH groups, the ring and glycosidic O atoms, and the water molecules. Six water sites were identified in the structures of (II), (III) and (IV), of whichW1,W4 andW6 (W= water) are partially occupied with their populations coupled.W1,W4 and one of the –OH groups of the galactose ring form an infinite hydrogen-bonding chain around a 21axis parallel to theaaxis (denoted chainA), andW6 and the same –OH group form a similar chain (chainA′) disordered with chainA. The occupancy ratio of chainAto chainA′ forN-hydrates (Nis a hydration number between 4 and 5) is (N− 4):(5 −N). The transformation of chainAto chainA′ as part of the dehydration process has little effect on the rest of the structure. Thus, the dehydration proceeds without significant impact on the crystal structure.
Crystal structure of 2-(1H-imidazol-3-ium-4-yl)ethanaminium dichloride, a re-determination
Authors: Louhibi Samira , Belfilali Imene , Boukli-Hacene Leila , Roisnel Thierry
Published: October 2015

The crystal structure of the title molecular salt, C5H11N3+·2Cl−, was redetermined. In comparison with the previous study [Bonnetet al.(1975).Bull. Soc. Fr. Mineral. Crist.98, 208–213.], the positions of some H atoms were corrected, allowing a more accurate description of the hydrogen-bonding scheme. In addition, the absolute structure was also determined. The maximum differences in terms of bond lengths and angles between the two determinations are 0.022 Å and 1.43°, respectively. The organic cation display aanticonformation of the protonated amine function and the imidazolium ring. The dihedral angle between the imidazolium plane and the plane through the C—C—N side chain is 29.58 (3)°. In the crystal, the organic cations and Cl−anions are stacked alternatively into layers parallel to (100). N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds between all H atoms of the ammonium group and both N—H groups of the imidazolium ring and the Cl−acceptor anions lead to the linkage of organic and inorganic layers into a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of methyl 4-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate
Authors: Krishnamurthy M. S. , Begum Noor Shahina
Published: October 2015

In the title compound, C13H13FN2O2S, the pyrimidine ring adopts a twist-boat conformation with the MeCNand methine-Catoms displaced by 0.0938 (6) and 0.2739 (3) Å, respectively, from the mean plane through the other four atoms of the ring. The 2-fluorobenzene ring is positioned axially and forms a dihedral angle of 89.13 (4)° with the mean plane through the pyrimidine ring. The crystal structure features N—H...O, N—H...S and C—H...O hydrogen bonds that link molecules into supramolecular chains along thebaxis. These chains are linked into a layer parallel to (10-1) by C—H...π interactions; layers stack with no specific interactions between them.
The Competitive Advantage of Nations: origins and journey
Authors: Huggins Robert , Izushi Hiro
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the origins and journey of the fundamental ideas underpinning Michael Porter’s The Competitive Advantage of Nations as a means of assessing its influence.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on a reflection of the book’s text and associated works by Porter, the paper shows how Porter’s thinking evolved from his earlier writings, as well as how his ideas went through further periods of development following the publication of The Competitive Advantage of Nations.

Findings

– The paper focuses on the emergence of Porter’s cluster theory and his growing acknowledgement of the role of innovation within processes of economic development. It shows how these concepts have provided a foundation for contemporary economic development practices. Also, the paper highlights how the fundamental concepts of Porter’s text have shifted from a unit of analysis focused on nations to one where subnational regions are the primary analytical unit.

Originality/value

– The paper concludes by suggesting that the nature of Porter’s conceptual insights is likely to ensure the long-term endurance of the fundamental lessons contained within The Competitive Advantage of Nations.
Twenty years after the Porter Report for Portugal
Authors: Gonçalves Vítor da Conceição , Ribeiro Mendes Fernando , Sardinha Idalina Dias , Rodrigues Ricardo
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contribution of the Porter Report toward increasing the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy and highlights the factors that affected its operationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper considers the contributions of the Porter Report, entitled “Building the Competitive Advantages of Portugal”, presented in 1994, particularly with regard to the recommended clusters and public policies, as well as the assessment and warnings provided by Michael Porter in 2002, examining both in the present perspective.

Findings

– Although Michael Porter, in 2002, made a critical judgment about the country’s evolution since the 1994 report, it is clear that, on the one hand, the recommended development model attracted high attention and had positive repercussion in academic and business circles, while on the other hand, some of the objectives were achieved, albeit at a slower pace than would have been desirable. Political and economic context and the time period are relevant for all technological and geostrategic changes, among others. The accuracy of the diagnosis and the development model proposed by Michael Porter is confirmed and the difficulty in its implementation is highlighted.

Originality/value

– The analysis of the Portuguese evolution after Porter’s recommendations is instrumental in understanding the competitiveness and development challenges faced by a small peripheral economy in the European integration process. Understanding these difficulties and successes is of utmost importance in improving the definition and in the implementation of policies focused on the competitiveness of countries and regions.
Barriers to risk reduction: Dontse Yakhe, South Africa
Authors: Harte Wendy , Sowman Merle , Hastings Peter , Childs Iraphne
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify hazard risks and factors impeding the implementation of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe in Hout Bay, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach was selected for this research. Interviews were conducted with community leaders and other relevant government and civil society stakeholders. Insights and perceptions of Dontse Yakhe residents were obtained from a focus group interview. Secondary data sources were reviewed and field observations made.

Findings

– The findings reveal a number of key risks and a complex web of geographical, political, social and environmental factors, and stakeholder interactions, prioritisations and decision making that has created barriers to the implementation of the aims and objectives of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe.

Originality/value

– The contribution of the research is that it provides insight into the complex factors that are stalling development and infrastructure provision, and implementation of risk reduction strategies, in Dontse Yakhe as outlined in disaster risk management policies and strategies, demonstrating a gap between policy rhetoric and practice.
Crisis management at the government offices: a Swedish case study
Authors: Larsson Gerry , Bynander Fredrik , Ohlsson Alicia , Schyberg Erik , Holmberg Martin
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of crisis management at the Swedish Government office level in an international crisis by using a multiperspective approach, and paying particular attention to factors contributing favorably to the management process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption on Iceland in 2010 was accompanied by an ash cloud that caused serious air traffic problems in large parts of Europe. Interviews were conducted with seven high-level informants at the Swedish Government offices and two informants at the Swedish Aviation Authority. An interview guide inspired by governance, command and control, and leadership perspectives was used.

Findings

– A Crisis Coordination Secretariat, organizationally placed directly under the prime minister, coordinated the operation. A combination of mandate (hard power) and social smoothness (soft power) on part of the Crisis Coordination Secretariat contributed to confidence building and a collaboration norm between the ministries, and between the ministries and their underlying agencies. Preparatory training, exercises and a high level of system knowledge on part of the Crisis Coordination Secretariat – contextual intelligence – also contributed to a favorable crisis management.

Research limitations/implications

– The study relies on retrospective self-report data only from a limited group of informants making generalizations difficult.

Practical implications

– The organizational positioning of the Crisis Coordination Secretariat directly under the prime minister gave its members formal authority. These members in turn skillfully used social flexibility to build confidence and a will to collaborate. This combination of hard and soft power is recommended.

Originality/value

– The multiperspective approach used when designing the interview guide and when interpreting the responses was new as well as the focus on factors contributing to crisis management success.
Revisiting organizational interpretation and three types of uncertainty
Authors: Sund Kristian Johan
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to move toward a holistic model of organizational interpretation under uncertainty. This paper makes a series of novel conceptual propositions regarding the associations between state, effect and response uncertainty and the organizational interpretation process.

Design/methodology/approach

– This conceptual paper extends existing conceptual work by distinguishing between general and issue-specific scanning and linking the interpretation process to three different types of perceived uncertainty: state, effect and response uncertainty.

Findings

– It is proposed that environmental scanning leads to lower state and effect uncertainty, i.e. less uncertainty regarding the estimation of probabilities of events occurring in the external environment of the organization and of their consequences. It is further proposed that scanning leads to higher levels of perceived control over events and that the actual interpretation of events, in opportunity/threat terms, drives irregular issue-specific scanning and organizational reactions to such events.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper suggests a way to test links between organizational interpretation and uncertainty that might help explain and untangle some of the conflicting empirical results found in the extant literature. The paper illustrates how the literature could benefit from re-conceptualizing the perceived environmental uncertainty construct to take into account different types of uncertainty.

Practical implications

– For practitioners, this paper emphasizes the importance of environmental scanning and how scanning practices can lead to general alertness, to more positive event interpretations and how interpretations form responses to opportunities in the environment.

Originality/value

– This paper extends on existing work by linking the interpretation process to three different types of uncertainty (state, effect and response uncertainty) with several novel and testable propositions. The paper also differentiates clearly general (regular) scanning from issue-specific (irregular) scanning. Finally, the paper provides a unifying view, piecing together in one picture elements that have so far been dispersed in the literature.
An examination of training and development of middle level managers in emerging economies
Authors: Abugre James B. , Adebola Kester
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the training and development (T & D) of middle-level managers in the financial institutions of a sub-Saharan African country make any difference in the performances of the managers and the institutions in general.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical analysis of managers’ opinions based on a quantitative survey of 140 middle-level managers from four banking institutions in Ghana is conducted.

Findings

– Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between T & D of middle-level managers and their performance and, consequently, performance of the banks. The findings also showed that managers become savvier in personal initiatives and responsive to customer care leading to enhanced service delivery. The paper proposes that T & D should focus on the significant relationship between the outcomes and programme objectives of organisations in emerging economies if these organisations want to be counted in this competitive global world.

Practical implications

– The paper provides valuable information on the important role of middle-level managers as custodians of “tacit knowledge” that can turn around organisations, particularly in developing economies, if the needed T & D are given to them.

Originality/value

– Empirical literature on T & D and on middle-level managers’ development in developing countries is limited. The contribution of this paper identifies the roles that middle management can play in the performances of organisations and especially in emerging economies.
Policy process lessons from the Orphan Drug Act: applications for health policy advocates
Authors: Andraka-Christou Barbara
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The Orphan Drug Act has provided the pharmaceutical industry with incentives to research and develop drugs for orphan diseases: rare diseases with little profit potential. It is considered very successful legislation by legal scholars, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and orphan drug activists. The policy process of the Act provides an important model of the policy process for future incentive-based pharmaceutical legislation. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the important incentives of the Act and the historical events leading up to the Act. The paper applies three different theoretical models of the public policy process to understand the emergence of the Orphan Drug Act: Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Model, the Advocacy Coalition Framework, and Social Constructionism Theory. The paper then synthesizes the public policy process lessons from each perspective and provides four recommendations for other social activists seeking to propel incentive-based pharmaceutical legislation for under-researched diseases.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author analyzes the history of the Orphan Drug Act based on publicly available scholarly research, government documents, and interest group publications. The author then applies three public policy theories to the history of the Orphan Drug Act to explain the emergence of the Act and to extract policy process lessons for future disease activists.

Findings

– Regardless of which theoretical perspective the Orphan Drug Act is analyzed from, some common themes of the policy process emerge. First, focussing events are instrumental in capturing the public’s sympathy and Congress’s attention. Second, in its activities and proposed legislation, a coalition should provide a role for all relevant and important actors. Third, the target groups of the legislation were construed positively, increasing the pressure for Congressmen to pass some kind of bill. Finally, the proper construction of “the problem” is instrumental to passing effective legislation as a “solution.”

Originality/value

– The Orphan Drug Act is widely considered successful incentive-based pharmaceutical legislation. However, because it was originally passed in 1983 and has not had public attention since the early 1990s (when it was amended), it has rarely been written about in recent years. However, its lessons are still highly relevant to policy activists, especially disease activists. Furthermore, existing articles focus on the impact of the legislation and ways to amend it, rather than on the passage of the Act.
CEO transformational leadership and top manager ambidexterity
Authors: Li Ci-Rong , Lin Chen-Ju , Tien Yun-Hsiang
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of CEO transformational leadership in promoting ambidexterity of top managers. This paper posits that connecting CEO transformational leadership with the CEO-top manager interface offers a better explanation of heterogeneity in top manager ambidextrous behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on a questionnaire survey of 388 senior managers in 80 top teams nested in 80 small- to medium-sized Taiwan manufacturing firms.

Findings

– The findings indicate that transformational CEOs shape the CEO-top manager interface, characterized by senior team behavioral integration, decentralization of responsibilities, long-term compensation, and individual manager risk propensity, and in turn promote ambidexterity at the individual top manager level.

Originality/value

– Hence, the authors contribute to the existing understanding that transformational CEOs may not only have a beneficial influence on firm-level ambidexterity, but also may be particularly effective in enabling individual-level top managers to simultaneously explore and exploit.
Motivating continued knowledge sharing in crowdsourcing
Authors: Heo Misook , Toomey Natalie
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of system-generated visual feedback and continued contribution on individuals’ motivation to share knowledge in a crowdsourcing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– An experimental setting was designed to investigate participants’ motivation to contribute knowledge in a crowdsourcing environment. Responses from a total of 101 participants were analyzed. The independent variables were visual feedback and time. The dependent variable was the participants’ self-expressed willingness to further contribute in the experimental knowledge-sharing activity.

Findings

– A significant main effect of time was found, showing overall gains in the mean willingness to participate over time. It was also found that the mean willingness of the control and top assimilation groups were higher than the mean willingness of the rank contrast and status groups. The mean difference obtained for the control group was mainly during the first half of the knowledge-sharing tasks, while the mean difference obtained for the top assimilation group was mainly during the second half of the knowledge-sharing tasks.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature related to motivation in knowledge sharing by providing theory-based, empirical evidence of the potential for external interventions to improve willingness to contribute and sustain knowledge sharing. The findings additionally provide practical implications for motivating and sustaining knowledge sharing.
The Happisburgh footprints in time: Environmental change and human adaptation on the East Anglian coast (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Irvine Richard D.G.
Published: October 2015

This is a reflection on time as it is perceived in coastal environments. As the soft sediments of the East Anglian coast are eroded away, the underlying evidence of past human occupation is revealed. Most recently, after a storm, a set of footprints were revealed in the silt of an extinct estuary at Happisburgh, Norfolk, UK. The footprints are thought to belong to a small group of adults and children, and have been dated to between 780,000 and 1 million years old; this would make them the earliest known human footprints outside of Africa. This article reflects on the significance of these findings for anthropologists engaged with environmental change. Encounters with the past shape how we understand time, allowing us to think beyond present day coastlines and imagine environments in flux. However, in a location such as Happisburgh, the impact of coastline changes are a source of major controversy, as the cliffs retreat by metres each year and the land under people's houses is swept away into the sea. Observing these processes of destruction and revelation at work, we sit at the intersection of long term coastal variation and present‐day environmental dilemmas.
The Recent Social Policy Expansion and Its Implications for Inter‐governmental Financial Relations in China (中国近期的社会政策扩张及其对政府间财政关系的影响)
Authors: Ngok (中山大学) Kinglun
Published: October 2015

A rapid expansion of social policy has taken place in China in the first decade of the new century. While social policy expansion indicates improved wellbeing for the general public, it also imposes a big challenge for inter‐governmental relations in China under the existing fiscal regime in which the central government dominates the revenue distribution while the local governments assume the lion's share of public service provision. To fully implement all these social policy initiatives, a restructuring of central‐local financial relationships is necessary, to provide a sound basis for future social policy development in China.
On the capacity to suffer one's self
Authors: Mizen Richard
Published: October 2015

Problems in the establishment of the sense of a ‘psychic’ skin, in the ways described by Bick and Meltzer for example, commonly give rise to distortions in the capacity for self‐experiences as a consequence of difficulties in relation to projective and identificatory processes. These latter may acquire a markedly adhesive character as a defence against the anxieties that arise. This makes for considerable technical difficulties in an analysis. This essay addresses the nature of these problems and considers some of the ways in which they may be approached clinically.
On the analysand's need to know the real person of the analyst
Authors: K
Published: October 2015

But the conscious achievement of inner unity clings to human relationships as to an indispensable condition. C.G.Jung (1946, p.233)

Based on personal experience the main part of this paper explores the theme of the analysand's need to know the real person of the analyst and the importance, on occasion, of the analyst's disclosure of subjectivity. The concluding part offers suggestions about working with analysands where there is early emotional damage and deficits in relationship.
Synchronicity, the infinite unrepressed, dissociation and the interpersonal
Authors: Carvalho Richard
Published: October 2015

This paper uses the logic derived by Matte Blanco to provide an Archimedean point and a mathematics, both of which Jung complained of lacking, with which to validate the notion of synchronicity and to demonstrate that it is one of the inevitable properties of an unconscious which is unrepressed such as Jung's collective unconscious, and that such an unconscious will also be affective and interpersonal as well as intrapersonal. These have important clinical implications. After an exposition of Matte Blanco's thinking, some clinical material is presented of an episode in which patient and author both suffered the same psychosomatic symptom some time just prior to a session. Correspondences between Matte Blanco's logically derived ideas and Jung's phenomenological observations are made.
Does Medicaid Managed Care Help Equalize Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Utilization?
Authors: Marton James , Yelowitz Aaron , Shores Meredith , Talbert Jeffery C.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To estimate the impact of different forms of Medicaid managed care (MMC) delivery on racial and ethnic disparities in utilization.

Data Source

Longitudinal, administrative data on 101,649 children in Kentucky continuously enrolled in Medicaid between January 1997 and June 1999. Outcomes considered are monthly professional, outpatient, and inpatient utilization.

Study Design

We apply an intent‐to‐treat, instrumental variables analysis using the staggered geographic implementation of MMC to create treatment and control groups of children.

Principal Findings

The implementation of MMC reduced monthly professional visits by a smaller degree for non‐whites than whites (3.8 percentage points vs. 6.2 percentage points), thereby helping to equalize the initial racial/ethnic disparity in utilization. The Passport MMC program in the Louisville‐centered region statistically significantly reduced disparities for professional visits (closing the gap by 8.0 percentage points), while the Kentucky Health Select MMC program in the Lexington‐centered region did not. No substantive impact on disparities was found for either outpatient or inpatient utilization in either program.

Conclusions

We find evidence that MMC has the possibility to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in professional utilization. More work is needed to determine which managed care program characteristics drive this result.
Low Glucose Degradation Product Peritoneal Dialysis Regimen Is Associated With Lower Plasma EN‐RAGE and HMGB‐1 Proinflammatory Ligands of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
Authors: Opatrna Sylvie , Popperlova Anna , Kalousová Marta , Zima Tomas
Published: October 2015

Intraperitoneal glucose degradation products (GDP) load influences systemic advanced glycation end products (AGEs) but the effects on soluble receptor for AGEs (s‐RAGE) and its proinflammatory ligands: extracellular newly identified receptor for advanced glycation end‐products binding protein(EN‐RAGE) and high mobility group box‐1 protein (HMGB‐1) are unknown. We aimed to compare plasma and peritoneal s‐RAGE, EN‐RAGE and HMGB‐1 between three peritoneal dialysis (PD) prescription regimens with different intraperitoneal GDP loads. High GDP load (glucose‐lactate PD fluid, D; N = 8) was compared with a low (glucose‐bicarbonate/lactate with icodextrin for overnight dwell, E; N = 9) and a very low GDP load (glucose‐bicarbonate/lactate, P; N = 16). D group demonstrated higher plasma EN‐RAGE, 77.8 ng/mL, vs. both E, 11.2, P < 0.001 and P, 27.0, P < 0.001 as well as higher plasma HMGB‐1, 2.2 ng/mL vs. both E, 1.1, P < 0.01 and P, 1.5, P < 0.01. Plasma s‐RAGE, which did not differ between D, E and P, correlated with its effluent levels. Patients with faster peritoneal transport (D/Pcr > 0.65) tended to have higher plasma s‐RAGE compared to slow transporters (2300 vs. 1762 pg/mL, P = 0.056). Peritoneal clearance of s‐RAGE and EN‐RAGE was higher with E compared to both D and P (P < 0.001 resp. P < 0.01). Subgroup of PD patients with CRP above median demonstrated higher plasma HMGB‐1 and EN‐RAGE, P < 0.05 for both. A lower intraperitoneal GDP load is associated with decreased plasma levels of EN‐RAGE and HMGB‐1. Peritoneal transport, microinflammation and the capability of icodextrin to increase peritoneal clearance of middle molecular weight substances might also exert an effect on plasma s‐RAGE and its proinflammatory ligands levels.
Effective Combination Therapy of Polymyxin‐B Direct Hemoperfusion and Recombinant Thrombomodulin for Septic Shock Accompanied by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A Historical Controlled Trial
Authors: Yamato Masafumi , Minematsu Yusuke , Fujii Junya , Mori Kohei , Minato Takumi , Miyagawa Sachie , Fujimura Ryuta , Morikage Naoko , Arata Yuka , Nakano Chisako , Wada Akira , Ito Takahito
Published: October 2015

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multiple organ failure often occur via the crosstalk between inflammation and coagulation, which is mediated by High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1). In septic shock, Polymyxin‐B direct hemoperfusion (PMX‐DHP) ameliorates hemodynamics by endogenous cannabinoid adsorption and improves pulmonary oxygenation by indirect cytokine reduction through the adsorption of activated mononuclear cells. However, PMX‐DHP has no direct effect on HMGB1 circulating in the plasma. In cases with DIC, recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM), an effective drug for DIC, exerts not only anticoagulation but also antiinflammatory properties via direct anti‐HMGB1 activity. Therefore, a combination of PMX‐DHP and rTM is expected to block the vicious cycle of a cytokine storm ending up with multiple organ failure in DIC. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of combination therapy for septic shock associated with DIC. This study comprised 22 consecutive patients with sepsis‐induced DIC who received PMX‐DHP. The initial eight patients were treated without rTM (historical control group), and the following 14 patients were given rTM (rTM group). The baseline Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score or age was not different between both groups. Sixty‐day survival rate in the rTM group was significantly higher than that in the control group (85.7% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.015). A combination of PMX‐DHP and rTM may be effective in septic shock accompanied by DIC and is expected to improve survival rates.
Analysis of Protein Removal Properties During Cryofiltration Apheresis Using the Evaflux‐5A Plasma Fractionator in a Patient With Hepatitis C Virus‐Associated Cryoglobulinemic Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Nakajima Hirofumi , Kaneko Shuzo , Takano Tomoo , Hoshino Toshihisa , Sato Yukihiro , Kawase Tomonori , Tsukamoto Yusuke
Published: October 2015

Cryofiltration (CF) is a technique in which separated plasma is chilled before being subjected to a plasma fractionator (PF), leading to cryoglobulin precipitation or cryogel formation. In CF using the Evaflux‐5A as the PF, there is no consensus on the necessity of albumin supplementation, and when or how often the PF column should be washed. We analyzed the sieving effects of various solutes (albumin, IgG, IgM, LDL, HCV‐RNA, and cryoglobulin) depending on transmembrane pressure (TMPPF) during CF using the Evaflux‐5A in a patient with hepatitis C virus‐associated cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. Five CF treatments were initially performed and a sixth one later, at disease recurrence. Quantitative detection of cryoglobulin and a marked rise in TMPPF to 400 mm Hg were observed only at the first and sixth treatment, and albumin losses during these treatments were very high, at 16.8 g, and 14.6 g, respectively, while those of others (from the second to fifth) were 6.7 g, 6.4 g, 5.9 g, and 7.0 g, respectively. The sieving coefficients (SCs) of both albumin and IgG were stable (0.8–1.0) at TMPPF < 200 mm Hg, but significantly decreased at TMPPF ≥ 200 mm Hg (P < 0.01). The SC of IgM tended to decrease at TMPPF ≥ 200 mm Hg, but not significantly, while that of LDL was zero regardless of the TMPPF. Albumin loss per treatment likely depends on degree of TMPPF rise, which is mainly affected by the patient's cryoglobulinemic status. In CF using Evaflux‐5A, washing the PF column to keep TMPPF < 200 mm Hg during treatment may be a recommended for selective removal and albumin salvage.
Whither Geography? A Response to Finlayson's Concerns
Authors: Holmes John
Published: October 2015

Prompted by Brian Finlayson's editorial, titled ‘Whither (or Wither?) Geography’, I am reminded that a review of the discipline's status and directions would be timely, using the 2002 Australia‐wide reviews in this journal as benchmarks. I welcome the thoughtful proposal for a disciplinary report to the Academy of Science recently prepared by Alaric Maude on behalf of the National Committee for Geography. I take the view that the three central issues are: firstly, flux in the discipline's ‘external relations’ in an era of interdisciplinarity, cross‐disciplinary mergers, instrumentalism, and budgetary constraints; secondly, flux in ‘internal relations’ involving subdisciplines and subcultures: and thirdly, flux in ‘vertical relations’ involving the links between secondary and tertiary Geography. It is instructive to note that the earliest disciplinary reviews, up to the 1980s, were solely directed towards bibliographic celebrations of research directions whereas recent reviews, of necessity, have been focussed on pressing issues concerning ‘Whither Geography?’. Alaric's proposal will also be issue focussed, with its emphasis on relevance and on contributions of national significance.
Modernizing wholesalers and guava farmers in Mexico
Authors: Hernandez Ricardo , Berdegué Julio A. , Reardon Thomas
Published: October 2015

This article focuses on the rapid development of the “modernizing wholesale” channel, with a study of guava traders and farmers in Mexico. This adds to a literature on modernization of food markets that has focused primarily on exports, supermarkets, and large processors and addressed less wholesale in general and rarely modernizing wholesale per se. We find that participation in the modernizing wholesale channel, relative to the traditional broker channel, requires greater land, regional, and nonland assets, as well as confers a premium controlling for quality, and spurs employment in harvesting and handling locally.
Climate Innovation: Australian Corporate Perspectives on the Role of Government
Authors: Mikler John , Harrison Neil E.
Published: October 2015

Technological innovation is the most politically palatable avenue for governments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It avoids less palatable alternatives, such as regulating social behaviour. However, technological innovation in advanced, liberal capitalist states such as Australia is the product of the interaction of science possibilities with market demands, and is primarily reliant on the choices of profit‐seeking corporations. Therefore, interviews were conducted with key office‐holders in Australia's most carbon‐intensive industry sectors. The perspectives they offered challenge the conventional wisdom that Australian business desires less government intervention. Instead, corporate representatives expressed a desire for stronger, clearer and more strategic long‐term government support. This is because a liberal economic basis for capitalism in Australia means government, more than the market, is central for climate innovation as opposed to normal market innovation.
Democracy and Climate Change: What Can Deliberative Democracy Contribute?
Authors: Niemeyer Simon
Published: October 2015

This paper argues that deliberative democracy is best placed to meet the challenge that climate change poses to systems of governance, although the task of implementing it is challenging. Deliberative democracy extends on the basic idea of democracy by emphasising the way in which citizens engage with issues, requiring reflection on all relevant dimensions. Where climate change is easily crowded‐out in the prevailing nature of political debate, deliberation helps to make salient less tangible and complex dimensions associated with the issue. Evidence is presented in support of the capacities of citizens to deliberate on climate change, with evidence drawn from a mini‐public in the Australian Capital Region. The possibilities for “scaling up” these benefits of deliberation to the polity as a whole are then discussed. Although it is not straightforward, specific mechanisms for engendering deliberation among the wider public are suggested. If successful, deliberation not only promises to transform the possibilities for action on climate change, but also to build the capacity to respond by improving the underlying conditions for environmental governance.
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) utilisation by rural clinicians in acute ischaemic stroke: A survey of barriers and enablers
Authors: Williams Jocelyn M. , Jude Martin R. , Levi Christopher R.
Published: October 2015

Objective

This paper identified barriers which prevent rural health care providers from utilising rt‐PA in acute ischaemic stroke and proposes possible support mechanisms to increase its utilisation.

Methods

This descriptive study uses data from anonymous surveys distributed to health care providers involved in acute stroke patient care in three rural hospitals with rt‐PA pathways. Saturation sampling was used. Surveys gathered self assessed ratings of experience, practice environment, attitudes, existing support, barriers and possible enablers regarding rt‐PA use in acute stroke.

Results

Physicians reported the strongest barriers to the use of rt‐PA in acute stroke as pre‐hospital delays (91%), risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) (73%) and clinical diagnostic uncertainty (60%). They reported high levels of confidence in the support received from their stroke units (90%). Nurses identified a poor level of stroke education and knowledge on rt‐PA utilisation in acute stroke. A third of nurses could correctly list six different stroke signs. The risk of ICH following rt‐PA administration in stroke was also a significant barrier for nurses. Response rate from physicians was 26% (10/38) and 19% (13/69) for nurses.

Conclusions

To reduce barriers to rt‐PA utilisation in rural facilities physicians require education on the calculated risk of ICH as well as exposure and experience to improve their ability to confidently diagnose stroke patients who are eligible for rt‐PA treatment. Education for nurses on symptoms of stroke and rt‐PA utilisation and administration is recommended.
Feminization and Labor Vulnerability in Global Manufacturing Industries: Does Gendered Discourse Matter?
Authors: Hossain Md. Ismail , Mathbor Golam M. , Semenza Renata
Published: October 2015

Two contested arguments persist in explaining the causes of feminization and labor vulnerability. Some scholars argue that global industries are dominated by female workers as a result of the search for cheap labor. On the other hand, some scholars claim that the primary cause of feminization and labor vulnerability is the gendered discourses of work. Drawing views from readymade garment (RMG) industries of Bangladesh, this paper argues that both economic choices of cheap labor and gendered discourses of work collaboratively contribute to feminizing the labor force. This feminization of the workforce enables the violation of labor rights and benefits capitalists.
Definitional Paradox and Legal Heterogeneity: Towards a Comprehensive and Operational Definition of Begging
Authors: Brito Olivier
Published: October 2015

This paper contributes to the quest for an operational definition of begging. Researchers and policy makers examining begging suffer from definitional shortcomings. Social scientists generally provide a minimalistic and paradoxical definition of begging. Begging is indeed, simultaneously considered as a productive activity and as a non‐reciprocated gift. Among law and policy makers, there is no consensus on a definition of begging. Begging can be defined broadly or narrowly, it can be considered as acceptable or be criminalized. In order to illustrate the need for an operational definition, the legal definitions of begging enacted in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines are compared. Major theoretical definitions of begging are also reviewed. We then suggest an operational definition of begging in which we distinguish between begging policies, begging strategies and begging techniques.
Intra‐abdominal blockage of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt by a suspected mesenteric pseudocyst in a dog
Authors: Driver CJ , Pinilla MJ , Loderstedt S , Kenny PJ
Published: October 2015

Background

There are few reports of abdominal complications following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for the treatment of hydrocephalus in dogs.

Case report

A 3‐year‐old dog underwent successful VP shunting for the treatment of hydrocephalus, but re‐presented 10 months later with progressive central vestibular syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain suggested VP catheter obstruction. The dog was euthanased and on postmortem examination the abdominal tip of the VP catheter was ensheathed and blocked by fibrous mesentery, possibly a pseudocyst.

Conclusions

Abdominal complications are common in humans, with pseudocysts reported in up to 4.5% of cases. This diagnosis should be considered for dogs re‐presenting following VP shunt surgery.
Phytonutrients for bone health during ageing
Authors: Sacco Sandra Maria , Horcajada Marie‐Noëlle , Offord Elizabeth
Published: October 2015

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and bone quality that predispose an individual to an increased risk of fragility fractures. Evidence demonstrating a positive link between certain dietary patterns (e.g. Mediterranean diet or high consumption of fruits and vegetables) and bone health highlights an opportunity to investigate their potential to protect against the deterioration of bone tissue during ageing. While the list of these phytonutrients is extensive, this review summarizes evidence on some which are commonly consumed and have gained increasing attention over recent years, including lycopene and various polyphenols (e.g. polyphenols from tea, grape seed, citrus fruit, olive and dried plum). Evidence to define a clear link between these phytonutrients and bone health is currently insufficient to generate precise dietary recommendations, owing to mixed findings or a scarcity in clinical data. Moreover, their consumption typically occurs within the context of a diet consisting of a mix of phytonutrients and other nutrients rather than in isolation. Future clinical trials that can apply a robust set of outcome measurements, including the determinants of bone strength, such as bone quantity (i.e. bone mineral density) and bone quality (i.e. bone turnover and bone microarchitecture), will help to provide a more comprehensive outlook on how bone responds to these various phytonutrients. Moreover, future trials that combine these phytonutrients with established bone nutrients (i.e. calcium and vitamin D) are needed to determine whether combined strategies can produce more robust effects on skeletal health.
Triggering of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by the Antibiotic Ionophore Nigericin
Authors: Bissinger Rosi , Malik Abaid , Bouguerra Ghada , Zhou Yuetao , Singh Yogesh , Abbès Salem , Lang Florian
Published: October 2015

The K+,H+ ionophore and antibiotic nigericin has been shown to trigger apoptosis and is thus considered for the treatment of malignancy. Cellular mechanisms involved include induction of oxidative stress, which is known to activate erythrocytic Ca2+‐permeable unselective cation channels leading to Ca2+ entry, increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) and subsequent stimulation of eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. This study explored whether and how nigericin induces eryptosis. Phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated from annexin V binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3 fluorescence, pHi from BCECF fluorescence, ceramide abundance utilizing antibodies and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation from DCFDA‐dependent fluorescence. A 48‐hr exposure of human erythrocytes to nigericin significantly increased the percentage of annexin‐V‐binding cells (0.1–10 nM), significantly decreased forward scatter (0.1–1 nM), significantly decreased cytosolic pH (0.1–1 nM) and significantly increased Fluo3 fluorescence (0.1–10 nM). Nigericin (1 nM) slightly, but significantly, increased ROS, but did not significantly modify ceramide abundance. The effect of nigericin on annexin V binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. The nigericin‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i and annexin V binding was again significantly blunted but not abolished by the Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor cariporide (10 μM). Nigericin triggers eryptosis, an effect paralleled by ROS formation, in part dependent on stimulation of Ca2+ entry, and involving the cariporide‐sensitive Na+/H+ exchanger.
Editorial introduction
Authors: Bentley‐Payne Jai , Jones Campbell
Published: October 2015

This special issue brings to a close a series of three issue of this journal that have sought to expand the philosophical vocabulary of those concerned with business ethics. Previous issues treated the work of Emmanuel Levinas (Business Ethics: A European Review 2007, 16:3) and Jacques Derrida (Business Ethics: A European Review 2010, 19:3), whereas this issue is organised around engagements with the work of Alain Badiou. The three issues together seek to show ways in which the idea of the ethical, in all of its variety, poses grave challenges to the continued practice of capitalist business enterprise. The editorial introduction to this issue introduces the work of Alain Badiou, some of the specific challenges his thought poses for business and business ethics and the papers included in the special issue.
Corporate social responsibility, collaboration and depoliticisation
Authors: Barthold Charles
Published: October 2015

This article offers an engagement of the ethics ofBadiou, one of the most significant representatives of contemporary continental philosophy, with the question of corporate social responsibility. First, this article displays an account of the complex ethical thinking of Badiou. Then, it seeks to show how Badiou's thought offers an important and distinctive critique of corporate social responsibility as ideology. Precisely, the two main features of the ideological discourse of corporate social responsibility are collaboration and depoliticisation. TheBadiouan critique provides a performative efficacy against the seductions of corporate social responsibility discourse within the framework of a universalist ethics. Therefore, aBadiouan analysis argues that an ethical life is incompatible with corporate social responsibility.