bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bank Lending to Agriculture in a Small Developing Country
Authors: Gani Azmat , Scrimgeour Frank
Published: May 2015

This paper explores bank lending to agriculture in Fiji, a small developing country. It examines bank lending by bank type—commercial bank lending and lending by the Fiji Development Bank (fdb), a non-commercial bank. The findings reveal the importance of both banking types as well as a significant drop in lending since 1993, despite the need to fund the agricultural sector to boost food production activities. Interest rates, government spending and food production strongly determine fdb lending to agriculture. The availability of arable land has a negative and significant effect on fdb lending to agriculture. The results show commercial banks are performing a slightly different role in the agricultural sector than the Fiji Development Bank; they appear to be unresponsive to economic variables that the fdb is responsive to.
In the Margins of the Rabbinic Curriculum: Mastering ʿUqṣin in the Light of Zoroastrian Intellectual Culture
Authors: Kiel Yishai
Published: May 2015

The study situates the Babylonian rabbinic discussion concerning the spread of ritual pollution in produce in a broader cultural and intellectual context, by synoptically examining the rabbinic discussion against the backdrop of contemporaneous Zoroastrian legal discourse. It is suggested that the intimate affinity exhibited between the Babylonian rabbinic and Pahlavi discussions of produce contamination supports a fresh examination of the cultural significance of tractate ʿUqtzin in the Babylonian Talmud and the implications of its mastery on the intellectual and cultural identity of the Babylonian rabbis. The study posits that the self-reflective Talmudic reference to the knowledge and interest later generations of Babylonian rabbis possessed in tractate ʿUqtzin and the spread of ritual pollution in produce reflects the relative significance of these topics in the broader intellectual agenda of the Sasanian period. The later Babylonian rabbis boasted about their knowledge of tractate ʿUqtzin, which extended far beyond the capacity of earlier generations, precisely because this topic best reflected the intellectual currents of their time.
Crossing Enemy Lines: Network Connections Between Palestinian and Babylonian Sages in Late Antiquity
Authors: Hezser Catherine
Published: May 2015

The Palestinian and Babylonian Talmuds transmit stories about sages who crossed the boundaries between the Roman and Persian empires in late antiquity to sojourn in the “enemy” territory for a certain amount of time. These sages, who were members of local rabbinic networks, established inter-regional network connections among Palestinian and Babylonian scholars which reached across political boundaries. This paper will investigate how these connections were established and maintained. What was the role of place and mobility in an intellectual network “without propinquity”?1 Which segments of the respective local rabbinic networks maintained inter-regional contacts? Or more specifically: which sages are presented as the main nodal points within these networks and what were their roles within Palestinian and Babylonian Jewish society? How did network centrality and power shift from Palestine to Babylonia between the fourth and sixth centuries c.e.?
Mulieres viriliter vincentes: Masculine and Feminine Imagery in Augustine’s Sermons on Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Authors: Milco Katherine E.
Published: May 2015

This paper argues that Augustine makes use of two principal images in his four extant sermons on Perpetua and Felicity: the masculine image of the combatant, who engages in spiritual warfare with the devil, and the feminine image of the mother, who tramples the diabolical serpent through childbirth. This paper makes the case that in styling the martyrs as combatants and mothers Augustine develops images that first appear in their third-century Passio. This thesis challenges the scholarly consensus which claims that Augustine departs from the content of their Passio in order to present these women behaving in conformity with the “patriarchal” norms of the late antique Church.
Distinguished Status Quo: The American Antarctic Quadrant after Submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
Authors: Hernández-Salas Carlos R.
Published: May 2015

Submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (clcs) by countries claiming sovereignty in Antarctica confirm the resilience of the Antarctic status quo to legal challenges. Through this status quo, these submissions have not been hindered by differences among claimant countries and between them and countries not recognizing any claim in Antarctica. It is in the American Antarctic Quadrant—where Argentina, Chile and United Kingdom have overlapping claims—that the status quo achieves its most extensive geographic and normative range, covering an area and disputes south and north of latitude 60°, in particular disputes between Argentina and the United Kingdom; this determines also the alternatives available to Chile for filing its submission to the clcs by 2019.
The European Union’s Potential Contribution to Protect Marine Biodiversity in the Changing Arctic: A Roadmap
Authors: Liu Nengye , Kirk Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2015

This article provides a roadmap for possible European Union (eu) action in the protection of marine biodiversity in the changing Arctic. First the eu’s competence in the Arctic is briefly introduced. Then the discussion turns to the eu’s potential external and internal actions in shipping, fisheries and offshore oil and gas operations that could possibly enhance the international legal regime for the protection of marine biodiversity in the Arctic. The eu’s role vis-à-vis the global biodiversity regime and cross-cutting measures under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea are discussed together in the final part.
Minority Children and Education in the Work of the Advisory Committee
Authors: Roter Petra
Published: May 2015

This article seeks to analyse the relevance of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (Framework Convention) for minority children in the field of education. It does this with a comprehensive analysis of primary sources, namely opinions of the Framework Convention’s Advisory Committee, which monitors the treaty’s implementation. The article therefore also analyses the role of this independent monitoring body in protecting minority children’s rights. It argues that the Framework Convention provides a very relevant structure for children’s rights, and demonstrates that perhaps the most valuable contribution of the Advisory Committee to the field of children’s rights has been, firstly, in identifying various obstacles that are preventing the full implementation of children’s rights in the field of education; secondly, in recommending measures for removing those obstacles or mitigating their effects; and, thirdly, in identifying best practices with regards to the rights of children to education.
Karl Barth and the Importance of Thinking Theologically within the Nicene Faith
Authors: Molnar Paul D.
Published: May 2015

This article argues that if Catholic and Protestant theologians, prompted by the Holy Spirit, allowed their common faith in God as confessed in the Nicene Creed to shape their thinking and action, this could lead to more visible unity between them. Relying on Barth, the article suggests that the oneness, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity of the church can be understood best in faith that allows the unique object of faith, namely God incarnate in Christ and active in his Spirit, to dictate one’s understanding. Such thinking will avoid the pluralist tendency to eviscerate Christ’s uniqueness and attempts to equate church unity with aspects of the church’s visible existence. These approaches tend to undermine the importance of faith in recognizing that such unity means union with Christ through the Spirit such that it cannot be equated with or perceived by examining only its historical existence in itself and in relation to other communities of faith.
The Reception of arcicI and II in Europe and Discerning the Strategy and Agenda for arciciii
Authors: Murray Paul D.
Published: May 2015

This essay derives from an address to the inaugural meeting of the third major phase of work of the Anglican – Roman Catholic International Commission (arcic) at the Monastery of Bose, Italy in May 2011. arcic is the official organ for formal bilateral dialogue between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. The methods devised by successive generations of arcic theologians have been highly influential in shaping the work of other bilateral ecumenical dialogues. The first half of the essay reviews and comments on the reception to-date within Europe of the first and second major phases of arcic’s work: arcicI (1971–1982) and arcicII (1987–2005). The second half then turns to identify the appropriate strategy for this crucial new phase of work, arcicIII (2011-present). Throughout the essay clear recognition is given to the fact that arcicIII is operating in a very different ecumenical context and in relation to a different set of challenges to those which prevailed when the classical arcic strategy was devised and as such requires a fresh strategic approach. The approach to contemporary ecumenical engagement and learning known as Receptive Ecumenism is presented here as providing this needed fresh strategy.
Characteristics of the Drag Coefficient over a Tropical Environment in Convective Conditions*
Authors: Srivastava Piyush , Sharan Maithili
Published: May 2015

The turbulent data over a tropical region are utilized to analyze the observational behavior of the drag coefficient with respect to wind speed U and the stability parameter in convective conditions. The drag coefficient is observed to follow the power-law profile with respect to U, with large values in low winds and relatively lower values with moderate-wind conditions. Depending on the stability regimes, regression curves for with U are proposed. The variation of with is bounded by a curve. This curve first shows increasing behavior with until it reaches a peak at and then decreases with increasing instability. A mathematical analysis based on Monin–Obukhov similarity (MOS) reveals that increases monotonically with increasing instability. This suggests that MOS theory is able to capture the increasing nature of in weakly to moderately unstable conditions. However, it is unable to explain the observed decreasing behavior of with in moderately to strongly unstable conditions in the tropics within the framework of commonly used similarity functions.
Microbial Flora and Antibiotic Resistance in Peritonsillar Abscesses in Upstate New York
Authors: Plum Ann Woodhouse , Mortelliti Anthony J. , Walsh Ronald E.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

To identify the common bacteria in recent peritonsillar abscesses and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and compare both between adults and children.

Methods:

This is a retrospective chart review at a single academic institution of patients who underwent either incision and drainage or tonsillectomy for a peritonsillar abscess between 2002 and 2012 (n = 69). Medical records were reviewed for cultures, comorbidities, and drainage procedures.

Results:

Cultures obtained from 62.32% of peritonsillar abscesses were polymicrobial, and 34.78% were monomicrobial. The most common pathogens were β-hemolytic Streptococcus (31.88%), α-hemolytic Streptococcus (21.74%), Neisseria (14.49%), and Streptococcus milleri (13.04%). Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus was more common in children and Streptococcus milleri was more common in adults. Alpha-hemolytic streptococcus was resistant to clindamycin (6.67%) and erythromycin (6.67%). Streptococcus milleri was resistant to clindamycin (11.11%) and erythromycin (11.11%). Staphylococcus was resistant to penicillin (37.5%), oxacillin (25%), erythromycin (25%), and clindamycin (12.5%).

Conclusions:

β- and α-hemolytic Streptococci, Neisseria, and Streptococcus milleri are the most common pathogens. Streptococcus milleri is more common in adults, and β-hemolytic streptococcus is more common in children. Resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin is common in Streptococci and Staphylococci, and penicillin resistance is common in Staphylococci.
The Path Toward Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Yassoub Rami , Alameddine Mohamad , Saleh Shadi
Published: May 2015

Lebanon is a middle-income country with a market-maximized healthcare system that provides limited social protection for its citizens. Estimates reveal that half of the population lacks sufficient health coverage and resorts to out-of-pocket payments. This study triangulated data from a comprehensive review of health packages of countries similar to Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health statistics, and services suggested by the World Health Organization for inclusion in a health benefits package (HBP). To determine the acceptability and viability of implementing the HBP, a stakeholder analysis was conducted to identify the knowledge, positions, and available resources for the package. The results revealed that the private health sector, having the most resources, is least in favor of implementing the package, whereas the political and civil society sectors support implementation. The main divergence in opinions among stakeholders was on the abolishment of out-of-pocket payments, mainly attributed to the potential abuse of the HBP’s services by users. The study’s findings encourage health decision makers to capitalize on the current political readiness by proposing the HBP for implementation in the path toward universal health coverage. This requires a consultative process, involving all stakeholders, in devising the strategy and implementation framework of a HBP.
Democracy, war effort, and the systemic democratic peace
Authors: Bausch Andrew W
Published: May 2015

This article uses an agent-based model and Selectorate Theory to explore the micro-foundations of the systemic democratic peace. Leaders engage in an international bargaining game that can escalate to conflict. Upon resolving the dispute, leaders distribute winnings to domestic constituencies and stand for reselection. The model’s assumptions about selectorate size in a democracy versus an autocracy make democratic leaders more accountable than autocrats and endogenously generates the dyadic democratic peace. The model shows no evidence of an autocratic peace, as mixed dyads are less likely to go to war than autocratic dyads. I further show that democratic leaders invest more resources in wars than predicted by the Nash equilibrium and also more than autocrats. This overinvestment by democratic leaders results in democracies winning more wars than autocrats. This model thus reinforces previous findings that democratic leaders respond to domestic reselection incentives by using more resources in conflict to gain a war-fighting advantage and help ensure victory. Finally, consistent with empirical results, I show that increasing the percentage of democracies in the system does not have a linear effect on the amount of conflict in the system. Below a certain threshold, increasing democracy has no effect on conflict, while after this threshold conflict decreases.
Estimating cost adjustments required to accomplish target savings in chronic disease management interventions: a simulation study
Authors: Diaz Rafael , Behr Joshua G , Britton Bruce S
Published: May 2015

Chronic diseases are persistent ailments that are not preventable or curable with medication or vaccination. Many of the leading chronic conditions in industrialized societies may be related to lifestyle choices. The prevalence of these chronic conditions significantly affects the health, suffering, and longevity of patients. This paper demonstrates the utility of system dynamics as an approach to model and simulate the behavior of key cost factors in the implementation of population health management interventions. The study uses modeling and simulation as an evaluative method to identify potential savings stemming from an intervention within a well-defined population group. The model is flexible in that it allows policy-makers the ability to set saving targets that, in turn, generate knowledge about the cost structure adjustments necessary to reach these targets. The model provides useful insights into how the initial estimates of the cost of intervention, the resulting savings, and potential costs adjustments may change. The functionality of the model is demonstrated by means of scenarios implemented via sensitivity analysis.
The Social Structure of Criminalized and Medicalized School Discipline
Authors: Ramey David M.
Published: May 2015

In this article, the author examines how school- and district-level racial/ethnic and socioeconomic compositions influence schools’ use of different types of criminalized and medicalized school discipline. Using a large data set containing information on over 60,000 schools in over 6,000 districts, the authors uses multilevel modeling and a group-mean modeling strategy to answer several important questions about school discipline. First, how do school- and district-level racial and ethnic compositions influence criminalized school discipline and medicalization? Second, how do levels of school and district economic disadvantage influence criminalized school discipline and medicalization? Third, how does district-level economic disadvantage moderate the relationship between school racial/ethnic composition and criminalized school discipline and medicalization? The results generally support hypotheses that schools and districts with relatively larger minority and poor populations are more likely to implement criminalized disciplinary policies, including suspensions and expulsion or police referrals or arrests, and less likely to medicalize students through behavioral plans put in place through laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. However, results from cross-level interaction models suggest that district-level economic disadvantage moderates the influence of school racial composition on criminalized school discipline and medicalization.
City racial composition as a predictor of African American food deserts
Authors: Thibodeaux Jarrett
Published: May 2015

Extending Small and McDermott’s ‘conditional perspective’, Blalock’s minority competition theory is used to explain how the relationship between African Americans and the number of supermarkets in a zip code depends on the city in which it resides. The 2010 American Community Survey and ZIP Business pattern data are examined with hierarchical general linear models to explore whether the previously observed negative relationship between the percentage of African Americans and the number of supermarkets in a zip code depends on the percentage of African Americans in the city. The results show that the relationship between the percentage of African Americans and the number of supermarkets depends on the percentage of African Americans in the city in the U-shaped pattern predicted by minority competition theory. Applications of minority competition to other theories of the unequal distribution of resources in cities are discussed.
The Nexus Between Gender and Perceived Career Opportunities
Authors: Wynen Jan , op de Beeck Sophie , Ruebens Silke
Published: May 2015

Although the horizontal representation of women in the U.S. workforce has significantly increased, numerous studies have found that there is still a substantial underrepresentation of women at high-level positions. In light of this fact, this article examines differences in perceived career opportunities between men and women in the federal workforce as well as the evolution of these differences between 2006 and 2013. To do this, a heterogeneous choice model is used to examine representative samples of two waves of the U.S. federal employee viewpoint survey. We come to the finding that a difference in perceived career opportunities exists and, surprisingly, that this difference did not decrease or increase during the examined time period.
Accounting for Accountability: A Critical Reflection on the Private Higher Education in Bangladesh
Authors: Nurunnabi Mohammad
Published: May 2015

The World Bank has pioneered the concept of “private” in developing countries with the aim of creating economic and social sustainability since the 1990s. This study examines private universities by focusing on the accountability framework in Bangladesh. Using a multi-method approach (a survey of 1,046 students from all 52 universities in the country and policy documents from 1992-2014), the study reveals that weak macro accountability (specifically, a vague regulatory framework, lack of enforcement, government leniency, and corruption) is a contributing factor in the unsuccessful drive for higher growth of private higher education institutions (HEIs). The study also raises a question on the success of the Washington Consensus in a developing country. The findings demonstrate that urgent attention is required from the Bangladesh government and donor agencies (The World Bank, the UNESCO, and the International Monetary Fund [IMF]).
Relationship Satisfaction Mediates the Link Between Partner Aggression and Relationship Dissolution
Authors: Curtis David S. , Epstein Norman B. , Wheeler Brandan
Published: May 2015

Physically and psychologically aggressive behaviors between members of a couple often lead to relationship dissatisfaction and dissolution. The current study utilized data from 346 clinical couples to investigate associations between psychological and moderate physical aggression and relationship dissolution, and whether relationship satisfaction acts as a mediator of these associations. Results from two series of Actor–Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) were considered in which cases of severe aggression were initially removed from the analytic sample and then were included for secondary analyses. The first series of models showed that dyadic physical aggression was a weak predictor of the male partner’s steps taken to leave the relationship and was not associated with the female’s steps. Dyadic psychological aggression, however, was related to steps taken toward leaving by both partners, accounting for approximately 14% of the variance. Relationship satisfaction mediated associations between physical and psychological partner aggression and steps taken to leave. Findings from the second series of models, including cases of severe aggression, showed a significant association between dyadic physical aggression and the female’s steps toward leaving. Moreover, relationship satisfaction no longer fully mediated associations between psychological or physical aggression and relationship dissolution risk. The importance of considering severity of physical partner aggression in research and clinical practice is discussed.
Material arrangement optimization for weight minimization of an automotive body in white using a bi-level design strategy
Authors: Park Dohyun , Jeong Seung-Hyun , Kim Chang Won , Yang Heui Won , Kim Dae Seung , Choi Dong-Hoon
Published: May 2015

In this study, we propose a practical approach for designing an automobile body in white using multiple materials. This approach includes design optimization to reduce the weight subject to bending and torsional stiffness constraints in a real application considering realistic limitations on the product development time. Whereas conventional bodies in white are at present composed of only steel, we reduce the weight by using steel and aluminium. Although there have been many studies related to body-in-white design, practical design processes have rarely considered the whole vehicle body owing to the difficulties in handling the large number of design variables. Therefore, the proposed design optimization strategy consists of two levels: on the first level, many design variables are screened for significance and, on the second level, the significant design variables are optimized. The screening drastically reduces the number of design variables, from 195 to 81, allowing efficient optimization on the second level. By using this approach, the weight of a reference body in white was reduced by 27.3% while satisfying all the design requirements.
Organizational Culture and Individual Values in Greek Public Hospitals
Authors: Kapetaneas Nikolaos , Kastanioti Catherine , Lazakidou Athina , Prezerakos Panayotis
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

The values are particularly important in the research of organizational culture and the person–organization (P–O) fit. This article tries to identify the culture dimensions that exist within public procurement in Greek public hospitals, based on employee characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach:

We have used exploratory factor analysis for the evaluation of multidimensional structure of organizational culture profile (OCP) scale. Then, we investigated the extent to which the OCP, with 54 items, that constitutes eight factors in the causative analysis of factors can be incorporated into the Quinn and Cameron theory of competitive values framework (CVF). In order to investigate this subject, we have developed a non-standard multidimensional scaling (MDS) that imposes the OCP on the solution space with the permutation test that evaluates the cohesion of engagements, which represents MDS and then we have extended our work to test our results by using structural equations modelling (AMOS).

Findings:

Internal consistency of all components was moderate to strong (a = 0.61 until 0.89). We realized that the OCP can be incorporated in the CVF, in a way the four quadrants which emerged have been formulated in four types of organizational culture.

Research limitations/implications:

The results have implied that the P–O fit can be assessed simply by the congruence of the person’s and the organization’s positions, measuring organizational culture in a way that is consistent with the CVF.

Practical implications:

We believe that our preliminary study can serve as an audit tool for managers and policy makers as well as a guide for recruitment of new employees in health care sector.

Originality/value:

This research fills the gap between organizational culture and the P–O fit in procurement offices in Greek public hospitals.
Caesarean—Changing Values and Rising Expectations in India
Authors: Ravichandran N.
Published: May 2015

Background:

India is reporting an unusually increased demand for caesarean sections (CS), especially among middle class and affluent women. The present study aims to find out whether the increase in CS rates has achieved lower neonatal and maternal mortality.

Method:

A retrospective study using three National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) data sets—1993–1994, 1998–1999 and 2003–2004—was conducted. The study substantiated the evidence from qualitative inputs drawn from interviews from women and medical practitioners.

Results:

About one-eighth of all deliveries take place in the private sector; more than 30 per cent are by caesareans. Percentage of births delivered in a health facility has increased from 26.1 per cent in 1992–1993 to 40.8 per cent in 2005. Primiparous women aged below 35 years had more CSs compared to women over 35 (14 per cent in 1992–1993 to 15.5 per cent in 2005–2006 versus 7.8 per cent in 1992–1993 to 9.3 per cent in 2005–2006). The higher the woman’s educational level and the household income, the more likely she is to have a CS. CS was correlated with a reduction in neonatal mortality by about 3.53 per cent in 1993–1994, 3.30 per cent in 1998–1999 and 3.07 per cent in 2005–2006. CS was also correlated with a reduction in neonatal deaths by about 3.47 per cent in 1993–1994, 2.82 per cent in 1998–1999 and 3.03 per cent in 2005–2006.

Conclusion:

Individuals and families along with many private hospitals hoped that emergency obstetric care initiatives would maximize return on investment, which has reached unheard-of proportions across India. It puts health systems’ inefficiencies in the unenviable position of not following rationale drug use policies and ending up with the wrong kind of problem—something that does not fit well with the self-image of health care professionalism.
Awareness, Perception, Usage and Attitude Regarding Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Authors: Bhangale Vijay
Published: May 2015

In 2005, Drugs Controller General, India (DCGI) allowed the sale of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) over the counter (OTC). There was never a doubt that the emergency contraceptive pills would prove to be immensely popular among women in India. That is because India records 11 million abortions annually and a shocking 20,000 women die because of abortion-related complications. With combined annual sales of 8.2 million tablets, seven brands of emergency contraceptives are sold OTC in India. The segment was valued at ₹770 million for the year ended June 2009 with a 245 per cent volume growth over the previous year, according to AC Neilson.

A study was undertaken to understand the awareness, perception, usage and attitude regarding ‘ECPs’ in Mumbai city.
Delineation of Districts of Uttarakhand
Authors: Naithani Pankaj
Published: May 2015

Through this article, an attempt has been made to identify levels of public health in various districts of the state of Uttarakhand. Data collected and published by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India in its publication entitled Annual Health Survey (2010–11): Fact Sheet has been used. Analysis is based specifically on the data of morbidity, which includes diseases, illnesses, injuries and disabilities. Development administrators, planners and health policy makers would find it supporting for decision making, importantly on developing medical and health services and infrastructure in relatively backward districts on select health indicators.
Rhenish capitalism meets activist hedge funds: Blockholders and the impact of impatient capital
Authors: Fichtner Jan
Published: May 2015

An ownership structure dominated by blockholdings is central for ‘Rhenish’ capitalism, because it provides ‘patient capital’. Analysis of the 160 largest listed German corporations shows that blockholdings have declined and foreign investors have increased. This could enable activist hedge funds – ‘impatient capital’ demanding high returns – to have greater impact on German listed companies. In order to explore this phenomenon, three case studies have been conducted. These case studies indicate that blockholders are potentially able to shield companies against hedge funds, and that impatient capital is able to gain influence over corporations that are not protected by patient blockholders – however, the behaviour of blockholders and hedge funds is more complex than commonly theorized. On balance, these developments contribute to an increased internal diversity of Rhenish capitalism.
Predicament suicide: an update
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Auchincloss Stephane , Walter Garry
Published: May 2015

Objective:

We aim to outline the notion of predicament suicide and progress in the field.

Conclusion:

The term predicament suicide was initially applied when the individual without mental disorder completed suicide to escape intolerable circumstances. Subsequently, painful untreated or unresponsive mental disorder was conceptualized as an internal predicament and the term was applied to all suicide. It continues to be used in both the restricted and broad forms. Our group has substantiated the restricted form by describing suicide in the setting of financial loss, forced marriage and other predicaments. The broad form gave rise to the Operationalized Predicaments of Suicide tool for use in quantitative research. Some literature from other workers supports the general thrust of the notion.
Upstream Public Engagement in Nanotechnology
Authors: Krabbenborg Lotte , Mulder Henk A. J.
Published: May 2015

Upstream public engagement with new science and technology is considered important but challenging. This article shows how engagement events are embedded in broader institutional and cultural contexts. By studying two different cases of upstream engagement in nanotechnology, we demonstrate how existing institutional responsibilities and cultural repertoires contribute much to the productivity of actual engagement events. Insight into these wider world dynamics will help science communicators (or event organizers) foster reflection and deliberation among relevant actors about whether and how upstream public engagement can have an impact on the governance of new science and technology.
Subchronic Oral Toxicity of Sodium Tungstate in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: McCain Wilfred C. , Crouse Lee C. B. , Bazar Mathew A. , Roszell Laurie E. , Leach Glenn J. , Middleton John R. , Reddy Gunda
Published: May 2015

The subchronic toxicity of sodium tungstate dihydrate aqueous solution in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats was evaluated by daily oral gavage of 0, 10, 75, 125, or 200 mg/kg/d for 90 days. Measured parameters included food consumption, body weight measurements, hematology, clinical chemistry, and histopathological changes. There was a significant decrease in food consumption and body weight gain in males at 200 mg/kg/d from days 77 to 90; however, there was no effect in food consumption and body weights in females. There were no changes in the hematological and clinical parameters studied. Histopathological changes were seen in kidney of male and female and epididymis of male rats. Histopathological changes were observed in the kidneys of male and female rats dosed at 125 or 200 mg/k/d consisting of mild to severe cortical tubule basophilia in 2 high-dose groups. Histological changes in epididymides included intraluminal hypospermia with cell debris in the 200 mg/kg/d dosed male rats. Histopathological changes were observed in the glandular stomach including inflammation and metaplasia in the high-dose groups (125 or 200 mg/kg/d) of both sexes of rats. Based on histopathology effects seen in the kidneys, the lowest observable adverse effect level was 125 mg/kg/d and the no observable adverse effect level was 75 mg/kg/d in both sexes of rats for oral subchronic toxicity.
Beyond rules and resources: Parliamentary scrutiny of EU policy proposals
Authors: Finke Daniel , Herbel Annika
Published: May 2015

This article examines the factors that shape parties' motivation to invest time and other resources in scrutinizing European Union policy proposals. We distinguish between two different motivations to engage in scrutiny activities. First, parties use such mechanisms to influence the national position directly. Second, parties play a two-level game and use scrutiny to manipulate their negotiator's domestic constraints. Both arguments depend on a set of conditions, namely the government's relative strength in Brussels, the transparency of the European Union decision-making process as well as the government's relative strength and cohesion in the domestic arena. On the empirical side, we study scrutiny at the level of committees in the national parliaments of Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom over a 13-year period, during which 32 governments are covered. Our findings suggest that parties deploy scrutiny to shift the domestic constraint strategically, but only if such a shift can be communicated convincingly to the international bargaining partners. Moreover, our findings suggest that opposition parties employ such measures to influence the position of a weak government.
Overcoming Voting Obstacles
Authors: Miller Peter , Powell Sierra
Published: May 2015

We examine the extent to which Americans with disabilities vote at the polls or take advantage of convenience voting reforms relative to voters without disabilities. The Help America Vote Act (2002) sought, in part, to increase polling place accessibility for the voters with disabilities, with a particular focus on those with vision disabilities. We construct two operationalizations of disability from the November Voting and Registration Supplement of the Current Population Survey over eight elections. A multinomial logistic model shows voters with a disability are significantly less likely to vote but are more likely to vote by mail ballot. Early in-person voting reforms have a marginal effect on the voting behavior of voters with disabilities. A matching model reveals adopting no-excuse absentee voting, permanent absentee voting, or both reforms increases the likelihood of voters with a disability casting a mail ballot.
What are the priorities for future success in critical care research in the UK? Report from a national stakeholder meeting
Authors: Walsh Tim , Brett Stephen J
Published: May 2015

Critical care in the United Kingdom is now well-established in terms of professional status, standards of clinical practice and training, and national audit through professional bodies and government representation. Research is fundamental to the further development and maturation of the specialty, to develop new therapies and technologies, more efficient and effective service organisation, and to improve patient and family experience and outcomes. Critical care research has expanded rapidly in the UK, and now has established organisations and infrastructure to share and develop ideas, through the UK Critical Care Research Forum and similar meetings. In September 2014, the Intensive Care Foundation and Critical Care Leadership Forum hosted a research colloquium to reflect, in part, on achievements, but more importantly plan for the future. With an invited list of participants the meeting explored firstly – the practical delivery of clinical research and secondly – the future financing landscape, from both academic funders’ and commercial developers’ perspectives. The following article summarises the important ‘take home’ messages from this meeting and suggests key issues for future strategy.
Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Cacoub Patrice , Comarmond Cloe , Domont Fanny , Savey Léa , Desbois Anne C. , Saadoun David
Published: May 2015

During hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection, extrahepatic manifestations are frequent and polymorphous. This article reports on a large cohort of patients with HCV-related autoimmune or lymphoproliferative disorders, from mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis to frank lymphomas. The relationship between HCV infection and such immune-related diseases has been formally demonstrated by epidemiological, clinical, immunological and pathological data, and results of therapeutic trials. More recently, other nonliver-related HCV disorders have been reported, including cardiovascular (i.e. stroke, ischemic heart disease), renal, metabolic and central nervous system diseases. For these manifestations, most evidence comes from large epidemiological studies; there is a need for mechanistic studies and therapeutic trials for confirmation. Beyond the risk of developing liver complications, that is, cirrhosis and liver cancer, patients with HCV infection have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality related to nonliver diseases. HCV chronic infection should be analyzed as a systemic disease in which extrahepatic consequences increase the weight of its pathological burden. The need for effective viral eradication measures is underlined.
Pseudomonas aeruginosaquorum sensing molecules correlate with clinical status in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Barr Helen L. , Halliday Nigel , Cámara Miguel , Barrett David A. , Williams Paul , Forrester Douglas L. , Simms Rebecca , Smyth Alan R. , Honeybourne David , Whitehouse Joanna L. , Nash Edward F. , Dewar Jane , Clayton Andrew , Knox Alan J. , Fogarty Andrew W.
Published: May 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosaproduces quorum sensing signal molecules that are potential biomarkers for infection.

A prospective study of 60 cystic fibrosis patients with chronicP. aeruginosa,who required intravenous antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations, was undertaken. Clinical measurements and biological samples were obtained at the start and end of the treatment period. Additional data were available for 29 of these patients when they were clinically stable.

Cross-sectionally, quorum sensing signal molecules were detectable in the sputum, plasma and urine of 86%, 75% and 83% patients, respectively. They were positively correlated between the three biofluids. Positive correlations were observed for most quorum sensing signal molecules in sputum, plasma and urine, with quantitative measures of pulmonaryP. aeruginosaload at the start of a pulmonary exacerbation. Plasma concentrations of 2-nonyl-4-hydroxy-quinoline (NHQ) were significantly higher at the start of a pulmonary exacerbation compared to clinical stability (p<0.01). Following the administration of systemic antibiotics, plasma 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (p=0.02) and NHQ concentrations (p<0.01) decreased significantly.

In conclusion, quorum sensing signal molecules are detectable in cystic fibrosis patients with pulmonaryP. aeruginosainfection and are positively correlated with quantitative measures ofP. aeruginosa. NHQ correlates with clinical status and has potential as a novel biomarker forP. aeruginosainfection.
The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs) family
Authors: Kelwick Richard , Desanlis Ines , Wheeler Grant N , Edwards Dylan R
Published: May 2015

The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs) enzymes are secreted, multi-domain matrix-associated zinc metalloendopeptidases that have diverse roles in tissue morphogenesis and patho-physiological remodeling, in inflammation and in vascular biology. The human family includes 19 members that can be sub-grouped on the basis of their known substrates, namely the aggrecanases or proteoglycanases (ADAMTS1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 15 and 20), the procollagen N-propeptidases (ADAMTS2, 3 and 14), the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein-cleaving enzymes (ADAMTS7 and 12), the von-Willebrand Factor proteinase (ADAMTS13) and a group of orphan enzymes (ADAMTS6, 10, 16, 17, 18 and 19). Control of the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a central theme of the biology of the ADAMTS, as exemplified by the actions of the procollagen-N-propeptidases in collagen fibril assembly and of the aggrecanases in the cleavage or modification of ECM proteoglycans. Defects in certain family members give rise to inherited genetic disorders, while the aberrant expression or function of others is associated with arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease. In particular, ADAMTS4 and 5 have emerged as therapeutic targets in arthritis. Multiple ADAMTSs from different sub-groupings exert either positive or negative effects on tumorigenesis and metastasis, with both metalloproteinase-dependent and -independent actions known to occur. The basic ADAMTS structure comprises a metalloproteinase catalytic domain and a carboxy-terminal ancillary domain, the latter determining substrate specificity and the localization of the protease and its interaction partners; ancillary domains probably also have independent biological functions. Focusing primarily on the aggrecanases and proteoglycanases, this review provides a perspective on the evolution of the ADAMTS family, their links with developmental and disease mechanisms, and key questions for the future.
Cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis over time: results from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Tony , Pope Janet
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seem less common than they were years ago. The prevalence and progression of anterior atlantoaxial subluxations (aAASs), vertical subluxations (VSs), subaxial subluxations (SASs), and associated cervical myelopathy in RA over the past 50 years were determined.

Methods

A literature search was performed by using Medline-OVID/EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus (from 1960 to June 21, 2014). Prevalence studies were included if the sample size was at least 100 or the prevalence/progression of cervical subluxations was reported. Study quality was assessed by using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Prevalence of cervical subluxations was calculated for each study. Student’s t test and meta-regression were used to evaluate for significance.

Results

In total, 12,249 citations were identified and 59 studies were included. The prevalence of aAAS decreased from 36% (95% confidence interval (CI) 30% to 42%) before the 1980s to 24% (95% CI 13% to 36%) in the 2000s (P = 0.04). The overall prevalence rates were 11% (95% CI 10% to 19%) for VS, 13% (95% CI 12% to 20%) for SAS, and 5% (95% CI 3% to 9%) for cervical myelopathy, and there were no significant temporal changes. Rates of progression of aAAS, VS, and SAS were 4, 6, and 3 lesions per 100 patients per year, respectively. The incidence of new or progressive cervical myelopathy was 2 cases per 100 patients with known cervical subluxations per year.

Conclusions

Since the 1960s, only aAAS has decreased dramatically. It is still more than twice as common as VS or SAS. No temporal changes in the development of cervical myelopathy in affected patients with RA were noted. The progression rates of cervical subluxations and myelopathy were unchanged over time.
Local injection of mesenchymal stem cells protects testicular torsion-induced germ cell injury
Authors: Hsiao Chi-Hao , Ji Andrea Tung-Qian , Chang Chih-Cheng , Cheng Chien-Jui , Lee Liang-Ming , Ho Jennifer Hui-Chun
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency and infertility is a common complication due to ischemic injury. Surgical reduction and orchiopexy is indicated, but to date there is no effective method for restoration of spermatogenesis. The effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on acute tissue injury have been demonstrated, and the abilities of paracrine support, differentiation and immune-modulation may benefit to testicular torsion-induced infertility. We investigate the therapeutic efficacy and the mechanisms of MSCs in testicular torsion-induced germ cell injury when injected locally.

Methods

Six to eight-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats received surgical 720 degree torsion for 3 hours, followed by detorsion on the left testis. 20 μl of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) without or with 3 x 104 MSCs from human orbital fat tissues (OFSCs) were given for 10 rats, respectively, via local injection into the left testis 30 minutes before detorsion. 20 μl of PBS injection for 6 rats with surgical exposure without torsion served as sham control. Histopathology with Johnsen’s score analysis, Western blot analysis for superoxide dismutase 2, Bax, Caspase-3, human insulin growth factor-1 and human stem cell factor, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay in testis and plasma, hormones level including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by ELISA Kits, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and fluorescence staining for P450, Sox-9 and VASA were performed.

Results

Animals were sacrificed and bilateral orchiectomy was performed 7 days after torsion-detorsion. Local injections of OFSCs prevented torsion-induced infertility judging from Johnsen's score. TUNEL assay and Western blot analysis on caspase 3 and Bax demonstrated that OFSCs prevented ischemic/reperfusion induced intrinsic apoptosis. MDA assay revealed that OFSCs significantly reduced the oxidative stress in the damaged testicular tissues. After the OFSC injection, serum testosterone secretion was increased, while the elevation of FSH triggered by testicular injury was balanced. OFSCs also produced stem cell factor in the damaged testis. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that most transplanted cells surrounded the Leydig cells. Some of transplanted cells differentiated into p450 expressing cells within 7 days.

Conclusions

Local injection of allogenic MSCs before surgical detorsion is a simple, clinical friendly procedure to rescue torsion-induced infertility.