bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hoping for a Phoenix
Authors: Xu Qiong , Yeung Wei-Jun Jean
Published: October 2012

Intergenerational relationships and gender roles in China are in transition because of ideational and structural changes resulting from social movements and policies in the past half a century. Using a mixed-methods design, we examine Shanghai fathers’ involvement in their adolescent daughters’ lives. In contrast to traditional stereotypes, Shanghai fathers are nurturing and highly involved in multiple domains of their daughters’ lives. They also have very high aspirations for their daughters, regardless of their own socioeconomic background. Shanghai fathers see providing emotional and financial support, and helping their daughters to achieve success in education as their most important roles. The behavior of Shanghai fathers can be best understood in the unique Chinese contexts of one-child policy, transition to market economy, and increasing globalization.
Social Change and Fathering
Authors: Jayakody Rukmalie , Phuong Pham Thi Thu
Published: October 2012

Dramatic social changes have restructured virtually all aspects of Vietnam society. Although the economic consequences of these changes are well documented, little is known about how family roles and relationships have been affected. Because social and cultural contexts powerfully shape conceptions of parenting, the accelerated rate of social change in Vietnam may have reconfigured notions of fatherhood and fathering. Through increased globalization, Western notions of the modern, involved father and these more egalitarian views of household relationships may indicate a more involved father in Vietnam today. However, Vietnam’s strong Confucian heritage, its kinship structure, and its unique history could limit the adoption of fathers as equal co-parents. This article examines changes over time in attitudes toward the father role and the extent of father involvement.
Work Environment and Japanese Fathers’ Involvement in Child Care
Authors: Ishii-Kuntz Masako
Published: October 2012

Previous studies mainly examined individual and family factors affecting Japanese fathers’ involvement in child care. Along with these factors, we examine how work-related factors such as father-friendly environment at work, workplace’s accommodation of parental needs, job stress, and autonomy are associated with Japanese men’s participation in child care. Using 2010 data collected from Japanese fathers with preschool children ( N = 1,317), a theoretical model is tested on men who work for large or small/medium companies. We find that company’s accommodation of parental needs and job autonomy increase child care involvement of fathers in medium/small companies, and job stress reduces such involvement among men in large companies. Implications of these findings are discussed in light of recent public attention on child caring fathers in Japan.
A Critical Exploration of Using Football in Health and Welfare Programs
Authors: Spandler Helen , McKeown Mick
Published: October 2012

This article offers a theoretical exploration of the growing trend in the United Kingdom to utilize football (soccer) practices and ideas in various health and welfare programs, primarily as a means of engaging men. Drawing on critical men’s health studies, profeminist critiques of sport, and the notion of hegemonic masculinities, we survey the “field of play” to elucidate the perils and possibilities of using football in health and welfare programs. We theorize gender as a social relation, inseparable from the way that football operates as a contested and gendered space. We outline the way that football acts as a means not only to reassert, but also to reconfigure, dominant gender relationships and hegemonic masculinity. If health and welfare initiatives are to use football to address welfare issues, then the paradoxes of football, masculinity, and health need to be taken seriously when these initiatives are developed and theorized. We propose the idea of football welfare programs as potential “paradoxical spaces” where participants might be able to consciously reflect on the conflicts and possibilities of using football as a vehicle to improve welfare.
Communication Accommodation in Instant Messaging
Authors: Riordan Monica A. , Markman Kris M. , Stewart Craig O.
Published: October 2012

Research on communication accommodation theory in online communication has documented convergence primarily in terms of lexical variables. This article presents the results of two studies that investigate convergence in structural variables in instant messaging (IM) conversations. Study 1 examines zero-history, intragroup dyads participating in a task-based IM conversation. Study 2 examines IM conversations between friends and contrasts social and task-based interactions. Results show interlocutors have a general tendency toward convergence on both the length and duration of individual contributions. Results also show differences reflecting relational (friends vs. strangers) and conversational (task vs. social) context that affect levels of convergence as the conversation continues.
Atrioventricular block as a presenting finding of silent right coronary artery disease: treatment by percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Yildiz M , Kocabay G
Published: October 2012

Adult patients with clinically related symptoms and high degree atrioventricular block are routinely referred for permanent pacing. The incidence of coronary artery disease is higher in a middle-aged group of patients presenting with atrioventricular block. In patients with stable coronary artery disease, ischaemic episodes may result in intermittent atrioventricular block with clinical symptoms. Herein, we present the clinical course of four consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of atrioventricular block.
Young Adolescents’ Responses to Positive Events
Authors: Gentzler Amy L. , Morey Jennifer N. , Palmer Cara A. , Yi Chit Yuen
Published: October 2012

This study examined how maximizing and minimizing responses to positive events were associated with sustained positive feelings about the events and adjustment in a community sample of 56 young adolescents (31 boys and 25 girls, 10-14 years of age). On daily reports, adolescents reported their positive emotional reactions to their best event each day. A week later, they reported their responses to their most intense positive event across the 4 days. Parents and adolescents reported on adolescents’ adjustment. The results indicated that maximizing responses were related to more intense feelings about the events 1 week later. Minimizing responses were associated with internalizing and externalizing behaviors over and above coping with negative events. The findings indicated that adolescents can maximize or capitalize on positive events but that minimizing is linked to poorer adjustment. Our study parallels existing research with adults and offers new information about young adolescents’ responses to positive events.
Geographies of the illicit
Authors: Hall Tim
Published: October 2012

The paper notes a growing, diverse and yet somewhat partial and disparate interest among geographers in the illicit. Within this there has been little substantive interest in organized criminality despite it constituting a range of activities comparable in their significance to other aspects of the illicit that have attracted extensive attention from geographers. This paper argues that the development of a geographical perspective on organized crime is timely and seeks to map out connections with both the extant literatures of organized crime and those of human geography.
Global air temperature variability independent of sea-surface temperature influences
Authors: Comrie Andrew C. , McCabe Gregory J.
Published: October 2012

Mean global surface air temperature (SAT) and sea surface temperature (SST) display substantial variability on timescales ranging from annual to multi-decadal. We review the key recent literature on connections between global SAT and SST variability. Although individual ocean influences on SAT have been recognized, the combined contributions of worldwide SST variability on the global SAT signal have not been clearly identified in observed data. We analyze these relations using principal components of detrended SST, and find that removing the underlying combined annual, decadal, and multi-decadal SST variability from the SAT time series reveals a nearly monotonic global warming trend in SAT since about 1900.
Could 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 Ser326Cys polymorphism be a biomarker of susceptibility in cancer?
Authors: Karahalil Bensu , Engin Ayşe Başak , Coşkun Erdem
Published: October 2012

Biomarkers are key molecular or cellular events that give an indication whether there is a threat for disease, whether a disease already exists, or how such disease may develop in an individual case. The discovery of polymorphisms in genes that function in the metabolism of chemicals and in DNA repair has demonstrated the importance of understanding the phenomenon of genetic susceptibility in a population. Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes as an important component of the individual susceptibility to the development of cancer and various hereditary diseases have been commonly studied, since these genes have critical roles in maintaining genome integrity. Furthermore, the evaluation of cancer risk depends on the level of exposure to carcinogenic factors as well as on the genetic codes of the individual. This approach is supported by studies that present positive association between these polymorphic genes and cancers. Although 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) is one of the promising biomarker candidates of cancer susceptibility, there are also some controversial results. Epidemiological studies show that the OGG1 might be a biomarker of susceptibility for various cancers; however, the small sample size and difference in the eligibility criteria for inclusion of subjects and sources might limit the studies to demonstrate the association between the OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and the risk of cancer. Thus, meta-analyses may provide more valuable and reliable data to demonstrate the potential of OGG1 Ser326Cys DNA repair enzyme polymorphisms that could be the biomarkers of susceptibility of cancer. Our aim in this review is to compile published studies, including some controversial results on the association between the OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and the risk of cancer.
Transfer of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel into Breast Milk
Authors: Griffin Stephen J. , Milla Maria , Baker Teresa E. , Liu Tianjia , Wang Hongyan , Hale Thomas W.
Published: October 2012

Carboplatin is an alkylating agent that is FDA approved for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is a plant taxane mitotic inhibitor approved for primary or salvage treatment of ovarian and breast cancer. This is a case report of a 40-year-old woman who was exclusively breastfeeding prior to being treated for papillary thyroid cancer with intravenous carboplatin (233 mg) and intravenous paclitaxel (30 mg/m2) for 6 consecutive weeks. Breast milk samples were collected during the sixth chemotherapy session. Carboplatin had a relative infant dose of 2.0% and remained measurable after 316 hours. Paclitaxel had a relative infant dose of 16.7% but was eliminated before 316 hours. The potential side effects of infant exposure of these medications include myelosuppression, hypersensitivity reactions, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. It would be inadvisable for a mother to breastfeed while undergoing therapy with these 2 medications.
How Well Does Spirituality Predict Health Status in Adults Living with HIV-Disease
Authors: Cobb Rachel K.
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between spirituality and health status of 39 adult men and women living with HIV-disease. A model building approach was used to explore the associations among the five variables of the Neuman systems model, which was the guiding framework for the study. The model presented includes existential well-being, meaningfulness, age, and income.
Experience Informs
Authors: Beckman Sarah J. , Boxley-Harges Sanna L. , Kaskel Beth L.
Published: October 2012

The efficacy of the Neuman systems model as a guiding framework for curriculum development of a baccalaureate program is examined. Insights from lessons learned provide directions for nursing theory-based curriculum change and program development. Challenges and opportunities during curriculum development are explored. Recommendations and strategies that contribute to consensus building are reported.
A Beginner’s Guide to Writing the Nursing Conceptual Model-Based Theoretical Rationale
Authors: Gigliotti Eileen , Manister Nancy N.
Published: October 2012

Writing the theoretical rationale for a study can be a daunting prospect for novice researchers. Nursing’s conceptual models provide excellent frameworks for placement of study variables, but moving from the very abstract concepts of the nursing model to the less abstract concepts of the study variables is difficult. Similar to the five-paragraph essay used by writing teachers to assist beginning writers to construct a logical thesis, the authors of this column present guidelines that beginners can follow to construct their theoretical rationale. This guide can be used with any nursing conceptual model but Neuman’s model was chosen here as the exemplar.
Nursing in a Complex World
Authors: Florczak Kristine , Poradzisz Michele , Hampson Susan
Published: October 2012

The authors of this column put forth a call for more grand theory to be used as the basis of nursing research. To that end, complexity theory and the Neuman systems model are reviewed followed by a discussion of the links that occur between them. Then evidence of the increased use of middle-range theory as the foundation of current nursing research is put forth. Finally, there is a discussion about the authors’ conclusion that the complexity of the phenomena of interest for nursing research requires theories to be used as underpinnings that are more abstract and less reductionistic.
The protective effects of omega-3 fatty acid against toluene-induced neurotoxicity in prefrontal cortex of rats
Authors: Meydan S , Altas M , Nacar A , Ozturk OH , Tas U , Zararsiz I , Sarsilmaz M
Published: October 2012

Objective:

Toluene is used as an organic solvent, and it has neurotoxic effects. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid required for brain development. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acid against toluene-induced neurotoxicity in prefrontal cortex of rats.

Materials and methods:

A total of 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups with seven rats in each group. Rats in group I were the controls. Toluene was intraperitoneally injected into the rats of group II with a dose of 0.5 ml/kg. Rats in group III received omega-3 fatty acid with a dose of 0.4 g/kg/day while exposed to toluene. After 14 days, all the rats were killed by decapitation. Enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were spectrophotometrically studied in the prefrontal cortex of rats.

Results:

Enzymatic activities of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased, and MDA levels were significantly increased in rats treated with toluene compared with the controls. However, the increased SOD and decreased GSH-Px enzymatic activities and MDA levels were detected in the rats administered with omega-3 fatty acid while exposed to toluene.

Conclusion:

The results of this experimental study indicate that omega-3 fatty acid treatment can prevent toluene-induced neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex of rats.
Unique Identification: Inclusion and surveillance in the Indian biometric assemblage
Authors: Jacobsen Elida K. U.
Published: October 2012

The last decade has seen an increased focus on secured forms of identification in security governance, leading to a massive growth and standardization in the application of biometric technologies globally. This article examines what is currently the largest biometric technology project in the world: the nationwide Unique Identification (UID) number system in India. It emphasizes the importance of investigating the postcolonial contexts of governance in which biometric technology is currently being applied. Approaching the Indian scheme as a discursive/practical assemblage of multiple actors and rationales, the article investigates three contexts within which the biometric project emerged: India’s Home Ministry, the Unique Identification Authority of India and a project focusing on the biometric identification of homeless people in Delhi. In particular, the article examines the various targets of intervention constructed in the discourses and practices of the national ID scheme. It is argued that the practice of biometric identification is produced as a solution to a wide array of problems of governance, both as a means of financial inclusion and as a method of surveillance.
Acculturation Strategies, Personality Traits and Acculturation Stress: A Study of First Generation Immigrants from Transnational Marital Context
Authors: Ramdhonee Karishma , Bhowon Uma
Published: October 2012

This study examined the influence of acculturation strategies (integration and marginalisation) and personality variables of big five trials on acculturative stress among a convenience sample of 76 first generation adults who immigrated to Mauritius after transnational marriages. Response to a structured questionnaire revealed that integration was the most adopted acculturation strategy. Neuroticism, openness to experience and agreeableness emerged as significant predictors of integration and marginalisation (except agreeableness) strategies and acculturative stress. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed neuroticism, openness to experience and marginalisation as significant predictors of acculturative stress. The results suggest that both personality traits and mode of acculturation account for significant variance in the experience of acculturative stress.
What Does it Mean to be Prosocial? A Cross-Ethnic Study of Parental Beliefs
Authors: de Guzman Maria Rosario T. , Brown Jill , Carlo Gustavo , Knight George P.
Published: October 2012

This study explored parental beliefs surrounding prosocial behaviours and the parenting practices that promote them. A total of 47 mothers of young adolescents participated in one of the seven focus groups, three of which were conducted in Spanish with first-generation Mexican-American immigrants, two were conducted in English among second generation (US-born) Mexican Americans, and two were conducted with European Americans. Responses were coded using elements of the grounded theory approach, and results indicate patterns of shared and unique beliefs about prosocial behaviours in ways that reflect the sociocultural context and acculturative experiences of the respondents. Findings suggest that beliefs about prosocial behaviours and parenting are culturally-structured and dynamic—changing to reflect the experiences and developmental landscape of parents and children.
Who is the Customer of Public Agricultural Extension/Education Services?
Authors: Lioutas Evagelos D. , Charatsari Chrysanthi
Published: October 2012

Agricultural extension education services (AEES) have three major characteristics that complicate their marketing: first, these are ‘rural services’ that are heavily influenced by the ‘rurality’ of their field of action; second, their aim is to promote intangible behavioural changes which inevitably are considered by the potential customers as risky; third, their orientation is usually non-profit. However, there is a surprising lack of studies regarding the marketing of AEES. The aim of this research is to segment rural population based on the usage rate of public AEES and to depict the relative influence of the importance assigned on both services relationship attributes and motivational drivers to this classification. After a random sampling procedure, 202 peasants from the region of Thessaly, Greece participated in the study. Our findings revealed three segments: the ‘Conveniencers’, who are the heavy users of public AEES; the ‘Analysts’, who, although are regular users of AEES, are light users of public services and assign higher importance to the service delivery attributes; and the grey segment of ‘Objective Hunters’, who are occasional seekers of AEES and are primarily motivated by their expectation to gain benefits related to their farm enterprise. Our findings also demonstrate that public rural services have failed to build sustainable relationships with the rural population.
Strengthening Food and Livelihood Security:Lessons from Save the Children’s Intervention in Mizoram, India
Authors: Lalnilawma  , Chowhan Balaji Singh
Published: October 2012

A kind of famine (locally known as ‘ Mautam’) visits the Indian state of Mizoram almost every 50 years. Flowering of bamboo followed by rat floods which devour crops are believed to be responsible for such famines. The Mautam phenomenon witnessed in the recent past resulted in the entry and participation of Civil Society Organizations to address the short-term food insecurity and strengthen livelihoods of the most affected poor. The present article examines the important roles of an NGO in strengthening food and livelihood security of the poor during a Mautam crisis based on the evaluation study of Save the Children’s (SC’s) Intervention.
Learning Contract Farming the Banana Way: A Case Study
Authors: Kumar Niraj
Published: October 2012

The success of contract farming is dependent on factors which are related to farmers, the market and government policies. The decision to start an agri-business based on contract farming is a complex one, and an entrepreneur has to consider many inter-dependent factors. The case presents a successful case of contract farming. However, the protagonist, who is planning to launch his own venture, faces many pertinent questions. Not only are the answers of those questions important, but the bases of those answers, and the level of confidence of protagonist too are equally crucial. The case helps in understanding and unravelling complexities of contract farming.
Rural Tourism in Nagaland, India: Exploring the Potential
Authors: Ezung T. Zarenthung
Published: October 2012

Nagaland is a land of 1,317 recognized villages, out of which 1,278 are inhabited by 16 different tribes. Every tribe has distinct customs, language and dress. It is a land of festivals with every tribe celebrating its festival in different months all through the year. The topography of the state is mostly hilly and people practice jhum cultivation except for a pocket of terrace cultivation practiced in the foothills. Varieties of rich flora and fauna are found in the hilly forests of the state. Being located on the map as a world bio-diversity hotspot, the state has rich potential for rural tourism. However, the resources in the state are not fully and properly explored and the inflow of tourists in 2008 was only 22,348 (21,129 domestic and 1,219 foreign). Thus, an attempt was made to highlight the hidden resources of rural tourism in the state and suggest ways out of it by undertaking a case study of the Wokha district of the state inhibited by the Lotha Tribe.
Behavioural treatment of severe chronic self-loathing in people with borderline personality disorder. Part 2: self-compassion and other interventions
Authors: Krawitz Roy
Published: October 2012

Objective:

This article is the second in a series of two on the topic. The purpose of the article is to discuss the intervention of self-compassion (and briefly other behavioural interventions) in treating severe chronic self-loathing in people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The first article focuses on interrupting the self-loathing cycle.

Conclusions:

Self-compassion has promise as an intervention in the behavioural treatment of severe chronic self-loathing in people with BPD. Due to the challenges faced, it is useful for behavioural clinicians to have a range of flexible treatment approaches embedded into a coherent principled treatment in treating severe chronic self-loathing in people with BPD.
Nutritional Screening and Early Intervention in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Cancer
Authors: Robinson Deborah L. , Loman Deborah G. , Balakas Karen , Flowers Marsha
Published: October 2012

Children and adolescents with cancer who receive chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments are at risk for malnutrition due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and mouth sores. Malnutrition during treatment for childhood cancer increases the risk of infection, decreases tolerance to treatment, and even affects overall survival. A retrospective analysis of 79 children, adolescents, and young adults was conducted to evaluate nutritional screening at baseline and for the first 6 months of treatment. Interventions were also documented. Forty-nine participants had a positive screen for risk of malnutrition. In the patients with a positive screen, 78% had intervention within 24 hours of the identified risk for malnutrition. Thirty-five patients had a nutritional referral, which resulted in a full nutritional assessment and plan. Key independent variables were analyzed to determine if they were associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. In addition, individual risk factors were analyzed to determine their association with malnutrition. Future studies should find whether early intervention is effective in reversing the risk of malnutrition during treatment for childhood cancer.
Personality Traits of British Hospice Volunteers
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , Claxton-Oldfield Jane , Paulovic Stefan
Published: October 2012

In total, 120 British female hospice volunteers completed the NEO five-factor inventory (NEO-FFI) of Costa Jr and McCrae.1 The NEO-FFI measures the so-called big 5 personality traits of neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Compared to both American NEO-FFI norms for adult females1 and emerging British NEO-FFI norms for adult females,2 the hospice volunteers scored significantly lower, on average, in neuroticism and significantly higher, on average, in agreeableness and conscientiousness. No significant differences were found on any of the 5 traits between the British female hospice volunteers’ scores and the NEO-FFI scores previously collected from a sample of Canadian female hospice palliative care volunteers.3 Implications for the recruitment of British hospice volunteers are discussed.
Beyond the published discipline: Toward a critical pedagogy of international studies
Authors: Hagmann Jonas , Biersteker Thomas J.
Published: October 2012

The growing sociology of International Relations literature systematically investigates the discipline’s organization and inner structuring. Making the academic field cognizant of its own institutional and intellectual configurations, the literature today empowers scholars to engage critically with the analytical, geocultural, and political lenses through which International Relations explains world politics. This contribution notwithstanding, there is a continuing focus in the literature on leading (flagship) publications as indicators of intellectual proclivities, and on International Relations scholars as their only relevant audiences. This article challenges this focus and expands the sociology of International Relations literature’s scope of analysis. Making the case for an inquiry into classroom socialization practices, it maps the paradigmatic, geocultural, gendered, and historical perspectives taught to students in the case of 23 American and European International Relations graduate programs. Pointing to differences between the instructed and the published discipline, the article shows how the instructed discipline is governed and constrained by different kinds of intellectual parochialisms. Problematizing the educative functions of these, it advocates a more self-reflexive understanding of International Relations teaching (a domain in which scholars have greater agency) and the enactment of a critical pedagogy of international studies.
‘Catching up’: The significance of occupational communities for the delivery of high quality home care by community nurses
Authors: Adams Mary , Robert Glenn , Maben Jill
Published: October 2012

This article examines the importance of some informal work practices among community nurses during a period of significant organizational change. Ethnographic fieldwork in two purposively selected adult community nursing services in England comprised 79 hours of observation of routine practice, 21 interviews with staff and 23 interviews with patients. We identified the informal work practice of ‘catching up’, informal work conversations between immediate colleagues, as an important but often invisible aspect of satisfying work relationships and of the relational care of patients. Drawing on anthropological literatures on ‘communities of practice’ the article examines two central issues concerning the practices of ‘catching up’: (1) how informal learning processes shape community nursing work; (2) how this informal learning is shaped both in relation to the ideals of community nursing work and the wider political and organizational contexts of community nursing practice. Our findings highlight the distinctive value of informal workplace ‘catch ups’ for nurses to manage the inherent challenges of good home care for patients and to develop a shared ethic of care and professional identity. Our findings also indicate the decline of ‘catching up’ between nurses along with diminishing time and opportunity for staff to care holistically for patients in present service climates.
Mice, scats and burials: Unusual concentrations of microfauna found in human burials at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia
Authors: Jenkins Emma
Published: October 2012

Three human burials were found at Çatalhöyük that contained large microfaunal assemblages. Taphonomic analysis demonstrated that many of these elements had passed through the digestive tract of a small carnivore, indicating that the microfauna entered the burials in carnivore scats rather than as carcasses. One of the burials in particular (F. 513) contained an enormous quantity of microfauna which was concentrated over the torso of the body. It is concluded that the scats were deliberately placed in the burials by the human inhabitants of the site as part of ritualistic practice. Furthermore, it is suggested that small carnivores were encouraged to enter Çatalhöyük in order to control house mice, and other small mammal, numbers.
Security and atonement: controlling access to the World Trade Center memorial
Authors: Forest Benjamin , Johnson Juliet
Published: October 2012

Visitors are subject to extensive access-control procedures at the open but as-yet unfinished World Trade Center (WTC) memorial site. This is in sharp contrast to the open plaza envisioned in Michael Arad’s finished design. We argue that rather than being merely a pragmatic security measure or a distraction from the memorial, such access-control can be best understood as a public ritual of atonement for the security failures that led to the 9/11 attacks.
Uncanny underground: absences, ghosts and the rhythmed everyday of the Prague metro
Authors: Gibas Petr
Published: October 2012

In this article, I explore some of the material aspects of the technological underground landscape of the Prague metro, the building of which started during socialism and has continued until the present. The materiality of the older parts of the metro is informed by and shaped according to a particular socialist world view. Since then, the metro has been reshaped not only ideologically, but also aesthetically and materially. The remnants of the socialist past as well as other agents of potential disturbance have either been expelled or made invisible. Nevertheless, the past remains rooted in the materiality of absence, continues its presence in the metro of today, and disturbs the experience of its smooth surface. The juxtaposition of what is absent with what is present also gives rise to ghostly figures, namely those feeding on contemporary anxiety of disturbance, potentially shattering the existence of the otherwise technologically perfect and unambiguous underground transport system. Concentrating on the affect of the metro’s material absences manifested in diverse ghostly figures allows me not only to overcome the view of the metro as a fixed, planned, ideological and technological space, but also to approach it in terms of its actual presence. Drawing on Vidler, I understand ghostly figures to be representations of the uncanny moment of a sudden view behind the ordinary appearance of the metro. Referring to Lefebvre’s notion of difference, I link the absences to the metro’s rhythmicality. I argue that ghosts resist annihilation because they are manifestations of difference within a rhythmic landscape. They are the results of the workings of the absences that form an inseparable part of the metro; the absences inform the rhythm as well as nurture the uncanny.
Invited Response
Authors: McLean Gary N.
Published: October 2012

This article is a response to the preceding article (Alagaraja & Wang, 2012) on developing a National Human Resource Development Strategy Model. While the article makes significant contributions to the body of literature on National Human Resource Development, there are some limitations to the article, including the selection of the two countries of India and China; unaddressed challenges in these two countries; an imprecise application of the concept of a model; the attempt to create a model based on only two countries; the databases used for the literature review; and the inadequacy of the model developed in the article. Several recommendations for future research are also proposed.
Structuration Theory’s Relevance to HRD
Authors: Veliquette Abigail J.
Published: October 2012

Post-positivist methods are common in Human Resource Development (HRD) theory and research, however some argue that this perspective limits analysis, and there is opportunity for more alternative paradigmatic approaches in this discipline (Callahan, 2007; Deetz, 2001; Elliott & Turnbull, 2005; Fenwick, 2004; Githens, 2007; Lynham, 2000; Rigg, Stewart, Trehan, 2004, 2007; Sambrook, 2004, 2008; Stewart, 2007, Valentin, 2006). Structuration theory (ST) is a viable option, as it provides a means for organization analysis and initiation of change interventions, but does so from an alternate paradigm perspective. ST, formulated by Anthony Giddens (1984), provides a framework for understanding the interplay between individuals and organizations and how this interplay develops and provides opportunity for organizational change. The purpose of this article is to illuminate ST as an alternative approach to HRD that does not draw from the post-positivist tradition and provide suggestions for how one might apply this theory toward research.
Applying an Interactive Quantitative-Qualitative Framework
Authors: Hitchcock John H. , Newman Isadore
Published: October 2012

This article offers a conceptual discussion of a series of qualitative and quantitative research endeavors that share common underpinnings and purpose. The article demonstrates several commonalities between approaches with the hope of encouraging readers to allow research questions to guide methodological choices and avoid overemphasizing division between research paradigms. The current work offers an extension of ideas previously published in Human Resource Development Review (Newman & Hitchcock, 2011) to address a call to explore aspects of theory-building in the context of research methods (Reio, 2010). Specific ideas discussed here focus on commonalities between quantitative and qualitative work when dealing with the broad notion of generalization, and include

connections between transferability, probabilistic generalization, naturalistic generalization, and external validity; commonalities between multiple (or collective) case studies and meta-analyses; and phenomenological perspectives and probability.
Assessing Youth Motivations for Joining a Peer Group as Risk Factors for Delinquent and Gang Behavior
Authors: Lachman Pamela , Roman Caterina G. , Cahill Meagan
Published: October 2012

This article expands upon the limited literature on the relationship between youth motivations for joining a peer group and delinquent behavior. Using network survey data from 200 youth who self-identified as group members, we conducted factor analysis to develop measures of motivation to join a group, and then describe these motivations and the differences between delinquent and nondelinquent group members. Using negative binomial and binary logistic regression models, we examined the relationship between these motivations and delinquent behavior. The results indicated that youth who join a group for instrumental purposes exhibit more delinquent behavior than those who do not, while joining a group for reasons associated with filling a void and/or belonging has a weaker relationship to delinquency. The findings suggested that certain motivations for joining groups could serve as important risk factors that could be targeted by agencies and organizations seeking to prevent youth delinquent and gang behavior.
Evaluating quality of life in adults with profound learning difficulties resettled from hospital to supported living in the community
Authors: Sines David , Hogard Elaine , Ellis Roger
Published: October 2012

This article describes a longitudinal evaluation of the quality of life of service users with profound learning difficulties who were resettled from hospital accommodation to supported housing in the community. The Trident approach was used for the design of the evaluation with data gathered regarding outcomes, process and stakeholder perspectives. Using a specially designed tool, quality of life was measured in seven domains for 39 service users in the hospital as a base line and at six months, twelve months and eighteen months in supported housing. A statistically significant improvement in quality of life overall and in each of the seven domains was found. Questionnaire surveys of parents/next of kin and support staff confirmed these findings as did a number of qualitative case studies.
The intrinsic GTPase activity of the Gtr1 protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sengottaiyan Palanivelu , Spetea Cornelia , Lagerstedt Jens O , Samyn Dieter , Andersson Michael , Ruiz-Pavón Lorena , Persson Bengt L
Published: October 2012

Background

The Gtr1 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a member of the RagA subfamily of the Ras-like small GTPase superfamily. Gtr1 has been implicated in various cellular processes. Particularly, the Switch regions in the GTPase domain of Gtr1 are essential for TORC1 activation and amino acid signaling. Therefore, knowledge about the biochemical activity of Gtr1 is required to understand its mode of action and regulation.

Results

By employing tryptophan fluorescence analysis and radioactive GTPase assays, we demonstrate that Gtr1 can adopt two distinct GDP- and GTP-bound conformations, and that it hydrolyses GTP much slower than Ras proteins. Using cysteine mutagenesis of Arginine-37 and Valine-67, residues at the Switch I and II regions, respectively, we show altered GTPase activity and associated conformational changes as compared to the wild type protein and the cysteine-less mutant.

Conclusions

The extremely low intrinsic GTPase activity of Gtr1 implies requirement for interaction with activating proteins to support its physiological function. These findings as well as the altered properties obtained by mutagenesis in the Switch regions provide insights into the function of Gtr1 and its homologues in yeast and mammals.
The genome sequence of Propionibacterium acidipropionici provides insights into its biotechnological and industrial potential
Authors: Parizzi Lucas P , Grassi Maria Carolina B , Llerena Luige A , Carazzolle Marcelo F , Queiroz Verônica L , Lunardi Inês , Zeidler Ane F , Teixeira Paulo JPL , Mieczkowski Piotr , Rincones Johana , Pereira Gonçalo AG
Published: October 2012

Background

Synthetic biology allows the development of new biochemical pathways for the production of chemicals from renewable sources. One major challenge is the identification of suitable microorganisms to hold these pathways with sufficient robustness and high yield. In this work we analyzed the genome of the propionic acid producer Actinobacteria Propionibacterium acidipropionici (ATCC 4875).

Results

The assembled P. acidipropionici genome has 3,656,170 base pairs (bp) with 68.8% G + C content and a low-copy plasmid of 6,868 bp. We identified 3,336 protein coding genes, approximately 1000 more than P. freudenreichii and P. acnes, with an increase in the number of genes putatively involved in maintenance of genome integrity, as well as the presence of an invertase and genes putatively involved in carbon catabolite repression. In addition, we made an experimental confirmation of the ability of P. acidipropionici to fix CO2, but no phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase coding gene was found in the genome. Instead, we identified the pyruvate carboxylase gene and confirmed the presence of the corresponding enzyme in proteome analysis as a potential candidate for this activity. Similarly, the phosphate acetyltransferase and acetate kinase genes, which are considered responsible for acetate formation, were not present in the genome. In P. acidipropionici, a similar function seems to be performed by an ADP forming acetate-CoA ligase gene and its corresponding enzyme was confirmed in the proteome analysis.

Conclusions

Our data shows that P. acidipropionici has several of the desired features that are required to become a platform for the production of chemical commodities: multiple pathways for efficient feedstock utilization, ability to fix CO2, robustness, and efficient production of propionic acid, a potential precursor for valuable 3-carbon compounds.
Combined analysis of genome-wide expression and copy number profiles to identify key altered genomic regions in cancer
Authors: Fontanillo Celia , Aibar Sara , Sanchez-Santos Jose Manuel , De Las Rivas Javier
Published: October 2012

Background

Analysis of DNA copy number alterations and gene expression changes in human samples have been used to find potential target genes in complex diseases. Recent studies have combined these two types of data using different strategies, but focusing on finding gene-based relationships. However, it has been proposed that these data can be used to identify key genomic regions, which may enclose causal genes under the assumption that disease-associated gene expression changes are caused by genomic alterations.

Results

Following this proposal, we undertake a new integrative analysis of genome-wide expression and copy number datasets. The analysis is based on the combined location of both types of signals along the genome. Our approach takes into account the genomic location in the copy number (CN) analysis and also in the gene expression (GE) analysis. To achieve this we apply a segmentation algorithm to both types of data using paired samples. Then, we perform a correlation analysis and a frequency analysis of the gene loci in the segmented CN regions and the segmented GE regions; selecting in both cases the statistically significant loci. In this way, we find CN alterations that show strong correspondence with GE changes. We applied our method to a human dataset of 64 Glioblastoma Multiforme samples finding key loci and hotspots that correspond to major alterations previously described for this type of tumors.

Conclusions

Identification of key altered genomic loci constitutes a first step to find the genes that drive the alteration in a malignant state. These driver genes can be found in regions that show high correlation in copy number alterations and expression changes.
Tbx3 represses PTEN and is over-expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Burgucu Durmus , Guney Kenan , Sahinturk Duygu , Ozbudak Irem Hicran , Ozel Deniz , Ozbilim Gulay , Yavuzer Ugur
Published: October 2012

Background

Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies, head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) constitutes one of the worst cancer types in terms of prognosis. PTEN is one of the tumour suppressors whose expression and/or activity have been found to be reduced in HNSCC, with rather low rates of mutations within the PTEN gene (6-8%). We reasoned that low expression levels of PTEN might be due to a transcriptional repression governed by an oncogene. Tbx2 and Tbx3, both of which are transcriptional repressors, have been found to be amplified or over-expressed in various cancer types. Thus, we hypothesize that Tbx3 may be over expressed in HNSCC and may repress PTEN, thus leading to cancer formation and/or progression.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR (qPCR), protein and mRNA levels of PTEN and Tbx3 were identified in samples excised from cancerous and adjacent normal tissues from 33 patients who were diagnosed with HNSCC. In addition, HeLa and HEK cell lines were transfected with a Tbx3 expressing plasmid and endogenous PTEN mRNA and protein levels were determined via qPCR and flow cytometry. Transcription assays were performed to demonstrate effects of Tbx3 on PTEN promoter activity. Mann–Whitney, Spearman’s Correlation and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze the data.

Results

We demonstrate that in HNSCC samples, Tbx3 mRNA levels are increased with respect to their normal tissue counterparts (p<0.001), whereas PTEN mRNA levels are significantly reduced in cancer tissues. Moreover, Tbx3 protein is also increased in HNSCC tissue sections. Over-expression of Tbx3 in HeLa and HEK cell lines causes reduction in endogenous PTEN mRNA and protein levels. In addition, transcription activity assays reveal that Tbx3 is capable of repressing both the basal and induced promoter activity of PTEN.

Conclusions

We show that Tbx3 is up-regulated in tissue samples of HNSCC patients and that Tbx3 represses PTEN transcription. Thus, our data not only reveals a new mechanism that may be important in cancer formation, but also suggests that Tbx3 can be used as a potential biomarker in cancer.
Are persons with rheumatoid arthritis deconditioned? A review of physical activity and aerobic capacity
Authors: Munsterman Tjerk , Takken Tim , Wittink Harriet
Published: October 2012

Background

Although the general assumption is that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have decreased levels of physical activity, no review has addressed whether this assumption is correct.

Methods

Our objective was to systematically review the literature for physical activity levels and aerobic capacity (VO2max). in patients with (RA), compared to healthy controls and a reference population. Studies investigating physical activity, energy expenditure or aerobic capacity in patients with RA were included. Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria.

Results

In one study that used doubly labeled water, the gold standard measure, physical activity energy expenditure of patients with RA was significantly decreased. Five studies examined aerobic capacity. Contradictory evidence was found that patients with RA have lower VO2max than controls, but when compared to normative values, patients scored below the 10th percentile. In general, it appears that patients with RA spend more time in light and moderate activities and less in vigorous activities than controls.

Conclusion

Patients with RA appear to have significantly decreased energy expenditure, very low aerobic capacity compared to normative values and spend less time in vigorous activities than controls.