bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher peer coaching in American and Turkish schools
Authors: Zepeda Sally J. , Parylo Oksana , Ilgan Abdurrahman
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Peer coaching has been described as an effective form of teacher professional development. Consequently, different aspects of the peer coaching process have been examined. However, no international comparative studies focusing on the differences between the applicability and adoptability of peer coaching in different educational systems were found. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study examined cross‐national differences in educators’ beliefs about peer coaching by comparing survey responses of American and Turkish educators.

Findings

Data analysis showed that both American and Turkish educators found peer coaching adoptable at a high level in their school systems. However, on the applicability level there were statistically significant differences found at all subscales of peer coaching survey showing that American participants believed that peer coaching was much more applicable than did the Turkish participants.

Research limitations/implications

While limited by the small sample size not representative of the overall populations in the USA and Turkey, this study contributes to the international discourse on the different types of teacher professional development by examining cross‐national differences in educators’ beliefs about peer coaching.

Practical implications

The results of this study inform practitioners and researchers about the ways peer coaching is perceived by educators in different countries. Given the findings, school districts can examine more contextually and culturally appropriate ways inherent in the post‐observation conference to increase the effectiveness of the peer coaching process.

Originality/value

The findings of this study enrich the body of research on peer coaching, particularly focusing on the teachers’ and leaders’ beliefs and perceptions about the adoption and applicability of peer coaching as a form of teacher professional development and calls for further empirical research on teacher peer coaching in the national and international contexts.
Work‐family conflict and job and family satisfaction
Authors: Rathi Neerpal , Barath M.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship of work‐family conflict (work‐to‐family conflict and family‐to‐work conflict) with job and family satisfaction among police personnel. Moreover, this study focuses on exploring the moderating effect of social support from co‐workers on the relationship of work‐family conflict dimensions with job and family satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative in nature. The data for the present study were collected from a total of 148 police personnel based in India.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work conflict are negatively correlated with job satisfaction. Moreover, social support from co‐workers is observed to significantly moderate the relationship of work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work conflict with family satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The research has a few limitations like cross‐sectional nature of the study, use of self‐reported measures for data collection, and use of homogenous sample in the study.

Practical implications

This paper provides valuable insights into understanding the work‐family conflict among police personnel. A few measures are suggested that higher authorities in the police department can adopt to minimize the work‐family conflict, which can lead to better work‐life balance among police personnel.

Originality/value

This study explores the phenomenon of work‐family conflict and its effect on job and family satisfaction among police personnel in India. The Indian police system is unique in many ways; like, police personnel face high political interference in their day‐to‐day functioning, face very high job demands, work and live in unhygienic conditions, and receive very little support from higher authorities. These atypical working and living conditions of police personnel make it interesting and informative to understand their work and family life, and how and to what extent their life is influenced by the support from co‐workers.
Reflections from EDI conferences: consistency and change
Authors: Myers Barbara , Pringle Judith K. , Giddings Lynne S.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Rich research discussion that occurs at conferences is rarely made accessible after the event. This paper aims to report on two “equality diversity and inclusion” (EDI) conferences held in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2008 and 2011. It summarises, compares and contrasts the processes and content of the conferences as well as identifying research trends and suggesting future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

Text from the abstracts and transcribed audio recordings of conference discussions and presentations were analysed for similarities and differences. Two of the authors completed individual analyses of each of the conferences before reaching consensus on the overall themes.

Findings

Enduring EDI concerns over the two conferences were: identity, change practices and context. At the 2008 conference, three linked categories permeated discussion: methodologies, identity and practices for effective change. Over the intervening three years, research volume grew and differentiated into speciality areas. At the 2011 conference, methodological enquiry was less visible, but was intertwined through content areas of differentiated identities (sexuality, ethnicity, and gender), roles (leadership and management) and context (country, sport, and practice).

Research limitations/implications

This paper distils research trends from two conferences and suggests directions for research.

Originality/value

The paper provides a bounded overview of developments and changes in the EDI sub‐discipline. Rich research discussion often occurs informally at conferences but is not made widely available. This paper aims to share conference discussions, research trends and potential directions for research.
Career persistence of women software professionals in India
Authors: Srinivasan Vasanthi , Murty L.S. , Nakra Monisha
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore career centrality, belief in gender disadvantage, and career success definition as the determinants of career persistence among women software professionals in emerging economies like India. The control variables used are marital and parental status.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was administered to 190 software women professionals and statistical analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Belief in gender disadvantage and objective success definition are differentiators for career persistence while career centrality is not. Marital status and parental status are relevant control variables.

Research limitations/implications

Further exploration is needed of the dimensions of career centrality constructs and control for demographic variables.

Practical implications

Organizations should consider investments in child care support and other flexible work options so that women continue to remain in their careers.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to explore career persistence among women with a focus on culture unique to Asian countries like India.
Estonian housing market: affordability problem and regulatory framework
Authors: Kallakmaa‐Kapsta Angelika , Kolbre Ene
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was – first, to find out how to evaluate affordability of housing in the Estonian market and, second, to assess the regulatory framework decisions' impact on the housing market in Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

This article seeks answers to how to define housing affordability for the Estonian housing market. It also describes the regulatory framework and policy decisions made by the government.

Findings

Calculations show that there is an affordability problem, and political decisions have helped to make housing loans affordable for households, but at the same time the high debt burden has weakened households' financial position.

Research limitations/implications

It could be possible to research the market using the databases of credit institutions, but the given data is under the protection of banking confidentiality.

Practical implications

The HAI index, proposed by the authors, could be calculated regularly and it could be used as a possible indicator to evaluate the capability of the population to take on household loans in the Estonian household market as a whole.

Social implications

The problem of housing affordability is very important for all households, and there is a need to continue with research in this field. Some households cannot buy a house, some have loan repayment problems.

Originality/value

No research has been done in trying to find an answer for the affordability problem in the housing market in Estonia. Also there are no analyses about the impact of the regulatory framework on the housing market – whether the government goals are achieved or not.
ERP and precautionary ethics: harnessing critical thinking to engender sustainability
Authors: Saravanamuthu Kala , Brooke Carole , Gaffikin Michael
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review critical emancipatory literature to identify a discourse that could be used to successfully customise generic Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to particular user‐needs. The customisation exercise is posited in the context of contemporary society, which has to try to become more sustainable amidst uncertainty about the complex interrelationships between elements of the ecosystem. It raises new challenges for the customisation exercise, that of fostering the precautionary ethos and engaging realistically with complexity and uncertainty inherent in emergent knowledge about ecological resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that draws on published research papers to tease out political constructs which are vital for facilitating sustainable decisions.

Findings

This paper argues that the critical emancipatory influence on systems design has generated attempts to formulate socio‐ethical information systems. However, these systems are limited by their inability to engage with the politics of asymmetrical distribution of power, even though these systems rely on bottom‐up participation to change the status quo. Hence, it is suggested that systems design should learn from Gandhi's experiences in mobilising social reform to instil a precautionary ethos in the context of asymmetrical power relations. The discourse used to customise ERP should facilitate social learning about ecological resilience as it affects the capacity to reform in the interest of sustainable outcomes. It is proposed that the discourse be socially constructed on the vocabulary of integrated risk because it would enable management to take advantage of lived experiences and enhance the organisation's capacity to learn about formulating sustainable business practices.

Practical implications

The recommended approach to identifying user‐needs (in customising ERP) is based on Gandhi's tried‐and‐tested approaches of mobilising bottom‐up participation in social reform.

Originality/value

This paper brings in Eastern philosophy (namely Advaitic thinking) into the predominately Western‐dominated systems design arena. Its value lies in its practical applicability to real‐world design challenges.
From neuromorphic sensors to a chip under skin
Authors: Palese Emma
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the sense of choice in our contemporary world.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking cue from the research of the Institute of Neuroinformatics of Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and University of Zürich, this paper is meant to highlight that the contemporary individual is gradually abandoning his own freedom of choice: the principle of moral responsibility, and – consequently – sign of humanity.

Findings

If today the smartphone is the most used tool, in the future we will soon benefit from a chip under skin which could delegate our choices. It is a piece of technology that is not only inspired by biology to create robots, but could also change our life.

Originality/value

From the massive use of the cell phone to the robots which apparently ‘‘feel’’ and show emotions like humans do. From the wearable exoskeleton to the prototype reproducing the artificial sense of touch, technological progress explodes to the extent of embodying itself in our nakedness.
Undergraduates' use of internet capable handheld devices at Babcock University, Nigeria
Authors: Adetoro 'Niran , Sodipe Opeyemi
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Emerging technologies are shaping the way we use information and undergraduates are early adopters of technology; however the purpose of their use of these devices has been of concern. The purpose of this paper is to examine use of internet capable handheld devices among Information Resources Management (IRM) undergraduates at Babcock University, Ilisan, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Non‐experimental ex post facto design was adopted for the study. Total enumeration was used to capture 220 IRM undergraduates. Using an adapted ECAR study, six questionnaire with reliability value (x=0.89) were administered; all questionnaires administered were retrieved and used for the study.

Findings

The study revealed that the majority (90 per cent) own handheld devices, used mainly for social networking, checking of information, instant messaging and e‐mails. Most of the students (70 per cent) are frequent users of their devices for internet activities, expending about 2‐100 h on a weekly basis. Factors which include slow network connection, limited access, and other ways of internet access, battery life and cost hinder use of the internet via handheld devices.

Originality/value

The use of internet capable mobile technology is crucial in engaging higher education students.
Cap‐and‐trade emission allowances and US companies' balance sheets
Authors: Griffin Paul A.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of the emission allowances granted under California's cap‐and‐trade program (AB 32) – the first major program of its kind in the USA – on the balance sheets and income statements of the S&P 500. So far there has been little discussion of what a cap‐and‐trade program would mean for the US companies' financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

The author states and tests an economic model of the relation between greenhouse gas emissions and financial statement variables at the individual company level and use this model to predict emission allowances and obligations for the S&P 500.

Findings

The author's analysis suggests that the average S&P 500 company's balance sheet and net income will be adversely affected under several different accounting treatments for emission allowances, with the greatest impacts in the utilities, energy, and materials sectors.

Practical implications

US and European regulators have yet to set a single standard for emissions accounting. Without a single standard, companies acting in their own interests may use diverse or unclear accounting treatments for similar economic benefits. This can raise the cost of capital and hurt investors.

Originality/value

This is the first study of which the author is aware to document how the emission allowances under the AB 32 cap‐and‐trade program will affect American companies' balance sheets.
Strategic policy, planning and assessment for sustainability: insights from Victoria, Australia
Authors: Coffey Brian
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess recent strategic sustainability policy, planning and assessment efforts in Victoria, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive approach to policy analysis provides the methodological foundation for the analysis. Evidence is drawn from the analysis of policy texts and semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

Sustainability attracted considerable policy attention in Victoria during the first decade of the 21st century, with stated ambitions for Victoria to become “the sustainable state” and “world leaders in environmental sustainability”. In pursuing these ambitions, Victoria's efforts centred on hosting a summit, articulating medium‐term directions and priorities, releasing a whole of government framework to advance sustainability, and establishing a Department of Sustainability and Environment, and a Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability. However, the evidence indicates these efforts would have benefited from greater public engagement and input, stronger governance arrangements, and a broader conceptualisation of sustainability.

Practical implications

The evidence presented highlights the implications associated with efforts to promote sustainability through strategic policy and planning processes.

Originality/value

This paper provides an informed, yet policy relevant, analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and possibilities associated with pursuing sustainability at the sub‐national level. It also highlights the ways in which policy objectives can be frustrated by failing to establish the solid foundations necessary for building a robust approach to promoting sustainability. The value of progressing sustainability within a strategic improvement cycle is also highlighted.
Is parasitoid acceptance of different host species dynamic?
Authors: Hopper Keith R. , Prager Sean M. , Heimpel George E.
Published: May 2013

Parasitoid acceptance of host individuals that differ in suitability is dynamic, varying with physiological state and experience. Female parasitoids with high egg loads and low life expectancy (i.e. time limited) are more willing to accept hosts with low suitability for progeny development than females with low egg loads and high life expectancy (i.e. egg limited). However, studies of dynamic acceptance behaviour in parasitoids have only considered high‐ vs. low‐suitability host individuals within the same host species.

Here, we report the first results on whether acceptance of individuals from different host species that vary in suitability is also dynamic, using two aphid parasitoid species in the genus Aphelinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae).

Stressors (starvation and age) and experience that increase time limitation did not affect the acceptance of low‐suitability host species by two Aphelinus species with reciprocal specificities.

Oviposition in a high‐suitability host species increased with egg load, but did not vary with egg load for females exposed to low‐suitability host species. This is an unexpected pattern since it results in proportionally higher acceptance of low‐suitability hosts with decreasing egg load.

The stability of behavioural host specificity in these parasitoids under very stressful conditions might be explained by (i) frequent transient egg limitation, (ii) higher fitness from egg resorption than oviposition or (iii) neural constraints on host recognition.

If neural constraints restrict the ability of these specialists to change their behaviour under stress, we predict that generalist species of Aphelinus should show greater dynamism in acceptance of low‐suitability hosts. We are testing this prediction using Aphelinus species with very broad host ranges.
Community dynamics of cellulose‐adapted thermophilic bacterial consortia
Authors: Eichorst Stephanie A. , Varanasi Patanjali , Stavila Vatalie , Zemla Marcin , Auer Manfred , Singh Seema , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W.
Published: May 2013

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is a key process in the global carbon cycle and the industrial conversion of biomass to biofuels. In natural environments, cellulose hydrolysis is predominately performed by microbial communities. However, detailed understanding of bacterial cellulose hydrolysis is primarily confined to a few model isolates. Developing models for cellulose hydrolysis by mixed microbial consortia will complement these isolate studies and may reveal new mechanisms for cellulose deconstruction. Microbial communities were adapted to microcrystalline cellulose under aerobic, thermophilic conditions using green waste compost as the inoculum to study cellulose hydrolysis in a microbial consortium. This adaptation selected for three dominant taxa – theFirmicutes,BacteroidetesandThermus. A high‐resolution profile of community development during the enrichment demonstrated a community transition fromFirmicutesto a novelBacteroidetespopulation that clusters in theChitinophagaceaefamily. A representative strain of this population, strainNYFB, was successfully isolated, and sequencing of a nearly full‐length 16SrRNAgene demonstrated that it was only 86% identical compared with other validated strains in the phylumBacteroidetes. StrainNYFBgrew well on soluble polysaccharide substrates, but grew poorly on insoluble polysaccharide substrates. Similar communities were observed in companion thermophilic enrichments on insoluble wheat arabinoxylan, a hemicellulosic substrate, suggesting a common model for deconstruction of plant polysaccharides. Combining observations of community dynamics and the physiology of strainNYFB, a cooperative successional model for polysaccharide hydrolysis by theFirmicutesandBacteroidetesin the thermophilic cellulolytic consortia is proposed.
A New Approach for the Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure Diagnosis: Measurement of Total CO in Human Blood Versus Carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO)
Authors: Varlet Vincent , De Croutte Emma Lagroy , Augsburger Marc , Mangin Patrice
Published: May 2013

The aim of the study is to present the application of a headspace–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐GC‐MS) method for the determination of the carbon monoxide (CO) blood concentration and to compare it with carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) saturation. In postmortem cases, the HbCO measured by spectrophotometry frequently leads to inaccurate results due to inadequate samples or analyses. The true role of CO intoxication in the death of a person could be misclassified. The estimation of HbCO from HS‐GC‐MS CO measurements provides helpful information by determining the total CO levels (CO linked to hemoglobin (HbCO) and CO dissociated from hemoglobin). The CO concentrations were converted in HbCO saturation levels to define cutoff blood CO values. CO limits were defined as less than 1 μmol/mL for living persons, less than 1.5 μmol/mL for dead persons without CO exposure, and greater than 3 μmol/mL for dead persons with clear CO poisoning.
Alcohol‐Induced Blackout as a Criminal Defense or Mitigating Factor: An Evidence‐Based Review and Admissibility as Scientific Evidence
Authors: Pressman Mark R. , Caudill David S.
Published: May 2013

Alcohol‐related amnesia—alcohol blackout—is a common claim of criminal defendants. The generally held belief is that during an alcohol blackout, other cognitive functioning is severely impaired or absent. The presentation of alcohol blackout as scientific evidence in court requires that the science meets legal reliability standards (Frye, FRE702/Daubert). To determine whether “alcohol blackout” meets these standards, an evidence‐based analysis of published scientific studies was conducted. A total of 26 empirical studies were identified including nine in which an alcohol blackout was induced and directly observed. No objective or scientific method to verify the presence of an alcoholic blackout while it is occurring or to confirm its presence retrospectively was identified. Only short‐term memory is impaired and other cognitive functions—planning, attention, and social skills—are not impaired. Alcoholic blackouts would not appear to meet standards for scientific evidence and should not be admissible.
The Survival of Gunshot Residues in Cremated Bone: An Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Study
Authors: Amadasi Alberto , Merli Daniele , Brandone Alberto , Poppa Pasquale , Gibelli Daniele , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: May 2013

Gunshot residue (GSR) has been sought and demonstrated on many types of material and with many techniques. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) could be a useful method on difficult substrates, but a systematic study on burnt material has never been performed. Hence, this study aims at evaluating the usefulness and reliability of this method on burnt samples. Sixteen adult bovine ribs (eight with soft tissues, eight totally skeletonized) were shot using two kinds of projectile (both 9 mm full metal‐jacketed or unjacketed). Then, every sample was led to complete calcination in an electric oven. The area of the gunshot entrance wound was swabbed and analyzed byICP‐OES; the results were also correlated with a previously published parallel study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an SEM–energy dispersive X‐ray analyzer.ICP‐OESproved to be very sensitive and reliable even on degraded material and can be an appropriate nondestructive method for detecting residues on difficult and delicate substrates such as burnt bone.
Ultrafast Amplification of DNA on Plastic Microdevices for Forensic Short Tandem Repeat Analysis
Authors: Lounsbury Jenny A. , Landers James P.
Published: May 2013

The majority of microfluidic devices used as a platform for low‐cost, rapid DNA analysis are glass devices; however, microchip fabrication in glass is costly and laborious, enhancing the interest in polymeric substrates, such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), as an inexpensive alternative. Here, we report amplification in PMMA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microchips providing full short tandem repeat profiles (16 of 16 loci) in 30–40 min, with peak height ratios and stutter percentages that meet literature threshold requirements. In addition, partial profiles (15 of 16 loci) were generated using an ultrafast PCR method in 17.1 min, representing a ~10‐fold reduction in reaction time as compared to current amplification methods. Finally, a multichamber device was demonstrated to simultaneously amplify one positive, one negative, and five individual samples in 39 min. Although there were instances of loci dropout, this device represents a first step toward a microfluidic system capable of amplifying more than one sample simultaneously.
Blood pressure cuffs as a vector for transmission of multi‐resistant organisms: Colonisation rates and effects of disinfection
Authors: Grewal Harjeet , Varshney Kavita , Thomas Lee C , Kok Jen , Shetty Amith
Published: May 2013

Objective

Blood pressure (BP) cuffs are potential vectors for transmission of multi‐resistant organisms (MROs). The present study aims to determine MRO colonisation rates in BP cuffs from areas of high patient flow as an assessment of the quality of disinfection and infection control practices.

Methods

BP cuffs in the ED, high dependency unit (HDU) and operating theatres (OT) were prospectively examined after routine disinfection procedures. Swabs collected from the inner and outer surfaces of BP cuffs during inter‐patient intervals were plated onto replicate organism detection and counting, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE) chromogenic agar plates to detect rates of bacterial, MRSA and VRE colonisation, respectively.

Results

High bacterial colonisation rates were detected in BP cuffs from all three areas. BP cuffs from OT were significantly less colonised compared with cuffs from HDU and ED; 76% versus 96% and 100% (P < 0.0001) for inner surfaces and 86% versus 98% and 100% (P < 0.0001) for outer surfaces, respectively. Equivalent or higher bacterial growth was observed on the inner surface compared with outer surface in 54%, 84% and 86% of BP cuffs from OT, HDU and ED, respectively. MRSA was detected in 3 of 150 (2%) swabs collected, but no VRE was detected.

Conclusion

Although MRSA and VRE were infrequently isolated, current disinfection and infection control protocols need to be improved given the greater recovery of organisms from the inner compared with outer surfaces of BP cuffs.
APACHE II score is superior to SOFA, CTP and MELD in predicting the short‐term mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF)
Authors: Duseja Ajay , Choudhary Narendra S , Gupta Sachin , Dhiman Radha Krishan , Chawla Yogesh
Published: May 2013

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the performance of various prognostic scores including the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores in predicting short‐term mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Methods

Altogether 100 consecutive patients with ACLF were evaluated prospectively. The diagnosis of ACLF was based on the Asian–Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver criteria except for the inclusion of non‐hepatic insults as acute events. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy for predicting short‐term mortality was calculated for APACHE II, SOFA, CTP and MELD in all patients and Maddrey's discriminant function (DF) and Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis scores (GAHS) for patients with alcoholic hepatitis only.

Results

Most patients had alcohol‐related cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis as acute insults for ACLF. A total of 53 patients either died or left hospital in very sick status and were confirmed to have died the same day after leaving hospital. Overall, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of APACHE II was higher than those of MELD, SOFA and CTP scores for predicting short‐term mortality. Even for patients with alcoholic hepatitis, APACHE II performed better than DF and GAHS.

Conclusions

Short‐term mortality is high in patients with ACLF. APACHE II scoring system is superior to other prognostic scores in predicting its short‐term mortality.
Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy for Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki , Sakai Rika , Fujita Atsuko , Kuwabara Hideyuki , Hattori Yukako , Matsuura Shiro , Ohshima Rika , Hagihara Maki , Tomita Naoto , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki , Fujisawa Shin
Published: May 2013

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is one of the severe complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Systemic management including respiratory and circulatory support is necessary. In addition, abdominal paracentesis is often needed for pain relief and to reduce the pressure of tense ascites. Concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) involves the filtration, concentration, and reinfusion of drained ascites, which contributes to reuse of autologous proteins. CART has been reported as supportive therapy for patients with liver cirrhosis and cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the efficacy and safety of CART in three patients (two with acute myelogenous leukemia and one with chronic myeloid leukemia) who developed SOS after allo‐HSCT. They all had symptomatic, tense, and diuretic‐refractory ascites with right costal pain and marked weight gain. Two patients showed immediate improvement after CART. However, one patient experienced four CARTs with slow recovery. All patients are now alive and are being monitored as outpatients over 2 years with remission. No severe adverse event was observed related to CART, and 25.2–98.0 (median 30.2) grams of albumin was collected and reinfused. CART after paracentesis reduces protein loss in ascites by reinfusion of autologous protein instead of exogenous albumin preparations. Although transient fever is reported as a frequent adverse event, no events like severe bleeding or infection were observed. While its safety has not been fully established in patients with hematological disease after HSCT, CART may be a considerable supportive therapy for SOS with tense ascites.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor signalling mechanisms in the central nervous system
Authors: Corcoran A. , O'Connor J. J.
Published: May 2013

In the CNS, neurones are highly sensitive to the availability of oxygen. In conditions where oxygen availability is decreased, neuronal function can be altered, leading to injury and cell death. Hypoxia has been implicated in a number of central nervous system pathologies including stroke, head trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. Cellular responses to oxygen deprivation are complex and result in activation of short‐ and long‐term mechanisms to conserve energy and protect cells. Failure of synaptic transmission can be observed within minutes following this hypoxia. The acute effects of hypoxia on synaptic transmission are primarily mediated by altering ion fluxes across membranes, pre‐synaptic effects of adenosine and other actions at glutamatergic receptors. A more long‐term feature of the response of neurones to hypoxia is the activation of transcription factors such as hypoxia‐inducible factor. The activation of hypoxia‐inducible factor is governed by a family of dioxygenases called hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl 4 hydroxylases (PHDs). Under hypoxic conditions, PHD activity is inhibited, thereby allowing hypoxia‐inducible factor to accumulate and translocate to the nucleus, where it binds to the hypoxia‐responsive element sequences of target gene promoters. Inhibition of PHD activity stabilizes hypoxia‐inducible factor and other proteins thus acting as a neuroprotective agent. This review will focus on the response of neuronal cells to hypoxia‐inducible factor and its targets, including the prolyl hydroxylases. We also present evidence for acute effects of PHD inhibition on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus.
Increased high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels in Taiwanese schizophrenic patients
Authors: Lin Chin‐Chuen , Chang Chia‐Ming , Liu Chia‐Yih , Huang Tiao‐Lai
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Schizophrenia is associated with the activation of the immune/inflammatory system. C‐reactive protein (CRP), a positive acute phase protein, may be associated with schizophrenia and antipsychotic treatment.

Methods

The serum high‐sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels of 36 schizophrenic patients undergoing clozapine, olanzapine or risperidone treatment and 36 sex‐matched healthy subjects were collected. The difference in hsCRP levels between the schizophrenic and the control groups was estimated using ancova. anova was performed to examine the differences in the hsCRP levels between three antipsychotic groups (clozapine, olanzapine and risperidone).

Results

ancova adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI) revealed a significant increase in the hsCRP levels in the schizophrenic group (1.4 mg/L, SD =1.5 mg/L) in comparison with the control group (0.9 mg/L, SD = 1.4 mg/L) (P = 0.013). anova revealed no statistical difference of age, BMI and hsCRP in three antipsychotic groups (P = 0.83, 0.90 and 0.71, respectively).

Discussion

The elevation of CRP level is seen in chronic schizophrenia under antipsychotic treatment; however, studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these results.
Savanna woody vegetation classification – now in 3‐D
Authors: Fisher Jolene T. , Erasmus Barend F.N. , Witkowski Ed T.F. , van Aardt Jan , Wessels Konrad J. , Asner Gregory P.
Published: May 2013

Question

The co‐existence of woody plants and grasses characterize savannas, with the horizontal and vertical spatial arrangement of trees creating a heterogeneous biotic environment. To understand the influence of biogeophysical drivers on the spatial patterns of 3‐D structure of woody vegetation, these patterns need to be explained over large areas to capture the context. Is there a spatially explicit, ecologically meaningful way to capture the patterns and context of 3‐D woody vegetation structure?

Location

Classification development and testing sites: landscapes in Bushbuckridge Municipality, Sabi Sand Wildtuin and Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga province, north‐east South Africa.

Methods

The aforementioned structural classification approach requires appropriate 3‐D and spatially explicit remote sensing data. A LiDAR‐based canopy height model (CHM) and volumetric pixel (voxel) data from the Carnegie Airborne Observatory Alpha system were used to create the structural classification. First, we segmented theCHMimages using multi‐threshold and multi‐resolution image segmentation techniques, and classified the image segments into four height classes, namely shrub (1–3 m), low tree (3–6 m), high tree (6–10 m) or tall tree (>10 m). A hierarchicala prioriapproach was used to develop classification criteria. The following metrics were calculated for 0.25‐ha grid cells based on the cover and spatial arrangement of the four height classes: canopy cover, sub‐canopy cover, canopy layers, Simpson's diversity index and cohesion. Top of canopy vegetation was classified using each metric at the 0.25‐ha scale, with canopy cover being the primary classification metric. Subsequently, individual layers identified within the canopy were classified using the voxel data. We use a code system for describing classes to ensure standardization between different regions; a more traditional naming system may be used in addition for interpretation.

Conclusion

This system provides a more comprehensive classification of the horizontal and vertical structural diversity of savannas compared to the traditional vegetation classification systems. The description of multi‐layers within the canopy should allow for a sensitive change detection method. The classification can be used in many current focus areas, including habitat suitability mapping for biodiversity conservation, strategic adaptive management and monitoring land‐cover change.
Activity of Dexrazoxane and Amifostine Against Late Cardiotoxicity Induced by the Combination of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide In Vivo
Authors: Bjelogrlic Snezana K. , Lukic Silvana T. , Djuricic Slavisa M.
Published: May 2013

Cardiotoxicity is one of the main limiting side effects of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (DC) treatment, and this study was organized to identify cardioprotective activity of amifostine and dexrazoxane against DC combination. BalbC/NIH mice underwent DC treatment (DC group), were pre‐treated with amifostine (ADC group) or dexrazoxane (IDC group) and were killed at 1.5 and 3 months after treatments when the grade of myocardial damage was analysed by light microscopy using the Billingham scoring method. DC treatment induced severe myocardial damage with one lethal event before evaluation at 3 months. Main characteristics of DC cardiotoxicity were polymorphic myocyte degeneration and alterations in blood vessels followed by ecchymoses, haemorrhage and thromboses. Polymorphism was also found in the IDC and ADC groups, but its morphological patterns were different. In animals subject to IDC treatment, the blood vessels were better preserved than in the ADC group, whereas thrombosis was not seen in either of these two groups. Quantitatively, grade of myocardial injury in the ADC and IDC groups was significantly higher compared with the non‐treated group at both times of estimation and significantly lower compared with the DC group at 1.5 months. At 3 months, significance against DC treatment was lost in the ADC group, while preserved in the IDC‐treated animals. Also, there was significant progression in the ADC group comparing scores between 1.5 and 3 months. These results revealed that the cardiotoxicity of DC combination displays specific morphological hallmark and evolution in time, different to those described after doxorubicin single treatment. Neither amifostine nor dexrazoxane prevented development of cardiomyopathy induced by DC treatment.
The developmental trajectory of perceived self‐regulation, personal interest, and general achievement throughout high school: A longitudinal study
Authors: Helle Laura , Laakkonen Eero , Tuijula Tiina , Vermunt Jan D.
Published: May 2013

Background

Our interest in perceived self‐regulation of learning arose in the context of educational reform. After decades of stability, the Finnish high school system underwent reform in the 1990s, with a significant emphasis being placed on promoting student self‐regulation of learning.

Aims

The purposes of the study were (1) to evaluate changes in the mean level of perceived self‐regulation throughout high school and (2) to evaluate the nature of the developmental relations between achievement, perceived self‐regulation, and personal interest.

Sample

The participants consisted of 245 systematically sampled high school students from a mid‐sized Finnish city.

Methods

T tests for paired samples were employed to assess changes in the level of personal interest and perceived self‐regulation. Analysis of the developmental relations was carried out within a structural equations modelling framework.

Results

The main result was that perceived self‐regulation at the beginning of high school predicted not only scholastic achievement at the end of high school over and above prior achievement, but also subsequent personal interest. Additionally, following an international trend, the level of perceived self‐regulation decreased from the first to third year of study.

Conclusions

The study has important theoretical and practical implications. First, the results suggest that perceived self‐regulation and personal interest are only partially explained by achievement. Second, it appears that perceived self‐regulation drives personal interest, not the other way around. Finally, ways for teachers and schools to sustain perceived self‐regulation throughout the high school years are discussed.
Lenalidomide, bendamustine and prednisolone exhibits a favourable safety and efficacy profile in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: final results of a phase 1 clinical trial OSHO – #077
Authors: Pönisch Wolfram , Heyn Simone , Beck Juliane , Wagner Ina , Mohren Martin , Hoffmann Franz A. , Lange Thoralf , Schmalfeld Marion , Zehrfeld Thomas , Schwarzer Andreas , Winkelmann Cornelia , Edelmann Thomas , Röhrborn Ramona , Hebenstreit Karin , Al‐Ali Haifa K. , Jäkel Nadja , Niederwieser Dietger
Published: May 2013

This phase 1 dose finding study tested a combination of lenalidomide, bendamustine and prednisolone (RBP) in 21 patients in five cohorts with advanced multiple relasped/refractory myeloma (MM) to determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of the combination. The first cohort received a starting dose of lenalidomide 10 mg/d, days 1–21, bendamustine 60 mg/m2/d, days 1–2, and prednisolone 100 mg/d, days 1–4. Dose escalation was done in cohorts of three to six patients with lenalidomide dose increasing to 15, 20 and 25 mg, and after reaching 25 mg/d, bendamustine was increased to 75 mg/m2. A total of 21 patients were enrolled and all completed at least two cycles. Two patients developed dose‐limiting haemotoxicity: one patient on lenalidomide 25 mg/d and bendamustine 60 mg/m2 and another patient at the highest dose level (lenalidomide 25 mg/d and bendamustine 75 mg/m2). The MTD was not reached. Sixteen patients (76%) responded after at least two cycles of RBP with one stringent complete response (CR), one near CR, five very good partial response and nine partial response. After a median observation time of 16 months, progression‐free survival at 18 months was 48% and overall survival was 64%. In conclusion, RBP with lenalidomide 25 mg/d, days 1–21 and bendamustine 75 mg/m2 days 1–2 is well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.
Prevention of acute graft‐versus‐host disease by humanized anti‐CD26 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Hatano Ryo , Ohnuma Kei , Yamamoto Junpei , Dang Nam H. , Yamada Taketo , Morimoto Chikao
Published: May 2013

CD26 (DPP4) is a T cell costimulatory molecule as well as T cell activation marker, and CD26+ T cells are accumulated in inflamed tissues, such as rheumatoid synovitis and autoimmune thyroiditis. In the present study, we found accumulation of CD26+ T cells in graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) target organs. To expand our in vitro findings to an in vivo system, we examined CD26‐dependent organ injury in a xenogeneic GVHD (x‐GVHD) murine model. Following intraperitoneal injection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells into non‐obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency/γc−/− mice (hu‐PBL‐NOG mice), the mice exhibited the onset of GVHD symptoms associated with the presence of CD26high human lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and GVHD target tissues. Administration of humanized anti‐human CD26 monoclonal antibody (mAb) decreased x‐GVHD severity and prolonged survival in hu‐PBL‐NOG mice without loss of engraftment of human T cells, while increasing doses of CTLA4‐ immunoglobulin fusion protein diminished engraftment of human lymphocytes. Importantly, anti‐CD26 mAb treatment preserved the graft‐versus‐leukaemia effects in studies using cotransplantation of P815 murine leukaemic cells. In addition, CD26+ lymphocytes infiltrated the GVHD patients' target tissues. Altogether, our data indicate a role for CD26 in the regulation of GVHD and point to CD26 as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in this disease.
Understanding donation experiences of unspecified (altruistic) kidney donors
Authors: Clarke Alexis , Mitchell Annie , Abraham Charles
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Kidney donation from a living donor to an unknown recipient has been legal in the UK since 2006. Yet there is little research into the experiences of unspecified kidney donors (UKDs) in interaction with the health care systems.

Design

This article explores the experiences of 14 UKDs recruited through four regional transplant co‐ordinating centres in England. At interview, they were invited to share their donation stories and discuss the antecedents, social, and psychological processes involved. Interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed.

Methods

Transcripts were analysed using a grounded theory approach employing a constant comparison methodology. Themes emerging from the data were named to form categories organized around the central focus of the research, forming an analytical story of UKDs' experiences.

Results

Two major categories emerged: ‘connected to others’ and ‘uneasy negotiations with others’. ‘Connected to others’ encompasses the motivations and psychological and social consequences of UKD. ‘Uneasy negotiations with others’ refer to the concerns and conflicts that arose during the donation process.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of social relationships on the process and outcomes of UKD. These UKDs report both intra‐ and interpersonal benefits from donation. The donation process, however, also created interpersonal stress, and conflicting messages about the acceptability of their donation were experienced in UKDs' personal lives and in their interactions with health care services. Findings are discussed with reference to the wider literature on UKD and altruism and in relation to implications for clinical practice.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Unspecified living kidney donation is an under‐researched area with only three research papers published worldwide that report on the motivations and experiences of donors. These studies indicate that donors endorse pro‐social values and receive positive interpersonal and intrapersonal benefits from donation.

What does this study add?

UKDs' experiences are made explicit and provide a framework for future research.

Social connections (capital) are an important precursor to and outcome from donation.

Assumptions of pathological motivations were encountered by donors in their personal life and within the NHS.