bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of physical fitness in a tactical infantry simulation
Authors: Blount Elaine M. , Ringleb Stacie I. , Tolk Andreas , Bailey Michael , Onate James A.
Published: September 2011

While physical fitness is generally accepted to influence the outcome on the battlefield, it is currently not incorporated into tactical infantry simulations. Infantry soldiers are modeled with equal physical capabilities representing the average of soldiers on the field. However, humans have varying physical capabilities. This research asked the question ‘Does modeling human physical capabilities have an impact upon the tactical success of operations in a simulation?’ Physical fitness data and rushing times were collected, as rushing is a battlefield task influenced by physical fitness. Two scenarios, a helicopter extraction of a squad and rushing for cover in an attempt to throw a grenade, were implemented in agent-based simulations to demonstrate the effect of rushing speed upon the outcome of a tactical infantry scenario. These scenarios used experimentally obtained rushing velocities as input and were compared to real world scenarios to ensure plausibility. In both simulations rushing speed significantly affected the probability of survival of the individual soldier and the probability of success for the mission (i.e. scenario). Therefore, individual rushing speed should be included as a viable input parameter for infantry simulations, as it can affect the outcome of tactical simulation scenarios.
‘Do as I say, but not as I do’: Are next generation nurses role models for health?
Authors: Blake Holly , Malik Sumaira , Mo Phoenix K. H. , Pisano Charlotte
Published: September 2011

Aim: Promoting healthy lifestyles plays a key role in professional nursing yet nurses do not always practice what they preach. Efforts are currently being made to improve the health of NHS staff, yet little is known about the health and lifestyle behaviours of pre-registration nurses in the UK although these individuals are our next generation of NHS employees. The aim of this study was to investigate the health behaviours and wellbeing of pre-registration nurses based at an acute NHS teaching hospital in England.

Methods: In this cross-sectional questionnaire survey, 325 pre-registration nurses (50% response rate) completed a health and lifestyle questionnaire, measuring levels of physical activity, smoking and alcohol behaviour, dietary practices and general health.

Results: Age ranged from 19-53 years, and 96% of the sample was female. More than half of the sample did not meet public health recommendations for physical activity. Just under one-fifth were current smokers and over three-quarters did not consume five servings of fruit/vegetables per day. Two-thirds reported exceeding the recommended maximum daily alcohol intake and around one third were classified as either overweight or obese. Those who were physically inactive were less likely to report good general health, good dietary practices and more sleep, and were more likely to report cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption than their active counterparts.

Conclusions: This study indicates that the health profile of pre-registration nurses is relatively poor, and that those who are sedentary engage in other negative lifestyle behaviours also. Despite significant education relating to health promotion and health behaviours of patients being targeted at pre-registered nurses, it seems that this knowledge is not always transferred to their own behaviour. There is a need for timely intervention to establish healthy lifestyle behaviours amongst nurses early in their career.
Social shaping of food intervention initiatives at worksites: Canteen takeaway schemes at two Danish hospitals
Authors: Poulsen Signe , Jørgensen Michael Søgaard
Published: September 2011

Aims: The aim of this article is to analyse the social shaping of worksite food interventions at two Danish worksites. The overall aims are to contribute first, to the theoretical frameworks for the planning and analysis of food and health interventions at worksites and second, to a foodscape approach to worksite food interventions.

Methods: The article is based on a case study of the design of a canteen takeaway (CTA) scheme for employees at two Danish hospitals. This was carried out as part of a project to investigate the shaping and impact of schemes that offer employees meals to buy, to take home or to eat at the worksite during irregular working hours. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders within the two change processes. Two focus group interviews were also carried out at one hospital and results from a user survey carried out by other researchers at the other hospital were included. Theoretically, the study was based on the social constitution approach to change processes at worksites and a co-evolution approach to problem–solution complexes as part of change processes.

Results: Both interventions were initiated because of the need to improve the food supply for the evening shift and the work–life balance. The shaping of the schemes at the two hospitals became rather different change processes due to the local organizational processes shaped by previously developed norms and values. At one hospital the change process challenged norms and values about food culture and challenged ideas in the canteen kitchen about working hours. At the other hospital, the change was more of a learning process that aimed at finding the best way to offer a CTA scheme.

Conclusions: Worksite health promotion practitioners should be aware that the intervention itself is an object of negotiation between different stakeholders at a worksite based on existing norms and values. The social contextual model and the setting approach to worksite health interventions lack reflections about how such norms and values might influence the shaping of the intervention. It is recommended that future planning and analyses of worksite health promotion interventions apply a combination of the social constitution approach to worksites and an integrated food supply and demand perspective based on analyses of the co-evolution of problem–solution complexes.
Images of foodscapes: Introduction to foodscape studies and their application in the study of healthy eating out-of-home environments
Authors: Mikkelsen Bent Egberg
Published: September 2011

The notion of foodscape is increasingly being used within health promotion, public health nutrition and food studies as a tool to describe our food environments and to assess the potential impact on food choice and food behaviour. This paper takes a closer look at the growing number of foodscape studies (FSS) and traces the origin of the idea of foodscapes. It reflects on the different contributions and discusses the applicability within food research. In particular it discusses how the notion can be applied in the growing number of studies that investigate the role that captive eating out-of-home environments (CEOE) in public welfare systems has on the health of the individual and on the sustainability of the environment. The paper concludes that the idea of foodscapes is a convenient tool that has many applications in food research. The foodscape framework offers obvious advantages in that it enables scholars to analyse how food, places and people are interconnected and how they interact. In particular the paper concludes that the foodscape notion is well suited to the study of foodscapes in CEOEs such as schools, kindergartens and institutions. I finally suggest that such foodscapes can be defined as physical, organizational and sociocultural spaces in which clients/guests encounter meals, food and food-related issues including health messages.
Overexpression of Foxn1 attenuates age-associated thymic involution and prevents the expansion of peripheral CD4 memory T cells
Authors: Zook Erin C. , Krishack Paulette A. , Zhang Shubin , Zeleznik-Le Nancy J. , Firulli Anthony B. , Witte Pamela L. , Le Phong T.
Published: September 2011

The forkhead box n1 (Foxn1) transcription factor is essential for thymic organogenesis during embryonic development; however, a functional role of Foxn1 in the postnatal thymus is less well understood. We developed Foxn1 transgenic mice (Foxn1Tg), in which overexpression of Foxn1 is driven by the human keratin-14 promoter. Expression of the Foxn1 transgene increased the endogenous Foxn1 levels. In aged mice, overexpression of Foxn1 in the thymus attenuated the decline in thymocyte numbers, prevented the decline in frequency of early thymic progenitors, and generated a higher number of signal joint TCR excised circle. Histologic studies revealed that structural alterations associated with thymic involution were diminished in aged Foxn1 Tg. Total numbers of EpCAM+ MHC II+ and MHC IIhi thymic epithelial cells were higher in young and old Foxn1Tg and more EpCAM+ MHC IIhi TEC expressed Ki-67 in aged Foxn1Tg compared with WT. Furthermore, Foxn1Tg displayed a significant reduction in the expansion of splenic CD4+ memory compartments and attenuated the decline in CD4+ and CD8+ naive compartments. Our data indicate that manipulation of Foxn1 expression in the thymus ameliorates thymopoiesis in aged mice and offer a strategy to combat the age-associated decline in naive T-cell production and CD4 naive/memory ratios in the elderly.
Deep sequencing-based transcriptome analysis of Plutella xylostella larvae parasitized by Diadegma semiclausum
Authors: Etebari Kayvan , Palfreyman Robin W , Schlipalius David , Nielsen Lars K , Glatz Richard V , Asgari Sassan
Published: September 2011

Background

Parasitoid insects manipulate their hosts' physiology by injecting various factors into their host upon parasitization. Transcriptomic approaches provide a powerful approach to study insect host-parasitoid interactions at the molecular level. In order to investigate the effects of parasitization by an ichneumonid wasp (Diadegma semiclausum) on the host (Plutella xylostella), the larval transcriptome profile was analyzed using a short-read deep sequencing method (Illumina). Symbiotic polydnaviruses (PDVs) associated with ichneumonid parasitoids, known as ichnoviruses, play significant roles in host immune suppression and developmental regulation. In the current study, D. semiclausum ichnovirus (Ds IV) genes expressed in P. xylostella were identified and their sequences compared with other reported PDVs. Five of these genes encode proteins of unknown identity, that have not previously been reported.

Results

De novo assembly of cDNA sequence data generated 172,660 contigs between 100 and 10000 bp in length; with 35% of > 200 bp in length. Parasitization had significant impacts on expression levels of 928 identified insect host transcripts. Gene ontology data illustrated that the majority of the differentially expressed genes are involved in binding, catalytic activity, and metabolic and cellular processes. In addition, the results show that transcription levels of antimicrobial peptides, such as gloverin, cecropin E and lysozyme, were up-regulated after parasitism. Expression of ichnovirus genes were detected in parasitized larvae with 19 unique sequences identified from five PDV gene families including vankyrin, viral innexin, repeat elements, a cysteine-rich motif, and polar residue rich protein. Vankyrin 1 and repeat element 1 genes showed the highest transcription levels among the Ds IV genes.

Conclusion

This study provides detailed information on differential expression of P. xylostella larval genes following parasitization, Ds IV genes expressed in the host and also improves our current understanding of this host-parasitoid interaction.
Cancer vaccines at an inflexion point: what next?
Authors: Bot Adrian , Obrocea Mihail , Marincola Francesco M
Published: September 2011

With the approval of the first therapeutic cancer vaccines for veterinarian and human use, the field reached a significant milestone after a considerable interval of tumultuous research and development marked by numerous ups and downs. As the mechanism of action and clinical benefit afforded by this class of agents are starkly different from that of conventional or small targeted therapies for cancer, there are still numerous hurdles that need to be overcome to fully unleash their potential. These challenges and efforts are illustrated in a book just published on this subject, a non-exhaustive yet representative synopsis of the latest advances in cancer vaccine technologies in various stages of development. Major lessons resulting from clinical testing of cancer vaccines and other immune interventions, are being integrated in novel, cutting edge platform technologies that blur the distinction between passive and active immunotherapies as well as carry the promise of fundamentally changing and improving the management of patients with cancer.
Ultra-long metal nanowire arrays on solid substrate with strong bonding
Authors: Xu Ju , Chen Lan , Mathewson Alan , Razeeb Kafil M
Published: September 2011

Ultra-long metal nanowire arrays with large circular area up to 25 mm in diameter were obtained by direct electrodeposition on metalized Si and glass substrates via a template-based method. Nanowires with uniform length up to 30 μm were obtained. Combining this deposition process with lithography technology, micrometre-sized patterned metal nanowire array pads were successfully fabricated on a glass substrate. Good adhesion between the patterned nanowire array pads and the substrate was confirmed using scanning acoustic microscopy characterization. A pull-off tensile test showed strong bonding between the nanowires and the substrate. Conducting atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) measurements showed that approximately 95% of the nanowires were electrically connected with the substrate, demonstrating its viability to use as high-density interconnect.
SNIT: SNP identification for strain typing
Authors: Satya Ravi Vijaya , Zavaljevski Nela , Reifman Jaques
Published: September 2011

With ever-increasing numbers of microbial genomes being sequenced, efficient tools are needed to perform strain-level identification of any newly sequenced genome. Here, we present the SNP identification for strain typing (SNIT) pipeline, a fast and accurate software system that compares a newly sequenced bacterial genome with other genomes of the same species to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small insertions/deletions (indels). Based on this information, the pipeline analyzes the polymorphic loci present in all input genomes to identify the genome that has the fewest differences with the newly sequenced genome. Similarly, for each of the other genomes, SNIT identifies the input genome with the fewest differences. Results from five bacterial species show that the SNIT pipeline identifies the correct closest neighbor with 75% to 100% accuracy. The SNIT pipeline is available for download at http://www.bhsai.org/snit.html
MiR-206-mediated dynamic mechanism of the mammalian circadian clock
Authors: Zhou Wei , Li Yan , Wang Xia , Wu Lianqi , Wang Yonghua
Published: September 2011

Background

As a group of highly conserved small non-coding RNAs with a length of 21~23 nucleotides, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the gene expression post-transcriptionally by base pairing with the partial or full complementary sequences in target mRNAs, thus resulting in the repression of mRNA translation and the acceleration of mRNA degradation. Recent work has revealed that miRNAs are essential for the development and functioning of the skeletal muscles where they are. In particular, miR-206 has not only been identified as the only miRNA expressed in skeletal muscles, but also exhibited crucial roles in regulation of the muscle development. Although miRNAs are known to regulate various biological processes ranging from development to cancer, much less is known about their role in the dynamic regulation of the mammalian circadian clock.

Results

A detailed dynamic model of miR-206-mediated mammalian circadian clock system was developed presently by using Hill-type terms, Michaelis-Menten type and mass action kinetics. Based on a system-theoretic approach, the model accurately predicts both the periodicity and the entrainment of the circadian clock. It also explores the dynamics properties of the oscillations mediated by miR-206 by means of sensitivity analysis and alterations of parameters. Our results show that miR-206 is an important regulator of the circadian clock in skeletal muscle, and thus by study of miR-206 the main features of its mediation on the clock may be captured. Simulations of these processes display that the amplitude and frequency of the oscillation can be significantly altered through the miR-206-mediated control.

Conclusions

MiR-206 has a profound effect on the dynamic mechanism of the mammalian circadian clock, both by control of the amplitude and control or alteration of the frequency to affect the level of the gene expression and to interfere with the temporal sequence of the gene production or delivery. This undoubtedly uncovers a new mechanism for regulation of the circadian clock at a post-transcriptional level and provides important insights into the normal development as well as the pathological conditions of skeletal muscles, such as the aging, chronic disease and cancer.
Rhou maintains the epithelial architecture and facilitates differentiation of the foregut endoderm
Authors: Loebel David A. F. , Studdert Joshua B. , Power Melinda , Radziewic Tania , Jones Vanessa , Coultas Leigh , Jackson Yvette , Rao Renuka S. , Steiner Kirsten , Fossat Nicolas , Robb Lorraine , Tam Patrick P. L.
Published: September 2011

Rhou encodes a Cdc42-related atypical Rho GTPase that influences actin organization in cultured cells. In mouse embryos at early-somite to early-organogenesis stages, Rhou is expressed in the columnar endoderm epithelium lining the lateral and ventral wall of the anterior intestinal portal. During foregut development, Rhou is downregulated in regions where the epithelium acquires a multilayered morphology heralding the budding of organ primordia. In embryos generated from Rhou knockdown embryonic stem (ES) cells, the embryonic foregut displays an abnormally flattened shape. The epithelial architecture of the endoderm is disrupted, the cells are depleted of microvilli and the phalloidin-stained F-actin content of their sub-apical cortical domain is reduced. Rhou-deficient cells in ES cell-derived embryos and embryoid bodies are less efficient in endoderm differentiation. Impaired endoderm differentiation of Rhou-deficient ES cells is accompanied by reduced expression of c-Jun/AP-1 target genes, consistent with a role for Rhou in regulating JNK activity. Downregulation of Rhou in individual endoderm cells results in a reduced ability of these cells to occupy the apical territory of the epithelium. Our findings highlight epithelial morphogenesis as a required intermediate step in the differentiation of endoderm progenitors. In vivo, Rhou activity maintains the epithelial architecture of the endoderm progenitors, and its downregulation accompanies the transition of the columnar epithelium in the embryonic foregut to a multilayered cell sheet during organ formation.
Maintaining embryonic stem cell pluripotency with Wnt signaling
Authors: Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: September 2011

Wnt signaling pathways control lineage specification in vertebrate embryos and regulate pluripotency in embryonic stem (ES) cells, but how the balance between progenitor self-renewal and differentiation is achieved during axis specification and tissue patterning remains highly controversial. The context- and stage-specific effects of the different Wnt pathways produce complex and sometimes opposite outcomes that help to generate embryonic cell diversity. Although the results of recent studies of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ES cells appear to be surprising and controversial, they converge on the same conserved mechanism that leads to the inactivation of TCF3-mediated repression.
Comparison of image quality and radiation dose between combined automatic tube current modulation and fixed tube current technique in CT of abdomen and pelvis
Authors: Lee Sanghee , Yoon Sang-Wook , Yoo Seung-Min , Ji Young Geon , Kim Kyoung Ah , Kim Sang Heum , Lee Jong Tae
Published: September 2011

Background

Tube current is an important determinant of radiation dose and image quality in X-ray-based examination. The combined automatic tube current modulation technique (ATCM) enables automatic adjustment of the tube current in various planes ( x-y and z) based on the size and attenuation of the body area scanned.

Purpose

To compare image quality and radiation dose of the ATCM with those of a fixed tube current technique (FTC) in CT of the abdomen and pelvis performed with a 16-slice multidetector row CT.

Material and Methods

We reviewed 100 patients in whom initial and follow-up CT of the abdomen and pelvis were performed with FTC and ATCM. All acquisition parameters were identical in both techniques except for tube current. We recorded objective image noise in liver parenchyma, subjective image noise and diagnostic acceptability by using a five-point scale, radiation dose, and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2). Data were analyzed with parametric and non-parametric statistical tests.

Results

There was no significant difference in image noise and diagnostic acceptability between two techniques. All subjects had acceptable subjective image noise in both techniques. The significant reduction in radiation dose (45.25% reduction) was noted with combined ATCM ( P < 0.001). There was a significant linear statistical correlation between BMI and dose reduction (r = –0.78, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ATCM for CT of the abdomen and pelvis substantially reduced radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Patients with lower BMI showed more reduction in radiation dose.
The intra- and inter-rater reliability of manual muscle testing and a hand-held dynamometer for measuring wrist strength in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects
Authors: Toemen Angela , Dalton Sarah , Sandford Fiona
Published: September 2011

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability of manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in the measurement of isometric wrist strength in asymptomatic and symptomatic (distal radius fractures [DRF] and non-specific wrist pain [NSWP]) populations.

Method

Thirty-nine adults participated in an intra session, repeat measure, crossover study design. MMT and HHD isometric wrist strength was tested in six standardized test positions by two raters.

Results

Poor-to-excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability with MMT was found in all patient populations (ICC = 0.04–1.00). Excellent intra-rater reliability with HHD in the DRF (ICC = 0.86–0.95) and NSWP (ICC = 0.92–0.97) populations and excellent inter-rater reliability in the asymptomatic (ICC = 0.77–0.93) and DRF (ICC = 0.82–0.95) populations. Fair to excellent intra-rater reliability with HHD was seen in the asymptomatic population (ICC = 0.71–0.94) and fair to excellent inter-rater reliability in the NSWP population (ICC = 0.59–0.90).

Conclusion

MMT is shown to have variable reliability when assessing isometric wrist strength and is insensitive to small strength changes. HHD has been shown to be an objective and reliable measure of isometric wrist strength in specific positions in asymptomatic, DRF and NSWP populations. Further studies are required to ensure adequate dynamometry stabilization and obtain an optimal testing procedure for these populations.
Where do we stand on inequality? Reflections on recent research and its implications
Authors: McKay Stephen
Published: September 2011

This article reviews and extends existing research on levels of income inequality and of intergenerational social mobility in the UK. While there continues to be widespread concern about inequality of incomes, this is declining and focused mostly on higher earners – there appears to be less public concern about any injustice in terms of the numbers on lower incomes. Recent research on social mobility has been influential and may be one means of focusing attention on the effects of a widening income distribution. Even so, such research could do more to highlight the differences in outcomes based on personal characteristics (eg disability and minority ethnic background) as well as parental characteristics. Overall, it is argued that an egalitarian agenda faces considerable challenges in the UK.
One Nation Conservatism and social policy, 1951–64
Authors: Bochel Hugh
Published: September 2011

This article considers the nature and development of One Nation Conservatism during the period most closely associated with the term. It draws on the original writings of the One Nation Group and the policies pursued by the Conservative governments of the time to suggest that the ideas of the One Nation Group were not as closely linked with Conservative policies as is sometimes implied. Indeed, the views of members of the One Nation Group varied considerably and later views of One Nation Conservatism have been shaped by a number of factors in addition to the work of the Group.
Thatcherism, poverty and social justice
Authors: Hickson Kevin
Published: September 2011

This article examines the approach of the Conservative governments between 1979 and 1997 towards the issues of poverty and social justice. The first section of the article analyses the theoretical underpinnings of the Conservative Party’s approach in these years – namely the New Right, which consisted of both liberal and traditionalist conservative elements that sought to reverse the postwar consensus. The article goes on to examine the policies of the Thatcher governments before arguing that the Major government was actually much more radical in policy terms than the Thatcher administration had been.
David Cameron’s Modern Conservative approach to poverty and social justice: towards one nation or two?
Authors: Page Robert M.
Published: September 2011

This article focuses on the development of David Cameron’s Modern Conservative approach to poverty and social justice in the period since his election as Party leader in December 2005. It will be argued that the path that Cameron has followed in these areas reflects his determination to move the Conservative Party towards the political ‘centre’ in order to enhance its electoral prospects in the post-Thatcher era. In the concluding section of the article, the question of whether the ‘Modern’ Conservative approach to poverty and social justice can be said to represent a return to the Party’s ‘One Nation’ approach is explored.
A step in the wrong direction: linking the South Africa Child Support Grant to school attendance
Authors: Lund Francie
Published: September 2011

Placing conditionalities on cash transfers imposes costs on those seeking the benefit, and on the implementing institutions. A small, unconditional but means-tested regular cash transfer – the Child Support Grant (CSG) – for young South African children in households living in poverty was introduced in 1998. A new regulation requires that beneficiaries attending school have to show proof of regular attendance twice a year. Education is highly valued in South Africa, and school attendance is not a priority problem. The quality of education for children from households in poverty is, however, dismal. Unnecessary additional administrative burdens will now be imposed. All the evidence points strongly against the new policy.
Conditions in antipoverty programmes
Authors: Barrientos Armando
Published: September 2011

A feature of social policy in developing countries has been the growth of programmes providing direct assistance to households in poverty. Among them, programmes providing transfers to households in extreme poverty conditional on schooling and healthcare utilisation have attracted much attention. The purpose of this article is to provide a concise discussion of the role of conditions in social assistance programmes in developing countries.
Tax credits: a close-up view
Authors: Millar Jane
Published: September 2011

Tax credits were introduced in 2003 as the main instrument to deliver the Labour government's commitments to increase work incentives, make work pay and reduce poverty levels among working families. This paper uses a case study of one family over several years to explore and illustrate the experience of being in the tax credit system. The analysis highlights the importance of tax credits to family income, but also the negative impact of late and incorrect payments, payments that varied in inexplicable ways, reductions in awards for overpayments and the lack of detailed information about awards.
Poverty, social movements and community health: the campaign for the Special Diet Allowance in Ontario
Authors: Shantz Jeff
Published: September 2011

This paper offers a discussion of a new social movement in Ontario, which organises politically around the intersection of poverty and health. It examines the day-to-day practices of the campaign and its coalition of poor people and health professionals and the implications of this grassroots movement for healthcare. It also discusses the significance of this type of ‘direct action casework’ more broadly for anti-poverty and healthcare movements in the post-welfare state context.
Evaluating community-based interventions for young people: measuring the impact of informal mentoring
Authors: Rogers Ruth
Published: September 2011

This paper emerges from a study conducted by the author into the effectiveness of a communitybased intervention scheme. The scheme, run in association with a professional football club, provided informal, personalised mentoring and a range of sports-based activities (primarily football) to young people in schools and housing estates in areas suffering from high levels of deprivation in the South of England. The interventions were intended to raise the aspirations of the young people and divert them away from crime and antisocial behaviour. While being mindful of the limitations of mentoring, this paper discusses the value of the positive male role models provided by the informal relationships between the young people and the football coaches and their role in enhancing the self-esteem and self-efficacy of the young people involved.
Strengthening government–nonprofit relations: international experiences with compacts
Authors: Casey John , Dalton Bronwen , Melville Rose , Onyx Jenny
Published: September 2011

Governments around the world have sought to strengthen their relations with nonprofit organisations. In many jurisdictions this has led to the development of written framework agreements between government and the nonprofit sector, most commonly known as compacts. They have had widely differing impacts – some are seen as successful initiatives that have significantly strengthened relations between government and nonprofits, while others have had little effect and have been quickly discarded or ignored. This paper documents the recent evolution of such processes in the UK, Canada, Australia, the US, France, Estonia and Spain, and explores the parallels between them. The narratives from these countries illustrate an emerging common discourse, but also that the peculiarties of each polity have led to significantly different substantive outcomes.
Ratio discrimination in charity fundraising: the inappropriate use of cost ratios has harmful side-effects
Authors: Steinberg Richard , Morris Debra
Published: September 2011

Managers, donors, regulators and reporters care about fundraising cost ratios (donations divided by costs) despite their many shortcomings. In this paper we discuss the unintended but harmful side effects resulting from the pressure to minimise cost ratios in the areas of compliance and regulatory costs, misleading solicitations and misled donors, inefficient generation of donations, and inefficient provision of services. We conclude with a brief discussion of alternative approaches to stemming fundraising abuses.
Caring to Change
Authors: Rosenman Mark
Published: September 2011

This paper provides an overview of Caring to Change (C2C), a project conducted by the author in collaboration with the Aspen Institute's Programme on Philanthropy and Social Innovation. The purpose of the project is to develop and promote a new grant-making rubric that might enable foundations to achieve more consequential and enduring benefits through their grant making. After discussing the project's context and methods, the paper reviews its strategy recommendations, which are grounded in a value-based vision of role-driven philanthropy in service to the common good. It concludes with a discussion of the project’s possible success.
A new age of interdependence: managing relationships between the voluntary sector and government
Authors: Crouch Gregory
Published: September 2011

The voluntary sector's engagement in policy development and public service contracting has had a major effect on its relationship with the state. This paper reports the findings from interviews with five chief executives on the subject of independence vis-à-vis government. While there is evidence to suggest that contractual funding arrangements do impose certain constraints, of greater concern are poor working relationships between commissioners and voluntary sector contractors. It is further argued that when it comes to debates around voluntary sector independence, the concept of ‘interdependence’ better conveys the new environment in which many voluntary sector organisations operate.
Community organising and the Big Society: is Saul Alinsky turning in his grave?
Authors: Taylor Marilyn
Published: September 2011

Since it was last reviewed in this journal (Alcock, 2010), the Big Society agenda has begun to assume a more concrete shape. This brief review re-examines some of the opportunities and challenges associated with the Big Society agenda in the light of more recent developments and then discusses the prospects for one of its key elements – the commitment to train 5,000 community organisers.
Chronic Disease Risks in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Forewarned Is Forearmed
Authors: Tyler Carl V , Schramm Sarah C , Karafa Matthew , Tang Anne S , Jain Anil K
Published: September 2011

An emerging, cost-effective method to examine prevalent and future health risks of persons with disabilities is electronic health record (EHR) analysis. As an example, a case-control EHR analysis of adults with autism spectrum disorder receiving primary care through the Cleveland Clinic from 2005 to 2008 identified 108 adults with autism spectrum disorder. In this cohort, rates of chronic disease included 34.9% for obesity, 31.5% for hyperlipidemia, and 19.4% for hypertension. Compared with a control cohort of patients from the same health system matched for age, sex, race, and health insurance status, adults with autism spectrum disorder were more likely to be diagnosed with hyperlipidemia (odds ratio  =  2.0, confidence interval  =  1.2–3.4, p  =  .012). Without intervention, adults with autism spectrum disorder appear to be at significant risk for developing diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer by midlife.
Genetic variants in miR-146a, miR-149, miR-196a2, miR-499 and their influence on relative expression in lung cancers
Authors: Vinci Serena , Gelmini Stefania , Pratesi Nicola , Conti Simona , Malentacchi Francesca , Simi Lisa , Pazzagli Mario , Orlando Claudio
Published: September 2011

The presence of sequence variants in miRNA genes may influence their processing, expression and binding to target mRNAs. Since single miRNA can have a large number of potential mRNA targets, even minor variations in its expression can have influences on hundreds of putative mRNAs.

Here, we evaluated 101 paired samples (cancer and normal tissues) from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients to study the genotype distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in

Relative expression of

Our results seem to demonstrate that sequence variants of
mTOR is a selective effector of the radiation therapy response in androgen receptor-positive prostate cancer
Authors: Schiewer Matthew J , Den Robert , Hoang David T , Augello Michael A , Lawrence Yaacov R , Dicker Adam P , Knudsen Karen E
Published: September 2011

Ionizing radiation (IR) is used frequently in the management of multiple tumor types, including both organ-confined and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Enhancing tumor radiosensitivity could both reduce the amount of radiation required for definitive treatment and improve clinical outcome. Androgen suppression therapy improves clinical outcomes when combined with radiation therapy but is associated with significant acute and chronic toxicities; hence, there is a clear need for alternative means to increase the therapeutic window of radiotherapy. Herein, it is demonstrated that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors rapamycin (sirolimus) and temsirolimus limit both hormone therapy (HT)-sensitive and castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) cell proliferation as single agents and have a profound radiosensitization effect when used in combination with IR. Importantly, the observed radiosensitization was influenced by the treatment schedule, in which adjuvant administration of mTOR inhibitors was most effective in limiting PCa cell population doubling. This schedule-dependent influence onin vitrotreatment outcome was determined to be the result of relative effects on the cell cycle kinetics. Finally, adjuvant administration of either mTOR inhibitor tested after IR significantly decreased clonogenic cell survival of both HT-sensitive and CRPC cells compared with IR alone. Taken together, these data demonstrate that inhibition of mTOR confers a radiosensitization phenotype that is dependent on relative cell cycle kinetics and provide a foundation for clinical assessment.
BRAFV600E mutation, TIMP-1 upregulation, and NF-κB activation: closing the loop on the papillary thyroid cancer trilogy
Authors: Bommarito Alessandra , Richiusa Pierina , Carissimi Elvira , Pizzolanti Giuseppe , Rodolico Vito , Zito Giovanni , Criscimanna Angela , Di Blasi Francesco , Pitrone Maria , Zerilli Monica , Amato Marco C , Spinelli Gaetano , Carina Valeria , Modica Giuseppe , Latteri M Adelfio , Galluzzo Aldo , Giordano Carla
Published: September 2011

BRAFV600Eis the most common mutation found in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB have been shown to play an important role in thyroid cancer. In particular, TIMP-1 binds its receptor CD63 on cell surface membrane and activates Akt signaling pathway, which is eventually responsible for its anti-apoptotic activity. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether interplay among these three factors exists and exerts a functional role in PTCs. To this purpose, 56 PTC specimens were analyzed forBRAFV600Emutation, TIMP-1 expression, and NF-κB activation. We found thatBRAFV600Emutation occurs selectively in PTC nodules and is associated with hyperactivation of NF-κB and upregulation of both TIMP-1 and its receptor CD63. To assess the functional relationship among these factors, we first silencedBRAFgene in BCPAP cells, harboringBRAFV600Emutation. We found that silencing causes a marked decrease inTIMP-1expression and NF-κB binding activity, as well as decreased invasiveness. After treatment with specific inhibitors of MAPK pathway, we found that only sorafenib was able to increase IκB-α and reduce bothTIMP-1expression and Akt phosphorylation in BCPAP cells, indicating that BRAFV600Eactivates NF-κB and this pathway is MEK-independent. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that BRAFV600Ecauses upregulation of TIMP-1 via NF-κB. TIMP-1 binds then its surface receptor CD63, leading eventually to Akt activation, which in turn confers antiapoptotic behavior and promotion of cell invasion. The recognition of this functional trilogy provides insight on how BRAFV600Edetermines cancer initiation, progression, and invasiveness in PTC, also identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of highly aggressive forms.
The skeleton: a multi-functional complex organ. The role of key signalling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and in bone resorption
Authors: Mellis David J , Itzstein Cecile , Helfrich Miep H , Crockett Julie C
Published: September 2011

Osteoclasts are the specialised cells that resorb bone matrix and are important both for the growth and shaping of bones throughout development as well as during the process of bone remodelling that occurs throughout life to maintain a healthy skeleton. Osteoclast formation, function and survival are tightly regulated by a network of signalling pathways, many of which have been identified through the study of rare monogenic diseases, knockout mouse models and animal strains carrying naturally occurring mutations in key molecules. In this review, we describe the processes of osteoclast formation, activation and function and discuss the major transcription factors and signalling pathways (including those that control the cytoskeletal rearrangements) that are important at each stage.
Interactions between mangroves and exotic Spartina in an anthropogenically disturbed estuary in southern China
Authors: Zhang Yihui , Huang Guanmin , Wang Wenqing , Chen Luzhen , Lin Guanghui
Published: September 2011

Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) was introduced to China in 1979 from the United States for reducing coastal erosion. It grows vigorously in China and has spread over much of the Chinese coast, from Leizhou Peninsula to Liaoning, a range of more than 19 degrees of latitude. On the southern coast of China, S. alterniflora has invaded mangrove‐dominated habitats during the last two decades, but little is known about interactions between native mangroves and invasive S. alterniflora.

We studied the distribution and competitive interactions between native mangroves and S. alterniflora in the Zhangjiang Estuary at four tidal sites along a salinity gradient: oligohaline upstream, mesohaline, polyhaline, and euhaline downstream. S. alterniflora occurred at all four sites, and several mangrove species occurred at all but the downstream euhaline site. S. alterniflora has invaded the estuary widely and has spread to the lower tidal margins of mangroves. It has not invaded mangrove areas with a closed canopy but has established in the mangrove zone where the canopy was opened by human disturbance.

Ramets of S. alterniflora transplanted into the understory of mangrove stands with closed canopies died within 10 weeks, but 37.5% survived and grew well on open mud flats. S. alterniflora had virtually no competitive effect on mangrove seedlings planted at the upstream oligohaline site. However, S. alterniflora competitively reduced biomass of mangrove seedlings to 33% over a period of 14 weeks at the mesohaline and polyhaline sites where human disturbance has opened the mangrove canopy. In contrast, S. alterniflora marginally facilitated growth and survival of experimental seedlings at the downstream euhaline site.

In China, mangroves occur along the coastline south of Whenzhou, but they have been severely disturbed and removed widely, mainly by mariculture activities. Natural vegetation patterns and our experimental results suggest that, without intervention, S. alterniflora could gradually replace these mangroves in mid‐salinity regions of Chinese estuaries.
Acute Kidney Injury Episodes and Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Thakar Charuhas V. , Christianson Annette , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Leonard Anthony C.
Published: September 2011

Background and objectives

Prior studies have examined long-term outcomes of a single acute kidney injury (AKI) event in hospitalized patients. We examined the effects of AKI episodes during multiple hospitalizations on the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a cohort with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A total of 4082 diabetics were followed from January 1999 until December 2008. The primary outcome was reaching stage 4 CKD (GFR of <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2). AKI during hospitalization was defined as >0.3 mg/dl or a 1.5-fold increase in creatinine relative to admission. Cox survival models examined the effect of first AKI episode and up to three episodes as time-dependent covariates, on the risk of stage 4 CKD. Covariates included demographic variables, baseline creatinine, and diagnoses of comorbidities including proteinuria.

Results

Of the 3679 patients who met eligibility criteria (mean age = 61.7 years [SD, 11.2]; mean baseline creatinine = 1.10 mg/dl [SD, 0.3]), 1822 required at least one hospitalization during the time under observation (mean = 61.2 months [SD, 25]). Five hundred thirty of 1822 patients experienced one AKI episode; 157 of 530 experienced ≥2 AKI episodes. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, any AKI versus no AKI was a risk factor for stage 4 CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 3.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.76, 4.61); each AKI episode doubled that risk (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.78, 2.30).

Conclusions

AKI episodes are associated with a cumulative risk for developing advanced CKD in diabetes mellitus, independent of other major risk factors of progression.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Isakova Tamara , Xie Huiliang , Barchi-Chung Allison , Vargas Gabriela , Sowden Nicole , Houston Jessica , Wahl Patricia , Lundquist Andrew , Epstein Michael , Smith Kelsey , Contreras Gabriel , Ortega Luis , Lenz Oliver , Briones Patricia , Egbert Phyllis , Ikizler T. Alp , Jueppner Harald , Wolf Myles
Published: September 2011

Background and objectives

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with ESRD. Before FGF23 testing can be integrated into clinical practice of ESRD, further understanding of its determinants is needed.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In a study of 67 adults undergoing peritoneal dialysis, we tested the hypothesis that longer dialysis vintage and lower residual renal function and renal phosphate clearance are associated with higher FGF23. We also compared the monthly variability of FGF23 versus parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum phosphate.

Results

In unadjusted analyses, FGF23 correlated with serum phosphate (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), residual renal function (r = −0.37, P = 0.002), dialysis vintage (r = 0.31, P = 0.01), and renal phosphate clearance (r = −0.38, P = 0.008). In adjusted analyses, absence of residual renal function and greater dialysis vintage associated with higher FGF23, independent of demographics, laboratory values, peritoneal dialysis modality and adequacy, and treatment with vitamin D analogs and phosphate binders. Urinary and dialysate FGF23 clearances were minimal. In three serial monthly measurements, within-subject variability accounted for only 10% of total FGF23 variability compared with 50% for PTH and 60% for serum phosphate.

Conclusions

Increased serum phosphate, loss of residual renal function, longer dialysis vintage, and lower renal phosphate clearance are associated with elevated FGF23 levels in ESRD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. FGF23 may be a more stable marker of phosphate metabolism in ESRD than PTH or serum phosphate.
When Financial Information Meets Religion: Charitable-giving Behavior in Taiwan
Authors: Su Hiewu , Chou Tungshan , Osborne Peter G.
Published: September 2011

The effects of religiosity and financial information on charitable-giving behavior were juxtaposed for examination along with other demographic variables in this study. We adopted a survey research design in which 410 adults formed the sample representing people from across Taiwan who
were Christians and Buddhists, people who believed in a folk religion, and people who had no religious beliefs. The results indicate that although charitable giving may reasonably be viewed, according to theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991), as a rational behavior, it is influenced much
more by religiosity than by financial information. Type of religious belief moderates the effect of religion on both the decision to give and the amount to give, with the strongest positive relationship found for those professing the Christian faith.