bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New challenges for leadership and accountability in local public services in England
Authors: Crowe Jessica
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Increasing diversity in public service provision brings potential benefits around choice and innovation, but could also blur lines of accountability and create weak governance. The purpose of this paper is to provide a new approach to accountability, to help leaders develop effective network governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a summative review of previous thinking about good governance and presents the new concept of a “web of accountability”. It examines four potential typologies of public service delivery and considers potential governance models and the accountability issues for leaders that arise in each one. The theory and challenge of securing democratic anchorage is used as a framework against which to test each model.

Findings

The paper finds that all the potential typologies considered raise different questions for local leaders about accountability and good governance. None perfectly secures democratic anchorage when considered against the four criteria which help to anchor network governance in a democratic society, but they all have different strengths in terms of accountability, transparency, involvement and scrutiny.

Practical implications

The paper offers a new practical tool, the Accountability Works for You framework, as one way of assessing governance arrangements and developing a locally‐owned approach to accountability.

Originality/value

The paper uses original research and the unique concept of the “web of accountability” developed by the author's organisation, the Centre for Public Scrutiny. Accountability Works for You is a new framework available for public sector leaders. It emphasises culture and behaviours (“software”) over process and structure (“hardware”) in thinking about governance.
Unmet needs and antisocial personality disorder among Black African and Caribbean service users with severe mental illness
Authors: Gwaspari Mischa , Hochhauser Sanita , Bruce Matt
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The main objective of the study is to investigate unmet needs of Black African and Caribbean Heritage (BAH) patients with and without a concurrent diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 79 participants were recruited from ten psychiatric inpatient wards across two hospital sites in South London. Personality disorder was assessed using the SCID‐II for DSM‐IV, the prevalence of unmet needs was assessed by The Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Assessment Schedule and substance misuse problems measured using well validated drug and alcohol use disorder identification tools.

Findings

The presence of a concurrent ASPD was independently associated with a greater number of unmet needs. ASPD was associated with lower qualifications and a greater risk of homelessness and substance misuse. Unmet need was associated with lower qualifications and substance misuse. In a stepwise linear regression model alcohol dependence and drug misuse were the most significant predictors of unmet need.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to identify the reasons why these needs are not being met and establish reasons for these patients' high‐dropout rates from treatment.

Practical implications

The present findings suggest BAH psychiatric inpatients with ASPD are at greater risk of alcohol dependence and drug misuse and report a greater number of unmet needs thus requiring a greater volume of services; however, current services are not meeting these needs. Mental health teams should ensure thorough needs assessment procedures are incorporated into general psychiatric service practice ensuring effective treatment packages are tailored to these patients needs.

Originality/value

The research identifies a previously under‐researched sub‐group of psychiatric inpatients with a high proportion of unmet health and social needs and suggests further research to develop service improvements supporting their management.
International comparisons of bank regulation, liberalization, and banking crises
Authors: Amri Puspa , Angkinand Apanard P. , Wihlborg Clas
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The recurrence of banking crises throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and in the more recent 2008‐09 global financial crisis, has led to an expanding empirical literature on crisis explanation and prediction. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical review of proxies for and important determinants of banking crises‐credit growth, financial liberalization, bank regulation and supervision.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveys the banking crisis literature by comparing proxies for and measures of banking crises and policy‐related variables in the literature. Advantages and disadvantages of different proxies are discussed.

Findings

Disagreements about determinants of banking crises are in part explained by the difference in the chosen proxies used in empirical models. The usefulness of different proxies depends partly on constraints in terms of time and country coverage but also on what particular policy question is asked.

Originality/value

The study offers a comprehensive analysis of measurements of banking crises, credit growth, financial liberalization and banking regulations and concludes with an assessment of existing proxies and databases. Since, the review points to the choice of proxies that best fit specific research objectives, it should serve as a reference point for empirical researchers in the banking crisis area.
Tectonic History and Gondwanan Geopolitics in the Larsemann Hills, Antarctica
Authors: O’Reilly Jessica
Published: November 2011

At the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, an Indian delegate proposed a new research base located within an environmental protection area, because it is where India and Antarctica were connected on the 125‐million‐year‐old continent of Gondwana. How did this claim come to be successful for the Indian Antarctic Program? In the production of documents within international governing bodies, policy makers enroll allies, emphasizing particular aspects of their plans to members of diverse epistemic communities. Instead of trying to make nationally oriented ideas work through uniform procedural rules, international policy makers reshape the contours of acceptable policy‐making procedure and the political possibilities of international governance.
The Peril and Promise of Noodles and Beer: Condemnation of patronage and hybrid political frameworks in “post‐neoliberal” Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: Shakow Miriam
Published: November 2011

In this article, I analyze Bolivians’ public condemnations of patronage—the buying of political support with jobs or favors—over the past decade. The rise of indigenous and leftist governments in Latin America has led many to hope for a transition from neoliberalism. In Bolivia, the new Morales government has promised to effect this transition in part by rooting out clientelismo and peguismo (patronage job seeking), long a mainstay of Bolivian politics. I argue, however, that at the level of everyday practice, Bolivians engage hybrid ideals—of patronage, populism, state capitalism, liberalism, and left‐indigenist democracy. Focusing on debates over patronage in the central Bolivian Cochabamba region, I show that most people who denounced patronage were unable to avoid others’ counterdenunciations that they were buscapegas (patronage seekers). Furthermore, while residents of Sacaba often expressed a yearning for ideological purity by denouncing patronage, they also used the language of patron–client reciprocity to assert demands for radical democracy.
Regulation of coronary venular barrier function by blood borne inflammatory mediators and pharmacological tools: insights from novel microvascular wall models
Authors: Juchem Gerd , Weiss Dominik R. , Knott Maria , Senftl Anton , Förch Stefan , Fischlein Theodor , Kreuzer Eckart , Reichart Bruno , Laufer Stefan , Nees Stephan
Published: November 2011

We hypothesized that postcapillary venules play a central role in the control of the tightness of the coronary system as a whole, particularly under inflammatory conditions. Sandwich cultures of endothelial cells and pericytes of precapillary arteriolar or postcapillary venular origin from human myocardium as models of the respective vascular walls (sandwich cultures of precapillary arteriolar or postcapillary venular origin) were exposed to thrombin and components of the acutely activatable inflammatory system, and their hydraulic conductivity ( LP) was registered. LPof SC-PAO remained low under all conditions (3.24 ± 0.52·10−8cm·s−1·cmH2O−1). In contrast, in the venular wall model, PGE2, platelet-activating factor (PAF), leukotriene B4(LTB4), IL-6, and IL-8 induced a prompt, concentration-dependent, up to 10-fold increase in LPwith synergistic support when combined. PAF and LTB4released by metabolically cooperating platelets, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) caused selectively venular endothelial cells to contract and to open their clefts widely. This breakdown of the barrier function was preventable and even reversible within 6–8 h by the presence of 50 μM quercetin glucuronide (QG). LTB4synthesis was facilitated by biochemical involvement of erythrocytes. Platelets segregated in the arterioles and PMNs in the venules of blood-perfused human myocardium (histological studies on donor hearts refused for heart transplantation). Extrapolating these findings to the coronary microcirculation in vivo would imply that the latter's complex functionality after accumulation of blood borne inflammatory mediators can change rapidly due to selective breakdown of the postcapillary venular barrier. The resulting inflammatory edema and venulo-thrombosis will severely impair myocardial performance. The protection afforded by QG could be of particular relevance in the context of cardiosurgical intervention.
Putting the horse before the cart: a pragmatist analysis of knowledge
Authors: Augusto Luís M.
Published: November 2011

The definition of knowledge as justified true belief is the best we presently have. However, the canonical tripartite analysis of knowledge does not do justice to it due to a Platonic conception of a priori truth that puts the cart before the horse. Within a pragmatic approach, I argue that by doing away with a priori truth, namely by submitting truth to justification, and by accordingly altering the canonical analysis of knowledge, this is a fruitful definition. So fruitful indeed that it renders the Gettier counterexamples vacuous, allowing positive work in epistemology and related disciplines.
Continuidades y cambios en las opiniones y actitudes de los profesores de secundaria de Argentina en el período 2000-2010
Authors: Bottinelli Leandro
Published: November 2011

El nivel de enseñanza secundario en Argentina está atravesando un período de debates y transformaciones. Sus profesores no están ajenos a este proceso. Mediante dos encuestas de alcance nacional realizadas en los años 2000 y 2010 se estudiaron los cambios en sus opiniones y actitudes frente a temas tan diversos como los problemas pedagógicos, las aspiraciones profesionales y las percepciones de su condición social, entre otros. Los resultados dan cuenta de una subjetividad docente que también se halla en proceso de transformación.
Efeito do soro de cadela em estro na maturação in vitro de ovócitos caninos
Authors: Goretti C.A.N , Costa E.P , Paula T.A.R , Macedo G.G , Santos G.M , Almeida Neto J.R.M , Pereira E.C.M
Published: November 2011

Avaliou-se o efeito do soro de cadela em estro na maturação in vitro de ovócitos caninos, utilizando-se 92 ovócitos de cadelas, submetidas à cirurgia eletiva de ovarioisterectomia. Os ovócitos foram selecionados e distribuídos em dois tratamentos: T1 (n = 48), ovócitos cultivados in vitro durante 96 horas utilizando meio base - TCM199 + 5µg/mL de LH + 20µg/mL de FSH - mais 10% de soro inativado de vaca em estro e T2 (n = 44), ovócitos cultivados em meio base mais 10% de soro inativado de cadela em estro. O percentual de ovócitos observados em metáfase I não indicou diferenças (P>0,05) entre T1 (2,1%) e T2 (0,0%), porém a taxa de ovócitos maduros (metáfase II) foi diferente (P<0,05), sendo 27,1% em T1 e 47,7% em T2. O mesmo fato ocorreu com a taxa de cromatina condensada (P<0,01), com 14,6 e 0,0%, respectivamente. Nos ovócitos sem configuração cromossômica, não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05), sendo 56,3% em T1 e 52,3% em T2. Estes resultados indicam que a adição de soro de cadela em estro no meio de cultivo oferece melhores condições para o desenvolvimento in vitro, quando comparado à de soro de vaca em estro.
Transplante de glândulas salivares menores no tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite seca em cães
Authors: Angélico G.T , Ranzani J.J.T , Brandão C.V.S , Schellini S.A , Padovani C.R , Sereno M.G , Cremonini D.N
Published: November 2011

Relatou-se o efeito do transplante de glândulas salivares menores (TGSM) em cães portadores de ceratoconjuntivite seca (CCS) e estudaram-se os efeitos da secreção dessas glândulas usadas como alternativa de lubrificação ocular. A aplicação da técnica foi satisfatória, uma vez que resultou em melhora no quadro clínico oftalmológico sem que houvesse mínimas intercorrências pós-operatórias.
Surgical procedures used for post-traumatic neurogenic bladder in a cat: report case
Authors: Pavan P.T , Rossetto V.J.V , Rahal S.C , Vulcano L.C , Trindade Filho J.C.S
Published: November 2011

A 1-year-old castrated crossbred male cat was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of urinary retention associated with a subluxation at T12-T13 caused by a car accident. Urethral sphincter denervation by transection of hypogastric and pudendal nerves was performed to allow bladder emptying, but after three months post operation the cat had a urinary retention recurrence. Endoscopic urethral sphincterotomy was done resulting in urinary incontinence for four months.
Técnicas radiográficas intra e extrabucal na avaliação dentária de cães com doença periodontal
Authors: Leite C.A.L , Assis L.S , Araújo I.M.G , Sampaio G.R , Guimarães P.T.C , Borelli A.J
Published: November 2011

Foram avaliadas as técnicas radiográficas dentárias intra (TIB) e extrabucal (TEB) em 50 cães com doença periodontal, no intuito de padronizar os procedimentos de diagnóstico dessa síndrome. A TIB revelou que 16 animais não apresentaram lesões ósseas visíveis, enquanto a TEB apontou que 39 pacientes foram negativos para as mesmas lesões. Em resumo, a TIB foi mais eficaz na detecção de sinais radiográficos, especialmente as chamadas lesões finas, que a TEB, sendo a técnica de escolha na síndrome periodontal.
Avaliação funcional de monócitos de bovinos naturalmente infectados pelo vírus da leucose bovina
Authors: Azedo M.R , Blagitz M.G , Souza F.N , Benesi F.J , Della Libera A.M.M.P
Published: November 2011

Para a avaliação funcional de monócitos de bovinos infectados pelo vírus da leucose enzoótica bovina (LEB), foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 10 vacas com sorodiagnóstico negativo (SN), 10 com sorodiagnóstico positivo e que manifestavam linfocitose persistente (LP), e 10 com sorodiagnóstico positivo alinfocitóticas (AL). Os monócitos foram separados por gradiente de densidade e aderência em placa, submetidos aos testes de viabilidade por exclusão do azul de tripan, fagocitose de partículas de Zymosan, espraiamento em lamínula de vidro e quantificação da liberação de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) e de óxido nítrico (ON). Monócitos de animais com LP apresentaram os menores índices de viabilidade (P<0,001), de fagocitose (P<0,001) e de espraiamento (P=0,006). Também apresentaram maior produção de H2O2 sem prévio estímulo (P=0,001) e após estímulo in vitro com 12-miristato 13-acetato de forbol (P=0,006) do que monócitos de animais SN e AL. O aumento da produção de H2O2 proporcionado pelo estímulo foi menor (P=0,015) nos monócitos de fêmeas que manifestaram LP. Não houve diferença na produção de ON pelos monócitos segundo os grupos. Os resultados indicam que o vírus da LEB, apesar de infectar linfócitos B, altera funcionalmente os monócitos circulantes em bovinos que manifestam LP.
Estudo fatorial confirmatório e da consistência interna do inventário do treino técnico-desportivo do tenista (ITTT-12)
Authors: Balbinotti Marcos Alencar Abaide , Balbinotti Carlos Alencar Abaide , Marques Antonio Teixeira , Gaya Adroaldo Cezar Araújo
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste estudo é testar o modelo bidimensional - Golpes de Preparação (GP) e Golpes de Definição (GD) - avaliado pelo Inventário do Treino Técnico-desportivo do Tenista (ITTT-12), através dos princípios métricos da análise fatorial confirmatória e da consistência interna. Para tanto, foi utilizado uma amostra de 432 jovens tenistas brasileiros, de ambos os sexos e com idades variando de 13 a 16 anos. Os resultados das análises fatoriais confirmatórias (GFI = 0,882; AGFI = 0,865; X²/gl = 1,44; RMS = 0,061) permitiram concluir que o modelo testado confirmou a existência de duas dimensões (GP e GD). Os resultados do estudo da consistência interna, pelo viés do cálculo Alpha de Cronbach (0,81 para ambas as dimensões), asseguraram a precisão do modelo testado. Novos estudos devem verificar outras propriedades métricas deste instrumento (validade preditiva e fidedignidade teste-reteste, entre outras), bem como testar a evolução do treino técnico-desportivo de tenistas.
O significado do ensino por telefone sobre a insulina para pessoas com diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Landim Camila Aparecida Pinheiro , Teixeira Carla Regina de Souza , Citro Raquel , Travagim Darlene Suellen Antero , Becker Tânia Alves Canata , Balaminu Talita , Carvalho Emília Campos de
Published: November 2011

Objetivou-se identificar o significado do acompanhamento por telefone sobre o processo de preparo e aplicação de insulina para pessoas com diabetes Mellitus (DM). Estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, com 26 pessoas com DM tipo 2 em uso de insulina, participantes de um programa brasileiro de automonitorização da glicemia capilar no domicílio que emprega o uso do telefone como estratégia de enfermagem. Utilizou-se entrevista dirigida, em único contato telefônico, com questões fundamentadas na Teoria Representacional de Significado de Ogden Richards. O significado obtido conteve aspectos relacionados ao processo ensino-aprendizagem e à ajuda percebida pela estratégia (símbolo), elementos relacionados ao manuseio da insulina (referente) e o reconhecimento do acompanhamento por telefone como comodidade, tranquilidade, atenção e tempo para o esclarecimento de dúvidas (pensamento). Considera-se esta estratégia adequada para orientação de pessoas com DM em uso de insulina.
Direct manufacturing of net-shape functional components/test-pieces for aerospace, automotive, and other applications
Authors: Xue Lijue , Li Yangsheng , Wang Shaodong
Published: November 2011

Laser consolidation (LC) is a novel computer-aided manufacturing process being developed by the Industrial Materials Institute of National Research Council of Canada (NRC-IMI). This rapid manufacturing process produces net-shape functional metallic parts layer-by-layer directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) model by using a laser beam to melt the injected powder and resolidifying it on the substrate or previous layer. As an alternative to the conventional machining process, this novel manufacturing process builds net-shape functional parts or features on an existing part by adding instead of removing materials. In this paper, laser consolidation of various high performance materials (such as Ni-alloys, tool steels, etc.) will be demonstrated to manufacture functional components or test-pieces (such as shell-based mold inserts, impeller, intersected multihexagon tube, goblet shape, etc.) for potential aerospace, automotive, and other applications. In the paper, dimensional accuracy of various laser-consolidated test-pieces will be measured and compared with CAD models. In addition, an example will be given on laser consolidation to build complex cold spray nozzles that are difficult to make otherwise and significantly improve the performance.
Probation Sentences and Proportionality under the Young Offenders Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
Authors: Pulis Jessica , Sprott Jane
Published: November 2011

This study investigates whether judges attempt to craft proportionate probation sentences under the Young Offenders Act (YOA) and the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). Using two samples of probation cases - one disposed of under the YOA and the other disposed of under the YCJA - the effect of the offence on probation sentence length was investigated. The results suggest that youth court judges are more influenced by the nature of the most serious offence in the case under the YCJA than they were under the YOA. This could be seen as preliminary evidence of the effect of s. 38(2)(c) of the YCJA, which directs judges to craft sentences that are proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and the degree of responsibility of the offender.
Gestion des risques, lutte contre le terrorisme
Authors: Galland Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2011

Si l'on passe en revue un certain nombre des caractéristiques actuelles de la gestion des risques (naturels, industriels, sanitaires, etc.) dans les pays industrialisés, et que l'on cherche à y déceler des techniques ou pistes de réflexion susceptibles d'ětre utilement transposées dans le domaine de la lutte contre le terrorisme, on est amené à emprunter plusieurs pistes différentes. L'une mène plutôt à un constat d'incompatibilité : la << démocratisation technique >> en cours en matière de gestion des risques, en Europe tout au moins, c'est-à-dire la tendance croissante à l'information, voire à l'implication des usagers, citoyens, ou des populations concernées sur ces questions, s'accommode mal de la propension à la rétention d'informations << à risques >> propres à la lutte antiterroriste. Mais, d'un autre côté, les recherches peuvent sans doute ětre transposées vers la lutte antiterroriste : notamment, les recherches menées sur les difficultés à collationner et ordonner les bases de données d'incidents en vue d'une meilleure prévention des catastrophes; sur les interrogations actuelles concernant l'usage des << retours d'expériences >> dans les systèmes << ultrasûrs >> (nucléaire, aviation); ou celles sur les travaux menés sur la << fiabilité organisationnelle >>. Enfin, les tenants de la posture singulière du << catastrophisme éclairé >> envisagent simultanément les deux domaines.
Discouraging Verification: Citation Practices across the Disciplines
Authors: Henige David
Published: November 2011

The purpose of reference notes in scholarly writing is to provide readers with the opportunity to learn more about an issue or to test an author's credibility. As such, they need to include whatever details are necessary to ensure that access be maximally efficient. These data should always include page numbers for both quotes and close paraphrases. Unfortunately, this practice is remarkably uncommon in the sciences and even the social sciences. Failure to include these data is also a failure of good epistemological practice.
A triplet spike-timing–dependent plasticity model generalizes the Bienenstock–Cooper–Munro rule to higher-order spatiotemporal correlations
Authors: Gjorgjieva Julijana , Clopath Claudia , Audet Juliette , Pfister Jean-Pascal
Published: November 2011

Synaptic strength depresses for low and potentiates for high activation of the postsynaptic neuron. This feature is a key property of the Bienenstock–Cooper–Munro (BCM) synaptic learning rule, which has been shown to maximize the selectivity of the postsynaptic neuron, and thereby offers a possible explanation for experience-dependent cortical plasticity such as orientation selectivity. However, the BCM framework is rate-based and a significant amount of recent work has shown that synaptic plasticity also depends on the precise timing of presynaptic and postsynaptic spikes. Here we consider a triplet model of spike-timing–dependent plasticity (STDP) that depends on the interactions of three precisely timed spikes. Triplet STDP has been shown to describe plasticity experiments that the classical STDP rule, based on pairs of spikes, has failed to capture. In the case of rate-based patterns, we show a tight correspondence between the triplet STDP rule and the BCM rule. We analytically demonstrate the selectivity property of the triplet STDP rule for orthogonal inputs and perform numerical simulations for nonorthogonal inputs. Moreover, in contrast to BCM, we show that triplet STDP can also induce selectivity for input patterns consisting of higher-order spatiotemporal correlations, which exist in natural stimuli and have been measured in the brain. We show that this sensitivity to higher-order correlations can be used to develop direction and speed selectivity.
Overlapping Photoprotective Function of Vitamin E and Carotenoids inChlamydomonas
Authors: Li Zhirong , Keasling Jay D. , Niyogi Krishna K.
Published: November 2011

Tocopherols (vitamin E) and carotenoids are the two most abundant groups of lipid-soluble antioxidants in the chloroplast. Carotenoids are well known for their roles in protecting against photooxidative stress, whereas the photoprotective functions of tocopherols have only recently been examined experimentally. In addition, little is known about the functional overlap of carotenoids and tocopherols in vivo. To investigate this possible overlap, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains were engineered to overproduce tocopherols by chloroplast transformation with non-codon-optimized and codon-optimized versions of the homogentisate phytyltransferase vitamin E2 (VTE2) from Synechocystis and by nuclear transformation with VTE2 from C. reinhardtii, which resulted in 1.6-fold, 5-fold to 10-fold, and more than 10-fold increases in total tocopherol content, respectively. To test if tocopherol overproduction can compensate for carotenoid deficiency in terms of antioxidant function, the nuclear VTE2 gene from C. reinhardtii was overexpressed in the npq1 lor1 double mutant, which lacks zeaxanthin and lutein. Following transfer to high light, the npq1 lor1 strains that overaccumulated tocopherols showed increased resistance for up to 2 d and higher efficiency of photosystem II, and they were also much more resistant to other oxidative stresses. These results suggest an overlapping functions of tocopherols and carotenoids in protection against photooxidative stress.
The role of micronutrients in healthy ageing
Authors: Ruxton Carrie
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential role of micronutrients and omega‐3 fatty acids in promoting healthier ageing.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted using Medline and key words relevant to ageing, nutritional status, nutrient intake and disease risk. Data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) were used to determine micronutrient adequacy.

Findings

The NDNS showed that intakes of vitamin A, B2, B6, folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iodine fell below recommended levels for groups of older people. Vitamins and mineral supplements may improve nutritional status, lower the risk of deficiency, and impact favourably on disease markers.

Practical implications

The evidence suggests that dietary interventions and supplementation may become increasingly important in maintaining health and quality of life in older people.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the positive role of nutrition in healthy ageing.
Point of no return? Fair use on trial
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This article seeks to discuss the implications of the Cambridge University Press et al. lawsuit filed against Georgia State University.

Design/methodology/approach

The article concerns itself with the root causes of the lawsuit, and the bizarre nature of producers suing a member of their primary clientele.

Findings

The article does not offer an opinion on which party should or will prevail, but instead focuses on the growing divide between publishers and academia, which seems headed for a showdown.

Originality/value

The article offers another perspective on the pending lawsuit, which has the potential to define fair use in a quantifiable way.
Knowledge management as a method for supporting digital library projects
Authors: Cervone H. Frank
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define and describe a low‐barrier method of implementing knowledge management as a mechanism for supporting digital library projects and processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides a general overview of knowledge management and some low‐barrier methods for implementing a knowledge exchange program in a library.

Findings

Knowledge management (KM) is a useful tool for facilitating projects and processes in the digital library. By implementing a knowledge management program using familiar tools and in an incremental fashion, a library can gain the benefits of a KM program in an orderly and non‐disruptive manner.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by providing an overview of knowledge management and its role in digital library management.
Leadership in higher education: some lessons from other sectors
Authors: Wooldridge Ewart
Published: November 2011

Purpose

There is a tendency in every sector to argue that its culture and leadership issues are unique, and that concepts and processes for leadership development do not travel well across sector boundaries. Higher education (HE) is well known for adopting this point of view. Drawing from the author's own experience of working in many parts of the private, public and third sectors, the purpose of this paper is to unpack that paradox and suggest some important lessons and practices that can survive the transition across these boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The examples of such practices are drawn from the worlds of broadcasting, the arts, education, local and central government. They include embracing the “tight/loose” tension conceived by Charles Handy, the conceptualisation of the customer experience in a way that can engage HE staff and the vital contribution that universities can make to the “leadership of place”.

Findings

The author has found three general concepts of leadership, which seem particularly relevant to the challenges facing UK HE today. Agility – the ability to embrace new business models, new organisational relationships and new technological opportunities whilst holding on to the core purpose of HE. Distinctiveness – seeking through institutional dialogue a shared understanding of difference, either as a single institution or as part of a unique cluster of universities. Alignment – finding the optimal meeting point between top‐down institutional goals and the traditional bottom‐up collegial culture.

Originality/value

This paper provides an opportunity to reflect on development programmes run by the Leadership Foundation, and to test them against the wider context of public service leadership development.
The effect of perceived external prestige on Greek public employees' organizational identification
Authors: Gkorezis Panagiotis , Mylonas Naoum , Petridou Eugenia
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of perceived external prestige (PEP) on organizational identification in the context of a Greek public organization and to address the moderating role of gender in the relationship between PEP and organizational identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from a sample of 159 employees working in Citizens Service Centers. Analysis was conducted using moderated hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

PEP is positively related with organizational identification (β=0.33, p<0.001). The influence of the interaction of PEP and gender on organizational identification is also supported (β=−0.29 p<0.05). In particular, the effect of PEP on organizational identification was stronger for men.

Research limitations/implications

Limited inference to other private and public organizations because data are based on one public organization. The cross‐sectional analysis of the data cannot directly assess causality.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the moderating role of gender in the relationship between PEP and organizational identification.
Higher free thyroxine levels are associated with frailty in older men: the Health In Men Study
Authors: Yeap Bu B. , Alfonso Helman , Paul Chubb Stephen A. , Walsh John P. , Hankey Graeme J. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Flicker Leon
Published: November 2011

Objective  Frailty is common in the elderly and predisposes to ill‐health. Some symptoms of frailty overlap those of thyroid dysfunction, but it is unclear whether differences in thyroid status influence risk of frailty. We evaluated associations between thyroid status and frailty in older men.

Design  Cross‐sectional epidemiological study.

Participants  Community‐dwelling men aged 70–89 years.

Measurements  Circulating thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were assayed. Frailty was assessed as ≥3 of the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses and Loss (FRAIL) scale’s 5 domains: fatigue; resistance (difficulty climbing flight of stairs); ambulation (difficulty walking 100 m); illness (>5); or weight loss (>5%), blinded to hormone results.

Results  Of 3943 men, 27 had subclinical hyperthyroidism, 431 subclinical hypothyroidism and 608 were classified as being frail (15·4%). There was an inverse log‐linear association of TSH with FT4. There was no association between TSH and frailty. After adjusting for covariates, men with FT4 in the highest two quartiles had increased odds of being frail (Q3:Q1, odds ratio [OR] = 1·32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1·01–1·73 and Q4:Q1, OR = 1·36, 95% CI = 1·04–1·79, P = 0·010 for trend). Higher FT4 was associated with fatigue (P = 0·038) and weight loss (P < 0·001). The association between FT4 and frailty remained significant when the analysis was restricted to euthyroid men.

Conclusions  High‐normal FT4 level is an independent predictor of frailty among ageing men. This suggests that even within the euthyroid range, circulating thyroxine may contribute to reduced physical capability. Further studies are needed to clarify the utility of thyroid function testing and the feasibility of preventing or reversing frailty in older men.
CD73 protects kidney from ischemia‐reperfusion injury through reduction of free radicals
Authors: JIAN RONGRONG , SUN YONG , WANG YINGJIAN , YU JERRY , ZHONG LINGLING , ZHOU PING
Published: November 2011

Jian R, Sun Y, Wang Y, Yu J, Zhong L, Zhou P. CD73 protects kidney from ischemia‐reperfusion injury through reduction of free radicals. APMIS 2011.

Renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) may cause severe systemic diseases. Extracellular adenosine is anti‐inflammatory especially during hypoxemia. As ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) is the rate‐limiting enzyme for extracellular adenosine generation, it may protect renal IRI through adenosine production. In the current studies, we investigated the effects of CD73 in genetically modified mice. We found that renal IRI caused more serious histological injury, vascular permeability, and lipid peroxidation in CD73−/− than that in CD73+/+ mice. In addition, AMP and free radical concentrations were much higher in CD73−/− than that in CD73+/+ mice. Our data support the fact that CD73 may protect the kidney from IRI through adenosine production and a reduction of free radicals.
Sex differences in newborn interaction with mother or father during skin‐to‐skin contact after Caesarean section
Authors: Velandia Marianne , Uvnäs‐Moberg Kerstin , Nissen Eva
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To investigate differences between the breast‐seeking and crying behaviour of girls and boys in skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) with their mother or their father after Caesarean section as well as the point‐in‐time for the first breastfeeding and to compare mothers’ and fathers’ interactive behaviour with their newborn girl or boy.

Methods:  Twenty girls and 17 boys were randomized to 25 min of SSC with one or the other parent immediately after birth. The interaction was videotaped.

Results:  Girls started rooting movements earlier than boys in SSC with either parent (p = 0.027). Infants started to breastfeed significantly earlier if having been in SSC with mothers compared with SSC with fathers during the first 5–30 min (p = 0.018). Girls cried more than boys in SSC with either parent (p = 0.02). Mothers used more touching behaviour towards their newborn infant than fathers (p = 0.001). Mothers touched girls less than boys (p = 0.038). Fathers directed less speech towards girls compared with boys (p = 0.042).

Conclusion:  Early mother–infant SSC immediately after Caesarean section should be promoted until the occurrence of the first breastfeed. If the mother is unable to provide SSC immediately after birth, the father–infant SSC is a valuable alternative because it enhances paternal interaction.
Removal Effects on Nectar Production in Bat‐pollinated Flowers of the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Bobrowiec Paulo Estefano D. , Oliveira Paulo E.
Published: November 2011

We tested the removal effect on nectar production in four bat‐pollinated cerrado flowers. We compared the amount of nectar after 7–12 removals with the accumulated nectar in non‐manipulated flowers after 12 h. In all, but one species, removals increased volume by 1.5–4.6 times and sugar content by 1.6–4 times, which may affect flower visitation by bats, pollen flow, and reproduction.

Abstract in Portuguese is available in the online version of this article.
Involvement of cyclo‐oxygenase‐1‐mediated prostacyclin synthesis in the vasoconstrictor activity evoked by ACh in mouse arteries
Authors: Liu Bin , Luo Wenhong , Zhang Yingzhan , Li Hui , Zhu Ningxia , Huang Dongyang , Zhou Yingbi
Published: November 2011

This study was to determine whether the endothelium of mouse major arteries produces prostacyclin (PGI2) and, if so, to determine how PGI2 affects vasomotor reactivity and whether cyclo‐oxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) contributes to PGI2 synthesis. Abdominal aortas, carotid and femoral arteries were isolated from wild‐type mice and/or those with COX‐1 or ‐2 deficiency (COX‐1−/−; COX‐2−/−) for biochemical and/or functional analyses. The PGI2 metabolite 6‐keto‐PGF1α was analysed with high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy, while vasoreactivity was determined with isometric force measurement. Results showed that in the abdominal aorta, ACh evoked endothelium‐dependent production of 6‐keto‐PGF1α, which was abolished by COX‐1−/−, but not by COX‐2−/−. Interestingly, COX‐1−/− enhanced the dilatation in response to ACh, while PGI2, which evoked relaxation of the mesenteric artery, caused contraction that was abolished by antagonizing thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptors in the abdominal aorta. However, the TP receptor agonist U46619 evoked similar contractions in the abdominal aorta and mesenteric artery. Also, antagonizing TP receptors enhanced the relaxation in response to PGI2 in mesenteric arteries. Real‐time PCR showed that the PGI2 (IP) receptor mRNA level was lower in the abdominal aorta than in mesenteric arteries. In addition, COX‐1−/− not only abolished the contraction in response to ACh following NO inhibition in abdominal aorta, but also those in the carotid and femoral arteries. These results demonstrate an explicit role for endothelial COX‐1 in PGI2 synthesis and suggest that in given mouse arteries, PGI2 mediates not dilatation but rather vasoconstrictor activity, possibly due to a low expression or functional presence of IP receptors, which enables PGI2 to act mainly on TP receptors.
Colonization Kinetics of Different Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Types in Pigs and Host Susceptibilities
Authors: Szabó István , Beck Britta , Friese Anika , Fetsch Alexandra , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois , Roesler Uwe
Published: November 2011

In this study we investigated the kinetics of colonization, the host susceptibility and transmissibility of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) after nasal treatment of pigs with three different MRSA strains of distinctive clonal lineages (sequence type 398 [ST398], ST8, and ST9), and origin in weaning piglets. The colonization dose of 5.0 × 10
8
CFU/animal was determined in preliminary animal studies. A total of 57 piglets were randomly divided into four test groups and one control group. Each of three test groups was inoculated intranasally with either MRSA ST8, MRSA ST9, or MRSA ST398. The fourth group was a mixture of animals inoculated with MRSA ST398 and noninoculated “sentinel” animals. Clinical signs, the nasal, conjunctival, and skin colonization of MRSA, fecal excretion, and organ distribution of MRSA, as well as different environmental samples were examined. After nasal inoculation with MRSA piglets of all four test groups showed no clinical signs of an MRSA infection. MRSA was present on the nasal mucosa, skin, and conjunctiva in all four test groups, including sentinel animals. Likewise, fecal excretion and internal colonization of MRSA ST8, ST9, and ST398 could be shown in each group. However, fecal excretion and the colonization rate of the nasal mucosa with MRSA ST9 were significantly lower in the first days after infection than in test groups infected with ST8 and ST398. The results of this study suggest differences in colonization potential of the different MRSA types in pigs. Furthermore, colonization of lymph nodes (e.g., the ileocecal lymph node) with MRSA of the clonal lineage ST398 was demonstrated.
Controlled Gene Expression in Bifidobacteria by Use of a Bile-Responsive Element
Authors: Ruiz Lorena , Álvarez-Martín Pablo , Mayo Baltasar , de los Reyes-Gavilán Clara G. , Gueimonde Miguel , Margolles Abelardo
Published: November 2011

The promoter activity of the upstream region of the bile-inducible gene
betA
from
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
longum
NCC2705 was characterized. DNA fragments were cloned into the reporter vector pMDYAbfB, and the arabinofuranosidase activity was determined under different
in vitro
conditions. A segment of 469 bp was found to be the smallest operational unit that retains bile inducibility. The reporter activity was strongly affected by the presence of ox gall, cholate, and conjugated cholate, but not by other bile salts and cell-surface-acting compounds. Remarkably, this bile-inducible system was also active in other bifidobacteria containing
betA
homologs.
Newly Identified Genetic Variations in Common Escherichia coli MG1655 Stock Cultures
Authors: Freddolino Lydia , Amini Sasan , Tavazoie Saeed
Published: November 2011

We have recently identified seven mutations in commonly used stocks of the sequenced
Escherichia coli
strain MG1655 which do not appear in the reference sequence. The mutations are likely to cause loss of function of the
glpR
and
crl
genes, which may have serious implications for physiological experiments using the affected strains.
Involvement of the Global Crp Regulator in Cyclic AMP-Dependent Utilization of Aromatic Amino Acids by Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Herrera M. Carmen , Daddaoua Abdelali , Fernández-Escamilla Ana , Ramos Juan-Luis
Published: November 2011

The
phhAB
operon encodes a phenylalanine hydroxylase involved in the conversion of
l
-phenylalanine into
l
-tyrosine in
Pseudomonas putida
. The
phhAB
promoter is transcribed by RNA polymerase sigma-70 and is unusual in that the specific regulator PhhR acts as an enhancer protein that binds to two distant upstream sites (−75 to −92 and −132 to −149). There is an integration host factor (IHF) binding site that overlaps the proximal PhhR box, and, consequently, IHF acts as an inhibitor of transcription. Use of
l
-phenylalanine is compromised in a
crp
-deficient background due to reduced expression from the
phhAB
promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting assays reveal that Crp binds at a site centered at −109 only in the presence of cyclic AMP (cAMP). We show, using circular permutation analysis, that the simultaneous binding of Crp/cAMP and PhhR bends DNA to bring positive regulators and RNA polymerase into close proximity. This nucleoprotein complex promotes transcription from
phhA
only in response to
l
-phenylalanine.
La escuela media en su límite. Diferencias y continuidades en las configuraciones nacionales de la región: los casos de Brasil, Argentina y Chile: différences et continuités des configurations nationales dans la région: les cas du Brésil, de l'Argentine et du Chili
Authors: Tiramonti Guillermina
Published: November 2011

El artículo se refiere a la exigencia de universalización del nivel medio que pende sobre los distintos países de la región, reconstruye los discursos que fundamentan y legitiman estas demandas. El texto muestra la expansión del nivel, las modificaciones que las distintas reformas han introducido y marca las invariancias de un formato escolar que se mantiene desde su creación a fines del siglo XIX. Analiza las diferentes configuraciones nacionales de la educación media con referencia a tres países; Brasil, Argentina y Chile y marca la continuidad de las estrategias de inclusión con segregación y la funcionalidad de la expansión con las exigencias del mercado y del orden político.
Distribuição configurada pela artéria celíaca em papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva)
Authors: Gonçalves E.S , Santana M.I , Zancan F.T , Pinto A.B. F , Lima E.M.M
Published: November 2011

Foram descritas a origem e a distribuição da artéria celíaca em 20 papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva), por meio do preenchimento do sistema arterial com solução de látex corado, fixado em solução de formol, para posterior dissecação de seus ramos colaterais. Como primeiro ramo, a artéria célica emitiu a artéria proventricular dorsal, que seguiu para o ventrículo como artéria gástrica dorsal e, em seguida, enviou a artéria proventricular ventral, que em 85% dos exemplares se originou diretamente da artéria celíaca, ou do seu ramo esquerdo em 15%. Em 25% dos casos, a artéria esplênica foi emitida antes da bifurcação em ramo esquerdo e direito. O ramo esquerdo foi responsável pela origem de ramos proventriculares, ramos pilóricos, artéria esplênica e artéria proventricular ventral, a qual emitiu ramos ao proventrículo e ao esôfago. A artéria celíaca também originou as artérias gástrica ventral e gástrica esquerda, que foram responsáveis pela emissão da artéria hepática esquerda. O ramo direito emitiu artérias esplênicas - que variaram de uma a sete -, duodenal - destinada ao segmento mais caudal da alça ascendente do duodeno, hepática direita - para o lobo direito do fígado. Em seu segmento terminal, o ramo direito dividiu-se em artérias gástrica direita - para o ventrículo -, pancreaticoduodenal - para o pâncreas, alças ascendente e descendente do duodeno e segmentos cranial do íleo e caudal do jejuno. A irrigação determinada pela artéria celíaca nos papagaios segue o que é proposto para aves de outros gêneros, apresentando divergências como ausência das artérias vesicular e ileocecal, bem como da vesícula biliar e ceco.