bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of serum/glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1) underlies increased glycogen levels, mTOR activation, and autophagy defects in Lafora disease
Authors: Singh Pankaj Kumar , Singh Sweta , Ganesh Subramaniam
Published: October 2013

Lafora disease (LD), a fatal genetic form of myoclonic epilepsy, is characterized by abnormally high levels of cellular glycogen and its accumulation as Lafora bodies in affected tissues. Therefore the two defective proteins in LD—laforin phosphatase and malin ubiquitin ligase—are believed to be involved in glycogen metabolism. We earlier demonstrated that laforin and malin negatively regulate cellular glucose uptake by preventing plasma membrane targeting of glucose transporters. We show here that loss of laforin results in activation of serum/glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1) in cellular and animals models and that inhibition of SGK1 in laforin-deficient cells reduces the level of plasma membrane-bound glucose transporter, glucose uptake, and the consequent glycogen accumulation. We also provide evidence to suggest that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activates SGK1 kinase in laforin-deficient cells. The mTOR activation appears to be a glucose-dependent event, and overexpression of dominant-negative SGK1 suppresses mTOR activation, suggesting the existence of a feedforward loop between SGK1 and mTOR. Our findings indicate that inhibition of SGK1 activity could be an effective therapeutic approach to suppress glycogen accumulation, inhibit mTOR activity, and rescue autophagy defects in LD.
A New Angled Chisel for Microendoscopic Decompressive Laminotomy
Authors: Nakamura Shu , Shibayama Motohide , Ito Fujio , Miura Yasushi
Published: October 2013

Study design:

A retrospective comparative series study.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to describe a new angled chisel (NAC) that facilitates the osteotomy in microendoscopic decompressive laminotomy (MEDL), and to analyze the clinical and radiologic outcomes using the tool.

Summary of Background Data:

MEDL for lumbar spinal stenosis is a minimally invasive surgery. The paraspinous unilateral approach for bilateral decompression can preserve the posterior structure better than other methods. However, the resection of the medial facet on the approach side is technically difficult because the working space is limited and the retractor is difficult to place properly. Because of these limitations, either the inferior articular process on the approach side tends to be resected excessively, which can lead to facet fracture and instability, or the superior articular process tends to be resected insufficiently, which can result in residual symptoms. The ideal decompression of the medial facet consists of sufficient resection to the deep portion, especially lateral recess of the spinal canal, and adequate facet preservation. Special curved devices to obtain optimal resection have been developed, but these devices have not effectively improved the osteotomy. We developed an NAC to allow an osteotomy at the desired angle.

Materials and Methods:

Forty patients underwent MEDL with the use of NAC (NAC group) and 40 patients underwent the same procedure without the NAC (control group). The osteotomy angle of the medial facet on the approach side and Visual Analogue Scale score were analyzed.

Results:

The average osteotomy angle of the medial facet was significantly smaller in the NAC group. The radiologic and clinical results were significantly better in the NAC group.

Conclusions:

The NAC was a useful tool that sharpens the osteotomy angle of the medial facet and thereby improved the clinical course.
Clinical Experience Using a Remote Control Injection System in Vertebroplasty
Authors: Jin Peng , Liu Xunwei , Li Min , Sun Gang
Published: October 2013

Study Design:

A retrospective study.

Summary of Background Data:

Cement leakage is a frequent occurrence in vertebroplasty and is also the main source of complications. Continuous radiographic evaluation is mandatory to detect cement leakage during injecting cement into the vertebral body, while the operator is subjected to x-ray radiation exposure.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of vertebroplasty performed on patients and operators for the treatment of osteoporotic and malignant vertebral compression fractures using a remote control injection system.

Materials and Methods:

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. Clinical charts and postoperative radiographs were obtained for 74 patients (114 levels) who underwent vertebroplasty. The study group included 46 cases (71 levels) of benign osteoporotic fractures and 28 cases (43 levels) of different malignant metastatic lesions. Under fluoroscopic guidance, cement was injected using a remote control injection system, while the operator was standing outside the radiation field. The location and degree of leakage at each treated level were recorded.

Results:

Cement leakage rate reached 47.4% across all treated levels. No severe leakage in any location was observed. A total of 35 leakages were detected in 71 levels and 24 leakages were detected in 43 levels in the benign and malignant fracture group, respectively. The overall rate of cement leakages and the location of the leakages were not statistically different between the benign and malignant fracture group (P=0.60, P=0.45). With the operator standing outside the radiation field to inject cement, the radiation dose to operators was avoided during cement injection.

Conclusions:

Vertebroplasty using a remote control injection system was feasible and safe in treatment of osteoporotic and malignant compression fractures. The cement injection system had potential benefits to decrease the leakage rate in treating malignant fractures and eliminate injection dose to operators under lateral fluoroscopic monitoring.
Does Sagittal Spinopelvic Configuration Influence Vertebral Fracture Type or Localization in Trauma Patients?
Authors: Bouaicha Samy , Cunier Marc , Scheyerer Max J. , Wanner Guido A. , Simmen Hans-Peter , Werner Clément M.L.
Published: October 2013

Study Design:

Retrospective data analysis.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze correlations between spinopelvic configuration and fracture pattern or location in traumatic vertebral fractures.

Summary of Background Data:

The spinopelvic configuration represented by the pelvic incidence (PI) angle showed to have a strong correlation with the occurrence of degenerative diseases of the thoracolumbar spine. No data are available on whether there is an influence of the PI angle on traumatic vertebral lesions as well.

Materials and Methods:

In a consecutive series of patients sustaining traumatic vertebral fractures, we retrospectively analyzed spinopelvic computed tomography data sets of 197 patients (121 male and 76 female patients; mean age, 51 years). Measurements included the PI angle, level of fracture(s), and fracture type according to the AO classification. Statistical analysis was performed to calculate correlation between PI and fracture level and between PI and fracture type.

Results:

An average of 1.6 fractures per patient was found in the 197 individuals included in our study. PI angle showed a mean of 50.6 degrees for the left hip and a mean of 49.9 degrees for the right hip. There were no significant differences of the PI angle between male and female patients as well. Neither a significant effect of the PI angle on the vertebral fracture level (P=0.64) nor a significant relationship between the PI angle and the fracture type according to the AO classification (P=0.52) was found.

Conclusions:

The spinopelvic configuration represented by PI angle seems to influence neither the level nor the type of vertebral fractures in trauma patients.
Rectal Motility in Pediatric Constipation
Authors: Moeller Joensson Iben , Hagstroem Soren , Fynne Lotte , Krogh Klaus , Siggaard Charlotte , Djurhuus Jens C.
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

Constipation is a common disorder in children, but little is known about its etiology. Rectal impedance planimetry determines segmental rectal cross‐sectional area (CSA) and pressure, allowing detailed description of rectal motility. The aim of the present study was to compare rectal motility in healthy and constipated children.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 10 children (1 girl) with constipation according to the Rome III criteria, mean age 8.8 years (standard deviation ± 1.2), and 10 healthy children (5 girls), mean age 9.9 years (standard deviation ± 1.5). CSA was determined at 3 levels (4, 5.5, and 7 cm from the anal verge). The resting rectal motility was recorded for 30 minutes followed by a distension protocol to assess compliance. Runs of phasic rectal contractions were defined as changes of >10% from baseline CSA and lasting at least 2 minutes. Rectal dimensions were expressed as mean CSA.

Results:

A low‐amplitude contraction pattern (3%–5% of baseline CSA) with a frequency of 6 to 8/minute was present in all of the children. There was significantly more time with phasic rectal contractions in constipated children (median 38%, range [0–100]) compared with healthy children (median 8.8%, range [0–57]) (P < 0.05). The rectal CSA was higher in constipated children (median 1802 mm2 [range 1106–2948]) compared with healthy children (1375 mm2 [range 437–1861]) (P < 0.05), but compliance did not differ (constipated: median 38 mm2/H2O [range 12–86] vs healthy 33 mm2/H2O [range 10–63]) (P = 30).

Conclusions:

In children with constipation, we found phasic rectal contractions for a significantly longer period compared with healthy children, and their rectum is larger than normal.
Neuronal correlates of fear conditioning in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
Authors: Haufler Darrell , Nagy Frank Z. , Pare Denis
Published: October 2013

Lesion and inactivation studies indicate that the central amygdala (CeA) participates in the expression of cued and contextual fear, whereas the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is only involved in the latter. The basis for this functional dissociation is unclear because CeA and BNST form similar connections with the amygdala and brainstem fear effectors. To address this question, we recorded neurons in the anterolateral (AL) and anteromedial (AM) regions of BNST in rats subjected to auditory fear conditioning. During habituation, few neurons were responsive to the conditioned stimulus (CS). After fear conditioning, 20% of BNST-AL neurons developed inhibitory responses to the CS. In BNST-AM, 26% of neurons developed positive CS responses. The behavior of BNST-AM and -AL neurons during contextual fear paralleled their CS responsiveness: More BNST-AM neurons fired at higher rates during contextual freezing than movement, whereas the opposite was seen in BNST-AL cells. These findings point to regional differences in the activity of BNST-AL and -AM in relation to learned fear, raising the possibility that they exert opposite influences on fear output networks. However, given the similar behavior of BNST-AM and -AL neurons in relation to cued and contextual fear, it remains unclear why lesion and inactivation of BNST differentially affect these two types of fear. Either neurons in a different BNST sector, not explored here, show a different activity profile in relation to the two forms of fear or inactivation/lesion studies inadvertently affected a structure adjacent to BNST, which is involved in contextual fear.
Corrosion behavior of molybdate conversion coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy in NaCl solution
Authors: Yao Yingwu , Zhou You , He Liang
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to study the corrosion behavior of molybdate conversion coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy in NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

– The open circuit potential curves, anodic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and immersion tests were used to study the corrosion behavior of molybdate conversion coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy in NaCl solution.

Findings

– The molybdate conversion coatings were homogeneous and uniform. The corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy had been improved evidently through the molybdate conversion treatment.

Originality/value

– The molybdate conversion coatings possess favorable feasibility in practice for the corrosion protection of AZ31 magnesium alloys in NaCl solution.
Steam oxidation behaviour of plasma nitrided Fe-based alloys
Authors: Cockrem Jeremy , Pawel Dudziak Tomasz , Simms Nigel , Lukaszewicz Mikolaj , Oakey John
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– It is well known that alloys, based on iron, were exposed to steam oxidation environment producing thick and non-protective oxide scale. More expensive stainless steels contain more Cr and are able to form more protective scales. The purpose of this research was to show ability to employ nitride coating on different alloys (T23, T91, E1250, 347HFG and HR3C) in order to enhance steam oxidation resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The alloys were exposed to steam oxidation rig. Before the test, furnace was purged by nitrogen in order to remove moisture and oxygen. Di-ionised water was pumped from the reservoir using a peristaltic pump into the furnace. System was kept in the closed circle. To reduce solubility of oxygen, di-ionised water was constantly purged by nitrogen. The total exposure time was 2,000 h at 650°C under 1 bar pressure.

Findings

– Due to the research, it was found that plasma nitriding process is detrimental for the protection of high-temperature structured materials; the high concentration and high activity of Cr produced a CrN phase. This phase is not stable in steam environment and underwent oxidation to Cr2O3 and further into volatile phase (CrO2(OH)2). Therefore, austenitic steels (E1250, 347HFG and HR3C) coated with nitride coating deposited by plasma nitriding process suffered similar degradation as the uncoated low Cr ferritic steel.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of the research conducted in this study was corrosion resistance of the exposed materials.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors' knowledge, this report is the first of its kind to present nitrided alloys (ferritic and austenitic) exposed in steam oxidation.
Multi-objective genetic algorithms applied to low power pressure microsensor design
Authors: Miguel Monzón-Verona José , Garcia-Alonso Santiago , Sosa Javier , A. Montiel-Nelson Juan
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain in detail the optimization of the sensitivity versus the power consumption of a pressure microsensor using multi-objective genetic algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The tradeoff between sensitivity and power consumption is analyzed and the Pareto frontier is identified by using NSGA-II, AMGA-II and ɛ-MOEA methods.

Findings

– Comparison results demonstrate that NSGA-II provides optimal solutions over the entire design space for spread metric analysis, and AMGA-II is better for convergence metric analysis.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a new multiobjective optimization tool for the designers of low power pressure microsensors.
A probabilistic non-dominated sorting GA for optimization under uncertainty
Authors: Petrone Giovanni , Axerio-Cilies John , Quagliarella Domenico , Iaccarino Gianluca
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– A probabilistic non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (P-NSGA) for multi-objective optimization under uncertainty is presented. The purpose of this algorithm is to create a tight coupling between the optimization and uncertainty procedures, use all of the possible probabilistic information to drive the optimizer, and leverage high-performance parallel computing.

Design/methodology/approach

– This algorithm is a generalization of a classical genetic algorithm for multi-objective optimization (NSGA-II) by Deb et al. The proposed algorithm relies on the use of all possible information in the probabilistic domain summarized by the cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of the objective functions. Several analytic test functions are used to benchmark this algorithm, but only the results of the Fonseca-Fleming test function are shown. An industrial application is presented to show that P-NSGA can be used for multi-objective shape optimization of a Formula 1 tire brake duct, taking into account the geometrical uncertainties associated with the rotating rubber tire and uncertain inflow conditions.

Findings

– This algorithm is shown to have deterministic consistency (i.e. it turns back to the original NSGA-II) when the objective functions are deterministic. When the quality of the CDF is increased (either using more points or higher fidelity resolution), the convergence behavior improves. Since all the information regarding uncertainty quantification is preserved, all the different types of Pareto fronts that exist in the probabilistic framework (e.g. mean value Pareto, mean value penalty Pareto, etc.) are shown to be generated a posteriori. An adaptive sampling approach and parallel computing (in both the uncertainty and optimization algorithms) are shown to have several fold speed-up in selecting optimal solutions under uncertainty.

Originality/value

– There are no existing algorithms that use the full probabilistic distribution to guide the optimizer. The method presented herein bases its sorting on real function evaluations, not merely measures (i.e. mean of the probabilistic distribution) that potentially do not exist.
Managerial strategies to reorient hospitals towards health promotion
Authors: Röthlin Florian
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Reorienting health services towards health promotion is one of the major health promotion strategies stipulated by the Ottawa Charter). Important contradictions, tensions and barriers to health promotion implementation associated with organisational structures have, thus far, been underexposed in the hospital health promotion discourse. This paper aims at identifying risks and the chances for hospital management to strategically and sustainably reorient their hospitals towards health promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combines theories and findings from organisational science and management studies as well as from capacity development in the form of a narrative literature review. The aim is to focus on the conditions hospitals, as organisational systems with a highly professionalised workforce, provide for a strategically managed reorientation towards health promotion. Models and principles helping managers to navigate the difficulties and complexities of health promotion reorientation will be suggested.

Findings

– Hospital managers have to deal with genuine obstacles in the complexity and structural formation of hospital organisations. Against this background, continuous management support, a transformative leadership style, participative strategic management and expert governance can be considered important organisational capacities for the reorientation towards a new concept such as health promotion.

Practical implications

– This paper discusses managerial strategies, effective structural transformations and important organisational capacities that can contribute to a sustainable reorientation of hospitals towards health promotion. It supports hospital managers in exploring their chances of facilitating and effectively supporting a sustainable health promotion reorientation of their hospitals.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an innovative approach where the focus is on enhanced possibilities for hospital managers to strategically manage the reorientation towards health promotion.
Developing intercultural intelligence: Dubai Style
Authors: James Aleya , M. Shammas Nicole
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the link between the theoretical foundations of intercultural intelligence and a practical application examining a course dedicated to developing Emirati students' intercultural intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper outlines the socio-cultural conditions of the United Arab Emirates as a backdrop to the investigation; establishing the pressing need for intercultural intelligence. The paper provides a theoretical framework to situate the course based on King and Baxter Magolda's trajectory of intercultural maturity (2005) and Davies' theory of “interruptive pedagogy” (2006). Guiding principles for the teaching of intercultural intelligence are given.

Findings

– Informal feedback through post-course interviews demonstrates a positive self-perceived change in intercultural understanding having taken the course.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper concedes that due to socio-cultural constraints the authors are unable to deliver a course with as much practical experience as the authors would like. As a result, students gain more cultural self-awareness and theoretical understandings of intercultural intelligence than practical engagement.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a meaningful contribution to the limited body of knowledge on intercultural intelligence training at a tertiary level in the Arabian Gulf and breaks new ground in three ways: first by demonstrating the link between the UAE socio-cultural and political factors on intercultural intelligence training; second by providing a link between intercultural intelligence theory and practice and third by providing practical suggestions as guiding principles and creative ideas for classroom use. The paper will be of value to teachers and trainers teaching in multi-cultural, international contexts and to those providing organizational training in a variety of business contexts.
Understanding idea advancement efforts in innovation through proactive behavior
Authors: Bjorklund Tua , Bhatli Dhruv , Laakso Miko
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Innovations lie at the heart of both entrepreneurship and marketing. While research has long focused on the idea generation phase at the beginning of the innovation process, ideas need to subsequently be realized through efforts in idea development and implementation. This paper aims to study the antecedents and practices of idea advancement behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– Seven product developers of an international company were interviewed in-depth based on a critical incident technique.

Findings

– Idea advancement behavior was found to be distributed in time and between people, pervasive in the development process. Antecedents for efforts were identified at personal, interpersonal and work organization levels. Although personal antecedents were most numerous, interpersonal and work organization antecedents distinguished successful and unsuccessful efforts. Key idea advancement behaviors were centered on the inclusion of others and communication channel choices.

Research limitations/implications

– The current study offers a complementary micro-level point-of-view to championship literature, illustrating the situated and dispersed nature of everyday advancement efforts as opposed to the dominant depictions of heroic relentless championing individuals. However, as the study was conducted in a single company, the findings still need to be validated in more varied settings.

Practical implications

– The results highlight the need for supporting idea advancement behavior across organizational levels and function, instead of focusing on identifying individual champions. Time management, supporting switches in the driving force, and communicating value are necessary for sustaining advancement efforts.

Originality/value

– Idea advancement practices have been largely ignored in previous innovation literature, with the exception of systematic processes and championing. This paper explores idea advancement as a commonplace proactive behavior, revealing several levels of key antecedents for successfully advancing ideas into innovations.
Networking capability, new venture performance and entrepreneurial rent
Authors: Mu Jifeng
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Prior research suggests that insufficient networking capability of a firm (i.e. the capability to establish, maintain, and leverage ties, contacts and connections) poses a potential barrier to its growth, the causal logic of networking capability and firm performance has not been fully articulated and a clear link between network resources and networking capability, however, remains to be demonstrated. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Conceptually and theoretically, the paper emphasizes the importance of networking capability in network resources mobilization and deployment, innovation and rent-seeking and argues that the firm should build strong networking capability to creatively and artfully manage its networks to sustain its vitality.

Findings

– The paper builds a theoretical model relating networking capability, network resources, open innovation, and resulting new venture success and economic rents. The paper argues that new ventures should build and leverage networking capability to manage network relationships and resources to innovate, develop and create value, and appropriate various types of economic rent.

Research limitations/implications

– The framework generally promoted building networking capability as a means of accessing to a broader range of network resources and opportunities than a new venture is able to maintain internally for innovation and growth, the benefits may not be so clear-cut. A useful future research direction would be to determine empirically the relationship between networking capability and new ventures' survival and growth, the extent to which new ventures are able to derive economic rents from exploiting networking capability, and how this is related to the degrees of competitive success they attain.

Practical implications

– The research framework suggests that networking capability can help new ventures to take advantage of opportunities discovered and serve unexploited markets. The study implies that networking capability can be a powerful weapon for new ventures to implement open innovation strategy to build solid growth businesses and to gain sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a parsimonious model that links new venture survival and success with networking capability, network resources and open innovation. Also, this model shows why and how new ventures can leverage networking capability to generate and appropriate economic rent simultaneously.
Leadership in faith-based aged and community care
Authors: Shaw Kelly , M. Cartwright Colleen , Sankaran Shankar , Kelly Jacqueline , Dick Bob , Davies Alan , Craig Jocelyn
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the domains of performance needed by leaders in aged and community care not-for-profit organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with senior managers employed by faith-based aged and community care not-for-profit organisations, academics in ageing and business fields and senior government employees from aged services departments and agencies in Australia. Results were content transcribed and analysed thematically in order to identify the major themes that emerged.

Findings

– A total of 37 people participated in the study. The domains of performance identified by participants as required of leaders in aged and community care were: professionalism; collaboration and teamwork; judgement and decision making; communication; scholarship and teaching; management; advocacy; and leadership. The performance requirements that were identified for leaders in aged and community care not-for-profit organisations were broader than just leadership per se.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings of this study suggest that the aged and community care not-for-profit sector has specific requirements for the performance of its leaders. Leadership is one of a number of performance attributes desirable in leaders in this sector.

Practical implications

– The aged and community care not-for-profit sector has distinctive needs and specific requirements of its leaders.

Originality/value

– It is recommended that a broad range of performance attributes are taken into account by aged and community care not-for-profit organisations when recruiting and training staff in leadership positions.
A revenue management perspective of management accounting practice in small businesses
Authors: Ng Frederick , A. Harrison Julie , Akroyd Chris
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for the systematic examination of management accounting practices in small businesses using a revenue management perspective. This highlights the multi-faceted nature of size as a contextual factor and emphasises the role of management accounting in supporting profit-oriented decision-making, rather than its traditional role of co-ordination, control, and accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework is theoretically derived from the management accounting, revenue management, and small business literature. An illustrative case study of a small fast-food business is presented to demonstrate the applicability of this framework to practice.

Findings

– The paper identifies that various dimensions of business size have different and sometimes opposing effects on management accounting practices. Given heterogeneity is a common feature of small businesses, the framework considers alternative specifications of the size contingency variable.

Research limitations/implications

– The synthesis of small business characteristics and revenue management perspective offers a more incisive understanding of what has traditionally been considered a simple practice. The case study illustrates some of the influences of small business characteristics identified in the framework. Given its narrow scope, the findings are used for theorisation rather than offering generalisable results. Further cross-sectional comparisons of small businesses are needed to confirm size influences.

Practical implications

– The framework can assist practitioners to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of their management accounting practices and can help assess the value of adopting more sophisticated management accounting practices, given their particular business environment. A synthesis of these small business attributes can help practitioners identify key barriers to implementation.

Originality/value

– The revenue management perspective and the inclusion of key characteristics of small businesses provide a new approach to evaluating management accounting practices in small businesses.
Influence of anisotropy on creep in an anisotropic composite rotating disc with nonlinearly varying thickness
Authors: Gupta Vandana , Singh S.B.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of anisotropy in terms of a single parameter indicating strengthening or weakening in the tangential direction in composite disc with hyperbolically varying thickness introduced presumably by processing or due to alignment of dispersed reinforcements during flow of the matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

– Mathematical model to describe steady-state creep behavior in an anisotropic rotating disc made of Al-SiCp composite containing 30 vol% of SiC particles. The creep behavior of the composite has been described by Sherby's law. The creep parameters in the law have been determined using the regression equations developed on the basis of available experimental results in the literature. Stress and strain rate distributions for isotropic disc (a=1) have been compared with those obtained for anisotropic composites with characteristic parameters a=0.7 and 1.3.

Findings

– The study revealed that the change in the stresses by anisotropy in composite disc is relatively small while anisotropy introduces significant change in the strain rates. It is concluded that the radial strain rate always remained compressive for the isotropic composite as well as the anisotropic disc with a greater than unity (a=1.3). However, it becomes tensile in the middle region of the disc when it is less than unity (a=0.7). If a is reduced from 1.3 to 0.7, the variation of tensile strain rate in the tangential direction remains similar, but the magnitude reduces, i.e. the strength in tangential direction is enhanced.

Originality/value

– This study puts forward an analytical framework for the analysis of creep stresses and creep rates in an anisotropic rotating disc with hyperbolically varying thickness.
Investigation on corrosion behaviors of aluminum alloy in NaCl and EXCO solution
Authors: Xu Sheng , Wei Wang Hao , Zhang Xing , He Weiping
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corrosion behaviors of 2A12 aluminum alloy in NaCl and EXCO solution, and establish the relationship between the corrosion depth and the time.

Design/methodology/approach

– Alternate immersion corrosion test chamber was used to perform the corrosion test. The corrosion mediums were 3.5 percent NaCl solution and EXCO solution (NaCl 234 g/L, KNO3 50 g/L, 68 percent HNO3 6.8 mL/L). The surface morphology was studied using the digital microscope.

Findings

– The average corrosion rate of aluminum alloy in NaCl solution decreased gradually at the initial stage and then went to a plateau value. The average corrosion rate of aluminum alloy in EXCO solution increased first, then showed a downward trend. The empirical function D=At
B was verified.

Originality/value

– The results could provide a reference for the establishment of accelerated environmental spectrum in the laboratory and give instructions on the application of aluminum alloy in alternated dry and wet environment.
Philosophical issues in responsible investment: a care-ethical approach
Authors: Juhani Lehtonen Tommi
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine ethical investment problems related to fiduciary responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present study discusses these issues from the perspective of stock investment. It identifies, validates and explains the ethical problems and possibilities concerning the principles of responsible investment. The paper focuses on, but is not restricted to, the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment.

Findings

– The United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment give investors moral freedoms, although from the point-of-view of most moral theories, only such investments that serve the well-being of people and the environment would be ethically responsible. The legitimacy of fiduciary responsibilities is motivated by the pursuit of economic gain, which is essential for business on the one hand but ethically problematic on the other, if the “invisible hand” of the economy does not work and wealth accumulates in the hands of only a few people.

Research limitations/implications

– This vision presented in the paper (albeit practically relevant) is obviously general and many details, including the starting points of the care-ethical approach and the moral rating of stock portfolios, need to be developed further.

Practical implications

– The vision proposes, in essence, a care-ethical approach according to which only such investments that promote the general good and welfare are morally acceptable. From this perspective, investment should primarily serve people and the environment, and therefore investments should only be made, based on a careful evaluation, in ethically acceptable and economically profitable companies that contribute to the human and environmental good.

Originality/value

– This subject matter has been much discussed; however, the perspective and starting points of this article, especially the ethics of care, are new and add novel ideas to the conversation.
Neuroprotective effects of ebselen in traumatic brain injury model: involvement of nitric oxide and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway
Authors: Wei Liang , Zhang Yanfei , Yang Cheng , Wang Qi , Zhuang Zhongwei , Sun Zhiyang
Published: October 2013

Previous investigations have found that ebselen is able to treat neurodegenerative diseases caused by radical and acute total cerebral ischaemia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of ebselen in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) model.

Ninety Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 18 in each): (i) sham operation; (ii) an injury model group; (iii) low‐dose (3 mg/kg) ebselen‐treated group; (iv) a moderate‐dose (10 mg/kg) ebselen‐treated group; and (v) a high‐dose (30 mg/kg) ebselen‐treated group. The TBI model was created according using a modified weight‐drop model. Neurological severity score (NSS), brain water content and histopathological deficits were assessed as parameters of injury severity. Expression of nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) and phosphorylated (p‐) p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) were examined by chemical colorimetry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting 24 h after intragastric ebselen administration.

Rats in the TBI model group exhibited markedly more severe neurological injury (higher NSS, more brain water content and more histopathological deficits) than those in the sham‐operated group. Ebselen treatment significantly ameliorated the neurological injury of TBI rats in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, ebselen significantly reduced the NO and iNOS mRNA levels and inhibited TLR4 and p‐p38 MAPK expression, indicating the involvement of NO and p38 MAPK signalling pathways in the neuroprotection afforded by ebselen.

In conclusion, ebselen ameliorated neurological injury, possibly by reducing NO levels and modulating the TLR4‐mediated p38 MAPK signalling pathway. Therefore, ebselen may have potential to treat secondary injuries of TBI.
Traded Bond Denominations, Shock Persistence and Current Account Dynamics: Another Look at the Harberger–Laursen–Metzler Effect
Authors: Fang Chen , Lin Po‐Sheng
Published: October 2013

This paper presents an analytical framework to clarify the mechanism through which terms‐of‐trade shocks are transmitted to savings, investment and the current account. By imposing specific preferences to simplify their calculations in the presence of hysteresis, conventional investigations have incorrectly interpreted the macroeconomic effects of terms‐of‐trade disturbances. By concentrating on traded bond denominations and shock persistence, the present analysis reexamines the Harberger–Laursen–Metzler effect and offers new insight. The relevant results provide a rational explanation as to why external price changes lead to a variety of phases of different signs in the evolution of the current account dynamics.
False Identification Use Among College Students Increases the Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder: Results of a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Arria Amelia M. , Caldeira Kimberly M. , Vincent Kathryn B. , Bugbee Brittany A. , O'Grady Kevin E.
Published: October 2013

Background

It is well known that using false identification (ID) is a common method by which underage youth in the United States obtain alcohol. While false ID use is associated with high‐risk drinking patterns, its association with alcohol use disorder (AUD), independent of other risk factors, has not been firmly established.

Methods

Participants were 1,015 college students recruited from 1 university and assessed annually during their first 4 years of college. Latent variable growth curve modeling was used to identify significant predictors of false ID use and test the hypothesis that false ID use increased the risk for AUD, by increasing the frequency and/or quantity of alcohol use. Several other hypothesized risk factors for AUD were accounted for, including demographics (sex, race, living situation, religiosity, socioeconomic status), individual characteristics (childhood conduct problems, sensation‐seeking, age at first drink), high school behaviors (high school drinking frequency, drug use), family factors (parental monitoring, parental alcohol problems), perception of peer drinking norms, and other factors related to false ID use.

Results

False IDs were used by almost two‐thirds (66.1%) of the sample. False ID use frequency was positively associated with baseline quantity and frequency of alcohol use, independent of all other factors tested. False ID use was not directly related to AUD risk, but indirectly predicted increases in AUD risk over time through its association with greater increases in alcohol use frequency over time. Several predictors of false ID use frequency were also identified.

Conclusions

False ID use may contribute to AUD risk by facilitating more frequent drinking. If replicated, these findings highlight the potential public health significance of policies that enforce sanctions against false ID use. Students who use false IDs represent an important target population for alcohol prevention activities.
Different Trajectories of Adolescent Alcohol Use: Testing Gene–Environment Interactions
Authors: van der Zwaluw Carmen S. , Otten Roy , Kleinjan Marloes , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: October 2013

Background

Transitions into heavy alcohol use often already take place during adolescence and are likely to be both genetically and environmentally determined. Therefore, in a 6‐wave longitudinal study, we examined the effects of DRD2 Taq1A and OPRM1 A118G genotypes and the interaction with parental rule‐setting on different groups of adolescent drinkers.

Methods

Growth mixture modeling resulted in 3 distinct groups of adolescent drinkers: light drinkers (n = 346), moderate drinkers (n = 178), and heavy drinkers (n = 72).

Results

Multinomial regression showed that moderate drinkers carried the OPRM1 G allele and received lower levels of parental rule‐setting significantly more often than the light drinking group. No other significant main effects of DRD2, OPRM1, and rule‐setting were found. The interaction between OPRM1 genotype and parental rule‐setting significantly distinguished the heavy drinkers from the light (p < 0.001) and moderate groups (p = 0.055): Particularly, the alcohol use of OPRM1 G allele carriers was affected by parental rule‐setting, while AA genotype carriers remained largely unaffected by parental rules.

Conclusions

Findings showed that different trajectories of adolescent drinking are preceded by a gene–parenting interaction. These results concur with Belsky's theory of plasticity (2009), as well as with Shanahan and Hofer's typology of a controlling and restricting gene–environment interaction (2005).
Determining the Provenance of Obsidian in Southern Patagonia Using Optical Properties
Authors: Fernández M. V. , Leal P. R.
Published: October 2013

This paper aims to evaluate the optical properties of natural rhyolite obsidians that might be useful in the identification of different sources of archaeological samples. Even though colour, degree of alteration, crystaloclast composition and texture are important properties by which sources can be identified, all of these features do not always lead to an unambiguous distinction. In this regard, the refractive index (ND) becomes a helpful tool because it is not only sensitive to the chemical composition of natural glasses but also to their different thermal histories. Obsidians from six localities of Patagonia were analysed. Their refractive index measurements (ND) only range between 1.47 and 1.49, but the ND values of some of these sources are sufficiently constrained to allow discrimination between them.
North Korean Refugees' Nostalgia: The Border People's Narratives
Authors: Kim Mikyoung
Published: October 2013

The writings of Northern settlers in South Korea constitute a unique voice of their own, which I call “border people's narratives.” Their narratives are often contradictory, critical and hopeful in reflecting the dramatic ruptures in their lived experiences. Their voices stretch over between past and present, and the old home in North Korea and the new place of South Korea. The border people's narratives encompass the simultaneous existence of contradictory feelings: guilt and appreciation, anger and sorrow, nostalgia and assimilation, and hope and disappointment.
Balancing Freedom of Speech and National Security in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Sani Mohd Azizuddin
Published: October 2013

This article examines the essential need to balance freedom of speech and the promotion of national security in Malaysia. It traces the theoretical debate of the nexus of liberty and security. Then it moves toward debating two perspectives of free speech, namely, absolutism and reasonable regulation, which can also be observed in Malaysia. It is argued that the Barisan Nasional government practices comprehensive security and favors national security too much. It limits free speech through several restrictive laws. Critics argue that in reality the restrictions enable the longevity of the regime in power. Therefore, the opposition, civil society, and the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) demand political reform to permit people to practice more free speech. Due to such pressure, the ruling government has introduced the National Transformation Policy (2011–2020), which is yet to be fully implemented. There is doubt as to whether a balance between freedom of speech and national security can be realized.
Community Leadership and Gender Equality: Experiences of Representation in Local Governance in Timor‐Leste
Authors: Wigglesworth Ann
Published: October 2013

In Timor‐Leste, women lack a voice in customary governance processes. Since independence in 2002, the Timor‐Leste government has adopted policies that provide equal rights for men and women and promote the inclusion of women in decision‐making structures at national and local levels. Women's participation in democratic governance has been supported by international development agencies. This article draws on field research in Timor‐Leste in 2011 to investigate the experiences of women leaders in national and local governance structures. It analyzes the strategies to promote a national women's agenda in national politics as well as the challenges for women representatives on community governance councils. A case study on domestic violence provides analysis of the inconsistencies between customary leadership and the constitutional right to equality. The article argues that greater integration of the customary and national governance systems would better support the human rights principles to which Timor‐Leste is committed.
National and Regional Obligations, the Metaphor of Two‐Level Games, and the ASEAN Socio‐Cultural Community
Authors: Quayle Linda
Published: October 2013

This article draws on ideas associated with “two‐level games” to focus on the continuing difficulty within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of reconciling national responsibilities and regional commitments. Using this perspective to examine three areas included in the remit of the ASEAN Socio‐Cultural Community—migrant workers, “haze”, and disaster management—it disaggregates some of the complex domestic and international pressures that can lead to varying regional outcomes. Whereas problems with regional cooperation are often simply laid at the door of recalcitrant governments or inadequate regional institutions, this lens foregrounds a different source of difficulties, in which significant domestic constituencies severely constrain what governments can offer to the region. Conceptualizing the national/regional interface in this way, however, also suggests ways through some of the sticking points. This lens therefore has implications for policy, advocacy, ASEAN's communication efforts, and its routine collaborative undertakings.