bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New work, old power: inequities within the labor of internationalization
Authors: Beck Kumari , Ilieva Roumiana , Pullman Ashley , Zhang Zhihua (Olivia)
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim in this paper is to extend Dorothy Smith's conceptual understanding of work to consider the emerging labor of “knowmads” within internationalization of higher education. Through original research on everyday experiences of internationalization, the authors seek to illuminate the ways individuals develop skills and competencies in relation to these new forms of work in order to address the reproduction of inequities. The authors make a connection between internationalization of higher education and knowmadic labor based on the premise that cross‐border education is often pursued in order to develop knowmadic attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a critical institutional ethnography of one mid‐sized Canadian university, the paper uses survey and interview data gathered from students and faculty ‐ individuals who are involved in knowmadic labor connected to internationalization – to illustrate some of the study participants' daily experiences of internationalization coordinated by the institutional structures of the university in times of globalization.

Findings

It is concluded that internationalization and connecting new forms of work involved in becoming and producing knowmads not only bypass and disregard present inequities in higher education, but work to reproduce them in new ways.

Practical implications

The paper provides insight in regards to processes and allocation of work within internationalization, while addressing forms of social inequities that often cut across these practices and concludes with brief comments on the implications of academic knowmadic labor in Western higher education institutions engaged in internationalization.

Originality/value

While research has been conducted on work in international contexts, little has addressed “the labor” that is involved in becoming knowmads, and that of “producing” knowmads. The paper draws connections between the internationalization of higher education and knowmadic work showing that knowmadic labor is often preceded by knowmadic educational opportunities. The cosmopolitan vision of creating globally aware citizens, with international knowledge, skills, and competencies that institutions espouse, are assumed to be goodper se, and to lead to knowmadic qualities and attributes required in a knowmad society. The paper questions these assumptions and the relations of power on which they rest.
The distance between the carina and the distal margin of the right upper lobe orifice measured by computerised tomography as a guide to right‐sided double‐lumen endobronchial tube use
Authors: Kim J. H. , Park S. H. , Han S. H. , Nahm F. S. , Jung C. K. , Kim K. M.
Published: May 2013

Our hypothesis was that the incidence of malposition of a right‐sided double‐lumen endobronchial tube and right upper lobe collapse may increase when the distance between the carina and the distal margin of the right upper lobe orifice is less than 23 mm, measured from a computerised tomography scan. A total of 76 patients undergoing left‐sided thoracic surgery were enrolled. Patients with a measured distance of < 23 mm (n = 38) were compared with age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched patients with a distance ≥ 23 mm (n = 38). Right‐sided double‐lumen endobronchial tubes were used universally. We monitored endobronchial tube malposition and incidence of right upper lobe collapse throughout surgery. There was a significantly higher incidence of bronchial cuff herniation in patients with a distance < 23 mm in both the supine position and the lateral decubitus position (p < 0.001). The incidence of intra‐operative malposition in the < 23 mm group was also significantly higher than in the ≥ 23 mm group (31 (82%) vs 8 (21%), respectively, p < 0.001). Right upper lobe collapse was detected postoperatively in five patients (13%) in the distance < 23 mm group, compared to none in the ≥ 23 mm group. We recommend that the distance between the carina and the distal margin of the right upper lobe bronchus should be routinely measured on the pre‐operative computerised tomography scan, and if it is < 23 mm, consideration should be given to using a left‐sided endobronchial double‐lumen tube in preference to a right‐sided one.
“Virtually mandatory”: A survey of how discipline and institutional commitment shape university lecturers’ perceptions of technology
Authors: Shelton Chris
Published: May 2013

Although there have been many claims that technology might enhance university teaching, there are wide variations in how technology is actually used by lecturers. This paper presents a survey of 795 university lecturers’ perceptions of the use of technology in their teaching, showing how their responses were patterned by institutional and subject differences. There were positive attitudes towards technology across institutions and subjects but also large variations between different technologies. Two groups of technology were identified—“core” technologies, such as Powerpoint, that were used frequently, even when lecturers felt that they were not having a positive impact on learning, and “marginal” technologies, such as blogs, that were used much less frequently and only where they fitted the pedagogic approach or context. Rather than there being “leading” universities that were the highest users of all technologies, institutions tended to be heavier users of some technologies than others. Similarly, subjects could be associated with particular technologies rather than being consistent users of technology in general. The study suggests that university technology policy should reflect different disciplines and contexts rather than “one size fits all” directives.
Clinical significance of minimal residual disease in patients with acute leukaemia undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Campana Dario , Leung Wing
Published: May 2013

In patients with acute leukaemia, the relative risk of relapse influences the choice between chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The demonstration that minimal residual disease (MRD) is the strongest overall prognostic indicator and can identify patients who are unlikely to be cured by standard chemotherapy has added a powerful new factor to consider when making this decision. There is substantial data indicating that the likelihood of relapse after transplant is directly correlated with levels of MRD before transplant. This knowledge can be used to adjust the timing of HSCT, and guide the selection of donor, conditioning regimen, and post‐HSCT strategies to maximize the graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect. Because MRD emerging post‐transplant carries a dire prognosis, its detection can trigger withdrawal of immunosuppression, additional cellular and molecular therapies, or preparations for a second HSCT. Although it is not yet clear whether any of these actions will significantly improve outcome, it is likely that they will be most effective for patients with a relatively low tumour burden, who can be identified only through MRD testing. In this article, we review the clinical significance of MRD in the context of autologous and allogeneic HSCT.
Renal function and cardiovascular outcomes after living donor nephrectomy in the UK: quality and safety revisited
Authors: Patel Nilay , Mason Phil , Rushton Sally , Hudson Alex , Ploeg Rutger , Friend Peter , Sinha Sanjay , Sullivan Mark
Published: May 2013

Objective

To determine renal function and cardiovascular outcomes after living donor nephrectomy (LDN).

Living donor kidney transplantation has become established as the treatment of choice for end‐stage renal failure. Benefits to the recipient have to be balanced against perioperative and long‐term health risks to the donor.

Subjects/Patients and Methods

The UK Transplant Registry (UKTR) was used to identify 4586 living donors who had donated a kidney for transplantation in the UK between 2001 and 2008.

This study was conducted with the consent and support of the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Kidney and Pancreas Research Group.

Results

The mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) fell from 103 mL/min/1.73 m2 before LDN to 58 mL/min/1.73 m2 1 year after LDN.

At 1 year after LDN 60% of donors had a GFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

A GFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 after LDN was associated with older age, females, lower GFR before LDN, White ethnicity, earlier LDN period, unrelated donor type and body mass index of >25 kg/m2.

Over a 2‐year period after LDN there was an overall mortality rate of 0.39%, cardiovascular death in one patient (mortality rate of 0.02%) and a major cardiovascular event rate of 0.44%.

Conclusion

In this study we show that mild renal dysfunction is common after LDN; however, due to the short duration of follow‐up we are unable to comment on whether this subsequently leads to an increased risk of developing of cardiovascular disease.
Image‐directed, tissue‐preserving focal therapy of prostate cancer: a feasibility study of a novel deformable magnetic resonance‐ultrasound (MR‐US) registration system
Authors: Dickinson Louise , Hu Yipeng , Ahmed Hashim U. , Allen Clare , Kirkham Alex P. , Emberton Mark , Barratt Dean
Published: May 2013

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of using computer‐assisted, deformable image registration software to enable three‐dimensional (3D), multi‐parametric (mp) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived information on tumour location and extent, to inform the planning and conduct of focal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy.

Patients and Methods

A nested pilot study of 26 consecutive men with a visible discrete focus on mpMRI, correlating with positive histology on transperineal template mapping biopsy, who underwent focal HIFU (Sonablate 500®) within a prospective, Ethics Committee‐approved multicentre trial (‘INDEX’).

Non‐rigid image registration software developed in our institution was used to transfer data on the location and limits of the index lesion as defined by mpMRI.

Manual contouring of the prostate capsule and histologically confirmed MR‐visible lesion was performed preoperatively by a urologist and uro‐radiologist.

A deformable patient‐specific computer model, which captures the location of the target lesion, was automatically generated for each patient and registered to a 3D transrectal ultrasonography (US) volume using a small number (10–20) of manually defined capsule points.

During the focal HIFU, the urologist could add additional sonications after image‐registration if it was felt that the original treatment plan did not cover the lesion sufficiently with a margin.

Results

Prostate capsule and lesion contouring was achieved in <5 min preoperatively. The mean (range) time taken to register images was 6 (3–16) min.

Additional treatment sonications were added in 13 of 26 cases leading to a mean (range) additional treatment time of 45 (9–90) s.

Conclusion

Non‐rigid MR‐US registration is feasible, efficient and can locate lesions on US.

The process has potential for improved accuracy of focal treatments, and improved diagnostic sampling strategies for prostate cancer.

Further work on whether deformable MR‐US registration impacts on efficacy is required.
Donor-specific tolerance induction in organ transplantation via mixed splenocytes chimerism
Authors: Yamazaki S , Kanamoto A , Takayama T
Published: May 2013

We have shown previously that donor-derived splenocytes can replace recipients' bone marrow and induce donor-specific tolerance (DST). We have also shown the usefulness of the chimeric state for the induction of DST. Further analysis of mixed splenocytes chimera, especially the role of each T cells in mixed splenocytes chimera, is indispensable issue for its clinical use. A chimeric state has been shown to achieve long-term survival in major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched grafts. The donor-derived splenocytes can replace recipients' bone marrow and induce DST. The long-term survival of allogeneic skin grafts was achieved without immunosuppressants. In this study we show the role of each T cell type in a splenocyte mixed chimera. This review provides a short summary of our original work, adding some supplemental interpretations. Mixed chimerism is thus considered an attractive approach for the induction of DST without the use of immunosuppressants. In this paper, we summarize some of the findings on mixed splenocyte chimeras and review mixed chimerism in recent organ transplantation.
Summer Research Training for Medical Students: Impact on Research Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Black Michelle L. , Curran Maureen C. , Golshan Shahrokh , Daly Rebecca , Depp Colin , Kelly Carolyn , Jeste Dilip V.
Published: May 2013

There is a well‐documented shortage of physician researchers, and numerous training programs have been launched to facilitate development of new physician scientists. Short‐term research training programs are the most practical form of research exposure for most medical students, and the summer between their first and second years of medical school is generally the longest period they can devote solely to research. The goal of short‐term training programs is to whet the students’ appetite for research and spark their interest in the field. Relatively little research has been done to test the effectiveness of short‐term research training programs. In an effort to examine short‐term effects of three different NIH‐funded summer research training programs for medical students, we assessed the trainees’ (N = 75) research self‐efficacy prior to and after the programs using an 11‐item scale. These hands‐on training programs combined experiential, didactic, and mentoring elements. The students demonstrated a significant increase in their self‐efficacy for research. Trainees’ gender, ranking of their school, type of research, and specific content of research project did not predict improvement. Effect sizes for different types of items on the scale varied, with the largest gain seen in research methodology and communication of study findings.
PCOR, CER, and CBPR: Alphabet Soup or Complementary Fields of Health Research?
Authors: Burke Jessica G. , Jones Jennifer , Yonas Michael , Guizzetti Lisa , Virata Maria C. , Costlow Monica , Morton Sally C. , Elizabeth Miller
Published: May 2013

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) and community‐ based participatory research (CBPR) are two fields of research that do not have a history of strong collaboration. However, CER and CBPR researchers could benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration to design and implement relevant, timely, action‐oriented research. This commentary explores field‐specific definitions of stakeholders and then outlines various roles stakeholders might play within grant‐funded research. Questions such as “What stakeholders should be involved?” and “How are stakeholders involved?” are addressed. The goal of this commentary is to highlight how the expertise and experiences of CBPR investigators can enhance the field of CER and to describe strategies for encouraging stakeholder involvement in CER research through the lens of CBPR. It is recommended that a team‐based approach to conducting stakeholder‐engaged CER encourages multiple stakeholders and “end users” to contribute their diverse expertise to the research process and contributes to the development of research with an increased likelihood of improving patient health and healthcare.
Encouragement toward employment for those with disabilities
Authors: Murphy Kevin P
Published: May 2013

This commentary is on the original article by Verhoef et al. on pages
722–728 of this issue.
Secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding for cirrhotic patients: a multiple‐treatments meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi Ke‐Qing , Liu Wen‐Yue , Pan Zhen‐Zhen , Lin Xian‐Feng , Chen Shao‐Long , Chen Yong‐Ping , Fan Yu‐Chen , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: May 2013

Objective

To evaluate comprehensively the effects of 12 prophylaxis interventions for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding using multiple‐treatments meta‐analysis.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched prior to November 2011. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the interventions for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. The primary study outcomes were variceal rebleeding, mortality due to rebleeding and mortality due to all causes.

Results

We systematically reviewed 51 RCTs. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), β‐blockers combined with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) and endoscopic banding ligation (EBL) combined with EIS were superior to β‐blockers [odds ratios (OR) 0·13, 0·23 and 0·13, respectively] and EIS (0·19, 0·34 and 0·18, respectively) in reducing the rate of rebleeding. To reduce the mortality rate due to rebleeding, TIPS was more efficacious than β‐blockers (0·11), EBL (0·13), EIS (0·19), β‐blockers combined with isosorbide‐5‐mononitrate (5‐ISMN) (0·16) and β‐blockers combined with EIS (0·14). In addition, β‐blockers combined with 5‐ISMN were significantly more efficacious than β‐blockers (0·56) and EBL (0·64) to reduce the mortality rate due to all causes. EBL combined with argon plasma coagulation showed the best profile of reduction in rebleeding rate and mortality rate due to all causes. To reduce the mortality rate due to rebleeding, TIPS had the highest probability. EBL combined with EIS was the best choice according to the cumulative probabilities of being among the three most efficacious interventions for the three outcomes.

Conclusions

Endoscopic banding ligation combined with EIS might be the first choice in the secondary prophylaxis of varices bleeding.
Rostroventrolateral medulla neurons with commissural projections provide input to sympathetic premotor neurons: anatomical and functional evidence
Authors: Turner Anita , Kumar Natasha , Farnham Melissa , Lung Mandy , Pilowsky Paul , McMullan Simon
Published: May 2013

The activity of neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is critical for the generation of vasomotor sympathetic tone. Multiple pre‐sympathetic pathways converge on spinally projecting RVLM neurons, but the origin and circumstances in which such inputs are active are poorly understood. We have previously shown that input from the contralateral brainstem contributes to the baseline activity of this population: in the current study we investigate the distribution, phenotype and functional properties of RVLM neurons with commissural projections in the rat. We firstly used retrograde transport of fluorescent microspheres to identify neurons that project to the contralateral RVLM. Labelled neurons were prominent in a longitudinal column that extended over 1 mm caudal from the facial nucleus and contained hybridisation products indicating enkephalin (27%), GABA (15%) and adrenaline (3%) synthesis and included 6% of bulbospinal neurons identified by transport of cholera toxin B. Anterograde transport of fluorescent dextran‐conjugate from the contralateral RVLM revealed extensive inputs throughout the RVLM that frequently terminated in close apposition with catecholaminergic and bulbospinal neurons. In urethane‐anaesthetised rats we verified that 28/37 neurons antidromically activated by electrical stimulation of the contralateral pressor region were spontaneously active, of which 13 had activity locked to central respiratory drive and 15 displayed ongoing tonic discharge. In six tonically active neurons sympathoexcitatory roles were indicated by spike‐triggered averages of splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity. We conclude that neurons in the RVLM project to the contralateral brainstem, form synapses with sympathetic premotor neurons, and have functional properties consistent with sympthoexcitatory function.
The orbitofrontal cortex regulates outcome‐based decision‐making via the lateral striatum
Authors: Gourley Shannon L. , Olevska Anastasia , Zimmermann Kelsey S. , Ressler Kerry J. , DiLeone Ralph J. , Taylor Jane R.
Published: May 2013

The orbitofrontal cortex (oPFC) sends substantial projections to the ventrolateral striatum and aspects of the nucleus accumbens that are, functionally, poorly understood. This is despite probable cortico‐striatal involvement in multiple diseases such as addiction and obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Here we surgically disconnected the oPFC from the ventrolateral striatum using unilateral asymmetric lesions in mice and classified instrumental decision‐making strategies. Mice with symmetric lesions that spared one oPFC–striatal network served as controls. As a complementary approach, we selectively knocked down Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) bilaterally in the oPFC and ascertained behavioral and neurobiological consequences within the downstream striatum. oPFC–striatal disconnection and oPFC Bdnf knockdown blocked sensitivity to outcome‐predictive relationships in both food‐reinforced and cocaine‐associated settings. Bdnf knockdown simultaneously regulated striatal BDNF expression, and striatal c‐Fos predicted sensitivity to action–outcome associative contingencies. Previous evidence strongly implicates the dorsolateral striatum in stimulus–response habit formation. Our findings thus provide novel evidence for functional compartmentalisation within the lateral striatum, with the dorsal compartment subserving classical stimulus–response habit systems and a ventral compartment coordinating outcome‐based decision‐making via oPFC interactions. This compartmentalisation may apply to both ‘natural’, as in the case of food‐reinforced behavior, and ‘pathological’, as in the case of cocaine‐seeking, contexts.
In vitro and in vivo models of Huntington's disease show alterations in the endocannabinoid system
Authors: Bari Monica , Battista Natalia , Valenza Marta , Mastrangelo Nicolina , Malaponti Marinella , Catanzaro Giuseppina , Centonze Diego , Finazzi‐Agrò Alessandro , Cattaneo Elena , Maccarrone Mauro
Published: May 2013

In this study, we analyzed the components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in R6/2 mice, a widely used model of Huntington's disease (HD). We measured the endogenous content of N‐arachidonoylethanolamine and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol and the activity of their biosynthetic enzymes (N‐acyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipase D and diacylglycerol lipase, respectively) and hydrolytic enzymes [fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase, respectively] and of their target receptors (type 1 cannabinoid receptor, type 2 cannabinoid receptor, and transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1) in the brains of wild‐type and R6/2 mice of different ages, as well as in the striatum and cortex of 12‐week‐old animals. In addition, we measured FAAH activity in lymphocytes of R6/2 mice. In the whole brains of 12‐week‐old R6/2 mice, we found reductions in N‐acyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipase D activity, diacylglycerol lipase activity and cannabinoid receptor binding, mostly associated with changes in the striatum but not in the cortex, as well as an increase in 2‐arachidonoylglycerol content as compared with wild‐type littermates, without any other change in ECS elements. Then, our analysis was extended to HD43 cells, an inducible cellular model of HD derived from rat ST14A cells. In both induced and noninduced conditions, we demonstrated a fully functional ECS. Overall, our data suggest that the ECS is differently affected in mouse and human HD, and that HD43 cells are suitable for high‐throughput screening of FAAH‐oriented drugs affecting HD progression.
Evaluation of a river classification system as a conservation measure in the management of Atlantic salmon in Insular Newfoundland
Authors: Veinott G. , Cochrane N. , Dempson J. B.
Published: May 2013

In an effort to address the decline in abundance of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in insular Newfoundland rivers, resource managers introduced a River Classification System (RCS) in 1999 to assist in the management and conservation of the resource. The RCS set daily and seasonal bag limits in the recreational fishery on a river by river basis. An analysis of the catch and effort data before and after the implementation of the RCS showed an overall decline in the number of retained salmon after the implementation of the RCS, but no change in overall effort. Upon closer examination, it was found that retention increased on Class I rivers, which had the highest allowed retention, but declined on the other class rivers. On one particular river (Harry's River), which alternated classifications from 2007 to 2010, it was found that exploitation rates increased as allowed retention increased. Newfoundland salmon anglers appear to be retention anglers and therefore the RCS was an effective tool for diverting catch and effort to specific rivers by changing retention limits.
The impact of climate change measured at relevant spatial scales: new hope for tropical lizards
Authors: Logan Michael L. , Huynh Ryan K. , Precious Rachel A. , Calsbeek Ryan G.
Published: May 2013

Much attention has been given to recent predictions that widespread extinctions of tropical ectotherms, and tropical forest lizards in particular, will result from anthropogenic climate change. Most of these predictions, however, are based on environmental temperature data measured at a maximum resolution of 1 km2, whereas individuals of most species experience thermal variation on a much finer scale. To address this disconnect, we combined thermal performance curves for five populations of Anolis lizard from the Bay Islands of Honduras with high‐resolution temperature distributions generated from physical models. Previous research has suggested that open‐habitat species are likely to invade forest habitat and drive forest species to extinction. We test this hypothesis, and compare the vulnerabilities of closely related, but allopatric, forest species. Our data suggest that the open‐habitat populations we studied will not invade forest habitat and may actually benefit from predicted warming for many decades. Conversely, one of the forest species we studied should experience reduced activity time as a result of warming, while two others are unlikely to experience a significant decline in performance. Our results suggest that global‐scale predictions generated using low‐resolution temperature data may overestimate the vulnerability of many tropical ectotherms to climate change.
DWELLING WITHIN: THE INHABITED RUINS OF HISTORY1
Authors: GAFIJCZUK DARIUSZ
Published: May 2013

Addressing the recent call to rethink history as a form of presence, the essay works toward a recovery of a space in which such presence of history is encoded. I argue that history as a form of active perception is akin to virtual witnessing of the past in the moment of our encounter with historical artifacts, be they texts, photographs, or buildings.

To this end, I engage with the conceptual and material aspects of historical perception, deriving a model of history as “inhabited ruins,” the way it emerges together with historical consciousness and finds an especially dynamic expression in Georg Simmel's philosophy of culture. Throughout, I work with the notion of distance and trans‐dimensional presence as the forces that shape and reshape historical awareness.

Ruins, intimately connected to the modern historical imagination, are approached not as sites of commemoration or nostalgia, but as spaces of active exchange between presence and disappearance. As such, they are taken to be the models for the transitive character of history itself, blurring the division between perception and thought. In other words, ruins are taken as structures that evoke and summon the past to an encounter with contemporary reality—a type of co‐appearance that opens the possibility of virtually witnessing the past. I conclude that the logic of “inhabited ruins” constitutes the event‐horizon of modern identity, always placing history right at the threshold of fragmentation.
POSSIBILITIES IN “A THOROUGHLY HISTORICAL WORLD”: MISSING HAYDEN WHITE'S MISSED CONNECTIONS
Authors: Roberts David D.
Published: May 2013

This article assesses Herman Paul's intellectual biography of Hayden White, the most important figure in the philosophy of history of the past half century. Offering a clear overview of White's career and contribution, Paul's account proceeds chronologically from the 1950s to the present, distinguishing the phases of White's career, but convincingly pinpointing an abiding core of concerns around an existentialist and liberationist humanism. In that light, White sought to show the way beyond historiographical realism to more innovative approaches—ideally to serve progressive politics. Paul notes, however, that White failed to connect with most mainstream historians, and Paul's account is not sufficiently probing and critical to explore the gulf. Indeed, following White, Paul is too prone to take White's particular liberationist agenda as the only alternative to a conservative, passive realism—and thereby to gloss over alternative ways of conceiving the postrealist cultural space. Moreover, Paul fails to note White's tendency sometimes to imply that mainstream history claims more than it does, and sometimes to denigrate prejudicially what it in fact does, or could do. Although much of White's challenge could have been especially salutary, he tended toward mischaracterizations that fostered polarization in the historical discipline and reinforced prejudicial understandings of historiography in the wider culture. Paul's overview provides a useful, and in many ways exemplary, introduction to White's legacy, but it is too deferential to provide a convincing overall critical assessment.
Working for a Better Life: Longitudinal Evidence on the Predictors of Employment Among Recently Arrived Refugee Migrant Men Living in Australia
Authors: Correa‐Velez Ignacio , Barnett Adrian G. , Gifford Sandra
Published: May 2013

Although a number of studies have investigated the predictors of employment among refugee migrants, there is a dearth of evidence from longitudinal data. This study investigated the cross‐sectional and longitudinal predictors of employment among 233 adult refugee men living in South‐East Queensland, Australia. Participants were interviewed four times at six‐month intervals between 2008 and 2010. Using a conceptual model developed from the literature, Generalized Estimating Equations were used to model the predictors of employment. Over time, the employment rate increased from 44 per cent to 56 per cent. Region of birth, length of time in Australia, seeking employment through job service providers and informal networks, and owning a car were significant predictors of employment. Contrary to previous research, English language proficiency was not a significant predictor when other variables were controlled for. Recognition of overseas skills and qualifications decreased the chances of finding employment. The policy and programme implications are discussed.

Policy Implications

Recognition of refugee migrants' overseas‐gained skills and qualifications does not guarantee them securing employment.

Recognition of overseas skills and qualifications should be accompanied by educating employers, especially those outside the traditional migrant employment ‘niches’, about the resources and capabilities of refugee migrants, and the value of their qualifications.

Fostering programmes that target the needs of job seekers from refugee backgrounds could enhance their employment outcomes.

Supporting refugee migrants getting their drivers' licence and establishing favourable loan programmes that enable refugee migrants to buy a car can have a positive impact on their workforce participation.
Platelet count alterations associated with escitalopram, venlafaxine and bupropion in depressive patients
Authors: Song Hoo Rim , Jung Young‐Eun , Wang Hee‐Ryung , Woo Young Sup , Jun Tae‐Youn , Bahk Won‐Myong
Published: May 2013

The objective of the present study was to evaluate changes in platelet counts on three different kinds of antidepressant. All subjects (n = 131) in their drug‐naïve state had been diagnosed with depression. Escitalopram (n = 42), venlafaxine (n = 50) and bupropion (n = 39) were prescribed, and platelet count was measured before and after 1 month of treatment and compared. Decrease in platelet count on escitalopram was significant, while the others were not. These findings suggest that escitalopram may be associated with decreased platelet count, and bupropion is less likely to exert an influence on platelet count.
Dimensional analysis of burden in family caregivers of patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Torres Albina Rodrigues , Hoff Natália Travenisk , Padovani Carlos Roberto , Ramos‐Cerqueira Ana Teresa de Abreu
Published: May 2013

Aims:  Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) also generates emotional burden in the patient's family members, but no study has evaluated the specific dimensions of burden. The objectives were to evaluate the dimensions of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and possible correlates.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study involving 47 patients and 47 caregivers, using a sociodemographic questionnaire; the ZBI; the Self Reporting Questionnaire; the Family Accommodation Scale; and the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale. The ZBI factor analysis was conducted using Varimax Rotation.

Results:  Six factors were identified, explaining 74.2% of the total variance: factor 1, interference in the caregiver's personal life (36.6% of the variance); factor 2, perception of patient's dependence (10.8%); factor 3, feelings of irritation or intolerance (9.2%); factor 4, guilt (7.2%); factor 5, insecurity (5.6%); and factor 6, embarrassment (4.8%). The six ZBI factors were associated with greater OCD severity and with greater accommodation to the patient's symptoms, and factors 1, 2, 5 and 6 with caregiver's psychological morbidity. Caregiver's sex (female) was associated with factors 5 and 6, relationship with the patient (being a parent or son/daughter) with factor 5, higher educational level with factor 6, living with the patient with factor 3, worse self‐evaluation of health with factors 1, 5 and 6, and occupational status (not working) with factors 1, 2, 5 and 6.

Conclusion:  The dimensions of burden identified indicate the most affected aspects of a caregiver's life and could guide the planning of more specific interventions. Thus, the caregiver could participate more effectively in the OCD patient's treatment, with a lower impact on his/her life.
Sex differences in risk factors for suicidality among Japanese substance use disorder patients: Association with age, types of abused substances, and depression
Authors: Matsumoto Toshihiko , Matsushita Sachio , Okudaira Kenichi , Naruse Nobuya , Cho Tetsuji , Muto Takeo , Ashizawa Takeshi , Konuma Kyohei , Morita Nobuaki , Ino Aro
Published: May 2013

Aim:  The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for suicide in Japanese substance use disorder (SUD) patients, adjusting for age and sex, and to examine sex differences in suicide risk among these patients.

Methods:  A self‐reporting questionnaire on age, sex, types of abused substances, current depression, and suicidality was administered to 1420 SUD patients who consecutively visited seven hospitals specializing in SUD treatment during the month of December 2009. Unadjusted/adjusted odds ratios of factors associated with suicidality were calculated for each sex.

Results:  The multivariate analysis using the total sample identified younger age, female sex, and current depression as risk factors for severe suicidality in SUD patients. The multivariate analysis by each sex demonstrated that younger age and current depression were associated with severe suicidality in male SUD patients. Only current depression was associated with severe suicidality in female patients.

Conclusion:  Current depression is a risk factor for suicide in SUD patients common in both Western countries and Japan, although in Japanese SUD patients both younger age and female sex were more closely associated with severe suicidality than aspects of SUD. Additionally, young male SUD patients are speculated to have psychosocial features associated with suicidality in common with female SUD patients.
Global biogeography of autotroph chemistry: is insolation a driving force?
Authors: Borer Elizabeth T. , Bracken Matthew E. S. , Seabloom Eric W. , Smith Jennifer E. , Cebrian Just , Cleland Elsa E. , Elser James J. , Fagan William F. , Gruner Daniel S. , Harpole W. Stanley , Hillebrand Helmut , Kerkhoff Andrew J. , Ngai Jacqueline T.
Published: May 2013

Synthesis

The tissue chemistry of plants can influence ecosystem processes including growth, herbivory, and decomposition. Our comparison of nitrogen and phosphorus in over 1700 autotroph taxa demonstrates that latitudinal trends in tissue chemistry are consistent across non‐vascular and vascular species in freshwater, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems. Tissue chemistry varies most within species and taxonomic lineages, yet the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio within individuals is strikingly similar among species in different ecosystems. These results shed new light on existing hypotheses, suggesting that light (e.g. photon flux) and growing season duration are primary drivers of latitudinal gradients in tissue chemistry, but providing little support for temperature, nutrient supply, or soil substrate age.

Photoautotroph nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) tissue concentrations can influence ecosystem function via processes including growth, decomposition, and consumption, and may reflect traits maintaining coexistence. Studies in terrestrial systems have led to hypotheses that latitudinal trends in the N and P content of leaves may be driven by soil substrate age, environmental temperature, or season length; however, terrestrial patterns alone cannot differentiate these mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that broad geographical patterns of N and P in freshwater and marine multicellular photoautotrophs are concordant with those in terrestrial ecosystems. Our > 6800 record database reveals that mean tissue N and P increase with latitude in all ecosystems, but P increases more rapidly, causing N:P to decline; mean N:P scaling within individuals also is identical among systems, despite very different evolutionary environments. A partitioning of the variance in these data suggests that species composition and local environmental context likely lead to the variation observed within a latitudinal band. However, the consistency of trends in photosynthetic tissue chemistry across Earth’s ecosystems suggests that biogeographical gradients in insolation and growing season length may constrain tissue N and P, whereas global trends in temperature, nutrient supply, and soil substrate age are unlikely to generate the consistent latitudinal trends among ecosystems. Thus, this cross‐ecosystem comparison suggests a new hypothesis, global patterns of insolation, while also providing a new perspective on other mechanisms that have been hypothesized to underlie latitudinal trends in photosynthetic tissue chemistry.
Regulatory Mechanisms of Cell‐Mediated Immunity in Allogeneic Pregnancy
Authors: CHAOUAT G. , MONNOT P. , HOFFMAN M. , CHAFFAUX S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The transfer of cells from allopregnant animals to syngeneic receivers allografted with paternal strain tumor leads to mild but significant enhancement. The effect can be defined as T cell mediated. Cells from allopregnant animals can suppress a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) of maternal responders against paternal stimulators. The effect relies upon a THY 1+, Ly 2+, Ia+ cell. Cell‐mediated lympholysis (CML) assay could also be suppressed by cells from allopregnant animals. Placental products are capable of interfering with allograft rejection in vivo. They can block MLR in vitro, and seem to act in part via the induction of suppressor cells. The respective roles of these depressive components, together with enhancing antibodies, is discussed.
Seminar in Reproductive Immunology: Sequential Activation of V Genes During Postnatal Life
Authors: BONA CONSTANTIN A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The BALB/c mouse strain represents an excellent model for studying the activation of V genes, because several myeloma proteins share the cross‐reactive idiotype with antipolysaccharide antibodies of the same antigenic specificity. In addition, the majority of these antipolysaccharide antibody responses are independent of T help and, therefore, the maturation of helper T cells does not play a role in the study of these responses.

Our results, as well as those obtained by other investigators, have shown that immunization of 1‐day‐old mice elicits an anti‐β2—6 fructosan, 384Id anti‐S tranaroa LPS, and X24IdX and X24IdI antigalactan response. T15Id+ phosphocholine, IdX+ anti‐Ars, and 460Id+ anti‐TNP (in response to immunization with TNP‐LPS and TNP‐Levan) antibody responses can be induced only in 6‐to 8‐day‐old mice. One can obtain 2.4 SSSIII Id+ of anti‐SSSIII and 347Id+ antiflagellin antibody responses only in 2‐week‐old mice. In 4‐week‐old mice IdX+ anti‐β2‐>1 fructosan was elicited, and QPC52IdX+ anti‐α1‐6 dextran in 3‐month‐old mice. These observations suggest a sequential activation of V genes during postnatal life. The theoretical and practical implications of these observations are discussed.
Decreased Cord Blood IgM and IgA in Trisomy 21*
Authors: CEDERQVIST LARS L. , SPIGELMAN SAM , LITWIN STEPHEN D.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Disagreement as to whether Ig levels are high, low, or normal at different ages in different groups of trisomic children has interfered with defining the associated immunodeficiency state. Fetal Ig production was assessed by measuring cord blood IgM and IgA of five trisomy 21, 97 normal, and 37 control newborns with other birth defects. Trisomic infants showed significantly lower values. Cord blood IgG values showed no differences between groups when corrected for fetal birth weight. The data indicate that children with trisomy 21 have an impaired humoral immune response in utero.
An Indirect Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the Detection and Quantitation of Antisperm Antibodies
Authors: ACKEKMAN STEVEN B. , WORTHAM J. W. E. , SWANSON R. JAMES
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Several recent comparative investigations using various assays to detect and quantitate levels of antibody to human spermatozoa have produced widely varying results. In an attempt to reduce test variability, an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was devised to measure antisperm antibodies. A standardized protocol was adapted employing sperm adsorption to polystyrene microtiter plates, at a density of 105 sperm per well, serum and enzyme‐conjugate incubation conditions at 37°C for 60 min, and three ten‐minute washes between incubations using phosphate‐buffered saline containing Tween‐20. Using antihuman sperm antisera generated in rabbits, the ELISA was shown to yield significantly detectable antibody at dilutions of 1/16,384. The ELISA demonstrated approximately 89% reproducibility (ie, 100% minus the coefficient of variation) for an “intraassay” study wherein 300 determinations were performed on the same day on sperm from ten donors. However, when sperm from one donor were used in 30 determinations during ten assays over a six‐month period, “interassay” reproducibility was approximately 51%. The ELISA was compared with macroagglutination, microagglutination, and immobilization tests, using rabbit antisperm serum and human sera from vasectomized males. Results of this study indicated that the ELISA was more sensitive, less subjective, and easier to perform than these other commonly used techniques.
Regulation of the Lymphocyte Response to Phytohemagglutinin During Pregnancy: Role of Adherent Cells and Prostaglandins
Authors: Vanderbeeken Y. , Vlieghe M. P. , Delespesse G.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The lymphocyte response to optimal and suboptimal doses of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) has been investigated in 33 healthy pregnant women compared with 27 controls. Standard preparations of lymphocytes, isolated from the two groups of participants by Ficoll‐Metrizoate density gradient centrifugation, contained the same amount of peroxidase positive cells (± 10%) and exhibited the same response to PHA. Removal of cells adhering to plastic dishes (AC) led to an increased lymphocyte response in pregnant subjects but to a reduced response in the controls. Maternal lymphocytes depleted in AC had a significantly higher PHA response than did AC‐depleted lymphocytes from the control subjects. The apparent suppressor activity of AC on maternal lymphocytes is not mediated by prostaglandins as shown by the observations that indomethacin (10−6 M) had the same enhancing effect and prostaglandin E1 (10−6 to 10−8 M) the same inhibiting effect in the two groups of subjects. Collectively the data indicate that during pregnancy the cellular interactions involved in the lymphocyte response to PHA are altered; the data also explain some of the contradictory results in the literature.
Antibodies Against Cultured Human Fibroblasts During Pregnancy
Authors: Vanderbeeken Y. , Duchateau J. , Delespesse G.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Some normal human sera contain cytotoxic antibodies reacting with an antigen expressed on cultured human fibroblasts and on tissues from fetuses less than three months old. We show that the cytotoxic activity is complement‐dependent and mediated by both IgG and IgM antibodies; furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of positive sera of various origins is inhibited by fragments of normal IgG, demonstrating a competition for the same antigen. This antigen is not expressed on freshly prepared fibroblasts and is not related to HLA.

We have tested 96 sera from women at various stages of pregnancy, eight cord blood sera, and 24 control sera for the presence of antifibroblast antibodies (AFA). The results show a progressive and significant increase in the frequency of AFA‐positive sera in the second and last trimester of pregnancy. A working hypothesis on the significance of this finding is presented.
Experimental Autoimmune Damage to Rat Male Accessory Glands (MAG)*
Authors: PACHECO‐RUPIL B. , DEPIANTE‐DEPAOLI M. , ROMERO O. , ROMERO M. , YANTORNO C.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Isoimmunization of Wistar rats with male accessory gland (MAG) extract and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induces a specific cell‐mediated immune response detected by skin delayed hypersensitivity, spleen lymphocyte culture as well as by the presence of macrophage inhibitory factor and skin reactive factor. Specific antibodies have also been investigated by hemagglutination, immunodiffusion, and complement‐fixation tests. In a group of rats receiving a single immunizing dose no antibody response was detected, but in 5 out of 8 rats a cell‐mediated immune response was found accompanied in three of them by mild histological changes in the target organ. In a second group that underwent a more intense and extended immunization schedule, the humoral response was detected by complement fixation in only three undiluted sera. The cellular immune mechanism was found in 18 out of 20 rats through one or more of the tests in the study. Male accessory gland lesions in various degrees were observed in 15 cases and they were mainly represented by mononuclear infiltration. Whether a cell‐mediated or humoral mechanism is responsible for induction of the tissue damage observed in the target glands is discussed.