bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Angiogenesis for Controlling Neuroblastoma
Authors: Roy Choudhury Subhasree , Karmakar Surajit , Banik Naren L. , Ray Swapan K.
Published: August 2011

Neuroblastoma, a progressive solid tumor in childhood, continues to be a clinical challenge. It is highly vascular, heterogeneous, and extracranial tumor that originates from neural crest. Angiogenesis, genetic abnormalities, and oncogene amplification are mainly responsible for malignant phenotype of this tumor. Survivability of malignant neuroblastoma patients remains poor despite the use of traditional therapeutic strategies. Angiogenesis is a very common and necessary pre-requisite for tumor progression and metastasis. Angiogenesis is also a major factor in making malignant neuroblastoma. Thus, prevention of angiogenesis can be a highly significant strategy in the treatment of malignant neuroblastoma. Here, we summarize our current understanding of angiogenesis in malignant neuroblstoma and describe the use of experimental anti-angiogenic agents either alone or in combination therapy. This review will clearly indicate the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of malignant neuroblastoma, its prevention as a promising therapy in preclinical models of malignant neuroblastoma, and prospective clinical trials.
Strain-Specific Differences in Perinatal Rodent Oligodendrocyte Lineage Progression and Its Correlation with Human
Authors: Dean Justin M. , Moravec Matthew D. , Grafe Marjorie , Abend Nicholas , Ren Jennifer , Gong Xi , Volpe Joseph J. , Jensen Frances E. , Hohimer A. Roger , Back Stephen A.
Published: August 2011

Progress in the development of rat models of human periventricular white matter injury (WMI) has been hampered by uncertainty about the developmental window in different rodent strains that coincides with cerebral white matter development in human premature infants. To define strain-specific differences in rat cerebral white matter maturation, we analyzed oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage maturation between postnatal days (P)2 and P14 in three widely studied strains of rat: Sprague-Dawley, Long-Evans and Wistar (W). We previously reported that late OL progenitors (preOL) are the major vulnerable cell type in human periventricular WMI. Strain-specific differences in preOL maturation were found at P2, such that the W rat had the highest percentage and density of preOL relative to the other strains. Overall, at P2, the state of OL maturation was similar to preterm human cerebral white matter. However, by P5, all three strains displayed a similar magnitude and extent of OL maturation that persisted with progressive myelination between P7 and P14. PreOL were the predominant OL lineage stage present in the cerebral cortex through P14, and thus OL lineage maturation occurred latter than in white matter. The hippocampus also displayed a later onset of preOL maturation in all three strains, such that OL lineage maturation and early myelination was not observed to occur until about P14. This timing of preOL maturation in rat cortical gray matter coincided with a similar timing in human cerebral cortex, where preOL also predominated until at least 8 months after full-term birth. These studies support that strain-specific differences in OL lineage immaturity were present in the early perinatal period at about P2, and they define a narrow window of preterm equivalence with human that diminishes by P5. Later developmental onset of preOL maturation in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus coincides with an extended window of potential vulnerability of the OL lineage to hypoxia-ischemia in these gray matter regions.
G-Protein-Associated Signal Transduction Processes Are Restored after Postweaning Environmental Enrichment in Ts65Dn, a Down Syndrome Mouse Model
Authors: Baamonde C. , Martínez-Cué C. , Flórez J. , Dierssen M.
Published: August 2011

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) present cognitive deficits that can be improved by early implementation of special care programs. However, they showed limited and temporary cognitive effects. We previously demonstrated that postnatal environmental enrichment (EE) improved clearly, though temporarily, the execution of visuospatial memory tasks in Ts65Dn mice, a DS model bearing a partial trisomy of murine chromosome 16; but in contrast to wild-type littermates, there was a lack of structural plasticity in pyramidal cell structure in the trisomic cerebral cortex. In the present study, we have investigated the impact of EE on the function of adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C as a possible mechanism underlying the time-limited improvements observed. Basal production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was not affected, but responses to GTPγS, isoprenaline, noradrenaline, SKF 38393 and forskolin were depressed in the Ts65Dn hippocampus. In EE conditions, cAMP accumulation was not significantly modified in control animals with respect to nonenriched controls. However, EE had a marked effect in Ts65Dn mice, in which cAMP production was significantly increased. Similarly, EE increased phospholipase C activity in Ts65Dn mice, in response to carbachol and calcium. We conclude that EE restores the G-protein-associated signal transduction systems that are altered in Ts65Dn mice.
Irradiation-Induced Morphea: X-Rays as Triggers of Autoimmunity
Authors: Laetsch B. , Hofer T. , Lombriser N. , Lautenschlager S.
Published: August 2011

We report on 3 females with breast cancer who developed morphea at the site of post-surgery radiotherapy. One was suffering from other autoimmune skin diseases before the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Postirradiation morphea is a potential complication after radiotherapy, particularly radiotherapy for cancer. This troublesome skin disease can occur months to years after treatment, and is associated with remarkable morbidity and pain, and also cosmetic aspects. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of this condition, and to try to identify patients who might be at an increased risk of developing morphea.
Effectiveness of Theta-Burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treating Chronic Tinnitus
Authors: Chung Hsiung-Kwang , Tsai Chon-Haw , Lin Yu-Chin , Chen Jin-Ming , Tsou Yung-An , Wang Chin-Yuan , Lin Chia-Der , Jeng Fuh-Cherng , Chung Jing-Gung , Tsai Ming-Hsui
Published: August 2011

Objectives: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive method for altering cortical excitability, is becoming a therapeutic strategy in auditory research institutions worldwide. Application of inhibiting rTMS on these overactive cortical regions can result in effective tinnitus suppression. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of theta-burst rTMS in patients with chronic tinnitus. Study Design: Parallel randomized control study. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: We enrolled 2 female and 20 male patients in this study. The evaluative tools included tinnitus frequency- and loudness-matching, tinnitus questionnaires (TQ), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Methods: The orthogonal projection of the auditory cortex on the scalp was focalized. A figure-eight coil was placed on the surface of the skull over the targeted region with the intensity setting at 80% of the resting motor threshold. We delivered 900 pulses of theta-burst rTMS daily for 10 business days. Main Outcome Measures: Nine of twelve patients (75%) in the active-stimulation group reported tinnitus suppression following treatment with rTMS. The treatment led to reductions of 8.58 and 8.33 in the mean TQ global and THI scores, respectively. Tinnitus loudness also decreased significantly after delivering rTMS. Results: Descriptive analysis of the TQs revealed that patients experienced significant improvements in emotional distress levels and somatic symptoms. Conclusions: Our preliminary results demonstrate that theta-burst rTMS treatments offer a method of modulating tinnitus. Patients could benefit from emotional improvements, even more than auditory perceptive relief. Further studies are needed to establish a standard protocol and to clarify nervous propagation along the auditory and psychological projection following treatment with rTMS.
Increased levels of platelet activation markers are positively associated with carotid wall thickness and other atherosclerotic risk factors in obese patients
Authors: Nagy Bela , Fulop Tibor , Varga Zsuzsa , Karányi Zsolt , Magyar Mária , Oláh László , Papp Mária , Facskó Andrea , Kappelmayer János , Paragh György , Káplar Miklós , Csongrádi Éva
Published: August 2011

The role of platelets in the development of atherosclerosis and obesity-related prothrombotic state is still under investigation. In this cross-sectional cohort study, we measured the levels of different platelet activation markers and evaluated their relationship with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) along with other atherosclerotic risk factors in obese patients with or without atherosclerotic co-morbidities. We enrolled 154 obese patients, including 98 with either hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidaemia, 56 without these co-morbidities and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Platelet P-selectin expression and the number of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) were measured by flow cytometry; soluble P-selectin levels were analysed by ELISA and Thr715Pro P-selectin polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP. Carotid IMT was examined by ultrasonography. The levels of platelet activation parameters were significantly elevated in all obese subjects with increased carotid IMT compared to healthy controls. There was no effect of Thr715Pro genotype on soluble P-selectin levels in obese individuals contrary to normal subjects. Significant and positive association was revealed between carotid IMT and platelet P-selectin (p<0.0001), soluble P-selectin (p=0.039) and PMP (p=0.0001) levels. After adjusting for multiple variables, independent association was found between soluble P-selectin and fibrinogen (p=0.007), PMP levels and body mass index (p<0.0001) as well as platelet P-selectin and carotid IMT (p=0.012) plus plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p=0.009). In conclusion, P-selectin and PMP levels showed positive associations with abnormal carotid IMT and other risk factors in obesity suggesting a critical role of enhanced platelet reactivity in atherosclerotic wall alteration.
The Firm Strikes Back
Authors: Marx Matt
Published: August 2011

This study explores how firms shape labor markets and career paths using employee non-compete agreements. The sociology of work has overlooked non-competes, but data indicate that nearly half of technical professionals in the United States are asked to sign such employment contracts. Fearing loss of investments in talent and trade secrets, firms use non-competes to “strike back” against technical professionals’ increased mobility following the decline of internal labor markets. In-depth interviews with 52 randomly sampled patent holders in a single industry, coupled with a survey of 1,029 engineers across a variety of industries, reveal that ex-employees subject to non-competes are more likely to take career detours—that is, they involuntarily leave their technical field to avoid a potential lawsuit. Moreover, firms strategically manage the process of getting workers to sign such contracts, waiting for workers’ bargaining position to weaken. These findings inform our understanding of the social organization of work in the knowledge economy.
The Influence of Social Class and Cultural Variables on Environmental Behaviors
Authors: Laidley Thomas M.
Published: August 2011

Previous scholarship pertaining to the social bases of proenvironmental behavior presents an equivocal picture of the influence of social class indicators. In further investigation of this possible association, the author examined municipal-level data in Massachusetts, compiled by various state agencies, exploring whether sociodemographics are associated with recycling rates, hybrid car ownership, and the presence of sustainability advocacy groups. Results indicate that the proportion of college-educated population was significantly associated with recycling and hybrid auto ownership, whereas results for the civic action group presence show population density and political voting were significant but not sociodemographics. The insignificance of economic metrics implies that policy makers and social scientists in this specific case should focus more on cultural factors than financial barriers in encouraging certain behaviors.
Overcoming the Distance
Authors: Pahl Sabine , Bauer Judith
Published: August 2011

The present research tested the effect of perspective taking with a human victim of environmental change on environmental engagement. Participants watched a slideshow portraying a future scenario of a young woman being affected by negative environmental changes. Taking the perspective of this individual increased a set of three behavior indicators (intentions, time spent engaging with information materials, and number of brochures collected) compared with two control groups. The present research provides evidence that perspective taking with other humans can be a powerful trigger of engagement with environmental issues. Thus, perspective taking could be used to engage people with psychologically distant issues such as climate change, for which the full consequences will only become visible at a much later point in time.
Troops to Teachers as School Administrators
Authors: Owings William A. , Kaplan Leslie S. , Chappell Shanan
Published: August 2011

The United States has a scarcity of capable principals ready to successfully lead schools in an era of outcome-based accountability. This is especially true in high-poverty, high-minority schools. Policy makers welcome opening the principal pipeline to untraditional leaders. Research finds that teachers who have entered education through Troops to Teachers funding make a measurable impact on student learning and tend to work in high-poverty schools. This study suggests that they also may be highly effective principals.
The evaluation of complex interventions in palliative care: An exploration of the potential of case study research strategies
Authors: Walshe Catherine
Published: August 2011

Background: Complex, incrementally changing, context dependent and variable palliative care services are difficult to evaluate. Case study research strategies may have potential to contribute to evaluating such complex interventions, and to develop this field of evaluation research.

Aim: This paper explores definitions of case study (as a unit of study, a process, and a product) and examines the features of case study research strategies which are thought to confer benefits for the evaluation of complex interventions in palliative care settings.

Results: Ten features of case study that are thought to be beneficial in evaluating complex interventions in palliative care are discussed, drawing from exemplars of research in this field. Important features are related to a longitudinal approach, triangulation, purposive instance selection, comprehensive approach, multiple data sources, flexibility, concurrent data collection and analysis, search for proving-disproving evidence, pattern matching techniques and an engaging narrative. The limitations of case study approaches are discussed including the potential for subjectivity and their complex, time consuming and potentially expensive nature.

Conclusions: Case study research strategies have great potential in evaluating complex interventions in palliative care settings. Three key features need to be exploited to develop this field: case selection, longitudinal designs, and the use of rival hypotheses. In particular, case study should be used in situations where there is interplay and interdependency between the intervention and its context, such that it is difficult to define or find relevant comparisons.
Paramedics experiences and expectations concerning advance directives: A prospective, questionnaire-based, bi-centre study
Authors: Taghavi Mahmoud , Simon Alfred , Kappus Stefan , Meyer Nicole , Lassen Christoph L , Klier Tobias , Ruppert David B , Graf Bernhard M , Hanekop Gerd G , Wiese Christoph HR
Published: August 2011

Background:

Advance directives and palliative crisis cards are means by which palliative care patients can exert their autonomy in end-of-life decisions.

Aim:

To examine paramedics’ attitudes towards advance directives and end-of-life care.

Design:

Questionnaire-based investigation using a self-administered survey instrument.

Setting/participants:

Paramedics of two cities (Hamburg and Goettingen, Germany) were included. Participants were questioned as to (1) their attitudes about advance directives, (2) their clinical experiences in connection with end-of-life situations (e.g. resuscitation), (3) their suggestions in regard to advance directives, ‘Do not attempt resuscitation’ orders and palliative crisis cards.

Results:

Questionnaires were returned by 728 paramedics (response rate: 81%). The majority of paramedics (71%) had dealt with advance directives and end-of-life decisions in emergency situations. Most participants (84%) found that cardiopulmonary resuscitation in end-of-life patients is not useful and 75% stated that they would withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the case of legal possibility. Participants also mentioned that more extensive discussion of legal aspects concerning advance directives should be included in paramedic training curricula. They suggested that palliative crisis cards should be integrated into end-of-life care.

Conclusions:

Decision making in prehospital end-of-life care is a challenge for all paramedics. The present investigation demonstrates that a dialogue bridging emergency medical and palliative care issues is necessary. The paramedics indicated that improved guidelines on end-of-life decisions and the termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in palliative care patients may be essential. Participants do not feel adequately trained in end-of-life care and the content of advance directives. Other recent studies have also demonstrated that there is a need for training curricula in end-of-life care for paramedics.
Symptom clusters in patients with advanced cancer: Sub-analysis of patients reporting exclusively non-zero ESAS scores
Authors: Chen Emily , Nguyen Janet , Cramarossa Gemma , Khan Luluel , Zhang Liying , Tsao May , Danjoux Cyril , Barnes Elizabeth , Sahgal Arjun , Holden Lori , Jon Florencia , Dennis Kristopher , Chow Edward
Published: August 2011

Background:

Advanced cancer patients often experience multiple concurrent symptoms, which can have prognostic effects on patients’ quality of life. Including patients who did not experience all of the symptoms measured by an assessment tool may interfere with accurate symptom cluster identification. Varying statistical methods may also contribute to inconsistencies of cluster results.

Aims:

To compare symptom clusters in a subgroup of patients reporting exclusively non-zero ESAS scores with those in the total patient sample. To examine whether using different statistical methods results in varied symptom clusters.

Design:

Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were performed on the ‘non-zero’ subgroup and the total patient sample to identify symptom clusters at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 following palliative radiotherapy.

Setting/participants:

A previous single-centre study used Principal Component Analysis to explore symptom clusters in 1296 advanced cancer patients. The present study analyzed this previously reported data set.

Results:

Notably different symptom clusters were extracted between the two patient groups regardless of the statistical method at baseline, with the exception of a cluster composed of drowsiness, fatigue and dyspnea using Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. At follow-ups, different statistical methods yielded significantly varied symptom clusters. Only anxiety, depression and well-being consistently occurred in the same cluster across methods and over time.

Conclusions:

The composition of symptom clusters varied depending on if patients with non-zero scores were excluded at baseline and on the statistical method employed. Identifying valid clusters may prove useful for bettering symptom diagnosis and management for cancer patients.
Action research in palliative care: Defining an evaluation methodology
Authors: Froggatt Katherine , Hockley Jo
Published: August 2011

Background: Action research is beginning to be utilized within palliative care research to address questions concerned with practice and organizational change. An understanding of appropriate evaluation practices is required in order to ensure that high-quality action research is conducted.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to present an account of participatory action research and illustrate the way in which evaluation approaches are integrated within this methodology.

Design: Participatory action research will be described identifying its origins, principles and its relationship with evaluation frameworks. The key features of the evaluation process in regard to participatory research are outlined.

Setting: Two studies are presented which illustrate the integration of evaluation within a participatory action research framework. The first approach uses a before–after summative evaluation approach in a study undertaken to develop palliative care practice within a UK nursing home context. The evaluation focused upon the impact of the intervention. The second study utilized similar methods and addressed the process of the action research using the Äldreväst Sjuhärad (ÄVS) model to evaluate participation in a peer education programme for advance care planning amongst older adults.

Results: These examples of evaluation within action research illustrate how diverse methods can be used. The use of a specific participatory evaluation model ensures the process reflects the underlying participatory principle of action research.

Conclusions: Evaluation processes are integral to action research approaches. The specific evaluative methods adopted will reflect the nature and focus of the evaluation being undertaken.
Board governance and acquirers’ returns: A study of Australian acquisitions
Authors: Chan Winson , Emanuel David
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the relation between acquirer (abnormal) returns and governance characteristics of the board of directors of the acquiring firm. The central question is: Are higher (acquirer) abnormal returns associated with ‘better’ board governance, having controlled for other factors that can affect returns? As acquisitions represent a significant change in the acquirer’s corporate structure and operations, the determinants of a successful acquisition are of considerable importance. We examine the relation between returns and governance variables using a sample of 80 Australian acquisitions that occurred between 1999 and 2005. We use both short-run and long-run (abnormal) returns to capture the wealth effects of the acquisitions. We find very limited evidence of a connection between our governance variables and acquirer returns.

JEL Classification:

G14, G34.
Changes in value relevance of accounting information upon IFRS adoption: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Chalmers Keryn , Clinch Greg , Godfrey Jayne M
Published: August 2011

We investigate whether the adoption of IFRS increases the value relevance of accounting information for firms listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Using a longitudinal study that covers pre-IFRS and post-IFRS periods during 1990–2008, we find that earnings become more value-relevant whereas the book value of equity does not. This impact is concentrated in the subsamples of industrial firms, both large and small, and firms reporting an AGAAP-IFRS accounting reconciliation upon IFRS adoption. Consistent with an increase in the value relevance of earnings, earnings also become more persistent around IFRS adoption. Our study suggests that even for a country categorized by strong investor protection and high-quality financial reporting and enforcement, IFRS adoption affects the associations between accounting information and market value.

JEL Classification:

M40, M41
Is default risk priced in Australian equity? Exploring the role of the business cycle
Authors: Chan Howard , Faff Robert , Kofman Paul
Published: August 2011

Using an extensive Australian sample, we explore two related issues in the context of a default risk asset-pricing factor (DEF) over the business cycle: (a) whether a DEF can explain the size premium in the three-factor Fama–French (FF) model; and (b) whether a DEF has a separate role itself in a four-factor version of the FF model. While we find that the default factor does not explain the success of size, our evidence shows it has a complementary role to small minus big and high minus low. Notably, subgroups of test portfolios likely to seriously challenge any asset-pricing model show evidence that the four-factor model is not perfect. Finally, while we find that conditioning on the business cycle itself has little impact, when we condition on a leading indicator, it has a positive (negative) effect on the estimated default (market) risk premium.
The collapse of Pasminco: misjudgment, misfortune and miscalculation
Authors: Brown Christine , Ma James
Published: August 2011

In September 2001 when Pasminco Ltd was placed in voluntary administration, it was the world’s biggest zinc producer with over 10% of global output. This paper examines the hedging strategies that Pasminco had in place in the years leading up to the firm being declared insolvent and documents the financial factors that contributed to the corporate collapse. We build a valuation model that illustrates in stark terms that the company’s hedging strategies materially reduced neither the exposure to market risk nor the probability of financial distress, and were a major contributing factor to the company’s downfall. The analysis in this case study contains valuable lessons for companies facing quantity and exchange rate risk.
Investigation on strengthening of CFST members under compression using CFRP composites
Authors: Sundarraja M.C. , Prabhu G. Ganesh
Published: August 2011

In the present era, the use of CFST members has become quite popular in the construction industry and at the same time, aging of metallic structures and member deterioration have also been often reported. Therefore, actions such as implementation of new materials and strengthening techniques have become essential to combat this problem. It has already been proved that FRP composites significantly improved the strength of reinforced concrete structures. The application of these materials is implemented in the high-performance steel structures. With this aim, an experimental study has been carried out to investigate the suitability of unidirectional CFRP fabrics in strengthening CFST members under axial compression. The size and height of the specimens used in this study are 91.5 × 91.5 × 3.6 mm and 600 mm, respectively. Out of 21 columns, 18 columns were externally bonded by CFRP strips having a constant width of 50 mm with spacing values of 20 mm and 30 mm and the remaining three columns were unbonded. The effect of CFRP layers on the load-carrying capacity of CFST columns was investigated. The strengthened columns exhibited FRP rupture failure due to outward buckling of steel tube. Experimental results also revealed that external bonding of CFRP strips considerably provides the confining pressure to the CFST column and as a result, CFRP-confined columns sustained higher ultimate load and larger axial deformation compared to control column. An analytical model was also proposed herein for predicting the axial load capacity of CFRP-confined CFST columns. The average percentage of difference between the analytical and the experimental loads was found as ±4%.
Arterial Ischemic Stroke in an Adolescent With Presumed Perinatal Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hamilton Kristin , Salman Michael S. , Schwartz Ilan , McCusker Patricia J. , Wrogemann Jens , Rafay Mubeen F.
Published: August 2011

The risk of recurrent ischemic stroke after presumed perinatal stroke and the risk factors for such recurrence are rarely reported. Here, we present an adolescent with a history of presumed perinatal stroke who presented with arterial ischemic stroke recurrence at the age of 15 years. Hereditary thrombophilia screening performed at the time of his stroke recurrence demonstrated protein S deficiency. No evidence-based consensus guidelines on thrombophilia screening in children with presumed perinatal stroke exist, nor has the role of secondary prophylaxis been addressed. There is a risk of stroke recurrence after presumed perinatal stroke, and routine thrombophilia screening may identify those children who are at higher risk for recurrence and who might therefore benefit from secondary prophylaxis. Clear guidelines should be developed to standardize investigations and management of children with presumed perinatal ischemic stroke.
Folinic Acid Supplementation in Rett Syndrome Patients Does Not Influence the Course of the Disease: A Randomized Study
Authors: Hagebeuk Eveline E. O. , Duran Marinus , Koelman Johannes H. T. M. , Abeling Nicolaas G. G. M. , Vyth Arno , Poll-The Bwee-Tien
Published: August 2011

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder in girls, related to mutations in MECP2 gene. It has been postulated that low 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) levels are present in cerebrospinal fluid. Folinic acid demonstrated clinical improvement. However, because studies have produced conflicting results, we performed a randomized, double-blind crossover, long-term, follow-up study on folinic acid. Eight Rett syndrome patients received both folinic acid and placebo, for 1 year each. Measurements included plasma folate, 5-MTHF, and clinical outcome scores like Rett Syndrome Motor Behavioral Assessment, Hand Apraxia Scale, and the parental Overall Well-Being Index. In 2 patients, low 5-MTHF levels were present. Folinic acid supplementation increased cerebrospinal fluid 5-MTHF levels, but with no objective evidence of clinical improvement. The Overall Well-Being Index showed a significant difference in favor of folinic acid, not confirmed objectively. In our double-blind randomized study, folinic acid supplementation resulted in increased 5-MTHF levels, but with no objective signs of clinical improvement.
Charting the Future of Family Business Research
Authors: Litz Reginald A. , Pearson Allison W. , Litchfield Shanan
Published: August 2011

The authors provide insights concerning the current state of family business research through a survey that included input from more than 80 family business scholars. Findings suggest two general conclusions: first, a collective sense that significant progress has been made; second, a widespread conviction there is still much work to be done. The authors conclude with several recommendations for the field’s continued evolution, which include greater use of family sciences research, the development of innovative measures, the adoption of rich longitudinal methodologies, and inclusion of more diverse subjects and samples.
John Wesley’s Moral Pneumatology: The Fruits of the Spirit as Theological Virtues
Authors: Cunningham Joseph William
Published: August 2011

This essay examines the significance of John Wesley’s moral pneumatology in relation to virtue. Although recent scholars have identified this connection, the present work offers a more integrated exploration of righteousness, peace, joy, and love—gifts/virtues inseparable from the Holy Spirit’s work in the economy of salvation according to Wesley’s practical theology. We will see that, for Wesley, believers become participants in God’s nature as the conjoined τέλος of happiness and holiness shapes the soul with respect to outward moral expression. Righteousness, peace and joy tempered by love are core spiritual fruits in Wesley’s pneumatology and collectively an elemental feature of his theological ethics.
Toward an Ethic of Risk: Catholic Social Teaching and Immigration Reform
Authors: Tulud Cruz Gemma
Published: August 2011

Immigration reform is a highly complex and multifaceted task with significant economic, political and religio-cultural repercussions thereby bringing tremendous ethical challenges and implications. This article explores the possible contribution of modern Catholic Social Teaching in addressing the ethical challenges of immigration reform, particularly in the United States, by examining key themes that could address critical issues in the current debate on immigration reform and arguing how an ethic of risk which, the author submits, runs through the key themes of Catholic Social Teaching explored in this paper, could then serve as an approach in articulating how Christian discipleship could foreground citizenship in the context of immigration.
‘Is’, ‘Ought’ and Moral Realism: The Roles of Nature and Experience in Practical Understanding
Authors: Matava Robert Joseph
Published: August 2011

This essay maintains that the logical distinction between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ does not amount to a dichotomy between the natural order and the moral, or between speculative knowledge and practical. This essay thus clarifies an important and often misunderstood aspect of the natural law theory advanced by the Grisez School. While affirming the logical distinction of ‘is’ from ‘ought’, this essay attempts to argue that the principles of the moral order have a basis in human nature insofar as human nature delimits the parameters of what is fulfilling for human persons. Furthermore, it is through the experience of one’s nature that one inductively grasps by a non-inferential insight the practical principles whose integral directiveness leads one to human fulfillment. The non-practical awareness of factual data one grasps in experience and which ground such a non-inferential practical insight is distinct from and more basic than reflexive, propositional, speculative knowledge (‘speculative knowledge proper’). Thus, practical understanding supposes some non-practical knowledge, although the non-practical knowledge supposed differs from speculative knowledge as ordinarily understood. Still, while the understanding of practical principles does not presuppose speculative knowledge proper, such speculative knowledge does contribute to practical reasoning in significant ways by supplying content crucial for adequate deliberation.
Encountering Asylum Seekers: An Ethic of Fear or Faith?
Authors: Snyder Susanna
Published: August 2011

Asylum is a contentious public and political issue and people seeking asylum are often targets of fear and hostility. This article presents an ethical challenge to churches aiming to support asylum seekers in the UK. Through an exploration of two contrasting strands in the biblical tradition relating to the ‘stranger’—one rooted in an ‘ecology of fear’ and another rooted in an ‘ecology of faith’—it argues that as well as practising positive encounters with newcomers, Christians need to understand and engage with public hostility.
Modelling of straight-flute machine tapping
Authors: Chen N M , Smith A J R
Published: August 2011

As an important internal thread machining method, tapping is frequently among the final operations performed on elaborately transformed manufactures. The added value is often near its peak when the tapping operation is carried out. Consequently, conservative cutting conditions often are employed to avoid costly tap failure. Taps and tapping also are amongst the most complex and least understood cutting tools and processes.

In this paper, the geometry and specification of straight flute taps are discussed, followed by an outline of the development of computer-aided predictive models for side force, thrust force, and torque in machine tapping, based on Armarego’s ‘Unified-Generalized Mechanics of Cutting Approach’. This approach allows processes to be modelled based on their cutting action and geometry only, with material properties provided from a generic database. Unlike other tapping modelling approaches, this is a truly predictive methodology.

The models allow for the transient and steady stages and they include all the tap and tapping geometrical variables and the tapping conditions, as well as the tool–workpiece material properties. The models are verified through extensive numerical studies and a comprehensive experimental testing programme. Good qualitative and quantitative correlations are found between the predicted and measured average force components and torque. These models allow tool designers and process planners to optimize the generation and use of taps, thereby improving the competitiveness of this vital manufacturing operation. The results provide further evidence of the validity and generic nature of the unified-mechanics of cutting approach.
Sectoral social dialogue at EU level: Problems and prospects of implementation
Authors: Keller Berndt , Weber Sabrina
Published: August 2011

This article addresses current issues and relevant prospects of EU social dialogues at sectoral level. It examines fundamental difficulties ‘post-Lisbon’, especially as regards implementation, including procedures for follow-up and monitoring. The article also deals with the Commission’s most recent Staff Working Document on sectoral social dialogue, raises major caveats and elaborates on various prospects of most recent voluntary results (‘autonomous agreements’ and ‘process-oriented texts’).
The impact of wage bargaining and worker preferences on the gender pay gap
Authors: McGuinness Seamus , Kelly Elish , O'Connell Philip J , Callan Tim
Published: August 2011

This article examines the gender pay gap in Ireland from a comparative perspective, using an employer-employee matched dataset from 2003. The research assesses the magnitude and drivers of the gap separately for both the full-time and part-time labour markets. The results suggest that a wage bargaining system centred on social partnership was of benefit to females within both labour markets. Trade union membership was associated with a wider gap in the full-time labour market but a narrower differential among part-time workers.
The implementation of the Telework and Work-related Stress Agreements: European social dialogue through ‘soft’ law?
Authors: Prosser Thomas
Published: August 2011

The Framework agreements on Telework and Work-related stress present unique challenges to our understanding of the European social dialogue, given that they were the first European inter-sectoral collective agreements to be implemented via ‘soft’ means rather than legally binding directives. Their implementation and substantive effects were in practice piecemeal; this implies a retreat of the European social dialogue as a viable means of regulating social Europe.
Personal style and epistemic stance in classroom discussion
Authors: Kirkham Sam
Published: August 2011

This article reports on an analysis of stance-taking in the university classroom, examining how students position themselves in relation to academic knowledge through the epistemic phrases I don’t know and I think. Analysis of specific interactional moments reveals that the meaning of discourse forms is largely indeterminate without an understanding of (1) the immediate discourse context; (2) the place of linguistic forms in an individual’s stylistic repertoire; and (3) the ideologies and social categories that frame that stylistic repertoire. Differential knowledge distribution amongst the students places constraints on what certain individuals can do with particular linguistic forms and this analysis reveals how they utilize the same linguistic resources in different ways in order to do different identity work. Through detailed interactional analysis, I demonstrate that our ability to evaluate classroom discussion as a social practice relies upon our ability to situate that practice within an understanding of individual speakers’ personal styles and the social ideologies that frame them.
‘Type you soon!’ A stylistic approach to language use in a virtual learning environment
Authors: Goddard Angela
Published: August 2011

The starting point for this article is that although new communication technologies have become an integral part of much educational provision, the nature of virtual learning environments (VLEs) remains underresearched, particularly in terms of the language skills required of participants. Existing research paradigms from linguistics, especially those from formalist traditions, offer inadequate and simplistic accounts of new communication contexts. Drawing on the field of Mediated Discourse Theory and of Scollon’s central concept of discourse as a ‘nexus of practice’ (Scollon, 1998, 2011), the article brings together interactionist approaches with insights from stylistics in order to analyse a specific aspect of synchronous written language use within a VLE, that of ‘response cries’ (Goffman, 1981). The analysis acts as an exemplar, illustrating the complexity of new communication systems and the associated skills required by interlocutors to negotiate meaning in unfamiliar spaces. Response cries, as examples of utterances that are neither speech nor writing in any formal sense, show how ‘new representational technologies are simultaneously producing new forms of representation and mediational means’ (Scollon, 2001: 170). A number of pedagogic implications arise from this study, including the need to build a more sophisticated understanding of the nature of VLEs in order to assess participant performance accurately. For example, the study shows that in order to represent aspects of expressive language, which have traditionally been associated with speech, participants need a high level of literacy skill and metalinguistic awareness. In addition, participants who are part of international online study communities need to be able to negotiate new norms of usage as English is elaborated as a virtual lingua franca.
A genre and move analysis of written feedback in higher education
Authors: Yelland Cris
Published: August 2011

This article takes up issues raised in Mirador’s article ‘A move analysis of written feedback in higher education’ (Mirador, 2000). It examines tutor-written feedback in terms of genre analysis (Swales, 1990), and modifies Mirador’s account of the repertoire of ‘moves’ that constitute feedback as a genre. It discusses the question of how far students identify with or share in the discourse community which produces feedback. The argument is that they do not, and that the genre of feedback is negatively reinforced by audit culture in assessment. The conclusion suggests ways forward to make feedback more effective.
What is (accounting) history?
Authors: Gaffikin Michael
Published: August 2011

It is a truism that researchers working in a field of study should understand how what they research and publish can be claimed to contribute to the knowledge of that field of study. The historian Edward Carr was concerned that his subject may “on closer inspection, seem trivial” which led him, in his well-known book of the same title, to pose the question “what is history?”. It may also be suggested that over the years much of what was claimed to be accounting history was little more than fairly trivial, self indulgent, quirky antiquarianism which made little “real” contribution to our understanding of the past and whether it held any implications for our understanding of our present or future. However, more recently it has been claimed that accounting history has “come of age” as an intellectual pursuit. This paper explores the basis of such a claim by tracing the development of accepted historiography in professional history and then assessing how well the work of accounting historians “matches” the developments in general history. In doing this the intention is to draw the attention of accounting history researchers to important matters they may have overlooked.
The perseverance of Pacioli’s goods inventory accounting system
Authors: Stoner Greg
Published: August 2011

This paper details sources of the “undoubtedly strange” (Yamey, 1994a, p.119) system of goods inventory records described in Pacioli’s 1494 bookkeeping treatise and traces the longevity and widespread use of this early perpetual inventory recording (EPIR) system in English language texts. By doing so and contrasting this system with the bookkeeping treatment of modern texts, it is shown that the EPIR system persisted as the dominant form of goods inventory accounting for between 400 and 500 years and that the reasons for its demise are worthy of further consideration and research.
Publishing patterns of accounting history research in generalist journals: Lessons from the past
Authors: Baños Sánchez-Matamoros Juan , Gutiérrez Hidalgo Fernando
Published: August 2011

The success of accounting history research has been evident through its recognition in the broader accounting literature in the 1990s. On this basis, we would expect that research in accounting history should display patterns of publication in generalist journals that are similar to those for other accounting research. However, we do not find such a similarity. First, accounting history has a relatively limited presence in generalist journals. Second, in the UK an elite group apparently controls accounting history research. Finally, there is cause to question the supposedly “local” nature of premier accounting journals in the US and the “international” nature of such journals in the UK.
Expression of SIRT1 in Gastric Cardiac Cancer and Its Clinicopathologic Significance
Authors: Feng An Ning , Zhang Li Hua , Fan Xiang Shan , Huang Qin , Ye Qing , Wu Hong Yan , Yang Jun
Published: August 2011

SIRT1 is a deacetylase that modifies gene expression. Some researchers have found that SIRT1 is upregulated in malignant tumor tissues. Therefore, this study investigated the SIRT1 expression in gastric cardiac carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathologic features and prognosis. Tissue microarray technique and immunohistochemical stains were used to detect the expression of SIRT1, p53, and Ki-67 in 176 gastric cardiac carcinoma tissues and 32 normal gastric cardiac region tissues. SIRT1 expression in gastric cardiac carcinoma was significantly higher than that in normal gastric cardiac tissues and was associated with lymphatic metastasis, TNM stage, survival rate and mean survival time. Expression of Ki-67 in the SIRT1 positive group was significantly higher than that in the negative group. In conclusion, high expression of SIRT1 in gastric cardiac carcinoma was correlated with lymphatic metastasis, TNM stage, proliferative status and prognosis. SIRT1 might be a biological parameter to evaluate malignant degree and prognosis of gastric cardiac carcinoma.
The Intergovernmental Fiscal Effects of the Clean Air Act
Authors: Carr Douglas A.
Published: August 2011

The impacts of air quality regulations under the Clean Air Act extend beyond directly regulated polluting industries; these regulations also affect the tax bases of local governments. To assess the local fiscal effects of nonattainment regulations under the Clean Air Act, this article analyzes revenue data spanning twenty years for counties throughout the entire United States. Attainment status for ozone, total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter smaller than 10 μm (PM10), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is found to affect local governments' own source or property tax revenues. Nonattainment for these criteria pollutants results in regulations focusing on local industries. These findings indicate declining revenues in ozone, TSP, and PM10 nonattainment areas and suggest suppression of growth during the nonattainment period for SO2.