bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HNRNPAB Induces Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Promotes Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Transcriptionally Activating SNAIL
Authors: Zhou Zheng-Jun , Dai Zhi , Zhou Shao-Lai , Hu Zhi-Qiang , Chen Qing , Zhao Yi-Ming , Shi Ying-Hong , Gao Qiang , Wu Wei-Zhong , Qiu Shuang-Jian , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia
Published: March 2014

Expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein AB (HNRNPAB) has been reported to be dysregulated in tumors, but its specific contributions to tumor formation and progression are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that HNRNPAB is overexpressed in highly metastatic cells and tumor tissues from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with recurrence. We found that HNRNPAB overexpression promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a manner associated with HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. RNA interference-mediated silencing of the EMT factor SNAIL attenuated HNRNPAB-enhanced cell invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, HNRNPAB acted to transactivate SNAIL1 transcription, which in turn inhibited transcription of the pivotal SNAIL target gene E-cadherin. Overexpression of HNRNPAB in HCC samples correlated with higher SNAIL levels, shorter overall survival, and higher tumor recurrence. HNRNPAB overexpression, alone or in combination with SNAIL, was found to be a significant independent risk factor for recurrence and survival after curative resection. In conclusion, our findings define HNRNPAB as an activator of EMT and metastasis in HCC that predicts poor clinical outcomes. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2750–62. ©2014 AACR.
The Relationship between Umbilical Cord Estrogens and Perinatal Characteristics
Authors: Hickey Martha , Hart Roger , Keelan Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2014

Background: Prenatal estrogen exposure is thought to contribute to later life diseases such as breast cancer. However, few studies have directly measured prenatal estrogens and most have relied on proposed “markers” of estrogen exposure. We used a large population-based birth cohort to directly measure the relationship between prenatal estrogens and perinatal characteristics, including putative markers of estrogen exposure.

Methods: Total estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and estetrol (E4) were assayed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry from archived mixed arterial and venous serum from 860 umbilical cord blood samples.

Results: Values for all estrogens were strongly intercorrelated. Cord estrogen concentrations did not differ between males and females. Levels of all estrogens were reduced in twins and concentrations increased with gestational age. Neither E1 nor E2 was correlated with birth weight, but E3 and E4 levels correlated weakly, whereas onset of labor was associated with higher estrogen concentrations. E1 and E2 concentrations were not associated with preeclampsia in the current pregnancy, but E3 and E4 concentrations were lower in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and antepartum hemorrhage.

Conclusions: Umbilical cord estrogen concentrations vary with gestational age, mode of delivery, pregnancy complications, and twinning, but not with infant sex. Putative markers of prenatal estrogen exposure, preeclampsia, and birth weight did not correlate with direct fetal measures of the most potent estrogen (E2) but were associated with weaker estrogens (E3 and E4). Twins had lower concentrations of all estrogens.

Impact: This is the largest and best characterized dataset of prenatal estrogen concentrations, measured using highly accurate mass spectrometry/spectroscopy. These observations represent the new “gold standard” for umbilical cord estrogens, and will inform the interpretation of other datasets and the early life origins of health and disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 946–52. ©2014 AACR.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Bevacizumab in Children with Osteosarcoma: Implications for Dosing
Authors: Turner David C. , Navid Fariba , Daw Najat C. , Mao Shenghua , Wu Jianrong , Santana Victor M. , Neel Michael , Rao Bhaskar , Willert Jennifer Reikes , Loeb David M. , Harstead K. Elaine , Throm Stacy L. , Freeman Burgess B. , Stewart Clinton F.
Published: March 2014

Purpose: To describe sources of interindividual variability in bevacizumab disposition in pediatric patients and explore associations among bevacizumab pharmacokinetics and clinical wound healing outcomes.

Experimental Design: Before tumor resection, three doses of bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) were administered to patients (median age, 12.2 years) enrolled in a multi-institutional osteosarcoma trial. Serial sampling for bevacizumab pharmacokinetics was obtained from 27 patients. A population pharmacokinetic model was fit to the data, and patient demographics and clinical chemistry values were systematically tested as predictive covariates on model parameters. Associations between bevacizumab exposure and wound healing status were evaluated by logistic regression.

Results: Bevacizumab concentration–time data were adequately described by a two-compartment model. Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were similar to those previously reported in adults, with a long median (range) terminal half-life of 12.2 days (8.6 to 32.4 days) and a volume of distribution indicating confinement primarily to the vascular space, 49.1 mL/kg (27.1 to 68.3 mL/kg). Body composition was a key determinant of bevacizumab exposure, as body mass index percentile was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated to body-weight normalized clearance and volume of distribution. Furthermore, bevacizumab exposure before primary tumor resection was associated with increased risk of major wound healing complications after surgery (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: A population pharmacokinetic model for bevacizumab was developed, which demonstrated that variability in bevacizumab exposure using weight-based dosing is related to body composition. Bevacizumab dosage scaling using ideal body weight would provide an improved dosing approach in children by minimizing pharmacokinetic variability and reducing likelihood of major wound healing complications. Clin Cancer Res; 20(10); 2783–92. ©2014 AACR.
Dual Promoter Usage as Regulatory Mechanism of let-7c Expression in Leukemic and Solid Tumors
Authors: Pelosi Andrea , Careccia Silvia , Sagrestani Giulia , Nanni Simona , Manni Isabella , Schinzari Valeria , Martens Joost H.A. , Farsetti Antonella , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Gentileschi Maria Pia , Del Bufalo Donatella , De Maria Ruggero , Piaggio Giulia , Rizzo Maria Giulia
Published: March 2014

Let-7c, an intronic microRNA (miRNA) embedded in the long non-coding gene LINC00478, can act as a tumor suppressor by targeting oncogenes. Previous studies indicated that in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) bearing the leukemia promoting PML/RARα fusion protein, let-7c expression seems to be controlled by the host gene promoter, in which canonical Retinoic Acid Responsive Elements (RAREs) are bound by PML/RARα in an all transretinoic acid (ATRA)–sensitive manner. Here, let-7c transcriptional regulation was further investigated and a novel intronic promoter upstream of the pre-miRNA was identified. This new promoter has transcriptional activity strongly indicating that at least two promoters need to be considered for let-7c transcription: the distal host gene and the proximal intronic promoter. Therefore, epigenetic modifying enzymes and histone acetylation and methylation status were analyzed on both let-7c promoters. It was demonstrated that ATRA treatment leads to let-7c upregulation inducing a more open chromatin conformation of the host gene promoter, with an enrichment of epigenetic marks that correlate with a more active transcriptional state. Conversely, the epigenetic marks on the intronic promoter are not significantly affected by ATRA treatment. Interestingly, in solid tumors such as prostate and lung adenocarcinoma it was found that both host and intronic promoters are functional. These data suggest that while the host gene promoter may control let-7c expression in AML, in a nonleukemic tumor context instead the intronic promoter contributes or preferentially regulates let-7c transcription.

Implications: Alternative promoter usage represents a regulatory mechanism of let-7c expression in different tissues. Mol Cancer Res; 12(6); 878–89. ©2014 AACR.
Right Upper-Quadrant Pain in a Patient with Drug Abuse, Secondary Syphilis and Occult Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Fielding Cory M. , Angulo Paul
Published: March 2014

Objective: To describe the etiology of hepatitis and identify occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 40-year-old man presented with severe abdominal pain and jaundice, a history of acute HBV infection that had cleared as well as the use of acetaminophen, methamphetamine, buprenorphine and marijuana. He admitted to having had unprotected sex with multiple partners of both genders. A thorough skin examination revealed papulosquamous lesions on his penis, scrotum, upper and lower extremities and feet. Transaminases and bilirubin were elevated. His rapid plasma reagin was reactive, and hepatitis serologies showed occult HBV. Liver biopsy showed severe hepatitis, but the stains for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antigen were negative. The pathological findings were highly indicative of drug-induced hepatitis without evidence of chronic hepatitis, reactivation of HBV or syphilitic hepatitis. With supportive management and abstinence from drugs, his condition improved. Conclusion: This case describes a patient with multiple potential causes for hepatitis and highlights the importance of obtaining a detailed social history. Further, one should consider the presence of occult HBV and recognize the serologic pattern.
Endothelial Cell–Specific Liver Kinase B1 Deletion Causes Endothelial Dysfunction and Hypertension in Mice In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Wencheng , Wang Qilong , Wu Yue , Moriasi Cate , Liu Zhaoyu , Dai Xiaoyan , Wang Qiongxin , Liu Weimin , Yuan Zu-Yi , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: March 2014

Background—

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1), a tumor suppressor, is a central regulator of cell polarity and energy homeostasis. The role of LKB1 in endothelial function in vivo has not been explored.

Methods and Results—

Endothelium-specific LKB1 knockout (
LKB1

endo−/−

) mice were generated by cross-breeding
LKB1

flox/flox

mice with VE-Cadherin-Cre mice.
LKB1

endo−/−

mice exhibited hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation.
LKB1

endo−/−

endothelial cells exhibited reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and AMP kinase (a downstream enzyme of LKB1) phosphorylation at Thr172 compared with wild-type (WT) cells. In addition, the levels of caveolin-1 were higher in the endothelial cells of
LKB1

endo−/−

mice, and knockdown of caveolin-1 by siRNA normalized endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Human antigen R bound with the adenylate-uridylate-rich elements of caveolin-1 mRNA 3′ untranslated region, resulting in the increased stability of caveolin-1, and genetic knockdown of human antigen R decreased the expression of caveolin-1 in LKB1-deficient endothelial cells. Finally, adenoviral overexpression of constitutively active AMP kinase, but not green fluorescent protein, decreased caveolin-1, lowered blood pressure, and improved endothelial function in
LKB1

endo−/−

mice in vivo.

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate that endothelial LKB1 regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, endothelial function, and blood pressure by modulating AMP kinase–mediated caveolin-1 expression.
STARTS-2
Authors: Barst Robyn J. , Beghetti Maurice , Pulido Tomas , Layton Gary , Konourina Irina , Zhang Min , Ivy D. Dunbar
Published: March 2014

Background—

The double-blind, placebo-controlled Sildenafil in Treatment-Naive Children, Aged 1 to 17 Years, With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (STARTS-1) study assessed sildenafil in pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension; improved hemodynamics and exercise capacity occurred in medium- and high-dose groups. STARTS-2 was the extension study.

Methods and Results—

In STARTS-1, 234 children ≥8 kg were randomly assigned to low-, medium-, or high-dose sildenafil or placebo orally thrice daily; within-group dose depended on weight. In STARTS-2, sildenafil-treated patients continued STARTS-1 dosing; placebo-treated patients were randomized to 1 of the 3 sildenafil dose groups. Patients requiring additional pulmonary arterial hypertension–specific therapy discontinued study treatment; survival follow-up was attempted. As of August 2011, all children received ≥3 years of treatment (unless discontinued) from STARTS-1 baseline; 37 deaths were reported (26 on study treatment), 1 of which occurred within the first year of treatment. Most patients who died (28/37) had idiopathic/heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (76% versus 33% overall) and baseline functional class III/IV disease (38% versus 15% overall); patients who died had worse baseline hemodynamics. Kaplan-Meier estimated 3-year survival rates from start of sildenafil were 94%, 93%, and 88% for patients randomized to low-, medium-, and high-dose sildenafil, respectively; 87%, 89%, and 80% were known to be alive at 3 years. Hazard ratios for mortality were 3.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.46–10.65) for high versus low and 1.92 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–5.65) for medium versus low dose; however, multiple analyses raised uncertainty about the survival/dose relationship.

Conclusions—

Although children randomized to higher compared with lower sildenafil doses had an unexplained increased mortality, all sildenafil dose groups displayed favorable survival for children with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00159874
(extension study of NCT00149913). Unique identifier: NCT00159874.
Social factors modulating attention patterns in carrion crows
Authors: Wascher Claudia A.F. , Valdez Jose W. , Núñez Cebrián Cristina , Baglione Vittorio , Canestrari Daniela
Published: March 2014

A benefit of group living is the opportunity for individuals to gain valuable information from others, for example about predators, food sources or mate quality. However paying attention to conspecifics also induces costs such as time constraints. In order to optimize information-gaining processes individuals are expected to be selective with regards to whom and what they pay attention to. This selectivity may depend on factors like context, sex, age and social status of both the observing individual and the model. In the present study, we investigated the attention patterns in carrion crows (Corvus corone corone). Since carrion crows live in complex societies where the use of social information is likely to be highly beneficial, we expect attention patterns to be strongly affected by social factors. Nineteen captive crows were presented with either familiar or unfamiliar and kin or non-kin model individuals. We quantified the duration and frequency each observer watched the model in each experimental session. Familiarity with the model did neither affect watching duration nor frequency. However, there was an effect of kinship on individual attention, with male crows observing non-kin at higher frequency than kin, whereas female observers showed no preference. We also found an effect of the percentage of group members watching within a session and attentiveness of each observer. Overall, our study shows that social factors affect attention patterns in crows.
Pit-builder vs non-pit-builder: advantage of trap building strategy in antlion larvae does not mean greater behaviour diversity
Authors: Klokočovnik Vesna , Devetak Dušan
Published: March 2014

Predators use different foraging modes, ranging from active to ambush predation. We investigated the predatory behaviour of two antlion species, the pit-builder Euroleon nostras and the non-pit-builder Neuroleon microstenus, both considered as ambush predators but with different predatory strategies. Since the pit-builders evolved from non-pit-builders, we focused on the similarities and differences in behavioural patterns and capture success. We found that most behavioural patterns occur in both species, although the non-pit-builder’s behaviour is less stereotypic and exhibits more behavioural patterns than in the pit-builder when comparing behaviour from prey introduction to jaw set without pit-construction. In N. microstenus, two distinct behavioural sequences were noted, which depend on the method of prey carcass clearing. This is the first report describing two methods of prey-carcass clearing in a non-pit-builder: tossing or dropping the prey. We also noted the presence of camouflage in the non-pit-builder, considered as an important mechanism in anti-predator tactics.
A revision of the genus Menonvillea (Cremolobeae, Brassicaceae)
Authors: Salariato Diego Leonel , Zuloaga Fernando Omar , Al-Shehbaz Ihsan Ali
Published: March 2014

Following the most recent phylogenetic analyses of Menonvillea, an updated taxonomic revision of the genus based on molecular and morphological data is presented here. Menonvillea currently includes 24 species distributed in Argentina and Chile. Three new sections, sects. Cuneata, Menonvillea, and Scapigera, are proposed. One subspecies is raised to the specific rank, and the new combination M. marticorenae is proposed. Descriptions, keys to all taxa, updated geographical distributions, maps, and illustrations are provided. Lectotypes for M. filifolia, M. minima, M. purpurea, and M. flexuosa f. tomentosa are designated.
The genus Amnestus Dallas (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cydnidae: Amnestinae) in Mexico, with the description of eleven new species from Chiapas
Authors: MARTINEZ CRISTINA MAYORGA , PEREDO LUIS CERVANTES
Published: March 2014

The genus Amnestus is one of the most diverse genera of burrowing bugs. In recent years it has been possible to obtain great quantities of specimens, including some new species, due to collecting in special habitats and using different trapping techniques. In this paper we describe eleven new species for the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Full descriptions, illustrations of dorsal habitus, fore and hind legs, prosternal carina, external scent efferent system, and paramere of the new species: A. carinopilosus, A. chiapensis, A. cristobalensis, A. denticulatus, A. laevifemoralis, A. longinoi, A. lorenae, A. marcelae, A. puncticarinatus, A. santiagensis, A. septemclavatus, are included. Amnestus bergrothi and Amnestus stali are redescribed, also illustrated, and lectotypes assigned, because they were originally described based on females. The original description of Amnestus dallasi is also included, because it was described based on one female and it is the only specimen known. Brief descriptions of the other 14 Mexican known species and their distribution are also included. A key and a general discussion to separate the 28 Mexican species are also provided.
Eutheia bekchievi sp. n. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae) from Bulgaria
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: March 2014

Forty-one species of the ant-like stone beetle genus Eutheia Stephens, 1830 are known, distributed mostly in the Palaearctic (34 species, Taiwan included), and also Nearctic (3 spp.) and Neotropical (4 spp., exclusively Mesoamerican) regions (Jałoszyński 2014). As nearly all Eutheiini, Eutheia is a rare genus and even Central European species are usually represented in large museum collections by a small number of specimens. A substantial progress has been made in the recent years in the alpha-taxonomic study of East Palaearctic and Neotropical species (Hoshina 2007; Jałoszyński 2004, 2008a, 2008b, 2010a, 2010b, 2011, 2013; Kurbatov 1990, 1991; O'Keefe 1999). Phylogenetic relationships of Eutheia to other genera of Eutheiini were also recently clarified (Jałoszyński 2014). However, the West Palaearctic region remained largely neglected and the only comprehensive revision is that by Franz (1971), in which several new species are described and most of previously known members of Eutheia are redescribed. Franz (1971) did not include only E. praeclara Normand, 1909 from Tunisia and E. ptinelloides Sahlberg, 1913 from Israel, apparently because the type specimens were not available for study.
The impact of community notification on the management of sex offenders in the community: An Australian perspective
Authors: Whitting Laura , Day Andrew , Powell Martine
Published: March 2014

Western Australia recently passed legislation that allows information about convicted sex offenders to be disclosed to the general public. After critically appraising the rationale behind community notification, this paper considers its impact on offenders’ reintegration into the community and their subsequent risk of reoffending, its potential deterrent effect and usefulness as a management tool, and implementation issues. This discussion identifies several factors that potentially moderate the effectiveness of community notification schemes and some directions for future research and the development of policy and practices in this area.
Screening clients in a decriminalised street-based sex industry: Insights into the experiences of New Zealand sex workers
Authors: Armstrong Lynzi
Published: March 2014

This article explores the screening practices employed by sex workers to negotiate risks of violence from clients while working on the streets in New Zealand. Drawing from qualitative interviews with 28 street-working women, this article provides an insight into the strategies used to screen for danger when individuals approach as potential clients. In this article, I outline the nature of screening strategies described by the women interviewed, and discuss the broader meaning and purpose of these techniques in the context of mainstream representations of street-based sex work. The significance of the decriminalisation of street-based sex work on the screening strategies the women described is discussed and I argue that this legislative framework simplifies the process of screening and better supports the safety and wellbeing of sex workers.
Is Scientifically Based Reading Instruction Effective for Students With Below-Average IQs?
Authors: Allor Jill H. , Mathes Patricia G. , Roberts J. Kyle , Cheatham Jennifer P. , Otaiba Stephanie Al
Published: March 2014

This longitudinal randomized-control trial investigated the effectiveness of scientifically based reading instruction for students with IQs ranging from 40 to 80, including students with intellectual disability (ID). Students were randomly assigned into treatment ( n = 76) and contrast ( n = 65) groups. Students in the treatment group received intervention instruction daily in small groups of 1 to 4 for approximately 40 to 50 min for 1 to 4 academic years. On average, students in the treatment group made significantly greater progress than students in the contrast condition on nearly all language and literacy measures. Results demonstrate the ability of students with low IQs, including students with mild to moderate ID, to learn basic reading skills when provided appropriate, comprehensive reading instruction for an extended period of time.
Cross-National Differences in Special Education Coverage
Authors: Anastasiou Dimitris , Keller Clayton E.
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the role of educational and socioeconomic factors in explaining differences in national special education coverage. Data were derived from several international and governmental sources, targeting the year 2008 and covering 143 countries. Descriptive statistics revealed huge disparities in access to special education among countries. Using a theoretical model linking socioeconomic and educational variables to differences in how many students receive special education at a national level and structural equation modeling, the authors evaluated the relationships among the variables. The structural equation model showed that gross national income per capita, adult literacy rate, educational variables, and expected years of formal schooling accounted for 77.3% of the variance in special education coverage, and that the contributions of gross national income per capita and adult literacy were unique and significantly important. The implications for special education and inclusion policy and research are discussed.
Peer Victimization Among Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Son Esther , Peterson N. Andrew , Pottick Kathleen J. , Zippay Allison , Parish Susan L. , Lohrmann Sharon
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the risk and protective factors of peer victimization among young children with disabilities. This study analyzed data from the Pre-Elementary Education Longitudinal Study ( n =1,130) to test a path model that included child, family, and school characteristics at Year 1 and peer-relation difficulties and social skills at Year 2 to predict peer victimization among children with disabilities at Year 3. Children’s family and school factors had direct effects on children’s poorer social behaviors and language development, which had direct effects on peer-relation difficulties, which in turn increased peer victimization. Children’s prosocial skill development, facilitated by children’s receptive language ability, protects children with disabilities from peer victimization. Intervention implications are discussed.
A New Framework for Systematic Reviews
Authors: Goldstein Howard , Lackey Kimberly C. , Schneider Naomi J. B.
Published: March 2014

This review presents a novel framework for evaluating evidence based on a set of parallel criteria that can be applied to both group and single-subject experimental design (SSED) studies. The authors illustrate use of this evaluation system in a systematic review of 67 articles investigating social skills interventions for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder. Results characterize the types of treatments and research designs, the quality of studies, and effect sizes. In contrast to prior reports, this review revealed strong evidence of treatment efficacy, with group designs receiving lower ratings than SSED studies. Because this framework provides a comprehensive and transparent approach to judging the quality of studies individually and collectively, it holds promise for improving methods for identifying and implementing evidence-based practices.
Response to Specific Training for Students With Different Levels of Mathematical Difficulties
Authors: Re Anna Maria , Pedron Martina , Tressoldi Patrizio Emanuele , Lucangeli Daniela
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of specific, individualized training for students with different levels of mathematical difficulties. Fifty-four students, with either severe or mild math difficulties, were assigned to individualized training or to a control condition. Ten students with severe math difficulties (“dyscalculia”) and 17 with mild math difficulties in the individualized training conditions were trained to improve their accuracy and fluency in math, compared to 9 students with severe math difficulties and 18 with mild math difficulties that were in the general training group (control condition). Students in the individualized training condition (both with dyscalculia and with mild math difficulties) outperformed the control groups after the training and at a later follow-up in almost all math components. Overall, this study supports the feasibility of treating both severe and mild mathematical accuracy and fluency difficulties with specific, customized training.
A Grounded Theory of Text Revision Processes Used by Young Adolescents Who Are Deaf
Authors: Yuknis Christina
Published: March 2014

This study examined the revising processes used by 8 middle school students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing as they composed essays for their English classes. Using grounded theory, interviews with students and teachers in one middle school, observations of the students engaging in essay creation, and writing samples were collected for analysis. Constant comparison was used during open, axial, and selective coding to develop the grounded theory. Two major themes emerged as central concepts to the students’ revision processes: Interacting with Language and Interacting with Instruction. Findings indicate that students did not participate much in revising their texts and teachers assumed most of the cognitive burden of writing. These findings are reported along with implications for practice and research.
Resisting governmental control: how semi-autonomous agencies use strategic resources to challenge state coordination
Authors: Overman Sjors , van Thiel Sandra , Lafarge François
Published: March 2014

Institutional pressure caused by public sector reform leads to strategic reactions from semi-autonomous agencies. Agencies in the Netherlands and France only complied with a selection of imposed reforms. Other rules were manipulated, not complied with, or compromises were made. The degree of compliance with reforms is not only dependent on structural aspects, but also on resources and power distributions between the actors. A comparison is made between the introduction of the Dutch Kaderwet ZBO and the French Révision Générale des Politiques Publiques. These agency reforms are contested between ministries, rather than between agency and parent ministry alone. Parent ministries tend to side with their agencies in both countries. In the Netherlands, power-related issues were most debated, whereas in France money-related issues caused most disagreement.

Points for practitioners

Reforms targeted at agencies are likely to meet resistance if agencies do not agree with the proposed rules, especially if they alter existing power relations. Some agencies possess certain resources which they can apply strategically to offer resistance to reforms. Parent ministries tend to side with agencies in their sector and try to protect them from other ministries.
The reform of the Belgian federal administration 10 years on: what balance has been achieved between operational autonomy of top managers and the supervision carried out by the horizontal ministerial departments?
Authors: de Visscher Christian , Randour François
Published: March 2014

In the wake of the Copernic reform, Belgium’s senior federal civil servants are now appointed for a fixed term and guided on performance via management plans. This article sets out to assess the impact of the introduction of the fixed-term system on the autonomy of senior civil servants with regard to the horizontal departments responsible for the budget, on the one hand, and human resources, on the other hand, within Belgium’s federal administration. Based on the so-called ‘inconsistencies’ approach, the article focuses briefly on three inconsistencies: internal, discursive and contextual. An analysis of these inconsistencies confirms one of the forms of ‘cheating’ in the relationship between ministers and senior civil servants formulated by Hood and Lodge (2006), namely that the first can be inclined to reduce the margin of discretion of the latter by maintaining formal or informal mechanisms to exercise control over the provision of resources.

Points for practitioners

Greater managerial autonomy for senior civil servants, as advocated by NPM, cannot succeed without a transformation of the traditional modes of operation of the political-administrative relationship accompanying structural reforms. The low degree of autonomy of senior civil servants does not stem so much from the introduction of a ‘contractual’ relationship, but from the lack of support shown by the latter in the implementation of such reforms. In the case studied, senior civil servants can only be made more accountable and given greater autonomy if the ‘pyramid’ of control is reformed and internal audit activities developed.
All motivated by public service? The links between hierarchical position and public service motivation
Authors: Desmarais Céline , Gamassou Claire Edey
Published: March 2014

Research into public service motivation (PSM) is currently witnessing exponential growth. However, the universal application of the concept to all categories of public employees raises questions. Indeed, the origins of the concept, which can be traced back to political science studies in the United States, may suggest that the concept applies mainly to senior management but much less to other types of employee, whose motivations seem more instrumental. Research into the antecedents of PSM has thus shown that high hierarchical levels were associated with employee profiles with a high level of PSM (Bright, 2005; Camilleri, 2007). Some authors go as far as to consider that the concept does not apply at all to blue-collar jobs (Gabris and Simo, 1995). The purpose of this article is therefore to analyse the differences between the public service motivation of operatives and that of other categories of employees. To do so, we draw on two empirical studies, one quantitative ( n = 2868), conducted among the public employees of cities in 12 countries, and the other qualitative, conducted among public employees working in the technical service of a French town. Our results show that the level of PSM is not lower among blue-collar workers but that, on the other hand, it is different in nature and dimensions.

Points for practitioners

The issue of the PSM of blue-collar public employees takes on a managerial dimension. Indeed, it has potential policy implications for human resource management policies to be implemented and on the segmentation of the public employees in the light of these policies. Our results thus argue for the mainstreaming of the public service dimension in the management of executives and would suggest that it is in the interest of public organizations to encourage the public service motivation of their employees by designing tasks in such a way that public employees can better appreciate the result of their work among customers and users.
‘Public on the outside, private on the inside’: the organizational hybridization, sense of belonging and identity strategies of the employees of a public unemployment insurance fund in Switzerland
Authors: Buffat Aurélien
Published: March 2014

A number of studies show that New Public Management reforms have altered the current identity benchmarks of public officials, particularly by hybridizing values or management practices. However, existing studies have largely glossed over the sense of belonging of officials when their organization straddles the concerns of public service and private enterprise, so that the boundary between public and private sector is blurred. The purpose of this article is precisely to explore this sense of belonging in the context of organizational hybridization. It does so by drawing on the results of research conducted among the employees of a public unemployment insurance fund in Switzerland. On the one hand, the analysis shows how much their markers of belonging are hybrid, multiple and constructed in negative terms (with regard to the State), while indicating that the working practices of the employees point to an identity that is nevertheless closely bound with the public sector. On the other hand, the analysis shows that the organization plays strategically with its State status, by exploiting either its private or public identity in line with the needs related to its external image. The article concludes with a discussion of the results highlighting the strategic functionality of the hybrid identity of the actors.

Points for practitioners

The article is of particular interest to practitioners who are questioning the effects on identity of the increasingly hybrid organizational context which organizations are faced with today – straddling a public service rationale and that of a private enterprise. While the organizational hybridity brought about by NPM is making matters increasingly complex for practitioners – especially with regard to the proliferation of expectations made of them – the article nevertheless notes that it is this very same hybridity that provides actors with multiple identity-related markers of belonging which practitioners are likely to exploit strategically to adapt to this growing spectrum of demands. The idea of playing alternately with the public or private identity of the organization according to context has the potential of giving an extra margin of manoeuvre to practitioners and managers working in a hybrid environment.
The administrative sciences, from the past to the future (by a roundabout route)
Authors: Drewry Gavin
Published: March 2014

This lecture begins with some preliminary reflections and definitional prescriptions about the nature, content and purpose of the administrative sciences – what they consist of and what purposes they serve. This is followed by a brisk journey through time, starting in the first half of the 18th century, outlining the development of the administrative sciences, using a road traffic metaphor to describe how the volume and complexity of the subject has grown in response to industrialization and globalization. The lecture draws in particular on the rather peculiar pattern of development in the author's own country – the UK – as a basis for some more general observations. The ‘road’ that is followed is not a straight one and the author has been very selective in the landmarks that he has chosen to point out along the way. The latter part of the lecture takes stock of where this journey has taken us and offers some tentative speculations about where the road might lead in the future. It concludes with some thoughts about how the diversity and volume of intellectual traffic that constitutes the administrative sciences might be managed – with special reference to the role of national and international institutes of public administration.
What happens after the passage of reform initiatives? Two dimensions of social policy reform in Korea
Authors: Lee Jooha
Published: March 2014

This article aims to present a comprehensive analysis of social policy reform, encompassing its two dimensions, that is, reform decision-making and implementation, with reference to Korea’s new social assistance programme. In the social policy reform after the economic crisis of 1997, less was delivered locally than decided centrally. First, there were decision deficits centrally, which became visible locally. This was considerably attributable to the fact that the decision-making process after ‘framework legislation’ was passed showed more active involvement of conservative forces ‘from above’ – despite the new-found importance of pro-welfare forces ‘from below’. Second, there were implementation deficits locally. This article explains the reasons why legislated policy was not implemented as designed in the light of three barriers to implementation. Although a powerful government may be able to steer reform through central decision making, it is not necessarily in control of effective implementation at the local level.

Points for practitioners

Today’s decision making in a lately democratized country such as Korea reflects the increase of power resources available to societal groups, but state officials play a more pivotal role, especially during the enforcement preparation process (the second round of decision making). Attention needs to be paid to the interplays between them, which may be particular to time and place. Changes in policy goals and contents at the central decision-making level do not always result in intended changes in implementation. The analysis of decision making should thus be followed by an investigation of implementation, which is rarely performed in the international literature on welfare reform.
The effects of divorce on Saudi girls’ interpersonal adjustment
Authors: Al-Zamil Aljoharh Fahad , Hejjazi Huda Mahmod , AlShargawi Najwa Ibrahim , Al-Meshaal Madhawy Abdul-Aziz , Soliman Hussein Hassan
Published: March 2014

Considering the increase in divorce in Saudi Arabia, 99 girls, ages 12–16, were randomly selected in the city of Riyadh, SA, to measure the impact of parental divorce on their social and educational adjustment. Multivariate analysis was used to test a model of three independent variables ‘behavior, self-relation, and stress’, which explained 45 percent of the variation in the dependent variable ‘adjustment’. Findings indicate that Saudi girls’ adjustment to divorce was influenced by the Saudi society cultural traditions and expectations. Implications for social work practice in school settings have been drawn based on the available intervention models with children of divorce.
The Moderating Effects of Peer and Parental Support on the Relationship Between Vicarious Victimization and Substance Use
Authors: Miller Riane N. , Fagan Abigail A. , Wright Emily M.
Published: March 2014

General strain theory (GST) hypothesizes that youth are more likely to engage in delinquency when they experience vicarious victimization, defined as knowing about or witnessing violence perpetrated against others, but that this relationship may be attenuated for those who receive social support from significant others. Based on prospective data from youth aged 8 to 17 participating in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN), this article found mixed support for these hypotheses. Controlling for prior involvement in delinquency, as well as other risk and protective factors, adolescents who reported more vicarious victimization had an increased likelihood of alcohol use in the short term, but not the long term, and victimization was not related to tobacco or marijuana use. Peer support did not moderate the relationship between vicarious victimization and substance use, but family support did. In contrast to strain theory’s predictions, the relationship between vicarious victimization and substance use was stronger for those who had higher compared with lower levels of family support. Implications of these findings for strain theory and future research are discussed.
Long-term Follow-up of Adrenal Medullary Transplantation for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Waters C.H. , Apuzzo M.L.J. , Neal J.H. , Weiner L.P.
Published: March 2014

Long-term follow-up of eight patients who underwent stereotactic grafting of adrenal medullary tissue into unilateral or bilateral caudate nuclei is presented. We demonstrate that this procedure can be performed with minimal risk. Our results show little benefit when the group as a whole is analyzed. A subgroup of four patients was identified who responded to the procedure, as evidenced by a reduction in motor scores, reduction in medication requirements, and greater “on” time. Three of these patients continue to accrue benefit after 2 years. No characterization of a responder profile was evident. We conclude that a modest benefit is derived from this procedure that may persist for as long as 2 years. Future clinical studies to evaluate grafting procedures are encouraged. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:35–39).
The Use of Antidepressants in the Elderly: 1986 and 1989
Authors: Dewan Mantosh J. , Huszonek John , Koss Marvin , Hardoby William , Ispahani Abbas
Published: March 2014

Depression is a frequent disorder in the elderly that is often treated with antidepressants. It is generally accepted that, since all antidepressants are equally effective and the elderly are differentially more susceptible to side effects, those antidepressants with the least side effects should be preferentially used. The actual use of antidepressants in 1986 and 1989 was reviewed. We found that (1) contrary to expectation, antidepressants were prescribed in 1986 in quantities that were directly proportional to their side effects, ie, the greater the side effects, the more they were used, and (2) there was a distinct shift to a more thoughtful pattern in 1989. After reviewing the side effect profiles of antidepressants, it is recommended that amitriptyline and doxepin be avoided and that the initial choice be restricted to desipramine, nortriptyline, fluoxetine, and possibly bupropion. This simple change would reduce the relatively high rate of falls and fractures from antidepressant-induced hypotension and of delirium in the elderly. It would also promote increased compliance and greater efficacy, since larger doses will be tolerated. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:40–44).
Investigation of Gait in Elderly Subjects Over 88 Years of Age
Authors: Bloem Bastiaan R. , Haan Joost , Lagaay Anne M. , van Beek Wim , Wintzen Axel R. , Roos Raymund A.C.
Published: March 2014

To evaluate senile gait patterns in octagenarians and nonagenarians, we provided a standardized questionnaire on gait disabilities to 153 elderly subjects over 88 years of age. Subjects represented a relatively healthy subgroup of noninstitu-tionalized residents who participated in a gerontological survey of all inhabitants of the city of Leiden who were 85 years of age or older. Of the 142 subjects who responded to this questionnaire, 87 persons (61 %) claimed distinct diseases as a cause of gait impairment. Forty-two of the remaining 55 persons were investigated neurologically and received a standardized assessment of gait. Twenty-five persons (18% of all responders) had a completely normal gait, whereas a wide spectrum of gait abnormalities—mainly with ataxic features—was encountered in the remaining persons. It is concluded that a surprisingly high number of very old community residents can have a completely normal gait. Gait disorders in this age group are most frequently associated with common distinct diseases. In addition, many elderly have a gait disturbance of variable clinical nature and unclear pathologic basis, which may represent the “idiopathic senile gait.” U Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:78–84).
Cytochrome Oxidase Inhibition: A Novel Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Bennett M. Catherine , Diamond David M. , Stryker Stacy L. , Parks Janice K. , Parker W. Davis
Published: March 2014

A profound decrease in activity of the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome oxidase in blood platelets is a recently identified concomitant of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated a possible pathogenic link between this finding and the symptoms of AD by mimicking this mitochondrial enzyme deficiency in rats. Rats were infused chronically with a selective inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase, sodium azide, or with saline delivered via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. The azide treatment impaired both spatial and nonspatial learning. Further, the azide treatment inhibited a low-threshold form of hippocampal long-term potentiation, primed burst potentiation. The behavioral deficits were not secondary to a sensory or motor impairment. Thus, chronic azide treatment of rats models some characteristics of AD. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:93–101).
Dyskinesia and Neuroleptic Exposure in Elderly Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Sweet Robert A. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Rifai Aicha H. , Zubenko George S.
Published: March 2014

A wide variation in prevalence rates of tardive dyskinesia and spontaneous orofacial dyskinesia has been reported in the elderly. To clarify these discrepancies, we studied 45 patients over the age of 60 years admitted to a short-term psychiatr unit. Standardized criteria for the diagnosis of dyskinesia were used. We found a rate of tardive dyskinesia of only 21% (7/33) in our patients having a history of neuroleptic exposure. We found no cases (0/12) of spontaneous orofacial dysknesia. There was a significant association between tardive dyskinesia and psychiatric diagnosis, with the highest rate of tardive dyskinesia in those patients with schizophrenic disorders, followed by those with organic disorders and mood disorders, respectively. There was also a significant association between the presence of tardive dyskinesia and radio-graphic evidence of cortical atrophy, and a trend towards an association with leukoencephalopathy. Our results suggest that published rates of tardive and spontaneous dyskinesia in the elderly may overestimate the prevalence of these disorders, especially among geriatric patients with acute psychiatric presentations. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:156–161).