bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sources of the Old English Martyrology
Authors: Rauer Christine
Published: November 2013

For much of the ninth century, Anglo-Saxon interest in literary culture was
apparently not as great as it could have been. Medieval and modern commentators
have spoken of a pronounced early-ninth-century neglect of English
libraries, which seems to have affected contemporary literature as well as the literary
legacy which had been inherited from the seventh and eighth centuries. It
appears that fewer books and texts were produced; the Latin texts produced
may to some extent have been of inferior linguistic quality, and were, so it would
seem, used with greater difficulties by a smaller and less educated readership.
Comparatively fewer books seem to have survived the ninth century than any
other period of Anglo-Saxon history.
Equality, Sufficiency, and Opportunity in the Just Society
Authors: Rosenberg Alexander
Published: November 2013

It seems to be almost a given of contemporary Anglo-American political philosophy that the just society is obligated to establish and ensure the equality of its members. Debate begins when we come to delineate the forms and limits of the equality society is obligated to underwrite. In this essay I offer the subversive suggestion that equality is not something the just society should aim for. Instead I offer another objective, one which is to be preferred both because it is more attainable and because it is morally more defensible than equality, either as an ideal or as an operative principle. The demand for equality of treatment, of opportunity, or of outcome, is a distraction from morally more significant aims.
“A Ping, Qualified by a Thud”: Music Criticism in Manhattan and the Case of Cage (1943–58)
Authors: ROBINSON SUZANNE
Published: November 2013

This article surveys the reception of concert performances in Manhattan of music by John Cage, from his arrival in 1942 until his gala retrospective held in Town Hall in 1958, in particular comparing responses from composer-critics such as Virgil Thomson, stabled at theNew YorkHeraldTribune, with that of music journalists based at theNew York Timesand other local dailies. Close reading of reviews and of an array of archival sources suggests that Cage's personal and professional relationships with composer-critics ensured that the reception of his music was uniquely well informed, and that his prepared piano works and early experiments with chance were treated with a remarkable degree of affirmation. Much of Cage's critical identity can be attributed to the aegis of Thomson, who, if he denied acting as “hired plugger” for Cage, nonetheless sympathetically construed him as Americanist, Francophile, post-Schoenbergian, and ultramodernist. Thomson's resignation from theTribunein 1954 coincided with a pronounced deterioration in Manhattan critics' appreciation of Cage. I argue that the reasons for this lie as much with the demise of the composer-critic—and a reversal of Cage's own attitude to criticism—as with conservative disaffection with new forms of experimentalism.
Gradient Confinement Induced Uniform Tensile Ductility in Metallic Glass
Authors: Lu X. L. , Lu Q. H. , Li Y. , Lu L.
Published: November 2013

Metallic glass (MG) generally fails in a brittle manner under uniaxial tension loading at room temperature. The lack of plastic strain of MG is due to the severe plastic instability via the easily formed one dominate shear band. There have been several approaches to improve the ductility in MG, but achieving uniform tensile ductility for monolithic MG in bulk size remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate a uniform tensile ductility of 12% achieved in a micrometer scale Ni-P amorphous film coated on a Ni substrate with gradient structure. Instead of a single run-away shear band, such a gradient structure generates massive extensive multiple shear bands in the film, leading to a record high tensile ductility in MG. The present finding highlights a novel route for achieving uniform tensile ductility in monolithic metallic glass with bulk size.
Atmospheric mercury inputs in montane soils increase with elevation: evidence from mercury isotope signatures
Authors: Zhang Hua , Yin Run-sheng , Feng Xin-bin , Sommar Jonas , Anderson Christopher W. N. , Sapkota Atindra , Fu Xue-wu , Larssen Thorjørn
Published: November 2013

The influence of topography on the biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg) has received relatively little attention. Here, we report the measurement of Hg species and their corresponding isotope composition in soil sampled along an elevational gradient transect on Mt. Leigong in subtropical southwestern China. The data are used to explain orography-related effects on the fate and behaviour of Hg species in montane environments. The total- and methyl-Hg concentrations in topsoil samples show a positive correlation with elevation. However, a negative elevation dependence was observed in the mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) and mass-independent fractionation (MIF) signatures of Hg isotopes. Both a MIF (Δ199Hg) binary mixing approach and the traditional inert element method indicate that the content of Hg derived from the atmosphere distinctly increases with altitude.
Novel Erythrocyte-like Graphene Microspheres with High Quality and Mass Production Capability via Electrospray Assisted Self-Assembly
Authors: Tian Yayang , Wu Guan , Tian Xike , Tao Xiaoming , Chen Wei
Published: November 2013

We report for the first time a novel erythrocyte-like graphene microsphere (ELGMs) which can be produced with high quality and mass production capability via electrospray assisted self-assembly. Through simple electrospray treatment of GO suspension into coagulation bath followed by chemical reduction, large quantity of ELGMs with uniform morphology and size can be obtained with production rate of around 2.4 mg/h. Compared with other 3D structures, the ELGMs have a very interesting structural characteristic of perfect exterior doughnut shape and interior porous network. Accordingly, the as-prepared porous ELGMs exhibit excellent capability for fast and recyclable removal of oil and toxic organic solvents from water, reaching up to 216 times of its weight in absorption efficiency, which is tens of times higher than that of conventional sorbent materials. It is strongly believed that the novel hierarchical graphene structures and synergy among different techniques will lead to more future advances in graphene applications.
Fibronectin-matrix sandwich-like microenvironments to manipulate cell fate
Authors: Ballester-Beltrán J. , Moratal D. , Lebourg M. , Salmerón-Sánchez M.
Published: November 2013

Conventional 2D substrates fail to represent the natural environment of cells surrounded by the 3D extracellular matrix (ECM).
Leaching potential of metallic elements from contaminated soils under anoxia
Authors: Balint Ramona , Nechifor Gheorghe , Ajmone-Marsan Franco
Published: November 2013

The alternation of redox cycles may play a major role in the release, leaching and redistribution of metallic elements from contaminated soils with respect to oxidizing and reducing conditions alone.
Thionoglycine as a multifunctional spectroscopic reporter of screw-sense preference in helical foldamers
Authors: De Poli Matteo , Clayden Jonathan
Published: November 2013

Inserting a thionoglycine residue into a helical foldamer reports both the sign and magnitude (by CD and by 1H NMR) of the adopted screw-sense.
Aqueous dispersion of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes prepared by using a vinylimidazole-based polymer dispersant
Authors: Song Zhongxin , Dai Jianjian , Zhao Shuai , Zhou Yang , Su Feng , Cui Jian , Yan Yehai
Published: November 2013

Aqueous dispersion of pristine SWNTs prepared by using vinylimidazole (VI)-based polymer dispersant is presented, and the dispersing efficiency is studied as functions of molecular structure and solution nature of VI-polymer.
Alumina-supported cobalt–adeninate MOF membranes for CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Xie Zhenzhen , Li Tao , Rosi Nathaniel L. , Carreon Moises A.
Published: November 2013

The synthesis of continuous cobalt–adeninate MOF membranes for the separation of CO2/CH4 gas mixtures is demonstrated.
Synthesis of polyaniline nanotubes using the self-assembly behavior of vitamin C: a mechanistic study and application in electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Sk Md Moniruzzaman , Yue Chee Yoon
Published: November 2013

Herein, we report an unprecedented behavior of vitamin C to form a rod-like assembly through hydrogen-bonding in water, which, upon the addition of aniline monomer, produces polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes via the oxidative polymerization method.
Synergy effects of copper and silicon ions on stimulation of vascularization by copper-doped calcium silicate
Authors: Kong Ni , Lin Kaili , Li Haiyan , Chang Jiang
Published: November 2013

Copper and silicon ions exhibited synergy effects in vascularization stimulation by copper-doped calcium silicate bioceramics in a HDF–HUVEC co-culture system.
Single-source-precursor synthesis of high temperature stable SiC/C/Fe nanocomposites from a processable hyperbranched polyferrocenylcarbosilane with high ceramic yield
Authors: Yu Zhaoju , Yang Le , Min Hao , Zhang Pei , Zhou Cong , Riedel Ralf
Published: November 2013

Hydrosilylation of vinyl ferrocene with allylhydridopolycarbosilane was used to synthesize a processable hyperbranched polyferrocenylcarbosilane (HBPFCS).
HKUST‐1 coated piezoresistive microcantilever array for volatile organic compound sensing
Authors: Ellern Ilya , Venkatasubramanian Anandram , Lee Jin‐Hwan , Hesketh Peter , Stavila Vitalie , Robinson Alex , Allendorf Mark
Published: November 2013

The HKUST‐1 metal‐organic framework (MOF) was selected because of the large internal surface area, excellent stability and known properties. Mechanical strain is generated upon the adsorption of analytes into the MOF; it is proportional to concentration and is a function of adsorbed species. Piezoresistive microcantilevers serve as a transduction mechanism to convert surface strain into electrical signals. N‐doped piezoresistive cantilever arrays were fabricated with ten structures per die. Thin films of HKUST‐1 were grown at room temperature using layer‐by‐layer techniques. Dry nitrogen was used as a carrier gas to expose devices to varying concentrations of 12 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Results show that stress‐induced piezoresistive microcantilever array sensors with MOF coatings can provide a highly sensitive and reversible sensing mechanism for water vapour and methanol. Characteristic response features allow discrimination based on shape, response time constants and magnitude of response for other VOCs. Devices provided reliable data and proved durable over 18 months of testing. The key advantages of this type of sensor are higher sensitivity with a microporous MOFs, reversible response, α single chip sensing system and low power operation.
Synthesis and electrochemical properties study of novel intercalation compound of KCa2Nb3O10 with cationic methylene blue
Authors: Shao Feng , Zhuo Meng , Han Guiquan , Zhang Xiaobo , Liu Lin , Tao Tiantian , Tong Zhiwei
Published: November 2013

A functional layered nanocomposite, MB+‐Ca2Nb3O10, was prepared by the intercalation of methylene blue (MB) into the layered material, KCa2Nb3O10, by a guest‐exchange method using the n ‐PrNH3+ –Ca2Nb3O10 intercalation compound as an intermediate. The resultant nanocomposite was characterised by powder X‐ray diffraction and infrared. Electrochemical studies reveal that the target hybrid retains the good redox activities of MB+ cation and has potential utilisation in electrocatalytic reactions.
Effects of vacancy defects on graphene nanoribbon field effect transistor
Authors: Chang Sheng , Zhang Yajun , Huang Qijun , Wang Hao , Wang Gaofeng
Published: November 2013

The graphene nanoribbon (GNR) field effect transistor is one of the most competitive candidates for beyond‐CMOS nanoelectronics because of the special electric characteristics of graphene. During graphene preparation, vacancy defects are inevitably introduced and affect transistor performances. In this Letter, four typical vacancy defects in GNR (i.e. single vacancy, divacancy, Stone‐Wales and 555 777 defects) are examined. By quantum‐mechanics‐based simulation, the effects of these four defects on the energy band of the GNR are analysed. Moreover, their effects on the performances of the GNR field effect transistor, such as transmission coefficient and transfer characteristics, are studied and compared for various defect locations in the channel.
Synthesis, characterisation and adsorption/photocatalytic performance of ZnO/CdS flowers
Authors: Liu Shuling , Li Honglin , Yan Lu , Wang Zhengqi , Liu Hui
Published: November 2013

A ZnO/CdS composite with flower‐like morphology was fabricated by combining a solvothermal route with a homogeneous precipitation process. The material characterisation showed that the composite was composed of hexagonal ZnO flowers and cubic CdS nanoparticles, and CdS nanoparticles were observed to assemble on the surface of the ZnO flowers. The presence of CdS nanoparticles on the surface of ZnO flowers resulted in a blue shift of characteristic peaks and decreasing of the photoluminescence intensity when compared with the ZnO flowers. Furthermore, the adsorption or photocatalytic degradation experiments indicated that the as‐prepared ZnO/CdS composite exhibited superior adsorption or photocatalytic degradation activities for some organic dyes, such as methyl orange, rhodamine B, safranine T and methylene blue, which may be related to the modification of the CdS nanoparticles.
One‐pot greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles using tangerine peel extract: large‐scale production
Authors: Judy Azar Amir Reza , Mohebbi Sajjad
Published: November 2013

In this reported work, superfine silver nanoparticles were synthesised from silver nitrate through a simple, rapid and eco‐friendly route applying tangerine extract, which acts as a solvent, reducing agent and stabilising agent simultaneously. The appearance of a darkish brown colour solution is indicative of silver nanoparticles that were confirmed by a UV–vis spectrophotometer. The as‐prepared sample was further characterised using X‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis analyses. The morphology and size of the nanoparticles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The silver salt exposing the tangerine extract is reduced and stabilised over long periods of time that results in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The produced nanoparticles were stable over a long period of time and appropriate for applications in biotechnology.
Dynamic behaviour of atomic force microscope‐based nanomachining based on a modified couple stress theory
Authors: Chang Win‐Jin , Yang Yu‐Ching , Lee Haw‐Long
Published: November 2013

A modified couple stress theory is used to analyse the dynamic displacement of an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever during nanomachining. According to the analysis, the results show that the effect of size‐dependence on the vibration behaviour of the AFM cantilever is obvious. The displacement obtained based on the modified couple stress theory is lower than that based on the classical beam theory. The maximum displacement of nanomachining with the AFM cantilever represents the cutting depth. When the excitation frequency is closer to the natural frequency of the cantilever, a larger material removal rate is obtained.
Design and fabrication of a parylene‐based tunable micromotion amplifier
Authors: Kuo Wen‐Cheng , Chen Chen‐Wei
Published: November 2013

Presented is a parylene‐based tunable micromotion amplifier. Large displacements are produced when long beams are buckled by an axial load generated by attached thermal actuators. Buckled beams can be used as bistable beams and are switched by thermal actuators on both sides of the beam. The amplitude of bistable displacement is determined according to the amount of displacement created by the attached thermal actuators. The parylene‐based straight beams can effectively reduce the required force more than silicon‐based beams can. Two experimental devices involving silicon‐ and parylene‐based buckled beams were designed and fabricated to verify this theory. The parylene‐based buckled beams amplified the thermal actuator displacement by 6 μm by applying 10.5 V to 52 μm of movement at the centre of the buckled beam, and displaced 78 μm of movement between the two equilibrium positions. The attached thermal actuators of the parylene‐based device amplified displacement 13‐fold. The attached thermal actuators of the silicon‐based buckled beams generated less than 1 μm of movement by applying 10.5 V, thus failing to form bistable beams. This design is suitable for application in devices capable of large in‐plane displacement and low driving forces.
Anisotropic sliding of multiple‐level biomimetic rice‐leaf surfaces on aluminium substrates
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Song Jinlong , Xu Wenji , Liu Xin , Lu Yao , Wang Yanping
Published: November 2013

The realisation of special anisotropic sliding behaviour of liquids on metal substrates is very important for applications in fluidic control and water directional transportation. Proposed is a method combining lithography assisted electrochemical etching, anodic oxidation and fluoridation to construct the three‐level microstructures (macro/micro/nano) of rice leaves on aluminium. Similar to the natural rice leaf, the prepared surface was endowed with multiple‐level microstructures and exhibits superhydrophobicity. The measurements show the biomimetic rice‐leaf surface has different anisotropic sliding behaviour with water droplets of different volumes. The perpendicular and parallel sliding angles (SAs) of a 4 μl water droplet were 6.8° and 2.7°, respectively, the anisotropy was 4.1°, which is comparable to that of a natural rice leaf. A mathematical model is presented to explain the mutational significant anisotropy of SAs (10.2°) when the water droplet was only 2 μl. This method is simple and economical, and is believed can be used for the fabrication of large‐area biomimetic rice‐leaf surfaces on metal.
Knowledge structures of a health ecosystem
Authors: Laihonen Harri
Published: November 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to hypothesize that modern health systems are transforming towards what has been called a health ecosystem in complexity‐based health care literature. It has been argued that complexity arises from the interconnectedness, which in this paper is equated with knowledge flows between actors. The paper seeks to discuss the possible implications of a health ecosystem approach to health system management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual in nature but the transition towards a health ecosystem is illustrated with an example of a regional health care system in Finland. The case description and related analysis presented are based on qualitative data gathered by interviewing leading office‐holders, by process modeling and by observing management group meetings.

Findings

Conceptually, a health ecosystem seems to have potential for the system‐level analysis of the health care system. The discussion concludes that management of knowledge flows should be a strategic management function for individual health organizations as well as for the wider health system.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on a Finnish health care system. The operations and structures of health care services and systems vary in different areas and countries.

Practical implications

The practical illustration of the health ecosystem provides a reminder that health care systems are dynamic and largely based on interaction between different actors. The approach provides new strategic insights for the development of health care systems by concentrating on interrelationships and knowledge flows.

Originality/value

The literature has suggested that the ecosystem metaphor offers useful insights for the development of health care systems. Nevertheless, this approach has not been thoroughly studied so far. This paper makes a contribution by presenting a practical illustration of the framework and in light of this discusses the possible implications for health care management.
Goal orientation, academic competences and early career success
Authors: van Dierendonck Dirk , van der Gaast Eline
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to focus on early career success as determined by a combination of what young professionals learned at school (in terms of their grades and academic competences) and how this, together with their self-regulatory focus, influenced their early objective career success in terms of salary growth and subjective career success, in terms of career satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using an online survey, 247 alumni from a major business school in The Netherlands participated.

Findings

– The results showed that, within this sample, a person's goal orientation was an important determinant of subjective and objective career success. A master orientation was more beneficial than a performance orientation. In addition, a high mastery or a high performance orientation buffered the potential negative influence of low levels of academic competence and grades on career satisfaction.

Originality/value

– The study showed the limited predictive value of grades and academic competences to predict early career success.
Spreading the word through likes on Facebook
Authors: Swani Kunal , Milne George , P. Brown Brian
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This research aims to investigate the message strategies most likely to promote online “word-of-mouth” (WOM) activity for business-to-business (B2B)/business-to-consumer as well as product/service Facebook accounts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using content analysis and HLM, the authors measure the relationship between three types of message strategies and Facebook message “Likes” by analyzing 1,143 wall post messages of 193 Fortune 500 Facebook accounts.

Findings

– Research findings suggest that B2B Facebook account posts are more effective if they include corporate brand names and avoid “hard sell” or explicitly commercial statements. Furthermore, results suggest that including emotional sentiments in Facebook posts is a particularly effective social media strategy for B2B and service marketers.

Originality/value

– This study advances the knowledge of social media and online WOM behavior, as well as B2B and service advertising/communication literature, by relating message content to message popularity. In terms of managerial implications, this research provides explanations and support for the implementation of effective social media message strategies that are likely to promote WOM activity.
Working through setbacks
Authors: Williams Alex
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The paper is a follow-up to a personal account published in this journal 12 months ago. The purpose of this paper is to highlight job retention through support measures during a period of crisis, contrasted with factors which undermine a quicker return to good mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a personal account of difficulties experienced within and outside the workplace for someone who has been through long-term mental distress and is in her first, proper, paid job. The author reflects on becoming unwell while in full-time work with fears of dismissal by the employer as well as rejection by mental health services. Due to a supportive employer the author is still employed but is more aware of distress triggers.

Findings

– Helpful approaches which make job sustainment possible include the use of independent occupational health services, supported employment advice, phased returns, income maximisation through Disability Living Allowance and employer flexibility. The factors which inhibited this were miscommunications with statutory services and a widespread inability to recognise and understand distress expressed through self-harm.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is needed into the practical responses from employers once an employee who has ongoing mental health issues discloses deterioration in symptoms. The context of a person's home life and treatment available means that work may not be the main stress.

Originality/value

– Published testimonies from service users and survivors on successes in sustaining employment remain few in number.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Acinetobacter species isolated from blood cultures in two Japanese university hospitals
Authors: Kishii Kozue , Kikuchi Ken , Yoshida Atsushi , Okuzumi Katsuko , Uetera Yushi , Yasuhara Hiroshi , Moriya Kyoji
Published: November 2013

Carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has rapidly spread worldwide. This study investigated antibiotic susceptibility and genotypic resistance of 123 consecutive blood culture isolates of Acinetobacter species collected between 2003 and 2011 in two Japanese hospitals. The isolates were assigned to 13 species. Carbapenem resistance was detected in four isolates. Only one A. baumannii isolate had blaOXA‐23 together with ISAba1; the remaining three isolates had IMP‐1 metallo‐β‐lactamase. Quinolone resistance was detected in five isolates that had point mutations in the quinolone resistance‐determining region. The predominance of various non‐A. baumannii species and low prevalence of carbapenem resistance among blood culture isolates of Acinetobacter species in two Japanese hospitals were confirmed.
Stimulation of boreal tree seedling growth by wood‐derived charcoal: effects of charcoal properties, seedling species and soil fertility
Authors: Pluchon Nathalie , Gundale Michael J. , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Kardol Paul , Wardle David A.
Published: November 2013

Fire is a major disturbance in many ecosystems world‐wide including the boreal forest, and significant quantities of charcoal can be input to the soil from fire. Some recent studies have provided evidence that wood‐derived charcoal produced by fire can significantly stimulate plant growth. However, the mechanisms by which charcoal affects plant growth are poorly understood, and little is known about how charcoal effects on plant growth are influenced by charcoal type, soil type and plant species.

Seedlings from four common boreal tree species, two evergreen gymnosperms and two deciduous angiosperms, were grown in each of two soils of contrasting nutrient availability amended with charcoal with each of nine charcoal types (each produced from wood from a different plant species) in a greenhouse experiment. We also measured several functional traits for each of the charcoal types, as well as of the wood used to prepare the charcoal.

Charcoal addition had either positive or neutral effects on seedling growth, with great variability among charcoal types. The charcoal types that had the strongest positive effect were those that had the greatest concentrations of phosphate and total phosphorus and, in some cases, were derived from woods that had the highest total phosphorus concentration. Addition of charcoal on average had a stronger positive effect on plant growth on soil with the lowest levels of phosphate and total phosphorus.

Generally, charcoal derived from angiosperms stimulated seedling growth more than charcoal from gymnosperms. Further, angiosperm seedlings were on average stimulated more by charcoal addition than were gymnosperm seedlings. These results indicate that charcoal produced by fire could contribute to the initial dominance of angiosperm trees in post‐fire succession and suggest a possible feedback whereby charcoal from angiosperm tree species favours growth of angiosperm seedlings.

This study highlights a new means by which functional trait variation among tree species could potentially exert ‘after‐life’ effects in forested ecosystems through influencing traits (and notably phosphate concentrations) of the charcoal that they produce following wildfire, with potentially important consequences for plant growth and community and ecosystem properties during post‐fire succession.
Swimming with a sword: tail beat kinematics in relation to sword length in Xiphophorus
Authors: Oufiero Christopher E. , Jugo Kristine , Garland Theodore
Published: November 2013

Exaggerated morphological structures that evolve under sexual selection have the potential to alter functional relationships and hence affect aspects of movement. These effects may be more pronounced when the exaggerated morphological trait is coupled to the propulsive system.

Many studies have examined the effects of sexually selected traits on whole‐organism performance, but few have documented their effects on the kinematics of locomotion.

Using four swordtail (Xiphophorus) species that vary naturally in their expression of the sexually selected sword, and an experimental manipulation for the species in our sample with the longest sword (X. alvarezi), we examined how variation in sword length affects the kinematics of swimming.

Among the four species, we found few differences in tail beat kinematics, despite the large variation in sword length among species. In particular, the two species with long swords did not differ from the species lacking a sword, suggesting no locomotor ‘cost’ of having long swords.

Using experimental manipulation, sword removal significantly increased tail beat amplitude, but not frequency, suggesting a potential increase in thrust production.

Our comparative results suggest that swimming kinematics do not vary much with sword length, despite the variation in this sexually selected trait among the four species. This result suggests that other physiological mechanisms may be compensating for sword length, or as has been suggested recently, the sword may not impose a significant swimming cost.
The individual‐system relationship: methodological cues from the stance‐taking process analysis
Authors: Everri Marina , Fruggeri Laura
Published: November 2013

The individual‐system relationship is one of the core, and most controversial, issues that have animated family therapy discussions since their origins. We advance the idea that an important point of departure for addressing this issue is the contamination of family therapy with constructs and methods coming from systemic research into normal family processes, such as the notion of stance‐taking. Relying on empirical data taken from a study conducted with families dealing with adolescents, we introduce and discuss the notion of stance‐taking as an innovative methodological procedure that can illuminate the individual‐system relationship while family interactions unfold. For the purpose of this article, we present and describe three selected family cases that document the potentialities of the stance‐taking process analysis for studying the individual‐system relationship, thus offering cues to systemic research and practice in family therapy.

Practitioner points

The stance‐taking process analysis allows clinical practitioners to develop systematic and empirically informed hypotheses.

Pointing out the different stances taken by each member during family interactions, therapists can make such variability into a resource to promote change.

Therapists can be trained to observe how their stances shape the ongoing process, and act in the unfolding conversations to transform the emerging patterns.
Reinventing theTowerBeefeater in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Martin Janette
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the representation of the nation through a group of real people, exploring how the romantic figure of theBeefeater became entwined with ideas of national identity. It begins with the reforms introduced by the duke of Wellington, whose appointment asConstable of theTower ofLondon in 1826 led to sweeping reforms of theBody ofYeomanWarders (popularly known asBeefeaters), who had fallen into disarray after years of neglect and mismanagement. It looks beyond the late 1820s to consider how the Beefeaters’ appeal was consolidated during the later nineteenth century, in particular, how increased tourism and the growing depiction ofYeomanWarders in fiction, art and music impacted upon popular perceptions of theBeefeater. So much so that by the closing decades of the nineteenth century, the reinvention of theBeefeater as a patriotic icon was complete. The article is concerned not only with representation of the warder but also how theBeefeater himself helped to construct his own identity. As a living embodiment of the past theBeefeater, via his verbal commentary and participation in theTower's rich ceremonial life, actively shaped his own image. This research contributes to the debates surrounding the ‘invention of tradition’ and ‘democratic royalism’ and popular narratives of the past.
The Charitable Corporation for the Relief of Industrious Poor: Philanthropy, Profit and Sleaze in London, 1707–1733
Authors: Brealey Peter
Published: November 2013

The Charitable Corporation's mission was to offer small loans on pledges on fair terms, thereby supplanting as a source of credit those pawnbrokers who were believed to be exploiting the poor. However, it was poorly served by its management, who allowed fraud to run unchecked for many years. Shedding new light on a neglected experiment during Britain's ‘financial revolution’, this article sets out to reconstruct the history of the Corporation from its foundation in 1707 to its disintegration in 1731. On the way, it details the Corporation's original business model, how, in the years following the South Sea Bubble, it attracted investors, its descent into corruption and the fall‐out from its eventual failure. It also explores some larger issues raised by the Corporation. The fact that it was established in the first place seems to imply a surprisingly lenient attitude to individual responsibility and financial risk in the eighteenth century. Questions of responsibility also dominated debates after the Corporation's fall, as parliament and the courts grappled with the difficulties of pinning down the point where negligence becomes a breach of trust. Furthermore, as it was not only a charity but also a business whose shareholders were expecting healthy dividends, it opens up questions of the proper relationship between charity and self‐interest.
Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Leaves: Nutrient Composition and Physiological Effects on Healthy Rats
Authors: de Almeida Jackix Elisa , Monteiro Elisa Bernardes , Raposo Helena Fonseca , Vanzela Emerielle Cristine , Amaya‐Farfán Jaime
Published: November 2013

Several studies have shown that fruits and vegetables contribute to protect against degenerative pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, mainly due to the presence of dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols. Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an edible aroid widely grown in many parts of Africa, America, and Asia. The tubers portions of taioba are widely consumed; however, the leafy portions are generally discarded, despite their high nutritive value. In this study, we have partly characterized the DF of lyophiized taioba leaf (LTL), and assessed the possible protective effects on biochemical parameters and on bile acid (BA) production in colon and cecum, when fed to healthy rats for 4 wk. Forty‐five Wistar rats were assigned to either of 5 groups: group 1 received AIN 93G diet (CG: Control); group 2 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% inulin (CEIN_5%); group 3 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_5%); group 4 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_7.5%); group 5 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% of inulin (CEIN_7.5%). LTL showed high contents of total fiber, predominantly comprising insoluble DF with glucose as the major monomer. Rats receiving LTL had increased fecal mass and fat excretion, and improved BA profiles by diminishing the proportion of secondary acids, thus suggesting that consumption of taioba leaf may have the property of lowering the risk of colon cancer.
Combined Vacuum Impregnation and Electron‐Beam Irradiation Treatment to Extend the Storage Life of Sliced White Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Yurttas Zeynep Sevimli , Moreira Rosana G. , Castell‐Perez Elena
Published: November 2013

This study assessed the application of an antibrowning solution using vacuum impregnation (VI) and then electron‐beam irradiation as a means to extend the shelf life of sliced white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). A preliminary study helped to determine the best antibrowning solution and VI process parameters. Mushroom slices were impregnated with 2 g/100 g ascorbic acid + 1 g/100 g calcium lactate; 2 g/100 g citric acid + 1 g/100 g calcium lactate; 1 g/100 g chitosan + 1 g/100 g calcium lactate; and 1 g/100 g calcium lactate at different vacuum pressures and times and atmospheric restoration times. Selection of the antibrowning solution and VI parameters was based on texture and color of the mushroom slices. Next, the slices were irradiated at 1 kGy using a 1.35‐MeV e‐beam accelerator. Physicochemical, sensory, and microbial quality of mushrooms was monitored for 15 d at 4 °C. The best impregnation process in this study was 2 g/100 g ascorbic acid and 1 g/100 g calcium lactate at 50 mm Hg for 5 min and an atmospheric restoration time of 5 min. The control (untreated) samples suffered structural losses throughout storage. Only the vacuum impregnated‐irradiated samples had acceptable color by the end of storage. Sensory panelists consistently preferred the samples produced with VI and irradiation because exposure to ionizing radiation inhibited growth of spoilage microorganisms.
Advancing population ecology with integral projection models: a practical guide
Authors: Merow Cory , Dahlgren Johan P. , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Childs Dylan Z. , Evans Margaret E.K. , Jongejans Eelke , Record Sydne , Rees Mark , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , McMahon Sean M.
Published: November 2013

Integral projection models (IPMs) use information on how an individual's state influences its vital rates – survival, growth and reproduction – to make population projections. IPMs are constructed from regression models predicting vital rates from state variables (e.g. size or age) and covariates (e.g. environment). By combining regressions of vital rates, an IPM provides mechanistic insight into emergent ecological patterns such as population dynamics, species geographic distributions or life‐history strategies.

Here, we review important resources for building IPMs and provide a comprehensive guide, with extensive R code, for their construction. IPMs can be applied to any stage‐structured population; here, we illustrate IPMs for a series of plant life histories of increasing complexity and biological realism, highlighting the utility of various regression methods for capturing biological patterns. We also present case studies illustrating how IPMs can be used to predict species' geographic distributions and life‐history strategies.

IPMs can represent a wide range of life histories at any desired level of biological detail. Much of the strength of IPMs lies in the strength of regression models. Many subtleties arise when scaling from vital rate regressions to population‐level patterns, so we provide a set of diagnostics and guidelines to ensure that models are biologically plausible. Moreover, IPMs can exploit a large existing suite of analytical tools developed for matrix projection models.
Does social defeat mediate the association between childhood trauma and psychosis? Evidence from the NEMESIS‐2 Study
Authors: van Nierop M. , van Os J. , Gunther N. , van Zelst C. , de Graaf R. , ten Have M. , van Dorsselaer S. , Bak M. , Myin‐Germeys I. , van Winkel R.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Based on theoretical considerations and animal studies, mediation of ‘social defeat’ (SD) in the association between childhood trauma (CT) and psychosis was investigated.

Method

Trained interviewers administered a structured interview assessing CT, psychotic experiences and other psychopathology in 6646 participants in the second Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS‐2).

Results

Childhood trauma was associated with psychotic experiences making up the extended psychosis phenotype (EPP), as well as with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder (PD). Similarly, CT was associated with a priori selected items indexing SD (discouraged, hopeless, worthless, loss of self‐confidence, low self‐esteem, better off dead, suicidal thoughts) and with a measure of affective dysregulation (AD), which in turn were also associated with psychosis. While SD and AD individually acted as mediators in the association between CT and EPP, only SD acted as a mediator in the association between CT and PD. Cannabis use did not mediate the association between CT and EPP or PD.

Conclusion

The present results suggest a developmental model implicating SD as an important mediator in the link between childhood adverse experiences and later development of psychotic experiences. The combined mediation by SD and AD is compatible with an ‘affective pathway’ to early psychosis.
Can modern input use be promoted without subsidies? An analysis of fertilizer in Ethiopia
Authors: Rashid Shahidur , Tefera Nigussie , Minot Nicholas , Ayele Gezahegn
Published: November 2013

Fertilizer use in Ethiopia has nearly quintupled since official elimination of direct input subsidies in the early 1990s. During this time, policies changed from liberalization, with both private and public sector participation, to a government monopoly over imports along with exclusive marketing through farmers’ cooperatives. This article presents estimates of detail costs and margins in the value chain, econometrically derived profitability and yield responses, as well as costs of the government's fertilizer promotion policies. Results suggest that (a) irrespective of the methods of calculation, fertilizer use in major cereal is profitable; (b) while there is no official subsidy program, fertilizer promotion has involved large fiscal costs—estimated at US$40 million per year since 2008; and (c) there has been a mismatch between government's policy targets and the effective fertilizer demand, resulting in large carryover stock with estimated implicit costs of US$30 million per year during 2008–2011. Areas of policy attention, value chain improvements, and ongoing efforts to improve for fertilizer use and profitability are discussed.
Preterm lambs given intravenous dopamine show increased dopamine in their cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Olhager Elisabeth , Nold‐Petry Claudia A , Joshi Mandar S , Doery James CG , Samarasinghe Thilini , Walker Adrian M , Wong Flora Y
Published: November 2013

Aim

Dopamine is used as an inotropic medication in preterm infants. The preterm human blood brain barrier (BBB) is permeable to intravascular dopamine, and the impact of exogenous dopamine on the preterm brain remains unknown. The preterm lamb model may be suitable for studying the cerebral impact of dopamine therapy whether its BBB permeability is similar to preterm human infants. We aimed to examine BBB permeability to exogenous dopamine in the preterm lamb, by measuring dopamine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

Nine preterm foetal lambs (125–130 days, term = 147 days) were given either dopamine at 10 μg/kg/min (dopamine, n = 4) or saline (control, n = 5). CSF, and plasma samples were taken for dopamine assay.

Results

The median (range) baseline CSF dopamine level for the combined control and dopamine groups (n = 9) was 0.10(0.03–0.16) ng/mL, and baseline plasma dopamine was 0.30(0.13–0.84) ng/mL. The dopamine lambs showed increase in CSF dopamine to 3.91(1.87–11.35) ng/mL with plasma dopamine increased to 14.2 (9.1–57.9) ng/mL. No change was found in the control lambs.

Conclusion

In the preterm lamb, the BBB permeability and pharmacokinetics to dopamine infusion are similar to findings in the preterm human infant, supporting applicability of the preterm lamb model for studying effects of dopamine infusion in the preterm human brain.
Effect of fibrosis on adverse events in patients with hepatitis C treated with telaprevir
Authors: Bichoupan K. , Schwartz J. M. , Martel‐Laferriere V. , Giannattasio E. R. , Marfo K. , Odin J. A. , Liu L. U. , Schiano T. D. , Perumalswami P. , Bansal M. , Gaglio P. J. , Kalia H. , Dieterich D. T. , Branch A. D. , Reinus J. F.
Published: November 2013

Background

Data about adverse events are needed to optimise telaprevir‐based therapy in a broad spectrum of patients.

Aim

To investigate adverse events of telaprevir‐based therapy in patients with and without advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis in a real‐world setting.

Methods

Data on 174 hepatitis C‐infected patients initiating telaprevir‐based therapy at Mount Sinai and Montefiore medical centres were collected. Biopsy data and FIB‐4 scores identified patients with advanced fibrosis. Multivariable fully adjusted models were built to assess the effect of advanced fibrosis on specific adverse events and discontinuation of treatment due to an adverse event.

Results

Patients with (n = 71) and without (n = 103) advanced fibrosis were similar in BMI, ribavirin exposure, gender, prior treatment history, haemoglobin and creatinine, but differed in race. Overall, 47% of patients completed treatment and 40% of patients achieved SVR. Treated patients with and without advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis had similar rates of adverse events; advanced fibrosis, however, was independently associated with ano‐rectal discomfort (P = 0.03). Three patients decompensated and had advanced fibrosis. The discontinuation of all treatment medications due to an adverse event was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.01), female gender (P = 0.01) and lower platelets (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Adverse events were common, but were not significantly related to the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. More critical monitoring in older and female patients with low platelets throughout treatment may reduce adverse event‐related discontinuations.
Changing ethnic identities among the Kuy in Cambodia: Assimilation, reassertion and the making of Indigenous identity
Authors: Swift Peter
Published: November 2013

The Kuy are one of the largest Indigenous groups in Cambodia. Though they are extremely similar to the Khmer in terms of physical appearance and material culture, a significant distinction between the two groups continues to be maintained. At the same time, assimilation into the Khmer identity has been a dominant trend among the Kuy for a considerable time and appears to be related to the relatively lower status of the Kuy identity. However, over the past decade or more, some people have begun to reassert a Kuy identity, driven by awareness of benefits of identifying as Kuy and a lessening of the stigmatisation of the Kuy identity. Following the introduction in Cambodia of the concept of Indigenous Peoples, ‘Indigenous’ has become an ethnic identity that more and more Kuy are assuming and within which they are becoming prominent. It is associated with a broader Indigenous community inside and outside of Cambodia which is becoming increasingly respected. The Indigenous identity has been able to inspire pride and confidence in a way that the Kuy identity has not and has played an important role in letting people of Kuy ancestry ‘become Kuy’.