bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Succession Management Challenges: The Case of a Family Business in the UAE
Authors: Spraggon Martin , Bodolica Virginia , Manoussifar Mona
Published: September 2012

This case study illustrates the story of Raja Garage Ltd, a small car repair services company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It begins with Izat Raja’s dream to start his own business and follows his journey in pursuit of turning his dream into reality. Shortly after the establishment of his car workshop, Izat is joined by his nephew, Waleed, and together they face the obstacles that arise on their road to success. Years later, Izat’s only son, Kamran, also joins Raja Garage Ltd to find out that the company is slowly regressing and may be on the brink of failure. Kamran decides to take over the family business and shares his ideas with his father, ideas which he believes could salvage the company. Recently recovering from the impact of the financial crisis, Raja Garage Ltd has proven its capacity to overcome multiple challenges throughout its years of existence. Yet, the company’s current survival and future development hinges upon the family members’ ability to make the right decisions.
An Era of Charter School Expansion
Authors: Blackwell William H.
Published: September 2012

As charter schools continue to gain influence as a presence in public education reform initiatives, it is increasingly important to examine issues related to the education of students with disabilities in these settings. This study examined two dimensions of the education of students with disabilities in charter schools when compared with the public school districts in their host communities: (a) the population characteristics of students with disabilities and (b) the extent to which the schools are following federal and state special education compliance requirements. The author found that there were notable differences between the population characteristics of students with disabilities enrolled in charter schools and public school districts. Although charter schools were no less likely than comparison school districts to implement special education compliance requirements, there were fundamental areas of special education procedures that need to be improved in these settings. The article concludes with recommendations for policy actions and technical assistance.
Conceptual Change During a Serious Game
Authors: Koops Martijn , Hoevenaar Martijn
Published: September 2012

In our research, we used two different versions of a serious game to realize conceptual change regarding classical Newtonian mechanics. We propose the Serious Gaming Lemniscate Model (SGLM). It states that in an educational game, a player is either in a gaming state, intuitively acting on the feedback in the game, or in a learning state, rationally reflecting on the gaming experience. To test our model, we moved the student from the gaming state to the learning state. Next, we investigated whether this shift was effective in changing the student’s concepts. We did so by suddenly increasing the complexity of the game between consecutive levels, generating authentic learning questions. We compared the learning gain of students who are forced out of the game state to students who played the game through without the sudden increases in difficulty. Both strategies were benchmarked against a control group where no game was used. We developed a physics game to challenge the conceptual knowledge of third-grade secondary school students regarding Newtonian mechanics. We found that students who played the game as part of the physics classes experienced an increase in perceptual knowledge. However, the effect of interrupting the game state to initiate a learning state did not add to the conceptual change compared with the group who played the game through without interruptions.
Head Start Impact on Children’s Obesity
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Laoire Siobhan O’
Published: September 2012

Objectives: The purpose of the current study is to examine whether the duration of Head Start participation is associated with a child’s weight and height. Method: The study employs a secondary analysis of 2,690 Head Start participants, 891 who entered at age 3 and enrolled for 1 year, 1,125 who entered at age 4 and stayed for 1 year, and 674 who entered at age 3 and stayed for 2 years. A logistic regression correctly classified the obesity probability (82.8%). Results: Early entry age and a longer duration in Head Start is associated with a lower obesity rate. Conclusion: Head Start should accept younger children and have them stay for a longer duration, particularly for children in high risk families.
Differences in Risk Factors for Suicide Attempts Among 9th and 11th Grade Youth
Authors: Fried Lise E. , Williams Sandra , Cabral Howard , Hacker Karen
Published: September 2012

The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between timing of adolescent development and risk factors for suicide. Nationally representative data from the Add Health survey were used. The relationship of sociodemographic characteristics, known risk factors, and physical developmental timing and cognitive developmental style to suicide attempt was assessed. Depression was a risk factor for suicide attempts in both 9th and 11th grade. Other risk factors differed. Use of illegal drugs, homosexual orientation, using public assistance, and physical development were the important risk factors for ninth graders. For 11th graders, sexual abuse, being in counseling, and being of “other” race or ethnicity (mainly Asian or Native American) were risk factors. The cognitive development variable of using a systematic problem-solving method was protective for 11th graders. Recognizing that risk factors for adolescent suicide attempts change over time and with developmental timing of puberty is an important factor for suicide prevention strategies.
Contesting Science by Appealing to Its Norms
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Nerlich Brigitte , Koteyko Nelya
Published: September 2012

This study examines the rhetorical aspects of social contestation of climate change in reader comments published in the Daily Mail, subsequent to climategate. The following themes are reported: (1) denigration of climate scientists to contest hegemonic representations, (2) delegitimization of pro–climate change individuals by disassociation from science, and (3) outright denial: rejecting hegemonic social representations of climate change. The study outlines the discursive strategies employed in order to construct social representations of climate change, to contest alternative representations, and to convince others of the validity of these representations. It examines how social representations of science are formed, maintained, and disseminated.
Prevalence of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Secondary Polycythemia
Authors: Nadeem Omar , Gui Jiang , Ornstein Deborah L.
Published: September 2012

To investigate an association between secondary polycythemia and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, we performed a case–control study to compare the prevalence of VTE in participants with secondary polycythemia due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; N = 86) to that in age- and sex-matched controls with COPD without secondary polycythemia (N = 86). Although there was a significant difference in mean hematocrit between cases and controls (53.5% vs 43.6%, respectively; P < .005), we identified no difference in the number of total or idiopathic VTE events in the 2 groups. Patients with VTE, however, had a significantly higher body mass index than patients without VTE. Our findings suggest that secondary polycythemia alone may not be a significant risk factor for VTE but that VTE risk in this population may be related to known risk factors such as obesity. The role of phlebotomy for VTE risk reduction secondary polycythemia is therefore questionable.
Factor Structures for Aggression and Victimization Among Women Who Used Aggression Against Male Partners
Authors: Swan Suzanne C. , Gambone Laura J. , Van Horn M. Lee , Snow David L. , Sullivan Tami P.
Published: September 2012

Theories and measures of women’s aggression in intimate relationships are only beginning to be developed. This study provides a first step in conceptualizing the measurement of women’s aggression by examining how well three widely used measures (i.e., the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS), the Sexual Experiences Survey [SES], and the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory [PMWI]) perform in assessing women’s perpetration of and victimization by aggression in their intimate relationships with men. These constructs were examined in a diverse sample of 412 African American, Latina, and White women who had all recently used physical aggression against a male intimate partner. The factor structures and psychometric properties of perpetration and victimization models using these measures were compared. Results indicate that the factor structure of women’s perpetration differs from that of women’s victimization in theoretically meaningful ways. In the victimization model, all factors performed well in contributing to the measurement of the latent victimization construct. In contrast, the perpetration model performed well in assessing women’s physical and psychological aggression but performed poorly in assessing women’s sexual aggression, coercive control, and jealous monitoring. Findings suggest that the power and control model of intimate partner violence (IPV) may apply well to women’s victimization but not as well to their perpetration of violence.
Visualizing clinical predictors of febrile neutropenia in Asian cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Chao , Chan Alexandre , Yap Kevin
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

Febrile neutropenia is a serious complication among cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Patient-specific risk factors, chemotherapy-related and disease-related characteristics can affect the clinical outcome and management of febrile neutropenia. Although many factors have been identified, they vary among different patient populations. We identified clinically-relevant febrile neutropenia predictors in Asian cancer patients through visualization of these factors.

Methods:

A single-centered, retrospective study was conducted from May to July 2011 at a local cancer center. Demographics and risk factor data were collated from electronic health records and four cancer registries. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Additionally, potential febrile neutropenia predictors were identified using categorical principal component and multiple correspondence analyses.

Results:

A total of 583 patients were analyzed. Majority was females (79%), Chinese (75%) and diagnosed with breast cancers (60%). Six risk factors were identified as potential predictors: types of cancer (16.9–19.8% of variance), chemotherapy regimen (anthracycline-based 11.8–12.9%, taxane-based 8.1%), liver function tests (alanine transaminase 8.6%, alkaline phosphatase 4.0%), renal function tests (serum creatinine 3.1%), prior granulocyte colony stimulating factor use (5.6%) and diabetes mellitus (6.6–6.9%). In terms of cancer types, lymphomas were more predictive than breast cancers.

Conclusion:

From our knowledge, this is the first study that has identified clinically-relevant febrile neutropenia predictors in Asian cancer patients through visualization of their risk factors. The use of these predictors to identify patients at risk for adverse reactions, such as FN, can allow clinicians to optimize prophylactic granulocyte colony stimulating factor usage in these patients.
Selective ophthalmic intra-arterial melphalan therapy for advanced retinoblastoma: Implementation and outcomes of a new chemotherapy protocol
Authors: García Silvia Valero , Briz Eduardo López , Cava Paloma Escobar , Balaguer Julia , Pelufo Ana , Megías Juan Eduardo , Andrés Jose Luis Poveda
Published: September 2012

Retinoblastoma is a relatively uncommon childhood tumor. If untreated, RB grows to fill the eye and destroys the ocular globe’s internal architecture. Metastatic spread usually begins after the first 6 months, and death occurs within a matter of years. When treated, overall survival rounds 97%, the alkylating drug melphalan being the most extensively used chemotherapeutic agent in localized treatment. In our hospital, pediatric oncologists asked the Pharmacy Department for assessment in order to implement a new chemotherapy protocol for the treatment of advanced intraocular elegible retinoblastoma cases using melphalan administered directly through the ophthalmic artery. In this paper, we describe the protocol implementation carried out by our collaborative interdisciplinary team as well as the clinical outcomes of five cases treated with ophthalmic intra-arterial melphalan therapy. Oncology pharmacists can contribute with their knowledge to the implementation process of new collaborative practice protocols recommending doses, predicting possible adverse effects and assessing about drug stability and elaboration, packaging and administration methods.
The Planetary Rift and the New Human Exemptionalism
Authors: Foster John Bellamy
Published: September 2012

Environmental sociology must address two challenges, emanating both from without and within. The world is faced with a growing planetary rift, as planetary boundaries are being crossed. At the same time a new exemptionalism in the form of ecological modernization theory has arisen within environmental sociology, resurrecting many aspects of the human exemptionalist model characteristic of post–Second World War modernization theory that environmental sociology in its formative years opposed. The answer to these two challenges, it is argued, lies in the development of a political-economic and rational-historical critique of the capitalist environmental regime in the traditions of Marx and Weber. This demands, however, the outright rejection of the new exemptionalism.
Ego Defense Mechanisms and Types of Object Relations in Adults With ADHD
Authors: de Almeida Silva Vanessa , Louzã Mario Rodrigues , da Silva Maria Aparecida , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio
Published: September 2012

Objective: This research evaluates the personality structure of adults with ADHD from a psychodynamic perspective. The hypothesis was that possible structural characteristics in personality could be correlated with this syndrome. Method: Assessment tools for ego functions (Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory [BORRTI–Form O], Defense Style Questionnaire ( DSQ-40)) were applied to a sample of 90 adults with ADHD, recruited in a specialized clinic. Results: Among the ADHD sample, 84.4% of the participants were identified as having object relations pathologies. Pathological elevations were observed mainly in the Alienation, Egocentricity, and Insecure Attachment subscales. Statistically, significant differences were found especially in the use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, compared with normative data. Conclusion: The findings indicate that adults with ADHD make more use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, and presented pathological internalized object relations that are typical of an archaic and poorly structured egoic structure.
Involvement of the Mitochondria-Caspase Pathway in HeLa Cell Death Induced by 2-Ethanolamino-2-Demethoxy-17-Ethanolimino-Hypocrellin B (EAHB)-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhou Zhixiang , Zhao Chen , Liu Wei , Li Qianqian , Zhang Lina , Sheng Wang , Li Zelin , Zeng Yi , Zhong Rugang
Published: September 2012

In order to elucidate the mechanism of cytotoxicity photoinduced by 2-ethanolamino-2-demethoxy-17-ethanolimino-hypocrellin B (EAHB), a derivative of hypocrellin B (HB), cellular uptake, subcellular localization as well as photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficiency of EAHB, and cell apoptosis photoinduced by EAHB were investigated in HeLa cells by laser confocal fluorescence microscopy, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation on agarose gel, and Western blot. The results showed EAHB was distributed throughout the cytoplasm of the cell, with no detectable penetration into the nucleus. The proportion of dead cells increased with increases in both the dosage of light and the concentration of EAHB. Its phototoxicity to HeLa cells proceeded via apoptosis. The EAHB-PDT treatment induced a cytochrome c release from the mitochondria into the cytosol followed by the activation of both caspase 3 and caspase 9 in HeLa cells. The results suggested that EAHB-PDT treatment induced apoptosis in HeLa cells, and the cellular apoptosis involved a mitochondria-/caspase-dependent mechanism.
External and Internal Coaches’ Perspectives About Overcoming Barriers to Universal Interventions
Authors: Lohrmann Sharon , Martin Stacy D. , Patil Sonia
Published: September 2012

School-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) has been widely adopted in schools across the nation. One reason might be the availability of statewide training and implementation support infrastructures in many states across the country. However, even with the availability of support, some schools experience barriers typical to systems change activities. The research purpose of this study was to investigate how problems with staff and administrator buy-in of the universal intervention manifest and are resolved from the perspective of internal and external coaches. A second purpose of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences in how external and internal coaches view staff buy-in issues and the process for research. A total of 18 participants (9 external and 9 internal SWPBS coaches) participated in the study. Findings suggest commonalities across the types of (a) barriers participants encountered, (b) climate and systems influences, and (c) strategies used to resolve barriers. The findings also suggest the importance of staff having firsthand successes and the need for universal teams to “stick with” implementation over a period of several years before changes in staff resistance were evident.
Disseminating Evidence-Based Practices in Secondary Transition
Authors: Mustian April , Mazzotti Valerie L. , Test David W.
Published: September 2012

As educators move into a new era of educational reform, it becomes imperative that teachers use evidence-based instructional practices shown to be effective for students with disabilities. One area that plays a role in this process is secondary transition. The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center has identified 63 evidence-based practices for teaching secondary students with disabilities. One critical component in this process is the dissemination and implementation of these practices with high fidelity. Methods for disseminating and implementing these practices with high fidelity are discussed.
How anion and cation species influence the tribology of a green lubricant based on ionic liquids
Authors: Kronberger M , Pejaković V , Gabler C , Kalin M
Published: September 2012

A group of halide-free ionic liquids involving two different anions (methyl sulfate and methyl sulfonate) and four types of cations (short-chain tetraalkylammonium, dialkylpyrrolidinium, choline, and methoxycholine) were investigated as 2.5 wt% additives in glycerol as a model base fluid, yielding highly biodegradable polar lubricants for study of ionic liquid interaction with a substrate. The results were compared to the behavior of conventional bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Tf2N]) ionic liquids with identical counter-ions. The neat ionic liquids (100 wt%) were tested in identical manner and compared to the behavior when they operate as additives. Tribotests were performed in a ball-on-disc configuration under boundary conditions, by lubricating steel–steel couples at room temperature and at 100°C. Wear reduction was achieved for all temperatures, and the results were strongly anion-dominated, with good results for methyl sulfates and the [Tf2N] references. Particularly for higher temperatures, ionic liquids were also able to reduce friction by a substantial amount, with a clear order between the individual anions, and the lowest values were again obtained for methyl sulfates. Cationic influence on the test results was found to be subordinate for both temperatures. It could be recognized that at elevated temperatures, the newly formulated lubricants containing an ionic liquid as an additive behaved similarly to neat ionic liquids in terms of friction and wear reduction. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the formation of a beneficial iron sulfide film was detected, with the sulfur originating from the sulfate of the ionic liquid, presumably as a result of a redox reaction with metallic iron. For this mechanism, a hypothesis for possible reaction pathways was developed.
Investigations on solid particle erosion behaviour of ferritic steels, austenitic steel and low carbon steel and correlation of erosion data with erosion model
Authors: Hussain A Aazad , Wesley SB , Goyal HS , Harsha AP
Published: September 2012

Solid particle erosion behaviour of ferritic stainless steels AISI 444 and 439, austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 and low carbon steel AISI 1010 were investigated. Erosion studies of these materials were conducted at room temperature using silica sand of size 150–300 µm. The influence of erosion rates due to different velocities (40–85 m/s) and impingement angle (15–90°) were experimentally analysed. Erosion efficiency values (0.7–3.6%) indicate that erosion occurs by lip or platelet formation in the material. The present study reveals that the peak in the erosion rate for AISI 444, AISI 439 and AISI 304 occurs at about 30° impingement angle while that for AISI 1010 at about 45° impingement angle. Hutchings’ normal erosion model was also examined. Scanning electron microscope studies were conducted to analyse the surface morphology of the tested samples under erosion condition. Variations in microstructure and micro hardness of the material due to solid particle erosion on the materials were also discussed.
Deterring new party entry? The impact of state regulation on the permeability of party systems
Authors: van Biezen Ingrid , Rashkova Ekaterina R
Published: September 2012

Despite the growing amount of party regulation, we still have a limited understanding of the effect that party laws have on party systems and political competition. Notwithstanding predictions that incumbent parties adopt rules which favour their own position, found in both the cartel party thesis and the rational actor view of politics, we continue to witness the frequent appearance of new political parties, some of which successfully enter parliament. Using comparative electoral data and a newly built dataset on party regulation in post-war Europe, we trace the changes in the rules governing political parties and explore the effect of party regulation on the number of successful new entrants. Overall, we find that more regulation significantly decreases the number of successful new entries, while high electoral volatility and the legacy of post-communism increase the amount of successful new party entries in the legislature. Our nalysis further shows that the existence of public funding and the payout threshold have no effect on the permeability of party systems.
Risks of small-for-gestational-age births in immigrants: A nationwide epidemiological study in Sweden
Authors: Li Xinjun , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan
Published: September 2012

Aim: To examine if there is an association between country of birth in parents and small-for-gestational-age (defined as a birthweight of more than two standard deviations (SDs) below the mean) in first singletons births. Methods: In this follow-up study, national population and healthcare registers were used to identify small-for-gestational-age births in all first singleton births in Sweden between 1 January 1982 and 31 December 2006. Odds ratios, standardised with regard to maternal age at birth, period of birth, marital status, family income, geographical region, employment, maternal height, and smoking history, were estimated by maternal and paternal country of birth. Singletons with both parents born in Sweden were used as reference group. Results: There were 1,060,467 records for first singletons births over the study period, of whom 3.5% were small-for-gestational-age. The rate was higher in newborns with non-Swedish born than in those with Swedish born mothers (4.1 and 3.3%, respectively). Immigrants from Southern European countries, Africa, and Asia had higher risks of small-for-gestational-age in than those in the reference group, and the risks were even higher in compatriot parents. Conclusions: Country of birth affected the risk of small-for-gestational-age. Maternity care should pay a special attention to pregnancies in certain population groups.
Personalization in e-campaigning: A cross-national comparison of personalization strategies used on candidate websites of 17 countries in EP elections 2009
Authors: Hermans Liesbeth , Vergeer Maurice
Published: September 2012

Candidate websites provide politicians with opportunities to present themselves in an individual way. To a greater or lesser extent politicians share personal information in their biographies and provide options to connect with citizens by putting links on their websites to their social networking sites (SNS). In this paper, although acting on different levels, both strategies are indicated as forms of personalization strategies used by politicians in their online communication. This cross-national study explores the use of these strategies on candidate websites in 17 countries during the elections for the European Parliament (EP) in June 2009. This is a comparative study of the personalized and individualized campaigning styles used during elections. Findings show that three general dimensions of personalization can be distinguished; ‘professional’, ‘home and family’ and ‘personal preferences’. While the first two dimensions show a higher level of use among candidates, the third dimension on private information is hardly used. Results show also that countries from Central Europe inform their citizens more about their professional and personal circumstances, and Mediterranean countries use personalization strategies the least. Furthermore, the overall findings show that SNS were not frequently used during the 2009 e-campaigning. West European countries use links to SNS more frequently than countries in other regions. In general these findings suggest cross-cultural differences regarding online personalized political campaigning.
Modeling of high-speed milling process with frictional effect
Authors: Kecik Krzysztof , Rusinek Rafal , Warminski Jerzy
Published: September 2012

This article deals with the problem of chatter vibrations in high-speed milling process taking into account both regeneration and frictional chatter. In this aim, a nonlinear model of high-speed down milling is developed. The proposed model includes friction force produced between an edge of a tool and a workpiece, modeled by nonlinear and nonsmooth function and also the time delay effect, which is responsible for a vibration regeneration. The influence of friction on the process stability is compared with results obtained in a classical way using a commercial software. Finally, numerical tests are compared with the stability lobe diagrams obtained experimentally during real machining of nickel superalloys.
Sociology as subversion: Discussing the reproductive interpretations of Durkheim
Authors: Plouviez Mélanie
Published: September 2012

This article presents a critical analysis of a recurring interpretation of Émile Durkheim’s sociology, namely that it views society as fixed in a rigid, instituted form, doomed to self-repetition, and impervious to any type of change except that of its own necessary internal development (see the work of Albert Bayet, Georges Sorel, Georges Gurvitch, Talcott Parsons, Robert Nisbet, or Raymond Boudon). It is argued here that this reproductive interpretation is based on Chapter 3 of The Rules of Sociological Method (1895), but that Durkheim himself rejected it altogether in his later writings. From his 1898 article, ‘Individual and Collective Representations,’ to The Elementary Forms of Religious Life of 1912, Durkheim came to see one activity of society – the transformative activity of collective ideation – as unconcerned with the satisfaction of purely morphological needs. The point, however, is not that Durkheim’s sociology developed from a morphological approach governed by a principle of self-reproducibility to a psychological approach that transcends the production/reproduction dichotomy. The article argues instead that by neglecting the contribution of the discipline of sociology, and of the epistemological principles on which it is based, to the instituting activity of collective ideation, the reproductive interpretation offers only a partial reading of The Rules of Sociological Method: sociology, as a scientific form of collective ideation, actually instantiates its transformative, even subversive, force.
Early Reviews of The Elementary Forms of Religious Life
Authors: Tiryakian Edward A
Published: September 2012

How might have an advanced graduate student, with knowledge of sociology and philosophy, taken to The Elementary Forms of Religious Life in the spring of 1914? Before making his own commentary, he discusses five reviews that appeared before the English translation of 1915. All the historical data in his letter are factual, from George Santayana down to the original cost of the French edition of Durkheim’s magnum opus.
Durkheim’s theory of modernity: Self-regulating practices as constitutive orders of social and moral facts
Authors: Rawls Anne Warfield
Published: September 2012

An important and innovative conception of constitutive practices plays a key role in Durkheim’s theory of modernity as outlined in De la Division du Travail Sociale (1893), his first book. The idea of self-organizing constitutive practices presents a vision of a modern differentiated society that can be flexible, strong, and egalitarian; supporting individual freedom and equality between individuals; while at the same time facilitating coherence and social solidarity without exerting authority or constraint. In 1902 Durkheim added a second preface to underscore and clarify the essential role played by constitutive practices in differentiated modern contexts of work and occupations. In spite of the importance he placed on constitutive practices, however, and the foundational role he argued they would play in modernity, the point has been largely overlooked. Instead, Durkheim has been interpreted as a conservative thinker, lacking an adequate approach to modernity. The oversight has left sociology without an explanation for how social facts could be effectively shared in modern contexts. The consequences have been serious both for the appreciation of Durkheim and for the development of sociology. This paper offers a reassessment.
Clinical and Functional Assessment of Dysautonomia and Its Correlation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zakrzewska-Pniewska Beata , Gawel Malgorzata , Szmidt-Salkowska Elzbieta , Kepczynska Katarzyna , Nojszewska Monika
Published: September 2012

The aims were to assess dysautonomia in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), clinically and electrophysiologically, using sympathetic skin response (SSR) test and R-R interval variation (RRIV) test and to analyze the relationship between symptoms of dysautonomia and SSR/RRIV results. A tota of 54 patients with AD and 37 controls were evaluated using Autonomic Symptoms Questionnaire and SSR/RRIV test. Clinical dysautonomia was observed in 66% of patients (eg, orthostatic hypotension in 34.5%, constipation in 17.2%, urinary incontinence in 13.8%). The SSR test was abnormal in 26%, but the RRIV test was abnormal in 97.7% of cases; there was significant difference in RRIV test results between AD and controls (R mean 8.05% and 14.6%, respectively). In AD, clinical dysautonomia occurs at a various degree, and the abnormal SSR and RRIV test results were not always related to the presence of clinical dysautonomia; this observation points that the tests could be used as a useful tool in the assessment of subclinical dysautonomia.
Locating the DJ: Black Popular Music, Location and Fields of Cultural Production
Authors: Elafros Athena
Published: September 2012

Extending Bourdieu’s work, this paper introduces the concept of location as a supplement to the concepts of position and disposition in understanding how strategies are enacted in cultural fields. To illustrate my argument, this paper is organized into four sections. First, the applicability and extension of Bourdieu’s theory of cultural production is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on illustrating how the concept of location adopts an intersubjective understanding of reflexivity in order to address some of the limitations of Bourdieu’s concepts of position, disposition and strategy. Second, two different strategies of legitimation (crowd pleasing and crowd commanding) adopted by DJs within the field are outlined. Third, the importance of location in the use of these strategies in the field of black popular music-making is illustrated. Finally, this paper concludes by summarizing the key dimensions of the concept of location and suggesting how the concept has broader applicability in other cultural fields.
Situating Lesbian and Gay Cultures of Class Identification
Authors: Heaphy Brian
Published: September 2012

How significant are class identities to lesbians and gay men? In the 1990s some theorists implied that lesbian and gay identities were classless or post-class ones. This paper challenges this idea by considering personal narratives of class (dis-)identification that were generated via interviews with lesbians and gay men in the 1990s. The salience of class was explicitly and implicitly articulated in narratives of ‘accepting’, ‘rejecting’, ‘ambiguous’ and ‘disrupting’ class identities. Interviewees’ narratives suggested the relative strength of sexual identities over class ones and their accounts of class had much in common with apparently ‘weak’ mainstream class identities. However, viewed relationally and historically, their narratives troubled the idea that lesbian and gay identities override or transcend class ones. They undermine arguments about the insignificance of class to identities more generally, and complicate arguments about the individualization of class.
Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation
Authors: Hemarajata Peera , Versalovic James
Published: September 2012

Recent explorations of the human gut microbiota suggest that perturbations of microbial communities may increase predisposition to different disease phenotypes. Dietary nutrients may be converted into metabolites by intestinal microbes that serve as biologically active molecules affecting regulatory functions in the host. Probiotics may restore the composition of the gut microbiome and introduce beneficial functions to gut microbial communities, resulting in amelioration or prevention of gut inflammation and other intestinal or systemic disease phenotypes. This review describes how diet and intestinal luminal conversion by gut microbes play a role in shaping the structure and function of intestinal microbial communities. Proposed mechanisms of probiosis include alterations of composition and function of the human gut microbiome, and corresponding effects on immunity and neurobiology.
Steroids and 5-aminosalicylic acids in moderate ulcerative colitis: addressing the dilemma
Authors: Probert Chris
Published: September 2012

Steroids have been a mainstay of ulcerative colitis (UC) therapy for many years, based on a thoroughly established efficacy profile for the induction of remission. However, in light of the considerable side effects and negative perceptions they carry, it is important to ensure such treatments are used as effectively as possible. For severe UC, the need for steroids is rarely questioned, and rightly so; it is for moderate UC that the role of steroids should be considered. Both patients and clinicians place a high importance on rapid, effective resolution of symptoms, yet at the same time wish to avoid unnecessary side effects. Through consideration of the available evidence, it becomes clear that both steroids and high-dose 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) are supported by robust trials demonstrating their efficacy. Indeed, both therapies have been shown to give rise to resolution of symptoms after 2 weeks in many patients. However, a paucity of head-to-head comparisons makes conclusive interpretation challenging. This paper therefore presents a practical approach, which builds on the available evidence and is developed from informed discussions with patients. This approach involves initiating therapy with high-dose 5-ASA, followed by a review of symptom improvements after 2–3 weeks. Steroids can then be introduced, when needed, with minimal delay. In this way, symptoms can be resolved rapidly, yet many patients may avoid unpleasant side effects.
Can News Be Imaginative? An Experiment Testing the Perceived Credibility of Melodramatic Animated News, News Organizations, Media Use, and Media Dependency
Authors: Cheng Benjamin Ka Lun , Lo Wai Han
Published: September 2012

In recent years, some media organizations have begun to use a new type of animation in news reports that is melodramatic and emotion-laden. These have successfully drawn considerable numbers of viewers to their online news reports. The use of such techniques is controversial and has sparked debate over its appropriateness. An experiment with 153 college students as participants was conducted to compare the perceived credibility of news reports with and without melodramatic animation. The results show that the animation format neither enhances nor dampens news credibility. However, they also show that sound effects reduce the credibility of news reports using melodramatic animation. The perceived credibility was also related to the credibility of the news organization and the medium dependency of the viewer. Implications for animated news media, future research directions, and ethical issues of using such technique are discussed.
Evolution of Hotel Asset Management
Authors: Singh A. J. , Kline Robert D. , Ma Qingzhong , Beals Paul
Published: September 2012

As the hotel industry’s structure has become more complicated over the past decades, the asset management profession has likewise been evolving. To understand its genesis and current status, this article documents the evolution of hotel asset management from its early troubleshooting role to its present ongoing role of maximizing hotel values for owners. Based on a survey of hotel asset managers, this study found that these asset managers are highly educated, all had hotel management experience before becoming asset managers, and most had also been hotel developers. Many of the asset managers began their careers as hotel operators, but a substantial number began as consultants. Increasingly, asset managers are involved in analyzing strategic issues and making operating recommendations intended to improve the value of a hotel asset. Responding asset managers reported spending substantial time in monitoring the asset’s financial performance, operational reviews, and capital expenditure analysis. Typical performance measures are value creation, financial performance, operating measures, asset utilization, and growth measures, using such common metrics as gross operating profit (GOP) and revenue per available room (RevPAR).
Perceiving Ethnic Diversity on Campus
Authors: Binning Kevin R. , Unzueta Miguel M.
Published: September 2012

A field study tested whether Asian and White students use different criteria when judging the racial and ethnic diversity of their university. The university under study had roughly equal numbers of Asians and Whites, but Asians were heavily concentrated in the student body and had relatively low numbers in high-status university positions (the faculty and administration). Results showed that, as long as the student body was deemed diverse, the status asymmetry did not prevent Whites from regarding their university as diverse or from opposing efforts to increase racial and ethnic diversity on campus. Asians, by contrast, were attentive to the status asymmetry: they incorporated faculty/administrative diversity into their judgments of the university and saw diversity in the student body as a reason to increase diversity in high-status positions. The results suggest that people perceive and support diversity in ways that align with the interests of their ethnic in-groups.
To Partition or Not to Partition Evaluative Judgments
Authors: Refling Erica J. , Calnan Catherine M. , Fabrigar Leandre R. , MacDonald Tara K. , Johnson Victoria C. , Smith Steven M.
Published: September 2012

Attitudinal ambivalence is one of the most widely studied structural properties in the attitudes literature. The current research compared two commonly used measures of structural ambivalence. Both measures separately assess the positive and negative components of ambivalence; however, one approach instructs participants to partition their oppositely valenced evaluative responses whereas the other does not. Using both experimental and nonexperimental designs, four studies revealed that the nonpartitioned measure was more sensitive to manipulations of attitudinal ambivalence (Studies 1 and 2) and was a better predictor of subjective ambivalence (Studies 1– 4). Potential reasons for this distinction are discussed.
Next-generation sequencing in hematologic malignancies: what will be the dividends?
Authors: Merker Jason D. , Valouev Anton , Gotlib Jason
Published: September 2012

The application of high-throughput, massively parallel sequencing technologies to hematologic malignancies over the past several years has provided novel insights into disease initiation, progression, and response to therapy. Here, we describe how these new DNA sequencing technologies have been applied to hematolymphoid malignancies. With further improvements in the sequencing and analysis methods as well as integration of the resulting data with clinical information, we expect these technologies will facilitate more precise and tailored treatment for patients with hematologic neoplasms.
Smelt was the likely beneficiary of an antifreeze gene laterally transferred between fishes
Authors: Graham Laurie A , Li Jieying , Davidson William S , Davies Peter L
Published: September 2012

Background

Type II antifreeze protein (AFP) from the rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax, is a calcium-dependent C-type lectin homolog, similar to the AFPs from herring and sea raven. While C-type lectins are ubiquitous, type II AFPs are only found in a few species in three widely separated branches of teleost fishes. Furthermore, several other non-homologous AFPs are found in intervening species. We have previously postulated that this sporadic distribution has resulted from lateral gene transfer. The alternative hypothesis, that the AFP evolved from a lectin present in a shared ancestor and that this gene was lost in most species, is not favored because both the exon and intron sequences are highly conserved.

Results

Here we have sequenced and annotated a 160 kb smelt BAC clone containing a centrally-located AFP gene along with 14 other genes. Quantitative PCR indicates that there is but a single copy of this gene within the smelt genome, which is atypical for fish AFP genes. The corresponding syntenic region has been identified and searched in a number of other species and found to be devoid of lectin or AFP sequences. Unlike the introns of the AFP gene, the intronic sequences of the flanking genes are not conserved between species. As well, the rate and pattern of mutation in the AFP gene are radically different from those seen in other smelt and herring genes.

Conclusions

These results provide stand-alone support for an example of lateral gene transfer between vertebrate species. They should further inform the debate about genetically modified organisms by showing that gene transfer between ‘higher’ eukaryotes can occur naturally. Analysis of the syntenic regions from several fishes strongly suggests that the smelt acquired the AFP gene from the herring.
Advances in genome-wide RNAi cellular screens: a case study using the Drosophila JAK/STAT pathway
Authors: Fisher Katherine H , Wright Victoria M , Taylor Amy , Zeidler Martin P , Brown Stephen
Published: September 2012

Background

Genome-scale RNA-interference (RNAi) screens are becoming ever more common gene discovery tools. However, whilst every screen identifies interacting genes, less attention has been given to how factors such as library design and post-screening bioinformatics may be effecting the data generated.

Results

Here we present a new genome-wide RNAi screen of the Drosophila JAK/STAT signalling pathway undertaken in the Sheffield RNAi Screening Facility (SRSF). This screen was carried out using a second-generation, computationally optimised dsRNA library and analysed using current methods and bioinformatic tools. To examine advances in RNAi screening technology, we compare this screen to a biologically very similar screen undertaken in 2005 with a first-generation library. Both screens used the same cell line, reporters and experimental design, with the SRSF screen identifying 42 putative regulators of JAK/STAT signalling, 22 of which verified in a secondary screen and 16 verified with an independent probe design. Following reanalysis of the original screen data, comparisons of the two gene lists allows us to make estimates of false discovery rates in the SRSF data and to conduct an assessment of off-target effects (OTEs) associated with both libraries. We discuss the differences and similarities between the resulting data sets and examine the relative improvements in gene discovery protocols.

Conclusions

Our work represents one of the first direct comparisons between first- and second-generation libraries and shows that modern library designs together with methodological advances have had a significant influence on genome-scale RNAi screens.