bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispositivos comunicacionais e produção de imaginários: o caso dos periódicos científicos
Authors: Salgado Luciana Salazar , Clares Letícia Moreira
Published: April 2016

No quadro da Análise do Discurso de tradição francesa (AD), propomos neste artigo uma reflexão que parte da noção de dispositivo desenvolvida recentemente por Jean-Jacques Courtine (2013) para estudar os formulários de revisão por pares das revistas do Instituto de Estudos Brasileiros (IEB/USP) e do Programa de Pós- -Graduação em Geografia da Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/USP), GEOUSP: Espaço e Tempo, com vistas a observar como, nesse tipo de material, (re)constroem-se imaginários de ciência a partir do modo como os processos editoriais acontecem e caracterizam a comunicação científica, nos liames do que Dominique Maingueneau (2006) considera uma instituição discursiva. Partindo das reflexões desenvolvidas até o momento na pesquisa intitulada Ritos genéticos editoriais e comunicação científica: a atividade de revisão em periódicos, explicitamos a confi- guração desses periódicos como dispositivos comunicacionais e, para tanto, alguns indícios da constituição desses imaginários nos ritos genéticos editoriais adotados nos processos de mediação editorial dos periódicos estudados. Pretendemos, então, investigar algumas das dimensões da mediação editorial que balizam os imaginários de ciência e põem em circulação pública o conhecimento acadêmico.
Overexpression of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte–Associated Antigen-4 Prevents Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Sasaki Naoto , Yamashita Tomoya , Emoto Takuo , Kasahara Kazuyuki , Mizoguchi Taiji , Hayashi Tomohiro , Yodoi Keiko , Kitano Naoki , Saito Takashi , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: April 2016

Objective—

Although T-cell–mediated chronic inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis development, the role of a negative regulatory molecule cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. We investigated the effects of CTLA-4 overexpression on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient (
Apoe
−/−
) mice.

Approach and Results—

We generated CTLA-4 transgenic (CTLA-4-Tg)/
Apoe
−/−
mice that display constitutive cell surface and intracellular expression of CTLA-4 in T cells and assessed atherosclerosis at age 16 weeks. CTLA-4 overexpression significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation and intraplaque accumulation of macrophage and CD4
+
T cells in the aortic root compared with controls. CTLA-4-Tg/
Apoe
−/−
mice showed decreased numbers of effector CD4
+
T cells and decreased expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86, ligands for CTLA-4, and a costimulatory molecule CD28, on CD11c
+
dendritic cells compared with controls. Consistent with in vivo findings, in vitro experiments revealed that CD4
+
T cells from CTLA-4-Tg/
Apoe
−/−
mice showed decreased proliferative capacity and proinflammatory cytokine production, downregulated CD80 expression on CD11c
+
dendritic cells, and suppressed the proliferation of other T cells by limiting the costimulatory pathway. Moreover, CD11c
+
dendritic cells from CTLA-4-Tg/
Apoe
−/−
mice showed reduced proliferative activity of T cells in vitro, suggesting the suppression of dendritic cell maturation in vivo.

Conclusions—

CTLA-4 regulates atherosclerosis by suppressing proatherogenic immune responses and could be an attractive therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Atherosclerosis—Brief Report
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Howatt Deborah A. , Balakrishnan Anju , Moorleghen Jessica J. , Wu Congqing , Cassis Lisa A. , Daugherty Alan , Lu Hong
Published: April 2016

Objective—

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is present in many cell types of atherosclerotic lesions. This study determined whether ACE activity in endothelial and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), 2 major resident cell types of the aorta, contributes to hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

All study mice were in low-density lipoprotein receptor
−/−
background. To determine the contribution of ACE on endothelial cells to atherosclerosis, female ACE floxed mice were bred to male Tie2-Cre transgenic mice. Endothelial cell–specific deletion of ACE significantly decreased serum ACE activity, but had no effect on systolic blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Because ACE protein is present on SMCs, the most abundant cell type of the aorta, we then determined whether ACE on SMCs contributes to atherosclerosis. ACE was depleted from SMCs by breeding female ACE floxed mice with male SM22-Cre transgenic mice. SMC-specific deficiency of ACE did not affect ACE activity in serum, but ablated its presence and activity in the aortic media. Although SMC-specific deficiency of ACE had no effect on systolic blood pressure, it significantly attenuated hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis in both male and female mice.

Conclusions—

These studies provide direct evidence that ACE derived from endothelial cells does not play a critical role in atherosclerosis. Rather, SMC-derived ACE contributes to atherosclerosis, independent of circulating ACE activity and blood pressure.
Inhibition of the Nuclear Receptor RORγ and Interleukin-17A Suppresses Neovascular Retinopathy
Authors: Talia Dean M. , Deliyanti Devy , Agrotis Alex , Wilkinson-Berka Jennifer L.
Published: April 2016

Objective—

Although inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) provide benefit for the management of neovascular retinopathies, their use is limited to end-stage disease and some eyes are resistant. We hypothesized that retinoic acid–related orphan nuclear receptor γ (RORγ) and its downstream effector, interleukin (IL)-17A, upregulate VEGF and hence are important treatment targets for neovascular retinopathies.

Approach and Results—

Utilizing a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, we identified that retinal immunocompetent cells, microglia, express IL-17A. This was confirmed in primary cultures of rat retinal microglia, where hypoxia increased IL-17A protein as well as IL-17A, RORγ, and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA, which were reduced by the RORγ inhibitor, digoxin, and the RORα/RORγ inverse agonist, SR1001. By contrast, retinal macroglial Müller cells and ganglion cells, key sources of VEGF in oxygen-induced retinopathy, did not produce IL-17A when exposed to hypoxia and IL-1β. However, they expressed IL-17 receptors, and in response to IL-17A, secreted VEGF. This suggested that RORγ and IL-17A inhibition might attenuate neovascular retinopathy. Indeed, digoxin and SR1001 reduced retinal vaso-obliteration, neovascularization, and vascular leakage as well as VEGF and VEGF-related placental growth factor. Digoxin and SR1001 reduced microglial-derived IL-17A and Müller cell and ganglion cell damage. The importance of IL-17A in oxygen-induced retinopathy was confirmed by IL-17A neutralization reducing vasculopathy, VEGF, placental growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, microglial density and Müller cell, and ganglion cell injury.

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate that an RORγ/IL-17A axis influences VEGF production and neovascular retinopathy by mechanisms involving neuroglia. Inhibition of RORγ and IL-17A may have potential for the improved treatment of neovascular retinopathies.
P2Y
12
Receptor Modulates Sepsis-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Liverani Elisabetta , Rico Mario C. , Tsygankov Alexander Y. , Kilpatrick Laurie E. , Kunapuli Satya P.
Published: April 2016

Objective—

Platelets modulate hemostasis and immune responses via interactions with immune cells through secretion of immunemodulators and cell–cell interactions. The P2Y
12
receptor mediates ADP-induced aggregation and secretion in platelets.

Approach and Results—

Using a mouse model of intra-abdominal sepsis and acute lung injury, we investigated the role of the P2Y
12
receptor in neutrophil migration and lung inflammation in P2Y
12
null mice and in mice pretreated with the P2Y
12
antagonist clopidogrel. Our data show a decrease in circulating white blood cells and a decrease in platelet activation and platelet–leukocyte interactions in treated mice compared with untreated mice. Additionally, lung injury and platelet sequestration were diminished in clopidogrel-treated mice compared with their untreated septic littermates. Similar results were observed in P2Y
12
null mice: platelet activation and platelet–leukocyte aggregates were decreased in septic P2Y
12
null mice compared with wild-type mice. P2Y
12
null mice were refractory to lung injury compared with wild-type mice. Finally, to evaluate P2Y
12
-independent effects of clopidogrel, we pretreated P2Y
12
null mice. Interestingly, the number of circulating neutrophils was reduced in treated septic P2Y
12
null mice, suggesting neutrophils as a target for clopidogrel pleiotropic effects. No difference was observed in P2Y
1
null mice during sepsis, indicating that the P2Y
12
receptor is responsible for the effects.

Conclusions—

P2Y
12
null mice are refractory to sepsis-induced lung injury, suggesting a key role for activated platelets and the P2Y
12
receptor during sepsis.
Relation of Magnesium Intake With Cardiac Function and Heart Failure Hospitalizations in Black Adults
Authors: Taveira Tracey H. , Ouellette Danielle , Gulum Alev , Choudhary Gaurav , Eaton Charles B. , Liu Simin , Wu Wen-Chih
Published: April 2016

Background—

Little is known about magnesium intake and risk of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, particularly in blacks. We hypothesize that magnesium intake relates to HF hospitalization in blacks.

Methods and Results—

From the Jackson Heart Study cohort (n=5301), we studied 4916 blacks recruited during 2000 to 2004 in Jackson (Mississippi), who completed an 158-item Food-Frequency Questionnaire that included dietary supplements. Daily magnesium intake derived from the questionnaire was divided by the body weight to account for body storage and stratified by quartiles (0.522–2.308, 2.309–3.147, 3.148–4.226, and ≥4.227 mg magnesium intake/kg). Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed the association between quartiles of magnesium intake/kg and hospitalizations for HF adjusting for HF risk, energy intake, and dietary factors. The cohort had a mean age=55.3 (SD=12.7 years) and composed of 63.4% women, 21.6% diabetes mellitus, 62.7% hypertension, 7.1% coronary disease, and 2.8% with known HF. When compared with participants in the first quartile of magnesium intake/kg, those with higher magnesium intake (>2.308 mg/kg) had decreased risk of HF admission, with adjusted hazard ratios of 0. 66(95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.94) in the second quartile to 0.47 (95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.82) in the highest quartile. Results were similar when individuals with previously diagnosed HF (2.8%) were excluded or when the analysis was repeated using quartiles of magnesium intake without accounting for body weight.

Conclusions—

Magnesium intake <2.3 mg/kg was related to increased risk of subsequent HF hospitalizations. Future studies are needed to test whether serum magnesium levels predict risk of HF.
Dendropaemon Perty, 1830: taxonomy, systematics and phylogeny of the morphologically most derived phanaeine genus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, Phanaeini)
Authors: GÉNIER FRANÇOIS , ARNAUD PATRICK
Published: April 2016

The taxonomy and systematics of the Neotropical genus Dendropaemon Perty is revised. The current study recognize 41 species organized into 12 subgenera. The establishment of the subgenera is reflecting the presented phylogenetic analysis. Six subgenera are established from previously available genus group names: Coprophanaeoides Edmonds, 1972; Dendropaemon Perty, 1830; Enicotarsus Laporte, 1831; Eurypodea Klages, 1906; Onthoecus Lacordaire, 1856; Paradendropaemon Edmonds, 1972 and Tetramereia Klages, 1907. Six additional subgenera are described as new: Glaphyropaemon n. subg.; Nigropaemon n. subg.; Rutilopaemon n. subg.; Streblopaemon n. subg.; Sulcopaemon n. subg. and Titthopaemon n. subg. The following 18 species are described as new: Dendropaemon (Coprophanaeoides) bluti n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Coprophanaeoides) carinifer n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Coprophanaeoides) compressipennis n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Coprophanaeoides) cribrosus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Coprophanaeoides) furtadoi n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Coprophanaeoides) inflatus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Coprophanaeoides) pilosissimus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Dendropaemon) aenigmaticus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Dendropaemon) amazonicus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Dendropaemon) angustulus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Dendropaemon) flechtmanni n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Dendropaemon) larseni n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Glaphyropaemon) inemarginatus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Nigropaemon) nigritulus n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Onthoecus) lydiae n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Onthoecus) morettoi n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Paradendropaemon) vazdemelloi n. sp.; Dendropaemon (Sulcopaemon) latistriatus n. sp.. The following nomen novum: Dendropaemon (Onthoecus) attalus nom. nov. is created to replace the primary junior homonym Dendropaemon amyntas Harold, 1868. Except for Dendropaemon montei Pessôa & Lane, 1936, type material of all the species have been examined and lectotypes designated for the following two species: Dendropaemon fasces Blut, 1939 and Dendropaemon lobatus Waterhouse, 1891. In order to stabilize nomenclature, neotypes were also designated for the following species: Dendropaemon convexus Harold, 1869; Enicotarsus ater Laporte, 1832; Enicotarsus quadratus Laporte, 1932 and; Enicotarsus viridipennis Laporte, 1831. Color habitus are presented for each of the valid species.
Is NBI-Guided Resection a Breakthrough for Achieving Adequate Resection Margins in Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Piovesana Marco , Gatto Annalisa , Torelli Lucio , Boscolo Nata Francesca
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

Obtaining free resection margins is the main goal of oncological surgeons. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) has been recently used to help define resection margins in transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative NBI in defining the surgical resection margins of oral and oropharyngeal cancers.

Methods:

Between January 2014 and March 2015, NBI was used intraoperatively after an initial definition of resection margins with white light in 26 patients (group A). The rate of superficial positive margins at definitive histology was compared with that of a historical cohort of 44 patients (group B) previously managed without the use of intraoperative NBI.

Results:

A statistically significant reduction in the rate of positive superficial margins was observed at definitive histology in group A ( P = .028). NBI helped to identify the presence of dysplasia and cancer around the visible tumor not otherwise detectable with visual examination alone.

Conclusions:

NBI could be a useful tool for obtaining free resection margins in oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma.
Next Generation Sequencing and the Microbiome of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jervis Bardy Jake , Psaltis Alkis J.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

Microbiomics in chronic diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), have undergone rapid advances in recent times. The introduction of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology has produced significant clinical insights regarding the bacteriology of these conditions. We review studies that have used 16S rRNA sequencing to specifically investigate the microbiota profiles of patients with CRS in a variety of contexts.

Methods:

Literature review using the CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMED, and the Cochrane databases. Papers utilizing 16S-sequencing technology on CRS specimens published between January 1, 1995, and October 31, 2015, were included. Studies limited to only healthy controls were excluded.

Results:

Consistent with published studies using non-NGS techniques, the main genera commonly identified from the sinuses of CRS patients included Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium, and Corynebacterium. The microbiome of CRS patients had lower bacterial diversity compared to controls in a number of studies. Also consistent with non-NGS–based studies, Staphylococcus was implicated as an important genus, with highly colonized patients having worse surgical outcomes. Conflicting reports of antibiotic effects on the CRS microbiome were observed. Sampling methods were well investigated, many of the studies reviewed failed to include important methodological detail.

Conclusion:

While 16S sequencing is a novel microbiological laboratory method, current studies have confirmed our existing understanding of bacteriology of CRS without providing significant additional clinical insight. Complementing 16S studies with more complex NGS methods while developing robust clinical studies aimed at shifting the disrupted CRS microbiome will provide researches with the opportunity to derive further clinical insight and develop new therapeutic targets.
Missed diagnosis: The emerging crisis of borderline personality disorder in older people
Authors: Beatson Josephine , Broadbear Jillian Helen , Sivakumaran Hemalatha , George Kuruvilla , Kotler Eli , Moss Francine , Rao Sathya
Published: April 2016

Objective:

Clinical experience suggests a growing prevalence of borderline personality disorder in aged residential care and psychiatric facilities with attendant difficulties in their management. This paper reviews the literature concerning the prevalence, phenomenology and diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in old age. The aim is to elucidate the phenomenological differences in old age and thus improve identification of the disorder.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases, employing the search terms including ‘personality disorder’, ‘borderline personality disorder’, ‘aged care’, ‘gerontology’, ‘geriatric psychiatry’ and ‘life span’. The search included articles in English involving participants 65+ years. Long-term prospective studies of borderline personality disorder, long-term follow-up studies and studies involving older adults from 50+ years were also examined.

Results:

There is a paucity of literature on borderline personality disorder in the elderly. No diagnostic or rating instruments have been developed for borderline personality disorder in the elderly. The phenomenology of borderline personality disorder in the aged population differs in several respects from that seen in younger adults, causing some of the difficulties in reaching a diagnosis. Escalations of symptoms and maladaptive behaviours usually occur when the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is either not made or delayed. Improved identification of borderline personality disorder in older patients, together with staff education concerning the phenomenology, aetiology and management of these patients, is urgently needed.

Conclusion:

Diagnostic instruments for borderline personality disorder in the elderly need to be developed. In the interim, suggestions are offered concerning patient symptoms and behaviours that could trigger psychiatric assessment and advice concerning management. A screening tool is proposed to assist in the timely diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in older people. Timely identification of these patients is needed so that they can receive the skilled help, understanding and treatment needed to alleviate suffering in the twilight of their lives.
Symbols, meaning, and action: The past, present, and future of symbolic interactionism
Authors: Carter Michael J , Fuller Celene
Published: April 2016

Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical perspective in sociology that addresses the manner in which society is created and maintained through face-to-face, repeated, meaningful interactions among individuals. This article surveys past theory and research in the interactionist tradition. It first provides an overview of three main trajectories in symbolic interactionist thought, focusing on the work of Herbert Blumer (the Chicago School), Manford Kuhn (the Iowa School), and Sheldon Stryker (the Indiana School). A brief summary of each figure’s general perspective on symbolic interactionism is given, followed by a discussion of the research methodology that defines and distinguishes each. The article then reviews and assesses the empirical research that has emerged from these trajectories over the past decades, beginning with the classical studies of the mid-twentieth century and culminating in research programs that have emerged in the contemporary era. Specifically, this article surveys significant contributions to the symbolic interactionist literature in areas such as dramaturgy, cultural studies, postmodernism, gender/status/power, self and identity, collective behavior and social movements, and social context and the environment. It concludes with a discussion of future directions symbolic interactionists should take in continuing to develop the field.
The Consequences of Electronic Health Record Adoption for Physician Productivity and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Meyerhoefer Chad D. , Deily Mary E. , Sherer Susan A. , Chou Shin-Yi , Peng Lizhong , Sheinberg Michael , Levick Donald
Published: April 2016

The authors use a mixed-methods approach to investigate how the integration of electronic health records between ambulatory and hospital practices affected physician productivity and birth outcomes at a large health network. Physicians and staff were interviewed during a five-year staged integration of electronic health records, and a direct measure of physician productivity, relative value units, was analyzed concurrently with several measures of birth outcomes. The regression analyses show an 11% reduction in total productivity following the installation of the new system at primary-care sites. The qualitative findings indicate the reduction is attributable to the additional time physicians and staff needed to learn new processes, adopt work practice changes, and develop coordination. Nevertheless, users value the additional integration, especially as information flows back to the ambulatory practices from the hospital. This is supported by increases in treatment intensity over time and a 37% reduction in the severity of adverse birth events.
What happened at the front lines of US welfare reform? Exploring the experiences of front-line implementers
Authors: Chang Hyunjoo
Published: April 2016

This article aims to explore the story of the front-line implementation of US welfare reform through analyzing the experiences of front-line workers with a grounded theory approach. There were deep concerns about the working poor and unelaborated programs for economic independence, which were attributable to the legislation’s thrust to work-first and a skill mismatch, without taking the quality of jobs into account. Welfare roll reduction resulted in taking a generous approach to welfare clients on the front lines. Although discretion resulted in the operation of more local initiatives on the front lines, it was not a substantial response to the demands of the real lives of clients. This article argues that the quality and sustainability of work is critical, prior to an emphasis on work-first. Front-line implementation must shift to increasing employers’ willingness to create incentives for skill-building and to giving clients some motivation to work.

Points for practitioners

A gap between policymaking and nonlinear policy implementation on the front lines is inevitable as local demands vary. Particularly, perspectives of front-line implementers are useful in reflecting various local demands and adjusting the different interests of clients in the process of refining welfare reform in lieu of federal policymakers. Although the discretion of front-line implementers is critical, less attention has been paid to how they put welfare reform into practice and what they learned. Qualitative exploration of such issues thus provides field-based evidence to improve its implementation to help the clients, which has rarely been examined in the literature.
The implementation of integrated electronic service delivery in Quebec: the conditions of collaboration and lessons
Authors: Boudreau Christian , Bernier Luc
Published: April 2016

The article addresses the difficult conditions of interorganisational collaboration for the implementation of integrated electronic service delivery from three theoretical perspectives: institutional, political and managerial. These perspectives are used to conceptually define the main obstacles to interorganisational collaboration and the leverage available to public managers to facilitate the integration of electronic services. Based on a multiple case study in Quebec, the authors examine, more specifically, the institutional, political and managerial conditions that have delayed the integration of electronic services in this Canadian province. They show how the persistency of administrative practices, the desire for autonomy of public organisations and cumbersome governance structures have contributed to the diversification of the supply of online services in Quebec at the expense of an integrated service. Drawing on theoretical considerations and the study results, the authors propose that public managers do not stick only to horizontal governance mechanisms, but also make use of vertical governance mechanisms, to mitigate the effects of certain constraints on interorganisational collaboration and to accelerate the implementation of integrated electronic service delivery.

Points for practitioners

Several countries have made integrated public service delivery a priority of e-government. To effectively coordinate these projects with their multiple partners, public managers need to apply a hybrid governance to benefit from the stability of the hierarchy and the flexibility of the network. More specifically, the study shows vertical governance to be an effective tool to coordinate the activities of a network of organisations involved in the implementation of integrated service delivery.
Immigrant integration policymaking in Italy: regional policies in a multi-level governance perspective
Authors: Campomori Francesca , Caponio Tiziana
Published: April 2016

This article contributes to the debate on the ‘local governance turn’ by considering a recent immigration context: the Italian case. We analyse integration policies and governance processes in three regions: Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. The aim is to shed new light on the multi-level governance relations that shape immigrant integration policies, taking into account the interdependencies of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of multi-level governance. The analysis points out the emergence of different multi-level governance arrangements and highlights the relevance of institutional and organisational factors in accounting for local differentiation. General traditions and established public–non-governmental organisation relations in the social policy field, the internal organisation of the regional administration (specialised staff versus general bureaucratic apparatus), and the role of ideology appear to make a difference. The implications of this analysis for multi-level governance scholarship are discussed, emphasising the need for a middle-range theory approach.

Points for practitioners

Multi-level governance is considered by policy scholars as a promising approach to make sense of increasingly complex policymaking processes, implying the interaction between different levels of government and between public and non-public actors. By considering the politically sensitive immigrant integration issue, this article attempts to point out how multi-level governance relations concretely take shape at the regional level in Italy, and which factors account for regional differentiation. Our study suggests that contextual and organisational factors are particularly relevant, that is, social policy traditions, the regions’ internal organisation and the individual civil servants’ attitudes. Nevertheless, politics should also be carefully taken into account.
Internal Structure and Development of Keyboard Skills in Spanish-Speaking Primary-School Children With and Without LD in Writing
Authors: Jiménez Juan E. , Marco Isaac , Suárez Natalia , González Desirée
Published: April 2016

This study had two purposes: examining the internal structure of the Test Estandarizado para la Evaluación Inicial de la Escritura con Teclado (TEVET; Spanish Keyboarding Writing Test), and analyzing the development of keyboarding skills in Spanish elementary school children with and without learning disabilities (LD) in writing. A group of 1,168 elementary school children carried out the following writing tasks: writing the alphabet in order from memory, allograph selection, word copying, writing dictated words with inconsistent spelling, writing pseudowords from dictation, and independent composition of sentence. For this purpose, exploratory factor analysis for the TEVET was conducted. Principal component analysis with a varimax rotation identified three factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.0. Based on factorial analysis, we analyzed the keyboarding skills across grades in Spanish elementary school children with and without LD (i.e., poor handwriters compared with poor spellers, who in turn were compared with mixed compared with typically achieving writers). The results indicated that poor handwriters did not differ from typically achieving writers in phonological processing, visual-orthographic processing, and sentence production components by keyboarding. The educational implications of the findings are analyzed with regard to acquisition of keyboarding skills in children with and without LD in transcription.
Growth Models, Varieties of Capitalism, and Macroeconomics
Authors: Hope David , Soskice David
Published: April 2016

Lucio Baccaro and Jonas Pontusson make a significant contribution to comparative political economy with their approach to analyzing growth in advanced economies, which focuses on the demand side of the economy and distributive conflict. In contrast to Baccaro and Pontusson, however, we view their approach as reinforcing recent developments in varieties of capitalism rather than undermining them. We also believe that the type of modern macroeconomics used by (for instance) Carlin and Soskice is better placed than their post-Keynesian framework to analyze growth models, and that their approach is not inconsistent with it. Modern macroeconomic models incorporate, as they do not, a role for the state—including monetary and fiscal policy—and provide a coherent framework within which to analyze both the supply and demand sides of the economy; they also enable us to understand the interactions between economies and hence the role of growth models in global imbalances.
Economic Prosperity Is in High Demand
Authors: Martin Cathie Jo
Published: April 2016

Baccaro and Pontusson persuasively argue that nations may choose among models of growth strategies, and that each is associated with a distinctive composition of aggregate demand, producer coalitions, and implications for redistribution. This essay considers the political institutions—patterns of industrial relations and public sector employment—that shape national struggles among producer groups and other social forces over diverse growth strategies.
Addressing the Incommensurable
Authors: St.Amant Kirk , Meloncon Lisa
Published: April 2016

The authors argue that technical and professional communication is currently facing an issue of incommensurability due to the diversity of the field. They call for unifying the field around its research questions to provide a common foundation for the future.
Mechanical properties, thermal behaviors and oil resistance of epoxidized natural rubber/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via in situ epoxidation
Authors: Chuayjuljit Saowaroj , Mungmeechai Piyaphorn , Boonmahitthisud Anyaporn
Published: April 2016

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ epoxidation of natural rubber (NR) using a molar ratio of formic acid/hydrogen peroxide to isoprene unit at 0.75/0.75 with five loadings of MWCNTs, ranging from 0.5–2.5 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr), at 50°C for 4 h. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectra, the epoxide content of ENR in the nanocomposites was about 32.5–33.2 mole%. Accordingly, the products were referred to ENR30/MWCNT nanocomposites. The curing characteristics, mechanical properties (tensile properties, tear strength, and hardness), glass transition temperature ( Tg), thermal stability, and oil resistance of these in situ ENR30/MWCNT nanocomposites were investigated and compared with NR and neat ENR30. The results showed that the scorch and cure times of ENR30/MWCNT nanocomposites were the longest followed by NR and ENR30. The incorporation of an appropriate amount of MWCNTs into the in situ epoxidation apparently improved the properties of NR. Among them, the nanocomposites filled with 2 phr MWCNTs exhibited the highest mechanical properties, Tg, thermal stability, and oil resistance. The mechanical properties of the in situ nanocomposites were also compared with those of the control nanocomposites prepared by adding MWCNTs directly in the prepared ENR30 latex. It was found that at similar MWCNT loadings, the in situ nanocomposites exhibited higher mechanical properties than the control nanocomposites.
Advances in pancreas transplantation
Authors: Dholakia Shamik , Oskrochi Youssof , Easton Graham , Papalois Vassilios
Published: April 2016

The potential to reverse diabetes has to be balanced against the morbidity of long-term immunosuppression associated with transplantation. For a patient with renal failure, the treatment of choice is often a simultaneous transplant of the pancreas and kidney or pancreas after kidney. For a patient with glycaemic instability, choices between a solid organ or islet transplant have to be weighed against benefits and risks of remaining on insulin. Results of simultaneous transplant of the pancreas and kidney transplantation are comparable to other solid-organ transplants, and there is evidence of improved quality of life and life expectancy. There is some evidence of benefit with respect to the progression of secondary diabetic complications in patients with functioning transplants for several years.
Bias in Point Estimates and Standard Errors of Mokken’s Scalability Coefficients
Authors: Kuijpers Renske E. , van der Ark L. Andries , Croon Marcel A. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: April 2016

Mokken scale analysis uses three types of scalability coefficients to assess the quality of (a) pairs of items, (b) individual items, and (c) an entire scale. Both the point estimates and the standard errors of the scalability coefficients assume that the sample ordering of the item steps is identical to the population ordering, but due to sampling error, the sample ordering may be incorrect and, consequently, the estimates and the standard errors may be biased. Two simulation studies were used to investigate the bias of the estimates and the standard errors of the scalability coefficients, as well as the coverage of the 95% confidence intervals. Distance between item steps was the most important design factor. In addition, sample size, number of items, number of answer categories, and item discrimination were included in the design. Bias of the standard errors was negligible. Bias of the estimates was largest when all item steps were identical in the population, especially for small sample sizes. Furthermore, bias of the estimates decreased as number of answer categories increased and as item discrimination decreased. Coverage of the 95% confidence intervals was close to .950, but for small sample size coverage deteriorated. Coverage also became poorer as number of items increased, in particular for dichotomous items.
Professional Service Firms as LO: A Case of an Indian Rural Management Consultancy Firm
Authors: Awasthy Richa
Published: April 2016

This case study aims at unravelling the characteristics and the challenges faced by a small professional service firm (PSF) in becoming a learning organization (LO). For case study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected independently and simultaneously. The Watkins and Marsick (1996) framework of LO was followed in conjunction with the interviews and observations to achieve the study objective. Overall, the status of learning orientation in the consultancy firm is fairly high. The findings reflect that an organization is in a process of expansion and with changing times, there is a need for change in some important areas. Unique Indian cultural aspects are found to be significant in enhancing learning orientation in the studied PSF. Nurturant task (NT) of leadership and a familial culture have been instrumental in creating tacit knowledge in the organization. Study on LO in small PSFs is an under-researched domain. Empirical material offers insights into learning orientation in Indian ﬁrms, with a focus on the unique Indian culture.
Sustainability Disclosure Practices: A Study of Selected Chinese Companies
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Tuli Siya
Published: April 2016

The present study seeks to assess the extent and level of sustainability reporting among Chinese companies. For this purpose, an Index developed under global reporting initiative (GRI) guidelines is used. A total of 19 companies from Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) 50 (China) producing sustainability reports within the time period 2006–2007 to 2010–2011 comprise the sample set. Content analysis is applied as a data collection tool. Descriptives are used to examine the concrete content of these sustainability reports at three levels: company-wise, industry-wise and category-wise. The company-wise disclosure analysis reveals that Baosteel has the highest disclosure score of 66.46 per cent followed by China Shenhua Energy (65.82 per cent) and then by Air China with 63.29 per cent score. Industry-wise analysis shows Automobiles & Transport industry has the highest disclosure score of 50 per cent. However, the Finance sector has the least disclosure score of just 22.26 per cent. Category-wise analysis shows that economic parameters are reported the most. Further, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied for category-wise analysis and significant difference is found. Kruskal–Wallis test is applied for industry-wise analysis but no significant difference is found. This study attempts to provide an insight to corporate managers in China so that they can make rational policies for sustenance. However, since this article is confined to China only, future research involving other countries is recommended.
Moving context from the background to the forefront of policy learning: Reflections on a case in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country
Authors: Karlsen James , Larrea Miren
Published: April 2016

The article focuses on policy learning processes with the aim of sharing knowledge about how policy learning happens. In doing this, it considers conflict as a natural process in policy learning and proposes action research as a possible strategy to address it. By reflecting on a long-term action research process in the province of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain), the article proposes a change of focus in assessing the role of context. If we assume that policy learning is oriented towards changing the context, then context plays a more complex and important role than it is usually given in theory. At the core of this argument is the understanding that the cognitive frameworks of policy makers and researchers are also part of context and, when changing the context, participants in policy learning are involved in a change process which alters the very same cognitive frameworks that conditioned the initiation of policy learning.
Effect of the proportionality degree of electoral systems on corruption
Authors: Alfano Maria Rosaria , Baraldi Anna Laura , Papagni Erasmo
Published: April 2016

This work makes two major innovations within the empirical literature on the effect of electoral systems on corruption. First, in order to distinguish electoral systems, we propose to measure their degree of proportionality, instead of using dummy variables. A measure of the proportionality degree seems the appropriate way to identify electoral systems in an empirical setting because it allows all their variants to be considered. Second, alongside a parametric panel data approach, we provide a new (in this field) semi-parametric technique to estimate a non-linear relationship between the proportionality degree of electoral systems and corruption. Our results show that, when we increase plurality elements into proportional, both voters’ and opponents’ monitoring power induce politicians to avoid corrupt behaviour. But it is beneficial only up to certain proportionality degrees, after which this effect stops. Moreover, data show that the ‘best’ range of proportionality degrees is most likely found under mixed electoral rules. For governors the choice of the proportionality degree therefore becomes fundamental.
Dysfunction of mechanical mitral prosthesis at 33rd week of pregnancy: ECMO support as a complex strategy for the mother and the fetus
Authors: Di Lorenzo Gaspare , Martucci Gennaro , Sciacca Sergio , Longo Rosalia , Pilato Michele , Arcadipane Antonio
Published: April 2016

Pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves have an increased risk of thrombosis and valve malfunctioning. Surgery carries a high risk of mortality for the mother and the fetus. A strategy for effective anticoagulation is crucial for these patients because both oral anticoagulants and heparin are associated with high risks for the mother and the fetus. The treatment of a pregnant woman with thrombosis and valve malfunction is a challenge, even for multidisciplinary teams, as cardiac surgery carries considerable risks. We present a woman at her 33rd week of pregnancy affected by congestive cardiac decompensation due to mechanical mitral prosthesis dysfunction. Given the expanded indication for ECMO and the recent evidence of the procedure’s increased safety, even in the peri-partum period, we centered the treatment on VA-ECMO initiation before a Cesarean section (C-section) to guarantee support during surgery and avoid excessive anticoagulation or hypoperfusion to the fetus and as a bridge to cardiac surgery two days later. The strategy resulted in a good outcome with no complications for the mother and the fetus and a reasonable length of stay
Interventions to improve real-world walking after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stretton Caroline M , Mudge Suzie , Kayes Nicola M , McPherson Kathryn M
Published: April 2016

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of current interventions to improve real-world walking for people with stroke and specifically whether benefits are sustained.

Data sources:

EBSCO Megafile, AMED, Cochrane, Scopus, PEDRO, OTSeeker and Psychbite databases were searched to identify relevant studies.

Review methods:

Proximity searching with keywords such as ambulat*, walk*, gait, mobility*, activit* was used. Randomized controlled trials that used measures of real-world walking were included. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and extracted the data.

Results:

Nine studies fitting the inclusion criteria were identified, most of high quality. A positive effect overall was found indicating a small effect of interventions on real-world walking (SMD 0.29 (0.17, 0.41)). Five studies provided follow-up data at >3–6 months, which demonstrated sustained benefits (SMD 0.32 (0.16, 0.48)). Subgroup analysis revealed studies using exercise alone were not effective (SMD 0.19 (–0.11, 0.49)), but those incorporating behavioural change techniques (SMD 0.27 (0.12, 0.41)) were.

Conclusions:

A small but significant effect was found for current interventions and benefits can be sustained. Interventions that include behaviour change techniques appear more effective at improving real-world walking habits than exercise alone.
Feasibility and efficacy of a robotic device for hand rehabilitation in hemiplegic stroke patients: a randomized pilot controlled study
Authors: Vanoglio Fabio , Bernocchi Palmira , Mulè Chiara , Garofali Francesca , Mora Chiara , Taveggia Giovanni , Scalvini Simonetta , Luisa Alberto
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of robot-assisted hand rehabilitation in improving arm function abilities in sub-acute hemiplegic patients.

Design:

Randomized controlled pilot study.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation centers.

Participants:

Thirty hemiplegic stroke patients (Ashworth spasticity index <3) were recruited and randomly divided into a Treatment group (TG) and Control group (CG).

Interventions:

Patients in the TG received intensive hand training with Gloreha, a hand rehabilitation glove that provides computer-controlled, repetitive, passive mobilization of the fingers, with multisensory feedback. Patients in the CG received the same amount of time in terms of conventional hand rehabilitation.

Main outcome measures:

Hand motor function (Motricity Index, MI), fine manual dexterity (Nine Hole Peg Test, NHPT) and strength (Grip and Pinch test) were measured at baseline and after rehabilitation, and the differences, (Δ) mean(standard deviation), compared between groups.

Results

Twenty-seven patients concluded the program: 14 in the TG and 13 in the CG. None of the patients refused the device and only one adverse event of rheumatoid arthritis reactivation was reported. Baseline data did not differ significantly between the two groups. In TG, ΔMI 23(16.4), ΔNHPT 0.16(0.16), ΔGRIP 0.27(0.23) and ΔPINCH 0.07(0.07) were significantly greater than in CG, ΔMI 5.2(9.2), ΔNHPT 0.02(0.07), ΔGRIP 0.03(0.06) and ΔPINCH 0.02(0.03)] ( p=0.002, p=0.009, p=0.003 and p=0.038, respectively).

Conclusions:

Gloreha Professional is feasible and effective in recovering fine manual dexterity and strength and reducing arm disability in sub-acute hemiplegic patients.
Optical inhibition of striatal neurons promotes focal neurogenesis and neurobehavioral recovery in mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: He Xiaosong , Lu Yifan , Lin Xiaojie , Jiang Lu , Tang Yaohui , Tang Guanghui , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Yongting , Yang Guo-Yuan
Published: April 2016

Striatal neurons regulate the activity of neural progenitor cells in the subventricular zone, but the effect of striatal neuronal activity on neurogenesis after ischemic stroke is unclear. In this study, we used optogenetic tools to investigate the impact of striatal neuronal activity on the neurogenesis and functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. We transfected striatal neurons with channelrhodopsin-2 or halorhodopsin from Natronomonas so that they can be excited by 473 nm laser or inhibited by 594 nm laser, respectively. Neural inhibition but not excitation at 4–7 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion resulted in reduced atrophy volume (6.8 ± 0.7 vs 8.5 ± 1.2 mm3, p < 0.05) and better performance represented by longer sustaining time on rotarod (99.3 ± 9 vs 80.1 ± 11 s, p < 0.01) and faster moving speed (7.7 ± 2 vs 5.7 ± 1.1 cm/s, p < 0.05) in open field tests. Furthermore, neural inhibition increased the number of nestin+, BrdU+/doublecortin+ and BrdU+/NeuN+ cells ( p < 0.001) in the subventricular zone and peri-focal region, and the expression level of axon guidance factor Netrin-1 (0.39 ± 0.16 vs 0.16 ± 0.02, p < 0.05) in the peri-focal region. These data suggest that striatal neuronal activity plays an important role in regulating neurogenesis and neural-behavioral outcomes, and that inhibiting striatal neurons by optogenetics promotes the recovery after ischemic stroke in mice.