bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembled PAA‐Based Nanoparticles as Potential Gene and Protein Delivery Systems
Authors: Griffiths Peter C. , Mauro Nicolo , Murphy Damien M. , Carter Emma , Richardson Simon C. W. , Dyer Paul , Ferruti Paolo
Published: March 2013

A series of nanoparticles is prepared via layer‐by‐layer assembly of oppositely charged, synthetic biocompatible polyamidoamine polymers as potential carriers. Particle size, surface charge and internal chain mobility are quantified as a function of the polymer type and number of layers. The effect of addition of surfactant is examined to simulate the effects of nanoparticle dissolution. The cyctotoxicity of these particles (in epithelia and murine cell lines) are orders of magnitude lower than polyethyleneimine controls. Stable nanoparticles may be prepared from mixtures of strongly, oppositely charged polymers, but less successfully from weakly charged polymers, and, given their acceptable toxicity characteristics, such modularly designed constructs show promise for drug and gene delivery.

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Electrospun Organic Nanofiber Electronics and Photonics
Authors: Cho Himchan , Min Sung‐Yong , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: March 2013

Organic nanofibers (ONFs) have attracted much interest as one‐dimensional functional units in various research fields with their unique advantages. Among many fabrication methods for them, electrospinning has been in the spotlight recently because of its simplicity and versatility. In this paper, first we introduce the principle, advantages, and conditions of electrospinning and then review recent studies about electronic and photonic applications of electrospun ONFs, including organic light‐emitting diodes, organic photovoltaics, organic field‐effect transistors, lasers, and waveguides. Finally, conclusion and our suggestions for further research are given.

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Spontaneous Assembly of Miktoarm Stars into Vesicular Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes
Authors: Plamper Felix A. , Gelissen Arjan P. , Timper Jan , Wolf Andrea , Zezin Alexander B. , Richtering Walter , Tenhu Heikki , Simon Ulrich , Mayer Joachim , Borisov Oleg V. , Pergushov Dmitry V.
Published: March 2013

Mixing a bis‐hydrophilic, cationic miktoarm star polymer with a linear polyanion leads to the formation of unilamellar polymersomes, which consist of an interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) wall sandwiched between poly(ethylene oxide) brushes. The experimental finding of this rare IPEC morphology is rationalized theoretically: the star architecture forces the assembly into a vesicular shape due to the high entropic penalty for stretching of the insoluble arms in non‐planar morphologies. The transmission electron microscopy of vitrified samples (cryogenic TEM) is compared with the samples at ambient conditions (in situ TEM), giving one of the first TEM reports on soft matter in its pristine environment.

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Using a mobile application to self‐monitor diet and fluid intake among adults receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Welch Janet L. , Astroth Kim Schafer , Perkins Susan M. , Johnson Cynthia S. , Connelly Kay , Siek Katie A. , Jones Josette , Scott Linda LaRue
Published: March 2013

Hemodialysis patients have difficulty self‐managing a complex dietary and fluid regimen. The purpose of this feasibility study was to pilot test an electronic self‐monitoring intervention based on social cognitive theory. During a 6‐week intervention, 24 participants self‐monitored diet and fluid intake using the Dietary Intake Monitoring Application (DIMA), and 20 participants served as controls by monitoring their activity using the Daily Activity Monitor Application (DAMA). Results from this pilot study suggest the intervention is feasible and acceptable, although few significant effects on outcomes were found in this small sample. The DIMA has potential to facilitate dietary and fluid self‐monitoring but requires additional refinement and further testing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:284–298, 2013
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and the outcome of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Barnicot Kirsten , Priebe Stefan
Published: March 2013

Background

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and comorbid post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a worse prognosis than individuals with BPD alone. A common view is that the emotional instability and impulsivity of BPD should be treated before attempting to address trauma. However, PTSD symptoms may interfere with patients' ability to benefit from such ‘stabilizing’ treatments.

Methods

The effect of BPD–PTSD comorbidity on self‐harm and BPD symptom outcomes was evaluated in 89 patients receiving dialectical behaviour therapy, using multilevel modelling.

Results

Patients with comorbid BPD–PTSD showed a trend towards elevated BPD symptoms throughout the treatment year (β = 2.12, 95% CI = −0.21–4.44, p = 0.07). There was a three‐way interaction between PTSD comorbidity, treatment completion and time, whereby PTSD comorbidity was associated with less reduction in self‐harm frequency over time, but only in those completing the full 12 months of treatment (incident risk ratio = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04–1.30, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Patients with comorbid PTSD had a poorer outcome from dialectical behaviour therapy than those with BPD alone, possibly because of the negative impact of unaddressed trauma. The results provide further grounds for recently developed treatments targeting BPD traits and PTSD symptoms simultaneously. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Awareness of psychological and relationship problems amongst brain tumour patients and its association with carer distress
Authors: Andrewes Holly E. , Drummond Katharine J. , Rosenthal Mark , Bucknill Andrew , Andrewes David G.
Published: March 2013

Objective

The aim of this research was to investigate if brain tumour patients underestimate the severity of their impairments and the impact of this behaviour on carer distress . This study also aimed to identify the support services that patients and carers experiencing distress would find most beneficial.

Method

A total of 32 post‐surgery brain tumour patients, their carers, and a control group of 29 patients following surgery to extra‐cerebral areas and their carers were recruited from outpatient clinics. Patients and carers rated the patient's psychological well‐being and the impact of a range of changes since diagnosis/surgery. Patients and carers also rated their own level of distress and the support services they would find most beneficial.

Results

When compared with the control group, brain tumour patients were more likely to underestimate their psychological problems (p < 0.005) and the negative impact of changes to their emotional function (p < 0.05), interpersonal relationships (p < 0.05), cognition (p < 0.05) and coping skills (p<0.05). A multiple regression analysis showed that underestimation of psychological and interpersonal problems by brain tumour patients explained 35% of the variance in their carer's anxiety.

Conclusion

The finding of reduced awareness or denial in brain tumour patients and its contribution to increased carer anxiety highlights the need for therapeutic interventions, which improve patient insight/denial and encourage patient and carer communication. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blinded sample size re‐estimation in superiority and noninferiority trials: bias versus variance in variance estimation
Authors: Friede Tim , Kieser Meinhard
Published: March 2013

The internal pilot study design allows for modifying the sample size during an ongoing study based on a blinded estimate of the variance thus maintaining the trial integrity. Various blinded sample size re‐estimation procedures have been proposed in the literature. We compare the blinded sample size re‐estimation procedures based on the one‐sample variance of the pooled data with a blinded procedure using the randomization block information with respect to bias and variance of the variance estimators, and the distribution of the resulting sample sizes, power, and actual type I error rate. For reference, sample size re‐estimation based on the unblinded variance is also included in the comparison. It is shown that using an unbiased variance estimator (such as the one using the randomization block information) for sample size re‐estimation does not guarantee that the desired power is achieved. Moreover, in situations that are common in clinical trials, the variance estimator that employs the randomization block length shows a higher variability than the simple one‐sample estimator and in turn the sample size resulting from the related re‐estimation procedure. This higher variability can lead to a lower power as was demonstrated in the setting of noninferiority trials. In summary, the one‐sample estimator obtained from the pooled data is extremely simple to apply, shows good performance, and is therefore recommended for application. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GPS‐denied Indoor and Outdoor Monocular Vision Aided Navigation and Control of Unmanned Aircraft
Authors: Chowdhary Girish , Johnson Eric N. , Magree Daniel , Wu Allen , Shein Andy
Published: March 2013

GPS‐denied closed‐loop autonomous control of unstable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as rotorcraft using information from a monocular camera has been an open problem. Most proposed Vision aided Inertial Navigation Systems (V‐INSs) have been too computationally intensive or do not have sufficient integrity for closed‐loop flight. We provide an affirmative answer to the question of whether V‐INSs can be used to sustain prolonged real‐world GPS‐denied flight by presenting a V‐INS that is validated through autonomous flight‐tests over prolonged closed‐loop dynamic operation in both indoor and outdoor GPS‐denied environments with two rotorcraft unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). The architecture efficiently combines visual feature information from a monocular camera with measurements from inertial sensors. Inertial measurements are used to predict frame‐to‐frame transition of online selected feature locations, and the difference between predicted and observed feature locations is used to bind in real‐time the inertial measurement unit drift, estimate its bias, and account for initial misalignment errors. A novel algorithm to manage a library of features online is presented that can add or remove features based on a measure of relative confidence in each feature location. The resulting V‐INS is sufficiently efficient and reliable to enable real‐time implementation on resource‐constrained aerial vehicles. The presented algorithms are validated on multiple platforms in real‐world conditions: through a 16‐min flight test, including an autonomous landing, of a 66 kg rotorcraft UAV operating in an unconctrolled outdoor environment without using GPS and through a Micro‐UAV operating in a cluttered, unmapped, and gusty indoor environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Free Radical Reactions in Two Dimensions: A Case Study on Photochlorination of Graphene
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhou Lushan , Yang Mingmei , Wu Di , Liao Lei , Yan Kai , Xie Qin , Liu Zhirong , Peng Hailin , Liu Zhongfan
Published: March 2013

Graphene, a two‐dimensional giant‐molecule of sp2‐bonded carbon atoms, provides a perfect platform for studying free radical reaction chemistry in two‐dimensions, which holds promise to control the chemical functionality of graphene. Free‐radical photochlorination of graphene is used as an example to investigate the thickness, stacking order, and single‐ and double‐side dependent reactivity in graphene. Anomalously low reactivity is observed in the photochlorination of AB‐stacked bilayer graphene in comparison with that of few‐layer graphene. Double‐sided chlorination of graphene shows higher reactivity and chlorine coverage than single‐sided reaction. It is also experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that chlorine free radicals at low coverage prefer to form a stable charge‐transfer complex with graphene, which highly enhances graphene's conductivity and simultaneously generates a pseudo‐bandgap through noninvasive doping. Moreover, the initial accumulation of chlorine radicals is considered as the rate‐determining step of photochlorination of graphene.
Effects of Top Management Team Heterogeneous Background and Behavioural Attributes on the Performance of New Ventures
Authors: Cai Li , Liu Qing , Yu Xiaoyu
Published: March 2013

Using the data collected from 527 new ventures in China, this research evaluates the effects of top management team (TMT) heterogeneous background and behavioural attributes on firm's performance. Behavioural aspects of cognitive and emotional conflicts within the team are served as mediators. The results of the study indicate that the TMT functional background heterogeneity is positively related to both cognitive conflicts and emotional conflicts within the TMT. Moreover, team conflicts are found to mediate the effects of TMT functional background diversity on new ventures' performance. However, TMT functional background diversity alone is not significantly related to financial performance or growth performance of new ventures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeting RNA splicing for disease therapy
Authors: Havens Mallory A. , Duelli Dominik M. , Hastings Michelle L.
Published: March 2013

Splicing of pre‐messenger RNA into mature messenger RNA is an essential step for the expression of most genes in higher eukaryotes. Defects in this process typically affect cellular function and can have pathological consequences. Many human genetic diseases are caused by mutations that cause splicing defects. Furthermore, a number of diseases are associated with splicing defects that are not attributed to overt mutations. Targeting splicing directly to correct disease‐associated aberrant splicing is a logical approach to therapy. Splicing is a favorable intervention point for disease therapeutics, because it is an early step in gene expression and does not alter the genome. Significant advances have been made in the development of approaches to manipulate splicing for therapy. Splicing can be manipulated with a number of tools including antisense oligonucleotides, modified small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), trans‐splicing, and small molecule compounds, all of which have been used to increase specific alternatively spliced isoforms or to correct aberrant gene expression resulting from gene mutations that alter splicing. Here we describe clinically relevant splicing defects in disease states, the current tools used to target and alter splicing, specific mutations and diseases that are being targeted using splice‐modulating approaches, and emerging therapeutics. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:247–266. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1158

The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Current concepts in organic acidurias: understanding intra‐ and extracerebral disease manifestation
Authors: Kölker Stefan , Burgard Peter , Sauer Sven W. , Okun Jürgen G.
Published: March 2013

This review focuses on the pathophysiology of organic acidurias (OADs), in particular, OADs caused by deficient amino acid metabolism. OADs are termed classical if patients present with acute metabolic decompensation and multiorgan dysfunction or cerebral if patients predominantly present with neurological symptoms but without metabolic crises. In both groups, however, the brain is the major target. The high energy demand of the brain, the gate‐keeping function of the blood–brain barrier, a high lipid content, vulnerable neuronal subpopulations, and glutamatergic neurotransmission all make the brain particularly vulnerable against mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. In fact, toxic metabolites in OADs are thought to cause secondary impairment of energy metabolism; some of these toxic metabolites are trapped in the brain. In contrast to cerebral OADs, patients with classical OADs have an increased risk of multiorgan dysfunction. The lack of the anaplerotic propionate pathway, synergistic inhibition of energy metabolism by toxic metabolites, and multiple oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) deficiency may best explain the involvement of organs with a high energy demand. Intriguingly, late‐onset organ dysfunction may manifest even under metabolically stable conditions. This might be explained by chronic mitochondrial DNA depletion, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and altered gene expression due to histone modification. In conclusion, pathomechanisms underlying the acute disease manifestation in OADs, with a particular focus on the brain, are partially understood. More work is required to predict the risk and to elucidate the mechanism of late‐onset organ dysfunction, extracerebral disease manifestation, and tumorigenesis.
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) associates with FLT3 and negatively regulates downstream signaling
Authors: Kazi Julhash U. , Rönnstrand Lars
Published: March 2013

The suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) is a member of the SOCS family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. SOCS2 is known to regulate signal transduction by cytokine receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases. The receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 is of importance for proliferation, survival and differentiation of hematopoietic cells and is frequently mutated in acute myeloid leukemia. We observed that SOCS2 associates with activated FLT3 through phosphotyrosine residues 589 and 919, and co‐localizes with FLT3 in the cell membrane. SOCS2 increases FLT3 ubiquitination and accelerates receptor degradation in proteasomes. SOCS2 negatively regulates FLT3 signaling by blocking activation of Erk 1/2 and STAT5. Furthermore, SOCS2 expression leads to a decrease in FLT3‐ITD‐mediated cell proliferation and colony formation. Thus, we suggest that SOCS2 associates with activated FLT3 and negatively regulates the FLT3 signaling pathways.
Use of codeine-containing medicines by Irish psychiatric inpatients before and after regulatory limitations on their supply
Authors: Agyapong V. I. O. , Singh K. , Savage M. , Thekiso T. B. , Finn M. , Farren C. K. , McLoughlin D. M.
Published: March 2013

Background

In recent years, concerns have been highlighted in several jurisdictions, including Ireland, regarding abuse of over-the-counter codeine-containing medicines. On the 1st of August 2010, national regulatory guidelines aimed at limiting the supply of these medicines in Ireland came into force.

Aims

To study the effects of the new regulations on the use of non-prescribed codeine-containing medicines by psychiatric patients admitted to an Irish university teaching hospital before (n= 117) the regulations came into effect and 6 months afterwards (n= 126).

Methods

Participants completed a brief self-administered survey questionnaire about their use of over-the-counter codeine-containing medicines in the preceding 3 months.

Results

Compared with before the introduction of the new regulations, there was a large decline in the reported ‘often’ or ‘regular’ use of codeine-containing medicines in the 3 months before admission (33.3%v. 17.4%,χ2= 6.354,p= 0.01) and there was a reduction in the proportion of patients for whom others had expressed concerns about their frequency of use of such medications (15.5%v. 4.8%,χ2= 7.29,p= 0.03). There was also a decline in the proportion of patients who stated that they would use codeine-containing medicines for either a ‘feel-good’ effect or to curb cravings (15.9%v. 1.9%,p< 0.01, two-tailed Fisher's exact test).

Conclusion

We conclude that tight regulations on the supply of non-prescription codeine-containing medicines have the potential to reduce the use and abuse of such medicines in patient populations availing of admission to psychiatry hospitals.
Planning dementia services: new estimates of current and future prevalence rates of dementia for Ireland
Authors: Pierce M. , Cahill S. , O'Shea E.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The paper provides new estimates of dementia prevalence at a national and local level in Ireland and new projections of future numbers of people with dementia.

Methods

The prevalence of dementia at a national and local level has been calculated by applying European Collaboration on Dementia (EuroCoDe) prevalence rates to data from the Census of Population 2006. The National Disability Survey has been used to estimate the number of people with Down syndrome and dementia. Projections of future numbers of people with dementia have been calculated by applying EuroCoDe prevalence rates to the most recently available population projections from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Results

It is estimated that there were 41 740 people with dementia in Ireland in 2006. Estimates show that there are clear regional differences in prevalence of dementia across Ireland, with the largest proportion of people with dementia in the West of Ireland, and the Dublin North Eastern region having the lowest share of dementia. Our best estimate is that there are 700 people with Down syndrome and dementia in Ireland. Applying EuroCoDe prevalence rates to the most recent CSO population projections shows that the prevalence of dementia in Ireland will increase to between 67 493 and 70 000 in 2021 and to between 140 580 and 147 000 in 2041.

Conclusions

Although there are several limitations to these estimates, the data provide timely and useful information for planning effective health and social care services, as well as raising public and professional awareness about dementia at a national level.
Extra-virgin olive oil consumption reduces the age-related decrease in HDL and paraoxonase 1 anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Loued Soumaya , Berrougui Hicham , Componova Pamela , Ikhlef Souad , Helal Olfa , Khalil Abdelouahed
Published: March 2013

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is associated with HDL and modulates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role of HDL. The goals of the present study were to investigate the effect of ageing and the role of PON1 on the anti-inflammatory activity of HDL, and to determine whether extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption could improve the atheroprotective activity of HDL. HDL and PON1 were isolated from the plasma of ten young (Y-HDL and Y-PON1) and ten elderly (E-HDL and E-PON1) healthy volunteers before and after 12 weeks of EVOO consumption. Inflammation was assessed by measuring intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression. THP-1 (human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line) monocyte chemotaxis was measured using a Boyden chamber. Oxidative damage to HDL was assessed by measuring conjugated diene formation and changes in electrophoretic migration. Y-HDL had more anti-inflammatory activity than E-HDL. The conjugated diene content and the electrophoretic mobility of E-HDL were higher than those of Y-HDL. Y-PON1 had significant anti-inflammatory activity, reducing ICAM-1 expression by 32·64 (sd2·63) %, while E-PON1 had no significant effect. THP-1 chemotaxis measurements confirmed the ICAM-1 expression results. The 12 weeks of EVOO consumption significantly increased the anti-inflammatory activities of both HDL and PON1. The anti-inflammatory activity of HDL was modulated by PON1 and was lower in the elderly volunteers. EVOO consumption increased the anti-inflammatory effect of HDL and reduced the age-related decrease in anti-atherogenic activity.
Trophic status and helminth infracommunities of fish populations in Kashmir Himalayan lakes
Authors: Shah H.B. , Yousuf A.R. , Chishti M.Z. , Shahnaz S. , Ahmad F.
Published: March 2013

The present study considers the influence of the trophic status of three Kashmir Himalayan lakes on the patterns of helminth infracommunities in populations of three species of fish during 2006 to 2008. Data were collected from three lakes of differing trophic status in the Kashmir Himalayas, namely Anchar, a hyper(eu)trophic lake; Dal, a eutrophic lake; and Manasbal, a meso(eu)trophic lake. Three species of fish examined included the native fish Schizothorax niger Heckel and two exotic species – Carassius carassius (Linnaeus) and Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus. The analysis of data showed a clear habitat effect on the abundance pattern of helminth species, thus revealing lake-specific differences in parasite infracommunities of both S. niger and C. carassius. Helminth infracommunity richness was the highest in host populations from the Anchar lake compared to other two lakes. Low values in the Manasbal lake emphasize the low diversity of their helminth infracommunities. On the other hand, there was no observed pattern of community structure in the case of C. carpio in the three lake sites. However due to bias in sampling there was no distinct effect of fish body size on parasite infracommunity structure, although the present results do show that fish parasite data can be meaningful in diagnosing changes in the trophic condition of eutrophic lakes.
Moulting phenology of the harbour seal in south-west Ireland
Authors: Cronin M. , Gregory S. , Rogan E.
Published: March 2013

Studies on the phenology of harbour seal moult have been carried out in the Atlantic and Pacific, however there has been no research into this process in the Republic of Ireland, at the southern edge of the species range in the north-east Atlantic. Population estimates of harbour seals are derived by counts primarily during the moulting seasons. In the absence of information on the moult phenology planning the optimal timing of such surveys is impossible. Furthermore, changes in moult phenology may reflect changes in resource availability or competition, or demographic changes. The phenology of the harbour seal moult was investigated in south-west Ireland in this study. Timing of the moult differed among all cohorts, yearlings began moulting first followed by adult females and finally adult males. The number of seals hauled out was generally positively related to the proportion of seals in active moult. The timing of the moult period was different to other parts of the species' range and should be considered in determining optimal timing of future surveys for assessing populations abundance and trends in Ireland.
Evidence of simultaneous hermaphroditism in the brooding Diopatra marocensis (Annelida: Onuphidae) from northern Spain
Authors: Arias Andrés , Richter Alexandra , Anadón Nuria , Paxton Hannelore
Published: March 2013

A one-year study of the reproductive biology of a population of Diopatra marocensis at the Villaviciosa estuary, northern Spain, was undertaken with emphasis on brooding behaviour, larval development and gametogenesis. Field observations together with a histological study of monthly collected individuals revealed that the population was iteroparous, reproducing annually during a short breeding season extending from March to June. The study demonstrated that all individuals of the population at Villaviciosa estuary were producing at the same time eggs and sperm providing for the first time evidence for the occurrence of simultaneous hermaphroditism in D. marocensis. Mature sperm was of the ent-aquasperm type and was stored in modified nephridial chambers in brooding individuals. In the latter, eggs in advanced cleavage phases were also observed inside the coelom suggesting that fertilization was internal. Eggs in late vitellogenesis presented micronucleoli in the periphery of the nucleus, a phenomenon reported previously for few polychaete species. Pure males and females were never found. It is here suggested that in D. marocensis population size may influence sex allocation and that under conditions of low population densities simultaneous hermaphrodites may be favoured. The study of the larval development confirmed the direct development reported previously for populations of Morocco and Portugal. Further results suggest consumption of nurse eggs and adelphophagy by developing larvae.
Family relationships and dementia: a synthesis of qualitative research including the person with dementia
Authors: LA FONTAINE JENNY , OYEBODE JAN R.
Published: March 2013

Family relationships are important for wellbeing across the lifecourse and are known to be important for people living with dementia, bringing benefits to self-esteem and identity, as well as providing support for people living at home. Recent research has explored the impact of dementia upon relationships. Much of this research is qualitative in nature and rarely included in systematic reviews, however, it has the potential to provide significant contributions to understanding the interplay between family relationships and dementia and to inform interventions. A systematic synthesis of qualitative research concerning the impact of dementia upon family relationships was undertaken, using thematic synthesis. Eleven articles were reviewed, which address the perspectives of people living with dementia and their spouse and/or adult children. The aims of this review are to illuminate what is currently known about the reciprocal influences between family relationships and dementia from the perspectives of the family (including the person with dementia); and to consider the implications of these findings for research and practice. Four super-ordinate themes were identified: ‘a shared history’, ‘negotiating the impact of dementia upon the relationship’, ‘openness and awareness’ and ‘shifting sands’. This synthesis contributes to an emerging field but also highlights gaps in current understanding of the impact of dementia upon relationships and in providing appropriate interventions. Implications for research and practice are considered.
Forest-fragment quality rather than matrix habitat shapes herbivory on tree recruits in South Africa
Authors: Botzat Alexandra , Fischer Lena , Farwig Nina
Published: March 2013

Forest fragmentation can alter herbivory on tree recruits with possible consequences for regeneration. We assessed effects of forest-fragment quality (tree diversity, vegetation complexity, relative abundance of pioneer trees) and matrix habitat on arthropods and herbivory in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We compared arthropod abundances and herbivory on woody seedlings and saplings among four forest-fragment types differing in size and matrix (large fragments and small fragments surrounded by natural grassland, eucalypt and sugarcane plantations; nplots = 24) using analyses of covariance. We recorded 3385 arthropods and inspected 897 seedlings (71 species) and 876 saplings (91 species). Relative abundance of predators increased with fragment quality; that of herbivores decreased. Herbivory responses to fragment quality varied: seedling herbivory decreased with relative abundance of pioneers and sapling herbivory increased with vegetation complexity. Matrix effects were low with little variation in relative abundance of predators (0.39–0.53) and herbivores (0.22–0.32), proportion of seedling (8.3–11.0%) and sapling herbivory (12.4–14.3%) among the forest-fragment types. These findings indicate that herbivory on tree recruits is mediated by forest-fragment quality rather than matrix habitat. Future studies should evaluate whether contrasting effects of fragment quality on arthropods and herbivory are caused by weak trophic interactions and variable herbivore compositions.
Interaction between distant taxa in the use of tree cavities in African ecosystems: a study using nest-boxes
Authors: Veiga José P. , Wamiti Wanyoike , Polo Vicente , Muchai Muchane
Published: March 2013

Convergence in the use of resources may occur between distantly related organisms. A major ecological resource in which members of various taxa may be interested is a cavity for nesting. A variety of social hymenopterans and vertebrates may nest within tree cavities in tropical ecosystems. We used 241 nest-boxes placed in seven Kenyan localities to investigate the use of nesting cavities by members of distant taxa and discuss whether interaction between them is a potential factor shaping cavity-nester communities in tropical regions. The nest-boxes were occupied by social insects (ants, bees and wasps) (30.1% of nest-boxes in April–May and 33.1% in September–October) and vertebrates (birds and mammals) (20% and 7.7%, respectively). Hymenopterans were more abundant in forest boxes (36.2% of nest-boxes occupied in April–May and 37% in September–October), whereas savannas had lower figures (21.7% and 31.3%, respectively). Among vertebrates, most occupants of nest-boxes in savanna were birds (17.8% of nest-boxes occupied vs. 8% in mammals), while mammals predominated in forests (4.9% of the nest-boxes occupied vs. 0.3% in birds). Spatial and temporal patterns of occupation highlight the potential that interaction between distant taxa may have on the access to nesting cavities. More nest-boxes remained unoccupied in forested areas than in savanna areas suggesting that a shorter supply of nesting sites in the savanna may be a source of competition. The simultaneous occupation of a nest-box by two different taxa was exceptional, also supporting the hypothesized inter-taxon competition.
An operational domain-theoretic treatment of recursive types
Authors: HO WENG KIN
Published: March 2013

We develop an operational domain theory for treating recursive types with respect to contextual equivalence. The principal approach we take deviates from classical domain theory in that we do not produce the recursive types using the usual inverse limits constructions – we get them for free by working directly with the operational semantics. By extending type expressions to functors between some ‘syntactic’ categories, we establish algebraic compactness. To do this, we rely on an operational version of the minimal invariance property, for which we give a purely operational proof.
Cities in the ‘long’ Late Antiquity, 2000–2012 – a survey essay
Authors: GRIG LUCY
Published: March 2013

This essay surveys major themes and developments in the recent study of late antique urbanism. First, re-evaluations of the late phase of classical urbanism are discussed, whereby a simple narrative of ‘decline’ has been replaced by a much more chronologically and geographically nuanced picture. The importance of regional, indeed local, specificity is stressed, with different areas of the ancient world experiencing often radically different urban trajectories. Key aspects of late antique urbanism are considered, including the relationship between town and country, economic urban life, political versus social and religious urban history, before concluding with consideration of areas where future research is particularly needed.
THE TIMING OF ASSET TRADE AND OPTIMAL POLICY IN DYNAMIC OPEN ECONOMIES
Authors: Senay Ozge , Sutherland Alan
Published: March 2013

Using a standard open economy DSGE model, it is shown that the timing of asset trade relative to policy decisions has a potentially important impact on the welfare evaluation of monetary policy at the individual-country level. If asset trade in the initial period takes place before the announcement of policy, a national policy maker can choose a policy rule that reduces the work effort of households in the policy maker's country, in the knowledge that consumption is fully insured by optimally chosen international portfolio positions. But if asset trade takes place after the policy announcement, this insurance is absent and households in the policy maker's country bear the full consumption consequences of the chosen policy rule. The welfare incentives faced by national policy makers are very different between the two cases. Numerical examples confirm that asset-market timing has a significant impact on the optimal policy rule.
Legal Education in China: The New “Outstanding Legal Personnel Education Scheme” and Its Implications
Authors: Shan Wenhua
Published: March 2013

After more than 60 years of development, the People's Republic of China has established the world's largest size of legal education, with 624 law schools and 450,000 thousands of undergraduate students currently enrolled. As Wenhua Shan explains, whilst the quality of education has also been improved, it generally falls short of meeting the domestic and international challenges that China is facing in legal education and practice. The most important measure recently adopted by the Chinese Government to enhance the quality of legal education, the “Outstanding Legal Personnel Education Scheme”, is poised to bring significant changes to the structure, contents and methods of Chinese legal education; and it will boost deeper cooperation between law schools and the practice sectors. Further measures are nevertheless required to achieve the desired results of the scheme and to place Chinese legal education in an internationally competitive position.
Migrant Care Labour: The Commodification and Redistribution of Care and Emotional Work
Authors: Bauer Gudrun , Österle August
Published: March 2013

Many European countries are experiencing a redistribution of care work from family members to paid migrant workers in private households. This involves not only a commodification of the practical tasks of care work, but also a redistribution of the emotional element of care. This study explores the emotional experiences of migrant care workers from Central Eastern Europe providing care work in private households in Austria. Based on a literature review and qualitative interviews with migrant care workers, the article investigates the emotional dimensions of migrant care work and the ways in which the regulatory context impacts on these dimensions.
Among neighbors: An ethnographic account of responsibilities in rural palliative care
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Robinson Carole A. , Bottorff Joan L.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Building high quality palliative care in rural areas must take into account the cultural dimensions of the rural context. The purpose of this qualitative study was to conduct an exploration of rural palliative care, with a particular focus on the responsibilities that support good palliative care from rural participants’ perspectives.

Method:

This ethnographic study was conducted in four rural communities in Western Canada between June 2009 and September 2010. Data included 51 days of field work, 95 semistructured interviews, and 74 hours of direct participant observation. Thematic analysis was used to provide a descriptive account of rural palliative care responsibilities.

Results:

Findings focus on the complex web of responsibilities involving family, healthcare professionals, and administrators. Family practices of responsibility included provision of direct care, managing and coordinating care, and advocacy. Healthcare professional practices of responsibility consisted of interpreting their own competency in relation to palliative care, negotiating their role in relation to that interpretation, and individualizing care through a bureaucratic system. Administrators had three primary responsibilities in relation to palliative care delivery in their community: navigating the politics of palliative care, understanding the culture of the community, and communicating with the community.

Significance of results:

Findings provide important insights into the complex ways rurality influences understandings of responsibility in palliative care. Families, healthcare providers, and administrators work together in fluid ways to support high quality palliative care in their communities. However, the very fluidity of these responsibilities can also work against high quality care, and are easily disrupted by healthcare changes. Proposed healthcare policy and practice changes, particularly those that originate from outside of the community, should undergo a careful analysis of their potential impact on the longstanding negotiated responsibilities.
Polanyi's Revenge
Authors: Martin Lisa L.
Published: March 2013

Since the beginning of the financial crisis of 2008, authors and politicians have regularly reminded us of the duality of crisis and opportunity. For policymakers, administrations, and candidates, crises represent opportunities to implement long-desired reforms, seize the public stage, and reframe old arguments in the light of today's urgency. As the books under review here suggest, crises also represent opportunities for scholars. Arguments that failed to gain traction in the past may now deserve new attention as they help us understand the roots of crisis or how to recover from it. New audiences may be receptive to established arguments, now that other policies have caused us grief and are failing to promote recovery. The public and decision makers could be open to listening to these arguments and their implications, now that crisis has revealed deep vulnerabilities.

The three books that form the basis of this review essay represent trenchant critiques of neoliberal economic theory and policies, including such foundational policy assumptions as globalization, deregulation, and reliance on sophisticated financial tools. Their authors, three prominent economists, draw our attention to problems of market failure, such as rampant rent-seeking behavior and externalities. By focusing on entrenched dilemmas that include widening inequality and the compatibility of democracy and globalization, they remind us of the ways in which markets are embedded in social institutions, and how such institutions both respond to markets and shape market outcomes. All bring with them a deep commitment to understanding the functioning of society and how to maintain the benefits of global capitalism while reining in its most destructive implications.
Democracy and the Policy Preferences of Wealthy Americans
Authors: Page Benjamin I. , Bartels Larry M. , Seawright Jason
Published: March 2013

It is important to know what wealthy Americans seek from politics and how (if at all) their policy preferences differ from those of other citizens. There can be little doubt that the wealthy exert more political influence than the less affluent do. If they tend to get their way in some areas of public policy, and if they have policy preferences that differ significantly from those of most Americans, the results could be troubling for democratic policy making. Recent evidence indicates that “affluent” Americans in the top fifth of the income distribution are socially more liberal but economically more conservative than others. But until now there has been little systematic evidence about the truly wealthy, such as the top 1 percent. We report the results of a pilot study of the political views and activities of the top 1 percent or so of US wealth-holders. We find that they are extremely active politically and that they are much more conservative than the American public as a whole with respect to important policies concerning taxation, economic regulation, and especially social welfare programs. Variation within this wealthy group suggests that the top one-tenth of 1 percent of wealth-holders (people with $40 million or more in net worth) may tend to hold still more conservative views that are even more distinct from those of the general public. We suggest that these distinctive policy preferences may help account for why certain public policies in the United States appear to deviate from what the majority of US citizens wants the government to do. If this is so, it raises serious issues for democratic theory.
Privatization and Protest: Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Toronto, and the Occupation of Public Space in a Democracy
Authors: Kohn Margaret
Published: March 2013

This article examines the legal and normative debates about the Occupy Toronto movement in order to illuminate the issues raised by Occupy Wall Street. It challenges the view that the occupation of parks and plazas was an illegitimate privatization of public space. In both New York City and Toronto, the courts relied on a theory that Habermas called “German Hobbesianism.” This sovereigntist theory of the public was used to justify removing the protesters and disbanding the encampments. The alternative is what I call the populist model of the public, a term which describes the political mobilization of the people outside the institutional structures of the state. While my focus is on public space, I suggest the appropriation of space was the most visible aspect of a broader call for collective control of the common wealth of society. In other words, we should understand the occupations synecdochally as struggles over the meaning and power of public and private.
Representation in Context: Election Laws and Ideological Congruence Between Citizens and Governments
Authors: Powell G. Bingham
Published: March 2013

Democratic theory assumes that successful democratic representation will create close ideological congruence between citizens and their governments. The success of different types of election rules in creating such congruence is an ongoing target of political science research. As often in political science, a widely demonstrated empirical finding, the greater congruence associated with proportional representation election rules, has ceased to hold. I suggest that systematically taking account in our theories of conditional effects of local context can often provide a remedy. The systematic incorporation of levels of political party polarization into theory of election laws and ideological congruence extended the temporal and spatial range of the theory. Data from the Comparative Manifesto research program and the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES) research program are used to test the revised theory empirically. Suggestions for generalizing our theories of political context are offered. The results of this research continue the interactions between substantive research, ongoing political events, and the great normative issues of representation and democracy.
The Insecure American: Economic Experiences, Financial Worries, and Policy Attitudes
Authors: Hacker Jacob S. , Rehm Philipp , Schlesinger Mark
Published: March 2013

Even before the sharp downturn that began in 2007, many Americans were concerned about economic risks. Yet this widespread public concern has not been matched by attention from political scientists regarding how citizens experience and understand the economic risks they face or how those experiences and understandings shape their views of public policy. We develop here an argument about the role of personal economic experiences in the formation of policy attitudes that we validate using a distinctive opinion survey of our own design, fielded not long after the onset of the Great Recession. The survey tracks citizens' economic experiences, expectations, and policy attitudes within multiple domains of risk (employment, medical care, family, and wealth arrangements). These investigations show that economic insecurity systematically and substantially affects citizens' attitudes toward government's role. Citizens' economic worries largely track exposure to substantial economic shocks. Citizens' policy attitudes in turn appear highly responsive to economic worries, as well as to the experience of economic shocks—with worries and shocks creating greater support for government policies that buffer the relevant economic risk. Attitudes seem most affected by temporally proximate shocks, shocks befalling households that have weak private safety nets, and shocks occurring within the domain most relevant to the policy in question, though attitudes are also (more weakly) correlated with shocks in other domains. The magnitude of these associations rivals partisanship and ideology and almost always exceeds that for conventional measures of socio-economic status. Given the long-term increase in economic insecurity and current sluggish recovery, understanding how insecurity shapes citizens' policy attitudes and political behavior should be a major concern of political science.