bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les finances solidaires et l'économie sociale en roumanie: une réponse de «proximités» à la régionalisation d'une économie en transition?
Authors: Glemain Pascal , Bioteau Emmanuel , Dragan Alexandru
Published: May 2013

La Roumanie apparaît en Europe centrale et orientale comme un territoire d'expérimentation d'une forme particulière d'économie sociale liant coopératives et organisations «not‐for‐profit». En transition économique et sociale, la Roumanie est également un pays en transition territoriale dont les systèmes de financements locaux ont quitté leur approche centralement planifiée, pour rejoindre un secteur financier solidaire dont les Instituts de Microfinance (IMFs) sont les principaux acteurs. La question à laquelle cet article tente d'apporter quelques éléments de réponse est celle du rôle de la finance solidaire locale dans la soutenabilité des transitions socio‐économiques territoriales en cours. Il s'agit d'envisager une économie humaine au sein de laquelle les conditions dignes de vie, nous amène à envisager un modèle particulier d'économie conviviale située à partir des outils conviviaux des finances solidaires locales.
Commercialisation de la microfinance: impact sur les plus pauvres en Afrique
Authors: Halouani Nihel , Boujelbène Younes
Published: May 2013

Nous cherchons à déterminer si la commercialisation des IMF est associée à la « dérive de mission ». Plus précisément, en considérant que la commercialisation se caractérise par la viabilité, la concurrence, et la réglementation des IMF, nous évaluons son effet sur la taille moyenne des prêts accordés. L'étude empirique est basée sur les données en panel de 96 IMF œuvrant dans 22 pays africains durant la période 2005–2008, et aussi sur la méthode des MCO afin d'étudier l'impact de la commercialisation des IMF sur la taille moyenne des prêts par groupe de clientèle servie. Les résultats indiquent que les IMF africaines ont une plus faible portée sociale lorsqu'elles sont autonomes financièrement, mais la réglementation et la concurrence peuvent favoriser l'inclusion des plus pauvres. Nous constatons également que l'augmentation de la taille moyenne des prêts est associée à des niveaux inférieurs de remboursement du prêt par les plus pauvres, à la baisse de pourcentage de femmes emprunteuses, au pourcentage de population rurale et à la forme juridique d'ONG, et aussi à la prédominance du crédit individuel. Ceci caractérise la dérive de mission.
‘OccupyBufferZone’: practices of borderline resistance in a space of exception
Authors: Antonsich Marco
Published: May 2013

This article focuses on the practices of resistance organised by a group of Cypriot activists in the Buffer Zone that separates the island of Cyprus into two sovereign entities, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Being a space where the territorialising norm of these two entities is suspended, the Buffer Zone constitutes a space of exception. By drawing on a post‐colonial reading of this Agambenian notion, the article analyses the specifics of a ‘terrain of resistance’ deliberately located in the exception. It argues that rather than being a dispossessing condition, the exception might actually be empowering, because it offers the activists a terrain from which to contest the very norm that they are escaping. The article also critically reflects on the limits of this tactic, by revealing how power might adopt counter‐exceptions aimed at reterritorialising exceptional spaces that no longer work to its advantage. The OccupyBufferZone (OBZ) experience also allows for a series of theoretical considerations that can illuminate further the notion of ‘terrain of resistance’.
The future of religious geopolitics: towards a research and theory agenda
Authors: Sturm Tristan
Published: May 2013

In this introduction to a special section on the future for research on the topic of religion and geopolitics, some terminological, theoretical, methodological and analytical possibilities are set out. A distinction is drawn between ‘religious geopolitics’ and the ‘geopolitics of religion’. Research published thus far on this intersection has limited thematic and topical scope. I further this critique by suggesting new theoretical and methodological possibilities by pointing out the poverty of thinking in the dualistic terms, religion/secular. I conclude this introduction by providing four analytical approaches to the intersection between religion and geopolitics. The essays in this special section are attempts to present future coherence to this growing literature but also illustrate the many divergent possibilities.
Role of P‐glycoprotein in the Uptake/Efflux Transport of Oral Vitamin K Antagonists and Rivaroxaban through the Caco‐2 Cell Model
Authors: Gschwind Liliane , Rollason Victoria , Daali Youssef , Bonnabry Pascal , Dayer Pierre , Desmeules Jules Alexandre
Published: May 2013

Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are prescribed worldwide and remain the oral anticoagulant of choice. These drugs are characterized by a narrow therapeutic index and a large inter‐ and intra‐individual variability. P‐glycoprotein could contribute to this variability. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of P‐gp in the transport of acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon and warfarin using an in vitro Caco‐2 cell monolayer model. These results were compared with those obtained with rivaroxaban, a new oral anticoagulant known to be a P‐gp substrate. The transport of these four drugs was assessed at pH conditions 6.8/7.4 in the presence or absence of the P‐gp inhibitor cyclosporine A (10 μM) and the more potent and specific P‐gp inhibitor valspodar (5 μM). Analytical quantification was performed by LC/MS. With an efflux ratio of 1.7 and a significant decrease in the efflux (Papp B–A), in the presence of P‐gp inhibitors at a concentration of 50 μM, acenocoumarol can be considered as a weak P‐gp substrate. Concerning phenprocoumon, the results suggest that this molecule is a poor P‐gp substrate. The P‐gp inhibitors did not affect significantly the transport of warfarin. The efflux of rivaroxaban was strongly inhibited by the two P‐gp inhibitors. In conclusion, none of the three VKAs tested are strong P‐gp substrates. However, acenocoumarol can be considered as a weak P‐gp substrate and phenprocoumon as a poor P‐gp substrate.
To challenge the world view or to flow with it? Teaching sustainable development in business schools
Authors: Lourenço Fernando
Published: May 2013

This paper explores the fundamental question of what ‘responsibility’ means to different sets of world views adopted implicitly by business students. The exploration adopts the stakeholder theory and three subsets of the Friedman mentality to explain how individuals may value sustainability initiatives. Subsequently, it explores whether it is better to flow with the dominant economic‐driven world view as prescribed by the business school or to challenge it in order to cultivate business students with sustainability‐driven values. The conclusion highlights implications for business and management education, as well as the role of entrepreneurship to promote sustainability values.
Corporate political activity, social responsibility, and competitive strategy: an integrative model
Authors: Singer Alan E.
Published: May 2013

Many tensions exist within thenexusof corporate social responsibility, competitive strategy, and political activity. Previously, these aspects of strategic management have been considered in relative isolation or at best in pairs. Accordingly, an attempt is made here to set out a general strategic problem of the corporation, in which all three aspects are combined. This project reveals a particular need to explicate the political assumptions held by or on behalf of the corporation. Examples might include the classical liberal model, global hypercompetition, or variants of the stakeholder model. The project also reinforces the broader notion that when one adopts the perspective of a corporate strategist, one can sometimes find potentially productive ways of reframing issues in ethics, economics, and politics.
Some ethical dilemmas of modern banking
Authors: Bagus Philipp , Howden David
Published: May 2013

How ethical have recent banking practices been? We answer this question via an economic analysis. We assess the two dominant practices of the modern banking system – fractional reserves and maturity transformation – by gauging the respective rights of the relevant parties. By distinguishing the legal and economic differences between deposit and loan contracts, we determine that the practice of maturity transformation (in its various guises) is not only ethical but also serves a positive social function. The foundation of the modern banking system – the holding of fractional reserves against deposits – is, however, problematic from economic, legal and ethical perspectives. Starting from a microanalysis of money's function, a reassessment of the current laws concerning the practice is encouraged, with the aim not only to rectify economic irregularities but also to realign depositors' rights with the obligations of the banking sector.
Fairness and microcredit interest rates: from Rawlsian principles of justice to the distribution of the bargaining range
Authors: Hudon Marek , Ashta Arvind
Published: May 2013

This paper addresses the fairness of microcredit interest rates. Since microfinance institutions provide credit for the poor at relatively high prices, the fairness of their interest rates has been repeatedly debated. We first apply Rawls' principles of justice to the case of microcredit interest rates and suggest some limitations related to the hypothesis of rationality of the borrowers and the level of inequality. We then suggest another framework based on the analysis of the distribution of the benefits generated by the transaction to assess the fairness of interest rates. We conceptualize this as the distribution of the bargaining range between the borrowers' and the institutions' reservation price and discuss what these reservation prices could be in the context of microfinance.
ICT's participatory potential in higher education collaborations: Reality or just talk
Authors: James Rosalind
Published: May 2013

Recently, interest has sparked in collaboration and networking within and between universities, industry, government and the wider populace. Knowledge transfer has gradually become a strategic issue, so that many governments and funding bodies now use economic‐based incentives to mandate collaboration in hope of stimulating innovation, improving efficiency and promoting inclusion. Web 2.0 has been heralded as an enabler of collaboration. Powerful new tools abound to enhance collaborative initiatives. I investigate uptake of these tools and their impact on collaboration in the Australian context. Although research is scant, the literature provided a preliminary picture of Web 2.0 usage patterns among Australian academics, researchers and professionals. Adoption of virtual collaboration tools for work activities is lower than expected. Connectivity, accessibility and availability do not seem to be major deterrents to Web 2.0 use, suggesting appropriation is the problem. It remains unclear whether these technologies have encouraged further collaboration; at present, these are primarily social devices and tools, their beneficial work applications yet to be fully unmasked. It is argued that further research and broader professional learning opportunities would support greater Web 2.0 appropriation.
Testing hypotheses involving Cronbach's alpha using marginal models
Authors: Kuijpers Renske E. , van der Ark L. Andries , Croon Marcel A.
Published: May 2013

We discuss the statistical testing of three relevant hypotheses involving Cronbach's alpha: one where alpha equals a particular criterion; a second testing the equality of two alpha coefficients for independent samples; and a third testing the equality of two alpha coefficients for dependent samples. For each of these hypotheses, various statistical tests have been proposed. Over the years, these tests have depended on progressively fewer assumptions. We propose a new approach to testing the three hypotheses that relies on even fewer assumptions, is especially suited for discrete item scores, and can be applied easily to tests containing large numbers of items. The new approach uses marginal modelling. We compared the Type I error rate and the power of the marginal modelling approach to several of the available tests in a simulation study using realistic conditions. We found that the marginal modelling approach had the most accurate Type I error rates, whereas the power was similar across the statistical tests.
Cell of origin in radiation‐induced premalignant thymocytes with differentiation capability in mice conditionally losing one Bcl11b allele
Authors: Go Rieka , Hirose Satoshi , Katsuragi Yoshinori , Obata Miki , Abe Manabu , Mishima Yukio , Sakimura Kenji , Kominami Ryo
Published: May 2013

Bcl11b is a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor, mutations or deletion of which has been found in 10–16% of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias. Bcl11bKO/+ heterozygous mice are susceptible to thymic lymphomas, a model of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, when γ‐irradiated, and irradiated Bcl11bKO/+ mice generate clonally expanding or premalignant thymocytes before thymic lymphoma development. Cells with radiation‐induced DNA damages are assumed to be the cells of origin in tumors; however, which thymocyte is the tumor cell origin remains obscure. In this study we generated Bcl11bflox/+;Lck‐Cre and Bcl11bflox/+;CD4‐Cre mice; in the former, loss of one Bcl11b allele occurs in thymocytes at the immature CD4−CD8− stage, whereas in the latter the loss occurs in the more differentiated CD4+CD8+ double‐positive stage. We examined clonal expansion and differentiation of thymocytes in mice 60 days after 3 Gy γ‐irradiation. Half (9/18) of the thymuses in the Bcl11bflox/+;Lck‐Cre group showed limited rearrangement sites at the T‐cell receptor‐β (TCRβ) locus, indicating clonal cell expansion, but none in the Bcl11bflox/+;CD4‐Cre group did. This indicates that the origin of the premalignant thymocytes is not in double‐positive cells but immature thymocytes. Interestingly, those premalignant thymocytes underwent rearrangement at various different sites of the TCRα locus and the majority showed a higher expression of TCRβ and CD8, and more differentiated phenotypes. This suggests the existence of a subpopulation of immature cells within the premalignant cells that is capable of proliferating and continuously producing differentiated thymocytes.
Why go online when you have pain? A qualitative analysis of teenagers’ use of the Internet for pain management advice
Authors: Henderson E. M. , Keogh E. , Eccleston C.
Published: May 2013

Background

Adolescents are routinely recognized as native to online technologies. However, we know from previous research that this familiarity does not often translate into its use for help‐seeking around health. We designed this study to examine the experience of adolescents in using the Internet to access pain management information, specifically why some adolescents may be reluctant to use these resources.

Methods

Twenty‐six healthy, school attending, adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years old were recruited to a qualitative study of focus groups. Seventeen participants were female and nine were male. Participation was limited to those who self‐selected as frequent users of the Internet, but who were loath to use it as a resource for health information as we wished to explore reasons for non‐use. All data were thematically analysed.

Results

Most participants reported using the Internet to seek health information at least once. Experiences with online content were typically negative and drawn on only when all other sources of information and pain coping were exhausted. Three themes emerged, Drivers of Internet use, Barriers, and Anxiety around use. Adolescent health websites were reported to be confusing, anxiety provoking and hard to negotiate. The Internet was judged to be less accessible than other forms of pain and health coping information. Secondary themes related to topic embarrassment, the strive for independence and reassurance, preferred information source failure, curiosity, website design, availability of OTC analgesics, effort, fear‐provoking narratives, mistrust of quality of online content and pain‐related anxiety.

Conclusions

Counter to many positive reports of the health benefits of Internet use during information seeking, its value is questionable to some adolescents. Typical experience was anxiety provoking, unlikely to yield helpful results, and wasteful comparative to off‐line resources for pain.
Swiss Children's Moral and Psychological Judgments About Inclusion and Exclusion of Children With Disabilities
Authors: Gasser Luciano , Malti Tina , Buholzer Alois
Published: May 2013

Children's judgments about inclusion and exclusion of children with disabilities were investigated in a Swiss sample of 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐year‐old children from inclusive and noninclusive classrooms (N = 422). Overall, the majority of children judged it as morally wrong to exclude children with disabilities. Yet, participants were less likely to expect the inclusion of children with mental or physical disabilities in academic and athletic contexts compared to social contexts. Moreover, older children more consistently coordinated disability type with context of exclusion. There were also significant differences depending on the type of classroom. The findings extend existing research on exclusion by investigating exclusion based on disability across different age groups and educational settings.
Nasal levels of soluble IL‐33R ST2 and IL‐16 in allergic rhinitis: inverse correlation trends with disease severity
Authors: Baumann R. , Rabaszowski M. , Stenin I. , Tilgner L. , Gaertner‐Akerboom M. , Scheckenbach K. , Wiltfang J. , Chaker A. , Schipper J. , Wagenmann M.
Published: May 2013

Background

Serum levels of IL‐16, IL‐33 and the decoy receptor of IL‐33, soluble ST2, are elevated in allergic rhinitis. Recent studies show that IL‐16, soluble ST2 or anti‐IL‐33 reduce type 2 cytokines (such as IL‐5) and eosinophilia in murine models of allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis respectively.

Objective

In this study, we studied the release of IL‐5, IL‐16, IL‐33 and soluble ST2 in allergic rhinitis patients after nasal allergen challenge and natural pollen exposure.

Methods

The nasal lavages of 15 allergic and 14 non‐allergic volunteers were collected during the pollen allergy season. In addition, six allergic volunteers underwent unilateral nasal allergen and control challenge out of season and nasal secretions and sera were collected. IL‐5, IL‐16, IL‐33 and soluble ST2 in nasal secretions and sera were measured by electrochemiluminescent assay or ELISA, respectively.

Results

Nasal IL‐5, IL‐16 and soluble ST2 levels were significantly increased in seasonally pollen exposed allergic volunteers compared to control subjects (P < 0.001, P = 0.018 and P = 0.002 respectively), whereas IL‐33 remained undetectable. Nasal IL‐16 showed a weak inverse correlation trend with nasal symptoms (r = −0.48, P = 0.07). Nasal soluble ST2 concentrations were inversely correlated with nasal symptoms (r = −0.61, P = 0.02) and positively correlated with IL‐16 (r = 0.56, P = 0.03). Significant increases of nasal IL‐5, IL‐16 and ST2 but not IL‐33 were observed after nasal allergen challenge. At 24 h after allergen challenge, local ST2 and IL‐5 concentrations showed an inverse correlation trend (r = −0.83, P = 0.04). Serum levels of IL‐5, IL‐16 and soluble ST2 rose in at least five of six volunteers tested at 5 or 24 h post‐challenge.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The observed upregulation of soluble ST2 and IL‐16 after nasal allergen challenge and during peak pollination season suggests potential regulatory roles of these cytokines in the inflammatory reaction in allergic rhinitis.
Streptococcal–vimentin cross-reactive antibodies induce microvascular cardiac endothelial proinflammatory phenotype in rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Delunardo F , Scalzi V , Capozzi A , Camerini S , Misasi R , Pierdominici M , Pendolino M , Crescenzi M , Sorice M , Valesini G , Ortona E , Alessandri C
Published: May 2013

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is characterized by the presence of anti-streptococcal group A antibodies and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA). Molecular mimicry between streptococcal antigens and self proteins is a hallmark of the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever. We aimed to identify, in RHD patients, autoantibodies specific to endothelial autoantigens cross-reactive with streptococcal proteins and to evaluate their role in inducing endothelial damage. We used an immunoproteomic approach with endothelial cell-surface membrane proteins in order to identify autoantigens recognized by AECA of 140 RHD patients. Cross-reactivity of purified antibodies with streptococcal proteins was analysed. Homologous peptides recognized by serum cross-reactive antibodies were found through comparing the amino acid sequence of streptococcal antigens with human antigens. To investigate interleukin (IL)-1R-associated kinase (IRAK1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, we performed a Western blot analysis of whole extracts proteins from unstimulated or stimulated human microvascular cardiac endothelial cells (HMVEC-C). Adhesion molecule expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors were studied by multiplex bead based immunoassay kits. We observed anti-vimentin antibodies in sera from 49% RHD AECA-positive patients. Cross-reactivity of purified anti-vimentin antibodies with heat shock protein (HSP)70 and streptopain streptococcal proteins was shown. Comparing the amino acid sequence of streptococcal HSP70 and streptopain with human vimentin, we found two homologous peptides recognized by serum cross-reactive antibodies. These antibodies were able to stimulate HMVEC-C inducing IRAK and NF-κB activation, adhesion molecule expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors. In conclusion, streptococcal–vimentin cross-reactive antibodies were able to activate microvascular cardiac endothelium by amplifying the inflammatory response in RHD.
Understanding and working with adolescent neglect: perspectives from research, young people and professionals
Authors: Hicks Leslie , Stein Mike
Published: May 2013

This paper provides an overview of research about adolescent neglect funded by the Department of Children, Schools and Families (now the Department for Education) and the Department of Health. The paper examines what is known from literature about the causes of adolescent neglect, together with its potential consequences for well‐being. Drawing on qualitative data, the concept of neglect is explored from the perspectives of young people themselves and the professionals who work with them. Consideration is given to examples of interventions and preventative models geared towards addressing adolescent neglect. Key findings indicate that there is a need for both a re‐examination of current definitions of neglect in the light of age‐related distinctions and perspectives, and a fuller understanding of the particular needs of adolescents who are experiencing neglect. Additionally, the research highlights that there is a lack of research knowledge about neglectful parenting and the behaviour of young people, as well as limited understanding of interventions with neglected adolescents. Key themes from the research are discussed in terms of their implications for future practice, policy and research in relation to working to improve the welfare of neglected young people.
Skin pretreatment with microneedles prior to pilocarpine iontophoresis increases sweat production
Authors: Wing David , Prausnitz Mark R. , Buono Michael J.
Published: May 2013

Collection of sweat via pilocarpine iontophoresis is commonly used to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF), with thousands of tests performed each day. The main source of resistance to the passage of pilocarpine ions to the sweat glands is the electrical resistance of the stratum corneum. It was hypothesized that pretreating the skin with 0·5 mm‐long microneedles would significantly decrease this resistance, thus increasing pilocarpine's permeation into the skin. Improved permeation should result in significantly reduced time to sweat initiation, time to collection of a clinically meaningful amount of sweat, and increased total amount of sweat produced in 15 min. Subjects (n = 12) had two 5 cm2 areas on the forearm measured, marked and randomized to experimental (microneedles + iontophoresis) or control (iontophoresis alone). Microneedle pretreatment was conducted using a 35‐needle microneedle stamp in a manner that 20 applications completely covered the 5 cm2 treatment area. This was repeated five times for a total of 100 applications. Both experimental and control sites were placed under iontophoresis (1·5 mA) for 5 min. Microneedle pretreatment significantly decreased mean skin resistance (260 ± 27 kΩ versus 160 ± 19 kΩ, P = 0·006), while significantly increasing mean sweat rate (0·76 ± 0·35 versus 0·54 ± 0·19 μl cm2 min−1, P = 0·007). No significant difference was found concerning pain (P = 0·059), number of active sweat glands (P = 0·627) or the osmolality of the collected sweat (P = 0·636). The results of this study suggest that microneedle pretreatment prior to pilocarpine iontophoresis significantly increases sweat production. Such results have the potential to improve the methodology currently used to diagnose cystic fibrosis and, more broadly, to administer drugs via the skin.
UV‐induced occupational skin cancer: possibilities of secondary individual prevention in the “Dermatologist's Procedure”
Authors: Elsner Peter , Blome Otto , Diepgen Thomas Ludwig
Published: May 2013

Invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as a “quasi occupational disease” according to §9 Section 2 of the German Social Code Book (SGB) VII typically develops on chronically UV‐damaged skin from actinic keratoses. After the Medical Scientific Committee of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has confirmed the legal criteria for acknowledging UV‐induced SCC as an occupational disease, it is expected that the condition will be added to the official list of occupational diseases issued by the Federal Government in the near future. The Social Accident Insurance is required by law (§3 Occupational Disease Regulation) to prevent these tumors by “all appropriate means“. There are excellent therapeutic and preventive measures for the management of actinic keratoses to avoid the development of SCC. The “Dermatologist's Procedure“ according to §§ 41–43 of the agreement between the Social Accident Insurance and the Federal Medical Association was established in Germany in 1972 to take preventive measures in insured persons with skin lesions possibly developing into an occupational disease, or worsening it, or leading to a recurrence of it This procedure proved to be very successful in the prevention of severe and/or recurring skin diseases forcing a worker to leave his job. On the basis of this agreement, the Social Accident Insurance has the instruments to independently provide preventive measures for the new occupational skin disease SCC induced by natural UV light according to §9 Section 2 of the German Social Code Book (SGB) VII.
Are users of sulphonylureas at the time of an acute coronary syndrome at risk of poorer outcomes?
Authors: Nagendran J. , Oudit G. Y. , Bakal J. A. , Light P. E. , Dyck J. R. B. , McAlister F. A.
Published: May 2013

Aims

Adenosine triphosphate sensitive potassium (KATP) channel activity is cardioprotective during ischaemia. One of the purported mechanisms for sulphonylurea adverse effects is through inhibition of these channels. The purpose of this study is to examine whether patients using KATP channel inhibitors at the time of an acute coronary syndrome are at greater risk of death or heart failure (HF) than those not exposed.

Methods

Using linked administrative databases we identified all adults who had an acute coronary syndrome between April 2002 and October 2006 (n = 21 023).

Results

Within 30 days of acute coronary syndrome, 5.3% of our cohort died and 15.6% were diagnosed with HF. Individuals with diabetes exhibited significantly higher risk of death (adjusted OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03–1.40) and death or HF (aOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.59–1.89) than individuals without diabetes. However, there was no significantly increased risk of death (aOR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.76–1.33) or death/HF (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.89–1.26) in patients exposed to KATP channel inhibitors versus patients not exposed to KATP channel inhibitors prior to their acute coronary syndrome.

Conclusions

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of death or HF within 30 days of an acute coronary syndrome. However, we did not find any excess risk of death or HF associated with use of KATP channel inhibitors at the time of an acute coronary syndrome, raising doubts about the hypothesis that sulphonylureas inhibit the cardioprotective effects of myocardial KATP channels.
Jaw growth in the absence of teeth: the developmental morphology of edentulous mandibles using the p63 mouse mutant
Authors: Paradis Mitchell R. , Raj Muhammad T. , Boughner Julia C.
Published: May 2013

Mammalian tooth and jaw development must be coordinated well enough that these systems continue to function together properly throughout growth, thus optimizing an animal's survival and fitness, as well as a species' success. The persistent question is how teeth and jaws remain developmentally and functionally viable despite sometimes monumental evolutionary changes to tooth and jaw shape and size. Here we used the p63 mouse mutant to test the effect of tooth development — or the lack thereof — on normal mandible developmental morphology. Using 3D geometric morphometrics, we compared for the first time mandible shape among mice with normal tooth and jaw development against p63 double knock‐out mice, with failed tooth development but apparently normal jaw development. Mandible shape differed statistically between toothless (p63−/−) and toothed (p63+/−, p63+/+) mice as early as embryonic day (E) 18. As expected, most of the shape difference in the p63−/−mandibles was due to underdeveloped alveolar bone related to arrested odontogenesis in these E18‐aged mice. Mandible shape did not differ statistically between p63+/−and p63+/+adult mice, which showed normal tooth development. Our results support the idea of a gene regulatory network that is exclusive to the mandible and independent of the dentition. This study also underscores the biomechanical impact of the teeth on the developing alveolar bone. Importantly, this work shows quantitatively that the p63 mutant is an apt model with which to study mandible morphogenesis in isolation of odontogenesis to clarify developmental relationships between the teeth and jaws.
Do the Study of Education and Teacher Education Belong at a Liberal Arts College?
Authors: Kimball Bruce A.
Published: May 2013

The question whether the study of education and teacher education belong at a liberal arts college deserves careful consideration. In this essay Bruce Kimball analyzes and finds unpersuasive the three principled rationales that are most often advanced on behalf of excluding educational studies, teacher education, or both from a liberal arts college. Specifically, Kimball argues that no principled definition of the conventional liberal arts disciplines excludes the study of education without barring other fields now regarded as legitimate, and consistency demands that all such fields be excluded if any are. In addition, teacher education, even if considered as merely “craft know‐how” or as professional training, cannot be excluded from liberal arts colleges without arbitrarily classifying it as suspect and subjecting it to strict scrutiny. But the question of whether educational studies or teacher education fit any asserted definition of liberal education does not finally resolve the question of whether they belong in a liberal arts college. Kimball concludes by suggesting that there are moral and prudential reasons for liberal arts colleges to offer teacher education and, concomitantly, the study of education, even apart from the unpersuasive objections that they do not fit a definition of liberal education.
Education for Work: A Review Essay of Historical, Cross‐Cultural, and Disciplinary Perspectives on Vocational Education
Authors: Peter Kuchinke K.
Published: May 2013

In this review essay, K. Peter Kuchinke uses three recent publications to consider the question of how to educate young people for work and career. Historically, this question has been central to vocational education, and it is receiving renewed attention in the context of concerns over the ability of schools to provide adequate preparation for occupational roles and career success in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Philip Gonon's Quest for Modern Vocational Education provides a historical account of Georg Kerschensteiner's vision of the role of work as a central subject matter for all students. His approach served as the foundation for the dual system in present‐day Germany. Nancy Hoffman's Schooling in the Workplace contrasts the U.S. system of career preparation for non‐college‐bound students with that of five other OECD nations where workforce and academic preparation are more strongly connected to learning in the workplace. Christopher Winch's Dimensions of Expertise, finally, offers a conceptual analysis of central ideas of vocational knowledge and underscores the important role of learning in the context of practice. The three texts offer historical, comparative, and philosophical analyses of the complex task of preparation for work and challenge education scholars to move the subject matter into the center of contemporary educational theory.
Interleukin‐6 myokine signaling in skeletal muscle: a double‐edged sword?
Authors: Muñoz‐Cánoves Pura , Scheele Camilla , Pedersen Bente K. , Serrano Antonio L.
Published: May 2013

Interleukin (IL)‐6 is a cytokine with pleiotropic functions in different tissues and organs. Skeletal muscle produces and releases significant levels of IL‐6 after prolonged exercise and is therefore considered as a myokine. Muscle is also an important target of the cytokine. IL‐6 signaling has been associated with stimulation of hypertrophic muscle growth and myogenesis through regulation of the proliferative capacity of muscle stem cells. Additional beneficial effects of IL‐6 include regulation of energy metabolism, which is related to the capacity of actively contracting muscle to synthesize and release IL‐6. Paradoxically, deleterious actions for IL‐6 have also been proposed, such as promotion of atrophy and muscle wasting. We review the current evidence for these apparently contradictory effects, the mechanisms involved and discuss their possible biological implications.
Predicting shifts in parasite distribution with climate change: a multitrophic level approach
Authors: Pickles Rob S. A. , Thornton Daniel , Feldman Richard , Marques Adam , Murray Dennis L.
Published: May 2013

Climate change likely will lead to increasingly favourable environmental conditions for many parasites. However, predictions regarding parasitism's impacts often fail to account for the likely variability in host distribution and how this may alter parasite occurrence. Here, we investigate potential distributional shifts in the meningeal worm, Parelaphostrongylosis tenuis, a protostrongylid nematode commonly found in white‐tailed deer in North America, whose life cycle also involves a free‐living stage and a gastropod intermediate host. We modelled the distribution of the hosts and free‐living larva as a complete assemblage to assess whether a complex trophic system will lead to an overall increase in parasite distribution with climate change, or whether divergent environmental niches may promote an ecological mismatch. Using an ensemble approach to climate modelling under two different carbon emission scenarios, we show that whereas the overall trend is for an increase in niche breadth for each species, mismatches arise in habitat suitability of the free‐living larva vs. the definitive and intermediate hosts. By incorporating these projected mismatches into a combined model, we project a shift in parasite distribution accounting for all steps in the transmission cycle, and identify that overall habitat suitability of the parasite will decline in the Great Plains and southeastern USA, but will increase in the Boreal Forest ecoregion, particularly in Alberta. These results have important implications for wildlife conservation and management due to the known pathogenicity of parelaphostrongylosis to alternate hosts including moose, caribou and elk. Our results suggest that disease risk forecasts which fail to consider biotic interactions may be overly simplistic, and that accounting for each of the parasite's life stages is key to refining predicted responses to climate change.
Analysis of series of variety trials with perennial crops
Authors: Piepho H.‐P. , Eckl T.
Published: May 2013

Field trials with perennial crops give rise to repeated measurements taken on the same plot on several occasions. It is important to account for serial correlation among repeated measurements in such trials. This study illustrates the use of mixed models for this purpose. We consider the analysis of trials conducted at several locations and the combination of trials with different starting years. A key issue in the analysis is the distinction between effects of calendar years, which are associated with external environmental variation, and harvest years, which represent internal yield formation processes of the perennial crop. Two methods of two‐stage analysis are compared with single‐stage analysis. It is shown that results of two‐stage analysis are very similar to those of single‐stage analysis, if serial correlation is properly taken into account. Program code for the MIXED procedure of the SAS system is given in an Appendix S1 for all considered cases.
How Do States Implement Liberal Immigration Policies? Control Signals and Skilled Immigration Reform in Australia
Authors: Wright Chris F.
Published: May 2013

States often face immigration “control dilemmas” between popular pressures for tighter immigration controls versus economic pressures for more liberal work visa controls. Using a systematic process analysis of recent policy developments in Australia, this article argues that the Howard government's large expansion of “wanted” forms of immigration hinged upon its ability to control “unwanted” forms of immigration. The concept of “control signals” is introduced to account for the government's success in exiting an immigration control dilemma, which allowed it to pursue skilled immigration reforms that would have otherwise proven difficult. A research agenda is established for examining the conditions under which the use of control signals is likely to be successful and for applying the concept to other realms of public policy where states face control dilemmas.
How oncologists communicate information to women with recurrent ovarian cancer in the context of treatment decision making in the medical encounter
Authors: Elit Lorraine M. , Charles Cathy , Gafni Amiram , Ranford Jennifer , Tedford‐Gold Sara , Gold Irving
Published: May 2013

Background

Women with recurrent ovarian cancer depend on their physicians to provide them with information about their diagnosis and available treatment options if they wish to participate in the process of choosing the treatment. There is no information on how oncologists give information to women during the physician–patient encounter at the time the disease recurs.

Objectives

To explore from the oncologists' perspective (i) the extent to which oncologists provide their own patients who are experiencing their first recurrence of ovarian cancer with the same information about management options, and (ii) any explicit or implicit criteria they use to decide whether and how to tailor the information to individual patients.

Methods

We adopted a qualitative, exploratory descriptive approach to begin to understand oncologists' perspectives on how they gave information to patients within the context of their clinical practice. Individual interviews were used to identify themes related to the study objectives.

Results

Fifteen gynaecologic and five medical oncologists participated. Theme 1 describes the extent to which oncologists give information to their patients in the same way or in different ways. This section describes how the same oncologist may modify the depth of information transfer based on several factors. Theme 2 focuses on the factors that influence what information is given. For example, the amount and type of information given is based on the oncologist's on‐going assessment of how the patient is assimilating the information shared during the medical encounter, the oncologists' perception of their relationship with the patient and the oncologist's assessment of what role they should take in decision making. Theme 3 involves the factors that influenced how information is given. For example, the information shared may vary based on the oncologist's perception of the patient's vitality, the patient's comprehension of the information, the patient's emotional well‐being. In addition, the oncologist may make the information relevant for the patient by using analogies. Different types of information may be shared based on the oncologist's perception of patient‐ or family‐initiated question. The information relay may be curtailed based on competing demands for the oncologist.

Discussion and Conclusions

Oncologists provide women with information on their disease status, their treatment options and the side effects of treatment. The oncologists use perceptions to determine what information and how to provide information. The question this paper raises is whether the oncologist's perceptions reflect the individual patient's information and decision‐making needs.
Uniqueness of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast concurrent with papilloma: implications from a detailed topographical and histopathological study of 50 cases treated by mastectomy and wide local excision
Authors: Moritani Suzuko , Ichihara Shu , Hasegawa Masaki , Endo Tokiko , Oiwa Mikinao , Shiraiwa Misaki , Morita Takako , Sato Yasuyuki , Hayashi Takako , Kato Aya , Iwakoshi Akari , Sato Tomoko
Published: May 2013

Aims

To clarify the diagnostic clues of ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) associated with papilloma and optimal clinical management of papilloma diagnosed on core needle biopsy (CNB).

Methods and results

A total of 50 surgically resected cases were examined histopathologically and topographically. Thirty‐nine cases (78%) spread in segmental fashion. Papilloma and DCIS were intermingled closely in 44 cases (88%), occupying the same areas in varying proportions from DCIS‐predominant to papilloma‐predominant. The two components occupied discrete areas and collided focally in six cases (12%). Most were non‐high‐grade. Cribriform and solid architectures with fibrovascular stroma were frequent. The cribriform pattern was unique, consisting of fused tubules separated by fibrovascular stroma. Intraductal myoepithelial cells were present to varying degrees in 40 cases (80%). In 38 cases (76%), points were identified where papilloma and DCIS coexisted or collided within a single lumen (CC point). Forty‐eight cases (96%) had either intraductal myoepithelial cells or CC points, implying that DCIS and papilloma existed in the same duct system. Radiology showed segmental abnormalities in 83% of the available cases.

Conclusions

Intraductal myoepithelial cells do not always guarantee benignity. Surgical resection is recommended for papilloma in CNB when radiology shows segmental abnormalities.
Microstructure Modifications and Sintering Mechanism of Ba0.55Sr0.4Ca0.05TiO3 Ceramics Containing Different MgO Additive for LTCC Application
Authors: Wang Dahao , Li Xiaolei , Jia Qianqian , Zhou Yugui , Ji Huiming , Dai Yejing
Published: May 2013

Ferroelectric Ba0.55Sr0.4Ca0.05TiO3 (BSCT) ceramics with nano‐MgO additive have been prepared by typical electrical ceramic technology sintered at 950°C for 2 h. The influence of the additive content on the sintering behaviors of BSCT ceramics is investigated. The results show that the interactions of MgO with BSCT and B2O3‐Li2O liquid sintering additive help to form wetting boundaries for accelerating densification process, promote the grain growth of BSCT ceramic. The BSCT ceramic with 20 wt% nano‐MgO possesses uniform microstructure, high densification, and superior dielectric properties. The modification mechanism of nano‐MgO on BSCT ceramic is summarized as “MgO assisted wetting sintering model.”
Low‐Temperature Sintering Microwave Characteristics of B2O3‐doped CaLa4Ti4O15 Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Hsing , Huang Ci‐Jie
Published: May 2013

Preparation and microwave dielectric properties of B2O3‐doped CaLa4Ti4O15 ceramics have been investigated. X‐ray diffraction data show that CaLa4Ti4O15 ceramic has a trigonal structure coupled with a second phase of CaLa4Ti5O17. The CaLa4Ti4O15 ceramic with addition of 0.5 wt% B2O3, sintered at 1220°C for 4 h, exhibits microwave dielectric properties with a dielectric constant of 45.8, Q × f value of 24,000 GHz, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of −19 ppm/°C. B2O3‐doped CaLa4Ti4O15 ceramics, which have better sintering behavior (decrease in sintering temperature ~ 330°C) and dielectric properties than pure CaLa4Ti4O15 ceramics, are candidates for applications in microwave devices.
How reactive extrusion with adipic acid improves the mechanical and barrier properties of starch/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) films
Authors: Silva Igor F. E. , Yamashita Fabio , Müller Carmen M. O. , Mali Suzana , Olivato Juliana B. , Bilck Ana P. , Grossmann Maria V. E.
Published: May 2013

Blends of starch with polyesters have commonly been used in the production of biodegradable films. However, the components in the blend are not always miscible; therefore, the use of compatibilisers is recommended. The objective of the present work was to study the compatibilisation effect of adipic acid (0.5%; 1.0%; 1.5% (w/w)) on films consisting of starch/glycerol/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) produced by reactive extrusion. Films compatibilised with adipic acid exhibited statistically significant increase in tensile strength (from 7.28 to 8.45–9.13 MPa), elongation (in this case only with 0.5% of adipic acid) (516.51–679.10%), Young's modulus (21.72–28.75 MPa) and reduction in water vapour permeability (9.76–8.32 × 10−11 g per s.m.Pa) compared with the control film, which lacked the compatibiliser. Films produced using the compatibiliser also presented a microstructure with fewer cracks. There were no differences in the thermal degradation and crystallinity profile of the films.
Hermeneutic phenomenology: A methodology of choice for midwives
Authors: Miles Maureen , Francis Karen , Chapman Ysanne , Taylor Beverley
Published: May 2013

Hermeneutic phenomenology has been used widely by researchers to understand lived experiences. This methodology asserts that individual people are as unique as their life stories. The practice of midwifery is underpinned by a philosophy that values women and the uniqueness of their child‐bearing journey. The tenets of hermeneutics phenomenology align with those of contemporary midwifery practice, making it a useful research methodology for providing insights into issues relevant to the profession. The purpose of this paper is to unravel some foundational concepts of hermeneutic phenomenology and recommend it as a methodology of choice for midwives to apply to their application to midwifery‐in‐action.