bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social contract and psychological contract: a comparison
Authors: Pesqueux Yvon
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The concept of contract contributes extensively to an essentialist conception of the organization (the contract would then be its essence), a descriptive method (describing the organization as a contract or set of contracts), and a normative standpoint. More recently, it has been epitomized by the “psychological contract”. The concept of contract is about will, agreement, obligation, promise, commitment, staying true to one's commitments, cooperation, sanction and bond. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these manifestations prior to comparing the notion of social contract with psychological contract based on two criteria: an anthropology of the individual and an anthropology of the contract.

Design/methodology/approach

After delineating the notion of contract (and its correlates agency, gift, exchange and association) and reviewing the “epithet‐based” contracts, the two dimensions of the contract (social and psychological) will be addressed and compared based on two anthropologies, one of the individual and one of the contract.

Findings

This comparison underscores the relevance of contractualism today and the richness of comparing across different eras and perimeters. If these two aspects have anything in common, it is whatever links the contract with sociality.

Research limitations/implications

This comparing process must underscore two limitations, namely anachronism (the two texts were written two centuries apart), and underpinning, a political underpinning in the social contract and an organizational underpinning in the psychological contract. It thus looks as though the organization was made of the same substance as the nation, which – like the notion of governance – may lead to some kind of confusion between contract and constitution, contracting power and constituent powers.

Practical implications

The paper discusses a key notion in political philosophy and organization science.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comparison between two key conceptions of the notion of contract.
The contractual forms of sexual transactions
Authors: Perseil Sonny
Published: February 2012

Purpose

To study sexual deals, the Italian ethnologist Paola Tabet introduced an original frame of analysis, the “economico‐sexual exchanges” frame, which she conceives as a continuum, from marriage to prostitution. The purpose of this paper is to know if we have to accept the idea of a sexual social contract as a holistic way of understanding, like Carole Pateman, or whether we have to admit the heterogeneity of sexual transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the social function of the contract presented by Yvon Pesqueux, this paper will try to seize the contractual forms of sexual transactions, developing at the same time in the logic of the psychological contract, in particular to approach more finely the notion of consent, a notion at the heart of the debates concerning economic sexuality and which cannot be reduced to the expression of personal freedom. Pateman's work is also too fundamental to be ignored and so the author summarizes the main ideas.

Findings

It can be said that the social reality of sexual transactions exists between two opposite contractual and anti‐contractual ideologies, between a gender idealistic point of view and a management realistic one. Individuals, men and women, are more or less free to sell or buy sexual services. If freedom exists, contracts can be spoken about; if not, a contractual point of view appears only as a justification for the strong.

Originality/value

The paper presents a sexual/gender point of view in the contractual theories.
Stepping Stones – a group therapy programme for the treatment of emotion regulation difficulties in offenders with an intellectual disability
Authors: Oxnam Paul , Gardner Emma
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The current paper aims to provide an overview of the Stepping Stones Group Therapy Programme. Stepping Stones is an innovative 42‐week programme that comprehensively addresses the emotion regulation needs of offenders with an intellectual disability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the process of implementing a group treatment programme in a secure forensic intellectual disability service.

Findings

Since the inception of the programme, there has been a reduction in both the frequency of aggression and the need for physical and chemical de‐escalation. In addition, clients have demonstrated a greater understanding of their emotional responses and an improved ability to use functional means of managing distress and solving life problems.

Originality/value

This paper shows that, although implementing group therapy programmes for clients with intellectual disabilities and co‐morbid emotion regulation difficulties can be daunting, treatment with this group of clients can be successful and rewarding.
The diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical stimulants: what do we know and why should we care?
Authors: Kaye Sharlene , Darke Shane
Published: February 2012

Aims  To examine the literature pertaining to the diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical stimulants.

Methods   Relevant literature was identified through comprehensive MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed searches.

Results  The evidence to date suggests that the prevalence of diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical stimulants varies across adolescent and young adult student populations, but is higher than that among the general population, with the highest prevalence found among adults with attention deficit–hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and users of other illicit drugs. Concerns that these practices have become more prevalent as a result of increased prescribing are not supported by large‐scale population surveys. Information on trends in misuse in countries where there have been recent increases in prescription and consumption rates, however, is limited. Little is known about the frequency and chronicity of misuse, or the extent of associated harms, particularly among those populations, i.e. adolescents, young adult student populations, those with ADHD and illicit drug users, where abuse may be more likely to occur.

Conclusions  Continued monitoring of the diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical stimulants is of major clinical importance. Despite recognition of the abuse liability of these medications, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence, patterns and harms of diversion and misuse among populations where problematic use and abuse may be most likely to occur (e.g. adolescents, young adults, illicit drug users). Comprehensive investigations of diversion and misuse among these populations should be a major research priority, as should the assessment of abuse and dependence criteria among those identified as regular users.
A comparison of the Nexfin® and transcardiopulmonary thermodilution to estimate cardiac output during coronary artery surgery
Authors: Broch O. , Renner J. , Gruenewald M. , Meybohm P. , Schöttler J. , Caliebe A. , Steinfath M. , Malbrain M. , Bein B.
Published: February 2012

The newly introduced Nexfin® device allows analysis of the blood pressure trace produced by a non‐invasive finger cuff. We compared the cardiac output derived from the Nexfin and PiCCO, using transcardiopulmonary thermodilution, during cardiac surgery. Forty patients with preserved left ventricular function undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were studied after induction of general anaesthesia and until discharge to the intensive care unit. There was a significant correlation between Nexfin and PiCCO before (r2 = 0.81, p < 0.001) and after (r2 = 0.56, p < 0.001) cardiopulmonary bypass. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated the mean bias of Nexfin to be −0.1 (95% limits of agreement −0.6 to +0.5, percentage error 23%) and −0.1 (−0.8 to +0.6, 26%) l.min−1.m−2, before and after cardiopulmonary bypass, respectively. After a passive leg‐raise was performed, there was also good correlation between the two methods, both before (r2 = 0.72, p < 0.001) and after (r2 = 0.76, p < 0.001) cardiopulmonary bypass. We conclude that the Nexfin is a reliable method of measuring cardiac output during and after cardiac surgery.
Genome‐wide identification and initial characterization of bovine long non‐coding RNAs from EST data
Authors: Huang Wen , Long Nanye , Khatib Hasan
Published: February 2012

It has become increasingly clear that the mammalian genomes produce many long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Accumulating evidence suggests important functions for lncRNAs in a variety of biological processes. However, little is known about lncRNA identity and characteristics in cattle. Using public bovine‐specific expressed sequence tags sequences, we reconstructed transcript assemblies, from which reference sequences were obtained for RNAs. Intergenic regions with evidence of transcription were screened for putative lncRNAs using the combination of a gene‐finding program and a support vector machine‐based tool for the calculation of protein‐coding potential. A total of 449 putative lncRNAs located in 405 intergenic regions were identified. Characterization of these putative bovine lncRNAs suggests that they are generally expressed in a tissue‐specific manner, their GC contents are higher than randomly selected intergenic sequences but are lower than protein‐coding genes, and they are moderately conserved among mammals. This is the first genome‐wide catalogue of putative intergenic lncRNAs in cattle and provides important targets for functional studies.
Denis Parsons Burkitt CMG, MD, DSc, FRS, FRCS, FTCD (1911–93) Irish by birth, Trinity by the grace of God
Authors: Smith Owen
Published: February 2012

Denis Parsons Burkitt, surgeon and research scientist, is a household name in the medical profession. Denis received his BA in 1933 and graduated as a physician in 1935 from Trinity College, Dublin. After serving as a surgeon in the Royal Army Medicine Corps during World War II, he worked as a surgeon and lecturer in Africa. It was in Africa that he developed exceptional observational and analytical skills, which led him to identify and formally develop a successful treatment for a childhood cancer that is now called Burkitt Lymphoma. The influence of Christianity in his life was huge. Throughout his life he remained extremely modest, attributing much of what he had achieved to the work of others. Denis's contributions to haemato‐oncology remain salient today, and his discoveries continue to generate new research. Throughout his career he received some of the highest scientific honours from many different countries across the globe.
The relationship between coronary risk factors and elevated 1‐h postload plasma glucose levels in patients with established coronary heart disease
Authors: Wu Xing , Chen Hui , Wang Yongliang , Li Hongwei
Published: February 2012

Objective

Recent studies have shown that an elevated 1‐h postload plasma glucose (1hPG) is able to identify subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) at high risk for future type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, clinical studies about the characteristics of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with elevated 1hPG are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the 1hPG level in CHD patients with NGT.

Methods

A total of 204 CHD patients with NGT were recruited. Subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, echocardiography and coronary angiography. Demographic data were recorded and blood samples obtained. According to the 1hPG cut‐off point of 8·6 mm, patients were divided into two groups: 1hPG ≥ 8·6 mm (n = 65) and 1hPG < 8·6 mm (n = 139).

Results

Compared with the 1hPG < 8·6 mm group, subjects with 1hPG ≥ 8·6 mm had a worse metabolic profile, exhibiting significantly higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride level and lower HDL‐cholesterol level. Plasma high‐sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels were higher in the 1hPG ≥ 8·6 mm group than in the 1hPG < 8·6 mm group. Coronary angiography revealed that single‐vessel changes were more frequent in the 1hPG < 8·6 mm group, but there were no significant differences in the Gensini score.

Conclusions

Patients with CHD with 1hPG ≥ 8·6 mm have a worse metabolic profile, higher levels of hsCRP and multi‐vessel coronary atherosclerosis. These findings suggest that, in patients with CHD, elevated 1hPG increases coronary risk factors and may be a marker for early‐stage glucose intolerance.
Do fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, alter their club cell investment in responses to variable risk of infection from Saprolegnia?
Authors: Pollock R J , Pollock M S , Ferrari M C O , Kaminskyj S G W , Chivers D P
Published: February 2012

Fish in the Superorder Ostariophysi possess large epidermal club cells that release chemical cues warning nearby conspecifics of danger. Despite the long‐held assumption that such club cells evolved under the selective force of predation, recent studies demonstrated that predation has no effect on club cell investment. Rather, club cells have an immune function and cell production may be stimulated by skin‐penetrating pathogens and parasites. The current work investigates whether fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, alter their club cell characteristics based on variation in infection risk. In a 2 × 3 design, we exposed minnows to infective cysts of two oomycete species (Saprolegnia ferax and S. parasitica) at three different concentrations (2, 20 or 200 cysts L−1). Club cell characteristics (number and size) were quantified 12 days after exposure. Saprolegnia parasitica is thought to be more pathogenic than S. ferax, hence we predicted greater club cell investment and a larger turnover rate of cells by minnows exposed to S. parasitica than S. ferax. We also predicted that minnows exposed to higher numbers of cysts should invest more in club cells and have a higher turnover rate of cells. We found no difference in club cell density or size between fish exposed to the two Saprolegnia species; however, fish exposed to high concentrations of pathogens had smaller club cells than those exposed to low concentrations, indicating a higher rate of turnover of cells in the epidermis.
Impaired Learning and Memory Performance in a Subclinical Hypothyroidism Rat Model Induced by Hemi‐Thyroid Electrocauterisation
Authors: Ge J.‐F. , Peng L. , Hu C.‐M. , Wu T.‐N.
Published: February 2012

It is well known that clinical hypothyroidism (CH) can induce cognitive deficits, and the decision to start treatment for CH with thyroxine is usually straightforward. However, the relationship of cognition dysfunction with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is inconsistent, and the decision concerning the need to treat SCH is controversial. In the present study, we induced a SCH rat model by hemi‐thyroid electrocauterisation; then employed a serial of behavioural tests, including a beam balance, open field task and Morris water maze (MWM), to investigate the behaviour performance of SCH rats; and finally explored the protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in the hippocampus by western blotting. The results demonstrated that hemi‐thyroid electrocauterised rats had an elevated plasma thyrotrophin‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level, with normal free thyroxine (fT4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations, which defines SCH in humans. If rat SCH is diagnosed according to measurements of both plasma TSH higher than 97.5 percentile for the sham group and fT4 in the range 2.5–97.5 percentile for the sham group, the success rate of SCH modelling was 66.6%. SCH decreased exploratory behaviour but did not affect motor function in rats, showing a negative correlation of exploratory behaviour with plasma TSH concentration. Moreover, SCH rats displayed an impairment of learning and memory ability in the MWM task, with a longer escape latency in the acquisition phase and a shorter duration in the target quadrant in the test phase compared to that of sham rats. The mechanism for this might be related to the increased plasma TSH concentration, the decreased hippocampal T3 level and the enhanced expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 in the hippocampus. The results of the present study, together with the results obtained in other studies, suggest that treatment is necessary for SCH.
Medical students’ understanding of empathy: a phenomenological study
Authors: Tavakol Sina , Dennick Reg , Tavakol Mohsen
Published: February 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 306–316

Context  Empathy towards patients is associated with improved health outcomes. However, quantitative studies using self‐reported data have not provided an in‐depth opportunity to explore the lived experiences of medical students concerning empathy.

Objectives  This study was designed to investigate undergraduate medical students’ experiences of the phenomenon of empathy during the course of their medical education and to explore the essence of their empathy.

Methods  This was a descriptive, phenomenological study of medical student interviews conducted using the method of Colaizzi and Giorgi. The sample (n = 10) was drawn from medical students in Years 4 and 5. In‐depth interviews were used to obtain a clear understanding of their experiences of empathy in the context of patient care. Interviews continued until no new information could be identified from transcripts.

Results  Five themes were identified from analysis: the meaning of empathy; willingness to empathise; innate empathic ability; empathy decline or enhancement, and empathy education. Empathic ability was manifested through two factors: innate capacity for empathy, and barriers to displaying empathy. Different experiences and explanations concerning the decline or enhancement of empathy during medical education were explored.

Conclusions  Empathic ability was identified as an important innate attribute which nevertheless can be enhanced by educational interventions. Barriers to the expression of empathy with patients were identified. Role‐modelling by clinical teachers was seen as the most important influence on empathy education for students engaged in experiential learning.
Effects of effortful swallow on esophageal function in healthy adults
Authors: Nekl C. G. , Lintzenich C. R. , Leng X. , Lever T. , Butler S. G.
Published: February 2012

Background  Treatment for esophageal dysmotility is currently limited to primarily pharmacologic intervention, which has questionable utility and frequently associated negative side effects. A potential behavioral intervention for esophageal dysmotility is the effortful oropharyngeal swallow. A previous pilot study using water perfusion manometry found an increase in distal esophageal amplitudes during effortful vs non‐effortful swallowing. The current study sought to duplicate the previous study with improvements in methodology.

Methods  The effects of swallow condition (effortful vs non‐effortful), sensor site, and gender on esophageal amplitude, duration, velocity, and bolus clearance were examined for 18 adults (nine males and nine females, mean age = 29.9 years) via combined solid‐state manometry and intraluminal impedance.

Key Results  The effortful swallow condition yielded significantly higher esophageal amplitudes across all sensor locations (P < 0.05). Further, the effortful swallowing decreased the risk of incomplete bolus clearance when compared with non‐effortful swallowing (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.30–0.86).

Conclusions & Inferences  With improved manometric instrumentation, larger participant numbers, and methodology that controlled for potential confounding factors, this study confirms and advances the results of the previous pilot study: Volitional manipulation of the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing using the effortful swallow indeed affects esophageal physiology. Thus, the effortful swallow offers a behavioral manipulation of the esophageal phase of swallowing, and future studies will determine its clinical potential for treating esophageal dysmotility in patient populations.
A biobank of primary teeth within the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa): a resource for the future
Authors: Tvinnereim Helene Meyer , Lygre Gunvor Bentung , Haug Kjell , Schreuder Patricia , Klock Kristin
Published: February 2012

Tvinnereim HM, Lygre GB, Haug K, Schreuder P, Klock K. A biobank of primary teeth within the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa): a resource for the future. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 264–271.

The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) is a prospective population‐based cohort study including >100 000 pregnancies and following the children through childhood, using questionnaires and collecting biological samples. The aim of MoBa is to test specific aetiological hypotheses by estimating the association between exposure and disease, aiming at prevention. A biobank for exfoliated primary teeth collected from the children participating in MoBa has been established (MoBaTooth Biobank). Samples of tooth tissues from the primary dentition can give information about exposure to toxic and essential elements during fetal life and early infancy. Prenatally and postnatally formed tooth tissues permanently document early exposures unlike other biomarkers, as teeth form incrementally at a known rate. Results from tooth analyses will be coupled with corresponding information in the multiple questionnaires and data from analysis of other biological samples collected by MoBa. Invitations to donate one or more teeth are sent to all mothers/children in the period 2008–2016, when the child is 6.75 years old. By August 2011, 7400 participants had been recorded into the MoBaTooth database donating altogether 9798 teeth (1.3 teeth per child). The response rate was 24%, but there is a lag of >1 year in the response. Data from the tooth biobank can supply MoBa with important additional information on the uptake of trace elements during fetal life and early infancy. This information can illuminate possible causal factors of health and disease in the future.
Barite in the ocean – occurrence, geochemistry and palaeoceanographic applications
Authors: GRIFFITH ELIZABETH M. , PAYTAN ADINA
Published: February 2012

The mineral barite (BaSO4) can precipitate in a variety of oceanic settings: in the water column, on the sea floor and within marine sediments. The geological setting where barite forms ultimately determines the geochemistry of the precipitated mineral and its usefulness for various applications. Specifically, the isotopic and elemental composition of major and trace elements in barite carry information about the solution(s) from which it precipitated. Barite precipitated in the water column (marine or pelagic barite) can be used as a recorder of changes in sea water chemistry through time. Barite formed within sediments or at the sea floor from pore water fluids (diagenetic or cold seeps barite) can aid in understanding fluid flow and sedimentary redox processes, and barite formed in association with hydrothermal activity (hydrothermal barite) provides information about conditions of crust alteration around hydrothermal vents. The accumulation rate of marine barite in oxic‐pelagic sediments can also be used to reconstruct past changes in ocean productivity. Some key areas for future work on the occurrence and origin of barite include: fully characterizing the mechanisms of precipitation of marine barite in the water column; understanding the role and potential significance of bacteria in barite precipitation; quantifying parameters controlling barite preservation in sediments; determining the influence of diagenesis on barite geochemistry; and investigating the utility of additional trace components in barite.
Divergent functions of the myotubularin (MTM) homologs AtMTM1 and AtMTM2 in Arabidopsis thaliana: evolution of the plant MTM family
Authors: Ding Yong , Ndamukong Ivan , Zhao Yang , Xia Yuannan , Riethoven Jean‐Jack , Jones David R. , Divecha Nullin , Avramova Zoya
Published: February 2012

Myotubularin and myotubularin‐related proteins are evolutionarily conserved in eukaryotes. Defects in their function result in muscular dystrophy, neuronal diseases and leukemia in humans. In contrast to the animal lineage, where genes encoding both active and inactive myotubularins (phosphoinositide 3‐phosphatases) have appeared and proliferated in the basal metazoan group, myotubularin genes are not found in the unicellular relatives of green plants. However, they are present in land plants encoding proteins highly similar to the active metazoan enzymes. Despite their remarkable structural conservation, plant and animal myotubularins have significantly diverged in their functions. While loss of myotubularin function causes severe disease phenotypes in humans it is not essential for the cellular homeostasis under normal conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana. Instead, myotubularin deficiency is associated with altered tolerance to dehydration stress. The two Arabidopsis genes AtMTM1 and AtMTM2 have originated from a segmental chromosomal duplication and encode catalytically active enzymes. However, only AtMTM1 is involved in elevating the cellular level of phosphatidylinositol 5‐phosphate in response to dehydration stress, and the two myotubularins differentially affect the Arabidopsis dehydration stress‐responding transcriptome. AtMTM1 and AtMTM2 display different localization patterns in the cell, consistent with the idea that they associate with different membranes to perform specific functions. A single amino acid mutation in AtMTM2 (L250W) results in a dramatic loss of subcellular localization. Mutations in this region are linked to disease conditions in humans.
Oxidative stress protection and stomatal patterning as components of salinity tolerance mechanism in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)
Authors: Shabala Lana , Mackay Alex , Tian Yu , Jacobsen Sven‐Erik , Zhou Daowei , Shabala Sergey
Published: February 2012

Two components of salinity stress are a reduction in water availability to plants and the formation of reactive oxygen species. In this work, we have used quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), a dicotyledonous C3 halophyte species displaying optimal growth at approximately 150 mM NaCl, to study mechanisms by which halophytes cope with the afore‐mentioned components of salt stress. The relative contribution of organic and inorganic osmolytes in leaves of different physiological ages (e.g. positions on the stem) was quantified and linked with the osmoprotective function of organic osmolytes. We show that the extent of the oxidative stress (UV‐B irradiation) damage to photosynthetic machinery in young leaves is much less when compared with old leaves, and attribute this difference to the difference in the size of the organic osmolyte pool (1.5‐fold difference under control conditions; sixfold difference in plants grown at 400 mM NaCl). Consistent with this, salt‐grown plants showed higher Fv/Fm values compared with control plants after UV‐B exposure. Exogenous application of physiologically relevant concentrations of glycine betaine substantially mitigated oxidative stress damage to PSII, in a dose‐dependent manner. We also show that salt‐grown plants showed a significant (approximately 30%) reduction in stomatal density observed in all leaves. It is concluded that accumulation of organic osmolytes plays a dual role providing, in addition to osmotic adjustment, protection of photosynthetic machinery against oxidative stress in developing leaves. It is also suggested that salinity‐induced reduction in stomatal density represents a fundamental mechanism by which plants optimize water use efficiency under saline conditions.
Rapid evolution of parasite life history traits on an expanding range‐edge
Authors: Kelehear Crystal , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard
Published: February 2012

Ecology Letters (2012) 15: 329–337

Parasites of invading species undergoing range advance may be exposed to powerful new selective forces. Low host density in range‐edge populations hampers parasite transmission, requiring the parasite to survive longer periods in the external environment before encountering a potential host. These conditions should favour evolutionary shifts in offspring size to maximise parasite transmission. We conducted a common‐garden experiment to compare life history traits among seven populations of the nematode lungworm (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala) spanning from the parasite population core to the expanding range‐edge in invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in tropical Australia. Compared to conspecifics from the population core, nematodes from the range‐edge exhibited larger eggs, larger free‐living adults and larger infective larvae, and reduced age at maturity in parasitic adults. These results support a priori predictions regarding adaptive changes in offspring size as a function of invasion history, and suggest that parasite life history traits can evolve rapidly in response to the selective forces exerted by a biological invasion.
The evolution of parasitoid fecundity: a paradigm under scrutiny
Authors: Jervis Mark A. , Moe Annika , Heimpel George E.
Published: February 2012

Ecology Letters(2012)15: 357–364

An important assumption in insect parasitoid life‐history theory is that, within parasitoid complexes (species assemblages associated with particular hosts), members attacking young host stages are more fecund than members targeting older ones. This hypothesis reflects the general trajectory of host survivorship curves: as a host cohort ages, availability to female parasitoids declines, as can the risk that the host – and the parasitoid offspring it carries – succumbs to extrinsic mortality. However, the analyses that provided empirical support for the hypothesis did not control for phylogeny. Using the original datasets, we use phylogenetically corrected analyses to test whether the results of the seminal study are upheld. Although we show those findings to be robust, the decline in fecundity could be a sampling artefact. We conclude that it would be unwise to assume the paradigm to be generally representative of natural parasitoid complexes.
Utilising creative methodologies to elicit the views of young learners with additional needs in literacy
Authors: LONG LOUISE , MCPHILLIPS THÉRÈSE , SHEVLIN MICHAEL , SMITH RON
Published: February 2012

The research described in this article aimed to explore and examine the dominant ‘assessment’ and ‘participation’ stories of upper‐primary pupils with long‐standing and marked literacy learning needs, their views on how their level of participation in the assessment and remediation of their additional needs might be increased and also how they perceive themselves as literacy learners. This qualitative small‐scale study adopted a case study approach and utilised creative methodologies in the context of focus groups to investigate sensitively the views and experiences of Key Stage 2 pupils with additional needs in literacy. The findings discussed here are based on the outcomes from the four Northern Irish schools that participated in the original cross‐border (Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland) study. Findings are discussed in the context of strategies for promoting holistic and empowering pathways for learners with additional needs in literacy.
Living with autistic spectrum disorder: parental experiences of raising a child with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)
Authors: GLAZZARD JONATHAN , OVERALL KATY
Published: February 2012

The focus of the study was to explore parental experiences of raising a child with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). A mixed‐method approach consisting of questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews was used in order to elicit parental perspectives of raising a child with ASD. Two semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with ASD. Questionnaires were sent to parents of children with ASD in two special schools. The findings indicate that although each of the parents had a child with ASD, their experiences were all different. Many interesting accounts were documented and a wealth of information regarding the characteristic traits that children with ASD portray was recorded. The findings suggested that the majority of the parents experienced a low level of support from agencies and professionals. The general verdict was that of poor communication and a lack of understanding of parents' needs following formal diagnosis. Finally, a series of coping strategies were discovered ranging from family support to paid help.
Voices of students with special educational needs (SEN): views on schooling
Authors: PRUNTY ANITA , DUPONT MAEVE , MCDAID RORY
Published: February 2012

As important decisions are being made with regard to educational legislation, policy and provision for children with special educational needs (SEN), it is critical that the views of these key stakeholders are heard and considered. This article reports the perspectives of 38 children and young people with special educational needs on their schooling which formed part of a national review of the role of special schools and special classes in Ireland. Findings from the focus groups and individual interviews point to more favourable support for learning and social issues in special schools and special classes than in mainstream classes. Friendship is a recurrent theme in students' accounts and appears to mediate their enjoyment of school. The implications are considered with reference to research, policy and practice and the authors conclude that educators and policy makers should provide increased opportunities for students to play an active part in matters affecting them.
The Sherborne Developmental Movement (SDM) teaching model for pre‐service teachers
Authors: HEN MEIRAV , WALTER OFRA
Published: February 2012

Previously, the Sherborne Developmental Movement (SDM) has been found to contribute to the development of emotional competencies in higher education. This study presents and evaluates a teaching model based on SDM for the development of emotional competencies in teacher education. The study examined the contributions of this model to the increase of emotional competencies in 67 future educators. Measurements included reflective diaries, questionnaires, a final project and emotional intelligence and empathy scales. Findings indicated that SDM activities integrated into a teaching model created social interactions that evoked emotional understanding of self and others, improving emotional competencies.
Diet and prey selection of the southern marsupial mole: an enigma from Australia's sand deserts
Authors: Pavey C. R. , Burwell C. J. , Benshemesh J.
Published: February 2012

The two marsupial moles are the sole extant members of the order Notoryctemorphia, an ancient Australian lineage, with extreme adaptations for fossoriality. We tested whether the order conforms to the expectation that the low productivity of subterranean environments results in subterranean mammals being generalist feeders. To do this, we examined diet, invertebrate availability in foraging areas and prey selection by the southern marsupial mole or Itjaritjari Notoryctes typhlops, which occupies the sand deserts of southern and central Australia. Because the species is so infrequently encountered, we examined digestive tracts from museum specimens which themselves are rare; we obtained access to ∼12% of all specimens available in Australia's museums. Our invertebrate sampling protocol was based on a novel survey method, which, for the first time, enables quantification of the distribution and habitat use of N. typhlops. We sampled topographic positions on sandridges and areas of the soil profile (0–70 cm) where marsupial moles forage. Rarefaction methods indicated our sample size was sufficient to record the majority of prey items. Material in digestive tracts of 16 specimens consisted of five insect orders (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera and Orthoptera), scorpions, spiders and plant material. N. typhlops consumed two main prey types: social insects (ants and termites) and the larvae of beetles. Ants, termites and beetle larvae were also the main invertebrates captured in soil cores on sandridges; other invertebrates combined contributed <5% to abundance. Prey selection assessment using Jacobs' index and Bonferroni confidence intervals indicated an active avoidance of termites (D = −0.61), whereas ants (D = −0.13) and beetle larvae (D = 0.57) and all other prey categories were taken in proportion to availability. Our results show that N. typhlops is best classed as a dietary generalist despite its specialized adaptations for a subterranean lifestyle.
Can species distribution modelling provide estimates of population densities? A case study with jaguars in the Neotropics
Authors: Tôrres Natália M. , De Marco Paulo , Santos Thiago , Silveira Leandro , de Almeida Jácomo Anah T. , Diniz‐Filho José A. F.
Published: February 2012

Aim  To test the prediction that environmental suitability derived from species distribution modelling (SDM) could be a surrogate for jaguar local population density estimates.

Location  Americas.

Methods  We used 1409 occurrence records of jaguars to model the distribution of the species using 11 SDM methods. We tested whether models’ suitability is linearly correlated with jaguar population densities estimated from 37 different locations. We evaluated whether the relationship between density and suitability forms a constraint envelope, in which higher densities are found mainly in regions with high suitability, whereas low densities can occur in regions with variable suitability. We tested this using heteroscedasticity test and quantile regressions.

Results  A positive linear relationship between suitability and jaguar density was found only for four methods [bioclimatic envelope (BIOCLIM), genetic algorithm for rule set production (GARP), maximum entropy (Maxent) and generalized boosting models (GBM)], but with weak explanatory power. BIOCLIM showed the strongest relationship. Variance of suitability for lower densities values was larger than for higher values for many of the SDM models used, but the quantile regression was significantly positive only for BIOCLIM and random forests (RF). RF and GBM provided the most accurate models when measured with the standard SDM evaluation metrics, but possess poor relationship with local density estimates.

Main conclusions  Results indicate that the relationship between density and suitability could be better described as a triangular constraint envelope than by a straight positive relationship, and some of the SDM methods tested here were able to discriminate regions with high or low local population densities. Low jaguar densities can occur in areas with low or high suitability, whereas high values are restricted to areas where the suitability is greater. In high suitability areas but with low jaguar density estimates, we discuss how extrinsic factors driving abundance could act at local scales and then prevent higher densities that would be expected by the favourable regional environmental conditions.
Jews in Early Modern Europe: The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries
Authors: Kaplan Debra
Published: February 2012

In recent decades, research has pointed to an early modern period, in which great transformation took place. By focusing on local studies, scholars have recognized that Jews and Christians residing in Europe interacted with one another, sharing daily experiences as well as important cultural developments. The Jews living in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries experienced many changes, first and foremost among them demographic migrations. Developments such as the Renaissance, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, the Scientific Revolution, and the invention of moveable type altered life for Jews and Christians of Europe alike. Further research in this field should include social history, as well as the transregional connections between Jews living in different regions.
Representations of Apartheid and Resistance in Documentary Film
Authors: Moyer‐Duncan Cara
Published: February 2012

Although there has been a surge of interest in South African cinema studies since the end of apartheid, relatively little has been written on documentary film and apartheid era resistance. During the apartheid era, documentary film was used to capture both the atrocities of apartheid and resistance to it. These films not only created a historical record of events in South Africa, but they also became important political tools in mobilizing support against the apartheid regime. In the post‐apartheid era, the anti‐apartheid movement remains a popular theme in documentary film, serving as a site for reflecting on and reclaiming history. This article provides an overview of apartheid and resistance in documentary films produced both during and after apartheid, and suggests how these films can broaden our understanding of South African history and be used as guideposts for addressing some of the challenges that face South Africa today.
The use of propofol sedation in a paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Svensson Marie‐Louise , Lindberg Lars
Published: February 2012

Background: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate and report the experience of the use of continuous intravenous propofol sedation in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods: All children younger than 16 years who were admitted to the PICU at a University Hospital for slightly more than a year and received propofol infusion were included prospectively and data were recorded before and within 6 h after completion of the propofol infusion.

Results: A total of 174 out of 955 children (18·2%) received propofol infusion for sedation. The median age was 2 years 10 months (range: 2 months to 16 years), duration of propofol infusion 13 h (range: 1·6–179 h) and dose of propofol 2·9 mg/kg/h (range: 0·3–6·5 mg/kg/h). No one developed signs of the propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS). Neither dose >3 mg/kg/h, duration of infusion >48 h nor both were found to be related to adverse metabolic derangements or circulatory failure. Eight children increased their lactate concentration ≥1·8 mmol/L during propofol infusion. All had a favourable outcome. One child who had received propofol infusion for 10 h died, but this occurred 14 h after the infusion ceased and was without doubt attributed to a multiple organ failure not related to the propofol infusion.

Conclusion: Propofol infusion was used in this population at low risk of PRIS with no metabolic or circulatory adverse effects. These findings indicate that the occurrence of adverse effects may not be directly related to dose or duration of infusion, but emphasizes the risk that sporadic factors may be involved, such as genetic mutations. Guidelines are presented.
Assessment of the Average Price and Ethanol Content of Alcoholic Beverages by Brand—United States, 2011
Authors: DiLoreto Joanna T. , Siegel Michael , Hinchey Danielle , Valerio Heather , Kinzel Kathryn , Lee Stephanie , Chen Kelsey , Shoaff Jessica R. , Kenney Jessica , Jernigan David H. , DeJong William
Published: February 2012

Background

There are no existing data on alcoholic beverage prices and ethanol (EtOH) content at the level of alcohol brand. A comprehensive understanding of alcohol prices and EtOH content at the brand level is essential for the development of effective public policy to reduce alcohol use among underage youth. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess alcoholic beverage prices and EtOH content at the brand level.

Methods

Using online alcohol price data from 15 control states and 164 online alcohol stores, we estimated the average alcohol price and percent alcohol by volume for 900 brands of alcohol, across 17 different alcoholic beverage types, in the United States in 2011.

Results

There is considerable variation in both brand‐specific alcohol prices and EtOH content within most alcoholic beverage types. For many types of alcohol, the within‐category variation between brands exceeds the variation in average price and EtOH content among the several alcoholic beverage types. Despite differences in average prices between alcoholic beverage types, in 12 of the 16 alcoholic beverage types, customers can purchase at least 1 brand of alcohol that is under $1 per ounce of EtOH.

Conclusions

Relying on data or assumptions about alcohol prices and EtOH content at the level of alcoholic beverage type is insufficient for understanding and influencing youth drinking behavior. Surveillance of alcohol prices and EtOH content at the brand level should become a standard part of alcohol research.
Do People Who “Mature Out” of Drinking See Themselves as More Mature?
Authors: Winograd Rachel P. , Littlefield Andrew K. , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: February 2012

Background

Self‐perceptions of adulthood during the 20s and 30s are influenced by role transitions, age‐related norms, and character traits. These factors are also associated with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), which peak and subsequently decrease during this time of life. Previous developmental research has found that alcohol misuse in adolescence predicts lower reported maturity, whereas alcohol misuse in emerging adulthood is not related to maturity. This study examines how self‐perceived maturity (SPM) is affected by AUD status, maturity‐related personality characteristics, and role transition variables at ages 25, 29, and 35, and how those relationships change over time.

Methods

Data were drawn from a cohort study of 410 college students (N = 489 at baseline). Students were ascertained as first‐time freshmen at a large, public midwestern university in the fall of 1987 but were followed up regardless of subsequent enrollment. The data for the current study were drawn from Waves 5 to 7, when participants were, on average, 25, 29, and 35 years of age. Structural equation modeling was used to determine whether the relation between the SPM item “I feel mature for my age” and DSM‐III AUD status was moderated by age.

Results

Results suggested that individuals with AUDs are more likely to endorse lower SPM levels compared to their nondiagnosing peers at ages 29 and 35 but not at age 25. In contrast, none of the relations between Conscientiousness, concern about Future Consequences, role status variables, and AUD was moderated by time.

Conclusions

These results suggest that alcohol‐related problems may be perceived as more “age appropriate” during the mid‐20s than at later ages in life and that such developmentally sensitive aspects of self‐concept might be useful in cognitive interventions for young adults.
Ethanol Sensitivity in High Drinking in the Dark Selectively Bred Mice
Authors: Crabbe John C. , Kruse Lauren C. , Colville Alexandre M. , Cameron Andy J. , Spence Stephanie E. , Schlumbohm Jason P. , Huang Lawrence C. , Metten Pamela
Published: February 2012

Background

Mouse lines are being selectively bred in replicate for high blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) achieved after a short period of ethanol (EtOH) drinking early in the circadian dark phase. High Drinking in the Dark‐1 (HDID‐1) mice were in selected generation S18, and the replicate HDID‐2 line in generation S11.

Methods

To determine other traits genetically correlated with high DID, we compared naïve animals from both lines with the unselected, segregating progenitor stock, HS/Npt. Differences between HDID‐1 and HS would imply commonality of genetic influences on DID and these traits.

Results

HDID‐1 mice showed less basal activity, greater EtOH stimulated activity, and greater sensitivity to EtOH‐induced foot slips than HS. They showed lesser sensitivity to acute EtOH hypothermia and longer duration loss of righting reflex than HS. HDID‐1 and control HS lines did not differ in sensitivity on 2 measures of intoxication, the balance beam and the accelerating rotarod. None of the acute response results could be explained by differences in EtOH metabolism. HDID‐2 differed from HS on some, but not all, of the above responses.

Conclusions

These results show that some EtOH responses share common genetic control with reaching high BECs after DID, a finding consistent with other data regarding genetic contributions to EtOH responses.