bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using SMS quiz in teaching and learning
Authors: Abu Ziden Azidah , Faizal Abdul Rahman Muhammad
Published: December 2012

Purpose

This paper discusses the development of a system using SMS (short messaging system) to facilitate learning and also as a new method in the evaluation of teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of a system that uses SMS for the quiz is proposed as an alternative for formative assessment of teaching and learning for courses at institutions of higher learning in Malaysia. The fundamental idea of the SMS assessment system is based on the SMS function which is the basic feature of the normal mobile phone to receive and send text messages at anytime and anywhere. This will allow the formative assessment to be done in a course with a more flexible approach.

Findings

It is found that the quiz through SMS has the potential to be used in the teaching and learning environment. However there are some constraints and issues in the operation of this system that needs to be addressed before the system can be utilized optimally. These constraints and issues involve the system stability, the users/students and other general issues.

Originality/value

This article offers a new alternative for lecturers, teachers and students in the implementation of formative assessment quizzes via SMS.
Unique features of the motility and structures in the flagellate polar region of Campylobacter jejuni and other species: an electron microscopic study
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuo , Takano Tomomi , Higuchi Wataru , Hung Wei‐Chun , Reva Ivan , Yabe Shizuka , Iwao Yasuhisa , Khokhlova Olga
Published: December 2012

Similarly to Helicobacter pylori but unlike Vibrio cholerae O1/O139, Campylobacter jejuni is non‐motile at 20°C but highly motile at ≥37°C. The bacterium C. jejuni has one of the highest swimming speeds reported (>100 μm/s), especially at 42°C. Straight and spiral bacterial shapes share the same motility. C. jejuni has a unique structure in the flagellate polar region, which is characterized by a cup‐like structure (beneath the inner membrane), a funnel shape (opening onto the polar surface) and less dense space (cytoplasm). Other Campylobacter species (coli, fetus, and lari) have similar motility and flagellate polar structures, albeit with slight differences. This is especially true for Campylobacter fetus, which has a flagellum only at one pole and a cup‐like structure composed of two membranes.
A field usable qualitative anti‐protective antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for serodiagnosis of human anthrax
Authors: Ghosh Neha , Tomar Indu , Goel Ajay Kumar
Published: December 2012

Although all mammals, including humans, are vulnerable when they come into direct contact with infected animals, anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivorous animals. In countries like India, cutaneous anthrax is a public health problem in several regions. Hence, a simple and efficacious serodiagnostic assay for large scale surveillance of endemic populations is required. In the present study, a field‐usable, qualitative ELISA was developed for serodiagnosis of human anthrax. Results are assessed on a visual basis and no sophisticated instruments are required. Anti‐protective antigen (PA) IgG was determined by visual examination of ELISA results of 225 human serum samples (160 from healthy humans, 5 from PA vaccinated individuals and 60 from confirmed anthrax cases). Comparison of the ELISA results with the results obtained from optical density values showed compatible sensitivity and specificity. Assay sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were found to be 100%. The developed assay could be a very useful tool for serological diagnosis of anthrax infection in humans.
Two Mallotus species of different life histories adopt different defense strategies in relation to leaf age
Authors: Yamawo Akira , Tagawa Jun , Suzuki Nobuhiko
Published: December 2012

Plants defend their leaves using multiple defense traits that change functions with leaf age. We examined the effects of leaf age on the development of multiple defense traits in two related Mallotus (Euphorbiaceae) species: young plants of the fast‐growing Mallotus japonicus (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. and the slow‐growing Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Müll. Arg. Sequential leaves of the two species were measured for their leaf area, leaf mass/area, densities of trichomes and pellucid dots, extrafloral nectar volume, and the numbers of extrafloral nectaries and pearl bodies. Mallotus japonicus shifted its defense tactics from direct defense using trichomes and pellucid dots in young leaves to biotic defense using extrafloral nectar and pearl bodies in middle‐aged leaves. In contrast, M. philippensis used direct, chemical defense throughout all leaf ages, together with the shift from indirect, biotic defense using extrafloral nectar in young leaves to direct, physical defense using leaf toughness in middle‐aged leaves. These results strongly suggest that, in relation to life history, plants can alter optimal combinations of multiple defense traits with leaf age.
Evaluating the impact of the new National Award for SENCos: transforming landscapes or gardening in a gale?
Authors: Griffiths Dominic , Dubsky Rachel
Published: December 2012

This study, authored by Dominic Griffiths and Rachel Dubsky, both of Manchester Metropolitan University, considers the impact of the new National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NASENCo) in one English local authority. Data on the impacts upon both SENCos' personal professional development and upon their schools are drawn from semi‐structured interviews with six SENCOs, their headteachers and one colleague from each of their schools. Factors that appear to have enhanced or modified the impact of the training are identified. The article discussed, firstly, the emerging theme of SENCos' own perceptions of their role, and then the implications of the study's findings for future NASENCo course design.
Children with epilepsy: a review of the international literature using a quality of life lens
Authors: Roberts Jillian , Whiting‐MacKinnon Cheryl
Published: December 2012

Epilepsy affects between 0.3 and 0.6% of Canadian children aged 18 years and younger, and is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurological disorders among children in Canada as well as Europe. As such, it is likely that teachers will experience having a child with epilepsy in the classroom. Understanding how best to support children with epilepsy can contribute to their positive adaptation and quality of life. This article, written by Jillian Roberts and Cheryl Whiting‐MacKinnon of the University of Victoria, British Columbia, reviews literature examining the social, emotional, physical and academic effects of epilepsy on children's lives, and explores the implications of these effects for their quality of life and school experiences.
A design model: the Autism Spectrum Disorder Classroom Design Kit
Authors: McAllister Keith , Maguire Barry
Published: December 2012

Architects and designers have a responsibility to provide an inclusive built environment. However, for those with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the built environment can be a frightening and confusing place, difficult to negotiate and tolerate. The challenge of integrating more fully into society is denied by an alienating built environment. For ASD pupils in a poorly designed school, their environment can distance them from learning. Instead, if more at ease in their surroundings, in an ASD‐friendly environment, the ASD pupil stands a greater chance of doing better. However, a difficulty exists in that most architects are not knowledgeable in designing for those with ASD. Any available design guidelines for architects tend, because of the inherent difficulties associated with a spectrum, to be general in their information. Therefore, in order to provide an ASD‐friendly learning environment, there is a need to ensure that teachers, as the experts, can most clearly and effectively impart their knowledge and requirements to architects. This article, written by Keith McAllister and Barry Maguire, both from Queen's University Belfast, sets out the challenges and difficulties inherent in the design process when designing for those with ASD. It then sets out an alternative strategy to the usual method of drawing‐centric dialogue between teacher and architect by using models instead as a basis for a more common language. An ASD Classroom Design Kit was designed and developed by architecture students at Queen's University Belfast. It was then used by ASD teaching staff from the Southern Education and Library Board in Northern Ireland as a case study to trial its effectiveness. This article outlines how the study was carried out before concluding with reflections by both teaching staff and architect on using the ASD Classroom Design Kit. It is hoped, firstly, that this article will highlight the need for better dialogue between expert and architect when considering ASD and the built environment and, secondly, that it may encourage others to consider using models to convey their ideas and knowledge when designing, not just for ASD, but for other special educational needs and disabilities.
Comparative effects of insecticides with different mechanisms of action on Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): Lethal, sublethal and dose–response effects
Authors: Joao Zotti Moises , Dionel Grutzmacher Anderson , Heres Lopes Isac , Smagghe Guy
Published: December 2012

The comprehensive knowledge that the delayed systemic and reproduction side effects can be even more deleterious than acute toxicity, has caused a shift in focus toward sublethal effects assessment on physiology and behavior of beneficial insects. In this study, we assessed the risks posed by some insecticides with different mode of action through lethal and delayed systemic sublethal effects on the pupation, adult emergence, and reproduction of the chrysopid Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861; Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), an important predator in pest biological control. The maximum field recommended dose (MFRD) and twice (2×MFRD) for chlorantraniliprole, tebufenozide, and pyriproxyfen were harmless to C. externa. In contrast, all the tested chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) were highly detrimental to the predator, despite of their lack of acute lethal toxicity. Therefore, the safety assumed by using IGRs toward beneficial insects is not valid for chrysopids. Dose–response data showed that although all CSIs have a similar mechanism of action, the relative extent of toxicity may differ (novaluron > lufenuron > teflubenzuron). For CSIs, the delayed systemic effects became obvious at adult emergence, where the predicted no observable effect dose (NOED) was 1/2 048 of the MFRD for novaluron (0.085 ng/insect), and 1/256 of the MFRD for both lufenuron (0.25 ng/insect) and teflubenzuron (0.6 ng/insect). Finally, this work emphasized the significance of performing toxicity risk assessments with an adequate posttreatment period to avoid underestimating the toxicities of insecticides, as the acute lethal toxicity assays may not provide accurate information regarding the long‐range effects of hazardous compounds.
Industry Identification through Ratio Analysis
Authors: Bujaki Merridee , Durocher Sylvain
Published: December 2012

This case is designed to help students “see through the numbers”. Written initially for MBA students and senior analysts attending executive education sessions, it provides participants with (1) a common‐size balance sheet and selected financial ratios for ten anonymous Canadian public companies, and (2) a list of ten diverse industry sectors. Participants are invited to reflect on the meanings of the different ratios provided in order to match the anonymous companies with their corresponding industry sector. Seeing through the numbers fosters the development of participants' analytical skills, and group discussions contribute to the sharing of participants' knowledge about the various industry segments involved.
Overcoming Barriers to Addressing Education Problems With Research Design: A Panel Discussion
Authors: Yarris Lalena M. , Gruppen Larry D. , Hamstra Stanley J. , Anders Ericsson K. , Cook David A.
Published: December 2012

A plenary panel session at the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference “Education Research in Emergency Medicine: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Success” discussed barriers educators face in imagining, designing, and implementing studies to address educational challenges. This proceedings article presents a general approach to getting started in education research. Four examples of studies from the medical education literature that illustrate a distinct way to approach specific research questions are discussed. The study designs used are applicable to a variety of education research problems in emergency medicine (EM). Potential applications of studies are discussed, as well as effects and lessons learned.
New methods in the battle against cane toads: when should we move from research to implementation?
Authors: Pizzatto L. , Shine R.
Published: December 2012

Read the Feature Paper: Typhoid Mary in the frogpond: can we use native frogs to disseminate a lungworm biocontrol for invasive cane toads?

Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Is Typhoid Mary a good role model? ; Benefits and costs of using a lungworm parasite to control invasive toads in Australia
Corporate Governance, Legal System, and Stock Market Liquidity: Evidence Around the World
Authors: Chung Kee H. , Kim Joon‐Seok , Park Kwangwoo , Sung Taeyoon
Published: December 2012

This study shows that firms in the common law countries tend to have better corporate governance structures and greater stock market liquidity than firms in civil law countries. Stock market liquidity is greater for firms with a superior governance structure regardless of the legal origins of the relevant country (i.e., in both common and civil law countries), than for firms with an inferior governance structure. Our findings suggest that legal and regulatory environments for protecting shareholders at the country level and good corporate governance at the firm level are complementary because strong shareholder protection rights reinforce the effectiveness of corporate governance in improving stock market liquidity.
Characteristics of anaphylaxis‐inducing IgG immune complexes triggering murine passive systemic anaphylaxis
Authors: Jiao D. , Liu Y. , Lu X. , Pan Q. , Zheng J. , Liu B. , Liu Y. , Wang Y. , Fu N.
Published: December 2012

Background

With the broad and increasing application of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical settings, IgG‐induced allergic reactions, including passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), have attracted significant attention. However, it is not clear which types of IgG mAb–antigen complexes or IgG aggregates formed by antigen binding can trigger PSA, as not all immune complexes (ICs) are capable of triggering PSA. Here, we characterise mAb–antigen complexes capable of inducing murine PSA to evaluate and predict which ICs are able to induce PSA.

Methods

Thirty‐six combinatory reactions with eight antigens and 27 corresponding mAbs were used to trigger PSA, which was defined by rectal temperature. Sandwich ELISA, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) induction and flow cytometry analysis of CD16/32 (FcγRIII/II) expression were used to characterise the ICs. The dynamic concentrations of antigen in the peripheral blood were measured by ELISA.

Results

Only 14 of the 36 ICs could trigger PSA and thus be termed anaphylaxis‐inducing immune complexes (Ai‐ICs). The Ai‐ICs could be characterised by constructing sandwich ELISA, inducing PCA and down‐regulating CD16/32 (FcγRIII/II) expression on blood neutrophils in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the occurrence and severity of PSA was found to be associated with the instantaneous concentration of antigen in the peripheral blood in the presence of antibody.

Conclusions

Only Ai‐ICs, not all ICs, could trigger IgG‐mediated PSA, which could be characterised by the above simple methods. The occurrence and severity of PSA was associated with the instantaneous concentration of antigen in the peripheral blood in the presence of antibody.
The lactase persistence ‐13910C>T polymorphism shows indication of association with abdominal obesity among Portuguese children
Authors: Albuquerque David , Nóbrega Clévio , Manco Licínio
Published: December 2012

Aim

The ‐13910C>T single nucleotide polymorphism located upstream of the lactase gene (LCT) was found tightly associated with lactase persistence in European populations. Recently, it was also associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity in European adults. The aim of this study was to test the association of ‐13910C>T polymorphism with obesity‐related traits and risk of obesity in children.

Methods

We genotyped 580 Portuguese children (6–12‐year‐olds) for the ‐13910C>T polymorphism using TaqMan probes by real‐time PCR. Anthropometric measurements were assessed in all children. Obesity was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut‐offs and abdominal obesity using the sex and age‐specific ≥90th waist circumference percentile.

Results

We found indication for an association between the‐13910*T allele and children abdominal obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.03–1.94; p = 0.030). Under the dominant model, the indicative association was observed between the LCT‐13910 CT/TT genotypes and abdominal obesity, remaining significant after adjustment for age and gender (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.04–2.60; p = 0.029). No association was detected with the risk of obesity (p = 0.350).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the ‐13910C>T polymorphism may predispose to abdominal obesity in Portuguese children. The association with BMI or risk of obesity, previously observed in adults, was not confirmed.
Identification of the integrin β3 L718P mutation in a pedigree with autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia with anisocytosis
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Matsui Hirotaka , Kanai Akinori , Tsumura Miyuki , Okada Satoshi , Miki Mizuka , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Kunishima Shinji , Inaba Toshiya , Kobayashi Masao
Published: December 2012

αIIbβ3 integrin mutations that result in the complete loss of expression of this molecule on the platelet surface cause Glanzmann thrombasthenia. This is usually autosomal recessive, while other mutations are known to cause dominantly inherited macrothrombocytopenia (although such cases are rare). Here, we report a 4‐generation pedigree including 10 individuals affected by dominantly inherited thrombocytopenia with anisocytosis. Six individuals, whose detailed clinical and laboratory data were available, carried a non‐synonymous ITGB3 gene alteration resulting in mutated integrin β3 (ITGB3)‐L718P. This mutation causes partial activation of the αIIbβ3 complex, which promotes the generation of abnormal pro‐platelet‐like protrusions through downregulating RhoA (RHOA) activity in transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. These findings suggest a model whereby the integrin β3‐L718P mutation contributes to thrombocytopenia through gain‐of‐function mechanisms.
MAP3K8 kinase regulates myeloma growth by cell‐autonomous and non‐autonomous mechanisms involving myeloma‐associated monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Hebron Ellen , Hope Chelsea , Kim Jaehyup , Jensen Jeffrey L. , Flanagan Claire , Bhatia Neehar , Maroulakou Ioanna , Mitsiades Constantine , Miyamoto Shigeki , Callander Natalie , Hematti Peiman , Asimakopoulos Fotis
Published: December 2012

Benefit from cytotoxic therapy in myeloma may be limited by the persistence of residual tumour cells within protective niches. We have previously shown that monocytes/macrophages acquire a proinflammatory transcriptional profile in the myeloma microenvironment. Here we report constitutive activation of MAP3K8 kinase‐dependent pathways that regulate the magnitude and extent of inflammatory activity of monocytes/macrophages within myeloma niches. In myeloma tumour cells, MAP3K8 acts as mitogen‐induced MAP3K in mitosis and is required for TNFα‐mediated ERK activation. Pharmacological MAP3K8 inhibition results in dose‐dependent, tumour cell‐autonomous apoptosis despite contact with primary stroma. MAP3K8 blockade may disrupt crucial macrophage‐tumour cell interactions within myeloma niches.
Obesity is associated with an altered autonomic nervous system response to nutrient restriction
Authors: Wijngaarden M. A. , Pijl H. , van Dijk K. Willems , Klaassen E. S. , Burggraaf J.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects the balance of activities of sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system. We compared HRV parameters in response to a prolonged fast in obese versus normal weight humans. In addition, the effect of weight‐loss was evaluated in obese individuals.

Design

Intervention study.

Patients

The study subjects included 14 nondiabetic obese (12 females/2 males, aged 30 ± 3 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) 35·2 ± 1·2 kg/m2) and 12 lean subjects (10 females/2 males, aged 27 ± 3 years, BMI 23·3 ± 0·5 kg/m2).

Measurements

HRV was examined 75 min after standardized breakfast and after a 48‐h fast in 14 nondiabetic obese and 12 lean subjects. The postprandial measurement was repeated in 12 obese subjects after weight‐loss.

Results

In lean subjects, fasting decreased high‐frequency (HF) power by 43% (P < 0·05) and decreased low‐frequency (LF) power by 37% (P = 0·1), leaving the LF/HF ratio unchanged (P = 0·7). In the obese group, autonomic nervous system tone shifted to sympathetic dominance as the LF/HF increased from 0·61 to 1·14 (P = 0·03). After an average weight‐loss of 13·8 kg in obese subjects, a trend for sympathetic dominance was found; the LF/HF ratio increased by 56% (P = 0·06).

Conclusion

Our data show that a 48‐h fast leaves autonomic nervous system balance unaltered in lean subjects. In contrast, a 48‐h fast, as well as weight‐loss, induces sympathetic dominance in obese humans.
A missense mutation in the arginine‐vasopressin neurophysin‐II gene causes autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus in a Chinese family
Authors: Ye Dan , Dong FengQin , Lu WeiQin , Zhang Zhe , Lu XunLiang , Li ChengJiang , Liu YanNing
Published: December 2012

Background

Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus, an autosomal dominant disorder, is mostly caused by mutations in the genes that encode AVP or its intracellular binding protein, neurophysin‐II. The mutations lead to aberrant preprohormone processing and progressive destruction of AVP‐secreting cells, which gradually manifests a progressive polyuria and polydipsia during early childhood, and a disorder of water homeostasis.

Objective

We characterized the clinical and biochemical features, and sequenced the AVP neurophysin‐II(AVP‐NPII) gene of the affected individuals with autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus(ADNDI)to determine whether this disease was genetically determined.

Patients and methods

We obtained the histories of eight affected and four unaffected family individuals. The diagnosis of ADNDI was established using a water deprivation test and exogenous AVP administration. For molecular analysis, genomic DNA was extracted and the AVP‐NPII gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction and sequenced.

Results

The eight affected individuals showed different spectra of age of onsets (7–15 years) and urine volumes (132–253 ml/kg/24 h). All affected individuals responded to vasopressin administration, with a resolution of symptoms and an increase in urine osmolality by more than 50%. The characteristic hyperintense signal in the posterior pituitary on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was absent in six family members and present in one. Sequencing analysis revealed a missense heterozygous mutation 1516G > T (Gly17Val) in exon 2 of the AVP‐NPII gene among the ADNDI individuals.

Conclusions

We identified a missense mutation in the AVP‐NPII gene and the same mutation showed different spectra of age of onsets and urine volumes in a new Chinese family with ADNDI. The mutation may provide a molecular basis for understanding the characteristics of NPII and add to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of ADNDI, which would allow the presymptomatic diagnosis of asymptomatic subjects.
Cell Therapy: The Final Frontier for Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Authors: Dutta Susmita , Singh Gurbind , Sreejith Sailaja , Mamidi Murali Krishna , Husin Juani Mazmin , Datta Indrani , Pal Rajarshi , Das Anjan Kumar
Published: December 2012

Neurodegenerative diseases are devastating because they cause increasing loss of cognitive and physical functions and affect an estimated 1 billion individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, no drugs are currently available to halt their progression, except a few that are largely inadequate. This mandates the search of new treatments for these progressively degenerative diseases. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been successfully isolated, propagated, and characterized from the adult brains of mammals, including humans. The confirmation that neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain via NSCs opens up fresh avenues for treating neurological problems. The proof‐of‐concept studies demonstrating the neural differentiation capacity of stem cells both in vitro and in vivo have raised widespread enthusiasm toward cell‐based interventions. It is anticipated that cell‐based neurogenic drugs may reverse or compensate for deficits associated with neurological diseases. The increasing interest of the private sector in using human stem cells in therapeutics is evidenced by launching of several collaborative clinical research activities between Pharma giants and research institutions or small start‐up companies. In this review, we discuss the major developments that have taken place in this field to position stem cells as a prospective candidate drug for the treatment of neurological disorders.
The effects of protected area systems on ecosystem restoration: a quasi‐experimental design to estimate the impact of Costa Rica's protected area system on forest regrowth
Authors: Andam Kwaw S. , Ferraro Paul J. , Hanauer Merlin M.
Published: December 2012

Global efforts to protect forest biodiversity and ecosystem services rely heavily on protected areas. Although these areas primarily aim to prevent losses from deforestation and degradation, they can also contribute to restoration. Previous evaluations of protected area impacts focus on avoided deforestation and fires. In contrast, we focus on the additional regrowth induced by Costa Rica's renowned system of parks and reserves. We use a quasi‐experimental empirical design to control for confounding baseline characteristics that affect both regrowth and the assignment of protection. Between 1960 and 1997, an estimated 13.5% of previously unforested lands inside protected areas reforested because they were afforded protection. The level of additional regrowth does not vary by the strictness of protection. As in previous studies of protected area impacts on avoided deforestation, estimators that do not account for nonrandom assignment of protection can overstate protected areas’ impacts on regrowth by nearly double.
Tradeoffs in marine reserve design: habitat condition, representation, and socioeconomic costs
Authors: Klein Carissa J. , Tulloch Vivitskaia J. , Halpern Benjamin S. , Selkoe Kimberly A. , Watts Matthew E. , Steinback Charles , Scholz Astrid , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: December 2012

We present a novel method for designing marine reserves that trades off three important attributes of a conservation plan: habitat condition, habitat representation, and socioeconomic costs. We calculated habitat condition in four ways, using different human impacts as a proxy for condition: all impacts; impacts that cannot be managed with a reserve; land‐based impacts; and climate change impacts. We demonstrate our approach in California, where three important tradeoffs emerged. First, reserve systems that have a high chance of protecting good condition habitats cost fishers less than 3.1% of their income. Second, cost to fishers can be reduced by 1/2–2/3 by triaging less than 1/3 of habitats. Finally, increasing the probability of protecting good condition habitats from 50% to 99% costs fishers an additional 1.7% of their income, with roughly 0.3% added costs for each additional 10% confidence. Knowing exactly what the cost of these tradeoffs are informs discussion and potential compromise among stakeholders involved in protected area planning worldwide.
A Decision Science–Informed Approach to Sexual Risk and Nonconsent
Authors: Farris Coreen , Fischhoff Baruch
Published: December 2012

Sexual risk reduction programs often assume that adolescents and young women care only about the minimization of their risks when making decisions about sexual encounters. As a result, these programs teach only the most effective strategies to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections or sexual victimization. We propose a translational decision science approach that addresses the other outcomes that adolescents and young women might consider. In this study, young women reported their sexual nonconsent goals in response to hypothetical encounters in which their partner wished to have sex when they did not. We found that young women highly valued communicating their intent clearly as an end in itself, as well as a means to avoid unwanted sex. However, they also cited other, potentially conflicting, goals such as maintaining relationship stability and protecting their partner. These other goals were associated with participants’ self‐reported histories of sexual victimization. Young women who had been sexually coerced or raped attached greater importance to protecting their partner's feelings, preserving sexual relationships, and avoiding awkwardness or embarrassment, compared to young women without such experiences. We discuss the implications for creating sexual risk reduction programming relevant to young women with competing sexual nonconsent goals. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 482–485
Magnetoreception and baroreception in birds
Authors: O'Neill Paul
Published: December 2012

The world as we know it is defined by our senses, although as humans we are equipped to receive and interpret only a fraction of the potential sensory information available. Birds have evolved with different sensory priorities to our own; they can use the Earth's magnetic field as a navigational aid, and are sensitive to slight changes in barometric pressure. These abilities help explain the impressive ability of many bird species to orientate, navigate, and maintain steady altitude during flight over long distances, even in the absence of clear visual cues. This review will explore the history of research into these “avian” senses, highlighting their likely mechanisms of action, underlying neuronal circuitry and evolutionary origins.
A Gift is Not Always a Gift: Heterogeneity and Long‐term Effects in a Gift Exchange Experiment
Authors: Becker Sascha O. , Messer Dolores , Wolter Stefan C.
Published: December 2012

We study gift exchange in a field experiment where a random subsample of participants in the Swiss Labour Force Survey received vouchers to be used in adult training. Actual voucher redemption can be traced, giving us the unique opportunity to study whether gift exchange in the form of participation in future rounds of the survey depends on the perceived usefulness of the gift. The group of voucher recipients as a whole has significantly higher response rates. There is considerable heterogeneity, however. Our results point to a long‐lasting gift exchange relationship only for the subgroup that redeemed their vouchers.
Inter‐market Arbitrage in Betting
Authors: Franck Egon , Verbeek Erwin , Nüesch Stephan
Published: December 2012

We show that a combined bet at the bookmaker and at the bet exchange market yields a guaranteed positive return in 19.2% of the matches in the top five European soccer leagues. Moreover, we find that all considered bookmakers frequently offer arbitrage positions, and that they experience, on average, negative margins from these postings. Our findings indicate that bookmakers set prices not only by optimizing over a particular bet, but also by taking the future trading behaviour of their customers into account. We discuss the implications for the literature on the relationship between betting market structure and informational efficiency.
Sequential Group Lending: A Mechanism to Raise the Repayment Rate in Microfinance
Authors: Sinn Miriam
Published: December 2012

This paper compares three lending mechanisms used by microfinance organizations, namely individual lending, simultaneous group lending and sequential group lend cotract enforcement is weak, sequential group lending unambiguously achieves the highest repayment rate. Hence sequential group lending can operate in settings in which simultaneous group lending and individual lending are not feasible due to weak contract enforcement. Simultaneous lending in contrast achieves the highest repayment rate if the level of official contract enforcement is high and if the likelihood of default is relatively low.
Chronological changes in renal vascular reactivity in portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Chuang Chiao‐Lin , Huang Hui‐Chun , Chang Ching‐Chih , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Wu Jaw‐Ching , Lee Shou‐Dong
Published: December 2012

Background

Circulatory dysfunction in portal hypertension is characterized by increased cardiac output, decreased systemic vascular resistance, a fall in mean arterial pressure secondary to splanchnic and systemic vasodilation and hence renal hypoperfusion. Previous studies have disclosed that renal vasculatures of portal hypertensive rats had lower perfusion pressure and hyporesponsiveness to endogenous vasoconstrictors. However, the sequences of altered renal haemodynamics have never been described. This study aimed to explore the evolution of renal vascular hyporeactivity and associated mechanisms during portal hypertension.

Materials and methods

All rats were randomized into partial portal vein ligation (PVL) or shamed surgery. Isolated kidney perfusion was performed at postoperative day 1, 4, 7 and 14, respectively, to evaluate chronologically renal vascular response to endothelin‐1. Renal arteries and kidneys were harvested for further analysis.

Results

Impaired renal vascular reactivity to endothelin‐1 developed 1 week following PVL. There were extensive up‐regulations of vasodilative nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 in renal arteries of PVL rats. Among them, the changes in endothelial NOS paralleled with the evolution of renal vascular hyporesponsiveness. Preincubation of NOS inhibitor attenuated the renal vascular hyporeactivity in PVL rats. Up‐regulated NOS and down‐regulated cyclooxygenase‐2 in kidneys of PVL rats might play a critical role to maintain renal circulation and body fluid homoeostasis in response to systemic hypotension.

Conclusions

This investigation highlights the versatile nature of renal vasculatures in portal hypertension, which is replete with compensatory mechanisms. It may help to unveil potential mechanisms of severe renal dysfunction in advanced liver disease.
Pancytopenia in two horses following administration of potentiated sulfonamide antimicrobials
Authors: Cudmore L. , Jalim S. , Williamson M. M. , McKinnon A. O.
Published: December 2012

Adverse drug reactions to potentiated sulfonamide antimicrobial drug combinations have been reported in many species, including horses. This report describes the occurrence of pancytopenia in 2 horses, one subsequent to an immune mediated reaction and the other bone marrow aplasia following the administration of trimethoprim and sulfadimidine. These cases highlight the importance of judicious use of antimicrobial agents and describe adverse drug reactions in horses receiving potentiated sulfonamide antimicrobials.
Subchondral bone cyst of the apical portion of the proximal sesamoid bone as a cause of severe lameness in aWarmblood filly
Authors: Beccar Varela A. M. , Patipa L. A. , Eggleston R. B.
Published: December 2012

A 20‐month‐oldWarmblood filly was evaluated for acute onset of a nonweightbearing lameness and swelling of the left hindlimb. Clinical and lameness evaluation and diagnostic intrasynovial anaesthesia isolated the lameness to the left hind metatarsophalangeal region. Radiography and ultrasonography revealed a subchondral cystic lesion of the apical portion of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone associated with oedema and synovial effusion of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Arthroscopic surgical debridement of the subchondral cystic lesion resulted in immediate post operative improvement in the lameness score. Rest and controlled exercise achieved complete resolution of the lameness with the filly being able to start training without apparent lameness. Subchondral cystic lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones can be a cause of nonweightbearing lameness. Surgical debridement resulted in complete resolution of the lameness with a favourable outcome in this case.
The Consumption Styles of Immigrant Families in Italy: Identifications, Status, and Practices
Authors: Leonini Luisa , Rebughini Paola
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this article is to show how consumption patterns can provide insight into the way in which immigrant parents and their children negotiate their identities, deal with their social status, and try to build a new life in their country of arrival. There is a lot of research on consumption—especially about the role of objects and brands as identity markers—and migrant families—especially evaluating their social status or their reduced chances of social mobility. However, what is often missing is the link between consumption styles and the “management” of cultural diversity and identification patterns within migrant families. This article is based on data from a 2‐year qualitative research project during which the authors conducted 70 in‐depth interviews with migrant families involving both parents and their children. The interviews took place in Milan which is the most multicultural city in Italy. Although the empirical investigation was conducted in only one country, the overall aim was to investigate broader tendencies about the role of consumption styles in migrant families in western countries and to include two generations (parents and their children in the late teens and early twenties).
Drug Abuse in India: Grounding Research in Ecological Risk and Resilience Theory
Authors: Maring Elisabeth F. , Malik Bibhuti B. , Wallen Jacqueline
Published: December 2012

As drug trends change globally, risks affecting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds become more complex. To critically examine the contexts that foster drug abuse, the authors developed a conceptual model that identifies factors that predispose toward or protect individuals from drug use and abuse. The model utilizes an ecological risk and resilience framework for understanding drug problems in India. There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of drug use, abuse, dependence, and secondary problems. Alternatively, effective protective (resilience) factors at all levels of the system have the potential to reduce risk for drug dependence and its repercussions. The authors posit that this model can help guide research, evaluation, and program planning related to drug abuse and other social issues. The model can be replicated to address impacts on individuals, families, and communities in other cultures and cross‐cultural comparisons can be made.
Trends in Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Research Productivity in 2011
Authors: Pucciarelli Deanna L. , Faith Stacey L.
Published: December 2012

Family and consumer sciences (FCS) programs in colleges and universities in the United States reported that a total of 540 theses and dissertations were completed in 2011. This number was an increase from the total of 263 theses and dissertations completed in 2010. However, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 2,876 theses and dissertations were awarded within FCS fields of study in 2009/2010 (the latest reporting year). The much larger number reported by NCES indicates that research is needed to learn more about the factors associated with underreporting. To develop this report, the authors contacted each college and university three times to obtain information. This resulted in an increase in participation to 36 colleges and universities compared with 19 colleges and universities who reported in 2011. Nutrition and Dietetics was the leader in the number of dissertation titles submitted with 22 titles followed by Institution, Hotel and Restaurant Management with 21 titles, and Family Relations with 19 titles. Nutrition and Dietetics was also the leader in the number of master's thesis titles submitted with 74 titles followed by FCS Education with 59 titles, and Child Development with 55 titles. One of the trends noted this year is that master of science programs are increasingly offering nonthesis options.
In vitro characterization of recombinant factor VIII concentrates reveals significant differences in protein content, activity and thrombin activation profile
Authors: Pahl S. , Pavlova A. , Driesen J. , Müller J. , Pötzsch B. , Oldenburg J.
Published: December 2012

Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) concentrates differ due to cell lines, culture conditions, presence of the B domain and authorized potency assays. This study characterizes three commercially available rFVIII concentrates: a second‐generation full length (A), a third‐generation full length (B) and a third‐generation B domain‐deleted (BDD) product (C). rFVIII concentrates were characterized for FVIII activity (FVIII:C) by one‐stage clotting and chromogenic assays, FVIII antigen (FVIII:Ag), thrombin activation profile and FXa‐generation assay. The rFVIII concentrates exhibited significant differences with regard to FVIII:C, FVIII:Ag and thrombin activation profile. Product A had significantly greater FVIII:C and FVIII:Ag relative to the measured values of products B and C. In addition, product A demonstrated faster and more complete activation by thrombin than the two others. BDD product C had the slowest measured thrombin activation rate. Product A exhibited a greater in vitro FXa generation than products B and C. We found no differences in FXa generation among all three products when FXa generation was normalized for FVIII:Ag. The greater FVIII:C and FVIII:Ag values for product A compared with that for products B and C are due to application of different authorized potency assays (one‐stage assay for A vs. chromogenic assay for B and C). The variation in thrombin activation profiles may arise from differences in cell line‐dependent posttranslational modifications of the various recombinant proteins.
What is the evidence base for public involvement in health‐care policy?: results of a systematic scoping review
Authors: Conklin Annalijn , Morris Zoë , Nolte Ellen
Published: December 2012

Background

Public involvement in health‐care policy has been advocated as a means to enhance health system responsiveness, yet evidence for its impact has been difficult to ascertain.

Objectives

To review the peer‐reviewed empirical evidence on outcomes of public involvement in health‐care policy.

Methods

We systematically searched PsychINFO and PubMed from November 2000 to April 2010 for empirical studies that reported on original research only; studies in languages other than English, German or French were excluded. Data were extracted using a standardized evidence table with a priori determined headings.

Main results

Nineteen studies were identified as eligible for inclusion in our review. We found that sound empirical evidence of the outcomes of public involvement activities in health care remains underdeveloped. The concept and the indicators used to examine and determine outcomes remain poorly specified and inconsistent, as does the reporting of the evidence. There was some evidence for the developmental role of public involvement, such as enhancing awareness, understanding and competencies among lay participants. Evidence for instrumental benefits of public involvement initiatives was less well documented.

Conclusions

Despite the growing body of work on public involvement in health‐care policy, evidence of its impact remains scarce; thus, firm conclusions about involvement activities that are appropriate and effective for policy development are difficult to draw. However, focus on outcomes risks missing the normative argument that involving the public in the health‐care policy process may be seen to be of intrinsic value.
Do Animals Have Souls? An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Porter Alan M.W.
Published: December 2012

This paper addresses the question of whether animals have souls and the ability to experience God after death within the limitations of their nature. Plausible explanations for the natural origin of life and for the development of subsequent complexity are increasingly being advanced by molecular biologists. Christian tradition and scholasticism teach that the human body is animated by the soul which is the agent of vital activities. This teaching is incompatible with the claim for a natural origin for life. At some stage in the evolution of chordates and cephalopods a sense of self‐awareness and an ability to distinguish between pleasure and the absence of pleasure would have arisen permitting the potential for ensoulment. The premise that evolution was gradual but ensoulment was discontinuous predicates the irrational conclusion that for one generation the parents were animals without souls and their children humans, made in the image of God, and with souls. Biological gradualism is incompatible with a sudden ensoulment dichotomy both in the evolutionary history of humans and for a maturing foetus, human or animal. Gradualism must apply to both body and soul. A Christian interpretation of physicalism, however, provides an alternative to dualism and resolves the paradoxes and difficulties relating to animals.
Counterblast: Death Penalty Resistance Revisited in the Post‐Trust Era
Authors: Lilly J. Robert
Published: December 2012

A decade ago this journal reported that support for the death penalty in the United States had begun to wane. This follow‐up confirms the continuation of that trend and brings the earlier article up to date. Concern about executing the innocent and racial disparity persists amid evidence that the public is in a post‐trust era where government decisions are highly suspect.
Successful treatment of macrophage activation syndrome complicating adult Still disease with anakinra
Authors: Loh N. K. , Lucas M. , Fernandez S. , Prentice D.
Published: December 2012

A previously healthy 20‐year‐old man presented with adult Still disease (ASD). He developed life‐threatening macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), which was refractory to standard immunosuppression but responded dramatically to the IL‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra. Subsequent immunological investigations included assessment of the perforin expression of natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, which confirmed MAS.