bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New contexts, different patterns? A comparative analysis of social spending and government health expenditure in Latin America and the OECD
Authors: Noy Shiri
Published: May 2011

Much of our knowledge of the development of the welfare state centers on historical contingencies that characterized the industrial, political, and demographic context of Western Europe and North America. However, young welfare states in developing countries are emerging in response to different pressures than those faced by early welfare state; while globalization influences both young and established welfare states. Using newly released data for Latin America, this article provides a systematic comparison of social spending, spending on welfare and social security and government health spending in the OECD and Latin America and the Caribbean in the 1980s and 1990s. Results from cross-section time-series models indicate that the logic of industrialism welfare state approach is useful for examining social spending in Latin America. Namely, unemployment is associated with higher levels of social spending and spending on welfare and social security in both regions while a larger proportion of elderly population is associated with higher spending in Latin America. Globalization in the form of trade openness is associated with lower spending in the OECD across outcomes. In Latin America and the Caribbean the presence of international financial institutions powerfully pattern health and social spending: decreasing spending on welfare and social security and increasing health spending.
Suspensions of air cells with cysteine-rich protein coats: Air-filled emulsions
Authors: Tchuenbou-Magaia Fideline L , Al-Rifai Noor , Ishak Nor E Mohamed , Norton Ian T , Cox Philip W
Published: May 2011

Microbubbles have the potential to be used in many applications in different fields, especially in food, biomedical, and environmental sciences. However, to produce microbubbles with relatively long-term stability is difficult as they are inherently unstable entities. Hydrophobins are naturally occurring proteins that have previously been shown to have an ability to stabilize micron-sized air cells. More recently, small air cells with other cysteine-rich proteins such as bovine serum albumin and egg albumen (egg white protein) have been constructed using a sonochemical method. The majority of the air cells had a diameter between 1 and 10 μm. A dependence of the air cell size and stability with the processing conditions and concentration were found. The air cells’ shells are dense enough to form a cage-like structure around air cells and are equally as robust as those from hydrophobins.
Tuning the microstructure and biodegradation of three-phase scaffolds for bone regeneration made of PCL, Zein, and HA
Authors: Salerno A. , Di Maio E. , Iannace S. , Netti PA
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study has been the design of novel multi-phase porous scaffolds with bi-modal pore size distributions and controlled biodegradation rate for bone tissue engineering (bTE), via a gas foaming—leaching approach. Poly( ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has been melt mixed with thermoplastic zein (TZ) and hydroxyapatite particle, to prepare multi-phase PCL—TZ and PCL—TZ—HA composites suitable to be further processed for the fabrication of 3D porous scaffolds. To this aim, these systems have been gas foamed by using CO2 as blowing agent and, subsequently, soaked in H2O to leach out the plasticizer from the TZ. This combined process allows the formation of an interpenetrated micro- and macro-porosity network within the samples. The effect of the different formulations on the micro-structural properties and in vitro biodegradation of the scaffolds has been investigated, and the results correlated to the mechanisms involved in the formation of the bi-modal pore structure. Results demonstrated that the multi-phase nature of the biomaterials prepared as well as their composition significantly affect the micro-structural properties and biodegradation rate of the scaffolds. The optimal selection of the processing conditions may allow for the design of multi-phase 3D porous scaffolds suitable for bTE.
Biodegradable PVOH-based foams for packaging applications
Authors: Avella M. , Cocca M. , Errico ME , Gentile G.
Published: May 2011

Biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) based foams were prepared through an ecofriendly methodology. Different amount of recycled multilayer cartons (MC), composed of cellulose and low-density polyethylene (80/20 wt/wt), were added as a direct cellulose source to PVOH. Foams were realized through a modified overrun process without using chemical agents or promoting chemical reactions. In particular, the air entrapped during the high-speed mixing of the PVOH/MC water dispersion was able to create a porous morphology. The effects of the addition of MC on microstructure, swelling behavior, and mechanical and thermal properties of foams were investigated. Materials were characterized by a dual-pore structure. Improvements of the swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal stability were recorded as a function of MC content. These findings can be considered as a result of a good interaction between filler and polymer.
Unit Roots and Structural Change
Authors: Canarella Giorgio , Miller Stephen , Pollard Stephen
Published: May 2011

This paper employs time-series analysis to investigate the price dynamics of the house price indices included in the S&P/Case–Shiller Composite10 index and the validity of the ‘ripple effect’, following the approach outlined by Meen (1999). More specifically, the paper first considers the time-series properties of the capital gain from the sale of houses. That is, it examines whether shocks to the capital gain series produce permanent or transitory changes. In general, the findings lack uniformity and depend upon the assumptions imposed by the testing procedures. Secondly, it considers the time-series properties of the ratio of regional house price indices to the Composite10 index. That is, it examines whether shocks to these house price ratios exhibit trend reversion. The tests of this ‘ripple effect’ also display conflicting evidence.
Housing Conditions and Their Structural Determinants
Authors: Mandic Srna , Cirman Andreja
Published: May 2011

Housing conditions vary widely across the EU and the fact that new member-states are lagging behind in this regard has even come onto the European policy agenda. This article examines housing conditions as an outcome of complex social developments and highlights specific reasons why housing conditions vary so much within the EU. Thus the specific impact is observed of factors which have been identified in the literature as characterising distinctive housing models: the eastern European housing model, the southern European housing model and the distinction between cost-renting and homeowning countries. Further, the impact of these factors, along with general socioeconomic development, is empirically assessed by a linear regression model based on the EQLS 2003 dataset. The results clearly support the thesis of economic development playing a decisive role, with it being the biggest single factor explaining variations in housing conditions across the EU, followed by the significant influence of policy choice and the incidence of family support.
The lexical interface in L1 acquisition: What children have to say about radical concept nativism
Authors: Stringer David
Published: May 2011

In the ongoing philosophical debate over the origins and nature of lexical concepts stemming from the work of Fodor (1970, 1998, 2000, 2008), the potential of first language acquisition studies as a source of evidence has been somewhat overlooked. At the lexical interface with syntax, a restricted set of lexical conceptual elements can be shown to play a pivotal role in the generation of syntactic representations, and patterns of syntactic development can elucidate the nature of such elements. An experiment is described which reveals mature knowledge of interface principles in this domain in early syntactic production. It is argued that first language research of this type can provide much-needed observable evidence for lexical semantic decomposition and against radical concept nativism.
Overt subjects and copula omission in the Spanish and the English grammar of English–Spanish bilinguals: On the locus and directionality of interlinguistic influence
Authors: Liceras Juana M. , Fuertes Raquel Fernández , de la Fuente Anahí Alba
Published: May 2011

The presence of non-adult patterns of omission/production of functional categories has occupied a central place in both monolingual and bilingual child language acquisition research. In bilingual acquisition a central learnability issue has been to determine whether interlinguistic influence would interact with those patterns. In this article, the authors analyse the omission/production of subject pronouns in the developing Spanish grammar and of copula be in the developing English grammar of two English–Spanish simultaneous bilingual children in order to address the issues of the locus and directionality of interlinguistic influence. The authors argue that the directionality of interlinguistic influence is determined by the need to implement core operations of the computational system and that the lexical–semantic interface is an area of the grammar where interlinguistic influence occurs.
catR
Authors: Magis David , Raîche Gilles
Published: May 2011

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is an active current research field in psychometrics and educational measurement. However, there is very little software available to handle such adaptive tasks. The R package catR was developed to perform adaptive testing with as much flexibility as possible, in an attempt to provide a developmental and testing platform to the interested user. Several item-selection rules and ability estimators are implemented. The item bank can be provided by the user or randomly generated from parent distributions of item parameters. Three stopping rules are available. The output can be graphically displayed.
Have We Drawn the Wrong Conclusions About the Value of Care Pathways? Is a Cochrane Review Appropriate? Response to the Commentary Article Published by Kris Vanhaecht et al.
Authors: Rotter Thomas , Kinsman Leigh , James Erica , Machotta Andreas , Willis Jon , Snow Pamela , Kugler Joachim
Published: May 2011

The commentary provided by Vanhaecht et al. from the European Pathways Association (EPA) questions whether conclusions derived from the review of effects of clinical pathways in hospitals are appropriate. They provide some methodological discussion that indicates a poor appreciation of the detailed content of the review as published in the Cochrane Library and a lack of understanding of the methodological requirements for complex interventions of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) group. In addition, Vanhaecht et al. misrepresent some important points from the review relating to the intervention reviewed. The critical commentary offered by Vanhaecht et al. is a misrepresentation of the process and content of the review and suggests they have not taken the time and effort to thoroughly read and understand this comprehensive review.
Many cultures, one citizenship
Authors: Touraine Alain
Published: May 2011

Two opposite statements must be rejected with the same rigor. First (1) is that a few countries have identified themselves with modernity by their scientific, technical and economic achievement and that the rest of the world, which is lagging behind the ‘advanced countries’, must follow in their footsteps and imitate their example. The article first of all sets out the falsity of such a statement, because there is not one but many western paths of modernization, and indicates that it is nothing but a colonialist ideology, which spread from European and American societies and cultures and destroyed all independent efforts of modernization in other countries, in particular China. The hegemony of the western capitalist model is more than challenged by other ways of modernization, for though the soviet model has failed, other countries are ‘emerging’ or have already emerged. Second (2) the opposite representation defends the idea of a complete multiculturalism including political regimes and human rights. It fights against the previous colonialist model and supports a total relativism. But this view makes impossible the communication between completely different countries and cultures and reciprocal fear leads to an extreme conflict between ‘civilizations’, such as S. Huntington has described. This view leads to the conclusion that war is inevitable if each civilization has a complete internal unity and a complete control on all its activities. But the world is not divided into various theocratic states: no single theocratic state commands the whole or the majority of Muslim population. The central problem remains real and difficult: how to combine unity and diversity, the difference between cultures and the capacity for them to communicate with each other? The most useful idea is to elaborate one general definition of modernity, as a culture which is based on universalistic principles. The western mode of modernization is not the only possible one; nor is it at all sure that the western process of separation of temporal and spiritual powers is the only possibility. We cannot assert that universalism must penetrate social life only through political institutions and citizenship. It is beyond any reasonable doubt that modernity, with its universalistic components, cannot be identified with only one type of social organization and cultural values.
How to avoid the liaison dangereuse between post-colonialism and postmodernism
Authors: Maffettone Sebastiano
Published: May 2011

Post-colonial theories present narratives of discontent based on resentment toward colonial exploitation and cultural hegemony. The substance matter of post-colonial narratives (their first-order argument) is sound. Post-colonial theories often rely on a post-modern philosophical argumentative structure (their second-order argument). The second-order argument is not able to support the first-order argument. In particular, the nihilist consequences of post-modernism make impossible the construction of a (post-colonial) discourse through which the discontent is transformed in a basis for a reasonable political action. The lack of such a discourse is a source of intellectual despair and predisposes to political fragmentation. Moreover, protest without arguments often coincides with violence. Within a liberal view of justice it is possible to represent post-colonialism as a critical stance.
Translating truth
Authors: Cooke Maeve
Published: May 2011

The article considers the role of translation in encounters between religious citizens and secular citizens. It follows Habermas in holding that translations rearticulate religious contents in a way that facilitates learning. Since he underplays the complexities of translation, it takes some steps beyond Habermas towards developing a more adequate account. Its main thesis is that the required account of translation must keep sight of the question of truth. Focusing on inspirational stories of exemplary figures and acts, it contends that a successful translation makes truth appear anew; further, that it is the central role of truth in translation that enables the prospect of learning from the inspirational messages of religion. By highlighting truth as the point of continuity between intercultural learning and learning from religion, it provides support for the thesis that encounters between religious and secular citizens are a subset of intercultural encounters and, as such, contexts of possible mutual learning.
Turkey, secularism and the EU: A view from Damascus
Authors: Al-Azam Sadik J.
Published: May 2011

This article deals with the impact of the free, democratic and peaceful accession to power of the Islamic Justice and Development Party (JDP) in Turkey on the Arab world in general and on the Islamic currents active in Arab societies in particular. A main point is looking into how Arab political formations and especially political Islam are trying to make sense out of such recent developments in Turkey as: (1) the fact that traditionally reviled Turkish secularism, Kemalism and westernism could produce a democratic form of political Islam capable of winning free elections and ruling Turkey without a catastrophe befalling the whole polity; and (2) the fact that an Islamic JDP is the most eager proponent of Turkey’s membership in the secular EU, while the traditional staunch military guardian of Turkish secularism is now the main obstructor of the drive for EU membership.
Sport Feminism(s): Narratives of Linearity?
Authors: Caudwell Jayne
Published: May 2011

This article is inspired by a dialogue that occurred between two feminist scholars in the journal Feminist Theory. The dialogue was initiated by Clare Hemmings, in 2005, in her article entitled “Telling feminist stories.” Rachel Torr challenged this original article with “What’s wrong with aspiring to find out what has really happened in academic feminism’s recent past? Response to Clare Hemmings” “Telling feminist stories” (2007). Hemmings, in the same issue (2007), gave her reply: “What is a feminist theorist responsible for? Response to Rachel Torr”. In this article, I explore the debates raised by their dialogue and I suggest that the tensions the authors highlight—in their written scholarly correspondence—are significant to sport feminisms and sport feminists. I focus on the ways feminist thinking, feminist theory and feminist politics have been framed in some sport feminist work in relation to “waves” of feminism and how this presents key developments as linear, progressive and in danger of missing the multiple, complex and fragmented nature of feminisms. More specifically, I seek to problematize the notion of a “third wave” of sport feminism.
Secrets of Successful Short Grant Applications
Authors: Groves Patricia S. , Rawl Susan M. , Wurzbach Mary E. , Fahrenwald Nancy , Cohen Marlene Z. , McCarthy Beckett Donna O. , Zerwic Julie , Given Barbara , Algase Donna L. , Alexander Gregory L. , Conn Vicki
Published: May 2011

The National Institutes of Health has implemented new grant application guidelines that include a substantial reduction in the number of pages allowed for project descriptions. Shorter proposals will potentially decrease reviewer burden, but investigators may find the new page limits challenging. Writing more concisely while still presenting a persuasive argument requires honing certain skills with regard to preparation, construction, and editing of proposals. This article provides strategies from the Western Journal of Nursing Research editorial board for preparing competitive shorter research proposals. Two key strategies for success are fully conceptualizing the study prior to writing and obtaining assistance from experienced colleagues during the editing process.
Subcutaneous Fat Tissue Thickness of the Anterior Neck and Umbilicus in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ugur Kadriye Serife , Ark Nebil , Kurtaran Hanifi , Kizilbulut Gultekin , Cakir Banu , Ozol Duygu , Gunduz Mehmet
Published: May 2011

Objective

To investigate the differences in thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue of the anterior neck and umbilicus of patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the relationship between thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue of the anterior neck and umbilicus and polysomnographic findings, and the influence of body mass index (BMI), anthropometric findings, and gender.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care university hospital.

Subject and Methods

Seventy‐three patients with OSA and 24 non‐OSA patients were evaluated with polysomnography for 1 night. Anthropometric parameters and BMI were also investigated. Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness of anterior neck and umbilicus was assessed using ultrasound. The thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue adjacent to the submandibular gland, isthmus, hyoid, suprasternal notch, and umbilicus was measured with ultrasound. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results

Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly and positively correlated with age (P =. 016, r2 = 0.244), BMI (P <. 001, r2 = 0.416), and anthropometric findings (waist circumference P <. 001, r2 = 0.337; hip circumference P =. 008, r2 = 0.269; neck circumference P =. 002, r2 = 0.309). Minimum oxygen saturation was significantly, negatively correlated with age (P =. 002, r2 = −0.310), BMI (P <. 001, r2 = −0.404), and anthropometric findings (waist circumference P =. 005, r2 = −0.281, hip circumference P <. 001, r2 = −0.353, neck circumference P =. 010, r2 = −0.261). There were no significant differences between the OSA and non‐OSA groups with respect to age (P =. 178), gender (P =. 189), or ultrasonographic findings for subcutaneous fat tissue thickness adjacent to the submandibular gland (P =. 480), thyroid isthmus (P =. 311), suprasternal notch (P =. 950), umbilicus (P =. 691), or hyoid (P =. 159). Neck circumference (P =. 039) and BMI (P =. 014) were significantly higher in the OSA group.

Conclusion

These indicate that anterior neck and umbilical subcutaneous fat tissue thickness may not contribute to the severity of OSA.
The Effect of Prilocaine or Levobupivacaine Infiltration on Pain during Nasal Packing Removal
Authors: Apuhan Tayfun , Yıldırım Yavuz Selim , Gulcu Nebahat , Koçoğlu Hasan , Karagöz Yalçın
Published: May 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rehydration of Merocel nasal packs with prilocaine or levobupivacaine on reducing pain and discomfort of nasal packing removal in patients who had undergone septoplasties or endoscopic sinus surgery.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted on 72 patients, aged 18 to 55 years, who had undergone septoplasty, bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery, or both. The patients were divided into 2 groups: prilocaine group (group P, n = 36), who received 2.5 mL of 2% prilocaine, and levobupivacaine group (group L, n = 36), who received 2.5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrochloride dilution. These solutions were diluted with 2.5 mL saline to a final volume of 5 mL, which was then injected into the Merocel packing 15 minutes before removal of the pack. In both groups, 5 mL of saline was injected into the packing in the contralateral nostril as a control 15 minutes before removal of the pack. Visual analog score (VAS) and the Ramsay sedation score were recorded.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in VAS and Ramsay sedation scale scores of levobupivacaine and prilocaine groups compared to controls. No significant difference was noted between the groups in terms of levobupivacaine and prilocaine.

Conclusions

Levobupivacaine or prilocaine infiltration before removal of nasal packs in patients who undergo septoplasties or endoscopic sinus surgery can decrease discomfort and improve patient tolerability.
Incorporating high fidelity simulation into perfusion education
Authors: Sistino JJ , Michaud NM , Sievert AN , Shackelford AG
Published: May 2011

The new Perfusion Simulation Center at the Medical University of South Carolina provides a new level of high fidelity simulation training for perfusion students. A key component is the Orpheus Perfusion Simulator which is a computer-driven simulator integrated with the mechanical connections of the heart-lung machine to allow for real time operative procedures and perfusion incidents. Due to the ability to consistently reproduce cardiac surgical scenarios, it is possible to develop both basic perfusion skills as well as advanced emergency skills more effectively than with animal models. The purpose of this paper is to provide details about advanced simulation for perfusionists and to illustrate how simulation can be used to promote the assets of good communication, team work, and surgical awareness. Two sets of four cardiac surgical scenarios were recorded in the perfusion simulation operating room. Scenario team member roles included a cardiac surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a perfusionist and an operating room nurse. The scripted surgical scenarios were viewed by a focus group of students charged with identifying key personality traits of different members of the operating team and to characterize them using a list of descriptive words adapted from the Medical University of South Carolina’s Peer Review Tool. In the first set of scenarios, initial scores were negative, with irresponsibility, impatience, and carelessness listed as the top behavioral characteristics leading to human error. In the second set of scenarios, logical, clear-thinking, and attentive were the most common personality traits observed of the effective team members. Simulation has become an invaluable tool for perfusion education and the goal of improving patient safety during cardiopulmonary bypass. The opportunities for advanced training in the perfusion simulation environment will certainly expand in the future.
Clinical measurement of walking balance in people post stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Pollock CL , Eng JJ , Garland SJ
Published: May 2011

Objective: To identify walking balance measures which have been established for use with ambulatory people post stroke and reflect the balance requirements of community walking.

Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, AMED.

Review methods: Measures reflecting walking balance, with tasks that include a stepping action in standing, used with people post stroke were reviewed. Measures with clinical utility were evaluated for psychometric properties, including reliability, validity and clinical interpretation.

Results: Nine measures (24 papers) were identified that met the requirement of measuring walking balance in people post stroke with demonstrated clinical utility. Outcome measures with multiple tasks (Brunel Balance Assessment, Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile, Dynamic Gait Index, Community Balance and Mobility Scale, and mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test) as opposed to single task measures (Step Test, Side Step Test and Four Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go), reflect a broader range of walking balance required to accommodate the variable challenges which may be expected at the community level of walking. Most tools report excellent reliability when used by physiotherapists. Validity remains far more challenging to establish. Evaluation of clinical interpretation is limited for all measures.

Conclusion: The multiple-task outcome measures reviewed reflected walking balance activities often undertaken during community mobility. Single-task measures may be useful as screening measures, identifying walking balance deficits associated with basic/lower levels of walking balance. Construct validity and clinical interpretability of each measure in ambulatory people post stroke requires further research to identify the level of community mobility represented by each measure of walking balance.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of the LEAP Model of Early Intervention for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Strain Phillip S. , Bovey Edward H.
Published: May 2011

A clustered randomized design was used in which 28 inclusive preschool classrooms were randomly assigned to receive 2 years of training and coaching to fidelity in the LEAP (Learning Experiences and Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Their Parents) preschool model, and 28 inclusive classes were assigned to receive intervention manuals only. In total, 177 intervention classroom children and 117 comparison classroom children participated. Children were similar on all measures at start. After 2 years, experimental class children were found to have made significantly greater improvement than their comparison cohorts on measures of cognitive, language, social, and problem behavior, and autism symptoms. Behavior at entry did not predict outcome nor did family socioeconomic status. The fidelity with which teachers implemented LEAP strategies did predict outcomes. Finally, social validity measurement showed that procedures and outcomes were favorably viewed by intervention class teachers.
Joseph’s Dreams, Part Two: From Saul to Solomon
Authors: Hilbert Benjamin D.H.
Published: May 2011

In this article themes from ‘Joseph’s Dreams, Part One’ ( JSOT 35.3) are recapped. In addition, this study describes Jacob’s interpretation of the second dream in terms of the Ephraimite Samuel. Its two aspects are: (1) Jacob, Joseph’s mother, and his brothers are to come to Joseph, and (2) they are to bow down to him. Diachronically and synchronically, this dream moves from the rejection of Saul to the reign of Solomon, ending abruptly in the Disruption because the unbridgeable stupidity of Rehoboam disqualified him from antityping Joseph. After the Disruption, the first dream came back, re-materializing in the reign of Manasseh, first of the last seven kings of Judah.
Increasing Stakeholder Participation in Industry Cluster Identification
Authors: Brun Lukas C. , Jolley G. Jason
Published: May 2011

Industry cluster analysis has become an important policy tool in state and local economic development planning. Although cluster analysis is generally conceived as an expert-led technical analysis, it can be reframed to engage stakeholders in a collaborative process. This paper illustrates how one community pursued a collaborative approach to cluster identification and the costs and benefits of the method. It finds that increased stakeholder participation in the cluster identification stage improved the analytical quality of the analysis, developed community and political acceptance of the results, and defined a new industry cluster to accommodate stakeholder preferences. The main costs were the time and money required to implement a collaborative approach to cluster identification.
Social Capital and Public Service Performance: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Andrews Rhys
Published: May 2011

The social capital present within local communities is increasingly viewed as an important source of co-productive capacity for delivering better public services. However, to date, research in the field of public administration has paid scant attention to the links between structural and attitudinal components of social capital, such as community organizational life, political engagement and levels of interpersonal trust, and the performance of public services. In this article, the relationship between social capital and public service performance is explored by reviewing the available empirical evidence on this topic. The existing evidence suggests that the strength and direction of the social capital performance relationship may vary by the different dimensions of social capital. Thus, further research in this area would have theoretical and practical benefits.
What’s in a Name? Making Sense of Social Enterprise Discourses
Authors: Teasdale Simon
Published: May 2011

Much attention has been paid to the contested concept of “social enterprise”. A wide variety of organisational types have had the label attributed to them or have tried to claim the label for themselves. Existing academic literature provides a bewildering array of definitions and explanations for the emergence of social enterprise. This conceptual confusion is because social enterprise is a fluid and contested concept constructed by different actors promoting different discourses connected to different organisational forms and drawing upon different academic theories. This article makes sense of these different social enterprise forms, academic explanations and policy and practitioner discourses. Using the example of England, where social enterprise has been heavily promoted and supported as a site for policy intervention, an analysis of how the meanings of social enterprise have evolved and expanded over time is provided. This demonstrates that the language of social enterprise was initially developed as a way of promoting co-operative and mutual models of public and private enterprise. Its meaning expanded as other actors adopted the language to compete for policy attention and resources. Policy makers deliberately kept the definition loose to allow for the inclusion of almost any organisation claiming to be a social enterprise. This allowed them to amalgamate the positive characteristics of the different organisational forms, and so claim to be addressing a wide range of social problems using social enterprise as a policy tool.
Towards the efficient numerical solution of three-dimensional thin film flows on real surfaces: an evaluation of finite-difference-based schemes
Authors: Cowling N P , Gaskell P H , Lee Y C , Thompson H M
Published: May 2011

The comparative efficiency of time-splitting and multigrid schemes for the solution of lubrication models of three-dimensional (3D), thin film flow is demonstrated via detailed comparisons for benchmark gravity-driven continuous film and droplet spreading problems. Data are presented which show the effect of (1) problem formulation (either as a single fourth-order partial differential equation for the film thickness or two coupled second-order equations for film thickness and pressure) and (2) grid density on the choice of fixed time-step, CPU time per time-step and overall efficiency of each scheme. On the basis of these findings, recommendations are given as to the most efficient combination of problem formulation and numerical scheme for solving 3D thin film free surface flows over practical, engineering surfaces.
Differential expression of serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang L , Dai Y , Peng W , Qi S , Ouyang X , Tu Z
Published: May 2011

The serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), a 39 kDa protein localized predominantly in cytoplasm, is an important inhibitor of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) signaling and a regulator of cell proliferation. To investigate the application of STRAP as a novel biomarker in evaluating the pathological condition of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to determine the possible involvement of STRAP in SLE pathogenesis, the expression levels of STRAP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of SLE patients were analyzed. PBMC were collected from six patients with active SLE, six with stable SLE and six healthy controls; after protein extraction and concentration determination, the samples were labeled with reagents for isobaric tagging for relative and absolute protein quantification (iTRAQ) and detected by tandem mass spectrometry. The initial proteomic analysis identified and quantified hundreds of proteins. Of these, STRAP was found to decrease more than three-fold in active SLE patients compared with healthy controls (the relative ratio was 0.291). The under-expression of STRAP in active SLE was further verified by western blot in larger independent sample sets. Clinical data analyses revealed that the levels of STRAP in SLE inversely correlated to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) ( r = −0.607, p < 0.05). These results indicate that the under-expression of STRAP may be a negative factor in the pathogenic process of SLE; as a result, this may also be of clinical significance as a potential condition-specific indicator of active SLE.
Mapping the European regional educational distribution
Authors: Rodríguez-Pose Andrés , Tselios Vassilis
Published: May 2011

The geography of education, especially at subnational level, is a huge black box. Little is known about the distribution of educational attainment and inequality across regions in Europe. This paper addresses this gap in the literature by mapping educational attainment and inequality in 102 regions in Western Europe, using data extracted from the European Community Household Panel (ECHP) covering more than 100,000 individuals over the period 1995–2000. The results of this Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) reveal a strong correlation between levels of educational attainment and inequality across regions in Europe. Regions with similar educational conditions tend to cluster, often within national borders. In addition, a North–South and an urban–rural dimension are evident. Northern regions and large European metropoli have not only the most-educated labour force but also the lowest levels of inequality. Educational inequality seems to be, in any case, a fundamentally within-region phenomenon: 90 percent of the educational inequality in Europe occurs among individuals living in the same region.
State-Level Value Added Tax and Its Revenue Implications in India
Authors: Nepram Damodar
Published: May 2011

Sales tax was the most important state tax in India, contributing a significant proportion of their receipts. However, the tax itself had many drawbacks, that is, double taxation, multiplicity of rates, tax competition, etc., as a result of which its reform was considered a necessity. After much preparation, the tax was replaced by the value added tax (VAT) from April 2005 by most states as a part of domestic trade reforms being initiated in the country. The present study using panel data analysis finds that the adoption of VAT has been a good source of revenue.
Micromechanical Modeling of Fracture Energy for Hooked-End Steel Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Authors: Xu B. W. , Ju J. W. , Shi H. S.
Published: May 2011

Since pullout behaviors of fibers intersecting a fracture plane of cementitious composite are similar to those in a single-fiber pullout test, micromechanical model of fracture energy for hooked-end steel fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (HSFRCC) is developed on the basis of single hooked-end steel fiber pullout test. The hooked-ends of steel fibers intersecting a fracture plane have various deformations which can be generally classified into hooked-end total deformation, partial deformation, and nondeformation. The pullout energy of steel fiber with deformed hooked-end is significantly different from that with nondeformed one; derivations of pullout energies of hooked-end steel fibers with deformed/nondeformed hooked-ends are carried out first. The fracture energy model of HSFRCC is proposed using probabilistic method accounting for energy contributions from all steel fibers intersecting the fracture plane. Experimental validation of the proposed micromechanical model is performed, and excellent agreements are observed in comparison with experimental data from uniaxial tensile tests. As the proposed fracture energy model is a function of physical and micro-geometric properties of hooked-end steel fibers and cementitious matrix, it can guide optimal design of HSFRCC.
Crew Resource Management and VTE Prophylaxis in Surgery
Authors: Tapson Victor F. , Bongiorno Karcher Rachel , Weeks Randy
Published: May 2011

Despite the availability of safe and effective prophylaxis, appropriate use of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in surgical patients remains suboptimal. Multifaceted quality improvement (QI) activities are needed for sustained improvement at the individual institution level. This work describes a QI initiative for VTE prophylaxis in surgery that combined clinical education with Crew Resource Management (CRM)—a set of principles and techniques for communication, teamwork, and error avoidance used in the aviation industry. Surveys of clinicians participating in the initiative demonstrated immediate and retained confidence and increased knowledge in identifying process-related factors leading to errors, applying CRM to patient care, and identifying VTE prophylaxis candidates and guideline-recommended prophylaxis regimens. Reviews of patient charts preinitiative and postinitiative demonstrated performance improvement in meeting guideline recommendations for the timing, inpatient duration, and use of VTE prophylaxis beyond discharge. This new model joins continuing medical education with CRM to improve the appropriate use of VTE prophylaxis in surgery.
Autonomic Nervous System Function in Infants With Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Harrison Tondi M. , Brown Roger L.
Published: May 2011

The ability to maintain and respond to challenges to homeostasis is primarily a function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In infants with complex congenital heart defects this ability may be impaired. This study described change in ANS function before and after surgical correction in infants with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and in healthy infants. A total of 15 newborn infants with TGA were matched with 16 healthy infants on age, gender, and feeding type. The ANS function was measured using heart rate variability (HRV). Data were collected preoperatively in the 1st week of life and postoperatively before, during, and after feeding at 2 weeks and 2 months of age. Infants with TGA demonstrated significantly lower high-frequency and low-frequency HRV preoperatively ( p < .001) when compared with healthy infants. At 2 weeks, infants with TGA were less likely than healthy infants to demonstrate adaptive changes in high-frequency HRV during feeding (Wald Z = 2.002, p = .045), and at 2 months, 40% of TGA infants exhibited delayed postfeeding recovery. Further research is needed to more thoroughly describe mechanisms of a physiologically adaptive response to feeding and to develop nursing interventions supportive of these high-risk infants.
Clinical consequences of MRI activity in treated multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cadavid Diego , Kim Soyeon , Peng Bo , Skurnick Joan , Younes Maha , Hill James , Wolansky Leo J , Cook Stuart D
Published: May 2011

Background: Inflammation on brain MRI is the most sensitive marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) but its clinical consequences remain controversial.

Objective: Here we investigated the clinical consequences of MRI activity in MS subjects treated with two different first line disease modifying agents.

Methods: Seventy-five treatment-naïve subjects with relapsing–remitting MS ( N = 61) or clinically isolated syndromes at risk of MS ( N = 14) from the BECOME study that had been randomized to interferon beta-1b ( N = 39) or glatiramer acetate ( N = 36) and followed for up to two years by monthly brain MRI optimized to detect inflammatory activity were studied for the clinical consequences of lack of MRI remission.

Results: MRI remission occurred in 46.4% of participants transiently and in 23.2% completely while it was never achieved in 30.4%. There was no difference by treatment in MRI remission, progression of physical disability, or cognitive function. The percentage of relapse-free subjects was 87.5% for the group in complete MRI remission, 47.6% in the group never in remission and 59.4% in the group in transient remission ( p = 0.017). Similar differences were observed for six-month-confirmed worsening of ambulatory function as measured by the timed 25 foot walk ( p = 0.026) and by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ( p = 0.10). Cognitive function was lowest at baseline for the group that never reached MRI remission on treatment; this group improved the least upon repeated cognitive testing during the two years of treatment ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Lack of MRI remission during treatment with interferon beta-1b or glatiramer acetate is associated with higher relapse rate and worsening of physical and cognitive function.
Progranulin expression in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid levels in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vercellino Marco , Grifoni Silvia , Romagnolo Alberto , Masera Silvia , Mattioda Alessandra , Trebini Claudia , Chiavazza Carlotta , Caligiana Laura , Capello Elisabetta , Mancardi Giovanni Luigi , Giobbe Dario , Mutani Roberto , Giordana Maria Teresa , Cavalla Paola
Published: May 2011

Background: Progranulin (PGRN) is a fundamental neurotrophic factor, and is also involved in inflammation and wound repair. PGRN may have pro- or anti-inflammatory properties, depending upon proteolysis of the anti-inflammatory parent PGRN protein and the generation of pro-inflammatory granulin peptides.

Objectives: Our objectives were as follows: (1) to evaluate the presence and distribution of PGRN in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissue, correlating it with demyelination and inflammation; (2) to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PGRN concentrations in patients with MS and controls, in relationship to the clinical features of the disease.

Methods: Our study involved the following: (1) neuropathological study of PGRN on post-mortem tissue of 19 MS and six control brains; (2) evaluation of PGRN CSF concentration in 40 MS patients, 15 non-inflammatory controls and five inflammatory controls (viral encephalitis).

Results: In active demyelinating lesions, PGRN was expressed on macrophages/microglia. In the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), expression of PGRN was observed on activated microglia. PGRN was expressed by neurons and microglia in cortical lesions and in normal-appearing cortex. No expression of PGRN was observed in controls, except on neurons. PGRN CSF concentrations were significantly higher in patients with relapsing–remitting MS during relapses and in progressive MS patients, compared with relapsing–remitting MS patients during remissions and with non-inflammatory controls.

Conclusions: PGRN is strongly expressed in MS brains, by macrophages/microglia in active lesions, and by activated microglia in the NAWM; PGRN CSF concentrations in MS are correspondingly increased in conditions of enhanced macrophage/microglia activation, such as during relapses and in progressive MS.
A narrative perspective on genograms: Revisiting classical family therapy methods
Authors: Chrzastowski Szymon K.
Published: May 2011

This article presents how genograms, a classic family therapy technique, can be used in the context of narrative therapy. Genograms create a unique opportunity to explore and re-tell family stories thus enabling their re-authoring. An important aspect of this process is that of tracking down family resources and wisdom. The graphic form of a genogram can be very helpful in distancing a person from the dominant narrations in her/his family. Additionally, genogram analysis is an excellent opportunity to conduct re-membering conversation and introducing the “club of life” metaphor. Finally, the creative approach to drawing genograms can be an invitation for family members to “play” with their family stories and, as a consequence, re-position their roles in these stories. The article completes the presentation of the family therapy case study which was inspired by narrative ideas and genogram analysis.
Three hierarchical positions of deictic gesture in relation to spoken language: a multimodal interaction analysis
Authors: Norris Sigrid
Published: May 2011

Taking the action, rather than the utterance or the text, as the unit of analysis, this article isolates different modes, investigating the interdependent relationships, illustrating that the visual mode of gestures can take up a hierarchically equal or a super-ordinate position in addition to the commonly understood sub-ordinate position in relation to the mode of spoken language. Building on McNeill, Birdwhistell, Eco, and Ekman and Friesen, and using a multimodal interaction analytical approach (Norris), I analyse in detail three separate everyday (inter)actions in which a deictic gesture is being performed and spoken language is used by the social actor performing the gesture. With these examples, I build on previous work in multimodal analysis of texts and multimodal interaction analysis, illustrating that the verbal is not necessarily more important than the visual (Kress and Van Leeuwen; Norris; Scollon), demonstrating that verbal and visual modes can be utilized together to (co)produce one message (Van Leeuwen), and showing that a mode utilized by a social actor producing a higher-level discourse structure hierarchically supersedes other modes in interaction (Norris).