bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphism (G894T) and Diabetes Mellitus (Type II) among South Indians
Authors: Angeline T. , Krithiga H. R. , Isabel W. , Asirvatham A. J. , Poornima A.
Published: November 2011

The objective of the study is to find out whether the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Indian (Tamil) population. A total number of 260 subjects comprising 100 type 2 diabetic mellitus patients and 160 healthy individuals with no documented history of diabetes were included for the study. DNA was isolated, and eNOS G894T genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme analysis usingBan II. The genotype distribution in patients and controls were compatible with the Hardy-Weinberg expectations (P>0.05). Odds ratio indicates that the occurrence of mutant genotype (GT/TT) was 7.2 times (95% CI = 4.09–12.71) more frequent in the cases than in controls. Thus, the present study demonstrates that there is an association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (G894T) polymorphism with diabetes mellitus among South Indians.
Exact and Approximate Stochastic Simulation of Intracellular Calcium Dynamics
Authors: Wieder Nicolas , Fink Rainer H. A. , von Wegner Frederic
Published: November 2011

In simulations of chemical systems, the main task is to find an exact or approximate solution of the chemical master equation (CME) that satisfies certain constraints with respect to computation time and accuracy. While Brownian motion simulations of single molecules are often too time consuming to represent the mesoscopic level, the classical Gillespie algorithm is a stochastically exact algorithm that provides satisfying results in the representation of calcium microdomains. Gillespie′s algorithm can be approximated via
the tau-leap method and the chemical Langevin equation (CLE). Both methods lead to a substantial acceleration in computation time and a relatively small decrease in accuracy. Elimination of the noise terms leads to the classical, deterministic reaction rate equations (RRE). For complex multiscale systems, hybrid simulations are increasingly
proposed to combine the advantages of stochastic and deterministic algorithms. An often used exemplary cell type in this context are striated muscle cells (e.g., cardiac and skeletal muscle cells).
The properties of these cells are well described and they express many common calcium‐dependent signaling
pathways. The purpose of the present paper is to provide an overview of the aforementioned simulation approaches and their mutual relationships in the spectrum ranging from stochastic to deterministic algorithms.
Olfactory Neuroblastoma Treated by Endoscopic Surgery Followed by Combined External Beam Radiation and Gamma Knife for Optic Nerve and Chiasm Sparing: A Case Report
Authors: Jiang Hansi Z. , Elaimy Ameer L. , Jones Guy C. , Mackay Alexander R. , Fairbanks Robert K. , Lamoreaux Wayne T. , Demakas John J. , Cooke Barton S. , Lee Christopher M.
Published: November 2011

We describe the multimodality treatment regimen of a 53-year-old man diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma (Kadish stage C) in the right nasal cavity extending into the ethmoid sinus and across the cribriform plate. Endoscopic surgery for tumor resection was followed by a combination of external beam radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery boost with concurrent chemotherapy. The novel combination of dual radiation therapies allowed for the preservation of the nearby optic structures while providing an adequate dosage to a sufficient volume of the afflicted tissue.
Receiver Jitter Tracking Characteristics in High-Speed Source Synchronous Links
Authors: Ragab Ahmed , Liu Yang , Hu Kangmin , Chiang Patrick , Palermo Samuel
Published: November 2011

High-speed links which employ source synchronous clocking architectures have the ability to track correlated jitter between clock and data channels up to high frequencies. However, system timing margins are degraded by channel skew between clock and data signals and high-frequency loss. This paper describes how these key channel effects impact the jitter performance and influence the clocking architecture of high-speed source synchronous links. Tradeoffs in complexity and jitter tracking performance of common per-channel de-skew circuits are discussed, along with how band-pass filtering can be leveraged to provide additional jitter filtering at the receiver. Jitter tolerance analysis for a 10 Gb/s system shows that a near all-pass delay-locked loop (DLL) and phase-interpolator- (PI-) based de-skew performs best under low skew conditions, while, at high skew, architectures which leverage band-pass clock filtering or a phase-locked loop (PLL) for increased jitter filtering are more suitable. De-skew based on injection-locked oscillators (ILOs) offer a reduced complexity design and competitive jitter tolerance over a wide skew range.
A Dynamically Reconfigured Multi-FPGA Network Platform for High-Speed Malware Collection
Authors: Mühlbach Sascha , Koch Andreas
Published: November 2011

Malicious software has become a major threat to computer users on the Internet today. Security researchers need to gather and analyze large sample sets to develop effective countermeasures. The setting of honeypots, which emulate vulnerable applications, is one method to collect attack code. We have proposed a dedicated hardware architecture for honeypots which allows both high-speed operation at 10 Gb/s and beyond and offers a high resilience against attacks on the honeypot infrastructure itself. In this work, we refine the base NetStage architecture for better management and scalability. Using dynamic partial reconfiguration, we can now update the functionality of the honeypot during operation. To allow the operation of a larger number of vulnerability emulation handlers, the initial single-device architecture is extended to scalable multichip systems. We describe the technical aspects of these modifications and show results evaluating an implementation on a current quad-FPGA reconfigurable computing platform.
Hyphal Growth in Human Fungal Pathogens and Its Role in Virulence
Authors: Brand Alexandra
Published: November 2011

Most of the fungal species that infect humans can grow in more than one morphological form but only a subset of pathogens produce filamentous hyphae during the infection process. This subset is phylogenetically unrelated and includes the commonly carried yeasts,Candida albicans,C. dubliniensis, andMalasseziaspp., and the acquired pathogens,Aspergillus fumigatusand dermatophytes such asTrichophyton rubrumandT. mentagrophytes. The primary function of hypha formation in these opportunistic pathogens is to invade the substrate they are adhered to, whether biotic or abiotic, but other functions include the directional translocation between host environments, consolidation of the colony, nutrient acquisition and the formation of 3-dimensional matrices. To support these functions, polarised hyphal growth is co-regulated with other factors that are essential for normal hypha functionin vivo.
Hemispheric Asymmetry of Visual Cortical Response by Means of Functional Transcranial Doppler
Authors: Roje-Bedeković Marina , Lovrenčić-Huzjan Arijana , Bosnar-Puretić Marijana , Šerić Vesna , Demarin Vida
Published: November 2011

We assessed the visual evoked response and investigated side-to-side differences in mean blood flow velocities (MBFVs) by means of functional transcranial Doppler (fTCD) in 49 right-handed patients with severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and 30 healthy volunteers, simultaneously in both posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) using 2 MHz probes, successively in the dark and during the white light stimulation. Statistically significant correlation (P=0.001) was shown in healthy and in patients (P<0.05) between MBFV in right PCA in physiological conditions and MBFV in right PCA during the white light stimulation and in the dark. The correlation between MBVF in right PCA and contralateral left PCA was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The correlation between ipsilateral left PCA was significantly higher than the one with contralateral right PCA (P<0.05). There is a clear trend towards the lateralisation of the visual evoked response in the right PCA.
Modeling the Transcriptional Consequences of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Ablation in Ras-Initiated Squamous Cancer
Authors: Wright Lisa Nolan , Ryscavage Andrew , Merlino Glenn , Yuspa Stuart H.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–targeted therapy is in clinical use to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and other cancers of lining epithelium. RAS mutations in these tumors are a negative prognostic factor for response, and skin inflammation is an adverse reaction to therapy. We investigated transcriptional and biochemical changes that could account for the confounding effects of RAS activation and inflammation in a squamous tissue.

Experimental Design: We carried out gene expression profiling on oncogenic Ras-transformed and wild-type mouse and human keratinocytes with EGFR ablated chronically by genetic deletion or acutely by drug treatment and followed leads provided by pathway analysis with biochemical studies.

Results: We identified a 25-gene signature specific to the Ras–EGFR ablation interaction and a distinct 19-gene EGFR ablation signature on normal keratinocytes. EGFR ablation in the context of wild-type Ras reduces ontologies favoring cell-cycle control and transcription, whereas oncogenic Ras enriches ontologies for ion channels and membrane transporters, particularly focused on calcium homeostasis. Ontologies between chronic EGFR ablation and acute pharmacologic ablation were unique, both with and without Ras activation. p38α is activated in response to abrogation of EGFR signaling under conditions of Ras activation in both mouse and human keratinocytes and in RAS-transformed tumor orthografts of EGFR-ablated mouse keratinocytes. EGFR ablation in the absence of oncogenic Ras revealed Erk and interleukin-1β–related pathways.

Conclusion: These findings reveal unrecognized interactions between Ras and EGFR signaling in squamous tumor cells that could influence the therapeutic response to EGFR ablation therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 18(1); 170–83. ©2011 AACR.
MAGE: The Spell Is Broken
Authors: Rezvani Katayoun
Published: November 2011

The success of immunotherapy in Hodgkin lymphoma is hampered partly by limited expression of tumor-specific antigens in the malignant cells. One strategy to increase tumor immunogenicity may be to enhance the expression of Hodgkin lymphoma–specific antigens such as MAGE-A4 using epigenetic-modifying drugs in combination with cancer testis antigen–specific immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 6955–7. ©2011 AACR.
Proton Pump Inhibitors versus Histamine-2-Receptor Antagonists for the Management of Iatrogenic Gastric Ulcer after Endoscopic Mucosal Resection or Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Yang Zhiping , Wu Qiong , Liu Zhiguo , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming
Published: November 2011

Background/Aims: Both proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and histamine-2-receptor antagonist (H2RA) are considered to be effective for the treatment of iatrogenic gastric ulcer after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to systematically evaluate the evidence comparing PPI and H2RA for iatrogenic ulcer. Methods: Data from PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched to identify eligible randomized trials. Outcome measures were delayed bleeding, epigastric pain and ulcer healing. Results: Six full-text studies were identified including a total of 522 patients. Pooled data suggested a significantly lower bleeding rate in the PPI group than in the H2RA group (odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25-0.95). Subgroup analysis showed PPI was more effective in the prevention of bleeding than H2RA for ESD-induced ulcer (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.85) and 8-week duration of medication (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.76). There were no differences in the incidence of epigastric pain (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.53-1.51) and ulcer healing rate after endoscopic therapies between both groups. Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows PPI is superior to H2RA for the prevention of delayed bleeding without different effectiveness in the reduction of epigastric pain and in the promotion of ulcer healing after EMR or ESD.
Clinicopathologic Outcomes of Curative Resection for Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Park Joon Suk , Lee Yongjik , Han Joungho , Kim Hong Kwan , Choi Yong Soo , Kim Jhingook , Shim Young Mog , Kim Kwhanmien
Published: November 2011

Objectives: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is a very rare and aggressive subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. We explored the clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcome of this tumor. Methods: Among 4,212 patients who underwent curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer from September 1994 to December 2009, 99 patients had sarcomatoid carcinoma. Medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The mean follow-up period was 16.07 months. Thirty-six patients had pathologic stage I disease, and 63 had more advanced disease. Surgery included 2 wedge resections, 67 lobectomies, 17 bilobectomies, and 13 pneumonectomies. There were 90 pleomorphic carcinomas, 6 spindle cell carcinomas, 1 giant cell carcinoma, 1 carcinosarcoma, and 1 pulmonary blastoma. Overall 5-year survival was 54.3%. Forty-three patients experienced recurrence and 42 of these died of the cancer. Pathologic T stage as defined by the 7th TNM staging system was significantly associated with survival and recurrence (p = 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). Mean positron emission tomography uptake was significantly higher than in other types of lung cancer (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our results implied that surgery for sarcomatoid carcinoma must be carefully planned after extensive preoperative evaluation. Efforts should be made for accurate preoperative histological diagnosis of large peripheral tumor with exceedingly high positron emission tomography uptake.
Gender and Relational-Distance Effects in Arrests for Domestic Violence
Authors: Lally William , DeMaris Alfred
Published: November 2011

This study tests two hypotheses regarding factors affecting arrest of the perpetrator in domestic violence incidents. Black’s relational-distance thesis is that the probability of arrest increases with increasing relational distance between perpetrator and victim. Klinger’s leniency principle suggests that the probability of arrest is lower for male perpetrators assaulting female intimate partners, compared with other scenarios. The authors employed marginal logistic regression models using incident-based data from the National Survey of Violence and Threats of Violence Against Women and Men in the United States, 1994-1996, to test both effects. They found support for Black’s thesis: The likelihood of arrest was lower when the perpetrator was an acquaintance, a relative, or a romantic partner of the victim, versus a stranger. However, the authors’ results failed to support Klinger’s hypothesis. They found that men were more likely to be arrested when assaulting a female—regardless of relationship status—compared with assaulting another male.
Substance Use, Personality, and Inhibitors
Authors: Jones Shayne , Lynam Donald R. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: November 2011

Hirschi argues that self-control has not been properly measured or conceptualized in previous research. He insists that personality-based notions of self-control should be replaced with inhibitors/social bonds as the key construct, which in turn influence whether an individual considers the full range of costs associated with an antisocial behavior. This analysis supplements a small literature exploring this new conceptualization of self-control, specifically by examining substance use. The findings indicate that inhibitors/bonds do exert an effect on substance use but are not mediated by perceived costs. Furthermore, different variants of impulsivity continue to exert independent influences, with some mediated by perceived costs. Finally, perceived rewards not only influenced substance use directly but were also the most consistent mediator of inhibitors/bonds and impulsivity.
Neighborhood Characteristics and the Social Control of Registered Sex Offenders
Authors: Socia Kelly M. , Stamatel Janet P.
Published: November 2011

This study uses geospatial and regression analyses to examine the relationships among social disorganization, collective efficacy, social control, residence restrictions, spatial autocorrelation, and the neighborhood distribution of registered sex offenders (RSOs) in Chicago. RSOs were concentrated in neighborhoods that had higher levels of social disorganization and lower levels of collective efficacy, offered greater anonymity, and were near other neighborhoods with high concentrations of RSOs. Furthermore, social control mechanisms mediated some of the effects of structural disorganization. The neighborhoods where RSOs were likely to live did not exhibit characteristics that would support the informal social control of such offenders, as RSO legislation assumes.
Females in the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Bright Charlotte Lyn , Kohl Patricia L. , Jonson-Reid Melissa
Published: November 2011

Increasing numbers of female youth involved in the juvenile justice system highlight the need to examine this population. This study enumerates distinct profiles of risk and protection among juvenile court-involved females, examining young adult outcomes associated with these profiles. Administrative data on 700 participants were drawn from multiple service sectors in a Midwest metropolitan region. Latent class and Pearson chi-square analyses were used. Five unique classes were identified; these classes were associated with young adult outcomes. One class of impoverished African American females was most likely to experience problematic young adult outcomes but least likely to have received juvenile justice services. Findings highlight the heterogeneity in the female juvenile court population and discrepancies between service needs and service receipt.
3D geometrical modelling of tubular braids
Authors: Alpyildiz Tuba
Published: November 2011

Geometrical modelling for tubular braids of different structures is studied and a simple versatile three-dimensional model is proposed after considering the crimp of the braiding yarn together with the tubular curvature of the tubular braid structure. The proposed model is versatile and suitable not only for different braid structures, but also, with the changes in the structural parameters such as braid angle, number of yarns in a set, yarn and mandrel diameter the model is still applicable. Application and 3D drawings of the model for diamond, regular and triaxial braids are given with the aid of Visual Basic and 3DSMax Studio.
Effect of sirospun spinning with a press bar top pin on qualities of flax/cotton blended yarn
Authors: Liu Shuqiang , Dai Jinming , Jia Husheng , Liu Xuguang , Xu Bingshe
Published: November 2011

Sirospun spinning was most commonly used to decrease hairiness of flax/cotton yarn, and two press bars installed in the back drafting zone were mainly applied to improve the evenness of flax/cotton yarn. The effects of the two parameters of the back drafting zone, such as the ratch of the back drafting zone and the ratio of the back drafting zone, on yarn evenness, were studied. It was found that the optimum draft was 61 mm ratch of the back drafting zone and 1.4 for the back-zone drafting ratio. The effect mechanism of the press bar top pin on yarn evenness was also analyzed. In addition, the effects of sirospun processing parameters, including the twist factor, the space between two rovings and the specification of the traveler, on yarn hairiness, were studied. It was observed that the fitted quadratic polynomial of the twist factor against hairiness was Y = 0.0196X2 – 5.6514X + 416.64 ( R = 0.972) and at 144 twist factor, the yarn had the least hairiness; the fitted linear regression equation of space between two rovings against hairiness was Y = −1.57X + 26.23 ( R = 0.982) and at 10 mm space between two rovings, the yarn had a lower end breakage rate of spinning and less hairiness; the traveler with appropriate weight could lead to a suitable-sized balloon, then hairiness was reduced; Fo 5/0 specification of the traveler led to the least hairiness.
Reverse Country-of-Origin Effects of Product Perceptions on Destination Image
Authors: Lee Richard , Lockshin Larry
Published: November 2011

Via two experiments, the authors meld research in travel destination image (TDI) and country-of-origin image (COI) to investigate whether consumers’ perceptions of a country’s products influence their perceptions of the country as a travel destination. In the first experiment, the authors show that reverse COI effects may occur, where participants use product beliefs to imbue destination beliefs. More positive product beliefs lead to more favorable perceptions of and greater intentions to tour the destination. The second experiment follows on to show that destination familiarity may moderate the product beliefs–destination beliefs relationship established in the first study. As familiarity increases, participants rely less on product beliefs to evaluate the destination. A key implication for exporters, tourism policy makers, and tourism businesses is that foreign products not only are competing with each other for domestic customers but also are competing through their products for a share of the outbound tourism market.
Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Pharmacokinetics of Naproxen in Children
Authors: Välitalo Pyry , Kumpulainen Elina , Manner Minna , Kokki Merja , Lehtonen Marko , Hooker Andrew C. , Ranta Veli‐Pekka , Kokki Hannu
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to characterize pediatric pharmacokinetics and central nervous system exposure of naproxen after oral administration. The pharmacokinetics of naproxen was studied in 53 healthy children aged 3 months to 12 years undergoing surgery with spinal anesthesia. Children received preoperatively a single dose of 10 mg/kg oral naproxen suspension. A single cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample (n = 52) was collected at the induction of anesthesia, and plasma samples (n = 270) were collected before, during, and after the operation (up to 51 hours after administration). A population pharmacokinetic model was built using the NONMEM software. Naproxen concentrations in plasma were well described by a 2‐compartment model. The estimated oral clearance (CL/F) was 0.62 L/h when linearly scaled by weight to 70 kg. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vss/F) was 12.5 L/70 kg. The findings are consistent with previously reported pharmacokinetic parameters for children older than 5 years. Naproxen permeated into the CSF and reached CSF concentrations that were 4 times higher than unbound plasma concentrations. Based on these data, weight can be used as a basis for naproxen dosing in children older than 3 months of age.
Shortening of the QT Interval After Food Can Be Used to Demonstrate Assay Sensitivity in Thorough QT Studies
Authors: Taubel Jorg , Wong Alex H. , Naseem Asif , Ferber Georg , Camm A. John
Published: November 2011

The effect of food was investigated under conditions of a thorough QT (TQT) study and with confirmation of assay sensitivity by the use of a positive control (400 mg of moxifloxacin). Fifty‐five healthy subjects were randomized to treatment and a sequence of fasted and fed baseline electrocardiography days. Subjects received standard breakfast 30 to 10 minutes prior to dosing. Measurement of QT interval was performed automatically with subsequent manual onscreen overreading using electronic calipers. A profound increase in heart rate of 9.4 bpm was observed in the fed condition compared with the fasted condition at 1.5 hours after dose with a corresponding shortening of QT (27 milliseconds); (baseline data). When corrected, QTcF interval was shortened significantly with the maximal effect observed at 2 hours after dose of 8.2 (95% confidence interval, 6–10) milliseconds. A concurrent shortening of the PR interval with a maximum value of 5.6 milliseconds was also observed. The findings of this study demonstrate that food alters the QT‐RR relationship and shortens QTc and PR for at least 4 hours after a carbohydrate‐rich meal. The findings are of regulatory interest as this study shows that normal physiological causes can shorten QTc significantly and that it could be used as a method to demonstrate assay sensitivity.
Carton de Wiart’s Second Military Mission to Poland and the German Invasion of 1939
Authors: Harrison E.D.R.
Published: November 2011

Poland’s strategy for fighting Nazi Germany has always been controversial. Was it necessary to confront the invaders close to the frontier, or should Poland’s forces have stayed much further back to allow a more viable defence? The head of the British Military Mission to Poland in 1939, Major-General Adrian Carton de Wiart, argued strongly but in vain for a defence in the interior. The Polish army proved inadequate against German forces using new lightning operations. The promised major offensive by France did not materialize. Carton de Wiart failed in his efforts to expedite material assistance from Britain, whose political and military leadership wrote off the Poles. Carton de Wiart and his officers continued to report to the War Office until Soviet intervention on 17 September brought an end to the Military Mission. After leaving Poland, the Mission produced invaluable accounts of the new German warfare but these had little influence on army practice. So there was a failure to learn from the fall of Poland.
Imperial Myths between Nationalism and Communism: Appropriations of Imperial Legacies in the North-eastern Adriatic during the Early Cold War
Authors: Mihelj Sabina
Published: November 2011

In contemporary scholarly discussions, political uses of imperial pasts are typically associated with the rise of modern nation-states and nationalist principles of identity formation. Although clearly important, this approach can lead us to neglect the appropriations of imperial myths based on other types of ideological frameworks. In communist Eastern Europe, official representations of the past followed the imperatives of a historical-materialist vision of history, which, at least in its initial form, necessitated a rejection of both imperialism and nationalism. It is therefore reasonable to expect that communist appropriations of imperial legacies were significantly different from those found in Western Europe at the time. This article examines these different uses of imperial pasts – informed by either communism or nationalism or both – by focusing on the competing perceptions of imperial history and heritage at the Italo-Yugoslav border during the early Cold War.
Securitisation and ‘Riskification’: Second-order Security and the Politics of Climate Change
Authors: Corry Olaf
Published: November 2011

Risk-security writers of various persuasions have suggested that risk is effectively the new security. They say risk works to widen securitisation whereby exceptional measures are made permanent and introduced to deal with merely potential, hypothetical and less-than-existential dangers. A transformation in the political logic of the security field of this kind is a potentially problematic and momentous change. However, this has so far not been much reflected in the primary theory of what security is, namely the Copenhagen School’s theory of securitisation. This article tries to tackle this problem by identifying the distinct logic of speech acts that turn issues into questions of risk politics suggesting a model for what rules or grammars they follow and what the political implications of them are. A separate kind of speech act – ‘riskification’ – is identified based on a re-theorisation of what distinguishes ‘risks’ from ‘threats’. It is argued that risk politics is not an instance of securitisation, but something distinct with its own advantages and dangers. Threat-based security deals with direct causes of harm, whereas risk-security is oriented towards the conditions of possibility or constitutive causes of harm a kind of ‘second-order’ security politics that promotes long-term precautionary governance. Separating securitisation and ‘riskification’ preserves the analytical precision of the Copenhagen School notion of securitisation, makes a new logic of security understandable to analysts of the security field, and helps to clarify what basic logic ‘normal’ non-securitised politics may follow. The new framework is demonstrated through a critical reading of literature that has suggested that climate change has been securitised.
‘Framing’ the Copenhagen School: Integrating the Literature on Threat Construction
Authors: Watson Scott D.
Published: November 2011

In recent years, the field of security studies has turned increasing attention to the processes through which security threats are constructed. Two approaches in particular have flourished, securitisation and framing, but scholars working within these frameworks generally do not draw on the other body of literature to inform theoretical development or to accumulate cases. This has resulted in the production of parallel literatures and the duplication of concepts and terminology, and has hindered the development of theory. This article demonstrates that securitisation and framing are substantively similar research programmes, that security operates as one of a number of distinct master frames, and that securitisation should be viewed as a subfield of framing. This would produce a division of labour whereby securitisation scholars could continue to focus on the distinct realm of security, while drawing on the broader framing literature to inform a number of areas that are under-theorised in present securitisation studies, such as audience acceptance, non-linguistic communicative forms, empowerment and marginalisation, and resistance and desecuritisation.
Skewed Allele-Specific Expression of the NF1 Gene in Normal Subjects
Authors: Jentarra Garilyn M. , Rice Stephen Gabe , Olfers Shannon , Rajan Chris , Saffen David M. , Narayanan Vinodh
Published: November 2011

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by neurocutaneous abnormalities, learning disabilities, and attention-deficit disorder. Neurofibromatosis type 1 symptom severity can be highly variable even within families where all affected members carry the same mutation. We hypothesized that variation in the expression of the normal NF1 allele may be a mechanism that participates in producing variable phenotypes. We performed allelic expression imbalance assays on healthy control individuals to estimate the prevalence of skewed allelic expression of the NF1 gene. Approximately 30% of individuals in our sample population showed significant skewing of allelic expression away from the expected 50:50 ratio, indicating that differential regulation of the NF1 alleles occurs in a high proportion of individuals. Differences of up to 25% in allele-specific expression of the NF1 alleles were identified. In individuals with Neurofibromatosis type 1, who carry a mutant allele (haploinsufficient), this degree of expression skewing may be sufficient to modulate the phenotype.
Contextualizing Performances of Family Firms
Authors: Colli Andrea
Published: November 2011

Performances have only recently been addressed in business history research, partly because of problems concerning data quality and availability. As a consequence, performance measurement in family firms has been a neglected area in historical studies. Family business historians are thus increasingly interested in this topic. However, the longitudinal perspective adopted requires a problematical approach to the concept of performance. This article provides a critical assessment of the relationship between family firms and performance measurement from the perspective of business history and, at the same time, suggests the potential contribution of historical analysis to theory building in this field.
A Method to Remove Differences in Frequency Response Between Commercial Hearing Aids to Allow Direct Comparison of the Sound Quality of Hearing-Aid Features
Authors: Houben Rolph , Brons Inge , Dreschler Wouter A.
Published: November 2011

Goal: We want to remove differences in frequency response between different commercial hearing aids so that we can compare the sound quality of signal processing features from different hearing-aid in a future paired-comparison set-up. More specifically, we want to control for the confounding effects of the linear hearing aid response when evaluating nonlinear processing. This article presents a control procedure and evaluates its effectiveness. Method: We increased the similarity of hearing-aid recordings in three steps and used both an objective quality metric and listening tests to investigate if the recordings from different hearing aids were perceptually similar. Results: Neither was it sufficient to manually adjust the hearing-aid insertion gain, nor was it sufficient to add an additional bandwidth limitation to the recordings. Only after the application of an inverse filter the perceptual differences between recordings were removed adequately. Conclusion: It was possible to level the ground between different hearing devices, so to speak. This will allow future research to evaluate the sound quality of nonlinear signal processing features.
Innovative Technology in Hearing Instruments
Authors: McPherson Bradley
Published: November 2011

Hearing instrument technology research is almost entirely focused on the projected needs of the consumer market in the developed world. However, two thirds of the world’s population with hearing impairment live in developing countries and this proportion will increase in future, given present demographic trends. In developing regions, amplification and other hearing health needs may differ from those in industrialized nations, for cultural, health, or economic reasons. World Health Organization estimates indicate that at present only a small percentage of individuals in developing countries who are in need of amplification have access to hearing aid provision. New technologies, such as trainable hearing aids, advanced noise reduction algorithms, feedback reduction circuitry, nano coatings for hearing aid components, and innovative power options, may offer considerable potential benefits, both for individuals with hearing impairment in developing countries and for those who provide hearing health care services in these regions. This article considers the possible supporting role of innovative hearing instrument technologies in the provision of affordable hearing health care services in developing countries and highlights the need for research that considers the requirements of the majority of the world population in need of hearing instrument provision.
Portable media affected spectatorship
Authors: Lam Celia
Published: November 2011

Media entertainment is situated predominately on large screens, with content that is designed to take advantage of the large screen platform. While developments in media technology are generating progressively smaller, more personalised distribution platforms, onto which the transfer of large screen content is currently performed. Mobile gaming, mobile film, and mobile television content viewing are increasingly marketed as extensions to traditional distribution means. Given the drastically different viewing and distribution mediums of the large and small screens, it is useful to investigate the effectiveness of this practice on the reception of content and audience viewing experience. Results showed that while basic understanding was not lost on a small-screen viewing platform, a significant reduction of overall experience was noted.
‘Oh dear, should I really be saying that on here?’: Issues of identity and authority in an online diabetes community
Authors: Armstrong Natalie , Koteyko Nelya , Powell John
Published: November 2011

We explore peer-to-peer discussions which took place in a UK-based diabetes ‘Virtual Clinic’ online community. In particular, we seek to understand the rhetorical nature and content of exchanges over a period of six months from the community’s inception. Data were captured weekly and analysis based on thematic discourse analysis. Two key issues emerged regarding how the community shaped the nature of the discussion forum. First, the identity of the forum was established, and boundaries drawn about what was, and was not, acceptable. Second, participants sought to present themselves as reliable and authoritative sources of information. Internet discussion communities are shaped in important ways early on by the community of users, including how the character and focus of discussion is formed, and how both information and users can be constructed as authoritative and reliable.
Gender convergence in core housework hours
Authors: Chesters Jenny
Published: November 2011

The increase in dual-earner families over the last few decades raises questions about whether men are sharing the homemaker role now that women are sharing the breadwinner role. Theories of the allocation of unpaid work, such as dependency and exchange approaches, time availability and gender display, were developed during the period when the male-breadwinner family was the dominant family type in many Western societies. Using data collected by three Australian surveys conducted between 1986 and 2005 ( N = 5598), I find that the increase in dual-earner families has been accompanied by a convergence in housework hours due to men spending more time and women spending less time doing core housework tasks. Attitudes to gender roles appear to be the key predictor of housework hours overriding the effects of time availability, income and relative income
HR practices during post-merger conflict and merger performance
Authors: Weber Yaakov , Rachman-Moore Dalia , Tarba Shlomo Yedidia
Published: November 2011

An extensive body of literature has investigated financial and strategic variables as predictors of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) performance without finding clear relationships. The literature does not investigate remedies for conflicts in M&A. This paper aims to develop a knowledge-based theory of M&A integration, drawing upon research on HR practices in M&A, the resource-based view of the firm, and international management. The study also explores the critical differences between acquirers from various countries in the way in which human resources are managed during cross-cultural conflict situations, and tests the relationships between HR practices and post-merger performance in multiple countries. The findings show that there is no clear best practice to address the conflict situation and enhance M&A performance.
The lived experience of spirituality and dementia in older people living with mild to moderate dementia
Authors: Dalby Padmaprabha , Sperlinger David J. , Boddington Stephen
Published: November 2011

A literature review highlighted the importance of understanding the subjective experience of spirituality and dementia. Two research aims were identified: to build an understanding of how older people's experience of spirituality, religion or faith is affected by having dementia and to understand how the spiritual aspects of their lives affect the experience of dementia. Six older people with mild to moderate dementia were interviewed about their experience of spirituality and dementia. Interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Five superordinate themes were identified: experience of faith; searching for meaning in dementia; ‘I'm not as I was’ – changes and losses in experience of the self; staying intact; and current pathways to spiritual connection and expression. The results offered a unique perspective on the experience of spirituality and dementia, uniting themes from both research and theory concerning the experience of the self and the experience of spirituality in dementia.
Continuity and loss: The carer's journey through dementia
Authors: Gillies Brenda
Published: November 2011

This paper looks at the ambiguous journey travelled by family, mainly spouse, carers in Scotland is based on 37 interviews which formed part of a larger study exploring the subjective experience of 20 individuals with dementia. The majority of the interviews were conducted with the carer alone, others with the relative with dementia (RWD) present and some as joint interviews. The carers are found to be recognizing many manifestations of loss in the loved one and, simultaneously in their carer role, striving to maintain continuity of that person through compensatory actions and the provision of a supportive care environment. These experiences are located along a trajectory of continuity and loss. This article provides further insight into the caregiving relationship in dementia and the complexities of maintaining that relationship in the shifting ground of a progressive illness.
Road lighting in change: User advice for designers
Authors: Viikari M , Puolakka M , Halonen L , Rantakallio A
Published: November 2011

Road lighting practice in Europe is currently under change, the changes being induced by the European Union Ecodesign regulations, the rapid development of LEDs and the new CIE system of mesopic photometry. This makes it a good time to listen to the opinions of the end users of road lighting. What are the aspects of road lighting that the drivers value? What are the most difficult visual tasks faced by drivers at night? Are drivers willing to reduce the amount and quality of lighting to save energy? All these questions and more were presented to over 100 drivers aged 20–79 years in a questionnaire in Finland during the autumn of 2010. This paper summarises the results and discusses the expectations of drivers that should be considered when preparing future guidelines for road lighting.
Moving Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling
Authors: Longman Karen A. , Lafreniere Shawna L.
Published: November 2011

The Problem.

While a variety of factors have historically limited access by women to top-level leadership positions across higher education, these factors become more complicated when juxtaposed with the theological commitments that influence the leadership journeys of women in these settings.

The Solution.

This article reviews the literature related to women in higher education leadership, with a particular focus on the state of women in leadership found in faith-based colleges and universities—as represented by the 110 member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). It describes the results of in-depth research on the impact of a CCCU Women’s Leadership Development initiative, launched in 1998. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation data are discussed and implications outlined.

The Stakeholders.

The lessons emerging from this initiative and research can be helpful for postsecondary leaders, HRD and leadership development professionals, and all those who focus on developing women in higher education settings.
The Politics of Parenthood
Authors: Elder Laurel , Greene Steven
Published: November 2011

This project employs 2008 National Election Study (NES) data to explore whether parents are different than nonparents in terms of their political attitudes and candidate evaluations. We find that parenthood does have political consequences although often not in ways suggested by conventional wisdom. Rather than finding parents to be a conservative group, our results support the idea that raising children has liberalizing effects on the attitudes of women. Fatherhood shapes attitudes less than motherhood, but these fewer effects are in a conservative direction. We argue that the distinctive politics of mothers and fathers reflects the impact of parenting as a gendered socialization experience combined with the contrasting parenthood themes articulated by the Republican and Democratic parties. Finally, despite media coverage suggesting Sarah Palin’s “Hockey Mom” image would attract parents, especially mothers, to her candidacy and the Republican ticket we find no support for this idea.
Take the Good With the Bad
Authors: Lee Daniel J.
Published: November 2011

Institutional barriers frustrate third-party challenges to major-party dominance in American politics. Conventional wisdom claims that the ballot access petitioning requirement hurts minor parties. This claim, however, conflates two dimensions of third-party success: (a) ability to get on the ballot and (b) ability of actual candidates to win votes. The requirement is hypothesized to have a negative effect on the first dimension but a positive effect on the second. Modeling these two dimensions separately gives evidence of cross-cutting effects. The first equation is a probit model of entry that shows third-party candidates are more likely to enter when the requirement is low. The second equation is an OLS regression, which only includes the subsample of districts where at least one third-party candidate gained ballot access, that shows third-party candidates win more votes in districts with a higher requirement.
The Media’s Role in America’s Exceptional Politics of Inequality
Authors: Bell Carole V. , Entman Robert M.
Published: November 2011

This study extends Hacker and Pierson’s important research on the politics of inequality by illuminating the critical role of news media in facilitating the public’s acquiescence to government policies that failed to accord with their interests and values. Although benefits were heavily concentrated at the very top of the income and wealth distributions, majorities of Americans appeared to support the tax cuts, and just as important, oppositional public opinion was muted. An innovative content analysis of national television news coverage informed by the concepts of particularistic versus collective benefits reveals the interests and sources represented, and subtle ways media framing favored George W. Bush’s tax proposals of 2001 and 2003. The authors find that media framing did not provide citizens with the information necessary for balanced assessment of either the effects on their own individual economic interests, or of impacts on widely shared, collective (i.e., sociotropic) values. Instead, by framing the tax cuts’ putative collective benefits in terms of economic growth while neglecting the likelihood of greater inequality, and by deemphasizing the skewed particularistic benefits, broadcast coverage diminished citizens’ ability to deliberate effectively over taxation policy. As a result, television news shaped an environment favorable to tax policies that exacerbated economic inequality in the United States and rendered America an outlier in income distribution among wealthy democracies.