bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-17∼92 miRNA cluster promotes kidney cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Patel Vishal , Williams Darren , Hajarnis Sachin , Hunter Ryan , Pontoglio Marco , Somlo Stefan , Igarashi Peter
Published: June 2013

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the most common genetic cause of chronic kidney failure, is characterized by the presence of numerous, progressively enlarging fluid-filled cysts in the renal parenchyma. The cysts arise from renal tubules and are lined by abnormally functioning and hyperproliferative epithelial cells. Despite recent progress, no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy is available to retard cyst growth. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that inhibit posttranscriptional gene expression. Dysregulated miRNA expression is observed in PKD, but whether miRNAs are directly involved in kidney cyst formation and growth is not known. Here, we show that miR-17∼92, an oncogenic miRNA cluster, is up-regulated in mouse models of PKD. Kidney-specific transgenic overexpression of miR-17∼92 produces kidney cysts in mice. Conversely, kidney-specific inactivation of miR-17∼92 in a mouse model of PKD retards kidney cyst growth, improves renal function, and prolongs survival. miR-17∼92 may mediate these effects by promoting proliferation and through posttranscriptional repression of PKD genes
Pkd1
,
Pkd2
, and hepatocyte nuclear factor-
1
β. These studies demonstrate a pathogenic role of miRNAs in mouse models of PKD and identify miR-17∼92 as a therapeutic target in PKD. Our results also provide a unique hypothesis for disease progression in PKD involving miRNAs and regulation of PKD gene dosage.
Describing and explaining the variation of Bantu imperatives and prohibitives
Authors: Devos Maud , Van Olmen Daniël
Published: June 2013

This paper describes Bantu imperatival and prohibitival speech acts. The study is set against the background of the formal instability of directives and grammaticalization theory. On the basis of a sample of 100 languages, we conclude that imperatival strategies are limited to imperatives, subjunctives, and indicatives while prohibitival strategies range from negative subjunctives and negative auxiliary constructions through constructions with prohibitive markers and negative infinitives to negative indicatives and negative imperatives. Politeness is shown to play an important role in the development of new strategies, which often have a more polite character and which become neutral themselves over time. We argue that it may even partly explain why prohibitival strategies exhibit more variation than imperatival ones. However, it is also clear that new directive strategies need not be more polite and that politeness is just one of the possible factors contributing to the difference between imperatival and prohibitival strategies.
The evolution of number in Otomi
Authors: Palancar Enrique L.
Published: June 2013

Otomi (Oto-Pamean, Oto-Manguean) is a small group of languages spoken in Mexico which has emerged as a linguistic family in recent times. In this paper, I study relevant changes in the number system of the Otomi languages. These changes constitute an interesting object of study to gain a better understanding of two main phenomena: aspects of language change involving the loss of the dual number; and the constraints on number agreement restricted to conjoining structures. I show that changes in the number system in the Otomi family have different outcomes depending on the dialectal area. Such outcomes include the loss of dual morphology through a semantic rearrangement where the old dual forms have become exponents of either paucal or plural number. In some of the varieties, the old dual is still preserved, but it is relegated to male speech as a token of partnership and camaraderie.
Analogy, automation and diagrammatic causation
Authors: Pelkey Jamin
Published: June 2013

One areal feature of East and Southeast Asian languages is the grammaticalization of an augmentative-diminutive pair from the nominals ‘mother’ and ‘child’, respectively (Matisoff 1992). Many Sino-Tibetan languages further grammaticalize noun-class affixes from these kinship nominals, adding a parallel ‘father’ analogy in the process. Some Tibeto-Burman (TB) languages further grammaticalize the resulting kinship trio into numeral classifiers and lexical and clausal nominalizers. This paper presents evidence from the Ngwi branch of Burmic demonstrating a novel, yet parallel, polygrammaticalization process involving ‘youth’ (from TB *lak) as an analogous lexical source. Data from 30 languages inform a gradient reconstruction of two integrated, parallel clines: a nominal suffix series, YOUTH > SPROUT > SLENDER > OBLONG > GENERIC, complemented by a numeral classifier series, YOUTH(S) > AFFINAL KIN > CONSANGUINEAL KIN > NARROW > GENERIC. Both paths underlie the emergence of a collectivizing clausal nominalizer. The results support an emerging consensus: Analogy, automation and diagrammatic causation are irreducibly interdependent components of grammaticalization.
On the Six-Way Word Order Typology, Again
Authors: Dryer Matthew S.
Published: June 2013

This paper responds to in Newmeyer (2004, 2005), who gives argument defending the traditional six-way word order typology that classifies languages as SOV, SVO, etc. against arguments in Dryer (1997) in favour of an alternative typology which classifies languages according to two more basic typological parameters, VO vs. OV and VS vs. SV. The paper provides both updated and new data that is relevant to the issues. Although some of the new data actually supports some of the empirical claims made by Newmeyer, I argue that these do not provide any argument in favour of the six-way typology and that Newmeyer misconstrues the issues distinguishing the two typologies.
Mapping out the Source domain
Authors: Eckhoff Hanne Martine , Thomason Olga A. , de Swart Peter
Published: June 2013

This paper takes a strictly empirical approach to the encoding of spatial notions in the four ancient Indo-European languages Ancient Greek, Latin, Gothic and Old Church Slavonic. By generating semantic maps on the basis of parallel corpus data, without any semantic pre-analysis, we use methods well tested in typology to study the basic divisions in the spatial domain in the four closely-related languages, and to determine the finer subdivisions within the Source domain. We find that the four languages are similar, but clearly independent of each other, each carving up the spatial domain in different ways. We also find substantial encoding overlaps between the Source and Location domains.
Non-canonical SAY in Siberia
Authors: Matić Dejan , Pakendorf Brigitte
Published: June 2013

The use of generic verbs of speech in functions not related to their primary meaning, such as to introduce complements or adjuncts, is cross-linguistically widespread; it is also characteristic of some languages of Siberia. However, the distribution of non-canonical functions of generic verbs of speech among the languages of Siberia is very uneven, with striking differences even between dialects of one language. In this paper we attempt to elucidate whether shared inheritance, parallel independent developments, or areal convergence are the factors determining this distribution, using fine-scaled investigations of narrative data from a large number of Siberian languages and dialects. This enables us to uncover a wide range of non-canonical functions that the generic verb of speech has acquired in some of the languages investigated, as well as to highlight the very complex historical processes at play.
Biology is more theoretical than physics
Authors: Gunawardena Jeremy
Published: June 2013

The word “theory” is used in at least two senses—to denote a body of widely accepted laws or principles, as in “Darwinian theory” or “quantum theory,” and to suggest a speculative hypothesis, often relying on mathematical analysis, that has not been experimentally confirmed. It is often said that there is no place for the second kind of theory in biology and that biology is not theoretical but based on interpretation of data. Here, ideas from a previous essay are expanded upon to suggest, to the contrary, that the second kind of theory has always played a critical role and that biology, therefore, is a good deal more theoretical than physics.
Nesprin-3 connects plectin and vimentin to the nuclear envelope of Sertoli cells but is not required for Sertoli cell function in spermatogenesis
Authors: Ketema Mirjam , Kreft Maaike , Secades Pablo , Janssen Hans , Sonnenberg Arnoud
Published: June 2013

Nesprin-3 is a nuclear envelope protein that connects the nucleus to intermediate filaments by interacting with plectin. To investigate the role of nesprin-3 in the perinuclear localization of plectin, we generated nesprin-3–knockout mice and examined the effects of nesprin-3 deficiency in different cell types and tissues. Nesprin-3 and plectin are coexpressed in a variety of tissues, including peripheral nerve and muscle. The expression level of nesprin-3 in skeletal muscle is very low and decreases during myoblast differentiation in vitro. Of interest, plectin was concentrated at the nuclear envelope in only a few cell types. This was most prominent in Sertoli cells of the testis, in which nesprin-3 is required for the localization of both plectin and vimentin at the nuclear perimeter. Testicular morphology and the position of the nucleus in Sertoli cells were normal, however, in the nesprin-3–knockout mice and the mice were fertile. Furthermore, nesprin-3 was not required for the polarization and migration of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Thus, although nesprin-3 is critical for the localization of plectin to the nuclear perimeter of Sertoli cells, the resulting link between the nuclear envelope and the intermediate filament system seems to be dispensable for normal testicular morphology and spermatogenesis.
A light-inducible organelle-targeting system for dynamically activating and inactivating signaling in budding yeast
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Jost Anna Payne-Tobin , Weiner Orion D. , Tang Chao
Published: June 2013

Protein localization plays a central role in cell biology. Although powerful tools exist to assay the spatial and temporal dynamics of proteins in living cells, our ability to control these dynamics has been much more limited. We previously used the phytochrome B– phytochrome-interacting factor light-gated dimerization system to recruit proteins to the plasma membrane, enabling us to control the activation of intracellular signals in mammalian cells. Here we extend this approach to achieve rapid, reversible, and titratable control of protein localization for eight different organelles/positions in budding yeast. By tagging genes at the endogenous locus, we can recruit proteins to or away from their normal sites of action. This system provides a general strategy for dynamically activating or inactivating proteins of interest by controlling their localization and therefore their availability to binding partners and substrates, as we demonstrate for galactose signaling. More importantly, the temporal and spatial precision of the system make it possible to identify when and where a given protein's activity is necessary for function, as we demonstrate for the mitotic cyclin Clb2 in nuclear fission and spindle stabilization. Our light-inducible organelle-targeting system represents a powerful approach for achieving a better understanding of complex biological systems.
Highly diversified coronaviruses in neotropical bats
Authors: Corman Victor Max , Rasche Andrea , Diallo Thierno Diawo , Cottontail Veronika M. , Stöcker Andreas , Souza Breno Frederico de Carvalho Dominguez , Corrêa Jefferson Ivan , Carneiro Aroldo José Borges , Franke Carlos Roberto , Nagy Martina , Metz Markus , Knörnschild Mirjam , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. , Ghanem Simon J. , Morales Karen D. Sibaja , Salsamendi Egoitz , Spínola Manuel , Herrler Georg , Voigt Christian C. , Tschapka Marco , Drosten Christian , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: June 2013

Bats host a broad diversity of coronaviruses (CoVs), including close relatives of human pathogens. There is only limited data on neotropical bat CoVs. We analysed faecal, blood and intestine specimens from 1562 bats sampled in Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Brazil for CoVs by broad-range PCR. CoV RNA was detected in 50 bats representing nine different species, both frugivorous and insectivorous. These bat CoVs were unrelated to known human or animal pathogens, indicating an absence of recent zoonotic spill-over events. Based on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)-based grouping units (RGUs) as a surrogate for CoV species identification, the 50 viruses represented five different alphacoronavirus RGUs and two betacoronavirus RGUs. Closely related alphacoronaviruses were detected in Carollia perspicillata and C. brevicauda across a geographical distance exceeding 5600 km. Our study expands the knowledge on CoV diversity in neotropical bats and emphasizes the association of distinct CoVs and bat host genera.
Recruiting parents, retaining families
Authors: Little Micquel , Price Michelle
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share St John Fisher College Library's marketing approach to recruiting and retention of parents within the higher education community.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives of this paper are achieved by connecting local experiences with other parent initiatives on university campuses throughout the country. The paper takes the approach of addressing marketing strategies for recruitment and retention of parents, while also including opportunities for these strategies to be applied.

Findings

The findings display the library's ability to contribute to their campus recruitment and retention goals while assisting parents in connecting to the library in an informational and emotional capacity.

Originality/value

This paper presents the academic library's perspective on a higher education initiative focused on targeting parents during the recruitment and retention processes. Academic librarians will find the most value in this paper by finding step‐by‐step guidelines for implementing the experiences shared by St John Fisher College's library.
Library and university governance: partners in student success
Authors: Lynn Mix Vickie
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper's aim is to examine the value of library participation in institutional governance in the implementation of a comprehensive model for student success at a research university.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a case study comparing the historical and current governance structure in a high research university, the relationship between a new governance structure and the implementation of a comprehensive student success model and the inclusion of the library in creating, implementing and participating in student success initiatives.

Findings

Participation in university shared governance enhances the library's role in contributing to student success, retention, progression and graduation.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the discussion of the value of academic libraries to student success efforts in retention, progression and graduation for university students.
The American Community Survey: practical considerations for researchers
Authors: Donnelly Francis P.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide researchers and librarians with an overview of the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), with a specific focus on practical issues that users must face when choosing and using ACS datasets.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the following issues are explored subsequent to a general overview of the ACS: choosing among census datasets from different census programs, interpreting and choosing between the different ACS period estimates, selecting census geography, understanding and recalculating margins of error, and accessing the data. Samples of ACS tables and formulas for creating derived estimates are used to illustrate how to interpret and work with the data.

Findings

The ACS datasets are fundamentally different from the decennial census as they are period estimates created from rolling sample surveys. The ACS has a steeper learning curve; this complexity is due in part to the number of choices users must make between datasets, but the primary challenge is learning how to understand and work with estimates as opposed to population counts.

Originality/value

While other papers have discussed the benefits and challenges of the ACS, this paper is structured around the practical issues that researchers must face when using it. Special consideration is given to calculating derived estimates using spreadsheet formulas, as this is a key task that many users will need to perform and spreadsheets are the most likely tool users will employ to manipulate the data.
Barriers to export: the power of organisational factors
Authors: Vila López Natalia
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the export strategy of international business by explicitly comparing exporting firms with the non‐exporting ones, given that they supposedly differ due to the presence of organizational export barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a database with more than 55,000 registered enterprises from all commercial sectors to demonstrate that two strategic groups really exist: exporters and non‐exporters.

Findings

The findings support the existence of both groups, which differ significantly regarding three kinds of organizational factors that act as mobility barriers constraining migration of non‐exporting enterprises to the exporting group: size (total sales and number of employees), antiquity and export involvement.

Practical implications

The author's results explain why non‐exporters are less likely to evolve into regular exporting firms. This is an issue of paramount importance in international marketing, since the way these barriers are perceived by non‐exporters often determines their future engagement and performance in international business activities.

Originality/value

Firstly, the paper adds a new viewpoint in as far as both options – to export or not to export – are considered as alternative strategies, and, consequently, as alternative strategic groups. Secondly, this study adds further slant by calling upon the resources of a large database of enterprises that belongs to a particular country: Spain.
Mathematical model for dispersion and diffusion of chemically reactive pollutants from various sources into a boundary layer with dry deposition
Authors: Khan Yasir , Shekhu Moka , Sulochana C.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model for dispersion and diffusion of chemically reactive primary pollutants emitted from an elevated line sources into a stable atmospheric boundary layer with generalized wind velocity of quadratic function of vertical height z.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations are converted into the two‐dimensional time dependent partial differential equation by suitable choice of meteorological parameters and non‐dimensional variables, which is solved by the multiple inverse Laplace transform through Green's Function technique.

Findings

The three different types’ sources, viz. continuous, an instantaneous and step‐function type sources are studied. The pollutants considered are chemically reactive primary pollutants emitted from the above sources. In many previous works, solutions are obtained through numerical technique or numerical inversion of the Laplace transform; but here, an analytical method is carried out to find the exact solution through multiple inversion of Laplace transform, which yields an effective and accurate solution.

Originality/value

The paper describes how the authors obtained exact solutions for the elevated line sources into a stable atmospheric boundary layer arising in the chemically reactive primary pollutants model by inverse Laplace transform through Green's Function technique. The graphical results show that this method is very accurate. The gaseous pollutants converted into particulate matter and settled on surface terrain are also considered in this theoretical model.
A healthy scepticism towards water in South Australia
Authors: Willis Eileen , Pearce Meryl , Mamerow Loreen , Jorgensen Brad , Martin John
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper examines citizen trust at both a rational and affect level in the water utility provider, SA Water.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on data from a CATI of approximately 500 residents in two urban and rural locations.

Findings

Citizens have a healthy scepticism toward the utility provider suggesting they make a distinction between the capacity of SA Water to provide safe drinking water, and the political willingness of the government to plan for long‐term sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The conduct of research on topics of a political nature may be viewed by respondents as a political act although it is possible to see the views expressed as representative. Research conducted during times of heightened awareness, such as during a drought when water restrictions are in place, may generate strong feelings of anger in government, but may not be a true measure of citizen trust in the provider.

Practical implications

The paper shows that trust in utility providers may vary according to social situations.

Social implications

Encouraging citizen trust in the water supply requires education in the science used to ensure safety, but also transparent regulation for ensuring risk management.

Originality/value

The study points to possible shifts in citizen trust in water providers depending on climatic conditions, the role of the utility provider, and the reputation of the government as a regulator and planner.
Intensified activation for disadvantaged welfare recipients in Germany: does it work?
Authors: Dengler Katharina , Hohmeyer Katrin , Moczall Andreas , Wolff Joachim
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the implementation and effectiveness of an intensified activation scheme for very disadvantaged welfare recipients in Germany, used as a targeting device for a very generous wage subsidy (JobPerspective).

Design/methodology/approach

Using administrative data and a difference‐in‐difference approach, the authors analyse the implementation of the activation scheme and its impact on various labour market outcomes. To ensure that target and comparison group are comparable over time, the authors control for various individual, household and regional characteristics.

Findings

The activation of the target group of disadvantaged welfare recipients is modestly intensified directly after the scheme's introduction. This does not improve the prospects of the target group to work in regular jobs, but – as a first step – in subsidized jobs. Considering a later period, evidence was found for broader activation efforts together with some gains in the regular employment for disadvantaged welfare recipients. Overall, the results suggest that the implementation of activation for disadvantaged welfare recipients, as well as employment gains, need time.

Originality/value

This study analyses whether and how a scheme of intensified activation that leaves its design to local actors, without providing additional funding, makes job centres implement such a policy.
Living arrangements among older population and perceptions on old age assistance among adult population in India
Authors: Ahamed Golandaj Javeed , Goli Srinivas , Chandra Das Kailash
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the pattern of living arrangements among the older population and perception about old age support in the Indian adult population.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used India Human Development Survey (IHDS), 2004‐2005 data for empirical analyses. Bivariate and multivariate models are used as statistical analyses for this study. This study is an evidence‐based interpretation of living arrangements among older persons and perception about future living arrangement and financial assistance among current adult people.

Findings

It was found that 17 percent of older population lived with their spouse only; only 2 percent lived singly, and the rest of 85 percent elderly were living in co‐residence with children. A majority of women respondents are expecting their sons to live with them, to take care and provide financial and emotional support in their old age. This indicates that the family will continue to be a significant social institution for the care and support for the older population in India.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind, which, in addition, to living arrangement patterns of the older population, provides some insight about the expectations of the current adult generation about living and financial preferences in old age.
Web services in interlibrary loan transactions: the Spanish GTBib network
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gairín Josep‐Manuel
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of web services to transmit requests and documents in the interlibrary loan (ILL) services of Spanish universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the problems involved in the use of email for communication between ILL services and presents a solution based on SOAP/XML technologies using standard protocols such as ISO 10160/10161, the OpenURL protocol and the NISO circulation interchange protocol (NCIP).

Findings

The solution presented provides real data on ILL transactions and on the use of options for communication between services, and will be used to further develop the gathering of statistical data on the service.

Practical implications

This technology provides instant confirmation of receipt of messages, eliminating the uncertainty of using email. It also synchronizes the status of requests between the requesting and supplying institutions at all times.

Originality/value

Although the use of web services in ILL transactions is suggested in the NCIP, their practical application has been limited and isolated. This paper describes their implementation in Spain in practically all university libraries, the National Library and many medical libraries.
Copyright clearing methods for electronic document delivery in Korea
Authors: Yoo Suhyeon , Kim Hyesun
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current Korean copyright law and its effect on electronic document delivery services in Korea, and to recommend solutions for Korean libraries and information centers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present information based on their own professional experience at a national document supply center.

Findings

Korean libraries have five options for pursuing copyright clearance for materials published outside of Korea: negotiate an agreement directly with publishers; establish an agreement with, and pay royalties to, copyright collectives; establish bilateral treaties with national copyright collectives; establish a framework agreement with the organizations representing copyright holders; and incorporate extended collective licensing into the Korean copyright law.

Originality/value

The Korean copyright law was amended in 2011 and this paper presents the most current research on the law's impact on electronic document delivery services in Korea.
China's ten years in the WTO: review and perspectives
Authors: Wang Huijiong , Li Shantong , Wang Qi
Published: June 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to review four studies which are selected purposefully to outline as objectively as possible the many aspects of lessons, experiences, achievements, and areas in need of further reform in China's ten years' accession into WTO.

Design/methodology/approach

– Different views from leading academic and official publications are presented. In addition, the authors contribute their own perspectives on some issues not fully discussed in the literature.

Findings

– It is hoped that the successful lessons and experiences from China's remarkable WTO track record can benefit other developing countries and transitional economies seeking economic growth and prosperity by engaging in open trade and operating by rules.

Originality/value

– This paper will contribute to the current understanding about China's WTO experience by reviewing relevant literature and adding new perspectives on some issues not fully discussed in the literature.
Performance and resistance of paint used as exterior finish in salt laden environment
Authors: Oluwole Folorunso Clement , Hamdan Ahmad Mohd
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Painting of buildings predates civilization. The primary purpose was to add beauty or aesthetics to the built environment. It was also to showcase the level of civilization, taste and fashion drive of the people. However, modern findings have proved that paint (when applied as a finishing coat on buildings) can elongate the service life of such buildings due to some characteristic properties it contains and modern additives that are included at production stage. This paper aims to examine some of the properties inherent in paint through which resistance to failure and better performance is enhanced, aesthetics is maintained and maintenance is reduced. It also examines whether these qualities subsist in all environments. Particular attention is given to its resistance to the impact of saline air when used around the Atlantic Ocean.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach with empirical analysis in examining the performance of paint used in salt laden environment.

Findings

It shows that paint used in an environment where saline air and salt is prevalent begins to deteriorate after two years and requires repainting as against the established norm of five to seven years (5‐7) in areas that are not exposed to saline air. The impact of saline air is significant at p<0.01.

Practical Implication

Maximum life span of current paint products in the area is determined to provide adequate information for the preparation of maintenance schedule for painted exterior. Paint with higher resistance to salt attack is required to enhance the longevity of painted exterior in areas at close proximity to sources of salt. Specifying current available paint for exterior finish will be uneconomical and non‐compatible with the principle of sustainability.

Originality/value

The authors made a fresh attempt at investigating the life's span of paint used as exterior finish in salt laden area around the Atlantic Ocean due to the peculiarity of the stresses of the tropical region on external finishes. It also compared the result with existing researches. Differences in paint performance are established.
REVIEW: An overview of the environmental risks posed by neonicotinoid insecticides
Authors: Goulson Dave
Published: June 2013

Neonicotinoids are now the most widely used insecticides in the world. They act systemically, travelling through plant tissues and protecting all parts of the crop, and are widely applied as seed dressings. As neurotoxins with high toxicity to most arthropods, they provide effective pest control and have numerous uses in arable farming and horticulture.

However, the prophylactic use of broad‐spectrum pesticides goes against the long‐established principles of integrated pest management (IPM), leading to environmental concerns.

It has recently emerged that neonicotinoids can persist and accumulate in soils. They are water soluble and prone to leaching into waterways. Being systemic, they are found in nectar and pollen of treated crops. Reported levels in soils, waterways, field margin plants and floral resources overlap substantially with concentrations that are sufficient to control pests in crops, and commonly exceed the LC50 (the concentration which kills 50% of individuals) for beneficial organisms. Concentrations in nectar and pollen in crops are sufficient to impact substantially on colony reproduction in bumblebees.

Although vertebrates are less susceptible than arthropods, consumption of small numbers of dressed seeds offers a route to direct mortality in birds and mammals.

Synthesis and applications. Major knowledge gaps remain, but current use of neonicotinoids is likely to be impacting on a broad range of non‐target taxa including pollinators and soil and aquatic invertebrates and hence threatens a range of ecosystem services.
A Brief Pre-History of Food Waste and the Social Sciences
Authors: Evans David , Campbell Hugh , Murcott Anne
Published: June 2013

Food waste is a compelling and yet hugely under-researched area of interest for social scientists. In order to account for this neglect and to situate the fledgling body of social science scholarship that is starting to engage with food waste, the analysis here does a number of things. It explores the theoretical tendencies that have underpinned the invisibility of waste to the sociological gaze alongside the historical transitions in global food relations that led to the disappearance of concerns about food scarcity – and with them, concerns about food waste – from cultural and political life. It also sketches out some of the processes through which waste has recently (re-)emerged as a priority in the realms of food policy and regulation, cultural politics and environmental debate. Particular attention is paid to the intellectual trajectories that have complemented food waste's rising profile in popular and policy imaginations to call forth sociological engagement with the issue. With this in place, the stage is set for the individual contributions to this Sociological Review Monograph – papers that engage with food waste in a number of contexts, at a variety of scales and from a range of disciplinary perspectives. Together they represent the first attempt collectively to frame potential sociological approaches to understanding food waste.
‘Waste? You Mean By-Products!’ from Bio-Waste Management to Agro-Ecology in Italian Winemaking and beyond
Authors: Krzywoszynska Anna
Published: June 2013

This paper engages in a critique of Italian and EU agricultural bio-waste policy, taking a relational approach to understanding the role of these materials in socio-material networks of production. Specifically, I consider how the challenges posed by excess materials of agricultural production fit into larger concerns about rural sustainability, both social and environmental. Drawing on a number of case studies from the Italian winemaking industry, I demonstrate the legislative creation of waste from the by-products of winemaking such as grape marc and vine wood. By physically removing bio-wastes from the socio-material context of their production, the current legislation privileges capital and technologically intensive methods for the management of bio-wastes. This process results in environmental contradictions and an unequal distribution of economic and societal benefits from the utilization of these materials. What is needed, I argue, is the incorporation of excess materials into thinking about local agro-ecologies as environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable.
Food, Waste and Safety: Negotiating Conflicting Social Anxieties into the Practices of Domestic Provisioning
Authors: Watson Matt , Meah Angela
Published: June 2013

Two significant realms of social anxiety, visible in the discourses of media and public policy, potentially pull practices of home food provisioning in conflicting directions. On the one hand, campaigns to reduce the astonishing levels of food waste generated in the UK moralize acts of both food saving (such as keeping and finding creative culinary uses for leftovers) and food disposal. On the other hand, agencies concerned with food safety, including food-poisoning, problematize common practices of thrift, saving and reuse around provisioning. The tensions that arise as these public discourses are negotiated together into domestic practices open up moments in which ‘stuff’ crosses the line from being food to being waste. This paper pursues this through the lens of qualitative and ethnographic data collected as part of a four-year European research programme concerned with consumer anxieties about food. Through focus groups, life-history interviews and observations, data emerged which give critical insights into processes from which food waste results. With a particular focus on how research participants negotiate use-by dates, we argue that interventions to reduce food waste can be enhanced by appreciating how food becomes waste through everyday practices.
Food Waste in Australia: The Freegan Response
Authors: Edwards Ferne , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2013

A common problem in all affluent societies, particularly in the retail sector, is the burgeoning issue of food waste. In this, Australia is no exception. However, to a large extent, the main focus of research in Australia to date has been on food waste at the household level. This paper focuses on the previous stage in the food life-cycle and examines the freegan practice of collecting and redistributing food discarded as ‘worthless’ by supermarket chains, in particular. For freegans, this is an act of choice, not need, to protest against issues of overconsumption and waste. The practice of freeganism has had multiple manifestations throughout history. It represents an alternative ethics of consumption and has multiple forms, embracing such issues as pesticide contamination, excessive labour exploitation, packaging and more. This paper reports on ongoing ethnographic research into two freegan subcultures in Australia: dumpster-divers and participation in the activities associated with ‘Food Not Bombs’. It complements freegan research conducted across the world while its analysis, applying theories of alternative food networks, food justice, diverse economies and concepts of autonomy, provides insights into contemporary forms of activism and social change around issues of food waste in Australia.
The Disposal of Place: Facing Modernity in the Kitchen-Diner
Authors: Munro Rolland
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to suggest how the material turn in sociology could benefit from a re-theorizing around wider understandings of disposal. The argument is that it is not enough to document how spaces for dwelling are produced and consumed; their building and use also entail a disposal of place that has to account for how the materials that make up a dwelling get arranged and ‘placed’ as moralities. Taking spaces for living and eating as its object of analysis, each section of this paper examines a different aspect of modernity, bringing the kitchen-diner ‘front stage’. Avoiding a ubiquitous conflation of disposal with waste – whereby ‘excess’ is dismissed out of hand as redundant and non-productive to design – the analysis goes on to suggest how modernity advances its orders through our making the ‘belongings’ of collective identity more detachable and by our thinning the ‘stickiness’ of cultural institutions.
Towards a Sustainable Dairy Sector: The underappreciated role of dairy protein in the preservation of lean tissue mass in the elderly
Authors: Norton Catherine , Jakeman Philip
Published: June 2013

Sarcopenia has been attributed to a diminished postprandial muscle protein synthetic response. Differences in digestion and absorption kinetics of dietary protein and/or its amino acid composition have been suggested to modulate postprandial muscle protein accretion. The amino acid composition of dairy protein, especially whey, has the potential to confer advantages above other nondairy protein sources in prevention of lean tissue mass loss. This may be attributable to its relative high concentration of the essential amino acid leucine.
Viasystems Group, inc.
Authors: Schiehll Eduardo , Jacques Réal
Published: June 2013

Viasystems Group, Inc. (Viasystems) is an international supplier of electromechanical assemblies and components. It specializes in manufacturing printed circuits and assembling electric cables and industrial metal cabinets. The case concerns the Printed Circuit Division at Viasystems and its need to adapt its costing system to the relocation of its manufacturing activities to China under its strategic planning, begun in 2001. Planning and controlling operating costs and the presentation of the financial statements have therefore become major issues. The case is set in 2006, six years after the start of progressive offshoring of manufacturing to China. It describes: 1) how external environmental pressures and the need for profitability have led to a critical strategic decision; and 2) how this new business model has changed upper management's informational needs, leading them to rethink their costing system, particularly at the Chinese plants. Setting the case in 2006, when all the plants have been relocated to China, enables discussions of the challenges that management will have to cope with in the future, after the operations transfer has been completed and the consequences on the management control system.
Reaction time‐monitored patient‐maintained propofol sedation: a pilot study in oral surgery patients
Authors: O'Brien C. , Urquhart C. S. , Allam S , Anderson K. J. , Leitch J. A. , Macpherson A. , Kenny G. N. C.
Published: June 2013

Previous volunteer studies of an effect‐site controlled patient‐maintained sedation system using propofol have demonstrated a risk of oversedation. We have incorporated a reaction time monitor into the handset to add an individualised patient‐feedback mechanism. This pilot study assessed if the reaction time‐feedback modification would prove safe and effective in 20 healthy patients receiving sedation while undergoing oral surgery. All patients successfully sedated themselves without reaching any unsafe endpoints. All 20 maintained verbal contact throughout. The mean (SD) lowest peripheral blood oxygen saturation was 98.0 (2.1)% breathing room air. No patient required supplementary oxygen. The mean (SD) maximum effect‐site propofol concentration reached was 1.6 (0.5) μg.ml−1. The present system was found to be safe and effective, allowing oral surgery treatment under conscious sedation, but preventing oversedation.
Emergency contraception in a country with restricted access to contraceptives and termination of pregnancy, a prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Lech Medard M. , Ostrowska Lucyna , Świątek Ewa
Published: June 2013

Objective

Poland has a restrictive abortion law. Emergency contraception (EC) is expensive and available only on prescription, which is not easily obtainable in public health care. We aimed to identify the main reasons for EC requests, observed failure rates and the type and incidence of adverse effects.

Design

Prospective single‐center observational study.

Population

A cohort of women living in Warsaw, who requested EC.

Methods

Data were collected via a questionnaire completed by healthcare providers prescribing EC, and included age, date of the request, previous EC use, time from intercourse to clinic visit and day of menstrual cycle on which intercourse took place.

Main outcome measures

Reason for EC request, time lapse between unprotected intercourse and EC use, age of women requesting EC, reported cases of pregnancy.

Results

A total of 4655 women requested EC. Of these 62.9% (n = 2928) were ≤25 years old. During follow up, 0.75% (31 individuals) became pregnant. Adverse effects of hormonal EC were rare and mild. The main reason for requesting EC was problems associated with condoms (63.2%, n = 2609). The mean interval between unprotected intercourse and EC use was 21.2 h, but 26.7 h when EC failed (n.s.). Considering intake within and after 24 h, the difference was significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women living in Warsaw seeking EC used the EC product very soon after unprotected intercourse, and this was probably one of the most important reasons for the low pregnancy rates in the studied population.
Vascular endothelial growth factor in Coats’ disease
Authors: Zhao Qi , Peng Xiao‐Yan , Chen Feng‐Hua , Zhang Yong‐Peng , Wang Lian , You Qi‐Sheng , Jonas Jost B.
Published: June 2013

Purpose:  To examine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as one of the most important intraocular cytokines for angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability is associated with Coats’ disease.

Methods:  The clinical interventional study included 28 patients with Coats’ disease and seven control patients with congenital cataract. During intraocular surgery, we obtained aqueous humour samples in which the VEGF concentration was measured by double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Coats’ disease was graded into four stages.

Results:  The mean aqueous VEGF level was significantly higher in the Coats’ study group than in the control group (158 ± 88 versus 97 ± 21 pg/ml; p = 0.002). The VEGF concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 91 ± 32 pg/ml in Coats’ disease stage 2 to 100 ± 37 pg/ml in stage 3A1, 185 ± 56 pg/ml in stage 3A2 to 256 ± 93 pg/ml in patients with stage 3B. Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in Coats’ stage 2 and 3A1 did not differ significantly from the values in the control group. Parallel to the association with the stage of the diseases, the VEGF concentrations were significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with extent of exudative retinal detachment.

Conclusions:  Increasing severity of Coats’ disease is significantly associated with intraocular VEGF concentrations. These results favour the intravitreal application of anti‐VEGF drugs as medical therapy of Coats’ diseases.
Impact of a National system for waitlist prioritization: the experience with NIKE and cataract surgery in Sweden
Authors: Ng Jonathon Q. , Lundström Mats
Published: June 2013

Purpose:  To evaluate waiting times for first‐eye cataract surgery in Sweden following widespread adoption of the Nationell Indikationsmodell for Kataraktextraktion (NIKE) tool for prioritizing patients for cataract surgery.

Methods:  Waiting times for all first‐eye cataract surgeries in Sweden in 2009–2011 were identified from the Swedish National Cataract Register. Waiting times were compared according to demographic, clinical and NIKE indication group for surgery. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was used to determine factors associated with waiting times less than the 3‐month Government guarantee period.

Results:  There were 141 070 first‐eye cataract surgeries in 2009 to 2011; an annual increase of around 6%. Over the study period, mean waiting times decreased across all NIKE groups. The proportion waiting <3 months for surgery also increased across all NIKE groups. Surgery within 3 months of waitlisting was more likely for patients with a NIKE 1 indication classification (most need for surgery), in later years, male patients, younger patients and patients with a preoperative visual acuity in the better eye worse than 6/24.

Conclusions:  Prioritizing patients for cataract surgery using NIKE reduces waiting times for those with the greatest need.
Workplace Human Rights Reporting: A Study of Australian Garment and Retail Companies
Authors: Azizul Islam Muhammad , Jain Ameeta
Published: June 2013

The opening of the Australian economy in a globalised world has led to Australian garment and retail corporations moving their manufacturing overseas and acquiring goods from overseas providers. This is usually better for the corporations’ bottom‐line, as they can purchase goods overseas at a fraction of their local cost, partly due to cheap labour. Australia is one of the many OECD countries not to have a well regulated environment for workplace human rights. This study examines 18 major Australian retail and garment manufacturing corporations and finds that workplace human rights reporting is poor, based on content analysis of their annual reports, corporate social responsibility reports and websites. This is probably due to the failure of the Australian Government to provide adequate oversight by promulgating mandatory reporting standards for both local and overseas operations of Australian companies. This permits corporations to avoid reporting their workplace human rights standards and breaches.