bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Monitoring With a Twist
Authors: Bedesem Peña L. , Dieker Lisa A.
Published: June 2013

Self-monitoring is regarded throughout the literature as an effective classroom intervention. Researchers have used self-monitoring interventions to improve school-related behavior of students with varying disabilities across a variety of settings. Although research supports the use of self-monitoring, traditional self-monitoring techniques may be unappealing to students and inefficient for use in the classroom. Cell phones hold great promise for increasing the acceptability and efficiency of self-monitoring interventions. The purpose of this article is to describe a self-monitoring technique that incorporates cell phones and text messages. We provide step-by-step instructions for setting up and implementing CellF-Monitoring in a classroom.
Prevention of infectious diseases in cat shelters
Authors: Möstl Karin , Egberink Herman , Addie Diane , Frymus Tadeusz , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Truyen Uwe , Hartmann Katrin , Lutz Hans , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Radford Alan D , Lloret Albert , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Hosie Margaret J , Marsilio Fulvio , Thiry Etienne , Belák Sándor , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview:

Recommendations are given in relation to infectious diseases in rescue shelters. The ABCD recognises that there is a wide variation in the design and management of shelters, and that these largely reflect local pressures. These guidelines are written with this diverse audience in mind; they point to the ideal, and also provide for some level of compromise where this ideal cannot immediately be attained. In addition consideration should be given to general requirements in order to optimise overall health and wellbeing of cats within the shelter.

Housing:

Compartmentalisation of the shelter into at least three individual sections (quarantine area for incoming cats, isolation facilities for sick or potentially infectious cats, and accommodation for clinically healthy, retrovirus-negative cats) can facilitate containment of a disease outbreak, should it occur.

Standard of care:

Incoming cats should receive a full health check by a veterinary surgeon, should be dewormed and tested for retrovirus infections (feline leukaemia virus [FeLV] and/or feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV]) in regions with high prevalence and in shelters that allow contact between cats. Cats which are not rehomed should receive a regular veterinary check-up at intervals recommended by their veterinarian.

Vaccination:

Each cat should be vaccinated as soon as possible against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) infections.

Hygiene:

Adequate hygiene conditions should ensure that contact between shedders of infectious agents and susceptible animals is reduced as efficiently as possible by movement control, hygiene procedures of care workers, barrier nursing, cleaning and disinfection.

Stress reduction:

Stress reduction is important for overall health and for minimising the risk of recrudescence and exacerbation of infectious diseases. In general, a special effort should be made to rehome cats as soon as possible.
Cowpox Virus Infection in Cats
Authors: Möstl Karin , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview: The misnomer ‘cowpox’ has historical roots: cats rather acquire the virus from small rodents. It has a wide host spectrum (including man) and causes skin lesions, predominantly on the head and paws. Progressive proliferative ulcerations in kittens and immunosuppressed cats may take a fatal course. Cat owners should be informed about the zoonotic risk.
Bartonella Species Infection in Cats
Authors: Pennisi Maria Grazia , Marsilio Fulvio , Hartmann Katrin , Lloret Albert , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview:

Over 22 Bartonella species have been described in mammals, and Bartonella henselae is most common worldwide. Cats are the main reservoir for this bacterium. B henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease in man, a self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy, but also of other potentially fatal disorders in immunocompromised people.

Infection:

B henselae is naturally transmitted among cats by the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis, or by flea faeces. A cat scratch is the common mode of transmission of the organism to other animals, including humans. Blood transfusion also represents a risk.

Disease signs:

Most cats naturally infected by B henselae do not show clinical signs but cardiac (endocarditis, myocarditis) or ocular (uveitis) signs may be found in sporadic cases. B vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii infection has reportedly caused lameness in a cat affected by recurrent osteomyelitis and polyarthritis.

Diagnosis:

Isolation of the bacterium is the gold standard, but because of the high prevalence of infection in healthy cats in endemic areas, a positive culture (or polymerase chain reaction) is not confirmatory. Other compatible diagnoses must be ruled out and response to therapy gives a definitive diagnosis. Serology (IFAT or ELISA) is more useful for exclusion of the infection because of the low positive predictive value (39–46%) compared with the good negative predictive value (87–97%). Laboratory testing is required for blood donors.

Disease management:

Treatment is recommended in the rare cases where Bartonella actually causes disease.
Yersinia Pestis Infection in Cats
Authors: Pennisi Maria Grazia , Egberink Herman , Hartmann Katrin , Lloret Albert , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview: Plague, the medieval ‘Black Death’, is caused by a Gram-negative coccobacillus, Yersinia pestis, which also infects cats. As in people, it is transmitted from rodents through flea bites; it occurs in Asia, Africa and the Americas in flea-infested regions, all year round, and where rodent reservoirs are abundant. A poor prognosis is associated with high fever, and the pulmonary and septicaemic forms. Antibiotic therapy, flea control and avoidance of rodent contacts have made this infection manageable.
Francisella Tularensis Infection in Cats
Authors: Pennisi Maria Grazia , Egberink Herman , Hartmann Katrin , Lloret Albert , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview: Disease in cats after infection with the zoonotic bacterium Francisella tularensis has been reported only from North America; rodents and lagomorphs are the more susceptible hosts. Tularaemia is transmitted by ticks, but also acquired by direct contact, bite, scratch, ingestion or inhalation. Clinical signs range from mild chronic localised infections to fatal acute disease; antibiotic therapy is efficient. Acquiring the infection from cats is a risk for owners of outdoor cats, veterinarians and technicians.
Sporotrichosis in cats
Authors: Lloret Albert , Hartmann Katrin , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Ferrer Lluis , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview:

Sporotrichosis is an important subcutaneous fungal infection of humans and animals in some endemic tropical and subtropical areas. Among domestic species, cats are the most frequently infected.

Infection:

The primary mode of transmission is traumatic inoculation of fungal conidia from plants and soil. Contact with infected cats is the major mode of transmission to humans, especially in endemic areas like Brazil, where a large epidemic has occurred in the past decade.

Disease signs:

Most cases in cats are cutaneous, presenting as multiple ulcerated nodules and draining tracts in the skin. Lymphadenopathy, respiratory signs and systemic dissemination may also occur.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is based on fungal detection by cytology and/or histology, and confirmation by culture.

Treatment:

Treatment consists of at least 2 months’ systemic antifungal therapy, with itraconazole as the first-choice agent. The prognosis is favourable provided there is good owner compliance and adverse drug effects do not occur.

Prevention:

Contact with infected cats carries a high zoonotic risk. Cat owners travelling to endemic areas should be warned and advised to keep their cats indoors to prevent infection. Professionals must wear gloves when handling cats with skin nodules and ulcers and dealing with diagnostic samples.
Rare systemic mycoses in cats: blastomycosis, histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Lloret Albert , Hartmann Katrin , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Ferrer Lluis , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview:

Rare fungal infections, including those hitherto not reported in Europe, may occur sporadically in non-endemic areas, or imported cases may be seen.

Infections:

Blastomycosis is mainly seen in North America; no cases have been reported in Europe. Histoplasmosis, which is endemic in the eastern US, Central and South America, has been diagnosed in Japan and Europe. Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in the southwestern US, Central and South America; only one imported case has been reported in Europe. The primary mode of transmission is inhalation of conidia or spores from the environment.

Disease signs:

Most feline cases present with a combination of clinical signs (mainly respiratory, along with skin, eye, central nervous system and bone). Lymphadenopathy and systemic signs may be present.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is based on fungal detection by cytology and/or histology. Commercial laboratories do not routinely perform fungal culture. Diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis, which is more difficult, may be supported by antibody detection.

Treatment:

Treatment consists of prolonged systemic antifungal therapy, with itraconazole as the first-choice agent for histoplasmosis and blastomycosis. The prognosis is good if owner compliance is adequate and adverse drug effects do not occur.

Prevention:

Cat owners travelling to endemic areas should be warned about these diseases. There is no zoonotic risk.
Leishmaniosis in cats
Authors: Pennisi Maria Grazia , Hartmann Katrin , Lloret Albert , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: June 2013

Overview:

Leishmania infection is less known in cats than in dogs and humans; felids were traditionally considered a resistant species, and canids as the main reservoir. Only sporadic cases of feline disease have been reported worldwide, mainly caused by L infantum. Epidemiological investigations have confirmed, however, that feline infections are not rare and that disease occurrence might be underestimated in endemic areas.

Infection:

Cats are infected by the same Leishmania species that infect dogs and humans in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Sand fly vectors take blood meals from cats and are competent vectors for L infantum, as shown experimentally.

Disease signs:

Skin lesions (ulcerative, crusty, nodular or scaly dermatitis) are the most frequent clinical manifestations and sometimes the only findings on physical examination. Lymph node enlargement, weight loss, ocular involvement (nodular blepharitis, uveitis, panophthalmitis), decreased appetite, chronic gingivostomatitis and lethargy are the most frequent non-cutaneous findings, alone or in combination.

Diagnosis:

Direct confirmation can be obtained by cytology, histology, isolation or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on samples of skin, lymph nodes, blood or any affected tissue. Serology using a validated immunofluorescence test, ELISA, direct agglutination or Western blot has been used to assess infection frequencies.

Disease management:

Little information is available about treatment with follow-up reports. Long-term administration of allopurinol (10–20 mg/kg q12h or q24h) is usually clinical effective. Vaccines are licensed for dogs only.
Three-dimensional shear and compressional wave propagation of multiple point sources in fluid-saturated elastic porous media
Authors: Han Lu , Dai Liming
Published: June 2013

A multiple point source model is developed in this research for studying both shear and compressional spherical wave propagation in a non-viscous fluid-saturated elastic porous medium. Relative displacement between the fluid and solid of the medium is quantified by the spherical wave governing equations, such that the waves described are more representative to that in engineering practices. The shear wave has shown significant influences on the characteristics of superposed shear and compressional waves generated by multiple point sources. Utilization of multiple point sources shows higher efficiency and effectiveness in generating desired waves, in comparing with that of single source. Specifically, the multiple sources model is more energy effective in comparing with the single source model by always producing larger magnitudes of relative displacement than a single source with the same energy, which becomes more significant when the distance between the source and the considered geological particles increases. Multiple point sources also show advantages on duration, direction control and magnitude adjustment for the waves generated. Numerical analyses are performed for comparing different shear, compressional and the superposed wave responses under single and multiple sources.
Designing an explanatory practice framework: Local food systems as a case
Authors: Crivits Maarten , Paredis Erik
Published: June 2013

This article elaborates an explanatory framework for the role of consumption practices in transitions to (enhanced) sustainability in the food system. To develop an applied practice approach we combine the concept of ‘practice’ with that of ‘niche/regime’, adopted from contemporary sociology and transitions theory, respectively. This re-combination adds to the field of applied consumption research and describes consumption beyond the boundaries of individualist and structuralist models, as well as integrates a conceptualization of the a-linear reproduction of aligning and competing consumer practices.

We illustrate the methodology by showing its application drawing on data of a niche in the Belgian food system. Elaborating on the social practice model based on Giddens ((1984) The Constitution of Society. Cambridge: Polity Press), Bourdieu (( 1976 ) Outline of a Theory of Practice. New York: Cambridge University Press) and Spaargaren and Van Vliet (( 2000 ) Lifestyles, consumption and the environment: The ecological modernisation of domestic consumption. Environmental Politics 9(1): 50–76), we designate a three-tiered framework that endeavours to describe consumption practices in terms of everyday routines and habits, integrating an agency perspective with a dual perspective on structure.

Consumer interviews and focus groups combined with a system analysis of the context of the alternative food practice allowed a schematization of what it implies to be a carrier of the niche practice. The practice schematizations of this niche are then considered vis-à-vis a schematization of the regime practice. The comparison shows two essential aspects: it points out that (1) although qualitative and systemic differences are found between niche and mainstream practices, in both cases the perception of the carriers (i.e. consumers) on what they need to do is to an equal extent normalized, and (2) empirical results indicate that central conceptions in the contemporary food consumption discourse, such as convenience, can in real life be redrawn by entirely different sets of interconnected routines.

We reflect on the methodology and give suggestions as to how consumption governance could orientate towards practices as complementary to the traditional focus on individual consumer behaviour and consumer norm targets.
Cultural fit and ethnic background in the job interview
Authors: Bye Hege Høivik , Horverak Jøri Gytre , Sandal Gro Mjeldheim , Sam David Lackland , van de Vijver Fons JR
Published: June 2013

Employing an experimental design, we investigated how Norwegian managers’ ( N = 78) evaluations and intended hiring decisions varied with job applicants’ ethnic background (immigrant vs. native Norwegian mainstreamer) and the degree to which the candidates’ self-presentation fitted Norwegian cultural norms (level of cultural fit). The participants viewed video clips of applicants whose ethnicity and self-presentation was manipulated. Irrespective of ethnic background, low cultural fit candidates were evaluated as less similar, less likable, less likely to perform well, and as more poorly fitting the managers’ organization. However, low and high cultural fit candidates were evaluated as exhibiting similar levels of person–job fit. Logistic regression analyses showed that low cultural fit candidates were about six times less likely to be hired than high cultural fit candidates. In practice, immigrant applicants are more likely to exhibit low cultural fit. It is concluded that emphasis on cultural fit could easily have a disproportionate effect on immigrants’ chances of being hired, notably if fit is not predictive of job performance.
Thinking through non-representational and affective atmospheres in planning theory and practice
Authors: Buser Michael
Published: June 2013

This article engages with recent debates surrounding non-representational theory and the affective turn in the social sciences, arguing that such thinking offers a particularly useful set of concepts for the discipline of planning. This includes a widened notion of agency to the inclusion of more-than-human bodies (i.e. material agency) and a focus on daily practice and the embodied experience of place. Calling upon the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze, the author puts forward affective atmospheres as a post-humanist way of studying socio-spatial processes associated with place identity and the spatial imaginaries that animate planning activity. Recognising the co-constitutive nature of research and social worlds, the article offers a performative methodology that situates researchers directly within the material and discursive environments they seek to investigate.
Habit, art, and the plasticity of the subject: the ontogenetic shock of the bioart encounter
Authors: Lapworth Andrew
Published: June 2013

This paper develops a vitalist conception of habit as a means to theorize the material capacity of art-encounters to reconfigure and reinvent the subject. Drawing principally on the innovative conceptualization of habit articulated in the philosophies of Félix Ravaisson and Gilles Deleuze, where it is theorized as a much more volatile and creative force of repetition that makes change possible, I first explore how habit pushes our contemporary understandings of the subject through an attentiveness to its ontogenetic emergence from material and affective processes and ecologies, as well as its plastic susceptibility to immanent disruption. Second, and through an engagement with the bioaesthetic and micropolitical thought of Deleuze and Guattari, I argue that it is precisely on the ontogenetic terrain of plastic habits that art-encounters might be understood to intervene. I unpack this empirically through an engagement with the bioartistic practices of the Tissue Culture and Art Project (TC&A), whose ‘semi-living’ installation art, I argue, stages a disruption of pernicious contemporary habits in favour of new and creative capacities for thinking, perceiving, and relating to the nonhuman.
Political communication in the Cuban blogosphere: A case study of Generation Y
Authors: Rubira Rainer , Gil-Egui Gisela
Published: June 2013

Blogs have become a communicative alternative for Cuban civil society in recent years. Cuban communities, inside and outside the island, are characterized by substantial ideological differences and economic gaps that highlight the challenges for consensus building and collective action in the country’s politics. Information and communication technologies (ICTs), however, are gradually facilitating the creation of spaces outside the control of the state for the exchange of ideas about the present and future of the nation. Through content analysis and qualitative interpretation, we undertake a case study of the most renowned Cuban blog, ‘Generación Y’, to evaluate users’ participation, the content they generate for the site, and the nature of debates taking place within it. Our findings show that while this blog opens an unprecedented opportunity for Cubans to engage in relatively unrestricted political dialogue, its users tend to favour expressive participation and antagonistic exchanges over the rational deliberations associated with traditional conceptualizations of the notion of the public sphere.
An initial evaluation of direct care staff resilience workshops in intellectual disabilities services
Authors: Ingham Barry , Riley Jenny , Nevin Helen , Evans Gemma , Gair Elodie
Published: June 2013

The emotional responses to challenging behaviour of direct care staff who support people with intellectual disabilities is thought to be an important mediating factor within the stress experienced by staff and a potential maintaining factor in challenging behaviour. A brief workshop to improve direct care staff resilience was developed and initially evaluated using a measure of emotional reaction to challenging behaviour and a measure of burnout. It was found that negative emotional reactions to challenging behaviour significantly reduced following the workshop, but a measure of burnout did not. This may indicate the usefulness of this intervention with direct care staff in managing their emotional reactions to challenging behaviour. However, further development and evaluation of such interventions with direct care staff is required to explore ways of impacting upon burnout and managing the display of challenging behaviour.
Research ethics committees: The ineligibles
Authors: Humphreys Stephen
Published: June 2013

Some anomalies in the legislation governing National Research Ethics Service Research Ethics Committee (REC) member categories are discussed. It is suggested that not only may some members be in the wrong category, but that the legislation identifies individuals who are simply ineligible for any form of REC membership.
Traumatic Migraine Versus Concussion
Authors: Lords Quinton , Greene Jeffery P.
Published: June 2013

Context:

An era of increased awareness of sports concussions may decrease a provider’s ability to diagnose the athlete’s actual condition and may ultimately prolong the restriction of the injured athlete from sports. Trauma-triggered migraine is a source of headaches, especially in athletes with a family history of migraines.

Evidence Acquisition:

Research articles were primarily obtained through the electronic database PubMed from 1993 to August 2012. Primary research parameters included trauma-induced headaches, trauma-induced migraines, and posttraumatic migraine. The secondary search parameters included concussions, migraine treatments, and traumatic migraine treatments.

Study Design:

Clinical review with case report.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

There are no symptoms that distinguish trauma-triggered migraines from concussions, as headache is the most common complaint for both conditions. There is a paucity of studies that offer treatment guidelines for athletes with recurring headaches after trauma sustained during sporting events. Preventive treatment of migraines has been validated and proven effective.

Conclusion:

Trauma-triggered migraine should be considered in the differential for recurrent trauma-induced headaches. There is a lack of research evaluating efficacy and side effects of treatment of trauma-triggered migraine, and no information was found directing when an athlete can safely return to play.
Lecturers’, Students’, and Administrators’ Perception of Discipline in the Faculty of Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Asare Kwame Bediako , Adzrolo Ben
Published: June 2013

This study examined some dimensions of discipline as perceived by lecturers, administrators, and students in the Faculty of Education, University of Cape Coast. It sought to find out whether differences exist in their perceptions regarding the importance of discipline, forms of indiscipline, and causes of indiscipline in the Faculty of Education. We adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey for the study involving 358 students, 11 lecturers, and 8 administrators. A customized Likert-type questionnaire was used for data collection to help answer the research questions and hypothesis formulated to guide the study. We found that there was no statistically significant difference in the perceptions lecturers, students, and administrators hold about disciplinary issues in the Faculty of Education. The need for university authorities to continuously use learning dialogue to engage students in decision making was highlighted so as to continue to achieve and enjoy a conducive environment for learning—as efforts are made to focus on students’ learning.
Social Review as a Tool for Developing Social Skills
Authors: Holmqvist Olander Mona , Burman Helen
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study is to, based on a theory of learning, compare in what ways two different cases of the use of self-monitoring videotapes for developing social skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) facilitates social behavior studied with a micro-level approach. Two verbal 15-year-old male students with ASD and cognitive disabilities were filmed for 20 min in three different situations. Student A (Adam) was shown contrasting videotaped examples of his desired/undesired behaviors and questioned about his perceptions. Based on variation theory, the conjecture to use contrasts to enhance learning has been implemented. Student B (Bill) was videotaped in three different situations on three different occasions, and his behavior was analyzed before and after the intervention by counting incidents of deviant behavior in all nine videos. Both participants expressed increased awareness of their behavior and were able to sustain change, and Bill decreased deviant behavior in one of the focused situations (practical instruction) from 37 to 3 incidents after 6 months.
The Classical Agrarian Question: Myth, Reality and Relevance Today
Authors: Moyo Sam , Jha Praveen , Yeros Paris
Published: June 2013

This article traces a particular view of the classical agrarian question in Marxian political economy which has sustained the myth of industrialization as the basic objective of transformation. The idea was born in the late nineteenth century among the European vanguard, then consolidated as an axiom during the Cold War, only to be resurrected in the neoliberal period by a professionalized discipline of ‘agrarian studies’. This article argues that such a view fails to acknowledge the historic importance of the national question and its land and peasant components, which are irreducible to industrialization. The article restores national sovereignty to its proper place in the classical agrarian question and argues that it remains the cornerstone of all other dimensions of the agrarian question, including gender equity and ecological sustainability.
How has Indian Federalism Done?
Authors: Varshney Ashutosh
Published: June 2013

Two tropes have dominated discussions of Indian federalism: fiscal and constitutional. Isolated exceptions aside, scholars have not linked India’s federalism to comparative theories of nationalism, or to a comparative exploration of national identities. To examine how India’s federalism has done, we may also need to ask what kind of nation India is. Once we answer that question, the oft-assumed binary—that the stronger the states are, the weaker the centre will be–loses its edge. Both can be simultaneously strong. The new exception may be the problem of cross-border terrorism, which indeed generates a binary for the new age. Secessionism also creates centre–state binaries, but that may be more on account of how the basic ideational principles of Indian nationhood have been violated, not followed, or about how far the historical process of nation-building penetrated the rebellious regions. Such problems have not been about the basic flaws of Indian federalism.
Book Review: The Indian Ideology. Gurgaon: Three Essays Collective
Authors: Gudavarthy Ajay
Published: June 2013

Perry Anderson, The Indian Ideology. Gurgaon: Three Essays Collective. 2012. 190 pages. ₹ 350.
Book Review: Party System Change in South India: Political Entrepreneurs, Patterns and Processes
Authors: Kharat Shailendra
Published: June 2013

Andrew Wyatt, Party System Change in South India: Political Entrepreneurs, Patterns and Processes. New York: Routledge. 2010. 225 pages. $49.95.
Book Review: Transnational Torture: Law, Violence, and State Power in the United States and India
Authors: Mehar Rakesh
Published: June 2013

Jinee Lokaneeta, Transnational Torture: Law, Violence, and State Power in the United States and India. New Delhi: Orient Blackswan. 2012. 291 pages. ₹ 725.
The Contribution of an Inter-disciplinary Approach to Studying Development
Authors: Hasnain Saba
Published: June 2013

This article argues in favour of establishing complementary relations between different disciplines of studying development in order to reach the desired goal of human development. It also emphasises that due to separate line of actions of different sectors of social sciences, human development goals are far- reaching. Every discipline has significant contribution in the development policy discourse. However, interdependence of sociological, anthropological and economic factors that dominates the societal conduct cannot be undermined.

On the other hand, every discipline has its limitations and integration is not easy to enforce owing to different epistemological foundations of methods of research. Therefore, collaborative approach is being suggested to share the same platform where every discipline has its say rather than imposing unlimited criticism on one another. Restructuring the developmental discourse framework is proposed in a more coherent fashion for better outcomes. The interdisciplinary research has now been perceived as a boon and its implementation across the various developmental policy formulations will generate more productive ideas and converting those ideas into action will undoubtedly improve the socio-economic status of the mankind. After all, the aim of development studies is result oriented not the discipline oriented.
Leveraging Farmer Producer Organizations to Boost Production, Mitigate Risk and Strengthen Food Security: Lessons and Challenges
Authors: Sharma Pravesh
Published: June 2013

This article examines the role of farmer producer organizations in addressing several constraints and risks faced by small producers, especially access to credit, technical services and marketing. It surveys current literature on the subject and suggests policy support to member based farmer producer organizations to help smallholder agriculture mitigate risk and improve market access. In particular, the paper makes a case for integrating farmer producer organizations in the food security architecture of the country to leverage their inclusive growth potential.
The Water Crisis—Rethinking Water Governance
Authors: Nayar Vibhu
Published: June 2013

The twenty-first century witnessed the unfolding of multiple water challenges and addressing these challenges will require a substantial shift in the way we manage our resources. The fundamental principles underlying any fruitful governance reform are: a) Inclusion, b) Sustainability and c) Institutional culture.

1. Inclusion is about identifying the unreached people in the society.

2. Sustainability has three dimensions a) Natural, b) Financial, c) Human Resources.

As experienced in Tamil Nadu, a change management approach in the water sector, sustainable positive changes in financial aspects and human elements is achievable. The changed paradigm of water delivery was put into practice in 450 villages across Tamil Nadu by the Change Management Group of Engineers of the Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) who behaved as community members resulting in increased sense of involvement and ownership.

3. Finally, change is about transforming ‘Institutional Culture’. The officials of the ‘Change Management Group’ belonging to multiple departments associated with water in Tamil Nadu have collaborated to set up a ‘Centre of Excellence for Change Management (CECM)’ towards improving the service delivery of the critical resources with a Vision to ‘Secure Water and Food for all forever’.
Transformation of Credit Delivery for the Poor through SHG–Bank Linkage Programme: Retrospect & Prospects
Authors: Mohanty Biswabandhu
Published: June 2013

Despite rapid branch expansion, priority sector lending norms and thrust on pro-poor and rural credit schemes, in the post-nationalization period, a vast segment of the population, particularly the poor and disadvantaged, did not have access to the existing financial institutions. There were serious aberrations in the credit delivery mechanism and schemes. An earnest search was made for an alternative credit delivery approach for the vulnerable section of the community. In this backdrop, NABARD based on the learnings from the action research and intensive consultations with all concerned, launched a pilot project on SHG–Bank Linkage Programme (SHG–BLP) in 1992, by combining the mutual strength of formal credit institutions (banks) and informal agencies (SHGs), linking savings with credit and focusing on relationship banking. With the success of the pilot scheme, it was mainstreamed in 1996. The programme has been nurtured with multi-pronged promotional efforts and creation of a conducive policy environment by NABARD with the support of the Government and RBI. Banks and NGOs have played significant roles in upscaling and deepening the programme. Now, the programme in a gradual process has become a national movement and the world’s largest microfinance programme in terms of size and outreach. It has transformed the whole approach of all players in dealing with the poor, rural credit and rural financial institutions and the voluntary sector. It has brought about socio-economic empowerment of the poor, particularly women, as evidenced from various impact studies. Most of the rural development schemes and livelihood programmes incorporated the SHG approach. For sustaining quality and effectiveness of the SHG–Bank Linkage Programme, emerging issues like regional imbalance, promotion of micro-enterprises/livelihood, capacity/institution building efforts for managing growth, adoption of technology and continued supportive policy environment need to be addressed. The SHG–BLP has the potential and propensity to transform the entire rural India.
Nerve Hematoma Mimicking DVT
Authors: Gerding Abby L. , Fox Traci B. , Lown Lauren , Needleman Laurence
Published: June 2013

This case study describes a patient who underwent an upper extremity venous examination to evaluate for possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sonography showed no evidence of thrombus in the veins of the deep or superficial system. Adjacent to the veins of the peripheral arm, however, an enlarged hypoechoic structure was visualized that had a very similar appearance to DVT. With further imaging, hyperechoic linear bands were visualized at the proximal end of the hypoechoic structure. The appearance suggested that this structure was related to the median nerve, but its normal appearance was altered by a large mass inside the nerve sheath. Given the patient’s history, the finding most likely represents a nerve hematoma.
Soluble Neural-cadherin as a novel biomarker for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors
Authors: Niimi Rui , Matsumine Akihiko , Iino Takahiro , Nakazora Shigeto , Nakamura Tomoki , Uchida Atsumasa , Sudo Akihiro
Published: June 2013

Background

Neural-cadherin (N-cadherin) is one of the most important molecules involved in tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and the maintenance of tissue integrity. Recently, the cleavage of N-cadherin has become a focus of attention in the field of cancer biology. Cadherin and their ectodomain proteolytic shedding play important roles during cancer progression. The aims of this study are to investigate the serum soluble N-cadherin (sN-CAD) levels in patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, and to evaluate the prognostic significance of the sN-CAD levels.

Methods

We examined the level of serum sN-CAD using an ELISA in 80 malignant bone and soft tissue tumors (bone sarcoma, n = 23; soft tissue sarcoma, n = 50; metastatic cancer, n = 7) and 87 normal controls. The mean age of the patients was 51 years (range, 10–85 years) and the mean follow-up period was 43 months (range, 1–115 months).

Results

The median serum sN-CAD level was 1,267 ng/ml (range, 135–2,860 ng/ml) in all patients. The mean serum sN-CAD level was 1,269 ng/ml (range, 360–2,860 ng/ml) in sarcoma patients, otherwise 1,246 ng/ml (range, 135–2,140 ng/ml) in cancer patients. The sN-CAD levels in patient were higher than those found in the controls, who had a median serum level of 108 ng/ml (range, 0–540 ng/ml). The patients with tumors larger than 5 cm had higher serum sN-CAD levels than the patients with tumors smaller than 5 cm. The histological grade in the patients with higher serum sN-CAD levels was higher than that in the patients with lower serum sN-CAD levels. A univariate analysis demonstrated that the patients with higher serum sN-CAD levels showed a worse disease-free survival rate, local recurrence-free survival rate, metastasis-free survival rate, and overall survival rate compared to those with lower serum sN-CAD levels. In the multivariate analysis, sN-CAD was an independent factor predicting disease-free survival.

Conclusions

sN-CAD is a biomarker for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, and a potentially valuable pre-therapeutic prognostic factor in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma.
Risk of bladder cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus: an updated meta-analysis of 36 observational studies
Authors: Zhu Zhaowei , Wang Xianjin , Shen Zhoujun , Lu Yingli , Zhong Shan , Xu Chen
Published: June 2013

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to explore this relationship.

Methods

We identified studies by a literature search of Medline (from 1 January 1966) and EMBASE (from 1 January 1974), through 29 February 2012, and by searching the reference lists of pertinent articles. Summary relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 36 studies (9 case–control studies, 19 cohort studies and 8 cohort studies of patients with diabetes) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Analysis of all studies showed that DM was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer (the summary RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.17–1.56, p < 0.001, I2 = 94.7%). In analysis stratified by study design, diabetes was positively associated with risk of bladder cancer in case–control studies (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.13-1.86, p = 0.005, I2 = 63.8%) and cohort studies (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.12-1.62, p < 0.001, I2 = 94.3%), but not in cohort studies of diabetic patients (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.86–1.81, p < 0.001, I2 = 97.4%). The RRs of bladder cancer were 1.38 (1.08-1.78) for men and 1.38 (0.90-2.10) for women with diabetes, respectively. Noteworthy, the relative risk of bladder cancer was negatively correlated with the duration of DM, with the higher risk of bladder cancer found among patients diagnosed within less than 5 years.

Conclusions

These findings support the hypothesis that men with diabetes have a modestly increased risk of bladder cancer, while women with diabetes were not the case.
Expression and significance of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in human epidermal tumors
Authors: Weng Hui , Deng Yunhua , Xie Yuyan , Liu Hongbo , Gong Feili
Published: June 2013

Background

High mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA binding protein located in nucleus. It is released into extracellular fluid where it acts as a novel proinflammatory cytokine which interacts with Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) to activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). This sequence of events is involved in tumor growth and progression. However, the effects of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB on epidermal tumors remain unclear.

Methods

Human epidermal tumor specimens were obtained from 96 patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in human epidermal tumor and normal skin specimens. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of NF-κB p65 in epithelial cell nuclei in human epidermal tumor and normal tissues.

Results

Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis indicated a progressive but statistically significant increase in p65 expression in epithelial nuclei in benign seborrheic keratosis (SK), precancerous lesions (PCL), low malignancy basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and high malignancy squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (P <0.01). The level of extracellular HMGB1 in SK was significantly higher than in normal skin (NS) (P <0.01), and was higher than in SCC but without statistical significance. The level of TLR4 on epithelial membranes of SCC cells was significantly higher than in SK, PCL, BCC and NS (P <0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between p65 expression in the epithelial nuclei and TLR4 expression on the epithelial cell membranes (r = 0.3212, P <0.01).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that inflammation is intensified in parallel with increasing malignancy. They also indicate that the TLR4 signaling pathway, rather than HMGB1, may be the principal mediator of inflammation in high-grade malignant epidermal tumors. Combined detection of p65 in the epithelial nuclei and TLR4 on the epithelial membranes may assist the accurate diagnosis of malignant epidermal tumors.
Directed evolution of a cellobiose utilization pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by simultaneously engineering multiple proteins
Authors: Eriksen Dawn T , Hsieh Pei Chiun Helen , Lynn Patrick , Zhao Huimin
Published: June 2013

Background

The optimization of metabolic pathways is critical for efficient and economical production of biofuels and specialty chemicals. One such significant pathway is the cellobiose utilization pathway, identified as a promising route in biomass utilization. Here we describe the optimization of cellobiose consumption and ethanol productivity by simultaneously engineering both proteins of the pathway, the β-glucosidase (gh1-1) and the cellodextrin transporter (cdt-1), in an example of pathway engineering through directed evolution.

Results

The improved pathway was assessed based on the strain specific growth rate on cellobiose, with the final mutant exhibiting a 47% increase over the wild-type pathway. Metabolite analysis of the engineered pathway identified a 49% increase in cellobiose consumption (1.78 to 2.65 g cellobiose/(L · h)) and a 64% increase in ethanol productivity (0.611 to 1.00 g ethanol/(L · h)).

Conclusions

By simultaneously engineering multiple proteins in the pathway, cellobiose utilization in S. cerevisiae was improved. This optimization can be generally applied to other metabolic pathways, provided a selection/screening method is available for the desired phenotype. The improved in vivo cellobiose utilization demonstrated here could help to decrease the in vitro enzyme load in biomass pretreatment, ultimately contributing to a reduction in the high cost of biofuel production.
Signaling pathway switch in breast cancer
Authors: Guille Arnaud , Chaffanet Max , Birnbaum Daniel
Published: June 2013

Next generation sequencing studies have drawn the general landscape of breast cancers and identified hundreds of new, actual therapeutic targets. Two major signaling pathways seem to be altered in a vast proportion of breast cancers. The PI3 kinase/AKT pathway is activated and the JUN/MAPK pathway is repressed. Via the regulation of the cell cycle this metabolic switch impacts on the balance between self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation of the tumor-initiating cells
CARbon DIoxide for the treatment of Febrile seizures: rationale, feasibility, and design of the CARDIF-study
Authors: Ohlraun Stephanie , Wollersheim Tobias , Weiß Claudia , Martus Peter , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Schmitz Dietmar , Schuelke Markus
Published: June 2013

Background

2-8% of all children aged between 6 months and 5 years have febrile seizures. Often these seizures cease spontaneously, however depending on different national guidelines, 20-40% of the patients would need therapeutic intervention. For seizures longer than 3-5 minutes application of rectal diazepam, buccal midazolam or sublingual lorazepam is recommended. Benzodiazepines may be ineffective in some patients or cause prolonged sedation and fatigue. Preclinical investigations in a rat model provided evidence that febrile seizures may be triggered by respiratory alkalosis, which was subsequently confirmed by a retrospective clinical observation. Further, individual therapeutic interventions demonstrated that a pCO2-elevation via re-breathing or inhalation of 5% CO2 instantly stopped the febrile seizures. Here, we present the protocol for an interventional clinical trial to test the hypothesis that the application of 5% CO2 is effective and safe to suppress febrile seizures in children.

Methods

The CARDIF (CAR bon DI oxide against F ebrile seizures) trial is a monocentric, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. A total of 288 patients with a life history of at least one febrile seizure will be randomized to receive either carbogen (5% CO2 plus 95% O2) or placebo (100% O2). As recurrences of febrile seizures mainly occur at home, the study medication will be administered by the parents through a low-pressure can fitted with a respiratory mask. The primary outcome measure is the efficacy of carbogen to interrupt febrile seizures. As secondary outcome parameters we assess safety, practicability to use the can, quality of life, contentedness, anxiousness and mobility of the parents.

Prospect

The CARDIF trial has the potential to develop a new therapy for the suppression of febrile seizures by redressing the normal physiological state. This would offer an alternative to the currently suggested treatment with benzodiazepines. This study is an example of academic translational research from the study of animal physiology to a new therapy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01370044
Remarks on the fixed point problem of 2-metric spaces
Authors: Dung Nguyen Van , Hieu Nguyen Trung , Ly Nguyen Thia Thanh , Thinh Vo Duc
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we prove a fixed point theorem on a 2-metric space and show that the main results in Lahiri et al. (Taiwan. J. Math. 15:337-352, 2011) and Singh et al. (J. Adv. Math. Stud. 5:71-76, 2012) may be obtained easily from the axioms of a 2-metric space. Examples are given to validate the results.