bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choosing sides: contrasting attitudes to governance issues in Social Firms in the UK
Authors: Mason Chris
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the findings of a quantitative study of Social Firms between 2006 and 2007. In doing so, it examines the challenges that boards and managers in these organisations face.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test propositions developed from a review of the social enterprise (SE) governance literature, the paper adopts a quantitative, survey‐based approach. The survey compared attitudes to governance issues among managers and board members in the UK‐based Social Firms.

Findings

Statistical analysis of the findings highlighted some key outcomes, particularly regarding legitimacy, accountability and stakeholder inclusion of Social Firms Boards. Furthermore, the paper identifies divisions between managers and board members regarding the enterprise‐orientation of Social Firms.

Research limitations/implications

The research adds to current sector debates concerning SE identity, especially related to the effectiveness of governance systems, the erosion of underpinning social values and the adoption of a keener enterprise focus. While the research signals key variables such as legitimacy, accountability and democracy, much larger, qualitative‐based studies are required that capture the voices of more SE boards.

Practical implications

The key practical outcome from this small‐scale study is the difficulty faced by SE practitioners in managing the governance process. There are many forces pulling the SE sector (political, economic and not to mention social) and these undoubtedly have an impact at the grassroots level.

Social implications

Having drawn conclusions on the key areas of significant difference between internal actors in Social Firms, it is vital not to forget that organisational governance does affect social beneficiaries. In the case of Social Firms, social beneficiaries are also bound together within the fabric of the organisation, forming part of the workforce as well as benefitting from access to employment. This presents problems for SE management, especially when diverging attitudes detract from, rather than enhance, social benefit.

Originality/value

The paper presents some new empirical support for many of the governance challenges facing SE practitioners in the UK. The paper contributes to knowledge by providing support for the debates concerning SE governance, identity and legitimacy.
Manifestations of climate change impacts affecting socio‐economy in Bangladesh
Authors: Maruf Hossain A.M.M. , Rahman Hasibur , Park Kihong
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the climate change effects on the socio‐economy in Bangladesh, focusing on the framework of sustainable development and assisting in “policy and integration” innovation. The paper also aims to project the importance of translation of physical parameter changes in climate change models into effects on natural productive systems and the socio‐economy in the future. This should be regarded as one of the most important prerequisites for “policy and integration” innovation towards sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The most tangible climate change effects linked with the socio‐economy in Bangladesh are described and used to construct a single schematic that starts with susceptibility to climate change and ends into sustainable development. Further focus is given into the framework of sustainable development.

Findings

Bangladesh is highly susceptible to increase in floods, moisture stress and salinity intrusion in a changed climatic scenario. All major user sectors of water will be affected despite of the country's very high per capita quanta water availability. This will adversely effect the overall socio‐economy and will be disproportionate to the poor. Adaptation and coping strategies must be addressed with development initiatives, thus “policy and integration” innovation are greatly required for sustainable development.

Originality/value

The paper describes the most tangible climate change effects linked with the socio‐economy in Bangladesh resulting in the construction of a single schematic starting with susceptibility to climate change and ending into sustainable development.
The European Union and quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments under the Kyoto Protocol
Authors: Schiele Simone
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the scope and content of the obligations and responsibilities which the European Community (EC) and the European Union (EU) Member States assumed under the Kyoto Protocol, including an examination of the procedures and mechanisms relating to compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the participation of the EU as a “Regional Economic Integration Organization” in the Kyoto Protocol and explores the implications of possible non‐compliance with its obligations.

Findings

While there is uncertainty, the text of the Kyoto Protocol as well as its negotiating history suggest that the EC entered into an emissions‐reduction commitment of 8 per cent additional to the obligations of EU Member States which redistributed their targets under a burden‐sharing agreement.

Originality/value

The paper challenges the prevalent opinion that the EC and the Member States of the EU share a common emission‐reduction target of 8 per cent under the Kyoto Protocol.
Global growth, international trade patterns and national inflation policies with capital accumulation in a multi‐country economy
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Bin
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine global monetary economic growth with free trade. It develops a multi‐country monetary growth model with capital accumulation to provide some insights into complexity of economic globalization with free trade and financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The real aspects of the model is based on the neoclassical growth theory and monetary aspects of the model are based on the money‐in‐utility approach. The behavior of households is based on an alternative approach. The paper shows that the dynamics of the J‐country world economy can be described by 2J‐dimensional differential equations.

Findings

This paper simulates equilibrium and motion of the global economy with three, developed, newly industrializing, and developing countries and Cobb‐Douglas production functions. As the global monetary economic system is unstable, the perfectly competitive world economy may either experience unlimited growth or economic crisis. Because of the choice of the initial conditions and the parameters, the simulation demonstrates a situation of global economic declination. This paper also demonstrates, for instance, that the global economy worsens off as the developed economy reduces its propensity to save or increases its inflation policy.

Social implications

This paper also tries to provide some possible implications of our model for the recent economic crisis. A policy implication of the results is that as global economies with free trade and financial markets are possibly structurally unstable and the global economy may suffer from economic declination, government interventions, and co‐operation among countries are necessary for global sustainable development.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the linkage between national monetary policies and global economic growth.
IDMEC – Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto
Authors: de Castro Paulo M.S.T. , Camanho Pedro P. , da Silva Lucas F.M. , Moreira Pedro M.G.P.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the work of IDMEC, a not‐for‐profit R&D private association located in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on IDMEC's R&D activities, focusing on aeronautics.

Findings

Together IDMEC‐Porto and INEGI provide answers to R&D challenges in the broad area of aerostructures, from fracture and fatigue problems to advanced composites for space applications.

Originality/value

The paper offers a concise presentation of the IDMEC's R&D activities in the field of aeronautics.
Coastal bridges and the 120 Life Span – the Rio‐Antirio case study
Authors: Apostolopoulos Ch. Alk.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the uncertainties related to durability prediction of coastal bridges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the problems encountered with the Rio‐Antric bridge in Greece.

Findings

Even the most accurate models, especially those traditionally employed, fail to provide secure estimates, cases which create serious questions about suggested life spans. Local conditions, large‐scale effects, construction practise, dynamic phenomena, etc. create such a complex web of parameters able to negate even the most conservative estimates. As such, cathodic protection systems should be employed in every coastal structure as a defence measure.

Originality/value

The paper offers a typical example of how far engineering, material science and construction practise has to go to guarantee that any designed life is accurately met.
The power of nascency: realizing the potential of service‐learning in an unscripted future
Authors: Hrivnak George A. , Sherman Cynthia L.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review – from the perspective of nascent academic practitioners – the promise and challenges of service‐learning as an instructional methodology. The paper is contextualized in terms of preparing students of business and management with the requisite skills for coping and thriving in the unknowns of the unscripted future.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a review of the context of the unscripted future and the considerations involved in determining the viability and appropriateness of service‐learning from the perspective of faculty who have not previously used this approach.

Findings

Although there are numerous challenges and considerations involved in the use of service‐learning, particularly for faculty members who are new to this instructional method, thoughtful perseverance and attention to the issues inherent to this teaching tool can yield a powerful approach that is well‐suited to meeting the learning needs of students facing an unscripted future.

Originality/value

The paper provides not only a literature review of the current thinking in the service‐learning domain but also a set of resources relevant to the topic from the perspective of a nascent practitioner. The paper is designed to illustrate the unique challenges and strengths of faculty members who are considering implementing service‐learning in a management or organizational sciences course.
A transnational comparison of service‐learning as a tool for leadership development
Authors: Cress Christine M. , Yamashita Miki , Duarte Rebecca , Burns Heather
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This investigation sought to identify learning outcomes for undergraduate students at a US college enrolled in community‐based learning courses. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences between American students' and international students' development of leadership skills through senior level service‐learning (SL) courses and analyzed the role of teaching methods on those outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 150 SL courses from students representing 30 countries were examined at a major university in the USA. US and non‐US student leadership and learning outcomes were cross‐tabulated with instructional techniques to analyze for statistically significant differences.

Findings

Facilitating leadership skill development is a function of utilizing transformational rather than traditional classroom teaching techniques.

Practical implications

Transformational teaching and learning methods such as collaborative projects, student‐selected readings, and group decision‐making in SL courses help transform students' views of themselves, their communities, and the world as they consider their roles as leaders in an unscripted future.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined the instructional elements in SL that transform student knowledge and leadership skills especially across such a breadth and variety of SL courses and student cultural backgrounds.
Moving forward together in sustainable, effective, and partnership‐oriented ways
Authors: Hogner Robert H. , Kenworthy Amy L.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Sustainable and effective university‐community partnerships are not easy to create, yet they are an integral part of student community‐based learning as they are uniquely designed to educate students about their roles as members of their local, national, and global communities. The purpose of this paper is to review the extant literature on effective university‐community partnering and draw out key themes to assist practitioners and researchers who are involved in the design, execution, and analysis of partnership programs. Following the review, a model partnership program focused on increasing students' knowledge and skills in the area of international citizenship, called the global leadership and service project (GLSP), is presented as an innovative service‐learning design template.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of the literature, key themes drawn from the literature, and a case study for use as readers consider, adapt, and integrate tools for effective, partnership‐based service‐learning projects into their curricula.

Findings

Sustainable, effective, and partnership‐oriented service‐learning projects are difficult to design and execute yet they are extremely effective at enhancing students' awareness, learning, and development as global citizens. The model presented through the GLSP provides a useful framework for adaptation in other university and professional settings.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the community organization side of effective service‐learning partner‐oriented program design and provides a case study example of how such programs can be executed in a sustainable and contributory manner, each within the context of enhancing student learning as members of our global and interconnected society.
Process improvement projects shortcomings and resolution
Authors: Breyfogle Forrest W.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a business management system that addresses the following issue: Lean Six Sigma, total quality management, and other process improvement efforts center on the execution of process improvement projects; however, often these projects (e.g. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt projects) are identified in silos and do not benefit the business as a whole, e.g. $125 million is reported saved, but nobody can find the money.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper “Where process‐improvement projects go wrong,” Wall Street Journal, January 25, 2010 (www.smartersolutions.com/blog/forrestbreyfogle/?p=2726) elaborates on the shortcomings of typical process improvement efforts by building an analog between process improvement programs and a spring's stress‐strain curve – stretching, yielding, and failing. To address the described issues, process improvement efforts need to be part of an overall enhanced business management system in order to have long‐lasting success. This structured organizational framework should integrate predictive scorecards with targeted strategies creation that blends analytics with innovation, which lead to the establishment of functional performance goals that pull for the creation of enterprise‐as‐a‐whole‐beneficial improvement projects, which positively impacts these target objectives.

Findings

The described nine‐step Integrated Enterprise Excellence (IEE) business management system provides the framework for achievement of these above‐described needs. The IEE system, for example, blends analytics with theory of constraints, competitive assessments, and economic environment so that created project work efforts have a whole‐system‐performance measurement benefit.

Research limitations/implications

In Lean Six Sigma and Lean kaizen event programs, improvement projects are often selected from a brainstorming‐list of potential opportunities. Initial gains when starting such a deployment can be achieved; however, this effort typically stalls out and the process improvement teams are laid‐off when times get tough. The reason for this rough‐time downsizing is that the previous team process improvement project efforts were not, in the eyes of executives, expended in areas so that a significant overall enterprise benefit was achieved. IEE provides a business management system for addresses these issues so that business improvement efforts have a whole‐organization benefit.

Practical implications

The IEE system can be used by management to address the business management problems of the day, e.g. management issues that led to the financial crisis and the problems that Toyota is now experiencing.

Originality/value

Many who have studied the IEE system have said that this system provides a framework for how business should be run and should be taught in business schools.
Process improvement for printing operations through the DMAIC Lean Six Sigma approach
Authors: Roth Nicholas , Franchetti Matthew
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This project aims to address the problems facing a small printing company during the printing of sample boards. The company was unable to meet their projected yearly demand of 200,000 boards. During the study, the team found that the company's maximum output was 143,400 from two printing machines and thus faced the need to acquire new capital. The goal of this project is, therefore, to create a sustainable process that increased the client's competitive advantage in the printing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying Six Sigma and Lean principles, the team identified the current situation that the printing company's operations were in as well as determining the maximum possible output. The team identified methods to increase production output while finding the optimum annual labor costs per unit for possible future situations.

Findings

Approximately 30 percent of the workers' activities were found to be non‐value added and there are numerous machine delays that decreased productivity. The project also investigated the optimal number of employees that are needed to staff additional machines, should the company wish to expand its operations.

Originality/value

This project is unique in that it looked at a printing process with a fixed cycle time. This project is useful for any company that is restrained by cycle time and needs to find the most cost‐efficient way to expand their resources.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus 16/18/33 infection and p53 mutation in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iwakawa Reika , Kohno Takashi , Enari Masato , Kiyono Tohru , Yokota Jun
Published: May 2010

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a causative event for the development of uterine cervical carcinoma. Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16, 18, and 33 DNA has been also detected frequently in lung adenocarcinomas (AdCs) in East Asian countries; however, its prevalence in Japan remains unclear. We therefore screened for HPV 16/18/33 DNA in 297 lung AdCs in a Japanese population by multiplex PCR with type‐specific primers. As reported previously, HPV 16 DNA was detected in two cervical cancer cell lines, CaSki and SiHa, while HPV 18 DNA was detected in HeLa cells, and 0.1–1.0 copies of HPV‐DNA per cell were detectable by this method. However, with this method, none of the 297 lung AdCs showed positive signals for HPV 16/18/33 DNA, indicating that HPV‐DNA is not or is very rarely integrated in lung AdC genomes in the Japanese. Furthermore, none of the lung AdCs showed positive signals by nested PCR with HPV 16/18 type‐specific primers. Therefore, we further attempted to detect HPV 16/18/33 DNA in 91 lung cancer cell lines, including 40 AdC cell lines. Among them, 30 have been established in Japan and the remaining 61 in the USA. No HPV signals were obtained in any of the 91 cell lines by either multiplex or nested PCR, while the p53 gene was mutated in 81 of them including 35 of the 40 AdC cell lines. These results indicate that HPV 16/18/33 infection does not play a major role in the development of lung AdC in Japan nor in the USA. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Maintenance treatment with azacytidine for patients with high‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukaemia following MDS in complete remission after induction chemotherapy
Authors: Grövdal Michael , Karimi Mohsen , Khan Rasheed , Aggerholm Anni , Antunovic Petar , Astermark Jan , Bernell Per , Engström Lena‐Maria , Kjeldsen Lars , Linder Olle , Nilsson Lars , Olsson Anna , Holm Mette S. , Tangen Jon M. , Wallvik Jonas , Öberg Gunnar , Hokland Peter , Jacobsen Sten E. , Porwit Anna , Hellström‐Lindberg Eva
Published: May 2010

This prospective Phase II study is the first to assess the feasibility and efficacy of maintenance 5‐azacytidine for older patients with high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and MDS‐acute myeloid leukaemia syndromes in complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy. Sixty patients were enrolled and treated by standard induction chemotherapy. Patients that reached CR started maintenance therapy with subcutaneous azacytidine, 5/28 d until relapse. Promoter‐methylation status of CDKN2B (P15 ink4b), CDH1 and HIC1 was examined pre‐induction, in CR and 6, 12 and 24 months post CR. Twenty‐four (40%) patients achieved CR after induction chemotherapy and 23 started maintenance treatment with azacytidine. Median CR duration was 13·5 months, >24 months in 17% of the patients, and 18–30·5 months in the four patients with trisomy 8. CR duration was not associated with CDKN2B methylation status or karyotype. Median overall survival was 20 months. Hypermethylation of CDH1 was significantly associated with low CR rate, early relapse, and short overall survival (P = 0·003). 5‐azacytidine treatment, at a dose of 60 mg/m2 was well tolerated. Grade III‐IV thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred after 9·5 and 30% of the cycles, respectively, while haemoglobin levels increased during treatment. 5‐azacytidine treatment is safe, feasible and may be of benefit in a subset of patients.
Two cases of pustular toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Hague J. S. , Kaur M. R. , Hafiji J. , Carr R. A. , Lewis H. , Charles-Holmes R. , Heagerty A. , Orpin S. D.
Published: May 2010

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening, immune-mediated reaction, characterized by severe cutaneous and mucosal blisters and erosions. It often presents with flu-like symptoms, followed by a maculopapular, urticarial, purpuric or erythema multiforme-like eruption, which then evolves into blisters and sheet-like erosions. Presentation with pustules, however, is not well described in the English literature, and may lead to delayed diagnosis. We present two unusual cases of TEN that initially presented with pustular lesions.
Preliminary study of etidronate for prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis caused by oral glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: Furukawa F. , Kaminaka C. , Ikeda T. , Kanazawa N. , Yamamoto Y. , Ohta C. , Nishide T. , Tsujioka K. , Hattori M. , Uede K. , Hata M. ,   the Wakayama Study Group on Dermatological Use of Bisphosphonates
Published: May 2010

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for the treatment of various diseases, particularly in dermatology. However, there have been few reports about the outcome of treatment for GC-induced osteoporosis in patients with dermatological conditions receiving oral GCs. The present study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate the usefulness of etidronate for preventing steroid-induced osteoporosis in patients on prolonged GC therapy as routine clinical management. In total, 110 patients receiving oral GC therapy were enrolled into the study. Of these, 87 patients were evaluated (44 patients with collagen diseases, 13 patients with autoimmune bullous dermatoses, 19 patients with chronic eczema/dermatitis, 2 patients with toxicoderma/drug eruption and 9 others). Urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was evaluated as a marker of bone resorption, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as a marker of bone formation. Significant increases in urinary DPD were seen in the control group after oral GC therapy had been continued for ≥ 1 year. Treatment with etidronate suppressed this increase. When the patients were stratified according to gender, this improvement was more obvious in women. No significant difference in serum BAP level was found between the two groups. These results suggest that bisphosphonates may be useful for preventing steroid-induced osteoporosis in dermatology patients (particularly women) receiving oral GC therapy.
Non-invasive imaging of mid-dermal elastolysis
Authors: Scola N. , Goulioumis A. , Gambichler T.
Published: May 2010

Mid-dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a rare disease that is characterized histopathologically by selective loss of elastic tissue in the mid dermis. We aimed to assess MDE using noninvasive skin imaging techniques in vivo. We examined both the lesional and adjacent healthy skin of a woman with the reticular variant of MDE, using confocal scanning laser microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS). The median diameter of blood vessels at the top of dermal papillae was significantly increased in erythematous lesional skin compared with healthy skin. The mid-dermal signal intensity detected by OCT was higher in healthy skin than in lesional skin. With HFUS, mid-dermal density values were significantly higher in healthy skin than in lesional skin. Our preliminary findings indicate that noninvasive skin imaging methods such as OCT and HFUS might be suitable techniques for the evaluation and monitoring of elastolytic skin disorders such as MDE.
CRTH2 expression on T cells in asthma
Authors: Mutalithas K , Guillen C , Day C , Brightling C E , Pavord I D , Wardlaw A J
Published: May 2010

Mast cell-derived prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is the major prostanoid found within the airway of asthmatics immediately following allergen challenge. PGD2 has been shown to have chemokinetic effects on eosinophils and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells in vitro. This occurs through the interaction of PGD2 with the G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor homologous molecule expressed on Th2 lymphocytes (CRTH2). The expression of CRTH2 has been shown to be highly selective for Th2 cells. Using flow cytometry we have studied the expression of CRTH2 on T cells in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in asthmatics and normal subjects. CRTH2 expression was confined to a small percentage of blood T cells in asthmatics (1·8% ± 0·2) and normal (1·6% ±  0·2) subjects. CRTH2 was enriched significantly on interleukin (IL)-4+/IL-13+ T cells compared to interferon (IFN)-γ+ T cells (P < 0·001). There was a small population of CRTH2+ T cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of asthmatics (2·3% ± 0·6) and normal subjects (0·3% ± 0·1), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0·05). There were similar amounts of PGD2 in the BAL of asthma and normal subjects. Within paired blood–BAL samples from the same subject there was no increase in CRTH2+ T cells in the BAL compared to blood in asthmatics. Enrichment of CRTH2 on IL-4+ and IL-13+ T cells compared to IFN-γ+ T cells was also seen in BAL from asthmatics (P < 0·001). CRTH2 is expressed preferentially by IL-4+/IL-13+ T cells compared to IFN-γ+ T cells. However, given their small numbers they are unlikely to have a significant involvement in the pathogenesis of asthma. CRTH2 antagonism may not diminish T cell accumulation in the asthmatic lung.
Joggins, Nova Scotia
Authors: Falcon‐Lang Howard J. , Gibling Martin R. , Grey Melissa
Published: May 2010

Joggins is a famous fossil locality in Nova Scotia, Canada. Hewn by some of the world's highest tides on the Bay of Fundy, these crumbling cliffs shed light on the life and environments of the Carboniferous Coal Age, 315 million years ago. The site has been a magnet for geologists since the early nineteenth century. Charles Lyell described it as the world's best coal‐bearing section and together with his colleague, William Dawson, reported amazing fossil forests and a rich terrestrial fauna. Since that golden age, the rate of new fossil discoveries has hardly diminished and in recognition of its importance, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2008. Even after many years of study, it remains a tremendous thrill for us to explore this ‘classic locality’ in far‐flung Nova Scotia. Each winter storm, rock fall, and tide brings with it the tantalizing possibility of new fossils and new scientific insights. In this article we share something of our excitement for Joggins and provide an up to date field guide for those wishing to unlock its secrets.
A meta‐analysis of intervention effects on challenging behaviour among persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Heyvaert M. , Maes B. , Onghena P.
Published: May 2010

Background  Persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) often show challenging behaviour. We review distinct interventions that are applied to treat these challenging behaviours, and analyse intervention effects and moderating variables.

Methods  A literature search was conducted using the databases ERIC, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Medline. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was carried out, supplemented with sensitivity, subgroup, meta‐regression and publication bias analyses.

Results  Eighty potential articles were identified, from which 30 contained sufficient data to enable statistical meta‐analysis. From these 30 studies, 18 described a biological, 13 a psychotherapeutic and nine a contextual intervention, either applied alone or combined. The overall standardised mean difference was 0.671 (SD = 0.051). As shown by sensitivity analysis, this summary effect size is robust. Assessed through subgroup and meta‐regression analysis, all tested moderators showed no statistically significant association with the treatment effects. After applying a funnel plot‐, a fail‐safe N‐, and Duval's and Tweedie's trim and fill‐analysis, we conclude that our meta‐analysis does not suffer much from publication bias effects.

Conclusions  Several biological, psychotherapeutic and contextual interventions effectively reduce challenging behaviours among persons with ID.
Characterization of nickel silicides using EELS‐based methods
Authors: VERLEYSEN E. , BENDER H. , RICHARD O. , SCHRYVERS D. , VANDERVORST W.
Published: May 2010

The characterization of Ni‐silicides using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) based methods is discussed. A series of Ni‐silicide phases is examined: Ni3Si, Ni31Si12, Ni2Si, NiSi and NiSi2. The composition of these phases is determined by quantitative core‐loss EELS. A study of the low loss part of the EELS spectrum shows that both the energy and the shape of the plasmon peak are characteristic for each phase. Examination of the Ni‐L edge energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) shows that the ratio and the sum of the L2 and L3 white line intensities are also characteristic for each phase. The sum of the white line intensities is used to determine the trend in electron occupation of the 3d states of the phases. The dependence of the plasmon energy on the electron occupation of the 3d states is demonstrated.
RNA polymerase mutations that facilitate replication progression in the rep uvrD recF mutant lacking two accessory replicative helicases
Authors: Baharoglu Zeynep , Lestini Roxane , Duigou Stéphane , Michel Bénédicte
Published: May 2010

We observed that cells lacking Rep and UvrD, two replication accessory helicases, and the recombination protein RecF are cryo‐sensitive on rich medium. We isolated five mutations that suppress this Luria–Bertani (LB)‐cryo‐sensitivity and show that they map in the genes encoding the RNA polymerase subunits RpoB and RpoC. These rpoB (D444G, H447R and N518D) and rpoC mutants (H113R and P451L) were characterized. rpoBH447R and rpoBD444G prevent activation of the Prrn core promoter in rich medium, but only rpoBH447R also suppresses the auxotrophy of a relA spoT mutant (stringent‐like phenotype). rpoCH113R suppresses the thermo‐sensitivity of a greA greB mutant, suggesting that it destabilizes stalled elongation complexes. All mutations but rpoCP451L prevent R‐loop formation. We propose that these rpo mutations allow replication in the absence of Rep and UvrD by destabilizing RNA Pol upon replication–transcription collisions. In a RecF+ context, they improve growth of rep uvrD cells only if DinG is present, supporting the hypothesis that Rep, UvrD and DinG facilitate progression of the replication fork across transcribed sequences. They rescue rep uvrD dinG recF cells, indicating that in a recF mutant replication forks arrested by unstable transcription complexes can restart without any of the three known replication accessory helicases Rep, UvrD and DinG.
Direct interactions of early and late assembling division proteins in Escherichia coli cells resolved by FRET
Authors: Alexeeva Svetlana , Gadella Theodorus W. J. , Verheul Jolanda , Verhoeven Gertjan S. , Den Blaauwen Tanneke
Published: May 2010

The bacterial cell division machinery is organized in the so‐called divisome composed of highly dynamic but low abundant interacting (membrane‐bound) proteins. In order to elucidate the molecular interactions between these proteins, we developed a robust background‐insensitive quantitative spectral unmixing method for estimating FRET efficiencies at near endogenous protein levels using fluorescent protein fusions. The assembly of the division machinery of Escherichia coli occurs in two steps that are discrete in time: first the FtsZ‐ring and the so‐called early localizing proteins that together seem to prepare the division assembly at midcell. Subsequently, the late localizing protein complexes that contain the peptidoglycan‐synthesizing proteins PBP1B and FtsI (PBP3) are recruited to the division site, which initiates septation. Physical interactions were observed between members within each group but also between the early and late localizing proteins strongly suggesting that these proteins despite their differential localization in time are linked at the molecular and functional level. Interestingly, we find FtsN, one of the latest proteins in the divisome assembly, interacting with late assembling proteins FtsI and FtsW, but also with early (proto‐ring) protein ZapA. This is in line with the recently described role of FtsN in divisome stabilization including the proto‐ring elements.
Reducing the germinable weed seedbank with soil disturbance and cover crops
Authors: MIRSKY S B , GALLANDT E R , MORTENSEN D A , CURRAN W S , SHUMWAY D L
Published: May 2010

Mirsky SB, Gallandt ER, Mortensen DA, Curran WS & Shumway DL (2010). Reducing the germinable weed seedbank with soil disturbance and cover crops. Weed Research50, 341–352.

Ecologically based weed management relies heavily on a greater integration of cultural and mechanical control tactics than conventional weed management. As such, management outcomes are more dependent on biotic interactions among the crop, weed and methods of management. In this study, we assessed the influence of soil disturbance and cover cropping on the germinable seedbank of Chenopodium album, Abutilon theophrasti and Setaria spp. across a range of initial weed seedbank densities. Cover crop system treatments ranged from greater reliance on tillage at one extreme, to a greater reliance on cover cropping to accomplish weed suppression at the other. In general, seedbank losses to germination were highest when soil disturbance was associated with cover cropping. Of the five cover crop systems (1 year duration), the summer fallow and the yellow mustard/buckwheat/winter rape mixture consistently decreased the weed seedbank. The magnitude of decline in these high disturbance systems reached complete depletion of the Setaria spp. germinable seedbank and an 85% and 80% reduction for C. album and A. theophrasti respectively. Both systems included tilling the soil three to four times throughout the growing season. In contrast, treatments which involved less soil disturbance had weed escapes that set seed in one or more site years. Cover crop systems that stimulated weed seed germination and where weeds were either suppressed by the cover crop or where subsequent tillage provided control, resulted in the greatest weed seedbank declines.
Consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour in meerkats (Suricata suricatta)
Authors: ENGLISH S. , NAKAGAWA S. , CLUTTON‐BROCK T. H.
Published: May 2010

Although recent models for the evolution of personality, using game theory and life‐history theory, predict that individuals should differ consistently in their cooperative behaviour, consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour have rarely been documented. In this study, we used a long‐term data set on wild meerkats to quantify the repeatability of two types of cooperative care (babysitting and provisioning) within individuals and examined how repeatability varied across age, sex and status categories. Contributions to babysitting and provisioning were significantly repeatable and positively correlated within individuals, with provisioning more repeatable than babysitting. While repeatability of provisioning was relatively invariant across categories of individuals, repeatability of babysitting increased with age and was higher for subordinates than dominants. These results provide support for theoretical predictions that life‐history trade‐offs favour the evolution of consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour and raise questions about why some individuals consistently help more than others across a suite of cooperative behaviours.
Experimental systemic virulence of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates in comparison with Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei
Authors: Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi , Komiyama Edson Yukio , de Paiva Martins Clélia Aparecida , Vasconcellos Thássia Castro , Cardoso Jorge Antonio Olavo , Carvalho Yasmin Rodarte , do Prado Renata Falchete , Balducci Ivan
Published: May 2010

There are no previous studies on the comparative virulence of Candida dubliniensis with other non‐albicans species. The aim of this study was to compare the virulence and infection kinetics of C. dubliniensis and other species. Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei (reference strains) were inoculated intravenously in mice. For infection kinetics evaluation, a group of five animals were sacrificed after 6 h, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. Microbiological evaluations (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and brain) and histopathological examination of the kidney were performed. The results of virulence evaluation were analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (5%). Candida dubliniensis‐inoculated mice survived for longer periods compared with those with C. albicans (P = 0.005). No differences were detected in relation to C. tropicalis (P = 0.326) and C. krusei (P = 0.317). Most of the organs were persistently colonised by C. albicans and C. dubliniensis even by day 21. Tendency of C. krusei clearance was observed in all organs. Fungal masses and renal lesions were observed after inoculation of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. Within the limits of the study, data on survival rate and dissemination capacity suggest that C. dubliniensis is less virulent than C. albicans.
Damage of Candida albicans blastoconidia exposed to biocides
Authors: Kurzaątkowski Wiesław , Staniszewska Monika , Tyski Stefan
Published: May 2010

The damage of Candida albicans blastoconidia exposed to the lowest concentration of chemical disinfectant and antiseptic passing the EN 1275:2005 at 5 min contact time was examined under transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The blastoconidia of C. albicans 82 exposed to the chemical products showed the following damage: Incidin Liquid Spray (disinfectant) and Spitaderm (antiseptic) – cytoplasm congealing; Incidin Plus and Lysoformine 3000 (disinfectants) – cell wall and cell membrane damage, and leakage of the cytoplasm; Medicarine (disinfectant) – cytoplasm denaturation and rough cytoplasm. The damage of blastoconidia of the strains C. albicans 24 and C. albicans 28, exhibiting different susceptibility to Lysoformine 3000 was compared under scanning electron microscopy. The blastoconidia of the strain C. albicans 28 did not exhibit essential damage at a concentration 16 times lower (0.02%) than the lowest concentration of Lysoformine 3000 (Lc‐LYS) for this strain (0.32%). At this concentration (0.02%, corresponding to Lc‐LYS for C. albicans 24) the more sensitive isolate 24 showed substantial damage. The conducted study exhibited the effects of the tested products against the viability and structural integrity of the cells. Blastoconidial buds at the early stage of development seem to be very susceptible to the action of the tested products. The budding areas are located mainly at the blastoconidial poles.
Herbal medicines and chronic kidney disease
Authors: JHA VIVEKANAND
Published: May 2010

Alternative and indigenous systems of medicine are popular amongst the poorer sections of society in the developing world. Their use in the developed world has also increased in recent times. The source and composition of these medicines vary in different parts of the world, but herbs and other botanicals are central to these systems. Largely outside the ambit of regulatory control, herbal remedies are prepared by quasi‐trained herbalists and not tested for safety. Toxicity can occur when a herb with unknown toxicity is consumed, incorrect identification leads to substitution of an innocuous herb with a toxic one, preparations are contaminated with toxic non‐herbal compounds or when a herb potentiates the nephrotoxic effect of a conventional therapy. Renal injury has been reported in association with several herbs. The best‐known herb‐induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is aristolochic acid nephropathy. The condition is characterized by progressive interstitial nephritis, with a proportion of patients developing urothelial malignancies. The toxic compound is aristolochic acid (AA); AA‐DNA adducts have been identified in the renal and urothelial tissues. Recent evidence suggests that AA also contributes to the development of Balkan endemic nephropathy. The role of herbs has been postulated in the development of CKD in other parts of the developing world, especially amongst the rural population. Public awareness and regulation of use of herbal medicines are required to eradicate this entity from the community.
Current status of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations for Asians and an approach to create a common eGFR equation
Authors: MATSUO SEIICHI , YASUDA YOSHINARI , IMAi ENYU , HORIO MASARU
Published: May 2010

CKD is now recognized as life‐threatening disease and various countermeasures are implemented worldwide. The most important step to overcome CKD is early detection and evaluation. Equation for estimating GFR is the necessary tool for this step. This is also useful to follow‐up CKD patients in routine clinical settings. Currently, most commonly used equation is original and re‐expressed MDRD formula. For Asians, ethnic co‐efficient is needed when applying these formulas. Ethnic co‐efficient is different among Asian countries. Recently, different original equations have been developed in several Asian countries. At the present time, it is not clear to develop a single common eGFR equation fit for Asians. There are several factors that affect GFR estimation. These include ethnicity, reference method to measure GFR, method of creatinine measurement and calibration. Towards the future, Asian collaborative study is necessary to validate and standardize eGFR equations.
Resurgence in the use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic models in pediatric clinical pharmacology: parallel shift in incorporating the knowledge of biological elements and increased applicability to drug development and clinical practice
Authors: Johnson Trevor N. , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin
Published: May 2010

Aims and Objectives: (i) To describe an example of the development work required for building a ‘pediatric physiologically based pharmacokinetic’ (P‐PBPK) model (Simcyp Pediatric ADME Simulator), (ii) to replicate pediatric clinical studies and undertake theoretical studies to show the potential applications of mechanistic PBPK in pediatric drug clinical investigation and practice, with emphasis on pediatric anesthesia.

Background: PBPK models draw together the physiological and biochemical information that determine drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and then link them in a physiologically realistic ‘systems’ model. Incorporating the emerging additional information on developmental physiology and biochemistry has resulted in the creation of P‐PBPK. There has been a renewed interest in the application of such modeling by the pharmaceutical industry to improve the efficiency of drug development, especially in populations where designing and conducting clinical studies is more challenging, such as pediatric patients.

Methods: P‐PBPK was used to simulate a number of published clinical studies and clinical case scenarios with the aim of highlighting the potential applications.

Results: Changing the P‐PBPK model parameters in a number of ‘what if’ simulations were used to explore the likely underlying reasons for observed pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of drugs in critically ill children. In addition, the use of P‐PBPK models to predict complex drug–drug interactions (DDI) highlighted disparities with adult populations.

Discussion: The examples highlight the use of prior knowledge ofin vitrodrug attributes and biology of the system (human body) to simulate PK and multiple DDI scenarios not infrequently encountered in critically ill pediatric patients.