bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhetoric and Modernism: The Case of Poetry’s Banquet, 1914
Authors: Keller Michael
Published: March 2014

Unlike poets of previous eras, who allowed that rhetoric might serve the interests of poetry, modernist poets typically disparaged rhetoric as debased and corrupting—a source of overblown diction and of appeals to public taste that undermined serious art. Yet if rhetoric was a suspect means of addressing the public, how might poets procure an audience beyond the coterie—an audience of sufficient size to confer legitimacy and prestige? This problem vexed William Butler Yeats and Ezra Pound, but their efforts to resolve it—implicated in the staging of a banquet to promote Poetry magazine—exposed the contradictions and costs inherent in their phobic conception of rhetoric.
The Two Faces of Cincinnatus: A Rhetorical Theory of the State of Exception
Authors: Engels Jeremy
Published: March 2014

This article offers a rhetorical theory of what Giorgio Agamben has called the “state of exception” through a genealogy of the figure of Cincinnatus. In classical Rome, Cincinnatus was named dictator not once, but twice; first to save the city from invaders, and second to put down a popular, democratic uprising. Here we see the two sides of exception, or what I call the two faces of Cincinnatus: enemyship, and sovereign violence. These two faces are linked by an anti-democratic logic that is premised on the will of “the people,” as becomes clear in the counter-revolutionary writings of the founders of the United States.
Improving catch prediction for tiger prawns in the Australian northern prawn fishery
Authors: Deng Roy A. , Punt André E. , Dichmont Catherine M. , Buckworth Rik C. , Burridge Charis Y.
Published: March 2014

Population models form the basis for the assessments of species in the tiger prawn component of Australia's northern prawn fishery. Penaeus semisulcatus and P. esculentus are assessed using a size-structured population model. These assessments form the basis for a control rule which predicts future total allowable catches (TACs) for P. semisulcatus and P. esculentus so that the discounted profit from the fishery is maximized. However, there are concerns with this approach: (i) the TAC predictions have consistently overpredicted actual catches and (ii) the assessment for one of the species exhibits a retrospective pattern. A series of analyses was conducted to explore the causes of these observations. Results indicate that catch, effort, and recruitment prediction can be improved substantially by changing the assumed selectivity pattern for one of the surveys, changing how the length frequency data are assembled from the raw data collected, changing the constraints on the minimum amount of effort by target fleet, modifying how the distribution of effort by week is forecasted, and dropping the length frequency data from the most recent recruitment survey. More generally, the analyses illustrate how retrospective analysis can be used to improve how assessments and projections are undertaken when the quantities of interest are known retrospectively.
QoI Resistance and Mitochondrial Genetic Structure of Zymoseptoria tritici in Morocco
Authors: Siah A. , Elbekali A. Y. , Ramdani A. , Reignault P. , Torriani S. F. F. , Brunner P. C. , Halama P.
Published: March 2014

In total, 230 single-conidial isolates of the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici (formerly Septoria tritici, teleomorph: Mycosphaerella graminicola) were sampled in Morocco in 2008 and 2010 to assess resistance against quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), a widely used group of fungicides in wheat pest management. All 134 isolates sampled in 2008 were QoI sensitive. In contrast, 9 of the 96 isolates from the 2010 collection were resistant, suggesting a recent emergence of the resistance. Mitochondrial (mt)DNA-sequence analyses identified four haplotypes among the resistant isolates. Wright's F statistics (FST) analyses from mtDNA sequences revealed a shallow population structure of Z. tritici within Morocco and a substantial asymmetric gene flow from Europe into Morocco. A phylogenetic reconstruction including Moroccan and European isolates clustered the haplotypes regardless of their geographic origin. The four Moroccan QoI-resistant mitochondrial haplotypes clustered in two distinct clades in the tree topology, suggesting at least two independent origins of the resistance. This study reported, for the first time, the occurrence of QoI-resistant genotypes of Z. tritici in Morocco. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that QoI resistance emerged very recently through parallel genetic adaptation in Morocco, although gene flow from Europe cannot be excluded.
Dimethachlon Resistance in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in China
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhang Xiao-Lei , Li Jin-Li , Zhu Fu-Xing
Published: March 2014

The dicarboximide fungicide dimethachlon has been widely used for controlling Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in China for more than a decade. To assess the current status of dimethachlon resistance in S. sclerotiorum in China, 2,424 isolates were collected from disease-infected oilseed rape and soybean plants in five provinces of China in 2011 and 2012, and dimethachlon resistance was monitored by mycelial growth inhibition method on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. Dimethachlon at 5 μg/ml was used as a discriminatory dose to detect resistance in all isolates, and 50% effective concentration values were determined for all dimethachlon-resistant isolates and some sensitive isolates. No dimethachlon resistance was detected in isolates from Anhui province (eastern China), Gansu province (northwestern China), and Qinghai province (western China). In Hunan province (central China), 3 of 268 (1.12%) isolates collected from oilseed rape plants in 2012 were resistant to dimethachlon, and the resistance ratios for the three resistant isolates were 4.56, 32.70, and 105.53, respectively. In Heilongjiang province (northeastern China), 8 of 243 (3.29%) isolates collected from soybean plants in 2011 were resistant to dimethachlon, with resistance ratios of 5.57 to 94.80; 11 of 409 (2.69%) isolates collected in 2012 were resistant to dimethachlon, with resistance ratios of 3.21 to 9.69. Cross-resistance studies showed that there was positive cross-resistance between dimethachlon and iprodione, procymidone, and the N-phenyl carbamate fungicide diethofencarb. No cross-resistance was found between dimethachlon and carbendazim, tebuconazole, kresoxim-methyl, thiram, and boscalid. Compared with the sensitive isolates of S. sclerotiorum, the field-dimethachlon-resistant isolates were more sensitive to osmotic pressure, grew more slowly on PDA media, and were less pathogenic on leaves of oilseed rape.
Ulvibacter marinus sp. nov., isolated from coastal seawater
Authors: Baek Kiwoon , Jo Hwanhui , Choi Ahyoung , Kang Ilnam , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: March 2014

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, yellow, non-motile and flexirubin-positive bacterium, designated strain IMCC12008T, was isolated from coastal seawater of the Yellow Sea and subjected to polyphasic taxonomy. Optimal growth was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and subsequent phylogenetic analyses, strain IMCC12008T belonged to the genus

Ulvibacter

of the family

Flavobacteriaceae

, with

Ulvibacter antarcticus

IMCC3101T (96.0 %) and

Ulvibacter litoralis

KMM 3912T (95.8 %) having the highest sequence similaries. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (26.2 %) and iso-C15 : 1 G (10.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 38.1 mol%. Strain IMCC12008T contained menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the respiratory quinone, and polar lipids comprising phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and an unknown aminophospholipid. On the basis of data collected from this study, strain IMCC12008T ( = NBRC 109484T = KCTC 32322T) represents a novel species of the genus

Ulvibacter

, for which the name Ulvibacter marinus sp. nov. is proposed.
2-Ethyl-3-[(R)-2-phenylbutanamido]quinazolin-4(3H)-one monohydrate
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Hegazy Amany S. , Jones D. Heulyn , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: March 2014

In the title compound, C20H21N3O2·H2O (EQR·H2O), the quinazoline ring system forms dihedral angles of 53.1 (1) and 85.6 (1)° with the phenyl ring and the amide link, respectively. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds link two EQR and two water molecules into a centrosymmetricR44(18) ring motif. N—H...O hydrogen bonds further link these hydrogen-bonded fragments into columns extending in [010].
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of transglutaminase 2 in complex with Ca2+
Authors: Jang Tae-Ho , Park Hyun Ho
Published: March 2014

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multi-functional protein that has been implicated in a variety of physiological cellular activities, including apoptosis, angiogenesis and cellular differentiation. Two functions of TG2 are protein cross-linking and GTP hydrolysis activities. The protein cross-linking activity of TG2 is positively controlled by calcium; however, the molecular mechanism of its Ca2+-dependent activity is completely unknown. In the present study, full-length human TG2 in complex with Ca2+was overexpressed, purified and crystallized at 20°C as a first step towards elucidating this mechanism. X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 3.4 Å from a crystal belonging to space groupC2221, with unit-cell parametersa= 133.08,b= 216.30,c= 166.26 Å. Based on these data, the asymmetric unit was estimated to contain three molecules.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of PBPD2 fromListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Cha Hyung Jin , Jeong Jae-Hee , Kim Yeon-Gil
Published: March 2014

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which mediate the peptidoglycan biosynthetic pathway in the bacterial cell wall, have been intensively investigated as a target for the design of antibiotics. In this study, PBPD2, a low-molecular-weight PBP encoded bylmo2812fromListeria monocytogenes, was overexpressed inEscherichia coli, purified and crystallized at 295 K using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystal belonged to the primitive orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 37.7,b= 74.7,c= 75.1 Å, and diffracted to 1.55 Å resolution. There was one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The preliminary structure was determined by the molecular-replacement method.
A new methodology to evaluate the performance of physics simulation engines in haptic virtual assembly
Authors: Gonzalez-Badillo Germanico , I. Medellin-Castillo Hugo , Lim Theodore , M. Ritchie James , C.W. Sung Raymond , Garbaya Samir
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In this study, a new methodology to evaluate the performance of physics simulation engines (PSEs) when used in haptic virtual assembly applications is proposed. This methodology can be used to assess the performance of any physics engine. To prove the feasibility of the proposed methodology, two-third party PSEs – Bullet and PhysXtm – were evaluated. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Eight assembly tests comprising variable geometric and dynamic complexity were conducted. The strengths and weaknesses of each simulation engine for haptic virtual assembly were identified by measuring different parameters such as task completion time, influence of weight perception and force feedback.

Findings

– The proposed tests have led to the development of a standard methodology by which physics engines can be compared and evaluated. The results have shown that when the assembly comprises complex shapes, Bullet has better performance than PhysX. It was also observed that the assembly time is directly affected by the weight of virtual objects.

Research limitations/implications

– A more comprehensive study must be carried out in order to evaluate and compare the performance of more PSEs. The influence of collision shape representation algorithms on the performance of haptic assembly must be considered in future analysis.

Originality/value

– The performance of PSEs in haptic-enabled VR applications had been remained as an unknown issue. The main parameters of physics engines that affect the haptic virtual assembly process have been identified. All the tests performed in this study were carried out with the haptic rendering loop active and the objects manipulated through the haptic device.
Rethinking bank business models: the role of intangibles
Authors: Chen Lei , Danbolt Jo , Holland John
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a new way of rethinking banking models by using qualitative research on intangibles. This is required because the banking sector has been transformed significantly by the changing environment over the past two decades. The 2007-2009 financial crisis also added to concerns about existing bank business models.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using qualitative data collected from interviews with bank managers and analysts in the UK, this paper develops a grounded theory of bank intangibles.

Findings

– The model reveals how intangibles and tangible/financial resources interact in the bank value creation process, how they actively respond to environmental changes, how bank intangibles are understood by external observers such as analysts, and how bankers and analysts differ in their views.

Research limitations/implications

– Grounded theory provides the means to further develop bank models as business models and theoretical models. This provides the means to think beyond conventional finance constructs and to relate bank models to a wider theoretical literature concerning intellectual capital, organisational and social systems theory, and “performativity”.

Practical implications

– Such development of bank models and of a systems perspective is critical to the understanding of banks by bankers, by observers and for their “critical and reflexive performativity”. It also has implications for systemic risk and bank regulation.

Originality/value

– The paper reveals the core role of intellectual capital (IC) in banks, in markets, and in developing theory and research at firm and system levels.
Robot mapping using local invariant feature detectors
Authors: Wang Yin-Tien , Chi Chen-Tung , Feng Ying-Chieh
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– To build a persistent map with visual landmarks is one of the most important steps for implementing the visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The corner detector is a common method utilized to detect visual landmarks for constructing a map of the environment. However, due to the scale-variant characteristic of corner detection, extensive computational cost is needed to recover the scale and orientation of corner features in SLAM tasks. The purpose of this paper is to build the map using a local invariant feature detector, namely speeded-up robust features (SURF), to detect scale- and orientation-invariant features as well as provide a robust representation of visual landmarks for SLAM.

Design/methodology/approach

– SURF are scale- and orientation-invariant features which have higher repeatability than that obtained by other detection methods. Furthermore, SURF algorithms have better processing speed than other scale-invariant detection method. The procedures of detection, description and matching of regular SURF algorithms are modified in this paper in order to provide a robust representation of visual landmarks in SLAM. The sparse representation is also used to describe the environmental map and to reduce the computational complexity in state estimation using extended Kalman filter (EKF). Furthermore, the effective procedures of data association and map management for SURF features in SLAM are also designed to improve the accuracy of robot state estimation.

Findings

– Experimental works were carried out on an actual system with binocular vision sensors to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. EKF SLAM with the modified SURF algorithms was applied in the experiments including the evaluation of accurate state estimation as well as the implementation of large-area SLAM. The performance of the modified SURF algorithms was compared with those obtained by regular SURF algorithms. The results show that the SURF with less-dimensional descriptors is the most suitable representation of visual landmarks. Meanwhile, the integrated system is successfully validated to fulfill the capabilities of visual SLAM system.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this paper is the novel approach to overcome the problem of recovering the scale and orientation of visual landmarks in SLAM tasks. This research also extends the usability of local invariant feature detectors in SLAM tasks by utilizing its robust representation of visual landmarks. Furthermore, data association and map management designed for SURF-based mapping in this paper also give another perspective for improving the robustness of SLAM systems.
CSR as corporate self-reporting in India's tourism industry
Authors: Ferus-Comelo Anibe
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper seeks to illuminate contemporary corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India's tourism industry. It aims to analyse the community impact of two Indian five-star hotels operating in Goa, a tiny coastal state.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study applies a case study method to examine the employment and environmental practices of the Vivanta by Taj and Leela Kempinski. Qualitative research methods were used, including interviews with management, community leaders, and workers. Secondary data were gathered from company web sites and promotion materials as well as applications under the national Right to Information Act to access official records in the pertinent government bodies.

Findings

– An analysis of the findings shows that CSR in India's tourism industry is currently limited to corporate self-reporting on indicators of the companies' choice or, in some cases, the minimum required by regulatory bodies. In the absence of tight regulatory oversight and pressure from local civil society, company reports present a one-way channel of communication of the companies' perception and practice of CSR. The paper concludes that the industry has yet to move beyond traditional philanthropy to embrace contemporary principles of CSR which include corporate transparency, multi-stakeholder engagement, and community empowerment.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates the limits of CSR in an analysis of the actual practice, rather than just communication of CSR. By examining two Indian hotels' CSR practices from the perspective of external stakeholders, the paper contributes empirical data that highlights the role of CSR beyond the interests of the corporation in its relevance to the community. The study suggests areas for further research that add to the body of knowledge about CSR in India.
Effects of team member psychological proximity on teamwork performance
Authors: Cha Myungsuk , Park Jun-Gi , Lee Jungwoo
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to examine whether team-members' psychological proximity affects the degree of teamwork quality and therefore affecting the team performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey instrument was developed based on extant literature reviews, and administered among information technology professionals. Collected data were analysed using partial least square (PLS) method.

Findings

– Team-members' psychological proximity is found to be significantly related to teamwork quality. The magnitude of relational coefficients between sub-dimensions of psychological proximity and those of teamwork quality turned out to be different from each other.

Research limitations/implications

– Psychological proximity is found to critically influence teamwork and performance in IT teams. Also, the four-factor model developed from previous literature is validated for further use. Snowball sampling using IT professionals is the major limitation of this study.

Originality/value

– Studies on teamwork quality that employs psychological proximity are scarce. Socialising in workplaces is sometimes viewed as an unproductive activity, however, socialising decreases psychological proximity among team-members, increasing teamwork quality. In addition, examining the psychological proximity in team-members adds to the growing literature on teamwork quality.
Laparoscopic rectopexy for recurrent volvulus of J pouch after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis
Authors: Lee Suet‐Ying , Fok Ka‐Lung , Cheung Hester Yui‐Shan , Tang Chung‐Ngai
Published: March 2014

Ileal‐pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is most commonly performed after total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Small‐bowel obstruction is one of the complications that can occur years after the operation, but intestinal obstruction due to volvulus of the J pouch is a rare condition. We report a case of recurrent volvulus in a patient who had undergone IPAA after total proctocolectomy for cancer of the rectum and multiple colonic polyps. The patient underwent laparoscopic rectopexy and had no recurrence of volvulus.
Genomic Resources Notes accepted 1 December 2013 – 31 January 2014
Authors:   Genomic Resources Development Consortium, Arthofer Wolfgang , Clarke Anthony R. , Kumaran Nagalingam , Prentis Peter J. , Schafellner Christa , Schlick‐Steiner Birgit C. , Steiner Florian M. , Wachter Gregor A.
Published: March 2014

This article documents the public availability of (i) transcriptome sequence data, assembled and annotated contigs and unigenes, and BLAST hits from the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni; (ii) 75 single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) from 454 sequencing of reduced representation libraries for Phalangiidae harvestmen, Megabunus armatus, Megabunus vignai, Megabunus lesserti, and Rilaena triangularis; and (iii) expressed sequence tags from 454 sequencing of the lepidopterans Lymantria dispar and Lymantria monacha.
Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on Adaptive Functioning
Authors: Ware Ashley L. , Glass Leila , Crocker Nicole , Deweese Benjamin N. , Coles Claire D. , Kable Julie A. , May Philip A. , Kalberg Wendy O. , Sowell Elizabeth R. , Jones Kenneth L. , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N. ,   the CIFASD
Published: March 2014

Background

Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with adaptive behavior deficits. This study examined the interaction between these 2 factors on parent ratings of adaptive behavior.

Methods

As part of a multisite study, primary caregivers of 317 children (8 to 16 years, M = 12.38) completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales‐Second Edition (VABS‐II). Four groups of subjects were included: children with prenatal alcohol exposure with ADHD (AE+, n = 82), children with prenatal alcohol exposure without ADHD (AE−, n = 34), children with ADHD (ADHD, n = 71), and control children (CON, n = 130). VABS‐II domain scores (Communication, Daily Living Skills, Socialization) were examined using separate 2 (Alcohol Exposure [AE]) × 2 (ADHD diagnosis) between‐subjects analyses of covariance.

Results

There were significant main effects of AE (p < 0.001) and ADHD (p < 0.001) on all VABS‐II domains; alcohol‐exposed children had lower scores than children without prenatal alcohol exposure and children with ADHD had lower scores than those without ADHD. There was a significant AE × ADHD interaction effect for Communication, F(1, 308) = 7.49, p = 0.007, partial η2 = 0.024, but not Daily Living Skills or Socialization domains (ps > 0.27). Follow‐up analyses in the Communication domain indicated the effects of ADHD were stronger in comparison subjects (ADHD vs. CON) than exposed subjects (AE+ vs. AE−), and the effects of alcohol exposure were stronger in subjects without ADHD (AE− vs. CON) than in subjects with ADHD (AE+ vs. ADHD).

Conclusion

As found previously, both prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD increase adaptive behavior deficits in all domains. However, these 2 factors interact to cause the greatest impairment in children with both prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD for communication abilities. These results further demonstrate the deleterious effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and broaden our understanding of how ADHD exacerbates behavioral outcomes in this population.
The changing trends of corporate social and environmental disclosure within the Australian gambling industry
Authors: Loh Chin Moi , Deegan Craig , Inglis Robert
Published: March 2014

This study examines how the corporate social and environmental disclosure (CSD) practices of a sample of gambling companies operating within Australia appears to change around the time of three specific interrelated Australian government initiatives; the Productivity Commission, 1999, Australia's Gambling Industries, Report No. 10, the subsequent establishment of the Ministerial Council on Gambling and the MCG‐initiated National Framework on Problem Gambling. Drawing upon three complementary theories, namely legitimacy, stakeholder and institutional theory, our analysis of the extent and type of CSD in the annual reports of gambling companies over a 15 year period suggests that CSD is a response to social pressures created around the time of these initiatives.
Effects of oxidative stress on fatty acid‐ and one‐carbon‐metabolism in psychiatric and cardiovascular disease comorbidity
Authors: Assies J. , Mocking R. J. T. , Lok A. , Ruhé H. G. , Pouwer F. , Schene A. H.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in severe psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia). Here, we provide evidence of how the effects of oxidative stress on fatty acid (FA) and one‐carbon (1‐C) cycle metabolism, which may initially represent adaptive responses, might underlie comorbidity between CVD and psychiatric disorders.

Method

We conducted a literature search and integrated data in a narrative review.

Results

Oxidative stress, mainly generated in mitochondria, is implicated in both psychiatric and cardiovascular pathophysiology. Oxidative stress affects the intrinsically linked FA and 1‐C cycle metabolism: FAs decrease in chain length and unsaturation (particularly omega‐3 polyunsaturated FAs), and lipid peroxidation products increase; the 1‐C cycle shifts from the methylation to transsulfuration pathway (lower folate and higher homocysteine and antioxidant glutathione). Interestingly, corresponding alterations were reported in psychiatric disorders and CVD. Potential mechanisms through which FA and 1‐C cycle metabolism may be involved in brain (neurocognition, mood regulation) and cardiovascular system functioning (inflammation, thrombosis) include membrane peroxidizability and fluidity, eicosanoid synthesis, neuroprotection and epigenetics.

Conclusion

While oxidative‐stress‐induced alterations in FA and 1‐C metabolism may initially enhance oxidative stress resistance, persisting chronically, they may cause damage possibly underlying (co‐occurrence of) psychiatric disorders and CVD. This might have implications for research into diagnosis and (preventive) treatment of (CVD in) psychiatric patients.
Australia's Adoption of Compulsory Voting: Revising the Narrative — not Trailblazing, Uncontested or Democratic
Authors: John Sarah , DeBats Donald A.
Published: March 2014

Presentations of the history of Australian democracy inevitably dwell on the innovative and early democratic practices of the colonies and, later, the nation. Compulsory voting is typically placed in this frame. This article challenges three key pillars of the accepted narrative of the Australian adoption of compulsory voting by placing nineteenth‐century debates over the mandatory franchise in the Australian colonies in the context of other similar democracies in North America. It shows that compulsory voting debates in the colonies were contentious, protracted and motivated by negative experiences of democracy and a desire to limit or order democracy to ensure that engaged minorities did not overwhelm an apathetic majority.
Third‐Party Campaigning and Issue‐Advertising in Australia
Authors: Orr Graeme , Gauja Anika
Published: March 2014

Large‐scale issue‐advertising by third parties appears to be increasing in Australia. This article analyses recent official data on political expenditure, and situates such campaigning in historical perspective with case studies of the bank nationalisation, Medibank, WorkChoices and mining tax campaigns. The success of the latter two campaigns illustrates the potential for well‐resourced sectors to employ what has traditionally been seen as an “outsider” tactic. The various drivers of the phenomenon are discussed, including evolving trends in political engagement and the media, and fluctuations in perceptions of governmental strength or weakness. The most distinctly Australian aspect of the phenomenon is the tendency in recent decades for governments and third parties to engage in a “call‐and‐response” cycle of issue‐advertising.
European Integration and the End of an Imperial Consciousness in Britain
Authors: Wellings Ben
Published: March 2014

This article examines the impact of European integration between 1961 and 1975 on national and imperial consciousness in Britain. It suggests that the end of imperial sentiment that was brought about by greater involvement in Europe did not produce a strong or deep attachment to the idea of European integration. Arguments about the need for European integration to transcend war in Europe tended to reinforce a sense of Commonwealth commonality for the British rather than a sense of European commonality. Although the Empire and Commonwealth had become a mere source of nostalgia in British consciousness by 1975, the weak support for European integration continues to condition British attitudes to European integration to this day. Indeed, in the current Eurosceptic climate, the Dominions are making a return to British political consciousness.
Geographical variation in the prevalence of sensitization to common aeroallergens in adults: the GA2LEN survey
Authors: Newson R. B. , van Ree R. , Forsberg B. , Janson C. , Lötvall J. , Dahlén S.‐E. , Toskala E. M. , Bælum J. , Brożek G. M. , Kasper L. , Kowalski M. L. , Howarth P. H. , Fokkens W. J. , Bachert C. , Keil T. , Krämer U. , Bislimovska J. , Gjomarkaj M. , Loureiro C. , Burney P. G. J. , Jarvis D.
Published: March 2014

Background

Geographical variation in the prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens may reflect differences in exposure to risk factors such as having older siblings, being raised on a farm or other unidentified exposures.

Objective

We wanted to measure geographical variation in skin prick test positivity and assess whether it was explained by differences in family size and/or farm exposure. We also compared prevalence in younger and older subjects.

Methods

Within the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) survey, we measured the prevalence of skin prick positivity to a panel of allergens, and geometric mean serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), in 3451 participants aged 18–75 years in 13 areas of Europe. Estimated prevalence was standardized to account for study design. We compared prevalence estimates in younger and older subjects and further adjusted for age, gender, smoking history, farm exposure, number of older siblings and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Skin prick test positivity to any one of the measured allergens varied within Europe from 31.4% to 52.9%. Prevalence of sensitization to single allergens also varied. Variation in serum total IgE was less marked. Younger participants had higher skin prick sensitivity prevalence, but not total IgE, than older participants. Geographical variation remained even after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusion

Geographical variation in the prevalence of skin prick test positivity in Europe is unlikely to be explained by geographical variation in gender, age, smoking history, farm exposure, family size and BMI. Higher prevalence in younger, compared to older, adults may reflect cohort‐associated increases in sensitization or the influence of ageing on immune or tissue responses.
Why and How to Compensate Living Organ Donors: Ethical Implications of the New Australian Scheme
Authors: Giubilini Alberto
Published: March 2014

The Australian Federal Government has announced a two‐year trial scheme to compensate living organ donors. The compensation will be the equivalent of six weeks paid leave at the rate of the national minimum wage. In this article I analyse the ethics of compensating living organ donors taking the Australian scheme as a reference point. Considering the long waiting lists for organ transplantations and the related costs on the healthcare system of treating patients waiting for an organ, the 1.3 million AUD the Australian Government has committed might represent a very worthwhile investment. I argue that a scheme like the Australian one is sufficiently well designed to avoid all the ethical problems traditionally associated with attaching a monetary value to the human body or to parts of it, namely commodification, inducement, exploitation, and equality issues. Therefore, I suggest that the Australian scheme, if cost‐effective, should represent a model for other countries to follow. Nonetheless, although I endorse this scheme, I will also argue that this kind of scheme raises issues of justice in regard to the distribution of organs. Thus, I propose that other policies would be needed to supplement the scheme in order to guarantee not only a higher number of organs available, but also a fair distribution.
Characteristics of Primiparous Women of Advanced Age and Their Partners: A Homogenous or Heterogenous Group?
Authors: Guedes Maryse , Canavarro Maria Cristina
Published: March 2014

Background

Recent studies have reported that primiparous women of advanced maternal age (AMA) appear to constitute a heterogeneous group, emphasizing the need to revise stereotyped views. The aims of this study were the following: 1) to describe the sociodemographic and marital characteristics of Portuguese couples who experienced first childbirth at advanced maternal age (the AMA group) compared with their younger counterparts (the comparison group); 2) to compare the reproductive characteristics of both groups and identify distinct reproductive trajectories within the AMA group; and 3) to distinguish among different subgroups of couples within the AMA group, depending on distinct patterns of sociodemographic, marital, and reproductive characteristics.

Methods

The sample consisted of 250 couples. Both partners completed sociodemographic, marital, and reproductive health forms during pregnancy.

Results

Despite being more highly educated, having a higher socioeconomic status, and having been employed longer, the AMA group displayed diverse conjugal configurations and reproductive trajectories over time. Within the AMA group, two subgroups were distinguished: couples who experienced infertility problems and couples who did not.

Conclusions

Couples who experience first childbirth at AMA constitute a heterogeneous group, which includes distinct subgroups with different psychosocial needs during the transition to parenthood. To revise stereotyped views of these couples, protective social policies should be improved, and health professionals should assume nonjudgmental attitudes and promote informed reproductive decisions. Psychoeducative programs concerning the transition to parenthood should take into account the distinct subgroups of couples who experience first childbirth at AMA.
Does Amount of Weight Gain During Pregnancy Modify the Association Between Obesity and Cesarean Section Delivery?
Authors: Graham Lauren E. , Brunner Huber Larissa R. , Thompson Michael E. , Ersek Jennifer L.
Published: March 2014

Background

Two‐thirds of reproductive‐aged women in the United States are overweight or obese and at risk for numerous associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined whether the amount of weight gained during pregnancy modifies the prepregnancy body mass index (BMI)–cesarean delivery association.

Methods

A total of 2,157 women aged 18–45 who participated in the 2008–2009 North Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System had complete information on prepregnancy BMI, maternal weight gain, and mode of delivery on infant birth certificates. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs) to model the association between prepregnancy BMI and cesarean delivery, and a stratified analysis was conducted to determine whether maternal weight gain was an effect modifier of the prepregnancy BMI–cesarean delivery association.

Results

Obese women had 1.78 times the odds of cesarean delivery as compared with women with a normal BMI (95% CI: 1.44–2.16). When adjusted for race/ethnicity, live birth order, household income, and education, the association increased in magnitude and remained statistically significant (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.63–2.43). In stratified analyses, the obesity–cesarean delivery association persisted and remained statistically significant among all maternal weight gain categories.

Conclusions

Health care practitioners should stress the importance of achieving a healthy prepregnancy weight and gaining an appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy to reduce the risk of cesarean delivery and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Predictors of preoperative delays before radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in Quebec, Canada: a population‐based study
Authors: Santos Fabiano , Dragomir Alice , Kassouf Wassim , Franco Eduardo L. , Aprikian Armen
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To characterise and measure different components of preoperative delays experienced by patients with bladder cancer before radical cystectomy (RC) in the province of Quebec, Canada and to identify the predictors of long waiting times.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the data of patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2000 and 2009 in Quebec. The cohort was obtained with the linkage of two provincial health databases: the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec database (data on medical services dispensed to Quebec residents), and the Fichier des évenements démographiques de l’Institut de la statistique du Québec database (demographic data on births and deaths). For the entire cohort, we determined several components of delay from first medical visit related to bladder cancer symptoms until RC. Predictors of long delays were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

We analysed a total of 2778 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The median urologist referral delay was 32 days. The median delays between first urologist visit and RC and between transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) to RC were 90 days and 46 days, respectively. The median overall delay was 116 days. All components of delay progressively increased from the decade of the 1990s to the decade of the 2000s. Male gender was a protective factor for several components of delay, which suggests that gender‐related variations may exist in the course of care for bladder cancer (odds ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.50–0.89 for overall delay). Patient age and gender were associated with delayed urologist referral, delayed time to TURBT, and long overall waiting time. Factors related to the health system were associated with long cystoscopy delays.

Conclusion

Median preoperative delays among patients with bladder cancer have been increasing and remain unacceptably long. Patient's age, gender and type of hospital facility were associated with long waiting times.
Spontaneous antibodies against Engrailed-2 (EN2) protein in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Annels N E , Simpson G R , Denyer M , McGrath S E , Falgari G , Killick E , Eeles R , Stebbing J , Pchejetski D , Cutress R , Murray N , Michael A , Pandha H
Published: March 2014

We reported the expression of the homeodomain-containing transcription factor Engrailed-2 (EN2) in prostate cancer and showed that the presence of EN2 protein in the urine was highly predictive of prostate cancer. This study aimed to determine whether patients with prostate cancer have EN2 autoantibodies, what the prevalence of these antibodies is and whether they are associated with disease stage. The spontaneous immunoglobulin (Ig)G immune response against EN2 and for comparison the tumour antigen New York Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1), were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in three different cohorts of prostate cancer patients as well as a group of men genetically predisposed to prostate cancer. Thirty-two of 353 (9·1%) of the SUN cohort representing all stages of prostate cancer demonstrated EN2 IgG responses, 12 of 107 patients (11·2%) in the advanced prostate cancer patients showed responses, while only four of 121 patients (3·3%) with castrate-resistant prostate cancer showed EN2 autoantibodies. No significant responses were found in the predisposed group. Anti-EN2 IgG responses were significantly higher in patients with prostate cancer compared to healthy control males and similarly prevalent to anti-NY-ESO-1 responses. While EN2 autoantibodies are not a useful diagnostic or monitoring tool, EN2 immunogenicity provides the rationale to pursue studies using EN2 as an immunotherapeutic target.
What social workers do in performing child protection work: evidence from research into face‐to‐face practice
Authors: Ferguson Harry
Published: March 2014

Little research has been done into what social workers do in everyday child protection practice. This paper outlines the broad findings from an ethnographic study of face‐to‐face encounters between social workers, children and families, especially on home visits. The social work practice was found to be deeply investigative. Children's bedrooms were routinely inspected and were the most common place where they were seen alone. A high proportion of children were not seen on their own because they were too young and the majority of the time was spent working with parents and children together. Small amounts of time were spent with children on their own and some first encounters were so rushed that social workers did not even introduce themselves to the child. This arose from two key factors: firstly, organisational pressures from high workloads and the short timescales that social workers were expected to adhere to by managers and Government; secondly, practitioners had varying levels of communication skills, playfulness and comfort with getting close to children and skills at family work. Where these skills and relational capacities were present, social workers were found to have developed deep and meaningful relationships with some children and families, for whom it was apparent that therapeutic change had occurred.
Factors associated with increased caregivers' burden in several cognitive stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kamiya Masaki , Sakurai Takashi , Ogama Noriko , Maki Yohko , Toba Kenji
Published: March 2014

Aim

To investigate factors associated with caregiver burden (CB) in persons caring for older adults with various cognitive stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Participants were 1127 outpatients and their caregivers. Participants comprised 120 older adults with normal cognition (NC), 126 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and 881 with AD. AD patients were subclassified into four groups by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score: AD29–24 (n = 117), AD23–18 (n = 423), AD17–12 (n = 254) and AD11–0 (n = 87). Participants and their caregivers underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment batteries including Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) Barthel Index, Lawton Index, Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale (DBD) to evaluate CB, Instrumental and Basic Activity of Daily Living (IADL/BADL), and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). The comorbidity of geriatric syndrome and the living situation of the patient/caregiver were also assessed.

Results

ZBI score was higher in patients with lower MMSE score. Multivariate regression analysis identified that DBD was consistently associated with CB in all patients; symptoms related to memory deficit were related to CB in aMCI; differential IADL, such as inability to use a telephone, use transportation, manage finances, shop, cook and take responsibility for own medication, were related to CB in AD29–24, AD23–18 and AD17–12, and geriatric syndrome including falls and motor disturbance, sleep problems, urinary incontinence, and fatigue was related to CB in AD23–18 and AD17–12.

Conclusions

Multiple factors including BPSD, impaired life function and geriatric syndrome were cognitive stage‐dependently associated with CB. Preventive treatment of BPSD and comorbidity, and effective assistance for IADL deficits could contribute to alleviation of CB. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 2): 45–55.
Why water birds forage at night: a test using black‐tailed godwits Limosa limosa during migratory periods
Authors: Santiago‐Quesada Francisco , Estrella Sora M. , Sánchez‐Guzmán Juan M. , Masero José A.
Published: March 2014

Many migratory water birds are known to feed both during day and night outside the breeding season, but the underlying factors and mechanisms determining this foraging pattern are poorly understood. We addressed this topic by comparing both diurnal and nocturnal foraging activity (FA) and metabolizable energy intake rate (MEIR) in migrating black‐tailed godwits Limosa limosa staging in two different habitats, rice fields and coastal salt pans. Black‐tailed godwits staging in rice fields during pre‐breeding migration fed on rice seeds, and only foraged during the daylight period (FA: 81.89 ± 3.03%; MEIR: 1.15 ± 0.03 kJ · min−1). Daily energy consumption (DEC) of godwits relying on seeds was enough to meet the theoretical daily energy expenditure (DEE). In contrast, black‐tailed godwits staging in salt pans during post‐breeding migration fed on chironomid larvae, and they foraged during both daylight (FA: 67.36 ± 4.30%; MEIR: 0.27 ± 0.01 kJ · min−1) and darkness (FA: 69.89 ± 6.89%; MEIR: 0.26 ± 0.00 kJ · min−1). Nocturnal energy intake contributed 31.7% to DEC, the latter being insufficient to fully meet DEE. Our findings give empirical support to the view that diurnal foraging is the norm in many migratory water birds outside the breeding season, and nocturnal foraging occurs when the daily energy requirements are not met during the daylight period, supporting the supplementary food hypothesis.
Experiences of Peer Support for Children and Adolescents Whose Parents and Siblings Have Mental Illness
Authors: Foster Kim , Lewis Peter , McCloughen Andrea
Published: March 2014

Problem

There is minimal published literature on experiences of peer support programs for children/adolescents in families affected by mental illness. This study aimed to explore children's and adolescents' perspectives of the ON FIRE peer support program.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study with 14 children/adolescents 9–17 years of age who participated in semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes of experience.

Findings

Participants made connections with others in the program, developed personal strengths, and learned how to contribute to others' well‐being.

Conclusion

Participants derived substantial personal benefit from peer support. Use of social media and the Internet may facilitate future program delivery.