bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can third party's collateral arrangements tackle the financing problem of small-medium enterprises?
Authors: Hong Zheng , Zhou YiHai
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Faced with the financing problem of small-medium enterprises (SMEs), China has attempted to establish as many as third party's collateral institutions. The paper aims to study the design of collateral arrangements including collateral fee rates, risk sharing, collateral capital requirements, types of collateral institutions and recollateral institution, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper extends the model of Holmstrom and Tirole to develop the analytic framework of the theory of financing collateral. From the perspective of contract design, the paper establishes a moral hazard model focusing on the minimum capital requirement of the borrower under the condition of risk neutral and limited liability, while considering the structure of lender-collateral institution-borrower.

Findings

– According to the research, only under certain conditions can third party's collateral arrangements tackle the financing problems of SMEs. Diversification, anti-collateral and linked-transactions are three means to improve financing conditions, but the most important way is efficient monitoring by collateral institutions, especially when it has relative advantage over the lender. In order to improve financing conditions of SMEs, China should rely more on efficient monitoring by banks not on excess development of collateral institutions, meanwhile relax rigid collateral supervision policies. Collateral institutions should be industry-specific, association or transaction-related type.

Originality/value

– First, from the perspective of contract design, the paper analyzes the comprehensive institutional arrangements of third party's collateral considering mutual relationships of component elements and develops the analytic framework of the theory of third party's collateral, especially points out necessary conditions of its efficient arrangements. Second, the paper studies various efficient financing mechanisms under the institutional arrangements of third party's collateral and focusing on the role of monitoring and monitors, and the paper also has important policy implications, i.e. the paper should develop specific collateral institutions and promote monitoring role of credit institutions.
Interdisciplinary professional education
Authors: Nandan Monica , London Manuel
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a rationale for developing interprofessional competencies among graduates from professional and graduate programs, so that they are well prepared to participate in local, national and global social change strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– After reviewing the literature on strategic social change initiatives the authors briefly describe two such initiatives: corporate social responsibility initiatives and social entrepreneurial ventures. After reviewing the interprofessional literature from various disciplines and professions, the authors categorized them into “competencies,” “rationale,” “conceptual framework,” “principles” and “challenges.” An examination of exemplar pedagogy from this body of literature suggests ways to prepare students to lead and actively participate in innovative, collaborative social change initiatives.

Findings

– Interdisciplinary competencies include teamwork, communication, contextual understanding, negotiation, critical thinking, leadership, openness and adaptability. Interprofessional educational models are difficult to implement, however, ethical responsibility of educators to prepare students for complex realities trumps the challenges.

Practical implications

– Interprofessional educational experiences can enable students to engage in generative and transformational learning which can later facilitate in creation of innovative solutions for society's recalcitrant physical, social and environmental issues.

Originality/value

– Based on the system's perspective, the paper provides guidelines and strategies for implementing interprofessional pedagogical initiative.
Risk factors for suicide among rural men: are farmers more socially isolated?
Authors: McPhedran Samara , De Leo Diego
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– International evidence demonstrates elevated suicide rates among farming occupations, relative to other occupations. A psychosocial factor commonly argued to contribute to farmer suicide is social isolation and lack of social support, which in turn may indicate a need for policies and programs to support farmers' social participation and connectedness with others. However, there has been very little empirical investigation of perceived levels of social connectedness and social participation among farmers. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used a cross-section of a nationally representative dataset, the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey. This enabled quantification of Australian farmers' self-reported levels of social connectedness and social participation, relative to rural adult males in other occupations.

Findings

– Levels of perceived social support and social participation among farmers were approximately equivalent to social support and social participation among rural men in other occupations.

Research limitations/implications

– Possible mediating variables, such as influences of social support on mental health, were not examined in this study. However, these findings nonetheless suggest the assumption that social isolation is higher among farmers requires careful consideration.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that quantifies social support and social participation among farmers, using a comparative approach.
Are more equal societies the most cohesive?
Authors: Sage Daniel
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– In recent decades, research across the social sciences has linked higher income inequality to poorer health and social outcomes in advanced market democracies. According to general theories, this relationship is mediated by social cohesion; an absence of which is said to be the cause behind such poor outcomes. This article aims to examine the first step in this theory by exploring whether there is an empirical relationship between income inequality and social cohesion.

Design/methodology/approach

– To achieve this, social cohesion is operationalized as 18 variables across six unique dimensions of social cohesion. Subsequently, the relationship between each variable and inequality is tested in a range of statistical models that include two measures of income inequality, numerous control variables and a range of different country samples.

Findings

– The relationship between inequality and social cohesion is found to be problematic, with significant associations for some dimensions but not for others. Further, the relationship between social cohesion and inequality is dependent on the measure of inequality used, whether other variables are controlled for and the number of countries in the sample. To explain this paradox, a distinction is made between “horizontal” and “vertical” social relations.

Originality/value

– This article argues that research into the health and social effects of income inequality has thus far largely failed to address the causal mechanisms by which negative outcomes are purportedly produced. By empirically examining the links between inequality and one of these hypothesized mechanisms, social cohesion, it is shown that there are relationships between inequality and some dimensions of social cohesion, but not between others. This suggests that the income inequality-social cohesion hypothesis is more complex than has hitherto been implied.
Ethno-cultural clusters and informal entrepreneurship in Russia
Authors: Karnaukhova Oxana
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to explore informal entrepreneurial activities in ethno-cultural clusters in the Russian South. It evaluates the agglomeration economy efforts of ethno-cultural communities and the formation of a new operations of the informal sector. The transition of the ethnic project “Obukhovsky Choir” from an informal to a formal enterprise is considered as unfinished. The emphasis is pointed at the barriers affecting the process and extra-economic factors influencing entrepreneurship activities in ethno-cultural clusters in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

– For investigation of the informal entrepreneurship in the Southern Russian agglomeration, in-depth interviews method has been used. The paper researched concept of entrepreneurship and cultural entrepreneurship through the interviews, trying to distinguish the core factors influencing activities of Obukhovsky Choir. These questions concern motivation to enter entrepreneurship activity, regional and local policies affecting the overall situation, core values (ideology) of these types of activity, the role of institutional and other contexts, spatial distribution and social capital influence.

Findings

– The case of the Rostov agglomeration demonstrates the delayed development of ethno-cultural clusters and attempts to closure activities of communities into local political space. Rostov agglomeration has not stepped through the threshold and involved ethno-cultural communities in the formation of the “common good” conception. While Rostov agglomeration is still attractive for labour migration and migrants' entrepreneurial initiatives, local government does not support such intervention into the stable regional market. These steps delay the development of ethno-cultural clusters and contradict communication between ethnic communities, autochthonic population and local administration.

Originality/value

– The case chosen for analysis is Cossack music entrepreneurial space as a salient sample of ethno-cultural cluster with powerful economic potential. It could be used for further consideration of ethno-cultural cluster as a source for socio-economic modernization of Russian multicultural agglomeration where established ethnic communities' communicative style strategically provides support or opposition to the local administration initiatives.
Social protest: the Israeli case
Authors: Shuv-Ami Avichai
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The current study attempts to determine to what extent, if any, the protests of summer of 2011 affected public attitudes and behavior in Israel. More specifically, the objective of the current study was to examine by means of a survey, Israeli public attitudes toward: the social protest; the enterprises that were the focus of the protest; and the government and the state of Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

– The findings presented below are based on a survey that was conducted among 1,019 respondents during the second week of March 2012 via an internet panel. The sample represents the Hebrew-speaking population of Israel, with a maximum sampling error of +3.2 percent.

Findings

– The findings of the current study show that the Israeli public was united behind various demands of the protesters: to control the prices of basic products and services; to decrease the price of small apartments for young families; to reduce the income gap between the poor and the rich; and to increase the social services provided by the government.

Originality/value

– The first academic case study on the Israeli social protest.
The roles of followers: an exploratory study of follower roles in a Swedish context
Authors: Danielsson Erna
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw a more nuanced picture of what characterizes followership in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– This exploratory study including seven depth interviews conducted with Swedish armed forces personnel at various levels – both officers and civilians – on what characterizes followers. Additional two group discussions were conducted with employees; one representing followers and one representing middle management.

Findings

– The paper provides empirical insights about three follower roles – workmate, colleague, and co-worker and how they correspond to individual-related and organization-related categories. The most prominent feature of the role of workmate is work solidarity. The characteristic of the colleague is professional loyalty. Finally, the co-worker is looked upon as exercising leadership by extension.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further, and to further investigate the relationships between other followers’ roles – such as temporary agency worker, flexible worker, and expert.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for the leader-follower relations, first, how management should lead subordinates in an organization. Second, there are ramifications for how followers’ work is best organized. Finally, the paper verifies the importance of individual-related categories, not only between leaders and followers, but also between followers.

Originality/value

– The paper argues that followers should not only be seen in terms of traits or labels, but as the product of relations within organizations. Followers’ actions are restrained by the frame of their positions. This has an impact on the development of the followers’ roles.
Severity of respiratory signs and symptoms and virus profiles in Japanese children with acute respiratory illness
Authors: Miyaji Yumiko , Kobayashi Miho , Sugai Kazuko , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Niwa Shoichi , Fujitsuka‐Nozawa Asako , Noda Masahiro , Kozawa Kunihisa , Yamazaki Fusae , Mori Masaaki , Yokota Shumpei , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: October 2013

Associations between the severity of respiratory signs and symptoms and the respiratory viruses identified in 214 Japanese children with acute respiratory illness (ARI) enrolled between January and December 2012 were studied. Respiratory rate, wheezing, cyanosis, and the use of accessory muscles were used as indices of respiratory severity and phylogenetic analysis of the viruses identified in these children was performed. Respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (HRV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were prevalent, being detected in approximately 70% of the patients (151/214 patients). Co‐detection of viruses occurred in about 9% of patients. RSV was identified more frequently in cases scored as moderate/severe than in those scored as mild (P < 0.05). Severity scores of patients with RSV were significantly higher than those of cases with HPIV. Moreover, severity scores in patients with mild disease and co‐detections were higher than in those in whom only HPIV or adenovirus was detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed that many genotypes of HRV‐A and ‐C with wide genetic divergence were associated with acute respiratory illness (ARI). On the other hand, only a limited number of genotypes of RSV were associated with ARI. HPIV and HMPV were associated with ARI at similar frequencies. These results suggest that different respiratory viruses with unique genetic characteristics can be found in patients with mild to severe ARI.
Myricetin suppresses lipoteichoic acid‐induced interleukin‐1β and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Venegas Gloria , Luna Oscar Alonso , Ventura‐Arroyo Jairo Agustín , Hernández‐Bermúdez Cristina
Published: October 2013

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the connective tissue and supporting bone surrounding the teeth. In periodontitis, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) synthesize IL‐1β, causing a progressive inflammatory response. Flavones demonstrate a variety of biological activity: among others, they possess anti‐inflammatory properties. Myricetin is a flavone with a strong anti‐inflammatory activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the flavonoid myricetin on HGFs under inflammatory conditions induced by lipoteichoic acid (LTA). the effect of myricetin on HGFs was assessed by measuring cell viability, signaling pathways and IL‐1β expression and synthesis. It was found that, over time, myricetin did not affect cell viability. However, it inhibited activation of p38 and extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 in LTA‐treated HGFs and also blocked IκB degradation and cyclooxygenase‐2 and prostaglandin E2 synthesis and expression. These findings suggest that myricetin has therapeutic effects in the form of controlling LTA‐induced inflammatory responses.
Temporal patterns in immunity, infection load and disease susceptibility: understanding the drivers of host responses in the amphibian‐chytrid fungus system
Authors: Gervasi Stephanie S. , Hunt Emily G. , Lowry Malcolm , Blaustein Andrew R.
Published: October 2013

Many pathogens infect a wide range of host species. However, variation in the outcome of infection often exists amongst hosts and is shaped by intrinsic host traits. For example, contact with pathogens may trigger changes in hosts directed toward preventing, fighting, or tolerating infection. Host responses to infection are dynamic; they change over time and vary depending on health, condition and within the context of the environment.

Immunological defences are an important class of responses that mediate host–pathogen dynamics. Here, we examined temporal patterns of immunity in two amphibian species, Pacific tree frogs (Pseudacris regilla) and Cascades frogs (Rana cascadae), exposed to control conditions or experimental inoculation with the emerging infectious fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). For each species, we compared bacterial killing ability of blood and differential white blood cell counts at four different time‐points after pathogen inoculation. We also quantified infection load over time and monitored survival.

We detected qualitative and quantitative differences in species responses to Bd. Pseudacris regilla exhibited an increase in infection load over time and 16% of Bd‐exposed animals died during the experiment. Tree frogs lacked robust treatment differences in immune responses, but Bd‐exposed P. regilla tended to display weaker bacterial killing responses than unexposed control animals. Neutrophil counts did not vary consistently with treatment and lymphocytes tended to be less abundant in Bd‐exposed animals at the later sampling time‐points.

In contrast, Bd‐exposed R. cascadae exhibited a decrease in infection load over time and no mortality occurred in the Bd treatment. Bd‐exposed Cascades frogs showed stronger bacterial killing responses and an elevated number of neutrophils in blood when compared with control animals, and both responses were upregulated within 48 h of pathogen exposure. Lymphocyte counts did not vary significantly with treatment.

Although only statistically significant in Cascades frogs, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios showed a trend of being elevated in Bd‐exposed animals of both species and are indicative of pathogen‐induced physiological stress.

Our results suggest that variation in systemic immunological responses of two syntopic amphibian species is associated with and may contribute to differential patterns of survival and infection load during exposure to the chytrid fungus. Species variation in immunological responses as soon as 48 h after pathogen exposure suggests that initial host–pathogen interactions may set the stage for subsequent infection and disease progression. Variation in host responses can drive disease dynamics and comparative studies of host responses to pathogens are critical for making predictions about pathogen emergence, spread and persistence.
Do changes in grazing pressure and the degree of shrub encroachment alter the effects of individual shrubs on understorey plant communities and soil function?
Authors: Soliveres Santiago , Eldridge David J.
Published: October 2013

Shrub canopies in semi‐arid environments often produce positive effects on soil fertility, and on the richness and biomass of understorey plant communities. However, both positive and negative effects of shrub encroachment on plant and soil attributes have been reported at the landscape level. The contrasting results between patch‐ and landscape‐level effects in shrublands could be caused by differences in the degree of shrub encroachment or grazing pressure, both of which are likely to reduce the ability of individual shrubs to ameliorate their understorey environment.

We examined how grazing and shrub encroachment (measured as landscape‐level shrub cover) influence patch‐level effects of shrubs on plant density, biomass and similarity in species composition between shrub understories and open areas, and on soil stability, nutrient cycling, and infiltration in two semi‐arid Australian woodlands.

Individual shrubs had consistently positive effects on all plant and soil variables (average increase of 23% for all variables). These positive patch‐level effects persisted with increasing shrub cover up to our maximum of 50% cover. Heavy grazing negatively affected most of the variables studied (average decline of 11%). It also altered, for some variables, how individual shrubs affected their subcanopy environment with increasing shrub cover. Thus, for species density, biomass and soil infiltration, the positive effect of individual shrubs with increasing shrub cover diminished under heavy grazing.

Synthesis: Our study refines predictions of the effects of woody encroachment on ecosystem structure and functioning by showing that heavy grazing, rather than differences in shrub cover, explains the contrasting effects on ecosystem structure and function between individual shrubs and those in dense aggregations. We also discuss how species‐specific traits of the encroaching species, such as their height or its ability to fix N, might influence the relationship between their patch‐level effects and their cover within the landscape.
The performance of standardized patients in portraying clinical scenarios in speech–language therapy
Authors: Hill Anne E. , Davidson Bronwyn J. , Theodoros Deborah G.
Published: October 2013

Background

Standardized patients (SPs) are frequently included in the clinical preparation of students in the health sciences. An acknowledged benefit of using SPs is the opportunity to provide a standardized method by which students can demonstrate and develop their competency. Relatively little is known, however, about the capacity of SPs to offer an accurate and standardized performance across a speech–language therapy student cohort.

Aims

To investigate the accuracy, reproducibility (consistent performance of each SP across student interviews) and replicability (consistent performance of a number of SPs across each scenario) of SPs portraying three scenarios, each as a parent of a child presenting with a speech disorder.

Methods & Procedures

Forty‐four speech–language therapy students interviewed four SPs to gain a case history. All interviews were videotaped. The accuracy of SP portrayal of key features of each scenario was scored by an expert rater and two other raters. Data were analysed to determine levels of accuracy, reproducibility and replicability, and inter‐rater reliability was evaluated.

Outcomes & Results

SPs were found to have moderate to high levels of accuracy across the three scenarios. There were no significant differences in the performances of each individual SP across interviews or between all SPs on each scenario, indicating that reproducibility and replicability were achieved. Overall inter‐rater reliability between raters across all scenarios was greater than 80%.

Conclusions & Implications

The results would seem to indicate that SPs can present in a standardized manner within a speech–language therapy context, confirming the value of their inclusion in clinical education programmes. Suggestions for improving the training of SPs in order to maintain accuracy are highlighted.
‘It really makes good sense’: the role of outcome evaluation in aphasia therapy in Denmark
Authors: Isaksen Jytte Kjærgaard
Published: October 2013

Background

Measuring or evaluating outcomes is a common activity for many speech–language therapists (SLTs). A major focus has been on external forces claiming outcome evaluation to optimize quality and the use of resources without integrating the viewpoints of SLTs.

Aims

To identify the purpose of outcome evaluation by letting SLTs identify not only the actual demands for outcome evaluation, but also the role of outcome evaluation in aphasia therapy in the clinic.

Methods & Procedures

Twelve SLTs participated in semi‐structured interviews to identify the demands they met for outcome evaluation as well as the role the outcome evaluation had in their work with people with aphasia. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by means of qualitative thematic analysis.

Outcomes & Results

Six themes corresponding with the aims of this study were identified. These show that the SLTs initially evaluated outcomes because of external demands and interests. However, they also describe the process as a necessary activity inherent to therapy and state that they would not want to be without it. The outcome evaluation is seen as an interactive process between SLTs, clients and possibly significant others. Not only it is seen as a product in which outcome and/or client satisfaction is documented, but also it is described as a dynamic process that benefits the clients, significant others, the therapy and the SLTs themselves in various ways. This role of outcome evaluation ranges from enhancement of insight and promotion of acceptance for the clients and significant others to planning the next step in therapy or in life with aphasia after therapy. In all of which the clients play a significant role, since their active participation is sought throughout the sessions.

Conclusion & Implications

The results suggest an interesting relationship between treatment policy and treatment practice, where an initial administrative initiative to conduct outcome evaluation is adopted by the SLTs and made into a meaningful part of therapy in which the clients play a significant role.
Control of methionine metabolism by the SahR transcriptional regulator in Proteobacteria
Authors: Novichkov Pavel S. , Li Xiaoqing , Kuehl Jennifer V. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Arkin Adam P. , Price Morgan N. , Rodionov Dmitry A.
Published: October 2013

Sulphur is an essential element in the metabolism. The sulphur‐containing amino acid methionine is a metabolic precursor for S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), which serves as a coenzyme for ubiquitous methyltrtansferases. Recycling of organic sulphur compounds, e.g. via the SAM cycle, is an important metabolic process that needs to be tightly regulated. Knowledge about transcriptional regulation of these processes is still limited for many free‐living bacteria. We identified a novel transcription factor SahR from the ArsR family that controls the SAM cycle genes in diverse microorganisms from soil and aquatic ecosystems. By using comparative genomics, we predicted SahR‐binding DNA motifs and reconstructed SahR regulons in the genomes of 62 Proteobacteria. The conserved core of SahR regulons includes all enzymes required for the SAM cycle: the SAH hydrolase AhcY, the methionine biosynthesis enzymes MetE/MetH and MetF, and the SAM synthetase MetK. By using a combination of experimental techniques, we validated the SahR regulon in the sulphate‐reducing Deltaproteobacterium Desulfovibrio alaskensis. SahR functions as a negative regulator that responds to the S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The elevated SAH level in the cell dissociates SahR from its DNA operators and induces the expression of SAM cycle genes. The effector‐sensing domain in SahR is related to SAM‐dependent methylases that are able to tightly bind SAH. SahR represents a novel type of transcriptional regulators for the control of sulphur amino acid metabolism.
Propagation of MinCDE waves on free‐standing membranes
Authors: Martos Ariadna , Petrasek Zdenek , Schwille Petra
Published: October 2013

As a spatial modulator of cytokinesis in Escherichia coli, the Min system cooperates with the nucleoid occlusion mechanism to target the divisome assembly towards mid‐cell. Based on a reaction–diffusion mechanism powered by ATP (adenosine triphosphate) hydrolysis, the Min proteins propagate in waves on the cell membrane, resulting in oscillations between the cell poles, thus preventing the formation of the division ring everywhere but in the cell centre. The dynamic behaviour of Min proteins has been successfully reconstructed in vitro on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), reproducing many of the features observed in the cell. However, there has been a marked discrepancy between the speed of propagation of Min protein waves in vitro, compared with the cellular system. A very plausible explanation is the different mobility of proteins on model membranes, compared with the inner membrane of bacteria. To quantitatively demonstrate how membrane diffusion influences Min wave propagation, we compared Min waves on SLBs with free‐standing giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) membranes which display higher fluidity. Intriguingly, the propagation velocity and wavelength on GUVs are three times higher than those reported on supported bilayers, but the wave period is conserved. This suggests that the shorter spatial period of the patterns in vivo might indeed be primarily explained by lower diffusion coefficients of proteins on the bacterial inner membrane.
Architecture and host interface of environmental chlamydiae revealed by electron cryotomography
Authors: Pilhofer Martin , Aistleitner Karin , Ladinsky Mark S. , König Lena , Horn Matthias , Jensen Grant J.
Published: October 2013

Chlamydiae comprise important pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria that alternate between morphologically and physiologically different life stages during their developmental cycle. Using electron cryotomography, we characterize the ultrastructure of the developmental stages of three environmental chlamydiae: Parachlamydia acanthamoebae, Protochlamydia amoebophila and Simkania negevensis. We show that chemical fixation and dehydration alter the cell shape of Parachlamydia and that the crescent body is not a developmental stage, but an artefact of conventional electron microscopy. We further reveal type III secretion systems of environmental chlamydiae at macromolecular resolution and find support for a chlamydial needle‐tip protein. Imaging bacteria inside their host cells by cryotomography for the first time, we observe marked differences in inclusion morphology and development as well as host organelle recruitment between the three chlamydial organisms, with Simkania inclusions being tightly enveloped by the host endoplasmic reticulum. The study demonstrates the power of electron cryotomography to reveal structural details of bacteria–host interactions that are not accessible using traditional methods.
The Ideology of Far Left Populism in Greece: Blame, Victimhood and Revenge in the Discourse of Greek Anarchists
Authors: Gerodimos Roman
Published: October 2013

Populism has often been conceptualised as a ‘necessary evil’, a phenomenon that is at odds with core elements of representative democracy while also fulfilling a functional role. While the literature on populism has seen a healthy growth, new questions have emerged about the role of emotions in populist rhetoric and that rhetoric's role in the path to political violence. Furthermore, the literature on populism in Europe has predominantly focused on the discourse or electoral success of far right political parties using quantitative analyses. This article presents a qualitative analysis of far left populism in Greece, focusing on the discourse of anarchists during the riots of December 2008. Through an in-depth examination of 38 communiqués, leaflets and posters produced by groups taking part in the riots, the ideological basis of far left extremism is dissected, illustrating the links and logical pathways between blame, victimhood and violent revenge. It is argued that the emerging narrative constitutes a coherent populist ideology aiming to appropriate power, but also a distinct populist identity based on victimhood and anger, both of which challenge the notion that populism is compatible with democracy.
Recognition and Moral Progress: A Case Study about Discourses on Disability in the Media
Authors: Maia Rousiley C. M. , Vimieiro Ana Carolina
Published: October 2013

This article aims to discuss the notion of moral progress in the theory of recognition. It argues that Axel Honneth's program offers sophisticated theoretical guidance to observe and critically interpret emancipatory projects in contemporary politics based on ideas of individuality and social inclusiveness. Using a case study — the investigation, through frame analysis, of transformations in the portrayal of people with impairment as well as in public discourses on the issue of disability in major Brazilian news media from 1960 to 2008 — this article addresses three controversies: the notion of progress as a directional process; the problem of moral disagreement and conflict of interest in struggles for recognition; and the processes of social learning. By articulating empirically based arguments and Honneth's normative discussions, this study concludes that one can talk about moral progress without losing sight of value pluralism and conflict of interest.
Blood flow to the scarred gravid uterus at 22–24 weeks of gestation
Authors: Flo K , Widnes C , Vårtun Å , Acharya G
Published: October 2013

Objective

To compare uterine artery volume blood flow (Quta), vascular resistance (Ruta), pulsatility index (Uta PI), and the fraction of maternal cardiac output (CO) distributed to the uteroplacental circulation in pregnant women with and without a previous caesarean section.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

University hospital in Norway.

Population

Thirty‐two pregnant women with previous caesarean section and 32 matched controls.

Methods

Ultrasonography was used to measure uterine artery diameter and blood flow velocity between 22+0 and 23+6 weeks of gestation. Impedance cardiography was used to assess maternal haemodynamics.

Main outcome measures

Quta, Ruta, Uta PI, and the fraction of maternal CO distributed to the uteroplacental circulation.

Results

The mean Quta was 356.26 ± 213.72 ml/minute in cases and 456.41 ± 209.70 ml/minute in controls (P = 0.038). Ruta was significantly (P = 0.026) higher among cases compared with controls (0.32 ± 0.20 versus 0.22 ± 0.14 mmHg/ml/minute), but the Uta PI did not differ between the groups (0.93 ± 0.23 versus 0.92 ± 0.47; P = 0.929). The fraction of maternal CO distributed to the uteroplacental circulation was 5.75 ± 3.68% in cases and 8.45 ± 5.02% in controls (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Uterine artery volume blood flow and the fraction of maternal cardiac output distributed to the uteroplacental circulation are lower, and uterine vascular resistance (but not Uta PI) is higher, in women with previous caesarean section compared with the control group.
Analyses of Beverage Remains in Drug Rape Cases Revealing Drug Residues ‐ The Possibility of Contamination from Drug Concentrated Oral Fluid or Oral Cavity Contained Tablets
Authors: Øiestad Elisabeth L. , Karinen Ritva , Christophersen Asbjørg S. , Vindenes Vigdis , Bachs Liliana
Published: October 2013

In drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) cases, drug residues may be detected in beverage remains found in cups or glasses known to have been used by the victims. In this small naturalistic study, the possibility of beverages being contaminated, either by drug concentrated oral fluid or by oral cavity contained tablets, was investigated. Analysis of residues from cups containing soft drinks was performed by immunoassay and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). Beverage with both added tablets and spiked oral fluid was investigated, as well as simulation of swallowing tablets. Only the residues from added tablets were positive with immunoassay, while drugs were detectable in all cups using more sensitive UPLC‐MS/MS. In conclusion, the possibility of detecting drug residues in beverages due to a contamination, from either drug concentrated oral fluid or oral cavity contained tablets at a time of consumption, should be kept in mind when performing sensitive analysis.
Error and its Meaning in Forensic Science
Authors: Christensen Angi M. , Crowder Christian M. , Ousley Stephen D. , Houck Max M.
Published: October 2013

The discussion of “error” has gained momentum in forensic science in the wake of the Daubert guidelines and has intensified with the National Academy of Sciences' Report. Error has many different meanings, and too often, forensic practitioners themselves as well as the courts misunderstand scientific error and statistical error rates, often confusing them with practitioner error (or mistakes). Here, we present an overview of these concepts as they pertain to forensic science applications, discussing the difference between practitioner error (including mistakes), instrument error, statistical error, and method error. We urge forensic practitioners to ensure that potential sources of error and method limitations are understood and clearly communicated and advocate that the legal community be informed regarding the differences between interobserver errors, uncertainty, variation, and mistakes.
Optimizing Accu Time‐of‐Flight/Direct Analysis in Real Time for Explosive Residue Analysis
Authors: Swider Joseph R.
Published: October 2013

The use of a direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometer (MS) instrument was optimized for 22 compounds of organic explosive residues to provide a guide for DART‐MS users in rapid screening of explosive compounds. Samples were introduced as neat solutions and sequential dilutions to determine optimal instrument conditions and lowest concentration detectable. Most compounds were optimized to 250°C in the negative ion mode, and several compounds benefited from the addition of a chloride dopant from methylene chloride (amino‐dinitrotoluenes, RDX, EGDN, and PETN). Few compounds were more sensitive in the positive ion mode (TEGDN, DEGDN, HNS, and DMNB). Mixtures of compounds were detected using clean room wipes, directly from their surfaces and from subsequent extractions. Compounds from the mixtures were also successfully detected in soil and from swipes of spiked surfaces. The instrument showed merit in detection of pg/μL solutions for most of the compounds and among the substrates tested.
The Role of Vitreous Magnesium Quantification in Estimating the Postmortem Interval
Authors: Mihailovic Zoran , Atanasijevic Tatjana , Popovic Vesna , Milosevic Miroslav B.
Published: October 2013

The use of magnesium as a parameter to estimate the time of death is controversial. In 32 traumatic deaths with known postmortem intervals (PMIs), small quantities of vitreous humor (VH) were sampled repetitively every 3 h until 24 h postmortem. The bodies were kept at the constant ambient temperature of 20°C (68°F). The concentrations of magnesium were in the range of 0.47–1.15 mM. A statistically significant correlation of the concentration of magnesium with the PMI was observed (r = 0.453, p < 0.01), but with small predictive value—coefficient of variation for regression was 45.5%; the average of the paired differences between the estimated and actual PMIs was 5.24 + 3.19 h. Although useful results might be expected due to the large transmembrane gradient for magnesium, the results of this study strongly disprove the usefulness of measuring magnesium in VH to estimate the time of death.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Death in a Large Enclosed Ventilated Area
Authors: Huston Butch , Froloff Victor , Mills Kelly , McGee Michael
Published: October 2013

A 55‐year‐old man with a medical history of tobacco use suddenly collapsed while power washing an empty indoor pool in a hotel. The decedent was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced. A postmortem examination revealed atherosclerotic heart disease and bilateral pulmonary edema and congestion. A postmortem blood carbon monoxide (CO) level was 27% saturation, and a CO performed on hospital admission blood was 49% saturation. CO poisoning is a common cause of toxicological morbidity and mortality in the United States. The circumstances most often occur in an enclosed environment and may be intentional or unintentional. CO poisoning has been reported in open, well‐ventilated spaces, but rarely results in death. A warning label was present on the engine clearly stating the dangers of CO emission. However, there was a false sense of security due to the large size of the pool room and the presence of industrial blowers that were being used for ventilation.
Possibility of Decrease in CYP1A2 Function in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Tsujimoto Masayuki , Sugimoto Sari , Nagatomo Makiko , Furukubo Taku , Izumi Satoshi , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Minegaki Tetsuya , Nishiguchi Kohshi
Published: October 2013

Propranolol, the substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and CYP2D6, has been reported to be in high concentrations in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. This has been thought to be due to the decrease in the nonrenal clearance of propranolol. The objective of this study is to elucidate the reason for the decrease in nonrenal clearance in ESRD patients. CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 activities were estimated by the phenacetin O‐deethylation and methoprolol O‐demethylation methods, respectively. Pooled normal serum and pooled uremic serum were deproteinized by methanol in order to exclude high‐molecular‐weight compounds. We selected as candidate inhibitors: uremic toxins such as 3‐indoxyl sulfate, 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid, indole‐3‐acetic acid, and hippuric acid, and xanthine derivatives such as allantoin, uric acid, and xanthine. In this study, uremic serum was found to inhibit the CYP1A2‐mediated metabolism of phenacetin to acetaminophen in a concentration‐dependent and competitive manner. Xanthine also inhibited the metabolism of CYP1A2. On the other hand, uremic serum and the four uremic toxins did not inhibit the CYP2D6‐mediated metabolism of metoprolol to O‐demethylmetoprolol. In conclusion, this study suggests that the increase of the bioavailability of propranolol in ESRD is partly induced by the inhibition of the hepatic metabolism of CYP1A2 by xanthine in the uremic serum.
Intra‐Arterial Treatment for Massive Subcutaneous Hemorrhage in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Banshodani Masataka , Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Shintaku Sadanori , Sato Tomoyasu , Tsuchiya Shinichiro
Published: October 2013

The incidence of acute massive hemorrhage in hemodialysis (HD) patients is thought to be higher than in healthy individuals, and a large, expanding subcutaneous hematoma can result in necrosis of the overlying skin. We evaluated the efficacy of intra‐arterial treatment for acute massive subcutaneous hemorrhage in HD patients. Seven HD patients with subcutaneous hemorrhage following minor blunt trauma were treated using superselective transarterial embolization, between July 2005 and October 2012. After examining the site of the hemorrhage using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT), embolizations were performed using microcoils, gelatin sponges, or N‐butyl cyanoacrylate. Hematoma evacuation or skin grafting was performed as needed. Four men and three women with a mean age of 70 years (range, 63–82 years) comprised the study population. Sites of bleeding were as follows: lower leg (N = 3), upper leg (N = 1), buttock (N = 1), precordia (N = 1), and forearm (N = 1). Blood transfusions were administered to five cases. All patients were successfully salvaged using transarterial embolization. Six patients underwent hematoma evacuation after transarterial embolization, and two patients underwent split‐thickness skin grafting for skin necrosis. We established a treatment strategy for HD patients with acute subcutaneous hemorrhage. Immediate confirmation of the site and the degree of bleeding with contrast‐enhanced CT and early treatment using the transarterial embolization and as needed, hematoma evacuation are effective for preventing skin necrosis in HD patients with acute subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Nutritional status and quality of life in a cohort ofAustralian home parenteral nutrition patients: A pilot study
Authors: Schliefert Emma , Carey Sharon
Published: October 2013

Aim

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) impacts on nutritional status and subsequent quality of life. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the nutritional status and quality of life in a cohort of patients receiving home parenteral nutrition in a tertiary referral hospital, and the relationship between these two outcome measures.

Methods

Outpatients attending an intestinal failure clinic were recruited. Nutritional assessment included anthropometrics,SubjectiveGlobalAssessment and total dietary intake. Self‐administered symptom and quality of life questionnaires were administered. Nutritional status, quality of life and the association between the two measures were statistically analysed.

Results

SubjectiveGlobalAssessment, body mass index, overall energy and protein intake indicated adequate nourishment. Clear gender differences were seen when assessing weight gain while on home parenteral nutrition. Males gained 15% body weight since commencement ofHPN, while females lost −4%. Median female triceps skinfold and male mid‐arm muscle circumference were below the 10th percentile, and grip strength was 50% of the predicted value. Quality of life was low compared withAustralian norm values. Higher grip strength was associated with higher quality of life (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

Males onHPNare gaining weight on treatment while females are not. All have lower muscle mass, muscle strength and quality of life measures compared with the normal population. Current international clinical practice guidelines do not include exercise or rehabilitative recommendations that could potentially enhance patients' physical function and overall quality of life.
Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida in the light of its type‐three secretion system
Authors: Vanden Bergh Philippe , Frey Joachim
Published: October 2013

Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida is an important pathogen in salmonid aquaculture and is responsible for the typical furunculosis. The type‐three secretion system (T3SS) is a major virulence system. In this work, we review structure and function of this highly sophisticated nanosyringe in A. salmonicida. Based on the literature as well as personal experimental observations, we document the genetic (re)organization, expression regulation, anatomy, putative functional origin and roles in the infectious process of this T3SS. We propose a model of pathogenesis where A. salmonicida induces a temporary immunosuppression state in fish in order to acquire free access to host tissues. Finally, we highlight putative important therapeutic and vaccine strategies to prevent furunculosis of salmonid fish.