bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impediments to trade across the Green Line in Cyprus
Authors: Gokcekus Omer , Henson Jessica , Nottebaum Dennis , John Anthony Wanis-St
Published: November 2012

Cyprus is a divided island. Despite the lack of a comprehensive peace agreement reunifying the country, in 2004 trade commenced across the Green Line that separates the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. The volume of trade has grown steadily since, but has it reached its full potential? First, a gravity equation is estimated by using an ‘out-of-sample’ estimation strategy to predict potential trade for the period from 2004 to 2009. We observe a sizable gap between potential and actual volumes of trade. We then attempt to account for this gap by analyzing economic, legal, and social-psychological barriers that can explain this difference. It is found that (1) actual trade has only reached around 10% of its potential, with (2) legal constraints accounting for 35% of the missing trade, (3) extra transportation costs for about 5%, and (4) unmeasurable and social-psychological barriers for a significant amount of between 48% and 60%, depending on the year. The findings suggest that attention must be paid to the objective barriers to trade as well as the subjective interpersonal and intercommunal perceptions that can affect trade and ultimately, peaceful resolution of the conflict. These findings have implications for other conflicts in which divided communities with the potential for trading across a shared border seek to maximize the joint economic and political gains of emerging interdependence.
The two swords
Authors: Henne Peter S
Published: November 2012

Since the end of the Cold War, a global religious resurgence has transformed many aspects of world politics, including transnational activism, human rights, and terrorism. Yet, scholars still debate whether a generalizable influence of religion on interstate disputes exists. Despite significant progress in the study of religion and world politics, then, the fundamental question remains: under what conditions does the post-Cold War era’s religious resurgence influence interstate disputes? This article points to the significance of institutional religion–state connections and ideological distance between disputants to account for the varied significance of religion in interstate conflicts. Religion influences conflict behavior when there are close ties between religion and the state and when a religious state is in a dispute with a secular state, creating ideological distance between the combatants. In such instances, the dispute is more likely to involve the use of force. The article tests this theory through a quantitative analysis of interstate disputes, using a Heckman probit model for the effects of religion–state connections on dispute severity. The tests reveal that while religious–secular dyads do not experience greater risks of conflict compared to other dyads, conflicts involving religious–secular dyads are more severe than those including other dyads, even when numerous competing explanations are accounted for. The article contributes to the study of religion and politics by highlighting the political factors that increase religious effects on international relations; it also contributes to the broader study of interstate crises by demonstrating the means through which ideas can affect interstate disputes.
Parental involvement and the academic achievement and social functioning of Cuban school children
Authors: Alvarez-Valdivia Ibis M. , Chavez Kenia Lorenzo , Schneider Barry H. , Roberts Jesse S. , Becalli-Puerta Laura E. , Pérez-Luján Dalgys , Sanz-Martínez Yuri Arsenio
Published: November 2012

The goal of the current study was to investigate whether parental involvement is an important predictor of student outcomes within the Cuban school system, where extensive support for pupils’ progress and adjustment are available from the peer group, community, and family. The participants were 188 children in Grades 2 and 3 from four localities in Cuba. School-based involvement was significantly higher among parents of children not at risk for behavioral problems than among parents of at-risk children. Parental involvement in Year 1 did not significantly predict changes in student academic competency or total difficulties between Year 1 and Year 2. These results suggest that school-based parental involvement may be of some importance in the adjustment of Cuban children. Any effects of parental involvement, however, were not strong enough to cause changes in ratings of student adjustment and achievement from Year 1 to Year 2.
Freedom from Fear and Bloodshed: Hosea 2.20 (Eng. 18) and the End of Human/Animal Conflict
Authors: Whitekettle Richard
Published: November 2012

Hosea 2.20 (Eng. 18) describes the resolution of some sort of human/animal conflict. Several things connect Hos. 2.20 to Gen. 9.2, where human/animal conflict is created. Assuming that Hos. 2.20 and Gen. 9.2 are related texts, they describe a paired set of events: the beginning of human/animal conflict in the distant past, and the end of that same conflict at some point in the future. Hos. 2.20 was, therefore, describing the resolution of the human/animal conflict which God wove into the fabric of the postdiluvian world in Gen. 9.2. Thus, Hos. 2.20 described a lasting, constitutional change to the human/animal relationship.
The Glory of Yahweh in Ezekiel and the Pre-Tabernacle Wilderness
Authors: Keck Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

Ezekiel depicts the Glory of Yahweh in Babylonia, an unclean land outside Yahweh's territory. The Glory also appears there without any physical sanctuary to mediate it. This article postulates that Ezekiel's presentation of the Glory takes its inspiration from the Priestly account of the Exodus wanderings before the Tabernacle existed. In P, the Glory appears outside a physical sanctuary only in Exod. 16.10 and at Sinai; both of these occur before the Tabernacle becomes available. These appearances occur outside Israel, while the people are dislocated and without an extant sanctuary—circumstances homologous to Ezekiel's own. This part of Israel's national story proves fruitful as Ezekiel interprets the exiles' reality through the vehicle of the Glory, showing that Yahweh has laid the foundation for Israel's new beginning through a connection with its past.
Critical geographies of love as spatial, relational and political
Authors: Morrison Carey-Ann , Johnston Lynda , Longhurst Robyn
Published: November 2012

Geographers to date have resisted writing about feelings, affects, places and spaces of love. It is timely to put love on the geographical agenda. We begin by addressing the question ‘what does love do?’, and we review the work of geographers who have been thinking about love via a number of different theoretical lenses. We then argue for a consideration of love as spatial, relational and political. We prompt geographers to think critically about love in its entire multisensory, lived, embodied, felt and contradictory guises. Finally, the work of Ahmed, Sedgwick and Berlant is useful for furthering geographers’ insights on love.
Do Women and Men Differ in Their Neutralizations of Corporate Crime?
Authors: Vieraitis Lynne M. , Piquero Nicole Leeper , Piquero Alex R. , Tibbetts Stephen G. , Blankenship Michael
Published: November 2012

Neutralization theory has commonly been used to understand the motivations of street offending, and recent studies have examined the use of neutralization techniques by corporate and white-collar offenders to account for their crimes. However, few researchers have explored whether this process is gendered. Using data from master of business administration (MBA) students, this study examines how gender influences intentions to inhibit or promote the sale of Panalba, a hypothetical pharmaceutical drug known to harm people, as well as how gender moderates the relationship between techniques of neutralization and corporate offending decisions. Results show that while there are bivariate gender differences in corporate offending decisions and in some of the techniques of neutralization, there are few gender differences in the effect of techniques of neutralization on corporate offending decisions. Directions for future research are highlighted.
Childhood Polyarteritis Nodosa Presenting With Central Nervous System Manifestations and the Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome
Authors: Guirola Ricardo , Hunter Jill V. , Perez Maria , Muscal Eyal
Published: November 2012

Polyarteritis nodosa is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis involving medium-sized muscular arteries. Polyneuropathy is the only neurologic manifestation included in the pediatric classification schema. Central nervous system manifestations include infarction, hemorrhage, and encephalitis. We report on a 13-year-old female whose initial presentation of polyarteritis nodosa included hypertension, seizures, and neuroimaging findings of vasogenic edema and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has been reported in association with renal disease, transplantation, autoimmunity, and cytotoxic medications. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome outcomes are usually favorable with supportive care and treatment of the underlying etiology. The patient’s neurologic condition improved after treatment of hypertension. Hypertension, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and abdominal pain led to a diagnostic workup. A systemic vasculitis was confirmed after detection of a perinephric hematoma and intrarenal aneurysms. This is a novel case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as an initial manifestation of pediatric polyarteritis nodosa.
Financial Literacy and Defined Contribution Pensions
Authors: Turner John A. , Muir Dana M.
Published: November 2012

The increasing importance of defined contribution plans, both as employer-provided plans and as mandatory individual accounts, has increased the responsibility placed on workers for making financial decisions. While early on it was assumed that workers would be capable of managing these accounts, studies have documented that many workers make financial mistakes. Financial education has been used as a remedy, but experience has shown that many workers are not interested and others do not follow up on changes they indicate they intend to make. The use of defaults for investments and increased transparency concerning fees are two further developments that have addressed this problem. Now, attention is turning increasingly to financial advice. However, often financial advisers have conflicts of interest that affect the quality and cost of the advice they provide. Some countries are enacting laws that address this issue.
Effect of nanoclay on the decay resistance and physicomechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced plastic composites against white-rot fungi (Trametes versicolor)
Authors: Kord Behzad , Jari Ehsan , Najafi Abdollah , Tazakorrezaie Vahid
Published: November 2012

In this research, we have investigated the effects of addition of different percentages of nanoclay on the decay resistance and physicomechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced plastic composites against white-rot fungi ( Trametes versicolor). To meet this objective, the beech wood flour was mixed with polypropylene (PP) at 50% by weight fiber loading. The samples were prepared by melt compounding and injection molding. The concentration varied as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 per hundred compounds (phc) for nanoclay. The amount of maleic anhydride-grafted PP (PP- g-MA) as a coupling agent was fixed at 2 phc for all formulations. Physical and mechanical properties of all the specimens were determined prior to and after incubation with the fungus for 8 weeks at 25°C and 75% relative humidity. Weight losses of the specimens were also determined after incubation. The results indicated that the flexural strength and modulus increased with an increase in nanoclay up to 3 phc and then decreased. However, the impact strength and water absorption were decreased with an increase in nanoclay loading. Furthermore, the lowest weight loss and the highest hardness were observed in the composite containing 5 phc nanoclay. The morphological findings showed that the samples containing 3 phc of nanoclay had higher order of intercalation and better dispersion.
Learning Orientation and Market Orientation as Catalysts for Innovation in Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Choi Sangmi
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the study is to review the adoptability of learning orientation (LO), market orientation (MO), and innovation to human service nonprofits by investigating the relationships among these. The study hypothesizes and analyzes the mediating effect of MO in the movement from learning orientation to innovation. The findings based on nonprofit community centers in South Korea partially support the positive influence of LO and MO on innovation, proposing the importance of establishing both LO and MO to facilitate innovations in human service nonprofits. The study suggests implications for practice and future research.
Active suspension systems for vehicles based on a sliding-mode controller in combination with inertial delay control
Authors: Deshpande Vaijayanti S , Shendge Pramod D , Phadke Shrivijay B
Published: November 2012

In this paper a new active suspension scheme for vehicles with non-linearities is proposed. The proposed scheme makes the vehicle suspension system follow a modified skyhook model and is based on the sliding-mode control strategy augmented by the so-called inertial delay control which estimates and negates the effects of the unknown road profile and the uncertainties in the suspension system. The accuracy of estimation is analysed and it is shown that the estimation error is ultimately bounded. The means to improve the accuracy of estimation are outlined and the overall stability of the suspension system is proved. The efficacy of the method is illustrated by simulation for an automobile vehicle suspension system for various road profiles.
Comparison of dynamic effects of high-speed traffic load on ballasted track using a simplified two-dimensional and full three-dimensional model
Authors: Nguyen K , Goicolea JM , Galbadón F
Published: November 2012

The vertical dynamic actions transmitted by railway vehicles to the ballasted track infrastructure are evaluated taking into account models with different degrees of detail. In particular, this matter has been studied from a two-dimensional finite-element model to a fully coupled three-dimensional multibody finite-element model. The vehicle and track are coupled via a nonlinear Hertz contact mechanism. The method of Lagrange multipliers is used for the contact constraint enforcement between the wheel and rail. Distributed elevation irregularities are generated based on power spectral density distributions, which are taken into account for the interaction. Due to the contact nonlinearities, the numerical simulations are performed in the time domain, using a direct integration method for the transient problem. The results obtained include contact forces, forces transmitted to the infrastructure (sleeper) by railpads, and envelopes of relevant results for several track irregularities and speed ranges. The main contribution of this work is to identify and discuss coincidences and differences between discrete two-dimensional models and continuum three-dimensional models, as well to assess the validity of evaluating the dynamic loading on the track with simplified two-dimensional models.
Influence of coadministration of artemether and lumefantrine on selected plasma biochemical and erythrocyte oxidative stress indices in female Wistar rats
Authors: Abolaji A. O. , Eteng M. U. , Omonua O. , Adenrele Y.
Published: November 2012

Among the artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regimens, artemisinin derivative, artemether in combination with lumefantrine (artemether–lumefantrine, AL) has achieved excellent results in the fight against malarial scourge. In this study, we evaluated the toxic potential of these drugs at the therapeutic doses in female Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: those administered 1% Tween 80 (control), those administered artemether (4 mg/kg body weight), those administered lumefantrine (24 mg/kg body weight), and those coadministered artemether (4 mg/kg body weight) and lumefantrine (24 mg/kg body weight). The drugs were orally administered twice daily for 3 days by gastric intubation after which selected plasma biochemical indices, and erythrocytes antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation markers were evaluated. Coadministration of artemether and lumefantrine raised liver and renal function markers and increased atherogenic index. While reduced glutathione, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and catalase activities were reduced, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase activities increased in all the treated groups compared to the control group. The drugs caused significant ( p < 0.05) elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the control group. These results imply that coadministration of artemether and lumefantrine may increase the risks of atherosclerosis as well as liver and renal function impairments in the users. In addition, the drugs may also promote oxidative stress in the erythrocytes.
Polychlorinated biphenyls impair blood–brain barrier integrity via disruption of tight junction proteins in cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus of female Wistar rats
Authors: Selvakumar K. , Prabha R. Lakshmi , Saranya K. , Bavithra S. , Krishnamoorthy G. , Arunakaran J.
Published: November 2012

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprise a ubiquitous class of toxic substances associated with carcinogenic and tumor-promoting effects as well as neurotoxic properties. Reactive oxygen species, which is produced from PCBs, alters blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, which is paralleled by cytoskeletal rearrangements and redistribution and disappearance of tight junction proteins (TJPs) like claudin-5 and occludin. Quercetin, a potent antioxidant present in onion and other vegetables, appears to protect brain cells against oxidative stress, a tissue-damaging process associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of quercetin on oxidative stress markers and transcription of transmembrane and cytoplasmic accessory TJPs on cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus of female rats exposed to PCBs. Rats were divided into the following four groups. Group I: received only vehicle (corn oil) intraperitoneally (i.p.); group II: received Aroclor 1254 at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight (bwt)/day (i.p); group III: received Aroclor 1254 (i.p.) and simultaneously quercetin 50 mg/kg bwt/day through gavage and group IV: received quercetin alone gavage. From the experiment, the levels of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were observed to increase significantly in cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus as 50%, 25% and 20%, respectively, after exposure to PCB, and the messenger RNA expression of TJP in rats exposed to PCBs is decreased and is retrieved to the normal level simultaneously in quercetin-treated rats. Hence, quercetin can be used as a preventive medicine to PCBs exposure and prevents neurodegenerative disorders.
Primary antiphospholipid syndrome in monozygotic twins
Authors: Ravindran V , Rajendran S , Elias G
Published: November 2012

Monozygotic twins, 27 years old, with primary anti-phospholipid syndrome have been described. The first of the twins had obstetric morbidities (one miscarriage at 12 weeks and premature birth of a growth-restricted fetus at 27 weeks secondary to pre-eclampsia) and the second had venous thrombosis. Lupus anticoagulant was present in both and anti-cardiolipin antibodies were present in high titres when re-tested at appropriate intervals. Development of clinical features of APS in monozygotic twins points to an underlying genetic basis in the pathogenesis of anti-phospholipid syndrome.
Minority language and the stability of bilingual equilibria
Authors: Iriberri Nagore , Uriarte José-Ramón
Published: November 2012

We investigate a society with two official languages: A, shared by all individuals, and B, spoken by a bilingual minority. A model is developed in which the bilingual agents must make strategic decisions about the language to be used in a conversation. The decisions are taken under imperfect information about the linguistic type of the participants. We show that the bilingual population is optimally partitioned into two groups, one composed of agents who strategically hide their bilingual nature and the other composed of those who reveal it. As a consequence, in the interactions between members of the former group the language used is A, having therefore coordination failures on the minority language. We show that this mixed strategy Nash equilibrium has strong stability properties: it is evolutionarily stable and, dynamically, asymptotically stable for the one-population replicator dynamics. These properties might explain the difficulties encountered by language policies directed at promoting the use of minority languages.

JEL Classification Numbers: C72, D81.
Detecting and measuring crucial differences between cognitive maps
Authors: Septer Timo J. , Dijkstra Jacob , Stokman Frans N.
Published: November 2012

The reasoning underlying the attitude of stakeholders towards the implementation of a means can be captured in causal cognitive maps about the effects of the means on relevant goals. For acyclic cognitive maps with weighted-directed signed links we propose quantitative measures for the weight of the paths between means and goals and a measure for the total result of the means on all goals. In data concerning the cognitive maps of 94 employees about their perceived consequences of a merger, the latter measure correlates strongly with their attitude towards the merger. Finally we propose a method to detect for which links in the map the cognitive differences between individuals contribute most to their differences in attitudes towards the means, in the sense that agreement on these links would decrease the variance in the attitudes most.
From sensorial to smart materials: Intelligent optical sensor network for embedded applications
Authors: Budelmann Christoph , Krieg-Brückner Bernd
Published: November 2012

The development of embedded sensors, connected to a large-scale sensor network and integrated within the host material, is a first step toward intelligent sensorial materials. This article discusses selected common sensor principles used, in particular, for structural health monitoring in composite materials and presents a new approach developed by the authors that is based on intelligent electronic sensor nodes, interconnected by optical fibers. Both a high-speed data link and power supply are realized via the optical fibers, making batteries or other local energy sources for the sensor nodes superfluous.
Face-to-Face and Telephone Counseling for Problem Gambling
Authors: Tse Samson , Campbell Lisa , Rossen Fiona , Wang Chong-Wen , Jull Andrew , Yan Elsie , Jackson Alun
Published: November 2012

Objective: This pragmatic randomized study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of telephone and face-to-face counseling in influencing problematic gambling beliefs and behaviors. Method: Ninety-two participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds who had been affected by problem gambling were provided with psychological interventions delivered either by telephone or conventional face-to-face counseling over a 3-month period. Results: A significant overall time effect between pre- and postintervention assessments was found for total hours, money and proportion of income spent, and the attitudes and beliefs scores. There was no significant difference in effect size between the two groups. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that both face-to-face and telephone counseling interventions might be equally effective in terms of short-term clinical outcomes measured postintervention.
Successful treatment of nilotinib-induced pleural effusion with prednisone
Authors: Chakraborty K , Bossaer JB , Patel R , Krishnan K
Published: November 2012

Chronic myeloid leukemia is characterized by a unique reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 resulting in deregulated tyrosine kinase activity. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib have revolutionized treatment of Chronic myeloid leukemia. However, tyrosine kinase inhibitors’ use has presented new challenges in managing both acute and chronic toxicities, particularly ‘off-target’ toxicities like pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are seen less often with imatinib and very rarely with nilotinib. A 66-year-old male presented to emergency department with complaints of mild chest pain and dyspnea of 3 days duration with progressive worsening, including dyspnea at rest. Patient was currently taking nilotinib after failing imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia. Nilotinib was put on hold. After exclusion of cardiac and pulmonary etiologies patient was treated for community acquired pneumonia with minimal improvement. Despite the very low incidence of pleural effusion with nilotinib (<1%), he was started on 20 mg of prednisone PO for 3 days. Patient had a dramatic improvement within 48 h after beginning prednisone. This treatment approach suggests that pleural effusions associated with nilotinib can be successfully treated in the same way as pleural effusions associated with dasatinib.
Unexpected doxorubicin-mediated cardiotoxicity in sisters: Possible role of polymorphisms in histamine n-methyl transferase
Authors: Sachidanandam Kamakshi , Gayle Arlene A , Robins H Ian , Kolesar Jill M
Published: November 2012

The anthracycline anticancer agent doxorubicin has long been recognized to induce a dose-limiting cardiotoxicity and may be associated with genes relevant to doxorubicin disposition. Recent reports suggest a role for a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms in anthracycline cardiotoxicity in children. We describe two adult sisters with anthracycline cardiotoxicity that developed after a relatively low dose of doxorubicin. One sister carried the variant genotype for histamine N-ethyl transferase (HNMT, rs17583889) while the other was heterozygous, suggesting a similar role for these genotypes in adults with anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Although this requires further study, these genotypes may be important in the clinical dosing, or use of the liposomal formulation of doxorubicin.
Strategic Tax Planning for State Tax Amnesties
Authors: Ross Justin M. , Buckwalter Neal D.
Published: November 2012

Tax amnesty programs have exploded in popularity among cash-strapped states since the beginning of the Great Recession. Though many scholars have been interested in the long-term tax compliance effects after amnesty programs, this article is the first to consider short-run compliance effects just prior to a known amnesty—a moral hazard effect leading to strategic delinquencies. Evidence of this is detected from year-over-year tax revenue change in quarters just prior to an amnesty program. Regression analysis on pre-amnesty periods for state tax amnesty programs between 1982 and 2011 indicates that states experience higher pre-amnesty revenues when recent delinquents are excluded from amnesty participation. The point estimates from ordinary least squares (OLS) indicated that about 4.3 to 6.4 percent of an average amnesty’s recovery came from strategically delayed payments, whereas IV/2SLS put the range at 12.9 to 16.5 percent.
Preliminary results in the redox balance in healthy cats: influence of age and gender
Authors: Castillo Cristina , Pereira Victor , Abuelo Angel , Guimarey Rebeca , García-Vaquero Marco , Benedito José L , Hernández Joaquín
Published: November 2012

Oxidative stress (OS) impairs organic function and is considered causally related to cellular senescence and death. This study aims to evaluate if the redox balance varies in relation to age and gender in healthy cats. To quantify the oxidative status of this species we determined the oxidative damage as serum reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and the total serum antioxidant capacity (SAC). In addition, we used the ratio of ROM to SAC as a measure of the oxidative balance, with higher values meaning higher oxidative stress (oxidative stress index). Our results suggest that the male population is at oxidative risk when compared with females, especially between the age of 2 and 7 years. Nutritional strategies in this population looking for additional antioxidant support would probably avoid the oxidative stress status that predisposes to chronic processes in senior male cats. Further clinical trials in this field are recommended.
Amyloidosis in association with spontaneous feline immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Asproni Pietro , Abramo Francesca , Millanta Francesca , Lorenzi Davide , Poli Alessandro
Published: November 2012

Tissues from 34 naturally feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats, 13 asymptomatic cats and 21 cats with signs of feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (F-AIDS), and 35 FIV-seronegative subjects were examined to determine the presence of amyloid deposits. Twenty experimentally FIV-infected cats and five specific pathogen-free (SPF) control cats were also included in the study. Paraffin-embedded sections from kidney and other organs were submitted to histological and histochemical analysis. Amyloid deposits were identified by a modified Congo red stain and confirmed by electron microscopy to demonstrate the presence of amyloid fibrils in amyloid positive glomeruli. In all positive cases, secondary amyloidosis was identified with potassium permanganate pretreatment and amyloid type was further characterised by immunohistochemistry using primary antibodies against human AA and feline AL amyloids. Amyloid deposits were present in different tissues of 12/34 (35%) naturally FIV-infected cats (seven presenting F-AIDS and five in asymptomatic phase) and in 1/30 FIV-seronegative cats. All the experimentally FIV-infected and SPF subjects showed no amyloid deposits. Amyloidosis has been reported in human lentiviral infections, and the data reported here demonstrate the need, in naturally FIV-infected cats, to consider the presence of amyloidosis in differential diagnosis of hepatic and renal disorders to better assess the prognosis of the disease.
Generational differences in vulnerability to identity denial: The role of group identification
Authors: Wang Jennifer , Minervino Camden , Cheryan Sapna
Published: November 2012

Identity denial, or having one’s group membership go unrecognized by others, is a form of discrimination and a common experience for ethnic minorities whose national identities are routinely questioned. Three studies found that being denied one’s national identity generated greater negative emotions for second+ generation (i.e., U.S.-born) compared to first generation (i.e., foreign-born) Asian Americans, and for those first generation Asian Americans who arrived to the USA earlier in their lives compared to later. Negative emotions in response to identity denial were mediated by American identification, specifically greater self-stereotyping as American, among second+ generation Americans. The present work thus identifies which group members are most vulnerable to the negative effects of identity denial and further suggests that identity denial is a self-definitional threat in which one’s view of oneself is not validated by others.
On self-service democracy
Authors: Eriksson Kai , Vogt Henri
Published: November 2012

This article focuses on a specific political ethos of current developed societies, on what we call ‘self-service democracy’. The ethos essentially springs from the technologies, policies, structures and ideas promoting the ‘individualization trend’ in the provision of services as opposed to the allegedly passivizing system of the classical welfare state of the 1970s and the early 1980s. We review the conceptual history of self-service, its current core features, and the forms it has assumed in the political regimes of post-war Western societies. The focus has moved from the services provided by the state to the activities and responsibility of individual citizens and organizations. Consumerist citizenship and personal responsibility, with the assistance of new information technologies, can open up novel channels for interaction and participation, but at the risk of rendering common political concerns into individual matters. The article investigates the political implications of this new emphasis on individualized, self-service-centred governance processes for democracy, and democratic participation and representation in particular.
Presenting absent bodies: undocumented persons coping and resisting in Sweden
Authors: Sigvardsdotter Erika
Published: November 2012

Absence and presence have generally been discussed as two aspects of either a temporal or a spatial relationship. With an Arendtian notion of presence as the capacity to define space and to appear in front of others, this article explores undocumentedness as a condition of simultaneous presence and absence. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with undocumented persons in Sweden, it is argued that the undocumented spatiality is paradoxical and Möbius. This article shows how concealment, disguise, diffusion and appearance are key to the different manifestations of presence and absence in undocumented people’s lives. It also shows how undocumented persons, by using their politically absent yet physically present bodies as vehicles for practicing dissensus, can find possibilities for recognition and action in public space.
How participatory action research supported improvements to the postnatal discharge summary system used for remote dwelling Aboriginal mothers and infants in the Top End of Australia
Authors: Josif Cath , Barclay Lesley , Bar-Zeev Sarah , Kildea Sue , Brittin Maureen
Published: November 2012

This article describes and analyses the participatory action research (PAR) process used by researchers working with policy leaders and clinicians to facilitate health service improvement around postnatal discharge planning processes for remote-dwelling Aboriginal women and their newborn infants. The research presented here was a sub-study of a larger health system improvement investigation. Stringer’s (2007) working principles of PAR – participation, relationships, inclusion and communication – were used by researchers as a framework to describe a process of engagement for the research. Application of these principles prompted changes to the discharge planning process within the health system. The improvements included: redesign of discharge paperwork; nomination of a designated health professional at the remote community to receive summaries; training for hospital staff in the computer application that generated the discharge summaries; and the development of a length of stay and discharge policy. Hospital service providers have formed a working group that meets to discuss issues around the discharge process and work continues to review and strengthen the discharge process. Hospital management reported that the changes resulted in improvements, with more likelihood that correct information is being received by the appropriate health professional in a timely manner.
Social Media, Television Talk Shows, and Political Change in Egypt
Authors: Sakr Naomi
Published: November 2012

At least two pivotal moments in Egypt’s 2011 uprising took place on talk shows on the country’s private satellite television channels. In seeking to understand how these shows evolved, under authoritarian rule, to the point where they could host such moments, this article explores the impact of online media on their evolution. Taking account of studies into online–offline media interaction in democratic and nondemocratic settings, the research traces processes behind the rise of oppositional talk on Egyptian television during three consecutive periods. It finds that these had as much to do with particularities of national politics and economics as with transnational digital networks. Indeed, it was the restrictions on mainstream media that pushed political communication online, which validates Kraidy’s theory of hypermedia space, where multiple points of access to digital media are seen to facilitate contestation of the status quo. Yet, unequal offline power relations continue to shape these access points.
Reflections on the Invited Response
Authors: Alagaraja Meera , Wang Jia
Published: November 2012

We offer our reflections on McLean’s reaction and critique of our original article in which we developed an NHRD strategy model building process through cross case country comparisons of China and India. We address five major themes raised by McLean – country selection, challenges facing India and China, Model development, cross country comparisons and, research methods in this article. These broad themes also highlight the many areas of NHRD research and practice that are generally underexplored or remain confusing. There is much work to do in this area. We found this scholarly exchange useful and important in two ways. McLean’s critique and our reflections strengthen exploration of existing NHRD research and practice. Further, this literature extends the potential contributions and implications of HRD at the national level.
Reframing the Achievement Gap
Authors: Rios Victor
Published: November 2012

In this interview, Pedro Noguera discusses his insights on the state of public and higher education in the United States. He reflects on how inequality, class, and race play a role in hindering the success in education of marginalized populations.
Raising Them Right
Authors: Van Scoyoc Amanda
Published: November 2012

This body of work explores young motherhood in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Through the combination of photographs and the young mothers’ own words, Amanda Van Scoyoc presents evidence of the complicated reality that is adolescent parenting.
Examining Race-Related Silences
Authors: Diem Sarah , Carpenter Bradley W.
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the inclusion of race-related conversations within educational leadership preparation programs. We consider how students and professors within one preparation program conceptualize the ways in which conversations pertaining to race are present and/or missing within their courses. Specifically, we assess how both entities contribute to the silences that often obstruct conversations pertaining to race. Our findings further support the works of researchers who believe the field of education leadership must revisit the conceptual understandings of conversations and the pedagogical tools used to address issues of race within the classroom.
A 12-week nursing support programme for carers of children and adolescents in the UK with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder prescribed atomoxetine
Authors: Savill Nicola , Pelton Jeremy , Lenox-Smith Alan , Bushe Chris J.
Published: November 2012

Introduction:

Patient support programmes are assuming greater importance in the UK in many therapeutic areas, mostly with the aim of improving adherence to medication and many being provided by the pharmaceutical industry. Atomoxetine is a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that has recently demonstrated incremental efficacy for at least 12 weeks. Issues of adherence may be predicted over this initial period particularly if adverse events are reported. The Strattera Support Service was initiated in 2006 ( funded by Eli Lilly) to provide advice, initially through telephone contact, by trained nurses during the first 12 weeks of atomoxetine therapy and is offered to carers of patients diagnosed with ADHD after atomoxetine has been prescribed. The aim of this pilot service evaluation is to assess discontinuation rates and compare them with historical control data.

Methods:

Data from patients in the service who initiated atomoxetine between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2010 were analysed to provide a pilot service evaluation. Continuation rates of patients in the service who were taking atomoxetine at week 12 were assessed and compared with historical control data.

Results:

Between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2010, 346 patients (300 male patients) enrolled in the programme and commenced treatment with atomoxetine. The mean age of patients was 10.5 years. At 12 weeks, 33 (9.5%) patients had discontinued treatment; continuation rates were similar regardless of age and sex. Discontinuation rates of 39% are reported from historical control data.

Conclusions:

Preliminary data from a 12-week atomoxetine patient support programme are supportive that discontinuation rates may be lower than historically expected. Further service evaluations of this programme may be required.
Comparison of baseline method and DSC measurement for determining phase fractions
Authors: Xu J F , Liu F , Zhang D , Zhang K
Published: November 2012

By comparing phase fractions upon solidification of Ni–3·3 wt-B alloy obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement, microstructure observation and the baseline method, the results show that although as an approximate approach, the baseline method can be used to predict the phase fractions from the cooling curve, and it can reflect the relationship between the transformed fraction, time and temperature simultaneously during solidification, which cannot be obtained from DSC measurement. In addition, the effects of non-constant specific heat and latent heat of phases on the baseline method are discussed and the calibration relationships are deduced.
Repair of tracheal epithelium by basal cells after chlorine-induced injury
Authors: Musah Sadiatu , Chen Jing , Hoyle Gary W
Published: November 2012

Background

Chlorine is a widely used toxic compound that is considered a chemical threat agent. Chlorine inhalation injures airway epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary abnormalities. Efficient repair of injured epithelium is necessary to restore normal lung structure and function. The objective of the current study was to characterize repair of the tracheal epithelium after acute chlorine injury.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to chlorine and injected with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) to label proliferating cells prior to sacrifice and collection of tracheas on days 2, 4, 7, and 10 after exposure. Airway repair and restoration of a differentiated epithelium were examined by co-localization of EdU labeling with markers for the three major tracheal epithelial cell types [keratin 5 (K5) and keratin 14 (K14) for basal cells, Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) for Clara cells, and acetylated tubulin (AcTub) for ciliated cells]. Morphometric analysis was used to measure proliferation and restoration of a pseudostratified epithelium.

Results

Epithelial repair was fastest and most extensive in proximal trachea compared with middle and distal trachea. In unexposed mice, cell proliferation was minimal, all basal cells expressed K5, and K14-expressing basal cells were absent from most sections. Chlorine exposure resulted in the sloughing of Clara and ciliated cells from the tracheal epithelium. Two to four days after chlorine exposure, cell proliferation occurred in K5- and K14-expressing basal cells, and the number of K14 cells was dramatically increased. In the period of peak cell proliferation, few if any ciliated or Clara cells were detected in repairing trachea. Expression of ciliated and Clara cell markers was detected at later times (days 7–10), but cell proliferation was not detected in areas in which these differentiated markers were re-expressed. Fibrotic lesions were observed at days 7–10 primarily in distal trachea.

Conclusion

The data are consistent with a model where surviving basal cells function as progenitor cells to repopulate the tracheal epithelium after chlorine injury. In areas with few remaining basal cells, repair is inefficient, leading to airway fibrosis. These studies establish a model for understanding regenerative processes in the respiratory epithelium useful for testing therapies for airway injury.
Evolution and phylogeny of the mud shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda) revealed from complete mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Lin Feng-Jiau , Liu Yuan , Sha Zhongli , Tsang Ling Ming , Chu Ka Hou , Chan Tin-Yam , Liu Ruiyu , Cui Zhaoxia
Published: November 2012

Background

The evolutionary history and relationships of the mud shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Gebiidea and Axiidea) are contentious, with previous attempts revealing mixed results. The mud shrimps were once classified in the infraorder Thalassinidea. Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses, however, suggest separation of the group into two individual infraorders, Gebiidea and Axiidea. Mitochondrial (mt) genome sequence and structure can be especially powerful in resolving higher systematic relationships that may offer new insights into the phylogeny of the mud shrimps and the other decapod infraorders, and test the hypothesis of dividing the mud shrimps into two infraorders.

Results

We present the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of five mud shrimps,Austinogebia edulis,Upogebia major,Thalassina kelanang(Gebiidea),Nihonotrypaea thermophilusandNeaxius glyptocercus(Axiidea). All five genomes encode a standard set of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and a putative control region. Except forT.kelanang, mud shrimp mitochondrial genomes exhibited rearrangements and novel patterns compared to the pancrustacean ground pattern. Each of the two Gebiidea species (A.edulisandU.major) and two Axiidea species (N.glyptocercusandN.thermophiles) share unique gene order specific to their infraorders and analyses further suggest these two derived gene orders have evolved independently. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide and amino acid sequences of 13 protein-coding genes indicate the possible polyphyly of mud shrimps, supporting the division of the group into two infraorders. However, the infraordinal relationships among the Gebiidea and Axiidea, and other reptants are poorly resolved. The inclusion of mt genome from more taxa, in particular the reptant infraorders Polychelida and Glypheidea is required in further analysis.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic analyses on the mt genome sequences and the distinct gene orders provide further evidences for the divergence between the two mud shrimp infraorders, Gebiidea and Axiidea, corroborating previous molecular phylogeny and justifying their infraordinal status. Mitochondrial genome sequences appear to be promising markers for resolving phylogenetic issues concerning decapod crustaceans that warrant further investigations and our present study has also provided further information concerning the mt genome evolution of the Decapoda.