bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Libraries as coworking spaces
Authors: Bilandzic Mark , Foth Marcus
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to inform design strategies for smart space technology to enhance libraries as environments for coworking and informal social learning. The focus is on understanding user motivations, behaviour, and activities in the library when there is no programmed agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses gathered data over five months of ethnographic research at The Edge – a “bookless” library space at the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, that is explicitly dedicated to coworking, social learning, peer collaboration, and creativity around digital culture and technology.

Findings

The results present five personas that embody people's main usage patterns as well as motivations, attitudes, and perceived barriers to social learning. It appears that most users work individually or within pre‐organised groups, but usually do not make new connections with co‐present, unacquainted users. Based on the personas, four hybrid design dimensions are suggested to improve the library as a social interface for shared learning encounters across physical and digital spaces.

Originality/value

The findings in this paper offer actionable knowledge for managers, decision makers, and designers of technology‐enhanced library spaces and similar collaboration and coworking spaces.
A multi‐strategy machine learning student modeling for intelligent tutoring systems
Authors: Huang Mu‐Jung , Chiang Heien‐Kun , Wu Pei‐Fen , Hsieh Yu‐Jung
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This study aims to propose a blackboard approach using multistrategy machine learning student modeling techniques to learn the properties of students' inconsistent behaviors during their learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

These multistrategy machine learning student modeling techniques include inductive reasoning (similarity‐based learning), deductive reasoning (explanation‐based learning), and analogical reasoning (case‐based reasoning).

Findings

According to the properties of students' inconsistent behaviors, the ITS (intelligent tutoring system) may then adopt appropriate methods, such as intensifying teaching and practicing, to prevent their inconsistent behaviors from reoccurring.

Originality/value

This research sets the learning object on a single student. After the inferences are accumulated from a group of students, what kinds of students tend to have inconsistent behaviors or under what conditions the behaviors happened for most students can be learned.
Conceptual foundations for representing robotics history in a non‐linear digital archive
Authors: Milojević Staša , Šabanović Selma
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the conceptual foundations and motivation for creating a digital archive to display the developments in the field of robotics over the past 50 years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes that the archive should be based on the conceptualization of science as an “ecology of knowledge”, composed of diverse sets of human and nonhuman actors evolving through associations across multiple social, epistemic, and temporal units of organization. The paper also discusses the roles of different data sources as memory practices primarily used in situated and systemic studies of science.

Findings

The paper shows the value of using full capabilities of the current technology to allow for non‐linear representations of the material within a digital archive.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the discussion of the implications of new information technologies such as digital archives for memory practices in science studies and the sciences.
Findings from the Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) service pilots: a summary paper
Authors: Battrick Tim , Hilbery Oliver , Holloway Sue
Published: July 2013

Purpose

During 2011, the Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) coalition supported three pilots to better coordinate existing local services for people facing multiple needs and exclusions. These individuals experience a combination of problems such as homelessness, substance misuse, mental health problems and offending. Many face difficulties consistent with dual diagnosis in its broadest sense. The purpose of this paper is to summarise the evaluation of the pilots, undertaken by FTI Consulting/Compass Lexecon in partnership with Pro Bono Economics.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation examined the three pilots, which took place in Cambridgeshire, Derby and Somerset in England. The study looked at two main effects as individuals engaged with better coordinated services: changes in wellbeing and, changes in the use and cost of wider local services. Primary wellbeing data were collected from clients and primary service use data were collected directly from relevant local agencies (police, health, housing etc). The study followed 39 individuals across the pilot sites. The average period between initial and final measurements was nine months.Findings – The findings show significant improvements in wellbeing for nearly all clients across three quantitative measures. The evaluation also recorded changes in the use and cost of local services. Some costs decreased in the first year of the pilot, for example, criminal justice costs in the Cambridgeshire and Somerset pilot areas. Other costs increased in the first year as people accessed the help they needed. In Cambridgeshire, the reduction in crime costs (£100,000 or 31 percent) was large enough to lead to an overall cost reduction. The total cost of service use in the first year increased in the other two areas.

Originality/value

Collecting primary data on clients’ actual service use directly from local agencies provides a strong methodological base. The evaluation will continue for a further year to examine the longitudinal impact of the pilots. The evaluation findings are of relevance to service providers, commissioners and policy makers interested in improving services for people facing multiple needs and exclusions.
A study of the psychotropic prescriptions of people attending an addiction service in England
Authors: Obirenjeyi Oluyase Adejoke , Raistrick Duncan , Abbasi Yasir , Dale Veronica , Lloyd Charlie
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the prescribed psychotropic medications taken by newly referred people with a range of substance use disorders (SUD) who attend a specialist community addiction service.

Design/methodology/approach

Anonymised data on newly referred people (n=1,537) with SUD attending a specialist community addiction service for their first episode of treatment between August 2007 and July 2010 were obtained from the database of the service. Data were cleaned and the percentage of people taking prescribed psychotropic medications at their first episode of treatment was calculated.

Findings

More than half (56.1 percent) of people attending the service were taking prescribed antidepressants and anxiolytics at their first episode of treatment whilst 15.2 percent of people were taking prescribed antipsychotics. Alcohol and opioids were the primary referral substances for 77.4 percent and 15.2 percent of people respectively. People referred for “other” substances (cannabis, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, solvents and polydrug use) made up the remaining 7.5 percent and had the highest percentage of prescribed psychotropics (antipsychotics=47 percent, antidepressants and anxiolytics=64.3 percent) compared to those referred for alcohol and opioids (p<0.0005).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of psychotropic prescribing among people with a range of SUD in the UK. The high prevalence of psychotropic prescribing raises questions about the appropriateness of these prescriptions and calls for scrutiny of prescribing practice in this group of people.
Integration of climate change and land‐use scenarios in nutrient leaching assessment
Authors: Hallin‐Pihlatie Lena , Rintala Jaana , Sten Hansen Henning
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to describe an easily understandable integrated modelling framework for analysing the combined effects of changes in land‐use and climate on the leaching of phosphorus using regional IPCC‐based land‐use and climate scenarios. In addition, the paper reflects on the added value of a geospatial data‐based modelling approach from a river basin management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Regional land‐use scenarios were simulated for the whole official river basin planning unit of the Oulujoki‐Iijoki River Basin District using a land‐use simulation model. The nutrient leaching modelling on phosphorus was carried out in another raster‐based freeware for a smaller sub‐basin, Temmesjoki river basin.

Findings

Regional land use scenarios could be simulated taking into account the local conditions, such as the vicinity to water, and development options in agriculture on regional scale. The magnitude and leaching pattern of phosphorus in the future is related to the overall share of agricultural land on drainage basin level. The authors’ results also indicate that the local spatial structure of built‐up and agricultural areas may play a central role in nutrient leaching assessment. If the spatial structure is of importance, this may have further implications for the environmental planners working with river basin management.

Originality/value

This research takes a step further in bringing the global scenario framework to the local and practical level for various practical purposes in river basin management. The research provides an approach to spatially identify the possible impact of changes in land‐use and in climatic conditions on nutrient leaching.
Major events and the collective memory of conflicts
Authors: Nets Rafi
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Collective memory of conflicts is assembled around major events, such as, in the context of the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict, the 1948 Palestinian exodus from the central cities of Lydda and Ramla. To date, however, various theoretical aspects of major events of conflicts have not been considered in the literature. This article aims to address this lack by exploring for the first time the way in which the causes for that exodus were presented in Israel from 1949 to 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologically, this is based on studies that have analyzed separately the publications by various Israeli state establishments (e.g. National Information Center, Ministry of Education, the National Archive, and the army – IDF), and those by various Israeli‐Jewish societal establishments (e.g. the research community, newspapers and 1948 war veterans).

Findings

Theoretically, the article contributes various insights, pertaining, for example, to: the five Manifestation Characteristics and the two Influence Characteristics of major events of conflicts; the eight determinant factors that shape the impact of these events; and the dynamic nature of the representation of major events.

Originality/value

Taken altogether, this article contributes to the empirical and theoretical research on the major events in conflicts.
The Israeli negotiation strategy under Netanyahu: settlement without reconciliation
Authors: Mustafa Mohanad , Ghanem As'ad
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This article aims to analyse the Israeli negotiation strategy in reference to the theoretical frameworks of reconciliation and settlement. It focuses on the Israeli‐Palestinian negotiation experience over the past three years, or since Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister of the Israeli Government in 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical literature provides two hypothetical frameworks for resolution of conflicts: a political settlement; and reconciliation between parties to the conflict. This article argues that Israel's vision of conflict resolution effectively attempts to integrate both hypothetical frameworks by proposing a political settlement for Palestinians in return for obtaining reconciliation from them. To analyse this strategy, this article explores the Israeli political discourse over the past three years, as well as Israel's vision of the conflict resolution as is manifest in this discourse.

Findings

The article argument is based on the indication that willingness of a party to reach a settlement is met with reconciliation from the other party to the conflict. A party's insistence on offering a settlement and attaining reconciliation is associated with power relations between both parties. To maintain its powerful position, the stronger party usually demands reconciliation from the weaker party, at the same time presenting a settlement that implies a political, not moral, recognition of the weaker party with a view to dispossess it from its moral logic in the conflict.

Originality/value

An assessment of the Israeli political discourse over the past three years indicates that Israel is implementing a compound negotiation strategy to resolve the conflict. The strategy entails settlement and reconciliation components. Israel wishes to deal with Palestinians through a political settlement. On the other hand, Israel wants the Palestinians to deal with it through the reconciliation process.
Residents' perceptions towards tourism development: the case of Sal Island
Authors: Simão João , Môsso Antónia
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Sal Island has been the object of strong tourism development in the last decades, to the point that Cape Verde is now the African country with the highest relative weight of tourism in employment and economy. This study aims at knowing: the perceptions of Sal residents towards the environmental, cultural, social and economic impacts of tourism activity; the opinion of the people regarding public information and participation; and possible divergences with the “official” discourse present in governmental strategic plans.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out among a sample of residents and descriptive statistics, t‐student and Pearson correlation were computed to study the existence of relations between the impacts and the demographic characteristics of the respondents (age, education, gender and years living in the area). The most relevant plans concerning tourism activity were object of content analysis.

Findings

Negative social impacts and positive economic ones are well perceived by the residents, especially the improvement of women's situation. There is a lack of public participation in the decision‐making processes. In general, the population supports tourism development, but there are wearing signs that ought to be taken into consideration by planners and decision makers.

Originality/value

It is the first study about the perception of the resident population concerning the tourism development on Sal Island. The information may be relevant to planners and public policy makers to substantiate future decisions.
The influence of parental styles on children's consumption
Authors: Wisenblit Joseph Z. , Priluck Randi , Pirog Stephen F.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine parental styles based on levels of nurturing and authoritarianism to determine mothers' awareness of children's media exposure, likelihood of setting media and consumption limits and communications with children about commercial messages.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design included a survey aimed at mothers of children ages four‐eight. The researchers collected demographic, behavioral and consumption information regarding the mother's youngest child.

Findings

The results suggest that nurturing mothers are more aware of advertising aimed at children and talk more to children regarding advertising and consumption than authoritarian mothers. Mothers who are nurturing and not authoritarian are more likely to yield to requests and favor more regulation than other parents.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a convenience sample of mothers who were willing to provide confidential personal information about their children.

Practical implications

From a marketer's perspective, nurturing mothers represent a barrier to reaching children with persuasive messages. Such mothers not only limit access, but train children to be skeptical of advertising. Marketers who deal honestly with customers will be more successful in appealing to nurturing mothers and their market‐savvy children.

Social implications

For public policy makers, distinctions in parental style can be useful in developing and promoting policy regulating food marketing practices. Nurturing mothers are more supportive of regulation than are authoritarian mothers, and efforts to promote such regulation should target nurturing mothers. The factors that influence mothers to intervene and limit children's media and consumption behavior also affect attitudes toward regulation of food‐related advertising.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to examine mothers' parental styles and attitudes toward regulation and tie together attitudes toward consumption and policy with the same sample.
Photograph and model use within an online auction page for influencing buyer's bidding behavior
Authors: Lo Shao‐Kang , Chiu Yu‐Ping , Hsieh Ai‐Yun
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This paper concentrates on the visual information within a product description block in an online auction page, which is the only place a seller can manipulate to influence bidders. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of photograph use, model use, and the physical attractiveness of the model on bidding behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A mock online auction website was built to manipulate picture use, model use, and the physical attractiveness of the model. The experiment recruited volunteers and randomly assigned each participant into one of four treatments. After experiencing the stimulus for two minutes, the researchers asked participants to evaluate their bidding intention and write down the highest price they would bid.

Findings

The results show that using a photograph to introduce the product acquires a higher bidding intention and bidding amount than not using a photograph. In addition, a web page using physically attractive models in photographs acquires a higher bidding intention and bidding price than a web page using physically unattractive models in photographs.

Originality/value

This study is unique in discussing the effect of the visual content of the product description block on online bidding behavior. The results of this study provide suggestions and a product information presentation strategy for online auction sellers.
Beyond pre‐emptive criminalisation: towards a child‐friendly youth justice
Authors: Creaney Sean
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is first, to explore the impact of risk‐focussed intervention on the lives of young offenders and young people defined to be “at risk” of crime. Second, the paper considers “alternative perspectives” and the prospect of a youth justice predicated upon the principles of informal justice, child‐friendly values and the notion of inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper reviews the theory and literature on early‐preventative intervention in the youth justice system. The second part of the paper explores “alternative perspectives”, drawing on restorative justice, restorative approaches and diversionary measures.

Findings

The paper presents three general findings. First, young people can be subject to youth justice intervention without a “presenting problem” or offence committed. More pertinently this form of pre‐emptive criminalisation violates the child's human rights, due‐process and legal safeguards. Second, young people who are drawn into the net of formal youth justice intervention can suffer from the stigmatising and labelling effects of being criminalised. Third, there is a pressing need for youth justice policy and practice to be transformed, in order to allow for the implementation of more informal, diversionary and restorative measures.

Originality/value

The paper has great value for students of youth justice, and policy makers, especially the conservative‐liberal democrat government who wish to cut costs, introduce restorative justice on a large scale and appear to be in favour of diverting young people away from formal youth justice intervention.
Perceptions of work as a route away from crime
Authors: King Sam
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of work as a means of desisting from crime among a group of male probationers.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with male probationers to ascertain their views on desistance from crime and the factors which would enable or constrain them in their endeavours.

Findings

The research found that individuals regard employment as a key conduit to maintaining desistance from crime, but that several barriers exist to achieving this? Crucially, the research found that individuals identified various difficulties associated with external agencies to whom they had been referred for assistance in obtaining employment. This poses questions of the current government's approach towards expanding public‐private partnerships in probation.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a small sample of 20 male probationers. However, the findings suggest that further research should be conducted in this area.

Social implications

The research raises questions about recent government policy in this area, and about the effectiveness of some approaches designed to reduce reoffending.

Originality/value

The research examines an area of desistance which has previously received little attention. The findings are of concern for academics and practitioners concerned with desistance and recidivism.
Logistics education: a look at the current state of the art and science
Authors: Lutz Heather , Birou Laura
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to provide the results of a large‐scale survey of courses dedicated to the field of logistics in higher education. This research is unique because it represents the first large‐scale study of both undergraduate and graduate logistics courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was performed on each syllabus to identify the actual course coverage: requirements, pedagogy and content emphasis. Content analysis is a descriptive approach to categorize data and the results may be limited by the categorizations used in analysis. This aggregated information was utilized to compare historical research findings in this area with the current skills identified as important for career success. These data provide input for gap analysis between offerings in higher education and those needs identified by practitioners.

Findings

Data gathering efforts yielded a sample of 118 logistics courses representing 77 schools and six different countries. The aggregate number of topics covered in undergraduate courses totalled 95, while graduate courses covered 81 different topics. The primary evaluation techniques include the traditional exams, projects and homework. Details regarding learning objectives and grading schema are provided along with a gap analysis between the coverage of logistics courses and the needs identified by practitioners.

Originality/value

The goal is to use these data as a means of continuous improvement in the quality and value of the educational experience. The findings are designed to foster information sharing and provide data for benchmarking efforts in the development of logistics courses and curricula in academia as well as training and development by professionals in the field of logistics.
The governance evidence of e‐government procurement
Authors: Rotchanakitumnuai Siriluck
Published: July 2013

Purpose

E‐government procurement (E‐GP) can improve the traditional government procurement process. E‐GP can help decrease corruption. This research aims to present the factors of E‐GP that can create good governance in government procurement through e‐auction.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with Thai public managers who are involved in e‐government procurement. The sample size is 169 professionals representing 67 government agencies.

Findings

There are five factors that enhance governance procurement. These relate to the transparent e‐procurement process, committed public managers and political officials, honest vendors, and specific policies and regulations. A transparent e‐procurement process has a positive effect on good governance practice, increasing cost effectiveness and accountability, and decreasing collusion among vendors. Vendor honesty has a negative impact on collusion. Supportive policy and regulations requirements improve cost effectiveness, accountability, and law enforcement.

Practical implications

E‐GP is not a guarantor of enhanced governance and reduced corruption. It requires a dedicated commitment to strong rule enforcement and penalties to achieve successful implementation of e‐government procurement.

Originality/value

Using a wide range of government agencies, the research addresses the best practices e‐government procurement governance and the benefits of good governance in terms of cost effectiveness, accountability, collusion reduction, and stringent law enforcement.
Biophysical controls on cluster dynamics and architectural differentiation of microbial biofilms in contrasting flow environments
Authors: Hödl Iris , Mari Lorenzo , Bertuzzo Enrico , Suweis Samir , Besemer Katharina , Rinaldo Andrea , Battin Tom J.
Published: July 2013

Ecology, with a traditional focus on plants and animals, seeks to understand the mechanisms underlying structure and dynamics of communities. In microbial ecology, the focus is changing from planktonic communities to attached biofilms that dominate microbial life in numerous systems. Therefore, interest in the structure and function of biofilms is on the rise. Biofilms can form reproducible physical structures (i.e. architecture) at the millimetre‐scale, which are central to their functioning. However, the spatial dynamics of the clusters conferring physical structure to biofilms remains often elusive. By experimenting with complex microbial communities forming biofilms in contrasting hydrodynamic microenvironments in stream mesocosms, we show that morphogenesis results in ‘ripple‐like’ and ‘star‐like’ architectures – as they have also been reported from monospecies bacterial biofilms, for instance. To explore the potential contribution of demographic processes to these architectures, we propose a size‐structured population model to simulate the dynamics of biofilm growth and cluster size distribution. Our findings establish that basic physical and demographic processes are key forces that shape apparently universal biofilm architectures as they occur in diverse microbial but also in single‐species bacterial biofilms.
Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses ofThanatophilus sinuatusFabricius (Coleoptera: Silphidae) to Selected Cadaveric Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Dekeirsschieter Jessica , Frederickx Christine , Lognay Georges , Brostaux Yves , Verheggen Francois J. , Haubruge Eric
Published: July 2013

Soon after death, carcasses release volatile chemicals that attract carrion insects including Silphidae. Nevertheless, it is not known which chemical cues are involved in the attractiveness of the carcass. So far, little information is available on the chemical ecology of carrion beetles, particularly concerning the subfamily of Silphinae. The biological role of selected cadaveric volatile organic compounds including dimethyldisulfide (DMDS), butan‐1‐ol, n‐butanoic acid, indole, phenol,p‐cresol, putrescine, and cadaverine on the silphine species,Thanatophilus sinuatusFabricius, was investigated using both electrophysiological and behavioral techniques. Among the tested cadaveric compounds, butan‐1‐ol andDMDSelicited the strongest electroantennography (EAG) from bothT. sinuatusmale and female antennae. In a two‐arm olfactometer, males and females were significantly attracted toDMDSfor both tested doses, whereas only males were attracted top‐cresol at 100 ng. Putrescine was repellent to males at the dose of 1 μg.
Sudden Death Due to Hydatid Disease: A Six‐Year Study in the Northern Part of Tunisia
Authors: Khelil Mehdi Ben , Allouche Mohamed , Banasr Ahmed , Gloulou Fatma , Benzarti Anis , Zhioua Mongi , Haouet Slim , Hamdoun Moncef
Published: July 2013

Human ecchinococcosis also known as hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused by the tapeworm Ecchinococcus with 2–3 Million cases worldwide. We hereby report a 6 years period study of Sudden death due to hydatidosis aiming to analyze the epidemiological criteria, death circumstances, and autopsy observations attributed to hydatid disease. During the past 6 years, 26 death cases were due to hydatid disease. Our analysis shows that the sex ratio (M/F) was 1.6, the mean age was 31‐year old, and 65% of the subjects lived in rural places. In 17 cases, death occurred in the victim's place, five victims died after a heavy exercise, and in two cases, death occurred immediately after trauma. At autopsy, 91% of the cysts were found in the liver. In three cases, death followed a septic state, and in two cases, it followed an acute respiratory failure. Death was attributed to anaphylaxis in 17 cases.
Particularities Regarding the Etiology of Sepsis in Forensic Services
Authors: Dermengiu Dan , Curca George Cristian , Ceausu Mihai , Hostiuc Sorin
Published: July 2013

If in clinical practice definitive diagnostic criteria had been established, after death sepsis is often difficult to diagnose, especially if a site of origin is not found or if no clinical data are available. This article will analyze the etiology of sepsis in a medical‐legal service with emphasis on the differences in diagnosing it in clinical and forensic environments. A total of 78 cases of sepsis cases diagnosed or confirmed at the autopsy were selected. The etiological agent was determined either during the hospitalization or by postmortem bacteriology. A high prevalence of Gram‐negative sepsis was found, especially multidrug‐resistant micro‐organisms. Most frequent etiological agents were Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella. Polymicrobial sepsis is much more frequent than in nonforensic cases. In legal medicine, the prevalence of Gram‐negative sepsis is much higher than in nonforensic autopsies, and the point of origin is shifted toward the skin and the gastrointestinal system.
Uncovering the cellular and molecular changes in tendon stem/progenitor cells attributed to tendon aging and degeneration
Authors: Kohler Julia , Popov Cvetan , Klotz Barbara , Alberton Paolo , Prall Wolf Christian , Haasters Florian , Müller‐Deubert Sigrid , Ebert Regina , Klein‐Hitpass Ludger , Jakob Franz , Schieker Matthias , Docheva Denitsa
Published: July 2013

Although the link between altered stem cell properties and tissue aging has been recognized, the molecular and cellular processes of tendon aging have not been elucidated. As tendons contain stem/progenitor cells (TSPC), we investigated whether the molecular and cellular attributes of TSPC alter during tendon aging and degeneration. Comparing TSPC derived from young/healthy (Y‐TSPC) and aged/degenerated human Achilles tendon biopsies (A‐TSPC), we observed that A‐TSPC exhibit a profound self‐renewal and clonogenic deficits, while their multipotency was still retained. Senescence analysis showed a premature entry into senescence of the A‐TSPC, a finding accompanied by an upregulation of p16INK4A. To identify age‐related molecular factors, we performed microarray and gene ontology analyses. These analyses revealed an intriguing transcriptomal shift in A‐TSPC, where the most differentially expressed probesets encode for genes regulating cell adhesion, migration, and actin cytoskeleton. Time‐lapse analysis showed that A‐TSPC exhibit decelerated motion and delayed wound closure concomitant to a higher actin stress fiber content and a slower turnover of actin filaments. Lastly, based on the expression analyses of microarray candidates, we suggest that dysregulated cell–matrix interactions and the ROCK kinase pathway might be key players in TSPC aging. Taken together, we propose that during tendon aging and degeneration, the TSPC pool is becoming exhausted in terms of size and functional fitness. Thus, our study provides the first fundamental basis for further exploration into the molecular mechanisms behind tendon aging and degeneration as well as for the selection of novel tendon‐specific therapeutical targets.
Exploring the effect of aquatic exercise on behaviour and psychological well‐being in people with moderate to severe dementia: A pilot study of the Watermemories Swimming Club
Authors: Neville Christine , Henwood Tim , Beattie Elizabeth , Fielding Elaine
Published: July 2013

Aim

To explore the effects of a dementia‐specific, aquatic exercise intervention on behavioural and psychological symptoms in people with dementia (BPSD).

Method

Residents from two aged care facilities in Queensland, Australia, received a 12‐week intervention consisting of aquatic exercises for strength, agility, flexibility, balance and relaxation. The Psychological Well‐Being in Cognitively Impaired Persons Scale (PW‐BCIP) and the Revised Memory and Behaviour Problems Checklist (RMBPC) were completed by registered nurses at baseline, week 6, week 9 and post intervention.

Results

Ten women and one man (median age = 88.4 years, interquartile range = 12.3) participated. Statistically significant declines in the RMBPC and PW‐BCIP were observed over the study period.

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence suggests that a dementia‐specific, aquatic exercise intervention reduces BPSD and improves psychological well‐being in people with moderate to severe dementia. With further testing, this innovative intervention may prove effective in addressing some of the most challenging aspects of dementia care.
Network‐Based Penalized Regression With Application to Genomic Data
Authors: Kim Sunkyung , Pan Wei , Shen Xiaotong
Published: July 2013

Penalized regression approaches are attractive in dealing with high‐dimensional data such as arising in high‐throughput genomic studies. New methods have been introduced to utilize the network structure of predictors, for example, gene networks, to improve parameter estimation and variable selection. All the existing network‐based penalized methods are based on an assumption that parameters, for example, regression coefficients, of neighboring nodes in a network are close in magnitude, which however may not hold. Here we propose a novel penalized regression method based on a weaker prior assumption that the parameters of neighboring nodes in a network are likely to be zero (or non‐zero) at the same time, regardless of their specific magnitudes. We propose a novel non‐convex penalty function to incorporate this prior, and an algorithm based on difference convex programming. We use simulated data and two breast cancer gene expression datasets to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed methods over some existing methods. Our proposed methods can be applied to more general problems for group variable selection.
The nature of teacher engagement at an online high school
Authors: Borup Jered , Graham Charles R. , Drysdale Jeffery S.
Published: July 2013

Little research has examined the critical components of successful K‐12 online schools, due in part to the theoretical focus of current frameworks on higher education rather than characteristics of K‐12 online learners and environments. Using K‐12 online research, this paper examined teaching presence as explained by the Community of Inquiry framework and identified additional teacher roles that needed stronger emphasis. We termed the new construct teacher engagement. Teacher engagement was shown to be helpful in describing and identifying effective teacher practices at the Open High School of Utah (OHSU), a successful online charter school. Through a series of 22 interviews with over half of the OHSU faculty, it was found that teachers worked to improve student outcomes by (1) designing and organizing learning activities, (2) facilitating discourse with students and parents, (3) providing students with one‐on‐one instruction, (4) nurturing a safe and caring learning environment, (5) motivating students to engage in learning activities and (6) closely monitoring student behavior and learning. These six elements describe the core of teacher engagement.
Pfannenstiel laparoendoscopic single‐site (LESS) vs conventional multiport laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Richstone Lee , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Waingankar Nikhil , Hillelsohn Joel H. , Andonian Sero , Schwartz Michael J. , Kavoussi Louis R.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To present outcomes of a randomized, patient‐blinded controlled trial on Pfannenstiel laparoendoscopic single‐site (LESS) vs conventional multiport laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

Patients and Methods

Patients presenting as left kidney donors between January 2009 and November 2011 were randomized to LESS donor nephrectomy (LESS‐DN: n = 15) or conventional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN: n = 14).

Patients were blinded to the surgical approach preoperatively and attempts to continue patient blinding postoperatively were made by applying dressings consistent with multiple conventional laparoscopic incisions for all patients.

De‐identified data related to the operation, peri‐operative course and postoperative follow‐up were prospectively collected and compared between the two groups with an intention‐to‐treat analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups when comparing operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), i.v. fluid administration, renal allograft warm ischaemia time (WIT), length of hospital stay (LOS) and total inpatient analgesic requirements.

Quantitative pain assessment was not significantly different on postoperative day (POD) #0, however, it was significantly lower in the LESS‐DN group, beginning on POD #1 (P < 0.05).

The changes in haematocrit and serum creatinine in the two groups were not significantly different, and there were no blood transfusions in either group, nor was there a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate to <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 of body surface area in any patients.

Two patients in the LESS‐DN group were converted to conventional LDN, both because of failure to progress effectively.

All allografts were functional at the time of transplantation and revascularization, with no cases of hyperacute rejection.

Conclusions

Peri‐operative variables including EBL, WIT and LOS were equivalent when comparing Pfannenstiel LESS‐DN with conventional LDN.

Patient‐reported visual analogue pain scale scores were significantly lower in the LESS‐DN group beginning on the first postoperative day.
MicroRNA‐124 Protects Neurons Against Apoptosis in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sun Yang , Gui Huan , Li Qi , Luo Zhu‐Min , Zheng Min‐Jun , Duan Jun‐Li , Liu Xia
Published: July 2013

Aims

To explore the role and underlying mechanism of miR‐124 in stroke.

Methods

miR‐124 expression was determined by real‐time PCR. The effect of miR‐124 on infarct area was assessed in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice. The influence of miR‐124 on oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) induced neuron apoptosis and death was examined by immunofluorescence. The effect of miR‐124 on apoptosis‐related proteins was determined by Western blot.

Results

The level of miR‐124 is significantly increased in ischemic penumbra as compared with that in nonischemic area of MACO mice. Brain tissue of stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR‐SP) also showed higher level of miR‐124 as compared with that of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Consistently, OGD treatment obviously increased miR‐124 level in primary neurons. In vivo, miR‐124 overexpression significantly decreased, while miR‐124 knockdown significantly increased, the infarct area of MCAO mice. In vitro, gain or loss of miR‐124 function resulted in reduced or increased neuron apoptosis and death induced by OGD, and increased or reduced antiapoptosis protein, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl, respectively.

Conclusions

miR‐124 plays a neurons‐protective role via apoptosis‐inhibiting pathway in ischemic stroke.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 Mediates Hypotonicity‐Induced Enhancement of Synaptic Transmission in Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Li Lin , Yin Jun , Jie Ping‐Hui , Lu Zi‐Hong , Zhou Li‐Bin , Chen Lei , Chen Ling
Published: July 2013

Aim and methods

Changes in cerebrospinal fluid osmotic pressure modulate brain excitability. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), which is sensitive to hypotonic stimulation, is expressed in hippocampus. The present study investigated the effect of hypotonic stimulation on hippocampal synaptic transmission and the role of TRPV4 in hypotonicity‐action using electrophysiological recording and pharmacological technique.

Results

Accompanied with the decrease in paired pulse facilitation, field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) was enhanced by hypotonicity and TRPV4 agonist 4α‐PDD in hippocampal slices, which was sensitive to TRPV4 antagonist HC‐067047. Hypotonicity‐induced increase in fEPSP was blocked by α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, but not N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor or N‐ or P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antagonist. High voltage‐gated calcium current (ICa) in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons was not affected by hypotonicity. AMPA‐activated current (IAMPA) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons was increased by hypotonicity and 4α‐PDD, which was attenuated by HC‐067047. Inhibition of protein kinase C or protein kinase A markedly attenuated hypotonicity‐increased IAMPA, whereas antagonism of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II had no such effect.

Conclusion

TRPV4 is involved in hypotonicity‐induced enhancement of hippocampal synaptic transmission, which may be mediated through promoting presynaptic glutamate release and increasing postsynaptic AMPA receptor function.
Idiopathic Dilatation of the Pulmonary Artery–A Case Report
Authors: Kharge Jayashree , Singh Ajit Pal , Raghu Thagachagere Ramegowda , Hegde Madhav , Bharata Ashalatha , Manjunath Cholenahally Nanjappa
Published: July 2013

Idiopathic dilatation of the pulmonary artery (IDPA) is a rare anomaly presenting with enlargement of the pulmonary artery in the absence of an identifiable cause. The natural history of this silent but potentially life‐threatening disease can be unpredictable. We report a case of IDPA in an 80‐year‐old female with a massively dilated pulmonary artery.
A Rare Case of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Mass
Authors: Srinivas Sunil Kumar , Subramanyam Kasamsetty , Ramalingam Rangaraj , Bhat Seetharama , Kalpana Saligrama Ramegowda , Manjunath Cholenahally Nanjappa
Published: July 2013

Thrombus formation in left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of a normal heart is a very rare occurrence. A 23‐year‐old male who presented with syncope, on evaluation found to have obstructing mass in the LVOT. His heart was otherwise normal. His investigations were not contributory except for significant eosinophilia. Due to recurrence of syncope he underwent emergency surgery for extraction of the mass, which on histopathological examination was found to be organizing thrombus. His eosinophil count normalized after the surgery. Tests for hypercoaguable states and investigations for known cause of eosinophilia were normal. There was no recurrence of thrombus or eosinophilia at 6 months after surgery. He was diagnosed to have obstructive LVOT thrombus in a normal heart secondary to transient eosinophilia. Presentation of this interesting case with literature on left ventricular thrombus and eosinophilia is discussed.
Subaltern Lives: History, Identity and Memory in the Indian Ocean World
Authors: Anderson Clare
Published: July 2013

In this paper, I will explore some of the methodological challenges of writing subaltern histories of the Indian Ocean. I will argue that the intense mobility that underpinned society and social transformation on water, land, littoral and river rendered subaltern peoples targets of colonial management and surveillance, within and across European empires. Though productive of a rich disciplinary archive, that archive is scattered across cities, states and nations, and this has had important implications for the production of national or imperial‐centred ‘history.’ I will try to suggest some of the ways in which we can work ‘along the archival grain,’ to bring histories of continents, islands and empires into dialogue with histories of slavery, migration and forced labour. Drawing on the rich possibilities of ethnographic and anthropological research with the descendants of slaves, indentured labourers and convicts, I will also argue for a specifically feminist methodological approach to the study of people's sense of history and identity in the world today. As genealogical resources proliferate, I will urge in particular productive engagement with family historians, as well as with community associations and their everyday material sites of historical memory.
Histological spectrum of mycophenolate mofetil‐related colitis: association with apoptosis
Authors: Liapis George , Boletis John , Skalioti Chrysanthi , Bamias George , Tsimaratou Katerina , Patsouris Efstratios , Delladetsima Ioanna
Published: July 2013

Aims

The main purpose of this study was to define diagnostic histological characteristics of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)‐related colitis in association with crypt epithelial cell turnover.

Methods and results

The examined material included 43 colonic biopsies from renal transplant recipients with MMF administration and persistent diarrhoea. Thirty‐three cases showed MMF‐related colitis, while 10 showed no significant changes. The histological findings were scored and correlated with the apoptotic index (AI) and with the proliferation rate (PR) of the crypt epithelium examined by TUNEL assay and Ki‐67 immunoexpression. Ten cases of Crohn disease and 10 of ulcerative colitis were used as comparative groups. Crypt distortion and loss as well as increased apoptosis constituted the main features, their degree and combination leading either to an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)‐like (82%) or to a graft‐versus‐host disease‐like pattern (18%). A high AI was associated more frequently with moderate and severe crypt distortion, while the values were significantly higher compared with the control groups (P < 0.01). High PR was noted in 18 of 29 (62.1%) of the cases.

Conclusions

The diagnostic hallmark of MMF‐related colitis is an IBD‐like histological pattern in association with increased epithelial apoptosis, while apoptotic cell death seems to be a potential pathogenetic factor of mucosa injury.