bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility: a psychosocial multidimensional construct
Authors: D'Aprile Gianvito , Mannarini Terri
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is conceptualized as the construct describing the relationship between companies and society. Although scholars reached an agreement about the linkages between CSR in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and psychosocial issues – social identity, organizational culture and commitment – it is still a problematic issue how CSR should be defined and how companies could behave as socially responsible. The authors hypothesize that psychosocial processes impact the activation of CSR. Within a psychological perspective, the purpose of this paper is to explore CSR definitions and CSR psychosocial dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

According to an emic perspective oriented at in‐depth comprehension of phenomena, the authors adopted the grounded theory methodology to collect, analyze and discuss the data. In total, 14 entrepreneurs and 12 employees of Italian‐Apulian SMEs were interviewed on three thematic areas: organizational culture; sense of community; and CSR. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed through qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Results showed that: CSR definitions were continuously mediated by participants' organizational culture; and perspective taking, care taking and sustainable practices emerged as the salient CSR psychosocial components, correspondent to its cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions.

Practical implications

The paper argues that CSR psychosocial components could be the strategic variables to develop and to manage CSR in organizations.

Originality/value

CSR is re‐conceptualized as a psychosocial multidimensional construct, explaining its dynamic activation in organizations. The authors suggest that the cognitive and affective dimensions are antecedent to the behavioral dimension. Thus, the authors are developing a CSR psychosocial scale to study the linkages among these dimensions and other variables through quantitative analysis method.
Redefining the roles and duties of management
Authors: Zsolnai Laszlo , Junghagen Sven , Tencati Antonio
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the crisis of the business profession and the role that management education can play in renewing business management. It is argued that unless future managers demonstrate that they serve the common good in their daily practice, the legitimacy and moral standing of the business profession remain questionable.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the Masters in International Management Program of CEMS – Global Alliance in Management Education as a pioneering example of developing reflective and responsible managers.

Findings

The future manager is defined as a reflexive practitioner who is committed to environmental sustainability, exercises social responsibility, works with sensitivity toward gender and diversity issues, harmonizes information and communications technologies with processes and organizational culture, applies holistic perspective in problem solving, cooperates with social and political actors, and is engaged in progressive entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The paper shows that responsibility can be successfully integrated into a global management education curriculum.
Exploring responsibility
Authors: Robinson Simon J. , Smith Jonathan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this final paper in the special issue is to extend the critical conversation that has run through this journal about the meaning and practice of responsibility. It will draw together material from the other papers, summarise what is meant by responsibility and offer suggestions for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a critical analysis of the concept of responsibility in relation to practice.

Findings

The paper argues for the importance of a holistic view of responsibility focused in individual and organisational practice of the virtues.

Practical implications

The paper argues for increased dialogue between key stakeholders about the practice and development of responsibility, and for developments in pedagogy that will connect all aspects of ideas, values and practice.

Social implications

There is typically a low level of appreciation of what responsibility means. This paper raises this awareness and identifies what responsibility looks like. It emphasises the importance of engraining a responsibility culture in the organisation, and continued dialogue between within, and beyond institutions.

Originality/value

The paper provides a virtue‐based approach that is based in critical dialogue, extending responsibility beyond conventional CSR thinking and providing the basis of what is a form of universal responsibility. This leads to a unique view of responsibility in culture and the curriculum.
Implementing a patient centred recovery approach in a secure learning disabilities service
Authors: Esan Fola , Case Katie , Louis Jacques , Kirby Jemma , Cheshire Lucinda , Keefe Jannette , Petty Maggie
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how a patient centred recovery approach was implemented in a secure learning disabilities service.

Design/methodology/approach

There are no specific tools for measuring recovery in a secure learning disabilities service. The Recovery Star; a measure of individual recovery was adopted for use among the patients. Staff underwent training on the use of the Recovery Star tool after which a multidisciplinary steering group made some modifications to the tool. Training was cascaded to staff throughout the service and use of the Recovery Star tool was embedded in the care programme approach process.

Findings

It was found that implementing a recovery approach with the Recovery Star tool was a beneficial process for the service but that services will require a whole systems approach to implementing recovery. Key workers working with patients thought that the structure of the Recovery Star tool opened up avenues for discussing topics covered in the domains of the Recovery Star tool which may otherwise have not been discussed as fully.

Practical implications

The availability of a tool, integrated into existing service processes, e.g. care programme approach and accompanied by a systems approach, equips patients and staff for articulating and measuring the recovery journey.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the Recovery Star tool, embedded in a care programme approach process, equips patients and staff for measuring the recovery journey.
Working with Toshiba, Lewin and Dewey: a journey into the heart of change
Authors: Eastman Christine A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Many have suggested that over the last 25 years or so the debate over organisational change has been dominated by the issue of power and politics in the form of an approach consistent with a free‐market spirit. For too long, power and politics have influenced strategic decisions and “top down” management has been the dominant paradigm. However, the author's work with Toshiba has led to the conclusion that the principles of social responsibility and ethical change, as championed by Kurt Lewin and John Dewey, are emerging as a more amenable and desirable approach to change and appear to be embraced by many in the workforce. Many US observers have argued that such events as the bankruptcy of Enron and the indictment of senior executives from this company and others, as well as the recent events in the UK concerning a perceived lack of financial probity in the banking and political milieux, have shown that a disregard for ethics in decision making can have deleterious consequences for business and society. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the increasing sensitivity to issues of social responsibility, ethical behaviour and democratic ideas and ideals.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is presented using Diploma students from Toshibatec in partnership with Middlesex University to illustrate this increasing sensitivity.

Findings

The author contends that Lewin's and Dewey's beliefs are indeed still alive and relevant and that these students are embracing such ideas in their push for organisational change at Toshiba.

Originality/value

The originality of the case study is that, to the best of the author's knowledge, no research has been undertaken either by this company or on this company before. The paper's findings will be interesting for the company and perhaps for working practice to be disseminated to other companies looking to make deep and lasting changes.
Policy watch
Authors: Lawton‐Smith Simon
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to review the last ten years of developments in mental health policy across the UK and to suggest how the mental health world may look in ten years' time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarises and comments on policy documents and initiatives since 2000.

Findings

The paper suggests how changes to policy might impact on mental health services.

Originality/value

The paper updates knowledge of recent and forthcoming mental health policy.
The making of a film about recovery
Authors: Carson Jerome , McNary Michelle , Wolfson Paul , Holloway Frank
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe how the authors made a film about recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of service users were auditioned for the Recovery Film and four chosen to participate. The film was directed and edited by the second author who has lived experience of mental health problems.

Findings

Five main themes are covered in the film: the experience of being mentally ill; causes of peoples' mental illness; personal definitions of recovery; what helps people; and the process of recovery for each of the four participants.

Originality/value

The Recovery Film was short‐listed for a Mind Media Award, has been shown at a number of national conferences and is available on the internet.
Care clusters in mental health and co‐production of care – towards a more lay friendly set of cluster descriptions
Authors: Denham‐Vaughan Sally , Clark Michael
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine the care clusters descriptors now being introduced in mental health care in England and to discuss them in the context of trying to further approaches to co‐production (and related concepts), and social inclusion and recovery. The paper seeks to introduce a revised set of cluster descriptors that are more lay friendly and that, hence, would be likely to encourage more service user engagement in care.

Design/methodology/approach

The care cluster descriptors are critically examined within the context of desires to engage service users in care and encourage staff to explicitly consider individual strengths as well as needs, i.e. co‐production of care between active service users and providers.

Findings

The implementation of care clusters and the development of new organisations of care based on these present opportunities to further develop in progressive ways how care is planned and developed. The cluster descriptors, however, are not an ideal basis for this. Being designed for one purpose the descriptors do not encourage thinking about individual strengths nor are they very lay friendly. They are not seen as an ideal basis for more actively engaging individuals in the planning and organisation of their care packages. Hence, revised descriptors felt to be more suited to this are presented.

Practical implications

Furthering more recovery oriented and socially inclusive practice in mental health care requires that each part of the system encourages all individuals involved to think in these ways. As the starting point for thinking about care, it is essential that cluster descriptors also work in this way. Services need to consider how the existing cluster descriptors impact on how individual care is thought of and delivered and consider using revised ones for some purposes, especially for engaging individuals in their care.

Originality/value

The care clusters being introduced in mental health care in England need to support progressive developments in care. This is the first time the cluster descriptors have been critiqued from the perspectives of recovery orientation and co‐production.
Arts management/marketing journal citation analysis: assessing external impact
Authors: Rentschler Ruth , Kirchner Theresa A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present a quantitative analysis of arts management/marketing articles in leading general management/marketing journals, including an examination of the extent to which those top tier journal articles on arts/culture‐related topics cite authors of leading arts management journal articles.

Design/methodology/approach

Using bibliometric techniques, this study examines the content of 20 top tier management and marketing journals over 22 years to identify articles published on arts management/marketing, which authors were cited, and from which arts management/marketing journals.

Findings

Analysis indicates that: relatively few citations in the top management/marketing journals reference arts management/marketing journals; assessment of interaction between the parent management/marketing disciplines and the arts management/marketing sub‐discipline indicates that authors draw upon a large reserve of diverse literatures; and top journal arts‐related management/marketing articles tend to utilize citations to journal articles grounded in the social sciences and aesthetics of management, with an increasing trend of citations to arts management/marketing journals.

Research limitations/implications

This study of the extent to which top journals have published arts/culture‐related articles and the citation impact of arts management/marketing journals is the initial academic study on the topic and suggests opportunities for further research.

Practical implications

Analysis of arts management/marketing journal impact contributes to professionalization of the field and increased perceived value of those journals by industry practitioners.

Originality/value

This research is the first to examine the spectrum of arts management/marketing literature, including both top general management/marketing journals and sector‐oriented arts management/marketing journals, establishing a body of knowledge for augmentation by future research over time.
Meanderings into the Regulation of Effector Class by the Immune System: Derivation of the Trauma Model
Authors: Cohn M.
Published: May 2012

The pathway of immune system behaviour can be divided into three modules, each with its own logic and database. The modules are related in that they feed sequentially into each other for function. The modules are (1) the generation of the recognitive repertoire; (2) the sorting of the repertoire by purging it of anti‐self; and (3) the coupling of the residue, anti‐nonself, appropriately to the biodestructive and ridding effector functions. While both the generation and sorting of the repertoire have been intensively investigated and are well understood in terms of firm theoretical frameworks, the understanding of Module 3, the regulation of effector class, is patchy. This essay is an attempt to define the elements required for an understanding of Module 3 and that leads us to propose the Trauma Model.
Induction of Immune‐related Gene Expression in Ctenopharyngodon idella Kidney Cells by Secondary Metabolites from Immunostimulatory Alcaligenes faecalis FY‐3
Authors: Wu Z.‐F. , Liu G.‐L. , Zhou Z. , Wang G.‐X. , Xia L. , Liu J.‐L.
Published: May 2012

This study was undertaken to isolate active secondary metabolites from immunostimulatory Alcaligenes faecalis FY‐3 and evaluate their activities using grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella kidney (CIK) cells. By applying chromatography techniques and successive recrystallization, three purified metabolites were obtained and identified by spectral data (mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance) as: (1) phenylacetic acid, (2) p‐hydroxyphenylacetylamide and (3) cyclo‐(Gly‐L‐Pro). CIK cells were stimulated by different concentrations (1, 10 and 100 μg/ml) of the isolated compounds, and expression of MyD88, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, type I‐IFN and IL‐8 genes at different time points (2, 8 and 24 h) post‐stimulation was quantified by real‐time PCR. The known immunostimulatory agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used as a positive control. To analyse whether these compounds are toxic to the cells, the methyl tetrazolium assay was employed to measure changes in cell viability. The obtained results revealed that transcribing level of MyD88, an important adaptor molecule in toll‐like receptor signalling pathway, was augmented remarkably by all the three isolated compounds and LPS as early as 2‐h exposure. These compounds also induced gene expression of cytokines such as IL‐1β, TNF‐α and type I‐IFN. Under the experimental conditions, none of the test compounds is toxic to the CIK cells. These findings demonstrate that the immunostimulatory properties of the three metabolites [phenylacetic acid, p‐hydroxyphenylacetylamide and cyclo‐(Gly‐L‐Pro)] from A. faecalis FY‐3 in CIK cells and highlight the potential of using these metabolites as immunostimulants in fish aquaculture.
Specific changes in total and mitochondrial proteomes are associated with higher levels of heterosis in maize hybrids
Authors: Dahal Diwakar , Mooney Brian P. , Newton Kathleen J.
Published: May 2012

The phenomenon of hybrid vigor (heterosis) has long been harnessed by plant breeders to improve world food production. However, the changes that are essential for heterotic responses and the mechanisms responsible for heterosis remain undefined. Large increases in biomass and yield in high‐heterosis hybrids suggest that alterations in bioenergetic processes may contribute to heterosis. Progeny from crosses between various inbred lines vary in the extent of vigor observed. Field‐grown maize F1 hybrids that consistently exhibited either low or high heterosis across a variety of environments were examined for changes in proteins that may be correlated with increased plant vigor and yield. Unpollinated ears at the time of flowering (ear shoots) were selected for the studies because they are metabolically active, rich in mitochondria, and the sizes of the ears are diagnostic of yield heterosis. Total protein and mitochondrial proteomes were compared among low‐ and higher‐heterosis hybrids. Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis was used to identify allelic and/or isoform differences linked to heterosis. Identification of differentially regulated spots by mass spectrometry revealed proteins involved in stress responses as well as primary carbon and protein metabolism. Many of these proteins were identified in multiple spots, but analysis of their abundances by label‐free mass spectrometry suggested that most of the expression differences were due to isoform variation rather than overall protein amount. Thus, our proteomics studies suggest that expression of specific alleles and/or post‐translational modification of specific proteins correlate with higher levels of heterosis.
Detection and Molecular Diversity of Pantoea ananatis Associated with White Spot Disease in Maize, Sorghum and Crabgrass in Brazil
Authors: Lana Ubiraci Gomes De Paula , Gomes Eliane Aparecida , Silva Dagma Dionísia , Costa Rodrigo Veras , Cota Luciano Viana , Parreira Douglas Ferreira , Souza Isabel Regina Prazeres , Guimarães Claudia Teixeira
Published: May 2012

Bacteria of the genus Pantoea have become important plant pathogens worldwide in recent years. Pantoea ananatis was reported as the cause of maize white spot, a serious maize disease in Brazil, causing significant yield losses. However, very little information is available about how to detect this pathogen, its genetic variability and the putative alternative hosts in maize‐growing areas. To address these issues, we implemented a rapid and efficient PCR‐based method to identify P. ananatis isolated from leaves showing white spot symptoms and evaluated its genetic diversity in maize, sorghum and crabgrass. Of the 29 bacteria isolated from typical water‐soaked lesions of white spot disease that produced yellow colonies, 15 isolates were identified as P. ananatis by 16S rDNA sequencing and correctly detected by the PCR reaction, amplifying a specific fragment of the ice nucleation gene (ina). These P. ananatis isolates included 13 from maize, one from sorghum and one from crabgrass, while the other 14 yellow colony isolates were from other bacterial species, including two Pantoea species (Pantoea dispersa and Pantoea agglomerans) that were not amplified by the ina primers. These results indicate that the optimized PCR assay can be used to detect P. ananatis isolated from white spot lesions and could be used as a large‐scale and cost‐effective method of detecting this pathogen in leaf lesions on maize and other grasses. All isolates were evaluated for hypersensitive response (HR) on tobacco, revealing that some P. ananatis were able to induce HR. The high genetic variability revealed by rep‐PCR did not differentiated the P. ananatis isolates based on their hosts or HR reaction. The detection, characterization and diversity of P. ananatis from maize, sorghum and crabgrass in our study can be applied in understanding epidemiology and designing control strategies for maize white spot disease in Brazil.
Constructed Revolutions: Cinematic Representation of the Spaces of Politics—Ankara: Serdce Tureckii
Authors: Sargın Guven Arif
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  The intricate relationship between the cinematic representation of modernist ideologies and their spatial attributes is part of any political program and finds its concrete manifestation in Modern historiography. The new capital city of the Turkish Revolution renders a similar trajectory through which the city itself, Ankara, becomes almost an instrument of that ideological construction through the gaze of revolutionary cinema. However, what is most striking in this historical remaking is the intrusion of the third party, that of the Soviets of the 1920s. Playing a central role, the Soviets not only politically anchor into the Anatolian geography but also aid the ruling elite in their collective effort to fabricating an amnesic environment, all embedded in Modernist architecture and urbanism. Filmed and directed by Yutkevich himself, Türkiye’nin Kallbi Ankara, in this respect, revisits half a century long debate on how representation and ideology coexists in urban space.
Measuring quality of life impairment in skeletal muscle channelopathies
Authors: Sansone V. A. , Ricci C. , Montanari M. , Apolone G. , Rose M. , Meola G. ,   INQoL Group
Published: May 2012

Background and purpose

Fatigue and pain have been previously shown to be important determinants for decreasing quality of life (QoL) in one report in patients with non‐dystrophic myotonia. The aims of our study were to assess QoL in skeletal muscle channelopathies (SMC) using INQoL (individualized QoL) and SF‐36 questionnaires.

Methods

We administered INQoL and SF‐36 to 66 Italian patients with SMC (26: periodic paralysis, 36: myotonia congenita and 4: Andersen‐Tawil) and compared the results in 422 patients with myotonic dystrophies (DM1: 382; and DM2: 40).

Results

(i) INQoL index in SMC is similar to that in DMs (P = 0.79). (ii) Patients with myotonia congenita have the worst perception of QoL. (iii) Myotonia has the most detrimental effect on patients with myotonia congenita, followed by patients with DM2 and then by patients with DM1 and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. (iv) Pain is a significant complaint in patients with myotonia congenita, hypokalemic periodic paralysis and DM2 but not in DM1. (v) Fatigue has a similar detrimental effect on all patient groups except for patients with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in whom muscle weakness and myotonia more than fatigue affect QoL perception. (vi) Muscle symptoms considered in INQoL correlate with physical symptoms assessed by SF‐36 (R from −0.34 to −0.76).

Conclusions

QoL perception in patients with SMC is similar to that of patients with DMs, chronic multisystem disabling conditions. Our results provide information to target treatment and health care of these patients. The sensitivity of INQoL to changes in QoL in the SMC needs to be further explored in longitudinal studies.
Preconditioning induces tolerance by suppressing glutamate release in neuron culture ischemia models
Authors: Tauskela Joseph S. , Aylsworth Amy , Hewitt Melissa , Brunette Eric , Mealing Geoffrey A. R.
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 470–481.

This study determined how preconditioned neurons responded to oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) to result in neuroprotection instead of neurotoxicity. Neurons preconditioned using chronically elevated synaptic activity displayed suppressed elevations in extracellular glutamate ([glutamateex]) and intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+in) during OGD. The glutamate uptake inhibitor TBOA induced neurotoxicity, but at a longer OGD duration for preconditioned cultures, suggestive of delayed up‐regulation of transporter activity relative to non‐preconditioned cultures. This delay was attributed to a critically attenuated release of glutamate, based on tolerance observed against insults mimicking key neurotoxic signaling during OGD (OGD‐mimetics). Specifically, in the presence of TBOA, preconditioned neurons displayed potent protection to the OGD‐mimetics: ouabain (a Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor), high 55 mM KCl extracellular buffer (plasma membrane depolarization), veratridine (a Na+ ionophore), and paraquat (intracellular superoxide producer), which correlated with suppressed [glutamateex] elevations in the former two insults. Tolerance by preconditioning was reversed by manipulations that increased [glutamateex], such as by exposure to TBOA or GABAA receptor agonists during OGD, or by exposure to exogenous NMDA or glutamate. Pre‐synaptic suppression of neuronal glutamate release by preconditioning, possibly via suppressed exocytic release, represents a key convergence point in neuroprotection during exposure to OGD and OGD‐mimetics.
A New Look at Children’s Prosocial Motivation
Authors: Hepach Robert , Vaish Amrisha , Tomasello Michael
Published: May 2012

Young children routinely behave prosocially, but what is their motivation for doing so? Here, we review three studies which show that young children (1) are intrinsically motivated rather than motivated by extrinsic rewards; (2) are more inclined to help those for whom they feel sympathy; and (3) are not so much motivated to provide help themselves as to see the person helped (as can be seen in changes of their sympathetic arousal, as measured by pupil dilation, in different circumstances). Young children’s prosocial behavior is thus intrinsically motivated by a concern for others’ welfare, which has its evolutionary roots in a concern for the well‐being of those with whom one is interdependent.
A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Modified Pulmonary Vein Isolation Versus Conventional Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LO LI‐WEI , HU YU‐FENG , SUENARI KAZUYOSHI , LI CHENG‐HUNG , CHAO TZE‐FAN , CHUNG FA‐PO , LIAO JO‐NAN , HARTONO BENY , TSO HAN‐WEN , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , HUANG JIN‐LONG , KAO TSAIR , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: May 2012

Modified Pulmonary Vein Isolation in AF Ablation. Introduction: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the primary ablation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that high dominant frequency (DF) sites (AF nests during sinus rhythm [SR]) adjacent to the PV ostia are associated with the atrial substrate that maintains AF, and PVI incorporating the high‐frequency AF nests may have a higher efficacy.

Methods and Results: In a prospective and randomized comparison, 126 symptomatic paroxysmal AF patients that underwent PVI were enrolled. We compared the efficacy of a modified PVI (ablation line: 1.0–1.5 cm from the PV ostium with encircling the AF nests [spectral analysis with DF >70 Hz during SR, Group II]) versus the anatomy‐guided conventional PVI (Group I). In Group II, the DF value along the PV ostium was lower than 70 Hz after the PVI. The primary endpoint was the freedom from symptomatic atrial arrhythmias after a single procedure. We also followed the autonomic function by a time‐domain analysis of the heart rate variability. In both groups, AF nests were observed and electric isolation was successfully obtained in all patients. With a mean duration of 16 ± 6.1 months of follow‐up, Group II had a higher single procedure efficacy without drugs (78.7% vs 66.1%, log‐rank test: P = 0.02), and fewer repeat procedures (6.6% vs 23%; P = 0.04), as compared to Group I.

Conclusion: PVI incorporating the high frequency AF nests adjacent to the PV ostia had a better single procedure efficacy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1155–1162, November 2012)
The effect of systemically administrated zoledronic acid on the osseointegration of dental implants
Authors: Ayan M , Dolanmaz D , Mihmanlı A , Ayan A , Kürkçü M
Published: May 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 802–808

Objective:  The aim of conducting this study was to evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the new bone formation (NBF) after the insertion of a titanium dental implant, which is very popular treatment in dentistry.

Study Design:  Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. The rabbits were divided in two groups. ZA was systemically administered to the study group. Titanium implants were placed to the left and right tibias of the rabbits.

Results:  The data from the ZA group revealed a statistically significant increase in the bone mineral content and the bone mineral density. A non‐decalcified histomorphometric examination conducted on the study group revealed a significant increase of NBF and bone‐implant contact (BIC) at 2 and 4 weeks.

Conclusion:  A single dose of systemic ZA administration increases the rate of NBF and augments the quality of the bone.
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster unfolds the secrets of innate immunity
Authors: Rämet Mika
Published: May 2012

In 2011, the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine was rewarded, in part, for research on the Drosophila immune response. The research described the role of the Drosophila Toll receptor in antifungal resistance, and the subsequent characterization of Toll‐like receptors in mammals reshaped our understanding of the immune system. This review summarizes the potential of the Drosophila model and describes the path that has lead Drosophila to become an important model to study immunity.

Conclusion:  Drosophila melanogaster has been one of the most fruitful models to study innate immunity.
Tight‐binding inhibitors efficiently inactivate both reaction centers of monomeric Plasmodium falciparum glyoxalase 1
Authors: Urscher Miriam , More Swati S. , Alisch Romy , Vince Robert , Deponte Marcel
Published: May 2012

Glucose consumption and therefore methylglyoxal production of human erythrocytes increase significantly upon infection with malaria parasites. The glyoxalase systems of the host–parasite unit cope with this metabolic challenge by catalyzing the removal of harmful methylglyoxal. Thus, glyoxalase 1 from the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (PfGlo1) could be a promising drug target. However, the enzyme has two different active sites and their simultaneous inactivation is considered challenging. Here, we describe the inactivation of PfGlo1 by two glyoxalase‐specific tight‐binding inhibitors with nanomolar Kiapp values and noncompetitive inhibition patterns. The inhibitors do not discriminate between the high‐affinity and the high‐activity conformations of PfGlo1, but seem to stabilize or trigger a conformational change in analogy with the substrate. In summary, we have characterized the most potent inhibitors of PfGlo1 known to date.
Genetic diversity and population genetic analysis of bovine MHC class II DRB3.2 locus in three Bos indicus cattle breeds of Southern India
Authors: Das D. N. , Sri Hari V. G. , Hatkar D. N. , Rengarajan K. , Saravanan R. , Suryanarayana V. V. S. , Murthy L. K.
Published: May 2012

The present study was performed to evaluate the genetic polymorphism of BoLA‐DRB3.2 locus in Malnad Gidda, Hallikar and Ongole South Indian Bos indicus cattle breeds, employing the PCR‐RFLP technique. In Malnad Gidda population, 37 BoLA‐DRB3.2 alleles were detected, including one novel allele DRB3*2503 (GenBank: HM031389) that was observed in the frequency of 1.87%. In Hallikar and Ongole populations, 29 and 21 BoLA‐DRB3.2 alleles were identified, respectively. The frequencies of the most common BoLA‐DRB3.2 alleles (with allele frequency > 5%), in Malnad Gidda population, were DRB3.2*15 (10.30%), DRB3*5702 (9.35%), DRB3.2*16 (8.41%), DRB3.2*23 (7.01%) and DRB3.2*09 (5.61%). In Hallikar population, the most common alleles were DRB3.2*11 (13.00%), DRB3.2*44 (11.60%), DRB3.2*31 (10.30%), DRB3.2*28 (5.48%) and DRB3.2*51 (5.48%). The most common alleles in Ongole population were DRB3.2*15 (22.50%), DRB3.2*06 (20.00%), DRB3.2*13 (13.30%), DRB3.2*12 (9.17%) and DRB3.2*23 (7.50%). A high degree of heterozygosity observed in Malnad Gidda (HO = 0.934, HE = 0.955), Hallikar (HO = 0.931, HE = 0.943) and Ongole (HO = 0.800, HE = 0.878) populations, along with FIS values close to FIS zero (Malnad Gidda: FIS = 0.0221, Hallikar: FIS = 0.0127 and Ongole: FIS = 0.0903), yielded nonsignificant P‐values with respect to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium probabilities revealing, no perceptible inbreeding, greater genetic diversity and characteristic population structure being preserved in the three studied cattle populations. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the frequencies of BoLA‐DRB3.2 alleles observed in 10 Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle breeds revealed distinct clustering of specific Bos indicus cattle breeds, along with unique genetic differentiation observed among them. The results of this study demonstrated that the BoLA‐DRB3.2 is a highly polymorphic locus, with significant breed‐specific genetic diversities being present amongst the three studied cattle breeds. The population genetics and phylogenetic analysis have revealed pivotal information about the population structure and importance of the presently studied three Bos indicus cattle breeds as unique animal genetic resources, which have to be conserved for maintaining native cattle genetic diversity.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene II genotype protects against the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: MANSOOR Qaisar , JAVAID Amara , BILAL Nighat , ISMAIL Muhammad
Published: May 2012

Background:  Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that decreases the quality of life of T2DM patients. Very few studies have found an association between the development and progression of DPN in T2DM and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms.

Methods:  Using gene‐specific primers in a polymerase chain reaction, the presence of ACE I/D polymorphisms was screened for in 276 T2DM patients with DPN, 496 T2DM patients without DPN, and 331 control (non‐diabetic) subjects.

Results:  The distribution of the I/D genotypes was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The II genotype was significantly more prevalent in T2DM patients without DPN than the DD genotype (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of the II and DD genotypes in T2DM patients with DPN (P = 0.78).

Conclusion:  The II genotype of the ACE gene has a protective effect against the development of DPN in T2DM patients. This suggests a role for the renin–angiotensin system in modulating neuropathy in T2DM.
Maintenance Optimization and Nuclear Power Plant Life Management—A Proposal for an Integrated Set of Maintenance Effectiveness Indicators
Authors: Contri Paolo , Kuzmina Irina , Elsing Bernhard
Published: May 2012

Economic deregulation of electricity markets in many countries has placed nuclear power plants (NPPs) in a new competitive environment where capital, operating, and maintenance costs must be minimized. Optimization of the maintenance strategy, enhancement of the maintenance efficiency, and monitoring of the performance are becoming the key attributes to ensure the survival of nuclear utilities in the energy market. The Institute for Energy and Transport (IET), one of the seven scientific Institutes of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), aDirectorate General of the European Commission (EC) recognized the need to collect relevant experience and suggests a consolidated system of maintenance performance indicators (MPIs) to measure the maintenance effectiveness. This paper highlights the latest improvements of the suggested system and discusses open issues that need to be addressed in further research activities for enhancing the maintenance effectiveness of NPPs.
Comparison of Fatigue Crack Growth Curves of Japan, the United States, and European Union Code and Standards
Authors: Hojo Kiminobu , Takahashi Yukio
Published: May 2012

There are several codes, standards, handbooks, and guidelines for the nuclear power plant maintenance in Japan, the US, and EU. They include Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) and fatigue crack growth curves for crack growth calculation. In this paper, the authors selected five kinds of codes, standards and guidelines, and compared their fatigue crack growth curves for choice of the suitable curves. The feature of each curve was quantitatively evaluated. Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) maintenance rule and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code provide the fatigue crack growth formulae for both ferritic and austenitic steels and consider the environmental effects in some cases. The Fitness-for-Service Network (FITNET) curves are categorized in many kinds of metal, whereas the Forschungskuratorium Maschinenbau (Germany) = Board of Trustees of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) guideline and Welding Engineering Society (WES) procedure provide the common properties generally applicable to steels.
Inclusion of Torsion Loads in Section XI Flaw Evaluation Procedures for Pipes Containing Circumferential Planar Surface Crack-Like Flaws on the Basis of Limit Load Analysis
Authors: Bezensek Bostjan , Li Yinsheng , Hasegawa Kunio , Hoang Phuong H.
Published: May 2012

Piping systems in power plant may experience combined bending-torsion loads in the presence of planar crack-like flaws. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI nonmandatory Appendix C provides flaw evaluation procedures for pipes with flaws. These are currently limited to straight pipes under pressure and bending loads and no provision is made for torsion loading. The working group on pipe flaw evaluation is developing guidance for including the torsion load within the existing solutions provided in the Appendix C for bending loading on a straight pipe under fully plastic fracture regime. This paper reports on the finite element limit load analyses performed on the straight pipe containing a circumferential planar crack-like flaw. Pipe diameters were ranging from 4 in. (100 mm) to 24 in. (600 mm) nominal diameter (OD) and R/t ranging from 6 to 40. For the purpose of nonmandatory Appendix C flaw evaluation, it is concluded that the torsion loads can be combined with bending loads using the root of the sum of the squares (RSS) method of Section III of the ASME Boiler Code, without any additional weighting on torsion.
Stress and Strain Locus of Perforated Plate in Inelastic Deformation—Strain-Controlled Loading Case
Authors: Watanabe Osamu , Bubphachot Bopit , Matsuda Akihiro , Akiyama Taisuke
Published: May 2012

Plastic strain of structures having stress concentration is estimated by using the simplified method or the finite element elastic solutions. As the simplified methods used in codes and standards, we can cite Neuber’s formula in the work by American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1995, “Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,” ASME-Code, Section 3, Division 1, Subsection NH) and by Neuber (1961, “Theory of Stress Concentration for Shear Strained Prismatic Bodies With Arbitrary Nonlinear Stress-Strain Law,” ASME, J. Appl. Mech., 28, pp.544–550) and elastic follow-up procedure in the work by Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers [2005, “Rules on Design and Construction for Nuclear Power Plants, 2005, Division 2: Fast Breeder Reactor” (in Japanese)]. Also, we will cite stress redistribution locus (SRL) method recently proposed as the other simplified method in the work by Shimakawa et al. [2002, “Creep-Fatigue Life Evaluation Based on Stress Redistribution Locus (SRL) Method,” JPVRC Symposium 2002, JPVRC/EPERC/JPVRC Joint Workshop sponsored by JPVRC, Tokyo, Japan, pp. 87–95] ad by High Pressure Institute of Japan [2005, “Creep-Fatigue Life Evaluation Scheme for Ferritic Component at Elevated Temperature,” HPIS C 107 TR 2005 (in Japanese)]. In the present paper, inelastic finite element analysis of perforated plate, whose stress concentration is about 2.2–2.5, is carried out, and stress and strain locus in inelastic range by the detailed finite element solutions is investigated to compare accuracy of the simplified methods. As strain-controlled loading conditions, monotonic loading, cyclic loading, and cyclic loading having hold time in tension under strain-controlled loading are assumed. The inelastic strain affects significantly life evaluation of fatigue and creep-fatigue failure modes, and the stress and strain locus is discussed from the detailed inelastic finite element solutions.
Investigation of Hydrostatic Pressure Effect on the Residual Stresses of Circumferentially Butt-Welded Steel Pipes
Authors: Foroutan M. , Aalami-Aleagha M. E. , Feli S. , Nikabadi S.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, the effect of hydrostatic testing internal pressure on the residual stresses of circumferentially butt-welded steel pipes is investigated by a three dimensional finite elements simulation based on ansys11 code. Residual stresses due to welding process are calculated by an uncoupled analysis. In this analysis, at first, a transient heat transfer problem is solved. Output of this analysis is temperature distribution history .This output is used as the structural analysis load. Output of structural analysis is welding residual stresses. The most important part of such simulations is modeling of heat power source. In the present work, heat power of welding electrode is simulated by a moving heat source with Gaussian distribution on a spherical domain. The presented model is used for calculation of residual stresses in an 8 in. three pass butt-welded steel pipe. Finally, the effects of hydrostatic testing internal pressure on the residual stresses are studied by the proposed model. The results obtained from this study show that the hydrostatic testing pressure has a significant effect on residual stresses.
Through-Wall Repairs Using the GTAW Ambient Temperature Temperbead Process
Authors: Newton Bruce
Published: May 2012

Ambient temperature temperbead welding employs the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) machine process, and avoids both the elevated temperature preheat and postsoak heating operations associated with conventional temperbead welding. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code Case N-638 currently governs ambient temperature temperbead welding activities. N-638-4 limits the depth of an ambient temperature temperbead weld repair to 50% of the base material thickness. This restriction precludes use of the GTAW ambient temperature temperbead process for buttering of through-wall repairs and replacements. This paper describes the ongoing ASME activity to revise N-638-4 to permit through-wall temperbead repairs. The methodology, code text, applicable restrictions, and technical bases for Code Case revision N-638-5 are addressed.
An Investigation of the Stress Intensity Factor Along a Corner Crack in Pressurizer Vent Nozzle Penetration Weld
Authors: Lee Sang-Min , Park Jeong-Soon , Kim Jin-Su , Choi Young-Hwan , Chung Hae-Dong
Published: May 2012

Elastic–plastic fracture mechanics as well as linear-elastic fracture mechanics may be applied to evaluate a flaw in ferritic low alloy steel components for operating conditions when the material fracture resistance is controlled by upper shelf toughness behavior. In this paper, the distribution of the stress intensity factor (SIF) along a corner crack using elastic–plastic fracture mechanics technique is investigated to assess the effect of a structural factor on mechanical loads in pressurizer vent nozzle penetration weld. For this purpose, the stress intensity factor and the plastic-zone correction of a corner crack are calculated under internal pressure, thermal stress, and residual stress in accordance with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) equation and Irwin’s approach, respectively. The resulting stress intensity factor and the plastic-zone correction were compared with those obtained from Structural Integrity Associates (SIA) and Kinectrics Inc., and were observed to be in good agreement with Kinectrics results.
A Mean-field Model of Ventricular Muscle Tissue
Authors: Hussan Jagir R. , Trew Mark L. , Hunter Peter J.
Published: May 2012

A theoretical model of the cross-linking topology of ventricular muscle tissue is developed. Using parameter estimation the terms of the theoretical model are estimated for normal and pathological conditions. The model represents the anisotropic structure of the tissue, reproduces published experimental data and characterizes the role of different tissue components in the observed macroscopic behavior. Changes in the material parameters are consistent with expected structural changes and the model is extended to reproduce force-Calcium relationships. Model results are invoked to argue that semisoft behavior and the material axis anisotropy arise from the constraints on the extracellular matrix cross-linking topology.
Graphene metal oxide composite supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Lake John R. , Cheng Arthur , Selverston Steve , Tanaka Zuki , Koehne Jessica , Meyyappan M. , Chen Bin
Published: May 2012

This study presents composite electrode materials based on graphene oxide (GO) and transition metal oxide nanostructures for supercapacitor applications. Electrophoretic deposition of GO on a conductive substrate was used to form reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films through chemical reduction. The specific capacitance of the rGO was calculated up to 117 F/g at 100 mV/s scan rate from KOH (1 M) electrolyte using an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The strong interaction of GO with Co3O4 and MnO2 nanostructures was demonstrated in the self-assembled Langmuir–Blodgett monolayer composite, showing the potential to fabricate thin film supercapacitor electrodes without using binder materials. This two-step process is nontoxic and scalable and holds promise for improved energy density from redox capacitance in comparison with the conventional double layer supercapacitors.
Field emission property of carbon-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays with controllable doping content of carbon
Authors: Kang You-Min , Wang Cheng-Wei , Chen Jian-Biao , Wang Lin-Qing , Li Dong-Sheng , Zhu Wei-Dong , Zhou Feng
Published: May 2012

To achieve an optimum cold cathode emitter, well-aligned TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays (TNAs) were synthesized by anodic oxidation and doped with carbon by pyrolysis of C2H2 at 550 °C. By controlling the carbon doping content, the field emission (FE) properties of carbon-doped TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays (C-TNAs) were optimized. Compared with the high turn-on field of 19.19 V/μm from pure TNAs, the turn-on field of C-TNAs was decreased to 11.60, 6.35, 4.10, and 5.77 V/μm when the doping content of carbon was increased to 0.62, 0.82, 1.81, and 3.31 at. %, respectively. Obviously, the FE properties of TNAs were dramatically improved and optimized by adjusting the carbon doping content, which can be attributed to the typical tubular morphology, an enhanced conductivity, and a reduced work function.