bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of EU Migration Policies on African Countries: the Case of Mali
Authors: Trauner Florian , Deimel Stephanie 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article elaborates on the impact of EU migration policies on African countries, taking Mali as a case study. Building upon fieldwork in the country, it argues that enhanced European involvement (EU and individual member states) has caused Mali to develop a more control‐oriented dimension to its migration policy and to strengthen its links with European development actors and the Malian diaspora. While these reverberations of EU policies can be likened to what scholars have established for other African countries, Mali is unusual because of its large exposure to altered regional patterns of migration cooperation. Many of the regional refoulements and deportations end in Mali despite the fact (or, perhaps, because of the fact) that the official Malian state does little to regulate these operations. In the absence of official policy responses, civil society organizations have stepped in to provide returned migrants with basic care and reception.
Migrant Indebtedness: Bangladeshis in the GCC Countries
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur 
Published: March 2013

AbstractLabour migration affects family economics in at least two ways: one is the outflow of indispensable family resources to meet the expenses incurred in the migration process and the other is the transfer in cash or kind from migrants to their non‐migrating families. This study primarily addresses the former flow, that is sources of funds for migration and resulting migrant indebtedness. Drawing on the experiences of Bangladeshi migrants in the GCC countries, this study explores the economic cost of migration, the extent of migrant indebtedness, and the implications of remittances on migrant families. This research exposes the complexity and multiplicity of the economic costs of migration to the GCC countries and reports that Bangladeshi migration to the Gulf states runs on debt, with migrants and their families indebting themselves in the migration process.
The Risk to Nurses of Developing Burnout Syndrome
Authors: Beierhol Margareta , Tiselius Ingrid , Ek Anna‐Christina 
Published: March 2013

aCollege of Higher Education for Health Professions in östergötlandABSTRACT In order to get information on the risk to nurses of developing burnout syndrome an interview was carried out with 69 nurses from a large hospital and 28 nurses from a small hospital. Particular attention was paid to the following questions in the questionnaire: Does burnout occur among nurses on a short‐stay hospital ward? Is the risk of burnout associated with any particular field of medicine? Does the service as a nurse, hours on duty or rank have any significance? Does the size of the hospital have any influence? Are there any ways of preventing burnout? The questions were asked to establish the presence of a psychical, physical, social and emotional type in addition to factors from the MBI scale. The results showed that nurses risk developing burnout regardless of age, period of service, hours on duty, rank, or field of medicine. The nurse's personality is apparently of relevance but the determinant for burnout development is how different stressors affect the individual. Some methods are proposed whereby the nurses can better cope with the stressors. However, these methods are certainly insufficient and further research is important to define more clearly the principles by which the development of burnout syndrome can be prevented.
Sexuality and the Satisfaction of Sexual Needs
Authors: Paunonen Marita , Häggman‐Laitila Arja 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. This article discusses conceptions of sexuality and the satisfaction of sexual needs in a sample of aged home nursing patients (N= 50) in a small rural town in Finland. The purpose of the study, which was carried out as part of a nursing development project in the form of action research, was to gain a deeper understanding of the satisfaction of basic human needs and problems of need‐satisfaction in aged people, particularly in the domain of sexual needs. The data were collected using a semi‐structured questionnaire, which was designed primarily on the basis of the need theories of Yura & Walsh and Orem.Negative attitudes towards sexual needs were found in more than half of the aged respondents; they did not consider it proper for aged people to have an active sex life. One‐quarter felt that sexual needs and desires were shameful and sinful. Only less than one‐quarter had positive attitudes towards sex. The majority of the respondents felt that they could freely and confidently talk about sex with the nursing staff, but only less than one‐quarter were willing to do so. Almost all had some need to show affection to another person. The majority accepted their own self‐image, but half were not satisfied with their physical appearance.
Patients' Experience of Uncertainty in Illness in Two Intensive Coronary Care Units
Authors: Andersson‐Segesten Kerstin 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The Swedish concept “trygghet” is multidimensional and includes notions such as security, safety, confidence, certainty and trust. Patients in coronary pain are in special need of “trygghet”. In order to study the certainty dimension of the concept the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, MUIS, was used. This 34 item Likert scale is based on four factors: multidimensional ambiguity, complexity, deficit information and unpredictability. A special Cardiovascular Population Scale is formed by utilising 16 of the items included in MUIS. Patients' experiences of uncertainty were studied in two Intensive Coronary Care Units, in different locations, and with different staffing and nursing routines.There were almost no significant differences in scores on MUIS between the two ICCU wards. In the background data, the only discriminating factor was the time between previous and current hospital stays. The shorter the time, the more the uncertainty.
Coping Ability and Functional Status in a Swedish Population Sample
Authors: Langius Ann , Björvell Hjördis 
Published: March 2013

The paper presents reference values of the questionnaires Sense of Coherence scale (SOC), measuring self‐rated prerequisite for coping ability, and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), measuring self‐rated functional status. The sample used is randomly selected from a Swedish urban population consisting of 145 individuals (75 women, 70 men), divided into three age groups, 26–40, 41–55 and 56–70 years.The mean SOC score was 151 (SD 18) and was not related to gender or age. The total SIP score was low (median 0) as expected in a general population. However, again as expected, the results revealed the functional status being worse in the older group of individuals than in the younger ones. The results might give further validity to the test. The SOC scores were significantly correlated to the overall SIP scores and to the subscales of mental and social character and not to those of a physical nature. Thus, the weaker the SOC the worse the functional status. These findings are suggested to give the Sense of Coherence scale a discriminating validity.A single item concerning general health was also rated by the individuals showing the better the general health the stronger the SOC and the less the dysfunction.
Visual Impairment Related to Cognition and Loneliness in Old Age
Authors: Holmen Karin , Andersson Lars , Ericsson Kjerstin , Rydberg Lennart , Winblad Bengt 
Published: March 2013

Reported problems in visual acuity were examined as determinants of loneliness experienced by community dwelling people with either impaired or unimpaired cognition. The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used as a screening instrument to form a cognitively‐impaired (MMSE 20–23/30) and a cognitively‐intact group (MMSE 28–30/30). A total of 147 subjects took part in the study and were examined by an optometrist.Subjects with intact cognition tended to report visual problems more often than subjects with cognitive deficits. One out of two subjects had slight visual impairment, in both cognitive groups. After acuity had been optimally corrected, six to seven out of ten subjects' visual acuity did improve. In a multiple regression analysis, higher MMSE score and visual improvement were significantly related to lower levels of self‐reported loneliness among the elderly with their cognition intact, but not among the subjects with impaired cognition.
Dielectric Tunability, Dielectric Relaxation, and Impedance Spectroscopic Studies on (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3 Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Tao Jun , Yi Zhiguo , Liu Yin , Zhang Mingxu , Zhai Jiwei 
Published: March 2013

Dielectric and impedance spectroscopies were employed to study the electrical behavior of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3 (abbr. BCTZ) lead‐free ceramic. The dielectric properties versus dc bias electric field experiment revealed high dielectric tunability (> 65%) as well as figure of merit (> 27) at 10 kHz and room temperature. At elevated temperature range, a dielectric loss peak was observed and verified to be correlate of oxygen vacancy relaxation. The impedance spectra studies indicate that the ceramic is a mixed ionic conductor of p‐type nature at the paraelectric phase and, the grain and total conductivity at 600°C reaches 6.0 × 10−5 and 2.0 × 10−5 S/cm, respectively.
New Sintered Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 Ultra‐Low Expansion Glass‐Ceramic
Authors: Soares Viviane O. , Peitl Oscar , Zanotto Edgar D. 
Published: March 2013

We developed a new Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 (LAS) ultra‐low expansion glass‐ceramic by nonisothermal sintering with concurrent crystallization. The optimum sintering conditions were 30°C/min with a maximum temperature of 1000°C. The best sintered material reached 98% of the theoretical density of the parent glass and has an extremely low linear thermal expansion coefficient (0.02 × 10−6/°C) in the temperature range of 40°C–500°C, which is even lower than that of the commercial glass‐ceramic Ceran® that is produced by the traditional ceramization method. The sintered glass‐ceramic presents a four‐point bending strength of 92 ± 15 MPa, which is similar to that of Ceran® (98 ± 6 MPa), in spite of the 2% porosity. It is white opaque and does not have significant infrared transmission. The maximum use temperature is 600°C. It could thus be used on modern inductively heated cooktops.
Evaluation of Fracture Resistance and Failure Risks of Posterior Partial Coverage Restorations
Authors: Kois Dean E. , Isvilanonda Vara , Chaiyabutr Yada , Kois John C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractStatement of ProblemInterest in posterior partial coverage restorations has increased because these restorations provide a more conservative treatment option than traditional cohesively based restorations; however, material selection has been a controversial topic in the current literature.PurposeTo evaluate the fracture resistance of posterior partial coverage restorations restored with different materials, examine their stress distribution, and calculate failure risks using three‐dimensional (3D) finite element analysis.MethodsSixty extracted third molar teeth received 2‐mm occlusal reduction maintaining cusp steepness of 45 degrees relative to occlusal surface. Teeth were allocated into four groups (N = 15) and restored with different materials: feldspathic ceramic, leucite‐reinforced ceramic, lithium disilicate‐reinforced ceramic (EMX), or indirect resin‐based composite (COM). Restorations were luted with resin cement and submitted to compressive loads (Instron Corp, Norwood, MA, USA). The data were analyzed with one‐way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's HSD tests. A 3D finite element model of posterior partial coverage restorations was developed and validated. The model was used to approximate the maximum principal stress in each of the materials under a 100‐N static vertical compression at the occlusal surface of the tooth. The risk of restoration failure was quantified and compared among the four different materials.ResultsGroup EMX had fracture resistance significantly higher than other testing groups. Group COM presented the most extensive fractures involving tooth and root structures. When compared with the other materials, group EMX exhibited higher stress concentration; however, the failure risk of the restoration was lower.ConclusionsFracture resistance and failure risks of posterior partial coverage restorations are significantly influenced by material selection.Clinical SignificanceMany restorative materials have been advocated for partial coverage restorations. It is essential to ensure that restorative materials have sufficient strength to support occlusal forces and, in case of fracture, the remaining tooth structure is not compromised or placed at risk. This study revealed that all‐ceramic materials had high incidences of fractures involving the materials themselves, whereas the predominant failure of resin‐based composite involved the tooth structure in a catastrophic manner.
‘Viewing in slow motion’: patients', families', nurses' and doctors' perspectives on end‐of‐life care in critical care
Authors: Pattison Natalie , Carr Susan M , Turnock Chris , Dolan Shelley 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the meaning of end‐of‐life care for critically ill cancer patients, families, oncologists, palliative care specialists, critical care consultants and nurses.BackgroundEnd‐of‐life care for critically ill patients, of whom nearly 20% will die in critical care, remains somewhat problematic (Truog et al. 2008). End‐of‐life care is an established domain in cancer; however, research has not been conducted previously into dying, critically ill cancer patients' experiences.DesignQualitative, phenomenological in‐depth interviews were undertaken.MethodsPhenomenology was used to explore experiences of 27 participants: surviving patients at high risk of dying, bereaved families, oncologists, palliative and critical care consultants, and nurses. Purposive sampling from a UK critical care unit was carried out. In‐depth interviews were taped analysed using Van Manen's phenomenological analysis framework.ResultsA phenomenological interpretation of dying in cancer critical illness, and the impact on opportunities for end‐of‐life care, is presented. Three main themes included: dual prognostication; the meaning of decision‐making; and care practices at end of life: choreographing a good death. End‐of‐life care was an emotive experience for all participants; core tenets for good end‐of‐life care included comfort, less visible technology, privacy and dignity. These findings are discussed in relation to end‐of‐life care, cancer and critical illness.ConclusionThe speed of progressing towards dying in critical illness is often unknown and subsequently affects potential for end‐of‐life care. Caring was not unique to nurses and end‐of‐life care in critical care came with considerable emotional cost.Relevance to clinical practiceThere is an opportunity for nurses to use the care of patients dying in critical care to develop specialist knowledge and lead in care, but it requires mastery and reconciliation of both technology and end‐of‐life care. Healthcare professionals can help facilitate acceptance for families and patients, particularly regarding involvement in decisions and ensuring patient advocacy.
Law, Stock Markets, and Innovation
Authors: BROWN JAMES R. , MARTINSSON GUSTAV , PETERSEN BRUCE C. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe study a broad sample of firms across 32 countries and find that strong shareholder protections and better access to stock market financing lead to substantially higher long‐run rates of R&D investment, particularly in small firms, but are unimportant for fixed capital investment. Credit market development has a modest impact on fixed investment but no impact on R&D. These findings connect law and stock markets with innovative activities key to economic growth, and show that legal rules and financial developments affecting the availability of external equity financing are particularly important for risky, intangible investments not easily financed with debt.
The Determinants of Attitudes toward Strategic Default on Mortgages
Authors: GUISO LUIGI , SAPIENZA PAOLA , ZINGALES LUIGI 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe use survey data to measure households’ propensity to default on mortgages even if they can afford to pay them (strategic default) when the value of the mortgage exceeds the value of the house. The willingness to default increases in both the absolute and the relative size of the home‐equity shortfall. Our evidence suggests that this willingness is affected by both pecuniary and non‐pecuniary factors, such as views about fairness and morality. We also find that exposure to other people who strategically defaulted increases the propensity to default strategically because it conveys information about the probability of being sued.
Opening the Black Box: Internal Capital Markets and Managerial Power
Authors: GLASER MARKUS , LOPEZ‐DE‐SILANES FLORENCIO , SAUTNER ZACHARIAS 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe analyze the internal capital markets of a multinational conglomerate, using a unique panel data set of planned and actual allocations to business units and a survey of unit CEOs. Following cash windfalls, more powerful managers obtain larger allocations and increase investment substantially more than their less connected peers. We identify cash windfalls as a source of misallocation of capital, as more powerful managers overinvest and their units exhibit lower ex post performance and productivity. These findings contribute to our understanding of frictions in resource allocation within firms and point to an important channel through which power may lead to inefficiencies.
Clinical assessment of disease severity in recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Tappuni Anwar R. , Kovacevic Tatjana , Shirlaw Penelope J. , Challacombe Stephen J. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundRecurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosal diseases in many parts of the world. However, there is very limited published clinical evidence for the therapies used in this condition. This could be partly due to the difficulty in evaluating the efficacy of oral ulcer treatment objectively. In this paper, we present a method for assessing and monitoring the severity of oral ulcers before and after treatment.MethodsSix ulcer characteristics, number, size, duration, ulcer‐free period, site and pain, were used to generate an ulcer severity score (USS). The scores for 223 RAS patients were determined, and 79 were scored again after 3‐month therapy with topical betamethasone.ResultsThe scores for the minor RAS group were between 18 and 43 (mean 29.2 ± 5.3). The mean score in the major ulcers group (range: 28–60, mean 39.9 ± 6.1) was significantly greater than in the minor group (P < 0.001). The herpetiform recurrent ulcers score range was wide (range: 18–57, mean 36.6 ± 8.4). The mean severity score decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe USS was indicative of the disease activity in recurrent oral ulceration. It helped in assessing the efficacy of therapy, as the change in the numerical score reflected the change in ulcer severity in response to treatment. This tool may well prove to be of value in clinical management, research and in clinical trials.
Anti-inflammatory effect of hexane fraction from Myagropsis myagroides ethanolic extract in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells
Authors: Kim Sunghee , Kim Jae-Il , Choi Ji-Woong , Kim Michelle , Yoon Na Young , Choi Chang-Geun , Choi Jae-Sue , Kim Hyeung-Rak 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Microglial activation has been implicated in neurological disorders for its inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the hexane fraction from Myagropsis myagroides (Mertens ex Turner) Fensholt ethanolic extract and its underlying molecular mechanism in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglia.

Methods
Various solvent fractions prepared from the ethanolic extract of M. myagroides were analysed for total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity and inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in activated BV-2 microglia. We measured prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of inflammatory enzymes was analysed by Western blot. Nuclear translocation and activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) were determined by immunofluorescence and reporter gene assay, respectively.

Key findings
Among the fractions, the hexane fraction (MMH), rich in fatty acid, showed the highest inhibitory activity on NO generation. Pretreatment with MMH decreased mRNA and protein levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, resulting in a decrease in NO and PGE2 in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Furthermore, MMH inhibited the production of inducible pro-inflammatory cytokines at their transcriptional level via inactivation of NF-κB. MMH inhibited the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

Conclusions
These results indicate that MMH has a strong anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated microglia, suggesting that MMH can be used as a therapeutic agent against neuroinflammatory diseases.
Downregulation of β1-adrenergic receptors in rat C6 glioblastoma cells by hyperforin and hyperoside from St John's wort
Authors: Jakobs Daniel , Hage-Hülsmann Anne , Prenner Lars , Kolb Christiane , Weiser Dieter , Häberlein Hanns 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
While the use of St John's wort extracts as treatment for mild to moderate depression is well established the mode of action is still under investiation. Individual constituents of St John's wort extract were tested for possible effects on the β1AR density and a subsequent change in downstream signalling in rat C6 glioblastoma cells.

Methods
The effect of compounds from St John's wort extract on the downregulation of β1-adrenergic receptor-GFP fusion proteins (β1AR-green fluorescent protein (GFP)) of transfected rat C6 gliobastoma cells (C6-β1AR-GFP) was investigated by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM). The influence on the lateral mobility of β1AR-GFP in C6-β1AR-GFP was investigated by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The formation of second messenger was determined by c-AMP-assay.

Key findings
Confocal LSM revealed that pretreatment of cells with 1 μm of hyperforin and hyperoside for 6 days, respectively, led to an internalization of β1AR-GFP under non-stimulating conditions. Observation by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy showed two diffusion time constants for control cells, with τdiff1 = 0.78 ± 0.18 ms and τdiff2 = 122.53 ± 69.41 ms, similarly distributed. Pretreatment with 1 μm hyperforin or 1 μm hyperoside for 3 days did not alter the τdiff values but decreased the fraction of τdiff1 whereas the fraction of τdiff2 increased significantly. An elevated level of β1AR-GFP with hindered lateral mobility was in line with β1AR-GFP internalization induced by hyperforin and hyperoside, respectively. A reduced β1-adrenergic responsiveness was assumed for C6 gliobastoma cells after pretreatment for 6 days with 1 μm of both hyperforin and hyperoside, which was confirmed by decreased cAMP formation of about 10% and 5% under non-stimulating conditions. Decrease in cAMP formation by 23% for hyperforin and 15% for hyperoside was more pronounced after stimulation with 10 μm dobutamine for 30 min.

Conclusions
The treatment of C6 gliobastoma cells with hyperforin and hyperoside results in a reduced β1AR density in the plasma membrane and a subsequent reduced downstream signalling.