bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Problematising practice, learning and change: practice-theory perspectives on professional learning
Authors: Reich Ann , Hager Paul 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to problematise practice and contribute to new understandings of professional and workplace learning. Practice is a concept which has been largely taken for granted and under-theorised in workplace learning and education research. Practice has usually been co-located with classifiers, such as legal practice, vocational practice, teaching practice and yoga practice, with the theoretical emphasis on the domain – legal, teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approach– This is a theory-driven paper which posits a framework of six prominent threads for theorizing practice. It uses examples of empirical research to illustrate each thread.Findings– A framework of six prominent threads for theorising practice in professional learning is suggested. It understands practices as patterned, embodied, networked and emergent and learning entwined with working, knowing, organizing and innovating. By conceptualising learning as occurring via and in practices, prominent understanding of learning are challenged. The paper discusses each thread with reference to empirical research that illuminates it and indicates the contributions of practice theory perspectives in richer understandings of professional learning and change.Originality/value– This paper engages with the practice turn in social sciences to reconceptualise professional and workplace learning. It contributes to research on learning at work by supplementing current thinking about learning, particularly the socio-cultural conceptions of learning, with the resources of practice theories that attend to the regularities of practice.
Low-income low-qualified employees’ access to workplace learning
Authors: McPherson Rebecca , Wang Jia 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the embedded process that enables or constrains low-income low-qualified employees’ access to workplace learning in small organizations.

Design/methodology/approach
– Informed by the sociomaterial approach and cultural historical activity theory, this study adopted a qualitative cross-case study method. Data were collected from three small business owners in Central Texas, USA. Data included interviews and organizational artifacts and were analyzed using a constant comparative and inductive thematic data analysis.

Findings
– This study extends existing literature for low-income low-qualified employees by elucidating business owners’ motivations to develop supportive employment relationships. Despite incongruent value systems, subordinates were provided equal access to workplace learning based on organizations’ needs and business owners’ value systems.

Research limitations/implications
– The organizations’ small size and business owners’ position as the sole decision maker potentially create a different embedded context from supervisors who are subordinates in larger organizations. Further, findings from this qualitative study cannot be generalized without caution.

Practical implications
– The findings from this study suggest that workforce professionals should consider the advantages of small organizations for low-qualified clients seeking employment and adult education opportunities. More research is needed to generalize findings that delineate work situations where low-qualified employees can gain equal access to workplace learning and gain access to adult learning opportunities that lead to job mobility.

Originality/value
– This study identified an organizational context where business owners support workplace learning for low-income low-qualified employees with incongruent value systems.
Uncovering a “Singaporean Way”: learning amidst diversity
Authors: Tan Renée Hui Ling 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The paper aims to explore the possibility of advancing a Singaporean way of learning within the continuing education and training landscape in Singapore.Design/methodology/approach– Using the vehicle of a narrative interview and extending the boundaries of autoethnography, the paper uses personal reflection and interpretation to explore the issues of Singaporean identity amidst the diversity in the globalised Singapore of today.Findings– The paper uncovers the growing latent discomfort of Singaporeans as they navigate historical legacies of Colonialism and question what it means to be schooled in Western systems whilst being Asian. With the supplanting of Asian languages and the seeming superiority and dominance of Western talent, systems and knowledge, Singaporeans are looking to express a greater sense of what being Singaporean could mean.Social implications– Upon manoeuvring and exposing the invisible, the paper concludes that there is an impetus to forge a “Singaporean way”, although how this would manifest itself is, as yet, unknown.Originality/value– Although Singapore has a very visible presence globally for its economic achievements, the paper allows for an often under-represented voice of a native Singaporean to be heard. The liberties taken here with the narrative inquiry mode also allow space for a deeper exploration of identity, pride and conflict in a Singaporean today.
Antihyperglycemic effect of ipragliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, in combination with oral antidiabetic drugs in mice
Authors: Takasu Toshiyuki , Hayashizaki Yuka , Tahara Atsuo , Kurosaki Eiji , Takakura Shoji 
Published: October 2014

SummaryInhibition of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 is a novel strategy for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. As the mechanism of action of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on plasma glucose levels is distinct from that of existing oral antidiabetic drugs, a combination of the two might provide a therapeutic benefit. Here, we investigated the antihyperglycemic effect of ipragliflozin, a selective sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, alone or in combination with oral antidiabetic drugs in a range of relevant mouse models to analyse the blood glucose‐lowering properties of different drug types based on their mechanism of action. Oral glucose tolerance tests in ICR mice were used to evaluate the effect of ipragliflozin in combination with the insulin secretagogues, glibenclamide or nateglinide. Liquid meal tests in ICR mice and diabetic KK‐Ay mice were used to investigate the combined effect of ipragliflozin with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, and α‐glucosidase inhibitor, voglibose, respectively. Four‐week repeated administration tests in KK‐Ay mice were used to examine the combined effect of ipragliflozin with the insulin sensitizers, pioglitazone and metformin. In all mouse models tested, the combination of ipragliflozin and existing oral antidiabetic drugs lowered blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin levels more than either monotherapy. In conclusion, inhibition of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 by ipragliflozin, alone or in combination with existing oral antidiabetic drugs, has a robust effect on blood glucose levels in a range of mouse models of hyperglycemia.
Non‐antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel: improving endothelial function in Chinese healthy subjects with different CYP2C19 genotype
Authors: Zhang Yin‐Zhuang , Chen Bi‐Lian , Zhang Wei , Cao Xin 
Published: October 2014

SummaryClopidogrel has been shown to improve endothelial function in vitro and in patients with coronary artery disease. However, it remains unclear whether such an effect of clopidogrel is associated with CYP2C19 polymorphisms that determine the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. After genotyping, 12 healthy participants were enrolled in the study. Among them, six participants were CYP2C19*1/*1 (extensive metabolizers; EM) and the other six participants were CYP2C19*2/*2 or *3 (poor metabolizers; PM). All participants received 300 mg clopidogel orally. Endothelial function was assessed by measurement of flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery, and adenosine diphosphate‐induced platelet aggregation was determined by using optical aggregometry at 0, 4 and 24 h after administration of 300 mg clopidogrel. Flow‐mediated dilation was significantly higher at 4 and 24 h after a loading‐dose administration of clopidogrel in both the CYP2C19 EM and PM groups, but showed no significant difference between the two groups. Adenosine diphosphate‐induced platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited at 4 and 24 h after administration of clopidogrel in the CYP2C19 EM group. However, there was no statistical correlation between the change in flow‐mediated dilation and adenosine diphosphate‐induced platelet aggregation in the two CYP2C19 groups. This is the first study to report that clopidogrel improves endothelial function in healthy Chinese subjects, which is unrelated with the CYP2C19 genotype and independent of antiplatelet action.
Effects of social and climatic factors on birth sex ratio in Macaca mulatta in Mount Taihangshan area
Authors: TIAN Jundong , WANG Baishi , WANG Zhenlong , LIU Jindong , LU Jiqi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSex allocation theory predicts the optimal investment to male and female offspring. However, a biased sex ratio requires explanations as to why the deviation occurs. Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the most widely distributed nonhuman primate species and the Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis) occupies the northern limit of all rhesus macaque natural populations worldwide. We observed one macaque troop (Wangwu‐1 [WW‐1]) inhabiting Taihangshan Macaque National Nature Reserve and recorded all birth events and the sex of newborn macaques from 2004 to 2013. Our aim was to apply the Trivers–Willard hypothesis to this free‐ranging rhesus macaque troop, and to understand the relationship between climatic parameters (precipitation and temperature) and birth sex ratio. We found that the total newborn macaques showed a female‐biased sex ratio at birth in the WW‐1 troop, but there were no significant biased birth sex ratios in all matriarchs and in high‐ranking and middle‐ranking matrilineal units. However, the low‐ranking macaque matrilineal unit was significantly female‐biased. Moreover, we found that the annual precipitation of the previous year was positively associated with the birth sex ratio, and there was an interactive effect of troop size and current winter temperature on the birth sex ratio. The underlying mechanisms for the effects of social and climatic factors on birth sex ratio could be complex, and we discuss several plausible explanations.
IL28B genetic variations are associated with treatment response of patients with chronic hepatitis C in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Dong Zhi Xia , Zhou Hui Juan , Xiang Xiao Gang , Guo Si Min , Zhuang Yan , Zhao Gang De , Xie Qing 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between interleukin 28B (IL28B) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and sustained virological response (SVR) in Chinese Han patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to analyze the correlations between IL28B SNPs and their personal, virological and clinical characteristics.MethodsAltogether 631 Chinese Han individuals, including 297 CHC patients treated with pegylated interferon α plus ribavirin, 14 spontaneous responders to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 320 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Two main SNPs of IL28B, rs12979860 and rs8099917, were genotyped using an SNaPshot Multiplex Assay. Associations between IL28B, treatment outcomes and the patients' characteristics were assessed by multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe proportion of individuals with the rs12979860 CC or rs8099917 TT genotype was similar in the healthy controls and the CHC patients, although all spontaneous responders presented with both genotypes. Patients with IL28B genotypes had a significantly high rate of rapid virological response (RVR) and SVR. Multivariate analysis revealed that the IL28B SNP rs12979860 CC genotype, being aged <40 years and having a non‐genotype 1 (G1) were independent predictors for SVR. The rs12979860 CC genotype and rs8099917 TT genotypes were predictors for RVR. The rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT genotypes were more prevalent in patients with a non‐G1 genotype than those with G1 genotype.ConclusionsIL28B rs12979860 CC genotype is a significant predictor for SVR and RVR in Chinese Han patients with CHC. Non‐G1 HCV genotype is associated with favourable IL28Bgenotypes.
Propofol and survival: a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: PASIN L. , LANDONI G. , CABRINI L. , BORGHI G. , TADDEO D. , SALEH O. , GRECO T. , MONTI G. , CHIESA R. , ZANGRILLO A. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundOne of the most commonly used hypnotics is propofol. Several studies performed in cardiac surgery suggested an increased mortality in patients receiving a propofol‐based total intravenous anaesthesia. Furthermore, the possibility of infections and the ‘propofol syndrome’ have suggested that propofol might be dangerous. Nonetheless, propofol is widely used in different settings because of its characteristics: fast induction, rapid elimination, short duration of action, smooth recovery from anaesthesia, few adverse effects, no teratogenic effects, characteristics that have undoubtedly contributed to its popularity. The effect of propofol on survival is unknown. We decided to carry out a meta‐analysis of all randomized controlled studies ever performed on propofol vs. any comparator in any clinical setting.MethodsPertinent studies were independently searched in BioMedCentral, PubMed, Embase, Clinicaltrial.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials by expert investigators. The following inclusion criteria were used: random allocation to treatment, comparison between propofol and any comparator in any clinical setting.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐three studies randomizing 14,516 patients were included. No differences in mortality between patients receiving propofol [349/6957 (5.0%)] vs. any comparator [340/7559 (4.5%)] were observed in the overall population [risk ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (0.93 to 1.18), P = 0.5] and in several sub‐analyses.ConclusionInspite of theoretical concerns, propofol has no detrimental effect on survival according to the largest meta‐analysis of randomized trials ever performed on hypnotic drug.
Effect of unfractionated heparin on endothelial glycocalyx in a septic shock model
Authors: YINI S. , HENG Z. , XIN A. , XIAOCHUN M. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThe constituents of vascular endothelial glycocalyx, such as syndecan‐1 and heparan sulphate (HS), can be detected in the plasma of patients and animals with septic shock. However, the dynamics of glycocalyx degradation and its association with inflammation remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the association between the biomarkers of acute endothelial glycocalyx degradation and inflammatory factors. We also evaluated the effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH) on glycocalyx shedding in a canine septic shock model.MethodsTwenty adult beagle dogs were randomly allocated to one of the following four groups (n = 5): (1) a sham group; (2) a shock group [3.5 × 108 colony‐forming unit (cfu) Escherichia coli (E. coli)/kg]; (3) a basic therapy group (sensitive antibiotics and 0.9% saline, 10 ml/kg/h); and (4) a heparin group (40 units/kg/h UFH plus basic therapy). After the onset of septic shock, systemic haemodynamic indices were measured. Endothelial glycocalyx degradation markers (i.e., syndecan‐1, HS) and inflammatory factors [i.e., interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α], platelet count and activated partial thromboplastin time were measured at various time points.ResultsA lethal dose of E. coli induced a progressive septic shock model. We observed increased syndecan‐1 and HS levels, which correlated with IL‐6 and TNF‐α in the septic shock model. The glycocalyx shedding was reduced by UFH, which might be regulated by the inhibition of inflammatory factors.ConclusionsA therapeutic dose of UFH can protect glycocalyx from shedding by inhibiting inflammation. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our conclusions.
Antipsychotic exposure prior to acute myocardial infarction in patients with serious mental illness
Authors: Wu S.‐I. , Kao K.‐L. , Chen S.‐C. , Juang J. J. M. , Lin C.‐J. , Fang C.‐K. , Wu C.‐S. , Dewey M. , Prince M. J. , Stewart R. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and recent exposure to antipsychotic agents in people with serious mental illness (SMI), and modifying influences.MethodA case‐crossover design was applied using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to compare the exposure frequency of antipsychotic agents within individuals of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder between 60‐day case and control periods prior to their first AMI episode during 1996–2007.ResultsA sample of 834 patients with incident AMI was analysed. AMI was significantly associated with more recent antipsychotic exposure in schizophrenia after adjustment (OR 1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.15–3.03) bipolar disorder (OR 1.06, 0.51–2.21). This association in schizophrenia was significantly stronger in men and in patients without previous diagnoses of cardiovascular risk factors.ConclusionThese findings are consistent with a short‐term risk effect of antipsychotic exposure on risk of AMI and identify potentially vulnerable groups. Further research is required to clarify underlying biological mechanisms.
Smoking cessation‐related weight gain—beneficial effects on muscle mass, strength and bone health
Authors: Rom Oren , Reznick Abraham Z. , Keidar Zohar , Karkabi Khaled , Aizenbud Dror 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine the effects of smoking cessation on body composition and muscle strength in comparison with continued smoking.Design and SettingTwelve‐month longitudinal study of adult smokers conducted in Haifa, Israel.ParticipantsEighty‐one smokers recruited from a smoking cessation programme combining group counselling and varenicline treatment.MeasurementsMeasurements were taken at the beginning of the programme and after 12 months. Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength was measured by handgrip dynamometry and predicted one‐repetition maximum tests. Dietary intake and physical activity levels were estimated using questionnaires. Smoking status was determined by urine cotinine. The effect of smoking cessation was assessed using univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses.FindingsForty‐one participants (age 44 ± 12 years) completed all baseline and follow‐up measurements (76% continued smokers; 24% quitters). All measures of body composition and muscle strength were increased among quitters when compared with continued smokers. Adjusted differences [95% confidence interval (CI)] between quitters and smokers were: body weight 4.43 kg (1.56–7.31 kg); lean mass 1.26 kg (0.24–2.28 kg); fat mass 3.15 kg (0.91–5.39 kg); bone mineral content 48.76 g (12.06–85.54 g); bone mineral density 0.024 g/cm2 (0.004–0.043 g/cm2); handgrip strength 3.6 kg (1.12–6.08 kg); predicted one‐repetition maximum of chest press 7.85 kg (1.93–13.76 kg); and predicted one‐repetition maximum of leg press 17.02 kg (7.29–26.75 kg).ConclusionsSmoking cessation is associated with weight gain mainly through accumulating extra fat, but is also associated with increased muscle mass, muscle strength and bone density.
The transformation of the Indian agricultural input industry: has it increased agricultural R&D?
Authors: Pray Carl E. , Nagarajan Latha 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIndian agricultural input industries have gone through a major transformation in the last 40 years. State owned firms grew during the Green Revolution and then stagnated or declined. Indian corporations that were protected from foreign competition are now exporters of agricultural tractors and pesticides. Foreign multinational corporations are rapidly increasing their role in the seed, pesticide, and tractor industries. Entry by large Indian firms and multinationals has increased competition in the input industries. Private agribusiness R&D in India grew from $23 million in 1985 to $250 million in 2009 in 2005 US dollars. This is the same time period as a transformation in the agricultural input industry, rapid growth in demand for agricultural inputs, breakthroughs in information technology and biotechnology, and changes in intellectual property rights. An econometric model was used to test whether the transformation of agricultural input industry was a major factor in the growth of R&D expenditure or not. This article analyzes a unique, firm level sales and R&D data set from the seed, pesticide, tractor, and fertilizer industries in 2000–2009. The estimated model indicates that agribusiness firms' R&D expenditures from 2000 to 2009 were positively related to variables associated with industry transformation such as firm size, ownership by multinationals, and declining industry concentration. The model also indicates that strengthening patent policy as well as growth in the size of research‐intensive industries like the seed industry contributed to the growth of agribusiness R&D in India.
Responses of vegetation and soils to three grazing management regimes in a semi‐arid highland mixed crop‐livestock system
Authors: Habtemicael Mezgebe , Yayneshet Tesfay , Treydte Anna C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThree grazing regimes [Cut‐and‐carry (CC), seasonal grazing (SG) and continuous grazing (CG)] currently applied in Tigrai region of northern Ethiopia were compared to identify the best grazing management in key native vegetation and soil attributes. More than 50% of the desirable species such as Andropogon, Cynodon and Phalaris spp were located in the CC and SG regimes. During the rainy season, the CC regime produced 1.7 and 2.7 more biomass than the SG and CG regimes, respectively. Herbaceous basal cover was 6.8 times more in the CC than in the CG regime. During the rainy season, herbaceous species diversity and richness were the least in the CG regime but similar in the CC and SG regimes. This similarity, however, changed during the dry season when the SG regime is grazed by livestock that led to a reduction in diversity. These results suggest that CC is superior to the traditional CG, but not always necessarily superior to the SG. The SG regime improved soil P status while the CG regime affected soil bulk density and total N negatively. The predominantly native vegetation grazing systems in Tigrai region can be improved cost effectively through cut‐and‐carry and seasonal grazing.