bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Professionalism and Participation in School Budgeting in the USA
Authors: David Miriam E. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this essay is to examine aspects of educational policy-making at the local level in the USA. I shall present some empirical evidence to support the claims that local control by citizens is an illusion rather than a reality and that the professional educators have a large measure of discretion in determining the organization of education in their local communities. The evidence is adduced from an intensive study of the budgetary process in four school districts and in essence shows that the size of the community is not a causative factor in determining the nature of control; nor is the form of government – namely town or city – found to have any appreciable effect upon the extent of citizen participation or control.
The Management and Politics of a Public Exposé: The Prestwich Inquiry 1922
Authors: Towers Bridget A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the dynamics of scandal creation and control involved in the public exposé of conditions and ill treatment at the public mental asylum of Prestwich, Lancashire in 1921. It identifies the groups and interests involved in orchestrating the public and official responses which culminated in a departmental committee of inquiry. It focuses particularly upon the conflicts and divisions within the bureaucratic institutions of the Board of Control, the Ministry of Health and the local asylum authorities, and argues that the Prestwich exposé was used in a strategy which established increased ministerial control of mental health services.
Tax Expenditure and Public Expenditure in the UK
Authors: Wilkinson Margaret 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT‘Tax expenditures’ are public revenue losses which result from special allowances and reliefs given to various categories of taxpayer for reasons of economic and social policy. In 1983/4 tax expenditures in the personal income tax system cost nearly £11 billion which was equal to 35 per cent of revenue from personal income tax or 9 per cent of total public expenditure. This paper assesses their significance in the context of public expenditure and tax policy. It identifies those allowances and reliefs in the personal income tax system which may be regarded as tax expenditures, evaluates them and compares their cost with direct expenditures in similar areas. Many tax expenditures are inequitable and inefficient; and they are difficult for governments to control. If they were reduced some public expenditures could be protected from cuts, or the general burden of income tax could be reduced.
Rationing, Choice and Constraint: The Allocation of Public Housing in Glasgow
Authors: Clapham David , Kintrea Keith 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTSocial segregation in public housing has usually been explained in institutional terms by reference to the policies and practices of the local authority. This paper draws on data from a household survey of new council tenants in Glasgow to demonstrate that the outcome of the rationing process cannot be attributed to factors originating at the level of the institution alone. The research examines stages of the allocation process, in particular the behaviour of applicants in expressing preferences and their propensity to reject offers, as well as institutional factors. It is suggested that household choice behaviour, which is related to income, is important in determining social patterns in council housing.
Funding the National Health Service: the Continuing Search for Alternatives
Authors: Bailey Stephen J. , Bruce Allan 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe article emphasises the urgent need for a reconsideration of potential sources of income for the National Health Service which could supplement rather than replace those from general taxation. They include local taxation, earmarked taxes, patient charges (hotel, prescription and other charges for non-clinical items), a lottery, income generation, charitable donations and patient ‘opting out’ of the NHS with private insurance. Analysis is set within the position statement provided by the 1989 White PaperWorking for Patientsand within a more general analytical framework paying attention to equity, accountability, value for money, management incentives and other criteria.Each funding method is considered in terms of its consistency with the criteria of both the analytical framework and the White Paper. The differences between some of the alternative sources are found to be more apparent than real. Rather than providing a panacea for the perceived funding and rationing problems of the NHS, the danger is that new supplementary sources of finance may simply replace one set of problems with another. The new set may pose even more intractable problems and involve considerable short to medium term disruption of NHS finances. The inescapable fact is that decisions about the levels and quality of public service provision and their financing are ultimately matters of democratic accountability, decisions which cannot and should not be sidestepped by the convenience of income sources.
Those Missing Millions: Implications for Social Statistics of Non-response to the 1991 Census
Authors: Simpson Stephen , Dorling Daniel 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThis article highlights some of the issues raised by incomplete coverage of the 1991 census in Britain, illustrating how far-reaching are its implications across the spectrum of social statistics. The origins and the current state-of-play of the debate over the distribution of the non-response are summarised and the implications then assessed. For many census variables, non-response reduces the observed variation between areas, with consequences for the distribution of resources for local services. The implications for the reliability of the most basic of health statistics are raised through mortality rates. A rough estimate is made, and supporting evidence presented, of the possible numbers of households which were missed by the census. Some implications for housing needs assessments are illustrated along with the effect of the sudden upwards revision of official estimates of the dwelling stock and the resulting overall great uncertainty over the number of vacant dwellings in the country. Finally, recent research on the electoral implications of people's choice not to be registered is discussed as this may well help to understand census non-response. Such a pervasive degree of uncertainty across almost all figures concerning people has not been experienced in Britain since the last century. There is little reason to expect this uncertainty and the importance of its social policy implications to diminish in the future, without significant changes to census procedures and to the relationship between government and governed.
Work and Care in the Life Course: Understanding the Context for Family Arrangements
Authors: Yeandle Sue 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe article develops a case study of the family and work history of an interviewee which is used to illustrate the context in which family arrangements for work, care and support develop. The study uses Finch and Mason's (1993) focus on human agency to develop a ‘family responsibilities account’, and then goes on to explore three aspects of the social structural context in which the life has been lived. These are developed from Connell's analysis (1987) of gender relations: constraints associated with the division of labour, with issues of power and with emotional and personal life (cathexis).A detailed account of the life in question is given, and this is reanalysed using the four approaches indicated. The result is an overall account which emphasises the complexity of social life and of human decision-making, even at the apparently mundane level of choices about family life, paid employment, domestic work and the care and support of kin. The extent to which constraining factors interweave with individual agency is demonstrated, and the significance of the analysis for policymakers is noted: each change in arrangements for work and care in a life affects others, and policy must be made in an awareness of the complexity of its unintended effects as well as of its objectives.
Family Policy in France
Authors: Rodgers Barbara N. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTTo ask about a country's family policy is to ask how state action, government policies, are actually affecting families and the quality of family life – not just poor families, but all families in that country. French family policy is considered under three headings: (1) the political significance of the family in France, (2) the social security services designed to increase the economic viability of the family and to promote family welfare, and (3) the adjustment of French family policy to the changing economic situation and aspirations of ordinary families. Comparisons are drawn with British policies under each heading and the conclusion drawn that compared with Britain France has a more conscious, clearly defined concept of family policy, which finds expression firstly in statutory and voluntary institutions whose primary or even sole purpose is to promote the welfare of the family, and secondly, in a whole range of statutory benefits to which the parents of the nuclear family are entitled as of right.
The Objectives and Performance of the Mental Health Services in England and Wales in the 1960s
Authors: Maynard Alan , Tingle Rachel 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe objective of this paper is to take the published Mental Health Service objectives of the British Government and to assess the extent to which these objectives had been attained by 1970. Our measures are those of input and the criteria by which we judge the services are those which were set forth in the White papers, the Hospital Plan for England and Wales (1962), and Health and Welfare (1963). By and large we find that the objectives were not met. Simple linear extrapolation of some of the trends in the data make us pessimistic about their attainment prior to 1980. These lessons should condition any optimism about the inevitability of more recent objectives (Department of Health and Social Security [1971] - the Keith Joseph proposals) being attained in the prescribed time period.
The role of binocular vision in walking
Authors: HAYHOE MARY , GILLAM BARBARA , CHAJKA KELLY , VECELLIO ELIA 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDespite the extensive investigation of binocular and stereoscopic vision, relatively little is known about its importance in natural visually guided behavior. In this paper, we explored the role of binocular vision when walking over and around obstacles. We monitored eye position during the task as an indicator of the difference between monocular and binocular performances. We found that binocular vision clearly facilitates walking performance. Walkers were slowed by about 10% in monocular vision and raised their foot higher when stepping over obstacles. Although the location and sequence of the fixations did not change in monocular vision, the timing of the fixations relative to the actions was different. Subjects spent proportionately more time fixating the obstacles and fixated longer while guiding foot placement near an obstacle. The data are consistent with greater uncertainty in monocular vision, leading to a greater reliance on feedback in the control of the movements.
The diet of post-breeding Antarctic shagsPhalacrocorax bransfieldensisat the Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Casaux R. , Baroni A. , Ramón A. , Bertolin M. , Di Prinzio C.Y. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe diet of post-breeding Antarctic shagsPhalacrocorax bransfieldensiswas investigated at four colonies at the Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula, by the analysis of 399 pellets (regurgitated casts) collected during February and March 1998 and 2000. Overall, demersal-benthic fish were the most frequent and important prey at all the colonies sampled, followed by octopods and gastropods. Amongst the fish,Notothenia coriicepsandGobionotothen gibberifronswere the main prey in all of the sampling sites in both seasons. The composition of the diet of post-breeding shags differed from that observed in the previous breeding season. Post-breeders preyed on the same fish species consumed by breeders, although in different proportions and on larger specimens. The information provided here differs from that reported for post-breeding individuals belonging to other shag species and also for post-breeding Antarctic shags. Our results, as well as the differences with previous studies, are discussed in relation to differences in prey availability among localities and to the use of alternative foraging grounds at the end of the breeding period.
Differential compaction due to the irregular topology of a diagenetic reaction boundary: a new mechanism for the formation of polygonal faults
Authors: Davies R. J. , Ireland M. T. , Cartwright J. A. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTWe propose a new mechanism for the formation of some polygonal fault arrays. Seismically imaged opal‐A (biogenic silica) to opal‐CT (cristobalite and tridymite) diagenetic boundaries from two regions offshore of Norway have developed regular wavelength patterns. The pattern consists of cell‐shaped elevations that are 200–2600 m wide and up to 200 m high, separated by troughs. The cells represent regions that undergo diagenesis at shallower burial depths, earlier than adjacent areas. The chemical change leads to mechanical compaction and porosity reduction; therefore subsidence occurs above the cells in the overburden. Roughly circular depressions form above the cells, and a network of folds form above inter‐cell areas. Networks of normal faults form on the crests and margins of the folds as a result of flexure during the folding. The progressive lateral growth of the cells causes the depressions to widen and intervening folds to narrow resulting in new differential compaction‐induced faults to form with variable strike orientations. Lateral and vertical growth of cells leads to cells conjoining and the re‐establishment of a uniform planar reaction boundary. This novel but simple mechanism can explain some polygonal fault arrays that form above opal‐A to opal‐CT reaction boundaries and in these settings the mechanism should be considered in addition to syneresis, density inversion or low coefficients of residual friction which are the most commonly cited drivers for polygonal fault systems.
Reversibility of symptomatic peripheral neuropathy with bortezomib in the phase III APEX trial in relapsed multiple myeloma: impact of a dose‐modification guideline
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , Sonneveld Pieter , Schuster Michael W. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Facon Thierry , Harousseau Jean‐Luc , Ben‐Yehuda Dina , Lonial Sagar , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Reece Donna , Bladé Joan , Boccadoro Mario , Cavenagh Jamie D. , Boral Anthony L. , Esseltine Dixie‐Lee , Wen Patrick Y. , Amato Anthony A. , Anderson Kenneth C. , San Miguel Jesus 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe frequency, characteristics and reversibility of bortezomib‐associated peripheral neuropathy were evaluated in the phase III APEX (Assessment of Proteasome Inhibition for Extending Remissions) trial in patients with relapsed myeloma, and the impact of a dose‐modification guideline on peripheral neuropathy severity and reversibility was assessed. Patients received bortezomib 1·3 mg/m2 (days 1, 4, 8, 11, eight 21‐d cycles, then days 1, 8, 15, 22, three 35‐d cycles); bortezomib was held, dose‐reduced or discontinued depending on peripheral neuropathy severity, according to a protocol‐specified dose‐modification guideline. Overall, 124/331 patients (37%) had treatment‐emergent peripheral neuropathy, including 30 (9%) with grade ≥3; incidence and severity were not affected by age, number/type of prior therapies, baseline glycosylated haemoglobin level, or diabetes history. Grade ≥3 incidence appeared lower versus phase II trials (13%) that did not specifically provide dose‐modification guidelines. Of patients with grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy, 58/91 (64%) experienced improvement or resolution to baseline at a median of 110 d, including 49/72 (68%) who had dose modification versus 9/19 (47%) who did not. Efficacy did not appear adversely affected by dose modification for grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy. Bortezomib‐associated peripheral neuropathy is manageable and reversible in most patients with relapsed myeloma. Dose modification using a specific guideline improves peripheral neuropathy management without adversely affecting outcome.
Lack of nidogen‐2 increases blood pressure, glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage in DOCA‐salt hypertension
Authors: Amann K. , Haas C. S. , Zeiler G. A. , Benz K. , Bader B. L. , Hartner A. , Hilgers K. F. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  Nidogen‐2, an extracellular matrix protein, is ubiquitous in renal basement membranes linking the laminin and collagen IV networks. Nidogen‐2‐deficient (nidogen‐2−/–) mice do not exhibit a phenotype, and renal basement membranes appear normal. The functional role of nidogen‐2 in the adult kidney under pathological conditions however remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that nidogen‐2 mediated cell‐matrix interactions are important to maintain glomerular integrity and structure in renal hyperperfusion and hypertension.Materials and methods  Two weeks after unilateral nephrectomy (UNX), desoxycorticosterone (DOCA)‐salt hypertension was induced in nidogen‐2−/– mice and their wild type littermates for 6 weeks. Renal damage was assessed by means of semiquantitative scoring, morphometric analysis, immunohistochemistry and measurement of serum creatinine and albumin excretion.Results  UNX alone resulted in a very mild increase in renal damage in nidogen‐2−/– mice compared to wild type animals. Following DOCA‐salt treatment, blood pressure, serum creatinine and albumin excretion were significantly higher in nidogen‐2−/– than in wild type mice. In addition, nidogen‐2−/– mice showed increased mesangial cell hyperplasia and matrix expansion with higher expression of fibronectin and its receptor α8 integrin. Glomerular capillaries were significantly reduced in size and number.Conclusions  We demonstrate that in both mild and severe glomerular damage, lack of nidogen‐2 is associated with: (i) increased mesangioproliferation; (ii) higher mesangial matrix expansion; and (iii) reduction in glomerular capillary supply. These findings suggest a critical role for nidogen‐2 in the maintenance of glomerular structure in the diseased kidney.
Expression of beta‐defensin 4 is increased in human gastritis
Authors: Otte J.‐M. , Neumann H. M. , Brand S. , Schrader H. , Schmidt W. E. , Schmitz F. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) leads to the initiation of innate immune responses with increased antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression in the gastric epithelium. This study aimed to determine the expression of the novel peptides beta‐defensin 4 (hBD‐4) and RNase 7 in infectious and non‐infectious gastritis. Furthermore, pattern recognition receptors and mechanisms of regulation were characterized.Materials and methods  Expression of AMPs was quantified by real‐time PCR in biopsies obtained from healthy individuals and patients with infectious and non‐infectious gastritis as well as in AGS gastric epithelial cells infected with H. pylori. Distribution of hBD‐4 in the gastric mucosa was characterized by in‐situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. The role of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 and associated signalling pathways was addressed.Results  hBD‐4 was expressed at low levels in gastric epithelial cells and was significantly upregulated in infectious and non‐infectious gastritis. Standard eradication but not acid suppression therapy significantly decreased hBD‐4 expression. Cytotoxin associated gene (cag)A positive H. pylori significantly increased the expression of hBD‐4 whereas cagA negative organisms, non‐viable bacteria or culture supernatants had no significant effect. Overexpression and downregulation of TLRs was not associated with an altered hBD‐4 expression. However, blocking experiments revealed an essential role for the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. RNase7 was inconsistently expressed in biopsies and not significantly upregulated by H. pylori.Conclusions  hBD‐4 may play a significant role in H. pylori associated gastritis. Inconsistent expression of RNase 7 does not support a pivotal role for this peptide in response to infection with H. pylori.
Seedling root morphology and biomass allocation of 62 tropical tree species in relation to drought‐ and shade‐tolerance
Authors: Markesteijn Lars , Poorter Lourens 
Published: January 2009

Summary

Water availability is the main determinant of species’ distribution in lowland tropical forests. Species’ occurrence along water availability gradients depends on their ability to tolerate drought.
To identify species’ traits underlying drought‐tolerance we excavated first year seedlings of 62 dry and moist forest tree species at the onset of the dry season. We evaluate how morphological seedling traits differ between forests, and whether functional groups of species can be identified based on trait relations. We also compare seedling traits along independent axes of drought and shade‐tolerance to assess a hypothesized trade‐off.
Seedlings of dry forest species improve water foraging capacity in deep soil layers by an increased below‐ground biomass allocation and by having deep roots. They minimize the risk of cavitation by making dense stems, and reduce transpiration by producing less leaf tissue. Moist forest seedlings have large leaf areas and a greater above‐ground biomass, to maximize light interception, and long, cheap, branched root systems, to increase water and nutrient capture.
Associations among seedling traits reveal three major drought strategies: (i) evergreen drought‐tolerant species have high biomass investment in enduring organs, minimize cavitation and minimize transpiration to persist under dry conditions; (ii) drought‐avoiding species maximize resource capture during a limited growing season and then avoid stress with a deciduous leaf habit in the dry season; (iii) drought‐intolerant species maximize both below‐ and above‐ground resource capture to increase competitiveness for light, but are consequently precluded from dry habitats.
We found no direct trade‐off between drought‐ and shade‐tolerance, because they depend largely on different morphological adaptations. Drought‐tolerance is supported by a high biomass investment to the root system, whereas shade‐tolerance is mainly promoted by a low growth rate and low SLA.
Synthesis. We conclude that there are three general adaptation strategies of drought‐tolerance, which seemingly hold true across biomes and for different life forms. Drought‐ and shade‐tolerance are largely independent from one another, suggesting a high potential for niche differentiation, as species’ specialization can occur at different combinations of water and light availability.