bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass Higher Education and the English: Wherein the Colleges?
Authors: Parry Gareth 
Published: December 2003

AbstractOne of the distinctive features of the English encounter with mass higher education has been the uncertain and ambiguous role of further education colleges as providers of undergraduate education. Both before and during the major expansion that marked the shift to a mass scale of higher education in England, the higher education offered by colleges in the further education sector was commonly regarded as a residual or ancillary activity; its courses mostly at levels below the first degree and its growth in numbers among the slowest in higher education. In the period that followed, these same colleges were accorded a special mission in the delivery of short‐cycle undergraduate education and, through their involvement in foundation degrees, were expected to lead a large part of the expansion in future years. The elevation of this provision, from a zone of ‘low’ or no policy to one of ‘high’ policy, has coincided with a radical reform of the planning, funding and quality arrangements for post‐compulsory education. Under conditions less than favourable to the achievement of their higher education goals, colleges remain the responsibility of one administrative sector and higher education institutions the responsibility of another.
Policy‐Practice Proximity: The Scope for College‐Based Higher Education and Cross‐Sector Collaboration in Wales
Authors: Griffiths Miriam 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIn relation to the size of its population, Wales has a relatively large number of higher education institutions, several of which are small and located in rural areas. Compared with other parts of the United Kingdom, only a small number of higher education students are taught in Welsh further education colleges. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to increase higher education provision in the colleges, beginning in the late 1980s with the encouragement of franchising arrangements by the Wales Advisory Body and later with a joint initiative by the Higher and Further Education Funding Councils for Wales to expand some sub‐degree higher education in the colleges by direct funding. These developments represent just one strand of activity linking the higher and further education sectors in Wales and have not been a subject of major or regular policy attention. For reasons of scale and geography, and through the enabling structures and processes serving both funding councils, cross‐sector initiatives and collaboration have generally been given high priority in strategies to widen access and build progression. The administrative devolution reflected in these arrangements has been increased by political devolution since 1999, with as yet unclear implications for the future development of higher education in the colleges.
Reviews
Authors: Dill David D. , Fanghanel Joelle 
Published: December 2003

Books reviewedPaul R. Trowler, ed. (2002) Higher Education Policy and Institutional Change: Intentions and Outcomes in Turbulent Environments. Buckingham: Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press. 166 pp; ISBN 0‐335209‐19‐X (hb).Peter T. Knight (2002) Being a Teacher in Higher Education. Buckingham: Society for Research into Higher Education & Open University Press. 245 pp; ISBN 0‐335‐20930‐0 (pb.) £18.99.
Obstructive and restrictive lung disease and functional limitation: data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination
Authors: Mannino D. M. , Ford E. S. , Redd S. C. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract.Objective.  To determine functional limitations in adults with obstructive or restrictive lung disease or respiratory symptoms.Design.  Cross‐sectional study.Subjects.  Adult participants in phase 2 of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1991–94.Methods.  We classified subjects using spirometric criteria into the following mutually exclusive categories using the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the forced vital capacity (FVC), the FEV1/FVC ratio and the presence of respiratory symptoms: severe obstruction, moderate obstruction, mild obstruction, respiratory symptoms only, restrictive lung disease and no lung disease. We developed regression models to predict functional limitations (unable to walk a quarter of a mile, unable to lift 10 pounds, needs help with daily activities) that controlled for age, race, sex, education, smoking status, body mass index and comorbid conditions.Results.  Severe and moderate obstruction were associated with an increased risk of being unable to walk a quarter of a mile [odds ratio (OR) 8.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6, 19.9 and OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4, 4.0]. Restrictive lung disease and the presence of respiratory symptoms in the absence of lung function impairment were also associated with an increased risk of this outcome (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4, 5.6 and OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0, 3.9). Similar results were obtained for the outcomes of being unable to lift 10 pounds or needing help with daily activities.Conclusions.  The presence of obstructive or restrictive lung disease, or respiratory symptoms in the absence of lung function impairment is associated with increased functional impairment.
Imbalance of plasma membrane ion leak and pump relationship as a new aetiological basis of certain disease states
Authors: Ronquist G. , Waldenström A. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract.The basis for life is the ability of the cell to maintain ion gradients across biological membranes. Such gradients are created by specific membrane‐bound ion pumps [adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases)]. According to physicochemical rules passive forces equilibrate (dissipate) ion gradients. The cholesterol/phospholipid ratio of the membrane and the degree of saturation of phospholipid fatty acids are important factors for membrane molecular order and herewith a determinant of the degree of non‐specific membrane leakiness. Other operative principles, i.e. specific ion channels can be opened and closed according to mechanisms that are specific to the cell. Certain compounds called ionophores can be integrated in the plasma membrane and permit specific inorganic ions to pass. Irrespective of which mechanism ions leak across the plasma membrane the homeostasis may be kept by increasing ion pumping (ATPase activity) in an attempt to restore the physiological ion gradient. The energy source for this work seems to be glycolytically derived ATP formation. Thus an increase in ion pumping is reflected by increased ATP hydrolysis and rate of glycolysis. This can be measured as an accumulation of breakdown products of ATP and end‐products of anaerobic glycolysis (lactate). In certain disease entities, the balance between ATP formation and ion pumping may be disordered resulting in a decrease ininter alia(i.a.) cellular energy charge, and an increase in lactate formation and catabolites of adenylates. Cardiac syndrome X is proposed to be due to an excessive leakage of potassium ions, leading to electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, abnormal Tl‐scintigraphy of the heart and anginal pain (induced by adenosine). Cocksackie B3 infections, a common agent in myocarditis might also induce an ionophore‐like effect. Moreover, Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the formation of extracellular amyloid deposits in the brain of patients. Perturbation of cellular membranes by the amyloid peptide during the development of Alzheimer's disease is one of several mechanisms proposed to account for the toxicity of this peptide on neuronal membranes. We have studied the effects of the peptide and fragments thereof on45Ca2+‐uptake in human erythrocytes and the energetic consequences. Treatment of erythrocytes with the β1−40peptide, results in qualitatively similar nucleotide pattern and decrease of energy charge as the treatment with Ca2+‐ionophore A23187. Finally, in recent studies we have revealed and published in this journal that a rare condition, Tarui's disease or glycogenosis type VII, primarily associated with a defect M‐subunit of phosphofructokinase, demonstrates as a cophenomenon an increased leak of Ca2+into erythrocytes.
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta genotype in relation to cardiovascular risk factors and risk of coronary heart disease in hypercholesterolaemic men
Authors: Skogsberg J. , McMahon A. D. , Karpe F. , Hamsten A. , Packard C. J. , Ehrenborg E. ,   on behalf of the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study
Published: November 2003

Abstract.Objectives.  Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta (PPARD) is a transcription factor implicated in the regulation of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. We recently discovered a common polymorphism in the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of the human PPARD, +294T/C, that is associated with an increased plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentration in healthy subjects. Whether the +294C allele is associated with LDL‐C elevation independently of the background lipoprotein phenotype and whether it confers increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is unknown. Against this background, we investigated the relationships between the PPARD polymorphism and plasma lipoprotein concentrations and the risk for contracting CHD in the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS).Design.  A nested case–control study of participants in a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of pravastatin in mildly‐to‐moderately hypercholesterolaemic men.Subjects.  A total of 580 cases of incident CHD and 1160 individuals who remained free of CHD (controls).Main outcome measures.  Plasma lipoprotein con‐centrations and risk of CHD according to PPARD genotype.Results.  Individuals carrying the rare PPARD +294C allele had a significantly lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentration than subjects homozygous for the common T‐allele. Homozygous carriers of the C‐allele also showed a tendency towards higher risk of CHD compared with homozygous carriers of the T‐allele. In addition, a gene–gene interaction involving the PPARD polymorphism and the PPAR alpha L162V polymorphism may influence the plasma LDL‐C concentration.Conclusions.  PPARD plays a role in cholesterol metabolism in man.
How the Resource‐based and the Dynamic Capability Views of the Firm Inform Corporate‐level Strategy
Authors: Bowman Cliff , Ambrosini Veronique 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThis paper explains that the resource‐based view essentially addresses issues of competitive strategy, but by integrating some arguments from its evolutionary version, the dynamic capability view, it can be extended to inform our understanding of corporate‐level strategy. We concentrate on the issue of value creation from corporate centres and ask how the centre can possess or provide resources. The primary dynamic capabilities identified by Teece, Pisano and Shuen (1997) are elaborated into six distinct modes of resource creation. Each mode is considered in relation to a set of organizational design parameters. We then propose resource‐creating configurations that are congruent with respect to the modes and the required states of the design parameters. We point out areas of tension that are likely to arise if corporations try to combine different modes of resource creation. We conclude that corporate centres may possess resources but must display dynamic capabilities otherwise they will destroy shareholder value.
Decision‐making Autonomy in UK International Equity Joint Ventures
Authors: Glaister Keith W. , Husan Rumy , Buckley Peter J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThis paper investigates approaches to decision making in international joint ventures (IJVs) from the perspectives of the transactions cost and resource‐based theories of the firm. In particular, the concept of autonomy in decision‐making in a sample of UK‐European equity joint ventures is examined. The study adopts a multi‐method personal interview and self‐administered questionnaire approach to examine managerial perceptions of decision‐making and autonomy in the parent firms and the joint venture. The findings show that there are differences in the perception of autonomy between each of the parent firms, and between the parent firms and the IJV management. When we unpack the nature of autonomy in detail, it is found that IJV managers have greater degrees of operational autonomy than strategic autonomy and that decision making by IJV managers takes place within the context of constraints set within the IJV's business plan. This confirms the transaction cost theory which posits that key internal markets (for management, technology and capital) will be under parent control and also supports the resource based view that key capabilities are protected under the business plan established by the parent firms. The influence on IJV autonomy of the moderating variables IJV performance and IJV duration are also examined.
Knowledge Complementarity and Coordination in the Local Supply Chain: Some Empirical Evidence
Authors: Roper Stephen , Crone Mike 
Published: November 2003

AbstractKnowledge, managed or coordinated as a strategic resource, can help to internalize uncertainty or volatility and play an important role in generating and sustaining competitive advantage. One potentially important determinant of knowledge coordination between firms is the relative strength of the knowledge bases of the two partner companies. In the context of the local supply chain, this paper examines the extent of knowledge coordination between a group of 18 Northern Ireland‐based MNE plants and their local suppliers. A typology of knowledge complementarity is developed and related to the extent of firms' knowledge coordination activities. The analysis suggests three main empirical results. First, and somewhat unexpectedly, the relationship between MNE plants and their suppliers is characterized by a wide range of configurations of knowledge complementarity. Second, clear differentials exist between the occurrence of knowledge coordination activities incidental to normal trading relations and more intentional knowledge coordination activities. Third, no direct link was evident between knowledge complementarity and the level of knowledge coordination. The implication is that firms' willingness to coordinate knowledge, something that may be strategically determined, is more important than capability in determining the extent of knowledge coordination.
The impact of abuse on men and women with severe learning disabilities and their families1
Authors: O'Callaghan Ali C. , Murphy Glynis , Clare Isabel C. H. 
Published: November 2003

SummarySo far, little systematic attention has been paid to the impact of abuse on men and women with severe learning disabilities. Using the criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder (American Psychiatric Association 1994) and questions about changes in skills and ‘challenging behaviours’, we interviewed parents to collect information about the effects of the abuse experienced by 18 people with severe learning disabilities. The consequences for the survivors were profound and long‐lasting, and it was found that their parents and siblings were also deeply affected. Very limited formal support was offered to the men and women who had been abused, or to their families. The implications for assessments of the impact of abuse on people with severe learning disabilities and for service provision are highlighted.
Coagulation disorders in patients with cirrhosis and severe sepsis
Authors: Plessier Aurélie , Denninger Marie‐Hélène , Consigny Yann , Pessione Fabienne , Francoz Claire , Durand François , Francque Sven , Bezeaud Annie , Chauvelot‐Moachon Laurence , Lebrec Didier , Valla Dominique‐Charles , Moreau Richard 
Published: November 2003

Abstract:Background: In patients with cirrhosis, severe sepsis may stimulate the extrinsic coagulation pathway resulting in thrombin generation and fibrin formation.Aims: To compare 23 patients with severe sepsis to 13 infected patients without severe sepsis and 18 patients without infection.Methods: Zymogen forms of clotting factors involved in the extrinsic pathway (i.e., factors VII+X, V, prothrombin), and the presence of soluble fibrin were assessed.Results: Zymogen forms of clotting factors were significantly lower, while Child–Pugh score and the proportion of patients with soluble fibrin were higher in the severe‐sepsis group than in the other groups. Decreased zymogen levels were independently correlated with an elevated Child–Pugh score and the presence of severe sepsis. In the severe‐sepsis group, after adjustment for the severity of cirrhosis, decreased zymogen levels were associated with significant increases in the relative risk ratios of in‐hospital death.Conclusions: Cirrhotic patients with severe sepsis have decreased blood levels of zymogen forms of factors VII+X, V, and prothrombin, which may be due not only to the severity of cirrhosis but also, at least in part, to the consumption of these zymogens by the extrinsic coagulation pathway.
Hepatic clearance of tissue‐type plasminogen activator and plasma kallikrein in experimental liver fibrosis
Authors: Nagaoka Marcia R. , Kouyoumdjian Maria , Borges Durval R. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract: We have previously shown that tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) and rat plasma kallikrein (RPK) share a common, but not unique, pathway for liver clearance.Aim: To evaluate the hepatic clearance of both proteases in experimental liver fibrosis.Methods: The hepatic clearance of these proteases was studied in porcine serum‐induced liver fibrosis using the isolated and perfused rat liver model. To better interpret the results, we also studied four other experimental groups: the turpentine oil‐induced acute‐phase response (AP group), AP group followed by GdCl3 administration (AP/Gd group), CCl4‐induced cirrhosis (CCl4 group) and normal group.Results: The tPA clearance decreased significantly by both fibrotic and cirrhotic rat livers whereas the RPK clearance was not altered by the fibrotic rat liver. The hepatic clearance of tPA was reduced in the AP and AP/Gd groups; on the other hand, RPK clearance was increased in the AP group and, interestingly, this effect was neutralized by concomitant GdCl3 administration.Conclusions: We observed that tPA and RPK clearances were affected differently by fibrosis as well as by different stimuli of the acute‐phase response, despite the fact that they share a common hepatic clearance mechanism in normal livers, and they were equally affected in cirrhosis.
Mutations in the NS5A and E2‐PePHD regions of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b and response to combination therapy of interferon plus ribavirin
Authors: Yang Sheng‐Shun , Lai Ming‐Yang , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Chen Gran‐Hum , Kao Jia‐Horng 
Published: November 2003

Abstract:Background/aims:Combination therapy with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin is the current standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C, but the efficacy is still not satisfactory, especially for genotype 1b. NS5A and E2 proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) may repress the IFN‐induced RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR), and thus have the potential to influence the response of HCV to IFN therapy; however, this issue remains controversial.Methods:Nucleotide sequences of the PKR‐eIF2α phosphorylation homology domain (E2‐PePHD) and PKR‐binding domain (NS5A‐PKR bd) of the HCV genome were analyzed by amplification and direct sequencing in 30 HCV genotype 1b patients who had been treated with IFN and ribavirin.Results:Nine (30%) patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) to combination therapy. Pretreatment variables and amino acid substitutions were compared between responders and non‐responders. The responders were younger than non‐responders (37.2±10.4 vs. 45.4±9.5 years,P=0.017), whereas no significant statistical differences were found in the number of amino acid substitutions in NS5A and E2‐PePHD regions between the two groups.Conclusions:Genetic heterogeneity in NS5A and E2‐PePHD regions of the HCV genome may not serve as a predictor for treatment outcome with combination therapy in Taiwanese patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection.
Evaluation of differential gene expression by microarray analysis in small and large cholangiocytes isolated from normal mice
Authors: Ueno Yoshiyuki , Alpini Gianfranco , Yahagi Kaichiro , Kanno Noriatsu , Moritoki Yuki , Fukushima Koji , Glaser Shannon , LeSage Gene , Shimosegawa Tooru 
Published: November 2003

Abstract:Aims: We have shown that large and small cholangiocytes, which reside primarily in large and small intrahepatic bile ducts, respectively, have different functions and responses to injuries. However, there are no systematic studies of the molecular differences between small and large cholangiocytes, which would explain cholangiocyte heterogeneity. To evaluate the differential gene expression between small and large cholangiocytes, microarray analysis was performed.Methods: Primary cultures of small and large cholangiocytes were isolated from normal mice (BALB/c), and immortalized by the introduction of the SV40 large T antigen gene. After cloning, small and large cholangiocyte cell lines were established. Their characteristic features were confirmed by electron microscopy (EM) and measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), and secretin‐stimulated cAMP levels. Isolated total RNAs were hybridized with microarrays (Atlas Glass Array Mouse 1.0 and 3.8), which detects 4850 cDNA expressions. After hybridization, the fluorescent signals were scanned by a GenePix fluorescent scanner and analyzed using ArrayGauge software.Results: EM, TER and secretin‐stimulated cAMP synthesis are consistent with the concept that small and large immortalized cholangiocytes originate from small and large ducts, respectively. When a cut‐off value at the expression signal difference of 3.0 times was employed, 230 cDNAs among 4850 cDNAs (4.74%) were differentially expressed between small and large cholangiocytes. Of these 230 cDNAs, aquaporin 8, IL‐2 receptor β chain and caspase 9 were more strongly expressed by large cholangiocytes.Conclusions: Microarray successfully displayed characteristic differential cDNA expression between small and large cholangiocytes. This technique provides molecular information, which further supports our hypothesis that small and large bile ducts have different functions.
Book Review: Who Cares?
Authors: Belle Deborah 
Published: November 2003

Books reviewed in this article:S. Danziger and J. Waldfogel, (eds.) Securing the Future: Investing in Children from Birth to CollegeB. Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in AmericaN. Folbre, The Invisible Heart: Economics and Family ValuesJ. Heymann, The Widening Gap: Why America's Working Families Are in Jeopardy and What Can Be Done about It
Drug therapy in chronic heart failure
Authors: McKenzie D B , Cowley A J 
Published: December 2003

Abstract
Chronic heart failure is widely recognised as a common and escalating problem that causes major disability and often shortens life. Diuretics and digoxin have formed the mainstay of treatment for many years. Clinical trials have demonstrated that angiotensin converting enzymes and β-blockers, in selected patients, improve symptoms and reduce mortality. Angiotensin-II antagonists and spironolactone may also have a role in certain individuals. Newer pharmacological approaches to the management of this complex disease are being developed, but await full evaluation.