bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Human Rights and the Qur’anic Perspective: Freedom of Religion and the Rule of Apostasy
Authors: Almirzanah Syafa’atun
Published: October 2013

It is often argued that Islam is not compatible with modernity. This can be seen for instance in the fact of the problem that Islam faces to the challenge of universal values of human rights. Built on this supposition, the present article discusses on the great extent the question of religious freedom in Islam. As freedom of religion in the framework of universal declaration of human rights can mean as freedom to change religion, this contradicts to Islamic prohibition of apostasy, punishable with death penalty. The author argues that Islam in fact guarantees religious freedom. This is clear from the Quranic injunctions assuring the freedom of choice whether to embrace Islam or not. Such a freedom is however often contradicted to one prophetic tradition sanctioning death penalty for apostasy. In her view, the author believes that the hadith more in attunes to the political strategy of the prophet to safe Muslim community from any acts of treason or sedition. Death penalty for apostasy is thus not related to the mere personal crime of changing religion but more that of public law related to war or crimes against state. More relying on the modern interpretation of the Quranic verses as well as the prophetic traditions, the author concludes that Islam is in conjunction with the modern values of religious freedom in which personal choice of religion or belief is the backbone of human rights.
Drowning or Waving? Citizenship, Multiculturalism and Islam in Malaysia
Authors: Drakeley Steven
Published: October 2013

This article examines some intriguing shifts in Islamic thinking on questions around citizenship and multiculturalism that have emerged in the Malaysian context in recent years. It does so in the light of the March 2008 election results and other recent political developments, notably the rise of Anwar Ibrahim’s PKR, and considers the implications for Malaysia. Of particular focus is the novel Islam Hadhari concept articulated by UMNO leader Prime Minister Badawi and the relatively doctrinaire Islamic state ideas of Islamist PAS. The article argues that these shifts in Islamic thinking are largely propelled by politics. Partly they are propelled by the logic, in a narrow political sense, imposed by the particular political circumstances that confront these Muslim-based political parties in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious setting. Partly the impetus is derived from growing general concerns in Malaysia that a new and more stable and enduring settlement of the issues associated with the country’s notorious horizontal divisions must be found if Malaysia is to avoid a disastrous plunge into communal conflict or tyranny.
Hizbut Tahrir Malaysia: the Emergence of a New Transnational Islamist Movement in Malaysia
Authors: Osman Mohamed Nawab Mohamed
Published: October 2013

This paper looks at the Hizbut Tahrir of Malaysia and places it in the context of the wider and deeper development of Muslim politics and mass mobilisation across Asia and the world at large. While much has been written about the Hizbut Tahrir of Indonesia (HTI), little is known about the HTM. This paper traces the initial arrival of the HT to Malaysia, via the network of Malaysian students and activists who were educated abroad and who have managed to build their own inter-personal networks and relationships outside the parameters of mainstream political Islam and the state apparatus in the country. Furthermore it is interesting to note that HTM in Malaysia takes its own unique stand on Islamic issues with relation to the mainstream Islamic party PAS and the Malay-Muslim UMNO party. The paper therefore attempts to locate the ideological positioning of the HTM in the wider context of Islamist politics in contemporary Malaysia and to analyse its relationship to the wider currents of ethno-communal as well as religious politics in the country as a whole.
Islam, Adat, and the State: Matrifocality in Aceh Revisited
Authors: Srimulyani Eka
Published: October 2013

Matrifocality has been a rooted tradition in the social history of the community in Aceh. The principles of matrifocality have also affected on how women are positioned in the community, and the socio-gender relation within the community. The fact that Aceh has strongly associated to the Islamic values that claimed to support the paternal traditions. Apparently, the Islamic values and the local matrifocality practices juxtaposed through the roles of adat, which considered as inseparable to Islamic law or teaching, or in local term known as zat ngeun sifeut. Another point in revisiting matrifocality in Aceh in Aceh is an examination of how gender state ideology, particularly during the New Order Regime disregarded some local gender practices across some ethnics in the archipelago. Meanwhile, the state also hegemonied and promoted particular gender state ideology such as state ibuism. Nonetheless, the modernity and social changes have also contributed to the shifting of some matrifocality practices in contemporary Acehnese society. However, since the matrifocality has a strong root in the social life of the community, the principles of the matrifocality still survived until currently, although it transformed into ‘new matrifocality’ practices.
The Influence of Global Muslim Feminism on Indonesian Muslim Feminist Discourse
Authors: Nurmila Nina
Published: October 2013

Since the early 1990s, many Muslim feminist works have been translated into Indonesian. These are, for example, the works of Fatima Mernissi, Riffat Hassan, Amina Wadud, Asghar Ali Engineer, Nawal Saadawi, Asma Barlas and Ziba Mir-Hossaini. These works have been influential in raising the awareness of Indonesian Muslims concerning Islam as a religion which supports equality and justice, but whose message has been blurred by patriarchal interpretations of the Qur’an which mostly put men in the superior position over women. Influenced by Muslim feminists from other countries, there has been an increasing number of Indonesian Muslim scholars, both male and female, who have challenged the existing male biased Qur’anic interpretations on gender relations. These scholars, for instance, are Lily Zakiyah Munir, Nasaruddin Umar, Zaitunah Subhan, Musdah Mulia and Nurjannah Ismail. This paper aims to shed some light on the influence of non-Indonesian Muslim feminist works on Indonesian Muslim feminist discourse. It will also discuss some of the reactions of Indonesian Muslims to the works of Muslim feminists. While some argue for the reinterpretation of the Qur’anic verses from the perspective of gender equality, others feel irritation and anger with the contemporary Muslim feminist critique of the classical Muslim interpretations of the Qur’an, mistakenly assuming that Muslim feminists have criticized or changed the Qur’an. This feeling of anger, according to Asma Barlas, may be caused by the unconscious elevation in the minds of many Muslims of the classical fiqh and tafsir into the position of replacing the Qur’an or even putting these human works above the Qur’an. This, according to her, has unconsciously left the Qur’an “untouchable” (too sacred to be reinterpreted) for most contemporary Muslims.
Indoctrinating Muslim Youths: Seeking Certainty Through An-Nabhanism
Authors: Rijal Syamsul
Published: October 2013

This article discusses the Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia’s (HTI) mechanism and medium of indoctrination as well as their impact on young Muslims’ mind and behaviour. It argues that intensive halqa in HTI plays a crucial role in implanting An-Nabhani’s doctrines into prospective members as well as senior ones so that they can maintain their ideological uniformity and dedication to HTI. In such a traditional medium of teaching, members are not encouraged to use critical thinking but to adopt and implement the HT doctrines correctly as guided by one supervisor (mushrif/mushrifa). Furthermore, the article argues that Muslim youth, especially disaffected ones, are more vulnerable to join HTI since they are at the stage of seeking personal empowerment and identity, social bonds, and channels to express their discontent with life. It is the intersection of these aspects that make young educated people become re-born Muslims who find a ‘total’ Islamic identity and certainty in HTI.[Artikel ini membahas mekanisme dan medium indoktrinasi yang dilakukan Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) serta implikasinya terhadap cara pandang dan perilaku kalangan muda Muslim. Kegiatan h} alqa yang dilaksanakan berperan besar dalam menanamkan doktrin-doktrin An-Nabhani, baik terhadap calon anggota maupun kalangan senior. H{alqa merupakan cara efektif untuk mempertahankan keseragaman ideologi di kalangan mereka dan menumbuhkan kesetiaan terhadap HTI. Dalam h}alqa, peserta sama sekali tidak didorong –untuk tidak menyebut dilarang- berpikir kritis, melainkan dibuat agar mau mengadopsi dan menerapkan doktrin Hizbut Tahrir (HT) seperti diajarkan mushrif/mushrifa. Ditengarai bahwa kalangan muda Muslim, utamanya yang sedang dalam masa labil, lebih berpotensi untuk direkrut bergabung dalam HTI. Hal itu karena mereka sedang dalam masa trasisi guna memenukan identitas dan ikatan-ikatan sosial serta cara/metode dalam mengekspresikan kekecewaan mereka terhadap persoalan-persoalan duniawi. Pertemuan semua kegalauan tersebut pada gilirannya menjadikan kalangan terdidik muda Muslim menjadi ‘terlahir kembali’, mereka merasa menemukan identitas ‘Islam-kaffah’ dan kepastian dalam HTI.]
Reflections on Java and Islam 1979-2010
Authors: Woodward Mark
Published: October 2013

Since the late 1970s, technological developments, especially in communications and transportation, have contributed to growth of new modes of social interaction and, at the same time, to the strengthening of social bonds in geographically dispersed social groups and communities in Yogyakarta. Increased educational opportunities and especially the development of the Islamic university system have contributed to the development of a Muslim middle class and with it a Muslim consumer culture. There has also been a significant shift in the ways in which relationships between culture (kebudayaan) and religion (agama) are conceptualised. Elements of Javanese Muslim tradition including prayer meals (slametan) that were formerly called agama are now more commonly referred to as kebudayaan. This shift reflects and has contributed to the diminution of sectarian conflict. This cultural strategy is not always successful. It does, however, provide a basis for proactive measures to counter sectarian violence. This is evident in “cultural” festivals supported by the kraton (palace) in response to attacks on cultural performance events by exclusivist religious groups.[Sejak dekade 1970an, kemajuan teknologi, utamanya dalam komunikasi dan transportasi, telah mengubah cara interaksi sosial masyarakat Yogyakarta dan, pada saat yang sama, semakin memperkokoh ikatan antar kelompok sosial. Semakin meningkatnya kesempatan belajar [sekolah], utamanya dengan berdirinya Universitas Islam, terbukti mendorong terciptanya kalangan ‘Muslim kelas menengah’ sekaligus konsumerisme yang melekat pada kalangan tersebut. Selain itu, terjadi pula perubahan konsep dalammenilai agama dan kebudayaan. Beberapa bentuk tradisi Islam Jawa, seperti slametan, yang dulunya dinilai sebagai ritual agama, saat ini hanya disebut sebagai kebudayaan. Perubahan ini menggambarkan dan bahkan berperan dalam meminimalisir konflik sektarian, seperti terlihat jelas dalam acara festival “budaya” yang diadakan kraton sebagai respon terhadap pembubaran pementasan budaya oleh kalangan Muslim ekslusif.]
A note on the Hausdorff dimension of the singular set
for minimizers of the Mumford–Shah energy
Authors: De Lellis Camillo , Focardi Matteo , Ruffini Berardo
Published: October 2013

We give a more elementary proof of a result by Ambrosio, Fusco and Hutchinson to estimate
the Hausdorff dimension of the singular set of minimizers of the Mumford–Shah energy
(see [Calc. Var. Partial Differential Equations 16 (2003), no. 2, 187–215, Theorem 5.6]). On the one hand, we follow the strategy of the above mentioned paper;
but on the other hand our analysis greatly simplifies the argument since it relies
on the compactness result proved by the first two authors in [J. Math. Pures Appl. 100 (2013), 391–409, Theorem 13] for sequences of
local minimizers with vanishing gradient energy, and the regularity theory of minimal
Caccioppoli partitions, rather than on the corresponding results for Almgren's area
minimizing sets.
On the relaxation of variational integrals in metric Sobolev spaces
Authors: Anza Hafsa Omar , Mandallena Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2013

We give an extension of the theory of relaxation of variational integrals in classical Sobolev spaces to the setting of metric Sobolev spaces. More precisely, we establish a general framework to deal with the problem of finding an integral representation for “relaxed” variational functionals of variational integrals of the calculus of variations in the setting of metric measure spaces. We prove integral representation theorems, both in the convex and non-convex case, which extend and complete previous results in the setting of euclidean measure spaces to the setting of metric measure spaces. We also show that these integral representation theorems can be applied in the setting of Cheeger–Keith's differentiable structure.
The Effect of Language Proficiency on
Focus on Form in Doing Dictogloss Task
Authors: Bao Tianmei , Zhou Binglan , Gu Weijun
Published: October 2013

Focus on form has received much attention since 1991 when Long first proposed it. However,
it has been little researched in China. The present study reveals how both upper-intermediate
and lower-intermediate learners focus on form in the process of doing dictogloss. The study
was intended to find whether dictogloss is an effective focus on form task for Chinese EFL
students and whether proficiency is related to the extent to which these learners pay attention
to form. The results were compared and interpreted in relation to those of other major studies
concerning this particular area. It was found that dictogloss was an effective task for Chinese
EFL students and there did exist differences between proficiency groups, and these differences
seemed to be more complicated among Chinese EFL students.
Perceived Size Change Induced by Nonvisual Signals in Darkness: The Relative Contribution of Vergence and Proprioception
Authors: Sperandio Irene , Kaderali Shaleeza , Chouinard Philippe A. , Frey Jared , Goodale Melvyn A.
Published: October 2013

Most of the time, the human visual system computes perceived size by scaling the size of an object on the retina with its perceived distance. There are instances, however, in which size–distance scaling is not based on visual inputs but on extraretinal cues. In the Taylor illusion, the perceived afterimage that is projected on an observer's hand will change in size depending on how far the limb is positioned from the eyes—even in complete darkness. In the dark, distance cues might derive from hand position signals either by an efference copy of the motor command to the moving hand or by proprioceptive input. Alternatively, there have been reports that vergence signals from the eyes might also be important. We performed a series of behavioral and eye-tracking experiments to tease apart how these different sources of distance information contribute to the Taylor illusion. We demonstrate that, with no visual information, perceived size changes mainly as a function of the vergence angle of the eyes, underscoring its importance in size–distance scaling. Interestingly, the strength of this relationship decreased when a mismatch between vergence and proprioception was introduced, indicating that proprioceptive feedback from the arm also affected size perception. By using afterimages, we provide strong evidence that the human visual system can benefit from sensory signals that originate from the hand when visual information about distance is unavailable.
Topographic Representation of an Occluded Object and the Effects of Spatiotemporal Context in Human Early Visual Areas
Authors: Ban Hiroshi , Yamamoto Hiroki , Hanakawa Takashi , Urayama Shin-ichi , Aso Toshihiko , Fukuyama Hidenao , Ejima Yoshimichi
Published: October 2013

Occlusion is a primary challenge facing the visual system in perceiving object shapes in intricate natural scenes. Although behavior, neurophysiological, and modeling studies have shown that occluded portions of objects may be completed at the early stage of visual processing, we have little knowledge on how and where in the human brain the completion is realized. Here, we provide functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evidence that the occluded portion of an object is indeed represented topographically in human V1 and V2. Specifically, we find the topographic cortical responses corresponding to the invisible object rotation in V1 and V2. Furthermore, by investigating neural responses for the occluded target rotation within precisely defined cortical subregions, we could dissociate the topographic neural representation of the occluded portion from other types of neural processing such as object edge processing. We further demonstrate that the early topographic representation in V1 can be modulated by prior knowledge of a whole appearance of an object obtained before partial occlusion. These findings suggest that primary “visual” area V1 has the ability to process not only visible or virtually (illusorily) perceived objects but also “invisible” portions of objects without concurrent visual sensation such as luminance enhancement to these portions. The results also suggest that low-level image features and higher preceding cognitive context are integrated into a unified topographic representation of occluded portion in early areas.
Local Generation and Propagation of Ripples along the Septotemporal Axis of the Hippocampus
Authors: Patel Jagdish , Schomburg Erik W. , Berényi Antal , Fujisawa Shigeyoshi , Buzsáki György
Published: October 2013

A topographical relationship exists between the septotemporal segments of the hippocampus and their entorhinal–neocortical targets, but the physiological organization of activity along the septotemporal axis is poorly understood. We recorded sharp-wave ripple patterns in rats during sleep from the entire septotemporal axis of the CA1 pyramidal layer. Qualitatively similar ripples emerged at all levels. From the local seed, ripples traveled septally or temporally at a speed of ∼0.35 m/s, and the spatial spread depended on ripple magnitude. Ripples propagated smoothly across the septal and intermediate segments of the hippocampus, but ripples in the temporal segment often remained isolated. These findings show that ripples can combine information from the septal and intermediate hippocampus and transfer integrated signals downstream. In contrast, ripples that emerged in the temporal pole broadcast largely independent information to their cortical and subcortical targets.
Once More to Mendelssohn's Scotland: The Laws of Music, the Double Tonic, and the Sublimation of Modality
Authors: Gelbart Matthew
Published: October 2013

Many of Mendelssohn's letters and statements demonstrate his aversion to any music, including the traditions he encountered on his travels in Scotland and other destinations, when it stood outside certain aesthetic and technical teachings that in his student years he took to heart as universal axioms. Friction becomes evident between this rejection of rule-breaking styles and his Romantic desire to be connected to folk music, furthered by his visual and literary attraction to Scotland particularly. I argue that this cognitive dissonance spurred Mendelssohn to transform folk modality—real and imagined—into a personalized form in his work. A striking example is the “double tonic” effect associated with many Scottish modal melodies: the rapid alternation between outlined triads a whole step apart. Though this tool could potentially create the type of exoticism the composer tried to avoid in his mature work, he nevertheless later adapted the feature to articulate all the main cadential passages of his “Scottish” Symphony's first movement; but he found a way to rework the double tonic's inherent melodic dynamism into harmonic stasis, thus preserving the artistic laws he valued while creating a special sound at the same time. Inflecting some theories by other scholars on Mendelssohn's “Scottish” style(s), I examine how this and his other altered evocations of modality temper or even displace functional harmonic tension, and elements of this style permeate some of the composer's other works to become a topos. Nevertheless, the “Scottish” music, especially the Symphony, is more deeply affected than the other works—reflecting a unique set of circumstances.
The macrophage low-grade inflammation marker sCD163 is modulated by exogenous sex steroids
Authors: Thomsen Henrik H , Møller Holger J , Trolle Christian , Groth Kristian A , Skakkebæk Anne , Bojesen Anders , Høst Christian , Gravholt Claus H
Published: October 2013

Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is a novel marker linked to states of low-grade inflammation such as diabetes, obesity, liver disease, and atherosclerosis, all prevalent in subjects with Turner syndrome (TS) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). We aimed to assess the levels of sCD163 and the regulation of sCD163 in regards to treatment with sex hormone therapy in males with and without KS and females with and without TS. Males with KS (n=70) and age-matched controls (n=71) participating in a cross-sectional study and 12 healthy males from an experimental hypogonadism study. Females with TS (n=8) and healthy age-matched controls (n=8) participating in a randomized crossover trial. The intervention comprised of treatment with sex steroids. Males with KS had higher levels of sCD163 compared with controls (1.75 (0.47–6.90) and 1.36 (0.77–3.11) respectively, P<0.001) and the levels correlated to plasma testosterone (r=−0.31, P<0.01), BMI (r=0.42, P<0.001), and homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance (r=0.46, P<0.001). Treatment with testosterone did not significantly lower sCD163. Females with TS not receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had higher levels of sCD163 than those of their age-matched healthy controls (1.38±0.44 vs 0.91±0.40, P=0.04). HRT and oral contraceptive therapy decreased sCD163 in TS by 22% (1.07±0.30) and in controls by 39% (0.55±0.36), with significance in both groups (P=0.01 and P=0.04). We conclude that levels of sCD163 correlate with endogenous testosterone in KS and are higher in KS subjects compared with controls, but treatment did not significantly lower levels. Both endogenous and exogenous estradiol in TS was associated with lower levels of sCD163.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells Stimulate Bone Regeneration and Mineral Density
Authors: Zigdon‐Giladi Hadar , Bick Tova , Lewinson Dina , Machtei Eli E.
Published: October 2013

Background: Alveolar bone deficiency is a major clinical problem in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. The available surgical techniques to enhance extracortical bone augmentation are generally unpredictable and not satisfying. The aim of the present study is to quantify extracortical bone augmentation and tissue mineral density (TMD) after cotransplantation of peripheral blood‐derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT).

Methods: Bone regeneration was tested in the guided bone regeneration rat calvaria model. Gold domes filled with beta tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP; control [CNT]) or β‐TCP mixed with 5 × 105 rat EPCs and 5 × 105 rat osteogenic transformed MSCs (EPC/otMSCs) were fixed to the exposed calvaria. Rats were sacrificed after 3 months. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and TMD were analyzed using micro‐CT. In the middle of the dome, a cylindrical region of interest was defined (it represents the area in which implants are placed) and subdivided into bottom, middle, and top to analyze the effect of the distance from the calvaria on bone formation.

Results: In the whole cylinder, BV/TV and TMD were higher in the EPC/otMSC group compared with CNT (BV/TV: 22.9% ± 4.4% versus 29.1 ± 2.2%, P = 0.02; TMD: 937.79 ± 18.68 versus 960.78 ± 5.8 mgHA/ccm, P = 0.03; CNT versus EPC/otMSC, respectively). In each of the three subregions, BV/TV was higher in the EPC/otMSC group compared with CNT (top: 20.25% ± 2.4% versus 23.74% ± 1.5%, P = 0.007; middle: 23.2% ± 4.8% versus 28% ± 2.2%, P = 0.05; bottom: 25.3% ± 7.6% versus 35.7% ± 4.9%, P = 0.02; CNT versus EPC/otMSC, respectively).

Conclusion: Three‐dimensional quantification by micro‐CT demonstrated that cotransplantation of EPC/otMSCs significantly improved bone formation and mineral density.
A single incision transaxillary thoracoscopic sympathectomy
Authors: Maric Nebojsa , Stanic Vojkan , Ristanovic Aleksandar , Cvijanovic Vlado , Milisavljevic Slobodan
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim. Primary hyperhidrosis causes are unknown. The disorder begins
in early childhood. It intensifies in puberty and maturity. It is equally
present in both sexes. The symptoms exacerbate when the body temperature
rises and due to emotional stimuli affecting the sympathetic nerve system.
The aim of this study was to demonstrate that videoassisted thoracoscopic
surgery (VATS) sympathectomy is a method for primary focal hyperhidrosis
permanent treatment. The single incision method in properly selected patients
maximizes the intervention effectiveness and minimizes aesthetic side
effects. Methods. This prospective study analysed the findings in patients
who had been operated on due to primary focal hyperhidrosis (face, palms, and
armpits) using a single small transaxilarry incision in the third inter-rib
space at the level of the anterior axillary line with two 5 mm flexible
ports. All the patients, with T2-T5 thoracoscopic sympathectomy of the
sympathetic chain using a single small incision in the third inter-rib space
in the anterior axillary line, were analysed in the period from September
2009 to November 2010 regarding the postoperative morbidity and outcomes of
the operation (clinical evaluation and visual analogue scale) with a view to
assessing the effectiveness of the surgery conducted in this manner. Results.
A total of 47 patients (18 men, 29 women), 18 to 48 years old (29 on average)
had underwent 94 bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomies. The
sympathectomy was indicated in cases of facial blushing and sweating (6.38%),
palmary sweating (34.04%), axillary sweating (14.89%) or both palmary and
axillary sweating (44.68%). The largest percentage of patients (98.6%) had
left the hospital the following day. The postoperative 30 day?s mortality was
0 and the conversion into open surgery was not necessary. As for
complications, there had been an occurrence of partial pneumothorax in two
patients treated by means of exuflation and chest drain, and one case of
unilateral transitory Horner?s syndrome. Quarterly and annual postoperative
monitoring showed excellent aesthetic effects of the surgery without any
residual pain. The complete withdrawal of hyperhidrosis symptoms was noted in
44 (93.62%) of the patients. The recurrence of symptoms following the initial
regression was seen in 3 (6.38%) of the patients 12 months after the surgery,
whereas the patients surgically treated as a result of facial hyperhidrosis
saw a significantly increased sweating of feet. The quality of life improved
in 45 (95.6%) of the patients. Conclusion. Single incision transaxillary
thoracoscopic sympathectomy generates excellent aesthetic and functional
results in patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis.
Small-Molecule Inhibitors of PKR Improve Glucose Homeostasis in Obese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Nakamura Takahisa , Arduini Alessandro , Baccaro Brenna , Furuhashi Masato , Hotamisligil Gökhan S.
Published: October 2013

Obesity and metabolic diseases appear as clusters, often featuring high risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and constitute a major global health problem with limited treatment options. Previous studies have shown that double-stranded RNA–dependent kinase, PKR, plays an important role in the nutrient/pathogen-sensing interface, and acts as a key modulator of chronic metabolic inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis in obesity. Recently, pathological PKR activation was also demonstrated in obese humans, strengthening its prospects as a potential drug target. Here, we investigate the use of two structurally distinct small-molecule inhibitors of PKR in the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in cells and in a mouse model of severe obesity and insulin resistance. Inhibition of PKR reduced stress-induced Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation and insulin receptor substrate 1 serine phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, treatment with both PKR inhibitors reduced adipose tissue inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, and improved glucose intolerance in mice after the establishment of obesity and insulin resistance. Our findings suggest that pharmacologically targeting PKR may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
A convenient synthesis of new NSAID esters containing amino acid, urea and amide moieties
Authors: Perković Ivana , Džolić Zrinka Rajić , Zorc Branka
Published: October 2013

A convenient synthetic method for the preparation of novel NSAID twin esters 6a-i containing amino acid residue, urea and amide moieties has been developed. The synthetic pathway applied for the preparation of target compounds and key intermediates 1-benzotriazolecarboxylic acid chloride (1), NSAID benzotriazolides 2a-c and N-(1-benzotriazolecarbonyl)-amino acids 3a-d involved benzotriazole as a synthetic auxiliary. The final preparation step of esters 6a-i included the solvent-free reaction of compounds 2a-c with amino acid derivatives 5a-g, bearing two hydroxyl groups, one at each terminal, beside urea and amide functionalities.
Off-time higher education as a risk factor in identity formation
Authors: Educational Research Institute, War Konrad , Kaczan Radosław , Rękosiewicz Małgorzata
Published: October 2013

One of the important determinants of development during the transition to adulthood is the undertaking of social roles characteristic of adults, also in the area of finishing formal education, which usually coincides with beginning fulltime employment. In the study discussed in this paper, it has been hypothesized that continuing full-time education above the age of 26, a phenomenon rarely observed in Poland, can be considered as an unpunctual event that may be connected with difficulties in the process of identity formation. Relationships between identity dimensions and identity statuses, and age and educational context were analyzed. 693 individuals aged 19-35 took part in the study. The participants attended three types of educational institutions: (1) full-time university studies (BA or MA level), (2) part-time university studies (BA or MA level), and (3) full-time post-secondary school (certificate courses such as: medical rescue, massage therapy, cosmetology, occupational therapy). Among the students of full-time university studies predictable dependencies, also in respect of highlevels of indicators of identity crisis and a high frequency of diffused identity occurrence, were observed. Such dependencies were not found in the group of full-time post-secondary school students.
A Kernel-Based Calculation of Information on a Metric Space
Authors: Tobin R. , Houghton Conor
Published: October 2013

Kernel density estimation is a technique for approximating probability distributions. Here, it is applied to the calculation of mutual information on a metric space. This is motivated by the problem in neuroscience of calculating the mutual information between stimuli and spiking responses; the space of these responses is a metric space. It is shown that kernel density estimation on a metric space resembles the k-nearest-neighbor approach. This approach is applied to a toy dataset designed to mimic electrophysiological data.
Multivalent Protein Assembly Using Monovalent Self-Assembling Building Blocks
Authors: Petkau-Milroy Katja , Sonntag Michael , Colditz Alexander , Brunsveld Luc
Published: October 2013

Discotic molecules, which self-assemble in water into columnar supramolecular polymers, emerged as an alternative platform for the organization of proteins. Here, a monovalent discotic decorated with one single biotin was synthesized to study the self-assembling multivalency of this system in regard to streptavidin. Next to tetravalent streptavidin, monovalent streptavidin was used to study the protein assembly along the supramolecular polymer in detail without the interference of cross-linking. Upon self-assembly of the monovalent biotinylated discotics, multivalent proteins can be assembled along the supramolecular polymer. The concentration of discotics, which influences the length of the final polymers at the same time dictates the amount of assembled proteins.
Whither Intelligence Research?
Authors: Johnson Wendy
Published: October 2013

Today we have many exciting new technological tools that allow us to observe the brain and genome and lure us into new kinds of studies. I believe, however, that we will not be able to make truly effective use of these tools until we understand better what it is we mean to measure when we measure intelligence, how it develops, and the impact of the clear presence of gene-environment correlation on its development.
Multiscale Microstructures and Microstructural Effects on the Reliability of Microbumps in Three-Dimensional Integration
Authors: Huang Zhiheng , Xiong Hua , Wu Zhiyong , Conway Paul , Altmann Frank
Published: October 2013

The dimensions of microbumps in three-dimensional integration reach microscopic scales and thus necessitate a study of the multiscale microstructures in microbumps. Here, we present simulated mesoscale and atomic-scale microstructures of microbumps using phase field and phase field crystal models. Coupled microstructure, mechanical stress, and electromigration modeling was performed to highlight the microstructural effects on the reliability of microbumps. The results suggest that the size and geometry of microbumps can influence both the mesoscale and atomic-scale microstructural formation during solidification. An external stress imposed on the microbump can cause ordered phase growth along the boundaries of the microbump. Mesoscale microstructures formed in the microbumps from solidification, solid state phase separation, and coarsening processes suggest that the microstructures in smaller microbumps are more heterogeneous. Due to the differences in microstructures, the von Mises stress distributions in microbumps of different sizes and geometries vary. In addition, a combined effect resulting from the connectivity of the phase morphology and the amount of interface present in the mesoscale microstructure can influence the electromigration reliability of microbumps.
The Challenges for Implementing the Nagoya Protocol in a Multi-Level Governance Context: Lessons from the Belgian Case
Authors: Coolsaet Brendan , Dedeurwaerdere Tom , Pitseys John
Published: October 2013

The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing is the latest protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Its implementation can lead to two fundamentally different processes: a market-oriented self-regulatory approach, which emphasizes the self-regulating capacity of the economic actors involved, or a normative institutionalist approach, which focuses on the norms and formal rules of institutions that not only support and frame, but also shape and constrain the actions of the players acting within them. This paper analyzes the challenges related to the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in the specific case of Belgium, and evaluates the possibility of moving from a self-regulatory to an institutional approach of implementation, which we argue is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Protocol. This move is analyzed in the specific multi-level governance context characterizing the Nagoya Protocol, which has a natural tendency towards a market-oriented self-regulatory approach.
One Way Forward to Beat the Newtonian Habit with a Complexity Perspective on Organisational Change
Authors: Wells Sam , McLean Josie
Published: October 2013

We face a global crisis of un-sustainability—we need to change trajectory, but have so far displayed a collective inability to do so. This article suggests that one reason for this is our entrenched approach to change, which has inappropriately applied mechanistic Newtonian assumptions to “living” systems. Applying what has been learned about the behaviour of complex adaptive systems, we develop a pragmatic model for students of sustainability, who want to facilitate profound organizational and community change towards sustainability on the ground. Our model, “one way forward”, does not purport to be the only way but one possibility, grounded in a different understanding of the nature and dynamic of change as seen through the lens of complexity. In this way, it challenges more conventional change management practices. One way forward is a model facilitating evolutionary change in a social ecology—one possible expression of a “culture of community self-design” as expressed by Banathy. Its theoretical foundations and its practical application (it is designed for practice) both have their source in a systemic view and in the principles that reflect the paradigm of complexity. Four central components of this new model—envisioning, core messages (values), indicators of progress, and experimentation—are explored in more detail.
Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: From Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Health to Anticarcinogenic Effects
Authors: Zanchett Giliane , Oliveira-Filho Eduardo
Published: October 2013

Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae are among the pioneer organisms of planet Earth. They developed an efficient photosynthetic capacity and played a significant role in the evolution of the early atmosphere. Essential for the development and evolution of species, they proliferate easily in aquatic environments, primarily due to human activities. Eutrophic environments are conducive to the appearance of cyanobacterial blooms that not only affect water quality, but also produce highly toxic metabolites. Poisoning and serious chronic effects in humans, such as cancer, have been described. On the other hand, many cyanobacterial genera have been studied for their toxins with anticancer potential in human cell lines, generating promising results for future research toward controlling human adenocarcinomas. This review presents the knowledge that has evolved on the topic of toxins produced by cyanobacteria, ranging from their negative impacts to their benefits.
Amazonie : la fin d'une frontière ?
Authors: Droulers Martine , Le Tourneau François-Michel
Published: October 2013

RESUME- L'Amazonie brésilienne a vu se développer à partir des années 1940 une poussée pionnière qui a fait de cette région une « frontière d'occupation », c'est-à-dire un espace considéré comme vide et en cours d'incorporation rapide au reste du pays. Nous retraçons ici les principales étapes de cette ruée, en insistant sur les éléments qui amènent aujourd'hui à penser que la frontière est peut-être en train de se fermer, ou du moins que ces processus d'occupation accélérés et désordonnés ne sont actifs que dans des régions limitées. Ils sont contrecarrés par une nouvelle logique d'organisation du territoire fondée non plus prioritairement sur le développement de la production, mais sur les précautions environnementales.
A Field Study of Factors and Variables Regarding Tour Destination Loyalty of Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Enayet , Quaddus Mohammed , Shanka Tekle
Published: October 2013

It is a generally held belief that a tourism destination gets maximum benefit from loyal visitors compared to nonloyal visitors. Although literature on loyalty covers different issues, it lacks a comprehensive study of factors and variables that influence destination loyalty. Therefore,
this article aims to investigate the main factors affecting destination loyalty in adopting and applying it to the world's longest beach, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. Initially a conceptual destination loyalty framework was developed based on the literature. An exploratory field study utilizing
a deductive methodological approach was undertaken by conducting field interviews with 10 experienced visitors from multiple disciplines. Then, we utilized a content analysis based on transcription of the interviews to extract the factors and variables and further developed a loyalty framework.
The outcomes of the field interviews identify three new factors (Religious Belief, Seasonal Variation, and Level of Income) that play important roles in destination loyalty judgment. In addition, nine variables (natural beauty, longest beach, reputed place, adjacent attractions, nontraditional
items, time, rational price of tourism products, recommendable place, and visit again) are also found to be common and of utmost importance. The article concludes by highlighting the methodological, theoretical, managerial implications, and future research directions.
Knowledge Sharing and Social Technology Acceptance Model: Promoting Local Events and Festivals Through Facebook
Authors: Lee Woojin , Paris Cody Morris
Published: October 2013

This study examines Facebook page “events” as a medium for promoting special events to consumers. It proposes a Social Technology Acceptance Model, an extension of the Technology Acceptance Model, to examine the influence of Trust, Strength of Relationships (knowledge-sharing factors), and Perceived Enjoyment in forming consumer attitudes toward Facebook and consumer intentions to attend an event. A total of 155 data were collected through a survey administered on a special event organizer's Facebook “page.” Findings suggest that users' Trust, Strength of Relationships, and Perceived Enjoyment significantly affect users' acceptance of Facebook and their intentions to attend an event. The theoretical impact of the current study of knowledge sharing can be valuable to understanding Facebook usage behavior. Moreover, by integrating concepts of Trust and Strength of Relationships, empirical support illustrates that social media provides event marketers a means to benefit from the strong and weak ties of individual social networks.
Second Life: the Potential of 3D Virtual Worlds in Travel and Tourism Industry
Authors: Huang Yu-Chih , Backman Sheila J. , McGuire Francis A. , Backman Kenneth F. , Chang Lan-Lan
Published: October 2013

The immersive nature of 3D virtual worlds presents significant opportunities for tourism businesses as an optimal marketing platform to provide travel information and interact with potential tourists as well as a useful management tool to develop brand awareness and gain competitive
advantage in the global market. Several travel and tourism organizations have used Second Life as a collaborative and commercial tool for communicating with travelers as well as tourism enterprises (e.g., Tourism Ireland; Philippines Department of Tourism; STA travel agents; Starwood Hotels;
Crowne Plaza). Given the growth and potential of technologies within the tourism industry and particularly the rising interest in virtual worlds such as Second Life, this study focuses on the extent to which the virtual world of Second Life has been used in tourism industry. Specifically,
this study describes what types of spaces tourism businesses are creating or simulating and the types of tourism activities being conducted in the 3D virtual environment. An overview of the definition of virtual worlds and information about the virtual world of Second Life is provided. The
potentials of Second Life in the context of tourism marketing and tourism management are discussed, and the article concludes with potential future research related to the use of 3D virtual worlds.
Regioselective 1,4-trifluoromethylation of α,β-unsaturated ketones via a S-(trifluoromethyl)diphenylsulfonium salts/copper system
Authors: Okusu Satoshi , Sugita Yutaka , Tokunaga Etsuko , Shibata Norio
Published: October 2013

Regioselective conjugate 1,4-trifluoromethylation of α,β-unsaturated ketones by the use of shelf-stable electrophilic trifluoromethylating reagents, S-(trifluoromethyl)diphenylsulfonium salts and copper under mild conditions is described. A wide range of acyclic aryl–aryl–enones and aryl–alkyl–enones were converted into β-trifluoromethylated ketones in low to moderate yields.
Evolution of oxidation in soybean oil and its biodiesel under the conditions of the oxidation stability test
Authors: Pereira G. G. , Marmesat S. , Barrera-Arellano D. , Dobarganes M. C.
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to know the evolution of the oxidation of soybean oil and biodiesel under the conditions of the oxidation stability test (110 °C) using the Rancimat apparatus. Samples were analyzed at different periods of time until the end of the induction period. The analytical determinations related to the changes in oxidation include peroxide value, anisidine value, natural tocopherols and polar compounds. Acid value, kinematic viscosity, polymers and ester content were also analyzed because of their relevance in the evaluation of biodiesel quality. Results showed that only peroxide value and the group of polar compounds including hydroperoxides, i.e. oxidized monomeric TAG in the oil and oxidized monomeric FAME in the biodiesel increased significantly during the early oxidation stage. The end of the induction period was marked by a rapid increase in polymerization compounds and the exhaustion of tocopherols. Significant changes in acid value, viscosity and ester content were only observed after the end of the induction period.
Development of a zero trans margarine from soybean-based interesterified fats formulated using artificial neural networks
Authors: Garcia R. K.A. , Moreira Gandra K. , Barrera-Arellano D.
Published: October 2013

The formulation of products with low levels of saturated and trans fatty acids is a new challenge for industries, and alternative raw materials have been studied. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used for this process. The objective of the present study was to formulate blends, with the help of an ANN, using soybean-based interesterified fats for the production of a zero trans fat margarine similar to a margarine produced using a specific commercial fat. The software was trained with three raw materials to generate formulations with a solid fat content (SFC) and a melting point (MP) similar to specific commercial fats. The SFC, MP, fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition were determined for all ANN blends and commercial fats. Margarines were produced in a pilot plant and evaluated for consistency and stability under temperature cyclization. The ANN showed efficiency in to predict SFC and MP of the suggested formulations, although there were differences at low temperatures for the desired SFC. Differences in the consistency of the commercial fats and ANN blends were observed; however, the margarines produced in the pilot plant had a similar consistency. The margarine prepared with ANN formulation had a higher emulsion stability. Overall, the margarine produced with ANN formulation had characteristics very similar to margarine produced with the commercial fat, and the margarine with soybean-based fat contained reduced saturated and trans fat levels.