bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Roles of MicroRNA-141 in Human Cancers: From Diagnosis to Treatment
Authors: Gao Yanping , Feng Bing , Han Siqi , Zhang Kai , Chen Jing , Li Chen , Wang Rui , Chen Longbang
Published: January 2016

Cancer remains one of the most threatening causes of human health impairment, and the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis have not been completely characterized. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous, small (18∼25 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs which negatively regulate gene expressions by directly binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) of the target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Increasing evidence has demonstrated abnormal miRNA profiles and confirmed their involvement in tumor initiation and progression. As one important member of the miR-200 family, microRNA (miR)-141 is aberrantly expressed in many human malignant tumors, participating in various cellular processes including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. In the present review, we briefly describe the mechanisms underlying miR-141-mediated tumorigenesis and the possible future of miR-141 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic parameter as well as therapeutic target in clinical applications.
Recombinant Mouse β-Defensin 3 Protects against Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Myocarditis in Mice
Authors: Jiang Yan , Zhu Rongjin , Luo Li , Mu Qiuju , Zhu Yanxin , Luo Hong , Zou Xijun , Shen Xiangchun
Published: February 2016

Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of recombinant mouse β-defensin 3 (rMBD3) against coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis in mice. Methods: CVB3-infected HeLa cells were treated with rMBD3, and the titer of CVB3 and the proliferative activities of the cells were determined. CBV3-infected BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: rMBD3 high (5 mg/kg/day, q.d.), rMBD3 low (2.5 mg/kg/day, q.d.), ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day, q.d.), normal control, and myocarditis control. On days 5 and 12 after treatment, 3 mice from each group were sacrificed and serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB isozyme, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were determined. The heart index and the inflammation of myocardial tissue were also assessed. On day 5, the CVB3 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) values of heart tissues were measured. Results: rMBD3 inhibited the replication of CVB3 and protected HeLa cells from infection. rMBD3 reduced the CVB3 titer markedly and inhibited the pathological reaction of cardiac myocytes to viral myocarditis. Treatment with rMBD3 improved the cell survival rate and reduced the cardiac index. Conclusion: rMBD3 was demonstrated to possess anti-CVB3 activity in vivo and in vitro.
The Posterior Limb of the Internal Capsule as the Subcortical Transitional Zone of the Anterior and Posterior Circulations: Insights from Human 7T MRI
Authors: Kurabe Satoshi , Okamoto Kouichirou , Suzuki Kiyotaka , Matsuzawa Hisothi , Watanabe Masaki , Suzuki Yuji , Nakada Tsutomu , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: February 2016

Background: In patients with cerebral infarction, identifying the distribution of infarction and the relevant artery is essential for ascertaining the underlying vascular pathophysiological mechanisms and preventing subsequent stroke. However, visualization of the basal perforating arteries (BPAs) has had limited success, and simultaneous viewing of background anatomical structures has only rarely been attempted in living human brains. Our study aimed at identifying the BPAs with 7T MRI and evaluating their distribution in the subcortical structures, thereby showing the clinical significance of the technique. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects and 1 patient with cerebral infarction involving the posterior limb of the internal capsule (ICpost) and thalamus underwent 3-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-echo sequence as time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at 7T with a submillimeter resolution. The MRA was modified to detect inflow signals from BPAs, while preserving the background anatomical signals. BPA stems and branches in the subcortical structures and their origins were identified on images, using partial maximum intensity projection in 3 dimensions. Results: A branch of the left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in the patient ran through both the infarcted thalamus and ICpost and was clearly the relevant artery. In 40 intact hemispheres in healthy subjects, 571 stems and 1,421 branches of BPAs were detected in the subcortical structures. No significant differences in the numbers of stems and branches were observed between the intact hemispheres. The numbers deviated even less across subjects. The distribution analysis showed that the subcortical structures of the telencephalon, such as the caudate nucleus, anterior limb of the internal capsule, and lenticular nucleus, were predominantly supplied by BPAs from the anterior circulation. In contrast, the thalamus, belonging to the diencephalon, was mostly fed by BPAs from the posterior circulation. However, compared with other subcortical structures, the ICpost, which marks the anatomical boundary between the telencephalon and the diencephalon, was supplied by BPAs with significantly more diverse origins. These BPAs originated from the internal carotid artery (23.1%), middle cerebral artery (38.5%), PCA (17.3%), and the posterior communicating artery (21.1%). Conclusions: The modified MRI method allowed the detection of the relevant BPA within the infarcted area in the stroke survivor as well as the BPAs in the subcortical structures of living human brains. Based on in vivo BPA distribution analyses, the ICpost is the transitional zone of the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations.
Opinion: Comment on Evaluation and Treatment of Cryptorchidism: AUA/AAP and Nordic Consensus Guidelines
Authors: Hadziselimovic Faruk
Published: January 2016

The ultimate goal in the treatment of cryptorchidism is to achieve normal fertility. However, in a substantial number of cryptorchid males, early and apparently successful orchidopexy does not improve fertility as it does not address the underlying pathophysiological cause, namely, the impaired transformation of gonocytes into Ad spermatogonia. It is important to realize that over half the patients presenting with unilateral cryptorchidism and the majority of those presenting with bilateral cryptorchidism have abnormal spermiogram which indicates that unilateral cryptorchidism is in fact a bilateral disease and therefore a serious andrological problem. More importantly, only testicular biopsy can nowadays determine which patient should benefit from hormonal therapy. This means that the rationale behind testicular biopsy is both diagnostic and therapeutic, particularly since LH-RHa hormonal therapy is a worthwhile solution to this andrological problem. In boys with a high risk of azoospermia development, adequate treatment with low doses of LH-RHa allowed 86% of subjects to achieve a normal sperm count. This strongly contrasts with the results of the ‘surgery-only' group where not a single patient had a normal spermiogram and 20% suffered from azoospermia. Testicular biopsy is all the more justified that it allowed the detection of in situ carcinoma in 0.6% of all the cryptorchid boys studied. Even if hormonal pre-treatment only achieves successful epididymo-testicular descent in 20% of cases, this treatment should remain the first therapeutic choice because it may avoid resorting to surgery. In addition, it has no adverse effect on fertility and, in unsuccessful cases, facilitates orchidopexy and considerably helps reduce the incidence of post-surgical testicular atrophy, whether unilateral or, and this is a much more serious event, bilateral.
Neuroprotective Activity of Curcumin in Combination with Piperine against Quinolinic Acid Induced Neurodegeneration in Rats
Authors: Singh Shamsher , Kumar Puneet
Published: February 2016

Aim: Quinolinic acid (QA) is an excitotoxin that induces Huntington's-like symptoms in animals and humans. Curcumin (CMN) is a well-known antioxidant but the major problem is its bioavailability. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of CMN in the presence of piperine against QA-induced excitotoxic cell death in rats. Material and Methods: QA was administered intrastriatally at a dose of 200 nmol/2 µl saline, bilaterally. CMN (25 and 50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and combination of CMN (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and with piperine (2.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered daily for the next 21 days. Body weight and behavioral parameters were observed on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day. On the 22nd day, animals were sacrificed and striatum was isolated for biochemical (LPO, nitrite and GSH), neuroinflammatory (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and neurochemical (dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, 5-HT, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid) estimation. Results: CMN treatment showed beneficial effect against QA-induced motor deficit, biochemical and neurochemical abnormalities in rats. Combination of piperine (2.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) with CMN (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly enhanced its protective effect as compared to treatment with CMN alone. Conclusion: This study has revealed that the combination of CMN and piperine showed strong antioxidant and protective effect against QA-induced behavioral and neurological alteration in rats.
A antiguidade tardia, a queda do Império romano e o debate sobre o "fim do mundo antigo"
Authors: Machado Carlos Augusto Ribeiro
Published: January 2016

A Antiguidade tardia está hoje consolidada seja como campo de estudos ou como um período histórico. No entanto, desde sua concepção até a sua “explosão”, para usarmos uma expressão de Andrea Giardina, esta periodização colocou questões historiográficas de imensa importância que permanecem pouco exploradas. Ao chamar a atenção de estudiosos e leitores em geral para as continuidades entre o mundo antigo e o período que o seguiu, a Antiguidade tardia deixa de lado importantes questões que eram fundamentais para uma historiografia mais tradicional e que continuam relevantes como o problema da assim chamada queda do Império romano. Neste artigo, pretendemos discutir estas questões, levando em considerações os importantes desenvolvimentos observados nas últimas décadas.

 
Um orientalista alemão no Brasil Imperial. Christian Friedrich Seybold, o tutor de D. Pedro II
Authors: Mafra Adriano , Stallaert Christiane
Published: January 2016

Este artigo visa discutir a relação entre o segundo imperador do Brasil, Pedro d’Alcântara, e seu último mestre de línguas semíticas e orientais, o alemão Christian Friedrich Seybold (1859-1921). Uma leitura preliminar dos diários do monarca nos chamou a atenção para a enorme quantidade de menções e referências àquele orientalista alemão, o que revela, de certa forma, a importância que o professor ocupava na vida de d. Pedro II. No entanto, ao passo que Seybold está presente em numerosas páginas dos diários, nos causa certa estranheza que tal fato tenha merecido pouca ou nenhuma consideração por parte dos biógrafos do imperador, já que o contato frequente entre eles durante cinco anos se resume a algumas poucas linhas e alusões esparsas. Partindo de uma releitura crítica do material disponível na historiografia brasileira sobre Seybold, pretendemos aportar novos dados para o estudo bio-bibliográfico daquele que foi uma figura atuante na vida intelectual de d. Pedro II, presente até os últimos dias de vida do soberano.

 
A impressão régia do Rio de Janeiro e a criação do Novo Império português na América
Authors: Barra Sérgio Hamilton da Silva
Published: January 2016

O presente artigo busca analisar o papel político exercido pela Impressão Régia do Rio de Janeiro no contexto da instalação da Corte portuguesa na América. Herdeira das tipografias criadas no Reino no final do século XVIII, no âmbito do projeto reformista ilustrado português, a Impressão Régia do Rio de Janeiro preservava a função pragmática de impressão e divulgação dos saberes úteis ao desenvolvimento do Império, que caracterizava tipografias como a do Arco do Cego, criada em 1799. Baseada em um modelo ilustrado de conhecer para intervir na realidade, fazia da difusão das Luzes no Império português uma função não apenas cultural, mas também política. Frente às tensões políticas que a nova situação criada pela mudança da sede do Império gerava, a Impressão Régia desempenhou o importante papel de legitimação e sustentação do projeto político de criação de um novo Império português na América, longamente acalentado por letrados e estadistas ilustrados portugueses. Busca-se, dessa forma, chamar a atenção para a relação intrínseca entre saber e poder no reformismo ilustrado português.

 
Fragments of Marsilio Ficino’s Translations and Use of Proclus’ Elements of Theology and Elements of Physics: Evidence and Study
Authors: Robichaud Denis
Published: January 2016

The present paper discusses the question of Marsilio Ficino’s lost translations of Proclus’ Elements of Physics and Elements of Theology. It reviews all known evidence for Ficino’s work on the Elements of Physics and Elements of Theology, examines new references and fragments of these texts in Ficino’s manuscripts, especially in his personal manuscript of Plotinus’ Enneads, and studies how they fit within the Florentine’s philosophical oeuvre. The present case studies of manuscript evidence demonstrate how Proclus accompanied Ficino from his early ‘scholastic background’ through to his mastery of the Platonic tradition late in his career, especially, as is shown, in his study of Pseudo-Dionysius and Plotinus. Despite the fact that scholarship at times pits scholasticism and Renaissance Platonism against each other, in this sense Proclus—largely due to the Elements—bridges the two cultures.
Social and Individual Religious Orientations Exist within Both Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religiosity
Authors: Van Camp Debbie , Barden Jamie , Sloan Lloyd
Published: February 2016

This research presents the development of a measure of religiosity that includes social intrinsic religiosity as distinct from extrinsic religiosity and from the typical conceptualization of intrinsic religiosity as an individual orientation. Study 1 developed the measure using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis; the results confirmed two intrinsic identity factors (individual and social) and two extrinsic benefit factors (individual and social). Correlations with previously established religiosity measures demonstrate the scales construct validity and that social intrinsic religiosity is independent from extrinsic religiosity. In Study 2, differential responding by Christian and Jewish participants was consistent with these religions’ reputed cultural-theological approaches and confirmed the independence of social intrinsic religiosity. Furthermore, social intrinsic religiosity was positively correlated with prejudice towards value-violating outgroups, as would be expected from an intrinsic religiosity. These results unconfound social and extrinsic religiosity and provide empirical evidence that intrinsic religiosity can be socially as well as individually oriented.
A new natural hybrid of Rosa (Rosaceae) from Turkey
Authors: Korkmaz Mustafa , Kandemir Ali , Yıldırım Doğan Nalan
Published: January 2016

In this study, Rosa × ozcelikii Korkmaz & Kandemir is described as a new natural hybrid between Rosa villosa subsp. mollis and R. hemisphaerica from material collected in Erzincan province (Turkey). It was compared with closely related species using morphological data. In addition, genetic relationships of the new hybrid with the putative parental taxa were determined by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Properties of soils in which the new hybrid grows in the wild are also presented.
Zevinaella—a new barnacle genus (Scalpellomorpha: Arcoscalpellinae) associated with crinoids (Echinodermata) from the Caribbean
Authors: SHALAEVA KATE , NEWMAN WILLIAM A.
Published: January 2016

A new genus, Zevinaella (Cirripedia: Scalpellomorpha: Scalpellidae: Arcoscalpellinae), is proposed to accommodate Trianguloscalpellum rodstromi (Boone, 1927) from Belize and Z. volentis gen. et sp. nov. from the Lesser Antilles, both occurring on crinoids. These two species are unique in lacking lower lateral plates (inframedian or second latera, L2s). We see no compelling evidence that the lack of L2s in Zevinaella is a consequence of fusion with the carinolatera (CLs), as appears to be the case in a near relative T. pentacrinarum, or of progressive reduction and potential loss, as in older specimens of Amigdoscalpellum spp. (Zevina, 1978b). However, this does not weaken the diagnosis of the new genus and, accordingly, the diagnoses for the family Scalpellidae Pilsbry, 1907 and the subfamily Arcoscalpellinae Zevina, 1978b are amended to accommodate the absence of the L2s.
New species of Hexabdella and Neomolgus (Acari: Prostigmata: Bdellidae) from Iran
Authors: EGHBALIAN AMIR HOSSEIN , KHANJANI MOHAMMAD , SAFARALIZADEH MOHAMMAD HASSAN , UECKERMANN EDWARD A.
Published: January 2016

A new species of Hexabdella Van der Schyff, Theron & Ueckermann (Acariformes: Bdellidae), H. quercusi Eghbalian, Khanjani, Safaralizadeh, Ueckermann sp. nov., and a new species of Neomolgus Oudemans, N. iraniensis Eghbalian, Khanjani, Safaralizadeh, Ueckermann sp. nov., are described and illustrated. A key is provided for adult females of all known species of Hexabdella, as well as for adult females of Neomolgus from Asian and neighbouring countries, including Iran, Japan and the Siberian region of Russia. All specimens were collected from soil and litter under oak trees, Quercus brantii Lindley (Fagaceae), or from soil and litter under wild almond, Amygdalus scoparia L. (Rosaceae), from western Iran.
What is Lethe hyrania (Kollar, 1844) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)?
Authors: LANG SONG-YUN , LAMAS GERARDO
Published: February 2016

Known for a long time as "Lethe insana [sic] (Kollar, 1844)" (e.g. Fruhstorfer, 1911; D'Abrera, 1985), Lethe hyrania (Kollar, 1844) is a common, sexually-dimorphic, satyrine butterfly, found in the Sino-Himalayan region. Kollar (1844) described simultaneously both Satyrus isana and S. hyrania, as separate but closely related species, from northwestern India. Kollar (1844) spelt the name of the former in two different ways, as isana in the text (pp. 448, 449, 585), and as jsana in the legend for plate 16. Westwood (1851) maintained isana and hyrania as separate species but transferred them to the genus Debis Doubleday, whereas both Butler (1868) and Kirby (1871) assigned them to the genus Lethe Hübner, synonymizing isana under L. rohria (Fabricius). Moore (1882) was the first author to regard isana and hyrania as conspecific, the former representing the female sex and the latter the male, though he misspelt isana as "isania". Acting as First Reviser, Article 24.2 of ICZN (1999), Moore (1882) gave precedence to hyrania, thus the valid name for the species is Lethe hyrania. Later, Marshall & Nicéville (1883), Nicéville (1886), Doherty (1886), Elwes (1888), and Moore (1892) followed Moore's (1882) opinion, though afterwards Mackinnon & Nicéville (1897) argued that isana had priority over hyrania, based on "page precedence", ignoring Moore's (1882) previous action. Bingham (1905) was the first author to introduce the incorrect subsequent spelling "insana" and, apparently following Mackinnon & Nicéville (1897), also gave precedence to "insana" over hyrania. Most subsequent authors followed Bingham's (1905) error, and used Lethe "insana" for this species (for instance, Fruhstorfer, 1911; Evans, 1923, 1927; Gaede, 1931; Talbot, [1949]; Lesse, 1957; D’Abrera, 1985, 1990; Bozano, 1999). Except for Bozano (1999), who listed both hyrania and "insana" as valid species, without further comment, the name hyrania has been forgotten for over a hundred years.
Notes on Afrotropical Catharsius species described by Edgar von Harold (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae)
Authors: GÉNIER FRANÇOIS , JOSSO JEAN-FRANÇOIS
Published: February 2016

The type material of the Afrotropical Catharsius species described by E. von Harold is studied. Lectotypes are designated for C. camillus, C. dux, C. harpagus, and C. pandion. Habiti, aedeagi and original labels of the primary types are illustrated. Catharsius mossambicanus Ferreira, 1960 is here considered a junior synonym of C. pandion Harold, 1877. An alloreferent male is designated and illustrated for C. dux Harold, 1878 in order to illustrate males of this species in which females are undistinguishable from C. duciformis Ferreira, 1959.
A revised phylogenetic classification of the ant subfamily Formicinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with resurrection of the genera Colobopsis and Dinomyrmex
Authors: WARD PHILIP S. , BLAIMER BONNIE B. , FISHER BRIAN L.
Published: February 2016

The classification of the ant subfamily Formicinae is revised to reflect findings from a recent molecular phylogenetic study and complementary morphological investigations. The existing classification is maintained as far as possible, but some tribes and genera are redefined to ensure monophyly. Eleven tribes are recognized, all of which are strongly supported as monophyletic groups: Camponotini, Formicini, Gesomyrmecini, Gigantiopini, Lasiini (= Prenolepidii syn. n.), Melophorini (= Myrmecorhynchini syn. n.; = Notostigmatini syn. n.), Myrmelachistini stat. rev. (= Brachymyrmicini syn. n.), Myrmoteratini, Oecophyllini, Plagiolepidini, and Santschiellini stat. rev. Most of the tribes remain similar in content, but the generic composition of Lasiini, Melophorini, and Plagiolepidini is changed substantially. Species that have been placed in the genus Camponotus belong to three separate lineages. To ensure monophyly of this large, cosmopolitan genus we institute the following changes: Colobopsis and Dinomyrmex, both former subgenera of Camponotus, are elevated to genus level (stat. rev.), and two former genera, Forelophilus and Phasmomyrmex, are demoted to subgenus status (stat. n. and stat. rev., respectively) under Camponotus; two erstwhile subgenera of Phasmomyrmex, Myrmorhachis and Myrmacantha, become junior synonyms (syn. n.) of Camponotus (Phasmomyrmex); and the Camponotus subgenus Myrmogonia becomes a junior synonym (syn. n.) of Colobopsis. Dinomyrmex, represented by a single species from southeast Asia, D. gigas, is quite distinctive, but Camponotus and Colobopsis exhibit more subtle differences, despite being well separated phylogenetically. We identify morphological features of the worker caste that are broadly useful for distinguishing these two genera. Colobopsis species on the islands of New Caledonia and Fiji—regions with few native Camponotus species—tend to exceed these diagnostic bounds, but in this case regionally applicable character differences can be used to distinguish the two clades. Despite confusing similarities in the worker caste Colobopsis and Camponotus retain diagnostic differences in their larvae and pupae.
Paraphelliactis tangi n. sp. and Phelliactis yapensis n. sp., two new deep-sea species of Hormathiidae (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Actiniaria) from a seamount in the tropical Western Pacific
Authors: LI YANG , XU KUIDONG
Published: February 2016

Two new species of hormathiid actiniarians, Paraphelliactis tangi n. sp. and Phelliactis yapensis n. sp., are described from a seamount near the Yap Trench in the tropical Western Pacific. Paraphelliactis tangi n. sp. has a thick cuticle, a tuberculated column divisible into scapus and scapulus, a complete fifth cycle of mesenteries, an equal number of mesenteries at the margin and at the limbus, and up to 192 tentacles without aboral mesogloeal thickenings that are hexamerously arranged in six cycles. This species differs distinctly from the three known species of Paraphelliactis by the above mentioned features (vs. an incomplete fifth cycle of mesenteries, usually more mesenteries at the margin than at the limbus, and the tentacles with aboral mesogloeal thickenings). So far, it is the only member of the genus Paraphelliactis found in the Western Pacific. Phelliactis yapensis n. sp. has an asymmetric bilobed oral disc and column, tuberculated scapus and scapulus, an incomplete fifth cycle of mesenteries, and up to 162 tentacles with aboral mesogloeal thickenings that are alternately arranged in two cycles. In comparison with other Phelliactis species, the basitrichs of mesenterial filaments of Ph. yapensis are distinctly larger. Phelliactis yapensis n. sp. is the fourth species of Phelliactis found in the Western Pacific.
Analysis of a Progressive Derecho Climatology and Associated Formation Environments
Authors: Guastini Corey T. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: January 2016

A 1996–2013 May–August U.S. progressive derecho climatology existing entirely within the modern radar era is constructed identifying 256 derecho events over the 18-yr span. A corridor of enhanced derecho activity in agreement with previous derecho studies stretches from southern Minnesota to the border of Ohio and West Virginia with a marked decrease east of the Appalachian Mountains. A secondary maximum in progressive derecho activity exists in Kansas and Oklahoma. Analyses of derecho frequency by month of the warm season indicate a northward shift in frequency through July and an increase in derecho frequency through the first half of the warm season followed by a large decrease in August.

The 256 identified derecho events are divided subjectively into seven distinct categories based on the synoptic environments in which they form. While the prevailing “northwest flow” conceptual model is upheld as the dominant progressive derecho synoptic category, the common occurrence of warm-season progressive derechos ahead of well-defined upper-level troughs is presented. This connection between upper-level troughs and progressive derecho formation expands on the relationship between upper-level troughs and serial derecho formation that has been the focus of past studies. In addition, a link between progressive derecho formation and easterly low-level flow to the north of a Rocky Mountain lee cyclone is bolstered. Consistent with previous derecho studies, all composite categories are characterized by large low-level moisture and the presence of an upper-level jet at derecho initiation.
A social worker with two watches: Synchronizing the left and right ideologies
Authors: Cheung Johnson Chun-Sing
Published: January 2016

Accompanying the diminishing voice of the client in cross-subsidized social work, the author makes an attempt to reveal the ambivalence and ambiguity of state-sponsored social work in Hong Kong. In light of the increase in quasi-welfare markets that promote an environment of competitive bidding on government subventions, this article addresses the contradictions between commercial and social work values after the commodification of welfare. Because frontline practitioners are becoming more reluctant to be involved in ‘typical’ social work interventions, reconsidering and recalculating costs are recommended under the pendulum of left and right ideologies in a postcolonial, neoliberal metropolis.
The Persuasive Effects of Two Stylistic Elements
Authors: Seo Kiwon , Dillard James
Published: January 2016

This study explored the effects of stylistic elements, framing and imagery, on emotion, cognition, and persuasion. Frame and image were matched on valence (gain frame + positive image; loss frame + negative image) and mismatched (gain + negative image; loss + positive image) to examine whether the (mis)match amplified or attenuated message effects. Using the topic of traveling to an exotic island, an experiment ( N = 455) found general support for matching in the gain-framed conditions but not in the loss-framed conditions. To the extent that valence can be useful as a basis for assessing match, it must take into account the message domain and the nature of the outcome variables. One general principle and two corollaries are proposed to serve as patches for the valence rule.
The Wandering Fakirs of Bengal
Authors: Bhattacharyya Ananda
Published: January 2016

The historiography of the Fakir rebellion has drawn much attention since Ghosh in 1930 depicted the Fakirs as raiders from outside Bengal. In independent India, two groups of ideology-driven historians, Marxists and Secularists, expounded the uprising as an early peasant rebellion and a shining example of Hindu–Muslim campaign against the Raj. This article explodes both scholarly myths, since its archival research reconfirms that the Fakirs were increasingly aggressive plunderers in religious garb, tormenting the Bengal countryside. Mainly based on colonial records, later parts of this article illustrate how and why the British felt increasingly compelled to curtail Fakir movements and activities.
Remediation, Time and Disaster
Authors: Ekström Anders
Published: January 2016

This paper explores the deep historical contexts for imagining natural disasters. By focusing on a foundational event in the Western disaster imaginary – the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 – and its remediation across centuries, the paper suggests that the real-time aesthetic of the mediation of extreme nature events that now abounds in contemporary culture is profoundly embedded in processes of historical intermediality. The term remediation is used to denote a genuinely historical mechanism by which past and present (process and event) are simultaneously made visible. Empirically, the paper investigates the superimposition of temporal dimensions in recreations of the ancient disaster from the late 18th century to the present. Using the insights gained from this spectacular case study, the paper ends by arguing that a re-temporalization of historical analysis itself is needed for history to contribute to contemporary concerns with the present as a conjuncture of multiple and conflicting time scales.
Spontaneous Reproductive Tract Lesions in Aged Captive Chimpanzees
Authors: Chaffee B. K. , Beck A. P. , Owston M. A. , Kumar S. , Baze W. B. , Magden E. R. , Dick E. J. , Lammey M. , Abee C. R.
Published: January 2016

Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes) have served as an important model for studies of reproductive diseases and aging-related disorders in humans. However, limited information is available about spontaneously occurring reproductive tract lesions in aging chimpanzees. In this article, the authors present histopathologic descriptions of lesions identified in the reproductive tract, including the mammary gland, of 33 female and 34 male aged chimpanzees from 3 captive populations. The most common findings in female chimpanzees were ovarian atrophy, uterine leiomyoma, adenomyosis, and endometrial atrophy. The most common findings in male chimpanzees were seminiferous tubule degeneration and lymphocytic infiltrates in the prostate gland. Other less common lesions included an ovarian granulosa cell tumor, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, an endometrial polyp, uterine artery hypertrophy and mineralization, atrophic vaginitis, mammary gland inflammation, prostatic epithelial hyperplasia, dilated seminal vesicles, a sperm granuloma, and lymphocytic infiltrates in the epididymis. The findings in this study closely mimic changes described in the reproductive tract of aged humans, with the exception of a lack of malignant changes observed in the mammary gland and prostate gland.
Occupy representation and democratise prefiguration: Speaking for others in global justice movements
Authors: Teivainen Teivo
Published: January 2016

This paper seeks an articulation between Marxist and anarchist approaches to representation in social movements. A generalised dismissal of representational politics leaves power with too many places to hide and sets unnecessary limits to political imagination. Prefigurative politics should not exclude political representation, as the exclusion can imply a class bias. The paper explores two different paths beyond strict assumptions of horizontality. Using mostly Latin American examples, a distinction is made between more classical state-centric paths and less theorised alternatives of non-state representation. Finally, the article approaches global democratisation from a non-state-centric perspective, tentatively called transnational libertarian socialism.
Entrepreneurial Exploration and Exploitation in Family Business
Authors: Goel Sanjay , Jones Raymond J.
Published: January 2016

In entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial exploration and exploitation have been considered central activities for the survival, growth, and renewal of businesses. In this review we systematically examine research on these topics in family business. Our review comprises 59 publications examining exploration and/or exploitation in family firms published between 2001 and 2015 in 32 publications. The article highlights the contributions of family business in this area and reveals additional areas where a stronger connection between these concepts and the family business field could be developed. We suggest several new research directions that may enhance the understanding of these entrepreneurial activities in family business.
The use of computational fluid dynamics in the analysis of fluid flow and thermal aspects in grinding
Authors: Mihić Stefan , Dražumerič Radovan , Pušavec Franci , Badger Jeffrey , Krajnik Peter
Published: January 2016

A numerical model based on computational fluid dynamics is developed to analyze fluid flow and thermal aspects in grinding. The model uses multiphase fluid flow with heat transfer based on the volume-of-fluid method, convection, conduction in solids and a multiple reference frame model of the porous grinding zone. Fluid velocity vectors, useful flow rate, grinding temperatures and energy partition are predicted using the model. In lieu of direct measurements of these quantities, the verification relies on the indirect assessment of surface integrity. The simulation results provide adequate agreement with the measured residual stress, depth of heat-affected zone and full width at half maximum profile with respect to the grinding temperatures.
Nurses’ role and care practices in decision-making regarding artificial ventilation in late stage pulmonary disease
Authors: Jerpseth Heidi , Dahl Vegard , Nortvedt Per , Halvorsen Kristin
Published: January 2016

Background:

Decisions regarding whether or not to institute mechanical ventilation during the later stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is challenging both ethically, emotionally and medically. Caring for these patients is a multifaceted process where nurses play a crucial role.

Research question and design:

We have investigated how nurses experienced their own role in decision-making processes regarding mechanical ventilation in later stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and how they consider the patients’ role in these processes. We applied a qualitative approach, with six focus-group interviews of nurses (n = 26).

Ethical considerations:

The Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics approved the study. Voluntary informed consent was obtained.

Findings:

The nurses found themselves operating within a cure-directed treatment culture wherein they were unable to stand up for the caring values. They perceived their roles and responsibilities in decision-making processes regarding mechanical ventilation to patients as unclear and unsatisfactory. They also experienced inadequate interdisciplinary cooperation.

Discussion:

Lack of communication skills, the traditional hierarchical hospital culture together with operating in a medical-orientated treatment culture where caring values is rated as less important might explain the nurses’ absence in participation in the decision about mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion:

To be able to advocate for the patients’ and their own right to be included in decision-making processes, nurses need an awareness of their own responsibilities. This requires personal courage, leadership who are capable of organising common interpersonal meetings and willingness on the part of the physicians to include and value the nurses’ participation in decision-making processes.
Fracture tests under mixed mode I + III loading: An assessment based on the local energy
Authors: Berto Filippo , Ayatollahi MR , Campagnolo A
Published: January 2016

In this paper, some recent data exploring mixed mode I + III fracture of cracked polymethyl methacrylate specimens are re-analysed in terms of the local energy. The data have been obtained by using a new loading fixture proposed for exploring mixed mode I + III fracture experimentally. While a large bulk of experimental results from cracked specimens of polymethyl methacrylate under pure modes of loading, in particular under mode I loading, can be found in the literature, only very few tests have been carried out considering multiaxial static loadings, and for this reason, only limited studies have been performed on possible criteria for the fracture assessment under mixed mode I + III conditions. By taking advantage of the recent set of data on polymethyl methacrylate tested at different values of the mode mixity ratio, a criterion based on the local strain energy density previously applied by the same authors only to pure modes of loading is successfully extended here to the case of tension and torsion loadings applied in combination. Good agreement is shown to exist between the theoretical estimates and the experimental data.
Chronic Administration of Catestatin Improves Autonomic Function and Exerts Cardioprotective Effects in Myocardial Infarction Rats
Authors: Wang Dandan , Liu Tao , Shi Shaobo , Li Ran , Shan Yingguang , Huang Yan , Hu Dan , Huang Congxin
Published: January 2016

Catestatin (CST), which is emerging as a novel cardiac modulator, can protect the heart against excessive sympathetic drive in hypertensive cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study is to investigate whether exogenous CST decreases excessive cardiac sympathetic drive and improves autonomic function and exerts cardioprotective effects in myocardial infarction (MI) rats. Rats were divided into a sham group, MI group, and MI plus CST (MI + CST) group. Four weeks later, the autonomic function of the animals was assessed by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) and measuring plasma catecholamine. Cardiac function was evaluated via echocardiography. Electrophysiological characteristics were assessed in Langendorff-perfused hearts. Compared to the MI group, the chronic administration of CST significantly increased the standard deviation of normal–normal intervals ( P < .01) and low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) HRV and decreased the ratio of LF–HF HRV ( P < .01 for all). Additionally, the level of plasma catecholamine was reduced in the MI + CST group compared to the MI group ( P < .01). Treatment with CST significantly increased ejection fraction (EF) and fraction shorting (FS) and significantly decreased the left ventricular end-systolic diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter at 28 days postmyocardial infraction ( P < .05 for all). After MI, the ventricular repolarization duration, such as QTc intervals and action potential duration (APD) at 90% repolarization, was prolonged, and this prolongation could be decreased by CST ( P < .05 for all). The CST also increased the threshold of ADP alternans ( P < .01). Moreover, ventricular arrhythmias were induced in 83% of the MI group but only 33% of the MI + CST group ( P < .05). These results suggested that the chronic administration of CST plays a role in cardioprotection in MI rats, which may function by decreasing the cardiac sympathetic drive and improving autonomic function.
A new comprehensive evaluating method for assessing the sustainability credentials of the central air-conditioning system
Authors: Ding Yu-Qing , Zou Sheng-Hua , Yu Chuck Wah
Published: January 2016

A new comprehensive evaluation method for assessing the sustainability credential of central air-conditioning systems is proposed in this paper. The method is based on the relative coefficient index ( K) of costs and benefits of the air-conditioning system. The paper introduces the concept and defined the parameters of costs (energy consumption costs, economic running costs and environmental impact) and benefits (indoor air quality and thermal comfort) and the mathematical principles for the determination and evaluation of these parameters. The parameters are then ranked with an index value for each component that make up the air-conditioning system, and the total index value would be used for the overall evaluation of the costs and benefits to determine the overall index, K. The feasibility of the method is illustrated by three case studies included in this paper. The evaluation index can identify shortcomings of components in the air-conditioning system and to identify the relative environmental impacts and costs as well as the performance in using the system. The evaluation index would thus allow designers and building managers to target performance improvements and guide designers to optimize functions in terms of costs and benefits to minimize environmental impacts. The index method would provide a rating classification of air-conditioning systems for standard specification and selection in terms of cost effectiveness for appropriate building service required.
Human perception of room temperature and intermittent air jet cooling in a classroom
Authors: Kabanshi Alan , Wigö Hans , Ljung Robert , Sörqvist Patrik
Published: January 2016

Steady indoor environments are perceived poor at high temperatures and require a high energy input to cool to comfortable operative temperatures. The introduction of airflow variations in such environments improves occupant perception and is shown to be far more energy efficient than cooling the entire space as only the occupants’ are cooled. However, with this method the risk of draft is high and use of velocity variations reduces the risk. This paper discusses and compares two occupant cooling methods in a classroom setup. Cooling by reducing the room temperature and enhanced convective cooling with intermittent air velocities. The experiments were performed in a full scale mockup classroom with a total of 85 student-participants. In study 1, participants sat in a classroom for about 60 min, in one of two temperature conditions: 20℃ and 25℃. In study 2, all participants sat in a room with a temperature of 25℃, but airflow variation in the sitting zone was manipulated. In both studies, the participants performed various tasks and answered questionnaires on their perception of the indoor climate. As shown here, higher classroom temperature deteriorates human perception of the indoor climate, and the use of intermittent air velocities improves the perception of indoor climate just like cooling by reducing the room air temperature. The results reveal that convective cooling can effectively be used as an energy efficient method of cooling in school environments.
Support and challenges in the process of leaving care: A Swedish qualitative follow-up study of foster youths’ lived experiences
Authors: Hedin Lena
Published: January 2016

This in-depth follow-up study presents some foster youths’ lived experiences from when they were teens in a new foster family through the process of leaving care. Their transition to adulthood was delayed because of disturbances in their school situation; however, as adults they took advantage of the possibility to study. The narratives reveal the crucial importance of social workers, and what is needed to make their relations with youth trustful. Even though there were placement breakdowns along the way, in retrospect they all see the benefits of their foster family: as a steady base when needed or just as a construction of a ‘good family’ that they keep in mind. Most striking is the young people’s agency in overcoming challenges and obstacles, which led to increased maturity and self-confidence, though it depended on having some kind of security in their social situation. Facebook plays a vital role in keeping relationships alive, which is especially important for those without a secure base in their family or peer group. It appears that their striving for independence is intertwined with a need for interdependence on the way to adulthood, with varying emphasis over time. Mixed qualitative methods were used: interviews, network maps and The Experience Sampling Method.
Displacement and revitalization of the Nahuatl language in the High Mountains of Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Sandoval Arenas Carlos O
Published: January 2016

This article focuses on language displacement in the High Mountains of Central Veracruz. It begins by presenting a brief historical account of the Nahuatl presence in the region in order to distinguish this group from other Nahuatl-speaking groups. Later, it describes the situation of language loss that is currently underway and argues that the gains of the indigenous movement in the last two decades, such as the intercultural system of education, have not translated into a process of language revitalization. It focuses on the lower linguistic status of Nahuatl in the region as a key factor in language displacement, caused by (a) a hierarchical value system associated with different language domains, (b) the absence of Nahuatl in educational spaces, and (c) the current low vitality of Nahuatl. The article concludes with some actions being taken at the Intercultural University of Veracruz to address the deep causes of language displacement.
Investigating visual mechanisms underlying scene brightness
Authors: Besenecker UC , Bullough JD
Published: January 2016

Short-wavelength (<500 nm) output of light sources enhances scene brightness perception in the low-to-moderate photopic range. This appears to be partially explained by a contribution from short-wavelength cones. Recent evidence from experiments on humans suggests that intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) containing the photopigment melanopsin might also contribute to spectral sensitivity for scene brightness perception. An experiment was conducted to investigate this possibility at two different light levels, near 10 lx and near 100 lx. Subjects provided forced-choice brightness judgments and relative brightness magnitude judgments when comparing two different amber-coloured stimuli with similar chromaticities. A provisional brightness metric including an ipRGC contribution was able to predict the data with substantially smaller errors than a metric based on cone input only.
Simultaneous Bilateral vs Unilateral Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Jiang Xiong-jing , Dong Hui , Peng Meng , Zou Yu-bao , Song Lei , Xu Bo , Zhang Hui-min , Wu Hai-ying , Zhou Xian-liang , Yang Yue-jin , Gao Run-lin
Published: January 2016

Purpose: To evaluate clinical outcomes of simultaneous bilateral carotid artery stenting (sbCAS) compared with unilateral CAS (uCAS). Methods: The database in our institution was queried to identify all patients treated with CAS from January 2005 to December 2012. In this time frame, 120 (18.8%) patients (mean age 64.9±7.7 years; 96 men) underwent sbCAS and 517 (81.2%) patients (mean age 65.7±7.7 years; 421 men) received uCAS. The primary endpoint was the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 30 days or any ipsilateral stroke within 1 year. Results: There was no significant difference in the rates of the primary endpoint between the sbCAS and uCAS groups (6.7% vs 4.6%, p=0.358). The rates of the primary endpoint among symptomatic patients was 8.0% in the sbCAS group and 5.0% in the uCAS group (p=0.299) and 3.1% and 4.0%, respectively (p=0.821) among asymptomatic patients. During the 30-day periprocedural period, the rates of the primary endpoint did not differ significantly between the sbCAS and uCAS groups among all patients (5.8% vs 4.4%, p=0.479), symptomatic patients (6.8% vs 5.0%, p=0.594), or asymptomatic patients (3.1% vs 3.5%, p>0.999). After this period, the incidences of any ipsilateral stroke were similarly low (0.8% and 0.2%, respectively; p=0.342). Conclusion: The study showed that simultaneous bilateral CAS had no more adverse events than unilateral CAS during the periprocedural period or within 1 year. This 1-stage strategy may become a valuable alternative in the treatment of patients with severe bilateral carotid stenosis.