bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heart repair: from natural mechanisms of cardiomyocyte production to the design of new cardiac therapies
Authors: Martin‐Puig Silvia , Fuster Valentín , Torres Miguel
Published: May 2012

Most organs in mammals, including the heart, show a certain level of plasticity and repair ability during gestation. This plasticity is, however, compromised for many organs in adulthood, resulting in the inability to repair organ injury, including heart damage produced by acute or chronic ischemic conditions. In contrast, lower vertebrates, such as fish or amphibians, retain a striking regenerative ability during their entire life, being able to repair heart injuries. There is a great interest in understanding both the mechanisms that allow heart plasticity during mammalian fetal life and those that permit adult cardiac regeneration in zebrafish. Here, we revise strategies for cardiomyocyte production during development and in response to injury and discuss differential regeneration ability of teleosts and mammals. Understanding these mechanisms may allow establishing alternative therapeutic approaches to cope with heart failure in humans.
Cardiovascular defense challenges at the basic, clinical, and population levels
Authors: Kovacic Jason C. , Castellano Jose M. , Fuster Valentin
Published: May 2012

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Particularly in low and middle income countries, rapid urbanization and secondary factors, such as increasing obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise, have combined to propel CVD into this position. Given the enormous scope of this problem and the complex cultural, societal, and political issues that are involved, an equally sophisticated and multipronged approach is required to combat CVD at the global level. In this review, we outline the basic, clinical, and population level challenges that we face in defending ourselves against this disease.
The future: therapy of myocardial protection
Authors: Sanz‐Rosa David , García‐Prieto Jaime , Ibanez Borja
Published: May 2012

The main determinant of myocardial necrosis following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is duration of ischemia. Infarct size is a strong independent predictor of postinfarction mortality. Interventions able to protect the myocardium from death during an AMI (cardioprotection) are urgently needed. Myocardial injury associated with reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion injury [I/R]) significantly contributes to the final necrotic size. Duration of ischemia can only be reduced by social and emergency medical services—hospital collaborative programs. However, for a given duration of ischemia, infarct size can be limited by reducing reperfusion injury. Despite the fact that several therapies have been shown to reduce I/R injury in animal models, translation to humans has been frustrating. The cost of developing new drugs able to reduce I/R injury is huge, and this is a major roadblock in the field of cardioprotection. Recent studies have proposed that old, inexpensive drugs—in human use for decades (e.g., β‐blockers and cyclosporine, among others)—can reduce I/R injury when administered intravenously before coronary opening. The demonstration of such a cardioprotective effect should have a significant impact in the care of AMI patients.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor as a regulator of systemic and brain energy metabolism and cardiovascular health
Authors: Rothman Sarah M. , Griffioen Kathleen J. , Wan Ruiqian , Mattson Mark P.
Published: May 2012

Overweight sedentary individuals are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some neurological disorders. Beneficial effects of dietary energy restriction (DER) and exercise on brain structural plasticity and behaviors have been demonstrated in animal models of aging and acute (stroke and trauma) and chronic (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) neurological disorders. The findings described later, and evolutionary considerations, suggest brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in the integration and optimization of behavioral and metabolic responses to environments with limited energy resources and intense competition. In particular, BDNF signaling mediates adaptive responses of the central, autonomic, and peripheral nervous systems from exercise and DER. In the hypothalamus, BDNF inhibits food intake and increases energy expenditure. By promoting synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus, BDNF mediates exercise‐ and DER‐induced improvements in cognitive function and neuroprotection. DER improves cardiovascular stress adaptation by a mechanism involving enhancement of brainstem cholinergic activity. Collectively, findings reviewed in this paper provide a rationale for targeting BDNF signaling for novel therapeutic interventions in a range of metabolic and neurological disorders.
Minority Opinions: Antecedents and Benefits of Expression
Authors: Rios Kimberly
Published: May 2012

A great deal of social psychological research has focused on antecedents of conformity to the majority. The present article, however, reviews the various conditions under which people express minority opinions. First, minority opinion expression is especially pronounced among individuals who hold either strong attitudes or attitudes that deviate from the majority in a direction consistent with the desirable group attitude. Second, minority opinion expression increases to the extent that highly‐identified group members believe that expressing minority opinions will promote their group’s welfare, or to the extent that one’s membership in a particular social category entitles him/her to speak up. Third, minority opinion expression increases when people’s motives to have a unique or clearly defined sense of self are salient. It is argued that these sources of minority opinion expression can help shed light on the functional value of such opinions for individuals.
Psychological Contributors to the Failure to Anticipate Unintended Consequences
Authors: Sparks Erin , Ehrlinger Joyce
Published: May 2012

History is replete with well‐intentioned actions and policies that have resulted in dramatic unintended consequences. We review evidence that several psychological biases result in an overly narrow focus on the intended consequences of acts and, consequently, tendencies to ignore or give too little weight to potential unintended consequences. First, a motivated desire for the intended consequences of acts can blind people to the likelihood of alternative possibilities. We review evidence that people process information and evidence in biased ways, leaving them overconfident that the desired consequences will come to pass. Second, even in the absence of motives regarding potential consequences, biases in cognition lead people to focus their attention narrowly on intended consequences in a way that limits their consideration of important alternative, unintended consequences. We review how biases toward focalism and anchoring contribute to a failure to foresee unintended consequences. Finally, we review evidence that subtle manipulations of both motivation and attention can be used to increase the focus and weight given to potential unintended consequences and, consequently, improve anticipation.
We Were, We Are,Will We Be?The Social Psychology of Collective Angst
Authors: Wohl Michael J. A. , Squires Erinn C. , Caouette Julie
Published: May 2012

Not all social groups survive the passage of time. Groups once in existence are now but memories of the past. If history is any indication, other social groups are likely to experience a similar fate and join the list of groups that once were. The concern that one’s group might one day join such a list is the focus of this paper. Specifically, we examine the social psychology of collective angst – a group‐based emotion that stems from concern for the future vitality of one’s social group. We begin by discussing the anatomy of collective angst and how it differs from other collective emotions. We then outline factors that foster collective angst. Importantly, we provide a novel theoretical framework outlining both constructive and destructive means by which members may defend against a future that does not include their group. For example, we examine collective angst as a facilitator of, among other things, ingroup cohesion and outgroup aggression. Finally, we discuss how collective angst has manifested on the world stage as well as implications for relations within and between groups.
An unusual case of multiple maxillary anterior hyperdontia – the mesiodens and supernumerary central incisor in the mature adult: diagnosis and surgical management
Authors: McCrea S.J.J.
Published: May 2012

Supernumerary teeth are frequently present in the mixed and permanent dentition and infrequently in the deciduous dentition. Such teeth may cause a delay in normal eruption, crowding and aesthetic problems. Early diagnosis facilitates simpler treatment modalities. Late diagnosis may require the use of more advanced techniques to achieve acceptable aesthetics. This article reports the late presentation of the effects of unilateral maxillary two‐tooth anterior hyperdontia and its subsequent surgical management in the mature adult: dental implant replacement therapy and consecutive guided bone regeneration and tissue regeneration therapy were employed in the solution.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexal region: A nation‐based study
Authors: Rasmussen Peter K. , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Prause Jan U. , Sjö Lene D. , Toft Peter B. , Siersma Volkert D. , Heegaard Steffen
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To characterize the clinicopathological features of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the ocular adnexal region.

Methods:  The present series of orbital and adnexal DLBCLs were found by searching the Danish Registry of Pathology between 1980 and 2009. Histological specimens were re‐evaluated using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Clinical files from all patients with confirmed DLBCL were collected.

Results:  A total of 34 patients with DLBCL of the ocular adnexal region were identified. Eighteen of the patients were men. The patients had a median age of 78 years (range 35–97 years). Ninety‐seven per cent of the patients had unilateral ocular adnexal region involvement, and the orbit (76%) was the most frequently affected site. Nineteen patients (56%) presented with Stage I lymphoma. Of these, 18 were diagnosed with primary lymphoma. Four patients (12%) had Stage II, one patient (3%) had Stage III and ten patients (29%) presented with Stage IV lymphoma. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate for the whole study group was 20%. The patients with Stage I lymphoma had a significantly better 5‐year OS rate (28%) than patients in Stage II‐IV (5‐year OS rate, 9%). In Cox regression analysis, concordant bone marrow involvement and the International Prognostic Index (IPI) score were prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusions:  Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexal region is mainly prevalent in elderly patients. Most patients had unilateral orbital involvement. The overall prognosis is poor. Concordant bone marrow involvement and the IPI score were independent prognostic factors for mortality.
Leucocyte telomere length in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Immonen Ilkka , Seitsonen Sanna , Saionmaa Outi , Fyhrquist Frej
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To evaluate the association between telomere length and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:  Circulating leucocyte telomere length and the proportion of telomeres <5 kb were analysed in blood DNA samples taken from 121 patients with exudative AMD (83%), large drusen (14%) or central geographic atrophy (3%). Controls consisted of 77 age‐matched subjects without AMD. The AMD status was assessed by a masked analysis of fundus photographs or angiographs. Telomere length was measured by Southern blotting.

Results:  Mean (SD) telomere length was 7.76 kb (0.68) in AMD patients and 7.83 (0.69) in controls (p = 0.485). The corresponding proportions of telomeres <5 kb were 10.60 (2.76) and 10.05 (2.64) (p = 0.197). In this material, there was no correlation between telomere length and age, gender or smoking status. There were no differences between the major AMD risk single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CFH, HTRA1 or C3 genes, expect for somewhat longer telomeres in controls with the C3 risk SNP. There were no differences in telomere length between patients with drusen or exudative AMD.

Conclusions:  Telomere length is not associated with exudative AMD or high‐risk drusen.
Comparative findings in childhood‐onset versus adult‐onset optic disc pit maculopathy
Authors: Rii Tosho , Hirakata Akito , Inoue Makoto
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To compare the clinical characteristics of eyes with childhood‐onset to those with adult‐onset optic disc pit maculopathy.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven eyes of 25 patients with optic disc pit maculopathy were reviewed. The clinical characteristics, clinical history including a history of blunt trauma, ophthalmoscopic evaluations and intraoperative findings in the childhood‐onset (age <15 years, four eyes of four patients) cases were compared with those in the adult‐onset (≥15 years, 23 eyes of 21 patients) cases of optic disc pit maculopathy. The strength of the vitreous adhesions was graded by what was required to create a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD); grade 1 = with vitreous cutter, grade 2 = by microhook or forceps and grade 3 = by forceps with removal of remnants of Cloquet’s canal.

Results:  The incidence of visual impairments following blunt trauma was significantly higher in childhood‐onset (three of four eyes) than that of adult‐onset (0 of 23 eyes, p = 0.0014). Vitreous surgery with creation of a PVD was performed in the four childhood‐onset eyes and 18 adult‐onset eyes after an absence of a spontaneous resolution. The grade of the vitreous adhesions was significantly higher in childhood‐onset than in adult‐onset eyes (p = 0.0096).

Conclusions:  An ocular trauma may provide an opportunity to detect optic disc pits. However, childhood‐onset optic disc pit maculopathy was noted most commonly following blunt ocular trauma in eyes with a strong vitreous adhesion to the optic disc margin.
Genotype–phenotype correlations in Bothnia dystrophy caused by RLBP1 gene sequence variations
Authors: Burstedt Marie , Jonsson Frida , Köhn Linda , Burstedt Magnus , Kivitalo Markus , Golovleva Irina
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To evaluate phenotypes caused by different RLBP1 mutations in autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa of Bothnia type.

Methods:  Compound heterozygotes for mutations in the RLBP1 gene [c.677T>A]+[c.700C>T] (p.M226K+p.R234W), n = 10, aged 7–84 years, and homozygotes c.677T>A (p.M226K), n = 2, aged 63 and 73 years, were studied using visual acuity (VA), low‐contrast VA, visual fields (VFs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retrospective VA and VFs, standardized dark adaptation and full‐field electroretinograms (ERGs) were analysed and prolonged dark adaptometry and ERG (at 24 hr) were performed.

Results:  Progressive decline of VA and VF areas was age‐dependent. Retinal degenerative maculopathy, peripheral degenerative changes and retinitis punctata albescens (RPA) were present. Early retinal thinning in the central foveal, foveal (Ø 1 mm), and inner ring (Ø 3 mm) in the macular region, with homogenous, high‐reflectance RPA changes, was visualized in and adjacent to the retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris using OCT. Reduced dark adaptation and affected ERGs were present in all ages. Prolonged dark adaptation and ERG (at 24 hr), an increase in final threshold, and ERG rod and mixed rod/cone responses were found.

Conclusions:  The two RLBP1 genotypes presented a phenotypical and electrophysiological expression of progressive retinal disease similar to that previously described in homozygotes for the c.700C>T (p.R234W) RLBP1 mutation. The uniform phenotypical expression of RLBP1 mutations is relevant information for the disease and of importance in planning future treatment strategies.
Association of ocular pseudoexfoliation syndrome with ischaemic heart disease, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Špečkauskas Martynas , Tamošiūnas Abdonas , Jašinskas Vytautas
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in Lithuanian urban population and its association with ischaemic heart disease (IHD), arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:  In this population‐based study, 1065 participants aged 45–72 years were randomly drawn from the population register of Kaunas, Lithuania. They were classified as having PEX if any pseudoexfoliation material was determined by a slit‐lamp examination in at least one eye. The data were acquired from questionnaire; register of myocardial infarction, electrocardiogram, biochemical blood analyses and blood pressure measurement were used to determine IHD, AH, DM and smoking habits. Poststratification weights based on Kaunas population sex and age distribution were applied.

Results:  Pseudoexfoliation syndrome was estimated in 9% of a population. The AH rate was higher in PEX subjects than in non‐PEX subjects (p = 0.017) and the rates of IHD, DM and cholesterol levels did not differ statistically significantly. Chi‐square linear‐by‐linear association test found higher AH rate in unilateral PEX subjects and even higher AH rate in bilateral PEX subjects than in non‐PEX subjects (p = 0.014). Pseudoexfoliation syndrome increased odds for AH by 1.8 times (p = 0.021). Median of systolic blood pressure was higher in the PEX group than in non‐PEX group (p = 0.04). But all associations could not be confirmed after adjusting for age. Smoking duration increased age‐adjusted odds for PEX. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome did not increase risk for IHD, AH or DM.

Conclusions:  Pseudoexfoliation syndrome prevalence is high in Lithuania. No clear PEX association with IHD, AH and DM was proven after controlling for effect of age.
Boundary Between Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene in the Zagros Mountain Ranges of Southwestern Iran
Authors: AFGHAH Massih , FARHOUDI Godratollah
Published: May 2012

In the present study, over 3000 m of Upper Cretaceous sediments (Tarbur Formation) in seven stratigraphic, columnar sections were studied. The area is located in the Zagros mountain ranges of southwestern Iran, attributed to the converging continental Arabian Shield, and is interpreted as the result of subduction and collision. Based on foraminiferal studies of the Tarbur Formation in the sections, we have established many new biozones in the stratigraphic sections. However, investigations of the biozones indicate that there is no lithostratigraphic variation between the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene sediments in some of the studied sections. The concept of widespread formations and lithologic correlations is not applicable in this area, probably as a result of the tectonic unrest at that time. The biostratigraphic boundary between the Cretaceous and the Lower Paleocene is nevertheless well defined by the intraformational boundary in the sections.
Detrital K‐feldspar 40Ar/39Ar Ages: Source Constraints of the Lower Miocene Sandstones in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Zaisheng LIU , Hesheng SHI , Junzhang ZHU , Huaning QIU , Zhilin ZHANG , Jianbing YUN
Published: May 2012

The South China Sea began to outspread in the Oligocene. A great quantity of terraneous detritus was deposited in the northern continental shelf of the sea, mostly in Pearl River Mouth Basin, which constituted the main paleo‐Pearl River Delta. The delta developed for a long geological time and formed a superimposed area. Almost all the oil and gas fields of detrital rock reservoir distribute in this delta. Thirty‐three oil sandstone core samples in the Zhujiang Formation, lower Miocene (23–16 Ma), were collected from nine wells. The illite samples with detrital K feldspar (Kfs) separated from these sandstone cores in four sub‐structural belts were analysed by the high‐precision 40Ar/39Ar laser stepwise heating technique. All 33 illite 40Ar/39Ar data consistently yielded gradually rising age spectra at the low‐temperature steps until reaching age plateaus at mid‐high temperature steps. The youngest ages corresponding to the beginning steps were interpreted as the hydrocarbon accumulation ages and the plateau ages in mid‐high temperature steps as the contributions of the detrital feldspar representing the ages of the granitic parent rocks in the provenances. The ages of the detrital feldspar from the Zhujiang Formation in the four sub‐structural belts were different: (1) the late Cretaceous ages in the Lufeng 13 fault structural belt; (2) the late Cretaceous and early Cretaceous‐Jurassic ages in the Huizhou 21 buried hill‐fault belt; (3) the Jurassic and Triassic ages in the Xijiang 24 buried hill‐fault belt; and (4) the early Cretaceous – late Jurassic ages in the Panyu 4 oil area. These detrital feldspar 40Ar/39Ar ages become younger and younger from west to east, corresponding to the age distribution of the granites in the adjacent Guangdong Province, Southern China.
Behavior of Siderophile and Chalcophile Elements in the Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle beneath the Changbaishan Volcano, NE China
Authors: Jian WANG , Jinlin LIU , Keiko HATTORI , Wenliang XU , Zhipeng XIE , Yue SONG
Published: May 2012

The mantle xenoliths in the Quaternary Changbaishan Volcano in southern Jilin Province contain spinel‐facies lherzolites. The equilibration temperatures for these samples range from 902°C to 1064°C based on the two‐pyroxene thermometer of Brey and Köhler (1990), and using the oxybarometry of Nell and Wood (1991), the oxidation state was estimated from FMQ‐1.32 to –0.38 with an average value of FMQ‐0.81 (n= 8), which is comparable to that of abyssal peridotites and the asthenospheric mantle. The fO2 values of peridotites, together with their bulk rock compositions (e.g., Mg#, Al2O3, CaO, Ni, Co, Cr) and mineral compositions (e.g., Mg# of olivine and pyroxene, Cr# [=Cr/[Cr+Al]] and Mg# [=Mg/[Mg+Fe2+] of spinel), suggest that the present‐day subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath the Changbaishan Volcano most likely formed from an upwelling asthenosphere at some time after the late Mesozoic and has undergone a low degree of partial melting. The studied lherzolite xenoliths show low concentrations of S, Cu, and platinum group elements (PGE), which plot a flat pattern on primitive‐mantle normalized diagram. Very low concentrations in our samples suggest that PGEs occur as alloys or hosted by silicate and oxide minerals. The compositions of the studied samples are similar to those of peridotite xenoliths in the Longgang volcanic field (LVF) in their mineralogy and bulk rock compositions including the abundance of chalcophile and siderophile elements. However, they are distinctly different from those of peridotite xenoliths in other areas of the North China Craton (NCC) in terms of Cu, S and PGE. Our data suggest that the SCLM underlying the northeastern part of the NCC may represent a distinct unit of the newly formed lithospheric mantle.
Mineralogical and Physical Characteristics of White Sandstone of Abu Rodeiyim Quarry (Sinai), and its Possible Industrial Utilization
Authors: TEMRAZ Mostafa Gouda
Published: May 2012

Mineralogical, geochemical, and textural analyses of the white sandstones (Abu Thora Fm.) of Carboniferous in the Abu Rodeiyim region show that they are fluviomarine, well‐sorted, high‐purity, and high‐grade silica SiO2 (average 99.56%). The results indicate that by simple treatment, the white sandstones can reach a high degree of purity, suitable for different industrial purposes (e.g. manufacture of silicon photovoltaic, crystal, and TV screens, art, and domestic and optical glass).
Seismic Facies in a Deepwater Area of a Marine Faulted Basin: Deepwater Area of the Paleogene Lingshui Formation in the Qiongdongnan Basin
Authors: Huanqing CHEN , Xiaomin ZHU , Gongcheng ZHANG , Xilin ZHANG , Qin ZHANG
Published: May 2012

In recent years, deep water areas have become popular exploration fields because of their abundant hydrocarbon resource potential. There are only relatively poor planar seismic profiles and no wells for deepwater areas of the Lingshui Formation in the Qiongdongnan Basin. A lot of faults developed and strata are fragmented due to high temperatures and high pressure, and this has resulted in dim sequence boundaries. Based on seismic data of the deepwater area and well data of bordering shallow water areas, Lingshui Formation was divided into four third class sequences; namely SI, SII, SIII and SIV, and the three‐dimensional isochronous stratigraphic framework of the Lingshui Formation in the studied area was shaped. Based mainly on seismic attributes such as amplitude, continuity, internal structure and external shape, six typical seismic facies were identified, including mat‐shaped, filling, wedge‐shaped, foreset, moundy‐shaped and lenticular‐shaped, and a seismic facies distribution map was subsequently drawn. With studies on wells of bordering shallow water areas, regional sedimentary characteristics, and isopach map as references, sedimentary planar distribution features were analyzed. The deepwater area of the Lingshui Formation has mainly developed littoral and shallow sea. Sandstone bodies of fan delta, braided river delta, slope fan, basin floor fan, and turbidite fan are at an interdigitate junction to marine hydrocarbon source rocks and thus are favorable prospecting targets.
Impact of Conjugated Shear Joint of “X” Type on Macroscopic Karstification on the Basis of the Analysis of Google Earth Images
Authors: Ruidong YANG , Xueyong SHENG , Xiao WEI , Xuefeng WEN
Published: May 2012

As viewed from space remote‐sensing images (e.g. Google Earth images) of South Guizhou and North Guangxi, the authors found that macroscopic karst landscape on the Earth's surface is strongly controlled by the Conjugated shear joint of “X” type. Joints of this kind constitute a huge infiltration network and act as channel‐ways for the permeation of meteoric waters from the surface, thus, leading to the dissolution of carbonate rocks nearby. As a result, the karst landscape is formed, which is dominated by linear karst valleys. An “X” karst valley network structure appears in the area where horizontal strata are distributed, and a feather‐like network structure appears in the area where vertical strata are distributed, respectively. When the water permeates downwards to the underground‐water level, it will flow horizontally along the strike of “X” joints toward the local base level of erosion to form an “X” network system of underground conduits in the area where horizontal strata are distributed, but it is relatively complex, because of the joining of other joints. This is the first time we have made use of Google Earth images to study the karst environment. Therefore, it has been successful in research on the Earth's geomorphology, which could only rely on aerial photos and satellite photos in the past. Google Earth images provide low‐cost and applicable imaging materials for the study of Earth's geomorphology and karst rocky desertification and its control.
“Believing That Which Cannot Be”: (De)Constructing Medieval Clerical Masculinity in “Des münches not”
Authors: Trokhimenko Olga V.
Published: May 2012

In 2008, the tabloid story of a pregnant transgendered man from Oregon provoked a flurry of responses—mostly negative—thus proving that even in the 21st‐century blurring of gender boundaries arouses both morbid fascination and deep anxiety. Medieval tales about male pregnancy suggest a similar preoccupation with masculinity and maleness. Most of these humorous stories of folly or sexual naïveté push the gender boundaries only to reinforce them: they portray their feminized protagonists as incorrigible idiots, reaffirm child‐bearing as a prerogative of women, and reinforce popular misogynous stereotypes. However, the 14th‐century medieval German mære“Des münches not” goes beyond a mere juxtaposition of masculinity and femininity. This particular comic tale complicates the common plot by making its protagonist a celibate monk and therefore focusing on the tensions among several medieval masculinities. This paper uncovers the disputatious nature of late‐medieval culture, ridden by deep anxiety about clerical celibacy. “Des münches not” repudiates the clergy's masculinity and simultaneously insists upon it, thus reaffirming that despite all the effeminate aspects of the monastic lifestyle, late‐medieval laity nevertheless saw the clergy as both male and emotionally masculine.
Platen's Retreat: On the Poetics and Ethics of Memorizing Ballads
Authors: Daub Adrian
Published: May 2012

August von Platen's ballad “Das Grab im Busento” mobilizes an old lyric trope, the comparison of poetic discourse with the flow of a river, to interrogate the philosophy of history and memory implicit in the ballad form. By telling the story of a river that covers and protects a king's dead body and his memory, the ballad reenacts and re‐encodes the biographical circumstances of its inception: Platen signals the unspeakability of homoerotic love and the difficulty of its transmission by staging the story of a deliberate obfuscation of memory, thereby contravening the traditional relationship between ballad and memory. Since he casts a story of frustrated love as a report of a Germanic burial ritual, the ballad became an important element of literary nationalism in the nineteenth century—and as a poem that dealt with the impossibility of memorialization became one of the most frequently memorized.
Systematic reviews of TCM trials: how does inclusion of Chinese trials affect outcome?
Authors: Adams Denise , Wu Taixiang , Yasui Yutaka , Aung Steven , Vohra Sunita
Published: May 2012

Aim: Systematic reviews (SRs) are an important tool for the synthesis of research and are used to guide both research and clinical practice. Previous research suggests that changes to standard SR methodology may be warranted. The objectives of this study were to determine the value of adding Chinese‐language databases to conventional systematic review (SR) search strategies, and ii) to determine the importance of methodological validation of TCM RCTs in the conduct of SRs of two health conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and EBV‐infectious mononucleosis (mono).

Methods: Ten English‐language and two Chinese‐language databases were searched from inception to 2008. After initial screening potentially relevant publications were retrieved and assessed based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Method of randomization was verified using author interviews.

Results: Mono Search ‐ While English‐language database searches did not yield any potentially relevant references, Chinese‐language database searches identified 14 studies labelled as RCTs. Author interview determined that 10 were clinical summaries and one a controlled clinical trial. Authors for three publications were unavailable. CFS Search ‐ English‐language and Chinese‐language database searches identified 8 and 28 potentially relevant references, respectively, for a total of 36, however, none met all inclusion criteria.

Conclusions: Utilization of Chinese‐language databases greatly increased the number of potentially relevant references for each search. Unfortunately, due to methodological flaws, this additional information did not generate any usable information. Medical research in China continues to be active, including the conduct of RCTs, however, improvements in trial design and conduct in medical research in China are essential in order for this material to be useful in guiding research and practice.
Establishing a new Global Economic Council: governance reform at the G20, the IMF and the World Bank
Authors: Vestergaard Jakob , Wade Robert H.
Published: May 2012

The literature on international network governance commonly presumes an ‘effectiveness‐legitimacy dilemma’: gains in effectiveness at problem solving, perhaps via smaller size, come at cost to legitimacy, because the smaller the network the more those expected to comply with network decisions are excluded and are therefore less likely to accept network decisions; and gains in legitimacy come at cost to effectiveness, perhaps because of more diversity of interests. In the case of the G20, however, the dilemma breaks down, because the G20 scores low on both effectiveness and legitimacy. In this article we present a design for a new global economic governance body, based on explicit membership criteria (as the G20 is not), in the form of a modified version of the Bretton Woods (World Bank and IMF) governance arrangement. The proposed new Global Economic Council (GEC), operating at heads of government level and below, would likely bring substantial gains in both effectiveness and legitimacy.

Policy Implications

 A more legitimate global economic governance body should be created not by tweaking the existing G20 but by starting from the constituency system of the Bretton Woods organizations and modifying it to make it more equitably representative. Then the newly established GEC, the World Bank and the IMF would have the same constituencies.

 The GEC should have 25 seats, 16 of which are to be allocated among four regions: Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe. The remaining nine seats should be allocated on the basis of economic weight (GDP). Allocating two thirds of the seats on a regional basis sends an important signal of the new multipolar order.

 The legitimacy problems of the Bretton Woods institutions resulting from their continuing voting power imbalances should be addressed by reforming their voting power systems so as to reflect only relative economic weight (as measured by GDP).

 The GEC should exercise strategic oversight over the Bretton Woods organizations, and possibly beyond to other economic and social agencies of the United Nations system. It might be responsible for appointing their heads.
Analysis of the Market‐Based Adjustable Outsourcing Contract under Uncertainties
Authors: Feng Baichun , Yao Tao , Jiang Bin
Published: May 2012

The market‐based adjustable contract for customized goods or services has emerged in outsourcing practices. Its objective is to minimize the operational risks inherent in today's volatile environment of operations. Our research reveals several important properties of this contract through a continuous‐time analytical approach. Specifically, we consider the determination of this contract between two risk‐averse firms through a Nash bargaining process. We derive the optimal adjusting mechanism analytically and extensively analyze the application boundary of the market‐based adjustable outsourcing contract. We conclude by discussing implications for practice and research.
Remanufacturing and the Component Commonality Decision
Authors: Subramanian Ravi , Ferguson Mark E. , Beril Toktay L.
Published: May 2012

Firms often determine whether or not to make components common across products by focusing on the manufacturing and sales of new products only. However, component commonality decisions that ignore remanufacturing can adversely affect the profitability of the firm. In this article we analyze how remanufacturing could reverse the OEM's commonality decision that is based on the manufacturing and sales of new products only. Specifically, we determine the conditions under which the OEM's optimal decision on commonality may be reversed and illustrate how her profit can be significantly higher if remanufacturing is taken into account ex ante. We illustrate the implementation of our model for two products in the Apple iPad[Formula: see text] family.
Managing Supply Chain Execution: Monitoring Timeliness and Correctness via Individualized Trace Data
Authors: Shu Jun , Barton Russell
Published: May 2012

Improvements in information technologies provide new opportunities to control and improve business processes based on real‐time performance data. A class of data we call individualized trace data (ITD) identifies the real‐time status of individual entities as they move through execution processes, such as an individual product passing through a supply chain or a uniquely identified mortgage application going through an approval process. We develop a mathematical framework which we call the State‐Identity‐Time (SIT) Framework to represent and manipulate ITD at multiple levels of aggregation for different managerial purposes. Using this framework, we design a pair of generic quality measures—timeliness and correctness—for the progress of entities through a supply chain. The timeliness and correctness metrics provide behavioral visibility that can help managers to grasp the dynamics of supply chain behavior that is distinct from asset visibility such as inventory. We develop special quality control methods using this framework to address the issue of overreaction that is common among managers faced with a large volume of fast‐changing data. The SIT structure and its associated methods inform managers on if, when, and where to react. We illustrate our approach using simulations based on real RFID data from a Walmart RFID pilot project.
Comparison as Incentive: Newsvendor Decisions in a Social Context
Authors: Avcı Buket , Loutfi Zeina , Mihm Jürgen , Belavina Elena , Keck Steffen
Published: May 2012

Explicit formal mechanisms dominate the discussion about incentives in Operations Management, yet many other mechanisms exist. Social comparison between peers may provide strong implicit incentives for individuals. Social comparison arises naturally in all social settings and may thus be unintended; however, many companies deliberately use it to motivate employees. In this study, we model a social context in which purchasers evaluate their performance relative to their peers; a feeling of inferiority results in a negative contribution to utility, whereas a feeling of superiority results in a positive contribution. We find that social comparison induces characteristic deviations from the newsvendor optimum ordering decision: if fear of inferiority outweighs anticipation of superiority, then purchasers herd together; the converse scenario incites actors to polarize away from each other. In both cases, actors will deviate from ordering the newsvendor optimum in order to satisfy social goals. Demand correlation and profit margins moderate the extent of the deviation.
Increasing Revenue by Decreasing Information in Procurement Auctions
Authors: Haruvy Ernan , Katok Elena
Published: May 2012

We report on results of several laboratory experiments that investigate on‐line procurement auctions in which suppliers bid on price, but exogenous bidder quality affects winner determination. In procurement auctions, bidder quality may or may not be publicly known to all bidders, and the effect of this quality transparency on the auction outcome is one aspect of auction design that we examine. The second aspect of auction design that we examine is the effect of price visibility on the auction outcome, and the interaction between price visibility and quality transparency. In terms of price visibility, we consider two extreme cases: the sealed bid request for proposals (RFPs), and the open‐bid dynamic auction event. In terms of bidder quality transparency, we also consider two extreme cases: a setting in which bidder qualities are publicly known and the case in which they are private. We find that in our laboratory experiments, the RFP format is consistent in generating higher buyer surplus levels than does the open‐bid dynamic format. This advantage is independent of the quality transparency. In contrast, the open‐bid format is highly sensitive to quality transparency, generating significantly lower buyer surplus levels when the information about bidder quality is public.
Evaluation of the fibrinogen antigenic turbidimetric assay as a screening method for measurement of fibrinogen concentration in dogs
Authors: Ludwig Peter , Leidinger Ernst F. , Hooijberg Emma H.
Published: May 2012

Background

A novel method for the rapid detection of fibrinogen concentration in human plasma, the fibrinogen antigenic turbidimetric assay (FIATA), is based on the precipitation of fibrinogen by vancomycin and a resultant change in optical density.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the FIATA method for: (1) measuring fibrinogen concentration in canine plasma using specimens collected in citrate, EDTA, and heparin, (2) species‐specific calibration requirements, and (3) applicability for automation.

Methods

Standard curves were generated with both human and canine fibrinogen standards in the FIATA, and a reference interval for fibrinogen concentration was established using citrated plasma from healthy dogs (n = 127). Using specimens collected from this population, results using the FIATA were compared with a modified thermoprecipitation method, and 24 of the FIATA samples were used for comparison with a particle‐enhanced turbidometric fibrinogen assay. The FIATA was also applied to an automated chemistry analyzer using citrated plasma. Fibrinogen concentration was measured in EDTA and heparinized plasma in the manual FIATA. Standards, methods, and anticoagulants were compared, and correlation among these variables was evaluated.

Results

Significant differences between FIATA results using human and canine standards and the manual and automated methods were not found. For EDTA plasma, fibrinogen concentrations were not identical, but were similar, to those for citrated plasma; heparinized plasma was not suitable for measurement. Correlation between the thermoprecipitation method and FIATA was weak. The reference interval for fibrinogen as measured by the FIATA using citrated plasma was 103–456 mg/dL.

Conclusions

The FIATA can be used as a screening method to measure fibrinogen concentration in citrated or EDTA plasma from dogs.
Patient‐based feedback control for erythroid variables obtained using in‐house automated hematology analyzers in veterinary medicine
Authors: Hammond Jeremy M. , Lee W.C. , DeNicola Dennis B. , Roche John
Published: May 2012

Background

Automated in‐house diagnostic analyzers, most commonly used for hematologic and biochemical analysis, are typically calibrated, and then control materials are used to confirm the quality of results. Although this approach provides indirect knowledge that the system is performing correctly, it does not provide direct knowledge of system performance between control runs.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to apply analysis of weighted moving averages to assess performance of hematology analyzers using animal patient samples from dogs, cats, and horses as they were analyzed and apply correction factors to mitigate instrument‐driven biases when they developed.

Methods

A set of algorithms was developed and applied to sequential batches of 20 samples. Repeated samples within a batch and large populations of samples with similar abnormalities were excluded. Data for 6 hematologic variables were grouped into batches of weighted moving averages; data were analyzed with control chart rules, a gradient descent algorithm, and fuzzy logic to define and apply adjustments.

Results

A total of 102 hematology analyzers that had developed biases in RBC count, HCT, hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were evaluated. Following analysis, all variables except HGB concentration required adjustment, with RBC counts requiring only slight change and MCV requiring the greatest change. Adjustments were validated by comparing PCVs with the original and adjusted HCT values.

Conclusions

The proposed system provides feedback control to minimize system bias for RBC count, HCT, HGB concentration, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. Fundamental assumptions must be met for the approach to assure proper functionality.
Ideology and Television in the Eastern Arab World: 1956–1990
Authors: Hai Jamal Abdel
Published: May 2012

This article deals primarily with the relationship between ideology and television from 1956 to 1990 in the Eastern Arab world. It allows us to see what kinds of ideological ideas circulate through television, why they are constructed, and when they are being challenged. It examines why and how television promotes ideology and disseminates political messages. It takes into account different ideological perspectives. This article is a type of qualitative analysis that focuses on why governments seek to attain hegemony over television and how television has been used successfully as a tool of ideological propaganda and subservience.
The Specialized Cities of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A Case Study of a Distinct Type of Policy Innovation and Diffusion
Authors: Khodr Hiba , Reiche Danyel
Published: May 2012

This article examines a new phenomenon in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) referred to as specialized cities (SC). These cities, in addition to being new towns, implement innovations in selected policy areas. This article goes beyond describing the spread of SC to answering a broader question: what motivates a GCC country to adopt such policy innovation? After a quantitative overview of the phenomenon, three cases have been selected to cover three main policy areas: energy, health care, and education, in Abu Dhabi Masdar City, Dubai Healthcare City, and Qatar Education City. A preliminary analysis of each of the cases is followed by a comparative approach that aims at discovering similarities and differences, as well as developing the basis for a preliminary analytical model that explains the driving factors behind these innovations. The country adoption of a policy innovation and its diffusion are mainly the results of geographical proximity and similarity, as these proximate countries tend to have similar economic aspects and common social problems that lead to similar policy action effects. Regional competition and positive reputational mechanisms are also particularly strong determinants for diffusion. The findings suggest that in the GCC region a diffusion of the phenomena is occurring, rather than that of a specific type of SC.