bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global production networks, labour and small firms
Authors: Rainnie Al , Herod Andrew , McGrath-Champ Susan
Published: June 2013

The literature on global production networks (GPNs) and global commodity/value chains has generally conceptualised small firms as being at the bottom of the commodity chain hierarchy, and thus subordinate to larger firms. As a consequence, small firms and their employees are typically imagined to be fairly powerless to shape the structure of GPNs. By way of contrast, in this paper we argue that small firms and their employees are not lacking in the capacity to affect the way GPNs and commodity chains develop, but can in fact shape them in potentially significant ways. This recognition becomes evident if, instead of starting any analysis of small firms in GPNs with the governance structures of production networks or managerial strategies, we instead start the analysis with the organisation and control of the labour process in concrete settings, and tie this to broader understandings of uneven and combined development under capitalism.
The monetary exception: Labour, distribution and money in capitalism
Authors: Mann Geoff
Published: June 2013

Contemporary monetary institutions posit money as an ‘exceptional’ domain, outside of democratic sovereign authority in modern capitalist states, on the basis of the claim that without it, liberal democracy would fall apart. Labour’s distributional critique of capitalism and the state must wrestle with the possibility that money in modern capitalism is anti-democratic by definition, and that as such, any social-democratic project of radical redistribution, implicit in labour’s critique of capitalist distribution, will require not merely a different allocation of existing money, but a radically different monetary relation.
British trade unions and the academics: The case of Unionlearn
Authors: McIlroy John , Croucher Richard
Published: June 2013

Unionlearn and union learning representatives were developed by the British TUC to match workers with education and training opportunities, strengthen the economy, foster market inclusion and facilitate social mobility. Their contribution to union revitalisation was emphasised. This article questions whether, with unions confronting global crisis, this is a necessary initiative. It stemmed from TUC failure to achieve policy goals, institutional needs, consequent acceptance of a lesser role, and the availability of state finance. Claims by academics that it provides influence over state policy and contributes to revitalisation remain inadequately evidenced. Union resurgence is not immanent. The way forward is through adversarial grassroots organising and socialist education, not through retooling capital, improving members’ marketability and partnership with a hostile state.
Theology and historicism
Authors: Hudson Wayne
Published: June 2013

This paper discusses attempts to think historicity in the work of the theologian Rudolf Bultmann and the German philosopher Hans Blumenberg. It then draws on the work of the Jesuit theologian Robert Doran in order to suggest how an historical pragmatics without historicism might be relevant to a future theology with social import.
Electrical and optical properties of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes/poly (3-octylthiophene)/polystyrene composites
Authors: Ibrahim SS , Ayesh Ayman S
Published: June 2013

This work focuses on the combination of the complementary physical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT)/polystyrene (PS) polymer blend. The characterization of MWCNTs/P3OT/PS hybrid system performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV)–visible absorption, and electrical measurements show interesting effects. Optical results demonstrate that the addition of MWCNT to P3OT/PS matrix blend will enhance the UV–visible absorption and insignificantly affect the optical energy gap of P3OT/PS matrix; this can be explained in terms of a reduced photo-induced charge transfer in such composite system. This study shows that incorporation of 5 wt% functionalized MWCNTs onto P3OT/PS polymer blend will convert this material from insulator to conductor and at this level of MWCNTs content, MWCNTs will form a network inside blend matrix with low capacitor element and high resistor element effects.
Design and analysis of a novel large-aperture grating device and its experimental validation
Authors: Bai Qingshun , Liang Yingchun , Cheng Kai , Long Fei
Published: June 2013

Large-aperture diffraction gratings are the key elements for high-power petawatt-class laser facility. At present, it is difficult to directly manufacture high-accuracy large-aperture gratings by using ultraprecision manufacturing techniques. Mechanical tiling technique with segmented gratings can be employed to cope with the challenge in large-aperture grating manufacturing. In this article, a novel tiling and adjusting device for obtaining large-aperture gratings was proposed and built to overcome the challenges in developing a Big Science Facility. The idea of integrated design and precision analysis has been introduced into the design process of the device. The theoretical analysis on static and dynamic characteristics has been conducted on the key components of the device by using finite element method. Under a series of mechanical tests, the performance of the large-aperture grating tiling and adjusting device developed was evaluated against the industrial requirements. The testing results show that the device has the positioning precision and stability in light of the design specifications. The results also indicate an optimal linear accuracy of 20 nm and a rotational accuracy of 0.4 µrad being achieved at the device.
Influence of dielectric fluids on surface properties of electrical discharge machined titanium alloy
Authors: Ndaliman Mohammed B , Khan Ahsan A , Ali Mohammad Y
Published: June 2013

Dielectric fluid is one of the major components of electrical discharge machining. In this article, the influence of two dielectric fluids on the surface properties of workpiece was investigated. Machining was conducted on the titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) with the new Cu-TaC composite electrodes under the two dielectric fluids, which are the urea solution and distilled water. Cu-TaC electrodes were produced from copper and tantalum carbide powders by powder metallurgy method with 50/50% composition at compacting pressure of 24.115 MPa. The main objective is to compare the effect of these dielectric fluids on the electrical discharge machined surface properties—microhardness (Mh) and surface roughness (Ra). The machining variables used to investigate the Ra and Mh were peak current and pulse duration. The surface roughness was found to be generally higher in the specimens machined with urea solution dielectric fluid, the highest being 19.05 µm. For the specimens machined with distilled water dielectric fluid, the highest Ra is 14.45 µm. The highest microhardness improvement ratio attained by the specimens electrical discharge machined with urea dielectric fluid is about 48% higher than those machined with distilled water. It is concluded that distilled water dielectric fluid gave better surface roughness, while the urea dielectric fluid provides the machined surface with higher microhardness.
A Monte Carlo analysis of uncertainty in supporting assembly of large-aperture optical lenses
Authors: Shen Yiping , Luo Xin , Liu Yuan , Chen Xuedong
Published: June 2013

Large-aperture lenses are widely used to improve optical resolution and enlarge field of view of a precision optical system, and reasonable mounting can result in higher optical performance. Flexure mounts are usually utilized to minimize distortion of the lens under its own weight and must be accurately assembled so as to provide uniform support loads for the lens. The supporting loads produced by flexure mounts are difficult to be identical because of various uncertainties during assembly process, such as human operation and tool resolution. These nonuniform supporting loads may generate asymmetric deformation of the lens and deteriorate its performance. It is essential to explore the influence of uncertainty supporting loads on the optical performance. A Monte Carlo analysis method is proposed to investigate the optical performance of a lens under uncertainty supporting loads at different load levels. Patran Command Language is used for repetitive calculation of finite element model with random sample of supporting loads. The optical performance responses, such as the surface peak-to-valley and root-mean-square errors and Zernike coefficients, are calculated by fitting the surface deformation data, and their stochastic properties are researched by statistical testing. Consequently, the critical variation range of uncertainty supporting loads considering assembly process can be determined based on Three Sigma theorem with specific optical performance requirement. The results can be used to assign appropriate tolerance of flexure mounts during assembly and to optimize the supporting system of a high-precision optical system.
Selection of machining conditions for microchannels in ultraprecision diamond turning
Authors: Duong Thanh-Hung , Kim Hyun-Chul , Lee Dong-Yoon
Published: June 2013

In ultraprecision machining for microchannels, deformation occurs with high frequency because the diamond tool pushes against the channel structure during the machining process. Conservative cutting conditions decrease the cutting force and avoid deformation, but they reduce productivity. Therefore, it is important to select suitable cutting conditions in practice. This article presents a theoretical decision model for optimum machining conditions in manufacturing rectangular micropatterns. The model involves the prediction of cutting force and deformation. To forecast deformation phenomena, a rectangular pattern was considered as a cantilever beam with a distributed load, and the maximum principal stress that acts on the rectangular micropatterns could then be determined. For verifying this solution, several experiments were carried out to obtain a rectangular pattern by single-point diamond turning. Finally, the machining condition decision model was implemented and verified in practice.
Generalized Clegg integrator for integral feedback control systems
Authors: Lu Yu-Sheng , Lee Yue-Chi
Published: June 2013

This article presents a generalized Clegg integrator for integral feedback control systems. The integral feedback compensation with a linear integrator suffers from the constraint imposed by Bode’s gain–phase relationship. The nonlinear Clegg integrator releases this constraint. However, one element missing in the literature is a concrete formulation connecting the Clegg integrator with the linear integrator. The generalized Clegg integrator proposed in this article bridges the gap between the Clegg integrator and the linear integrator. Moreover, compared with the Clegg integrator, the generalized Clegg integrator can be employed to further improve system performance in both the transient and steady states. Experimental studies are conducted to practically demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Mechanisms of muscular electrophysiological and mitochondrial dysfunction following exposure to malathion, an organophosphorus pesticide
Authors: Karami-Mohajeri S , Hadian MR , Fouladdel S , Azizi E , Ghahramani MH , Hosseini R , Abdollahi M
Published: June 2013

Muscle dysfunction in acute organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a cause of death in human. The present study was conducted to identify the mechanism of action of OP in terms of muscle mitochondrial dysfunction. Electromyography (EMG) was conducted on rats exposed to the acute oral dose of malathion (400 mg/kg) that could inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity up to 70%. The function of mitochondrial respiratory chain and the rate of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from intact mitochondria were measured. The bioenergetic pathways were studied by measurement of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactate, and glycogen. To identify mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of bax and bcl-2, protein expression of caspase-9, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and DNA damage were measured. The EMG confirmed muscle weakness. The reduction in activity of mitochondrial complexes and muscular glycogen with an elevation of lactate was in association with impairment of cellular respiration. The reduction in mitochondrial proapoptotic stimuli is indicative of autophagic process inducing cytoprotective effects in the early stage of stress. Downregulation of apoptotic signaling may be due to reduction in ATP and ROS, and genotoxic potential of malathion. The maintenance of mitochondrial integrity by means of artificial electron donors and increasing exogenous ATP might prevent toxicity of OPs.
Ethical challenges embedded in qualitative research interviews with close relatives
Authors: Haahr Anita , Norlyk Annelise , Hall Elisabeth OC
Published: June 2013

Nurse researchers engaged in qualitative interviews with patients and spouses in healthcare may often experience being in unforeseen ethical dilemmas. Researchers are guided by the bioethical principles of justice, beneficence, non-maleficence, respect for human rights and respect for autonomy through the entire research process. However, these principles are not sufficient to prepare researchers for unanticipated ethical dilemmas related to qualitative research interviews. We describe and discuss ethically challenging and difficult moments embedded in two cases from our own phenomenological interview studies. We argue that qualitative interviews involve navigation between being guided by bioethics as a researcher, being a therapist/nurse and being a fellow human being or even a friend. The researchers’ premises to react to unexpected situations and act in a sound ethical manner must be enhanced, and there is a need for an increased focus on the researchers’ ethical preparation and to continually address and discuss cases from their own interviews.
Democratic Transition in Myanmar: Challenges Ahead
Authors: Ghoshal Baladas
Published: June 2013

Myanmar, earlier known as Burma, is on the cusp of a transition—a process that has to pass through formidable challenges and whose outcome is still quite uncertain. Five decades of military misrule have turned Myanmar that at one time used to be the richest into the poorest in South-east Asia and in a state of decline with an abysmal record in political, economic and social spheres. To recover from that decline, the country will need good governance, political reconciliation between the government and the opposition, between various ethnic groups and the government and the removal of long years of neglect of their aspirations and empowerment, between those opposition groups that remained within the country and the exiled groups, and finally, the goodwill and support of the international community. Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s democratic leader, has joined the political process and has become the leader of the opposition in the army-dominated parliament. She also faces formidable challenges, as she has to reconcile the wide expectations of people who still consider her as a political activist fighting for the cause and the imperatives of being a constructive politician who has no other option other than pragmatic reconciliation. Relations with China are one issue that will also impinge on future of democracy in the country.
Book Review: From Hindi to Urdu: A Social and Political History
Authors: Ara Arjumand
Published: June 2013

Rahman, Tariq, From Hindi to Urdu: A Social and Political History (New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan Private Limited, 2011). Pp. 456, Price INR 725.
Book Review: India and New Zealand in a Rising Asia: Issues and Perspectives
Authors: Thakur Vineet
Published: June 2013

Kaul, Man Mohini and Shekhar, Vibhanshu (Eds), India and New Zealand in a Rising Asia: Issues and Perspectives (New Delhi: Pentagon Press, 2012). Pp. xiv + 201, Price INR 895. ISBN 9788182746527.
Book Review: International Relations, Perspectives for the Global South
Authors: Tamang Dipti , Hazarika Obja Borah
Published: June 2013

Chimni, B.S. and Mallavarapu, Siddharth (Eds), International Relations, Perspectives for the Global South (New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley [India] Pvt. Ltd, 2012). Pp. 472, Price INR 350.
The Pictor Technique
Authors: King Nigel , Bravington Alison , Brooks Joanna , Hardy Beth , Melvin Jane , Wilde David
Published: June 2013

Collaborative working is a crucial part of contemporary health and social care. Researching the experiences of those involved—as professionals, patients, or carers—is challenging, given the complexity of many cases and the taken-for-granted nature of roles and identities in relation to it. In this article we introduce the Pictor technique for exploring experiences of collaborative working. This is a visual technique in which participants construct a representation of roles and relationships in a particular case using arrow-shaped adhesive notes or cards. The chart so produced helps the participant tell the story of his or her experience and serves as a focus for further exploration with the researcher. We describe the background to Pictor and illustrate its use with professionals, patients, and carers, drawing on recent and current research. We examine how Pictor relates to other visual methods, and conclude by considering how the technique might be developed in the future.
Colorectal Liver Metastasis With Intrabiliary Growth
Authors: Coppola Sara , Zucchini Nicola , Romano Fabrizio , Bovo Giorgio , Gilardoni Elisa , Nespoli Luca , Gianotti Luca
Published: June 2013

Colorectal liver metastases with intrabiliary growth are uncommon and difficult to characterize by radiology alone. We present the case of a 61-year-old woman previously operated on for a left colon cancer who developed a metacronous lesion at liver segment II-III. Radiologic workup was indicative for cholangiocarcinoma. Thus, the patient underwent an anatomical left lateral hepatectomy. Pathology showed instead a colorectal metastases with intrabiliary growth. We suggest that in cases of radiological uncertainty between an intrabiliary growth metastasis and a cholangiocarcinoma, the correct surgical strategy should always be an anatomical liver resection without preoperative biopsy because it would not change the operative planning and instead it may increase the risk of dissemination.
Claudin-4 as a Marker for Distinguishing Malignant Mesothelioma From Lung Carcinoma and Serous Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ohta Yoshiki , Sasaki Yosuke , Saito Mitsuji , Kushima Miki , Takimoto Masafumi , Shiokawa Akira , Ota Hidekazu
Published: June 2013

We compared claudin-4 with Ber-EP4 and carcinoembryonic antigen as markers to distinguish mesothelioma from lung adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated lung squamous cell carcinoma, and serous adenocarcinoma of the uterus or ovary. All mesothelioma specimens were negative for claudin-4, but 3 of 18 specimens were focally positive for Ber-EP4. In contrast, lung adenocarcinoma including poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma was highly positive for claudin-4, but expression of Ber-EP4 and carcinoembryonic antigen varied widely. Claudin-4 in poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma had a lower positive expression rate than in adenocarcinoma. Granular claudin-4 immunoreactivity was conspicuous in poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma; this immunoreactive pattern was also observed in mesothelioma. Claudin-4 was thus considered very useful marker for distinguishing mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma, even if histological specimens are small, as in biopsies that contain limited numbers of tumor cells. However, it should be mentioned that claudin-4 has a limit in discrimination between squamous cell carcinoma from mesothelioma.
Hindfoot Motion Following STAR Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Brodsky James W. , Coleman Scott C. , Smith Sheryl , Polo Fabian E. , Tenenbaum Shay
Published: June 2013

Background:

One of the rationales for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is that it may retard the changes of hypermobility and accelerated arthritis in the hindfoot after ankle arthrodesis. Until recently, it has not been possible to quantify or even objectively demonstrate biomechanical findings to substantiate the theory that postsurgical biomechanical changes in the ankle produce changes in the kinematics of the hindfoot. Standard gait analysis has treated the foot as a single biomechanical unit. This study was undertaken to describe the hindfoot motion following Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) TAA by using multisegment foot model gait analysis.

Methods:

Forty-six patients with a mean age of 66 years underwent a 3D gait analysis following TAR. Mean interval between surgery and gait analysis was 4.9 years (range 2 to 9). The contralateral limb was used as control for each patient. Temporospatial variables and kinematic parameters were studied.

Results:

Temporospatial results showed statistically significant differences. Stance time on the affected side was 61.1% ± 2.2% of the gait cycle compared to 63.2% ± 2.1% for the unaffected side. Step length was 55.6 cm ± 10 on the affected side compared to 53.9 cm ± 10 for the unaffected side. Kinematics results were statistically significant: Ankle range of motion (ROM) on the arthroplasty side was 16.8 ± 4.5 degrees compared to 23.6 ± 5.0 on the unaffected side. Sagittal plane ROM was 12.7 ± 4.2 degrees on the arthroplasty side and 17.3 ± 3.5 degrees on the unaffected side. Coronal plane ROM was 4.7 ± 2.4 degrees on the arthroplasty side and 7.5 ± 2.4 degrees on the unaffected side. Transverse plane ROM on the arthroplasty side was 4.1 ± 1.5 degrees and 4.9 ± 1.6 on the unaffected side.

Conclusion:

This study showed that, in addition to previously documented diminution in sagittal plane motion and gait velocity, some of the residual abnormalities of gait following TAR were comprised of differences in hindfoot function. These results relate to the growing recognition of the importance of understanding hindfoot mechanics apart from those of the tibiotalar joint.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative case series.
Cortical Reorganization After Stroke
Authors: Grefkes Christian , Ward Nick S.
Published: June 2013

The brain has an intrinsic capacity to compensate for structural damage through reorganizing of surviving networks. These processes are fundamental for recovery of function after many forms of brain injury, including stroke. Functional neuroimaging techniques have allowed the investigation of these processes in vivo. Here, we review key advances over the past two decades that have shed light on the neural mechanisms enabling recovery of motor function after stroke. We first provide an overview on invasive stroke models in non-human primates that provided insights into lesion-induced changes in the cortical representations of the upper limb. We then present key findings from neuroimaging studies in human stroke patients, which suggest that the role of contralesional motor hemisphere in supporting recovered function depends on factors such as time since stroke, lesion location and anatomical region. More recently, research has been directed at understanding how surviving brain regions influence one another during movement. It appears that it is not only the corticospinal tract but also brainstem pathways and interhemispheric connections that affect cortical reorganization patterns and functional recovery. In summary, neuroimaging opens the way for greater understanding of the mechanisms of recovery and potentially improves our ability to deliver effective restorative therapy.
Natural vibration behaviors of heterogeneous porous materials in micro scale
Authors: Altintas Gokhan
Published: June 2013

Natural porous materials have a large area of usage, from micromechanical designs to medical applications, due to their geometrical forms and chemical properties. Mechanical properties of porous materials are usually performed after several homogenized applications because of their complex geometric forms. It is known that usage of homogenized details of microarchitecture in macro structural analyses provides savings in terms time and computational effort. However, realistic analyses are performed by including microarchitectural details in models, due to advancing technology and reverse engineering techniques.

In this study, modal properties of a porous structure are investigated by taking microstructural details into consideration according to the voxel-based finite element model, and significant modal behavior properties, which cannot be observed in routine modal analyses, are determined. In addition, analyses using the homogenized model of porous structure are performed, and it is seen that the obtained results are not only different numerically but also have different modal behavior from the porous model. Special modes, defined as local modes, which are not seen in homogenized models, are observed in models by using the voxel-based finite element method and analyses are comprehensively performed.
Performance of N-Z systems in the mitigation of underground blast induced vibration of structures
Authors: Mondal Papiya D , Ghosh Aparna D , Chakraborty Subrata
Published: June 2013

Control of structural vibration due to wind and earthquake forces has been extensively researched. However, studies on vibration control of structures against underground blasts are limited. It is thereby important to study the usefulness of established vibration control technologies in the blast resistant design of structures. In the present work, an attempt is made to study the effectiveness of the New-Zealand (N-Z) type base isolator (BI) in mitigating structural vibration effects due to blast induced ground motion (BIGM). The BIGM is modeled by an exponentially decaying function representative of a typical rock blast, and the isolator by a bilinear model. The influence of the various BI parameters on its performance is examined in the time domain by considering a single-degree-of-freedom structural model and a realistic five-story building. Numerical studies reveal that the N-Z base isolation system is highly effective in reducing both the underground blast induced structural acceleration as well as the displacement. It is noted that the peak displacement and permanent deformation of the BI may be crucial design criteria. These may, however, be restricted by selecting a proper combination of the BI parameters without significantly compromising the response reductions obtained by it.
Examination of Factors Affecting Hotel Employees’ Service Orientation
Authors: Lee JungHoon (Jay) , Ok Chihyung (Michael)
Published: June 2013

Given that the quality of the interpersonal interaction between customers and hospitality employees plays a critical role in customer satisfaction, both the concepts of emotion in the workplace and service orientation toward customers have attracted a great deal of interest in the hospitality industry. However, although the two concepts have strong theoretical relevance to one another, research about what emotional factors affect employee service-oriented commitments is lacking. This empirical study investigated the roles and compared the effects of emotional determinants that affect service orientation of hotel managers and line employees. Data were collected from 309 customer-contact hotel managers and line employees in the United States. Results of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that display rule perception, emotional intelligence, and sense of accomplishment have positive effects, whereas depersonalization has a negative effect, on service orientation. The results of this study also indicated that for line employees, display rule perception and depersonalization have more influence on predicting service orientation than for managers, whereas depersonalization has no effect on service orientation for managers. Emotional exhaustion had no significant effect on service orientation for either group. Managerial implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
A Subcultural Analysis of Tourism Motivations
Authors: Li Mimi , Zhang Hanqin , Cai Liping A.
Published: June 2013

Culture has been proposed by marketing theorists as one of the underlying determinants of consumer behavior. This trend necessitates cross-cultural inquiries in tourism. However, investigations into tourism motivation are scarce and have only used nationality or ethnicity as proxies to define culture. The study reported here aimed to fill this gap. Three subcultural groups were identified based on the grid–group cultural theory and their cross-cultural differences and similarities in tourism motivations were examined. It was revealed that in the grid–group dichotomy of cultural types, the dimension of group had a greater influence on individuals’ tourism motivation than grid. The theoretical contributions and limitations of this study are discussed and future studies are proposed.
Differential microRNA expression in blood in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Søndergaard Helle Bach , Hesse Dan , Krakauer Martin , Sørensen Per Soelberg , Sellebjerg Finn
Published: June 2013

Background:

microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of the genome at the post-transcriptional level. They play a role in autoimmunity and inflammation, and show potential for use as therapeutic targets in many diseases. With the recent detection of miRNAs in body fluids, the possibility for using miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers has emerged.

Objective:

We assessed whether miRNAs contribute to the altered immune activation state in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and investigated the possible use of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

We performed global miRNA expression profiling analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and selected miRNAs were measured in plasma. We detected expression of miRNAs by real-time qPCR and compared results with cytokines related to inflammation and disease activity. Selected miRNAs were analyzed in PBMC subpopulations, after isolating them by magnetic bead separation.

Results:

We found that among validated miRNAs, let-7d correlated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1B. The miR-145 was 3-fold up-regulated in MS patients; its possible use as a diagnostic biomarker in PBMCs, plasma and serum was confirmed by ROC-curve analysis (Area under the curve (AUC) 0.785, p = 0.0004; 0.785, p = 0.004; 0.981, P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions:

RRMS patients in remission had altered expression of miRNAs. We validated miR-145 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for the diagnosis of MS in blood, plasma and serum.
Perivenular brain lesions in a primate multiple sclerosis model at 7-tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gaitán María I , Maggi Pietro , Wohler Jillian , Leibovitch Emily , Sati Pascal , Calandri Ismael L , Merkle Hellmut , Massacesi Luca , Silva Afonso C , Jacobson Steven , Reich Daniel S
Published: June 2013

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide in vivo assessment of tissue damage, allowing evaluation of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion evolution over time – a perspective not obtainable with postmortem histopathology. Relapsing–remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an experimental model of MS that can be induced in the common marmoset, a small new world primate, and that causes perivenular white matter (WM) lesions similar to those observed in MS.

Methods

Brain lesion development and evolution were studied in vivo and postmortem in four marmosets with EAE through serial T2- and T2*-weighted scans at 7-tesla. Supratentorial WM lesions were identified and characterized.

Results

Of 97 lesions observed, 86 (88%) were clearly perivenular, and 62 (72%) developed around veins that were visible even prior to EAE induction. The perivenular configuration was confirmed by postmortem histopathology. Most affected veins, and their related perivascular Virchow-Robin spaces, passed into the subarachnoid space rather than the ventricles.

Conclusion

As in human MS, the intimate association between small veins and EAE lesions in the marmoset can be studied with serial in vivo MRI. This further strengthens the usefulness of this model for understanding the process of perivenular lesion development and accompanying tissue destruction in MS.
Rights, obligations and the making of modern immigration laws
Authors: Rodriguez Amardo
Published: June 2013

States across the United States are increasingly enacting harsh and punitive immigration laws to encourage what proponents refer to as self-deportation. This paper examines the ideological forces that are nurturing and legitimizing this movement. It specifically focuses on the notion of the good citizen as an ideological construct that inherently makes the undocumented immigrant a threat that must be neutralized for the sake of maintaining law and order. In this way, the good citizen emerges as a natural threat to the undocumented immigrant, as the good citizen is presumably first and foremost obligated to be law-abiding, including upholding laws that aim to push undocumented immigrants to self-deport. This paper looks at how these new immigration laws reify and expand this threat through the notion of good citizenship.
Site-specificity and dislocation: Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas and his Haida Manga Meddling
Authors: Levell Nicola
Published: June 2013

Tracing the critical biography of Pedal to the Meddle (2007) – a Haida Manga intervention, originated by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas – this article explores the biography of indigenized artworks that are generated as a site-specific form of institutional critique but later dislocated, mobilized and rearticulated in other disciplinary spaces. In its original context, Pedal to the Meddle was conceptualized and created to critique museum practices, the politics of ownership and First Nations’ dispossession on the Northwest Coast. However, when this artwork was dislocated from its site of origin and re-curated in other exhibitionary spaces, its indigenized critique, relational aesthetics and locational meanings were inevitably altered. It is these retellings, through the artist’s practice, different spaces, material configurations, collaborative processes and curatorial voices that constitute the subject of this article.
Governance
Authors: Enroth Henrik
Published: June 2013

As Michel Foucault and others have shown, from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries, Western political discourse has perpetuated an art of governing aimed at societies and populations. This article argues that this modern art of governing is now coming undone, in the name of governance. The discourse on governance is taking us from an art of governing premised on producing policy for a society or a population to an art of governing premised on solving problems with no necessary reference to any kind of society or population. Tracing the evolution of that discourse, the article argues that existing social and political theory has failed to make sense of this shift. It concludes that in order to access and assess the new art of governing on its own terms we need a sociological imagination that stretches beyond societies and a political imaginary without the presupposition of collectivities.
Islam, identity and professional values: A study of journalists in three Muslim-majority regions
Authors: Pintak Lawrence
Published: June 2013

Islam is a religion, but it is also a philosophy. An analysis of surveys in the Arab world, Indonesia and Pakistan reveals that the mission and values of journalists in those Muslim-majority regions closely track Islamic obligations to tell the truth, seek justice and work toward the public interest. This article provides empirical data to bolster the argument that the values of Islam are the prism through which journalists in Muslim-majority countries approach their profession. Those findings add to the body of research supporting the theory that journalistic norms are contextual, shaped by a hierarchy of influences that include global standards and local values such as culture, political climate and religion. But the findings also indicate that in regions where a professional journalistic culture is in the process of emerging, the influence of personal versus professional values is in reverse proportion to those found in more mature journalistic markets.
Does the Evaluation of Gait Quality During Daily Life Provide Insight Into Fall Risk? A Novel Approach Using 3-Day Accelerometer Recordings
Authors: Weiss Aner , Brozgol Marina , Dorfman Moran , Herman Talia , Shema Shirley , Giladi Nir , Hausdorff Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2013

Background. Many approaches are used to evaluate fall risk. While their properties and performance vary, most reflect performance at a specific moment or are based on subjective self-report. Objective. To quantify fall risk in the home setting using an accelerometer. Methods. Seventy-one community-living older adults were studied. In the laboratory, fall risk was assessed using performance-based tests of mobility (eg, Timed Up and Go) and usual walking abilities were quantified. Subsequently, subjects wore a triaxial accelerometer on their lower back for 3 consecutive days. Acceleration-derived measures were extracted from segments that reflected ambulation. These included total activity duration, number of steps taken, and the amplitude and width at the dominant frequency in the power spectral density, that is, parameters reflecting step-to-step variability. Afterwards, self-report of falls was collected for 6 months to explore the predictive value. Results. Based on a history of 2 or more falls, subjects were classified as fallers or nonfallers. The number of steps during the 3 days was similar ( P = .42) in the fallers (7842.1 ± 6135.6) and nonfallers (9055.3 ± 6444.7). Compared with the nonfallers, step-to-step consistency was lower in the fallers in the vertical axis (amplitude fallers, 0.58 ± 0.22 psd; nonfallers, 0.71 ± 0.18 psd; P = .008); in the mediolateral axis, step-to-step consistency was higher in the fallers ( P = .014). The 3-day measures improved the identification of past and future falls status ( P < .005), compared to performance-based tests. Conclusions. Accelerometer-derived measures based on 3-day recordings are useful for evaluating fall risk as older adults perform daily living activities in their everyday home environment.
Central Factors Explain Muscle Weakness in Young Fallers With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Moreno Catalá María , Woitalla Dirk , Arampatzis Adamantios
Published: June 2013

Background. Muscle weakness in old Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients has been shown to impair their mobility, although the specific origin of this weakness and its relation to falls has not been well examined in young patients. Objective. This study aimed to analyze the possible contribution of central factors to muscle weakness of the triceps surae and quadriceps femoris muscles in young faller and nonfaller PD patients. Methods. Twenty-six young PD patients (fallers, n = 13 and nonfallers, n = 13) and 15 matched healthy controls performed several isometric maximal voluntary knee extension and plantar flexion contractions (MVC) of the most affected leg on a dynamometer. We estimated the maximal resultant agonist moments, the antagonistic moment of hamstrings and tibialis anterior during MVCs and the activation deficit of the quadriceps femoris and triceps surae muscles. Results. Only the Parkinson fallers showed significantly lower muscle strength, higher antagonistic moments and higher activation deficit compared with controls. Multiple regression analysis showed that the antagonistic moments and the activation deficit explained about 39% and 27%, of the variance in the maximal resultant moments of the knee extensors and the plantar flexors, respectively. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that Parkinson fallers are affected by strength impairments arising from the central nervous system and not from the peripheral muscle contractile capacity, even at early stages of the disease and young age. High-intensity resistance training may help enhance neural drive and decrease unwanted antagonistic moments and reduce the risk of falls.
Maximum-likelihood approaches reveal signatures of positive selection in IL genes in mammals
Authors: Neves Fabiana , Abrantes Joana , Steinke John W , Esteves Pedro J
Published: June 2013

ILs are part of the immune system and are involved in multiple biological activities. ILs have been shown to evolve under positive selection; however, little information exists regarding which codons are specifically selected. By using different codon-based maximum-likelihood (ML) approaches, signatures of positive selection in mammalian ILs were searched for. Sequences of 46 ILs were retrieved from publicly available databases of mammalian genomes to detect signatures of positive selection in individual codons. Evolutionary analyses were conducted under two ML frameworks, the HyPhy package implemented in the Data Monkey Web Server and CODEML implemented in PAML. Signatures of positive selection were found in 28 ILs: IL-1A and B; IL-2, IL-4 to IL-10, IL-12A and B; IL-14 to IL-17A and C; IL-18, IL-20 to IL-22, IL-25, IL-26, IL-27B, IL-31, IL-34, IL-36A; and G. Codons under positive selection varied between 1 and 15. No evidence of positive selection was detected in IL-13; IL-17B and F; IL-19, IL-23, IL-24, IL-27A; or IL-29. Most mammalian ILs have sites evolving under positive selection, which may be explained by the multitude of biological processes in which ILs are enrolled. The results obtained raise hypotheses concerning the ILs functions, which should be pursued by using mutagenesis and crystallographic approaches.
The CLOSER survey: Impact of postmenopausal vaginal discomfort on women and male partners in the UK
Authors: Domoney Claudine , Currie Heather , Panay Nick , Maamari Ricardo , Nappi Rossella E
Published: June 2013

Objective

To understand the physical and emotional impact of postmenopausal vaginal discomfort on relationships between women and their male partners.

Study design

In a quantitative, Internet-based survey, 8200 individuals from the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Italy, US and Canada (postmenopausal, married/cohabiting women, aged 55–65 years, who had experienced vaginal discomfort, and male partners of such women) completed a structured questionnaire.

Main outcome measures

Results for respondents from the UK (500 men, 500 women), expressed as percentages of women/men describing particular answers, are reported.

Results

Avoiding physical intimacy because of vaginal discomfort was reported by 69% of women and 76% of male partners, mainly due to concern about sex being painful (women 63%; men 61%); 18% of women considered vaginal discomfort had created emotional distance between them and their partners. Local estrogen treatment was used by 21% of women, among whom 58% subsequently reported less painful sex. Following such treatment, 33% of women and 30% of male partners reported an improved sex life, while 33% of women and 34% of male partners described becoming emotionally closer. Although 73% of women did not consider enough information about vaginal discomfort to be available, 60% would consult a physician to obtain this.

Conclusions

Although vaginal discomfort has a substantial impact on postmenopausal women and their partners, improvements in sexual and emotional relationships can follow use of local estrogen therapy. Not all women may be aware of therapeutic options; healthcare providers can improve outcomes by more openly communicating and initiating discussion with patients.
Diagnosis and office-based treatment of urinary incontinence in adults. Part one: diagnosis and testing
Authors: Cameron Anne P. , Heidelbaugh Joel J. , Jimbo Masahito
Published: June 2013

Urinary incontinence is a common problem in both men and women. This review article addresses its prevalence, risk factors, cost, the various types of incontinence, as well as how to diagnose them. The US Preventive Services Task Force, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PubMed were reviewed for articles focusing on urinary incontinence. Incontinence is a common problem with a high societal cost. It is frequently underreported by patients so it is appropriate for primary-care providers to screen all women and older men during visits. A thorough history and physical examination combined with easy office-based tests can often yield a clear diagnosis and rule out other transient illnesses contributing to the incontinence. Specialist referral is occasionally needed in specific situations before embarking on a treatment plan.
Long-term Usability Testing for Public Health Information Technologies
Authors: Recker Amanda , Pina Jamie , Massoudi Barbara L.
Published: June 2013

Usability testing is most often performed after product development has essentially ended and may result in a few slight changes to the system before it is finalized. As such, long-term usability testing is generally not possible even though the results would track user satisfaction through product design iterations. The BioSense 2.0 redesign team, through a contract with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has conducted long-term usability testing of the BioSense 2.0 syndromic surveillance Web-based application. The results have affected the design of BioSense 2.0 and revealed interesting trends.
Defining the Process of Medical Care to Include Dual Situation Awareness between Patient and Clinician
Authors: Olson Richard A.
Published: June 2013

Directing design of information & communication system in healthcare according to the workflow in the doctor patient relationship might follow established concepts from the field of Human Factors. The Endsley model of Situation Awareness is modified to accommodate both physician and patient, and recalls the Problem Oriented Medical Record of Lawrence Weed. Although the original purpose of computer health applications was documentation, the goal of shared Dual Situation Awareness and improved shared decisions is offered as an alternative to record-keeping. Also, design with these concepts may provide a pathway to enhanced patient engagement in their health care.
What Makes the Implementation of Clinical Information Systems Difficult in Nursing Homes?
Authors: Nazare Suhas , Or Calvin , Li Kang , Xu Jing
Published: June 2013

Attention has been given to the implementation failure of clinical information systems (CIS); however, the majority of previous investigations have been conducted in hospitals and clinics, rather than with a systems engineering perspective in long-term care and nursing home environments. In this present study, we examined the reasons behind a nursing home’s abandonment of a CIS. Data were collected through field observations (n=12) and individual interviews (n=18) of CIS stakeholders in a nursing home in Hong Kong. Data were analyzed using the immersion/crystallization approach. A sociotechnical model (Sittig and Singh, 2010) was used to guide data extraction and analysis. Our findings showed that the observed implementation challenges were related to the eight dimensions of the sociotechnical model. Specific implementation challenges identified included system speed, accessibility, and stability; technical support; clinical content adequacy and availability; system usefulness and user interface design; computer literacy; familiarity with the system; experience in the health care profession; fit between the system, workflow and communication; inconsistency between workflow, work policy, and procedures; lack of financial support; conflict between government regulations and the functional needs of users; and lack of measurement and monitoring of system effectiveness.. The knowledge gained regarding these challenges improves prior understanding of CIS failure in nursing home settings. The results offer a knowledge base for possible solutions and strategies for further initiatives in CIS implementation.