bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remnant Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, and Blood Pressure as Mediators From Obesity to Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Varbo Anette , Benn Marianne , Smith George Davey , Timpson Nicholas J. , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G.
Published: November 2014

Rationale:

Obesity leads to increased ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk, but the risk is thought to be mediated through intermediate variables and may not be caused by increased weight per se.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that the increased IHD risk because of obesity is mediated through lipoproteins, blood pressure, glucose, and C-reactive protein.

Methods and Results:

Approximately 90 000 participants from Copenhagen were included in a Mendelian randomization design with mediation analyses. Associations were examined using conventional measurements of body mass index and intermediate variables and using genetic variants associated with these. During ≤22 years of follow-up 13 945 participants developed IHD. The increased IHD risk caused by obesity was partly mediated through elevated levels of nonfasting remnant cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, through elevated blood pressure, and possibly also through elevated nonfasting glucose levels; however, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated C-reactive protein levels were not mediators in genetic analyses. The 3 intermediate variables that explained the highest excess risk of IHD from genetically determined obesity were low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with 8%, systolic blood pressure with 7%, and remnant cholesterol with 7% excess risk of IHD. Corresponding observational excess risks using conventional body mass index were 21%, 11%, and 20%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The increased IHD risk because of obesity was partly mediated through elevated levels of nonfasting remnant and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and through elevated blood pressure. Our results suggest that there may be benefit to gain by reducing levels of these risk factors in obese individuals not able to achieve sustained weight loss.
Seasonal and temperature effects on hatching of Heterodera avenae (Shandong population, China)
Authors: Jing Bao X. , He Qiong , Wu Hai Y. , Peng De L.
Published: November 2014

The cereal cyst nematode (CCN;Heterodera avenae) is a serious nematode pest, causing yield losses in cereals. This research aimed to investigate the effect of season on the aging of cysts and hatching ofH. avenaein laboratory and field experiments. In the laboratory experiment, no second-stage juveniles (J2) emerged from white cysts that were incubated at different temperatures. However, the aging of cysts was related to temperature, since the browning of white cysts accelerated at higher temperatures. In the field experiment, hatching peaked from November to March with hatching from 84.5% of cysts sampled during this period. The population of J2 in soil samples peaked during March. Although the hatching pattern from encysted eggs was similar to that recorded from free eggs (eggs released from cysts), their hatching rate was higher than that of free eggs. In a field that was naturally infested with CCN, the number of eggs that were present in cysts was significantly greater from soil samples obtained from May to November than in cysts from samples obtained during other periods of the year. Although cysts were extracted from soil samples from the nematode-infested soil all year round, no eggs or J2 were present in cysts that were obtained during April. The number of cysts recorded from soil samples substantially increased during May. The information available as a result of this study will be useful for the application of control methodologies to decrease field populations ofH. avenaebelow the economic damage threshold.
Communal Liberties and Fragmented Sovereignty
Authors: Krom Mikhail
Published: November 2014

The paper’s basic premise is that the fate of a medieval city commune was determined to a large extent by its status in a bigger political system. Moreover, most of European towns and cities had only, to use Charles Tilly’s term, “fragmented sovereignty” when the control over the city was divided between several authorities including the city magistrates and a prince or an emperor. It means that city republics should be studied in their political settings, i.e., through the lens of their relations with the other powers in the region.

In the paper, such an “environmental” approach is applied to fifteenth-century Pskov, a typical “fragmented sovereignty”, which was dependent on the Novgorod archbishop and on Russian metropolitan in ecclesiastic affairs and belonged to the Grand Principality of Vladimir and Moscow in secular politics. Medieval Pskov had its own judicial system and legislation resembling that of some German cities and until the 1460s even enjoyed the right to invite and expel princes who had been turned into the city magistrates. But as the emerging Muscovite state tightened its control over North Western Russian lands in the second half of the fifteenth century, Pskov’s liberties were gradually reduced. The fate of Pskov finally absorbed by the Muscovite monarchy in 1510 was not unique: the Russian city followed the path of many other communes in different parts of Europe where emerging early modern sovereign states put an end to local autonomies and various “fragmented sovereignties”.
Getting Personal
Authors: van der Pas Jurian
Published: November 2014

Pursuant to article 149 Company Law of the People’s Republic of China 2013 (clc), directors will be liable for the damages of the company if their actions violate the law, administrative regulations, or the company’s statutes. According to article 152 clc, directors will also face liability towards the company’s shareholders in case of a violating action that caused direct damages to the shareholders. Unfortunately, however, these provisions and their corresponding legal obligations are general and offer no procedural guidance, nor do they elaborate on the scope and extent of the directors’ personal liability. Furthermore, it is by and large ambiguous what the directors’ responsibilities are towards the creditors of the company. This article discusses this grey area of the clc by critically comparing it with the Dutch system of directors’ liability. Upon analysis, the author proposes to introduce a standard of fault in China to determine the scope and extent of the directors’ personal liability. In addition, the author argues that China should provide the company’s creditors with a direct action against the directors for compensation of their real damages.
Online Reviews
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wu Luorong (Laurie) , Mattila Anna S.
Published: November 2014

Online reviews have become one of the most influential information sources for consumer decision making. The current research aims to contribute to our understanding of the following question: When consumers are faced with multiple online reviews with mixed information, do they turn to various peripheral factors in order to form their prepurchase evaluations? This study focuses on two types of peripheral factors: motivational state and incidental cue. Results from two experimental studies suggest that information load has a dual function in influencing the effectiveness of peripheral cues, depending on which peripheral cue is used in hand. Findings of this study have important implications for social media marketers. Given distinct levels of information load (high vs. low), different types of peripheral cues should be incorporated strategically in an effort to influence consumers’ purchase intentions.
Online Information Sources Used in Hotel Bookings
Authors: Murphy Hilary Catherine , Chen Meng-Mei
Published: November 2014

The relevance and recall of information sources, particularly those used in the prepurchase hotel search process, have not been fully explored. As they are critical to inform the final hotel booking, it is essential to examine the relevance and recall of information sources used by customers. Thus, the main aim of this article is to investigate both relevance, in this case measured by the pages viewed, and recall, gauged by both aided and unaided recall of keywords used and websites visited during an online session. An exploratory, observation method that is “goal-directed” is the main research instrument with both qualitative and quantitative data collected. This method is supplemented with questionnaires to measure both implicit and explicit recall. Results show that online travel agencies are more relevant than both search engines and travel-related social media, based on the number of pages viewed. The recall of both keywords and websites was low, both for aided recall and unaided recall.
“Shredding” the Love
Authors: Morgan Parmett Helen
Published: November 2014

This manuscript takes the controversy over Burton’s “Love” snowboard, which featured Playboy Playmates, as a case study for understanding contemporary practices of gendered lifestyle branding in alternative sport. I employ a feminist political economic critique of the Love as a form of gendered branding that constructs the Burton brand as a “platform for action,” inviting male riders to construct “authentic” and countercultural identities and female riders to construct “empowered” postfeminist identities. Drawing on scholarship on the sexual objectification of women in alternative sports media, I argue protests against the board focused only on the board’s representations and failed to account for new branding strategies that relegitimate how “sex sells” at the present conjuncture and missed opportunities to build coalitions against sexism within the snowboarding industry.
Transphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients With Open Physes
Authors: Calvo Rafael , Figueroa David , Gili Federico , Vaisman Alex , Mocoçain Pablo , Espinosa Maximiliano , León Agustín , Arellano Sergio
Published: November 2014

Background:

The treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in skeletally immature patients is controversial. Current evidence supports the view that surgical techniques restore knee stability and prevent progressive articular damage. However, most of the studies on this topic are small case series or they have short- or medium-term follow-up times.

Purpose:

To determine the long-term functional outcomes and secondary complications of transphyseal intra-articular ACL reconstruction with hamstring graft in skeletally immature patients.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Transphyseal ACL reconstruction with autograft hamstrings was performed in 27 skeletally immature patients. The average age at surgery was 13 years (range, 12-16 years), and the average follow-up time was 10.6 years (range, 10-13 years). Clinical outcomes were assessed with preoperative and final follow-up Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, and Lysholm scores. Surgery details, return to sports, and ACL reconstruction failures were collected. The anteroposterior knee laxity was assessed by arthrometry, and the presence of deformities and lower limb length discrepancies were evaluated by radiographs. The presence of degenerative signs on anteroposterior and lateral knee radiographs at final follow-up was also evaluated.

Results:

Transphyseal ACL reconstruction was performed with vertically oriented tunnels, 7 to 10 mm in diameter, using semitendinosus-gracilis autograft. The average preoperative Tegner, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were 7, 55, and 40, respectively. Significant differences in these scores were observed at the time of the final assessment (Tegner, 6 [ P = .026]; IKDC, 94 [ P < .001]; Lysholm, 92 [ P < .001]). Two patients reported instability during sports activity. Three patients had a rupture of the ACL graft. No leg length discrepancy, axis malalignment, or degenerative changes were observed.

Conclusion:

The transphyseal ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients is a safe option, with high functional and satisfaction results, without significant growth plate damage in this series of patients.
Contested Science in the Media
Authors: Dahl Trine
Published: November 2014

Science reporting in the media often involves contested issues, such as, for example, biotechnology, climate change, and, more recently, geoengineering. The reporter’s framing of the issue is likely to influence readers’ perception of it. The notion of framing is related to how individuals and groups perceive and communicate about the world. Framing is typically studied by means of content analysis, focusing primarily on the “stories” told about the issue. The current article, on the other hand, springs from an interest in writer behavior. I wish to investigate how news writers strategically exploit their rhetorical competence when reporting on contested issues, and I argue that text linguistics represents a fruitful approach to studying this process. It is suggested that genre features may serve as a basis for identifying key framing locations in the text, and that the notion of evaluation plays an important part in writers’ framing activity. I discuss these aspects through a case study involving six news reports on a geoengineering experiment.
Looking Backward and Framing the Future for Parents’ Aspirations for Their Children With Disabilities
Authors: Turnbull Rud , Turnbull Ann
Published: November 2014

This article frames the past and future role of the parents of children with disabilities within the context of special education. We highlight their past aspirations: to organize nationally to assert that their children could learn, to codify into law their children’s right to an education, and to foster trust-based parent–professional partnerships. Using the past as a prelude to the future, we then identify two aspirations for the future: to foster empathy, compassion, and dignity; and to “get a life” rather than just “get an education.” The theme of future aspirations is to develop schools and communities where empathy, compassion, and dignity abound and where, as a consequence, children and adults with disabilities can experience across the full lifespan the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s outcomes of equal opportunity, independent living, full participation, and economic self-sufficiency.
Steady-state performance investigation of hydrostatic summation drive using bent-axis hydraulic motor
Authors: Kumar N , Dasgupta K
Published: November 2014

This article investigates the steady-state performance of a closed-circuit hydrostatic summation drive used in heavy earth moving machine through modelling and experiment. The proposed drive basically consists of variable displacement pump and bent-axis motor. The performance studies of the drive have been made for its two different modes of operation: using single motor and two motors. Bondgraph simulation technique is used to model the drive, where various losses are lumped into suitable resistive elements. The relationships of the losses with the state variables obtained from the model are identified through experiments. The dependencies of the loss characteristics on the load torque and the pump displacement ratio are studied. The model has been verified experimentally. The performances of the hydrostatic drives are studied at different torque levels with respect to its slip, torque-loss and overall efficiency, using the expressions describing the characteristics of the loss-coefficients. The investigation also identifies the operating range of the proposed hydrostatic drives with reasonable efficiency.
Next generation of consumer aerosol valve design using inert gases
Authors: Nourian Amir , Nasr Ghasem G , Yule Andrew J , Goldberg Tom , Tulloch Greig
Published: November 2014

The current global consumer aerosol products such as deodorants, hairsprays, air-fresheners, polish, insecticide, disinfectant are primarily utilised unfriendly environmental propellant of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for over three decades. The advantages of the new innovative technology described in this paper are: (i) no butane or other liquefied hydrocarbon gas; (ii) compressed air, nitrogen or other safe gas propellant; (iii) customer acceptable spray quality and consistency during can lifetime; (iv) conventional cans and filling technology. Volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases must be avoided but there are no flashing propellants replacements that would provide the good atomisation and spray reach. On the basis of the energy source for atomising, the only feasible source is inert gas (i.e. compressed air), which improves atomisation by gas bubbles and turbulence inside the atomiser insert of the actuator. This research concentrates on using ‘bubbly flow’ in the valve stem, with injection of compressed gas into the passing flow, thus also generating turbulence. Using a vapour phase tap in conventional aerosol valves allows the propellant gas into the liquid flow upstream of the valve. However, forcing bubbly flow through a valve is not ideal. The novel valves designed here, using compressed gas, thus achieved the following objectives when the correct combination of gas and liquid inlets to the valve, and the type and size of atomiser ‘insert’ were derived: Produced a consistent flow rate and drop size of spray throughout the life of the can, compatible with the current conventional aerosols that use LPG: a new ‘constancy’ parameter is defined and used to this end. Obtained a discharge flow rate suited to the product to be sprayed; typically between 0.4 g/s and 2.5 g/s. Attained the spray droplets size suited to the product to be sprayed; typically between 40 µm and 120 µm.
Analysis of the stent expansion in a stenosed artery using finite element method: Application to stent versus stent study
Authors: Imani S Misagh , Goudarzi AM , Ghasemi SE , Kalani A , Mahdinejad J
Published: November 2014

In this article, finite element method is used to investigate the mechanical behavior of a stent and to determine the biomechanical interaction between the stent and the artery in a stenting procedure. The main objective of this study is to reach to a model close to a real condition of coronary stent placement. Unlike most of the models proposed in the literature, all the steps of the deployment of a stent in the stenotic vessel (i.e. pressure increasing, constant load pressure and pressure decreasing) are simulated in this article to show the behavior of the stent in different stages of implantation. The results indicate that the first step of deployment, that is, pressure increasing, plays a main role in the success of stent implantation. So that, in order to compare the behavior of different types of stents, it is sufficient to compare their behavior at the end of pressure increasing step. In order to show the application of the findings in stent versus stent studies, three commercially available stents (the Palmaz–Schatz, Multi-Link and NIR stents) are modeled and their behavior is compared at the end of pressure increasing step. The effect of stent design on the restenosis rate is investigated. According to the findings, the possibility of restenosis is lower for Multi-Link and NIR stents in comparison with Palmaz–Schatz stent which is in good agreement with clinical results. Therefore, the testing methodology outlined here is proposed as a simple and economical alternative for “stent versus stent” complicated clinical trials.
Chemical compositions and antiproliferation activities of the chloroform fraction from Pyropolyporus fomentarius in K562 cells
Authors: Zhang Y , Wang P , Xiao Y , Wang X , Yang S , Liu Q
Published: November 2014

Pyropolyporus fomentarius, a fungus of the polyporaceae family, has been used in the treatment of various diseases, such as gastroenteric disorder, hepatocirrhosis, oral ulcer, inflammation, and several cancers. This study was conducted to investigate the compositions and cell growth inhibition effects of P. fomentarius chloroform (CHCl3) fraction and to clarify the possible mechanisms. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was performed to investigate the composition of the P. fomentarius CHCl3 fraction. Cell viability was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell membrane damage was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope and flow cytometry following propidium iodide and bis-(1,3-dibarbituric acid)-trimethine oxanol staining. Apoptosis was analyzed using annexin V-PE/7-amino-actinomycin D (7-AAD) staining. Generation of intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ ψm) were detected by flow cytometry using fluo 3-acetoxymethyl ester, 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate, and rhodamine 123. Our obtained data indicate that P. fomentarius CHCl3 fraction could inhibit proliferation of K562 cells depending on both the dosage and the incubation time, cause cell membrane damage, influence intracellular [Ca2+]i variation, promote the yield of ROS, decrease the level of Δψm, and initiate the apoptotic response in K562 cells.
“The pen is mightier than the sword”: Linking educational history and accounting history in shaping historical thought
Authors: Black John
Published: November 2014

Traditionally it has been assumed that the rank and file of the British Army of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were illiterate and innumerate and the government of the day had no desire to educate the lower ranks. However this may not be an accurate portrayal. This article demonstrates that there were always enough rank-and-file soldiers who could read, write and keep simple accounts – and thereby perform routine bookkeeping and clerical duties – within any British Army regiment or formation of the day. Clerical administrative and pay duties increased after the reforms of the Army, first in 1782 and later in 1797. However, until 1812 the Army was not officially concerned with providing elementary education to the common soldier. The Army administraetive and financial reforms of the late eighteenth century predated the existence of professional accounting bodies or official forms of state elementary education. However, these reforms made the Army more accountable to Parliament in terms of the size of the Army and its finances, and the existence of soldiers in the ranks that possessed the necessary basic education to undertake the increasing number of routine clerical duties enabled the success of these reforms.
Pain Management Experiences and the Acceptability of Cognitive Behavioral Strategies Among American Indians and Alaska Natives
Authors: Haozous Emily A. , Doorenbos Ardith Z. , Stoner Susan
Published: November 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to explore the chronic pain experience and establish cultural appropriateness of cognitive behavioral pain management (CBPM) techniques in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). Design: A semistructured interview guide was used with three focus groups of AI/AN patients in the U.S. Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions to explore pain and CBPM in AI/ANs. Findings: The participants provided rich qualitative data regarding chronic pain and willingness to use CBPM. Themes included empty promises and health care insufficiencies, individuality, pain management strategies, and suggestions for health care providers. Conclusion: Results suggest that there is room for improvement in chronic pain care among AI/ANs and that CBPM would likely be a viable and culturally appropriate approach for chronic pain management. Implications: This research provides evidence that CBPM is culturally acceptable and in alignment with existing traditional AI/AN strategies for coping and healing.
Talectomy and Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Intramedullary Nail Fixation for Treatment of Equinus Deformity in Adults
Authors: Gursu Sarper , Bahar Hakan , Camurcu Yalkin , Yildirim Timur , Buyuk Fettah , Ozcan Cagri , Sahin Vedat
Published: November 2014

Background:

Severe equinovarus foot deformity in adults is a challenging problem. Conservative treatment rarely is effective, and operative options are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of talectomy and tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of severe equinovarus deformity in adults.

Methods:

Twelve patients (average age 39 years, range 15-70 years) with severe equinovarus deformities of the foot were treated with talectomy and tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with intramedullary nail fixation between March 2010 and February 2013. Average follow-up was 20 months (range 10-37 months).

Results:

Tibiocalcaneal fusion was achieved in all patients at an average of 12 weeks (range 8-17 weeks). Preoperatively, all patients had severe, irreducible equinovarus deformities; at last follow-up, almost all feet had mild residual deformity, but were plantigrade and did not require a brace or orthosis. The average AOFAS ankle score improved from 41.1 (range 8-66) preoperatively to 78.4 (range 67-86) postoperatively ( P = .02). There was a similar improvement in the average VAS score from 6.3 (range 2-10) preoperatively to 0.8 (range 0-4) postoperatively ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

The combination of talectomy and tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis was effective in correcting severe rigid equinovarus deformity in adults. Removal of the talus resulted in laxity of the soft tissues, making correction of the deformity easier. Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis achieved a stable foot without the problems associated with talectomy alone.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Assessing the Feasibility of Side Yard Programs as a Solution to Land Vacancy in U.S. Shrinking Cities
Authors: Ganning Joanna P. , Tighe J. Rosie
Published: November 2014

Scholars have recommended various strategies to combat land vacancy in shrinking cities. Side yard programs, in which adjacent homeowners purchase vacant lots, represent one such solution. We use the case study city of St. Louis, Missouri, to evaluate this approach’s potential for reducing residential land vacancy. The analysis reveals that while demand-side issues (i.e., affordability) exist, the supply-side barriers (i.e., restrictive guidelines and inequitable or illogical pricing structures) are the larger constraints for the program’s success. In St. Louis, the program as currently structured could find buyers for approximately 10.8% of vacant residential parcels if all eligible buyers were interested. Through comparison of policy scenarios, we conclude that program policy significantly influences a program’s potential success through a range of mechanisms including restrictions regarding buyers’ owner-occupancy status, side yard lot width maximums, and pricing structure. State legislation regarding tax foreclosure auctions and elements of urban design also influence program effectiveness.
First, Second or Third Time Around? The Number of Co-residential Relationships among Young Norwegians
Authors: Dommermuth Lars , Wiik Kenneth Aarskaug
Published: November 2014

Young adults in Norway mostly choose cohabitation as their first co-residential union and the age of first union formation is comparatively low. However, dissolution rates are higher in Norway than in most other parts of Europe, potentially leading to unstable relationship careers in young adulthood. Using recent survey data from Norway on men and women born 1927–73 ( N = 9, 723), we analyze the prevalence and correlates of the number of co-residential unions experienced by the age of 35. We find that the number of co-residential relationships has increased across cohorts, but this development has slowed down among the youngest cohorts. The type of the first union plays a crucial role, and young adults who did not marry their first cohabiting partner have a higher likelihood of experiencing several co-residential unions than those who married directly or via cohabitation.
Negotiating Identities
Authors: Dahl Silje Louise , Heggen Kåre
Published: November 2014

Our aim is to analyze how stories on drug use, present life situation and earlier experiences structure cannabis users’ self-presentations—as this is presented in interviews with young adults. The interviewees’ identity work takes place within a narrative terrain including both a restrictive, official story about drugs and a liberal, subcultural story about cannabis. We identify four dominant narratives about cannabis users: the burnt user, the irresponsible user, the responsible user and the cannabis prophet. Some of these stories put the narrator at greater risk of condemnation, and the analysis shows how the interviewees negotiate between the different stories. The ambiguous position of cannabis use makes it a rich, but also equivocal, resource for identity work. Attentiveness to the individual’s present situation is essential for understanding how individuals make sense of their past, as well as their expectations for the future.
Easy to Oppose, Difficult to Propose
Authors: Goicolea Isabel , Coe Anna-Britt , Ohman Ann
Published: November 2014

Debates are ongoing on whether man can engage in gender change and challenge hegemonic masculinities. The study aimed to analyze in what ways young Ecuadorian men—currently or recently involved in activism to advance gender equality and reproductive rights—defined different masculinities, hegemonic and alternative. We used Grounded Theory to collect and analyze three focus group discussions and 15 individual interviews with 30 young activist men in Ecuador. A core category captured the process of defining masculinities: ‘Moving from passive acceptance of machismo to critical reflection and action’ that in turn linked to three theoretical categories: ‘Opposing machismo’, ‘From machos to men’, and ‘Inspiring opposition to machismo’. We drew upon framing theory in social movement studies to interpret the findings and thereby enhance the theory of hegemonic masculinity. Young activist men successfully framed the problem and motives for collective mobilization, but they wavered when it came to framing solutions.
Party Competition, Party Polarization, and the Changing Demand for Lobbying in the American States
Authors: Gray Virginia , Cluverius John , Harden Jeffrey J. , Shor Boris , Lowery David
Published: November 2014

Interest system density influences internal dynamics within interest organizations, how they lobby, and policy conditions. But how do political conditions influence interest system density? How does politics create demand for interest representation? We examine these questions by assessing how legislative party competition and ideological distance between parties in state legislatures affect the number of lobby groups. After stating our theoretical expectations, we examine 1997 and 2007 data on legislative competition and party polarization to assess their influence on system density. We find mixed results: Whereas politics slightly influenced the structuring of nonprofit interest communities, they seem to have not affected the structuring of for-profit interest communities or interest communities as a whole.
Intimating the Unconscious: A Psychoanalytical Refraction of Christian Theo-Political Activism in Malaysia
Authors: Lau Alwyn
Published: November 2014

The political activism of Christians in Malaysia is in an emergent phase. Despite significant advances, especially after the milestone general elections of March 2008 (where the ruling National Alliance regime lost its two-thirds majority in parliament), many Christians hesitate to engage politically and when they do, their engagement is incoherent. Based upon a survey and critical analysis of media statements by leading Christian organizations, this article argues that Christian activism remains anemic in part due to political theologizing which suffers from incoherency, inconsistency, a diminished view of the political, and an over-reliance on the rational. The article intimates that the kind of political discourse and theologizing adopted by the church would benefit from an application of psychoanalytical categories. It concludes by suggesting that psychoanalysis cannot only provide new categories with which to re-imagine political issues in Malaysia but also reinvigorate the Christian political imagination itself.
God is “color-blind”: The problem of race in a diverse Christian fraternity
Authors: Gurrentz Benjamin T.
Published: November 2014

The following case study utilizes in-depth qualitative interviews and participant observation data in order to examine how color-blindness operates in a diverse Christian fraternity. The color-blind ideology functions in two distinct ways: to authenticate the fraternity’s collective religious identity as an inclusive Christian community and to obscure within-group racial inequalities reproduced through tokenizing racist jokes aimed at its non-white members. Color-blind statements allow members to attribute their organization’s racial diversity to their accepting religious doctrine, while also making problems of race within the organization difficult to address. This article provides a theoretical contribution by highlighting the dire implications of ignoring race in diverse religious groups, particularly problematic within the “edgy” joking subculture of Christian fraternities.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Inpatient Care
Authors: Romeyke Tobias , Stummer Harald
Published: November 2014

The aim of this report is to provide the reader an overview of the complex therapy currently used within the German health system. Complex therapies in inpatient care in Germany establish the basis for an integrative and interdisciplinary provision of services. They define minimal criteria for the organization of a hospital, enable the integration of different therapeutic approaches, and therefore, lead to an intensive and holistic treatment by a specially trained team. The German model can be viewed as a pilot program for the introduction of integrative patient-centered care in other hospitals around the world.
Involvement of Nitric Oxide in Iodine Deficiency-Induced Microvascular Remodeling in the Thyroid Gland: Role of Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 and Ryanodine Receptors
Authors: Craps J. , Wilvers C. , Joris V. , De Jongh B. , Vanderstraeten J. , Lobysheva I. , Balligand J.-L. , Sonveaux P. , Gilon P. , Many M.-C. , Gérard A.-C. , Colin I. M.
Published: November 2014

Iodine deficiency (ID) induces microvascular changes in the thyroid gland via a TSH-independent reactive oxygen species-hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in this pathway and the role of calcium (Ca2+) and of ryanodine receptors (RYRs) in NO synthase 3 (NOS3) activation were investigated in a murine model of goitrogenesis and in 3 in vitro models of ID, including primary cultures of human thyrocytes. ID activated NOS3 and the production of NO in thyrocytes in vitro and increased the thyroid blood flow in vivo. Using bevacizumab (a blocking antibody against VEGF-A) in mice, it appeared that NOS3 is activated upstream of VEGF-A. L-nitroarginine methyl ester (a NOS inhibitor) blocked the ID-induced increase in thyroid blood flow in vivo and NO production in vitro, as well as ID-induced VEGF-A mRNA and HIF-1α expression in vitro, whereas S-nitroso-acetyl-penicillamine (a NO donor) did the opposite. Ca2+ is involved in this pathway as intracellular Ca2+ flux increased after ID, and thapsigargin activated NOS3 and increased VEGF-A mRNA expression. Two of the 3 known mammalian RYR isoforms (RYR1 and RYR2) were shown to be expressed in thyrocytes. RYR inhibition using ryanodine at 10μM decreased ID-induced NOS3 activation, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A expression, whereas RYR activation with ryanodine at 1nM increased NOS3 activation and VEGF-A mRNA expression. In conclusion, during the early phase of TSH-independent ID-induced microvascular activation, ID sequentially activates RYRs and NOS3, thereby supporting ID-induced activation of the NO/HIF-1α/VEGF-A pathway in thyrocytes.
The NAV2 homolog Sickie regulates F-actin-mediated axonal growth inDrosophilamushroom body neurons via the non-canonical Rac-Cofilin pathway
Authors: Abe Takashi , Yamazaki Daisuke , Murakami Satoshi , Hiroi Makoto , Nitta Yohei , Maeyama Yuko , Tabata Tetsuya
Published: November 2014

The Rac-Cofilin pathway is essential for cytoskeletal remodeling to control axonal development. Rac signals through the canonical Rac-Pak-LIMK pathway to suppress Cofilin-dependent axonal growth and through a Pak-independent non-canonical pathway to promote outgrowth. Whether this non-canonical pathway converges to promote Cofilin-dependent F-actin reorganization in axonal growth remains elusive. We demonstrate that Sickie, a homolog of the human microtubule-associated protein neuron navigator 2, cell-autonomously regulates axonal growth of Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neurons via the non-canonical pathway. Sickie was prominently expressed in the newborn F-actin-rich axons of MB neurons. A sickie mutant exhibited axonal growth defects, and its phenotypes were rescued by exogenous expression of Sickie. We observed phenotypic similarities and genetic interactions among sickie and Rac-Cofilin signaling components. Using the MARCM technique, distinct F-actin and phospho-Cofilin patterns were detected in developing axons mutant for sickie and Rac-Cofilin signaling regulators. The upregulation of Cofilin function alleviated the axonal defect of the sickie mutant. Epistasis analyses revealed that Sickie suppresses the LIMK overexpression phenotype and is required for Pak-independent Rac1 and Slingshot phosphatase to counteract LIMK. We propose that Sickie regulates F-actin-mediated axonal growth via the non-canonical Rac-Cofilin pathway in a Slingshot-dependent manner.
Improving TA effectiveness
Authors: Wooding Bruce
Published: November 2014

In order to support the professionalism of his school's teaching assistants, Bruce Wooding introduced a TA effectiveness programme
Serological Survey of Dengue Virus Immunoglobulin M Among Febrile Patients in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Idoko Matthew O. , Ado Saleh A. , Umoh Veronica J.
Published: November 2014

The purposes of this research were to determine the prevalence of dengue virus in the study population, to determine the relationship between the occurrence of dengue virus IgM and potential risk factors and to determine the association between the occurrence of dengue virus and some symptoms. In this study, blood specimen were collected from 340 subjects with febrile complaints attending hospitals in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria and who gave their consent to participate. Serological determination of dengue virus IgM was carried out using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Structured questionnaires were also administered to obtain data on demographic, risk factors,  and symptoms of illness. A total of 6 subjects were positive for dengue virus IgM giving a prevalence of 1.8%. There was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of dengue virus IgM and potential risk factors, demographic factors and symptoms of the illness. The occurrence of dengue virus in the study population was confirmed.
Relationship of Soilborne Mycoflora of Cassava Growing Fields to Incidence of Postharvest Rots of Cassava Tubers in Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Maccido , Shehu Kasimu
Published: November 2014

In this study the fungi associated with cassava growing fields in Sokoto were isolated and identified using soil dilution technique. A total of 215 fungal colonies from 9 fungal species were isolated from soil samples of different cassava fields between the month of June and August, 2012. It was observed that soil samples from Lambara recorded the highest number (64) of fungal species followed by Damba and the least number (44) of fungal species was observed in Wamakko.The fungi isolated were Alternaria species, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cylindrocarpon lichenicola, Fusarium oxysporum, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor hiemalis, Rhizopus orgyzae and Scopulariopsis candida.The highest percentage frequency of occurrence was observed in Aspergillus niger (39.5%) seconded by Fusarium oxysporum (18.2%) and the least was seen in Rhizopus oryzae ( 2.3%). The pathogenicity test indicated that all the fungal isolates were pathogenic on cassava tubers.The fungus M. hiemalis is the most pathogenic followed by F. oxysporum and the least was recorded by R. oryzae. Therefore, it would be concluded that there is relationship between soilborne fungi and incidence of postharvest rots of cassava tubers.
Cell-in-cell structures in BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cell line are the result of entosis
Authors: Kowalczyk Magdalena , Sarnecka Agnieszka , Młynarczuk-Biały Izabela
Published: November 2014

Background
Entosis is a process which occurs between two epithelial cells after losing their connection to the basement membrane. It starts with activating Rho kinase pathway in one cell. Then, this cell forms adherens junction with another detached cell and actively invades into it to create cell-in-cell structure. The inner cell preserves its morphology and maintains proper mitochondrial potential while being inside another cell. As a result of entosis the inner cell may undergo lysosomal degradation, divide or leave the outer cell and then function normally. Two last options prove that the inner cells condition is quite good. Entosis was observed in breast epithelial cells. Cannibalism is a process in which one tumor cell engulfs another cell tumor cell, lymphocyte, erythrocyte, neutrophile etc. It ends in lysosomal degradation of engulfed cell. These phenomenon was described in different human tumors. Our team has observed different cell-in-cell structures among BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells. We asked whether these structures are the result of entosis or cannibalism.

Methods
BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cell line was used in all experiments. Electron and confocal microscopes were used to observe different cell-in-cell structures. Cells for confocal microscope were stained with CFDA-SE, Hoechst and Phalloidin. Cells for electron microscope were fixed with glutaraldehyde and than analysed by using Transmition Electron Microscopy. To evaluate the influence of Rho kinase inhibitor on the number of cell-in-cell structures we incubated cells with this compound for 24 hours. After that time twenty randomly chosen images were taken in confocal microscope in each field to assess the number of cell-in-cell structures in each case.

Results
We observed the following cell-in-cell structures in confocal microscope: a cell inside a cell, two cells inside a cell, a cell inside a cell inside another cell and mitosis inside a cell. We found adherens junctions between inner and outer cell in electron microscope. Rho kinase inhibitor decreases the number of cell-in-cell structures in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion
Mitosis inside a cell is a structure which shows that inner cell is in good condition and does not present any sign of damage. Rho kinase pathway and adherens junctions are involved in creating cell-in-cell structures among BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells. To conclude, we observed entosis in BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cell line.
Fetoscopic abdominal decompression of congenital diaphragmatic hernia – preliminary results of a fetal sheep model
Authors: Fromm Felipe , Wenke Katharina , Krebs Thomas , Boettcher Michael , Eschenburg Georg , Tiemann Bastian , Roth Beate , Appl Birgit , Hecher Kurt , Reinshagen Konrad , Bergholz Robert
Published: November 2014

Background
Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is prenatally managed by fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) to improve lung growth and maturation. As FETO is not able to reduce the pressure onto the developing lungs originating from the intestine growing into the thoracic cavity, fetal abdominal decompression may alleviate this pressure effect by directing the growing intestine into the amniotic cavity away from the lungs. Therefore, aim of this study was to establish an animal model for fetoscopic abdominal decompression in fetal sheep with CDH.

Methods
CDH was created surgically on day 75 of 145 day gestation in eight fetuses. 2-3 weeks later, an opening was created in the fetal abdomen by fetoscopic surgery. The fetuses were retrieved by cesarean section at the end of pregnancy and evaluated.

Results
Five fetuses with CDH were treated with fetoscopic abdominal decompression. Three fetuses with CDH were taken as controls. One fetus was lost after creation of the CDH and two other after creation of the abdominal defect. Preliminary sterological results showed that the septal thickness of the experimental group was smaller than in the CDH group.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the general feasibility of fetoscopic abdominal decompression for diaphragmatic hernia in our new animal model. Although not statistically significant, the lungs of treated fetuses were larger and heavier than those of untreated controls. Our findings support the hypothesis of palliative fetal surgery for severe CDH compared to tracheal occlusion. More controlled animal trials are needed.
Expectations versus results of total hip replacement - the patient’s view
Authors: Długosz Anna
Published: November 2014

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to identify the expectations of patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) and to evaluate a possible relationship between the fulfilment of these expectations and the patient-reported outcomes. The study group comprised 56 patients aged 27-79. The patients filled out the Oxford hip score (OHS) questionnaire and a survey, designed by us, with open and closed questions regarding the patient's expectations. The patients were surveyed twice, i.e. 1-7 days before surgery and 3 months after the surgery. Statistically significant results (p 0.05) were obtained in the areas: improving the overall health status, gait improvement, reducing pain, independence in daily activities. Results in the aspects: ability to return to work or sport and improving emotional status were statistically not relevant.
Emotion regulation and adolescent suicide: a proposal for physician education
Authors: Rice Timothy R.
Published: November 2014

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 14–19 years. Pediatricians report strong interest in receiving additional training to reduce suicide mortality, and physician education is one of the most robust means of suicide prevention. However, many studies suggest that existing educational methods and means leave much room for improvement. In light of the emerging evidence that emotion regulation (ER) deficits are significantly associated with adolescent suicide, this paper proposes the untested hypothesis that a module on the brain-based ER system may strengthen existing methods of provider education. The ER system and the evidence supporting its association with adolescent suicide are reviewed. The ability to ground an approach to suicide prevention within this brain-based medical model may be appealing to pediatricians; its transdiagnostic breadth and dimensional makeup may also be appealing to pediatricians. Most importantly, its emphasis on the negative effects of impoverished self-regulation broaden non-specialist concern from a restriction upon withdrawn, depressed adolescents to those with a wide range of psychopathology. Implications and further considerations are discussed.
The Selbst Gewählter Plan
Authors: Goff Alice
Published: November 2014

In the late eighteenth century, a lay naturalist in Hessen-Kassel created a library of books, each made out of a different species of tree. This essay looks at how the wood library addressed the gap between the materials of nature and the materials of nature’s explanation, which troubled efforts to know and manage the forest in this period.