bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Do You Want Meme War?" Understanding the Visual Memes of the German Far Right
Authors: Bogerts Lisa , Fielitz Maik
Published: December 2018

Far-right groups use internet memes to mobilize supporters, to employ troll factory tactics and to disseminate hate messages to a wider public. Drawing on methodological tools from visual culture studies, we analyze memes by the German online network Reconquista Germanica (RG), asking: What visual language, narratives and strategies do far-right memes employ to appeal a broad spectrum of potential supporters? We observe that RG's memes use ironic ambiguity, »hipsterish« aesthetics or references to popular culture to contemporize their ideological roots and to appeal multiple audiences and not-yet politicized users, while circumventing censorship. Although, at first sight, memes appear to be harmless instances of everyday visual culture, they still manage to convey neo-Nazi symbolism and key ideological narratives of hate and bigotry. Therefore, we argue for taking the calculated ambivalence of visual memes seriously instead of reducing them to a merely illustrative role.
The Murder of Keira. Misinformation and Hate Speech as Far-Right Online Strategies
Authors: Darmstadt Alina , Prinz Mick , Saal Oliver
Published: December 2018

A young girl has been murdered in Berlin 2018. But before the police can commence its investigation, the German-speaking alternative right has identified the perpetrator - or at least his origin. The case of the 14-year-old Keira is eagerly absorbed in right-wing echo chambers. The comments surrounding the case of Keira's murder shine a light on the argumentative and functional logics within far-right echo chambers. The first part of this article analyzes these chambers to demonstrate, how rumors and »fake news« are used purposefully to strengthen right-wing narratives, threaten minorities, erode social cohesion and thus pose a threat to democracy itself. The second part of the article shows the reactions to this threat by the German state as well as providers of social networks, the remaining loopholes, and which promising counter strategies can help empower actors within civil society.
Variable weak Hardy spaces WH
L

p(·)(ℝ
n
) associated with operators satisfying Davies–Gaffney estimates
Authors: Zhuo Ciqiang , Yang Dachun
Published: December 2018

Let

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

:

ℝ
n

→

[
0
,
1
]

{p(\,\cdot\,)\colon\mathbb{R}^{n}\to[0,1]}

be a variable exponent function satisfying the globally log-Hölder continuous condition, and L a one-to-one operator of type ω in

L
2

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{L^{2}({\mathbb{R}}^{n})}

, with

ω
∈

[
0
,

π
/
2

)

{\omega\in[0,\pi/2)}

, which has a bounded holomorphic functional calculus and satisfies the Davies–Gaffney estimates.
In this article, we introduce the variable weak Hardy space

WH
L

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{WH}^{{p(\,\cdot\,)}}_{L}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

, associated with L via the corresponding square function.
Its molecular characterization is then established by means of the atomic decomposition of the variable weak tent space

WT

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

(

ℝ
+

n
+
1

)

{\mathrm{WT}^{p(\,\cdot\,)}(\mathbb{R}_{+}^{n+1})}

, which is also obtained in this article.
In particular, when L is non-negative and self-adjoint, we obtain the
atomic characterization of

WH
L

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{WH}^{{p(\,\cdot\,)}}_{L}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

.
As an application of the molecular characterization, when L is the second-order divergence form elliptic operator with complex bounded measurable coefficients, we prove that the associated Riesz transform

∇
⁡

L

-

1
/
2

{\nabla L^{-1/2}}

is bounded from

WH
L

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{WH}^{{p(\,\cdot\,)}}_{L}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

to the variable weak Hardy space

WH

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{WH}^{p(\,\cdot\,)}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

.
Moreover, when L is non-negative and self-adjoint with the kernels of

{

e

-

t
⁢
L

}

t
>
0

{\{e^{-tL}\}_{t>0}}

satisfying the Gaussian upper bound estimates, the atomic characterization of

WH
L

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{WH}^{{p(\,\cdot\,)}}_{L}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

is further used to characterize this space via non-tangential maximal functions.
Stabilization of 3D Navier–Stokes–Voigt equations
Authors: Anh Cung The , Tuan Nguyen Viet
Published: December 2018

We consider 3D Navier–Stokes–Voigt equations in smooth bounded domains with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. First, we study the existence and exponential stability of strong stationary solutions to the problem. Then we show that any unstable steady state can be exponentially stabilized by using either an internal feedback control with a support large enough or a multiplicative Itô noise of sufficient intensity.
An engineered lipocalin that tightly complexes the plant poison colchicine for use as antidote and in bioanalytical applications
Authors: Barkovskiy Mikhail , Ilyukhina Elena , Dauner Martin , Eichinger Andreas , Skerra Arne
Published: December 2018

Colchicine is a toxic alkaloid prevalent in autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) that binds to tubulin and inhibits polymerization of microtubules. Using combinatorial and rational protein design, we have developed an artificial binding protein based on the human lipocalin 2 that binds colchicine with a dissociation constant of 120 pm, i.e. 10000-fold stronger than tubulin. Crystallographic analysis of the engineered lipocalin, dubbed Colchicalin, revealed major structural changes in the flexible loop region that forms the ligand pocket at the open end of the eight-stranded β-barrel, resulting in a lid-like structure over the deeply buried colchicine. A cis-peptide bond between residues Phe71 and Pro72 in loop #2 constitutes a peculiar feature and allows intimate contact with the tricyclic ligand. Using directed evolution, we achieved an extraordinary dissociation half-life of more than 9 h for the Colchicalin-colchicine complex. Together with the chemical robustness of colchicine and availability of activated derivatives, this also opens applications as a general-purpose affinity reagent, including facile quantification of colchicine in biological samples. Given that engineered lipocalins, also known as Anticalin® proteins, represent a class of clinically validated biopharmaceuticals, Colchicalin may offer a therapeutic antidote to scavenge colchicine and reverse its poisoning effect in situations of acute intoxication.
Composition and Characteristics of Yam Juice Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Chen Wenxue , Zhu Jianzhong , Niu Hui , Song Yizhe , Zhang Weimin , Chen Haiming , Chen Weijun
Published: December 2018

In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), alone or in combination with Streptococcus thermophilus, was used to ferment yam juice. Changes in the composition (phenols, organic acids, reducing sugars and volatile substances) and functional characteristics (antioxidative activity and ability to regulate the intestinal flora) of yam juice during fermentation were investigated. The results showed that the total phenolic (TP) content increased from 201.27 to 281.27 and 285.77 μg/mL for LP- and L. plantarum and S. thermophilus (LPST)-fermented yam juice, respectively. The antioxidative activity of yam juice improved significantly after fermentation, highly correlating with its TP content. In addition, LP- or LPST-fermented yam juice had positive effects on members of the human intestinal flora, improving the activity of Bifidobacterium and inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli. Sensory analysis showed that LPST-fermented yam juice had a highest score. The results of this study showed that fermented yam juice can serve as a healthy beverage for consumers with low immunity or an imbalance of the intestinal flora.
Exploring the pedagogical potential of vertical and horizontal relations in the constructicon:The case of the family of subjective-transitive constructions withdecirin Spanish
Authors: Gonzálvez-García Francisco
Published: December 2018

This paper explores the pedagogical implications and implementations of a Cognitive Construction Grammar (Goldberg, Adele E. 2006.Constructions at work: The nature of generalization in language. New York: Oxford University Press) approach for the teaching of construal in the L2 class of Spanish at an advanced level. To this end, this paper focuses on instances of secondary predication (involving a direct object and an object-related XPCOMP) withdecir“say” and other verbs of saying and calling in present-day Spanish, under the rubric of the denominative subjective-transitive construction. This construction comprises a number of lower-level configurations involving a reflexive direct object (the reflexive subjective-transitive construction), and an imperative verb (the imperative subjective-transitive construction). The verbdeciris also frequently attested in the reflex passive construction (the impersonal subjective-transitive construction), under which two different, though closely connected, lexically-filledlo que se diceXPCOMP configurations can be posited, which may function as a focusing/emphasizer subjunct or as a summative conjunct in present-day Spanish. A default inheritance system of the type invoked in Cognitive Construction Grammar is shown to capture broad and specific generalizations at a horizontal level (among the verbs attested in the (sub-)construction(s)) and a vertical level (among constructions of varying degrees of specificity) and can thus be informally used to optimize the pedagogical efficiency of the input for the explicit instruction of grammar in the advanced Spanish L2 class.
Invertibility and stability for a generic class of radon transforms with application to dynamic operators
Authors: RabieniaHaratbar Siamak
Published: December 2018

Let X be an open subset of

ℝ
2

{\mathbb{R}^{2}}

.
We study the dynamic operator,

𝒜

{\mathcal{A}}

, integrating over a family of level curves in X when the object changes between the measurement.
We use analytic microlocal analysis to determine which singularities can be recovered by the data-set.
Our results show that not all singularities can be recovered as the object moves with a speed lower than the X-ray source.
We establish stability estimates and prove that the injectivity and stability are of a generic set if the dynamic operator satisfies the visibility, no conjugate points, and local Bolker conditions.
We also show this results can be implemented to fan beam geometry.
A Turkish girl with H syndrome: stunted growth and development of autoimmune insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in the 6th year of diagnosis
Authors: Ozlu Can , Yesiltepe Mutlu Gul , Hatun Sukru
Published: December 2018

Background

H syndrome ([OMIM] 602782) is an autosomal recessive disorder with systemic manifestations and characteristic skin lesions, caused by mutations of the SLC29A3 gene. Short stature and diabetes mellitus are the major endocrine problems related to H syndrome, however, clear data from clinical follow-up of H syndrome patients is lacking in the literature.

Case presentation

Here, we present follow-up of a Turkish girl diagnosed with H syndrome at the age of 10 with a homozygous 310(c.933T>A, p.C310X) early stop codon mutation on exon 6 of the SLC29A3 gene. She had severe short stature non-responsive to growth hormone (GH) treatment and gluten-free diet despite low GH levels and celiac antibody positivity. She developed insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) symptoms 6 years after the initial diagnosis.

Conclusions

H syndrome patients can develop IDDM years after characteristic symptoms. Short stature in H syndrome patients may not respond to GH replacement or gluten-free diet alone.
Blade Tip-timing Technology with Multiple Reference Phases for Online Monitoring of High-speed Blades under Variable-speed Operation
Authors: Ji-wang Zhang , Lai-bin Zhang , Ke-Qin Ding , Li-xiang Duan
Published: December 2018

High-speed blades form core mechanical components in turbomachines. Research concerning online monitoring of operating states of such blades has drawn increased attention in recent years. To this end, various methods have been devised, of which, the blade tip-timing (BTT) technique is considered the most promising. However, the traditional BTT method is only suitable for constant-speed operations. But in practice, the rotational speed of turbomachine blades is constantly changing under the influence of external factors, which lead to unacceptable errors in measurement. To tackle this problem, a new BTT method based on multi-phases is proposed. A plurality of phases was arranged as evenly as possible on the rotating shaft to determine the rotation speed. Meanwhile, the corresponding virtual reference point was determined in accordance with the number of blades between consecutive phases. Based on these reference points, equations to measure displacement due to blade vibrations were deduced. Finally, mathematical modeling, numerical simulation and experimental tests were performed to verify the validity of the proposed method. Results demonstrate that the error in measurement induced when using the proposed method is less than 1.8 %, which is much lower compared to traditional methods utilized under variable-speed operation.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[tetraiodido-(μ2-1,4-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene-κ2
N:N′)dimercury(II)], C14H14Hg2I4N4
Authors: Hou Bing-Jie , Osman Ibrahim Omar , Hu Dong-Cheng , Liu Jia-Cheng
Published: December 2018

C14H14Hg2I4N4, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 4.3592(11) Å, b = 20.116(5) Å, c = 12.713(3) Å, β = 96.838(5)°, Z = 2, V = 1106.9(5) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0362, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0863, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of ((5,5′-dimethoxy-2,2′-(1,2-phenylenebis(nitrilomethylidyne)))diphenolato-κ4
O,N,O′,N′)copper(II), C22H18N2CuO4
Authors: Ling Zhao , Xin Wang , Liguo Yang , Linna Gao
Published: December 2018

C22H18N2CuO4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 15.7861(11) Å, b = 5.3211(4) Å, c = 21.6563(16) Å, β = 92.129(4)°, V = 1817.9(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0254, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0765, T = 298 K.
Crystal structure of bis((E)-2-ethoxy-6-(((2-hydroxyethyl)imino)methyl)phenolato-κ2
N,O)copper(II), C22H28N2CuO6
Authors: Xin Wang , Jinglan Kan , Yonghui Zhang , Liguo Yang , Linna Gao
Published: December 2018

C22H28N2CuO6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 8.5942(7) Å, b = 25.888(2) Å, c = 4.8204(4) Å, β = 97.785(3)°, V = 1062.60(15) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0313, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0878, T = 296(2) K.
Non-Similar Comutational Solutions for Double-Diffusive MHD Transport Phenomena for Non-Newtnian Nanofluid From a Horizontal Circular Cylinder
Authors: Ramachandra Prasad V. , Abdul gaffar S. , Rushi Kumar B.
Published: December 2018

This article aims to study theoretically the combined magneto hydrodynamic flows of casson viscoplastic nanofluid from a horizontal isothermal circular cylinder in non-Darcy porous medium. The impacts of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are consolidated and studied. The governing partial differential equations are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using suitable non-similarity transformation and are solved numerically using Keller-Box finite difference technique. The numerical method is validated with previous published work and the results are found to be in excellent agreement. Numerical results for velocity, temperature, concentration along with skin friction coefficient, heat and mass transfer rate are discussed for various values of physical parameters. It is observed that velocity, heat and mass transfer rate are increased with increasing casson fluid parameter whereas temperature, concentration and skin friction are decreased. Velocity is reduced with increasing Forchheimer parameter whereas temperature and nano-particle concentration are both enhanced. An increase in magnetic parameter is seen to increase temperature and concentration whereas velocity, skin friction heat and mass transfer rate are decreased. The present model finds applications in electric-conductive nano-materials of potential use in aviation and different enterprises, energy systems and thermal enhancement of industrial flow processes.
Beneficial Effects of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers on Testicular Morphology
Authors: Alves-Pereira Jorge Luiz , Corte Frantz Eliete Dalla , Ramos Cristiane da Fonte
Published: December 2018

Background: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a set of peptides, enzymes, and receptors specially involved in the control of extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure (BP); however, some of its components have already been identified in the testis, such as angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme, and renin. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether renin-angiotensin system blockers have effects on the testicular morphology of animals fed a high energy density (HED) diet. Materials and Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed initially a standard chow (SC) or a HED diet. After 8 weeks, HED animals were randomized into 4 groups, each group receiving one of the following treatments for the next 6 weeks: HED-A: aliskiren (50 mg/kg/d); HED-E: enalapril (30 mg/kg/d); HED-L: losartan (10 mg/kg/d); and untreated HED group. The BP was measured biweekly. At the end of treatment, all animals were killed and the testes were processed for morphometric and stereological parameters including density of seminiferous tubules per area, density of length and the total length of the seminiferous tubules, height of the epithelium, and diameter of the seminiferous tubules. Samples were tested for their homoscedasticity and the differences between the groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Holm-Sidak post-test. In all cases, the significance level adopted was P ≤ .05. Results: Compared to SC, HED groups presented an increase in BP, normalized by all RAS blockers. However, the HED diet caused testis alterations that were not affected by aliskiren or losartan. Only enalapril maleate was capable of reversing such alterations. Conclusions: Further studies are still needed to answer why only enalapril was able to reveal the morphological changes caused by the high energy diet; so enalapril could be suggested as the drug of choice for patients with previous reproductive dysfunction.
A Mixed Effect Emax Model Applied for Determination of Malathion Optimal Dose
Authors: Ranjbar Akram , zebarjadi Sara , Kazemi Naeini Maryam , Soltanian Ali Reza
Published: December 2018

Background: Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide and is the most appropriate one used widely in the world. Organophosphate insecticides cause a specific biochemical defect in the body. A major cause of this wastage is inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the optimal dose of the pesticide malathion which inhibited 50% of ChE enzyme. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted on 18 male rats weighing 180-250 g. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. The Ellman method was used to measure the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity. Doses 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of pesticide malathion was tested on rats to determine the dose of the pesticide malathion with 50% inhibition of the ChE enzyme, at 24, 48, and 72 hours. According to these data, Emax model was fitted, then the median effective doses of the pesticide malathion were estimated at different time intervals, separately. Results: Based on the reduction Emax model, the optimal dose 29.14 mg/kg was determined at 72 time point. Conclusion: Using the mixed effect Emax model instead of the multiple comparison methods, such analysis of variance was suggested to determine the optimal dose of organophosphates such as malathion, which provide more accurate results.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infections in Mokolo District Hospital, Northern Cameroon: The Value of a Screening Campaign
Authors: Rahamane Njigou Abdoul , Tochie Joël Noutakdie , Danwang Celestin , Tianyi Frank-Leonel , Tankeu Ronni , Aletum Veronica , Temgoua Mazou N.
Published: December 2018

Background: Infections due to the hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses constitute a global public health problem. Although screening of these infections remains a pivotal tool for timely detection and management of carriers, this preventive measure has been neglected in Africa. Objective: The current study determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV as well as their risk factors through a screening campaign organized in a rural setting in northern Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted during a screening campaign for viral hepatitis organized at the Mokolo District Hospital, Cameroon, from January 19, 2017 to February 27, 2017. Sociodemographic data from all consenting participants was collected and each participant was examined for signs of chronic liver disease. Participants were then screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV using a rapid diagnostic test (ACON®). Results: Of the 364 participants enrolled, 28.6% tested positive for HBsAg and 2.2% for anti-HCV. All HBsAg-positive and anti-HCV-positive individuals were asymptomatic and unaware of their infection status prior to testing. None of the sociodemographic factors assessed was associated with a positive HbsAg status. Conclusion: HBV and HCV infections are endemic in this rural health district. Participants who tested positive were apparently healthy and completely unaware of their infection status. Transmission of the hepatitis virus may be a public health concern in this district. It is recommended that community health education activities on preventive measures for HBV and HCV infections, regular screening for disease surveillance, and close follow-up of disease progression in these asymptomatic individuals be conducted.
Comparing Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Consanguineous Versus Non-Consanguineous Parents of Children With Deafness in Baqiyatallah Hospital’s Cochlear Implant Center From 2007 to 2009
Authors: Noohi Sima , Ghalamfarsa Mohammad , Davoudi Monfared Esmat
Published: December 2018

Background: The birth of a child with a hearing disability is a stressful event in the family. Since consanguineous marriages are associated with the incidence of congenital hearing loss, it is expected that such parents will experience greater psychological problems. Objective: The current study investigated and compared anxiety, depression, and stress in parents of children with severe hearing loss who have undergone cochlear implantation with a focus on the relation between parents (consanguineous vs. non-consanguineous). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all 180 couples (360 individuals) who had become parents and attended Baqiyatallah hospital’s Cochlear Implant Center from 2007 to 2009. The participants included two groups of consanguineous (125 couples) and non-consanguineous (55 couples) parents. After providing consent to participate in this study, the participants completed the short form of the Depression and Anxiety and Stress Scale questionnaire (DASS-21). Data analysis was done using SPSS 17 and t test. Results: The participating parents had high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Depression and anxiety were significantly higher among the consanguineous parents (P=0.001 and P=0.005, respectively). However, stress levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Moreover, compared to the fathers, the mothers had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on these findings, it may be concluded that the birth of a child with hearing loss can be the source of psychological problems in parents, particularly in consanguineous parents. Furthermore, mothers are more psychologically vulnerable than fathers.
Laparoscopic Management of Strangulated Broad Ligament Hernia
Authors: Khetan Tanvi , Hussain Abdulzahra , Al-Shoek Ihsan , EL-Hasani Shamsi
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Broad ligament hernia was first reported post-autopsy by Quain in 1861. In a 1995 review article, only 61 cases had ever been reported. This paper presents a case report of broad ligament hernia and explores the literature surrounding this topic. Case Presentation: The patient presented with no significant past medical history, acute lower abdominal pain (several hours), nausea, and vomiting. Clinical examination showed a heart rate of 85 beats per minute; normal temperature, blood pressure, and respiratory rate; and a mildly distended abdomen with tenderness across the right lower quadrant. A plain abdominal X-ray showed dilated small bowel loops, and a blood test showed leukocytosis. Urgent diagnostic laparoscopy showed a broad ligament strangulated hernia with small bowel infarction. Reduction of the small bowel, resection, and side-side anastomosis were performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery, and follow up reported no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of small bowel obstruction due to broad ligament internal hernia is a safe and effective option.
Evaluation of Flow Cytometry and Kleihauer Techniques for Quantification of Fetomaternal Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study in Southwestern Iran
Authors: Keshavarz Zeinab , Moezzi Leili , Ranjbaran Reza , Behzad-Behbahani Abbas , Abdullahi Masooma , Mahmoodi Mahdokht , Sharifzadeh Sedigheh
Published: December 2018

Background: Quantification of fetal red blood cells (RBCs) in maternal blood is of great importance to calculate appropriate dose of post-deliver anti D immunoglobulin in a rhesus D (RhD)-negative woman. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate a direct immunofluorescence flow cytometry technique in artificial and clinical samples and compared it to the Kleihauer-Betke test (KBT). Methods: This study was a prospective cohort design. Blood samples from 26 pregnant women who gave birth to RhD positive babies were tested using direct immunofluorescence flow cytometry and KBT techniques to determine the amount of FMH in the maternal circulation. The zone of D-positive cells was identified employing artificial samples including 0.3%, 0.6%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 5%, 10%, and 50% of D-positive fetal cells in D-negative maternal cells. Results: Analysis of 26 clinical samples for FMH showed consistent quantification with the flow cytometry and Kleihauer techniques. Although a good correlation was found between the KBT and flow cytometry results, in artificial samples containing more than 2% of fetal RhD positive cells, the flow cytometry results were closer to theoretical percentages. In a patient with FMH >4 mL, the FMH and consequently the required vial of Ig were overestimated using KBT. Conclusion: Most of the FMH calculated could have been neutralized by doses less than 625 IU, whereas the routine dose in Iran is more than double that amount (1500 IU). This achievement demonstrates that adjusting between the RhD immune globulin (RhDIg) dose and FMH size is inevitable.
Decentralisation and Management of Human Resource for Health in the Health System of Ghana: A Decision Space Analysis
Authors: Sumah Anthony Mwinkaara , Baatiema Leonard
Published: December 2018

Background: The implications of decentralisation on human resource for health management has not received adequate research attention despite the presupposition that the concept of decentralisation leads to the transfer of management authority and discretion for human resource management from national levels to subnational levels. This study aims at investigating the extent to which decentralisation practice transfers management autonomy and discretion to subnational units, and the effect of the level of decision space on human resource management in the health sector. Methods: A mixed methods study design was adopted employing a cross-sectional survey and a document analysis. The respondents included health managers from the regional, district and hospital administrations as well as facility managers from the community-based health planning and services zones. A decision space framework was employed to measure management autonomy and discretion at various management levels of the study region. For the quantitative data, descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyse and report the data whilst the qualitative data was contentanalysed. Results: The study reported that in practice, management authority for core human resource functions such as recruitment, remuneration, personnel training and development are centralised rather than transferred to the subnational units. It further reveals that authority diminishes along the management continuum from the national to the community level. Decentralisation was however found to have led to greater autonomy in technical supervision and performance appraisal. The study also reported the existence of discrepancy between the wide decision space for performance assessment through technical supervision and performance appraisal exercised by managers at the subnational level and a rather limited discretion for providing incentives or rewards to staff. Conclusion: The practice of decentralisation in the Ghanaian health sector is more apparent than real. The limited autonomy and discretion in the management of human resource at the subnational units have potential adverse implications on effective recruitment, retention, development and distribution of health personnel. Therefore, further decision space is required at the subnational level to enhance effective and efficient management of human resource to attain the health sector objectives.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Attitudes Towards Bariatric Surgery Tourism of Patients Attending a Weight Management Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Joonkoo Choi Paul , Pereira Ryan Terrence , Killeen Áine , Flaherty Gerard Thomas
Published: December 2018

Introduction: The upward trend of seeking bariatric surgery tourism will only grow with the globalization of medical care. We aim to describe the experiences participants of a supervised weight loss program in relation to their pursuit of bariatric tourism. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with an unbiased questionnaire were conducted to obtain a profound understanding of the current Irish bariatric surgery recruitment program and bariatric patients’ perception of it. Results: Analysis of interview data yielded 5 themes. Each theme was elaborated further with selected quotes from the coding process. Participants were asked to suggest potential solutions to current bariatric surgery and tourism support concerns in Ireland. Authors’ recommendations based on a literature review and the analysis of the interview transcripts are also provided. Conclusion: Any patients with morbid obesity and many years of attempted weight loss should receive a bariatric procedure to alleviate not only weight-related metabolic co-morbidities, but also the associated psychiatric burden. The currently available eligibility criteria and the lack of resources render an ideal surgical intervention inaccessible to many. Efforts must be made to scrutinize the efficacy of the existing criteria and the availability of resources. Alternatively, a bariatric tourism scheme that allows uninterrupted patient care should be developed.
DETECTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED MAIZE IN FOODS AND FEEDSTUFF BY PCR METHODS
Authors: BARAN EKİNCİ Melike , ÖZÇELİK Filiz
Published: December 2018

In this study twenty six maize kernels and 64
processed maize food including maize flour, starch, corn flakes were collected
from different markets located in Turkey, analyzed for genetic modification
using the polymerase chain reaction. The samples were examined for the presence
of genetic elements located in the majority of transgenic crops such as NOS
terminator and CaMV 35S promoter using conventional PCR and then verified real
time PCR, too. Additionally, Bt11, Bt176, Mon810, CBH351 and T25 events which
have been enjoyed, limited data in Turkey, examined in the products using
conventional PCR. Then, quantification of the all lines (except CBH351) was
performed via real time PCR too. The results indicated that foreign genetic
elements were found in analyzed 14 samples raw and processed materials and the
quantity in one sample (maize flour) was greater than 0.9%, the limit at which
labeling is required by Biosafety Law in Turkey.
Emotional Congruence and Judgments of Honesty and Bias
Authors: Danvers Alexander F. , Hu Jing I. , O’Neil Makenzie J.
Published: December 2018

Psychological and philosophical discussions typically understand honesty as reporting truth with propositional statements. In this model, emotions are often seen as irrelevant or a hindrance to honesty, because they can bias our reports. In relational contexts, however, emotions can provide information about deep-seated convictions. We report the results of a study (N = 827) finding that individuals whose emotional responses are congruent with their explicitly stated egalitarian positions are judged as significantly more honest and less prejudiced than those with incongruent emotional responses. This is seen in judgments of white male targets who have negative emotional responses to a black man, a gay man, and a female supervisor. These results suggest that emotional reactions provide information used when judging the honesty and bias of an individual.
Serial Surveillance: Narrative, Television, and the End of the World
Authors: Zimmer Catherine
Published: December 2018

This article examines the relationship between two trends in contemporary serial television: the frequent use of surveillance as a device for non-linear storytelling, and an emphasis on the emotional devastation of series characters and viewers alike. Through analysis of shows ranging from 24 and Person of Interest to The Good Wife and Westworld, the article highlights the significance of surveillant logic to contemporary television while also establishing serial narrative as part of a landscape of despair underlying television's new “golden era.” The intersections in theories of time coming from surveillance studies, television studies, and film studies indicate how the surveillance functions both as an element of serial narration and as the imaginary of the American postmillennial security state.
Bibliography of Periodical Literature
Authors: Scholz Norbert
Published: December 2018

This bibliography lists articles and reviews of books relevant to Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict from the quarter 16 November-15 February 2018. Entries are classified under the following headings: Reference and General; History (through 1948) and Geography; Palestinian Politics and Society; Jerusalem; Israeli Politics, Society, and Zionism; Arab and Middle Eastern Politics; International Relations; Law; Military; Economy, Society, and Education; Literature, Arts, and Culture; and Book Reviews.
ATF2 promotes urothelial cancer outgrowth via cooperation with androgen receptor signaling
Authors: Inoue Satoshi , Mizushima Taichi , Ide Hiroki , Jiang Guiyang , Goto Takuro , Nagata Yujiro , Netto George J , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: December 2018

We investigated the functional role of ATF2, a transcription factor normally activated via its phosphorylation in response to phospho-ERK/MAPK signals, in the outgrowth of urothelial cancer. In both neoplastic and non-neoplastic urothelial cells, the expression levels of androgen receptor (AR) correlated with those of phospho-ATF2. Dihydrotestosterone treatment in AR-positive bladder cancer cells also induced the expression of phospho-ATF2 and phospho-ERK as well as nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of ATF2. Meanwhile, ATF2 knockdown via shRNA resulted in significant decreases in cell viability, migration and invasion of AR-positive bladder cancer lines, but not AR-negative lines, as well as significant increases and decreases in apoptosis or G0/G1 cell cycle phase and S or G2/M phase, respectively. Additionally, the growth of AR-positive tumors expressing ATF2-shRNA in xenograft-bearing mice was retarded, compared with that of control tumors. ATF2 knockdown also resulted in significant inhibition of neoplastic transformation induced by a chemical carcinogen 3-methylcholanthrene, as well as the expression of Bcl-2/cyclin-A2/cyclin-D1/JUN/MMP-2, in immortalized human normal urothelial SVHUC cells stably expressing AR, but not AR-negative SVHUC cells. Finally, immunohistochemistry in surgical specimens demonstrated significant elevation of ATF2/phospho-ATF2/phospho-ERK expression in bladder tumors, compared with non-neoplastic urothelial tissues. Multivariate analysis further showed that moderate/strong ATF2 expression and phospho-ATF2 positivity were independent predictors for recurrence of low-grade tumors (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.956, P = 0.045) and cancer-specific mortality of muscle-invasive tumors (HR = 5.317, P = 0.012), respectively. Thus, ATF2 appears to be activated in urothelial cells through the AR pathway and promotes the development and progression of urothelial cancer.
Vereinbarungen von reverse payments vor dem EuGH: der Lundbeck- und der Paroxetin-Fall
Authors: Fischmann Filipe
Published: December 2018

Dass ein Unternehmen seinen Mitbewerber nicht dafür bezahlen darf, dass er auf die Vermarktung seiner Produkte verzichtet, ist aus kartellrechtlicher Perspektive selbstverständlich. Dennoch wird die Frage seit Jahren debattiert, ob ein Patentinhaber bzw. ein Originalpräparatehersteller eine Zahlung an einen Generikahersteller bzw. einen mutmaßlichen Patentverletzer leisten darf, damit Generika nicht vermarktet werden. Eine mögliche Rechtfertigung für die Nichtsanktionierung dieser Absprachen sei die Tatsache, dass das Patent der Vermarktung der Generika ohnehin entgegenstehen könnte. Absprachen, die solche Zahlungen an die Generikahersteller vorsehen, werden als Vereinbarungen von reverse payments bezeichnet. Nun wird der EuGH mit dem Lundbeck- sowie dem Paroxetin-Fall die Möglichkeit haben, die Hauptfragen für die kartellrechtliche Beurteilung der Vereinbarungen von reverse payments in der EU zu entscheiden. Dieser Beitrag setzt sich kritisch mit dem Thema der Vereinbarungen von reverse payments auseinander und unterbreitet Vorschläge für ihre kartellrechtliche Behandlung.
Bereicherungsrecht als Alternative zum Kartellschadensersatz: Passing-on defense im Bereicherungsausgleich?
Authors: Woeste Kai
Published: December 2018

Im Schatten des Schadensersatzrechts erfährt ein weiteres Instrument der privaten Kartellrechtsdurchsetzung wenig Beachtung: die bereicherungsrechtliche Rückabwicklung nach den §§ 812 ff. BGB. Bereicherungsansprüche können aus Sicht der Betroffenen eine äußerst attraktive Alternative zum Anspruch auf Schadensersatz gem. § 33a GWB darstellen. Zusätzlichen Rückenwind könnten sich Bereicherungskläger durch die „Stromnetznutzungsentgelt VI“-Entscheidung des Bundesgerichtshofs erhoffen, die der Beklagten den Einwand der Schadensabwälzung (sog. passing-on defense) verwehrte. Der Beitrag geht unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der RL 2014/104/EU der Frage nach, ob sich eine Weiterwälzung der Preiserhöhung auch im Kontext des Bereicherungsrechts auswirkt.
Studi Sifat Magnet dan Spektroskopi Sinar Tampak pada Darah Hijamah
Authors: Rosanti Resi , Suhendar Dede , Hadisantoso Eko Prabowo , Kusman Citra Fitiriani
Published: December 2018

Besi merupakan mikromineral yang paling banyak dalam tubuh makhluk hidup yang memiliki peranan penting dalam reaksi biokimia, yaitu pada proses transfer oksigen. Telah dilakukan pengkajian kadar dan kimiawi besi dalam darah hijamah berdasarkan waktu sampling, jenis kelamin dan objek usia yang berbeda dengan menggunakan neraca kerentanan magnet (Magnetic Susceptibility Balance, MSB) dan pola spektrum sinar tampak. Dilakukan pula analisis kuantitatif dengan menggunakan pektroskopi serapan atom (SSA) untuk menegaskan hasil yang diperoleh dari penentuan sifat magnet dan spektrum sinar tampak. Sifat magnet yang dianalisis menggunakan neraca kerentanan magnet (MSB) terhadap hasil sampling  tanggal  19 bulan Hijriyah, jenis kelamin laki-laki, dan objek sampel usia 40-50 tahun kurang paramagnetik daripada waktu sampling tanggal 4 bulan Hijriyah,  jenis kelamin perempuan, dan objek usia 20-30 tahun. Hasil pengamatan spektroskopi sinar tampak menghasilkan puncak pada panjang gelombang 400-415 nm yang mengindikasikan keberadaan kompleks besi-porfirin. Analisis menggunakan spektroskopi serapan atom (SSA) menghasilkan perubahan kadar besi pada sampling  tanggal  19 bulan Hijriyah, pada jenis kelamin laki-laki, dan pada objek sampel usia 40-50 lebih banyak daripada waktu sampling tanggal 4 bulan Hijriyah, pada jenis kelamin perempuan, dan objek usia 20-30 tahun.
Enduring Shame as Costly Signalling
Authors: Roitto Rikard
Published: December 2018

This article analyses public confession of sins according to Tertullian (160-225 CE) as an emotionally and socially costly signal of commitment to a religious group, early 3rd century Christianity in Carthage. Here "public" means "before the community of believers" rather than "before society in general". What group dynamic functions did the ritual have and why did people accept undergoing the shame of public confession of sins?
Same, Same, But Different? A Cognitive Analysis of an Early Christian Apotropaic Amulet
Authors: Korsvoll Nils Hallvard
Published: December 2018

P.Oslo.5 is an apotropaic amulet from 4th or 5th century Egypt, combining traditional, Greco-Egyptian ritual elements with seemingly Christian elements. Here, I present and use Jesper Sørensen's adaptation of blending theory to study ritual and ritual development, to explore how traditional apotropaic practice negotiates Christian influence. My analysis shows how, on the one hand, the ritual structure of P.Oslo.5 works to align its Christian and Greco-Egyptian elements, while on the other hand the Christian elements retain some distinguishing traits. P.Oslo.5, then, demonstrates a dynamic between ritual compression offered by its structure and a resistance to this offered by the respective cultural backgrounds.
Cognitive Approaches to Greek Religion
Authors: Panagiotidou Olympia
Published: December 2018

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Cognitive Science of Religion as a Challenge to Prevailing Models of Greek Religion?
Authors: Harrison Thomas
Published: December 2018

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Greek Gods and Cognitive Sciences
Authors: Pirenne-Delforge Vinciane
Published: December 2018

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Response
Authors: Larson Jennifer
Published: December 2018

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William E. Paden, New Patterns for Comparative Religion: Passages to an Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Jensen Jeppe Sinding
Published: December 2018

William E. Paden, New Patterns for Comparative Religion: Passages to an Evolutionary Perspective (New York and London: Bloomsbury, 2016), ix +253 pp. ISBN: 9781474252102. $114.00 (hbk); ISBN: 9781350057890. $39.95 (pbk).
Missionaries as Interpreters
Authors: Evans Bronwyn
Published: December 2018

In September 1877, the Canadian government and the Indigenous peoples of the southern portion of Alberta met at Blackfoot Crossing to negotiate the agreement known as Treaty 7. Contemporary descriptions of this meeting are of great historical, legal and socio-political significance. The recent publication of the journal of Father Léon Doucet, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate who laboured in Alberta between 1868 and 1939, has brought to light the missionary’s little-known account of the Treaty 7 talks. Doucet’s version of events differs from both oral histories and eye-witness statements in one important way: it recognizes Oblate Father Constantine Scollen as the chief interpreter at the negotiations. This paper will compare Doucet’s version to both oral and written accounts and will suggest that Doucet’s description of the Treaty 7 negotiations was influenced by his history with Father Scollen. Moreover, in 1908, Doucet began editing his notes and compiling them into a journal which was to be exhibited in a museum commemorating the Oblates. Doucet’s exaggeration of Scollen’s interpreter role at the Treaty 7 talks, as well as the numerous examples in the journal of the relationships fostered by the Oblates’ desire to learn Indigenous languages, suggest that, in Doucet’s mind, language was central to the Oblates’ mission to western Canada.
Are Missionaries from Mars and Nuns from Venus? Gender Relations in the Oblate Missions of the Canadian North-west
Authors: Huel Raymond
Published: December 2018

There is an ambivalence within the Roman Catholic Church in regard to women, tending towards seeing women as either saint or whore, with little nuance in between. Close examination of archival sources internal to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Grey Nuns, in the context of frontier religious environments, reveals the existence of gender relationships that are not significantly different from those of the secular world. Differences are noted in the periods prior to and following the treaty negotiations at the end of the nineteenth century. Modern scholarship serves to extend our understanding of these contexts and the relationships within them.
Culture of Encounter
Authors: Kinoshameg Rosella , Robson Paul
Published: December 2018

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DNA Methyltransferase 1 Controls Nephron Progenitor Cell Renewal and Differentiation
Authors: Wanner Nicola , Vornweg Julia , Combes Alexander , Wilson Sean , Plappert Julia , Rafflenbeul Gesa , Puelles Victor G. , Rahman Raza-Ur , Liwinski Timur , Lindner Saskia , Grahammer Florian , Kretz Oliver , Wlodek Mary E. , Romano Tania , Moritz Karen M. , Boerries Melanie , Busch Hauke , Bonn Stefan , Little Melissa H. , Bechtel-Walz Wibke , Huber Tobias B.
Published: December 2018

Background

Nephron number is a major determinant of long-term renal function and cardiovascular risk. Observational studies suggest that maternal nutritional and metabolic factors during gestation contribute to the high variability of nephron endowment. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have been unclear.

Methods

We used mouse models, including DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b) knockout mice, optical projection tomography, three-dimensional reconstructions of the nephrogenic niche, and transcriptome and DNA methylation analysis to characterize the role of DNA methylation for kidney development.

Results

We demonstrate that DNA hypomethylation is a key feature of nutritional kidney growth restriction in vitro and in vivo, and that DNA methyltransferases Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a are highly enriched in the nephrogenic zone of the developing kidneys. Deletion of Dnmt1 in nephron progenitor cells (in contrast to deletion of Dnmt3a or Dnm3b) mimics nutritional models of kidney growth restriction and results in a substantial reduction of nephron number as well as renal hypoplasia at birth. In Dnmt1-deficient mice, optical projection tomography and three-dimensional reconstructions uncovered a significant reduction of stem cell niches and progenitor cells. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that global DNA hypomethylation interferes in the progenitor cell regulatory network, leading to downregulation of genes crucial for initiation of nephrogenesis, Wt1 and its target Wnt4. Derepression of germline genes, protocadherins, Rhox genes, and endogenous retroviral elements resulted in the upregulation of IFN targets and inhibitors of cell cycle progression.

Conclusions

These findings establish DNA methylation as a key regulatory event of prenatal renal programming, which possibly represents a fundamental link between maternal nutritional factors during gestation and reduced nephron number.