bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective identities in the age of restructuring: Old and new class, space and community-based identities in six European regions
Authors: Revilla Juan Carlos , Jefferys Steve , Tovar Martínez Francisco José
Published: July 2013

The significance of collective identities has been widely questioned in this age of individualism. However, the difficulty in sustaining collective identities does not mean that a sense of collective belonging has stopped being important. One of the bases on which collective identity may be sustained is in the belonging to a certain territory, expressed locally or regionally, that may contribute to a feeling of sameness. This article reports on a European research project which studied the impact of restructuring on collective identities in six European (former or actual) industrial regions in Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Turkey and the UK, and analysed more than a hundred biographical interviews in the search for narratives of contemporary identity. The findings suggest collective identities take shape and strength through a complex social process to create a sense of belonging and the articulation of the community us.
Between palace and prison: Towards a reflexive history of academic sociology in Iran
Authors: Bayatrizi Zohreh
Published: July 2013

The Institute for Social Studies and Research, founded in 1958, provided a framework for research and teaching modern social sciences, especially sociology, in Iran. The political climate of post-Second World War Iran, that delivered neither the full benefits of freedom nor the true powers of censorship, fostered both resilience and pragmatism among the founders and leading figures in the Institute. The outcome was a brand of applied sociology that strived to provide scientific guidance for the state’s modernization project while trying to maintain independence and critical distance. The resulting tensions are both unique to Iran and, at the same time, indicative of larger global trends.
Long-term effect of motivational interviewing on clinical and psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life in cardiac rehabilitation patients with poor motivation in Hong Kong: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chair Sek Ying , Chan Sally Wai-Chi , Thompson David R , Leung Kei-Pui , Ng Samuel Ka-Chiu , Choi Kai Chow
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To investigate the long-term effects of motivational interviewing on clinical outcomes, psychological outcomes, health-related quality of life among cardiac rehabilitation patients with poor motivation.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial with blind data collectors.

Setting:

Cardiac rehabilitation centre.

Subjects:

A total of 146 cardiac rehabilitation patients with poor motivation.

Intervention:

All participants received usual care, including exercise and education, while those in the experimental group also received 10 sessions of motivational interviewing, each lasting 30–45 minutes.

Main measures:

Clinical and psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and at six, nine and 12 months for both groups.

Result:

There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline on demographic and clinical outcomes except for monthly family income ( p = 0.034). Patients in the experimental group had higher increases in health-related quality of life (SF-36) scores in bodily pain (88.7 SD 16.7 vs. 87.6 SD 18.7 at month 12, p = 0.044) and role limitation owing to emotional problems (86.9 SD 19.2 vs. 78.6 SD 21.8 at month 9, p = 0.019; 85.8 SD 18.9 vs. 76.9 SD 23.9 at month 12, p = 0.022). No statistically significant group difference was found among other outcomes.

Conclusion:

The long-term effect of motivational interviewing on clinical and psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life in studied patients is limited.
White paper defining optimal palliative care in older people with dementia: A Delphi study and recommendations from the European Association for Palliative Care
Authors: van der Steen Jenny T , Radbruch Lukas , Hertogh Cees MPM , de Boer Marike E , Hughes Julian C , Larkin Philip , Francke Anneke L , Jünger Saskia , Gove Dianne , Firth Pam , Koopmans Raymond TCM , Volicer Ladislav ,   on behalf of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC)
Published: July 2013

Background:

Dementia is a life-limiting disease without curative treatments. Patients and families may need palliative care specific to dementia.

Aim:

To define optimal palliative care in dementia.

Methods:

Five-round Delphi study. Based on literature, a core group of 12 experts from 6 countries drafted a set of core domains with salient recommendations for each domain. We invited 89 experts from 27 countries to evaluate these in a two-round online survey with feedback. Consensus was determined according to predefined criteria. The fourth round involved decisions by the core team, and the fifth involved input from the European Association for Palliative Care.

Results:

A total of 64 (72%) experts from 23 countries evaluated a set of 11 domains and 57 recommendations. There was immediate and full consensus on the following eight domains, including the recommendations: person-centred care, communication and shared decision-making; optimal treatment of symptoms and providing comfort (these two identified as central to care and research); setting care goals and advance planning; continuity of care; psychosocial and spiritual support; family care and involvement; education of the health care team; and societal and ethical issues. After revision, full consensus was additionally reached for prognostication and timely recognition of dying. Recommendations on nutrition and dehydration (avoiding overly aggressive, burdensome or futile treatment) and on dementia stages in relation to care goals (applicability of palliative care) achieved moderate consensus.

Conclusion:

We have provided the first definition of palliative care in dementia based on evidence and consensus, a framework to provide guidance for clinical practice, policy and research.
‘Forgiveness is a present to yourself as well’
Authors: Field Courtney , Zander Jaimie , Hall Guy
Published: July 2013

Existing models of forgiveness do not easily accommodate victims of crime. Therefore, this article presents an examination of the meaning of forgiveness from the perspective of crime victims. A grounded theory approach was adopted to analyse the data from a series of semi-structured interviews carried out with victims of serious violent offences. Results indicated that victims generally thought forgiveness was both positive and beneficial. Whereas major models of forgiveness emphasize the interpersonal nature of forgiveness, victims of crime conceived of the construct as strongly intrapersonal. Forgiveness was comprised of four parts: self-awareness, letting go, perspective-taking and moving on. Each of these aspects was examined in light of the data and contrasted with existing literature. This study establishes a new area of forgiveness research and provides further insight into the psychological experience of victims of crime.
Perceptions of risk
Authors: Hicks Sarah , Brown Sarah
Published: July 2013

This review consolidates the research on perceptions of risk and its antecedents to improve our understanding of the factors that influence perceptions of risk. The evidence is evaluated against the available models, theories and explanations. Online databases, relevant journals and books were searched using keywords resulting in a total of 30 papers being included in this review. It was found that the literature provided support for previous victimization, experienced both directly and vicariously, gender, race, income, perceptions of crime rates and incivilities, having a consistent effect on perceptions of risk of criminal victimization. Perceived risk was shown to have a strong influence on fear of crime, and the relationship was also found by one study to be reciprocal (Rader et al., 2007). The risk interpretation model (Ferraro, 1995) was supported by the literature but is still in need of continuing development in light of new research. The findings could be used to help reduce risk perception to a level more in line with actual risk and thus reduce fear of crime and in turn increase quality of life.
The use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor decreases heavy alcohol exposure-induced inflammatory response and tissue damage in rats
Authors: Hu Tsung M , Subeq Yi M , Yang Fwu L , Hsu Bang G , Lin Nien T , Lee Ru P
Published: July 2013

Alcohol intoxication and psychiatric medication overdoses, including antidepressants, are common emergency room events. Heavy alcohol and antidepressant exposure are able to induce changes in cytokines disturbing normal physiology. We examined the inflammatory and physiological effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication after heavy alcohol exposure. Rats were randomly divided into Alc (EtOH 5g/kg, intravenous infusion for 3 h), SSRI (paroxetine oral intake) and Alc+SSRI groups. Serum samples were collected to measure blood ethanol, aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Lactate dehydrogenase levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were also examined. Liver, pancreas and lungs were removed after sacrifice and any pathological changes were catalogued. Ethanol infusion resulted in blood levels of ethanol of >100 mg/dL after ethanol infusion. Serum levels of aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, TNF-α and IL-6 in the Alc+SSRI group were lower than in the Alc group. Moreover, pathological damages to the liver, pancreas and lungs were slightly lower in the Alc+SSRI group than in the Alc group. These findings suggested that SSRI is able to decrease the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and thereby reduce liver and pancreas damage after heavy alcohol exposure.
The glycolytic metabolite methylglyoxal induces changes in vigilance by generating low-amplitude non-REM sleep
Authors: Jakubcakova Vladimira , Curzi M Letizia , Flachskamm Cornelia , Hambsch Boris , Landgraf Rainer , Kimura Mayumi
Published: July 2013

Methylglyoxal (MG), an essential by-product of glycolysis, is a highly reactive endogenous α-oxoaldehyde. Although high levels of MG are cytotoxic, physiological doses of MG were shown to reduce anxiety-related behavior through selective activation of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. Because the latter play a major role in sleep induction, this study examined the potential of MG to regulate sleep. Specifically, we assessed how MG influences sleep-wake behavior in CD1 mice that received intracerebroventricular injections of either vehicle or 0.7 µmol MG at onset of darkness. We used electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) recordings to monitor changes in vigilance states, sleep architecture and the EEG spectrum, for 24 h after receipt of injections. Administration of MG rapidly induced non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and, concomitantly, decreased wakefulness and suppressed EEG delta power during NREMS. In addition, MG robustly enhanced the amount and number of episodes of an unclassified state of vigilance in which EMG, as well as EEG delta and theta power, were very low. MG did not affect overall rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) in a given 24-h period, but significantly reduced the power of theta activity during REMS. Our results provide the first evidence that MG can exert sleep-promoting properties by triggering low-amplitude NREMS.
A Life Worth Living
Authors: Moynihan Donald P. , DeLeire Thomas , Enami Kohei
Published: July 2013

Employees with a desire to help others provide benefits to their organization, clients, and fellow workers, but what do they get in return? We argue that the prosocial desire to help others is a basic human goal that matters to an individual’s happiness. We employ both longitudinal and cross-sectional data to demonstrate that work-related prosocial motivation is associated with higher subjective well-being, both in terms of current happiness and life satisfaction later in life. Cross-sectional data also suggest that perceived social impact (the belief that one’s job is making a difference) is even more important for happiness than the prosocial desire to help. The results show that the relationship between prosocial motivation and happiness is not limited to government employees, suggesting that in this aspect of altruistic behavior, public and private employees are not so different.
Learning to make music in older adulthood: A mixed-methods exploration of impacts on wellbeing
Authors: Perkins Rosie , Williamon Aaron
Published: July 2013

Building on burgeoning research in the field of arts and health, this article explores the role that learning musical instruments can play in enhancing wellbeing in older adulthood. Despite an increasing focus on the role of learning in supporting mental wellbeing, there is strikingly little research that examines this in relation to music, or that explores wellbeing as a subjective phenomenon captured through mixed-methods enquiry. This research addresses this gap through two inter-related studies. Study 1 adopts questionnaire measures of wellbeing with 98 music-learning and comparison participants, concluding that learning in older adulthood offers significant wellbeing benefits, with music particularly enhancing some health-promoting behaviours. To explore in more detail what learning music means to older adults, Study 2 adopts qualitative methods with a sub-group of 21 music-learning participants, concluding that learning music can enhance subjective wellbeing through six mechanisms: (1) subjective experiences of pleasure; (2) enhanced social interactions; (3) musically-nuanced engagement in day-to-day life; (4) fulfilment of musical ambition; (5) ability to make music; and (6) self-satisfaction through musical progress. Drawing the two studies together, the article concludes by arguing for further research to contribute to the growing body of evidence placing music learning at the centre of healthy ageing agendas.
Headache as a presenting feature in patients with serotonin syndrome: A case series
Authors: Prakash Sanjay , Belani Pooja , Trivedi Aditi
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a drug-induced constellation of various clinical features that result from excess central serotonergic tone. The clinical features range from barely perceptible to life-threatening conditions.

Cases

We describe four patients with acute headache (four days to three weeks) who were receiving serotonergic drugs for other indications. There was a temporal relation between the administration of the serotonergic drugs and the development of the headaches. All four patients fulfilled the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria for SS. In parallel, two patients fulfilled the Sternbach’s criteria for SS. Discontinuation of the serotonergic drugs and the administration of cyprohepatadine led to complete improvement in three to seven days in all four patients.

Discussion

A review of the literature suggests that some overlaps exist in the pathophysiology between SS and headache disorders, including medication-overuse headache. The overlap is also in the management. The drugs found to be effective in SS (cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine, olanzapine, etc.) are also known to have positive effects on some headache disorders.

Conclusion

Physicians should consider the diagnosis of SS in patients with new onset or worsening headache after the addition of serotonergic drugs, especially in the presence of objective signs on examination suggestive of the disorder such as tremor, fever, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis or tachycardia.
Optimizing the fabrication processes for manufacturing a hybrid hierarchical polyurethane–cell/hydrogel construct
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , He Kai , Zhang Weiming
Published: July 2013

It is essential to control the overall composition and internal architecture for complex organ manufacturing. In this study, several subprocesses were optimized to produce hybrid hierarchical polyurethane–cell/hydrogel constructs with an intrinsic network of grid and branched channels using a double-nozzle low-temperature deposition rapid prototyping system. The formation quality was mainly determined by the polymer concentration and composition. However, the cell viability was mainly determined by the formation time. Cell sensitivities to the inner nozzle diameter and extrusion flux were not significantly different within the given parameter ranges. The integrity of the two material systems can be varied by the formation routes and layer thickness. Under the optimal fabrication parameters, such as formation time within 20 min and gelatin:alginate:fibrinogen ratio of 2:1:1, a high cell survival rate of 80% was attained. The design and fabrication strategies used to create such a complex heterogeneous objects directly from a computer-aided design model represent a promising route for robotic hybrid hierarchical construct implementations, which would allow easy expansion of the subprocessing capabilities and scale up manufacturing capabilities.
Platelet-rich plasma combined with agarose as a bioactive scaffold to enhance cartilage repair: An in vitro study
Authors: Yin Zhaowei , Yang Xiaofei , Jiang Yiqiu , Xing Linzi , Xu Yang , Lu Yiming , Ding Peng , Ma Junxin , Xu Yan , Gui Jianchao
Published: July 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the platelet-rich plasma–agarose gel scaffold could be a bioactive scaffold capable of growth factors release for cartilage repair.

Methods

Porcine chondrocytes were seeded in agarose gel and platelet-rich plasma–agarose gel. During the 28-days culture, microstructure of hydrogels and morphologies of chondrocytes seeded in the hydrogels were observed using scanning electron microscope; viability of chondrocytes in gels was examined by live/dead assay; qualitative and quantitative analysis of glycosaminoglycan, collagen and DNA were assessed by histological, immunohistochemcial staining and biochemical assay; gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro cartilage ring models were used to evaluate the integration of the scaffolds, and the integration strength was analyzed by mechanical push-out tests.

Results

Scanning electron microscope revealed both scaffolds had highly uniform porous structure. Live/dead scaffolds showed 100% cells alive in both groups. After 28-days culture, glycosaminoglycan, collagen, DNA content and chondrocyte-related genes expression in platelet-rich plasma–agarose gel were significantly higher than pure agarose gel. Integration strength in platelet-rich plasma–agarose gel was also higher compared to pure agarose gel.

Conclusion

Platelet-rich plasma showed a positive effect on chondrocytes proliferation, differentiation and integration between native cartilage and engineered tissue when combined with agarose gel. Our findings suggest that platelet-rich plasma–agarose gel scaffold is a promising bioactive scaffold for future cartilage tissue engineering and future clinical works.
Multimode dynamic response of railway bridge superstructures to high-speed train loads
Authors: Norton Terri R , Lashgari Mohammad , Mohseni Mehdi
Published: July 2013

High-speed passenger trains can cause destructive vibrations on bridge structures. The possibility of resonance is particularly related to the bridge superstructure’s natural frequency and the frequency of moving loads, which is characterized by the train type and its speed. In this study, a multimode dynamic analysis has been performed for a variety of superstructures, span lengths, train speeds and train types. Numerical analysis has been applied to evaluate different girder support conditions such as simple, two-span continuous and three-span continuous. In addition, the train/structure interaction is included in the analytical models. The results are presented in terms of moment dynamic load factors for a practical range of the superstructure’s fundamental frequency, which include various superstructure types such as concrete, prestressed concrete and steel. Different high-speed trains are considered moving at various speeds to capture the configuration for highest responses. This study provides a set of diagrams for initial estimation of high-speed railroad bridge bending moment response. Proposed diagrams will help bridge designers to avoid an uneconomic bridge system in early design stages.
The effect of different clearance geometry configurations on aerodynamic performance in a high-load compressor cascade
Authors: Chen Shaowen , Sun Shijun , Lan Yunhe , Wang Songtao
Published: July 2013

The clearance flow of compressor variable stator vanes has a significant impact on compressor performance. Most clearance flow experimental research work has been carried out in compressor cascades with lower turning angle (lower load). The clearance flow in a higher load compressor cascade is relatively more complicated due to three-dimensional (3D) flow separation. In the present work, the effects of different heights and locations of clearances in a compressor cascade on aerodynamic performance and separation flow were investigated experimentally in a low-speed plane cascade wind tunnel. The objective of this investigation is to study the characteristics of different clearance configurations depending on the clearance height and the clearance axial position, and make an attempt to verify the possibility of a local clearance flow that improves the performance. The cascade outlet section aerodynamic parameters were measured by “L” five-hole probe. The ink-trace flow visualizations on the cascade surface and lower end wall were performed. The results show that with the increase in clearance size, the core area of high loss is moving to the end wall and the morphology of limiting streamlines on the suction surface changes gradually from separation lines to reattachment lines. The separation lines on end wall gradually moved to the middle of the cascade and the separation area increased gradually. The above reasons caused high loss zone gradually extended to the end wall. Thus, the loss at mid-span declined slightly while the loss on the end wall was increasing. Otherwise, cascade load reduced significantly when the clearance height became 3 mm, and the change magnitude of limiting streamline morphology in the flow field which was influenced by clearance flow at the rear of the blade reached to a minimum. So the loss and load came to a minimum, respectively. The impact of the clearance in the rear of a blade on loss and flow is weaker than the other schemes, with a slightly larger loss and separation with respect to the original scheme without a clearance. It may be expected to improve the cascade performance further by an appropriate design of clearance near the trailing.
Genital streptococcal infection in non-pregnant women: a case-note review
Authors: Sonnex C
Published: July 2013

Summary

The purpose of this case-note review was to examine the clinical features and management of women with either vulval or vaginal swabs culturing positive for streptococci. Group B haemolytic streptococcus was isolated in all cases. The majority of women with vulval streptococci presented with irritation or soreness. Candidal infection was found in 43% and a dermatosis in 27%. All women with positive vaginal culture had vaginal soreness and/or discharge. Candida was isolated in 27% and there were features of desquamative vaginitis in 20%. Women treated with erythromycin failed to improve symptomatically. The findings of this study suggest that streptococci mostly play a secondary role and colonize an already damaged genital epithelium.
Correlates of consistent condom use among female entertainment workers in Shanghai, China: a repeated measures analysis
Authors: Yang X , Xia G
Published: July 2013

Summary

Female entertainment workers (FEWs) in China are at increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, but correlates of their risky sexual behaviour remain poorly understood. Using data from a series of four surveys, this paper employs repeated measures analysis to identify individual and social correlates of consistent condom use among FEWs in Shanghai. Results reveal that both individual cognitive and social influence factors are statistically significant in their bivariate relationships to consistent condom use with a stable or non-stable partner; only prevention motivation and perceived self-efficacy in condom use remain significant in the multiple regressions. When individual and social correlates are examined together, only peer support for condom use remains a significant and independent correlate of consistent condom use in sex with a non-stable partner. Behavioural intervention is urgently needed and should take a multilevel approach, emphasizing individual prevention motivation and behavioural skills training and promoting peer/social support.
Penile intraepithelial neoplasia: important lessons from a case series
Authors: Zhou J , Howard M , Williams D , Richardson D
Published: July 2013

Summary

Seven men presenting to our genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic over a period of 22 months had a histopathological diagnosis of penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Median duration of symptoms was eight months (range 2–216 months). Macroscopic appearances were different in all cases. All histology was reviewed locally and at a tertiary centre. Six of seven had severe dysplasia (PIN III). Interestingly, only one individual was HIV-positive and one, who was immunocompetent, had multifocal disease. These cases highlight the importance of a full anogenital examination and early biopsy in patients presenting with atypical or persistent penile lesions.
Achieving rapid reduction of HIV-1 viral load in HIV-positive pregnant women close to term – an obstetric/medical emergency: a review of three cases
Authors: Adeyemo A , Wood C , Govind A
Published: July 2013

Summary

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection is now uncommon in the UK and the management of HIV-positive pregnant women is usually relatively straightforward. However, HIV viral load suppression may be difficult to achieve peripartum for women who book very late in pregnancy and those with a poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). These pregnancies are at a higher risk of MTCT due to high viral load (VL). Therefore, the development of interventions to achieve a rapid reduction of HIV VL is essential. We describe three relevant cases that presented to our unit over a 12-month period and discuss the strategies employed to manage these challenging cases. All babies were born healthy and were HIV proviral DNA-negative at 12 weeks postpartum. No serious adverse events were reported for the mothers or their babies.
Victor Horsley (1857–1915) and National Insurance
Authors: Dunnill Michael S
Published: July 2013

The Liberal government in 1911 was determined to improve the health care of the poor and working class in Britain. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lloyd George, introduced a National Insurance Bill before Parliament without consulting the medical profession. The doctors were furious but Horsley, a progressive liberal, was firmly in favour of a national health service and vociferously supported the bill. This led to a series of acrimonious meetings that did not enhance the reputation of the profession and alienated Horsley from his colleagues.
EU cohesion policy and multi-level governance outcomes in Ireland: How sustainable is Europeanization?
Authors: Adshead Maura
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a study of the Irish experience of EU cohesion policy, with a view to exploring what the Irish case can tell us about the conditionality of state’s adaptation to EU policy values and practice. Using Bache’s (2008) framework for the analysis of Europeanization, Multi-Level Governance and Cohesion policy, the paper finds that Europeanization has resulted in a reorientation of domestic policies, practices and preferences in the Irish case, but the consequence has been the creation of Multi-Level Governance Type II not I (Börzel and Risse, 2003). The governance changes that have occurred have been ad hoc and messy, and central government’s response to them has been short-termist and financially expedient. This raises concerns about the sustainability of knowledge transfer impacts from Irish Multi-Level Governance and partnership projects within the formal system of Irish government. More generally, it suggests that if the desired impacts of EU Cohesion policy are to be sustainable in the longer-term, more attention needs to be given to effectively measuring and explaining EU policy influence, so that we might begin to understand how it can be supported and sustained in a variety of state contexts.
Strategies to Avoid Audism in Adult Educational Settings
Authors: Ballenger Sheryl
Published: July 2013

Humphries first defined the term audism as “the notion that one is superior based on one’s ability to hear or behave in the manner of one who hears”. Audism is a prejudice related to the physical hearing condition of the human body. The point of this article is not to substantiate or negate the term’s importance but to inform adult educators of the issues of oppression surrounding the term. The purpose of this article is to explore the basis and origins of audism, literature supporting the idea of audism, experiences labeled as audism, implications of audism in the field of adult education, and strategies to avoid five common pitfalls of adult educators. Understanding the term, and its usefulness to some individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, will benefit adult educators and provide strategies to avoid audism in adult education environments.
Assessment and comparison of non-local integral models for ductile damage
Authors: Andrade FXC , de Sá JMA César , Pires FM Andrade
Published: July 2013

Over the past years, the non-local method has established itself as an effective remedy to the well-known pathological mesh dependency that inherently affects softening media. The non-local method incorporates an intrinsic length into the traditional continuum theory and therefore the size of the localising zone is resolved, attenuating the unwanted effects of spurious mesh dependency. However, despite many contributions that have successfully employed the non-local theory, it is still not clear how exactly should non-locality be formulated in the general sense. Aiming to answer the question of which non-local formulations effectively lead to mesh-insensitive results, we select in this article several constitutive variables to be non-local quantities by taking both Lemaitre and Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman models as the base for the non-local enhancement. The resulting non-local constitutive models are employed in the numerical simulation of various specimens which are subjected to different values of stress triaxiality and third invariant at the fracture zone. The goal is to find which models present the best performance in the task of providing mesh-insensitive solutions for different stress states. The results show that strain-softening mesh dependency is stronger in plane strain than in the axisymmetric case. It is also found that the variables that regularise the solution in the axisymmetric case do not necessarily eliminate mesh sensitivity in the other cases. Furthermore, the results indicate that damage should be the preferred non-local variable in the case of implicit damage models. This result is in sharp contrast with the case of explicit damage models, for which it has already been shown in the literature that damage is a bad candidate for non-local variable.
Common and Unique Features of Schwartz’s and Inglehart’s Value Theories at the Country and Individual Levels
Authors: Dobewall Henrik , Rudnev Maksim
Published: July 2013

This article examines commonalities and differences in the value theories proposed by Ronald Inglehart and Shalom Schwartz. A systematic review of previous findings was conducted. Then, we showed, with a joint multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis, that Schwartz’s Embeddedness versus Autonomy dimension tends to lie at the diagonal of the Inglehart Cultural Map of the World, suggesting that in order to be autonomous/open, individuals need to have both self-expressive and secular-rational values, whereas being embedded /conservative involves both traditional and survival values. Two distinct regions of Schwartz’s values (one at each level) which are missed by Inglehart’s instrument were identified. At the same time, an MDS plot revealed that, at the individual level, Inglehart’s Survival values are not captured by the Schwartz’s items included. The obtained structures at the two levels of analysis were shown to be remarkably similar (Tucker’s Φ > .90).
Optimal azimuth and elevation angles prediction control method and structure for the dual-axis sun tracking system
Authors: Liu Li-Qun , Liu Chun-Xia , Wang Jing-Si , Yang Kai , Zhang Wen-Yu , Gao Hui-Min
Published: July 2013

To optimize the trajectories of the sun tracking system, the dual-axis sun tracking control method for a photovoltaic power system is discussed in this paper. The optimization goal is maximization of an electric energy production in the photovoltaic system considering the tracking system’s consumption. Firstly, the elevation angle and azimuth angle trajectories are described as a nonlinear and bounded optimization problem. Then the predictable trajectories of elevation angle and azimuth angle are derived by using the known formulas and knowledge. However, many factors affect the tracking trajectories, such as machine accuracy, formula error, the partial shading due to the shadow of clouds, trees, birds, dirt, and buildings, etc. Firstly, a novel system structure is introduced to improve the electrical energy consumption. Then, the perturbation and observation (P & O) control method is proposed to improve the tracking trajectories by decreasing the errors of machine and formula by combining with the conventional predicted method. The tracking efficiency of the dual-axis sun tracking system using the predicted method is compared with that using the predicted method combined with the P & O method. The simulation results presented in the paper show that the proposed method has excellent tracking characteristics compared with the fixed title, single-axis tracking, and dual-axis tracking using the single predicted method.
The Prevalence of Alcohol-Involved Homicide Offending
Authors: Kuhns Joseph B. , Exum M. Lyn , Clodfelter Tammatha A. , Bottia Martha Cecilia
Published: July 2013

This study meta-analyzes 23 independent studies that included information from 28,265 homicide offenders across nine countries. On average, 48% of homicide offenders were reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offense and 37% were intoxicated. We found no demographic variations across age, gender, or race, although the proportion testing positive within the United States appears to be decreasing over time. Further, the proportion of offenders who were under the influence of alcohol was lower among those who committed the homicide with a firearm. Communities that have high homicide rates should work to reduce alcohol consumption rates.
Minor organizational change in Green parties
Authors: Miragliotta Narelle
Published: July 2013

A source of the strength of Green parties has been their willingness to realign their distinctive organizational characteristics to suit the external environment, with the effect of pushing such organizations closer to a more conventional party type. Major organizational adaptations by Green parties have been much studied but only scant attention has been paid to the cumulative effects that ‘minor’ change renders to such parties. This article examines the impact of minor organizational change through an analysis of one of the oldest statewide Green parties in Australia. It finds that minor organizational changes exert a subtle but equally powerful force in moving such parties away from their amateur status to a more professional party type, even in the absence of reform to historical party structures.
Parables as indicators of popular wisdom: The making of piety culture in Turkish television dramas
Authors: Erol Işık Nuran
Published: July 2013

This article attempts to evaluate the articulation of folk cultural symbols in the context of TV drama to discuss the process whereby the act of storytelling becomes a tool for mediated and moralised teaching. Investigating the relatively new sphere of popular piety offers a suitable avenue for evaluating the nature of popular wisdom; the process by which popular TV dramas borrow from folk culture and popular religion has become a new area of investigation because new mediatised forms of folk culture are now a common feature of many television genres. Tracing the emergent patterns of storytelling, this article analyses narratives extracted from two well-known TV serials, Kurtlar Vadisi ( Valley of Wolves) and Deli Yürek ( Crazy Heart) in Turkey. It is argued that in both serials the meditative role of the mentor, which involves narrating parables for the hero’s benefit, constitutes one of the significant rhetorical strategies for reconstructing a piety culture.
In Europe we trust? Exploring three logics of trust in the European Union
Authors: Harteveld Eelco , Meer Tom van der , Vries Catherine E De
Published: July 2013

This study develops and tests three explanations of trust in the European Union. Following the logic of rationality, trust originates from evaluations about the (actual and perceived) performances and procedures of the European Union. Trust within the logic of identity trust depends on citizens’ emotional attachments to the European Union. According to the logic of extrapolation, trust is an extension of national trust and therefore unrelated to the European Union itself. We test these explanations and their interrelations in a multilevel analysis of Eurobarometer 71.3 and conclude that the logic of extrapolation is the strongest predictor of trust in the European Union. Although we also find some evidence to suggest that rational calculus matters, by-and-large, citizens seem to trust or distrust the European Union for reasons that are largely distinct from the Union itself.
Measurement, model testing, and legislative influence in the European Union
Authors: Slapin Jonathan B
Published: July 2013

Within the last several years, new data have become available to test the various theoretical models of EU decision-making, and, in doing so, to assess actor influence. This article examines the extent to which the recent DEU and DEUII datasets provide sufficient information to distinguish between competing theoretical models of legislative decision-making, and accurately assess the power of the different branches of EU government. It argues that insufficient attention has been paid to measurement error in these data. Once measurement error is accounted for, it becomes clear that these data do not provide sufficient information to distinguish between most models of legislative politics. Moreover, empirical models that fail to account for measurement error are likely to lead researchers to erroneous conclusions about actors’ legislative influence.
The austerity larder: Mapping food systems in a new age of austerity
Authors: Bramall Rebecca
Published: July 2013

Themes of rationing, scarcity and frugality have become increasingly prominent in UK food discourses of recent years, and the historical period of ‘austerity Britain’ (1939–1954) has proved to be a key symbolic resource in these debates. This article considers the conjunction of food, culture and ‘austerity’, and explores how austerity discourse might inform British consumers’ understanding of global food systems. It notes that critical work on commodity de/fetishization tends to focus on geographical knowledges, and seeks to complement this research by attending to the role that historical resources play in rendering food commodity systems intelligible. Through an analysis of an exhibition at the Imperial War Museum London, and in particular the iconographic site of the ‘austerity larder’, the article considers the extent to which austerity discourse offers a legible index of food commodity chains, raises questions about fragility of supply, and makes food scarcity visible. The analysis reveals some of the ways in which historical geographies of consumption may shape consumer imaginaries. The article concludes by identifying some of the issues that arise from the recourse to history, and by arguing for further attention to the symbolic work that historical resources perform in contemporary consumer culture.
‘It’s a huge maze, the system, it’s a terrible maze’: Dementia carers’ constructions of navigating health and social care services
Authors: Peel Elizabeth , Harding Rosie
Published: July 2013

Dementia is a challenging, progressive set of conditions which present a large care burden to informal, familial carers. A complex array of health and social care services are needed to support people living with dementia. Drawing on the interlinked ‘Duties to Care’ and ‘Dementia Talking’ projects, in this article we focus on British carers’ talk about health and social care services. We explore data from a mixed-method questionnaire ( n = 185), four focus groups and eleven interviews with informal carers of people living with dementia using thematic discourse analysis. Three themes are discussed: (1) services as a ‘maze’; (2) services as overly limited – ‘beyond our remit’; and (3) the battle and fighting discourse deployed by these carers. Our analysis highlights that carers find navigating systemic issues in dementia care time-consuming, unpredictable and often more difficult than the caring work they undertake.
Impaired NADPH oxidase activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes of galactosemia patients
Authors: Al-Essa Mazen , Dhaunsi Gursev S , Al-Qabandi Wafa’a , Khan Islam
Published: July 2013

Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder with a wide range of clinical abnormalities. Cellular oxidative stress is considered as one of the pathogenic mechanisms of galactosemia. In this study, we examined the activity of NADPH oxidase (NOX), a major superoxide-generating enzyme system, in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from galactosemia patients. PBL were isolated from galactosemia patients and healthy control subjects and used for cell culture studies and biochemical assays. PBL were cultured in the presence or absence of galactose or galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P), and enzyme activities and/or gene expression of NOX, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in the cell homogenates. PBL isolated from galactosemia patients showed significantly reduced ( P < 0.01) activities of catalase and GPx; however SOD activity remained unaltered. Galactosemia patients were found to have significantly ( P < 0.01) increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood lymphocytes. Enzymatic activity of NOX was significantly ( P < 0.001) reduced in galactosemia patients; however, Western blotting revealed that NOX-1 protein was not significantly altered. Interestingly, levels of NOX activity in lymphocytes isolated from galactosemia patients significantly increased but remained subnormal when cultured in galactose-deficient medium for two weeks, indicating a galactose-mediated inhibition of NOX. Lymphocytes isolated from control subjects were found to have significantly ( P < 0.01) reduced NOX activity when cultured in the presence of galactose or Gal-1-P for two weeks. These results show that galactose-induced cellular oxidative stress is not NOX mediated. However, impairment of the NOX system might be responsible for some of the clinical complications in galactosemia patients.
ERK1/2 signalling pathway is involved in CD147-mediated gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 proliferation and invasion
Authors: Chen Liping , Pan Yuqin , Gu Ling , Nie Zhenlin , He Bangshun , Song Guoqi , Li Rui , Xu Yeqiong , Gao Tianyi , Wang Shukui
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to investigate the role of CD147 in the progression of gastric cancer and the signalling pathway involved in CD147-mediated gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 proliferation and invasion. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors targeting CD147 were constructed to silence CD147, and the expression of CD147 was monitored by quantitative realtime reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot and further confirmed by immunohistochemistry in vivo. Cell proliferation was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, the activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were determined by gelatin zymography, and the invasion of SGC7901 was determined by invasion assay. The phosphorylation and non-phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), P38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase were examined by Western blot. Additionally, the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 were used to confirm the signalling pathway involved in CD147-mediated SGC7901 progression. The BALB/c nude mice were used to study tumour progression in vivo. The results revealed that CD147 silencing inhibited the proliferation and invasion of SGC7901 cells, and down-regulated the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 in SGC7901 cells. ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 decreased the proliferation, and invasion of SGC7901 cells, and down-regulated the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. In a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenografts, the tumour volume was significantly smaller in the SGC7901/shRNA group compared to the SGC7901 and SGC7901/snc-RNA group. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that CD147 and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions were down-regulated in the SGC7901/shRNA2 group compared to the SGC7901 and SGC7901/snc-RNA group. These results suggest that ERK1/2 pathway involves in CD147-mediated gastric cancer growth and invasion. These findings further highlight the importance of CD147 in cancer progression, indicating that CD147 would be an attractive therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
In vitroandin vivoclearance of Rose Bengal Acetate-PhotoDynamic Therapy-induced autophagic and apoptotic cells
Authors: Panzarini Elisa , Inguscio Valentina , Tenuzzo Bernardetta Anna , Dini Luciana
Published: July 2013

This study focuses on the clearance of Rose Bengal Acetate (RBAc)-PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)-generated apoptotic and autophagic HeLa cells by murine and human macrophages. Indeed, phagocytosis of dead cells drives the therapeutic efficacy of PDT through both efficient removal of dead/dying cells and macrophages response evoked during engulfment and, up to now, clearance of dying photosensitized cells has been less investigated than PDT mechanisms of cell death induction. RBAc-PDT ensures a long onset of cytotoxicity and a time-related cell death of HeLa cells by signals originating from or converging on almost all intracellular organelles. On this basis, to clarify whether the efficacious cell death commitment is followed by an efficient clearance mechanism, we primarily focused on the analysis of ‘eat me’ signals exposure and ‘find me’ signals release, and then investigated the migration, recognition, engulfment and response of murine Raw 264.7 and human blood isolated macrophages.

Dead cells secreted ‘find me’ signals, i.e. fractalkine and Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP 70), to recruit macrophages and promote their fast phagocytosis. Macrophages phagocytosed apoptotic and autophagic PDT-treated cells more efficiently than the respective positive controls, i.e. puromycin-induced apoptotic and Earle’s balanced salt solution-starved autophagic cells. Phagocytosis depends on the glycans exposed on dead cells. The macrophages internalization of photokilled cells elicits the production of Interleukin-10, Transforming Growth Factor-β and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α by macrophages. TNFα production, along with HSP70 release and plasma membrane translocation on dead cells, suggest an immunogenic impact of RBAc-PDT. In fact, macrophages, activated fibroblasts and endothelial cells colonized the inoculum site of photosensitized cells in rat calf muscles, endorsing the hypothesis of immunogenic elicitation of RBAc-PDT.