bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More-than-human affinitive listening
Authors: Engelmann Sasha
Published: March 2015

It is a definition of elemental air as more than human, wholly ungraspable, and even monstrous, which enlivens Adey’s method of ‘affinitive listening’ to the elemental. The difference between air, as it has been lately addressed, and the element of air is that the latter precedes and exceeds the specific alchemical compositions of air masses, and is not reducible to the descriptions and metaphors with which we attempt to ‘grasp’ air and atmosphere. This commentary experiments with the concept of elemental air and, in particular, the method of affinitive listening, with the help of an atmospheric thing. I propose the Montgolfier infrared balloon as a device that sounds and senses air, generating materials and space times that render explicit, and also ungraspable, the atmospheric envelope around Earth.
Envelopment, exposure, and the allure of becoming elemental
Authors: McCormack Derek P
Published: March 2015

This response to Peter Adey takes up his invitation for geographers to cultivate an elemental mode of thinking. It agrees with his argument that there is much scope for drawing together different traditions of thinking about air and atmosphere. At the same time, the commentary points to a variation in the elemental thinking outlined by Adey. In addition to affinity, this mode of elemental thinking also foregrounds other logics, notably allure. Whilst not diminishing the importance of air’s politics, it also participates in the cultivation of an ethics defined in part by questions of exposure to the elemental.
Accounting for the elemental
Authors: Adey Peter
Published: March 2015

This response outlines two particular tendencies evident within the generous series of contributions brought together in dialogue with my article. One of those is a concern for the political. How to push, sharpen, or, for some, retrieve the potential for critique from the line of argumentation around the elemental and the possibilities of affinitive listening that I try to develop in the article? Is it necessary to actually dispense with this particular way of addressing the elemental in order to do this? The second, which potentially negates the possibility of the latter, is not really whether but how we might think more elementally, not less. How can we devote more consideration to a different kind of politics and ethics? My response addresses these issues by exploring how critique and elemental approaches might not necessarily work against but with one another.
Physical Barriers, Cultural Connections: Prehistoric Metallurgy across the Alpine Region
Authors: Perucchetti Laura , Bray Peter , Dolfini Andrea , Pollard A. Mark
Published: March 2015

This paper considers the early copper and copper-alloy metallurgy of the entire Alpine region. It introduces a new approach to the interpretation of chemical composition data sets, which has been applied to a comprehensive regional database for the first time. The Alpine Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age each have distinctive patterns of metal use, which can be interpreted through changes in mining, social choice, and major landscape features such as watersheds and river systems. Interestingly, the Alpine range does not act as a north-south barrier, as major differences in composition tend to appear on an east-west axis. Central among these is the prevalence of tin-bronze in the western Alps compared to the east. This ‘tin-line’ is discussed in terms of metal flow through the region and evidence for a deeply rooted geographical division that runs through much of Alpine prehistory.
Functions of idh1 and its mutation in the regulation of developmental hematopoiesis in zebrafish
Authors: Shi Xiangguo , He Bai-Liang , Ma Alvin C. H. , Guo Yuhan , Chi Yali , Man Cheuk Him , Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Yiyue , Wen Zilong , Cheng Tao , Leung Anskar Y. H.
Published: March 2015

Key Points

Zebrafish idh1 plays an important role in the regulation of myelopoiesis and definitive hematopoiesis. Expression of human IDH1-R132H and its zebrafish orthologue induced an increase in myelopoiesis and 2-hydroxyglutrate.
Macrophages and iron trafficking at the birth and death of red cells
Authors: Korolnek Tamara , Hamza Iqbal
Published: March 2015

Macrophages play a critical role in iron homeostasis via their intimate association with developing and dying red cells. Central nurse macrophages promote erythropoiesis in the erythroblastic island niche. These macrophages make physical contact with erythroblasts, enabling signaling and the transfer of growth factors and possibly nutrients to the cells in their care. Human mature red cells have a lifespan of 120 days before they become senescent and again come into contact with macrophages. Phagocytosis of red blood cells is the main source of iron flux in the body, because heme must be recycled from approximately 270 billion hemoglobin molecules in each red cell, and roughly 2 million senescent red cells are recycled each second. Here we will review pathways for iron trafficking found at the macrophage-erythroid axis, with a focus on possible roles for the transport of heme in toto.
Rheumatoid arthritis response to treatment across IgG1 allotype – anti-TNF incompatibility: a case-only study
Authors: Montes Ariana , Perez-Pampin Eva , Navarro-Sarabia Federico , Moreira Virginia , de la Serna Arturo Rodríguez , Magallares Berta , Vasilopoulos Yiannis , Sarafidou Theologia , Fernández-Nebro Antonio , Ordóñez María del Carmen , Narváez Javier , Cañete Juan D , Marquez Ana , Pascual-Salcedo Dora , Joven Beatriz , Carreira Patricia , Moreno-Ramos Manuel J , Caliz Rafael , Ferrer Miguel Angel , Garcia-Portales Rosa , Blanco Francisco J , Magro Cesar , Raya Enrique , Valor Lara , Alegre-Sancho Juan J , Balsa Alejandro , Martin Javier , Plant Darren , Isaacs John , Morgan Ann W , Barton Anne , Wilson Anthony G ,   on behalf of Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics and Genomics Study Syndicate (BRAGGSS), Gómez-Reino Juan J , Gonzalez Antonio
Published: March 2015

Introduction

We have hypothesized that incompatibility between the G1m genotype of the patient and the G1m1 and G1m17 allotypes carried by infliximab (INX) and adalimumab (ADM) could decrease the efficacy of these anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) antibodies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The G1m genotypes were analyzed in three collections of patients with RA totaling 1037 subjects. The first, used for discovery, comprised 215 Spanish patients. The second and third were successively used for replication. They included 429 British and Greek patients and 393 Spanish and British patients, respectively. Two outcomes were considered: change in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joint (ΔDAS28) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria.

Results

An association between less response to INX and incompatibility of the G1m1,17 allotype was found in the discovery collection at 6 months of treatment (P = 0.03). This association was confirmed in the replications (P = 0.02 and 0.08, respectively) leading to a global association (P = 0.001) that involved a mean difference in ΔDAS28 of 0.4 units between compatible and incompatible patients (2.3 ± 1.5 in compatible patients vs. 1.9 ± 1.5 in incompatible patients) and an increase in responders and decrease in non-responders according to the EULAR criteria (P = 0.03). A similar association was suggested for patients treated with ADM in the discovery collection, but it was not supported by replication.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that G1m1,17 allotypes are associated with response to INX and could aid improved therapeutic targeting in RA.
Identification of NF-κB and PLCL2 as new susceptibility genes and highlights on a potential role of IRF8 through interferon signature modulation in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Arismendi Maria , Giraud Matthieu , Ruzehaji Nadira , Dieudé Philippe , Koumakis Eugenie , Ruiz Barbara , Airo Paolo , Cusi Daniele , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Salvi Erika , Cuomo Giovanna , Hachulla Eric , Diot Elisabeth , Caramaschi Paola , Riccieri Valeria , Avouac Jérôme , Kayser Cristiane , Allanore Yannick
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are rare polygenic autoimmune diseases (AIDs) characterized by fibroblast dysfunction. Furthermore, both diseases share some genetic bases with other AIDs, as evidenced by autoimmune gene pleiotropism. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) in PBC might contribute to SSc susceptibility.

Methods

Sixteen PBC susceptibility SNPs were genotyped in a total of 1,616 patients with SSc and 3,621 healthy controls from two European populations (France and Italy).

Results

We observed an association between PLCL2 rs1372072 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12 to 1.33, Padj = 7.22 × 10−5), nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) rs7665090 (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.25, Padj = 0.01), and IRF8 rs11117432 (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.86, Padj = 2.49 × 10−4) with SSc susceptibility. Furthermore, phenotype stratification showed an association between rs1372072 and rs11117432 with the limited cutaneous subgroup (lcSSc) (Padj = 4.45 × 10−4 and Padj = 0.001), whereas rs7665090 was associated with the diffuse cutaneous subtype (dcSSc) (Padj = 0.003). Genotype-mRNA expression correlation analysis revealed that the IRF8 protective allele was associated with increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) expression (P = 0.03) in patients with SSc but decreased type I IFN (IFIT1) expression in patients and controls (P = 0.02). In addition, we found an epistatic interaction between NF-κB and IRF8 (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.74, P = 4 × 10−4) which in turn revealed that the IRF8 protective effect is dependent on the presence of the NF-κB susceptibility allele.

Conclusions

An analysis of pleiotropic genes identified two new susceptibility genes for SSc (NF-κB and PLCL2) and confirmed the IRF8 locus. Furthermore, the IRF8 variant influenced the IFN signature, and we found an interaction between IRF8 and NF-κB gene variants that might play a role in SSc susceptibility.
Multiplex cytokine analysis of dermal interstitial blister fluid defines local disease mechanisms in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Clark Kristina EN , Lopez Henry , Abdi Bahja Ahmed , Guerra Sandra G , Shiwen Xu , Khan Korsa , Etomi Oseme , Martin George R , Abraham David J , Denton Christopher P , Stratton Richard J
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Clinical diversity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) reflects multifaceted pathogenesis and the effect of key growth factors or cytokines operating within a disease-specific microenvironment. Dermal interstitial fluid sampling offers the potential to examine local mechanisms and identify proteins expressed within lesional tissue. We used multiplex cytokine analysis to profile the inflammatory and immune activity in the lesions of SSc patients.

Methods

Dermal interstitial fluid sample from the involved forearm skin, and synchronous plasma samples were collected from SSc patients (n = 26, diffuse cutaneous SSc (DcSSc) n = 20, limited cutaneous SSc (LcSSc) n = 6), and healthy controls (HC) (n = 10) and profiled by Luminex® array for inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors.

Results

Luminex® profiling of the dermal blister fluid showed increased inflammatory cytokines (median interleukin ( IL)-6 in SSc 39.78 pg/ml, HC 5.51 pg/ml, p = 0.01, median IL-15 in SSc 6.27 pg/ml, HC 4.38 pg/ml, p = 0.03), chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-3 9.81 pg/ml in SSc, 7.18 pg/ml HC, p = 0.04), and profibrotic growth factors (platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA 10.38 pg/ml versus 6.94 pg/ml in HC, p = 0.03). In general dermal fluid and plasma cytokine levels did not correlate, consistent with predominantly local production of these factors within the dermal lesions, rather than leakage from the serum. In hierarchical clustering and network analysis IL-6 emerged as a key central mediator.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that an immuno-inflammatory environment and aberrant vascular repair are intimately linked to fibroblast activation in lesional skin in SSc. This non-invasive method could be used to profile disease activity in the clinic, and identifies key inflammatory or pro-fibrotic proteins that might be targeted therapeutically. Distinct subgroups of SSc may be defined that show innate or adaptive immune cytokine signatures.
Local synthesis of interferon-alpha in lupus nephritis is associated with type I interferons signature and LMP7 induction in renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Castellano Giuseppe , Cafiero Cesira , Divella Chiara , Sallustio Fabio , Gigante Margherita , Pontrelli Paola , De Palma Giuseppe , Rossini Michele , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Type I interferons are pivotal in the activation of autoimmune response in systemic lupus erythematous. However, the pathogenic role of interferon-alpha in patients affected by lupus nephritis remains uncertain. The aim of our study was to investigate the presence of a specific interferon signature in lupus nephritis and the effects of interferon-alpha at renal level.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical analysis for MXA-protein and in situ hybridization to detect interferon-alpha signature and production in human lupus nephritis. Through microarray studies, we analyzed the gene expression profile of renal tubular epithelial cells, stimulated with interferon-alpha. We validated microarray results through real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry on renal tubular epithelial cells, and through immunohistochemical analysis and confocal microscopy on renal biopsies.

Results

Type I interferons signature was characterized by MXA-specific staining in renal tubular epithelial cells; in addition, in situ hybridization showed that renal tubular epithelial cells were the major producers of interferon-alpha, indicating a potential autocrine effect. Whole-genome expression profile showed interferon-alpha induced up-regulation of genes involved in innate immunity, protein ubiquitination and switching to immunoproteasome. In accordance with the in vitro data, class IV lupus nephritis showed up-regulation of the immunoproteasome subunit LMP7 in tubular epithelial cells associated with type I interferon signature.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that type I interferons might have a pathogenic role in lupus nephritis characterized by an autocrine effect of interferon-alpha on renal tubular epithelial cells. Therefore we hypothesize that inhibition of type I interferons might represent a therapeutic target to prevent tubulo-interstitial damage in patients with lupus nephritis.
Racial disparities in total ankle arthroplasty utilization and outcomes
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A , Ramachandran Rekha
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The objective of this study was to examine the racial disparities in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) utilization and outcomes.

Methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to study the time-trends. Race was categorized as White and Black. Utilization rates were calculated for the U.S. general population per 100,000. Hospital length of stay, discharge disposition and mortality after TAA were assessed. We used the Cochran Armitage trend test to assess time-trends from 1998 to 2011 and chi-square test to compare TAA utilization. We used analysis of variance or chi-squared test to compare the characteristics of Whites and Blacks undergoing TAA and logistic regression to compare mortality, length of stay and discharge to home versus medical facility.

Results

The mean ages for Whites undergoing TAA were 62 years and for Blacks was 52 years. Significant racial disparities were noted in TAA utilization rates (/100,000) in 1998, 0.14 in Whites vs. 0.07 in Blacks (P < 0.0001; 2-fold) and in 2011, 1.17 in Whites vs. 0.33 in Blacks (P < 0.0001; 4-fold). Racial disparities in TAA utilization increased significantly from 1998 to 2011 (P < 0.0001). There was a trend towards statistical significance for the difference in the length of hospital stay in Blacks vs. Whites (52.9% vs. 44.3% with length of hospital stay higher than the median; P = 0.08). Differences in the proportion discharged to an inpatient medical facility after TAA, 16.6% Blacks vs. 13.4% Whites, were not significant (P = 0.36).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated significant racial disparities with lower TAA utilization and suboptimal outcomes in Blacks compared to Whites. Further studies are needed to understand the mediators of these disparities and to assess whether these mediators can be targeted to reduce racial disparities in TAA.
The metastatic tumor antigen 1-transglutaminase-2 pathway is involved in self-limitation of monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation by upregulating TGF-β1
Authors: Yen Jia-Hau , Lin Ling-Chung , Chen Meng-Chi , Sarang Zsolt , Leong Pui-Ying , Chang I-Chang , Hsu Jeng-Dong , Chen Jiunn-Horng , Hsieh Yu-Fan , Pallai Anna , Köröskényi Krisztina , Szondy Zsuzsa , Tsay Gregory J
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a protein crosslinking enzyme with multiple biochemical functions, has been connected to various inflammatory processes. In this study, the involvement of TG2 in monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation was studied.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to detect TG2 expression in synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) and synovial tissue from patients with gouty arthritis. MSU crystal-exposed RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were analyzed for interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and TG2 expression by RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TG2 small interfering (si)-RNA-mediated silencing and overexpression in RAW264.7 cells were used to evaluate the involvement of TG2 in resolving MSU crystal-induced inflammation. The role of metastatic tumor antigen 1 (MTA1), a master chromatin modifier, was investigated by MTA1 si-RNA-mediated knockdown. In addition, the inflammatory responses were followed in wild type and TG2 null mice after being challenged with MSU crystals in an in vivo peritonitis model.

Results

TG2 expression was up-regulated in the synovium tissue and SFMCs from patients with gouty arthritis. The levels of MTA1, TG2, TGF-β1, IL-1β and TNF-α mRNAs were consistently increased in MSU crystal-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. si-MTA1 impaired the basal, as well as the MSU crystal-induced expression of TG2 and TGF-β1, but increased that of IL-1β and TNF-α. TG2 overexpression dramatically suppressed MSU crystal-induced IL-1β and TNF-α, but significantly enhanced the TGF-β1 production. Neutralizing TGF-β antibodies or inhibition of the crosslinking activity of TG2 attenuated these effects. On the contrary, loss of TG2 resulted in a reduced TGF-β, but in an increased IL-1β and TNF-α production in MSU crystal-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). MSU crystal-stimulated IL-1β production was Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signaling dependent and TG2-induced TGF-β suppressed the activity of it. Finally, TG2-deficient mice exhibited hyper inflammatory responses after being challenged with MSU crystals in an in vivo peritonitis model.

Conclusions

These findings reveal an inherent regulatory role of the MTA1-TG2 pathway in the self-limitation of MSU crystal-induced inflammation via positively regulating the levels of active TGF-β1 in macrophages that opposes the MSU crystal-induced JAK2-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine formation.
Heterogeneous responses and cross reactivity between the major peanut allergens Ara h 1, 2,3 and 6 in a mouse model for peanut allergy
Authors: Smit Joost J , Pennings Maarten T , Willemsen Karina , van Roest Manon , van Hoffen Els , Pieters Raymond H
Published: March 2015

Background

The relative contribution and the relation between individual peanut allergens in peanut allergic responses is still matter of debate. We determined the individual contribution of peanut proteins to B, T cell and allergic effector responses in a mouse model for peanut allergy.

Methods

Mice were immunized and challenged by oral gavage with peanut protein extract or isolated allergens Ara h 1, 2, 3 and 6 followed by assessment of food allergic manifestations. In addition, T cell responses to the individual proteins were measured by an in vitro dendritic cell‐T cell assay.

Results

Sensitization with the individual peanut proteins elicited IgE responses with specificity to the allergen used as expected. However, cross reactivity among Ara h 1, 2, 3 and 6 was observed. T cell re‐stimulations with peanut extract and individual peanut proteins also showed cross reactivity between Ara h 1, 2, 3 and 6. Despite the cross reactivity at the IgE level, only Ara h 2 and 6 were able to elicit mast cell degranulation after an oral challenge. However, after systemic challenge, Ara h 1, 2 and 6 and to lesser extent Ara h 3 were able to elicit anaphylactic responses.

Conclusions

Ara h 1, 2, 3 and 6 sensitize via the intra‐gastric route, but differ in their capacity to cause allergic effector responses. Interestingly, extensive cross reactivity at T cell and antibody level is observed among Ara h 1, 2, 3 and 6, which may have important implications for the diagnosis and therapy of peanut allergy. Awareness about the relative contribution of individual peanut allergens and cross reactivity between these allergens is of importance for current research in diagnostics and therapeutics for and the mechanism of peanut allergy.
Unique and Shared Metabolic Regulation in Clonal β-Cells and Primary Islets Derived From Rat Revealed by Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Spégel Peter , Andersson Lotta E. , Storm Petter , Sharoyko Vladimir , Göhring Isabel , Rosengren Anders H. , Mulder Hindrik
Published: March 2015

As models for β-cell metabolism, rat islets are, to some extent, a, heterogeneous cell population stressed by the islet isolation procedure, whereas rat-derived clonal β-cells exhibit a tumor-like phenotype. To describe to what extent either of these models reflect normal cellular metabolism, we compared metabolite profiles and gene expression in rat islets and the INS-1 832/13 line, a widely used clonal β-cell model. We found that insulin secretion and metabolic regulation provoked by glucose were qualitatively similar in these β-cell models. However, rat islets exhibited a more pronounced glucose-provoked increase of glutamate, glycerol-3-phosphate, succinate, and lactate levels, whereas INS-1 832/13 cells showed a higher glucose-elicited increase in glucose-6-phosphate, alanine, isocitrate, and α-ketoglutarate levels. Glucose induced a decrease in levels of γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) and aspartate in rat islets and INS-1 832/13 cells, respectively. Genes with cellular functions related to proliferation and the cell cycle were more highly expressed in the INS-1 832/13 cells. Most metabolic pathways that were differentially expressed included GABA metabolism, in line with altered glucose responsiveness of GABA. Also, lactate dehydrogenase A, which is normally expressed at low levels in mature β-cells, was more abundant in rat islets than in INS-1 832/13 cells, confirming the finding of elevated glucose-provoked lactate production in the rat islets. Overall, our results suggest that metabolism in rat islets and INS-1 832/13 cells is qualitatively similar, albeit with quantitative differences. Differences may be accounted for by cellular heterogeneity of islets and proliferation of the INS-1 832/13 cells.
A Novel Population of Inner Cortical Cells in the Adrenal Gland That Displays Sexually Dimorphic Expression of Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β1
Authors: Huang Chen-Che Jeff , Kraft Cary , Moy Nicole , Ng Lily , Forrest Douglas
Published: March 2015

The development of the adrenal cortex involves the formation and then subsequent regression of immature or fetal inner cell layers as the mature steroidogenic outer layers expand. However, controls over this remodeling, especially in the immature inner layer, are incompletely understood. Here we identify an inner cortical cell population that expresses thyroid hormone receptor-β1 (TRβ1), one of two receptor isoforms encoded by the Thrb gene. Using mice with a Thrbb1 reporter allele that expresses lacZ instead of TRβ1, β-galactosidase was detected in the inner cortex from early stages. Expression peaked at juvenile ages in an inner zone that included cells expressing 20-α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, a marker of the transient, so-called X-zone in mice. The β-galactosidase-positive zone displayed sexually dimorphic regression in males after approximately 4 weeks of age but persisted in females into adulthood in either nulliparous or parous states. T3 treatment promoted hypertrophy of inner cortical cells, induced some markers of mature cortical cells, and, in males, delayed the regression of the TRβ1-positive zone, suggesting that TRβ1 could partly divert the differentiation fate and counteract male-specific regression of inner zone cells. TRβ1-deficient mice were resistant to these actions of T3, supporting a functional role for TRβ1 in the inner cortex.
ComingIn? The Evolution of the Transsexual Memoir in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Catherwood Rhiannon
Published: March 2015

Beginning with Jay Prosser's Second Skins: The Body Narratives of Transsexuality, scholars have rightly treated gender transition narratives as cultural objects distinct from homosexual coming-out stories; however, existing scholarship rarely sets these two objects against each other for comparison and contrast. This study examines the evolution of transgender memoir with an eye for comparison to the coming-out story. Central questions include: How are gender transition narratives affected by transgender authors' perceived need to prove their gender identity to public audiences? Has the development of transgender self writing been hindered by the unique concern about using the “correct” language required by clinicians to receive medical treatment? Most importantly, how does the issue of “passing”—living convincingly enough in a target gender that one is not effectively “out”—change how authors define their goals on both a personal and a political level? Is the goal to come out or to come in? This article focuses on gender transition narratives published in the twenty-first century, demonstrating how the genre has changed by examining several texts, including Jennifer Finney Boylan's She's Not There and Jamison Green's Becoming a Visible Man. I conclude that the gender transition narrative has grown away from the imposed medical narrative of the twentieth century as transsexual memoirists have claimed the role of authors of their own lives. In the process the transsexual experience itself has changed, and the gender transition narrative is growing to resemble the coming-out story more than ever before.
The Science, Economics, and Politics of Global Climate Change: A Review of The Climate Casino by William Nordhaus
Authors: Jaffe Adam B. , Kerr Suzi
Published: March 2015

The problem of global climate change presents overwhelming factual, analytical, and normative challenges. Nordhaus surveys this terrain bravely and mostly successfully. He explains the scientific/economic consensus that the planet is warming, that people are responsible, that the consequences are bad, and that immediate action is benefit/ cost justified. He also discusses the efficient policy response, and the challenges of achieving coordinated global action. His approach is mostly that of standard neoclassical economics, and some of the limitations of that paradigm in this context are not addressed. But overall, The Climate Casino provides an excellent self-contained introduction to the subject. (JEL D61, H23, Q51, Q54, Q58, D72)
Combining low sampling frequency smartphone sensors and video for a Wearable Mobility Monitoring System
Authors: Wu Hui-Hsien , Lemaire Edward , Baddour Natalie
Published: March 2015

A proof-of-concept Wearable Mobility Monitoring System (WMMS) was developed to identify daily activities and provide environmental context, using integrated BlackBerry Smartphone low sensor and video data. Integrated accelerometer data were used to identify mobility changes-of-state (CoS) in real-time, trigger BlackBerry video capture at each CoS, and save activity outcomes on the Smartphone. System evaluation involved collecting WMMS output and (separate) camcorder video under realistic conditions for five able-bodied subjects.  The subjects each performed a consecutive series of mobility tasks; including, walking, sitting, lying, stairs, ramps, elevator, bathroom activities, kitchen activities, dining activities and outdoor walking. Activity, timing and contextual information were obtained from the camcorder for comparison. Sensitivity results for sensor-based CoS identification were 97-100% for standing, sitting, lying and taking an elevator; 67-73% for walking-related CoS (stairs, ramps); 40-93% between walking and small movements (brushing teeth, etc.); and below 27% for daily living activities. False positives occurred in less than 12% of all activities, with less than 5% false positives for half the measures. Better classification results were achieved when using both acceleration features and Smartphone integrated video for all activities except sitting. The evaluation demonstrated that the WMMS algorithm and BlackBerry platform were effective for detecting mobility activities, even with low sampling rate sensors. The combined sensor and video analysis enhanced mobility task identification and contextual information.
Communication Features, Culture and Speech Etiquette of Business Communication
Authors: Буханцева  , Bukhantseva Yu.
Published: March 2015

This paper focuses on the fact that business communication is a major and

significant part of the professional culture. Relevance of the topic confirms

the need for ownership of professional culture, namely, business communication,

heads of international companies who every day have to deal with

its partners in the international business. Stand all the important aspects,

forms of business communication.

This article is based on the fact that the form of business communication

has its own rules, principles and standards that are mandatory. Culture of

business communication – a high level of communication skills in the business

world.

Culture of speech and business communication is sometimes interpreted as

corporate communications, whose main goal – is to identify specific problems

and their joint decision. The result of business communication should

be no material aspect, but rather positive emotions from interaction with a

partner, which, in turn, can then lead to large transactions.

The author argues that business – is the ability to communicate with people.
Moderate-medicalisation and an age-neutral NHS hearing aid service
Authors: Brooke Ruth E , Killan Edward C , Morrall Peter
Published: March 2015

Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions experienced by adults. However, many individuals who would benefit from a hearing aid do not seek help, and many that do seek help, experience symptoms for several years prior to attending a hearing assessment. One of the main reasons for delayed access and poor hearing aid uptake is the stigma associated with hearing loss. Recently, there have been several calls to promote earlier and easier access. Recommendations such as the de-medicalisation of NHS hearing aid services have been suggested. In agreement with this, this article argues that approaches to reduce hearing loss stigma should be prioritised. However, it also proposes that a reduced form of medicalisation, rather than a de-medicalised approach is required. Furthermore, in addition to what it refers to as ‘moderate-medicalisation’, this article argues that a less ‘older-age-focused’ NHS hearing service will facilitate earlier access to assessment and hearing technology. Some service delivery changes that will promote moderate-medicalisation and an age-neutral service are suggested.
Introduction
Authors: Voyer Benjamin , Saulpic Olivier , Sola Davide , Couturier Jerome , Bérard Emilie , Tran Veronique , Zarlowski Phillippe
Published: March 2015

The authors of the four articles that follow introduce this special issue of British Journal of Healthcare Managment on innovation in healthcare, produced in collaboration with ESCP Europe
Implementing managerial innovations: Lessons from two case studies
Authors: Bérard Emilie , Bonnier Carole , Saulpic Olivier , Zarlowski Philippe
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

To address the challenges of implementing managerial innovations in hospitals.

Setting:

Two mid-size French public hospitals.

Methods:

Longitudinal case studies.

Results:

In the two cases presented, managerial innovations (new financial dashboards) were considered central by both clinicians and management to adapt to recent institutional changes and increased economic pressures. However, these innovations failed to support the change processes as initially expected, even though actors did grow accustomed to new approaches, roles, and modes of reasoning in the process.

Conclusion:

When implemented in a specific organisational context, management tools interact strongly with the environment, therefore creating local situations that depend both on the tools and the sociotechnical context. In practice, the tools’ actual functions may be richer than merely that of a control or decision support. Therefore, some key points need to be addressed by managers to better support the process at work when implementing innovations.
Fostering innovation: An organisational perspective
Authors: Tran Veronique , Voyer Ben
Published: March 2015

This article offers an organisational perspective on innovation in healthcare. It suggests that healthcare managers can become active, rather than passive, forces of innovation and change adoption and can create positive organisational dynamics, by successfully identifying the inhibitors and enhancers of innovation processes. Four phases of the innovation process are introduced (i.e. problem identification, idea generation, idea evaluation and implementation), and the specificities of the individual, team and organisational context are considered to overcome barriers to innovation. Finally, the article highlights the iterative nature of innovation in relation to the four phases of innovation and illustrates how ideas are transferred and transformed as they unfold across organisational levels.
Causes and consequences of heteronormativity in healthcare and education
Authors: Enson Stephanie
Published: March 2015

Within health and education settings, all individuals have the right to proficient, effective and non-biased delivery of information and care; however, this can only be achieved by educated and aware practitioners. This article explores the oppressive character of institutionalised ‘heteronormativity’ in health and educational establishments and its negative effects on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning service users. It aims to offer professionals the opportunity for critical reflection on their individual service practice and recommends a number of reflective practice tools, which may assist with this process.
The importance of creating a dementia-friendly future
Authors: Smith Kathryn
Published: March 2015

With nearly a third young people knowing someone living whith dementia, it is important that they understand the condition. This article looks at the campaign for Dementia Friends and resources that school nurses can use to raise awareness of the condition.
Looking at the diagnosis and treatment of head lice
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: March 2015

Head lice infestations (pediculosis capitis) are common in school-aged children, particularly in the 4–11 years old range. It is therefore important that school nurses are up to date with the latest information on treatment.

This article provides information on the presentation, diagnosis, potential complications and treatment of head lice.
Monitoring Woody Biomass Chips Quality Change during Field Storage in Michigan
Authors: Lin Yingqian , Pan Fei
Published: March 2015

Storage is a key component within the woody biomass supply chain, especially when year-round harvesting is impossible. To determine whether chipped biomass is a better form for in-woods storage than unchipped biomass, and to examine the effect of weather factors on wood chip quality, this study was designed and conducted at three study sites in Michigan. From July to December 2013, samples were collected twice a month and tested for moisture content (MC) and higher heating value (HHV). Results showed that during the 4-month field storage, unlike unchipped biomass, the small particle size and high degree of compaction in the wood chip pile caused biomass MCs to increase. Results also indicated that a smaller sized pile and higher initial MC could lead to a wetter middle layer in a wood chip pile. Owing to the high MC and microbial activity, declining trends in biomass HHV were detected. Whole tree chips were found to have higher HHV variation than pure stem wood chips because of the different content and types of lignin and extractives. Different positions within a wood chip pile did not affect the biomass HHV. Regression analysis showed that at Site 3, monthly cumulative rainfall was significant in predicting biomass MC in three models, and average air temperature was significant most of the time. However, none of the preselected variables were tested to be significant at the remaining two study sites because the biomass HHV change was small over storage time. Other more sensitive variables need to be considered in future studies.
Laboratory Quality Improvement in Tanzania
Authors: Andiric Linda R. , Massambu Charles G.
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

The article describes the implementation and improvement in the first groups of medical laboratories in Tanzania selected to participate in the training program on Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA).

Methods:

As in many other African nations, the selected improvement plan consisted of formalized hands-on training (SLMTA) that teaches the tasks and skills of laboratory management and provides the tools for implementation of best laboratory practice. Implementation of the improvements learned during training was verified before and after SLMTA with the World Health Organization African Region Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation checklist.

Results:

During a 4-year period, the selected laboratories described in this article demonstrated improvement with a range of 2% to 203% (cohort I) and 12% to 243% (cohort II) over baseline scores.

Conclusions:

The article describes the progress made in Tanzania’s first cohorts, the obstacles encountered, and the lessons learned during the pilot and subsequent implementations.
Not yet post-Asia: Paradoxes of identity and knowledge in transitional times
Authors: Ang Ien
Published: March 2015

We live in transitional times, in which the weight of global power is markedly shifting towards Asia. In this context the meaning of the category ‘Asian’ is thoroughly in flux, negotiated and contested across multiple dimensions. In this light, is it possible, or even desirable, to speak about post-Asia? If so, what could it mean? Or is such talk perhaps premature? In this article, I consider three ways of thinking about the notion of post-Asia: the temporal, the spatial and the epistemological. In all these instances, we can observe that a genuinely post-Asian perspective has not yet emerged.
Adaptations and receptions: Proof of the Man in Japan and China
Authors: Du Weijia
Published: March 2015

Proof of the Man (人間の証明) is a 1977 Japanese film adapted from Morimura Seiichi’s detective novel of the same name. The film was dubbed and released in China as part of an extensive Sino-Japanese cultural exchange programme following the end of Cultural Revolution. The dubbed version gained immense popularity among the Chinese audience. The melodramatic plot of filial affection, the beautiful dubbed voice and the emotional theme song proved humane and healing for a traumatized audience of the post-Mao era. But a closer analysis reveals that the social critique embedded in the filmic text of Proof of the Man was rewritten and reinterpreted in the Chinese dubbing and viewing process. Both the translators and reviewers often dismissed, whitewashed or oversimplified racial tensions in the film. Very few noted that racial discrimination within Japan – an important subtext of the film – is a main cause of the filicide tragedy. I argue that it was not just ignorance of Japanese history that prevented Chinese reviewers from acknowledging the existence of racism in Japan, and that their belief that equated racial discrimination with class oppression and white supremacy was self-serving.
An unconventional mainstream film: The Founding of a Republic
Authors: Cai Shenshen
Published: March 2015

Released to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, The Founding of a Republic/Jianguodaye (Han and Huang, 2009, hereafter The Founding) was both a huge box-office success and cultural hit in mainland China in 2009. In contrast to previous mainstream films, from both the socialist and post-socialist eras, which were times of immense transformation to Chinese society, The Founding has a more commercial flavour as evidenced by its more nuanced approach to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) policies and ideology. This article aims to analyse The Founding and illustrate the novel devices employed by the CCP and the changing trajectory of official propaganda as the CCP attempts ideological control of the Chinese people. The examination begins with a brief review of the politically loaded phrases ‘mainstream’ and ‘mainstream film’, and then scrutinizes The Founding by decoding its production motives and processes; its unconventional approach to plot design and character building, and, in particular it focuses on the impact of celebrity participation in the movie. The article will show that the panoramic history depicted in the film incorporates official propaganda that merges with commercial devices very subtly, while the mainstream and orthodox ideology of the CCP, as reflected in the production of this film, becomes more neutral, natural and entertaining. By focusing on the use of celebrities in combination with a more personalized approach to historic events and people, the author argues that the commercial and critical success of The Founding is a prime example for future mainstream films in terms of breaking through the blockade of commercial blockbusters and reforming CCP policy in a number of ways. The article attempts to build links between the film and the society, the movie stars and the historical figures, the production and the reception, the market and the mainstream, and the art and the politics.
The politics and poetics of North Korean Juche cinema
Authors: Kim Dong Hoon
Published: March 2015

North Korean film, just like other art and cultural forms from this country, is either deemed mere propaganda and thus unworthy of critical scrutiny or simply viewed as one of few windows available to us through which we could peep into this secluded society. In fact, almost all writings on North Korean cinema deal with the ways in which political intentions and the personality cult are distributed through recurring themes, similar plots and archetypical characters. There has been virtually no room for film aesthetics when it comes to North Korean film. Challenging these myopic perspectives, this article aims to shed light on the poetics of North Korean Juche cinema – in other words, how stylistic patterning, filmic techniques and visual modes engender particular effects and serve specific purposes, placing the cinematization process of Juche ideology in conversation with political questions through the analysis of film theories developed in North Korea and filmic conventions of North Korean Juche films.
Public debt and growth in the euro area: evidence from parametric and nonparametric Granger causality
Authors: Di Sanzo Silvestro , Bella Mariano
Published: March 2015

Many studies in the empirical literature show that public debt is negatively correlated with economic growth but there is no paper that studies the causal links between these variables using rigorous tests based on Granger’s ideas. Accordingly, we investigate the causal links between debt-to-GDP ratio and economic growth using both linear parametric and nonlinear nonparametric Granger causality tests. We focus on 12 euro countries for the period 1970–2012. Our empirical results suggest a unidirectional causality running from debt to economic growth for Spain and Portugal and a bidirectional causality for Belgium, Germany, Greece, Ireland and Italy. No causality in either direction is identified for Austria, Finland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Finally, for France, the tests provide evidence for a unidirectional causality running from GDP growth to debt-to-GDP ratio. In addition, the nonlinear tests indicate that overlooking nonlinearities may result in misleading conclusions about Granger causality. Caveats of the analysis, as well as policy conclusions, are also discussed.
Identification of molecular species of oxidized triglyceride in plasma and its distribution in lipoproteins
Authors: Shrestha Rojeet , Hui Shu-Ping , Miura Yusuke , Yagi Akiko , Takahashi Yuji , Takeda Seiji , Fuda Hirotoshi , Chiba Hitoshi
Published: March 2015

The role of triglycerides carried in the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) in the progression of atherosclerosis is uncertain. Identification of oxidized triglycerides and its possible association with atherosclerosis were largely ignored. Here we applied mass spectrometric approach to detect and identify triglyceride hydroperoxides (TGOOH) in human plasma and lipoproteins.

EDTA plasma was collected from healthy human volunteers (n=9) after 14–16 h of fasting. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)

We identified 11 molecular species of TGOOH in either plasma or VLDL and IDL, of which TGOOH-18:1/18:2/16:0, TGOOH-18:1/18:1/16:0, TGOOH-16:0/18:2/16:0, TGOOH-18:1/18:1/18:1, and TGOOH-16:0/20:4/16:0 were most dominant. These TGOOH molecules are carried by TRL but not by LDL and HDL. Mean concentration of TGOOH in plasma, VLDL and IDL were, respectively, 56.1±25.6, 349.8±253.6 and 512.5±173.2 μmol/mol of triglycerides.

This is the first report to identify several molecular species of oxidized triglycerides in TRL. Presence of oxidized triglyceride may contribute to the atherogenicity of TRL. Further work is needed to elucidate the association of the oxidized triglyceride in atherosclerosis.