bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Theranostic Strategy for MMP-14–Expressing Glioblastomas Impacts Survival
Authors: Mohanty Suchismita , Chen Zixin , Li Kai , Morais Goreti Ribeiro , Klockow Jessica , Yerneni Ketan , Pisani Laura , Chin Frederick T. , Mitra Siddharta , Cheshier Samuel , Chang Edwin , Gambhir Sanjiv Sam , Rao Jianghong , Loadman Paul M. , Falconer Robert A. , Daldrup-Link Heike E.
Published: June 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) has a dismal prognosis. Evidence from preclinical tumor models and human trials indicates the role of GBM-initiating cells (GIC) in GBM drug resistance. Here, we propose a new treatment option with tumor enzyme-activatable, combined therapeutic and diagnostic (theranostic) nanoparticles, which caused specific toxicity against GBM tumor cells and GICs. The theranostic cross-linked iron oxide nanoparticles (CLIO) were conjugated to a highly potent vascular disrupting agent (ICT) and secured with a matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP-14) cleavable peptide. Treatment with CLIO-ICT disrupted tumor vasculature of MMP-14–expressing GBM, induced GIC apoptosis, and significantly impaired tumor growth. In addition, the iron core of CLIO-ICT enabled in vivo drug tracking with MR imaging. Treatment with CLIO-ICT plus temozolomide achieved tumor remission and significantly increased survival of human GBM-bearing mice by more than 2-fold compared with treatment with temozolomide alone. Thus, we present a novel therapeutic strategy with significant impact on survival and great potential for clinical translation. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(9); 1909–21. ©2017 AACR.
Jumping in the Night: An Investigation of the Leaping Activity of the Western Tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus borneanus) Using Accelerometers
Authors: Costantini David , Sebastiano Manrico , Goossens Benoit , Stark Danica J.
Published: June 2017

Accelerometers enable scientists to quantify the activity of free-living animals whose direct observation is difficult or demanding due to their elusive nature or nocturnal habits. However, the deployment of accelerometers on small-bodied animals and, in particular, on primates has been little explored. Here we show the first application of accelerometers on the western tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus borneanus), a nocturnal, small-bodied primate endemic to the forests of Borneo. The fieldwork was carried out in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. We provide guidelines for the deployment of accelerometers on tarsiers that might also be applied to other primate species. Our collected data on 2 females show levels of leaping activity comparable to those previously described using direct observation of wild or captive individuals. The 2 females showed different patterns of leaping activity, which calls for work to explore individual differences further. Our work demonstrates that accelerometers can be deployed on small primates to acquire body motion data that would otherwise be demanding to collect using classic field observations. Future work will be focused on using accelerometer data to discriminate in more detail the different behaviours tarsiers can display and to address the causes and consequences of individual variations in activity.
The Deubiquitinating Enzyme USP14 Regulates Leukemic Chemotherapy Drugs-Induced Cell Apoptosis by Suppressing Ubiquitination of Aurora Kinase B
Authors: Song Chunge , Ma Ruojin , Yang Xiaoyu , Pang Sulei
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Aurora kinase B is a mitotic checkpoint kinase that plays a pivotal role in mitosis by ensuring correct chromosome segregation and normal progression through mitosis. Aurora B has been found to be amplified and overexpressed in several types of leukemia. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP14 is one of three proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzymes and plays critical roles in diverse biological processes including cancer. However, whether USP14 has a role in leukemia cells remains elusive. Methods: Leukemic U937, NB4 and Jurkat cells were treated with diverse apoptosis-inducing drugs. The interaction between USP14 and Aurora B were determined by Western blot. The effect of USP14 in the regulation of Aurora B was detected by cycloheximide (CHX) and deubiquitination assays. FACS assay was used to determine the apoptosis ratio of cells after treatments. Results: We found that Aurora B was ubiquitinated and degraded during leukemic chemotherapy drugs-induced cell apoptosis. FBXW7 mediated Aurora B ubiquitination and degradation during chemotherapeutic drugs-induced apoptosis. USP14 associated with Aurora B and prevented Aurora B degradation. Functionally, overexpression of USP14 inhibits chemotherapeutic drugs-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells. On the contrary, administration of b-AP15, a specific inhibitor of USP14, significantly increased leukemia cells apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Thus, our data suggest that USP14 plays a novel critical role of in leukemia cells apoptosis through Aurora B stabilization and USP14 could be a potential therapeutic target for leukemia.
La política en tiempos del video. ¿De la transparencia a la evanescencia?
Authors: Rodríguez Gina Paola
Published: June 2017

El artículo reconstruye y problematiza algunos momentos del debate acerca del vínculo entre política y medios de comunicación en las sociedades contemporáneas. Luego de exponer los derroteros trazados por los teóricos de las escuelas de Frankfurt y Birmingham, el trabajo se concentra en uno de los más recientes capítulos de la discusión, a partir de la contraposición de dos interpretaciones: por un lado, la tesis de la sociedad transparente de Gianni Vattimo, a la luz de la cual los medios de comunicación abren el camino a un ideal de emancipación basado en la explosión y multiplicación de visiones del mundo, y por otro, la lectura de la videopolítica de Giovanni Sartori, quien advierte la necesidad de analizar críticamente la incidencia de los medios visuales en procesos políticos y sus implicaciones en la transformación del "ser político" y de la "administración de la política".
Os limites do poder político: entre a anarquia e o Leviatã
Authors: Montarroyos Heraldo Elias
Published: June 2017

O estudo reorganiza as proposições originais do livro “Sociedade contra o Estado”, do etnólogo francês Pierre Clastres, objetivando especificamente sistematizar os princípios, as regras e os critérios que evidenciariam a presença do Estado-mínimo nas comunidades indígenas da floresta tropical. Nessa direção, o programa de pesquisa organizado neste estudo considera as possibilidades lógicas de variação do poder político admitindo os extremos da anarquia e do Leviatã, conforme sugere o livro “The Limits of Liberty...”, do autor neocontratualista James Buchanan (1975). Tomando como referência metodológica essa obra, o estudo desenvolve a hipótese do Estado-mínimo, redimensionando a tradição intelectual dos conceitos de tribo e cacicado que são debatidos especificamente na obra do etnólogo Pierre Clastres. No final, o estudo sistematiza com rigor de detalhes o programa de pesquisa completo do Estado-mínimo, descrevendo os quatro princípios epistemológicos que caracterizam a sua estrutura funcional de trabalho.
O debate teórico da década de 1990: possibilidades analíticas para política externa
Authors: Santos Aline Pavan dos
Published: June 2017

A década de 1990 representa um marco no Sistema Internacional pelo fim da bipolaridade que atingiu tanto as potências como os países em desenvolvimento. A este respeito, destaca-se o desenvolvimento teórico das Relações Internacionais que se mantiveram centradas na construção do papel dos EUA para o mundo e da reinserção dos demais Estados na Nova Ordem Mundial. A meta central do trabalho é a de verificar se as abordagens que surgem neste período são capazes de fundamentar solidamente a constituição do Sistema Internacional neste novo momento, bem como, se os novos vieses analíticos sugerem possibilidades distintas de avaliação da política externa dos Estados. Por fim, objetiva-se identificar pontos de contato entre as teorias, relacionados à ordem liberal, que neste momento constitui-se com força entre as nações
Austeridade fiscal versus contabilidade criativa: uma nova práxis para o velho ímpeto oportunista
Authors: Souza Saulo
Published: June 2017

Este trabalho se detém na habilidade dos governos estaduais em preservar os benefícios políticos tradicionais do gasto público num ambiente caracterizado pela adoção de regras de austeridade fiscal. O pressuposto é que, não obstante as reformas de estabilização fiscal no Brasil, mantêm-se abertas as janelas de oportunidade para o comportamento fiscal oportunista. A implicação é dúplice: indisciplina fiscal e criação de problemas intertemporais de déficit. O trabalho conclui, então, que o recurso à contabilidade criativa pode explicar situações em que o governante, de quem se espera terminar o mandato quite com as regras, deixa débitos para a gestão sucessora
Jacques Rancière, Leo Strauss y el sentido del idealismo político platónico
Authors: Nosetto Luciano Ezequiel
Published: June 2017

Esta comunicación contrapone las lecturas de Platón provistas por Jacques Rancière y Leo Strauss. Con esto, se da a ver que la reposición que Rancière hace de la filosofía política pierde de vista una serie de contribuciones centrales a efectos de la reflexión sobre el problema político. Sostenemos específicamente que la arquipolítica platónica, tal como Rancière la reconstruye, ofrece una lectura descompensada de la obra de Platón, que pierde de vista sus componentes más inquietantes y productivos a efectos de una reflexión sobre la relación entre filosofía y política. Esta descompensación es fruto de una inadecuada comprensión del idealismo platónico, esto es, una comprensión superficial de la obra de Platón que pierde de vista la intención y sentido políticos de la postulación filosófica de la ciudad ideal
Referendum vs. Institutionalized Deliberation: What Democratic Theorists Can Learn from the 2016 Brexit Decision
Authors: Offe Claus
Published: June 2017

This essay proceeds in three steps. First, it will briefly outline the often invoked “crisis” of representative democracy and its major symptoms. Second, it will discuss a popular yet, as I shall argue, worryingly misguided response to that crisis: namely, the switch to plebiscitarian methods of “direct” democracy, as advocated, for example, by rightist populist forces in many European Union member states. The United Kingdom's Brexit referendum of June 2016 illuminates the weaknesses of this approach. Third, it will suggest a rough design for enriching representative electoral democracy with nonelectoral (but “aleatory,” or randomized) and nonmajoritarian (but deliberative and consultative) bodies and their peculiar methods of political will formation (as opposed to the expression of a popular will already formed).
Deliberative Democracy in the Trenches
Authors: Sunstein Cass R.
Published: June 2017

In the last decades, many political theorists have explored the idea of deliberative democracy. The basic claim is that well-functioning democracies combine accountability with a commitment to reflection, information acquisition, multiple perspectives, and reason-giving. Does that claim illuminate actual practices? Much of the time, the executive branch of the United States has combined both democracy and deliberation, not least because it has placed a high premium on reason-giving and the acquisition of necessary information. It has also contained a high degree of internal diversity, encouraging debate and disagreement, not least through the public comment process. These claims are illustrated with concrete, if somewhat stylized, discussions of how the executive branch often operates.
Loans and Credit in the Canon Law Consilia of Wamesius (1524-1590)
Authors: Druwé Wouter
Published: June 2017

Johannes Wamesius (1524-1590), a professor of law at the Leuven university, was often asked for his expert opinion on concrete legal cases. Two volumes of (altogether) 600 so-called consilia de iure pontificio were published posthumously by his successor Étienne Weyms. After a short introduction, this article focuses on twenty canonical consultations. Those twenty consilia all concern questions of credit and money-dealing. This contribution first discusses Wamesius’ method and presents the parties and competent authorities involved. Secondly, attention is paid to how Wamesius deals with the plurality of legal sources. In a third step, Wamesius’ views on usury, as well as his consultation on a case of coinage are discussed. Finally, some concluding observations are offered.
Morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis reveal a new species of Sanghuangporus from China
Authors: ZHU LIN , XING JIA-HUI , CUI BAO-KAI
Published: June 2017

Based on phylogenetic studies, the Inonotus linteus complex has been recently divided into two genera, Sanghuangporus and Tropicoporus. During investigations on the species diversity of the Inonotus linteus complex from China, a new species, Sanghuangporus quercicola sp. nov., is described based on morphological and molecular data. Morphologically, it is characterized by perennial, pileate basidiomata, a heterogeneous hyphal system with monomitic in context and dimitic in trama, and broadly subglobose to ovoid, thick-walled basidiospores measuring as 3–3.9 × 2.4–2.8 μm. Phylogenetically, the status of S. quercicola is strongly supported based on sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions.
A checklist of Leiodidae (Coleoptera: Staphylinoidea) of Iran
Authors: PERREAU MICHEL , GHAHARI HASSAN , ANGELINI FERNANDO
Published: June 2017

This paper gives an overview of the fauna of Iranian Leiodidae (Coleoptera: Staphylinoidea). Altogether 59 species from 20 genera and 3 subfamilies (Cholevinae, Leiodinae and Platypsyllinae) are listed. Synonymies and distribution data are given. Choleva (Choleva) uludagica Giachino & Vailati, 2000 is newly recorded from Iran. Catops kyrbyi collaris Szymczakowski, 1976 is synonymized with Catops kirbyi kirbyi Spence, 1815.
A new species of the genus Aristochroa Tschitscherine, 1898 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pterostichini) from Yunnan, China
Authors: AZADBAKHSH SAEED
Published: June 2017

A new species of the genus Aristochroa Tschitscherine, 1898 (Coleoptera: Carabidae), namely Aristochroa nozari sp. n., is described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. The new species is compared with closely related species.
The “Right to Be Forgotten”: Negotiating Public and Private Ordering in the European Union
Authors: Chenou Jean-Marie , Radu Roxana
Published: June 2017

Although the Internet is frequently referred to as a global public resource, its functioning remains predominantly controlled by private actors. The Internet brought about significant shifts in the way we conceptualize (global) governance. In particular, the handling of “big data” by private intermediaries has a direct impact on routine practices and personal lives. The implementation of the “right to be forgotten” following the May 2014 decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union against Google blurs the boundaries between the public and the private, and extends the responsibilities of the latter to court-style decision making. This article analyzes the regulatory developments in this area and the implications of outsourcing of important governance practices to private intermediaries. It looks at the decision-making process for the “right to be forgotten” to illustrate the extent to which the hybridization of such procedures results in new arrangements between public and private ordering in Internet governance.
Socioeconomic disadvantage and schizophrenia in migrants under mental health detention orders
Authors: Bulla Jan , Hoffmann Klaus , Querengässer Jan , Ross Thomas
Published: June 2017

Background:

Migrants with mental hospital orders according to section 63 of the German criminal code are overrepresented in relation to their numbers in the general population. Subgroups originating from certain world regions are diagnosed with schizophrenia at a much higher rate than others. In the present literature, there is a strong evidence for a substantial correlation between migration, social disadvantage and the prevalence of schizophrenia.

Aims:

This study investigates the relationship between countries of origin, the risk of becoming a forensic patient and the proportion of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Method:

Data from a comprehensive evaluation tool of forensic inpatients in the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg (FoDoBa) were compared with population statistics and correlated with the Human Development Index (HDI) and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

Results:

For residents with migration background, the risk ratio to receive a mental hospital order is 1.3 in comparison to non-migrants. There was a highly significant correlation between the HDI of the country of origin and the risk ratio for detention in a forensic psychiatric hospital. The proportion of schizophrenia diagnoses also correlated significantly with the HDI. In contrast, the MPI country rankings were not associated with schizophrenia diagnoses.

Conclusion:

Two lines of explanations are discussed: first, higher prevalence of schizophrenia in migrants originating from low-income countries, and second, a specific bias in court rulings with regard to involuntary forensic treatment orders for these migrant groups.
Involuntary Sterilisation as a Form of Violence against Women in Africa
Authors: Durojaye Ebenezer
Published: June 2017

This article examines the meaning and nature of sterilisation. It equally discusses the historical context of involuntary sterilisation and its likely human rights implications. More importantly, it discusses the decision of the Namibian Supreme Court in Government of Namibia v LM and argues that the court fails to consider involuntary sterilisation as a form of human rights violation, particularly violence against women. The article contends that given the attendant mental, physical and emotional trauma a woman may suffer upon undergoing forced sterilisation, this would amount to an act of violence against women as recognised under international human rights law.
The Culture of Cities: Measuring Perceived Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Sevincer A. Timur , Varnum Michael E. W. , Kitayama Shinobu
Published: June 2017

Cities like New York and San Francisco have a different feel than cities like Newark and Columbus. But can these differences be captured quantitatively? We argue these places vary along the dimension of cosmopolitanism, that is, the extent to which they offer economic opportunities and emphasize diversity, creativity, and egalitarianism. We present a Cosmopolitan City Scale (CCS) designed to assess perceived cosmopolitanism. The CCS has high internal reliability and correlates with objective indicators of cosmopolitanism such as intergenerational mobility and number of patents generated (Study 1). Consistent with the notion that people with an independent orientation migrate to cosmopolitan places, independence was associated with preference for cosmopolitan cities as measured by our scale (Study 2). High openness to experience, high extraversion, liberalism, high socioeconomic status, and single marital status were also related to greater preference for cosmopolitan cities. We believe the CCS provides a new tool for understanding how cities differ and helps clarify factors that drive migration preferences. We also discuss implications of cosmopolitanism for cultural processes such as acculturation and intergroup relations.
The Classification and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Concerns: A Proposed Practical Scientific Alternative to the DSM and ICD
Authors: Rubin Jeffrey
Published: June 2017

The Classification and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Concerns ( CSM) is a proposed alternative to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM) and International Classification of Diseases ( ICD). In contrast to the DSM/ ICD overarching concept of “mental disorders,” the CSM’s overarching concept is “mental health concerns.” A mental health concern occurs when a person seeking mental health services expresses to a mental health service provider a concern about any of these topics: behavior, emotion, mood, meaning of life, death, dying, managing chronic pain, addiction, work, relationships, education, eating, cognition, sleep, and challenging life situations. The CSM begins from the perspective of the person seeking services and that is what would be classified in its manual. In addition to classifying mental health concerns, the CSM would describe a collaborative approach between the person expressing the concern and the mental health service provider for creating a psychological formulation narrative that eschews the DSM/ ICD pathologizing jargon. Compared with the DSM/ ICD approach, the use of the CSM potentially would be less stigmatizing, as well as more practical. Moreover, it would be more consistent with principles of science, eliminate the monopoly of the DSM/ ICD mental disorder approach for accessing mental health services, provide a new choice to both mental health service users and providers, challenge old ideas, stimulate fresh perspectives, and open new avenues of research.
Using the Permutational Model to Predict Grammatical Patterns
Authors: Mills John A. , Scott Robert I.
Published: June 2017

The study concerns grammaticality as defined by degree of disruption of Scott's (1969) subject--verb-object-qualifier (SVOQ) sentence. Experiment I demonstrated that use of ambiguous qualifiers such that the meaning of sentences of SQVO or SVQO form could be re-interpreted caused relatively high grammatical judgments, whereas use of non-ambiguous qualifiers depressed judgments. Experiment II (using English words) and Experiment III (using inflected nonsense roots) showed that Scott's index of disruption of SVQO kernels predicts the production of grammatical and non-grammatical patterns by native speakers of English. The results are discussed in terms of Fries' distinction between structural and lexical meaning.
Factors affecting the mechanical and geometrical properties of electrostatically flocked pure chitosan fiber scaffolds
Authors: Tonndorf Robert , Gossla Elke , Kocaman Recep Türkay , Kirsten Martin , Hund Rolf-Dieter , Hoffmann Gerald , Aibibu Dilbar , Gelinsky Michael , Cherif Chokri
Published: June 2017

The field of articular cartilage tissue engineering has developed rapidly, and chitosan has become a promising material for scaffold fabrication. For this paper, wet-spun biocompatible chitosan filament yarns were converted into short flock fibers and subsequently electrostatically flocked onto a chitosan substrate, resulting in a pure, highly open, porous, and biodegradable chitosan scaffold. Analyzing the wet-spinning of chitosan revealed its advantages and disadvantages with respect to the fabrication of the fiber-based chitosan scaffolds. The scaffolds were prepared using varying processing parameters and were analyzed in regards to their geometrical and mechanical properties. It was found that the pore sizes were adjustable between 65 and 310 µm, and the compressive strength was in the range 13–57 kPa.
A smart textile fabric with two-way action
Authors: Michalak Marina , Krucińska Izabella
Published: June 2017

The aim of the paper was to develop a prototype of smart textile material with shape memory elements that give variable thermal insulation dependent on the emission-absorption of heat. Shape memory elements were made in the form of spirals of two-way action from nitinol (NiTi) one-way wire. Two groups of samples were made: active and non-active. The active spirals expand at temperatures lower than the characteristic inner state transition temperature and contract as the temperature becomes higher than the transient temperature, which was about 45℃. The non-active spirals do not change dimensions under the influence of heat supply. The material of the layered structure was prepared. The first layer consisted of cotton woven fabric and the second layer featured a system of NiTi spiral elements, while the final layer was made of a thin Teflon foil. The behavior of samples during absorption-emission of heat was studied. Temperature measurements were conducted using an infrared camera; samples were placed on a heater to ensure contact between the Teflon layer and the base, and the temperature was recorded at the sample surface (woven fabric) as a function of the heating time for both active and non-active samples. A theoretical model that makes it possible to determine the time variable thermal parameters of the smart textile material was developed. Good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results was received. The temperature on the surface of the active sample was approximately 10℃ higher at the end of heating than the temperature of the non-active sample after the same heating pattern.
Appraisal of HIV-AIDS consciousness among college youths in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Hartta Yashwant Singh , Zinta Rosnan Lai , Tiwari Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the present study is to appraise the HIV-AIDS consciousness among college students who are the most vulnerable groups of our society. For accomplishing the objective, the present study was carried out in Shimla district on five government/affiliated colleges of Himachal Pradesh University named as Government College, Sanjauli, Rajiv Gandhi College, Kotshera, Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Lakkar Bazar. Shimla, St. Bedes College (Missionary College) and Sanskrit College, Phagli. A sample of 932 students was selected who were tested with self-designed measure approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Delhi on multifarious aspects while the present study emphasized on aids consciousness amongst the college youths. The data demonstrated that an overwhelming number of respondents (95.1 percent) had heard about the HIV/AIDS. The percentage within each of the sex categories reveal 97.1 % of boys and 93.4% girls had heard about the HIV/AIDS. Further, it was bring into being that 91.5 (91.9% boys + 91.1% girls) respondents know the correct meaning of AIDS. The analyses revealed that 80.5 % (34.9 % and 45.6 % girls) students know the exact meaning of HIV. As per sources of information are concerned 30.0% received by the respondents from Television, 20.4 percent from Radia, 2.0 percent Cinema, 18.7 percent Newspaper/Magazines, 6.7 percent Posters/Hoardings, 1.9 percent Exhibition/Mela, 8.8 percent Health Workers, 2.4 percent Adult Education Programme, 3.4 percent Teachers, 2.0 percent friends, 0.6 percent Relative and 3.0 percent Information from the Doctor. The percentage within the sex shows that the boys acquire 29.3 % information through Television,27.2% from Radio and 18.0% from newspapers/magazines. The result further revealed 30.4 % information acquired through Television, 19.2 % from newspapers and magazines and 14.9 % through the Radio. The rejoinder with regard to transmission of HIV/AIDS to other person shows that 94.5 % (94.2 % boys and 94.8 % girls) know it well that HWAIDS cannot be put in the air through the sharing of clothes. Further it was found that 89.1 (84.1 % boys and 93.0 % girls) respondents know that HIV/AIDS infection is not feasible by sharing the intaking paraphernalia. Nearly 82.5 % students (82.5 % boys and 82.6 % girls) know that HIV/AIDS can not be broadcasted by mosquito biting. It was found that 92.2% students (90.4% boys + 93.6% girls) do not find sharing of food as the major sources of HIV/AIDS transmission. Further 79.8% (81.5% boys + 78.5% girls) students argued that hugging someone with AIDS does not pass on AIDS virus. But 89.7 (87.5% boys + 91.5% girls) respondents are very clear in their minds that the diffusion of virus are promising from tainted mother to the child during pregnancy.
Towards a Synthesis of Economic and Sociological Theories of Family Labour Supply
Authors: Cameron Samuel
Published: June 2017

Economists have generally ignored the family in micro-economic theory by treating households as one person. Becker’s allocation of time theory has spawned a number of labour supply studies which claim to take account of the family. It is argued in this paper that the labour supply function is indeterminate except under highly unpalatable assumptions. Indeterminacy results in family bargaining which needs to be considered by economists. It is argued that family bargaining is a subject requiring sociological treatment. Economic and sociological approaches to labour supply decisions are surveyed and a synthetic framework, of the two, for empirical work, put forward.
Book Review: Radical Political Economy: An Introduction to Alternative Economics
Authors: Penney Ken
Published: June 2017

Radical Political Economy: An Introduction to Alternative Economics. Brian Burkitt, published by Wheatsheaf Books, 1984.
Cooperation in the Arab Countries: Common Problems
Authors: Kheir Kamal Hamdy Aboul
Published: June 2017

The countries forming the region classified as developing societies remain below the economic and social norms of the industrialised world. With the exception of the oil producing countries in the Gulf area and Libya, the per capita share of the GNP is notably low and is ever-decreasing in most parts of the region. The main reasons for this situation are related to the growing population with inadequate human resources management, poor planning, declining productivity and heavy debt to foreign banks. This paper explores how governments in the Arab region are endeavouring to use the principles of cooperation as an effective tool for development and their role in supporting and promoting the cooperative movement.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Private Investor
Authors: Abdullahi Nuruddeen A. , Wakelam Alan
Published: June 2017

The findings of this research suggests that the Nigerian private investors like their counterparts elsewhere (e.g. the U.S.A. and the U.K.) do like both capital appreciation and dividend income. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents preferred to invest in ordinary shares rather than in any other securities on the Stock Exchange. Indeed it was found that other forms of securities, especially the government development stocks or bonds, were little known to the respondents.

The majority of the respondents (57.9%, Table 4) appeared to take investment decisions on their own initiative rather than acting on the advice of stockbrokers or other experts, and that they often rely on company reports for market information. This is perhaps due to lack of clear understanding of the role of the stockbrokers in investment advice.

The respondents showed a great reliance on three main sources of market information for investment decisions [company reports (34%), stockbrokers/or experts (27%), and the media (27%)]. However, as other authors have shown the average Nigerian investor may not be financially literate, the great reliance on company reports implies that the private investors take investment decisions by guessing at a company’s financial progress and position. The media has shown its value in providing market information and educating the public on matters of investment but there is also a need for enhanced financial journalism in the country.

Taxation does not appear to have any significant effect on personal share ownership in Nigeria. The large majority of the respondents showed their ignorance of tax rate on dividends. This may be partly because the tax on dividends was relatively small at the time of the survey (1992) and did not warrant serious consideration by the private investors whose size of share ownership is normally small.

The effects of the background characteristics of the respondents, (education and training, portfolio holdings, number of shareholdings, frequency of contact with stockbrokers, and years of experience of share ownership) did have an effect on people’s understanding of listed companies. With the exception of the size of shareholdings and years of experience of share ownership all the presented variables have a significant influence on the respondents’ understanding of listed companies (see Table 9).

Training in business and/or finance has no significant influence on the method of taking investment decisions. Both respondents with significant training and those who had little or no training in business and/or finance appeared to rely on their own initiative when taking investment decisions. It is also clear that, although the majority of the respondents expressed their satisfaction with the services rendered by the Stock Exchange, a great many respondents seem to have reservations on the efficacy of the services of the stock exchange and the market in general.
Instability of Single Layer Doubly Curved Vaults
Authors: Lenza Pietro
Published: June 2017

The study aims to technically value the limit bearing capacity determined by instability in the elastic field. We analyse separately bifurcation and limitation phenomena that produce both general and local failure.

In particular we examine the dynamic effects produced by nodal snap-through that can determine also the overall ruin of the shell.

The results of numerical analyses and of experimental tests can give useful directions to designers.
Numerical Analysis of Space Trusses With Flexible Member-End Joints
Authors: El-Sheikh A.L.
Published: June 2017

The conventional procedure for the analysis of space trusses, lattice domes and similar structures, assumes that member-end joints behave as pure pins or, in some cases, as rigid joints. However, experimental studies have shown that these joints typically exhibit some level of flexural stiffness and are therefore flexible (semi-rigid).

It was reported that the characteristics of the space truss jointing system play a major role in truss response (see Refs. 1,2,3). The results of experiments conducted on space trusses with rigid or flexible joints produced less brittle behaviour than that found for assemblies with nominally-pinned joints.

A nonlinear beam-column element with end springs has been developed to model the actual rotational stiffness of truss member-node connections, and its stiffness expressions are presented in this paper. Incorporation of this element in the numerical analysis of space trusses has led to better predictions of behaviour and strength when compared to the commonly-used two-noded frictionless truss element. This new element was used successfully in the numerical analysis of two non-composite and one composite double-layer space truss, and the results are presented in this paper.
Linear Complementary Equation Method Applied in the Load Response of Cable-Strut Systems
Authors: Wang B-B. , Xu S-Z. , Liu X-L.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the drawbacks of the Newton iteration method are analyzed. Then the Linear Complementary Equation (LCE) method is introduced into the cable-strut system to cope with the “retiring” problem of elements under load. The corresponding variants of the function of zero-stress and the flow factor of zero-stress are invented to represent the characteristics of cables and struts retiring from functioning. The derivation process is given in detail and its efficiency is proved by case studies. The LCE method has overcome all the drawbacks of the iteration method, because its computation process is non-conditionally stable, and its step length can be determined at about 1/5 of the given load value for all cases to ensure accuracy. It is novel method for studying the load response of cable-strut systems.
Argon and helium plasma coagulation of porcine liver tissue
Authors: Glowka Tim R , Standop Jens , Paschenda Pascal , Czaplik Michael , Kalff Jörg C , Tolba René H
Published: June 2017

Objective

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) and helium plasma coagulation (HPC) are electrosurgical techniques that provide noncontact monopolar electrothermal haemostasis. Although these techniques have been widely used clinically during the last three decades, their in vivo effects on liver tissue remain unclear.

Methods

We investigated the effects of different power levels (10–100 W) of APC and HPC on liver coagulation in 11 Landrace pigs. Capillary blood flow and capillary blood flow velocity were recorded with a combined laser Doppler flowmeter and spectrophotometer. The temperature, clinical biochemical parameters, blood gas parameters, bile duct-sealing effect, and coagulation depth were measured.

Results

APC and HPC significantly reduced the capillary blood flow and capillary blood flow velocity compared with baseline flow. No significant temperature change was measured on the liver surface immediately after coagulation. The clinical biochemical and blood gas parameters were not different before and after coagulation. The coagulation depth was positively correlated with the device power setting.

Conclusions

These results prove that APC and HPC provide sufficient superficial haemostasis. No significant systemic effects occurred following coagulation. The depth of the coagulation effect can be controlled through selection of the output power level.
Medium-term effects of Dynesys dynamic stabilization versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of multisegmental lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Wu Haiting , Pang Qingjiang , Jiang Guoqiang
Published: June 2017

Objective

To compare the medium-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of Dynesys dynamic stabilization and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for treatment of multisegmental lumbar degenerative disease.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients with multisegmental lumbar degenerative disease underwent Dynesys stabilization (n = 26) or PLIF (n = 31) from December 2008 to February 2010. The mean follow-up period was 50.3 (range, 46–65) months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiographic evaluations included disc height and range of motion (ROM) of the operative segments and proximal adjacent segment on lumbar flexion-extension X-rays. The intervertebral disc signal change was defined by magnetic resonance imaging, and disc degeneration was classified by the Pfirrmann grade.

Results

The clinical outcomes including the VAS score and ODI were significantly improved in both groups at 3 months and the final follow-up, but the difference between the two was not significant. At the final follow-up, the disc height of stabilized segments in both groups was significantly increased; the increase was more notable in the Dynesys than PLIF group. The ROM of stabilized segments at the final follow-up decreased from 6.20° to 2.76° and 6.56° to 0.00° in the Dynesys and PLIF groups, respectively. There was no distinct change in the height of the proximal adjacent segment in the two groups. The ROM of the proximal adjacent segment in both groups increased significantly at the final follow-up; the change was significantly greater in the PLIF than Dynesys group. Only one case of adjacent segment degeneration occurred in the PLIF group, and this patient underwent a second operation.

Conclusions

Both Dynesys stabilization and PLIF can improve the clinical and radiographic outcomes of multisegmental lumbar degenerative disease. Compared with PLIF, Dynesys stabilization can maintain the mobility of the stabilized segments with less influence on the proximal adjacent segment and may help to prevent the occurrence of adjacent segment degeneration. Dynesys is reliable for the treatment of multisegmental lumbar degenerative disease at the medium-term follow-up.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of severe infections in hospitalized adult patients with primary nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Qiankun , Su Bofeng
Published: June 2017

Objective

Infection is a common condition in patients with nephrotic syndrome. The objective of the present study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of infections in adult patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS).

Methods

Medical charts of 138 consecutive patients with PNS and infections who were admitted to hospital from April 2013 to April 2016 were systematically reviewed.

Results

Patients were divided into three groups according to the degree of infections: mild infection group (n = 45), moderate infection group (n = 60), and severe infection group (n = 33). In the severe infection group, most patients (96.9%) had pulmonary infections with opportunistic pathogens. There were significant differences in cumulative prednisone dose, immunosuppressor use, and CD4+ T cell count among the three groups. A lower CD4+ T cell count (<300 cells/mm3) (odds ratio = 4.25 [95% confidence interval 1.680–10.98]) and higher cumulative dose of prednisone (odds ratio = 1.38 [95% confidence interval 1.05–3.26]) were risk factors for severe infections in adult patients with PNS.

Conclusions

CD4+ T cell count (<300 cells/mm3) and a higher cumulative dose of prednisone are important risk factors for severe infections in adult patients with PNS.
The Ultrastructure and Histopathology of an Acidophil Adenoma of the Canine Adenohypophysis
Authors: Capen C. C. , Martin S. L. , Koestner A.
Published: June 2017

An acidophil adenoma in a 12-year-old spayed boxer dog resulted in clinical signs related to a space-occupying lesion of the hypophysis. There were two types of acidophils, as determined ultrastructurally, within the adenoma. The predominating type was interpreted to be in the storage phase of the secretory cycle as the cytoplasm was densely granulated and the organelles concerned with protein synthesis and packaging of secretory products were poorly developed. The second, less common type contained few secretory granules, had a well developed endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and was interpreted to be secretorily active. The secretory granules of the neoplastic acidophils were large (420 m μ), uniformly electron-dense, and had a narrow submembranous space. An adenoma of the pancreatic islets was also present.
Experimental Feline Infectious Enteritis in the Germfree Cat
Authors: Rohovsky M. W. , Griesemer R. A.
Published: June 2017

In the absence of other microorganisms the virus of feline infectious enteritis produced a mild, non-fatal clinical disease in germfree cats. A biphasic temperature rise occurred on post inoculation day (PID) 2 and 4. All of the germfree cats began to recover by PID 7. Absolute lymphopenia occurred on the first day followed by absolute neutropenia on PID 4. The leucocyte counts were within the normal range by PID 10. Severe atrophy of the thymus was the only macroscopic lesion produced. Depletion of mature lymphocytes and reticuloendothelial cell hyperplasia occurred in all other lymphocytic tissue. No inclusion body considered to be of diagnostic significance could be demonstrated. There was no evidence of enteritis grossly or microscopically in germfree cats.
‘Granular-Cell Myoblastoma’ in the Horse A Report of 4 Cases
Authors: Misdorp W. , Gelder H. L. Nauta-van
Published: June 2017

Spontaneous granular-cell myoblastoma, peribronchial in origin, is reported in 4 Dutch-bred horses, 2 with multiple tumours and 2 each with a solitary tumour. The reported cases of this tumour in horses are now 6, multiple lesions having been reported twice preveiously.

Involvement has been unilateral in all cases, the right lung in each except for 1 with a solitary tumour in the left lung. Our histochemical studies indicate the presence of polysaccharides and lipids in the cytoplasmic granules of tumour cells. The equine and human tumours are similar in tinctorial qualities. The former are generally less anaplastic and do not have syncytial cells and fasciculi, a common finding in man. The bronchial epithelium overlying pulmonary tumors is relatively normal in the horses, frequently metaplastic and hyperplastic in man.
Localized Nodular Tenosynovitis in the Horse
Authors: Ragland W. L.
Published: June 2017

Subcutaneous nodules, removed from the shoulder of 1 and the stifle of another mature stallion, were identified histologically as localized nodular tenosynovitis. Neither horse exhibited any evidence of pain or impaired movement. One lesion had been present for 2 months, the other for 1 year. These nodules resulted from a proliferation of small round to fusiform cells with differentiation to fibroblasts or active phagocytes, including multinucleated giant cells. The older lesion had undergone considerable collagenization.
An Electron Microscopic Study of Normal Blood and Bone Marrow in Pigs
Authors: Nafstad Per H. J. , Nafstad Inger
Published: June 2017

The ultrastructure of blood and bone marrow cells in the normal pig was studied; the process of maturation of the different cell types was found to be essentially in accordance with that in other animal species. The eosinophilic granules had a pattern which differed from that in other mammals, being characterized by specific internal structure in the immature stages. During maturation, however, a homogenous appearance supervened. Moreover, the lymphocytic nuclei were found to have irregular shapes as compared with the light microscopic picture.

The results are compared to some reported studies of other animal species.
The impact of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on sensory and developmental outcomes in infants born preterm: A scoping review
Authors: Philpott-Robinson Kelsey , Lane Shelly J , Korostenski Larissa , Lane Alison E
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are at higher risk of poor neurodevelopmental and sensory outcomes. There is interest in establishing whether elements of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit sensory environment may influence the sensory and overall development of these infants.

Method

The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant research regarding the sensory elements of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and their short- and long-term influence on preterm infants. This scoping review is underpinned by the six-stage framework by Arksey and O’Malley.

Results

There are few studies that have directly examined the influence of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit environment upon the sensory and developmental outcomes of infants born preterm, in infancy. The findings of the studies included in this review suggest that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit sensory environment may alter developmental trajectories of preterm infants. However, low-quality evidence exists in this field, with much of the literature being preliminary.

Conclusion

Further experimental studies are required that combine multiple methods of assessment to more rigorously understand the sensory characteristics of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and their relationship with developmental outcomes across early childhood.
Shape Control of Composite Plates by Bonded Actuators with High Performance Configuration
Authors: Hsu Chih-Yu , Lin Chien-Chang , Gaul Lothar
Published: June 2017

The electrical fields and configuration parameters such as location, size and thickness of piezoelectric actuators are very important for shape control of structures. By using a performance index, the configuration parameters of actuators and adhesive can be chosen by some rules for improving performance. In this study a procedure combining a finite element model and the gradient projection algorithm is proposed for optimum design of shape control. This finite element model contains the actuator element, the adhesive interface element, and an eight-node isoparametric plate element which is employed for the calculation of plate shape. The gradient projection algorithm is used to choose the optimal values of design variables. Some numerical examples are illustrated and results reveal that the present method is effective and can be applied to the problem of shape control.
A Model of Polymer Melt Flow in Spiral Mandrel Dies
Authors: Mavridis Harry
Published: June 2017

This work describes a model of polymer melt flow in spiral mandrel dies that attempts to account for the viscoelastic behavior of the polymer melt. The model is of the control-volume type currently available in the literature and includes simple, yet essential, modifications that improve the model predictions. The improved accuracy is demonstrated by comparison to three-dimensional calculations for Newtonian fluids and experimental results on LDPE blown films.