bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different methods for exogenous DNA uptake by bovine spermatozoa
Authors: Simões Renata , Feitosa Weber Beringui , Milazzotto Marcella Pecora , Nicacio Alessandra Corallo , Barros Flavia Regina Oliveira de , Gonçalves José Sergio De Arruda , Marques Mariana Groke , Visintin José Antônio , Assumpção Mayra Elena Ortiz D'Ávila
Published: April 2015

Apesar da manipulação genética de animais domésticos ser de grande interesse para a produção animal e para a indústria farmacêutica, a sua eficiência ainda é insatisfatória. A injeção pronuclear, a técnica mais utilizada para tal proposito, principalmente em camundongos, ainda apresenta limitações para esta espécie. Algumas alternativas têm sido desenvolvidas como o uso de espermatozoides como vetores para transferência genica, na qual a célula espermática tem habilidade espontânea de se ligar a molécula de DNA e internaliza-la. Dado o potencial da transferência genica mediada por espermatozoide para animais domésticos transgênicos, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi a avaliação de quatro métodos de incorporação de DNA para a transferência genica mediada por espermatozoides na espécie bovina: incubação com DNA, alteração da membrana plasmática induzida por cálcio ionóforo seguida por incubação com o DNA exógeno, eletroporação e lipofecção. Espermatozoides não expostos ao DNA exógeno foram usados como grupo controle. Os índices de clivagem, blastocisto e eclosão foram avaliados, respectivamente, as 72 horas após a inseminação dos oócitos, bem como, aos 9 e 12 dias de cultivo embrionário. Os embriões positivos para o DNA exógeno foram avaliados por PCR. Nenhum efeito de tratamento foi observado nos índices de clivagem, blastocisto e eclosão. Além disso, a porcentagem de blastocistos positivos para o DNA exógeno não diferiu entre os grupos experimentais. Apesar do baixo número de embriões positivos para DNA exógeno, os resultados obtidos mostram que todos os tratamentos apresentaram eficiências similares. A conclusão obtida foi que, apesar de os índices de desenvolvimento embrionário terem sido similares e constante em todos os grupos experimentais, outros fatores como a sequência, o tamanho e a concentração do DNA exógeno devem ser avaliados para melhorar a transferência genica mediada por espermatozoides.
Em direção a um novo 1984? A tutela da vida privada entre a invasão de privacidade e a privacidade renunciada
Authors: Tomasevicius Filho Eduardo
Published: April 2015

Esse texto tem por objetivo a análise do direito à privacidade na era da Internet. Como pano de fundo, apresentou-se resumo da obra 1984, de George Orwell, recorrentemente citada pelos juristas para exemplificar a vida cotidiana em um mundo sem privacidade. Apresentou-se o quadro atual de redução da privacidade na Internet, provocado pelo desenvolvimento das redes sociais e pelo uso de telefones celulares. Em seguida, forram resgatadas as reflexões de diversos juristas acerca desse tema, as quais, ao contrário do que se poderia imaginar, são bastante antigas. Ademais, apresentaram-se os alertas que esses pensadores legaram para as gerações futuras. Ao final, analisaram-se duas leis brasileiras recentes voltadas à proteção da privacidade, criticadas quanto à sua ineficácia por se não se aproveitarem as contribuições dos juristas do passado no tratamento dessas questões.
Pluralidade das fontes e o novo Direito Internacional Privado
Authors: Ramos André de Carvalho
Published: April 2015

O artigo objetiva analisar as fontes do Direito Internacional Privado no Brasil, explicitando as principais fontes nacionais e as fontes internacionais, seu diálogo e, com isso, elaborar um retrato com as principais características da matéria na atualidade.
O Cristianismo ortodoxo. O Direito russo
Authors: Campos Neto Antonio Augusto Machado de
Published: April 2015

Embora perseguida pelos vários regimes comunistas ao longo de mais de 70 anos, a Igreja ortodoxa permaneceu como a principal Religião da Rússia e do Leste e Sudeste europeu. Com mais de, aproximadamente, 500 milhões de adeptos, a Igreja ortodoxa diverge em vários ritos da católica. Ao lado da Russkaia pravda que constitui o Direito laico da Rússia existe outro Direito que também reina: o Direito Canônico; todavia, o Direito Canônico que é aplicado na Rússia é um Direito diferente daquele que se conhece no Ocidente. É o Direito Canônico de Bizâncio representado por série de nomocanons, embasado no nomocanon do patriarca Photius, de 883. Os nomocanons contêm concomitantemente o Direito Civil (nomos) com o Direito Canônico (cânon) no intuito de que clérigos pudessem conhecer toda a coletânea mesclada às disposições ditadas das quais estariam submetidos, além do que deveriam juridicamente aplicar; tanto assim, que a Igreja russa vive conforme dispositivos do Direito Canônico. O Direito bizantino vem a desempenhar grande importância na Rússia.
Razão pública e paisagem: reflexões e subsídios teóricos-conceituais para o entendimento para a qualificação da urbanização contemporânea
Authors: Queiroga Eugenio Fernandes
Published: April 2015

Este artigo apresenta uma discussão referente à esfera de vida pública na contemporaneidade, e apresenta uma formulação do conceito de “esfera pública geral”, incluindo, além da esfera pública política, toda a vida em público. A partir da teoria da ação comunicativa elaborada por Habermas, fundamenta-se a expressão “razão pública”. Tendo por base a noção de paisagem enquanto mediação entre sujeito que percebe e formas, agentes e ações percebidas, discute-se o papel ativo da paisagem enquanto dimensão pública, constitutiva dos processos socioespaciais no meio urbano. Dessa maneira, a relevância da paisagem e do projeto para a qualificação do cotidiano e da esfera pública nas cidades brasileiras precisa ser melhor considerada, sobretudo para a constituição da cidadania (domínio das liberdades), mais do que simples crescimento do mercado consumidor interno (domínio das necessidades).
Arborização urbana e qualificação da paisagem
Authors: Basso Jussara Maria , Corrêa Rodrigo Studart
Published: April 2015

Este trabalho quantificou o papel de diferentes espécies arbóreas na amenização do microclima na área central de Campo Grande (MS) por meio da avaliação da contribuição da arborização urbana sobre o conforto térmico do espaço público da cidade. A cidade de Campo Grande apresenta clima tropical com estação seca, característico do Cerrado brasileiro. Apontar espécies arbóreas capazes de qualificar a paisagem e amenizar o microclima urbano torna-se importante. Neste trabalho buscou-se avaliar a melhoria da sensação de conforto térmico alcançada com a amenização da radiação solar caracterizada pelas diferenças apresentadas nas temperaturas superficiais de ruas e calçadas sob influência de árvores adultas das espécies mais utilizadas na arborização da área central da cidade. Para tanto foram feitas medições com um termômetro sob a sombra e o entorno próximo de doze espécies existentes nas calçadas. Os resultados indicaram a dimensão, em relação ao conforto térmico, que uma espécie apresenta perante outras e possibilitaram uma projeção da amenização do calor no recinto urbano, o que pode contribuir na tomada de decisões de planejamento e desenho paisagístico da cidade. 
Zhou History and Historiography: Introducing the Bamboo manuscript Xinian
Authors: Pines Yuri
Published: April 2015

Xinian is a recently published bamboo manuscript from the collection of Qinghua (Tsinghua) University. It is the lengthiest, most detailed historical text unearthed in recent decades. The text narrates major events from the history of the state of Chu, its rivals, and its allies from the beginning of the Western Zhou period to the early fourth century bce. In this introductory article I argue the following: first, both the language and the content of Xinian indicate that this text was based on earlier historical sources from the states of Chu and Jin, in addition to sources from within the Zhou royal domain; second, the authors’ utilization of their primary sources differs markedly from those observable in Zuo zhuan (with which Xinian has many overlapping parts) and in later collections of anecdotes; and third, Xinian may represent a heretofore unknown genre of “informative history.” In addition, I explore the new perspectives that Xinian sheds on early Qin and Chu history. 

Le Xinian est un manuscrit sur bambou récemment publié, appartenant à la collection de l’Université Qinghua (Tsinghua). Il s’agit du texte historique le plus long et le plus détaillé exhumé au cours des dernières décennies, relatant les événements importants de l’histoire de l’État de Chu, de ses rivaux et de ses alliés depuis le début des Zhou Occidentaux jusqu’au début du ive siècle avant notre ère. Cet article introductif propose les conclusions suivantes: d’abord, la langue comme le contenu du Xinian indiquent que le texte est basé sur des sources historiques plus anciennes provenant des États de Chu et de Jin, auxquelles s’ajoutent des sources du domaine royal des Zhou ; ensuite, l’usage que font ses auteurs de leurs sources diffère notablement de ce qui peut être observé dans le Zuo zhuan (avec lequel le Xinian se recoupe en de nombreux endroits) et dans les collections d’anecdotes postérieures ; enfin, le Xinian pourrait être représentatif d’un genre jusqu’ici inconnu d’“histoire informative”. L’article explore par ailleurs certaines perspectives nouvelles suggérées par le texte sur l’histoire du début du Qin et celle du Chu.
Superior Virtue, Inferior Virtue: A Doctrinal Theme in the Works of the Daoist Master Liu Yiming (1734–1821)
Authors: Pregadio Fabrizio
Published: April 2015

The Daoist master Liu Yiming (1734–1821) frequently mentions “superior virtue” and “inferior virtue” (shangde and xiade) in his works. In his view, these terms define two aspects, or degrees, of Neidan (Internal Alchemy), respectively focused on “non-doing” (wuwei) and “doing” (youwei), and concerned with the cultivation of Nature (xing) and Existence (ming). This article presents Liu Yiming’s main writings on this subject and their background. Originally formulated in the Daode jing and first applied to alchemy in the Cantong qi, the distinction between the two types of “virtue” also reflects the history of the Neidan tradition and in particular the development of practices of self-cultivation that emphasize the “conjoined cultivation of Nature and Existence” (xingming shuangxiu). 

Le maître taoïste Liu Yiming (1734–1821) mentionne fréquemment la “vertu supérieure” et la “vertu inférieure” (shangde et xiade) dans ses œuvres. Pour lui, ces termes définissent deux aspects, ou degrés, du Neidan (alchimie interne), centrés respectivement sur le “non-faire” et le “faire” et s’attachant à cultiver la nature (xing) et l’existence (ming). Cet article présente les principaux écrits de Liu Yiming sur le sujet ainsi que leur arrière-plan. Formulée à l’origine dans le Daode jing et appliquée pour la première fois à l’alchimie dans le Cantong qi, la distinction entre ces deux types de “vertu” reflètent également l’histoire de la tradition Neidan et plus particulièrement le développement de pratiques de culture du soi mettant l’accent sur la “culture conjointe de la nature et de l’existence” (xingming shuangxiu).
Impacts of External Forcing on the Decadal Climate Variability in CMIP5 Simulations*
Authors: Song Yi , Yu Yongqiang
Published: April 2015

Decadal climate variability is usually regarded as an internal variability in the climate system. However, using the coupled simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), it is demonstrated that the external radiative forcing plays an important role in modulating decadal variability of the global mean surface air temperature (SAT). In historical runs, the standard deviations of the global mean SAT exhibit robust increases relative to preindustrial runs, indicating that external forcing acts on decadal variability of the global mean SAT through enhancing amplitude and modulating phase. By comparing model results using different external forcing agents, it is found that the natural forcing agent has the strongest impact on the decadal time scale. Every type of simulation (i.e., the preindustrial, historical, natural forcing, and anthropogenic forcing runs) from almost all the CMIP5 models exhibits a high correlation between the net shortwave (SW) radiative flux at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) and the global mean SAT with a 13-month lag. However, after taking the multimodel ensemble mean for the TOA SW radiative flux and the SAT, respectively, the correlations from the external forcing runs are much higher than those from preindustrial runs. This is because that the decadal SAT anomalies from multiple models cancel each other out in the preindustrial runs without external forcing but generally follow decadal evolution of the external forcing with a 13-month lag. The most significant regional responses to external forcing are found in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, although with different physical mechanisms for the natural and greenhouse gas forcing agents.
Roles of Barotropic Convective Momentum Transport in the Intraseasonal Oscillation*
Authors: Liu Fei , Wang Bin , Kang In-Sik
Published: April 2015

Both observational data analysis and model simulations suggest that convective momentum transport (CMT) by cumulus convection may play a significant role in the intraseasonal oscillations (ISO) by redistributing atmospheric momentum vertically through fast convective mixing process. The authors present a simple theoretical model for the ISO by parameterizing the cumulus momentum transport process in which the CMT tends to produce barotropic wind anomalies that will affect the frictional planetary boundary layer (PBL). In the model with equatorial easterly vertical wind shear (VWS), it is found that the barotropic CMT tends to select most unstable planetary-scale waves because CMT suppresses the equatorial Ekman pumping of short waves, which reduces the shortwave instability from the PBL moisture convergence and accelerates the shortwave propagation. The model with subtropical easterly VWS has behavior that can be qualitatively different from the model with equatorial easterly VWS and has robust northward propagation. The basic mechanism of this northward propagation is that the CMT accelerates the barotropic cyclonic wind to the north of ISO, which will enhance the precipitation by PBL Ekman pumping and favor the northward propagation. The simulated northward propagation is sensitive to the strength and location of the seasonal-mean easterly VWS. These results suggest that accurate simulation of the climatological-mean state is critical for reproducing the realistic ISO in general circulation models.
A Comparative Analysis of TRMM–Rain Gauge Data Merging Techniques at the Daily Time Scale for Distributed Rainfall–Runoff Modeling Applications
Authors: Nerini Daniele , Zulkafli Zed , Wang Li-Pen , Onof Christian , Buytaert Wouter , Lavado-Casimiro Waldo , Guyot Jean-Loup
Published: April 2015

This study compares two nonparametric rainfall data merging methods—the mean bias correction and double-kernel smoothing—with two geostatistical methods—kriging with external drift and Bayesian combination—for optimizing the hydrometeorological performance of a satellite-based precipitation product over a mesoscale tropical Andean watershed in Peru. The analysis is conducted using 11 years of daily time series from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) research product (also TRMM 3B42) and 173 rain gauges from the national weather station network. The results are assessed using 1) a cross-validation procedure and 2) a catchment water balance analysis and hydrological modeling. It is found that the double-kernel smoothing method delivered the most consistent improvement over the original satellite product in both the cross-validation and hydrological evaluation. The mean bias correction also improved hydrological performance scores, particularly at the subbasin scale where the rain gauge density is higher. Given the spatial heterogeneity of the climate, the size of the modeled catchment, and the sparsity of data, it is concluded that nonparametric merging methods can perform as well as or better than more complex geostatistical methods, whose assumptions may not hold under the studied conditions. Based on these results, a systematic approach to the selection of a satellite–rain gauge data merging technique is proposed that is based on data characteristics. Finally, the underperformance of an ordinary kriging interpolation of the rain gauge data, compared to TMPA and other merged products, supports the use of satellite-based products over gridded rain gauge products that utilize sparse data for hydrological modeling at large scales.
Reciprocity as a trigger of social cooperation in contemporary immigration societies?
Authors: Manatschal Anita
Published: April 2015

While the system stabilizing function of reciprocity is widely acknowledged, much less attention has been paid to the argument that reciprocity might initiate social cooperation in the first place. This paper tests Gouldner’s early assumption that reciprocity may act as a ‘starting mechanism’ of social cooperation in consolidating societies. The empirical test scenario builds on unequal civic engagement between immigrants and nationals, as this engagement gap can be read as a lack of social cooperation in consolidating immigration societies. Empirical analyses using survey data on reciprocal norms and based on Bayesian hierarchical modelling lend support for Gouldner’s thesis, underlining thereby the relevance of reciprocity in today’s increasingly diverse societies: individual norms of altruistic reciprocity elevate immigrants’ propensity to volunteer, reducing thereby the engagement gap between immigrants and natives in the area of informal volunteering. In other words, compliance with altruistic reciprocity may trigger cooperation in social strata, where it is less likely to occur. The positive moderation of the informal engagement gap through altruistic reciprocity turns out to be most pronounced for immigrants who are least likely to engage in informal volunteering, meaning low, but also highly educated immigrants.
Youth social withdrawal behavior (hikikomori): A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies
Authors: Li Tim MH , Wong Paul WC
Published: April 2015

Objective:

Acute and/or severe social withdrawal behavior among youth was seen as a culture-bound psychiatric syndrome in Japan, but more youth social withdrawal cases in different countries have been discovered recently. However, due to the lack of a formal definition and diagnostic tool for youth social withdrawal, cross-cultural observational and intervention studies are limited. We aimed to consolidate existing knowledge in order to understand youth social withdrawal from diverse perspectives and suggest different interventions for different trajectories of youth social withdrawal.

Method:

This review examined the current available scientific information on youth social withdrawal in the academic databases: ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and PubMed. We included quantitative and qualitative studies of socially withdrawn youths published in English and academic peer-reviewed journals.

Results:

We synthesized the information into the following categories: (1) definitions of youth social withdrawal, (2) developmental theories, (3) factors associated with youth social withdrawal and (4) interventions for socially withdrawn youths. Accordingly, there are diverse and controversial definitions for youth social withdrawal. Studies of youth social withdrawal are based on models that lead to quite different conclusions. Researchers with an attachment perspective view youth social withdrawal as a negative phenomenon, whereas those who adopt Erikson’s developmental theory view it more positively as a process of seeking self-knowledge. Different interventions for socially withdrawn youths have been developed, mainly in Japan, but evidence-based practice is almost non-existent.

Conclusion:

We propose a theoretical framework that views youth social withdrawal as resulting from the interplay between psychological, social and behavioral factors. Future validation of the framework will help drive forward advances in theory and interventions for youth social withdrawal as an emerging issue in developed countries.
Predicting permeability based on flow simulations and textile modelling techniques: Comparison with experimental values and verification of FlowTex solver using Ansys CFX
Authors: Swery Elinor E , Meier Reinhold , Lomov Stepan V , Drechsler Klaus , Kelly Piaras
Published: April 2015

This paper compares the predicted permeability values obtained from conducting simulations with experimental results from the second permeability benchmark exercise. An automated tool, which has been developed for this purpose and is presented here, carries out flow simulations on WiseTex generated meshes using Ansys CFX. Different meshing methods are explored, and the effects of different boundary conditions, number of layers used to model the preform and the incorporation of nesting are examined. The predicted permeability values of the textile model closest to the real preform structure were higher by a factor of approximately two compared to the experimental values. In the second part of this work, the permeability values obtained using Ansys CFX and FlowTex solvers are compared and the ability of both solvers to capture variations in unit cell geometric parameters is demonstrated. A close agreement between the two solvers was found.
Low-Level Fluoride Exposure Increases Insulin Sensitivity in Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Lobo J.G.V.M. , Leite A.L. , Pereira H.A.B.S. , Fernandes M.S. , Peres-Buzalaf C. , Sumida D.H. , Rigalli A. , Buzalaf M.A.R.
Published: April 2015

The effect of chronic fluoride (F) exposure from the drinking water on parameters related to glucose homeostasis was investigated. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 2 groups (diabetic [D] and nondiabetic [ND]; n = 54 each). In D, diabetes was induced with streptozotocin. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups (0, 10, or 50 mgF/L in drinking water). After 22 days of treatment, plasma and liver samples were collected. No alterations in glycemia, insulinemia, KITT, and HOMA2-IR (homeostasis model assessment 2 of insulin resistance) were seen for ND. F-exposure of D rats led to significantly lower insulinemia, without alterations in glycemia (increased %S). Proteomic analysis detected 19, 39, and 16 proteins differentially expressed for the comparisons D0 vs. D10, D0 vs. D50, and D10 vs. D50, respectively. Gene Ontology with the most significant terms in the comparisons D0 vs. D10, D0 vs. D50, and D50 vs. D10 were organic acid metabolic process and carboxylic acid metabolic process, organic acid metabolic process, and cellular ketone metabolic process. Analysis of subnetworks revealed that proteins with fold changes interacted with GLUT4 in comparison D0 vs. D10. Among these proteins, ERj3p was present in D10. Upregulation of this protein in the presence of F might help to explain the higher %S found in these animals. These data suggest that fluoride might enhance glucose homeostasis in diabetes and identify specific biological mechanisms that merit future studies.
Baby Boomers and Cannabis Delivery Systems
Authors: Murphy Fiona , Sales Paloma , Murphy Sheigla , Averill Sheigla , Lau Nicholas , Sato Sye-Ok
Published: April 2015

Findings for this article are derived from our National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded study of older and younger Baby Boomers and marijuana use. We explore Baby Boomers’ use of a variety of cannabis products and the motives behind the choices they make concerning these preparations. Cannabis concentrates and edible goods have become increasingly popular over the years. With so many new ways to consume marijuana and a growing number of medical marijuana dispensaries, more and more people are using alternative cannabis products to relieve physical ailments, to improve mental health issues, and for recreational purposes. We explore Baby Boomers’ motives to use and how aging may change those motives and influence their choices in cannabis delivery systems. As they get older, Boomers’ health concerns grow and many have turned to these alternative cannabis products to improve mental and physical well-being, and even to reduce the potential risks of traditional marijuana smoking.
Mechanical and physicochemical contribution in removal of different soil types on cotton fabric
Authors: Han Hye Ree , Chung Seung Eun , Kim Jooyoun , Park Chung Hee
Published: April 2015

The research was conducted to identify the optimal washing methods for three types of soils, in terms of washing efficiency and eco-efficiency. To this end, the mechanical action by the washer’s agitation and the physicochemical action by detergents were investigated for their respective contribution to the detergency of three kinds of artificial soils: oil, protein, and their mixture. In general, washing efficiency increased with the increased agitation speed and the amount of detergent use. Most of the washing conditions presented a positive synergistic effect when both the mechanical and physicochemical actions were applied simultaneously.

The contributing ratio of the physicochemical action was greater for oily soil than for other soil types, due to the effective rolling-up by the detergent for the oily soil. The contributing ratio attributable to the mechanical action was higher when the protein was present in the soil composition, and the mechanical contribution was compromised as detergent usage was increased. The washing condition with the largest synergy did not always correspond with the condition of the highest washing efficiency. Energy Efficiency for Detergency was increased in all soil types as the agitation speed increased. It is suggested that the washing method be determined considering (1) the level of soiling and the acceptable washing performance, (2) the synergistic effect of mechanical and physicochemical actions, and (3) the eco-efficiency of washing methods.
Simulating adhesion of wet fabrics to water: surface tension-based theoretical model and experimental verification
Authors: Lou Lin , Ji Feng , Qiu Yiping
Published: April 2015

Wet fabric clinging to human skin brings physical and mental discomfort. In order to characterize the adhesion force sticking the fabric to human skin, a theoretical model is developed by analyzing the configuration of the liquid bridge between a fabric and large volume of liquid beneath. A new testing method is proposed to evaluate the adhesion force of different fabric materials and the testing results show a reasonably good match with the theoretical prediction. The adhesion performance of a fabric depends on its hydrophilicity, deformability, surface morphology, internal structure and surface tension of the liquid, resulting in different radii and heights of the liquid bridge. The theoretical model and the proposed testing method can predict and evaluate the adhesion force of different kinds of fabrics, and may facilitate design and development of fabrics with minimized skin/fabric adhesion in the wet state.
Factors influencing the flocculation process in silica-reinforced natural rubber compounds
Authors: Kaewsakul Wisut , Sahakaro Kannika , Dierkes Wilma K , Noordermeer Jacques WM
Published: April 2015

The dispersion stability of silica aggregates in the rubber matrix is one of the concerns for silica-filled compounds. Silica aggregates tend to flocculate due to their poor compatibility with the rubbers and consequent strong tendency for self-association. The flocculation process can occur during compound storage as well as at the onset of vulcanization. This present work studies the kinetics of the flocculation process in silica-reinforced natural rubber (NR) compounds by following the changes of the storage modulus during thermal annealing under conditions applied for vulcanization. The results demonstrate that silica flocculation can be effectively suppressed by increasing compound dump temperature and amount of silane, as these result in a better degree of dispersion, higher degrees of hydrophobation, and filler–rubber interaction. The compounds containing highly dispersible silicas exhibit greater filler–rubber interaction, but their flocculation processes develop faster when compared to the compounds filled with conventional silicas. Epoxidation of NR clearly influences the filler–rubber interaction but shows no clear evidence of a change of flocculation rate.
City Glow
Authors: Kenny Nicolas
Published: April 2015

Proliferating streetlights generated complex emotional responses in modern cities. Drawing on recent scholarship in the history of the emotions, this article argues that examining the feelings of pride and prestige associated with technological innovation, but also of anger and fear when light was lacking or unpleasant, reveals the intimate nature of urban dwellers’ relationship to their environment. Street lighting is often studied as part the networks of infrastructure that gave cities their contemporary form, or as elements of the commercial expansion that made them centers of consumerism. At the intersection of these trends stood the emotional experiences of those seeking to lay claim to the urban night. If the cultural significance of emotions varies according to historical circumstances, comparing the tensions, politics, and atmospheres of streetlights in distant places like Montreal and Brussels suggests that the rapidly changing urban environment of the period produced its own distinct emotional regime.
Cultural studies: which paradigm?
Authors: Scannell Paddy
Published: April 2015

This essay is a critical review of ‘Cultural Studies: two paradigms’ by Stuart Hall, published in this journal in 1980. The two paradigms are ‘experience’ and ‘ideology’, the respective master concepts of the first and second generation of Cultural Studies. I situate Hall’s article in the context of its time (the late 1970s) as a response to internal disagreements within British Marxism and, more broadly, to a crisis in the humanistic disciplines–notably English Literature and History. Hall, I conclude, privileges ideology over experience. I prefer the paradigm of ‘lived experience’ and, in the second part of this essay, offer a revaluation of its meaning and significance for media and cultural studies.
Temporal profiles of high-mobility group box 1 expression levels after cortical spreading depression in mice
Authors: Takizawa Tsubasa , Shibata Mamoru , Kayama Yohei , Toriumi Haruki , Ebine Taeko , Koh Anri , Shimizu Toshihiko , Suzuki Norihiro
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has recently been shown to induce the release of the nuclear protein termed high-mobility group box 1 from neurons, causing activation of the trigeminovascular system. Here, we explored the effects of single and multiple cortical spreading depression inductions on high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) transcriptional activity relative to high-mobility group box 1 protein expression levels and intracellular localization in cortical neurons and astrocytes.

Methods

Single or multiple cortical spreading depression inductions were achieved by KCl application to the mouse cerebral cortex. The animals were sacrificed at 30 minutes, 3 hours and 24 hours after cortical spreading depression induction. High-mobility group box 1 expression levels were explored with in situ hybridization, Western blotting and immunostaining.

Results

Cortical spreading depression up-regulated high-mobility group box 1 transcriptional activity in neurons at 3 hours in a manner that was dependent on the number of cortical spreading depression inductions. At 24 hours, the high-mobility group box 1 transcriptional activity had returned to basal levels. Cortical spreading depression induced a reduction in high-mobility group box 1 protein expression at 3 hours, which was also dependent on the number of cortical spreading depression inductions. Following cortical spreading depression, the release of high-mobility group box 1 from the nucleus was observed in a small proportion of neurons, but not in astrocytes.

Conclusion

Cortical spreading depression induced translocation of high-mobility group box 1 from neuronal nuclei, driving transcriptional up-regulation of high-mobility group box 1 to maintain protein levels.
Pitching Performance and Longevity After Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Major League Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Marshall Nathan E. , Keller Robert A. , Lynch Jonathan R. , Bey Michael J. , Moutzouros Vasilios
Published: April 2015

Background:

Medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is a common procedure performed on professional pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB). Although a great deal is known about primary reconstruction, much less is known about revision reconstruction.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate statistical performance, return to play, and career longevity in MLB pitchers after revision UCL surgery, with the hypothesis that pitching performance and career longevity will decline after revision surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 33 MLB pitchers who underwent revision UCL reconstruction surgery (UCL-R group) were identified and compared with 33 age- and position-matched controls (CTL group). Return to play, total years played, and statistical performance were evaluated and compared with controls.

Results:

After revision surgery, 65.5% of UCL-R pitchers returned to the MLB level. On average, the UCL-R pitchers played 0.8 years less in the majors ( P < .01) than did the control pitchers. The UCL-R pitchers who returned to the MLB level had a similar earned run average (UCL-R: 4.88, CTL: 4.76, P = .82) and walks/hits per innings pitched (UCL-R: 1.58, CTL: 1.44, P = .22) compared with the control pitchers. There were significant declines, however, in terms of innings pitched (UCL-R: 36.95, CTL: 75.00, P < .01), walks per 9 innings (UCL-R: 4.75, CTL: 3.49, P < .01), and wins (UCL-R: 1.88, CTL: 4.10, P < .01) as well as nonsignificant declines in wins above replacement (UCL-R: 0.25, CTL: 0.62, P = .06) and runs above replacement (UCL-R: 3.26, CTL: 6.91, P = .07).

Conclusion:

MLB pitchers who undergo UCL-R have a low rate of return to MLB play and have shortened careers after return. Pitchers who returned to the MLB level maintained performance in several statistics such as earned run average and walks/hits per innings pitched; however, pitchers returned with a significantly decreased workload.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Children With Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Tavares Márcio , Arantes Mavilde , Chacim Sérgio , Júnior António Campos , Pinto Armando , Mariz José Mário , Sonin Teresa , Pereira Susana
Published: April 2015

Since its original description 2 decades ago, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has been reported in children with several predisposing conditions. Epidemiologic data of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children with hematologic malignancies is still scarce. Herein, we describe the clinical and radiologic features along with the outcome and follow-up of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome complicating the treatment of children with hematologic malignancies. Ten patients with a median age of 6.3 years were diagnosed with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Six of them were undergoing chemotherapy and the remaining 4 were at 37, 52, 78, and 857 days after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The median follow-up was 27.6 months. Even though follow-up imaging showed complete resolution of abnormalities in those 10 children, 2 developed secondary epilepsy. Despite accurate diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and immediate intervention, neurologic sequelae may still develop. Thus, a close follow-up should be considered in all patients.
A Preliminary Study of the Effects of an Arts Education Program on Executive Function, Behavior, and Brain Structure in a Sample of Nonclinical School-Aged Children
Authors: Park Subin , Lee Jong-Min , Baik Young , Kim Kihyun , Yun Hyuk Jin , Kwon Hunki , Jung Yeon-Kyung , Kim Bung-Nyun
Published: April 2015

The authors examined the effects of arts education on cognition, behavior, and brain of children. Twenty-nine nonclinical children participated in a 15-week arts education program that was composed of either creative movement or musical arts. Children completed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, clinical scales, and brain magnetic resonance imaging before and after the intervention. Following program completion, performances on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Children’s Depression Inventory scores, and conduct disorder scores were significantly improved. Furthermore, cortical thickness in the left postcentral gyrus and superior parietal lobule were increased, and the mean diffusivity values in the right posterior corona radiate and superior longitudinal fasciculus were decreased. Positive correlations between changes in cognitive measurements and changes in cortical thickness were observed. This preliminary study suggests a positive effect of arts education on executive functions in association with brain changes. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution due to the noncomparative study design.
The Clinical Utility of a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Microarray in Patients With Epilepsy at a Tertiary Medical Center
Authors: Hrabik Sarah A. , Standridge Shannon M. , Greiner Hansel M. , Neilson Derek E. , Pilipenko Valentina V. , Zimmerman Sarah L. , Connor Jessica A. , Spaeth Christine G.
Published: April 2015

Microarray testing has revolutionized clinical cytogenetics, as it provides a significantly higher resolution and greater clinical yield than karyotype analysis. This study assessed the clinical utility of single-nucleotide polymorphism microarray in patients with epilepsy. Study subjects were patients between the ages of birth to 23 years who were diagnosed with epilepsy and had a microarray performed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Statistical analysis explored the association of microarray results and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), seizure type, and structural malformations. Approximately 17.7% (26/147) of participants had an abnormal microarray as defined by laboratory guidelines. There were no differences in frequency of abnormal brain MRI or seizure type between the abnormal and normal microarray groups. There was a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal malformations ( P < .0035) and cardiovascular malformations ( P < .0081) in subjects with abnormal microarrays. Clinicians should consider microarray analysis in individuals who have epilepsy, especially in combination with musculoskeletal malformation or cardiovascular malformation.
Safety, Cost, and Clinical Considerations for the Use of Premixed Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Hall Jacob W.
Published: April 2015

Premixed parenteral nutrition (PN) can be used for PN therapy in place of traditional compounded or customized PN. Premixed PN may have a number of advantages over compounded PN such as decreased costs, decreased compounding time, reduced chance for error, and reduced incidence of bloodstream infections. However, premixed PN may not be appropriate for all patients and may have other additional costs associated with its use. This article discusses the data available with regard to the use of premixed PN, focusing on the potential advantages and disadvantages of using premixed PN, and also discusses the implementation of premixed PN in a large tertiary cancer center.
Ofsted’s judgement of parental engagement
Authors: Goodall Janet
Published: April 2015

This article considers the recent change to Ofsted’s inspection criteria, which now includes a judgement on schools’ engagement with parents as part of the overall Leadership and Management judgement. The article argues that this is the correct place for this judgement, linking effective parental engagement with the development of a broad and holistic understanding of parental engagement, and with the creation of ethos in the school.
A perspective on oil-whirl using two orthogonal coupled oscillators
Authors: Brennan Michael J , Kamesh Punithavathy
Published: April 2015

It has been known for many years that rotating machinery with hydrodynamic oil-film bearings can exhibit oil-whirl instability, where the unidirectional oil-film force acts on the rotor causing it to vibrate at a natural frequency. In this article, this phenomenon is investigated using two orthogonal coupled oscillators in which the bearing is modeled using short-bearing theory and an oscillating π oil-film to account for cavitation. It is found that at the point of instability, energy is extracted from the oil-film by one of the oscillators, and this energy is dissipated by the other one, such that there is no net energy gain or loss from the system. When the steady-state eccentricity ratio is such that the whirl frequency goes to zero, the oscillators effectively become undamped so that there is no energy exchange between them, and the system is stable.
Orthotropic patterns of Pasternak foundation in smart vibration analysis of magnetostrictive nanoplate
Authors: Arani A Ghorbanpour , Maraghi Z Khoddami , Arani H Khani
Published: April 2015

In this research, free vibration of rectangular nanoplate made of magnetostrictive materials is studied while it is focused on elastic medium as an efficient stability factor. For this purpose, Pasternak foundation is developed by considering orthotropy angle where the effect of Pasternak shear modulus is investigated in different directions. Since the nanoplate is subjected to the coil, a feedback control system follows the effects of uniform magnetic field on vibration characteristics of magnetostrictive nanoplate. So, Reddy’s third-order shear deformation theory along with Eringen’s nonlocal continuum model are utilized in order to derive motion equations at nanoscale using Hamilton’s principle. Five coupled motion equations solved by differential quadrature method in two-dimensional space by considering different boundary conditions. Results indicate that with appropriative selection for orthotropy angle, normal, and shear Pasternak foundation modulus, it is possible to achieve optimal and desire values to more stability of magnetostrictive nanoplate. These findings can be used in automotive industry, communications equipment in nano- and microstructures.
Psychosocial Strength Enhancing Resilience in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Authors: Ishibashi Akiko , Okamura Jun , Ueda Reiko , Sunami Shosuke , Kobayashi Ryoji , Ogawa Junko
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore ways of enhancing psychosocial strengths in newly diagnosed and relapsed adolescents and young adults (AYAs) to improve their resilience. A descriptive case study was used. The adolescent resilience model (ARM) and the self-sustaining process model were applied as theories. The data were analyzed using pattern-matching logic. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 patients aged 12 to 24 years and discharged within 10 years. We found that the newly diagnosed and the relapsing AYAs developed the 5 strength factors of the ARM during and after treatment. Whether the individuals cultivated a positive attitude and sense of purpose early or late, the AYAs developed resilience eventually. A positive attitude and sense of purpose during the early phase of care may be essential for improving resilience. The AYAs benefited from the support of their parents, friends, and previous experience. Individualized support and social resources may be important to develop these strengths. Further research is needed to develop strengths and improve resilience in newly diagnosed AYAs.
Integrating Biopsychosocial Intervention Research in a Changing Health Care Landscape
Authors: Ell Kathleen , Oh Hyunsung , Wu Shinyi
Published: April 2015

Objective:

Safety net care systems are experiencing unprecedented change from the Affordable Care Act, Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) uptake, health information technology application, and growing of mental health care integration within primary care. This article provides a review of previous and current efforts in which social workers deliver biopsychosocial depression care.

Method:

Recent research trials tested biopsychosocial care for patients with major depression and concurrent illness and technology-facilitated patient–provider and provider–provider communication within the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS). In addition, qualitative studies assessed patient, social worker, and medical provider perceptions.

Results:

DHS has recently activated its PCMH model, technology applications aimed at facilitating cross-provider communication, and the integration of colocated social workers.

Conclusions:

This article demonstrates both need and opportunity to develop, apply, and test social work integrated biopsychosocial and technology activated care within a large safety net care system.
Students’ Perceptions of Person–Environment Fit
Authors: Etzel Julian M. , Nagy Gabriel
Published: April 2015

This study examines the validity of the three-factor model of person–environment (P-E) fit perceptions in a sample of German university students ( N = 326) and examines the connection between these fit types, the Big Five personality traits, and markers of academic success, namely, academic satisfaction, academic performance, and major change intention. Building upon previous research, a three-factor model of P-E fit perceptions with complex loadings was hypothesized differentiating between interest-major (I-M) fit, needs-supplies (N-S) fit, and demands-abilities (D-A) fit. Results from confirmatory factor analyses supported the suggested three-factor solution. Zero-order correlations, multiple regression analyses, and relative weight analyses identified perceived I-M fit as the key predictor of academic satisfaction and major change intention. D-A fit was the strongest predictor of academic performance. Finally, a hierarchical regression approach revealed that personality traits did not improve the prediction of any outcome over perceived P-E fit.
Constructing a Situation-Based Career Interest Assessment for Junior High School Students and Examining Their Interest Structure
Authors: Sung Yao-Ting , Cheng Yu-Wen , Wu Jeng-Shin
Published: April 2015

This study constructed a situation-based career interest assessment (SCIA) that is suitable for applying to junior high school students. The assessment framework is based on Holland’s theory of vocational interest. The subjects for the pilot study and the formal test were 1,072 junior high school students and 1,136 junior high school students, respectively. The results of reliability tests produced correlation coefficients between .77 and .95, exploratory factor analysis produced factor loadings between .32 and .92 for six factors, and confirmatory factor analysis produced relative fit indices of .95 across the comparative fit index and nonnormed fit index, indicating a satisfactory goodness of fit. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses indicated that the SCIA has acceptable construct validity. Multidimensional scaling analysis, internal correlation, and randomization test showed that the interest structure of adolescents and the relationship among interest types are only partially consistent with Holland’s theory.