bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic Effects of Zoledronic Acid on Human Epithelial Cells and Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Basso Fernanda Goncalves , Pansani Taisa Nogueira , Oliveira Camila Favero de , Turrioni Ana Paula Silveira , Soares Diana Gabriela , Hebling Josimeri , Costa Carlos Alberto de Souza
Published: February 2014

Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis has been related to the cytotoxicity of these drugs on oral mucosa cells. A previous study showed that 5 µM of zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, is the highest concentration of this drug found in the oral cavity of patients under treatment. Therefore, in order to simulate an osteonecrosis clinical condition, the aim of this study was to evaluate the highest concentration of ZA applied on human epithelial cells (HaCaT) and gingival fibroblasts. For this purpose, cells (3×104 cells/cm2) were seeded in wells for 48 h using complete culture medium (cDMEM). After 48 h incubation, the cDMEM was replaced by fresh serum-free culture medium (DMEM-FBS) in which the cells were maintained for additional 24 h. Then, 5 µM ZA were added to the DMEM–FBS and the cells incubated in contact with the drug for 48 h. After this period, the number of viable cells (trypan blue), cell viability (MTT assay), total protein (TP) production and cell morphology (SEM analysis) were assessed. Data were analyzed statistically by Mann-Whitney, ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). ZA caused a significant reduction in the number of viable cells and decreased the metabolic activity of both cell lines. However, decrease of TP production occurred only in the epithelial cell cultures. Morphological alterations were observed in both cell types treated with ZA. In conclusion, ZA (5 µM) was cytotoxic to human epithelial cells and gingival fibroblast cultures, which could be associated, clinically, with the development of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis.
Evaluation of the Cervical Vertebrae Maturation Index in Lateral Cephalograms Taken in Different Head Positions
Authors: Torres Fernando César , Yamazaki Marcos Shinao , Jóias Renata Pilli , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Rode Sigmar de Mello , Siqueira Danilo Furquim , Fuziy Acacio
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate if upward or downward head inclination might interfere with determination of the growth stage, using cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI), in order to verify the accuracy of such diagnosis when radiographs are taken with errors. Forty-nine patients, 26 females and 23 males, aged 9 to 15 years, were submitted to 3 lateral cephalograms: normal (NHP), with 15° upward head inclination (NHP-Up), and with 15° downward head inclination (NHP-Down). Three examiners evaluated the CVMI on the 147 cephalograms. The agreement among examiners was higher in the evaluation of cephalograms taken in NHP. The weighted Kappa test revealed moderate to substantial agreement between NHP and NHP-Up and between NHP and NHP-Down. There was greater agreement between NHP-Up and NHP-Down. It may be concluded that the evaluation of the CVMI on cephalograms in NHP is different as compared with radiographs taken with inclinations. Both NHP-Up and NHP-Down exhibited greater disagreement in the interpretation among examiners, since the evaluation method was not designed for cephalograms with positioning errors.
Clinical and Histological Features of Multifocal Canalicular Adenomas of the Upper Lip
Authors: Siqueira Carla Silva , Fernandes Karin Sá , Vivas Ana Paula Molina , Pinto Junior Décio dos Santos , Sousa Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado de
Published: February 2014

Canalicular adenoma (CA) is an uncommon benign salivary gland tumor that mostly occurs in the upper lip. Despite its benign nature, some patients may present multiple nodules and also microscopic growth that can be multifocal with foci of tumor within the adjacent gland. Microscopically, CA can be mistaken for a polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) or basal cell adenoma (BCA), and immunohistochemistry can be helpful in differentiating them. Two cases of canalicular adenoma showing tumor foci within the adjacent gland are described. Both cases occurred in the upper lip of white females aged 72 and 79 years. In addition to the histological multifocal aspect, one of the patients presented bi-lateral nodules. Histological examination of both lesions revealed interconnecting and branching canal-like structures composed by uniform columnar and sometimes cuboidal cells, partially encapsulated. Immunohistochemical analysis showed intense expression of cytokeratins (CK) 7, a weak reaction to CK14 and a negative reaction to vimentin. Upon the diagnosis of CA the lesions were excised. In conclusion, it is important to properly diagnose CA and differentiate its multifocal aspect from a malignant behavior.
Osteocalcin Immunohistochemical Expression During Repair of Critical-Sized Bone Defects Treated with Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Rat and Rabbit Animal Model
Authors: Verbicaro Thalyta , Giovanini Allan Fernando , Zielak Joao Cesar , Baratto Filho Flares , Araujo Melissa Rodrigues de , Deliberador Tatiana Miranda
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteocalcin immunoexpression during the bone repair treated with subcutaneous adipose tissue in rats and rabbits. Fourteen rats and 14 rabbits were used in the study. A critical-sized calvarial defect was created in each animal. The animals were divided into 4 experimental groups: RC (rat control), RbC (rabbit control), RAT (rat adipose tissue), RbAT (rabbit adipose tissue). In the groups RC and RbC the defect was filled with a blood clot. In groups RAT and RbAT, the defect was filled with macerated subcutaneous adipose tissue. The euthanasia was performed at 30 days (RC and RAT) and 40 days (RbC and RbAT). Histological analysis and immunohistochemical analysis of osteocalcin protein expression were performed. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis (mode). Osteocalcin immunoexpression was detected in the experimental models. Notwithstanding, RbAT showed higher positivity, especially in the adipocytes, than the group RAT group. In groups RC and RbC, the surgical wound was filled by collagen fibers. In Group RAT, the defect was composed by collagen fibers and adipocytes in the reparative sites. Similarly, in RbAT, the defect also was partially filled by collagen fibers and presence of adipocytes dispersed among the fibers. Additionally, chronic inflammatory process and areas of bone matrix deposition were observed. It may be concluded that in both animal models the adipose tissue demonstrated low osteogenic capacity. However, the rabbit animal model exhibited a more evident osteocalcin immunoexpression and a greater amount of newly formed bone matrix.
Cultural adaptation of the Family Management Measure among families of children and adolescents with chronic diseases
Authors: Ichikawa Carolliny Rossi de Faria , Bousso Regina Szylit , Misko Maira Deguer , Mendes-Castillo Ana Marcia Chiaradia , Bianchi Estela Regina Ferraz , Damião Elaine Buchhorn Cintra
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVES: to perform the cultural adaptation of the Family Management Measure into the Brazilian Portuguese language. METHOD: the method complied with international recommendations for this type of study and was composed of the following steps: translation of the instrument into the Portuguese language; reaching consensus over the translated versions; assessment by an expert committee; back translation; and pretest. RESULTS: these stages enabled us to obtain conceptual, by-item, semantic, idiomatic, and operational equivalences, in addition to content validation. CONCLUSION: the Family Management Measure is adapted to the Brazilian Portuguese language and that version is named Instrumento de Medida de Manejo Familiar.
Conjugal violence in the perspective of "Family Health Strategy" professionals: a public health problem and the need to provide care for the women
Authors: Gomes Nadirlene Pereira , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: to construct a theoretical matrix based on the meanings of the interactions and actions experienced by the professionals regarding the nursing care practices and the health of women in situations of conjugal violence in the ambit of the Family Health Strategy. METHODS: research based in Grounded Theory. Following approval by the Research Ethics Committee, 52 professionals were interviewed in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The analysis was based on open, axial and selective codifications. RESULTS: the theoretical model was delimited based on the phenomenon "Recognizing conjugal violence as a public health problem, and the need for management of the care for the woman", which reflects the experience of the professionals in relation to care for the woman, as well as the meanings attributed to this care. CONCLUSIONS: the phenomenon allows one to understand the movement of action and interaction regarding the care for the woman in a situation of conjugal violence.
Health disorders related to learning the welding trade: assessment of approaches to risk communication
Authors: Bonow Clarice Alves , Cezar-Vaz Marta Regina , Silva Lauro Roberto Witt da , Rocha Laurelize Pereira , Turik Claudia
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: to assess the identification of health disorders as self-reported by apprentices of welding and to analyze the strength of the relationship between age and time of experience with self-reported health disorders before and after a socio-environmental nursing intervention. METHOD: this quasi-experimental, non-randomized, before-and-after study was conducted with 86 welding apprentices from a private entity. RESULTS: the results show a significant difference for the pre- and post-test means and an increase in the post-test mean score for the cardiovascular, respiratory and cutaneous systems. There was also a negative correlation between the apprentices' ages and the identification of health disorders. CONCLUSION: the socio-environmental nursing intervention enabled obtaining information on health disorders related to welding. In turn, such information enabled the apprentices to assess information and self-report health disorders.
Public emergency department: the psychosocial impact on the physical domain of quality of life of nursing professionals
Authors: Kogien Moisés , Cedaro José Juliano
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVES: to determine the psychosocial factors of work related to harm caused in the physical domain of the quality of life of nursing professionals working in a public emergency department. METHOD: cross-sectional, descriptive study addressing 189 nursing professionals. The Job Stress Scale and the short version of an instrument from the World Health Organization to assess quality of life were used to collect data. Robert Karasek's Demand-Control Model was the reference for the analysis of the psychosocial configuration. The risk for damage was computed with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: In regard to the psychosocial environment, the largest proportion of workers reported low psychological demands (66.1%) and low social support (52.4%), while 60.9% of the professionals experienced work situations with a greater potential for harm: high demand job (22.8%) and passive work (38.1%). CONCLUSIONS: low intellectual discernment, low social support and experiencing a high demand job or a passive job were the main risk factors for damage in the physical domain of quality of life.
Continuous Heliox Breathing and the Extent of Anatomic Zone of Noreflow and Necrosis Following Ischemia/Reperfusion in the Rabbit Heart
Authors: Hale Sharon L. , VanDeripe Donald R. , Kloner Robert A.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Nitrogen may contribute to reperfusion injury. Some studies have shown that helium as a
replacement for nitrogen in breathing gas (heliox) reduces cell necrosis after ischemia/reperfusion when used in a
preconditioning fashion (intermittent heliox exposure). Our aim was to test whether heliox, breathed continuously
throughout the ischemic and reperfusion periods, reduced necrosis and a marker of reperfusion injury, the no-reflow
phenomenon.

Methods and Results:

Anesthetized, open-chest rabbits received 30 min coronary artery occlusion/3 hrs reperfusion.
Before CAO rabbits were randomized to heliox (30% oxygen + 70% helium, n=8) or air supplemented with oxygen to
achieve blood gas values within physiologic range (n = 8). Rabbits received the appropriate mix during ischemic and
reperfusion periods. Infarct size (% risk zone) and no-reflow defect were measured at the end of the reperfusion period.
The ischemic risk zone was similar in both groups (28% of left ventricle in heliox and 29% in control). Heliox breathing
did not reduce necrosis; infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the risk region was 44±4% in the heliox group and
49±5% in controls, p = 0.68. The extent of the no-reflow defect was not altered by heliox, either expressed as a percent of
the risk region (29±4% in heliox and 28±3% in control) or as a percent of the necrotic zone (65±5% in heliox and 59±8%
in control).Heliox treatment had no effect on hemodynamic parameters or arterial blood gas values.

Conclusion:

Continuous heliox breathing does not appear to be cardioprotective in the setting of acute myocardial
infarction in the rabbit model. Heliox respiration administered during 30 minutes of ischemia and 180 minutes of
reperfusion did not alter infarct size or the extent of no-reflow.
Inspiratory Flows and Volumes in Subjects with Non-CF Bronchiectasis Using a New Dry Powder Inhaler Device
Authors: Elkins Mark R. , Anderson Sandra D. , Perry Clare P. , Daviskas Evangelia , Charlton Brett
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

Drug inhalation via a dry-powder inhaler (DPI) is a convenient, time efficient alternative to
nebulizers in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) or non-CF bronchiectasis. Efficient drug administration via DPIs
depends on the device resistance and adequate (≥45L/min) inspiratory flows and volumes generated by individuals. Drypowder
mannitol is delivered using a RS01 breath-actuated device developed by Plastiape, for Pharmaxis. The study aim
was to determine in vivo if non-CF bronchiectasis patients’ inspiratory flows and volumes are adequate to use the RS01
DPI device.

Materials and Methodology:

An open, non-interventional study; enrolled 17 subjects with non-CF bronchiectasis, 18 to 80
years, with baseline FEV1 ≥1.0L and ≥50‰ predicted. Inspiratory flows and volumes were measured when subjects
inhaled in a controlled manner through the RS01 device in series with a spirometer.

Results:

The mean inspiratory volume (IV) of non-CF bronchiectasis subjects was 2.08 ± 0.5L and achieved a mean PIF
of 78.6 ± 11.2L/min with the inhaler device.

Conclusion:

Use of the RS01 DPI device allowed adequate inspiratory flow and volume for dispersion of dry-powder
mannitol in non-CF bronchiectasis patients.
Melody and Language: An Examination of the Relationship Between Complementary Processes
Authors: Harms Victoria L. , Cochran Colleen , Elias Lorin J.
Published: February 2014

It is well accepted that the left and right hemispheres of the brain typically play separate and distinct roles in cognitive processing. Extensive research examining the lateralization of music and language processes has provided a clear and consistent demonstration of this division of processing across the cerebral hemispheres. However, in spite of this line of research examining population-level lateralization of these processes, little focus has been placed on examining the relationship between the two processes. Do these two processes share a common developmental origin that influences their pattern of lateralization, or do independent processes govern their lateralization? In this study we examined the relationship pattern in degree of lateralization between linguistic processing and melody recognition using dichotic-listening tasks. The expected right ear advantage was observed for the linguistic processing task. Additionally, the expected left ear advantage was not observed for the melody recognition task, precluding an informative assessment of complementarity between the two tasks. A positive correlation between the laterality scores on the two tasks suggests a shared processing network for linguistic and melodic processing.
Histologic Findings in Skin Biopsy in a JMML Rash: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Gupta Rajib K. , Qureshi Amna , Choi John K.
Published: February 2014

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), belonging to the category of myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic syndromes, is a rare pediatric hematologic malignancy with frequent skin manifestations commonly in the form of rashes. However, these rashes are not always biopsied and their immunophenotype studied in details. We report one such case in a 2-year-old boy who presented with a 1-month history of nonresolving fever, fatigue, and pallor along with a generalized maculopapular skin rash. The child also had mild hepatomegaly. A complete blood count with differential revealed a hemoglobin value of 8.6 g/L, leukocytosis (white blood cell count of 55.3 × 109/L), absolute monocytosis (27 × 109/L), immature granulocytes, and a platelet count of 126 × 109/L. The bone marrow aspirate showed a hypercellular marrow with trilineage hematopoiesis, 10% blasts (including promonocytes), increased monocytes (46%), and dysplastic changes in the erythroid and myeloid cell lines. These findings along with absence of a BCR-ABL1 fusion gene and a hemoglobin F level of 3.4% were consistent with the diagnosis of JMML, which was confirmed by subsequent positive granulocyte macrophage–colony stimulating factor hypersensitivity and NRAS mutation studies. A skin biopsy of the rash revealed a dermal infiltrate composed predominantly of atypical monocytic cells that were positive for CD68, myeloperoxidase, and lysozyme and negative for CD117, CD1a, and S100, consistent with JMML.
Activation of the Chromosome 19q MicroRNA Cluster in Sporadic and Androgenetic-Biparental Mosaicism–Associated Hepatic Mesenchymal Hamartoma
Authors: Kapur Raj P. , Berry Jessica E. , Tsuchiya Karen D. , Opheim Kent E.
Published: February 2014

Recurrent genetic alterations found in hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma include either androgenetic-biparental mosaicism or chromosomal rearrangements involving chromosome 19q13.4, in the vicinity of the chromosome 19q microRNA cluster ( C19MC). Abnormal activation of C19MC, which is subject to paternal imprinting and is normally expressed only in placenta, could account for both genetic associations because androgenetic cells carry only paternal chromosomes. In this study, a 4.2-Mb deletion involving the 5′-end of C19MC was detected in a sporadic mesenchymal hamartoma by chromosomal microarray. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies showed that the deletion localized to mesenchymal cells in the stroma of the hamartoma. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of this tumor, 9 other sporadic hepatic mesenchymal hamartomas, and 3 hamartomas associated with androgenetic-biparental mosaicism demonstrated C19MC microRNA expression in all but 2 sporadic cases, with no significant expression in control liver. The findings support a pathogenetic model for mesenchymal hamartoma as a consequence of “ectopic” activation of C19MC in hepatic stroma, due to either chromosomal rearrangements or paternal uniparental disomy.
Microwave assisted extraction of essential oils from enzymatically pretreated lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller)
Authors: Calinescu Ioan , Gavrila Adina , Ivopol Maria , Ivopol Gabriel , Popescu Mariana , Mircioaga Nectara
Published: February 2014

In this study, microwave assisted a hydrodistillation process (MWHD) of essential oils from lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller) was investigated. In order to examine any potential differences in essential oil extraction, the lavender flowers underwent enzymatic pretreatment.

A 23 factorial design of experiments, combined with statistical methods of data analysis were used to optimize enzymatic pretreatment and to evaluate the influence of major variables (enzyme concentration, temperature and pH) on the performance of the microwave assisted extraction.

Under optimal conditions, an extraction yield of 24 mg oil g−1 substrate was achieved (an increase by approximately 25% in comparison with the classic extraction conditions of conventional hydrodistillation).

The main compounds of the essential oils obtained were analyzed and identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Analyzing the data obtained indicated that the content of main compounds (linalool and linalyl acetate − 73%) was greater than that obtained by conventional extraction (67%).
Oxidative stress regulates expression of claudin-1 in human RPE cells
Authors: Hirata Junko , Ko Ji-Ae , Mochizuki Hideki , Funaishi Kunihiko , Yamane Ken , Sonoda Koh-Hei , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: February 2014

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with irreversible loss of central vision in the elderly. Disruption of the homeostatic function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is thought to be fundamental to AMD pathogenesis, and oxidative stress is implicated in the associated RPE damage. We examined the effects of oxidative stress on the expression of junctional proteins in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. Reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblot analyses revealed that expression of the tight-junction protein claudin-1 was increased at both the mRNA and protein levels 8 to 12 h after exposure of ARPE-19 cells to H2O2, whereas that of the tight-junction protein ZO-1 or the adherens-junction protein N-cadherin was unaffected. Expression of both claudin-1 and N-cadherin was down-regulated by exposure of the cells to H2O2 for longer periods (24 to 48 h). Oxidative stress also induced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with a time course similar to that apparent for the up-regulation of claudin-1 expression. Furthermore, the increase in the abundance of claudin-1 induced by H2O2 was blocked by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. Phosphorylation of the MAPKs ERK and JNK was not affected by H2O2. Our results suggest that modulation of claudin-1 expression in the RPE by oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD.
Vehicle dynamic analysis using neuronal network algorithms
Authors: Oloeriu Florin , Mocian Oana
Published: February 2014

Theoretical developments of certain engineering areas, the emergence of new investigation tools, which are better and more precise and their implementation on-board the everyday vehicles, all these represent main influence factors that impact the theoretical and experimental study of vehicle’s dynamic behavior. Once the implementation of these new technologies onto the vehicle’s construction had been achieved, it had led to more and more complex systems. Some of the most important, such as the electronic control of engine, transmission, suspension, steering, braking and traction had a positive impact onto the vehicle’s dynamic behavior. The existence of CPU on-board vehicles allows data acquisition and storage and it leads to a more accurate and better experimental and theoretical study of vehicle dynamics. It uses the information offered directly by the already on-board built-in elements of electronic control systems. The technical literature that studies vehicle dynamics is entirely focused onto parametric analysis. This kind of approach adopts two simplifying assumptions. Functional parameters obey certain distribution laws, which are known in classical statistics theory. The second assumption states that the mathematical models are previously known and have coefficients that are not time-dependent. Both the mentioned assumptions are not confirmed in real situations: the functional parameters do not follow any known statistical repartition laws and the mathematical laws aren’t previously known and contain families of parameters and are mostly time-dependent. The purpose of the paper is to present a more accurate analysis methodology that can be applied when studying vehicle’s dynamic behavior.

A method that provides the setting of non-parametrical mathematical models for vehicle’s dynamic behavior is relying on neuronal networks. This method contains coefficients that are time-dependent. Neuronal networks are mostly used in various types’ system controls, thus being a non-linear process identification algorithm. The common use of neuronal networks for non-linear processes is justified by the fact that both have the ability to organize by themselves. That is why the neuronal networks best define intelligent systems, thus the word ‘neuronal’ is sending one’s mind to the biological neuron cell. The paper presents how to better interpret data fed from the on-board computer and a new way of processing that data to better model the real life dynamic behavior of the vehicle.
Compulsory Creativity: A Critique of Cognitive Capitalism
Authors: Nepper Larsen Steen
Published: February 2014

Contemporary capitalism can be labelled cognitive capitalism. In this dynamic, demanding and extremely transformative mode of production, knowledge becomes a strategic force of production and an important commodity, while concepts and ideas become items. This article sheds light on some of the implications of the emergence of a cognitive capitalism. In response to modern oxymorons, such as compulsory creativity and mandatory originality, this article offers various attempts to interpret and criticise how human inventiveness and a whole range of externalities get attuned to economic and market strategies, depriving them their natural, social and individual qualities. The aim of this article is to renew and sharpen a critique of the new type of capitalism and to foster some normative bricks that might be able to inspire alternative ways of thinking and living.
What Difference do Derivatives Make? From the Technical to the Political Conjuncture
Authors: Martin Randy
Published: February 2014

In the aftermath of the great bailout of capital in 2008 (and still ongoing) finance has often been seen as external and parasitical to the real economy. Instead, finance and other forms of capital have become more closely articulated and interwoven. A critical social logic of the derivative is offered here, following on Marx’s analysis of the commodity, to consider what is meant by dominance of finance, what difference finance makes and the politics of debt. The derivative provides key insights into the apparently detached process by which money seems to beget more money, and at the same time discloses the internal socialization and interdependence that is at the root of a politically generative mutual indebtedness.
The Neoliberal Self
Authors: McGuigan Jim
Published: February 2014

This article proposes an ideal type of the neoliberal self as the preferred form of life in the economic, political and cultural circumstances of present-day developed and developing capitalism. The neoliberal self combines the idealised subject(s) of classical and neoclassical economics – featuring entrepreneurship and consumer sovereignty – with the contemporary discourse of ’the taxpayer’, who is sceptical of redistributive justice, and a ’cool’ posture that derives symbolically – and ironically – from cultures of disaffection and, indeed, opposition. In effect, the transition from organised capitalism to neoliberal hegemony over the recent period has brought about a corresponding transformation in subjectivity. As an idea type, the neoliberal self cannot be found concretely in a ’pure’ form, not even represented by leading celebrity figures. The emergent characteristics of the ideal type, though not set out formally here, accentuate various aspects of personal conduct and mundane existence for illustrative and analytical purposes. Leading celebrities, most notably high-tech entrepreneurs, for instance, operate in the popular imagination as models of achievement for the aspiring young. They are seldom emulated in real life, however, even unrealistically so. Still, their famed lifestyles and heavily publicised opinions provide guidelines to appropriate conduct in a ruthlessly competitive and unequal world.
’Being in the Zone’ of Cultural Work
Authors: Banks Mark
Published: February 2014

In the cultural industries, workers surrender themselves to ultra-intensive work patterns in order to be recognised as properly creative subjects. In its more affirmative versions, there is a recurrent idea that captures that special moment of crea-tive synthesis between the ever-striving worker and the work – the moment of ’being in the zone’. Being in the zone (hereafter BITZ) describes the ideal fusion of the intensively productive mind and the labouring body. But what precisely is this ’zone’, and what is its’ potential? As part of a wider project examining exemplary and intensified subjectivity, in this article I examine BITZ from different perspectives. The main aim is to contrast affirmative readings of BITZ (mostly derived from ’positive’ social psychology) with other, more critical perspectives that would seek to politicise the conditions of its emergence and examine its range of social effects. The overall aim of the article is therefore to suggest the kinds of social and cultural frameworks that might facilitate exploration of the political potential of BITZ in different kinds of empirical context.
Beyond the Model Worker: Surveying a Creative Precariat
Authors: Peuter Greig de
Published: February 2014

The figure of the self-reliant, risk-bearing, non-unionised, self-exploiting, always-on flexibly employed worker in the creative industries has been positioned as a role model of contemporary capitalism. Although the notion of the model-worker is a compelling critical diagnostic of the self-management of precarity in post-Fordist times, I argue that it provides an insufficient perspective on labour and the so-called creative economy to the extent that it occludes the capacity to contest among the workforces it represents. Informed by a larger research project, this article thematises salient features of select collective responses to precarity that are emerging from workers in nonstandard employment in the arts, the media, and cultural industries. The discussion is structured in three main parts: the first, ag-gregation, identifies initiatives in which employment status – rather than a specific profession or sector – is the basis of assembly and advocacy; the second, compensation, highlights unpaid work as a growing point of contention across sectors; and the third, occupation, describes cases in which precarious cultural workers are voicing their grievances and engaging in direct action in the context of wider social movements. These dimensions of the contemporary response to precarisation in the creative industries are at risk of being overlooked if the research optic on workers’ strategies is focused upon a single sector or a particular profession. In conclusion, I emphasise that the organisations, campaigns, and proposals that are surveyed in this article are marked by tensions between and among accommodative adaption, incremental improvements, and radical reformism vis-à-vis precarity.
Imagined, Real and Moral Economies
Authors: Clarke John
Published: February 2014

This article explores three different inflections of the idea of economy: imagined, real and moral. Each offers a distinctive way of thinking about economies and each raises the possibility of providing critical purchase on the formations of ’actually existing capitalisms’. The article begins from the idea of imagined economies given the proliferation of such imaginaries, not least in the wake of the fi-nancial crisis. In political, public and policy discourse, economies have become the focus of intense fantasy and projection. The resulting imaginaries underpin a range of economic, public and social policies. Importantly, they articulate a foundational distinction between economic and other sorts of policy. The idea of imag-ined economies opens the space for a certain type of critical engagement with contemporary political economy. In a rather different way, ideas of the ’real economy’ have also been the site of critical work - distinguishing between ’real’ relations and practices involved in the production of material objects (and value) in the contrast with virtual, digital, financialised economies. This article treats the ‘real economy’ as one further instance of an imagined economy. Like the concept of the ’real economy’, E.P. Thompson’s exploration of a ’moral economy’ also offers a standpoint from which critical analysis of the current economic, political and social disintegrations might be constructed. Thompson’s articulation of a moment in which collective understandings of economies as fields of moral relationships and obligations dramatises the contemporary de-socialization of economies, even if it may be harder to imagine twentieth and twenty first century capitalisms as moral economies that the current crisis has disrupted. Again, the article treats ’moral economies’ as another form of imagined economy, in part to make visible the shifting and contested character of what counts as ’economic’.
Variance of Fluctuating Radar Echoes from Thermal Noise and Randomly Distributed Scatterers
Authors: Gabella Marco
Published: February 2014

In several cases (e.g., thermal noise, weather echoes, …), the incoming signal to a radar receiver can be assumed to be Rayleigh distributed. When estimating the mean power from the inherently fluctuating Rayleigh signals, it is necessary to average either the echo power intensities or the echo logarithmic levels. Until now, it has been accepted that averaging the echo intensities provides smaller variance values, for the same number of independent samples. This has been known for decades as the implicit consequence of two works that were presented in the open literature. The present note deals with the deriving of analytical expressions of the variance of the two typical estimators of mean values of echo power, based on echo intensities and echo logarithmic levels. The derived expressions explicitly show that the variance associated to an average of the echo intensities is lower than that associated to an average of logarithmic levels. Consequently, it is better to average echo intensities rather than logarithms. With the availability of digital IF receivers, which facilitate the averaging of echo power, the result has a practical value. As a practical example, the variance obtained from two sets of noise samples, is compared with that predicted with the analytical expression derived in this note (Section 3): the measurements and theory show good agreement.
Refolding Techniques for Recovering Biologically Active Recombinant Proteins from Inclusion Bodies
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Miyazaki Masaya
Published: February 2014

Biologically active proteins are useful for studying the biological functions of genes and for the development of therapeutic drugs and biomaterials in a biotechnology industry. Overexpression of recombinant proteins in bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, often results in the formation of inclusion bodies, which are protein aggregates with non-native conformations. As inclusion bodies contain relatively pure and intact proteins, protein refolding is an important process to obtain active recombinant proteins from inclusion bodies. However, conventional refolding methods, such as dialysis and dilution, are time consuming and, often, recovered yields of active proteins are low, and a trial-and-error process is required to achieve success. Recently, several approaches have been reported to refold these aggregated proteins into an active form. The strategies largely aim at reducing protein aggregation during the refolding procedure. This review focuses on protein refolding techniques using chemical additives and laminar flow in microfluidic chips for the efficient recovery of active proteins from inclusion bodies.
Large Eddy Simulation of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Wakes
Authors: Shamsoddin Sina , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: February 2014

In this study, large eddy simulation (LES) is combined with a turbine model to investigate the wake behind a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) in a three-dimensional turbulent flow. Two methods are used to model the subgrid-scale (SGS) stresses: (a) the Smagorinsky model; and (b) the modulated gradient model. To parameterize the effects of the VAWT on the flow, two VAWT models are developed: (a) the actuator swept-surface model (ASSM), in which the time-averaged turbine-induced forces are distributed on a surface swept by the turbine blades, i.e., the actuator swept surface; and (b) the actuator line model (ALM), in which the instantaneous blade forces are only spatially distributed on lines representing the blades, i.e., the actuator lines. This is the first time that LES has been applied and validated for the simulation of VAWT wakes by using either the ASSM or the ALM techniques. In both models, blade-element theory is used to calculate the lift and drag forces on the blades. The results are compared with flow measurements in the wake of a model straight-bladed VAWT, carried out in the Institute de Méchanique et Statistique de la Turbulence (IMST) water channel. Different combinations of SGS models with VAWT models are studied, and a fairly good overall agreement between simulation results and measurement data is observed. In general, the ALM is found to better capture the unsteady-periodic nature of the wake and shows a better agreement with the experimental data compared with the ASSM. The modulated gradient model is also found to be a more reliable SGS stress modeling technique, compared with the Smagorinsky model, and it yields reasonable predictions of the mean flow and turbulence characteristics of a VAWT wake using its theoretically-determined model coefficient.
Tenure Issues in REDD+ Pilot Project Sites in Tanzania
Authors: Dokken Therese , Caplow Susan , Angelsen Arild , Sunderlin William
Published: February 2014

REDD+ has been proposed as a viable option for addressing climate change in the near term, and at relatively low cost. There is a broad consensus that clearly defined tenure rights are important for the implementation and success of REDD+, both to manage forests effectively and to protect local communities’ livelihoods. We use primary data from 23 villages in six REDD+ pilot sites in Tanzania to identify causes of deforestation and forest degradation, and tenure rights issues, at the village level prior to project implementation. Further, interviews with project proponents and examination of project documents yields insights into how the proponents plan to address tenure issues. Most villages perceive their tenure as secure and have exclusion rights, while collective action challenges are prevalent in villages experiencing deforestation and forest degradation. These findings suggest that the main tenure issues are related to internal institutional arrangements. While we find that tenure is high on the agenda for all the project proponents, they are mainly focusing on formalization and securing tenure rights from state to community level. Though we do find this to be a precondition for reducing deforestation and degradation, some of their focus should be shifted to strengthening village institutions and enhancing internal compliance.
Spatial Characteristics of Edible Wild Fern Harvesting in Mountainous Villages in Northeastern Japan Using GPS Tracks
Authors: Matsuura Toshiya , Sugimura Ken , Miyamoto Asako , Tanaka Hiroshi , Tanaka Nobuhiko
Published: February 2014

Wild plants in forests provide valuable living resources for rural communities. The location where local people harvest various species is important to the wise use of forest ecosystem services. Using global positioning system (GPS) tracking of harvesters’ activities as well as geographic information system (GIS) and a generalized linear model (GLM), this study analyzed the spatial differences among harvesting sites of three popular edible ferns, i.e., ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), and royal fern (Osmunda japonica), in mountainous villages of Northeastern Japan. The explanatory variables used were vegetation classes, terrain features, and proximity to roadways. The GLM yielded clear differences in harvesting sites among species that were affected by both the species’ ecological characteristics and human behavior. Ostrich fern was harvested mainly in canopy openings along valley floors, whereas royal fern harvest sites were frequently located in snow avalanche scrublands. Bracken was mainly harvested in deforested areas or young conifer plantations. Whereas ostrich fern and bracken harvest sites were restricted by the accessibility from roadways, this was not the case for royal fern. Potential harvest sites of ferns were estimated with the highest value for bracken. Our results suggest that local harvesters seriously consider various natural and anthropogenic factors to maintain effective and sustainable harvesting.
Glyphosate, Hard Water and Nephrotoxic Metals: Are They the Culprits Behind the Epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in Sri Lanka?
Authors: Jayasumana Channa , Gunatilake Sarath , Senanayake Priyantha
Published: February 2014

The current chronic kidney disease epidemic, the major health issue in the rice paddy farming areas in Sri Lanka has been the subject of many scientific and political debates over the last decade. Although there is no agreement among scientists about the etiology of the disease, a majority of them has concluded that this is a toxic nephropathy. None of the hypotheses put forward so far could explain coherently the totality of clinical, biochemical, histopathological findings, and the unique geographical distribution of the disease and its appearance in the mid-1990s. A strong association between the consumption of hard water and the occurrence of this special kidney disease has been observed, but the relationship has not been explained consistently. Here, we have hypothesized the association of using glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide in the disease endemic area and its unique metal chelating properties. The possible role played by glyphosate-metal complexes in this epidemic has not been given any serious consideration by investigators for the last two decades. Furthermore, it may explain similar kidney disease epidemics observed in Andra Pradesh (India) and Central America. Although glyphosate alone does not cause an epidemic of chronic kidney disease, it seems to have acquired the ability to destroy the renal tissues of thousands of farmers when it forms complexes with a localized geo environmental factor (hardness) and nephrotoxic metals.
Three Basic Residues of Intracellular Loop 3 of the Beta-1 Adrenergic Receptor Are Required for Golgin-160-Dependent Trafficking
Authors: Gilbert Catherine , Zuckerman David , Currier Pamela , Machamer Carolyn
Published: February 2014

Golgin-160 is a member of the golgin family of proteins, which have been implicated in the maintenance of Golgi structure and in vesicle tethering. Golgin-160 is atypical; it promotes post-Golgi trafficking of specific cargo proteins, including the β-1 adrenergic receptor (β1AR), a G protein-coupled receptor. Here we show that golgin-160 binds directly to the third intracellular loop of β1AR and that this binding depends on three basic residues in this loop. Mutation of the basic residues does not affect trafficking of β1AR from the endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi complex, but results in reduced steady-state levels at the plasma membrane. We hypothesize that golgin-160 promotes incorporation of β1AR into specific transport carriers at the trans-Golgi network to ensure efficient delivery to the cell surface. These results add to our understanding of the biogenesis of β1AR, and suggest a novel point of regulation for its delivery to the plasma membrane.
Shape and Site Dependent in Vivo Degradation of Mg-Zn Pins in Rabbit Femoral Condyle
Authors: Han Pei , Tan Moyan , Zhang Shaoxiang , Ji Weiping , Li Jianan , Zhang Xiaonong , Zhao Changli , Zheng Yufeng , Chai Yimin
Published: February 2014

A type of specially designed pin model of Mg-Zn alloy was implanted into the full thickness of lesions of New Zealand rabbits’ femoral condyles. The recovery progress, outer surface healing and in vivo degradation were characterized by various methods including radiographs, Micro-CT scan with surface rendering, SEM (scanning electron microscope) with EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis) and so on. The in vivo results suggested that a few but not sufficient bridges for holding force were formed between the bone and the implant if there was a preexisting gap between them. The rapid degradation of the implantation in the condyle would result in the appearance of cavities. Morphological evaluation of the specially designed pins indicated that the cusp was the most vulnerable part during degradation. Furthermore, different implantation sites with distinct components and biological functions can lead to different degradation rates of Mg-Zn alloy. The rate of Mg-Zn alloy decreases in the following order: implantation into soft tissue, less trabecular bone, more trabecular bone, and cortical bone. Because of the complexities of in vivo degradation, it is necessary for the design of biomedical Mg-Zn devices to take into consideration the implantation sites used in clinics.
Lipidomic Analysis of Serum from High Fat Diet Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Eisinger Kristina , Liebisch Gerhard , Schmitz Gerd , Aslanidis Charalampos , Krautbauer Sabrina , Buechler Christa
Published: February 2014

Lipid metabolites regulate fatty acid and glucose homeostasis. The intention of the current study is to identify circulating lipid species, which are altered in rodent obesity and strongly correlate with the classically measured metabolites glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks have increased body weight and fasting glucose. Serum triglycerides are not altered, while cholesterol tends to be increased. Accordingly, major cholesteryl ester (CE) species and free cholesterol are not significantly raised in obesity while minor metabolites, including CE 20:3 and CE 18:3, are increased or reduced, respectively. Distinct sphingomyelin (SM) species are elevated while ceramides are not raised. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) species, including PI 34:1, are raised while others are decreased. PI 34:1 strongly correlates with fasting glucose and proinsulin levels. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) 26:0, 40:2, and 40:5, which are induced in obesity, correlate with cholesterol. PC 38:4 and PC 40:6 are also raised in fat fed mice and positively correlate with fasting glucose. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species are also changed in obesity and the already shown reduction of LPC 16:1 has been confirmed. LPC 22:4, which is increased, correlates with serum cholesterol. The data indicate that circulating levels of various lipid species are changed in the obesity model studied and some of them are strongly associated with classically measured metabolites.