bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Middle-Term Dietary Supplementation with Red Yeast Rice Plus Coenzyme Q10 Improves Lipid Pattern, Endothelial Reactivity and Arterial Stiffness in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Subjects
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F.G. , Morbini Martino , Rosticci Martina , D''Addato Sergio , Grandi Elisa , Borghi Claudio
Published: April 2016

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate whether treatment with red yeast rice added with Coenzyme Q10 is associated with changes in endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Methods: This double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 40 non-smoker moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects (ClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT02492464). After 4 weeks of diet and physical activity, patients were allocated to treatment with placebo or with an active product containing 10 mg monacolins and 30 mg Coenzyme Q10, to be assumed for 6 months. Endothelial reactivity and arterial stiffness have been measured through the validated Vicorder® device. Results: During monacolin treatment, patients experienced a more favorable percentage change in low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (after monacolin treatment: -26.3%; after placebo treatment: +3.4%, p < 0.05). Endothelial reactivity (pulse volume displacement after monacolin treatment: +6.0%; after placebo treatment: -0.3%, p < 0.05), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity (PWV) after monacolin treatment: -4.7%; after placebo: +1.1%, p < 0.05) also significantly improved only after monacolin treatment. Conclusion: The long-term assumption of the tested dietary supplement is associated with an improvement in LDL-cholesterolemia, endothelial reactivity and PWV in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects.
O vocabulário da Ditadura Militar nos panfletos de Eulálio Motta
Authors: Barreiros Patrício Nunes , Barreiros Liliane Lemos Santana
Published: April 2016

Trata-se de um estudo do vocabulário da ditadura militar em nove panfletos escritos por Eulálio Motta, no período de 1960 a 1970. Este corpus é um recorte de uma pesquisa maior que permitiu inventariar um diversificado vocabulário que o escritor fez uso para difundir suas ideias na região de Mundo Novo, Bahia. Eulálio Motta foi responsável pela produção, circulação e recepção de seus panfletos, textos lidos em praças públicas, nas vilas e fazendas, alcançando centenas de pessoas. Por meio de sua ação panfletária e da utilização de um vocabulário que situa ideologicamente um discurso em favor do regime, Eulálio Motta difundiu uma imagem da ditadura militar na região de Mundo Novo. O estudo lexicológico que ora apresentamos concentra-se no vocabulário da ditadura e está subsidiado na teoria de estruturação dos campos lexicais, fundamentada em Stephen Ullmann (1973 [1964]), Pierre Guiraud (1989 [1969]), Horst Geckeler (1976), Mario Vilela (1979; 1995) e, principalmente, Eugenio Coseriu (1964a; 1964b; 1967; 1973; 1976). Tal abordagem permitiu observar como Eulálio Motta incorporou novas lexias e excluiu ou ressemantizou outras em seus usos linguísticos, motivado por interesses diversos. Além disso, possibilitou o conhecimento de costumes e valores socioculturais do povo sertanejo, expresso em seus usos linguísticos.
Intensificação da reflexão na escrita do professor em formação inicial: uma abordagem sistêmico-funcional
Authors: Sousa Mendes Aliny , Silva Wagner Rodrigues , Vieira Gonçalves Adair , Melo Lívia Chaves
Published: April 2016

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar as funções linguístico- discursivas desempenhadas por comandos de reescrita do formador e das respostas apresentadas por professores em formação inicial, no processo de reescrita do gênero Relatório de Estágio Supervisionado, em uma licenciatura em Letras. Trata-se de um estudo de caso desenvolvido a partir de uma pesquisa documental de caráter qualitativo. Numa investigação longitudinal, criamos categorias analíticas caracterizadoras da interação pela escrita nas atividades de reescrita dos relatórios: apagamento da informação apresentada; fuga da informação solicitada; indicações ignoradas; e expansão reflexiva da informação apresentada. Essa última reflete o que é esperado na escrita do gênero textual em questão: a reflexão sobre práticas pedagógicas vivenciadas no período de estágio. Como principal aporte teórico-metodológico para análise linguística dos dados, utilizamos a linguística sistêmico-funcional. O processo de reescrita na formação inicial do professor é uma prática sustentável, pois não se esgota ao fim do estágio obrigatório. Ao contrário, pode ser transformada de acordo com a necessidade do aluno-mestre quando do exercício do magistério. Além disso, contribui para o desenvolvimento da prática de reflexão que deverá ser parte da identidade do futuro professor de língua materna. Os resultados mostram, portanto, que a reescrita deve ser uma prática constitutiva da escrita acadêmica, colaborando para o fortalecimento tanto do letramento acadêmico quanto daquele necessário para o local de trabalho.
Sphingolipids Contribute to Human Atherosclerotic Plaque Inflammation
Authors: Edsfeldt Andreas , Dunér Pontus , Ståhlman Marcus , Mollet Ines G. , Asciutto Giuseppe , Grufman Helena , Nitulescu Mihaela , Persson Ana Flor , Fisher Rachel M. , Melander Olle , Orho-Melander Marju , Borén Jan , Nilsson Jan , Gonçalves Isabel
Published: April 2016

Objective—

Lipids are central to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Specifically, which lipids are culprits remains controversial, and promising targets have failed in clinical studies. Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids present in atherosclerotic plaques, and they have been suggested to have both proatherogenic and antiatherogenic. However, the biological effects of these lipids remain unknown in the human atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this study was to assess plaque levels of sphingolipids and investigate their potential association with and contribution to plaque vulnerability.

Approach and Results—

Glucosylceramide, lactosylceramide, ceramide, dihydroceramide, sphingomyelin, and sphingosine-1-phosphate were analyzed in homogenates from 200 human carotid plaques using mass spectrometry. Inflammatory activity was determined by analyzing plaque levels of cytokines and plaque histology. Caspase-3 was analyzed by ELISA technique. Expression of regulatory enzymes was analyzed with RNA sequencing. Human coronary artery smooth muscle cells were used to analyze the potential role of the 6 sphingolipids as inducers of plaque inflammation and cellular apoptosis in vitro. All sphingolipids were increased in plaques associated with symptoms and correlated with inflammatory cytokines. All sphingolipids, except sphingosine-1-phosphate, also correlated with histological markers of plaque instability. Lactosylceramide, ceramide, sphingomyelin, and sphingosine-1-phosphate correlated with caspase-3 activity. In vitro experiments revealed that glucosylceramide, lactosylceramide, and ceramide induced cellular apoptosis. All analyzed sphingolipids induced an inflammatory response in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions—

This study shows for the first time that sphingolipids and particularly glucosylceramide are associated with and are possible inducers of plaque inflammation and instability, pointing to sphingolipid metabolic pathways as possible novel therapeutic targets.
Sodium Sulfide Attenuates Ischemic-Induced Heart Failure by Enhancing Proteasomal Function in an Nrf2-Dependent Manner
Authors: Shimizu Yuuki , Nicholson Chad K. , Lambert Jonathan P. , Barr Larry A. , Kuek Nicholas , Herszenhaut David , Tan Lin , Murohara Toyoaki , Hansen Jason M. , Husain Ahsan , Naqvi Nawazish , Calvert John W.
Published: April 2016

Background—

Therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) levels exert cytoprotective effects in various models of cardiovascular injury. However, the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for this protection remain to be fully elucidated. Nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a cellular target of H
2
S and facilitator of H
2
S-mediated cardioprotection after acute myocardial infarction. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Nrf2 mediates the cardioprotective effects of H
2
S therapy in the setting of heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Mice (12 weeks of age) deficient in Nrf2 (Nrf2 KO; C57BL/6J background) and wild-type littermates were subjected to ischemic-induced heart failure. Wild-type mice treated with H
2
S in the form of sodium sulfide (Na
2
S) displayed enhanced Nrf2 signaling, improved left ventricular function, and less cardiac hypertrophy after the induction of heart failure. In contrast, Na
2
S therapy failed to provide protection against heart failure in Nrf2 KO mice. Studies aimed at evaluating the underlying cardioprotective mechanisms found that Na
2
S increased the expression of proteasome subunits, resulting in an increased proteasome activity and a reduction in the accumulation of damaged proteins. In contrast, Na
2
S therapy failed to enhance the proteasome and failed to attenuate the accumulation of damaged proteins in Nrf2 KO mice. Additionally, Na
2
S failed to improve cardiac function when the proteasome was inhibited.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that Na
2
S therapy enhances proteasomal activity and function during the development of heart failure in an Nrf2-dependent manner and that this enhancement leads to attenuation in cardiac dysfunction.
Distinct Endothelial Cell Responses in the Heart and Kidney Microvasculature Characterize the Progression of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in the Obese ZSF1 Rat With Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: van Dijk Christian G.M. , Oosterhuis Nynke R. , Xu Yan Juan , Brandt Maarten , Paulus Walter J. , van Heerebeek Loek , Duncker Dirk J. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Fontoura Dulce , Lourenço André P. , Leite-Moreira Adelino F. , Falcão-Pires Inês , Joles Jaap A. , Cheng Caroline
Published: April 2016

Background—

The combination of cardiac and renal disease driven by metabolic risk factors, referred to as cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRMS), is increasingly recognized as a critical pathological entity. The contribution of (micro)vascular injury to CRMS is considered to be substantial. However, mechanistic studies are hampered by lack of in vivo models that mimic the natural onset of the disease. Here, we evaluated the coronary and renal microvasculature during CRMS development in obese diabetic Zucker fatty/Spontaneously hypertensive heart failure F1 hybrid (ZSF1) rats.

Methods and Results—

Echocardiographic, urine, and blood evaluations were conducted in 3 groups (Wistar-Kyoto, lean ZSF1, and obese ZSF1) at 20 and 25 weeks of age. Immunohistological evaluation of renal and cardiac tissues was conducted at both time points. At 20 and 25 weeks, obese ZSF1 rats showed higher body weight, significant left ventricular hypertrophy, and impaired diastolic function compared with all other groups. Indices of systolic function did not differ between groups. Obese ZSF1 rats developed hyperproliferative vascular foci in the subendocardium, which lacked microvascular organization and were predilection sites of inflammation and fibrosis. In the kidney, obese ZSF1 animals showed regression of the peritubular and glomerular microvasculature, accompanied by tubulointerstitial damage, glomerulosclerosis, and proteinuria.

Conclusions—

The obese ZSF1 rat strain is a suitable in vivo model for CRMS, sharing characteristics with the human syndrome during the earliest onset of disease. In these rats, CRMS induces microvascular fibrotic responses in heart and kidneys, associated with functional impairment of both organs.
Effectiveness of Arterial Closure Devices for Preventing Complications With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wimmer Neil J. , Secemsky Eric A. , Mauri Laura , Roe Matthew T. , Saha-Chaudhuri Paramita , Dai David , McCabe James M. , Resnic Frederic S. , Gurm Hitinder S. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: April 2016

Background—

Bleeding is associated with poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although arterial closure devices (ACDs) are widely used in clinical practice, whether they are effective in reducing bleeding complications during transfemoral PCI is uncertain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ACDs for the prevention of vascular access site complications in patients undergoing transfemoral PCI using an instrumental variable approach.

Methods and Results—

We performed a retrospective analysis of the CathPCI Registry from 2009 to 2013 at 1470 sites across the United States. Variation in the proportion of ACDs used by each individual physician operator was used as an instrumental variable to address potential confounding. A 2-stage instrumental variable analysis was used as the primary approach. The main outcome measure was vascular access site complications, and nonaccess site bleeding was used as a falsification end point (negative control) to evaluate for potential confounding. A total of 1 053 155 ACDs were used during 2 056 585 PCIs during the study period. The vascular access site complication rate was 1.5%. In the instrumental variable analysis, the use of ACDs was associated with a 0.40% absolute risk reduction in vascular access site complications (95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.42; number needed to treat=250). Absolute differences in nonaccess site bleeding were negligible (risk difference, 0.04%; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.07), suggesting acceptable control of confounding in the comparison.

Conclusions—

ACDs are associated with a modest reduction in major bleeding after PCI. The number needed to treat with ACDs to prevent 1 major bleeding event is high.
Prevalence of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis Using High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Angiography in the General Population
Authors: Suri Muhammad Fareed K. , Qiao Ye , Ma Xiaoye , Guallar Eliseo , Zhou Jincheng , Zhang Yiyi , Liu Li , Chu Haitao , Qureshi Adnan I. , Alonso Alvaro , Folsom Aaron R. , Wasserman Bruce A.
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a common cause of stroke, but little is known about its epidemiology. We studied the prevalence of ICAS and its association with vascular risk factors using high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography in a US cardiovascular cohort.

Methods—

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study recruited participants from 4 US communities from 1987 to 1989. Using stratified sampling, we selected 1980 participants from visit 5 (2011–2013) for high-resolution 3T-magnetic resonance angiography. All images were analyzed in a centralized laboratory, and ICAS was graded as: no stenosis, <50% stenosis, 50% to 69% stenosis, 70% to 99% stenosis, and complete occlusion. We calculated per-vessel and per-person prevalence of ICAS (weighted for n=6538 visit 5 participants) and also estimated the US prevalence. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify variables independently associated with ICAS.

Results—

Subjects who had an adequate magnetic resonance angiography (n=1765) were aged 67 to 90 years, 41% were men, 70% were white, and 29% were black. ICAS was prevalent in 31% of participants and 9% had ICAS ≥50%. Estimated US prevalence of ICAS ≥50% for 65 to 90 years old was 8% for whites and 12% for blacks. Older age, black race, higher systolic blood pressure, and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were associated with increased odds of ICAS, whereas higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and use of cholesterol-lowering medications were associated with decreased odds of ICAS. Body mass index and smoking were not associated with ICAS.

Conclusions—

The prevalence of ICAS in older adults is high, and it could be a target for primary prevention of stroke and dementia in this population.
Depletion of Cultivatable Gut Microbiota by Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Pretreatment Worsens Outcome After Murine Stroke
Authors: Winek Katarzyna , Engel Odilo , Koduah Priscilla , Heimesaat Markus M. , Fischer André , Bereswill Stefan , Dames Claudia , Kershaw Olivia , Gruber Achim D. , Curato Caterina , Oyama Naoki , Meisel Christian , Meisel Andreas , Dirnagl Ulrich
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

Antibiotics disturbing microbiota are often used in treatment of poststroke infections. A bidirectional brain–gut microbiota axis was recently suggested as a modulator of nervous system diseases. We hypothesized that gut microbiota may be an important player in the course of stroke.

Methods—

We investigated the outcome of focal cerebral ischemia in C57BL/6J mice after an 8-week decontamination with quintuple broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail. These microbiota-depleted animals were subjected to 60 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion or sham operation. Infarct volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging, and mice were monitored clinically throughout the whole experiment. At the end point, tissues were preserved for further analysis, comprising histology and immunologic investigations using flow cytometry.

Results—

We found significantly decreased survival in the middle cerebral artery occlusion microbiota-depleted mice when the antibiotic cocktail was stopped 3 days before surgery (compared with middle cerebral artery occlusion specific pathogen-free and sham-operated microbiota-depleted mice). Moreover, all microbiota-depleted animals in which antibiotic treatment was terminated developed severe acute colitis. This phenotype was rescued by continuous antibiotic treatment or colonization with specific pathogen-free microbiota before surgery. Further, infarct volumes on day one did not differ between any of the experimental groups.

Conclusions—

Conventional microbiota ensures intestinal protection in the mouse model of experimental stroke and prevents development of acute and severe colitis in microbiota-depleted mice not given antibiotic protection after cerebral ischemia. Our experiments raise the clinically important question as to whether microbial colonization or specific microbiota are crucial for stroke outcome.
The Matter of Classical Art History
Authors: Platt Verity
Published: April 2016

Though foundational to the study of art history, Greco-Roman visual culture is often sidelined by the modern, and overshadowed by its own cultural and intellectual reception. Recent scholarship, however, has meticulously unpacked the discipline's formative narratives, while building on archaeological and literary studies in order to locate its objects of analysis more precisely within the dynamic cultural frameworks that produced them, and that were in turn shaped by them. Focusing on a passage from Pliny the Elder's Natural History (arguably the urtext of classical art history), this paper explores the perennial question of how the material stuff of antiquity can be most effectively yoked to the thinking and sensing bodies that inhabited it, arguing that closer attention to ancient engagements with materialism can alert us to models of image-making and viewing that are both conceptually and physically grounded in Greco-Roman practices of production, sense perception, and interpretation.
Materializing Ancient Documents
Authors: Bagnall Roger S.
Published: April 2016

Two materially oriented revolutions have transformed the study of ancient documents in recent decades: first, a new interest in the ancient production of written artifacts; and second, the concern with the archaeological contexts, and more particularly the taphonomy–that is, the processes at work in the burial–of those same objects. The first, largely driven by the availability of digital images, has given life to the study of ancient writing as a cultural and social phenomenon and to the social life of written objects. In the process, connections between literary and documentary texts have come to the fore and distinctions between these categories have eroded. The second revolution began with an interest in what archaeological contexts of excavated papyri could tell us about the history of the texts, but it has evolved to see the texts themselves as artifacts engaged in an iterative dialogue with both the contexts and other objects found in them.
My Conversations with Samuel Beckett
Authors: Fletcher John
Published: April 2016

Beckett was always willing to talk to students and university teachers. I myself had the good fortune to meet him when I was a graduate student in France in the early 1960s writing a thesis on his work.
Beckett Listens
Authors: Körte Konrad
Published: April 2016

Samuel Beckett directed Ghost Trio, in Elmar Tophoven’s German translation, in May 1977 at the television studios of the Süddeutscher Rundfunk (SDR) in Stuttgart. In what follows, I discuss aspects of the sound design, as they were worked out with Beckett by the production team.
Dzieło sztuki na granicy przeszłości i przyszłości. Historia i patriotyzm w sztuce nieprofesjonalnej
Authors: Jarysz Aleksandra Weronika
Published: April 2016

A work of art – a link between the present and the past. History and patriotism in non-professional art In her article, the author discusses art of non-professional artists who shape the national identity in an original way. In the former professional art, the works which illustrated and uplifted history were very popular. This phenomenon is still present among folk, naive, intuitive artists, generally speaking – non-professionals. The work of their hands and imagination is a tool serving the purpose of national values and ideas, and is sometimes the basis for broader considerations on the human condition. They balance between historical facts and ahistorical generalities. The martyrdom of the Polish nation with emphasis on the events of WWII has been inspiring artists, stimulating their imagination and artistic creation. Therefore numerous ‘monuments of patriotic art’ can be found in the wood sculpture, ceramics, painting, and glass painting works from the art collection of the Toruń Maria Znamierowska-Prüfferowa Ethnographic Museum. Dzieło sztuki na granicy przeszłości i przyszłości. Historia i patriotyzm w sztuce nieprofesjonalnejW swoim artykule autorka prezentuje sztukę twórców nieprofesjonalnych, którzy w sposób oryginalny kształtują tożsamość narodową. W dawnej sztuce profesjonalnej dzieła, które ilustrowały i uwznioślały historię były bardzo popularne. To zjawisko jest nadal aktualne wśród twórców ludowych, naiwnych, intuicyjnych, ogólnie nazywając – nieprofesjonalnych. Dzieło ich rąk i wyobraźni jest narzędziem w służbie wartości i idei narodowych, a niekiedy stanowi podstawę do szerszych rozważań nad kondycją człowieka. Balansują oni między konkretem historycznym a ahistoryczną ogólnością. Martyrologia narodu polskiego z naciskiem na wydarzenia II wojny światowej inspirowała i inspiruje twórców, pobudza ich wyobraźnię i zmusza do twórczej kreacji. Stąd też zarówno w rzeźbie w drewnie, w ceramice, na obrazach, w malarstwie na szkle, w zbiorach sztuki toruńskiego Muzeum Etnograficznego im. Marii Znamierowskiej-Prűfferowej możemy odnaleźć bogatą reprezentację „pomników sztuki patriotyzmu”.
Branding Grenlandii formą ekspresji tożsamości narodowej?
Authors: Bartnik-Światek Dominika
Published: April 2016

Branding Greenland as a form of expression of national identity?In the times of globalisation there is a tendency for countries to differentiate from others. More and more governments decide to launch professional nation branding campaigns in order to communicate to a broad public what a particular country has to offer as well as what values and images it wants to be associated with. Greenland is an example of a country that after a long period of colonisation and establishing self-government, in 2009 began to redefine its identity and reveal it to the world. A branding campaign has been implemented to communicate a newly defined image of Greenland. This campaign has been carried out using mainly social media and the tools that the Internet has to offer. The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of nation branding and to define the relation between nation branding and national identity. The purpose is also to analyse what images of Greenland as a brand are presented by “Pioneering nation” campaign. Branding Grenlandii formą ekspresji tożsamości narodowej?W czasach globalizacji poszczególne państwa starają się wyróżnić na tle innych państw. Coraz więcej rządów decyduje się na przeprowadzenie profesjonalnych kampanii brandingowych, po to by podkreślić swoją wyjątkowość oraz to, że mają dużo do zaoferowania. Grenlandia to przykład państwa, które po długim okresie skolonizowania i po uzyskaniu autonomii w 2009 roku, zaczęło na nowo definiować swoją tożsamość i komunikować ją światu. W tym celu wdrożona została kampania, która wykorzystywała głównie media społecznościowe oraz inne narzędzia, które zapewnia internet. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zbadanie zależności między brandingiem narodowym a tożsamością narodową, jak też analiza obrazu Grenlandii jako marki konstruowanej w kampanii „Pioneering nation”.
Cultural omnivorousness in Turkey
Authors: Rankin Bruce , Ergin Murat
Published: April 2016

Recent cultural consumption research has drawn attention to the emergence of the high status ‘cultural omnivore,’ that is, individuals who consume a wide range of cultural products, including the expected ‘high culture,’ but more ‘popular’ forms as well. Initially reported in studies conducted in the developed West, this study broadens the basis of comparison by investigating the case of Turkey – a non-western, predominantly Muslim, developing country with a long history of state-led westernization. Using data from a nationally representative survey of adults, the study examines 34 cultural tastes in three domains – music, food, and literature – and participation in five different cultural activities for evidence of an omnivorous pattern. The items used include indicators of ‘high’ and ‘popular’ culture, as well as ‘local’ and ‘global/western’ culture. The results of a latent class analysis clearly identify an omnivorous group. A distinctive feature of the Turkish cultural field is that groups are largely defined by their orientation towards local versus global forms, with omnivores consuming both, in contrast to groups that restrict their diet to ‘local’ forms. Further analysis shows that, similar to studies in other contexts, Turkish omnivorousness is associated with higher social position, especially education and income. Omnivores also tend to be younger and more secular in their views towards the role of religion in the public sphere. The article concludes that, in addition to the high/popular distinction, the local/global is a critical symbolic boundary shaping cultural identities in Turkey.
Rethinking social movement micromobilization: Multi-stage theory and the role of social ties
Authors: Ward Matthew
Published: April 2016

Micromobilization research constitutes a vital stream within social movement studies. Despite a wealth of empirical research and recent advances in micromobilization theory, research is still hampered by a myriad of issues. This article identifies conceptual, empirical, and methodological weaknesses in the micromobilization literature and offers solutions. First, the author provides a clear definition of micromobilization by synthesizing two distinct, yet interrelated research streams that, on the one hand, emphasize the processes through which social movement organizations attempt to recruit and influence potential supporters and participants and, on the other hand, enumerate various analytically distinct steps that make up micromobilization. Using this as a springboard, the author then evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of a longstanding, popular model of micromobilization that he terms the ‘affinity-initiated model.’ This micromobilization model is extended in significant ways by merging insights from extant social movement, social psychology, and network analysis literatures, pinpointing novel and overlooked ways social ties, in particular, facilitate the differentiation of individuals at analytically distinct steps in the micromobilization process. Finally, the author identifies several avenues for future micromobilization research opened up by the analytic approach developed in this article.
Creating Highly Reliable Health Care
Authors: Vogus Timothy J. , Iacobucci Dawn
Published: April 2016

Hospitals are increasingly looking to new work practices and processes to reduce the epidemic of medical errors. The authors examine one such innovative approach emulating high-reliability organizations (e.g., nuclear power plants) that use a combination of specific work practices and behavioral processes to detect and adapt to unexpected events to operate in a nearly error-free manner. They explore whether and how reliability-enhancing work practices (REWPs) help enable such processes and improve performance (i.e., reduce errors). Using survey and archival data from 1,685 registered nurses and 95 nurse managers in 95 hospital nursing units, the authors examine how REWPs affect a set of attitudinal (affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior) and discursive (respectful interaction and mindful organizing) processes and, in turn, patient safety. They find the greater use of REWPs are directly and indirectly (through respectful interaction and mindful organizing) associated with fewer medication errors and patient falls. In contrast, organizational citizenship behavior was associated with more medication errors and patient falls.
Polyurethane one-component foam formulation optimization for low free isocianate monomer content
Authors: Marques Ana C , Dias Helena , Matos Sandro , Sargaço Bruno , Simoes Ricardo , De Schrijver Aster , Bordado João C
Published: April 2016

Recent changes in legislation have forced one-component foam producers to drop the amount of free monomeric isocyanate in their polyurethane systems. Also, it is required that commercial polyurethane aerosol cans exhibit at least one year of shelf life and polyurethane foams must be classified as B2 on the fire testing following DIN 4102. This paper reports on a systematic optimization study of polyurethane formulations dedicated to address these current industry requirements. A one-component foam system exhibiting simultaneously all of these parameters was achieved by reacting conventional diols, a relatively low-molecular weight monol (2-ethylhexanol), a flame retardant high-molecular weight monol (tris(bromoneopentyl)alcohol), a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate-based prepolymer (GreenAdduct 13), and a small amount of 2,4′-toluene diisocyanate. The use of monols allows producing prepolymers with low free methylene diphenyl diisocyanate by preventing chain extension and, therefore, avoiding extreme viscosity build-up. Toluene diisocyanate also promotes a lower viscosity inside the aerosol can, which enables the use of high enough quantities of high-molecular weight flame retardant monol to achieve a B2 fire test classification.
Rethinking Comparative Political Economy
Authors: Baccaro Lucio , Pontusson Jonas
Published: April 2016

This paper develops an analytical approach to comparative political economy that focuses on the relative importance of different components of aggregate demand—in the first instance, exports and household consumption—and dynamic relations among the “demand drivers” of growth. We illustrate this approach by comparing patterns of economic growth in Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom over the period 1994–2007. Our discussion emphasizes that export-led growth and consumption-led growth have different implications for distributive conflict.
Varieties of Capitalism Theory
Authors: Piore Michael J.
Published: April 2016

This is a short note on the limits of Varieties of Capitalism and the potential of the Keynes-Kalecki approach proposed by Baccaro and Pontusson for overcoming them. It identifies the main problem as a failure to define capitalism itself. This effectively reduces the approach to a comparison of the U.S. and German economies at the end of the 20th century. It is in particular unable to recognize let alone explain the very different U.S. economic system in the immediate postwar decades or how the more recent emphasis on the market emerged to take its place. The promise of the Keynes-Kalecki approach is that it will overcome these limits, but the promise has not yet been realized.
Challenges and experiences in using heterogeneous, geo-referenced data for automatic creation of driving simulator environments
Authors: Richter Andreas , Scholz Michael , Friedl Hartmut , Ruppert Thomas , Köster Frank
Published: April 2016

For the development of advanced driving assistance and automation systems the simulation plays an important role. Urban areas get increasing emphasis, especially in the context of future Car2X-communication. This article describes an approach developed in the project Virtual World. Its goal is to model such virtual three-dimensional (3D) environments and logical road descriptions automatically based on a tool chain from heterogeneous geographic datasets (e.g., cadastral data, road surveying, aerial pictures, and crowd-sourced data). As proof of concept, the urban area of Braunschweig, Germany, was chosen. The article focuses on the generation of a 3D city model with corresponding road network description suitable for driving and traffic simulations as used in research and industry. The article gives technical descriptions of the major work steps and discusses issues regarding the availability of data. It concludes with the current project outcome and further development in the project.
From students to permanent residents: The role of social networks in the immigration transition of Indians in New Zealand
Authors: Joseph Mary Geena Chakiamury
Published: April 2016

According to the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, India is now the largest source-country of migrants approved for residence in New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category. In this context, many Indian international students have transitioned to temporary work and permanent residence. Drawing on data from 18 interviews with former Indian international students who have since gained permanent residence in New Zealand, the paper examines how social capital in the form of social networks is important for migrant students in finding suitable employment and transitioning to permanent residence. Emphasis is placed not only on how social networks facilitate and structure their opportunities for permanent settlement in New Zealand, but also in providing support in their transition from temporary to permanent settlers.
The Effects of Peer-Mediated Check-In/Check-Out on the Social Skills of Socially Neglected Students
Authors: Collins Tai A. , Gresham Frank M. , Dart Evan H.
Published: April 2016

Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is a moderately effective Tier 2 intervention often used to address attention-maintained problem behaviors in schools. Recent studies on CICO have demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention when combined with social skills training and when utilizing students’ peers as interventionists. Using a concurrent multiple baseline across participants design, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of peer-mediated CICO to target social skills in elementary school students identified as socially neglected using a sociometric classification system. Results, implications for practice, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Improving Patient Experience With Insulin Infusion Sets
Authors: Evert Alison B. , Bode Bruce W. , Buckingham Bruce A. , Nardacci Elizabeth , Verderese Carol A. , Wolff-McDonagh Phyllis , Walsh John , Hirsch Irl B.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Insulin infusion sets (IISs) are an essential component of safe and effective insulin pump therapy. Establishing best practices for their use has been impeded by a lack of formal study and limited resources for clinician and patient education. Recent innovations in IIS science promise to change this status quo by increasing awareness of such problems as unexplained hyperglycemia and infusion set occlusion.

Methods

In August 2015, a panel of diabetologists and certified diabetes educators from various disciplines was convened to reconsider IIS-related complications of pump therapy, to better characterize infusion set factors affecting patient experience, and to update priorities for optimizing current technologies. Actionable guidelines were provided for addressing common issues, including skin reactions, site rotation and set changes, dislodgment of the infusion set, and partial or complete blockage of the catheter. These issues may underlie episodes of IIS failure and/or unexplained hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

Development of practical tools and standardized guidelines for empowering patients to prevent, diagnose, and troubleshoot IIS problems that contribute to unexplained hyperglycemia will be necessary to realize the full benefit of insulin pump therapy along the continuum of diabetes education.
Democratic Business Ethics: Volkswagen’s Emissions Scandal and the Disruption of Corporate Sovereignty
Authors: Rhodes Carl
Published: April 2016

There is an established body of politically informed scholarly work that offers a sustained critique of how corporate business ethics is a form of organizing that acts as a subterfuge to facilitate the expansion of corporate sovereignty. This paper contributes to that work by using its critique as the basis for theorizing an alternative form of ethics for corporations. Using the case of the 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal as an illustrative example, the paper theorizes an ethics that locates corporations in the democratic sphere so as to defy their professed ability to organize ethics in a self-sufficient and autonomous manner. The Volkswagen scandal shows how established organizational practices of corporate business ethics are no barrier to, and can even serve to enable, the rampant pursuit of business self-interest through well-orchestrated and large-scale conspiracies involving lying, cheating, fraud and lawlessness. The case also shows how society, represented by individuals and institutions, is able to effectively resist such corporate malfeasance. The ‘democratic business ethics’ that this epitomizes is one where civil society holds corporations to account for their actions, and in so doing disrupts corporate sovereignty. This ethics finds practical purchase in forms of dissent that redirect power away from centres of organized wealth and capital, returning it to its democratically rightful place with the people, with society.
Hypercoagulability as a Cause of Sudden Neurosensory Hearing Loss
Authors: Zajtchuk Joan T. , Falor William H. , Rhodes Miller F.
Published: April 2016

Fourteen patients with a documented sudden neurosensory hearing loss and four patients with other diseases causing neurosensory hearing loss were studied. The standardized coagulation workup included hematocrit, activated partial thromboplastin generation time, thrombin generation, prothrombin time, phase platelet count, platelet adhesivity, protamine sulfate, serum antithrombin III activity, fibrinogen, and Factor VIII values. Only those patients having documented evidence of a neurosensory hearing loss occurring within hours or days were included in this study. Eight of the 14 patients with a documented sudden neurosensory hearing loss satisfied our laboratory criteria for a diagnosis of in vitro hypercoagulability. Three of these patients had abnormal thrombin generation values, 4 had abnormal serum antithrombin III values, and 1 had an elevated platelet count. Four other patients with other diseases causing neurosensory hearing loss did not show evidence of in vitro hypercoagulability. It would appear from this data that coagulation abnormalities play a role in the pathogenesis of sudden neurosensory hearing loss.
A Classification of the Anomalies of the First Branchial Groove
Authors: Karmody Collin S.
Published: April 2016

Anomalies of the first branchial groove cleft are common and variable. There has been, however, a tendency In the literature to refer to only one or two types as the first branchial cleft syndrome. A classification of first groove anomalies is offered to clarify this topic. Anomalies can be divided into aplasia, atresia, stenosis, and duplication.
Muscular Anatomy of the Tonsil and Tonsillar Bed: A Reexamination
Authors: Rood Stewart R. , Langdon Herbert , Klueber Kathleen , Greenberg Elliot
Published: April 2016

A study was designed to investigate the muscular relations to the tonsil and tonsillar bed in man. Twenty‐one histologically prepared human fetal specimens were examined. Muscle bundles from the palatopharyngeus and stylopharyngeus muscles and the amygdaloglossus muscle were found to relate to the tonsillar capsule in such a way as to suggest that during swallow, the tonsils may be moved laterally to permit a wide and unobstructed pharyngeal port.
Recurrent Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of The Trachea: Intraluminal Radiotherapy
Authors: Price John C. , Percarpio Bernard , Murphy Patrick W. , Henderson Robert L.
Published: April 2016

Malignant neoplasms of the trachea are rare lesions, of which adenoid cystic carcinoma constitutes 30%. A case of extensive tumor recurrent after primary radiotherapy is presented. Surgical resection and radioisotope implantation were impossible. A method was devised for placement of intraluminal iridium 192 by casting six small hollow plastic tubes to the outer circumference of a Silastic endotracheal tube. This was an easy, safe, and effective method of delivering radiation to the trachea while sparing other vital structures and organs. Excellent tumor response and palliation were achieved.

The literature is reviewed and the problems in diagnosis of this tumor are discussed. A comprehensive plan for early diagnosis is presented. All current methods of treatment are discussed, and the need for aggressive surgical management is stressed.
Mucocele of the Sphenoid Sinus: Report of a Case
Authors: Touma Joseph B.
Published: April 2016

A case is presented in which a sphenoid sinus mucocele was indicated by rapidly progressive blindness in the left eye. Recognition and extension of the mucocele was made possible with a computerized tomographic (CT) scan and tomograms,1‐5 which outlined its boundaries and the involvement of the maxillary sinus, the ethmoid, and the left orbit. Immediate decompression and marsupialization of the cyst through the left maxillary sinus, using the Caldwell‐Luc approach, gave excellent results. Immediate improvement of vision was noted and almost complete return of vision occured within six weeks.
The Two‐Stage Concept of Rhytidectomy
Authors: Kamer Frank M.
Published: April 2016

The two‐stage concept is a plan for the management of rhytidectomy patients. Preoperatively, all patients are told that they may need a minor secondary temporal tuck‐up procedure 6 to 12 months after surgical treatment. Although only 20% of patients require this secondary surgical procedure, the possibility of its need encourages all patients to return for follow‐up and removes a source of patient discontent.

The indications for the secondary procedure are significant gravitational jowling and malar sagging developing 6 to 12 months after the primary surgical treatment. The technique is described in detail.
Correlation of Preoperative Immunologic Test Results with Recurrence in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ryan Robert E. , Neel H. Bryan , Ritts Roy E.
Published: April 2016

Numbers and percentages of T and B cells in peripheral blood; blastogenic responses to PHA, Con A, and PWM; and serum levels of albumin, total protein, and IgA were assessed in patients with stages I to III operable squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive passageways in the head and neck.

The patients were categorized into two groups: those who remained tumor free and those in whom cancer recurred. It was found that pretreatment PHA‐ and Con A‐induced blastogenesis was often depressed in patients in whom clinically apparent recurrences developed regardless of stage or nodal involvement. This point is consistent with the idea that cellular immune function (blastogenesis) can identify, within the clinical staging system (TN), subpopulations of patients who are less likely to survive after conventional therapy.
Postauricular Mastoid Cutaneous Fistula: A Method of Closure
Authors: Luetje Charles M.
Published: April 2016

A postauricular mastoid cutaneous fistula may be a complication of chronic ear disease or ear surgery or both. Simple closure is often unsuccessful because of the necrotic skin edges, and it may result in a larger fistula. This paper illustrates a method of closing a large postauricular mastoid cutaneous fistula. The steps include excising the fistula, everting the mastoid epithelium toward the external auditory meatus, covering the undersurface of the everted skin edges with an anteriorly based periosteal flap, covering the flap with bone paté, placing a free graft of abdominal fat, and closing the defect with a rotational skin flap. This technique closes the fistula and obliterates the mastoid cavity.
Study of Neural Excitation in The Guinea Pig Cochlea Using Low‐Frequency Acoustic Modulation
Authors: Kroin Jeffrey , Himelfarb Mordechai , Strelioff David
Published: April 2016

A low‐frequency tone has been shown to modulate the amplitudes of cochlear microphonic (CM) and whole nerve (N1) responses to a high‐frequency tone pip. Whereas the N1 response was always reduced and had two maxima per cycle of the low‐frequency signal, the CM response changed from a single‐ to a double‐maxima pattern as the modulator intensity was increased.
Nasopharyngeal Mucormycotic Osteitis: A New Syndrome Characterized by Initial Presentation of Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies
Authors: Bahna Mamdouh S. , Ward Paul H. , Konrad Horst R.
Published: April 2016

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis, a highly lethal fungal infection of the head and neck, is commonly recognized by its classic appearance. Two cases of this newly recognized clinical syndrome with isolated unilateral peripheral cranial nerve V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII palsies and initial sparing of the eighth cranial nerve are presented. Examination revealed that each patient had ulceration of the nasopharynx and osteitis of the base of the skull. Nose, orbits, paranasal sinuses, and intracranial nervous systems were initially spared. The cause of this obscure cranial nerve paralysis was diagnosed from biopsy specimens of the nasopharyngeal tissues and the demonstration of nonseptate hyphae. Review of the literature did not indicate that this syndrome had previously been recognized. The name nasopharyngeal mucormycotic osteitis is suggested.
Singular Neurectomy: Hypotympanotomy Approach
Authors: Epley John M.
Published: April 2016

A modified surgical technique is described for singular neurectomy. The hypotympanotomy approach provides greater ease in exposing the singular canal. Delayed round window overhang removal provides decreased risk of round window trauma. Eight cases done by this technique indicated a lower complication rate than any reported transmeatal series. Selection criteria, results, and complications are discussed. The risk of cochlear damage limits singular neurectomy to patients who are severely incapacitated by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Compared with vestibular neurectomy, singular neurectomy avoids risks inherent in intracranial procedures, and the vertigo caused by surgical intervention is less pronounced.
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Scrofula (Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis)
Authors: Domb George H. , Chole Richard A.
Published: April 2016

Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis, or scrofula, may be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or the atypical mycobacteria. It is important to distinguish between tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis and atypical mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis, since medical and surgical treatment of each of these entities is different. The two types of scrofula are compared and contrasted. The appropriate treatment of each is discussed, and the complications of improper management are described.