bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of indoor radon, thoron and their progeny levels in dwellings of Union Territory Chandigarh, India: correlation with radon exhalation rates
Authors: Mehta V. , Kumar A. , Singh S. P. , Chauhan R. P. , Mudahar G. S.
Published: May 2014

Presence of radon, thoron and their decay products in household environment is considered a potential health hazard. Measurement of their levels is an important aspect to assess the threat they may pose to humans. Considering this their measurement from some dwellings of Union Territory Chandigarh, India has been carried out. Seasonal variation of these values has also been studied. A correlation study of exhalation rates from soil samples of areas close to the dwellings has also been carried out. The indoor radon concentration varied from 7.9 ± 0.5 to 39.2 ± 2.3 Bq m−3 with an average of 23.3 Bq m−3 while the thoron concentration in the same dwellings varied from 0.15 ± 0.01 to 24.6 ± 1.0 Bq m−3 with an average of 10.7 Bq m−3. Annual effective dose varied from 0.3 to 1.4 mSv with an average of 0.8 mSv. The radon mass and surface exhalation rates from the soil samples varied from 0.9 to 1.9 mBq/kg/h with an average of 1.39 ± 0.29 mBq/kg/h and 20.7–42.3 mBq/m2/h with an average of 31.4 ± 6.8 mBq/m2/h, respectively. The value of in situ gamma dose found to be varied from 0.14 to 0.31 µSv/h.
Reduced incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients: A new insight into the efficacy of the ventilator care bundle
Authors: Mukhtar Ahmed , Zaghlol Ahmed , Mansour Ramadan , Hasanin Ahmed , El-Adawy Akram , Mohamed Hossam , Ali Mai
Published: May 2014

Introduction:

There has been a dramatic recent increase in the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We investigated the effect of implementation of a ventilator care bundle on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a cohort of trauma patients.

Methods:

A ventilator care bundle was implemented after a 7-month baseline period. Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates, rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquisition, rates of vancomycin administration, intensive care unit lengths of stay, and durations of mechanical ventilation were prospectively recorded for 10 months.

Results:

Use of a ventilator care bundle was associated with a reduced incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia from 42 cases per 1000 ventilator days (95% confidence interval: 17–83) in the pre-intervention group to 19 (95% confidence interval: 11–34) cases per 1000 ventilator days in the post-intervention group ( p = 0.04). The rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus acquisition was significantly different in the pre-intervention group (27%) and the post-intervention group (3.9%) ( p < 0.001). Relative to the pre-intervention period, there was a significant reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation ( p = 0.03) and length of intensive care unit stay during the post-intervention period ( p = 0.015).

Conclusion:

The incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus-ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients could be reduced by implementation of a ventilator care bundle.
Silence in the crowd: The spiral of silence contributing to the positive bias of opinions in an online review system
Authors: Askay David A
Published: May 2014

A positive bias of opinions has frequently been identified across online review websites, suggesting that the public is making decisions based on a limited range of opinions. While scholars often attribute this bias to social loafing or self-selection, this study investigates the positive bias from the perspective of opinion expression. Drawing from the spiral of silence theory, a qualitative analysis of discussion forums reveals that fear of isolation reduces the willingness of members to voice neutral and negative reviews. Additionally, communicative affordances of the interface were found to further suppress neutral and negative opinions. These results extend the spiral of silence theory into the context of non-anonymous multichannel communication platforms and indicate the need to consider the role of communicative affordances in online opinion expression.
Constructing digital childhoods in Taiwanese children’s newspapers
Authors: Shaw Ping , Tan Yue
Published: May 2014

Proliferating in mass media, the image of “child computer user” has been exemplified in ongoing debates concerning the increasing impact of information and communications technology (ICT) on children. With a content analysis of news reports ( n = 797) in the most popular children’s newspaper ( Mandarin Daily News) in Taiwan between 2000 and 2011, this study examined the frequencies of five themes of “child computer user” identified by Selwyn and six dimensions of children’s needs and the argumentation patterns of media framing of ICT effect (affective valence, framing perspective, causal and treatment attribution) used by Rossler. This examination has revealed how the cultural assumptions of contemporary Taiwanese toward children and childhood, viewed in terms of children’s nature, agency, and needs, have influenced media representations of child computer users, and how these representations are moderated by children’s ages and living domains (home versus school).
Rumors and factitious informational blends: The role of the web in speculative politics
Authors: Rojecki Andrew , Meraz Sharon
Published: May 2014

The World Wide Web has changed the dynamics of information transmission and agenda-setting. Facts mingle with half-truths and untruths to create factitious informational blends (FIBs) that drive speculative politics. We specify an information environment that mirrors and contributes to a polarized political system and develop a methodology that measures the interaction of the two. We do so by examining the evolution of two comparable claims during the 2004 presidential campaign in three streams of data: (1) web pages, (2) Google searches, and (3) media coverage. We find that the web is not sufficient alone for spreading misinformation, but it leads the agenda for traditional media. We find no evidence for equality of influence in network actors.
Multiple crack damage detection of structures using the two crack transfer matrix
Authors: Nandakumar P , Shankar K
Published: May 2014

A damage detection scheme for multiple crack detection in beams is presented, based on a transfer matrix derived from beam element with two cracks. Based on fracture mechanics principles, a crack is modelled as a hinge, which provides an additional flexibility to the element. Each element is assumed to have two open-edge cracks and a new transfer matrix called two crack transfer matrix is developed using finite element method. Using an inverse approach, the transfer matrix is used to predict cracks in a beam. The state vector at a node includes displacements, forces and moments at that node; when it is multiplied with the transfer matrix, the state vector at the adjacent node can be obtained. The state vector formed at the starting node, known as initial state vector, needs to be estimated, from which state vectors at adjacent nodes are predicted using the transfer matrix. Displacement responses are measured at a few adjacent nodes in the structure. The mean square error between measured and predicted responses is minimized using a heuristic optimization algorithm, with crack depth and location in each element as the optimization variables. Two numerical examples, a cantilever and a sub-structure of a frame with nine members, are solved with two cracks in each element. The damage detection method is also validated experimentally by local identification of sub-structure of a fixed beam where the initial state vector is measured using strain gauges and accelerometers. Using this method, two cracks per single element were successfully identified. The two crack transfer matrix method is suitable for local damage identification in large structures.
Prepubertal exposure to elevated manganese results in estradiol regulated mammary gland ductal differentiation and hyperplasia in female rats
Authors: Dearth Robert K , Hiney Jill K , Srivastava Vinod K , Hamilton Alina M , Dees William L
Published: May 2014

Evidence suggests that environmental substances regulating estrogenic pathways during puberty may be detrimental to the developing mammary gland (MG). Manganese (Mn) is a trace mineral required for normal physiological processes. Prepubertal exposure to Mn induces precocious puberty in rats, an event associated with early elevations in puberty-related hormones, including estradiol (E2). However, until now the effect of Mn-induced precocious MG development has not been determined. Therefore, we assessed the ability of prepubertal Mn exposure to advance normal MG development and alter E2 driven pathways involved in tumorigenesis. Sprague Dawley female rats were gavaged daily with either 10 mg/kg manganese chloride (MnCl2) or saline (control) from postnatal day (PND) 12 through PND 30. Blood and MGs were collected on PNDs 30 and 120. Compared to controls, serum E2 levels on PND 30 were elevated (p < 0.05) in the Mn-treated group. Mn exposure significantly increased differentiated MG terminal ductal structures and the percentage of MG epithelial cells that stained positive for the proliferative marker, Ki67, at PND 30 (p < 0.001) and PND 120 (p < 0.001). Levels of Mn (ppm) were not elevated in these MGs. Mn-treated animals (40%) exhibited reactive stroma and intra-luminal focal hyperplasia in hemotoxylin and eosin stained MGs at PND 120. Furthermore, Mn exposure resulted in elevated protein expression levels of estrogen receptor α, activator protein 2α, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, and p53 in MGs on PND 120, but not on PND 30. Collectively, these data show that exposure to a supplemental dose of Mn causes accelerated pubertal MG growth which can progress to adult hyperplasia; thus, providing evidence that early life Mn exposure may increase susceptibility to breast cancer.
Underlying Motives of Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Lemmon Grace , Wayne Sandy J.
Published: May 2014

This study examined organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) from a motivational perspective by investigating two underlying motives of employee OCB: egoism and altruism. Drawing on Batson’s theory of motivation, employee felt obligation and altruistic concern were explored as underlying motives for citizenship behavior directed toward the organization (OCBO) and supervisor (OCBS). A model of the antecedents and outcomes of these motives was tested with a sample of 164 employee–supervisor dyads. Interestingly, in a structural equation model representing meditational effects, altruistic concern but not felt obligation predicted OCBO, while felt obligation but not altruistic concern predicted OCBS. Altruistic concern fully mediated the relation between person–organization fit and OCBO and between perceived organizational support and OCBO. Felt obligation partially mediated the relationship between leader–member exchange and OCBS. Implications of the results for practice and future OCB motive research are discussed.
Can the Division of Labor Be Re-Engineered to Advance Organizational Dynamism?
Authors: Mupepi Mambo G.
Published: May 2014

The objective of this article is to illustrate how social constructs can be applied to afford a unique opportunity to effect change in varied environments. Technology can be re-configured to systematically chart practicality in organization. The division of labor is reclaimed to illustrate how explicit knowledge can be engineered in at least three ways: It can imply the utilization of tools to make ends meet; it can imply innovative thinking that promotes the development of techniques and methods based on a template that may augment increased productivity; and in the expanded workforce, authentic knowledge also can be described as highly structured skill-sets acquired from years of practice through continuous learning and improvement, and this resource can be usefully shared to advance productivity.
Up-regulation of CNDP2 facilitates the proliferation of colon cancer
Authors: Xue Conglong , Zhang Zhenwei , Yu Honglan , Yu Miao , Yuan Kaitao , Yang Ting , Miao Mingyong , Shi Hanping
Published: May 2014

Background

Cytosolic nonspecific dipetidase (CN2) belongs to the family of M20 metallopeptidases. It was stated in previous articles that higher expression levels of CN2 were observed in renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer. Our study explored the correlation between CN2 and colon carcinogenesis.

Methods

We analysed the relationship between 183 patients clinicopathological characteristics and its CN2 expression. To detect the levels of CN2 in colon cancer cell lines and colon cancer tissues by western blot. To verify cell proliferation in colon cancer cells with knockdown of CNDP2 and explore the causes of these phenomena.

Results

The expression levels of CN2 in clinical colon tumors and colon cancer cell lines were significantly higher than that in normal colon mucosa and colon cell lines. The difference in CN2 levels was associated with tumor location (right- and left-sided colon cancer), but there was no significant association with age, gender, tumor size, tumor grade, tumor stage or serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Knockdown of CNDP2 inhibited cell proliferation, blocked cell cycle progression and retarded carcinogenesis in an animal model. The signaling pathway through which knockdown of CNDP2 inhibited cell proliferation and tumorigenesis involved in EGFR, cyclin B1 and cyclin E.

Conclusions

Knockdown of CNDP2 can inhibit the proliferation of colon cancer in vitro and retarded carcinogenesis in vivo.
Dendrimers: synthesis, applications, and properties
Authors: Abbasi Elham , Aval Sedigheh Fekri , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Milani Morteza , Nasrabadi Hamid Tayefi , Joo Sang Woo , Hanifehpour Younes , Nejati-Koshki Kazem , Pashaei-Asl Roghiyeh
Published: May 2014

Dendrimers are nano-sized, radially symmetric molecules with well-defined, homogeneous, and monodisperse structure that has a typically symmetric core, an inner shell, and an outer shell. Their three traditional macromolecular architectural classes are broadly recognized to generate rather polydisperse products of different molecular weights. A variety of dendrimers exist, and each has biological properties such as polyvalency, self-assembling, electrostatic interactions, chemical stability, low cytotoxicity, and solubility. These varied characteristics make dendrimers a good choice in the medical field, and this review covers their diverse applications.
Circulating cytokines in predicting development of severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Nieminen Anne , Maksimow Mikael , Mentula Panu , Kyhälä Lea , Kylänpää Leena , Puolakkainen Pauli , Kemppainen Esko , Repo Heikki , Salmi Marko
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early prediction of severe AP is needed to improve patient outcomes. The aim of the present study was to find novel cytokines or combinations of cytokines that can be used for the early identification of patients with AP at risk for severe disease.

Methods

We performed a prospective study of 163 nonconsecutive patients with AP, of whom 25 had severe AP according to the revised Atlanta criteria. Admission serum levels of 48 cytokines and growth factors were determined using Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine Assay 21-plex and 27-plex magnetic bead suspension panels. Admission plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine and calcium were measured for comparison. In subgroup analyses, we assessed the cytokine profiles of patients with severe AP (n = 14) who did not have organ dysfunction (OD) upon admission (modified Marshall score <2).

Results

Of 14 cytokines elevated in the severe AP group, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels were independent prognostic markers of severe AP. IL-6, HGF and a combination of them predicted severe AP with sensitivities of 56.0%, 60.0% and 72.0%, respectively, and specificities of 90.6%, 92.8% and 89.9%, respectively. The corresponding positive likelihood ratio (LR+) values were 5.9, 8.3 and 7.1, respectively. The predictive values of CRP, creatinine and calcium were comparable to those of the cytokines. In subgroup analyses of patients with severe AP and without OD upon admission, we found that IL-8, HGF and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels predicted the development of severe AP, with G-CSF being the most accurate cytokine at a sensitivity of 35.7%, a specificity of 96.1% and a LR+ of 9.1.

Conclusions

IL-6 and HGF levels upon admission have prognostic value for severe AP which is similar to levels of CRP, creatinine and calcium. Although IL-6 and HGF, as either single or combined markers, were not perfect in identifying patients at risk for severe AP, the possibility that combining them with novel prognostic markers other than cytokines might improve prognostic accuracy needs to be studied. The accuracy of IL-8, HGF and G-CSF levels in predicting severe AP in patients without clinical signs of OD upon admission warrants larger studies.
The role of preexisting fractures and faults during multistage hydraulic fracturing in the Bakken Formation
Authors: Yang Yi , Zoback Mark D.
Published: May 2014

We performed an integrated study of multistage hydraulic fracture stimulation of two parallel horizontal wells in the Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin, North Dakota. There are three distinct parts of this study: development of a geomechanical model for the study area, interpretation of multiarray downhole recordings of microseismic events, and interpretation of hydraulic fracturing data in a geomechanical context. We estimated the current stress state to be characterized by an NF/SS regime, with [Formula: see text] oriented approximately [Formula: see text]. The microseismic events were recorded in six vertical observation wells during hydraulic fracturing of parallel wells X and Z with three unusual aspects. First, rather than occurring in proximity to the stages being pressurized, many of the events occurred along the length of well Y, a parallel well located between wells X and Z that had been in production for approximately [Formula: see text] years at the time X and Z were stimulated. Second, relatively few fracturing stages were associated with an elongated cloud of events trending in the direction of [Formula: see text] as was commonly observed during hydraulic fracturing. Instead, the microseismic events in a few stages appeared to trend approximately [Formula: see text], approximately 30° from the direction of [Formula: see text]. Earthquake focal plane mechanisms confirmed slip on faults with this orientation. Finally, the microseismic events were clustered at two distinct depths: one near the depth of the well being pressurized in the Middle Bakken Formation and the other approximately [Formula: see text] above in the Mission Canyon Formation. We proposed that steeply dipping N75°E striking faults with a combination of normal and strike-slip movement were being stimulated during hydraulic fracturing and provided conduits for pore pressure to be transmitted to the overlaying formations. We tested a simple geomechanical analysis to illustrate how this occurred in the context of the stress field, pore pressure, and depletion in the vicinity of well Y.
The Opposing Effects of Ghrelin on Hypothalamic and Systemic Inflammatory Processes Are Modulated by Its Acylation Status and Food Intake in Male Rats
Authors: García-Cáceres Cristina , Fuente-Martín Esther , Díaz Francisca , Granado Miriam , Argente-Arizón Pilar , Frago Laura M. , Freire-Regatillo Alejandra , Barrios Vicente , Argente Jesús , Chowen Julie A.
Published: May 2014

Ghrelin is an endogenous hormone that stimulates appetite and adipose tissue accrual. Both the acylated (AG) and non-acylated (DAG) isoforms of this hormone are also reported to exert anti-inflammatory and protective effects systemically and in the central nervous system. As inflammatory processes have been implicated in obesity-associated secondary complications, we hypothesized that this natural appetite stimulator may protect against negative consequences resulting from excessive food intake. Adult male Wistar rats were treated icv (5 μg/day) with AG, DAG, the ghrelin mimetic GH-releasing peptide (GHRP)-6, AG, and pair-fed with controls (AG-pf) or saline for 14 days. Regardless of food intake AG increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and decreased circulating cytokine levels. However, AG reduced cytokine production in VAT only in rats fed ad libitum. Hypothalamic cytokine production was increased in AG-treated rats fed ad libitum and by DAG, but intracellular inflammatory signaling pathways associated with insulin and leptin resistance were unaffected. Gliosis was not observed in response to any treatment as glial markers were either reduced or unaffected. AG, DAG, and GHRP-6 stimulated production of hypothalamic insulin like-growth factor I that is involved in cell protective mechanisms. In hypothalamic astrocyte cell cultures AG decreased tumor necrosis factorα and DAG decreased interleukin-1β mRNA levels, suggesting direct anti-inflammatory effects on astrocytes. Thus, whereas ghrelin stimulates food intake and weight gain, it may also induce mechanisms of cell protection that help to detour or delay systemic inflammatory responses and hypothalamic gliosis due to excess weight gain, as well as its associated pathologies.
The Contribution of Serine 194 Phosphorylation to Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Function
Authors: Sasaki Goro , Zubair Mohamad , Ishii Tomohiro , Mitsui Toshikatsu , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Auchus Richard J.
Published: May 2014

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) facilitates the delivery of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme catalyzes the initial step of steroid hormone biosynthesis. StAR was initially identified in adrenocortical cells as a phosphoprotein, the expression and phosphorylation of which were stimulated by corticotropin. A number of in vitro studies have implicated cAMP-dependent phosphorylation at serine 194 (S194, S195 in human StAR) as an important residue for StAR activity. To explore the importance of S194 phosphorylation in StAR function in vivo, we developed a transgenic model using a bacterial artificial chromosome expressing either wild-type (WT) StAR or StAR mutation S194A to rescue StAR knockout (KO) mice. Despite StAR protein expression comparable to or higher than amounts seen with control animals or rescue with WT StAR, S194A StAR did not rescue the neonatal lethality and only partially rescued the sex reversal in male mice observed uniformly in StAR KO mice. Like the StAR KO mice, the adrenal cortex and testicular Leydig cells contained abundant lipid deposits when stained with oil red O. Adrenal StAR from S194A rescue animals lacks an acidic species, which appears upon corticotropin stimulation in animals rescued with WT StAR, consistent with defective StAR phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that S194 is an essential residue for normal StAR function in the adrenal cortex and testes of mice.
Simple Method for Predicting Temperatures in Reinforced Concrete Beams Exposed to a Standard Fire
Authors: Gao W.Y. , Dai J.G. , Teng J.G.
Published: May 2014

In performance-based fire safety design, the fire performance of a structure needs to be accurately evaluated, which requires the accurate prediction of temperatures in the structure. While a finite-element or a finite-difference analysis may be carried out for this purpose, structural engineers generally prefer a simpler method. This paper therefore presents a simple, design-oriented method for predicting temperatures in RC beams under a standard fire exposure. Results from finite element heat transfer analysis are first examined to identify the key parameters that determine temperature distributions in RC beams. On the basis of this knowledge, a simple method in the form of handy formulae and diagrams is derived from regression analysis of finite element temperature data, with due consideration of the effects of beam geometry and fire exposure duration. The accuracy of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing its predictions with temperature data from both finite element analysis and laboratory tests. The proposed method is believed to be attractive to practicing engineers for use in the fire resistance evaluation of RC beams exposed to a standard fire because of its simplicity and accuracy.
Multimodularity and Its Applications in Three Stochastic Dynamic Inventory Problems
Authors: Li Qing , Yu Peiwen
Published: May 2014

We apply the concept of multimodularity in three stochastic dynamic inventory problems in which state and decision variables are economic substitutes. The first is clearance sales of perishable goods. The second is sourcing from multiple suppliers with different lead times. The third is transshipment under capacity constraints. In all three problems, we establish monotone optimal polices with bounded sensitivity. Multimodularity proves to be an effective tool for these problems because it implies substitutability, it is preserved under minimization, and it leads directly to monotone optimal policies with bounded sensitivity.
Eustra petrovi sp. nov. - first record of a troglobitic Ozaenini from China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Paussinae)
Authors: Guéorguiev Borislav V.
Published: May 2014

Eustra petrovi sp. nov. from China, Yunnan Province (type locality: cave Xianren Dong near to village Datianba, Longling County, Baoshan City) is described and illustrated. The new species exhibits troglomorphic features (depigmentation of tegument, brachyptery, microphthalmy) and can be separated from other species of Eustra by presenting a particular combination of character states.
In search of a cheerful lament: ‘Bizarre partners’ in an a/r/tographic community of practice
Authors: Holbrook Teri , Pourchier Nicole M. , Zoss Michelle , White Alisha M.
Published: May 2014

In this a/r/tographic fable, four literacy education researchers convey the complexities encountered when they struck out to challenge scholarly norms that erased image-making from academic writing practices. Working from different paradigms – pragmatic, critical and postmodern – they formed an enquiry group with an a priori stance of ‘yes’ to each other’s positions and explorations. During data analysis and writing, however, the group discovered that consensus/disconsensus acted to both stitch together and fray their collective work. Drawing from a/r/tographic notions of communities of creative practice and Lyotard’s writings on the necessary role of ‘bizarre partners’ in the violence of learning, the authors present one telling of how they worked with ‘confusion and ambiguity’ to create knowledge in the energy generated when ‘contradictions and resistances are faced’.

After a short story, a fable or tale, sketch or exemplum, a moral draws out an unpretentious, localized, and provisional bit of wisdom, soon to be forgotten. Morals often, heedlessly, contradict each other. Together, they make a rustling of maxims, a cheerful lament: that’s life.
Eine biblische (Fundamental-)Theologie des Gottesdienstes in der Pluralität christlicher Liturgien?
Authors: Assel Heinrich , Modeß Johannes
Published: May 2014

This contribution is a critical assessment of Gregor Etzelmüller’s habilitation thesis, which was published in 2010 under the title »… zu schauen die schönen Gottesdienste des Herrn«.

Eine biblische Theologie der christlichen Liturgiefamilien.

A presentation of current research trends in systematic theological reflection of worship in ecumenical discourse shows that Etzelmüller chooses an approach of his own. Etzelmüller is not so much interested in the performative character of worship but its basic textual character. He considers the Bible as a decisive pre-text of Christian liturgies and hence responsible for their commonalities; likewise, as a pluralistic library, it is responsible for their differences. Heinrich Assel and Johannes Modeß underline that the broad approach of Etzelmüller’s book opens up new perspectives for liturgical research. They nevertheless critically reflect on some of his methodological decisions and suggest that worship as an event cannot only be understood via (the interpretation of) liturgical texts.
Harte Männer
Authors: Kutzelmann Philipp
Published: May 2014

Professional Wrestling ist ein genuin amerikanisches Showgenre. Philipp Kutzelmann arbeitet die grundlegenden Organisations- und Funktionsweisen der amerikanischen Wrestlingindustrie heraus, analysiert einzelne Kampfveranstaltungen und zeichnet nach, wie sich die Showkämpfe über Jahrzehnte hinweg verändert haben. Es zeigt sich, dass die Shows immer auch ein Spiegel kultureller, sozialer und politischer Entwicklungen und zeithistorischer Erfahrungen in den USA waren. Die Studie, die zugleich eine Einführung in die strukturelle Genese der US-Wrestlingindustrie bietet, richtet sich an Historiker_innen, an USA-Experten, an Forscher_innen im Bereich der Geschlechterstudien sowie an Kulturwissenschaftler_innen, die sich für die performativen Aspekte von Sport interessieren.
PREVALÊNCIA DO USO DE ANOREXÍGENOS EM ACADÊMICOS DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO PRIVADA NA CIDADE DE MONTES CLAROS, MG
Authors: OLIVEIRA Diego Pitangui Guedes de , LAGES Lucas Thadeu Rodrigues , ASSIS Jadson Rabelo
Published: May 2014

A cada dia crescem as dificuldades de se manter um estilo de vida saudável, por isso a obesidade é cada vez mais recorrente e já é considerada um problema de saúde pública atingindo níveis de escala mundial, somando-se a isto, temos a pressão da sociedade e da mídia por uma aparência magra, todos estes fatores tem desencadeado um uso excessivo de medicamentos anorexígenos com objetivo puramente estético, sem preocupação com os efeitos nocivos que o uso descontrolado possa causar. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência do uso de anorexígenos entre acadêmicos, de ambos os sexos, matriculados no primeiro período dos cursos da área da saúde em uma Instituição Privada de Ensino Superior da cidade de Montes Claros - MG. Foram aplicados 123 questionários contendo 11 questões objetivas para os acadêmicos dos cursos de Farmácia, Medicina, Fisioterapia, Enfermagem e Psicologia. Deste total, 82,9% (n=102) pertenciam ao gênero Feminino e 17,1% (n=21) do gênero Masculino. Verificou-se um consumo de medicamentos somente no gênero Feminino de 8,1%, sendo a Sibutramina e a Fluoxetina os mais consumidos. Os efeitos secundários mais comuns decorrentes do uso de anorexígenos foram inquietação (80%) e ansiedade (70%). Em relação ao motivo do uso, 50% utilizavam por estética, 40% por sobrepeso e 10% por ambos motivos. Os resultados deste trabalho mostram uma perigosa tendência em se ignorar os efeitos adversos dos anorexígenos, mesmo entre pessoas que estudam a área da saúde, o que pode trazer diversos problemas aos usuários.
HEMOFILIAS: FISIOPATOLOGIA, DIAGNÓSTICO E TRATAMENTO
Authors: COLOMBO Roberta Truzzi , ZANUSSO JÚNIOR Gerson
Published: May 2014

A hemofilia é um grave distúrbio hereditário da coagulação sanguínea, causada pela deficiência da atividade coagulante do fator VIII (hemofilia A) ou IX (hemofilia B). A doença é decorrente de alterações nos genes codificantes destes fatores localizados no braço longo do cromossomo sexual X. Assim sua ocorrência no sexo masculino é quase que exclusiva, devido o homem apresentar somente um cromossomo X. A gravidade da doença pode variar em severa, moderadamente severa e leve, após dosagem dos fatores VIII e IX da coagulação. Uma das complicações mais temíveis dos pacientes com esta doença refere-se ao desenvolvimento de inibidores, que são anticorpos direcionados contra os fatores infundidos. O diagnóstico da doença é realizado através de exames laboratoriais, principalmente pelo coagulograma completo e dosagem de fatores específicos, baseando-se nas manifestações clínicas apresentadas pelo paciente. A hemofilia não tem cura e a base do seu tratamento é a infusão do concentrado do fator deficiente. No entanto, pacientes podem desenvolver inibidores específicos para os fatores infundidos e, nestes casos as alternativas de tratamento são o uso da biotecnologia para novos medicamentos e o uso da terapia gênica.
Comparison of solutions of Boussinesq systems
Authors: Mammeri Youcef , Zhang Yumeng
Published: May 2014

We compare the solution of the generalized Boussinesq systems, for various values of
Euclid’s Optics and Geometrical Astronomy
Authors: Webster Colin
Published: May 2014

This paper seeks to demonstrate that propositions 23–27 of the Euclidian
Prekäre Güter: Hofjuden als Heeres- und Münzlieferanten in der Frühen Neuzeit
Authors: Rauscher Peter
Published: May 2014

The economic success of Court Jews during the late 17th and the 18th centuries is one of the major phenomena of early modern Jewish history in Central Europe. After long and controversial debates on the causes of this development and its consequences for Jewish society as well as for the formation of modern economy and state building in Europe, recent studies mostly focus on cultural aspects. This article argues for reintegrating the economy of Court Jews into the broader field of public finance and for rethinking the significance of Jewish merchants and bankers in comparison to other groups of public creditors.
»Ich muss Gott, den Höchsten Israels, anrufen«
Authors: Lehnardt Peter Sh.
Published: May 2014

The article offers an edition, German translation and commentary of a Qina for the 9
The Philippine Supreme Court and Regime Response, 1970–2000
Authors: Haynie Stacia L. , Dumas Tao L.
Published: May 2014

The behaviour of appellate courts has long fascinated scholars. Specifically, scholars have been attentive to the effect of the political context on judicial outcomes. This paper focuses on the decision-making of the Philippine Supreme Court (“Court”) over multiple decades with particular attention to the influence of changes in the executive branch on the outcomes of cases brought to the Court. The analysis evaluates the decisions of the Court from 1970 through 2000, encompassing the turmoil of the Marcos years through the first few years of the tumultuous tenure of Joseph Estrada. We test the hypothesis, grounded in Galanter’s seminal work, that the government has substantial advantages in the legal system and thus enjoys greater success than other litigants. The government has theoretically unlimited resources with which to litigate, control over the staffing of the bench, and authority over, or at least major influence on, the laws that the courts interpret. As a result, the government is expected to win the majority of the challenges that come before the Court. The Philippines provides an excellent laboratory to test this thesis. In the Marcos era the Court faced a dictator professing “constitutional authoritarianism” whose regime ultimately was toppled by the People Power Revolution. His successor, Corazon Aquino, was initially embraced as the popular wife of an assassinated hero, Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., but later faced a series of attempts to topple her regime. President Fidel Ramos served for 6 years leading the nation through a period of economic growth. Elected by a wide margin in 1998, President Joseph Estrada quickly lost the confidence of the Filipino people as well as the business and military sectors. By 2001, he was removed from office through political actions which some consider the People Power II. This analysis evaluates the winners and losers before the Philippine Supreme Court across the tenures of these presidencies with particular focus on the ability of the Filipino government to succeed when compared to individuals and businesses and the success of different regimes over time as the executive’s popularity surges and wanes. The results suggest, that like other institutions, the Philippine Supreme Court responded to the rise and fall of the personal politics that dominates the distribution of power in this Asian archipelago.
Agentenbasierte Vorhaltung und Erbringung von
Primärregelleistung
Authors: Blank Marita , Calabria Mauro , Dietz Rene , Fuchs Felix , Klingenberg Thole , Lehnhoff Sebastian , Mertens Axel , Schumacher Walter
Published: May 2014

Der zunehmende Ausbau regenerativer Energieumwandlungsanlagen im
elektrischen Energieversorgungssystem führt zu einer Verringerung der
residualen Last und damit zu einer Verdrängung konventioneller
Großkraftwerke. Neben der Aufgabe, Leistung im Lastfolgebetrieb auf
Basis von Fahrplänen bereitzustellen, übernehmen diese Kraftwerke
bislang die kritische Aufgabe der Frequenz- und Spannungsregelung im
Stromnetz. Bei einem Ersatz der Kraftwerke durch dezentrale
dargebotsabhängige Erzeugungsanlagen müssen diese in der Lage sein,
die Frequenz- und Spannungsregelung zu übernehmen. In diesem Beitrag
wird ein Verfahren vorgestellt, mit denen sich Verbünde solcher Anlagen
zur zuverlässigen Bereitstellung von Primärregelleistung heranziehen
lassen.
Interkulturelle Bibliotheksarbeit ganz praktisch: das Portal www.interkulturellebibliothek.de
Authors: Schneehorst Susanne
Published: May 2014

Deutschland hat sich zum Einwanderungsland entwickelt. Viele Bibliotheken haben auf den demografischen Wandel reagiert und definieren sich zunehmend als Lernorte (inter-)kultureller Bildung. Es mangelt jedoch an zentralen Informations- und Serviceangeboten für den Bestandsaufbau in Fremdsprachen und für die Gestaltung interkultureller Bibliotheksangebote. Die dbv-Kommission Interkulturelle Bibliotheksarbeit bietet u. a. durch das Web-Portal www.interkulturellebibliothek.de den Bibliotheken vor Ort theoretische und praktische Hilfestellungen.
Endogenous Merger with Learning
Authors: Erutku Can
Published: May 2014

We look at a concentrated market structure to determine the more likely merger when firms are initially asymmetric. A feature of the analysis is that a high cost firm participating in a merger can learn from the low cost participant. The determination of the equilibrium ownership structure (EOS) rests on the size of the cost asymmetries and learning abilities. Using an endogenous merger model, we find that the EOS always involves a merger between the two most efficient firms. This result holds whether firms adopt a decentralized or centralized structure post-merger and whether learning abilities are known or uncertain pre-merger. In most cases, welfare increases after the merger.
The role of protein-derived free radicals as intermediaries of oxidative processes
Authors: López-Alarcón Camilo , Arenas Andrea , Lissi Eduardo , Silva Eduardo
Published: May 2014

The fact that proteins are the main target of reactive species formed in the cells and extracellular fluids has led to the realization of a great deal of research devoted to revealing the molecular and biological consequences associated with the presence of intermediary protein radicals. This review article describes and comments upon the main chemical pathways involving primary proteic radicals.
CXCL14 antagonizes the CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis
Authors: Hara Takahiko , Tanegashima Kosuke
Published: May 2014

CXCL12 and CXCL14 are evolutionarily conserved members of the CXC-type chemokine family. CXCL12 binds specifically to the G-protein-coupled receptor CXCR4 to induce the migration of primordial germ cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and inflammation-associated immune cells. In addition, CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling is often enhanced in malignant tumor cells and facilitates increased proliferation as well as metastasis. Although macrophage migration inhibitory factor and extracellular ubiquitin interact with CXCR4 as agonistic factors, CXCL12 was believed to be the sole chemokine ligand for CXCR4. However, a very recent report revealed that CXCL14 binds to CXCR4 with high affinity and efficiently inhibits CXCL12-mediated chemotaxis of hematopoietic progenitor and leukemia-derived cells. CXCL14 does not directly cross-compete with CXCL12 for the CXCR4 binding but instead inactivates CXCR4 via receptor internalization. Because both CXCL12 and CXCL14 are expressed during embryogenesis and brain development in mice, these two chemokines could function in an interactive fashion. We propose that the CXCL14 gene has been conserved from fish to man due to its role in fine-tuning the strength of CXCL12-mediated signal transduction. In addition to its biological implications, the above finding will be important for designing anti-cancer compounds targeting the CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis. In fact, a stabilized dimeric peptide containing the C-terminal 51–77 amino acid residues of CXCL14 has been shown to have stronger CXCL12 antagonistic activity than full-length CXCL14.
The acquisition of comparative constructions by English learners of Chinese: An explorative study from a college Chinese language classroom
Authors: Lee Seunghun J. , Li Xiao
Published: May 2014

This explorative study reports how three types of comparative constructions in Mandarin Chinese, namely adjectival, adverbial and differential comparatives, are acquired by English learners in a college Chinese-language classroom. We start with a hypothesis that the syntactic structures of the adverbial comparative and the differential comparative will be a potential challenge to learners because these two constructions are neutralized in English comparatives. However, the results of the three in-class tests we conducted indicate that learners have more difficulty with the adjectival comparative and the adverbial comparative than the differential comparative. Based on these results, we discuss effects of L1 transfer, difficulties in acquiring structures that involve optional components, and differences between heritage and non-heritage learners in learning Chinese as a second language.
Synthesis of Me2 TiO4 and MeFe2 O4 spinels and their use in organic alkyd resin-based anticorrosion coatings
Authors: Kalendová Andrea , Veselý David , Kohl Miroslav
Published: May 2014

The anticorrosion properties of paints containing mixed metal oxide-based pigments were examined. Spinels with the cation combinations Ti-Zn-Mg or Fe-Zn-Mg were synthesized. Core-shell pigments with zinc oxide and magnesium oxide layers were also prepared. The pigments were synthesized from the oxides or carbonates by the high-temperature solid-phase process. The anticorrosion and physico-mechanical properties of film of paints based on an alkyd resin modified with soy oil and containing the pigments at a volume concentration of 10% were investigated. The highest anticorrosion efficiency was observed with the ferrite-based pigments. The anticorrosion efficiency was found to increase with increasing Zn contents of the pigments.
Linear stability of algebraic Ricci solitons
Authors: Jablonski Michael , Petersen Peter , Williams Michael Bradford
Published: May 2014

We consider a modified Ricci flow equation whose stationary solutions include Einstein and Ricci soliton metrics, and we study the linear stability of those solutions relative to the flow. After deriving various criteria that imply linear stability, we turn our attention to left-invariant soliton metrics on (non-compact) simply connected solvable Lie groups and prove linear stability of many such metrics. These include an open set of two-step solvsolitons, all two-step nilsolitons, two infinite families of three-step solvable Einstein metrics, all nilsolitons of dimensions six or less, and all solvable Einstein metrics of dimension seven or less with codimension-one nilradical. For each linearly stable metric, dynamical stability follows from a generalization of the techniques of Guenther, Isenberg, and Knopf.
Successful vaginal packing in placenta previa
Authors: Kesrouani Assaad , Tadros Teddy , Attieh Elie , Daher Alain
Published: May 2014

Severe bleeding from placenta previa usually leads to immediate delivery. We report a case of a 23 weeks twin pregnancy who presented profuse bleeding while she was in the operating room for cervical cerclage. Cervical compression with a pack was applied in an attempt to gain time whilst preparing for cesarean section. The attempt was successful in halting bleeding and helped to extend the pregnancy until 33 weeks. We did not find a similar case in the literature and our conclusion was that in carefully selected cases, vaginal packing could be an immediate option to stop bleeding in placenta previa.
Semiotics, under the Challenge of Globalization
Authors: Marcus Solomon
Published: May 2014

Taking into account that the slogan of the next World Congress of Semiotics refers to global semiotics, we analyze, in this context, the different meanings of global and of the associated terms, such as civilization, culture and communication. We distinguish two notions of culture and several aspects of global semiotics, while civilization is shown to be the first proposed notion of culture. Communication is a much more complex activity, whose relation to sign process is not yet clarified. We conclude that no status of semiotics could be accepted that is incompatible with its global nature. Semiotics is a meta-discipline global in all respects. We point out in this way the complexity of the tasks of the 11th World Congress of Semiotics.
On the Change of the Middle Item and Cultural Markedness
Authors: Peng Jia
Published: May 2014

In the dynamic relation of “the positive - the middle item - the alien”, the middle item is pressed by both ends. The pressure from the positive on the middle item, whose intensity is related to cultural tolerance, is driven by the need to maintain its position. That from the alien on the middle item comes from the claim for the selfoverturn of the subculture as well as the pursuit by art of its own markedness. At different levels of culture, the pressure on the middle item is different. The subtle and complex tension among the three influences the developmental trend of culture
Subject, Dialogue and Transcendence in Sophocles’s Oedipus at Colonus
Authors: Hočevar Drina
Published: May 2014

In Sophocles’ play Oedipus at Colonus, Colonus, and more specifically the location near the sacred grove, is more than the setting of a story; it is a place significant in itself where the main character, Oedipus, will experience a transformation from “negation towards “affirmation in his transcendental journey. The place found by Oedipus allows him to acquire inner vision for understanding himself and others; it is where prophetic vision of the past will meet, in the memory of the subject, with prophetic visions of the future. His sense of guilt becomes more transparent and the tragic hero is revealed in his inner self as innocent.
“Le Soleil”. Representation or Re-presentation?
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Katarzyna
Published: May 2014

The music of Grażyna Pstrokońska-Nawratil, in its composer’s premises, grows, above all, out of a fascination with the sea. This idea is realized, among others, by the musical piece Le soleil. It refers to three well-known paintings: Claude Monet’s Impression, soleil levant (Andante), Georges Seurat’s Un Dimanche a la Grande Jatte (Presto) and Vincent van Gogh’s Le chemin avec des cypress (Andante). Thus, the question arises regarding the relation between the paintings and the Polish composer’s music: Does this relation fit the category of ekphrasis, adapted by Siglind Bruhn from a theory of literature, to musical studies? To answer this question, the present study undertakes a search for quasi-painting structural features of Pstrokońska-Nawratil’s music in the context of the problem of musical space-time