bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space Flight Effects on Antioxidant Molecules in Dry Tardigrades: The TARDIKISS Experiment
Authors: Rizzo Angela Maria , Altiero Tiziana , Corsetto Paola Antonia , Montorfano Gigliola , Guidetti Roberto , Rebecchi Lorena
Published: January 2015

The TARDIKISS (Tardigrades in Space) experiment was part of the Biokon in Space (BIOKIS) payload, a set of multidisciplinary experiments performed during the DAMA (Dark Matter) mission organized by Italian Space Agency and Italian Air Force in 2011. This mission supported the execution of experiments in short duration (16 days) taking the advantage of the microgravity environment on board of the Space Shuttle Endeavour (its last mission STS-134) docked to the International Space Station. TARDIKISS was composed of three sample sets: one flight sample and two ground control samples. These samples provided the biological material used to test as space stressors, including microgravity, affected animal survivability, life cycle, DNA integrity, and pathways of molecules working as antioxidants. In this paper we compared the molecular pathways of some antioxidant molecules, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and fatty acid composition between flight and control samples in two tardigrade species, namely,Paramacrobiotus richtersiandRamazzottius oberhaeuseri. In both species, the activities of ROS scavenging enzymes, the total content of glutathione, and the fatty acids composition between flight and control samples showed few significant differences. TARDIKISS experiment, together with a previous space experiment (TARSE), further confirms that both desiccated and hydrated tardigrades represent useful animal tool for space research.
Null Geodesics and Gravitational Lensing in a Nonsingular Spacetime
Authors: Wei Shao-Wen , Liu Yu-Xiao , Fu Chun-E
Published: January 2015

The null geodesics and gravitational lensing in a nonsingular spacetime are investigated. According to the nature of the null geodesics, the spacetime is divided into several cases. In the weak deflection limit, we find the influence of the nonsingularity parameterqon the positions and magnifications of the images is negligible. In the strong deflection limit, the coefficients and observables for the gravitational lensing in a nonsingular black hole background and a weakly nonsingular spacetime are obtained. Comparing these results, we find that, in a weakly nonsingular spacetime, the relativistic images have smaller angular position and relative magnification but larger angular separation than those of a nonsingular black hole. These results might offer a way to probe the spacetime nonsingularity parameter and put a bound on it by the astronomical instruments in the near future.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as a Diagnostic Tool for Distinguishing between Normal and Malignant Colorectal Tissues
Authors: Chen Hui , Lin Zan , Mo Lin , Wu Tong , Tan Chao
Published: January 2015

Cancer diagnosis is one of the most important tasks of biomedical research and has become the main objective of medical investigations. The present paper proposed an analytical strategy for distinguishing between normal and malignant colorectal tissues by combining the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with chemometrics. The successive projection algorithm-linear discriminant analysis (SPA-LDA) was used to seek a reduced subset of variables/wavenumbers and build a diagnostic model of LDA. For comparison, the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on full-spectrum classification was also used as the reference. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for a preliminary analysis. A total of 186 spectra from 20 patients with partial colorectal resection were collected and divided into three subsets for training, optimizing, and testing the model. The results showed that, compared to PLS-DA, SPA-LDA provided more parsimonious model using only three wavenumbers/variables (4065, 4173, and 5758 cm−1) to achieve the sensitivity of 84.6%, 92.3%, and 92.3% for the training, validation, and test sets, respectively, and the specificity of 100% for each subset. It indicated that the combination of NIR spectroscopy and SPA-LDA algorithm can serve as a potential tool for distinguishing between normal and malignant colorectal tissues.
The Impact of a Dedicated Research Education Month for Anesthesiology Residents
Authors: Freundlich Robert E. , Newman Jessica W. , Tremper Kevin K. , Mhyre Jill M. , Kheterpal Sachin , Sanford Theodore J. , Tait Alan R.
Published: January 2015

An educational intervention was implemented at the University of Michigan starting in 2008, in which anesthesiology interns complete a dedicated month-long didactic rotation in evidence-based medicine (EBM) and research methodology. We sought to assess its utility. Scores on a validated EBM test before and after the rotation were compared and assessed for significance of improvement. A survey was also given to gauge satisfaction with the quality of the rotation and self-reported improvement in understanding of EBM topics. Fourteen consecutive interns completed the research rotation during the study period. One hundred percent completed both the pre- and postrotation test. The mean pretest score was 7.78 ± 2.46 (median = 7.5, 0–15 scale, and interquartile range 7.0–10.0) and the mean posttest score was 10.00 ± 2.35 (median = 9.5, interquartile range 8.0–12.3), which represented a statistically significant increase (P=0.011, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). All fourteen of the residents “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they would recommend the course to future interns and that the course increased their ability to critically review the literature. Our findings demonstrate that this can be an effective means of improving understanding of EBM topics and anesthesiology research.
Isoform-Specific Na,K-ATPase Alterations Precede Disuse-Induced Atrophy of Rat Soleus Muscle
Authors: Kravtsova Violetta V. , Matchkov Vladimir V. , Bouzinova Elena V. , Vasiliev Alexander N. , Razgovorova Irina A. , Heiny Judith A. , Krivoi Igor I.
Published: January 2015

This study examines the isoform-specific effects of short-term hindlimb suspension (HS) on the Na,K-ATPase in rat soleus muscle. Rats were exposed to 24–72 h of HS and we analyzed the consequences on soleus muscle mass and contractile parameters; excitability and the resting membrane potential (RMP) of muscle fibers; the electrogenic activity, protein, and mRNA content of theα1 andα2 Na,K-ATPase; the functional activity and plasma membrane localization of theα2 Na,K-ATPase. Our results indicate that 24–72 h of HS specifically decreases the electrogenic activity of the Na,K-ATPaseα2 isozyme and the RMP of soleus muscle fibers. This decrease occurs prior to muscle atrophy or any change in contractile parameters. Theα2 mRNA and protein content increased after 24 h of HS and returned to initial levels at 72 h; however, even the increased content was not able to restoreα2 enzyme activity in the disused soleus muscle. There was no change in the membrane localization ofα2 Na,K-ATPase. Theα1 Na,K-ATPase electrogenic activity, protein and mRNA content did not change. Our findings suggest that skeletal muscle use is absolutely required forα2 Na,K-ATPase transport activity and provide the first evidence that Na,K-ATPase alterations precede HS-induced muscle atrophy.
RhoGTPases as Key Players in Mammalian Cell Adaptation to Microgravity
Authors: Louis Fiona , Deroanne Christophe , Nusgens Betty , Vico Laurence , Guignandon Alain
Published: January 2015

A growing number of studies are revealing that cells reorganize their cytoskeleton when exposed to conditions of microgravity. Most, if not all, of the structural changes observed on flown cells can be explained by modulation of RhoGTPases, which are mechanosensitive switches responsible for cytoskeletal dynamics control. This review identifies general principles defining cell sensitivity to gravitational stresses. We discuss what is known about changes in cell shape, nucleus, and focal adhesions and try to establish the relationship with specific RhoGTPase activities. We conclude by considering the potential relevance of live imaging of RhoGTPase activity or cytoskeletal structures in order to enhance our understanding of cell adaptation to microgravity-related conditions.
SERS Characterization of the Indocyanine-Type Dye IR-820 on Gold and Silver Nanoparticles in the Near Infrared
Authors: Neves Tatiana B. V. , Andrade Gustavo F. S.
Published: January 2015

The Raman spectrum of the indocyanine-type dye IR-820 has been assigned for both solid and solution. SERS spectra of IR-820 on both silver and gold nanoparticles suspensions excited at 1064 nm were obtained. AgNPs allowed the detection of the dye through SERS down to 0.1 micromoles per liter; for the AuNPs the lowest concentration of the dye detectable was 10 micromoles per liter. Changes in the SERS relative intensities compared to the Raman spectrum in solution are subtle, mostly due to the preresonance effect of the dye. However, a perpendicular orientation relative to the metallic surface was inferred for the dye on both AgNPs and AuNPs. The easily distinguishable SERS spectra of the dye excited at 1064 nm, together with the high biological compatibility of cyanine dyes, are both indicative that IR-820 could be used as a high-performance probe molecule for SERS.
Beneficial Effect of Sugar Osmolytes on the Refolding of Guanidine Hydrochloride-Denatured Trehalose-6-phosphate Hydrolase fromBacillus licheniformis
Authors: Chen Jiau-Hua , Chi Meng-Chun , Lin Min-Guan , Lin Long-Liu , Wang Tzu-Fan
Published: January 2015

The influence of three sugar osmolytes on the refolding of guanidine hydrochloride- (GdnHCl-) denatured trehalose-6-phosphate hydrolase ofBacillus licheniformis(BlTreA) was studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectra, fluorescence emission spectra, and the recovery of enzymatic activity. These experimental results clearly indicated that sorbitol, sucrose, and trehalose at a concentration of 0.75 M improved the refolding yields of GdnHCl-denatured  BlTreA, probably due to the fact that these sugars favored the formation of tertiary architectures. Far-UV CD measurements demonstrated the ability of sugar osmolytes to shift the secondary structure of GdnHCl-denatured enzyme towards near-native conformations. ANS fluorescence intensity measurements revealed a reduction of exposed hydrophobic surfaces upon the treatment of denatured enzyme with sugar osmolytes. These observations suggest that sugar osmolytes possibly play a chaperone role in the refolding of chemically denaturedBlTreA.
Genes Required for Survival in Microgravity Revealed by Genome-Wide Yeast Deletion Collections Cultured during Spaceflight
Authors: Nislow Corey , Lee Anna Y. , Allen Patricia L. , Giaever Guri , Smith Andrew , Gebbia Marinella , Stodieck Louis S. , Hammond Jeffrey S. , Birdsall Holly H. , Hammond Timothy G.
Published: January 2015

Spaceflight is a unique environment with profound effects on biological systems including tissue redistribution and musculoskeletal stresses. However, the more subtle biological effects of spaceflight on cells and organisms are difficult to measure in a systematic, unbiased manner. Here we test the utility of the molecularly barcoded yeast deletion collection to provide a quantitative assessment of the effects of microgravity on a model organism. We developed robust hardware to screen, in parallel, the complete collection of ~4800 homozygous and ~5900 heterozygous (including ~1100 single-copy deletions of essential genes) yeast deletion strains, each carrying unique DNA that acts as strain identifiers. We compared strain fitness for the homozygous and heterozygous yeast deletion collections grown in spaceflight and ground, as well as plus and minus hyperosmolar sodium chloride, providing a second additive stressor. The genome-wide sensitivity profiles obtained from these treatments were then queried for their similarity to a compendium of drugs whose effects on the yeast collection have been previously reported. We found that the effects of spaceflight have high concordance with the effects of DNA-damaging agents and changes in redox state, suggesting mechanisms by which spaceflight may negatively affect cell fitness.
Molecular Subtypes of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Are Associated with Sunitinib Response in the Metastatic Setting
Authors: Beuselinck Benoit , Job Sylvie , Becht Etienne , Karadimou Alexandra , Verkarre Virginie , Couchy Gabrielle , Giraldo Nicolas , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Molinié Vincent , Sibony Mathilde , Elaidi Reza , Teghom Corinne , Patard Jean-Jacques , Méjean Arnaud , Fridman Wolf Herman , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , de Reyniès Aurélien , Oudard Stéphane , Zucman-Rossi Jessica
Published: January 2015

Purpose: Selecting patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (m-ccRCC) who might benefit from treatment with targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is a challenge. Our aim was to identify molecular markers associated with outcome in patients with m-ccRCC treated with sunitinib.

Experimental Design: We performed global transcriptome analyses on 53 primary resected ccRCC tumors from patients who developed metastatic disease and were treated with first-line sunitinib. We also determined chromosome copy-number aberrations, methylation status, and gene mutations in von Hippel–Lindau and PBRM1. Molecular data were analyzed in relation with response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Validation was performed in 47 additional ccRCC samples treated in first-line metastatic setting with sunitinib.

Results: Unsupervised transcriptome analysis identified 4 robust ccRCC subtypes (ccrcc1 to 4) related to previous molecular classifications that were associated with different responses to sunitinib treatment. ccrcc1/ccrcc4 tumors had a lower RR (P = 0.005) and a shorter PFS and OS than ccrcc2/ccrcc3 tumors (P = 0.001 and 0.0003, respectively). These subtypes were the only significant covariate in the multivariate Cox model for PFS and OS (P = 0.017 and 0.006, respectively). ccrcc1/ccrcc4 tumors were characterized by a stem-cell polycomb signature and CpG hypermethylation, whereas ccrcc3 tumors, sensitive to sunitinib, did not exhibit cellular response to hypoxia. Moreover, ccrcc4 tumors exhibited sarcomatoid differentiation with a strong inflammatory, Th1-oriented but suppressive immune microenvironment, with high expression of PDCD1 (PD-1) and its ligands.

Conclusions: ccRCC molecular subtypes are predictive of sunitinib response in metastatic patients, and could be used for personalized mRCC treatment with TKIs, demethylating or immunomodulatory drugs. Clin Cancer Res; 21(6); 1329–39. ©2015 AACR.
Mechanism and Ablation of Arrhythmia Following Total Cavopulmonary Connection
Authors: Correa Rafael , Sherwin Elizabeth D. , Kovach Joshua , Mah Douglas Y. , Alexander Mark E. , Cecchin Frank , Walsh Edward P. , Triedman John K. , Abrams Dominic J.
Published: January 2015

Background—

The ability to identify and ablate different arrhythmia mechanisms after the total cavopulmonary connection has not been studied in detail.

Methods and Results—

After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval according to institutional guidelines, consecutive patients after a total cavopulmonary connection undergoing electrophysiology study over a 6-year period were included (2006–2012). Arrhythmia mechanism was determined, and the procedural outcome was defined as complete, partial success, or failure. A 12-point arrhythmia severity score was calculated for each patient at baseline and on follow-up. Fifty-seven procedures were performed on 52 patients (18.4±11.8 years; 53.0±27.2 kg). Access to the pulmonary venous atrium was necessary in 33 procedures, via fenestration (16) or transbaffle puncture (17), and in 2 cases, an additional retrograde approach was used. In total, 80 arrhythmias were identified in 47 cases: macroreentrant (n=25) or focal atrial tachycardia (n=8), atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (n=13), reentry via an accessory pathway (n=4) or via twin atrioventricular nodes (n=4), ventricular tachycardia (n=5), and undefined atrial tachycardia (n=21). Procedural outcome in 32 patients who underwent ablation was complete success (n=25), partial success (n=3), failure (n=3), or empirical ablation (n=1). After successful ablation, there was a significant decrease in arrhythmia score over 18.2 (4–32) months follow-up, with a sustained trend even in the face of arrhythmia recurrence (50%).

Conclusions—

Arrhythmia mechanism post total cavopulmonary connection is highly varied, encompassing simple and more complex substrates, documentation of which facilitates a strategic approach to invasive arrhythmia management. Despite the anatomic limitations, successful and clinically meaningful ablation is possible.
Distal Embolization of Hydrophilic-Coating Material From Coronary Guidewires After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Grundeken Maik J. , Li Xiaofei , Kurpershoek C. Eline , Kramer Miranda C. , Vink Aryan , Piek Jan J. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Koch Karel T. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , de Winter Robbert J. , van der Wal Allard C.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Coronary guidewires are indispensable during percutaneous coronary interventions. Nowadays, most guidewires have hydrophilic coatings to improve their trackability, allowing easy lesion passage and facilitating balloon and stent positioning. Recent reports, however, have raised concerns about detachment and subsequent embolization of these hydrophilic coatings.

Methods and Results—

We have retrospectively reviewed the histological samples of the myocardium, obtained during autopsies in the period 2009 to 2013, from all patients who had a history of percutaneous coronary interventions (n=40). Foreign material was observed in the distal myocardium in 4 patients (10%). Furthermore, we have reviewed 205 thrombus specimens which were obtained during thrombus aspiration in the setting of primary percutaneous coronary interventions in the period 2005 to 2009. In 45% of the cases, foreign material was observed within the thrombus. Finally, we have examined the histopathologic appearance of hydrophilic-guidewire coating material ex vivo by embedding the coating in placenta specimen and cut and stain it in exactly the same manner as the myocardium and thrombus specimen. The histopathologic appearance of the hydrophilic coating ex vivo was identical to the foreign material found in vivo.

Conclusions—

Distal embolization of hydrophilic-coating material was observed in 10% of the patients who had a history of percutaneous coronary interventions. Hydrophilic-coating material was found in 45% of coronary thrombus specimen obtained during thrombus aspiration. These findings suggest that detachment and distal embolization of hydrophilic-coating material from coronary guidewires occur more often than the sparse literature on this topic suggests.
Skype, Code and Shouting: A Digitally Mediated Drama between Egypt and Scotland
Authors: Aslam Shabina , Dare Eleanor
Published: January 2015

Springtime (Tron Theatre, Glasgow, 19 May 2012) was a computationally mediated theatrical performance involving Arab and Glaswegian-Arab actors and musicians. The project was produced by Ankur Theatre Productions, Scotland’s foremost black and ethnic minority theatre company. Springtime was directed by the dramaturge Shabina Aslam. Against the backdrop of the “Arab Spring” and its aftermath, the play explored issues of authenticity and identity as mediated through multiple technologies. This paper explores the impact and significance of the production and evaluates the use of Skype, social media and custom-made software in the writing, rehearsal and final performance stages of the play.
Paraphernalia: A Design Approach for Electronic-Performance Tools
Authors: Mauro-Flude Nancy
Published: January 2015

This paper addresses the proposition of experiential design approaches in Human Computing Interaction [HCI] and Human Interface Devices [HID]. To amplify the relationship between performer and the spectator when using emergent technologies with real time performance tools, the author refers to a set of self-crafted electronic-performance tools and a performance. This paper opens a pathway for a larger proposal that asks the reader to consider: What are the ways in which we can engineer interfaces that validate the circulation of subjugated knowledges?
Effects of organic and conventional pesticides on plant biomass, nematode diversity and the structure of the soil food web
Authors: Carrascosa Marina , Sánchez-Moreno Sara , Alonso-Prados José Luis
Published: January 2015

Due to the uncertain future of the soil fumigants most commonly used in the EU, there is a need to develop new integrated pest management programmes to control crop diseases. Different nematode management practices, such as solarisation and the use of ecological nematicides, including nematophagous fungi, are used to control populations of plant-parasitic nematodes, one of the most common pests affecting crops. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of organic (neem seed paste and a mixture of nematophagous fungi) and conventional (oxamyl and fenamiphos) nematicides on soil physical chemical properties, soil biodiversity and plant biomass. Such effects were investigated in two types of habitats: low diversity soils from an agricultural farm and high diversity soils from a natural vegetation area. The greater effect was observed with the neem treatment, which induced a large boost of dauer juveniles in the nutrient-depleted soil, while the same treatment induced an increase of populations of less opportunistic, generalist bacterivore nematodes in the pine forest soil, rich in organic matter. We have studied the effects of different biological and chemical nematicides on the whole soil nematode community through ecological indices and their relationship with plant biomass, but further research is needed to improve understanding of the effect of these products on nematode assemblages.
Build, Operate and Transfer (bot) Contract and Its Models from a Sharī‛ah Perspective
Authors: Noor Azman Mohd , Yunus Saidatolakma Mohd , Haron Muhamad Nasir
Published: January 2015

The build, operate and transfer (bot) contract is a new means of project and construction financing, which includes public-private partnership. Many countries are considering the bot contract as a mode of financing for construction projects as all citizens need public infrastructure services. This article is an attempt to describe various modes, structures and arrangements of bot and shed light on possible Sharī‛ah issues to demonstrate that bot is a Sharī‛ah-compliant type of financing.
Islam, Fun, and Social Capital in Kazakhstan
Authors: Schwab Wendell
Published: January 2015

Small-group solidarity is important in Islamic movements. Islamic movements are not simply groups based on Islamic ideology, but they are also based on a sense of community nurtured by, for lack of a better term, hanging out together. In this paper, I examine how members of the piety movement in Kazakhstan have fun and build community. I will start by examining how elites in the piety movement create spaces for Muslims to have a particular type of ethical fun. I then move on to discuss how many members of the piety movement use these spaces for their own purposes. I argue that the piety movement in Kazakhstan increases social capital among its members by developing intense social networks that bond members together through fun activities.
Agaricus section Brunneopicti: a phylogenetic reconstruction with descriptions of four new taxa
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhao Ruilin , Parra Luis A , Guelly Atsu K , Kesel André De , Rapior Sylvie , Hyde Kevin D , Chukeatirote Ekachai , Callac Philippe
Published: January 2015

Agaricus is a genus of saprobic basidiomycetes including species of nutritional and medicinal interest. Historically the temperate species have been grouped into eight classical sections. Recent phylogenetic analyses however, revealed that two-thirds of the tropical taxa do not cluster in these sections, but form exclusively tropical clades. Seven (TR I to TR VII) strongly supported tropical clades have been revealed and it was hypothesized that clade TR I might represent Agaricus section Brunneopicti. This section was initially characterized by the presence of punctiform squamules, the remains of the veil, on the pileus and stipe. The present morphological study and phylogenetic ML, MP and Bayesian analyses based on ITS1+2 sequences show that clade TR I corresponds to Agaricus section Brunneopicti and includes 16 taxa grouped in four strongly supported subclades and two isolated branches. The six species with punctiform squamules which initially characterized the section constitute one of these subclades. We propose the new replacement name Agaricus brunneopunctatus for the illegitimate name Agaricus brunneopictus. All 16 species are discussed, full descriptions are provided for five, among them, A. brunneosquamulosus, A. niveogranulatus, A. sordidocarpus and A. toluenolens are described as new species. We also report on certain members of section Brunneopicti traits which generally characterize species belonging to other sections. These shared characters raise the issue of their origin and complicate the systematics and the identification of the tropical Agaricus species. An artificial dichotomous key is presented for species identification. Section Brunneopicti is the first reconstructed section of tropical Agaricus. Its known geographical distribution range is strictly palaeotropical. We predict that the species richness of other somewhat forgotten or new tropical sections will also increase in coming years.
Duma i uprzedzenie. Znaczenie wyboru osoby transseksualnej na „przedstawiciela Narodu”
Authors: Jawor Anna
Published: January 2015

Pride and prejudice. The significance of election of a transsexual person as a “representative of Nation”Ms. Anna Grodzka’s election to the Polish Parliament in 2011 was a crucial event because for the first time in Europe a transsexual person became a Member of Parliament, and thus was to represent all Poles at the national level. This event resulted in mixed reactions and comments: from euphoria to trauma, from great pride to deep prejudice. It is instrumental in self identification of Poles, nevertheless two different Polish “nations” make use of it, presenting two different languages and two absolutely separate pictures of Polish identity. The first approach is associated with such notions as freedom, equity, minority rights, multiculturalism. The other is connected with such phrases as original values, genuine Poles, God, and the regular family. Therefore contemporary war of cultures, that is a general conflict over values and collective identity, came to focus on the fact that Anna Grodzka became an MP. The author of the article, relying on Allan McKee’s interpretative analysis of cultural texts, in this case press articles, aims at an analysis of the role of Ms. Grodzka’s election for identity shaping processes among Poles. Duma i uprzedzenie. Znaczenie wyboru osoby transseksualnej na „przedstawiciela Narodu”Wybór Anny Grodzkiej na posłankę był przełomowym wydarzeniem, ponieważ po raz pierwszy w Europie osoba transseksualna została przedstawicielką wszystkich rodaków. Wydarzenie to wywołało jednak różne reakcje: od euforii do traumy, od wielkiej dumy do głębokich uprzedzeń. Służy ono bowiem samookreślaniu się Polaków, ale w taki sposób, że korzystają z niego w procesie samoidentyfikacji co najmniej dwa polskie „narody”, posługujące się językami uosabiającymi dwie zupełnie inne wizje polskości. Naród tych, którzy boją się o Polskę, utożsamianą z wiarą katolicką, tradycyjną rodziną i podziałem ról płciowych, dla których norma jest jedna, a wartości prawdziwe albo nieprawdziwe. I naród tych, którzy Polskę swą widzą barwną, różnorodną, wielokulturową, otwartą i zmienną. Fakt wyboru Anny Grodzkiej do Sejmu stał się więc jedną z soczewek, w której ogniskuje się współczesna wojna kultur, która jest w istocie symboliczną walką o to, kim jesteśmy jako Polacy i w jakim społeczeństwie chcemy żyć. Stosując, proponowaną przez Allana McKee, interpretatywną analizę tekstów kulturowych, w tym przypadku artykułów prasowych, staram się przybliżyć znaczenie tego wydarzenia dla procesów tożsamościowych Polaków.
Concordance Theory in Pakistan
Authors: Schiff Rebecca L.
Published: January 2015

In Zulfiqar Ali’s article regarding concordance theory in Pakistan, Dr. Ali asserts that concordance theory does not explain domestic military intervention in Pakistan. He also suggests that concordance theory superimposes a Western theoretical model on Pakistan, like Huntington’s theory of objective civilian control. In response to Dr. Ali’s claims, this article reiterates how concordance theory can in fact explain why Pakistan has suffered from domestic military intervention—the alienation of the Bengali community and subsequent lack of agreement among the three concordance partners being one significant factor. Additionally, Huntington’s theory focuses on institutional and dichotomous civil–military relations, grounded in the post–World War II US case study. By contrast, concordance theory views the relationship between military and society from both cultural and institutional perspectives and embraces those indigenous qualities that may encourage or discourage domestic military intervention.
The Importance of the Mentor–Mentee Relationship in Women’s Desistance From Destructive Behaviors
Authors: Garcia Janet
Published: January 2015

According to the literature on desistance, the process of reentering society after imprisonment is distinct from the process of desistance as the former is a broader, institutional process that may influence the latter. Scholars have also acknowledged gendered differences in both reentry and desistance processes. Among the array of players in the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals, mentors have become an increasingly popular form of social support in postincarceration programs—particularly for women in reentry. Given the increasing interest in mentoring programs, this study uses semistructured interviews with mentors ( n = 10) and clients ( n = 11) in a women’s postincarceration mentoring program to assess the role of mentors in the reentry process and the desistance process. It was found that mentors aid in these processes by serving as facilitators of change for women who are open to such change and by facilitating in constructive behavioral adjustments.
Large Group Work: Identity Development and Its Significance for Achieving Race Equality
Authors: Woodger David
Published: January 2015

This article examines and analyses the effectiveness of experiential large group work (between 24–35 students) in delivering community and youth work training at Goldsmiths1. It specifically focuses on students’ development and experience in their understanding of racism and identity. The training has refined a model of learning and teaching that combines large group work and experiential learning. It is in this arena that students explore and critically reflect on their life and work experiences. They learn to process and articulate their feelings and understandings across a wide range of issues that come from learning how to inwardly reflect and to develop an awareness of themselves and change. The article explores the experience of group work training and the significance of students’ development of their racial identity in effectively addressing racism. It draws on both the work of Paulo Freire (1972; 1995) on education and Pat de Maré (1975; 1991) on large groups.

The article begins by examining some of the literature on both race and large groups followed by an exploration of racial identity and its development in the group work process in terms of distinct phases. It then discusses the importance of the large group and its relevance to development of racial identities. It concludes by highlighting the significance of the issue of racial identity in addressing racism.
Validity and reliability of lean enterprise frameworks in Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Jasti Naga Vamsi Krishna , Kodali Rambabu
Published: January 2015

Lean principles are useful to achieve excellence in all aspects of business processes. In the present global scenario, the implementation of lean principles in Indian manufacturing is essential to compete globally. The purpose of this study is to conduct validity and reliability analysis on existing lean enterprise frameworks while applied to Indian manufacturing organizations. The study used survey questionnaire method to collect data from manufacturing industries. The data were collected against 31 lean enterprise frameworks from 180 middle and top management personnel belonging to 180 Indian manufacturing firms. The survey instrument was developed with a team of 12 members, that is, 6 experts each from academic and industry background and also performed pilot study to improve understanding of the respondents. Reliability and factor analysis has been carried out to measure each framework’s Cronbach’s alpha (a reliability coefficient) and unidimensionality with respect to the constructs, that is, the lean enterprise it measures. Finally, frequency distribution analysis was performed on the selected framework to identify familiar elements of lean enterprise. This research has brought out that a majority of the frameworks exhibit a high level of reliability. When the study has investigated further about unidimensionality with respect to the construct, that is, the lean enterprise it measures, it showed that a few of the frameworks were exhibiting unidimensionality. A frequency distribution analysis illustrates that the majority of the constructs have a high mean score and mode. Finally, the study concludes that there is a need for a new framework to fulfill the requirement of Indian manufacturing industry.
Latest development of a new standard for the testing of five-axis machine tools using an S-shaped test piece
Authors: Su Zheng , Wang Liping
Published: January 2015

It has been generally recognized that it is very important for industrial users to test the performance of high-accuracy numerical control machine tools before ordering them. Methods based on special devices such as Double Ball Bar and R-test are currently used for kinematic error measurement and compensation of five-axis machine tools. However, these methods need special devices and software, and industrial machine tool users prefer testing machine tools by physically machining a special workpiece, due to its simplicity and intuition, as doing such machining tests are just like manufacturing parts in real production. On the other hand, since existing machining tests such as cone frustum test piece fail to reflect the dynamic performance of five-axis machine tools, it has drawn a lot of attention to the development of a new machining test method to address this issue. This article introduces a new machining test standard that has been proposed for testing the accuracy of five-axis machine tools using an S-shaped test piece. This method has already been accepted by the International Standard Organization and is now under development for inclusion in ISO 10791 Part 7. The advantages of the S-shaped test method in testing machining performance of five-axis machine tools are analyzed and demonstrated in this article. Furthermore, new development has been made to simplify the definition, reduce the testing workload and improve the measurement accuracy of the proposed testing method.
Multimodal legitimation: Selling Scottish independence
Authors: Mackay Rowan R
Published: January 2015

This article introduces a framework for analysing multimodal legitimation. Building upon work on legitimation by Van Leeuwen and Van Dijk, a six-layer framework is proposed. This framework pulls together the main aspects of legitimation – seen as a complex and multifaceted concept and practice – which need to be looked into if we are to fully appreciate its functioning in general or any specific instance of its deployment. Using the proposed framework, a video, produced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) encouraging a ‘Yes’ vote in the Scottish referendum on independence, is analysed.
Perceptions of School Among Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Winterling Jeanette , Jervaeus Anna , af Sandeberg Margareta , Johansson Eva , Wettergren Lena
Published: January 2015

The aim was to investigate how childhood cancer survivors perceive school and whether their perceptions differ from corresponding descriptions of peers. Survivors (n = 48) currently attending educational institutions (median 5 years post diagnosis; now aged 12-21 years) from a national cohort of school-age children were compared with matched peers (n = 47). Data were collected through interviews and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicate that survivors and peers perceive school similarly; almost 90% described high well-being in school and indicated that they were motivated and received no additional tutoring; approximately 60% reported no difficulties achieving learning objectives. A few differences were found; survivors described themselves as more satisfied with their academic performance and school environment, but less satisfied with friends, than peers did. Previous treatment with radiation was associated with lower academic satisfaction among survivors. It is suggested that survivors perceive school overall as positive and do not have more problems reaching educational goals than their peers. However, quality of relationships with friends needs further investigation.
Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors in the Management of Gastroesophageal Varices
Authors: Lo Elaine A. G. , Wilby Kyle J. , Ensom Mary H. H.
Published: January 2015

Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in gastroesophageal varices (GEVs). Data Sources: MEDLINE (1946 to September 2014), EMBASE (1974 to September 2014), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 to September 2014), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1991 to September 2014), Google, and Google Scholar were searched using the following terms: esophageal varices, gastroesophageal varices, variceal hemorrhage, variceal bleeding, banding ligation, endoscopic variceal ligation, sclerotherapy, proton pump inhibitor, PPI, omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Published and unpublished studies evaluating the clinical outcomes of PPI use for GEVs were included regardless of study design. Non-English and nonhuman studies were excluded. Data Synthesis: Of 1156 studies, 20 were included after assessment. There was wide methodological heterogeneity and moderately high risk of bias among studies. Level I evidence suggests that PPIs reduce esophageal ulcer size post–elective esophageal ligation; the clinical importance of such findings is not known given the self-limiting nature of esophageal ulcer. Available evidence does not support a role of PPIs for long-term prophylaxis of portal hypertension–related bleeding and high-dose infusion for acute management of GEV hemorrhage. Retrospective data demonstrate a potential increase in the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis receiving PPIs. Conclusions: The best available evidence supports the use of short-course (10 days) PPI post–endoscopic variceal ligation to reduce ulcer size if ulcer healing is a concern. Practices such as high-dose infusion and prolonged use should be discouraged until evidence of benefit becomes available.
Antibiotic Management of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus–Associated Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Fusco Nicholas M. , Toussaint Kimberly A. , Prescott William Allan
Published: January 2015

Objective: To review the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–associated acute pulmonary exacerbations (APEs) in cystic fibrosis (CF). Data Sources: A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov databases through November 2014 was conducted using the search terms Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, pulmonary exacerbations, and cystic fibrosis. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language research articles, case reports, and case series were evaluated. A total of 185 articles were identified related to MRSA and CF; 30 articles that studied treatments of MRSA APE in CF were included. Data Synthesis: The persistent presence of MRSA in the respiratory tract of patients with CF has been associated with higher morbidity and an increased risk of death. Limited clinical data exist supporting the efficacy of any specific antimicrobial currently available for the treatment of APE secondary to MRSA. Conclusions: Data extrapolated from other populations suggest that vancomycin and linezolid are appropriate first-line treatment options for the treatment of APE secondary to MRSA. Second-line options include doxycycline or minocycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, each of which may be useful in patients coinfected with other respiratory pathogens, for which they may provide overlapping coverage. Ceftaroline and ceftobiprole are newer antibiotics that appear to have a potential role in the treatment of APE in CF, but the latter is not currently available to the US market. Although potentially useful, clindamycin is limited by high rates of resistance, telavancin is limited by its toxicity profile, and tigecycline is limited by a lack of demonstrated efficacy for infections that are similar to that seen in the CF population. Studies investigating the clinical utility of the above-cited antibiotics for APE in CF secondary to MRSA are desperately needed to broaden the treatment armamentarium for this medical condition.
Histological Analysis of the Structural Composition of Ankle Ligaments
Authors: Rein Susanne , Hagert Elisabet , Schneiders Wolfgang , Fieguth Armin , Zwipp Hans
Published: January 2015

Background:

Various ankle ligaments have different structural composition. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological structure of ankle ligaments to further understand their function in ankle stability.

Methods:

One hundred forty ligaments from 10 fresh-frozen cadaver ankle joints were dissected: the calcaneofibular, anterior, and posterior talofibular ligaments; the inferior extensor retinaculum, the talocalcaneal oblique ligament, the canalis tarsi ligament; the deltoid ligament; and the anterior tibiofibular ligament. Hematoxylin-eosin and Elastica van Gieson stains were used for determination of tissue morphology.

Results:

Three different morphological compositions were identified: dense, mixed, and interlaced compositions. Densely packed ligaments, characterized by parallel bundles of collagen, were primarily seen in the lateral region, the canalis tarsi, and the anterior tibiofibular ligaments. Ligaments with mixed tight and loose parallel bundles of collagenous connective tissue were mainly found in the inferior extensor retinaculum and talocalcaneal oblique ligament. Densely packed and fiber-rich interlacing collagen was primarily seen in the areas of ligament insertion into bone of the deltoid ligament.

Conclusions:

Ligaments of the lateral region, the canalis tarsi, and the anterior tibiofibular ligaments have tightly packed, parallel collagen bundles and thus can resist high tensile forces. The mixed tight and loose, parallel oriented collagenous connective tissue of the inferior extensor retinaculum and the talocalcaneal oblique ligament support the dynamic positioning of the foot on the ground. The interlacing collagen bundles seen at the insertion of the deltoid ligament suggest that these insertion areas are susceptible to tension in a multitude of directions.

Clinical Relevance:

The morphology and mechanical properties of ankle ligaments may provide an understanding of their response to the loads to which they are subjected.
Managing the Bright and Dark Sides of Status Endowment in Hierarchical Loyalty Programs
Authors: Eggert Andreas , Steinhoff Lena , Garnefeld Ina
Published: January 2015

In service industries, hierarchical loyalty programs are common relationship marketing instruments that award elevated status to customers who exceed a certain spending level (e.g., gold membership). In practice, service companies offer elevated status to some customers who do not meet the required spending level, in an attempt to profit from the profound allure of status. Relying on social psychology research and a mixed-method approach, this study analyzes the loyalty impact of status endowments, defined as awards of elevated status to customers who are not entitled to it. An exploratory qualitative study identifies customer gratitude and customer skepticism as positive and negative mediators, respectively, of customers’ attitudinal responses to endowed status. Quantitative studies—two experimental and one survey—substantiate these bright and dark sides of endowed status. The efficacy of status endowment is contingent on the context. To alleviate the dark-side effect, managers can allow target customers to actively choose whether to be endowed, especially those who are close to achieving the status already, and provide valuable preferential treatment to customers elevated by either endowment or achievement. These insights offer guidelines for whether and how to use status endowment in hierarchical loyalty programs.
Validity of four screening scales for major depression in MS
Authors: Patten Scott B , Burton Jodie M , Fiest Kirsten M , Wiebe Samuel , Bulloch Andrew GM , Koch Marcus , Dobson Keith S , Metz Luanne M , Maxwell Colleen J , Jetté Nathalie
Published: January 2015

Background:

There is a role for brief assessment instruments in detection and management of major depression in MS. However, candidate scales have rarely been validated against a validated diagnostic interview. In this study, we evaluated the performance of several candidate scales: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, PHQ-2, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression rating scale (CES-D), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) in relation to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID).

Methods:

The sample was an unselected series of 152 patients attending a multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic. Participants completed the scales during a clinic visit or returned them by mail. The SCID was administered by telephone within two weeks. The diagnosis of major depressive episode, according to the SCID, was used as a reference standard. Receiver-operator curves (ROC) were fitted and indices of measurement accuracy were calculated.

Results:

All of the scales performed well, each having an area under the ROC > 90%. For example, the PHQ-9 had 95% sensitivity and 88.3% specificity when scored with a cut-point of 11. This cut-point achieved a 56% positive predictive value for major depression.

Conclusions:

While all of the scales performed well in terms of their sensitivity and specificity, the availability of the PHQ-9 in the public domain and its brevity may enhance the feasibility of its use.