bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Line-of-sight stabilization of a gimbaled mechanism under passive base isolation
Authors: Kandemir Kutlu Demir , Akmese Alper , Yazicioglu Yigit
Published: November 2012

Line-of-sight stabilization is an important concept for aerospace applications utilizing gimbaled imaging systems. A widely used method for protecting the line-of-sight stabilization system from the disturbing effects of the base vibrations is to mount it on passive vibration isolators. However, these isolators may interact with gimbal controller and drastically limit the stabilization performance. This work deals with line-of-sight stabilization problem in aerospace structures by focusing on the parameters of controller and vibration isolation system. The problem is investigated on an experimental setup for a specific case. Several performance tests are applied on the setup and a relation between isolation parameters and controller bandwidth is obtained. The results are used to generate design constraints.
The informal practice of appropriation and social control – experience from a bosti in Dhaka
Authors: Hossain Shahadat
Published: November 2012

This paper presents the local practices of land allocation and water supply in a bosti (informal settlement) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It explains the contestation and negotiation in the process of regulation that defines inhabitants’ access to urban provision in bosti settlements. A critical analysis of the local practices reveals an informal sphere of regulations that considers a careful calculation of inhabitants’ individual locations in the prevailing power relations matrix and thus continuously (re)defines their differential access to urban utilities. This paper identifies the informal regulatory sphere as a “closed system” due to the fact that the powerful and relatively well-off dominate in the contestation and negotiation process, thus actively benefiting from it, and there is little scope for others to enter into the process. The very dependency of the inhabitants on these powerful and well-connected inhabitants also limits any possibility of countering this closed regulatory system.
Arts-based methods in leadership development: Affording aesthetic workspaces, reflexivity and memories with momentum
Authors: Sutherland Ian
Published: November 2012

There is a growing cry for ways of approaching management and leadership development that embrace the complex, dynamic, chaotic and highly subjective, interactional environments of contemporary organisational contexts. One response has been the use of arts-based methods for management and leadership education. Although a community of research has grown around these practices, there remains a lack of empirically grounded work focusing on the underlying, situated, experiential learning processes of such methods. Working from the concept of experiential learning as knowledge creation through the transformation of experience, I develop a three-stage theoretical model that explores experiential learning processes of arts-based methodologies. This study is based on an inductive, grounded theory approach in analyzing descriptive essays written by Executive MBA students on their experiences of a choral conducting masterclass. The model describes how arts-based learning environments afford aesthetic workspaces where participants engaged in aesthetic reflexivity to create memories with momentum to inform their future leadership practice. This model builds an interdisciplinary bridge to the theory of affordances and the concepts of aesthetic workspaces and aesthetic reflexivity found within cultural sociology, a discourse with a focus on the reflexive use of the arts for self-configuration, regulation and development.
The PADQOL: Development and validation of a PAD-specific quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Treat-Jacobson Diane , Lindquist Ruth A , Witt Dawn R , Kirk Laura N , Schorr Erica N , Bronas Ulf G , Davey Cynthia S , Regensteiner Judith G
Published: November 2012

Understanding the impact of peripheral artery disease (PAD) requires broad evaluation of how functional limitations of PAD affect patients’ perceptions of health-related quality of life (HRQL). The objective of this study was to describe the development, testing, and psychometric properties of the PAD Quality of Life Questionnaire (PADQOL). The PADQOL was developed in three steps: (1) interviews of symptomatic PAD patients provided content of the initial questionnaire; (2) co-administration with the SF-36 (a 36-item short-form health survey), Walking Impairment Questionnaire, and Profile of Mood States examined construct validity; and (3) a three-phased factor analysis identified factors and shortened the questionnaire. Data analyses from 297 symptomatic PAD patients resulted in a 38-item questionnaire of five factors: Social relationships and interactions, Self-concept and feelings, Symptoms and limitations in physical functioning, Fear and uncertainty, and Positive adaptation (α = 0.92–0.73) and items related to sexual function, intimate relationships and employment. Between-instrument correlations established construct validity. In conclusion, PADQOL is a validated measure to assess the disease-specific physical, psychosocial and emotional effects of PAD for research and practice.
Straightening the crooked road
Authors: Chaney Ryan
Published: November 2012

This article examines the semiotic operations by which ‘heritage’ is represented and serves as a commodity in a tourism project in southwest Virginia known as The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. I examine the methods and stakes of representing musical ‘heritage’, presenting it for consumption, and relying on it as a regional economic engine. Central to these methods and stakes is a representation of ‘heritage’ as an inalienable possession of a place, of its people and landscape. This representation in turn indexes a paradox of folk authenticity, where a musical form that is supposed to inhabit the last commercialism-free domain of ‘heritage’ is simultaneously called upon, according to the paradigm of ‘asset-based development’, to generate regional revenue. In this process the folk culture that is supposed to dwell in the contoured landscape of ethnomimetic transmission and vernacular expression has to register on the plane of potentially infinite equivalences comprising exchange-value, where, metaphorically at least, the ‘crooked’ road, valued for its use to the tourist as such, is straightened for the sake of exchange.
Fordism, flexible specialization and CSR: How Indian garment workers critique neoliberal labour regimes
Authors: De Neve Geert
Published: November 2012

Global production and trade networks have significant transformative effects on production regimes across the Global South, and tend to produce particular work regimes and workplaces at the sites of production. CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) interventions similarly seek to reshape production processes in their search to improve labour conditions and protect workers’ rights. However, workers’ voices and their preferences for particular work regimes and employment conditions are rarely considered in such debates. Drawing on data from the Tiruppur garment cluster in South India, the article presents ethnographic evidence on what workers themselves make of the work regimes and ethical codes of labour practice produced under neoliberal governance. It explores how garment workers engage with different labour regimes and why some workers actively seek to avoid employment in companies where Fordist regimes prevail and CSR policies are implemented. Such avoidance and exit strategies amount to a critique of particular neoliberal labour regimes that seek to control labour and curtail its freedom and dignity at work.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C gene polymorphism and myocardial infarction susceptibility
Authors: Feng Xu , Zheng Bao-Shi , Shi Jun-Jie , Qian Jun , He Wei , Zhou Hua-Fu
Published: November 2012

Background and aim:

Many reported studies have been conducted to investigate the association of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) A1166C gene polymorphism with myocardial infarction (MI) susceptibility. However, the results from those reports are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism and MI risk.

Method:

The databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched as of 1 March 2012, and eligible investigations were recruited into this meta-analysis.

Results:

Eighteen investigations were identified for the analysis of association between AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism and MI risk, 11 in Caucasians, three in Asians, two in Africans, one in the population of Brazil and one in the population of Durban, South Africa . There was a marked association between AT1R C allele and MI susceptibility for overall populations (odds ratio (OR)=1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.25, p=0.03), and AT1R AA genotype was associated with a lower risk of MI in overall populations (OR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.78–0.98, p=0.02). However, AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism was not associated with MI risk in the sub-groups of Caucasians, Asians, Africans, Brazil and Durban populations.

Conclusions:

C allele is a risk factor for the MI susceptibility in overall populations, and AA genotype might be a protective factor against the MI risk in overall populations. However, more case-control association investigations on larger, stratified populations are required in the future.
Adaptive multisensor data fusion for acoustic emission source localization in noisy environment
Authors: Dehghan Niri Ehsan , Farhidzadeh Alireza , Salamone Salvatore
Published: November 2012

This article proposes an adaptive multisensor fusion algorithm for acoustic emission source location in isotropic plate-like structures in noisy environments. Overall, the approach consists of the following four main stages: (a) feature extraction, (b) sensor selection based on a binary hypothesis testing, (c) sensor weighting based on a well-defined reliability function, and (d) estimation of the acoustic emission source location based on the extended Kalman filter. The performance of the proposed algorithm is validated through pencil lead breaks performed on an aluminum plate instrumented with a sparse array of piezoelectric sensors. Two experimental setups have been used to simulate a highly noisy environment. In the first setup, the experimental signals have been artificially corrupted with different levels of noise generated by a Monte Carlo simulation. In the second setup, two piezoelectric transducers have been used to continuously generate high-power white noise during testing. The results show the capability of the proposed algorithm for inflight structural health monitoring of metallic aircraft panels in highly noisy operational situation.
Assessment and Treatment of Distorted Schemas in Sexual Offenders
Authors: Beech Anthony R. , Bartels Ross M. , Dixon Louise
Published: November 2012

The aim of this review is to examine the literature related to the assessment and treatment of sex offenders’ distorted schemas. Where appropriate, the review draws upon current insights from the field of social cognition to aid in the critical evaluation of the findings. First, the review considers the various different methodologies for assessing distorted schemas, discussing their strengths and limitations. Second, the review examines the work related to the treatment of sex offenders’ schemas. Suggestions for future research, and the implications for clinical practice, are highlighted in the article.
The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Training on EEG Coherence and Neuropsychological Functions in Children With Reading Disability
Authors: Nazari Mohammad Ali , Mosanezhad Elnaz , Hashemi Tooraj , Jahan Ali
Published: November 2012

Neurofeedback training (NFT) is an effective intervention in regulating electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities leading to improvements in behavioral deficits, which exist in children with reading disabilities. This single-subject study explores our evaluation of the improvements in the reading ability and phonological awareness deficit, as well as the changes in the EEG in children with reading disabilities as a result of NFT. Participants were 6 children, aged between 8 and 10 years, who completed twenty 30-minute sessions of NFT and follow-up measurement sessions 2 months subsequent to the completion of the training sessions. The results showed significant improvement in reading and phonological awareness skills. Furthermore, EEG analysis did not show notable changes in the power of the targeted bands (delta, theta, and beta), rather there was normalization of coherence of the theta band at T3-T4, delta band at Cz-Fz, and beta band at Cz-Fz, Cz-Pz, and Cz-C4. These significant changes in coherence possibly indicate integration of sensory and motor areas that explains the improvements in reading skills and phonological awareness.
Effects of bioactive glass S53P4 or beta-tricalcium phosphate and bone morphogenetic protein-2 and bone morphogenetic protein-7 on osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells
Authors: Waselau Martin , Patrikoski Mimmi , Juntunen Miia , Kujala Kasperi , Kääriäinen Minna , Kuokkanen Hannu , Sándor George K , Vapaavuori Outi , Suuronen Riitta , Mannerström Bettina , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Miettinen Susanna
Published: November 2012

The effects of bioactive glass S53P4 or beta-tricalcium phosphate; and bone morphogenetic proteins bone morphogenetic protein-2, bone morphogenetic protein-7, or bone morphogenetic protein-2 + 7 on osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells were compared in control medium, osteogenic medium, and bone morphogenetic protein-supplemented osteogenic medium to assess suitability for bone tissue engineering. Cell amount was evaluated with qDNA measurements; osteogenic differentiation using marker gene expression, alkaline phosphate activity, and angiogenic potential was measured by vascular endothelial growth factor expression. As compared to beta-tricalcium phosphate, cell amount was significantly greater for bioactive glass in control medium after 7 days and in osteogenic medium after 14 days, and alkaline phosphate activity was always significantly greater for bioactive glass in control medium. However, alkaline phosphate activity increased for beta-tricalcium phosphate and decreased for bioactive glass granules in osteogenic medium. For both biomaterials, bone morphogenetic protein supplementation decreased cell amount and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor expressions correlated with cell amounts. Effects of culture medium on human adipose stem cells are biomaterial dependent; bioactive glass in control medium enhanced osteogenic differentiation most effectively.
Horizontal gene transfer of a chloroplast DnaJ-Fer protein to Thaumarchaeota and the evolutionary history of the DnaK chaperone system in Archaea
Authors: Petitjean Céline , Moreira David , López-García Purificación , Brochier-Armanet Céline
Published: November 2012

Background

In 2004, we discovered an atypical protein in metagenomic data from marine thaumarchaeotal species. This protein, referred as DnaJ-Fer, is composed of a J domain fused to a Ferredoxin (Fer) domain. Surprisingly, the same protein was also found in Viridiplantae (green algae and land plants). Because J domain-containing proteins are known to interact with the major chaperone DnaK/Hsp70, this suggested that a DnaK protein was present in Thaumarchaeota. DnaK/Hsp70, its co-chaperone DnaJ and the nucleotide exchange factor GrpE are involved, among others, in heat shocks and heavy metal cellular stress responses.

Results

Using phylogenomic approaches we have investigated the evolutionary history of the DnaJ-Fer protein and of interacting proteins DnaK, DnaJ and GrpE in Thaumarchaeota. These proteins have very complex histories, involving several inter-domain horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) to explain the contemporary distribution of these proteins in archaea. These transfers include one from Cyanobacteria to Viridiplantae and one from Viridiplantae to Thaumarchaeota for the DnaJ-Fer protein, as well as independent HGTs from Bacteria to mesophilic archaea for the DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE system, followed by HGTs among mesophilic and thermophilic archaea.

Conclusions

We highlight the chimerical origin of the set of proteins DnaK, DnaJ, GrpE and DnaJ-Fer in Thaumarchaeota and suggest that the HGT of these proteins has played an important role in the adaptation of several archaeal groups to mesophilic and thermophilic environments from hyperthermophilic ancestors. Finally, the evolutionary history of DnaJ-Fer provides information useful for the relative dating of the diversification of Archaeplastida and Thaumarchaeota.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from faecal samples of the Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum) in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria
Authors: Akobi Babatunji , Aboderin Oladipo , Sasaki Takashi , Shittu Adebayo
Published: November 2012

Background

Bats (Chiroptera) are one of the most diverse groups of mammals which carry out important ecological and agricultural functions that are beneficial to humans. However, they are increasingly recognized as natural vectors for a number of zoonotic pathogens and favourable hosts for zoonotic infections. Large populations of the Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum) colonize the main campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, but the public health implications of faecal contamination and pollution by these flying mammals is unknown. This study characterizedS. aureusobtained from faecal samples of these migratory mammals with a view to determining the clonal types of the isolates, and to investigate the possibility of these flying animals as potential reservoir for zoonoticS. aureusinfections.

Results

One hundred and seven (107)S. aureusisolates were recovered from 560 faecal samples in eleven roosting sites from January 2008 to February 2010. A large proportion of the isolates were susceptible to antibiotics, and molecular characterization of 70 isolates showed that 65 (92.9%) were assigned in coagulase type VI, while accessory gene typing classified 69 isolates into the following: type I (12; 17.1%), type II (3; 4.3%), type III (1; 1.4%) and type IV (53; 75.7%). On the whole, the isolates were grouped in five (A-E) main genotypes. Of the ten representative isolates selected for multilocus sequence typing (MLST), nine isolates were assigned with new sequence types: ST1725, ST1726, ST1727, ST2463-ST2467 and ST2470. Phylogenetic analysis provided evidence thatS. aureusisolates in group C were closely related with ST1822 and associated clones identified in African monkeys, and group D isolates with ST75, ST883 and ST1223. The two groups exhibited remarkable genetic diversity compared to the majorS. aureusclade.

Conclusions

Antibiotic resistance in faecalS. aureusisolates ofE. helvumis low and multiple uniqueS. aureuslineages co-existed withE. helvum. The Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat in Ile-Ife, Nigeria is colonized predominantly by ST1725, ST1726, ST2463 and ST2470 with distinct genotypic characteristics that are rarely found in humans. This study has demonstrated on the possible existence of a reservoir of indigenous and anciently-divergentS. aureusclones among mammals in Africa.
Emphysematous cystitis following a transrectal needle guided biopsy of the prostate
Authors: Hashimoto Takeshi , Namiki Kazunori , Tanaka Ayako , Shimodaira Kenji , Gondo Tatsuo , Tachibana Masaaki
Published: November 2012

Background

Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is a comparatively rare urinary tract infection characterized by air within the bladder wall and lumen and is usually associated with immunosuppression or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

Case presentation

We report a case of EC in a 70-year-old man who recently underwent transrectal ultrasound needle-guided prostate biopsy, after which he underwent pylorogastrectomy. He did not have any history of diabetes mellitus or any immunosuppressive disease. The patient developed severe sepsis, requiring intravenous antibiotics and urinary catheterization. Despite therapy, the patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, he was admitted to the intensive care unit, antibiotic coverage was broadened, and danaparoid sodium and sivelestat sodium hydrate was administered. After 20 days, the patient’s condition improved, and on the 28th day, the patient was discharged to home in a good condition without any sequelae.

Conclusion

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are warranted to prevent potential morbidity of and mortality in cases of EC.
Peri-operative nurses’ knowledge and reported practice of pressure injury risk assessment and prevention: A before-after intervention study
Authors: Sutherland-Fraser Sally , McInnes Elizabeth , Maher Elizabeth , Middleton Sandy
Published: November 2012

Background

Patients are at risk of developing pressure injuries in the peri-operative setting. Studies evaluating the impact of educational interventions on peri-operative nurses’ knowledge and reported practice are scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention on peri-operative nurses’ (a) knowledge of pressure injury risks, risk assessment and prevention strategies for patients in the operating suite; and (b) reported practice relating to risk assessment practices and implementation of prevention strategies for patients in the operating suite.

Methods

A before-after research design was used. A convenience sample of all registered and enrolled nurses employed in two hospitals’ operating suites was recruited. A multifaceted intervention was delivered which comprised a short presentation, educational materials and reminder posters. A 48-item survey tool was completed pre-and post-intervention to measure self-reported knowledge and practice.

Results

70 eligible peri-operative nurses completed both surveys. Post-intervention, statistically significant improvements were seen in knowledge of correct descriptions of pressure injury stages (p=0.001); appropriate reassessment for patients with a new pressure injury (p=0.05); appropriate actions for patients with an existing stage 1 (p=0.02) and stage 2 pressure injury (p=0.04). Statistical improvements were also seen in reported practice relating to an increase in the use of a risk assessment tool in conjunction with clinical judgement (p=0.0008); verbal handover of patients’ pressure injury risk status from the operating room nurse to the recovery room (p=0.023) and from the recovery room nurse to the postoperative ward nurse (p=0.045). The number of participants reporting use of non-recommended and recommended pressure-relieving strategies was unchanged.

Conclusion

A multi-faceted educational intervention can improve some aspects of perioperative nurses’ knowledge and reported practice such as risk assessment practices but not others such as use of recommended pressure-relieving devices. Further research is required to ascertain effective interventions which improve all areas of practice and knowledge, particularly in the use of appropriate pressure-relieving devices in order to prevent pressure injuries in surgical patients.
Using patient reported outcome measures in health services: A qualitative study on including people with low literacy skills and learning disabilities
Authors: Jahagirdar Deepa , Kroll Thilo , Ritchie Karen , Wyke Sally
Published: November 2012

Background

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are self-report measures of health status increasingly promoted for use in healthcare quality improvement. However people with low literacy skills or learning disabilities may find PROMs hard to complete. Our study investigated stakeholder views on the accessibility and use of PROMs to develop suggestions for more inclusive practice.

Methods

Taking PROMs recommended for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an example, we conducted 8 interviews with people with low literacy skills and/or learning disabilities, and 4 focus groups with 20 health professionals and people with COPD. Discussions covered the format and delivery of PROMs using the EQ-5D and St George Respiratory Questionnaire as prompts. Thematic framework analysis focused on three main themes: Accessibility, Ease of Use, and Contextual factors.

Results

Accessibility included issues concerning the questionnaire format, and suggestions for improvement included larger font sizes and more white space. Ease of Use included discussion about PROMs’ administration. While health professionals suggested PROMs could be completed in waiting rooms, patients preferred settings with more privacy and where they could access help from people they know. Contextual Factors included other challenges and wider issues associated with completing PROMs. While health professionals highlighted difficulties created by the system in managing patients with low literacy/learning disabilities, patient participants stressed that understanding the purpose of PROMs was important to reduce intimidation.

Conclusions

Adjusting PROMs’ format, giving an explicit choice of where patients can complete them, and clearly conveying PROMs’ purpose and benefit to patients may help to prevent inequality when using PROMs in health services.
Association studies of several cholesterol-related genes (ABCA1, CETP and LIPC) with serum lipids and risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xiao Zhijie , Wang Juan , Chen Weirong , Wang Peng , Zeng Houlin , Chen Weixi
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Accumulating evidence suggested that dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis might be a major etiologic factor in initiating and promoting neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), hepatic lipase (HL, coding genes named LIPC) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) are important components of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) implicated in atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we will investigate the possible association of several common polymorphisms (ABCA1R219K, CETPTaqIB and LIPC-250 G/A) with susceptibility to AD and plasma lipid levels.

Methods

Case–control study of 208 Han Chinese (104 AD patients and 104 non-demented controls) from Changsha area in Hunan Province was performed using the PCR-RFLP analysis. Cognitive decline was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) as a standardized method. Additionally, fasting lipid profile and the cognitive testing scores including Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were recorded.

Results and conclusions

We found significant differences among the genotype distributions of these three genes in AD patients when compared with controls. But after adjusting other factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed only ABCA1R219K (B = −0.903,P = 0.005, OR = 0.405, 95%CI:0.217-0.758) and LIPC-250 G/A variants(B = −0.905,P = 0.018, OR = 0.405, 95%CI:0.191-0.858) were associated with decreased AD risk. There were significantly higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoproteinA-I in the carriers of KK genotype and K allele (P < 0.05), and B2B2 genotype of CETP Taq1B showed significant association with higher HDL-C levels than other genotypes (F = 5.598,P = 0.004), while -250 G/A polymorphisms had no significant effect on HDL-C. In total population, subjects carrying ABCA1219K allele or LIPC-250A allele obtained higher MMSE or WMS scores than non-carriers, however, no significant association was observed in AD group or controls. Therefore, this preliminary study showed that the gene variants of ABCA1R219K and LIPC-250 G/A might influence AD susceptibility in South Chinese Han population, but the polymorphism of CETPTaq1B didn't show any association in despite of being a significant determinant of HDL-C.
Metallic conduction and large electron-phonon-impurity interference effect in single TiSi nanowires
Authors: Hsu Wei-Che , Chen Chao-Chun , Lin Yong-Han , Lin Huang-Kai , Chiu Hsin-Tien , Lin Juhn-Jong
Published: November 2012

We report on the first electrical characterizations of single-crystalline TiSi nanowires (NWs) synthesized by chemical vapor deposition reactions. By utilizing the focused-ion-beam-induced deposition technique, we have delicately made four-probe contacts onto individual NWs. The NW resistivities have been measured between 2 and 300 K, which reveal overall metallic conduction with small residual resistivity ratios in the NWs. Surprisingly, we find that the effect due to the interference processes between the elastic electron scattering and the electron-phonon scattering largely dominates over the usual Boltzmann transport even at room temperature. Such prominent electron-phonon-impurity interference effect is ascribed to the presence of large amounts of disorder and high Debye temperatures in TiSi NWs.
Inhibitory effect of topical Adelmidrol on antigen-induced skin wheal and mast cell behavior in a canine model of allergic dermatitis
Authors: Cerrato Santiago , Brazis Pilar , della Valle Maria Federica , Miolo Alda , Puigdemont Anna
Published: November 2012

Background

Adelmidrol is a semisynthetic derivative of azelaic acid and analogue of the anti-inflammatory compound palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Based upon its physicochemical properties, adelmidrol is suitable for topical application. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical adelmidrol emulsion on early and late inflammatory responses in hypersensitive dogs. Repeated intradermal injections ofAscaris suumextract were performed in both lateral thoracic areas of six conscious hypersensitive Beagle dogs, topically treated during 8 consecutive days. Adelmidrol (2%) was applied to one side and vehicle to the other. 24 hours after the last antigen challenge, two biopsies (adelmidrol- and vehicle-treated side) were obtained for each dog at the antigen injection site.

Results

A significant reduction in the antigen-induced wheal areas was observed on the 4thand 7thday of adelmidrol treatment. Moreover, cutaneous mast cell numbers were significantly decreased in biopsies obtained after 8 consecutive days of topical adelmidrol treatment.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study show that topical treatment with adelmidrol might represent a new therapeutic tool in controlling the early and late allergic inflammatory skin responses in companion animals.
Importance and challenges of measuring intrinsic foot muscle strength
Authors: Soysa Achini , Hiller Claire , Refshauge Kathryn , Burns Joshua
Published: November 2012

Background

Intrinsic foot muscle weakness has been implicated in a range of foot deformities and disorders. However, to establish a relationship between intrinsic muscle weakness and foot pathology, an objective measure of intrinsic muscle strength is needed. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the anatomy and role of intrinsic foot muscles, implications of intrinsic weakness and evaluate the different methods used to measure intrinsic foot muscle strength.

Method

Literature was sourced from database searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, PEDro and CINAHL up to June 2012.

Results

There is no widely accepted method of measuring intrinsic foot muscle strength. Methods to estimate toe flexor muscle strength include the paper grip test, plantar pressure, toe dynamometry, and the intrinsic positive test. Hand‐held dynamometry has excellent interrater and intrarater reliability and limits toe curling, which is an action hypothesised to activate extrinsic toe flexor muscles. However, it is unclear whether any method can actually isolate intrinsic muscle strength. Also most methods measure only toe flexor strength and other actions such as toe extension and abduction have not been adequately assessed. Indirect methods to investigate intrinsic muscle structure and performance include CT, ultrasonography, MRI, EMG, and muscle biopsy. Indirect methods often discriminate between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, but lack the ability to measure muscle force.

Conclusions

There are many challenges to accurately measure intrinsic muscle strength in isolation. Most studies have measured toe flexor strength as a surrogate measure of intrinsic muscle strength. Hand‐held dynamometry appears to be a promising method of estimating intrinsic muscle strength. However, the contribution of extrinsic muscles cannot be excluded from toe flexor strength measurement. Future research should clarify the relative contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles during intrinsic foot muscle strength testing.
Intensity-dependent effect of treadmill running on lubricin metabolism of rat articular cartilage
Authors: Ni Guo-Xin , Lei Lei , Zhou Yue-Zhu
Published: November 2012

Introduction

We aimed to understand the changes in cartilage lubricin expression and immunolocalisation in responsed to treadmill running with different intensities in a rat model.

Methods

A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups of control (CON), low-intensity running (LIR), moderate-intensity running (MIR), and high-intensity running (HIR). Rats in LIR, MIR, and HIR groups were trained for 8 weeks on the treadmill with low, moderate, and high intensity, respectively. After sacrifice, femoral condyles were collected to take histological observation for cartilage characteristics, and immunohistochemistry for lubricin. In addition, cartilage samples were obtained to assess PRG4 and TGF-β mRNA expression by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

Histological examination showed osteoarthritic changes in rats after eight weeks of high intensity running. In comparison to CON group, significantly lower Mankin score was found in LIR and MIR groups, whereas, HIR group had significantly higher Mankin score than either CON, LIR, or MIR group. On the other hand, both LIR and MIR groups have significantly higher lubricin content than CON group, whereas, significantly lower lubricin content was found in HIR group compared with CON, LIR or MIR group. A significant inverse correlation was detected between the lubricin content and Mankin score. In addition, considerably higher mRNA gene expression of PRG4 and TGF-β was found in LIR and MIR groups, compared with those in CON and HIR groups.

Conclusions

There is a marked intensity-specific effect of running on the immunolocalisation and gene expression of lubricin in cartilage, which is inversely correlated with Mankin score. Our findings provide evidences that mechanical factors are key determinants of lubricin metabolism in vivo.
Deficiency of the multi-copy mouse Y gene Sly causes sperm DNA damage and abnormal chromatin packaging
Authors: Riel Jonathan M. , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Sugawara Atsushi , Li Ho Yan J. , Ruthig Victor , Stoytcheva Zoia , Ellis Peter J. I. , Cocquet Julie , Ward Monika A.
Published: November 2012

In mouse and man Y chromosome deletions are frequently associated with spermatogenic defects. Mice with extensive deletions of non-pairing Y chromosome long arm (NPYq) are infertile and produce sperm with grossly misshapen heads, abnormal chromatin packaging, and DNA damage. The NPYq-encoded multi-copy gene Sly controls the expression of sex chromosome genes after meiosis and Sly deficiency results in a remarkable upregulation of sex chromosome genes. Sly deficiency has been shown to be the underlying cause of the sperm head anomalies and infertility associated with NPYq gene loss, but it was not known whether it recapitulates sperm DNA damage phenotype. Here, we produced and examined mice with transgenically (RNAi) silenced Sly and demonstrated that these mice have increased incidence of sperm with DNA damage and poorly condensed and insufficiently protaminated chromatin. We also investigated the contribution of each of the two Sly encoded transcript variants and noted that the phenotype was only observed when both variants were knocked-down, and that the phenotype was intermediate in severity compared to mice with severe NPYq deficiency. Our data demonstrate that Sly deficiency is responsible for the sperm DNA damage/chromatin packaging defects observed in mice with NPYq deletions and point to SLY proteins involvement in chromatin reprogramming during spermiogenesis, likely through their effect on the postmeiotic expression of spermiogenic genes. Considering the importance of sperm epigenome for embryonic and fetal development and possibility of its inter-generational transmission, our results are important for future investigations of the molecular mechanisms of this biologically and clinically important process.
Camera Movement in Japanese Silent Films (and the 20th Giornate del Cinema Muto, in Sacile, Italy, October 2001)
Authors: Rist Peter
Published: November 2012

Given that a large percentage of silent films have been lost forever, and given that the survival rate for Asian silent films is even lower than it is for European and American silent films, it is not surprising that written histories on the subject of Asian silent cinemas are scant
in number and somewhat speculative. Perhaps the greatest of all tragedies of lost film history, is that of the Korean cinema before 1946. Simply stated, nothing has survived. This is especially sad, because all accounts point to Arirang (1926, dir., Na Un’gyu) and other films made under
the Japanese occupation in the 1930s as representing, perhaps, the world’s first model of clandestinely political cinema. (I understand that the script of Arirang has survived and that a new film has been made based on that script, but without even stills having survived it is impossible
to recreate a visual resemblance of the original work.)
On the Dragon Lady’s Trail Rediscovering the Films and Image of Anna May Wong in Classical Hollywood Cinema
Authors: Worrell Joseph
Published: November 2012

This discussion on Wong will first focus on her career, film roles, and professional challenges, as an Asian American actress negotiating Hollywood’s studio system. We will then survey the construction process of her publicity stills/ roles, her acting/performance style, and mainstream
filmmaking’s othering practices for a critique of her vamp/China doll image
Lurking in the Shadows: Toshia Mori and Lotus Long, Exploring Their Enigmatic Careers (Part I)
Authors: Worrell Joseph
Published: November 2012

Toshia Mori and Lotus Long barely register with today’s cinéphiles, unless they happen to be aficionados of some the more obscure films of the 1930s. These two Asian-American actors worked mainly in low-budget productions, often consigned to sundry China doll and native-girl
parts. Given the ideological milieu and casting constraints of a predominately Euro-American system, hopes for better parts and the possibility of achieving stardom were repeatedly frustrated and denied. Their experiences in Hollywood reflected the paradox between representing Asian sexual
stereotypes on the screen and economic survival in a competitive industry notorious for its chronic unemployment. Despite their appearances in a couple of milestone classics, film historians have unfairly neglected the achievements of these two early Asian players. This two-installment discussion
on Toshia Mori and Lotus Long will separately chronicle and critique their respective careers in the Hollywood studio system. In addition to examining their films and roles, a perusal of their neglected peers/male co-stars, B-filmmaking culture, and the system’s representational-casting
practices will attempt to reconstruct and contextualize some of the fragments of their careers.
Lurking in the Shadows: Toshia Mori and Lotus Long, Exploring Their Enigmatic Careers (Part II)
Authors: Worrell Joseph
Published: November 2012

Toshia Mori and Lotus Long barely register with today’s cinéphiles, unless they happen to be aficionados of some the more obscure films of the 1930s. These two Asian-American actors worked mainly in low-budget productions, often consigned to sundry China doll and native-girl
parts. Given the ideological milieu and casting constraints of a predominately Euro-American system, hopes for better parts and the possibility of achieving stardom were repeatedly frustrated and denied. Their experiences in Hollywood reflected the paradox between representing Asian sexual
stereotypes on the screen and economic survival in a competitive industry notorious for its chronic unemployment. Despite their appearances in a couple of milestone classics, film historians have unfairly neglected the achievements of these two early Asian players. This two-installment discussion
on Toshia Mori and Lotus Long will separately chronicle and critique their respective careers in the Hollywood studio system. In addition to examining their films and roles, a perusal of their neglected peers/male co-stars, B-filmmaking culture, and the system’s representational-casting
practices will attempt to reconstruct and contextualize some of the fragments of their careers.
The glory that was not: Embodying the classical in contemporary Greece
Authors: Plantzos Dimitris
Published: November 2012

The ceremonial re-enactment of classical antiquity has long been employed by the Greek state in order to commemorate its past as well as promote its much advertised Hellenic inheritance. This article examines two ceremonies devised by the Greek authorities in the framework ofthe preparations
for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, focusing on the technologies of embodiment employed by their makers. Contrary to the strong adherence to neo-classical tastes these ceremonies portray, other, unauthorized revivals of the classical ethos, seem to attempt the emancipation of Hellas from
the control of its western admirers – and the trappings of neo-classicism. Through these improvised performances of Greekness, new cultural identities are constantly forged and negotiated, while at the same time the spectre of classical Hellas is seemingly rescued from its neo-classical
cocoon.
The unbearable similarity of the other: The multiple identities of Gazmend Kapllani’s migrant narratives
Authors: Georganta Konstantina
Published: November 2012

This article discusses A Short Border Handbook (2006) and My Name is Europe (2010), two novels by Albanian-born and Athens-based author Gazmend Kapllani. It argues that both books are not solely about the Balkans and Europe, but also about the meaning of Europe seen through its treatment
of immigrants. The first novel offers an account of the journey of an Albanian immigrant into Greece at the beginning of the 1990s and the related problems faced by him and other immigrants. The second consists of a futuristic account of an aged Albanian, emigrant for half a century, returning
to Tirana, now part of the United States of Europe, in 2041, punctuated by a series of testimonials based on actual interviews with immigrants residing in Greece. As the two novels were written originally in Greek for a Greek audience and fuse fiction and memoir, with the narrator’s
use of the first-person singular adding to the immediacy of the text, the readers are given the opportunity to look at immigration as a mirror looki g back at them and to consider their identity in terms of fluidity and freedom of movement, as a trajectory in which one is constantly confronted
by an ‘other’, often in unequal terms, making this constant becoming an essential process of identity formation.
The Muslim-American neighbour as terrorist: The representation of a Muslim family in 24
Authors: Halse Rolf
Published: November 2012

Academic literature on movies and TV serials produced in Hollywood documents that Muslim and Arab characters are often represented in a stereotypical and negative manner. The TV serial 24 doesn’t seem to be an exception. 24 has been accused by Muslim interest groups in the United
States and by prominent people with Muslim background for stereotyping Muslims. This article sets out to investigate whether this accusation is well founded by analysing how a Muslim family, living in Los Angeles as a sleeping terror cell, is represented in the serial. A textual analysis uncovers
a change in the Muslim stereotype in US TV entertainment post-9/11 having to do with the stereotype’s relocalization. The new Muslim stereotype seems to resemble the average American’s appearance, which, in effect, redefines ‘the Muslim other’; on the outside it differs
from the traditional Muslim stereotype, but within, in its character it is true to type.
The fifth estate: Media and ethics
Authors: Hidri Abdallah
Published: November 2012

This article deals with new and social media as a fifth power influencing the public sphere and public opinion. However, in order to understand the concept of ‘fifth power’ we need first to deconstruct and analyze the elements of the concept of ‘fourth power’
that has been connected to traditional media. The new and social media, as an open and free communication activity over the Internet, can be considered today as (an effective) mechanism to monitor and watch over the ‘fourth power’. It appears that the new and social media construct
social reality utilizing techniques and a style that do not adhere to the format, rules and canon of traditional media. It also seems that those who possess a certain level of digital knowledge are capable of constructing reality through reproducing the dominant ideology in society –
a function that was exclusive to traditional media in the past. The role of the new and social media as a ‘fifth power’ raises numerous problems connected to communication ethics. In this sense, what type of ethics should govern this new communication order? And is it possible
to talk of a ‘fifth power’ devoid of any sort of communication ethics?
And the Golden Bear goes to Grbavica: An opus of manipulation
Authors: Mencutekin Mustafa
Published: November 2012

Among the genres of cinematography, the historical film holds a considerably significantplace in terms of indispensable documental features. The particular challenge pertaining to the genre offers a dichotomy: either to stand behind the historical reality or to present something exceeding
it. In the history of historical films, numerous works illustrate the inability of directors to meet its challenges. If deliberation is of concern, then those failures can be interpreted as ulterior motives. The paradoxically applauded and internationally awarded film Grbavica (dir. Jasmina
Zbanic) cannot rid itself of the common flaws specific to the genre. The film seems to be a portrait of a particular war in the Balkans and its aftermath, but the director uses all the instruments of the art of cinematography to make the audience misread the recent history of the Balkans.
Focusing on the story of two female victims and minimizing the male characters and the atrocity they committed, Grbavica deserves to be identifi d as a film of political manipulation, or distortion of historical facts. This commemorable endeavour for a manipulative visualization is thoroughly
observed during the film, due to the intentional absence of many factual incidents and data that especially constitute conclusive evidence against Serbians in particular and European countries in general.