bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precarious Workers’ Movements and the Neoliberal State
Authors: Meyer Rachel 
Published: March 2016

How can we best conceptualize working‐class mobilization in the post‐Fordist regime of flexible accumulation? With the increasing precariousness of employment, how do workers press their demands? While the emphasis thus far has been on the melding of workplace and community organizing, which is a hallmark of “social movement unionism,” I argue that there is a countervailing trend afoot that has received far less attention—that is, a bifurcation of strategies. Only those select workers who are in powerful structural locations, such as transportation and distribution workers, are in a position to take the economic route while the swelling ranks of the precariat have turned instead to the political sphere to press their demands. Additionally, I address what this bifurcation means for labor's power and working‐class formation. Does the separation of economic and political protest lead to a weakened working class? Such a separation has been thought to undermine class‐based solidarities, with community identities undermining workplace‐based ones. I argue, however, that the contemporary context is different in that precarious workers’ mobilizations in the community have become explicitly class‐based. In contrast to the long‐standing notion of the workplace as the hotbed of working‐class consciousness, the community has emerged as a locus of class‐based perspectives and solidarities. Throughout I emphasize not just strategy and material gain for the working class, but also shifts in civil society, organizations, and subjectivity. My argument is developed through a case study of the Chicago Jobs and Living Wage Campaign, which is then compared to other cases of precarious worker mobilization around the globe. Examining the tensions inherent in precarious workers’ political mobilization in the context of the post‐Fordist neoliberal state, the study has implications for labor and social movements, class formation, citizenship, and contemporary capitalism.
Stimulation of dopamine D2‐like receptors in the lumbosacral defaecation centre causes propulsive colorectal contractions in rats
Authors: Naitou Kiyotada , Nakamori Hiroyuki , Shiina Takahiko , Ikeda Azusa , Nozue Yuuta , Sano Yuuki , Yokoyama Takuya , Yamamoto Yoshio , Yamada Akihiro , Akimoto Nozomi , Furue Hidemasa , Shimizu Yasutake 
Published: March 2016

Key points
The pathophysiological roles of the CNS in bowel dysfunction in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson's disease remain obscure.
In the present study, we demonstrate that dopamine in the lumbosacral defaecation centre causes strong propulsive motility of the colorectum.
The effect of dopamine is a result of activation of sacral parasympathetic preganglionic neurons via D2‐like dopamine receptors.
Considering that dopamine is a neurotransmitter of descending pain inhibitory pathways, our results highlight the novel concept that descending pain inhibitory pathways control not only pain, but also the defaecation reflex.
In addition, severe constipation in patients with Parkinson's disease can be explained by reduced parasympathetic outflow as a result of a loss of the effect of dopaminergic neurons.
AbstractWe have recently demonstrated that intrathecally injected noradrenaline caused propulsive contractions of the colorectum. We hypothesized that descending pain inhibitory pathways control not only pain, but also the defaecation reflex. Because dopamine is one of the major neurotransmitters of descending pain inhibitory pathways in the spinal cord, we examined the effects of the intrathecal application of dopamine to the spinal defaecation centre on colorectal motility. Colorectal intraluminal pressure and expelled volume were recorded in vivo in anaesthetized rats. Slice patch clamp and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm the existence of dopamine‐sensitive neurons in the sacral parasympathetic nuclei. Intrathecal application of dopamine into the L6–S1 spinal cord, where the lumbosacral defaecation centre is located, caused propulsive contractions of the colorectum. Inactivation of spinal neurons using TTX blocked the effect of dopamine. Although thoracic spinal transection had no effect on the enhancement of colorectal motility by intrathecal dopamine, the severing of the pelvic nerves abolished the enhanced motility. Pharmacological experiments revealed that the effect of dopamine is mediated primarily by D2‐like dopamine receptors. Neurons labelled with retrograde dye injected at the colorectum showed an inward current in response to dopamine in slice patch clamp recordings. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that neurons immunoreactive to choline acetyltransferase express D2‐like dopamine receptors. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that dopamine activates sacral parasympathetic preganglionic neurons via D2‐like dopamine receptors and causes propulsive motility of the colorectum in rats. The present study supports the hypothesis that descending pain inhibitory pathways regulate defaecation reflexes.
Evaluation of Passive Anti-Fouling Technology Applied to CO2 Heat Pump Water Heaters
Authors: Murray Portia , Harrison Stephen J. , Stinson Ben 
Published: March 2016

Heat pump water heaters are increasing in popularity due to their increased energy efficiency and low environmental impact. This paper describes the experimental testing of a transcritical CO2 heat pump water heater at Queen’s University.
A modified 4.5 kW Eco-Cute unit was studied. It sourced heat from a constant temperature water supply and rejected the heat to a 273 litre hot water tank through a gas-cooler. The high temperatures that occur in the gas-cooler of this unit make it ideally suited for natural convection, (i.e., thermosyphon) circulation on the potable water side. This has the potential to reduce pumping power, simplify system operation and design, and increase thermal stratification in the hot water storage tank.
This configuration, however, is susceptible to the accumulation of sediments, scale and mineral deposits (i.e., fouling) in geographic regions where high mineral deposits may be present in the water supply. To counteract fouling in these cases, a passive back-flushing system was proposed to prevent the accumulation of deposits on the heat transfer surfaces of the gas-cooler. As hot water is drawn from the system, the cold “mains” supply water is directed through the gas-cooler in the reverse direction of normal operation, scouring the heat transfer surfaces and dissolving deposits of inverse-soluble salts which are a major contributor to fouling on hot heat transfer surfaces.
The gas-cooler used was a specially designed unit that, although offering high performance in a compact unit, may be susceptible to the fouling and blockage of the heat transfer passages when used at thermosyphon flow rates.
Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the back-flush operation on heat pump performance (i.e., COP) and operation. These were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, at a range of draw flow rates and temperatures, and are summarized in this paper.
Combined Cycle Power Plant Thermo-Economic Multi-Objective Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Canepa Roberto , Croce Giulio , Zunino Pietro 
Published: March 2016

In this paper, an integrated modeling framework consisting of GateCycle® power plant modeling commercial software, an evolutionary based optimization tool and an in-house developed computer code suitable for thermo-economic calculations, has been applied to the optimization of the bottoming steam cycle of an advanced combined cycle power plant. Out of the many economic performance evaluation parameters available, optimal performance have been obtained under both Net Present Value (NPV) maximization and Levelized Cost Of Electricity (LCOE) minimization.
A basic superstructure, capable to handle multiple configurations such as HRSG arrangements, as well as pressure levels number, has been developed within the proposed modeling framework. The optimization tool handles simultaneously a large number of variables, both thermo-economic (for instance the suitable temperature differences and the pressure levels) and logical, defining the HRSG configuration.
While many on-site (boundary) conditions affect optimal design, fuel gas cost is securely the most relevant parameter affecting thermo-economic performance during power plant lifetime. Therefore, optimal performance, that is maximum NPV and minimum LCOE, has been obtained assuming different values for this parameter.
It has been proven how the framework is able to cope with varying on-site conditions and how, when these latter are carefully taken into account, optimal design is even significantly modified.
Directly Coupled Photovoltaic-Electrolyzer System Optimization Using a Novel ICA Methodology
Authors: Sayedin Farid , Maroufmashat Azadeh , Sattari Sourena 
Published: March 2016

Hydrogen is considered to be the fuel of the future. It is a cleaner alternative to the fossil fuels we consume every day. Of all the different hydrogen production pathways that exist, producing the gas by utilizing the power generated by renewable energy sources has been a topic of interest for many researchers across the world. The following work focuses on minimizing the energy loss by optimizing the size and the operating conditions of an electrolyzer directly connected to a photovoltaic (PV) module at different irradiance. The hydrogen, in the proposed system, is produced using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. A nonlinear method is considered, because of the complexity of the system and the variation in maximum power points (MPP) of the PV module throughout the year. A generic model has been also developed to determine the performance of photovoltaic-electrolyzer (PV/EL) system. Additionally, a whole year weather data set is employed to estimate annual electricity generation, I–V curves and MPPs of the PV module.
This work also proposes a novel optimization algorithm based on the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) to optimize the PV/EL system. By this approach, the optimal size and operating condition of an electrolyzer directly connected to a PV module is determined. The results demonstrate that for the given location and the PV system utilized in the study, the energy transfer efficiency of PV/EL system can reach up to 98.51%. Furthermore, it is also found that ICA algorithm quickly converges to a good solution, and by this method, deriving optimal parameters for each selected system can be possible.
Mental Fatigue: Impairment of Technical Performance in Small-Sided Soccer Games
Authors: Badin Oliver O. , Smith Mitchell R. , Conte Daniele , Coutts Aaron J. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:To assess the effects of mental fatigue on physical and technical performance in small-sided soccer games.
Methods:Twenty soccer players (age 17.8 ± 1.0 y, height 179 ± 5 cm, body mass 72.4 ± 6.8 kg, playing experience 8.3 ± 1.4 y) from an Australian National Premier League soccer club volunteered to participate in this randomized crossover investigation. Participants played 15-min 5-vs-5 small-sided games (SSGs) without goalkeepers on 2 occasions separated by 1 wk. Before the SSG, 1 team watched a 30-min emotionally neutral documentary (control), while the other performed 30 min of a computer-based Stroop task (mental fatigue). Subjective ratings of mental and physical fatigue were recorded before and after treatment and after the SSG. Motivation was assessed before treatment and SSG; mental effort was assessed after treatment and SSG. Player activity profiles and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout the SSG, whereas ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were recorded before the SSG and immediately after each half. Video recordings of the SSG allowed for notational analysis of technical variables.
Results:Subjective ratings of mental fatigue and effort were higher after the Stroop task, whereas motivation for the upcoming SSG was similar between conditions. HR during the SSG was possibly higher in the control condition, whereas RPE was likely higher in the mental-fatigue condition. Mental fatigue had an unclear effect on most physical-performance variables but impaired most technical-performance variables.
Conclusions:Mental fatigue impairs technical but not physical performance in small-sided soccer games.
Secreted Compounds of the Probiotic Bacillus clausii Strain O/C Inhibit the Cytotoxic Effects Induced by Clostridium difficile and Bacillus cereus Toxins
Authors: Ripert Gabrielle , Racedo Silvia M. , Elie Anne-Marie , Jacquot Claudine , Bressollier Philippe , Urdaci Maria C. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Although the use of probiotics based on
Bacillus
strains to fight off intestinal pathogens and antibiotic-associated diarrhea is widespread, the mechanisms involved in producing their beneficial effects remain unclear. Here, we studied the ability of compounds secreted by the probiotic
Bacillus clausii
strain O/C to counteract the cytotoxic effects induced by toxins of two pathogens,
Clostridium difficile
and
Bacillus cereus
, by evaluating eukaryotic cell viability and expression of selected genes. Coincubation of
C. difficile
and
B. cereus
toxic culture supernatants with the
B. clausii
supernatant completely prevented the damage induced by toxins in Vero and Caco-2 cells. The hemolytic effect of
B. cereus
was also avoided by the probiotic supernatant. Moreover, in these cells, the expression of
rhoB
, encoding a Rho GTPase target for
C. difficile
toxins, was normalized when
C. difficile
supernatant was pretreated using the
B. clausii
supernatant. All of the beneficial effects observed with the probiotic were abolished by the serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). Suspecting the involvement of a secreted protease in this protective effect, a protease was purified from the
B. clausii
supernatant and identified as a serine protease (M-protease; GenBank accession number
Q99405
). Experiments on Vero cells demonstrated the antitoxic activity of the purified protease against pathogen supernatants. This is the first report showing the capacity of a protease secreted by probiotic bacteria to inhibit the cytotoxic effects of toxinogenic
C. difficile
and
B. cereus
strains. This extracellular compound could be responsible, at least in part, for the protective effects observed for this human probiotic in antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Comparative analysis of premature mortality among urban immigrants in Bremen, Germany: a retrospective register-based linkage study
Authors: Makarova Nataliya , Brand Tilman , Brünings-Kuppe Claudia , Pohlabeln Hermann , Luttmann Sabine 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to explore differences in mortality patterns among two large immigrant groups in Germany: one from Turkey and the other from the former Soviet Union (FSU). To this end, we investigated indicators of premature mortality.DesignThis study was conducted as a retrospective population-based study based on mortality register linkage. Using mortality data for the period 2004–2010, we calculated age-standardised death rates (SDR) and standardised mortality ratios (SMR) for premature deaths (<age 65 years). We computed years of potential life lost (YPLL) and analysed the underlying causes of death contributing to premature mortality.Setting and participantsIn this study, we made use of the unique possibilities of register-based research in relation to migration and health. Analyses were performed in three population groups in the federal state of Bremen, Germany: immigrants from Turkey, those from the FSU and the general population.ResultsThe SDRs for premature deaths of the two immigrant groups were lower compared to those of the general population. The SMRs remained under 1. Using the indicator of YPLL, we observed higher age-standardised YPLL rates among immigrant populations, particularly among males from the FSU compared to females and population groups 4238/100 000, 95% CI (4119 to 4358). Regarding main causes of premature death, we found larger contributions of infant mortality and diseases of the respiratory system among Turkish immigrants, and of injuries and poisonings, and mental and behavioural disorders among immigrants from the FSU.ConclusionsWhile the overall trends favour the immigrant populations, the indicator of YPLL and cause-specific results indicate areas where the healthcare systems responsiveness may need to be improved, including preventive services. Further work with broader databases providing a similar level of differentiation is necessary to substantiate these findings.
Women's knowledge and attitudes surrounding abortion in Zambia: a cross-sectional survey across three provinces
Authors: Cresswell Jenny A , Schroeder Rosalyn , Dennis Mardieh , Owolabi Onikepe , Vwalika Bellington , Musheke Maurice , Campbell Oona , Filippi Veronique 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesIn Zambia, despite a relatively liberal legal framework, there remains a substantial burden of unsafe abortion. Many women do not use skilled providers in a well-equipped setting, even where these are available. The aim of this study was to describe women's knowledge of the law relating to abortion and attitudes towards abortion in Zambia.SettingCommunity-based survey in Central, Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces.Participants1484 women of reproductive age (15–44 years).Primary and secondary outcome measuresCorrect knowledge of the legal grounds for abortion, attitudes towards abortion services and the previous abortions of friends, family or other confidants. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse how knowledge and attitudes varied according to sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsOverall, just 16% (95% CI 11% to 21%) of women of reproductive age correctly identified the grounds for which abortion is legal. Only 40% (95% CI 32% to 45% of women of reproductive age knew that abortion was legally permitted in the extreme situation where the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother. Even in urban areas of Lusaka province, only 55% (95% CI 41% to 67%) of women knew that an abortion could legally take place to save the mother's life. Attitudes remain conservative. Women with correct knowledge of abortion law in Zambia tended to have more liberal attitudes towards abortion and access to safe abortion services. Neither correct knowledge of the law nor attitudes towards abortion were associated with knowing someone who previously had an induced abortion.ConclusionsPoor knowledge and conservative attitudes are important obstacles to accessing safe abortion services. Changing knowledge and attitudes can be challenging for policymakers and public health practitioners alike. Zambia could draw on its previous experience in dealing with its large HIV epidemic to learn cross-cutting lessons in effective mass communication on what is a difficult and sensitive issue.
Cardiac rehabilitation referral and enrolment across an academic health sciences centre with eReferral and peer navigation: a randomised controlled pilot trial
Authors: Ali-Faisal Sobia F , Benz Scott Lisa , Johnston Lauren , Grace Sherry L 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo describe (1) cardiac rehabilitation (CR) referral across cardiac units in a tertiary centre with eReferral; (2) characteristics associated with CR referral and enrolment and (3) the effects of peer navigation (PN) on referral and enrolment. This pilot was a 2 parallel-arm, randomised, single-blind trial with allocation concealment.Setting3 cardiac units (ie, interventional, general cardiology, and cardiac surgery) in 1 of 2 hospitals of a tertiary centre.ParticipantsCR-eligible adult cardiac inpatients were randomised to PN or usual care. 94 (54.7%) patients consented, of which 46 (48.9%) were randomised to PN. Outcomes were ascertained in 76 (80.9%) participants.InterventionThe PN (1) visited participant at the bedside, (2) mailed a card to participant's home reminding about CR and (3) called participant 2 weeks postdischarge to discuss CR barriers.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome of enrolment was defined as participant attendance at a scheduled CR intake appointment (yes/no). The secondary outcome was referral. Blinded outcome assessment was conducted 12 weeks postdischarge, via CR chart extraction.ResultsThose who received care on the cardiac surgery unit (77.9%) were more likely to be referred than those treated on the general cardiology (61.1%) or interventional unit (33.3%; p=0.04). Patients who had cardiac surgery, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia were significantly more likely, and those with congenital heart disease, cancer and a previous cardiac diagnosis were less likely to be referred. Participants referred to a site closer to home (76.2% of those referred) were more likely to enrol than those not (23.7%, p<0.05). PN had no effect on referral (77.6%, p=0.45) or enrolment (46.0%, p=0.24).ConclusionsThere is wide variability in CR referral, even within academic centres, and despite eReferral. Referral was quite high, and thus, PN did not improve CR utilisation. Results support triaging patients to the CR programme closest to their home.Trial registration numberNCT02204449; Results.
B7-H4(B7x)–Mediated Cross-talk between Glioma-Initiating Cells and Macrophages via the IL6/JAK/STAT3 Pathway Lead to Poor Prognosis in Glioma Patients
Authors: Yao Yu , Ye Hongxing , Qi Zengxin , Mo Lianjie , Yue Qi , Baral Aparajita , Hoon Dave S.B. , Vera Juan Carlos , Heiss John D. , Chen Clark C. , Hua Wei , Zhang Jianmin , Jin Kunlin , Wang Yin , Zang Xingxing , Mao Ying , Zhou Liangfu 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical significance and immunosuppressive mechanisms of B7-H4 (B7x/B7S1), a B7 family member, in glioma.
Experimental Design: B7-H4 levels in glioma tissue/cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were compared between different grades of glioma patients. Survival data were analyzed with Kaplan–Meier to determine the prognostic value of B7-H4. Cytokines from CD133+ cells to stimulate the expression of B7-H4 on human macrophages (Mϕs) were investigated by FACS, neutralizing antibodies, and Transwell chemotaxis assay. shRNA, reporter vector, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to determine the binding of STAT3 to the B7-H4 promoter. The function of B7-H4+ Mϕs in vitro was evaluated through phagocytosis, T-cell proliferation/apoptosis, and cytokine production as well as in the xenografted model for in vivo analysis.
Results: We found that B7-H4 expression in tumors was associated with prognosis of human glioblastoma and correlated directly with malignant grades. Mechanistically, glioma initiating CD133+ cells and Mϕs/microglia cointeraction activated expression of B7-H4 via IL6 and IL10 in both tumor cells and microenvironment supporting cells. IL6-activated STAT3 bound to the promoter of B7-H4 gene and enhanced B7-H4 expression. Furthermore, CD133+ cells mediated immunosuppression through B7-H4 expression on Mϕs/microglia by silencing of B7-H4 expression on these cells, which led to increased microenvironment T-cell function and tumor regression in the xenograft glioma mouse model.
Conclusions: We have identified B7-H4 activation on Mϕs/microglia in the microenvironment of gliomas as an important immunosuppressive event blocking effective T-cell immune responses. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2778–90. ©2016 AACR.