bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
German Muslims and their engagement in participatory culture: reflections on civic and artistic contributions to the public sphere
Authors: Soliman Asmaa 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper examines publics of young German Muslims. Case studies include the singer Huelya Kandemir, the theatre group Uma Lamo and the social network Zahnräder. By focusing on spiritual music publics, theatrical comedy publics and social publics, it tries a new approach to the way in which we understand minority public engagement. In addition to examining the concept of counterpublics, it utilizes the concept of participatory culture, which offers a relevant complement. The study argues that the publics of young German Muslims display multifaceted artistic and civic engagement, which can best be understood in terms of participation in cultural or civic productions and contribution to the wider German public. Features or effects of counterpublics, such as the countering of mainstream representations of minority identities and the offering of alternative discourses, are occasionally reflected in their activities.
Colloidal aggregation induced by the reduction in pH and the synthesis of new molecular structures during the milk fermentation process
Authors: Vargas Susana , Rodríguez Rogelio , Quintanilla Francisco , González–Torres Maykel 
Published: May 2017

The use of different inocula in the milk‐to‐yoghurt transformation influences the kinetics of the fermentation process. The aim of this work was to study the kinetics induced by Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Lb–St). The milk‐to‐yoghurt transformation showed no delay in the production of lactic acid for yoghurt produced using Lactobacillus johnsonii with S. thermophilus (La1–St) or Lactobacillus casei with S. thermophilus (Lc1–St); the delays were 20–70 min and 40–80 min, respectively. The absence of delay was 1.0/min (Lb–St) as compared with 0.015/min (La1–St) and 0.7/min (Lc1–St). The kinetics was fitted using second‐order reaction.
Statistical Approaches to Type Determination of the Ejector Marks on Cartridge Cases
Authors: Warren Eric M. , Sheets H. David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhile type determination on bullets has been performed for over a century, type determination on cartridge cases is often overlooked. Presented here is an example of type determination of ejector marks on cartridge cases from Glock and Smith & Wesson Sigma series pistols using Naïve Bayes and Random Forest classification methods. The shapes of ejector marks were captured from images of test‐fired cartridge cases and subjected to multivariate analysis. Naïve Bayes and Random Forest methods were used to assign the ejector shapes to the correct class of firearm with success rates as high as 98%. This method is easily implemented with equipment already available in crime laboratories and can serve as an investigative lead in the form of a list of firearms that could have fired the evidence. Paired with the FBI's General Rifling Characteristics (GRC) database, this could be an invaluable resource for firearm evidence at crime scenes.
Comparison of physical examination performance of medical students trained by musculoskeletal versus non‐musculoskeletal specialists
Authors: Melo Luciano , Schrieber Leslie , Eyles Jillian , Deveza Leticia A. , Meneses Sarah R. F. , Hunter David J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo compare the musculoskeletal (MSK) physical examination skills, knowledge acquisition and performance of first‐year medical students trained by MSK specialist tutors to students trained by non‐MSK specialist tutors, after a 6‐week MSK physical examination tutorial program.MethodsTwenty‐first year medical students took part in the study. They were recruited into two groups, according to their exposure to either an MSK specialist or a non‐MSK specialist tutor during their 6‐week MSK training block. Knowledge acquisition was measured via a pre‐ and post‐training objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). We assessed students’ self‐belief and confidence levels regarding their newly acquired skills via a questionnaire. Independent t tests were used to examine mean group differences of OSCE scores and perceived level of confidence.ResultsBoth groups demonstrated a significant improvement (3.9 and 3.8 points, respectively, on an eight‐point scale for shoulder assessment, P < 0.01, 3.3 and 3.5, respectively, on a five‐point scale for spine assessment, P < 0.01) in OSCE scores compared to baseline after completing the 6‐week MSK physical examination tutorial program. There was no between‐group difference in the OSCE scores from pre‐ to post‐training (P = 0.92 for shoulder, P = 0.66 for spine) or for perceived level of confidence in performing a basic MSK examination after training (P = 0.91).ConclusionStudents exposed to MSK specialist tutors did not demonstrate increased skill levels or knowledge in the area of MSK physical examination compared to those receiving the same training under the supervision of non‐MSK specialist tutors. Both student groups demonstrated improvement.
Phagocyte activity in the peripheral blood of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus and in the cord blood of their newborns
Authors: Sukhikh Gennady T. , Safronova Valentina G. , Vanko Ludmila V. , Matveeva Nataliya K. , Belyaeva Anastasiya S. , Fedorova Ekaterina V. , Nikolaeva Marina A. , Klimenchenko Nataliya I. , Krechetova Lyubov V. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo detect faults in phagocytosis in peripheral blood cells of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in cord blood of their newborns.MethodsPregnant women fulfilled ≥ 4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE and their newborns were recruited. Pregnant women without SLE and their newborns constituted controls. Phagocytosis and respiratory burst were measured using PHAGOTEST and BURSTTEST kits (Biotechnology GmbH, Germany) on FACSCalibur™ flow cytometer. Expression of CD11b was estimated with antibodies (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). Mann–Whitney rank‐sum test was used to compare SLE group and controls.ResultsPhagocytosis and respiratory burst were estimated in blood of 31 SLE women (29.5 ± 3.3 years) and in cord blood of 26 newborns. Controls were 21 health women (29.8 ± 2.8 years) and their 21 babies. Median reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was reduced in the SLE group versus controls (arbitrary units): women, 2315 versus 3316 (P = 0.034); babies, 1051 versus 1791 (P = 0.041), respectively. Proportion of ROS‐producing granulocytes decreased in the SLE group: women, 72.5% versus 94.0% (P = 0.025); babies, 46.8% versus 90.7% (P = 0.008). Proportion of phagocytes which engulfed Escherichia coli and bacteria number per phagocyte also decreased in SLE women. Monocyte activity was suppressed in newborns from the SLE group (RLU): 224 versus 507 (P = 0.022). CD11b expression was reduced in SLE women (RLU): granulocytes, 588 versus 1448.5 (P < 0.001); monocytes, 1017 versus 1619 (P = 0.002).ConclusionPregnant SLE women have low ingesting capacity of phagocytes. Suppression of phagocytosis in their newborns is mainly due to reduced number of cells producing ROS.
Sustainability in Oceans Governance: Small Islands, Emerging Powers, and Connecting Regions
Authors: Larik Joris , Singh Abhijit 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAs evidenced by Goal No. 14 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the importance of oceans governance as a matter of global policy can hardly be overstated. The unsustainable uses of their resources could lead to serious consequences, not only for coastal communities, but remote landlocked countries as well. This special section aims to take the international community's clarion call for effective norms, institutions, and multi‐stakeholder cooperation back to the oceans through three topical case studies. Each in its own way illustrates humanity's high stakes in blue growth, offering recommendations on how states and governments must craft coherent, effective, and actionable policies to make sustainable oceans governance a reality. Claire van der Geest's article opens the special section with a focus on the Indian Ocean and the need to redesign its fisheries governance. Hongzhou Zhang and Fengshi Wu subsequently investigate two of the most significant structural shifts of China's marine fisheries sector in the past decades, namely, going outward and focusing on high market value species. James Malcolm concludes the special section by switching attention to small island developing states, arguing that sustainable oceans governance for them represents not ‘only’ an environmental or economic concern, but indeed a matter of national security.
Amb a 1 isoforms: Unequal siblings with distinct immunological features
Authors: Wolf M. , Twaroch T. E. , Huber S. , Reithofer M. , Steiner M. , Aglas L. , Hauser M. , Aloisi I. , Asam C. , Hofer H. , Parigiani M. A. , Ebner C. , Bohle B. , Briza P. , Neubauer A. , Stolz F. , Jahn‐Schmid B. , Wallner M. , Ferreira F. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundRagweed pollen represents a major allergy risk factor. Ragweed extracts contain five different isoforms of the major allergen Amb a 1. However, the immunological characteristics of Amb a 1 isoforms are not fully investigated. Here, we compared the physicochemical and immunological properties of three most important Amb a 1 isoforms.MethodsAfter purification, the isoforms were physicochemically characterized, tested for antibody binding and induction of human T‐cell proliferative responses. Their immunological properties were further evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model.ResultsAmb a 1 isoforms exhibited distinct patterns of IgE binding and immunogenicity. Compared to Amb a 1.02 or 03 isoforms, Amb a 1.01 showed higher IgE‐binding activity. Isoforms 01 and 03 were the most potent stimulators of patients’ T cells. In a mouse model of immunization, Amb a 1.01 induced higher levels of IgG and IgE antibodies when compared to isoforms 02 and 03. Interestingly, ragweed‐sensitized patients also displayed an IgG response to Amb a 1 isoforms. However, unlike therapy‐induced antibodies, sensitization‐induced IgG did not show IgE‐blocking activity.ConclusionThe present study showed that naturally occurring isoforms of Amb a 1 possess different immunogenic and sensitizing properties. These findings should be considered when selecting sequences for molecule‐based diagnosis and therapy for ragweed allergy. Due to its high IgE‐binding activity, isoform Amb a 1.01 should be included in diagnostic tests. In contrast, due to their limited B‐ and T‐cell cross‐reactivity patterns, a combination of different isoforms might be a more attractive strategy for ragweed immunotherapy.
Birth outcomes for women using free‐standing birth centers in South Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Bailey David John 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigates maternal and perinatal outcomes for women with low‐risk pregnancies laboring in free‐standing birth centers compared with laboring in a hospital maternity unit in a large New Zealand health district.MethodsThe study used observational data from 47 381 births to women with low‐risk pregnancies in South Auckland maternity facilities 2003‐2010. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for instrumental delivery, cesarean section, blood transfusion, neonatal unit admission, and perinatal mortality.ResultsLabor in birth centers was associated with significantly lower rates of instrumental delivery, cesarean section and blood transfusion compared with labor in hospital. Neonatal unit admission rates were lower for infants of nulliparous women laboring in birth centers. Intrapartum and neonatal mortality rates for birth centers were low and were not significantly different from the hospital population. Transfers to hospital for labor and postnatal complications occurred in 39% of nulliparous and 9% of multiparous labors. Risk factors identified for transfer were nulliparity, advanced maternal age, and prolonged pregnancy ≥41 weeks’ gestation.ConclusionsLabor in South Auckland free‐standing birth centers was associated with significantly lower maternal intervention and complication rates than labor in the hospital maternity unit and was not associated with increased perinatal morbidity.
Perceptions and experiences of women seeking treatment for obstetric fistula
Authors: Singh Shalini , Thakur Tushita , Chandhiok Nomita , Singh Manish Kumar , Dhillon Balwan Singh 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo understand patients’ perspectives on the causative factors and preventive measures of obstetric fistula; and the effect of fistula on the victims’ psycho‐social, sexual, and economic well being.MethodsA questionnaire‐based interview of 215 women with obstetric fistula admitted for treatment in 17 hospitals in India was carried out during 2010‐2011. Responses of participants from poor, medium, and better performing states were categorized into pre‐coded themes and compared.ResultsThe majority of the women were from rural areas (75.3%), multiparous (68.8%), and with less than high school education (82.2%). The majority (70.7%) of the women reported attempt at home delivery by untrained persons. Poor awareness of where and when to seek care when faced with a difficult delivery, and poor quality of care in facilities were perceived as important causative factors. Delivery by trained providers and early referral of women with problems during labor were identified as important preventive factors. Spouses and families were supportive of treatment in spite of economic hardships, but most (79.5%) patients felt socially isolated after developing fistula.ConclusionPoor awareness regarding delivery care among the women indicates a need for increasing birth preparedness in the community. Patients’ perceptions of poor quality of care in facilities need to be addressed urgently. Psychological evaluation and counseling should be offered to fistula patients, to help them cope with adverse psycho‐social and economic circumstances. The results of this study may provide insights for prevention and management of fistula, and may help to improve patient care and services.
Unification of favourable intermediate‐, unfavourable intermediate‐, and very high‐risk stratification criteria for prostate cancer
Authors: Zumsteg Zachary S. , Zelefsky Michael J. , Woo Kaitlin M. , Spratt Daniel E. , Kollmeier Marisa A. , McBride Sean , Pei Xin , Sandler Howard M. , Zhang Zhigang 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo improve on the existing risk‐stratification systems for prostate cancer.Patients and MethodsThis was a retrospective investigation including 2 248 patients undergoing dose‐escalated external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) at a single institution. We separated National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) intermediate‐risk prostate cancer into ‘favourable’ and ‘unfavourable’ groups based on primary Gleason pattern, percentage of positive biopsy cores (PPBC), and number of NCCN intermediate‐risk factors. Similarly, NCCN high‐risk prostate cancer was stratified into ‘standard’ and ‘very high‐risk’ groups based on primary Gleason pattern, PPBC, number of NCCN high‐risk factors, and stage T3b–T4 disease. Patients with unfavourable‐intermediate‐risk (UIR) prostate cancer had significantly inferior prostate‐specific antigen relapse‐free survival (PSA‐RFS, P < 0.001), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS, P < 0.001), prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM, P < 0.001), and overall survival (OS, P < 0.001) compared with patients with favourable‐intermediate‐risk (FIR) prostate cancer. Similarly, patients with very high‐risk (VHR) prostate cancer had significantly worse PSA‐RFS (P < 0.001), DMFS (P < 0.001), and PCSM (P = 0.001) compared with patients with standard high‐risk (SHR) prostate cancer. Moreover, patients with FIR and low‐risk prostate cancer had similar outcomes, as did patients with UIR and SHR prostate cancer.ResultsConsequently, we propose the following risk‐stratification system: Group 1, low risk and FIR; Group 2, UIR and SHR; and Group 3, VHR. These groups have markedly different outcomes, with 8‐year distant metastasis rates of 3%, 9%, and 29% (P < 0.001) for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and 8‐year PCSM of 1%, 4%, and 13% (P < 0.001) after EBRT. This modified stratification system was significantly more accurate than the three‐tiered NCCN system currently in clinical use for all outcomes.ConclusionModifying the NCCN risk‐stratification system to group FIR with low‐risk patients and UIR with SHR patients, results in modestly improved prediction of outcomes, potentially allowing better personalisation of therapeutic recommendations.
Effects of environmental enrichment on the activity of the amygdala in micrencephalic rats exposed to a novel open field
Authors: Matsuda Wakoto , Ehara Ayuka , Nakadate Kazuhiko , Yoshimoto Kanji , Ueda Shuichi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEnvironmental enrichment (EE) mediates recovery from sensory, motor, and cognitive deficits and emotional abnormalities. In the present study, we examined the effects of EE on locomotor activity and neuronal activity in the amygdala in control and methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM)‐induced micrencephalic rats after challenge in a novel open field. Control rats housed in EE (CR) showed reduced locomotor activity compared to rats housed in a conventional cage (CC), whereas hyperactivity was seen in MAM rats housed in a conventional cage (MC) and in MAM rats housed in EE (MR).Novel open field exposure in both CC and MC resulted in a marked increase in Fos expression in the anterior and posterior parts of the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus, basomedial nucleus, and medial nucleus, whereas these increases in expression were not observed in CR. The effect of EE on Fos expression in the amygdala was different in MR exposed to a novel open field compared to CR. Furthermore, we observed a quite different pattern of Fos expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala between control and MAM rats. The present results suggest that neuronal activity in the amygdala that responds to anxiety is altered in MAM rats, especially when the rats are reared in EE. These alterations may cause behavioral differences between control and MAM rats.
Resting‐state connectivity and modulated somatomotor and default‐mode networks in Huntington disease
Authors: Sánchez‐Castañeda Cristina , de Pasquale Francesco , Caravasso Chiara Falletta , Marano Massimo , Maffi Sabrina , Migliore Simone , Sabatini Umberto , Squitieri Ferdinando 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAimsTo analyze brain functional connectivity in the somatomotor and default‐mode networks (DMNs) of patients with Huntington disease (HD), its relationship with gray matter (GM) volume loss, and functional changes after pridopidine treatment.MethodsTen patients and ten untreated controls underwent T1‐weighted imaging and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); four patients were also assessed after 3 months of pridopidine treatment (90 mg/d). The seed‐based functional connectivity patterns from the posterior cingulate cortex and the supplementary motor area (SMA), considered cortical hubs of the DMN and somatomotor networks, respectively, were computed. FMRIB Software Library voxel‐based morphometry measured GM volume.ResultsPatients had GM volume decrease in all cortical and subcortical areas of the somatomotor network with preservation of the SMA, and increased somatomotor and DMN connectivity. In DMN structures, functional connectivity impairment preceded volume loss. Pridopidine reduced the intensity of these aberrant connections.ConclusionThe abnormal connectivity of the somatomotor and DMN observed in HD patients may represent an early dysfunction marker, as it preceded volume loss in DMN. Pridopidine reduced connectivity of these networks in all four treated patients, suggesting that connectivity is sensitive to treatment response.
Quantifying the conservation gains from shared access to linear infrastructure
Authors: Runge Claire A. , Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , Gordon Ascelin , Rhodes Jonathan R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe proliferation of linear infrastructure such as roads and railways is a major global driver of cumulative biodiversity loss. One strategy for reducing habitat loss associated with development is to encourage linear infrastructure providers and users to share infrastructure networks. We quantified the reductions in biodiversity impact and capital costs under linear infrastructure sharing of a range of potential mine to port transportation links for 47 mine locations operated by 28 separate companies in the Upper Spencer Gulf Region of South Australia. We mapped transport links based on least‐cost pathways for different levels of linear‐infrastructure sharing and used expert‐elicited impacts of linear infrastructure to estimate the consequences for biodiversity. Capital costs were calculated based on estimates of construction costs, compensation payments, and transaction costs. We evaluated proposed mine‐port links by comparing biodiversity impacts and capital costs across 3 scenarios: an independent scenario, where no infrastructure is shared; a restricted‐access scenario, where the largest mining companies share infrastructure but exclude smaller mining companies from sharing; and a shared scenario where all mining companies share linear infrastructure. Fully shared development of linear infrastructure reduced overall biodiversity impacts by 76% and reduced capital costs by 64% compared with the independent scenario. However, there was considerable variation among companies. Our restricted‐access scenario showed only modest biodiversity benefits relative to the independent scenario, indicating that reductions are likely to be limited if the dominant mining companies restrict access to infrastructure, which often occurs without policies that promote sharing of infrastructure. Our research helps illuminate the circumstances under which infrastructure sharing can minimize the biodiversity impacts of development.
Relationship between sports experience and executive function in 6–12‐year‐old children: independence from physical fitness and moderation by gender
Authors: Ishihara Toru , Sugasawa Shigemi , Matsuda Yusuke , Mizuno Masao 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sports experience (i.e., tennis experience) and executive function in children while controlling for physical activity and physical fitness. Sixty‐eight participants (6–12 years old, 34 males and 34 females) were enrolled in regular tennis lessons (mean = 2.4 years, range = 0.1–7.3 years) prior to the study. Executive functions, including inhibitory control (the Stroop Color‐Word Test), working memory (the 2‐back Task), and cognitive flexibility (the Local–global Task) were evaluated. Participants’ levels of daily physical activity, ranging from moderate to vigorous, were evaluated using triaxial accelerometers. The total score for physical fitness was assessed using the Tennis Field Test. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed interaction effects between gender and tennis experience on participants’ reaction time (RT) on the switch cost of the Local–global Task after controlling for age, BMI, gender, physical activity, physical fitness, and tennis experience. Longer tennis experience was associated with shorter switch cost in males but not in females. Higher scores on physical fitness were positively associated with lower interference scores on the Stroop Color‐Word Test, RT on the 2‐back Task, and RT in the switching condition of the Local–global Task, after controlling for age, BMI, gender, and physical activity. In conclusion, all three foundational components of executive function (i.e., inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) were more strongly related to physical fitness than to physical activity in males and females, whereas greater cognitive flexibility was related to tennis experience only in the males.