bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Assessment of Unilateral Pedicle Screws plus Contralateral Transfacetopedicular Screws after Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Two Cages
Authors: Xue Zhong‐Lin , Chen Zhong‐Xian , Fu Chao‐Hua , Lei Hong‐Jun , Yuan Xiang‐Wei 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the biomechanical stability of unilateral pedicle screws (UPS) plus contralateral transfacetopedicular screws (TFPS) after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with two cages.MethodsRange of motion (ROM) testing was performed in 28 fresh‐frozen human cadaveric lumbar spine motion segments. The sequential test configurations included supplemental constructs after TLIF such as UPS, UPS plus contralateral TFPS and bilateral pedicle screws (BPS). All test specimens were fixated in the normal lordotic lignment, then mounted in a three‐dimensional (3‐D) motion testing machine and fixed to the load frame of a six degrees of freedom spine simulator. Each of the test constructs were subjected to three load–unload cycles in each of the physiologic planes generating flexion‐extension, right‐left lateral bending and right‐left axial rotation load‐displacement curves. Statistical analysis was performed on the ROM data. Comparison of data was performed by repeated‐measures analysis of variance for independent samples followed by Bonferroni analysis for multiple comparison procedures.ResultsThe ROMs for UPS, BPS and UPS plus TFPS fixation after TLIF were significantly smaller than those of the intact spine in all modes. The ROM for UPS plus TFPS fixation was between the largest for UPS and the smallest for BPS. The differences between ROMs of UPS and UPS plus TFPS were significant for both lateral bending and rotation. There were no significant differences between BPS and UPS plus TFPS in any mode.ConclusionBecause the UPS construct provides the least stability, especially during lateral bending and rotation, it should be used prudently. After TLIF with two cages, UPS plus TFPS provides stability comparable to that of TLIF with BPS. It is thus an acceptable option in minimally invasive surgery.
New dinoflagellate species Protoperidinium haizhouense sp. nov. (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae), its cyst‐theca relationship and phylogenetic position within the Monovela group
Authors: Liu Tingting , Gu Haifeng , Mertens Kenneth Neil , Lan Dongzhao 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe number of cingular plates has been used to differentiate Protoperidinium from Peridinium and related genera. Protoperidinium is characterized by the presence of three cingular plates plus a transitional plate (3C+t). However, many Protoperidinium species have been described that exhibit different cingular plate tabulations. How these species should be classified within the genus remains unclear. To address this question, the phylogenetic relationship of four Protoperidinium species, with three or four cingular plates and lacking a transitional plate, were examined in relationship to other Protoperidinium species. These four species were germinated from cysts deposited in surface sediments collected from the East China Sea, the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. Three of the isolated species, P. tricingulatum, P. americanum and P. parthenopes, were described previously. The fourth is here described as P. haizhouense sp. nov. with the plate formula Po, X, 4′, 3a, 7′′, 3C, 6S, 5′′′, 2′′′′. Differences in the cyst stages of these four species, which can be taxonomically informative, were compared. Partial large subunit ribosomal DNA sequences were obtained by single‐cell polymerase chain reaction. Maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian inference showed that these four species, P. fukuyoi and Islandinium minutum form a monophyletic clade with maximal support. The genus as a whole, however, appeared polyphyletic. Our results suggest that the presence/absence of a transitional plate is significant in the phylogeny of Protoperidinium.
Demand for credit, international financial legitimacy, and vulnerability to crises: Regulatory change and the social origins of Iceland's collapse
Authors: Larson Erik 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBy analyzing how credit in Iceland expanded to culminate in the country's 2008 financial collapse, this article advances theories about financial crises, regulatory change, and the role of credit. It also complicates popular accounts of Iceland's collapse that focus on the actions of unrestrained bankers by examining the larger context that facilitated these banking practices. After financial liberalization, Icelandic businesses and households had strong demand for credit as a result of: (i) the institutional meaning of credit, (ii) an emergent growth strategy of aggressive international expansion, and (iii) increasing consumption. Incorporating business demand for credit extends demand‐side theory of crises and shows how dominant strategy and shared government and business orientation toward opportunity shaped credit expansion. Credit‐based consumption also stabilized social relations despite increasing inequality. Notwithstanding warnings of risk, regulation did not restrain risky leverage. International market reactions reinforced beliefs about Icelandic success to limit regulatory reach, as Iceland's international financial legitimacy produced market‐based measures that leaders interpreted as signals of economic success.
Does Human Capital Protect Workers against Exogenous Shocks? Evidence from Panel Data on South Africa during the 2008‐2009 Crisis
Authors: Leung Ronald , Stampini Marco , Vencatachellum Desire 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe financial and economic crisis of 2008 and 2009 took a heavy toll on the South African economy. The economy contracted for the first time since 1998 and entered recession during the fourth quarter of 2008. The gross domestic product contraction was soon transmitted to the labour market. Between the second quarters of 2008 and 2009, employment fell by 3.8%. However, not all individuals were hit with the same intensity. Using panel data from a quarterly labour force survey unique in the African context, we find that human capital (i.e. education as years of schooling and workforce experience) provided a buffer against the shock. After controlling for observable characteristics, education and experience showed the potential to entirely offset the effect of the recession on the likelihood of employment. This has important policy implications, as it strengthens the case for strategic investments in human capital and helps identify the unskilled as having the greatest need for social safety net interventions during a recession.
‘I am stronger, I'm no longer afraid…’, an evaluation of a home‐visiting mentor mother support programme for abused women in primary care
Authors: Prosman Gert‐Jan , Lo Fo Wong Sylvie H. , Römkens Renée , Lagro‐Janssen Antoine L. M. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate which factors make a mentor mother support programme for abused women successful.MethodWe used semi‐structured interviews with abused women and focus group discussions with the mentor mothers to evaluate their experiences and needs within a mentor support programme (MeMoSA). Fourteen abused women were interviewed 6 months after the support programme ended. Mentor mothers participated in two focus group discussions.ResultsAbused women emphasised that nonjudgmental listening, equivalence, involvement and bonding are important factors for successful support. Mentor mothers described that empathy, availability, persistence and advocacy fitted the needs of women best to empower them and help them to cope with their violent situation at home. A safe place to meet each other was also an important factor.ConclusionA good relationship, tailored support provided by home visiting, advocacy and safety are required to effectively help abused women. MeMoSA, a home‐visiting support programme, is a promising valuable new support programme in primary care for abused women.
Being in the City: The Sociology of Urban Experiences
Authors: Borer Michael Ian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThough urban sociologists tend to study the growth and development of cities, there is a venerable yet often marginalized tradition that addresses the embodied experience of urban life. Studies of urban experiences have recently begun to flourish due, in part, to the rise of sensory scholarship. Recognizing the connections between urban experiences and sensory stimulations provides nuanced ways to explore the actions and interactions between individuals and their relationships to and with urban places. Relying on a diverse literature of recent studies that focus on cities as dense sensory environments, this article shows the significance of studying city life at the experiential and sensory levels. First, a few seminal early works are discussed, with specific emphasis on Georg Simmel. Then, each of the five bodily senses and their correlated sensescapes – seescapes, soundscapes, smellscapes, tastescapes, and touchscapes – are presented in order to show individuals and groups use their senses to experience and make sense of the city. The article concludes with a brief discussion of methods and few suggestions to encourage future analyses of the everyday embodied and emplaced practices and interpretations of being in the city.
Migrant Mobilization for Homeland Politics: A Social Movement Approach
Authors: Quinsaat Sharon Madriaga 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFrom the campaign of Chilean exiles all over the world to overthrow the regime of Augusto Pinochet in the 1970s to the contemporary mobilization of the Kurdish diaspora in Western Europe, various cases demonstrate the persistence of homeland ties among migrants, especially those who experienced repression and displacement by the government in their countries of origin. Diverse frameworks and concepts in both the humanities and the social sciences have been deployed to explain the involvement of migrants in politics in their home countries, from “long‐distance nationalism” to “transnational activism.” Each points to different dynamic processes and causal mechanisms. In recent years, scholars have advocated the use of a social movement framework in the analysis of migrant mobilization, despite the marginalization of such studies in theory development. In this article, I examine the concepts put forward by the political process model (PPM) as they apply to the analysis of migrants' involvement in politics in their native land. I propose ways for PPM to be useful in the explanation of the dynamics and processes of homeland‐oriented migrant mobilization.
Climate Change: A “Green” Approach to Teaching Contemporary Germany
Authors: Melin Charlotte 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis articles describes a newly designed upper division German language course, “Contemporary Germany: Food, Energy Politics,” and two sampling methods of assessment for measuring parallel gains in German skills and sustainable development (SD) thinking. Second Language Acquisition (SLA) informed course design, key assignments, and multi‐media teaching resources are discussed and presented. A content‐based pedagogical model is advocated as an effective approach to creating a sustainability‐ and foreign language‐infused curricula that make a valuable contribution to the liberal arts undergraduate education as a whole.
LaissezFair: A Case for Greening the Business German Curriculum
Authors: Gonglewski Margaret , Helm Anna 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAn effective way to teach about sustainability and environmentally conscious practices in German language, literature, and culture programs is within the context of a business German course. In this article we first situate educational sustainability in the US, leading into an examination of why the context of German business can be particularly productive for teaching sustainability along with aspects of recent and current German history and culture. We then present a unit focused on “green” business, starting with a general introduction to the topic and migrating into the specific area of Öko‐Mode: organic, fair‐trade clothing. The “green business unit” described here culminates in a business case as classroom task, featuring a small German eco‐fashion company called LaissezFair. The unit further engages students through the use of a variety of media for comprehension and introspection and critical reflection of their behavior as environmentally conscious consumers in our globalized society.
cor
, a Novel Carbon Monoxide Resistance Gene, Is Essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Pathogenesis
Authors: Zacharia Vineetha M. , Manzanillo Paolo S. , Nair Vidhya R. , Marciano Denise K. , Kinch Lisa N. , Grishin Nick V. , Cox Jeffery S. , Shiloh Michael U. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis, caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, remains a devastating human infectious disease, causing two million deaths annually. We previously demonstrated that
M. tuberculosis
induces an enzyme, heme oxygenase (HO1), that produces carbon monoxide (CO) gas and that
M. tuberculosis
adapts its transcriptome during CO exposure. We now demonstrate that
M. tuberculosis
carries a novel resistance gene to combat CO toxicity. We screened an
M. tuberculosis
transposon library for CO-susceptible mutants and found that disruption of
Rv1829
(
c
arbon m
o
noxide
r
esistance, Cor) leads to marked CO sensitivity. Heterologous expression of Cor in
Escherichia coli
rescued it from CO toxicity. Importantly, the virulence of the
cor
mutant is attenuated in a mouse model of tuberculosis. Thus, Cor is necessary and sufficient to protect bacteria from host-derived CO. Taken together, this represents the first report of a role for HO1-derived CO in controlling infection of an intracellular pathogen and the first identification of a CO resistance gene in a pathogenic organism.

IMPORTANCE
Macrophages produce a variety of antimicrobial molecules, including nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
), and acid (H+), that serve to kill engulfed bacteria. In addition to these molecules, human and mouse macrophages also produce carbon monoxide (CO) gas by the heme oxygenase (HO1) enzyme. We observed that, in contrast to other bacteria, mycobacteria are resistant to CO, suggesting that this might be an evolutionary adaptation of mycobacteria for survival within macrophages. We screened a panel of ~2,500
M. tuberculosis
mutants to determine which genes are required for survival of
M. tuberculosis
in the presence of CO. Within this panel, we identified one such gene,
cor
, that specifically confers CO resistance. Importantly, we found that the ability of
M. tuberculosis
cells carrying a mutated copy of this gene to cause tuberculosis in a mouse disease model is significantly attenuated. This indicates that CO resistance is essential for mycobacterial survival
in vivo
.
Geographical prevalence and risk factors for pterygium: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Lei , Wu Jingyang , Geng Jin , Yuan Zhe , Huang Desheng 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivePterygium is considered to be a proliferative overgrowth of bulbar conjunctiva that can induce significant astigmatism and cause visual impairment; this is the first meta-analysis to investigate the pooled prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in the global world.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies.SettingInternational.ParticipantsA total of 20 studies with 900 545 samples were included.Primary outcome measureThe pooled prevalence and risk factors for pterygium.Results20 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of pterygium was 10.2% (95% CI 6.3% to 16.1%). The pooled prevalence among men was higher than that among women (14.5% vs 13.6%). The proportion of participants with unilateral cases of pterygium was higher than that of participants with bilateral cases of pterygium. We found a trend that the higher pooled prevalence of pterygium was associated with increasing geographical latitude and age in the world. The pooled OR was 2.32 (95% CI 1.66 to 3.23) for the male gender and 1.76 (95% CI 1.55 to 2.00) for outdoor activity, respectively.ConclusionsThe pooled prevalence of pterygium was relatively high, especially for low latitude regions and the elderly. There were many modifiable risk factors associated with pterygium to which healthcare providers should pay more attention.
Policy for home or hospice as the preferred place of death from cancer: Scottish Health and Ethnicity Linkage Study population cohort shows challenges across all ethnic groups in Scotland
Authors: Sharpe Katharine H , Cezard Genevieve , Bansal Narinder , Bhopal Raj S , Brewster David H 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundPlace of cancer death varies ethnically and internationally. Palliative care reviews highlight limited ability to demonstrate equal access due to incomplete or unreliable ethnicity data.AimTo establish place of cancer death by ethnicity and describe patient characteristics.DesignWe linked census, hospital episode and mortality data for 117 467 persons dying of cancer, 2001–2009. With White Scottish population as reference, prevalence ratios (PR), 95% CIs and p values of death in hospital, home or hospice adjusted for sex and age were calculated by ethnic group.ResultsWhite Scottish group and minority ethnic groups combined constituted 91% and 0.4% of cancer deaths, respectively. South Asian, Chinese and African Origin patients were youngest at death (66, 66 and 65.9 years). Compared with the Scottish White reference, the White Irish (1.15 (1.10 to 1.22), p<0.0001) and Other White British (1.07 (1.02 to 1.12), p=0.003) groups were more likely to die at home. Generally, affluent Scottish White patients were less likely to die in hospital and more likely to die at home or in a hospice regardless of socioeconomic indicator used.ConclusionsCancer deaths occur most often in hospital (52.3%) for all ethnic groups. Regardless of the socioeconomic indicator used, more affluent Scottish White patients were less likely to die in hospital; existing socioeconomic indicators detected no clear trend for the non-White population. Regardless of ethnic group, significant work is required to achieve more people dying at home or the setting of their choice.
Long-term Survival and Biomarker Correlates of Tasquinimod Efficacy in a Multicenter Randomized Study of Men with Minimally Symptomatic Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Armstrong A.J. , Häggman M. , Stadler W.M. , Gingrich J.R. , Assikis V. , Polikoff J. , Damber J.E. , Belkoff L. , Nordle Ö. , Forsberg G. , Carducci M.A. , Pili R. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Purpose: Tasquinimod (Active Biotech) is an oral immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic agent that delayed metastatic disease progression in a randomized placebo-controlled phase II trial in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Here, we report long-term survival with biomarker correlates from this trial.
Experimental Design: Two hundred and one (134 tasquinimod and 67 placebo) men with mCRPC were evaluated. Forty-one men randomized to placebo crossed over to tasquinimod. Survival data were collected with a median follow-up time of 37 months. Exploratory biomarker studies at baseline and over time were collected to evaluate potential mechanism-based correlates with tasquinimod efficacy including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results: With 111 mortality events, median OS was 33.4 months for tasquinimod versus 30.4 months for placebo overall, and 34.2 versus 27.1 months in men with bone metastases (n = 136), respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated an adjusted HR of 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.35–0.78; P = 0.001] for PFS and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.42–0.97; P = 0.034) for OS, favoring tasquinimod. Time-to-symptomatic progression was improved with tasquinimod (P = 0.039, HR = 0.42). Toxicities tended to be mild in nature and improved over time. Biomarker analyses suggested a favorable impact on bone alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) over time and a transient induction of inflammatory biomarkers, VEGF-A, and thrombospondin-1 levels with tasquinimod. Baseline levels of thrombospondin-1 less than the median were predictive of treatment benefit.
Conclusions: The survival observed in this trial of men with minimally symptomatic mCRPC suggests that the prolongation in PFS with tasquinimod may lead to a survival advantage in this setting, particularly among men with skeletal metastases, and has a favorable risk:benefit ratio. Clin Cancer Res; 19(24); 6891–901. ©2013 AACR.
Cocarcinogenic Effects of Intrahepatic Bile Acid Accumulation in Cholangiocarcinoma Development
Authors: Lozano Elisa , Sanchez-Vicente Laura , Monte Maria J. , Herraez Elisa , Briz Oscar , Banales Jesus M. , Marin Jose J.G. , Macias Rocio I.R. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Bile acid accumulation in liver with cholangiolar neoplastic lesions may occur before cholestasis is clinically detected. Whether this favors intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma development has been investigated in this study. The E. coli RecA gene promoter was cloned upstream from Luc2 to detect in vitro direct genotoxic ability by activation of SOS genes. This assay demonstrated that bile acids were not able to induce DNA damage. The genotoxic effect of the DNA-damaging agent cisplatin was neither enhanced nor hindered by the hepatotoxic and hepatoprotective glycochenodeoxycholic and glycoursodeoxycholic acids, respectively. In contrast, thioacetamide metabolites, but not thioacetamide itself, induced DNA damage. Thus, thioacetamide was used to induce liver cancer in rats, which resulted in visible tumors after 30 weeks. The effect of bile acid accumulation on initial carcinogenesis phase (8 weeks) was investigated in bile duct ligated (BDL) animals. Serum bile acid measurement and determination of liver-specific healthy and tumor markers revealed that early thioacetamide treatment induced hypercholanemia together with upregulation of the tumor marker Neu in bile ducts, which were enhanced by BDL. Bile acid accumulation was associated with increased expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and downregulation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Bile duct proliferation and apoptosis activation, with inverse pattern (BDL &gt; thioacetamide + BDL &gt;&gt; thioacetamide vs. thioacetamide &gt; thioacetamide + BDL &gt; BDL), were observed. In conclusion, intrahepatic accumulation of bile acids does not induce carcinogenesis directly but facilitates a cocarcinogenic effect due to stimulation of bile duct proliferation, enhanced inflammation, and reduction in FXR-dependent chemoprotection.
Implications: This study reveals that bile acids foster cocarcinogenic events that impact cholangiocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 91–100. ©2013 AACR.