bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Strange money’: risk, finance and socialized debt
Authors: Dodd Nigel 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis paper explores an essential but neglected aspect of recent discussions of the banking and financial system, namely money itself. Specifically, I take up a distinction drawn by Susan Strange which has never been fully elaborated: between a financial system that is global, and an international monetary system that remains largely territorial. I propose a sociological elaboration of this distinction by examining each category, ‘finance’ and ‘money’, in terms of its distinctive orientation to risk and debt. Money is distinguished by its high degree of liquidity and low degree of risk, corresponding to expectations that derive from its status as a ‘claim upon society’– a form of socialized debt. But as Strange argued, these features of money are being undermined by the proliferation of sophisticated instruments of financial risk management –‘strange money’– that, as monetary substitutes, both weaken states' capacity to manage money, and more broadly, contribute to ‘overbanking’. The ultimate danger, according to Strange, is the ‘death of money’. The paper concludes by exploring the implications of the distinction for sociological arguments about the changing nature of money.
The sociology of popular music, interdisciplinarity and aesthetic autonomy1
Authors: Marshall Lee 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis paper considers the impact of interdisciplinarity upon sociological research, focusing on one particular case: the academic study of popular music. ‘Popular music studies’ is an area of research characterized by interdisciplinarity and, in keeping with broader intellectual trends, this approach is assumed to offer significant advantages. As such, popular music studies is broadly typical of contemporary intellectual and governmental attitudes regarding the best way to research specific topics. Such interdisciplinarity, however, has potential costs and this paper highlights one of the most significant: an over‐emphasis upon shared substantive interests and subsequent undervaluation of shared epistemological understandings. The end result is a form of ‘ghettoization’ within sociology itself, with residents of any particular ghetto displaying little awareness of developments in neighbouring ghettos. Reporting from one such ghetto, this paper considers some of the ways in which the sociology of popular music has been limited by its positioning within an interdisciplinary environment and suggests two strategies for developing a more fully‐realized sociology of popular music. First, based on the assumption that a sociological understanding of popular music shares much in common with a sociological understanding of everything else, this paper calls for increasedintradisciplinaryresearch between sociologists of varying specialisms. The second strategy, however, involves a reconceptualization of the disciplinary limits of sociology, as it argues that a sociology of popular music needs to accept musical specificity as part of its remit. Such acceptance has thus far been limited not only by an interdisciplinary context but also by the long‐standing sociological scepticism toward the analysis of aesthetic objects. As such, this paper offers an intervention into wider debates concerning the remit of sociological enquiry, and whether it is ever appropriate for sociological analyses of culture to consider ‘internal’ aesthetic structures. In relation to the specific case study, the paper argues that considering musical specificity is a necessary component of a sociology of popular music, and some possibilities for developing a ‘materialist sociology of music’ are outlined.
Disconnections and exclusions: professionalization, cosmopolitanism and (global?) civil society
Authors: BAILLIE SMITH MATT , JENKINS KATY 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this article, we address the ways in which theories and practices of cosmopolitanism and professionalization intersect in the sphere of global civil society. We emphasize the experiences of grassroots development activists, arguing that although they have so far been pivotal to the legitimacy of these spaces and discourses, such activists are increasingly absent from the practices of global civic spaces. We explore this process of change over time using the example of grassroots health promoters in Peru, explaining it in terms of the articulation of neoliberal processes of professionalization with a particularly neoliberal version of cosmopolitanism. We argue that the two are mutually reinforcing and produce a particularly narrow, and arguably less cosmopolitan, rendition of global civil society, with implications for the possibility of building critical and transformative encounters across difference as a foundation for more equitable ideas and practices of development and democracy.
The contested spatialities of transnational activism: gendered gatekeeping and gender struggles in an African association of informal workers
Authors: LINDELL ILDA 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this article I explore the geographies of emerging transnational networks of organized informal workers, with empirical reference to a local association based in Mozambique and a transnational network of which it is part. I uncover the gendered spatialities of this transnational activism to demonstrate how participation is unequal and heavily mediated rather than direct. In particular, I show how influential actors have engaged in practices of gendered gatekeeping that tend to keep women in place. I also explore the tensions that emerged because of these practices and the negotiation of divergent gender ideologies and strategies within the network. In the article, I relate to recent theoretical work that problematizes the unequal and contested geographies of transnational activism, and introduce insights from feminist scholarship to reflect on gender inequalities and gender visions in transnational networks.
Nurses’ perceived work‐related empowerment in Lithuanian context
Authors: Trus Marija , Suominen Tarja , Doran Diane , Razbadauskas Arturas 
Published: March 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 599–607

Nurses’ perceived work‐related empowerment in Lithuanian context Study’s rationale:  Empowerment is widely used within the nursing literature in different countries, but perceived empowerment of Lithuanian nurses has not been studied before. There is a lack of research which has analysed nurses’ views and feelings of empowerment.Aims and objectives:  The aim of this study was to describe the perception of Lithuanian nurses’ work‐related empowerment. The study describes how empowered the nurses felt in their work and how background factors were related to empowerment.Ethical issues:  The permission to use the questionnaire was given by copyright holders. The questionnaire was approved by the Ethics Committee.Research methods and instrument:  The data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprised of two parts: the background questions and the Work Empowerment Questionnaire divided into three areas: verbal, behavioural, and outcome empowerment. The data were analysed statistically using SPSS, and Microsoft Excel programs. The descriptive statistics, non‐parametric tests and Spearman correlations were conducted. The sample consisted of 212 participants.Results:  The nurses experienced strong general empowerment (mean 7.9; max 10.0). They were more confident in their abilities to perform actions related to behavioural (mean 8.3) and verbal (mean 8.0) empowerment, and less confident in outcome (mean 7.3) empowerment. All aspects of empowerment were closely related to each other (p ≤ 0.001). Several significant relations were found between the aspects of empowerment and the background variables.Study limitations:  The Work Empowerment Questionnaire used in the study was originally developed in Canada. Differences in language, culture, health care organizations, and nursing practice may affect the validity of translated questionnaire in Baltic context.Conclusions:  To prepare nurses for roles in which they may successfully exercise the power to create change, they need experience the process of empowerment during their education, and experience later supportive management.
A tutorial on branch and cut algorithms for the maximum stable set problem
Authors: Rebennack Steffen , Reinelt Gerhard , Pardalos Panos M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis tutorial provides an overview of various characteristics of effective branch and cut type algorithms for the maximum stable set problem. We discuss several facet‐defining inequalities for the stable set polytope along with their separation routines. In particular, we review implementation tweaks for the separation routines and reference empirical studies, illustrating the performance of these cutting planes for benchmark graphs. In addition to the polyhedral study, we present basic preprocessing, discuss heuristic methods particularly suited within a branch and cut framework, and examine a branching rule.
A2B adenosine receptors inhibit superoxide production from mitochondrial complex I in rabbit cardiomyocytes via a mechanism sensitive to Pertussis toxin
Authors: Yang Xiulan , Xin Wenkuan , Yang Xi‐Ming , Kuno Atsushi , Rich Thomas C , Cohen Michael V , Downey James M 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A2B adenosine receptors protect against ischaemia/reperfusion injury by activating survival kinases including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K). However, the underlying mechanism(s) and signalling pathway(s) remain undefined.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK 293 cells stably transfected with human A2B adenosine receptors (HEK‐A2B) and isolated adult rabbit cardiomyocytes were used to assay phosphorylation of ERK by Western blot and cation flux through cAMP‐gated channels by patch clamp methods. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mitochondria was measured with a fluorescent dye.KEY RESULTS In HEK‐A2B cells, the selective A2B receptor agonist Bay 60‐6583 (Bay 60) increased ERK phosphorylation and cAMP levels, detected by current through cAMP‐gated ion channels. However, increased cAMP or its downstream target protein kinase A was not involved in ERK phosphorylation. Pertussis toxin (PTX) blocked ERK phosphorylation, suggesting receptor coupling to Gi or Go proteins. Phosphorylation was also blocked by inhibition of PI3K (with wortmannin) or of ERK kinase (MEK1/2, with PD 98059) but not by inhibition of NO synthase (NOS). In cardiomyocytes, Bay 60 did not affect cAMP levels but did block the increased superoxide generation induced by rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. This effect of Bay 60 was inhibited by PD 98059, wortmannin or PTX. Inhibition of NOS blocked superoxide production because NOS is downstream of ERK.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of A2B adenosine receptors reduced superoxide generation from mitochondrial complex I through Gi/o, ERK, PI3K, and NOS, all of which have been implicated in ischaemic preconditioning.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the anti‐angiogenic actions of 4‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol
Authors: Laschke MW , van Oijen AE Vorsterman , Scheuer C , Menger MD 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE4‐Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) is a phenolic plant compound, which has been shown to influence many cellular mechanisms. In the present study, we analysed in vitro and in vivo the anti‐angiogenic actions of this pleiotropic agent.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHMigration and protein expression of HBA‐ and vehicle‐treated endothelial‐like eEND2 cells was assessed by cell migration assay and Western blot analyses. HBA action on vascular sprouting was analysed in an aortic ring assay. In vivo anti‐angiogenic actions of HBA were studied in the dorsal skinfold chamber model of endometriosis in mice.KEY RESULTSWestern blot analyses demonstrated that HBA inhibited proliferation of eEND2 cells, as indicated by down‐regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression, and reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 9. HBA suppressed the migration of eEND2 cells, accompanied by inhibition of actin filament reorganization, revealed by fluorescence staining of the cytoskeleton. In addition, HBA reduced vascular sprouting in the aortic ring assay. Finally, we found, in the dorsal skinfold chamber model in vivo using intravital fluorescence microscopy, that HBA inhibited the vascularization of developing endometriotic lesions, as indicated by a decreased functional capillary density of lesions in HBA‐treated mice and a reduced lesion size, compared with control animals.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSHBA targets several angiogenic mechanisms and therefore represents a promising anti‐angiogenic agent for the treatment of angiogenic diseases, such as endometriosis.
A Surgical Technique for Implantation of the Vibrant Soundbridge Middle Ear Implant in Dogs
Authors: Ter Haar Gert , Mulder Jef J. , Venker‐van Haagen Anjop J. , van Sluijs Freek J. , Smoorenburg Guido F. 
Published: March 2011

Objective:To report a surgical implantation of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) middle ear implant in dogs.Study Design:Pilot study.Animals:Dogs (n=3).Methods:A lateral approach to the tympanic bulla was used to insert the floating mass transducer of the VSB into the tympanic bulla. Using microscopic guidance the transducer was moved to and inserted into the round window niche by manipulation through the acoustic bony meatus, after reflection of the tympanic membrane. VSB position was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) imaging.Results:No intraoperative complications occurred and CT images confirmed correct placement of the VSB.Conclusions:A VSB can be safely implanted in the middle of dogs.
Height gain during early childhood is an important predictor of schooling and mathematics ability outcomes
Authors: Gandhi Mihir , Ashorn Per , Maleta Kenneth , Teivaanmäki Tiina , Duan Xiaolian , Cheung Yin Bun 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  To examine the association between height gain at different stages of early childhood and schooling and cognitive outcomes in 12‐year‐old Malawian children.Methods:  A prospective cohort study looking at the growth and development of 325 rural Malawian children. Main outcome measures were highest school grade completed, number of times repeating grades and percentage of correctly answered mathematical questions at 12 years of age. Height‐for‐age at 1 month and conditional height gain for 6, 18 and 60 months were used as predictors. Ordinal logistic and linear regression analyses were used to estimate the association and adjust for confounder.Results:  The conditional height gain during 18–60 months was positively associated with mathematics test results (p = 0.003) and negatively associated with number of times repeating grades (p = 0.011). It was not significantly associated with highest grade completed (p = 0.194) if those who never attended school were included as having completed zero grade, but was positively (p = 0.049) associated with this outcome among those who ever attended school.Conclusion:  Height gain during the 18–60 months period of age was related to schooling and mathematics ability at age 12 years. The importance of promoting catch‐up growth after the period when stunting is common should receive attention.
Sexual Dysfunction Among Male Patients Receiving Buprenorphine and Naltrexone Maintenance Therapy for Opioid Dependence
Authors: Ramdurg Santosh , Ambekar Atul , Lal Rakesh 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Opioid-dependent men suffer from sexual dysfunctions in the short and long term. The medications used for long-term pharmacotherapy of opioid dependence also affect sexual functioning, though this has been a poorly investigated area so far.

Aim
To study the sexual dysfunction in opioid-dependent men receiving buprenorphine and naltrexone maintenance therapy.

Methods
A semistructured questionnaire and Brief Male Sexual Functioning Inventory (BMFSI) was administered to a sample of 60 sexually active men, receiving buprenorphine (n = 30) and naltrexone (n = 30) maintenance therapy for opioid dependence.

Main Outcome Measures
Prevalence of premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, low sexual desire, weakness due to semen loss, and overall satisfaction.

Results
About 83% of the men on buprenorphine and 90% on naltrexone reported at least one of the sexual dysfunction symptoms. The commonly reported dysfunctions were premature ejaculation (83% in buprenorphine and 87% in naltrexone), erectile dysfunction (43% in buprenorphine and 67% in naltrexone), and loss/reduction in sexual desire (33% in buprenorphine and 47% in naltrexone). On BMSFI however, there were no significant differences among both the groups.

Conclusion
Opioid dependence as well as its pharmacological treatment is associated with sexual dysfunctions, which has clinical implication. Future research should explore this further using biochemical analyses.
Erectile Dysfunction and Coronary Artery Disease: An Association of Higher Risk in Younger Men
Authors: Riedner Charles E. , Rhoden Ernani L. , Fuchs Sandra C. , Wainstein Marco V. , Gonçalves Sandro C. , Wainstein Rodrigo V. , Zago Alexandre , Bourscheit Fernando , Katz Natan , Zago Alcides J. , Ribeiro Jorge P. , Fuchs Flávio D. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been described in various settings, but it is unclear if there is an independent interaction with age.

Aim
To investigate the interaction of age in the association between ED and CAD.

Methods
This case-control study was conducted among 242 patients referred for elective coronary angiography. One hundred fourteen patients with significant CAD were identified as cases and 128 controls without significant CAD. ED was evaluated by the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, determined by a score ≤25 points.

Main Outcome Measures
Significant CAD was based on stenosis of 50% or greater in the diameter in at least one of the major epicardial vessels or their branches. The analysis was conducted in the whole sample and according to the age strata, controlling for the effects of cardiovascular risk factors, testosterone, and C-reactive protein.

Results
Patients had on average 58.3 ± 8.9 years. CAD and ED were associated exclusively in patients younger than 60 years (ED in 68.8% of patients with CAD vs. 46.7% of patients without CAD, P  = 0.009). The association was independent of cardiovascular risk factors, testosterone and C-reactive protein (risk ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval from 1.04 to 5.19). Severity of CAD was higher in patients younger than 60 years with ED.

Conclusions
Men with less than 60 years of age who report ED presented a higher risk of having chronic CAD and more severe disease diagnosed by coronary angiography.
Out of Eastern Africa: Defibulation and Sexual Function in Woman with Female Genital Mutilation
Authors: Krause Elke , Brandner Sonja , Mueller Michael D. , Kuhn Annette 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the female external genitalia and/or injury to the female genital organs for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons.

Aim
Aim of this study was to determine sexual function before and after defibulation using a CO2 laser in migrant women who had undergone FGM in the past.

Main Outcome Measures
Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and 6 months after defibulation.

Methods
Patients were asked to fill the FSFI before surgery and at 6 months follow-up. Defibulation took place under general anesthetic using a CO2 laser.

Results
Eighteen patients underwent defibulation in a standardized manner and filled in the FSFI completely. Female sexual function improves after surgical defibulation in the domains desire, arousal, satisfaction, and pain whereas lubrification and orgasm remained unchanged.

Conclusion
Defibulation using CO2 laser may improve some aspects of sexual function in patients who undergo defibulation but not all.
Exogenous Testosterone and Estrogen Affect Bladder Tissue Contractility and Histomorphology Differently in Rat Ovariectomy Model
Authors: Tanidir Yiloren , Ercan Feriha , Tarcan Tufan 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Changes in sex hormone levels may play a role in the etiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction of aging women where the possible role of testosterone is overlooked.

Aim
To determine the effect of testosterone with/without estrogen replacement on histological and functional deterioration in ovariectomized rat bladder tissue.

Methods
A total of 54 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups. Except sham operated (control group), all others underwent bilateral ovariectomy. No further treatment was given to the ovariectomy-only group (OVX group). At the third week of ovariectomy treatments were started; vehicle agent (VA group), estradiol (E2 group), testosterone undecanoate (T group), and estradiol+testosterone undecanoate combination (E2+T group) in physiological doses. Nine weeks after ovariectomy, bladder strips were harvested for isometric tension and histopathological studies.

Main Outcome Measures
To assess the effect of testosterone/estradiol on ovariectomized rat bladder tissue function and histomorphology.

Results
OVX and VA groups showed statistically significant histological changes such as urothelial damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, increase in collagen fibers and muscular atrophy compared with the control group. Both E2 and T reversed these changes but best histomorphological restoration was observed in E2+T group. In isometric tension studies, ovariectomy tended to increase contractile responses which were normalized after E2 treatment. In contrary to E2, T significantly increased contractile responses that were normalized with combination treatment. During relaxation studies statistically significant higher relaxation responses were observed in ovariectomized rats. Although both exogenous testosterone and estradiol tended to reverse this effect, a statistically significant difference was found only after testosterone treatment.

Conclusion
Either estradiol or testosterone replacement alone or in combination prevents significant alterations in bladder tissue histology following ovariectomy whereas both affect the bladder tissue contractility. Thus, combination treatment appears to be the best method to restore both contractility and histomorphology of bladder tissue after ovariectomy.