Who's afraid of China? The challenge of Chinese soft power [Review]

What role does China play in Western imagination and how does it affect Western selfconceptions? The rise of China as an alternative model to Western liberalism has created a fear that developing countries will stray from Western standards of democracy, transparency and human rights. However, such fears often say as much about those who hold them as they do about China itself. In this short and easily readable book Barr holds a mirror to Sino–Western relations in order to better understand how the West’s own past, hopes and fears shape the way it thinks about and engages with China. Focusing on three key areas—models of development, soft power and ethnocentrism—he argues that the rise of China ‘hits a nerve in the Western psyche . . . because its actions reflect the West’s own ambivalence to modernity and uncertainty over the proper role and limits of state power’ (p. 21). To make his point, Barr focuses on China’s soft power and the connections between China’s domestic politics and its attempts to shape its image internationally...

A new model to study healing of a complex femur fracture with concurrent soft tissue injury in sheep

High energy bone fractures resulting from impact trauma are often accompanied by subcutaneous soft tissue injuries, even if the skin remains intact. There is evidence that such closed soft tissue injuries affect the healing of bone fractures, and vice versa. Despite this knowledge, most impact trauma studies in animals have focussed on bone fractures or soft tissue trauma in isolation. However, given the simultaneous impact on both tissues a better understanding of the interaction between these two injuries is necessary to optimise clinical treatment. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a new experimental model and characterise, for the first time, the healing of a complex fracture with concurrent closed soft tissue trauma in sheep. A pendulum impact device was designed to deliver a defined and standardised impact to the distal thigh of sheep, causing a reproducible contusion injury to the subcutaneous soft tissues. In a subsequent procedure, a reproducible femoral butterfly fracture (AO C3-type) was created at the sheep’s femur, which was initially stabilised for 5 days by an external fixator construct to allow for soft tissue swelling to recede, and ultimately in a bridging construct using locking plates. The combined injuries were applied to twelve sheep and the healing observed for four or eight weeks (six animals per group) until sacrifice. The pendulum impact led to a moderate to severe circumferential soft tissue injury with significant bruising, haematomas and partial muscle disruptions. Posttraumatic measurements showed elevated intra-compartmental pressure and circulatory tissue breakdown markers, with recovery to normal, pre-injury values within four days. Clinically, no neurovascular deficiencies were observed. Bi-weekly radiological analysis of the healing fractures showed progressive callus healing over time, with the average number of callus bridges increasing from 0.4 at two weeks to 4.2 at eight weeks. Biomechanical testing after sacrifice showed increasing torsional stiffness between four and eight weeks healing time from 10% to 100%, and increasing ultimate torsional strength from 10% to 64% (relative to the contralateral control limb). Our results demonstrate the robust healing of a complex femur fracture in the presence of a severe soft tissue contusion injury in sheep and demonstrate the establishment of a clinically relevant experimental model, for research aimed at improving the treatment of bone fractures accompanied by closed soft tissue injuries.

Reply - Malnutrition and its impact on cost of hospitalization, length of stay, readmission and 3-year mortality

Dear Editor We thank Dr Klek for his interest in our article and giving us the opportunity to clarify our study and share our thoughts. Our study looks at the prevalence of malnutrition in an acute tertiary hospital and tracked the outcomes prospectively.1 There are a number of reasons why we chose Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) to determine the nutritional status of patients. Firstly, we took the view that nutrition assessment tools should be used to determine nutrition status and diagnose presence and severity of malnutrition; whereas the purpose of nutrition screening tools are to identify individuals who are at risk of malnutrition. Nutritional assessment rather than screening should be used as the basis for planning and evaluating nutrition interventions for those diagnosed with malnutrition. Secondly, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) has been well accepted and validated as an assessment tool to diagnose the presence and severity of malnutrition in clinical practice.2, 3 It has been used in many studies as a valid prognostic indicator of a range of nutritional and clinical outcomes.4, 5, 6 On the other hand, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)7 and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002)8 have been established as screening rather than assessment tools.

The effect of testing protocol on immature bovine thoracic spine segment stiffness

Introduction. In vitro spine biomechanical testing has been central to many advances in understanding the physiology and pathology of the human spine. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient numbers of human samples to conduct these studies, animal spines have been accepted as a substitute model. However, it is difficult to compare results from different studies, as they use different preparation, testing and data collection methods. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of repeated cyclic loading on bovine spine segment stiffness. It also aimed to quantify the effect of multiple freeze-thaw sequences, as many tests would be difficult to complete in a single session [1-3]. Materials and Methods. Thoracic spines from 6-8 week old calves were used. Each spine was dissected and divided into motion segments including levels T4-T11 (n=28). These were divided into two equal groups. Each segment was potted in polymethylemethacrylate. An Instron Biaxial materials testing machine with a custom made jig was used for testing. The segments were tested in flexion/extension, lateral bending and axial rotation at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity, using moment control to a maximum plus/minus 1.75 Nm with a loading rate of 0.3 Nm per second. Group (A) were tested with continuous repeated cyclic loading for 500 cycles with data recorded at cycles 3, 5, 10, 25, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500. Group (B) were tested with 10 load cycles after each of 5 freeze thaw sequences. Data was collected from the tenth load cycle after each sequence. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using paired samples t-tests, ANOVA and generalized estimating equations. Results. The data were confirmed as having a normal distribution. 1. There were significant reductions in mean stiffness in flexion/extension (-20%; P=0.001) and lateral bending (-17%; P=0.009) over the 500 load cycles. However, there was no statistically significant change in axial rotation (P=0.152) 2. There was no statistically significant difference between mean stiffness over the five freeze-thaw sequences in flexion/extension (p=0.879) and axial rotation (p=0.07). However, there was a significant reduction in stiffness in lateral bending (-26%; p=0.007) Conclusion. Biomechanical testing of immature bovine spine motion segments requires careful interpretation. The effect of the number of load cycles as well as the number of freeze-thaw cycles on the stiffness of the motion segments depends on the axis of main movement.

Half metallicity in finite-length zigzag single walled carbon nanotube : A first-principle prediction

We predict here from first-principle calculations that finite-length (n,0) single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with H-termination at the open ends displaying antiferromagnetic coupling when n is greater than 6. An opposite local gating effect of the spin states, i.e., half metallicity, is found under the influence of an external electric field along the direction of tube axis. Remarkably, boron doping of unpassivated SWCNTs at both zigzag edges is found to favor a ferromagnetic ground state, with the B-doped tubes displaying half-metallic behavior even in the absence of an electric field. Aside of the intrinsic interest of these results, an important avenue for development of CNT-based spintronic is suggested.

China’s new creative strategy : the utilization of cultural soft power and new markets

This book examines different aspects of Asian popular culture, including films, TV, music, comedy, folklore, cultural icons, the Internet and theme parks. It raises important questions such as – What are the implications of popularity of Asian popular culture for globalization? Do regional forces impede the globalizing of cultures? Or does the Asian popular culture flow act as a catalyst or conveying channel for cultural globalization? Does the globalization of culture pose a threat to local culture? It addresses two seemingly contradictory and yet parallel processes in the circulation of Asian popular culture: the interconnectedness between Asian popular culture and western culture in an era of cultural globalization that turns subjects such as Pokémon, Hip Hop or Cosmopolitan into truly global phenomena, and the local derivatives and versions of global culture that are necessarily disconnected from their origins in order to cater for the local market. It thereby presents a collective argument that, whilst local social formations, and patterns of consumption and participation in Asia are still very much dependent on global cultural developments and the phenomena of modernity, yet such dependence is often concretized, reshaped and distorted by the local media to cater for the local market. Contents: Introduction: Asian Popular Culture: The Global (Dis)continuity Anthony Y.H. Fung Part 1: The Dominance of Global Continuity: Cultural Localization and Adaptation 1. One Region, Two Modernities: Disneyland in Tokyo and Hong Kong Micky Lee and Anthony Y.H. Fung 2. Comic Travels: Disney Publishing in the People’s Republic of China Jennifer Altehenger 3. When Chinese Youth Meet Harry Potter: Translating Consumption and Middle Class Identification John Nguyet Erni 4.New Forms of Transborder Visuality in Urban China: Saving Face for Magazine Covers Eric Kit-Wai Ma 5. Cultural Consumption and Masculinity: A Case Study of GQ Magazine Covers in Taiwan Hong-Chi Shiau Part 2: Global Discontinuity: The Local Absorption of Global Culture 6. An Unlocalized and Unglobalized Subculture: English Language Independent Music in Singapore Kai Khiun Liew and Shzr Ee Tan 7. The Localized Production of Jamaican Music in Thailand Viriya Sawangchot 8. Consuming Online Games in Taiwan: Global Games and Local Market Lai-Chi Chen 9. The Rise of the Korean Cinema in Inbound and Outbound Globalization Shin Dong Kim Part 3: Cultural Domestication: A New Form of Global Continuity 10. Pocket Capitalism and Virtual Intimacy: Pokémon as a Symptom of Post-Industrial Youth Culture Anne Allison 11. Playing the Global Game: Japan Brand and Globalization Kukhee Choo Part 4: China as a Rising Market: Cultural Antagonism and Globalization 12. China’s New Creative Strategy: The Utilization of Cultural Soft Power and New Markets Michael Keane and Bonnie Liu 13. Renationalizing Hong Kong Cinema: The Gathering Force of the Mainland Market Michael Curtin

Quantifying spatial structure in experimental observations and agent-based simulations using pair-correlation functions

We define a pair-correlation function that can be used to characterize spatiotemporal patterning in experimental images and snapshots from discrete simulations. Unlike previous pair-correlation functions, the pair-correlation functions developed here depend on the location and size of objects. The pair-correlation function can be used to indicate complete spatial randomness, aggregation or segregation over a range of length scales, and quantifies spatial structures such as the shape, size and distribution of clusters. Comparing pair-correlation data for various experimental and simulation images illustrates their potential use as a summary statistic for calibrating discrete models of various physical processes.

The use of navigation to achieve soft tissue balance in total knee arthroplasty : a randomised clinical study

Background: Achieving soft tissue balance is an operative goal in total knee arthroplasty. This randomised, prospective study compared computer navigation to conventional techniques in achieving soft tissue balance. Methods: Forty one consecutive knee arthroplasties were randomised to either a non-navigated or navigated group. In the non-navigated group, balancing was carried out using surgeon judgement. In the navigated group, balancing was carried out using navigation software. In both groups, the navigation software was used as a measuring tool. Results: Balancing of the mediolateral extension gap was superior in the navigation group (p=0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups in balancing the mediolateral flexion gap or in achieving equal flexion and extension gaps. Conclusions: Computer navigation offered little advantage over experienced surgeon judgement in achieving soft tissue balance in knee replacement. However, the method employed in the navigated group did provide a reproducible and objective assessment of flexion and extension gaps and may therefore benefit surgeons in training.

Shorter telomere length in peripheral blood cells associated with migraine in women

Objective To evaluate relative telomere length of female migraine patients. Background Migraine is a debilitating disorder affecting 6-28% of the population. Studies on the mechanisms of migraine have demonstrated genetic causes but the pathophysiology and subcellular effects of the disease remain poorly understood. Shortened telomere length is associated with age-related or chronic diseases, and induced stresses. Migraine attacks may impart significant stress on cellular function, thus this study investigates a correlation between shortening of telomeres and migraine. Methods Relative telomere length was measured using a previously described quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. A regression analysis was performed to assess differences in mean relative telomere length between migraine patients and healthy controls. Results The leukocyte telomeres of a cohort of 142 Caucasian female migraine subjects aged 18-77 years and 143 matched 17-77-year-old healthy control Caucasian women were examined.A significantly shorter relative telomere length was observed in the migraine group compared with the control group after adjusting for age and body mass index (P = .001). In addition, age of onset was observed to associate with the loss of relative telomere length, especially at early age of onset (<17 years old). No association was observed between relative telomere length and the severity and frequency of migraine attacks and the duration of migraine. Conclusion Telomeres are shorter in migraine patients and there is more variation in telomere length in migraine patients.

Relative abundance of full-length and truncated FOXP1 isoforms is associated with differential NFκB activity in Follicular Lymphoma

FOXP1 is a transcriptional repressor that has been proposed to repress the expression of some NFκB-responsive genes. Furthermore, truncated forms of FOXP1 have been associated with a subtype of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma characterised by constitutive NFκB activity, indicating that they may inhibit this repression. We have shown that FL tumors have increased relative abundance of truncated FOXP1 isoforms and this is associated with increased expression of NFκB-associated genes. Our results provide strong evidence that relative FOXP1 isoform abundance is associated with NFκB activity in FL, and could potentially be used as a marker for this gene signature.

Association and linkage analyses of restriction fragment length polymorphisms for the human renin and antithrombin III genes in essential hypertension

Essential hypertension is a highly hereditable disorder in which genetic influences predominate over environmental factors. The molecular genetic profiles which predispose to essential hypertension are not known. In rats with genetic hypertension, there is some recent evidence pointing to linkage of renin gene alleles with blood pressure. The genes for renin and antithrombin III belong to a conserved synteny group which, in humans, spans the q21.3-32.3 region of chromosome I and, in rats, is linkage group X on chromosome 13. The present study examined the association of particular human renin gene (REN) and antithrombin III gene (AT3) polymorphisms with essential hypertension by comparing the frequency of specific alleles for each of these genes in 50 hypertensive offspring of hypertensive parents and 91 normotensive offspring of normotensive parents. In addition, linkage relationships were examined in hypertensive pedigrees with multiple affected individuals. Alleles of a REN HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were detected using a genomic clone, λHR5, to probe Southern blots of HindIII-cut leucocyte DNA, and those for an AT3 Pstl RFLP were detected by phATIII 113 complementary DNA probe. The frequencies of each REN allele in the hypertensive group were 0.76 and 0.24 compared with 0.74 and 0.26 in the normotensive group. For AT3, hypertensive allele frequencies were 0.49 and 0.51 compared with normotensive values of 0.54 and 0.46. These differences were not significant by χ2 analysis (P > 0.2). Linkage analysis of a family (data from 16 family members, 10 of whom were hypertensive), informative for both markers, without an age-of-onset correction, and assuming dominant inheritance of hypertension, complete penetrance and a disease frequency of 20%, did not indicate linkage of REN with hypertension, but gave a positive, although not significant, logarithm of the odds for linkage score of 0.784 at a recombination fraction of 0 for AT3 linkage to hypertension. In conclusion, the present study could find no evidence for an association of a REN HindIII RFLP with essential hypertension or for a linkage of the locus defined by this RFLP in a family segregating for hypertension. In the case of an AT3 Pstl RFLP, although association analysis was negative, linkage analysis suggested possible involvement (odds of 6:1 in favour) of a gene located near the 1q23 locus with hypertension in one informative family.

Hyperopic defocus and diurnal changes in human choroid and axial length

Purpose To investigate the influence of monocular hyperopic defocus on the normal diurnal rhythms in axial length and choroidal thickness of young adults. Methods A series of axial length and choroidal thickness measurements (collected at ~3 hourly intervals, with the first measurement at ~9 am and the final measurement at ~9 pm) were obtained for 15 emmetropic young adults over three consecutive days. The natural diurnal rhythms (Day 1, no defocus), diurnal rhythms with monocular hyperopic defocus (Day 2, – 2.00 DS spectacle lens over the right eye), and the recovery from any defocus induced changes (Day 3, no defocus) in diurnal rhythms were examined. Results Both axial length and choroidal thickness underwent significant diurnal changes on each of the three measurement days (p<0.0001). The introduction of monocular hyperopic defocus resulted in significant changes in the diurnal variations observed in both parameters (p<0.05). A significant (p<0.001) increase in the mean amplitude (peak to trough) of change in axial length (mean increase, 0.016 ± 0.005 mm) and choroidal thickness (mean increase, 0.011 ± 0.003 mm) was observed on day 2 with hyperopic defocus compared to the two ‘no defocus’ days (days 1 and 3). At the second measurement (mean time 12:10 pm) on the day with hyperopic defocus, the eye was significantly longer by 0.012 ± 0.002 mm compared to the other two days (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the average timing of the daily peaks in axial length (mean peak time 12:12 pm) and choroidal thickness (21:02 pm) over the three days. Conclusions The introduction of monocular hyperopic defocus resulted in a significant increase in the amplitude of the diurnal change in axial length and choroidal thickness that returned to normal the following day after removal of the blur stimulus.

Mathematical modelling of soft callus formation in early murine bone repair

Fracture healing is a complicated coupling of many processes. Yet despite the apparent complexity, fracture repair is usually effective. There is, however, no comprehensive mathematical model addressing the multiple interactions of cells, cytokines and oxygen that includes extra-cellular matrix production and that results in the formation of the early stage soft callus. This thesis develops a one dimensional continuum transport model in the context of early fracture healing. Although fracture healing is a complex interplay of many local factors, critical components are identified and used to construct an hypothesis about regulation of the evolution of early callus formation. Multiple cell lines, cellular differentiation, oxygen levels and cytokine concentrations are examined as factors affecting this model of early bone repair. The model presumes diffusive and chemotactic cell migration mechanisms. It is proposed that the initial signalling regime and oxygen availability arising as consequences of bone fracture, are sufficient to determine the quantity and quality of early soft callus formation. Readily available software and purpose written algorithms have been used to obtain numerical solutions representative of various initial conditions. These numerical distributions of cellular populations reflect available histology obtained from murine osteotomies. The behaviour of the numerical system in response to differing initial conditions can be described by alternative in vivo healing pathways. An experimental basis, as illustrated in murine fracture histology, has been utilised to validate the mathematical model outcomes. The model developed in this thesis has potential for future extension, to incorporate processes leading to woven bone deposition, while maintaining the characteristics that regulate early callus formation.

Characterisation of microvasulature changes after closed soft tissue trauma by contrast enhanced micro-CT imaging

INTRODUCTION It is known that the vascular morphology and functionality are changed following closed soft tissue trauma (CSTT) [1], and bone fractures [2]. The disruption of blood vessels may lead to hypoxia and necrosis. Currently, most clinical methods for the diagnosis and monitoring of CSTT with or without bone fractures are primarily based on qualitative measures or practical experience, making the diagnosis subjective and inaccurate. There is evidence that CSTT and early vascular changes following the injury delay the soft tissue tissue and bone healing [3]. However, a precise qualitative and quantitative morphological assessment of vasculature changes after trauma is currently missing. In this research, we aim to establish a diagnostic framework to assess the 3D vascular morphological changes after standardized CSTT in a rat model qualitatively and quantitatively using contrast-enhanced micro-CT imaging. METHODS An impact device was used for the application of a controlled reproducible CSTT to the left thigh (Biceps Femoris) of anaesthetized male Wistar rats. After euthanizing the animals at 6 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, or 14 days after trauma, CSTT was qualitatively evaluated by macroscopic visual observation of the skin and muscles. For visualization of the vasculature, the blood vessels of sacrificed rats were flushed with heparinised saline and then perfused with a radio-opaque contrast agent (Microfil, MV 122, Flowtech, USA) using an infusion pump. After allowing the contrast agent to polymerize overnight, both hind-limbs were dissected, and then the whole injured and contra-lateral control limbs were imaged using a micro-CT scanner (µCT 40, Scanco Medical, Switzerland) to evaluate the vascular morphological changes. Correlated biopsy samples were also taken from the CSTT region of both injured and control legs. The morphological parameters such as the vessel volume ratio (VV/TV), vessel diameter (V.D), spacing (V.Sp), number (V.N), connectivity (V.Conn) and the degree of anisotropy (DA) were then quantified by evaluating the scans of biopsy samples using the micro-CT imaging system. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A qualitative evaluation of the CSTT has shown that the developed impact protocols were capable of producing a defined and reproducible injury within the region of interest (ROI), resulting in a large hematoma and moderate swelling in both lateral and medial sides of the injured legs. Also, the visualization of the vascular network using 3D images confirmed the ability to perfuse the large vessels and a majority of the microvasculature consistently (Figure 1). Quantification of the vascular morphology obtained from correlated biopsy samples has demonstrated that V.D and V.N and V.Sp were significantly higher in the injured legs 24 hours after impact in comparison with the control legs (p<0.05). The evaluation of the other time points is currently progressing. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the changes to the vascular network architecture following traumatic injuries and during healing process. When interpreted in context of functional changes, such as tissue oxygenation, this will allow for objective diagnosis and monitoring of CSTT and serve as validation for future non-invasive clinical assessment modalities.

A novel characterisation model for microvasulature changes following closed soft tissue trauma using micro-CT imaging

INTRODUCTION There is evidence that the reduction of blood perfusion caused by closed soft tissue trauma (CSTT) delays the healing of the affected soft tissues and bone [1]. We hypothesise that the characterisation of vascular morphology changes (VMC) following injury allows us to determine the effect of the injury on tissue perfusion and thereby the severity of the injury. This research therefore aims to assess the VMC following CSTT in a rat model using contrast-enhanced micro-CT imaging. METHODOLOGY A reproducible CSTT was created on the left leg of anaesthetized rats (male, 12 weeks) with an impact device. After euthanizing the animals at 6 and 24 hours following trauma, the vasculature was perfused with a contrast agent (Microfil, Flowtech, USA). Both hind-limbs were dissected and imaged using micro-CT for qualitative comparison of the vascular morphology and quantification of the total vascular volume (VV). In addition, biopsy samples were taken from the CSTT region and scanned to compare morphological parameters of the vasculature between the injured and control limbs. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION While the visual observation of the hindlimb scans showed consistent perfusion of the microvasculature with microfil, enabling the identification of all major blood vessels, no clear differences in the vascular architecture were observed between injured and control limbs. However, overall VV within the region of interest (ROI)was  measured to be higher for the injured limbs after 24h. Also, scans of biopsy samples demonstrated that vessel diameter and density were higher in the injured legs 24h after impact. CONCLUSION We believe these results will contribute to the development of objective diagnostic methods for CSTT based on changes to the microvascular morphology as well as aiding in the validation of future non-invasive clinical assessment modalities.