bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Substitution on N24 Cages: Crossover between Triangular and Hexagonal Structures
Authors: Sanders Carrie , Strout Douglas L.
Published: August 2013

Complex forms of nitrogen are of interest for their potential as high‐energy materials, but many all‐nitrogen systems lack the stability for practical high‐energy applications. Inclusion of carbon atoms in an otherwise all‐nitrogen structure can increase stability. Nitrogen cages are known for energetically preferring cylindrical structures with triangular endcaps, but carbon cages prefer the pentagon‐hexagon structure of the fullerenes. Previous calculations on N22C2 have shown that carbon inclusion narrows the gap between triangular and fullerene‐like structures. In the current study, three isomers of N24 are used as frameworks for carbon substitution. Theoretical calculations are carried out on isomers of N20C4, N18C6, and N16C8, with the goal of determining what level of carbon substitution causes the carbon fullerene‐like structures to become energetically preferred.
Dynamic Subchannel Assignment-Based Cross-Layer MAC and Network Protocol for Multihop Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Quang Khanh Nguyen , Nguyen Van Duc , Choo Hyunseung
Published: August 2013

The paper presents a dynamic subchannel assignment algorithm based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access technology operating in the time division duplexing and a new cross-layer design based on a proposed routing protocol jointed with the MAC protocol. The proposed dynamic sub-channel assignment algorithm provides a new interference avoidance mechanism which solves several drawbacks of existing radio resource allocation techniques in wireless networks using OFDMA/TDD, such as the hidden node and exposed node problems, mobility, and cochannels interference in frequency (CCI). Besides, in wireless networks, when a route is established, the radio resource allocation problems may decrease the end to end performance proportionally with the length of each route. The contention at MAC layer may cause the routing protocol at network layer to respond by finding new routes and routing table updates. The proposed routing protocol is jointed with the MAC protocol based on dynamic sub-channel assignment to ensure that the quality of service in multihop ad hoc networks is significantly improved.
Dangguijakyak-San Protects against 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6,-tetrahydropyridine-Induced Neuronal Damage via Anti-Inflammatory Action
Authors: Hwang Deok-Sang , Kim Hyo Geun , Jang Jun-Bock , Oh Myung Sook
Published: August 2013

Dangguijakyak-san (DJS), a famous traditional Korean multiherbal medicine, has been used to treat gynecological and neuro-associated disease. Recent studies demonstrated that DJS has multiple bioactivities including neuroprotection. In the present study, we were to investigate the effect of DJS and its mechanism in anin vitroandin vivomodel of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In primary mesencephalic culture system, DJS attenuated the dopaminergic cell damage induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine toxicity, and it inhibited production of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), and activation of microglial cells. Then, we confirmed the effect of DJS in a mouse PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In the pole test, DJS at 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days showed increase of motor activity showing shortened time to turn and locomotor activity compared with the MPTP only treated mice. In addition, DJS significantly protected nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron from MPTP stress. Moreover, DJS showed inhibition of gliosis in the substantia nigra pars compacta. These results have therapeutic implications for DJS in the treatment of PD via anti-inflammatory effects.
Long-term Follow-up of MRC Myeloma IX Trial: Survival Outcomes with Bisphosphonate and Thalidomide Treatment
Authors: Morgan Gareth J. , Davies Faith E. , Gregory Walter M. , Bell Susan E. , Szubert Alexander J. , Cook Gordon , Drayson Mark T. , Owen Roger G. , Ross Fiona M. , Jackson Graham H. , Child J. Anthony
Published: August 2013

Purpose: Medical Research Council (MRC) Myeloma IX was a phase III trial evaluating bisphosphonate and thalidomide-based therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Results were reported previously after a median follow-up of 3.7 years (current controlled trials number: ISRCTN68454111). Survival outcomes were reanalyzed after an extended follow-up (median, 5.9 years).

Experimental Design: At first randomization, patients (N = 1,970) were assigned to bisphosphonate (clodronic acid or zoledronic acid) and induction therapies [cyclophosphamide–vincristine–doxorubicin–dexamethasone (CVAD) or cyclophosphamide–thalidomide–dexamethasone (CTD) followed by high-dose therapy plus autologous stem cell transplantation for younger/fitter patients (intensive pathway), and melphalan–prednisone (MP) or attenuated CTD (CTDa) for older/less fit patients (nonintensive pathway)]. At second randomization, patients were assigned to thalidomide maintenance therapy or no maintenance. Interphase FISH (iFISH) was used to analyze cytogenics.

Results: Zoledronic acid significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS; HR, 0.89; P = 0.02) and overall survival (OS; HR, 0.86; P = 0.01) compared with clodronic acid. In the intensive pathway, CTD showed noninferior PFS and OS compared with CVAD, with a trend toward improved OS in patients with favorable cytogenics (P = 0.068). In the nonintensive pathway, CTDa significantly improved PFS (HR, 0.81; P = 0.007) compared with MP and there was an emergent survival benefit after 18 to 24 months. Thalidomide maintenance improved PFS (HR, 1.44; P < 0.0001) but not OS (HR, 0.96; P = 0.70), and was associated with shorter OS in patients with adverse cytogenics (P = 0.01).

Conclusions: Long-term follow-up is essential to identify clinically meaningful treatment effects in myeloma subgroups based on cytogenetics. Clin Cancer Res; 19(21); 6030–8. ©2013 AACR.
Steroidogenic Enzyme AKR1C3 Is a Novel Androgen Receptor-Selective Coactivator that Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth
Authors: Yepuru Muralimohan , Wu Zhongzhi , Kulkarni Anand , Yin Feng , Barrett Christina M. , Kim Juhyun , Steiner Mitchell S. , Miller Duane D. , Dalton James T. , Narayanan Ramesh
Published: August 2013

Purpose: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) may occur by several mechanisms including the upregulation of androgen receptor (AR), coactivators, and steroidogenic enzymes, including aldo keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3). AKR1C3 converts weaker 17-keto androgenic precursors to more potent 17-hydroxy androgens and is consistently the major upregulated gene in CRPC. The studies in the manuscript were undertaken to examine the role of AKR1C3 in AR function and CRPC.

Experimental Design: LNCaP cells stably transfected with AKR1C3 and VCaP cells endogenously expressing AKR1C3 were used to understand the effect of AKR1C3 on prostate cancer cell and tumor growth in nude mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and co-immunoprecipitation studies were used to understand the recruitment of AKR1C3, intracellular localization of AKR1C3 and its interaction with AR in cells, tumor xenograft, and in Gleason sum 7 CRPC tissues. Cells were transiently transfected for AR transactivation. Novel small-molecule AKR1C3-selective inhibitors were synthesized and characterized in androgen-dependent prostate cancer and CRPC models.

Results: We identified unique AR-selective coactivator- and prostate cancer growth-promoting roles for AKR1C3. AKR1C3 overexpression promotes the growth of both androgen-dependent prostate cancer and CRPC xenografts, with concomitant reactivation of androgen signaling. AKR1C3 interacted with AR in prostate cancer cells, xenografts, and in human CRPC samples and was recruited to the promoter of an androgen-responsive gene. The coactivator and growth-promoting functions of AKR1C3 were inhibited by an AKR1C3-selective competitive inhibitor.

Conclusions: AKR1C3 is a novel AR-selective enzymatic coactivator and may represent the first of more than 200 known nuclear hormone receptor coactivators that can be pharmacologically targeted. Clin Cancer Res; 19(20); 5613–25. ©2013 AACR.
Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (ACTA2) Is Required for Metastatic Potential of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Park Young Mi , Lee Se Jeong , Cho Hyun Jung , Kim Duk-Hwan , Lee Jung-Il , Kang Myung-Soo , Seol Ho Jun , Shim Young Mog , Nam Do-Hyun , Kim Hyeon Ho , Joo Kyeung Min
Published: August 2013

Purpose: Metastatic relapse of primary lung cancer leads to therapeutic resistance and unfavorable clinical prognosis; therefore, identification of key molecules associated with metastatic conversion has significant clinical implications. We previously identified a link between early brain metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma and amplification of the α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) gene. The aim of present study was to investigate the prognostic and functional significance of ACTA2 expression in cancer cells for the metastatic potential of lung adenocarcinomas.

Experimental Design: ACTA2 expression was analyzed in tumor cells from 263 patients with primary lung adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry, and was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters. The expression of ACTA2 in human lung adenocarcinoma cells was modulated with short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) and siRNAs specifically targeting ACTA2.

Results: The patients with lung adenocarcinomas with high ACTA2 expression in tumor cells showed significantly enhanced distant metastasis and unfavorable prognosis. ACTA2 downregulation remarkably impaired in vitro migration, invasion, clonogenicity, and transendothelial penetration of lung adenocarcinoma cells without affecting proliferation. Consistent with the in vitro results, depletion of ACTA2 in human lung adenocarcinoma PC14PE6 cells significantly reduced their metastatic potential without altering their tumorigenic potential. Expression of c-MET and FAK in lung adenocarcinoma cells was also reduced by ACTA2-targeting siRNAs and shRNAs, and was accompanied by a loss of mesenchymal characteristics.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that ACTA2 regulates c-MET and FAK expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells, which positively and selectively influence metastatic potential. Therefore, ACTA2 could be a promising prognostic biomarker and/or therapeutic target for metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res; 19(21); 5879–89. ©2013 AACR.
UNC569, a Novel Small-Molecule Mer Inhibitor with Efficacy against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Christoph Sandra , DeRyckere Deborah , Schlegel Jennifer , Frazer J. Kimble , Batchelor Lance A. , Trakhimets Alesia Y. , Sather Susan , Hunter Debra M. , Cummings Christopher T. , Liu Jing , Yang Chao , Kireev Dmitri , Simpson Catherine , Norris-Drouin Jacqueline , Hull-Ryde Emily A. , Janzen William P. , Johnson Gary L. , Wang Xiaodong , Frye Stephen V. , Earp H. Shelton , Graham Douglas K.
Published: August 2013

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children. Although survival rates have improved, patients with certain biologic subtypes still have suboptimal outcomes. Current chemotherapeutic regimens are associated with short- and long-term toxicities and novel, less toxic therapeutic strategies are needed. Mer receptor tyrosine kinase is ectopically expressed in ALL patient samples and cell lines. Inhibition of Mer expression reduces prosurvival signaling, increases chemosensitivity, and delays development of leukemia in vivo, suggesting that Mer tyrosine kinase inhibitors are excellent candidates for targeted therapies. Brain and spinal tumors are the second most common malignancies in childhood. Multiple chemotherapy approaches and radiotherapies have been attempted, yet overall survival remains dismal. Mer is also abnormally expressed in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), providing a rationale for targeting Mer as a therapeutic strategy. We have previously described UNC569, the first small-molecule Mer inhibitor. This article describes the biochemical and biologic effects of UNC569 in ALL and AT/RT. UNC569 inhibited Mer activation and downstream signaling through ERK1/2 and AKT, determined by Western blot analysis. Treatment with UNC569 reduced proliferation/survival in liquid culture, decreased colony formation in methylcellulose/soft agar, and increased sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapies. MYC transgenic zebrafish with T-ALL were treated with UNC569 (4 μmol/L for two weeks). Fluorescence was quantified as indicator of the distribution of lymphoblasts, which express Mer and enhanced GFP. UNC569 induced more than 50% reduction in tumor burden compared with vehicle- and mock-treated fish. These data support further development of Mer inhibitors as effective therapies in ALL and AT/RT. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(11); 2367–77. ©2013 AACR.
Significance of Inducible Very Fast Ventricular Tachycardia (Cycle Length 200–230 ms) After Early Reperfusion for ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zaman Sarah , Kumar Saurabh , Sullivan Janice , Narayan Arun , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Ross David L. , Kovoor Pramesh
Published: August 2013

Background—

Electrophysiological study (EPS) after myocardial infarction may have a role in identifying patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. It has been shown previously that inducible very fast ventricular tachycardia (VT; cycle length [CL], 200–230 ms) is predictive of arrhythmia recurrence; however, its significance early after reperfusion in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% underwent early EPS with an implantable-cardioverter defibrillator implanted for inducible VT, but not for a negative EPS. The end point was the cumulative incidence of death or first arrhythmic event (defined as resuscitated cardiac arrest or spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmia). A total of 1721 patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction underwent early left ventricular ejection fraction assessment (median, 4 days after myocardial infarction) with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% in 24%. EPS was performed in 290 eligible patients with no arrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation/flutter (CL<200 ms) induced in 203 patients (EPS negative, group 1), monomorphic VT induced in 87 patients, consisting of very fast VT in 67% (group 2; n=58), and standard VT (CL>230 ms) in 33% (group 3; n=29). Kaplan–Meier 4-year cumulative incidence of death or arrhythmia was 8.2±2.3%, 33.1±7.1%, and 37.0±10.2% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The majority of inducible VT in patients who have been reperfused early after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is very fast VT (CL, 200–230 ms). This very fast VT incurs at least a similar risk of arrhythmia or death as inducible standard VT (CL>230 ms) and a significantly higher risk than patients with a negative EPS.
Arrhythmia Phenotype During Fetal Life Suggests Long-QT Syndrome Genotype
Authors: Cuneo Bettina F. , Etheridge Susan P. , Horigome Hitoshi , Sallee Denver , Moon-Grady Anita , Weng Hsin-Yi , Ackerman Michael J. , Benson D. Woodrow
Published: August 2013

Background—

Fetal arrhythmias characteristic of long QT syndrome (LQTS) include torsades de pointes (TdP) and/or 2° atrioventricular block, but sinus bradycardia, defined as fetal heart rate <3% for gestational age, is most common. We hypothesized that prenatal rhythm phenotype might predict LQTS genotype and facilitate improved risk stratification and management.

Method and Results—

Records of subjects exhibiting fetal LQTS arrhythmias were reviewed. Fetal echocardiograms, neonatal ECG, and genetic testing were evaluated. We studied 43 subjects exhibiting fetal LQTS arrhythmias: TdP±2° atrioventricular block (group 1, n=7), isolated 2° atrioventricular block (group 2, n=4), and sinus bradycardia (group 3, n=32). Mutations in known LQTS genes were found in 95% of subjects tested. SCN5A mutations occurred in 71% of group 1, whereas 91% of subjects with KCNQ1 mutations were in group 3. Small numbers of subjects with KCNH2 mutations (n=4) were scattered in all 3 groups. Age at presentation did not differ among groups, and most subjects (n=42) were live-born with gestational ages of 37.5±2.8 weeks (mean±SD). However, those with TdP were typically delivered earlier. Prenatal treatment in group 1 terminated (n=2) or improved (n=4) TdP. The neonatal heart rate–corrected QT interval (mean±SE) of group 1 (664.7±24.9) was longer than neonatal heart rate–corrected QT interval in both group 2 (491.2±27.6;
P
=0.004) and group 3 (483.1±13.7;
P
<0.001). Despite medical and pacemaker therapy, postnatal cardiac arrest (n=4) or sudden death (n=1) was common among subjects with fetal/neonatal TdP.

Conclusions—

Rhythm phenotypes of fetal LQTS have genotype-suggestive features that, along with heart rate–corrected QT interval duration, may risk stratify perinatal management.
Integrin-Targeted Molecular Imaging of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms by
18
F-labeled Arg-Gly-Asp Positron-Emission Tomography
Authors: Kitagawa Toshiro , Kosuge Hisanori , Chang Edwin , James Michelle L. , Yamamoto Tomoaki , Shen Bin , Chin Frederick T. , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Dalman Ronald L. , McConnell Michael V.
Published: August 2013

Background—

Both inflammation and neoangiogenesis contribute to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. Arg-Gly-Asp–based molecular imaging has been shown to detect the integrin α
v
β
3
. We studied a clinical dimeric
18
F-labeled Arg-Gly-Asp positron-emission tomography (PET) agent (
18
F-FPPRGD
2
) for molecular imaging of experimental AAAs.

Methods and Results—

Murine AAAs were induced in Apo-E–deficient mice by angiotensin II infusion, with monitoring of aortic diameter on ultrasound. AAA (n=10) and saline-infused control mice (n=7) were injected intravenously with
18
F-FPPRGD
2
, as well as an intravascular computed tomography contrast agent, then scanned using a small-animal PET/computed tomography scanner. Aortic uptake of
18
F-FPPRGD
2
was quantified by percentage-injected dose per gram and target-to-background ratio. Focal increased PET signal was found in AAA lesions, but not in normal control aortae, confirmed by quantitative analysis (median percentage-injected dose per gram [interquartile range], 2.05 [1.05–2.85] versus 0.63 [0.43–0.83],
P
=0.003; median target-to-background ratio [interquartile range], 2.72 [2.31–3.49] versus 1.44 [1.10–1.52],
P
=0.0008). Ex vivo autoradiography demonstrated high uptake of
18
F-FPPRGD
2
into the AAA wall, with immunohistochemistry showing substantial cluster of differentiation (CD)-11b
+
macrophages and CD-31
+
neovessels. Target-to-background ratio of AAAs on PET did not correlate with AAA diameter (
r
=−0.29,
P
=0.41) but did strongly correlate with both mural macrophage density (
r
=0.79,
P
=0.007) and neovessel counts (
r
=0.87,
P
=0.001) on immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions—

PET imaging of experimental AAAs using
18
F-FPPRGD
2
detects biologically active disease, correlating to the degree of vascular inflammation and neoangiogenesis. This may provide a clinically translatable molecular imaging approach to characterize AAA biology to predict risk beyond size alone.
Outcome After Implantation of a Cardioverter-Defibrillator in Patients With Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Sacher Frédéric , Probst Vincent , Maury Philippe , Babuty Dominique , Mansourati Jacques , Komatsu Yuki , Marquie Christelle , Rosa Antonio , Diallo Abou , Cassagneau Romain , Loizeau Claire , Martins Raphael , Field Michael E. , Derval Nicolas , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Denis Arnaud , Nogami Akihiko , Ritter Philippe , Gourraud Jean-Baptiste , Ploux Sylvain , Rollin Anne , Zemmoura Adlane , Lamaison Dominique , Bordachar Pierre , Pierre Bertrand , Jaïs Pierre , Pasquié Jean-Luc , Hocini Mélèze , Legal François , Defaye Pascal , Boveda Serge , Iesaka Yoshito , Mabo Philippe , Haïssaguerre Michel
Published: August 2013

Background—

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indications in Brugada syndrome remain controversial, especially in asymptomatic patients. Previous outcome data are limited by relatively small numbers of patients or short follow-up durations. We report the outcome of patients with Brugada syndrome implanted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in a large multicenter registry.

Methods and Results—

A total of 378 patients (310 male; age, 46±13 years) with a type 1 Brugada ECG pattern implanted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (31 for aborted sudden cardiac arrest, 181 for syncope, and 166 asymptomatic) were included. Fifteen patients (4%) were lost to follow-up. During a mean follow-up of 77±42 months, 7 patients (2%) died (1 as a result of an inappropriate shock), and 46 patients (12%) had appropriate device therapy (5±5 shocks per patient). Appropriate device therapy rates at 10 years were 48% for patients whose implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indication was aborted sudden cardiac arrest, 19% for those whose indication was syncope, and 12% for the patients who were asymptomatic at implantation. At 10 years, rates of inappropriate shock and lead failure were 37% and 29%, respectively. Inappropriate shock occurred in 91 patients (24%; 4±4 shocks per patient) because of lead failure (n=38), supraventricular tachycardia (n=20), T-wave oversensing (n=14), or sinus tachycardia (n=12). Importantly, introduction of remote monitoring, programming a high single ventricular fibrillation zone (>210–220 bpm), and a long detection time were associated with a reduced risk of inappropriate shock.

Conclusions—

Appropriate therapies are more prevalent in symptomatic Brugada syndrome patients but are not insignificant in asymptomatic patients (1%/y). Optimal implantable cardioverter-defibrillator programming and follow-up dramatically reduce inappropriate shock. However, lead failure remains a major problem in this population.
Purification of Cardiomyocytes From Differentiating Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Molecular Beacons That Target Cardiomyocyte-Specific mRNA
Authors: Ban Kiwon , Wile Brian , Kim Sangsung , Park Hun-Jun , Byun Jaemin , Cho Kyu-Won , Saafir Talib , Song Ming-Ke , Yu Shan Ping , Wagner Mary , Bao Gang , Yoon Young-Sup
Published: August 2013

Background—

Although methods for generating cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells have been reported, current methods produce heterogeneous mixtures of cardiomyocytes and noncardiomyocyte cells. Here, we report an entirely novel system in which pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes are purified by cardiomyocyte-specific molecular beacons (MBs). MBs are nanoscale probes that emit a fluorescence signal when hybridized to target mRNAs.

Method and Results—

Five MBs targeting mRNAs of either cardiac troponin T or myosin heavy chain 6/7 were generated. Among 5 MBs, an MB that targeted myosin heavy chain 6/7 mRNA (MHC1-MB) identified up to 99% of HL-1 cardiomyocytes, a mouse cardiomyocyte cell line, but <3% of 4 noncardiomyocyte cell types in flow cytometry analysis, which indicates that MHC1-MB is specific for identifying cardiomyocytes. We delivered MHC1-MB into cardiomyogenically differentiated pluripotent stem cells through nucleofection. The detection rate of cardiomyocytes was similar to the percentages of cardiac troponin T– or cardiac troponin I–positive cardiomyocytes, which supports the specificity of MBs. Finally, MHC1-MB–positive cells were sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorter from mouse and human pluripotent stem cell differentiating cultures, and ≈97% cells expressed cardiac troponin T or cardiac troponin I as determined by flow cytometry. These MB-based sorted cells maintained their cardiomyocyte characteristics, which was verified by spontaneous beating, electrophysiological studies, and expression of cardiac proteins. When transplanted in a myocardial infarction model, MB-based purified cardiomyocytes improved cardiac function and demonstrated significant engraftment for 4 weeks without forming tumors.

Conclusions—

We developed a novel cardiomyocyte selection system that allows production of highly purified cardiomyocytes. These purified cardiomyocytes and this system can be valuable for cell therapy and drug discovery.
Divided Minds in the Lubanga Trial Judgment: A Case against the Joint Control Theory
Authors: Yanev Lachezar , Kooijmans Tijs
Published: August 2013

The concept of co-perpetration and its proper construction continues to be a topic that causes controversy and fragmentation in the field of international criminal law. The latest proof of this is the Lubanga Trial Judgment in which the three judges disagreed on whether this mode of liability should be based on the theory of joint control over the crime. The present article examines and further develops Judge Fulford’s arguments against the adoption of this theory in cases brought before the International Criminal Court. It analyses the Rome Statute and its drafting history, as well as customary international law and domestic jurisprudence, in order to review the contention that there is no legal basis for applying the joint control paradigm in ICC proceedings. In addition to this, several recent ICC cases are examined to underscore the practical weaknesses of the control over the crime approach to co-perpetration.
How Far Has the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Really Come since Akayesu in the Prosecution and Investigation of Sexual Offences Committed against Women? An Analysis of Ndindiliyimana et al.
Authors: Trouille Helen
Published: August 2013

During the first trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), that of Jean-Paul Akayesu, it became evident that many Tutsi and moderate Hutu women had been raped, that “rape was the rule and its absence was the exception”.1 Although, initially, not a single charge of sexual violence was proffered against Akayesu, presiding Judge Navanethem Pillay interrupted the proceedings, allowing ICTR prosecutors to amend the indictment and include counts of rape and sexual violence. Akayesu subsequently became the first case to recognise the concept of genocidal rape. However, post-Akayesu, comparatively few defendants appearing before the ICTR have been convicted of sexual violence. An analysis of the recent case of Ndindiliyimana et al2 reveals that major shortcomings beset the investigation and prosecution procedures, so that crimes of sexual violence go unpunished, although research suggests that adequate legislation is in place at the ICTR to prosecute rape and sexual violence successfully.
Fulfilling the Mandate of National Reconciliation in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) – An Evaluation through the Prism of Victims’ Rights
Authors: Ip Ken Gee-kin
Published: August 2013

The central theme of this article is to assess whether the mandate of national reconciliation has been fulfilled in the ECCC. Recent retreats in the scope of victims’ participatory rights reveal a palpable gap between the Court’s rhetorical promises and the manifested reality. This article begins with providing some justifications for the primitive role given to national reconciliation. Then, in traversing the evolution of international criminal justice, this article highlights its departure from the traditional model of the exclusive retributive justice paradigm. Rather, there is a synergy of the retributive justice and the restorative justice paradigms within international criminal trials in the 21st century. The expanded role of victims in proceedings and the ECCC reparation regime will then be examined in this context. This article will thereafter emphasize the recurrent themes that could promote victims’ rights and herald the fulfilment of national reconciliation.
The Parameters of Enslavement and the Act of Forced Marriage
Authors: Haenen Iris
Published: August 2013

During several recent conflicts, such as the ones in Sierra Leone, Cambodia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, women and girls – but sometimes also men and boys – were abducted and enslaved into so-called forced marriages. The Special Court for Sierra Leone issued several judgments in which it discussed the legal qualification of the act of forced marriage. In its most recent judgment, the trial judgment in the case against Charles Taylor, the Trial Chamber held that forced marriage amounts to sexual slavery. This article briefly discusses the relevant case law on forced marriage and examines the Trial Chamber’s conclusion in the Charles Taylor Judgement that forced marriage is a form of sexual slavery. For this purpose, the definition of enslavement is analysed and the parameters of this crime are set out. Building on the reasoning of the Trial Chamber in the Taylor case, the article concludes that forced marriage does indeed amount to a slavery crime and is best qualified as the broader crime of enslavement.
A Legal Assessment of the US Drone Strikes in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel
Published: August 2013

While assessing the legality of the US drone strikes in Pakistan, this article takes into account the nature of armed conflict which has potential to be converted into an international armed conflict (IAC) from a non-international armed conflict (NIAC). The growing trust-deficit between Pakistan and the US is catalyst for determination of nature of armed conflict. The arguments based on tacit consent of Pakistan no longer stands valid after a clear protest by Pakistani officials at national, bilateral and international level. It also examines the observance of the rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in comparison with official US statements. Continued drone strikes are now being considered as counter-productive and resulting in increased suicide bombing in various cities of Pakistan. The author suggests a collaborative effort by considering other social, political and economic factors to minimize the violation of IHL for desired results.
‘Alien’ Lamas: Russian Policy towards Foreign Buddhist Clergy in the Eighteenth to Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Tsyrempilov Nikolay
Published: August 2013

This article analyses the Russian policy towards foreign Buddhist clergy who penetrated into the Russian Empire from Mongolia and Tibet between the eighteenth and early twentieth centuries. Drawing on archive materials, the origins of this policy are identified. The attitude of the official Buddhist administration of East Siberia led by Khambo Lama to the so- called alien lamas is discussed.
Post- Soviet Ulan- Ude: Content and Meaning of a New Urban Idea
Authors: Breslavsky Anatoliy S.
Published: August 2013

This article examines the processes by which contemporary Ulan- Ude’s new urban idea – the idea of a ‘city with an Asian soul’ – has been formed and reinforced, and the geo- cultural imagery which has shaped this idea. The author pays particular attention to images of Ulan- Ude which present the city as ‘the capital of the Buryat world’, ‘the Buddhist capital of Russia’, ‘Russia’s Eastern Gateway’ and finally ‘the capital of the Baikal region of Asia’.
Traitors on the Borderlands: a Muslim Perspective on the Xinhai Revolution
Authors: Garnaut Anthony
Published: August 2013

In the wake of the Wuchang uprising, the first major town in the Northwest to fall to the revolutionaries was Lingzhou, in Ningxia prefecture, Gansu. The reign of the ‘Han Restoration Army of Lingzhou’ lasted for several weeks, when it was crushed by a predominantly Muslim, loyalist militia force. Several sources on the Lingzhou uprising describe the execution of three Muslim ‘traitors’ who were aligned with the revolutionaries. This article explores the cause that these ‘traitors’ betrayed in the eyes of their Muslim executioners. For at least one of the authors of these sources, the worst possible act of betrayal was to turn away from the true shaykh of the age. To understand the significance of this type of betrayal, the article turns back to the Muslim rebellion of the Tongzhi reign (1862–1874) and its aftermath. The main parties to the violence that occurred in Lingzhou in 1911 formulated their actions in response to local events of the recent past, and these local perspectives open up a wide range of interpretations of the significance of the Xinhai revolution.
Five Races, One Parliament? Xinhai in Xinjiang and the Problem of Minority Representation in the Chinese Republic
Authors: Brophy David
Published: August 2013

While the early Chinese parliament has been criticised as an ineffective shield against warlord machinations, this article brackets the question of its institutional efficiency and instead treats the National Assembly in terms of the visions of China that were expressed in the process of its construction. Debates on electoral divisions and rules for non- Han regions allow insight into the competing principles by which such territories might be incorporated into the new Chinese nation, and show that the ‘Five Races’ vision of China provided a meaningful vocabulary for non- Han elites to press for a greater say in the nation’s institutions. Although the electoral system preserved the principle of aristocratic privilege in the case of the Mongols and Tibetans, such concessions to ethnic difference could not be applied in Xinjiang, which had had provincial status since the 1880s. To some Muslims, this betrayed the Republic’s promise of equality among the ‘Five Races’, prompting calls for dedicated Muslim representation in the parliament.
The Short Life of North-West Magazine: Five Races and Inner Asian Anxieties at the Dawn of the Chinese Republic
Authors: Tighe Justin
Published: August 2013

In November 1912, China’s first modern magazine dedicated to frontier issues, North-West Magazine (Xibei zazhi) appeared. Published in Beijing and born at a time of heightened Chinese anger over Russian collusion in Mongolian independence at the dawn of the Republic, this monthly sought to raise awareness among fledgling Chinese republicans of the importance of Mongolia and Tibet within the new China. Although North-West Magazine only lasted for five issues, it reveals much about the discursive context to thinking and worrying about the Inner Asian frontier in the early Republic and also provides details of the initial actions and policies of Yuan Shikai’s government towards this frontier. This article examines this content and the key figures who wrote for the magazine. It considers North-West Magazine both as an example of the burgeoning new political culture of the early Republic and as an early attempt to flesh out the detail of notions of ‘five race republicanism’ (wuzu gonghe) against a background of social Darwinist-inflected categories; geopolitical threats from Russian, British and Japanese imperialism; the rejection of ‘dependent subject status’ (fanshu daiyu) and other inequalities explicit in Qing imperial policies towards Inner Asia; and a general lack of frontier interest and knowledge among Chinese.
When White Is Just Alright
Authors: Jiménez Tomás R. , Horowitz Adam L.
Published: August 2013

Research on immigration, educational achievement, and ethnoraciality has followed the lead of racialization and assimilation theories by focusing empirical attention on the immigrant-origin population (immigrants and their children), while overlooking the effect of an immigrant presence on the third-plus generation (U.S.-born individuals of U.S.-born parents), especially its white members. We depart from this approach by placing third-plus-generation individuals at center stage to examine how they adjust to norms defined by the immigrant-origin population. We draw on fieldwork in Cupertino, California, a high-skilled immigrant gateway, where an Asian immigrant-origin population has established and enforces an amplified version of high-achievement norms. The resulting ethnoracial encoding of academic achievement constructs whiteness as having lesser-than status. Asianness stands for high-achievement, hard work, and success; whiteness, in contrast, represents low-achievement, laziness, and academic mediocrity. We argue that immigrants can serve as a foil against which the meaning and status of an ethnoracial category is recast, upending how the category is deployed in daily life. Our findings call into question the position that treats the third-plus generation, especially whites, as the benchmark population that sets achievement norms and to which all other populations adjust.
When Unionization Disappears
Authors: Brady David , Baker Regina S. , Finnigan Ryan
Published: August 2013

Although the working poor are a much larger population than the unemployed poor, U.S. poverty research devotes much more attention to joblessness than to working poverty. Research that does exist on working poverty concentrates on demographics and economic performance and neglects institutions. Building on literatures on comparative institutions, unionization, and states as polities, we examine the influence of a potentially important labor market institution for working poverty: the level of unionization in a state. Using the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS) for the United States, we estimate (1) multi-level logit models of poverty among employed households in 2010; and (2) two-way fixed-effects models of working poverty across seven waves of data from 1991 to 2010. Further, we replicate the analyses with the Current Population Survey while controlling for household unionization, and assess unionization’s potential influence on selection into employment. Across all models, state-level unionization is robustly significantly negative for working poverty. The effects of unionization are larger than the effects of states’ economic performance and social policies. Unionization reduces working poverty for both unionized and non-union households and does not appear to discourage employment. We conclude that U.S. poverty research can advance by devoting greater attention to working poverty, and by incorporating insights from the comparative literature on institutions.
A Body of Work Standard-Setting Method With Construct Maps
Authors: Wyse Adam E. , Bunch Michael B. , Deville Craig , Viger Steven G.
Published: August 2013

This article describes a novel variation of the Body of Work method that uses construct maps to overcome problems of transparency, rater inconsistency, and scores gaps commonly occurring with the Body of Work method. The Body of Work method with construct maps was implemented to set cut-scores for two separate K-12 assessment programs in a large Midwestern state and was compared with a previous standard setting for one of the K-12 assessments programs that used the traditional Body of Work method. Data from the standard settings were used to investigate the procedural, internal, and external validity of the Body of Work method with construct maps. Results suggested that the method had strong procedural, internal, and external validity evidence to support its application.
Falls prevention education for older adults during and after hospitalization: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Den-Ching A , Pritchard Elizabeth , McDermott Fiona , Haines Terry P
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

To assess the effectiveness of patient education in reducing falls, promoting behavioural change and the uptake of prevention activities in older adults during and after hospitalization.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic search of five health science databases was performed up to November 2012. Studies that investigated patient education as a single intervention or in a multifactorial falls prevention programme in the hospital and/or post-discharge community settings, were eligible for inclusion. Standard meta-analysis methods were used to assess the effectiveness of patient education compared to usual care. Tests for heterogeneity, subgroup meta-analyses and a priori subgroup meta-analyses were performed for primary outcomes where appropriate. Primary outcomes were incidence of falls, falls-related injury and healthcare use due to falls. Secondary outcomes were mechanisms of behavioural change in falls prevention. Qualitative data were analysed by narrative review.

Results:

Falls prevention programmes that contained patient education were effective in reducing fall rates amongst hospital inpatients and post-discharge populations (risk ratio [RR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69 to 0.87), and in reducing the proportion of patients who became fallers in hospital (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.87). Patient education generally increased knowledge about falls and awareness of prevention strategies. The uptake of strategies may be dependent on the activities being targeted.

Conclusion:

Falls prevention education should be recommended for older adults while in hospital and following discharge. Falls education programmes should consider the use of intensive face-to-face patient education with multimedia materials in preference to provision of written information alone or brief amounts of interpersonal contact.
Pathways From Personality to Happiness
Authors: Koydemir Selda , Şimşek Ömer Faruk , Demir Melikşah
Published: August 2013

Personal sense of uniqueness, a major construct in humanistic psychology, has been recently shown to be a robust correlate of happiness. Yet the antecedents of this experience are not known. To address this limitation, we focused on extraversion and openness to experience, the two traits referred to as plasticity in higher-order framework of personality, as predictors of uniqueness and happiness. In light of theory and past empirical research, we proposed that the two traits representing plasticity would promote a sense of uniqueness, which in turn influence happiness. This model was tested in a college sample ( N = 370) by relying on structural equation modeling. Results showed that uniqueness mediated the associations of extraversion and openness to experience with happiness. This model was supported when the effects of neuroticism, a marker of vulnerability to psychopathology, on uniqueness was taken into account. The implications of the findings for future research were addressed and sense of uniqueness as an element of a good life was highlighted.
Consistency in Self-Reports of Drug Use Frequency by High-Risk Offenders Over a 5-Year Interval
Authors: Prendergast Michael , Li Libo , Evans Elizabeth , Hall Elizabeth
Published: August 2013

Self-reports of drug use by high-risk offenders interviewed on two occasions were compared to determine the extent to which the reports were consistent at the two interview points. Self-reports of frequency of drug use over the same 12-month period were compared among parolees ( N = 380) who had participated in prison drug treatment and who were interviewed at 1 and 5 years following prison release. The kappa coefficient was .31 ( p < .001), generally considered a fair level of agreement. Total concordance in retrospective recall of primary drug use frequency was 54.5%.
An approach to simulation-based parameter and structure optimization of MATLAB/Simulink models using evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Hagendorf Olaf , Pawletta Thorsten , Larek Roland
Published: August 2013

In engineering, a broad range of environments exist for modeling and simulation with integrated parameter optimization. The established techniques only optimize model parameter values, the model structure is considered to be fixed. As system performance is optimized, one may have to redesign the model structure. The redesign is done manually by an analyst. The suboptimal combination of automatic parameter optimization and manual structural changes leads to an optimization task that is prone to error. This paper details an approach that provides optimization through automatic reconfiguration of both the model structure and model parameters. An optimization method that uses an evolutionary algorithm is supported by a model management method. This method is based on the system entity structure/model base framework. The admissible model structures and their associated model parameter sets are specified using the system entity structure ontology. Basic dynamic model components are organized in a model base. In addition to this, new algorithms are introduced. These map knowledge coded in the system entity structure to a set of numerical (structure) parameters, and also perform this mapping in reverse. In this manner a combined structure and parameter optimization problem is derived. Since both methods – evolutionary algorithm and model management – work together concurrently, different system configurations can be evaluated automatically. The objective is to provide an optimal solution; a model optimized for both parameter and structure.
The Vicissitudes of Energy and Climate Policy in Stockholm: Politics, Materiality and Transition
Authors: Rutherford Jonathan
Published: August 2013

Through analysis of the orientations, conflicts and challenges of recent energy–climate policy in Stockholm, this paper interrogates how energy and climate become (translated as) a set of issues which come to matter in the local urban arena for different social and political interests. Drawing in particular on recent theoretical work on urban materiality, it is argued that ongoing, ‘everyday’ local struggles over the processes and practices of transformation of the urban fabric constitute repoliticised settings through and in which the orientations of urban energy transition are materially understood, experienced and performed in diverging ways. In ‘mapping’ the undulating politics of energy–climate matters, the paper outlines an alternative way of following and/or measuring energy and carbon flows through the urban environment.
Elder-Vass on the Causal Power of Social Structures
Authors: Wahlberg Tobias Hansson
Published: August 2013

In this review essay, I examine the central tenets of sociologist Dave Elder-Vass’s recent contribution to social ontology, as put forth in his book The Causal Power of Social Structures: Emergence, Structure and Agency. Elder-Vass takes issue with ontological individualists and maintains that social structures exist and have causal powers in their own right. I argue that he fails to establish his main theses: he shows neither that social structures have causal powers “in their own right” (in any sense of this expression) nor that they exist.
Asking Sensitive Questions
Authors: Wolter Felix , Preisendörfer Peter
Published: August 2013

This article is an empirical contribution to the evaluation of the randomized response technique (RRT), a prominent procedure to elicit more valid responses to sensitive questions in surveys. Based on individual validation data, we focus on two questions: First, does the RRT lead to higher prevalence estimates of sensitive behavior than direct questioning (DQ)? Second, are there differences in the effects of determinants of misreporting according to question mode? The data come from 552 face-to-face interviews with subjects who had been convicted by a court for minor criminal offences in a metropolitan area in Germany. For the first question, the answer is negative. For the second, it is positive, that is, effects of individual and situational determinants of misreporting differ between the two question modes. The effect of need for social approval, for example, tends to be stronger in RRT than in DQ mode. Interviewer experience turns out to be positively related to answer validity in DQ and negatively in RRT mode. Our findings support a skeptical position toward RRT, shed new light on long-standing debates within survey methodology, and stimulate theoretical reasoning about response behavior in surveys.