bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of the Cause, Impact and Management of Persistent Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Tumour Necrosing Factor Inhibition Therapy
Authors: Minnock Patricia , Ringnér Anders , Bresnihan Barry , Veale Douglas , FitzGerald Oliver , McKee Gabrielle
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Fatigue is a major symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease. The present study explored patients’ experiences of RA fatigue to elucidate unique elements and management strategies.

Methods

This single site study recruited tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitor (TNFi)‐treated RA patients with a moderate/good response in disease activity and persistent moderate/greater fatigue on a five‐point verbal rating scale. This qualitative descriptive design used semi‐structured questions, individual interviews and content analysis of narrative data.

Results

Ten patients were interviewed (six women), with age and disease duration ranges of 44–75 and 6–36 years, respectively. Perceptions of the RA fatigue experience generated four categories (experiencing a distinct, yet seldom discussed RA symptom; seeking an explanation for fatigue; being in an incapacitating state; and trying to manage) and eight subcategories. Fatigue was newly identified as a distinct part of the entity of RA. While patients proposed many plausible root causes, the only rational explanation for the nature of this fatigue was that it was integral to their RA. Singularly, fatigue contributed considerably to RA‐imposed lifestyle restrictions. Patients had learnt to accommodate and self‐manage fatigue in the absence of professional input. Novel management strategies proposed included patients talking about the nature of RA fatigue with others and the need for staff to alert patients to this distinct symptom of RA.

Conclusion

Fatigue, branded as a distinct symptom of RA, exerted an identifiable impact on patients. Fatigue is potentially amenable to modification; talking about fatigue was proposed as a novel management strategy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New insights into rotating frame relaxation at high field
Authors: Spear John T. , Gore John C.
Published: February 2016

Measurements of spin‐lock relaxation rates in the rotating frame (R1ρ) at high magnetic fields afford the ability to probe not only relatively slow molecular motions, but also other dynamic processes, such as chemical exchange and diffusion. In particular, measurements of the variation (or dispersion) of R1ρ with locking field allow the derivation of quantitative parameters that describe these processes. Measurements in deuterated solutions demonstrate the manner and degree to which exchange dominates relaxation at high fields (4.7 T, 7 T) in simple solutions, whereas temperature and pH are shown to be very influential factors affecting the rates of proton exchange. Simulations and experiments show that multiple exchanging pools of protons in realistic tissues can be assumed to behave independently of each other. R1ρ measurements can be combined to derive an exchange rate contrast (ERC) that produces images whose intensities emphasize protons with specific exchange rates rather than chemical shifts. In addition, water diffusion in the presence of intrinsic susceptibility gradients may produce significant effects on R1ρ dispersions at high fields. The exchange and diffusion effects act independently of each other, as confirmed by simulation and experimentally in studies of red blood cells at different levels of oxygenation. Collectively, R1ρ measurements provide an ability to quantify exchange processes, to provide images that depict protons with specific exchange rates and to describe the microstructure of tissues containing magnetic inhomogeneities. As such, they complement traditional T1 or T2 measurements and provide additional insights from measurements of R1ρ at a single locking field. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fractional ventilation mapping using inert fluorinated gas MRI in rat models of inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Couch Marcus J. , Fox Matthew S. , Viel Chris , Gajawada Gowtham , Li Tao , Ouriadov Alexei V. , Albert Mitchell S.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to extend established methods for fractional ventilation mapping using 19F MRI of inert fluorinated gases to rat models of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, five rats were instilled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the lungs two days prior to imaging, six rats were instilled with bleomycin in the lungs two weeks prior to imaging and an additional four rats were used as controls. 19F MR lung imaging was performed at 3 T with rats continuously breathing a mixture of sulfur hexafluoride and O2. Fractional ventilation maps were obtained using a wash‐out approach, by switching the breathing mixture to pure O2, and acquiring images following each successive wash‐out breath. The mean fractional ventilation (r) was 0.29 ± 0.05 for control rats, 0.23 ± 0.10 for LPS‐instilled rats and 0.19 ± 0.03 for bleomycin‐instilled rats. Bleomycin‐instilled rats had a significantly decreased mean r value compared with controls (P = 0.010). Although LPS‐instilled rats had a slightly reduced mean r value, this trend was not statistically significant (P = 0.556). Fractional ventilation gradients were calculated in the anterior/posterior (A/P) direction, and the mean A/P gradient was −0.005 ± 0.008 cm−1 for control rats, 0.013 ± 0.005 cm−1 for LPS‐instilled rats and 0.009 ± 0.018 cm−1 for bleomycin‐instilled rats. Fractional ventilation gradients were significantly different for control rats compared with LPS‐instilled rats only (P = 0.016). The ventilation gradients calculated from control rats showed the expected gravitational relationship, while ventilation gradients calculated from LPS‐ and bleomycin‐instilled rats showed the opposite trend. Histology confirmed that LPS‐instilled rats had a significantly elevated alveolar wall thickness, while bleomycin‐instilled rats showed signs of substantial fibrosis. Overall, 19F MRI may be able to detect the effects of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis using a simple and inexpensive imaging approach that can potentially be translated to humans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transparent, flexible, and conducting films based on graphene–polymer composites
Authors: Singh Bimal P. , Nayak Sasmita , Nanda Kamala K. , Singh Anurag , Takai Chika , Takashi Shirai , Fuji Masayoshi
Published: February 2016

We present a simple solution‐based general approach for the preparation of flexible, transparent, and conducting composite films with molecular level dispersion of individual graphene nanosheets in the polymer [poly(N‐hydroxymethyl) acrylamide] hosts via in situ polymerization. The graphene oxide (GO) concentration varies from 0 to 0.08 wt% in polymer matrix. The resulting composite film was characterized by FESEM, AFM, Raman, UV–vis spectroscopy and electrical measurement. The composite film has conductivity up to 10−5 S m−1 and transmittance 90% at 550 nm respectively, which is adequate for many applications. These transparent conductive graphene bearing composite films presents a uniform, flexible, stable, and tailorable material. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:297–304, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Exposure of CCRF‐CEM cells to acridone derivative 8a triggers tumor death via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yini , Gao Dan , Chu Bizhu , Gao Chunmei , Cao Deliang , Liu Hongxia , Jiang Yuyang
Published: February 2016

A newly synthesized acridone derivative 8a shows potent antitumor activity against CCRF‐CEM leukemia cells. Herein, the first proteomic study of 8a effects in CCRF‐CEM cells was performed by 2D nano‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS to better understand the mechanisms of action of 8a. Data analyses based on PLGS, STRING, Cytoscape, and database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery identified 55 proteins that were differentially expressed in response to 8a exposure. Multiple cellular pathways were affected, including chromatin organization, energy metabolism, DNA repair, oxidative‐stress, and apoptosis. The changes in protein expression were further verified for PKM2. Moreover, 8a lowered down the expression of HEX and PFK‐1. Lactate production was decreased in 8a‐treated cells, indicating suppression of glycolysis. The elevated XRCC6 and decreased histone expression levels suggested increased DNA damage in 8a‐treated cells, which was confirmed by the increased γ‐H2AX foci. Molecular docking of 8a with DNA demonstrated direct interactions of 8a with DNA through three hydrogen bonds and four π–π interactions, potentially explaining the mode of action that 8a damaged to DNA. The differential protein profiling and dysfunction of metabolic pathways induced by 8a provide novel insights into the potential action mechanisms of 8a.
Impact of gender on decisions to participate in faecal immunochemical test‐based colorectal cancer screening: a qualitative study
Authors: Clarke Nicholas , Gallagher Pamela , Kearney Patricia M. , McNamara Deirdre , Sharp Linda
Published: February 2016

Objective

Faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are increasingly being used in population‐based colorectal cancer‐screening programmes. Uptake of FIT is lower in men than women; however, the reasons for this are not well understood. We aimed to explore gender differences in influences on decisions to participate in FIT screening.

Methods

This is a qualitative study using in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews of four groups of screening invitees (male and female screening users and male and female screening non‐users), purposively sampled from the database of a population‐based FIT screening programme. Recruitment continued until saturation was reached. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis using the framework approach was employed with the theoretical domains framework guiding analysis.

Results

Forty‐seven screening invitees were interviewed. Six theoretical domains influenced screening uptake: ‘environmental context and resources’, ‘beliefs about capabilities’, ‘beliefs about consequences’, ‘emotions’, ‘social influences’ and ‘knowledge’. Male non‐users were often fatalistic, less knowledgeable and misinformed about cancer and FIT screening compared with other groups. Female non‐users expressed negative attitudes, beliefs and emotions towards FIT screening, cancer, social influences and the medical profession and were over‐confident about their health.

Conclusions

Negative attitudes and emotions to screening dominated non‐user decision‐making but differed by gender. Opportunities to improve uptake in men and women exist. Greater national discussions on the benefits of FIT screening, and development of screening materials tackling negative attitudes and beliefs while recognising male/female differences, may improve screening uptake. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silodosin inhibits prostate cancer cell growth via ELK1 inactivation and enhances the cytotoxic activity of gemcitabine
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Aljarah Ali Kadhim , Shareef Hasanain Khaleel , Inoue Satoshi , Ide Hiroki , Patterson John D. , Kashiwagi Eiji , Han Bin , Li Yi , Zheng Yichun , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Biological significance of ELK1, a transcriptional factor whose phosphorylation is necessary for c‐fos proto‐oncogene activation, in prostate cancer remains far from fully understood. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of ELK1 in tumor growth as well as the efficacy of a selective α1A‐adrenergic blocker, silodosin, in ELK1 activity in prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

We first immunohistochemically determined the levels of phospho‐ELK1 (p‐ELK1) expression in radical prostatectomy specimens. We then assessed the effects of ELK1 knockdown via short hairpin RNA and silodosin on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer lines.

RESULTS

The levels of p‐ELK1 expression were significantly higher in carcinoma than in benign (P < 0.001) or high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) (P = 0.002) as well as in HGPIN than in benign (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank tests revealed that moderate‐strong positivity of p‐ELK1 in carcinomas tended to correlate with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (P = 0.098). In PC3 and DU145 expressing ELK1 (mRNA/protein) but no androgen receptor (AR), ELK1 silencing resulted in considerable decreases in the expression of c‐fos as well as in cell migration/invasion and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression, but not in cell viability. Silodosin treatment reduced the expression/activity of ELK1 in these cells as well as the viability of AR‐positive LNCaP and C4‐2 cells and the migration of both AR‐positive and AR‐negative cells, but not the viability of AR‐negative or ELK1‐negative cells. Interestingly, silodosin significantly increased sensitivity to gemcitabine, but not to cisplatin or docetaxel, even in AR‐negative cells.

CONCLUSIONS

ELK1 is likely to be activated in prostate cancer cells and promote tumor progression. Furthermore, silodosin that inactivates ELK1 in prostate cancer cells not only inhibits their growth but also enhances the cytotoxic activity of gemcitabine. Thus, ELK1 inhibition has the potential of being a therapeutic approach for prostate cancer. Prostate 76:744–756, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural basis for cellulose binding by the type A carbohydrate‐binding module 64 of Spirochaeta thermophila
Authors: Schiefner André , Angelov Angel , Liebl Wolfgang , Skerra Arne
Published: February 2016

Spirochaeta thermophila secretes seven glycoside hydrolases for plant biomass degradation that carry a carbohydrate‐binding module 64 (CBM64) appended at the C‐terminus. CBM64 adsorbs to various β1‐4‐linked pyranose substrates and shows high affinity for cellulose. We present the first crystal structure of a CBM64 at 1.2 Å resolution, which reveals a jelly‐roll‐like fold corresponding to a surface‐binding type A CBM. Modeling of its interaction with cellulose indicates that CBM64 achieves association with the hydrophobic face of β‐linked pyranose chains via a unique coplanar arrangement of four exposed tryptophan side chains. Proteins 2016; 84:855–858. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strigolactones: how far is their commercial use for agricultural purposes?
Authors: Vurro Maurizio , Prandi Cristina , Baroccio Francesca
Published: February 2016

Strigolactones are a class of natural and synthetic compounds that in the past decade have been exciting the scientific community not only for their intriguing biological properties but also for their potential applications in agriculture. These applications range from their use as hormones to modify and/or manage plant architecture, to their use as stimulants to induce seed germination of parasitic weeds and thus control their infestation by a reduced seed bank, to their use as ‘biostimulants’ of plant root colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, improving plant nutritional capabilities, to other still unknown effects on microbial soil communities. More recently, these compounds have also been attracting the interest of agrochemical companies. In spite of their biological attractiveness, practical applications are still greatly hampered by the low product yields obtainable by plant root exudates, by the costs of their synthesis, by the lack of knowledge of their off‐target effects and by the not yet specified or properly identified legislation that could regulate the use of these compounds, depending on the agricultural purposes. The aim of this article is to discuss, in the light of current knowledge, the different scenarios that might play out in the near future with regard to the practical application of strigolactones. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance of density functional theory on the anisotropic halogen···halogen interactions and potential energy surface: Problems and possible solutions
Authors: Liu Fang , Du Likai , Zhang Dongju , Gao Jun
Published: February 2016

The noncovalent halogen···halogen (X···X) interaction, which shows significant anisotropic feature, is extensively used in rationally designing supramolecular assemblies. Here, beyond the binding energy of stable geometries, the anisotropic topology of the potential energy surface (PES) is explored. We show that most functionals of DFT give remarkably unphysical angular distortion of the PES. This is unlikely to be solved unless the components that ensure correct angular dependent behavior in the halogen bonding region are contained in the functionals. We also prove that simple empirical corrections may substantially quantify this unphysical angular distortion, and further investigation is recommended. These findings constitute a step forward toward the understanding of the nature of X···X bonds, and provide some insights for the future designing of the state‐of‐art theoretical methods. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feedback effectiveness in professional learning contexts
Authors: Johnson Martin
Published: February 2016

Assessment organisations that operate at a national level in the UK employ hierarchic assessor monitoring arrangements, where the most senior assessors (known as team leaders) feedback to assessors in their teams on their marking performance. According to a sociocultural viewpoint, this feedback possesses learning potential as it allows assessors insights into the perspectives of their team leader. There is relatively little research on feedback effectiveness in professional assessment contexts. To gain insights into feedback effectiveness a literature review was carried out that incorporated 183 feedback research studies. The aim of the review was to identify the characteristics of feedback messages that are associated with effectiveness in contexts where access to knowledge is hierarchically and remotely distributed. For the purposes of this study, feedback is considered to be effective where it potentiates professional learning through supporting the alignment of participants' thinking and practice. The review outcomes are synthesised into a framework that identifies a number of core and sociocultural factors associated with feedback effectiveness. The review outcomes have implications for those with a role in delivering feedback, particularly where feedback is used to influence performances where there is asymmetry in expertise and relative professional status.
Summarizing and understanding large graphs
Authors: Koutra Danai , Kang U , Vreeken Jilles , Faloutsos Christos
Published: February 2016

How can we succinctly describe a million‐node graph with a few simple sentences? Given a large graph, how can we find its most “important” structures, so that we can summarize it and easily visualize it? How can we measure the “importance” of a set of discovered subgraphs in a large graph? Starting with the observation that real graphs often consist of stars, bipartite cores, cliques, and chains, our main idea is to find the most succinct description of a graph in these “vocabulary” terms. To this end, we first mine candidate subgraphs using one or more graph partitioning algorithms. Next, we identify the optimal summarization using the minimum description length (MDL) principle, picking only those subgraphs from the candidates that together yield the best lossless compression of the graph—or, equivalently, that most succinctly describe its adjacency matrix.

Our contributions are threefold: (i) formulation: we provide a principled encoding scheme to identify the vocabulary type of a given subgraph for six structure types prevalent in real‐world graphs, (ii) algorithm: we develop VoG, an efficient method to approximate the MDL‐optimal summary of a given graph in terms of local graph structures, and (iii) applicability: we report an extensive empirical evaluation on multimillion‐edge real graphs, including Flickr and the Notre Dame web graph.
Impact of response variability on Pareto front optimization
Authors: Chapman Jessica L. , Lu Lu , Anderson‐Cook Christine M.
Published: February 2016

A two‐stage Pareto front approach can improve the process of making a decision about which input values simultaneously optimize multiple responses. However, ignoring estimation uncertainty and natural variability in the responses can potentially lead to suboptimal choices about those input values. A simulation‐based approach is used to quantify and examine the impact that variability has on the superior solutions identified on the Pareto front and their performance. Because each optimization scenario has its own unique characteristics, including responses with different amounts of natural variability, the impact of variability on the solutions varies from situation to situation. We study how varying the amount of response variability affects the locations identified for the front and the characteristics of the most promising solutions on the front. We illustrate the method with an application involving process improvement through variance reduction.
Generic transformations for existentially unforgeable signature schemes in the bounded leakage model
Authors: Wang Yuyu , Tanaka Keisuke
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we present generic transformations, which allow us to be able to convert any signature scheme satisfying the weak existential unforgeability property into one satisfying the strong existential unforgeability property. Different from the previous researches, we consider this kind of transformations in the bounded leakage model, in which part of the secret information could be learned by the adversary. To achieve such transformations, we define a new cryptographic primitive called leakage resilient chameleon hash function and give an instantiation of it based on leakage resilient hard relation. By making use of this new variant of chameleon hash function, we improve the technique proposed by Steinfeld, Pieprzk, and Wang to obtain a generic transformation that works well in the bounded leakage model. Furthermore, we follow the construction of strong one‐time signature by Mohassel to give an instantiation of fully leakage resilient strong one‐time signature based on leakage resilient chameleon hash function. We prove that by combining the fully leakage resilient strong one‐time signature scheme with the transformation proposed by Huang, Wong, and Zhao, we can obtain another transformation that can convert any fully leakage resilient signature scheme that is weakly existentially unforgeable into one that is strongly existentially unforgeable without changing the signing key. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A lattice‐based partially blind signature
Authors: Tian Haibo , Zhang Fangguo , Wei Baodian
Published: February 2016

Blind signature is a crucial technique to provide anonymity in many information systems such as e‐cash, e‐voting, and smart grid systems. Partially blind signature is a more applicable extension where the part of the message includes some common information known by the signer and the signature requestor. In the family of lattice‐based schemes, blind signatures are given in ASIACRYPT 2010 by R
ckert in the random oracle model, and until now, no partially blind signatures are given. We here design the first scheme based on Lyubashevsky's signature scheme in EUROCRYPT 2012 and Abe and Okamoto's construction of partially blind signature in CRYPTO 2000 in the random oracle model. The scheme shows an alternative approach to achieve the blindness property without the supports of a commitment scheme and of a final round communication to confirm the validity of a signature. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating effectiveness in HIV prevention trials with a Bayesian hierarchical compound Poisson frailty model
Authors: Coley Rebecca Yates , Brown Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2016

Inconsistent results in recent HIV prevention trials of pre‐exposure prophylactic interventions may be due to heterogeneity in risk among study participants. Intervention effectiveness is most commonly estimated with the Cox model, which compares event times between populations. When heterogeneity is present, this population‐level measure underestimates intervention effectiveness for individuals who are at risk. We propose a likelihood‐based Bayesian hierarchical model that estimates the individual‐level effectiveness of candidate interventions by accounting for heterogeneity in risk with a compound Poisson‐distributed frailty term. This model reflects the mechanisms of HIV risk and allows that some participants are not exposed to HIV and, therefore, have no risk of seroconversion during the study. We assess model performance via simulation and apply the model to data from an HIV prevention trial. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dyadic Transition to Parenthood: A Longitudinal Assessment of Personal Growth among Parents of Pre‐ and Full‐term Infants
Authors: Porat‐Zyman Ginna , Taubman – Ben‐Ari Orit , Spielman Varda
Published: February 2016

This study examined the contribution of birth circumstances (premature and full‐term birth) and individual and spousal factors (attachment orientations, parental self‐efficacy and perceived infant temperament), measured 1 month post‐partum, to the personal growth of first‐time parents (n = 121) 1 and 5 months post‐partum. The study overcame the limitations of prior research by accurately measuring actor effects while controlling for and assessing partner effects, by applying the actor–partner interdependence model. The findings confirm that becoming a parent, under normative and stressful circumstances, can lead to personal growth and parents of premature babies experience higher levels of growth than parents of full terms. Moreover, 1 month post‐partum, actor effects were found for higher attachment anxiety and higher parental self‐efficacy. Furthermore, personal growth at 1 month post‐partum was found to be the strongest predictor of personal growth 5 months after childbirth. Five months post‐partum, a positive partner effect was found for parental self‐efficacy. Mothers reported higher growth than fathers only 5 months after the birth. It seems time plays an important role as to which variables contribute to personal growth. In the early stages of parenthood, personal growth is mostly an individual experience. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward Scalable Fabrication of Hierarchical Silica Capsules with Integrated Micro‐, Meso‐, and Macropores
Authors: Zhou Weizheng , Tong Gangsheng , Wang Dali , Zhu Bangshang , Ren Yu , Butler Michael , Pelan Eddie , Yan Deyue , Zhu Xinyuan , Stoyanov Simeon D.
Published: February 2016

Hierarchical porous structures are ubiquitous in biological organisms and inorganic systems. Although such structures have been replicated, designed, and fabricated, they are often inferior to naturally occurring analogues. Apart from the complexity and multiple functionalities developed by the biological systems, the controllable and scalable production of hierarchically porous structures and building blocks remains a technological challenge. Herein, a facile and scalable approach is developed to fabricate hierarchical hollow spheres with integrated micro‐, meso‐, and macropores ranging from 1 nm to 100 μm (spanning five orders of magnitude). (Macro)molecules, micro‐rods (which play a key role for the creation of robust capsules), and emulsion droplets have been successfully employed as multiple length scale templates, allowing the creation of hierarchical porous macrospheres. Thanks to their specific mechanical strength, these hierarchical porous spheres could be incorporated and assembled as higher level building blocks in various novel materials.
TRINI: an adaptive load balancing strategy based on garbage collection for clustered Java systems
Authors: Portillo‐Dominguez A. Omar , Perry Philip , Magoni Damien , Wang Miao , Murphy John
Published: February 2016

Nowadays, clustered environments are commonly used in high‐performance computing and enterprise‐level applications to achieve faster response time and higher throughput than single machine environments. Nevertheless, how to effectively manage the workloads in these clusters has become a new challenge. As a load balancer is typically used to distribute the workload among the cluster's nodes, multiple research efforts have concentrated on enhancing the capabilities of load balancers. Our previous work presented a novel adaptive load balancing strategy (TRINI) that improves the performance of a clustered Java system by avoiding the performance impacts of major garbage collection, which is an important cause of performance degradation in Java. The aim of this paper is to strengthen the validation of TRINI by extending its experimental evaluation in terms of generality, scalability and reliability. Our results have shown that TRINI can achieve significant performance improvements, as well as a consistent behaviour, when it is applied to a set of commonly used load balancing algorithms, demonstrating its generality. TRINI also proved to be scalable across different cluster sizes, as its performance improvements did not noticeably degrade when increasing the cluster size. Finally, TRINI exhibited reliable behaviour over extended time periods, introducing only a small overhead to the cluster in such conditions. These results offer practitioners a valuable reference regarding the benefits that a load balancing strategy, based on garbage collection, can bring to a clustered Java system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an Ethical Wealth of Nations: An Institutional Perspective on the Relation between Ethical Values and National Economic Prosperity
Authors: Jennings Peter L. , Velasquez Manuel
Published: February 2016

In this paper we examine how ethical values contribute to national economic prosperity. We extend the concept of an ethical wealth of nations first introduced by Donaldson in which he proposed four categories of ethical values—fairer distribution of goods, better government, ingrained social cooperation, and inculcation of economic duties—that can drive economic performance, but only if citizens ascribe “intrinsic value” to them independent of their economic interests. Our analysis draws on institutional economics and sociology research to show that if ethical values are to drive economic performance, they must also be supported by the institutional fabric of the nation. We embed an expanded set of ethical values in a set of democratic, free market and civil society institutions spanning three sectors of society—political, economic and cultural respectively. We conclude by discussing the implications of our institutional framework for moral education.
Regional variation in the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension and diabetes and their correlates among the adult rural population in India
Authors: Meshram I. I. , Vishnu Vardhana Rao M. , Sudershan Rao V. , Laxmaiah A. , Polasa K.
Published: February 2016

A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in five regions of India by adopting a multistage random sampling procedure. Information was collected from the participants about socio-demographic particulars such as age, sex, occupation, education, etc. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and waist and hip circumferences were measured and three measurements of blood pressure were obtained. Fasting blood sugar was assessed using a Glucometer. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics,χ2test for association and logistic regression analysis. A total of 7531 subjects were covered for anthropometry and blood pressure. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity was 29 and 21 %, respectively, and was higher in the Southern region (40 % each) as compared with other regions. The prevalence of hypertension was 18 and 16 % and diabetes was 9·5 % each among men and women, respectively. The risk of hypertension and diabetes was significantly higher among adults from the Southern and Western regions, the among elderly, among overweight/obese individuals and those with abdominal obesity. In conclusion, the prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypertension was higher in the Southern region, whereas diabetes was higher in the Southern and Western regions. Factors such as increasing age, male sex, overweight/obesity, and abdominal obesity were important risk factors for hypertension and diabetes. Appropriate health and nutrition education should be given to the community to control these problems.
John Stuart Mill on Civil Service Recruitment and the Relation between Bureaucracy and Democracy
Authors: van Waarden Betto
Published: February 2016

As a civil servant in the East India Company and witness to government expansion and reorganization in the mid-nineteenth century, John Stuart Mill developed an interest in civil service reform. In an essay supporting the 1854 Northcote-Trevelyan Report and his later political treatises, Mill argued for competitive civil service recruitment. These writings have been relatively neglected by Mill scholars, but I posit that they elucidate a contested aspect of his theory. Mill advocated democracy and expert bureaucracy and, although researchers see tension between these systems, I argue that Mill saw them as compatible. Consequently, Mill's theory might be more consistent and complete than many believe, and the public administration debate should perhaps no longer be seen in terms of an opposition between expertise and democracy.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Work of the Committee
Authors: Pais Marta Santos
Published: February 2016

I would first of all like to thank you very warmly for having given me the honour to be here today, in this wonderful and historical city of Jerusalem, to talk about the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In particular, it is an honour for me to share this significant moment of the ratification and entry into force of the Convention in Israel, where its voice is joining so many other countries committed to bringing a better future to all children of the world.

The Convention was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in November 1989, after ten years of a long study and consideration by a working group of the Commission on Human Rights. The Convention reflects the spirit of consensus which prevailed during the drafting process, as well as the compromise reached by different legal systems, cultures and traditions with respect to the human rights universally recognized.
Organs as Assets
Authors: Weisman Joshua
Published: February 2016

Property rights exist only in their relationship to certain assets. A property right persehas no independent existence. Thus, for example, the sentence: “‘A’ is the owner” is meaningless as long as there is no mention of the object of which A is the owner (“‘A’ is the owner of the house”). This also applies to lease, pledges and other property rights — without assets to which the rights relate, the rights do not exist. Things which are the objects of property rights are the various “assets”, and a person's aggregate assets constitute his “wealth”.
From Camp David to Oslo
Authors: Blum Yehuda Z.
Published: February 2016

On 13 September 1993 Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (hereinafter “PLO”) signed on the lawn of the White House in Washington, in the presence of United States President William J. Clinton, a “Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements” (hereinafter “the DOP”), the text of which had been initialled the previous month in the Norwegian capital Oslo, following several months of secret negotiations. This occurred almost exactly fifteen years after the signing at the White House, on 17 September 1979, by the President of Egypt, Muhammad Anwar Al-Sadat, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Menachem Begin, of the “Framework for Peace in the Middle East” that had been negotiated and agreed at Camp David, Maryland (hereinafter “the Framework”).

Both the Framework and the DOP aim at resolving one of the most complex conflicts of our time, namely, the dispute that first developed between the Arab and Jewish communities in Mandatory Palestine and which widened, with the establishment of Israel in 1948, into a conflict between Israel and the entire Arab world. While both agreements provide for interim arrangements (and the DOP even stresses this aspect in its title), pending the negotiations for a definitive solution, and while both even use similar terms, the basic concepts underlying each of these agreements widely diverge.
Legal Analysis of the Security Arrangements between Israel and the PLO
Authors: Goller Karin Calvo
Published: February 2016

Seen in the context of the Middle East peace process, the security aspects of the Israel/PLO Agreements constitute a small, but important step within this process. Formally, the security arrangements in the bilateral agreements have to be distinguished from the issue of security in terms of strategic needs and arms control dealt with in the multilateral negotiations. However, bilateral security arrangements will in the long run, influence and be influenced by the content of the multilateral negotiations in the field of security. It appears to have become customary in Middle East peace negotiations, that only once an agreement has been reached on a larger issue, do teams of experts deal with the details of security arrangements. This was the case in the negotiations of the Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt, and of the Israel/PLO Agreements. The approach adopted by Israel in relation to Syria concerning the Golan Heights, is also similar in character.
Canada's Legal Revolution: Judging in the Age of the Charter of Rights
Authors:   The Right Honourable Antonio Lamer
Published: February 2016

I have been asked to speak to you about judging in the age of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with particular reference to remedies under the Charter. You will understand, I am sure, that my treatment of the subject will necessarily be in the nature of an overview.

Stated broadly, I will be suggesting to you that the introduction of the Charter in Canada has required a fundamental reappraisal of how judges approach their tasks, of the processes that are employed and of the relationship between the judicial and legislative branches of government.

Before developing these two propositions, however, I should first give you some basic information about our Charter; to those for whom this is very familiar ground, I apologize and promise brevity.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which was adopted by Canada in 1982, has one main animating principle from which flows one corollary. The animating principle is that certain human rights and freedoms should be part of the fundamental law of the land. The corollary is that when there is a dispute about the application or the meaning of these fundamental rights and freedoms, it is the responsibility of the courts in Canada to define and apply them through the legal process.
The Legal Status of the Holy Places in Jerusalem
Authors: Englard Izhak
Published: February 2016

The legal problems relating to the Holy Places in Jerusalem are of a very complex and delicate nature. The issue has a long history, and its complexity is the result of turbulent religious, ethnic, national and international conflicts over the Holy Places. The problems were not created by the State of Israel, but the establishment of the Jewish State added new dimensions to the age-old contest. I shall first describe briefly the ideological background of the problem, then analyze its legal aspects and finally illustrate its complexity by a number of Israel court decisions.
The Practice and Case Law of Israel in Matters Related to International Law
Authors: Perla Deborah
Published: February 2016

I. The Fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Israel

On December 30, 1993, the Fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Israel was signed in Jerusalem by representatives of both parties. The agreement, which precedes the first diplomatic relations entered into between the Holy See and the State of Israel, covers areas of international relations which include both general issues such as human rights and freedom of religion and particular issues regarding Vatican-Israel relations, such as the status of the Catholic Church in Israel and the role of the Holy See in territorial disputes in the region. The goals and meanings of many of the provisions of the Agreement have as yet to be further defined however, and several of them will be discussed following a brief survey of the historical events leading to the conclusion of this agreement.
Upgrading Citizen Suits as a Tool for Environmental Enforcement in Israel: A Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Marom-Albeck Orit , Tal Alon
Published: February 2016

Israel's environmental problems have grown increasingly severe over the past decade, bringing contamination of the air and water to crisis levels and scarring a landscape that has particular historic and religious value internationally. A comprehensive report prepared by over 100 leading scientists and professionals about present environmental trends in the country was particularly discouraging. Israel's former Minister of Environment Rafael Eitan also began an international report about the country's environment with an unusually frank appraisal of the situation: Damage to natural and landscape resources, deteriorating air and groundwater contamination have reached a level where it “threatens to rob us and our children of our right to quality of life and the environment.”
The University of Siena and the Racial Laws: The Expulsion of Professor Guido Tedeschi
Authors: Cordisco Nino
Published: February 2016

A few years ago Giorgio Israel published a penetrating study on the relationship between Science and Race in Fascist Italy in which, referring to the anti-Jewish legislation adopted by the Fascist regime in 1938, he explained how academic culture not only lent scientific and doctrinal credence to racism through the works of outstanding intellectuals such as Nicola Pende, Sabato Visco, Giuseppe Maggiore and Giacomo Acerbo, but also took advantage of “the positions made available for an ‘indecent’ promotion”.

This historical image is completely at variance with the description given by journalist Indro Montanelli who denied that “academia of that period was heartened by the racial laws, considering them a way to get new posts and promotions”. He claimed that “the academic culture did not support those laws either doctrinally or scientifically” and considered Prof. Israel's arguments superficial and groundless.
The Productivity of Judges in the Courts of Israel
Authors: Beenstock Michael
Published: February 2016

The output of Israel's judiciary, as measured by the number of completed cases, does not vary with judicial inputs, as measured by the number of judges. The appointment of additional judges lowers the caseload of existing judges, who respond by lowering their productivity. The percentage fall in productivity is equal to the percentage increase in the number of judges, implying that the output of the courts remains unchanged. This evidence undermines the conventional approach for determining the number of judges, which assumes that the productivity of judges does not depend upon their caseload.
Regulating (Hetero)Sexual Offences in British Columbia, 1885-1940
Authors: Chunn Dorothy E.
Published: February 2016

Since the late twentieth century, much literature and debate has addressed the use and misuse of science and expertise in the courts and the relationship between science and law in the determination of legal outcomes. Feminists have examined these issues in relation to the adjudication of criminal cases involving women accused (battered woman syndrome – BWS; pre-menstrual syndrome – PMS) and women complainants/victims (rape trauma syndrome – RTS) as well as cases in other areas of law such as sex discrimination and sexual harassment. Their research demonstrates that expert testimony reflects class-based, gendered, racialized, and sexualized assumptions and is clearly important to case outcomes. On one hand, judges often are swayed by expert testimony given at trial and/or submitted at the pre-trial or pre-sentence stage of the criminal process. On the other hand, non-legal experts often act like legal agents on behalf of either the prosecution or the defense. Indeed, the issue of competing experts is central to much discussion and debate about their place in criminal proceedings.
The Judicialization of the Public Sphere in Israel
Authors: Galnoor Itzhak
Published: February 2016

Judicialization in this article is the predisposition to find a solution in adjudication to types of dispute that had been settled previously in a socio-economic-political framework. “Legislative judicialization” (or over-legalization) is also a predisposition according to which the variegated spheres of our lives need to be regulated through a formal code of laws. In the political arena the questions relating to judicialization are: Is the assumption that legal decisions are able to save politics – mainly democratic values and abiding by the derived rules of the game – a valid one? Can one institution of the political system (broadly defined) – the law court – rescue the two other, the parliament and the government, in difficult times? Assuming that “successful” intervention by the judicial institution will cause the other two to abide strictly by the rule of law, could it at the same time curb their effective steering capacity, which is their main task? And conversely, if the steering capacity and the leadership ability to make “good” decisions are so flimsy – would it not be desirable to have judicial review to ensure that the political institutions at least make “proper” decisions that are not extremely unreasonable? These are the main questions discussed in this article.

The findings regarding the judicialization of politics point out not only to the eagerness of the law courts, but mainly to the weakening of the political system, to the point where the Knesset, the Government and the political parties find it most difficult to function without the assistance given them by the law courts. And yet, did the judicial branch “save” the other two branches? Obviously, this has not happened thus far. In Israel, a profound democratic deficit exists in the political system due to the fact, among other things, that the political institutions are incapable of coping with the continuing internal and external crises. In Israeli society, judicialization is but a symptom of a wide-ranging predicament that requires a richer bill of fare than more laws and more adjudication. It consists of: the social grounding of democratic values; renewal of trust and confidence in the political institutions; strengthening the political parties; recognition of the contribution of civil organizations and the media; strengthening the local authorities, and more. This is the real arena, because there is a breaking point to the over-judicialization of the public sphere beyond which lies total anarchy.
The Legitimacy of the ICJ's Advisory Competence in the Shadow of the Wall
Authors: Broude Tomer
Published: February 2016

This comment relates to a more universal aspect of the Wall opinion, asking whether the ICJ has promoted or undermined international law in its conduct, more particularly the legitimacy of the ICJ's advisory function. The comment argues that the Wall displays two conflicting tendencies in this respect. If one examines the opinion's procedural ‘inputs’ (even setting aside the issues of jurisdiction and propriety), the ICJ may have robbed the advisory procedure of some of its legitimacy by unfairly ignoring the case's contentious aspects on the procedural level. However, if one focuses on the opinion's ‘outputs’, it may have marked a significant, if imperfect, legitimate stage in the ongoing modernization of the ICJ, towards a supra-national, compulsory judiciary that allows a degree of effective access to non-state interests. Which of these evaluations will ultimately hold sway (or how they will weld together), remains to be seen.