bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Genomic Road Map for Complex Human Disease
Authors: Gregersen Peter K.
Published: March 2014

Consideration of cell type- and disease-associated environmental conditions is critical to connecting specific genetic variants to immune disorders.

[Also see Research Articles by

Fairfax
et al.

and

Lee
et al.

]
Crystallography and Geopolitics
Authors: Desiraju Gautam R.
Published: March 2014

Developed and developing nations recognize that innovation is key to their economies. Connecting this with the discipline of crystallography may not seem immediately apparent, but during the past century, understanding the structure of matter has transformed industries and created new frontiers, from the design of new medicines and materials to assessing the mineral content of Mars. The future global economy will be determined by progress in cutting-edge fields. However, the playing field is not level in crystallography, which is why the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have marked 2014 as the International Year of Crystallography. The aim is to improve public awareness of the field, boost access to instrumentation and high-level research, nurture “home-grown” crystallographers in developing nations, and increase international collaborations for the benefit of future generations.
A Bid to Thwart HIV With Shot of Long-Lasting Drug
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: March 2014

Four shots a year with a long-lasting drug may prevent HIV infection in the future.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Clostridium
sp. Strain Ade.TY, a New Biohydrogen- and Biochemical-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Landfill Leachate Sludge
Authors: Wong Y. M. , Juan J. C. , Ting Adeline , Wu T. Y. , Gan H. M. , Austin C. M.
Published: March 2014

Clostridium
sp. strain Ade.TY is potentially a new biohydrogen-producing species isolated from landfill leachate sludge. Here we present the assembly and annotation of its genome, which may provide further insights into its gene interactions for efficient biohydrogen production.
Draft Genome Sequence of Coprobacter fastidiosus NSB1
T
Authors: Chaplin A. V. , Efimov B. A. , Khokhlova E. V. , Kafarskaia L. I. , Tupikin A. E. , Kabilov M. R. , Shkoporov A. N.
Published: March 2014

Coprobacter fastidiosus
is a Gram-negative obligate anaerobic bacterium belonging to the phylum
Bacteroidetes
. In this work, we report the draft genome sequence of
C. fastidiosus
strain NSB1
T
isolated from human infant feces.
Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium falsenii DSM 44353 To Study the Evolution of
Corynebacterium
Cluster 3 Species
Authors: Glaub Alina , Bomholt Christina , Gravermann Kerstin , Brinkrolf Karina , Albersmeier Andreas , Rückert Christian , Tauch Andreas
Published: March 2014

Corynebacterium falsenii
is a member of the natural microflora of wild and domesticated birds and is rarely detected in human clinical specimens. The chromosomal sequence of the type strain
C. falsenii
DSM 44353 comprises 2,677,607 bp and provides detailed insights into the evolution of
Corynebacterium
species assigned to the highly diverse cluster 3.
Draft Genome Sequence of the
Sulfolobales
Archaeon AZ1, Obtained through Metagenomic Analysis of a Mexican Hot Spring
Authors: Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E. , Martínez-Romero Esperanza
Published: March 2014

The
Sulfolobales
archaea have been found inhabiting acidic hot springs all over the world. Here, we report the 1.798-Mbp draft genome sequence of the thermoacidophilic
Sulfolobales
archaeon AZ1, reconstructed from the metagenome of a Mexican hot spring. Sequence-based comparisons revealed that the
Sulfolobales
archaeon AZ1 represents a novel candidate genus.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Salmonella enterica Serovar Bovismorbificans Isolates from Various Sources
Authors: Gopinath Gopal , Jean-Gilles Beaubrun Junia , Grim Chris , Hanes Darcy
Published: March 2014

The sequences of nine genomes of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Bovismorbificans were compared to study the diversity and distribution of this emerging virulent serovar. These whole-genome sequences fill some gaps in knowledge of the diversity of the isolates used in this investigation.
Do MRI and ultrasound of the anterior pelvis correlate with, or predict, young football players’ clinical findings? A 4-year prospective study of elite academy soccer players
Authors: Robinson Philip , Grainger Andrew J , Hensor Elizabeth M A , Batt Mark E , O'Connor Philip J
Published: March 2014

Aims

To prospectively follow a cohort of elite young male professional soccer players with sequential symptom questionnaires and imaging of the anterior pelvis to determine the prevalence and severity of imaging findings.

Methods

34 male athletes (mean age 16.5 years) underwent clinical examination, history/symptom questionnaire, ultrasound and 1.5 T MRI of the anterior pelvis. Athletes then underwent annual questionnaire and ultrasound with MRI also performed every 18 months. Two experienced radiologists scored ultrasound (consensus) and MRI (independently) for abnormality including pubic bone, capsule and tendon oedema and scores correlated with symptoms and presence or absence of previous injuries.

Results

Over 4 years the participants fell from 34 to 22 in number with no withdrawals due to groin injury. On study entry no athletes had undergone previous hip or pelvic surgery. On MRI pubic bone oedema, secondary cleft, capsule/tendon oedema and enhancement did not differ substantively between players with and without history of previous injury. κ Analysis for MRI scoring showed excellent agreement (0.84–0.96) for pubic bone marrow oedema, secondary cleft, capsule/tendon oedema and enhancement. On ultrasound inguinal wall motion and adductor tendinopathy did not differ substantively between players with and without history of previous injury. Stability of imaging assessments over time showed no consistent difference.

Conclusions

Pubic bone marrow and parasymphyseal findings (cleft, capsule/tendon oedema) on MRI or inguinal canal ballooning on ultrasound were frequently found in asymptomatic athletes and did not predict injury or symptom development.
Improved patient safety through reduced airway infection rates in a paediatric cystic fibrosis programme after a quality improvement effort to enhance infection prevention and control measures
Authors: Savant Adrienne P , O'Malley Catherine , Bichl Stacy , McColley Susanna A
Published: March 2014

Objective

To reduce the risk of pathogen transmission between patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and decrease the rate of acquisition of new CF pathogens in our patients.

Design

Using the Model for Improvement, we developed a new process for infection prevention and control in our outpatient CF clinics.

Setting

Paediatric CF programme at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago; approximately 180 paediatric patients aged birth to 21 years.

Participants

All paediatric patients enrolled in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Data Registry at this institution.

Interventions

Implemented contact precautions withallpatients, regardless of respiratory tract culture results.

Measurement

Respiratory tract culture rates of specific pathogens by quarter were compared prior to and after implementation.

Results

Our percentage of patients with a positive respiratory tract culture forPseudomonas aeruginosadropped from 30% to 21% (p<0.0001) and for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) dropped from 10.8% to 8.7% (p=0.008).

Conclusions

Use of contact precautions by all care providers, for all patients, regardless of respiratory tract culture results resulted in decreasedP aeruginosaand MRSA infection rates.
The association between green space and mental health varies across the lifecourse. A longitudinal study
Authors: Astell-Burt Thomas , Mitchell Richard , Hartig Terry
Published: March 2014

Background

Epidemiological studies on green space and health have relied almost exclusively on cross-sectional designs, restricting understanding on how this relationship could vary across the lifecourse.

Methods

We used multilevel linear regression to analyse variation in minor psychiatric morbidity over nine annual waves of the British Household Panel Survey (1996–2004). The sample was restricted to residents of urban areas who remained within their neighbourhoods for at least 12 months. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire and confounders were reported for 29 626 male and 35 781 female observations (person-years). This individual-level dataset was linked to a measure of green space availability within each ward of residence. Regression models included age, gender, employment status, household tenure, marital status, education, smoking status and household income.

Results

When not considering age, green space was associated with better mental health among men, but not women. Interaction terms fitted between age and green space revealed variation in the association between green space and mental health across the lifecourse and by gender. For men, the benefit of more green space emerged in early to mid-adulthood. Among older women, a curvilinear association materialised wherein those with a moderate availability of green space had better mental health.

Conclusions

These findings illustrate how the relationship between urban green space and health can vary across the lifecourse, and they highlight the need for longitudinal studies to answer why green space may be better for health at some points in the lifecourse than others.
Treatment of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in juvenile calves with a single administration of a florfenicol plus flunixin meglumine formulation
Authors: Thiry J. , González‐Martín J. V. , Elvira L. , Pagot E. , Voisin F. , Lequeux G. , Weingarten A. , de Haas V.
Published: March 2014

The efficacy and safety of a florfenicol plus flunixin meglumine formulation in the treatment of respiratory disease was evaluated in calves less than six weeks of age, compared with a positive control group treated with a well‐established florfenicol formulation. A total of 210 calves, selected from nine sites in Belgium, France and Spain, showing severe signs of respiratory disease, were randomly assigned to treatment with either florfenicol plus flunixin meglumine (Resflor; MSD Animal Health) or florfenicol (Nuflor; MSD Animal Health), both administered subcutaneously once. Animals were clinically observed daily for 10 days following treatment initiation. The predominant respiratory pathogens were Pasteurella multocida, Mycoplasma bovis, Mannheimia haemolytica and Histophilus somni. All isolates were subject to in vitro sensitivity testing and found susceptible to florfenicol. In both groups, rectal temperature dropped and clinical index (depression and respiratory signs) significantly improved after treatment. Specifically, for the change in rectal temperature from pretreatment to six hours post‐treatment, the florfenicol‐flunixin formulation was found significantly superior to florfenicol. Moreover, the florfenicol‐flunixin formulation alleviated the clinical signs of disease more rapidly, and was demonstrated to be non‐inferior to florfenicol on days 4 and 10. The use of the product combining florfenicol and flunixin in calves is safe and efficacious in the treatment of outbreaks of bovine respiratory disease.
An Analytical Study of Hamiltonian Chaos in Nonsteady Finite-Amplitude Electroconvection
Authors: Chacón Ricardo
Published: March 2014

The extent of chaos and the suppressory role of Coulomb repulsion in the chaotic dynamics associated with nonsteady finite-amplitude electroconvection is revisited in the context of dynamical systems. Specifically, it is theoretically demonstrated that the threshold value of the charge density taming the heteroclinic chaos associated with laminar chaotic mixing depends on the sinusoidal perturbation's frequency of the fluid velocity field, which is at variance with the fixed threshold value previously reported [Chacón et al., 1994]. Additionally, the consideration of time-periodic multiharmonic perturbations reveals the great complexity of the chaotic mixing scenario.
MyD88 adaptor-like (Mal) regulates intestinal homeostasis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice
Authors: Aviello Gabriella , Corr Sinéad C. , Johnston Daniel G. W. , O'Neill Luke A. J. , Fallon Padraic G.
Published: March 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a central role in the recognition and response to microbial pathogens and in the maintenance and function of the epithelial barrier integrity in the gut. The protein MyD88 adaptor-like (Mal/TIRAP) serves as a bridge between TLR2/TLR4- and MyD88-mediated signaling to orchestrate downstream inflammatory responses. Whereas MyD88 has an essential function in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, a role for Mal in this context is less well described. Colitis was induced in wild-type (WT) and Mal-deficient ( Mal −/−) mice by administration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Colitis-associated cancer was induced by DSS and azoxymethane (AOM) treatment. Chimeric mice were generated by total body gamma irradiation followed by transplantation of bone marrow cells. In the DSS model of colon epithelial injury, Mal −/− mice developed increased inflammation and severity of colitis relative to WT mice. Mal −/− mice demonstrated the presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates, increased crypt proliferation, and presence of neoformations. Furthermore, in the AOM/DSS model, Mal −/− mice had greater incidence of tumors. Mal −/− and WT bone marrow chimeras demonstrated that nonhematopoietic cell expression of Mal had an important protective role in the control of intestinal inflammation and inflammation-associated cancer. Mal is essential for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and expression of Mal in nonhematopoietic cells prevents chronic intestinal inflammation that may predispose to colon neoplasia.
Subsequent Primary Malignancies in Patients with Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in England: A National Record-Linkage Study
Authors: Ong Eugene Liat Hui , Goldacre Raph , Hoang Uy , Sinclair Rodney , Goldacre Michael
Published: March 2014

Background: Conflicting evidence exists about whether people with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) are at higher risk of subsequent primary malignant cancers than those without.

Methods: An all England record-linked hospital and mortality dataset spanning from 1999 to 2011 was used. We constructed two cohorts: one that comprised people with a history of NMSC (502,490 people), and a control cohort that comprised people without. We “followed up” these two cohorts electronically to determine observed and expected numbers of people with subsequent primary cancers in each, based on person-years at risk, and calculated standardized risk ratios (RR).

Results: Comparing the NMSC cohort with the non-NMSC cohort, the RR for all subsequent malignant cancers combined was 1.36 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35–1.37]. Significantly increased RRs (P < 0.05) were found for 26 of the 29 cancer types studied, in particular for salivary gland, melanoma, bone, and upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. The RRs were also particularly high when comparing younger people with and without NMSC.

Conclusions: NMSC is strongly associated with a broad spectrum of other primary cancers, particularly in younger age groups. The pattern suggests a genetic or early-acquired etiologic association.

Impact: These results represent what can be done using very large, linked, routinely collected administrative datasets; but such datasets lack detail. Further work to establish the mechanisms behind these associations is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 490–8. ©2014 AACR.
Male Germ Cell Development in Humans
Authors: Stukenborg Jan-Bernd , Kjartansdóttir Kristín Rós , Reda Ahmed , Colon Eugenia , Albersmeier Jan Philipp , Söder Olle
Published: March 2014

Background: Germ cells are unique cells that possess the ability to transmit genetic information between generations. Detailed knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms determining the fate of human male germ cells still remains sparse. This is partially due to ethical issues limiting the access to research material. Therefore, the mechanisms of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of human male germ cells still remain challenging study objectives. Methods: This review focuses on using English articles accessible in PubMed as well as personal files on the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms connected with human testicular germ cell development, maturation failure and the possibility of fertility preservation in patients in whom there is a risk of gonadal failure. However, since rodents, particularly mice, offer the possibility of studying germ cell development by use of genetic modification techniques, some studies using animal models are also discussed. Conclusion: This mini review focuses on the current knowledge about male germ cells. However, the reader is referred to two previous mini reviews focusing on testicular somatic cells, i.e. on Sertoli cells and Leydig cells.
The Effect of Blood Glucose and pCO2 on Spectral EEG of Premature Infants during the First Three Days of Life
Authors: Schumacher E.M. , Larsson P.G. , Pripp A.H. , Stiris T.A.
Published: March 2014

Background: Spectral EEG analysis using automated quantification of total absolute band power (tABP) expresses brain function. We hypothesized that pCO2 or blood glucose affects tABP during the critical first days of life in premature infants. Objective: To use automated tABP quantification to determine whether EEG background activity in premature infants during the first 3 days of life is influenced by pCO2 or blood glucose levels. Methods: Preterm infants, group 1 [gestational age (GA) = 24-27 weeks] and group 2 (GA = 28-30 weeks), underwent continuous EEG monitoring for 3 days after birth. Biochemical data were extracted from the observational datasheet used during monitoring. Blood samples were taken at the request of the attending physician. Statistical analyses were performed as repeated measurements using linear mixed models with a random intercept. The effect of time was treated as a fixed covariate and the GA groups as a fixed factor in all models. Continuous data were described using the mean ± SD or median and range, and categorical data were described using the number of patients and percentages unless otherwise indicated. Results: There was an association between increased pCO2 and tABP and between increased blood glucose and tABP. Further, there were no differences in the responses between groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: Both hyperglycemia and hypercapnia showed a negative effect on brain activity decreasing tABP during the first 3 days of life in premature infants.
A Case of Malignant Melanoma with In-Transit Metastasis That Responded to Intravenous Infusion of Interferon-β
Authors: Arima Masaru , Iwata Youhei , Morita Yusuke , Kobayashi Tsukane , Sasaki Ryousuke , Suzuki Kayoko , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: March 2014

A 77-year-old man with a history of surgical resection of malignant melanoma involving the fifth toe of his left foot 14 years ago presented at the Kariya Toyota General Hospital with a 3-month history of skin ulcer at the same site and red nodules on the lower left leg. Malignant melanoma was suspected, and the patient was referred to our department. On examination, a skin ulcer measuring 25 × 20 mm was observed at the amputation site on the left foot. In addition, multiple red nodules were observed on the lower left leg. Skin biopsies of the ulcer and nodules revealed recurrent malignant melanoma with in-transit metastasis. Two weeks later, he developed acute myocardial infarction and was hospitalized at the Kariya Toyota General Hospital. One month later, the myocardial infarction ameliorated, and he was transferred to our department. As the myocardial infarction had decreased the patient's tolerance to surgery, interferon-β was administered by intravenous infusion. The skin ulcer and red nodules on the lower left leg disappeared 26 weeks after infusion had been initiated. The patient's progress has been satisfactory, with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis at 1 year and 9 months after the initiation of intravenous infusion.
Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale–Adjusted Time Window for Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Muchada Marián , Rubiera Marta , Rodriguez-Luna David , Pagola Jorge , Flores Alan , Kallas Julia , Sanjuan Estela , Meler Pilar , Alvarez-Sabin Jose , Ribo Marc , Molina Carlos A.
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose—

The effect of tissue-type plasminogen activator on functional outcome decreases progressively over time. However, given the differential pattern of arterial occlusion, stroke severity, and speed of ischemic lesion growth among candidates for reperfusion, the time window should be adjusted accordingly. We aimed to identify the impact of time-to-treatment according to stroke severity on functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We included 581 consecutive patients treated with alteplase according to the European Summary of Product Characteristics criteria. Patients were categorized according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) severity in mild NIHSS (≤8), moderate NIHSS (9–15), and severe stroke NIHSS (≥16). We sequentially analyzed time-to-treatment to achieve favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤2 at 3 months).

Results—

Overall, 19.8% had mild, 30.3% had moderate, and 49.9% had severe stroke. Favorable outcome occurred in 79.1%, 60.8%, and 26.2%, respectively. In patients with mild stroke, younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.88; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.8–0.95), no previous history of stroke (OR, 0.16; 95% CI [0.039–0.65]), and no proximal occlusion (OR, 0.183; 95% CI [0.038–0.89]) independently predicted favorable outcome. In patients with moderate stroke, age (OR, 0.95; 95% CI [0.92–0.98]), no proximal occlusion (OR, 0.362; 95% CI [0.17–0.75]), and time-to-treatment before 120 minutes (OR, 2.70; 95% CI [1.14–6.38]) emerged as independent predictors of favorable outcome. In patients with severe stroke, younger age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI [0.94–0.99]), lower previous modified Rankin Scale (OR, 0.42; 95% CI [0.21–0.82]), and absence of proximal occlusion (OR, 0.48; 95% CI [0.25–0.94]) appeared as independent predictors.

Conclusions—

The impact of time-to-treatment on favorable outcome varies widely depending on baseline stroke severity. The window for favorable outcome was ≤120 min for moderate strokes. However, time-to-treatment seemed unrelated to functional outcome in mild and severe stroke.
Targeting Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke Based on Risk of Intracranial Hemorrhage or Poor Functional Outcome
Authors: Whiteley William N. , Thompson Douglas , Murray Gordon , Cohen Geoff , Lindley Richard I. , Wardlaw Joanna , Sandercock Peter
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose—

Intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA), despite a risk of early symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), is of net clinical benefit to acute stroke patients. We tested if predictive models could identify patients least likely to be harmed by sICH or those who gained no net benefit.

Methods—

We used the Third International Stroke Trial (IST-3) trial data set, an international, multicenter, open treatment randomized trial of 0.9 mg/kg r-tPA versus control in 3035 patients with acute ischemic stroke. We compared the discrimination and calibration of previously developed predictive models for ICH and poststroke poor outcome and developed a new model using variables selected by systematic review. We calculated the absolute and relative risk reduction of death or dependency with r-tPA in patients at a low, medium, or high predicted risk of sICH or poor functional outcome.

Results—

Prediction models for sICH or poor outcome (Hemorrhage After Thrombolysis [HAT]; Sugar, Early Infarct Signs, Dense Artery, Age, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Score (SEDAN); Glucose Race Age Sex Pressure Stroke Severity [GRASPS]; Stroke Thrombolytic Predictive Instrument; Dense Artery, Rankin Score, Age, Glucose, Onset to Treatment Time, NIHSS [DRAGON]; Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events [THRIVE]; our new model; and a model with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and age) had similar area under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUROCC) to predict sICH (
P
for difference >0.05). The simplest model (with covariates National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and age) predicted both sICH (AUROCC, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.58–0.68) and poststroke poor functional outcome (AUROCC, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.77–0.82) similarly to complex models. There was no evidence that the effect of r-tPA in patients at high predicted risk of sICH or poor functional outcome after stroke was less than in those at lower risk.

Conclusions—

There is a clinically relevant net positive effect of r-tPA in patients with acute stroke at a high predicted risk of sICH or poor functional outcome.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN25765518.
Life on the Edge: Characterising the Edges of Mutually Non-dominating Sets
Authors: Everson Richard M. , Walker David J. , Fieldsend Jonathan E.
Published: March 2014

Multi-objective optimisation yields an estimated Pareto front of mutually non- dominating solutions, but with more than three objectives, understanding the relationships between solutions is challenging. Natural solutions to use as landmarks are those lying near to the edges of the mutually non-dominating set. We propose four definitions of edge points for many-objective mutually non-dominating sets and examine the relations between them. The first defines edge points to be those that extend the range of the attainment surface. This is shown to be equivalent to finding points which are not dominated on projection onto subsets of the objectives. If the objectives are to be minimised, a further definition considers points which are not dominated under maximisation when projected onto objective subsets. A final definition looks for edges via alternative projections of the set. We examine the relations between these definitions and their efficacy in many dimensions for synthetic concave- and convex-shaped sets, and on solutions to a prototypical many-objective optimisation problem, showing how they can reveal information about the structure of the estimated Pareto front. We show that the “controlling dominance area of solutions” modification of the dominance relation can be effectively used to locate edges and interior points of high-dimensional mutually non-dominating sets.
On the Status of Nous in the Philebus
Authors: Mason Andrew J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Hackforth and Menn make a strong case for the identity ofnousand the demiurge in Plato, but I argue that it does not hold in the case of thePhilebus, where the demiurge is kept in the background, and the world-soul is in fact the referent in the passage assigningnousto the class of cause as governor of the universe. In theStatesman, the world-soul had had to own the problem of natural catastrophe, and I suggest that in thePhilebusthe role and functions of the world-soul are enhanced in an attempt to make it the basis for a solution to that problem.
Off the Couch, into the Toilet
Authors: Lemma Alessandra
Published: March 2014

The analyst’s consulting room toilet lends itself to myriad uses in the context of the analytic relationship. It is a place where “dirty” secrets may be excitedly deposited and where perverse fantasies can be fueled and acted out, as illustrated in the analysis of Mr. D. This perverse use of the analyst’s toilet is contrasted with the case of Ms. C., whose anxieties about the destructiveness of her aggression led initially to a phobic avoidance of the toilet and then evolved toward its use as a container for parts of herself she felt were bad and unacceptable, thereby protecting the relationship with the analyst, who could not yet be trusted to receive and survive her projections. In these cases the toilet becomes quite concretely the location of the “toilet-breast” (Meltzer 1967), a means of preserving a more idealized relationship with the analyst.
Effects of temperature and strain rate on impact compression behaviors of three-dimensional carbon fiber/epoxy braided composites
Authors: Zhang Wei , Pan Zhongxiang , Gideon Rotich K , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: March 2014

This paper reports compression properties of three-dimensional carbon fiber/epoxy braided composites at temperatures from 23℃ to 210℃ under strain rate from 1200 s−1 to 2400 s−1. It was found that the elevated temperature has a negative effect on the compression properties, whereas the strain rate effect is positive. The compression modulus has a rapid degradation at the temperature of 120℃ which is close to the glass transition temperature of epoxy resin obtained from the dynamic mechanical analysis. The results also showed that the shear deformation is the main failure mode of three-dimensional braided composites at high strain rates of compression load and high temperatures.
The monitoring and enforcement of labour standards when services are contracted out
Authors: Holley Sasha
Published: March 2014

This article demonstrates that by contracting-out government services, the employment relationship has changed: workers’ labour standards are now regulated through the combination of traditional labour law mechanisms and lesser understood contract law mechanisms. This has changed the regime of regulation and enforcement of labour standards for employees performing services that have been contracted out, in ways that deserve more attention. Evidence is drawn from a case study of New South Wales (NSW) government school cleaners, conducted between October 2010 and April 2011, which finds that cleaners’ labour standards are regulated predominantly through commercial contracts for services. This is concerning because contracts are designed to facilitate commercial objectives such as competition and efficiency, and are poorly designed to protect labour standards. When used as a mechanism to enforce labour standards, contracts fail to meet the requirements of responsive regulation; contracts have limited enforcement tools and a weak credible threat of a ‘big stick’ style of punishment for infringements.
Territory and war
Authors: Toft Monica Duffy
Published: March 2014

In the past four decades scholars have produced a large literature on the relationship between territory and war. What is clear is that territory has been and will continue to be a core issue in explaining the escalation and onset of war and that territory has peculiar features that impact whether and how a conflict evolves and ends, and the nature of the peace that follows. These dynamics have received significant consideration theoretically and empirically. Although research initially centered on interstate wars, focus broadened to include intrastate or civil wars. On the methodological side, scholarship has taken a quantitative shift. The article concludes that both theorizing and empirical testing have become increasingly sophisticated.
A social science of human rights
Authors: Hafner-Burton Emilie M
Published: March 2014

Why do governments abuse human rights, and what can be done to deter and reverse abusive practices? This article examines the emerging social science on these two questions. Over the last few decades, scholars have made considerable progress in answering the first one. Abuse stems, centrally, from conflict and institutions. Answers to the second question are more elusive because data are scarce and the relationships between cause and effect are hard to pin down. Lively debates concern the effectiveness of tools such as military intervention, economic policy, international law, and information strategies for protecting human rights. The evidence suggests that despite the explosion of international legal instruments, this strategy has had impact only in special circumstances. Powerful states play central roles in protecting human rights through sanctions, impartial military intervention, and other tools – often applied unilaterally, which suggests that there is an ongoing tension between the legitimacy of broad multilateral legal institutions and narrower strategies that actually work. The best approaches to managing human rights depend on the political organization of the abuser. Where strong centralized organizations are the problem, the best strategies alter the incentives of leaders at the top; where abuse arises from disarray, such as during civil war or fragile democratic transition, the key tasks include reducing agency slack and making organizations stronger and more accountable.
The Role of Affect in Intended Rule Breaking
Authors: Kamerdze Amy Sariti , Loughran Tom , Paternoster Ray , Sohoni Tracy
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

Through a mood induction procedure, we prime positive, negative, or a neutral affective state and examine its effect on intentions to cheat on an exam and drinking and driving.

Method:

University students served as subjects for the study. They were provided with a questionnaire that randomized a mood induction procedure. Respondents were asked to recall (1) a recent positive event or experience, (2) a recent negative event or experience, or (3) their favorite books. They then completed a questionnaire that asked about their current mood state and got their responses to two hypothetical crime scenarios—cheating on an exam and drinking and driving. They were also asked questions pertaining to perceived risk, their decision-making style, impulsivity, and confidence.

Results:

We found that those experiencing an intense positive mood state were generally less likely to report that they would cheat or drive drunk relative to the negative and neutral state. However, we found little support for the suggested mediating causal mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Affective states milder than emotions are related to intentions to commit acts that are in the long-term harmful and go against self-interest. The relationship between affect states and criminal decision making can benefit from additional research.
Exposure to Local Homicides and Early Educational Achievement in Mexico
Authors: Caudillo Mónica L. , Torche Florencia
Published: March 2014

We investigate the effect of children’s exposure to local violence on grade failure in Mexico. We construct an annual panel of all elementary schools from 1990 to 2010 and merge municipality-level homicide rates to analyze the effect of exposure to local homicide. Using a variety of causal inference techniques, we consistently find that exposure to local violence increases the probability of failing a grade in elementary school. This effect is net of demographic, economic, and migratory trends usually associated with violence and is likely driven by heightened fear and anxiety and change in parenting practices. Our findings suggest that violent crime in children’s environments compromises early educational achievement and may have long-lasting consequences on human capital formation and economic well-being.
“Everybody Was Looking for a Good Government Job”
Authors: Perry Nancy , Reybold L. Earle , Waters Nigel
Published: March 2014

During the period from childhood through young adulthood individuals select the occupation that best satisfies their needs based on their values, interests, education, and environment. Arlington County, Virginia, provides an opportunity to study the impact that geography played on occupational choice for one black community during segregation. Using qualitative methods, this article explores the occupational choices of Arlington’s African Americans as Arlington grew from a scattering of farm settlements to a prosperous white suburb of Washington, D.C. Washington’s black high schools offered excellent career training and the government offered Civil Service employment. The arrival in Arlington of the Pentagon building and large numbers of white federal workers provided new sources of employment but obliterated existing farm and factory work. The article concludes that Arlington’s geography, that is, its proximity to the federal government in Washington, had both a positive and a negative influence on Arlington’s African Americans when choosing their occupations.
A risk factor for kinked middle lobar bronchus following right upper lobectomy
Authors: Masuda Yoshiko , Marutsuka Takashi , Suzuki Makoto
Published: March 2014

Background

Kinking of the middle lobar bronchus is sometimes observed after a right upper lobectomy, but prevention and treatment have not been established. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for a kinked middle lobar bronchus causing postoperative middle lobe atelectasis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 35 patients who underwent a right upper lobectomy in our hospital. Demographic and preoperative variables were compared in 4 patients with postoperative middle lobe atelectasis and kinking of the middle lobar bronchus and 31 without postoperative middle lobe atelectasis, determined by bronchoscopy and computed tomography findings.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, lung function test results, or volume ratio of the right upper lobe. A shorter distance from the carina to the middle lobe orifice was the only risk factor for a kinked middle lobar bronchus identified (40.25 ± 2.45 vs. 48.06 ± 4.78 mm, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

A short distance from the carina to the middle lobe orifice could be a risk factor for kinking of the middle lobar bronchus in postoperative middle lobe atelectasis after right upper lobectomy.
Revisiting the IT Productivity Paradox
Authors: Brown Mary Maureen
Published: March 2014

Twenty-five years after Nobel Laureate economist Robert Solow observed “seeing computers everywhere but in the productivity statistics,” the question of productivity gains from information technologies (IT) remains unanswered. This study examines the role of IT on one of the major indicators of police productivity: crime clearance rates. Relying on a two-wave cohort panel research design of roughly 700 police agencies, the study reveals that significant IT advances were made between the pre and post time periods in the provision of computerized crime data, crime analysis capabilities, and real-time communications. Nonetheless, using multiple hierarchical regression analysis, the study provides robust evidence for suggesting that computerization had little influence on productivity gains. The results of this study raise several very important issues pertaining to the goals of public organizations. While this study is limited to policing, a narrow time period, and internal IT systems, the results are nonetheless noteworthy. The research illustrates that conventional explanations for the IT productivity paradox do little to explain the shortfall. In closing, the article offers rival, but yet untested, explanations that may prove worthy of additional research.
Mobilities I
Authors: Merriman Peter
Published: March 2014

This first report identifies key trends in mobilities research during late 2012 and 2013. Using the 150th anniversary of the London Underground as its launching point, the article explores a number of academic engagements with its history, as well as identifying the lack of research on underground or underwater mobilities. It then examines recent work which might be considered to provide creative or experimental engagements with and meditations on movement, including urban exploration, poetry, art and film. The final section examines recent work on mobility, politics, exclusion, marginalization and privilege, including work on forced, elite and family mobilities.
Agile management
Authors: Wells Andrew
Published: March 2014

This paper explores the concept of agile management, revealing multiple meanings for the term. Notable innovations and developments in Australian university libraries reflect conscious (or possibly not) applications of agile management techniques. As a case study, changes at The University of New South Wales Library are examined in the light of agile management concepts.
The Newsworthiness of U.S. Supreme Court Criminal Procedure Cases (1994–2010 Terms)
Authors: Buckler Kevin G.
Published: March 2014

This study examines elite ( New York Times and Washington Post) and populace ( USA Today) media decisions to cover and to intensively cover U.S. Supreme Court outcomes in criminal procedure cases decided in the 1994 through 2010 terms. Two central constructs—case salience and decisional case complexity—are developed as a framework within which to understand media decisions. Case salience is conceptualized both in terms of contextual case salience (measured as the number of amicus curiae briefs filed on the merits) and issue-based case salience (cases that concern the fourth and eighth amendments). Decisional case complexity is measured as the number of unique majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions published as part of the case decision. The study utilizes measures from the U.S. Supreme Court Database developed by Harold Spaeth, supplemented with primary data collection of media articles and amicus curiae briefs. The study finds that case salience measures are the most powerful predictor variables for the decision to publish in both elite and populace press. Case salience measures are also the most dominant set of variables in explaining overall intensity of coverage in populace press. Decisional case complexity is the most important explanatory predictor of overall intensity of coverage in elite press. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Effect of various loop lengths on mechanical properties of biaxial weft-knitted thermoplastic composites
Authors: Demircan Özgür , Ashibe Shinsuke , Kosui Tatsuya , Nakai Asami
Published: March 2014

Within the scope of experiments, five kinds of biaxial weft-knitted (BWK) fabrics with various loop lengths (8.0, 9.2, 10.5, 11.9, and 13.5 mm) were used as reinforcement systems to fabricate thermoplastic composites with polypropylene (PP) resin yarn. Then, the final composite became BWK composite with various loop lengths. The mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by conducting tensile, three-point bending, and three-point bending impact tests on specimens. In all specimens, PP was commingled with glass yarn. Glass was used as the reinforcement material. Fiber volume fraction of weft fibers with the 8.0 mm loop length was the highest compared with the other four types of specimens. Because of the higher volume fraction of the BWK composites with the 8.0 mm loop lengths, tensile, three-point bending, and three-point bending impact properties of the 8.0 mm loop were higher than the other four types (9.2, 10.5, 11.9, and 13.5 mm) of composite structures.
Robust adaptive backstepping tracking control for a flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle subject to input constraint
Authors: Zong Q , Wang F , Su R , Shao SK
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a tracking control problem of flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle with input constraint and aerodynamic uncertainty. Without ignoring aero-propulsive and elevator-to-lift couplings, a control-oriented model including aerodynamic uncertainty is firstly established. Then a robust adaptive backstepping control scheme is designed, in which the control-oriented model does not need to be transformed into linear parameterization formulation. Upper bounds of the uncertain terms do not need to be known in advance, which are estimated online by designing robust adaptive laws. To further consider input constraint, a constrained robust adaptive backstepping controller is proposed to simultaneously handle input constraint and aerodynamic uncertainty. Finally, the compared simulation results show the effectiveness of the designed control strategy.
Democracy and Good Governance in Bangladesh: Are They Compatible?
Authors: Khan Mohammad Mohabbat , Islam Md. Shahriar
Published: March 2014

Democracy is the most desirable form of governance. Democratic governance has a long history in many developed countries of the world. But democratic governance in developing countries needs vigilant scrutiny. This article by utilizing good governance framework analyzes various problems afflicting institutionalization of democratic governance in Bangladesh as the country’s experiment with parliamentary democracy during the last two decades has raised many questions. It appears that the only justification for the continuation of the present governance system is that representatives of the people are at the helm of state affairs. The malice of the present governance system is there for all to see. Parliament in the true sense of the term is barely functional and bureaucracy is highly politicized. In this fold, it has serious implications for the morale and efficiency of the public servants as well for the level, frequency and quality of service delivery. Though judiciary has given some judgements to protect human rights, controversy still persists as to whether its judgements are influenced by political considerations or not. Though press freedom exists with some limitations, there is still a growing concern as to whether print and electronic media serve national interest or pursue narrow self-interest of their rich owners.
Book Review: Churning the Earth: The Making of Global India
Authors: Firdos Sohel
Published: March 2014

Aseem Shrivastava and Ashish Kothari. 2012. Churning the Earth: The Making of Global India. New Delhi: Penguin, 331 + 45 pages notes +12 pp.
Material culture, room temperature and the social organisation of thermal energy
Authors: Shove Elizabeth , Walker Gordon , Brown Sam
Published: March 2014

This article builds on the suggestion that objects should be thought of not as bounded entities but as sites of flow, mixture and mutation. In arguing that processes of thermal exchange are outcomes and expressions of socio-material organization, the authors demonstrate the potential for linking concepts from physics and social science. Drawing on a recent study of air conditioning in the UK, they show that increasingly standardised notions of room temperature have implications for product and building design, and for how energy circulates through the many components and bodies involved. In describing indoor climates in these terms, they develop a social analysis of thermal exchange that is relevant at the molecular level and for long-term trends in energy demand and climate change.
Working memory arrest in children with high-functioning autism compared to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Results from a 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Andersen Per N , Skogli Erik W , Hovik Kjell T , Geurts Hilde , Egeland Jens , Øie Merete
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to analyse the development of verbal working memory in children with high-functioning autism compared to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and typically developing children. A total of 34 children with high-functioning autism, 72 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and 45 typically developing children (age 9–16 years) were included at baseline and followed up approximately 25 months later. The children were given a letter/number sequencing task to assess verbal working memory. The performance of children with high-functioning autism on verbal working memory did not improve after 2 years, while improvement was observed in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and typically developing children. The results indicate a different developmental trajectory for verbal working memory in children with high-functioning autism compared to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and typically developing children. More research is needed to construct a developmental framework more suitable for children with autism spectrum disorder.