bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance to Privatization: Why Protest Movements Succeed and Fail in Latin America
Authors: Kingstone Peter , Young Joseph K. , Aubrey Rebecca
Published: August 2013

Why do some protest movements in Latin America succeed in rolling back privatizations while others fail? This article argues that protests against privatizations have tended to succeed under two conditions. First, privatization’s opponents form linkages (or “brokerage”) across multiple sectors of society. Broad coalitions are more likely to achieve their goals, while groups acting alone, such as labor unions, are more easily defeated or ignored by governments. Second, civil rights are protected but political representation is weak. In that case, opponents have the legal right to protest, but are unlikely to have opportunities for communicating their concerns through formal institutions, which prompts them to channel their demands outside of existing political institutions. Using case examples and logistic regression, this study confirms these arguments and discusses the implications for democracy in the region.
Disappearance of Fatigue Heterogeneity Due to an Introduction of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 Buffer Layers in Modified Lead Zirconate Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Xiangrong , Ma Liang , Qv Fuyang , Zhu Jia
Published: August 2013

A disappearance of fatigue heterogeneity has been observed with an introduction of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) buffer layers in modified lead zirconate titanate ceramics. This disappearance provides clear evidence for the presence of trapped charge defects near the ferroelectric‐electrode interface. The time‐dependent polarization switching curves reveal that the modified lead zirconate titanate ceramics with LSM buffer layers displayed much less retardation after fatigue cycles. These results point to the essential role of oxygen vacancy during fatigue.
Unusual forms of alopecia areata in a Trichology Unit
Authors: Priego‐Recio C.M. , Rodríguez‐Pichardo A. , Camacho‐Martínez F.M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) occurs with the apparition of asyntomatic non inflamatory alopecia plaques without scars. We distinguish several variants which are divided into two groups: typical forms (AA in single or multiple plaques) and atypical forms (by its presentation, evolution or paradoxical regrowth).

Objetives and methods

We describe the cases of AA treated in our Trichology Unit between January 2000 and December 2011.

Results

We obtained 488 cases of AA. 114 (23.36%) were unusual form of AA or had paradoxical regrowth. The most common unusual form of AA was sisaipho type (7.37%), followed by AA for black and blonde hair (5.32%), atypical diffuse forms (4.30%), androgenetic alopecia type and (3.89%) and AA rectangular occipital (0.68%). Furthermore, we found nine cases of paradoxical regrowth (1.84%).

Conclusions

Atypical variants of AA in our series are less than 25% of all cases, although it should be noted that since it is a specialized unit, we may be making a selection bias to be more difficult to diagnose cases or poor outcome.
Spatial and temporal variation in the diet of the Pacific sand lance Ammodytes hexapterus in waters off the coast of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Hipfner J. M. , Galbraith M.
Published: August 2013

Variation in the diet of the Pacific sand lance Ammodytes hexapterus was examined in three years (2009–2011) at four sites in British Columbia, Canada. There were 12 major taxa of prey in diets, eight of which were Crustacea, with copepods being by far the dominant taxon in all 12 site‐years. Of the 22 copepod taxa recorded, only Calanus marshallae and Pseudocalanus spp. occurred in all collections, and these two calanoid species dominated diets in terms of frequency of occurrence and total numbers of prey (Pseudocalanus spp. in most collections), and total prey biomass (C. marshallae in all collections). Based on an index of relative importance, C. marshallae was the primary prey at the two southerly sampling sites (Pine and Triangle Islands) and Pseudocalanus spp. at the two northerly sites (Lucy Island and S'Gang Gwaay). Based on an index of dietary overlap, the species composition of the copepod component of A. hexapterus diets overlapped very strongly at the northerly and the southerly pairs of sites in both a cold‐water La Niña year (2009) and a warm‐water El Niño year (2010), but overall there was more homogeneity amongst all four sites in the La Niña year.
Novel Natural Allelic Variations at the Rht‐1 Loci in Wheat
Authors: Li Aixia , Yang Wenlong , Lou Xueyuan , Liu Dongcheng , Sun Jiazhu , Guo Xiaoli , Wang Jing , Li Yiwen , Zhan Kehui , Ling Hong‐Qing , Zhang Aimin
Published: August 2013

Plant height is an important agronomic trait. Dramatic increase in wheat yield during the “green revolution” is mainly due to the widespread utilization of the Reduced height (Rht)‐1 gene. We analyzed the natural allelic variations of three homoeologous loci Rht‐A1, Rht‐B1, and Rht‐D1 in Chinese wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) micro‐core collections and the Rht‐B1/D1 genotypes in over 1,500 bred cultivars and germplasms using a modified EcoTILLING. We identified six new Rht‐A1 allelic variations (Rht‐A1b–g), eight new Rht‐B1 allelic variations (Rht‐B1h–o), and six new Rht‐D1 allelic variations (Rht‐D1e–j). These allelic variations contain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or small insertions and deletions in the coding or uncoding regions, involving two frame‐shift mutations and 15 missenses. Of which, Rht‐D1e and Rht‐D1h resulted in the loss of interactions of GID1‐DELLA‐GID2, Rht‐B1i could increase plant height. We found that the Rht‐B1h contains the same SNPs and 197 bp fragment insertion as reported in Rht‐B1c. Further detection of Rht‐B1h in Tibet wheat germplasms and wheat relatives indicated that Rht‐B1c may originate from Rht‐B1h. These results suggest rich genetic diversity at the Rht‐1 loci and provide new resources for wheat breeding.
Different B‐Type Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases in Chlamydomonas May Protect the Alga against High‐Light, Sulfur‐Depletion, or Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhao Lei , Chen Mei , Cheng Dongmei , Yang Haomeng , Sun Yongle , Zhou Heyi , Huang Fang
Published: August 2013

The genome of unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains four genes encoding B‐type methionine sulfoxide reductases, MSRB1.1, MSRB1.2, MSRB2.1, and MSRB2.2, with functions largely unknown. To understand the cell defense system mediated by the methionine sulfoxide reductases in Chlamydomonas, we analyzed expression and physiological roles of the MSRBs under different abiotic stress conditions using immunoblotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. We showed that the MSRB2.2 protein was accumulated in cells treated with high light (1,300 µE/m2 per s), whereas MSRB1.1 was accumulated in the cells under 1 mmol/L H2O2 treatment or sulfur depletion. We observed that the cells with the MSRB2.2 knockdown and overexpression displayed increased and decreased sensitivity to high light, respectively, based on in situ chlorophyll a fluorescence measures. We also observed that the cells with the MSRB1.1 knockdown and overexpression displayed decreased and increased tolerance to sulfur‐depletion and oxidative stresses, respectively, based on growth and H2‐producing performance. The physiological implications revealed from the experimental data highlight the importance of MSRB2.2 and MSRB1.1 in protecting Chlamydomonas cells against adverse conditions such as high‐light, sulfur‐depletion, and oxidative stresses.
Matrix‐dependent garnet growth in polymetamorphic rocks of the Sesia zone, Italian Alps
Authors: Robyr M. , Darbellay B. , Baumgartner L.P.
Published: August 2013

Mushroom‐ and atoll‐shaped garnet crystals were found in high‐pressure quartz‐rich pelitic layers from the Monte Mucrone area (Western Alps, Italy). These garnet crystals are characterized by a peninsula‐shaped core surrounded by a partially crystallized, dodecahedral external rim. Textural observations and thermodynamic modelling point towards growth of the atoll garnet from the Monte Mucrone area during two distinct orogenic cycles. The core region and the inner part of the ring forming the edge of the atoll grew under Barrovian metamorphic conditions of likely Hercynian age, while the outer rim of the atoll structure developed under Alpine high‐pressure conditions. Electron backscatter diffraction analyses indicate that the atoll‐shaped structure has one single crystallographic orientation, despite its complex compositional zoning. Thermodynamic modelling reveals marked changes in equilibrium assemblage leading to changes in stoichiometry of the garnet‐forming reaction, which in turn explain the characteristic garnet morphology. Small amounts of quartz are consumed during the earlier stage of garnet growth history, whereas the production of garnet requires a much larger amount of quartz during the final stage of its growth. This leads to a change from initial poikiloblastic to non‐poikiloblastic textures. This change is responsible for the formation of atoll‐shaped garnet. Finally, garnet in intercalated mica‐rich layers forms idiomorphic crystals, continuous from the centre to rim. This study highlights the importance of the difference between the local matrix composition and the aggregate composition of the reactants needed for the garnet‐forming reaction. Finally, we show that interaction between matrix and reaction stoichiometry can lead to porphyroblast precipitation inside the already grown porphyroblast.
Drug‐Induced Brugada Syndrome by Noncardiac Agents
Authors: LETSAS KONSTANTINOS P. , KAVVOURAS CHARALAMPOS , KOLLIAS GEORGE , TSIKRIKAS SPYRIDON , KORANTZOPOULOS PANAGIOTIS , EFREMIDIS MICHALIS , SIDERIS ANTONIOS
Published: August 2013

Drug‐induced Brugada syndrome (BrS) represents a great challenge for the prescribing clinicians as well as for those involved in the development of novel pharmaceuticals and in the regulatory bodies responsible with monitoring drug safety. Apart from well‐known cardiac agents (mainly Class I antiarrhythmics), an increasing number of noncardiac agents, including psychotropic and anesthetic drugs, have been shown to induce the characteristic Brugada electrocardiogram pattern predisposing to fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Up to now, both repolarization and depolarization abnormalities are thought to be related to the development of ventricular fibrillation in BrS patients. This review highlights the mechanisms and the noncardiac medical agents that unmask a genetic predisposition to BrS.
Public Health Model Identifies Recruitment Barriers among Older Adults with Delirium and Dementia
Authors: Bull Margaret J. , Boaz Lesley , Sjostedt Jennifer M.
Published: August 2013

Recruiting older adults and their family caregivers into research studies presents challenges. Although the literature notes some general recruitment challenges, no studies specifically address the unique challenges of recruiting older adults who have Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and their family caregivers in studies about delirium or suggest using a framework to identify barriers to recruiting this population. In conducting a pilot study about preparing family caregivers to detect delirium symptoms in older adults with (AD) the researchers used the Public Health Model for identifying barriers to recruitment. The goals of this methodological article are to: (1) briefly describe the methodology of the pilot study to illustrate how the Public Health Model was applied in the context of the present study and (2) discuss the benefits of the Public Health Model for identifying the barriers to recruitment in a study that prepared family caregivers to detect delirium symptoms in older adults with AD. The Public Health Model helped us to identify four specific barriers to recruitment (lack of knowledge about delirium, desire to maintain normalcy, protective caregiving behaviors, and older adult's fears) and ways to overcome them. The Public Health Model might also help other researchers address similar issues.
Can you give me a hand? A comparison of hands and feet as optimal anatomical sites for skin conductance recording
Authors: Payne Andrew F. H. , Dawson Michael E. , Schell Anne M. , Singh Kulwinder , Courtney Christopher G.
Published: August 2013

The fingers and feet have long been accepted as optimal anatomical recording sites for electrodermal activity. The available literature suggests that the feet are more responsive than the fingers. The present report compared skin conductance level (SCL) and responses (SCRs) from the left foot and the distal phalanges of the fingers on the nondominant hand among 19 participants. The principal results were (a) SCRs recorded from the fingers were significantly larger and more frequent with shorter latencies than SCRs from the foot, (b) SCL from the fingers was significantly higher than from the foot, (c) the fingers exhibited significantly greater discrimination conditioning than the foot, and (d) skin conductance measures recorded from the fingers and foot were significantly positively correlated. Specifically, our results demonstrate that the distal phalanges of the fingers are electrodermally more responsive than the abductor hallucis area of the foot.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Ancestral Animal-Borne ST398 Staphylococcus aureus Strain S123
Authors: van der Mee-Marquet Nathalie , Hernandez David , Bertrand Xavier , Quentin Roland , Corvaglia Anna-Rita , François Patrice
Published: August 2013

Sequence type 398 (ST398)
Staphylococcus aureus
was originally reported in livestock. We announce the complete genome sequence of an ST398 methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
strain of animal origin, S123. The genome sequence reveals a wild-type genome that probably corresponds to an ancestral clone
.
Playing board games, cognitive decline and dementia: a French population-based cohort study
Authors: Dartigues Jean François , Foubert-Samier Alexandra , Le Goff Mélanie , Viltard Mélanie , Amieva Hélène , Orgogozo Jean Marc , Barberger-Gateau Pascale , Helmer Catherine
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To study the relationship between board game playing and risk of subsequent dementia in the Paquid cohort.

Design

A prospective population-based study.

Setting

In the Bordeaux area in South Western France.

Participants

3675 non-demented participants at baseline.

Primary outcome measure

The risk of dementia during the 20 years of follow-up.

Results

Among 3675 non-demented participants at baseline, 32.2% reported regular board game playing. Eight-hundred and forty participants developed dementia during the 20 years of follow-up. The risk of dementia was 15% lower in board game players than in non-players (HR=0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.99; p=0.04) after adjustment on age, gender, education and other confounders. The statistical significance disappeared after supplementary adjustment on baseline mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and depression (HR=0.96, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.12; p=0.61). However, board game players had less decline in their MMSE score during the follow-up of the cohort (β=0.011, p=0.03) and less incident depression than non-players (HR=0.84; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98; p<0.03).

Conclusions

A possible beneficial effect of board game playing on the risk of dementia could be mediated by less cognitive decline and less depression in elderly board game players.
Prediction of unsuccessful treatment in patients with severe acute asthma
Authors: Goodacre Steve , Bradburn Mike , Cohen Judith , Gray Alasdair , Benger Jonathan , Coats Tim
Published: August 2013

Background

Clinical assessment can be used to identify which patients with acute asthma are at risk of unsuccessful initial treatment.

Objective

To determine which elements of clinical assessment predict unsuccessful treatment, defined as needing critical care or any unplanned additional treatment.

Methods

We analysed data from a large multicentre trial (the 3Mg trial). Adults with severe acute asthma underwent standardised clinical assessment, including peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), up to 2 h after initiation of treatment. Standard care was provided other than blinded random allocation to trial treatment or placebo. Patients were followed up by record review up to 30 days. Unsuccessful treatment was defined as needing (1) critical care or (2) critical care or any unplanned additional treatment within 7 days of presentation. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors and derive a prediction model for each outcome.

Results

Out of 1084 patients analysed, 81 (7%) received critical care and 157 (14%) received critical care or unplanned additional treatment. Baseline PEFR (p=0.017), baseline heart rate (p<0.001), other serious illness (p=0.019), PEFR change (p=0.015) and heart rate change (p<0.001) predicted need for critical care. Baseline PEFR (p=0.010), baseline heart rate (p<0.001), baseline respiratory rate (p=0.017), other serious illness (p=0.023), PEFR change (p=0.003) and heart rate change (p=0.001) predicted critical care or additional treatment. Models based on these characteristics had c-statistics of 0.77 and 0.69, respectively.

Conclusions

PEFR, heart rate and other serious illnesses are the best predictors of unsuccessful treatment, but models based on these variables provide modest predictive value.
QUINTESSENTIAL POWER-LAW COSMOLOGY: DARK ENERGY EQUATION OF STATE
Authors: GUMJUDPAI BURIN
Published: August 2013

Power-law cosmology with scale factor as power of cosmic time, a ∝tα, is investigated. We review and discuss value of α obtained from various types of observation. Considering dark energy dominant era in late universe from z < 0.5, we use observational derived results from Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) (WMAP7), Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAOs) and observational Hubble data to find power exponent α and other cosmological variables. α is found to be 0.99 ±0.02 ( WMAP7 + BAO +H0) and 0.99 ±0.04 (WMAP7). These values do not exclude possibility of acceleration at 1σ hence giving viability to power-law cosmology in general. When considering scenario of canonical scalar field dark energy with power-law cosmology, we derive scalar field potential, exact scalar field solution and equation of state parameter. We found that the scenario of power-law cosmology containing dynamical canonical scalar field predicts present equation of state parameter wϕ, 0 = -0.449±0.030 while the w CDM with WMAP7 data (model independent, w constant) allows a maximum (+1σ) value of wϕ, 0 at -0.70 which is off the prediction range. However, in case of varying wϕ, the wϕ, 0 value predicted from quintessential power-law cosmology is allowed within 1σ uncertainty.
ON THE EXISTENCE OF A CLASS OF (v, k, λ) DIFFERENCE SETS WITH k < 350, n = m2, m = 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 AND v ≡ 0 MOD 68
Authors: OSIFODUNRIN ADEGOKE S.
Published: August 2013

We investigate (v, k, λ) difference sets with k < 350, n = k – λ = m2, where m = 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 and v ≡ 0 mod 68. By applying methods in algebraic number theory, group representations and rational idempotents of the group ring, we conclude that most of the groups of order v do not admit the respective difference sets.
Nab-Paclitaxel Is an Active Drug in Preclinical Model of Pediatric Solid Tumors
Authors: Zhang Libo , Marrano Paula , Kumar Sushil , Leadley Michael , Elias Evelyn , Thorner Paul , Baruchel Sylvain
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To investigate the antitumor effect of nab-paclitaxel, an albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel, on pediatric solid tumor models.

Experimental Design: A panel of three rhabdomyosarcoma, one osteosarcoma and seven neuroblastoma cell lines were exposed to increasing concentrations of nab-paclitaxel in vitro. Cell viability was evaluated using the Alamar Blue Assay. Antitumor effect was further assessed in vivo in NOD/SCID xenograft and metastatic neuroblastoma mouse models. Tumor sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3 and phospho-histone H3. Plasma and intratumoral paclitaxel concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Ratio of intratumoral and plasma concentration was compared between nab-paclitaxel and paclitaxel treatment groups.

Results: Nab-paclitaxel displayed significant cytotoxicity against most pediatric solid tumor cell lines in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, nab-paclitaxel showed antitumor activity in both rhabdomyosarcoma (RH4 and RD) and neuroblastoma [SK-N-BE(2) and CHLA-20] xenograft models. In the SK-N-BE(2) metastatic model, nab-paclitaxel treatment significantly extended animal survival compared with control (P < 0.01). Nab-paclitaxel treatment induced tumor cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vivo. In the RH4 model, increased local relapse-free intervals were observed with nab-paclitaxel treatment (37.7 ± 3.2 days) comparing with paclitaxel (13.6 ± 2.07 days). Local relapsed tumors following paclitaxel treatment proved to be paclitaxel-resistant and remained responsive to nab-paclitaxel. Mechanistically, a higher tumor/plasma paclitaxel drug ratio in favor of nab-paclitaxel was observed.

Conclusions: Nab-paclitaxel showed significant antitumor activity against all pediatric solid tumors associated with an enhanced drug intratumor delivery. Furthermore, testing of nab-paclitaxel in pediatric solid-tumor patient population is under development. Clin Cancer Res; 19(21); 5972–83. ©2013 AACR.
Preclinical and Clinical Studies of Unrelieved Aural Fullness following Intratympanic Gentamicin Injection in Patients with Intractable Ménière's Disease
Authors: Zhai Feng , Zhang Ru , Zhang Ting , Steyger Peter S. , Dai Chun-Fu
Published: August 2013

Objective: To clarify whether gentamicin affects vestibular dark cells in guinea pigs and relieves patients of aural fullness with intractable Ménière's disease following intratympanic administration. Materials and Methods: Purified gentamicin-Texas Red (GTTR) was injected intratympanically in guinea pigs that were sacrificed at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. GTTR uptake was examined in hair cells, and transitional cells and dark cells in vestibular end-organs were examined. Specific attention was paid to its distribution in dark cells under confocal microscopy, and the ultrastructure of dark cells using electron microscopy, following intratympanic injection. Results: Dark cells in the semicircular canals showed weak GTTR uptake at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after intratympanic injection, with no significant differences at various time points after injection. However, the adjacent transitional cells demonstrated intense GTTR uptake that was retained for at least 28 days. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated negligible characteristics associated with apoptosis or necrosis in these dark cells. The tight junctions between dark cells showed no signs of disruption at 7 or 28 days after injection. Conclusion: Intratympanic gentamicin has little direct impact on vestibular dark cells. Clinical Application: A modified low-dose titration intratympanic approach was used in 29 patients with intractable vertigo and the clinical outcomes were followed. Aural fullness following intratympanic gentamicin injection was not relieved based on our subjective scales, demonstrated by no statistically significant difference between preinjection (4.16 ± 3.08) and postinjection (3.58 ± 2.93; p > 0.05) aural fullness scores. Vertigo control was achieved in 88% of patients, with hearing deterioration identified in 16% of patients. Intratympanic gentamicin administration might not lead to relief of aural fullness in patients with intractable vertigo, although it can achieve a high vertigo control rate with some cochleotoxicity.
Bone Marrow– or Vessel Wall–Derived Osteoprotegerin Is Sufficient to Reduce Atherosclerotic Lesion Size and Vascular Calcification
Authors: Callegari A. , Coons M.L. , Ricks J.L. , Yang H.L. , Gross T.S. , Huber P. , Rosenfeld M.E. , Scatena M.
Published: August 2013

Objective—

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a decoy receptor for the osteoclast differentiation factor receptor activator of NF-κB ligand. OPG regulates bone homeostasis, and its inactivation in mice results in severe osteoporosis. OPG deficiency in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)
−/−
mice results in increased atherosclerotic lesion size and calcification. Furthermore, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand enhances macrophage-dependent smooth muscle cell calcification in vitro. Here, we hypothesized that reconstitution of ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
mice with ApoE
−/−
OPG
+/+
bone marrow (BM) would be sufficient to rescue lesion progression and vascular calcification. Conversely, reconstitution of ApoE
−/−
OPG
+/+
mice with ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
BM may accelerate lesion progression and vascular calcification.

Approach and Results—

ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
mice transplanted with ApoE
−/−
OPG
+/+
BM developed smaller atherosclerotic lesions and deposited less calcium in the innominate artery than that of ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
mice transplanted with ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
BM. There were no differences in lesion size and calcification in ApoE
−/−
OPG
+/+
mice transplanted with BM from ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
or ApoE
−/−
OPG
+/+
mice. The large lesions observed in the ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
mice transplanted with OPG
−/−
BM were rich in chondrocyte-like cells, collagen, and proteoglycans. Importantly, the ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
mice transplanted with OPG
+/+
BM remained osteoporotic, and the ApoE
−/−
OPG
+/+
mice did not show signs of bone loss regardless of the type of BM received. In coculture experiments, macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells derived from ApoE
−/−
OPG
−/−
BM induced more vascular smooth muscle cell calcification than cells derived from ApoE
−/−
OPG
+/+
mice.

Conclusions—

These results indicate that OPG derived either from the BM or from the vessel wall is sufficient to slow down lesion progression and vascular calcification independent of bone turnover.
A First-Hand Account of the Wukan Elections
Authors: Wei Xiong
Published: August 2013

Abstract

From September 2011, in the village of Wukan, Lufeng City, Guangdong, large-scale villagers’ demonstrations broke out as a result of problems related to land and village affairs. The demonstrations attracted attention both within and outside of China. The Guangdong Provincial Government was later to become directly involved, and worked to support the villagers of Wukan in hosting a new round of elections for their Village Committee. With the guidance of experts, systemic innovations were made, for example, the use of ‘combined self-nomination and nomination by others’ to elect the Villagers’ Election Committee; the use of a ‘one person, one vote’ system to elect villagers’ representatives, and so on. These innovations also gained attention both in China and abroad. The greatest failure of the Wukan elections was that the attempt to introduce innovations to put in place a ‘convener’ for the villagers’ meetings was unsuccessful. The failure to establish an independent system for convening villagers’ meetings and villagers’ representatives meetings has led to the difficult situation within which Wukan finds itself today.
Village Organizations and Their Role in the Wukan Incident
Authors: Yingzi Hu , Yuxin Lan
Published: August 2013

Abstract

The rationality of the organizing behind the Incident was one of the most notable features at Wukan. If we look back over the process by which the villagers’ organizations developed and they began to play a positive role, we find that their orientation changed so that they shifted from engaging in destroying the order to engaging in protecting the order; and shifted from being outside the state system to becoming part of it. They also eventually managed to reconstruct the relationship between government and NGO and achieve accord with government. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that organizations will operate in a rational way. Analysis of their role during the Wukan Incident shows that the involvement of an informal traditional elite; the inclusive nature and the social legitimacy of the organizations; and the attitude adopted by government in its response are all important prerequisites to the positive role of villagers’ organizations being brought into play.
Phylum Kinorhyncha. In: Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal Biodiversity: An Outline of Higher-level Classification and Survey of Taxonomic Richness (Addenda 2013)
Authors: SØRENSEN MARTIN V.
Published: August 2013

The phylum Kinorhyncha includes 196 described species, distributed on 21 (soon 22) genera, and nine families. Two genera are currently not assigned to any family. The families are distributed on two orders, Cyclorhagida and Homalorhagida. Currently, kinorhynch classification does not reflect actual relationships revealed as a result of numerical phylogenetic analyses, but such studies are currently being carried out, and a revision of the kinorhynch classification is expected within a short time.
Order Pseudoscorpiones. In: Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal Biodiversity: An Outline of Higher-level Classification and Survey of Taxonomic Richness (Addenda 2013)
Authors: HARVEY MARK S.
Published: August 2013

The classification and diversity estimates of the order Pseudoscorpiones (Harvey 2011) are here updated.  There are 26 Recent families, 454 genera, and 3,533 species; fossil taxa include 1 family, 11 genera, 41 species. Taxon numbers are calculated to the end of 2012.
Effects of Anger, Disgust, and Sadness on Sharing with Others
Authors: Polman Evan , Kim Sharon H.
Published: August 2013

Although scholars have suggested that emotions are important for social dilemmas, extant research has neither documented, nor directly studied the influence of anger, disgust, or sadness on choices that involve social dilemmas. What is more, research that looks at social dilemmas typically examines public good dilemmas (e.g., giving resources to a group) and resource dilemmas (e.g., taking resources from a group) separately. Rarely are both dilemmas examined simultaneously, a potential oversight considering research on decision-making implicates give-and-take differences. In this paper, we propose that an important part of cooperating in different social dilemmas involves emotionally guided goals, termed emotivations. For example, emotivations include: in anger, wanting to antagonize others; in disgust, wanting to expel objects and avoid taking anything new; and in sadness, wanting to change one’s situation. We suggest that the amount of shared group resources that people give and take is associated with each of these particular emotivations.
Self-Reported and Performance-Based Functional Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Proximal Hamstring Avulsions
Authors: Skaara Heléne Engberg , Moksnes Håvard , Frihagen Frede , Stuge Britt
Published: August 2013

Background:

Because a proximal hamstring avulsion results in residual loss of function, surgical repair is recommended. Few studies have investigated postoperative function with validated outcomes.

Purpose:

To examine lower extremity function after surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsions using validated self-reported and performance-based functional outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Operative records from 2006 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed in 3 hospitals. A total of 39 patients who had undergone surgical repair of a proximal hamstring avulsion were identified, and 36 met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one patients completed questionnaires with demographic background data and quality of life–related questions: the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and the Proximal Hamstring Injury Questionnaire (PHIQ). Thirty patients were evaluated using a Biodex dynamometer for isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength measurements at a velocity of 60 deg/s, and 27 patients performed 4 single-legged hop tests.

Results:

Twenty-eight repairs were acute (<4 weeks), and 3 were chronic. There were complete ruptures of all 3 tendons in 17 (55%) cases. The mean follow-up was 30 months. Most patients experienced little or no pain or limitations during activities of daily living. The mean LEFS score was 89%, and 29 (94%) of the 31 patients were satisfied with the result after surgery. Eighteen (58%) of the 31 patients had returned to their preinjury activity level. Significant differences in the mean hamstring strength (peak torque) ( P < .001) and single-legged hop test ( P = .01) between the uninvolved and involved leg were found. Twenty-two (71%) of the 31 patients did not fully trust their operated leg during physical activities and feared sustaining a hamstring injury. Return to activity significantly correlated with the single-legged hop test, the LEFS score, and the questions regarding trust and fear.

Conclusion:

In this study, using both validated self-reported and performance-based outcome measures after surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsions, minor pain and limitations to activities of daily living were seen. Isokinetic hamstring strength in the operated leg was significantly lower compared with the nonoperated leg, and a majority of the patients did not trust the operated leg completely during physical activity.
Social Capital and Loneliness Among the Very Old Living at Home and in Institutional Settings
Authors: Nyqvist Fredrica , Cattan Mima , Andersson Lars , Forsman Anna K. , Gustafson Yngve
Published: August 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between aspects of social capital and loneliness among the very old living at home and in institutional settings. Method: Half of those aged 85 years, and all 90- and 95-year-olds and older in urban and rural municipalities in northern Sweden and western Finland were invited to participate in a cross-sectional population-based study in 2005-2007. A sample of 483 participants who completed the study was included in the analyses. Results: Loneliness was experienced by 55% percent of those living in institutional settings often or sometimes and 45% of those living in their own homes. Loneliness was closely related to living alone, to depression, and to region (northern Sweden). Discussion: Social capital and loneliness are context dependent (i.e., geographical or living environment). Among the very old, the link between social capital resources and loneliness is also highly influenced by health status.
Experimental seismic analysis of a quayside container crane structure using a scaled model
Authors: Jin YL , Zhang XK
Published: August 2013

The seismic response of a quayside container crane structure, with and without the base isolator, to an earthquake load is investigated through shaking table tests on a scaled model. To this end, a 1:50 scale model is introduced and a base isolator is developed. Then, the experimental study as well as numerical analysis is successively carried out on this scaled model. The results from the experimental work agree well with those from the finite element calculation. Using the scaled model and the designed base isolator, a series of shaking table tests are carried out to investigate the seismic responses to the earthquake loads of the structure and the effectiveness of the base isolator. It is concluded from the experimental results on the scaled model that the crane structure is safe from moderate seismic loads, and the base isolator is effective to dramatically reduce seismic response of the crane structure in terms of the maximum strain and acceleration amplitude to the earthquake loads.
Does Serum Albumin and Creatinine Predict Survival of Inpatient Palliative Care Patients?
Authors: Aung Aye , Alqudihy Shukri , Rybicki Lisa , Platt Alexandra , Davis Mellar P.
Published: August 2013

Introduction:

Low creatinine and albumin are found among the chronically ill patients. This study retrospectively reviewed albumin and creatinine levels for survival in patients upon admission.

Methods:

Records of patients admitted over 2 months were reviewed. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) identified cutpoints in albumin and creatinine that predicted survival. Kaplan-Meier survival, Cox proportional hazards, and stepwise Cox analyses identified prognostic factors.

Results:

Of 83 patients, 81 were assessable. Variables for worse survival were albumin <3.1 g/dL, creatinine >0.93 mg/dL, and male gender. Albumin by continuous, median, RPA, and tertiles was significant; creatinine by RPA. Hazard ratio for albumin >3.1 was 0.28 ( P < .001) and for creatinine >0.91 mg/dL was 1.8 ( P = .046).

Discussion and Conclusion:

Albumin and creatinine are prognostically important.
Reconnection
Authors: Peng Mandy H.
Published: August 2013

Learning how to speak with patients about end-of-life topics is often anxiety provoking for medical trainees. However, it also provides a unique opportunity for personal growth. The surprising reward of having such a conversation is presented in this reflection.
How Natural Is “More Natural”? The Role of Method, Type of Transfer, and Familiarity for Public Perceptions of Cisgenic and Transgenic Modification
Authors: Kronberger Nicole , Wagner Wolfgang , Nagata Motohiko
Published: August 2013

A frequent expert assumption is that the public will consider cisgenics more “natural” and therefore more acceptable than transgenics. Experimental (Studies 1 and 2) and representative survey (Eurobarometer) data highlight that public concerns indeed are stronger when the boundaries of species are crossed. However, genetic combinations that could come into existence naturally are not always considered unproblematic. Human intervention in the process amplifies concern while familiarity with the method and its products explains little of the variance. Although cisgenics is more supported than transgenics, a majority of respondents across countries considers cisgenic products to be genetically modified food that must be labeled.
On the use of dispersion analysis for model assessment in structural identification
Authors: Dertimanis Vasileios K
Published: August 2013

One of the most important issues faced in parametric time-domain identification and subsequent experimental/operational modal analysis is the correct estimation of model order, which in turn determines the number of structural vibration modes. The aim of this study is to provide a quantitative and physically meaningful framework for model order assessment that is characterized by global applicability, in the sense of implementation in both state-space and transfer function model representations. To this end and under the assumption of stationary wideband excitation, a novel dispersion analysis scheme is proposed for the quantification of every mode’s relative importance to the total stochastic response, which is based on a modal decomposition of the covariance matrix. Subsequently, after defining the modal dispersion matrix, a corresponding metric is introduced and used either as a stand alone tool for model order assessment, or as an extension of existing tools, such as stabilization diagrams. The method is validated through both simulated (NASA Mini-Mast truss) and experimental (suspended steel subframe flexible structure) identification problems, for which a subspace and a prediction-error estimation method are utilized and compared under the proposed quantitative indices. Moreover, performance comparisons with other energy-based metrics are also reported. The results indicate that the proposed method can be effectively used in parametric time-domain structural identification, for both order assessment and comparison of diverse model-based estimation methods.
Overcoming the Fiscal Trilemma with Two Progressive Consumption Tax Supplements
Authors: Seidman Laurence
Published: August 2013

This article recommends a tax reform strategy that can accomplish three objectives: raise sufficient revenue to deal with long-run budget challenges, promote long-run economic growth, and provide progressivity in the face of increasing inequality. The strategy for overcoming this fiscal trilemma is to retain (with modification) the personal income tax, the corporate income tax, and the payroll tax, and add two progressive consumption tax supplements: a value-added tax (VAT) made progressive by a refundable VAT credit on the 1040 and a progressive consumption surtax on the 1040.
Weeding the garden: The Third Way, the Westminster tradition and Imprisonment for Public Protection
Authors: Annison Harry
Published: August 2013

This article engages with the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence of the UK Criminal Justice Act 2003, a prominent measure against ‘dangerous offenders’, in a ‘substantively political light’ (O’Malley, 1999). It provides an interpretation based on policymakers’ beliefs and traditions. I argue that the perceived need for the IPP sentence and its ultimate form was the result of New Labour ministers’ reliance on the Third Way political ideology and its implications for criminal justice policy. In addition, in terms of the policymaking process, I suggest that the ‘Westminster tradition’ conditioned policymakers’ actions in relation to the IPP sentence, in ways that were crucial to its outcome. The article concludes with an examination of the moral significance of these beliefs and traditions by reference to Bauman’s discussion of the dangers of a modern ‘garden culture’.
What (else) can a kiss do? Theorizing the power plays in young children’s sexual cultures
Authors: Holford Naomi , Renold Emma , Huuki Tuija
Published: August 2013

This article draws on school-based ethnographic research in two elementary schools (in South Wales, UK and north Finland) to explore the ‘ordinary affects’ (Stewart, 2007) of gendered/sexual power in young children's (aged 5–6) negotiation of their own and others’ bodies in playground and classroom spaces. We apply queer and feminist appropriations of Deleuze and Guattari’s key concepts of ‘assemblage’, ‘becomings’ and ‘territorialisations’, not to pin down what a kiss is, but to explore the kiss as always more than itself, and thus what (else) a kiss can do. To explore the affective journey of the kiss as an always-relational social-material event, we sketch a range of kissing assemblages across four vignettes – ‘the kissing hut’, ‘the classroom kiss’, ‘the kissing line’ and ‘the dinosaur kiss’ – mapping the enabling or restriction of a range of gendered and sexual becomings. Each vignette foregrounds the complex, contradictory nature of children’s gendered and sexual cultures which we argue are vital to map in a socio-political terrain where discourses of denial, silence and (over)protection dominate accounts of how young children are doing, being and becoming ‘sexual’.
Posttraumatic growth and support among parents whose children have survived stem cell transplantation
Authors: Forinder Ulla , Norberg Annika Lindahl
Published: August 2013

In the current study, we investigated the occurrence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among parents whose children had had stem cell transplantation (SCT) and survived. Although SCT is well established, it remains stressful and dangerous, and SCT is only performed if there is no other choice of treatment to be considered. A questionnaire batteries including the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Check List—Civilian version and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory were sent out to a cross-sectional national sample of parents of children who had had SCT six months or more before the study. The response rate was 66% ( n = 281). The data were analyzed in relation to parents’ appraisal of the event, gender, and perceived social support. The results confirm that SCT in childhood is an event of extreme adversity for the parents. Indications of PTSD were found among an important minority of the parents. Nevertheless, a large proportion of the parents had experienced growth as a consequence of the child’s illness. Appreciation of life and personal strength were the domains with the highest scores. Moreover, a higher level of PTG was correlated with a higher level of posttraumatic stress and with an experience of the trauma as more severe. In summary, the study indicates that PTG is a relevant concept for this group of parents.
Two-stage decoupled micro-machined gyroscope and noncontact vibration test
Authors: Fenglin Yao , Shiqiao Gao , Jie Zhao , Haipeng Liu , Shaohua Niu , Lei Jin
Published: August 2013

By introducing the working principle of the two-stage decoupled micro-machined gyroscope, the vibration equation of the driving mode is established. Using Laplace transform, the differential equation and the analytical solution are solved, and the amplitude–frequency characteristics of the driving mode are obtained. Moreover, this article introduces the hardware of the noncontact vibration measurement system and the algorithm. By experiments, the characteristic of vibration of the tested micro-machined gyroscope is obtained. Experimental results indicate that the precision of the amplitude is 0.1 µm, and the two-stage decoupled micro-machined gyroscope is immune to mechanical coupling and has high linearity inherently.
Post-translational regulation enables robust p53 regulation
Authors: Shin Yong-Jun , Chen Kai-Yuan , Sayed Ali H , Hencey Brandon , Shen Xiling
Published: August 2013

Background

The tumor suppressor protein p53 plays important roles in DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Due to its critical functions, the level of p53 is tightly regulated by a negative feedback mechanism to increase its tolerance towards fluctuations and disturbances. Interestingly, the p53 level is controlled by post-translational regulation rather than transcriptional regulation in this feedback mechanism.

Results

We analyzed the dynamics of this feedback to understand whether post-translational regulation provides any advantages over transcriptional regulation in regard to disturbance rejection. When a disturbance happens, even though negative feedback reduces the steady-state error, it can cause a system to become less stable and transiently overshoots, which may erroneously trigger downstream reactions. Therefore, the system needs to balance the trade-off between steady-state and transient errors. Feedback control and adaptive estimation theories revealed that post-translational regulation achieves a better trade-off than transcriptional regulation, contributing to a more steady level of p53 under the influence of noise and disturbances. Furthermore, post-translational regulation enables cells to respond more promptly to stress conditions with consistent amplitude. However, for better disturbance rejection, the p53- Mdm2 negative feedback has to pay a price of higher stochastic noise.

Conclusions

Our analyses suggest that the p53-Mdm2 feedback favors regulatory mechanisms that provide the optimal trade-offs for dynamic control.