bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Jacobian approach to the kinestatic analysis of a planar double-wishbone suspension mechanism
Authors: Kim Jun Woo , Hong Man Bok , Choi Yong Je
Published: November 2012

An understanding of the kinestatic relation between a suspension mechanism and a vehicle body is important for the design of a vehicle with the desired motion characteristics. In particular, when the mechanism has elastic springs, it is necessary to analyse the instantaneous kinematic and statics (or, briefly, kinestatics) relations simultaneously. This paper presents a new Jacobian approach to the kinestatic analysis of a planar half-vehicle model with double-wishbone suspension mechanisms. Introducing the reciprocal Jacobian method of a planar mechanism, the kinestatic relations of a quarter-vehicle model are first derived. Next two instantaneous rotation centres of a pair of quarter-vehicle models are determined and modelled as virtual joints to form a new parallel-type mechanism of a half-vehicle model. Finally, the Jacobian and reciprocal Jacobian of the parallel-type mechanism are found in order to complete the kinestatic relations of a half-vehicle model. Using an illustrated example, it is shown that this new kinestatic analysis can be utilized for determination of the best locations of the strut springs for the least rolling motion due to cornering of a vehicle.
Dynamics and transient perturbation analysis of satellite separation systems
Authors: Hu Xingzhi , Chen Xiaoqian , Tuo Zhouhui , Zhang Qingbin
Published: November 2012

The separation system is crucial for the launch of satellites. Dynamic characteristics of satellite separation are quite complex and difficult to predict. With respect to the helical compression spring mechanism, an approach using transient perturbation analysis is presented. The separation springs and limit switches are mathematically modeled, and disturbing forces and moments are considered. ADAMS and MATLAB software platforms are combined to obtain separation trajectory and attitude parameters. The minimum relative distance is proposed to show whether there is collision between the satellite and launch vehicles. Emphasis is placed on introducing the approach by analyzing a typical separation system. With experimental design and statistical analysis, the influences of perturbation factors are concluded. For example, three angular velocities are approximately linear with center of gravity offsets of the satellite and deviations of spring parameters; however, the effect law of asynchronous time is non-linear. A ground test system of satellite separation is designed and the test results are compared with the analysis, which prove accuracy of the dynamic model and feasibility of the approach.
Specimen-specific tibial kinematics model for in vitro gait simulations
Authors: Natsakis Tassos , Peeters Koen , Burg Fien , Dereymaeker Greta , Vander Sloten Jos , Jonkers Ilse
Published: November 2012

Until now, the methods used to set up in vitro gait simulations were not specimen specific, inflicting several problems when dealing with specimens of considerably different dimensions and requiring arbitrary parameter tuning of the control variables. We constructed a model that accounts for the geometric dimensions of the specimen and is able to predict the tibial kinematics during the stance phase. The model predicts tibial kinematics of in vivo subjects with very good accuracy. Furthermore, if used in in vitro gait simulation studies, it is able to recreate physiological vertical ground reaction forces. By using this methodology, in vitro studies can be performed by taking the specimen variability into account, avoiding pitfalls with specimens of different dimensions.
Morally and procedurally justified argument for the moral obligations of physicians toward pregnant women (and fetuses) in the context of maternal–fetal surgery
Authors: Rodrigues H. Catarina M. L. , van den Berg Paul. P.
Published: November 2012

In the context of maternal–fetal surgery (MFS), an attempt to justify pregnant women and physicians’ moral obligations toward the fetus has been made based on the concept of ‘the fetus as a patient’. Somewhere else, we have questioned the internal coherence and consistency of this position. Here, we propose an alternative to the concept of ‘the fetus as a patient’, as the foundation of physicians’ moral obligations in the context of MFS. In light of Deryck Beyleveld’s interpretation of the precautionary principle and in light of Alan Gewirth’s theory of human rights, we propose what we think is a morally and procedurally justified argument for the existence of physicians’ moral obligations toward the women and fetuses they care for in the context of MFS.
Micromechanics of crack bridging stress-displacement and fracture energy in steel hooked-end fiber-reinforced cementitious composites
Authors: Zhang GQ , Suwatnodom P , Ju JW
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a probabilistic micromechanical framework for analyzing crack bridging stress-displacement in short steel hooked-end fiber-reinforced cementitious composites, featuring the fiber length/diameter aspect ratios of 45 and 80, with varying fiber volume fractions and varying snubbing coefficients. The proposed formulation is constructed based on the randomly located, randomly oriented distribution of steel fibers. This random nature accounts for the dominant features of the composite failure mechanisms. The composite fracture energy dissipation may be obtained from the area under the tension-softening curve. The fracture energy dissipations contributed by the fiber interfacial debonding and fiber pullout of both the straight-part and the hooked-end element are systematically investigated. Further, the fiber bridging micromechanical mechanism and the bridging stress-displacement are accommodated. The fracture energy dissipation attributable to the hooked-end element is shown to be smaller than that of the straight element, but still remains significant. Comprehensive comparisons between the constant shear model predictions and experimental data manifest significant improvements when the hooked-end effects are incorporated into the composite fracture energy dissipation analyses. Based on the experimental data and micromechanical predictions, we recommend the range of the fiber volume fraction to be from 0.75% to 1%.
Concurrent design of a nanoactuator for “X-abilities” using the multiple-attribute decision-making approach
Authors: Singh Tanvir , Agrawal Vishnu P
Published: November 2012

Organizations are deploying well-designed nanoactuators supporting converged applications of defense, mechanical industry, biological applications, and so on. An attempt is made to integrate concurrent engineering and multiple-attribute decision-making approaches to design and develop nanoactuators for a number of abilities, for example, actuation, modelization, realization, and performance. Attributes corresponding to these abilities are identified using cause and effect diagram. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) that is suitable for optimum design of nanoactuators is selected. The method permits to consider concurrently all the attributes contributing to X-abilities. The method also permits to carry out sensitivity analysis of one or more attributes simultaneously and determine optimum values of parameters. The concurrent engineering and multiple-attribute decision-making method ensures that optimally selected nanoactuator elements are closest to the hypothetical best and farthest from the hypothetical worst solution in order to design nanoactuators for the application under consideration. Research methodology in the form of step-by-step procedure is implemented with the help of an illustrative example. An agenda has been set for further research using this methodology.
Development and Preliminary Validation of a Simplified-Wording Form of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire
Authors: Patrick Christopher J. , Kramer Mark D. , Tellegen Auke , Verona Edelyn , Kaemmer Beverly A.
Published: November 2012

The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) assesses a range of personality characteristics pertaining to affective and interpersonal style, behavioral restraint versus disinhibition, and capacity for sensory and imaginal engagement. Its 11 lower order trait scales map onto 3 higher order factors that reflect temperament dimensions. Its content and measurement properties have made the MPQ useful for elucidating constructs relevant to normal and abnormal behavior and investigating their neurobiological underpinnings. However, a barrier to its use in certain populations is the reading difficulty of some MPQ items. We describe efforts to develop a simplified-wording form, the MPQ-SF, composed of items readable at or below the seventh grade level (with most below sixth grade). Simplified-wording items demonstrated high convergence with original-wording items, and resulting trait scales showed adequate internal consistencies and appropriate higher order structure. The availability of a simplified version expands the potential utility of the MPQ to a wider range of samples.
Cumulative Childhood Maltreatment and Depression Among Incarcerated Youth
Authors: Wanklyn Sonya G. , Day David M. , Hart Trevor A. , Girard Todd A.
Published: November 2012

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are at high risk for mental health problems, particularly depression. Furthermore, these youth often present with a history of childhood maltreatment. Despite research consistently demonstrating a link between childhood maltreatment and depression, our understanding of intervening factors of this relationship remains limited. This study examined impulsivity, hopelessness, and substance use as potential explanatory variables in the relationship between cumulative childhood maltreatment and depression severity among 110 incarcerated youth. The data were analyzed using path analysis. As hypothesized, cumulative maltreatment maintained a strong direct relation with depression severity in the context of the additional variables in the final model. Cumulative maltreatment also had an indirect relation with depression severity through both impulsivity and hopelessness. Contrary to expectation, substance use was not an explanatory variable in the model. These findings suggest that impulsivity and hopelessness might be important factors to consider in future studies on the relation between childhood maltreatment and depression symptoms among incarcerated youth.
HOPE VI, Colonization, and the Production of Difference
Authors: Fraser James Curtis , Burns Ashley Brown , Bazuin Joshua Theodore , Oakley Deirdre Áine
Published: November 2012

Between 1993 and 2010, the Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) Program sought to transform public housing by demolishing large spatially concentrated developments and replacing them with mixed-income housing. Drawing on postcolonial geographical thought, this article interrogates HOPE VI as a colonial project. Through the displacement of public housing residents, the razing of the development in which they lived, and the rebuilding of mixed-income housing, including new public housing units, HOPE VI projects seek to revitalize neighborhoods by attracting higher-income homeowners to relocate in these areas. Proponents of HOPE VI and other mixed-income housing strategies contend that socioeconomic mixing will provide a range of benefits for low-income residents in these environments. Yet, there is a growing body of research suggesting that income mixing itself can be a problem for public housing residents because the neighborhood social relations operate to marginalize them. Using a case study conducted in a midsized southern city, we build on this prior work by examining the sociospatial narratives that neighbors surrounding the HOPE VI site use to identify themselves. The article focuses on how new homeowners, residing in a self-contained development right across the street from a HOPE VI site, construct themselves as a community by situating public housing residents as their other. We conclude that these sociospatial distinctions are integral to the broader, state-led effort to colonize and transform this low-income neighborhood situated next to the downtown business district.
The Impact of Consumption Goals on Flat-Rate Choice
Authors: Uhrich Fabian , Schumann Jan H. , von Wangenheim Florian
Published: November 2012

Flat rates are a dominant pricing scheme in many consumer service industries that largely benefit service providers: Many customers exhibit a bias and choose flat rates even though a pay-per-use plan would be less expensive for them. Yet, whereas the degree of flat-rate bias varies strongly across services, no study has determined whether consumers’ consumption goals might influence its extent. The authors argue and show that consuming services to attain hedonic gratification leads to a significantly higher flat-rate bias than using services to fulfill utilitarian needs. The three well-known flat-rate bias effects (taximeter, insurance, and overestimation) fully mediate the relationship between the consumption goal and flat-rate bias. In three experimental studies, the authors consistently show that these findings apply across different services, for a service that relies on natural variance in customers’ consumption goals, and for the same service framed as hedonic, utilitarian, or a hybrid. These findings show that managers need to be aware of major “natural” industry differences in the level of flat-rate bias. However, service providers can also actively manage and increase consumers’ hedonic consumption goals for their services and thus increase their share of flat-rate contracts. A further experiment shows that the hedonization tactic has no negative side effects on consumers’ price perceptions in terms of willingness to pay (WTP). Service providers can benefit from hedonizing their services as long as it is compatible with their value proposition.
Perceptions of support-seeking in young people attending a Youth Offending Team: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: King Emma , Brown Dora , Petch Victoria , Wright Angela
Published: November 2012

High levels of mental health problems have been identified in young people who have offended (committed/been convicted of a criminal offence). However, as with many young people, they tend not to seek support for their difficulties. This research aimed to explore support-seeking in this population by asking ‘What are the perceptions of support-seeking in young people attending a Youth Offending Team?’ Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six males (aged 13–18) and the transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four master themes were revealed: Youth Offending Team attendance prompting reflection, Damaged self, Complexity of relationships and Internal conflicts. Generally participants perceived support-seeking as beneficial, but various barriers meant that they did not tend to view it as a viable coping strategy for themselves. Interventions aimed at addressing these barriers may help young people who have offended to seek support.
Restless legs syndrome: A qualitative analysis of psychosocial suffering and interdisciplinary attention
Authors: Varela Maria José V , Coin-Carvalho João E , Carvalho Luciane BC , Varela Maite V , Potasz Clarisse , Prado Lucila BF , do Prado Gilmar F
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate psychosocial factors related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with restless legs syndrome. Fifteen patients were interviewed at the Neuro-Sono Outpatient Clinic, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. The results were submitted to a qualitative analysis. We identified four content categories: illness description, illness history, illness experience, and relationships. Lack of control over the body and lack of recognition by professionals produce stigma and lead patients to suffering. The research underscores the relevance of psychosocial factors to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with restless legs syndrome and the importance of having interdisciplinary teams when attending patients with restless legs syndrome.
A principal component model of medical health: Implications for cognitive deficits and decline among adults in a population-based sample
Authors: Persson Ninni , Viitanen Matti , Almkvist Ove , Wahlin Åke
Published: November 2012

Longitudinal blood- and cognitive data from 879 adults were analyzed to extract a multidimensional health structure for prediction of cognitive change. Six health components were identified and replicated at two waves. Following, cognitive outcomes were regressed on the health components. Large proportions of cognitive age related variations were accounted for by baseline health in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses. Less variation was accounted for when health change and cognitive change were contrasted. Cardiovascular health was particularly important for prediction of cognitive change. Our study underlines causal relations between health and cognitive functions, and suggests that some effects are long term.
Physical activity promotion among churchgoing Latinas in San Diego, California: Does neighborhood cohesion matter?
Authors: Martinez Suzanna M , Arredondo Elva M , Roesch Scott
Published: November 2012

This study examined the reciprocal relationship between Latinas’ leisure-time physical activity and neighborhood cohesion following the implementation of a 6-month promotora-delivered pilot intervention. A one-group study design was used to promote leisure-time physical activity and build neighborhood cohesion among 143 churchgoing Latinas in San Diego, California. Using a three-wave autoregressive cross-lagged panel model, leisure-time physical activity and neighborhood cohesion (assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months) were analyzed. Leisure-time physical activity and neighborhood cohesion increased across time. Neighborhood cohesion at 3 months predicted leisure-time physical activity at 6 months. A promotora model in the context of a faith-based setting may be appropriate to promote Latinas’ leisure-time physical activity and make socioenvironmental improvements.
Effects of Guided Written Disclosure Protocol on mood states and psychological symptoms among parents of off-therapy acute lymphoblastic leukemia children
Authors: Martino Maria Luisa , Freda Maria Francesca , Camera Flavia
Published: November 2012

This study assesses the effects of Guided Written Disclosure Protocol on psychological distress in mothers and fathers of off-therapy acute lymphoblastic leukemia children. An experimental group participated in the writing intervention with a control group subject only to test-taking standards. The Symptom Questionnaire and Profile of Mood States were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Guided Written Disclosure Protocol had significant effects on the progressive reduction of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, hostility, tension–anxiety, and fatigue–inertia within the experimental group. However, the control group distress levels tended to worsen over time. The mediating role of emotional processing was highlighted.
Attributions, distress and behavioural responses in the significant others of people with chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Brooks Joanna M , Daglish Julie , Wearden Alison J
Published: November 2012

To test an attribution–emotion model of reactions to chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, 30 significant others of 30 adult patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis were administered a semi-structured interview about their beliefs regarding the patient’s illness and completed questionnaire measures of distress and behavioural responses to the patient. Spontaneous causal explanations (attributions) for illness events, symptom exacerbation and negative patient mood were extracted and coded. Significant others’ distress and negative behavioural responses towards the chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis patient were associated with attributing illness events to causes personal and internal to the patient. Our findings may inform the future family-based interventions for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Psychological pathways from childhood sexual and physical abuse to HIV/sexually transmitted infection outcomes among homeless women: The role of posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder symptoms
Authors: Houston Eric , Sandfort Theo GM , Watson Kalycia T , Caton Carol LM
Published: November 2012

This study examines the psychological factors linking childhood abuse and HIV/sexually transmitted infection outcomes among 190 single homeless women in New York City. Participants were assessed for mental health symptoms, sexually transmitted infections, and exposure to childhood sexual and physical abuse. Findings indicate that the relationship between childhood abuse and HIV/sexually transmitted infection diagnoses during adulthood is mediated by a combination of posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder symptoms. Screening single homeless women who report childhood abuse histories for symptoms of both disorders may aid in the identification of individuals particularly vulnerable for HIV infection. Implications for clinical interventions are discussed.
Patients’ appraisals of public and private healthcare: A qualitative study of physiotherapy and osteopathy
Authors: Bradbury Katherine J , Bishop Felicity L , Yardley Lucy , Lewith George
Published: November 2012

Patients have previously reported differences in their experiences of treatments received in the public and private sectors; it remains unclear whether such perceived differences are particular to or shared across different interventions. This study explored whether patients’ appraisals of public and private treatments are similar when appraising a complementary therapy (osteopathy) compared to a mainstream therapy (physiotherapy). Thirty-five qualitative interviews were analysed thematically. Patients’ appraisals varied by health-care sector and therapy type: physiotherapy was appraised more negatively in the National Health Service than the private sector but osteopathy was appraised similarly within both health-care sectors. Potential reasons for this are discussed.
Physical performance and 13.5-year mortality in elderly women
Authors: Idland Gro , Engedal Knut , Bergland Astrid
Published: November 2012

Aims: To examine whether four modifiable physical performance-based measurements predicted 13.5-year mortality in 300 elderly women. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study followed 300 randomly-selected community-dwelling women, with a mean age of 80.9 years at baseline, for 13.5 years. Baseline physical performance measurements were: comfortable walking speed, Timed Up and Go (TUG), functional reach, and one-leg stance. Demographic and health measurements were recorded. Date of death was recorded from the national population registry. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted, with time from baseline assessment to death or censored date as the dependent variable. Results: At follow-up, 71% of the participants had died. All performance-based measurements except one-leg stance were significantly associated with 13.5-year mortality. Only walking speed remained significantly independently associated with mortality when the three significant performance measurements were included in the same multiple proportional hazard Cox model. Conclusions: Comfortable walking speed, TUG and functional reach predicted 13.5-year mortality, and walking speed was the strongest predictor of mortality. Screening elderly women with performance measurements may aid in identifying those at risk and thus targeted interventions may be applied.
Major factors affecting the aerosol particulate concentration in the underground stations
Authors: Park Jong Hun , Young Woo Hee , Chuel Park Jae
Published: November 2012

Based on the estimation of mass balance with measurement at several places in the underground stations, such as concourse, platform and tunnel, it was found that a major fraction of PM10 was metallic particles which were generated by the friction between train wheel and rail, brake disk and shoe, and pantograph and catenary in the tunnel. According to an analysis on the variation pattern, the spread direction, and the transport time of PM10, and on the elemental composition of PM10 at various places in underground stations, the particles generated and accumulated in the tunnel appear to be scattered and transported to the platform and other areas of concourse by the train-induced wind. To verify this hypothesis, the maximum speed of operating trains approaching to Nonhyeon Station in the Seoul Subway Line 7 was reduced from 75 km·h−1 to 45 km·h−1 except during the rush hours. When reducing the train speed, the ratios of Nonyeon Station and outdoor PM10 mass concentration were reduced by 43%, 40% and 48% at the tunnel, the concourse and the platform, respectively. Therefore, the particles-causing factors in the underground station were identified as the train-induced wind.
Borderland practices and narratives: Illegal cross-border logging in northeastern Cambodia
Authors: Singh Sarinda
Published: November 2012

In the borderlands of northeastern Cambodia, booming regional demand for luxury rosewood timber has seen the recent expansion of illegal cross-border logging in Laos. This article outlines Khmer–Lao villagers’ interactions with border authorities that enable their cross-border logging and their construction of anti-elite political narratives to critically engage with other ethnographic studies of the remote borderlands in Asia. I argue that in the quest to challenge dominant top-down assumptions of the remote borderlands as beyond state power and to highlight the unique dynamics of borderlands, ethnographic studies of these regions can focus overly on political opposition. I propose more recognition of, firstly, the desire and distrust in borderlanders’ engagements with different authorities, and secondly, the commonalities in contestation that emerge across different national spaces.
Qualitative methods of data analysis in psychology: an analysis of the literature
Authors: Carrera-Fernández María Jesús , Guàrdia-Olmos Joan , Peró-Cebollero Maribel
Published: November 2012

In this article, we present a general overview of the state of qualitative research in psychology by analyzing publications found in the Institute for Scientific Information’s Web of Science database. Our objective is to provide a global perspective on the use of qualitative methods in data analysis and the frequency with which they are used in the journals. In total, 4840 articles were analyzed. We used bibliometrics methods to describe the publication patterns. We find a considerable increase throughout the 1990s in the number of publications using qualitative methods. Specifically, content analysis, grounded theory and discourse analysis steadily increased. The most representative qualitative publication in psychology uses content analysis and is most likely published in a journal indexed in the Social Sciences edition of the Journal Citation Reports. The data that we have obtained seem to indicate that qualitative research publications will continue increasing in the coming years.
Long-term treatment with ramipril favourably modifies the haemostatic response to acute submaximal exercise in hypertensives
Authors: Galea Vassiliki , Triantafyllidi Helen , Theodoridis Theodoros , Koutroumbi Matina , Christopoulou-Cokkinou Vasiliki , Kremastinos Dimitrios , Anastasiou-Nana Maria , Lekakis John
Published: November 2012

Introduction:

Hypertension links to a prothrombotic state driven by endothelial dysfunction, reduced fibrinolytic potential and platelet hyperactivity. We hypothesized that ramipril treatment would favourably modify the haemostatic response to a submaximal aerobic exercise session in hypertensives.

Methods:

Twenty-four hypertensive patients underwent a submaximal exercise test before and after 13±2 months of treatment with ramipril ± hydrochlorothiazide. Hypercoagulability (prothrombin fragments [PF1+2], thrombin– antithrombin complex [TAT] and D-dimers [Dd]), fibrinolytic activity (plasmin–a2-antiplasmin complex [PAP]), endothelial function (von Willebrand factor [vWf] and soluble thrombomodulin [sTM]), and platelet function (soluble P-selectin [sPsel]) were measured before, at peak and one hour after exercise.

Results:

Antihypertensive treatment resulted in an increase of PAP, vWf and sTM. During the first exercise, PF1+2 were mildly increased at peak exercise ( p<0.05), while D-dimers, PAP and vWf varied significantly throughout the exercise ( p<0.001). During the second exercise session, PF1+2 were decreased post-exercise ( p<0.05), PAP was increased at peak and post-exercise ( p<0.001) and vWf was increased at peak ( p<0.05) and post-exercise ( p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The haemostatic response to exercise in hypertensives after approximately one year of ramipril treatment is characterized by the attenuated activation of coagulation, enhanced fibrinolysis and endothelial activation.
Synergistic effects of angiotensinogen −217 G→A and T704C (M235T) variants on the risk of severe preeclampsia
Authors: Shahvaisizadeh Farhad , Movafagh Abolfazl , Omrani Mir Davood , Vaisi-Raygani Asad , Rahimi Ziba , Rahimi Zohreh
Published: November 2012

Background:

The rate-limiting step of the renin–angiotensin system is the enzymatic cleavage of angiotensinogen (AGT) by renin. The aims of the present study were to investigate the association between AGT T704C (M235T) and −217 G→A polymorphisms with the risk of preeclampsia and synergistic effects of both polymorphisms on the susceptibility to preeclampsia.

Methods:

We studied AGT variants in 170 women with preeclampsia, including 84 women with mild and 86 women with severe forms of preeclampsia, and 100 age and parity matched controls.

Results:

There was a trend towards increased risk of severe preeclampsia in the presence of −217 AA (odds ratio (OR)=1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 0.38–5.84, p=0.57) and TC+CC genotypes (OR=1.32, 95% CI= 0.67–2.58, p=0.42). However, the interaction of both alleles of −217A and 704C highly increased the risk of severe preeclampsia, by 2.23-fold, although this did not reach statistical significance. The frequency of the CC genotype of the T704C polymorphism in early-onset preeclampsia tended to be higher (35%) compared with that in patients with late-onset preeclampsia (21.7%).

Conclusions:

The present study demonstrates that both variants of AGT −217 G→A and T704C might work in synergism to influence the risk of severe preeclampsia, which needs to be confirmed in studies with larger sample size.
Rothbard’s and Hoppe’s justifications of libertarianism
Authors: Eabrasu Marian
Published: November 2012

Murray N. Rothbard and Hans-Hermann Hoppe build their libertarian theory of justice on two axioms concerning self-ownership and homesteading, which are bolstered by two key arguments: reductio ad absurdum and performative contradiction. Each of these arguments is designed to demonstrate that libertarianism is the only theory of justice that can be justified. If either of these arguments were valid, it would prove the libertarian claim that the state is an unjust political arrangement. Giving due weight to the importance of the libertarian anarchist claim, this article exposes and criticizes the arguments that substantiate it.
Welfare Economics of “Financial Fair Play” in a Sports League With Benefactor Owners
Authors: Madden Paul
Published: November 2012

With European soccer leagues in mind, a novel model of club owner objectives nests standard profit (and win) maximization, but adds benefactor behavior where owners inject personal funds to increase their team’s quality. A “generosity” parameter differentiates owners; parameter value zero equates to profit maximizers, with benefactors emerging at sufficiently positive values. The model is used to investigate consequences of Union of European Football Associations’ (UEFA) “Financial Fair Play” regulations (FFP)  for the league, aimed to preclude benefactor injections. Assuming (post-Bosman) a relatively large elasticity of talent supply to the league, FFP is a poor regulatory device, creating welfare losses for fans, owners, and players.
The National Football League Wagering Market
Authors: Sung Yoon Tae , Tainsky Scott
Published: November 2012

This investigation tests the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) in the National Football League (NFL) wagering market from 2002 to 2009. The current study examines simple betting strategies tested previously in the NFL and other sports leagues as well as whether there is a bias in games after a team’s bye week. The findings suggest that favorites and especially road team favorites following a bye week won statistically more bets than their opponents. Although the majority of our analysis supported the EMH, the exceptions provide evidence of inefficiencies in the NFL betting market.
The Wildlife Docusoap
Authors: Richards Morgan
Published: November 2012

This article explores the ethical implications of the rise of a new style of personality presenter-led wildlife programming in the 1990s, reliant, in part, on digital video and aimed at creating a sense of “liveness.” It takes the BBC series Big Cat Diary (1996) as its focus, looking at how the BBC responded to increased market pressure by creating the first wildlife docusoap. Despite the lightweight connotations of the docusoap format, this series put forward a new ethical practice for representing the lives of individual wild animals. Through an exploration of how ethics are implicated in changing conditions of production and evolving media technologies, it is proposed that debates about the ethics of wildlife documentary need to be recentered on the complex ethical relationships between wildlife documentary makers and the animals and ecosystems they film rather than on issues of audience deception.
An agent-based approach towards network-enabled capabilities – I: Simulation validation and illustrative examples
Authors: McCourt Richard , Ng Kevin , Mitchell Roy
Published: November 2012

This paper presents an approach to understanding network-enabled operations using agent-based simulations. We describe the newly created agent-based software ABSNEC (Agent-Based System for Network Enabled Capabilities), highlighting some of its salient features: the ability to represent human factors towards the analysis of battle outcomes in network operations, and the ability to represent realistic force structures with tiered C2 architectures. We provide affirmative results of three validation techniques to date on the model. Finally, we demonstrate the utilization of ABSNEC to acquire meaningful insights for analysis through two examples: a study on the interrelationship between fratricide, human factors, and situation awareness; and the generation of alternative combat strategies for a military engagement.
LRRfinder2.0: A webserver for the prediction of leucine-rich repeats
Authors: Offord Victoria , Werling Dirk
Published: November 2012

Leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) are versatile motifs present in more than 6000 proteins throughout the phylogenetic kingdom. Tandem LRRs generate a characteristic horseshoe with a diverse range of functions. Fulfilling a key role in the innate immune system, LRRs form the TLR and NOD-like receptor (NLR) pathogen-recognition domain. Host–pathogen interactions mediated by LRRs drive those involved in ligand recognition to become distinct from their consensus motif. Most LRRs range between 21 and 30 residues; however, large insertions in certain TLRs can generate repeats of over 60 amino acids. LRR variability makes them ideal for species-specific mediation of host-pathogen interactions. Teleost TLRs show large insertions, making cross-species alignments difficult without prior demarcation of their LRR motifs. We present LRRfinder2.0, a webserver for LRR prediction. LRRfinder2.0 utilizes scoring matrices comprising more than 60,000 LRR motifs from more than 200 species. The underlying TLR database tLRRdb contains more than 3500 manually annotated sequences, augmenting identification of irregular LRR motifs.
Failed back surgery syndrome: whose failure? Time to discard a redundant term
Authors: Lucas Andrew J
Published: November 2012

Failed back surgery syndrome or “failed back syndrome” refers to persistent pain after spinal surgery. This opinion piece will discuss the back ground and scale of failed back surgery syndrome. There will be a description of the medical and psychological factors that have been reported as predictors of poor outcome from spinal surgery. The management of failed back surgery syndrome will be discussed with a personal viewpoint based on working with this patient group for fifteen years. It will be argued that failed back surgery syndrome and failed back syndrome are now redundant terms and are not useful for either patient or healthcare provider, and so should be discarded.Key words Failed back surgery syndrome, failed back syndrome
Statins as potential therapeutic drug for asthma?
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Zhou Lin , Cheng Jiyun , Zhang Jingying , Teng Yue , Huang Mao , Adcock Ian M , Barnes Peter J , Yao Xin
Published: November 2012

Background

Statins are lipid-lowering agents that also exhibit pleiotropic effects in decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. There have been several published studies reporting the use of statins in the treatment of asthma patients, but their results are not consistent. The aim of this study is to determine whether statins are beneficial for asthma administration, and explore the potential covariables that may affect their clinical effectiveness.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials from inception to September 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), retrospective studies and controlled clinical trials which reported the use of statins in the treatment of asthma patients were eligible. Quality evaluation was conducted for RCT using Jadad criteria.

Results

A total of 18 articles were included. In our study, we found no conclusive evidence to demonstrate that statins could enhance the lung function in asthmatics, although, they may reduce airway inflammation. Additionally, the results were not consistent across studies with respect to symptoms, quality of life, maintenance medication, asthma hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visits.

Conclusions

Statins may reduce airway inflammation in asthmatics, without having a significant effect on lung function. Further large sample and multicenter clinical trials are needed to confirm this and to see if there are more responsive phenotypes of asthma.
Local functional descriptors for surface comparison based binding prediction
Authors: Cipriano Gregory M , George Phillips N , Gleicher Michael
Published: November 2012

Background

Molecular recognition in proteins occurs due to appropriate arrangements of physical, chemical, and geometric properties of an atomic surface. Similar surface regions should create similar binding interfaces. Effective methods for comparing surface regions can be used in identifying similar regions, and to predict interactions without regard to the underlying structural scaffold that creates the surface.

Results

We present a new descriptor for protein functional surfaces and algorithms for using these descriptors to compare protein surface regions to identify ligand binding interfaces. Our approach uses descriptors of local regions of the surface, and assembles collections of matches to compare larger regions. Our approach uses a variety of physical, chemical, and geometric properties, adaptively weighting these properties as appropriate for different regions of the interface. Our approach builds a classifier based on a training corpus of examples of binding sites of the target ligand. The constructed classifiers can be applied to a query protein providing a probability for each position on the protein that the position is part of a binding interface. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach on a number of benchmarks, demonstrating performance that is comparable to the state-of-the-art, with an approach with more generality than these prior methods.

Conclusions

Local functional descriptors offer a new method for protein surface comparison that is sufficiently flexible to serve in a variety of applications.
Identification of yeast genes that confer resistance to chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) using chemogenomics
Authors: Jaime Maria DLA , Lopez-Llorca Luis Vicente , Conesa Ana , Lee Anna Y , Proctor Michael , Heisler Lawrence E , Gebbia Marinella , Giaever Guri , Westwood J Timothy , Nislow Corey
Published: November 2012

Background

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a deacetylated derivative of chitin, is an abundant, and renewable natural polymer. COS has higher antimicrobial properties than chitosan and is presumed to act by disrupting/permeabilizing the cell membranes of bacteria, yeast and fungi. COS is relatively non-toxic to mammals. By identifying the molecular and genetic targets of COS, we hope to gain a better understanding of the antifungal mode of action of COS.

Results

Three different chemogenomic fitness assays, haploinsufficiency (HIP), homozygous deletion (HOP), and multicopy suppression (MSP) profiling were combined with a transcriptomic analysis to gain insight in to the mode of action and mechanisms of resistance to chitosan oligosaccharides. The fitness assays identified 39 yeast deletion strains sensitive to COS and 21 suppressors of COS sensitivity. The genes identified are involved in processes such as RNA biology (transcription, translation and regulatory mechanisms), membrane functions (e.g. signalling, transport and targeting), membrane structural components, cell division, and proteasome processes. The transcriptomes of control wild type and 5 suppressor strains overexpressing ARL1, BCK2, ERG24, MSG5, or RBA50, were analyzed in the presence and absence of COS. Some of the up-regulated transcripts in the suppressor overexpressing strains exposed to COS included genes involved in transcription, cell cycle, stress response and the Ras signal transduction pathway. Down-regulated transcripts included those encoding protein folding components and respiratory chain proteins. The COS-induced transcriptional response is distinct from previously described environmental stress responses (i.e. thermal, salt, osmotic and oxidative stress) and pre-treatment with these well characterized environmental stressors provided little or any resistance to COS.

Conclusions

Overexpression of the ARL1 gene, a member of the Ras superfamily that regulates membrane trafficking, provides protection against COS-induced cell membrane permeability and damage. We found that the ARL1 COS-resistant over-expression strain was as sensitive to Amphotericin B, Fluconazole and Terbinafine as the wild type cells and that when COS and Fluconazole are used in combination they act in a synergistic fashion. The gene targets of COS identified in this study indicate that COS’s mechanism of action is different from other commonly studied fungicides that target membranes, suggesting that COS may be an effective fungicide for drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
The effect of strand bias in Illumina short-read sequencing data
Authors: Guo Yan , Li Jiang , Li Chung-I , Long Jirong , Samuels David C , Shyr Yu
Published: November 2012

Background

When using Illumina high throughput short read data, sometimes the genotype inferred from the positive strand and negative strand are significantly different, with one homozygous and the other heterozygous. This phenomenon is known as strand bias. In this study, we used Illumina short-read sequencing data to evaluate the effect of strand bias on genotyping quality, and to explore the possible causes of strand bias.

Result

We collected 22 breast cancer samples from 22 patients and sequenced their exome using the Illumina GAIIx machine. By comparing the consistency between the genotypes inferred from this sequencing data with the genotypes inferred from SNP chip data, we found that, when using sequencing data, SNPs with extreme strand bias did not have significantly lower consistency rates compared to SNPs with low or no strand bias. However, this result may be limited by the small subset of SNPs present in both the exome sequencing and the SNP chip data. We further compared the transition and transversion ratio and the number of novel non-synonymous SNPs between the SNPs with low or no strand bias and those with extreme strand bias, and found that SNPs with low or no strand bias have better overall quality. We also discovered that the strand bias occurs randomly at genomic positions across these samples, and observed no consistent pattern of strand bias location across samples. By comparing results from two different aligners, BWA and Bowtie, we found very consistent strand bias patterns. Thus strand bias is unlikely to be caused by alignment artifacts. We successfully replicated our results using two additional independent datasets with different capturing methods and Illumina sequencers.

Conclusion

Extreme strand bias indicates a potential high false-positive rate for SNPs.
Weighted pedigree-based statistics for testing the association of rare variants
Authors: Shugart Yin Yao , Zhu Yun , Guo Wei , Xiong Momiao
Published: November 2012

Background

With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, researchers are now generating a deluge of data on high dimensional genomic variations, whose analysis is likely to reveal rare variants involved in the complex etiology of disease. Standing in the way of such discoveries, however, is the fact that statistics for rare variants are currently designed for use with population-based data. In this paper, we introduce a pedigree-based statistic specifically designed to test for rare variants in family-based data. The additional power of pedigree-based statistics stems from the fact that while rare variants related to diseases or traits of interest occur only infrequently in populations, in families with multiple affected individuals, such variants are enriched. Note that while the proposed statistic can be applied with and without statistical weighting, our simulations show that its power increases when weighting (WSS and VT) are applied.

Results

Our working hypothesis was that, since rare variants are concentrated in families with multiple affected individuals, pedigree-based statistics should detect rare variants more powerfully than population-based statistics. To evaluate how well our new pedigree-based statistics perform in association studies, we develop a general framework for sequence-based association studies capable of handling data from pedigrees of various types and also from unrelated individuals. In short, we developed a procedure for transforming population-based statistics into tests for family-based associations. Furthermore, we modify two existing tests, the weighted sum-square test and the variable-threshold test, and apply both to our family-based collapsing methods. We demonstrate that the new family-based tests are more powerful than corresponding population-based test and they generate a reasonable type I error rate.

To demonstrate feasibility, we apply the newly developed tests to a pedigree-based GWAS data set from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). FHS-GWAS data contain approximately 5000 uncommon variants with frequencies less than 0.05. Potential association findings in these data demonstrate the feasibility of the software PB-STAR (note, PB-STAR is now freely available to the public).

Conclusion

Our tests show that when analyzing for rare variants, a pedigree-based design is more powerful than a population-based case–control design. We further demonstrate that a pedigree-based statistic’s power to detect rare variants increases in direct relation to the proportion of affected individuals within the pedigree.