bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An explicit algorithm for solving the optimize hierarchical problems
Authors: Kumam Poom , Jitpeera Thanyarat , Yarangkham Wararat
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we consider the variational inequality problem over the generalized mixed equilibrium problem which has a hierarchical structure. Strong convergence of the algorithm to the unique solution is guaranteed under some assumptions.

MSC:47H09, 47H10, 47J20, 49J40, 65J15.
Arthritis Robustus: review of a case of an “abnormal” rheumatoid
Authors: Prasad Kajal , Rath Deepak , Kundu Bijit Kumar
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Incidental discovery or diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis where the patient remains blissfully unaware of his affection is a rare occurrence.

Case description

We present the case of a telephone wireman in whom Rheumatoid Arthritis neither affected his activities of daily living nor caused any deformity to develop. It remained asymptomatic till its incidental discovery during his admission for treatment of myocardial infarction.

Discussion and Evaluation

This presentation of Rheumatoid Arthritis is termed ‘Arthritis Robustus’ and goes against the very tenets of the picture of Rheumatoid Arthritis we have in our minds. The name given to this entity stems from the fact that these patients are mostly physical labourers i.e. ‘Robust’.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid Arthritis can very rarely be asymptomatic. The rarity of the entity can be inferred from the paucity of published literature.
Maize pollen deposition in relation to distance from the nearest pollen source under common cultivation - results of 10 years of monitoring (2001 to 2010)
Authors: Hofmann Frieder , Otto Mathias , Wosniok Werner
Published: October 2014

Background

Information on pollen dispersal is essential for the risk assessment and management of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) such as Bt maize. We analyzed data on maize pollen deposition at 216 sites in Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium from 2001 to 2010. All data were collected using the same standardized sampling method. The distances between sampling site and the nearest maize field ranged from within the field to 4.45 km.

Results

Maize pollen deposition was negatively correlated with distance from the nearest pollen source. The highest pollen deposition was within the field, but depositions of several thousand pollen grains per square meter were recorded over the kilometer range. A power function model most accurately described the relationship between deposition and distance from the nearest pollen source, rather than the exponential model currently used in EU risk assessment and management, which underestimates exposure for distances greater than 10 m. Regression analysis confirmed the high significance of the power relationship. The large variation in pollen deposition at a given distance reflected the influences of wind direction and other meteorological and site conditions. Plausible variations of single values and the predicted mean pollen count at a given distance were expressed by confidence intervals.

Conclusions

The model described here allows estimations of pollen deposition in relation to distance from the nearest field; therefore, it will be valuable for the risk assessment and management of GMOs. Our results indicate that buffer zones in the kilometer range are required to prevent harmful exposure of non-target organisms to GMOs.
Hydrocarbon indicators on seismic data: Insights from poroviscoelastic modeling, amplitude, and frequency variation with offsets from the Drake Point gas field, Western Arctic Islands, Canada
Authors: Duchesne Mathieu J. , Giroux Bernard , Hu Kezhen
Published: October 2014

The evaluation of drilling prospects is frequently based on seismic amplitude anomalies. To decipher “true” seismic prospects from “false” ones, we used poroviscoelastic (PVE) models, as opposed to other formalisms such as acoustic, elastic, viscoelastic, and poroelastic models, that provided a solution that takes into account solid and fluid attenuation mechanisms separately to model the earth’s response to the propagation of a seismic wavefield. Here, a PVE impedance modeling scheme was tested using seismic and well-log data collected on a conventional gas reservoir in the Canadian Arctic. Comparisons between seismic-to-well ties achieved using acoustic and PVE media indicated that the latter provided more realistic synthetic seismograms. Although prestack analysis revealed that the present lithological context was of class I amplitude variation with offset (AVO), the seismic signature observed was of class III AVO. Consequently, the increase in amplitude with offset was interpreted to be induced not by a lithological change (i.e., shale to sand) combined with a gas-charged interval, but rather by an increase in porosity within the sandstone reservoir itself where the gas has accumulated. Frequency variation with offset analysis using spectral decomposition, image low-frequency shadows on the far offsets attributed to the gas accumulation that were correlative with the AVO anomaly. This highlighted the importance of far offsets in anomalous amplitude and frequency events attributed to the occurrence of gas reservoirs observed on stacked data and that these events can be missed if seismic hydrocarbon indicators were solely investigated on stacked data. Finally, the method of analysis emphasized the importance of combining indirect arguments coming from the observation of prestack and stacked seismic data in the time and frequency domains for reducing risk to an acceptable level before a prospect can be drilled.
Study of Prospects Related to Development of Hydrocarbons Exports in Black Sea Direction
Authors: Вотинов  , Votinov A. , Афанасьев  , Afanasev Valentin
Published: October 2014

The increasing role of transport communications’ constructive improvement in the Black Sea region’s real

economy development is inextricably linked with the need to ensure it by hydrocarbon exports’ infrastructure

under the conditions of limited international cooperation and differentiation of services provided. In this paper

have been marked groups of problems characterizing factors of demand creation for energy resources in

modern world economy, has been revealed the Black Sea economic cooperation role in development of

oil and petroleum products’ export infrastructure, has been assessed the energy policy influence on the

Russian Federation´s position at the global energy market. A development strategy of vertically integrated

oil company "Rosneft" at the national and international markets has been described, Russian vertically

integrated oil companies’ competitive advantages and weaknesses have been considered.
Marketing Priority of Strategic Planning
Authors: Шкардун  , Shkardun V. , Афанасьев  , Afanasev Valentin
Published: October 2014

Systemological bases of marketing approach use to the strategic planning are considered in this paper. A

complex of techniques for determining the enterprise’s strategy level, based on preliminary assessment of

enterprise managers’ readiness to work in strategic planning conditions has been marked. A concept of

business objectives’ identification and classification based on consideration of influence groups’ interests

has been proposed. A conceptual model related to interaction between market subjects and enterprise’s

units during strategic planning information and analytical support has been described. A methodical

approach to marketing information system setting on strategic planning’s analytical problems resolution has

been Justified.
Municipal Entities’ Life Support System: Current State, Main Threats, Anti-crisis Policy
Authors: Демин  , Demin A. , Морозов  , Morozov V.
Published: October 2014

Some questions related to analysis of theoretical concepts of "municipal entity life-support system" and

"municipal entity competence" to clarify their essential characteristics, generalizations of theory and practice

related to municipal entity life-support systems management and analysis of municipal entities’ competences

distribution system status, to identify the main trends of its development, to develop a model of competences

distribution between local authorities and a model of municipal entity life-support systems management

efficiency improving.
Capital Structure, Product Market Dynamics, and the Boundaries of the Firm
Authors: Hackbarth Dirk , Mathews Richmond , Robinson David
Published: October 2014

We model a new product market opportunity as an option and ask whether it is best exploited by a large incumbent firm (integration) or by a small separate firm (nonintegration). Starting from a standard framework, in which value-maximizing investment and financing decisions are jointly determined, we show that integration protects assets in place value, whereas nonintegration protects option value and maximizes financial flexibility. We show that increases in standard measures of cash flow risk predict exploitation of new opportunities by specialized firms, whereas increases in product market competition (e.g., the risk of competitive preemption) predict exploitation by incumbents. We also show that alliances organized as licensing agreements or revenue-sharing contracts sometimes better balance the sources of value and thus may dominate more traditional forms of organization. These organizational equilibria arise from the dynamic interaction of the new opportunity’s option-like features with realistic competitive forces.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
The importance of Statistics
Authors: Campbell Malcolm
Published: October 2014

This is the first in a regular series of articles to tell you about Statistics, what it is, the key concepts and approaches, statistical tests and how to choose them, and how to write up your findings. In each issue of the journal, we will focus on a different topic, see how it was applied in relevant papers, and gradually build up your understanding of this important subject.
Choosing the right stoma appliance
Authors: Black Pat
Published: October 2014

With older people experiencing increasing problems with stoma care, Pat Black recommends how to choose the correct accessory or product to maintain an active life
Preliminary Study on the Effect of Ethylene Diamine- n, n-diacetic Acid on Methane Gas Production Rate from Cow Manure
Authors: Calvin Nwokem N , Emmanuel Gimba C. , Iloegbunam Ndukwe G. , Elijah Ella E.
Published: October 2014

In an effort to improve methane gas production rate from cattle slurry; ethylene diamine- N, N-diacetic acid chelating ligand was introduced into the digester system. Experimental analysis involving the determination of trace metals, pH and methane gas yield, were carried out with the use of the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Biogas5000 analyser. The results showed that there was an increase in the pH of the system; the amount of methane gas yield equally increased by 12% and the Hydraulic Retention Time decreased from 50 days to 25 days on addition of ethylene diamine- N, N-diacetic acid chelating ligand. Also, increasing the concentration of the chelating ligand further decreased the HRT of the digester system from 25 days to 19days. Concentration of trace metals like Iron, Cobalt and Nickel within the digester system ranged from 0.001-0.050 mg/L; these metals reacted with ethylene diamine- N, N-diacetic acid chelating ligand to form metal chelates. The metal chelate formed resulted in the catalysis of the hydrolysis stage (which is the rate determining step) of the anaerobic digestion process. Thus, the decrease in HRT was due to the metal chelate catalysis of the hydrolysis stage of the anaerobic digestion process were the metal chelate formation served as the driving force in the solvolysis process.
Contracting for social cohesion: can local area agreements make a difference?
Authors: Andrews Rhys , Downe James , Guarneros-Meza Valeria
Published: October 2014

Under the Labour government, Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) in England were responsible for the delivery of Local Area Agreements (LAAs) – agreed targets between central and local government. This paper uses statistical techniques and local authority case studies to explore the impact of LAAs on LSPs’ efforts to promote social cohesion. The results suggest that LSPs with a LAA for social cohesion experienced a better rate of improvement in community cohesiveness than those without, and that tougher targets resulted in stronger improvement. The impact of changes in LSPs’ approaches to promoting social cohesion appears to be responsible for this finding.
Representative bureaucracy: a typology of normative institutional strategies for the representation of women
Authors: Miller Karen Johnston , McTavish Duncan
Published: October 2014

In public service institutions occupational gender segregation persists. These institutions are often gendered with predominantly masculine organisational cultures. The lack of passive and active representation of women has implications for public policy outcomes. This paper suggests a normative typology of the passive and active representation of women in bureaucracies, vis-à-vis institutional strategies to address the under-representation of women. The typology is based on: a theoretical discussion of representative bureaucracy; and a critical discussion of strategies to improve the representation of women. A key feature of the paper is the development of a typology with a suggested concinnity of institutional strategies.
‘No Means No’, But Where's the Force? Addressing the Challenges of Formally Recognising Non-violent Sexual Coercion as a Serious Criminal Offence
Authors: Leahy Susan
Published: October 2014

Although it is no longer necessary to show that force was used in order to prove that sexual activity was non-consensual, it remains difficult to prove that rape has occurred where the complainant has been threatened with an adverse consequence other than physical injury. Although, in principle, any threat (e.g. that of job loss or revelation of a secret) is sufficient to vitiate consent to sexual activity, in practice it remains difficult to prove that a criminal wrong has occurred in such cases. This article argues that this gap between principle and practice is the result of the vague approach to sexual coercion in the Sexual Offences Act 2003, along with a continuing societal preoccupation with force as a requirement for ‘real rape’. In light of these difficulties, it is argued that consideration should be given to introducing a specific offence of obtaining sex by threats to ensure that non-violent sexual coercion is recognised as criminal harm.
The Chaotic State of the Law of Rape in Victoria: A Mandate for Reform
Authors: Arenson Kenneth J.
Published: October 2014

This article is intended as a final commentary and sequel to two earlier articles in this journal that have examined the arcane and circular wording of s. 37AA of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) and its patent incompatibility with ss 36 and 38 of that Act that define the elements of rape. In particular, this article will revisit many of the essential points raised in the first two articles in order to afford readers with an appropriate backdrop against which the Victorian Court of Appeal's decision in GC v The Queen will be examined. The article concludes with a strenuous recommendation that s. 37AA be repealed or substantially amended in order to comport with ss 36 and 38 as well as the Court of Appeal's decision in NT v The Queen that significantly reshaped the Morgan principle.
Necessity as a Defence to Murder: An Anglo-Canadian Perspective
Authors: Kotecha Birju
Published: October 2014

The article explores the formulation of the criminal defence of necessity in the context of murder cases. The discussion will provide a medium through which to critique necessity's theoretical foundations which are classified either as one of justification or excuse. It is this highly problematic distinction which will be exposed as not only having been overlooked in case law but is futile where necessity is considered as providing a murder defence. Such a theoretical dichotomy does not reflect the competing rights and values present in the case law, and nor does it align with the decision-making process taken by judges in cases where they resolve such moral conflicts. What is present is a contextual form of necessity that frames and recognises the circumstances the actors are placed in. The analysis argues for a recategorisation of necessity into a narrow fact-driven category beyond the abstract duality of justification or excuse. To support the view of a situation-led approach, necessity is exposed as omitting a critical doctrinal element; that of the imminence of harm within a broader recognition that the situation presents an emergency. Adopting a comparative perspective, the article analyses why the emphasis placed on the imminence of harm found in Canadian jurisprudence ought to be reflected in English law. The rationale for this is to fully reflect the agony of the circumstances that underpin the scope of necessity in murder situations and to ensure that actors in such tragic situations have their rights secured as far as possible, before allowing the defence to apply. One of the final implications of the article is a reconsideration of the relationship between necessity and duress of circumstances arguing that a reappraisal of their convergence is required. The article's argument leaves the juridical precept that duress is not available as a defence to murder on an insecure foundation and in need of judicial re-evaluation.
Recent progress in the science and technology of LIBS
Authors: Miziolek Andrzej W. , McNesby Kevin L. , Harmon Russell S.
Published: October 2014

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an emerging, minimally-destructive sensor technology for in-situ real-time chemical and biological species identification and analysis. This laser-based analytical technology is undergoing very rapid growth in both instrumentation advances and in the number and variety of applications in both the military and civilian sectors.
LASER INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY OF LIQUID AND SOLID SAMPLES IN THE PRESENCE OF MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: Rai Virendra N. , Rai Awadhesha K. , Yueh Fang Yu , Singh Jagdish P.
Published: October 2014

Investigation of optical emission from laser-produced plasma expanding across an external magnetic field is the subject of current interest and has its application in various field of research[1-2]. It is well known that various external parameters such as energy and wavelength of the laser, electric and magnetic field, and ambient condition, affects the plasma parameters and emission properties. The effects of magnetic field on the emission properties of laser-produced plasma have been studied earlier [1-2]. During the process of plasma expansion (deceleration in the presence of magnetic field), the kinetic energy of the plasma is totally transformed into thermal energy of the plasma as well as in the energy of the magnetic field. In this situation, the plasmas emission as well as its various other physical properties change. Effect of magnetic field on the emission from the laser-produced plasma has been studied by many authors from X-ray to visible wavelength range at different experimental conditions. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a laser based diagnostics technique, which has been used to study the atomic emission from various samples such as solid, liquid or gas [3]. In the light of the above discussion, it will be interesting to study the effect of a low intensity steady magnetic field on the LIBS signal from liquid as well as solid samples, which will be important for trace element analysis. In the present experiment we have studied the emission properties of the laser-produced plasma from the metal seeded liquid samples as well as aluminum alloy in the presence of magnetic field.
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of Nineteenth Century Daguerreotypes
Authors: Miller John C. , Anglos D.
Published: October 2014

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been applied for the first time to 150-year old daguerreotypes, as a prelude to laser ablation cleaning of tarnished examples.
Strategies for NO Laser-Induced Fluorescence in Methane/Air Flames at Pressures between 1 and 60 bar
Authors: Bessler Wolfgang G. , Schulz Christof , Shin Dong-Ill , Lee Tonghun , Jeffries Jay B. , Hanson Ronald K.
Published: October 2014

Measurements in laminar premixed methane/air flames at pressures between 1 and 60 bar are used here to compare strategies for NO LIF detection exciting selected transitions in the A-X (0,0), (0,1), and (0,2) bands.
Sensitive absorption measurements based on novel cavity enhanced spectroscopy techniques
Authors: Baer Doug , Gupta Manish , O'Keefe Anthony , Paul Joshua
Published: October 2014

A novel laser-based absorption diagnostic technique based on off-axis paths in high-finesse optical cavities provides high measurement sensitivities (~2×10−10 cm−1). Applications to environmental monitoring and industrial process control using near-IR semiconductor diode lasers and mid-IR quantum cascade lasers will be presented.
Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy: An Overview
Authors: Zare Richard N.
Published: October 2014

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is a new technique for carrying out absorption measurements with increased sensitivity. Briefly, a pulse of radiation is injected into an optical cavity where it bounces back and forth between high-reflectivity mirrors. Some radiation leaks out an end mirror on each bounce, and the stored radiant energy inside the optical cavity decays exponentially (rings down) with time. When absorber molecules are present inside the optical cavity, the ring-down lifetime is shortened. A plot of the reciprocal of the ring-down lifetime (the ring-down rate) versus frequency gives the absorption spectrum.
Microoptics for laser applications
Authors: Herzig Hans
Published: October 2014

Full-text article is not available.
Spectroscopic trace gas detection with pulsed quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Kosterev Anatoliy A. , Tittel Frank K. , Wehe Shawn , Sonnenfroh David M. , Allen Mark G. , Köhler Rüdeger , Gmachl Claire , Capasso Federico , Sivco Deborah L. , Cho Alfred Y.
Published: October 2014

Pulsed quantum cascade lasers operating at wavelength of 10 and 4.6 microns were used for detection of ammonia and carbon monoxide, respectively. Variations of atmospheric CO concentration were continuously monitored with 12 ppbv precision using a 1 m optical pathlength.
Maximum-likelihood estimation of model parameters for experiments with pulsed lasers
Authors: Metz Thomas , Walewski Joachim , Kaminski Clemens F.
Published: October 2014

A fitting method is presented for evaluation of non-linear spectroscopy experiments. Correct treatment of laser intensity fluctuations increases the accuracy and precision and avoids significantly wrong results. The method is compared to common fitting schemes.
Miniaturized QC and TDL Laser Spectrometers for Biogenic Gases and Isotope Ratios on Mars, Titan, and Venus
Authors: Webster Christopher R.
Published: October 2014

QC lasers have been flown in Earth’s stratosphere, making the first atmospheric measurements, and are now incorporated into miniature tunable laser spectrometers for biogenic gases and isotope ratios as biosignatures on Mars and other planets.
Wavelength-agile diode laser sensors for monitoring gas properties in harsh environments
Authors: Sanders Scott T. , Jeffries Jay B. , Wang Jian , Hanson Ronald K.
Published: October 2014

Extended wavelength tuning of diode lasers enable the extension of scanned wavelength absorption techniques to transient, high pressure, hostile environments. Examples using frequency agile VCSELs and new wavelength tuning strategies are presented.
New advances in optical microscopy of biological systems
Authors: Xie Sunney
Published: October 2014

Full-text article is not available.
Probing single ion luminescence in rare-earth doped nanocrystals
Authors: Mehta A. , Thundat T. , Barnes M. D. , Bhargava R. , Bartko A. , Peyser L. , Dickson R. M.
Published: October 2014

We describe experiments probing single europium and terbium ions in isolated nanocrystals (2–15 nm diam.) using fluorescence microscopy techniques. Emission pattern imaging also shows patterns that are distinctly characteristic of single dipoles.
Second harmonic generation technique for monitoring of thermo-induced processes in biotussue
Authors: Lalayan A. , Janunts E.
Published: October 2014

Second harmonic generation in collagen contained animal biotissue under picosecond laser irradiation have been studied during conventional and laser heating. Experimental comparison of second harmonic generation and two-photon fluorescence nonlinear optical phenomena has been performed in ordered native tissue.
Multidimensional and multiscalar laser diagnostics in turbulent combusting flows
Authors: Hult Johan
Published: October 2014

Measurements in jet flames and engines of time resolved fuel concentration fields, simultaneous OH and velocity fields and three-dimensional soot concentrations, using a high speed laser diagnostic imaging system, are presented.
Raman/Rayleigh/LIF/CRDS measurements in premixed CH4/N2/O2 atmospheric pressure flames
Authors: Dreyer Christopher B. , Linne Mark
Published: October 2014

Measurements of N2, O2, CH4, CO2, and H2O have been made by vibrational raman scattering and OH by laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) as a function of height in a premixed methane/air flame at atmospheric pressure.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and its impact on single molecule biophysics
Authors: Schwille Petra
Published: October 2014

Single protein and nucleic acid molecules are believed to be the smallest functional units in biological systems, their dynamic analysis in vitro, but also in living cells and organisms remaining one of the major goals of current biophysical research. Among the most sensitive techniques presently available and frequently employed in biophysical single molecule analysis is fluorescence spectroscopy, due to its non-invasiveness being applicable to a wide variety of biological specimens. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is one of the many different modes of high-resolution spatial and temporal analysis of single or sparse biomolecules. Its basic principle is the consideration of minute spontaneous deviations of small systems from thermodynamic equilibrium that give rise to fluctuations in the fluorescence emission. Among a multitude of physical parameters which are in principle accessible by FCS, it most conveniently allows to determine local concentrations, mobility coefficients, and characteristic rate constants of inter- and intramolecular reactions of fluorescently labeled biomolecules at very low (nanomolar) concentrations, under equilibrium conditions and without physical separation.
Far-infrared semiconductor laser for molecular spectroscopy
Authors: Peale R. E. , Muravjov A. V. , Nelson E. W. , Pavlov S. G. , Shastin V. N. , Fredricksen C. J.
Published: October 2014

The feasibility of the p-Ge laser for far-infrared laser spectroscopy is enhanced by recent progress in single mode selection and tunable external cavities, allowing continuous tuning from 50-140 cm−1 without mode-hops.
Detection of Clonal Evolution in Hematopoietic Malignancies by Combining Comparative Genomic Hybridization and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Arrays
Authors: Hartmann Luise , Stephenson Christine F , Verkamp Stephanie R , Johnson Krystal R , Burnworth Bettina , Hammock Kelle , Brodersen Lisa Eidenschink , de Baca Monica E , Wells Denise A , Loken Michael R , Zehentner Barbara K
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) has become a powerful tool for analyzing hematopoietic neoplasms and identifying genome-wide copy number changes in a single assay. aCGH also has superior resolution compared with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or conventional cytogenetics. Integration of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) probes with microarray analysis allows additional identification of acquired uniparental disomy, a copy neutral aberration with known potential to contribute to tumor pathogenesis. However, a limitation of microarray analysis has been the inability to detect clonal heterogeneity in a sample.

METHODS

This study comprised 16 samples (acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, plasma cell neoplasm) with complex cytogenetic features and evidence of clonal evolution. We used an integrated manual peak reassignment approach combining analysis of aCGH and SNP microarray data for characterization of subclonal abnormalities. We compared array findings with results obtained from conventional cytogenetic and FISH studies.

RESULTS

Clonal heterogeneity was detected in 13 of 16 samples by microarray on the basis of log2 values. Use of the manual peak reassignment analysis approach improved resolution of the sample's clonal composition and genetic heterogeneity in 10 of 13 (77%) patients. Moreover, in 3 patients, clonal disease progression was revealed by array analysis that was not evident by cytogenetic or FISH studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic abnormalities originating from separate clonal subpopulations can be identified and further characterized by combining aCGH and SNP hybridization results from 1 integrated microarray chip by use of the manual peak reassignment technique. Its clinical utility in comparison to conventional cytogenetic or FISH studies is demonstrated.
‘Alī Al-Wardī, ‘Texas sociologist’?
Authors: Bishop Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

In his analysis of a professional association and its tactics, John McCumber’s Time in the Ditch asserts, ‘American philosophy during the McCarthy era seems to have confronted difficulties well beyond those faced by other disciplines’. In response, Lewis Gordon developed a thesis around what he called a ‘teleological suspension of disciplinarity’, a willingness to go beyond disciplines in the production of knowledge. During the Cold War, ‘Alī al-Wardī completed his training at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned two graduate degrees. This article addresses al-Wardī’s early work in a series of historical and regional perspectives: first, referring to C. Wright Mills as a model for a ‘Texas sociologist’; second, identifying Sociology Department faculty members whom al-Wardī thanked in his thesis; and, through them, revealing a network of scholarship and activism identified with Cold War Texas.
Soziologie und Ökonomie im Irak: Reflexionen über das Werk von Ali Al-Wardi zu seinem 100sten Geburtstag
Authors: Schuber Barik
Published: October 2014

Based on Ali al-Wardi’s theoretical innovations, the article investigates the relatively new phenomena of the rentier state and society in Iraq as well as the ongoing political conflict between the different social groups and confessions as a battle about economic and financial resources related to the oil economy and to rent seeking. The discourse also highlights the issue of social justice accomplished by al-Wardi as a core socio-economic problem since the early period of Islam and influencing the political and confessional conflicts throughout the history of Iraq. Al-Wardi presented a great vision on plurality of society and how to build a multicultural, multi-ethnic nation in Iraq.
Reflections on a Mentor
Authors: Al-Haidari Ibrahim
Published: October 2014

This article positions the critical ideas of Ali al-Wardi on Iraqi society in general and its personality in particular, both its contradictions and duality between Bedouin and urban natures. The author maintains that these characteristics became much more relevant after the Anglo-American occupation of Iraq, which released the repressed tendencies of the Iraqi personality. The resurgence of these tendencies is reflected in the expressions of violence and terrorism which beset Iraq today. The author concludes by saying ‘we have to understand our reality […] and critically evaluate what is negative about ourselves [Iraqis]. We have to re-examine our intellectual discourse, social behaviour and political orientations.’ The author calls upon Iraqis to look at al-Wardi’s analysis of Iraq’s history in order to move forward.
Anticipating and Incorporating Stakeholder Feedback when Developing Value-Added Models
Authors: Balch Ryan , Koedel Cory
Published: October 2014

State and local education agencies across the United States are increasingly adopting rigorous teacher evaluation systems. Most systems formally incorporate teacher performance as measured by student test-score growth, sometimes by state mandate. An important consideration that will influence the long-term persistence and efficacy of these systems is stakeholder buy-in, including buy-in from teachers. In this study we document common questions from teachers about value-added measures and provide research-based responses to these questions. The questions come from teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools, who are evaluated using a combined measure of which value-added is one component. We focus on teacher questions about value-added because value-added generates the most concern from teachers. We also connect teacher concerns about value-added to other components of the evaluation system, such as classroom observations, although at present these other components have not garnered as much attention from teachers.
The exosome‐binding factors Rrp6 and Rrp47 form a composite surface for recruiting the Mtr4 helicase
Authors: Schuch Benjamin , Feigenbutz Monika , Makino Debora L , Falk Sebastian , Basquin Claire , Mitchell Phil , Conti Elena
Published: October 2014

The exosome is a conserved multi‐subunit ribonuclease complex that functions in 3′ end processing, turnover and surveillance of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs. In the yeast nucleus, the 10‐subunit core complex of the exosome (Exo‐10) physically and functionally interacts with the Rrp6 exoribonuclease and its associated cofactor Rrp47, the helicase Mtr4 and Mpp6. Here, we show that binding of Mtr4 to Exo‐10 in vitro is dependent upon both Rrp6 and Rrp47, whereas Mpp6 binds directly and independently of other cofactors. Crystallographic analyses reveal that the N‐terminal domains of Rrp6 and Rrp47 form a highly intertwined structural unit. Rrp6 and Rrp47 synergize to create a composite and conserved surface groove that binds the N‐terminus of Mtr4. Mutation of conserved residues within Rrp6 and Mtr4 at the structural interface disrupts their interaction and inhibits growth of strains expressing a C‐terminal GFP fusion of Mtr4. These studies provide detailed structural insight into the interaction between the Rrp6–Rrp47 complex and Mtr4, revealing an important link between Mtr4 and the core exosome.
Malt1 protease inactivation efficiently dampens immune responses but causes spontaneous autoimmunity
Authors: Jaworski Maike , Marsland Ben J , Gehrig Jasmine , Held Werner , Favre Stéphanie , Luther Sanjiv A , Perroud Mai , Golshayan Déla , Gaide Olivier , Thome Margot
Published: October 2014

The protease activity of the paracaspase Malt1 has recently gained interest as a drug target for immunomodulation and the treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas. To address the consequences of Malt1 protease inactivation on the immune response in vivo, we generated knock‐in mice expressing a catalytically inactive C472A mutant of Malt1 that conserves its scaffold function. Like Malt1‐deficient mice, knock‐in mice had strong defects in the activation of lymphocytes, NK and dendritic cells, and the development of B1 and marginal zone B cells and were completely protected against the induction of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Malt1 inactivation also protected the mice from experimental induction of colitis. However, Malt1 knock‐in mice but not Malt1‐deficient mice spontaneously developed signs of autoimmune gastritis that correlated with an absence of Treg cells, an accumulation of T cells with an activated phenotype and high serum levels of IgE and IgG1. Thus, removal of the enzymatic activity of Malt1 efficiently dampens the immune response, but favors autoimmunity through impaired Treg development, which could be relevant for therapeutic Malt1‐targeting strategies.
Lysosomal dysfunction and impaired autophagy underlie the pathogenesis of amyloidogenic light chain‐mediated cardiotoxicity
Authors: Guan Jian , Mishra Shikha , Qiu Yiling , Shi Jianru , Trudeau Kyle , Las Guy , Liesa Marc , Shirihai Orian S , Connors Lawreen H , Seldin David C , Falk Rodney H , MacRae Calum A , Liao Ronglih
Published: October 2014

AL amyloidosis is the consequence of clonal production of amyloidogenic immunoglobulin light chain (LC) proteins, often resulting in a rapidly progressive and fatal amyloid cardiomyopathy. Recent work has found that amyloidogenic LC directly initiate a cardio‐toxic response underlying the pathogenesis of the cardiomyopathy; however, the mechanisms that contribute to this proteotoxicity remain unknown. Using human amyloidogenic LC isolated from patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy, we reveal that dysregulation of autophagic flux is critical for mediating amyloidogenic LC proteotoxicity. Restoration of autophagic flux by pharmacological intervention using rapamycin protected against amyloidogenic light chain protein‐induced pathologies including contractile dysfunction and cell death at the cellular and organ level and also prolonged survival in an in vivo zebrafish model of amyloid cardiotoxicity. Mechanistically, we identify impaired lysosomal function to be the major cause of defective autophagy and amyloidogenic LC‐induced proteotoxicity. Collectively, these findings detail the downstream molecular mechanisms underlying AL amyloid cardiomyopathy and highlight potential targeting of autophagy and lysosomal dysfunction in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy.
Genetic Differentiation and Evolutionary Adaptation inCryptomeria japonica
Authors: Tsumura Yoshihiko , Uchiyama Kentaro , Moriguchi Yoshinari , Kimura Megumi K , Ueno Saneyoshi , Ujino-Ihara Tokuko
Published: October 2014

Local adaptation of plant species is a central issue for survival during global climate change, especially for long-lived forest trees, with their lengthy regeneration time and spatially limited gene flow. Identification of loci and/or genomic regions associated with local adaptation is necessary for knowledge of both evolution and molecular breeding for climate change. Cryptomeria japonica is an important species for forestry in Japan; it has a broad natural distribution and can survive in a range of different environments. The genetic structure of 14 natural populations of this species was investigated using 3930 SNP markers. Populations on the Pacific Ocean side of Japan are clearly different from those on the Japan Sea side, as discussed in previous studies. Structure analysis and population network trees show that peripheral populations, including the most northerly and southerly ones, have unique features. We found that the genetic differentiation coefficient is low, FST = 0.05, although it must account for the presence of important genes associated with adaptation to specific environments. In total, 208 outlier loci were detected, of which 43 were associated with environmental variables. Four clumped regions of outlier loci were detected in the genome by linkage analysis. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was quite high in these clumps of outlier loci, which were found in linkage groups (LGs) 2, 7, 10, and 11, especially between populations of two varieties, and when interchromosomal LD was also detected. The LG7 region is characteristic of the Yakushima population, which is a large, isolated, peripheral population occupying a specific environment resulting from isolation combined with volcanic activity in the region. The detected LD may provide strong evidence for selection between varieties.
A Versatile Two-Step CRISPR- and RMCE-Based Strategy for Efficient Genome Engineering in Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Xu , Koolhaas Wouter H , Schnorrer Frank
Published: October 2014

The development of clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) technologies promises a quantum leap in genome engineering of model organisms. However, CRISPR-mediated gene targeting reports in Drosophila melanogaster are still restricted to a few genes, use variable experimental conditions, and vary in efficiency, questioning the universal applicability of the method. Here, we developed an efficient two-step strategy to flexibly engineer the fly genome by combining CRISPR with recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE). In the first step, two sgRNAs, whose activity had been tested in cell culture, were co-injected together with a donor plasmid into transgenic Act5C-Cas9, Ligase4 mutant embryos and the homologous integration events were identified by eye fluorescence. In the second step, the eye marker was replaced with DNA sequences of choice using RMCE enabling flexible gene modification. We applied this strategy to engineer four different locations in the genome, including a gene on the fourth chromosome, at comparably high efficiencies. Our data suggest that any fly laboratory can engineer their favorite gene for a broad range of applications within approximately 3 months.
Containment for petroleum products – lessons learnt from Buncefield, UK
Authors: Tarada Fathi , Robery Peter
Published: October 2014

A massive explosion and fire at the Buncefield oil terminal in Hertfordshire, UK on 11 December 2005 caused significant damage to the terminal and neighbouring buildings. Significant environmental damage was also caused by leakage of petroleum products and contaminated firewater through failed secondary containment bunds and tertiary containment measures. Since the groundwater was contaminated over an area in excess of 1 ha, the incident was defined as a major accident to the environment. This paper highlights the civil engineering lessons learned from a review of the Buncefield incident, which should help to improve the safety and environmental protection of oil storage depots worldwide.
Accuracy of Partial‐Mouth Examination Protocols for Extent and Severity Estimates of Periodontitis: A Study in a Chinese Population With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Chu Yi , Ouyang Xiangying
Published: October 2014

Background: Partial‐mouth periodontal examination (PMPE) has been widely used in periodontal epidemiologic studies. In this study, the authors evaluate the accuracy of extent and severity estimates from PMPE protocols in a Chinese population.

Methods: The study enrolled 200 individuals with periodontitis, ages 22 to 64 years. Full‐mouth examination was performed to determine probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) at mesio‐buccal (MB), mid‐buccal (B), disto‐buccal (DB), mesio‐lingual (ML), mid‐lingual (L), and disto‐lingual (DL) sites per tooth. Extent and severity estimates from 15 PMPE protocols were derived from and compared to full‐mouth data. Relative bias (RB) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Bland‐Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement patterns across disease levels.

Results: Of the 15 PMPE protocols, the random half‐mouth six‐sites per tooth (r6sites) protocol performed best in both extent (AL ≥2, ≥4, or ≥6 mm; PD ≥4 or ≥6 mm; and BOP) and severity (AL and PD) estimates, with RB within 5.0% and ICCs ≥0.950 in most cases. MB‐B‐DB and MB‐B‐DL protocols generally resulted in RB within 20.0% for extent and within 5.0% for severity. Protocols involving only interproximal sites (MB‐DB, MB‐DL, and MB‐DB‐ML‐DL) showed good accuracy in AL (RB within 20.0% for extent and within 3.0% for severity), but overestimated PD (RB 12.5% to 54.2% for extent and >10.0% for severity). The community periodontal index teeth protocol caused severe overestimation of up to 110.4% for extent and 14.6% for severity.

Conclusion: The r6sites protocol is best for assessing extent and severity for AL, PD, and BOP under the study conditions.
A Public Health Achievement Under Adversity: The Eradication of Poliomyelitis From Peru, 1991
Authors: Sobti Deepak , Cueto Marcos , He Yuan
Published: October 2014

The fight to achieve global eradication of poliomyelitis continues. Although native transmission of poliovirus was halted in the Western Hemisphere by the early 1990s, and only a few cases have been imported in the past few years, much of Latin America’s story remains to be told. Peru conducted a successful flexible, or flattened, vertical campaign in 1991. The initial disease-oriented programs began to collaborate with community-oriented primary health care systems, thus strengthening public–private partnerships and enabling the common goal of poliomyelitis eradication to prevail despite rampant terrorism, economic instability, and political turmoil. Committed leaders in Peru’s Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization, and Rotary International, as well as dedicated health workers who acted with missionary zeal, facilitated acquisition of adequate technologies, coordinated work at the local level, and increased community engagement, despite sometimes being unable to institutionalize public health improvements.
Aggressive Policing and the Mental Health of Young Urban Men
Authors: Geller Amanda , Fagan Jeffrey , Tyler Tom , Link Bruce G.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We surveyed young men on their experiences of police encounters and subsequent mental health.

Methods. Between September 2012 and March 2013, we conducted a population-based telephone survey of 1261 young men aged 18 to 26 years in New York City. Respondents reported how many times they were approached by New York Police Department officers, what these encounters entailed, any trauma they attributed to the stops, and their overall anxiety. We analyzed data using cross-sectional regressions.

Results. Participants who reported more police contact also reported more trauma and anxiety symptoms, associations tied to how many stops they reported, the intrusiveness of the encounters, and their perceptions of police fairness.

Conclusions. The intensity of respondent experiences and their associated health risks raise serious concerns, suggesting a need to reevaluate officer interactions with the public. Less invasive tactics are needed for suspects who may display mental health symptoms and to reduce any psychological harms to individuals stopped.
MDPHnet: Secure, Distributed Sharing of Electronic Health Record Data for Public Health Surveillance, Evaluation, and Planning
Authors: Vogel Joshua , Brown Jeffrey S. , Land Thomas , Platt Richard , Klompas Michael
Published: October 2014

Electronic health record systems contain clinically detailed data from large populations of patients that could significantly enrich public health surveillance. Clinical practices’ security, privacy, and proprietary concerns, however, have limited their willingness to share these data with public health agencies.

We describe a novel distributed network for public health surveillance called MDPHnet. The system allows the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to initiate custom queries against participating practices’ electronic health records while the data remain behind each practice’s firewall.

Practices can review proposed queries before execution and approve query results before releasing them to the health department. MDPH is using the system for routine surveillance for priority conditions and to evaluate the impact of public health interventions.