bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Punishing States and the Spectre of Guilt by Association
Authors: Hoskins Zachary
Published: August 2014

Proponents of punishing states often claim that such punishment would not distribute to members of the state, and so it would not subject innocent citizens – those who did not participate in the crimes, or dissented, or even were among the victims – to guilt by association. This essay examines three features of state punishment that might be said not to distribute to citizens: it is burdensome, it is intentionally so, and it expresses social condemnation. Ultimately, I contend that when a state is punished, the burdens do distribute to citizens as intended, condemning burdens – that is, as punishment. Thus the nondistribution of punishment thesis fails as a response to the guilt-by-association objection.
Stakeholder Applications
Authors: Matwijkiw Anja , Matwijkiw Bronik
Published: August 2014

Given that talk about “stakeholders” have become commonplace in international law and international relations, the authors examine some of the issues that arise from an account of the theoretical, jurisprudential, and doctrinal parameters that can be derived from competing frameworks. For the specific purpose of international criminal law, the authors concentrate on the single most important question: whether stakeholder applications constitute advantages or disadvantages in a philosophy of law approach to the rule of law. It appears that current matches with concepts, norms and strategies warrant, as a minimum, more critical reflection. Incorporating stakeholder applications from various UN-documents, the ambiguities and inadequacies of these – in comparison to non-UN alternatives and contemporary legal theory of an idealist and progressive orientation even seem to substantiate arguments against too close affiliations with the trend, especially because the separation thesis recently re-emerged in broad frameworks.
Unveiling Empire: The Multiple Lives of The Silk Maiden
Authors: Rouland Michael
Published: August 2014

This article examines The Silk Maiden, a tale of heroism and cultural significance, as it modifies its messages and meanings across the twentieth century. From its Islamic underpinnings at the turn of the century, through the powerful tumult of Socialist Realism, to the national awakenings of the 1960s and 1970s, The Silk Maiden remained an iconic tale of loyalty and resistance. Despite its continued iconic status, the story also brings to light a relentlessly adaptive subaltern culture. First the tale reveals a remote world on the edge of the Russian Empire, then a culture quickly absorbed in the Soviet experiment, finally an expression of autonomy and independence. The social and political changes reflected in the story were mirrored in the medium as well, the oral epic became an opera and later a film. It is the story of modern Kazakhstan
From Niños to Soviets? Raising Spanish Refugee Children in House No. 1, 1937–1951
Authors: Qualls Karl D.
Published: August 2014

In 1937 and 1938, as the bombing of Guernica and northern Spain increased in frequency and intensity, thousands of children boarded ships to safer residences in foreign countries. About 3,000 children, with teachers and caregivers, entered the hastily provisioned Houses for Spanish Children that became their schools, homes, and families. Despite the horrors of war and multiple evacuations, oral historians have shown that overwhelmingly, although not exclusively, niños’ memories of time spent in the USSR were quite positive. Although the oral histories provide us with many remembrances from the Spaniards, the existing scholarship does not fully explore the Soviet documents to ascertain the intentions in creating and running the special Spanish schools and how they operated for the fifteen-year experiment. A close reading of archival sources show that Soviet authorities removed “bad” influences from the children’s lives and provided a school curriculum and extracurricular activities that modeled proper Soviet behavior and thought. Without adults around who could provide a counter-narrative, Soviets were able to control the remaking of these children into Spanish-Soviet hybrids once it became clear that the children would not be returning to Spain.
“No, A Soldier Doesn’t Forget”: The Memory of the Great Fatherland War and Popular Music in the Late Stalin Period
Authors: Barrett Thomas M.
Published: August 2014

This article examines the fate of lyrical songs of the Great Fatherland War in the post-war, late-Stalin period. Despite a relentless attack by critics, songs that emphasized loss and suffering continued to be written, recorded, and performed after the war. These kept a narrative of individual struggle alive during a period when the Party attempted to impose a state-heavy, heroized interpretation of the war that emphasized the glory of Stalin’s leadership. The article includes analyses of performances by Mark Bernes and Klavdiia Shul’zhenko, traces the continued popularity of songs written during the war, and examines songs of return and memory written in the post-war period. It also makes a plea for increased attention to this neglected era: the tensions between the attempts to restalinize culture in various ways after the war and the need to promote escapism and create culture that was truly popular made for a level of complexity during the post-war period that has been largely neglected by scholars. Since the lyrical songs of the Great Fatherland War secured a public place in Soviet culture, this article also challenges the notion that the so-called cult of the Great Fatherland War was simply bombastic and dehumanizing.
Five new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia Canestrini from South America (Acari: Trouessartiidae)
Authors: HERNANDES FABIO AKASHI
Published: August 2014

Five new feather mite species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini are described from South American birds: Trouessartia latiducta sp. nov. from Phylloscartes kronei (Tyrannidae), T. basileuteri sp. nov. from Basileuterus culicivorus (Parulidae), T. sicaliae sp. nov. from Sicalis flaveola (Emberizidae), T. savanae sp. nov. from Tyrannus savana (Tyrannidae), and T. picumni from Picumnus fulvescens (Picidae). The latter species is the first representative of the genus described from a bird of the order Piciformes.
Assisted suicide: Models of legal regulation in selected European countries and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Grosse Claudia , Grosse Alexandra
Published: August 2014

This paper presents three different models of the legal regulation of assisted suicide in European countries. First, the current legal regime governing assisted suicide in the Netherlands is described where both euthanasia and assisted suicide have been legalised. This section also includes some empirical data on euthanasia and assisted-suicide practices in the Netherlands, as well as a comparison with the current legal legislation in Belgium and Luxembourg. Next, Switzerland is presented as a country where euthanasia is punishable by law but assisted suicide is legally allowed, provided it is not carried out with selfish motives. This section also focuses on the assisted-suicide–related case law of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Last, the current legal situation regarding assisted suicide in Austria and Germany is described. While the Austrian Penal Code explicitly prohibits assisted suicide, assistance with suicide is not specifically regulated by the German Penal Code. However, medical doctors are not allowed to assist suicides according to the professional codes of conduct drawn up by the German medical associations under the supervision of the health authorities.
Airports on the move? The policy mobilities of Singapore Changi Airport at home and abroad
Authors: Bok Rachel
Published: August 2014

Understanding airports as both objects and agents of policymaking, this paper critically examines the policy mobilities of Singapore Changi Airport by exploring its constructions, travels, and consumptions as a ‘model airport’ within and beyond Singapore. The argument presented is twofold. First, a historical approach to policy mobility usefully highlights how contemporary policy flows cannot be understood in isolation from earlier historical travels or reduced to movements triggered primarily by processes of urban neoliberalism. Second, such sensibilities are especially vital when approaching Asian cities where modes of regulation are not straightforwardly neoliberal, but are also underpinned by diverse nationalist imperatives that filter into policymaking motivations. This paper also emphasises the complex path-dependent relationship shared by travelling models and their cities of origin, illustrating how such territorial linkages function to both enable and constrain policy travels, but are nevertheless difficult to detach from travelling models.
Examining the Joint Impact of Moderating and Nonlinear Peer Effects on the Sex Gap in Violent Crime
Authors: Vásquez Bob Edward , Zimmerman Gregory M. , Farrell Amy S.
Published: August 2014

This article uses data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) to investigate the sex gap in violent crime. We posit that the sex gap decreases at higher levels of exposure to violent peers, and we test two competing explanations for this possibility. The first hypothesis, based on previous research using the PHDCN, suggests that there is a stronger nonlinear relationship between exposure to violent peers and respondent violence for females than for males. The second hypothesis points to sex differences in the shape of the nonlinear relationship between peer violence and respondent violence. We find that a decrease in the sex gap at higher levels of peer violence is due to (a) a stronger effect of peer violence exposure on individual violence for females than for males, and (b) a nonlinear peer violence/respondent violence relationship in the form of a decelerating curve that is consistent across the sexes.
Suma qamaña in Bolivia
Authors: Artaraz Kepa , Calestani Melania
Published: August 2014

In recent decades there has been increasing interest in academic, governmental, and nongovernmental circles worldwide in developing universal definitions of well-being. Governments have progressively shifted their policies on this concept and are currently engaged in improving the well-being of their populations. Bolivia’s concept of suma qamaña (living well together) is broader than “well-being,” emphasizing the importance of harmonious relations between nature and human beings and providing an important link to sustainability that current conceptions of well-being fail to make. Exploring the concept is highly relevant at this historical moment because the Morales government is engaged in a wide-ranging process of social transformation to implement it. Its translation into public policy and the adoption of a development model consistent with it have proved problematic. While the introduction of the concept into the National Development Plan, the new constitution, and the Law of Mother Earth has addressed the need to move from individualized understandings of well-being to collective ones, the government has not overcome the conflict between growth-driven approaches and sustainability that is inherent in all its legislation. Moreover, understandings of the concept are constantly being negotiated and transformed, calling for an understanding of it that is rooted in people’s practices and beliefs rather than in theoretical constructions.

En las últimas décadas ha habido un creciente interés en los círculos académicos, gubernamentales y no gubernamentales de todo el mundo en el desarrollo de las definiciones universales de bienestar. Los gobiernos han cambiado progresivamente sus políticas en este concepto y se dedican actualmente a la mejora del bienestar de sus poblaciones. Concepto de suma qamaña (vivir bien) de Bolivia es más amplio que el “bienestar,” enfatizando la importancia de las relaciones armoniosas entre la naturaleza y los seres humanos y proporcionando un vínculo importante con la sostenibilidad que las concepciones actuales de bienestar no pueden hacer. Explorar el concepto es muy relevante en este momento histórico, porque el gobierno de Morales está involucrado en un amplio proceso de transformación social para implementarla. Su traslación en las políticas públicas y la adopción de un modelo de desarrollo coherente con ella han demostrado ser problemático. Si bien la introducción de este concepto en el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo, la nueva Constitución, y la Ley de la Madre Tierra ha abordado la necesidad de pasar de entendimientos individuales de bienestar a los colectivos, el gobierno no ha superado el conflicto entre los enfoques impulsados por crecimiento y la sostenibilidad que es inherente a toda su legislación. Por otra parte, las comprensiones del concepto están siendo constantemente negociados y transformados, reclamando una comprensión que está enraizada en las prácticas y creencias de las personas y no en las construcciones teóricas.
Optimal design of symmetrical/asymmetrical sigma-point Kalman filter using genetic algorithms
Authors: Masoumnezhad Mojtaba , Jamali Ali , Nariman-zadeh Nader
Published: August 2014

During the past decades, there have been a great amount of research activities in approximate problem solving to estimate the real amount of states of dynamical systems using measurement data corrupted with noise. One of the most famous approximate solving methods is Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). In UKF, the estimation is based on a collection of symmetrical sigma points around an a priori-estimated state. In this paper, Genetic Algorithm (GA) is firstly used to optimally select the best coefficients of the symmetrical sigma points related to Scaled Unscented Transform in UKF (GA-UKF) to minimize the mean of squared error of estimations. Moreover, GA is also used to select a collection of asymmetrical sigma points (GA-ASKF) to minimize the mean of squared error of estimations together with same statistics of the mean and covariance matrix. The new idea of the asymmetric sigma points Kalman filter of this paper which are optimally found again by using GA evidently outperforms both conventional UKF and GA-UKF of this paper in estimating the states of dynamical systems.
Resisting Pressure From Peers to Engage in Sexual Behavior
Authors: Norris Anne E. , Pettigrew Jonathan , Miller-Day Michelle , Hecht Michael L. , Hutchison Janet , Campoe Kristi
Published: August 2014

A content analysis of early adolescent [Formula: see text] = 12.02 years) Latino girls’ ( n = 44) responses to open-ended questions embedded in an electronic survey was conducted to explore strategies girls may use to resist peer pressure with respect to sexual behavior. Analysis yielded 341 codable response units, 74% of which were consistent with the REAL typology (i.e., refuse, explain, avoid, leave) previously identified in adolescent substance use research. However, strategies reflecting a lack of resistance (11%) and inconsistency with communication competence (e.g., aggression) were also noted (15%). Frequency of particular strategies varied depending on the situation described in the open-ended question, suggesting a variety of strategies may be needed to resist the peer pressure that puts early adolescent girls at risk of engaging in sexual behavior. Study findings extend the typology of resistance strategies identified in adolescent substance initiation and use research to the context of early adolescent sexual behavior.
Technology–Task Coupling
Authors: Feeney Mary K. , Welch Eric W.
Published: August 2014

Social media comprises a set of new technologies that enable richer data exchange in highly decentralized, dynamic, and loosely structured versatile virtual environments. Social media technology is expected to enhance participation, learning, and knowledge production in government settings, aligning traditional structural and authority boundaries while also challenging them. We examine the extent to which local governments in the United States are coupling social media technology with two types of participative tasks: collaborative work inside the organization and participative interaction with external stakeholders. We also explore how these two technology–task couples are associated with managerial perceptions of the positive and negative outcomes of technology use. We use survey data from five departments—community development, finance, police, mayor’s office, and parks and recreation—in 500 U.S. cities. Findings show that social media and their use for specific tasks have limited impact on either positive or negative perceived outcomes. These non-findings may demonstrate that the implementation cost of social media technologies outweighs the managerial benefits they realize; that technology–task applications substitute for traditional approaches to the same task, but no effect is incurred; or that social media technologies are relatively new to local governments, and efforts to effectively utilize them for internal work tasks and external engagement are in their infancy.
Between conflict and recognition: The construction of Chilean indigenous policy in the Araucanía region
Authors: de la Maza Francisca
Published: August 2014

Since 1990, differentiated policies have been formulated to address the needs of the indigenous population in Chile. These policies pay particular attention to the Araucanía Region, a portion of the Mapuche indigenous people’s historical territory. The various programmes created as a part of indigenous policy have generated spaces for recognition at the local level. They favour a ‘culturalist’ vision of Mapuche society and consider any aspect of ‘being Mapuche’ a value in itself, as well as a source of regional identity and development. Simultaneously, the media has described the Araucanía Region as the ‘Mapuche conflict’ zone because of tensions generated by demands for land, as well as the presence of mega-projects that affect Mapuche communities. This article discusses and analyses the two apparently contradictory factors that constitute a type of complementary policy that has become more entrenched during President Piñera's administration. This policy sets the tone and pace for intercultural relations in the Araucanía Region.
A new electronic diary tool for mapping and tracking spatial and temporal head pain patterns in migraine
Authors: Barmettler Gabi , Brawn Jennifer , Maleki Nasim , Scrivani Steven , Burstein Rami , Becerra Lino , Borsook David
Published: August 2014

Aim

We present an electronic tool for collecting data on the patterns of migraine headache onset and progression.

Methods

A digitized map consisting of 44 color-coded segments was defined based on previous reports of migraine pain and the distribution of nerves in the face, head and neck. The map was overlaid on a schematic map of the face, head and neck nerves. Thirty-six patients ( N = 36, 28 female/eight male), who met ICDH-II criteria for episodic migraine and had headaches for at least three years, identified all regions where pain typically started and how pain spread and subsequently progressed.

Results

Consistent with previous findings, throbbing was the most prevalent quality of migraine pain, always present in 70% of patients surveyed. For the 70% of the patients with throbbing pain, the temple was the onset site of throbbing pain, with no significant difference in the laterality of onset site (58.3% on the right vs. 55.6% on the left hemisphere). The tool was able to capture patterns of pain distribution for throbbing and pressure headache pain and also may be used to assess the change in the pattern of the pain distribution as the disease progresses.

Discussion

The pain map survey may be a useful tool for recording and tracking the temporal pattern of migraine onset both for clinical and research purposes. The tool could be used to create maps of pain locations on a large population scale and thus will be a very useful tool in correlating the temporal nature of headache symptoms with potential mechanisms of disease evolution.
The Built Environment and Car Use in Mexico City
Authors: Guerra Erick
Published: August 2014

This article explores differences in the relationship between the built environment and households’ car use in Mexico City in 1994 and 2007. After controlling for income and other household attributes, population and job density, transit and highway proximity, destination diversity, intersection density, and accessibility are statistically correlated with households’ weekday car travel in Mexico City. These correlations are generally stronger than those found in studies from U.S. cities and fairly stable over time. Where correlations have changed, they have strengthened. Findings suggest that land use planning can play a modest and growing role in reducing car travel in Mexico City.
Acute Pseudotumoral Hemicerebellitis in a Child
Authors: Alberini Elena , Vellante Valerio , Zennaro Floriana , Calligaris Lorenzo , Barbi Egidio , Carrozzi Marco , Devescovi Raffaella
Published: August 2014

A pseudotumoral presentation of acute hemicerebellitis is rare in pediatric age. The authors report a new single case study of a 7-year-old child with pseudotumoral unilateral cerebellitis mimicking an intracranial tumor, which clinically presented itself with signs of intracranial hypertension and mild contralateral hemiparesis, completely recovered after anti-inflammatory therapy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was essential for the differential diagnosis between inflammatory and neoplastic processes. The literature highlighting specific clues about pseudotumoral hemicerebellitis as a distinct clinical and radiological entity is reviewed.
Impacts of climate and vegetation change on carbon accumulation in a south-central Alaskan peatland assessed with novel organic geochemical techniques
Authors: Nichols Jonathan E , Peteet Dorothy M , Moy Christopher M , Castañeda Isla S , McGeachy Alicia , Perez Max
Published: August 2014

To constrain the effect of climate and peatland type on carbon accumulation, we reconstructed these parameters from a Holocene-length core of a Sphagnum-dominated peatland near Cordova, AK, USA. We determined peat type using a combination of peat texture and density, macrofossils, distributions of leaf-wax biomarkers, and soil pH reconstructions based on distributions of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether lipids (brGDGTs). We produced an independent record of hydroclimate and temperature change using hydrogen isotope ratios of leaf-wax biomarkers and distributions of brGDGTs. Carbon accumulation rates were constrained with 14 AMS 14C dates from identified macrofossils and ash-free bulk density. In the early Holocene, the site was a shallow pond with evidence for emergent macrophytes, Sphagnum, and algae growing in a warm, moist climate. At 9.2 kyr (1 kyr = 1000 cal. yr BP), the site became a Sphagnum-dominated bog. Under mid-Holocene warm, evaporative climate conditions, the site became sedge-dominated. As climate cooled and effective precipitation increased, Sphagnum was able to gain dominance abruptly at ~3.5 kyr. Large changes in the vegetation assemblage and hydrology and climate are contemporaneous with significant changes in the rate of carbon accumulation. Carbon accumulated most rapidly when Sphagnum dominated and effective moisture was high and most slowly when sedges were dominant and conditions were warmer and drier. Estimates of future climate change indicate warmer, more evaporative conditions that, in the past, favored a sedge-dominated environment, suggesting that this peatland and those similar can contribute to a positive feedback to warming by transitioning to less efficient carbon sinks.
How Shekhinah Became the God(dess) of Jewish Feminism
Authors: Devine Luke
Published: August 2014

Shekhinah, the ‘cloud of Yahweh’ in the Bible, a synonym for God’s presence in the rabbinic tradition, and a feminine hypostasis in the Kabbalah, is a popular theological image in contemporary Jewish feminist circles. Shekhinah currently exists in many forms: she is another name for God, feminine, relational, experiential; she is a Goddess and the singular image that is sufficiently adaptable for a diverse range of postmodern feminist interpreters. However, the processes by which Shekhinah became the God/dess of Jewish feminism have not been researched. Therefore, this article tracks the evolution of Shekhinah iconography in the Jewish tradition to gain an understanding of the appeal of these images within the context of Jewish feminism’s quest for an alternative to the androcentric Holy One, blessed be He. The article then traces the extent of Shekhinah theologies engendered by Second, Third-Wave and recent Jewish feminisms concluding that the plurality of contemporary spirituality and the general rejection of ‘systematic’ models of theology are not necessarily problematic. Rather, Shekhinah is argued to be a binding agent for diverse religionists, and one which has become normative to Jewish feminist theology.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of ionic polymer transducers in shear sensing
Authors: Kocer Bilge , Zangrilli Ursula , Akle Barbar , Weiland Lisa
Published: August 2014

Ionic polymer transducers (IPTs), sometimes referred to as ionic polymer metal composites, are ionomers that are plated with conductive media such as metals enabling both actuation and sensing behavior. As sensors they are most often studied in bending mode; however, a measurable signal can be generated in any mode of mechanical deformation. The fundamental physical mechanism responsible for IPT sensing is an open topic. This report asserts that a reasonable mechanistic model should be able to explain IPT sensing in any mode of deformation; the specific hypothesis offered here is the streaming potential hypothesis. In this paper, mathematical modeling of IPTs in shear sensing is presented in comparison with experiments. The experimental studies introduce a novel shear test apparatus for step-loading shear deflection and in situ measurement of resulting transient IPT current. The modeling estimations and experimental outcomes show good agreement, in terms of current output variation for imposed shear deformation magnitude, moreover, in the optimum metal particulate loading in the electrode layers leading to maximum shear sensitivity. The optimum metal concentration was determined to be in the vicinity of 40% for metal particulates by volume demonstrating the influence of electrode structure on the sensing response.
Orchestrating the Demise of All-Male Boards
Authors: Adams Susan M. , Flynn Patricia M. , Wolfman Toni G.
Published: August 2014

A framework is presented for analyzing how best to bring about meaningful change in gender diversity on corporate boards. Examining whether board searches are inclusive and whether the directors take an active role in the search produces a typology to guide change efforts. Suggested actions are discussed.
A note on elastic noise source localization
Authors: Wahab Abdul , Nawaz Rab
Published: August 2014

The problem of reconstructing the spatial support of ambient noise sources from elastic wavefield boundary measurements using cross-correlation techniques is dealt with. It is demystified that the cross-correlation-based standard source localization functional in elastic media does not provide optimal refocusing due to different pressure and shear wave speeds. Then, a weighted functional is proposed to rectify the coupling artifacts. A numerical experiment is presented to substantiate the appositeness of the proposed functional.
Microstructure, microbial profile and quality characteristics of high-pressure-treated chicken nuggets
Authors: Devatkal Suresh , Anurag Rahul , Jaganath Bindu , Rao Srinivasa
Published: August 2014

High-pressure processing (300 MPa for 5 min) as a non-thermal post-processing intervention was employed to improve the shelf life and qualities of cooked refrigerated chicken nuggets. Pomegranate peel extract (1%) was also used as a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial in chicken nuggets. Microstructure, microbial profile, instrumental colour, texture profile and lipid oxidation were evaluated. High-pressure treatment and pomegranate peel extract did not influence significantly the colour and textural properties of cooked chicken nuggets. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values significantly (p < 0.05) increased in pressure-treated nuggets. Microstructural studies revealed shrinkage in the structure and loosening of the dense network of meat emulsion due to high-pressure treatment. Pressure treatment resulted in a reduction of 2–3.0 log10 cfu/g in total plate count and Enterobacteriaceae count. Molecular characterization studies revealed that Enterobacter amnigenus and Enterobacter sp. in control and Bacillus licheniformis, Enterococcus gallinarum and Acinetobacter baumannii in high-pressure-treated chicken nuggets were the major spoilage bacteria.
Pharmacological appetite stimulation
Authors: Agnew Wendy , Korman Rachel
Published: August 2014

Practical relevance:

Inappetence is a commonly encountered problem in feline medicine. Primary goals in managing the inappetent or anorectic cat are to diagnose and treat the underlying disease and reinstate adequate nutrition.

Rationale:

As cats are intolerant of prolonged periods of inadequate nutritional intake, especially given their propensity to develop hepatic lipidosis, their increased requirements for amino acids, and inability to slow their rate of gluconeogenesis, symptomatic therapy and nutritional support is often required during diagnostic investigations.

Clinical challenges:

Most cats presenting with reduced food intake will be suffering from an underlying systemic disease, and so the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and contraindications of appetite-stimulating medications will need to be considered in each case to ensure rational use of these agents. Pharmacological appetite stimulation should never replace monitoring and ensuring adequate caloric intake, and may not be appropriate in some cases, such as critically ill or severely malnourished patients.

Evidence base:

While there are no medications approved specifically for the treatment of anorexia in cats, some drugs have proven efficacious in the clinical field. Although several agents have been used historically for appetite stimulation, due to potential side effects and/or lack of efficacy or predictability only cyproheptadine and mirtazapine can currently be recommended for use.
Antisocial media: Digital dystopianism as a normative project
Authors: Goldberg Greg
Published: August 2014

This article examines the normative underpinnings of dystopianism in popular writing about the internet. Through textual analysis, dystopian concerns are shown to be motivated by shared normative preoccupations: that internet users are irresponsible, that they do not sufficiently value work, and that the pursuit of pleasure online interrupts and impedes users’ desire and ability to become responsible subjects. Building on the antisocial thesis in queer theory and recent work on anxiety in affect studies, the article argues that dystopian anxieties work to produce discursive space for responsible subjecthood that readers are invited to occupy. In this way, it is proposed that digital dystopianism is not simply a descriptive project; it is also, and perhaps more fundamentally, a normative project linked to domination, insofar as it aims to reverse the transformations it describes, soliciting readers to assume responsibility for their bodies, minds, families, communities, and nations.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D polymorphism and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yao , Tong Nanwei
Published: August 2014

Background:

Several molecular epidemiological studies have been conducted to examine the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) I/D polymorphism and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) risk. However, the conclusions remained controversial. We therefore performed this meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed and EMBASE were searched to identify case-control studies investigating the associations of ACE I/D polymorphism with risk of DPN. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association between ACE I/D polymorphism and risk of DPN.

Results:

A total of seven case-control studies including 1316 cases and 1617 controls were included. ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased risk of DPN (OR=1.46, 95%CI 1.11–1.92, p=0.006, I2=48%). This result remained statistically significant when the adjusted ORs were combined (OR=1.84, 95%CI 1.14–2.99, p=0.01, I2=53%). In the subgroup of ethnicity, a significantly elevated risk was observed in Caucasians (OR=1.32, 95%CI 1.10–1.59, p=0.003, I2=43%).

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis confirmed that ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with the risk of DPN.
Understanding the Diffusion of Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Authors: Suskind Anne M. , Zhang Yun , Dunn Rodney L. , Hollingsworth John M. , Strope Seth A. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: August 2014

Background. Outpatient surgery is increasingly delivered at freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), which are thought to deliver quality care at lower costs per episode. The objective of this study was to understand potential facilitators and/or barriers to the introduction of freestanding ASCs in the United States. Methods. This is an observational study conducted from 2008 to 2010 using a 20% sample of Medicare claims. Potential determinants of ASC dissemination, including population, system, and legal factors, were compared between markets that always had ASCs, never had ASCs, and those that had new ASCs open during the study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine characteristics of markets associated with the opening of a new facility in a previously naïve market. Results. New ASCs opened in 67 previously naïve markets between 2008 and 2010. ASCs were more likely to open in hospital service areas that were urban (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-10.96), had higher per capita income (adjusted OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.43-10.45), and had less competition for outpatient surgery (adjusted OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.02-4.45). Legal considerations and latent need, as measured by case volumes of hospital-based outpatient surgery in 2007, were not associated with the opening of a new ASC. Conclusions. Freestanding ASCs opened in advantageous socioeconomic environments with the least amount of competition. Because of their associated efficiency advantages, policy makers might consider strategies to promote ASC diffusion in disadvantaged markets to potentially improve access and reduce costs.
An Examination of Women in Federal Law Enforcement
Authors: Yu Helen H.
Published: August 2014

For a study of occupational barriers, qualitative and quantitative data were generated from surveys collected from 168 women working in 34 federal law enforcement agencies and varying in race, ethnicity, age, rank, and tenure. All women report at least one occupational barrier in the workplace. Pervasive negative attitudes from male colleagues, lack of high-ranking female role models, and work–life balance issues prove to be the biggest barriers women face in federal law enforcement. Despite the obstacles, women not only persist against the challenges but also highlight the unique attributes of federal law enforcement to the policing research community.
The “Joint-Elevation” Calcaneus Fracture
Authors: Miller Timothy J. , Kwon John Y.
Published: August 2014

Calcaneus fractures are the most commonly fractured tarsal bone with approximately 75% being intra-articular in nature. Böhler’s angle has been found to be reliable and prognostic, and it has been used as a proxy for joint depression and articular involvement. It often guides the need for advanced imaging and/or operative intervention. We describe a rare variant of intra-articular calcaneus fracture-dislocation that results in elevation of a portion of the posterior facet above the posterior talus and a seemingly normal or increased Böhler’s angle, which we call the “joint-elevation” calcaneus fracture. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of this previously undescribed variant in order to avoid inappropriate treatment or misdiagnosis.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV: Case Series
Peak Electric Load Relief in Northern Manhattan
Authors: Link Hildegaard D. , Pillich José , Klein Yehuda L.
Published: August 2014

The aphorism “Think globally, act locally,” attributed to René Dubos, reflects the vision that the solution to global environmental problems must begin with efforts within our communities. PlaNYC 2030, the New York City sustainability plan, is the starting point for this study. Results include (a) a case study based on the City College of New York (CCNY) energy audit, in which we model the impacts of green roofs on campus energy demand and (b) a case study of energy use at the neighborhood scale. We find that reducing the urban heat island effect can reduce building cooling requirements, peak electricity loads stress on the local electricity grid and improve urban livability.
Characteristics of Most Vulnerable Children and Their Guardians That Determine Service Use in a Tanzanian Social Service Agency
Authors: Ng’ondi Naftali Bernard
Published: August 2014

The study used pre-existing data on the most vulnerable children’s (MVC’s) and their guardians’ socio-demographic information and the services they received from Pastoral Activities and Services for People With AIDS Dar es Salaam Archdiocese (PASADA) services agency in Tanzania. The purpose was to determine the relationships between the characteristics of these vulnerable children and their guardians and receipt of three types of services provided by an agency. The multivariate regressions revealed that the MVC’s age and guardians’ number of dependents increased the odds of receiving school-related services. In the basic needs services model, coefficient of male MVC significantly related to increased odds of receiving basic needs. In the psychosocial services model, male MVC were 65% less likely to receive psychosocial support than females. Similar to the results for the school-related services model, but not the basic needs model, months receiving services statistically increased the odds of receiving psychosocial support. Similar to both previous models, the number of reasons for being a MVC was positively related to receiving psychosocial support services (odds ratio = 1.88, p < .001). The study has identified MVC and guardian characteristics that relate to specific types of services MVC received in the agency. This information can assist MVC care agencies to refine their assessment procedures for effective interventions for Tanzania’s MVC.
Ageing and the epidemiology of multimorbidity
Authors: Divo Miguel J. , Martinez Carlos H. , Mannino David M.
Published: August 2014

The world’s population is ageing and an important part of this demographic shift is the development of chronic illness. In short, a person who does not die of acute illnesses, such as infections, and survives with chronic illnesses is more likely to develop additional chronic illnesses. Chronic respiratory diseases are an important component of these diseases associated with ageing. This article reviews the relationship between ageing and chronic respiratory disease, and also how certain chronic diseases cluster with others, either on the basis of underlying risk factors, complication of the primary disease or other factors, such as an increased state of inflammation. While death is inevitable, disabling chronic illnesses are not. Better understanding of how individuals can age healthily without the development of multiple chronic illnesses should lead to an improved global quality of life.
Ground-based walking training improves quality of life and exercise capacity in COPD
Authors: Wootton Sally L. , Ng L.W. Cindy , McKeough Zoe J. , Jenkins Sue , Hill Kylie , Eastwood Peter R. , Hillman David R. , Cecins Nola , Spencer Lissa M. , Jenkins Christine , Alison Jennifer A.
Published: August 2014

This study was designed to determine the effect of ground-based walking training on health-related quality of life and exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

People with COPD were randomised to either a walking group that received supervised, ground-based walking training two to three times a week for 8–10 weeks, or a control group that received usual medical care and did not participate in exercise training.

130 out of 143 participants (mean±sdage 69±8 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 43±15% predicted) completed the study. Compared to the control group, the walking group demonstrated greater improvements in the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire total score (mean difference -6 points (95% CI -10– -2), p<0.003), Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire total score (mean difference 7 points (95% CI 2–11), p<0.01) and endurance shuttle walk test time (mean difference 208 s (95% CI 104–313), p<0.001).

This study shows that ground-based walking training is an effective training modality that improves quality of life and endurance exercise capacity in people with COPD.
Microvascular disease in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a role for pulmonary veins and systemic vasculature
Authors: Dorfmüller Peter , Günther Sven , Ghigna Maria-Rosa , Thomas de Montpréville Vincent , Boulate David , Paul Jean-François , Jaïs Xavier , Decante Benoit , Simonneau Gérald , Dartevelle Philippe , Humbert Marc , Fadel Elie , Mercier Olaf
Published: August 2014

Limited numbers of operated patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are refractory to pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and experience persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH).

We retrospectively assessed lung histology available from nine patients with persistent PH (ineffective PEA (inPEA) group) and from eight patients transplanted for distal CTEPH inaccessible by PEA (noPEA group). Microscopically observed peculiarities were compared with the histology of a recently developed CTEPH model in piglets. Pre-interventional clinical/haemodynamic data and medical history of patients from the inPEA and noPEA groups were collected and analysed.

Conspicuous remodelling of small pulmonary arteries/arterioles, septal veins and pre-septal venules, including focal capillary haemangiomatosis, as well as pronounced hypertrophy and enlargement of bronchial systemic vessels, were the predominant pattern in histology from both groups. Most findings were reproduced in our porcine CTEPH model. Ink injection experiments unmasked abundant venular involvement in so-called small vessel or microvascular disease, as well as post-capillary bronchopulmonary shunting in human and experimental CTEPH.

Microvascular disease is partly due to post-capillary remodelling in human and experimental CTEPH and appears to be related to bronchial-to-pulmonary venous shunting. Further studies are needed to clinically assess the functional importance of this finding.
Expert opinion on the cough hypersensitivity syndrome in respiratory medicine
Authors: Morice Alyn H. , Millqvist Eva , Belvisi Maria G. , Bieksiene Kristina , Birring Surinder S. , Chung Kian Fan , Dal Negro Roberto W. , Dicpinigaitis Peter , Kantar Ahmad , McGarvey Lorcan P. , Pacheco Adalberto , Sakalauskas Raimundas , Smith Jaclyn A.
Published: August 2014

In 2011, a European Respiratory Society Task Force embarked on a process to determine the position and clinical relevance of the cough hypersensitivity syndrome, a disorder characterised by troublesome coughing often triggered by low levels of thermal, mechanical or chemical exposure, in the management of patients with chronic cough. A 21-component questionnaire was developed by an iterative process supported by a literature review. 44 key opinion leaders in respiratory medicine were selected and interviewed as to their opinions.

There was a high degree of unanimity in the responses obtained, with all opinion leaders supporting the concept of cough hypersensitivity as a clinically useful paradigm. The classic stratification of cough into asthmatic, rhinitic and reflux-related phenotypes was supported. Significant disparity of opinion was seen in the response to two questions concerning the therapy of chronic cough. First, the role of acid suppression in reflux cough was questioned. Secondly, the opinion leaders were split as to whether a trial of oral steroids was indicated to establish a diagnosis of eosinophilic cough.

The cough hypersensitivity syndrome was clearly endorsed by the opinion leaders as a valid and useful concept. They considered that support of patients with chronic cough was inadequate and the Task Force recommends that further work is urgently required in this neglected area.
Kernel-function-based primal-dual interior-point methods for convex quadratic optimization over symmetric cone
Authors: Cai Xinzhong , Wu Lin , Yue Yujing , Li Minmin , Wang Guoqiang
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we give a unified computational scheme for the complexity analysis of kernel-function-based primal-dual interior-point methods for convex quadratic optimization over symmetric cone. By using Euclidean Jordan algebras, the currently best-known iteration bounds for large- and small-update methods are derived, namely,O(rlogrlogrε)andO(rlogrε), respectively. Furthermore, this unifies the analysis for a wide class of conic optimization problems.

MSC:90C25, 90C51.
Some limit theorems for the log-optimal portfolio
Authors: Zhang Hongzhi , Hao Ruili , Yang Weiguo , Bao Zhenhua
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we mainly study the strong limit theorems for the log-optimal portfolio of the ∗-mixing stock market. First, we establish a strong limit theorem for the log-optimal portfolio of any sequence investment, then we obtain the result that the average return of the long term behavior of a sequence investment converges to the average of the expectation return in every period with probability 1 under some conditions. We also obtain another strong limit theorem for the log-optimal portfolio for a class of sequence investments.

MSC:60F15, 91B28.
On a fractional differential inclusion via a new integral boundary condition
Authors: Ghorbanian R , Hedayati Vahid , Postolache Mihai , Rezapour Shahram
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we investigate the existence of solution for two systems of fractional differential inclusions via some integral boundary value conditions. For this purpose, we use an endpoint result for multifunctions which has been proved in 2010 by Amini-Harandi (Nonlinear Anal. 72:132-134, 2010). Finally, we give an example for illustrating one of our results.
Fixed point theorems in "Equation missing" spaces with applications
Authors: Lu Haishu , Lan Di , Hu Qingwen , Yuan George
Published: August 2014

In this paper, noncompact

CAT
(
0
)

versions of the Fan-Browder fixed point theorem are established. As applications, we obtain new minimax inequalities, a saddle point theorem, a fixed point theorem for single-valued mappings, best approximation theorems, and existence theorems of φ-equilibrium points for multiobjective noncooperative games in the setting of noncompact

CAT
(
0
)

spaces. These results generalize many well-known theorems in the literature.

MSC:91A10, 47H04, 47H10, 54H25.