bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization strategy for encapsulation efficiency and size of drug loaded silica xerogel/polymer core‐shell composite nanoparticles prepared by gelation‐emulsion method
Authors: Huang W.F. , Tsui Gary C.P. , Tang C.Y. , Yang M.
Published: May 2017

It has been commonly discovered that reducing particle size always accompanies with undesirable deterioration of drug encapsulation efficiency in double emulsion based techniques. However, a clear optimization strategy for process variables to minimize this negative impact has been rarely reported. To fill this gap, we have successfully developed an optimization strategy for silica xerogel/polymer composite nanoparticles prepared by our recently developed gelation‐emulsion method. To develop this strategy, interactive effects of multiple process variables were investigated through a four‐factor three‐level experimental design by considering all screened dominant process variables influencing particle size and encapsulation efficiency, including sonication time of second emulsion (t2), sonication power of the second emulsion (P2), total volume of the second emulsion (V2) and volume ratio of aqueous phase and primary emulsion (r). The optimization strategy for fabricating the target particle size with optimal encapsulation efficiency was designed by adjusting the process variables in the order of r, V2, t2, and P2 With this strategy, conspicuous enhancement of the encapsulation efficiency (e.g., from 27 to 63% for a particle size of 211 nm) and significant increment of the feasible size range through our novel fabrication method from 192–569 nm to 90–914 nm have been achieved in this study. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quaternized polysulfone‐based nanocomposite membranes and improved properties by intercalated layered double hydroxide
Authors: Liang Na , Liu Wan , Zuo Danying , Peng Pai , Qu Rong , Chen Dongzhi , Zhang Hongwei
Published: May 2017

Two anions (dodecylbenzenesulfonate anion and stearate anion) are employed to synthesize intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDH) by co‐precipitation method. Then the intercalated LDHs are incorporated in the casting solutions of chloromethylated polysulfone (CMPSF) for fabricating quaternized polysulfone/LDH nanocomposite membranes. Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and mastersizer laser particle size analysis are used to characterize the structure and morphology of LDHs and membranes. The properties of the composite membranes including water uptake, mechanical property, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity are investigated. Compared with other anion exchange membranes, both nanocomposite membranes containing 5% LDH sheets displayed better balanced performance. They exhibit the ionic conductivity of 3.58 × 10−2 S cm−1 and 3.86 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 60°C, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
A conserved regulatory mechanism in bifunctional biotin protein ligases
Authors: Wang Jingheng , Beckett Dorothy
Published: May 2017

Class II bifunctional biotin protein ligases (BirA), which catalyze post‐translational biotinylation and repress transcription initiation, are broadly distributed in eubacteria and archaea. However, it is unclear if these proteins all share the same molecular mechanism of transcription regulation. In Escherichia coli the corepressor biotinoyl‐5′‐AMP (bio‐5′‐AMP), which is also the intermediate in biotin transfer, promotes operator binding and resulting transcription repression by enhancing BirA dimerization. Like E. coli BirA (EcBirA), Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis BirA (Sa and BsBirA) repress transcription in vivo in a biotin‐dependent manner. In this work, sedimentation equilibrium measurements were performed to investigate the molecular basis of this biotin‐responsive transcription regulation. The results reveal that, as observed for EcBirA, Sa, and BsBirA dimerization reactions are significantly enhanced by bio‐5′‐AMP binding. Thus, the molecular mechanism of the Biotin Regulatory System is conserved in the biotin repressors from these three organisms.
Make up a missed lesson‐New policy to ensure the interchangeability of generic drugs in China
Authors: Huang Baobin , Barber Sarah L. , Xu Mingzhe , Cheng Shuanghong
Published: May 2017

Generic drugs should be interchangeable with originators in terms of quality and efficacy. With relative lower prices, generic drugs are playing an important role in controlling health expenditures and ensuring access. However, the widespread understanding of “cheap price equals low quality” has a negative impact on the acceptance of generic drugs. In China, medical doctors doubt the efficacy and quality of generic drugs manufactured domestically. To address these concerns, the Chinese State Council released a policy in to ensure the interchangeability by re‐evaluating the quality and efficacy of generic drugs. It intends to make up a missed lesson in the regulation to be in line with internationally accepted practices. Generic drugs firms, depends on the availability of appropriate comparators, should conduct either comparative bioequivalence studies or full scale clinical trials. The re‐evaluation will be implemented in a stepwise approach with the essential medicines covered in the first step. The policy could achieve several benefits by increasing confidence on the Chinese produced generic drugs, upgrading regulatory standards, streamlining the Chinese generic drug industry and creating a healthy competition market. Nevertheless, enormous challenges remain in enlarging the capacity to review applications, selecting appropriate comparators, ensuring the capacity of domestic clinical research sites, and achieving the acceptance of re‐evaluated generic drugs.
Endoluminal surgical triangulation 2.0: A new flexible surgical robot. Preliminary pre‐clinical results with colonic submucosal dissection
Authors: Légner András , Diana Michele , Halvax Péter , Liu Yu‐Yin , Zorn Lucile , Zanne Philippe , Nageotte Florent , De Mathelin Michel , Dallemagne Bernard , Marescaux Jacques
Published: May 2017

Background

Complex intraluminal surgical interventions of the gastrointestinal tract are challenging due to the limitation of existing instruments. Our group has developed a master–slave robotic flexible endoscopic platform that provides instrument triangulation in an endoluminal environment.

Materials and Methods

Colonic endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESD) were carried out in eight pigs. The robot was introduced transanally. A combination of adapted tele‐operated instruments was used. Specimens were inspected and measured.

Results

Out of 18 ESDs in total, 12 were successfully completed. Among the completed procedures, two perforations and one system failure occurred and were managed intraoperatively. There was no major bleeding. Mean size of the removed specimens was 18.2 ± 9.8 cm2 and mean total procedure time was 73 ± 35.5 min.

Conclusions

Experimental colorectal ESDs using the flexible surgical robot were feasible and reflected a short learning curve. After some technical improvements the system might allow for a wider adoption of complex endoluminal surgical procedures.
Nonlinear–nonquadratic optimal and inverse optimal control for stochastic dynamical systems
Authors: Rajpurohit Tanmay , Haddad Wassim M.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we develop a unified framework to address the problem of optimal nonlinear analysis and feedback control for nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems. Specifically, we provide a simplified and tutorial framework for stochastic optimal control and focus on connections between stochastic Lyapunov theory and stochastic Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman theory. In particular, we show that asymptotic stability in probability of the closed‐loop nonlinear system is guaranteed by means of a Lyapunov function that can clearly be seen to be the solution to the steady‐state form of the stochastic Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation and, hence, guaranteeing both stochastic stability and optimality. In addition, we develop optimal feedback controllers for affine nonlinear systems using an inverse optimality framework tailored to the stochastic stabilization problem. These results are then used to provide extensions of the nonlinear feedback controllers obtained in the literature that minimize general polynomial and multilinear performance criteria. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Durable Control of Autoimmune Diabetes in Mice Achieved by Intraperitoneal Transplantation of “Neo-Islets,” Three-Dimensional Aggregates of Allogeneic Islet and “Mesenchymal Stem Cells”
Authors: Westenfelder Christof , Gooch Anna , Hu Zhuma , Ahlstrom Jon , Zhang Ping
Published: May 2017

Novel interventions that reestablish endogenous insulin secretion and thereby halt progressive end-organ damage and prolong survival of patients with autoimmune Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are urgently needed. While this is currently accomplished with allogeneic pancreas or islet transplants, their utility is significantly limited by both the scarcity of organ donors and life-long need for often-toxic antirejection drugs. Coadministering islets with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that exert robust immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and angiogenic actions, improves intrahepatic islet survival and function. Encapsulation of insulin-producing cells to prevent immune destruction has shown both promise and failures. Recently, stem cell-derived insulin secreting β-like cells induced euglycemia in diabetic animals, although their clinical use would still require encapsulation or anti-rejection drugs. Instead of focusing on further improvements in islet transplantation, we demonstrate here that the intraperitoneal administration of islet-sized “Neo-Islets” (NIs), generated by in vitro coaggregation of allogeneic, culture-expanded islet cells with high numbers of immuno-protective and cyto-protective MSCs, resulted in their omental engraftment in immune-competent, spontaneously diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. This achieved long-term glycemic control without immunosuppression and without hypoglycemia. In preparation for an Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical trial in dogs with T1DM, we show that treatment of streptozotocin-diabetic NOD/severe combined immunodeficiency mice with identically formed canine NIs produced durable euglycemia, exclusively mediated by dog-specific insulin. We conclude that this novel technology has significant translational relevance for canine and potentially clinical T1DM as it effectively addresses both the organ donor scarcity (>80 therapeutic NI doses/donor pancreas can be generated) and completely eliminates the need for immunosuppression.
Spline‐based self‐controlled case series method
Authors: Ghebremichael‐Weldeselassie Yonas , Whitaker Heather J. , Farrington C. Paddy
Published: May 2017

The self‐controlled case series (SCCS) method is an alternative to study designs such as cohort and case control methods and is used to investigate potential associations between the timing of vaccine or other drug exposures and adverse events. It requires information only on cases, individuals who have experienced the adverse event at least once, and automatically controls all fixed confounding variables that could modify the true association between exposure and adverse event. Time‐varying confounders such as age, on the other hand, are not automatically controlled and must be allowed for explicitly. The original SCCS method used step functions to represent risk periods (windows of exposed time) and age effects. Hence, exposure risk periods and/or age groups have to be prespecified a priori, but a poor choice of group boundaries may lead to biased estimates. In this paper, we propose a nonparametric SCCS method in which both age and exposure effects are represented by spline functions at the same time. To avoid a numerical integration of the product of these two spline functions in the likelihood function of the SCCS method, we defined the first, second, and third integrals of I‐splines based on the definition of integrals of M‐splines. Simulation studies showed that the new method performs well. This new method is applied to data on pediatric vaccines. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coordinated control of OLTC and multi‐CEMSs for overvoltage prevention in power distribution system
Authors: Xie Qiangqiang , Hara Ryoichi , Kita Hiroyuki , Tanaka Eiichi
Published: May 2017

The high degree of penetration of residential rooftop photovoltaic systems causes the overvoltage problem in power distribution systems. This paper aims to introduce demand‐side management for a distribution system for overvoltage prevention. A real‐time overvoltage prevention coordination scheme between an on‐load tap changer (OLTC) and multi‐community energy management systems (multi‐CEMSs) is proposed. The main objectives of this control are to relieve the stress in the OLTC tap operation using household schedulable loads and to maximize customer profit in each CEMS. The load scheduling performed by each CEMS is formulated as a combinatorial, nonlinear, time‐series scheduling optimization problem and is solved by a sequential search method named voltage‐ranking‐based load combination search algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated in a model distribution system with1800 customers. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Human Evolutionary Psychology
Authors: Barrett Louise , Dunbar Robin , Lycett John
Published: May 2017

Why do people resort to plastic surgery to look young? Why are stepchildren at greatest risk of fatal abuse? Why do we prefer gossip to algebra? Why must Dogon wives live alone in a dark hut for five days a month? Why are young children good at learning language but not sharing? Over the past decade, psychologists and behavioral ecologists have been finding answers to such seemingly unrelated questions by applying an evolutionary perspective to the study of human behavior and psychology. Human Evolutionary Psychology is a comprehensive, balanced, and readable introduction to this burgeoning field. It combines a sophisticated understanding of the basics of evolutionary theory with a solid grasp of empirical case studies.

Covering not only such traditional subjects as kin selection and mate choice, this text also examines more complex understandings of marriage practices and inheritance rules and the way in which individual action influences the structure of societies and aspects of cultural evolution. It critically assesses the value of evolutionary explanations to humans in both modern Western society and traditional preindustrial societies. And it fairly presents debates within the field, identifying areas of compatibility among sometimes competing approaches.

Combining a broad scope with the more in-depth knowledge and sophisticated understanding needed to approach the primary literature, this text is the ideal introduction to the exciting and rapidly expanding study of human evolutionary psychology.
Keeping secrets from friends: Exploring the effects of friendship quality, loneliness and self‐esteem on secrecy
Authors: Corsano Paola , Musetti Alessandro , Caricati Luca , Magnani Barbara
Published: May 2017

The tendency to keep secrets in adolescents has been studied in particular in their relationships with their parents and associated with psychosocial disadvantages. The current study focused on peer relationships and investigated the effects of friendship quality, loneliness in a multidimensional perspective, and self‐esteem on secrecy from friends. Italian adolescents (N = 457; 47% male; 100% white) aged between 13 and 19 years (M = 16.11; SD = 1.53) reported their secrecy from friends, peer and parent‐related loneliness, aversion and affinity for aloneness, their self‐esteem and the quality of their relationships with their friends. The results showed that peer‐related loneliness, affinity for aloneness and self‐esteem in particular affect keeping secrets from friends, independent of the participant's gender. Moreover, peer‐related loneliness and affinity for aloneness mediated the relationship between self‐esteem and secrecy. The data were discussed in the light of adolescence developmental tasks.
The Presentation Format of Review Score Information Influences Consumer Preferences through the Attribution of Outlier Reviews
Authors: Camilleri Adrian R.
Published: May 2017

Review score information can be presented in different formats. In three online experiments, we examined consumers’ behavior in the context of review scores presented in a disaggregated format (individual review scores observed sequentially and individually), an aggregated format (review scores summarized into a frequency distribution chart), or both together. Participants tended to attribute outlier review scores to reviewer rather than product reasons. This tendency was more prevalent when reviews were presented in disaggregated format. Moreover, reviews attributed to reviewer reasons tended to be perceived with low credibility. When presented with a choice between two products with equal average review scores but different variances, participants chose as if outlier review scores were discounted when scores were presented in the disaggregated format. This tendency emerged even when disaggregated and aggregated formats were presented together. The number of review scores moderated the effect of format on choice. We argue that disaggregated information allows consumers to better track the number of outliers and, when the number of outliers is small, prompts them to attribute these outliers to reviewer reasons, and subsequently discount them.
Patients’ Priorities Regarding Female-to-Male Gender Affirmation Surgery of the Genitalia—A Pilot Study of 47 Patients in Sweden
Authors: Jacobsson Josephine , Andréasson My , Kölby Lars , Elander Anna , Selvaggi Gennaro
Published: May 2017

Introduction

No surgical technique is reported to be the best option for gender-affirmation surgery (GAS) of the genitalia in transmen. Although patients’ preferences are central when choosing a surgical technique, no studies have evaluated this factor.

Aim

To investigate transmen’s priorities and preferences regarding GAS of the genitalia.

Methods

From November 2015 to March 2016, 54 transmen with the diagnosis of gender dysphoria who were referred to Sahlgrenska University Hospital for discussion of therapeutic steps (surgery and hormonal treatments) were asked to complete a questionnaire on different attributes achievable with GAS, such as sexual and urinary function and appearance. Forty-seven patients (87%) completed the questionnaire. Age ranged from 18 to 52 years (mean = 26 years, SD = 7.4 years). At the time of interview, no patient had undergone GAS of the genitalia.

Main Outcome Measures

Answers to completed questionnaires.

Results

Seventy-six percent of patients identified themselves as male, and 24% wrote other terms such as “mostly male,” “inter-gender” and “non-binary.” Gender identity had a significant impact on patients’ preferences for two questions: the importance of vaginal removal and the importance of having a penis that would be passable in places such as male dressing rooms. These items were more important to patients identifying themselves as male. The most important attributes requested were preserved orgasm ability and tactile sensation. The least important attribute was removal of the vagina, followed by having a penis of human material, minimal scarring, and size. The ability to urinate while standing was considered a high priority by some and a low priority by others. All answers ranged from “unimportant” to “imperative.”

Conclusion

This series of patients demonstrates a considerable heterogeneity among transmen in their gender identity and preferences regarding GAS of the genitalia, which supports the need for several techniques. Patients must be accurately informed on the different techniques and their specific benefits and limitations to make an informed choice.
Experiences of Sexuality Six Years After Stroke: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nilsson Marie I. , Fugl-Meyer Kerstin , von Koch Lena , Ytterberg Charlotte
Published: May 2017

Background

Little is known about the long-term consequences of stroke on sexuality, and studies on how individuals with stroke communicate with health care professionals about information and/or interventions on sexuality are even sparser.

Aim

To explore experiences of sexuality 6 years after stroke, including communication with health care professionals concerning sexuality.

Methods

This qualitative study was based on data collected by semistructured interviews with 12 informants 43 to 81 years old 6 years after stroke. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed.

Results

The analysis resulted in the following three themes. Not exclusively negative experiences in sexuality after stroke: Most informants experienced some change in their sexual life from before their stroke. Decreased sexual interest and function were ascribed to decreased sensibility, post-stroke pain, or fatigue. Some informants reported positive changes in sexuality, which were attributed to feelings of increased intimacy. Individual differences and variability on how to handle sexuality after stroke: Different strategies were used to manage unwanted negative changes such as actively trying to adapt by planning time with the partner and decreasing pressure or stress. Open communication about sexuality with one’s partner also was described as important. Strikingly, most informants with negative experiences of sexual life attributed these to age or a stage in life and not to the stroke or health issues. Furthermore, they compared themselves with others without stroke but with changes in sexuality, thus achieving a sense of normality. Communication and counseling concerning sexuality—many unmet needs: Experiences of communication with health care professionals varied. Very few informants had received any information or discussed sexuality with health care professionals during the 6 years since the stroke, although such needs were identified by most informants.

Clinical Translation

When encountering individuals with previous stroke, there is a need for vigilance concerning individual experiences of stroke on sexuality to avoid under- or overestimating the impact and to raise the subject, which currently might be seldom.

Strengths and Limitations

Individuals with long-term diverse consequences of stroke and with different sociodemographic backgrounds were interviewed. Because most individuals in the present study had retained functioning, this could decrease transferability to populations with more severe sequelae after stroke.

Conclusions and Implications

The individuals in the present study had different experiences of sexuality after stroke. The results point to the importance of acknowledging sexual rehabilitation as part of holistic person-centered stroke rehabilitation.
Overview of wall probes for erosion and deposition studies in the TEXTOR tokamak
Authors: Rubel M. , Brezinsek S. , Coenen J.W. , Huber A. , Kirschner A. , Kreter A. , Petersson P. , Philipps V. , Pospieszczyk A. , Schweer B. , Sergienko G. , Tanabe T. , Ueda Y. , Wienhold P.
Published: May 2017

An overview of diagnostic tools – test limiters and collector probes – used over the years for material migration studies in the TEXTOR tokamak is presented. Probe transfer systems are shown and their technical capabilities are described. This is accompanied by a brief presentation of selected results and conclusions from the research on material erosion – deposition processes including tests of candidate materials (e.g. W, Mo, carbon-based composites) for plasma-facing components in controlled fusion devices. The use of tracer techniques and methods for analysis of materials retrieved from the tokamak are summarized. The impact of research on the reactor wall technology is addressed.
Potentially Preventable Within‐Stay Readmissions Among Medicare Fee‐for‐Service Beneficiaries Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Middleton Addie , Graham James E. , Deutsch Anne , Ottenbacher Kenneth J.
Published: May 2017

Background

The focus of health care reform is shifting from all‐cause to potentially preventable readmissions. Potentially preventable within‐stay readmission rates is a measure recently adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Quality Reporting Program.

Objective

We examined the patient‐level predictors of potentially preventable within‐stay readmissions among Medicare beneficiaries receiving care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. We also studied the reasons for readmissions and the risk‐standardized variation across states.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Patients

Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries receiving inpatient rehabilitation after hospitalization in 2012‐2013 (N = 345,697).

Methods

Medicare claims were reviewed to identify potentially preventable readmissions occurring during inpatient rehabilitation.

Main Outcome Measures

(1) Observed rates and odds of potentially preventable within‐stay readmissions by patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, (2) risk‐standardized state rates, and (3) primary diagnoses for hospital readmissions.

Results

The overall rate of potentially preventable within‐stay readmissions was 3.5% (n = 11,945). Older age, male gender, hospitalizations during the previous 6 months, longer hospital lengths of stay, intensive care unit use, and number of comorbidities were associated with increased odds. Dual eligibility and disability status were not associated with increased odds. Greater functional scores at rehabilitation admission were associated with lower odds. Rates and odds varied across rehabilitation impairment groups. Risk‐standardized state rates ranged from 3.1% to 4.1%. Readmissions for conditions reflecting inadequate management of infections (36.8%) were the most frequent and readmissions for inadequate injury prevention (6.1%) least frequent.

Conclusions

Potentially preventable within‐stay readmissions may represent a target for inpatient rehabilitation care improvement. Our findings highlight the need for care coordination across providers. Future research should focus on care processes that reduce patients' risk of these potentially preventable rehospitalizations.

Level of Evidence

II
Knowledge, Dexterity, and Attention
Authors: Fairweather Abrol , Montemayor Carlos
Published: May 2017

Contemporary cognitive science clearly tells us that attention is modulated for speech and action. While these forms of goal-directed attention are very well researched in psychology, they have not been sufficiently studied by epistemologists. In this book, Abrol Fairweather and Carlos Montemayor develop and defend a theory of epistemic achievements that requires the manifestation of cognitive agency. They examine empirical work on the psychology of attention and assertion, and use it to ground a normative theory of epistemic achievements and virtues. The resulting study is the first sustained naturalized virtue epistemology, and will be of interest to readers in epistemology, cognitive science, and beyond.
Intimate Interventions in Global Health
Authors: Robinson Rachel Sullivan
Published: May 2017

When addressing the factors shaping HIV prevention programs in sub-Saharan Africa, it is important to consider the role of family planning programs that preceded the epidemic. In this book, Rachel Sullivan Robinson argues that both globally and locally, those working to prevent HIV borrowed and adapted resources, discourses, and strategies used for family planning. By combining statistical analysis of all sub-Saharan African countries with comparative case studies of Malawi, Nigeria, and Senegal, Robinson also shows that the nature of countries' interactions with the international community, the strength and composition of civil society, and the existence of technocratic leaders influenced variation in responses to HIV. Specifically, historical and existing relationships with outside actors, the nature of nongovernmental organizations, and perceptions of previous interventions strongly structured later health interventions through processes of path dependence and policy feedback. This book will be of great use to scholars and practitioners interested in global health, international development, African studies and political science.
The Physics of Cancer
Authors: La Porta Caterina , Zapperi Stefano
Published: May 2017

Recent years have witnessed an increasing number of theoretical and experimental contributions to cancer research from different fields of physics, from biomechanics and soft-condensed matter physics to the statistical mechanics of complex systems. Reviewing these contributions and providing a sophisticated overview of the topic, this is the first book devoted to the emerging interdisciplinary field of cancer physics. Systematically integrating approaches from physics and biology, it includes topics such as cancer initiation and progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, cancer stem cells, tumor immunology, cancer cell mechanics and migration. Biological hallmarks of cancer are presented in an intuitive yet comprehensive way, providing graduate-level students and researchers in physics with a thorough introduction to this important subject. The impact of the physical mechanisms of cancer are explained through analytical and computational models, making this an essential reference for cancer biologists interested in cutting-edge quantitative tools and approaches coming from physics.
The Writing on the Wall
Authors: Gross Aeyal
Published: May 2017

As Israel's control of the Occupied Palestinian Territory nears its fiftieth anniversary, The Writing on the Wall offers a critical perspective on the international law of occupation. Advocating a normative and functional approach to occupation and to the question of when it exists, it analyzes the application of humanitarian and human rights law, pointing to the risk of using the law of occupation in its current version to legitimize new variations of conquest and colonialism. The book points to the need for reconsidering the law of occupation in light of changing forms of control, such as those evident in Gaza. Although the Israeli occupation is a main focal point, the book broadens its compass to look at other cases, such as Iraq, Northern Cyprus, and Western Sahara, highlighting the role that international law plays in all of these cases.
Human Trafficking and Slavery Reconsidered
Authors: Stoyanova Vladislava
Published: May 2017

By reconsidering the definitions of human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced labour, Vladislava Stoyanova demonstrates how, in embracing the human trafficking framework, the international community has sidelined the human rights law commitments against slavery, servitude and forced labour that in many respects provide better protection for abused migrants. Stoyanova proposes two corrective steps to this development: placing a renewed emphasis on determining the definitional scope of slavery, servitude or forced labour, and gaining a clearer understanding of states' positive human rights obligations. This book compares anti-trafficking and human rights frameworks side-by-side and focuses its analysis on the Council of Europe's Trafficking Convention and Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights. With innovative arguments and pertinent case studies, this book is an important contribution to the field and will appeal to students, scholars and legal practitioners interested in human rights law, migration law, criminal law and EU law.
The Child in International Refugee Law
Authors: Pobjoy Jason M.
Published: May 2017

Children are the victims of some of the most devastating examples of state-sanctioned and private human rights abuse. In increasing numbers, they are attempting to find international protection, and are forced to navigate complex administrative and legal processes that fail to take into account their distinct needs and vulnerabilities. The key challenges they face in establishing entitlement to refugee protection are their invisibility and the risk of incorrect assessment. Drawing on an extensive and original analysis of jurisprudence of leading common law jurisdictions, this book undertakes an assessment of the extent to which these challenges may be overcome by greater engagement between international refugee law and international law on the rights of the child. The result is the first comprehensive study on the manner in which these two mutually reinforcing legal regimes can interact to strengthen the protection of refugee children.
Iceberg properties and distributions in three Greenlandic fjords using satellite imagery
Authors: Sulak Daniel J. , Sutherland David A. , Enderlin Ellyn M. , Stearns Leigh A. , Hamilton Gordon S.
Published: May 2017

Icebergs calved from tidewater glaciers represent about one third to one half of the freshwater flux from the Greenland ice sheet to the surrounding ocean. Using multiple satellite datasets, we quantify the first fjord-wide distributions of iceberg sizes and characteristics for three fjords with distinct hydrography and geometry: Sermilik Fjord, Rink Isbræ Fjord and Kangerlussuup Sermia Fjord. We estimate average total iceberg volumes in summer in the three fjords to be 6.4 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 0.40 and 0.16 ± 0.09 km3, respectively. Iceberg properties are influenced by glacier calving style and grounding line depth, with variations in size distribution represented by exponents of power law distributions that are −1.95 ± 0.06, −1.87 ± 0.05 and −1.62 ± 0.04, respectively. The underwater surface area of icebergs exceeds the subsurface area of glacial termini by at least one order of magnitude in all three fjords, underscoring the need to include iceberg melt in fjord freshwater budgets. Indeed, in Sermilik Fjord, we calculate summertime freshwater flux from iceberg melt of 620 m3 s−1 (±140 m3 s−1), similar in magnitude to subglacial discharge. The method developed here can be extended across Greenland to assess relationships between glacier calving, iceberg discharge and freshwater production.
A Simple Microsoft Excel Method to Predict Antibiotic Outbreaks and Underutilization
Authors: Miglis Cristina , Rhodes Nathaniel J. , Avedissian Sean N. , Zembower Teresa R. , Postelnick Michael , Wunderink Richard G. , Sutton Sarah H. , Scheetz Marc H.
Published: May 2017

Benchmarking strategies are needed to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics. We have adapted a simple regressive method in Microsoft Excel that is easily implementable and creates predictive indices. This method trends consumption over time and can identify periods of over- and underuse at the hospital level.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:860–862
THEOLOGY AND JURISPRUDENCE: A GOOD PARTNERSHIP?
Authors: Domingo Rafael
Published: May 2017

In this essay, I argue for the fittingness of restoring in the era of secularization the dialogue between theology, the rational discourse about the divine, and the jurisprudence of the secular legal system. From a secular point of view, it is suitable for legal thinkers and legal philosophers to be familiar with theology, just as it is best for an architect to be familiar with the type of soil on which to build a structure. From a theological point of view, it is also appropriate for theologians to be familiar with the secular-legal, just as it is suitable for an environmental soil scientist to know the type of structures that can be built on a landscape. Interactions, synergies, and communication between sciences play an important role in the development of a scientist's knowledge.
Voting Behavior in the Council of the European Union: The Effect of the Trio Presidency
Authors: van Gruisen Philippe , Vangerven Pieterjan , Crombez Christophe
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the Trio Presidency and its impact on voting behavior in the Council of the European Union. Trios of Member States cooperate for 18-month periods, with each member holding the Presidency for six months. We study whether belonging to the Trio increases the probability that a Member State votes in favor of a measure. We analyze roll call votes on 1038 legislative acts from January 2007 till June 2014. Conducting probit analyses we present evidence that Member States are indeed more likely to vote in favor during their participation in Trios. We show that this results mainly from the Trio’s agenda-setting powers. Moreover, holding the Presidency itself does not further increase the probability of voting in favor.
Presidential Particularism and US Trade Politics
Authors: Lowande Kenneth S. , Jenkins Jeffery A. , Clarke Andrew J.
Published: May 2017

Research on presidential distributive politics focuses almost exclusively on federal domestic spending. Yet, presidential influence on public policy extends well-beyond grant allocation. Since the early 20th Century, for example, the president has had substantial discretion to adjust tariff schedules and non-tariff barriers “with the stroke of a pen.” These trade adjustments via presidential directive allow us to test the logic of presidential particularism in an area of policy understudied among presidency scholars. We examine unilateral adjustments to US trade policies between 1917 and 2006, with a detailed analysis of those made between 1986 and 2006, and find that presidents—in accordance with electoral incentives—strategically allocate trade protections to industries in politically valuable states. In general, states in which the president lacks a comfortable electoral majority are systematically more likely to receive protectionist unilateral orders. Overall, our results show that the president’s distributive imperative extends into the realm of foreign affairs, an arena in which the president has substantial authority to influence public policy.
To Lag or Not to Lag?: Re-Evaluating the Use of Lagged Dependent Variables in Regression Analysis
Authors: Wilkins Arjun S.
Published: May 2017

Lagged dependent variables (LDVs) have been used in regression analysis to provide robust estimates of the effects of independent variables, but some research argues that using LDVs in regressions produces negatively biased coefficient estimates, even if the LDV is part of the data-generating process. I demonstrate that these concerns are easily resolved by specifying a regression model that accounts for autocorrelation in the error term. This actually implies that more LDV and lagged independent variables should be included in the specification, not fewer. Including the additional lags yields more accurate parameter estimates, which I demonstrate using the same data-generating process scholars had previously used to argue against including LDVs. I use Monte Carlo simulations to show that this specification returns much more accurate coefficient estimates for independent variables (across a wide range of parameter values) than alternatives considered in earlier research. The simulation results also indicate that improper exclusion of LDVs can lead to severe bias in coefficient estimates. While no panacea, scholars should continue to confidently include LDVs as part of a robust estimation strategy.
Multiculturalism by Liberal Law
Authors: Joppke Christian
Published: May 2017

There has been much talk about the retreat or even death of multiculturalism. Much of this discussion confounds multiculturalism with explicit policy under that name. I argue in this paper that liberal law itself, in particular majority-constraining constitutional law, requires multiculturalism, understood as multiple ways of life that cannot and should not be contained by a state that is to be neutral about individuals’ ultimate values and commitments. The workings of legal multiculturalism are demonstrated through a comparison of benchmark jurisprudence on gays in America and Muslims in Europe. An interesting difference is that for Muslims, liberal law has also functioned as constraint, not only as resource, especially in the post-2001 period of heightened integration concerns.
Finance on Trial
Authors: Angeletti Thomas
Published: May 2017

In the context of the recent financial meltdown, the financial industry has frequently been accused of being indifferent to the irregular practices of its members or even to be criminogenic. But how do actors of the financial industry respond to such accusations and defend themselves? How do they justify their actions when facing legal charges as well as public blame? This article elucidates these questions through a rare ethnographic case: the first criminal trial of a trader involved in the manipulation of Libor, which took place in London in 2015. Tied to at least $300 trillion contracts, Libor is a benchmark that plays a key role in the financial industry. The paper offers a sociological framework to capture the justifications of financial wrongdoings, arguing that they are structured around three elements: (a) a conception of rules; (b) a narrative; (c) a form of responsibility. I distinguish three justifications: the one of the maker, of the interpreter and of the user. I finally discuss how these justifications contribute to the general tolerance towards white-collar crime.
Constrained Labour as Instituted Process
Authors: Sarkar Mahua
Published: May 2017

The paper proposes a critical understanding of contemporary “low-skilled,” transnational contract work/circular migration as a guest-worker regime. Rather than approach circular migration as an instrument of development, or a human rights problem, this paper situates it within the larger, historical debates over the status of labour that emphasise questions of surplus extraction. Drawing on ethnographic research among Bangladeshi male migrants in Singapore and return workers in Bangladesh, the paper explores two crucial moments in the life of migrants—of choosing overseas contract work, and of leaving. In each moment, it highlights certain mechanisms that push migrants along the porous line between free and un-free work, incrementally toward the latter.
The Value of the Arrest
Authors: Lande Brian , Mangels Laura
Published: May 2017

Deputy sheriffs make arrests for many reasons: to solve problems, generate statistics, rectify perceived moral wrongs, or enforce compliance with the law. Many studies of discretion in arrests have looked at situational and structural determinants of the decision to arrest. Citizen demeanor, race, gender, and the nature of the crime have all been examined. Turning from these approaches, this study considers the institution of policing, focusing on the relations among deputies to try and explainwhomakes an arrest, especially when more than one deputy is on scene. Drawing from data collected during a year and a half of ethnographic research as a deputy sheriff in a rural California county, we show that arrests are a form of symbolic capital. Arrests are given, taken, and fought for as deputies struggle to work with each other and compete for prestige and positions within the Sheriff’s Office. Exchanged, gifted, and stolen as a valuable good, an arrest has the power to solidify existing relationships as well as foster divisions. As such, the arrest is a vehicle of social meaning and bonding, and a valued social commodity.
Mechanisms of resistance to three mite growth inhibitors ofTetranychus urticaein hops
Authors: Adesanya A.W. , Morales M.A , Walsh D.B. , Lavine L.C. , Lavine M.D. , Zhu F.
Published: May 2017

Mite growth inhibitors (MGIs), such as etoxazole and hexythiazox, are valuable IPM tools forTetranychus urticaecontrol in hops due to their unique mode of action and selectivity. Hence, it is necessary to standardize bioassay methods to evaluate the efficacy of MGIs, monitor resistance, and identify mechanisms underlying MGI resistance in the field. Here, we developed a three-tiered approach for evaluating ovicidal toxicity of MGIs toT. urticae, which simulated different MGI exposure scenarios in the field. The most effective bioassay method was direct exposure ofT. urticaeeggs to MGIs. With this method, four field-collectedT. urticaepopulations showed low-to-moderate resistance to MGIs. Cross-resistance among MGIs and from MGIs to bifenazate and bifenthrin was detected. Besides target site insensitivity, enhanced cytochrome P450 and esterase activities also contribute to the MGI resistance in hop yard-collectedT. urticaepopulations. Low-to-moderate MGI resistance inT. urticaepopulations may be mediated by multiple mechanisms. Positive selection pressure on theI1017Fmutation is moderate in field-collectedT. urticaepopulations. Further studies are required to identify metabolic detoxification genes that confer resistance to MGIs for precise resistance monitoring.
Evaluation of fipronil and imidacloprid as bait active ingredients against fungus-growing termites (Blattodea: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae)
Authors: Iqbal N. , Evans T.A.
Published: May 2017

Fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae) are important pests in tropical countries. They are difficult to control with existing baiting methods, as chitin synthesis inhibitors are not effectual as active ingredients. We tested two neurotoxins, fipronil and imidacloprid, as potential bait active ingredients against Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) in Singapore. In laboratory bioassays, M. gilvus showed no preference for doses of 0–64 ppm fipronil, or for doses of 0–250 ppm imidacloprid, indicating no repellence. We tested each insecticide in toilet paper as a bait matrix in a field experiment. After 28 days, termites had eaten 5–13% of the fipronil treated toilet paper, abandoned bait and monitoring stations, contacted no new stations, and repaired poorly their experimentally damaged mounds. Termites ate no imidacloprid treated toilet paper, abandoned bait stations although contacted new stations, and repaired fully their damaged mounds. Termites ate 60–70% of the control toilet paper, remained in bait stations, and fully repaired damaged mounds. After 56 days, all five fipronil colonies were eliminated, whereas all of the imidacloprid and control colonies were healthy. The results suggest that fipronil could be an effective active ingredient in bait systems for fungus-growing termites in tropical countries.
Bactrocera oleae-induced olive VOCs routing mate searching inPsyttalia concolormales: impact of associative learning
Authors: Giunti G. , Benelli G. , Palmeri V. , Canale A.
Published: May 2017

Olfaction is a key sense routing foraging behaviour in parasitoids. Preferences for food, mate and host stimuli can be innate in parasitic wasps. Alternatively, learning-mediated mechanisms play a crucial role. Females of the braconid parasitoidPsyttalia concolorexploit olfactory cues arising from tephritid hosts and related microhabitats. However, little is known on the olfactory stimuli routing males searching for mates. In this study, we focused on the attractiveness ofBactrocera oleae-induced olive volatiles towardsP. concolormales. Furthermore, we evaluated learning occurrence in virgin males, when trained for selected unattractive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with mate rewards. (E)-β-Ocimene, α-pinene and limonene attracted virgin males in Y-tube bioassays. Unattractive VOCs evoked positive chemotaxis after associative learning training.P. concolormales exposed to VOCs during a successful or unsuccessful mating, showed short-term preference for these VOCs (<1 h). However, memory consolidation was strictly dependent on reward value. Indeed, males experiencing a successful mating showed a fast consolidation into protein dependent long-term memory, appearing after 24 h. On the other hand, males experiencing a less valuable training experience (i.e. unsuccessful courtship), did not show consolidated memory after 24 h. Overall, our findings suggest thatP. concolorvirgin males may exploit VOCs from the host microhabitat to boost their mate searching activity, thus their reproductive success. However, since learning is a costly process,P. concolormales retained durable memories just in presence of a valuable reward, thus avoiding maladaptive behaviours.