bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Toll‐like receptor (TLR) mRNA expression in monocytes is a feature of metabolic syndrome in adolescents
Authors: Hardy O. T. , Kim A. , Ciccarelli C. , Hayman L. L. , Wiecha J.
Published: September 2012

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is diagnosed frequently in some but not all overweight adolescents. Chronic inflammation, as seen in obesity, is strongly associated with MetSyn.

Objectives

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the correlation between activation of the innate immune system and MetSyn, independent of body mass index (BMI), in a young population.

Methods

We quantitatively measured both systemic pro‐inflammatory cytokines and gene expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and downstream cytokines in circulating monocytes obtained from nine adolescents with metabolic syndrome (Overwt‐MetSyn) and eight BMI‐matched controls (Overwt‐Healthy).

Results

The Overwt‐MetSyn group demonstrated a significant elevation in expression of TLR2, TLR4, tumour necrosis factor‐a (TNF a) and interleukin‐6 (IL6) in peripheral monocytes, and increased circulating levels of TNF a and IL6 when compared with the Overwt‐Healthy group. TLR2 (r = 0.78, P < 0.001), TLR4 (r = 0.57, P < 0.01) and TNF a (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) gene expression positively correlated with serum levels of TNF a.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that activation of the innate immune pathway via TLRs may be partially responsible for the increased systemic inflammation seen in adolescents with MetSyn.
Using marketing research concepts to investigate specialty selection by medical students
Authors: Weissman Charles , Schroeder Josh , Elchalal Uriel , Weiss Yoram , Tandeter Howard , Zisk‐Rony Rachel Y
Published: September 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 974–982

Objectives  This study was intended to examine whether a marketing research approach improves understanding of medical specialty selection by medical students. This approach likens students to consumers who are deciding whether or not to purchase a product (specialty). This approach proposes that when consumers’ criteria match their perceptions of a product’s features, the likelihood that they will purchase it (select the specialty) increases. This study examines whether exploring students’ selection criteria and perceptions of various specialties provides additional insights into the selection process.

Methods  Using a consumer behaviour model as a framework, a questionnaire was designed and administered to Year 6 (final‐year) students in 2008 and 2009 to elicit information on their knowledge about and interests in various specialties, the criteria they used in specialty selection, and their perceptions of six specialties.

Results  A total of 132 (67%) questionnaires were returned. In many instances, consistency between selection criteria and perceptions of a specialty was accompanied by interest in pursuing the specialty. Exceptions were noted and pointed to areas requiring additional research. For example, although > 70% of female students replied that the affordance of a controllable lifestyle was an important selection criterion, many were interested in obstetrics and gynaecology despite the fact that it was not perceived as providing a controllable lifestyle. Minimal overlap among students reporting interest in primary specialties that possess similar characteristics (e.g. paediatrics and family medicine) demonstrated the need to target marketing (recruitment) efforts for each specialty individually.

Conclusions  Using marketing research concepts to examine medical specialty selection may precipitate a conceptual shift among health care leaders which acknowledges that, to attract students, specialties must meet students’ selection criteria. Moreover, if consumers (students) deem a product (specialty) unattractive, it may need to be examined further to improve its appeal.
Reporting of incorrect cause-of-death causal sequence on death certificates in the USA: using hypertension and diabetes as an educational illustration
Authors: Cheng Tain-Junn , Lin Ching-Yih , Lu Tsung-Hsueh , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: September 2012

Background

Little is known about the extent of reporting an incorrect cause-of-death (COD) causal sequence on death certificates.

Objective

To determine the frequency of incorrect reporting of hypertension as cause of diabetes on death certificates in the USA.

Methods

Multiple-cause mortality files were used to identify death certificates which mentioned both hypertension and diabetes in the USA from 1985 to 2005. The frequency of reporting hypertension on the line below diabetes in part I of the death certificate was calculated.

Results

The percentage of cases in which both hypertension and diabetes were included in part I of the death certificate, in which hypertension was reported on the line below diabetes on the death certificate—that is, suggesting that hypertension was a cause of diabetes—increased from 15.5% in 1985 to 36.1% in 2000 and 38.2% in 2005.

Conclusions

The frequency of reporting of an incorrect COD causal sequence on death certificates in the USA has increased. Education, training and questioning the opinions of certifying physicians are needed to improve the quality of reporting of COD statements.
WHAT MATTERS FOR THE EXTENSIVE AND INTENSIVE MARGINS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE? EVIDENCE FROM KOREAN EXPORTS
Authors: KANG KICHUN
Published: September 2012

Recently, there has been increased interest in the distinction between the extensive margin (EM) and the intensive margin (IM) of international trade. Between 1988 and 2006, the growth of the EMs and IMs of Korean exports has been diverse across its destinations. This paper links each component of the trade value (EM, IM, price index and quantity index) to factors that have been identified as trade determinants in the suggested model. This paper finds that the destination GDP, distance, tariffs, language, existence of an export promotion agency (EPA), local infrastructure and import procedures have an effect on the EMs and IMs of Korea's exports, and the effect works largely through the IM. This paper examines the external environment that shapes the contributions of each of these margins of a country's exports.
From global geology to hydrocarbon exploration: Ediacaran-Early Cambrian petroleum plays of India, Pakistan and Oman
Authors: Cozzi Andrea , Rea Giuseppe , Craig Jonathan
Published: September 2012

The vast amount of new lithostratigraphic, chemostratigraphic and geochronologic data from the Huqf Supergroup (Sultanate of Oman) has established it as the Cryogenian (850–635 Ma) and Ediacaran (635–542 Ma) reference section for the Neoproterozoic of the Middle East Region. A direct litho- and chemostratigraphic comparison of the Huqf Supergroup of Oman with the supposed time-equivalent succession of the Marwar Supergroup in western Rajasthan (India) reveals remarkable affinities in facies evolution and chemostratigraphic signature through time. Ara Group equivalent strata are also found in the Salt Range Formation of Pakistan, which shows an almost identical repetition of evaporites and carbonates with six to seven basin refreshening–desiccation cycles, comparing well with the A0–A6 Ara Group stratigraphy of the South Oman Salt Basin. These similarities bring out a consistent picture of a cratonic setting for the Marwar Supergroup of West Rajasthan, changing into a more open marine setting towards Pakistan until Oman, suggesting an assembly of Oman–Pakistan and India ‘terrains’ prior to being accreted to the Arabian shield sometime after 650 Ma. From a petroleum exploration perspective, key success factors when pursuing the Late Neoproterozoic plays in the Salt Basins of India, Pakistan and Oman are source rock maturity, charge preservation and seal integrity.
The Underlying Mechanisms: How Hypothyroidism Affects the Formation of Common Bile Duct Stones—A Review
Authors: Laukkarinen Johanna , Sand Juhani , Nordback Isto
Published: September 2012

For decades, one well-known risk factor for the development of gallbladder stones has been hypothyroidism. Recent studies have interestingly reported that the risk in particular for common bile duct (CBD) stones increases in clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism. There are multiple factors that may contribute to the formation and/or accumulation of CBD stones in hypothyroid patients, including decreased liver cholesterol metabolism, diminished bile secretion, and reduced sphincter of Oddi relaxation. This paper focuses on the mechanisms possibly underlying the association between hypothyroidism and CBD stones. The authors conclude that when treating patients with CBD stones or microlithiasis, clinicians should be aware of the possible hypothyroid background.
Ant Colony Optimisation for Backward Production Scheduling
Authors: Santos Leandro Pereira dos , Vieira Guilherme Ernani , Leite Higor Vinicius dos R. , Arns Steiner Maria Teresinha
Published: September 2012

The main objective of a production scheduling system is to assign tasks (orders or jobs) to resources and sequence them as efficiently and economically (optimised) as possible. Achieving this goal is a difficult task in complex environment where capacity is usually limited. In these scenarios, finding an optimal solution—if possible—demands a large amount of computer time. For this reason, in many cases, a good solution that is quickly found is preferred. In such situations, the use of metaheuristics is an appropriate strategy. In these last two decades, some out-of-the-shelf systems have been developed using such techniques. This paper presents and analyses the development of a shop-floor scheduling system that uses ant colony optimisation (ACO) in a backward scheduling problem in a manufacturing scenario with single-stage processing, parallel resources, and flexible routings. This scenario was found in a large food industry where the corresponding author worked as consultant for more than a year. This work demonstrates the applicability of this artificial intelligence technique. In fact, ACO proved to be as efficient as branch-and-bound, however, executing much faster.
Warren, McCain, and Obama Needed Fuzzy Sets at Presidential Forum
Authors: Solo Ashu M. G.
Published: September 2012

During a presidential forum in the 2008 US presidential campaign, the moderator, Pastor Rick Warren, wanted Senator John McCain and then-Senator Barack Obama to definerichwith a specific number. Warren wanted to know at what specific income level a person goes from being not rich to rich. The problem with this question is that there is no specific income at which a person makes the leap from being not rich to being rich. This is becauserichis a fuzzy set, not a crisp set, with different incomes having different degrees of membership in therichfuzzy set. Fuzzy logic is needed to properly ask and answer Warren's question about quantitatively definingrich. An imprecise natural language word likerichshould be considered to havequalitative definitions, crisp quantitative definitions,andfuzzy quantitative definitions.
Outcome of Late Presentation of Posterior Urethral Valves in a Resource-Limited Economy: Challenges in Management
Authors: Odetunde Odutola Israel , Odetunde Oluwatoyin Arinola , Ademuyiwa Adesoji Oludotun , Okafor Henrietta Uche , Ekwochi Uchenna , Azubuike Jonathan Chukwuemeka , Obianyo Nene Elsie
Published: September 2012

Delayed presentation of patients with posterior urethral valve with complications like severe urosepsis, uremia, and anemia are seen in our setting. Renal replacement therapy which should have been offered to these patients is not readily available for children in our country. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of late presentation and outcome of management of posterior urethral valve in a resource-limited setting. A descriptive retrospective study (1997–2009) was conducted. Data including pattern of presentation, duration of symptoms, complications, and outcome of initial management were analyzed. Twenty-one patients were seen. The median age was 3 years (2 days–13 years). The mean duration of symptoms before presentation was 2.6 years. Nineteen patients (91%) presented with urosepsis while 8 patients (36%) presented with significant renal insufficiency. Laboratory findings varied from-mild-to marked elevation in serum creatinine. Radiological findings confirmed the diagnosis of posterior urethral valve. We concluded that late presentation is common in our setting. This is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Efforts at improving awareness and early diagnosis among the health team should be made to stem the tide.
Homotopy Analysis Method for Second‐Order Boundary Value Problems of Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: El-Ajou Ahmad , Abu Arqub Omar , Momani Shaher
Published: September 2012

In this paper, series solution of second‐order integrodifferential equations with boundary conditions of the Fredholm and Volterra types by means of the homotopy analysis method is considered. The new approach provides the solution in the form of a rapidly convergent series with easily computable components using symbolic computation software. The homotopy analysis method provides us with a simple way to adjust and control the convergence region of the infinite series solution by introducing an auxiliary parameter. The proposed technique is applied to a few test examples to illustrate the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of the method. The results reveal that the method is very effective, straightforward, and simple.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast in a Patient with Amyopathic Dermatomyositis
Authors: Yasar Sirin , Gurleyik Gunay , Sabuncuoglu Yesim , Aktekin Ali , Yasar Bulent , Serdar Zehra A.
Published: September 2012

Amyopathic dermatomyositis (AD) can be a part of paraneoplastic syndrome of an underlying malignancy. Paget’s disease is a rare form of breast cancer. We present a very rare case of Paget’s disease associated with AD. Paget’s disease has been diagnosed in a patient with AD who is under surveillance of dermatology department. The patient has undergone central lumpectomy with removal of the nipple-areola complex and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Surgical margins after lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy were negative. The whole breast irradiation was performed after surgery. The patient receives medical treatment for AD of which lesions regressed in 1 year during the follow-up period. This is a very rare case of Paget’s disease diagnosed in a patient with AD. Female patients with dermatomyositis have been absolutely recommended to undergo screening for breast and gynaecological malignancies. AD may be an early finding of primary or recurrent malignancy of the breast.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Velthuis Sebastiaan , Swaans Martin J. , Mager Johannes J. , Rensing Benno J. W. M. , Boersma Lucas V. A. , Post Martijn C.
Published: September 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, and a major risk factor for disabling cerebral embolic stroke. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder, characterized by vascular abnormalities with high-bleeding tendency and therefore intolerance for oral anticoagulation. We report a case of percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage, which might be a good alternative strategy instead of chronic oral anticoagulation to protect patients with high-risk AF and HHT from cerebral embolic strokes.
Wideband and Ultrawideband Channel Models in Working Machine Environment
Authors: Taparugssanagorn Attaphongse , Hämäläinen Matti , Iinatti Jari
Published: September 2012

We present statistical models for wideband and ultrawideband (UWB) radio channels in a working machine cabin environment. Based on a set of measurements, it was found that such a small and confined space causes mostly diffuse multipath scattering rather than specular paths. The amplitude of the channel impulse responses in the wideband case is mostly Rayleigh distributed small-scale fading signal, with only a few paths exhibiting Ricean distributions, whereas the ones in the UWB case tend to be log-normally distributed. For the path amplitude, we suggest an exponential decay profile, which has a constant slope in dB scale, with the corresponding parameters for the UWB case. For the wideband case, a twofold exponential decay profile provides excellent fits to the measured data. It was also noted that the root-mean-square (RMS) delay spread is independent of the line-of-sight/obstructed line-of-sight situations of the channel. The multipath components contributing significant energy play a major role in such a small environment if compared to the direct path. In addition, the radio channel gains are attenuated with the presence of a driver inside the cabin.
Postmastectomy-Postirradiation Atypical Vascular Lesion of the Skin: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Jayalakshmy P. S. , Sivaram Aswathy P. , Augustine Joy , Bindu P.
Published: September 2012

The spectrum of vascular lesions developing in breast or chest wall skin following lumpectomy or mastectomy and radiation is wide and ranges from atypical vascular lesions with a benign clinical behaviour to frankly malignant, angiosarcoma ranging histologically from well to poorly differentiated variety. Postmastectomy-postirradiation atypical vascular lesions (AVLs) are rare and develop in the skin adjacent to the mastectomy scar. About hundred cases have been reported in the literature so far. AVLs have also been reported in patients after breast conservation surgery within the breast parenchyma or in the skin around the scar. The incidence appears to be rising. The exact reason for this is not known. The newer modalities of radiation therapy may be contributory to the pathogenesis. More studies have to be done in this area to prove the causal relationship. We are reporting the cases of 2 patients with carcinoma of breast who developed postmastectomy-postirradiation atypical vascular lesions. The cases were received in our department within a 6-month period.
A Primary Pulmonary Glomus Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ariizumi Yasushi , Koizumi Hirotaka , Hoshikawa Masahiro , Shinmyo Takuo , Ando Kouji , Mochizuki Atsushi , Tateishi Ayako , Doi Masatomo , Funatsu Mieko , Maeda Ichirou , Takagi Masayuki
Published: September 2012

A case of a glomus tumor originating from the lung is reported. A 43-year-old female had undergone resection of a right lung tumor following a clinical diagnosis of carcinoid, sclerosing hemangioma, or other sarcoma. Histologically, the tumor comprised uniform small round to oval cells with centrally located nucleus, a clear cytoplasm, and apparent cell borders. The tumor also showed a focally hemangiopericytomatous pattern with irregularly branching or dilated vessels. Electron microscopy revealed smooth muscle differentiation of the tumor cells. Immunostaining further revealed that the tumor cells expressed smooth muscle actin, h-caldesmon, muscle specific actin (HHF-35), but not cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, synaptophysin, or chromogranin A. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of primary pulmonary glomus tumor was established. Glomus tumors of the lung are very rare and only 21 cases have been reported to date. The histological features of the present tumor and the relevant literature are discussed.
Determination of Dyclonine Hydrochloride by a HPLC Method and Camphor and Menthol by a GC Method in Compound Lotion
Authors: Ma Suying , Lv Haixia , Shang Xiaojun
Published: September 2012

A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with UV detector for the determination of dyclonine hydrochloride and a gas chromatography (GC) method with flame ionization detector (FID) for the determination of camphor and menthol in lotion were developed. The developed HPLC method involved using a SinoChoom ODS‐BP C18 reversed‐phase column (5 μm, 4.6 mm × 200 mm) and mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile : water : triethylamine in a ratio of 45 : 55 : 1.0; pH was adjusted to 3.5 with glacial acetic acid. The developed GC method for determination of camphor and menthol involved using an Agilent 19091J‐413 capillary chromatographic column (30 m × 320 μm × 0.25 μm). The two methods were validated according to official compendia guidelines. The calibration of dyclonine hydrochloride for HPLC method was linear over the range of 20–200 μg/mL. The retention time was found at 6.0 min for dyclonine hydrochloride. The calibration of camphor and menthol of GC method was linear over the range of 10–2000 μg/mL. The retention time was found at 2.9 min for camphor and 3.05 min for menthol. The proposed HPLC and GC methods were proved to be suitable for the determination of dyclonine hydrochloride, camphor, and menthol in lotion.
Formation of Fe(0)‐Nanoparticles via Reduction of Fe(II) Compounds by Amino Acids and Their Subsequent Oxidation to Iron Oxides
Authors: Klačanová K. , Fodran P. , Šimon P. , Rapta P. , Boča R. , Jorík V. , Miglierini M. , Kolek E. , Čaplovič L′.
Published: September 2012

Iron nanoparticles were prepared by the reduction of central Fe(II) ion in the coordination compounds with amino acid ligands. The anion of the amino acid used as a ligand acted as the reducing agent. Conditions for the reduction were very mild; the temperature did not exceed 52°C, and the optimum pH was between 9.5 and 9.7. The metal iron precipitated as a mirror on the flask or as a colloid in water. Identification of the product was carried out by measuring UV/VIS spectra of the iron nanoparticles in water. The iron nanoparticles were oxidized by oxygen yielding a mixture of iron oxides. Oxidation of Fe(0) to Fe(II) took several seconds under air. The size and properties of iron oxide nanoparticles were studied by UV/VIS, TEM investigation, RTG diffractometry, Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetometry, thermogravimetry, and GC/MS.
Epidemiological Survey of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration in Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Wada-Isoe Kenji , Ito Satoru , Adachi Tadashi , Yamawaki Mika , Nakashita Satoko , Kusumi Masayoshi , Hiroe Yu , Takada Teruo , Watanabe Ken , Hikasa Chikanori , Nakashima Kenji
Published: September 2012

Background: The prevalence of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) in Japan is unknown. An epidemiological survey study of FTLD was undertaken in Tottori Prefecture, a district in the western region of Japan. Methods: Hospitals in Tottori Prefecture were surveyed by a two-step questionnaire in 2010, and the prevalence of FTLD per 100,000 inhabitants was calculated using the actual number of patients and inhabitants in Tottori Prefecture on the prevalence day of October 1, 2010. Results: In this survey, 66 patients were diagnosed with FTLD. The subtypes of FTLD were as follows: 62 cases of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), 3 cases of progressive nonfluent aphasia, and 1 case of semantic dementia. Among the FTD cases, 5 cases were FTD with motor neuron disease and 1 case was FTD with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17. The prevalence of FTD in the total population of Tottori Prefecture was 11.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. Based on these results, the prevalence of FTLD in Japan in 2008 was estimated to be 9.5 per 100,000 individuals. Conclusions: Our epidemiological survey results suggest that there are at least 12,000 FTLD patients in Japan, indicating that FTLD is not a rare disease.
The absence of depressive symptoms is not the presence of wellness: Validation of the Clinical Positive Affect Scale
Authors: Nierenberg Andrew A , Bentley Kate H , Farabaugh Amy H , Fava Maurizio , Deckersbach Thilo
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Many patients with depression respond or remit with current treatments, but often experience persistent distress, in part because they perceive that they have not returned to their normal or premorbid state. Some continue to have a lack of subjective psychological well-being and positive affect following treatment. It would be useful to measure these deficits and explore whether interventions can improve them. Currently, no clinically useful scale has been developed to measure positive affect. To fill this gap, we developed the Clinical Positive Affect Scale (CPAS).

Method:

The purpose of this study is to describe the development and validation of the CPAS, a 16-item self-report measurement of self-perceived affective and cognitive correlates of positive affect, in a sample of 300 college students.

Results:

A principal component analysis with varimax rotation showed one major factor of positive affect, with all items revealing high loadings (≥ 0.65) on the single factor. The CPAS also demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.97) and strong part-whole correlations. Finally, the CPAS revealed some degree of divergent validity through moderately strong negative correlations with validated measures of depression, anxiety and drug abuse.

Conclusions:

This study supports the validity of the CPAS, which may help clinicians and researchers to assess patients’ current self-perceived levels of hedonic capacity and enthusiasm for life.
Is the Government Keeping the Peace or Acting Like Our Parents? Rationales for the Legal Prohibitions of GHB and MDMA
Authors: Griffin O. Hayden
Published: September 2012

Various concerns and rationales have been the driving force for drug regulation in the United States. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) set up a comprehensive list of schedules and criteria that were intended to guide how all drugs were to be regulated, based on abuse liability and medical utility. This law was also supposed to eliminate the hodgepodge efforts of Congress in determining which drugs were legal to use and which ones were not, often based on utilitarian rationales. A comparative content analysis of the witness testimony at scheduling hearings, regarding two controlled substances, suggests that rationales for the scheduling of gammahydroxybutyric acid (GHB) typically were based on J. S. Mill’s “harm to others” utilitarian approach, whereas the scheduling of methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) was typically based on the utilitarian approach of legal paternalism.
Complete enzymatic pre-treatment of cotton fabric with incorporated bleach activator
Authors: Špička Nina , Tavčer Petra Forte
Published: September 2012

The feasibility of a complete enzymatic one-bath pre-treatment of the cotton fabric at low temperature was investigated in this study. The cotton fabric was enzymatically desized, scoured and bleached with an enzyme mixture of starch-degrading enzymes, pectinases and glucose oxidases, respectively. Starch-degrading enzymes hydrolyzed the sizing agent into glucose. Glucose oxidases catalyzed the oxidation of β-D-glucose to D-glucono-ω-lactone and simultaneously generated hydrogen peroxide. The desizing and hydrogen peroxide generation each took one hour. For bleaching, hydrogen peroxide was converted into peracetic acid by incorporating the bleach activator tetra acetyl ethylene diamine (TAED). Bleaching took place at 50°C and neutral pH, where peracetic acid is most effective. Pectinases were added into the pre-treatment bath to remove pectins from fibers and improve their wettability. Whiteness values, water absorbency, polymerization degree and tenacity at maximum load were measured on pre-treated samples. The total organic carbon, pH and biodegradability were measured on residual pre-treatment baths. It was established that hydrogen peroxide can be efficiently enzymatically produced from the sizing agent and converted with TAED to form peracetic acid to bleach the cotton fabric. Cotton fabrics with a medium degree of whiteness, W = 51, and good water absorbency can be obtained at low water and energy consumption.
Can These Dry Bones Live? Princeton’s Legendary Nineteenth-century Old Testament Professors and What They Can Teach Us Today
Authors: Taylor Marion Ann
Published: September 2012

Anniversaries call us to remember the past and Princeton’s Seminary’s two hundredth anniversary presents a unique opportunity to revisit the history of the study of Old Testament at Princeton in the nineteenth century and ask what lessons it has to teach us as we face the future. This article examines the work of Princeton’s legendary Old Testament professors, Archibald Alexander, Charles Hodge, Joseph Addison Alexander, and William Henry Green, as well as three of Green’s colleagues, James Frederick McCurdy, Gerhardus Vos, and John Davis. It shows development and continuity in teaching and scholarship as the Old Princetonians confronted cutting-edge issues of their day, committing themselves tirelessly to their vocations as Christian teachers and scholars, and diligently training students to serve the Church and academy.
Hits and Myths: The Essence, the Puzzles and the Missile Crisis
Authors: Munton Don
Published: September 2012

Graham Allison’s Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis is recognized more for its general decision-making models than for its historical analysis. The second (1999) edition, co-authored with Philip Zelikow, adopts the same basic models and answers the same three ‘central puzzles’ of the missile crisis: (1) why did the USSR deploy nuclear missiles to Cuba; (2) why did the United States blockade Cuba; and (3) why did the USSR withdraw its missiles? This review article questions the answers Allison and Zelikow provide to each of these questions. In particular, I discuss the importance of the partially secret Khrushchev–Kennedy agreement as a factor in ending the crisis and present new evidence suggesting that Turkey may not, as usually assumed, have been opposed at the time of the crisis to decommissioning its US Jupiter missiles. I also suggest some additional missile crisis questions beyond the three ‘central puzzles’.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: Assessment of New, and Old, Russian Sources
Authors: Radchenko Sergey
Published: September 2012

This article reviews major issues in the historiography of the Russian/Soviet side of the Cuban missile crisis, as it has developed since the early 1990s. Focusing on key works, including Fursenko and Naftali’s One Hell of a Gamble and Mikoyan’s Anatomi’ia Karibskogo Krizisa, the article explores three issues: why Nikita Khrushchev decided to send missiles to Cuba, why he resolved to withdraw them, and how close the world came to ‘the brink’. The author contends that in our understanding of the Kremlin’s motivations in the Cuban missile crisis, we have come to over-rely on disparate pieces of ‘evidence’, which, at closer investigation, turn out to be one-sided, undocumented, or demonstrably false. The author therefore urges caution in drawing far-reaching conclusions from the crisis, especially in projecting its uncertain lessons onto the broader scholarship on the Soviet decision making during the Cold War.
Using Writing Assignment Designs to Mitigate Plagiarism
Authors: Heckler Nina C. , Forde David R. , Bryan C. Hobson
Published: September 2012

Growth in large courses, particularly in public higher education institutions, poses a number of critical challenges within the context of dramatic increases in Internet use in the larger society. Now students find it easy to copy others’ work without citation, extension, or application of critical thinking skills. If not appropriately addressed, such plagiarism threatens the very authenticity of the educational experience, with such concerns as quality and effectiveness of instruction seeming almost irrelevant. This research focuses on the design of writing assignments to detect and prevent plagiarism. Three types of writing assignments were examined using the “Turnitin” detection system to gauge potential plagiarism. The conclusion is that faculty can design assignments to mitigate plagiarism.
Advocating Environmental Interests in China
Authors: Li Wanxin
Published: September 2012

This article analyzes two cases of environmental advocacy initiatives in China: institutionalizing environmental information transparency and sanctioning environmental violations. Both initiatives were aimed at achieving policy change at a national or regional level. Although the study shows evidence of advocacy coalitions and pressure groups in the policy process, neither the coalitions nor the groups had a set of core beliefs that enabled them to persist over time. Because they were restricted to limited advocacy on particular concerns, they proved to be ephemeral and disappeared after the issues had been addressed. The cases conform to the pattern of decision making in an authoritarian regime where policy initiatives tend to emanate from the government rather than from the public.
The Nature of the Chinese Formation and the Making of Its Welfare Regime
Authors: Szelenyi Ivan
Published: September 2012

The driving forces of the Chinese economy since the reforms of 1978 are the subject of intense scholarly debate. Some emphasize the role of private entrepreneurship; others identify the public/collective sector, local or central state as the engine of Chinese growth. This article suggests that the first decade of the Chinese reform was entrepreneurial. During the 1980s, the transformation stemmed “from below.” Since the 1990s, the change has been state-led, “from above.” With the privatization/marketization of the corporate sector the revenues of state-owned/controlled firms increased, but the source of these revenues was the privileged relationship of the public sector to the state, hence state-owned enterprises collected rents rather than earned profits. The “Chongqing model” has used some of these rents to fund welfare provisions with remarkable success, but a sustainable welfare system in a market economy has to be based on taxes collected from market-generated incomes and profits rather than rents of state-owned enterprises.
Socialization of Property Rights
Authors: Shi Zhengfu , Liu Chang
Published: September 2012

We propose a new strategy for the reform of the property rights system of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in China, a strategy based on the socialization of property rights and surrogate owners, and one that is in accord with the historical trend of modern enterprises. This reform strategy should enhance the market competence and competitiveness of SOEs on the one hand, and should ensure that the wealth and profits of SOEs will be beneficial to and enjoyed by all people and the whole society on the other hand, thus providing a sound economic foundation for a socialist “harmonious society.”
Modelling and control for a bipedal robot on slopes
Authors: Sheng Bi , Huaqing Min , Min Dong , Zhongjie Zhuang
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a systematic trajectory generation method for a bipedal robot walking on slopes. A suitable offline walking pattern based on an inverted pendulum model is designed and the planning is parameterized by step lengths, step period and other walking parameters. Meanwhile, a slight unevenness of a slope can cause serious instability for bipedal walking robots. Therefore, this paper also proposes an online control algorithm for a bipedal robot even walking on the unevenness slope, and the robot can adapt to the floor conditions. The control algorithm includes a landing time controller, landing direction controller, zero moment point (ZMP) regulation controller and attitude correction controller. During the process, accurate attitude information for these controllers is achieved through an adaptive filtering method and the ZMP position is measured through force sensing register sensors, which are attached to the robot’s feet. Finally, the experiment is carried out on a SCUT-I humanoid robot. The result proves that the method described in this paper can successfully control a robot walking on slopes.
Side Effects of Long‐Term Glutamine Supplementation
Authors: Holecek Milan
Published: September 2012

Some people consume chronically glutamine (GLN) in high quantities (~40 g/d), although a number of biochemical pathways and cellular functions may be negatively affected. The following side effects of GLN supplementation are discussed: (1) Alterations in amino acid transport—as GLN shares the transporters with other amino acids, enhanced GLN intake may impair amino acid distribution among tissues and their absorption in the gut and kidneys. (2) Alterations in GLN metabolism—GLN supplementation may impair synthesis of endogenous GLN and enhance glutamate and ammonia production. (3) Alterations in ammonia transport—GLN supplementation may impair ammonia detoxification and negatively affect the role of GLN as the carrier of ammonia among tissues. (4) Abnormalities in aminoacidemia—increased plasma levels of GLN, glutamate, citrulline, ornithine, arginine, and histidine and decreased levels of valine, leucine, isoleucine, glycine, threonine, serine, and proline are reported. (5) Alterations in immune system—as GLN has immunomodulating properties, the effect of chronic GLN consumption on the immune system needs to be assessed. (6) Effect on tumor growth—it should be elucidated whether chronic intake of GLN increases the risk of cancer. (7) Effect of the withdrawal of GLN supplementation—due to the adaptive response of the organism to enhanced GLN consumption, the withdrawal of GLN may enhance the risk of health problems resulting from GLN deficiency. It is concluded that enhanced intake of GLN has substantial side effects, and long‐term studies should be performed to justify chronic consumption of a GLN‐enriched diet.
The Incidence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Infants With GERD‐Like Symptoms
Authors: Fishbein Mark , Branham Christina , Fraker Cheryl , Walbert Laura , Cox Sibyl , Scarborough Donna
Published: September 2012

Background: Symptoms of infantile gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may overlap with oropharyngeal dysphagia, but the evaluation and treatment of these conditions vary greatly. In this investigation, the incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in infants with GERD‐like symptoms is determined. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on infants referred to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic for GERD‐like symptoms. A feeding screen was performed in all infants. Standardized bedside swallow evaluation and modified barium swallow (MBS) studies were then performed when clinically indicated. A similarly aged cohort of normal participants also underwent a standard bedside swallow evaluation for group comparison. Results: Study population included 67 infants. A swallow evaluation was recommended in 39 of 67 infants with abnormalities noted in all. Swallowing abnormalities were more frequent and clustered in infants with GERD‐like symptoms vs controls. MBS was abnormal in 16 of 17 qualifying infants. Characteristics of at‐risk infants included extreme prematurity, developmental delay, or symptoms refractory to antireflux medications. Conclusion: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is prominent in infants with GERD‐like symptoms.
A Research-Focused Honors Program for High-Ability Teacher-Education Students
Authors: Howley Marged , Howley Aimee A. , Helfrich Sara , Harrison Lisa , Gillam Mary Beth , Safran Joan
Published: September 2012

Honors programs represent one way that secondary schools and undergraduate programs address the needs of academically talented students. Evidence suggests that these programs contribute to positive student outcomes in terms of achievement, social development, and career preparation. Because colleges of education produce graduates who typically confront the prospect of low salaries, attracting high-ability applicants is important. Despite the benefits of encouraging talented individuals to become teachers, few traditional teacher education programs use honors programs. This study reports on an honors program in a college of education that incorporates distinct course work and field experiences, focused especially on inquiry and research. Qualitative interviewing revealed three themes: How the program’s focus on inquiry and research fits with participants’ expectations and interests, complex and conflicting responses to the program’s focus on leadership development, and significant logistical challenges. These themes corroborated findings from related literature on honors programs in secondary schools and undergraduate programs.
Clinical Consensus Statement
Authors: Mitchell Ron B. , Hussey Heather M. , Setzen Gavin , Jacobs Ian N. , Nussenbaum Brian , Dawson Cindy , Brown Calvin A. , Brandt Cheryl , Deakins Kathleen , Hartnick Christopher , Merati Albert
Published: September 2012

Objective

This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to improve care for pediatric and adult patients with a tracheostomy tube. Approaches to tracheostomy care are currently inconsistent among clinicians and between different institutions. The goal is to reduce variations in practice when managing patients with a tracheostomy to minimize complications.

Methods

A formal literature search was conducted to identify evidence gaps and refine the scope of this consensus statement. The modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion and facilitate a consensus position. Panel members were asked to complete 2 scale‐based surveys addressing different aspects of pediatric and adult tracheostomy care. Each survey was followed by a conference call during which results were presented and statements discussed.

Results

The panel achieved consensus on 77 statements; another 39 were dropped because of lack of consensus. Consensus was reached on statements that address initial tracheostomy tube change, management of emergencies and complications, prerequisites for decannulation, management of tube cuffs and communication devices, and specific patient and caregiver education needs.

Conclusion

The consensus panel agreed on statements that address the continuum of care, from initial tube management to complications in children and adults with a tracheostomy. The panel also highlighted areas where consensus could not be reached and where more research is needed. This consensus statement should be used by physicians, nurses, and other stakeholders caring for patients with a tracheostomy.
Comparison of the radioisotope cisternography findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leakage focusing on chronological changes
Authors: Sakurai Keita , Nishio Minoru , Yamada Kazuo , Shimohira Masashi , Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Matsukawa Noriyuki , Oguri Takuya , Ueki Yoshino , Tohyama Junko , Yamawaki Takemori , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: September 2012

Background:

Radioisotope cisternography (RICG) is useful for detecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) patients. However, RICG can cause iatrogenic CSF leakage (ICSFL) due to a lumbar puncture.

Objectives:

To compare the RICG findings of SIH and ICSFL.

Methods:

The presence of direct findings suggesting CSF leakage and indirect findings including early visualization of the bladder and absence of radioactivity over the brain convexities were evaluated in seven SIH and six ICSFL patients. Radioisotope clearance was assessed semi-quantitatively.

Results:

In contrast to the variety of anatomical levels at which direct findings were detected in the SIH patients, the ICSFL patients only displayed direct findings at the lumbosacral level. None of the ICSFL patients displayed direct findings at 1 hour after the tracer injection. Although early visualization of the bladder was depicted in all patients, no activity was visualized over the brain convexities in the SIH patients. In the semi-quantitative analysis, the tracer retention index at 24 hours was lower in the SIH patients than the ICSFL patients.

Conclusions:

The early appearance of direct findings above the lumbosacral level, the absence of radioactivity over the brain convexities and a low tracer retention index are suggestive of SIH.
Transient visual disturbances in adolescents: Migrainous feature or headache-accompanied phenomenon?
Authors: Liu Hung-Yu , Fuh Jong-Ling , Lu Shiang-Ru , Chen Shih-Pin , Chou Chi-Hsiang , Wang Yen-Feng , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: September 2012

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence, characteristics and clinical correlates of transient visual disturbances (TVDs) in adolescents with headaches.

Methods:

We surveyed headache-related TVDs in the past three months in two middle schools. All the ninth-grade students filled-in the questionnaires including demographics, a validated headache questionnaire, and visual phenomenon questions embedding the Visual Aura Rating Scale (VARS). TVDs were defined as transient visual phenomena corresponding to a headache attack, but not visual aura, i.e. VARS <four.

Results:

Six hundred and sixty-three adolescents (341 boys and 322 girls; mean age 15.1 ± 0.3 years old) participated in this study. In subjects reporting at least one headache during the past three months ( N = 371), 33.4% reported TVDs, which accounted for 18.7% in total participants. TVDs were described mainly as flickering lights or scotoma, movable, monochromatic, occurring over bilateral visual fields, developing and lasting <30 seconds, and experienced during the headache phase. Subjects with migraines reported a higher frequency of TVDs than those with non-migraine headaches (67.1% vs. 31.2%, p < 0.001). TVDs were independently associated with photophobia (OR = 12.6, p < 0.001) and pulsatile headache (OR = 2.1, p = 0.012).

Conclusions:

The major features of TVDs were distinguishable from visual aura. TVDs were common in adolescents with headaches, especially in migraineurs.
Notes on a Crisis
Authors: Antonio de Paula João , E. A. da Gama Cerqueira Hugo , Mendes Cunha Alexandre , Suprinyak Carlos Eduardo , Gomes de Deus Leonardo , Albuquerque Eduardo da Motta e
Published: September 2012

This paper presents Notebook B113, one of Marx’s unpublished manuscripts, and suggests its importance for highlighting the monetary and financial issues which Marx was investigating after 1867. The contents of this notebook reveal a systematic effort to investigate new features of financial markets and institutions which were spreading throughout Europe during the 1860’s, and which were put in sharp evidence by the events that surrounded the Overend, Gurney crisis in England, in 1866. Besides offering valuable clues with respect to Marx’s method of investigation and composition, the relevance of the themes comprised in the notebook for the analysis developed in part five of Capital’s volume III suggests that these manuscript excerpts and notes were part of the preparatory material for a future revision of that book, which Marx was never able to carry through.

JEL Classification: B14; B31