bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid on‐site evaluation by endosonographer during endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration for pancreatic solid masses
Authors: Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Yoshida Makoto , Ono Michihiro , Sato Tsutomu , Miyanishi Koji , Sato Yasushi , Kobune Masayoshi , Takimoto Rishu , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Asanuma Hiroko , Ogino Jiro , Hasegawa Tadashi , Sonoda Tomoko , Kato Junji
Published: January 2013

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is an established diagnostic method for patients with suspected pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) has been reported to improve the accuracy. However, an on‐site cytopathologist is not routinely available in many institutions. One of the solutions may be ROSE by endosonographer. The aim was to examine whether diagnostic accuracy increases through ROSE by endosonographer using our cytological criteria.

Methods

Patients who underwent EUS‐FNA of solid pancreatic masses from January 2006 to August 2009 (n = 53, period 1) and September 2009 to April 2011 (n = 85, period 2) were retrospectively identified. Before initiating ROSE at the start of period 2, two endosonographers underwent training for cytological interpretation, which was focused on four cytological features of pancreatic ductal carcinoma: anisonucleosis, nuclear membrane irregularity, overlapping, and enlargement. During EUS‐FNA in period 2, endosonographers classified the Diff‐Quik smears under three atypical grades and evaluated the adequacy. All diagnoses were made by one pathologist without knowledge of clinical information.

Results

The rate of “inconclusive” diagnoses, interpreted as “suspicious,” “atypical,” and “inadequate for diagnosis” was reduced from 26.4% in period 1 to 8.2% in period 2 (P = 0.004). Moreover, diagnostic accuracy was increased from 69.2% in period 1 to 91.8% in period 2 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This cytological grading system used in ROSE by endosonographers is invaluable for the diagnosis of pancreatic solid masses.
Surgery as primary prophylaxis from variceal bleeding in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction
Authors: Pal Sujoy , Mangla Vivek , Radhakrishna Patta , Sahni Peush , Pande Girish Kumar , Acharya Subrat Kumar , Chattopadhyay Tushar Kanti , Nundy Samiran
Published: January 2013

Background and Aim

In patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHO), death is usually due to variceal bleeding. This is more so in developing countries where there is a lack of tertiary health‐care facilities and blood banks. Prophylactic operations in cirrhotics have been found to be deleterious. In contrast, patients with EHO have well‐preserved liver function, and we therefore investigated the role of prophylactic surgery to prevent variceal bleeding.

Methods

Between 1976 and 2010, we operated on selected patients with EHO, who had no history of variceal bleeding but had “high‐risk” esophagogastric varices or severe portal hypertensive gastropathy and/or hypersplenism, and came from remote areas with poor access to tertiary health care. Following surgery, these patients were prospectively followed up with regard to mortality, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy, and liver function.

Results

A total of 114 patients (67 males; mean age 19 years) underwent prophylactic operations (proximal splenorenal shunts 98 [86%]; esophagogastric devascularization 16). Postoperative mortality was 0.9%. Among 89(79%) patients who were followed up (mean 60 months), hypersplenism was cured, and six (6.7%) developed variceal bleeding. The latter were managed successfully by endoscopic sclerotherapy. No patient developed overwhelming post‐splenectomy sepsis or encephalopathy, and 90% were free of symptoms.

Conclusion

In patients with EHO, prophylactic surgery is fairly safe and prevents variceal bleeding in ∼ 94% of patients with no occurrence of portosystemic encephalopathy. Patients with EHO who have not bled but have high‐risk varices and/or hypersplenism, and poor access to medical facilities should be offered prophylactic operations.
Evolute‐based Hough transform method for characterization of ellipsoids
Authors: KAYTANLI B. , VALENTINE M.T.
Published: January 2013

We propose a novel and algorithmically simple Hough transform method that exploits the geometric properties of ellipses to enable the robust determination of the ellipse position and properties. We make use of the unique features of the evolute created by Hough voting along the gradient vectors of a two‐dimensional image to determine the ellipse centre, orientation and aspect ratio. A second one‐dimensional voting is performed on the minor axis to uniquely determine the ellipse size. This reduction of search space substantially simplifies the algorithmic complexity. To demonstrate the accuracy of our method, we present analysis of single and multiple ellipsoidal particles, including polydisperse and imperfect ellipsoids, in both simulated images and electron micrographs. Given its mathematical simplicity, ease of implementation and reasonable algorithmic completion time, we anticipate that the proposed method will be broadly useful for image processing of ellipsoidal particles, including their detection and tracking for studies of colloidal suspensions, and for applications to drug delivery and microrheology.
New image colocalization coefficient for fluorescence microscopy to quantify (bio‐)molecular interactions
Authors: HERCE H.D. , CASAS‐DELUCCHI C.S. , CARDOSO M.C.
Published: January 2013

The spatial relationship, or degree of colocalization, between two or more types of molecules in live cells is commonly detected using fluorescence microscopy. This spatial distribution can be used to estimate the interaction between fluorescently labelled molecules. These interactions are usually quantified by analysing the correlation and/or the overlap between images, using the Pearson's and Manders’ coefficients, respectively. However, the correlation and overlap coefficients are parameters not designed to quantify molecular interactions. Here we propose a new colocalization coefficient specifically designed to quantify the interactions between molecules. In well‐defined thermodynamic ensembles, this coefficient can in principle be used to calculate relevant statistical thermodynamic quantities such as binding free energies.
Early re‐presentation to hospital after discharge from an acute medical unit: perspectives of older patients, their family caregivers and health professionals
Authors: Slatyer Susan , Toye Christine , Popescu Aurora , Young Jeanne , Matthews Anne , Hill Andrew , Williamson D James
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the perceptions of older patients who re‐presented to hospital within 28 days of discharge from an acute medical unit (AMU), their family caregivers and appropriately experienced health professionals.

Background

Hospitals are increasingly using AMUs to provide rapid assessment and treatment for medical patients. Evidence of efficacy is building, however in‐depth exploration of the experiences of older patients who re‐present to hospital soon after discharge from an AMU, and those who care for them, appears to be lacking.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive design was used.

Methods

In 2007, our team purposively sampled older patients who re‐presented to hospital within 28 days of discharge from an AMU (n = 12), family caregivers (n = 15), and health professionals (n = 35). Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and subjected to thematic content analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged: the health trajectory, communication challenges, discharge readiness and the decision to return. Re‐presentation to hospital was seen as part of a declining health trajectory. The AMU was viewed as treating acute illness well, however patients and family caregivers left hospital with limited understanding of underlying health problems and, therefore, ill‐prepared for future health crises.

Conclusion

There are clear benefits for older patients from AMUs, which expedite treatment for acute health crises. However, AMU discharge planning needs to consider patients' overall health status and likely future needs to optimise outcomes. Such a requirement is problematic in the context of acute time pressures.

Relevance to clinical practice

To ensure prompt and expert attention to key aspects of discharge planning for older people leaving AMUs, there is a role for in‐depth clinical expertise in the care of older people facing deteriorating life‐limiting conditions. Therefore, a leadership role for nurses with geriatric and palliative care expertise, alongside medical and allied health professionals, merits attention in this context.
Difficulties, coping strategies, satisfaction and burden in informal Portuguese caregivers
Authors: Sequeira Carlos
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To characterise the main difficulties, coping strategies, sources of satisfaction and levels of burden disclosed by informal caregivers of older people who are dependent due to physical and mental causes, in the Portuguese context and to compare the impact between caregivers for older people with physical dependence and caregivers for older people with mental dependence.

Background

Caring for a dependent older person is a complex process that puts two people in interaction, each with their own traits and their own histories of private life. When performing this role, the care provider needs to know how to deal with difficulties through a range of coping strategies. The outcome of this relationship may result in burden as a result of the volume of care, the complexity of care or the caregiver's inability to provide needed care. Caring for a family member can also be a source of satisfaction thanks to the pleasure of giving back and/or providing well‐being.

Design

This is a quantitative, analytical and correlational study.

Methods

This study was conducted among two distinct groups–caregivers of older people without dementia (physical impairment) and caregivers of patients with dementia (impairment of a predominantly cognitive nature). Data were collected by administering a previously defined questionnaire that sought to gather various sorts of information (sociodemographic, clinical and environmental) and that included certain specific instruments, such as dependency ratio, cognitive assessment tests, an index of difficulties, a satisfaction index, an index of coping strategies and a burden scale.

Results

The sample consisted in 184 caregivers over 40 years of age, of which, 101 cared for dependent people without cognitive impairment and 83 cared for people with dementia. Most caregivers were women (87%), most were married (78·8%), with a low level of education (33·7% did not complete primary school and only 7·1% had any postsecondary education). Most were spouses or daughters (75·5%). The caregivers of older patients with dementia had lower levels of satisfaction, with a mean difference of 12·95 percentage points, p < 0·001. It appears that caring for older people with dementia implies a greater burden, with a mean difference of 15·4 percentage points, p < 0·001. There is a strong correlation between difficulties and burden (r = 0·89, p < 0·001) and between the effectiveness of coping strategies and satisfaction (r = 0·92, p < 0·001).

Conclusions

This study suggests that caregivers of older people with dementia are more vulnerable due to their higher levels of burden, which are associated with higher levels of difficulties and reduced sources of satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

These data are essential for the management and implementation of health programmes that can reduce the vulnerability of caregivers. Programmes should address caregivers' difficulties and burden as a way to promote satisfaction with providing care.
Resistance to herbicides caused by single amino acid mutations in acetyl‐CoA carboxylase in resistant populations of grassy weeds
Authors: Jang SoRi , Marjanovic Jasmina , Gornicki Piotr
Published: January 2013

Eleven spontaneous mutations of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase have been identified in many herbicide‐resistant populations of 42 species of grassy weeds, hampering application of aryloxyphenoxypropionate, cyclohexadione and phenylpyrazoline herbicides in agriculture.

IC50 shifts (resistance indices) caused by herbicide‐resistant mutations were determined using a recombinant yeast system that allows comparison of the effects of single amino acid mutations in the same biochemical background, avoiding the complexity inherent in the in planta experiments. The effect of six mutations on the sensitivity of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase to nine herbicides representing the three chemical classes was studied.

A combination of partially overlapping binding sites of the three classes of herbicides and the structure of their variable parts explains cross‐resistance among and between the three classes of inhibitors, as well as differences in their specificity. Some degree of resistance was detected for 51 of 54 herbicide/mutation combinations.

Introduction of new herbicides targeting acetyl‐CoA carboxylase will depend on their ability to overcome the high degree of cross‐resistance already existing in weed populations.
Procedural pain in neonates: the state of the art in the implementation of national guidelines in Italy
Authors: Lago Paola , Garetti Elisabetta , Boccuzzo Giovanna , Merazzi Daniele , Pirelli Anna , Pieragostini Luisa , Piga Simone , Cuttini Marina , Ancora Gina
Published: January 2013

Background

National and international guidelines have been published on pain control and prevention in the newborn, but data on compliance with these guidelines are lacking.

Aim

To document current hospital practices for analgesia at neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) 5 years after national guidelines were published in Italy.

Methods

A computer‐based questionnaire was sent to all registered Italian level II and level III NICUs to investigate their routine pain control practices.

Main outcome measures

The analgesia and sedation currently used for invasive procedures as compared with best practices.

Results

The questionnaire was returned by 103 of the 118 NICUs (87.3%), most of which (85.4%) knew of the national guidelines on procedural pain control and prevention, and used some analgesic measures during invasive procedures. One or more nonpharmacological interventions were only used routinely by 64.1% of the NICUs for heel pricks and venipuncture, 56.0% for percutaneous insertion of central catheters, 69.7% for nasal CPAP, and 62.4% for eye tests to screen for retinopathy of prematurity. Pain medication was routinely administered at 34.3% NICUs for tracheal intubation, 46.6% for mechanical ventilation (MV), 12.9% for tracheal aspiration, 71.4% for chest tube insertion, 33.0% for lumbar puncture, and 64.0% for postoperative pain. Pain was routinely monitored at only 22.7% of the units during MV, 12.1% for nCPAP, and 21.8% postoperatively.

Conclusion

This survey showed that most Italian NICUs provide some form of analgesia and sedation for invasive procedures in accordance with national guidelines, but their routine adherence to best practices for pain control and monitoring is still suboptimal.
Examining a negative halo effect to anabolic steroids users through perceived achievement goals, sportspersonship orientations, and aggressive tendencies
Authors: CHANTAL YVES , BERNACHE‐ASSOLLANT IOURI , SCHIANO‐LOMORIELLO SANDRINE
Published: January 2013

We investigated the social image of anabolic steroids (AS) users grounding our analysis on the achievement goal theory of Nicholls. Our main goal was to explore how an athlete’s acceptance of AS use would impact on the way that athlete will be perceived by others. Non‐AS‐using participants reacted to one of two scenarios portraying a male athlete either accepting or refusing to engage in drug use behavior. The results suggested that the acceptance of anabolic steroids yielded an unfavorable social image – perceivers inferred a predominant ego orientation to characterize the AS‐user’s motivation as well as weaker sportspersonship and a stronger proclivity for reactive aggression than instrumental aggression. Moreover, the analyses did not yield significant gender or interaction effects. Finally, those findings are commented in view of methodological shortcomings and of the perspectives that they may offer for future research concerning the motivational aspects of the social perceptions of drug use in sport.
Near infrared spectroscopy: clinical and research uses
Authors: Hampton David A. , Schreiber Martin A.
Published: January 2013

Background

Pulse oximetry is routinely used to measure hemoglobin saturation and is currently the gold standard to assess oxygenation in patients. Due to attenuation of infrared light by skin, bone, and other organs, pulse oximetry cannot assess end‐organ tissue oxygenation (StO2). Near infrared spectroscopy (NIS) penetrates a broad range of tissues and utilizes reflection rather than direct transmission between an emitter and receiver pair. NIS is able to measure StO2 and assess end‐organ perfusion in a variety of applications.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective review of recent animal and human StO2 studies was undertaken. StO2 measurements and outcomes were assessed.

Results

StO2 measurements identified visceral organ ischemia in animal hemorrhage models. These measurements were also able to guide optimization of resuscitation and end‐organ oxygenation. Human studies demonstrated StO2 changes preceded those seen in traditionally measured parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, base deficit, serum lactate, and mental status. Additionally, StO2 thresholds identified trauma patients who required massive transfusions, developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, or experienced lower extremity compartment syndrome. StO2 measurements also demonstrated a benefit in selecting resuscitation fluids, assessing end‐organ oxygenation during blood transfusion, and quantifying the oxygen‐carrying deficit secondary to the blood storage lesion.

Conclusion

StO2 measurements have been used to guide resuscitation efforts in trauma patients. This technology and its applications continue to evolve and represent a novel change in patient care.
Thrombosomes: a platelet‐derived hemostatic agent for control of noncompressible hemorrhage
Authors: Fitzpatrick G. Michael , Cliff Richard , Tandon Narendra
Published: January 2013

Background

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is responsible for ∼80% of the potentially survivable deaths in combat and over 40% of early mortality in the under 65 age group in the United States. Providing an easily used infusible hemostatic agent to first responders could significantly reduce these fatalities. We report on an infusible lyophilized platelet‐derived hemostatic agent stabilized with trehalose and polysucrose prior to and during lyophilization.

Study Design and Methods

Characterization included determining the particle population size range, surface marker expression GPIb, GPIIbIIIa, and Annexin V binding. Function was assessed by aggregation, thromboelastography, and thrombin generation. Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and immunogenicity established using Indium111 labeled Thrombosomes in healthy New Zealand white rabbits (NZWRs), efficacy in thrombocytopenic NZWR, and safety in NZWRs, canines, and nonhuman primates.

Results

Thrombosomes retained GPIIbIIIa expression (98.71% ± 0.18 of the rehydrated particles), a reduced expression of GPIb (47.77% ± 6.65), and Annexin V binding (86.05% ± 2.65). Aggregation to all agonists except thrombin in buffer (78.15% ± 2.5) was <50%. Thrombin generation and thromboelastography results demonstrated a concentration gradient that was consistent from lot to lot. There were no observed adverse events in any safety study and blood loss was reduced by >80% in the thrombocytopenic ear bleed model.

Conclusion

Our in vitro characterization studies in conjunction with preclinical animal safety and efficacy studies demonstrated lot consistency in manufacturing, maintenance of hemostatic functions of Thrombosomes, safety at high dose concentrations, and the potential to provide an effective hemostatic agent at the site of injury.
Blood Far Forward—a whole blood research and training program for austere environments
Authors: Strandenes Geir , Cap Andrew P. , Cacic Daniel , Lunde Turid Helen Felli , Eliassen Håkon Skogrand , Hervig Tor , Spinella Philip C.
Published: January 2013

The Blood Far Forward (BFF) research program was established to conduct blood product efficacy and safety studies, donor performance studies, and research on optimal training methods to improve the safety of blood collection and transfusion performed by Norwegian Naval Special Operation Commando soldiers. The use of intravenous fluids for volume replacement during hemorrhagic shock is controversial, but it is currently the standard of care. In the far‐forward environment, large volume resuscitation for massive bleeding is a great challenge. Crystalloid and colloid solutions add weight and bulk to the medic's kit, require temperature sensitive storage, and should be warmed before infusion to prevent hypothermia. Excessive use of these solutions causes a dilutional coagulopathy, acidosis, and potentially increased inflammatory injury compared with blood products. Type‐specific whole blood from an uninjured combat companion on the other hand is almost always available. It is warm, replaces intravascular volume, and provides oxygen delivery and hemostatic capacity to prevent or treat shock and coagulopathy. Whole blood may be ideal for the resuscitation of combat casualties with hemorrhagic shock. BFF program pilot studies on use of platelet‐sparing leukoreduction filters, whole blood transport tolerance, donor performance, and autologous reinfusion of 24‐hour ambient temperature stored whole blood have been performed and suggest the feasibility of expanding whole blood use in resuscitation. If successful, the BFF program will change tactics, techniques, and procedures with a new lifesaving capability.
Development of a riboflavin and ultraviolet light‐based device to treat whole blood
Authors: Reddy Heather L. , Doane Suzann K. , Keil Shawn D. , Marschner Susanne , Goodrich Raymond P.
Published: January 2013

Background

In the United States, blood components are commonly used for patients in need of massive transfusion after blood loss. In combat situations, when severe traumatic injuries occur far from a hospital, fresh whole blood is a valuable transfusion therapy because components may not be available. The risk of infectious or immunological complications from fresh whole blood transfusions could be mitigated by a system that reduces pathogen loads and inactivates white blood cells (WBCs). Such a system is in development and utilizes riboflavin and ultraviolet light to provide pathogen reduction and WBC inactivation.

Study Design and Methods

The system has been tested with in vitro and in vivo animal studies to evaluate WBC inactivation and pathogen reduction, and with in vitro studies to assess the function of the treated blood products.

Results

Elimination of viable WBCs with the system is equivalent to gamma‐irradiation. Results have been reported for reduction of Babesia microti, Trypanosoma cruzi, HIV, and bacteria, and preliminary results for Babesia divergens are available. Treated whole blood, platelets, and plasma maintain coagulation function. Treated red blood cell components exhibit low hemolysis and high adenosine triphosphate levels at the end of storage.

Conclusions

Treatment with riboflavin and ultraviolet light is a promising alternative to gamma‐irradiation. Effectiveness of the system against a variety of pathogens has been established, and further studies are planned. The in vitro studies of function indicate that treated whole blood, as well as components from treated whole blood, will provide acceptable hemostasis and perform well in the next phase of in vivo studies.
Development and Testing of a Low NOx Hydrogen Combustion System for Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines
Authors: York William D. , Ziminsky Willy S. , Yilmaz Ertan
Published: January 2013

Interest in hydrogen as a primary fuel stream in heavy-duty gas turbine engines has increased as precombustion carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) has become a viable option for integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants. The U.S. Department of Energy has funded the Advanced IGCC/Hydrogen Gas Turbine Program since 2005 with an aggressive plant-level NOx target of 2 ppm at 15% O2 for an advanced gas turbine cycle. Approaching this NOx level with highly reactive hydrogen fuel at the conditions required is a formidable challenge that requires novel combustion technology. This study begins by measuring entitlement NOx emissions from perfectly premixed combustion of the high-hydrogen fuels of interest. A new premixing fuel injector for high-hydrogen fuels was designed to balance reliable flashback-free operation, reasonable pressure drop, and low emissions. The concept relies on small-scale jet-in-crossflow mixing that is a departure from traditional swirl-based premixing concepts. Single nozzle rig experiments were conducted at pressures of 10 atm and 17 atm, with air preheat temperatures of about 650 K. With nitrogen-diluted hydrogen fuel, characteristic of carbon-free syngas, stable operation without flashback was conducted up to flame temperatures of approximately 1850 K. In addition to the effects of pressure, the impacts of nitrogen dilution levels and amounts of minor constituents in the fuel—carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane—on flame holding in the premixer are presented. The new fuel injector concept has been incorporated into a full-scale, multinozzle combustor can with an energy conversion rate of more than 10 MW at F-class conditions. The full-can testing was conducted at full gas turbine conditions and various fuel compositions of hydrogen, natural gas, and nitrogen. This combustion system has accumulated over 100 h of fired testing at full load with hydrogen comprising over 90% of the reactants by volume. NOx emissions (ppm) have been measured in the single digits with hydrogen-nitrogen fuel at target gas turbine pressure and temperatures. Results of the testing show that small-scale fuel-air mixing can deliver a reliable, low-NOx solution to hydrogen combustion in advanced gas turbines.
Large Eddy Simulation-Based Study of the Influence of Thermal Boundary Condition and Combustor Confinement on Premix Flame Transfer Functions
Authors: Tay-Wo-Chong Luis , Polifke Wolfgang
Published: January 2013

The influence of the thermal boundary condition at the combustor wall and combustor confinement on the dynamic flame response of a perfectly premixed axial swirl burner is investigated. Large eddy simulations are carried out using the dynamically thickened flame combustion model. Then system identification methods are used to determine the flame transfer function (FTF) from the computed time series data. Two configurations are compared against a reference case with a 90 mm × 90 mm combustor cross section and nonadiabatic walls: (1) a combustor cross section similar to the reference case with adiabatic combustor walls, and (2) a different confinement (160 mm × 160 mm) with nonadiabatic walls. It is found that combustor confinement and thermal boundary conditions have a noticeable influence on the flame response due to differences in the flame shape and flow field. In particular, the FTF computed with an adiabatic wall boundary condition which produces a flame with a significant heat release in both shear layers, differs significantly from the FTF with nonadiabatic walls, where the flame stabilizes only in the inner shear layer. The observed differences in the flow field and flame shape are discussed in relation to the unit impulse response of the flame. The impact of the differences in the FTF on stability limits is analyzed with a low-order thermoacoustic model.
Computational Analysis of Microstructure of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for Total Joint Replacement
Authors: Seymour Kelly M. , Atwood Sara A.
Published: January 2013

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, or ultra high), a frequently used material in orthopedic joint replacements, is often the cause of joint failure due to wear, fatigue, or fracture. These mechanical failures have been related to ultra high's strength and stiffness, and ultimately to the underlying microstructure, in previous experimental studies. Ultra high's semicrystalline microstructure consists of about 50% crystalline lamellae and 50% amorphous regions. Through common processing treatments, lamellar percentage and size can be altered, producing a range of mechanical responses. However, in the orthopedic field the basic material properties of the two microstructural phases are not typically studied independently, and their manipulation is not computationally optimized to produce desired mechanical properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to: (1) develop a 2D linear elastic finite element model of actual ultra high microstructure and fit the mechanical properties of the microstructural phases to experimental data and (2) systematically alter the dimensions of lamellae in the model to begin to explore optimizing the bulk stiffness while decreasing localized stress. The results show that a 2D finite element model can be built from a scanning electron micrograph of real ultra high lamellar microstructure, and that linear elastic constants can be fit to experimental results from those same ultra high formulations. Upon altering idealized lamellae dimensions, we found that bulk stiffness decreases as the width and length of lamellae increase. We also found that maximum localized Von Mises stress increases as the width of the lamellae decrease and as the length and aspect ratio of the lamellae increase. Our approach of combining finite element modeling based on scanning electron micrographs with experimental results from those same ultra high formulations and then using the models to computationally alter microstructural dimensions and properties could advance our understanding of how microstructure affects bulk mechanical properties. This advanced understanding could allow for the engineering of next-generation ultra high microstructures to optimize mechanical behavior and increase device longevity.
Breaking the Great Australian Silence: How Durkheim Finally Makes Room for Australian Indigenous Peoples’ Religious Life
Authors: Maddox Marion
Published: January 2013

Australian processes for recognising Indigenous sacred sites and, in some cases, land ownership, often offer claimants an invidious, lose-lose choice. On the one hand, claimants can support their claim by producing evidence of religious knowledge that they may be culturally required to keep secret. On the other hand, as a series of landmark cases has demonstrated, the material, once revealed, runs the risk of being rejected as not religious enough. The representation of Indigenous religion in Durkheim’s Les formes élémentaires de la vie religieuse arguably contributed to these impasses. But the same work, particularly when read in conversation with his moral and political writings, also offers a way forward—not as an ethnographic source, but more for its theoretical conception of the relationship between individuals, religion, society, and state.
"For Such a Time as This":Reading (and Becoming) Esther with Christians United for Israel
Authors: Durbin Sean
Published: January 2013

A great deal of work on contemporary Christian Zionism focuses on the apocalyptic eschatology of premillennial dispensationalism, critiquing it from an idealistic perspective that posits a direct line of causality from "belief" to action. Such critiques frequently assert that since Christian Zionists are biblical literalists, they read apocalyptic texts such as Revelation and Ezekiel with the goal of making the events they find predicted in these books come about in the world. This article takes a different approach. Although many Christian Zionists can be considered "literalists," they read themselves into the text typologically. Special attention is paid to the book of Esther which is shown not to function primarily in a prophetic or apocalyptic role, but as a tool to help Christian Zionists understand political action, construct identity, and strengthen faith.
Evolution and the Bible: The Hermeneutical Question
Authors: Dawes Gregory W.
Published: January 2013

Theistic evolutionists suggest that evolutionary theory is not necessarily in conflict with biblical teaching. But in fact conflict is avoided only by reinterpreting Genesis 1–3. Is such a reinterpretation justified? There exists a hermeneutical tradition that dates back to St Augustine which offers guidelines regarding apparent conflicts between biblical teaching and natural philosophy (or ‘science’). These state that the literal meaning of the text may be abandoned only if the natural-philosophical conclusions are established beyond doubt. But no large-scale scientific theory, such as Darwin’s, can claim this degree of certainty. It follows that to justify their reinterpretation of Genesis 1–3, Christians must either argue that the literal sense of the biblical text can be maintained or accept that this view of biblical authority is untenable. Three alternative views are discussed: a first that limits the scope of biblical authority, a second that distinguishes between the Bible and the Word of God, and a third that abandons the idea that religious faith offers certain knowledge. While the third view seems the most defensible, it comes at a cost: the recognition that, as John Locke put it, “reason must be our last judge and guide in everything.”
Assured Lament: U2 Sing the Psalms
Authors: Goodman Bill
Published: January 2013

The influence of the Psalms can be detected in many of the songs and live performances of the Irish band U2. Longing and anger are recurring themes, as is the interplay between the individual and the corporate. I discuss some important examples of this Psalmic influence, arguing that the songs offer a mixture of assured praise and anguished lament which intertwine and are held together in tension. Rather than attempt its explanation or resolution, these songs and their presentation indicate a willingness to live with the resultant dissonance.
The Bible: Utopian, Dystopian, or Neither? Or: Northrop Frye Meets Monty Python
Authors: Davies Philip
Published: January 2013

In The Great Code (1982), Northrop Frye rewrites the mediaeval and early modern myth of human existence as progression from Fall to Judgment from a humanistic and Romantic perspective, recoding the Bible as a series of utopian visions which together constitute a single grand utopian vision. This article in turn rewrites Frye's Code from a modern Western perspective which eschews both naïve optimism and tragic vision for a dark comic or Pythonesque view of life, recognizing the absurdity of human ambition and pointlessness of human existence, while laughing in the face of it. By splicing Frye's optimistic sequences in a different way, it is possible to produce quite another code, which is neither utopian nor dystopian, yet always disappoints. The paper thus lays out a myth of disenchantment as a decoding of the biblical narrative, concluding that the human predicament is insoluble, because neither God nor humanity have the power to change.
Re-Remembering the Holocaust: A Look into "Judeo-Christian" Holocaust Denial
Authors: Sax Benjamin E.
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the hermeneutical and theoretical problems associated with the term "Judeo-Christian" in an American political context. In particular, it focuses on how certain conservative Protestant groups surreptitiously espouse a political-theological agenda to replace their historical role of oppressor with that of victim. It examines a process I term "re-remembering" to demonstrate how this political-theological agenda necessitates a form of Holocaust denial.
Interpreting Judeo-Christianity in America
Authors: Gaston K. Healan
Published: January 2013

Since Mark Silk's article "Notes on the Judeo-Christian Tradition in America" appeared in 1984, historians have extended, and in certain respects modified, his analysis. Silk argued that the term emerged from the antifascist initiatives of the late 1930s and rose to prominence during World War II, becoming a mainstay of postwar American public culture before falling into disrepute in the early 1970s. Subsequent interpreters have traced the emergence of Judeo-Christian terminology in specific local contexts, but no one has followed Silk in examining the discourse in its entirety or acknowledging the political tensions within it. This piece surveys the historical scholarship on the idea of America as a Judeo-Christian nation.
Imminent Immanence of Judeo-Evangelical Nationalism: American Christian Zionists and Israel as the Future Redeemer Nation and State
Authors: Sturm Tristan
Published: January 2013

For tens of millions of American evangelical Christians, the eschatology of God's plan for a Chosen People and a Chosen land-scape is essential to explaining the contemporary relationship. Time and space here merge as prophetic time manifests itself in prophetic space. Judeo-Christian nationalism lies not in America as the redeemer state, but rather in Israel as future prophetic time becomes immanent as "signs" of an imminent apocalypse are imagined to take place. The hyphenation of Judeo-Christian is key to developing a future, dualist memory territorially dividing what is "ours" and "theirs" in simplistic geopolitical divisions drawn up between Jews and Christians on the one hand, and everybody else (especially Muslims) on the other.
Studying Time Banking: Exploring Participatory Action Research in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: McGuirk Emma
Published: January 2013

This article presents a literature review of participatory action research (PAR) approaches used in New Zealand social science research to assess if there is a ‘New Zealand’ approach to PAR that differs somewhat from the international literature on PAR. Using the additional device of self reflection on my own current PhD research topic I argue that New Zealand does have rich local influences that enhance PAR as a methodology while also maintaining many points of similarity with the international literature. Given the breadth and richness of New Zealand based scholars' experience with this method, I argue that more New Zealand based academic writing should refer to these local examples of participatory action research.
D’Arcy’s view from the hill: ‘weak thought’ on Pakeha as particular, regional 'buggers'. . .
Authors: Grimshaw Mike
Published: January 2013

This paper argues for the cultural development of ‘Pakeha’ as a particular mid 20th century regional, secular, modernist identity and belief that developed in the South Island between the 1920s and the late 1950s. Beginning with the influence of D'arcy Cresswell who in 1923 claimed a new type of Pakeha indigeneity in a supposedly 'terra nullis', it argues Pakeha arises out of a distinctly modernist identity: secular, urban, exilic and literary.

Pakeha, as a condition of modernity, arises in the South Island because it is a claim of a type of indigeneity situated against the North Island. It arises out of the tensions of a providential land, a desert, a wilderness and a waste land where a new society has to be built from scratch. The challenge of ‘Pakeha’ to New Zealanders is the challenge of a specific identity that may indeed challenge nationalist cultural essentialisms. Not all European New Zealanders are necessarily Pakeha, nor will they necessarily wish to be. For Pakeha is first and foremost a type of modernist belief.
Characteristics of metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors with a functional gate using trap charging for ultralow power operation
Authors: Kudo Takashi , Ito Takashi , Nakajima Anri
Published: January 2013

A functional gate metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor that enables self-adjustment of threshold voltage (Vth) was developed for the ultralow power operation. The operating principle enables the on-current to be increased without increasing the off-current. Prototype devices were fabricated with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication technology using a silicon-on-insulator substrate, and the fundamental device characteristics necessary for ultralow power operation were demonstrated with an emphasis on the device reliability. A negative Vth shift was caused by electron ejection from the poly-Si charge trap layer, and a positive Vth shift was caused by electron injection from the top gate electrode. A fabricated device endured 105 electron ejection-and-injection cycles when only a positive bias Vg was applied. Endurance characteristics of the fabricated devices showed that the number of cycles to oxide breakdown increased as the channel size decreased. The authors explained the SiO2 breakdown mechanism by using a percolation model. They consider that scaling down of the channel size and the thickness of the tunnel gate oxide will open the way to the development of CMOS logic applications for this device.
Local oxide capacitance as a crucial parameter for characterization of hot-carrier degradation in long-channel n-MOSFETs
Authors: Starkov Ivan , Enichlmair Hubert
Published: January 2013

A theoretical model for the MOSFET local oxide capacitance as a crucial parameter for the characterization of hot-carrier degradation has been developed. For this purpose, the conformal mapping technique is used. On the basis of the proposed approach a refined extraction scheme for the defect distribution from charge-pumping measurements has been employed. Assuming the extracted spatial trap distributions at different stress times as input, the transfer characteristics and linear drain current degradation are numerically calculated and compared with the experimental results. A very good agreement is achieved. These results demonstrate that the coordinate dependence of the oxide capacitance is extremely important for an accurate extraction of the defect profile particularly for large stress times. Additionally, the obtained results confirm the findings of our physics-based model of hot-carrier degradation.
Ezh2
Orchestrates Topographic Migration and Connectivity of Mouse Precerebellar Neurons
Authors: Di Meglio Thomas , Kratochwil Claudius F. , Vilain Nathalie , Loche Alberto , Vitobello Antonio , Yonehara Keisuke , Hrycaj Steven M. , Roska Botond , Peters Antoine H. F. M. , Eichmann Anne , Wellik Deneen , Ducret Sebastien , Rijli Filippo M.
Published: January 2013

Destination Specificity

During brain development, some types of neurons migrate from where they are born to their final functional locations. Some neurons migrate radially, from the inside to the outside, while others migrate tangentially.

Di Meglio
et al.

(p.
204
) analyzed the migration of a group of tangentially migrating neurons in the hindbrain. Although these neurons all entered the same migratory stream, they each retained positional information such that their relative organization in the destination site reflected their original organization. Interactions between epigenetic signals and the genes encoding Hox transcription factors encoded the positional information and fine-tuned migration.
Pleiotropic Actions of Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Odegaard Justin I. , Chawla Ajay
Published: January 2013

Metabolism and immunity are inextricably linked both to each other and to organism-wide function, allowing mammals to adapt to changes in their internal and external environments. In the modern context of obesogenic diets and lifestyles, however, these adaptive responses can have deleterious consequences. In this Review, we discuss the pleiotropic actions of inflammation and insulin resistance in metabolic homeostasis and disease. An appreciation of the adaptive context in which these responses arose is useful for understanding their pathogenic actions in disease.
Climate Study Highlights Wedge Issue
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: January 2013

A provocative new study looks at the influential 2004 paper that introduced the concept of climate "wedges"—and the sobering question of what it may take to stabilize and then phase-out emissions of global warming gases.
Approval of Novel TB Drug Celebrated—With Restraint
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: January 2013

On New Year's Eve, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first new tuberculosis drug in more than 40 years.
Author of Popular Blog That Charged Fraud Unmasked
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: January 2013

A highly respected mitochondrial biologist is behind an acerbic blog dedicated to unmasking scientific wrongdoing.
Expert Firms Play a Hidden Role in Connecting Science and Finance
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: January 2013

What every academic and clinical researcher should know before signing up with an expert network firm and interacting with its clients.
An Expert's Words Can Move Markets
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: January 2013

What happened when a positive drug report led to a declining stock price? How one expert's opinion made an impact
Single-Tube Multiplexed Molecular Detection of Endemic Porcine Viruses in Combination with Background Screening for Transboundary Diseases
Authors: Wernike Kerstin , Hoffmann Bernd , Beer Martin
Published: January 2013

Detection of several pathogens with multiplexed real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays in a one-step setup allows the simultaneous detection of two endemic porcine and four different selected transboundary viruses. Reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR systems for the detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), two of the most economically important pathogens of swine worldwide, were combined with a screening system for diseases notifiable to the World Organization of Animal Health, namely, classical and African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and Aujeszky's disease. Background screening was implemented using the identical fluorophore for all four different RT-qPCR assays. The novel multiplex RT-qPCR system was validated with a large panel of different body fluids and tissues from pigs and other animal species. Both reference samples and clinical specimens were used for a complete evaluation. It could be demonstrated that a highly sensitive and specific parallel detection of the different viruses was possible. The assays for the notifiable diseases were even not affected by the simultaneous amplification of very high loads of PRRSV- and PCV2-specific sequences. The novel broad-spectrum multiplex assay allows in a unique form the routine investigation for endemic porcine pathogens with exclusion diagnostics of the most important transboundary diseases in samples from pigs with unspecific clinical signs, such as fever or hemorrhages. The new system could significantly improve early detection of the most important notifiable diseases of swine and could lead to a new approach in syndromic surveillance.