bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Heterodox Political Economy to Generalized Darwinism
Authors: Liagouras George
Published: August 2015

The paper focuses on the successive tensions that emerged in Geoffrey M. Hodgson’s thought in his passage from political economy to Darwinian social science. The main argument is that Hodgson’s tensions have their origins in two fundamental problems: the irrelevance of population thinking in analyzing both social structures and historical processes; and the necessity of different levels of abstraction in biology and social sciences. Hodgson resolves the first tension by shifting the focus of inquiry from the analysis of capitalism to the genesis of a single convention. But afterwards he is unable to come back down from the extremely abstract level of evolving systems (ranging from amoebas to humans) to the analysis of social problems in contemporary capitalism.
Presidents on the cycle: Elections, audience costs, and coercive diplomacy
Authors: Chiozza Giacomo
Published: August 2015

This study investigates an observable implication of audience cost theory. Building upon rational expectations theories of voters’ choice and foreign policy substitutability theory, it posits that audience costs vary over the electoral calendar. It then assesses whether US presidents’ major responses in international crises reflect the variability in audience costs in an analysis of 66 international crises between 1937 and 2006. Using out-of-sample tests, this study finds that tying-hand commitment strategies were more frequent closer to presidential elections, as expected from audience cost theory. It also finds that the fluctuation of audience costs over the electoral calendar is non-linear.
Unfair fights: Power asymmetry, nascent nuclear capability, and preventive conflict
Authors: Schub Robert
Published: August 2015

Scholars have long recognized that imminent shifts in relative power may motivate declining states to initiate conflict. But what conditions exacerbate the risk posed by these anticipated power shifts? Building upon existing bargaining models of war, I show that larger initial power asymmetries increase the probability of preventive conflict. Theoretical extensions that account for certainty effects and variable costs of war, both of which are linked to initial dyadic power balances, drive this relationship. It follows that looming power transitions in which rising states approach and surpass parity, long considered war-prone scenarios, are not particularly problematic. Instead, the risk of conflict is greatest when preponderant powers confront conventionally weak but rising states. I test the theoretical predictions in the context of anticipated power shifts due to rivals pursuing nuclear weapons. Extensive empirical tests that relax assumptions employed in prior analyses of preventive conflict offer strong support for this contention. These results shed light on the underpinnings of many pressing contemporary interstate security issues.
Pacific Peoples, Violence, and the Power and Control Wheel
Authors: Rankine Jenny , Percival Teuila , Finau Eseta , Hope Linda-Teleo , Kingi Pefi , Peteru Maiava Carmel , Powell Elizabeth , Robati-Mani Robert , Selu Elisala
Published: August 2015

This qualitative project was the first to study values and practices about sexual assault among migrant communities from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, and Tuvalu in New Zealand. It aimed to identify customs, beliefs, and practices among these ethnic groups that were protective and preventive factors against sexual violence. Researchers were ethnically matched with 78 participants from the seven ethnic communities, and conducted individual interviews and one female focus group using protocols that were culturally appropriate for each ethnic group. Interviews were thematically analyzed. The study identified the brother–sister covenant and the sanctity of women as strong protective and preventive factors against sexual violence, expressed differently in each culture. Most participants viewed sexual violence as involving their extended families, village, and church communities, rather than solely the individuals concerned. However, the communal values and practices of these seven Pacific cultures raise questions about the individualistic assumptions and the meaning of violence underlying the Power and Control Wheel and the Duluth Model of domestic violence. It also raises questions about how such an individualized model can help services effectively support women in these collective societies who are experiencing violence, and how it can contribute to Pacific community prevention of violence. This study is therefore relevant to countries with significant populations of Pacific peoples and other collective cultures.
The Relationship Between Sexual History, Bullying Victimization, and Poor Mental Health Outcomes Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority High School Students: A Feminist Perspective
Authors: Dunn Hailee K. , Clark Melissa A. , Pearlman Deborah N.
Published: August 2015

This study uses a feminist theoretical framework to extend the literature on the relationship between sexual history, bullying victimization, and poor mental health outcomes. First, we examined whether an association between the sexual double standard and bullying victimization would apply to sexual minority youth the same way it applies to heterosexual youth. A second aim was to assess whether sexual minority boys, typically stereotyped as effeminate, would report the highest odds of bullying victimization. A third and final aim of our study was to look at the joint effect of sex and sexual intercourse on depression and suicidal ideation. Our analytic sample ( N = 9,300) was from the 2009, 2011, and 2013 Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Findings demonstrated that heterosexual girls who engaged in sexual intercourse had significantly higher adjusted odds of bullying victimization than heterosexual boys who engaged in the same behavior. Similar results were not found for sexual minority adolescents, suggesting the sexual double standard may not apply to sexual minority adolescents in the same way it applies to heterosexual adolescents. Consistent with our second hypothesis, sexual minority boys reported the highest odds of being recently bullied compared with heterosexual boys. Among students who were recently bullied, sexual minority girls displayed the highest adjusted odds of recent depression and suicidal ideation. Our study demonstrated that using a feminist theoretical framework broadens our understanding of why girls and sexual minority boys are particularly vulnerable to bullying victimization and the sequel of depression and suicidal ideation.
The Association Between Benzodiazepine Use and Depression Outcomes in Older Veterans
Authors: Leggett Amanda , Kavanagh Janet , Zivin Kara , Chiang Claire , Kim Hyungjin M. , Kales Helen C.
Published: August 2015

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are commonly prescribed to older adults with depression, but it is unknown whether they improve antidepressant (AD) adherence or depressive symptoms. We followed 297 older veterans diagnosed with depression and provided a new AD medication prospectively for 4 months. Data include validated self-report measures and VA pharmacy records. At initial assessment, 20.5% of participants were prescribed a BZD. Those with a BZD prescription at baseline were significantly more likely than those without to have a personality disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, or other anxiety disorder, and higher depressive symptom and anxiety symptom scale scores on average. In adjusted regressions, BZD use was not significantly associated with AD adherence, any improvement in depressive symptoms, or a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms. Our results suggest BZD use concurrent with AD treatment does not significantly improve depressive outcomes in older veterans.
From Diversity to Inclusion
Authors: Fredette Christopher , Bradshaw Patricia , Krause Heather
Published: August 2015

This article explores the dynamics of diversity and inclusion in the context of boards of directors in the nonprofit sector. Our multimethod study builds on current diversity research by exploring social microprocesses of inclusion in diverse governing groups. We consider functional and social approaches to inclusion within boards, and address the potential for more transformative inclusion. Our findings suggest significant opportunities for meaningful change by shifting focus from diversity to inclusive practices within diverse groups.
Social networks for survival among working children in Addis Ababa
Authors: Eriksen Sissel H , Mulugeta Emebet
Published: August 2015

In this article, we examine the social networks that enable working children on the streets of Addis Ababa to cope and exercise agency under adverse circumstances. Based on qualitative interviews with 45 children, we explore how they take part in new and existing social networks. We analyse the work of social networks and explain how they help the individual child to attain physical and economic security, secure living quarters, food supply, and formal and informal schooling. Finally, we discuss to what extent the networks can be considered as social capital for the children.
The influence of processing aids on the melt stability and mobility of poly(arylene sulfide sulfone)
Authors: Li Suying , Kong Yu , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Gang , Long Shengru , Yang Jie
Published: August 2015

The phosphorous antioxidant bis[2,4-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenyl] pentaerythritol diphosphite (s-9228), hindered phenol antioxidant N, N′-hexane-1,6-diylbis-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionamide] (1098), and zinc acetate (ZnAc) were chosen as processing aids to improve the melt stability and mobility of poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) (PASS). Different contents and components of the processing aids were discussed. The capillary rheometer test demonstrated that 3 wt% ZnAc showed better effect with the change of the shear rates. In contrast, the parallel-plate rheometer test proved that the complex antioxidant, including 0.8 wt% s-9228 and 1.6 wt% 1098, showed better effect with the change of temperature. Both the capillary rheometer and parallel-plate rheometer test showed that the compounding aid consisting of 0.8 wt% s-9228, 1.6 wt% 1098, and 3 wt% ZnAc showed the best effect with the dramatically improved melt stability and mobility. Also, PASS could be processed successfully by extruding and through an injection machine with the help of the compounding aid. Meanwhile, the effects of the applied processing aids on melt complex viscosity and modulus were also discussed.
Accuracy and Bias of Judgments in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Fletcher Garth J. O.
Published: August 2015

In this article, I discuss recent research dealing with bias and accuracy of judgments in romantic relationships. First, two components of overall accuracy—directional bias and tracking accuracy—are outlined. Second, a model is described dealing with the causes and consequences of bias and accuracy in partner and relationship judgments, and research is reviewed showing that partners generally exhibit both positive bias and good levels of tracking accuracy. The roles played by various moderating variables (e.g., relationship stage, individual differences) are also discussed. I conclude that bias in relationship judgments is largely functional and that interactions between partners both shape and are shaped by the directional bias and tracking accuracy attendant in relationship and partner judgments.
Code-switching and multilingualism in literature
Authors: Gardner-Chloros Penelope , Weston Daniel
Published: August 2015

Code-switching in spoken modes has now been studied fairly extensively and is better understood at the conversational as well as the grammatical level. However, interest in written code-switching has developed more slowly and is still represented mainly in relation to specific periods, such as the Classical period and the medieval period, where a large number of works have now appeared. Linguists have questioned to what extent the models developed for spoken code-switching can be applied to writing, and a fortiori to literary writing. This introductory article reviews the main types of literary multilingualism and the main functions of code-switching within it. We conclude that there is at least a partial – and not inconsiderable – overlap between the functions of code-switching in spoken and written modalities.
Mind the gap: What code-switching in literature can teach us about code-switching
Authors: Weston Daniel , Gardner-Chloros Penelope
Published: August 2015

This article argues that contrary to sociolinguistic practice which emphasizes spontaneous speech as the main or only source of evidence, the study of literary code-switching (CS) can be relevant to an understanding of CS in general. CS is first distinguished from other forms of literary multilingualism and from borrowing. We then consider how CS fits in with the mimetic function in literary dialogue, and how its functions can be compared with those of natural speech. We will see that literary CS can provide a wealth of sociolinguistically relevant information on speech modes found in various communities, and is particularly apt to portray postcolonial tensions. More stylized CS in poetry and drama can also embody complex multicultural identities and patterns of language choice, even in the absence of strict verisimilitude.
Code-switching in US Latino literature: The role of biculturalism
Authors: Montes-Alcalá Cecilia
Published: August 2015

While mixing languages in natural speech production has often been inaccurately ascribed to illiteracy or lack of linguistic competence, doing so in writing is a long-standing practice in bilingual literature. This practice may fulfill stylistic or aesthetic purposes, be a source of credibility and/or communicate biculturalism, humor, criticism, and ethnicity, among other functions. Here, I analyze a selection of contemporary Spanish–English bilingual literature (poetry, drama, and fiction) written by Mexican American, Nuyorican, and Cuban American authors focusing on the types, and significance, of code-switching (CS) in their works. The aim of the study is to determine to what extent the socio-pragmatic functions that have been attested in natural bilingual discourse are present in literary CS, whether it is mimetic rather than rhetorical, and what differences exist both across literary genres and among the three US Latino groups. I also emphasize the cultural aspect of CS, a crucial element that has often been overlooked in the search for grammatical constraints.
Code-switching in early English literature
Authors: Schendl Herbert
Published: August 2015

Code-switching has been a frequent feature of literary texts from the beginning of English literary tradition to the present time. The medieval period, in particular, with its complex multilingual situation, has provided a fruitful background for multilingual texts, and will be the focus of the present article. After looking at the linguistic background of the period and some specifics of medieval literature and of historical code-switching, the article discusses the main functions of code-switching in medieval poetry and drama, especially in regard to the different but changing status of the three main languages of literacy: Latin, French and English. This functional-pragmatic approach is complemented by a section on syntactic aspects of medieval literary code-switching, which also contains a brief comparison with modern spoken code-switching and shows some important similarities and differences between the two sets of data.
Antibiotic Policies and Utilization in Oregon Hospice Programs
Authors: Novak Rachel L. , Noble Brie N. , Fromme Erik K. , Tice Michael O. , McGregor Jessina C. , Furuno Jon P.
Published: August 2015

Antibiotics are frequently used in hospice care, despite limited data on safety and effectiveness in this patient population. We surveyed Oregon hospice programs on antibiotic policies and prescribing practices. Among 39 responding hospice programs, the median reported proportion of current census using antibiotics was 10% (interquartile range = 3.5%-20.0%). Approximately 31% of responding hospice programs had policies for antibiotic initiation, 17% of hospice programs had policies for antibiotic discontinuation, and 95% of hospice programs had policies for managing drug interactions. Diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and yeast infections were the most frequently reported antibiotic-associated adverse events, occurring “sometimes” or “often” among 62%, 47%, and 62% of respondents, respectively. In conclusion, less than a third of participating hospice programs reported having a policy for antibiotic initiation and even less frequently a policy for discontinuation. More data are needed on the risks and benefits of antibiotic use in hospice care to inform these policies and optimize outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.
Acute Kidney Injury With Tobramycin-Impregnated Bone Cement Spacers in Prosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Aeng Elissa S. Y. , Shalansky Karen F. , Lau Tim T. Y. , Zalunardo Nadia , Li Guiyun , Bowie William R. , Duncan Clive P.
Published: August 2015

Background: Antibiotic-impregnated bone cement spacer (ACS) with tobramycin ± vancomycin is commonly used in a 2-stage replacement of infected prosthetic joints. This procedure has been associated with development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors for AKI after implantation of tobramycin-impregnated ACS. Methods: This prospective, observational study evaluated 50 consecutive patients who received tobramycin ACS for first-stage revision of an infected hip or knee arthroplasty from August 2011 to February 2013. AKI was defined as 50% or greater rise in serum creatinine (SCr) from baseline within the first 7 postoperative days (PODs). Results: The incidence of AKI was 20%, with median onset occurring at POD 2 (interquartile range [IQR] = 1-3); patients with AKI had a longer median duration of hospital stay (16 days, IQR = 12-17, vs 10 days, IQR = 8-10; P = 0.03). Serum tobramycin concentrations were significantly higher in the AKI group, peaking on POD 1 (median 1.9 vs 0.9 µg/mL, P = 0.01). Risk factors for nephrotoxicity identified by multivariate analysis were use of bone cement premanufactured with gentamicin (OR = 8.2; 95% CI = 1.1-60; P = 0.04), administration of blood transfusions intraoperatively (OR = 32.5; 95% CI = 2.3-454.3; P = 0.01) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs postoperatively (OR = 23.0; 95% CI = 1.3-397.7; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Tobramycin ACS is associated with a high risk of AKI. Measures to minimize AKI risk in the perioperative period include early detection through close monitoring of SCr, avoiding use of premanufactured bone cement containing gentamicin, and avoiding potential nephrotoxins within the first 72 hours postoperatively.
Meaningful Work as a Moderator of the Relation Between Work Stress and Meaning in Life
Authors: Allan Blake A. , Douglass Richard P. , Duffy Ryan D. , McCarty Ryan J.
Published: August 2015

The present study examined the relations between work stress and both the presence of and search for meaning in life. Three components of meaningful work—positive meaning, meaning-making, and greater good motivations—were investigated as potential moderators. As hypothesized, work stress had a significant, negative relation with the presence of meaning in life, and a significant, positive relation with the search for meaning in life. Furthermore, the meaning making component of meaningful work moderated the relation between work stress and the presence of meaning in life. Specifically, meaning making served as a buffer where greater meaning making at work was associated with weaker relations between work stress and the presence of meaning in life. None of the three components of meaningful work moderated the relation between work stress and the search for meaning in life. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Examining Predictors of Work Volition Among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Duffy Ryan D. , Douglass Richard P. , Autin Kelsey L. , Allan Blake A.
Published: August 2015

The present article examined predictors of work volition, or the perception of control in one’s future career decision making, with two samples of undergraduate students. Building from the Psychology of Working Framework, in Study 1, a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted examining four classes of potential predictors: demographic characteristics, positive affect, sense of control, and career barriers. Social class, sense of control, and career barriers were significant predictors of work volition. In Study 2, a new sample of undergraduate students were surveyed at two time points to examine the temporal relation of work volition with social class, sense of control, and career barriers. Structural equation modeling was used to construct a cross-lagged model. Time 2 work volition was predicted by Time 1 social class and career barriers. Additionally, Time 1 work volition predicted Time 2 career barriers and general sense of control. Implications for practice are discussed.
Development and Validation of a Work Mattering Scale (WMS)
Authors: Jung Ae-Kyung , Heppner Mary J.
Published: August 2015

Many people desire work that matters to others and society. This study reports the development and validation of the Work Mattering Scale (WMS), which measures work mattering with two dimensions, that is, societal mattering and interpersonal mattering. Phase I utilized a review of the scholarly literature, in-depth interviews, and expert feedback to formulate 45 items. In Phase II, with a sample of 299 working adults in the United States, exploratory factor analyses were employed and produced a two-factor model with 10 items. In Phase III, with another sample of 251 working adults, confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test the initial structure specified in Phase II. In Phase IV, the construct validity was examined by correlations and factor analysis among the total and subscale scores with existing measures. In Phase V, 4-week test–retest reliability was calculated. Results provided support for the reliability and validity of the WMS.
Acute Phase Responses to Novel, Investigational Vaccines in Toxicology Studies
Authors: Green Martin D.
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of investigational vaccine candidates on acute-phase proteins (APPs) as determined in GLP toxicology studies. Sixty-four GLP toxicity studies, which were submitted to the Food and Drug Administration from 2008 to 2012 in support of proposed clinical investigations, were reviewed and entered into a database. These studies employed the intramuscular route of injection and were conducted using New Zealand White rabbits. A retrospective review of these GLP toxicity studies was conducted to evaluate the changes in plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and albumin as APPs following the administration of various investigational vaccines. The incidence and intensity of responses associated with acute-phase responses both positive and negative were observed to increase in animals when treated with vaccines containing more potent immunological components such as novel adjuvants that activate Toll-like receptors in the investigational vaccine products. Changes in plasma levels of CRP were prominent among these responses and provided a basis to propose a classification scheme of H, M, L, and N responding groups. These changes in plasma proteins reflect an activation of the acute-phase response and indicate increasing levels of systemic inflammation, which potentially may be correlated with important clinical adverse events.
Mixture Effects of 3 Mechanistically Different Steroidogenic Disruptors (Prochloraz, Genistein, and Ketoconazole) in the H295R Cell Assay
Authors: Nielsen Frederik Knud , Hansen Cecilie Hurup , Fey Jennifer Anna , Hansen Martin , Halling-Sørensen Bent , Björklund Erland , Styrishave Bjarne
Published: August 2015

Mixture effects of 3 model endocrine disruptors, prochloraz, ketoconazole, and genistein, on steroidogenesis were tested in the adrenocortical H295R cell line. Seven key steroid hormones (pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, estrone, and 17β-estradiol) were analyzed using gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to investigate the effects throughout the steroidogenic pathway. Current modeling approaches often rely on models assuming compounds acting independently and that the individual effects in some way can be summarized to predict a mixture effect. In H295R cells with an intact steroidogenic pathway, such assumptions may not be feasible. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate whether effects of a mixture with differing modes of action followed or deviated from additivity (concentration addition) and whether the H295R cell line was suitable for evaluating mixture toxicity of endocrine disruptors with different modes of action. The compounds were chosen because they interfere with steroidogenesis in different ways. They all individually decrease the concentrations of the main sex steroids downstream but exert different effects upstream in the steroidogenic pathway. Throughout the study, we observed lowest observed effect concentrations of mixtures at levels 2 to 10 times higher than the predicted EC50, strongly indicating antagonistic effects. The results demonstrate that chemical analysis combined with the H295R cell assay is a useful tool also for studying how mixtures of endocrine disruptors with differing modes of action interfere with the steroidogenic pathway and that existing models like concentration addition are insufficient in such cases. Furthermore, for end points where compounds exert opposite effects, no relevant models are available.
The Relationship of Obesity With the Severity of Psoriasis
Authors: Fleming Patrick , Kraft John , Gulliver Wayne P. , Lynde Charles
Published: August 2015

Background:

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with obesity. The increased production of adipocytokines in central adiposity contributes to the systemic inflammation of obesity and perhaps to psoriasis.

Objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to determine the association of obesity with psoriasis severity.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database for English-language papers involving human subjects for all years. We extracted data on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), proportion obese, and psoriasis severity index score (PASI).

Results:

We identified 254 articles in our search and included 9. The sample size was 134 823 psoriasis patients. Seven of the 9 studies found a statistically significant association of increased psoriasis severity with higher BMI.

Conclusion:

Increased severity of psoriasis appears to be associated with increased BMI. Most studies were cross-sectional or case-control, making it difficult to determine temporality. Dermatologists should consider recording BMI for psoriasis patients and offering them lifestyle counseling.
Dürer’s rhinoceros and what he or she was wearing: Carnations, luxury gardens, identity formation, and urban splendor, 1460–1550
Authors: Friedman John Block
Published: August 2015

This article examines how images of carnations in the page borders and calendar miniatures of the late medieval devotional books locally produced for Netherlandish civic elites provide an opportunity to examine identity formation and concepts of urban magnificence and splendor. It also considers the role of carnations in discussions and depictions of gardens in a popular medieval Italian estate creation and management book, Piero Crescenzi’s Ruralium Commodorum, that, especially in French translation in Netherlandish illuminated manuscript copies, was a how-to-do-it manual for those seeking to build manor and town houses with gardens befitting their status. Thus, both depictions of the potted plant in art and scenes of the carnation in a garden setting were intended to project the owners’ flower connoisseurship and their splendor and civic magnificence. Further, the makers (in most cases artisan fellow townsmen of the commissioners) of these miniatures and borders projected for the books’ patrons luxury and consumption fantasies on which to model their lives, and to help them distinguish themselves culturally from the long established landed aristocracy.
Invisible and everywhere: Heterosexuality in anti-pornography feminism
Authors: Thompson Jay Daniel
Published: August 2015

This article investigates the various (and curiously under-theorised) ways in which heterosexuality is framed in anti-pornography feminist discourses. I argue that within these discourses, a certain model of patriarchal heterosexuality is understood as providing the basic framework for all material classified as ‘pornography’, even that which is produced by and for queers. At the same time, though, the term ‘heterosexuality’ rarely appears within these discourses. To this end, I argue that anti-pornography feminism risks naturalising the heterosexualised gender hierarchy that its proponents have so vehemently opposed. I suggest that critiquing this aspect of anti-pornography feminism is a crucial step in working towards a theory of heterosexuality which does not deny the existence of sexism, but which also emphasises transgression.
Fuel efficient exhaust thermal management for compression ignition engines during idle via cylinder deactivation and flexible valve actuation
Authors: Ding Chuan , Roberts Leighton , Fain David J , Ramesh Aswin K , Shaver Gregory M , McCarthy James , Ruth Michael , Koeberlein Edward , Holloway Eric A , Nielsen Douglas
Published: August 2015

Fuel efficient thermal management of diesel engine aftertreatment is a significant challenge, particularly during cold start, extended idle, urban driving, and vehicle operation in cold ambient conditions. Aftertreatment systems incorporating NOx-mitigating selective catalytic reduction and diesel oxidation catalysts must reach ∼250 °C to be effective. The primary engine-out condition that affects the ability to keep the aftertreatment components hot is the turbine outlet temperature; however, it is a combination of exhaust flow rate and turbine outlet temperature that impact the warm-up of the aftertreatment components via convective heat transfer. This article demonstrates that cylinder deactivation improves exhaust thermal management during both loaded and lightly loaded idle conditions. Coupling cylinder deactivation with flexible valve motions results in additional benefits during lightly loaded idle operation. Specifically, this article illustrates that at loaded idle, valve motion and fuel injection deactivation in three of the six cylinders enables the following: (1) a turbine outlet temperature increases from ∼190 °C to 310 °C with only a 2% fuel economy penalty compared to the most efficient six-cylinder operation and (2) a 39% reduction in fuel consumption compared to six-cylinder operation achieving the same ∼310 °C turbine out temperature. Similarly, at lightly loaded idle, the combination of valve motion and fuel injection deactivation in three of the six cylinders, intake/exhaust valve throttling, and intake valve closure modulation enables the following: (1) a turbine outlet temperature increases from ∼120 °C to 200 °C with no fuel consumption penalty compared to the most efficient six-cylinder operation and (2) turbine outlet temperatures in excess of 250 °C when internal exhaust gas recirculation is also implemented. These variable valve actuation-based strategies also outperform six-cylinder operation for aftertreatment warm-up at all catalyst bed temperatures. These benefits are primarily realized by reducing the air flow through the engine, directly resulting in higher exhaust temperatures and lower pumping penalties compared to conventional six-cylinder operation. The elevated exhaust temperatures offset exhaust flow reductions, increasing exhaust gas-to-catalyst heat transfer rates, resulting in superior aftertreatment thermal management performance.
Outbreak column 18: The undervalued work of outbreak: prevention, preparedness, detection and management
Authors: Curran Evonne T , Dalziel Catherine E
Published: August 2015

There are oft-quoted studies which advise that between 1% and 10% of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) present as healthcare-associated outbreaks (HAOs). Examination of these studies showed they lacked validity due to a low sensitivity to detect HAO, and because they pre-date both advanced healthcare systems and the emergence of recent nosocomial pathogen challenges. The accepted inference: that as there are so few HAOs the focus of surveillance programmes should be on endemic and not epidemic infections (outbreaks), is therefore called into question.

Current estimates of HAI burden are derived from Point Prevalence Surveys (PPS) which are neither designed to nor are capable of detecting HAOs. We considered the extensive Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) work to prevent and prepare for perennial and novel HAOs and suggest that at present this endeavour is largely unseen, underestimated and undervalued.

Any HAI burden estimate needs to comprise a more complete HAI summary than PPS data. This can only be done with a more inclusive surveillance system that has a wider focus than just prevalent infections. There is a real risk of redirection of the IPCT resource from outbreak prevention and preparedness work towards HAI that are counted: such a change could only further increase HAO risks.
Total laparoscopic retrieval of inferior vena cava filter
Authors: Benrashid Ehsan , Adkar Shaunak Sanjay , Bennett Kyla Megan , Zani Sabino , Cox Mitchell Wayne
Published: August 2015

While there is some local variability in the use of inferior vena cava filters and there has been some evolution in the indications for filter placement over time, inferior vena cava filters remain a standard option for pulmonary embolism prophylaxis. Indications are clear in certain subpopulations of patients, particularly those with deep venous thrombosis and absolute contraindications to anticoagulation. There are, however, a variety of reported inferior vena cava filter complications in the short and long term, making retrieval of the filter desirable in most cases. Here, we present the case of a morbidly obese patient complaining of chronic abdominal pain after inferior vena cava filter placement and malposition of the filter with extensive protrusion outside the inferior vena cava. She underwent successful laparoscopic retrieval of her malpositioned inferior vena cava filters after failure of a conventional endovascular approach.
DC-SIGN–expressing macrophages trigger activation of mannosylated IgM B-cell receptor in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Amin Rada , Mourcin Frédéric , Uhel Fabrice , Pangault Céline , Ruminy Philippe , Dupré Loic , Guirriec Marion , Marchand Tony , Fest Thierry , Lamy Thierry , Tarte Karin
Published: August 2015

Key Points

IgM+ FL B cells display a stronger BCR response than their GC B-cell counterpart despite significant BCR-related phosphatase activity. M2 macrophages trigger DC-SIGN–dependent cell adhesion and BCR activation in IgM+ FL B cells with a highly mannosylated BCR.
Short-Term Anesthesia Inhibits Formalin-Induced Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Activation in the Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex but Not in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Tochiki Keri K , Maiarù Maria , Miller James R C , Hunt Stephen P , Géranton Sandrine M
Published: August 2015

Background

The rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) has been implicated in the negative affective response to injury, and importantly, it has been shown that activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in the rACC contributes to the full expression of the affective component of pain in rodents. In this study, we investigated whether administration of anesthesia at the time of injury could reduce phosphorylated-ERK (PERK) expression in the rACC, which might eliminate the negative affective component of noxious stimulation. Intraplantar hindpaw formalin stimulation, an aversive event in the awake animal, was given with or without general isoflurane anesthesia, and PERK expression was subsequently quantified in the rACC using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, as numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of spinal ERK signaling in the regulation of nociceptive behaviour, we also examined PERK in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Findings

Formalin injection with and without short-term (<10 min) general isoflurane anesthesia induced the same level of PERK expression in spinal cord laminae I–II. However, PERK expression was significantly inhibited across all laminae of the rACC in animals anesthetized during formalin injection. The effect of anesthesia was such that levels of PERK were the same in formalin and sham treated anesthesized animals.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate that isoflurane anesthesia can inhibit formalin-induced PERK in the rACC and therefore might eliminate the unpleasantness of restraint associated with awake hindpaw injection.
Early severe impairment of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from the bone marrow caused by CLP sepsis and endotoxemia in a humanized mice model
Authors: Skirecki Tomasz , Kawiak Jerzy , Machaj Eugeniusz , Pojda Zygmunt , Wasilewska Danuta , Czubak Jarosław , Hoser Grażyna
Published: August 2015

Introduction

An effective immune response to severe bacterial infections requires a robust production of the innate immunity cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in a process called emergency myelopoiesis. In sepsis, an altered immune response that leads to a failure of bacterial clearance is often observed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of sepsis on human HSPCs in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment of humanized mice subjected to acute endotoxemia and polymicrobial sepsis.

Methods

Humanized mice (hu-NSG) were generated by transplanting NOD.Cg-Prkdc/scidIL2rγ (NSG) mice with the human cord blood CD34+ cells. Eight weeks after the transplantation, hu-NSG mice were subjected to sepsis induced by endotoxemia—Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—or by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Twenty-four hours later, HSPCs from BM were analyzed by flow cytometry and colony-forming unit (CFU) assay. CLP after inhibition of Notch signaling was also performed. The effects of LPS on the in vitro proliferation of CD34+ cells from human BM were tested by CellTrace Violet dye staining.

Results

The expression of Toll-like receptor 4 receptor was present among engrafted human HSPCs. Both CLP and endotoxemia decreased (by 43 % and 37 %) cellularity of the BM. In addition, in both models, accumulation of early CD34+ CD38− HSCs was observed, but the number of CD34+ CD38+ progenitors decreased. After CLP, there was a 1.5-fold increase of proliferating CD34+ CD38−Ki-67+ cells. Moreover, CFU assay revealed a depressed (by 75 % after LPS and by 50 % after CLP) production of human hematopoietic colonies from the BM of septic mice. In contrast, in vitro LPS stimulated differentiation of CD34+ CD38− HSCs but did not induce proliferation of these cells in contrast to the CD34+ CD38+ progenitors. CLP sepsis modulated the BM microenvironment by upregulation of Jagged-1 expression on non-hematopoietic cells, and the proliferation of HSCs was Notch-dependent.

Conclusions

CLP sepsis and endotoxemia induced a similar expansion and proliferation of early HSCs in the BM, while committed progenitors decreased. It is suggestive that the Notch pathway contributed to this effect. Targeting early hematopoiesis may be considered as a viable alternative in the existing arsenal of supportive therapies in sepsis.
A semi-supervised learning algorithm for relevance feedback and collaborative image retrieval
Authors: Guimarães Pedronette Daniel Carlos , Calumby Rodrigo T. , S. Torres Ricardo da
Published: August 2015

The interaction of users with search services has been recognized as an important mechanism for expressing and handling user information needs. One traditional approach for supporting such interactive search relies on exploiting relevance feedbacks (RF) in the searching process. For large-scale multimedia collections, however, the user efforts required in RF search sessions is considerable. In this paper, we address this issue by proposing a novel semi-supervised approach for implementing RF-based search services. In our approach, supervised learning is performed taking advantage of relevance labels provided by users. Later, an unsupervised learning step is performed with the objective of extracting useful information from the intrinsic dataset structure. Furthermore, our hybrid learning approach considers feedbacks of different users, in collaborative image retrieval (CIR) scenarios. In these scenarios, the relationships among the feedbacks provided by different users are exploited, further reducing the collective efforts. Conducted experiments involving shape, color, and texture datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Similar results are also observed in experiments considering multimodal image retrieval tasks.
Semi‐automated biobank sample processing with a 384 high density sample tube robot used in cancer and cardiovascular studies
Authors: Malm Johan , Lindberg Henrik , Erlinge David , Appelqvist Roger , Yakovleva Maria , Welinder Charlotte , Steinfelder Erik , Fehniger Thomas E , Marko‐Varga György
Published: August 2015

Background

In the postgenomic era, it has become evident that analysis of genetic and protein expression changes alone is not sufficient to understand most disease processes in e.g. cardiovascular and cancer disease. Biobanking has been identified as an important area for development and discovery of better diagnostic tools and new treatment modalities. Biobanks are developed in order to integrate the collection of clinical samples from both healthy individuals and patients and provide valuable information that will make possible improved patient care. Modern healthcare developments are intimately linked to information based on studies of patient samples from biobank archives in large scale studies. Today biobanks form important national, as well as international, networks that share and combine global resources.

Methods

We have developed and validated a novel biobanking workflow process that utilizes 384‐tube systems with a high speed sample array robot with unique processing principles.

Results

The 384‐tube format and robotic processing is incorporated into a cancer and cardiovascular diagnostic/prognostic research program with therapeutic interventions. Our biobank practice has gained acceptance within many hospitals and research units and is based on high‐density sample storage with small aliquot sample volumes. The previous standard of 5–10 mL sample volume tubes is being replaced by smaller volumes of 50–70 μL blood fractions that typically result in hundreds of thousands of aliquot fractions in 384‐tube systems.

Conclusions

Our novel biobanking workflow process is robust and well suited for clinical studies.
High-Quality draft genome sequence of the Lotus spp. microsymbiont Mesorhizobium loti strain CJ3Sym
Authors: Reeve Wayne , Sullivan John , Ronson Clive , Tian Rui , Munk Christine , Han Cliff , Reddy T.B.K. , Seshadri Rekha , Woyke Tanja , Pati Amrita , Markowitz Victor , Ivanova Natalia , Kyrpides Nikos
Published: August 2015

Mesorhizobium loti strain CJ3Sym was isolated in 1998 following transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEMlSymR7A, also known as the R7A symbiosis island, in a laboratory mating from the donor M. loti strain R7A to a nonsymbiotic recipient Mesorhizobium strain CJ3. Strain CJ3 was originally isolated from a field site in the Rocklands range in New Zealand in 1994. CJ3Sym is an aerobic, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod. This report reveals the genome of M. loti strain CJ3Sym currently comprises 70 scaffolds totaling 7,563,725 bp. The high-quality draft genome is arranged in 70 scaffolds of 71 contigs, contains 7,331 protein-coding genes and 70 RNA-only encoding genes, and is part of the GEBA-RNB project proposal.
Palimpsests of Multiculturalism and Museumization of Culture
Authors: Iğsız Aslı
Published: August 2015

In 2010, the 1923 Greek-Turkish Population Exchange Museum opened its doors as part of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture (ECoC) project. Presented as the first migration-themed museum of Turkey, it is a site of cultural recollection focused on family histories. Yet the museum, Iğsız argues, beyond being a site of memory, also crystallizes larger dynamics of cultural policy and recognition of alterity. Concentrating on the European Union Cultural Policy and the Istanbul 2010 ECoC, two official institutions that fund the museum, Iğsız analyzes the transnational dynamics of institutional and official endorsements of diversity and how such endorsements “museumize” culture for display. The article examines the limits of liberal multiculturalism as promoted in the EU cultural policy, revealing how Turkish officials have “discovered” liberal multiculturalism in the Ottoman past as a history of tolerance, which is manifested as a mode of neo-Ottomanism.
Print, Reading, and Patronage in the Colonial-Born Presses of the Indian Diaspora in Africa
Authors: Brennan James R.
Published: August 2015

As a response to Isabel Hofmeyr's book Gandhi's Printing Press, this essay examines Indian diasporic print culture, in order to both appreciate the magnitude of Hofmeyr's contribution and to challenge some of the book's generalizations. It considers the wider political economy of print in which Gandhi's printing press operated; the reception and agency among the readers of Gandhi's print products; and the comparable if considerably more modest print figure from East Africa at some length, in order to draw out important continuities and divergences among these diasporic printing presses. By examining Hofmeyr's Gandhi in light of the Indian newspaper landscape of East Africa about which I am familiar, I hope to draw some comparisons about the purpose and meaning of print and reading culture between these two Indian diasporic contexts.