bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bottom-Up Abstract Modelling of Optical Networks-on-Chip: From Physical to Architectural Layer
Authors: Parini Alberto , Ramini Luca , Lanzoni Fabio , Bellanca Gaetano , Bertozzi Davide
Published: November 2012

This work presents a bottom-up abstraction procedure based on the design-flow FDTD + SystemC suitable for the modelling of optical Networks-on-Chip. In this procedure, a complex network is decomposed into elementary switching elements whose input-output behavior is described by means of scattering parameters models. The parameters of each elementary block are then determined through 2D-FDTD simulation, and the resulting analytical models are exported within functional blocks in SystemC environment. The inherent modularity and scalability of theS-matrix formalism are preserved inside SystemC, thus allowing the incremental composition and successive characterization of complex topologies typically out of reach for full-vectorial electromagnetic simulators. The consistency of the outlined approach is verified, in the first instance, by performing a SystemC analysis of a four-input, four-output ports switch and making a comparison with the results of 2D-FDTD simulations of the same device. Finally, a further complex network encompassing 160 microrings is investigated, the losses over each routing path are calculated, and the minimum amount of power needed to guarantee an assigned BER is determined. This work is a basic step in the direction of an automatic technology-aware network-level simulation framework capable of assembling complex optical switching fabrics, while at the same time assessing the practical feasibility and effectiveness at the physical/technological level.
Coronary Artery Center-Line Extraction Using Second Order Local Features
Authors: Zamani Boroujeni Farsad , Rahmat Rahmita Wirza O. K. , Mustapha Norwati , Affendey Lilly Suriani , Maskon Oteh
Published: November 2012

Of interest is the accurate and robust delineation of vessel center-lines for complete arterial tree structure in coronary angiograms which is an imperative step towards 3D reconstruction of coronary tree and feature-based registration of multiple view angiograms. Most existing center-line tracking methods encounter limitations in coping with abrupt variations in local artery direction and sudden changes of lumen diameter that occur in the vicinity of arterial lesions. This paper presents an improved center-line tracing algorithm for automatic extraction of coronary arterial tree based on robust local features. The algorithm employs an improved scanning schema based on eigenvalues of Hessian matrix for reliable identification of true vessel points as well as an adaptive look-ahead distance schema for calculating the magnitude of scanning profile. In addition to a huge variety of clinical examples, a well-established vessel simulation tool was used to create several synthetic angiograms for objective comparison and performance evaluation. The experimental results on the accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm and its counterparts under difficult situations such as poor image quality and complicated vessel geometry are presented.
Antioxidant Therapy in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Al-Busafi Said A. , Bhat Mamatha , Wong Philip , Ghali Peter , Deschenes Marc
Published: November 2012

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) affects up to 3% of the North American population. It occurs as a manifestation of the insulin-resistant state and oxidative stress is thought to be a key component of its pathophysiology. Exercise and diet, which are the mainstay of therapy, are difficult to achieve and maintain with a disappointing long-term compliance record. There is growing literature on the potential for antioxidant therapy. The recent literature strongly suggests that vitamin E supplementation and other putative free radical scavengers and/or antioxidants are beneficial in improving biochemical and histological parameters in NASH.
Weed Control and Grain Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Tolerance to Pyrasulfotole plus Bromoxynil
Authors: Fromme Dan D. , Dotray Peter A. , Grichar W. James , Fernandez Carlos J.
Published: November 2012

Field studies were conducted during the 2008 and 2009 growing seasons at five locations in the Texas grain sorghum producing regions to evaluate pyrasulfotole plus bromoxynil combinations for weed control and grain sorghum response. All pyrasulfotole plus bromoxynil combinations controlledAmaranthus palmeri,Cucumis melo, andProboscidea louisianicaat least 94% while control ofUrochloa texanawas never better than 69%. Pyrasulfotole plus bromoxynil combinations did result in early season chlorosis and stunting; however, by the end of the growing season no visual injury or stunting differences were noted when compared to the untreated check. Early season grain sorghum chlorosis and stunting with pyrasulfotole plus bromoxynil combinations did not affect grain sorghum yields with the exception of pyrasulfotole at 0.03 kg ai/ha plus bromoxynil at 0.26 kg ai/ha plus atrazine at 0.58 kg ai/ha applied early postemergence followed by pyrasulfotole plus bromoxynil applied mid-postemergence which reduced yield at one of two locations in 2008. Grain sorghum yield increased following all pyrasulfotole plus bromoxynil treatments compared to the untreated check in 2009.
First Nationwide Attitude Survey of Japanese Physicians on the Use of Traditional Japanese Medicine (Kampo) in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ito A. , Munakata K. , Imazu Y. , Watanabe K.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this nationwide survey was to investigate the use of Kampo medicine by Japanese physicians who worked in the core cancer treatment hospitals which were designated by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Among the 900 physicians surveyed, 92.4% reported having prescribed Kampo medications, of whom 73.5% reported having prescribed them for cancer patients. Despite this high percentage and the finding that only 9.7% of the physicians reported that they considered Kampo medications to be harmful, only 23.1% of the physicians expressed high expectations of the efficacy of Kampo medicine in tumor suppression and the exertion of immunostimulatory action. In contrast, many cancer patients have expressed the belief that Kampo medications can suppress tumor growth, and several studies have reported that they exert immunostimulatory action. To resolve this discrepancy in patient and physician expectations and to clarify the research findings, further research into the effectiveness and harmfulness of Kampo medicine in cancer treatment is warranted.
Local Stability of Period Two Cycles of Second Order Rational Difference Equation
Authors: Atawna S. , Abu-Saris R. , Hashim I.
Published: November 2012

We consider the second order rational difference equation xn+1 = (α + βxn + γxn−1)/(A + Bxn + Cxn−1),   n = 0,1,2,…, where the parameters α, β, γ, A, B, C are positive real numbers, and the initial conditions x−1, x0 are nonnegative real numbers. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the equation to have a prime period‐two solution. We show that the period‐two solution of the equation is locally asymptotically stable. In particular, we solve Conjecture 5.201.2 proposed by Camouzis and Ladas in their book (2008) which appeared previously in Conjecture 11.4.3 in Kulenović and Ladas monograph (2002).
Changes in the Austral Winter Hadley Circulation and the Impact on Stationary Rossby Waves Propagation
Authors: Freitas Ana Carolina Vasques , Ambrizzi Tércio
Published: November 2012

The present study investigates how changes in the Hadley Cell (HC) intensity impact the stationary Rossby waves energy propagation in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) extratropics. Composites for weak and strong HC Intensity Index (HCI) were used in this analysis. The results for weak HC cases showed a wave train emanating from the subtropical central-west Indian Ocean in an arc-like route, with zonal wavenumber three in the polar jet waveguide, and reaching the north of South America. For strong HC cases, the wave train is also trapped inside the polar jet waveguide with zonal wavenumber four, emanating from subtropical central-east Indian Ocean and reaching the subtropical west coast of Africa. A weaker zonally oriented wave train with zonal wavenumber five has been found in the subtropical region with opposite polarity for weak and strong HC cases. Over the South America, the results show that an HC weakening can lead to a very cold and rainy winter in the southwest of the continent and a mild warm and dry winter on Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. A pattern almost opposite was observed when the CH strengthens.
Generalized Lichen Nitidus in Identical Twins
Authors: Leung Alexander K. C. , Ng Jeffrey
Published: November 2012

Lichen nitidus is an uncommon idiopathic chronic dermatosis characterized by minute, flesh-colored or hypopigmented, shiny papules commonly occurring on the abdomen, chest, genitalia, and extremities. The disorder is most often localized but, rarely, can become extensive or generalized. The occurrence of lichen nitidus during infancy is extremely rare. A perusal of the English literature revealed but two cases. We report two identical twins with lesions of generalized lichen nitidus noted at two months of age. The familial occurrence of lichen nitidus suggests that a genetic factor may be operative.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mercury(II) Complexes Containing 2,9‐Dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline by Sonochemical Method
Authors: Ranjbar M. , Malakooti E. , Sheshmani S.
Published: November 2012

Synthesis and characterization of microstructured crystalline complexes of [HgI2(C14H12N2)] and [HgBr2(C14H12N2)] were carried out from the reaction between 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, mercury acetate, KI, and KBr, respectively, in methanol by sonochemical method. The reaction conditions were optimized under ultrasonic irradiations and without it. Characterization of the complexes was performed by elemental analysis, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The results showed that sonochemical method caused significant reduction of the reaction time. Then the products were put under supercritical condition in a Teflon‐lined, stainless‐steel Parr bomb container and heated at 150°C for 48 h. The results showed that the chemical formulas of the complexes were not changed; however, the particle sizes were reduced and porosity increased.
Predictors of Coronary Lesions Complexity in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Aksakal Enbiya , Tanboga Ibrahim Halil , Kurt Mustafa , Kaya Ahmet , Topcu Selim , Kalkan Kamuran , Sevimli Serdar
Published: November 2012

Only a few studies focused on the predictors of the SYNTAX score (SS). We evaluated the independent clinical predictors of SS in 436 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent coronary angiography. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. The mean SS was 25.8 ± 13.7. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels gradually rise while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and eGFR levels gradually decline from low to high SS tertile. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes ( P = .005), left ventricular ejection fraction ([LVEF]; P < .001), previous statin use ( P = .02), HDL-C level ( P < .001), and eGFR ( P < .001) were independent predictors of SS. In conclusion, the presence of diabetes mellitus, no previous statin use, and lower values of HDL-C, LVEF, and eGFR were independent predictors of coronary heart disease complexity. This study has been accepted to present at the 28th Turkish National Cardiology Congress.
Tensions between fatherhood and the social construction of masculinity in Italy
Authors: Magaraggia Sveva
Published: November 2012

The article examines how fathers’ attempts to establish intimate relationships with their young children (0–3 years) bring to light tensions between prevailing models of fatherhood and hegemonic masculinity. The result of these contradictory negotiations is a complex redefinition of what it means to be a father today, whereby aspects of both past experiences and new social expectations are accepted and rejected. The article approaches gender as a relational concept and so incorporates the perspective of mothers. By way of biographical-narrative research conducted with Italian new fathers and new mothers, the article shows that some aspects of cultural models of masculinity can obstruct the process of building intimate relationships with young children because such relationships need to be grounded in precisely those aspects that dominant forms of masculinity repress: emotions, affectivity and physical closeness. However, the visceral contradictions between gendered social norms, individual desires and men’s discovery of the pleasures of care can entail the learning of a different embodiment, and so hold the potential for a transformation of intimacy in father–child relationships. The article reflects on whether new fathering practices can change the hierarchical relationships that mark the contemporary social construction of masculinity and femininity.
Witnesses on the periphery: Young lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer employees witnessing homophobic exchanges in Australian workplaces
Authors: Willis Paul
Published: November 2012

Social divisions on the basis of sexuality are continually reinforced and contested in organizational environments. Previous studies have focused on the workplace as a problematic environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer-identifying (LGBQ) workers. In this article, I examine young workers’ experiences of witnessing the exchange of homophobic expressions, commentary and humour at work. Qualitative findings are presented from an exploratory study of young LGBQ people’s experiences in Australian organizations. Three core themes are discussed: (i) young workers’ location as periphery witnesses to homophobic exchanges, discussions and humour; (ii) the constraints experienced by young LGBQ workers in having to ‘manage’ their sexuality at work; and (iii) young workers’ attempts to refute and reject homophobic discourse in work relationships. Based on these findings, I conclude that witnessing the exchange of homophobic commentary can constrain how young workers express their sexuality at work while also mobilizing young workers to question homophobic discourse.
Preparation of short carbon fiber/polypropylene fine-celled foams in supercritical CO2
Authors: Wang Chuanbao , Ying Sanjiu , Xiao Zhenggang
Published: November 2012

This article reports an attempt to improve polypropylene fine-celled foaming with the incorporation of short carbon fibers. The carbon fibers with uniform dispersion in polypropylene matrix were obtained in reference to the way of papermaking. The composites were prepared via melt compounding in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. Three concentrations of carbon fibers, 5, 15 and 25 wt.%, were used. The foaming was carried out by a batch foaming process with supercritical CO2 as the physical blowing agent. The results showed the foamed composites had well-defined closed cell structure, but large amount of unfoamed regions and non-uniform cell size distribution were observed at the lowest carbon fibers content. Further incorporating carbon fibers decreased the crystallinity and increased the melt viscoelasticity. As a result, the composites had higher CO2 solubility with the increment of carbon fibers content. It is found that the foamed composite with 25 wt.% carbon fibers had the most uniform size distribution and better cell morphology compared to the other two composites. The increment in the cell density with increasing carbon fibers content indicated that the bubble nucleation was dominated by the heterogeneous mechanism with the addition of carbon fibers. The poorly bonded interface between carbon fibers and polypropylene could serve well as nucleation sites.
The Boundaries of Culture
Authors: Minkov Michael , Blagoev Vesselin , Hofstede Geert
Published: November 2012

Cultural phenomena are usually viewed as possessing some temporal stability. Measured properly, the dimensions that they yield have convincing predictive properties and create clear geographic or economic clusters of countries. Using these criteria, we assess the nature of 10 World Values Survey items that address societal norms. We find that they form two factors at the ecological level. Only one of these (personal-sexual) is unambiguously a cultural dimension, associated with previous measures of conservatism and collectivism; the second one (illegal-dishonest) is not. We conclude that although some norms are within the domain of culture, others are only weakly associated with it. We also comment on the implications of our findings for Gelfand’s tightness versus looseness as a dimension of national culture reflecting attitudes toward norms.
Development of a dynamic simulation code for the sulfur–iodine process coupled to a very high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor
Authors: Chang Jiwoon , Shin Youngjoon , Lee Kiyoung , Kim Yongwan , Youn Cheong
Published: November 2012

One of the key issues in developing a sulfur–iodine (SI) thermochemical hydrogen production technology is how to operate the SI process, including the start-up operation procedure. In order to effectively establish a start-up procedure, it is necessary to develop a dynamic simulation code that can analyze the dynamic behavior of the SI process. Furthermore, a dynamic simulation is necessary for identifying the transient behaviors of the SI process by abnormal operation occurrences, which is a nuclear hydrogen process, coupled to a very high temperature gas-cooled reactor (VHTR) through an intermediate heat exchanger (IHX). In this paper, a VHTR-based SI process coupling system for a dynamic simulation code development is introduced. Component and integration modules for a dynamic simulation program including input/output graphical user interface (GUI) modules are also described, and the start-up dynamic behaviors of the SI process have been anticipated using the simulation code developed in this study. The GUI system of the dynamic simulation program, which has been developed using ChartFX and Spread 7.0, allows users to easily manage the I/O data generated from the dynamic simulation program of the SI process.
A formal mathematical framework for modeling and simulation of wireless sensor network environments utilizing the hill-building behavior of termites
Authors: Zungeru Adamu Murtala , Ang Li-Minn , Seng Kah Phooi
Published: November 2012

The current practice in modeling and simulation of wireless sensor network (WSN) environments is to develop functional WSN systems for event gathering and optimize the necessary performance metric using heuristics and intuition. The evaluation and validation of the WSN system is mostly done using simulation approaches and practical implementations. Simulation studies, despite their wide use and merits for network systems and algorithms validation, have some drawbacks such as long simulation times, and some results reported by several prominent protocols cannot be repeated and are inconsistent. We, therefore, argue that simulation-based validation of WSN systems and environments should be further strengthened through mathematical analysis. To this end, we developed our modeling framework based on energy consumption for WSN topology and information extraction in a grid-based and line-based, randomly distributed sensor network. We strengthen the work with a model of the mobility impact on routing energy consumption by deriving the expected energy consumption of an agent-based reactive routing protocol for a WSN system as a function of packet arrival rate and topology change rate, using a termite hill routing algorithm. The results of our mathematical analysis were also compared with the simulation results.
A Burden of Support? Household Structure and Economic Resources Among Mexican Immigrant Families
Authors: Leach Mark A.
Published: November 2012

The children of Mexican immigrants face formidable barriers to achieving socioeconomic mobility due to their parents’ precarious economic position and high rates of unauthorized status. In the short term, Mexican immigrants often coreside in extended household living arrangements with extended kin and unrelated friends and associates to shelter themselves from economic deprivation and insecurity of unauthorized status. Using individual-level Census data, the present study examines how family economic resources relate to household living arrangements. The results are consistent with various theories of immigrant household formation, especially those that explain household structure in terms of economic need and processes of immigration. Families residing in extended arrangements are unique, however, in terms of how often they include a householder and how much they contribute to total household resources, indicators that families may hold more supportive roles within extended households. The implications of the findings for the well-being of immigration children are discussed.
Meaning More than They Say: The Conflict between Yhwh and Jonah
Authors: Barrett Rob
Published: November 2012

Interpretations of the book of Jonah regularly focus on the prophet's explanation of his flight in 4.2 and Yhwh's explanation of the qiqayon in 4.10–11 to illuminate the main characters' conflict. However, neither speech is particularly explanatory. Additionally, closer examination of Jonah's words is suggested by his ironic and self-implicating speech elsewhere in the book. Yhwh's logic relating the qiqayon to Nineveh is also far from transparent. The reader is left to work out the nature of their conflict. In this article it is argued that the book focuses less on Yhwh's relationship with Nineveh than on pressing Jonah to recognize Yhwh's compassion for him, and that he is the only one in the entire world of the book that is unresponsive to Yhwh.
Contexts for Hearing: Reevaluating the Superscription of Psalm 127
Authors: German Brian T.
Published: November 2012

This study's main impetus stems from an article by Brevard S. Childs published in 1971, ‘Psalm Titles and Midrashic Exegesis’, which offered an erudite examination of Psalm titles and argued for their exegetical character. After a brief overview of some of the traditional approaches to Psalm 127's superscription (especially its ‘Solomonic’ portion) throughout its history of interpretation, this study concludes that Psalm 127's ‘Solomonic’ superscription invites a hearing of the psalm within the context of the Davidic dynasty. The concluding section also suggests some possible implications of this hearing in light of Psalm 127's inclusion among the Psalms of Ascent.
Literary Solutions to Legal Problems: The Contribution of Exodus 2.13–14 to Exodus 21.22–23
Authors: Makujina John
Published: November 2012

This article proposes that Moses' encounter with the fighting Hebrews in Exod. 2.13–14 sheds light on the hypothetical case of the pregnant woman who is struck by men also engaged in a fist fight (Exod. 21.22–23). Specifically, Exod. 2.13–14 explains why singular verbs are used to describe the punishment (‭שנצי‬, ‭ותנ‬) when two or more men were actually responsible for the battery (‭ובּגנ‬). In the earlier episode, Moses rebukes the ‘guilty one’, presumably because he was the instigator of the fight. Likewise, if an integrative reading is called for, the penalty for the battery in 21.22 is placed on the shoulders of the instigator alone, which explains the use of the singular forms ‭שנצי‬ and ‭ותנ‬. Exod. 2.13–14 may indirectly resolve other tensions created by this law as well.
The Curious Case of George
Authors: Cromwell Paul , Birzer Michael L.
Published: November 2012

This research is a case study of a “semiretired” career criminal. The subject, George, an 82-year-old career offender admits to over 200 arrests and numerous convictions between age 16 and the present. He has served over 20 years in state and federal prisons for racketeering, arson, burglary, and other serious offenses. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with George regularly over a 6-month period. Despite his openness regarding his criminal career and attachment to the criminal subculture in which he flourished, he readily made use of techniques of neutralization and despite his reputation as a local criminal godfather, considers himself a good person. George was unusual in that he was proud of his criminal reputation but also thought of himself and wished to be perceived by others as a good person. The use of neutralizations allowed him to maintain these two diametrically opposed perceptions of self. The authors conclude that due to over 60 years of cognitive distortions through the use of techniques of neutralizations, the subject has compartmentalized his diametrically opposed perceptions of self to the point where he believes them both. The authors borrow the term doublethink from George Orwell’s book, 1984, to describe this phenomenon.
The Development of a School-Based Measure of Child Mental Health
Authors: Deighton Jessica , Tymms Peter , Vostanis Panos , Belsky Jay , Fonagy Peter , Brown Anna , Martin Amelia , Patalay Praveetha , Wolpert Miranda
Published: November 2012

Early detection of child mental health problems in schools is critical for implementing strategies for prevention and intervention. The development of an effective measure of mental health and well-being for this context must be both empirically sound and practically feasible. This study reports the initial validation of a brief self-report measure for child mental health suitable for use with children as young as 8 years old (“Me & My School” [M&MS]). After factor analysis, and studies of measurement invariance, 2 subscales emerged: emotional difficulties and behavioral difficulties. These 2 subscales were highly correlated with corresponding constructs of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and showed correlations with attainment, deprivation, and educational needs similar to ones obtained between these demographic measures and the SDQ. Results suggest that this school-based self-report measure is psychometrically sound, and has the potential of contributing to school mental health surveys, evaluation of interventions, and recognition of mental health problems within schools.
Establishing Reliable Cognitive Change in Children With Epilepsy
Authors: van Iterson Loretta , Augustijn Paul B. , de Jong Peter F. , van der Leij Aryan
Published: November 2012

The goal of this study was to investigate reliable cognitive change in epilepsy by developing computational procedures to determine reliable change index scores (RCIs) for the Dutch Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children. First, RCIs were calculated based on stability coefficients from a reference sample. Then, these RCIs were applied to a sample of 73 children with refractory epilepsy who were tested twice with the WISC-RNNL/WISC-IIINL after a mean interval of 2.3 years. Results indicated that children with refractory epilepsy are at risk for cognitive decline over time: 26.0% of the children showed reliable losses on Verbal IQ and 16.4% on the full scale IQ (expected rate = 5%). Declines on performance IQ were within expected limits.
Using plate thermometer measurements to calculate incident heat radiation
Authors: Häggkvist Andreas , Sjöström Johan , Wickström Ulf
Published: November 2012

The plate thermometer is a device used mainly to measure temperatures in fire resistance tests according to ISO 834-1 and EN 1363-1 and to measure the so-called adiabatic surface temperature. However, it can also be used to measure incident radiant heat flux ([Formula: see text]) as a simpler, more robust and less-expensive alternative to water-cooled heat flux meters. The accuracy of the measured [Formula: see text] is subject to simplifications in the heat transfer analysis model and uncertainties of parameters such as convective heat transfer coefficients, emissivities and ambient gas temperatures. This study investigates the accuracy of the model itself, isolated from the uncertainties of the physical surrounding, by comparing a simple one-dimensional model to the results of finite element modelling. The so-obtained model includes a heat transfer coefficient due to heat losses of the plate thermometer, found to be K PT = 8 W/m2 K and a heat storage lumped heat capacity C PT = 4200 J/m2 K for an ISO/EN standard plate thermometer. The model is also compared to real field experiments.
The Party Colonisation of the Media
Authors: Bajomi-Lázár Péter
Published: November 2012

Media scholars looking into the relationship between political and media systems in the former communist countries have mainly worked on the assumption that parties seek control over the media in order to suppress critical voices and to gain favourable coverage so that they can influence voting behaviour, but have barely explored political actors’ other possible motivations. Meanwhile, political scientists studying the region’s countries have often focused on parties’ relationship to the state and the resources that they extracted from state institutions such as ministries and municipalities but largely ignored the relationship between parties and the media. This article, written as part of the project Media and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe, attempts to link these two traditions of research. Introducing the concept of the party colonisation of the media, it looks into what benefits other than suppressing criticism and gaining favourable coverage parties may gain from controlling the media. It uses the example of Hungary to illustrate how the party colonisation of the media works. It also intends to assess how different patterns of media colonisation affect media freedom.
Post-Accession Hooliganism
Authors: Ganev Venelin I.
Published: November 2012

The manuscript analyzes negative developments in Bulgarian and Romanian politics in the aftermath of the two countries’ accession to the European Union, with a special focus on the worsening corruption problem, the destabilization of previously coherent normative frameworks, and the reversal of processes of state building. It also explores the main characteristics of a novel form of elite behavior, post-accession hooliganism, which began to emerge as soon as Bulgarian and Romanian political leaders felt strong and confident enough to disregard the demands of their West European counterparts.
Predicting Functional Impairments in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults Using the Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen
Authors: Springate Beth A. , Tremont Geoffrey , Ott Brian R.
Published: November 2012

Despite their growing use, few studies have examined the associations between patients’ performance on brief telephone-based cognitive assessments and their functional status. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen (MCAS), a very brief telephone-based dementia screening instrument, and functional impairment as rated by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale in a sample of 176 individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Results showed lower MCAS scores were correlated with poorer daily function as measured by CDR global scores and domain scores, and the MCAS orientation subscale was one of the strongest subscales in predicting functional status as it was uniquely predictive of all CDR domains. Findings suggest the MCAS appears to be useful in predicting patients’ level of daily function and may be useful for quickly and easily monitoring patients’ cognitive and functional status over time.
The Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly Individuals in Screening Mild Cognitive Impairment With or Without Functional Impairment
Authors: Li Fang , Jia Xiang-Fei , Jia Jianping
Published: November 2012

The Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly individuals (IQCODE) is a reliable, validated informant-based instrument. Most of the studies well support the validity of the IQCODE in dementia screening, but the sensitivity of the rating scale at the early stage during the course of dementia is limited. In this study, we investigate the utility of the IQCODE for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the discriminative power of the IQCODE in patients having MCI with and without functional impairment. The samples included mild Alzheimer disease (AD, N = 280), MCI ([N = 657], further divided into 2 subgroups: patients with MCI having functional impairment [MCI-fi, N = 357] and patients having MCI without functional impairment [MCI-fn, N = 300]), and normal cognition (NC, N = 274). The IQCODE, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and other neuropsychological tests were administered to all participants. Logistic regression and receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the IQCODE, compared to the MMSE. The optimal cutoff scores of the IQCODE were 3.19 for the MCI (sensitivity/specificity: 0.979/0.714) and MCI-fn (0.900/0.817), 3.25 for the MCI-fi (0.978/0.701), and 3.31 for mild AD (0.893/0.779), while the MMSE was identical, that is 26, for both MCI and its functional normal and functional impaired subgroups (0.892/0.755, 0.867/0.745, and 0.913/0.745, respectively) and 24 for mild AD (0.807/0.836). The discriminating accuracy of the IQCODE was slightly superior to that of the MMSE but did not reach statistical significance. Our study suggests that the IQCODE might be useful in screening for MCI, with hierarchical scores indicating functional normal or impaired.
When Race Disappears
Authors: Winkle-Wagner Rachelle , Sulè V. Thandi , Maramba Dina C.
Published: November 2012

What happens to race in public discussions about “race-neutral” college admissions policies? This article shows how race disappeared from elite political debate during hearings on Texas Senate Bill 175 (2009), the Top Ten Percent Plan (the Plan), which guaranteed college admissions to high school graduates from the top 10% of their classes. Findings indicated that race disappeared from the discussion of college admissions policy in Texas. Instead, policy makers emphasized students’ opportunity to compete for college admissions ignoring that the opportunities for and impediments to success at different high schools varied widely across the state. The implication of these findings is that as policy becomes race neutral, discourse also becomes “colorblind” potentially disguising structural and secondary school inequalities.
‘Modern conditions demand integration and professionalism’: The transition from Joint Intelligence Bureau to Defence Intelligence Staff and the long march to centralisation in British military intelligence
Authors: Dylan Huw
Published: November 2012

This article explores the reforms that occurred in British military and military-related intelligence in 1946 and 1964. It charts the development of the Joint Intelligence Bureau, which was created as a central organisation to provide intelligence on several military-related issues, and how it was eventually merged with the service intelligence agencies in 1964 to form the Defence Intelligence Staff. It argues that the reforms of 1946, although functional, were flawed, as they satisfied neither the advocates of wholesale centralisation nor the champions of individual service responsibility. The inevitable outcome was a series of divisive arguments over responsibility and “turf”, which could only be resolved when the issue was firmly grasped by senior politicians.
A decision-tree-based approach to smoke spike detection in a heavy-duty diesel engine
Authors: Brahma Indranil
Published: November 2012

Smoke spikes occurring during transient engine operation have detrimental health effects and increase fuel consumption by requiring more frequent regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. This paper proposes a decision tree approach to real-time detection of smoke spikes for control and on-board diagnostics purposes. A contemporary, electronically controlled heavy-duty diesel engine was used to investigate the deficiencies of smoke control based on the fuel-to-oxygen-ratio limit. With the aid of transient and steady state data analysis and empirical as well as dimensional modeling, it was shown that the fuel-to-oxygen ratio was not estimated correctly during the turbocharger lag period. This inaccuracy was attributed to the large manifold pressure ratios and low exhaust gas recirculation flows recorded during the turbocharger lag period, which meant that engine control module correlations for the exhaust gas recirculation flow and the volumetric efficiency had to be extrapolated. The engine control module correlations were based on steady state data and it was shown that, unless the turbocharger efficiency is artificially reduced, the large manifold pressure ratios observed during the turbocharger lag period cannot be achieved at steady state. Additionally, the cylinder-to-cylinder variation during this period were shown to be sufficiently significant to make the average fuel-to-oxygen ratio a poor predictor of the transient smoke emissions. The steady state data also showed higher smoke emissions with higher exhaust gas recirculation fractions at constant fuel-to-oxygen-ratio levels. This suggests that, even if the fuel-to-oxygen ratios were to be estimated accurately for each cylinder, they would still be ineffective as smoke limiters. A decision tree trained on snap throttle data and pruned with engineering knowledge was able to use the inaccurate engine control module estimates of the fuel-to-oxygen ratio together with information on the engine control module estimate of the exhaust gas recirculation fraction, the engine speed, and the manifold pressure ratio to predict 94% of all spikes occurring over the Federal Test Procedure cycle. The advantages of this non-parametric approach over other commonly used parametric empirical methods such as regression were described. An application of accurate smoke spike detection in which the injection pressure is increased at points with a high opacity to reduce the cumulative particulate matter emissions substantially with a minimum increase in the cumulative nitrogrn oxide emissions was illustrated with dimensional and empirical modeling.
To believe or not believe…or not decide: A decision-theoretic model of agnosticism
Authors: Pingle Mark , Melkonyan Tigran
Published: November 2012

Using decision theory, we construct a stylized theory of agnosticism, defined as choosing not to choose a religion. The theory indicates agnosticism can be supported as a rational choice if (a) adopting agnosticism provides in-life benefits relative to perceived religions, (b) the perceived payoff for agnosticism after death is not too much less than for any perceived religion, (c) no religion has a high perceived likelihood of truth, (d) the probability of death is neither too high nor too low, or (e) it is less costly to switch from agnosticism to a given religion than from one religion to another. Switching costs make the relative attractiveness of agnosticism dependent upon the perceived likelihood of receiving an informative signal about the truth of any perceived religion. Ironically, the lack of information that makes religious choice uncertain and difficult may contribute to decisiveness.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism in Cerebral Veno-sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Bharatkumar Venkata Pinnelli , Nagaraja Dindagur , Christopher Rita
Published: November 2012

There is limited data on the role of hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for cerebral veno-sinus thrombosis (CVT) in Indians. We examined the association between plasma homocysteine (Hcy), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, and CVT in 185 patients with aseptic CVT (puerperal 80 and nonpuerperal 105) and 248 healthy controls (puerperal 67 and nonpuerperal 181). Fasting Hcy was higher in patients compared to controls (20.25 ± 5.97 vs 9.81 ± 5.19 μmol/L, P < .001) and associated with 4.54-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.74-7.53) increase in risk of CVT. Risk was higher in puerperal (odds ratio [OR]: 8.7, 95% CI: 2.73-26.91) compared to nonpuerperal CVT (OR: 3.82, 95% CI: 2.09-6.96). Plasma Hcy was higher in MTHFR 677TT compared to 677CT and 677CC genotypes (34.44 ± 32.8 vs 25.81 ± 33.3 vs 18.50 ± 23.7 μmol/L, respectively, P < .001), but the risk associated with MTHFR 677TT was insignificant (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 0.53-7.06). We conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk marker for Indian patients with aseptic CVT. MTHFR 677TT genotype is not linked with CVT but is a determinant of plasma Hcy.
Patient-Centered Care and Outcomes
Authors: Rathert Cheryl , Wyrwich Mary D. , Boren Suzanne Austin
Published: November 2012

Patient-centered care (PCC) has been studied for several decades. Yet a clear definition of PCC is lacking, as is an understanding of how specific PCC processes relate to patient outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the PCC literature to examine the evidence for PCC and outcomes. Three databases were searched for all years through September 2012. We retained 40 articles for the analysis. Results found mixed relationships between PCC and clinical outcomes, that is, some studies found significant relationships between specific elements of PCC and outcomes but others found no relationship. There was stronger evidence for positive influences of PCC on satisfaction and self-management. Future research should examine specific dimensions of PCC and how they relate to technical care quality, particularly some dimensions that have not been studied extensively. Future research also should identify moderating and mediating variables in the PPC–outcomes relationship.
Gemcitabine-induced gouty arthritis attacks
Authors: Bottiglieri Sal , Tierson Neil , Patel Raina , Mo Jae-Hyun , Mehdi Syed
Published: November 2012

In this case report, we review the experience of a patient who presented with early stage pancreatic cancer (Stage IIb) who underwent a Whipple procedure and adjuvant chemoradiation. The patient’s past medical history included early stage colon cancer in remission, post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, gout, and pre-diabetes. Chemotherapy initially consisted of weekly gemcitabine. The patient developed acute gouty attacks after his second dose of gemcitabine, which brought him to the emergency room for emergent treatment on several occasions. Gemcitabine was held and treatment began with fluorouracil and concurrent radiation. After completion of his chemoradiation with fluorouracil, he was again treated with weekly gemcitabine alone. As soon as the patient started gemcitabine chemotherapy the patient developed gouty arthritis again, requiring discontinuation of chemotherapy. The patient received no additional treatment until his recent recurrence 8 months later where gemcitabine chemotherapy was again introduced with prophylactic medications consisting of allopurinol 100 mg by mouth daily and colchicine 0.6 mg by mouth daily throughout gemcitabine chemotherapy, and no signs of gouty arthritis occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing gout attacks associated with gemcitabine therapy. There is limited data available describing the mechanism that gouty arthritis may be precipitated from gemcitabine chemotherapy. Further monitoring and management may be required in patients receiving gemcitabine chemotherapy with underlying gout.
Rainless West
Authors: Kutnjak Ivković Sanja , Haberfeld Maria , Peacock Robert
Published: November 2012

This study seeks to test the capacity to measure individual agency integrity using the theoretical perspective and police integrity instrument developed by Klockars and colleagues. Specifically, sworn officers in a large U.S. municipal law enforcement agency evaluated 11 vignettes describing various forms of police misconduct, from police corruption and the use of excessive force to perjury and planting of evidence. Although our study in Rainless West yields a picture of police integrity that is largely similar to those reported for the three police agencies participating in the study by Klockars and colleagues, we detect substantial differences in the levels of integrity associated with the least serious forms of misconduct. Rainless West offers a lesson for institutions seeking to raise police accountability to explore integrity not only as it applies to the most serious forms of misconduct, but also as it applies to the least serious forms of misconduct.
Unilateral uterine segmentary aplasia, papillary endometrial hyperplasia and ipsilateral renal agenesis in a cat
Authors: Carvallo Francisco R , Wartluft Andrea N , Melivilu Roberto M
Published: November 2012

A 1-year-old, female, previously spayed domestic shorthair cat presented with abnormal behavior characterized by rubbing up against objects, vocalization and abnormal body posture. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and a dilated segment of the left uterus and ovary was found in association with ipsilateral renal agenesis. Papillary hyperplasia of the endometrium of the dilated segment was found on histopathology. The occurrence and findings of this condition are reviewed.
Your Excellency
Authors: Butler Nick , Spoelstra Sverre
Published: November 2012

The idea of ‘excellence’ has become widespread in the modern university, in part due to UK assessment exercises such as the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and the Research Excellence Framework (REF). As a result, academic careers are becoming increasingly oriented around publications in highly ranked journals. For critical management scholars, this poses a particular difficulty: how to negotiate the demand for excellence at the same time as maintaining a critical ethos in relation to one’s work. Our study, which is based on interviews with members of the editorial board of Organization, examines this tension by outlining the ‘secrets of excellence’ according to some of the most excellent critical management scholars in the field. Although our tone is at times ironic and provocative, the paper arises from a genuine concern about the risks involved in playing the publication game. Ultimately, we argue that the game of excellence tends to master its players, rather than the other way around.
Citizen participation, agency and voice
Authors: Bifulco Lavinia
Published: November 2012

Citizen participation, by now one of the main topics on the institutional agenda in many European countries, involves different fields of public action, mostly on a local level – social inclusion, urban renewal, development, the environment, health/social services, etc. It still remains, however, vague as a concept with a great variety of actors, procedures and powers involved in its practices. In this scenario, the present article asks two questions: what powers and what freedoms are involved in participation? How are they constructed and increased? The article then goes on to argue how voice is relevant for understanding the many stories of participation, referring to the classic concept of voice formulated by Albert Hirschman and the elaborations offered by Amartya Sen and Arjun Appadurai in their dialogue over capabilities and capacities.
Defacing Kabul: an iconography of political campaign posters
Authors: Whalen Ken
Published: November 2012

This essay offers an explanation for the highly stylized and expressive defacement of political campaign posters in the streets of Kabul, Afghanistan, that occurred during the 2009 presidential elections at the height of NATO’s war in the country. I argue that the practice of mutilating faces of candidates displayed on posters and the targeting of specific facial features is the handiwork of Islamist-tribal symbolic code Islamic iconoclasm, and sympathetic magic. It is the latter that animates the images of candidates thereby making them subjects shamed and dishonored through the violence of defacement, a practice that mimics the more painful symbolic inscriptions etched mostly on the faces of breathing women in Afghanistan.