bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Welfare Policies, Relative Income and Majority Choice
Authors: FitzRoy Felix , Nolan Michael
Published: November 2014

In a model with heterogeneous workers, quasi‐linear utility and both intensive and extensive margins of employment, we investigate welfare with optimal linear taxes and wage subsidies under Rawlsian and utilitarian objectives, and the effects of concern for relative income. Relativity implies much higher optimal utilitarian taxes, but makes little difference to already very high optimal Rawlsian taxes. A substantial wage subsidy is generally optimal. We also consider the political economy of pairwise majority voting preferences for differing policies. Rawlsian redistribution is always defeated, though often by only a modest majority, while a constrained utilitarian policy, with equal transfers to unemployed and employed individuals—a universal basic income—wins a majority in all cases, which is robust to changes in the underlying productivity distribution.
Integrating novel chemical weapons and evolutionarily increased competitive ability in success of a tropical invader
Authors: Zheng Yu‐Long , Feng Yu‐Long , Zhang Li‐Kun , Callaway Ragan M. , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Luo Du‐Qiang , Liao Zhi‐Yong , Lei Yan‐Bao , Barclay Gregor F. , Silva‐Pereyra Carlos
Published: November 2014

The evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis and the novel weapons hypothesis (NWH) are two non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms for exotic plant invasions, but few studies have simultaneously tested these hypotheses. Here we aimed to integrate them in the context of Chromolaena odorata invasion.

We conducted two common garden experiments in order to test the EICA hypothesis, and two laboratory experiments in order to test the NWH.

In common conditions, C. odorata plants from the nonnative range were better competitors but not larger than plants from the native range, either with or without the experimental manipulation of consumers. Chromolaena odorata plants from the nonnative range were more poorly defended against aboveground herbivores but better defended against soil‐borne enemies. Chromolaena odorata plants from the nonnative range produced more odoratin (Eupatorium) (a unique compound of C. odorata with both allelopathic and defensive activities) and elicited stronger allelopathic effects on species native to China, the nonnative range of the invader, than on natives of Mexico, the native range of the invader.

Our results suggest that invasive plants may evolve increased competitive ability after being introduced by increasing the production of novel allelochemicals, potentially in response to naïve competitors and new enemy regimes.
Life‐history trade‐offs under different larval diets in Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Jaramillo Sandra L. , Mehlferber Eli , Moore Patricia J.
Published: November 2014

Most larval drosophilids eat the microorganisms that develop in rotting fruit, a relatively protein‐rich resource. By contrast, the spotted‐wing Drosophila suzukii Matsumara (Diptera: Drosophilidae) uniquely develops in ripening fruit, a protein‐poor, carbohydrate‐rich resource. This shift in larval nutritional niche has led to D. suzukii being a significant agricultural pest in the U.S.A. and Europe. Although occupying a new niche may benefit a species by reducing competition, adaptation in host use may generate trade‐offs affecting fitness. To test the hypothesis that fitness trade‐offs will change with adaptation to novel larval diets, D. suzukii larval development on either a diet of a fresh, ripe blueberry (a natural host) or standard artificial Drosophila media (protein‐rich) is compared and the effect of diet on development time from egg to adult, adult body size and male wing spot area, and female fecundity is assessed. Larval development time differs, with larvae on the blueberry emerging as adults earlier than those on the artificial medium, although other fitness measures do not vary between the two diets. In addition, the faster development time on a blueberry does not trade off with body size as expected, although early fecundity is delayed in females that develop on blueberries. Thus, adaptation to a novel larval diet environment does not come at a cost to the ability to develop in protein‐rich resources.
Exploring the Relationship Between Teaching Efficacy and Cultural Efficacy of Novice Science Teachers in High‐Needs Schools
Authors: Moseley Christine , Bilica Kimberly , Wandless Ana , Gdovin Ralph
Published: November 2014

This qualitative case study sought to investigate what relationship exists between teaching efficacy and cultural efficacy of novice science teachers in high‐needs, high‐minority urban schools. One major theme—the importance of establishing positive teacher–student relationships—surrounding teaching efficacy in the context of cultural efficacy emerged. The data sources included: (a) teachers' responses to a focus group interview conducted at the end of their first year, (b) written reports and documentation from university‐based field supervisors' observations during the teachers' first year, and (c) teachers' self‐reported responses on the Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument designed to measure science teaching efficacy. Final analysis of the data reflects a strong relationship between teaching efficacy and practice within the context of culture. The results of this study also indicated an existing relationship between teaching efficacy and cultural efficacy through cultural connections with students. Encouraging the development of teacher efficacy in the context of cultural efficacy becomes important at all levels of teacher preparation, especially to ensure the retention of high‐quality science teachers in high‐needs schools.
Hard and Soft Skills in Preparing GIS Professionals: Comparing Perceptions of Employers and Educators
Authors: Wikle Thomas A. , Fagin Todd D.
Published: November 2014

Organizations that hire GIS professionals look for entry‐level employees with specialized technical skills but also other competencies such as effective communication and a capacity to think critically and creatively. Indeed, the success of GIS projects and initiatives often depends on individuals who possess a combination of specialized GIS skills and more general competencies that influence their ability to collaborate and manage resources. This article presents findings from a survey of GIS employers and educators concerning the importance of hard and soft skills among entry‐level GIS professionals. A key finding is the high level of consistency in ratings assigned by employers and educators concerning hard skills such as data editing and GIS analysis and soft skills including problem solving and adaptability. However, the groups were less similar in ratings assigned to data capture skills, project management, and written/verbal skills. GIS qualifications were also compared, revealing a greater emphasis on internships among educators and higher ratings assigned to academic GIS certificates among employers.
Enhanced Targeted Drug Delivery Through Controlled Release in a Three-Dimensional Vascular Tree
Authors: Zhu Shuang J. , Poon Eric K. W. , Ooi Andrew S. H. , Moore Stephen
Published: November 2014

“Controlled particle release and targeting” is a technique using particle release score map (PRSM) and transient particle release score map (TPRSM) via backtracking to determine optimal drug injection locations for achieving an enhanced target efficiency (TE). This paper investigates the possibility of targeting desired locations through an idealized but complex three-dimensional (3D) vascular tree geometry under realistic hemodynamic conditions by imposing a Poiseuille velocity profile and a Womersley velocity profile derived from cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for steady and pulsatile simulations, respectively. The shear thinning non-Newtonian behavior of blood was accounted for by the Carreau–Yasuda model. One-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian particle tracking method was used to record individual drug particle trajectories. Particle size and density showed negligible influence on the particle fates. With the proposed optimal release scoring algorithm, multiple optimal release locations were determined under steady flow conditions, whereas there was one unique optimal release location under pulsatile flow conditions. The initial in silico results appear promising, showing on average 66% TE in the pulsatile simulations, warranting further studies to improve the mathematical model and experimental validation.
Mathematical Modeling of Mammary Ducts in Lactating Human Females
Authors: Negin Mortazavi S. , Hassiotou Foteini , Geddes Donna , Hassanipour Fatemeh
Published: November 2014

This work studies a model for milk transport through lactating human breast ducts and describes mathematically the mass transfer from alveolar sacs through the mammary ducts to the nipple. In this model, both the phenomena of diffusion in the sacs and conventional flow in ducts have been considered. The ensuing analysis reveals that there is an optimal range of bifurcation numbers leading to the easiest milk flow based on the minimum flow resistance. This model formulates certain difficult-to-measure values like diameter of the alveolar sacs and the total length of the milk path as a function of easy-to-measure properties such as milk fluid properties and macroscopic measurements of the breast. Alveolar dimensions from breast tissues of six lactating women are measured and reported in this paper. The theoretically calculated alveoli diameters for optimum milk flow (as a function of bifurcation numbers) show excellent match with our biological data on alveolar dimensions. Also, the mathematical model indicates that for minimum milk flow resistance the glandular tissue must be within a short distance from the base of the nipple, an observation that matches well with the latest anatomical and physiological research.
Comparison of Mixed and Kinematic Uniform Boundary Conditions in Homogenized Elasticity of Femoral Trabecular Bone Using Microfinite Element Analyses
Authors: Panyasantisuk Jarunan , Pahr Dieter H. , Gross Thomas , Zysset Philippe K.
Published: November 2014

Mechanical properties of human trabecular bone play an important role in age-related bone fragility and implant stability. Microfinite element (μFE) analysis allows computing the apparent elastic properties of trabecular bone for use in homogenized FE (hFE) analysis, but the results depend unfortunately on the type of applied boundary conditions (BCs). In this study, 167 human femoral trabecular cubic regions with a side length of 5.3 mm were extracted from three proximal femora and analyzed using μFE analysis to compare systematically their stiffness with kinematic uniform BCs (KUBCs) and periodicity-compatible mixed uniform BCs (PMUBCs). The obtained elastic constants were then used in the volume fraction and fabric-based orthotropic Zysset–Curnier model to identify their respective model parameters. As expected, PMUBCs lead to more compliant apparent elastic properties than KUBCs, especially in shear. The differences in stiffness decreased with bone volume fraction and mean intercept length (MIL). Unlike KUBCs, PMUBCs were sensitive to heterogeneity of the biopsies. The Zysset–Curnier model fitted the apparent elastic constants successfully in both cases with adjusted coefficients of determination (radj2) of 0.986 for KUBCs and 0.975 for PMUBCs. The proper use of these BCs for hFE analysis of whole bones will need to be investigated in future work.
Analysis and Optimization of Transient Response of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Verma A. , Pitchumani R.
Published: November 2014

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are well suited for automotive applications compared to other types of fuel cells owing to their faster transient response and low-temperature operation. Due to rapid change in loads during automotive applications, study of dynamic behavior is of paramount importance. This study focuses on elucidating the transient response of a PEM fuel cell for specified changes in operating parameters, namely, voltage, pressure, and stoichiometry at the cathode and the anode. Transient numerical simulations are carried out for a single-channel PEM fuel cell to illustrate the response of power as the operating parameters are subjected to specified changes. These parameters are also optimized with an objective to match the power requirements of an automotive drive cycle over a certain period of time.
A Novel Composite With Nacreous Reinforcement for Corrosion and Wear Reduction
Authors: Shin Yountae , Xiao Huaping , Liang Hong
Published: November 2014

This paper explores new approaches in design and fabrication of novel composite materials in order to increase corrosion and wear resistance. By mimicking nature, nacreous particles from seashells were used as reinforcement in an aluminum matrix. A powder metallurgy process was developed to fabricate the nacreous-reinforced-aluminum matrix composites. Mechanical properties, corrosion, and wear resistance were characterized. Experimental results showed that the corrosion resistance increases as the nacreous concentration increases. The hardness and wear resistance increased by up to 22% and 10%, respectively. With oxidation of aluminum during heat treatment, the mentioned properties were further improved by about 32–37%.
Numerical Solution of Fractional Partial Differential Equation of Parabolic Type With Dirichlet Boundary Conditions Using Two-Dimensional Legendre Wavelets Method
Authors: Saha Ray S. , Gupta A. K.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, the numerical solution for the fractional order partial differential equation (PDE) of parabolic type has been presented using two dimensional (2D) Legendre wavelets method. 2D Haar wavelets method is also applied to compute the numerical solution of nonlinear time-fractional PDE. The approximate solutions of nonlinear fractional PDE thus obtained by Haar wavelet method and Legendre wavelet method are compared with the exact solution obtained by using homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The present scheme is simple, effective, and expedient for obtaining numerical solution of the fractional PDE.
Demonstration of Unified Memory in FinFETs
Authors: Chang Sung-Jae , Bawedin Maryline , Lee Jong-Hyun , Lee Jung-Hee , Cristoloveanu Sorin
Published: November 2014

Floating-body-induced transient mechanism in advanced FinFETs was investigated for unified and multi-bit memory capability. Nonvolatile memory operation was achieved by modifying the SOI buried insulator (BOX) such as the SiO 2- Si 3 N 4- SiO 2 (ONO) BOX can accumulate permanent charges. Charges are injected/removed in the Si 3 N 4 layer by back-gate or drain bias and sensed remotely, by gate coupling, through the modulation of the drain current flowing at the front interface. On the other hand, the isolated silicon body of the transistor can store volatile charges, generated by impact ionization and able to modulate the drain current flowing at the back interface. Our experimental results successfully demonstrate that these two different memory modes can be advantageously combined for multi-bit volatile memory operation. The volatile memory behavior strongly depends on the distribution of the nonvolatile charges stored in the nitride buried layer. Our measurements manifest that the nonvolatile charges located near the drain terminal have larger influence on the volatile memory operation than the charges located at the opposite terminal. Also, we reveal that the bias conditions and device geometry are important factors for the two memory modes.
Structural and Optical Characteristics of Metamorphic Bulk InAsSb
Authors: Lin Youxi , Wang Ding , Donetsky Dmitry , Kipshidze Gela , Shterengas Leon , Belenky Gregory , Sarney Wendy L. , Svensson Stefan P.
Published: November 2014

Bulk unrelaxed InAsSb alloys with Sb compositions up to 65% and layer thicknesses up to 3 μm were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The photoluminescence (PL) peak energy as low as 0.10 eV was demonstrated at T = 77 K. The electroluminescence and quantum efficiency data demonstrated with unoptimized barrier heterostructures from T = 80 to 150 K suggested large absorption and carrier lifetimes sufficient for the development of long wave infrared detectors and emitters with high quantum efficiency. The minority hole transport was found to be adequate for development of the detectors and emitters with large active layer thickness.
Novel Cascade Diode Lasers Based on Type-I Quantum Wells
Authors: Liang Rui , Shterengas Leon , Kipshidze Gela , Hosoda Takashi , Suchalkin Sergey , Belenky Gregory
Published: November 2014

A novel approach for cascade diode lasers was developed based on type-I quantum wells (QWs). This design adopted the leaky window effect in the GaSb / InAs band alignment for cascade pumping, and exploits the carriers recycling by the cascade pumping and the high optical gain of the type-I QWs. Two-stage cascade lasers were designed and fabricated for 2.45 and 3.0 μm, demonstrating twofold improvement in the internal efficiency. Record continuous-wave (CW) output power of 1.2 W for 2.45 um and 590 mW for 3.0 um were achieved in room temperature (RT), and the devices operate with higher power conversion efficiency at high power level, compared to conventional single-stage diode lasers.
Vertical Conduction in the New Field Effect Transistors: p-Type and n-Type Vertical Channel Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Bonnaud Olivier , Zhang Peng , Jacques Emmanuel , Rogel Regis
Published: November 2014

In order to pursue the integration, the research activities were oriented during the last years towards channel conduction in a plan perpendicular to the substrate surface while in the traditional architectures the conduction is parallel to the surface, under the gate. In the integrated technologies, this approach led to the FinFET. But in this case, even though the conduction plan is perpendicular to the substrate surface, the direction of the drain currents remains parallel to the substrate. New electronics devices were designed with the channels vertically oriented. In the monolithic technologies, many drawbacks have stopped this trend. However, in the case of thin film technologies, the approach appeared more suitable. The channel conduction is thus vertically oriented. But a drawback comes from the leakage current flowing between source and drain. The introduction of an insulating barrier in-between and the decrease of the thickness of the channel active layer, led to electrical behavior much more suitable for applications. After an overview of the different approaches developed as well in monolithic technologies as in thin film technologies, this presentation will give details on the concept and on the fabrication process of quasi-vertical thin film transistors. The associated electrical results will be described, analyzed and commented.
Insights gained from solvable models into a variety of phase transitions, including emergent assemblies plus isoelectronic series of atomic ions
Authors: March N. H. , Angilella G. G. N. , Pucci R.
Published: November 2014

Three solvable models are set out in some detail in reviewing different types of phase transitions. Two of these relate directly to emergent critical phenomena, viz. melting and magnetic transitions in heavy rare-earth metals, and secondly, via the 3d Ising model, to critical behavior in an insulating ferromagnet such as CrBr3. The final "transition", however, concerns ionization of an electron in an isoelectronic series with N electrons as the atomic number Z is reduced below that of the neutral atom. These solvable models are, throughout, brought into contact either with experiment, or with very precise numerical modeling on real materials.
Imitative Neural Mechanism-Based Behavior Intention Recognition System in Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Ko Kwang-Eun , Sim Kwee-Bo
Published: November 2014

This paper is concerned with an imitative neural mechanism for recognizing behavior intention in human–robot interaction system. The intention recognition process is inspired by the neural mechanism of the mirror neurons in macaque monkey brain. We try to renovate a standard neural network with parametric biases as a reference model to imitate between sensory-motor data pair. The imitation process is primarily directed toward reproducing the goals of observed actions rather than the exact action trajectories. Several experiments and their results show that the proposed model allows to develop useful robotic application for human–robot interaction system application.
On an arithmetic inequality on $\mathbb{P}_{\mathbb{Q}}^{1}$
Authors: Hajli Mounir
Published: November 2014

We establish an inequality comparing the height and the χ-arithmetic volume of toric metrized divisors on [Formula: see text]. This gives a partial answer to a question of Burgos, Moriwaki, Philippon and Sombra.
Algebraic functional equations and completely faithful Selmer groups
Authors: Backhausz Tibor , Zábrádi Gergely
Published: November 2014

Let E be an elliptic curve — defined over a number field K — without complex multiplication and with good ordinary reduction at all the primes above a rational prime p ≥ 5. We construct a pairing on the dual p∞-Selmer group of E over any strongly admissible p-adic Lie extension K∞/K under the assumption that it is a torsion module over the Iwasawa algebra of the Galois group G = Gal(K∞/K). Under some mild additional hypotheses, this gives an algebraic functional equation of the conjectured p-adic L-function. As an application, we construct completely faithful Selmer groups in case the p-adic Lie extension is obtained by adjoining the p-power division points of another non-CM elliptic curve A.
Crime, Law, and Regime Change
Authors: Savelsberg Joachim J. , McElrath Suzy
Published: November 2014

Complex reciprocal relationships between crime, law, and regime change are explored through a review of the literature. The first part of this article examines the stabilizing function of law for political regimes and the risks for regime stability associated with weakened rule of law and state crime. The literature on experiences from state socialist regimes prompts questions regarding the future of Western interventionist states, especially during periods of tightening government control. The second part examines crime and law during and after regime change. The focus is on (a) legal responses to past state crimes (or transitional justice), especially criminal trials, and effects of such responses, partly mediated by collective memories, on human rights and democracy records of new regimes and (b) societal crime rates after transitions to democracy and the role of law in response to rapid increases of crime in posttransition situations.
Immigration Law Beyond Borders: Externalizing and Internalizing Border Controls in an Era of Securitization
Authors: Menjívar Cecilia
Published: November 2014

This review focuses on the enactment of borders beyond the physical demarcation of the nation, to encompass the entire migratory process, with particular attention to practices in the United States and the European Union. It addresses the twin processes of the externalization (outsourcing) and internalization (insourcing) of border controls, both of which rest on the securitization of migration management. Outsourcing involves a series of extraterritorial activities in sending and in transit countries at the request of the more powerful receiving state. Insourcing includes the policing of immigrants and enforcement controls within the interior, such as the detection, detention, and deportation of immigrants. This multipronged strategy that extends beyond the edges of a territory highlights the spaciality of enforcement and the buttressing of power imbalances between sending countries, on one hand, and transit and receiving countries, on the other, as well as inequalities within national territories with respect to legal status.
On Some Growth Properties of Entire Functions Using Their Maximum Moduli Focusingp,qth Relative Order
Authors: Sanchez Ruiz Luis Manuel , Datta Sanjib Kumar , Biswas Tanmay , Mondal Golok Kumar
Published: November 2014

We discuss some growth rates of composite entire functions on the basis of the definition of relativep,qth order (relativep,qth lower order) with respect to another entire function which improve some earlier results of Roy (2010) wherepandqare any two positive integers.
Antibacterial Activity ofMulinum spinosumExtracts against Slime-ProducingStaphylococcus aureusand Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusIsolated from Nasal Carriers
Authors: Daniela Echenique , Alejandra Chiaramello , Pedro Rossomando , Claudia Mattana , Lucía Alcaráz , Carlos Tonn , Analía Laciar , Sara Satorres
Published: November 2014

Nasal carriers ofStaphylococcus aureusare important reservoirs with risk of developing endogenous infections or transmitting infections to susceptible individuals. Methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) are associated with higher rates of treatment failure. Some strains ofS. aureusproduce slime which is believed to make the microorganisms more resistant to antibiotics and host defenses. The antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate : n-hexane (EtOAc : HEX) extracts ofMulinum spinosum(5 : 95% EtOAc : HEX, 50 : 50% EtOAc : HEX, 70 : 30% EtOAc : HEX and mix 20 : 80/30 : 70% EtOAc : HEX, 50 : 50/70 : 30/100 : 0% EtOAc : HEX) were assayed against 3 slime-producingS. aureusstrains and 2 MRSA strains isolated from nasal carriers.S. aureusATCC 35556 slime-producing strain and MRSA ATCC 43300 strain were used as controls. The extracts were prepared using flash chromatography.M. spinosum5 : 95% AcOEt : HEX showed antibacterial effect against all slime-producing strains (MIC: 500 µg/mL) and the highest activity against MRSA strains (MIC: 500 to 1000 µg/mL). AllM. spinosumextracts assayed were active against slime-producingS. aureusand MRSA at doses between 500 and 4000 µg/mL. Both, slime-producingS. aureusand MRSA are highly contagious and hardly eradicated by antibiotic therapies. So, there is an increasing need to find new substances with the ability to inhibit these strains.
A Coupled Model for Solution Flow and Bioleaching Reaction Based on the Evolution of Heap Pore Structure
Authors: Yin Shenghua , Chen Xun , Ma Chi , Wang Leiming , Wu Aixiang
Published: November 2014

Based on the basic seepage law, equations have been derived to descript the solution flow within the copper ore heap which is treated as anisotropy porous media. The relationship between heap permeability and pore ratio has been revealed. Given the consideration of cover pressure and particle dissolution, pore evolution model has been set up. The pore evolution mechanism, due to the process of dissolution, precipitation, blockage, collapse, and caking, has been investigated. The comprehensive model for pore evolution and solution flow under the effect of solute transport and leaching reaction has been established. A trapezoidal heap was calculated, and the estimated results show that permeability decreases with the decreasing of pore ratio. Therefore, the permeability of the heap with small particles is relatively low because of its low pore ratio. Furthermore, permeability and height are found to be the two main factors influencing the solution flow.
Reattachment of Fractured Tooth Fragment with Fiber Post: A Case Series with 1-Year Followup
Authors: Sapna C. M. , Priya R. , Sreedevi N. B. , Rajan Rakesh R. , Kumar Renjith
Published: November 2014

Coronal fractures of the anterior teeth are common sequelae of dental trauma. In case of complex fractures, where the fractured segment is available and there is close approximation of the segment to the remaining tooth, root canal treatment followed by reattachment of the fractured segment with fiber post reinforcement is a feasible option. The procedure is simple and economic and needs less chair-side time as compared to many conventional methods. In addition, the procedure provides good and long-lasting esthetics, because the original morphology, color, and surface texture are maintained. This paper reports three cases of complex coronal tooth fracture successfully managed using tooth fragment reattachment.
Pentraxin 3 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Systemic Inflammation or Infection
Authors: Liu Siguan , Qu Xin , Liu Feng , Wang Chunting
Published: November 2014

Purpose. The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a key component of the humoral arm of the innate immune system. PTX3 is produced locally in response to proinflammatory stimuli. We reviewed the usefulness of systemic levels of PTX3 in critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, and bacteremia, focusing on its diagnostic and prognostic value.Methods. A PubMed search on PTX3 was conducted. The list of papers was narrowed to original studies of critically ill patients. Eleven papers on original studies of critically ill patients that report on PTX3 in SIRS, sepsis, or bacteremia were identified.Results. Systematic levels of PTX3 have little diagnostic value in critically ill patients with SIRS, sepsis, or bacteremia. Systemic levels of PTX3, however, have superior prognostic power over other commonly used biological markers in these patients. Systemic levels of PTX3 correlate positively with markers of organ dysfunction and severity-of-disease classification system scores. Finally, systemic levels of PTX3 remain elevated in the acute phase and decreased on recovery. Notably, the age of the patients and underlying disease affect systemic levels of PTX3.Conclusions. The diagnostic value of PTX3 is low in patients with sepsis. Systemic levels of PTX3 have prognostic value and may add to prognostication of patients with SIRS or sepsis, complementing severity-of-disease classification systems and other biological markers.
Brazilian Red Propolis Induces Apoptosis‐Like Cell Death and Decreases Migration Potential in Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Begnini Karine Rech , Moura de Leon Priscila Marques , Thurow Helena , Schultze Eduarda , Campos Vinicius Farias , Martins Rodrigues Fernanda , Borsuk Sibele , Dellagostin Odir Antônio , Savegnago Lucielli , Roesch-Ely Mariana , Moura Sidnei , Padilha Francine F. , Collares Tiago , Pêgas Henriques João Antonio , Seixas Fabiana Kömmling
Published: November 2014

Natural products continue to be an invaluable resource of anticancer drug discovery in recent years. Propolis is known for its biological activities such as antimicrobial and antitumor effects. This study assessed the effects of Brazilian red propolis (BRP) on apoptosis and migration potential in human bladder cancer cells. The effect of BRP ethanolic extract (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) on 5637 cells was determined by MTT, LIVE/DEAD, and migration (scratch assay) assays. Apoptosis induction was investigated through flow cytometry and gene expression profile was investigated by qRT‐PCR. Results showed cytotoxicity on MTT and LIVE/DEAD assays, with IC50 values of 95 μg/mL in 24 h of treatment. Cellular migration of 5637 cells was significantly inhibited through lower doses of BRP ethanolic extract (25 and 50 μg/mL). Flow cytometry analyses showed that BRP induced cytotoxicity through apoptosis‐like mechanisms in 5637 cells and qRT‐PCR revealed increased levels of Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, p53, AIF, and antioxidant enzymes genes. Data suggest that BRP may be a potential source of drugs to bladder cancer treatment.
Study on the Relationship between Manganese Concentrations in Rural Drinking Water and Incidence and Mortality Caused by Cancer in Huai’an City
Authors: Zhang Qin , Pan Enchun , Liu Linfei , Hu Wei , He Yuan , Xu Qiujin , Liang Cunzhen
Published: November 2014

Background. Cancer is a significant disease burden in the world. Many studies showed that heavy metals or their compounds had connection with cancer. But the data conflicting about the relationship of manganese (Mn) to cancer are not enough. In this paper, the relationship was discussed between Mn concentrations in drinking water for rural residents and incidence and mortality caused by malignant tumors in Huai’an city.Methods. A total of 158 water samples from 28 villages of 14 towns were, respectively, collected during periods of high flow and low flow in 3 counties of Huai’an city, along Chinese Huai’he River. The samples of deep groundwater, shallow groundwater, and surface water were simultaneously collected in all selected villages. Mn concentrations in all water samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS 7500a). The correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between the Mn concentration and cancer incidence and mortality.Results. Mn concentrations detectable rate was 100% in all water samples. The mean concentration was 452.32 μg/L ± 507.76 μg/L. There was significant difference between the high flow period and low flow period (t=-5.23,P<0.05) and also among deep groundwater, shallow groundwater, and surface water (F=5.02,P<0.05). The ratio of superscale of Mn was 75.32%. There was significant difference of Mn level between samples in the high flow period and low flow period (χ2=45.62, P<0.05) and also among deep groundwater, shallow groundwater, and surface water (χ2=10.66,P<0.05). And also we found that, during the low flow period, Mn concentration has positive correlation with cancer incidence and mortality; for a 1 μg/L increase in Mn concentration, there was a corresponding increase of 0.45/100000 new cancer cases and 0.35/100000 cancer deaths (P<0.05).Conclusions. In Huai’an city, the mean concentration of Mn in drinking water was very high. Mn concentration correlated with cancer incidence and mortality.
Collaborative and Multilingual Approach to Learn Database Topics Using Concept Maps
Authors: Arruarte Ana , Calvo Iñaki , Elorriaga Jon A. , Larrañaga Mikel , Conde Angel
Published: November 2014

Authors report on a study using the concept mapping technique in computer engineering education for learning theoretical introductory database topics. In addition, the learning of multilingual technical terminology by means of the collaborative drawing of a concept map is also pursued in this experiment. The main characteristics of a study carried out in the database subject at the University of the Basque Country during the 2011/2012 course are described. This study contributes to the field of concept mapping as these kinds of cognitive tools have proved to be valid to support learning in computer engineering education. It contributes to the field of computer engineering education, providing a technique that can be incorporated with several educational purposes within the discipline. Results reveal the potential that a collaborative concept map editor offers to fulfil the above mentioned objectives.
Ethanol Production from Extruded Thermoplastic Maize Meal by High Gravity Fermentation with Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: Peralta-Contreras Mayeli , Aguilar-Zamarripa Edna , Pérez-Carrillo Esther , Escamilla-García Erandi , Serna-Saldívar Sergio Othon
Published: November 2014

A comparative study of extruded and ground maize meals as raw materials for the production of regular (12°P) and high gravity (20°P) worts was devised. Extruded water solubility index (WSI) was higher (9.8 percentage units) and crude fat was lower (2.64 percentage units) compared to ground maize. Free-amino nitrogen compounds (FAN), pH, and glucose were evaluated in regular and high gravity worts produced from ground or extruded maize. Extrusion improved glucose content and ethanol yield. In 20°P mashes, extrusion is enhanced by 2.14% initial glucose compared with regular ground mashes. The 12°P and 20°P extruded treatments averaged 12.2% and 8.4% higher ethanol, respectively, compared to the uncooked counterpart. The 20°P worts fermented with Zymomonas mobilis produced 9.56% more ethanol than the 12°P counterpart. The results show that the combination of extrusion and fermentation of 20°P worts improved ethanol yield per kg flour until 20.93%. This pretreatment stimulates Z. mobilis fermentation efficiency.
Patient and Provider Characteristics Associated with Colorectal, Breast, and Cervical Cancer Screening among Asian Americans
Authors: Thompson Caroline A. , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Chan Albert , Chan John K. , McClellan Sean R. , Chung Sukyung , Olson Cliff , Nimbal Vani , Palaniappan Latha P.
Published: November 2014

Background: Routinely recommended screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers can significantly reduce mortality from these types of cancer, yet screening is underutilized among Asians. Surveys rely on self-report and often are underpowered for analysis by Asian ethnicities. Electronic health records (EHR) include validated (as opposed to recall-based) rates of cancer screening. In this article, we seek to better understand cancer screening patterns in a population of insured Asian Americans.

Methods: We calculated rates of compliance with cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening among Asians from an EHR population and compared them with non-Hispanic whites. We performed multivariable modeling to evaluate potential predictors (at the provider- and patient-level) of screening completion among Asian patients.

Results: Aggregation of Asian subgroups masked heterogeneity in screening rates. Asian Indians and native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders had the lowest rates of screening in our sample, well below that of non-Hispanic whites. In multivariable analyses, screening completion was negatively associated with patient–physician language discordance for mammography [OR, 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71–0.92] and colorectal cancer screening (OR, 0.79; CI, 0.72–0.87) and positively associated with patient–provider gender concordance for mammography (OR, 1.16; CI, 1.00–1.34) and cervical cancer screening (OR, 1.66; CI, 1.51–1.82). In addition, patient enrollment in online health services increased mammography (OR, 1.32; CI, 1.20–1.46) and cervical cancer screening (OR, 1.31; CI, 1.24–1.37).

Conclusions: Language- and gender-concordant primary care providers and culturally tailored online health resources may help improve preventive cancer screening in Asian patient populations.

Impact: This study demonstrates how the use of EHR data can inform investigations of primary prevention practices within the healthcare delivery setting.

See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Cancer in Asian and Pacific Islander Populations.”

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2208–17. ©2014 AACR.
Escaping Out of the Brain
Authors: Seoane Joan , De Mattos-Arruda Leticia
Published: November 2014

Summary: Technological development in the field of circulating biomarkers has allowed the identification of circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood of patients with glioblastoma. This opens a new avenue of research with implications for the understanding and clinical managing of this fatal disease. Cancer Discov; 4(11); 1259–61. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Sullivan et al., p. 1299
Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy: Beyond Immunity to Curability
Authors: Simons Jonathan W.
Published: November 2014

Metastatic prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. It is the first prevalent cancer in which overall survival in advanced disease is modestly, but objectively, improved with outpatient delivered dendritic cell–based immunotherapy. More prostate cancer patients have enrolled through Facebook and trusted-site Internet searches in clinical trials for prostate cancer vaccine–based immunotherapy than in immunotherapy trials for lung, breast, colon, pancreas, ovarian, and bladder cancer combined in the past 7 years. Exceptional responses to anti–CTLA-4 treatment have been documented in clinics, and prostate cancer neoantigen characterization and T-cell clonotyping are in their research ascendancy. The prostate is an accessory organ; it is not required for fertility, erectile function, or urinary continence. The true evolutionary advantage of having a prostate for male mammalian physiology is a topic of speculation in seminar rooms and on bar stools, but it remains unknown. Hundreds of prostate lineage-unique proteins (PLUP) exist among the >37,000 normal human prostate lineage-unique open reading frames that can be targeted for immunologic ablation of PLUP+ prostate cancer cells by prostate-specific autoimmunity. This bioengineered graft-versus-prostate disease is a powerful strategy that can eliminate deaths from prostate cancer. Immunologic tolerance to prostate cancer can be overcome at every clinical stage of presentation. This Cancer Immunology at the Crossroads article aims to present advances in the past two decades of basic, translational, and clinical research in prostate cancer, including bioengineering B-cell and T-cell responses, and ongoing prostate cancer immunotherapy trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(11); 1034–43. ©2014 AACR.
Referrals to a Specialised Dizziness Clinic often Result in Revised Diagnoses and New Therapeutic Advice
Authors: van Leeuwen Roeland B. , van der Zaag-Loonen Hester
Published: November 2014

Background: Patients with dizziness are frequently referred to specialised centres for a second opinion. The incremental diagnostic and therapeutic yield of this approach has rarely been studied. Aim of the Study: How often is a new diagnosis or treatment advice given to patients with dizziness who are referred for a second opinion to a tertiary multi-disciplinary expertise centre? Methods: In a prospective observational study, the following data were collected: reason for referral, diagnosis and treatment made by ENT surgeon and a neurologist in consensus. Results: In the complete group of patients (n = 327), a new (or amended) diagnosis was made in 54% and 62% of the patients received a new treatment advice. Conclusion: Referral of selected dizzy patients to a multidisciplinary centre provides a revised diagnosis or treatment recommendation for a majority of patients. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Executive Impairment Predicts Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Treatment Status in Mid-Term Follow-Up of Early-Onset Psychosis
Authors: Remberk Barbara , Bażyńska Anna Katarzyna , Krempa-Kowalewska Anna , Rybakowski Filip
Published: November 2014

Objectives: Early-onset psychoses (EOP) vary considerably with regard to diagnostic stability and functional outcome. The aim of this study was the assessment of executive dysfunction as a predictor of outcome in EOP. Method: This was a retrospective cohort study. Twenty-five hospitalized patients with non-affective EOP were assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) during the index admission. Associations with current diagnosis, further admissions, current treatment status and occupational and relationship outcome were analyzed in 6 years of follow-up. Results: The mean age at the index admission and the follow-up was 16.1 ± 1.35 and 22.0 ± 2.1 years, respectively. After discharge, almost all subjects (96%) at least briefly continued psychiatric treatment, and the majority of them (76%) were readmitted. Worse baseline WCST results were associated with a follow-up schizophrenia diagnosis, being a psychiatric in- or outpatient at the moment of follow-up assessment and receiving psychotropic medication. A low number of completed categories correlated with receiving a disability pension at the follow-up. Conclusion: In patients with EOP, baseline executive function impairment was associated with schizophrenia diagnosis and psychiatric treatment at the follow-up. The association between baseline results and psychiatric treatment may explain the limited effect of baseline impairment on follow-up occupational and relationship status.
The Privatisation of ‘the Core Business of un Peacekeeping Operations’: Any Legal Limit?
Authors: Sossai Mirko
Published: November 2014

The purpose of the present analysis is to investigate whether the law of collective security could play a normative function in the determination of which services may or may not be outsourced in the context of un peacekeeping operations. The key question is whether pmscs should only perform those activities instrumental to the life of the un, or should also cover those functions that are a direct expression of the competences attributed to it for the maintenance of international peace and security. The point is made that since peacekeeping is aimed at preserving fundamental values of the international community, peace and increasingly human rights, pmscs might play a part in it, but only in a secondary way.
The United Nations Guidelines on the Use of Armed Private Security
Authors: Pingeot Lou
Published: November 2014

The un is increasingly relying on private military and security companies (pmscs) for a wide range of services. Until recently, un use of pmscs was not governed by systemwide rules and standards. The establishment of guidelines on the use of armed private security in late 2012 has led to greater accountability and transparency around this practice. The guidelines clarify the decision-making process and the criteria for the selection and hiring of companies providing armed security. However, they are overly reliant on self-regulation by pmscs and remain limited, raising questions about their capacity to avoid companies with objectionable records and prevent potential incidents. Moreover, the guidelines raise concerns that the use of pmscs by the un may become normalised, with yet unexamined effects on the organisation’s security policies and its image.
Nationalism, Gender and Feminine Identity: The Case of Post-World War ii Zionist Female Emissaries
Authors: Rosenberg-Friedman Lilach
Published: November 2014

The last three years of the British Mandate for Palestine, 1945–48, were peak years in the Jewish national struggle for the establishment of a Jewish state and the formation of a progressive society peopled by new Hebrew men and women. This article discusses the historical phenomenon of Zionist women in Palestine who were sent to Europe on special missions to rescue Holocaust survivors and bring them to Palestine. Their stories shed light on the emergence of a new feminine identity and serve as a platform for exploring nationalism and gender in general, with an emphasis on the evolving identity of women during a period of national struggle. The case histories presented in this study show how women of the time found personal fulfillment through nationalistic missions that helped to redefine the role of the Jewish woman. They became models for a new Jewish woman who deviated from the traditional model of the woman as homemaker and mother. Participation in these missions was significant in shaping their new identity. It was a three-stage process that began with a masculine initiative that prompted their activity; continued with traditional female roles carried out with a new twist, and ended with a change in female self-awareness. The experiences of these emissaries show how women’s participation in the national struggle was fraught with personal conflicts intimately connected to the encounter between traditional gender roles and their new role and nationalist identity.
Apristurus breviventralis, a new species of deep-water catshark (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from the Gulf of Aden
Authors: KAWAUCHI JUNRO , WEIGMANN SIMON , NAKAYA KAZUHIRO
Published: November 2014

A new deep-water catshark of the genus Apristurus Garman, 1913 is described based on nine specimens from the Gulf of Aden in the northwestern Indian Ocean. Apristurus breviventralis sp. nov. belongs to the ‘brunneus group’ of the genus and is characterized by having pectoral-fin tips reaching beyond the midpoint between the paired fin bases, a much shorter pectoral-pelvic space than the anal-fin base, a low and long-based anal fin, and a first dorsal fin located behind pelvic-fin insertion. The new species most closely resembles the western Atlantic species Apristurus canutus, but is distinguishable in having greater nostril length than internarial width and longer claspers in adult males. Apristurus breviventralis sp. nov. represents the sixth species of Apristurus from the western Indian Ocean and the 38th species globally.