bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delays and mixing times in random-access networks
Authors: Bouman Niek , Borst Sem , van Leeuwaarden Johan
Published: June 2013

We explore the achievable delay performance in wireless random-access networks. While relatively simple and inherently distributed in nature, suitably designed backlog-based random-access schemes provide the striking capability to match the optimal throughput performance of centralized scheduling mechanisms. The specific type of activation rules for which throughput optimality has been established, may however yield excessive backlogs and delays. Motivated by that issue, we examine whether the poor delay performance is inherent to the basic operation of these schemes, or caused by the specific kind of activation rules. We derive delay lower bounds for backlog-based activation rules, which offer fundamental insight in the cause of the excessive delays. For fixed activation rates we obtain lower bounds indicating that delays and mixing times can grow dramatically with the load in certain topologies as well.
Quantifying the benefits of joint content and network routing
Authors: Valancius Vytautas , Ravi Bharath , Feamster Nick , Snoeren Alex C.
Published: June 2013

Online service providers aim to provide good performance for an increasingly diverse set of applications and services. One of the most effective ways to improve service performance is to replicate the service closer to the end users. Replication alone, however, has its limits: while operators can replicate static content, wide-scale replication of dynamic content is not always feasible or cost effective. To improve the latency of such services many operators turn to Internet traffic engineering. In this paper, we study the benefits of performing replica-to-end-user mappings in conjunction with active Internet traffic engineering. We present the design of PECAN, a system that controls both the selection of replicas ("content routing") and the routes between the clients and their associated replicas ("network routing"). We emulate a replicated service that can perform both content and network routing by deploying PECAN on a distributed testbed. In our testbed, we see that jointly performing content and network routing can reduce round-trip latency by 4.3% on average over performing content routing alone (potentially reducing service response times by tens of milliseconds or more) and that most of these gains can be realized with no more than five alternate routes at each replica.
Formation of Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Excretion of Anthocyanins, and Microbial Diversity in Rats Fed Blackcurrants, Blackberries, and Raspberries
Authors: Jakobsdottir Greta , Blanco Narda , Xu Jie , Ahrné Siv , Molin Göran , Sterner Olov , Nyman Margareta
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Berries contain high amounts of dietary fibre and flavonoids and have been associated with improved metabolic health. The mechanisms are not clear but the formation of SCFAs, especially propionic and butyric acids, could be important. The potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of flavonoids could also be a factor, but little is known about their fate in the gastrointestinal tract.Aim. To compare how blackcurrants, blackberries, raspberries, andLactobacillus plantarumHEAL19 affect formation of SCFAs, inflammatory status, caecal microbial diversity, and flavonoids.Results and Conclusions. Degradation of the dietary fibre, formation of SCFAs including propionic and butyric acids, the weight of the caecal content and tissue, and the faecal wet and dry weight were all higher in rats fed blackcurrants rather than blackberries or raspberries. However, the microbial diversity of the gut microbiota was higher in rats fed raspberries. The high content of soluble fibre in blackcurrants and the high proportion of mannose-containing polymers might explain these effects. Anthocyanins could only be detected in urine of rats fed blackcurrants, and the excretion was lower with HEAL19. No anthocyanins or anthocyanidins were detected in caecal content or blood. This may indicate uptake in the stomach or small intestine.
Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms amongCampylobacter
Authors: Wieczorek Kinga , Osek Jacek
Published: June 2013

Campylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coliare recognized as the most common causative agents of bacterial gastroenteritis in the world. Humans most often become infected by ingesting contaminated food, especially undercooked chicken, but also other sources of bacteria have been described. Campylobacteriosis is normally a self-limiting disease. Antimicrobial treatment is needed only in patients with more severe disease and in those who are immunologically compromised. The most common antimicrobial agents used in the treatment ofCampylobacterinfections are macrolides, such as erythromycin, and fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin. Tetracyclines have been suggested as an alternative choice in the treatment of clinical campylobacteriosis but in practice are not often used. However, during the past few decades an increasing number of resistantCampylobacterisolates have developed resistance to fluoroquinolones and other antimicrobials such as macrolides, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. Trends in antimicrobial resistance have shown a clear correlation between use of antibiotics in the veterinary medicine and animal production and resistant isolates ofCampylobacterin humans. In this review, the patterns of emerging resistance to the antimicrobial agents useful in treatment of the disease are presented and the mechanisms of resistance to these drugs inCampylobacterare discussed.
Association ofCFHandCFBGene Polymorphisms with Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Ming Ming , Li Yan Bo , Liu Guo Dong , Teng Yan , Liu Xiao Min
Published: June 2013

Objectives.The complement system is a key component of innate immunity and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aimed at investigating whether polymorphisms of two genes in the complement pathway, complement factor H (CFH) and complement factor B (CFB), are associated with DR.Methods.552 well-defined subjects with type 2 diabetes, consisting of 277 DR patients and 275 diabetic controls, were recruited. Four Tag-SNPs rs1048709, rs537160, rs4151657, and rs2072633 in CFB and rs800292 (I62V) in CFH were examined using TaqMan Genotyping Assays.Results.There were significant increases in the frequencies of A allele and AA genotype for rs1048709 in DR patients compared with diabetic controls (Pcorr=0.035,OR=1.42;Pcorr=0.02,OR=2.27, resp.): meanwhile, significant decreases in the frequencies of A allele and AA genotype for rs800292 were observed in DR patients compared with diabetic controls (Pcorr=0.04,OR=0.72;Pcorr=0.015,OR=0.51, resp.). Joint effect of these two loci was also identified. Moreover, rs800292/AA genotype was found to be related with delayed progression to DR.Conclusions.CFH-rs800292 and CFB-rs1048709 are associated with the presence of DR, which strengthens the concept that complement system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DR.
The Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Is Essential for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Survival and Differentiation: Implications for Bone Health
Authors: Gowran Aoife , McKayed Katey , Campbell Veronica A.
Published: June 2013

Significant loss of bone due to trauma, underlying metabolic disease, or lack of repair due to old age surpasses the body’s endogenous bone repair mechanisms. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells which may represent an ideal cell type for use in cell-based tissue engineered bone regeneration strategies. The body’s endocannabinoid system has been identified as a central regulator of bone metabolism. The aim of the study was to elucidate the role of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 in the differentiation and survival of MSCs. We show that the cannabinoid receptor type 1 has a prosurvival function during acute cell stress. Additionally, we show that the phytocannabinoid,Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, has a negative impact on MSC survival and osteogenesis. Overall, these results show the potential for the modulation of the cannabinoid system in cell-based tissue engineered bone regeneration strategies whilst highlighting cannabis use as a potential cause for concern in the management of orthopaedic patients.
The Effects of Insufflation Conditions on Rat Mesothelium
Authors: Davey Andrew K. , Hayward Jessica , Marshall Jean K. , Woods Anthony E.
Published: June 2013

Aim. The aim of this investigation was to examine the alterations in the peritoneum after cold dry CO2, heated dry CO2, and humidified heated CO2at pressures equivalent to intraperitoneal pressures used in human laparoscopy.Methods. Eighteen rats were divided into 4 treatment groups—group 1: untreated control; group 2: insufflation with cold dry CO2; group 3: insufflation with heated, dry CO2; group 4: insufflation with heated and humidified CO2. The abdomen was insufflated to 5 mm/Hg (flow rate 50 mL/min) for 2 h. Twelve hours later, tissue samples were collected for analysis by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results. Group 1: no abnormalities were detected. Group 2: specimens revealed an inflammatory response with loss of mesothelium and mesothelial cell nuclei showing lytic change. Cells were rounded with some areas of cell flattening and separation. Group 3: some animals showed little or no alteration, while others had a mild inflammatory response. Mesothelial cells were rounded and showed crenation on the exposed surface. Group 4: specimens showed little change from the control group.Conclusions. The LM results indicate that insufflations with heated, humidified CO2are the least likely to induce mesothelial damage.
Finite-Frequency Filter Design for Networked Control Systems with Missing Measurements
Authors: Ye Dan , Long Yue , Yang Guang-Hong
Published: June 2013

This paper is concerned with the problem of robust filter design for networked control systems (NCSs) with random missing measurements. Different from existing robust filters, the proposed one is designed in finite-frequency domain. With consideration of possible missing data, the NCSs are first modeled to Markov jump systems (MJSs). A finite-frequency stochasticH∞performance is subsequently given that extends the standardH∞performance, and then a sufficient condition guaranteeing the system to be with such a performance is derived in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI). With the aid of this condition, a procedure of filter synthesis is proposed to deal with noises in the low-, middle-, and high-frequency domains, respectively. Finally, an example about the lateral-directional dynamic model of the NASA High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) is carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Psoriasis Patients’ Knowledge about the Disease and Treatments
Authors: Wahl Astrid Klopstad , Moum Torbjørn , Robinson Hilde Stendal , Langeland Eva , Larsen Marie Hamilton , Krogstad Anne Lene
Published: June 2013

Patients’ knowledge about psoriasis and its treatment has been randomly studied previously. The aim of the study is to investigate patients’ knowledge about psoriasis in relation to undergoing patient education in the context of climate therapy (CT). The psoriasis knowledge questionnaire (PKQ) was used in a follow-up pre–post study design of Norwegian patients with psoriasis at the age of 20 years and older undergoing CT at Gran Canaria (Spain). Patients completed the PKQ and provided selected demographic, clinical and health information before (T1), immediately after (T2), and 3 months after (T3) CT. Disease severity was assessed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). 254 psoriasis patients were included (74%). The PKQ score improved significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 (P<0.001for both comparisons). Although patient’s knowledge improved, further research should use gold standard designs (experiments) to study the effects of educational interventions in different contexts.
Dynamic Folding Pathway Models of the Trp-Cage Protein
Authors: Lee In-Ho , Kim Seung-Yeon
Published: June 2013

Using action-derived molecular dynamics (ADMD), we study the dynamic folding pathway models of the Trp-cage protein by providing its sequential conformational changes from its initial disordered structure to the final native structure at atomic details. We find that the numbers of native contacts and native hydrogen bonds are highly correlated, implying that the native structure of Trp-cage is achieved through the concurrent formations of native contacts and native hydrogen bonds. In early stage, an unfolded state appears with partially formed native contacts (~40%) and native hydrogen bonds (~30%). Afterward, the folding is initiated by the contact of the side chain of Tyr3 with that of Trp6, together with the formation of the N-terminalα-helix. Then, the C-terminal polyproline structure docks onto the Trp6 and Tyr3 rings, resulting in the formations of the hydrophobic core of Trp-cage and its near-native state. Finally, the slow adjustment processes of the near-native states into the native structure are dominant in later stage. The ADMD results are in agreement with those of the experimental folding studies on Trp-cage and consistent with most of other computational studies.
Aptamer Identification of Brain Tumor–Initiating Cells
Authors: Kim Youngmi , Wu Qiulian , Hamerlik Petra , Hitomi Masahiro , Sloan Andrew E. , Barnett Gene H. , Weil Robert J. , Leahy Patrick , Hjelmeland Anita B. , Rich Jeremy N.
Published: June 2013

Glioblastomas display cellular hierarchies with self-renewing tumor-initiating cells (TIC), also known as cancer stem cells, at the apex. Although the TIC hypothesis remains controversial and the functional assays to define the TIC phenotype are evolving, we and others have shown that TICs may contribute to therapeutic resistance, tumor spread, and angiogenesis. The identification of TICs has been informed by the use of markers characterized in normal stem cells, but this approach has an inherent limitation to selectively identify TICs. To develop reagents that enrich TICs but not matched non-TICs or tissue-specific stem cells, we adopted Cell-Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (Cell-SELEX) to identify glioblastoma TIC-specific nucleic acid probes—aptamers—that specifically bind TICs. In this study, using Cell-SELEX with positive selection for TICs and negative selection for non-TICs and human neural progenitor cells, we identified TIC aptamers that specifically bind to TICs with excellent dissociation constants (Kd). These aptamers select and internalize into glioblastoma cells that self-renew, proliferate, and initiate tumors. As aptamers can be modified to deliver payloads, aptamers may represent novel agents that could selectively target or facilitate imaging of TICs. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4923–36. ©2013 AACR.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Test the Efficacy of Topical 2-Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin in the Prophylaxis of Recurrent Herpes Labialis
Authors: Senti Gabriela , Iannaccone Reto , Graf Nicole , Felder Manuela , Tay Fabian , Kündig Thomas
Published: June 2013

Herpes labialis affects one third of the population. We evaluated the topical application of an antiviral compound, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-HPβCD), in reducing herpes labialis relapses. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 40 patients were randomized to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) formulation containing 20% 2-HPβCD or to a vehicle control arm. The gel was applied to the lips twice daily for 6 months. The primary objective was reducing herpes relapses. Surprisingly, the drug group had significantly more relapses than the vehicle group (p = 0.003). While the median numbers of relapses in the preceding year were 12 in the vehicle group and 10 in the drug group, both groups experienced very few relapses during the 6-month treatment period, with a median of 0 in the vehicle group and a median of 2 in the drug group. The impressive reduction of relapses in both groups may be due to a placebo effect or due to the topical treatment with PEG.
Fatty Acids and Other Risk Factors for Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients Starting Hemodialysis
Authors: Friedman Allon N. , Yu Zhangsheng , Denski Cheryl , Tamez Hector , Wenger Julia , Thadhani Ravi , Li Yong , Watkins Bruce
Published: June 2013

Background: Little is known about risk factors for sudden cardiac death in hemodialysis patients during the high-risk first year of dialysis. We therefore undertook to identify such risk factors in a nationally representative cohort and were able to include baseline levels of blood fatty acids, some of which influence arrhythmogenicity and sudden cardiac death risk. Design: The study cohort included 100 patients who died of sudden cardiac death during the first year of hemodialysis and 300 frequency-matched controls. Using the elastic net statistical method, numerous demographic and clinical characteristics were included with baseline total serum levels for 11 major fatty acids (model 1) and with serum phospholipid fractions of these same fatty acids (model 2). Final models included only covariates that had a non-zero coefficient. Results: In model 1, serum albumin [odds ratio (95% CI): 0.55 (0.33-0.93); p = 0.03] and total serum long-chain n-3 docosapentaenoic acid [0.70 (0.51-0.97); p = 0.03] were inversely associated with the odds of sudden cardiac death, while the total serum saturated fatty acid level had a direct association [1.01 (1.00-1.02); p = 0.03]. In model 2, serum albumin and docosapentaenoic acid remained inversely associated with sudden cardiac death in a similar manner as in model 1. Pulse pressure also had an inverse association [0.96 (0.93-1.00); p < 0.05]. Conclusions: Several factors, including blood content of docosapentaenoic acid and saturated fatty acids, were associated with the odds of sudden cardiac death during year one of hemodialysis. These results raise the possibility that dietary modification may reduce sudden death risk.
Integrin α
6
β
1
Is the Main Receptor for Vascular Laminins and Plays a Role in Platelet Adhesion, Activation, and Arterial Thrombosis
Authors: Schaff Mathieu , Tang ChaoJun , Maurer Eric , Bourdon Catherine , Receveur Nicolas , Eckly Anita , Hechler Béatrice , Arnold Christiane , de Arcangelis Adèle , Nieswandt Bernhard , Denis Cécile V. , Lefebvre Olivier , Georges-Labouesse Elisabeth , Gachet Christian , Lanza François , Mangin Pierre H.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Laminins are major components of basement membranes, well located to interact with platelets upon vascular injury. Laminin-111 (α
1
β
1
γ
1
) is known to support platelet adhesion but is absent from most blood vessels, which contain isoforms with the α
2
, α
4
, or α
5
chain. Whether vascular laminins support platelet adhesion and activation and the significance of these interactions in hemostasis and thrombosis remain unknown.

Methods and Results—

Using an in vitro flow assay, we show that laminin-411 (α
4
β
1
γ
1
), laminin-511 (α
5
β
1
γ
1
), and laminin-521 (α
5
β
2
γ
1
), but not laminin-211 (α
2
β
1
γ
1
), allow efficient platelet adhesion and activation across a wide range of arterial wall shear rates. Adhesion was critically dependent on integrin α
6
β
1
and the glycoprotein Ib-IX complex, which binds to plasmatic von Willebrand factor adsorbed on laminins. Glycoprotein VI did not participate in the adhesive process but mediated platelet activation induced by α
5
-containing laminins. To address the significance of platelet/laminin interactions in vivo, we developed a platelet-specific knockout of integrin α
6
. Platelets from these mice failed to adhere to laminin-411, laminin-511, and laminin-521 but responded normally to a series of agonists. α
6
β
1
-Deficient mice presented a marked decrease in arterial thrombosis in 3 models of injury of the carotid, aorta, and mesenteric arterioles. The tail bleeding time and blood loss remained unaltered, indicating normal hemostasis.

Conclusions—

This study reveals an unsuspected important contribution of laminins to thrombus formation in vivo and suggests that targeting their main receptor, integrin α
6
β
1
, could represent an alternative antithrombotic strategy with a potentially low bleeding risk.
Drug-Eluting Balloon in Peripheral Intervention for Below the Knee Angioplasty Evaluation (DEBATE-BTK)
Authors: Liistro Francesco , Porto Italo , Angioli Paolo , Grotti Simone , Ricci Lucia , Ducci Kenneth , Falsini Giovanni , Ventoruzzo Giorgio , Turini Filippo , Bellandi Guido , Bolognese Leonardo
Published: June 2013

Background—

The 1-year restenosis rate after balloon angioplasty of long lesions in below-the-knee arteries may be as high as 70%. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of a paclitaxel drug-eluting balloons versus conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the reduction of restenosis in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia undergoing endovascular intervention of below-the-knee arteries.

Methods and Results—

The Drug-Eluting Balloon in Peripheral Intervention for Below the Knee Angioplasty Evaluation (DEBATE-BTK) is a randomized, open-label, single-center study comparing drug-eluting balloons and PTA. Inclusion criteria were diabetes mellitus, critical limb ischemia (Rutherford class 4 or higher), significant stenosis or occlusion >40 mm of at least 1 below-the-knee vessel with distal runoff, and life expectancy >1 year. Binary in-segment restenosis at a 1-year angiographic or ultrasonographic follow-up was the primary end point. Clinically driven target lesion revascularization, major amputation, and target vessel occlusion were the secondary end points. One hundred thirty-two patients with 158 infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions were enrolled. Mean length of the treated segments was 129±83 mm in the drug-eluting balloon group compared with 131±79 mm in the PTA group (
P
=0.7). Binary restenosis, assessed by angiography in >90% of patients, occurred in 20 of 74 lesions (27%) in the drug-eluting balloon group compared with 55 of 74 lesions (74%) in the PTA group (
P
<0.001); target lesion revascularization, in 12 (18%) versus 29 (43%;
P
=0.002); and target vessel occlusion, in 12 (17%) versus 41 (55%;
P
<0.001). Only 1 major amputation occurred, in the PTA group (
P
=0.9).

Conclusions—

Drug-eluting balloons compared with PTA strikingly reduce 1-year restenosis, target lesion revascularization, and target vessel occlusion in the treatment of below-the-knee lesions in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01558505.
Acute Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Impairs Nitric Oxide–Mediated Endothelial Vasomotor Function by Increasing Endothelial Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wauters Aurélien , Dreyfuss Céline , Pochet Stéphanie , Hendrick Patrick , Berkenboom Guy , van de Borne Philippe , Argacha Jean-François
Published: June 2013

Exposure to diesel exhaust was recently identified as an important cardiovascular risk factor, but whether it impairs nitric oxide (NO)–mediated endothelial function and increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells is not known. We tested these hypotheses in a randomized, controlled, crossover study in healthy male volunteers exposed to ambient and polluted air (n=12). The effects of skin microvascular hyperemic provocative tests, including local heating and iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, were assessed using a laser Doppler imager. Before local heating, skin was pretreated by iontophoresis of either a specific NO–synthase inhibitor (L-
N
-arginine-methyl-ester) or a saline solution (Control). ROS production was measured by chemiluminescence using the lucigenin technique in human umbilical vein endothelial cells preincubated with serum from 5 of the subjects. Exposure to diesel exhaust reduced acetylcholine-induced vasodilation (
P
<0.01) but did not affect vasodilation with sodium nitroprusside. Moreover, the acetylcholine/sodium nitroprusside vasodilation ratio decreased from 1.51±0.1 to 1.06±0.07 (
P
<0.01) and was correlated to inhaled particulate matter 2.5 (
r
=−0.55;
P
<0.01). NO–mediated skin thermal vasodilatation decreased from 466±264% to 29±123% (
P
<0.05). ROS production was increased after polluted air exposure (
P
<0.01) and was correlated with the total amount of inhaled particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5). In healthy subjects, acute experimental exposure to diesel exhaust impaired NO–mediated endothelial vasomotor function and promoted ROS generation in endothelial cells. Increased PM2.5 inhalation enhances microvascular dysfunction and ROS production.
Increased Circulating Inflammatory Endothelial Cells in Blacks With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Woollard John R. , Herrmann Sandra M. , Gloviczki Monika L. , Saad Ahmed , Juncos Luis A. , Calhoun David A. , Rule Andrew D. , Lerman Amir , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: June 2013

Morbidity and mortality attributable to hypertension are higher in black essential hypertensive (EH) compared with white EH patients, possibly related to differential effects on vascular injury and repair. Although circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) preserve endothelial integrity, inflammatory endothelial cells (IECs) detach from sites of injury and represent markers of vascular damage. We hypothesized that blood levels of IECs and inflammatory markers would be higher in black EH compared with white EH patients. Inferior vena cava and renal vein levels of CD34+/KDR+ (EPC) and VAP-1+ (IEC) cells were measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting in white EH and black EH patients under fixed sodium intake and blockade of the renin–angiotensin system, and compared with systemic levels in normotensive control subjects (n=19 each). Renal vein and inferior vena cava levels of inflammatory cytokines and EPC homing factors were measured by Luminex. Blood pressure, serum creatinine, lipids, and antihypertensive medications did not differ between white and black EH patients, and EPC levels were decreased in both. Circulating IEC levels were elevated in black EH patients, and inversely correlated with EPC levels (
R
2
=0.58;
P
=0.0001). Systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines and EPC homing factors were higher in black EH compared with white EH patients, and correlated directly with IECs. Renal vein inflammatory cytokines, EPCs, and IECs did not differ from their circulating levels. Most IECs expressed endothelial markers, fewer expressed progenitor cell markers, but none showed lymphocyte or phagocytic cell markers. Thus, increased release of cytokines and IECs in black EH patients may impair EPC reparative capacity and aggravate vascular damage, and accelerate hypertension-related complications.
Rediscovered at last: a new enigmatic genus of Axymyiidae (Diptera) from western North America
Authors: SINCLAIR BRADLEY J.
Published: June 2013

An unusual and undescribed genus and species of Axymyiidae known from a single specimen collected more than 50 years ago in Alaska is rediscovered in Mt. Rainier National Park (USA: WA). Based on two female specimens, Plesioaxymyia vespertina gen. nov., sp. nov. is described. A preliminary phylogenetic tree of the Axymyiidae is presented, showing Ple-sioaxymyia as sister group to all remaining axymyiid genera.
Costing the Earth: A Numbers Game or a Moral Imperative?
Authors: Roe Gerard
Published: June 2013

It is a simple truism that public policy must be guided by an objective analysis of the physical and economic consequences of climate change. It is equally true that policy making is an inherently value-laden endeavor. While these two threads are interconnected, the relative weight given to each depends on the certainty that the technical analyses can deliver. For climate change, the envelope of uncertainty is best understood at the global scale, and there are some well known and formidable challenges to reducing it. This uncertainty must in turn be compounded with much more poorly constrained uncertainties in regional climate, climate impacts, and future economic costs. The case can be made that technical analyses have reached the point of diminishing returns. Should meaningful action on climate change await greater analytical certainty? This paper argues that policy makers should give greater weight to moral arguments, in no small part because that is where the heart of the debate really lies.
The Priesthood of Christ and Followers of Other Faiths
Authors: O’Collins Gerald
Published: June 2013

Those, like Karl Rahner and Jacques Dupuis, who led the way in developing a theology of religions did not introduce reflections drawn from the priesthood of Christ.  Those very few (e.g. Robert Sherman) who reflect on the priesthood of Christ have not appreciated the possibilities it offers for a theology of religions.  After drawing on Hebrews, Paul, and John, this article cites relevant testimony from the Feast of Christ the King and Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.  It then develops six themes from Christ’s universal and eternal priesthood—in particular, what can be called the sacerdotal existential—which illuminate the situation of those who follow other religions or none at all.
Microfinance and the Politics of Empowerment: A Critical Cultural Perspective
Authors: Geleta Esayas Bekele
Published: June 2013

This article challenges the widely accepted assumption that the provision of microfinance to poor women through organizing them in groups empowers them. The current popular thinking in development studies considers microfinance as the best remedy not only for poverty, but also for social disintegration and women’s subordination. This article argues that such analysis ignores the cultural roots of inequality, subordination and destitution. Drawing on Bourdieu’s sociological frameworks, the article constructs a critical cultural model and elucidates the complexity of gender relations in microfinance process. The article explores gendered cultural norms and expectations that control and influence microfinance practices and contributes towards a more adequate and critical theoretical understanding of its empowerment potential.
Why do the victors kill the vanquished? Explaining political violence in post-World War II Italy
Authors: Grandi Francesca
Published: June 2013

When World War II ended in Italy, the violence did not. During the following year, about 10,000 individuals were summarily executed. Why does armed violence continue after a war’s end? Why do the victors kill the vanquished enemies? Why do they do so in certain places but not in others? We do not have sufficiently satisfying answers to these questions. The literature makes sense of violence if it happens during or preceding an armed conflict, but overlooks it when it occurs after the war is over. We need to fill this gap. Not only does post-conflict violence merit consideration as a phenomenon in itself but also it is crucial to understand postwar politics. The structured comparison of two provinces in Italy at the end of WWII shows that existing explanations cannot fully account for the spatial variation of the killings there. I offer an alternative argument: post-conflict violence aims to influence a country’s political future. In post-WWII Italy, the strategic calculations and the political preferences of former resistance combatants, combined with the legacy of the past war, determined the variation in the killings. Historical cases are a major untapped source of theory-building in conflict and peace studies. The micro-level dynamics generating violence at the local level often follow similar patterns across space and time. Thus, understanding extrajudicial executions in post-WWII Italy can illuminate today’s international intervention strategies addressing similar patterns of violence in different post-conflict settings.
Parent–child talk about motion: Links to children’s development of motion event language
Authors: Hohenstein Jill
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the motion event language children and their parents engaged in while playing a board game. Children are sensitive to differences in manner and path at infancy, yet adult-like motion event expression appears relatively late in development. While multiple studies have examined how exposure to parent speech generally relates to very young children’s language, none looks at motion event language and learning in 3- to 7-year-olds. This study aimed to examine the opportunities for children to learn motion event language through engaging with their parents, using a constructivist view of language learning. Parent–child conversation of Spanish-speaking (21) and English-speaking (24) families was examined for lexical and syntactic differences in motion event expressions. Results demonstrated English-speaking parents used more manner verbs and Spanish-speaking parents used more specific path verbs. English-speaking parents also used more general path verbs than did Spanish speakers. These differences mapped onto children’s production of motion event language. Parental speech may provide the potential for children to gradually learn about motion event language typology.
Initial Clinical Findings of a Mathematical Model to Predict Survival of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Emerick Kevin S. , Leavitt Erica R. , Michaelson James S. , Diephuis Bradford , Clark John R. , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

(1) Identify clinical features that impact survival for head and neck cancer. (2) Determine the individual contribution to mortality of significant clinical features. (3) Develop a web‐based calculator to integrate clinical features and predict survival outcome for individual patients.

Study Design

Analysis of a national cancer database. We fit patient data to the binary‐biological model of cancer lethality, a mathematical model designed to predict cancer outcome. The model predicts the risk of cancer death, using information on tumor size, nodal status, and other prognostic factors.

Subjects and Methods

Analysis was carried out on a cohort of ~50,000 patients with head and neck cancer from the Survey, Epidemiology and End‐Results (SEER) 2009 data set and validated with a cohort of ~1300 patients from an institutional Massachusetts General Hospital/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary database. We developed a web‐based calculator written in JavaScript, PHP, and HTML.

Results

The risk of death due to head and neck cancer increases monotonically with tumor size. Each positive lymph node is associated with ~14% extra risk of death. Anatomical site, age, race, tumor extension, N stage, and extracapsular spread contribute to mortality. The lethal impact of these prognostics factors can be accurately estimated by the Size + Nodes + PrognosticMarkers (SNAP) method.

Conclusions

This predictive cancer model and web‐based calculator provide a basis for estimating the risk of death for head and neck cancer patients by assigning values to the lethal contributions of tumor size, number of positive nodes, anatomical site, tumor extension, N stage, extracapsular spread, age at diagnosis, and race.
Feminist politics and framing contests: Domestic violence policy in Scotland and Wales
Authors: Charles Nickie , Mackay Fiona
Published: June 2013

Devolution in the UK in the 1990s resulted in newly gendered political opportunity structures for feminists seeking to influence the political agenda and pursue ‘women-friendly’ policy outcomes. There is, however, little work that compares jurisdictions across the UK. This paper provides a preliminary comparison of the politics of a classic feminist issue – domestic violence – in Scotland and Wales. We examine how, and with what effect, devolution has opened up opportunities to promote feminist frames and policy preferences. Despite some key similarities in Scotland and Wales, notably, high numbers of female parliamentarians, well-established refuge movement organizations and opportunities presented by aspirations for a new and more open politics, there are significant differences with respect to timing, framing and policy approaches in each place. In particular, we argue that asymmetric devolution has created different ‘devolution effects’ which in turn shape and constrain framing contests with different outcomes for feminist politics and for women.
Pubertal Development and Peer Influence on Risky Decision Making
Authors: Kretsch Natalie , Harden Kathryn Paige
Published: June 2013

Adolescents engage in more risky behavior when they are with peers and show, on average, heightened susceptibility to peer influence relative to children and adults. However, individual differences in susceptibility to peer influence are not well understood. The current study examined whether the effect of peers on adolescents’ risky decision making was moderated by pubertal status. Participants (58 youth, ages 11-16, 50% male, 63.9% African American) completed a computerized measure of risky decision making, once alone and once in the presence of two peers. Pubertal status was assessed using self-report. Adolescents made riskier decisions in the presence of peers, and more advanced pubertal development predicted greater risky decision making, controlling for chronological age. The effect of peer presence on risky decision making was attenuated for adolescents with more advanced pubertal development. These findings suggest that the presence of peers may override biologically based individual differences in propensity for risk taking.
Using an Experiential Business Game to Stimulate Sustainable Thinking in Marketing Education
Authors: Bascoul Ganaël , Schmitt Julien , Rasolofoarison Dina , Chamberlain Laura , Lee Nick
Published: June 2013

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the importance of environmental protection and sustainability to consumers, policy makers, and society in general. Reflecting this, most organizations are at least aware of this new agenda and wish to be seen as taking steps to improve behaviors in this regard. However, there appears to be a gap between this evolving agenda and the comparatively low level of knowledge that marketing managers actually have of the environmental impact of their own functional decisions. We suggest that this low knowledge level may be due, in part, to the marketplace focus of foundational marketing educational programs, and we attempt to show how broadening the horizons of marketing courses can help students (i.e., future managers) more deeply understand the environmental consequences of their actions. We demonstrate the use of a novel business game, based on the Life Cycle Assessment method, as the foundational cornerstone for the development of a broad understanding of the environmental impact of marketing decisions and actions for the entire life cycle of a product—from raw material extraction to ultimate disposal. The results of an empirical study show that this approach increases students’ appreciation for, and understanding of, these fundamental environmental sustainability concepts.
The Protective Power of Collective Action for Sexual Minority Women of Color
Authors: DeBlaere Cirleen , Brewster Melanie E. , Bertsch Kristin N. , DeCarlo Aubrey L. , Kegel Karen A. , Presseau Candice D.
Published: June 2013

We utilize an additive intersectionality framework in the present study to examine the relations among perceived racism, sexism, and heterosexism and the psychological distress of self-identified sexual minority women of color. Participants ( N = 134) aged 19 to 75 recruited through electronic mailing lists, discussion groups, and virtual communities aimed toward sexual minority women of color completed online surveys. When each form of discrimination was examined in a single multiple regression analysis, only perceived heterosexism explained significant and positive variance in psychological distress. In addition, collective action was tested as a moderator of the effects of racism, sexism, and heterosexism on psychological distress; specifically, the potential attenuating roles of three forms of collective action (race and ethnicity, feminist, and sexual minority) in the respective racism → distress, sexism → distress, and heterosexism → distress links were investigated. Sexual minority collective action buffered the heterosexist experiences → psychological distress link. More specifically, in the context of lower collective action, perceived heterosexism positively predicted distress; however, perceived heterosexism did not predict psychological distress at higher levels of collective action. No other significant interaction effects were found. Our results suggest that discrimination experiences continue to be important to assess in research and practice with marginalized individuals. Also, encouraging clients to engage in collective action could represent a useful intervention tool for counselors.
Ameliorating Reading Disabilities Early
Authors: Weiser Beverly L.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine whether integrating encoding instruction with reading instruction provides stronger gains for students who struggle with reading than instruction that includes little or no encoding. An instructional design model was investigated to best fit the data of 175 first-grade readers at risk for reading disabilities. Using cross-classified hierarchical linear modeling, variance in students’ posttest scores could adequately be explained by students’ initial encoding and decoding abilities, classroom and intervention encoding instruction time, and the number of supplemental integrated encoding and decoding intervention lessons received. Results indicated that integrating encoding and decoding instruction in first-grade classrooms, as well as supplemental intervention programs, may be the missing link to decreasing and possibly preventing future reading failure for students previously at risk for reading disabilities.
RGD-conjugated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement and hyperthermia
Authors: Zheng SW , Huang M , Hong RY , Deng SM , Cheng LF , Gao B , Badami D
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to develop a specific targeting magnetic nanoparticle probe for magnetic resonance imaging and therapy in the form of local hyperthermia. Carboxymethyl dextran–coated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with carboxyl groups were coupled to cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic peptides for integrin αvβ3 targeting. The particle size, magnetic properties, heating effect, and stability of the arginine-glycine-aspartic–ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide were measured. The arginine-glycine-aspartic–ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide demonstrates excellent stability and fast magneto-temperature response. Magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity of Bcap37 cells incubated with arginine-glycine-aspartic–ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide was significantly decreased compared with that incubated with plain ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide. The preferential uptake of arginine-glycine-aspartic–ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide by target cells was further confirmed by Prussian blue staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Ethnographic fallacies: reflections on labour studies in the era of market fundamentalism
Authors: Burawoy Michael
Published: June 2013

Michael Burawoy reflects back on 40 years of industrial ethnography in Zambia, the USA, Hungary and Russia to discover the mistakes he made and, thus, to infer the fallacies to which ethnography is subject. He traces these fallacies not to any ‘theoretical imposition’ but to inadequate theoretical reflection. All methodologies are fallible and scholars should spend more time examining the limitations of their own methodologies and less time attacking the limitations of others.
Work, employment and society through the lens of moral economy
Authors: Bolton Sharon C , Laaser Knut
Published: June 2013

In this article a moral economy approach is proposed that is informed by Karl Polanyi and E. P. Thompson, who capture the ubiquitous tension between a stable, moral and human society and the economic practices of self-regulating markets, and by Andrew Sayer’s consideration of lay morality. Moral economy is an analytical framework that gives voice to critical concerns for the workings of an increasingly disconnected capitalism, its inherent tendencies to treat labour as a ‘fictitious commodity’ and the impact this has on the well-being of individuals and wider society. Hence, at the heart of the approach suggested here is a normative understanding of mutual reciprocality and embedded sociality that raises questions about how to support the human capacity to flourish.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of high speed bearings due to combined localized defects
Authors: Pandya Divyang Harivadan , Upadhyay Sanjay H , Harsha Suraj P
Published: June 2013

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a high-speed rotating shaft under the combined localized defects on outer race, inner race and rolling element has been analyzed. An adaptive algorithm based on wavelet packet decomposition and Hilbert transform is used to extract the bearing fault characteristic component from the vibration signals. The reverse Biorthogonal wavelet 5.5 is considered as the most appropriate wavelet for decomposing the bearing vibration signal, on the basis of the maximum energy-to-Shannon entropy ratio criterion. The imperial trend suggested in diagnosing the combined localized defects of rolling bearing is based on experimental analysis at various rotor speeds. The results are presented in the form of envelope analysis, bifurcation diagrams and Poincaré maps that show the appearance nonlinearity in the dynamic response due to the rotor speed and the presence of combined localized defect. Significant peaks are reported at BPFO, BSF, FTF and modulation of BPFI with rotational frequency in envelope spectrum. Fundamental train frequency also shows noticeable excitation. A modified mathematical model shows good agreement with experimental results.
Information Efficiency of U.S. Restaurant Stocks that are Cross-Listed in Germany
Authors: Koh Yoon , Lee Seoki , Basu Sudipta
Published: June 2013

We study relationships between stock returns on U.S. and German exchanges for U.S. restaurant companies. Specifically, we examine whether information asymmetry affect how much stock returns in Germany lag stock returns of the same company on U.S. markets. German and U.S. investors differ in information access because of differing stock exchange listing requirements. Our main goals are to examine if (a) stock returns of U.S. underlying shares lead stock returns of cross-listed shares on the Open Market because of information asymmetry and (b) the lead–lag relationship is more evident among shares involuntarily cross-listed on the Open Market than securities voluntarily cross-listed on the EU Regulated Market because of differences in regulation in information disclosure. We estimated cross-autocorrelations using vector autoregressions and tested the hypotheses with the Wald test. The results, in general, support both hypotheses.
Destination Brand Equity for Australia
Authors: Pike Steven , Bianchi Constanza
Published: June 2013

The study of destination brand performance measurement has only emerged in earnest as a field in the tourism literature since 2007. The concept of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) is gaining favor from services marketing researchers as an alternative to the traditional “net-present-value of future earnings”’ method of measuring brand equity. The perceptions-based CBBE model also appears suitable for examining destination brand performance, where a financial brand equity valuation on a destination marketing organization’s balance sheet is largely irrelevant. This is the first study to test and compare the model in both short- and long-haul markets. The article reports the results of tests of a CBBE model for Australia in a traditional short-haul market (New Zealand) and an emerging long-haul market (Chile). The data from both samples indicated destination brand salience, brand image, and brand value are positively related to purchase intent for Australia in these two disparate markets.