bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unconventional anti-vortex spontaneous generation in a superconducting microstructure
Authors: Barba-Ortega J. , Aguilar J. L. , González J. D.
Published: May 2015

We investigate theoretically the superconducting matter in a microscopic structure consisting of a square prism with a central square dot. The transversal cross-section area of the square and the dot are L2 = 2500ξ2(0) and T2 = 196ξ2(0), respectively. The magnetic field and the order parameter are invariant along z-direction. We show that below Tc the physics of this system projects an interesting decrease in the vorticity when the external applied magnetic field is increasing. We think that this phenomenon can be explained including a spontaneous generation of anti-vortex states due to the symmetry breaking effects in this system.
New Single Phase Bridgeless CUK Converter Topology for Power Factor Enhancement Based on Fuzzy Logic Control
Authors: Dhanasekaran P. M. , Balamurugan R. , Veena P. , Nithya R.
Published: May 2015

A new single phase bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) converter derived from CUK topology is proposed. In this new CUK converter, the absence of the front end diode bridge results in the less switching and conduction losses compared to the conventional PFC converter. The current flow in the proposed converter configuration has only two semiconductor switches and it results in less conduction loss during each interval of the switching cycle. It offers less input current ripple, less electromagnetic interference (EMI) and also protection against the starting inrush current. It is mostly preferred compared to the other PFC topologies since it has both continuous input and output currents with a reduced current ripple. The proposed converter uses the simple control strategy and is made to work in the discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) to achieve almost a unity power factor. It also offers zero current turn ON and turn OFF for power switches. The performance of the proposed PFC converter is tested in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment with fuzzy logic controller (FLC). The simulation results of the proposed new CUK PFC converter validate the effectiveness of FLC in power factor enhancement.
Cosmological constraints on the variable modified Chaplygin gas model by using MCMC approach
Authors: Chen Jian-bin , Liu Zhen-qi , Xing Lili
Published: May 2015

We investigate the cosmological constraints on the variable modified Chaplygin gas (VMCG) model from the latest observational data: Union2 dataset of Type Ia supernovae (SNIa), the observational Hubble data (OHD), the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) data. By using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, we obtain the mean values of parameters in the flat model: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we investigate the thermodynamical properties of VMCG model at apparent horizon, event horizon and particle horizon respectively.
MODELING THE EFFECT OF VACCINES ON CHOLERA TRANSMISSION
Authors: GHOSH-DASTIDAR URMI , LENHART SUZANNE
Published: May 2015

Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease that is caused by an intestinal bacterium, Vibrio cholerae. Recently an outbreak of cholera in Haiti brought public attention to this deadly disease. In this work, the goal of our differential equation model is to find an effective optimal vaccination strategy to minimize the disease related mortality and to reduce the associated costs. The effect of seasonality in pathogen transmission on vaccination strategies was investigated under several types of disease scenarios, including an endemic case and a new outbreak case. This model is an extension of a general water-borne pathogen model. This work involves the optimal control problem formulation, analysis and numerical simulations.
The reversal of pulmonary vascular remodeling through inhibition of p38 MAPK-alpha: a potential novel anti-inflammatory strategy in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Church Alistair C. , Martin Damien H. , Wadsworth Roger , Bryson Gareth , Fisher Andrew J. , Welsh David J. , Peacock Andrew J.
Published: May 2015

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) system is increasingly recognized as an important inflammatory pathway in systemic vascular disease but its role in pulmonary vascular disease is unclear. Previous in vitro studies suggest p38 MAPKα is critical in the proliferation of pulmonary artery fibroblasts, an important step in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVremod). In this study the role of the p38 MAPK pathway was investigated in both in vitro and in vivo models of pulmonary hypertension and human disease. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPKα in both chronic hypoxic and monocrotaline rodent models of pulmonary hypertension prevented and reversed the pulmonary hypertensive phenotype. Furthermore, with the use of a novel and clinically available p38 MAPKα antagonist, reversal of pulmonary hypertension was obtained in both experimental models. Increased expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and p38 MAPKα was observed in the pulmonary vasculature from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, suggesting a role for activation of this pathway in the PVremod A reduction of IL-6 levels in serum and lung tissue was found in the drug-treated animals, suggesting a potential mechanism for this reversal in PVremod. This study suggests that the p38 MAPK and the α-isoform plays a pathogenic role in both human disease and rodent models of pulmonary hypertension potentially mediated through IL-6. Selective inhibition of this pathway may provide a novel therapeutic approach that targets both remodeling and inflammatory pathways in pulmonary vascular disease.
Combined unilateral blockade of cholinergic, peptidergic, and serotonergic receptors in the ventral respiratory column does not affect breathing in awake or sleeping goats
Authors: Muere Clarissa , Neumueller Suzanne , Olesiak Samantha , Miller Justin , Langer Thomas , Hodges Matthew R. , Pan Lawrence , Forster Hubert V.
Published: May 2015

Previous work in intact awake and sleeping goats has found that unilateral blockade of excitatory inputs in the ventral respiratory column (VRC) elicits changes in the concentrations of multiple neurochemicals, including serotonin (5-HT), substance P, glycine, and GABA, while increasing or having no effect on breathing. These findings are consistent with the concept of interdependence between neuromodulators, whereby attenuation of one modulator elicits compensatory changes in other modulators to maintain breathing. Because there is a large degree of redundancy and multiplicity of excitatory inputs to the VRC, we herein tested the hypothesis that combined unilateral blockade of muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh), neurokinin-1 (NK1, the receptor for substance P), and 5-HT2A receptors would elicit changes in multiple neurochemicals, but would not change breathing. We unilaterally reverse-dialyzed a cocktail of antagonists targeting these receptors into the VRC of intact adult goats. Breathing was continuously monitored while effluent fluid from dialysis was collected for quantification of neurochemicals. We found that neither double blockade of mACh and NK1 receptors, nor triple blockade of mACh, NK1, and 5-HT2A receptors significantly affected breathing ( P ≥ 0.05) in goats that were awake or in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. However, both double and triple blockade increased the effluent concentration of substance P ( P < 0.001) and decreased GABA concentrations. These findings support our hypothesis and, together with past data, suggest that both in wakefulness and NREM sleep, multiple neuromodulator systems collaborate to stabilize breathing when a deficit in one or multiple excitatory neuromodulators exists.
Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and Survival after Diagnosis with Kidney Cancer
Authors: Muller David C. , Scelo Ghislaine , Zaridze David , Janout Vladimir , Holcatova Ivana , Navratilova Marie , Mates Dana , Midttun Øivind , Ueland Per Magne , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias
Published: May 2015

Prospective cohort studies have provided some evidence that circulating vitamin D is associated with risk of, and survival from, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but it is unclear whether concentrations of vitamin D at the time of diagnosis of RCC are associated with prognosis. We conducted a case–cohort study of 630 RCC cases, including 203 deaths, from a multicenter case–control study in Eastern Europe. Vitamin D was assessed as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], and we used weighted Cox models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by categories of season-adjusted 25(OH)D3. Higher concentrations of 25(OH)D3 were associated with lower risk of death after adjusting for stage, age, sex, and country (HR highest vs. lowest category 0.57; 95% CI, 0.34–0.97). The inverse associations of 25(OH)D3 with death were most notable among those who died from non-RCC causes and those diagnosed with early-stage disease. In summary, 25(OH)D3 concentration at diagnosis of RCC was inversely associated with all-cause mortality rates, but not specifically with RCC outcome. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1277–81. ©2015 AACR.
Inhibition of JNK Sensitizes Hypoxic Colon Cancer Cells to DNA-Damaging Agents
Authors: Vasilevskaya Irina A. , Selvakumaran Muthu , Hierro Lucia Cabal , Goldstein Sara R. , Winkler Jeffrey D. , O'Dwyer Peter J.
Published: May 2015

Purpose: We showed previously that in HT29 colon cancer cells, modulation of hypoxia-induced stress signaling affects oxaliplatin cytotoxicity. To further study the significance of hypoxia-induced signaling through JNK, we set out to investigate how modulation of kinase activities influences cellular responses of hypoxic colon cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs.

Experimental Design: In a panel of cell lines, we investigated effects of pharmacologic and molecular inhibition of JNK on sensitivity to oxaliplatin, SN-38, and 5-FU. Combination studies for the drugs and JNK inhibitor CC-401 were carried out in vitro and in vivo.

Results: Hypoxia-induced JNK activation was associated with resistance to oxaliplatin. CC-401 in combination with chemotherapy demonstrates synergism in colon cancer cell lines, although synergy is not always hypoxia specific. A more detailed analysis focused on HT29 and SW620 (responsive), and HCT116 (nonresponsive) lines. In HT29 and SW620 cells, CC-401 treatment results in greater DNA damage in the sensitive cells. In vivo, potentiation of bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, and the combination by JNK inhibition was confirmed in HT29-derived mouse xenografts, in which tumor growth delay was greater in the presence of CC-401. Finally, stable introduction of a dominant negative JNK1, but not JNK2, construct into HT29 cells rendered them more sensitive to oxaliplatin under hypoxia, suggesting differing input of JNK isoforms in cellular responses to chemotherapy.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that signaling through JNK is a determinant of response to therapy in colon cancer models, and support the testing of JNK inhibition to sensitize colon tumors in the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 21(18); 4143–52. ©2015 AACR.
Effect of Experimental Thyrotoxicosis on Brain Gray Matter: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study
Authors: Göbel Anna , Heldmann Marcus , Göttlich Martin , Dirk Anna-Luise , Brabant Georg , Münte Thomas F.
Published: May 2015

Background: Hyper- as well hypothyroidism have an effect on behavior and brain function. Moreover, during development thyroid hormones influence brain structure. Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate an effect of experimentally induced hyperthyroidism on brain gray matter in healthy adult humans. Methods: High-resolution 3D T1-weighted images were acquired in 29 healthy young subjects prior to as well as after receiving 250 µg of T4 per day for 8 weeks. Voxel-based morphometry analysis was performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 8 (SPM8). Results: Laboratory testing confirmed the induction of hyperthyroidism. In the hyperthyroid condition, gray matter volumes were increased in the right posterior cerebellum (lobule VI) and decreased in the bilateral visual cortex and anterior cerebellum (lobules I-IV) compared to the euthyroid condition. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that short periods of hyperthyroidism induce distinct alterations in brain structures of cerebellar regions that have been associated with sensorimotor functions as well as working memory in the literature.
Merely Living Animals in Aristotle
Authors: Güremen Refik
Published: May 2015

In Parts of Animals II.10, 655b37-656a8, Aristotle tacitly identifies a group of animals which partake of “living only”. This paper is an attempt to understand the nature of this group. It is argued that it is possible to make sense of this designation (i.e. “merely living animals”) if we consider that some animals, which are solely endowed with the contact senses, do nothing more than mere immediate nutrition by their perceptive nature and have no other action. It is concluded that some of Aristotle’s merely living animals would be certain kinds of sponge, certain sea anemones and the ascidians among testacea
Metaphysics, 9.8, 1050a30—b4: The Identity of Soul and Energeia
Authors: Shikiar David Alan
Published: May 2015

I argue that 1050a30—b3 contains an argument in which a series of analogies treating the ‘in’ relation are deployed to constrain how the relation between life and the soul is to be construed, such that, given other reasonable premises, it follows that the soul is identical with the activity life.  The interpretation of the ‘in’ relation turns crucially upon the distinction between a subject and a site for an activity, which opens the way for understanding the relation designated as not being that of inherence, which would imply some form of ontological distinction.  After establishing the conclusion concerning identity, I explain how the soul may be understood as possessing a modally graded internal structure, each higher-order modality corresponding to a higher level of completion, thinking being the highest grade in human beings.  I then show how the identity of soul and living activities affirmed at b2—3 implies the substantial priority of energeia to potentiality affirmed at b3—4.
Errar todos os seres erram, persistir no erro é humano
Authors: Pozzi Diana Helena De Benedetto
Published: May 2015

Errar todos os seres erram, persistir no erro é humano
Memórias da Universidade: lapsos e lembranças
Authors: Peixoto Fernanda Arêas
Published: May 2015

O texto se detém sobre os projetos contemplados pelo Edital Memória lançado pela Pró-Reitoria de Cultura e Extensão Universitária, de modo a realizar um balanço crítico das propostas, em função de seus pontos comuns e de alguns silêncios, esperando iluminar perspectivas futuras. Fruto de uma intervenção realizada no seminário Balanço e Perspectivas (USP, novembro de 2014), ele mantém deliberadamente o tom de exposição oral, tal como foi concebido.
Educar para o mundo: experiência extensionista popular para direitos humanos e migrações
Authors: Lima Allan Greicon Macedo , Mazzotini Ana Carolina , Malaman Augusto , Leão Augusto Veloso , Mader Caio , Takahashi Carolina , Cavalcante Claudio , Otero Guilherme Arosa , Pereira Gustavo , Salustiano Hugo , Maitino Martin Egon , Araújo Natália Lima de , Willians Phillip
Published: May 2015

A proposta do Educar para o Mundo é repensar a forma como se estuda e se atua na área de Relações Internacionais, especialmente nos projetos de extensão da área, inspirados em autores que pensam criticamente sobre a forma como a área acadêmica se relaciona com a sociedade à qual pertence. A exemplo de Paulo Freire, decidimos ir além da sala de aula para nos inserirmos na realidade dos imigrantes latino-americanos em São Paulo. Iniciamos nosso trabalho em uma escola pública que abrigava uma porcentagem significativa de crianças bolivianas e que tinha uma dificuldade considerável em lidar com este grupo. Após anos de uma relação profícua, porém difícil e desgastante, percebemos que o modelo de escola tradicional com que trabalhávamos oferecia mais barreiras do que novos caminhos para expandir nossa atuação com os migrantes e optamos por fortalecer nossa presença nos espaços públicos e junto aos movimentos organizados de imigrantes. Entendemos que o diálogo com interlocutores ativos e dispostos oferece grandes possibilidades de realizar o trabalho de extensão comunicativa popular. Este artigo apresenta os principais resultados alcançados por nosso coletivo em seus seis anos de existência e debate os caminhos da extensão popular para a área de Relações Internacionais.
A extensão universitária em história através da elaboração de instrumentos de pesquisa
Authors: Moura Denise Aparecida Soares de
Published: May 2015

Este artigo faz uma reflexão sobre a extensão universitária no curso de História, através de um relato da experiência de elaboração de um catálogo temático e de referência de documentos de época. Esta ação extensionista foi desenvolvida na Universidade Estadual Paulista e contou com uma equipe de dois alunos de graduação do curso de História. O material utilizado foi a correspondência trocada entre as capitanias do Brasil e o Conselho Ultramarino, em Lisboa, entre os séculos XVII-XVIII e reunidas pelo Projeto Resgate de Documentação Histórica “Barão do Rio Branco”. Dos 150.000 documentos digitalizados pelo Projeto Resgate, foram selecionadas 3.096 correspondências que tinham as câmaras municipais do Brasil colônia como remetente ou assunto. Em seguida, os alunos relacionaram o verbete de cada um destes documentos com sua localização nas respectivas mídias digitais, informação que até então não era fornecida pelos catálogos digitais e impressos que referenciam a esses documentos. Este trabalho resultou em um instrumento de pesquisa, cuja elaboração contribuiu para a formação de estudantes de História no ofício da pesquisa na área, mas também levou à criação de um instrumento de pesquisa que pode se utilizado por historiadores ou comunidade extra-acadêmica.
Imprensa e discurso histórico: a Comissão Nacional da Verdade na Folha de S. Paulo e no Estado de S. Paulo
Authors: Mello Felipe Corrêa de , Baccega Maria Aparecida
Published: May 2015

Propomos, neste artigo, fazer alguns apontamentos acerca da presença do discurso histórico na imprensa jornalística a partir da cobertura do relatório final da Comissão Nacional da Verdade, realizada pelos jornais Folha de S. Paulo e O Estado de S. Paulo. Como referencial teórico-metodológico nos servimos da análise de discurso de linha francesa (ADF), bem como dos aportes dos campos da história e da comunicação
Caminhos para a divulgação de ciência
Authors: Mangini Jussara
Published: May 2015

Com 23 anos de carreira, a jornalista Jussara Mangini compartilha aprendizados adquiridos em doze anos de divulgação de ciência em diferentes instituições públicas - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), onde coordenou a assessoria de imprensa de 1999 a 2003, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), que foi seu objeto de estudo na especialização em Gestão da Comunicação na ECA/USP, concluída em 2007, e atualmente na Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), onde é assistente da gerência de comunicação. Ela também fala sobre a propagação de sites e blogs de ciência como alternativa ao encolhimento dos espaços editoriais sobre o tema na mídia tradicional. Essa tendência mundial tem se consolidado como uma oportunidade de atuação profissional e de ampliação de público. 
Comunicação e Tecnologia Uma experiência de “Classe Invertida”
Authors: Lemos André , Perl Lara
Published: May 2015

Este artigo apresenta os resultados da experiência de uso do método de “classe invertida” (Flipped Classroom) em uma disciplina de graduação na Faculdade de Comunicação da UFBA, COM 104, Comunicação e Tecnologia, obrigatória para alunos das habilitações de Jornalismo e Produção Cultural. Os limites das aulas expositivas e as novas potencialidades de acesso à informação pelas novas tecnologias de comunicação foram os pressupostos para esta experiência. No final, apresentamos os resultados de uma enquete sobre a visão dos alunos que vivenciaram a experiência e concluímos pelo êxito da mesma.
Produção Transmídia e Ficção Televisiva Ibero-Americana
Authors: Lemos Ligia Maria Prezia
Published: May 2015

O texto destaca alguns aspectos do Anuário Obitel 2014 – Estratégias de Produção Transmídia na Ficção Televisiva, obra que abrange dados e estudos, pontuais e comparativos, de 12 países ibero-americanos. Enfatiza, primeiramente, a metodologia criada e implantada pelo Observatório para a análise da recepção transmidiática, já consolidada há cinco anos. Em seguida, aborda o Tema do Ano do Anuário, as Estratégias da Produção Transmídia que propõe, em 2014, importante metodologia de classificação e análise dessas estratégias.
Dalinianas e outras metamorfoses imagéticas
Authors: Balogh Anna Maria
Published: May 2015

A partir das propostas do seminário de Pós-Graduação ministrado na Universidade Paulista (UNIP) Imagens e Travessias: suportes, experimentações, transmutações e transmediações. (2014), a autora reflete sobre alguns processos de metamorfose imagética. Algumas obras do pintor catalão Salvador Dali servem como inspiração para apontar desafiadores processos de transformação da imagem, num amplo leque que vai desde metamorfoses intra-textuais até passagens de suportes como foto para pintura, instalação e até mesmo a serialização em objetos de grife. Se estabelecem também paralelos entre tais procedimentos na arte e na comunicação, sempre com base na semiótica visual, o suporte metalingüístico do artigo.      
Práticas educomunicativas no projeto Alunos em Rede – Mídias Escolares e cidadania comunicativa
Authors: Bonin Jiani Adriana , Corrêa Franciele Zarpelon
Published: May 2015

O artigo recupera delineamentos teórico-metodológicos e resultados de uma pesquisa que investigou as práticas educomunicativas configuradas no processo de produção radiofônica do projeto Alunos em Rede - Mídias escolares (Porto Alegre, RS) na perspectiva da cidadania comunicativa.
Critérios para a elaboração de materiais multimédia
Authors: González García Javier
Published: May 2015

Este trabalho faz parte de uma linha de pesquisa iniciada no Mestrado em Comunicação e Educação da Universidade Autônoma de Barcelona. Nós analisamos os pontos de coincidência entre as teorias de TIC e aprendizagem, gerando a discussão sobre o conceito de interatividade e multimodalidade de compreender a sua importância no design de um site. Além de vários aspectos que lançam luz sobre a aplicabilidade das teorias discutidas dentro de um sistema de educação à distância são analisados. Por fim, analisamos um site educacional que exemplifica o processo de revisão anterior, e nós fornecemos critérios para análise de otimização de material multimídia, um site educacional.
Notch1 Mutation Leads to Valvular Calcification Through Enhanced Myofibroblast Mechanotransduction
Authors: Chen Joseph , Ryzhova Larisa M. , Sewell-Loftin M.K. , Brown Christopher B. , Huppert Stacey S. , Baldwin H. Scott , Merryman W. David
Published: May 2015

Objective—

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a significant cardiovascular disorder, and controversy exists as to whether it is primarily a dystrophic or osteogenic process in vivo. In this study, we sought to clarify the mechanism of CAVD by assessing a genetic mutation, Notch1 heterozygosity, which leads to CAVD with 100% penetrance in humans.

Approach and Results—

Murine immortalized Notch1
+/−
aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) were isolated and expanded in vitro. Molecular signaling of wild-type and Notch1
+/−
AVICs were compared to identify changes in pathways that have been linked to CAVD—transforming growth factor-β1/bone morphogenetic protein, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B—and assessed for calcification potential. Additionally, AVIC mechanobiology was studied in a physiologically relevant, dynamic mechanical environment (10% cyclic strain) to investigate differences in responses between the cell types. We found that Notch1
+/−
AVICs resembled a myofibroblast-like phenotype expressing higher amounts of cadherin-11, a known mediator of dystrophic calcification, and decreased Runx2, a known osteogenic marker. We determined that cadherin-11 expression is regulated by Akt activity, and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation significantly reduced cadherin-11 expression. Moreover, in the presence of cyclic strain, Notch1
+/−
AVICs exhibited significantly upregulated phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and smooth muscle α-actin expression, indicative of a fully activated myofibroblast. Finally, these Notch1-mediated alterations led to enhanced dystrophic calcific nodule formation.

Conclusions—

This study presents novel insights in our understanding of Notch1-mediated CAVD by demonstrating that the mutation leads to AVICs that are fully activated myofibroblasts, resulting in dystrophic, but not osteogenic, calcification.
Temporal Trends in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Appropriateness
Authors: Bradley Steven M. , Bohn Chad M. , Malenka David J. , Graham Michelle M. , Bryson Chris L. , McCabe James M. , Curtis Jeptha P. , Lambert-Kerzner Anne , Maynard Charles
Published: May 2015

Background—

It is unknown whether the appropriate use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has improved over time and whether trends in PCI appropriateness have been accompanied by changes in the use of PCI.

Methods and Results—

We applied appropriate use criteria to determine the appropriateness of all 51 872 PCI performed in Washington State from 2010 through 2013. We evaluated the number of PCIs performed from 2006 through 2013 to provide a comparator period that preceded statewide appropriateness assessment beginning in 2010. Between 2010 and 2013, the overall number of PCI decreased by 6.8% (13 267 PCIs in 2010 to 12 193 in 2013) with a 43% decline in the number of PCIs for elective indications (3818 PCIs in 2010 to 2193 PCIs in 2013). The decline in the use of elective PCI was significantly larger after the onset of statewide PCI appropriateness assessment in 2010 (
P
=0.03). The proportion of elective PCIs classified as appropriate increased from 26% in 2010 to 38% in 2013, whereas the proportion of inappropriate PCIs decreased from 16% to 13% (
P
<0.001 for trends). Significant improvements in the proportion of inappropriate PCI were limited to the tertile of hospitals with the largest decline in PCIs classified as inappropriate (25% in 2010 to 12% in 2013;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

In Washington State, the use of PCI for elective indications has decreased over time with concurrent improvements in PCI appropriateness. However, improvements in PCI appropriateness were limited to a minority of hospitals. Understanding processes at these high-performing hospitals may inform efforts to improve PCI appropriateness.
Inter- and Intra-Rater Reliability of the Visual Vertical in Subacute Stroke
Authors: Piscicelli Celine , Barra Julien , Davoine Patrice , Chrispin Anne , Nadeau Sylvie , Pérennou Dominic
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose—

Visual vertical (VV) has been used increasingly as a routine clinical assessment to identify alteration of verticality perception as a possible cause of postural disorders after stroke. This study aims to determine whether the reliability of VV is sufficient to support a wide clinical use in neurorehabilitation for monitoring of patients with stroke.

Methods—

Twenty patients with subacute stroke in neurorehabilitation unit were tested after a first and unique hemispheric stroke. To evaluate the inter-rater reliability, VV was assessed the same day by 2 examiners whose degrees of expertise differed. The second examiner repeated the test the next day to investigate intrarater reliability. VV orientation (mean, primary criterion) and uncertainty (SD, secondary criterion) were calculated for 10 trials. Their reliability was quantified by the intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman plots, and the minimal detectable change. The concordance between 2 examiners was quantified by Cohen’s κ coefficients (κ).

Results—

About VV orientation, inter- and intrarater reliability were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.979 and 0.982). The Bland–Altman plots and the minimal detectable change revealed a difference inferior to 2° between 2 tests. The concordance between 2 assessments for the diagnosis of abnormal VV orientation was absolute for the same examiner (κ=1;
P
<0.05) and excellent between 2 examiners (κ=0.92;
P
<0.05). As for VV uncertainty the intrarater reliability was satisfactory (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.836) but the inter-rater reliability was poor (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.211).

Conclusions—

The orientation of the VV is a highly reliable criterion, which may be used both in research and in routine clinical practice.
The Jewish Tetragrammaton: Secrecy, Community, and Prestige among Greek-Writing Jews of the Early Roman Empire
Authors: Andrade Nathanael
Published: May 2015

In his retelling of Exod 3:14-16, Josephus (A.J. 2.275-276) frames the Tetragrammaton as a name that only Jews knew, and he indicates that Jews were not to intone it or disclose it to foreigners. His account illuminates a practice that certain Jews cultivated regarding their non-disclosure of the divine name. The disposition of Jews not to utter their divinity’s name preserved its sanctity and expressed acknowledgement of its ineffable character. But certain Jews, such as Josephus and Philo, also promoted among themselves and outsiders the premise that knowledge of the divine name was a characteristic feature of Jews, a feature of which non-Jews were unaware. Moreover, they framed knowledge of it as being restricted to a subgroup of privileged Jews, who safeguarded its sanctity. In this way, such Jews circulated and bolstered the Tetragrammaton’s reputation for secrecy. Intriguingly, Greek and Latin authors of the Roman Empire appear to corroborate this premise. Even as the divine name underwent increased circulation among non-Jews, such authors still conceived of the Jewish divinity as having a name that Jews did not disclose. Such was the Tetragrammaton’s reputation for secrecy, one which certain Jews actively cultivated and amplified.
Manichaean Women in Augustine’s Life and Works
Authors: van Oort Johannes
Published: May 2015

The study of women in Manichaeism is still in its infancy. The present article aims to contribute to this promising field of research by concentrating on the writings of the former Manichaean Augustine (354-430). A considerable number of data emerge from his works, which elucidate the presence and role of Manichaean women in Roman North Africa. It turns out that, at quite different stages of his life, Augustine came into contact with female Manichaeans and described their significance very differently.
The Continuing Conundrum of the Somali Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone
Authors: McLaughlin Rob
Published: May 2015

Among the many challenges facing Somalia as it seeks to enable its maritime future is the continuing conundrum presented by its historical claim to a 200-nautical-mile territorial sea. However, as a degree of stability has returned, a series of important—but largely forgotten—national and international legislative and policy steps taken by the Somali Democratic Republic just prior to the onset of the civil war have been rediscovered. This has cast the issue in a new light, and raises several questions as to the consequences and evolution of the Somali legal relationship to the maritime domain. This article describes the current status of the Somali claim, with a view to illuminating the legal history behind the Somali legislative ‘start point’ for the recently filed application with the International Court of Justice in relation to its Exclusive Economic Zone delimitation with Kenya.
Autonomy as a Possible Solution to Self-determination Disputes: Does It Really Work?
Authors: Abushov Kavus
Published: May 2015

The focus of this article concerns conditions in which autonomy may become a solution to a secessionist conflict, and why it works in certain cases but fails in others. It explores whether autonomy can be a generally applicable solution to complex self-determination disputes, or whether the cases of successful implementation are too specific, depending on specific circumstances. In other words, why has autonomy been accepted in certain cases, but refused in others? I analyse which entities are entitled to the right of secession, proceed to cases where autonomy has been a solution to secession, and finally discuss cases where autonomy-based solutions have failed. There is also some discussion of the conditions for an effective functioning of autonomy and power-sharing. Before proceeding to exploring the above-mentioned questions related to autonomy and power sharing, the legal nature of the right of self-determination and secession is explored.
The Definition of Indigenous Peoples and its Applicability in China
Authors: Wang Linzhu
Published: May 2015

This article considers the applicability of the concept of indigenous peoples in China, in accordance with the definitions developed in international law. It examines different approaches to define indigenous peoples in international law, and explores how those definitions may relate to Chinese ethnic groups. In particular, the article looks at possibilities for Chinese minorities to claim indigenous status, based on the standards of ‘the priority of settlement’ and ‘distinctiveness arising from historical continuity and attachment to a specific land’. It argues that the uncertainty of the definition, the complexity of the ethnic situation, and the reluctance of the Chinese Government make the application of indigenous rights in China unclear at the present. The Chinese minority/indigenous argument, to a certain extent, depends on the elaboration of international norms on indigenous rights, as well as the clarification of Chinese terms in relation to ethnic minorities.
Evaluation of Subgrid-Scale Hydrometeor Transport Schemes Using a High-Resolution Cloud-Resolving Model
Authors: Wong May , Ovchinnikov Mikhail , Wang Minghuai
Published: May 2015

Potential ways of parameterizing vertical turbulent fluxes of hydrometeors are examined using a high-resolution simulation of continental deep convection. The cloud-resolving model uses a double-moment microphysics scheme that contains prognostic variables for four hydrometeor types: rain, graupel, cloud ice, and snow. The benchmark simulation with a horizontal grid spacing of 250 m is analyzed to evaluate three different ways of parameterizing the turbulent vertical fluxes of hydrometeors: an eddy-diffusion approximation, a quadrant-based decomposition, and a scaling method that accounts for within-quadrant (subplume) correlations. Results show that the downgradient nature of the eddy-diffusion approximation enforces transport of mass away from concentrated regions, whereas the benchmark simulation indicates that the vertical transport often moves mass from below the level of maximum concentration to aloft. Unlike the eddy-diffusion approach, the quadrimodal decomposition is able to capture the signs of the flux gradient but underestimates the magnitudes. The scaling approach, which accounts empirically for within-quadrant correlations, improves the representation of the vertical fluxes for all hydrometeors except snow. A sensitivity study is performed to illustrate how vertical transport effects on the vertical distribution of hydrometeors are compounded by accompanying changes in microphysical process rates. Results from the sensitivity tests show that suppressing rain or graupel transport drastically alters vertical profiles of cloud ice and snow through changes in the distribution of cloud water, which in turn governs the production of cloud ice and snow aloft. Last, a viable subgrid-scale hydrometeor transport scheme in an assumed probability density function parameterization is discussed.
Assimilating Surface Mesonet Observations with the EnKF to Improve Ensemble Forecasts of Convection Initiation on 29 May 2012
Authors: Sobash Ryan A. , Stensrud David J.
Published: May 2015

Surface data assimilation (DA) has the potential to improve forecasts of convection initiation (CI) and short-term forecasts of convective evolution. Since the processes driving CI occur on scales inadequately observed by conventional observation networks, mesoscale surface networks could be especially beneficial given their higher temporal and spatial resolution. This work aims to assess the impact of high-frequency assimilation of mesonet surface DA on ensemble forecasts of CI initialized with ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analyses of the 29 May 2012 convective event over the southern Great Plains.

Mesonet and conventional surface observations were assimilated every 5 min for 3 h from 1800 to 2100 UTC and 3-h ensemble forecasts were produced. Forecasts of CI timing and location were improved by assimilating the surface datasets in comparison to experiments where mesonet data were withheld. This primarily occurred due to a more accurate representation of the boundary layer moisture profile across the domain, especially in the vicinity of a dryline and stationary boundary. Ensemble forecasts produced by assimilating surface observations at hourly intervals, instead of every 5 min, showed only minor improvements in CI.

The 5-min assimilation of mesonet data improved forecasts of the placement and timing of CI for this particular event due to the ability of mesonet data to capture rapidly evolving mesoscale features and to constrain model biases, particularly surface moisture errors, during the cycling period.
Anomie, marketization, and prejudice toward purportedly unprofitable groups
Authors: Hövermann Andreas , Messner Steven F , Zick Andreas
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses systematically different concepts of anomie as an explanation of Group-focused Enmity (GFE) against selected groups in society. The GFE research programme has demonstrated the utility of applying the concept of ‘anomia’ – an individual reaction to disruptions in the normative order – to explain prejudices against vulnerable groups. This paper extends the GFE research programme by incorporating insights from Institutional Anomie Theory, a theoretical perspective originally introduced in the criminological literature. Drawing upon this, it develops a theoretical model that links perceptions of weakened non-economic institutions with prejudices against groups that are readily seen as being ‘unprofitable’. These perceptions are theorized to affect prejudices against such groups via a pathway of ‘marketized’ attitudes and orientations, net of any influence of anomia. This paper’s theoretical model was assessed with data from a representative survey of the German population ( n = 840). The results of Structural Equation Modelling support most of the main hypotheses, revealing the additional value for prejudice research of measuring the individual experience of anomie not only as anomia but also with respect to processes of marketization.
Access, quality and equity in early childhood education and care: A South Australian study
Authors: Krieg Susan , Curtis David , Hall Lauren , Westenberg Luke
Published: May 2015

While much is known about the factors related to student performance beyond Grade 3 less is known about the factors that are related to student performance in early childhood education and the early years in primary school. As part of the ‘I go to school’ project in South Australia, this study tracked children attending integrated preschool/childcare centres – known as Children’s Centres – as they made their transition to school. Results indicated that children who attended early childhood education programs that were of higher quality – as characterised by higher staff qualifications and a greater range and more engaging children's activities – showed a greater gain in cognitive development than children who attended lower quality programs. Findings also suggested that children who benefitted the most from attendance in these programs were children from backgrounds of greater social disadvantage than children from less disadvantaged backgrounds.
Social, Religious, and ‘Spirit-based’ Capital within Cambodian and Lao Buddhist Communities in Ontario
Authors: McLellan Janet , White Marybeth
Published: May 2015

While an extensive literature supports the correlation of social capital with newcomer adaptation and integration, few studies demonstrate the challenges faced by refugee communities with low levels of social and religious capital. Cambodian and Lao Buddhists in Ontario, Canada, have had significant resettlement struggles, particularly in their ability to re-create religious traditions and practices. Theravada Buddhist monks, who embody much of each community’s social and religious capital, face extensive adaptive modifications to meet the conflicting demands placed upon them. A new term, “spirit-based capital,” is introduced to present monastic interactions with the spirit world as a benefit for individual and community health and well-being. The predominant pneumacentric (spirit-centered) religiosity of first generation refugees suggests that spirit-based capital can play an important compensatory role for newcomers who lack other forms of social and religious capital.
The cost of security
Authors: Johnson Jesse C
Published: May 2015

It is well recognized that military alliances can provide their members with important security benefits. However, less attention has been paid to the policy concessions states must grant others to enter into military alliances. To study this aspect of alliances, I develop a three-actor bargaining model of alliance formation that endogenizes both external threat and policy concessions. Specifically, a target state bargains with a potential defender over the concessions it must make to ally and then responds to a potential challenger. The model suggests that what is important for policy concessions in alliances is not just the power of the threatened state but its power relative to its challenger and how an alliance will change the distribution of power. I test implications of this model using data on promised policy concessions formalized in alliance treaties and find strong support for the hypotheses. More specifically, I find that states are willing to make more concessions in exchange for an alliance when they are unlikely to defeat their challengers alone and when their allies have a large effect on their probability of winning in war. These findings refine existing theories of alliances and offer the first large-N analysis of policy concessions in alliances.
The effect of anaesthesia on somatosensory evoked potential measurement in a rat model
Authors: Kortelainen Jukka , Al-Nashash Hasan , Vipin Ashwati , Thow Xin Yuan , All Angelo
Published: May 2015

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) are widely used to study the functional integrity of ascending sensory pathways. For animal studies, SEPs provide a convenient method to quantitatively assess the functionality of the nervous system with low invasiveness. Even though they are frequently used in animal models, little attention is paid to the fact that SEPs are vulnerable to contamination from experimental factors such as anaesthetic delivery. In this study, the effect of isoflurane on SEP measurement was investigated in a rat model. The aim was to find out the adjustments for anaesthetic delivery optimizing the quality of the recordings. Two aspects were studied: the effect of isoflurane dosage on the SEP parameters and on the repeatability of the measurements. The SEP quality was found to be best when 1.5% isoflurane concentration was used. This dosage resulted in the best signal-to-noise ratio and equal repeatability of the measurements compared with the others. Our findings can help in refining the anaesthetic protocols related to SEP recordings in a rat model and, by improving the quality of the measurements, potentially reducing the number of subjects needed to carry out studies.
Leveraging finance capital: Urban change and self-empowerment of real estate developers in India
Authors: Rouanet Hortense , Halbert Ludovic
Published: May 2015

This paper questions the effects of the financialisation of Indian real estate markets with a focus on the Bangalore city-region. Research on Southern cities has concluded that globally connected but locally embedded real estate developers contribute to anchoring transnational investment. Yet, the acknowledged dearth of studies on the real estate industry in post-liberalisation India limits our understanding of the ongoing empowerment of local urban actors, including developers. Adopting a cultural political economy perspective, the paper analyses how developers leverage finance capital to achieve greater economic and political agency and thus contribute to the material, symbolic and political transformations of cities. It first demonstrates that finance capital has sustained Bangalore-based developers’ growth strategies throughout Southern India. Subsequently, developers shape the materialities of metropolises via a piecemeal juxtaposition of medium-sized developments. Although this may occasionally meet government strategies for modernising their cities, it more often than not constitutes an understudied obstacle to States’ mega-projects that are outdone by developers’ ability to work through the intricacies of local land markets and bureaucracies. Furthermore, having become dominant city-builders, developers are in a situation to circulate representations concerning what the desirable city should be. Such narratives aim at inserting local real estate markets into globalising financial commodity chains while also legitimating developers’ own role. Consequently, developers attempt to promote – with some success – prescriptions in favour of State reforms and the adoption of pro-urban growth policies. The ongoing financialisation of urban production thus participates in the self-empowerment of developers in India’s cities.
Urban eco-modernisation and the policy context of new eco-city projects: Where Masdar City fails and why
Authors: Cugurullo Federico
Published: May 2015

The development of projects for new eco-cities is rapidly becoming a global phenomenon. Alleged eco-cities are being built across a variety of spaces via processes of urbanisation triggering substantial environmental, social and economic impacts. This article investigates how new eco-city projects interpret and practice urban sustainability by focusing on the policy context that underpins their development. The article argues that projects for new eco-cities are shaped in loci by policy agendas tailored around specific economic and political targets. In these terms, the ideas and strategies of urban sustainability adopted by eco-city developers are understood as reflections of broader policy priorities. The case study employed in this article, Masdar City, reveals how the Emirati eco-city initiative is the product of local agendas seeking economic growth via urbanisation to preserve the political institutions of Abu Dhabi. Following the economic imperatives set by the ruling class, the Masdar City project interprets sustainability as ecological modernisation and practices urban environmentalism almost exclusively in economic terms. The article shows how the developers of Masdar City capitalise on sustainability by building an urban platform to develop and commercialise clean-tech products, and concludes that the Emirati alleged eco-city is an example of urban eco-modernisation: a high-tech urban development informed by market analysis rather than ecological studies.