bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust ℒ︁2‐gain feedforward control of uncertain systems using dynamic IQCs
Authors: Köse I. E. , Scherer C. W.
Published: September 2008

We consider the problem of robust ℒ︁2‐gain disturbance feedforward control for uncertain systems described in the standard LFT form. We use integral quadratic constraints (IQCs) for describing the uncertainty blocks in the system. For technical reasons related to the feedforward problem, throughout the paper, we work with the duals of the constraints involved in robustness analysis using IQCs. We obtain a convex solution to the problem using a state‐space characterization of nominal stability that we have developed recently. Specifically, our solution consists of LMI conditions for the existence of a feedforward controller that guarantees a given ℒ︁2‐gain for the closed‐loop system. We demonstrate the effectiveness of using dynamic IQCs in robust feedforward design through a numerical example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment and prioritization of eco‐revetment projects in urban rivers
Authors: Shi Rui‐Hua , Xu Shi‐Guo , Li Xu‐Guang
Published: September 2008

Ecological revetment for slope protection in urban rivers requires consideration of economic and ecological aspects and also of social aspects including recreation. Taking the Hunhe River as an example, our study established an evaluation system and a decision‐making method for evaluating and prioritizing the eco‐revetment projects. The Delphi method was used for collecting the opinions of experts, which include the relative importance of the indicators and the relative preference of the alternatives. The former was surveyed by pair comparison and processed applied analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The latter was described via linguistic variables, which need to be changed into the quantitative values for TOPSIS analysis. For that reason, we introduced the fuzzy set theory and established a fuzzy multi‐attribute decision‐making method based on TOPSIS to assess and prioritize the projects. The evaluation system includes economic, social, environment and ecological several aspects totalling eight indicators. The evaluating and prioritizing result of the projects shows that the three‐dimensional vegetation net is the best slope protection measures in the study area. The sensitivity analyses of indicator weights and different calculation methods were performed to demonstrate the reliability of the results. The sensitivity analyses indicate that construction cost and maintenance cost are dominant factors during the alternatives prioritization. The distance calculation method and normalization technique are insensitive to the prioritization results. The methodology proposed by this paper offers an effective and feasible tool for managers to evaluate and choose the optimal engineering measures of riverbank protection. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of fluctuating ramping rates on the food web of boreal rivers
Authors: Marty Jérôme , Smokorowski Karen , Power Michael
Published: September 2008

A BACI (before‐after‐control‐impact) sampling design was applied to determine the possible effects of ramping rate (RR) regulation on food webs structure and function in a regulated boreal river. We used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures of primary producers, macroinvertebrates and fish to determine variations in the source of carbon fuelling the food web as well as changes in the food web structure under variable RR flow regime. We hypothesized that unrestricted RR would (1) increase the connectivity between terrestrial and aquatic environments allowing for a higher contribution of terrestrial carbon to support the food web and (2) decrease food web length because of frequent disturbances. Unrestricted RR had little influence on δ13C values for the overall food web with most of the differences found between impacted sites compared and control sites, indicating that the proportion of various carbon sources entering the diet of consumers remained unchanged under unrestricted RR. In contrast, significantly higher δ15N values were measured in impacted sites (invertebrates and fish) and as well as under unrestricted ramping flow regime (invertebrates). Further, unrestricted RR was associated to a significant decrease in the difference between macroinvertebrates and fish δ15N signatures, equivalent to a reduction of the length of the food web by at least one trophic level. Results from this study indicate that RR should be taken into consideration in the regulation of operating regimes on rivers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influences of flooding and hyporheic exchange on floodplain plant richness and productivity
Authors: Mouw Jason E. B. , Stanford Jack A. , Alaback Paul B.
Published: September 2008

Flooding disturbance and associated fluvial processes are generally thought to be the primary controls on floodplain species richness patterns. We expanded this idea to include ground and surface water (hyporheic) exchange within alluvial flood plains. At the floodplain scale, we hypothesized that upwelling areas would be richer in species and support higher growth rates of woody plants. At reaches within each flood plain, we evaluated the mechanisms of flood duration, patterns in sedimentation and driftwood as influences. We found patterns of species richness within the shifting mosaic of floodplain wetland habitats to be incoherent with flood duration for large flood plains on the Flathead and Talkeetna Rivers. Rather, species richness was closely associated with hyporheic exchange at the floodplain scale and locally with alluvial particle size. Species richness was highest in areas of both flood plains characterized by upwelling groundwater. On annually scoured surfaces, richness was affected by large wood debris that reduced flow competence, allowing fine sediment deposition and plant establishment. Richness within upwelling and downwelling reaches was highest at sites with the finest alluvia.

Growth rates of woody species used as indices of site productivity were also significantly higher at areas characterized by upwelling. We concluded that plant species richness was strongly controlled by hyporheic exchange at the floodplain scale and locally by the deposition of fine alluvia. This interpretation was not consistent with intermediate levels of flood disturbance. Indeed, areas of the flood plain least influenced by flow energy had the highest richness on both flood plains. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inference for cumulative incidence functions with informatively coarsened discrete event‐time data
Authors: Shardell Michelle , Scharfstein Daniel O. , Vlahov David , Galai Noya
Published: September 2008

We consider the problem of comparing cumulative incidence functions of non‐mortality events in the presence of informative coarsening and the competing risk of death. We extend frequentist‐based hypothesis tests previously developed for non‐informative coarsening and propose a novel Bayesian method based on comparing a posterior parameter transformation with its expected distribution under the null hypothesis of equal cumulative incidence functions. Both methods use estimates derived by extending previously published estimation procedures to accommodate censoring by death. The data structure and analysis goal are exemplified by the AIDS Link to the Intravenous Experience (ALIVE) study, where researchers are interested in comparing incidence of human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion by risk behavior categories. Coarsening in the forms of interval and right censoring and censoring by death in ALIVE is thought to be informative; thus, we perform a sensitivity analysis by incorporating elicited expert information about the relationship between seroconversion and censoring into the model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The type I error and power of non‐parametric logrank and Wilcoxon tests with adjustment for covariates—A simulation study
Authors: Jiang Honghua , Symanowski James , Paul Sofia , Qu Yongming , Zagar Anthony , Hong Shengyan
Published: September 2008

Time‐to‐event outcomes are common for oncology clinical trials. Conventional methods of analysis for these endpoints include logrank or Wilcoxon tests for treatment group comparisons, Kaplan–Meier survival estimates, and Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the treatment group hazard ratio (both unadjusted and adjusted for relevant covariates). Adjusting for covariates reduces bias and may increase precision and power (Statist. Med.2002;21:2899–2908). However, the appropriateness of the Cox proportional hazards model depends on parametric assumptions. One way to address these issues is to use non‐parametric analysis of covariance (J. Biopharm. Statist.1999;9:307–338). Here, we carry out simulations to investigate the type I error and power of the unadjusted and covariate‐adjusted non‐parametric logrank test and Wilcoxon test, and the Cox proportion hazards model. A comparison between the covariate‐adjusted and unadjusted methods is also illustrated with an oncology clinical trial example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EWMA smoothing and Bayesian spatial modeling for health surveillance
Authors: Zhou Huafeng , Lawson Andrew B.
Published: September 2008

In this paper a novel method for the monitoring of disease maps over time in a surveillance setting is described. The approach relies upon the use of a spatial model that is fitted to current spatial data and is smoothed with historical spatial estimates. The method of smoothing is a vector exponentially weighted moving average procedure. A simulation study with a range of scenarios is presented and finally a case study of monitoring infectious disease spread is presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical epidemic modeling with hospital outbreak data
Authors: Wolkewitz M. , Dettenkofer M. , Bertz H. , Schumacher M. , Huebner J.
Published: September 2008

The analysis of epidemic data has one special feature: individuals are highly dependent, i.e. infected cases are the cause of further infected cases (cross‐infection). The main epidemiological parameter of interest is the transmission rate: the rate with which an infectious individual has close contacts with other patients in the hospital unit resulting in colonization or infection. In order to estimate this parameter, the statistical analysis should be based on an appropriate compartmental model that describes the transmission dynamics of an epidemic process. Nonparametric methodology is available for closed populations without migration, but especially in hospitals, admission and discharge have to be taken into account in addition. Transmission and discharge have to be considered as competing events. Martingale‐based methodology takes the time‐dependent feature of the rates adequately into account and yields useful estimates. These methods are applied to an outbreak of the specific hospital pathogen vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) in an onco‐haematological unit at the University Medical Center Freiburg in Germany. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weighted statistics for aggregation and linkage analysis of human longevity in selected families: The Leiden Longevity Study
Authors: Houwing‐Duistermaat J. J. , Callegaro A. , Beekman M. , Westendorp R. G. , Slagboom P. E. , van Houwelingen J. C.
Published: September 2008

Typically long‐lived sibling pairs have been collected for linkage analysis of human longevity and information on life span of first‐degree relatives is available to assess familial aggregation of life span. We propose a new weighted statistic for aggregation analysis, which tests for a relationship between a family history of excessive survival of the sibships of the long‐lived pairs and the survival of their parents and their offspring. For linkage analysis, we derive a new weighted score statistic from a simple gamma frailty model, which assigns more weight to excessive long‐lived pairs. We apply the methods to data from the Leiden Longevity Study, which consists of sibling pairs of age 90 years or above and their first‐degree relatives. The pairs have been genotyped for microsatellite markers in a candidate region. Association was present between survival within the sibships and survival of the offspring, but not with the parental generation. For linkage analysis, weighting increased the value of the test statistic, but the result was not statistically significant. About the methods we conclude that the statistic for aggregation provides insight into clustering of life span and the statistic for linkage provides a new tool to include demographic information into the analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase Behavior and Shear Alignment in SWNT‐Surfactant Dispersions
Authors: Nativ‐Roth Einat , Yerushalmi‐Rozen Rachel , Regev Oren
Published: September 2008

The effect of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) on the phase behavior of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in aqueous solutions is investigated at room temperature. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) are used for characterization of bulk dispersions and nanometrically thin films. Additional carbonaceous additives (fullerenes, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and carbon black) serve as reference systems. It is found that dispersions of carbonaceous additive (excluding fullerenes) at intermediate surfactant concentrations (below the liquid‐crystalline region of the native surfactant) induce demixing and macroscopic phase separation in otherwise homogeneous solutions of CTAB. Two coexisting liquid phases of similar CTAB concentrations are observed, with the carbonaceous species residing within the lower phase. At high CTAB concentrations (liquid‐crystal region) the SWNTs are found to incorporate into the ordered lyotropic liquid‐crystalline phase while preserving the native d‐spacing. Investigation of nanometrically thin films at intermediate surfactant concentrations under external shear reveals shear‐induced structure (SIS) in the presence of minute amounts of SWNTs. The effect is found to be exclusive to SWNT and does not occur in dispersions of other carbonaceous additives.
Using XBDDs and ZBDDs in points‐to analysis
Authors: Lhoták Ondřej , Curial Stephen , Amaral José Nelson
Published: September 2008

Binary decision diagrams (BDDs) have recently become widely accepted as a space‐efficient method of representing relations in points‐to or reference analyses. When BDDs are used to represent relations, each element of a domain is assigned a bit pattern to represent it, but not every bit pattern represents an element. The circuit design, model checking, and verification communities have achieved significant reductions in BDD sizes using several techniques to reduce the overhead of these don't‐care bit patterns. We adapt these techniques to BDD‐based program analysis, and we study their effect on the BDD size in this context. Specifically, we compare the effectiveness of Coudert and Madre's restrict operation and the use of zero‐suppressed BDDs (ZBDDs) to represent relations. Using don't‐care BDDs (XBDDs) and ZBDDs to reduce the size of the relations allows a compiler or other software analysis tools to analyze larger programs with greater precision. Our experimental evaluation considers both context‐insensitive and context‐sensitive program analyses. We also provide a metric that can be used to estimate whether ZBDDs will be more compact than BDDs for a given analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fretting fatigue strength of SCM435H steel and SUH660 heat‐resistant steel in hydrogen gas environment
Authors: Kubota M. , Tanaka Y. , Kondo Y.
Published: September 2008

Utilisation of hydrogen is expected to be one of the solutions against the problems of exhaustion of fossil fuels and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Evaluation of the materials for hydrogen utilisation machines is required. The objectives of this study are the characterisation of fretting fatigue strength of low‐alloy steel SCM435H and heat‐resistant steel SUH660, and the validation of effectiveness of nitriding in hydrogen gas environment. Fretting fatigue tests were conducted up to 3 × 107 cycles. The decrease of fretting fatigue strength in hydrogen gas environment was found at the long‐life region exceeding 107 cycles. The amount of the decrease of the fretting fatigue limit at 3 × 107 cycles was 11% for SCM435H and 15% for SUH660. However, at the stress level above the fretting fatigue limit in air, the finite life in hydrogen gas increased more than that in air. The cause of extension of fatigue life was the delay of start of stable crack propagation. Fretting fatigue crack, which was smaller than 200 µm in length, consumed approximately 60% of the fatigue life in hydrogen gas environment. Fretting fatigue crack was steadily propagated after the test was started in air. Observations of the fretted surface showed that the fretting wear process in hydrogen gas environment was dominated by adhesion. Tangential force coefficient was higher in hydrogen gas environment than that in air. It is considered that the adhesion has a close relation to crack initiation in hydrogen gas environment, and as a result, the failure of specimen occurred at a lower stress level comparing the fretting fatigue limit in air. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency assignments in IEEE 802.11 WLANs with efficient spectrum sharing
Authors: Villegas Eduard Garcia , Ferré Rafael Vidal , Paradells Josep
Published: September 2008

As the number of WLAN users grows, the need to perform efficient radio resource management strategies becomes essential due to the fact that most popular technologies, those based on IEEE 802.11 standards, use unlicensed frequency bands. A good channel assignment improves the network performance, producing benefits that are perceived by the users and also by the network administrators. In this paper, we present a new frequency management scheme for IEEE 802.11 WLANs in the 2.4 GHz ISM band that minimizes interference to increase the throughput available to client stations by adapting a weighted DSATUR algorithm for graph coloring. The algorithm takes both co‐channel and adjacent channel interference into account, and makes use of all available channels instead of the traditional non‐overlapping three. In this way, collisions as well as transmission errors are minimized, thus improving the network capacity and the user experience. Different architectures are discussed for the implementation of our approach, including the possibility to incorporate client stations into the management system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Bone Mineral Density and Parathyroidectomy on Fracture Risk in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: VanderWalde Lindi H. , Liu In‐Lu Amy , Haigh Philip I.
Published: September 2008

Background

Bone mineral density is one parameter used to decide whether patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) should undergo parathyroidectomy. However, the influence of bone mineral density and parathyroidectomy on subsequent fracture risk is unclear.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with PHPT based on administrative discharge abstract data. The dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan T‐scores at the femur were collected by chart review, and 10‐year fracture‐free survival (FFS) was the main outcome measured.

Results

A total of 533 patients were identified, most of them ≥ 50 years old (89%) and female (87%). Seventeen percent of the patients were black. Mean initial calcium, parathormone, and creatinine levels were 11.1 mg/dl, 116 pg/ml, and 0.9 mg/dl, respectively. Parathyroidectomy was performed in 159 (30%) patients, and 374 (70%) were observed. The 10‐year FFS after PHPT diagnosis was 94% in patients treated with parathyroidectomy and 81% in those observed (p = 0.006). Compared to observation, parathyroidectomy improved the 10‐year FFS by 9.1% (p = 0.99), 12% (p = 0.92), and 12% (p = 0.02) in patients with normal bones (T‐score ≥ −1.0), osteopenia (T‐score ≤ −1.0, ≥ −2.5), and osteoporosis (T‐score < −2.5), respectively. On multivariate analysis, parathyroidectomy was independently associated with decreased fracture risk (HR = 0.41; 95%CI 0.18, 0.93), whereas non‐black race (HR = 2.94; 95%CI 1.04, 8.30) and T‐score < −2.5 (HR = 2.29; 95%CI 1.08, 4.88) remained independently associated with increased fracture risk.

Conclusions

Parathyroidectomy decreases the risk of fracture in patients with normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic bones. The largest impact from parathyroidectomy is in patients with osteoporosis. The highest risk of fracture is in non‐blacks and in patients with osteoporosis.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Splenectomy for Nontraumatic Diseases
Authors: Maurus Christine F. , Schäfer Markus , Müller Markus K. , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Weber Markus
Published: September 2008

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the standard procedure for normal size or moderately enlarged spleens; open splenectomy (OS) is preferred in cases of splenomegaly. In this study, indications for and complications of open and laparoscopic splenectomy were analyzed, with the aim to identify patients who will benefit from either technique.

Method

A consecutive series of 52 patients undergoing elective open or laparoscopic splenectomy between January 2001 and December 2006 was analyzed. Spleen volume was calculated as length × width × depth from the pathologist’s measurements.

Results

LS was performed in 25 patients with a median age of 41 years (range = 24–65). OS was performed in 27 patients with a median age of 60 years (range = 24–86) (p < 0.001). Conversion to OS was necessary in two patients (8%). Operation time was significantly shorter in LS (p < 0.05). Spleen volume was significantly greater in patients who underwent open (median = 2520 ml, range = 150–16,800 ml) versus laparoscopic (median = 648 ml, range = 150–4860 ml) splenectomy (p = 0.001). In 36% of all laparoscopic procedures, spleen volume exceeded 1000 ml. The underlying disease was mainly immunothrombocytopenia in LS patients and lymphoma and osteomyelofibrosis in OS patients. Five patients died after OS. Significantly more patients were hospitalized longer than 7 days following OS than following LS (p < 0.05). Overall complication rate was higher after OS (LS, 8; OS, 13 patients; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

LS was preferred in younger patients with moderate splenomegaly, while massive splenomegaly mostly led to OS. In view of the absence of technique‐related differences, LS can primarily be attempted in all patients.
Micellization of Cetyl Triphenyl Phosphonium Bromide Surfactant in Binary Aqueous Solvents
Authors: Shrivastava Ashish , Ghosh Kallol K.
Published: September 2008

The effect of the different binary aqueous organic solvents viz. 1,4‐dioxane, acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and methanol, on the micelle formation and thermodynamics of a cationic surfactant cetyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide has been studied conductometrically at 298–318 K. From the conductivity data critical micelle concentration, degree of counter ion dissociation (α) and thermodynamic parameters of micellization have been determined. It is observed that micellization tendency of the surfactant decreases in the presence of binary aqueous solvents. The entropies of micellization are all positive, and they compensate the enthalpies of the process.
Liver TAG Transiently Decreases While PL n‐3 and n‐6 Fatty Acids are Persistently Elevated in Insulin Resistant Mice
Authors: Scheja Ludger , Toedter Klaus , Mohr Raoul , Niederfellner Gerhard , Michael Mervyn D. , Meissner Axel , Schoettler Anja , Pospisil Heike , Beisiegel Ulrike , Heeren Joerg
Published: September 2008

Changes in fatty acid metabolism associated with insulin resistance have been described in rats and humans but have not been well characterized in the frequently used mouse model of diet‐induced obesity. To analyse the early phase as well as established insulin resistance, C57BL/6 mice were placed for 1 or 16 weeks on a high fat diet (1w‐HFD, 16w‐HFD). Endocrine and metabolic parameters indicated that 1w‐HFD mice showed a moderate but significant induction of insulin resistance while 16w‐HFD mice exhibited profound obesity‐associated insulin resistance and dyslipidemias. Significant alterations in fatty acid composition were observed in plasma and liver in both groups. Liver phospholipid‐associated arachidonate and docosahexaenoate were increased in both 1w‐HFD and 16w‐HFD mice, possibly due to increased expression of the desaturases Fads1 and Fads2. Unexpectedly, SCD1 activity and gene expression in liver were decreased in the 1w‐HFD group accompanied by diminished total hepatic lipid levels, while they were increased in chronically fed mice. Our data indicate that the early phase of HFD‐induced insulin resistance is not associated with elevated liver lipid concentration. Furthermore, the early and persistent rise of arachidonate and docosahexaenoate indicates that insulin resistance is not due to insufficient availability (or concentrations) of polyunsaturated fatty acids as postulated previously.
Varus-producing osteotomy for patients with lateral pillar type B and C Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease followed to skeletal maturity
Authors: Castañeda Pablo , Haynes Richard , Mijares Jorge , Quevedo Héctor , Cassis Nelson
Published: September 2008

Purpose

We sought to determine if a varus-producing osteotomy of the proximal femur was related to a better outcome than non-operative treatment for LCP disease.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 121 patients; clinical outcome was determined with the Iowa Hip Score, and radiographic outcome was determined with the Stulberg classification.

Results

A total of 73 patients undergoing a VO and 48 treated non-operatively were included; 70 had lateral pillar type B and 51 type C hips. Average follow-up was 12.03 years. The mean Iowa Hip Score was 86.8 for the VO group and 85.9 for the non-operative group. According to the Stulberg classification for the group undergoing a VO, there were 8 type II, 33 type III, and 32 type III, and for the group undergoing non-operative treatment there were 11 type II, 24 type III, and 13 type IV.

Conclusions

We found no statistically significant difference in the clinical or radiographic result for patients undergoing a VO compared to non-operative treatment.
A randomised controlled trial with prolonged‐release oral oxycodone and naloxone to prevent and reverse opioid‐induced constipation
Authors: Meissner Winfried , Leyendecker Petra , Mueller‐Lissner Stefan , Nadstawek Joachim , Hopp Michael , Ruckes Christian , Wirz Stefan , Fleischer Wolfgang , Reimer Karen
Published: September 2008

Background:Opioid‐induced constipation can have a major negative impact on patients’ quality of life. This randomised, double‐blinded study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of prolonged‐release (PR) oral oxycodone when co‐administered with PR oral naloxone, and its impact on opioid‐induced constipation in patients with severe chronic pain. Another objective was to identify the optimal dose ratio of oxycodone and naloxone.

Methods:A total of 202 patients with chronic pain (mainly non‐cancer related, 2.5% of patients had cancer‐related pain) under stable oral oxycodone therapy (40, 60 or 80mg/day) were randomised to receive 10, 20, 40mg/day naloxone or placebo. After a 4‐week maintenance phase, patients received oxycodone only for 2 weeks. Pain intensity was evaluated using a numerical analogue scale and bowel function was assessed using the bowel function index.

Results:No loss of analgesic efficacy with naloxone was observed. Mean pain intensity scores on randomisation were comparable for placebo, 10mg, 20mg and 40mg naloxone dose, and remained unchanged during treatment. Bowel function improved with increasing naloxone dose. Naloxone 20mg and 40mg significantly improved bowel function at the end of the maintenance phase compared with placebo (p<0.05). Overall, the combination was well tolerated, with no unexpected adverse events. There was a trend towards an increased incidence of diarrhoea with higher doses of naloxone. The 2:1 oxycodone/naloxone ratio was identified as the most suitable for further development.

Conclusion:Co‐administration of PR oral naloxone and PR oral oxycodone is associated with a significant improvement in bowel function compared with PR oral oxycodone alone, with no reduction in the analgesic efficacy of oxycodone.
Morell Mackenzie and Crown Prince Frederick: an unpublished manuscript from the Royal Society of Medicine Library
Authors: Hughes J P , Almeyda J S , Bull T R
Published: September 2008

The story of Morell Mackenzie and his involvement in the case of Crown Prince Frederick III (the future Emperor of Germany) is as well known as it is controversial. The consequences of the case were profound, both medically and politically. Most documents concerning the case are affected by varying degrees of bias, and as a result our understanding of the true events is incomplete. We present a brief summary of the case, and review an unpublished manuscript which adds to our understanding of the events. This manuscript is supportive of Mackenzie's early management of the Crown Prince's illness and acknowledges the importance of the case in medical history.
Primary carcinoid tumour of nasal septum
Authors: Galm T , Turner N
Published: September 2008

Objective:

We present the first reported case of primary carcinoid tumour of the nasal septum.

Method:

Case report of our experience of a carcinoid tumour of the nasal septum. We discuss our clinical, radiological and pathological findings.

Result:

An 83-year-old woman presented with a history of left-sided nasal blockage. Clinical examination showed a unilateral, left-sided nasal polyp. Further imaging and histological analysis confirmed this to be a carcinoid tumour. Carcinoid tumours outside the gastrointestinal tract are rare. There have been reports of carcinoid tumours in the head and neck region, but no published cases occurring in the nasal septum. Our management involved wide surgical resection with regular follow up to monitor for recurrence and for the development of carcinoid syndrome. Four years from initial presentation, the patient remained free of the primary tumour and had displayed no signs or symptoms suggestive of carcinoid syndrome.

Conclusion:

To the authors' best knowledge, and after searching the world literature, the presented case represents the first report of primary carcinoid tumour of the nasal septum. Despite its rarity, this tumour should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis, as timely recognition and intervention are critical for successful treatment.
Beyond Modernisation? Social Care and the Transformation of Welfare Governance
Authors: NEWMAN JANET , GLENDINNING CAROLINE , HUGHES MICHAEL
Published: September 2008

This article reflects on the process and outcomes of modernisation in adult social care in England and Wales, drawing particularly on the recently completed Modernising Adult Social Care (MASC) research programme commissioned by the Department of Health. We begin by exploring the contested status of ‘modernisation’ as a descriptor of reform. We then outline some of the distinctive features of adult social care services and suggest that these features introduce dynamics likely to shape both the experiences and outcomes of policy ambitions for modernisation. We then reflect on the evidence emerging from the MASC studies and develop a model for illuminating some of the dynamics of welfare governance. Finally, we highlight the emerging focus on individualisation and on user-directed and controlled services. We argue that the current focus of modernisation involves a reduced emphasis on structural and institutional approaches to change and an increased emphasis on changes in the behaviours and roles of adult social care service users. This focus has implications for both the future dynamics of welfare governance and for conceptions of citizenship.
Using Life Histories in Social Policy Research: The Case of Third Sector/Public Sector Boundary Crossing
Authors: LEWIS DAVID
Published: September 2008

The life-history method is a valuable tool for social policy research. Taking an anthropological approach to studying policy, the article analyses the usefulness of the method using data drawn from a set of recently collected life-work histories from the UK. These life-work histories document the experiences of individuals who have crossed over between the public sector and the ‘third sector’ during their careers. The article first briefly reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the life-history method, then goes on to analyse selected issues and themes that emerge from the data at both the contextual and the individual levels. The article concludes that life-history work adds to our knowledge of the relationship between these two sectors, and of the processes through which ideas about ‘sector’ and policy are constructed and enacted.
Older Men and Work in the Twenty-First Century: What Can the History of Retirement Tell Us?
Authors: MACNICOL JOHN
Published: September 2008

The New Labour government has set a target of getting 1,000,000 more people aged 50 and over (50+) back into work as part of its aim of achieving an overall employment rate of 80 per cent among people of working age. To this end, a variety of policies have been introduced to encourage citizens to work later in life, notably the 2006 Age Regulations. However, much of the government's analysis is based on supply-side reasoning that has retained its credibility only because of the rise in older people's employment rates that has taken place since 1994. This article focuses on the employment problems of older men, since their employment rates have fallen sharply since the 1970s. Examination of both the history of retirement and less favourable underlying economic trends suggests that extending the working lives of older men may not be easy.
Measuring Poverty in Britain as a Multi-dimensional Concept, 1991 to 2003
Authors: TOMLINSON MARK , WALKER ROBERT , WILLIAMS GLENN
Published: September 2008

While poverty is widely accepted to be an inherently multi-dimensional concept, it has proved very difficult to develop measures that both capture this multi-dimensionality and facilitate comparison of trends over time. Structural equation modelling appears to offer a solution to this conundrum and is used to exploit the British Household Panel Study to create a multi-dimensional measure of poverty. The analysis reveals that the decline in poverty in Britain between 1991 and 2003 was driven by falls in material deprivation, but more especially by reduced financial stress, particularly during the early 1990s. The limitations and potential of the new approach are critically discussed.
Doing a Bit more for the Poor? Social Assistance in Latin America
Authors: LLOYD-SHERLOCK PETER
Published: September 2008

Social assistance programmes involving cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households have become a major focus of development policy in recent years. This article compares the experiences of three such programmes in Latin America: Oportunidades in Mexico, Jefes y Jefas de Hogares in Argentina, and Brazil's social pension. Particular attention is given to each programme's administrative effectiveness, as well as their impacts on poverty, human capital, and household and gender dynamics. More broadly, the article assesses whether these schemes live up to their billing as ‘best practice’ for developing countries, and how they relate to wider shifts in the political economy of welfare provision. It concludes that experiences have been mixed, that claims about positive outcomes are sometimes exaggerated, and that the potential of these programmes to substantially re-orientate welfare systems and promote equitable public policies remains limited.
Women and Housing Assets in the Context of Japan's Home-owning Democracy
Authors: HIRAYAMA YOSUKE , IZUHARA MISA
Published: September 2008

Despite the fact that women's rights have been increasingly defined as equal to men's in law and policy, in post-Second World War Japan women continue to be at a disadvantage in many aspects of social and economic life. Drawing from a survey of 2,205 Japanese women, this article focuses in particular on women's home ownership as a new catalyst behind increasing social stratification in Japan. The women's experiences are closely linked to Japan's institutional ‘familism’: the development of social policy that has been explicitly connected to the male-breadwinner model. We argue that a wide range of institutional and policy practices – mortgage provision, property ownership, social security and taxation and labour market mechanisms – has combined to define the housing asset status of women. We discuss the women's current housing asset portfolio, and also recent socio-economic changes that have begun to redefine their position in a home-owning society. The case of Japan – a patriarchal but shifting home-owning democracy – contributes to our understanding of the contemporary dynamics of women's interaction between family, work and housing in the institutional context.
Do Citizens Know How to Deal with Legal Issues? Some Empirical Insights
Authors: BUCK ALEXY , PLEASENCE PASCOE , BALMER NIGEL J.
Published: September 2008

Over recent years there has been increasing policy concern in the UK about whether citizens are equipped with sufficient legal ‘know-how’. In January 2006, the Department for Constitutional Affairs, now Ministry of Justice, announced a Public Legal Education and Support Task Force to develop and promote the case for a national strategy. This comes after UK government strategies have recently been developed for both consumer education and financial capability. Drawing on empirical data, this article explores whether there is indeed a lack of awareness and confidence among the population of England and Wales in regard to legal issues. The results from the English and Welsh Civil and Social Justice Survey, a large-scale face-to-face survey representative of the population, illustrate the case for targeted as well as general public legal education initiatives.
Veto Players and Welfare State Change: What Delays Social Entitlement Bills?
Authors: DÄUBLER THOMAS
Published: September 2008

In contrast to the study of outcomes such as social spending, systematic comparative analysis of political processes underlying welfare state change is scarce. This study deals with the influence of government parties and second chambers as veto players in social entitlement legislation. It asks three questions regarding the duration and outcome of the legislative process at the parliamentary stage. Does the number of government parties or the ideological distance between them affect the passage of bills? Under which circumstances do second chambers have an influence? Does the ideological position of the leftmost governing party affect the speed of passage of bills in policy areas where there is pressure for retrenchment? The hypotheses are tested using an original dataset on social entitlement bills initiated in Belgium, Germany and the UK between 1987/88 and 2002/03. Event history analysis at the level of individual bills yields the following results: proposals initiated from among the government parties on the floor are delayed by a higher number of parties in government, by greater ideological distance between them, if the second chamber is controlled by the opposition and its approval is mandatory, if the left veto player is more rightwing and if the bills deal with expansionary or mixed policies. Cabinet bills, in contrast, are not affected by any of these factors. The results point to a number of further research questions and show that quantitative studies in comparative welfare state research can go beyond testing simple hypotheses with macro-level outcome data.
Social Policy Digest Online
Authors: Bennett Fran , Jones Ken
Published: September 2008

The Social Policy Digest went online in the summer of 2003. This means that the Digest, which used to be printed as part of the Journal of Social Policy, is now only available via the web.
Well‐posedness of integral equations for modeling electromagnetic scattering from cavities
Authors: Xu Yuan
Published: September 2008

Integral equations for modeling electromagnetic scattering from indented screens or cavity structures are proposed using a symmetric equivalent current model, which is based on image theory with a perfect electrically conducting (PEC) ground plane. The well posedness of the proposed integral equations is theoretically established in this paper. It is known that all resonance modes for cavity problems either due to the presence of a perfect magnetically conducting (PMC) open aperture or a PEC open aperture. In this paper, it is proved that both kinds of resonance modes cannot exist for the proposed integral equations without excitation. To numerically examine this well posedness, the condition numbers of resultant matrices from the generalized network formulation and proposed integral equations are analyzed as functions of frequency and the depth of cavity. The numerical analysis of the condition numbers obtained also shows that the integral equations proposed in this paper are immune to the problem of the interior resonance for three‐dimensional cavity problems. Moreover, simulation of scattering from standard cavity structures verifies the validity of the proposed integral equations.
A space‐time Neyman–Scott rainfall model with defined storm extent
Authors: Leonard M. , Lambert M. F. , Metcalfe A. V. , Cowpertwait P. S. P.
Published: September 2008

In previous formulations, a model based on a Neyman–Scott point process coupled with a spatial Poisson process of cell centers has been used to generate raincells in space and time. For large regions, this specification yields unrealistic cross‐correlations between distant sites. This observation motivates further development of the model, where a storm boundary is used to modulate the spatial extent of cell occurrences with respect to the storm center. Multi‐site first‐ and second‐order properties of this model are derived and used to fit rainfall statistics from 24 pluviograph (6 minute intensity) gauges and 52 daily gauges across the Sydney metropolitan region.
Stratification‐driven instabilities with bi‐kappa distribution functions in the Io plasma torus
Authors: André N. , Ferrière K. M.
Published: September 2008

We extend our previous studies on plasma transport in the fast rotating magnetosphere of Jupiter. The present study uses a new kinetic Io plasma torus model in order to test the local stability criteria against stratification‐driven low‐frequency modes in this environment. Compared to the model used in our previous application, the new model introduces bi‐kappa velocity distributions and plasma pressure anisotropies in order to reproduce most of the available observational data obtained in the torus. This generates radial profiles of plasma densities and temperatures that slightly differ from those used previously. Here we examine the implications of non bi‐Maxwellian velocity distributions and of pressure anisotropies for the centrifugal interchange instability and for the resulting transport of plasma in the Io torus and further demonstrate how our theoretical findings can be applied to realistic environments.
Identification of new protein substrates for the chloroplast ATP-dependent Clp protease supports its constitutive role in Arabidopsis
Authors: Stanne Tara M. , Sjögren Lars L. E. , Koussevitzky Shai , Clarke Adrian K.
Published: September 2008

The ATP-dependent Clp protease in plant chloroplasts consists of a heterogeneous proteolytic core containing multiple ClpP and ClpR paralogues. In this study, we have examined in detail the only viable knockout mutant to date of one of these subunits in Arabidopsis thaliana, ClpR1. Loss of ClpR1 caused a slow-growth phenotype, with chlorotic leaves during early development that later partially recovered upon maturity. Analysis of the Clp proteolytic core in the clpR1 mutant (clpR1-1) revealed approx. 10% of the wild-type levels remaining, probably due to a relative increase in the closely related ClpR3 protein and its partial substitution of ClpR1 in the core complex. A proteomic approach using an in organello proteolytic assay revealed 19 new potential substrates for the chloroplast Clp protease. Many of these substrates were constitutive enzymes involved in different metabolic pathways, including photosynthetic carbon fixation, nitrogen metabolism and chlorophyll/haem biosynthesis, whereas others function in housekeeping roles such as RNA maturation, protein synthesis and maturation, and recycling processes. In contrast, degradation of the stress-related chloroplast proteins Hsp21 (heat-shock protein 21) and lipoxygenase 2 was unaffected in the clpR1-1 line and thus not facilitated by the Clp protease. Overall, we show that the chloroplast Clp protease is principally a constitutive enzyme that degrades numerous stromal proteins, a feature that almost certainly underlies its vital importance for chloroplast function and plant viability.
Alternative transcription initiation and splicing variants of the DHRS4 gene cluster
Authors: Zhang Qiaoxia , Li Yifan , Liu Gefei , Xu Xiaoyuan , Song Xuhong , Liang Bin , Li Rui , Xie Jianping , Du Mudan , Xiao Lifeng , Gan Xueqiong , Huang Dongyang
Published: September 2008

The DHRS4 (short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily member 4) gene cluster, consisting of DHRS4 and its copy gene DHRS4L2, is localized on 14q11.2. The DHRS4 gene product NADP(H)-dependent retinol oxidoreductase participates in the metabolism of retinoids. The expression patterns of the DHRS4 gene cluster were investigated in human neuroblastoma cells. Transcript analysis of the DHRS4 gene cluster using 3′- and 5′-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends), reverse transcription-PCR and bioinformatics approaches showed an alternative transcription start site in the copy gene DHRS4L2 which generates two transcripts, DHRS4A1 (GenBank® nucleotide sequence database accession number AY616183) and DHRS4A2 (AY943857), together with at least six alternative splicing variants (DHRS4A_v1–6) (AY920361, AY920362, DN237886, DN237887, DN237890 and DN237892 respectively), resulted from alternative splicing. DHRS4A1 and DHRS4A2 were specifically transcribed in neuroblastoma cells. RNA structural analysis of DHRS4A1 and DHRS4A2 suggested that they are non-coding RNAs. Expression analysis of DHRS4 by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting showed a lack of correlation between the levels of transcription and translation in the tissues examined. Bisulfite genomic sequencing PCR experiments indicated that the expression of DHRS4L2 was regulated by methylation of its CpG islands.
Membrane homoeostasis and multidrug resistance in yeast
Authors: Panwar Sneh Lata , Pasrija Ritu , Prasad Rajendra
Published: September 2008

The development of MDR (multidrug resistance) in yeast is due to a number of mechanisms. The most documented mechanism is enhanced extrusion of drugs mediated by efflux pump proteins belonging to either the ABC (ATP-binding cassette) superfamily or MFS (major facilitator superfamily). These drug-efflux pump proteins are localized on the plasma membrane, and the milieu therein affects their proper functioning. Several recent studies demonstrate that fluctuations in membrane lipid composition affect the localization and proper functioning of the MDR efflux pump proteins. Interestingly, the efflux pumps of the ABC superfamily are particularly susceptible to imbalances in membrane-raft lipid constituents. This review focuses on the importance of the membrane environment in functioning of the drug-efflux pumps and explores a correlation between MDR and membrane lipid homoeostasis.