bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Ventroposteromedial (VPM) Thalamus 10 Years after VPM Thalamotomy to Treat a Recurrent Facial Pain
Authors: Yamgoue Yves , Pralong Etienne , Levivier Marc , Bloch Jocelyne
Published: April 2016

We report the successful treatment of recurrent facial pain by deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventroposteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM-DBS), 10 years after VPM thalamotomy. A 62-year-old woman who suffered from an atypical right-sided trigeminal neuralgia of the V1 and V2 branches was successfully treated a decade ago with a radiofrequency VPM thermocoagulation. Ten years later, the same burning right-sided trigeminal pain progressively recurred and was resistant to medical treatments. A DBS procedure was proposed to the patient aiming to stimulate the vicinity of the preexisting stereotactic lesion. Intraoperatively, the pain relief was immediate at low stimulation intensities. Eleven months later, the patient remains pain free. This case report suggests that DBS targeting an area of the VPM close to the previous stereotactic lesion is possible as a salvage therapy, and can successfully achieve relief of facial pain 10 years after VPM thalamotomy.
A Phase 2a Study of Benralizumab for Patients with Eosinophilic Asthma in South Korea and Japan
Authors: Park Hae-Sim , Kim Mi-Kyeong , Imai Nobuyuki , Nakanishi Tsutomu , Adachi Mitsuru , Ohta Ken , Tohda Yuji ,   on behalf of the Asian Benralizumab Study Group
Published: April 2016

Background: Airway eosinophils are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Interleukin-5 is believed to be a key cytokine for the development, proliferation and activation of eosinophils. Benralizumab is an anti-interleukin-5 receptor α monoclonal antibody that depletes blood and airway eosinophils. We conducted a phase 2a study in South Korea and Japan to evaluate the effect of benralizumab in an East Asian population. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of benralizumab in adults with uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma with 2-6 incidences of exacerbations in the past year using a medium/high dose of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-agonists. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The subjects (n = 106) were randomized into four groups: placebo (n = 27) or benralizumab 2 mg (n = 27), 20 mg (n = 26) and 100 mg (n = 26). Benralizumab or placebo were administered subcutaneously on weeks 0 (day 1), 4, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 40. The primary endpoint was the asthma exacerbation rate at week 52. Results: The asthma exacerbation rate was reduced by 33, 45 or 36% versus the placebo group when treated with 2, 20 or 100 mg of benralizumab, respectively. The percent mean change in forced expiratory volume at 1 s increased with each of the three doses in subjects treated with benralizumab. Conclusions: Benralizumab reduced asthma exacerbation and improved lung function and asthma control in adults with uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of Maintenance Capecitabine Administrated to Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Treated with First-Line FOLFIRINOX
Authors: Reure Juliette , Follana Philippe , Gal Jocelyn , Evesque Ludovic , Cavaglione Gerard , Saint Angelique , François Eric
Published: April 2016

Objective: Treating metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) remains a challenging issue. Maintenance therapy is a growing concept used in different types of cancer. Our retrospective analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of early maintenance capecitabine administrated to patients with MPC treated with first-line FOLFIRINOX. Methods: 103 patients treated for MPC between November 2009 and July 2014 were retrospectively identified in our institution. Among them, 30 patients initially treated with a minimum of 4 and no more than 8 cycles of FOLFIRINOX, without signs of progression (every 14 days), received maintenance therapy with capecitabine until progression. Upon first progression (first progression-free survival, PFS1), patients were retreated with FOLFIRINOX or another scheme until second progression (second progression-free survival, PFS2). Results: Median OS was 17 months. Survival rates were 73% at 1 year (95% CI 0.59-0.91) and 25% at 2 years (95% CI 0.13-0.50). Median PFS1 was 5 months. Twenty-nine patients experienced disease progression during capecitabine treatment (96.7%). After disease progression, median PFS2 was 10 months. Considering the interval between the starting date of FOLFIRINOX treatment and second disease progression, the median time to treatment failure is 17 months. Conclusions: Maintenance with capecitabine seems effective without compromising FOLFIRINOX efficacy and allows obtaining very promising OS and PFS.
Design and Evaluation of a Multi-Epitope Peptide of Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Guo Liru , Kong Mei , Su Xu , Yang Dongjing , Zou Ming , Liu Yinghua , Lu Likun
Published: April 2016

Objectives: No licensed vaccines or therapeutic agents for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection exist to date. We aimed to construct a multi-epitope peptide (MEP) of hMPV to show promising results for epitope-based vaccine development. Methods: Six independent algorithms were screened to predict B-cell epitopes of hMPV, and three algorithms were used to predict cytotoxic T lymphocyte and T helper (Th) lymphocyte epitopes. Predicted epitopes were assembled in series with the spacers GPGPG and KK introduced, termed MEP. Recombinant mep genes were inserted into pET32a(+) plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). BALB/c mice were immunized with MEP with different adjuvants. Antibody titer, lymphocyte proliferation, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity and splenocyte cytokines were detected 2 weeks later after the last immunization. Microneutralization assay was used to detect neutralizing antibodies. Results: Six B-cell epitopes, four CTL epitopes and two Th epitopes were screened to construct the mep gene. Expressed MEP induced >104 antibodies in BALB/c mice, and produced anti-MEP antibody reacting with hMPV strains specifically as detected in indirect fluorescent assay (the titer was 160). The lymphocyte proliferation index, CTL activity and splenocyte cytokines of the MEP immunization groups were higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Both IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies could be detected in the different groups, and balanced Th1/Th2 cytokines were secreted by splenocytes in these groups. The mean neutralizing titers of the MEP+CpG ODN, MEP+Alum and MEP+Alum+ CpG ODN groups were 87 (95% CI 50-126), 93 (95% CI 67-121) and 96 (95% CI 69-147), respectively. Conclusion: MEP of hMPV elicited both strong humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity in mice. The anti-MEP serum could neutralize hMPV infection in vitro. Joint use of CpG ODN and aluminum hydroxide adjuvants obtained the best immune effects. This study may contribute to hMPV epitope-based vaccine development.
Contrast Sensitivity after Pars Plana Vitrectomy: Comparison between Macula-On and Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Kawamura Hajime , Fujikawa Masato , Sawada Osamu , Sawada Tomoko , Saishin Yoshitsugu , Ohji Masahito
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the contrast sensitivity (CS) of eyes successfully repaired by vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with or without preoperative macular involvement. Methods: In this retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series, 109 eyes received primary vitrectomy for RRD, of which 36 with at least 12 months of follow-up and a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥1 at 12 months postoperatively were investigated. The main outcome measurements were BCVA and CS at 12 months postoperatively. Patients with macula-on RRD preoperatively were included in the macula-on group, and patients with macula-off RRD preoperatively were included in the macula-off group. The between-group difference in CS under evening vision conditions was measured with a Takagi glare tester CGT-2000 at 6 visual angles and 13 contrast levels with and without glare. Results: CS was significantly lower in the macula-off group for targets with visual angles of 1.6, 1.0, and 0.64° with glare (p < 0.05) and for the target with a visual angle of 0.64° without glare (p < 0.05). Conclusions: CS in the higher spatial frequency range (especially with glare) is reduced in macula-off RRD patients with good postoperative BCVA compared to macula-on RRD patients with good postoperative BCVA.
Induction of Regulatory T Cells as a Novel Mechanism Underlying the Therapeutic Action of Kakkonto, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, in a Murine Food Allergy Model
Authors: Yamamoto Takeshi , Fujiwara Kanae , Tsubota Yuma , Kageyama-Yahara Natsuko , Hayashi Shusaku , Kadowaki Makoto
Published: April 2016

Background: The number of patients with food allergy (FA) has dramatically increased. Although satisfactory drug therapies for FA are not available, we have found that kakkonto, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, suppressed the occurrence of allergic symptoms in an FA mouse model. Thus, we investigated whether kakkonto could regulate the activation and differentiation of T cells in the colon. Methods: BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized and then orally challenged with ovalbumin. FA mice were orally treated with kakkonto. Lamina propria (LP) cells from their colons were isolated and analyzed. Results: Kakkonto significantly reduced the proportion of CD69+ cells and the elevated helper T cell type 2-specific transcription factor GATA-3 mRNA expression in the LP CD4+ T cells, showing that kakkonto has a suppressive effect on the activation and Th2 differentiation of LP effector CD4+ T cells of the FA mouse colon. Furthermore, kakkonto significantly increased the proportion of Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells in the LP CD4+ T cells of the FA mouse colon. Similarly, the number of Foxp3-positive cells was dramatically increased in the colonic mucosa of kakkonto-administered FA mice. However, the pharmacological effect and Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cell-inducing ability of kakkonto were not attenuated by the administration of an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody in the FA model. Conclusions: The induction of Foxp3+CD4+CD25- regulatory T cells in the colon as a novel mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of kakkonto could be utilized for the development of a novel anti-FA drug.
Post-Exercise Hypotension Is Mediated by a Decrease in Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Stages 2-3 CKD
Authors: Aprile Daniele C.B. , Oneda Bruna , Gusmão Josiane L. , Costa Luiz A.R. , Forjaz Claudia L.M. , Mion Jr. Decio , Tinucci Tais
Published: April 2016

Background: This study aimed at evaluating the after effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure (BP) in stages 2-3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We hypothesized that CKD patients present a greater decline in these variables after the exercise than healthy individuals. Methods: Nine patients with stages 2-3 CKD (50 ± 8 years) and 12 healthy volunteers (50 ± 5 years) underwent 2 sessions, conducted in a random order: exercise (45 min, cycle ergometer, 50% of peak oxygen uptake) and rest (seated, 45 min). Sixty minutes after either intervention, MSNA (by microneurography), BP (by oscillometry), and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) were measured. A 2-way analysis of variance with group (between) and session (within) as main factors was employed, accepting p < 0.05 as significant. Results: Diastolic BP and MSNA were higher in the CKD than the control group in both sessions. Responses after exercise were similar in both groups. Systolic BP, diastolic BP, MSNA and FVR were significantly lower after the exercise than after the rest session in both the CKD and the control groups (162 ± 15 vs. 152 ± 23 and 155 ± 11 vs. 145 ± 16 mm Hg, 91 ± 11 vs. 85 ± 14 and 77 ± 5 vs. 71 ± 10 mm Hg, 38 ± 4 vs. 31 ± 4 and 34 ± 2 vs. 27 ± 4 burst/min, 59 ± 29 vs. 41 ± 29 and 45 ± 20 vs. 31 ± 8 U, respectively, all p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results showed that aerobic exercise may produce hemodynamic and neural responses that can be beneficial to these patients in spite of CKD.
Separate Primary Melanomas of the Bulbar Conjunctiva and Eyelid Skin: Clinical Implications of Multiple Primary Melanomas
Authors: Jacinto Frances A. , Fisher George H. , Espana Edgar M. , Leyngold Ilya M. , Margo Curtis E.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: We report a patient with previous in situ melanoma of the forehead skin who was referred for treatment of a bulbar conjunctival melanoma and a separate superficially invasive melanoma of the eyelid skin, and we offer a review of the biological and clinical implications of patients who have multiple primary melanomas. Methods: This article offers a clinicopathological correlation with a review of the relevant literature. Results: An 80-year-old white man was referred for evaluation of a suspicious conjunctival tumor and a lower-eyelid lesion. Excisional biopsies revealed that both were primary melanomas arising within in situ disease. Over the span of 25 years, the patient had three separate foci of in situ melanoma, two of which spawned invasive melanoma. Conclusion: Separate melanomas arising from the bulbar conjunctiva and eyelid skin have rarely been reported. Multiple primary melanomas of the skin, however, are not uncommon. Based on studies of persons with multiple cutaneous melanomas, the prognosis is best predicted by the tumor with the greatest depth of invasion. Patients with multiple melanomas should be examined for dysplastic nevi, additional cutaneous melanomas, and screened periodically for future lesions. Ongoing studies enrolling patients with multiple primary melanomas are attempting to generate insights into low-penetrance susceptibility genes.
Gastric Schwannoma Mimicking Malignant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Exhibiting Increased Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake
Authors: Oh Sung Jin , Suh Byoung Jo , Park Jong Kwon
Published: April 2016

A schwannoma is a kind of neurogenic tumor that rarely occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric schwannomas make up 0.2% of all gastric neoplasms. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors and up to 60-70% of GIST occur in the stomach. Schwannoma and GIST are similar in clinical features, so they are difficult to differentiate preoperatively. Differential diagnosis of these two submucosal tumors is important because of the malignant potential of GIST and the relatively benign course of gastric schwannomas. We report a 49-year-old woman who was diagnosed after operation with a gastric schwannoma, which was suspected a malignant GIST by fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography imaging.
Epidermal Cyst in the Scrotum Successfully Treated while Preserving the Testis: A Case Report
Authors: Kondo Takuya , Kawahara Takashi , Matsumoto Taro , Yamamoto Yuko , Tsutsui Miho , Ohtani Masako , Ohtaka Mari , Kumano Yohei , Maeda Yoko , Mochizuki Taku , Mori Kohei , Asai Takuo , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Takeshima Teppei , Hattori Yusuke , Teranishi Jun-ichi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Yumura Yasushi , Yao Masahiro , Inayama Yoshiaki , Uemura Hiroji
Published: April 2016

A 66-year-old male was referred to our hospital for further examination of a scrotal mass. Because of the risk of testicular cancer, we first clamped the vessels as a course of higher orchiectomy. Then, we approached the tumor through the scrotum and successfully resected it while preserving the testis. A histopathological diagnosis revealed an epidermal cyst. We herein report a rare case of an intrascrotal epidermal cyst successfully treated while preserving the testis.
Progression, Remission and Regression of Chronic Renal Diseases
Authors: Cortinovis Monica , Ruggenenti Piero , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: April 2016

Progression to end-stage renal disease is common in chronic nephropathies, independent of the initial insult. While genetic factors may contribute to susceptibility and progression of renal disease, proteinuria has been documented as an independent predictor of outcome. Reduction of urinary protein levels by restoration of glomerular sieving function with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers has been shown to limit renal function decline in individuals with non-diabetic and diabetic nephropathies to the point that remission of the disease and regression of renal lesions have been observed in experimental animals and even in humans. In animal models, regression of glomerular structural changes is associated with remodeling of glomerular architecture. This review briefly describes our understanding of the mechanism of renal disease progression, the therapeutic advantages of ameliorating glomerular sieving dysfunction and proteinuria of RAS inhibitors and how remission/regression of renal injury can be achieved with multifactorial interventions.
Mechanical Thrombectomy Improves Functional Outcomes Independent of Pretreatment With Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Mavridis Dimitris , Magoufis Georgios , Arthur Adam , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

Endovascular intervention for emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) has evolved rapidly during the past decade. The question of whether pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has a significant impact on the functional outcome of patients with ELVO still remains unanswered.

Methods—

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of endovascular therapy (ET) for acute ischemic stroke. We performed a mixed-effects subgroup analysis of the reported odds ratios on the association of ET (versus standard therapy) with 3-month functional outcome, stratified by pretreatment with IVT.

Results—

Six randomized controlled trials were included, comprising 1916 total patients (49.1% receiving ET with IVT pretreatment and 5.6% receiving ET without IVT pretreatment). In the subgroup analysis, ET was associated with a higher likelihood of better 3-month functional outcome in both the subgroup of patients with (odds ratio=1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–2.44;
P
<0.001) and without (odds ratio=2.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–4.63;
P
=0.001) pretreatment with IVT. We documented no significant effect of IVT pretreatment on the 3-month functional outcome of patients with ELVO undergoing ET, suggesting that ET is effective in all patients with ELVO. Heterogeneity was documented in the IVT pretreatment subgroup (
I
2
=68.3%;
P
for Cochran
Q
=0.014), but not in the subgroup that did not receive IVT pretreatment (
I
2
=0%,
P
for Cochran
Q
=0.927). The risk of bias was considered to be generally low in the qualitative assessment of the included trials.

Conclusions—

Our observation provides evidence and further reassurance to stroke clinicians regarding the efficacy of ET in ELVO independent of pretreatment with IVT.
A Sign in the Dark: Moses’s Cushite Wife and Boundary Setting in the Book of Numbers
Authors: Serino Ron M.
Published: April 2016

Sitting at a primary intersection of gender and ethnicity in the book of Numbers is the figure of the Cushite woman in Numbers 12. Who is this Cushite, and why does she materialize seemingly out of nowhere, only to disappear as fast as she appeared? In order to explore ways that gender and ethnicity were used to define boundaries and construct identity in post-exilic Judah, this paper investigates the role that this Cushite plays in the narrative of Numbers and the ideology behind her enigmatic portrayal. 

Employing Julia Kristeva’s concept of abjection as the primary framework, I propose that a recasting of the character of Zipporah as the Cushite woman is the pivot point that the post-exilic, priestly authors of Numbers utilize to accomplish three of their primary goals in rewriting Exodus: alienate the Midianites, constrain women, and appropriate the role of Moses. Who better to accomplish these goals than the Midianite wife of Moses? 

Drawing upon the work of Claudia Camp, this paper argues that all foreign women in Numbers are not created equally. Just as Camp finds circles drawn increasingly tighter around those authorized to be priests, I explore ways that Numbers constructs degrees of difference for foreign women. Foreigners are welcome but are not to come too close. Just how close is too close, and who is excluded at what times and why? The Cushite woman holds a key to unlocking this mystery in Numbers. She is a sign in the dark.
New Testament Rhetorical Narratology: An Invitation toward Integration
Authors: Dinkler Michal Beth
Published: April 2016

We are witnessing these days a remarkable rapprochement between the study of rhetoric and the study of narrative. Indeed, these two approaches to New Testament texts are apparently so different that in 2008, Vernon Robbins could lament the “widespread consensus” among scholars that it is “not possible to formulate a systematic rhetorical approach to narrative portions of the Gospels and Acts.” And yet, this bifurcation has been shortsighted. It is not only possible but also necessary and beneficial to bring the resources and insights of narratology into conversation with the resources and insights of rhetorical criticism. This article participates in the move to build bridges across the theoretical crevasses that have divided “New Testament rhetoric” and “New Testament narrative.” First, I take a panoramic view, broadly outlining several reasons that the dividing lines continue to hold currency in New Testament scholarship, and why these views are misguided. I then propose that we reimagine the boundaries of the “New Testament and rhetoric” to include narrative as a mode of persuasion in and of itself, using resources from the literary subfield of rhetorical narratology. Finally, I offer a brief analysis of the uses of speech and silence in Acts 15:1–35 in order to demonstrate how the tools of rhetorical narratology can help us to think in fresh ways about the rhetorical force of New Testament narratives.
Virgil, Lucan, and the Meaning of Civil War in Valerius Flaccus’ Argonautica
Authors: Heerink Mark
Published: April 2016

In his recent monograph (2012) Tim Stover has provided the first full-scale study of Valerius Flaccus’ interaction with Lucan’sBellum Civile, arguing that theArgonauticarestores epic after Lucan and optimistically supports Vespasian’s restoration of the Principate after the civil wars of 68-69ad. Focusing on the ‘civil war’ between the Argonauts and the Doliones in Book 3 of Valerius’ epic, I will propose an alternative reading of the influence of Lucan as well as Virgil’s Aeneid. Although Valerius at first sight seems to set up the Cyzicus episode in Virgilian fashion, he in fact deconstructs this reading, revealing the impossibility of (re)writing anAeneidin the Flavian age.
Two Byzantine Lexica on the Abolition of the Attic Script
Authors: Papanikolaou Dimitrios
Published: April 2016

A landmark in the history of Greek script is the adoption of the Ionian alphabet by the Atheniandemosduring the archonship of Eukleides (403/402bc). This event, which led to the abandonment of the Attic script in Attica, is recorded in the entries of two Byzantine lexica, the lexicon of Photius and the Suda. This article investigates the entries of the two Byzantine lexica and the possible sources (Hellenistic, Roman-era, early Byzantine) from which Photius and the Suda received this entry. It focuses on the role of Pausanias and the Synagoge in the transmission of these entries to Photius; it also stresses that Pausanias’ ultimate source was Didymus of Alexandria. The article investigates Didymus’ possible sources on the abolition of the Attic script and tries to trace them among older Atthidographers.
Circles and Landscapes
Authors: Manioti Nikoletta
Published: April 2016

Ovid’s version of Ceres’ travels in search for her daughter Proserpina inFasti4 reflects contemporary geographical views. We note an expansion of horizons that has already happened in CallimachusHymn6 compared to the HomericHymn to Demeter, but is now reaching even further as well as offering more precise information. At the same time Ovid is inspired by Callimachus’ pattern of figurative concentric circles (Achelous/Ocean, ever-flowing rivers, well of Callichorus) to create a narrative characterised by figurative and literal circles (one e.g. being Henna, Sicily, the whole world). TheFastiversion is thus Callimachean without failing to conform to the Roman character of the poem by placing Rome at the climax of the journey, and its world below Ceres’ chariot flight.
The Early History of Kurdish Studies (1787–1901)
Authors: Alsancakli Sacha
Published: April 2016

The history of Kurdish studies in the period before the 20th century has been neglected. In the few instances where it has been discussed, it was treated as a mere opening act paving the way for later developments. This has led to anachronistic projections of the contemporary state of the field onto the past. Furthermore, the uncontextualized approach generally adopted has not allowed for a critical account of the field’s development and the way it reflected global trends and evolutions. By doing this work of contextualization, this article wishes to provide a better understanding of the way the field developed before the 20th century and to identify the specific characteristics that emerged through this development.
Complementarity’s Monopoly on Justice in Uganda: The International Criminal Court, Victims and Thomas Kwoyelo
Authors: Moffett Luke
Published: April 2016

Complementarity has been extolled as the pioneering way for the International Criminal Court (icc) to navigate the difficulties of state sovereignty when investigating and prosecuting international crimes. Victims have often been held up to justify and legitimise the work of the icc and states complementing the Court through domestic processes. This article examines how Uganda has developed its laws, legal procedure, and accountability for international crimes over the past decade. This has culminated in the trial of Thomas Kwoyelo, which after five years of proceedings, has yet to move to the trial phase, due to the issue of an amnesty. While there has been a profusion of provisions to allow victims to participate, avail of protection measures and reparations, in practice very little has changed for them. This article highlights the dangers of complementarity being the sole solution to protracted conflicts, in particular the realisation of victims’ rights.
Children and Young People’s Right to Participate: National and Local Youth Councils in Ireland
Authors: Forde Catherine , Martin Shirley
Published: April 2016

This article explores the impacts of participation in local and national child and youth councils in the Republic of Ireland. It is based on an original research study for which 300 young people were asked about their experience of participating in youth councils. The research indicates that while youth councils have succeeded in offering children and young people opportunities to acquire skills and to influence decision-making at the local level, the institutional and societal impacts of their participation are less apparent. The research provides evidence that youth participation impacts positively on young people’s active citizenship and on-going engagement with democratic institutions after their participatory experiences have ended. It also indicates a growing awareness and recognition of the role of children and young people in the community. The article concludes that participatory structures such as youth councils should be underpinned by statutory guidelines and legislation so that children and young people’s participation is meaningful and gains from their participation are not lost.
Moenkhausia venerei (Characiformes: Characidae), a new species from the rio Araguaia, Central Brazil
Authors: PETROLLI MARINA G. , AZEVEDO-SANTOS VALTER M. , BENINE RICARDO C.
Published: April 2016

Moenkhausia venerei is described from the rio Araguaia, Mato Grosso, Central Brazil. The new species differs from its congeners, except M. collettii and M. copei, by the combination of the following characters: a longitudinal dark band extending from the tip of the snout to the base of caudal fin; a dark line along the base of the anal fin; and a conspicuous humeral spot. Moenkhausia venerei is distinguished from M. collettii by having a wider and more conspicuous longitudinal dark band and from M. copei by the higher number of anal-fin rays. A discussion about the overall similarity and putative relationship with M. collettii, M. copei, Hemigrammus ulreyi, H. ataktos, and H. barrigonae is provided.
Notes on holotypes of hermit crabs (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguroidea) deposited in the collection of Zoological Museum of RAS (Saint-Petersburg, Russia) with remarks on hermit crab diversity along the Russian coast of the Sea of Japan
Authors: MARIN IVAN
Published: April 2016

The holotype of Clibanarius sachalinicus Kobjakova, 1955 and Clibanarius hirsutimanus Kobjakova, 1971 in the collection of Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences (Saint-Petersburg, Russia) are examined. As a result, Clibanarius hirsutimanus Kobjakova, 1971 is found to be a species of Areopaguristes nigroapiculus (Komai, 2009) while Clibanarius sachalinicus Kobjakova, 1955 is a species of Clibanarius virescens (Krauss, 1843). Remarks on a single record of Diogenes penicillatus Stimpson, 1858 from Shamora Bay (Usury Bay) of the Sea of Japan as well as current faunal list of hermit crabs from the Russian coasts of the Sea of Japan are also presented in the paper.
Chirality of male genitalia in Otomantis casaica Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae, Acromantinae)
Authors: LOMBARDO FRANCESCO , STIEWE MARTIN B. D. , IPPOLITO SALVATRICE
Published: April 2016

Reversal of male genitalia are known in various insect orders, such as in Odonata, Orthoptera, Dermaptera, Hemiptera and Trichoptera (Schilthuizen 2007) and, within the Dictyoptera, in several species of Ectobiinae (Blattodea) (Bohn 1987), and Mantodea. Balderson (1978) first described reversal of the phallic complex in Stenomantis Saussure and Ciulfina Giglio-Tos, reporting this condition in eleven of 17 specimens representing two species of the latter—informally named as “Ciulfina sp.2” and “Ciulfina sp.7” (see Balderson 1978: 238). Subsequently, Anisyutkin & Gorochov (2004) reported the same condition at the time of describing Haania doroshenkoi from Cambodia. The male external genitalia within the Mantodea (“praying mantises”) are markedly asymmetrical and generally develop in a single orientation (Klass 1997; Huber et al. 2007). Typically, the phallic complex consists of three phallic lobes surrounding the gonopore, all contained in a genital chamber between the ninth sternite and the paraprocts. Two of the three phallic lobes (phallomeres of La Greca 1955) are situated above the gonopore—one to the left and one to the right—while the third lies ventral to the genital opening. The right phallomere (RP) (Fig.1) (“right epiphallus” of Beier 1964) is usually dorsally positioned and its base extends almost completely across the wall of the genital chamber. The left phallomere (LP) (Fig.1) (“left epiphallus” of Beier 1964) is the most complex of the three lobes and it lies above the ventral phallomere (VP) (Fig.1) (hypophallus of Beier 1964).
Terrorism, Belief Formation, and Residential Integration
Authors: Edling Christofer , Rydgren Jens , Sandell Rickard
Published: April 2016

In this article, we study the effects of the 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid on ethnic segregation in Spain. Using large-scale Spanish register data consisting of information on 5.4 million international migration events on a monthly basis and 13.9 million intermunicipal migration events, of which 3.8 million events concern the foreign-born population’s internal migration within Spain, the analyses show that ethnic segregation increased (i.e., the average geographical distance) between Arab immigrants and native Spaniards shortly after the terror bombing, but that no such effect was found for other immigrant groups. The analysis also shows that this was a relative short-term effect: After about 1 or 2 years, ethnic segregation started to decline again (and thus resumed the declining trend that was observed during the years before the terrorist bombing). We interpret these results in terms of belief formation mechanisms. Because of priming and framing effects, the terrorist bombings accentuated the salience of ethnic categorizations and induced threat-attributing ethnic stereotypes, which were influencing migration behaviors. However, not only did native Spaniards become more reluctant to live in close proximity to Arab immigrants, Arab migrants also became more inclined to move closer to coethnics, possibly because of a perceived threat to become victims of discriminatory behaviors of the majority population. Priming and framing affects abated after a while, and migration behaviors started to return to normal again. Finally, we discuss a variety of survey data to substantiate the argument that belief formation mechanisms played an important role in these processes.
Saving Children, Controlling Families
Authors: Edwards Frank
Published: April 2016

This study shows that state efforts at child protection are structured by the policy regimes in which they are enmeshed. Using administrative data on child protection, criminal justice, and social welfare interventions, I show that children are separated from their families and placed into foster care far more frequently in states with extensive and punitive criminal justice systems than in states with broad and generous welfare programs. However, large welfare bureaucracies interact with welfare program enrollment to create opportunities for the surveillance of families, suggesting that extensive and administratively complex welfare states engage in “soft” social control through the surveillance and regulation of family behavior. The article further shows that institutionalization, a particularly restrictive form of foster care placement, is least common in states with broad and generous welfare regimes and generally more common under punitive regimes. Taken together, these findings show that policy regimes influence the interaction between families and the state through their proximate effects on family structure and well-being and through institutional effects that delimit the routines and scripts through which policymakers and street-level bureaucrats intervene to protect children.
Small Business and Social Irresponsibility in Developing Countries: Working Conditions and “Evasion” Institutional Work
Authors: Soundararajan Vivek , Spence Laura J. , Rees Chris
Published: April 2016

Small businesses in developing countries, as part of global supply chains, are sometimes assumed to respond in a straightforward manner to institutional demands for improved working conditions. This article problematizes this perspective. Drawing upon extensive qualitative data from Tirupur’s knitwear export industry in India, we highlight owner-managers’ agency in avoiding or circumventing these demands. The small businesses here actively engage in irresponsible business practices and “evasion” institutional work to disrupt institutional demands in three ways: undermining assumptions and values, dissociating consequences, and accumulating autonomy and political strength. This “evasion” work is supported by three conditions: void (in labor welfare mechanisms), distance (from institutional monitors), and contradictions (between value systems). Through detailed empirical findings, the article contributes to research on both small business social responsibility and institutional work.
Agentic constructivism and the Proliferation Security Initiative: Modeling norm change
Authors: Lantis Jeffrey S
Published: April 2016

Recent developments in global politics and international relations theory have raised questions about the strength of international norms. Critical constructivists identify instances of norm change, contestation, and even regress, arguing that norms may be less deeply internalized and more fragile than often assumed. This study builds on contemporary constructivist scholarship to advance a model of elite-driven norm change with stages of redefinition and substitution through contestation. It conducts a plausibility probe of the model by analyzing the development of the Proliferation Security Initiative, the US-led program that appeared designed to change normative principles from non-proliferation to counter-proliferation and from freedom of navigation on the high seas to maritime interdiction of suspect weapons and technology shipments. The model lends valuable insights on the evolution of norms to accommodate new realities over the last decade, and it suggests the need for more contingent and multi-linear theories of international cooperation.
Doctors’ reflexivity in hospital organisations: The nexus between institutional and behavioural dynamics in the sociology of professions
Authors: Correia Tiago
Published: April 2016

This article seeks to provide a clearer picture of how the nexus between institutional and behavioural dynamics operates among doctors in hospital organisations. On the basis of qualitative, in-depth research conducted in a hospital organisation, with the focus on doctors from two wards, differences in their actions and discourses challenge the coherence associated with professional and organisational values found in the debates in the sociology of professions. Rather than denying these influences, the article relates them to the way professionals reflexively make use of their roles in situated circumstances. Therefore, it discusses not only the fact that the doctors’ medical rationale is crisscrossed by a diversity of influences – ethics, management and the organisational culture and subcultures – but also that they make reflexive deliberations on the basis of interests related to specific contexts. The analysis builds on recent discussions in neo-institutionalism aligned with critical realism, in order to refine theoretical arguments on reflexivity while providing tools for future empirical research in the sociology of professions.
Cross-Cultural Educational Experiences and Academic Achievement of Ghanaian Immigrant Youth in Urban Public Schools
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex , Smith Patriann
Published: April 2016

The past two decades have witnessed a rapid increase of immigrant population in U.S. schools. Little is known, however, about factors that promote cross-cultural experiences, academic achievement, and/or challenges of Black African immigrant youth, which is particularly significant today in the midst of the current social and political discourse over the influence of immigration in U.S. schools. Sixty Ghanaian-born immigrant students were recruited and interviewed. Analyses, which draw from in-depth interviews and observations, revealed that resilience to succeed, teacher and parent support, positive school environment, past histories including educational experiences, and challenging factors of racism, classism, xenophobia, acculturative stress, changes in curriculum, language, and cultural discrimination emerged as the major factors that largely influenced academic achievement of these learners. This article discusses the implications of these findings for educators who are tasked to render better educational settings for Black African immigrant students to succeed in U.S. schools.
Diverse Students, High School Factors, and Completion Agenda Goals: An Analysis of the Illinois Class of 2003
Authors: Blankenberger Bob , Lichtenberger Eric , Witt M. Allison , Franklin Doug
Published: April 2016

Illinois education policymakers have adopted the completion agenda that emphasizes increasing postsecondary credential attainment. Meeting completion agenda goals necessitates addressing the achievement gap. To aid in developing policy to support improved completion, this study analyzes a comprehensive statewide dataset of the 2003 Illinois high school graduating class attending 4-year institutions using Cox regression survival analysis. Study findings indicate that African American (0.768 odds ratio) and Hispanic students (0.746) were significantly less likely to complete a baccalaureate degree within 7 years of graduating from high school when compared with their White peers. Furthermore, significance held regardless of income level. Several factors significantly related to improved likelihood of baccalaureate completion were identified including high school composite American College Testing (ACT) score, dual credit and advanced placement (AP) course taking, type of curriculum, ACT English and mathematics scores, and completing the ACT core curriculum. Analysis was conducted by race and income to compare the differences in significance across these groups.
The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Children and Adolescents
Authors: Mallett Christopher A.
Published: April 2016

This conceptual article synthesizes the empirical research on punitive environmental norms of schools and the disproportionate effects on certain child and adolescent groups, particularly within urban schools. This involvement has come to be known as the school-to-prison pipeline. The young people affected by harsh school discipline protocols and involved formally with the juvenile courts share a number of common vulnerabilities. A review of these common risk factors that children and adolescents experience is presented first. This is followed by identification of which child and adolescent groups are disproportionately involved in the pipeline: the impoverished, those of color, maltreatment victims, students with special education disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
Positioning Australia’s contemporary health and physical education curriculum to address poor physical activity participation rates by adolescent girls
Authors: Usher Wayne , Edwards Allan , Cudmore Laura
Published: April 2016

Background:

Given the wealth of research identifying how schools are in a strong position to promote physical activity (PA) among children, it would be reasonable to suggest that initial experiences of physical education and school sport are critical factors influencing whether a student will develop a healthy relationship to PA. However, research in Australia equally identifies how secondary school-aged young people are increasingly failing to meet national guidelines concerning PA levels and participation rates, with adolescent girls displaying the most disturbing trends.

Purpose:

This paper examines how the recent Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Health and Physical Education (HPE) structure aims to address such concerns as poor PA levels and participation rates by adolescent girls.

Methods:

A theoretical approach, consisting of document and literature analysis, was undertaken to develop insights into the current developments surrounding the ACARA HPE implementation, in an attempt to address identified socio-cultural issues within contemporary HPE practices. Such an approach is aimed at heightening effective pedagogy.

Conclusion:

This paper provides a vision for supporting future student inclusion in HPE, by acknowledging potential barriers to the adoption of PA by adolescent girls and identifying strategies that will collectively promote curriculum priorities and classroom practices accordingly.
Is Same-Sex Marriage an Equality Issue? Framing Effects Among African Americans
Authors: Gainous Jason , Rhodebeck Laurie
Published: April 2016

Public opinion about gay rights is often shaped by egalitarian values. While the extant literature has suggested that African Americans’ value structure tends to be very egalitarian, many popular media accounts as well as some scholarly research indicate that Blacks have, at times, opposed gay rights. We assert that when the media frame gay rights as equality issues, Blacks are more likely to rely on egalitarianism to form their opinions. We use content analysis to show that equality framing of gay rights dramatically increased in 2012, and we use national survey data to show that Blacks’ support for marriage equality also precipitously rose beginning in 2012. Then, we use data from an original framing experiment to show that exposure to an equality frame does, indeed, encourage Blacks to be more reliant on their egalitarian values to form an opinion about same-sex marriage and to be more supportive of the policy.
Electrical and rheological percolation behavior of multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced poly(phenylene sulfide) composites
Authors: Ribeiro B , Pipes RB , Costa ML , Botelho EC
Published: April 2016

Polyphenylene sulfide-based nanocomposites filled with unmodified multiwalled carbon nanotubes from 0.5 wt% to 8.0 wt% have been prepared by melt mixing technique with a single-screw extruder and hot press. Transmission electronic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis were carried out in order to assess the multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersion throughout the polyphenylene sulfide matrix. Electrical conductivity of the polymer was dramatically enhanced by about 11 decades between 2.0 wt% and 3.0 wt% of nanotubes, suggesting the formation of three-dimensional conductive network within the polymeric matrix. The storage modulus (G′) of neat polyphenylene sulfide presented an increase by two orders of magnitude when 2.0 wt% of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes was considered, with the formation of an interconnected nanotube structure, indicative of “pseudo-solid-like” behavior. In addition, percolation networks were formed when the loading levels achieve up to 1.5 wt% for multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyphenylene sulfide composites.
Major court and tribunal decisions in Australia in 2015
Authors: Sutherland Carolyn , Riley Joellen
Published: April 2016

A number of significant Federal Court and Fair Work Commission decisions decided in 2015 reveal the approach that each institution (the court on one hand and an administrative tribunal on the other) has taken to the interpretation and application of important workplace law principles and rules. These include the abiding question of ‘who is an employee’ and therefore covered by workplace laws; how the General Protections in the Fair Work Act should operate; what constitutes ‘fair’ treatment for the purposes of the Commission’s unfair dismissal and workplace bullying jurisdictions; and how flexibly (or technically) the rules for enterprise bargaining should be applied.
Women, work and industrial relations in Australia in 2015
Authors: Kaine Sarah
Published: April 2016

Industrial relations analysis is traditionally based on a consideration of how institutional actors engage with and shape regulatory frameworks and how these frameworks impact on the determination of wages and conditions at work. Undoubtedly, the institutional and regulatory architecture remain significant factors in gender equality outcomes, and in 2015 multiple government reviews and inquiries into that architecture contributed to a sense of policy flux despite few substantive changes. This article will provide an overview of those policy developments most pertinent to women and work in 2015. Specifically changes to the Paid Parental Leave scheme, the expansion of Domestic Violence Leave and the implications of the lifetime income gap for women are considered. However, in addition to the overview of the policy landscape, this review emphasises that the actions of individuals also impact gender equality outcomes. An illustrative example is provided in a modest attempt to highlight the agency of individual actors and how this, in interaction with other institutional forces, shapes the broader regulatory environment.