bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Surface Recombination at the p-TypeSi/SiO2Interface via Dangling Bond Amphoteric Centers
Authors: Ghannam Moustafa Y. , Kamal Husain A.
Published: March 2014

An integral model is proposed for recombination at the silicon/silicon dioxide (Si/SiO2) interface of thermally oxidized p-type silicon viaPbamphoteric centers associated with surface dangling bonds. The proposed model is a surface adaptation of a model developed for bulk recombination in amorphous silicon based on Sah-Shockley statistics which is more appropriate for amphoteric center recombination than classical Shockley-Read-Hall statistics. It is found that the surface recombination via amphoteric centers having capture cross-sections larger for charged centers than for neutral centers is distinguished from Shockley-Read-Hall recombination by exhibiting two peaks rather than one peak when plotted versus surface potential. Expressions are derived for the surface potentials at which the peaks occur. Such a finding provides a firm and plausible interpretation for the double peak surface recombination current measured in gated diodes or gated transistors. Successful fitting is possible between the results of the model and reported experimental curves showing two peaks for surface recombination velocity versus surface potential. On the other hand, if charged and neutral center capture cross-sections are equal or close to equal, surface recombination via amphoteric centers follows the same trend as Shockley-Read-Hall recombination and both models lead to comparable surface recombination velocities.
Dabigatran Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in a Patient with Painful Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Otteno Helen , Smith Erica , Huffaker R. Keith
Published: March 2014

An 82-year-old female presented with longstanding history of both painful bladder syndrome and atrial fibrillation. She underwent hydrodistension remarkable for hematuria without temporary discontinuation of Dabigatran. Subsequently, patient was admitted to the hospital secondary to anemia and hemorrhagic cystitis.
Low Temperature Plasma: A Novel Focal Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer?
Authors: Hirst Adam M. , Frame Fiona M. , Maitland Norman J. , O’Connell Deborah
Published: March 2014

Despite considerable advances in recent years for the focal treatment of localized prostate cancer, high recurrence rates and detrimental side effects are still a cause for concern. In this review, we compare current focal therapies to a potentially novel approach for the treatment of early onset prostate cancer: low temperature plasma. The rapidly evolving plasma technology has the potential to deliver a wide range of promising medical applications via the delivery of plasma-induced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Studies assessing the effect of low temperature plasma on cell lines and xenografts have demonstrated DNA damage leading to apoptosis and reduction in cell viability. However, there have been no studies on prostate cancer, which is an obvious candidate for this novel therapy. We present here the potential of low temperature plasma as a focal therapy for prostate cancer.
Recent Insights in the Paracrine Modulation of Cardiomyocyte Contractility by Cardiac Endothelial Cells
Authors: Noireaud Jacques , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson
Published: March 2014

The cardiac endothelium is formed by a continuous monolayer of cells that line the cavity of the heart (endocardial endothelial cells (EECs)) and the luminal surface of the myocardial blood vessels (intramyocardial capillary endothelial cells (IMCEs)). EECs and IMCEs can exercise substantial control over the contractility of cardiomyocytes by releasing various factors such as nitric oxide (NO)viaa constitutive endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1, prostaglandins, angiotensin II, peptide growth factors, and neuregulin-1. The purpose of the present paper is actually to shortly review recent new information concerning cardiomyocytes as effectors of endothelium paracrine signaling, focusing particularly on contractile function. The modes of action and the regulatory paracrine role of the main mediators delivered by cardiac endothelial cells upon cardiac contractility identified in cardiomyocytes are complex and not fully described. Thus, careful evaluation of new therapeutic approaches is required targeting important physiological signaling pathways, some of which have been until recently considered as deleterious, like reactive oxygen species. Future works in the field of cardiac endothelial cells and cardiac function will help to better understand the implication of these mediators in cardiac physiopathology.
Reinforcement Learning in an Environment Synthetically Augmented with Digital Pheromones
Authors: Barbosa Salvador E. , Petty Mikel D.
Published: March 2014

Reinforcement learning requires information about states, actions, and outcomes as the basis for learning. For many applications, it can be difficult to construct a representative model of the environment, either due to lack of required information or because of that the model's state space may become too large to allow a solution in a reasonable amount of time, using the experience of prior actions. An environment consisting solely of the occurrence or nonoccurrence of specific events attributable to a human actor may appear to lack the necessary structure for the positioning of responding agents in time and space using reinforcement learning. Digital pheromones can be used to synthetically augment such an environment with event sequence information to create a more persistent and measurable imprint on the environment that supports reinforcement learning. We implemented this method and combined it with the ability of agents to learn from actions not taken, a concept known as fictive learning. This approach was tested against the historical sequence of Somali maritime pirate attacks from 2005 to mid-2012, enabling a set of autonomous agents representing naval vessels to successfully respond to an average of 333 of the 899 pirate attacks, outperforming the historical record of 139 successes.
Effect of Height on Pedestrian Route Choice between Stairs and Escalator
Authors: Li Qian , Ji Changxu , Jia Limin , Qin Yong
Published: March 2014

In order to overcome the subjectivity of existing pedestrian route choice models, an alternative choice model is presented based on the utility equation. It is composed of several indirectly objective characteristic variables, including the height, length, and width of interlayer facilities; speed of automated facilities; and carry-on luggage. Considering the scene that pedestrians choose between the stairs or escalators, an extended binary logit model is developed. Calibration and validation of the model are accomplished by using the data collected in four typical passenger transfer stations in Beijing, China. The results show that the proposed model has an average accuracy of 86.56% in bidirection for predicting pedestrians’ behavior. An interesting phenomenon can be found that the length of facility has poorer impact than height on pedestrians’ route choice behavior. Some quantitative and irradiative conclusions have been illustrated on the relationship between the selection probability and the variables, which is expected to be valuable for extracting the implicit theoretical mechanism of passenger choice behavior.
Cadmium Impairs p53 Activity in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Urani C. , Melchioretto P. , Fabbri M. , Bowe G. , Maserati E. , Gribaldo L.
Published: March 2014

Cadmium and cadmium compounds are contaminants of the environment, food, and drinking water and are important constituents of cigarette smoke. Cd exposure has also been associated with airborne particulate CdO and with Cd-containing quantum dots in medical therapy. Adverse cadmium effects reported in the literature have stimulated during recent years an ongoing discussion to better elucidate cadmium outcomes at cell and molecular level. The present work is designed to gain an insight into the mechanism of p53 impairment at gene and protein level to understand Cd-induced resistance to apoptosis. We used a hepatoma cell line (HepG2) derived from liver, known to be metal responsive. At genotoxic cadmium concentrations no cell cycle arrest was observed. The p53 at gene and protein level was not regulated. Fluorescence images showed that p53 was correctly translocated into the nucleus but that thep21Cip1/WAF-1, a downstream protein of p53 network involved in cell cycle regulation, was not activated at the highest cadmium concentrations used. The miRNAs analysis revealed an upregulation of mir-372, an miRNA able to affectp21Cip1/WAF-1expression and promote cell cycle progression and proliferation. The role of metallothioneins and possible conformational changes of p53 are discussed.
Mode of Delivery and Risk of Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Francis Stephen Starko , Selvin Steve , Metayer Catherine , Wallace Amelia D. , Crouse Vonda , Moore Theodore B. , Wiemels Joseph L. , Buffler Patricia A.
Published: March 2014

Background: Childhood infection and immune response have long been suspected in the etiology of childhood leukemia, specifically acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Normal primary inoculation of the core human microbiome is circumvented by cesarean section (CS) delivery, which is a proposed modulator of both immune response and early-life infection.

Methods: In this study, we examined CS delivery and the risk of childhood leukemia using data from the California Childhood Leukemia Study (CCLS) case–control study and additive logistic regression models.

Results: We observed no association between CS and acute myelogenous leukemia [OR, 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–1.55]. We observed a suggestive association for ALL and CS (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.97–1.54). When examining common ALL (cALL), defined as ALL with expression of CD10 and CD19 surface antigens and diagnosis occurring between 2 and 5.9 years of age, we found a significant association with CS (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.0–2.06). ALL subjects that are not cALL showed a similar risk as ALL overall (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.91–1.44). Because of previous findings suggesting effect modification, we stratified cALL subjects by Hispanic status. Although we observed no relationship for CS in non-Hispanics (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.72–1.79), we did observe a strong association between cALL and CS in Hispanics (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.23–4.46).

Conclusion: Within the CCLS, CS delivery seems to be associated with cALL and Hispanic subjects may be driving the association.

Impact: Further research combined with investigations into response to early infection and the microbiome is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(5); 876–81. ©2014 AACR.
ERβ Regulates NSCLC Phenotypes by Controlling Oncogenic RAS Signaling
Authors: Nikolos Fotis , Thomas Christoforos , Rajapaksa Gayani , Bado Igor , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: March 2014

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In addition to the aberrant growth factor signaling, dysregulation of other pathways, such as those mediated by estrogens and their receptors, has been linked to NSCLC initiation and progression. Although the expression of wild-type estrogen receptor β (ERβ1) has been associated with prolonged disease-free survival in patients with NSCLC, the molecular mechanism that accounts for this correlation is unknown. Here, upregulation of ERβ1 reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in the context of mutant RAS. ERβ1 was found to induce apoptosis by stimulating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway that involves BIM, a Bcl-2 proapoptotic family member that is regulated by the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK). Downregulation of EGFR and inactivation of RAS and the downstream components ERK1/2 were found to be involved in the ERβ1-induced apoptosis. Manipulation of EGFR and RAS expression and activity in ERβ1-expressing cells revealed the central role of oncogenic RAS inhibition in the ERβ1-mediated proapoptotic phenotype and EGFR regulation. These results demonstrate that ERβ1 decreases the survival of NSCLC cells by regulating oncogenic RAS signaling.

Implications: The ability of ERβ1 to regulate the oncogenic functions of RAS suggests its importance in the biology of NSCLC and its clinical management. Mol Cancer Res; 12(6); 843–54. ©2014 AACR.
Gonadal Differentiation in Reptiles Exhibiting Environmental Sex Determination
Authors: Kohno Satomi , Parrott Benjamin B. , Yatsu Ryohei , Miyagawa Shinichi , Moore Brandon C. , Iguchi Taisen , Guillette Jr. Louis
Published: March 2014

As temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and homozygote or heterozygote genetic sex determination (GSD) exist in multiple reptilian taxa, they represent sex determination systems that have emerged de novo. Current investigations have revealed that the genetic mechanisms used by various reptilian species are similar to those used by other vertebrates. However, the recent completion or near completion of various reptilian genome projects suggests that new studies examining related species with and without TSD could begin to provide additional insight into the evolution of TSD and GSD in vertebrate ancestors. Major questions still remain concerning germ cell migration and specification, the differentiation of gonadal accessory cells, such as the Sertoli cells and granulosa cells of the developing testis and ovary, respectively, and the mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated during TSD events. Further, reptilian sentinels and their mechanisms of gonadogenesis will likely remain important indicator species for environmental health. Thus, ongoing and new investigations need to tie molecular information to gonadal morphogenesis and function in reptiles. Such data will not only provide important information for an understanding of the evolution of these phenomena in vertebrates, but could also provide an important understanding of the health of the environment around us.
GATA-4 Transcription Factor Regulates Cardiac COX-2 Expression Induced by Nicorandil in Left Ventricle of Rats
Authors: Serizawa Kenichi , Yogo Kenji , Tashiro Yoshihito , Aizawa Ken , Ishizuka Nobuhiko
Published: March 2014

Background and Aims: Cardioprotective effects induced by delayed ischemic preconditioning and by nicorandil are mediated via expression of cardioprotective factors such as COX-2. The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether nicorandil could induce COX-2 in rats and to elucidate its mode of induction pharmacologically. Methods and Results: Three hours after administration of nicorandil (10 mg/kg, p.o.), COX-2 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the left ventricle, although other cardioprotective factors (Bcl-2, eNOS, hexokinase, HSP, and iNOS) were not increased. This COX-2 induction in the left ventricle was preceded by induction of GATA-4, which was significant from 1 h after administration. Ventricular levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α were increased 6 h after administration. Although pinacidil or isosorbide dinitrate alone did not increase COX-2 mRNA, their combined application significantly increased COX-2 mRNA. Moreover, although glibenclamide or ODQ each partly inhibited the induction of COX-2 mRNA by nicorandil, their combined application significantly inhibited it. These results suggest that nicorandil induces COX-2 protein through both the activation of KATP channels and guanylate cyclase. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that nicorandil induces COX-2 via GATA-4 induction in the heart through both KATP channel activation and its nitrate-like properties.
Primary Anorectal Melanoma
Authors: Khan Maliha , Bucher Nora , Elhassan Ahmed , Barbaryan Aram , Ali Alaa M. , Hussain Nasir , Mirrakhimov Aibek E.
Published: March 2014

Primary malignant melanoma of the anus and rectum is a rare and aggressive neoplasm that tends to invade locally and metastasize early in the course of the disease. It is often misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids or as one of the other benign anorectal conditions and is thus linked to an overall poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Optimal treatment is still controversial, and current evidence does not show any preferential survival benefit from abdominoperineal resection over wide local excision. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be used for advanced disease. We report a 71-year-old female presenting with painful bowel movements and blood in stools. She was eventually found to have a mass arising from the anorectal junction with regional lymph node involvement. The patient underwent an abdominoperineal resection and is currently scheduled for chemotherapy.
Using the Coronary Artery Calcium Score to Guide Statin Therapy
Authors: Pletcher Mark J. , Pignone Michael , Earnshaw Stephanie , McDade Cheryl , Phillips Kathryn A. , Auer Reto , Zablotska Lydia , Greenland Philip
Published: March 2014

Background—

The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score predicts future coronary heart disease (CHD) events and could be used to guide primary prevention interventions, but CAC measurement has costs and exposes patients to low-dose radiation.

Methods and Results—

We estimated the cost-effectiveness of measuring CAC and prescribing statin therapy based on the resulting score under a range of assumptions using an established model enhanced with CAC distribution and risk estimates from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Ten years of statin treatment for 10 000 55-year-old women with high cholesterol (10-year CHD risk, 7.5%) was projected to prevent 32 myocardial infarctions, cause 70 cases of statin-induced myopathy, and add 1108 years to total life expectancy. Measuring CAC and targeting statin treatment to the 2500 women with CAC>0 would provide 45% of the benefit (+501 life-years), but CAC measurement would cost $2.25 million and cause 9 radiation-induced cancers. Treat all was preferable to CAC screening in this scenario and across a broad range of other scenarios (CHD risk, 2.5%–15%) when statin assumptions were favorable ($0.13 per pill and no quality of life penalty). When statin assumptions were less favorable ($1.00 per pill and disutility=0.00384), CAC screening with statin treatment for persons with CAC>0 was cost-effective (<$50 000 per quality-adjusted life-year) in this scenario, in 55-year-old men with CHD risk 7.5%, and in other intermediate risk scenarios (CHD risk, 5%–10%). Our results were critically sensitive to statin cost and disutility and relatively robust to other assumptions. Alternate CAC treatment thresholds (>100 or >300) were generally not cost-effective.

Conclusions—

CAC testing in intermediate risk patients can be cost-effective but only if statins are costly or significantly affect quality of life.
Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Hyperintensity Correlates With Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Level and Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Jha Ruchira , Battey Thomas W. K. , Pham Ly , Lorenzano Svetlana , Furie Karen L. , Sheth Kevin N. , Kimberly W. Taylor
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose—

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is elevated in patients with acute stroke who later develop hemorrhagic transformation (HT). It is controversial whether early fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity on brain MRI predicts hemorrhagic transformation (HT). We assessed whether FLAIR hyperintensity was associated with MMP-9 and HT.

Methods—

We analyzed a prospectively collected cohort of acute stroke subjects with acute brain MRI images and MMP-9 values within the first 12 hours after stroke onset. FLAIR hyperintensity was measured using a signal intensity ratio between the stroke lesion and corresponding normal contralateral hemisphere. MMP-9 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships between FLAIR ratio (FR), MMP-9, and HT were evaluated.

Results—

A total of 180 subjects were available for analysis. Patients were imaged with brain MRI at 5.6±4.3 hours from last seen well time. MMP-9 blood samples were drawn within 7.7±4.0 hours from last seen well time. The time to MRI (
r
=0.17,
P
=0.027) and MMP-9 level (
r
=0.29,
P
<0.001) were each associated with FR. The association between MMP-9 and FR remained significant after multivariable adjustment (
P
<0.001). FR was also associated with HT and symptomatic hemorrhage (
P
=0.012).

Conclusions—

FR correlates with both MMP-9 level and risk of hemorrhage. FLAIR changes in the acute phase of stroke may predict hemorrhagic transformation, possibly as a reflection of altered blood–brain barrier integrity.
The terrorist insurgency in the South of Thailand
Authors: Porath Nathan
Published: March 2014

Review of: Zachary Abuza, Conspiracy of silence: The insurgency in Southern Thailand. Duncan McCargo (ed.), Rethinking Thailand’s southern violence.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Edosa Walker, 1886 from China (Lepidoptera, Tineidae, Perissomasticinae)
Authors: YANG LINLIN , WANG SHUXIA , LI HOUHUN
Published: March 2014

The genus Edosa Walker, 1886 is revised in China. Of the 31 recognized species, 23 are described as new: Edosa aurea sp. nov., E. baculiformis sp. nov., E. bicolor sp. nov., E. bifurcata sp. nov., E. carinata sp. nov., E. conchata sp. nov., E. cornuta sp. nov., E. curvidorsalis sp. nov., E. dentata sp. nov., E. digitata sp. nov., E. duoprojecta sp. nov., E. elongata sp. nov., E. eminens sp. nov., E. hamata sp. nov., E. longicornis sp. nov., E. minuta sp. nov., E. robinsoni sp. nov., E. robustispina sp. nov., E. semicircularis sp. nov., E. torta sp. nov., E. truncatula sp. nov., E. uncusella sp. nov., and E. varians sp. nov.; Edosa gaedikei nom. nov. is proposed as a replacement name for Edosa spinosa Gaedike, 2012, a junior homonym of Edosa spinosa Gaedike, 1984; four species are newly recorded for China: E. hendrixella Robinson, 2008, E. crayella Robinson, 2008, E. orphnodes (Meyrick, 1911) and E. smithaella Robinson, 2008; the female of E. hendrixella is described for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships of the Chinese species, except E. malthacopis (Meyrick, 1936), are postulated based on 42 morphological characters. The phylogenetic analysis of the morphology matrix yielded one most parsimonious tree (length 121 steps, CI = 0.56, RI = 0.81), based on which seven species-groups are proposed: the hemichrysella-group, the subochraceella-group, the pyrochra-group, the duoprojecta-group, the eminens-group, the crayella-group and the uncusella-group. The whole body structures of the genus are presented and photographs of adults and genitalia are provided, along with a key to all the known Chinese species and maps to show the distribution of Edosa in China. A world checklist of Edosa is given as an appendix, in which 41 new combinations are included.
Contrasting the Use of Single-Realization versus Ensemble-Average Atmospheric Dispersion Solutions for Chemical and Biological Defense Analyses
Authors: Bieringer Paul E. , Annunzio Andrew J. , Platt Nathan , Bieberbach George , Hannan John
Published: March 2014

Chemical and biological (CB) defense systems require significant testing and evaluation before they are deployed for real-time use. Because it is not feasible to evaluate these systems with open-air testing alone, researchers rely on numerical models to supplement the defense-system analysis process. These numerical models traditionally describe the statistical properties of CB-agent atmospheric transport and dispersion (AT&D). While the statistical representation of AT&D is appropriate to use in some CB defense analyses, it is not appropriate to use this class of dispersion model for all such analyses. Many of these defense-system analyses require AT&D models that are capable of simulating dispersion properties with very short time-averaging periods that more closely emulate a “single realization” of a contaminant or CB agent dispersing in a turbulent atmosphere. The latter class of AT&D models is superior to the former for performing CB-system analyses when one or more of the following factors are important in the analysis: high-frequency sampling of the contaminant, spatial and temporal correlations within the contaminant concentration field, and nonlinear operations performed on the contaminant concentration. This paper describes and contrasts these AT&D modeling tools and provides specific examples in which utilizing ensembles of single realizations of CB-agent AT&D is advantageous over using the statistical, “ensemble-average” representation of the agent AT&D. These examples demonstrate the importance of using an AT&D modeling tool that is appropriate for the analysis.
Interannual Bottom Pressure Signals in the Australian–Antarctic and Bellingshausen Basins
Authors: Ponte Rui M. , Piecuch Christopher G.
Published: March 2014

Analyses of large-scale (>750 km) ocean bottom pressure pb fields, derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and from an Estimating the Circulation & Climate of the Ocean (ECCO) state estimate, reveal enhanced interannual variability, partially connected to the Antarctic Oscillation, in regions of the Australian–Antarctic Basin and the Bellingshausen Basin, with pb magnitudes comparable to those of sea level and good correlation between the GRACE and ECCO pb series. Consistent with the theory of Gill and Niiler, the patterns of stronger pb variability are partly related to enhanced local wind curl forcing and weakened gradients in H/f, where H is ocean depth and f is the Coriolis parameter. Despite weaker H/f gradients, motions against them are sufficiently strong to play a role in balancing the local wind input. Topographic effects are as or more important than changes in f. Additionally, and contrary to the dominance of barotropic processes at subannual time scales, baroclinic effects are not negligible when balancing wind input at periods of a few years. Results highlight the emerging capability to accurately observe and estimate interannual changes in large-scale pb over the Southern Ocean, with implications for the interpretation of low-frequency variability in sea level in terms of steric height and heat content.
STIM1 and SLC24A4 Are Critical for Enamel Maturation
Authors: Wang S. , Choi M. , Richardson A.S. , Reid B.M. , Seymen F. , Yildirim M. , Tuna E. , Gençay K. , Simmer J.P. , Hu J.C.
Published: March 2014

Dental enamel formation depends upon the transcellular transport of Ca2+ by ameloblasts, but little is known about the molecular mechanism, or even if the same process is operative during the secretory and maturation stages of amelogenesis. Identifying mutations in genes involved in Ca2+ homeostasis that cause inherited enamel defects can provide insights into the molecular participants and potential mechanisms of Ca2+ handling by ameloblasts. Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) is an ER transmembrane protein that activates membrane-specific Ca2+ influx in response to the depletion of ER Ca2+ stores. Solute carrier family 24, member 4 (SLC24A4), is a Na+/K+/Ca2+ transporter that exchanges intracellular Ca2+ and K+ for extracellular Na+. We identified a proband with syndromic hypomaturation enamel defects caused by a homozygous C to T transition (g.232598C>T c.1276C>T p.Arg426Cys) in STIM1, and a proband with isolated hypomaturation enamel defects caused by a homozygous C to T transition (g.124552C>T; c.437C>T; p.Ala146Val) in SLC24A4. Immunohistochemistry of developing mouse molars and incisors showed positive STIM1 and SLC24A4 signal specifically in maturation-stage ameloblasts. We conclude that enamel maturation is dependent upon STIM1 and SLC24A4 function, and that there are important differences in the Ca2+ transcellular transport systems used by secretory- and maturation-stage ameloblasts.
Of Bellicists and Feminists
Authors: Geva Dorit
Published: March 2014

How did the state protect and then subvert men’s household authority when the state was exclusively staffed by men? I answer the above question by critically fusing neo-Weberian scholarship on modern state development with feminist political sociology on gender and the state, and by examining establishment of the French conscription system. When first creating a mass army in the nineteenth century, the French state offered family-based exemptions, balancing between expanding state power and maintenance of men’s household authority. However, intensification of twentieth-century total war led to a decrease in family-based exemptions, and the state’s diminished support of men’s household authority. I thereby identify how the fiscal-military state first supported then diminished men’s household authority through one of the state’s most masculine arms.
Isaiah Berlin’s Pelagian Soul
Authors: Winham Ilya P.
Published: March 2014

This essay responds to the argument that Jonathan Riley offers in the February 2013 issue of Political Theory for rendering Isaiah Berlin’s theory of pluralism consistent with his commitment to negative liberty. I show that the “standard of humanity” that Riley attributes to Berlin fails to take account of Berlin’s distinction between “political” liberty (which has nothing to do with our humanity as such) and what Berlin calls “basic” liberty (which does). Consequently, Riley ends up conflating the conditions for living in a decent society (one which respects a minimal core set of human rights) with being a human being. And this leads him to make the further, mistaken assumption that humans need to “exercise” their generic human capacities in order to remain human and not become, in Riley’s words, “robots or moral idiots.” While Riley’s essay is a valuable contribution to our understanding of what we might call Berlin’s ethic of human rights, it ultimately fails in its effort to show that the domain of human rights constitutes Berlin’s standard of humanity (as opposed to decency), and therefore it fails to show that normal human beings must assign overriding moral priority to a modicum of political liberty in order to secure their humanity.
Defining Technology Dependence in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Spratling Regena
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this review was to identify current terms and definitions used to identify and describe children and adolescents who require technology. A total of 400 articles published from January 2000 through May 2012 were reviewed; 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. The review included only primary research studies that focused on a child and adolescent sample (birth to 18 years old) who required technology. Current terms and definitions used to describe children and adolescents who require technology include technology and complex care. Technology is a constant in both terminology and definitions, and it differentiates this population from the general population of children with chronic illness and special health care needs. This review highlights the need for better, more detailed descriptions of the population of children and adolescents who require technology in their daily lives.
Incidental Thyroid Nodules: Incidence, Evaluation, and Outcome
Authors: Chaikhoutdinov Irina , Mitzner Ron , Goldenberg David
Published: March 2014

Objective

To examine patients with incidentally discovered thyroid nodules (IDTNs) with a focus on identification, evaluation, surgical intervention, and rates of malignancy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 1408 patients were identified by cross‐referencing thyroid diagnosis codes with ultrasound (US) codes between July 2008 and June 2009. Information regarding demographics, follow‐up, and outcomes was extracted from the medical record.

Results

A total of 249 patients with IDTNs were identified. Most were discovered on computed tomography (CT) scans (59.8%); the most common indication for obtaining imaging was for evaluation of an unrelated malignancy (26.9%). Malignant IDTNs were identified on 23.8% of positron emission tomography/CT scans and 6.8% of CT scans. Initial evaluation of IDTNs was performed by US in 62.2% and by US with fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in 36.1% of patients. The most common pathology on FNA of IDTNs was benign follicular nodule (64.1%) followed by papillary thyroid cancer (PTC; 13.5%); however, 31.7% of all cytology indicated suspicion for malignancy. Fifty‐five patients (22.1%) were treated surgically. On final surgical pathology, 33 malignancies were present, of which 28 were PTC. The overall malignancy rate for incidental thyroid nodules was 13.3%.

Conclusion

We identified a malignancy of at least 13.3% in IDTNs, reaffirming that IDTNs should undergo thorough workup.
Making meaning of meaning-making research
Authors: Manning Jimmie , Kunkel Adrianne
Published: March 2014

Qualitative research continues to have a larger presence in the interdisciplinary field of relationship studies. This essay presents the basic tenets of interpretive theory, the basis for many qualitative relationship studies, as well as four revelations that can occur from examining data through a qualitative lens. It also introduces the essays included in, “Qualitative studies of relationships: Prevailing norms and exciting innovations,” a special issue of the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
Authentic Assessment as “Best Practice” for Early Childhood Intervention
Authors: Bagnato Stephen J. , Goins Deborah D. , Pretti-Frontczak Kristie , Neisworth John T.
Published: March 2014

The early childhood professionals recognize the limitations of conventional testing with young children. This recognition has given rise to Authentic Assessment, now recognized officially as best practice by the major professional organizations. However, no national studies have been conducted to document the comparative qualities of either authentic or conventional approaches— according to meaningful external standards. Based on a national Internet survey of professionals, we report details of a social validity study of common measurement methods on eight operationally defined standards for developmentally appropriate assessment linked to professionally sanctioned practice standards and indicators. Approximately 1,500 professional responses reveal higher quality appraisals for authentic assessment over conventional testing methods for early childhood intervention purposes. Based on these results, we offer recommendations to advance valid, sensible, and contextually appropriate assessment for early childhood intervention.
Review of pelvic collateral pathways in aorto-iliac occlusive disease: demonstration by CT angiography
Authors: Akinwande Olaguoke , Ahmad Aamir , Ahmad Shakeeb , Coldwell Douglas
Published: March 2014

The pelvic collateral system is a robust network of communicating vessels that provide the functional reserve to withstand chronic aorto-iliac occlusive disease. For establishment of collateral circulation, the afferent vessel must originate proximal to the occlusion and anastomose with vessel/s distal to the occlusion. These collateral pathways can be classified as viscero–systemic, systemic–systemic, and visceral–visceral. CT angiography (CTA) is often the initial modality for evaluating patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, because it is non-invasive and has been shown to be comparable to conventional angiography. Most collateral pathways are well demonstrated on CTA, which therefore is a useful tool for preoperative planning and regional interventional procedures.
Evaluation of the Positive Re-Entry in Corrections Program
Authors: Huynh Kim H. , Hall Brittany , Hurst Mark A. , Bikos Lynette H.
Published: March 2014

Two groups of male inmates ( n = 31, n = 31) participated in the Positive Re-Entry in Corrections Program (PRCP). This positive psychology intervention focused on teaching offenders skills that facilitate re-entry into the community. Offenders participated in weekly lectures, discussions, and homework assignments focused on positive psychology principles. The two groups differed in duration of treatment (8 weeks and 12 weeks). Participants completed pre- and post-intervention measures of gratitude, hope, and life satisfaction. Using a 2 × 2 mixed design ANOVA, we hypothesized that the intervention (with two between-subjects levels of 8 and 12 weeks) and duration (with two repeated measures levels of pre and post) of treatment would moderate pre- to post-intervention change. Results indicated significant differences on pre- and post-intervention scores for both groups of offenders on all measures. The analysis did not yield statistically significant differences between groups, demonstrating no additive benefits from the inclusion of four additional sessions, thus saving time and money for correctional programming and funding. This research supports the use of positive psychology in prison interventions.
Enhancing the National Incident–Based Reporting System
Authors: Bierie David M.
Published: March 2014

The National Incident–Based Reporting System (NIBRS) is an important data set serving social scientists, policy makers, the business community, and the press. However, it is hampered by low participation rates among the nation’s police agencies. This article outlines a strategy for enhancing NIBRS by (a) providing police agencies free and supported software to extract and transmit an agency’s Record Management System (RMS) data in NIBRS format (or a data-entry system if an RMS does not exist), (b) including personal identifiers of arrestees, and (c) allowing police agencies to access the national data for routine police work. The article describes how taking these steps would decrease the costs of implementing and maintaining NIBRS, encourage widespread adoption, and increase data quality. These enhancements could foster substantial improvements in policing as well as other aspects of the criminal justice system. These changes would also open up new and exciting areas for academics and analysts, including the ability to study criminal careers over time as well as criminal networks within NIBRS.
Separation properties of aluminium–plastic laminates in post-consumer Tetra Pak with mixed organic solvent
Authors: Zhang SF , Zhang LL , Luo K , Sun ZX , Mei XX
Published: March 2014

The separation properties of the aluminium–plastic laminates in postconsumer Tetra Pak structure were studied in this present work. The organic solvent blend of benzene–ethyl alcohol–water was used as the separation reagent. Then triangle coordinate figure analysis was taken to optimize the volume proportion of various components in the separating agent and separation process. And the separation temperature of aluminium–plastic laminates was determined by the separation time, efficiency, and total mass loss of products. The results show that cost-efficient separations perform best with low usage of solvents at certain temperatures, for certain times, and within a certain range of volume proportions of the three components in the solvent agent. It is also found that similar solubility parameters of solvents and polyethylene adhesives (range 26.06–34.85) are a key factor for the separation of the aluminium–plastic laminates. Such multisolvent processes based on the combined-system concept will be vital to applications in the recycling industry.
Subverting official language and discourse in China? Type river crab for harmony
Authors: Nordin Astrid , Richaud Lisa
Published: March 2014

While the promotion of ‘harmony’ (和谐) in Chinese official discourse is widely regarded as a feature of state propaganda and censorship, scarce attention has been paid to the reception and redeployment of such language among Chinese citizens. The often creative and ironic reappropriation of official language in everyday speech practices, both on the Internet and in conversations with peers, is an important aspect of Chinese language/politics and deserves careful examination. Much of the current work has regarded these discursive practices in terms of a resistance to ‘harmonization’ or, following a Bakhtinian reading, as ‘carnival’. We argue that such approaches do not fully take into consideration actors’ actual experience of consuming and producing such language play. Based on semi-structured interviews with Chinese university students conducted in 2009–11, this article shifts away from the dominant assumptions about the role of ironic reiterations of official language, in order to highlight how the presumed repoliticization of these linguistic practices also involves a depoliticization, reflecting the complexity and ambiguity of the relationships they negotiate.
Gender, sexuality and male-dominated work: the intersection of long-hours working and domestic life
Authors: Wright Tessa
Published: March 2014

The UK construction and transport sectors remain the most heavily male-dominated industries, showing minimal progress in women’s participation. Long and inflexible working hours presume a male model of the worker unconstrained by caring responsibilities. Yet the experiences of the minority of women who work in these sectors are of interest to those concerned with reducing occupational gender segregation. Sexuality is often overlooked in differentiating women’s experience of male-dominated work, and gender conflated with heterosexuality. Through examining the interaction of domestic circumstances and work arrangements of heterosexual women and lesbians, this article finds that atypical domestic circumstances may be required to support male-dominated work. Heterosexual ‘breadwinner’ norms were challenged by women’s capacity for higher earnings from male-dominated work, but often required strategies to manage associated emotions. Evidence from lesbian relationships indicates a possible shift from prioritization of financial self-sufficiency in the context of legal status for same-sex partnerships.
A theoretical and empirical investigation into the willingness-to-pay function for new innovative drugs by Germany’s health technology assessment agency (IQWiG)
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: March 2014

Under the recently enacted pharmaceutical price and reimbursement regulation in Germany, new drugs are subject to a rapid assessment to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of added clinical benefits compared with the existing standard of treatment. If such added benefits are confirmed, manufacturers and representatives of the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) are expected to negotiate an appropriate reimbursement price. If parties fail to reach an agreement, a final decision on the reimbursement price will be made by an arbitration body. If one of the parties involved wishes so, then the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen, IQWiG) will be commissioned with a formal evaluation of costs and benefits of the product in question. IQWiG will make a recommendation for a reimbursement price based on the ‘efficiency frontier’ in a therapeutic area. The purpose of the assessments is to provide support for decision-making bodies that act on behalf of the SHI insurants. To determine the willingness to pay for new drugs, IQWiG uses the following decision rule: the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a new drug compared with the next effective intervention should not be higher than that of the next effective intervention compared with its comparator. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the theoretical and empirical relationship between the willingness to pay for drugs and their health benefits. The analysis shows that across disease areas IQWiG has a curvilinear relationship between willingness to pay and health benefits. Future research may address the validity of the willingness-to-pay function from the viewpoint of the individual SHI insurants.
When and how can unilateral policies promote the international diffusion of environmental policies and clean technology?
Authors: Hale Thomas , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: March 2014

How can governments manage transnational problems when other governments refuse to cooperate? We examine the conditions under which regulation in one jurisdiction can induce other jurisdictions to regulate. The analysis emphasizes the relationship between public policy, private actors, and technological change. We find that ambitious regulations in large markets can induce private actors to make technological changes that lower the cost of regulation for less ambitious jurisdictions. Our model specifies the conditions under which such transboundary effects are possible, qualifying the received wisdom on global collective action by outlining conditions under which unilateral regulatory leadership can be effective. Case studies of wind turbines and photovoltaic cells provide empirical support.
Slip effects on steady and transient stagnation-point heat transfer in axisymmetric geometries
Authors: Ramadan Khalid M
Published: March 2014

Steady and transient heat convection in axisymmetric stagnation point flow with momentum and thermal slip effects are studied numerically for different flow parameters. The thermal response to time-dependent wall temperature variations in surface cooling and heating processes is analyzed in terms of temporal variations in the heat transfer coefficient, thermal jump, and fluid temperature at the surface. The transition time from an initial to a final steady state is also investigated over a range of slip factor and decay/growth rate of the wall temperature. A criterion in the form of a relation between Prandtl number and the specific heat ratio that characterizes the variation of the convective heat transfer coefficient with the slip factor is established. The results presented show that the convective heat transfer coefficient is less influenced by transient conditions as rarefaction increases. Higher Prandtl number flows are more influenced by transients. The transition time is found to increase with slip and decrease with the decay/growth rate of the wall temperature and is most influenced at relatively low values of both slip and decay/growth rate of the wall temperature.
Fractional order controllers tuning strategy for permanent magnet synchronous motor servo drive system based on genetic algorithm–wavelet neural network hybrid method
Authors: Zheng Shiqi , Tang Xiaoqi , Song Bao
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a novel tuning strategy for the fractional order proportional integral and fractional order [proportional integral] controllers is proposed for the permanent magnet synchronous motor servo drive system. The tuning strategy is based on a genetic algorithm–wavelet neural network hybrid method. Firstly, the initial values of the control parameters of the fractional order controllers are selected according to a new global tuning rule, which is based on the genetic algorithm and considers both the time- and frequency-domain specifications. Secondly, the wavelet neural network is utilized to update the control parameters based on the selected initial values in an online manner which improves the capability of handling parameter variations and time-varying operating conditions. Furthermore, to improve the computational efficiency, a recursive least squares algorithm, which provides information to the wavelet neural network, is used to identify the permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system. Finally, experimental results on the permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system show both of the two proposed fractional order controllers work efficiently, with improved performance comparing with their traditional counterpart.