bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gauss–Newton method
Authors: Wang Yong
Published: February 2012

The Gauss–Newton method for nonlinear regression is described, along with its close relationship with the Fisher scoring method. Its many extensions, sometimes in the form of Fisher scoring, are briefly reviewed, including those for coping with large‐residual problems in nonlinear regression, for optimizing a likelihood or other performance criterion, and for dealing with parameters with constraints.WIREs Comput Stat2012 doi: 10.1002/wics.1202

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Quadratic and Nonlinear Programming

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Numerical Methods
Using a specialized blowgun dart to obtain genetic samples from mammals
Authors: Keeley Brian W. , Keeley Annika T. H.
Published: February 2012

We developed a blunt, sticky blowgun dart to collect genetic samples from mammals, and used the technique on the variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) in June and July 2010. Blowgun and darts cost 40 m. Total sampling success was 88%. The blowgun enabled a rapid method of sample collection that reduced animal stress and the expenses associated with trapping. Developing proficiency in use of the blowgun can be challenging but is overcome with practice. It is difficult to use the blowgun method during heavy rain or high winds. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Nonlinear equation for coherent gluon emission
Authors: Kutak Krzysztof , Golec-Biernat Krzysztof , Jadach Stanislaw , Skrzypek Maciej
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Motivated by the regime of QCD explored nowadays at LHC, where both the total energy of collision and momenta transfers are high, we investigate evolution equations of high energy factorization. In order to study such effects like parton saturation in final states one is inevitably led to investigate how to combine physics of the BK and CCFM evolution equations. In this paper we obtain a new exclusive form of the BK equation which suggests a possible form of the nonlinear extension of the CCFM equation.
Heat Production, Nerve Function, and Morphology following Nerve Close Dissection with Surgical Instruments
Authors: Carlander Johan , Koch C. , Brudin L. , Nordborg C. , Gimm O. , Johansson K.
Published: February 2012

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare an ultrasonically activated instrument (US), monopolar electrosurgery, and bipolar electrosurgery (ES) with respect to heat production, nerve function, and nerve morphology following in vivo application.

Materials and methods

The biceps femoris muscle of anesthetized rats was cut in a standardized manner longitudinally 1 mm adjacent to the sciatic nerve using US shears, a monopolar ES knife, or a bipolar ES scissors. Activation time and temperature were recorded continuously within 1–4 mm of the activation site ipsilateral and contralateral to the nerve with two thermoelectric microsensors. Temperature rise and time delay of reaching the temperature maximum, as an expression of heat spread within tissue, maximum temperature, and thermal dose (equivalent time of exposure at 43°C) were measured and calculated. A total of 49 functional experiments were conducted. The electromyographic (EMG) potential was recorded distally. Nerve dysfunction was defined as more than 10% loss of the evoked EMG amplitude. Forty‐eight nerves were coded and submitted to blind histopathological examination, and morphological damage was graded on a 4‐grade scale.

Results

The maximum temperature elevation and the thermal dose were significantly higher for the bipolar ES compared with the US instrument (p = 0.024, p = 0.049), and with much less variation of results for the US instrument. The monopolar ES maximum temperature and thermal dose were lower, but a very large variation occurred, probably as a result of more random electrical spread to the ground electrode and muscle motion artifacts. Functional loss was least common in the US group—without being significant—compared to bipolar and monopolar ES. Moderate and severe morphological damage was significantly less common in the US group than in the monopolar ES group (p = 0.041). We found no statistically significant correlation between the highest temperatures and the degree of morphological damage or functional loss.

Conclusions

The temperature elevation depends strongly on the distance to the activated instrument. The bipolar ES scissors generates a higher maximum temperature and thermal dose with a greater variation in than the US. Functional loss and severe morphological damage were uncommon in all groups.
Completion Thyroidectomy: Effect of Timing on Clinical Complications and Oncologic Outcome in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Glockzin Gabriel , Hornung Matthias , Kienle Klaus , Thelen Katrin , Boin Marita , Schreyer Andreas G. , Lighvani Hamid R. , Schlitt Hans J. , Agha Ayman
Published: February 2012

Background

Despite improved preoperative diagnostics, incidental postoperative detection of differentiated thyroid cancer in the final histology is still common. In most of these cases, completion thyroidectomy is recommended by national and international guidelines, although secondary surgery is associated with an increased operative risk. The optimal timing of completion thyroidectomy is still controversial.

Methods

Between January 1993 and December 2009, a total of 128 patients underwent completion thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma: papillary (n = 87) and follicular (n = 41). These patients were divided into five groups according to the time of the completion thyroidectomy after primary surgery (groups A, 1–3 days; B, 4–7 days; C, 1–7 weeks; D, 7–12 weeks; E, >3 months). Clinical complications and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. The mean follow‐up was 82.5 ± 17 months.

Results

The overall rates of transient and persistent postoperative hypocalcemia were 7.0 and 3.1%, respectively. The rates of persistent hypocalcemia were significantly increased in groups B, C, and D in comparison to those in groups A and E (p < 0.003). The hypocalcemia rates were 7.1, 4.5, and 3.8% versus 0%, respectively. Transient or persistent vocal cord paresis was observed in eight (6.2%) and four patients (3.1%), respectively. The incidence of persistent vocal cord paresis (VCP) was significantly higher in groups B, C, and D than in groups A and E (p < 0.003). The VCP rates were 7.1, 4.5, and 3.8% versus 0%, respectively. There was no significant difference regarding survival or recurrence among the five groups.

Conclusions

Considering perioperative morbidity and oncologic outcomes, completion thyroidectomy should be performed either within 3 days or beyond 3 months after primary surgery.
The Effect of the Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor Sivelestat on Early Injury after Liver Resection
Authors: Tsujii Shigehiro , Okabayashi Takehiro , Shiga Mai , Takezaki Yuka , Sugimoto Takeki , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: February 2012

Background

The effects of sivelestat on endotoxin‐induced lung injury, postperfusion lung injury, and ischemia–reperfusion are known, yet the benefits of sivelestat during liver surgery have yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of sivelestat, with a focus on postoperative chemical data, in hepatectomized patients.

Patients and methods

A prospective clinical study was conducted in 50 patients undergoing hepatic resection. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Elaspol, sivelestat (ELP group, n = 25) or placebo (control group, n = 25). Perioperative blood chemistry values in both groups, including high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin (IL)‐6, were monitored.

Results

The HMGB1 levels increased immediately after the operation (from the intraoperative period to the second postoperative day [POD]) in the control group. Compared to the control group, the levels of HMGB1 in the ELP group were significantly suppressed by the perioperative administration of sivelestat. At POD 1, the levels of IL‐6 in the ELP group decreased more rapidly than those before the operation compared to the control group.

Conclusions

A human clinical study demonstrated the effect of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase inhibitor on the earliest markers of liver injury. The present study showed that patients who received sivelestat had reduced release of HMGB1, and that IL‐6 levels decreased more rapidly in patients treated with sivelestat than in those who received the placebo. The most appropriate dose, timing, and duration of sivelestat in humans remain unclear; however, it may have therapeutic potential for various liver injuries.
A phase I/II, non-randomized, feasibility/safety and efficacy study of the combination of everolimus, cetuximab and capecitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kordes Sil , Richel Dick J. , Klümpen Heinz-Josef , Weterman Mariëtte J. , Stevens Arnoldus J. W. M. , Wilmink Johanna W.
Published: February 2012

Background Improvements in knowledge of molecular mechanisms in cancer are the basis for new studies combining chemotherapy with targeted drugs. Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by erlotinib or cetuximab has limited or no activity, respectively, in pancreatic cancer. The crosstalk between EGFR and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways is a potential mechanism of resistance; therefore we conducted a study to explore safety and efficacy of multiple pathway inhibition by cetuximab and everolimus in combination with capecitabine. Methods Safety and efficacy of fixed standard dose cetuximab in combination with various dose levels of everolimus (5–10 mg/day) and capecitabine (600–800 mg/m2 bid, 2 weeks every 3 weeks) were investigated in a phase I/II study in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The primary endpoint was objective response. Results Sixteen patients were treated in the phase I part at two dose levels. Mucositis, rash and hand-foot syndrome were dose-limiting toxicities. Dose level 1 (everolimus 5 mg/day, capecitabine 600 mg/m2 bid for 2 weeks every 3 weeks and cetuximab 250 mg/m2 weekly) was considered the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Of 31 patients in the phase II part, partial response was documented in two patients (6.5%) and five (16.1%) had stable disease. Median overall survival was 5.0 months (CI 3.1–6.8). Conclusion The schedule of capecitabine, everolimus and cetuximab resulted in considerable epidermal and mucosal toxicities and prevented escalation to optimal dose levels. Because of toxicity and low efficacy this treatment combination cannot be recommended for treatment in pancreatic cancer patients.
Regime Switching State-Space Models Applied to Psychological Processes: Handling Missing Data and Making Inferences
Authors: Hamaker E. L. , Grasman R. P. P. P.
Published: February 2012

Many psychological processes are characterized by recurrent shifts between distinct regimes or states. Examples that are considered in this paper are the switches between different states associated with premenstrual syndrome, hourly fluctuations in affect during a major depressive episode, and shifts between a “hot hand” and a “cold hand” in a top athlete. We model these processes with the regime switching state-space model proposed by Kim (J. Econom. 60:1–22, 1994), which results in both maximum likelihood estimates for the model parameters and estimates of the latent variables and the discrete states of the process. However, the current algorithm cannot handle missing data, which limits its applicability to psychological data. Moreover, the performance of standard errors for the purpose of making inferences about the parameter estimates is yet unknown. In this paper we modify Kim’s algorithm so it can handle missing data and we perform a simulation study to investigate its performance in (relatively) short time series in cases of different kinds of missing data and in case of complete data. Finally, we apply the regime switching state-space model to the three empirical data sets described above.
Image et sciences sociales
Authors: Michau Nadine , Jaisson Marie
Published: February 2012

Pour que la pratique filmique se constitue en outil d’analyse parmi la panoplie des sciences sociales actuelle, il importe de s’interroger sur son apprentissage. Or, comparé aux entretiens, aux statistiques et à la documentation écrite, imprimée ou photographique, on constate ici la très faible place accordée à l’instrument filmique dans les formations de sociologie ou même d’anthropologie. Il est alors rendu compte de l’expérience de l’apprentissage audiovisuel mené, depuis plusieurs années, auprès d’étudiants en licence à l’université de Tours.
Expert Knowledge and Video-Aided Ethnography. A Methodological Account
Authors: Muntanyola-Saura Dafne
Published: February 2012

This is a report on a video-aided ethnographie investigation which targets expert knowledge in a hospital setting. Since such knowledge calls for gathering a qualitative sort of data, both intensive and situated, this paper offers an examination of the methodological implications of this investigation. Work environment digital video and computer-mediated observations with Transana® are adequate tools for the exploration of paramount concepts in the cognitive study of expertise, found in communicative sequences and embodied practices of situated agents.
Le pragmaticisme comme épistémologie sociale
Authors: Daudé Olivier
Published: February 2012

Charles S. Peirce n’est pas connu ni reconnu comme un philosophe social. Pourtant une lecture attentive des textes pragmaticistes montre que les considérations de théorie sociale et politique ne sont pas absentes de la pensée du philosophe américain. L’article met en avant certains développements relatifs à la critique de l’individu, à la notion de communauté et aux institutions, et tente de surmonter les difficultés philologiques pour fournir une interprétation cohérente.
Addressing the Future Burden of Cancer and Its Impact on the Oncology Workforce: Where Is Cancer Prevention and Control?
Authors: Chang Shine , Cameron Carrie
Published: February 2012

The need for cancer professionals has never been more urgent than it is today. Reports project serious shortages by 2020 of oncology health care providers. Although many plans have been proposed, no role for prevention has been described. In response, a 2-day symposium was held in 2009 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to capture the current status of the cancer prevention workforce and begin to identify gaps in the workforce. Five working groups were organized around the following topic areas: (a) health policy and advocacy; (b) translation to the community; (c) integrating cancer prevention into clinical practice; (d) health services infrastructure and economics; and (e) discovery, research, and technology. Along with specific recommendations on these topics, the working groups identified two additional major themes: the difficulty of defining areas within the field (including barriers to communication) and lack of sufficient funding. These interdependent issues synergistically impede progress in preventing cancer; they are explored in detail in this synthesis, and recommendations for actions to address them are presented. Progress in cancer prevention should be a major national and international goal. To achieve this goal, ensuring the health of the workforce in cancer prevention and control is imperative.
GSH threshold requirement for NO‐mediated expression of the Arabidopsis AtFer1 ferritin gene in response to iron
Authors: Touraine Brigitte , Briat Jean-François , Gaymard Frédéric
Published: February 2012

Iron treatment of Arabidopsis cultured cells promotes a rapid NO burst within chloroplasts, necessary for up‐regulation of the AtFer1 ferritin gene expression. The same occurs in Arabidopsis leaf chloroplasts, and is dependent upon the GSH content of plants. A leaf GSH concentration threshold between 10 and 50 nmol GSH g−1 FW is required for full induction of AtFer1 gene expression in response to iron.
Putin’s mission in the Russian Thermidor
Authors: Rasizade Alec
Published: February 2012

This essay points to the historical analogies between the contemporary stage in the Russian political evolution and the classical post-revolutionary periods in the French and Soviet history, known as Thermidorian Reaction. Given the obvious similarity to the well-studied Bonapartism and Stalinism, it is easier to understand the policies of Putin’s regime and predict its further development. By characterizing this period as the Russian Revanchism the author explains, from this viewpoint, the foreign policy of Russia towards the West and predicts an inevitable drive to “regather” the severed historic Russian lands, including territorial claims to the “newly independent states.” Summarizing the “transition” to capitalism as a robbery of state assets by the Russian plutocracy, the author argues in favor of the Chinese transition model. Nevertheless, the resurgence of Russia as a great power is ensured by its intellectual, economic and military potential boosted by the highest oil and gas prices in history.
Turbulent three-dimensional dielectric electrohydrodynamic convection between two plates
Authors: Kourmatzis A. , Shrimpton J. S.
Published: February 2012

The fundamental mechanisms responsible for the creation of electrohydrodynamically driven roll structures in free electroconvection between two plates are analysed with reference to traditional Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC). Previously available knowledge limited to two dimensions is extended to three-dimensions, and a wide range of electric Reynolds numbers is analysed, extending into a fully inherently three-dimensional turbulent regime. Results reveal that structures appearing in three-dimensional electrohydrodynamics (EHD) are similar to those observed for RBC, and while two-dimensional EHD results bear some similarities with the three-dimensional results there are distinct differences. Analysis of two-point correlations and integral length scales show that full three-dimensional electroconvection is more chaotic than in two dimensions and this is also noted by qualitatively observing the roll structures that arise for both low (${\mathit{Re}}_{E} = 1$) and high electric Reynolds numbers (up to ${\mathit{Re}}_{E} = 120$). Furthermore, calculations of mean profiles and second-order moments along with energy budgets and spectra have examined the validity of neglecting the fluctuating electric field ${ E}_{i}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } $ in the Reynolds-averaged EHD equations and provide insight into the generation and transport mechanisms of turbulent EHD. Spectral and spatial data clearly indicate how fluctuating energy is transferred from electrical to hydrodynamic forms, on moving through the domain away from the charging electrode. It is shown that ${ E}_{i}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } $ is not negligible close to the walls and terms acting as sources and sinks in the turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent scalar flux and turbulent scalar variance equations are examined. Profiles of hydrodynamic terms in the budgets resemble those in the literature for RBC; however there are terms specific to EHD that are significant, indicating that the transfer of energy in EHD is also attributed to further electrodynamic terms and a strong coupling exists between the charge flux and variance, due to the ionic drift term.
Effects of acute and chronic inflammation on proteins involved in duodenal iron absorption in mice: a time-course study
Authors: Sukumaran Abitha , Varghese Joe , Tamilselvan Jesintha , Jeyaseelan Visalakshi , Mani Thenmozhi , Simpson Robert James , McKie Andrew Tristan , Jacob Molly
Published: February 2012

In order to understand better the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of anaemia of inflammation, we carried out a time-course study on the effects of turpentine-induced acute and chronic inflammation on duodenal proteins involved in Fe absorption in mice. Expression levels of these proteins and hepatic hepcidin and serum Fe levels were determined in inflamed mice. In acutely inflamed mice, significantly increased expression of ferritin was the earliest change observed, followed by decreased divalent metal transporter 1 expression in the duodenum and increased hepcidin expression in the liver. Ferroportin expression increased subsequently, despite high levels of hepcidin. Hypoferraemia, which developed at early time periods studied, was followed by increased serum Fe levels at later points. The present results thus show that acute inflammation induced several changes in the expression of proteins involved in duodenal Fe absorption, contributing to the development of hypoferraemia. Resolution of inflammation caused attenuation of many of these effects. Effects in chronically inflamed mice were less consistent. The present results also suggest that inflammation-induced increases in ferritin appeared to override the effects of hepcidin on the expression levels of ferroportin in enterocytes.
Identification of mealybug pest species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Egypt and France, using a DNA barcoding approach
Authors: Abd-Rabou S. , Shalaby H. , Germain J.-F. , Ris N. , Kreiter P. , Malausa T.
Published: February 2012

Pseudococcidae (mealybugs) is a large taxonomic group, including a number of agronomic pests. Taxonomic identification of mealybug species is a recurrent problem and represents a major barrier to the establishment of adequate pest management strategies. We combined molecular analysis of three DNA markers (28S-D2, cytochrome oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2) with morphological examination, for the identification of 176 specimens collected from 40 mealybug populations infesting various crops and ornamental plants in Egypt and France. This combination of DNA and morphological analyses led to the identification of 17 species: seven in Egypt (Planococcus citri (Risso), Planococcus ficus (Signoret), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, Phenacoccus parvus Morrison and Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell)) and 11 in France (Planococcus citri, Pseudococcus viburni Signoret, Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti), Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana), Rhizoecus amorphophalli Betrem, Trionymus bambusae (Green), Balanococcus diminutus (Leonardi), Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, Planococcus vovae (Nasonov), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) and Phenacoccus aceris Signoret), Pl. citri being found in both countries. We also found genetic variation between populations considered to belong to the same species, justifying further investigation of the possible occurrence of complexes of cryptic taxa.
Implications of farmers’ seed exchanges for on-farm conservation of quinoa, as revealed by its genetic diversity in Chile
Authors: FUENTES F. F. , BAZILE D. , BHARGAVA A. , MARTÍNEZ E. A.
Published: February 2012

Quinoa cultivation in Chile presents an ancient and active complex of geographic, climatic, social and cultural interactions that has determined its current biodiversity in the three main growing zones (north, central and south). Importantly, these interactions involve the participation of farmers, whose activities are at the base of seed exchange networks due to their knowledge andin situconservation of genetic diversity. The present study reports how a better understanding of farmers’ seed exchanges and local production practices could impact the genetic structure and diversity of quinoa at national scale in Chile. Using field interviews and characterization of 20 microsatellite genetic markers in a multi-origin set of 34 quinoa accessions representative of Chile and the South American region, the phenetic analysis of germplasm was consistent with the current classification of quinoa ecotypes present in Chile and Andean zone. This allowed the identification of five populations, which were represented by quinoa of Salares (northern Chile), Coastal/Lowlands (central and southern Chile), Highlands (Peru, Bolivia and Argentina) and Inter-Andean Valleys (Ecuador and Colombia). The highly informative quality of the markers used revealed a wide genetic diversity among main growing areas in Chile, which correlated well with natural geographical–edaphic–climatic and social–linguistic context to the expansion of quinoa biodiversity. Additionally, in addition to ancient seed exchanges, this process is still governed by the diverse agricultural practices of Andean farmers. Genetic erosion is considered an imminent risk due to small-scale farming, where the influence of increased migration of people to urban systems and export-driven changes to the agro-ecosystems may further reduce the diversity of quinoa plants in cultivation.
Materials development for language learning and teaching
Authors: Tomlinson Brian
Published: February 2012

This article reviews the literature on the relatively new field of materials development for language learning and teaching. It reports the origins and development of the field and then reviews the literature on the evaluation, adaptation, production and exploitation of learning materials. It also reviews the literature, first, on a number of controversial issues in the field, next, on electronic delivery of materials and, third, on research in materials development. It identifies gaps in the literature and makes proposals for future progress in materials development and in the research within the field. Much of the literature focuses on materials for learning English but the same principles apply to materials for learning any L2, as has been acknowledged by some of the authors whose publications focus on materials for learning other languages.
Research on English teaching and learning: Taiwan (2004–2009)
Authors: Chen Suchiao , Tsai Yachin
Published: February 2012

This article analyzes research in second/foreign language teaching and learning conducted in Taiwan over the period 2004–2009. Representative articles published in local refereed journals and conference proceedings – not readily accessible outside Taiwan – are reviewed to reflect current trends in English teaching and learning. The main themes discussed include English-in-education policy and curriculum, research on English-skills development, and assessment.

The analysis presented here highlights the fact that research in Taiwan not only follows international trends but also satisfies specific needs in local sociolinguistic contexts. Additionally, this paper sheds light on why the international readership of this locally conducted research remains very limited, and concludes by outlining the challenges that researchers face and the gradually shifting status of English in Taiwan in this increasingly globalized world.
National Research Centre for Foreign Language Education, Beijing Foreign Studies University
Authors: Gu Yongqi
Published: February 2012

The National Research Centre for Foreign Language Education (NRCFLE) attached to Beijing Foreign Studies University (www.sinotefl.ac.cn/) is a key research institute in the humanities and social sciences in universities approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the People's Republic of China. It was formally set up and approved in September 2000. After a decade of dedicated hard work, the centre has become an applied linguistics hub of research and training unrivalled in China, and co-hosted AILA2011, the 16th World Congress in Applied Linguistics in August 2011. The current director of the centre, WEN Qiufang, currently presides over the China English Language Education Association, another co-host of AILA2011. The centre publishes two journals, one of them, Foreign Language Teaching and Research, being pre-eminent in the field in every key journal index in China, as well as being the only journal in applied linguistics and foreign language education to feature in the MOE's 2010 Distinguished Journals in Humanities and Social Sciences.
Comparative seroepidemiology of diphtheria in six European countries and Israel
Authors: DI GIOVINE P. , KAFATOS G. , NARDONE A. , ANDREWS N. , ÖLANDER R.M. , ALFARONE G. , BROUGHTON K. , COHEN D. , KRIZ B. , MIKOVA I. , O'FLANAGAN D. , SCHNEIDER F. , SELGA I. , VALINSKY L. , VELICKO I. , KARACS I. , PEBODY R. , VON HUNOLSTEIN C.
Published: February 2012

Serological surveys for diphtheria were conducted in six European countries including Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Slovakia and one country outside Europe, Israel. For each country, a nationally representative population sample was collected across the entire age range and was tested for antibodies to diphtheria toxin. Although each national laboratory used its preferred assay, the results were all standardized to those of thein vitroneutralization test and expressed in international units (IU) which allowed comparative analyses to be performed. The results showed that increasing age is related to a gradual increase in seronegative subjects (<0·01 IU/ml of diphtheria antitoxin antibodies). This may reflect waning immunity following childhood vaccination without repeated booster vaccinations in adults. Differences in seronegativity were also found according to gender. In subjects aged 1–19 years, geometric mean titres of antitoxin are clearly related to the different vaccination schedules used in the participating countries. Although clinical disease remains rare, the susceptibility to diphtheria observed in these serosurveys highlights the importance of strengthened surveillance.
Rome, Canterbury and the Law
Authors: Hill Canon Christopher
Published: February 2012

1. It was over a late night glass of Scotch, a number of years ago, that Graham Routledge and I first talked of the issues I am asked to address this afternoon. Chancellor Routledge and I differed on a number of subjects, political and ecclesiastical, but we discovered common cause in the recognition of the importance of an impartial and unemotional examination of the doctrinal, ecclesiological and constitutional implications of any future Anglican- Roman Catholic unity. It was during one such conversation that Graham told me of his hopes for the establishment of this Society, which he saw as, amongst other things, the most appropriate forum for the bringing together of the necessary disciplines and professions for such scholarly and ecumenical discussion. Graham had been able to initiate some discussion of the question within the English Anglican Roman Catholic Committee (of which he was a distinguished member). But the complexities of both canon and constitutional law, and, problems concerning the interpretation of ecclesiastical history, reinforced his judgement that quiet and continuing consideration was required in a society such as ours as well as in ecumenical committees.
“Our best hope is a cure.” Hope in the context of advance care planning
Authors: Robinson Carole A.
Published: February 2012

Objective:

Advance care planning (ACP) has the potential to enhance end-of-life care, yet often fails to live up to that potential. This qualitative interpretive study was designed to explore the process and outcomes of ACP using the patient-centered Advance Care Planning Interview (PC-ACP) developed by the Respecting Choices®program in Wisconsin.

Method:

Patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and close family members were recruited. Nine family dyads participated in the PC-ACP interview, which was audio-recorded. Follow-up interviews took place 3 and 6 months after the PC-ACP interview and were also recorded. Thematic analysis was conducted on transcribed interviews using constant comparison.

Results:

Analysis showed that hope was a significant theme in the ACP process and this article reports on that theme. Hope for a cure was one of many hopes that supported quality of life for the participant dyads. Three themes were identified: hope is multifaceted, hope for a cure is well considered, and hope is resilient and persistent. The seeming paradox of hoping for a cure of an incurable cancer did not interfere with the process of ACP. The dyads engaged in explicit discussions of end-of-life scenarios and preferences for care. ACP did not interfere with hope and hope for a cure did not interfere with ACP.

Significance of results:

Concerns about false hope are called into question. The principle of honoring hope is not necessarily in conflict with the principle of truthful communication. This is clinically significant, as the findings suggest we need not disrupt hope that we think of as “unrealistic” as long as it supports the family to live well. Further, ACP can be successful even in the context of hoping for a cure.
Experiences from having breast cancer and being part of a support group. Notes written in diaries by women during radiotherapy
Authors: Emilsson Sofia , Svensk Ann-Christine , Olsson Karolina , Lindh Jack , Öster Inger
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of breast cancer patients participating in a support group.

Method:

This study explores 28 stories of women with breast cancer as expressed through written diaries. Diaries were written during a 5-week period in parallel with radiotherapy and participation in a support group in a hospital. Answers to six open-ended evaluative questions concerning the support group were included in the majority of the written diaries. A qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes.

Results:

Three themes were constructed during the analysis: “positive group development.” “Inhibited group development.” and “the individual living with the disease.” Hopes and fears for the future in regards to illness and getting better, the value of family and friends, and feelings related to daily life with breast cancer such as fatigue and changes in body image were also expressed in the diaries.

Significance of results:

The findings suggest that the women with breast cancer found it valuable to be able to share experiences with other women in a similar situation in the context of a support group. Being part of such a group provided a space and an opportunity for reflection.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients: Patients’ expectations and physicians’ attitudes
Authors: Barak Frida , Ostrowsky Lev A. , Kreitler Shulamith
Published: February 2012

Objective:

Findings show that there is a certain degree of refusal on the part of breast cancer patients to undergo adjuvant therapy. Accordingly, the major goals of the study were, first, to learn more about the beliefs of breast cancer patients in regard to adjuvant therapy; second, to find out about the sources of the patients’ beliefs; and third, to learn about the attitudes of oncologists concerning the same aspects of adjuvant therapy to which the patients’ beliefs referred.

Method:

The participants were 92 breast cancer patients (mean age 61.2) and 57 doctors of both genders specialized in oncology or affiliated domains. Both groups were administered questionnaires referring to goals of adjuvant treatment, the chances of attaining these goals, side effects, and difficulty of the treatment. Doctors were specifically asked about the views they thought proper to communicate to patients in regard to the mentioned issues. Patients were also asked about whether they had doubts about the treatment and sources of information.

Results:

The findings showed disparities between the views of patients and doctors in regard to goals, chances of attainment, side effects, and difficulty of treatment. Patients endorsed more goals than doctors and tended to assign to them lower chances of attainment. Doctors were divided in their views about whether to communicate the side effects and difficulties.

Significance of results:

The results reveal the importance of outlining goals for patients undergoing adjuvant treatment and the disagreements between doctors about what should be communicated to patients, and highlight the complexity of providing to patients information that is both scientifically correct and emotionally helpful.
Cotard's syndrome with glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Reich Michel , Comet Benedicte , Le Rhun Emilie , Ramirez Carole
Published: February 2012

Objective:

Brain tumors are classically associated with neurological and/or psychiatric symptomatology. Behavioral or cognitive disorders can underlie delirium, personality changes, psychotic reactions, and mood disorders.

Method:

To illustrate this, we report the case of a 60-year-old male patient confronted with an inoperable glioblastoma multiforme on the splenium of the corpus callosum, of poor prognosis, treated by concomitant radiochemotherapy with temozolomide, who developed psychotic depression with Cotard's syndrome. Clinical manifestations of this syndrome with untoward consequences in terms of prognosis are classically characterized by intense moral suffering, indignity and pessimistic fixations, suicidal ideations, and a nihilistic delusion relating to one's own body.

Results:

Nevertheless, this association between Cotard's syndrome and glioblastoma has been seldom described. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this has been described as a complication of this particular tumor location. Some neuropsychopathological hypotheses are proposed, which involve medical, iatrogenic, and psychogenesis issues.

Significance of results:

This case report points to the necessary collaboration between psychiatrists, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists in improving the patient's management and quality of life.
Financing a new nation: a comparative study of the financial roots of the USA and Gran Colombia
Authors: Muse-Fisher John
Published: February 2012

The structure of the USA and the countries that emerged from the remains of Gran Colombia ultimately took different shapes from those suggested in the era immediately after independence, particularly in regard to the extent of each state's fiscal and monetary capacities. This article applies Oszlak's model of ‘stateness’ to the early financial and monetary histories of the USA (roughly 1776–93) and Gran Colombia (roughly 1819–35) to assess and compare the role of financial and monetary capacities in long-run state consolidation and economic development. The US was ultimately more successful than Gran Colombia at adapting its financial and monetary capacities and institutions, creating better conditions for the attainment of ‘stateness’, stronger economic growth, and greater endurance as a national entity. The comparison ultimately suggests a reciprocal relationship between the legitimization of a state's authority (that is, state consolidation) and the development and solidification of fiscal and monetary capacities.
An unlevel playing field: national income estimates and reciprocal comparison in global economic history
Authors: Jerven Morten
Published: February 2012

If we take recent income per capita estimates at face value, they imply that the average medieval European was at least five times ‘better off’ than the average Congolese today. This raises important questions regarding the meaning and applicability of national income estimates throughout time and space, and their use in the analysis of global economic history over the long term. This article asks whether national income estimates have a historical and geographical specificity that renders the ‘data’ increasingly unsuitable and misleading when assessed outside a specific time and place. Taking the concept of ‘reciprocal comparison’ as a starting point, it further questions whether national income estimates make sense in pre-and post-industrial societies, in decentralized societies, and in polities outside the temperate zone. One of the major challenges in global history is Eurocentrism. Resisting the temptation to compare the world according to the most conventional development measure might be a recommended step in overcoming this bias.
Commentary on Furnham's Culture Shock, Berry's Acculturation Theory, and Marsella and Yamada's Indigenous Psychopathology: Being a Call to Action for Pacific Rim Psychology
Authors: Liu James H.
Published: February 2012

The three articles in this special edition of the Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology encompass a range of approaches within cross-cultural psychology. Adrian Furnham's (2011) culture shock shows how academic psychology can be applied to, and helps to inform a popular concept. John Berry's (2011) acculturation theory demonstrates how focused theory and empirical data can align with a national agenda. Anthony J. Marsella and Ann Marie Yamada's (2011) socioconstructionist critique of mainstream clinical psychology and psychiatric practices illustrate how epistemology and indigenous psychology can challenge institutional practices. They are united in rejecting a culture-blind psychology of the mainstream. They differ by referencing largely separate but nonetheless complementary literatures on cultures of relevance to the Pacific Rim region. Taken together, these three articles combine meaningfully to illustrate how Pacific Rim psychology might benefit from having (1) a definition of itself with Hawaii and the Pacific Island Nations as the centre and hub for the broader Pacific Rim that includes East Asia and the Western American seaboard; (2) a focus on action, particularly action research and its cyclical communication process of planning, action, evaluation and feedback; and (3) an interdisciplinary orientation where interconnectedness with such institutions as mass media, government, and clinical and psychiatric practices, as well as within psychology itself, underpin and inform research practice and policy.
Law and Policy for International Submarine Cables: An Asia-Pacific Perspective
Authors: TAKEI Yoshinobu
Published: February 2012

Whilst international submarine cables are essential to modern-day life, threats to these cables from competing ocean uses, such as fisheries, persist. Protection of submarine cables, and resolution of potential conflicts among various ocean uses, is needed now more than ever. This article examines and identifies weakness in the current legal regime for submarine cables, with a specific focus on the regulations concerning punishment for the breaking or damage of submarine cables and the integrated management of competing ocean uses. After discussing the legal regime, the article offers some proposals for reform, outlining various options for future action at the international level.
Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility of the Jingou River section: Implications for late Cenozoic uplift of the Tian Shan
Authors: Tang Zihua , Huang Baochun , Dong Xinxin , Ji Junliang , Ding Zhongli
Published: February 2012

Better constraints on the uplift history of Tian Shan will increase our understanding of both mountain building processes and deformation patterns related to the India‐Asian collision. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) holds great potential to track variations in tectonic strain, which is ultimately responsible for mountain uplift. Here we present an AMS record, spanning the interval of 28–4 Ma, from the fluviolucastrine Jingou River section in the Tian Shan foreland. Rock magnetic measurements show that the AMS are dominated by antiferromagnetic hematite and some paramagnetic minerals, both of which have a crystallographic preferred orientation, and therefore the AMS sequence may be applied to reconstruct tectonic strain. Although the principal minimum (Kmin) direction is nearly perpendicular to the bedding plane, indicative of a predominantly sedimentary fabric for the section, the tightly grouped principal maximum (Kmax) parallel to the fold axis suggests that the section was subject to an embryonic deformation at least since the Late Oligocene. The Kmaxdirection is most likely associated with the N‐S strain caused by the India‐Asian collision. During the intervals of 23.3–20.0 Ma and 16.5–14.0 Ma, the strain markedly increased as evidenced by more tightly grouped Kmax directions and Kmin largely distributed within a clear N–S girdle. These two intervals are accompanied by changes in sedimentary facies (higher energy conditions and doubled sedimentation rates), and are interpreted as the periods when the Tian Shan experienced significant uplift. A conceptual model is tentatively proposed to reconcile various timings for the Tian Shan uplift.
First paleomagnetic results of mid‐ to late Holocene sediments from Lake Issyk‐Kul (Kyrgyzstan): Implications for paleosecular variation in central Asia
Authors: Gómez‐Paccard Miriam , Larrasoaña Juan C. , Giralt Santiago , Roberts Andrew P.
Published: February 2012

We present new paleomagnetic and rock magnetic data from mid and late Holocene sediments recovered in two gravity cores (C087 and C142a) from Lake Issyk‐Kul (central Asia), for which independent radiocarbon‐based age models are available. Our results indicate that sediments from core C087 are characterized by fine (pseudo single domain) magnetite grains and are reliable recorders of Holocene geomagnetic paleosecular variation (PSV) in central Asia, which is a region with poor data coverage. Similarity is found between the core C087 PSV record, which spans the last 5700 years, and the Lake Baikal PSV record, which is the only published Holocene central Asian PSV record of comparable length with an independent radiocarbon‐based chronology. Our new results represent a step forward in constructing a reference PSV curve for central Asia that can be used to date sedimentary sequences. These results can also be used to improve the reliability and accuracy of global geomagnetic field models. We have not been able to disentangle past environmental changes in the Lake Issyk‐Kul region based on rock magnetic properties, probably because the magnetite and hematite in the studied sediments have a mixed (fluvial and eolian) terrigenous origin.
Where is the ideal location for a US East Coast offshore grid?
Authors: Dvorak Michael J. , Stoutenburg Eric D. , Archer Cristina L. , Kempton Willett , Jacobson Mark Z.
Published: February 2012

This paper identifies the location of an “ideal” offshore wind energy (OWE) grid on the U.S. East Coast that would (1) provide the highest overall and peak‐time summer capacity factor, (2) use bottom‐mounted turbine foundations (depth ≤50 m), (3) connect regional transmissions grids from New England to the Mid‐Atlantic, and (4) have a smoothed power output, reduced hourly ramp rates and hours of zero power. Hourly, high‐resolution mesoscale weather model data from 2006–2010 were used to approximate wind farm output. The offshore grid was located in the waters from Long Island, New York to the Georges Bank, ≈450 km east. Twelve candidate 500 MW wind farms were located randomly throughout that region. Four wind farms (2000 MW total capacity) were selected for their synergistic meteorological characteristics that reduced offshore grid variability. Sites likely to have sea breezes helped increase the grid capacity factor during peak time in the spring and summer months. Sites far offshore, dominated by powerful synoptic‐scale storms, were included for their generally higher but more variable power output. By interconnecting all 4 farms via an offshore grid versus 4 individual interconnections, power was smoothed, the no‐power events were reduced from 9% to 4%, and the combined capacity factor was 48% (gross). By interconnecting offshore wind energy farms ≈450 km apart, in regions with offshore wind energy resources driven by both synoptic‐scale storms and mesoscale sea breezes, substantial reductions in low/no‐power hours and hourly ramp rates can be made.