bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, development, and performance evaluation of a low-cost, low-power wake-up radio system for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Oller Joaquim , Demirkol Ilker , Casademont Jordi , Paradells Josep
Published: December 2013

Energy-efficient operation is a challenge for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). A common method employed for this purpose is duty-cycled operation, which extends battery lifetime yet incurs several types of energy wastes and challenges. A promising alternative to duty-cycled operation is the use of wake-up radio (WuR), where the main microcontroller unit (MCU) and transceiver, that is, the two most energy-consuming elements, are kept in energy-saving mode until a special signal from another node is received by an attached, secondary, ultra-low power receiver. Next, this so-called wake-up receiver generates an interrupt to activate the receiver node's MCU and, consequently, the main radio. This article presents a complete wake-up radio design that targets simplicity in design for the monetary cost and flexibility concerns, along with a good operation range and very low power consumption. Both the transmitter (WuTx) and the receiver (WuRx) designs are presented with the accompanying physical experiments for several design alternatives. Detailed analysis of the end system is provided in terms of both operational distance (more than 10 m) and current consumption (less than 1 μA). As a reference, a commercial WuR system is analyzed and compared to the presented system by expressing the trade-offs and advantages of both systems.
System-level memory management based on statistical variability compensation for frame-based applications
Authors: Sanz Concepción , Gómez José Ignacio , Tenllado Christian , Prieto Manuel , Catthoor Francky
Published: December 2013

Process variability and dynamic domains increase the uncertainty of embedded systems and force designers to apply pessimistic designs, which become unnecessarily conservative and have a tremendous impact on both performance and energy consumption. In this context, developing
uncertainty-aware
design methodologies that take both variation at platform and at application level into account becomes a must. These methodologies should mitigate the effects derived from uncertainty, avoiding worst-case assumptions. In this article we propose a comprehensive methodology to tackle two forms of uncertainty: (1) process variation on the memory system, (2) application dynamism. A statistical model has been developed to deal with variability derived from fabrication process, whereas
system scenarios
are selected to cope with dynamic domains. Both sources of uncertainty are firstly tackled in combination at design time, to be refined later, at setup. As a result, at run time the platform can be successfully adapted to the current application behaviour as well as the current variations. Our simulations show that this methodology provides significant energy savings while still meeting strict timing constraints.
Adaptive scheduling of real-time systems cosupplied by renewable and nonrenewable energy sources
Authors: Mohaqeqi Morteza , Kargahi Mehdi , Dehghan Maryam
Published: December 2013

Energy management is an important issue in today's real-time systems due to the high costs of energy supplying. Using renewable, like wave, wind, and solar energy sources seem promising methods to address this issue. However, because of the existing contrast between the critical nature of hard real-time systems and the unpredictable nature of renewable energies, some supplementary energy source like electricity grid or battery is needed. In this paper, we consider hard real-time systems with two renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In order to reduce the costs, we present two dynamic voltage scaling controllers to minimize the energy attained from the latter source. In order to handle variations of the environmental energy and workload, the model predictive control approach is employed. One nonlinear approach beside one fast linear piecewise affine explicit controller are proposed. The efficacies of the proposed approaches have been investigated through extensive simulations. Comparisons to an ideal clairvoyant controller as a baseline show that, in the studied scenarios, the proposed controllers guarantee at least 78% of the baseline performance.
Control theory for principled heap sizing
Authors: White David R. , Singer Jeremy , Aitken Jonathan M. , Jones Richard E.
Published: December 2013

We propose a new, principled approach to adaptive heap sizing based on control theory. We review current state-of-the-art heap sizing mechanisms, as deployed in Jikes RVM and HotSpot. We then formulate heap sizing as a control problem, apply and tune a standard controller algorithm, and evaluate its performance on a set of well-known benchmarks. We find our controller adapts the heap size more responsively than existing mechanisms. This responsiveness allows tighter virtual machine memory footprints while preserving target application throughput, which is ideal for both embedded and utility computing domains. In short, we argue that formal, systematic approaches to memory management should be replacing ad-hoc heuristics as the discipline matures. Control-theoretic heap sizing is one such systematic approach.
A Misdiagnosis of Traumatic Hypersupination of the Distal Radioulnar Joint: A Case Report
Authors: Asopa Vipin , Douglas Robert J. , Saies Andrew D. , Church James S.
Published: December 2013

Traumatic hypersupination injury of the distal radioulnar joint is a rare injury, and occurs when sufficient supination force is applied to the joint so as to tear the volar radioulnar ligament, resulting in separation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, and subluxation of the tendon of extensor carpi ulnaris. This allows the distal ulna to rotate such that the ulnar styloid comes to lie adjacent to the ulna notch of the radius. Treatment of this injury requires manipulation of the joint, under anaesthesia or sedation. We describe a case where posttraumatic radiological investigation of a patient with an anatomical variation of the wrist when in supination resembled a traumatic hypersupination injury of the distal radioulnar joint. A review of the literature has revealed this to be the first reported case of this type.
Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Toughness Evaluation of Multiphase Polymer Nanocomposites Using Impact and J-Integral via Locus Method
Authors: Panda Bishnu P. , Mohanty Smita , Nayak S. K.
Published: December 2013

Fracture behaviors of fibrillar silicate clay (MMT) filled thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) containing polypropylene (PP) blended with ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) were systematically investigated using impact test method and J-integral by locus method. Drastic increase in impact strength is observed for all developed compositions and generally shows higher value for the selected phases containing dispersed nanoclay in PP matrix. A fracture mechanics approach has been adopted by mode I test, and the effects of specimen geometry have been investigated. Increase in interlaminar fracture energy value, Gc, and J-integral value, Jc, is marked as the crack propagated through the composite; that is, a rising “R-curve” is observed. Toughness measurements revealed that the fracture toughness increased with increasing clay content reaching maximum at 3 wt% of clay than pure PP. Moreover, enhancement of fracture toughness was more remarkable than that of stiffness. The fracture surfaces taken from different specimens were observed for exploring the fracture mechanisms using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a strong particle-matrix adhesion.
Integrated Inventory Model for Deteriorating Items with Price-Dependent Demand under Quantity-Dependent Trade Credit
Authors: Annadurai Karuppuchamy
Published: December 2013

This paper explores an integrated inventory model when the deterioration rate follows exponential distribution under trade credit. Here, it is assumed that demand rate is a function of selling price and the permissible delay in payment depends on the order quantity. In the model shortages are completely backlogged. The maximization of the total profit per unit of time is taken as the objective function to study the retailer’s optimal ordering policy. This paper also presents a practical application example where the proposed inventory model is utilized to support business decision making. Particularly, the model developed in the paper could be useful in the area of supply chain management. Finally, sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution with respect to major parameters is carried out. Our result illustrates that this model can be quite useful in determining the optimal ordering policy when the trade credit period is being analyzed.
Conducting an Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Caffrey Kevin R. , Veal Matthew W.
Published: December 2013

Agriculture is a diverse field that produces a wide array of products vital to society. As global populations continue to grow the competition for natural resources will increase pressure on agricultural production of food, fiber, energy, and various high value by‐products. With elevated concerns related to environmental impacts associated with the needs of a growing population, a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework can be used to determine areas of greatest impact and compare reduction strategies for agricultural production systems. The LCA methodology was originally developed for industrial operations but has been expanded to a wider range of fields including agriculture. There are various factors that increase the complexity of determining impacts associated with agricultural production including multiple products from a single system, regional and crop specific management techniques, temporal variations (seasonally and annually), spatial variations (multilocation production of end products), and the large quantity of nonpoint emission sources. The lack of consistent methodology of some impacts that are of major concern to agriculture (e.g., land use and water usage) increases the complexity of this analysis. This paper strives to review some of these issues and give perspective to the LCA practitioner in the field of agriculture.
Properties of the Loess Sediments in Ostrava Region (Czech Republic) and Comparison with Some Other Loess Sediments
Authors: Marschalko Marian , Yilmaz Işık , Fojtova Lucie , Lamich David , Bednarik Martin
Published: December 2013

This study deals with a methodical identification and evaluation of physical‐mechanical properties of one genetic type of geological structure. This is represented by an engineering‐geological zone of eolian sediments, which is regionally rather abundant. The paper contributes to a need to identify typical soil properties for widespread geological environments in a particular region and thus add to good engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers’ awareness in the region. Such information is much required as it permits comparing results of newly conducted engineering‐geological investigations and research with the results characteristic for the region in question. It is vital for engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers to be sufficiently informed on the foundation soil properties of widespread geological environments because of professionalism and higher quality of their work results. Comparing other loess sediment studies worldwide it was discovered that the physical properties of the most abundant clays of low to medium plasticity, sandy clays, and sands as foundation soils vary as for the plasticity index, porosity, natural water content, and bulk density to a certain extent but not as significantly as once expected.
Admittance Loci Based Design of a Plasmonic Structure Using Ag-Au Bimetallic Alloy Film
Authors: Brahmachari Kaushik , Ray Mina
Published: December 2013

A theoretical study based on the use of admittance loci method in the design of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based structure using Ag-Au bimetallic alloy film of different alloy fractions and nanoparticle sizes has been reported along with some interesting performance related simulated results at 633 nm wavelength. The sensitivity and other performance parameter issues of the structure based on the choice of correct alloy fraction and nanoparticle size of Ag-Au bimetallic alloy film have also been discussed giving due importance to the dynamic range of the designed structure.
Immune Chaperone gp96 Drives the Contributions of Macrophages to Inflammatory Colon Tumorigenesis
Authors: Morales Crystal , Rachidi Saleh , Hong Feng , Sun Shaoli , Ouyang Xinshou , Wallace Caroline , Zhang Yongliang , Garret-Mayer Elizabeth , Wu Jennifer , Liu Bei , Li Zihai
Published: December 2013

Macrophages are important drivers in the development of inflammation-associated colon cancers, but the mechanistic underpinnings for their contributions are not fully understood. Furthermore, Toll-like receptors have been implicated in colon cancer, but their relevant cellular sites of action are obscure. In this study, we show that the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone gp96 is essential in tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) to license their contributions to inflammatory colon tumorigenesis. Mice where gp96 was genetically deleted in a macrophage-specific manner exhibited reduced colitis and inflammation-associated colon tumorigenesis. Attenuation of colon cancer in these mice correlated strikingly with reduced mutation rates of β-catenin, increased efficiency of the DNA repair machinery, and reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 in the tumor microenvironment. The genotoxic nature of TAM-associated inflammation was evident by increased expression of genes in the DNA repair pathway. Our work deepens understanding of how TAM promote oncogenesis by altering the molecular oncogenic program within epithelial cells, and it identifies gp96 as a lynchpin chaperone needed in TAM to license their function and impact on expression of critical inflammatory cytokines in colon tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 74(2); 446–59. ©2013 AACR.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Predict Survival of Patients with Advanced Melanoma: Comparison with Regulatory T Cells and NY-ESO-1- or Melan-A–Specific T Cells
Authors: Weide Benjamin , Martens Alexander , Zelba Henning , Stutz Christina , Derhovanessian Evelyna , Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Maio Michele , Sucker Antje , Schilling Bastian , Schadendorf Dirk , Büttner Petra , Garbe Claus , Pawelec Graham
Published: December 2013

Purpose: To analyze the prognostic relevance and relative impact of circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) compared with functional tumor antigen–specific T cells in patients with melanoma with distant metastasis.

Experimental Design: The percentage of CD14+CD11b+HLA-DR−/low MDSCs, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs, and the presence of NY-ESO-1- or Melan-A–specific T cells was analyzed in 94 patients and validated in an additional cohort of 39 patients by flow cytometry. Univariate survival differences were calculated according to Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression models.

Results: NY-ESO-1–specific T cells, the M-category, and the frequency of MDSCs were associated with survival. The absence of NY-ESO-1–specific T cells and the M-category M1c independently increased the risk of death. In a second Cox model not considering results on antigen-specific T cells, a frequency of >11% MDSCs showed independent impact. Its association with survival was confirmed in the additional patient cohort. Median survival of patients with a lower frequency of MDSCs was 13 months versus 8 months for others (P < 0.001, combined cohorts). We observed a strong correlation between high levels of MDSCs and the absence of melanoma antigen–specific T cells implying a causal and clinically relevant interaction. No prognostic impact was observed for Tregs.

Conclusions: Circulating CD14+CD11b+HLA-DR−/low MDSCs have a negative impact on survival and inversely correlate with the presence of functional antigen–specific T cells in patients with advanced melanoma. Our findings provide a rationale to investigate MDSC-depleting strategies in the therapeutic setting especially in combination with vaccination or T-cell transfer approaches. Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1601–9. ©2013 AACR.
Personalized Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Hourigan Christopher S. , Karp Judith E.
Published: December 2013

Summary: Patient-specific ex vivo drug sensitivity and resistance screening can identify rational drug candidates for the testing of personalized targeted therapy. An iterative approach of genomic and drug susceptibility characterization at sequential time points during clinical trials of targeted therapy in acute myeloid leukemia may be useful both for characterizing mechanisms of resistance and clonal evolution and also for identification of novel therapeutic targets and drug combinations. Cancer Discov; 3(12); 1336–8. ©2013 AACR.

See related article by Pemovska et al., p. 1416
Loss of Cellular Cohesion in Cytology Composes a Special Subgroup of Breast Tumors - Analysis of 37 Cases
Authors: Wakasa Tomoko , Nakamura Misa , Kagiya Tomoko , Taniguchi Emiko , Sakurai Takeo , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: December 2013

Objective: We analyzed smears by fine needle aspiration (FNA) from 37 cases that displayed numerous dissociated cells and correlated the results with histological findings. Study Design: Between 1996 and 2005, 1,583 patients underwent breast FNA and resection. Loss of cellular cohesion was observed in 37 of these cases. Results: From the cytological findings, we classified cases into 3 groups according to cell size and shape. Type A: numerous isolated spindle cells with a necrotic background. Four cases were classified into this group (3 cases of intraductal papilloma and 1 case of adenomyoepithelioma). Type B: lymphocytes and large isolated cells such as medullary carcinoma. Five cases were classified into this group [1 case of classic medullary carcinoma, 1 case of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 3 cases of invasive carcinoma of no special type (NST)]. Type C: numerous uniform small round cells. Twenty-eight cases were classified into this group (2 cases of lobular carcinoma, 1 case of DCIS, 22 cases of invasive carcinoma NST, and 3 cases of solid papillary carcinoma). Conclusion: Numerous isolated cells are sometimes seen in both benign and malignant cytology.
Minimalinvasive Chirurgie bei Malignomen des Gastrointestinaltrakts: Kolon - Kontra-Position
Authors: Lux Philipp , Weber Klaus , Hohenberger Werner
Published: December 2013

Hintergrund: Darstellung der aktuellen Studienlage hinsichtlich des Vergleichs offener versus laparoskopischer Chirurgie bei Kolonkarzinomen. Methoden: Selektive Literaturrecherche und Daten aus dem Erlanger Register kolorektaler Karzinome. Ergebnisse: Die laparoskopische Resektion des Kolonkarzinoms kann bei entsprechender Expertise des Operateurs und geeigneter Selektion mit gleichen onkologischen Ergebnissen im Vergleich zur offenen Chirurgie durchgeführt werden. Schlussfolgerungen: In Zukunft müssen die Begriffe «Expertise» und «Selektion» genauer definiert werden, um die Rate an Konversionen mit den damit verbundenen schlechteren onkologischen Ergebnissen zu minimieren. Grundsätzlich muss sich jedoch die Qualität der laparoskopischen Chirurgie an derjenigen der optimierten offenen Vorgehensweise orientieren.
Outcomes of Combined Furlow Palatoplasty and Sphincter Pharyngoplasty for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Bohm Lauren A. , Padgitt Noëlle , Tibesar Robert J. , Lander Timothy A. , Sidman James D.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To compare surgical outcomes between pharyngeal flap, sphincter pharyngoplasty, and combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty in the management of pediatric velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Subjects and Methods

After exclusion of children with velocardiofacial syndrome, 96 patients who underwent surgical intervention between 2008 and 2012 were identified. Surgical interventions were categorized as pharyngeal flap, sphincter pharyngoplasty, and combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty. Main outcome measures included perceptual speech analyses, complications, and surgical revision rates.

Results

Of the 96 reviewed patients, 38 (39.6%) underwent pharyngeal flap, 20 (20.8%) sphincter pharyngoplasty, and 38 (39.6%) combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty. Choice of surgical intervention was based on patient characteristics, observed palatal length, and formal speech assessments. There were no differences in patient demographics or preoperative perceptual speech analysis scores among the 3 surgical groups. The mean speech improvement was significantly greater in both the pharyngeal flap (P =. 031) and combined procedure (P =. 013) compared with sphincter pharyngoplasty alone, but no differences were observed between the pharyngeal flap and combined procedure (P =. 797). There were no differences in complications among the 3 surgical interventions (P =. 220). The combined procedure required significantly less surgical revisions than the pharyngeal flap (P =. 019).

Conclusion

Combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty is an effective procedure for the management of pediatric velopharyngeal insufficiency and may result in superior speech outcomes and lower revision rates than sphincter pharyngoplasty and pharyngeal flap, respectively.
Fluorescence Visualization Screening for EBV‐LMP1‐Targeted DNAzymes
Authors: You Xi , Yang Yu Cheng , Ke Xia , Hong Su Ling , Hu Guo Hua
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To develop a novel screening method for DNAzymes targeting the LMP1 carboxy region.

Study Design

To design a method to screen special DNAzymes toward the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)–associated carcinoma before clinic use.

Setting

Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education–Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases in Chongqing Medical University.

Subjects and Methods

Four novel 10‐23 DNAzymes (DZ509, DZ1037, DZ893, and DZ827) targeting the EBV‐LMP1 gene were designed and evaluated by detecting enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) expression of LMP1 mRNA and the protein in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line CNE2 transfected with the pEGFP‐C1‐LMP1c vector. The screened specific DNAzymes were then transfected into NPC cell lines C666‐1 while a mutant oligonucleotide mutDZ509 and an antisense oligonucleotide ASODN509 were designed as positive and negative controls. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, LMP1 mRNA, and the protein were assessed using 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Annexin V‐fluorescence isothiocyanate (FITC), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and Western blots.

Results

The inhibition rates of fluorescence expression of the DNAzymes DZ509, DZ1037, DZ893, and DZ827 were 91.25%, 65.84%, 49.02%, and 44.56%, respectively. The results were in accordance with the inhibition effects of mRNA and protein expression. The screened DZ509 could effectively knock down endogenous LMP1 expression in C666‐1 cells, inhibit cell proliferation, and induce cell apoptosis compared with mutDZ509 and ASODN509.

Conclusion

LMP1 could present a potential target for DNAzymes toward the EBV‐associated carcinoma, and the EGFP expression vector could be a visible method for screening special DNAzymes before clinic use.
How to measure pain in neurological conditions? A systematic review of psychometric properties and clinical utility of measurement tools
Authors: Tyson Sarah F , Brown Philip
Published: December 2013

Objective:

To systematically review the psychometric properties and clinical utility of measures of pain in neurological conditions.

Data sources:

Electronic databases (AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PEDro and Web of Knowledge) were searched from their inception to February 2013.

Review methods:

Studies investigating any measurement tool to assess pain in central nervous system conditions were systematically identified. Data about their psychometric properties and clinical utility were extracted and analysed independently. The strength of the psychometric properties and clinical utility were assessed.

Results:

A total of 13 articles met the selection criteria, which assessed 11 measurement tools; eight pain rating scales; one Neuropathic Pain Scale; and two measures of pain interference with every-day life. Most of the pain rating scales were specifically for hemiplegic shoulder pain. None had been sufficiently developed to recommend for use in clinical practice or research. Evaluation of reliability and the ability to detect change were particularly sparse. Reliability depended on the type of tools used. Patients with right hemisphere damage favoured verbal/written responses, while people with left hemisphere damage preferred and reported more effectively using visual/numeric responses. Validity between measures of pain intensity was moderate, while validity with mood or quality of life was weak to moderate.

Conclusion:

None of the selected measures of pain have been fully developed or evaluated to demonstrate that they provide accurate, relevant reproducible information.
Primary Maternal Preoccupation in the Group Analytic Group
Authors: Doron Yael
Published: December 2013

Foulkes and his followers often compared the analytic group to a mother and the conductor to a father. In this article I intend to focus on the maternal characteristics of the group analyst, looking in particular at the ‘primary maternal preoccupation’—a phenomenon that Winnicott identified as existing in mothers of newborn infants. I believe that this phenomenon exists also among conductors during the first stages of the life of a new group and also older groups, in the period directly after adding new members. In addition I will claim that just as the Winnicottian mother needs support and containment from her environment, so too the group analyst looks for supervision to help him hold and process his anxiety and aggression. The supervision enables the conductor to calm down and then bring a measure of calm to the turbulent group in the first stages of its existence.
Power, domination and human needs
Authors: Hamilton Lawrence
Published: December 2013

I elicit some of Foucault’s insights to provide a more realistic picture than is the norm in social and political theory of how best to identify and overcome domination. Foucault’s vision is realized best, I argue, by combining his account with two related conceptions of domination based on human needs and realistic accounts of politics that focus on agency, power and interests. I defend a genealogical, inter-subjective account of how the determination of needs and interests forms the basis of ascertaining, on a continuum, the extent to which relations of power generate states of domination. To that end I propose institutional changes that would empower citizens in positive and negative ways: power over legislation in district assemblies and via veto and repeal; real control over representatives through various means; and decennial constitutional plebiscites.
Private sector participation in solid waste collection in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) by involving micro-enterprises
Authors: Tilaye Mesfin , van Dijk Meine Pieter
Published: December 2013

Privatization of urban services focuses often on the involvement of foreign enterprises. This contribution deals with micro-privatization, the partial transfer of government responsibility for solid waste collection to micro-enterprises. It tries to shed light on whether the current private sector participation (PSP) of micro-enterprises in solid waste collection service is the best way to capture the expected advantages of private sector involvement. The article examines the relations of the micro-enterprises with beneficiaries and the public sector by focusing on the contract procedure, the tariff-setting process, the cost recovery mechanism and institutionalizing of market principles for micro-enterprises. The research was carried out using secondary and primary data sources. Primary data were collected through the interviewing of public sector officials at different levels, focus group discussions with community groups and micro-enterprises, and observation. A survey was conducted among 160 micro-enterprises in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using a standard questionnaire. What are some of the factors contributing to the results of PSP in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia? Policies at higher levels of government definitely produced an overall climate conducive to micro-privatization and recognized the need to develop micro-enterprises, but it is not clear what role the micro-enterprises are to play in solid waste management. New opportunities were created by formalization and taken up by communities and micro-enterprises. Coverage and waste collected both increased. The initiation and institutionalization of the formalization process was not without problems. The public sector over-stressed the autonomy of micro-enterprises. The fate of the micro-enterprises is largely determined by the reforms undertaken at local government level. The rapid changes in policies at the local level made waste-collecting micro-enterprises lose confidence and more dependent on the public sector. The study shows the continued power of the state and its agents in shaping developments in this domain.
Understanding the side effects of emission trading: Implications for waste management
Authors: Braschel Nina , Posch Alfred , Pierer Magdalena
Published: December 2013

The trading of emission allowances is an important market instrument in climate policy. However, the inclusion of certain branches of industry in the trading system not only provides incentives for emission reduction, it also entails unwanted side effects. Thus, the objective of the present study is to identify such side effects—positive and negative—by examining the potential impact of waste management inclusion in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Desk research was supplemented with qualitative and quantitative empirical analysis (based on expert interviews and a questionnaire) in order to analyse the related perceptions and expectations of actors and stakeholders. The impact of waste management inclusion in the EU ETS is analysed in terms of the following three areas: (i) costs and cost pass-through, (ii), competitiveness and market position, and (iii) carbon leakage. Concerning expectations in the area of costs, both the interviewed experts and the practitioners surveyed thought that costs were likely to increase or that they could be passed on to customers. However, experts and practitioners differed with respect to the possibility of carbon leakage. Clearly, increased knowledge of the possible impact arising from inclusion of the waste sector in the EU ETS would enable managers to become more proactive and to manage waste streams and treatment options more economically.
Frameworks for change in healthcare organisations: A formative evaluation of the NHS Change Model
Authors: Martin Graham P , Sutton Elizabeth , Willars Janet , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: December 2013

Background

Organisational change in complex healthcare systems is a multifaceted process. The English National Health Service recently introduced a ‘Change Model’ that seeks to offer an evidence-based framework for guiding change. We report findings from a formative evaluation of the NHS Change Model and make recommendations for those developing the Model and its users.

Methods

The evaluation involved 28 interviews with managers and clinicians making use of the Change Model in relation to a variety of projects. Interviews were fully transcribed and were analysed using an approach based on the Framework method.

Findings

Participants saw the Change Model as valuable and practically useful. Fidelity to core principles of the Model was variable: participants often altered the Model, especially when using it to orchestrate the work of others. In challenging organisational contexts, the Change Model was sometimes used to delegitimise opposition rather than identify shared purpose among different interest groups.

Conclusions

Those guiding change may benefit from frameworks, guidance and toolkits to structure and inform their planning and activities. Participants’ experiences suggested the Change Model has much potential. Further work on its design and on supporting materials may optimise the approach, but its utility rests in particular on organisational cultures that support faithful application.
Detection of papillomavirus in equine periocular and penile squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Newkirk Kim M. , Hendrix Diane V. H. , Anis Eman A. , Rohrbach Barton W. , Ehrhart Eugene J. , Lyons Jerry A. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: December 2013

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common tumor arising in the periocular and penile areas of horses. Both ultraviolet radiation and papillomaviruses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SCC in various species, including the horse. This retrospective study used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect papillomavirus DNA in archival biopsy samples from equine periocular and penile SCC from 3 different geographic areas (northeast, southeast, and central United States). Forty-two periocular SCCs were tested; none contained papillomavirus DNA. Twenty-two penile SCCs were tested, and papillomavirus DNA was identified in 10 (43%) cases. Sequencing of the PCR products revealed homology with Equus caballus papillomavirus 2 (EcPV-2). No geographic distribution in the detection of papillomavirus was identified. Penile SCCs were significantly more likely to be papillomavirus positive than the periocular SCCs ( P < 0.001). The role of papillomavirus in the development of penile SCC requires further investigation. The differing pathogeneses of periocular and penile SCC suggest that the tumors may respond differently to treatment.
Impact localization on a composite tail rotor blade using an inverse filtering approach
Authors: Ciampa Francesco , Meo Michele
Published: December 2013

This article presents an in situ structural health monitoring imaging system for the localization of impacts on a composite complex structure such as a tail rotor blade. Unlike conventional plate-like panels, this composite structure presents a strong anisotropy and inhomogeneous elastic nature due to the presence of both glass fibre and carbon fibre, a geometrically complex shape due to the curvature of the blade’s airfoil section and variations in the mechanical behaviour due to local changes in the thickness. The proposed imaging technique is based on the inverse filtering or reciprocal time reversal approach applied to the waveforms originated from a point of the structure of unknown location (impact source) and a number of signals stored in a database containing the experimental Green’s function of the medium. Unlike other ultrasonic impact localization methods, the present technique allows achieving the optimal focalization of the impact point in the spatial and time domain, by taking advantage of multiple linear scattering and a small number of receiver sensors.
Conflicting Institutions and the Search for Gender Justice at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Chappell Louise
Published: December 2013

This article examines the mixed gender justice outcomes of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) first case, The Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, and argues that they were influenced by competing institutions: older gender-biased norms of international law and new formal gender justice rules of the ICC’s Rome Statute. Using a feminist institutionalist framework, the article suggests that formal and informal institutions work together in multiple ways to produce different outcomes, and that in understanding the operation of informal institutions, it is as important to search for silences and inaction, as it is to identify articulation and action.
Can Admission Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Infarct-Related Artery Patency in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Doğan Mehmet , Akyel Ahmet , Bilgin Murat , Erat Mehmet , Çimen Tolga , Sunman Hamza , Efe Tolga Han , Açıkel Sadık , Yeter Ekrem
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and infarct-related artery (IRA) patency in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods:

A total of 349 patients with STEMI were recruited to this retrospective study. Baseline characteristics were reviewed. Patency of IRA was evaluated by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade.

Results:

Of all patients, 293 patients formed the occluded IRA group and 56 patients formed the patent IRA group. The NLR was significantly higher in occluded IRA group (4.4 ± 4.1 vs 1.9 ± 1.1, P < .001). Glucose levels were also higher in occluded IRA group (171.3 ± 78.0 vs 144.7 ± 49.7, P = .022). Regression analysis demonstrated admission NLR and plasma glucose levels as independent predictors of IRA patency.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found that admission NLR and glucose levels were higher in patients with occluded IRA than in patients with STEMI. We also found that NLR and glucose levels were independent predictors of IRA patency. Because hemogram is a cheap, fast, and widely available test, it can be used in daily practice as a predictor of IRA patency.
Safety Planning in Focus Groups of Malawian Women Living With HIV
Authors: Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy , Stevens Patricia E. , Kako Peninnah M. , Dressel Anne
Published: December 2013

In this critical ethnography, 72 HIV-infected women in Southern Malawi participated in 12 focus groups discussing the impact of HIV and violence. Our analysis, informed by a postcolonial feminist perspective, revealed women’s capacity to collectively engage in safety planning. We present our findings about women’s experiences based on narratives detailing how women collectively strategized safety planning efforts to mitigate the impact of violence. This study helps to fill a gap in the literature on the intersection between HIV and violence in women’s lives. Strategies discussed by the women could form a basis for safety planning interventions for women in similar circumstances.
Characterization of neuromyelitis optica and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with a late onset
Authors: Collongues N , Marignier R , Jacob A , Leite MI , Siva A , Paul F , Zephir H , Akman-Demir G , Elsone L , Jarius S , Papeix C , Mutch K , Saip S , Wildemann B , Kitley J , Karabudak R , Aktas O , Kuscu D , Altintas A , Palace J , Confavreux C , De Seze J
Published: December 2013

Background:

Few data are available for patients with a late onset (≥ 50 years) of neuromyelitis optica (LONMO) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (LONMOSD), defined by an optic neuritis/longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis with aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab).

Objective:

To characterize LONMO and LONMOSD, and to analyze their predictive factors of disability and death.

Methods:

We identified 430 patients from four cohorts of NMO/NMOSD in France, Germany, Turkey and UK. We extracted the late onset patients and analyzed them for predictive factors of disability and death, using the Cox proportional model.

Results:

We followed up on 63 patients with LONMO and 45 with LONMOSD during a mean of 4.6 years. This LONMO/LONMOSD cohort was mainly of Caucasian origin (93%), women (80%), seropositive for AQP4-Ab (85%) and from 50 to 82.5 years of age at onset. No progressive course was noted. At last follow-up, the median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were 5.5 and 6 in the LONMO and LONMOSD groups, respectively. Outcome was mainly characterized by motor disability and relatively good visual function. At last follow-up, 14 patients had died, including seven (50%) due to acute myelitis and six (43%) because of opportunistic infections. The EDSS 4 score was independently predicted by an older age at onset, as a continuous variable after 50 years of age. Death was predicted by two independent factors: an older age at onset and a high annualized relapse rate.

Conclusion:

LONMO/LONMOSD is particularly severe, with a high rate of motor impairment and death.
Consent is a grey area? A comparison of understandings of consent in Fifty Shades of Grey and on the BDSM blogosphere
Authors: Barker Meg
Published: December 2013

Whilst the Fifty Shades trilogy has increased public awareness of BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism), the understandings of consent depicted in the novels remain reflective of those prevalent in wider heteronormative culture. Responsibility for consenting is located within the individual (woman) and consent relates to sex rather than to the relationship as a whole. This contrasts with understandings of consent currently emerging on the BDSM blogosphere where the locus of responsibility is shifting from individuals to communities, and the concept is opening up to encompass awareness of intersecting social power dynamics and interactions beyond the sexual arena.
Pre-reading and failing to read Fifty Shades of Grey
Authors: Hunter IQ
Published: December 2013

This is a brief personal response to Fifty Shades of Grey which focuses on a male writer’s inability to finish the book and to comprehend the fantasies it embodies, despite his being a sympathetic ‘pre-reader’ eager to defend the book against its numerous critics. His failure to make sense of the book’s appeal is discussed in relation both to the writer’s masculinity and to a more general cultural snobbery towards ‘women’s texts’. The piece concludes with a tentative suggestion that the book’s decisive fantasy may involve submission to the dominant ‘overclass’ of triumphant contemporary neo-liberalism.
Conviviality in everyday multiculturalism: Some brief comparisons between Singapore and Sydney
Authors: Wise Amanda , Velayutham Selvaraj
Published: December 2013

This article considers the question of conviviality in everyday multiculturalism. It elaborates the concept of ‘convivial multiculture’ through case studies from Sydney and Singapore. In comparing these two contexts, the article considers what underpins conviviality across three themes: spatial ordering, where consideration is given to the role of built environment and material furnishings of place in shaping encounters with difference; connecting and bridging work, where we discuss the concept of ‘transversal enablers’, and intercultural gift exchange; and intercultural habitus, where disposition, habit and linguistic accommodation are discussed. It closes with some reflection upon larger forces that mediate local encounters, and the necessity to consider the full range of interactions, patterns, behaviours and meanings at work, and the interconnection between ‘happy’ and ‘hard’ forms of coexistence.
The post-1994 South African spatial planning system and Bill of Rights: A meaningful and mutually beneficial fit?
Authors: Van Wyk Jeannie , Oranje Mark
Published: December 2013

With a new planning system taking shape, and a new Bill of Rights embodied in a transformative Constitution having been introduced in South Africa in 1994, this article grapples with the dual questions as to whether the new spatial planning system fits within the spirit of the Bill of Rights, and the Bill of Rights assists the new spatial planning system in the realisation of its objectives. As a prequel to the engagement with these questions, a brief overview of the events leading to institution of the Bill of Rights and its contents is provided. This is followed by a brief historical overview of the creation of the South African spatial planning system and a summary of its key features. These features can be reduced to the following basic components: (1) meaningful participation in all aspects of spatial planning; (2) an open, inclusive and just decision-making process where information is readily available; (3) recognition of religion and culture and equal treatment in application and decision-making; (4) an awareness of environmental issues; and (5) the significance of property and housing. The way in which these components are addressed in the Bill of Rights and other parts of the Constitution provides the starting point to determine the extent to which there is a meaningful and mutually beneficial fit between the planning system and the Bill of Rights.
Street gang participation in Europe: A comparison of correlates
Authors: Haymoz Sandrine , Maxson Cheryl , Killias Martin
Published: December 2013

The literature on risk factors for joining street gangs has relied mainly on surveys of US youth. This article addresses the consistency of correlates of street gang involvement in several European countries. We utilize self-report surveys of middle school students in 19 European countries. We employ the Eurogang definition of gang membership and address the degree to which risk indicators from multiple ecological domains surface with some regularity across these different country contexts. Delinquent offending and negative peer behaviours emerge as the most influential and consistent correlates of gang involvement. We consider the implications of our findings for revealing a generalizable pattern of gang participation among European youth as well as the theoretical implications of the significant gang correlates.
Methods for adhesion/friction reduction of novel wire-shaped actuators, based on shape memory alloys, for use in adaptive fiber-reinforced plastic composites
Authors: Kluge Axel , Henneberg Johannes , Nocke Andreas , Cherif Chokri
Published: December 2013

For fiber-reinforced plastic composites, fiber-matrix adhesion is a significant aspect of composite properties. While conventional lightweight structures are always aiming for high fiber-matrix adhesion, innovative and unconventional functional constructions require different concepts. The research work treating adaptive fiber-reinforced plastic composites with shape memory alloy wires presented here uses the approach of actuators freely movable within the composite. This is supposed to prevent mechanical tensions in the interfaces of actuator and composite structure, which would otherwise cause damages of the composite. This work examines hybrid yarns based on friction spinning technology, with shape memory alloy wires as their core component as well as glass fibers, and partly polypropylene, as their sheath component. Additionally, the surface properties of the shape memory alloy wires being used are modified by sanding and coating. The results of a characterization by pull-out testing clearly show that a coating of the shape memory alloy wires with an abherent causes considerable decrease in adhesion and friction in the interface and leads to the mobility of the shape memory alloy wires in the later composite. An even greater effect is attained by sheathing the hybrid yarns in an additional layer of polypropylene, compacting the yarn cross-section. Thus, the pull-out force could be reduced to 35–40% of the reference structure.
Constrictive pericarditis in a young patient with very thick pericardium initially diagnosed as cirrhosis
Authors: Durmus Erdal , Sunbul Murat , Kivrak Tarik , Sari Ibrahim , Mutlu Bulent
Published: December 2013

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a disease of pericardium that restricts filling of the heart. Patients with CP generally present to hospitals with exercise-induced dyspnea, pretibial edema and abdominal ascites, and it is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as liver or renal disease. Pericardial thickening, which is defined as more than 4 mm in diameter, is observed in nearly 80% of patients. In the present paper, we describe a case of CP with a pericardial thickness of 12 mm that was initially diagnosed as cirrhosis.