Accuracy of facial soft tissue thickness measurements in personal computer-based multiplanar reconstructed computed tomographic images

The purpose of this study was to determine the precision and accuracy of facial soft tissue measurement using personal computer (PC)-based multiplanar reconstructed (MPR) computed tomography (CT) images and to evaluate the effect of the various CT scanning protocols on the facial soft tissue thickness measurement. Thirteen different CT imaging protocols were used to image a cadaver head. MPR reformations and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions viewed on a laptop PC were used to make measurements at six specific sites on each set of images. These measurements were compared to physical measurements at the same sites. Increasing the slice thickness resulted in decreased image quality. Within the same slice thickness, increasing the pitch ratio in the spiral mode, resulted in decreasing image quality. The image quality of conventional CT scanning was relatively poorer than that of the spiral CT scanning. However, the mean deviation from the physical measurement was within 0.43 mm in every instance. This mean deviation was quite small and clinically acceptable for measuring the soft tissue thickness of the facial area. PC-based MPR CT images of the face using routine scanning CT protocols can be used to accurately measure soft tissue thickness in the facial region. However, for more fine and accurate data collection, scanning protocols with slice thicknesses less than 5mm, and a spiral/helical mode pitch less than 2:1 are recommended.     

Do lesser pleas pay?: Accommodations in the sentencing and parole processes

One of the important questions in the discussion of plea negotiation is whether a person who has received a labeling break by exchanging a plea of guilty for a reduced charge, really benefits in terms of the sentence he receives or the time he serves. The present study analyzes differences in sentence lengths or in actual periods of incarceration according to such variables as original charge, type of plea, conviction charge, and magnitude of charge reductions.The study shows that charge reduction may have pay-offs to the extent of directly reducing the maximum sentence possible and indirectly reducing the actual amount of time served. There are indications, however, that the parole process tends to neutralize the sentence differentials associated with charge reduction. The ratio between the time served and the sentence imposed tends to get higher as the magnitude of charge reduction increases.     

Allele frequencies and haplotypes of six new Y-specific STR loci in Koreans

Six Y-specific STR loci, DYS434, DYS435, DYS436, DYS437, DYS438, and DYS439 were analyzed in 300 unrelated Korean males using single multiplex PCR system.     

The Citizen Deliberator

Books reviewed in this article:
Bruce Ackerman and James S. Fishkin, Deliberation Day
Ethan Leib, Deliberative Democracy in America: A Proposal for a Popular Branch of Government     

Toward China's “Hub and Spokes” in Southeast Asia? – Diplomacy during the Hu Jintao and First Xi Jinping Administrations

This article reviews China's diplomacy toward Southeast Asia and ASEAN chronologically from the 1990s to 2015, focusing on the changes that occurred during the second half of the Hu Jintao Administration and the further policy adjustments made during the first Xi Jinping Administration. While there are still many uncertainties regarding the policies, and many aspects are still in progress, this study provides an outline of the current period of change in China's relations with Southeast Asia and China's more active engagement in relations with ASEAN from the late 1990s through the early 21st century.     

South Korea's elusive middlepowermanship: regional or global player?

South Korea aspires to a larger regional and global role, fuelled by economic success, and complemented by cultural and diplomatic achievement. However, a gap exists between the rhetoric and reality of its foreign policy. This paper examines Seoul's middle-power activism. It poses questions about the conceptual deficit of ‘middle power’, proffering an operational definition in illuminating the characteristic identity formation of middle powers. It analyses how the Roh Moo-hyun and Lee Myung-bak governments sought to articulate their respective middle-power foreign policy aspirations. Finally, it investigates how domestic political and institutional conditions shape Republic of Korea foreign policy, and identifies policy implications.     

Measuring the Impact of Lotteries on State per Pupil Expenditures for Education: Assessing the National Evidence

State‐operated lotteries have recently been asserted by public administrators and academicians as panaceas for eradicating revenue disparities existing across public school districts in the American states. The purpose of this research project is to empirically test the hypothesis that lottery revenues raise the state expenditures for public education. A state‐level national dataset, which includes fifty American states over the period 1977–1997, was used for the analysis. Pooled time‐series cross‐sectional and ARIMA modeling was employed to test the hypothesis. This study finds that lottery revenues had a positive influence on state per pupil expenditures for education. The evidence for the impact of lotteries on state per pupil expenditures for education was robust and statistically significant.     

韩国小城市发展的经验

20世纪70年代,韩国政府进行的＂新村运动＂实际是一场由政府发起的,以缩小城乡差距、改造农村、造福农民为目的,以开展改善农民生产生活条件的村庄建设项目;同时也是一项提升农民文明素质的思想教育,物质文明建设与伦理精神教育互动的农村现代化建设运动。就是说,新村运动是一项提升农村基础环境与农民素质的政策措施。而笔者所提到的＂农村工业化＂是一项以缩小城乡收入差距、贫富差距、社区差距的经济为载体的农村经济发展上的措施。虽然这两种措施都取得了很好的效果,但韩国农村地区还是存在城乡之间的收入、教育、社区发展上的差距。更严重的问题是,最近农村人口的老龄化和农村空洞化现象也日趋严重,为了突破这些农村问题,政府制订了农村定住生活圈计划。本文将解释与探讨韩国农村定住生活圈计划的内容,并进一步讨论与借鉴韩国农村发展战略的最终目标。