bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Obliquity and CO2 Effects on Southern Hemisphere Climate during the Past 408 ka*
Authors: Timmermann Axel , Friedrich Tobias , Timm Oliver Elison , Chikamoto Megumi O. , Abe-Ouchi Ayako , Ganopolski Andrey
Published: November 2013

The effect of obliquity and CO2 changes on Southern Hemispheric climate is studied with a series of numerical modeling experiments. Using the Earth system model of intermediate complexity Loch–VECODE–ECBilt–CLIO–Agism Model (LOVECLIM) and a coupled general circulation model [Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC)], it is shown in time-slice simulations that phases of low obliquity enhance the meridional extratropical temperature gradient, increase the atmospheric baroclinicity, and intensify the lower and middle troposphere Southern Hemisphere westerlies and storm tracks. Furthermore, a transient model simulation is conducted with LOVECLIM that covers the greenhouse gas, ice sheet, and orbital forcing history of the past 408 ka. This simulation reproduces reconstructed glacial–interglacial variations in temperature and sea ice qualitatively well and shows that the meridional heat transport associated with the orbitally paced modulation of middle troposphere westerlies and storm tracks partly offsets the effects of the direct shortwave obliquity forcing over Antarctica, thereby reinforcing the high correlation between CO2 radiative forcing and Antarctic temperature. The overall timing of temperature changes in Antarctica is hence determined by a balance of shortwave obliquity forcing, atmospheric heat transport changes, and greenhouse gas forcing. A shorter 130-ka transient model experiment with constant CO2 concentrations further demonstrates that surface Southern Hemisphere westerlies are primarily modulated by the obliquity cycle rather than by the CO2 radiative forcing.
Lower anterior cingulate volume in seriously violent men with antisocial personality disorder or schizophrenia and a history of childhood abuse
Authors: Kumari Veena , Uddin Shahir , Premkumar Preethi , Young Susan , Gudjonsson Gisli H , Raghuvanshi Satya , Barkataki Ian , Sumich Alexander , Taylor Pamela , Das Mrigendra
Published: November 2013

Objective:

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and schizophrenia, as well as childhood abuse, are associated with violent behaviour and show marked volumetric reduction in the anterior cingulate (AC), a brain region implicated in regulation of violence through its involvement in decision making, empathy, impulse control, and emotion regulation. The present study examined, for the first time to the authors’ knowledge, the grey matter volume of the AC in relation to seriously violent behaviour and childhood psychosocial deprivation (including physical and sexual abuse) in the context of a mental disorder (schizophrenia or ASPD).

Methods:

Fifty-seven men [14 with ASPD and a history of serious violence; 13 with schizophrenia and a history of serious violence (VSZ); 15 with schizophrenia without a violence history (SZ); 15 nonviolent healthy participants] underwent whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging and were rated on the presence of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, extreme poverty, foster home placement, criminal parent, severe family conflict, and broken home (collectively ‘psychosocial deprivation’). Stereological volumetric ratings of the AC were examined for group differences and their association with childhood psychosocial deprivation.

Results:

A higher proportion of ASPD and VSZ patients had suffered psychosocial deprivation as children, in particular severe physical abuse, relative to SZ patients and healthy participants. ASPD and VSZ, but not SZ, patients had significantly lower AC volume relative to healthy participants. AC volumes correlated negatively with (total) psychosocial deprivation as well as physical and sexual abuse ratings. Group differences in AC volume became nonsignificant when psychosocial deprivation ratings were covaried for.

Conclusions:

Violent mentally disordered individuals with ASPD or schizophrenia suffer from a significant AC volume loss and this deficit, at least in part, is explained by their histories of stressful childhood experiences. Current and future therapies aiming to reduce violence in such populations would benefit by attending to biological (and other) correlates of childhood abuse.
Treatment Acceptability, Stigma, and Legal Concerns of Medical Marijuana Are Affected by Method of Administration
Authors: Rudski Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2013

The current study examined whether attitudes toward the acceptability and stigma of medical marijuana are affected by its method of administration and the severity of illness being treated. Participants (200 men, 409 women, 2 omitted) were assigned to experimental conditions differing according to illness severity, and rated the acceptability, stigma, legal concerns, and willingness to use medical marijuana administered through 10 different administration methods. Marijuana administered in ways resembling traditional medication (e.g., pills) was judged the most acceptable, and had the least stigma. Conversely, marijuana administered in ways resembling recreational use (e.g., cigarettes/joints) received high stigma and low acceptability ratings. Stigma and legal concerns were lower, and acceptability was higher when treating more serious conditions. Results are discussed in terms of why an understanding of the social connotations accompanying different administration methods and reasons for marijuana use is an important complement to understanding pharmacokinetics and drug efficacy.
Redefining Individual Growth and Development Indicators
Authors: Wackerle-Hollman Alisha K. , Schmitt Braden A. , Bradfield Tracy A. , Rodriguez Michael C. , McConnell Scott R.
Published: November 2013

Learning to read is one of the most important indicators of academic achievement. The development of early literacy skills during the preschool years is associated with improved reading outcomes in later grades. One of these skill areas, phonological awareness, shows particular importance because of its strong link to later reading success. Presented here are two studies that describe the development and revision of four measures of phonological awareness skills: Individual Growth and Development Indicators Sound Blending, Syllable Sameness, Rhyming, and Alliteration 2.0. The authors discuss the measure development process, revision, and utility within an early childhood Response to Intervention framework.
The Employment Environment
Authors: Erickson William A. , von Schrader Sarah , Bruyère Susanne M. , VanLooy Sara A.
Published: November 2013

Employers’ characteristics and their policies and practices are workplace environmental factors with important implications for the hiring and retention of employees with disabilities. To explore these factors, a survey was conducted by Cornell University in 2011 focusing on employer policies and practices related to the employment of people with disabilities. The private employer membership of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) was randomly sampled across small, medium, and large employers. In all, 675 SHRM members completed the survey and provided information regarding organizational characteristics; disability-related practices and policies regarding recruitment and hiring, training, accessibility and accommodation, retention and advancement; collection of metrics; and their perception of barriers to the employment and advancement of people with disabilities. Ratings of effectiveness of these practices/policies are examined, as well as the number of policies and practices implemented by organizational size and industry. Comparisons of employer views on employment barriers for persons with disabilities to a previous 1998 Cornell/SHRM study are made.
Cracks in the Granite
Authors: Dills Randall
Published: November 2013

This article explores the 1824 flood in St. Petersburg by focusing on the state response to the flood that presented it as a tragic and natural outcome of constructing a city in a harsh environment. Paternal care elicited support for the regime. However, conquest of nature was central to the autocratic authority and the flood challenged that authority. Granite embankments were the primary symbol of power over nature, yet they failed to stop rising waters in 1824. Engineers offered modern solutions to replace embankments, but granite was essential to the architectural facade even as the population lost faith in granite’s ability to protect the city. The urban and environmental perspective demonstrates the limits of autocratic authority. Tarnished by the flood, the state solicited modern solutions that remained unfulfilled. Ultimately, cost and alteration of the imperial façade proved too much of a price to bear to prevent flood.
Healthy Subjects Experience Bowel Changes on Enteral Diets
Authors: Koecher Katie J. , Thomas William , Slavin Joanne L.
Published: November 2013

Background: Tube‐fed patients frequently suffer from abnormal bowel function that affects intestinal bacteria and quality of life. Dietary fiber affects laxation and can be fermented by gut bacteria to metabolites that influence gut health and fecal moisture. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a fiber‐blend fortified enteral formula (FB, 15 g/L), a fiber‐free formula (FF), and habitual diet on bowel function, fecal bacteria, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double‐blind, crossover design, 20 healthy subjects consumed both FF and FB for 14 days with a 4‐week washout. A 5‐day fecal collection was used to assess stool output, whole‐gut transit time (WGTT), total bacteria, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, clostridia, and bacteroides. Subject gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) and side effects were also measured. Results: On formula diets, 5‐day fecal output decreased by >55% from habitual diet, but was 38% higher on FB than FF (P = .0321). WGTT was approximately 1.5 times longer on formula diets than habitual diet (P < .0004). Total bacteria declined from habitual diet on FF (P < .004), but not on FB. Numbers of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli declined from habitual diet on both formula diets, but bifidobacteria was higher on FB compared with FF (P < .0001). Bacteroides and clostridia numbers did not change between diets. GIQLI and incidence of gas symptoms did not differ between formulas. Conclusions: Addition of a fiber blend moderated changes in bowel function and gut bacteria observed in healthy subjects consuming FF. These results support adding mixed fiber sources to enteral nutrition if no contraindication exists.
Social media and the co-production of bodies online: Bergson, Serres and Facebook’s Timeline
Authors: Goodings Lewis , Tucker Ian
Published: November 2013

Social media’s networked form of communication provides people with bodies that are combinations of embodied and technologically mediated action. This creates multiple forms of visibility within the infospheres (Terranova) of social media, which require simultaneous production of bodies in and through offline and online spaces. Bergson’s non-dualistic model of bodies as images addresses the challenges of experiencing ‘bodies online’; understood as expressions that blur the subject–object and representation–being dualisms. This article explores how socially mediated bodies are disposed for action in ways that involve negotiating communication through the mediated noise (Serres) of social media, along with managing bodies that are faced with the spatialisation of time through new features such as Facebook’s Timeline.
Democracy in disguise: the use of social media in reviewing the Icelandic Constitution
Authors: Valtysson Bjarki
Published: November 2013

The aim of this article is to scrutinise the participative processes enabled by social media services in the collaborative rewriting of the Icelandic Constitution. The Constitutional Council creating and presenting the bill made use of Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, and its own stjornlagarad.is site to encourage and ensure engagement and participation by the general public in the rewriting process. This article presents the participating citizens as a weak networked public, the Constitutional Council as an intermediate public, and the members of Icelandic Parliament as a strong public. Despite open structures and the facilitation of information, statements, and in some cases deliberation, the communicative efforts of the general public remain in the form of weak publics belonging to the cultural public spheres since decision-making still takes place in the ‘upper’ structures of political public spheres.
The last PEG or community media 2.0? Negotiating place and placelessness at PhillyCAM
Authors: Ali Christopher
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the changes, challenges and opportunities present in American community media through a case study of PhillyCAM, a community television/media center in Philadelphia, PA. From this ethnographic study, it is suggested that community media navigate the tensions between television and digital media/user-generated content through reliance on place and liveness. In shifting from ‘community television’ to ‘community media’ these organizations are able to situate themselves as dynamic components in a local and participatory media ecosystem, develop new programs and strategic partnerships, and differentiate themselves from other organizations, while remaining consistent with their original mandates.
An Outcome Evaluation of a Prison-Based Life-Skills Program
Authors: Clark Valerie A. , Duwe Grant
Published: November 2013

The Power of People (PoP) is a personal leadership development course that was originally developed in a non-correctional setting and now serves as a prison-based life skills course. This study examined PoP’s effect on four different types of recidivism: rearrest, reconviction, reincarceration, and technical violation revocation. The results of the analyses revealed that PoP does not have a significant effect on any of the four measures of recidivism. Following established principles of effective correctional treatment, we make several recommendations that could improve PoP’s effectiveness on recidivism outcomes. Overall, this study provides guidance on how to make programs not originally designed for correctional systems into effective recidivism-reducing tools.
Effects of oxidative functionalization and aminosilanization of carbon nanotubes on the mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 6 nanocomposites
Authors: Kaynak Cevdet , Sankal Secil
Published: November 2013

The focus of this study is to investigate the effects of oxidative functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) and aminosilanized carbon nanotubes (s-CNTs) on the mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 6 nanocomposites. Oxidation of nanotube surfaces was conducted with sulfuric acid/nitric acid mixture and then aminosilanization was carried out with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Nanocomposites were compounded by melt mixing technique and shaped by injection molding. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that f-CNTs and s-CNTs were dispersed more evenly due to increased interactions with the matrix. Tensile tests indicated that yield strength and Young’s modulus of nanocomposites increased 20 and 23%, respectively, with the addition of only 1 wt% s-CNTs due to very efficient load transfer from the matrix to covalently bonded CNTs. Both dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis showed that surface-modified CNTs improve all thermal properties due to decreased matrix mobility and physical barrier formation. For example, increases in the storage modulus values were as much as 25%, while the increase in the thermal degradation temperatures were as much as 5°C in the specimens with only 1 wt% s-CNTs.
Surface roughness optimization in processing SiC monocrystal wafers by wire saw machining with ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Li Shujuan , Wan Bo , Landers Robert G
Published: November 2013

Being very hard and highly brittle, silicon carbide (SiC) monocrystal is considered to be a difficult-to-machine material. The machining method and process parameters greatly affect the productivity and the surface quality of the finished part. This article presents an experimental investigation of processing SiC monocrystal wafers by wire saw machining with ultrasonic vibration. Experiments are conducted for various process parameters, which include wire saw velocity, part feed rate, part speed and ultrasonic vibration amplitude. An empirical model has been developed for predicting the surface roughness when wire saw machining SiC monocrystal wafers. Response surface regression and analysis of variance are used to study the effects of the process parameters. Optimum process parameters for minimizing surface roughness are determined using the desirability functional approach. The experimental results showed that the surface roughness model can predict the surface roughness with a relative error lower than 5% when wire saw machining SiC monocrystal wafers over a range of process parameters.
Differences in Predicted Cardiovascular Risk in Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka Compared With Sri Lankans in Norway
Authors: Tennakoon Sampath U. B. , Kumar Bernadette N. , Selmer Randi , Mikram Mohamed J. M. , Meyer Haakon E.
Published: November 2013

Using data from 3 cross-sectional studies, the authors compared the estimated risk of cardiovascular diseases between migrant Sri Lankans in Oslo, Norway, and Tamils and Sinhalese in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The authors found that Sri Lankans in Oslo had significantly lower Framingham coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Among men, the prevalence with estimated 10-year risk of a CHD event ≥10% was 20.6% in Oslo, 31.1% in Kandy Tamils, and 44.2% in Kandy Sinhalese. The corresponding figures in women were 10.4% in Oslo, 19.2% in Tamils, and 14.9% in Sinhalese. Risk of fatal cardiovascular disease estimated by the SCORE model showed a similar pattern. The Oslo group had a higher body mass index (BMI), but the differences were observed in all BMI categories. In conclusion, despite a lower BMI, Tamils and Sinhalese in Sri Lanka had higher estimated cardiovascular risk compared with Sri Lankans in Norway, mainly because of poorer lipid profiles.
Revisiting formulation: Part 1. The tasks of formulation: their rationale and philosophic basis
Authors: Smith Graeme C
Published: November 2013

Objective:

This paper notes the continuing problems that Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (RANZCP) candidates and other professionals have with the task of formulation. It re-establishes this as a problematic to be understood and reviews its intellectual history, its rationale, the tools of reasoning that it requires and the nature of the challenges that it can pose to individuals. Its premise is that an understanding of the theoretical basis of formulation is required prior to application of pedagogical tools in teaching and remediation. Four tasks of formulation implied in the definition provided in the RANZCP Formulation Guidelines for Candidates are identified, and their rationale and theoretical status reviewed.

Conclusion:

Task 1, classification, must address both diagnoses and problems. Task 2, using theory to infer meaning, ideally requires multiple models and theories in development of a set of hypotheses, using inductive inference (plausibility). Task 3, prioritising hypotheses, requires abduction, defined as inference to the best explanation. Task 4, integrating hypotheses, may aim for reconciling systems (syncretism), but is likely to use the more problematic eclecticism. The task of formulation is thus challenging but well prescribed by philosophers for thousands of years.
Oxidative Stress and ADHD
Authors: Joseph Nidhin , Zhang-James Yanli , Perl Andras , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: November 2013

Objective: To clarify the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in ADHD. Method: We examined the association of ADHD and oxidative stress by applying random effects meta-analysis to studies of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in medication naive patients with ADHD and controls. Results: Six studies of a total of 231 ADHD patients and 207 controls met our selection criteria. The association between ADHD and antioxidant status was not significant. We found a significant association between ADHD and oxidative stress that could not be accounted for by publication bias. The significant association lost significance after correcting for intrastudy clustering. No one observation accounted for the positive result. Conclusion: These results are preliminary given the small number of studies. They suggest that patients with ADHD have normal levels of antioxidant production, but that their response to oxidative stress is insufficient, leading to oxidative damage.
Reproductive Toxicity Evaluation of the Dental Resin Monomer Bisphenol A Glycidyl Methacrylate (CAS 1565-94-2) in Mice
Authors: Moilanen Lori H. , Dahms Janell K. , Hoberman Alan M.
Published: November 2013

The reproductive toxicity potential of the dental resin monomer bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA; CASRN 1565-94-2) was investigated in male and female Crl: CD1(ICR) mice, 4 dosage groups, and 25 mice/sex/group. Formulations of BisGMA (0, 0.008, 0.08, or 0.8 mg/kg/d) in 0.8% ethanol in deionized water were intubated once daily beginning 28 days before cohabitation and continuing through mating (males) or through gestation day 17. The following parameters were evaluated: viability, clinical signs, body weights, estrous cyclicity, necropsy observations, organ weights, sperm concentration/motility/morphology, cesarean sectioning and litter observations, and histopathological evaluation of select tissues. No deaths or clinical signs related to BisGMA occurred. No significant changes in male and female body weights and body weight gains were recorded at any of the administered dosages of BisGMA. All mating and fertility parameters, and all litter and fetal data, were considered to be unaffected by dosages of BisGMA as high as 0.8 mg/kg/d. Gross or histopathologic tissue changes attributable to the test article were not observed. Reproductive and developmental no observed effect levels (NOAELs) for BisGMA were 0.8 mg/kg/d, the highest dose tested. Comparison of this NOAEL value to published probabilistic estimates of human BisGMA exposure from dental products suggests a margin of safety of at least 280- to nearly 2000-fold. Under the conditions of this study, BisGMA is not a reproductive toxicant.
Competitive representative negotiations worsen intergroup relations
Authors: Saygı Özüm , Greer Lindred L. , van Kleef Gerben A. , De Dreu Carsten K. W.
Published: November 2013

Representative negotiation affords a unique opportunity to regulate intergroup competition and conflict. Although past research has identified factors that shape representative negotiations, little is known about how such interpersonal representative negotiations influence broader intergroup relations. Here we investigate how the representative negotiation process can affect intergroup relations, irrespective of negotiation outcomes. In Experiment 1, competitive (as opposed to cooperative or neutral) communication by the outgroup representative decreased satisfaction with the outcome and increased outgroup derogation. In Experiment 2, the timing of the competitive behavior of the outgroup representative was shown to affect ensuing intergroup relations, such that early rather than late competition led to higher outcome satisfaction because of reduced outcome expectations, but also decreased trust in and perceived closeness of the outgroup. Together, these findings show that competitive behavior, especially early rather than late in the representative negotiation process increases outcome satisfaction, but hurts intergroup relations, regardless of the actual negotiation outcome.
Historical agency and the coloniality of power in postsocialist Europe
Authors: Dzenovska Dace
Published: November 2013

In this article, I analyse the ways in which coloniality as a racialized and racializing rationality of government and knowledge production shapes political and historical subjects in postsocialist Europe. I analyse Latvian attempts to establish historical presence in European modernity through appropriation of 17th-century colonial pursuits of the Duchy of Courland into Latvian national history, as well as interpretations of this historical appropriation by Western scholars and travellers. I argue that Latvian identification with Europe’s colonial past not only renders visible the continued salience of coloniality in European politics but also illuminates the mechanisms through which Europe attempts to renew its moral superiority in the global arena by relegating colonialism to a past that Europe claims to have overcome and that Latvians are required to overcome to become fully European. I argue that in order to understand how coloniality continues to inform political life in contemporary Europe it is necessary to move beyond analysis of national histories and deploy a relational approach which traces how contemporary political subjects are constituted in racialized and racializing fields of power relations. It is also necessary to analyse postsocialist Eastern Europe not only in relation to the socialist past but also the global present.
A model assessing cost of operating marine systems using data obtained from Monte Carlo analysis
Authors: McNamara Daniel , Cunningham Andrew , Jenkinson Ian , Wang Jin
Published: November 2013

This article presents a methodology for analysing the cost of operating marine systems under varying conditions. Data obtained from a previously developed Monte Carlo analysis are applied to assess the operational costs for various maintenance and inspection policies. The concept of total insured value is also applied to determine the cost attributed to risk. The aim is to show that Monte Carlo analysis can be adapted to provide information on various factors affecting operational costs to be used for decision-making to optimise the efficiency of marine systems. A method of modelling the effects of lead times due to un-stocked items has also been included to increase the scope of the analysis.
Tomography-based determination of transverse permeability in fibrous porous media
Authors: Soltani Parham , Johari Majid Safar , Zarrebini Mohammad
Published: November 2013

Precise characterization of nonwoven fabrics such as their transport properties are of paramount importance in development of advanced filtration processes. Currently majority of available knowledge on transport behavior of fibrous materials is based on macro-scale empirically researched phenomena. Thus, evaluation of transport behavior of nonwovens based on fundamental scientific principles at micro-scale still remains a challenge that has to be tackled by scientists. In this paper, an integrated approach employing high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography and finite volume method are presented to predict permeability of needled nonwoven fabrics. In order to achieve the objectives of this research, dimensionless permeability of needled nonwoven fabrics with various porosities was computed using CFD tools. Comparisons of simulated results with experimentally obtained data and the published empirical and analytical models were made. Considering solid volume fraction of the samples, acceptable agreement between the results and previously published findings was observed. It was also established that experimental samples ideally can be represented as a three-dimensional random structure.
Precarious Work
Authors: Purser Gretchen
Published: November 2013

Sociologist Gretchen Purser reviews the books The Temp Economy, Intern Nation and The Precariat. These books explore recent transformations in the labor market and the increasingly precarious nature of work.
Sex, HIV, and the Internet
Authors: White Darcy , Finneran Catherine , Sato Kimi N. , Stephenson Rob
Published: November 2013

With the increasing pervasiveness of social media, the Internet has become an important venue for dating and sex. Not only does the Internet introduce a unique array of opportunities and risks for men who have sex with men (MSM), it also presents a valuable means through which to study sexual behavior. In this study, data on what men report in their online profiles were collected from two dating/hookup websites to explore possible geographical differences in men’s sexual preferences and expectations ( N = 5,588). Across the 15 selected cities, significant differences emerged in reported HIV status and stated preference for safer sex (condom use). These patterns suggest important contextual and demographic variations and point to a need for targeted, population-specific interventions and further research to identify the underlying social and psychological constructs. With a better understanding of the local factors driving risky sexual behavior, health communication messages and tailored online interventions could be developed to address the needs and concerns of specific groups.
The place of Shi’i clerics in the first Iranian constitution
Authors: Afary Janet
Published: November 2013

Despite their regional, ethnic, and linguistic differences, the recent social and political upheavals of the Middle East have shared one basic concern. From the 2009 Green Movement in Iran to the 2011 Tunisian revolts which ignited the Arab Uprisings, and from the first Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt in 2012 to the protests in Turkey’s Taksim Square in 2013, a central issue has been how to establish a democratic state with a modern constitution while adhering to many shari’a rules and regulations. This debate is not a new one in the Middle East and, as this article will demonstrate, it has been a central theme of Iranian politics ever since the Constitutional Revolution of 1906. At the time of that first Iranian revolution, Iran was ruled by two sets of laws, shari’a religious law and ‘urf customary law. Shi’i clerics, with their elaborate institutional hierarchy, controlled shari’a law, which was considered the more important law of the land, whereas the monarch and local rulers were nominal guardians of ‘urf laws. Soon the novel discourses of the Constitutional Revolution would create a paradigm shift in Iranian society.1 Constitutionalist clerics had assumed that a new political order reformed ‘urf rulings, leaving shari’a laws more or less intact. They were stunned by the realization that a constitutional order revamped both legal systems and overturned sacrosanct social and religious hierarchies. Many clerics resisted these reforms. The result was a bifurcated set of laws that institutionalized clerical authority, while also placing limits on clerics in legislative and judicial branches of the government.
Critical transformations: Macrostructures, religion, and critique
Authors: Zuidervaart Lambert
Published: November 2013

Can critical research on religion offer both an ideology critique and a critical retrieval of religious import? This article suggests that it can, offering a programmatic sketch for a full-fledged critique of religion—a critique both aimed at religion and inspired by religion in a self-critical fashion. The sketch weds elements of a robustly normative critique of Western society with insights derived from the Frankfurt School. First the article maps three societal macrostructures that organize much of contemporary social life—civil society, proprietary economy, and administrative state. Then it discusses solidarity, resourcefulness, and justice as societal principles that can sustain a critique of societal macrostructures. Next it identifies normative deficiencies within and between these macrostructures. On the basis of this architectonic critique, the article then provides an account of religion in its critical and utopian roles. It concludes by envisioning a normative and emancipatory transformation of society as a whole.
Evidence of Reliability and Validity for a Children’s Auditory Continuous Performance Test
Authors: Lasee Michael J. , Choi Hee-sook
Published: November 2013

Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are commonly utilized clinical measures of attention and response inhibition. While there have been many studies of CPTs that utilize a visual format, there is considerably less research employing auditory CPTs. The current study provides initial reliability and validity evidence for the Auditory Vigilance Screening Measure (AVSM), a newly developed CPT. Participants included 105 five- to nine-year-old children selected from two rural Midwestern school districts. Reliability data for the AVSM was collected through retesting of 42 participants. Validity was evaluated through correlation of AVSM scales with subscales from the ADHD Rating Scale–IV. Test–retest reliability coefficients ranged from .62 to .74 for AVSM subscales. A significant ( r = .31) correlation was obtained between the AVSM Impulsivity Scale and teacher ratings of inattention. Limitations and implications for future study are discussed.
An Exploration of the Motivating Cultural Experience Factors That Determine a Holiday Destinations’ Selection and Respective Competitiveness
Authors: Dede Anila
Published: November 2013

The unique memorable experiences provided to customers directly determine a business’s competitiveness. The extant tourism literature has provided limited explanation of the factors that characterize this memorable tourism experiences. Hence, this study is trying to address two purposes: first, to evaluate the motivating experience factors that leads travelers from different cultural origins to different preferences when selecting their travel destination, and second, to assess the respective relevance of the identified factors in the destination’s competitiveness. A mixed, electronic and paper-based survey, with a specific reference to the Mediterranean destinations, was conducted in a sample size of 156 travelers. A multiple chi-square analysis was performed to identify factors that lead to specific selections and to assess the relationship between culture group (Eastern vs. Western) and tourist experiences. Further analyses were performed to identify the predominant/primary reasons for differentiation in the selection of destination. The findings show cultural differences in the memorable experiences and the respective criteria that travelers use while selecting/reselecting a traveling destination. Finally, the study draws conclusions, provides some managerial implications, and suggestions for future work.
Effects of electrode contact condition on electrical dynamic resistance during resistance spot welding
Authors: Wei P. S. , Wu T. H.
Published: November 2013

This study systematically investigates the effects of electrical resistance at the workpiece/electrode interface or electrode face on temperature dependent dynamic resistance during resistance spot welding (RSW). To evaluate temperature transport equations of mass, momentum, energy, species and magnetic field intensity in workpieces, the energy and magnetic equations in the electrode are solved. Contact resistances composed of constriction and film resistances are functions of hardness, temperature, electrode force and surface conditions. The results show that dynamic resistance is complicated due to different variations of film and constriction resistances with temperature at not only the faying surface but also the electrode face in the early stage, i.e. shorter than around 3 cycles. Dynamic resistance in this stage is fortunately insignificant to transport processes. When the power is off, dynamic resistance depends on competition between decreased bulk resistance and increased constriction resistance at the electrode face. Decreased constriction resistance at the electrode face reduces dynamic resistance and temperature.
LUNOKID: can numerical American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society quality criteria replace visual inspection of spirometry?
Authors: Müller-Brandes Christine , Krämer Ursula , Gappa Monika , Seitner-Sorge Gabriele , Hüls Anke , von Berg Andrea , Hoffmann Barbara , Schuster Antje , Illi Sabina , Wisbauer Matthias , Berdel Dietrich
Published: November 2013

The gold standard for assessing quality of forced expiratory manoeuvres is visual inspection by an expert. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society numerical quality criteria (NQC) include back-extrapolated volume (BEV), repeatability and forced expiratory time (FET). Equipment currently available provides feedback tempting the investigator to use NQC as pass–fail criterion.

To investigate whether using NQC instead of visual acceptability is a valid option, we analysed data from a multicentre national reference study in Germany of children aged 4–18 years. Spirometry was performed under field conditions. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess performance of BEV, repeatability, FET and a combination thereof in relation to visual acceptability.

We included data from 3133 healthy Caucasians in the analyses; 72% delivered at least two visually acceptable manoeuvres. Of these, 59% would have been rejected based on combined NQC, mainly because the FET criterion was not feasible. Specificity of the NQC was generally low (BEV 10%, repeatability 30% and FET 50%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a combination of the three measures could reach at best a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 56%.

We conclude that visual control is mandatory and NQC may help obtain the best possible results, but a fixed cut-off for FET should be abandoned.
Effects of apolipoprotein E genotype on serum lipids in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Tisko Radovan , Sopkova Zuzana , Habalova Viera , Dorkova Zuzana , Slaba Eva , Javorsky Martin , Tkac Ivan , Riha Renata L. , Tkacova Ruzena
Published: November 2013

There is increasing evidence that intermittent hypoxia resulting from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is independently associated with dyslipidaemia. Currently, no data exist on potential links between OSA-related dyslipidaemia and susceptibility genes for dyslipidaemia in such patients. Our aim was to study the effects of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and sleep apnoea severity on atherogenic dyslipidaemia in patients with OSA.

519 clinically stable subjects prospectively recruited at a tertiary referral teaching hospital underwent full polysomnography.APOEgene polymorphisms were assessed using real-time PCR.

In allAPOEgenotype groups, serum triglycerides increased while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was reduced with increasing severity of OSA in eachAPOEgenotype group, whereas the deleterious effects of OSA on serum apolipoprotein (Apo)B levels were observed in ϵ2 carriers and the ϵ3/ϵ3 genotype only. Nevertheless, the ϵ4 allele carriers had ApoB levels within the risk range, irrespective of nocturnal hypoxia. In addition, among patients with the high-risk ϵ4 genotype, those with the most severe nocturnal hypoxia had significantly higher triglyceride and lower HDL cholesterol levels compared with nonhypoxic ϵ4 subjects.APOEgenotype and the oxygen desaturation index were both independent predictors of serum triglyceride levels (p=0.009 and p<0.001, respectively;R2=0.148) and ApoB levels (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively;R2=0.104).

Our findings suggest that OSA has adverse effects on several lipid parameters over and above the effects carried byAPOEgenotype. Further st1udies are needed to analyse the effects of high-risk genotypes on metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with OSA.
STaRRRT: a table of short tandem repeats in regulatory regions of the human genome
Authors: Bolton Katherine A , Ross Jason P , Grice Desma M , Bowden Nikola A , Holliday Elizabeth G , Avery-Kiejda Kelly A , Scott Rodney J
Published: November 2013

Background

Tandem repeats (TRs) are unstable regions commonly found within genomes that have consequences for evolution and disease. In humans, polymorphic TRs are known to cause neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders as well as being associated with complex diseases such as diabetes and cancer. If present in upstream regulatory regions, TRs can modify chromatin structure and affect transcription; resulting in altered gene expression and protein abundance. The most common TRs are short tandem repeats (STRs), or microsatellites. Promoter located STRs are considerably more polymorphic than coding region STRs. As such, they may be a common driver of phenotypic variation. To study STRs located in regulatory regions, we have performed genome-wide analysis to identify all STRs present in a region that is 2 kilobases upstream and 1 kilobase downstream of the transcription start sites of genes.

Results

The Short Tandem Repeats in Regulatory Regions Table, STaRRRT, contains the results of the genome-wide analysis, outlining the characteristics of 5,264 STRs present in the upstream regulatory region of 4,441 human genes. Gene set enrichment analysis has revealed significant enrichment for STRs in cellular, transcriptional and neurological system gene promoters and genes important in ion and calcium homeostasis. The set of enriched terms has broad similarity to that seen in coding regions, suggesting that regulatory region STRs are subject to similar evolutionary pressures as STRs in coding regions and may, like coding region STRs, have an important role in controlling gene expression.

Conclusions

STaRRRT is a readily-searchable resource for investigating potentially polymorphic STRs that could influence the expression of any gene of interest. The processes and genes enriched for regulatory region STRs provide potential novel targets for diagnosing and treating disease, and support a role for these STRs in the evolution of the human genome.
Japanese trends in breastfeeding rate in baby-friendly hospitals between 2007 and 2010: a retrospective hospital-based surveillance study
Authors: Yoda Takashi , Takahashi Kenzo , Yamauchi Yoshitada
Published: November 2013

Background

The goal of Japan’s national “Healthy and Happy Family 21” campaign is to increase the nationwide breastfeeding rate for babies in the first month of life, which is currently below 50%, to a level of 60%. In this article, we summarize the breastfeeding rate for all of Japan’s baby-friendly hospitals (BFHs) and extract their strengths in conjunction with the structural and legislative support that they have in place and finally draw up a policy for dispersing BFH activities to non-BFH delivery facilities, which could be useful for increasing the breastfeeding rate.

Methods

This study included all of the 61 BFHs that are registered in Japan. These hospitals account for approximately 2% of nearly 3,000 Japanese delivery facilities. The surveillance data, which were collected anonymously by the Japan Breastfeeding Association in 2007–2010, were summarized. The numbers of babies who were breastfed after delivery, at discharge from BFHs and at one month of age, were collated. The length of hospital/clinic stay was also collected.

Results

The collection rate was 100% in each year (2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010). The breastfeeding rates during hospital stay, at discharge, and one month were >70%, ~90%, and >75%, respectively. The median length of stay was 5 days (minimum/maximum: 5/8) for primipara.

Conclusions

The breastfeeding rate at BFHs at one month of age was more than 75%. This surpassed the current national average (<50%). The median length of hospital/clinic stay was 5 days. In this 5-day period, BFH activities can play an important role in increasing the breastfeeding rate. Since hospitalization for the reported national median length of stay of 6 days, is legally guaranteed, the disbursement of BFH activities to non-BFH delivery facilities, with special support to mothers who delivered by cesarean delivery, would be a useful strategy for achieving a 60% breastfeeding rate at one month of age.
Sex-for-Crack exchanges: associations with risky sexual and drug use niches in an urban Canadian city
Authors: Duff Putu , Tyndall Mark , Buxton Jane , Zhang Ruth , Kerr Thomas , Shannon Kate
Published: November 2013

Background

While crack cocaine has been associated with elevated sexual risks and transmission of HIV/STIs, particularly in the context of street-based sex work, few empirical studies have examined correlates of direct sex-for-crack exchanges. This study longitudinally examined the correlates of sex-for-crack exchanges and associated effects on sexual risk outcomes among street-based female sex workers (SW) who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

Data were drawn from a prospective cohort of street-based SWs (2006–2008), restricted to those who smoke crack cocaine. Multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed to examine the correlates of exchanging sex for crack. A confounding model using GEE quasi-Poisson regression modeled the independent effect of exchanging sex for crack on number of clients/week.

Results

Of 206 SWs, 101 (49%) reported sex-for-crack exchanges over 18 months of follow-up. In multivariable GEE analyses, sharing a crack pipe with a client (aOR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.27-3.08) and smoking crack in a group of strangers (e.g., in an alley or crackhouse) (aOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.13-2.58) were independently correlated with sex-for-crack exchanges. In our confounding model, exchanging sex for crack (aIRR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07-1.69) remained significantly associated with servicing a greater number (>10) of clients/week.

Conclusions

These findings reveal elevated sexual- and drug- risk patterns among those who exchange sex for crack. The physical and social environment featured prominently in our results as a driver of sex-for-crack exchanges, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive multilevel approaches to harm reduction, STI and HIV prevention that address SWs’ environment, individual level factors, and the interplay between them.