bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Numeric Study of Regional Climate Change Induced by Urban Expansion in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Liao Jingbiao , Zhang Jian , Shen Chong , Chen Weihua , Xia Beicheng , Wang Tijian
Published: December 2013

The Pearl River Delta region has experienced rapid urbanization and economic development during the past 20 years. To investigate the impacts of urbanization on regional climate, the Advanced Research core of the Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW-WRF) model is used to conduct a pair of 1-yr simulations with two different representations of urbanization. Results show that the reduction in vegetated and irrigated cropland due to urban expansion significantly modifies the near-surface temperature, humidity, wind speed, and regional precipitation, which are obtained based on the significance t test of the differences between two simulations with different urbanization representations at the 95% level. Urbanization causes the mean 2-m temperature over urbanized areas to increase in all seasons (from spring to winter: 1.7° ± 0.7°C, 1.4° ± 0.3°C, 1.3° ± 0.3°, and 0.9° ± 0.4°C, respectively) and the urban diurnal temperature range decreases in three seasons and increases in one (from spring to winter: −0.5° ± 0.3°C, +0.6° ± 0.3°C, −0.4° ± 0.2°C, and −0.8° ± 0.2°C, respectively). Urbanization reduces near-surface water vapor (1.5 g kg−1 in summer and 0.4 g kg−1 in winter), 10-m wind speed (37% independent of season), and annual total precipitation days (approximately 6–14 days). However, the total rainfall amount increases by approximately 30%, since the decrease in the number of days with light rain (8–12) is overcome by the increase in the number of days of heavy or extreme rain (3–6), suggesting that urbanization induces more heavy rain events over the urban areas. Overall, the effect of urbanization on regional climate in the Pearl River Delta is found to be significant and must be considered in any broader regional climate assessment.
The Dependence of ITCZ Structure on Model Resolution and Dynamical Core in Aquaplanet Simulations
Authors: Landu Kiranmayi , Leung L. Ruby , Hagos Samson , Vinoj V. , Rauscher Sara A. , Ringler Todd , Taylor Mark
Published: December 2013

Aquaplanet simulations using the Community Atmosphere Model, version 4 (CAM4), with the Model for Prediction Across Scales–Atmosphere (MPAS-A) and High-Order Method Modeling Environment (HOMME) dynamical cores and using zonally symmetric sea surface temperature (SST) structure are studied to understand the dependence of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) structure on resolution and dynamical core. While all resolutions in HOMME and the low-resolution MPAS-A simulations give a single equatorial peak in zonal mean precipitation, the high-resolution MPAS-A simulations give a double ITCZ with precipitation peaking around 2°–3° on either side of the equator. This study reveals that the structure of ITCZ is dependent on the feedbacks between convection and large-scale circulation. It is shown that the difference in specific humidity between HOMME and MPAS-A can lead to different latitudinal distributions of the convective available potential energy (CAPE) by influencing latent heat release by clouds and the upper-tropospheric temperature. With lower specific humidity, the high-resolution MPAS-A simulation has CAPE increasing away from the equator that enhances convection away from the equator and, through a positive feedback on the circulation, results in a double ITCZ structure. In addition, it is shown that the dominance of antisymmetric waves in the model is not enough to cause double ITCZ, and the lateral extent of equatorial waves does not play an important role in determining the width of the ITCZ but rather the latter may influence the former.
North American Climate in CMIP5 Experiments: Part III: Assessment of Twenty-First-Century Projections*
Authors: Maloney Eric D. , Camargo Suzana J. , Chang Edmund , Colle Brian , Fu Rong , Geil Kerrie L. , Hu Qi , Jiang Xianan , Johnson Nathaniel , Karnauskas Kristopher B. , Kinter James , Kirtman Benjamin , Kumar Sanjiv , Langenbrunner Baird , Lombardo Kelly , Long Lindsey N. , Mariotti Annarita , Meyerson Joyce E. , Mo Kingtse C. , Neelin J. David , Pan Zaitao , Seager Richard , Serra Yolande , Seth Anji , Sheffield Justin , Stroeve Julienne , Thibeault Jeanne , Xie Shang-Ping , Wang Chunzai , Wyman Bruce , Zhao Ming
Published: December 2013

In part III of a three-part study on North American climate in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models, the authors examine projections of twenty-first-century climate in the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) emission experiments. This paper summarizes and synthesizes results from several coordinated studies by the authors. Aspects of North American climate change that are examined include changes in continental-scale temperature and the hydrologic cycle, extremes events, and storm tracks, as well as regional manifestations of these climate variables. The authors also examine changes in the eastern North Pacific and North Atlantic tropical cyclone activity and North American intraseasonal to decadal variability, including changes in teleconnections to other regions of the globe. Projected changes are generally consistent with those previously published for CMIP3, although CMIP5 model projections differ importantly from those of CMIP3 in some aspects, including CMIP5 model agreement on increased central California precipitation. The paper also highlights uncertainties and limitations based on current results as priorities for further research. Although many projected changes in North American climate are consistent across CMIP5 models, substantial intermodel disagreement exists in other aspects. Areas of disagreement include projections of changes in snow water equivalent on a regional basis, summer Arctic sea ice extent, the magnitude and sign of regional precipitation changes, extreme heat events across the northern United States, and Atlantic and east Pacific tropical cyclone activity.
Detecting Processes Contributing to Interannual Halosteric and Thermosteric Sea Level Variability
Authors: Köhl Armin
Published: December 2013

On interannual time scales, regional sea level variability is largely determined by changes in the steric component. The relation between the thermosteric and halosteric components is studied by separating the components into contributions from the mixed layer and, below the mixed layer, into the part that is related to isopycnal motion and that contributes to the steric sea level and the inactive part related to changes of spiciness. The decomposition provides a simple diagnostic to detect and understand physical mechanisms leading to regional sea level changes. In most areas of the world’s oceans, steric sea level variability is dominated by the contribution from isopycnal motion to the thermosteric sea level while halosteric variability relates more to spiciness. Because of the salinity minimum at middepth, different spatial salinity gradients above and below the minimum lead to opposing contributions and thus to a small contribution from isopycnal motion to the halosteric sea level. In nonpolar regions, both active components oppose each other, rendering the thermosteric variability larger than the steric variability. In the Arctic, the variability of both components is governed by spiciness in the Eurasian Basin and isopycnal motion in the Amerasian Basin.
Obesity in organizational context
Authors: Levay Charlotta
Published: December 2013

This article argues that obesity is an overlooked topic that deserves to be investigated in organizational studies, in line with the recent interest in embodiment. Obesity plays a pervasive role in everyday organizational life as a source of discrimination, legitimization of power differentials and widespread anxiety even for the non-obese. Obesity is also a thoroughly organized phenomenon. It is increasingly construed as a medical and societal problem and the target of massive efforts to curb the ‘obesity epidemic’. These include workplace health initiatives that offer opportunities for empirical access to otherwise elusive phenomena related to obesity. To substantiate its claims, the article relates research from several fields, notably critical obesity research and empirical studies of embodiment in organizations. It points at intriguing combinations of ubiquitous social influence and failed campaigns, of subjugation and resistance, and of prejudice and critical reflection. Finally, the article indicates directions for future research, which could fruitfully apply and further develop the late-Foucauldian themes of governmentality and technologies of the self.
The Impact of Prison Adjustment Among Women Offenders
Authors: Chen Yu-Shu , Lai Yung-Lien , Lin Chien-Yang
Published: December 2013

Pre-prison experiences and environmental influences were examined to determine the effects of institutional misconduct and symptoms of depression related to adjustment in Taiwan’s women’s prisons. Using self-reported survey data derived from 883 Taiwanese female inmates, the findings suggest that pre-prison victimization, imprisonment stress, and social support from family members all had statistically significant effects on adjustment to life in prison. Although deviance prior to prison was highly related to institutional misconduct, reported illnesses also significantly increased the level of symptoms associated with depression. Lower levels of institutional misconduct were reported by women who committed drug offenses compared with their counterparts who committed violent offenses. The article concludes with insights from a comparative perspective and public policy implications.
Fibers susceptibility to contamination by environmental tobacco smoke markers
Authors: Cieślak Małgorzata , Schmidt Hubert , Świercz Radosław , Wąsowicz Wojciech
Published: December 2013

Textiles are characterized by a diversified and relatively high susceptibility to sorption of volatile substances and may influence indoor air quality. The aim of this study was investigation the susceptibility of fibers to sorption of two environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) markers: nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine (3-EP) and changes in concentrations of these substances in fibers under light exposure. For this purpose, we used non-colored, natural and synthetic fibers, which had not been subjected to any modification. It was observed that nicotine as pure or as one of the ingredients of ETS was adsorbed on the surface of all of the used fibers, and cotton and polypropylene fibers adsorbed it more than other fibers. 3-EP (in ETS) was adsorbed by synthetic fibers and when we used high concentrations of 3-EP in the air it was adsorbed on the surface of cotton fibers in the presence of synthetic fibers.

The greatest susceptibility for simultaneous sorption of nicotine and 3-EP (in ETS) was observed for polypropylene fibers. Results show that nicotine is a better marker for ETS contamination of textile materials than 3-EP.
A reflective conversation with Ugur Sak
Authors: Shaughnessy Michael F , Sak Ugur
Published: December 2013

In this reflective conversation, Ugur Sak discusses the current “state of the art” of gifted education in Turkey. He reviews the use of enrichment, discusses acceleration and reviews curricular procedures in Turkey. He responds to questions about the identification of gifted students and discusses the age old debate of talent versus giftedness. Other topics discussed are mentoring and governmental policies impacting the teaching and education of gifted children and adolescents in Turkey.
Contrast material and radiation dose reduction strategy for triple-rule-out cardiac CT angiography: feasibility study of non-ECG-gated low kVp scan of the whole chest following coronary CT angiography
Authors: Kidoh Masafumi , Nakaura Takeshi , Nakamura Shinichi , Namimoto Tomohiro , Nozaki Toshimitsu , Sakaino Naritsugu , Harada Kazunori , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: December 2013

Background

Dedicated coronary computed tomography (CT) scan has been proven to be an accurate diagnostic modality in evaluating coronary artery disease. A second phase scan starting immediately after the coronary CT scan might enable visualization of the different vascular territories of the entire chest.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of a contrast material and radiation dose reduction triple-rule-out (TRO) CT angiography (CTA) protocol with serial non-ECG-gated low kVp scan of the whole chest, which utilizes a recirculated contrast agent.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients were scanned with the new TRO-CTA protocol; after the coronary scan with retrospective ECG-gating, non-ECG-gated whole-chest CTA was performed at 80 kVp to evaluate aortic arch (AAr) and pulmonary trunk (PT). Another 30 patients were scanned by our conventional TRO-CTA protocol at 120 kVp with retrospective ECG-gating. We compared the estimated effective dose (ED), contrast material (CM) dose, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the ascending aorta (AAo), and the rate of patients who could achieve adequate attenuation of the AAr and PT between the two protocols.

Results

The total ED of the new TRO-CTA protocol was 29.6% lower than that of the conventional protocol ( P < 0.01). The amount of CM used for the new TRO-CTA protocol was significantly lower than in the conventional protocol (60.1 ± 9.6 mL vs. 91.8 ± 22.6 mL, P < 0.01). The CNR of the AAo was 30.2% higher with the new TRO-CTA protocol than with the conventional protocol ( P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the success rate of adequate attenuation of the AAr and PT between the two protocols ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The new TRO-CTA protocol can reduce the total dose of radiation and the contrast dose and yield adequate vascular enhancement compared with the conventional protocol.
When the pulse of the song goes on: Fade-out in popular music and the pulse continuity phenomenon
Authors: Kopiez Reinhard , Platz Friedrich , Müller Silvia , Wolf Anna
Published: December 2013

This exploratory study investigated the effect of different types of song closure in popular music on pulse continuation behaviour. We compared the perceptual effects of the so-called “fade-out” song closure with the so-called “cold end” (arranged end). We assumed that fading could result in the listeners’ imagining that the song continues past the actual ending. Three versions of the same pop song were presented to N = 80 listeners: first, with an arranged end (“cold end”); second, with a gradual decrease in the sound level of the audio signal (“fade-out”); third, with a “cold end” but without a final ritardando (rit.). Participants tapped along to the pulse of the music on the interface sentograph as long as they felt entrained. The tap-along behaviour differed significantly among the three versions: (a) in the fade-out condition the tapping along was continued after the song’s end; (b) in the cold end condition participants stopped tapping along to the pulse before the last beat of the music, (c) in the cold end no ritardando version, tapping was stopped with the last beat onset (range of effect sizes for differences: d = 0.84–1.50). The continuation effect in the fade-out condition is called the Pulse Continuity Phenomenon (PCP).
Irreversible thyroid disruption induced after subchronic exposure to hexachlorobenzene in male rats
Authors: Chalouati Hela , Gamet-Payrastre Laurence , Saad Moncef Ben
Published: December 2013

Thyroid hormones play a complex role in the toxicity of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and related compounds. Time–course and dose–response experiments for free- and total thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) plasma levels for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid gland histomorphology were determined in male Wistar rats. Also, we examined the possible reversibility of changes noted after removal of HCB. Rats treated with this organochlorine compound resulted in a hypertrophy of the thyroid gland and altered thyroid function by decreasing significantly the levels of total- and free T4 in a dose-dependent manner (total T4: 28 and 51%; free T4: 21 and 37%), and this decrease was seen as early as 21 days and thereafter. Free T3 was also decreased by 21% with the highest dose starting from day 21. No significant changes were observed in the circulating levels of total T3. In response to the decrease of thyroid hormones, a dose-dependent increase of TSH levels (27 and 31%, respectively, for 4 mg and 16 mg/kg of HCB body weight) was observed after 21 days of HCB treatment. We have observed a hypertrophy and hyperplasia of follicular cells and a decrease in colloid volume in histological picture. When HCB was removed and changed by vehicle, the thyroid relative weight and plasma TSH continued to rise and serum thyroid hormones remained suppressed. These findings suggest that subchronic exposure of rats to HCB induced an irreversible hypothyroidism state.
Neuroprotective effects of folic acid on experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , Aktug Huseyin , Oltulu Fatih , Erbas Oytun
Published: December 2013

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is widely considered as a degenerative complication of diabetic patients. The clinical effectiveness of folic acid (FA) on DPN is uncertain. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of FA in DPN using electromyography (EMG), histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, inclined plane test, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker for lipid peroxidation in experimental diabetic rats. A total of 21 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, diabetes group, and FA-treated group. In EMG, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude in the sciatic nerve was lower in the diabetes group compared with the control group. CMAP amplitude in the sciatic nerve was higher in the FA-treated group when compared with the diabetes group. Distal latency and CMAP duration in the sciatic nerve were lower in the FA-treated group when compared with the diabetes group. In histopathological examination of the sciatic nerve, peripheral fibrosis was present in the diabetic group; the fibrosis was lower in the FA-treated group. In comparison with the diabetes group, the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) was higher in the FA-treated group. The scores for the inclined plane test were lower in the diabetes group and higher in the FA-treated group than the control group. The MDA levels were significantly lower in the FA-treated group when compared with the diabetes group.

The study suggests that FA can protect diabetic rats against DPN and that the underlying mechanism for this may be related to improvement of the expression of NGF and lower MDA levels.
Reproducibility of Detecting Silent Cerebral Infarcts in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Liem Robert I. , Liu Jingxia , Gordon Mae O. , Vendt Bruce A. , McKinstry Robert C. , Kraut Michael A. , Strouse John J. , Ball William S. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: December 2013

Detecting silent cerebral infarcts on magnetic resonance images (MRIs) in children with sickle cell anemia is challenging, yet reproducibility of readings has not been examined in this population. We evaluated consensus rating, inter-, and intra-grader agreement associated with detecting silent cerebral infarct on screening MRI in the Silent Infarct Transfusion Trial. Three neuroradiologists provided consensus decisions for 1073 MRIs. A random sample of 53 scans was reanalyzed in blinded fashion. Agreement between first and second consensus ratings was substantial (κ = 0.70, P < .0001), as was overall intergrader agreement (κ = 0.76, P < .0001). In the test-retest sample, intragrader agreement ranged from κ of 0.57 to 0.76. Consensus decisions were more concordant when MRIs contained more than one larger lesions. Routine use of MRI to screen for silent cerebral infarcts in the research setting is reproducible in sickle cell anemia and agreement among neuroradiologists is sufficient.
Where for Art Thou? Transient Sex Offenders and Residence Restrictions
Authors: Levenson Jill , Ackerman Alissa R. , Socia Kelly M. , Harris Andrew J.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to better understand transient (homeless) sex offenders in the context of residence restriction laws. Using the entire population of registered sex offenders (RSOs) living in the community in Florida ( n = 23,523), transients were compared with other sex offenders on relevant demographics, risk factors, county characteristics, and residence restriction variables. Significantly higher proportions of transient sex offenders were found in counties with a larger number of local-level restrictions, vast territory covered by these laws, wide-distance buffer zones, higher population density, and expensive housing costs. Sex offenders were more likely than the general population to become homeless. Transients were more likely than non-transients to have a history of registry violation. Few transients absconded, but when they did, they were more likely to abscond from registration than probation. When implementing sex offender management policies, lawmakers should consider transience as an unintended negative consequence.
What the Greeks taught us and we British have forgotten
Authors: Elcock Howard James
Published: December 2013

The ancient Greek philosophers taught us many of the desirable features of government, but since 1979 we have lost sight of most of them. We now have a restricted view of citizenship, a defective view of the public interest, a diluted public service ethic, little public service education and training and above all we have lost sight of the Greeks’ demand to seek the good life and the good society. Instead we have the ‘Three Es’ and a business approach which is profit led. Leadership and action are needed to restore the former virtues of British government, many of which were learnt from Plato and Aristotle.
Statistical multi-objective optimization of electrical discharge machining parameters in machining titanium grade 5 alloy using graphite electrode
Authors: Sivam Saravanan P , Michaelraj Antony L , Kumar S Satish , Prabhakaran G , Dinakaran D , Ilankumaran V
Published: December 2013

In industrial applications, particularly in aero, marine and medical industries, titanium has received great attention as a useful material and electrical discharge machining as its machining process. Selection of optimal machining parameters in a multi-objective environment is essential for specific workpiece and tool material combination, which is the concern of industries to improve the overall productivity at less cost. In this article, optimization of critical electrical discharge machining parameters such as pulse current, on time of pulse, off time of pulse and tool geometry depending on the responses such as titanium machining rate, graphite wear rate, surface roughness and deviation between entry and exit while machining titanium grade 5 alloy with graphite tool electrode at negative polarity is presented. Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array was used to design the experiment with interaction between factors. The weighing method was used to integrate different objectives into one performance. The optimal combination of process parameters was found statistically using signal-to-noise ratios. Significance was checked by analysis of variance. Optimum parameters were found to be pulse current 15 A, on time of pulse 50 µs, off time of pulse 200 µs and cylindrical tool geometry. Resultant percentage improvements in different responses were presented.
‘Maybe it is prejudice … but it is NOT racism’: Negotiating racism in discussion forums about Gypsies
Authors: Goodman Simon , Rowe Lottie
Published: December 2013

This article addresses the ways in which opposition towards Gypsies is debated, with particular regard to whether or not this opposition constitutes racism or prejudice towards a group shown to be vulnerable and subject to discrimination. A discursive analysis of a corpus of internet discussion forums about Gypsies in the UK is undertaken. The analysis demonstrates that opposition towards Gypsies can be presented as racist; however, such accusations are met with criticism so that writers become accountable for making them. While writers do go to rhetorical lengths to dissociate themselves from being presented as racist, there is nevertheless an acceptance that opposition to Gypsies may constitute prejudice. This prejudice is presented as an inevitable result of Gypsies’ behaviour and, of particular note, appears to be deemed acceptable. The implications of this finding for the discursive literature on taboos against, and denials of, racism are discussed.
Undergraduate healthcare ethics education, moral resilience, and the role of ethical theories
Authors: Monteverde Settimio
Published: December 2013

Background:

This article combines foundational and empirical aspects of healthcare education and develops a framework for teaching ethical theories inspired by pragmatist learning theory and recent work on the concept of moral resilience. It describes an exemplary implementation and presents data from student evaluation.

Objectives:

After a pilot implementation in a regular ethics module, the feasibility and acceptance of the novel framework by students were evaluated.

Research design:

In addition to the regular online module evaluation, specific questions referring to the teaching of ethical theories were added using simple (yes/no) and Likert rating answer formats.

Participants and research context:

At the Bern University of Applied Sciences, a total of 93 students from 2 parallel sub-cohorts of the bachelor’s program in nursing science were sent the online survey link after having been exposed to the same modular contents. A total of 62% of all students participated in the survey.

Ethical considerations:

The survey was voluntary and anonymous. Students were free to write their name and additional comments.

Findings:

Students consider ethical theories—as taught within the proposed framework—as practically applicable, useful, and transferable into practice.

Discussion:

Teaching ethical theories within the proposed framework overcomes the shortcomings described by current research. Students do not consider the mutually exclusive character of ethical theories as an insurmountable problem.

Conclusion:

The proposed framework is likely to promote the effectiveness of healthcare ethics education. Inspired by pragmatist learning theory, it enables students to consider ethical theories as educative playgrounds that help them to “frame” and “name” the ethical issues they encounter in daily practice, which is seen as an expression of moral resilience. Since it does not advocate a single ethical theory, but is open to the diversity of traditions that shape ethical thinking, it promotes a culturally sensitive, ethically reflected healthcare practice.
Over-riding concerns
Authors: Thompson Kirrilly , Nesci Chanel
Published: December 2013

Equestrian sports are unavoidably interspecies and undeniably dangerous. Whilst there has been qualitative research into the human–horse relationship, and quantitative research into horse riding, injury and risk, there remains a need to understand how risk perception and experience is subjectively implicated in, through and by the human–horse relationship, and vice versa. Doing so requires reconciling animal studies with risk theory. As a high-risk interspecies sport, eventing provides an exemplar case study for critiquing, extending and reconciling posthumanism and risk theorisation. This paper draws from interviews with 21 participants of the high-risk equestrian sport of eventing to explore the mutual benefits of using ‘risk’ as a point d’entrée for analysing human–horse relations. Findings were largely consistent with three popular theories of voluntary risk-taking: edgework, flow and sensation-seeking. However, the involvement of an animal – the horse – stimulates a critical reconsideration of internal/external ‘control’; identifies a role for flow as risk mitigation/safety; and suggests that edge workers in high-risk interspecies sports do not just confront edges – they cross them. This paper thus distinguishes interspecies sports as a distinct and productive field of interdisciplinary research. It proposes further mixed-methods research that is required to more fully evaluate the usefulness of existing risk theory for understanding participant experiences of high-risk interspecies sports.
Comparison of Bovine coronavirus–specific and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus–specific antibodies in serum versus milk samples detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Ohlson Anna , Blanco-Penedo Isabel , Fall Nils
Published: December 2013

Bovine coronavirus (BCV; Betacoronavirus 1) and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are significant causes of enteric and respiratory disease in beef and dairy cattle throughout the world. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are widely used to detect serum antibodies for herd monitoring and prevalence studies. In dairy herds, milk is more readily collected than serum. Hence, in order to investigate the test agreement between serum and milk, both serum and milk samples from 105 cows in 27 dairy herds were analyzed in parallel for presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies to BCV and BRSV. The Bland–Altman analyses of data demonstrated good agreement between serum and milk antibody titers for both viruses. The results indicate milk samples are sufficient for surveillance of antibodies to BCV and BRSV.
Adaptive control of structures under dynamic excitation using magnetorheological dampers: an improved clipped-optimal control algorithm
Authors: Pohoryles Daniel A , Duffour Philippe
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates the performance of magnetorheological (MR) dampers to mitigate the effect of earthquake loading on civil engineering structures. MR dampers are semi-active fluid dampers containing an MR fluid. They can generate large controllable damping forces by tuning the magnetic field applied to the fluid, which changes its viscosity. Their fast response time and low electric power requirements make them attractive for potential applications in earthquake engineering. In this study the behavior of a prototype MR damper was simulated computationally using the Bouc-Wen model. A new clipped-optimal control strategy, the improved clipped-optimal algorithm (ICA) control model, was developed and aims to reduce the acceleration response of a structure. It was implemented for a scaled three-story building in Simulink. The structural response to seven earthquakes was simulated and compared with two other established control algorithms as well as passive damping. The ICA control algorithm generated the largest reduction in acceleration and displacement response while keeping low the electric power requirements and the force generated by the damper.
Intimate Relationship Status Variations in Violence Against Women
Authors: Rennison Callie Marie , DeKeseredy Walter S. , Dragiewicz Molly
Published: December 2013

Woman abuse varies across intimate relationship categories (e.g., marriage, divorce, separation). However, it is unclear whether relationship status variations in violence against women differ across urban, suburban, and rural areas. We test the hypothesis that rural females, regardless of their intimate partner relationship status, are at higher risk of intimate violence than their urban and suburban counterparts. Results indicate that marital status is an important aspect of the relationship between intimate victimization and geographic area and that rural divorced and separated females are victimized at rates exceeding their urban counterparts.
Study on the load-carrying mechanism of a parallel step bearing
Authors: Yang Shuyan , Wang Haifeng , Guo Feng
Published: December 2013

In this paper, the load-carrying mechanism of a parallel step bearing was studied from two different viewpoints, i.e. step bearing and parallel bearing. It has a history of about 100 years that Rayleigh step bearing can give optimum load-carrying capacity for certain geometry. As to parallel bearing, several mechanisms have been proposed: the thermal wedge, the viscosity wedge, the thermal distortion, and the local hydrodynamic effect induced by surface irregularities. In this research, a custom-built fixed-incline slider-bearing test rig was used to measure the lubricant film thickness between a stationary parallel step slider and a rotating transparent disc. Film thickness was measured by interferometry at different sliding speeds. It is worth noting that both temperature and humidity were held constant in the experiments. Experimental results show that the measured curve of film thickness versus speed can be divided into two main distinct regions. One is the lower speed region, where the lubricant film is very thin and less dependent on the sliding speed. In addition, cavitation often occurs in lower speed region. The other is the higher speed region, where the lubricant film is thick and curves of film thickness versus sliding speed present linear relationship in the double logarithmic coordinate system. For different viscosities and loads, the experimental results are quite similar in spite of diverse transition speeds from lower speed region to higher speed region. Theoretical analyses indicate that the film-formation behavior in lower speed region can be attributed to the local hydrodynamic effect caused by the real surface irregularities on the smooth land of the step slider, while the load-carrying mechanism in higher speed region agrees well with the classical lubrication theory of Rayleigh step bearing.
Meaning making in motion: Bodies and minds moving through institutional and semiotic structures
Authors: Gillespie Alex , Zittoun Tania
Published: December 2013

What is meaning? And how does it arise? Werner and Kaplan’s approach to symbol formation was prescient in understanding the importance of the body and activity. However, their embodied approach needs to be complemented by a broader conceptualization of social institutions and complex semiotic structures in the genesis and function of symbolic processes. Specifically, human bodies, which are the medium and locus of experience, are embedded in social situations and institutions. Thus embodied experience, the origin of meaning, must be understood as societally structured. Moreover, human experience is never unmediated; it is refracted through the complex semiotic artifacts that comprise human culture, such as discourses, social representations and symbolic resources. The present article focuses on the importance of bodies moving within institutions and minds moving within semiotic structures as a basis for meaning making. We argue that such movement has been neglected; yet, it has the potential to enhance our understanding of how experiences are differentiated and integrated within individuals to produce individuals who are products of society and who also have agency in relation to society.
Recovering the organismic: Werner and Kaplan’s “symbol formation” 50 years later
Authors: Glick Joseph
Published: December 2013

Symbol Formation was first published in 1963 at a time when the “Cognitive Revolution,” was in full sway. Symbol Formation was both a part of it and a counter to it. Much of the cognitive “action” might be characterized as the search for and identification of the conceptual/propositional mediation of behavior (and thought) beyond simple behaviors rooted in repetition of stimulus–response or stimulus–mediator–response pairings. While agreeing that the conceptual was an intrinsic part of psychological analysis, Werner and Kaplan (1963) sought the activity and bodily based experiential that undergirded the conceptual. Their organismic-developmental approach involved a system of inquiry that put two analytic paths in tension with one another. On the one hand the developmental path looked at language from the point of view of progressive distancing of addressor and addressee (from “primordial sharing” between infant and mother to fully articulated well-formed conceptual linguistic expressions framed for generalized audiences). On the other hand, seeking the “organismic” reversed this directionality and sought the viscerally experiential underlying the developed forms of language use. The notion of “symbol” as opposed to “sign,” was intended to bridge this gap. The distinction between symbol and sign was framed as the difference between “pointing to” and “representing.” This led to a theoretical and research paradigm that reversed the trajectory of much developmental research. The entailment of developmental and organismic notions is discussed in this paper.
Narrative development as symbol formation: Gestures, imagery and the emergence of cohesion
Authors: Levy Elena T , McNeill David
Published: December 2013

We extend Werner and Kaplan’s (1963) account of early language development as symbol formation to the development of cohesion in young children’s narratives. We propose that the development of cohesion relies on imagistic gestures, specifically on gestural catchments – series of gestures (not necessarily continuous) with recurring features that embody discourse themes. Our argument is supported by the narratives of a child recorded and transcribed by Forrester (2002, 2008), and available on Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES). From ages 1;5 to 2;9 we find three periods of changing relationships between speech and gesture – in the first, gestures helping to create simple referring-and-predicating constructions, and in the last marking what is newsworthy relative to what has come before. The period between is a time of transition from gestures in an extralinguistic to an intralinguistic function. We examine this change in the context of Werner and Kaplan’s (1963) shift from parataxis to hypotaxis, and with respect to the semiotics of symbol formation – a shift from a single to a dual semiotic.
Sex education and the promotion of heteronormativity
Authors: McNeill Tanya
Published: December 2013

This article examines the promotion of heteronormativity (defined as monogamous, marital, middle class, and white heterosexuality) in US school policy, and argues that sexuality education policies, standards, and curricula demonstrate ambivalence towards LGBTQ individuals and families, and recirculate and reproduce racialized, gendered norms about what forms of desire and familial attachment are appropriate and healthy for American citizens. The author analyzes federal- and state-level sexuality education law and demonstrates how they are linked to the racialized regulation of individuals and populations, as well as how they link heteronormativity with positive affects and non-heteronormative families with negative affects. The article also takes Virginia’s Family Life Education Curricular Standards as a case study of the promotion of heteronormativity and the regulation of affect and intimacy. The author argues that the state’s promotion of heteronormativity in education policy and curricula both enacts and legitimates homophobia in schools.
Upregulation of zinc transporter 2 in the blood–CSF barrier following lead exposure
Authors: Fu Xue , Zeng Andrew , Zheng Wei , Du Yansheng
Published: December 2013

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element for normal brain function; an abnormal Zn homeostasis in brain and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been implied in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms that regulate Zn transport in the blood–brain interface remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate Zn transport by the blood–CSF barrier (BCB) in the choroid plexus, with a particular focus on Zn transporter-2 (ZnT2), and to understand if lead (Pb) accumulation in the choroid plexus disturbed the Zn regulatory function in the BCB. Confocal microscopy, quantitative PCR and western blot demonstrated the presence of ZnT2 in the choroidal epithelia; ZnT2 was primarily in cytosol in freshly isolated plexus tissues but more toward the peripheral membrane in established choroidal Z310 cells. Exposure of rats to Pb (single ip injection of 50 mg Pb acetate/kg) for 24 h increased ZnT2 fluorescent signals in plexus tissues by confocal imaging and protein expression by western blot. Similar results were obtained by in vitro experiments using Z310 cells. Further studies using cultured cells and a two-chamber Transwell device showed that Pb treatment significantly reduced the cellular Zn concentration and led to an increased transport of Zn across the BCB, the effect that may be due to the increased ZnT2 by Pb exposure. Taken together, these results indicate that ZnT2 is present in the BCB; Pb exposure increases the ZnT2 expression in choroidal epithelial cells by a yet unknown mechanism and as a result, more Zn ions may be deposited into the intracellular Zn pool, leading to a relative Zn deficiency state in the cytoplasm at the BCB.
Solitary Alcohol Use in Teens Is Associated With Drinking in Response to Negative Affect and Predicts Alcohol Problems in Young Adulthood
Authors: Creswell Kasey G. , Chung Tammy , Clark Duncan B. , Martin Christopher S.
Published: December 2013

Adolescent solitary drinking may represent an informative divergence from normative behavior, with important implications for understanding risk for alcohol-use disorders later in life. Within a self-medication framework, we hypothesized that solitary alcohol use would be associated with drinking in response to negative affect and that such a pattern of drinking would predict alcohol problems in young adulthood. We tested these predictions in a longitudinal study in which we examined whether solitary drinking in adolescence (ages 12–18) predicted alcohol-use disorders in young adulthood (age 25) in 466 alcohol-using teens recruited from clinical programs and 243 alcohol-using teens recruited from the community. Findings showed that solitary drinking was associated with drinking in response to negative affect during adolescence and predicted alcohol problems in young adulthood. Results indicate that drinking alone is an important type of alcohol-use behavior that increases risk for the escalation of alcohol use and the development of alcohol problems.
Time for Option B+? Prevalence and Characteristics of HIV Infection among Attendees of 2 Antenatal Clinics in Buea, Cameroon
Authors: Takow Stephen Ekure , Atashili Julius , Enow-Tanjong Rebecca , Mesembe Martha T. , Ikomey George M. , Ndip Lucy M. , Mbuagbaw Josephine C. , Ndumbe Peter M.
Published: December 2013

As countries consider a wider use of triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnancy, which in recent World Health Organization guidelines is called Option B+, this study sought to explore the potential implications of adopting Option B+ by characterizing HIV infection in pregnant women attending 2 semiurban antenatal clinics in Cameroon. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, consenting women were screened for HIV; positive samples were confirmed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, and CD4 levels and HIV viral loads were determined using flow cytometry and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The seroprevalence of HIV in the 407 pregnant women screened was 8.4% (95% confidence interval: 5.9%-11.5%). The majority (82.4%) of HIV-positive women had CD4 counts >350 cells/mm3. A quarter (25%) had undetectable viral levels (<80 copies/mL). Adopting Option B+ in this setting would result in a 5-fold increase in the number of HIV-infected pregnant women being placed on lifelong triple ART.
Investigation of HIV Incidence Rates in a High-Risk, High-Prevalence Kenyan Population
Authors: Mdodo Rennatus , Gust Deborah , Otieno Fredrick O. , McLellan-Lemal Eleanor , Chen Robert T. , LeBaron Charles , Hardnett Felicia , Turner Kyle , Ndivo Richard , Zeh Clement , Samandari Taraz , Mills Lisa A.
Published: December 2013

Cost-effective HIV prevention programs should target persons at high risk of HIV acquisition. We conducted an observational HIV incidence cohort study in Kisumu, Kenya, where HIV prevalence is triple that of the national rate. We used referral and venue-sampling approaches to enroll HIV-negative persons for a 12-month observational cohort, August 2010 to September 2011, collected data using computer-assisted interviews, and performed HIV testing quarterly. Among 1292 eligible persons, 648 (50%) were excluded for HIV positivity and other reasons. Of the 644 enrollees, 52% were women who were significantly older than men ( P < .01). In all, 7 persons seroconverted (incidence rate [IR] per 100 person-years = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-2.30), 6 were women; 5 (IR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.02-7.34) of whom were ≤25 years. Most new infections occurred in young women, an observation consistent with other findings in sub-Saharan Africa that women aged ≤25 years are an important population for HIV intervention trials in Africa.
Discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia: when is this a safe option to consider?
Authors: Sweet Kendra , Oehler Vivian
Published: December 2013

Mrs G is a 54-year-old woman with a diagnosis of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia dating back 8 years. She had a low-risk Sokal score at diagnosis and was started on imatinib mesylate at 400 mg orally daily within one month of her diagnosis. Her 3-month evaluation revealed a molecular response measured by quantitative RT-PCR of 1.2% by the International Scale. Within 6 months of therapy, she achieved a complete cytogenetic response, and by 18 months, her BCR-ABL1 transcript levels were undetectable using a quantitative RT-PCR assay with a sensitivity of ≥ 4.5 logs. She has maintained this deep level of response for the past 6.5 years. Despite her excellent response to therapy, she continues to complain of fatigue, intermittent nausea, and weight gain. She is asking to discontinue imatinib mesylate and is not interested in second-line therapy. Is this a safe and reasonable option for this patient?
High-risk acute myelogenous leukemia: treatment today … and tomorrow
Authors: Schiller Gary J.
Published: December 2013

High-risk acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) constitutes a distinct subset of disease based on clinical and biological characteristics and comprises a significant percentage of all cases of adult AML. Biologic features such as distinct clonal cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities identify a subgroup of AML patients characterized by poor response to induction chemotherapy and poor long-term survival after treatment with consolidation chemotherapy. Clinical variables that predict for poor response include AML relapsed after less than 1 year of remission and AML characterized by resistance to conventional agents. We review here our understanding of the defining biologic subtypes of AML and discuss how adequate initial evaluation can be used to inform the choice of treatment. By defining high-risk biologic and clinical variables, a strong case can be made for treating patients with investigational agents, with treatment directed at distinct cytogenetic or molecular abnormalities. Allogeneic transplantation is the only form of therapy available outside of the setting of a clinical trial that may offer a chance for long-term survival for patients with high-risk AML.
FLT3 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: what is the best approach in 2013?
Authors: Levis Mark
Published: December 2013

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who harbor an FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation present several dilemmas for the clinician. The results of an FLT3 mutation test, which can be influenced by several variables, need to be interpreted according to the clinical setting and there is a need for internationally standardized FLT3 mutation assays. Because of the lack of prospective studies, the role of allogeneic transplantation as consolidation therapy is still somewhat controversial, but the preponderance of evidence suggests that transplantation in first remission, if possible, is probably the best option. Clinically useful FLT3 inhibitors are hopefully on the near horizon and are being studied in the context of current treatment paradigms.