bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-Varying Climate Sensitivity from Regional Feedbacks
Authors: Armour Kyle C. , Bitz Cecilia M. , Roe Gerard H.
Published: December 2012

The sensitivity of global climate with respect to forcing is generally described in terms of the global climate feedback—the global radiative response per degree of global annual mean surface temperature change. While the global climate feedback is often assumed to be constant, its value—diagnosed from global climate models—shows substantial time variation under transient warming. Here a reformulation of the global climate feedback in terms of its contributions from regional climate feedbacks is proposed, providing a clear physical insight into this behavior. Using (i) a state-of-the-art global climate model and (ii) a low-order energy balance model, it is shown that the global climate feedback is fundamentally linked to the geographic pattern of regional climate feedbacks and the geographic pattern of surface warming at any given time. Time variation of the global climate feedback arises naturally when the pattern of surface warming evolves, actuating feedbacks of different strengths in different regions. This result has substantial implications for the ability to constrain future climate changes from observations of past and present climate states. The regional climate feedbacks formulation also reveals fundamental biases in a widely used method for diagnosing climate sensitivity, feedbacks, and radiative forcing—the regression of the global top-of-atmosphere radiation flux on global surface temperature. Further, it suggests a clear mechanism for the “efficacies” of both ocean heat uptake and radiative forcing.
The Influence of Antenna Radome on Weather Radar Calibration and Its Real-Time Assessment
Authors: Gorgucci E. , Bechini R. , Baldini L. , Cremonini R. , Chandrasekar V.
Published: December 2012

Operational weather radars are usually equipped with a radome to reduce the wind load on the antenna and to allow continuous operation under bad weather conditions. The study is focused on quantifying the impact on radar polarimetric measurements due to the presence of a radome. Analysis refers to the transportable X-band polarimetric radar of the Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale (ARPA) Piemonte (ARX), which uses a “bullet shaped” radome to provide environmental protection to the antenna and receiver apparatus system.

Radar calibration is performed using wet and dry radomes. Differential reflectivity calibration results are compared with those obtained using the sun as a radiation reference source. Estimates have comparable mean values, with their differences being within the standard deviation. The paper describes a method based on the self-consistency principle that takes into account the loss induced by radome wetting due to rain to adjust the absolute calibration of the radar in real time.

To verify how well this method overcomes the problem of excess attenuation caused by the presence of precipitation on the radome, two validation methods are presented. The first uses an empirical model to estimate the two-way wet radome losses for a qualitative comparison, with the corresponding losses obtained by the self-consistency principle. The second employs comparisons between radar and gauge rainfall accumulations with and without radome correction. This approach offers a clear understanding of the response of the correction, providing quantitative performance in a real case.
Contributions of Barotropic Energy Conversion to Northwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Activity during ENSO
Authors: Ha Yao , Zhong Zhong , Zhu Yimin , Hu Yijia
Published: December 2012

The contribution of barotropic energy conversion to tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the western North Pacific (WNP) during warm and cold phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is investigated by separating TC vortices from reanalysis data and using a linearized eddy kinetic energy tendency equation. By comparing the characteristics of TC disturbances with synoptic-scale disturbances, it is found that the modulation of ENSO on the WNP TC intensity is presented more objectively by using TC kinetic energy (EKETC) than eddy kinetic energy (EKE). Barotropic energy conversion (KmKe) into TC disturbances (KmKeTC) is an effective indicator in detecting the barotropic energy source of low-level cyclone genesis and maintenance during the ENSO cycle. However, its dynamical processes play different roles. Shear in large-scale zonal wind and convergence in large-scale meridional wind provide direct barotropic energy source for TC genesis, but make effects in different regions of the WNP. In contrast, convergence in large-scale zonal and shear in large-scale meridional wind exert little influence on TC genesis during ENSO.
Rules and Roles vs. Consensus
Authors: Joyce Elisabeth , Pike Jacqueline C. , Butler Brian S.
Published: December 2012

Deliberative mass collaboration systems, such as Wikipedia, are characterized as undisciplined, unstructured social spaces where individuals participate in collective action. However, examination of Wikipedia reveals that it contains a bureaucratic structure, which ensures that collective goals are primary drivers of that collective action. To support large-scale activity, deliberative mass collaboration systems must provide ways of reconciling the tension between individual agency and collective goals. Wikipedia’s unusual policy, ignore all rules (IAR), serves as this tension release mechanism. IAR supports individual agency when positions taken by participants might conflict with those reflected in established rules. Hypotheses are tested with Wikipedia data regarding individual agency, bureaucratic processes, and IAR invocation during the content exclusion process. Findings indicate that in Wikipedia each utterance matters in deliberations, rules matter in deliberations, and IAR citation magnifies individual influence but also reinforces bureaucracy.
Shifting Sexual Cultures, the Potential Space of Online Relations, and the Promise of Psychoanalytic Listening
Authors: Corbett Ken
Published: December 2012

How we listen to the potential space of online relations is rapidly becoming part of our daily work. Two treatments are examined where themes of sexual shame, repression, and relational difficulties were found and refound through online relating and hooking-up. Consideration is given to the ways in which online exploration opens a potential space that affords sexual practice and the reach of relationality. Moving with these patients into this potential space opened onto an intriguing and productive relational field. These cases help illuminate a shift in our modern social order, and how that shift has followed on a reconsideration of our psychoanalytic ideals about sexual well-being. We are now positioned to reflect not only on the evolution and revolution of our shifting sexual cultures, including the increasing role of technology in our modern relational world, but on how this new world finds its way into our consulting rooms.
Racial Variation in the Effect of Incarceration on Neighborhood Attainment
Authors: Massoglia Michael , Firebaugh Glenn , Warner Cody
Published: December 2012

Each year, more than 700,000 convicted offenders are released from prison and reenter neighborhoods across the country. Prior studies have found that minority ex-inmates tend to reside in more disadvantaged neighborhoods than do white ex-inmates. However, because these studies do not control for pre-prison neighborhood conditions, we do not know how much (if any) of this racial variation is due to arrest and incarceration, or if these observed findings simply reflect existing racial residential inequality. Using a nationally representative dataset that tracks individuals over time, we find that only whites live in significantly more disadvantaged neighborhoods after prison than prior to prison. Blacks and Hispanics do not, nor do all groups (whites, blacks, and Hispanics) as a whole live in worse neighborhoods after prison. We attribute this racial variation in the effect of incarceration to the high degree of racial neighborhood inequality in the United States: because white offenders generally come from much better neighborhoods, they have much more to lose from a prison spell. In addition to advancing our understanding of the social consequences of the expansion of the prison population, these findings demonstrate the importance of controlling for pre-prison characteristics when investigating the effects of incarceration on residential outcomes.
Stress concentration factor in matrix of a composite reinforced with transversely isotropic fibers
Authors: Liu Ling , Huang Zheng-Ming
Published: December 2012

The stress concentration factor in the matrix of a fibrous composite reinforced with transversely isotropic fibers is determined upon constituent elastic properties as well as the fiber volume fraction available before fabrication of the composite. The matrix in situ transverse strengths are then defined from its original counterparts divided by the stress concentration factor, which are further used together with the other original constituent property parameters for calculating strengths of the composite in terms of the bridging model. The thus obtained strength envelopes of several unidirectional composites subjected to combined bi-axial loads are compared with independently measured results. Favorable correlation indicates that a composite ultimate strength can be reasonably well estimated without using any experimental data of the composite itself. The article clearly shows that an accurate prediction for a composite strength must take all of the three influencing factors, i.e. stress concentration, matrix inelasticity, and thermal residual stresses, into account. It is further demonstrated in the article that the stress concentration factor with transversely isotropic fibers involved can be sufficiently accurately approximated by a much simpler stress concentration factor formula derived upon isotropic fiber reinforcement.
Morphology and dynamic-mechanical properties of PVC/NBR blends reinforced with two types of nanoparticles
Authors: Hajibaba Armin , Naderi Ghasem , Esmizadeh Elnaz , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza
Published: December 2012

This article relies on the effect of two types of nanoparticle on morphology and dynamic-mechanical properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends. The results of mechanical investigation revealed that tensile strength and modulus of PVC/NBR nanocomposites reinforced with 1 phr of single-walled nanotube (SWNT) are very close to the case of reinforced with 5 phr of nanoclay. The outcomes of dynamic-mechanical properties revealed that the storage modulus increases with the addition of nanoparticles and the intensity of tan  δ get reduced, in two cases. Morphological investigation of nanocomposites was determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In the case of PVC/NBR/nanoclay, fracture surface of specimens were much rough while the fracture surface of virgin PVC/NBR was very smooth. In PVC/NBR/SWNT nanocomposites, with introducing of carbon nanotubes to polymer matrix, dispersion and distribution of NBR as minor phase in PVC as matrix got improved.
Thermal performance and flame retardancy studies of vinyl ester and glass fiber reinforced plastic composites containing nanoclay
Authors: Zhu Hong-Gang , Liu Ming-Yang , Yuen Richard KK , Leung Christopher KY , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: December 2012

The thermomechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy of the organoclay-vinyl ester nanocomposites and the glass fiber reinforced plastic composites made from the vinyl ester nanocomposites matrix were studied. The results show that nanoclay addition increases both the storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the vinyl ester and glass fiber reinforced plastic composites due to the reinforcing effects and the molecular relaxing constraining effects of clay platelets. Both the vinyl ester and glass fiber reinforced plastic composites show different thermal degradation behaviors in nitrogen and in air due to the oxidizing effect of oxygen. Nanoclay has little effect on the thermal stability of vinyl ester in nitrogen, while increases the 2nd peak decomposition temperature of vinyl ester in air, resulting from the shielding effect of silicate platelets. However, the thermal stability of the glass fiber reinforced plastic composites in both atmospheres is reduced by nanoclay with unknown reasons. The flame retardancy of vinyl ester and glass fiber reinforced plastic composites is significantly improved due to clay that promotes the formation of carbonaceous char platelets acting as mass and heat barrier. Glass fiber reinforcement alters the thermal dynamic, thermal degradation and combustion behaviors of the vinyl ester nanocomposites.
Atmospheric pressure plasma effects on the adhesive bonding properties of stainless steel and epoxy composites
Authors: Williams Thomas S , Yu Hang , Yeh Po-Ching , Yang Jenn-Ming , Hicks Robert F
Published: December 2012

An atmospheric pressure helium and oxygen plasma has been used for the surface preparation of 410 stainless steel and carbon-fiber epoxy laminates prior to bonding to themselves or to each other. Lap shear results for stainless steel coupons and carbon-fiber epoxy laminates demonstrated an 80% and a 150% increase in bond strength, respectively, after plasma activation. Following 7 days of aging, wedge crack extension tests revealed a crack extension length of 7.0 mm and 2.5 mm for the untreated and plasma-activated steel. The untreated stainless steel had 30% cohesive failure compared to 97% for steel activated with the plasma. Surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that carbonaceous contamination was removed by plasma treatment, and specific functional groups, e.g. carboxylic acids, were formed on the surface. These functional groups promoted strong chemical bonding to the epoxy film adhesive. Atmospheric pressure plasmas are an attractive alternative to abrasion techniques for surface preparation prior to bonding.
Effect of the ethylene-acrylic acid melt index on the structural characteristics and properties of high-density polyethylene/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites prepared via the master-batch method
Authors: Tian Yaozhu , Zhang Huan , Qin Jun , Yu Jie , Cheng Liping , Lv Qing
Published: December 2012

High-density polyethylene/Mg2Al-layered double hydroxide nanocomposites with different ethylene-acrylic acid random copolymer/Mg2Al-layered double hydroxide master batches were prepared by melt-mixing. The effect of the ethylene-acrylic acid random copolymer melt index on the exfoliated/intercalated nanocomposite structures was investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The crystallization behavior and thermal property of the nanocomposites were determined via differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis and cone calorimetry. The Mg2Al-layered double hydroxide layers were well-dispersed at the nanometer level, providing direct evidence of the formation of intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites, as well as the important effect of ethylene-acrylic acid random copolymer melt index on these structures and their properties. Lower ethylene-acrylic acid random copolymer melt index resulted in higher exfoliation and better dispersion of layered double hydroxide in the high-density polyethylene matrix. Reductions in the heat release rate, total heat release and the carbonic oxide and carbon dioxide production of the nanocomposites were also observed. These phenomena led to higher thermal stability and changes in the storage modulus, tan δ and loss modulus of the nanocomposites, as well as improvement in the heterogeneous nucleation effect of layered double hydroxide on high-density polyethylene.
Smash Mouth Football
Authors: Knapp Bobbi A.
Published: December 2012

Opportunities for women to participate on professional women’s football teams have expanded over the past decade. Still the experiences of these players have largely gone unnoticed by the general public in the United States and underanalyzed by scholars. Using a feminist interactionist framework, this research examines how women on a successful Midwestern football team developed and maintained their identities as football players. The major themes that emerged from participant observations and semistructured interviews include play the right way, recognize uniqueness, and demand respect.
Sports review: A content analysis of the International Review for the Sociology of Sport, the Journal of Sport and Social Issues and the Sociology of Sport Journal across 25 years
Authors: Dart Jon
Published: December 2012

The International Review for the Sociology of Sport, the Journal of Sport and Social Issues and Sociology of Sport Journal have individually and collectively been subject to a systematic content analysis. By focusing on substantive research papers published in these three journals over a 25-year time period it is possible to identify the topics that have featured within the sociology of sport. The purpose of the study was to identify the dominant themes, sports, countries, methodological frameworks and theoretical perspectives that have appeared in the research papers published in these three journals. Using the terms, identified by the author(s), that appear in the paper’s title, abstract and/or listed as a key word, subject term or geographical term, a baseline is established to reflect on the development of the sub-discipline as represented by the content of these three journals. It is suggested that the findings illustrate what many of the more experienced practitioners in the field may have felt subjectively. On the basis of this systematic, empirical study it is now possible to identify those areas have received extensive coverage and those which are under-researched within the sociology of sport. The findings are used to inform a discussion of the role of academic journals and the recent contributions made by Michael Silk, David Andrews, Michael Atkinson and Dominic Malcolm on the past, present and future of the ‘sociology of sport’.
Community Education and Green Jobs
Authors: Griswold Wendy
Published: December 2012

Green jobs are currently a much-discussed topic in political, economic, and educational forums. Millions of Americans would be very glad to have one. But what are they exactly? Or more pointedly, what should they be and how can the field of adult education support their development? From the perspective of a community educator who has worked in the field of environmental education and environmental justice for more than 15 years, green jobs should be more than environmentally friendly employment, as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They should serve to advance the development of sustainable societies. To do this, there are three elements that, woven together, can create green jobs that will serve society in significant ways. These elements are workforce development; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education; and community education for sustainability. Examples of existing programs that address these elements will be discussed below.
Development and Deployment of the Purdue TAP Green Enterprise Development Program
Authors: Rogers Ethan A.
Published: December 2012

Purdue University–Mechanical, Engineering, and Technology (MET) faculty and Purdue Technical Assistance Program (TAP) staff partnered with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) to create a new workforce training program and certificate exam in the field of green manufacturing. This article describes how the body of knowledge for the training program and exam was assembled and validated, how training materials were developed, and how training methods practiced by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers were incorporated into a culture changing worker training program.
Higher Education, Adult Learning, and Greening of the Economy
Authors: Koester Robert J.
Published: December 2012

As formal learning communities, colleges and universities can readily integrate social, economic, and environmental considerations in day-to-day operational practices and curricular offerings. Moreover, a college or university can work with, and model for, the local community, implementing ideas that then can be adopted by the surrounding community—or even by others in the region. Most importantly, the students and citizens participating in a well-structured campus and community interaction can adopt the modeled values as a bridge to lifelong adult learning.
Design of an improved signal conditioning circuit for ionic polymer sensors based on the streaming potential hypothesis
Authors: Akle Barbar J
Published: December 2012

Ionic polymer transducers also known as ionic polymer metal composites belong to the family of electroactive polymer transducers. Electroactive polymers are flexible and lightweight devices that operate as sensors and actuators without having any internally moving parts. The absence of moving parts offers a more efficient and cost-effective transducer with increased reliability. As actuators, ionic polymer transducers have the ability to generate bending strains on the order of 5% when +2 V potential is applied across their thickness. However, as sensors, the ionic polymer transducer has superior sensitivity as compared to other electroactive polymer materials. This is especially true when a charge or current amplifier is used as the signal conditioning circuit. These sensors operate in a wide spectrum and specifically at small strains. In this article, a new signal conditioning circuit is designed with superior sensing capabilities compared to the conventional circuit. In the new design, the ionic polymer transducer is biased with a small voltage on the order of 5 to 25 mV. Experimental results demonstrate a 27% enhancement in the current generated and the signal-to-noise ratio as compared to the conventional circuit. Furthermore, this circuit enables the use of ionic polymer transducer polymers with larger capacitance compared to the previous current sensing circuit. Earlier research demonstrates that the capacitance of an ionic polymer transducer is proportional to its actuation performance, and it is believed to affect the sensing performance. To increase the capacitance, the direct assembly process is used in the fabrication of ionic polymer transducer. Previously, using the conventional current amplifiers, it was impossible to use a direct assembly process–fabricated ionic polymer transducer with a large capacitance as a sensor, since it would saturate the operational amplifier circuit. In this study, three types of operational amplifier circuits are investigated, and their ability to bring the sensor to a short-circuit condition is measured. The signal-to-noise ratio of the operational amplifiers is measured and the OP177 has proved to be the best in both experiments.
Shape memory behavior of Ni-rich NiTi foam with different porosity percentages
Authors: Kockar Benat , Ozcan Hande , Cakmak Sule
Published: December 2012

The shape memory properties of Ni50.6Ti49.4 alloy having porosity levels of 36%, 55%, and 60% such as recoverable and irrecoverable strain levels, transformation temperatures, and thermal hysteresis are determined from isobaric cooling–heating experiments. High recoverable strain up to 4.5% and almost no irrecoverable strain against up to 100 MPa of applied stress levels are observed due to the high strength of the sintered 36% porous Ni50.6Ti49.4 alloy. More interestingly, thermal hysteresis under constant stress levels for this sample is notably very low. Furthermore, as the porosity percentage increases from 36% to 55% and 60%, the recoverable strain levels under low constant stress levels increases. Additionally, since the strength of the 60% porous NiTi alloy decreases, it fractures at a relatively lower stress level.
Interventions for Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Schertz Hannah H. , Reichow Brian , Tan Paulo , Vaiouli Potheini , Yildirim Emine
Published: December 2012

Recently emerging intervention studies for toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were reviewed through a systematic assessment of intervention outcomes, research rigor, and intervention features. The review includes published peer-reviewed experimental studies of toddlers with high risk for or diagnosis of ASD in which the majority of interventions occurred before age 36 months. Of 20 identified research studies, 6 were group comparison studies, all of which showed small to large magnitudes of effect when a uniform metric was applied. Fourteen were single-case design (SCD) studies, all of which reported effects on a variety of outcomes. When grouped by area of intervention focus (communication, general development, family well-being, imitation, joint attention, and play), commonly identified needs within focus areas were for replication, common measures, and authentic practices. A majority of studies in most focus areas showed strong to acceptable levels of research rigor, though this is an area of ongoing need.
Secular-Islamist Cleavage, Values, and Support for Democracy and Shari’a in the Arab World
Authors: Ciftci Sabri
Published: December 2012

Public opinion polls demonstrate that Arab citizens support both democracy and shari’a. I argue that individual values related to the secular-Islamist cleavage are instrumental in explaining this joint support. The analysis of the Arab Barometer Survey shows that individuals holding Islamic values are more favorable of shari’a, whereas those with secularist values tend to support democracy. However, the bivariate probit estimations also confirm that Arab opinion about these governing principles is more complementary and less divergent. The results imply that constitutional models combining Islam and democracy, rather than strictly secular institutions, may be more acceptable to Arab citizens.
Between Silence and Speech
Authors: Tsalach Calanit
Published: December 2012

In this article I wish to trace three everyday moments in which my Mizrahi Ethnic Identity intersects with the academic one, and then extract experiences of ethnic otherness that are built within those moments. Exploring these moments while considering Mizrahi identity construction, practices of otherness, and terms of silences enables a more nuanced understanding of the ways in which hegemonic practices work and oppress Mizrahi subjects, and how these subjects work against them.

Throughout these described moments, Mizrahi ethnicity is marked as troublesome, inferior, or as an Other that is forced to struggle to find its place. It is constructed as opposed to, or as a threat to the academic. Throughout these described moments I remain silent. My voice is given back to me through this autoethnographic text. In this way, autoethnography is also a way to oppose otherness due to its power to see these moments of ethnic otherness and resist them.
Encuentro (Encounter)
Authors: O’Donald Karla
Published: December 2012

The poem exposes the encounter that the author experienced as she confronted her ideas, fears, and perception of the border between Mexico and the United States. The poem hopes to present the difficulty of leaving in the borderlands and the themes and theoretical ideas that emerge from living in this space.
Reaction Time and Attention
Authors: De la Torre Gabriel G. , Barroso Juan M. , León-Carrión José , Mestre Jose M. , Bozal Rocío Guil
Published: December 2012

This pilot study shows results of an experiment comparing reaction times (RTs) and attentional performance between an ADHD group of 30 children and 30 controls, both Spanish speaking. The experiment was carried out using the Seville computerized neuropsychological battery (SNB). Objective: This study had two goals: One was to test sensitivity of SNB for attention deficits in ADHD and the second was to detect differences in RTs between ADHD and controls. Possible explanations and implications of such differences are also discussed. Method: SNB computerized system was used to assess RTs and accuracy, and alternate forms of continuous performance task were used. Results: Results showed high sensitivity of some of the SNB tests, especially cancellation tests. RTs were significantly different between groups. Conclusion: SNB represents a helpful tool for detection of attention deficits, and RT indices represent the most significant variable in differentiation of both groups studied.
The Impact of a Motor-Cognitive Remediation Program on Attentional Functions of Preschoolers With ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Chevalier Nicole , Parent Véronique , Rouillard Mélanie , Simard France , Guay Marie-Claude , Verret Claudia
Published: December 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the motor-cognitive remediation program (MCRP) that uses sensorimotor and visual-motor imagery techniques on attentional functions in preschoolers with ADHD symptoms. Method: A total of 15 high-risk preschoolers were selected based on high ADHD symptoms. An experimental group participated in the MCRP and was compared with a control group. The MCRP consisted of 30 activities, 3 times a week, during 12 weeks. Results: Children in the experimental group improved significantly for orienting (selective attention) and executive control (inhibition, stopping, and engaging mental operations) compared with the control group. Conclusion: These results are a first step to support the postulate that training specific attentional functions by sensorimotor activities and visual-motor imagery has an impact on the cognitive network of attention. This study suggests the potential value of MCRP addressed to preschoolers with ADHD symptoms.
Nonmedical Use and Diversion of ADHD Stimulants Among U.S. Adults Ages 18-49
Authors: Cassidy Theresa A. , Varughese Sajan , Russo Leo , Budman Simon H. , Eaton Thomas A. , Butler Stephen F.
Published: December 2012

Objective: Evaluate nonmedical use (NMU) of ADHD prescription stimulants (Ritalin®, Adderall®, Adderall® XR, Concerta®, and Vyvanse®) in a U.S. adult general population sample. Method: In all, 10,000 adults (aged 18-49) from an online, opt-in panel, proximity matched to U.S. Census demographics, were surveyed to assess NMU prevalence, routes of administration (ROA), reasons for NMU, and diversion source. Results: Lifetime NMU of any prescription drug was 35.1%, pain medications (24.6%), sedatives/tranquilizers (15.6%), sleep medications (9.9%), and prescription stimulants (8.1%). Within the prescription stimulants, rates of NMU (per 100,000 prescriptions dispensed) were 1.62 for Ritalin and 1.61 for Adderall followed by Adderall XR (0.62), Concerta (0.19), and Vyvanse (0.13). Respondents used stimulants mostly for wakefulness and performance enhancement, obtained the drugs from family/friends, and used oral ROA. Conclusion: NMU of ADHD prescription stimulants were low compared with other prescription medications. While prevalence of NMU was higher for immediate-release than extended-release ADHD medications, absolute rates for prescription stimulants were low.
Cirque du Silence
Authors: Bhattacharya Kakali
Published: December 2012

In this performative play without speech, the author demonstrates the various acrobatic negotiations she makes in her everyday life as a transnational feminist educational researcher who was born in India, raised in Canada, and educated and employed in higher education in the U.S. The author uses silence as a space of reflection, resistance, adaptation, retreat, and freedom in order to challenge the duality of silence and voice where silence is seen as the absence of voice. The author presents her negotiations in academia as a set of acrobatic moves in response to her everyday circumstances. She also demonstrates that for her home is always a shifting concept that continues to force her to shuttle between multiple national identities. The author uses the works of Kamala Visweswaran and Inderpal Grewal to theorize nomadic, diasporic, and transnational subject positions and ways in which silence and voice function. Using the form of silence as a performance, the author invites readers to find their own entry points of identification, resistance, and points that transcend both identification with and resistance to the scenes with which she works, works out, and plays.
Factors Associated with Different Patterns of Nonadherence to HIV Care in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Poles Gabriela , Li Michelle , Siril Hellen , Mhalu Aisa , Hawkins Claudia , Kaaya Sylvia , Aris Eric , Chalamilla Guerino , Hirschhorn Lisa R.
Published: December 2012

Health system responsiveness (HSR), a measure of patient health care experience, may influence adherence to HIV/AIDS care and be an important predictor of outcomes. We studied the relationship between HSR, patient factors, and visit nonadherence in 16 President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief–supported HIV/AIDS clinics in Dar es Salaam. An HSR survey was administered in 2009, and all clinic visits 1 year following the interviews were analyzed for 720 patients on antiretrovirals (ARVs). Definitions of visit nonadherence were (1) low visit constancy ([VC], no visit in ≥1 quarter), (2) gaps in care (>60 days between visits), (3) no visit in last quarter (VLQ). The relationships between factors were analyzed using multivariate analysis with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) reported. Few patients were nonadherent using VLQ (14%) and VC (28%). Gaps in care were more common (49.6%) and associated with younger age (AOR: 3.86 [2.02-7.40]), no explanation of side effects (AOR: 2.21 [1.49-3.28]), and shorter antiretroviral therapy (ART) duration (0-3 months AOR: 1.49 [1.09-2.03]; 3-6 months AOR: 2.44 [1.40-4.25]). No VLQ was associated with younger age (AOR: 3.40 [1.63-7.07]), poor health care worker (HCW) communication (AOR: 4.83 [1.39-16.78]), and less time on ART (0-3 months AOR: 5.04 [2.47-10.30]; 3-6 months AOR: 3.09 [1.72-5.57]). Younger age, poor HCW communication, and shorter ART duration also predicted lower VC, as did higher patient-HCW ratios. The rates of visit nonadherence differed based on the definitions used. Younger age, shorter time on ART, and poor HCW communication predicted lower adherence regardless of the definition. More work is needed to understand the relationship between HSR, patient factors, and different patterns of visit nonadherence and their impact on ART outcomes.
The policing task and the expansion (and contraction) of British policing
Authors: Millie Andrew
Published: December 2012

Over the past four decades the police service strength in England and Wales grew by nearly a third. This was at a time when the population grew by just 10 per cent. This sustained period of growth came to an end with the 2010 spending review which called for a 20 per cent cut in government funding of the police. In this paper the expansion of the state police is examined, expansion that is all the more remarkable coming at a time of increased competition and – from the mid-1990s onwards – falling levels of recorded crime. But not only did the number of police officers increase, so too their roles and responsibilities, reflective of Simon’s (2007) governing through crime meta-narrative and symptomatic of the criminalization of social policy – or more specifically the ‘policification’ (cf. Kemshall and Maguire, 2001). In this context it is argued that enforced contraction could be a positive opportunity to reappraise what the state police ought to be doing. The policing task is conceptualized as being either wide policing or narrow policing. Examples are given where narrowing may be both possible and beneficial. It is acknowledged that other agencies are facing similar cuts and may not be able pick up tasks left by the police. However, it is argued there are tangible benefits of having a state police that is more focused.
Procedural justice and professional policing in times of austerity
Authors: Hough Mike
Published: December 2012

This article draws on a study of differential treatment of young people in the youth justice system to present a typology of styles of policing that contrasts procedural justice with adversarial policing. It considers the factors that can trap police in adversarial styles of policing and offers suggestions about how best to move towards policing grounded on principles of procedural justice. It argues that ideas about procedural justice may be able to gain more traction in times of austerity, given that changing policing style does not necessarily incur significant costs.
Ventricular Assist Devices in the ICU
Authors: Joshi Ravi V.
Published: December 2012

Since 2001, ventricular assist devices (VADs), total artificial hearts, and a growing number of devices have become increasingly more commonplace options to heart failure management and viable alternatives to heart transplantation. Cardiothoracic step-down and intensive care units will likely be managing more and more patients on mechanical circulation in the future. This review will briefly give an introduction to VAD function, types of VADs, the characteristics of VAD patients, and management issues in the ICU that may arise with these patients.
Simo Decoction Stimulates Contractions of Antral Longitudinal Smooth Muscle via Multitudinous Mechanisms
Authors: Dai Chibing , Qian Wei , Liu Na , Gong Jing , Chen Wenmei , Hou Xiaohua
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to investigate Simo decoction–induced contractions of antral smooth muscles of rats and its mechanisms. The contractile responses of longitudinal strips to consecutive concentrations of Simo decoction were characterized by atropine, gallamine, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, and adrenaline, hexamethonium, L-arginine, and nifedipine and compared with Krebs solution (control) and acetylcholine-induced contractions. Simo decoction dose-dependently increased contractions of antral strips ( P = .000 vs control); its maximal effect was higher than acetylcholine (10−3 mol L−1; P < .05); Simo decoction–induced contractions were completely inhibited by atropine, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, or 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide + gallamine ( P = .000 for all) but were partly suppressed by gallamine, adrenaline, hexamethonium, L-arginine, and nifedipine ( P = .000 for all). Simo decoction promotes the contractions of antral strips mainly through activation of muscarinic M3 receptor, while partly through activation of M2 receptor, Ca2+ channel, nicotinic receptor, and inhibition of adrenergic receptor as well as release of nitric oxide.
A Computational model for compressed sensing RNAi cellular screening
Authors: Tan Hua , Fan Jing , Bao Jiguang , Dy Jennifer G , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: December 2012

Background

RNA interference (RNAi) becomes an increasingly important and effective genetic tool to study the function of target genes by suppressing specific genes of interest. This system approach helps identify signaling pathways and cellular phase types by tracking intensity and/or morphological changes of cells. The traditional RNAi screening scheme, in which one siRNA is designed to knockdown one specific mRNA target, needs a large library of siRNAs and turns out to be time-consuming and expensive.

Results

In this paper, we propose a conceptual model, called compressed sensing RNAi (csRNAi), which employs a unique combination of group of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to knockdown a much larger size of genes. This strategy is based on the fact that one gene can be partially bound with several small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and conversely, one siRNA can bind to a few genes with distinct binding affinity. This model constructs a multi-to-multi correspondence between siRNAs and their targets, with siRNAs much fewer than mRNA targets, compared with the conventional scheme. Mathematically this problem involves an underdetermined system of equations (linear or nonlinear), which is ill-posed in general. However, the recently developed compressed sensing (CS) theory can solve this problem. We present a mathematical model to describe the csRNAi system based on both CS theory and biological concerns. To build this model, we first search nucleotide motifs in a target gene set. Then we propose a machine learning based method to find the effective siRNAs with novel features, such as image features and speech features to describe an siRNA sequence. Numerical simulations show that we can reduce the siRNA library to one third of that in the conventional scheme. In addition, the features to describe siRNAs outperform the existing ones substantially.

Conclusions

This csRNAi system is very promising in saving both time and cost for large-scale RNAi screening experiments which may benefit the biological research with respect to cellular processes and pathways.
Pressure mediated hypertrophy and mechanical stretch up-regulate expression of the long form of leptin receptor (ob-Rb) in rat cardiac myocytes
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Yokoyama Tomoyuki , Tanaka Chie , Sunaga Hiroaki , Koitabashi Norimichi , Takizawa Takako , Arai Masashi , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: December 2012

Background

Hyperleptinemia is known to participate in cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension, but the relationship between pressure overload and leptin is poorly understood. We therefore examined the expression of leptin (ob) and the leptin receptor (ob-R) in the pressure-overloaded rat heart. We also examined gene expressions in culture cardiac myocytes to clarify which hypertension-related stimulus induces these genes.

Results

Pressure overload was produced by ligation of the rat abdominal aorta, and ob and ob-R isoform mRNAs were measured using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We also measured these gene expressions in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes treated with angiotensin II (ANGII), endothelin-1 (ET-1), or cyclic mechanical stretch. Leptin and the long form of the leptin receptor (ob-Rb) gene were significantly increased 4 weeks after banding, but expression of the short form of the leptin receptor (ob-Ra) was unchanged. ob-Rb protein expression was also detected by immunohistochemistry in hypertrophied cardiac myocytes after banding. Meanwhile, plasma leptin concentrations were not different between the control and banding groups. In cultured myocytes, ANGII and ET-1 increased only ob mRNA expression. However, mechanical stretch activated both ob and ob-Rb mRNA expression in a time-dependent manner, but ob-Ra mRNA was unchanged by any stress.

Conclusions

We first demonstrated that both pressure mediated hypertrophy and mechanical stretch up-regulate ob-Rb gene expression in heart and cardiac myocytes, which are thought to be important for leptin action in cardiac myocytes. These results suggest a new local mechanism by which leptin affects cardiac remodeling in pressure-overloaded hearts.
Expression profiles of microRNAs from lactating and non-lactating bovine mammary glands and identification of miRNA related to lactation
Authors: Li Zhen , Liu Hongyun , Jin Xiaolu , Lo Lijan , Liu Jianxin
Published: December 2012

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of milk protein synthesis and development of the mammary gland (MG). However, the specific functions of miRNAs in these regulations are not clear. Therefore, the elucidation of miRNA expression profiles in the MG is an important step towards understanding the mechanisms of lactogenesis.

Results

Two miRNA libraries were constructed from MG tissues taken from a lactating and a non-lactating Holstein dairy cow, respectively, and the short RNA sequences (18–30 nt) in these libraries were sequenced by Solexa sequencing method. The libraries included 885 pre-miRNAs encoding for 921 miRNAs, of which 884 miRNAs were unique sequences and 544 (61.5%) were expressed in both periods. A custom-designed microarray assay was then performed to compare miRNA expression patterns in the MG of lactating and non-lactating dairy cows. A total of 56 miRNAs in the lactating MG showed significant differences in expression compared to non-lactating MG (P<0.05). Integrative miRNA target prediction and network analysis approaches were employed to construct an interaction network of lactation-related miRNAs and their putative targets. Using a cell-based model, six miRNAs (miR-125b, miR-141, miR-181a, miR-199b, miR-484 and miR-500) were studied to reveal their possible biological significance.

Conclusion

Our study provides a broad view of the bovine MG miRNA expression profile characteristics. Eight hundred and eighty-four miRNAs were identified in bovine MG. Differences in types and expression levels of miRNAs were observed between lactating and non-lactating bovine MG. Systematic predictions aided in the identification of lactation-related miRNAs, providing insight into the types of miRNAs and their possible mechanisms in regulating lactation.
A comprehensive survey of copy number variation in 18 diverse pig populations and identification of candidate copy number variable genes associated with complex traits
Authors: Chen Congying , Qiao Ruimin , Wei Rongxing , Guo Yuanmei , Ai Huashui , Ma Junwu , Ren Jun , Huang Lusheng
Published: December 2012

Background

Copy number variation (CNV) is a major source of structural variants and has been commonly identified in mammalian genome. It is associated with gene expression and may present a major genetic component of phenotypic diversity. Unlike many other mammalian genomes where CNVs have been well annotated, studies of porcine CNV in diverse breeds are still limited.

Result

Here we used Porcine SNP60 BeadChip and PennCNV algorithm to identify 1,315 putative CNVs belonging to 565 CNV regions (CNVRs) in 1,693 pigs from 18 diverse populations. Total 538 out of 683 CNVs identified in a White Duroc × Erhualian F2 population fit Mendelian transmission and 6 out of 7 randomly selected CNVRs were confirmed by quantitative real time PCR. CNVRs were non-randomly distributed in the pig genome. Several CNV hotspots were found on pig chromosomes 6, 11, 13, 14 and 17. CNV numbers differ greatly among different pig populations. The Duroc pigs were identified to have the most number of CNVs per individual. Among 1,765 transcripts located within the CNVRs, 634 genes have been reported to be copy number variable genes in the human genome. By integrating analysis of QTL mapping, CNVRs and the description of phenotypes in knockout mice, we identified 7 copy number variable genes as candidate genes for phenotypes related to carcass length, backfat thickness, abdominal fat weight, length of scapular, intermuscle fat content of logissimus muscle, body weight at 240 day, glycolytic potential of logissimus muscle, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and humerus diameter.

Conclusion

We revealed the distribution of the unprecedented number of 565 CNVRs in pig genome and investigated copy number variable genes as the possible candidate genes for phenotypic traits. These findings give novel insights into porcine CNVs and provide resources to facilitate the identification of trait-related CNVs.