bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerosol indirect effect on the grid-scale clouds in the two-way coupled WRF-CMAQ: model description, development, evaluation and regional analysis
Authors: Yu S. , Mathur R. , Pleim J. , Wong D. , Gilliam R. , Alapaty K. , Zhao C. , Liu X.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This study implemented first, second and glaciation aerosol indirect effects (AIE) on resolved clouds in the two-way coupled WRF-CMAQ modeling system by including parameterizations for both cloud drop and ice number concentrations on the basis of CMAQ-predicted aerosol distributions and WRF meteorological conditions. The performance of the newly-developed WRF-CMAQ model, with alternate CAM and RRTMG radiation schemes, was evaluated with the observations from the CERES satellite and surface monitoring networks (AQS, IMPROVE, CASTNet, STN, and PRISM) over the continental US (CONUS) (12 km resolution) and eastern Texas (4 km resolution) during August and September of 2006. The results at the AQS surface sites show that in August, the normalized mean bias (NMB) values for PM2.5 over the eastern (EUS) and western US (WUS) are 5.3% (−0.1%) and 0.4% (−5.2%) for WRF-CMAQ/CAM (WRF-CMAQ/RRTMG), respectively. The evaluation of PM2.5 chemical composition reveals that in August, WRF-CMAQ/CAM (WRF-CMAQ/RRTMG) consistently underestimated the observed SO42− by −23.0% (−27.7%), −12.5% (−18.9%) and −7.9% (−14.8%) over the EUS at the CASTNet, IMPROVE and STN sites, respectively. Both models (WRF-CMAQ/CAM, WRF-CMAQ/RRTMG) overestimated the observed mean OC, EC and TC concentrations over the EUS in August at the IMPROVE sites. Both models generally underestimated the cloud field (shortwave cloud forcing (SWCF)) over the CONUS in August due to the fact that the AIE on the subgrid convective clouds was not considered when the model simulations were run at the 12 km resolution. This is in agreement with the fact that both models captured SWCF and longwave cloud forcing (LWCF) very well for the 4 km simulation over the eastern Texas when all clouds were resolved by the finer domain. Both models generally overestimated the observed precipitation by more than 40% mainly because of significant overestimation in the southern part of the CONUS in August. The simulations of WRF-CMAQ/CAM and WRF-CMAQ/RRTMG show dramatic improvements for SWCF, LWCF, cloud optical depth (COD), cloud fractions and precipitation over the ocean relative to those of WRF default cases in August. The model performance in September is similar to that in August except for greater overestimation of PM2.5 due to the overestimations of SO42−, NH4+, NO3−, and TC over the EUS, less underestimation of clouds (SWCF) over the land areas due to about 10% due to the lower SWCF values and less convective clouds in September.
Nabro volcano aerosol in the stratosphere over Georgia, South Caucasus from ground-based spectrometry of twilight sky brightness
Authors: Mateshvili N. , Fussen D. , Mateshvili G. , Mateshvili I. , Vanhellemont F. , Kyrölä E. , Tukiainen S. , Kujanpää J. , Bingen C. , Robert C. , Tétard C. , Dekemper E.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Ground-based spectral measurements of twilight sky brightness were carried out between September 2009 and August 2011 in Georgia, South Caucasus. The algorithm which allowed to retrieve the lower stratospheric and upper tropospheric aerosol extinction profiles was developed. The Monte-Carlo technique was used to correctly represent multiple scattering in a spherical atmosphere. The estimated stratospheric aerosol optical depths at a wavelength of 780 nm were: 6 × 10−3 ± 2 × 10−3 (31 August 2009–29 November 2009), 2.5 × 10−3 ± 7 × 10−4 (20 March 2010–15 January 2011) and 8 × 10−3 ± 3 × 10−3 (18 July 2011–3 August 2011). The optical depth values correspond to the moderately elevated stratospheric aerosol level after the Sarychev eruption in 2009, background stratospheric aerosol layer, and the volcanically disturbed stratospheric aerosol layer after the Nabro eruption in June 2011.
The influence of atmospheric circulation on the mid-Holocene climate of Europe: a data-model comparison
Authors: Mauri A. , Davis B. A. S. , Collins P. M. , Kaplan J. O.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The atmospheric circulation is a key area of uncertainty in climate model simulations of future climate change, especially in mid-latitude regions such as Europe where atmospheric dynamics have a significant role in climate variability. It has been proposed that the mid-Holocene was characterized in Europe by a stronger westerly circulation in winter comparable with a more positive AO/NAO, and a weaker westerly circulation in summer caused by anti-cyclonic blocking near Scandinavia. Model simulations indicate at best only a weakly positive AO/NAO, whilst changes in summer atmospheric circulation have not been widely investigated. Here we use a new pollen-based reconstruction of European mid-Holocene climate to investigate the role of atmospheric circulation in explaining the spatial pattern of seasonal temperature and precipitation anomalies. We find that the footprint of the anomalies is entirely consistent with those from modern analogue atmospheric circulation patterns associated with a strong westerly circulation in winter (positive AO/NAO) and a weak westerly circulation in summer (positive SCAND). We find little agreement between the reconstructed anomalies and those from a climate model simulation, which as with most model simulations shows a much greater sensitivity to local radiative forcing from top-of-the-atmosphere changes in solar insolation. Our findings are consistent with data-model comparisons on contemporary timescales that indicate that models underestimate the role of atmospheric circulation in climate change, whilst also highlighting the importance of atmospheric dynamics in explaining interglacial warming.
Neoliberal subjectivity – difference, free choice and individualised responsibility in the life plans of young adults in Switzerland
Authors: Schwiter K.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This paper aims at exploring neoliberalism where it has been internalised and normalised as "neoliberal subjectivity''. Based on a Foucauldian discourse perspective, it analyses narrative interviews with young Swiss adults focusing on their life plans and their aspirations for the future from a gender perspective. The analysis documents a pronounced discourse of individualisation. The subjectivity of the interviewees is characterised by ideas of difference, free choice and individualised responsibility for biographical decisions and their consequences. The article uses the example of the interviewees' narratives on reconciling work and family to illustrate how the discourse of individualised responsibility works in detail and in which respects it constitutes "neoliberal subjectivity''. This Swiss study reveals how the neoliberal self-concepts of the young adults absolve the state, municipalities and employers of responsibility, transferring it to the individual. Consequently, gendered social inequalities are framed as the sole result of individual preferences and thus privatised.
„Ich war lange illegal hier, aber jetzt hat mich die Grenze übertreten“ – Subjektivierungsprozesse transnational mobiler Haushaltshilfen
Authors: Strüver A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This contribution examines the processes of subjectivation of transnational mobile female migrants from Eastern Europe, who work irregularly as domestic workers in Germany. Applying an intersectional framework, the working practices of female migrants are conceptualized as an expression of the interplay between technologies of the self and technologies of domination. Both are constitutive for the migrant subjects and they are thus analyzed as part of geopolitical constellations and economic power relations as well as being influenced by the European border and labor market regime.
SELF-LOCALIZATION OF A MULTI-FISHEYE CAMERA BASED AUGMENTED REALITY SYSTEM IN TEXTURELESS 3D BUILDING MODELS
Authors: Urban S. , Leitloff J. , Wursthorn S. , Hinz S.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Georeferenced images help planners to compare and document the progress of underground construction sites. As underground positioning can not rely on GPS/GNSS, we introduce a solely vision based localization method, that makes use of a textureless 3D CAD model of the construction site. In our analysis-by-synthesis approach, depth and normal fisheye images are rendered from presampled positions and gradient orientations are extracted to build a high dimensional synthetic feature space. Acquired camera images are then matched to those features by using a robust distance metric and fast nearest neighbor search. In this manner, initial poses can be obtained on a laptop in real-time using concurrent processing and the graphics processing unit.
« Je serai trappeur, mineur… »
Authors: Rialland Ivanne
Published: October 2013

Perçus à l’époque comme typiques du « nouveau mal du siècle », tel que le nomme en 1924 Arland dans La Nouvelle revue française, les romans de Soupault mettent en leur coeur l’aventure pour montrer l’impossible adhésion au monde de l’homme occidental moderne : l’homme blanc n’y trouve qu’ennui tandis que l’écriture romanesque empêche tout départ véritable en perpétuant la chaîne des souvenirs. Il ne reste au romancier qu’à se faire le témoin émerveillé de l’énergie de l’homme noir. Celui-ci introduit non seulement dans la prose narrative un autre rapport au monde et au temps, mais ce faisant bouleverse l’écriture en la fragmentant : au lieu de dissoudre le réel dans le souvenir et l’ennui, la prose parvient alors à lui rendre son opacité signifiante.
Vies parallèles des hommes insignifiants, par Marcel Aymé
Authors: Jiménez Pedro Pardo
Published: October 2013

Dans l’oeuvre romanesque de Marcel Aymé, l’aventure fonctionne comme le mécanisme qui permet à l’auteur de confronter la vie quotidienne de ses personnages avec une autre vie possible, une vie nouvelle tantôt recherchée — en vain —comme un moyen d’échapper à la médiocrité de l’existence, tantôt survenue, au contraire, comme une encombrante expérience d’ordre surnaturel. La philosophie qui se dégage de cette confrontation de vies parallèles tient en même temps de la résignation et du scepticisme : l’homme ne peut ou, respectivement, ne veut se soustraire à sa condition. La vie quotidienne constitue un acquis trop précieux pour le compromettre dans des projets évanescents, susceptibles d’élargir la casuistique déjà instable de l’imprévu. Ainsi, le plus sage est de ne pas désirer ce qu’on n’est pas ou ce qu’on n’est plus, de s’accommoder de son destin, car en fin de compte, on n’y peut rien changer. Une telle attitude est propre à Marcel Aymé, mais peut-être aussi au moment historique où il écrit, un temps où l’on aspire non pas à vivre d’heureuses aventures, mais à vivre tout court.
L’aventure vécue comme possibilité
Authors: Bélisle Mathieu
Published: October 2013

Si au tournant du XXe siècle la découverte de l’ordre des possibles semble ouvrir pour la pensée et l’imagination un espace infini, et par là même enivrant, les romans de Raymond Queneau, qui paraissent dans le second tiers du siècle, expriment un point de vue plus dubitatif. C’est que contrairement par exemple au personnage proustien qui peut contempler les vies possibles sans jamais se confondre avec elles, c’est-à-dire sans jamais que le je se perde dans les méandres de la virtualité, les personnages de Queneau vivent une situation plus précaire : ils ne jouissent pas d’une vie intérieure telle qu’elle leur assurerait, à tous les moments de leur parcours, la solidité du lien de soi à soi au fondement du principe d’authenticité : pour aussi belle et séduisante que la possibilité lui apparaisse, quelque chose comme une conscience inaliénable de soi le retient de s’y abandonner complètement et partant, de se perdre dans le dédale de ses fantasmes. Ainsi, tandis que le moi proustien se présente comme un astre qui attire dans son orbite tous les possibles « satellisés », c’est-à-dire des possibles qui viennent enrichir le moi et en confirmer aussi bien le pouvoir attractif que la réalité effective, le moi quenien cède successivement à l’attraction des divers possibles qu’il rencontre.

Dans Loin de Rueil (1944), roman auquel la présente étude est consacrée, la possibilité devient plus forte que la réalité ; plutôt que de la compléter, elle l’écarte ou la supplante avec pour résultat que son héros, Jacques L’Aumône, ne jouit pas d’un enrichissement qui viendrait de l’addition des possibles. Le personnage « abdique » plutôt à chaque occasion une identité pour une autre, jusqu’à se perdre lui-même ou, du moins, jusqu’à ce qu’il ne soit plus rien d’autre qu’une image, dès lors moins un personnage qu’un dispositif. Le roman de Queneau est ainsi l’occasion d’exploiter le potentiel d’un roman et d’un personnage en mettant en évidence le fourmillement des possibles et de s’interroger sur leur nature et leur valeur. Que faire de toutes les existences « irréalisées », de tous les fantômes de ces vies possibles qui nous accompagnent et ne cessent de rappeler à quel point notre vie, notre seule vie, se campe à l’intérieur de bornes étroites ? La vie que nous menons, avec son histoire, ses exigences, sa trajectoire et sa fin possible, est-elle la seule qu’il nous soit donné de mener ?
Lecture et écriture de l’objet
Authors: Bouchard Pierre-Olivier
Published: October 2013

Par l’entremise du discours critique, Michel Butor, dans sesImprovisations sur Balzac(1999), ouvre la voie à un dialogue entre sa propre oeuvre etLa comédie humaine. Pour explorer cette filiation, cet article vise à démontrer comment l’écriture de Butor récupère et renouvelle l’idée depoétique de l’objet, développée par Balzac, afin de représenter le territoire géographique dans ses textes. En se basant sur les analyses développées dans lesImprovisations, il y est démontré qu’il existe un effet de continuité entre ces deux oeuvres, et que le portrait que Butor dresse de Balzac est susceptible d’expliquer certaines facettes de sa propre écriture.
Bacterial colonization and extinction on marine aggregates: stochastic model of species presence and abundance
Authors: Kramer Andrew M. , Lyons M. Maille , Dobbs Fred C. , Drake John M.
Published: October 2013

Organic aggregates provide a favorable habitat for aquatic microbes, are efficiently filtered by shellfish, and may play a major role in the dynamics of aquatic pathogens. Quantifying this role requires understanding how pathogen abundance in the water and aggregate size interact to determine the presence and abundance of pathogen cells on individual aggregates. We build upon current understanding of the dynamics of bacteria and bacterial grazers on aggregates to develop a model for the dynamics of a bacterial pathogen species. The model accounts for the importance of stochasticity and the balance between colonization and extinction. Simulation results suggest that while colonization increases linearly with background density and aggregate size, extinction rates are expected to be nonlinear on small aggregates in a low background density of the pathogen. Under these conditions, we predict lower probabilities of pathogen presence and reduced abundance on aggregates compared with predictions based solely on colonization. These results suggest that the importance of aggregates to the dynamics of aquatic bacterial pathogens may be dependent on the interaction between aggregate size and background pathogen density, and that these interactions are strongly influenced by ecological interactions and pathogen traits. The model provides testable predictions and can be a useful tool for exploring how species‐specific differences in pathogen traits may alter the effect of aggregates on disease transmission.
Management of Early‐stage Esophageal Neoplasia (MESEN) Consensus
Authors: Nieponice Alejandro , Badaloni Adolfo E. , Jobe Blair A. , Hoppo Toshitaka , Pellegrini Carlos , Velanovich Vic , Falk Gary W. , Reavis Kevin , Swanstrom Lee , Sharma Virender K. , Nachman Fabio , Ciotola Franco F. , Caro Luis E. , Cerisoli Cecilio , Cavadas Demetrio , Figueroa Luis Durand , Pirchi Daniel , Gibson Michael , Elizalde Santiago , Cohen Henry
Published: October 2013

Background

Treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma often involves surgical resection. Newer technologies in interventional endoscopy have led to a substantial paradigm shift in the management of early‐stage neoplasia in Barrett’s esophagus comprising high‐grade dysplasia (HGD), intramucosal carcinoma, and, in some cases, submucosal carcinoma. However, there has been no consensus regarding the indications for esophageal preservation in these cases. In this work, consensus guidelines were established for the management of early‐stage esophageal neoplasia considering clinically relevant aspects (age, comorbidities, and social environment) in each scenario.

Methods

Seventeen experts were invited to participate based on their background and clinical expertise at high‐volume centers. A questionnaire was created that included four clinical scenarios covering a wide range of situations within HGD and/or early esophageal neoplasia, particularly where controversies are likely to exist. Each of the clinical scenarios was open to discussion subdivided by patient age (20, 50, and 80 s). For each clinical scenario an expert was chosen to defend that position. Each defense triggered a subsequent discussion during a consensus meeting. Conclusions of that discussion together with an accompanying literature analysis allowed experts to confirm or change their original choices and served as the basis for the recommendations stated in this article.

Results

There was 100 % consensus supporting esophageal preservation in patients with HGD, independent of patient age or Barrett’s length. In patients with T1a adenocarcinoma, consensus for preservation was not reached (65 %) for young and middle‐aged individuals but was supported for elderly patients (100 %). For T1b adenocarcinoma, consensus was reached for surgical resection (90 %), leaving organ preservation for patients with very low risk of nodal invasion or poor surgical candidates.

Conclusion

Advances in endoscopic imaging and therapy allow for organ preservation in most settings of early‐stage neoplasia of the esophagus, provided that the patient understands the implications of this decision.
Clinical Utility of a Novel Hybrid Position Combining the Left Lateral Decubitus and Prone Positions During Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy
Authors: Kaburagi Takuji , Takeuchi Hiroya , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Omori Tai , Ozawa Soji , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: October 2013

Background

We developed a hybrid of the prone and left lateral decubitus positions for thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in 2009. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of applying this novel TE position.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients who underwent TE at our institution between 2005 and 2010. Altogether, 33 patients underwent TE in the left lateral decubitus position (LD‐TE) from 2005 to 2008, and 45 underwent TE in the hybrid position (hybrid‐TE) from 2009 to 2010. Radical lymphadenectomy along the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves was performed in both groups. The thoracic duct was preserved in the LD‐TE group and resected in the hybrid‐TE group. In the LD‐TE group, all thoracic procedures were performed with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position. In the hybrid‐TE group, the upper mediastinal procedure was performed with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position, and procedures at the middle and lower mediastinum were performed with the patient in the prone position under CO2 pneumothorax.

Results

Hybrid‐TE was associated with increased operating time. The number of harvested mediastinal nodes and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio on postoperative day 1 were both greater in this position. Although vocal cord palsy was observed more frequently in the hybrid‐TE group, there was no significant difference in the rate of other complications or in‐hospital mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

The novel hybrid position is believed feasible for use during TE. We believe that this position facilitates a more radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy with minimal intraoperative pulmonary damage.
MRI Detection of Forearm Soft Tissue Injuries with Radial Head Fractures
Authors: McGinley Joseph C. , Gold Garry , Cheung Emilie , Yao Jeffrey
Published: October 2013

Background

This study aims to evaluate the incidence of forearm soft tissue abnormalities associated with radial head fracture severity based on the Mason classification system. Methods Eighteen patients (age 18–45 years) were prospectively evaluated with elbow radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following longitudinal forearm trauma. MRI was performed within 10 days of the initial injury. Radiographs and MR images were evaluated in a blinded fashion by two musculoskeletal radiologists.

Results

Thirteen of 18 patients presented with Mason type I radial head fractures. In all patients with Mason type I fractures, the interosseous membrane (IOM) was intact. Two patients had Mason type II fractures with associated partial and compete tearing of the IOM and three patients had Mason type III fractures with complete tearing of the IOM. Edema was noted in the pronator quadratus in six of 13 type I injuries and seen in all type II and III injuries. No structural forearm soft tissue abnormalities were present in patients with Mason type I injuries. The presence of edema within the pronator quadratus correlated with distal forearm pain.

Conclusions

The severity of radial head fracture correlates with longitudinal forearm injury evidenced by the presence of IOM tearing. The findings suggest patients with Mason type II or III fractures of the radial head should undergo further evaluation of the forearm for associated soft tissue injuries. Edema within the pronator quadratus was present following forearm trauma regardless of the severity of fracture and was related to symptomatic forearm pain.
Synthesis of Carbonated Cotton Seed Oil and Its Application as Lubricating Base Oil
Authors: Zhang Letao , Luo Yanping , Hou Zhenshan , He Zhenhong , Eli Wumanjiang
Published: October 2013

Epoxidized cotton seed oil (ECSO) was conveniently synthesized from cotton seed oil (CSO) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, formic acid, and phosphoric acid. Then the ECSO was converted into carbonated cotton seed oil (CCSO) by reacting with CO2 using tetrabutylammonium bromide as a catalyst. The reaction conditions including reaction temperature, pressure, reaction time and the amount of catalyst were examined. In addition, the final product (CCSO) from cyclic addition reaction was characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR and TGA. Compared with CSO and ECSO, CCSO showed excellent thermal and oxidation stability. Additionally, the CCSO's properties of extreme pressure, anti‐wear and friction reduction were tested and analyzed. The results indicated that it could be used as potential lubricating base oil.
Structural and functional relationships of natural and artificial dimeric bovine ribonucleases: New scaffolds for potential antitumor drugs
Authors: Gotte Giovanni , Laurents Douglas V. , Merlino Antonello , Picone Delia , Spadaccini Roberta
Published: October 2013

Protein aggregation via 3D domain swapping is a complex mechanism which can lead to the acquisition of new biological, benign or also malignant functions, such as amyloid deposits. In this context, RNase A represents a fascinating model system, since by dislocating different polypeptide chain regions, it forms many diverse oligomers. No other protein displays such a large number of different quaternary structures. Here we report a comparative structural analysis between natural and artificial RNase A dimers and bovine seminal ribonuclease, a natively dimeric RNase with antitumor activity, with the aim to design RNase A derivatives with improved pharmacological potential.
Learning curve analysis of the first 100 robotic‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies performed by a single surgeon
Authors: Lin Jeff F. , Frey Melissa , Huang Jian Qun
Published: October 2013

Objective

To review the first 100 cases of robotic‐assisted hysterectomy performed by an individual surgeon.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of the first 100 consecutive patients who underwent robotic‐assisted hysterectomy by a newly trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon was conducted. Demographic factors and short‐term surgical outcome variables were abstracted from medical records. We examined univariate associations and performed multivariable modeling with linear regression, and modeled the learning curve for total operative time using power‐law function.

Results

Mean age was 46 years; mean body mass index was 27.8 kg/m2. Median operative time was 120 minutes; median estimated blood loss was 100 mL. On multivariable analysis, case number (β –0.296; P < 0.005) and uterine weight (β 0.330; P < 0.005) independently predicted operative time, while uterine weight (β 0.387; P < 0.005) independently predicted estimated blood loss. The point at which the slope of the case number–operative time curve crosses –1.0 is at case 28 when uncontrolled and at case 24 when controlled for other factors.

Conclusion

There was a significantly decreased operative time for robotic‐assisted hysterectomies performed later in the surgeon's learning curve. Surgical proficiency, as measured by operative time, seemed to be attained after 20–30 cases.
Free Speech, Hate Speech, and the Problem of (Manufactured) Authority
Authors: Sorial Dr. Sarah
Published: October 2013

In this paper, I suggest that the concept of incitement as a way of identifying hate speech sometimes locates the harm caused by speech in the wrong sorts of places. Hate speech expressed in the form of “reasoned argument” or academic debate by persons with the relevant authority or expertise potentially causes more harm, though perhaps in less obvious ways. Literature on the concept of authority has demonstrated the way authoritative speakers or speakers with perceived expertise are able to secure uptake for their views. In this paper, I demonstrate how authority and expertise can also be manufactured, enabling speakers to secure uptake in the same sorts of ways as legitimately authoritative or expert speakers. While I am not suggesting legal penalties for speakers who manufacture authority in these ways, I am arguing that we should nevertheless be sensitive to the ways in which this can occur, how it might cause various kinds of harm, and how these harms might be mitigated.
Psychologists and Smoking Cessation Intervention: Unrealised Potential
Authors: Bowman Jenny , Fletcher Amanda , Wiggers John , Anderson Amy , McElwaine Kathleen , Bartlem Kate , Wilkinson David , Wye Paula
Published: October 2013

Smoking cessation interventions during routine clinical encounters by health professionals have the potential to reach smokers and facilitate cessation. Although psychologists might appear to be ideal providers of such interventions, international research suggests that their provision is limited. This paper reports the results of a survey conducted in NSW, Australia, of psychologists’ (n = 72) smoking intervention practices, attitudes, and barriers to providing such care. Less than half of the respondents reported assessing smoking status for ‘all or nearly all’ of their clients. Across a range of smoking cessation intervention types, the most frequent response given indicated provision to ‘none or almost none’ of clients who smoked. Only 13% of respondents indicated even ‘advising cessation’ to ‘all or nearly all’ of their smoking clients. Barriers included concern about negative influence on the therapeutic relationship, inadequacy of training and lack of confidence to intervene. Respondents were less likely to provide intervention for smoking than for cannabis, methamphetamine ‘ice’, and alcohol. The study suggests that the potential of Australian psychologists to assist smokers to quit is not being realised, and that there is a need to address the barriers to care provision.
Associations of serum insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 levels with biomarker-calibrated protein, dairy product and milk intake in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Beasley Jeannette M. , Gunter Marc J. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Prentice Ross L. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Tinker Lesley F. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Strickler Howard D.
Published: October 2013

It is well established that protein–energy malnutrition decreases serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels, and supplementation of 30 g of whey protein daily has been shown to increase serum IGF-I levels by 8 % after 2 years in a clinical trial. Cohort studies provide the opportunity to assess associations between dietary protein intake and IGF axis protein levels under more typical eating conditions. In the present study, we assessed the associations of circulating IGF axis protein levels (ELISA, Diagnostic Systems Laboratories) with total biomarker-calibrated protein intake, as well as with dairy product and milk intake, among postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative (n 747). Analyses were carried out using multivariate linear regression models that adjusted for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, education, biomarker-calibrated energy intake, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity and hormone therapy use. There was a positive association between milk intake and free IGF-I levels. A three-serving increase in milk intake per d (approximately 30 g of protein) was associated with an estimated average 18·6 % higher increase in free IGF-I levels (95 % CI 0·9, 39·3 %). However, total IGF-I and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels were not associated with milk consumption and nor were there associations between biomarker-calibrated protein intake, biomarker-calibrated energy intake, and free IGF-I, total IGF-I or IGFBP-3 levels. The findings of the present study carried out in postmenopausal women are consistent with clinical trial data suggesting a specific relationship between milk consumption and serum IGF-I levels, although in the present study this association was only statistically significant for free, but not total, IGF-I or IGFBP-3 levels.
KRULL DIMENSION OF AFFINOID ENVELOPING ALGEBRAS OF SEMISIMPLE LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: ARDAKOV KONSTANTIN , GROJNOWSKI IAN
Published: October 2013

Using Beilinson–Bernstein localisation, we give another proof of Levasseur's theorem on the Krull dimension of the enveloping algebra of a complex semisimple Lie algebra. The proof also extends to the case of affinoid enveloping algebras.
Taxation, Dividends, and Share Repurchases: Taking Evidence Global
Authors: Jacob Marcus , Jacob Martin
Published: October 2013

We compile a comprehensive international dividend and capital gains tax data set to study tax-based explanations of corporate payout for a panel of 6,035 firms from 25 countries for the period 1990–2008. We find robust evidence that the tax penalty on dividends versus capital gains corresponds closely with firms’ propensity to pay dividends and repurchase shares, and with the amount of dividends and shares repurchased. Our coefficient estimates suggest a smaller tax effect than reported in recent single-country, single-event studies. Instead, our results correspond more closely with historic long-term estimates of the elasticity of dividends.
Madrasa Reforms and Islamic Modernism in Bangladesh
Authors: BANO MASOODA
Published: October 2013

The old project of modernizing madrasas has acquired a new zeal in South Asia after September 2011, whereby madrasa reform programmes became an acknowledged soft tactic of the war on terror. With 9000 Aliya (reformed) madrasas, the Bangladesh madrasa modernization programme has been identified as a potentially useful model for the neighbouring states of Pakistan and India who have made slower progress in implementing similar programmes. In this paper I argue that, although the Aliya madrasa system in Bangladesh has succeeded in integrating secular subjects in the madrasa curriculum, in reality this modernization project has failed in its underlying ambition to generate a ‘modern discourse’ on Islam—a discourse that is compatible with the demands of western modernity. The right to speak for Islam is still primarily exercised by the ‘ulama and graduates of the Qoumi (unreformed) madrasas. Aliya madrasas today compete with the secular schools not with Qoumi madrasas. The growth of the Aliya madrasa system in Bangladesh, instead of bearing testimony to the popular appeal of the modernization agenda, demonstrates the preference of Muslim parents for increased Islamic content in the school curriculum
US versus Them: Mass Attitudes toward Offshore Outsourcing
Authors: Mansfield Edward D. , Mutz Diana C.
Published: October 2013

Economists have argued that outsourcing is another form of international trade. However, based on a representative national survey of Americans conducted in 2007 and 2009, the distribution of preferences on these two issues appears to be quite different. This article examines the origins of attitudes toward outsourcing, focusing on the extent to which it reflects (1) the economic vulnerabilities of individuals; (2) the information they receive about outsourcing, including their subjective understanding of what constitutes outsourcing; and (3) noneconomic attitudes toward foreign people and foreign countries. The findings emphasize the importance of variations in understandings of the term, as well as the highly symbolic nature of attitudes toward this issue. Individuals who believe the US should distance itself from international affairs more generally, who are nationalistic, or who feel that members of other ethnic and racial groups within the US are less praiseworthy than their own group tend to have particularly hostile reactions to outsourcing. The informational cues people receive are also important influences on their understanding of and attitudes toward outsourcing. Experimental results further emphasize the symbolic nature of attitudes toward outsourcing. Taken together, the results strongly suggest that attitudes are shaped less by the economic consequences of outsourcing than by a sense of “us” versus “them.”
Re-Shaping Social Care Services for Older People in England: Policy Development and the Problem of Achieving ‘Good Care’
Authors: LEWIS JANE , WEST ANNE
Published: October 2013

The first part of the paper argues that the care relationship is crucial to securing care quality, which has implications for the way in which quality is achieved and measured. However, for more than twenty years, governments have emphasised the part that increasing market competition and, more recently, user choice of services can play in driving up the quality of care. The second part of the paper analyses the development of social care services for older people, from the reform of 1990 to the changes following the general election of 2010. The paper goes on to examine whether competition and choice are in any case enough to result in ‘good care’, given the evidence of limitations both in the amount of choice available and in how far older people are able or willing to choose. It is argued that if ‘good care’ depends disproportionately on the quality of the care relationship, then more attention should be paid to the care workforce, which has received relatively little comment in recent government documents.
Editorial
Authors: Chirikjian G. S.
Published: October 2013

For decades Robotica has had a characteristic look and page layout that has served our readership well. However, recent advances in publishing technology make now an excellent time to experiment with some new ideas. From January 2014 we will be using an exciting new cover design concept that will include unique artwork featuring one or more of the topics covered in each issue. Moreover, we will be changing from our traditional double-column format to a new single-column one that will facilitate larger figures, tables and equations. At the end of this month's issue, we will include a sneak peek at the new page format via an article typeset in this new single-column style. We hope that our readership embraces this change. And we look forward to continuing to publish papers of high quality and broad international appeal.
Potential distributional changes and conservation priorities of endemic amphibians in western Mexico as a result of climate change
Authors: GARCÍA ANDRÉS , ORTEGA-HUERTA MIGUEL A. , MARTÍNEZ-MEYER ENRIQUE
Published: October 2013

There is a growing concern regarding the conservation status of amphibian species worldwide; they are more threatened and declining more rapidly than mammals or birds, and Mexico is considered one of the richest countries on Earth in terms of reptile and amphibian species. Composite models of the current distribution patterns of endemic amphibians in western Mexico were used to predict their potential distributional changes as a consequence of expected climatic changes. The models identified the most significant conservation areas within the region (hotspots), considering existing natural protected areas (NPAs) and previously recognized terrestrial priority regions for conservation (TPRCs). Three niche modelling algorithms (Bioclim, GARP and MaxEnt) used 2412 locality records for 29 species to model their climate envelopes under current and future conditions for the years 2020, 2050 and 2080. The models indicated that overall species persistence was 60% for the years 2020 and 2050, but dropped to < 20% by the year 2080. The current network of NPAs included only 8% of the areas that currently possess the greatest predicted potential richness (16–21 species), and, by 2050, the models indicate they will encompass only 3% of these areas. Six TPRCs included 44% of currently predicted areas with the highest potential species richness, but, by 2050, models predicted only 3% of such areas would persist within one TPRC. Higher uncertainty levels and variability among species surrounded the 2080 projections generated by the three algorithms. Recognition of the potential effects of climate change and consideration of the conservation value of the six TPRCs identified in this study may counteract the potential consequences of climate change on biodiversity in Mexico.
Preparation and characterization of La1.8Sr0.2CuO4/La1.9Sr0.1CuO4 superconducting bilayers
Authors: Zhang Y. , An Y.H. , Xing Y. , Dong D.Y. , Wang S.L. , Shen J.Q. , Li P.G. , Tang W.H.
Published: October 2013

The c-oriented La1.8Sr0.2CuO4 and La1.9Sr0.1CuO4 bilayer films were deposited on (001) SrTiO3 single-crystal substrates by using the pulsed laser deposition technique. The effects of deposition parameters on the quality of thin films were investigated. The crystal structures and surface morphologies were characterized by means of XRD and SEM, and the results showed that an as-prepared film deposited with the optimized parameters has high quality. Then La1.8Sr0.2CuO4/La1.9Sr0.1CuO4 bilayers structure was prepared using the optimized parameters for each corresponding layer, and the electrical transport properties were measured. Interesting rectifying properties were observed at both room and low temperatures, and the rectifying ratio at low temperature was found to be much higher than that at room temperature.
Micronutrient supplementation and T cell-mediated immune responses in patients with tuberculosis in Tanzania
Authors: KAWAI K. , MEYDANI S. N. , URASSA W. , WU D. , MUGUSI F. M. , SAATHOFF E. , BOSCH R. J. , VILLAMOR E. , SPIEGELMAN D. , FAWZI W. W.
Published: October 2013

Limited studies exist regarding whether incorporating micronutrient supplements during tuberculosis (TB) treatment may improve cell-mediated immune response. We examined the effect of micronutrient supplementation on lymphocyte proliferation response to mycobacteria or T-cell mitogens in a randomized trial conducted on 423 patients with pulmonary TB. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of micronutrients (vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, and selenium) or placebo at the time of initiation of TB treatment. We found no overall effect of micronutrient supplements on lymphocyte proliferative responses to phytohaemagglutinin or purified protein derivatives in HIV-negative and HIV-positive TB patients. Of HIV-negative TB patients, the micronutrient group tended to show higher proliferative responses to concanavalin A than the placebo group, although the clinical relevance of this finding is not readily notable. The role of nutritional intervention in this vulnerable population remains an important area of future research.
Civic Engagement with an International Focus: The Western Carolina Microfinance Project
Authors: McDonald Michael K.
Published: October 2013

Recent trends in political science include civic engagement and experiential education pedagogy, but this has been notably absent from courses on international relations and comparative politics. This article discusses how I designed an international civic engagement experience for students—without leaving campus. I echo other scholars' claim that civic engagement pedagogy can and should be used in courses with an international focus, and I provide one example of how to go about that task.
The Settlement Game: A Simulation Teaching Institutional Theories of Public Law
Authors: Bridge Dave
Published: October 2013

Many political science subfields use classroom simulations. Public law, however, suffers from a lack of such activities. Many mock trials exist, but these games focus on jurisprudence and not on the more institutional aspects of the subfield. This article presents the Settlement Game, an original simulation that takes 15 minutes to complete and helps teach important institutional theories such as adversarial legalism, “bargaining in the shadow of the law,” and “haves” versus “have-nots” concepts heretofore overlooked by the simulations literature. I introduce relevant theories and describe how the simulation works, discussing preclass assignments, its operation, and debriefing about its connection to theory. I close with comments about assessment of students and explain why the Settlement Game is useful.
Assessing (In)security after the Arab Spring: The Case of Libya
Authors: McQuinn Brian
Published: October 2013

The struggle to shape the narrative of Libya's postwar transition is being fought more intensely outside of the country than within it. The legitimacy of the military intervention in Libya by the West, supported by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has become tied to the perceived success or failure of the transition process: A positive outcome (i.e., the installation of liberal democracy) would legitimize NATO's intervention and, with it, the merits of interventionist military doctrines more broadly; a failure chastens such a policy. Putting aside questions about whether the legitimacy of the intervention should be primarily judged by the outcome of the transition, the practical consequence of this ulterior motive for judging the success or failure of the transition has warped international coverage of Libya. It has created incentives for observers to cherry-pick their portrayal of events so that they can present unambiguous conclusions about the progress of reforms and the transition in general (Rubin 2013; Wagner and Cafiero 2013). This myopia is unhelpful; it distorts international policy on Libya and results in scant analysis of the underlying (and often antithetic) social, political, or security dynamics shaping the transition. To remedy this, the following analysis examines the micropolitics of violence undergirding Libya's transition. As its basis John Gledhill's tripartite framework is used for understanding the causal pathways to collective violence during political transition (see “Editor's Introduction”). The contributions on Yemen and Egypt, which follow this article, also adopt Gledhill's framework, permitting comparison among these cases.
High resolution spectral analysis of oxygen. III. Laboratory investigation of the airglow bands
Authors: Drouin Brian J. , Yu Shanshan , Elliott Ben M. , Crawford Timothy J. , Miller Charles E.
Published: October 2013

We report the first high spectral resolution laboratory measurements of simulated oxygen A-band night glow. Our static discharge system approximates the conditions of the mesospheric oxygen night glow – suggesting O(1D) + O2 (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$X ^3\Sigma _g^-$\end{document}X3Σg−) → O(3P) + O2 (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$b ^1\Sigma _g^+$\end{document}b1Σg+) → O2 (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$X ^3\Sigma _g^-$\end{document}X3Σg−) + hν as the primary source of the emission. Additionally, use of the static cell has enabled us to collect spectra for all six molecular oxygen isotopologues using isotopically enriched samples. The (0,0), (0,1), and (1,1) b − X vibrational bands were observed for all six isotopologues. The (1,2) and (2,2) bands were also observed for 16O2. The frequencies of the observed (0,1) transitions resolved discrepancies in Raman data for 16O17O, 17O2, and 17O18O, enabling us to improve the vibrational parameterization of the ground electronic state global fit. Rotationally resolved intensities were determined for the (0,0), (0,1), and (1,1) bands. The experimental band intensity ratios I(0,0)/I(0,1) = 13.53(24); I(1,1)/I(1,0) = 11.9(65); I(0,0)/I(0,2) = 503(197); and I(1,1)/I(1,2) = 5.6(19) are in excellent agreement with the recent mesospheric remote sensing data and calculated Franck-Condon factors.
An experimentally-informed coarse-grained 3-site-per-nucleotide model of DNA: Structure, thermodynamics, and dynamics of hybridization
Authors: Hinckley Daniel M. , Freeman Gordon S. , Whitmer Jonathan K. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: October 2013

A new 3-Site-Per-Nucleotide coarse-grained model for DNA is presented. The model includes anisotropic potentials between bases involved in base stacking and base pair interactions that enable the description of relevant structural properties, including the major and minor grooves. In an improvement over available coarse-grained models, the correct persistence length is recovered for both ssDNA and dsDNA, allowing for simulation of non-canonical structures such as hairpins. DNA melting temperatures, measured for duplexes and hairpins by integrating over free energy surfaces generated using metadynamics simulations, are shown to be in quantitative agreement with experiment for a variety of sequences and conditions. Hybridization rate constants, calculated using forward-flux sampling, are also shown to be in good agreement with experiment. The coarse-grained model presented here is suitable for use in biological and engineering applications, including nucleosome positioning and DNA-templated engineering.
Discrete model studies of two grafted polyelectrolyte polymer hydrogels pressed in contact
Authors: Ou Yangpeng , Sokoloff Jeffrey B. , Stevens Mark J.
Published: October 2013

The interaction between two grafted polymer gels was investigated. We studied a defect-free network of diamond-like topology containing 8 tetra-functional nodes linked by 16 non-crossing chains. In order to explain the very low friction coefficient observed for polyelectrolyte hydrogels, we computed the monomer density profile of these polymer gels, the interpenetration between two polymer gels (defined as the percentage of monomers belonging to one gel which have penetrated the second gel), the normal force per unit area, and the radial distribution function of the interacting monomers. Low monomer density in the interface region separating the two gels and low interpenetration of the gels similar to that found in our simulations are likely to be responsible for the small friction coefficients observed for polyelectrolyte polymer gels.