bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of migration inhibitory factor is critical for estrogen-mediated attenuation of lung tissue damage following trauma-hemorrhage
Authors: Hsieh Ya-Ching , Frink Michael , Hsieh Chi-Hsun , Choudhry Mashkoor A. , Schwacha Martin G. , Bland Kirby I. , Chaudry Irshad H.
Published: February 2007

Although studies have shown that 17β-estradiol (E2) prevents neutrophil infiltration and organ damage following trauma-hemorrhage, the mechanism by which E2inhibits neutrophil transmigration remains unknown. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is thought to play a central role in exacerbation of inflammation and is associated with lung injury. MIF regulates the inflammatory response through modulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Activation of TLR4 results in the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which induce neutrophil infiltration and subsequent tissue damage. We hypothesized that E2mediates its salutary effects in the lung following trauma-hemorrhage via negative regulation of MIF and modulation of TLR4 and cytokine-induced chemotaxis. C3H/HeOuJ mice were subjected to trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure 35 ± 5 mmHg for ∼90 min, then resuscitation) or sham operation. Mice received vehicle, E2, or E2in combination with recombinant mouse MIF protein (rMIF). Trauma-hemorrhage increased lung MIF and TLR4 protein levels as well as lung and systemic levels of cytokines/chemokines. Treatment of animals with E2following trauma-hemorrhage prevented these changes. However, administration of rMIF protein with E2abolished the E2-mediated decrease in lung TLR4 levels, lung and plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC). Administration of rMIF protein also prevented E2-mediated reduction in neutrophil influx and tissue damage in the lungs following trauma-hemorrhage. These results suggest that the protective effects of E2on lung injury following trauma-hemorrhage are mediated via downregulation of lung MIF and TLR4-induced cytokine/chemokine production.
Long pentraxin 3 in pulmonary infection and acute lung injury
Authors: He Xiaolin , Han Bing , Liu Mingyao
Published: February 2007

Long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a newly discovered acute phase protein produced at the sites of infection and inflammation by tissue cells, macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells. PTX3 plays an important role in preventing infection of certain fungi, bacteria, and viruses in the lung. Recombinant PTX3 has been proposed as a potential antifungal molecule for therapy. However, under certain experimental conditions, such as intestinal ischemia-reperfusion, high volume mechanical ventilation, or severe bacterial infection, increased expression of PTX3 is associated with more severe lung injury. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the sources of PTX3 in the lung and the regulatory mechanisms of its expression. It is also essential to further determine how PTX3 binds to pathogens, complement, and apoptotic cells, and to determine whether PTX3 has a specific receptor in targeted cells. These studies will provide insight into the pathological processes of pulmonary infection and acute lung injury and provide potential novel therapeutic strategies to control pulmonary infections without severe lung injury.
Molecular phylogeography of the Chinese lacertids of the genus Eremias (Lacertidae) based on 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: Lixia Wan , Shihong Sun , Yuanting Jin , Yongfeng Yan , Naifa Liu
Published: February 2007

In the present study, relationships among all Chinese species of lacertids in
the genus Eremias, E. velox, E. grammica, E. vermiculata, E. przewalskii, E.
multiocellata, E. arguta, E. brenchleyi, and E. argus, were assessed using
574 aligned base positions of 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA sequences from 103
individuals collected from 28 populations. Three kinds of phylogenetic tree
(MP, ME, and NJ) were reconstructed and were found to be concordant. All
eight species well form a monophyletic group. The resulting genetic distance
between E. przewalskii and E. multiocellata is surprisingly low, only 0.008.
The result could be due to introgression of the mtDNA molecule. All
Eastern-Asia lacertids except E. vermiculata grouped together and formed a
monophyletic clade. E. vermiculata are closely related to E. arguta, a
Central-Asia species. E. brenchleyi and E. argus formed a monophyletic clade
as the sister group of E. multiocellata. The Central-Asia species (E.
arguta, E. grammica and E. velox) originated from Central-Asia and
Eastern-Asia species (the rest) from China. The phylogenetic relationships
among E. grammica, E. velox, E. arguta-vermiculata, E. argus-brenchleyi, and
E. multiocellata-przewalskii are unclear in the study, which needs more
comprehensive taxonomic sampling from Western Asia and Europe, and
additional genetic evidence to resolve it.
Variation of hyoid morphology in geoemydid terrapins
Authors: Richter Susann , Auer Markus , Fritz Uwe
Published: February 2007

The hyoid apparati of 25 geoemydid species in 16 genera (including aquatic,
semiterrestrial and terrestrial taxa) are compared, and for Cuora
galbinifrons bourreti ontogenetic development of the hypoid apparatus is
described. Generally, ossification of the hyoid apparatus increases with
age. The majority of terrestrial species maintain cartilaginous or partially
cartilaginous hyoid bodies and second branchial horns throughout life
however. Also in tortoises (Testudinidae) hyoid body and second branchial
horns remain cartilaginous, suggesting a positive correlation between mode
of life and hyoid morphology (terrestrial species with partly cartilaginous
hyoid apparatus vs. aquatic species with fully ossified hyoid
apparatus).
Germinal bed condition in a polyautochronic single-clutched lizard, Bassiana duperreyi (Scincidae)
Authors: Radder Rajkumar , Shine Richard
Published: February 2007

In lizards, the eggs are produced within small regions of the ovary known as
germinal beds (GBs); previous literature suggests that the number of GBs per
ovary may be linked to life-history traits such as clutch size and breeding
frequency. In the oviparous montane Australian skink Bassiana duperreyi,
females produce a single clutch of 3 to 11 eggs each year. Our histological
examination of ovaries of this species revealed a single GB per ovary. In
combination with previous studies, our results suggest that scincid lizards
may offer ideal model systems to explore the functional link between ovarian
morphology and life-history traits in lizards.
Thermal ecology of a population of the lizard, Liolaemus pseudoanomalus in western Argentina
Authors: Villavicencio Héctor , Acosta Juan , Marinero José , Cánovas María
Published: February 2007

The thermal ecology of the lizard Liolaemus pseudoanomalus was studied at La
Laja, Albardón Department, San Juan Province, Argentina. Data were collected
every 10 days from August 2000 to August 2001 by randomly revisiting bushes
and low flagstones across the study site. Each individual was captured by
hand, and the cloacal (Tb), substrate (Ts) and air (Ts) temperatures were
measured (to nearest 0.1°C) with a rapid reading Miller-Weber thermometer.
Tb was not influenced by season, sex or age group. There was a significant
positive linear association between Tb/Ta and Tb/Ts. Tb and SVL were not
correlated. The average field temperature of the study species was similar
to other Liolaemus in the same geographic province. It is concluded that the
thermal strategy of the species was heliothermy and thigmothermy.
Spatial distribution and seasonal pattern in road mortality of the common toad Bufo bufo in an agricultural landscape of south-western Poland
Authors: Orłowski Grzegorz
Published: February 2007

Amphibians are the group of animals suffering particularly from the presence of roads and vehicle traffic. The seasonal migration to breeding places undertaken by amphibians in the temperate climate zone is the main reason for their appearance on roads. Between June 2001 and August 2003, 957 common toads Bufo bufo were recorded killed on 48.8 km road network with various traffic volumes (350-10500 cars per 24 h), situated in the agricultural landscape of south-western Poland. The highest mortality was recorded in April (57% of all road-kills). The places with highest recorded mortality varied markedly throughout the year. In spring, many more animals died within the built-up areas, while in summer and autumn their number increased in the open countryside. During the whole study period, 73% of all road-kills were recorded on roads (55% of all controlled) with the lowest traffic volume (350-470 cars per 24 h). The average number of road-kills on roads with the high traffic volume (5700-10500 cars per 24 h) was over 15 times lower than on the roads with low traffic (0-0.17 road-kills per 100 m on roads with high traffic vs 2.59 road-kills per 100 m on roads with low traffic). The number of road-kills on 15 road sections was most closely related to the abundance of local populations of Bufo bufo and to the size of water bodies situated in the road vicinity. The yearly level of local mortality in breeding populations of Bufo bufo due to the vehicle traffic ranged from 2 to 18%.
An accumulation of bone remains of two Liolaemus species (Iguanidae) in an Holocene archaeological site of the Argentine Puna
Authors: Albino Adriana , Kligmann Débora
Published: February 2007

An accumulation of iguanian bone remains was found inside a rodent burrow in an Holocene archaeological site of the Argentine southern Puna. Characters of the preserved bones suggest that a minimum of two species of the Liolaemus genus is represented. One of them is undoubtedly attributed to the montanus group, probably L. poecilochromus or L. andinus. The finding of Liolaemus bone remains in the Argentine Puna Region represents the first record of this genus in an archaeological site of South America and suggests that specimens of at least two Liolaemus species exploited the same refuge simultaneously, including both adult and juvenile individuals.
Molecular phylogeny of Acrobeloides and Cephalobus (Nematoda: Cephalobidae) reveals paraphyletic taxa and recurrent evolution of simple labial morphology
Authors: Nadler Steven , Smythe Ashleigh
Published: February 2007

Members of the family Cephalobidae (Nematoda) are among the most common and morphologically striking soil nematodes. Many members of Cephalobidae have extensive lip elaborations called probolae, but two taxonomically problematic genera, Acrobeloides and Cephalobus, have simple, low probolae. We sequenced a portion of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA for 33 cultures of Acrobeloides and Cephalobus. A phylogenetic analysis of these data, plus sequences representing other members of Cephalobina, revealed a core clade of 22 closely related taxa, but did not represent Acrobeloides and Cephalobus as monophyletic. The dominant feature used in morphological taxonomy of Cephalobidae, the lip region, was homoplastic according to the molecular phylogenetic hypothesis. Contrary to previous suggestions, taxa with simple probolae have arisen multiple times from taxa with complex probolae. Cultures were also examined for mode of reproduction (presumed parthenogenetic vs sexual) and three morphological characters commonly used in generic diagnoses: the shape of the corpus in profile; the number of lateral incisures; and the terminal extent of the lateral field. Most cultures, including all 22 members of the core clade, lacked males and were presumed to be parthenogenetic, but several independent origins of sexually reproducing taxa were found. Of the morphological characters, only the corpus shape was consistent with the molecular phylogeny, however, the utility of this character is also questioned. Many genera with complex probolae were also paraphyletic, including Nothacrobeles, Zeldia and Cervidellus, indicating the need for more comprehensive phylogenies and a broad taxonomic revision of the family.
The influence of root diffusate and host age on hatching of the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax
Authors: Wesemael Wim , Perry Roland , Moens Maurice
Published: February 2007

The root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax, cause severe damage to economically important crops and, in 1998, both species were listed as quarantine pests in Europe. Comparative studies were made on the effects of root diffusates and host age on the in vitro hatching of M. chitwoodi and M. fallax. There is a marked contrast in the hatching response of the two species. Hatching of second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. chitwoodi produced on young plants did not require host root diffusate stimulus, whereas at the end of the plant growing season, egg masses contained a percentage of unhatched J2 that require host root diffusate to cause hatch. This form of obligate quiescence at the end of the host growing season was not found in M. fallax. This species hatched well in water and did not require hatch stimulation from root diffusate, irrespective of the age of the plant on which the egg masses were produced. The number of eggs per egg mass for M. fallax collected on senescing plants was significantly greater than the number of eggs per egg mass for M. chitwoodi. The number of eggs per egg mass of M. chitwoodi decreased with plant age. The results are discussed in the context of the differing survival strategies of the two species.
Iotonchus aequatorialis sp. n. (Nematoda: Mononchida) from Ecuador with a key to the species of Iotonchus Cobb, 1916 and remarks on the identity of the genus
Authors: Orselli Lara , Vinciguerra Maria
Published: February 2007

A new species of nematode, Iotonchus aequatorialis sp. n., found in a soil sample from Ecuador, is described and illustrated. Iotonchus aequatorialis sp. n. is a species of medium length (2.24–2.36 mm) with a large, barrel-shaped mouth cavity 57.5–65 μ m long and 32.5–38.5 μ m diam., basal dorsal tooth, didelphic female reproductive apparatus with short, symmetrical, reflexed ovaries, relatively short vagina provided with sclerotised pieces, large uterus, no sphincter between uterus and oviducts, paravulval papillae absent, a long, slender tail 8–10 times as long as the anal body diam., and a terminal spinneret. The identities of the genera Iotonchus Cobb, 1916 and Iotonchulus Andrássy, 1994 are discussed, new diagnoses of the two genera given and their species listed. A key to the species of Iotonchus is provided. Iotonchulus darreni n. comb. (= Iotonchus darreni n. syn.) is proposed.
The banana burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne, in the Lake Victoria region of East Africa: its introduction, spread and impact
Authors: Price Nigel
Published: February 2007

In the Lake Victoria region of East Africa bananas are a starchy staple of major importance. Whilst concerns over banana cultivation in the region have been expressed for well over 50 years, over the last 30 years these have grown more serious, with data suggesting that banana yields have halved in some areas since the 1970s. Historical and survey evidence demonstrate that the banana burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, and the associated 'black-head toppling disease' were absent from the region prior to the 1960s. It is suggested that the introduction of R. similis to Uganda and its subsequent rapid spread in many of the banana growing areas of the Lake Victoria region is a major component of the severe production difficulties the crop is presently facing. Evidence for the continuing spread of R. similis in East and Central Africa and the implications of this are discussed.
Fusarium oxysporum endophytes induced systemic resistance against Radopholus similis on banana
Authors: Vu Tam , Sikora Richard , Hauschild Rüdiger
Published: February 2007

Four mutualistic endophytic fungal isolates were investigated for their ability to induce systemic resistance in banana toward the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis in glasshouse experiments. Two isolates of Fusarium oxysporum and one of F. cf. diversisporum isolated from the cortical tissue of banana, and another isolate of F. oxysporum isolated from tomato, were compared. When the root systems of seedling banana plants were pre-inoculated with the four endophytic fungi, R. similis root penetration was reduced by 29-39% and 22-41% 5 and 15 days after nematode inoculation, respectively. Induction of systemic resistance to R. similis in banana roots by the same endophytic fungi was tested in a split-root system. Depending on the isolate, the penetration rates decreased between 30-38.5% and 26.7-45% after 5 and 15 days in the untreated half of the split-root system of plants treated with the endophytic strains when compared to those treated without the fungi. This is the first time that systemic resistance induced by a fungal endophyte has been demonstrated in banana.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Panagrellus spp. (Cephalobina: Panagrolaimidae): taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Stock S. Patricia , Nadler Steven
Published: February 2007

The genus Panagrellus currently comprises 12 known species. These nematodes have a worldwide distribution and have been found in a variety of habitats such as slime flux, thermal springs, insect frass and spoiled cider. Diagnosis of Panagrellus species is rather problematic since few morphological features can be used to discriminate between species and the original publications do not indicate the number of specimens measured and lack standard descriptions of variance. In this study we review the taxonomic status of several species from this genus combining classical morphological data and molecular sequences. Eleven live isolates and fixed material from currently available type specimens representing six Panagrellus species were included. Morphological analysis included the examination of qualitative and quantitative characters of males and females. The taxonomic utility of morphometric data was evaluated by means of multivariate statistics (principal component and canonical discriminant analyses). Phylogenetic inference was based on analysis of nucleotide sequences from the LSU rDNA gene and morphological characters. Parsimony tree topologies inferred from nucleotide datasets strongly supported monophyly of the P. dubius isolates, but not the P. redivivus isolates. Phylogenetic interpretation of these rDNA sequence data suggests that both the P. redivivus and P. dubius isolates each include more than a single species. Only two of the 15 morphological characters evaluated were variable within the ingroup taxa. A long spicule bifurcation length maps on the combined evidence trees as a putative synapmorphy for P. dubius, whereas male D% was homoplastic within isolates of that species. The diagnosis of the genus Panagrellus is emended.
Heterorhabditis amazonensis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) from Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Andaló Vanessa , Moino Alcides , Nguyen Khuong
Published: February 2007

In a survey of entomopathogenic nematodes in Brazil, a nematode isolate of the genus Heterorhabditis was found. The nematode was collected from soil by the insect-baiting technique and maintained in the laboratory on last instar Galleria mellonella (L.) larvae. Morphological and molecular studies of the isolate showed that the nematode is a new species. Light and scanning electron microscopy, DNA characterisation and phylogeny were used for this description. Heterorhabditis amazonensis n. sp. is morphologically similar to H. baujardi, H. floridensis, H. mexicana and H. indica, and can be distinguished from these species mainly by male and female characters. Fifty percent of Heterorhabditis amazonensis n. sp. males have two pairs of bursal papillae in the terminal group; 25% with two papillae on one side and one papilla on the other side and 25% with one pair of papillae. Twenty percent of the population has a curved gubernaculum. The percentage of the gubernaculum to spicule length (GS%) is lower than that of H. mexicana (50 vs 56), and the length of the spicule relative to anal body diam. (SW%) is lower than that of H. mexicana (152 vs 167) and H. baujardi (152 vs 182). The female can be differentiated from related species by its unique vulva pattern. In a phylogenetic tree, the new species, H. floridensis, H. baujardi and H. mexicana form a monophyletic group, a sister group to H. indica. The new species has evolved three autapomorphic nucleotide character states, differing from its sister taxa H. mexicana at 22, and H. baujardi at 15, aligned positions.
Administrative Discretion
Authors: Alexander Jennifer , Richmond Samuel A.
Published: February 2007

The authors use a novel, The Cider House Rules, as a framework to examine legitimate administrative action when execution of a law will result in harm. Four political values that have informed administrative dissent are reviewed: publicity, utility, democracy, and liberty. The authors identify questions to serve as guidelines for front-line administrators when deciding to exercise discretion in opposition to a political mandate. The questions offer checkpoints for considering whether administrative action in opposition to mandate is ethical. The authors extend the logic of the new public service by arguing that administrators are responsible for protecting liberty because liberty is constitutionally fundamental and particularly at risk in the case of citizens peripheral to political processes. The authors argue that administrative discretion in opposition to mandate requiring secrecy or misrepresentation may be exercised under particular circumstances, for the protection of individual liberty, given its elevated status among the regime values.
Welfare Program Performance
Authors: Ratcliffe Caroline , Nightingale Demetra Smith , Sharkey Patrick
Published: February 2007

Public agencies are increasingly expected to track their performance according to established criteria—to be held accountable for the expenditure of public funds and show that funds are being used to achieve intended outcomes. This analysis of South Carolina’s Family Independence welfare program examines counties’ performance on five employment-related outcomes: employment rate, employment entry rate, employment retention rate, earnings gain rate, and earned income closure rate. Counties’ performance is statistically analyzed, adjusting for variation in external factors (e.g., labor market conditions and caseload characteristics) that influence program performance but that are outside the control of county program staff. This analysis shows that external factors influence employment-related performance, suggesting that states may want to vary counties’ goals based on external factors, rather than expecting all counties to meet the same performance level. This analysis provides an example of how agencies can apply statistical analysis to measure, track, and analyze program performance.
Authority and Leadership Patterns in Public Sector Knowledge Networks
Authors: Eglene Ophelia , Dawes Sharon S. , Schneider Carrie A.
Published: February 2007

Knowledge and information-sharing networks are emerging in an increasing number of government programs and policy arenas. This article reports the results of an exploratory investigation into ways in which leadership and formal authority shaped the course of four knowledge network initiatives. The study treats authority as both formal and perceived. Leadership is assessed in terms of style, focus, and communication strategies. Analysis of the various authority and leadership patterns found in the case studies generated a set of hypotheses with regard to their influence on success of knowledge networks. Findings reveal that formal authority, perceived authority, and a variety of leadership behaviors appear to have important influence on the development and performance of public sector knowledge networks. These factors affect the ability of such networks to achieve their substantive goals and the degree to which these efforts provide satisfying and useful networking relationships among the participants.
Democracy and the New Public Service
Authors: Perry James L.
Published: February 2007

In 1968, Frederick Mosher published his influential book Democracy and the Public Service. This article revisits themes Mosher developed in the book to assess the status of our democracy in the context of a new public service. The author argues that the new public service poses significant challenges for democracy. One is that new public service is simultaneously more heterogeneous and more loosely tied to traditions of public service. Another attribute is that the rules embedded in new governance structures, which are tied to market forces, are likely the most compelling influences on behavior in the new public service. A third attribute is that the flexibilities of the new public service create a work world in which attachments are temporary and their temporariness may break down bonds among citizens and public servants. The author offers four proposals for reconciling democracy and the new public service.
Governance, Complexity, and Democratic Participation
Authors: Wagenaar Hendrik
Published: February 2007

This article applies complexity theory to urban governance. It is argued that expert-based, hierarchical-instrumental policy making encounters insurmountable obstacles in modern liberal democracies. One of the root causes of this erosion of output legitimacy is the complexity of social systems. Complexity is defined as the density and dynamism of the interactions between the elements of a system. Complexity makes system outcomes unpredictable and hard to control and, for this reason, defies such well-known policy strategies as coordination from the center, model building, and reduction of the problem to a limited number of controllable variables. It is argued that participatory and deliberative models of governance are more effective in harnessing complexity because they increase interaction within systems and thereby system diversity and creativity. Using empirical data from research on citizen participation in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the Netherlands, the author shows (a) that neighborhoods can fruitfully be seen as complex social systems and (b) the different ways in which citizen participation is effective in harnessing this complexity.
The Role of Latent Beliefs and Group Cohesion in Predicting Group Decision Support Systems Success
Authors: Schwarz Andrew , Schwarz Colleen
Published: February 2007

In this article, the authors focus on determining whether a group’s attributes influence the effectiveness of the group’s use of group decision support systems (GDSS). Specifically, their research objective is to understand the impact of the perception of the GDSS and group cohesion on outcomes of enjoyment with the process, enjoyment with the decision, the effectiveness of the decision, and efficiency of the decision. To test their hypothesis, the authors conducted a lab experiment. The results were then calculated utilizing PLS Graph. It was found that each of the five characteristics of the innovation is a significant factor in the second-order construct, with Relative Advantage exhibiting the highest loading. The latent belief toward the GDSS was a significant driver of all the GDSS outcomes, except for Decision Efficiency. Group cohesion significantly predicted enjoyment and effectiveness, but it did not drive the group to be more efficient. Conclusions and implications for further research are also discussed.
Exploring Traditional and Virtual Team Members’ “Best Practices”
Authors: Staples D. Sandy , Webster Jane
Published: February 2007

Social cognitive theory is used to develop a research model that was tested by examining employees’ experiences of being a member in a traditional or virtual team. A self-efficacy for teamwork measure was developed based on best practices identified through case studies and existing literature. Then a survey of team members demonstrated that self-efficacy for teamwork is influenced by fellow team members’ modeling practices and relates strongly to a team member’s perceptions of effectiveness. Differential outcomes for traditional and two types of technology-supported virtual teams (distributed and hybrid) were found: Self-efficacy for teamwork was more important in virtual teams, providing empirical support for the importance of the best practices in this context.
Virtual Team Research
Authors: Schiller Shu Z. , Mandviwalla Munir
Published: February 2007

Recent information systems research has studied various aspects of virtual teams. However, the foundations and theoretical development of virtual team research remain unclear. We propose that an important way to move forward is to accelerate the process of theorizing and theory appropriation. This article presents an in-depth analysis of the current state of the art of theory application and development in virtual team research. We identify the frequency, pattern of use, and ontological basis of 25 virtual team-relevant theories. A researcher’s tool kit is presented to promote future theory application and appropriation. The tool kit consists of a descriptive and analytical database of theories relevant for virtual team research. We also present a framework for appropriating virtual team theories based on seven criteria. A detailed example demonstrates the application of the theory appropriation framework. The article contributes to the literature by presenting the state of the art of theory use in virtual team research and by providing a framework for appropriating reference-discipline theories.
“Is It Already 4 a.m. in Your Time Zone?”
Authors: Rutkowski Anne-Françoise , Saunders Carol , Vogel Douglas , van Genuchten Michiel
Published: February 2007

Using a sample of students ( N = 118) engaged in an 8-week project to build an e-book chapter, this study finds that cognitive absorption impacts interpersonal conflict and team performance. In particular, virtual teams with aggregated higher levels of focus immersion and temporal dissociation (dimensions of cognitive absorption) demonstrate higher levels of performance and interpersonal conflict. Furthermore, there is an interaction effect between focus immersion and temporal dissociation that moderates the impact on performance and interpersonal conflict. The teams with aggregated high levels of focus immersion and aggregated low levels of temporal dissociation demonstrated the best performance and lowest levels of interpersonal conflict. The authors also found that individuals with high levels of focus immersion preferred asynchronous communication media, whereas individuals with low levels of temporal dissociation preferred synchronous communication media. The implications are discussed.
Encouraging Survey Participation Among Individuals Seeking HIV Prevention Services: Does a Community Identity Match Help or Hurt?
Authors: Crowley Jocelyn Elise , Roff Brian H. , Lynch Jeneve
Published: February 2007

Understanding the behaviors and attitudes of at-risk populations is fundamental to controlling the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The problem of nonresponse among these populations, however, plagues survey research designed to address these issues. Previous work undertaken to map out the dynamics of nonresponse—bothnoncontacts and refusals—have primarily focused on exploringthe effectiveness of a single method of outreach. This analysis improves on this prior research by comparing the effectiveness of two types of outreach strategies in a follow-up face-to-face survey of individuals seeking HIV prevention services in New Jersey during the period 1999-2001. Case workers from community-based organizations (CBOs) attempted to contact one set of respondents, whereas “outsider” researchers attempted to contact the second set. In brief, the authors find that in contrast to a CBO research affiliation, an outsider researcher status is associated with higher survey response rates.
Are Latinos Republicans But Just Don’t Know It?
Authors: de la Garza Rodolfo O. , Cortina Jeronimo
Published: February 2007

Every 4 years, during election season, we witness continuously growing appeals from Democrats and Republicans to the Latino electorate with the purpose of gaining enough of their vote to tilt the election to their respective advantage. Although Latinos regularly vote Democratic, Republicans assume that because of their continuing upward mobility and long-standing social conservatism, Latinos are in fact Republicans but just don’t know it yet. In this article, we test how likely Latinos were to abandon their historic attachment to the Democratic Party and identify with the Republican Party in 2000 and 2004. Our conclusion is that although Latinos may have increasingly voted for the Republican candidate in 2004 and over time may change their partisan preferences, the Hispanic electorate was far from abandoning its partisan attachment to the Democratic Party.
Segmented Mobilization
Authors: Ramírez Ricardo
Published: February 2007

Using data from a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote (GOTV) campaign conducted by the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) prior to the November 7, 2000, election, I use a quasi-experimental approach to address three distinct questions. First, are phone canvassing efforts targeting Latinos effective in increasing voter turnout? Second, are the effects of these efforts the same among all Latinos, or are there distinct patterns of effectiveness by nativity and/or registration cohort? Finally, in conjunction with elite mobilization, what forms of political context need to be considered when explaining levels of participation? I find that although nonpartisan voter mobilization efforts in majority-Latino precincts can be effective, these efforts may not be equally effective among all of the targeted Latinos. Specifically, I find that those who were primed for participation, as opposed to those who mobilized in reaction to the political context, are more receptive to phone mobilization requests.
Latinos, Military Service, and Support for Bush and Kerry in 2004
Authors: Barreto Matt A. , Leal David L.
Published: February 2007

The 2004 presidential election raised a number of questions about the role of military service in political campaigns, particularly how it affects individual-level engagement in politics. However, only a few social scientists have tested theories about the military and politics with survey data or electoral returns. This article examines whether military service and opinions about the war in Iraq were associated with Latino support for Bush and Kerry in 2004. The data set is a preelection national survey of Latinos that includes questions about political engagement, partisanship, and previous military service. Latinos with military experience were more likely to support Kerry. In addition, Latinos who opposed the war in Iraq were less supportive of Bush, and Latinos with military experience who opposed the war were the most strongly opposed to Bush. These results contribute to an understanding of the Latino vote in the 2004 presidential election and the role of military service in electoral politics.
Prediction of the Performance of the Expansion Chamber in Air Ducts
Authors: Li Jianliang , Mak C. M. , Wang Zhaohui
Published: February 2007

An expansion chamber is frequently used as an acoustics silencer for the control of duct-borne noise in ventilation systems. The flow of air and the effect of sound pressure may cause the vibration of the end plates of the expansion chamber and in turn will influence the performance (usually in terms of the transmission loss (TL)) of the expansion chamber. By combining the plate bending element and the plane stress element, BEM (for acoustics systems) and FEM (for the structure analysis) are applied to predict the performance of the expansion muffler. A method for calculating the TL for acoustics silencer using BEM-FEM coupled model is therefore presented, and an improved method based on the four-pole parameters used in the BEM is obtained.
Active Vibration Control of Flexible Structures Using Genetic Optimisation
Authors: Hashim S.Z. Mohd , Tokhi M.O. , Darus I.Z. Mat
Published: February 2007

This paper presents an investigation into the development of an adaptive control mechanism for vibration suppression of flexible beam structures using genetic algorithms (GAs). The global search technique of GA is used to estimate the controller transfer function, based on one-step-ahead prediction. An active vibration control (AVC) system is designed utilizing a single-input single-output (SISO) control structure to yield optimum cancellation of broadband vibration at an observation point along the beam. The mean-squared error of observed deflection is adopted as the fitness function and randomly selected controller parameters are optimised for different, arbitrarily chosen order to fit to the system by applying the working mechanism of GA. The global search technique of the GA is utilised to obtain the best parameters among all attempted orders for the controller. The GA-AVC algorithm thus developed is implemented within the simulation environment of a flexible beam structure and simulation results are presented to assess the performance of the system, with different types of excitation namely pseudo-random binary sequence, uniform random and finite duration step signals. It is noted that, the system performance is satisfactory and significant amount of vibration reduction over a broad range of frequencies of the input signal is achieved.
Effects of Infrasonic Pressures on the Biological Features of Osteroblast-Like Cells in Vitro
Authors: Bing Wang , Jing-Zao Chen , Zhen-Guo Guo
Published: February 2007

In the present study, we explore the effects of a lower infrasonic intensity on biological features of osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. Cells were seeded into plate at a density of 1 × 104/ml and were exposed to 100 decibel (dB) infrasonic pressures at several different frequencies, 4, 12, and 20 Hz, respectively for 30 min daily. After five days, cell proliferation was determined by cell counting. Alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) was detected by a biochemical analysis and the synthesis of osteocalcin (OCN) was measured by a radio-immunological assay. Cell numbers increased significantly from the third day when infrasonic stimuli were used at frequencies of 4 or 12 Hz (P<0.05), and from the fifth day at the frequency of 20 Hz (P<0.05). Although ALP activities were low both in infrasonic exposed groups and the control group (p>0.05), OCN activity was much higher in each infrasonic exposed group compared to the control group (P<0.01). It was concluded that 100 dB infrasonic exposures might promote osteoblast-like cells growth and secretion activity in vitro.
Multi-Axis Sinusoidal Whole-Body Vibrations: Part I — How Long Should the Vibration and Rest Exposures Be for Reliable Discomfort Measures?
Authors: Dickey James P. , Oliver Michele L. , Boileau Paul-Emile , Eger Tammy R. , Trick Lana M. , Edwards A. Michelle
Published: February 2007

Laboratory-based whole-body vibration studies often involve complex experimental designs, dozens of vibration exposures and multiple sessions. Shortening the test vibration duration would increase experimental efficiency by permitting more trials in the same time period. This study evaluated reported discomfort based on different sinusoidal vibration durations and amounts of rest between successive vibrations. Ten subjects were exposed to four blocks of vibration trials (15/20 second vibration and 5/10 second rest durations). Each block of 37 trials included repeated single axis, planar, and 6 degree of freedom multi-axial vibrations. These repeated trials were analysed to evaluate whether discomfort varied between the different blocks. We did not observe any statistically significant differences in discomfort between the different vibration and rest durations. This finding is useful for designing future vibration experiments. Part II of this study evaluates the relationship between discomfort and vibration exposure.
Understanding the Cham Identity in Mainland Southeast Asia: Contending Views
Authors: Abdul Hamid Mohamed Effendy
Published: February 2007

The Cham people had established extensive and intense webs of relationships that encompassed activities in the economic, religious, cultural, and political spheres throughout maritime Southeast Asia. This article seeks to answer the question: What qualities do the Chams possess that allowed them to successfully participate in the cultural and social dynamics in societies other than their own? Throughout the course of this article, I attempt to locate Cham ethnicity in the context of several theories of Ethnicity. This will be followed by an attempt to address this issue through various means namely understanding the phenomenon of "Cham Ethnic mobility" throughout the perspective of "layers" i.e., the "historical" layer, the "religious layer", and the "oppressed minority". I argue that by analysing the Chams through the perspective of these layers, one is able to garner a more nuanced view of the Chams especially in regard to their ability to negotiate cultural and national boundaries of nation states in Southeast Asia.
Little Bear Sells CDs and Ai Theng Drinks Coke: Sacred Clowning and the Politics of Regionalism in South Thailand
Authors: Johnson Irving
Published: February 2007

Images of stock clowns from the traditional Thai shadow play (nang talung) are found throughout the villages and towns of the Thai Buddhist majority provinces of southern Thailand. These extremely popular funny men appear not only in shadow play performances but also in commercials, story books, logos, and billboards. Clowns also appear as tourist souvenirs, sacred amulets, crafted into statues, and the like as indigenous reflections of southern Thai identity. In this article, I discuss the complex and often ambiguous relationship between the clown's traditional sacred power and his forays into southern Thailand's political and economic landscape. By so doing, I focus my attention on the clown as being both a subversive and conservative agent. On the one hand, he represents a Turnerian-like anti-structure, which allows him to test the limits of social and political acceptability and on which his ritual personality as a sacred being rests. On the other hand however, shadow play clowns are celebrated by puppeteers, local audiences and state officials as being embodiments of modernity and Thailand's national quest for regional distinctiveness.
Redeveloped docks as artificial lagoons: The development of brackish‐water communities and potential for conservation of lagoonal species
Authors: Allen Janette R. , Wilkinson Stephen B. , Hawkins Stephen J.
Published: February 2007

The use of redeveloped docks for the conservation of lagoonal communities is considered with particular reference to the South Docks in Liverpool.

Redevelopment of the previously derelict South Docks since 1981 has created a semi‐enclosed, brackish body of water by dredging of dock basins that were filled with silt. The development of biological communities on the walls and in the sediments of these docks has been studied.

A reasonably diverse flora and fauna was established on the walls within approximately six years, but a persistent sediment‐dwelling community has not yet developed.

Over 90 species of macroflora and macrofauna have been recorded from the South Docks to date. Three of these species are considered to be lagoonal specialists.

Considerations for the management of docks as a resource in the conservation of lagoonal communities are discussed.
Neuromuscular junction in abdominal muscles of Drosophila melanogaster during adulthood and aging
Authors: Beramendi Ana , Peron Samantha , Casanova Gabriela , Reggiani Carlo , Cantera Rafael
Published: February 2007

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of Drosophila melanogaster has been established as a productive model for the study of synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, vesicle recycling, and other synaptic functions in embryos and larvae. It also has potential for the study of long‐term plasticity during adult life and degenerative processes associated with aging. Here we provide a detailed description of the morphology and ultrastructure of the NMJ on abdominal dorsal longitudinal muscles throughout adult life from eclosion to senescence. In contrast to the case in the larva, the predominant type of terminals in these muscles in the adult fly consists of only two or three branches with tightly packed synaptic boutons. We observed qualitative and quantitative changes as mean bouton size increased gradually during adulthood, and the largest boutons were present in the old fly. The length of nerve branches first increased and thereafter decreased gradually during most of adult life. Branch diameter also decreased progressively, but branch number did not change. The subsynaptic reticulum became progressively thinner, and “naked” boutons were found in old flies. Ultrastructural traits gave indications of an age‐associated increment in autophagy, larger synaptic vesicles, and impaired endocytosis. We propose that NMJ aging in the fly correlates with impaired endocytosis and membrane dynamics. This view finds a functional correlate in flies carrying a temperature‐sensitive mutation in shibire that reversible blocks endocytosis; age significantly reduces the time required for complete paralysis and increases the time of recovery, thus confirming the age‐dependent alteration in vesicle dynamics. J. Comp. Neurol. 501:498–508, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential distribution of the MeCP2 splice variants in the postnatal mouse brain
Authors: Dragich Joanna M. , Kim Yong‐Hwan , Arnold Arthur P. , Schanen N. Carolyn
Published: February 2007

Mutations in the gene encoding methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) are the primary cause of the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome (RTT). Mecp2‐deficient mice develop a neurological phenotype that recapitulates many of the symptoms of RTT, including postnatal onset of the neurological deficits. MeCP2 has two isoforms, MeCP2e1 and MeCP2e2, with distinct amino termini, which are generated by alternative splicing. We examined the distribution of the Mecp2 splice variants in the postnatal mouse brain by in situ hybridization and found regional and age‐related differences in transcript abundance. In newborn mice, signals for total Mecp2 and the Mecp2e2 transcripts were widely distributed, with overlapping expression patterns throughout the brain. Expression of the Mecp2e2 splice variant became largely restricted to nuclei within the dorsal thalamus (DT) and cortical layer V in juvenile animals, a pattern that was maintained into adulthood. In contrast, the total Mecp2 riboprobe only weakly labeled the DT and cortical layer V in juvenile and adult animals, although it heavily labeled surrounding brain regions, suggesting that Mecp2e1 is the predominant transcript outside the thalamus. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to measure Mecp2e1 and Mecp2e2 abundance in the diencephalon of adult mice, demonstrating significantly more Mecp2e2 in the DT than in the hypothalamus, which is in agreement with the Mecp2e2 in situ hybridization. The differential distribution of the Mecp2e1 and Mecp2e2 transcripts indicates regional and developmental regulation of Mecp2 splicing in the postnatal mouse brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 501:526–542, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.