bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income Inequality and Economic Convergence in Turkey: A Spatial Effect Analysis
Authors: Yildirim Jülide , Öcal Nadir , Özyildirim Süheyla
Published: March 2009

Even though the convergence of regional per capita income has been a highly debated issue internationally, empirical evidence regarding Turkey is limited as well as contradictory. This article is an attempt to investigate regional income inequality and the convergence dynamics in Turkey for the time period 1987—2001. First, the Theil coefficient of concentration index is used to analyze the dispersion aspects of the convergence process. The geographically based decomposition of inequality suggests a strong correlation between the share of interregional inequality and spatial clustering. Then, we estimate convergence dynamics employing alternative spatial econometric methods. In addition to the global models, we also estimate local models taking spatial variations into account. Empirical analysis indicates that geographically weighted regression improves model fitting with better explanatory power. There is considerable variation in speed of convergence of provinces, which cannot be captured by the traditional beta convergence analysis.
The Roles of Competence Trust, Formal Contract, and Time Horizon in Interorganizational Learning
Authors: Lui Steven S.
Published: March 2009

This study examines the roles of competence trust, formal contract, and time horizon on interorganizational learning. Two types of learning — knowledge accessing and knowledge acquisition — are first identified. I then evaluate the relative roles of competence trust and contract on these two types of learning. I further investigate how time horizon moderates their roles. The hypotheses are tested with a sample of 126 buyer—supplier relationships between the Hong Kong toy traders and their suppliers. The results show that knowledge accessing and knowledge acquisition have very different requirements on the competence trust and contract of an exchange relationship. These requirements also change with the time horizon of the relationship.
Emerging Institutions: Pyramids or Anthills?
Authors: Czarniawska Barbara
Published: March 2009

In the present text, an institution is understood to be an (observable) pattern of collective action, justified by a corresponding norm. By this definition, an institution emerges slowly, although it may be helped or hindered by various specific acts. From this perspective, an institutional entrepreneur is an oxymoron, at least in principle. In practice, however, there are and always have been people trying to create institutions. This article describes the emergence of the London School of Economics and Political Science as an institution and analyzes its founders and its supporters during crises as institutional entrepreneurs. A tentative theory of the phenomenon of institutional entrepreneurship is then constructed by combining elements of sociology of translation, actor-network theory and garbage can model. The article concludes with a suggestion that the way institutional enterprises are narrated may differ from the way they are built, and a genre analysis can be of further help in understanding this phenomenon.
Facing Barack Hussein Obama
Authors: Parameswaran Radhika
Published: March 2009

Arguing that race does not receive enough attention in studies of globalization, this article examines the implications of Barack Hussein Obama's successful presidential candidacy for both expanding and reducing the meanings of Blackness in relation to transnational America. In contrast to the “Third World” racioscape of Black America that became visible to the world during Hurricane Katrina, Obama's biography produced new tropes of Black identity that registered both the viability of the “American dream” and a cosmopolitan global sensibility. The article notes that Obama's victory has the potential to stretch Black racial identity beyond its hegemonic anchoring to America, but at the same time it is equally important to question nationalist discourses of American exceptionalism that surrounded Obama's campaign for minimizing the institutional contexts of race and class inequality.
Why Try? Achievement Motivation and Perceived Academic Climate Among Latino Youth
Authors: Wilkins Natalie J. , Kuperminc Gabriel P.
Published: March 2009

Elliot and McGregor’s (2001) 2 × 2 model of achievement motivation (mastery approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach and performance-avoidance) was used among 143 Latino adolescents to examine how achievement motivation changes over time, and whether perception of academic climate influences eventual academic outcomes. A series of hierarchical regressions revealed that perception of a task-focused academic climate moderated the association between mastery-approach achievement motivation and teacher-rated academic outcomes. A Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) also revealed that eighth graders reported an increase in mastery-approach achievement motivation and task-focused academic climate as they transitioned to high school. Findings suggest 1) that perception of a task-performance focused academic climate plays an important role in Latino adolescents’ academic achievement, and 2) that Latino adolescents’ achievement motivation and perception of academic climate may be influenced by their transition to high school.
State Government Human Resource Professionals’ Commitment to Employment at Will
Authors: Coggburn Jerrell D. , Battaglio R. Paul , Bowman James S. , Condrey Stephen E. , Goodman Doug , West Jonathan P.
Published: March 2009

This article examines the attitudes of a key set of state government officials—state human resource (HR) professionals—toward employment at will (EAW) in state government. It presents original survey data obtained from HR professionals in four southern states: Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. Drawing on these data, the article creates an index measuring respondents’ commitment to EAW, as measured by their attitudes toward arguments used to advocate for EAW. The index is used as the dependent variable in an exploratory regression analysis indicating the importance of respondents’ experiences with the exercise of EAW discretion, years of public sector service, educational background, and state context to explaining variation in commitment to EAW. The article concludes with a discussion of the findings’ implications for the future of civil service reform in the United States.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Knotless Anatomical Double-Layer Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Hepp Pierre , Osterhoff Georg , Engel Thomas , Marquass Bastian , Klink Thomas , Josten Christoph
Published: March 2009

Background

The layered configuration of the rotator cuff tendon is not taken into account in classic rotator cuff tendon repair techniques.

Hypothesis

The mechanical properties of (1) the classic double-row technique, (2) a double-layer double-row (DLDR) technique in simple suture configuration, and (3) a DLDR technique in mattress suture configuration are significantly different.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twenty-four sheep shoulders were assigned to 3 repair groups of full-thickness infraspinatus tears: group 1, traditional double-row repair; group 2, DLDR anchor repair with simple suture configuration; and group 3, DLDR knotless repair with mattress suture configuration. After ultrasound evaluation of the repair, each specimen was cyclically loaded with 10 to 100 N for 50 cycles. Each specimen was then loaded to failure at a rate of 1 mm/s.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 testing groups for the mean footprint area. The cyclic loading test revealed no significant difference among the 3 groups with regard to elongation. For the load-to-failure test, groups 2 and 3 showed no differences in ultimate tensile load when compared with group 1. However, when compared to group 2, group 3 was found to have significantly higher values regarding ultimate load, ultimate elongation, and energy absorbed.

Conclusion

The DLDR fixation techniques may provide strength of initial repair comparable with that of commonly used double-row techniques. When compared with the knotless technique with mattress sutures, simple suture configuration of DLDR repair may be too weak. Knotless DLDR rotator cuff repair may (1) restore the footprint by the use of double-row principles and (2) enable restoration of the shape and profile.

Clinical Relevance

Double-layer double-row fixation in mattress suture configuration has initial fixation strength comparable with that of the classic double-row fixation and so may potentially improve functional results of rotator cuff repair.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Associated With Methotrexate Neurotoxicity: Conventional Magnetic Resonance and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Findings
Authors: Dicuonzo Franca , Salvati Andrea , Palma Michele , Lefons Velia , Lasalandra Giovanni , De Leonardis Francesco , Santoro Nicola
Published: March 2009

The addition of intrathecal methotrexate to treatment protocols has increased survival rates in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia but is also associated with varying degrees of neurotoxicity. We describe a 15-year-old female patient diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with status epilepticus after receiving intrathecal methotrexate. Magnetic resonance imaging showed reversible cortical and subcortical changes consisting of high-intensity lesions on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences with postgadolinium enhancement, low signal intensity on diffusion-weighted imaging and increased apparent diffusion coefficient. These findings were consistent with the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. We report our conventional magnetic resonance and diffusion-weighted imaging findings and briefly discuss the pathophysiology of the syndrome.
Death Ideas, Suicidal Thoughts, and Plans Among Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Scocco Paolo , Fantoni Giovanna , Rapattoni Monica , de Girolamo Giovanni , Pavan Luigi
Published: March 2009

Recent studies have shown that suicides are at least as frequent among Nursing Home (NH) residents as they are among older people in the general population. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of death- and/or suicidal feelings, thoughts, and plans and any attempted suicides in a random, unselected sample (N = 288) of individuals aged 65-years-and-over, living in NHs located in the Veneto Region (the Italian North-East). One hundred seventy-two participants were surveyed with a response rate of 59.7%. Five sample questions were asked to investigate the presence of death- and suicidal thoughts, plans and behaviors in different time periods. Among the NH residents, 30.8% admitted having had death or suicidal thoughts or plans during the month prior to the interview. The oldest-old residents (85 + y) more frequently reported death-suicide ideation. This high frequency of death and/or suicidal feelings and thoughts among older NH residents should be carefully considered when planning and implementing health care programs in these facilities.
Outcomes of Oregon’s Law Mandating Physician Reporting of Impaired Drivers
Authors: Snyder Kristen M. , Ganzini Linda
Published: March 2009

Oregon enacted a law in 2002 that requires some health care practitioners to report cognitively impaired drivers to the Department of Motor Vehicles. We examined reports submitted between 2003 and 2006 on 1664 potential impaired drivers. Of reported drivers, 48% were older than 80 years of age. Reports of cognitive impairment were 7 times more common than functional impairments. The most common cognitive impairments were judgment and problem solving (65%), memory (53%), and reaction time (52%). Only 10% of suspended drivers regained their driving privileges. Drivers older than 80 years of age were 6 times less likely to regain privileges compared to drivers 59 years or younger. In summary, Oregon’s law resulted in loss of driving privileges in a small number of licensed drivers. Over half were aged 80 years or older, with chronic or progressive cognitive impairments. Further study is needed to determine whether this law reduces crashes and crash-related fatalities.
The Family Point of View, Family Social Capital, and Firm Performance
Authors: Sorenson Ritch L. , Goodpaster Kenneth E. , Hedberg Patricia R. , Yu Andy
Published: March 2009

Based on the social capital, conflict, and ethics literatures, this study introduces a new concept, the family point of view, and provides theoretical arguments resulting in the following hypotheses: (a) The family point of view emerges from collaborative dialogue, which helps develop agreement to ethical norms; (b) the presence of ethical norms further helps cultivate family social capital; and (c) as a resource in a family business, family social capital is positively related to family firm performance. Using structural equation modeling, an exploratory test of 405 small family firms found support for all three hypotheses. The findings indicate a fully mediated relationship among collaborative dialogue, ethical norms, family social capital, and firm performance. The study not only highlights the importance of moral infrastructure in family firms but also helps clarify components of family social capital.
Impact of a Community-Based Falls Prevention Program on Maintenance of Physical Activity Among Older Adults
Authors: Laforest Sophie , Pelletier Anne , Gauvin Lise , Robitaille Yvonne , Fournier Michel , Corriveau Hélène , Filiatrault Johanne
Published: March 2009

Objective: This study examines the 9-month impact of a 12-week falls prevention program (called Stand Up! ) which included balance exercises and educational components on maintenance of physical activity among community-dwelling seniors. Method: Data were collected among 98 experimental and 102 control participants at baseline, immediately after the program and 9 months later. Involvement in physical activity was measured with three indicators. Program effects were examined using linear and logistic regression procedures. Results: Both groups showed similar increases in weekly frequency of exercise at the 9-month posttest. However, the program's participants showed higher increases in their variety of exercises at the 9-month posttest (especially among those with greater baseline scores). Among seniors reporting lower levels of energy expenditure at baseline, the program's participants showed significantly greater increases in energy expenditure than control participants. Discussion: These preliminary findings suggest that programs such as Stand Up! have the potential to stimulate continued involvement in physical activity.
Perceived Problems With Access to Medical Care and Depression Among Older Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Other Hispanics, and a Comparison Group of Non-Hispanic Whites
Authors: Rodriguez-Galan Marta B. , Falcón Luis M.
Published: March 2009

The relationship between problems accessing medical care and depression is examined in a sample of older Hispanics (Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Other Hispanic) in Massachusetts and a comparison group of same-neighborhood non-Hispanic Whites. The research questions are: Do older Hispanics experience more problems with access to medical care than do older non-Hispanic Whites? What types of access problems do Hispanics encounter, and how do these relate to depression symptoms? The data come from the Massachusetts Hispanic Elders Study; descriptive and multivariate regression analysis procedures are used. Older Hispanics report more problems obtaining medical care than do older non-Hispanic Whites. Puerto Ricans report significantly more transportation problems to access medical care. For Dominicans and Puerto Ricans, being female, living alone, and lower education attainment are associated with depression. For Puerto Ricans, health problems, disability, and access problems are also significant.
Thrombophilic patterns of coagulation factors in lupus
Authors: Dhar JP , Andersen J , Essenmacher L , Ager J , Bentley G , Sokol RJ
Published: March 2009

Our aim was to better define the coagulation abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who had thrombosis or high-risk clinical settings for thrombosis. Clinical and laboratory data of 111 patients with lupus referred for coagulation assessment because of thrombosis, pregnancy loss or high-risk clinical settings for thrombosis were reviewed retrospectively. Increased activity of procoagulant factors and decreased activity of anti-coagulant factors were observed well above the expected 5% prevalence. All comparisons were significant at the P < 0.001 level. Anticardiolipin antibodies were present in 70.5% of patients tested (55/78) in this high-risk group, but usually in low titres. Platelet hyperfunction was detected in the majority of patients tested (85.7%, 78/91). Hypercoagulability in lupus is complex and is better defined by assessing multiple haemostatic factors in addition to platelet function. Platelet hyperfunction contributes significantly to thrombophilia in lupus and this is the key finding of our study.
Association of the HLA-G 14 bp polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Veit TD , Cordero EAA , Mucenic T , Monticielo OA , Brenol JCT , Xavier RM , Delgado-Cañedo A , Chies JAB
Published: March 2009

Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a nonclassical class I major histocompatibility complex molecule which is induced at the course of inflammatory pathologies, and its expression has been suggested as a possible mechanism of tissue protection against autoimmune inflammatory responses, therefore acting as a mechanism of immune surveillance. We investigated the influence of the 14 bp polymorphism of the HLA-G gene on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing 293 patients with SLE and 460 healthy controls. The patient’s group was not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, presenting an excess of heterozygotes ( P = 0.014). The heterozygote group exhibited lower systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity indexes than the homozygous deletion group and the homozygous insertion group (mean value = 2.29 against 2.97 and 3.4, respectively, P = 0.035). Photosensitive patients showed a higher frequency of heterozygotes and an equivalent lower frequency of homozygotes for deletion; on the other hand, patients without arthritis presented a higher frequency of heterozygotes than the arthritis group and also a lower frequency of the del/del genotype. Overall, our results support the idea of a role of the HLA-G insertion/deletion polymorphism and therefore a role for the HLA-G molecule, on the pathology of SLE.
Clinical and immunological manifestations in 624 SLE patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Arfaj AS , Khalil N
Published: March 2009

Our objective was to study the demographic, clinical, laboratory features, therapy, and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. In this retrospective study, which covered a 27-year period (1980–2006), 624 SLE patients referring to King Khalid University hospital, Riyadh were included. There were 566 females and 58 males (9.8:1) with a mean age of 34.3 (range 8–71) years and mean age at disease onset of 25.3 years (range 0.08–67). The mean disease duration was 9.3 years (range 0.3–30). The most common disease manifestations were hematological abnormalities (82.7%), arthritis (80.4%), and mucocutaneous symptoms (64.3%). The prevalence of malar rash was 47.9%, discoid rash 17.6%, photosensitivity 30.6%, oral ulcers 39.1%, serositis 27.4%, nephritis 47.9%, and neuropsychiatric manifestations 27.6%. Lymphopenia (40.3%), anti-Ro (53.1%), anti-La (26.6%), anti-Sm (41.6%), anticardiolipin IgG (49.7%), and IgM (33.5%) antibodies were highly prevalent. Antinuclear antibodies were detected in 99.7% and anti-DNA in 80.1% patients. Low C3 and C4 were observed in 45.4% and 42.2%, respectively. Therapy included oral steroids (96.2%), IV cyclophosphamide (34.1%) and azathioprine (32.1%) along with other drugs. Long-term remission was achieved in 82.4%, disease was active in 2.6%, renal failure occurred in 4.3% requiring dialysis, 6.7% lost follow up and 4.0% patients died. Infections (48%) and active SLE (36%) were the common causes of death. The 5- and 10-year patient survival rate was 98% and 97%, respectively. This study suggests that, in our patients, SLE manifests with features similar to SLE patients from other Arab countries and Caucasia. In comparison to Caucasians, higher prevalence of anti-Ro antibodies is observed in our study, in some Middle-Eastern and Asian countries; this may likely be due to inter-ethnic variation owing to genetic differences. Our 5-year patient survival rate was similar to that of western countries, while 10-year survival rate was better than that of most places.
Damage Classification Structural Health Monitoring in Bolted Structures Using Time-frequency Techniques
Authors: Chakraborty Debejyo , Kovvali Narayan , Jun Wei  , Papandreou-Suppappola Antonia , Cochran Douglas , Chattopadhyay Aditi
Published: March 2009

The analysis, detection, and classification of damage in complex bolted structures is an important component of structural health monitoring. In this article, an advanced signal processing and classification method is introduced based on time-frequency techniques. The time-varying signals collected from sensors are decomposed into linear combinations of highly localized Gaussian functions using the matching pursuit decomposition algorithm. These functions are chosen from a dictionary of time-frequency shifted and scaled versions of an elementary Gaussian basis function. The dictionary is also modified to use real measured data as the basis elements in order to obtain a more parsimonious signal representation. Classification is then achieved by matching the extracted damage features in the time-frequency plane. To further improve classification performance, the information collected from multiple sensors is integrated using a Bayesian sensor fusion approach. Results are presented demonstrating the algorithm performance for classifying signals obtained from various types of fastener failure damage in an aluminum plate.
A Conceptual Framework of the Effects of Positive Affect and Affective Relationships on Group Knowledge Networks
Authors: Meikuan Huang
Published: March 2009

A theoretical model integrating research in social psychology and group knowledge networks regarding the pervasive influence of affect on group transactive memory systems (TMSs) is presented. The proposed affective transactive memory (ATM) model extending TMS beyond its cognitive tradition provides a promising interdisciplinary theoretical base for future research. The role of positive affect (PA) in the three dimensions of TMS effectiveness—accuracy in expertise recognition, sharedness of knowledge, and member participation—are discussed. Propositions are presented regarding the effects of members' PA and affective relationships on member information retrieval and allocation, which is further explored as four attribute and relational effects in knowledge networks. Ways to further integrate affect into contemporary small group knowledge network theorizing and research are suggested.
The Differential Effects of Concurrent Planning Practice Elements on Reunification and Adoption
Authors: D'Andrade Amy C.
Published: March 2009

Objective: The child welfare practice of concurrent planning attempts to shorten children's stays in foster care. There is very little quantitative research on concurrent planning's effects. This study examines the influence of concurrent planning practice elements (reunification prognosis, concurrent plan, full disclosure, and discussion of voluntary relinquishment) on reunification and adoption. Method: Using a sample of 885 children, an observational design, and statistical controls, children who received concurrent planning elements were compared to those who did not. Results: Findings show discussion of voluntary relinquishment to be positively associated with adoption and full disclosure to be negatively associated with reunification. Conclusions: Concurrent planning's benefits may require more intensive services to be fully realized. Care should be taken to ensure activities achieve their intended effects.
Mexican Adolescents' Alcohol Use, Family Intimacy, and Parent-Adolescent Communication
Authors: Martyn Kristy K. , Loveland-Cherry Carol J. , Villarruel Antonia M. , Gallegos Cabriales Esther , Yan Zhou  , Ronis David L. , Eakin Brenda
Published: March 2009

Despite widespread adolescent alcohol use, research on individual and contextual factors among Mexican adolescents is limited. This study describes the relationship between adolescent risk/protective factors, parent-adolescent communication, and their effects on alcohol use of 14- to 17-year-old adolescents living in Mexico ( N = 829; 458 girls, 371 boys). In this study, adolescents reported that 55% ever used alcohol, 24% used alcohol in the past 30 days, and 10% reported binge drinking. Adolescents with high family intimacy were less likely to report ever using alcohol and binge drinking. Regression analysis revealed that parent-adolescent communication mediated the effect of family intimacy on overall and binge drinking. Alcohol use prevention with Mexican adolescents should focus on family intimacy and parent-adolescent communication.
Medicaid 101
Authors: Quinlan-Colwell Ann
Published: March 2009

This article provides an introduction to Medicaid as it relates to individuals who live with chronic illness. It begins with a brief historical synopsis that includes pertinent legislation. Next, the various agencies involved in the Medicaid process are introduced. The challenges with provider participation and access are discussed. Political and ethical implications are explored. It concludes with an evaluation of the effectiveness of Medicaid.
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Authors: Sulzer-Azaroff Beth , Hoffman Anne O. , Horton Catherine B. , Bondy Andrew , Frost Lori
Published: March 2009

Originally designed to enable young children with autism lacking functional communication to initiate requests and to describe what they observed, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) has been the subject of an ever-expanding body of research and development. Thirty-four peer-reviewed published reports on PECS are analyzed in this article with documentation of research questions, methodology, and results. Findings suggest that PECS is providing people around the globe who have no or impaired speech with a functional means of communication. Refinements in methodology and additional questions that might be addressed in future research are discussed.
Queering the Small Screen: Homosexuality and Televisual Citizenship in Spectacular Societies
Authors: Porfido Giovanni
Published: March 2009

This article examines the question of queer televisual citizenship in the context of late-capitalist or spectacular societies. It investigates the heteronormativity of the current visual regime and it analyses the importance of images in the articulation of queer subjectivities and in the social experience of queer identity. Looking at the historical changes in the way queer people have been portrayed on British TV, the article analyses the problem of queer televisual absence/presences in the neo-liberal representational arena and discusses the implications of queer visual inclusion for debates on sexual citizenship and democracy in multivisual Britain.
Perverting Visual Pleasure: Representing Sadomasochism
Authors: Wilkinson Eleanor
Published: March 2009

In this article I examine representations of sadomasochism in visual culture. Increasingly sadomasochistic imagery is becoming prominent and widespread in popular culture. I will ask which forms of sadomasochism are permitted and which are excluded or marginalized. The changing media regimes of visual representation will be addressed, arguing that cyberspace may provide a public forum for sadomasochists to challenge dominant stereotypical representations. Finally I will examine the impact of the current UK legislation to prosecute the viewers of `extreme' pornographic material. This legislation reveals that certain intimate images are still denied the right to exist in visual culture.
Many homes for tourism
Authors: Hui Allison
Published: March 2009

Tourism mobilities have long been spatialized as circular structures emanating from a primary home that is opposed to a space of `away'. Increasingly complex personal mobilities and experiences with multiple homes, however, challenge the assumptions on which this spatialization of tourism rests. This article utilizes an analysis of travel memoir narratives of return home and second home mobilities to deconstruct the oppositions within traditional spatializations of tourism, revealing in the process the way in which the everyday and tourism are entangled and interactive. Memoir authors construct complex relationships between spaces and places, wherein second homes can inspire new tourism practices at both unfamiliar locations and primary homes, and returning to previous homes can involve tourism of and at home. A consideration of these relationships reveals the difficulty of labeling mobilities as essentially touristic and suggests possibilities for new spatializations, ontology and methodologies that leave room for many homes for tourism.
`Dwelling' with ecotourism in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Jamal Tazim , Stronza Amanda
Published: March 2009

This article argues for a perspective to ecotourism development that is not determined solely by academics, capitalistic markets, conservationists or NGOs, but also by locally defined and culturally embedded relations and meanings. We start with a theoretical critique of ecotourism development and conservation at the intersection of the macro-global and micro-local levels. Insights from the existential philosopher, Martin Heidegger (1889—1976) help identify spaces and relationships in natural area destinations that illustrate the paradox of ecological modernization. A longitudinal case study of a community-based ecotourism initiative in the Peruvian Amazon is used to illustrate our argument. Local residents work in partnership with a private tour company to market and operate the lodge, but negotiations go beyond splitting profits or commodifying resources. Members engage in and resist tourism-related changes in multiple ways. Heidegger's notions of dwelling and care (concern: Sorghe) introduces a way of understanding such performative ecotourism spaces.
Beyond the visual gaze?
Authors: Everett Sally
Published: March 2009

Food tourism provides a conceptual vehicle for pursuing a more culturally aware tourism agenda. Findings from participant observation and in-depth tourist interviews visiting sites affiliated to two Scottish food tourism initiatives illustrate how analysis of such places can contribute to work on postmodern touristic consumptive activity and embodied experience. Food tourism research writes the body into tourism, thereby moving discourses away from dominant concepts of visualism towards non-representable forms of knowledge. However, the research also found that in order to meet an increasing demand for experiences that bring producer and consumer together, viewing windows are being installed at sites that sanitize the experience. Therefore, the concept of `new' postmodern forms of tourism activity is problematized by addressing the implications surrounding this paradoxical situation of `post/modernity'; where a (post) tourist is encouraged to internalise a place through its food, yet is simultaneously subject to a form of regulated `tourist gaze' reminiscent of more `Fordist' and modernist modes of tourism experience.
`I get my facts from the Internet': A case study of the teaching and learning of information literacy in in-school and out-of-school contexts
Authors: McTavish Marianne
Published: March 2009

This article investigates the intersection between the in-school information literacy practices and out-of-school (i.e. home and community) information literacy practices of a third grade student and examines how this intersection may be contributing to his overall literacy learning. Data collected from field notes; observations of in-school and out-of-school information literacy practices; video-tapings of the home and classroom domains; drawings and writings from the home and the classroom; and interviews with the focal participant were analyzed and organized into recursive themes illustrative of in-school and out-of-school information literacy practices. Analysis revealed that the out-of-school and in-school information literacy practices of the focal participant ran parallel to each other and only intersected in ways in which school practices took precedence. The participant's out-of-school information literacy practices were not strongly recognized or valued in the classroom.
Criminalizing Sociability through Anti-social Behaviour Legislation: Dispersal Powers, Young People and the Police
Authors: Crawford Adam
Published: March 2009

This article explores the impact of dispersal powers introduced as part of the British government's drive to tackle anti-social behaviour. It focuses especially on the experiences and views of young people affected by dispersal orders. It highlights the importance of experiences of respect and procedural justice for the manner in which they respond to directions to disperse. It considers the ways in which dispersal powers can increase police—youth antagonism; bring young people to police attention on the basis of the company they keep; render young people more vulnerable; and reinforce a perception of young people as a riskto others rather than as at riskthemselves. It reflects on broader conceptions of youth and public space apparent within the anti-social behaviour agenda.
Whispers from within
Authors: O'Boyle Éanna
Published: March 2009

This report of a case study examined the expectations and lived experiences of students who had moved into the first year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) in an international school in Turkey. Although most students were making the move from the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) within the school, about one-third came from other schools. Findings suggest that despite a mixture of anxiety and excitement, students quickly adapted to and began to enjoy changes in the organizational and social aspects of the move. However, the curriculum was perceived to be easier than expected for most students because, when compared to primary, they received less homework, found some areas unchallenging and experienced more freedom when doing assignments. In re-examining their perceptions, some students felt that they had underestimated these cognitive challenges because they were `clouded' by their new freedom in the classroom. The study suggests that there is much that the school organization can usefully learn by listening to the student `voice'.
Balancing priorities and measuring success
Authors: MacDonald James
Published: March 2009

Drawing upon a multiple bottom line concept, which was originally developed for the business world, this article proposes a triple bottom line framework for analyzing and assessing the performance of international schools. The author contends that international schools can be broken down into three bottom lines: one `financial,' one `academic' and `the intangible core'. The framework aims to provide a mechanism (and a mindset) for educational leaders, suggesting that a balanced approach to each of the three bottom lines will provide students with a well-rounded education and offer leaders an approach to sustainable educational change.
Changing Meanings of Work in Germany, Korea, and the United States in Historical Perspectives
Authors: Kuchinke K. Peter
Published: March 2009

The problem and the solution. The article uses three broad historical eras, preindustrial, industrial, and postindustrial, to investigate similarities and differences in the meaning of working in three countries: Germany, South Korea, and the United States of America. Based on the proposition of meaning as created in an interplay between the individual and the social environment, attention is paid to work as a social institution, and the characteristics of work processes, technologies, and organizations are described. The conclusion identifies common and divergent themes and argues for the importance of historical perspectives for the education and training of human resource development practitioners and the utility of a historical and comparative approach to understanding the meaning of working. Directions for further research are offered at the conclusion of the article.
Meaningfulness, Commitment, and Engagement:The Intersection of a Deeper Level of Intrinsic Motivation
Authors: Chalofsky Neal , Krishna Vijay
Published: March 2009

The problem and the solution. The work motivation literature suggests the existence of a level of motivation that goes beyond the commonly known typologies of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The purpose of this article is to explore that deeper level of intrinsic motivation, meaningfulness, and to discuss the connections between meaning of work and meaning at work, represented by the concepts of employee commitment and engagement. This multidimensional approach combines the individual and psychological aspects of work motivation with the contextual and cultural factors that influence employee motivation.
Envisioning a Future Contemplative Science of Mindfulness: Fruitful Methods and New Content for the Next Wave of Research
Authors: Garland Eric , Gaylord Susan
Published: March 2009

Mindfulness is an ancient spiritual practice as well as a unique behavioral technique involving the cultivation of non-judgmental, non-reactive, metacognitive awareness of present-moment experience. Given the growing interest in mindfulness across numerous academic and clinical disciplines, an agenda is needed to guide the next wave of research. Here, we suggest four areas that, in our view, are important for a future contemplative science of mindfulness: performance-based measures of mindfulness, scientific evaluation of Buddhist claims, neurophenomenology of mindfulness, and measuring changes in mindfulness-induced gene expression. By exploring these domains, the wisdom of the meditative traditions may be complemented by leading-edge empirical research methodologies.
Profile of the bovine acute-phase response following an intravenous bolus-dose lipopolysaccharide challenge
Authors: Carroll Jeffery A. , Reuter Richard R. , Chase Chadwick C. , Coleman Samuel W. , Riley David G. , Spiers Donald E. , Arthington John D. , Galyean Michael L.
Published: March 2009

Our objective was to characterize further the acute-phase response following endotoxin (i.e. lipopolysaccharide; LPS) exposure in the bovine. Nine pure-bred Angus castrated males (i.e. steers; average body weight = 299 ± 5 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design in environmentally controlled chambers, set at thermoneutral level, to characterize the acute physiological, endocrine, immune, and acute-phase protein responses following an i.v. bolus administration of 2.5 μg of LPS/kg body weight. One day before administration of LPS, all steers were fitted with an indwelling jugular vein catheter for serial blood collection. Blood samples were collected at 30-min intervals from -2 h to 8 h relative to the LPS challenge (time 0), and serum was harvested and stored at -80 °C until analyzed for concentrations of cortisol, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and acute-phase proteins. Indicators of thermal status (i.e. rectal temperature, ruminal temperature, respiration rate, sweat rate, and skin temperatures) were measured at 30-min intervals from -1 h to 6 h relative to the challenge. Endotoxin exposure increased (P<0.05) serum concentrations of cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1-β (IL-1β), IL-6, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and serum amyloid A. Respiration rate, rectal temperature, and rump skin temperature also were increased (P<0.05) following LPS administration. Endotoxin exposure dramatically decreased ear skin temperature (P = 0.002), but tended to increase (P<0.10) ruminal temperature, shoulder skin temperature, and shoulder sweat rate. Serum concentrations of acid soluble protein, α-acid glycoprotein, IL-4 and IL-2, and rump sweat rate were not altered (P>0.24) by the challenge. To our knowledge, this report is the most complete characterization of the bovine acute-phase response to a bolus-dose endotoxin challenge conducted under thermoneutral conditions and should provide foundation data for future research.
Soluble CD14 in periodontitis
Authors: Nicu Elena A. , Laine Marja L. , Morré Servaas A. , Van der Velden Ubele , Loos Bruno G.
Published: March 2009

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binds to soluble (s)CD14. We investigated which factors contribute to variations in sCD14 levels in periodontitis, a chronic infectious disease of tooth-supporting tissues associated with endotoxemia and leading to inflammation and subsequently loss of teeth. The sCD14 levels were determined by ELISA in healthy controls (n = 57) and untreated patients (59 moderate and 46 severe) and their relation with markers of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein levels, and leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts) was assessed. Anti-Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis IgG levels were established by ELISA and CD14-260 genotype was determined in a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Increased levels of sCD14 were more frequent among periodontitis patients (P = 0.026) and showed a severity-dependence with increasing levels of periodontal breakdown (P = 0.008). In patients, levels of sCD14 correlated positively with CRP (P = 0.043), leukocyte numbers (P = 0.011) and negatively with anti-A. actinomycetemcomitans IgG (P = 0.007). In a multivariate analysis, sCD14 levels were predicted by ethnicity, age, educational level, and in Caucasian subjects also by the severity of periodontal destruction, but not by anti-P. gingivalis IgG or the CD14-260 genotype. Periodontitis is associated with elevated levels of sCD14.
Invited review: Breaking barriers — attack on innate immune defences by omptin surface proteases of enterobacterial pathogens
Authors: Haiko Johanna , Suomalainen Marjo , Ojala Teija , Lähteenmäki Kaarina , Korhonen Timo K.
Published: March 2009

The omptin family of Gram-negative bacterial transmembrane aspartic proteases comprises surface proteins with a highly conserved β-barrel fold but differing biological functions. The omptins OmpT of Escherichia coli, PgtE of Salmonella enterica, and Pla of Yersinia pestis differ in their substrate specificity as well as in control of their expression. Their functional differences are in accordance with the differing pathogenesis of the infections caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and Y. pestis, which suggests that the omptins have adapted to the life-styles of their host species. The omptins Pla and PgtE attack on innate immunity by affecting the plasminogen/plasmin, complement, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and matrix metalloproteinase systems, by inactivating antimicrobial peptides, and by enhancing bacterial adhesiveness and invasiveness. Although the mechanistic details of the functions of Pla and PgtE differ, the outcome is the same: enhanced spread and multiplication of Y. pestis and S. enterica in the host. The omptin OmpT is basically a housekeeping protease but it also degrades cationic antimicrobial peptides and may enhance colonization of E. coli at uroepithelia. The catalytic residues in the omptin molecules are spatially conserved, and the differing polypeptide substrate specificities are dictated by minor sequence variations at regions surrounding the catalytic cleft. For enzymatic activity, omptins require association with lipopolysaccharide on the outer membrane. Modification of lipopolysaccharide by in vivo conditions or by bacterial gene loss has an impact on omptin function. Creation of bacterial surface proteolysis is thus a coordinated function involving several surface structures.
Copy number variation in African Americans
Authors: McElroy Joseph P , Nelson Matthew R , Caillier Stacy J , Oksenberg Jorge R
Published: March 2009

Background

Copy number variants (CNVs) have been identified in several studies to be associated with complex diseases. It is important, therefore, to understand the distribution of CNVs within and among populations. This study is the first report of a CNV map in African Americans.

Results

Employing a SNP platform with greater than 500,000 SNPs, a first-generation CNV map of the African American genome was generated using DNA from 385 healthy African American individuals, and compared to a sample of 435 healthy White individuals. A total of 1362 CNVs were identified within African Americans, which included two CNV regions that were significantly different in frequency between African Americans and Whites (17q21 and 15q11). In addition, a duplication was identified in 74% of DNAs derived from cell lines that was not present in any of the whole blood derived DNAs.

Conclusion

The Affymetrix 500 K array provides reliable CNV mapping information. However, using cell lines as a source of DNA may introduce artifacts. The duplication identified in high frequency in Whites and low frequency in African Americans on chromosome 17q21 reflects haplotype specific frequency differences between ancestral groups. The generation of the CNV map will be a valuable tool for identifying disease associated CNVs in African Americans.
Erratum to: Gene expression and isoform variation analysis using Affymetrix exon arrays
Authors: Bemmo Amandine , Benovoy David , Kwan Tony , Gaffney Daniel J , Jensen Roderick V , Majewski Jacek
Published: March 2009

Correction to Bemmo A, Benovoy D, Kwan T, Gaffney DJ, Jensen RV, Majewski J: Gene expression and isoform variation analysis using Affymetrix Exon Arrays. BMC Genomics 2008, 9: 529.