bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Demise and Reawakening of Spirituality in Western Entrepreneurship
Authors: Jue Arthur L.
Published: April 2007

Understanding spirituality may serve as a foundation for developing new approaches to managerial action, organizational learning, social change and leadership. This article explores this phenomenon by hermeneutically tracing the demise and reawakening of spiritual entrepreneurship in Western life over the past 200 years. Spiritual aspects of entrepreneurial organizations are also framed via the lens of critical management theory as reflected in literature spanning four social epochs: federalist reality, the Industrial Revolution, disciplinary society, and the post-industrial milieu. The resulting themes highlight the interconnectedness and reciprocal influences between social reality and spiritual leadership in Western entrepreneurial enterprises. Drawn from the author's doctoral research (Jue 2004), the article suggests a need for reintegrating spiritual leadership among post-modern organizations and entrepreneurial firms in the achievement of more sustainable futures.
Entrepreneurial Learning and Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
Authors: Young John E.
Published: April 2007

This research examines the concept of entrepreneurial learning and relates it to Deepak Chopra's seven spiritual laws of success. The article first examines generic processes in motivating entrepreneurs to engage in self-directed learning projects on behalf of their businesses. Then it examines three modes of learning as they apply to practising entrepreneurs. Triple-loop learning is proposed as the deepest level of entrepreneurial learning. Triple-loop learners are considered the most likely entrepreneurs to practise the seven spiritual laws of success. Finally, each of the seven laws is related back to the motives that inspire entrepreneurs to learn.
Non-conventional Entrepreneurial Learning
Authors: Mukherjee Sanjoy
Published: April 2007

Spirit connotes the life-breath that enlivens both individuals and organizations. The role of a leader is to unleash in followers this primal creative energy and guide it towards enlightened governance. Although learning organizations grow and evolve in knowledge, conflicts also arise between material knowledge and spiritual wisdom. Using insight from classical Indian wisdom, a more harmonious pursuit of both personal fulfilment and organizational enrichment will be addressed. This article will highlight the importance of exploring non-conventional methods of learning beyond cognition that may improve leadership clarity, decision making and relationship management. Discovering deeper levels of consciousness via meditation also strengthens personal mastery and purpose as well as system thinking and a sense of interconnectedness. The spirit of entrepreneurship draws deeply from such inner inspiration, finding expression in sustained commitment and high-energy performance. Such leaders must ignite a fire within themselves and their followers. Hence, the article begins with asking deep, uneasy questions for wisdom to emerge in leadership consciousness, charting a road map for future enlightenment in learning organizations, and concludes with examples of wisdom leadership from modern India.
Being a Bodhisattva at Work
Authors: Schuyler Kathryn Goldman
Published: April 2007

This article explores the fit between the lived reality in entrepreneurial organizations and the Buddhist concept of the bodhisattva in order to see whether the juxtaposition of these two very different realities can shed light on the impact of spiritual values in the workplace. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with an array of entrepreneurs who have been practising Buddhists for over three years to see whether they were using core elements of this concept in their daily work and, if so, how they experienced the value and impact of these notions. The interviews showed that it was very much a part of the participants’ daily work lives and seems to be a force in creating a happier, more nourishing work environment. All participants brought up the notion unasked and provided stories describing how their relationships at work were influenced by this and other fundamental aspects of their spiritual practice. The data have implications at the levels of both individual action and societal change. Buddhism has shown a strong ability to retain its core concepts while developing new practices as it moved from one culture to another over the centuries. Perhaps Western societies will prove to be as conducive an environment for the further evolution of Buddhist teachings as was eighth-century Tibet. As Tibet's unique form of aliveness was infused into Buddhism without changing the core constructs or values, perhaps what is alive about Western culture (such as entrepreneurialism) will nourish analogous new forms.
Spiritual Capitalism
Authors: Chu Ernest
Published: April 2007

Although entrepreneurial success is usually attributed to astute financial management in the growth of economic capital, entrepreneurs may also utilize additional sources of inner guidance, creating both tangible and intangible value. This article framed one such source as spiritual capitalism, the juxtaposition of personal spirituality and marketplace dynamics. The soul's currency, or love, is characterized as a manifestation of flow in the entrepreneurial start-up process, which elicits spiritual congruence, harmonious relationships and personal fulfilment. Personal experiences as a Wall Street investment banker and entrepreneur are discussed in exploring methods of leveraging inner guidance and appropriately pursuing material abundance. Participants discussed the demarcation between traditional and spiritual entrepreneurship, and exercises demonstrated how to: (a) identify and value spiritual assets, (b) create spiritual capital, (c) mitigate inhibitors to flow, and (d) harness inner guidance.
Professional “brand”, personal identity and resistance to change in the Canadian accounting profession
Authors: Richardson Alan J. , Jones D.G. Brian
Published: April 2007

Accountancy is an unusual profession in that there are, in most countries, multiple professional associations (and designations) that compete for jurisdiction over the profession's domain of practice. These designations have become important product brands that contain discriminating consumer information. These brands are also an important part of practitioners' personal identities and become “infused with value” beyond their role as consumer signals. This results in resistance to change in the professional brand over time and may put the brand at risk of obsolescence. This issue is explored through two historical case studies of mergers between accounting associations — one successful and one unsuccessful — focusing on member reactions to the potential disappearance of their “brand” and/or the adulteration of their brand through the entrance of former competitors. The study highlights an important omission in the distinction between goods and services marketing — in services the product, that is the service provider, is self-aware and reacts to the marketing of their services.
The development of actuarial-based pension accounting at the Bell System, 1913—40
Authors: Chandar Nandini , Miranti Paul J.
Published: April 2007

This article evaluates the process of firm-specific learning relating to the development of actuarially based pension accounting at the Bell System in the USA from 1913 to 1940. Drawing on Alfred D. Chandler's notion of an “integrated learning base”, it analyzes the steps taken by the firm in learning how to order the multiple forms of specialized knowledge necessary for effective pension liability management. The study also explains how this change moderated relationships between such stakeholder groups as employees, investors, regulators, professional advisors and tax authorities. The pension plan was a key economic benefit that sought to increase employee retention and morale through the promise of retirement compensation for diligent, long-term service. It also sought to address humanely the economic problems of old age in a rising urban-industrial society, which had scant resources dedicated to social welfare. Although originally a pay-as-you-go system, the escalating costs associated with a rapidly expanding workforce forced its abandonment in favor of an actuarially based system in 1927. The article analyzes this evolution in management practice through the New Deal era and the emergence of a national social security system in 1935.
The Experience of Massage During Chemotherapy Treatment in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Billhult Annika , Stener-Victorin Elisabet , Bergbom Ingegerd
Published: April 2007

This study aimed to describe the experience of massage for breast cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment. Ten patients received massage at five occasions. They were interviewed and analysis was conducted using Giorgi's ideas of phenomenological research. The essential meaning of getting massage during chemotherapy was described as a retreat from the feeling of uneasiness toward chemotherapy. Results revealed five themes: the patients experienced distraction from the frightening experience, a turn from negative to positive, a sense of relaxation, a confirmation of caring, and finally they just felt good. In conclusion, the findings of this study show that massage offered a retreat from uneasy, unwanted, negative feelings connected with chemotherapy treatment. It is a treatment that can be added to the arsenal of treatment choices available to the oncological staff.
Predictors of Patient Satisfaction With Telephone Nursing Services
Authors: Randles Moscato Susan , Valanis Barbara , Gullion Christina M. , Tanner Christine , Shapiro Susan E. , Izumi Shigeko
Published: April 2007

Patient satisfaction has been shown to be a factor in clinical outcomes, health care quality, and patient follow-through. Thus, a high level of satisfaction is a desired outcome of patient care. This article examines predictors of patient satisfaction with telephone nursing services among a sample of 1,939 respondents, using a conceptual model derived from the literature and preliminary work. The study was conducted in medical offices and call centers of a large national health maintenance organization. Calls were taped and content coded and then matched with caller questionnaire data. In the final multivariate predictive models, patient health status; caller ratings of expectations met by the nurse for listening, clarity, and collaboration; and nurse competence were the strongest predictors of satisfaction. Consistent with the literature, findings suggest that nurses should expand interpersonal communication skills, and systems should reduce barriers to effective listening, clarity, and collaboration with callers.
Weight, Exercise, and Health
Authors: Snethen Julia A. , Broome Marion E.
Published: April 2007

Childhood overweight is increasing, yet limited information is available on children's perspectives of overweight. The purpose of this investigation was to identify children's perspective of their weight, exercise, and health status. Participants were 17 children, 8 to 12 years of age, with body mass indexes ≥ 95% for age and gender. A qualitative investigation using a phenomenological approach was conducted with a thematic analysis. Themes that emerged included intellectual disconnect, body image incongruence, social importance, and exercise perspectives . Children correctly identified healthy and unhealthy behaviors: dietary intake and physical activity. Children's knowledge about healthy dietary intake and physical activities disconnected from actual health practices. Children demonstrated confusion about physical activity requirements: frequency, intensity, and duration. Nurses need to develop strategies to bridge disconnect between what children know and actual dietary intake and physical activities. Nurses are fundamental to increasing children's knowledge of physical activity requirements for health promotion and disease prevention.
Decision Making at End of Life Among Japanese American Families
Authors: Colclough Yoshiko Yamashita , Young Heather M.
Published: April 2007

This exploratory study describes decision making at end of life among Japanese American families. Using qualitative methods including a one-time, semistructured interview, 16 Japanese American family participants described their experiences with the death of 22 family members. A grounded theory analysis led to the development of a model of a process that reflected the influence of age-cohort generational differences and health care providers' involvement. The model also included four dimensions of family understanding. The four dimensions were awareness of the seriousness of the family members' condition, decision making about life-sustaining treatment, readiness for impending death, and experience of the dying process. Each dimension reflected a continuum from low to high understanding. The results suggest that nurses and other health care providers can impact the level of understanding within each of the dimensions in culturally sensitive ways and contribute to improving the experience with end-of-life decision making for Japanese Americans.
Election-Year Stimuli and the Timing of Voter Registration
Authors: Gimpel James G. , Dyck Joshua J. , Shaw Daron R.
Published: April 2007

Despite less stringent requirements and more convenient access, 24 percent of the age-eligible United States population remained unregistered in 2000. While this proportion dropped in 2004, a large share of registrants still failed to cast ballots in the Bush—Kerry contest. With the outcome of national elections hinging on a percentage point or two in recent years, attention has once again been focused on registration and mobilization activity. But while we know a great deal about turnout, there is little systematic knowledge about how election-related stimuli may influence voter registration. We examine the registration dates and official turnout records for individuals from counties in six states for the 2000 election. We find that a surprising number of voters register in the year of the election, and that key dates and campaign events frequently coincide with surges in registration. In addition, we demonstrate that later registrants are relatively more likely to vote.
Reforming Candidate Selection Methods
Authors: Barnea Shlomit , Rahat Gideon
Published: April 2007

The article suggests a framework for the analysis of reform of intra-party candidate selection methods. The framework integrates three levels of analysis — the political system, the party system and the intra-party arena — each providing answers to different aspects of reform: the probable direction of reform and the politically admissible range of reform alternatives; the timing of specific reform initiatives and the intensity of their initiation; and the evolution of a specific attempt at promoting reform. The usefulness of the analytical framework is examined through a focused comparison of cases of reform initiation and adoption within the Israeli Labour and Likud parties over a period of 55 years (1949—2003). The analysis reveals that the frequency of reform in candidate selection methods increases when both external and internal environments become more competitive. The relatively flexible institution of candidate selection methods not only produces incentives for competing actors, but is sometimes also a part of the competition itself.
Doing newsmaking criminology from within the academy
Authors: Barak Gregg
Published: April 2007

Newsmaking criminology refers to the conscious efforts and activities of criminologists to interpret, influence or shape the representation of `newsworthy' items about crime and justice. In this reflexive and evaluative thought piece, I critically assess the value of this criminological intervention from the vantage point of the person who coined the term and first introduced it some 20 years ago. I conclude that newsmaking criminology as a perspective on the theory, practice and study of mass communications as well as on the representations of crime and justice, is still an invaluable approach for understanding as fundamental to the larger criminological enterprise in general and to administrative criminology in particular, the joint roles that each plays as part of neoliberal-bourgeois statecraft.
From academia to policy making
Authors: Stanko Betsy A.
Published: April 2007

Crossing over from academia to policy making has been my journey for the past five years. In this article, I reflect how I have drawn from my career and my own learning about crime, criminology and policing in my role as an advisor in the London Metropolitan Police.
Tracing police accountability in theory and practice
Authors: Stone Christopher
Published: April 2007

Police around the world are becoming more accountable for their use of force against civilians. Scholars have contributed to this movement both by building the field conceptually and by working in partnership with officials to construct specific accountability mechanisms. In both roles, scholars have begun to conceive of police accountability in structural terms, as a condition achieved through an array of separate institutional mechanisms. Drawing on examples from Nigeria, England, Brazil and the United States, I explain the receptiveness of police officials to scholarly contributions in three ways: the ideological cleansing of the call for accountability; the collaboration of officials and scholars at moments of police scandal and wholesale reform; and the intervention of theory-to-practice intermediaries.
Pre-crime and post-criminology?
Authors: Zedner Lucia
Published: April 2007

Conventionally, crime is regarded principally as harm or wrong and the dominant ordering practices arise post hoc. In the emerging pre-crime society, crime is conceived essentially as risk or potential loss, ordering practices are pre-emptive and security is a commodity sold for profit. Though this dichotomy oversimplifies a more complex set of changes, it captures an important temporal shift. As the intellectual offspring of the post-crime society, criminology must adapt to meet the challenges of pre-crime and security. This article examines the key features a theory of security needs to encompass. It explores the immanent capacities of criminology for change and suggests exterior intellectual resources upon which it might draw. It concludes that the pre-crime society need not be a post-criminological one.
Analysing a world in motion
Authors: Franko Aas Katja
Published: April 2007

The globalizing world has been described as a `world in motion', permeated by transnational networks and flows of goods, capital, information and cultural symbols, as well as potentially risky individuals and substances. This article examines the implications of the various global mobilities for criminological theory, method and policy. The world of global networks and flows introduces new notions of social ordering and exclusion, as well as challenging the prevailing conceptions of society, community, culture and social belonging, while growing demands for control of global mobilities create a complex dynamics between the nation-state and the emerging `world risk society'.
Comparison of Finger Tracking Versus Simple Movement Training via Telerehabilitation to Alter Hand Function and Cortical Reorganization After Stroke
Authors: Carey James R. , Durfee William K. , Bhatt Ela , Nagpal Ashima , Weinstein Samantha A. , Anderson Kathleen M. , Lewis Scott M.
Published: April 2007

Objective. To compare 2 telerehabilitation training strategies, repetitive tracking movements versus repetitive simple movements, to promote brain reorganization and recovery of hand function. Methods. Twenty subjects with chronic stroke and 10 degrees of voluntary finger extension were randomly assigned to receive 1800 telerehabilitation trials over 2 weeks of either computerized tracking training (track group) with the affected finger and wrist involving temporospatial processing to achieve accuracy or movement training (move group) with no attention to accuracy. Following movement training, the move group crossed over to receive an additional 2 weeks of tracking training. Behavioral changes were measured with the Box and Block test, Jebsen Taylor test, and finger range of motion, along with a finger-tracking activation paradigm during fMRI. Results. The track group showed significant improvement in all 4 behavioral tests; the move group improved in the Box and Block and Jebsen Taylor tests. The improvement for the track group in the Box and Block and Jebsen Taylor tests did not surpass that for the move group. A consistent group pattern of brain reorganization was not evident. The move group, after crossing over, did not show further significant improvements. Conclusion . Telerehabilitation may be effective in improving performance in subjects with chronic stroke. Tracking training with reinforcement to enhance learning, however, did not produce a clear advantage over the same amount of practice of random movements. Two weeks of training may be insufficient to demonstrate a behavioral advantage and associated brain reorganization.
Clinical Measurement of Pharyngeal Surface Electromyography
Authors: Doeltgen Sebastian H. , Hofmayer Andrea , Gumbley Freya , Witte Ulrike , Moran Catherine , Carroll Grant , Huckabee Maggie-Lee
Published: April 2007

Background. Dysphagia diagnosis is limited by our inability to evaluate the underlying neuromuscular pathology of swallowing. A novel approach using pharyngeal surface electromyography (PsEMG) has been reported in the literature. Objective. Three exploratory projects were undertaken to provide data toward the validation of PsEMG as a clinical measure of pharyngeal physiology. The first evaluates laterality of electrode placement in the pharynx. The second and third evaluate PsEMG using a circumferential and unidirectional electrode, respectively, during swallowing maneuvers. Methods. In experiment 1, a catheter housing 3 manometric sensors and 1 bipolar PsEMG electrode was randomly inserted in each nares of 10 participants. Moving jaw radiographs were taken, and the PsEMG electrode was measured in millimeters from midline. In experiments 2 and 3, the catheter was placed in 22 and 40 research participants, respectively. Waveform characteristics were collected during swallowing maneuvers. The 2 experiments differed by type of electrode (circumferential, unidirectional) and swallowing maneuver (noneffortful and effortful swallow; noneffortful, effortful, and tongue-hold swallow). Results. Midline electrode placement occurred on 20% of trials with deviation of up to 14.7 mm on all other trials. Maneuver-specific differences in amplitude were not detected with PsEMG; unacceptable levels of intrasubject and intersubject variability were identified. Temporal relationships of PsEMG and pharyngeal manometric pressure appeared appropriate. The unidirectional electrode revealed a unique bimodal PsEMG pattern that may reflect sequential contraction of muscles of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Conclusions. The current PsEMG design and procedures do not validly measure pharyngeal muscle activity. Recommendations for improved methods are provided.
Establishing the Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Barthel Index in Stroke Patients
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Wei , Wang Chun-Hou , Wu Shwu-Chong , Chen Pau-Chung , Sheu Ching-Fan , Hsieh Ching-Lin
Published: April 2007

Background. The interpretation of the change scores of the Barthel Index (BI) in follow-up or outcome studies has been hampered by the fact that its minimal clinically important difference (MCID) has not been determined. Objective. This article was written to establish the MCID of the BI in stroke patients. Methods. Both anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to establish the MCID. In the anchor-based method, 43 stroke inpatients participated in a follow-up study designed to determine the MCID of the BI using patients' global ratings of the activities of daily living function on a 15-point Likert-type scale. The mean change scores on the 20-point scale of the BI of the MCID group, based on the patients' ratings on the Likert-type scale, served as the first estimate of the MCID. In the distribution-based method, 56 chronic stroke patients participated in the test-retest reliability study to determine the MCID of the BI. One standard error of measurement (SEM) served as the second estimate for the MCID. The larger MCID value of the 2 estimates was chosen as the MCID of the BI. Results. In the anchor-based study, there were 20 patients in the MCID group, with a mean change score of 1.85 points (ie, the first MCID estimate). In the distribution-based study, the SEM based on test-retest agreement was 1.45 points (ie, the second MCID estimate). The MCID of the BI in stroke patients was estimated to be 1.85 points. Conclusion. The authors' results, within the limitations of their design, suggest that if the mean BI change score within a stroke group has reached 1.85 points in a study, the change score on the BI can be perceived by patients as important and beyond measurement error (ie, such a change score is clinically important).
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training
Authors: Chiara T. , Martin D. , Sapienza C.
Published: April 2007

Purpose. This study investigated the effect of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on voice production, dysarthria, and voice-related quality-of-life issues in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). It was hypothesized that PwMS would have improved voice production and reduced voice-related quality-of-life issues following EMST. Participants and Methods. Seventeen participants with MS and 14 healthy (H) controls completed 8 weeks of EMST, followed by 4 weeks of no training. Analyzed outcomes as a function of EMST were maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), sustained vowel prolongation (SVP), words per minute (WPM) measured from connected speech, and quality-of-life indices related to the presence of the dysarthria and dysphonia. Results. PwMS had lower MEPs, shorter SVP, and less WPM than the controls prior to training. Following EMST, both groups had significant improvement in MEPs that stayed above baseline after training halted. EMST did not improve voice production or voice-related quality of life for PwMS. Conclusion. Respiratory muscle weakness is present in PwMS having mild- to moderate-level disability. EMST improved expiratory muscle strength but did not statistically change objective and subjective components of voice/speech production in PwMS.
Impaired Short-term Motor Learning in Multiple Sclerosis: Evidence From Virtual Reality
Authors: Leocani Letizia , Comi Eleonora , Annovazzi Pietro , Rovaris Marco , Rossi Paolo , Cursi Marco , Comola Mauro , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo
Published: April 2007

Objective. Virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as a potentially useful tool for motor assessment and rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of VR in the assessment of short-term motor learning in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods. Twelve right-handed MS patients and 12 control individuals performed a motor-tracking task with their right upper limb, following the trajectory of an object projected on a screen along with online visual feedback on hand position from a sensor on the index finger. A pretraining test (3 trials), a training phase (12 trials), and a posttraining test (3 trials) were administered. Distances between performed and required trajectory were computed. Results. Both groups performed worse in depth planes compared to the frontal ( x, z) plane ( P < .006). MS patients performed worse than control individuals in the frontal plane at both evaluations ( P < .015), whereas they had lower percent posttraining improvement in the depth planes only ( P = .03). Conclusions. The authors' VR system detected impaired motor learning in MS patients, especially for task features requiring a complex integration of sensory information (movement in the depth planes). These findings stress the need for careful customization of rehabilitation strategies, which must take into account the patients' motor, sensory, and cognitive limitations.
Impaired Discrimination of Surface Friction Contributes to Pinch Grip Deficit After Stroke
Authors: Blennerhassett Jannette M. , Matyas Thomas A. , Carey Leeanne M.
Published: April 2007

Background. Impaired sensation and force production could both contribute to handgrip limitation after stroke. Clinically, training is usually directed to motor impairment rather than sensory impairment despite the prevalence of sensory deficit and the importance of sensory input for grip control. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate if sensory deficits contribute to pinch grip dysfunction beyond that attributable to motor deficits poststroke. Methods. The study enlisted 45 stroke participants and 45 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and hand dominance. Ability to differentiate surface friction (Friction Discrimination Test [FDT]), match object weight (Weight Matching Test [WMT]), produce grip force to track a visual target (Visually Guided Pinch Test [VGPT]), and perform a Pinch-Grip Lift-and-Hold Test (PGLHT) was quantified relative to normative performance, as defined by matched controls. The relationship between sensory ability (FDT, WMT) and altered PGLHT performance adjusted for motor ability (VGPT) after stroke was then examined using multivariate regression. Results. Deficits in FDT, WMT, and VGPT ability were present in at least half of the stroke sample and were largely independent across the variables. Poorer friction discrimination was significantly associated with longer latencies of grip-lift ( r = .34; P = .03) and grip force dysregulation ( r= .34; P= .03) after the impact of VGPT was statistically removed from PGLHT ability. However, performance on WMT did not relate to either PGLHT deficit. Conclusion. The findings indicate that impaired friction discrimination ability contributes to altered timing and force adjustment during PGLHT poststroke.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Enhancement of Upper Extremity Functional Recovery During Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alon Gad , Levitt Alan F. , McCarthy Patricia A.
Published: April 2007

Objective. To test if functional electrical stimulation (FES) can enhance the recovery of upper extremity function during early stroke rehabilitation. Methods. Open-label block-randomized trial, begun during inpatient rehabilitation and continued at the patients' home. Patients were assigned to either FES combined with task-specific upper extremity rehabilitation (n = 7) or a control group that received task-specific therapy alone (n = 8) over 12 weeks. Outcome measures . Hand function (Box & Blocks, B&B; Jebsen-Taylor light object lift, J-T) and motor control (modified Fugl-Meyer, mF-M) were video-recorded for both upper extremities at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results. B&B mean score at 12 weeks favored ( P = .049) the FES group (42.3 ± 16.6 blocks) over the control group (26.3 ± 11.0 blocks). The FES group J-T task was 6.7 ± 2.9 seconds and faster ( P = .049) than the 11.8 ± 5.4 seconds of the control group. Mean mF-M score of the FES group at 12 weeks was 49.3 ± 5.1 points out of 54, compared to the control group that scored 40.6 ± 8.2 points ( P = .042). All patients regained hand function. Conclusion. Upper extremity task-oriented training that begins soon after stroke that incorporates FES may improve upper extremity functional use in patients with mild/moderate paresis more than task-oriented training without FES.
Acetylation regulates tropomyosin function in the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Skoumpla Kalomoira , Coulton Arthur T. , Lehman William , Geeves Michael A. , Mulvihill Daniel P.
Published: April 2007

Tropomyosin is an evolutionarily conserved α-helical coiled-coil protein that promotes and maintains actin filaments. In yeast, Tropomyosin-stabilised filaments are used by molecular motors to transport cargoes or to generate motile forces by altering the dynamics of filament growth and shrinkage. The Schizosaccharomyces pombe tropomyosin Cdc8 localises to the cytokinetic actomyosin ring during mitosis and is absolutely required for its formation and function. We show that Cdc8 associates with actin filaments throughout the cell cycle and is subjected to post-translational modification that does not vary with cell cycle progression. At any given point in the cell cycle 80% of Cdc8 molecules are acetylated, which significantly enhances their affinity for actin. Reconstructions of electron microscopic images of actin-Cdc8 filaments establish that the majority of Cdc8 strands sit in the `closed' position on actin filaments, suggesting a role in the regulation of myosin binding. We show that Cdc8 regulates the equilibrium binding of myosin to actin without affecting the rate of myosin binding. Unacetylated Cdc8 isoforms bind actin, but have a reduced ability to regulate myosin binding to actin. We conclude that although acetylation of Cdc8 is not essential, it provides a regulatory mechanism for modulating actin filament integrity and myosin function.
YWK-II protein as a novel Go-coupled receptor for Müllerian inhibiting substance in cell survival
Authors: Yin Xueqian , Ouyang Songying , Xu Wenming , Zhang Xiaopeng , Fok Kin Lam , Wong Hau Yan , Zhang Jiaping , Qiu Xiaobo , Miao Shiying , Chan Hsiao Chang , Wang Linfang
Published: April 2007

Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) has recently been implicated in multiple cellular functions including promotion of cell survival, but the receptor(s) and signaling pathways involved remain elusive. We have investigated the possibility of YWK-II protein, previously shown to interact physically with MIS and Go protein, being a receptor mediating the cell survival effect of MIS. In YWK-II-overexpressing CHO cells, MIS activates the Go-coupled ERK1/2 signaling pathway and promotes cell survival with altered levels of p53 and caspase-3. YWK-II antibody is found to interfere with the ability of MIS to promote viability of mouse sperm and affect MIS-activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In vivo studies involving injection of YWK-II antibody into the seminiferous tubule of the mouse testis, where MIS is known to be produced, show significant reduction in the sperm count with accumulation of p53 and cleaved caspase-3 in testicular nuclei. Taken together, the present study has demonstrated a new Go-coupled receptor for MIS in mediating ERK1/2 activation leading to anti-apoptotic activity or cell survival.
Traction force microscopy in Dictyostelium reveals distinct roles for myosin II motor and actin-crosslinking activity in polarized cell movement
Authors: Lombardi Maria L. , Knecht David A. , Dembo Micah , Lee Juliet
Published: April 2007

Continuous cell movement requires the coordination of protrusive forces at the leading edge with contractile forces at the rear of the cell. Myosin II is required to generate the necessary contractile force to facilitate retraction; however, Dictyostelium cells that lack myosin II (mhcA–) are still motile. To directly investigate the role of myosin II in contractility we used a gelatin traction force assay to measure the magnitude and dynamic redistribution of traction stresses generated by randomly moving wild-type, myosin II essential light chain null (mlcE–) and mhcA– cells. Our data show that for each cell type, periods of rapid, directed cell movement occur when an asymmetrical distribution of traction stress is present, in which traction stresses at the rear are significantly higher than those at the front. We found that the major determinants of cell speed are the rate and frequency at which traction stress asymmetry develops, not the absolute magnitude of traction stress. We conclude that traction stress asymmetry is important for rapid, polarized cell movement because high traction stresses at the rear promote retraction, whereas low traction at the front allows protrusion. We propose that myosin II motor activity increases the rate and frequency at which traction stress asymmetry develops, whereas actin crosslinking activity is important for stabilizing it.
Transition from a nucleosome-based to a protamine-based chromatin configuration during spermiogenesis inDrosophila
Authors: Rathke Christina , Baarends Willy M. , Jayaramaiah-Raja Sunil , Bartkuhn Marek , Renkawitz Rainer , Renkawitz-Pohl Renate
Published: April 2007

In higher organisms, the chromatin of sperm is organised in a highly condensed protamine-based structure. In pre-meiotic stages and shortly after meiosis, histones carry multiple modifications. Here, we focus on post-meiotic stages and show that also after meiosis, histone H3 shows a high overall methylation of K9 and K27 and we hypothesise that these modifications ensure maintenance of transcriptional silencing in the haploid genome. Furthermore, we show that histones are lost during the early canoe stage and that just before this stage, hyper-acetylation of histone H4 and mono-ubiquitylation of histone H2A occurs. We believe that these histone modifications within the histone-based chromatin architecture may lead to better access of enzymes and chromatin remodellers. This notion is supported by the presence of the architectural protein CTCF, numerous DNA breaks, SUMO, UbcD6 and high content of ubiquitin, as well as testes-specific nuclear proteasomes at this time. Moreover, we report the first transition protein-like chromosomal protein, Tpl94D, to be found in Drosophila. We propose that Tpl94D – an HMG box protein – and the numerous DNA breaks facilitate chromatin unwinding as a prelude to protamine and Mst77F deposition. Finally, we show that histone modifications and removal are independent of protamine synthesis.
The P2Y2 nucleotide receptor requires interaction with αv integrins to access and activate G12
Authors: Liao Zhongji , Seye Cheikh I. , Weisman Gary A. , Erb Laurie
Published: April 2007

The P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R) interacts with αv integrins to activate Go and induce chemotaxis in human 1321N1 astrocytoma cells. In this study, it was determined that the P2Y2R also requires interaction with αv integrins to activate G12 and associated signaling pathways that control chemotaxis in 1321N1 cells. Mutation of the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) integrin-binding sequence in the first extracellular loop of the human P2Y2R to Arg-Gly-Glu (RGE), which prevents integrin interaction, did not inhibit Gq or ERK1/2 signaling by the P2Y2R agonist UTP but completely inhibited activation of G12 and G12-mediated events, including Rho activation, cofilin and myosin light chain-2 phosphorylation, stress fiber formation and chemotaxis towards UTP. The involvement of G12 in all these events was verified by using a dominant negative Gα12 construct. G12 activation by the P2Y2R also was inhibited by anti-αvβ5 integrin antibodies and αv integrin antisense oligonucleotides, suggesting that αv integrin activity and expression are required for the P2Y2R to activate G12. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that Gα12 protein associates with the wild-type P2Y2R and with αv integrins but not with the RGE mutant P2Y2R or with α3 integrins. Collectively, these results suggest that αv integrin complexes provide the P2Y2R with access to G12, thereby allowing activation of this heterotrimeric G protein that controls actin cytoskeletal rearrangements required for chemotaxis.
The role of GW/P-bodies in RNA processing and silencing
Authors: Jakymiw Andrew , Pauley Kaleb M. , Li Songqing , Ikeda Keigo , Lian Shangli , Eystathioy Theophany , Satoh Minoru , Fritzler Marvin J. , Chan Edward K. L.
Published: April 2007

GW bodies, also known as mammalian P-bodies, are cytoplasmic foci involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. Recently, GW bodies have been linked to RNA interference and demonstrated to be important for short-interfering-RNA- and microRNA-mediated mRNA decay and translational repression. Evidence indicates that both passenger and guide strands of short-interfering RNA duplexes can localize to GW bodies, thereby indicating that RNA-induced silencing complexes may be activated within these cytoplasmic centers. Work over the past few years has significantly increased our understanding of the biology of GW bodies, revealing that they are specialized cell components that spatially regulate mRNA turnover in various biological processes. Formation of GW bodies appears to depend on both specific protein factors and RNA, in particular, microRNA. Here, we propose a working model for GW body assembly in terms of its relationship to RNA interference. In this process, one or more heteromeric protein complexes accumulate in successive steps into larger ribonucleoprotein structures.
Design and analysis of radially tapered disc springs with parabolically varying thickness
Authors: Saini P K , Kumar P , Tandon P
Published: April 2007

A theoretical analysis on Belleville spring with parabolically varying thickness is presented in this study. The analysis aims at modifying the thickness profile of radially tapered Belleville spring in order to increase the span of null slope zone in its stiffness curve, which is beneficial in some regulation processes. The expression for linearly varying thickness used by Rosa et al. is modified to incorporate a curvature factor and the corresponding load as well as stress equations are derived using the hypothesis of Almen-Laszlo. On the basis of this analysis, it is found that a spring with convex parabolic thickness profile serves better than an equally tapered spring with linear profile in regulation processes.
Predicting quarter-buckling and herringbone buckling in rolled strip
Authors: Zhou Z , Thomson P F , Lam Y C , Yuen D D W
Published: April 2007

Although edge-wave and centre-buckles in rolled strip are believed to be largely self-equilibrated, the result of residual stress, formation of herringbone and quarter-buckles in hot- or cold-rolled strip is believed to require application of external stress. It is verified here that stress distributions such as those indicated by Roberts are possible causes of quarter-buckling and herringbone buckling. Quarter-buckling is believed to result from stress in the sheet or strip produced by non-parabolic bending of the work rolls. Herringbone buckling is attributed to local regions of axial tension and compression in the transverse stress distribution, caused by misalignment, which effectively produces a shear in the sheet that may manifest itself in diagonal buckling.
Design and testing of a lead damper for seismic applications
Authors: Curadelli R O , Riera J D
Published: April 2007

The main objective of the research was the development of efficient, low-cost, and reliable structural dampers, suitable for use in structures subjected to wind, seismic, and other dynamic excitations. Different from similar dampers described in the literature, the energy dissipation device proposed herein works by plastic shear deformation of a set of lead rings. On account of its almost perfectly rigid-plastic behaviour, with little rate dependence, the device proved in laboratory tests to be able to absorb a large amount of energy during 103 cycles with no sign of shakedown. This article presents the basic design of the damper and the experimental determination of its mechanical characteristics by means of a set of cyclic tests, for frequencies ranging between 0.1 and 3 Hz and displacement amplitudes ranging from 1 to 12 mm. A simplified design procedure is proposed and verified by a numerical analysis using a finite-element model.
Robust simultaneous optimal design of structure and control for a wire bonding force control system
Authors: Fang L , Yin Y H , Chen Z N
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a novel methodology for a wire bonding force control system based on robust simultaneous optimal design of structure and control system. By this approach, overshoot of bonding force and effects of fluctuation of system parameters can be dealt with to fulfill the requirement of advanced wire bonding system. The first step is to investigate the close loop of wire bonding force control system. Next step, a robust optimization model and a performance index combined the overshoot and fluctuations of bonding force are presented. The third step is to optimize these parameters of controller and structure simultaneously to achieve the high-performance control system of the wire bonding force. Sensitivity analysis and genetic search algorithm are adopted to solve the optimization model. The experiments show that it is an effective way to design high-performance wire bonding force control system.
Analysis of equations of motion for second-order systems using generalized velocity components
Authors: Herman P
Published: April 2007

An analysis of equations of motion expressed in terms of generalized velocity components (GVCs) for two second-order systems is presented in this paper. The two-link planar manipulator and the cart-pendulum are considered. It was shown that using GVC, two firstorder differential equations are obtained, which give some useful information about the system. The analysis allows one to detect several interesting properties concerning the system. In addition, A friction or disturbance model based on GVC can be considered, which gives an interesting insight into the system dynamics. The results of the analysis can be extended to multi-body systems.
Design and analysis of a novel oil-air vibration isolator for microelectromechanical systems manufacturing platform
Authors: Ping Y , Fuyun L
Published: April 2007

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are a precision system. Therefore, vibration isolation is significant in the manufacture of MEMS devices. There are some microvibrations in working processing in environments, so MEMS manufacturing platform must be designed for safety. For example, vibrations come from the ground, motion interfere by other instruments, human ambulating, building swing, etc. The frequency of vibrations from these vibration fountains is found to be 0-100 Hz. The objective of this paper is to design a novel vibration isolator to improve the dynamics of MEMS manufacturing platform. The vibration isolator is designed through coupling oil and air by ingenious tactics. The physical mechanism of the vibration isolator is systematically investigated. The experimental results of a prototype in dynamic test show complex non-linear dynamic characteristics. Based on the test, a mathematical model is presented by analysing internal fluid dynamic phenomenon with respect to the vibration isolator. Comparisons with test data confirm the validity of the model. In the meantime, an optimal model for parameter matching design is built for parameters design of the vibration isolator. An example is illustrated to confirm the validity of design approach.
Instabilities of compressible fluid flow over a membrane
Authors: Dharmavaram S , Dasgupta A
Published: April 2007

This paper considers the linearized dynamics of flow of a compressible fluid over a stretched membrane. In particular, the stability of the flow has been studied, and identify the types of instability that occur has been identified. The zones of stability/instability in the Mach number-velocity ratio plane have been obtained. Three regions, namely neutrally stable, convectively unstable, and absolutely unstable, are observed to exist. It is found that low values of Mach number and velocity ratio yield a neutrally stable flow. At high Mach number and/or velocity ratio, the system becomes absolutely unstable. A zone of convective instability is also observed for a range of Mach number and velocity ratio.
Parametric modelling of helical rotors for efficient design of twin-screw superchargers
Authors: Ilie K , Subic A
Published: April 2007

The parametric three-dimensional geometric model of twin-screw supercharger rotors of any aspect ratio was developed. For model validation through visualization, computer-aided design (CAD) rotor models with scalable data were generated in commercial CAD software and calibrated experimentally by laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) tests. Calibrated rotor profile data can be transferred into CAD-CFD interface for flow simulation for performance optimization.