bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE NONCOVARIANT GAUGES IN 3-FORM THEORIES
Authors: UPADHYAY SUDHAKER , DWIVEDI MANOJ KUMAR , MANDAL BHABANI PRASAD
Published: April 2013

We study the 3-form gauge theory in the context of generalized BRST formulation. We construct the finite field-dependent BRST symmetry for such a theory. The generating functional for 3-form gauge theory in noncovariant gauge is obtained from that of covariant gauge. We further extend the results by considering 3-form gauge theory in the context of Batalin–Vilkovisky formulation.
ASSISTED KNOWLEDGE BASE GENERATION, MANAGEMENT AND COMPETENCE RETRIEVAL
Authors: BELLANDI ANDREA , BELLINI PIERFRANCESCO , CAPPUCCIO ANTONIO , NESI PAOLO , PANTALEO GIANNI , RAUCH NADIA
Published: April 2013

Despite the presence of many systems for developing and managing structured taxonomies and/or SKOS models for a given domain for which small documents set are accessible, the production and maintenance of these domain knowledge bases is still a very expensive and time consuming process. This paper proposes a solution for assisting expert users in the development and management of knowledge base, including SKOS and ontologies modeling structures and relationships. The proposed solution accelerates the knowledge production by crawling and exploiting different kinds of sources (in multiple languages and with several inconsistencies among them). The proposed tool supports the experts in defining relationships among the most recurrent concepts, reducing the time to SKOS production and allowing assisted production. The validity of the produced knowledge base has been assessed by using SPARQL query interface and a precision and recall model. The results have demonstrated better performance with respect to the state of the art. The solution has been developed for Open Space Innovative Mind project, with the aim of creating a portal to allow industries at posing semantic queries to discover potential competences in a large institution such as the University of Florence, in which several distinct domains are associated with its own departments.
MODELING HUMAN INTELLIGENCE WITH SLOW INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS
Authors: DONG TIANSI
Published: April 2013

Chang [S. K. Chang, A general framework for slow intelligence systems, International Journal of Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering, 20(1) (2010) 1–18.] argues that slow intelligence is a property shared by a large number of intelligent systems, and proposes a general framework, which has quick/slow decision cycles. The aim of this paper is to show that the general framework is applicable for modeling human intelligence. We show that the quick/slow decision cycles model the procedural/declarative memory system, and collect supports from adults' second language acquisition and aphasic bilinguals. As spatial cognition is fundamental in human intelligence, we show in detail how object tracing can be simulated within slow intelligence framework. We introduce a psychological experiment on object tracing, and present two rules in psychology which govern object tracing results under certain conditions, namely, the rule of minimal spatial transformation, and the rule of categorical continuity. We review related works in spatial knowledge representation and reduce object tracing problems into the problem of object mapping. We show that the following capabilities can be simulated in the slow intelligence framework: the capability of acquiring knowledge about one scene, and the capability of mapping object between scenes. An experimental result is presented.
A META-TOOL TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING METHODOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Authors: FLÓREZ JOSÉ ELOY , CARBÓ JAVIER , FERNÁNDEZ FERNANDO
Published: April 2013

Knowledge-based systems (KBSs) or expert systems (ESs) are able to solve problems generally through the application of knowledge representing a domain and a set of inference rules. In knowledge engineering (KE), the use of KBSs in the real world, three principal disadvantages have been encountered. First, the knowledge acquisition process has a very high cost in terms of money and time. Second, processing information provided by experts is often difficult and tedious. Third, the establishment of mark times associated with each project phase is difficult due to the complexity described in the previous two points. In response to these obstacles, many methodologies have been developed, most of which include a tool to support the application of the given methodology. Nevertheless, there are advantages and disadvantages inherent in KE methodologies, as well. For instance, particular phases or components of certain methodologies seem to be better equipped than others to respond to a given problem. However, since KE tools currently available support just one methodology the joint use of these phases or components from different methodologies for the solution of a particular problem is hindered. This paper presents KEManager, a generic meta-tool that facilitates the definition and combined application of phases or components from different methodologies. Although other methodologies could be defined and combined in the KEManager, this paper focuses on the combination of two well-known KE methodologies, CommonKADS and IDEAL, together with the most commonly-applied knowledge acquisition methods. The result is an example of the ad hoc creation of a new methodology from pre-existing methodologies, allowing for the adaptation of the KE process to an organization or domain-specific characteristics. The tool was evaluated by students at Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain).
Marketing Information System (MkIS): Benefits for Small and Medium Enterprises in Fiji
Authors: Devi Kritika , Singh Gurmeet , Naz Rafia
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the benefits of using Marketing Information System (MkIS) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Fiji. The paper comprises of quantitative data, which is comprehensively analysed statistically. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the SMEs from five major towns in Fiji forming a sample of 96 SMEs. This research has found that, SMEs in Fiji are quite aware of the resulting benefits of MkIS, though the usage rate is low. This has resulted in changes for SMEs' business in terms of growth (sales and profits), from the time when SMEs started using MkIS or any form of technologies. The importance of MkIS in making extreme decision is also tested and analysed.
Synthesis of water-soluble cobalt and zinc phthalocyanines with cationic substituents
Authors: Negrimovsky Vladimir , Volkov Konstantin
Published: April 2013

Hexadecasubstituted CoPc and ZnPc containing different number of N-methylpyridiniumoxy groups and chlorine atoms were synthesized. It was shown that increasing number of cationic groups leads both to increased solubility of complexes in dipolar aprotic organic solvents and in water, and to increased contribution of monomeric form in aggregation equilibrium in water up full disaggregation.
APPLICATION OF WELLS–RILEY EQUATIONS ON A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR ASSESSING THE TRANSMISSION OF TUBERCULOSIS IN PRISON SETTINGS
Authors: MUSHAYABASA STEADY
Published: April 2013

All over the world, tuberculosis is a public health problem in prisons due to the fact that many inmates come from communities at high risk of tuberculosis, to their living conditions in prisons and to the insufficiencies of prisons health services. In this paper, Wells–Riley's equation for modeling airborne infection within indoor environment is incorporated on a simple tuberculosis model, to investigate the effect of prison environment on the transmission dynamics of tuberculosis. At best the study suggests that a prison cell of volume 195 m3with 40 adult inmates comprising of 90% susceptibles and 10% infectives, requires a ventilation rate of 8 AC/h to maintain the reproductive number less than unity. However, if the population doubles then the ventilation required to maintain the reproductive number less than unity becomes 26 AC/h which is three times more than the actual ventilation rate required for a 100% full.
Bionanomaterials and Bioinspired Nanostructures for Selective Vapor Sensing
Authors: Potyrailo Radislav , Naik Rajesh R.
Published: April 2013

At present, monitoring of air at the workplace, in urban environments, and on battlefields; exhaled air from medical patients; air in packaged food containers; and so forth can be accomplished with different types of analytical instruments. Vapor sensors have their niche in these measurements when an unobtrusive, low-power, and cost-sensitive technical solution is required. Unfortunately, existing vapor sensors often degrade their vapor-quantitation accuracy in the presence of high levels of interferences and cannot quantitate several components in complex gas mixtures. Thus, new sensing approaches with improved sensor selectivity are required. This technological task can be accomplished by the careful design of sensing materials with new performance properties and by coupling these materials with the suitable physical transducers. This review is focused on the assessment of the capabilities of bionanomaterials and bioinspired nanostructures for selective vapor sensing. We demonstrate that these sensing materials can operate with diverse transducers based on electrical, mechanical, and optical readout principles and can provide vapor-response selectivity previously unattainable by using other sensing materials. This ability for selective vapor sensing provides opportunities to significantly impact the major directions in development and application scenarios of vapor sensors.
Expiratory muscle fatigue does not regulate operating lung volumes during high-intensity exercise in healthy humans
Authors: Taylor Bryan J. , How Stephen C. , Romer Lee M.
Published: April 2013

To determine whether expiratory muscle fatigue (EMF) is involved in regulating operating lung volumes during exercise, nine recreationally active subjects cycled at 90% of peak work rate to the limit of tolerance with prior induction of EMF (EMF-ex) and for a time equal to that achieved in EMF-ex without prior induction of EMF (ISO-ex). EMF was assessed by measuring changes in magnetically evoked gastric twitch pressure. Changes in end-expiratory and end-inspiratory lung volume (EELV and EILV) and the degree of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) were quantified using maximal expiratory flow-volume curves and inspiratory capacity maneuvers. Resistive breathing reduced gastric twitch pressure (−24 ± 14%, P = 0.004). During EMF-ex, EELV decreased from rest to the 3rd min of exercise [39 ± 8 vs. 27 ± 7% of forced vital capacity (FVC), P = 0.001] before increasing toward baseline (34 ± 8% of FVC end exercise, P = 0.073 vs. rest). EILV increased from rest to the 3rd min of exercise (54 ± 8 vs. 84 ± 9% of FVC, P = 0.006) and remained elevated to end exercise (88 ± 9% of FVC). Neither EELV ( P = 0.18) nor EILV ( P = 0.26) was different at any time point during EMF-ex vs. ISO-ex. Four subjects became expiratory flow limited during the final minute of EMF-ex and ISO-ex; the degree of EFL was not different between trials (37 ± 18 vs. 35 ± 16% of tidal volume, P = 0.38). At end exercise in both trials, EELV was greater in subjects without vs. subjects with EFL. These findings suggest that 1) contractile fatigue of the expiratory muscles in healthy humans does not regulate operating lung volumes during high-intensity sustained cycle exercise; and 2) factors other than “frank” EFL cause the terminal increase in EELV.
Identification of Targetable FGFR Gene Fusions in Diverse Cancers
Authors: Wu Yi-Mi , Su Fengyun , Kalyana-Sundaram Shanker , Khazanov Nickolay , Ateeq Bushra , Cao Xuhong , Lonigro Robert J. , Vats Pankaj , Wang Rui , Lin Su-Fang , Cheng Ann-Joy , Kunju Lakshmi P. , Siddiqui Javed , Tomlins Scott A. , Wyngaard Peter , Sadis Seth , Roychowdhury Sameek , Hussain Maha H. , Feng Felix Y. , Zalupski Mark M. , Talpaz Moshe , Pienta Kenneth J. , Rhodes Daniel R. , Robinson Dan R. , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: April 2013

Through a prospective clinical sequencing program for advanced cancers, four index cases were identified which harbor gene rearrangements of FGFR2, including patients with cholangiocarcinoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. After extending our assessment of FGFR rearrangements across multiple tumor cohorts, we identified additional FGFR fusions with intact kinase domains in lung squamous cell cancer, bladder cancer, thyroid cancer, oral cancer, glioblastoma, and head and neck squamous cell cancer. All FGFR fusion partners tested exhibit oligomerization capability, suggesting a shared mode of kinase activation. Overexpression of FGFR fusion proteins induced cell proliferation. Two bladder cancer cell lines that harbor FGFR3 fusion proteins exhibited enhanced susceptibility to pharmacologic inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Because of the combinatorial possibilities of FGFR family fusion to a variety of oligomerization partners, clinical sequencing efforts, which incorporate transcriptome analysis for gene fusions, are poised to identify rare, targetable FGFR fusions across diverse cancer types.

Significance: High-throughput sequencing technologies facilitate defining the mutational landscape of human cancers, which will lead to more precise treatment of patients with cancer. Here, through integrative sequencing efforts, we identified a variety of FGFR gene fusions in a spectrum of human cancers. FGFR fusions are active kinases. Cells harboring FGFR fusions showed enhanced sensitivity to the FGFR inhibitors PD173074 and pazopanib, suggesting that patients with cancer with FGFR fusions may benefit from targeted FGFR kinase inhibition. Cancer Discov; 3(6); 636–47. ©2013 AACR.

See related commentary by Sabnis and Bivona, p. 607

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 591
Angiosarcoma Presenting with Minor Erythema and Swelling
Authors: Cox Catherine A. , Wein Richard O. , Ghafouri Roya , Laver Nora M. , Heher Katrinka L. , Kapadia Mitesh K.
Published: April 2013

A 76-year-old man presented with slowly progressive swelling in his forehead and left upper eyelid over the course of three months. CT scanning showed non-specific enhancement of subcutaneous tissues, suggesting a low-grade cellulitis. Poor response to treatment prompted an MRI, which revealed the presence of a soft tissue lesion. Biopsy of this lesion was positive for angiosarcoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy and radiation, but unfortunately succumbed to his malignancy eight months later. This case illustrates a rare example of facial/periorbital angiosarcoma, a benign-appearing but aggressive tumor associated with a high incidence of mortality. A review of the literature and current treatment options are discussed.
Administration of Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in Early Childhood: A Post-Trial Effect on Caries Occurrence at Four Years of Age
Authors: Taipale T. , Pienihäkkinen K. , Alanen P. , Jokela J. , Söderling E.
Published: April 2013

Probiotic bifidobacteria are widely used in the prevention of childhood diseases. These bacteria are also associated with caries occurrence. The present secondary analysis in a low-caries population evaluated the effect of early administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on caries occurrence and identified markers of dental decay in early childhood. In the original randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (NCT00638677, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov), infants (n = 106) received BB-12, xylitol or sorbitol tablets from the age of 1-2 months to 2 years with a slow-release pacifier or a spoon (daily dose of BB-12 1010 colony-forming units, polyol 200-600 mg). The present data were collected using clinical examinations and questionnaires at the age of 4 years. The occurrence of dental caries was assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Oral hygiene status and mutans streptococci (MS) levels were also determined. No differences were detected between the study groups in the occurrence of enamel caries (p = 0.268) or obvious dentinal caries (p = 0.201). The occurrence of caries was associated with daily consumption of sweet drinks (p = 0.028), visible plaque observed (p = 0.002) and MS detected in the dental plaque (p = 0.002). Administration of BB-12 in infancy does not seem to increase or decrease the occurrence of caries by 4 years of age in a low-caries population.
Genotypes and Virulence Genes in Group B Streptococcus Isolated in the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait
Authors: Udo Edet E. , Boswihi Samar S. , Al-Sweih Noura
Published: April 2013

Objective: To characterize group B streptococcus (GBS) isolates obtained from patients at the Maternity Hospital in Kuwait for their genotypes and carriage of virulence genes. Materials and Methods: A total of 154 GBS isolates were obtained from July 1 to October 31, 2007, from vaginal swabs (n = 95), urine (n = 46), blood (n = 4) and miscellaneous sources (n = 9). Genotypes were obtained by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), following digestion with SmaI or EagI restriction enzymes. PCR was used to screen for the carriage of virulence genes including: surface protein of group B streptococcus (spb1), secreted fibrinogen-binding protein (fbsB), C5a peptidase (scpB), laminin-binding protein (lmb), α- (bca) and β-subunits of the C protein (bac), resistance to protease immunity protein (rib), and phage-associated gene (pag); regulatory protein (dltR), and toxins CAMP factor (cfb), hyaluronidase (hylB) and superoxide dismutase (sodA). Results: PFGE defined 14 genotypes differentiating isolates with the same serotypes into different genetic backgrounds. All isolates contained genes for virulence factors. However, cfb (99.4%), scpB (88.3%), lmb (88.3%), bca (57.8%), sodA (55.8%) and dltR (53.9%) were the common virulence genes. In total, 144 (90.3%) of the isolates contained 3 or more virulence genes. However, while cfb, lmb and scpB occurred in all genotypes, others occurred in some but not in all genotypes. Conclusions: GBS isolates obtained at the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait, belonged to diverse genetic backgrounds with the majority carrying multiple virulence genes.
Loss of Function of Parathyroid Hormone Receptor 1 Induces Notch-Dependent Aortic Defects During Zebrafish Vascular Development
Authors: Gray Caroline , Bratt David , Lees Julie , daCosta Marc , Plant Karen , Watson Oliver J. , Solaymani-Kohal Sara , Tazzyman Simon , Serbanovic-Canic Jovana , Crossman David C. , Keavney Bernard D. , Haase Andrea , McMahon Kathryn , Gering Martin , Roehl Henry , Evans Paul C. , Chico Timothy J.A.
Published: April 2013

Objective—

Coarctation of the aorta is rarely associated with known gene defects. Blomstrand chondrodysplasia, caused by mutations in the parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR1) is associated with coarctation of the aorta in some cases, although it is unclear whether PTHR1 deficiency causes coarctation of the aorta directly. The zebrafish allows the study of vascular development using approaches not possible in other models. We therefore examined the effect of loss of function of PTHR1 or its ligand parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) on aortic formation in zebrafish.

Approach and Results—

Morpholino antisense oligonucleotide knockdown of either PTHR1 or PTHrP led to a localized occlusion of the mid-aorta in developing zebrafish. Confocal imaging of transgenic embryos showed that these defects were caused by loss of endothelium, rather than failure to lumenize. Using a Notch reporter transgenic ([
CSL:Venus
]
qmc61
), we found both PTHR1 and PTHrP knockdown-induced defective Notch signaling in the hypochord at the site of the aortic defect before onset of circulation, and the aortic occlusion was rescued by inducible Notch upregulation.

Conclusions—

Loss of function of either PTHR1 or PTHrP leads to a localized aortic defect that is Notch dependent. These findings may underlie the aortic defect seen in Blomstrand chondrodysplasia, and reveal a link between parathyroid hormone and Notch signaling during aortic development.
Characterization of Levels and Cellular Transfer of Circulating Lipoprotein-Bound MicroRNAs
Authors: Wagner Jasmin , Riwanto Meliana , Besler Christian , Knau Andrea , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Röxe Tino , Zeiher Andreas M. , Landmesser Ulf , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: April 2013

Objective—

MicroRNAs are important intracellular regulators of gene expression, but also circulate in the blood being protected by extracellular vesicles, proteins, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Here, we evaluate the regulation and potential function of HDL- and low-density lipoprotein–bound miRs isolated from healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease.

Approach and Results—

HDL-bound miRs with known effects in the cardiovascular system were analyzed in HDL isolated from healthy subjects (n=10), patients with stable coronary artery disease (n=10), and patients with an acute coronary syndrome (n=10). In HDL from healthy subjects, miR-223 was detected at concentrations >10 000 copies/µg HDL, and miR-126 and miR-92a at about 3000 copies/µg HDL. Concentrations of most miRs were substantially higher in HDL as compared with low-density lipoprotein. However, HDL-bound miR-223 contributed to only 8% of the total circulating miRs. The signatures of miRs varied only slightly in HDL derived from patients with coronary artery disease. We did not observe a significant uptake of HDL-bound miRs into endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, patient-derived HDL transiently reduced miR expression particularly when incubated with smooth muscle and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Conclusions—

Circulating miRs are detected in HDL and to a lesser extent in low-density lipoprotein, and the miR-signatures are only slightly altered in patients with coronary artery disease. Lipoprotein-bound miRs were not efficiently delivered to endothelial, smooth muscle, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells suggesting that the lipoprotein-associated pool of miRs is not regulating the function of the studied cells in vitro.
ABCA1 Mediates Unfolding of Apolipoprotein AI N Terminus on the Cell Surface Before Lipidation and Release of Nascent High-Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Wang Shuhui , Gulshan Kailash , Brubaker Gregory , Hazen Stanley L. , Smith Jonathan D.
Published: April 2013

Objective—

To gain insight into the mechanism by which ABCA1 generates nascent high-density lipoprotein.

Approach and Results—

HEK293 cells were stably transfected with ABCA1 vectors, encoding wild type, and the W590S and C1477R Tangier disease mutation isoforms, along with the K939M ATP-binding domain mutant. Apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) binding, plasma membrane remodeling, cholesterol efflux, apoAI cell surface unfolding, and apoAI cell surface lipidation were determined, the latter 2 measured using novel fluorescent apoAI indicators. The W590S isoform had decreased plasma membrane remodeling and lipid efflux activities, and the C1477R isoform had decreased apoAI binding, and lipid efflux activities, whereas the K939M isoform did not bind apoAI, remodel the membrane, or efflux cholesterol. However, all ABCA1 isoforms led to apoAI unfolding at the cell surface, which was higher for the isoforms that increased apoAI binding. ApoAI lipidation was not detected on ABCA1-expressing cells, only in the conditioned medium, consistent with rapid release of nascent high-density lipoprotein from ABCA1-expressing cells.

Conclusions—

We identified a third activity of ABCA1, the ability to unfold the N terminus of apoAI on the cell surface. Our results support a model in which unfolded apoAI on the cell surface is an intermediate in its lipidation and that, once apoAI is lipidated, it forms an unstable structure that is rapidly released from the cells to generate high-density lipoprotein.
MicroRNA-93 Controls Perfusion Recovery After Hindlimb Ischemia by Modulating Expression of Multiple Genes in the Cell Cycle Pathway
Authors: Hazarika Surovi , Farber Charles R. , Dokun Ayotunde O. , Pitsillides Achillieas N. , Wang Tao , Lye R. John , Annex Brian H.
Published: April 2013

Background—

MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene expression in response to injury, but there is limited knowledge of their role in ischemia-induced angiogenesis, such as in peripheral arterial disease. Here, we used an unbiased strategy and took advantage of different phenotypic outcomes that follow surgically induced hindlimb ischemia between inbred mouse strains to identify key microRNAs involved in perfusion recovery from hindlimb ischemia.

Methods and Results—

From comparative microRNA profiling between inbred mouse strains that display profound differences in their extent of perfusion recovery after hindlimb ischemia, we found that the mouse strain with higher levels of microRNA-93 (miR-93) in hindlimb muscle before ischemia and the greater ability to upregulate miR-93 in response to ischemia had better perfusion recovery. In vitro, overexpression of miR-93 attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis in both endothelial and skeletal muscle cells and enhanced proliferation in both cell types. In addition, miR-93 overexpression enhanced endothelial cell tube formation. In vivo, miR-93 overexpression enhanced capillary density and perfusion recovery from hindlimb ischemia, and antagomirs to miR-93 attenuated perfusion recovery. Both in vitro and in vivo modulation of miR-93 resulted in alterations in the expression of >1 cell cycle pathway gene in 2 different cell types.

Conclusions—

Our data indicate that miR-93 enhances perfusion recovery from hindlimb ischemia by modulation of multiple genes that coordinate the functional pathways of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, miR-93 is a strong potential target for pharmacological modulation to promote angiogenesis in ischemic tissue.
Cladistic analysis and synopsis of Chloropepla Stål (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) with the description of three new species
Authors: Greve Caroline , Schwertner Cristiano F. , Grazia Jocelia
Published: April 2013

The present work brings together the dispersed information on the Neotropical genus Chloropepla. It was established in 1867 by Stål and reviewed in 1968 by Grazia; since the revision, ten new species have been added. In this work a cladistic analysis of the species of Chloropepla is presented. The monophyly of the genus was confirmed. Three monophyletic groups of species were identified: clade A (C. rideri sp.n., C. paveli, C. vigens, C. luteipennis), clade B (C. costaricensis sp.n., C. aurea and C. pirani) and clade C (C. dollingi, C. tucuriuensis, C. stysi, C. caxiuanensis sp.n. and C. rolstoni). An extended description of the genus and diagnoses for the species are provided. Three new species from Costa Rica, Venezuela and Brazil are described extending the northern distribution of the genus into Central America. A key to the species is also provided.
People, Place, and System
Authors: Marwell Nicole P. , McQuarrie Michael
Published: April 2013

This article offers a theoretical framework for thinking about how organizations matter for the production, reproduction, and amelioration of urban poverty. We draw on the classical concept of integration, in both its social and systemic versions, as an important tool for advancing urban social theory. A key challenge for urban organizational analysts is to keep within view the processes of both social and systemic integration, while empirically investigating how they are connected (or not). Too many urban researchers focus on one or the other, with little conceptualization of the importance of linking the two. We argue that urban organizations of all kinds provide a strategic site for observing processes of both social and systemic integration, and that urban organizational research should examine many of them to better understand the multiple urban transformations currently in process.
Studying the Roles of Nonprofits, Government, and Business in Providing Activities and Services to Youth in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area
Authors: Galaskiewicz Joseph , Mayorova Olga V. , Duckles Beth M.
Published: April 2013

The article addresses the questions, What do children in urban areas do on Saturdays? What types of organizational resources do they have access to? Does this vary by social class? Using diary data on children’s activities on Saturdays in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area, the authors describe the different types of venues (households, businesses, public space, associations, charities, congregations, and government/tribal agencies) that served different types of children. They find that the likelihood of using a charity or business rather than a government or tribal provider increased with family income. Also, the likelihood of using a congregation or a government facility rather than a business, charity, or household increased with being Hispanic. The authors discuss the implications for the urban division of labor on Saturdays and offer research questions that need further investigation.
Beyond Hierarchies and Markets
Authors: Fuller Bruce , Koon Danfeng Soto-Vigil
Published: April 2013

The state has experimented with a range of decentralized school organizations over the past half century, in part aiming to lift poor children. This movement stems from not only neoliberal ideology but also from the earlier “Third Way” of advancing public projects—severing local organizing from the state’s bureaucratic rules, while stopping short of atomized market remedies. This article first examines the economic and institutional forces that drive civic activists to advance decentralizing remedies, especially the spread of nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and client choice in the education sector. We then detail the uneven empirical benefits of three decentralizing segments of the education sector: preschools, parental vouchers, and charter schools. Finally we move beneath surface-level governance changes to highlight how particular social relations found inside decentralized organizations at times do yield discernible, even sizable, benefits. Comparative cases reveal a second generation of decentralists, who build from the lessons of their policy ancestors. Second-wave decentralists are keenly focused on a social architecture that motivates poor children and educators.
Segregating Shelter
Authors: DeLuca Stefanie , Garboden Philip M. E. , Rosenblatt Peter
Published: April 2013

Individuals participating in the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program, formerly Section 8, can rent units in the private market and are not tied to public housing projects in a specific neighborhood. We would expect vouchers to help poor families leave the ghetto and move to more diverse communities with higher socioeconomic opportunity, but many voucher holders remain concentrated in poor, segregated communities. We use longitudinal qualitative data from one hundred low-income African American families in Mobile, Alabama, to explore this phenomenon, finding that tenants’ limited housing search resources, involuntary mobility, landlord practices, and several aspects of the voucher program itself limit families’ ability to escape disadvantaged areas. We also find that the voucher program’s regulations and funding structures do not incentivize housing authorities to promote neighborhood mobility and residential choice. This combination of forces often keeps voucher recipients in neighborhoods with high concentrations of poor and minority residents.
Exploring Corporate Community Engagement in Switzerland
Authors: Lorenz Christian , Gentile Gian-Claudio , Wehner Theo
Published: April 2013

This research note presents data concerning the community engagement activities of 2,096 Swiss companies as reported by a single company respondent in an online survey. Switzerland affords an interesting opportunity to compare engagement activities in a single country with multiple culture systems across companies varying in size from large to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Study results show that 78% of the surveyed firms pursue some community engagement activities. While engagement is mostly practiced in traditional forms (e.g., donations), more active forms (e.g., supporting employees’ private volunteering) are not uncommon. The main motivating factor is a concern for the communities in which the firms operate. Engagement activities are mostly employed independent of financial considerations and are conducted flexibly to serve personal interests of the firms’ decision makers. Swiss firms’ reported environmental assessment activities show no specific patterning. Perceiving engagement to be on the rise globally and in Switzerland is associated with a greater likelihood to be involved. Accordingly, knowing other engagement pursuing firms increases the individual firm engagement probability. The German speaking part of Switzerland is more active in engagement than the French and Italian speaking parts. Bigger companies pursue engagement activities more intensively and strategically than do SMEs.
Applying Social Cognitive Career Theory to Criminal Justice Populations
Authors: Brown Steven D. , Lent Robert W. , Knoll Michael
Published: April 2013

We comment on the major contributions on applications of vocational psychology to criminal justice populations. All three articles present exciting directions for vocational psychology research and practice—directions that have exceptional resonance with the field’s commitment to social justice. We are intrigued by the authors’ use of social cognitive career theory (SCCT), along with the risks–need–responsivity model, as a theoretical platform for enhancing the vocational development of offenders. We suggest that this integrative effort may be aided by inclusion of a new SCCT process model of career development. We briefly summarize this process model and consider how it may be applied to interventions designed to promote vocational outcomes and reduce recidivism with criminal justice populations.
Non-ABO blood group systems phenotyping in non-human primates for blood banking laboratory and xenotransplantation
Authors: Ramis G , Martínez-Alarcon L , Quereda J J , Mrowiec A , Funes C , Ríos A , Ramírez P , Muñoz A , Majado M J
Published: April 2013

Some biomedical research procedures, such as organ xenotransplantation, usually require intensive hemotherapy. Knowledge of the whole phenotype of blood donor and graft could be useful in the field of xenotransplantation. Human and simian-type categories of blood groups have been established and they can be tested by standard methods used for human blood grouping. The aim of this work was to study the incidence of non-ABO blood group systems in different species of nonhuman primates, which are employed in biomedical research. The phenotype of Rh, Lewis, Kidd, Kell, MNSs, Lutheran, P and Duffy antigens was investigated in olive baboon ( n = 48), chacma baboon ( n = 9), Guinea baboon ( n = 14), Rhesus macaque ( n = 38) and squirrel monkey ( n = 30) by using commercial microtyping cards. Kell, Lutheran, Kidd and Duffy antigens have been detected in all species, Rh in squirrel monkey, MNSs in rhesus macaque and squirrel monkey, and Lewis in baboon and rhesus macaque. There were differences in frequency and haemagglutination scores between species regardless of their gender and age. The main differences were found in squirrel monkey when compared with baboons and macaques. This typing system provides a tool to assess the presence of antigens in animals used for experimental procedures, such as xenotransplantation and xenotransfusion.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of minute virus of mice and mouse parvovirus infections in laboratory mice
Authors: Wang K W , Chueh L L , Wang M H , Huang Y T , Fang B H , Chang C Y , Fang M C , Chou J Y , Hsieh S C , Wan C H
Published: April 2013

Mouse parvoviruses are among the most prevalent infectious pathogens in contemporary mouse colonies. To improve the efficiency of routine screening for mouse parvovirus infections, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the VP gene was developed. The assay detected minute virus of mice (MVM), mouse parvovirus (MPV) and a mouse housekeeping gene (α-actin) and was able to specifically detect MVM and MPV at levels as low as 50 copies. Co-infection with the two viruses with up to 200-fold differences in viral concentrations can easily be detected. The multiplex PCR assay developed here could be a useful tool for monitoring mouse health and the viral contamination of biological materials.
Call-type dependence in multiskill call centers
Authors: Jaoua Amel , L’Ecuyer Pierre , Delorme Louis
Published: April 2013

The effect on multiskill call-center performance of pooling dependent call types is investigated. For this purpose, a copula-based modeling approach is used to provide multivariate models that take into account the call types’ asymmetric dependence structures found in empirical data. Then, the realistic input models of the call-type-dependent arrival processes are used in a simulation study to explore the sensitivity of the pooling decision to this dependence. We find that the widely used assumption of independence, as well as the misspecification of the dependence structure, can lead to substantial misestimation of call-center performance. This demonstrates the importance of modeling call-type dependence in stochastic simulation studies of call centers. We also show, through case studies, that pooling two asymmetric left-tail-dependent call types is more likely to lead to low agents occupancy; whereas the presence of right-tail dependence structure increases the risk of service-level shortfall. This work provides new managerial insights to improve decision making in determining which call types to merge in the same pool in multiskill call centers.
Modeling and simulation of a wind farm in the presence of power electronic devices for the enhancement of transient stability
Authors: Farhang Peyman , Jalilzadeh Saeid , Kazemi Ahad
Published: April 2013

A comprehensive comparative study is made of a pitch control system and shunt flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices in order to improve large wind farm operation. Transient stability analysis of a large wind farm in the presence of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), static var compensator (SVC) and pitch controller is performed. The proposed control strategy of the STATCOM is based on PWM control; both the angle and the magnitude of the converter output voltage and the proposed SMES control system is based on a PWM voltage-source converter and a two-quadrant DC–DC chopper using an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Furthermore, robust control systems are designed for SVC and pitch controllers. To investigate the operation of the wind farm with contribution of these devices, two scenarios are considered and simulated. First, extensive analysis of a symmetrical three-phase fault and its effects on system operation is carried out. A permanent fault due to unsuccessful reclosing is analysed; this is one of the most noticeable features of this study. PSCAD/EMTDC software is used for modeling and simulation of the system components and proposed control strategies for power electronic interfaces. System performance analysis under different operating conditions and performance indices show the effectiveness of the proposed controllers even when a severe fault is applied.
Skewed Sex Ratio and Migrant Brides in Haryana: Reflections from the Field
Authors: Mukherjee Sonali
Published: April 2013

A significant social consequence of the prevailing skewed sex ratio in some of the prosperous regions of India is a shortage of marriageable women which is resulting in the ‘import’ of brides from relatively poorer regions. In the northern state of Haryana, which has one of the lowest female to male sex ratios, a substantial number of men have acquired poor women as brides from southern and eastern regions of India like West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, etc. In a country like India where each state has its own cultural and ethnic identity, such marriages are bound to have social repercussions. In this context, the migrant bride either negotiates within the given cultural space or gets completely assimilated into the newer culture. The present article is an attempt to understand the phenomenon of these cross-regional marriages in Haryana. Deliberations reflect on the resistance in the Haryana society in acknowledging that lesser availability of marriageable women is a fall-out of the skewed sex ratio. The article also dwells on the attempts to find facile explanations for cross-regional marriages in class and caste disparities.
Tribal Resistance Movements and the Politics of Development-Induced Displacement in Contemporary Orissa
Authors: Pattnaik Binay Kumar
Published: April 2013

The article is a study of two tribal movements based on development-induced displacements in contemporary Orissa. In fact, all the two micro-movement studies are resistance movements against mining based heavy metal industries, e.g. against the Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL) at Kashipur and against the Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. (VAL) at Lanjigarh. Based on both primary and secondary data, the study is an exercise in new social movement theory. Within the analytical framework of new social movement perspective, the article attempts to explore the nature and extent of displacement and loss of livelihood caused by the projects along with the issues of disappearing tribal culture and tribal identity with the advent of modernity and its corresponding alien culture. Further, it explores the extent of politicisation of the movements. In its continued exploration, the article articulates the role of the civil society (intellectuals, mass media, activists’ organisations and NGOs) in shaping the course of the movement. Lastly, it explicates the questions on development discourse and emergent policy issues from these micro-movements.
Reservation and Women’s Political Freedom: Candidates’ Experience from Three Gram Panchayats in Kerala, India
Authors: Jafar K.
Published: April 2013

Based on the capability approach, this article tries to see the implications of reservation policy on the political freedom of women in Kerala. Using a primary survey of candidates in a recent panchayat election in Malappuram district of Kerala it establishes the role of reservation in bringing many educated young women into local politics and decision-making bodies. It also reflects on the role of party and non-party forces such as family and religion in local politics and political freedom of women. The article concludes that the new reservation has resulted in improving the constitutive political freedom of educated-young women in Kerala, but the instrumental political freedom resulted from reservation has not been as evident.
Book Review: Tools of Justice: Non-Discrimination and the Indian Constitution
Authors: Gonsalves Colin
Published: April 2013

Kalpana Kannabiran, Tools of Justice: Non-Discrimination and the Indian Constitution, Routledge India, 2012, pp. 520, ₹ 995
Book Review: Burning Bright: Irom Sharmila and the Struggle for Peace in Manipur
Authors: Kundu Sampa
Published: April 2013

Deepti Priya Mehrotra, Burning Bright: Irom Sharmila and the Struggle for Peace in Manipur, Penguin Books India, 2009, p. 219
Social Movements, Left Governments, and the Limits of Water Sector Reform in Latin America’s Left Turn
Authors: Terhorst Philipp , Olivera Marcela , Dwinell Alexander
Published: April 2013

Popular water movements were a crucial part of the rise of left social forces and governments in Latin America, and in Uruguay, Bolivia, and Ecuador, in particular, they set new agendas. An examination of the relation between social movements and left governments in the search for post-neoliberal pathways in the water sector reveals political experimentation with contradictory results. Structural dependencies and the failure to develop, through the politics of the left turn, state-society relations conducive to sector transformation limit the scope of maneuver for alternatives. A radical politics of mass mobilization has been indispensable in water reforms. Likewise, effective implementation of alternatives to neoliberalism requires, even at the risk of ongoing conflict, interaction between movements and governments that respects the autonomy of the people, reduces predominant capitalist dependencies, and transforms the state.

Los movimientos populares por el agua constituyeron una parte crucial del auge de gobiernos y fuerzas sociales de izquierda en América Latina, y en Uruguay, Bolivia y Ecuador, en particular, fijaron nuevas agendas. Un examen de la relación entre movimientos sociales y gobiernos de izquierda en la búsqueda de caminos post-neoliberales en el sector del agua revela experimentación política con resultados contradictorios. Las dependencias estructurales e incapacidad de desarrollar, a través de las políticas del giro a la izquierda, relaciones estado-sociedad que conducían a transformaciones sectoriales limitan el campo de maniobra para alternativas. Una política radical de movilización masiva ha sido indispensable en las reformas del agua. Asimismo, una implementación efectiva de alternativas al neoliberalismo requiere interacción, aun a riesgo de conflicto continuo, entre movimientos y gobiernos que respeta la autonomía del pueblo, reduce dependencias capitalistas predominantes, y transforma el estado.
Micro-cultural influences on theory of mind development
Authors: Kuntoro Ike Anggraika , Saraswati Liliek , Peterson Candida , Slaughter Virginia
Published: April 2013

We investigated cultural influences on young children’s acquisition of social-cognitive concepts. A theory of mind (ToM) scale (Wellman & Liu, 2004) was given to 129 children (71 boys, 58 girls) ranging in age from 3 years 0 months to 7 years 10 months. The children were from three distinct cultural groups: (a) trash pickers ( pemulung) living a subsistence lifestyle in Jakarta, Indonesia; (b) middle-class Jakartans living and attending preschools within 5 km of the pemulung group; and (c) middle-class Australians. All children were individually tested in their native language. Cross-group comparisons revealed no significant differences among the three groups in mastery of false belief (the traditional ToM indicator), despite their widely different socio-economic circumstances. However, the pemulung children were slower than the two middle-class groups in mastering two other ToM concepts, namely knowledge access and emotion concealment. These findings shed new light on patterns of cross-cultural consistency in false-belief mastery, as well as revealing cross-cultural variation in other ToM concepts that plausibly reflect variation in children’s everyday life circumstances.