bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Opinions of Injecting Drug User (IDUs) HIV Patients and Health Professionals on Access to Antiretroviral Treatment and Health Services in Valencia, Spain
Authors: Hera Manuela Garcia de la , Davo Maria Carmen , Ballester-Añón Rosa , Vioque Jesus
Published: March 2011

The benefits of HIV treatment (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy [HAART]) have been less apparent in injecting drug users (IDUs), most probably as a result of poor adherence to treatment. We explored factors related to HIV treatment adherence as reported by 23 IDU-HIV patients and nine health professionals from healthcare services in Alicante and Valencia, Spain. We carried out a qualitative study based on personal interviews. Health professionals reported the lack of coordination among hospital services and difficulties in accessibility to nonspecialized services for IDU-HIV patients as relevant factors for treatment adherence. Their perception of a patient’s likelihood of treatment adherence was also considered to influence the decision to prescribe HAART. A better treatment adherence was reported by those IDU-HIV patients with a good doctor–patient relationship and by women with family responsibilities. Patients considered the side effects of HIV treatment, the lack of social support, and the active use of recreational drugs as relevant factors to explain incompliance. Interventions and training of health providers should be aimed at the reduction of barriers in patient–provider communication and the overcoming of stereotypes, thus avoiding discriminatory attitudes in treatment in this vulnerable population.
Community Meetings on Acute Psychiatric Wards
Authors: Novakovic Aleksandra
Published: March 2011

The aim of this article is to present findings from observations of community meetings on acute psychiatric wards, and the implications of these findings for planning psychology and psychotherapy input to the acute care services.

Community meetings were facilitated on a weekly basis on the acute wards and they were an opportunity for staff and patients to work jointly on various tasks. It was hoped that observations of these meetings would provide a greater insight into the nature of interactions between staff and patients and problems that staff might encounter in their work with acutely unwell patients, and that this would help in planning how to support staff in their work. Observations showed that in the context of community meetings, it was difficult for staff to engage with patients in a more containing and therapeutic manner, and that there were prevailing anxieties in work with patients who presented with severe emotional distress. The conclusion based on the Observation Project is that in addition to planning the provision of direct psychology input to patients, it would be equally important to plan indirect work, such as provision of staff groups facilitated by professionals who have specialist expertise in working with groups. 1
Across the great divide: Boundaries and boundary objects in art and science
Authors: Halpern Megan K.
Published: March 2011

This paper explores collaboration between artists and scientists through participant observation. Four artist/scientist pairs worked together to create ten-minute performances for a festival held in January, 2009 in Ithaca, New York. Each pair created their piece over the course of three two-hour meetings, the first of which employed a cultural probe to open a discourse between the artist and scientist and to facilitate collaboration. My role as a participant observer allowed me to closely observe collaborative processes in which pairs engaged in boundary work and made use of boundary objects. The boundary work helped the pairs establish authority and autonomy within their respective sub-fields, while at the same time provoking discussions that led to the creation of their projects. The pairs used three types of boundary objects: existing, created, and appropriated. These established a common language by which they could create and present their performances to an audience.
Formal Mentoring Relationships and Attachment Theory: Implications for Human Resource Development
Authors: Germain Marie-Line
Published: March 2011

An attachment theory perspective of mentoring is presented to explain the degree of functionality of a mentor—protégé formal match in an organizational setting. By focusing on Bowlby’s (1969/1982) behavioral system of attachment and its triarchic taxonomy of secure, avoidant, and anxious-ambivalent attachment, previous conceptualizations are expanded by illuminating relational concepts that mentors and supervisors could use to facilitate employee learning and development. A short attachment style assessment and a mentor—protégé(e) attachment style pairing guide are presented.
Aspirin about 50 years of age for the primary prevention of disease?
Authors: Morgan Gareth P
Published: March 2011

Dr Gareth P Morgan FRSPH, Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University argues that everyone who has reached their half century could consider taking aspirin
HIV infection of dendritic cells subverts the IFN induction pathway via IRF-1 and inhibits type 1 IFN production
Authors: Harman Andrew N. , Lai Joey , Turville Stuart , Samarajiwa Shamith , Gray Lachlan , Marsden Valerie , Mercier Sarah K. , Jones Kate , Nasr Najla , Rustagi Arjun , Cumming Helen , Donaghy Heather , Mak Johnson , Gale Michael , Churchill Melissa , Hertzog Paul , Cunningham Anthony L.
Published: March 2011

Many viruses have developed mechanisms to evade the IFN response. Here, HIV-1 was shown to induce a distinct subset of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), without detectable type I or II IFN. These ISGs all contained an IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) binding site in their promoters, and their expression was shown to be driven by IRF-1, indicating this subset was induced directly by viral infection by IRF-1. IRF-1 and -7 protein expression was enriched in HIV p24 antigen-positive DCs. A HIV deletion mutant with the IRF-1 binding site deleted from the long terminal repeat showed reduced growth kinetics. Early and persistent induction of IRF-1 was coupled with sequential transient up-regulation of its 2 inhibitors, IRF-8, followed by IRF-2, suggesting a mechanism for IFN inhibition. HIV-1 mutants with Vpr deleted induced IFN, showing that Vpr is inhibitory. However, HIV IFN inhibition was mediated by failure of IRF-3 activation rather than by its degradation, as in T cells. In contrast, herpes simplex virus type 2 markedly induced IFNβ and a broader range of ISGs to higher levels, supporting the hypothesis that HIV-1 specifically manipulates the induction of IFN and ISGs to enhance its noncytopathic replication in DCs.
Down-regulation of BLIMP1α by the EBV oncogene, LMP-1, disrupts the plasma cell differentiation program and prevents viral replication in B cells: implications for the pathogenesis of EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Vrzalikova Katerina , Vockerodt Martina , Leonard Sarah , Bell Andrew , Wei Wenbin , Schrader Alexandra , Wright Kenneth L. , Kube Dieter , Rowe Martin , Woodman Ciaran B. , Murray Paul G.
Published: March 2011

An important pathogenic event in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphomas is the suppression of virus replication, which would otherwise lead to cell death. Because virus replication in B cells is intimately linked to their differentiation toward plasma cells, we asked whether the physiologic signals that drive normal B-cell differentiation are absent in EBV-transformed cells. We focused on BLIMP1α, a transcription factor that is required for plasma cell differentiation and that is inactivated in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. We show that BLIMP1α expression is down-regulated after EBV infection of primary germinal center B cells and that the EBV oncogene, latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1), is alone capable of inducing this down-regulation in these cells. Furthermore, the down-regulation of BLIMP1α by LMP-1 was accompanied by a partial disruption of the BLIMP1α transcriptional program, including the aberrant induction of MYC, the repression of which is required for terminal differentiation. Finally, we show that the ectopic expression of BLIMP1α in EBV-transformed cells can induce the viral lytic cycle. Our results suggest that LMP-1 expression in progenitor germinal center B cells could contribute to the pathogenesis of EBV-associated lymphomas by down-regulating BLIMP1α, in turn preventing plasma cell differentiation and induction of the viral lytic cycle.
Oxidase-deficient neutrophils from X-linked chronic granulomatous disease iPS cells: functional correction by zinc finger nuclease–mediated safe harbor targeting
Authors: Zou Jizhong , Sweeney Colin L. , Chou Bin-Kuan , Choi Uimook , Pan Jason , Wang Hongmei , Dowey Sarah N. , Cheng Linzhao , Malech Harry L.
Published: March 2011

We have developed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD), a defect of neutrophil microbicidal reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation resulting from gp91phox deficiency. We demonstrated that mature neutrophils differentiated from X-CGD iPSCs lack ROS production, reproducing the pathognomonic CGD cellular phenotype. Targeted gene transfer into iPSCs, with subsequent selection and full characterization to ensure no off-target changes, holds promise for correction of monogenic diseases without the insertional mutagenesis caused by multisite integration of viral or plasmid vectors. Zinc finger nuclease–mediated gene targeting of a single-copy gp91phox therapeutic minigene into one allele of the “safe harbor” AAVS1 locus in X-CGD iPSCs without off-target inserts resulted in sustained expression of gp91phox and substantially restored neutrophil ROS production. Our findings demonstrate how precise gene targeting may be applied to correction of X-CGD using zinc finger nuclease and patient iPSCs.
Outer membrane proteins can be simply identified using secondary structure element alignment
Authors: Yan Ren-Xiang , Chen Zhen , Zhang Ziding
Published: March 2011

Background

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are frequently found in the outer membranes of gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts and have been found to play diverse functional roles. Computational discrimination of OMPs from globular proteins and other types of membrane proteins is helpful to accelerate new genome annotation and drug discovery.

Results

Based on the observation that almost all OMPs consist of antiparallel β-strands in a barrel shape and that their secondary structure arrangements differ from those of other types of proteins, we propose a simple method called SSEA-OMP to identify OMPs using secondary structure element alignment. Through intensive benchmark experiments, the proposed SSEA-OMP method is better than some well-established OMP detection methods.

Conclusions

The major advantage of SSEA-OMP is its good prediction performance considering its simplicity. The web server implements the method is freely accessible at http://protein.cau.edu.cn/SSEA-OMP/index.html.
Rhythms and synchronization patterns in gene expression in the Aedes aegypti mosquito
Authors: Ptitsyn Andrey A , Reyes-Solis Guadalupe , Saavedra-Rodriguez Karla , Betz Jonathan , Suchman Erica L , Carlson Jonathan O , Black William C
Published: March 2011

Background

Aedes aegyptiis arguably the most studied of all mosquito species in the laboratory and is the primary vector of both Dengue and Yellow Fever flaviviruses in the field. A large number of transcriptional studies have been made in the species and these usually report transcript quantities observed at a certain age or stage of development. However, circadian oscillation is an important characteristic of gene expression in many animals and plants, modulating both their physiology and behavior. Circadian gene expression in mosquito species has been previously reported but for only a few genes directly involved in the function of the molecular clock.

Results

Herein we analyze the transcription profiles of 21,494 messenger RNAs using anAe. aegyptiAgilent®microarray. Transcripts were quantified in adult female heads at 24 hours and then again at 72 hours and eight subsequent time points spaced four hours apart. We document circadian rhythms in multiple molecular pathways essential for growth, development, immune response, detoxification/pesticide resistance. Circadian rhythms were also noted in ribosomal protein genes used for normalization in reverse transcribed PCR (RT-PCR) to determine transcript abundance. We report pervasive oscillations and intricate synchronization patterns relevant to all known biological pathways.

Conclusion

These results argue strongly that transcriptional analyses either need to be made over time periods rather than confining analyses to a single time point or development stage or exceptional care needs to be made to synchronize all mosquitoes to be analyzed and compared among treatment groups.
Overexpression of Aurora-A in primary cells interferes with S-phase entry by diminishing Cyclin D1 dependent activities
Authors: Jantscher Florian , Pirker Christine , Mayer Christoph-Erik , Berger Walter , Sutterluety Hedwig
Published: March 2011

Background

Aurora-A is a bona-fide oncogene whose expression is associated with genomic instability and malignant transformation. In several types of cancer, gene amplification and/or increased protein levels of Aurora-A are a common feature.

Results

In this report, we describe that inhibition of cell proliferation is the main effect observed after transient overexpression of Aurora-A in primary human cells. In addition to the known cell cycle block at the G2/M transition, Aurora-A overexpressing cells fail to overcome the restriction point at the G1/S transition due to diminished RB phosphorylation caused by reduced Cyclin D1 expression. Consequently, overexpression of Cyclin D1 protein is able to override the Aurora-A mediated G1 block. The Aurora-A mediated cell cycle arrest in G2 is not influenced by Cyclin D1 and as a consequence cells accumulate in G2. Upon deactivation of p53 part of the cells evade this premitotic arrest to become aneuploid.

Conclusion

Our studies describe that an increase of Aurora-A expression levels on its own has a tumor suppressing function, but in combination with the appropriate altered intracellular setting it might exert its oncogenic potential. The presented data indicate that deactivation of the tumor suppressor RB is one of the requirements for overriding a cell cycle checkpoint triggered by increased Aurora-A levels.
Experimental and theoretical studies of nanofluid thermal conductivity enhancement: a review
Authors: Kleinstreuer Clement , Feng Yu
Published: March 2011

Nanofluids,i.e., well-dispersed (metallic) nanoparticles at low- volume fractions in liquids, may enhance the mixture's thermal conductivity,knf, over the base-fluid values. Thus, they are potentially useful for advanced cooling of micro-systems. Focusing mainly on dilute suspensions of well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles in water or ethylene glycol, recent experimental observations, associated measurement techniques, and new theories as well as useful correlations have been reviewed.

It is evident that key questions still linger concerning the best nanoparticle-and-liquid pairing and conditioning, reliable measurements of achievableknfvalues, and easy-to-use, physically sound computer models which fully describe the particle dynamics and heat transfer of nanofluids. At present, experimental data and measurement methods are lacking consistency. In fact, debates on whether the anomalous enhancement is real or not endure, as well as discussions on what are repeatable correlations betweenknfand temperature, nanoparticle size/shape, and aggregation state. Clearly, benchmark experiments are needed, using the same nanofluids subject to different measurement methods. Such outcomes would validate new, minimally intrusive techniques and verify the reproducibility of experimental results. Dynamicknfmodels, assuming non-interacting metallic nano-spheres, postulate an enhancement above the classical Maxwell theory and thereby provide potentially additional physical insight. Clearly, it will be necessary to consider not only one possible mechanism but combine several mechanisms and compare predictive results to new benchmark experimental data sets.
Stability of nanofluids in quiescent and shear flow fields
Authors: Witharana Sanjeeva , Chen Haisheng , Ding Yulong
Published: March 2011

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the structural stability of ethylene glycol-based titanium dioxide nanoparticle suspensions (nanofluids) prepared by two-step method. The effects of particle concentration, fluid temperature, shear rate and shear duration were examined. Particle size and thermal conductivity measurements in quiescent state indicated the existence of aggregates and that they were stable in temperatures up to 60°C. Shear stability tests suggested that the structure of nanoparticle aggregates was stable in a shear interval of 500-3000 s-1 measured over a temperature range of 20-60°C. These findings show directions to resolve controversies surrounding the underlying mechanisms of thermal conduction and convective heat transfer of nanofluids.
Severe progressive scoliosis due to huge subcutaneous cavernous hemangioma: A case report
Authors: Ogura Yoji , Watanabe Kota , Hosogane Naobumi , Tsuji Takashi , Ishii Ken , Nakamura Masaya , Toyama Yoshiaki , Chiba Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Morio
Published: March 2011

Cavernous hemangioma consists mainly of congenital vascular malformations present before birth and gradually increasing in size with skeletal growth. A small number of patients with cavernous hemangioma develop scoliosis, and surgical treatment for the scoliosis in such cases has not been reported to date. Here we report a 12-year-old male patient with severe progressive scoliosis due to a huge subcutaneous cavernous hemangioma, who underwent posterior correction and fusion surgery. Upon referral to our department, radiographs revealed a scoliosis of 85° at T6-L1 and a kyphosis of 58° at T4-T10. CT and MR images revealed a huge hemangioma extending from the subcutaneous region to the paraspinal muscles and the retroperitoneal space and invading the spinal canal. Posterior correction and fusion surgery using pedicle screws between T2 and L3 were performed. Massive hemorrhage from the hemangioma occurred during the surgery, with intraoperative blood loss reaching 2800 ml. The scoliosis was corrected to 59°, and the kyphosis to 45° after surgery. Seven hours after surgery, the patient suffered from hypovolemic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation due to postoperative hemorrhage from the hemangioma. The patient developed sensory and conduction aphasia caused by cerebral hypoxia during the shock on the day of the surgery. At present, two years after the surgery, although the patient has completely recovered from the aphasia. This case illustrates that, in correction surgery for scoliosis due to huge subcutaneous cavernous hemangioma, intraoperative and postoperative intensive care for hemodynamics should be performed, since massive hemorrhage can occur during the postoperative period as well as the intraoperative period.
Colonization of Grande Comore Island by a lineage of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks
Authors: Yssouf Amina , Lagadec Erwan , Bakari Annabelle , Foray Coralie , Stachurski Frédéric , Cardinale Eric , Plantard Olivier , Tortosa Pablo
Published: March 2011

Background

Union of the Comoros suffered a severe East Coast Fever epidemic in 2004. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was probably involved in pathogen transmission as this competent tick species, although previously absent from Comoros, was sampled on 4 animals on one geographical site during the epidemic. We carried out an entomological survey on all three islands of Union of the Comoros to establish cattle tick species distribution with a special emphasis on R. appendiculatus. We investigated R. appendiculatus intraspecific diversity as this species has been previously shown to be split off into two main cytoplasmic lineages with different ecology, physiology and vectorial competence. This survey also included sampling of live cattle imported from Tanzania to investigate the possibility of tick introduction through animal trade.

Results

Our data show that Comoros cattle are infested with Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus microplus and R. appendiculatus. This latter species has established throughout Grande Comore but is absent from Anjouan and Moheli. Interestingly, 43 out of the 47 sequenced R. appendiculatus ticks belong to one single highly competent lineage while ticks from the other lineage where only found on imported cattle or on cattle parked at the vicinity of the harbor. At last, 2 ticks identified as R. evertsi, a species so far virtually absent on Comoros, were sampled on imported cattle.

Conclusions

This survey shows that importation of live cattle is clearly a source of vector introduction in Comoros. The wide distribution of one highly competent R. appendiculatus lineage on Grande Comore, together with the absence of this species on the two neighbouring islands is in accordance with the rapid and disastrous spread of East Coast Fever epidemics on Grande Comore Island only. Whether the other R. appendiculatus lineage as well as R. evertsi species will succeed in establishing permanently on Grande Comore needs to be monitored.
Magnetic resonance velocity imaging derived pressure differential using control volume analysis
Authors: Cohen Benjamin , Voorhees Abram , Wei Timothy
Published: March 2011

Background

Diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus is hindered by a lack of systemic understanding of the interrelationships between pressures and flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Control volume analysis provides a fluid physics approach to quantify and relate pressure and flow information. The objective of this study was to use control volume analysis and magnetic resonance velocity imaging to non-invasively estimate pressure differentials in vitro.

Method

A flow phantom was constructed and water was the experimental fluid. The phantom was connected to a high-resolution differential pressure sensor and a computer controlled pump producing sinusoidal flow. Magnetic resonance velocity measurements were taken and subsequently analyzed to derive pressure differential waveforms using momentum conservation principles. Independent sensor measurements were obtained for comparison.

Results

Using magnetic resonance data the momentum balance in the phantom was computed. The measured differential pressure force had amplitude of 14.4 dynes (pressure gradient amplitude 0.30 Pa/cm). A 12.5% normalized root mean square deviation between derived and directly measured pressure differential was obtained. These experiments demonstrate one example of the potential utility of control volume analysis and the concepts involved in its application.

Conclusions

This study validates a non-invasive measurement technique for relating velocity measurements to pressure differential. These methods may be applied to clinical measurements to estimate pressure differentials in vivo which could not be obtained with current clinical sensors.
Implications of a new case law on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Authors: Shah Ajit
Published: March 2011

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA), were implemented in April 2009. Recent case law established several principles: the Mental Health Act (MHA) has primacy over the MCA and it is not appropriate for professionals to pick and choose which Act to use; the eligibility assessors for DOLS need to consider whether a hospital would detain the patient under the MHA. The eligibility assessors for DOLS need to apply a ‘but for’ test, whereby consideration would need to be given to the need for detention in hospital if it were not for the physical illness, and if the only reason for detention in hospital was the need for treatment of the physical disorder then detention under DOLS would be appropriate. This judgement clarifies that individuals with mental disorders who only require treatment in hospital for physical disorders should be detained under DOLS. The implications of this judgement are discussed in this paper.
Coroners and death certification law reform: the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and its aftermath
Authors: Luce Tom
Published: March 2011

After considering various different options for half a decade, the last Government legislated in 2009 to reform the England and Wales coroner and death certification systems. The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 provides for the creation of a new Chief Coroner post to lead the jurisdiction and for local medical examiners to oversee a new death certification scheme applicable equally to burial and cremation cases. In October 2010 the new Government announced that it judges the main coroner reform to be unaffordable, will not proceed with it and plans to repeal the provisions. It intends to implement the new death certification arrangements, which is welcome. The decision to abort the main coroner reform in spite of longstanding and widespread recognition of the need for major change is deplorable though in line with other failures over the last century to properly modernise this neglected service.
Abstractions for Information Based Design
Authors: Chok Kermin , Donofrio Mark
Published: March 2011

This paper discusses how live linkages between parametric geometry, structural analysis and optimization can be leveraged to explore an architectural massing from different perspectives of optimum assuming a set of cost and value characteristics. Broad performance measures such as program area, cladding surface and structural quantities were computed for each geometry variation and collected. Optimums from different perspectives (structure, developer, designer) were extracted for each height category and compared. To further inform and engage stakeholders, a variety of visualization and filtering techniques have been implemented. These new techniques and associated distillation of data aids the design team in understanding the design space. A script based approach towards geometry and data management has led to a shift towards active option evaluation and a more interactive approach to form exploration. A generic workflow for structural analysis, design and optimization has been implemented and this ability to engineer at a greater velocity will move the design profession towards a more collaborative and information based design environment.
Parametric Design Process of a Complex Building in Practice Using Programmed Code as Master Model
Authors: Park Kat , Holt Nicholas
Published: March 2011

Parameter based design explorations inevitably require a unified master model that represents the current design state, where each parameter being explored is essentially a critical sub-case of this master model. Throughout the constantly changing design state, it is beneficial to maintain a master model that is flexible and adaptive. This paper describes the design process of a complex building whose master model documented the design logic through implementation of software code. This process is illustrated by the case study of Lotte Super Tower (Seoul, Korea) from the beginning of schematic design to end of construction document phase. By maintaining the master model as a platform-free software code, in contrast to platform-dependent methods, the case study illuminates the advantages of documenting the generative logic behind design variations in a way that allows greater flexibility and a higher level of alignment with design intent.
Ceramic composites derived from rice hulls and aluminum cans
Authors: Zhang P. , Wang K. , Guo S.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, the chemical reactions between the white rice hull ashes and the aluminum powders, obtained from milled beverage cans, were investigated under different temperature and atmosphere conditions. Controlling the temperature and the atmosphere conditions resulted in different composites. XRD and SEM characterization technologies were employed to examine the features of the produced composites. Without the presence of oxygen, the white rice hull ashes and the aluminum powders reacted to form the ceramic-metal composites with a networked structure. After raising the temperature from 720°C to 1450°C, the Al2O3 in the composites tends to turn into crystal structure from the original amorphous form. On the other hand, with an O2 atmosphere, the white ash and aluminum system would evolve to mullite or mullite/alumina composites, depending on the ratio of silicon and aluminum in the initial system. This study extended the application of the rice hull, which is a major agricultural waste, and may pave a new route to deal with the agricultural problem as well provide a new industry opportunity.
Influence of the magnetic field on the wear behavior of a cutting tool during the turning operations
Authors: Necib D. , Bouchoucha A. , Zaidi H. , Amirat M. , Eyidi D.
Published: March 2011

This study concerns tests carried out without lubrication on a universal lathe to study the influence of the magnetic field on the wear of a cutting tool made of metallic carbide. The tests parameters are: the intensity of the magnetic field (from 0 to 28.5 kA.m-1), the cutting speed (from 6 to 136 m.min-1), the advance speed and the cut depth (pass). Both of the previous parameters are fixed respectively at 0.125 mm.rev-1 and 0.5 mm. The material being cut is made of XC38 steel. The tool wear is evaluated by weighing method (before and after each test). The results showed that the magnetic field has an influence on wear and that there is a critical value (H = 16.5 kA.m-1) for which wear is minimum. Also, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope observations revealed the existence of three types of wear that are: flank wear, crater wear and wear by plastic deformation. Moreover, we concluded that, the increase of the magnetic field modifies the shape and the morphology of chips and rises the contact temperature.
The Development of Position-Specific Performance Indicators in Elite Youth Rugby League: A Coach's Perspective
Authors: Cupples Balin , O'Connor Donna
Published: March 2011

The competition for talent identification and development is highly meaningful to the long-term participation and performance levels of sport. The introduction of the National Youth Competition (NYC) as a critical step in the development of talented youth players has led to this research, to develop position performance indicators in youth rugby league. By applying a modification of the Delphi qualitative research method, this research collaborates current elite level youth coach opinions to identify key cognitive, physiological and game-skill performance indicators. The three-stage research process of initial interview and subsequent questionnaires also identifies the initial signs of higher performance in youth players. Results have differentiated playing positions and identified a unique sub-set of skills and abilities that are crucial to position-specific performance. Cognitive indicators have been found to exert the greatest influence over a variety of positions, closely followed by game skills, and to a lesser extent physiological indicators. Conclusions suggest that, at developmental levels of the sport, coaches should emphasise and allocate training time to develop cognitive and game-skill indicators. Findings also recognise that current talent identification and development programs may need to be modified to adequately measure these indicators to maximise chances of ‘talented’ youth players reaching higher levels.
Enhancing Coach-Parent Relationships in Youth Sports: Increasing Harmony and Minimizing Hassle
Authors: Smoll Frank L. , Cumming Sean P. , Smith Ronald E.
Published: March 2011

The so-called “athletic triangle,” consisting of coach, athlete, and parent is a natural element of the social system comprising youth sports. With respect to the coach-parent dyad, a coach's role in relating to parents critically affects the consequences of participation for young athletes. The objective of this article is to assist coaches in working effectively with parents by fostering better understanding of i) the difference between youth and professional models of sport, ii) the goals of youth sports, iii) parental responsibilities and challenges, iv) how to achieve effective two-way communication with parents, and v) how to organize and conduct sport meetings with parents.
A New Sports Manager Does Not Make a Better Team
Authors: Andersen Jon Aarum
Published: March 2011

This article surveys the literature on the impact of managerial successions on team performance in professional sports and assesses ten studies on the effect of managerial succession. They cover 80 years (1920–2000) with data from four different sports and two countries. From these studies, three lessons emerge when teams perform poorly: i) a change of coach or manager during the season is not helpful; ii) if succession is deemed necessary, change the manager between seasons; and iii) if the choice is between a manager from inside the organization and one from the outside, choose the former. What is critical is that whichever manager is replaced or for whatever reason, the performance of the team will most likely not improve for that reason alone. In short, a new manager does not make a better team.
On the Integration of Pharmacophore Model and Molecular Docking Method
Authors: Dong G. , Deng X.J. , Xiao J.H.
Published: March 2011

Structure-based molecular docking has been recognized as the most effective virtual screening technology. Two aspects decide the accuracy of virtual screening result: one is the simulation degree to the interaction of ligands and acceptors, the other is the quantitative evaluation technology to the result of interaction. The pharmacophore model is an important method of drug design, which can be used for the discovery of lead compounds. The development of scoring-technique based on the pharmacophore is an important supplement and improvement to the quantitative evaluation technology of the molecular docking result, which can enhance the accuracy and reliability of virtual screening based on the molecular docking technology, and impulse the development of new drug molecular design technique. Therefore, the Molecular Docking method of integration pharmacophore model is necessary for researching the creation of new drugs. This paper focuses on researching following content: 1) Pharmacophore of digital processing; explore the use of appropriate mathematical model to describe the specific target pharmacophore. 2) The integration of molecular docking algorithm; the development of the combination of molecular docking algorithm based on the established mathematical model of pharmacophore. 3) Establishing the verification of the reliability of the methods; through screening the results of the known activity of the compound-library, testing the reliability of the method.
Classifying Genotypes of Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus-Baumannii by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA
Authors: Zhou Shao-Dan , Liu Li , Gong Xiao-Hong , Xie Fen
Published: March 2011

To investigate the genotypes of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii, 100 strains of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii collected from a clinical setting were analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. DNA Fingerprints of these strains generated were extracted by image segmentation. To obtain optimal multilevel thresholds of image segmentation, an artificial immune network for fast fuzzy clustering was used. Experimental results indicated that the RAPD fingerprints of these strains were classified into 17 described genomic species. Among them, there are two major species A with 35 strains (35.7%) and D with 22 strains (22.4%), respectively.
Unpacking the Effects of Corporate Venture Capital Investor Ties on the Reduction of Price Discounting among IPO Firms
Authors: Ginsberg Ari , Hasan Iftekhar , Tucci Christopher L
Published: March 2011

We examine how ties to different kinds of corporate venture capital (CVC) investors help new ventures overcome the liabilities of market newness they encounter when seeking to undergo an initial public offering (IPO). We analyze a sample of 315 IPO firms with ties to CVC investors and find that the offering price is less discounted when these CVC investors are part of a commercial bank, or in a company that is a member of a major stock exchange. We also find that the effect of an affiliation with a CVC investor in a company that is a member of a major stock exchange is stronger in hot markets than in cold markets, while an affiliation with a CVC investor in a commercial bank is not. Our results suggest that the IPO market recognizes that know-how and prominence based signals conveyed by CVC investor affiliations provide additive reductions of price discounting, and that the certification value that prominence based signals provide also depends on the market conditions in which the IPO takes place.
A performance analysis of solar chimney thermal power systems
Authors: Al-Dabbas Awwad
Published: March 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the solar chimney performance
theoretically (techno-economic). A mathematical model was developed to
estimate the following parameter: Power output, Pressure drop across the
turbine, the max chimney height, Airflow temperature, and the overall
efficiency of solar chimney. The mathematical model was validated with
experimental data from the prototype in Manzanares power. It can be concluded
that the differential pressure of collector-chimney transition section in the
system, is increase with the increase of solar radiation intensity. The
specific system costs are between 2000 Eur/kW and 5000 Eur/kW depending on
the system size, system concept and storage size. Hence, a 50 MWe solar
thermal power plant will cost 100-250 Eur million. At very good sites,
today?s solar thermal power plants can generate electricity in the range of
0.15 Eur/kWh, and series production could soon bring down these costs below
0.10 Eur /kWh.
Vegetarian Dietary Patterns Are Associated With a Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rizzo Nico S. , Sabaté Joan , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen , Fraser Gary E.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to compare dietary patterns in their relationship with metabolic risk factors (MRFs) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of 773 subjects (mean age 60 years) from the Adventist Health Study 2 was performed. Dietary pattern was derived from a food frequency questionnaire and classified as vegetarian (35%), semi-vegetarian (16%), and nonvegetarian (49%). ANCOVA was used to determine associations between dietary pattern and MRFs (HDL, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure, and waist circumference) while controlling for relevant cofactors. Logistic regression was used in calculating odds ratios (ORs) for MetS.

RESULTS

A vegetarian dietary pattern was associated with significantly lower means for all MRFs except HDL (P for trend < 0.001 for those factors) and a lower risk of having MetS (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30–0.64, P < 0.001) when compared with a nonvegetarian dietary pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

A vegetarian dietary pattern is associated with a more favorable profile of MRFs and a lower risk of MetS. The relationship persists after adjusting for lifestyle and demographic factors.
Did the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 Affect Farmland Values?
Authors: Mishra Ashok K. , Livanis Grigorios T. , Moss Charles B.
Published: March 2011

Farmland values are affected by numerous factors, including farm policy, shifts in demand for agricultural output both foreign and domestic, monetary policy and urban pressure. In this study we use an information measure to examine whether the shift toward a more market-oriented policy in 1996 changed the relationship between farmland values and government payments. The results indicated that the shift in agricultural policy resulted in significant shift in this relationship.
Recombinant Spider Silks—Biopolymers with Potential for Future Applications
Authors: Humenik Martin , Smith Andrew M. , Scheibel Thomas
Published: March 2011

Nature has evolved a range of materials that compete with man-made materials in physical properties; one of these is spider silk. Silk is a fibrous material that exhibits extremely high strength and toughness with regard to its low density. In this review we discuss the molecular structure of spider silk and how this understanding has allowed the development of recombinant silk proteins that mimic the properties of natural spider silks. Additionally, we will explore the material morphologies and the applications of these proteins. Finally, we will look at attempts to combine the silk structure with chemical polymers and how the structure of silk has inspired the engineering of novel polymers.
L'efficacité du capital fixe dans l'industrie 1959-1979
Authors: Cette Gilbert
Published: March 2011

The efficiency of fixed capital in industry, by Gilbert Cette.

The very appreciable inflection of the efficiency of productive fixed capital curve after 1974 —as well as that of the productivity of laborraises the question of a possible exhaustion of technological progress. However, we may wonder whether this inflection is not in great part ascribable to changes in the rate of utilization of production capacities and in the duration of the utilization of equipment.

This article analyzes the evolution between 1960 and 1979, of the efficiency of fixed capital in French industry, broken down into three major branches: intermediate goods, capital goods, and consumer goods.

Part one, which is very descriptive, shows that the inflection, after 1974, of the apparent efficiency of capital curve in the different branches of industry seems to be a consequence of variations in the rate and duration of the utilization of equipment. Given a constant duration of utilization, the evolution of the potential efficiency of «material» capital was very steady over the whole period. The potential hourly efficiency of the totality of fixed capital (material + buildings), likewise underwent no inflexion in 1974, but did not evolve in the same way. Indeed, growth in «buildings» capital was very scanty between 1959 and 1979, yet it did inflect slightly upwards after 1969. Therefore, given a constant duration of utilization of equipment, the potential efficiency of total fixed capital rose steadily from 1959 to 1969, then became stable until 1979.

In part two, the estimation of a production function with complementary factors confirms these results. Here, fixed capital was measured in terms of «material» capital, more appropriate for an econometric study of the relation between potential production and capital stock. Estimates definitely show remarkable stability of technological progress coefficients, which modify the potential hourly efficiency of material capital.

The downward inflexion of the apparent efficiency of industrial fixed capital from 1973-1974, thus appears to be less ascribable to an exhaustion of technological progress and slowing up of its spread to the most recent generations of capital, than it is ascribable to changes occuring, from the very beginning of the crisis, in the utilization (rate and duration) of industrial equipment.
Présentation du modèle de demande d'énergie de la direction de la prévision
Authors: Baudet Pierre-Alain
Published: March 2011

Presentation of the Forecast Direction Model for

energy needs,

by Pierre Alain Baudet.

The model, in which six sectors and four types of energy are distinguished, econometrically determines short-term needs in terms of macroeco- nomic variables as well as energy utilization costs. These costs are related to the cost of imported energy sources which are dependent upon the cost of crude oil, which in turn is an exogenous input. Aside from primary consumption per energy category, the model evaluates imports, after deduction of national production and stock variations, as well as fiscal revenue associated with the consumption of energy products.

An estimate of need relationships makes it possible to show that prices have a generally significant effect on those relationships. The consequences of a 10% increase in the price of crude oil leads to a short-term drop of 0.8% over the entire range of primary needs, according to the model.
Le modèle Défi : problématique, principaux concepts et applications
Authors: Péronnet François , Rocherieux François
Published: March 2011

The Défi model : rationale, principal concepts and applications, by François Péronnet and François Rocherieux.

An overall model of the system of production is required to understand the incidence of the evolution of the division of labor upon the allocation of employment. Interindustry relations must be taken into account in developing such a model. But to ensure unequivocal interpretation of data, the model should be limited to the national economy: interrelations based on exchanges of goods and services produced within the national economy during the period under consideration should alone be taken into account in analyzing the allocation of employment. Imported production factors, or those provided by stocks of capital goods produced in prior periods, should be considered as being primary in this model, as opposed to factors produced during the period. The set of data provided by the model is structured within an original framework, based on theoretical divisions on the basis of a) final outlets and b) analysis of production according to the primary factors consumed. The concepts of economic channel and macroeconomic section (as distinguished from macroeconomic sector) then shed new light on the dynamics of employment, as these two traditionally distinct levels of analysis are systematically placed in perspective. The applications of the Defi model are then developed along three major lines of investigation: the structure of production system channels, macroeconomic specialization with respect to domestic and international outlets, and the development of indicators of overall productivity.
Filières du système productif et sections macroéconomiques
Authors: Rocherieux François
Published: March 2011

Production system channels and macroeconomic

sections,

by François Rocherieux.

The analysis of economic specialization, seen both in terms of final outlets for goods and in terms of the relations among the agents of the system of production, must be based on interindustry model theory. In light of the proposed scope of investigation, sectional analysis and intersectional synthesis are called for at the macroeconomic level to serve as a functional reconstruction of the division of labor; structurally, the division of labor within the system of production is represented by the entire set of production channels. These concepts are defined on the basis of an extended formalization of interdustry-analysis methods. The resulting framework then enables a critical investigation into the often-proposed notions of « channel » and of the division into macroeconomic categories. Finally, the Defi model is seen in the perspective of a generalized analysis of the division of labor which locates the system of production in the context of economic time and space.