bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R&D DIVERSIFICATION IN MNCS: BETWEEN EARNINGS MANAGEMENT AND SHAREHOLDERS INCREASING WEALTH
Authors: Dhaoui Abderrazak
Published: December 2008

This paper examines the impact of the R&D geographic diversification on the shareholders’ wealth (as measured appreciatively by the firm's market value) and on the earnings management as a mechanism of manager's entrainment. Using a sample of 460 firm‐year observations for multinational firms over the 2002–2006 period, we find that the R&D decentralization may enhance the shareholders’ wealth and increase the managers’ one. The results show that the R&D geographic diversification increases the informational asymmetry and support the emergence of the favourable conditions for the earnings management and the managers’ entrainment. It may increase the managers’ autonomy which likely allows them to manage the result in order to increase their own wealth and destruct the shareholder's one.
APPLICATION OF GAME THEORY FOR DUOPOLY MARKET ANALYSIS
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Krivka Algirdas
Published: December 2008

The paper provides the analysis of game theory models application to identify duopoly market equilibrium (quantities sold and market prices), to evaluate and compare the results of enterprises in a market. The purpose of the analysis is to determine to what extent theoretical models correspond to real life, that is how reliable they are in supporting and estimating decisions of duopoly companies, fortifying market prices and quantities sold, evaluating company's competing positions and possibilities for decision co‐ordination. To describe discrete strategies equilibrium the “Prisoner's Dilemma” model is applied to a hypothetic market entrance game with possible side payments. Further analysis of the market entrance game incorporates mixed strategies based “Matching Pennies” model in case discrete strategies equilibrium does not exist. Continuous strategies are described analyzing hypothetic duopoly by applying Cournot, Stackelberg and Bertrand models. The first and the second mover advantage issues are raised comparing outcomes of dynamic Stackelberg and Bertrand games for a leader and a follower. Stability and utility of cartel agreement for its participants is mathematically supported with the help of a multi‐step repeated Cournot game. Having described, compared and applied the main game theory models to artificial duopoly market situations, the author passes over to the comparative analysis of the models’ weaknesses and problems related to their practical application.
SIMULATION MODELLING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WITH REPETITIVE TASKS USING PETRI NETS THEORY
Authors: Biruk Sławomir , Jaśkowski Piotr
Published: December 2008

Resources selection and allocation at the project planning stage is an important issue for reducing project cost, duration and risk. Existing planning and scheduling methods overlook aspects of limited production capacity of construction companies (contractors) due to the fact that they are simultaneously engaged in realization of some projects. This paper presents a new methodology for project scheduling with repetitive processes using Petri nets based approach. The paper starts with an overview of current developments in the Petri nets theory. We then propose an efficient computational method based on simulation of Petri net model for construction project planning and subcontractor agreement analysis. An example of construction project simulation research is presented to illustrate the method of project planning and resources allocation.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN LEARNING ORGANIZATION
Authors: Kumpikaitė Vilmantė
Published: December 2008

This paper draws on prior exploration on human resource development in a learning organization, including theories about a learning organization, its features, human resource development and learning styles in organizations. The main aim of this paper is to explore human resource development and learning styles in organizations. The author introduces results of the survey covering 37 Lithuanian organizations selected from various industries ranging from a newspaper and transportation, insurance and radio station, to those in trade and manure production. The research shows that mostly explored organizations have a formalized approach to learning and has only a few features of a learning organization.
FOUNDER INFLUENCES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIZATIONS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN FOUNDER AND NON‐FOUNDER MANAGED RUSSIAN FIRMS
Authors: Shirokova Russia V. , Knatko Dmitri
Published: December 2008

The paper deals with the problem of founders’ impact on the process of organizational development and performance. The goal of the research is to provide a comparative analysis of activity in founder‐run and non‐founder‐run Russian firms. In order to run this analysis 224 companies created from scratch by Russian entrepreneurs in the period of years from 1992 to 1998 were studied.

Statistical analyses were performed on two independent samples of companies, namely 162 companies managed by the founders and 62 companies that were run by hired professional managers. As a result of the analysis, statistical differences were found in relation to the criteria of number of employees and hierarchical levels; firms managed by founders usually have less staff and fewer hierarchical levels than the non‐founder companies. Nevertheless the dynamics in sales of the two samples of founder and non‐founder companies during the last 3 years were quite similar.
ASSUMPTIONS OF SMALL‐SCALE INTERMODAL TRANSPORT
Authors: Jaržemskis Andrius
Published: December 2008

The aim of the article is to present the alternative to the very well known hub and spoken approach to intermodality when freight scale is small. When usually the blocked trains operate between two big intermodal hubs, here the concept of on‐line blocking of intermodal transport units (ILU) is presented. The article investigates functional interrelations between the carriage of on‐line blocked ILU and the structure of transport network. In order to forecast the flows of on‐line blocked ILU the indirect model has been chosen which enables us to evaluate two important aspects: the first one is the evaluation of the structure of the ILU origins in terms of production and consumption regions as well as the other factors determining the formation of flows of goods. The second one is concerned with the structure of the transport network. Assumption of small‐scale intermodal transport along Berlin‐Baltic intermodal axis is presented.
PREDICTING CAPACITIES OF RUNWAYS SERVING NEW LARGE AIRCRAFT
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan
Published: December 2008

This paper presents a simplified approach for predicting the allowable load repetitions of New Large Aircraft (NLA) loading for airfield runways based on Non‐Destructive Test (NDT) data. Full‐scale traffic test results from the Federal Aviation Administration's National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) were used to develop the NDT‐based evaluation methodology. Four flexible test pavement sections with variable (unbound layer) thicknesses were trafficked using six‐wheel and four‐wheel NLA test gears until the test pavements were deemed failed. Non‐destructive tests using a Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) were conducted prior to the initiation of traffic testing to measure the pavement surface deflections. In the past, pavement surface deflections have been successfully used as an indicator of airport pavement life. In this study, the HWD surface deflections and the derived Deflection Basin Parameters (DBPs) were related to functional performance of NAPTF flexible pavements through simple regression analysis. The results demonstrated the usefulness of NDT data for predicting the performance of airport flexible pavements serving the next generation of aircrafts.
MODEL FOR DISTRIBUTION OF WAREHOUSES IN THE COMMERCIAL NETWORK IN OPTIMISING TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS
Authors: Baublys Adolfas
Published: December 2008

A model for distribution of warehouses in the commercial network in optimising transportation of goods has been established. The target function in the model includes: fixed prices for construction of big and small warehouses; variable prices for transportation of raw materials and goods between warehouses and commercial points. The algorithm was created for optimisation of local roads network between commercial points. As substantiated, if density of distribution of target function values in the zone of extreme is fairly high, the independent random search is sufficiently effective even when comparing it with regular methods.
ROAD ACCIDENT COST PREDICTION MODEL USING SYSTEMS DYNAMICS APPROACH
Authors: Partheeban Pachaivannan , Arunbabu Elangovan , Hemamalini Ranganathan Rani
Published: December 2008

Accident costs are an important component of external costs of traffic, a substantial part is related to fatal accidents. The evaluation of fatal accident costs crucially depends on the availability of an estimate for the economic value of a statistical life. This paper aims to develop a model for road accident through systems dynamics approach. To build an accident model, various factors causing the road accident and cost were identified. This model is capable of calculating the accident rate and its costs for the future. In this study the accident caused by bus alone is considered. The cost model is dealt more in this study as it requires more complex assessment. The accident model is built on the year 2000 data and predicted the accidents up to 2020 for every 5‐year interval. The accident model is valuated by comparing the predicted and actual accident data for the year 2005. Three scenarios were studied by changing the income growth rate and discount rate. Finally, best scenario is suggested for implementation. The outcome of the study is highly useful for the planners, administrators and police to make their decisions effectively for road safety investment projects.
IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF GAS TURBINE ENGINES OF AIRCRAFT
Authors: Pashayev Arif , Askerov Djakhangir , Sadiqov Ramiz , Abdullayev Parviz
Published: December 2008

In this paper, it is shown that the use of probability‐statistic methods, especially at the early stage of diagnosing the technical condition of aviation gas turbine engines (GTE) when the flight information has fuzzy and limitation and uncertainty properties, is unfounded. Hence the efficiency of the use of Soft Computing methods‐fuzzy logic and neural networks at these diagnostic stages is considered. Training with high accuracy of fuzzy multiple linear and non‐linear models (fuzzy regression equations) which received on the statistical fuzzy data basis is made. Thus, for to make a more adequate model of the technical condition of GTE, the dynamics changes of skewness and kurtosis coefficients are analysed. Research of skewness and kurtasis coefficients shows, that the statistical distributions of the work parameters of GTE have a fuzzy character. Hence, consideration of fuzzy skewness and kurtosis coefficients is expedient.

Investigation of the basic characteristics of the changes in the dynamics of the work parameters of GTE allows to draw the conclusion that it is necessary to use fuzzy statistical analysis during the preliminary identification of the technical condition of engines.

Research of changes in the values of correlation coefficients also demonstrates their fuzzy character. Therefore for models choice the application of the Fuzzy Correlation Analysis results is offered. The fuzzy multiple correlation coefficient of fuzzy multiple regression is considered for checking the adequacy of models.

At the information sufficiency is offered to use recurrent algorithm of aviation GTE technical condition identification (hard computing technology is used) on measurements of input and output parameters of the multiple linear and nonlinear generalised models at presence of noise measured (the new recursive Least Squares Method (LSM)).

The system that is developed to monitor the condition of GTE provides stage‐by‐stage estimation of the technical condition of an engine. As an application of this technique, an estimation of the new operating aviation engine temperature condition was made.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje atskleidžiamas tikimybinio-statistinio metodo nepagrįstumas diagnozuojant dujų turbininius variklius, kai informacija yra netiksli, ribota ir neapibrėžta. Parodytas technologijos Soft Computing taikymo efektyvumas. Taikant netikslios statistikos, netikslios logikos ir neuroninių tinklų tikslius metodus dujų turbininių variklių diagnozavimui atliekamas daugiamačių tiesinių ir netiesinių modelių (regresijos lygčių), gautų iš netikslių statistinių duomenų, apmokymas. Taikant aprašytą metodą buvo atlikta pradėto eksploatuoti turbininio variklio šiluminės būsenos analizė.
INVESTIGATION OF DYNAMIC STRESSES OF TAIL BEAM OF AN MI-8 HELICOPTER/SRAIGTASPARNIO MI-8 GALINĖS SIJOS DINAMINIŲ ĮTEMPIMŲ TYRIMAS
Authors: Pavelko Vitalijs , Ozolinsh Eric , Ozolinsh Ilmars , Kuznetsov Sergey
Published: December 2008

Results of theoretical and experimental research of stresses in the skin of a tail beam of an Mi‐8 helicopter at resonant dynamic loading are discussed in this paper. It is shown that resonant tests of the object with an appropriate choice of configuration of internal and external constraints are one of the most effective and economical ways to achieve the necessary result. It is also obvious that the choice of a configuration for the complex dynamic system should be solved on the basis of a careful preliminary analysis of expected dynamic properties. First of all, the research that was performed shows the very significant effect of the elasticity of internal and external constraints on the dynamic properties of real aircraft components at full‐scale dynamic testing. On other hand, it is shown that the correct modelling of a complex elastic system and its constraints allows one to adequately describe the dynamic properties of the real structure and to obtain good coincidence with experimental data.

Santrauka

Straipsnio tikslas – ištirti ribinių sąlygų įtaką nominaliems įtempimams atskirose plonasienės sijos vietose ir parinkti racionalų dinaminės apkrovos režimą planuojant realų eksperimentą. Nominalūs įtempimai įvertinti pagal sijos dinaminių charakteristikų analizės rezultatus koncentruotų masių metodu. Buvo modeliuojamos neklasikinės ribinės sąlygos, kurios tiksliau apibūdina realius sijos ryšius. Įvertinant sijos įtvirtinimo elastingumą ir vidinių ryšių elastingumą galima gauti tikslesnes laisvųjų svyravimų pirmųjų dviejų dažnių reikšmes, kurios gerai sutampa su bandymų rezultatais. Kaip rodo analizė, vidinių ir išorinių ryšių elastingumas turi didelę įtaką sijos dinaminėms charakteristikoms, tarp jų ir laisvųjų svyravimų formai ir dažniui.
ABSTRACT STRUCTURE OF CONFIGURATION SYSTEM FOR PRODUCT DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Burneika Linas
Published: December 2008

A product configurator is a system providing questions and sets of possible answers about products with sets of possible answers. This paper proposes a new idea for a configurator in which information about products are expressed as a structured net of interconnected classes of different types. Classes hold information about assemblies, product structural links, and logical constraints. Some classes have references to technical data on a product data management (PDM) system. Such a system allows flexible representation of knowledge about product configurations for production of aviation equipment.

Santrauka

Gaminio konfigūratorius yra programinė sistema, pateikianti klausimus apie produktą su galimais pasirinkimų variantais. Šiame darbe pasiūlyta nauja konfigūratoriaus idėja ir pateiktas konfigūracijų aprašo modelis. Šis modelis buvo kuriamas taip, kad juo būtų galima aprašyti realius, dažnai tobulinamus ir sudėtingos sandaros gaminius. Modelyje informacija apie gaminį pateikiama kaip tarpusavyje sujungtų įvairių klasių tinklas. Modelio klasėse saugoma informacija apie gaminio junginius, komponentų ryšius ir loginius apribojimus. Siūlomas konfigūracijų aprašo modelis leidžia lanksčiai perteikti inžinerines žinias apie įvairių gaminių, tarp jų ir aviacijos reikmėms skirtų gaminių, variantus.
MODELLING OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION SIGNALS AT FRICTION OF MATERIALS’ SURFACE LAYERS/MEDŽIAGŲ PAVIRŠIAUS TRINTIES AKUSTINĖS EMISIJOS SIGNALŲ MODELIAVIMAS
Authors: Filonenko Sergay , Stadnychenko Viacheslav , Stakhova Anzhelika
Published: December 2008

A model of the signal of acoustic emission resulting from the normal wear of friction pairs is considered. Its mathematical description is obtained. Modelling of acoustic emission signals at varying strained/deformed state and rotation speed of initial friction pairs is done. The basic regularities of the transformation of acoustic emission form and those of its (emission) parameters of resulting signals are determined. Experimental research of acoustic emission signals is performed and proved to be good when compared to the results of theoretical research. Santrauka Išnagrinėtas akustinės emisijos signalų, kurie susidaro normaliame besitrinančių porų dilime, modelis ir jis matematiškai aprašytas. Atliktas akustinės emisijos signalų modeliavimas esant įvairiam pradinių trinties porų sukimosi greičiui ir įtempimų/deformacijų būsenai. Nustatyti pagrindiniai akustinės emisijos signalų formos ir parametrų transformacijos dėsningumai. Atliktas eksperimentinis akustinės emisijos signalų tyrimas, kurio rezultatai gerai sutapo su teoriniais.
La sociologie dans la société de l'image
Authors: Faccioli Patrizia
Published: December 2008

Résumé Les réflexions présentées dans cette contribution naissent d’une question : qu’est-ce qu’implique pour les sociologues le fait de développer leur travail théorique et empirique dans une société où l’image est devenue toujours plus présente et canal privilégié de la communication ? Pour répondre à cette question, je prendrai en considération trois aspects du thème « sociologie et société de l’image », interconnectés entre eux. D’abord, je considérerai le concept de « société de l’image » du point de vue de ses implications sociales (du pouvoir), de la visualisation et de la visibilité. Je me focaliserai ensuite sur les sujets et en particulier sur l’importance d’approfondir et d’analyser ce qu’ils font avec les images. J’aborderai enfin le problème relatif à l’accroissement de la connaissance que l’étude des images et de la communication par les images peut apporter aux sciences sociales.
Sociologie visuelle digitale
Authors: Losacco Giuseppe Pino
Published: December 2008

Résumé La sociologie visuelle découvre de plus en plus les nouvelles technologies numériques. Productions cinématographiques et photographiques utilisent toujours plus les CD-ROM et DVD comme supports et structures multimédia, permettant un usage plus libre puisque, en dépassant la logique linéaire imposée par les textes écrits, ces produits s’offrent à de possibles déstructurations du texte en faveur de restructurations personnalisées. À mon avis, l’adoption des nouvelles technologies numériques est principalement guidée par une logique d’accumulation. Une logique qui risque de privilégier les contenants par rapport aux contenus, scindant ainsi le medium du message. Bref, la sociologie visuelle classique considère les nouvelles technologies comme une opportunité pour la réalisation de produits plus ductiles, efficaces, créatifs, mais elle reste ancrée à une optique qui est encore analogique. Ma contribution, au contraire, veut être une réflexion sur ce que pourraient être les nouveaux scénarios pour la sociologie visuelle : scénarios sociaux liés à l’utilisation de masse des nouvelles technologies de la visualisation numérique.
Visualisation du changement urbain
Authors: Krase Jerome
Published: December 2008

Résumé Cet essai vise à démontrer que la sociologie visuelle des paysages vernaculaires peut être utilisée pour documenter et analyser la manière dont un environnement défini, par exemple un quartier, reflète l’action de ses résidents. Il suggère que les méthodes visuelles, complétées par des approches symboliques ou sémiotiques, peuvent construire un pont entre les diverses disciplines théoriques et appliquées qui se concentrent sur la forme et la fonction des métropoles contemporaines. À travers la discussion de certains modèles souvent concurrentiels, le texte illustre les circonstances de transition et de gentrification ethnique à travers une sélection de photographies prises dans diverses villes des États-Unis aussi bien qu’à Cracovie, en Pologne, où les résidents d’un quartier ont expérimenté, pendant les deux dernières décennies, des changements rapides et significatifs.
Edgar Morin et le réenchantement des sociétés humaines
Authors: Banywesize Emmanuel M.
Published: December 2008

Résumé De nos jours, les scientifiques et les philosophes argumentent la nécessité du réenchantement du monde ou des sociétés humaines. Ainsi I. Prigogine, G. Durand, M. Maffesoli et surtout E. Morin, qui, diversement, mettent en relief les liens entre la science classique (science moderne) et le désenchantement du monde ou des sociétés humaines. Ce texte s’emploie à montrer qu’E. Morin affronte la science classique pour penser ses conséquences et proposer un nouveau paradigme et de nouvelles balises pour une science du complexe qui peut rendre compte de la complexité de la réalité et contribuer à l’émergence d’une société-monde réenchantée.
Prostitution – une histoire sans fin ?
Authors: Chimienti Milena
Published: December 2008

Résumé Les valeurs et enjeux orientant débats et régulation concernant la prostitution semblent être récurrents. Si de nouvelles problématiques telles que la migration clandestine et la traite des êtres humains, sont venues s’ajouter à d’autres portant davantage sur des questions purement morales, elles se dissimulent autour d’anciennes oppositions : une vision égalitariste visant un traitement universaliste s’opposant à une vision pluraliste de la société et à un traitement particulariste ; la perception de la prostitution comme forme d’exploitation paradigmatique, et donc inacceptable, des femmes versus une perception l’envisageant comme simple miroir des inégalités ; une représentation de la prostituée victime et innocente opposée à celle d’une femme coupable et donc déviante ; enfin la question de la possibilité de vendre son corps s’opposant à l’idée de la vente de services et seulement d’une partie de soi. Cet article traite des enjeux sous-jacents au débat sur la prostitution, ainsi que des formes de régulation qui en découlent au travers d’une perspective historique.
Femmes africaines, migration et travail du sexe
Authors: Guillemaut Françoise
Published: December 2008

Résumé Les femmes prostituées africaines sont souvent considérées comme des victimes de trafic. La réalité est plus complexe et si l’on veut bien les entendre au sujet de leur expérience, on peut comprendre que la migration et le travail du sexe font partie de leurs stratégies pour améliorer leurs conditions de vie et subvenir aux besoins de leur famille. Les travailleuses du sexe africaines ne sont pas très différentes des autres travailleuses du sexe et la migration n’est pas un phénomène récent dans le champ de la prostitution.
Roberte ou l'impossible prostitution selon Pierre Klossowski
Authors: Castanet Hervé
Published: December 2008

Résumé Le dispositif de prostitution rituelle (adultération) de l’ Hospitalité , déplié par Pierre Klossowski dans sa Trilogie de Roberte , fait surgir le regard pour saisir, au moment de la rencontre de Roberte (l’épouse) avec son amant (l’invité), l’âme de l’épouse. Voir Roberte comme seul pourrait la voir Dieu est la mise en scène d’Octave (l’époux). La pornographie, impliquant le corps sexué, devient vérité du discours théologique.
How systemic innovations require alterations along the entire supply chain: the case of animal-derived functional foods
Authors: Bröring Stefanie
Published: December 2008

It has been widely accepted that different types of innovation have different implications for the whole innovation process. However, less is known about how the specific type of innovation may affect the entire supply chain. In order to explore how the character of innovations affects supply chain coordination, this paper compares four cases drawn from the evolving sector of animal-derived functional foods. By paying special attention to the chain and network perspective on autonomous and systemic innovations this paper intends to present an overview of animal-derived functional foods togehter with a classification scheme to better understand how innovations in this field can be successfully managed. Findings of the case studies lead to the hypotheses that supply chain coordination differs according to the specific type of innovation and that the more systemic the innovation is (i.e. the more linkages in the chain it creates) the more centralized supply chain coordination ought to be.
Glucose and NADPH oxidase drive neuronal superoxide formation in stroke
Authors: Suh Sang Won , Shin Byung Seop , Ma Hualong , Van Hoecke Michaël , Brennan Angela M. , Yenari Midori A. , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: December 2008

Objective

Hyperglycemia has been recognized for decades to be an exacerbating factor in ischemic stroke, but the mechanism of this effect remains unresolved. Here, we evaluated superoxide production by neuronal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase as a possible link between glucose metabolism and neuronal death in ischemia‐reperfusion.

Methods

Superoxide production was measured by the ethidium method in cultured neurons treated with oxygen‐glucose deprivation and in mice treated with forebrain ischemia‐reperfusion. The role of NADPH oxidase was examined using genetic disruption of its p47phox subunit and with the pharmacological inhibitor apocynin.

Results

In neuron cultures, postischemic superoxide production and cell death were completely prevented by removing glucose from the medium, by inactivating NADPH oxidase, or by inhibiting the hexose monophosphate shunt that generates NADPH from glucose. In murine stroke, neuronal superoxide production and death were decreased by the glucose antimetabolite 2‐deoxyglucose and increased by high blood glucose concentrations. Inactivating NADPH oxidase with either apocynin or deletion of the p47phox subunit blocked neuronal superoxide production and negated the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia.

Interpretation

These findings identify glucose as the requisite electron donor for reperfusion‐induced neuronal superoxide production and establish a previously unrecognized mechanism by which hyperglycemia can exacerbate ischemic brain injury. Ann Neurol 2008;64:654–663
A critical role for Fas/CD‐95 dependent signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of hyperoxia‐induced brain injury
Authors: Dzietko Mark , Boos Vinzenz , Sifringer Marco , Polley Oliver , Gerstner Bettina , Genz Kerstin , Endesfelder Stefanie , Börner Constanze , Jacotot Etienne , Chauvier David , Obladen Michael , Bührer Christoph , Felderhoff‐Mueser Ursula
Published: December 2008

Objective

Prematurely born infants are at risk for development of neurocognitive impairment in later life. Oxygen treatment has been recently identified as a trigger of neuronal and oligodendrocyte apoptosis in the developing rodent brain. We investigated the role of the Fas death receptor pathway in oxygen‐triggered developmental brain injury.

Methods

Six‐day‐old Wistar rats were exposed to 80% oxygen for various periods (2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), and mice deficient in either Fas (B6.MRL‐Tnfrsf6lpr) or Fas ligand (B6Smn.C3‐Faslgld) and control mice (C57BL/6J) were exposed to 80% oxygen for 24 hours. Polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and caspase activity assays of thalamus and cortex tissue were performed.

Results

Fas and Fas ligand messenger RNA and protein were upregulated. Furthermore, hyperoxia resulted in induction of downstream signaling events of Fas, such as Fas‐associated death domain (FADD), the long and short form of FADD‐like interleukin‐1β–converting enzyme (FLICE) inhibitory protein (FLIP‐L, FLIP‐S), and cleavage of caspase‐8 and caspase‐3. Injection of a selective caspase‐8 inhibitor (TRP801, 1mg/kg) at the beginning of hyperoxia blocked subsequent caspase‐3 cleavage in this model. B6.MRL‐Tnfrsf6lpr mice were protected against oxygen‐mediated injury, confirming Fas involvement in hyperoxia‐induced cell death. Mice deficient in Fas ligand did not differ from control animals in the amount of cell death.

Interpretation

We conclude that neonatal hyperoxia triggers Fas receptor and its downstream signaling events in a Fas ligand–independent fashion. Lack of functional Fas receptors and selective pharmacological inhibition of caspase‐8 prevents activation of caspase‐3 and provides significant neuroprotection. Ann Neurol 2008;64:664–673
Fast activity at seizure onset is mediated by inhibitory circuits in the entorhinal cortex in vitro
Authors: Gnatkovsky Vadym , Librizzi Laura , Trombin Federica , de Curtis Marco
Published: December 2008

Objective

Network mechanisms responsible for focal seizure initiation are still largely unknown. One of the prevalent seizurepatternsobserved during diagnostic intracranial recordings performed in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is characterized by fast activity at 20 to 30Hz. We reproduced 20 to 30Hz oscillations at seizure onset in the temporal lobe of the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain to study cellular and network mechanisms involved in its generation.

Methods

Seizure‐like activity was induced in the isolated brain by 3‐minute arterial perfusion of 50μM bicuculline. Intracellular, extracellular, and ion‐selective electrophysiological recordings were performed simultaneously in the entorhinal cortex (EC) during interictal‐ictal transition.

Results

Principal neurons in deep and superficial layers of the EC did not generate action potentials during fast activity at ictal onset, whereas sustained firing was observed in putative interneurons. Within 5 to 10 seconds from seizure initiation, principal neurons generated a prominent firing that correlated with the appearance of extracellular hypersynchronous bursting discharges. In superficial neurons, fast activity correlated with rhythmic IPSPs that progressively decreased in amplitude during the development of a slow depolarization associated with an increase in extracellular potassium.

Interpretation

We conclude that in an acute model of temporal lobe ictogenesis, sustained inhibition without firing ofECprincipal neurons correlates with the onset of a focal seizure. The progression of the ictal discharge iscontributedby a potassium‐dependent change in reversal potential of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. These findings demonstrate a prominent role of inhibitory networks during the transition to seizure in the EC. Ann Neurol 2008;64:674–686
Patterns of care in elderly glioblastoma patients
Authors: Iwamoto Fabio M. , Reiner Anne S. , Panageas Katherine S. , Elkin Elena B. , Abrey Lauren E.
Published: December 2008

Objective

To evaluate the patterns of care in elderly glioblastoma (GBM) patients from a large population‐based registry.

Methods

We identified a cohort of GBM patients 65 years or older from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry data linked with Medicare claims between 1994 and 2002. We assessed the impact of demographic characteristics and comorbidities on the probability of undergoing surgical resection, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy within 3 months of diagnosis using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 4,137 patients with GBM were included, with a median overall survival of 4 months. Sixty‐one percent of patients underwent resection at diagnosis; 65% received RT and 10% received chemotherapy within 3 months of diagnosis. In a multivariate regression analysis, age was the most significant predictor of resection, RT, or chemotherapy. Black race (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; p = 0.008) was associated with lower rates of surgical resection. Factors associated with decreased likelihood of receiving RT included unmarried marital status (OR, 0.64; p < 0.0001) and more comorbidities (OR, 0.55; p < 0.0001). Factors associated with decreased likelihood of receiving chemotherapy included unmarried marital status (OR, 0.59; p = 0.0002) and more comorbidities (OR, 0.56; p = 0.02).

Interpretation

Survival of elderly GBM patients was poor in this population‐based study. Age, marital status, and comorbidities influenced the probability of receiving RT or chemotherapy in this cohort. Ann Neurol 2008;64:628–634
Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for generalized peritonitis due to perforated diverticulitis (Br J Surg 2008; 95: 97–101)
Authors: Essani R , Bergamaschi R
Published: December 2008

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved,appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Prophylactic mastectomy and the timing of breast reconstruction
Authors: Morrow M , Mehrara B
Published: December 2008

Immediate reconstruction advocated
Reconstruction of reflectance data by modification of Berns' Gaussian method
Authors: Attarchi Nilofar , Amirshahi Seyed Hossein
Published: December 2008

Berns' method for the synthesis of spectral reflectance curve from the tristimulus color coordinates is modified. Firstly, the Gaussian bell shape red primary is replaced with a sigmoidal one to solve the dissimilarity between the spectral curves at the end region of spectrum. Secondly, three predetermined Gaussian primaries used in the original Berns' method are replaced by the adaptive ones which their half‐height bandwidths vary with the tristimulus values of the desired color. The mentioned modifications are applied for the recovery of the reflectance curves of 1409 surface colors (including 1269 Munsell color chips and 140 samples of Colorchecker SG) and also 204 textile samples. Results of recovery are evaluated by the mean and the maximum color difference values under other standard light sources. The mean as well as the maximum of root mean squares between the reconstructed and the actual spectra are also calculated. The modifications are compared with the common principal component analysis (PCA) as well as Hawkyard's methods for recovery of reflectance factor. Although the PCA leads to the best results, the modifications significantly improve the recovery outcomes in comparison with the original Berns method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 26–32, 2009.
Talking about color … Which George Palmer?
Authors: Kuehni Rolf
Published: December 2008

A George Palmer different from the one identified by J.D. Mollon is introduced as the author of the 1777 book Theory of Colours and Vision and other works and pertinent facts of his life are described. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 2–5, 2009
Manifestation of depressive tendency in color perception and colors utilized in creating a self‐portrait
Authors: Wu Fong‐Gong , Chang Eva , Lee Ying‐Jye
Published: December 2008

There are a large number of studies on color and its influence upon human emotions, but there have been only a few studies on the correlation between color and depressive mental disorders. This study used color preference, association, and creation of self‐portraits to explore the relationship between color and depressive tendency. In this study, 337 freshman design students participated in the experiment, and the center for epidemiologic studies‐depression scale (CES‐D) was used to determine the extent of depression in the subjects. After classifying the subject as “depressive tendency” and “no depressive tendency,” the semantic differential scale and color association methods were used to explore the subjects' emotional, cognitive, and perceptive responses to Munsell 14 colors. In the final portion of the study, the 233 subjects created a colored self‐portrait. The main conclusions found by this study are: (1) when color is used to determine whether subjects have depressive tendency, then the three colors of Yellowish Red, Purple, and Dark Gray are important discriminant variables. (2) those who have depressive tendency (DT) or do not have depressive tendency (NoDT) have similar results in color association, except when viewing dark Gray in association with abstract concepts, wherein DT subjects chose more negative emotional words such as “hopeless,” “fear,” and “depression”; (3) among the 233 self‐portraits, the existence of depressive tendency correlated with the colors used on the face in the self‐portrait. From the above conclusions, this study finds that there is much association between depressive tendency and color perception. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 84–92, 2009.
Chroma, chromatic luminance, and luminous reflectance. Part I: Basic research and illustration of relations
Authors: Pridmore Ralph W.
Published: December 2008

Chromatic luminance carries both wavelength and radiance of light, is the source of all psychophysical dimensions and all color attributes, and is a key to understand their relations. It has long attracted research, hindered in the past by flawed definitions of colorimetric purity (pc), remedied in a recent article. This article investigates relations between luminous reflectance Y (i.e., total luminance, chromatic plus achromatic), chromatic luminance (calculated from Y per pc), and chroma/colorfulness. Relations are clarified, illustrated by formulas and graphs including three‐dimensional schemas of luminance Y, chromatic luminance, and color solids. A useful new term, relative chromatic luminance, is introduced. Munsell chroma is shown to resemble inverted log luminance much more closely than inverted log colorimetric purity as claimed by previous researchers. The relationship is used in Part II to model chroma, colorfulness, and brightness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 45–54, 2009.
Chroma, chromatic luminance, and luminous reflectance. Part II: Related models of chroma, colorfulness, and brightness
Authors: Pridmore Ralph W.
Published: December 2008

Part I of this article found, inter alia, that chroma resembles log inverted luminance. This article develops three math models of Munsell chroma and associated colorfulness from (1) inverted luminous reflectance Y, (2) inverted chromatic luminance, and (3) inverted chromatic luminance combined (over the mid‐spectrum 480–580 nm) with the unimodal curve for spectral absorptance of M cones. The first two models are simple but of limited accuracy and demonstrate that inverted luminance (of any form) cannot fully account for varying relative chroma around the hue cycle, particularly the minor minimum and maximum about 490 and 520 nm (which also feature in B:L functions). The third model is rather complex but very accurate, apparently the only accurate model of Munsell chroma or other experimentally based scales of relative chromaticness in the literature. It adjusts to any level of luminance or purity, as demonstrated for several levels. Three models of brightness (B:L ratio) for 20 field aperture colors are given, based on either Munsell chroma or log inverted chromatic luminance. The former provides two accurate and simple models of the CIE B:L function: (1) log chroma = B:L ratio ±0.1, and (2) (chroma/k)x = B:L ratio ±0.1. The latter also predicts B:L for nonspectral colors and those of lower purities, e.g., object colors. The results finally solve the relationship between brightness and chroma and demonstrate that B:L ratio (a contrast in constant luminance) arises directly from chroma (also a form of contrast in constant luminance), or the reverse. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 55–67, 2009.
A membrane‐bound FRET‐based caspase sensor for detection of apoptosis using fluorescence lifetime and total internal reflection microscopy
Authors: Angres Brigitte , Steuer Heiko , Weber Petra , Wagner Michael , Schneckenburger Herbert
Published: December 2008

A caspase sensor based on Förster resonance energy transfer between fluorescent proteins is reported. Enhanced cyan fluorescent protein anchored to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane of living cells is optically excited by an evanescent electromagnetic field and transfers its excitation energy via a spacer (DEVD) to an enhanced yellow fluorescent protein. Upon apoptosis, DEVD is cleaved and energy transfer is disrupted, as proven by pronounced changes in fluorescence spectra and decay times. Fluorescence spectroscopy and lifetime imaging (FLIM) is combined with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) for selective detection of this membrane‐bound caspase sensor. Fluorophores of the cytoplasm are thus excluded, and the signal‐to‐background ratio is increased considerably. In comparison with conventional or laser scanning microscopy, this permits long‐term observation of apoptosis in live cell cultures using very low absorption and avoiding light‐induced damages of the samples. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Investigation into the significance of failure rate calculations for erbium—doped fiber amplifiers in view of the reliability of communication networks
Authors: Rapp Lutz
Published: December 2008

This paper deals with the impact of erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFAs) on the reliability of communication networks. It is shown that failure rates calculated for EDFAs have only limited significance in view of the reliability of the complete network. Standard amplifier setups using a single pump per stage are compared with setups making use of pump sharing. The analysis reveals that differences with respect to downtime and mean time to repair of networks using these types of amplifiers are much smaller than it is expected from the failure rate calculations. This is due to the fact that standard amplifiers can compensate the failure of an intermediate pump for several operating conditions by increasing the power emitted by the other pumps, whereas compensation capabilities of setups based on pump sharing are strongly constrained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case study in organizational change: Evaluation in Cooperative Extension
Authors: Rennekamp Roger A. , Engle Molly
Published: December 2008

This chapter examines how factors both internal and external to Cooperative Extension have influenced its commitment and capability to assess the quality and impact of its programs. The authors begin by documenting how the nature of Extension programming has changed dramatically in response to societal needs over the course of the organization's history. Because Extension's culture places great value on service to people, early attempts to measure organizational performance focused on the number of individuals reached and the quality of the interaction with those individuals. Over time, Extension educators began to turn their attention to program outcomes. But it wasn't until Extension was threatened with significant budget cuts that the organization responded with systemwide efforts to document the results of its programming. The authors conclude that so long as Extension educators consider program evaluation an obligation to be met rather than an opportunity to learn and grow, optimum levels of commitment and capability cannot be achieved. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Birth weight and childhood leukemia: A meta‐analysis and review of the current evidence
Authors: Caughey Robert W. , Michels Karin B.
Published: December 2008

A growing body of evidence suggests that childhood leukemia may be initiated in utero when lymphoid and myeloid cells are not fully differentiated and are particularly susceptible to malignant transformation. A fixed effects meta‐analysis examining the association between birth weight and childhood leukemia was conducted including 32 studies and 16,501 cases of all types of leukemia (OL), 10,974 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 1,832 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The odd ratios (OR) for the association of high birth weight with OL, ALL and AML were 1.35 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.48), 1.23 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.32), and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.76), respectively, compared with normal birth weight. Low birth weight was not associated with overall and ALL leukemia, but with AML (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.13). Per 1000 g increase in birth weight, the OR for OL was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.23) and ALL 1.18 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.23). The combined available evidence from observational studies suggests that high birth weight is associated with an increased risk of overall leukemia and ALL. For AML the risk may be elevated at both high and low extremes of birth weight, suggesting a U‐shaped association. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of deoxycholate induction of CXCL8 by the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rial Nathaniel S. , Lazennec Gwendal , Prasad Anil R. , Krouse Robert S. , Lance Peter , Gerner Eugene W.
Published: December 2008

Elevated deoxycholic acid (DCA), mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and chronic inflammation are associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. APC status was manipulated to determine whether DCA mediates inflammatory molecules in normal or initiated colonic mucosa. DCA increased steady state mRNA and protein levels of CXCL8 in cells which do not express wild‐type APC. Steady‐state CXCL8 mRNA and protein were suppressed when cells with conditional expression of wild‐type APC were exposed to DCA. Immunostaining did not detect CXCL8 in normal human colonic mucosa. CXCL8 was expressed in adenomatous polyps and adenocarcinomas. CXCL8 expression correlated with nuclear β‐catenin localization in epithelial cells of adenomas, but was associated with endothelial cells and neutrophils in the adenocarcinomas. DCA‐mediated CXCL8 promoter–reporter activity was elevated in a mutant APC background. Wild‐type APC suppressed this effect. Mutation of activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) or nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) sites suppressed the activation of the CXCL8 promoter–reporter by DCA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that AP‐1 and NF‐κB binding to the 5′‐promoter of CXCL8 was induced by DCA. The β‐catenin transcription factor was bound to the 5′‐promoter of CXCL8 in the absence or presence of DCA. Phenotypic assays determined that DCA‐mediated invasion was blocked by antibody‐directed against CXCL8 or wild‐type APC. CXCL8 exposure led to matrix metalloproteinase‐2 production and increased invasion on laminin‐coated filters. These data suggest that DCA‐mediated CXCL8 occurs in initiated colonic epithelium and neutralizing CXCL8 could reduce the invasive potential of tumors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.