bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser in cytometry: Applications in flow cytogenetics
Authors: Cremer C. , Dölle J. , Hausmann M. , Bier F. F. , Rohwer P.
Published: July 2012

Flow cytometry has become an important tool in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis. In particular, its ability to make multiple measurements of individual particles at a rate of up to 20000 particles per second allows the quantitative characterization (“flow karyotyping”) and sorting of isolated chromosomes. Major areas of application of “flow cytogenetics” are in molecular genetics, human genetics, and tumor cytogenetics. Several approaches to increase the resolution of one and two parameter flow cytometry of chromosomes will be discussed. On one hand different algorithms of flow cytometric data processing can be applied to achieve a better signal/apparent noise ratio. To obtain a more accurate evaluation of flow karyotypes they may be approximated as a sum of Gaussian distributions. On the other hand the flow cytometric resolution of specific chromosome types can be improved by chemical modifications of the chromosomal DNA, e.g. incorporation of base analogues or in situ hybridization in suspension with specific DNA probes.
Time resolved photoacoustics in biology
Authors: Braslavsky Silvia E.
Published: July 2012

Kinetic and calorimetric information on short‐lived species generated by laser pulses can be derived from the direct measurement of the heat delivered to the medium after the absorption of the pulse. In condensed matter the time evolution of the heat may be monitored, e.g., by recording with a piezoelectric element the pressure wave generated by the heat pulse (laser‐induced optoacoustic spectroscopy, LIOAS). This method is particularly appropriate for opaque or highly scattering samples, like those encountered often when working with biological samples or in vivo. LIOAS experiments yield the product ΔEp · ϕp, with ϕp the quantum yield of the product living longer than the time resolution of the method and having an energy content ΔEp. Provided one of the terms is known, the other is calculated. For laser pulses in the ps to ns range the time resolution of LIOAS in dilute samples is determined by the transit time of the acoustic wave through the laser beam diameter, and is in the range 30 ns —5 μs. LIOAS data was used to estimate an upper limit for the quantum yield of the photochemical primary process of the photochromic plant pigment phytochrome which yields within ps after excitation intermediates with lifetimes in the μs time range. The relative energy stored by the ion pairs formed within 1.4 μs of the excitation of Photosystem I and II particles from Synechococcus sp. could also be derived from LIOAS data. This allowed the evaluation of the midpoint potential between both partners of those ion pairs. Similarly, the measurement of the heat production in intact cells of Rhodospirillum rubrum S1 within microseconds after excitation yielded the relative energy content of the P+−880IQ−A ion pair formed 200 ps after excitation. Quantum yields of intersystem crossing and singlet molecular oxygen production for various sensitizers used in the photodynamic therapy of the malignous cells were also estimated from measurements of the heat stored after pulse excitation of the molecules. LIOAS is also suited to determine photophysical parameters of isomers with optical properties similar to those of the ground state, which renders optical measurements difficult. In the case of the sensitizer merocyanine 540, the measurement of the intersystem crossing yield by LIOAS led to the estimation of the absorption coefficient of the photoisomer formed within the laser pulse. —The lifetime of the species storing energy for a time in the range of or longer than the acoustic transit time can be evaluated either by deconvolution of the time profile of the pressure wave from that of a calorimetric reference (which delivers all the absorbed energy as heat within the acoustic transit time) or by measuring the heat evolved at various acoustic transit times obtained by varying the laser beam diameter.
Collisional Energy Transfer of Vibrationally Highly Excited Molecules. VI. Energy Dependence of 〈Δ E〉 in Azulene
Authors: Hippler H. , Otto B. , Troe J.
Published: July 2012

Vibrationally highly excited azulene (E ≤ 17000 cm‐1) was prepared by light absorption in the S1 band and subsequent fast internal conversion. Collisional energy transfer in 22 bath gases was measured in the temperature range 300–800 K. In the investigated energy range, the average energies 〈ΔE〉 transferred per collision nearly linearly depend on the excitation energy.
Vergleichende Strukturuntersuchungen an kristallin‐flüssigen Mischphasen vom smektischen Typ
Authors: Diele S. , Sackmann H.
Published: July 2012

The liquid crystalline smectic mixed phases in eight binary systems have been investigated by X‐ray methods. The mixed phases have orthogonal (sE, sB, sA‐phases) or tilted (sG, sF, s1‐phases) structures. Especially the thickness of the smectic layers d as a function of the concentration has been considered. In the orthogonal phases the function d(x) is related to an averaged molecular length T(x) = xAlA + xBlB, where lA and lB denote the molecular lengths of the compounds A and B in the most stretched all‐trans‐configuration. In the tilted phases besides T(x) the tilt angle β(x) is related to d(x). Adding the second compound the tilted molecular long axes arise within the layers.
Photochemistry of colloidal semiconductors 30. Reactions and fluorescence of AgI and AgI — Ag2S colloids
Authors: Henglein A. , Gutiérrez M. , Weller K. , Fojtik A. , Jirkovský J.
Published: July 2012

When Ag+ ions are precipitated with I− ions in the presence of poly (N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) or poly (vinyl alcohol) the AgI colloid forms slowly (during minutes or hours, depending on conditions), the changes in the absorption spectrum indicate the presence of unusual AgI structures during the first stages of particle growth. Size quantization effects are partly responsible for these changes. — AgI colloids with 10% excess of I− do not photolyse under continuous illumination. However, intermediates can be detected in flash photolysis experiments. In the presence of sulfite, silver is formed, the quantum yield lying in the 10−4 range. Greater yields of silver (10−3 to 10−2) are observed with solutions containing excess Ag+ ions. Less silver is produced in acidic solutions and the silver signal in the flash experiments decays more rapidly. These effects are attributed to the re‐oxidation of small silver clusters formed on the colloidal particles by H+ ions. — AgI colloids have a weak fluorescence close to the threshold of absorption. It is blue‐shifted with decreasing particle size (size quantization effect). The fluorescence is quenched by small amounts of silver deposited on the particles. It is also quenched by an Ag2S deposit. Under these circumstances a new fluorescence having three maxima in the red and infrared appears. This new fluorescence is red‐shifted with increasing size of the silver deposit (size quantization of Ag2S). The fluorescence is explained in terms of electron transfer from AgI (conduction band) to the hole captured at the AgI—Ag2S interface. Size quantization effects are also believed to play a role in the sulfursensitization of photographic plates.
An investigation of the reaction between CH3 radicals and methanol at high temperatures
Authors: Dombrowsky Ch. , Wagner H. Gg.
Published: July 2012

The reaction of methyl radicals with methanol was investigated behind incident shock waves at temperatures between 1200 and 1400 K. The kinetic data were obtained from time resolved absorption measurements of CH3 at the wavelength λ = 216.5 nm. The results suggest a curved Arrhenius plot, which can be extrapolated to real flame conditions. A comparison with other methyl radical reactions shows coherence in the temperature dependence of the rate coefficients.
Knowledge about various contraceptive methods in young women with and without eating disorders
Authors: Hicks Caitlin W. , DeMarsh Samantha , Singh Harjoat , Gillespie Laura A. , Worley Sarah , Rome Ellen S.
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To determine if young women with eating disorders (EDs) have altered views about the risks/benefits of different forms of birth control than the general population.

Method:

Data was collected using a cross‐sectional, survey‐based study of postmenarchal women aged 13–25 years with a diagnosed ED (n = 50) or no history of disordered eating patterns (n =57).

Results:

Despite having a higher level of education (p = 0.04) and no differences in sexual history (p = 0.16), ED patients were less knowledgeable than controls about the health risks and benefits, effectiveness in preventing HIV, and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy of various methods of birth control (p≤ 0.05).

Discussion:

ED patients may be incorrectly presumed to be asexual while working on recovery; physicians may need to take extra time to educate ED patients about their personal risks of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and the benefits that different methods of contraception can provide. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Proposal on modeling of pressure rise and propagation due to short‐circuit fault arc on a CVT cable installed in a protective pipe
Authors: Tadokoro Tomo , Ohtaka Toshiya , Amakawa Tadashi
Published: July 2012

In underground distribution systems, a CVT (cross‐linked polyethylene insulated PVC sheathed triplex) cable is installed in a protective pipe. When a fault arc occurs on the CVT cable, the pressure instantly increases due to the high temperature of the arc, then propagates in the pipe. The pressure rise and its propagation may seriously damage the pipe and connected power equipment. There are many different sizes of pipes and cables depending on the installation situation, and fault arcs occur under various conditions. Therefore, the simulation technique is effective for examining such pressure rise and propagation in addition to short‐circuit tests. The objective of this paper is to present a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modeling that can be used to evaluate the characteristics of the pressure rise and propagation due to a fault arc in the protective pipe. The pressure‐rise waveforms obtained by CFD analysis were found to be similar to those from short‐circuit test results. In addition, the dependence of the maximum pressure rise on the size of the CVT cable and on the arc current was simulated well. Therefore, CFD modeling is sufficient for study of the pressure rise and its propagation in a protective pipe. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 181(3): 9‐18, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22291
A grounded theory study of training transfer among army noncommissioned officers
Authors: Foxworth Lorinzo
Published: July 2012

The researcher used a qualitative grounded theory research process to analyze and code data collected on leaders' ability to influence training transfer in Army units. Participants in the current study consisted of 18 senior Army noncommissioned officers (NCOs) assigned to an Army recruiting battalion located in Atlanta, Georgia. NCOs participated in the research based on interest in addressing problems related to the lack of documented training‐transfer practices that could be used to improve training processes with subordinates at Army units. Participants were asked five open‐ended questions on how they valued Army school training, what behaviors and practices they used on return from leadership training, how commissioned officers assisted them on their return from training, what long‐term continuous activities were implemented on return, and what their perspectives were on applying newly gained knowledge after attending leadership courses. Findings indicated the utilization of five primary influences that effectively influence training‐transfer practices and behaviors to enhance performance, which led to the core phenomenon of training transfer. Through constant comparison and coding of collected data, five influences—leadership practices, perceived value of training, continuous and quality learning, operational support, and shared leadership knowledge—emerged as key behaviors and practices that supported the Leadership Competence and Support Application model, which depicts how senior NCO leaders use training‐transfer practices and effective leadership to ensure team development.
Regulation of the ovarian reserve by members of the transforming growth factor beta family
Authors: Pangas Stephanie A.
Published: July 2012

Genetic or environmental factors that affect the endowment of oocytes, their assembly into primordial follicles, or their subsequent entry into the growing follicle pool can disrupt reproductive function and may underlie disorders such as primary ovarian insufficiency. Mouse models have been instrumental in identifying genes important in ovarian development, and a number of genes now associated with ovarian dysfunction in women were first identified as causing reproductive defects in knockout mice. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) family consists of developmentally important growth factors that include the TGFBs, anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), activins, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9). The ovarian primordial follicle pool is the source of oocytes in adults. Development of this pool can be grossly divided into three key processes: (1) establishment of oocytes during embryogenesis followed by (2) assembly and (3) activation of the primordial follicle. Disruptions in any of these processes may cause reproductive dysfunction. Most members of the TGFB family show pivotal roles in each of these areas. Understanding the phenotypes of various mouse models for this protein family will be directly relevant to understanding how disruptions in TGFB family signaling result in reproductive diseases in women and will present new areas for development of tailored diagnostics and interventions for infertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 666–679, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Light stau phenomenology and the Higgs γγ rate
Authors: Carena Marcela , Gori Stefania , Shah Nausheen R. , Wagner Carlos E. M. , Wang Lian-Tao
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Recently, an excess of events consistent with a Higgs boson with mass of about 125 GeV was reported by the CMS and ATLAS experiments. This Higgs boson mass is consistent with the values that may be obtained in minimal supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model (SM), with both stop masses less than a TeV and large mixing. The apparently enhanced photon production rate associated with this potential Higgs signal may be the result of light staus with large mixing. Large stau mixing and large coupling of the staus to the SM-like Higgs boson may be obtained for large values of tan β and moderate to large values of the Higgsino mass parameter, μ. We study the phenomenological properties of this scenario, including precision electroweak data, the muon anomalous magnetic moment, Dark Matter, and the evolution of the soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters to high energies. We also analyze the possible collider signatures of light third generation sleptons and demonstrate that it is possible to find evidence of their production at the 8 TeV and the 14 TeV LHC. The most promising channel is stau and tau sneutrino associated production, with the sneutrino decaying into a W boson plus a light stau.
Sequence–function–stability relationships in proteins from datasets of functionally annotated variants: The case of TEM β‐lactamases
Authors: Abriata Luciano A. , M. Salverda Merijn L. , Tomatis Pablo E.
Published: July 2012

A dataset of TEM lactamase variants with different substrate and inhibition profiles was compiled and analyzed. Trends show that loops are the main evolvable regions in these enzymes, gradually accumulating mutations to generate increasingly complex functions. Notably, many mutations present in evolved enzymes are also found in simpler variants, probably originating functional promiscuity. Following a function‐stability tradeoff, the increase in functional complexity driven by accumulation of mutations fosters the incorporation of other stability‐restoring substitutions, although our analysis suggests they might not be as “global” as generally accepted and seem instead specific to different networks of protein sites. Finally, we show how this dataset can be used to model functional changes in TEMs based on the physicochemical properties of the amino acids.
The Importance of Slavery and the Slave Trade to Industrializing Britain
Authors: Eltis David , Engerman Stanley L.
Published: July 2012

John Stuart Mill's comment that the British Caribbean was really a part of the British domestic economy, because almost all its trade was with British buyers and sellers, is used to make a new assessment of the importance of the eighteenth-century slave systems to British industrialization. If the value added and strategic linkages of the sugar industry are compared to those of other British industries, it is apparent that sugar cultivation and the slave trade were not particularly large, nor did they have stronger growth-inducing ties with the rest of the British economy.
The Political Economy of Early Southern Unionism: Race, Politics, and Labor in the South, 1880–1953
Authors: Friedman Gerald
Published: July 2012

Southern unions were the weak link in the American labor movement, organizing a smaller share of the labor force than did unions in the northern states or in Europe. Structural conditions, including a racially divided rural population, obstructed southern unionization. The South's distinctive political system also blocked unionization. A strict racial code compelling whites to support the Democratic Party and the disfranchisement of southern blacks and many working-class whites combined to create a one-party political system that allowed southern politicians to ignore labor's demands. Unconstrained by working-class voters, southern politicians facilitated strikebreaking and favored employers against unions.
Commerce and Cooperation: Litigation and Settlement of Civil Disputes on the Australian Frontier, 1860–1990
Authors: Khan B. Zorina
Published: July 2012

I examine the evolution of conflict and cooperation during economic growth by analyzing civil disputes in New South Wales between 1860 and 1900. Disputes per capita fell over time and the proportion of cases settled before trial increased, but patterns varied across locations and types of disputes. Economic conflicts were likelier to be settled than personal disputes, and the fraction of cases settled was significantly lower in frontier areas and in districts without access to transportation. The results suggest that increased market exchange facilitates the development of informal rules and encourages transactors to find cooperative solutions through private bargaining.
The Nontitular Son of Man: A History and Critique
Authors: Burkett Delbert
Published: July 2012

The expression ⋯ νἱ⋯σ το⋯ ⋯νθρώπον, found primarily in the Gospels on the lips of Jesus, has been the object of a centuries-long investigation that has sought to determine its meaning and origin. Patristic and medieval authors understood the phrase as a title of Jesus meaning ‘the Son of the human’, with ‘the human’ referring to either Mary or Adam. With the renewal of learning in the Renaissance and Reformation, interpreters began to examine the phrase in light of its Semitic background, tracing it to Hebrewben adamor Aramaicbar enasha. A host of new interpretations arose. While most scholars continued to view the expression as some sort of title, others saw it as a nontitular idiom. Three possible idiomatic senses of the expression were investigated: the circumlocutional sense (‘this man’ = ‘I’), the generic sense (‘man’ in general), and the indefinite sense (‘a man’, someone). These nontitular interpretations, part of the debate since 1557, have become more prominent in the last 25 years and form an important feature of the current discussion.
Reception Theory, H. R. Jauss and the Formative Power of Scripture
Authors: Thiselton Anthony C.
Published: July 2012

Formation constitutes the key link between reception theory, Jauss and scripture. The Bible shapes readers by showing them what lies beyond the self. Hans Robert Jauss (1921–97) remains the effective founder of reception theory or reception history. He was a literary theorist, who specialised in romance literature. Following Hans-Georg Gadamer, he insisted that texts carry ‘a still unfinished meaning’, and focused on their historical influence. The exposition of how communities or thinkers have received texts includes de-familiarisation; sometimes the ‘completion’ of meaning, as in much reader-response theory; and instances of when a text ‘satisfies, surpasses, disappoints, or refutes the expectations’ of readers. Reception theory can often trace continuity in the reception of texts, as well as disjunctions, reversals and surprises. It offers a more disciplined approach to scripture than most reader-response theories. Clearly horizons of expectation play a major role in the interpretation of biblical texts. I suggest six direct parallels with biblical interpretation. (1) Like Francis Watson and others, Jauss rejects any value-neutral objectivism in interpretation. (2) The readers’ horizon of expectation derives partly from earlier readings of the text. (3) Horizons can move and change, and thus transform readers as these change. (4) Biblical genres display all of Jauss’ accounts of the responses of readers. For example, parables of reversal may surpass what the Christian believer expects, or disappoint the unbeliever. (5) Like Gadamer, Jauss emphasises the importance of formulating constructive questions in approaching texts. (6) Jauss’ ‘levels of reading’ correspond closely with Bakhtin's notion of polyphony. I compare Ormond Rush's work on reception and otherness, and Luther's insistence that the Bible often confronts us as our adversary to judge and to transform us. Finally, we illustrate the history of reception from Ulrich Luz on Matthew, from Childs on Exodus, and from my commentaries on 1 Corinthians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
Natural environment of the Inner Hebrides—an introduction
Authors: Boyd John Morton
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

The Inner Hebrides have a natural history which, in geological time, dates from the Archaean and, in human history, from the Mesolithic 7000–6500 BC. The archipelago was a great attraction to scientists and historians in the 19th and 20th centuries which has resulted in an extensive literature. It started with Martin in 1703 and following a steady interest for about two centuries has blossomed in many spheres of scientific and other interests over the past 50 years. The islands are geologically outstanding and much pioneering work has been done on their Lewisian and Torridonian basement, Mesozoic fossiliferous sediments and Tertiary ring structures which has been of value in the understanding of the geology of the European and the North Atlantic provinces. The geomorphological features include glaciated landscapes, raised beaches and those caused by marine erosion and accretion.

The character of the islands is in great part determined by a mild, wet and windy climate. The soils are mainly ‘mor’ in character with localities of ‘mull’ soils overlying limestone or calcareous sand. Similarly, the vegetation and freshwaters are mainly oligotrophic except when overlying limestone or shell-sand which support meso- and eutrophic communities of plants and animals. There are important assemblies of breeding seabirds in Rhum and Treshnish Isles and wintering flocks of geese and other wildfowl in Islay. The large islands have populations of red deer, grey seals, common seals and otters breed throughout the islands. The Inner Hebrides hold stocks of plants and animals which are genetically distinct from those of the mainland and some have Lusitanian and American affinities.

The islands are mainly used for the grazing of sheep and cattle with local small-scale arable cropping in crofting and farming. Forestry is possible only in the sheltered parts of the larger islands or in small sheltered islands; the main crops are sitka spruce and lodgepole pine but there are broadleafed woodlands around large houses in many islands and gardens with exotic, sub-tropical plants, shrubs and trees. There are pelagic and demersal marine fisheries, shell fisheries and fish farms mainly growing salmon, rainbow trout and mussels. The mineral resources on a commercial scale, are minor. The nature conservation interest is high with two National Nature Reserves (including Rhum) and 62 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
When Mother Earth Rises Up
Authors: Sacchi Simona , Riva Paolo , Brambilla Marco
Published: July 2012

Anthropomorphization is the tendency to ascribe humanlike features and mental states, such as free will and consciousness, to nonhuman beings or inanimate agents. Two studies investigated the consequences of the anthropomorphization of nature on people’s willingness to help victims of natural disasters. Study 1 (N = 96) showed that the humanization of nature correlated negatively with willingness to help natural disaster victims. Study 2 (N = 52) tested for causality, showing that the anthropomorphization of nature reduced participants’ intentions to help the victims. Overall, our findings suggest that humanizing nature undermines the tendency to support victims of natural disasters.
Versatile shaping of a relativistic laser pulse from a nonuniform overdense plasma
Authors: Hur Min Sup , Kim Young-Kuk , Kulagin Victor V. , Nam Inhyuk , Suk Hyyong
Published: July 2012

We studied the versatile shaping of a petawatt laser pulse using its relativistic transparency in a thin overdense plasma slab. The novel concept here is to use the nonuniformity of the plasma slab in its density or thickness in the transverse direction to control the pulse shaping in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. From 2-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we succeeded in fabricating a front shape concave to the propagation direction, an extreme case of transverse shaping. A 1-dimensional analytic formula was then applied to predict the transverse shape, which showed good agreement with the simulations.
Growth‐differentiation factor‐15 improves reclassification for the diagnosis of heart failure with normal ejection fraction in morbid obesity
Authors: Baessler Andrea , Strack Christina , Rousseva Elena , Wagner Florian , Bruxmeier Janine , Schmiedel Martin , Riegger Günter , Lahmann Claas , Loew Thomas , Schmitz Gerd , Fischer Marcus
Published: July 2012

Aims

This study aimed to examine the incremental value of growth‐differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) to N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic hormone (NT‐proBNP) levels for the diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and possible heart failure (HF) in morbidly obese patients.

Method and results

We analysed data from 207 obese subjects [body mass index (BMI) 41 ± 8 kg/m2] with normal ejection fraction, LVDD, and symptoms and/or signs of HF (referred to as ‘LVDD with possible HF’, n = 88) and with normal left ventricular function (n = 119) before participating in a medical weight loss programme, in addition to the study of healthy lean subjects (n = 51). Median NT‐proBNP (interquartile range) for obese subjects with ‘LVDD and possibe HF’ and with normal LV function was 52 (29–96) and 42 (25–66) pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.12). There was no correlation of NT‐proBNP with parameters of left ventricular filling pressure, i.e. E/E' (r2 = 0.002, P = 0.63) or E' velocity (r2 = 0.02, P = 0.24). In contrast, GDF‐15 was 665 (496–926) with ‘LVDD and possible HF’ and 451 (392– 679) pg/mL without (P < 0.0001). GDF‐15 was significantly correlated to E/E', E' velocity, E/A ratio, isovolumetric relaxation time, duration of reversed pulmonary vein atrial systolic flow, and left atrial size. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve that defines LVDD with possible HF was 0.56 for NT‐proBNP and 0.74 for GDF‐15 (P < 0.0001). The addition of GDF‐15 to a multivariate predicition model increased the net reclassification improvement (NRI) by 9% (P= 0.022).

Conclusion

In morbidly obese individuals, GDF‐15 levels seem to better correlate with diastolic dysfunction than NT‐proBNP levels. GDF‐15 significantly improves reclassification for the diagnosis of ‘LVDD with possible HF’ and, thus, adds incremental value to NT‐proBNP.
Children expressing themselves
Authors: Aasgaard Trygve , Edwards Melinda
Published: July 2012

Creative activities involving play, art, and music are all normal and natural ways for children to interact with the world around them, and they can be powerful resources for facilitating and enhancing communication. They offer a forum for children to express their feelings, concerns, and questions through creative means, as well as providing a basis for exploring their experiences further. Given that children’s normal activities and outlets for expression of their feelings are often disrupted or reduced as a result of their illness or disability, it is even more important for creative activities and therapies to be provided and encouraged in all contexts of the child’s life, both in hospital and in the home setting. These activities can be individually focused, family centred, or provided through group activities. In this chapter we shall review the clinical application and effectiveness of these creative therapeutic techniques in promoting expression and communication with children.
Mayo Clinic Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

The medical management of infectious diseases and antimicrobial therapy can be a daunting task for health care professionals. Although expansive textbooks and online resources are available, we believe that a more simplified, quick reference guide is needed for the day-to-day office and hospital clinical practice. This book is designed to provide information about infectious diseases and antimicrobial therapy in a format that is readily accessible and easily applicable to the clinical environment. Highlights of this book include simplified and thorough drug dosing recommendations for renal function and renal replacement therapies, drugs of choice for specific organisms (including bacteria, fungi, and viruses), and simplified antimicrobial and management recommendations for specific infectious syndromes.
Effects of Fungicide Treatments for the Control of Epidemic and Exotic Calonectria Diseases in Italy
Authors: Aiello Dalia , Cirvilleri Gabriella , Polizzi Giancarlo , Vitale Alessandro
Published: July 2012

The efficacy of 11 fungicides was evaluated for the control of Calonectria infections on bottlebrush (Callistemon “Masotti”) and feijoa (Acca sellowiana), with special emphasis on Calonectria pauciramosa and C. morganii, which are the most destructive species in Italian ornamental nurseries. Three nursery experiments were performed with the selected fungicides in order to determine their ability to prevent leaf spot caused by C. morganii on bottlebrush and leaf spot and crown and root rot caused by C. pauciramosa on bottlebrush and feijoa. All fungicides were effective in reducing disease infections, except for cyproconazole, propamocarb + fosetyl-Al, and K phosphite that were the least effective in reducing C. morganii leaf spot. In contrast, K phosphite proved more effective in reducing crown and root rot caused by C. pauciramosa. Fungicides were also evaluated in growth-cabinet experiments for their ability to reduce incidence and severity of leaf spot on bottlebrush caused by the exotic pathogens C. pseudomexicana, C. tunisiana, C. polizzii, and C. mexicana. Copper hydroxide, fosetyl-Al, prochloraz, prochloraz + cyproconazole, and tebuconazole were always effective in reducing Calonectria leaf spot on bottlebrush. However, some differences in levels of control might be attributable to Calonectria isolate. Overall, this study clearly indicates that new fungicides can be employed for chemical management of Calonectria infections in ornamental nurseries.
First Report of Alfalfa mosaic virus Associated with Severe Mosaic and Mottling of Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and White Clover (Trifolium repens) in Oklahoma
Authors: Abdalla O. A. , Ali A.
Published: July 2012

Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), a member of the genus Alfamovirus, family Bromoviridae (1), has been reported in 44 states in the United States excluding Oklahoma. During a cucurbit survey in the summer of 2010, severe mosaic and mottling symptoms were observed on many peppers (Capsicum annuum) and white clover (Trifolium repens) plants in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Symptomatic leaf samples from 15 pepper and two white clover plants were collected in the Bixby area and analyzed serologically by dot-immunobinding assay (DIBA) using specific polyclonal antibodies against AMV (Agdia, Inc). Seven out of 15 pepper samples and both white clover samples were tested positive by DIBA to AMV. The remaining symptomatic samples were positive to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Total RNA was extracted from DIBA positive AMV samples by Tri-reagent method. A small aliquot of total RNA was tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using specific primers: AMV-F 5′ GTCCGCGATCTCTTAAAT 3′ and AMV-R 5′ GAAGTTTGGGTCGAGAGA 3′ that were designed to amplify 900 bp of the AMV-RNA 3. Analysis of the PCR products on agarose gel electrophoreses showed that all tested samples showed a band of the expected size while DIBA negative AMV samples did not produce any band. The amplified PCR product (900 bp) obtained from pepper and white clover were cleaned with PCR purification kit (Qiagen, Germantown, MD) and directly sequenced bi-directionally using the above primers. Sequence analysis confirmed that this virus shared 97% identity at nucleotide sequence with RNA 3 of AMV isolate from Madison-USA (GenBank Accession No. K02703). For biological and morphological characterization of the virus, eight pepper plants were mechanically inoculated using 0.1 M K2HPO4 buffer (pH 7.2) with total RNA extracted from AMV positive pepper or white clover plant samples. One to two weeks post-inoculation, all inoculated plants produced severe mosaic, mottling, and stunting. Virus-like particles preparations were obtained from these symptomatic plants according to our previously described method (2) and electron microcopy examination showed typical AMV particles. These biological and morphological data further confirmed the presence of AMV infecting pepper and clover in Oklahoma. AMV is a significant pathogen worldwide and infects more than 600 species in 70 families, especially alfalfa, pepper, soybean, and tobacco (3). AMV has a worldwide distribution, including the United States, and particularly the Midwestern U.S. where the incidence of the virus is on the rise recently because of the presence of its vector (Aphis glycines) (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of AMV infecting crops in Oklahoma, which could pose a threat to other economic crops grown in Oklahoma, especially soybean.

References: (1) E. E. Mueller et al. Plant Dis. 91:266, 2007. (2) A. Ali et al. Plant Dis. 96:243, 2012. (3) J. F. Bol. Mol. Plant Path.4:1, 2003. (4) M. Malapi-Nelson et al. Plant Dis.93:1259, 2009.
GeoTheses: development of union catalogue of Indian geoscience theses using GSDL
Authors: Alam Nurul , Pandey Pragya
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a model to provide a mechanism for the development of a union catalogue for geoscience theses based on open source software (GSDL) and to show how libraries can use open source as a vehicle for promoting library services. It is used for the geoscience community and educational users in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The system is based on open source software (GSDL, Apache, PERL, JRE). GeoTheses can be used both in offline mode (i.e. self‐installable CD‐ROM) and online through the web.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that GeoTheses can serve as an online distributed digital library for geoscience theses held in India and will enhance the geoscience research activity by providing nascent information pinpointedly, exhaustively and expeditiously.

Research limitation/implications

This is a pilot study, with the only limitation being that very few samples have been considered. This will be investigated further with a wider population, which will improve the GeoTheses system.

Practical implications

These results suggest that a system like GeoTheses could be used by the geoscience research communities, which would help to serve students and scientists working in the field to access information from other geoscience institutes around the world quickly.

Originality/value

The paper describes the application of open source software, GSDL as a form of resource sharing, an electronic archive and a high quality, central database of records for geosciences theses in India.
Six Sigma, organizational learning and innovation
Authors: Sony Michael , Naik Subhash
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between Six Sigma, organizational learning and innovation performance. Also, whether organizational learning advance innovation performance by playing a mediating role between Six Sigma and innovation performance, probing the moderating effects of organizational types between six sigma and organizational learning, and also testing a proposed model to explain the relationships among Six Sigma, organizational type organizational learning, and innovation performance through an empirical examination in the Indian industry context.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlations are used to analyze the degree of relationship between constructs and to further understand the direct and indirect effects, as well as the moderating and mediating effects among the constructs in model, structural equation modeling is conducted using AMOS 6.0 on data collected from Indian industries.

Findings

This study proves the positive relationship between Six Sigma and organizational learning. It also confirms that Six Sigma role structure and Six Sigma focus on metrics contributes positively to organizational innovation, however, Six Sigma structured improvement procedure was found to be negatively related to organizational innovation, thus contributing to Six Sigma‐Innovation Paradox. This study also rejects moderating effects of organizational type between Six Sigma and organizational learning.

Research limitations/implications

Cultural context is a critical factor not only on Six Sigma, but also organizational learning, and organization innovation for investigating hence future study should consider this aspect. This research suggests the need for more intensive research to explore in more depth the relationship between Six Sigma structured improvement procedure, and the administrative and the technical innovation to identify the existence of potentially mediating variables in order to understand what is named the Six Sigma‐Innovation Paradox.

Practical implications

The findings are useful for business managers in developing countries such as India, who want to enhance business performance through implementing Six Sigma practices that support their firm's product and services innovation efforts.

Originality/value

The study has contributed to establishing an empirical research between Six Sigma, organizational learning and organizational innovations that facilitates more quality management research in developing countries. It has contributed to clarifying the disputed relationship between Six Sigma practices and the firm's learning and innovativeness, and shows empirical evidence in India to confirm that the Six Sigma practices deployed by a firm has a positive impact on its organizational learning. Six Sigma focuses on role structure and metrics contributed positively to innovation, however the Six Sigma effect of procedure on organizational innovation is negatively related, thus opening new areas of Six Sigma‐Innovation Paradox.
A decision support system for demand forecasting in the clothing industry
Authors: Aksoy Asli , Ozturk Nursel , Sucky Eric
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Demand forecasting in the clothing industry is very complex due to the existence of a wide range of product references and the lack of historical sales data. To the authors' knowledge, there is an inadequate number of literature studies to forecast the demand with the adaptive network based fuzzy inference system for the clothing industry. The purpose of this paper is to construct a decision support system for demand forecasting in the clothing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The adaptive‐network‐based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is used for forecasting demand in the clothing industry.

Findings

The results of the proposed study showed that an ANFIS‐based demand forecasting system can help clothing manufacturers to forecast demand more accurately, effectively and simply.

Originality/value

In this study, the demand is forecast in terms of clothing manufacturers by using ANFIS. ANFIS is a new technique for demand forecasting, it combines the learning capability of the neural networks and the generalization capability of the fuzzy logic. The input and output criteria are determined based on clothing manufacturers' requirements and via literature research, and the forecasting horizon is about one month. The study includes the real life application of the proposed system and the proposed system is tested by using real demand values for clothing manufacturers.
Comparing apples to apples
Authors: Lyons Sean T. , Schweitzer Linda , Ng Eddy S.W. , Kuron Lisa K.J.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to compare the career patterns of Matures, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials over the various stages of their careers to determine whether there have been notable shifts away from the “traditional” career model characterized by long‐term linear, upward career movement, toward a “modern” career model characterized by increased job mobility, organizational mobility and multi‐directional career movement.

Design/methodology/approach

The retrospective career accounts of 105 Canadians were gathered through review of résumé information and semi‐structured interviews. The job changes and organizational changes experienced by each respondent in each five‐year career period (e.g. age 20‐24, 25‐29) and the direction of job changes (i.e. upward, downward, lateral or change of career track) were recorded. The generations were compared statistically on each of these measures through analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

Significant inter‐generational differences were observed on all variables of interest, but the differences were largely restricted to the age 20‐24 and 30‐34 career stages.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied on a small sample because of the qualitative nature of the data collection. The sample was also exclusively Canadian. The results should therefore be interpreted with care and the research should be replicated with different types of respondents and in different cultural contexts.

Practical implications

The research demonstrates to employers that the younger generations change jobs and employers at a greater rate than previous generations and that they are more willing to accept non‐upward career moves. Recruiting and retaining young employees will therefore require a different approach than was used for previous generations.

Originality/value

The use of retrospective accounts allowed for the comparison of generations within various career stages. This overcomes a significant limitation of cross‐sectional studies of generational phenomena by simultaneously considering life‐cycle and generational cohort effects.
A practitioner friendly and scientifically robust training evaluation approach
Authors: Griffin Richard
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This article seeks to review the current state of workplace learning evaluation, to set out the rationale for evaluation along with the barriers that practitioners face when seeking to assess the effectiveness of training and development. Finally, it aims to propose a scientifically robust and practitioner friendly approach to evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on a multi disciplinary literature review.

Findings

Despite the substantial investment in workplace learning there is a paucity of evaluation activity. There are a wide range of reasons for this including capacity and capability issues, lack of supportive organisational environment and a lack of effective measurement instruments. There is also a large research to practice gap. The starting point for evaluation approaches should be the needs of practitioners. Latest research on training suggests that effective evaluation approaches should adopt a stakeholder and systems approach and collect corroborative data.

Research limitations/implications

This article presents research findings, based on a multidisciplinary literature review, on the factors that inhibit effective workplace learning evaluation, sets out a novel evaluation framework and approach, grounded in a conceptual model of workplace learning.

Practical implications

The findings seek to assist practitioners such as learning and development professionals undertake more robust and efficient evaluations. The article also addresses the research to practice gap.

Originality/value

This article presents a novel approach to workplace learning evaluation.
Emerging business models and strategies for mobile platform providers: a reference framework
Authors: Ghezzi Antonio
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide a business model design reference framework for mobile platform providers, the platform vendors and technology enablers of the mobile content market. The framework aims at identifying the most critical choices – i.e. design parameters – to be made at a business model design level for a MPP, and at explicitly assessing their strategic implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design integrates a twofold literature review on MPPs definitions and on business model design state of the art, with an in‐depth analysis of significant cases performed through a multiple case studies methodology: through 72 semi‐structured interviews to top managers, 24 companies were analyzed.

Findings

The findings allow to infer that some key business model parameters described by the existing literature – in particular, Osterwalder and Ballon – can be applied to MPPs' business model design process, while other original and actor‐specific building blocks emerge; furthermore, a first taxonomy of three noteworthy business models currently adopted by MPPs – “pure play”, “full asset” and “platform & content management” – is identified, associated respectively to three underlying strategic patterns: “stay on core”, “grow, wait and see”, and “aggressive downstream”.

Research limitations/implications

The research presents a firm‐specific reference framework, which, however, does not focus on the potential different performances coming from alternative design parameters selection. Future works may concentrate in developing comparative or “benchmarking” analysis among the different business models depicted through the taxonomy, in order to explain any differential in firms' performances originated by alternative design parameter choices.

Practical implications

The findings can support a wide set of stakeholders – either first movers or newcomers in the mobile industry – in their strategic and business model design choices.

Originality/value

The paper's value for researchers can be brought back to its descriptive, normative and validating contribution to value network and business model design theories, with specific reference to the rising role of mobile platform providers. Value for practitioners lies in the creation and provisioning of a “reference framework” capable of supporting the decision making process concerning business model design, as it presents strong ties between business model parameters and strategic implications.