bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
English Anti-Petrarchism: Imbalance and Excess in "the Englishe straine" of the Sonnet
Authors: Hutchins Christine E.
Published: October 2012

Although many critics credit (or charge) Shakespeare with the first sonnet sequence to depict lovers who not only consummate their sexual relationships but also generally make themselves excessively erotically available, earlier Italian, French, and English sonnet writers had pushed these boundaries. This article contextualizes Shakespeare's unfaithful Petrarchan lovers in relation to those of contemporary and near-contemporary writers who significantly influenced aspects of the English Petrarchan tradition that critics have thought most uniquely Shakespearean: the excessive eroticism, the ambiguously complimentary or unambiguously insulting "praise," and the multiple lovers and beloveds who engage in emotional and sexual triangulation. Chaucer first translated into English Petrarch's Rime Sparse 132 as the first Canticus Troili in Troilus and Criseyde . At least since the mid-sixteenth century, when Wyatt and Sidney had renewed interest in Chaucer, and his versions of Petrarch, there were two distinct strands in English writers' generic developments of Petrarchan lyric. One of these strands directly draws on Petrarch's unattainable because constant, immovable, and chaste love; the other revises that into an intolerable, fickle, and free-wheeling love whose unattainable status is a result of at least one person's promiscuity and all parties' painful awareness of it. Shakespeare's sonnets draw on this second strand. Shakespeare's sequence details its lover's stages of denial, pain, and rage in relationship to two other lovers who are not merely conventionally tortured and torturing but disconcertingly sadistic and masochistic. This significantly revises the conventions of Petrarchan truth, beauty, constancy, and idealized love. These revisions to the Petrarchan tradition place Shakespeare alongside writers who were most influential at the time and therefore would have been important models for imitatio and inventio among English sonnet-writers: Bembo in Italian, Du Bellay and Ronsard in French, and Chaucer, Wyatt, Sidney, Lodge, Daniel, and Drayton in English.
Skepticism and Post-Reformation Ethics: Richard Hooker's Galen
Authors: Caldwell Melissa M.
Published: October 2012

Closely examining Richard Hooker's rhetoric in book 4 of the Lawes , this essay shows how Hooker's notion of reformation was indebted to Galen's concept of neutrum and mixture over and above the Aristotelian notion of the mean. While Aristotle's moral philosophy led reformers like Thomas Cartwright to posit a reformation by contraries—that is, an exclusive and extremist church without any tolerance for religious hybridity—Galen offered Hooker a method of reform that allowed for a considerable synthesis between reason and experience, led to a more pragmatic ethics, and supported a church that was both reformed and inclusive. This essay reveals the limitations of Aristotelian moral philosophy for post-Reformation ethics and complicates Hooker's orthodoxy by highlighting his skeptical critique of normativity and by examining its effects on his attitude toward adiaphora and custom. Finally, this essay argues that one particularly significant outcome of Hooker's pragmatism is his recognition of atheism as a category of belief in late sixteenth-century England.
Hamlet, Metaphor, and Memory
Authors: Lewis Rhodri
Published: October 2012

This essay reconsiders Hamlet's second soliloquy by locating it within the reconstructed contexts of early modern writing on memory and the ars memoriae . Within these, the Aristotelian distinction between remembering and recollecting is shown to be crucial, as is the interwoven series of metaphors through which mnemonic activities were discussed. These metaphors enable Hamlet to misrepresent the reality of his inner life in response to the Ghost's revelations, most notably in his pursuit of mnemonic erasure. Viewed from this perspective, Hamlet emerges not as one burdened by the memory of his father, or by the need to purge himself of it; rather, from the moment the revenge plot is set in motion, Hamlet is shown to struggle against the very lack of vividness with which both his father and the urge to vengeance exist in his mind.
Nasutum Volo, Nolo Polyposum: Ben Jonson and the Consociative Critic
Authors: Russell William M.
Published: October 2012

The characteristic inconsistency of Ben Jonson's literary criticism derives, in part, from his idea of the critic, which centers upon charity, discretion, and a commitment to what he calls "consociation," a principle of cross-cultural discourse. Jonson himself exercises charity by hosting across his works a symposium of diverse critical voices. He exercises discretion, however, and defines his idea of the critic, by distinguishing among that crowd between "nasuti" and "polyposi," critics good and bad. Yet discretion does not entirely shut down the diversity or the inconsistency that charity engenders. Both are sustained in the service of consociation, as Jonson broadly establishes the cultural relevance of literary criticism by bringing its knowledge to bear upon other spheres and vice versa, though not always in a controlled fashion.
Novel molecular targets associated with testicular dysgenesis induced by gestational exposure to diethylhexyl phthalate in the rat: a role for estradiol
Authors: Klinefelter Gary R , Laskey John W , Winnik Witold M , Suarez Juan D , Roberts Naomi L , Strader Lillian F , Riffle Brandy W , Veeramachaneni D N Rao
Published: October 2012

Significant research has been focused on phthalate-induced alterations in male reproductive development. Studies on rodents have prompted the notion that a syndrome exists in the human male which includes phenotypic alterations such as hypospadias, cryptorchidism, poor semen quality, and even testicular cancer. Each phenotype in this ‘testicular dysgenesis syndrome’ is predicated on reduction in testosterone production by the fetal Leydig cell. We sought to examine the relationship between dysgenesis and steroidogenic capacity in the fetal rat testis more stringently by incorporating lower exposures than those typically used, conducting a comprehensive, non-targeted quantitative evaluation of the fetal testis proteome, and relating alterations in individual proteins to the capacity of the fetal Leydig cell to produce testosterone, and histopathology of the fetal testis. Pregnant dams were dosed orally from gestation day (GD) 13–19 with 0, 10, or 100 mg diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)/kg body weight per day. Each endpoint was represented by 16 l. Clustering of Leydig cells occurred before any significant decrease in the capacity of the GD19 Leydig cell to produce testosterone. At 100 mg DEHP/kg, testosterone production was reduced significantly, Leydig cell clusters became quite large, and additional dysgenetic changes were observed in the fetal testis. Of 23 proteins whose expression was altered significantly at both DEHP exposure levels, seven were found to be correlated with and predictive of the quantified endpoints. None of these proteins have been previously implicated with DEHP exposure. Notably, pathway analysis revealed that these seven proteins fit a pathway network in which each is regulated directly or indirectly by estradiol.
Overlapping ETS and CRE Motifs (G/CCGGAAGTGACGTCA) Preferentially Bound by GABPα and CREB Proteins
Authors: Chatterjee Raghunath , Zhao Jianfei , He Ximiao , Shlyakhtenko Andrey , Mann Ishminder , Waterfall Joshua J , Meltzer Paul , Sathyanarayana B K , FitzGerald Peter C , Vinson Charles
Published: October 2012

Previously, we identified 8-bps long DNA sequences (8-mers) that localize in human proximal promoters and grouped them into known transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). We now examine split 8-mers consisting of two 4-mers separated by 1-bp to 30-bps (X4-N1-30-X4) to identify pairs of TFBS that localize in proximal promoters at a precise distance. These include two overlapping TFBS: the ETS⇔ETS motif (C/GCCGGAAGCGGAA) and the ETS⇔CRE motif (C/GCGGAAGTGACGTCAC). The nucleotides in bold are part of both TFBS. Molecular modeling shows that the ETS⇔CRE motif can be bound simultaneously by both the ETS and the B-ZIP domains without protein-protein clashes. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) shows that the ETS protein GABPα and the B-ZIP protein CREB preferentially bind to the ETS⇔CRE motif only when the two TFBS overlap precisely. In contrast, the ETS domain of ETV5 and CREB interfere with each other for binding the ETS⇔CRE. The 11-mer (CGGAAGTGACG), the conserved part of the ETS⇔CRE motif, occurs 226 times in the human genome and 83% are in known regulatory regions. In vivo GABPα and CREB ChIP-seq peaks identified the ETS⇔CRE as the most enriched motif occurring in promoters of genes involved in mRNA processing, cellular catabolic processes, and stress response, suggesting that a specific class of genes is regulated by this composite motif.
A Triple Threat: Down Syndrome, Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, and Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Jones Kelly L. , Pivnick Enikö K. , Hines-Dowell Stacy , Weese-Mayer Debra E. , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth M. , Santiago Teresa , Nnorom Chukwuma , Pourcyrous Massroor
Published: October 2012

Down syndrome (DS) is recognized by characteristic facial features, intellectual disability, and an increased risk for cardiac malformations and duodenal atresia. Recently, Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), or congenital aganglionic megacolon, has been seen more often among patients with DS. Given the systemic nature of DS-related features, it is natural to attribute neonatal complications to the chromosomal aberration. We describe a biracial male infant with DS who had significantly delayed defecation and required continuous ventilator support, but had no primary cardiac or lung disease. Subsequent evaluations confirmed total colonic aganglionosis. Because we were unable to safely extubate the infant, a diagnosis of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) was considered and confirmed by molecular analysis of the PHOX2B gene, revealing a heterozygous polyalanine repeat-expansion mutation containing 27 repeats (normal gene contains 20 repeats). HSCR coexisting with CCHS is known as Haddad syndrome. This is the first reported case with co-occurrence of DS, CCHS, and HSCR.
Treatment outcome of immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Iványi János László , Marton Éva , Plander Márk
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Treatment of immune thrombocytopenia is sometimes difficult and needs personal setting. According to evidence-based guidelines, corticosteroids are suggested for first-line treatment. In case of corticosteroid ineffectiveness, second-line therapeutic options (splenectomy, immunosuppressive drugs and, recently, thrombopoietin-mimetics) may result in beneficial therapeutic effect. Aims: The aim of the authors was to examine the clinicopathological data, disease course, treatment results, and the effectiveness of novel drugs in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. Patients and methods: The authors retrospectively analysed the files of 79 immune thrombocytopenic patients (26 males and 53 females) diagnosed and treated at the hematologic in- and outpatient units of the Markusovszky Hospital, County Vas, Hungary between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2011. Remission rates, disease-free and overall survivals in response to corticosteroids (first-line treatment), after splenectomy (in cases when corticosteroids proved to be ineffective) and following second-line treatment were analysed. Survival curves were constructed using statistical software programs. Results: Of the 79 patients during a median follow-up of 66 months (min. 3, max. 144 months), 28 patients receiving first-line corticosteroids achieved complete remission and remained in a prolonged disease-free condition (35.4%; median disease-free survival 75.5 months; min. 2, max. 140 months). Thirty-eight patients underwent splenectomy after ineffective treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive (48.0%; median disease-free survival 94.2 months; min. 6, max. 136 months). Surgical complications occurred in 2 cases, while postoperative and late infections were absent. Five patients died but death was not related to immune thrombocytemia. Second-line treatment was applied in 13 patients (16.4%) and among these patients relapse of immune thrombocytopenia after splenectomy was observed in 6 patients. Favourable effects of both conventional (immunosuppressive) and novel treatments (rituximab, thrombopoietin-mimetics) were also detected. Conclusions: More than two-thirds of patients with immune thrombocytopenia responded to corticosteroids or to splenectomy and achieved prolonged disease-free remission. Novel drugs (rituximab, thrombopoietin-mimetics) applied only in few cases produced also favourable results in patients not responding to corticosteroids and splenectomy. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1613–1621.
Use of Thiazolidinediones and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Chen Shih-Wei , Tsan Yu-Tse , Chen Jong-Dar , Hsieh Hui-I , Lee Chang-Hsing , Lin Hsien-Ho , Wang Jung-Der , Chen Pau-Chung ,   Health Data Analysis in Taiwan Research Group
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

Preclinical data suggest that peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists have antineoplastic effects in colorectal cancer. We aimed to assess the association between the use of synthetic PPARγ agonists, represented by thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, population-based, case-control study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Case subjects were defined as patients who were diagnosed with diabetes at least 365 days prior to a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2008. We randomly selected diabetic control subjects for each case subject, which were matched by sex, age, and the duration of diabetes. Among the 24,496 eligible case subjects and control subjects, we used conditional logistic regression to assess the risk of colorectal cancer in association with the use of TZDs. An additional analysis was conducted to assess the effects of concomitant use of TZDs and low-dose aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the risk of colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

A decreased risk of colorectal cancer was observed in patients who had used TZDs compared with those who had never used TZDs (adjusted odds ratio 0.86 [95% CI 0.79–0.94]). Furthermore, the benefit of a decreased colorectal cancer risk was also found with concomitant use of TZDs and low-dose aspirin or NSAIDs.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TZDs may be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in patients with diabetes. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization of Carotid Plaque Improves the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Katakami Naoto , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Kaneto Hideaki , Sakamoto Ken’ya , Yoshiuchi Kazutomi , Irie Yoko , Kubo Fumiyo , Katsura Takashi , Yamasaki Yoshimitsu , Kosugi Keisuke , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether noninvasive ultrasonic tissue characterization of carotid plaque using integrated backscatter (IBS) analysis can be a predictor of future cardiovascular events (CVE) in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated the association between Calibrated-IBS value, an ultrasonic marker for tissue characteristics of carotid plaque, and CVE in 85 asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients with carotid plaque.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 7.9 years, and there were 20 new CVE. The risk of CVE was significantly higher in the subjects with low Calibrated-IBS values (<−17.1 dB; n = 42) as compared with those with high values (≥−17.1 dB; n = 43) (P = 0.004, log-rank test). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that both Calibrated-IBS value (hazard ratio [HR] 0.802 [95% CI 0.710–0.906]; P < 0.0001) and plaque thickness (1.938 [1.170–3.213]; P = 0.010) were independently associated with CVE, even after adjustment for the 10-year risk for a general cardiovascular disease estimated by Framingham risk scoring (FRS). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for CVE at 10 years after the baseline examinations revealed that area under the curve for Calibrated-IBS was 0.76 (0.60–0.90) and substantially higher than those for plaque thickness (0.60 [0.45–0.79]) and FRS (0.60 [0.40–0.78]). These analyses also revealed that the addition of both plaque thickness and Calibrated-IBS value to conventional risk factors significantly improved the event prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

Calibrated-IBS value could improve the risk prediction of CVE in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients with carotid plaque.
Early Childhood Infections and the Risk of Islet Autoimmunity
Authors: Snell-Bergeon Janet K. , Smith Jennifer , Dong Fran , Barón Anna E. , Barriga Kathy , Norris Jill M. , Rewers Marian
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic childhood disease, and the incidence is increasing globally. Childhood infections are considered a potential environmental trigger of type 1 diabetes. Alternatively, improved hygiene and reduced childhood infections could explain the increase in type 1 diabetes in developed countries. The association of reported illnesses during infancy and later development of islet autoimmunity (IA) were examined in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Complete illness interviews through 9 months of age were collected for 1,729 children—1,174 without a family history of type 1 diabetes and 555 with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes. Persistent IA was defined as positive antibodies to insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, or tyrosine phosphatase on at least two consecutive study visits.

RESULTS

There were 109 children with persistent IA among the 1,729 children with illness records. A greater number of gastrointestinal illnesses were associated with an increased risk of IA, but only among children who were exposed to gluten-containing grains (wheat or barley) either <4 months of age (hazard ratio 1.37 [95% CI 1.22–1.55]; P < 0.0001) or ≥7 months of age (1.12 [1.05–1.19]; P = 0.0005) compared with 4–6 months of age (P for interaction = 0.02). There were no associations of upper respiratory symptoms, respiratory illnesses, or fevers with IA.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific pathogens such as enteroviruses or rotavirus may increase the risk of IA in the presence of existing inflammation induced by diet.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Insulin Action for Three Rapid-Acting Insulin Analogs Injected Subcutaneously With and Without Hyaluronidase
Authors: Morrow Linda , Muchmore Douglas B. , Hompesch Marcus , Ludington Elizabeth A. , Vaughn Daniel E.
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

To compare the pharmacokinetics and glucodynamics of three rapid-acting insulin analogs (aspart, glulisine, and lispro) injected subcutaneously with or without recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This double-blind six-way crossover euglycemic glucose clamp study was conducted in 14 healthy volunteers. Each analog was injected subcutaneously (0.15 units/kg) with or without rHuPH20.

RESULTS

The commercial formulations had comparable insulin time-exposure and time-action profiles as follows: 50% exposure at 123–131 min and 50% total glucose infused at 183–186 min. With rHuPH20, the analogs had faster yet still comparable profiles: 50% exposure at 71–79 min and 50% glucose infused at 127–140 min. The accelerated absorption with rHuPH20 led to twice the exposure in the first hour and half the exposure beyond 2 h, which resulted in 13- to 25-min faster onset and 40- to 49-min shorter mean duration of insulin action.

CONCLUSIONS

Coinjection of rHuPH20 with rapid-acting analogs accelerated insulin exposure, producing an ultra-rapid time-action profile with a faster onset and shorter duration of insulin action.
Insulin Degludec Versus Insulin Glargine in Insulin-Naive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zinman Bernard , Philis-Tsimikas Athena , Cariou Bertrand , Handelsman Yehuda , Rodbard Helena W. , Johansen Thue , Endahl Lars , Mathieu Chantal ,   on behalf of the NN1250-3579 (BEGIN Once Long) Trial Investigators
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

To compare ultra-long-acting insulin degludec with glargine for efficacy and safety in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 1-year, parallel-group, randomized, open-label, treat-to-target trial, adults with type 2 diabetes with A1C of 7−10% taking OADs were randomized 3:1 to receive once daily degludec or glargine, both with metformin. Insulin was titrated to achieve prebreakfast plasma glucose (PG) of 3.9−4.9 mmol/L. The primary end point was confirmation of noninferiority of degludec to glargine in A1C reduction after 52 weeks in an intent-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

In all, 1,030 participants (mean age 59 years; baseline A1C 8.2%) were randomized (degludec 773, glargine 257). Reduction in A1C with degludec was similar (noninferior) to that with glargine (1.06 vs. 1.19%), with an estimated treatment difference of degludec to glargine of 0.09% (95% CI −0.04 to 0.22). Overall rates of confirmed hypoglycemia (PG <3.1 mmol/L or severe episodes requiring assistance) were similar, with degludec and glargine at 1.52 versus 1.85 episodes/patient-year of exposure (PYE). There were few episodes of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemia in the overall population, and these occurred at a lower rate with degludec versus glargine (0.25 vs. 0.39 episodes/PYE; P = 0.038). Similar percentages of patients in both groups achieved A1C levels <7% without hypoglycemia. End-of-trial mean daily insulin doses were 0.59 and 0.60 units/kg for degludec and glargine, respectively. Adverse event rates were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulins degludec and glargine administered once daily in combination with OADs provided similar long-term glycemic control in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes, with lower rates of nocturnal hypoglycemia with degludec.
On the Concept of "Freedom" in Kant's Moral Philosophy
Authors: Muhit Md Abdul
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v50i1-2.11920 Philosophy and Progress: Vols. XLIX-L, January-June, July-December, 2011, p.9-30
Environmental Concerns and Rabindranath Tagore: Some Reflections
Authors: Dasgupta Sanghamitra
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v50i1-2.11921 Philosophy and Progress: Vols. XLIX-L, January-June, July-December, 2011, p.31-40
Imperialism and the Domestic Front: In Light of To the Lighthouse
Authors: Amin Nuzhat
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v50i1-2.11922 Philosophy and Progress: Vols. XLIX-L, January-June, July-December, 2011, p.41-64
Indubitable Truth in Science?
Authors: Joarder Siddhartha Shankar
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v50i1-2.11923 Philosophy and Progress: Vols. XLIX-L, January-June, July-December, 2011, p.65-88
Religious Pluralism: A Critical Review
Authors: Saad Eva Sadia
Published: October 2012

One of the most commonly used concepts in contemporary Religious Studies is Religious Pluralism. As the term indicates it is closely related to religious tolerance and minority rights. In recent times it has gained considerable importance because of the increasing diversity of religions in various communities of the world and also because of increasing restlessness in to days world due to religious conflict. The long tradition of philosophical thinking to strive and achieve a world community of mutual trust and harmony is another reason for sustained investigation in this area. There are, however, various thoughts and ideas which point towards the common goal of religious pluralism; but more often than not such efforts are jeopardized by a variety of different and contradictory theories and hypotheses which makes consensus difficult if not impossible. In this paper an attempt has been made to enumerate all the different view points particularly those related to Christianity and Islam. It will also attempt to analyze religions in their different roles and manifestations. In this sense, we hope, we can identify the different aspects of religion so as to find out the nature of their convergence and divergence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v50i1-2.11924 Philosophy and Progress: Vols. XLIX-L, January-June, July-December, 2011, p.89-108
The Chinese Religious Influences on Caodaism: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Farid Md Shaikh
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v50i1-2.11925 Philosophy and Progress: Vols. XLIX-L, January-June, July-December, 2011, p.109-128
Editorial: The effects of policies for the education and learning of adults - from 'adult education' to 'lifelong learning', from 'emancipation' to 'empowerment'
Authors: Salling Olesen Henning , Wildemeersch Danny
Published: October 2012

Not Available.
Performance of a Hybrid Wind-Grid-Load Energy System
Authors: Taleb Maamar , Salman Hussain A. , Jumaa Hassan A. , Al-Mukharreq Hassan A.
Published: October 2012

A hybrid energy system consisting of a wind driven generator (WG) and a power utilities grid are interconnected. The hybrid energy system provides a constant power to an AC load regardless the surrounding weather conditions. The interconnection uses a controlled single phase full wave bridge rectifier. The bridge operates in the inverter mode of operation. This is done in purpose to guaranty the extraction of the real power from the wind driven generator. The extracted power is supplied to a constant AC load and any excess of power from the wind renewable energy source is injected into the power utility grid. At any pretended surrounding weather conditions, maximum extraction of power from the renewable energy source is targeted. This is done through the realization of a self-adjusted firing angle controller responsible of triggering the semiconductor elements of the controlled bridge rectifier. The performance of the proposed system has been simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment and tested practically by building a laboratory prototype model. Quite satisfactory and encouraging results have been obtained.
Progression of Human Resource Practices in a Family-Owned Tyre Manufacturing Company in India
Authors: Tomar Avantika
Published: October 2012

This study aims to inform the reader of the administrative and human resource practices and policies adopted in a typical familyowned tyre manufacturing company in India. The company selected for study, is a case in point where owing to the lack of proper policies, several lock-outs have occurred. Thus, this study highlights the importance of well-structured HR policies. Detailed data about the compensation and perquisites has been collected from 1990 till early 2011. The paper attempts to see the progression of the firm’s policies which are still not mature, with respect to the industry standards and multi-national tyre manufacturers. Keywords - administrative practices, human resource practices, HR policies, tyre manufacturers
The Vessel Traffic Management System at the Batangas Baseport: Basis of Enhancing Vessel Traffic Services at the Batangas Bay
Authors: Javier Flora V. , Aguado Carlos
Published: October 2012

This study assessed the status of implementation of the Vessel Traffic Management System at the Batangas Baseport. Specifically, it determined the previous and current state of marine traffic in Batangas Bay, identified the marine hazards that have become evident at the Batangas Bay Area and determined the vessels ‘compliance with the rules or provisions of the VTMS and the subsequent imposition of penalty fees for non-compliance. The study utilized the descriptive method of research. Personal interviews were conducted with the management and concerned offices. The gathered data were analyzed using frequency, rank, sum, mean, percentage and ratio. Results showed that there was heavy marine traffic during the period under study. Most marine accidents involved collisions and grounding while spill incidents were mainly oil or oil products of small manufacturing companies, cargo ships or tankers were relatively small in quantity compared to world record of oil spills. There was an effective implementation of the Vessel Traffic Management System at the Baseport evidenced by the vessels’ compliance with the provisions of the VTMS that has resulted to avoidance of accidents. The reasons of non-compliance are generally minor in nature which requires minimal penalty fees.   Keywords - Vessel, Base port, Traffic, maritime
Technical/Vocational Training Needs in Loon, Bohol
Authors: Angel Dominique M. , Hormiguera Faustino Rey T. , Pangiligan Ruel B. , Laniba Amelia T.
Published: October 2012

The main thrust of this study was to determine the Technical/Vocational training needs and available training facilities of the residents of Loon, Bohol. Specifically, this study sought to determine the technical/vocational training program that can be proposed to alleviate poverty in the municipality. This study used the descriptive-survey design and utilized the questionnaire as a tool for gathering data. The data were tabulated and interpreted using the percentage of measurement, ranked and were presented using pie graph. The findings showed that among the 11 technical/vocational training options, Food Technology was the respondents’ primary choice. The survey revealed that the most abundant training facilities available were also for the same trade. The researchers concluded that the residents of Loon are more inclined to preparing and cooking food. Evidently, the highest percentage of available training facilities is also for Food Technology. They found this discipline significant to learn and they believed this could alleviate the economic crisis that they are currently suffering from. The researchers recommend that the Office of Extension Services ought to utilize the findings of the study for its Community Extension Program.   Keywords - vocational training needs, food technology, discipline
Rhodium interaction with human NRG1 gene of Schizophrenia
Authors: NAWAZ RUKHSANA , ZAHIR ERUM , SHAD K FATIMA
Published: October 2012

Rhodium (II) acetate [Rh2 (O2CCH3)4] couldbe used as an indicator for single nucleotide polymorphism(SNPs) involved in the onset of schizophrenia. Rhodium(Rh1) has affinity to make covalent interactions withneuregulin (NRG1) gene at SNPs mutation. Binding effects ofRh1 has been studied under different molar concentrationsat different time periods. In this study we used Rh1 toevaluate its interaction with NRG1 gene in Schizophrenicpatients of Pakistan. Rh-NRG1 adduct were amplified by PCR and visualized on agarose gel electrophoresis. Herewe show Rh1 binding with NRG1 gene was inhibited withincreasing concentration ranges from 0.5 -3 μM. It has beennoted that upon binding with NRG1 gene Rh1 decreasedthe mobility and intensity of the DNA bands. Noticeably Rh1didn’t inhibit the activity of Mun1 restriction enzyme havingspecific CAAA cleavage site. After the digestion of NRG1gene having SNPs mutation combining with Rh1 proves itscovalent binding only with Guanine or Thymine and notwith Adenine or Cytosine. This is a novel study that showsrhodium can covalently binds with human dsDNA and caninhibit its amplification. The effect of Rh1 to target differentSNPs mutations (normally occurs in genetic diseases suchas schizophrenia) can be identified by using this technique.There are variations between human populations, so a SNPallele that is common in one geographical or ethnic groupmay be much rarer in another, and Rh1 can act as a usefultool to identify SNPs of schizophrenic genes. Keywords - Pakistani Population, Schizophrenia, SingleNucleotide polymorphism (SNP), Neuregulin (NRG1),Rhodium (Rh)
Problem-Based and Activity-Based Approach: Their Influence to Students’ Achievement and Retention Scores in Introductory Probability and Statistics
Authors: Herrera Fernando T.
Published: October 2012

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of the problem-based and activity-based approach to students’ achievement and retention scores in Introductory Probability and Statistics. A pretest- post-testquasi experimental and control group design was used in the study to test the effectiveness of the three approaches of instruction.Three intact sections, with a total of 101 students of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology-Butuan City, were the subjects of this study. Two sections were randomly assigned as experimental groups and the other one, a control group. Experimental groups were exposed to problem-based and activity-based approach, while the control group was exposed to lecture-discussion. All groups were given the pre-testand post-test using the validated teacher-made questionnaire before and after the treatment respectively.The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) of unequal n’s was used to analyze the effect of the three approaches of instruction on students’ achievement. Likewise, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of unequal n’s was used to analyze the effect of the three methods on students’ retention scores. Pre-test was used as a covariate in the study. Based on the analysis, the study revealed the following results: (1) Students who were exposed to problem-based instruction were as good as those who were exposed to lecture-discussion as evidenced by their overall mean post-test scores. (2) There was a significant difference in the students’ achievement scores as influenced by the three methods of instruction. Students exposed in problem-based instruction performed better than the activity method. However, problem-based method was as good as the lecture-discussion approach and the activity approach was as good as the lecture-discussion approach. (3) The students’ retention scores in the three approaches of instruction have decreased as shown in their post-test scores with students exposed in the activity method getting the least decrease in scores, and (4) The difference between the post-test scores and retention scores of the students did not differ significantly as influenced by the three approaches of instruction.   Keywords - Problem-based approach, activity-based approach, lecture-discussion approach,achievement and retention scores
Domestication Performance of Indigenous Trees: A Decade of Rainforestation Experience in Degraded Karst Lands
Authors: Bullecer Rumila C.
Published: October 2012

This study tested the domestication potential of 43 indigenous timber species in 1.2-ha degraded karst land. Survival, height and diameter growth performance and site factors were periodically monitored. Results showed twenty-eight indigenous forest timber species thriving in an open karst area including 8 dipterocarps: narig, mayapis, white lauan, bagtikan, guisok-guisok, kalunti or manggasinoro, red lauan and yakal-kaliot. The non-dipterocarps include bitanghol & kalingag. Species with 100% survival were aniam gubat, bayokbok, ipil, kalumpit, lamog, puso-puso, sagimsim and taluto. White lauan had a survival of 96% and molave had 92%. Kalumpit had the highest increment both in height and diameter. Kalumpit was followed by dao, duguan, milipili. Among the dipterocarps, white lauan got the highest diameter and height growth increment. Narig, with its waxy leaf surface of all the dipterocarps, was tolerant under full solar exposure. Domestication farms should include or integrate fruit trees, vegetable trees (like bago or Gnetum gnemon) and other economic plants. Domestication trials of barit, anislag, sudiang, other dipterocarps, bago, nito, sig-id, rattan and other sources of raw materials for handicrafts should also be tried.
Global Predictors of People’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Authors: Neri Donna Lou E.
Published: October 2012

This study generally assessed the peoples’ vulnerability and coping to climate change. Vulnerability is a function of exposure, sensitivity (risk) and adaptive capacity or coping. This descriptive and analytic study considered the economic, social, and infrastructure and services vulnerabilities, as well as the adaptive capacity (coping) of each country to climate change through data mining. Data gathered went through Principal Components Analysis (PCA), regression and cluster analysis with the aid of the MINITAB Software. Countries were then grouped according to their extent of vulnerability and theories were developed basing on the statistical results. Stepwise regression was likewise conducted to validate the theories generated. Based on the highlighted results of the study: it can be concluded that majority of the countries (98 countries) are moderately vulnerable to climate change. Nonetheless, a third (44 countries) is already highly vulnerable and one country (Nicaragua) is very highly vulnerable to climate change. Inferentially, it can also be concluded that vulnerability to climate change is influenced by human development and environmental protection factors.   Keywords - Climate change, vulnerability, mitigation, adaptation
Conflict Management Styles and Personality Attributes of the Southeast Asian School Managers
Authors: Baliton Fructuoso C.
Published: October 2012

School managers have to manage conflict in a way that most benefits the organization and do the least harm to conflicting parties (Gannon 1979). A manager brings his people and personality to his office. This theory signifies the indispensability of one’s personality to a leader’s performance in his official job (Davis and Newstrom 1995). This descriptive survey-correlation method of research tried to find out which conflict management styles relate significantly to the personality attributes of the Southeast Asian school managers. The findings may serve as a feedback as to how this group of school managers manages conflict in certain situations and as a partial basis for assessment to determine their conflict management styles and personality attributes. The result indicated non-significant differences between their conflict management styles used in each of the five areas of concern which was established based on the computed value of the Phi-Coefficient since there were only two conflict management styles expressed by them in each area of concern namely, Integratingand Forcing. Point-Biserial Correlation Coefficient resulted to significant relationships between their conflict management styles and personality attributes since conflict management styles of Executive Position and Career have significant relationships with Selfesteem and Risk taking personality attributes.   Keywords - Conflict management, personality attribute, educational administration, organizational conflict, and organizational management.
Analysis of Protein and Lipid Dynamics Using Confocal Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP)
Authors: Day Charles A. , Kraft Lewis J. , Kang Minchul , Kenworthy Anne K.
Published: October 2012

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a powerful, versatile, and widely accessible tool to monitor molecular dynamics in living cells that can be performed using modern confocal microscopes. Although the basic principles of FRAP are simple, quantitative FRAP analysis requires careful experimental design, data collection, and analysis. In this unit, we discuss the theoretical basis for confocal FRAP, followed by step‐by‐step protocols for FRAP data acquisition using a laser‐scanning confocal microscope for (1) measuring the diffusion of a membrane protein, (2) measuring the diffusion of a soluble protein, and (3) analysis of intracellular trafficking. Finally, data analysis procedures are discussed, and an equation for determining the diffusion coefficient of a molecular species undergoing pure diffusion is presented. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 62:2.19.1‐2.19.29. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Psychological Dating Violence Perpetration and Victimization: Trajectories From Middle to High School
Authors: Orpinas Pamela , Nahapetyan Lusine , Song Xiao , McNicholas Caroline , Reeves Patricia M.
Published: October 2012

Despite evidence documenting the negative consequences, psychological dating violence occurs frequently in adolescent dating relationships. No information exists on the trajectories that adolescents follow and their association to nonphysical peer violence. The sample comprised 624 randomly selected 6th graders. In yearly surveys from 6th through 12th grade, 550 of the 624 students reported dating at least twice during the 3 months prior to completing the survey. These students responded to questions about frequency of engagement in psychological dating violence perpetration and victimization. We used Proc TRAJ to identify developmental trajectories of behavior over time and generalized estimating equation models to examine the associations of the trajectories and peer aggression. Adolescents followed three distinct developmental trajectories related to psychological dating violence victimization and perpetration: low, increasing, and high. Based on the joint probabilities of victimization and perpetration, we identified four predominant groups: low victimization/low perpetration (LVLP; 36%), increasing victimization/increasing perpetration (40%), high victimization/high perpetration (HVHP; 15%), and increasing victimization/low perpetration (IVLP; 7%). The LVLP had significantly more boys and White students; the HVHP group had an even gender distribution and more African‐American students. For all groups, peer aggression decreased from Grade 6 to 12; students in the HVHP group reported the highest peer aggression, and students in the LVLP reported the lowest peer aggression. Findings suggest a strong, reciprocal relationship in the developmental trajectories of adolescents who experience and perpetrate psychological dating violence. Those highly engaged in these behaviors were also more likely to be violent toward peers. Aggr. Behav. 38:510‐520, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictive Factors of Rituximab Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From a French University Hospital
Authors: Couderc M. , Mathieu S. , Pereira B. , Glace B. , Soubrier M.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To study the influence of several factors (rheumatoid factor [RF], anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti‐CCP], serum Ig level, and Epstein‐Barr virus [EBV] load) on clinical response to rituximab (RTX) after 6 months in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

Sixty‐four patients receiving RTX (two 1‐gm doses 2 weeks apart) for active RA were prospectively included. RF, anti‐CCP, gamma globulin level, and EBV load were assessed prior to the first RTX cycle. Clinical responses were analyzed 6 months after RTX initiation using the European League Against Rheumatism criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with RTX response at 6 months.

Results

The mean disease duration was 16.4 years and 46 patients (71.9%) had already received at least 1 anti–tumor necrosis factor agent prior to RTX. At 6 months, 46 patients (71.9%) had a good to moderate response to RTX. Anti‐CCP positivity was associated with a good to moderate response (odds ratio [OR] 4, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–15.5; P = 0.04). RF positivity (P = 0.26) and positive initial EBV load (P = 0.16) were not associated with a good to moderate response. Hyperimmunoglobulin was correlated with a poorer response to RTX than normal Ig levels (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.005–0.28; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Anti‐CCP positivity was a predictor of good to moderate response to RTX in RA patients. On the other hand, high Ig levels were associated with a poorer outcome in contrast to previous findings. Further support from larger studies is necessary so as to optimize the management of the RA patients with high Ig levels.
Association of Severity of Coexisting Patellofemoral Disease With Increased Impairments and Functional Limitations in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Farrokhi Shawn , Piva Sara R. , Gil Alexandra B. , Oddis Chester V. , Brooks Maria M. , Fitzgerald G. Kelley
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate the association between severity of coexisting patellofemoral (PF) disease with lower extremity impairments and functional limitations in patients with tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Radiographic views of the TF and PF compartments, knee extension strength, and knee range of motion were obtained for 167 patients with knee OA. Additionally, knee‐specific symptoms and functional limitations were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS).

Results

Moderate/severe PFOA was associated with lower knee extension strength (mean ± SD 1.4 ± 0.5 Nm/body weight [BW]) compared to no PFOA (mean ± SD 1.8 ± 0.5 Nm/BW). Additionally, total knee range of motion was significantly lower for patients with moderate/severe PFOA (mean ± SD 120.8° ± 14.4°) compared to no PFOA (mean ± SD 133.5° ± 10.7°) and mild PFOA (mean ± SD 125.8° ± 13.0°). Moderate/severe PFOA and mild PFOA were also associated with less pain while standing (odds ratio [OR] 0.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.1–0.7 and OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.6, respectively) on the WOMAC, and moderate/severe PFOA was associated with greater difficulty with going downstairs (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–8.1) on the ADLS.

Conclusion

It appears that knees with more severe coexisting PF disease demonstrate features distinct from those observed in TFOA in isolation or in combination with mild PF disease. Treatment strategies targeting the PF joint may be warranted to mitigate the specific lower extremity impairments and functional problems present in this patient population.
Updated Analysis of Standardized Photoprovocation in Patients With Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ruland Vincent , Haust Merle , Stilling Roman M. , Metze Dieter , Amler Susanne , Ruzicka Thomas , Kuhn Annegret
Published: October 2012

Objective

To determine the frequency and reproducibility of standardized photoprovocation in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and report our long‐term experience.

Methods

Photoprovocation using a standardized protocol was evaluated retrospectively in 566 patients. A diagnosis of CLE was clinically and/or histologically confirmed in 431 patients, and 315 patients with polymorphic light eruption (PLE) were additionally included as controls. Data were statistically analyzed using an SPSS database.

Results

A total of 61.7% of the 431 CLE patients exhibited a positive photoprovocation, with a significantly longer latency period for the development of skin lesions after ultraviolet (UV) A and/or UVB irradiation than PLE patients (P < 0.001). The frequency of positive photoprovocation varied among the CLE subtypes, and intermittent CLE was the most photosensitive disease entity (74.8%). Subsequent photoprovocation in 35 patients demonstrated that CLE patients with an initial positive result exhibited a significantly higher frequency of a positive photoprovocation at a later time point (P = 0.013). However, an initial positive photoprovocation did not definitively predict a positive reaction at a later time point. Moreover, patient history of photosensitivity was not a predictor for the photoprovocation outcome.

Conclusion

Standardized photoprovocation is a useful tool to reproducibly induce skin lesions and objectively evaluate photosensitivity in patients with CLE. These data further suggest that the reaction to UV light may change during the course of this heterogeneous disease and that photosensitivity should not be excluded in patients with a negative history of photosensitivity.