bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary Research, New Product Screening, and the Marketing Research Course: An Experiment in Structured Decision Making
Authors: Lesch William C. , Hazeltine James E.
Published: January 2008

This article reports the results of an experiment undertaken in the marketing research course to "benchmark" student skills in secondary research for new product assessment. The design tested students' perceived improvements in competence in new product screening and in acquisition of published data. Implications for in structors and practitioners are discussed.
College Students' Perspectives on Their Career Decision Making
Authors: Bubany Shawn T. , Krieshok Thomas S. , Black Michael D. , McKay Robyn A.
Published: January 2008

This mixed methods study examined how college student participants discussed their approach to making career decisions, with a focus on how their perspective may be consistent with various models of career decision making. Brief telephone interviews were conducted with 20 college students, and the narrative data were analyzed using qualitative methods informed by grounded theory and consensual qualitative research (CQR). Based on themes generated by qualitative analysis, a ratings instrument was developed. The instrument was used by two individuals who dually served as auditors of the qualitative findings and as independent raters. Themes, as well as correlations and frequency data derived from the ratings, are discussed. It was found that the views of the participants, in terms of how they thought decisions should be made and how they were approaching their own decisions, were consistent with models of career decision making that include notions of interdependence, experience, intuition, and emotion.
A Technique for Identifying Values as Behavioral Potentials in Making Consumer Housing Decisions
Authors: Stoeckeler Hazel S. , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: January 2008

This paper describes a technique for measuring and interpreting individual hierarchies of values and for identifying individuals as types according to their values. The model for measurement of values was demonstrated using as subjects female university students from three classes of a beginning course in housing, their parents, and young males of their choice. The scoring method permits use of the computer and analysis of information as cross‐classified data. The findings suggested that this methodology can provide a means for gathering individual and group data on values and be used for identifying values as behavioral potentials in making housing and possibly other consumer decisions.
Demystifying Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research
Authors: Greckhamer Thomas , Koro-Ljungberg Mirka , Cilesiz Sebnem , Hayes Sharon
Published: January 2008

This article seeks to demystify, through deconstruction, the concept of interdisciplinarity in the context of qualitative research to contribute to a new praxis of knowledge production through reflection on the possibilities and impossibilities of interdisciplinarity. A review and discussion of disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity leads the authors to formulate and explore the following questions: What is interdisciplinary knowledge? What is it that researchers observe as interdisciplinarity? Why do researchers pursue it? In demystifying interdisciplinarity, the authors focus on the legitimacy of the sign interdisciplinary and the process of (interdisciplinary) knowledge production. After investigating the former, the authors explore the latter by metaphorically mapping the terrain of knowledge production and conclude by proposing that interdisciplinarity, as a sign, may have the function of enabling knowledge-producing organizations to leverage resources by symbolically alluding to desired characteristics of knowledge-production processes whereas, as an act, it may de facto reproduce and maintain the disciplinary organization of knowledge and knowledge production.
Educating the Hospitality Student: Successful Teaching Techniques and New Teaching Methods
Authors: Colucci Antoinette L. , Flannery Michael J.
Published: January 2008

Hospitality education, traditionally oriented to the attainment of necessary survival skills in the industry, has exemplified dated instruction techniques and methodologies. Present hospitality educators are often technically qualified yet educationally (teaching ability and methodology) unqualified. Changing societal trends coupled with wide varieties of experiencial learning and the technological revolution force the need for today's hospitality educator to address teaching in a highly organized, behaviorally objective, yet personal and sensitive manner. The techniques to be discussed are designed to enhance the hospitality educator's ability in this area.

Teaching techniques of advance organizers and a think, act, feel approach force the student to become actively involved in his/her own educational development. Although highly teacher structured, the learning becomes a shared experience between the student and the teacher.

Two specific teaching/methods, the concept map and the "Vee" -the integrated structure of knowledge - provide the teacher with methods of presenting concepts and knowledge to enhance the students ability to think, feel and act.
Developing a Policy Course in Hospitality Management
Authors: Patterson John W.
Published: January 2008

This paper deals with policy as a curriculum component in a hospitality curriculum. The paper specifically outlines a process that can be used in preparing a hospitality policy course that requires students to deal effectively with the policy issues surrounding decisions currently being considered within our industry. The article is divided into two parts.

Part 1 is a review of the importance of policy as a curriculum component and discussion of the teaching methodology most commonly used in course delivery.

Part 2 presents some guidelines and developmental processes that can be helpful in developing a hospitality policy course.
Assessment of the Educational Skills and Competencies Needed By Beginning Hospitality Managers
Authors: Buergermeister James
Published: January 2008

The need for competent management personnel has created outstanding career opportunities for foodservice and lodging management graduates. This increased demand, however, has also created problems in the development and evaluation of hospitality education. Academic programs in hospitality vary considerably, and there has been little effort to identify competencies for hospitality occupations, especially at the baccalaurate level. The researcher, therefore, undertook this study to develop and assess the educational skills and competencies needed by hospitality managers upon graduation.

Today's beginning hospitality manager needs a diversity of talents, skills, and competencies to meet the expectations of the industry. Human relations and conceptual management skills, however, deserve serious consideration in baccalaurate programs. The top five competencies which were rated by the respondents deal directly with human relations skills and attitudes. Technical skills are important, but should not be considered a priority in relation to the entire educational process.
A Case for the Use of Video in Hospitality Management Education
Authors: Rivituso C. Paul , Fruin Marjorie F.
Published: January 2008

The literature is replete with studies suggesting that videotape materials can be used to advantage in educational settings, particularly in teaching/learning of complex interpersonal skills. Such skills are of great importance in preparing students to assume management positions in the hospitality fields, as in other people-oriented careers.

We have developed and used six videotape simulations depicting situations involving hospitality managers interacting with employees and peers. The development, content, and uses are briefly described. We urge others to consider the advantages of videotape materials.
Evaluation of a Simple System for Preparation of Individual Orders of Prime Rib
Authors: Waskey Frank H. , Dragisity George J. , Lim Josephine , Wen Allison
Published: January 2008

This section is intended to supply the readers with quick information on recent developments in Hospitality Education and Research.

Research Notes may consist of: (1) new research findings including preliminary data from pilot studies; (2) reports on small research projects not requiring extensive presentation; (3) case study reports that describe a truly new phenomenon; (4) methodological comments; (5) brief theoretical statements that are either an original contribution or comments on previously published studies. All such notes must be prepared in the appropriate Hospitality Education and Research Journal style and not exceed 3000 words.
The Four Faces of Food Cost
Authors: Pavesic David V.
Published: January 2008

The concept of food cost cannot be accurately and completely examined from just a single percentage. In order to grasp the total impact of food cost on operating profit one must examine it from four perspectives (faces).

The starting point is the Maximum Allowable Food Cost. Calculated from an operating budget, it determines the highest percentage that will still allow profit objectives to be achieved. The percentage shown on the monthly income statement is the operation's Actual Food Cost percentage. It is in turn compared to the Potential Food Cost, calculated from weighted sales and food cost figures. It is the lowest of the four food costs because it is calculated from only the cost of food sold. Standard Food Cost percentage tempers the Potential Food Cost wilh allo ii.ances for food consufiied but not sold and serves as the realistic food cost goal.

Each of the four faces of food cost must be individually calculated for each operation. There is no universal average that can be used as a standard in any given operation as no two will be identical in all influencing variables.
Factors Buyers Consider When Selecting Suppliers
Authors: Izzolo Al
Published: January 2008

This section is intended to supply the readers with quick information on recent developments in Hospitality Education and Research

Research Notes may consist of: (1) new research findings including preliminary data from pilot studies; (2) reports on small research projects not requiring extensive presentation; (3) case study reports that describe a truly new phenomenon; (4) methodological comments; (5) brief theoretical statements that are either an original contribution or comments on previously published studies. All such notes must be prepared in the appropriate Hospitality Education and Research Journal style and not exceed 3000 words.
Accreditation - a Necessary Step Toward Quality in Hospitality Education At the Baccalaureate Level?
Authors: Olsen Michael D.
Published: January 2008

This section is intended to accommodate short viewpoints related to hospitality education and research, rejoinders, commentaries, and rebuttals on the contents of H.E.R. Manuscripts in this section are not refereed. However, the Editor reserves the right to evaluate materials for their applicability and usefulness. All manuscripts must be prepared in the appropriate Hospitality Education and Research Journal style and not exceed 3,000 words.
“I'm Not a Very Manly Man”
Authors: de Visser Richard O.
Published: January 2008

During the last fifteen to twenty years interest has been growing in the study of masculinities. This article presents a discussion of material from in-depth interviews with two men who took part in a larger study of masculinity and health-related behavior. These two young men spontaneously referred to themselves during in-depth interviews as not being a “manly man” or a “man's man.” Consideration of what these men said provides interesting insights into the links between discourses of masculinity and subjective experiences of masculinity—particularly whether masculinity is perceived in binary or pluralistic terms. The experiences of these two young men give hope to young men who reject hegemonic masculinity but still desire to have a clear masculine identity.
Transferring Knowledge to Acquisition Joint Ventures: An Organizational Unlearning Perspective
Authors: Tsang Eric W. K.
Published: January 2008

Unlike organizational learning, the concept of organizational unlearning has rarely been employed in empirical research. Based on a comparative case analysis, this article examines knowledge transfer, by foreign partners, to acquisition joint ventures in China. Because an acquisition joint venture is formed on the basis of an existing state enterprise, the need for organizational unlearning arises. The article investigates how issues related to organizational unlearning affect knowledge transfer in each stage of the transfer process, namely, initiation, implementation, ramp-up and integration.
More Success than Meets the Eye—A Challenge to Critiques of the MBA
Authors: Hay Amanda , Hodgkinson Myra
Published: January 2008

Management education generally, and MBA programmes in particular, have been persistently criticized for failing to speak adequately to management practice. One response to such criticisms has been to suggest a wider consideration of critical management education (CME). Drawing on research findings from an empirical study of MBA learning, the article argues that MBA learning can be seen as more valuable to the manager in practice than critics contend. Moreover, the learning which is valued resonates with both a critical understanding of management and critical accounts of the role of management education, suggesting that a covert form of CME may already be operating. We argue that further building on this understanding provides the potential for a more prominent CME. Specifically, we propose that the experience brought to and lived within the MBA programme provides an opportunity for `problematizing' accepted ways of making sense of the world.
Unfolding the Dance of Team Learning: A Metaphorical Investigation of Collective Learning
Authors: Rowe Andrew
Published: January 2008

This article engages with the ongoing debate surrounding the validity of collective learning methodologies found in the popular management literature, such as team learning. It explores some of the alleged lacunae in these dialogic methodologies by exploring the metaphors invoked by their proponents. This exploration employs a metaphorical framework, which then takes one of these metaphors (dance) and unfolds it as a more substantive `model' metaphor—rather than apply it in a superficial way, as appears to be the case currently. This development, in turn, permits the integration of an alternative sociocultural view of collective learning. Consequently, dialogue in collective learning becomes represented as divergent and multifarious, rather than merely as convergent upon simplistic outcomes. The potentials of the dance metaphor are examined, alongside a brief discussion of the methodological approaches that could facilitate further exploration, making it possible to highlight aspects for consideration in further research.
How Transferable are Management Learning Systems? Reflections on 15 Years of Large-scale Transnational Partnerships
Authors: Paton Rob , McCarthy Patricia
Published: January 2008

This article reflects on the largest, most sustained and widespread of the schemes to transfer `know-how' to Russia and eastern Europe. This programme introduced not only unfamiliar management ideas and pedagogy, but also a very different learning system. It operated through five partnerships that, from the outset, were intended to become sustainable. These therefore provide a set of `natural experiments' in the international transfer of a system of management learning. The article reviews the course of these partnerships and their varying achievements, highlighting the strains and dilemmas that those involved grappled with. The implications will be relevant to policy-makers as well as management educators.
Early Identification of Mental Health Needs for Children in Care: A Therapeutic Assessment Programme for Statutory Clients of Child Protection
Authors: Milburn Nicole L. , Lynch Marell , Jackson Jennifer
Published: January 2008

Infants, children and young people enter out of home care in distressing circumstances. They have often suffered traumatic experiences and have had their primary relationships disrupted. They and their families and carers have specific mental health needs at this time but few have attended a mental health service. A systematic comprehensive therapeutic assessment approach is described for all child protection clients who entered out-of-home care for the first time in one calendar year. The work of the programme is described using both case study and assessment findings. More than 60 per cent of participants met criteria for a major psychiatric diagnosis, with Post Traumatic Stress and Adjustment Disorders being the most common diagnostic categories. Nearly three-quarters of participants over the age of 5 years scored in the borderline or abnormal range on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman, 1997). There was an over-representation of infants less than 1 year of age and adolescents in the cohort, representing particular developmental challenges. The findings are discussed within the context of specific mental health service delivery to this vulnerable population of maltreated infants, children and young people.
Making Child Mental Health `Everybody's Business': A Training Course for Family Support Workers
Authors: Harborne Alex , Van Roosmalen Marc
Published: January 2008

This article provides an overview of the development and delivery of a mental health teaching and training programme offered to Family Support Workers (FSWs) working in a range of schools in an economically deprived part of Bedfordshire. The FSWs had received no prior teaching in the area of child mental health, or in ways of engaging and communicating with children and families. Both topics were considered crucial to their role. The training was delivered in two phases. Phase 1 consisted of 4 full days of teaching. Topics covered included (1) engaging children and families, (2) child development, (3) self-awareness, and (4) systemic thinking. Phase 2 was delivered through `practice sets', which were held monthly for 4 months, and lasted 2 hours. These were used to develop the FSWs' theoretical understanding of the issues, and link this with their practice. The training was evaluated using a semistructured questionnaire. Results suggested that participants had changed the ways in which they engaged families and children. They were more able to adopt a collaborative, nonexpert, position which focused on empowering families to make decisions for themselves. This represented a significant shift in the way they worked. This process was enhanced by their more sophisticated level of understanding of child development and behaviour problems, which took into account the impact of wider systemic and relational factors and moved away from locating problems within individuals. Participants also demonstrated the ability to reflect on how their personal beliefs and experiences impacted on the work they undertook, and why this was important. Recommendations following the training included the need for regular, ongoing practice support, the need for the training to be more widely disseminated (e.g. to school staff), and the benefits of having clear descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of Family Support Workers.
E-mail: A New Technique for Forming a Therapeutic Alliance with High-risk Young People Failing to Engage with Mental Health Services? A Case Study
Authors: Roy Hermione , Gillett Tim
Published: January 2008

This article describes e-mail therapy with a teenager whom professionals found difficult to communicate with and understand. Anne had a 4-year history of low mood and unpredictable self-harming behaviour that in the past had led to admission to a secure unit. Therapy involved weekly e-mails over a 3-month period and ended when she was transferred to adult services. The article focuses on how e-mail enabled engagement to occur. The therapeutic relationship allowed Anne to explore and understand past experiences, and start resolving present problems. Diagnosis also became clearer.
Service Delivery in Child Psychiatry: Provider Shortage Isn't the Only Problem
Authors: Staller Jud A.
Published: January 2008

Although the shortage of pediatric mental health practitioners in the United States is often cited as the major stumbling block to good care, several deficiencies and problems related to service delivery may be just as great a threat to the delivery of child and adolescent psychological and psychiatric clinical care. Problems and suggestions for change related to research, training, insurance, hospitalization, practitioner collaboration and role definition are discussed.
HIV-positive Mothers' Disclosure of Their Serostatus to Their Young Children: A Review
Authors: Murphy Debra A.
Published: January 2008

One challenge faced by mothers living with HIV (MLWHs) is the decision about whether or not to disclose their HIV status to their young children, and how best to carry out the disclosure. Disclosure of their serostatus has emerged as one of the main concerns MLWHs have, and that decision can result in high levels of psychological distress. Concerns are exacerbated among MLWHs with younger children, due to the fact that they face additional worries, such as whether the child is old enough to understand, or will be able to keep the information confidential. A great deal of recent research — within approximately the past decade — has been conducted to investigate maternal disclosure of HIV, and the outcomes on children. This article reviews the current state of the research literature, focusing on factors that appear to influence whether or not mothers chose to disclose; characteristics of children who have been made aware of their mothers' serostatus relative to children who remain unaware; factors that appear to influence children's reactions to maternal disclosure; and implications of this research as well as future research directions.
Managing bodies—managing relationships: the popular media and the social construction of women's bodies and social roles from the 1930s to the 1950s
Authors: Hyde Pamela
Published: January 2008

This paper explores the ways in which the bodies and social roles of New Zealand women were constructed in the popular media prior to, during and after the Second World War. A study, based on a critical discourse analysis of the New Zealand Woman's Weekly, shows the ways in which women were encouraged to appropriately manage and survey their bodies and behaviours to maintain an unproblematic gender order. During the war, women were primarily constructed in terms of their usefulness to the war effort. After the war, women were encouraged to regard their bodies and their social selves as the social currency by which they could attract and hold the scarce resource which men represented. They were also encouraged to construct their bodies as primarily suited to motherhood in the family-centred postwar social environment. This mothering role also extended to the postwar rehabilitation of men. This study draws on the work of Foucault to discuss the operation of power on women's bodies and their subjectivities during this historical period.
The life of class: a case study in a sociological concept
Authors: White Robert
Published: January 2008

This study in the use of a sociological concept is based in recent sociologies of knowledge. The empirical material is Pakulski and Waters' (1996a) argument for 'the death of class'. Three anomalies are identified in their claim: puzzles of 'reflexion' (referring to a precondition that sociology be self-exemplifying); of 'repetition' (denoting an isomorphism between Pakulski and Waters' case and Bernstein's revisionism; and of 'reception' (referring to the tension between Marxism and sociology). Each of these points to a form of disciplinary circularity, which can be accommodated if the concept of class is reconceptualised as a rhetorical topic. When their argument is re-read on that basis, Pakulski and Waters are seen to have exemplified what they have denied: that sociology displays the life of class.
Managerial and professional careers in an era of organisational restructuring
Authors: Martin Bill , Riemens Wendy , Wajcman Judy
Published: January 2008

This article presents the results of a study of the contemporary pattern of careers, career aspirations and career orientations of managers and professionals in the context of organisational change. First, we examine the structure of careers in six large firms and see to what extent they fit the old model of 'organisation man' or the new model of the 'portfolio career'. Second, we consider whether the managers and professionals in our study perceive themselves as being in control of their own career. Finally, we explore questions of how to interpret expressions of loyalty and commitment to organisations in a period of turbulent change. The picture that emerges is one of less insecurity and disaffection than most analysts would have us believe.
The Effects of First Aid Training on Public Awareness of the Management of a Seriously Injured Patient
Authors: Steele J.A.
Published: January 2008

Members of the public were questioned regarding previous first aid training and whether they believed that they would be able to manage a seriously injured person adequately. They were then assessed as to their awareness of basic principles of dealing with such a person. It was found that, whilst confidence as an independent variable was not associated with better knowledge, those who had some form of training were significantly more confident about their own abilities and also performed better in the assessment. However there remained a minority who would be unwilling to become involved in the initial treatment of a seriously injured person and training did not appear to reduce this tendency.
Shared Learning between Health Visitors and District Nurses: Placebo or Panacea?
Authors: Damant Margaret
Published: January 2008

There is an assumption that shared learning between health visitors and district nurses at the time of their initial preparation for the professional role promotes positivity and fosters team-working. The present study addressed a gap within the current state of scientific knowledge and understanding of the effect of shared learning between health visitor and district nurse students. The results suggest that shared learning is likely to be a more positive experience for some students than for others. The practical implications are discussed and recommendations made for educational practice.
A Survey of Pesticides Containers Management Among African-American Agricultural Workers in Mid-Delta of Mississippi, USA
Authors: Ademola Omishakin M.
Published: January 2008

This paper examines the existing pesticides containers management among African American agricultural workers in Mid-Delta of Mississippi. 70% of the respondents disposed of the used pesticides containers indiscriminately; 10% recycled; 10 % utilized low land area; and 8% dumped pesticides containers in public dumpsters.
Electricity, Magnetism and the Body: Some Uses and Abuses
Authors: Barker Anthony T
Published: January 2008

The human body can be regarded as an extraordinarily complex electrical machine. It will respond to externally applied electromagnetic stimuli and aspects of its functionality can be interrogated electromagnetically to aid in diagnosis. The paper describes examples of interactions between electromagnetism and the body. The hazards ofelectric shock are considered along with the use of the defibrillator for restarting the heart. Electromagnetic therapies are discussed in the light of the disappointing lack of objective evidence to support claims for their effectiveness.

Finally, two examples of new diagnostic techniques using electromagnetic energy are described. Electrical impedance tomography produces cross-sectional images of the distribution of electrical impedance in the body and magnetic nerve stimulation uses currents induced by large magnetic field pulses to stimulate nerves and the human brain without causing pain.
Fairness in trade II: export subsidies and the Fair Trade movement
Authors: Kurjanska Malgorzata , Risse Mathias
Published: January 2008

It is a widespread view that support for Fair Trade is called for, whereas agricultural subsidies are pegged as unjustifiable. Though one supports farmers in developing countries while the other does the same for those in already developed ones, there are, nonetheless, similarities between both scenarios. Both are economically `inefficient', upholding production beyond what the market would sustain. In both cases, supportive arguments can assume two forms. First, such arguments might draw on normative claims made by producers. In the case of agricultural subsidies, farmers in developed countries assert claims against their fellow citizens, who ought to accept redistributive measures to keep them in business. In the case of Fair Trade, the claim can be made by farmers in developing nations against consumers, who ought to pay higher prices to keep them in business (under conditions deemed acceptable). Second, arguments to keep producers in business might be presented as the prerogative of both groups: even if farmers in developed countries did not have a claim to be kept in business, these countries would have the right to take measures to do so because they value their products. In the case of Fair Trade, even if farmers in developing nations had no claim against consumers, it is a consumer prerogative to pay more to keep them in business because they value their product or the process of producing it. There are, of course, differences between these scenarios as well, but in light of these parallels in the moral cases for subsidies and Fair Trade, it will be illuminating to examine the arguments for and against subsidies and Fair Trade together.
The Japanese MCI Screen for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
Authors: Cho Ai , Sugimura Mika , Nakano Seigo , Yamada Tatsuo
Published: January 2008

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Japan is increasingly important. The Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen (MCIS)—derived from the National Institute of Aging CERAD neuropsychologic battery—differentiates normal aging from MCI and mild dementia with 97.3% and 99% accuracy, respectively. The Japanese MCIS (JMCIS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), quantitative SPECT (qSP), and quantitative MRI (qMRI) were used to classify 63 outpatients at Fukuoka University Hospital who were either normal or had MCI based on Clinical Dementia Rating scores of 0 and 0.5, respectively. Performance statistics for the JMCIS, MMSE, qSP, and qMRI were, respectively: (1) accuracy = 0.964, 0.768, 0.722, 0.733; (2) sensitivity = 0.958, 0.792, 0.688, 0.700; (3) specificity = 1.000, 0.625, 1.000, 1.000; and (4) κ validity = 0.813, 0.420, 0.296, 0.308. This initial study shows negligible differences between the English and Japanese MCIS, supporting its potential use for early detection in Japan.
Citalopram Improves Dexterity in Chronic Stroke Patients
Authors: Zittel Simone , Weiller Cornelius , Liepert Joachim
Published: January 2008

Background. A majority of stroke patients have persisting motor deficits despite ongoing physiotherapy. Therefore, additional treatment options are desirable. Objective. We investigated if the serotonin reuptake inhibitor, citalopram, would improve motor functions in chronic stroke patients. Methods. In all, 8 patients >6 months after their stroke participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose crossover experiment. The order (first drug then placebo or vice versa) was randomized. Sessions were separated by at least 2 weeks. Motor function was assessed by nine-hole peg test, and measurements of hand grip-strength before drug intake, 2 hours after drug intake, and after 1 hour of training aimed at improving the function of the paretic hand. Results. Compared with placebo, citalopram intake significantly improved performance of the nine-hole peg test for the paretic hand but not for the unaffected hand. Hand grip-strength remained unchanged. Conclusions. A single dose of citalopram can enhance dexterity in chronic stroke patients. This pilot study justifies a test of efficacy of citalopram in a larger group of stroke patients.
Physical Activity: Physical Activity and the Metabolic Syndrome: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Churilla James R. , Zoeller Robert F.
Published: January 2008

Metabolic syndrome is a global public health problem identified as a seminal cause of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The syndrome is characterized by the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance, central obesity, hypertension, and atherogenic dyslipidemia. Currently there are 5 working medical society definitions of metabolic syndrome. However, the majority of recent research focusing on metabolic syndrome has relied on the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) definition because of its clinical utility. Studies of the association between physical activity and prevalence of metabolic syndrome using National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data generally found the association to be reduced or attenuated by other lifestyle factors and is generally weaker in females. Other studies tracking physical activity over longer periods have generally found a stronger association between regular physical activity and lower prevalence or incidence of metabolic syndrome. Interventional studies are limited but suggest that regular exercise reduces the incidence of metabolic syndrome. The amount and intensity of physical activity required to prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome has yet to be definitely determined. Evidence suggests that regular, moderate-intensity physical activity may be preventive of metabolic syndrome and that activity of greater intensity may carry greater benefit. Greater cardiorespiratory fitness has demonstrated an even stronger negative association with metabolic syndrome. Strength training is recommended as an adjunct to regular aerobic exercise but is not the primary form of activity to prevent or manage metabolic syndrome.
Prediction of long term creep data for forged 1Cr–1Mo–0·25V steel
Authors: Wilshire B. , Scharning P. J.
Published: January 2008

Although a transition from transgranular to intergranular fracture occurs and the tempered bainite microstructure evolves during creep exposure, new relationships allow rationalisation and extrapolation of the multibatch creep data sets reported for 1Cr–1Mo–0·25V steel. Specifically, analyses of results from tests lasting only up to 5000 h accurately predict the minimum creep rates, the times to various strains and the creep lives for stress–temperature conditions causing failure in 100 000 h and more. Validation of this new methodology would therefore offer the prospect of cost effective acquisition of long term creep design data.
SEM/EBSD based in situ studies of deformation induced phase transformations in supermartensitic stainless steels
Authors: Karlsen M. , Hjelen J. , Grong Ø , Rørvik G. , Chiron R. , Schubert U. , Nilsen E.
Published: January 2008

Recent year's equipment design has enabled the combination of in situ deformation tests with near real time electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping of the microstructure evolution in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The present work involves studies of deformation induced phase transformations in supermartensitic steel containing ∼40 vol.-% retained austenite at room temperature. The martensite formation was initiated already at low strains, and increased gradually with increasing plastic strains up to ∼10%. It was observed that the martensite formed homogeneously within the microstructure, independent of the crystallographic orientations of the retained austenite. But no new martensite variants, besides those already present in the as received condition, did form during deformation. At the same time, the mutual distribution of these variants remained approximately constant throughout the deformation process.
A fast structural multiple alignment method for long RNA sequences
Authors: Tabei Yasuo , Kiryu Hisanori , Kin Taishin , Asai Kiyoshi
Published: January 2008

Background

Aligning multiple RNA sequences is essential for analyzing non-coding RNAs. Although many alignment methods for non-coding RNAs, including Sankoff's algorithm for strict structural alignments, have been proposed, they are either inaccurate or computationally too expensive. Faster methods with reasonable accuracies are required for genome-scale analyses.

Results

We propose a fast algorithm for multiple structural alignments of RNA sequences that is an extension of our pairwise structural alignment method (implemented in SCARNA). The accuracies of the implemented software, MXSCARNA, are at least as favorable as those of state-of-art algorithms that are computationally much more expensive in time and memory.

Conclusion

The proposed method for structural alignment of multiple RNA sequences is fast enough for large-scale analyses with accuracies at least comparable to those of existing algorithms. The source code of MXSCARNA and its web server are available at http://mxscarna.ncrna.org.
Predicting biological system objectives de novo from internal state measurements
Authors: Gianchandani Erwin P , Oberhardt Matthew A , Burgard Anthony P , Maranas Costas D , Papin Jason A
Published: January 2008

Background

Optimization theory has been applied to complex biological systems to interrogate network properties and develop and refine metabolic engineering strategies. For example, methods are emerging to engineer cells to optimally produce byproducts of commercial value, such as bioethanol, as well as molecular compounds for disease therapy. Flux balance analysis (FBA) is an optimization framework that aids in this interrogation by generating predictions of optimal flux distributions in cellular networks. Critical features of FBA are the definition of a biologically relevant objective function (e.g., maximizing the rate of synthesis of biomass, a unit of measurement of cellular growth) and the subsequent application of linear programming (LP) to identify fluxes through a reaction network. Despite the success of FBA, a central remaining challenge is the definition of a network objective with biological meaning.

Results

We present a novel method called Biological Objective Solution Search (BOSS) for the inference of an objective function of a biological system from its underlying network stoichiometry as well as experimentally-measured state variables. Specifically, BOSS identifies a system objective by defining a putative stoichiometric "objective reaction," adding this reaction to the existing set of stoichiometric constraints arising from known interactions within a network, and maximizing the putative objective reaction via LP, all the while minimizing the difference between the resultant in silico flux distribution and available experimental (e.g., isotopomer) flux data. This new approach allows for discovery of objectives with previously unknown stoichiometry, thus extending the biological relevance from earlier methods. We verify our approach on the well-characterized central metabolic network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Conclusion

We illustrate how BOSS offers insight into the functional organization of biochemical networks, facilitating the interrogation of cellular design principles and development of cellular engineering applications. Furthermore, we describe how growth is the best-fit objective function for the yeast metabolic network given experimentally-measured fluxes.
The development of PIPA: an integrated and automated pipeline for genome-wide protein function annotation
Authors: Yu Chenggang , Zavaljevski Nela , Desai Valmik , Johnson Seth , Stevens Fred J , Reifman Jaques
Published: January 2008

Background

Automated protein function prediction methods are needed to keep pace with high-throughput sequencing. With the existence of many programs and databases for inferring different protein functions, a pipeline that properly integrates these resources will benefit from the advantages of each method. However, integrated systems usually do not provide mechanisms to generate customized databases to predict particular protein functions. Here, we describe a tool termed PIPA (Pipeline for Protein Annotation) that has these capabilities.

Results

PIPA annotates protein functions by combining the results of multiple programs and databases, such as InterPro and the Conserved Domains Database, into common Gene Ontology (GO) terms. The major algorithms implemented in PIPA are: (1) a profile database generation algorithm, which generates customized profile databases to predict particular protein functions, (2) an automated ontology mapping generation algorithm, which maps various classification schemes into GO, and (3) a consensus algorithm to reconcile annotations from the integrated programs and databases.

PIPA's profile generation algorithm is employed to construct the enzyme profile database CatFam, which predicts catalytic functions described by Enzyme Commission (EC) numbers. Validation tests show that CatFam yields average recall and precision larger than 95.0%. CatFam is integrated with PIPA.

We use an association rule mining algorithm to automatically generate mappings between terms of two ontologies from annotated sample proteins. Incorporating the ontologies' hierarchical topology into the algorithm increases the number of generated mappings. In particular, it generates 40.0% additional mappings from the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) to EC numbers and a six-fold increase in mappings from COG to GO terms. The mappings to EC numbers show a very high precision (99.8%) and recall (96.6%), while the mappings to GO terms show moderate precision (80.0%) and low recall (33.0%).

Our consensus algorithm for GO annotation is based on the computation and propagation of likelihood scores associated with GO terms. The test results suggest that, for a given recall, the application of the consensus algorithm yields higher precision than when consensus is not used.

Conclusion

The algorithms implemented in PIPA provide automated genome-wide protein function annotation based on reconciled predictions from multiple resources.
Phylogeography and Demographic History of Chinese Black-Spotted Frog Populations (Pelophylax nigromaculata): Evidence for Independent Refugia Expansion and Secondary Contact
Authors: Zhang Hua , Yan Jie , Zhang Guoqiang , Zhou Kaiya
Published: January 2008

Background

Pleistocene glaciations had considerable impact on phylogeographic patterns within and among closely related species of many vertebrates. Compared to Europe and North America, research on the phylogeography of vertebrates in East Asia, particularly in China, remains limited. The black-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculata) is a widespread species in East Asia. The wide distribution of this species in China makes it an ideal model for the study of palaeoclimatic effects on vertebrates in East Asia. Our previous studies of P. nigromaculata revealed significant subdivisions between the northeast China populations and populations in other regions of the mainland. In the present study, we aim to see whether the deepest splits among lineages and perhaps subsequent genealogical divisions are temporally consistent with a Pleistocene origin and whether clade geographic distributions, with insight into expansion patterns, are similarly spatially consistent with this model.

Results

Using 1143 nucleotides of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 262 individuals sampled from 28 localities, two main clades (clade A and clade B) differing by c. 7.72% sequence divergence were defined from parsimony analyses. The corresponding timing of lineage divergence, 0.92 Mya, indicates a most likely Pleistocene split. The A clade is further subdivided into two sub-clades, A1 and A2 with 1.22% sequence divergence. Nested clade phylogeographical and population demographic analyses suggested that the current distribution of this frog species was the result of range expansion from two independent refugia during the last interglacial period. We discovered a population within which haplotype lineages A and B of P. nigromaculata coexist in the Dongliao area of China by nucleotide sequences, PCR-RFLP and ISSR (inter simple sequence repeat) patterns. The ISSR result in particular supported divergence between the mitochondrial clades A and B and implied introgressive gene flow between the two divergent lineages.

Conclusion

Nested clade phylogeographical and population demographic analyses indicate that the current distribution of P. nigromaculata is the result of range expansion from two independent refugia during the last interglacial period in late Pleistocene. One refugium was in east China and the lower elevations of south-western plateau. The distribution of the other mitochondrial clade is consistent with the presence of a refugium in the Korean Peninsula. The gene flow as detected by ISSR markers suggests a range expansion of the two refugia and a secondary contact between the two highly divergent lineages in the Dongliao (DL) area of northeast China.
Estimating effects of rare haplotypes on failure time using a penalized Cox proportional hazards regression model
Authors: Souverein Olga W , Zwinderman Aeilko H , Jukema J Wouter , Tanck Michael WT
Published: January 2008

Background

This paper describes a likelihood approach to model the relation between failure time and haplotypes in studies with unrelated individuals where haplotype phase is unknown, while dealing with the problem of unstable estimates due to rare haplotypes by considering a penalized log-likelihood.

Results

The Cox model presented here incorporates the uncertainty related to the unknown phase of multiple heterozygous individuals as weights. Estimation is performed with an EM algorithm. In the E-step the weights are estimated, and in the M-step the parameter estimates are estimated by maximizing the expectation of the joint log-likelihood, and the baseline hazard function and haplotype frequencies are calculated. These steps are iterated until the parameter estimates converge. Two penalty functions are considered, namely the ridge penalty and a difference penalty, which is based on the assumption that similar haplotypes show similar effects.

Simulations were conducted to investigate properties of the method, and the association between IL10 haplotypes and risk of target vessel revascularization was investigated in 2653 patients from the GENDER study.

Conclusion

Results from simulations and real data show that the penalized log-likelihood approach produces valid results, indicating that this method is of interest when studying the association between rare haplotypes and failure time in studies of unrelated individuals.