bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic in Souls: the ‘new woman,’ whiteness and mobile self-possession
Authors: Olund Eric
Published: October 2009

Traffic in Souls (Universal, 1913) inaugurated a spate of so-called white slave pictures at a time the US was experiencing a moral panic over prostitution. The film enacts a sexual and racial geography of the industrial city, one that is mobile and aleatory and requires a similarly mobile yet self-possessed subject to navigate it and its dangers successfully. Social reformers staffing the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures sought to steer the narrative outcome of the film toward a certain moral end, one that encouraged the production of a governmental subjectivity for its white, female spectators. This was a ‘constructive’ regulatory agenda toward sexuality through cinema that worked in tension with the more coercive statutory prohibition of prostitution, one that was thoroughly racialized through its exclusion of African Americans from concern.
weaving transnational feminist(s) methodologies
Authors: Saavedra Cinthya M. , Chakravarthi Swetha , Lower Joanna K.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this article is to engender a space where a variety of critical feminist(s) lenses are interwoven to problematize current discursive practices in linguistic diversity training and to (re)imagine nueavas posibilidades for linguistic diversity research/training for pre-kindergarten teachers. Transnational feminists’ projects have the potential to illuminate and connect larger global issues with, and that pertain to, local and specific radical projects by incorporating critical reflexive methodological tools. In this article we propose to a) discuss language as a monocultural construction that limits conceptions of language and learning for younger human beings; b) examine the discursive practices of teachers of students who are English as second/third language learners; c) discuss the discourse of sharing codes of power; and finally d) scrutinize interventionist assumptions of educational research.
Adolescent Leadership Development
Authors: Whitehead Gordon
Published: October 2009

This article reviews the literature on adolescent leadership development and connects the concept of leadership authenticity as a way to influence anti-social adolescent behavior for pro-social outcomes. Because adolescent leaders develop from both pro-social and anti-social constructs, educators must recognize the unique power of both leadership funnels. Pro-social leaders are inclusive and build affiliation, while anti-social leaders are exclusive and rely on power. Leadership studies overly focus on adult-level leadership development. This article centers on the idea that leadership development is essential at the adolescent level, and opportunities for productive adolescent leadership development research, though difficult, do exist. In this article a functional definition for authentic leadership is developed along with a proposed research framework with researchable variables for studying leadership authenticity in adolescents. A case for using an authentic leadership paradigm for helping adolescents build their own leadership attitudes, skills, and experiences is advanced. Finally a review of the processes whereby adolescent leaders are selected, and the existing leadership development solutions existing in the American high school setting are discussed.
Investigating Secondary School Leaders’ Perceptions of Performance Management
Authors: Moreland Jan
Published: October 2009

Much of the research into teacher appraisal and performance management has focused on the experience of the classroom teacher. In this article, I will: (1) concentrate on the perspectives of the senior managers in secondary schools; (2) consider their views of the purpose of performance management; (3) compare their methods of implementation of the statutory regulations; (4) reflect on their leadership ethos; and (5) review the links between their ideology and their perceptions of performance management. I have reflected on the links between performance management and strategic management—looking particularly at the work of Storey (2002) on using a balanced scorecard approach in education and Hartle et al. (2001), on leadership effectiveness and on the use of teaching and management competences. A major additional area for investigation that emerged as a result of this study is a possible link between implementation and practice of performance management in a particular school with the leadership style of the headteacher and her/his ideological relationship with the senior leader responsible for performance management.
Atypical Adenopathy Associated With Cat Scratch Disease in a Chronically Ill Woman
Authors: Hill Donald Stephen
Published: October 2009

Cat scratch disease is a relatively common bacterial infection caused by contact with infected feline saliva. This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of adenopathy involving the superficial subcutaneous tissue of the upper extremity. Because of the location, adenopathy was not the primary consideration. The ultimate cause was identified as cat scratch disease caused by the Bartonella henselae organism in a chronically ill woman.
Identification of proapoptotic Bim as a tumor suppressor in neoplastic mast cells: role of KIT D816V and effects of various targeted drugs
Authors: Aichberger Karl J. , Gleixner Karoline V. , Mirkina Irina , Cerny-Reiterer Sabine , Peter Barbara , Ferenc Veronika , Kneidinger Michael , Baumgartner Christian , Mayerhofer Matthias , Gruze Alexander , Pickl Winfried F. , Sillaber Christian , Valent Peter
Published: October 2009

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a myeloid neoplasm involving mast cells (MCs) and their progenitors. In most cases, neoplastic cells display the D816V-mutated variant of KIT. KIT D816V exhibits constitutive tyrosine kinase (TK) activity and has been implicated in increased survival and growth of neoplastic MCs. Recent data suggest that the proapoptotic BH3-only death regulator Bim plays a role as a tumor suppressor in various myeloid neoplasms. We found that KIT D816V suppresses expression of Bim in Ba/F3 cells. The KIT D816–induced down-regulation of Bim was rescued by the KIT-targeting drug PKC412/midostaurin. Both PKC412 and the proteasome-inhibitor bortezomib were found to decrease growth and promote expression of Bim in MC leukemia cell lines HMC-1.1 (D816V negative) and HMC-1.2 (D816V positive). Both drugs were also found to counteract growth of primary neoplastic MCs. Furthermore, midostaurin was found to cooperate with bortezomib and with the BH3-mimetic obatoclax in producing growth inhibition in both HMC-1 subclones. Finally, a Bim-specific siRNA was found to rescue HMC-1 cells from PKC412-induced cell death. Our data show that KIT D816V suppresses expression of proapoptotic Bim in neoplastic MCs. Targeting of Bcl-2 family members by drugs promoting Bim (re)-expression, or by BH3-mimetics such as obatoclax, may be an attractive therapy concept in SM.
Monoallelic and biallelic inactivation of TP53 gene in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: selection, impact on survival, and response to DNA damage
Authors: Malcikova Jitka , Smardova Jana , Rocnova Ludmila , Tichy Boris , Kuglik Petr , Vranova Vladimira , Cejkova Sona , Svitakova Miluse , Skuhrova Francova Hana , Brychtova Yvona , Doubek Michael , Brejcha Martin , Klabusay Martin , Mayer Jiri , Pospisilova Sarka , Trbusek Martin
Published: October 2009

Deletion of TP53 gene, under routine assessment by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, connects with the worst prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The presence of isolated TP53 mutation (without deletion) is associated with reduced survival in CLL patients. It is unclear how these abnormalities are selected and what their mutual proportion is. We used methodologies with similar sensitivity for the detection of deletions (interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization) and mutations (yeast functional analysis) and analyzed a large consecutive series of 400 CLL patients; a subset of p53–wild-type cases (n = 132) was screened repeatedly during disease course. The most common type of TP53 inactivation, ie, mutation accompanied by deletion of the remaining allele, occurred in 42 patients (10.5%). Among additional defects, the frequency of the isolated TP53 mutation (n = 20; 5%) and the combination of 2 or more mutations on separate alleles (n = 5; 1.3%) greatly exceeded the sole deletion (n = 3; 0.8%). Twelve patients manifested defects during repeated investigation; in all circumstances the defects involved mutation and occurred after therapy. Monoallelic defects had a negative impact on survival and impaired in vitro response to fludarabine. Mutation analysis of the TP53 should be performed before each treatment initiation because novel defects may be selected by previous therapies.
The nuclear envelopathies and human diseases
Authors: Chi Ya-Hui , Chen Zi-Jie , Jeang Kuan-Teh
Published: October 2009

The nuclear envelope (NE) consists of two membrane layers that segregate the nuclear from the cytoplasmic contents. Recent progress in our understanding of nuclear-lamina associated diseases has revealed intriguing connections between the envelope components and nuclear processes. Here, we review the functions of the nuclear envelope in chromosome organization, gene expression, DNA repair and cell cycle progression, and correlate deficiencies in envelope function with human pathologies.
Predicting for activity of second-line trastuzumab-based therapy in her2-positive advanced breast cancer
Authors: Bartsch Rupert , De Vries Catharina , Pluschnig Ursula , Dubsky Peter , Bago-Horvath Zsuzsanna , Gampenrieder Simon P , Rudas Margaretha , Mader Robert M , Rottenfusser Andrea , Wiltschke Christoph , Gnant Michael , Zielinski Christoph C , Steger Guenther G
Published: October 2009

Background

In Her2-positive advanced breast cancer, the upfront use of trastuzumab is well established. Upon progression on first-line therapy, patients may be switched to lapatinib. Others however remain candidates for continued antibody treatment (treatment beyond progression). Here, we aimed to identify factors predicting for activity of second-line trastuzumab-based therapy.

Methods

Ninety-seven patients treated with > 1 line of trastuzumab-containing therapy were available for this analysis. Her2-status was determined by immunohistochemistry and re-analyzed by FISH if a score of 2+ was gained. Time to progression (TTP) on second-line therapy was defined as primary study endpoint. TTP and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Multivariate analyses (Cox proportional hazards model, multinomial logistic regression) were applied in order to identify factors associated with TTP, response, OS, and incidence of brain metastases. p values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Median TTP on second-line trastuzumab-based therapy was 7 months (95% CI 5.74-8.26), and 8 months (95% CI 6.25-9.74) on first-line, respectively (n.s.). In the multivariate models, none of the clinical or histopthological features could reliably predict for activity of second-line trastuzumab-based treatment. OS was 43 months suggesting improved survival in patients treated with trastuzumab in multiple-lines. A significant deterioration of cardiac function was observed in three patients; 40.2% developed brain metastases while on second-line trastuzumab or thereafter.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab beyond progression showed considerable activity. None of the variables investigated correlated with activity of second-line therapy. In order to predict for activity of second-line trastuzumab, it appears necessary to evaluate factors known to confer trastuzumab-resistance.
Measuring disease-specific quality of life in rare populations: a practical approach to cross-cultural translation
Authors: Price Victoria E , Klaassen Robert J , Bolton-Maggs Paula HB , Grainger John D , Curtis Christine , Wakefield Cindy , Dufort Gustavo , Riedlinger Arne , Soltner Christophe , Blanchette Victor S , Young Nancy L
Published: October 2009

Background

Disease-specific quality of life (QoL) measures have enhanced the capacity of outcome measures to evaluate subtle changes and differences between groups. However, when the specific disease is rare, the cohort of patients is small and international collaboration is often necessary to accomplish meaningful research. As many of the QoL measures have been developed in North American English, they require translation to ensure their usefulness in a multi-cultural and/or international society. Published guidelines provide formal methods to achieve cross-culturally comparable versions of a QoL tool. However, these guidelines describe a rigorous process that is not always feasible, particularly in rare disease groups. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the process that was developed to achieve accurate cross-cultural translations of a disease-specific QoL measure, to overcome the challenges of a small sample size, i.e. children with a rare disorder.

Procedure

A measurement study was conducted in the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany and Uruguay, during which the validated measure was translated into the languages of the respective countries.

Results

This is a report of a modified, child-centric, cross-cultural translation and adaptation process in which culturally appropriate and methodologically valid translations of a disease-specific QoL measure, the Kids' ITP Tools (KIT), were performed in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The KIT was translated from North American English into UK English, French, German, and Spanish.

Conclusion

This study was a successful international collaboration. The modified process through which culturally appropriate and methodologically valid translations of QoL measures may be achieved in a pediatric population with a relatively rare disorder is reported.
Characterizing multisegment foot kinematics during gait in diabetic foot patients
Authors: Sawacha Zimi , Cristoferi Giuseppe , Guarneri Gabriella , Corazza Stefano , Donà Giulia , Denti Paolo , Facchinetti Andrea , Avogaro Angelo , Cobelli Claudio
Published: October 2009

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions, this condition may result in multiple and chronic invalidating long term complications. Among these, the diabetic foot, is determined by the simultaneous presence of both peripheral neuropathy and vasculopathy that alter the biomechanics of the foot with the formation of callosity and ulcerations. To diagnose and treat the diabetic foot is crucial to understand the foot complex kinematics. Most of gait analysis protocols represent the entire foot as a rigid body connected to the shank. Nevertheless the existing multisegment models cannot completely decipher the impairments associated with the diabetic foot.

Methods

A four segment foot and ankle model for assessing the kinematics of the diabetic foot was developed. Ten normal subjects and 10 diabetics gait patterns were collected and major sources of variability were tested. Repeatability analysis was performed both on a normal and on a diabetic subject. Direct skin marker placement was chosen in correspondence of 13 anatomical landmarks and an optoelectronic system was used to collect the data.

Results

Joint rotation normative bands (mean plus/minus one standard deviation) were generated using the data of the control group. Three representative strides per subject were selected. The repeatability analysis on normal and pathological subjects results have been compared with literature and found comparable. Normal and pathological gait have been compared and showed major statistically significant differences in the forefoot and midfoot dorsi-plantarflexion.

Conclusion

Even though various biomechanical models have been developed so far to study the properties and behaviour of the foot, the present study focuses on developing a methodology for the functional assessment of the foot-ankle complex and for the definition of a functional model of the diabetic neuropathic foot. It is, of course, important to evaluate the major sources of variation (true variation in the subject's gait and artefacts from the measurement procedure). The repeatability of the protocol was therefore examined, and results showed the suitability of this method both on normal and pathological subjects. Comparison between normal and pathological kinematics analysis confirmed the validity of a similar approach in order to assess neuropathics biomechanics impairment.
Regulation of pathogenic IL-17 responses in collagen-induced arthritis: roles of endogenous interferon-gamma and IL-4
Authors: Sarkar Sujata , Cooney Laura A , White Peter , Dunlop Deborah B , Endres Judith , Jorns Julie M , Wasco Matthew J , Fox David A
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Interleukin (IL)-17 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and the mouse model collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Interferon(IFN)-γ and IL-4 have been shown to suppress Th17 development in vitro, but their potential immunoregulatory roles in vivo are uncertain. The goals of this study were to determine the relationship between Th17 responses and disease severity in CIA and to assess regulation of IL-17 by endogenous IFN-γ and IL-4.

Methods

DBA1/LacJ mice were immunized with type II collagen in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce arthritis, and treated with neutralizing antibody to IFN-γ and/or IL-4. Systemic IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were measured in serum. At the peak of disease, cytokine production was measured by ELISA of supernatants from spleen, lymph node and paw cultures. Paws were also scored for histologic severity of arthritis.

Results

Joint inflammation was associated with a higher ratio of systemic IL-17/IFN-γ. Neutralization of IFN-γ accelerated the course of CIA and was associated with increased IL-17 levels in the serum and joints. The IFN-γ/IL-4/IL-17 responses in the lymphoid organ were distinct from such responses in the joints. Neutralization of IL-4 led to increased arthritis only in the absence of IFN-γ and was associated with increased bone and cartilage damage without an increase in the levels of IL-17.

Conclusions

IL-4 and IFN-γ both play protective roles in CIA, but through different mechanisms. Our data suggests that the absolute level of IL-17 is not the only determinant of joint inflammation. Instead, the balance of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines control the immune events leading to joint inflammation.
Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier-2 Modification of Retinoic Acid Receptor-α Regulates Its Subcellular Localization and Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Zhu Li , Santos Nadine C. , Kim Kwan Hee
Published: October 2009

The retinoic acid receptor-α (Rara) gene is critical for germ cell development in the testis, as demonstrated by infertile Rara knockout male mice. The encoded protein for Rara (RARA) is expressed in both Sertoli cells and germ cells, but it is not always in the nucleus. Previously, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was shown to increase the nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of RARA in Sertoli cells. Here, we identified a small ubiquitin-like modifier-2 (SUMO-2) modification as a novel posttranslational regulatory mechanism controlling the ATRA-dependent RARA subcellular localization and transcription. ATRA increased the SUMO-2 modification of RARA. In the presence of ATRA, lysine 166 (K166) and K171 of RARA were modified at a physiological concentration of SUMO-2, whereas in the absence of ATRA, K399 was the only site that was modified, but at a higher SUMO-2 concentration. However, K399 was critical for ATRA-controlled nuclear trafficking of RARA. In the presence of ATRA, a K399 mutation to arginine resulted in the cytoplasmic localization of K399R mutant, indicating that K166 and K171 sumoylations were inhibitory to nuclear localization. This may be due to SUMO/sentrin-specific peptidase 6 (SENP6) not being able to bind K399R mutant to desumoylate K166 and K171 in Sertoli cells, whereas it can bind RARA with intact K399. On the other hand, functional K166 and K171 sites for sumoylation were required for a full transcriptional activity, when K399 was intact. These results together suggest that both K166 and K171 sumoylation and desumoylation are critical for optimal RARA function.
Wnt-Ror signaling to SIA and SIB neurons directs anterior axon guidance and nerve ring placement inC. elegans
Authors: Kennerdell Jason R. , Fetter Richard D. , Bargmann Cornelia I.
Published: October 2009

Wnt signaling through Frizzled proteins guides posterior cells and axons in C. elegans into different spatial domains. Here we demonstrate an essential role for Wnt signaling through Ror tyrosine kinase homologs in the most prominent anterior neuropil, the nerve ring. A genetic screen uncovered cwn-2, the C. elegans homolog of Wnt5, as a regulator of nerve ring placement. In cwn-2 mutants, all neuronal structures in and around the nerve ring are shifted to an abnormal anterior position. cwn-2 is required at the time of nerve ring formation; it is expressed by cells posterior of the nerve ring, but its precise site of expression is not critical for its function. In nerve ring development, cwn-2 acts primarily through the Wnt receptor CAM-1 (Ror), together with the Frizzled protein MIG-1, with parallel roles for the Frizzled protein CFZ-2. The identification of CAM-1 as a CWN-2 receptor contrasts with CAM-1 action as a non-receptor in other C. elegans Wnt pathways. Cell-specific rescue of cam-1 and cell ablation experiments reveal a crucial role for the SIA and SIB neurons in positioning the nerve ring,linking Wnt signaling to specific cells that organize the anterior nervous system.
TGFβ family signaling: novel insights in development and disease
Authors: Wharton Kristi , Derynck Rik
Published: October 2009

Advances in our understanding of the many levels of regulation of TGFβand BMP signaling were reported at the recent FASEB Summer Conference entitled`The TGFβ Superfamily: Development and Disease', which was held in Carefree, Arizona, USA, on the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert. This conference was the fifth meeting in a biannual FASEB conference series and, as with the previous meetings, brought together biochemists, geneticists,developmental and tissue biologists interested in the inter-workings of TGFβ/BMP signaling pathways and in the consequences of these pathways going awry.
Algorithm of myogenic differentiation in higher-order organisms
Authors: Piran Ron , Halperin Einat , Guttmann-Raviv Noga , Keinan Ehud , Reshef Ram
Published: October 2009

Cell fate determination is governed by complex signaling molecules at appropriate concentrations that regulate the cell decision-making process. In vertebrates, however, concentration and kinetic parameters are practically unknown, and therefore the mechanism by which these molecules interact is obscure. In myogenesis, for example, multipotent cells differentiate into skeletal muscle as a result of appropriate interplay between several signaling molecules, which is not sufficiently characterized. Here we demonstrate that treatment of biochemical events with SAT (satisfiability) formalism, which has been primarily applied for solving decision-making problems, can provide a simple conceptual tool for describing the relationship between causes and effects in biological phenomena. Specifically, we applied theŁukasiewicz logic to a diffusible protein system that leads to myogenesis. The creation of an automaton that describes the myogenesis SAT problem has led to a comprehensive overview of this non-trivial phenomenon and also to a hypothesis that was subsequently verified experimentally. This example demonstrates the power of applying Łukasiewicz logic in describing and predicting any decision-making problem in general, and developmental processes in particular.
Evaluation of a new fluoroscopy-based navigation system in the placement of the femoral component in hip resurfacing
Authors: Gravius S , Belei P , de la Fuente M , Radermacher K , Mumme T
Published: October 2009

Prosthesis-specific mechanical alignment instruments for the precise and reproducible positioning of the femoral component constitute one of the major improvements in modern hip resurfacing prostheses. However, mechanical failure of the femoral component is mostly attributable to the surgical technique, and in particular to notching of the femoral neck. In order to evaluate a novel computer-assisted fluoroscopy-based planning and navigation system, six DUROMTM hip resurfacing prostheses were implanted into artificial femurs by means of computer-assisted fluoroscopy-based navigation and prosthesis-specific mechanical alignment instruments. Subsequently, the planning and navigation system was tested within the scope of a cadaver study on three fixed whole-body preparations (six femurs). The average difference between planned and actual angle of the prosthesis was 0±0.7° for fluoroscopy-based navigation versus 6.5±7.8° for the in-vitro use of the prosthesis-specific mechanical alignment instruments, and 1±1.4° for fluoroscopic navigation in the cadaver study. The average discrepancy between planned and actual anterior offset was −1.2±1.2 mm versus 0.8±4 mm, and 0.3±2.2 mm in the cadaver study, and the time required for the total of five planning and navigation steps was 17.2±1.5 min versus 14±0.8 min and 20.2±2.5 min respectively. No notching of the femoral neck occurred under fluoroscopy nor under conventional treatment. During in-vitro studies, use of the computer-assisted fluoroscopy-based planning and navigation system resulted in enhanced accuracy compared with conventional prosthesis-specific mechanical alignment instruments. The system has yielded initial promising results within the scope of the cadaver study.
Polyurethane as a potential knee hemiarthroplasty biomaterial: An in-vitro simulation of its tribological performance
Authors: Luo Y , McCann L , Ingham E , Jin Z-M , Ge S , Fisher J
Published: October 2009

Hemiarthroplasty is an attractive alternative to total joint replacement for the young active patient, when only one side of the synovial joint is damaged. In the development of a hemiarthroplasty prosthesis, a comprehensive understanding of the tribology of both the natural joint and the hemireplaced joint is necessary. The objectives of this study were to investigate the tribological response of polyurethane (PU) as a potential hemiarthroplasty material. Bovine medial compartmental knees were tested in a Prosim pendulum friction simulator, which applied physiologically relevant loading and motion. The healthy medial compartment was investigated as a negative control; a stainless steel hemiarthroplasty was investigated as a positive control; and three PU hemiarthroplasty plates of different moduli (1.4 MPa, 6.5 MPa, and 22 MPa) were also investigated. Using the lower-modulus PU caused reduced levels of contact stress and friction shear stress, which resulted in reduced levels of opposing cartilage wear. The two PU bearings with the lowest moduli demonstrated a similar tribological performance to the negative control. The higher-modulus PU (22 MPa) did demonstrate higher levels of friction shear stress, and wear resulted on the opposing cartilage, although not as severe as the wear from the stainless steel group. This study supports the use of compliant PU designs in future tribological experiments and hemiarthroplasty design applications.
A simple technique for the placement of Schanz screws into bone using minimal radiologic control
Authors: Lerner A , Akinyoola A L , Soudry M
Published: October 2009

The insertion of Schanz screws into the bone during external-fixation procedures in trauma and elective orthopaedic surgery is usually done under röentgenologic control. In order to minimize irradiation exposure for the patients, as well as surgeons, we describe a simple method of Schanz screw placement. The röentgenologic control of the position of the half-pins is only necessary at the beginning and the end of the procedure. This technique is simple, shortens the operating time and reduces the amount of radiation exposure to both the patient and surgeon. It is a valuable technique in many resource-poor environments who do not have the facilities for an image intensifier fluoroscopy or C-arm as well as in austere situations such as during military operations.
Adaption of suction connectors for use in meconium aspiration syndrome
Authors: Green David Anthony
Published: October 2009

Severe meconium aspiration syndrome is difficult to manage and has a high mortality in developing countries. Guidelines are available for the initial management. If the infant has been born through particulate meconium and is not vigorous, an inspection of the vocal cords by laryngoscopy is recommended. If meconium is seen at the cords it should, ideally, be sucked out of the trachea using an endotracheal tube as a suction device. However, as this needs a way of applying suction directly to the endotracheal tube it can be problematic. Commercially available equipment does exist, but in a resource-scarce setting, its cost could be prohibitive. We have adapted cheap suction connectors which can be adapted for this purpose.
On the Use and Misuse of Video Analysis
Authors: Bertram Christopher P. , Marteniuk Ronald G. , Guadagnoli Mark A.
Published: October 2009

The popularity of video analysis in sports in general, and golf in particular, has recently risen. However, research in the area of video analysis has lagged well behind these trends in current coaching practice. The current study was designed to assess changes in performance as a result of using video feedback as part of an instructional session. Forty-eight golfers (24 novices; 24 skilled players) performed a pre-test in which twelve swings were recorded using an indoor launch monitor system. The participants were then randomly assigned to a lesson in one of three groups: 1) Verbal coaching (V), 2) Verbal +Video coaching (V+V), and 3) Self-Guided (SG) practice. All groups were then retested to determine the extent to which the various training conditions impacted overall swing characteristics. The results indicated that the positive effects of video feedback were: A) limited in scope, and b) observed to a greater extent in more skilled performers. The results suggest that while more skilled players were able to glean useful timing information from video feedback, these same conditions may in fact impede the learning process in novice performers.
Physical Preparation for Golf: Strategies for Optimising Movement Potential
Authors: Smith Mark
Published: October 2009

In establishing an effective approach to player performance development, the coach must deploy multi-dimensional preparatory strategies to ensure that optimal mental, technical, tactical and physical states are reached and maintained during competition. Allowing for the enhancement of technical movement potential and the ability to cope with the demands of competitive play comprehensive physical preparation strategies that optimise overall scoring success are widely becoming an integral part of player development. Understanding the role that physiology plays in achieving optimal practice and competitive physical state, allows for implementation of preparatory strategies to achieve movement potential, and competition maintenance strategies, to minimise physical deterioration. With the emerging application of multi-disciplinary, golf-specific support teams and appropriately prescribed strategies, the objective of any physical development programme should ensure that the player not only reaches the golf course in a physically optimal state, but maintains it throughout competition
The SAM PuttLab: Concept and PGA Tour Data
Authors: Marquardt Christian
Published: October 2009

The portable SAM PuttLab uses innovative ultra-sound technology to measure all aspects of a putting stroke with high precision. It is considered that in putting a lack of objective feedback will limit earning and performance. The PuttLab uncovers individual strengths and weaknesses and provides relevant feedback to tailor individual training programs. The PuttLab has been used to collect a reference data sample of 99 PGA Tour players. The data reveals a wide variety of different putting techniques and putting strategies. The common attribute between players is the high consistency of the individual performance. A framework for successful putting is discussed with learning being defined as the search for an optimal solution in the individual motor-workspace, trading off sound technique and high consistency of movement automation
A New Method for Measuring Grip Force and its Distribution during the Golf Swing
Authors: Broker Jeffrey P. , Ramey Melvin R.
Published: October 2009

In light of clear disagreement within the golf community over how grip pressure or force should be established, maintained and/or controlled during the golf swing, a new method of measuring grip force has been developed and is presented. The method, featuring a flexible pressure array, provides minimal interference with the golfer's actions, permits assessment of grip pressures and forces on a golfer's own equipment, and offers a more comprehensive picture of the actions of the hands of a golfer during shot execution Exemplar data are presented which agree with prior estimations and measurements, such as the dominance in left hand control during the swing and the reduction in force near impact for some skilled golfers. The data also clearly demonstrate the value in parceling total grip pressure into anatomic sites within the two hands. Future applications of the method are discussed and appear promising
Bacillus subtilis RNase J1 endonuclease and 5′ exonuclease activities in the turnover of ΔermC mRNA
Authors: Yao Shiyi , Sharp Josh S. , Bechhofer David H.
Published: October 2009

RNase J1, a ribonuclease with 5′ exonuclease and endonuclease activities, is an important factor in Bacillus subtilis mRNA decay. A model for RNase J1 endonuclease activity in mRNA turnover has RNase J1 binding to the 5′ end and tracking to a target site downstream, where it makes a decay-initiating cleavage. The upstream fragment from this cleavage is degraded by 3′ exonucleases; the downstream fragment is degraded by RNase J1 5′ exonuclease activity. Previously, ΔermC mRNA was used to show 5′-end dependence of mRNA turnover. Here we used ΔermC mRNA to probe RNase J1-dependent degradation, and the results were consistent with aspects of the model. ΔermC mRNA showed increased stability in a mutant strain that contained a reduced level of RNase J1. In agreement with the tracking concept, insertion of a strong stem–loop structure at +65 resulted in increased stability. Weakening this stem–loop structure resulted in reversion to wild-type stability. RNA fragments containing the 3′ end were detected in a strain with reduced RNase J1 expression, but were undetectable in the wild type. The 5′ ends of these fragments mapped to the upstream side of predicted stem–loop structures, consistent with an impediment to RNase J1 5′ exonuclease processivity. A ΔermC mRNA deletion analysis suggested that decay-initiating endonuclease cleavage could occur at several sites near the 3′ end. However, even in the absence of these sites, stability was further increased in a strain with reduced RNase J1, suggesting alternate pathways for decay that could include exonucleolytic decay from the 5′ end.
Splicing of mRNA mediated by tRNA sequences in mouse cells
Authors: Zamboni Michela , Scarabino Daniela , Tocchini-Valentini Glauco P.
Published: October 2009

tRNA splicing is essential for the formation of tRNAs and therefore for gene expression. A circularly permuted sequence of an amber-suppressor pre-tRNA gene was inserted into the sequence encoding the mouse NEMO protein. We demonstrated that, in mouse cells, the hybrid pre-tRNA/pre-mRNAs can be spliced precisely at the sites of the pre-tRNA intron. This splicing reaction produces functional tRNAs that suppress amber codons as well as translatable mRNAs that sustain the NF-κB activation pathway. The RNA molecules extracted from mouse cells were amplified by RT-PCR, and their sequences were determined, confirming the identity of the splice junctions. We then applied the Archaea-express technology, in which an archaeal RNA endonuclease is expressed in mouse cells. We show that both the endogenous eukaryal endonuclease and the archaeal one cleave the hybrid pre-tRNA/pre-mRNAs in the same manner with an additive effect.
Efficient Committed Budget for Implementing Target Audit Probability for Many Inspectees
Authors: Yim Andrew
Published: October 2009

Strategic models of auditor-inspectee interaction have neglected implementation details in multiple-inspectee settings. With multiple inspectees, the target audit probability derived from the standard analysis can be implemented with sampling plans differing in the budgets committed to support them. Overly committed audit budgets tie up unneeded resources that could have been allocated for better uses. This paper studies the minimum committed budget required to implement a target audit probability when (i) the audit sample can be contingent on “red flags” due to signals of inspectees' private information (e.g., from self-reporting) and (ii) the number of inspectees is large. It proposes an audit rule called bounded simple random sampling (SRS), which is shown to require no more committed budget to support than two other rules naturally generalized from the one-to-one analysis. When the number of inspectees is large enough, bounded SRS is nearly as good as any efficient audit rule, which demands the lowest committed budget necessary to implement the target audit probability. The results offer insights on how audit sampling plans may be formulated to reduce inefficiency and what budget usage ratios should be expected accordingly.
Contracting in Supply Chains: A Laboratory Investigation
Authors: Katok Elena , Wu Diana Yan
Published: October 2009

The coordination of supply chains by means of contracting mechanisms has been extensively explored theoretically but not tested empirically. We investigate the performance of three commonly studied supply chain contracting mechanisms: the wholesale price contract, the buyback contract, and the revenue-sharing contract. The simplified setting we consider utilizes a two-echelon supply chain in which the retailer faces the newsvendor problem, the supplier has no capacity constraints, and delivery occurs instantaneously. We compare the three mechanisms in a laboratory setting using a novel design that fully controls for strategic interactions between the retailer and the supplier. Results indicate that although the buyback and revenue-sharing contracts improve supply chain efficiency relative to the wholesale price contract, the improvement is smaller than the theory predicts. We also find that although the buyback and revenue-sharing contracts are mathematically equivalent, they do not generally result in equivalent supply chain performance.
Dynamic Pricing for Nonperishable Products with Demand Learning
Authors: Araman Victor F. , Caldentey René
Published: October 2009

A retailer is endowed with a finite inventory of a nonperishable product. Demand for this product is driven by a price-sensitive Poisson process that depends on an unknown parameter that is a proxy for the market size. The retailer has a prior belief on the value of this parameter that he updates as time and available information (prices and sales) evolve. The retailer's objective is to maximize the discounted long-term average profits of his operation using dynamic pricing policies. We consider two cases. In the first case, the retailer is constrained to sell the entire initial stock of the nonperishable product before a different assortment is considered. In the second case, the retailer is able to stop selling the nonperishable product at any time and switch to a different menu of products. For both cases, we formulate the retailer's problem as a (Poisson) intensity control problem and derive structural properties of an optimal solution, and suggest a simple and efficient approximated solution. We use numerical computations, together with asymptotic analysis, to evaluate the performance of our proposed policy.
Revenue Management with Costly Price Adjustments
Authors: Çelik Sabri , Muharremoglu Alp , Savin Sergei
Published: October 2009

We consider a novel variant of the perishable inventory profit management problem faced by a firm that sells a fixed inventory over a finite horizon in the presence of price-adjustment costs. In economics literature, such price-adjustment costs are widely studied and are typically assumed to include a fixed component (e.g., advertising costs), an inventory-dependent component (e.g., inventory relabeling costs), as well as a component that depends on the magnitude of the price adjustment (e.g., cognitive and coordination managerial costs).

We formulate the firm's profit management problem as a finite-horizon dynamic program in which the state of the system is described by the inventory level as well as the current price level. We derive first-order properties of the optimal value function and give a complete characterization of optimal policies for the case of ample inventory. Through a set of examples we demonstrate the complex and counterintuitive nature of optimal price-adjustment policies. Consequently, we focus on developing easily computable and implementable heuristics with demonstrably good performance. To this end, we develop and solve a fluid model based on the original stochastic dynamics and propose three fluid-based heuristic policies. We derive expressions for the expected profit generated by each one of these heuristics when applied to the stochastic problem and derive sufficient conditions for the asymptotic optimality of the policies when the initial inventory levels and planning horizons are proportionally scaled up. We test the performance of the heuristics in a numerical study and demonstrate a robust, near-optimal performance of one of the heuristics (which we call the “Fluid Time” heuristic) for a wide range of problem parameters. Finally, we demonstrate the importance of proper accounting of price-adjustment costs in several alternative business settings.
Competition in the Supply Option Market
Authors: Martínez-de-Albéniz Victor , Simchi-Levi David
Published: October 2009

This paper develops a multiattribute competition model for procurement of short life-cycle products. In such an environment, the buyer installs dedicated production capacity at the suppliers before demand is realized. Final production orders are decided after demand materializes. Of course, the buyer is reluctant to bear all the capacity and inventory risk, and thus signs flexible contracts with several suppliers. We model the suppliers' offers as option contracts, where each supplier charges a reservation price per unit of capacity and an execution price per unit of delivered supply. These two parameters illustrate the trade-off between total price and flexibility of a contract, which are both important to the buyer. We model the interaction between suppliers and the buyer as a game in which the suppliers are the leaders and the buyer is the follower. Specifically, suppliers compete to provide supply capacity to the buyer, and the buyer optimizes its expected profit by selecting one or more suppliers. We characterize the suppliers' equilibria in pure strategies for a class of customer demand distributions. In particular, we show that this type of interaction gives rise to cluster competition. That is, in equilibrium suppliers tend to be clustered in small groups of two or three suppliers each, such that within the same group all suppliers use similar technologies and offer the same type of contract. Finally, we show that in equilibrium, supply chain inefficiencies—i.e., the loss of profit due to competition—are at most 25% of the profit of a centralized supply chain.
"Those Who Gather In": An Indigenous Ritual Dance in the Context of Contemporary Mexican Transnationalism
Authors: Bishop Joyce M.
Published: October 2009

For many generations, the Dance of the Cúrpites has been performed annually at Epiphany by young, unmarried men in the Purépecha (Tarascan) town of San Juan Nuevo Parangaricutiro, in the Mexican state of Michoacán. Ethnographic data suggest that the dance is an abstract representation of the biblical visit of the Magi, the underlying metaphor of which the dancers enact in order to express their masculinity and court their sweethearts. Examining possible reasons for the failure of the many dancers who are migrant workers to recreate the dance in California, the author contends that the context-specific meanings of the dance do not easily translate abroad. Nevertheless, upon returning home, young migrants embrace the dance as a way to reaffirm their membership in the community, thereby resolving, if only briefly, the ambiguities of their transnational lives.
Aztec Dance, Transnational Movements: Conquest of a Different Sort
Authors: Garner Sandra
Published: October 2009

This article explores the rapid growth of participation in Aztec dance in Mexico, the increasing transnational movement of Aztec dancers across national borders, and the mixed receptions experienced by dancers in their efforts to forge networks with indigenous communities on a global level. Examining a discourse of conquest that has been reinvigorated and recirculated over centuries, I suggest that such ideas may thwart Aztec dancers' alliance-building efforts and may raise important questions about indigenous identity, appropriation, and group boundaries.
Entangled Tangos: Passionate Displays, Intimate Dialogues
Authors: Cara Ana C.
Published: October 2009

While tango is known internationally, it is not a universal dance. The home tango and export tango exemplify the coexistence of distinct but entangled tango traditions. Together these practices have been central in giving Argentines a cultural and political voice, as well as economic agency, both at home and globally.
Embracing Difference: Salsa Fever in New Jersey
Authors: Borland Katherine
Published: October 2009

Studio-based salsa dance in Northern New Jersey has succeeded in creating an ethnically diverse social space in which Latin style represents both a specific ethnicity and an alternative pan-ethnic identity that encompasses and embraces difference. The wide appeal of the dance, however, rests in its dramatic and provocative display of gendered interactions. Attention to dancers' subjective understandings of their own practice provides a female-centered perspective on the emerging cultural scene.
Introduction
Authors: Hutchinson Sydney
Published: October 2009

Dance has long played an important role in the construction of Latin American national identities, and growing interest in the body as a focus of research has created a new impetus for dance ethnology. Nevertheless, academia in the United States as well as in many other countries has been slow to accept dance studies, in spite of the important roles that dance has played in the early development of the disciplines of anthropology and ethnomusicology. This introduction discusses the history of dance in the fields of folklore and ethnomusicology and then considers the contributions of this special issue of the Journal of American Folklore to debates about transnationalism, globalization, changing ethnic identities, and gender roles. Conflict between insider and outsider perspectives on such issues can be partially resolved, it is suggested, through participatory or reflexive methods. Dance ethnography is thus shown to be an essential tool for the study of changing social realities in Latin America today.