bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of RBM25/LUC7L3 in Abnormal Cardiac Sodium Channel Splicing Regulation in Human Heart Failure
Authors: Gao Ge , Xie An , Huang Shu-Ching , Zhou Anyu , Zhang Jianhua , Herman Amanda M. , Ghassemzadeh Sassan , Jeong Euy-Myoung , Kasturirangan Srinivasan , Raicu Mihai , Sobieski Michael A. , Bhat Geetha , Tatooles Antone , Benz Edward J. , Kamp Timothy J. , Dudley Samuel C.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Human heart failure is associated with decreased cardiac voltage-gated Na
+
channel current (encoded by SCN5A), and the changes have been implicated in the increased risk of sudden death in heart failure. Nevertheless, the mechanism of SCN5A downregulation is unclear. A number of human diseases are associated with alternative mRNA splicing, which has received comparatively little attention in the study of cardiac disease. Splicing factor expression profiles during human heart failure and a specific splicing pathway for SCN5A regulation were explored in this study.

Methods and Results—

Gene array comparisons between normal human and heart failure tissues demonstrated that 17 splicing factors, associated with all major spliceosome components, were upregulated. Two of these splicing factors, RBM25 and LUC7L3, were elevated in human heart failure tissue and mediated truncation of SCN5A mRNA in both Jurkat cells and human embryonic stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. RBM25/LUC7L3-mediated abnormal SCN5A mRNA splicing reduced Na
+
channel current 91.1±9.3% to a range known to cause sudden death. Overexpression of either splicing factor resulted in an increase in truncated mRNA and a concomitant decrease in the full-length SCN5A transcript.

Conclusions—

Of the 17 mRNA splicing factors upregulated in heart failure, RBM25 and LUC7L3 were sufficient to explain the increase in truncated forms and the reduction in full-length Na
+
channel transcript. Because the reduction in channels was in the range known to be associated with sudden death, interruption of this abnormal mRNA processing may reduce arrhythmic risk in heart failure.
When the Bell Tolls: The Effects of School Starting Times on Academic Achievement
Authors: Hinrichs Peter
Published: August 2011

A number of high schools across the United States have moved to later bell times on the belief that their previous bell times were too early for the “biological clocks” of adolescents. In this article I study whether doing so improves academic performance. I first focus on the Twin Cities metropolitan area, where Minneapolis and several suburban districts have made large policy changes but St. Paul and other suburban districts have maintained early schedules. I use individual-level ACT data on all individuals from public high schools in this region who took the ACT between 1993 and 2002 to estimate the effects of school starting times on ACT scores. I then employ school-level data on schedules and test scores on statewide standardized tests from Kansas and Virginia to estimate the effects of bell times on achievement for a broader sample. The results do not suggest an effect of school starting times on achievement.
The Impact of Debt Limitations and Referenda Requirements on the Cost of School District Bond Issues
Authors: Harris Mary H. , Munley Vincent G.
Published: August 2011

One distinction between the markets for corporate and municipal bonds involves institutional constraints that apply to some municipal bond issues. This research focuses on how public finance institutions, in particular explicit debt limits and referenda requirements, affect the borrowing cost of individual school district bond issues. The empirical model specifies as the dependent variable the true interest cost of issuing debt. The results suggest that the presence of referenda requirements for the approval of annual school district budgets imposes an additional cost for borrowing funds.
Dynamic Facial Expressions Evoke Distinct Activation in the Face Perception Network: A Connectivity Analysis Study
Authors: Foley Elaine , Rippon Gina , Thai Ngoc Jade , Longe Olivia , Senior Carl
Published: August 2011

Very little is known about the neural structures involved in the perception of realistic dynamic facial expressions. In the present study, a unique set of naturalistic dynamic facial emotional expressions was created. Through fMRI and connectivity analysis, a dynamic face perception network was identified, which is demonstrated to extend Haxby et al.'s [Haxby, J. V., Hoffman, E. A., & Gobbini, M. I. The distributed human neural system for face perception. Trends in Cognitive Science, 4, 223–233, 2000] distributed neural system for face perception. This network includes early visual regions, such as the inferior occipital gyrus, which is identified as insensitive to motion or affect but sensitive to the visual stimulus, the STS, identified as specifically sensitive to motion, and the amygdala, recruited to process affect. Measures of effective connectivity between these regions revealed that dynamic facial stimuli were associated with specific increases in connectivity between early visual regions, such as the inferior occipital gyrus and the STS, along with coupling between the STS and the amygdala, as well as the inferior frontal gyrus. These findings support the presence of a distributed network of cortical regions that mediate the perception of different dynamic facial expressions.
Relative Growth of Three Chionoecetes Crabs (decapoda, Majidae) in the East Sea, Korea
Authors: Oh Chul-Woong , Na Jong-Hun , Kim Jung Nyun , Kim Hyun-Woo , Il Lee Sung
Published: August 2011

Snow crabs, Chionoecetes spp., are among the commercially most important species of Decapoda in the world, and proper stock assessment and management are required for their sustainable use. In the present study, morphological characteristics of three snow crabs, Chionoecetes japonicus, Chionoecetes opilio and a hybrid form exhibiting characteristics intermediate between those of the parent species, Chionoecetes japonicus/opilio, have been compared. The ratio of carapace length including rostral horn (CL(RL)) to carapace width (CW) in C. japonicus, C. opilio, and the C. japonicus/opilio hybrid was 0.973 ± 0.020, 0.983 ± 0.019, and 0.956 ± 0.019, respectively. The only significant difference in regression slope among the three crabs, was between CW and chela height (CH), indicating that at a given size, the hybrid form is the fastest in the growth of chela height in relation to carapace width. In C. japonicus and C. opilio, the relationship between CW and total weight (TW) was significantly negatively allometric, while in the hybrids, it was significantly positively allometric. This indicates that at a given size, the hybrid form is heavier than the others.
Sexual Exploitation and Beyond: Using the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to Prosecute UN Peacekeepers for Gender-based Crimes
Authors: O'Brien Melanie
Published: August 2011

Allegations and confirmed cases of misconduct by peacekeeping personnel have been revealed by non-governmental organisations, the press and UN investigations. The majority of misconduct has fallen under the term 'sexual exploitation and abuse'. Sexual exploitation and abuse has encompassed rape, sex with minors, trafficking, prostitution-related conduct, sexual exploitation, and other sexual abuse. This article discusses accountability in international criminal law for such conduct, first exploring the development of gender-based crime in international criminal law. The core of this article consists of an examination of the applicable law under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to determine whether or not the provisions could be used to prosecute peacekeepers for the crimes of rape, sexual slavery, sexual exploitation, prostitution-related conduct, and trafficking. Real life examples of criminal conduct by peacekeeping personnel will be given to test the applicability of the Rome Statute provisions.
Eurasian Subarctic Summer Climate in Response to Anomalous Snow Cover
Authors: Matsumura Shinji , Yamazaki Koji
Published: August 2011

The summer climate in northern Eurasia is examined as a function of anomalous snow cover and processes associated with land–atmosphere coupling, based on a composite analysis using observational and reanalysis data. The analysis confirms that the snow–hydrological effect, which is enhanced soil moisture persisting later into the summer and contributing to cooling and precipitation recycling, is active in eastern Siberia and contributes to the formation of the subpolar jet through the thermal wind relationship in early snowmelt years.

Strong anticyclonic differences (early − late snowmelt years) with a baroclinic structure form over eastern Siberia as a result of surface heating through the snow–hydrological effect in early snowmelt years. Surface heating contributes to the development of thermally generated stationary Rossby waves that propagate eastward to eastern Siberia. Rossby wave activity is maintained into early autumn, together with cyclonic differences over far eastern Siberia, in conjunction with the early appearance of snow cover in this region. The anticyclonic differences over eastern Siberia act like a blocking anticyclone, thereby strengthening upstream storm track activity. Furthermore, it is possible that surface anticyclonic differences over the Arctic contribute to year-to-year variability of summer Arctic sea ice concentration along the Siberian coast. The results suggest that variations in northern Eurasian snow cover and associated land–atmosphere coupling processes have important implications for the predictability of Eurasian subarctic summer climate.
Subtropical Mode Water Variability in a Climatologically Forced Model in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Douglass Elizabeth M. , Jayne Steven R. , Peacock Synte , Bryan Frank O. , Maltrud Mathew E.
Published: August 2011

A climatologically forced high-resolution model is used to examine variability of subtropical mode water (STMW) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Despite the use of annually repeating atmospheric forcing, significant interannual to decadal variability is evident in the volume, temperature, and age of STMW formed in the region. This long time-scale variability is intrinsic to the ocean. The formation and characteristics of STMW are comparable to those observed in nature. STMW is found to be cooler, denser, and shallower in the east than in the west, but time variations in these properties are generally correlated across the full water mass. Formation is found to occur south of the Kuroshio Extension, and after formation STMW is advected westward, as shown by the transport streamfunction. The ideal age and chlorofluorocarbon tracers are used to analyze the life cycle of STMW. Over the full model run, the average age of STMW is found to be 4.1 yr, but there is strong geographical variation in this, from an average age of 3.0 yr in the east to 4.9 yr in the west. This is further evidence that STMW is formed in the east and travels to the west. This is qualitatively confirmed through simulated dye experiments known as transit-time distributions. Changes in STMW formation are correlated with a large meander in the path of the Kuroshio south of Japan. In the model, the large meander inhibits STMW formation just south of Japan, but the export of water with low potential vorticity leads to formation of STMW in the east and an overall increase in volume. This is correlated with an increase in the outcrop area of STMW. Mixed layer depth, on the other hand, is found to be uncorrelated with the volume of STMW.
Particle Kalman Filtering: A Nonlinear Bayesian Framework for Ensemble Kalman Filters
Authors: Hoteit Ibrahim , Luo Xiaodong , Pham Dinh-Tuan
Published: August 2011

This paper investigates an approximation scheme of the optimal nonlinear Bayesian filter based on the Gaussian mixture representation of the state probability distribution function. The resulting filter is similar to the particle filter, but is different from it in that the standard weight-type correction in the particle filter is complemented by the Kalman-type correction with the associated covariance matrices in the Gaussian mixture. The authors show that this filter is an algorithm in between the Kalman filter and the particle filter, and therefore is referred to as the particle Kalman filter (PKF).

In the PKF, the solution of a nonlinear filtering problem is expressed as the weighted average of an “ensemble of Kalman filters” operating in parallel. Running an ensemble of Kalman filters is, however, computationally prohibitive for realistic atmospheric and oceanic data assimilation problems. For this reason, the authors consider the construction of the PKF through an “ensemble” of ensemble Kalman filters (EnKFs) instead, and call the implementation the particle EnKF (PEnKF). It is shown that different types of the EnKFs can be considered as special cases of the PEnKF. Similar to the situation in the particle filter, the authors also introduce a resampling step to the PEnKF in order to reduce the risk of weights collapse and improve the performance of the filter. Numerical experiments with the strongly nonlinear Lorenz-96 model are presented and discussed.
Postdischarge Feeding Patterns in Early- and Late-Preterm Infants
Authors: DeMauro Sara B. , Patel Preeti R. , Medoff-Cooper Barbara , Posencheg Michael , Abbasi Soraya
Published: August 2011

Objective. To compare the incidence of postdischarge feeding dysfunction and hospital/subspecialty visits for feeding problems during the first year of life in late (34 to [Formula: see text] weeks) and early-preterm (25 to [Formula: see text] weeks) infants. Methods. In this prospective study, the authors sent questionnaires to parents of early (n = 319) and late (n = 571) preterm infants at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected age. Parents’ perceptions of infants’ feeding skills, comfort with feeding, and hospital/subspecialty visits for feeding difficulties were obtained. Results were analyzed with χ2 tests and Spearman’s correlations. Results. Early preterms had more oromotor dysfunction at 3 (29% vs 17%) and 12 months (7% vs 4%) and more avoidant feeding behavior at 3 months (33% vs 29%). In both groups, oromotor dysfunction and avoidant feeding behavior improved over time. Frequency of poor appetite and hospitalization/subspecialty visits were similar. Conclusion. Pediatricians should screen all preterm infants for feeding dysfunction during the first year.
Metabolomics Reveals Elevated Macromolecular Degradation in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Barnes V.M. , Ciancio S.G. , Shibly O. , Xu T. , Devizio W. , Trivedi H.M. , Guo L. , Jönsson T.J.
Published: August 2011

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by tissue destruction. In the diseased oral environment, saliva has primarily been considered to act as a protectant by lubricating the tissue, mineralizing the bones, neutralizing the pH, and combating microbes. To understand the metabolic role that saliva plays in the diseased state, we performed untargeted metabolomic profiling of saliva from healthy and periodontitic individuals. Several classes of biochemicals, including dipeptide, amino acid, carbohydrate, lipids, and nucleotide metabolites, were altered, consistent with increased macromolecular degradation of proteins, triacylglycerol, glycerolphospholipids, polysaccharides, and polynucleotides in the individuals with periodontal disease. These changes partially reflected the enhanced host-bacterial interactions in the diseased state as supported by increased levels of bacterially modified amino acids and creatine metabolite. More importantly, the increased lipase, protease, and glycosidase activities associated with periodontitis generated a more favorable energy environment for oral bacteria, potentially exacerbating the disease state.
Effect of curatives and fillers on vulcanization, mechanical, heat aging, and dynamic properties of silicone rubber and fluororubber blends
Authors: Guo Jianhua , Zeng Xingrong , Li Hongqiang , Luo Quankun
Published: August 2011

The cure characteristics and mechanical properties of gum and filled silicone rubber (MVQ), fluororubber (FKM), and MVQ-FKM blends with different compositions were investigated before and after aging. The rheometric study showed that optimum cure properties were obtained using the curing system of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and triallylisocyanurate (TAIC). From varying the curing agents, the optimum levels of DCP and TAIC were found to be 2.0 phr and 1.5 phr, respectively. The addition of different fillers and their loading influenced the cure behaviors, with increased torque and scorch time compared with that of gum blends. The filled 50:50 (w/w) MVQ-FKM blends showed overall performance in mechanical properties. Post-curing improved the strength of MVQ-FKM blends, especially the blends with a higher proportion of FKM. Swelling of the blends was reduced with the addition of fillers and the increased incorporation of FKM. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed two tan δ peaks corresponding to MVQ and FKM phase for filled blends, respectively. The storage modulus of the blends increased with the addition of fumed silica, indicating the presence of polymer–filler interaction.
Relational Systems
Authors: McCann Brandy Renee , Roberto Karen A.
Published: August 2011

Close relationships are important throughout life, but their dynamics may change as chronic health conditions permeate the lives of older women. To understand how older women ( N = 36) manage their close relationships, this study was guided by two research questions: How do older women with chronic health conditions define meaningful relationships? How do older women negotiate intimacy loss and challenges that accompany changes in their health and abilities? The women completed the social convoy diagram and responded to open-ended questions where they discussed the importance of close relationships. How women defined their most meaningful relationships and negotiated intimacy loss and challenges involved the intersection of four interacting processes: biological, structural, cultural, and symbolic. These intersections, or relational systems, sometimes facilitated, and other times hindered, the women’s ability to cope with limitations they associated with their chronic health problems. The authors discuss implications for future research on intimacy in late life.
Asymptomatic Macrothrombocytopenia in a Young Pure-Bred Beagle Dog
Authors: Bodié Karen , Gagne Gerard D. , Sramek Mary K. , Desmond David J. , Abel Stephen J. , Fagerland Jane A.
Published: August 2011

During baseline evaluation prior to a preclinical safety study, a 10-month-old male pure-bred Beagle dog was found to have marked thrombocytopenia (6 × 103 platelets [PLT]/µL) associated with a mean platelet volume (MPV) of 17.9 fL. Tests for Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis, and Borrelia burgdorferi were negative. Buccal bleeding time was normal. Over 3 months, PLT were 4 to 141 × 103 PLT/µL, and MPV was 11.4 to 25.1 fL; however, PLT were <50 × 103 PLT/µL and MPV was >16 fL during most of this period. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-PLT antibody tests were negative. Genotyping for the presence of a beta 1-tubulin mutation demonstrated the normal wild-type gene. Treatment with prednisone resulted in normal values after only 3 days. Ultrastructure of enlarged PLT was consistent with that of immature PLT, characterized by reduced numbers of peripheral microtubules and the presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, and a prominent canalicular system. PLT ultrastructure and glucocorticoid responsiveness supported a diagnosis of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia that was masked by the cyclic nature of PLT decreases and lack of clinical signs. Inclusion of such a dog in a preclinical safety study could result in misinterpretation of clinical pathology findings.
Neuropathology Standards
Authors: Houle Christopher D.
Published: August 2011

The identification of neurotoxicity is a critical issue in drug development, and toxicologic pathologists play an important role in this effort. Neuropathology is a specialized area of toxicologic pathology in which a substantial number of nonroutine techniques and methods have been developed, and there are undoubtedly many instances in which these specialized procedures have helped characterize a neuropathologic lesion. Routine histopathologic methods employed in general toxicologic pathology studies are needed to identify the complete range of possible neuropathologic changes; once identified, many of these changes can be better defined by specialized techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, to confirm cell types involved. Sometimes, when neurotoxicity is expected, dedicated studies can be designed a priori and optimized for detection of the anticipated effects. However, when neurotoxicity arises unexpectedly or there is uncertainty around the potential for neurotoxicity, the decision of what to do can become more difficult. Recommendations to go ahead and perform the “optimal” study design that would accommodate all the potentially useful specialized techniques for characterizing a neuropathologic change are sometimes not practical and can be unnecessary and potentially detrimental to other end points in the study. In addition, there is not always agreement on when specialized techniques would be required and which ones should be used when necessary. Two techniques in particular that are commonly recommended to help facilitate the detection of neuropathologic lesions are perfusion fixation and the Fluoro-Jade stain.
Are minimized perfusion circuits the better heart lung machines? Final results of a prospective randomized multicentre study
Authors: El-Essawi A , Hajek T , Skorpil J , Böning A , Sabol F , Ostrovsky Y , Hausmann H , Harringer W
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Minimized perfusion circuits (MPCs), although aiming at minimizing the adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, have not yet gained popularity. This can be attributed to concerns regarding their safety, as well as lack of sufficient evidence of their benefit.

Methods: Described is a randomized, multicentre study comparing the MPC - ROCsafeRX to standard cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting and/ or aortic valve replacement.

Results: Five hundred patients were included in the study (252 randomized to the ROCsafeRX group and 248 to standard cardiopulmonary bypass). Both groups were well matched for demographic characteristics and type of surgery. No operative mortality and no device-related complications were encountered.

Transfusion requirement (333 ± 603 vs. 587 ± 1010 ml; p=0.001), incidence of atrial fibrillation (16.3% vs. 24.2%; p=0.03) and the incidence of major adverse events (9.1% vs. 16.5%; p=0.02) were all in favour of the MPC group.

Conclusion: These results confirm both the safety and efficacy of the ROCsafeRX MPC for a large variety of cardiac patients. Minimized perfusion circuits should, therefore, play a greater role in daily practice so that as many patients as possible can benefit from their advantages.
Comparing the Pilates method with no exercise or lumbar stabilization for pain and functionality in patients with chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pereira Ligia M , Obara Karen , Dias Josilainne M , Menacho Maryela O , Guariglia Débora A , Schiavoni Durcelina , Pereira Hugo M , Cardoso Jefferson Rosa
Published: August 2011

Objective: To perform a systematic review with meta-analyses that evaluates the effectiveness of the Pilates method on the pain and functionality outcome in adults with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Data sources: The search was performed in the following databases: Medline, Embase, AMED, Cinahl, Lilacs, Scielo, SportDiscus, ProQuest, Web of Science, PEDro, Academic Search Premier and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1950 to 2011; the following keywords were used: ‘Pilates’, ‘Pilates-based’, ‘back exercises’, ‘exercise therapy’, ‘low back pain’, ‘back pain’ and ‘backache.’

Review methods: The inclusion criteria were studies that assessed the effects of the Pilates method on patients with chronic low back pain.

Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients was 71 in the Pilates group and 68 in the control group. Pilates exercise did not improve functionality (standardized mean difference (SMD = –1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.80, 0.11; P = 0.07) or pain between Pilates and control groups (SMD = –1.99; 95% CI −4.35, 0.37; P = 0.10). Pilates and lumbar stabilization exercises presented no significant difference in functionality (mean difference (MD) = –0.31; 95% CI −1.02, 0.40; P = 0.39) or pain (MD = –0.31; 95% CI −1.02, 0.40; P = 0.39).

Conclusion: The Pilates method did not improve functionality and pain in patients who have low back pain when compared with control and lumbar stabilization exercise groups.
Comparing the effects of eccentric training with eccentric training and static stretching exercises in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Dimitrios Stasinopoulos , Pantelis Manias , Kalliopi Stasinopoulou
Published: August 2011

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of eccentric training and eccentric training with static stretching exercises in the management of patellar tendinopathy.

Design: Controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Rheumatology and rehabilitation centre.

Subjects: Forty-three patients who had patellar tendinopathy for at least three months. They were allocated to two groups by alternative allocation.

Interventions: Group A ( n = 22) was treated with eccentric training of patellar tendon and static stretching exercises of quadriceps and hamstrings and Group B ( n = 21) received eccentric training of patellar tendon. All patients received five treatments per week for four weeks.

Outcomes: Pain and function were evaluated using the VISA-P score at baseline, at the end of treatment (week 4), and six months (week 24) after the end of treatment.

Results: At the end of treatment, there was a rise in VISA-P score in both groups compared with baseline ( P<0.0005, paired t test). There were significant differences in the VISA-P score between the groups at the end of treatment (+14; 10 to 18) and at the six-month follow-up (+19; 13 to 24); eccentric training and static stretching exercises produced the largest effect ( P<0.0005, one-way ANOVA).

Conclusions: Eccentric training and static stretching exercises is superior to eccentric training alone to reduce pain and improve function in patients with patellar tendinopathy at the end of the treatment and at follow-up.
Compressive Myelopathy Associated With Ectasia of the Vertebral and Spinal Arteries in a Dog
Authors: Bozynski C. C. , Vasquez L. , O’Brien D. P. , Johnson G. C.
Published: August 2011

A 4-year-old dog was presented for acute, progressive tetraparesis and cervical hyperesthesia. Symmetrical tubular structures coursing along the lateroventral aspects of the spinal cord at the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae were identified in magnetic resonance images. At necropsy, vertebral arteries and their spinal branches were severely ectatic bilaterally, and the cervical spinal cord was compressed. Histologically, the ectatic branches of the vertebral and ventral spinal arteries were surrounded by fibrosis with scant mononuclear cell infiltrates and hemorrhage. Spinal branches of the vertebral arteries had focally severe reduction in the tunica media. A thrombus was in an arterial branch. Smaller vessels in adjacent tissue had fibrinoid degeneration. Axonal degeneration was detected in the affected spinal cord and nerve roots. The segmental degenerative radiculomyelopathy in this dog was attributed to anomalous ectasia of the vertebral and ventral spinal arteries.
Acantholytic Folliculitis and Epidermitis Associated With Staphylococcus hyicus in a Line of White Leghorn Laying Chickens
Authors: Chénier S. , Lallier L.
Published: August 2011

Several mature Leghorn-type hens with the same genetic background experienced skin and feather problems in a breeder flock. There was almost-total feather loss on the head and neck, as well as thickened, scaly skin, and follicular ostia were plugged with keratin debris. Other individuals exhibited prominent subcutaneous nodules multifocally on the head. Histologic examination of the skin revealed a severe hyperplasia of follicular epithelium with hyperkeratosis and cystic dilation. Numerous clefts and vesicles were detected along the epidermis and follicular epithelium, some containing acantholytic keratinocytes. A mild heterophilic inflammation was associated with these lesions, and few gram-positive cocci were present in the keratin plugs. Bacterial culture of the skin yielded a variable amount of Staphylococcus hyicus. Immunochemistry looking for chicken IgY revealed no intercellular staining in the epidermis or follicular epithelium. All these findings supported a diagnosis of Staphylococcus-associated acantholytic epidermitis and folliculitis. This case suggests that S. hyicus could be a significant pathogen in poultry production. The close genetic relationship among affected individuals could indicate a hereditary predisposition in this line of White Leghorn laying chickens.
Thermomechanical behaviours of strip and work-rolls in cold rolling process
Authors: Koohbor B , Serajzadeh S
Published: August 2011

A finite element analysis was developed to determine thermomechanical behaviours of strip and work-roll during cold rolling process under practical rolling conditions. The velocity field was first obtained using a rigid-plastic finite element formulation and then it was used to assess the strain and stress distributions within the strip and at the same time, a thermal finite element model based on streamline upwind Petrov–Galerkin scheme was employed to predict temperature distribution within the metal being rolled. In the next stage, the predicted temperature and stress fields at the contact region of strip/work-roll were employed as the boundary conditions to evaluate the thermomechanical behaviour of the work-roll while the effect of back-up rolls was also considered in the mechanical part of the analysis. The model is shown to provide a proper insight for studying the deformation of strip and work-roll during high speed cold rolling process with a relatively low computational cost.
Learning Behaviors Scale and Canadian Youths
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , Beran Tanya N.
Published: August 2011

The factor structure of the Learning Behaviors Scale (LBS) was examined with a sample of 393 randomly selected Canadian youths in a large western city. An identical four-factor structure was observed for the Canadian sample as was obtained in the standardization sample of U.S. youths and with another American sample. Principal axis exploratory factor analysis with equamax rotations produced factor structure coefficients that were very similar to those from the standardization sample, and factor invariance estimates corresponded to estimates from the standardization sample. Also, LBS raw scores from the Canadian sample did not meaningfully differ from the U.S. standardization sample raw scores.
Specifying the Role of Exposure to Violence and Violent Behavior on Initiation of Gun Carrying
Authors: Spano Richard , Pridemore William Alex , Bolland John
Published: August 2011

Two waves of longitudinal data from 1,049 African American youth living in extreme poverty are used to examine the impact of exposure to violence (Time 1) and violent behavior (Time 1) on first time gun carrying (Time 2). Multivariate logistic regression results indicate that (a) violent behavior (Time 1) increased the likelihood of initiation of gun carrying (Time 2) by 76% after controlling for exposure to violence at Time 1, which is consistent with the stepping stone model of youth gun carrying, and (b) youth who were both exposed to violence at Time 1 and engaged in violent behavior at Time 1 were more than 2.5 times more likely to initiate gun carrying at Time 2 compared to youth who had neither of these characteristics, which supports the cumulative risk model of youth gun carrying. The authors discuss the implications of these findings in clarifying the role of violence in the community on youth gun carrying and the primary prevention of youth gun violence.
Peer group, educational distinction and educational biographies
Authors: Krüger Heinz-Hermann , Köhler Sina-Mareen , Pfaff Nicolle , Zschach Maren
Published: August 2011

The article presents selected results of a reconstructive study on the significance of the peer group for children’s educational biography. Based on the analysis of qualitative interviews and group discussions with c. 11-year-old children from different educational milieus in Germany it is first shown how, in general, groups of friends in different social contexts exert influence on the children’s school careers. In a second part, the text pursues the question of how children produce social inequality themselves, what processes of distinction they practise and on the basis of which traits and criteria. Thereby the study demonstrates that internal and external distinction practices refer to entirely different concepts of achievement.
Adam’s escape: Children and the discordant nature of colonial conversions
Authors: Vallgårda Karen A. A.
Published: August 2011

The article traces the fundamental incoherency that structured the Danish Missionary Society’s work at a boarding school for low-caste ‘heathen’ children in South India in the 1860s and 1870s. Through elaborate disciplinary methods, the missionaries set out to Christianize and civilize the Indian children’s morality, social behaviour and bodily comportment. Yet, the missionaries’ perceptions of ‘the Indian child’ also reflected the contemporary bolstering of racial thinking in Indian colonial society, resulting in doubts whether Indian children could in fact become true Christians. This paradoxical endeavour shows how children became a site for the production of difference that sustained colonialism.
Multi-criteria approach to optimization of enterprise production programme
Authors: Vasović J V , Radojičić M , Klarin M M , Spasojević Brkić V K
Published: August 2011

This paper develops a multi-criteria model for making decisions on the production programme relevant for industrial enterprises. It presents some possibilities of using the method of multi-criteria decision making with managerial decision making on the production programme and some possibilities of modelling and disclosing preferences of a decision maker when conducting multi-criteria rating of alternative solutions by applying the concept of PROMETHEE method. The development of a multi-criteria basis for multi-layered and multi-level decision making in a system of relevant criteria, including development aspect, technical and technological aspect, economic aspect, competitive aspect, and humanity aspect, with a set of relevant criteria indicators of quantitative and qualitative nature. By introducing new types of preference functions and by applying them to the multi-criteria decision making of the production programme and to the software support implemented there, original solutions to the problem of the programme orientation optimization are offered. Practical testing of the projected model and of the complex procedure of multi-criteria decision making was demonstrated in practice with the example of a multi-criteria approach to the selection of an optimal variant for the programme of hail suppression rockets production. A multi-criteria approach ensures finding solutions for, and examining the products that are a key to, the long-term development of the enterprise.
Developing a state space model for a turbocharged diesel engine using the subspace identification method
Authors: Nikzadfar K , Shamekhi A H
Published: August 2011

In this article, a state space representation of a turbocharged diesel engine is provided on the basis of the subspace identification method. Identification is the methods of deriving mathematical expressions for dynamic systems based on input–output data. Providing such data usually leads to costly time-consuming test procedures. Any effort to decrease the number of tests is favourable for engine designers since it reduces both the engine controller development time and the cost. In this article a validated mean-value model of the engine is employed to generate demanded input–output data for identification purposes. Using this method, it is necessary to perform a smaller number of tests. The subspace method is employed to identify a linear time-invariant discrete state space model. State space identification methods such as subspace methods lead to non-physical states which are not suitable for control and fault detection purposes. An appropriate matrix transformation is used to convert the non-physical states to the desired physical states. Comparison between the non-linear model results and the state space data show good correlation.
A numerical control algorithm for a B-double truck–trailer with steerable trailer wheels and active hitch angles
Authors: Percy A , Spark I
Published: August 2011

This paper presents a new algorithm for the control of a B-double truck–trailer with steerable trailer wheels and active hitch angles, designed to minimize both off-tracking and scuffing. Each trailer has six autonomously steered double wheels, although each double wheel is modelled by a centrally placed single wheel. Each hitch point, joining truck to first trailer and first trailer to second trailer, as well as a nominated point central to the axles of the second trailer, traverses the same path which is determined by an operator controlling the path curvature and truck speed. The algorithm approximates the ideal solution in which all wheels on each trailer have the same centre of curvature. The actively controlled hitch angles, satisfying the path-following constraints, provide a further level of cooperative redundancy of steering systems. Simulations are carried out to show the effects of changing curvature and front hitch speed on hitch path, wheel angles, and hitch angles as well as the accuracy of the algorithm. Further simulation is carried out to show the improvement in off-tracking of the new control system over current B-double fixed-wheel systems.
Stabilization of switched systems with time-varying delay: a state transformation method
Authors: Liu Y , Hu L-S , Shi P
Published: August 2011

In this paper, the problems of exponential stability and control design for switched systems with time-varying delay are investigated. Under a class of switching signals counting with average dwell time, a new less conservative stability condition is proposed for the systems. To facilitate controller design for the switched systems with time-varying input delay, a new state transformation method is developed, with which the non-linear term in matrix inequality is removed. The method is also applicable to the existing stability conditions for controller design, while the existing methods may be not able to obtain computational control procedures from the stability conditions. In this paper, the computational algorithms are established for the stability analysis and control synthesis. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
The professional translator and information literacy: Perceptions and needs
Authors: Sales Dora , Pinto Maria
Published: August 2011

This paper is part of a broader research project, the main goal of which is to provide translators with solid instruction in information literacy (IL). For this, it is important to know the views of the community of professional translators. The results of the ongoing research which we analyse in this paper provide this view, by means of a qualitative case study (using a semi-structured questionnaire for data gathering). These results highlight the strengths and weaknesses indicated by professional translators regarding the information competencies they need.
Workplace Empowerment: A Grid Approach
Authors: Menon Sanjay T. , Kanungo Rabindra N.
Published: August 2011

The empowerment grid is introduced as a conceptual tool to better understand the phenomenon of workplace empowerment. First, working conditions, work processes, and strategic governance are identified as the three broad domains of workplace empowerment. Next, three empowering agents are identified – management, government, and the workers themselves. Examination of the resulting 3 times 3 grid reveals that the current focus of organisational researchers is only one of the many possible facets of workplace empowerment. Historical analysis suggests that different aspects of workplace empowerment were emphasized at different times. Further, although it enjoys the status of being the latest management buzzword, many of the notions underlying workplace empowerment seem to have been researched and practised under various labels. Possible future trends in workplace empowerment are also discussed.
Value Institutionalisation and HRD Climate: A Case Study of a Navratna Public Sector Organisation
Authors: Sharma Anuradha , Purang Pooja
Published: August 2011

The multi-nationalisation of organisations today has resulted in values playing a central role in management. Organisational values today provide a broad and general criteria for judging whether actions, ideas and attitudes of members are right or wrong. At the same time values in organisations are implicitly and explicitly imbibed. But at times the espoused values may not be the same as the values practiced in organisations. This dichotomy can become the cause of a lot of conflict and can affect the work output. This case study thus attempts to see the extent of Value Institutionalisation and its relationship with other organisation related factors like HRD climate.
The Practice of HRD: Internal Customers' View
Authors: Agarwala Tanuja
Published: August 2011

The present study attempts to explore employee perception of the adequacy of performance of HRD practices. Analyses indicated that large percentage of employees viewed HRD practices as being inadequately performed in their organizations. The practice of HRD was found to have a highly significant positive correlation with the HRD climate of the organization.
Integration of Indian Capital Markets with Global Markets: An Empirical Study
Authors: De Sarkar Partha , Yadav Surendra S , Banwet D K
Published: August 2011

From 1997 onwards, the effect of globalization is becoming evident in the Indian capital markets. The stock prices of Indian companies and the stock market indices have been driven not just by the macro and micro factors of the Indian economy. Events in other parts of the world have also increasingly started having an impact. This is in stark contrast to the situation in the insular days prior to 1991, when major policy changes were made by the Indian government to open up the economy.

The increased volatility of stock markets and reduction in controls over capital movements across borders has reflected in the stock prices in India. This paper aims at validating that indeed globalization has found its way into the Indian capital markets. It estimates the extent of correlation between the major world stock markets in USA, UK, Japan and Hong Kong with the Indian Stock Market Index like the BSE Sensex and also how portfolio fund flows have affected its movement. The study restricts itself to the period between January 1997 and June 2000.

In brief, this paper seeks to:

establish the relationship between the Bombay 30 Stock Sensitivity Index (SENSEX) and the global indices mentioned above like Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ Composite of USA, FTSE100 of UK, Nikkei 225 of Japan and the Hang Seng of Hong Kong. look at how portfolio funds flows have been affecting the Indian stock market.
Healthy District: Concepts and Issues
Authors: Datta Subhash
Published: August 2011

The healthy district, initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) is beginning in 2002 and the whole world is waiting to see the development activity which concerns each one of us. The approach aims to improve the social, cultural, nutritional, educational and environmental well being of the the people of the entire district.

A healthy district is one that is continually creating and improving the physical and social environment. The basic characteristics of a healthy district in a developing country setup are: a clean and safe physical environment of very high quality; a high degree of community participation; a place where all human basic needs are satisfied for its people.

The paper introduces the concepts of a healthy district set up and discusses the relevant issues that are likely to be addressed for creating a new and environment friendly administrative unit at the district level. The model is likely to be implemented in all districts of the South East Asian Region in the near future.
Disaster Management - Approach and Emerging Strategies in India
Authors: Sharma Vinod K.
Published: August 2011

In India, the colossal loss of life and property, the social and economic disruptions caused by the increasing frequencies and severity of natural disasters has increased awareness on natural disaster management at all levels including political circles. However, the terrorist attack over World Trade Centre in USA and the spread of anthrax fear in its aftermath has shifted our attention towards potential danger of the biological and other manmade disasters. It is in this context that disaster management as an important issue draws attention of various stakeholders in the disaster management community to introspect how prepared we are to tackle this type of disasters.

The present paper aims at giving a comprehenvsive account of the disaster management mechanism in our country. It also briefly discusses the efforts made and major challenges and various issues of disaster management in our country. In addition, it gives an account of the emerging strategies in managing future disasters - both natural and manmade. The various aspects covered in this paper will provide valuable inputs to the planners, policy makers, administrators, scholars and other stakeholders.
Strategic Issues for KAM Implementation in Industrial Marketing
Authors: Chatterjee P K , Prasad A
Published: August 2011

The relevance of Key Account Management (KAM) is a well established fact and its practice an essential requirement. There is a consensus among researchers and marketing practitioners with respect to industrial marketing firms, especially those who have limited customer base and have strategic dependence on a few key customers. However, despite the emphasis, many industrial marketing firms are still to address the issue in the desired manner. This article is an attempt to bridge the gap between what has been established and what needs to be done further. This study differs from earlier studies as it focuses on the strategic issues associated with the implementation of KAM in the context of marketing of industrial products, capital goods/installations. Since the article is based on literature survey, opinion survey of industrial marketing managers, and authors' own practising-cum-preaching experience in this field, it can find its applicability as a blue print for industrial marketing managers in making KAM happen in their organisation.
Economics of Early Equipment Management - Life Cycle Costing
Authors: Gupta R C , Sonwalkar J , Chitle A K
Published: August 2011

As competition is increasing day by day, industries are giving more and more emphasis upon managing equipment efficiencies to keep pace with the fast moving competition. Equipment should be designed to help the Company to maximize profitability Today, where profitability is so often ‘marginal’, effective management and life cycle costs are magnified in importance. Life cycle costing is the systematic decision making to evaluate overall cost effectiveness at the design stage of the system. This paper addresses the basics of Early Equipment Management and gives details of life cycle costs. Various stages of Early Equipment Management where trade-offs in life cycle costs are possible are also discussed.