bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Policy and Performance Management
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J.
Published: August 2007

Both the evidence-based policy and performance management movements aim to improve government effectiveness by developing and utilizing a more rigorous base of information and scientific evidence to guide decisions about program design, funding, implementation, and management. In practice, however, differences and tensions between these movements—such as their methods and standards for assembling and analyzing data, and the strategic timing and use of this information to influence policy and hold public managers accountable for performance—could limit their success. Using cases and empirical studies, this article considers questions about what should count as evidence, how it should be communicated, who should judge the quality and reliability of evidence and performance information, and how to achieve a balance between processes that produce rigorous information for decision making and those that foster democratic governance and accountability. Recommendations are made for improving government effectiveness by using more rigorous information in decision making, along with acknowledgment of the limitations and risks associated with such efforts.
Differences in Scapular Upward Rotation between Baseball Pitchers and Position Players
Authors: Laudner Kevin G. , Stanek Justin M. , Meister Keith
Published: August 2007

Background

Baseball pitchers have been reported to have an increased prevalence of shoulder injury compared with position players such as infielders and outfielders. Furthermore, insufficient scapular upward rotation has been empirically linked with several of these shoulder disorders. However, the difference in scapular upward rotation between pitchers and position players is not known.

Hypothesis

Pitchers will have decreased scapular upward rotation of their dominant shoulders compared with position players.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

Dominant shoulder scapular upward rotation was measured with the arm at rest and at 60°, 90°, and 120° of humeral elevation among 15 professional baseball pitchers and 15 position players with no recent history of upper extremity injury.

Results

Independent t tests showed pitchers have significantly less scapular upward rotation at 60° (3.9°, P = .011) and 90° (4.4°, P = .009) of humeral elevation compared with position players.

Conclusion

Baseball pitchers have less scapular upward rotation than do position players, specifically at humeral elevation angles of 60° and 90°.

Clinical Relevance

This decrease in scapular upward rotation may compromise the integrity of the glenohumeral joint and place pitchers at an increased risk of developing shoulder injuries compared with position players. As such, pitchers may benefit from periscapular stretching and strengthening exercises to assist with increasing scapular upward rotation.
Micrographs of Fractured Vinyl Ester Composites
Authors: Ku H. , Ang S.F. , Snook C. , Baddeley D.
Published: August 2007

This paper reports the difference in impact strength between microwave cured vinyl ester particulate composites and those cured under ambient conditions, by examining the micrographs of the fractured specimens. The drop weight impact test had been used to fracture the samples. The original contribution of this paper is to tell the fracture behavior of the samples as well as the relative toughness of the specimens by viewing their micrographs. The results show that the difference in the impact strength between optimally (lower power and longer exposure duration) microwave cured samples and those cured under ambient conditions is minimal. However, if the specimens were cured using higher power, the resulting toughness of the samples would be lower as many voids would form in the samples due to the initial expansion of the composite.
Post Impact Compression Strength (PICS) Evaluation of Glass/Epoxy Composite Using a Novel Approach — Effect of Delamination Area
Authors: Vijay Kumar R.L. , Jawali N.D. , Srikanth L. , Rahul Kumar C. , Prakash M. Rajendra , Rao R.M.V.G.K.
Published: August 2007

Woven glass fabric epoxy composite laminates were subjected to low velocity impacts in an uninstrumented drop weight tester, and the corresponding delamination areas traced. The compression strengths of the composite before and after the impact event were measured adopting a novel technique, consisting of tests on a scaled down version of the standard Boeing-CAI specimen, using a custom designed compression test fixture, in order to facilitate tests within the capacity of an available 100 kN testing machine.

Experimental data showed that, as the incident impact energy (Ein) was increased from 10 J to 25 J, the delamination area (Adel) increased from 369 mm2 to 640 mm2, and the compression strength retained was in the range of 62.73% to 43.17% of its virgin strength. Further, a concept of ``Area Retention Factor'' has been introduced to explain the phenomenon causing the compression strength degradation (or its retention) in impact damaged composites.
Thermal Stress Analysis of Curvilinearly Orthotropic Rotating Discs
Authors: Çallioğlu Hasan
Published: August 2007

This study deals with stress analysis on orthotropic rotating annular discs subjected to various temperature distributions, such as uniform, linearly increasing and decreasing with radius temperatures. Tangential and radial stresses in a rotating disc under the three different temperature profiles are plotted in figures. With the increasing temperature, the tangential stress component decreases at the inner surface whereas it increases at the outer surface, and the radial stress component reduces gradually for all the temperature distributions. The magnitude of the tangential stress component is higher than that of the radial stress component for all the discs under the lower temperatures of the temperature distributions. But, when the temperature is further increased, the tangential stress component decreases more at the inner surface. The radial displacement is also calculated analytically and has higher value at the outer surface than that of the inner surface for all the temperature distributions, except for radial displacement in the reference temperature.
Scripture On the Moral Life of Creatures: In Conversation With Hans G. Ulrich
Authors: Bockmuehl Markus
Published: August 2007

Hans G. Ulrich's book, Wie Geschöpfe leben , engages eclectically but vigorously with moral and theological aspects of the Bible's teaching on ethics. This article employs three questions as an entrée to understanding his encounter with Scripture: it asks about his implicit biblical canon, his approach and presuppositions in hermeneutics, and finally about his major critical conversation partners. Supplementing Ulrich's strong sense of the Bible's importance for theological ethics, a strongly Lutheran reading of notions like `law' and `commandment' here goes hand in hand with a concentration on Matthew, Romans and the Psalms; this in turn is matched by a characteristically unstated (but implicitly Protestant) Rule of Faith. There is a broad engagement with contemporary philosophers and theologians, but little attention is paid either to patristic and medieval voices or for that matter to biblical scholars, even those who have in recent years attempted to recover the connection between Scripture and Theology.
Bank Runs, Lender of Last Resort, Suspension of Convertibility, and Enabling Laws
Authors: Singh Gurbachan , Tiwari Girijesh Kumar
Published: August 2007

This article compares four regulatory regimes. First, commercial banks use ‘standard deposits’. Second, commercial banks use ‘standard deposits’ and may use the lender of last resort facility. Third, commercial banks use partial suspension of convertibility. Fourth, there are enabling laws. The first regime leads to inefficiency. The second and third regimes may result in efficient allocation. Under enabling laws, efficiency is attained even if the cost of the lender of last resort facility is positive, or the disutility of bank runs or that of trading activity is positive. Finally, the article makes some observations on banking in emerging economies.
Validation of a Tibetan Translation of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist–25 and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire
Authors: Lhewa Dechen , Banu Sophia , Rosenfeld Barry , Keller Allen
Published: August 2007

This study sought to translate and validate the Hopkins Symptom Checklist–25 (HSCL) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) in a Tibetan population. Translated questionnaires were administered to 57 Tibetan survivors of torture/human rights abuses living in the United States and receiving services in a torture treatment program. Participants were evaluated to determine if they met criteria for major depressive episode, generalized anxiety disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Coefficient alpha for the HSCL Anxiety subscale (.89), Depression subscale (.92), and the HTQ (.89) were high. Diagnostic accuracy using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis generated good classification accuracy for anxiety (.89), depression (.92), and PTSD (.83). However, although sensitivity and specificity for HSCL subscales were quite high, the HTQ generated low sensitivity (.33), partly because of a low rate of PTSD. Results support the reliability and validity of the HSCL but suggest further study of the HTQ with this population is required.
Dimensionality and Psychometric Invariance of the Youth Self-Report Form of the Child Behavior Checklist in Cross-National Settings
Authors: Lambert Michael Canute , Essau Cecilia A. , Schmitt Neal , Samms-Vaughan Maureen E.
Published: August 2007

The Youth Self-Report Form's (YSR's) factor model was derived from traditional exploratory factor analytical procedures. Assuming appropriate model specification, psychometrically invariant items, and that its items provide useful psychometric information across nations omitted from its normative samples, the YSR is widely used in cross-national studies of nonreferred children. Item response theory analytical procedures reveal (a) 2 dimensions partly overlapping with the YSR's Internalizing and Externalizing second-order factors; (b) variance (i.e., differential item functioning) in how well a few items discriminate for nonreferred children across two nations; and (c) variance in estimating severity levels in children with identical psychopathological severity cross-nationally. Addressing psychometric variance, limiting redundancy, and matching children's psychopathological severity levels with items measuring this severity might promote more accurate and economical assessment.
The Personality Assessment Inventory as a Proxy for the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised
Authors: Douglas Kevin S. , Guy Laura S. , Edens John F. , Boer Douglas P. , Hamilton Jennine
Published: August 2007

The Personality Assessment Inventory's (PAI's) ability to predict psychopathic personality features, as assessed by the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R), was examined. To investigate whether the PAI Antisocial Features (ANT) Scale and subscales possessed incremental validity beyond other theoretically relevant PAI scales, optimized regression equations were derived in a sample of 281 Canadian federal offenders. ANT, or ANT–Antisocial Behavior (ANT-A), demonstrated unique variance in regression analyses predicting PCL-R total and Factor 2 (Lifestyle Impulsivity and Social Deviance) scores, but only the Dominance (DOM) Scale was retained in models predicting Factor 1 (Interpersonal and Affective Deficits). Attempts to cross-validate the regression equations derived from the first sample on a sample of 85 U.S. sex offenders resulted in considerable validity shrinkage, with the ANT Scale in isolation performing comparably to or better than the statistical models for PCL-R total and Factor 2 scores. Results offer limited evidence of convergent validity between the PAI and the PCL-R.
Evaluations of Capacity to Waive Miranda Rights
Authors: Ryba Nancy L. , Brodsky Stanley L. , Shlosberg Amy
Published: August 2007

Minimal information is available regarding the frequency with which practitioners conduct evaluations of capacity to waive Miranda rights or what approaches they use in doing so. Grisso's Instruments for Assessing Understanding and Appreciation of Miranda Rights are the only published instruments designed specifically to assist practitioners in these evaluations. The instruments have been criticized for limited normative data in the test manual and the minimal guidance offered for interpreting results. A survey of practitioners was conducted to determine the nature and frequency of the use of these instruments. Of 401 respondents, 91% were engaged in forensic practice, and 26% had conducted evaluations of one's capacity to waive Miranda rights. Of those conducting Miranda evaluations, 44% had used Grisso's Miranda instruments. Practitioners' responses regarding the ways the instruments are used are reported. Suggestions are offered for informed practice, and related strengths and weaknesses of the instruments are identified.
Methodology for Dealing With Duplicate Study Effects in a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wood John 'Andy'
Published: August 2007

Study effects developed from the same data set and duplicated in more than one publication likely will bias the aggregated effects in a meta-analysis. This threat to the validity of meta-analyses in organizational research is significant. Methods of detecting overt and covert duplication of publication are presented through an analysis of five published meta-analyses. An unpublished meta-analysis of salesperson turnover is used to present the implications of nonindependence. Options for the correction of duplication are discussed. It is recommended that study effects gathered during the literature search use the proposed screening heuristic to detect and address duplicate study effects.
Grounded Theory Method in Management Research
Authors: Fendt Jacqueline , Sachs Wladimir
Published: August 2007

The authors discuss the determination of quality in studies using grounded theory method (GTM). They concretely describe some misunderstandings associated with GTM and some malaises experienced with its orthodox application, drawing primarily on their own research experience and supporting their discussion with evidence from other researchers. They then confront their experience with current critical GTM literature and offer some observations of their own. The authors describe how the very strengths of GTM run the risk of being undermined—and thus the quality of such research impaired—by an overly orthodox application of its rigorous objectification procedures. Therefore, they offer some pragmatic remedial suggestions. The authors conclude by calling for the continuing use of GTM in some of its newer forms and by reflecting on the importance of the process surrounding the use of the method, particularly in doctoral research.
In Search of `the Appropriate' Unit of Analysis for Sociocultural Research
Authors: Matusov Eugene
Published: August 2007

The polysemic notion of `unit of analysis' has been developed by Gestalt psychologists and fruitfully used by Vygotsky in the struggle against reductionism in psychology. Currently, it has been appropriated by a sociocultural approach for criticizing cognitive approaches for using the `individual as unit of analysis'. In this article, I argue that a sociocultural approach is experiencing a crisis as it is being affected by holism—a tendency to include the universal whole in the studied phenomenon. I propose and discuss alternatives to reductionism and holism for a sociocultural approach.
Review symposium: Encountering Objects and Others as a Means of Passage
Authors: Bertau Marie-Cécile
Published: August 2007

Zittoun's Transitions investigates how young people use cultural elements, like movies and novels, to manage ruptures as a specific moment in their life span, leading to transitions from one socio-psychological location to another. Zittoun's perspective is cultural as well as developmental, and can thus make visible the dynamicity of individual meaning-making processes, a semiosis taking place in the field of self, other, culture and objects which are used as symbolic resources in constructing identity. Zittoun proposes a three-dimensional model of the use of symbolic resources ( aboutness , time and distancing), accompanied by two theoretical constructs: the semiotic prism and the spheres of experience. This complex and transparent architecture is investigated empirically through the case studies of thirty young people whose interviews are thoughtfully analysed. Although Zittoun relates a person, others, a cultural element and the meaning of this element for the person in a dynamic semiotic movement of change, she does not elaborate on the dialogical dimension of this movement of change. It is otherness of and `in' objects which then comes to the foreground. This opened but not developed path is taken up by the reviewer, leading to the notion of dialogical objects: objects which are actually dialogical processes, developing in time within an exchange of voices and positions. Using a dialogical object as symbolic resource means activating the dialogical self; and investigating these uses gives the opportunity to observe the dialogical self in construction. Semioticity, accompanying and forming identity processes, is thus to be completed with alterity, giving these processes orientation and sociocultural value.
Review symposium: Intra-induividual Research on the Real Transition Process
Authors: Wen Li Xiao
Published: August 2007

Tania Zittoun's research has great value in the context of the current research background of developmental psychology, and especially from the perspective of a Chinese scholar. Zittoun breaks through the traditional research model of developmental psychology, and finds a new way to analyze the psychological changes in transition with the concept of cultural resource as the core of her research paradigm. Furthermore, she explores the development of person-as-history in an open-ended dynamic process of research. Zittoun's research has provided us with much to learn from, to contemplate about, and to work through in creating a new methodology and analytical patterns for understanding human beings.
`Whiteness' and `Aboriginality' in Canada and Australia
Authors: Fee Margery , Russell Lynette
Published: August 2007

In writing about `whiteness' we are trying to enact a `way of talking' that draws in part on Aboriginal ideas about how to conduct a conversation or tell a story. We also use Homi Bhabha's ideas of `third space' (an `interruptive, interrogative, and enunciative' space) and hybridity as a related way to think through the problems of essentializing binaries and rigid identities. In Aboriginal cultures in Australia and Canada, rather than adopting the `neutral' or `objective' stance common in the academy, it is customary to introduce oneself to one's audience, providing a context to assist in interpretation and exchange. Without such an introduction, real stories cannot be told and productive conversations cannot happen. We thus begin our conversation with each other and with you by examining our personal relationship to the idea of whiteness in order to reveal some of its complexity in Canada and Australia. `Whiteness' as an abstraction has proved useful in moving the invisible norm to visibility, but we show how an awareness of `whiteness' in the two locations can be recuperated to re-privilege the already privileged. Aboriginal speakers and writers have theorized `whiteness', in many cases from outside the academy, in the process `hybridizing' traditional genres. For many of them, Aboriginality, like whiteness, is a construct that often stands in the way of thinking clearly about where to go next in the fight against racism.
The development of memory difficulties
Authors: Koppel Oonagh S . B. , Dallos Rudi
Published: August 2007

The primary focus of research exploring the experience of developing memory difficulties has been on people who already have a diagnosis of dementia. This study employs a qualitative approach to explore the experience of memory difficulties in three individuals experiencing the process of investigation for dementia. The participants were interviewed before they had a formal diagnosis, and again after they had attended for an assessment at a memory clinic. Partners' interviews provided a further interpretative context, although they were not analysed. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results show that participants were keen to find an explanation for their memory difficulties. The satisfaction that participants felt with the explanation given at the memory clinic was dependent on how informed they felt, which also had implications for how they subsequently viewed themselves. Findings highlight the nature of uncertainty in the area of memory difficulties, and recommendations are discussed.
Spousal dementia caregiving in the context of late-life remarriage
Authors: Sherman Carey Wexler , Boss Pauline
Published: August 2007

Increasing numbers of older couples entering late-life remarriage will face dementia and spousal caregiving. This qualitative study, informed by grounded theory methods, is a first to explore spousal caregiving in the late-life remarried context. Interviews with nine late-life remarried wife caregivers identified complex intergenerational stepfamily dynamics that appear to amplify isolation and stress for this group of caregivers. Most women reported experiencing rejection of remarriage by adult children, minimal family involvement in caregiving, and intergenerational conflict regarding decision making. Nonetheless, caregivers described proactive, strategic approaches toward caregiving. This study examines the construct of boundary ambiguity as it relates to late-life remarriage and dementia caregiving, thus merging the unique challenges of caregiver and stepfamily dynamics. Findings are discussed in light of the potential risks highlighted for remarried couples facing chronic health issues. Future dementia research that accounts for diverse marital and family histories is suggested.
Sensory Loss in Hospital-Admitted People With Stroke: Characteristics, Associated Factors, and Relationship With Function
Authors: Tyson Sarah F. , Hanley Marie , Chillala Jay , Selley Andrea B. , Tallis Raymond C.
Published: August 2007

Objective: To characterize the nature of sensory impairments after stroke, identify associated factors, and assess the relationships between sensory impairment, disability, and recovery. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional survey of 102 people with hemiparesis following their first stroke. Tactile and proprioceptive sensation in the affected arm and leg were measured using the Rivermead Assessment of Somatosensory Perception 2-4 weeks post-stroke. Demographics, stroke pathology, weakness, neglect, disability, and recovery were documented. Results: Tactile impairment was more common than proprioceptive ( P < .000), impairment of discrimination was more common than detection ( P < .000), and tactile sensation was more severely impaired in the leg than the arm ( P < .000). No difference in proprioception between the arm and leg ( P = .703) or between proximal and distal joints ( P = .589, P = .705) was found. The degree of weakness and the degree of stroke severity were significantly associated with sensory impairment; demographics, stroke side and type, and neglect were not associated. All the sensory modalities were significantly related to independence, mobility, and recovery ( r = 0.287 [ P < .011] to r = 0.533 [ P < .000]). Conclusion: Sensory impairments of all modalities are common after stroke, although tactile impairment is more frequent than proprioceptive loss, especially in the leg. They are associated with the degree of weakness and the degree of stroke severity but not demographics, stroke pathology, or neglect, and they are related to mobility, independence in activities of daily living, and recovery.
Regulatory dendritic cells protect against cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease mediated through CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Fujita Shigeharu , Sato Yumiko , Sato Kaori , Eizumi Kawori , Fukaya Tomohiro , Kubo Masato , Yamashita Naohide , Sato Katsuaki
Published: August 2007

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT). However, effective strategies for the treatment of cGVHD have not been established. In this study, we examined the therapeutic utility of modified dendritic cells (DCs) with a greater capacity to regulate immune responses than previously known tolerogenic DCs, regulatory DCs (DCregs), in the major histocompatibility complex-compatible, and multiple minor histocompatibility antigen-incompatible model of cGVHD in alloBMT. Treatment of the recipient mice after alloBMT with the recipient-type DCregs led to greater suppression of the incidence and severity of cutaneous cGVHD than rapamycin, whereas treatment with the recipient-type mature DCs promoted the pathogenesis. Analysis of the recipient mice suggested that the protective effect of the recipient-type DCregs involved the peripheral generation of alloreactive CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T (TR) cells from donor-derived CD4+CD25−Foxp3− T cells. Thus, immunotherapy with DCregs is a promising strategy for the treatment of cGVHD in alloBMT mediated through the induction of a dominant tolerance involving CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ TR cells.
Human impact on the historical change of CO2degassing flux in River Changjiang
Authors: Wang FuShun , Wang Yuchun , Zhang Jing , Xu Hai , Wei Xiuguo
Published: August 2007

The impact of water quality changes in River Changjiang (formally known as the Yangtze River) on dissolved CO2 and silicate concentrations and seasonal carbon flux in the past several decades (1960s–2000) was evaluated, based on monitoring data from hydrographic gauge. It was found that dissolved CO2 and silicate in Changjiang decreased dramatically during this decades, as opposed to a marked increase in nutrient (e.g. NO3-) concentrations. Our analyses revealed that dissolved CO2 in Changjiang was over-saturated with the atmosphere CO2, and its concentration had showed a declining trend since the 1960s, despite that fluvial DIC flux had maintained stable. Analysis results also suggested that the decrease in dissolved CO2 concentration was attributed to changes on the riverine trophic level and river damming activities in the Changjiang drainage basin. Due to the economic innovation (e.g. agriculture and industry development) across the Changjiang watershed, fertilizers application and river regulations have significantly altered the original state of the river. Its ecosystem and hydrological condition have been evolving toward the "lacustrine/reservoir" autotrophic type prevailing with plankton. Accordingly, average CO2 diffusing flux to the atmosphere from the river had been reduced by three-fourth from the 1960s to 1990s, with the flux value being down to 14.2 mol.m-2.yr-1 in the 1990s. For a rough estimate, approximately 15.3 Mt of carbon was degassed annually into the atmosphere from the entire Changjiang drainage basin in the 1990s.
Impact of flu on hospital admissions during 4 flu seasons in Spain, 2000–2004
Authors: Lenglet Annick D , Hernando Victoria , Rodrigo Pilar , Larrauri Amparo , Donado Juan DM , de Mateo Salvador
Published: August 2007

Background

Seasonal flu epidemics in the European region cause high numbers of cases and deaths. Flu-associated mortality has been estimated but morbidity studies are necessary to understand the burden of disease in the population. Our objective was to estimate the excess hospital admissions in Spain of diseases associated with influenza during four epidemic influenza periods (2000 – 2004).

Methods

Hospital discharge registers containing pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, heart failure and flu from all public hospitals in Spain were reviewed for the years 2000 to 2004. Epidemic periods were defined by data from the Sentinel Surveillance System. Excess hospitalisations were calculated as the difference between the average number of weekly hospitalisations/100,000 in epidemic and non-epidemic periods. Flu epidemics were defined for seasons 2001/2002, 2002/2003, 2003/2004.

Results

A(H3N2) was the dominant circulating serotype in 2001/2002 and 2003/2004. Negligible excess hospitalisations were observed during the 2002/2003 epidemic where A(H1N1) was circulating. During 2000/2001, flu activity remained below threshold levels and therefore no epidemic period was defined. In two epidemic periods studied a delay between the peak of the influenza epidemic and the peak of hospitalisations was observed. During flu epidemics with A(H3N2), excess hospitalisations were higher in men and in persons <5 and >64 years higher than 10 per 100,000. Pneumonia accounted for 70% of all flu associated hospitalisations followed by chronic bronchitis. No excess flu-specific hospitalisations were recorded during all seasons.

Conclusion

Flu epidemics have an impact on hospital morbidity in Spain. Further studies that include other variables, such as temperature and humidity, are necessary and will deepen our understanding of the role of each factor during flu epidemics and their relation with morbidity.
Malaria mosquito control using edible fish in western Kenya: preliminary findings of a controlled study
Authors: Howard Annabel FV , Zhou Guofa , Omlin Francois X
Published: August 2007

Background

Biological control methods are once again being given much research focus for malaria vector control. This is largely due to the emerging threat of strong resistance to pesticides. Larvivorous fish have been used for over 100 years in mosquito control and many species have proved effective. In the western Kenyan highlands the larvivorous fish Oreochromis niloticus L. (Perciformes: Cichlidae) (formerly Tilapia nilotica) is commonly farmed and eaten but has not been previously tested in the field for malaria mosquito control.

Methods

This fish was introduced into abandoned fishponds at an altitude of 1,880 m and the effect measured over six months on the numbers of mosquito immatures. For comparison an untreated control pond was used. During this time, all ponds were regularly cleared of emergent vegetation and fish re-stocking was not needed. Significant autocorrelation was removed from the time series data, and t-tests were used to investigate within a pond and within a mosquito type any differences before and after the introduction of O. niloticus. Mulla's formula was also used on the raw data to calculate the percentage reduction of the mosquito larvae.

Results

After O. niloticus introduction, mosquito densities immediately dropped in the treated ponds but increased in the control pond. This increase was apparently due to climatic factors. Mulla's formula was applied which corrects for that natural tendency to increase. The results showed that after 15 weeks the fish caused a more than 94% reduction in both Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the treated ponds, and more than 75% reduction in culicine mosquitoes. There was a highly significantly reduction in A. gambiae s.l. numbers when compared to pre-treatment levels.

Conclusion

This study reports the first field trial data on O. niloticus for malaria mosquito control and shows that this species, already a popular food fish in western Kenya, is an apparently sustainable mosquito control tool which also offers a source of protein and income to people in rural areas. There should be no problem with acceptance of this malaria control method since the local communities already farm this fish species.
Endogenous TGF-β activation by reactive oxygen species is key to Foxp3 induction in TCR-stimulated and HIV-1-infected human CD4+CD25-T cells
Authors: Amarnath Shoba , Dong Li , Li Jun , Wu Yuntao , Chen WanJun
Published: August 2007

Background

CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) play an important role in regulating immune responses, and in influencing human immune diseases such as HIV infection. It has been shown that human CD4+CD25+ Tregs can be induced in vitro by TCR stimulation of CD4+CD25- T cells. However, the mechanism remains elusive, and intriguingly, similar treatment of murine CD4+CD25- cells did not induce CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs unless exogenous TGF-β was added during stimulation. Thus, we investigated the possible role of TGF-β in the induction of human Tregs by TCR engagement. We also explored the effects of TGF-β on HIV-1 infection mediated induction of human Tregs since recent evidence has suggested that HIV-1 infection may also impact the generation of Tregs in infected patients.

Results

We show here that endogenous TGF-β is key to TCR induction of Foxp3 in human CD4+CD25- T cells. These events involve, first, the production of TGF-β by TCR and CD28 stimulation and the activation of latent TGF-β by reactive oxygen species generated from the activated T cells. Biologically active TGF-β then engages in the induction of Foxp3. Neutralization of active TGF-β with anti-TGF-β antibody or elimination of ROS with MnTBAP abrogated Foxp3 expression. HIV-1 infection enhanced Foxp3 expression in activated CD4+CD25- T cells; which was also abrogated by blockade of endogenous TGF-β.

Conclusion

Several conclusions can be drawn from this work: (1) TCR and CD28-induced Foxp3 expression is a late event following TCR stimulation; (2) TGF-β serves as a link in Foxp3 induction in human CD4+CD25- T cells following TCR stimulation, which induces not only latent, but also active TGF-β; (3) the activation of TGF-β requires reactive oxygen species; (4) HIV infection results in an increase in Foxp3 expression in TCR-activated CD25- T cells, which is also associated with TGF-β. Taken together, our findings reinforce a definitive role of TGF-β not only in the generation of Tregs with respect to normal immune responses, but also is critical in immune diseases such as HIV-1 infection.
The psychometric properties of Beck Depression Inventory for adolescent depression in a primary-care paediatric setting in India
Authors: Basker Mona , Moses Prabhakar D , Russell Sushila , Russell Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar
Published: August 2007

Background

There is increasing interest in identifying adolescents with depression in primary care settings by paediatricians in India. This article studied the diagnostic accuracy, reliability and validity of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) while used by paediatricians in a primary care setting in India.

Methods

181 adolescents attending 3 schools were administered a back translated Tamil version of BDI by a paediatrician to evaluate its psychometric properties along with Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS-R) for convergent validity. Clinical diagnosis of depressive disorders, for reference standard, was based on ICD-10 interview by an independent psychiatrist who also administered the Impact of Event Scale (IES) for divergent validity. Appropriate analyses for validity and diagnostic accuracy both at the item and scale levels were conducted.

Results

A cut-off score of ≥ 5 (Sn = 90.9%, Sp = 17.6 %) for screening and cut-off score of ≥ 22 (Sn = 27.3%, Sp = 90%) for diagnostic utility is suggested. The 4 week test – retest reliability was good (r = 0.82). In addition to the adequate face and content validity, BDI has very good internal consistency (α = 0.96), high convergent validity with CDRS-R (r = 0.72; P = 0.001), and high discriminant validity with IES (r = 0.26; P = 0.23). There was a moderate concordance rate with the reference standard (54.5%) in identifying depression among the adolescents. Factor analysis replicated the 2-factor structure explaining 30.5 % of variance.

Conclusion

The BDI proved to be a psychometrically sound measure for use by paediatricians in a primary care setting in India. The possibility of screening for depressive disorders through the use of BDI may be helpful in identifying probable cases of the disorder among adolescents.
Automated data integration for developmental biological research
Authors: Zhong Weiwei , Sternberg Paul W.
Published: August 2007

In an era exploding with genome-scale data, a major challenge for developmental biologists is how to extract significant clues from these publicly available data to benefit our studies of individual genes, and how to use them to improve our understanding of development at a systems level. Several studies have successfully demonstrated new approaches to classic developmental questions by computationally integrating various genome-wide data sets. Such computational approaches have shown great potential for facilitating research: instead of testing 20,000 genes, researchers might test 200 to the same effect. We discuss the nature and state of this art as it applies to developmental research.
Differences in metabolic costs of terrestrial mobility in two closely related species of albatross
Authors: Kabat Alexander P. , Phillips Richard A. , Croxall John P. , Butler Patrick J.
Published: August 2007

Black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophrys typically colonise steeper habitats than grey-headed albatrosses T. chrysostoma. The present study investigated the effect of colony philopatry on terrestrial locomotory ability in these two species, to determine: (1) if there is a difference in terrestrial locomotory ability between these two closely related species, and (2) what physiological or behavioural adaptations may account for any differences identified. We examined the metabolic cost, mechanical efficiency on an incline, and gait characteristics of terrestrial locomotion of these two species on both level and inclined planes. T. chrysostoma were able to perform at a significantly greater speed than T. melanophrys without reaching a significantly different maximal rate of oxygen consumption(V̇O2). Conversely, T. melanophrys were able to move up a significantly steeper incline than T. chrysostoma while maintaining a similar maximal V̇O2. Each species demonstrates stride length, force production (behavioural) and leg length (morphological) adaptations that minimise the cost of traversing their chosen colonies, indicating a clear relationship between terrestrial performance and local topography. However, it is not possible to determine if the difference in locomotory ability results from differences in colony topography, or if choice of colony site is dictated by the ability of the species to traverse different terrain.
Induction of four glutamine synthetase genes in brain of rainbow trout in response to elevated environmental ammonia
Authors: Wright P. A. , Steele S. L. , Huitema A. , Bernier N. J.
Published: August 2007

The key strategy for coping with elevated brain ammonia levels in vertebrates is the synthesis of glutamine from ammonia and glutamate,catalyzed by glutamine synthetase (GSase). We hypothesized that all four GSase isoforms (Onmy-GS01-GS04) are expressed in the brain of the ammonia-intolerant rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and that cerebral GSase is induced during ammonia stress. We measured GSase activity and the mRNA expression of Onmy-GS01-GS04 in fore-, mid- and hindbrain and liver, as well as ammonia concentrations in plasma, liver and brain of fish exposed to 9 or 48 h of 0 (control) or 670 μmol l-1 NH4Cl (75% of the 96 h-LC50 value). The mRNA of all four GSase isoforms were detected in brain (not liver). After 9 h of NH4Cl exposure, brain, liver and plasma ammonia content were elevated by two- to fourfold over control values. Midbrain, hindbrain and liver GSase activities were 1.3- to 1.5-fold higher in ammonia-exposed fish relative to control fish. Onmy-GS01-GS04 mRNA levels in brain (not liver) of ammonia-exposed fish (9 h) were significantly elevated by two- to fourfold over control values. After 48 h of the NH4Cl treatment,ammonia content and GSase activity, but not mRNA levels, in all tissues examined remained elevated compared to control fish. Taken together, these findings indicate that all four GSase isoforms are constitutively expressed in trout brain and are inducible under high external ammonia conditions. Moreover, elevation of GSase activities in fore-, mid- and hindbrain in response to environmental ammonia underlines the importance of brain GSase in the ammonia-stress response.
Death roll of the alligator: mechanics of twist feeding in water
Authors: Fish Frank E. , Bostic Sandra A. , Nicastro Anthony J. , Beneski John T.
Published: August 2007

Crocodilians, including the alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), perform a spinning maneuver to subdue and dismember prey. The spinning maneuver, which is referred to as the `death roll',involves rapid rotation about the longitudinal axis of the body. High-speed videos were taken of juvenile alligators (mean length=0.29 m) performing death rolls in water after biting onto a pliable target. Spinning was initiated after the fore- and hindlimbs were appressed against the body and the head and tail were canted with respect to the longitudinal body axis. With respect to the body axis, the head and tail bending averaged 49.2° and 103.3°,respectively. The head, body and tail rotated smoothly and freely around their individual axes of symmetry at 1.6 Hz. To understand the dynamics of the death roll, we mathematically modeled the system. The maneuver results purely from conservation of angular momentum and is explained as a zero angular momentum turn. The model permits the calculation of relevant dynamical parameters. From the model, the shear force, which was generated at the snout by the juvenile alligators, was 0.015 N. Shear force was calculated to scale with body length to the 4.24 power and with mass to the 1.31 power. When scaled up to a 3 m alligator, shear force was calculated at 138 N. The death roll appears to help circumvent the feeding morphology of the alligator. Shear forces generated by the spinning maneuver are predicted to increase disproportionately with alligator size, allowing dismemberment of large prey.
Dodecahedric Mutually Supported Element Space Structure: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Rizzuto Joseph P. , Hulse Raymond
Published: August 2007

Circuits of mutually supported elements (MSEs) can produce novel 3-dimensional spatial structures. In the creation of a circuit, the basic concept is that the primary members rely on each other for support. These novel structural arrangements may give rise to complexity in the configuration geometry and structural behaviour due to the creation of an eccentricity between elements. An experimental programme was designed to aid understanding of the primary behaviour of structures composed of MSEs. This investigation concentrated on the structural performance, under applied static loading, of a dodecahedric MSE space structure. The main objectives of the experimental investigation were to confirm behaviour as being linear elastic within a predermined appied load range, to understand the distribution of stress and the displacements of the structural elements, later to be compared with that predicted by numerical modelling. Displacements of closed MSE circuits with different spatial orientations were considered. Differences in the recorded strains were also considered. The experiment highlighted the difficulties associated with monitoring MSE circuits, particularly support stiffness and displacements of circuits with arbitrary 3-dimensional spatial orientations. The recorded strains were complex in nature in as far as they included the effects of axial forces, bi-axial bending, shear and torsion. It was found that the maximum applied load did not cause yield of the material according to the von Mises ductile material failure criterion.
A Suction-Control Apparatus for the Measurement of P and S-wave Velocity in Soils
Authors: Alramahi Bashar , Alshibli Khalid A. , Fratta Dante , Trautwein Stephen
Published: August 2007

This paper presents a new apparatus for the measurement of P and S-wave velocities in unsaturated soil specimens under controlled net stress and matric suction conditions. The system consists of a triaxial cell modified to enable an independent control of the pore air and water pressures as well as the confining pressure, and to accommodate P and S-wave sources and receivers. The system also includes three servo-controlled pressure pumps, and a computer control system that drives the pressures and acquires volume changes. Three sets of experiments were conducted to verify the system performance. Specific matric suction values were applied while monitoring the stabilization process of capillary pressures using the P and S-wave velocity measurements. Both P and S-wave velocities increase due to the rise in interparticle forces resulting from the increase in matric suction.
Eine systematische Vermeidung der durch Stellbegrenzungen ausgelösten Probleme (A Systematic Solution to the Problems caused by Input Saturation)
Authors: Hippe Peter
Published: August 2007

In Regelkreisen, in denen der lineare Regler ein gewünschtes Verhalten sicherstellt, kann das Ansprechen von Stellbegrenzungen zu erheblichem Überschwingen und in schweren Fällen sogar zu instabilem Verhalten führen. Für diesen als Windup bezeichneten Effekt gibt es zwei auslösende Faktoren, nämlich die Dynamik des Reglers (Regler-Windup), und die Dynamik der geregelten Strecke (Strecken-Windup). Durch die sogenannte Beobachtertechnik lässt sich der Regler-Windup systematisch beseitigen. Danach hat die Dynamik des Reglers keinen Einfluss auf möglicherweise verbleibende Windup-Effekte, die dann einem oszillatorischen Strecken-Windup zugeordnet werden können. Dessen Vermeidung ist durch zusätzliche dynamische Elemente im Regler möglich. Nach Vermeidung des Regler- und des (oszillatorischen) Strecken-Windup sind alle unerwünschten Effekte von begrenzenden Stellgliedern in Eingrößenregelungen beseitigt. In Mehrgrößenregelkreisen existiert ein weiterer Strecken-Windup, das sogenannte Direktionalitätsproblem. Es macht sich in einer unerwünschten Verkoppelung der Regelgrößen bemerkbar. Mit Hilfe eines nichtlinearen Führungsgrößenfilters lässt sich auch dieses Problem systematisch lösen. In manchen Anwendungen ist nicht nur die Stellamplitude, sondern auch die Stellgeschwindigkeit begrenzt. Durch Einführung eines speziellen Ersatzmodells für amplituden- und geschwindigkeitsbegrenzte Stellglieder, das eine einzige begrenzende Nichtlinearität enthält, lassen sich praktisch alle bekannten Verfahren zur Windup-Vermeidung auch auf dieses Problem übertragen. Drei Beispiele demonstrieren die Anwendung der Verfahren.
Modellierung der Druck- und Volumenstromverhältnisse in einer Biomasse-Feuerung (Modelling of Pressures and Volume Flows for a Biomass Furnace)
Authors: Bauer Robert , Gölles Markus , Brunner Thomas , Dourdoumas Nicolaos , Obernberger Ingwald
Published: August 2007

Für Biomasse-Feuerungsanlagen gibt es bereits komplexe mathematische Modelle, die etwa für die Konzeption neuer Anlagen eingesetzt werden. Aufgrund ihrer Komplexität sind sie allerdings sehr rechenzeitintensiv. In diesem Beitrag werden mathematisch einfache und trotzdem relativ genaue Modellierungsmöglichkeiten für Druck- und Volumenstromverhältnisse vorgestellt, die auch in Echtzeit verwendet werden können. Sie sind daher für die Abschätzung nicht gemessener Größen, für Diagnosezwecke oder für modellbasierte Regelungsstrategien einsetzbar.