bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia impairs eNOS regulation in mouse mesenteric arteries
Authors: Looft-Wilson Robin C. , Ashley Blair S. , Billig Janelle E. , Wolfert Madeline R. , Ambrecht Lindsay A. , Bearden Shawn E.
Published: May 2008

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation by increasing reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing nitric oxide (NO·) bioavailability. It is unclear whether reduced expression or function of the enzyme that produces NO·, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), also contributes. It is also unclear whether resistance vessels that utilize both NO·and non-NO·vasodilatory mechanisms, undergo alteration of non-NO·mechanisms in this condition. We tested these hypotheses in male C57BL/6 mice with chronic HHcy induced by 6-wk high methionine/low-B vitamin feeding (Hcy: 89.2 ± 49.0 μM) compared with age-matched controls (Hcy: 6.6 ± 1.9 μM), using first-order mesenteric arteries. Dilation to ACh (10−9–10−4 M) was measured in isolated, cannulated, and pressurized (75 mmHg) arteries with and without N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (10−4 M) and/or indomethacin (10−5 M) to test endothelium-dependent dilation and non-NO·-dependent dilation, respectively. The time course of dilation to ACh (10−4 M) was examined to compare the initial transient dilation due to non-NO·, non-prostacyclin mechanism and the sustained dilation due to NO·. These experiments indicated that endothelium-dependent dilation was attenuated ( P < 0.05) in HHcy arteries due to downregulation of only NO·-dependent dilation. Western blot analysis indicated significantly less ( P < 0.05) basal eNOS and phospho-S1179-eNOS/eNOS in mesenteric arteries from HHcy mice but no difference in phospho-T495-eNOS/eNOS. S1179 eNOS phosphorylation was also significantly less in these arteries when stimulated with ACh ex vivo or in situ. Real-time PCR indicated no difference in eNOS mRNA levels. In conclusion, chronic diet-induced HHcy in mice impairs eNOS protein expression and phosphorylation at S1179, coincident with impaired NO·-dependent dilation, which implicates dysfunction in eNOS post-transcriptional regulation in the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and microvascular disease that is common with HHcy.
Mice overexpressing latent TGF-β1 are protected against renal fibrosis in obstructive kidney disease
Authors: Huang Xiao R. , Chung Arthur C. K. , Wang Xiao J. , Lai Kar Neng , Lan Hui Y.
Published: May 2008

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, once activated, binds to its receptors and mediates renal fibrosis via the downstream Smad signaling pathway. We reported here that mice overexpressing latent TGF-β1 in keratinocytes were protected against renal fibrosis in a model of obstructive kidney disease. In normal mice, both transgenic (Tg) and wild-type (WT) mice had normal renal histology and function, despite a 10-fold increase in plasma latent TGF-β1 in Tg mice. A severe renal fibrosis was developed in WT mice at 7 days after urinary obstruction. Unexpectedly, renal fibrosis was prevented in Tg mice, although levels of latent TGF-β1 in both circulation and renal tissues remained high. Compared with the WT mice, quantitative real-time PCR showed that upregulation of renal α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), collagen I, and collagen III mRNA was inhibited in Tg mice (60–70% reduced, all P < 0.01). These were further confirmed by immunohistochemistry with a marked inhibition of tubulointerstitial accumulation of α-SMA+ fibroblasts, collagen I, and collagen III matrix in Tg mice (all P < 0.001). Further studies showed that inhibition of renal fibrosis in Tg mice was associated with a significant reduction in renal TGF-β1 and CTGF (60% reduced, P < 0.05), an increase in renal Smad7, a suppression of TSP-1 (a critical factor for TGF-β1 activation), and an inhibition of Smad2/3 activation (all P < 0.001). In conclusion, latent TGF-β may play a protective role in renal fibrosis. Inhibition of renal TGF-β1 expression and activation, thereby blocking the downstream TGF-β signaling pathway, may be a critical mechanism by which latent TGF-β1 protects against renal fibrosis.
Regulation of epithelial sodium transport by promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein
Authors: Náray-Fejes-Tóth Anikó , Boyd Cary , Fejes-Tóth Géza
Published: May 2008

Aldosterone is the principal regulator of Na homeostasis, and thereby blood pressure. One of the main targets of aldosterone is the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) located in the apical membrane of target cells. Previous studies identified several genes involved in the regulation of ENaC such as SGK1; however, SGK1 knockout mice have only a mild salt-losing phenotype, indicating that further genes must be involved in the action of aldosterone. In our search for further aldosterone-regulated genes, we discovered that aldosterone, at physiological concentrations, induces the expression of the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) in renal cortical collecting duct (CCD) cell lines that stably express mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs). This effect is rapid and does not require de novo protein synthesis, suggesting a direct action. Surprisingly, stable overexpression of human or mouse PLZF isoforms significantly decreased transepithelial Na transport in CCD cells while having no effect on the integrity of the monolayers. In parallel with the decline in Na transport, PLZF suppressed the mRNA levels of β- and γ-ENaC subunits. These observations suggest that PLZF is a negative regulator of ENaC in renal epithelial cells and might be part of a negative feedback loop that limits aldosterone's stimulatory effects on sodium reabsorption.
Subthreshold Membrane-Potential Resonances Shape Spike-Train Patterns in the Entorhinal Cortex
Authors: Engel T. A. , Schimansky-Geier L. , Herz A.V.M. , Schreiber S. , Erchova I.
Published: May 2008

Many neurons exhibit subthreshold membrane-potential resonances, such that the largest voltage responses occur at preferred stimulation frequencies. Because subthreshold resonances are known to influence the rhythmic activity at the network level, it is vital to understand how they affect spike generation on the single-cell level. We therefore investigated both resonant and nonresonant neurons of rat entorhinal cortex. A minimal resonate-and-fire type model based on measured physiological parameters captures fundamental properties of neuronal firing statistics surprisingly well and helps to shed light on the mechanisms that shape spike patterns: 1) subthreshold resonance together with a spike-induced reset of subthreshold oscillations leads to spike clustering and 2) spike-induced dynamics influence the fine structure of interspike interval (ISI) distributions and are responsible for ISI correlations appearing at higher firing rates (≥3 Hz). Both mechanisms are likely to account for the specific discharge characteristics of various cell types.
Optimizing the Operation Sequence of a Multihead Surface Mounting Machine Using a Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Yee Ming , Lin Chun-Ta
Published: May 2008

The optimization of the nozzle selection, for sequencing component pick and place operations, is very important to the efficiency of multihead surface mounting machine (SMM). The nozzle change operation, that is, choosing the best nozzle head relative pair that is most effective for picking and placing components onto the printed circuit board (PCB), significantly adds to the overall assembly time. In this paper, as a practical application, we focus on a discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO) algorithm for multihead SMM which is used to minimize the number of nozzle change operations and pick and place operations simultaneously. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, we test it on assembly tasks of PCBs through simulations. The results of computer experiments show that this DPSO algorithm was superior to the standard PSO algorithm.
The Generation Challenge Programme Platform: Semantic Standards and Workbench for Crop Science
Authors: Bruskiewich Richard , Senger Martin , Davenport Guy , Ruiz Manuel , Rouard Mathieu , Hazekamp Tom , Takeya Masaru , Doi Koji , Satoh Kouji , Costa Marcos , Simon Reinhard , Balaji Jayashree , Akintunde Akinnola , Mauleon Ramil , Wanchana Samart , Shah Trushar , Anacleto Mylah , Portugal Arllet , Ulat Victor Jun , Thongjuea Supat , Braak Kyle , Ritter Sebastian , Dereeper Alexis , Skofic Milko , Rojas Edwin , Martins Natalia , Pappas Georgios , Alamban Ryan , Almodiel Roque , Barboza Lord Hendrix , Detras Jeffrey , Manansala Kevin , Mendoza Michael Jonathan , Morales Jeffrey , Peralta Barry , Valerio Rowena , Zhang Yi , Gregorio Sergio , Hermocilla Joseph , Echavez Michael , Yap Jan Michael , Farmer Andrew , Schiltz Gary , Lee Jennifer , Casstevens Terry , Jaiswal Pankaj , Meintjes Ayton , Wilkinson Mark , Good Benjamin , Wagner James , Morris Jane , Marshall David , Collins Anthony , Kikuchi Shoshi , Metz Thomas , McLaren Graham , van Hintum Theo
Published: May 2008

The Generation Challenge programme (GCP) is a global crop research consortium directed toward crop improvement through the application of comparative biology and genetic resources characterization to plant breeding. A key consortium research activity is the development of a GCP crop bioinformatics platform to support GCP research. This platform includes the following: (i) shared, public platform-independent domain models, ontology, and data formats to enable interoperability of data and analysis flows within the platform; (ii) web service and registry technologies to identify, share, and integrate information across diverse, globally dispersed data sources, as well as to access high-performance computational (HPC) facilities for computationally intensive, high-throughput analyses of project data; (iii) platform-specific middleware reference implementations of the domain model integrating a suite of public (largely open-access/-source) databases and software tools into a workbench to facilitate biodiversity analysis, comparative analysis of crop genomic data, and plant breeding decision making.
Comparative Analysis of CpG Islands in Four Fish Genomes
Authors: Han Leng , Zhao Zhongming
Published: May 2008

There has been much interest in CpG islands (CGIs), clusters of CpG dinucleotides in GC-rich regions, because they are considered gene markers and involved in gene regulation. To date, there has been no genome-wide analysis of CGIs in the fish genome. We first evaluated the performance of three popular CGI identification algorithms in four fish genomes (tetraodon, stickleback, medaka, and zebrafish). Our results suggest that Takai and Jones' (2002) algorithm is most suitable for comparative analysis of CGIs in the fish genome. Then, we performed a systematic analysis of CGIs in the four fish genomes using Takai and Jones' algorithm, compared to other vertebrate genomes. We found that both the number of CGIs and the CGI density vary greatly among these genomes. Remarkably, each fish genome presents a distinct distribution of CGI density with some genomic factors (e.g., chromosome size and chromosome GC content). These findings are helpful for understanding evolution of fish genomes and the features of fish CGIs.
Serial Assessment of Immune Status by Circulating CD8+Effector T Cell Frequencies for Posttransplant Infectious Complications
Authors: Uemoto Shinji , Ozawa Kazue , Egawa Hiroto , Takada Yasutsugu , Sato Hiroshi , Teramukai Satoshi , Kasahara Mureo , Ogawa Kohei , Ono Masako , Takai Kenji , Fukushima Masanori , Inaba Kayo , Tanaka Koichi
Published: May 2008

To clarify the role of CD8+effector T cells for infectious complications, 92 recipients were classified according to the hierarchical clustering of preoperative CD8+CD45 isoforms: Group I was naive, Group II was effector memory, and Group III was effector (E) T cell-dominant. The posttransplant infection rates progressively increased from 29% in Group I to 64.3% in Group III recipients. The posttransplant immune status was compared with the pretransplant status, based on the measure (% difference) and its graphical form (scatter plot). In Groups I and II, both approaches showed a strong upward deviation from pretransplant status upon posttransplant infection, indicating an enhanced clearance of pathogens. In Group III, in contrast, both approaches showed a clear downward deviation from preoperative status, indicating deficient cytotoxicity. The % E difference and scatter plot can be used as a useful indicator of a posttransplant infectious complication.
Carbon Tubular Morphologies in Blast Furnace Coke
Authors: Gornostayev Stanislav S. , Härkki Jouko J.
Published: May 2008

The paper reports on the first occurrence of microscale carbon tubular morphologies (CMTs) in a blast furnace (BF) coke. The CMTs were probably formed as a result of the conversion of solid disordered carbon via liquid phase metal particles involving a gas phase containing a substantial amount of and . The presence of CMTs may lie behind the generation of the smallest fraction of fines in BF exhaust dust. If the amount of CMTs present in the BF exhausts gases at any particular metallurgical site proves to be substantial, it could become a subject of environmental concern.
Numerical Analysis of General Trends in Single-Phase Natural Circulation in a 2D-Annular Loop
Authors: Desrayaud Gilles , Fichera Alberto
Published: May 2008

The aim of this paper is to address fluid flow behavior of natural circulation in a 2D-annular loop filled with water. A two-dimensional, numerical analysis of natural convection in a 2D-annular closed-loop thermosyphon has been performed for various radius ratios from 1.2 to 2.0, the loop being heated at a constant flux over the bottom half and cooled at a constant temperature over the top half. It has been numerically shown that natural convection in a 2D-annular closed-loop thermosyphon is capable of showing pseudoconductive regime at pitchfork bifurcation, stationary convective regimes without and with recirculating regions occurring at the entrance of the exchangers, oscillatory convection at Hopf bifurcation and Lorenz-like chaotic flow. The complexity of the dynamic properties experimentally encountered in toroidal or rectangular loops is thus also found here.
Atrial Arrhythmias After Single-Ring Isolation of the Posterior Left Atrium and Pulmonary Veins for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lim Toon Wei , Koay Choon Hiang , McCall Rebecca , See Valerie A. , Ross David L. , Thomas Stuart P.
Published: May 2008

Background—

Single-ring isolation of the posterior left atrium is feasible, but the incidence and mechanisms of postprocedural arrhythmias have not been described in detail.

Methods and Results—

The first 100 consecutive patients (58.8�11.2 years old, 80 male) who underwent single-ring isolation for atrial fibrillation (66 intermittent, 18 persistent, 16 long-standing persistent) were followed up for 9.1�4.5 months. Recurrences were diagnosed by clinical symptoms and Holter monitoring. Patients with recurrences of sustained atrial arrhythmia >3 months after the procedure were offered a repeat procedure and were studied to determine the mechanisms of recurrence. Forty-six patients (46%) experienced sustained postprocedural atrial arrhythmias (35 had atrial fibrillation, and 34 had atrial flutter). Of these, 34 required a second procedure 7.0�3.1 months after their initial procedure. Reconnection of the posterior left atrium was seen in all patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial flutter was most commonly due to mitral isthmus-dependent macroreentry (n=8, cycle length 368�116 ms) or macroreentry through 2 gaps in the ring of lesions (n=6, cycle length 328�115 ms). Posterior left atrium reisolation was achieved at the second procedure in all patients. Atrial flutter was successfully ablated and rendered noninducible in all patients. Six months after their last procedure, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from recurrence for all 100 patients was 81�5%.

Conclusions—

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter recurrence is common after single-ring isolation. Reconnection of the posterior left atrium and macroreentry are the common mechanisms. Repeat ablation results in satisfactory short-term outcomes.
Increase in Near-Surface Atmospheric Moisture Content due to Land Use Changes: Evidence from the Observed Dewpoint Temperature Data
Authors: Mahmood Rezaul , Hubbard Kenneth G. , Leeper Ronnie D. , Foster Stuart A.
Published: May 2008

Land use change can significantly affect root zone soil moisture, surface energy balance, and near-surface atmospheric temperature and moisture content. During the second half of the twentieth century, portions of the North American Great Plains have experienced extensive introduction of irrigated agriculture. It is expected that land use change from natural grass to irrigated land use would significantly increase near-surface atmospheric moisture content. Modeling studies have already shown an enhanced rate of evapotranspiration from the irrigated areas. The present study analyzes observed dewpoint temperature (Td) to assess the affect of irrigated land use on near-surface atmospheric moisture content. This investigation provides a unique opportunity to use long-term (1982–2003) mesoscale Td data from the Automated Weather Data Network of the high plains. Long-term daily Td data from 6 nonirrigated and 11 irrigated locations have been analyzed. Daily time series were developed from the hourly data. The length of time series was the primary factor in selection of these stations. Results suggest increase in growing-season Td over irrigated areas. For example, average growing-season Td due to irrigation can be up to 1.56°C higher relative to nonirrigated land uses. It is also found that Td for individual growing-season month at irrigated locations can be increased up to 2.17°C by irrigation. Based on the results, it is concluded that the land use change in the Great Plains has modified near-surface moistness.
Structure of the Eye and Eyewall of Hurricane Hugo (1989)
Authors: Marks Frank D. , Black Peter G. , Montgomery Michael T. , Burpee Robert W.
Published: May 2008

On 15 September 1989, one of NOAA’s WP-3D research aircraft, N42RF [lower aircraft (LA)], penetrated the eyewall of Hurricane Hugo. The aircraft had an engine fail in severe turbulence while passing the radius of maximum wind and before entering the eye at 450-m altitude. After the aircraft returned to controlled flight within the 7-km radius eye, it gained altitude gradually as it orbited in the eye. Observations taken during this period provide an updated model of the inner-core structure of an intense hurricane and suggest that LA penetrated an intense cyclonic vorticity maximum adjacent to the strongest convection in the eyewall [eyewall vorticity maximum (EVM)]. This EVM was distinct from the vortex-scale cyclonic circulation observed to orbit within the eye three times during the 1 h that LA circled in the eye. At the time, Hugo had been deepening rapidly for 12 h. The maximum flight-level tangential wind was 89 m s−1 at a radius of 12.5 km; however, the primary vortex peak tangential wind, derived from a 100-s filter of the flight-level data, was estimated to be 70 m s−1, also at 12.5-km radius. The primary vortex tangential wind was in approximate gradient wind balance, was characterized by a peak in angular velocity just inside the radius of maximum wind, and had an annular vorticity structure slightly interior to the angular velocity maximum. The EVM along the aircraft’s track was roughly 1 km in diameter with a peak cyclonic vorticity of 1.25 × 10−1 s−1. The larger circulation center, with a diameter >15 km, was observed within the eye and exhibited an average orbital period of 19 min. This period is about the same as that of the angular velocity maximum of the axisymmetric mean vortex and is in reasonable agreement with recent theoretical and model predictions of a persistent trochoidal “wobble” of circulation centers in mature hurricane-like vortices. This study is the first with in situ documentation of these vortical entities, which were recently hypothesized to be elements of a lower-tropospheric eye/eyewall mixing mechanism that supports strong storms.
Climatology of Tropical Cyclogenesis in the North Atlantic (1948–2004)
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Deane Glenn D. , Bosart Lance F. , Davis Christopher A. , Galarneau Thomas J.
Published: May 2008

The threat posed to North America by Atlantic Ocean tropical cyclones (TCs) was highlighted by a series of intense landfalling storms that occurred during the record-setting 2005 hurricane season. However, the ability to understand—and therefore the ability to predict—tropical cyclogenesis remains limited, despite recent field studies and numerical experiments that have led to the development of conceptual models describing pathways for tropical vortex initiation. This study addresses the issue of TC spinup by developing a dynamically based classification scheme built on a diagnosis of North Atlantic hurricanes between 1948 and 2004. A pair of metrics is presented that describes TC development from the perspective of external forcings in the local environment. These discriminants are indicative of quasigeostrophic forcing for ascent and lower-level baroclinicity and are computed for the 36 h leading up to TC initiation. A latent trajectory model is used to classify the evolution of the metrics for 496 storms, and a physical synthesis of the results yields six identifiable categories of tropical cyclogenesis events. The nonbaroclinic category accounts for 40% of Atlantic TCs, while events displaying perturbations from this archetype make up the remaining 60% of storms. A geographical clustering of the groups suggests that the classification scheme is identifying fundamentally different categories of tropical cyclogenesis. Moreover, significant differences between the postinitiation attributes of the classes indicate that the evolution of TCs may be sensitive to the pathway taken during development.
YMCA Program for Childhood Obesity: A Case Series
Authors: McCormick David P. , Ramirez Matthew , Caldwell Sandra , Ripley Amy W. , Wilkey Donna
Published: May 2008

Family-based behavioral interventions for treatment of childhood obesity have rarely been tested for effectiveness in community settings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based program for obese children designed to stabilize or reduce body weight. Obese children from our pediatric practice who were active in the program were evaluated. Weight gain during the time of the study was compared with mean weight gain for a group of obese-matched controls who did not participate in the program. Mean weight gain for subjects was 0.28 kg/mo compared with a weight gain for controls of 0.62 kg/mo. Between the first and last visits, 43% (15/35) of the subjects experienced clinically significant differences in weight gain compared with controls. Eight patients lost weight. A YMCA weight management program, which included group counseling, nutrition education, physical activity, and gift card incentives, resulted in favorable changes in overweight children.
Commitment and compatibility: Teachers' perspectives on the implementation of an effective school-based, peer-led smoking intervention
Authors: Audrey Suzanne , Holliday Jo , Campbell Rona
Published: May 2008

Objective Although current UK policy argues that schools have a key role in raising health standards, emphasis on the core curriculum restricts teachers' opportunities to undertake health promotion activities. The challenge is to design effective health promotion interventions that minimize pressures on teaching staff and curriculum space. Here we consider teachers' perspectives of an effective peer-led, school-based smoking intervention, implemented by external trainers.

Design The intervention, during which influential Year 8 students identified through a whole-year peer nomination process were trained to reduce smoking uptake through informal interactions with students in their year group, was evaluated by a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (ASSIST: A Stop Smoking In Schools Trial). An integral process evaluation examined the context, implementation and receipt of the intervention.

Setting Thirty secondary schools in south-east Wales and the west of England.

Methods Teachers in all intervention schools completed questionnaires at key stages of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken in four schools at baseline and immediately post-intervention. The method of constant comparison, derived from grounded theory, was used throughout the analysis.

Results The intervention was successfully implemented in a wide range of schools; recruitment and retention rates were good; and outcome data showed a reduction in smoking levels. Some teachers expressed concern about the participation of challenging students, external trainers setting standards of discipline, and communication over timetabling.

Conclusion Overall, teachers showed commitment to the ASSIST intervention and felt it was compatible with the Year 8 curriculum. If implemented more widely, the importance of peer nomination should be stressed.
Learning motivational interviewing: Exploring primary health care nurses' training and counselling experiences
Authors: Söderlund Lena Lindhe , Nilsen Per , Kristensson Margareta
Published: May 2008

Objective This article explores the training and counselling experiences of 20 nurses, aiming to identify key elements in the process of learning and applying motivational interviewing (MI) counselling skills with adherence to protocols.

Setting/method The nurses were recruited from 10 primary health care units in Östergötland, Sweden. The study was carried out after the nurses had been practicing MI counselling in daily clinical work for about a year. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews, based on an interview guide, which contained questions on factors that past research has identified as important for effective training in and practicing of MI.

Results The interviews revealed several key factors for successfully learning and applying MI. Extensive training and close integration of training and practice were seen as crucial aspects to effective learning of MI skills. A barrier to satisfactory learning of the MI counselling skills was the difficulty of adjusting to the new way of thinking required when practicing this technique, since it contrasted with the authoritarian expert approach that the nurses were used to. Another difficulty was achieving effective communication with patients who were unwilling to accept responsibility for their own health.

Conclusion Effective learning and application of MI skills with adherence to protocols is fraught with many problems, requiring a considerable amount of time and effort for practice as well as the adoption of a new frame of mind with regard to the health care providers' relationships with the patients.
Food hygiene education in UK secondary schools: A nationwide survey of teachers' views
Authors: Egan M.B. , Bielby G. , Eves A. , Lumbers M.L. , Raats M.M. , Adams M.R.
Published: May 2008

Objective A nationwide survey of teachers investigated the teaching of food hygiene in UK secondary schools. Previous studies have focused on effective strategies in consumer food hygiene training but there is little research focusing on school-based education.

Design The questionnaire was developed based on the results of in-depth interviews with school teachers and included topics such as where teachers gained up-to-date food hygiene knowledge and how key food hygiene messages were reinforced.

Setting Postal questionnaires were completed by those responsible for teaching food hygiene in secondary schools.

Method Postal questionnaires were distributed to 1989 secondary schools throughout the UK (response rate 38 per cent).

Results Overall, the results indicate that teachers use a combination of methods to teach food hygiene and to reinforce food safety messages. Respondents rated demonstrations of good practice and practical activities involving young people preparing food as most effective. Teachers cited their most preferred resources for teaching food hygiene, influences on the choice of these resources, and limitations on use.

Conclusion In the UK, teachers cover food hygiene in D&T and home economics (or equivalents in Scotland and Northern Ireland). Topics such as cooking food properly, cleanliness, storing and chilling food safely, and cross-contamination are covered, reflecting the key FSA food hygiene messages. Steps to support the teaching of food hygiene in secondary schools such as guidelines on food hygiene legislation, key topics, resources, and ideas for practical activities could help to improve young people's knowledge of food hygiene and encourage young people to spread key messages to adults.
Workplace Democracy in China's Foreign-Funded Enterprises: A Multilevel Case Study of Employee Representation
Authors: Xiaomin Yu
Published: May 2008

The landscape and practice of employee representation in China's foreign-funded enterprises (FFEs) have been undergoing significant changes in recent years. However, the workplace functions of newly established enterprise unions in FFEs and their potential to promote workplace democracy are largely unexamined. This article explores these issues through a case study of a worker-elected trade union at a Taiwanese-invested enterprise in South China. The study is based on a transnational-national-local analytical framework.
Knowledge Sharing through Collaboration in Development Studies: the Focuss.Info Initiative
Authors: Lalleman Richard , Wesseling Michel
Published: May 2008

This paper introduces a new research tool within the international field of development cooperation and studies: the Focuss.Info initiative. Focuss.Info facilitates a content specific search engine. This search engine indexes the favourite websites of partners in the initiative and individual contributors who are tagging their websites on a social bookmark platform. In this way, the field of global studies facilitates a valuable research tool in which institutions from all over the world collaborate and share their `knowledge of websites' with each other.
Marketing, Society, and Government: Reflections on an Undergraduate Elective
Authors: Radford Scott K. , Hunt David M.
Published: May 2008

The authors explore the value of incorporating macromarketing as an elective course in managerial marketing curricula. Authors review a course, Marketing, Society, and Government, that is framed by the philosophy that market forces, regulations, and economic conditions that impact businesses, society, and government are characterized by a constant state of change. Developing the skills necessary for analyzing these issues—identifying critical components, interpreting the effect on various publics, and so on—is as important as learning about the issues themselves. As such, the course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills by exploring a holistic, macromarket view of marketing theory and practice. Students are challenged to revise their own worldview and their preconceived notions of marketing, society, and government. The course combines textbook readings, readings in market theory, case analysis, and written assignments.
A Macromarketing Seminar
Authors: Mittelstaedt Robert A.
Published: May 2008

A syllabus is described including twelve general topics. Topics were not chosen to represent the entire breadth of concerns that engage macromarketing scholars, nor were they intended to be “currently topical,” although they have changed often over the years the seminar has been offered. Rather, they are a set of topics that can be developed to illustrate the macromarketing perspective while meeting the seminar's collateral goal of exposing its participants to a wide range of research traditions and literatures. No reading list is included.
Strength Imbalances and Prevention of Hamstring Injury in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Croisier Jean-Louis , Ganteaume Sebastien , Binet Johnny , Genty Marc , Ferret Jean-Marcel
Published: May 2008

Background

The relationship between muscle injury and strength disorders remains a matter of controversy.

Purpose

Professional soccer players performed a preseason isokinetic testing aimed at determining whether (1) strength variables could be predictors of subsequent hamstring strain and (2) normalization of strength imbalances could reduce the incidence of hamstring injury.

Study Design

Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

A standardized concentric and eccentric isokinetic assessment was used to identify soccer players with strength imbalances. Subjects were classified among 4 subsets according to the imbalance management content. Recording subsequent hamstring injuries allowed us to define injury frequencies and relative risks between groups.

Results

Of 687 players isokinetically tested in preseason, a complete follow-up was obtained in 462 players, for whom 35 hamstring injuries were recorded. The rate of muscle injury was significantly increased in subjects with untreated strength imbalances in comparison with players showing no imbalance in preseason (relative risk = 4.66; 95% confidence interval: 2.01-10.8). The risk of injury remained significantly higher in players with strength imbalances who had subsequent compensating training but no final isokinetic control test than in players without imbalances (relative risk = 2.89; 95% confidence interval: 1.00-8.32). Conversely, normalizing the isokinetic parameters reduced the risk factor for injury to that observed in players without imbalances (relative risk = 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.44-4.71).

Conclusion

The outcomes showed that isokinetic intervention gives rise to the preseason detection of strength imbalances, a factor that increases the risk of hamstring injury. Restoring a normal strength profile decreases the muscle injury incidence.
Generalizing from Workplace Ethnographies
Authors: Edwards Paul , Bélanger Jacques
Published: May 2008

Two modes of generalizing from the large set of workplace ethnographies now in existence are compared. These are the results of the Workplace Ethnography (WE) data set and holistic modeling (HM) based on a more theoretically driven project. In the treatment of specific cases, there is impressive complementarity between the two. But the WE data fail to capture some key features of leading studies, because they do not treat cases holistically. They might also be developed by including studies not included to date. A more explicit theoretical approach offers some firmer grounds for generalizing, and new directions for comparative ethnographies arise.
The Underlife of Kids' School Lunchtime
Authors: Nukaga Misako
Published: May 2008

While the literature on ethnic identity takes traditional “adult-centered” socialization theory for granted, this study breaks away from such a perspective, and instead uses ethnographic data on children's food exchange during lunchtime in two predominantly Korean (-American) elementary schools to explore how children use food as a symbolic resource to negotiate group boundaries in peer interaction. Following a discussion of lunchtime seating patterns, this article presents children practicing exchange of “dry food (mass-consumed)” and “wet food (homemade)” that takes three different forms—gift-giving, sharing, and trading—each of which have different relevance for marking, maintaining, and muting ethnic boundaries and other social differences. Taking a child-centered perspective, the study finds that children's ethnic identity development is by no means a universal linear process. Instead, preadolescent children, although constrained by external forces, learn to do layered and situated ethnic identity through using cultural resources in peer interaction.
Karma-Yoga, the Indian Work Ideal, and its Relationship with Empathy
Authors: Mulla Zubin R. , Krishnan Venkat R.
Published: May 2008

Karma-Yoga, the technique of performing action such that the soul of the actor is not bound by the results of the action, constitutes the Indian work ideal. The relationship of Karma-Yoga with the dimensions of empathy was explored through a study done on 108 students in a postgraduate programme of business management. Karma-Yoga was found to be related to some dimensions of empathy. The results highlighted the differential impact of dimensions of empathy. Empathic concern was found to be related to Karma-Yoga only for those individuals who were low on personal distress. For individuals high on personal distress, empathic concern was not related to Karma-Yoga. Findings indicate that Karma-Yoga is very similar to altruism motivation in the Indian context. Individuals who are high on empathic concern and low on personal distress are more likely to take actions for the benefit of others rather than for their own benefit.
Non-formal Education in a Tribal Setting
Authors: Konantambigi Rajani M. , Meghani Shamim , Modi Anurag
Published: May 2008

In the present study, an intervention in non-formal education was initiated to mobilise tribal people to fight for the right to the life of dignity and to have better opportunity for their children's educational needs. The intervention was initiated in four tribal villages of Betul district, Madhya Pradesh, with one village as control. The intervention was planned with participative, humanistic and constructivist approaches to change and learning. The Korku children, young adolescents and local youth, as instructors, brought about cognisant changes. Children who hid and cried on being spoken to by people outside their village and who lacked confidence, after a Bal Mela, two hours of interaction for seven months in two years and three camps, were able to speak to everyone freely, including the police. There was a change in their self-confidence and perception about self, and significant gain in general knowledge. Positive change in self-esteem that come about with clearing their formal grades of VIII, X and XII was also seen. The young instructors were especially vocal about the leading roles they could play in the Sanghathana that the villages in the region were able to join/establish and contribute to. Literacy and numeracy learning were not retained and schooling seemed to instil these skills better. The findings are placed in the premise of education for the disadvantaged and learning that is contextual and learner-centred.
How Good People are at Estimating their Own Performance? A Study of the Relationship between Hand Preference and Motor Performance
Authors: Misra Indiwar , Suar Damodar , Mandal Manas K.
Published: May 2008

This article examines the relationship between the awareness of hand preference and hand and foot performance among right-, left- and mixed-handers (n = 224). The hand preference was assessed using a handedness inventory. Hand and foot performances were measured using rapid index finger or toe tapping. A significant interaction between hand preference and the tapping rate indicated that in left-handers, left tapping was faster than right tapping and in right-handers, right tapping was faster than left tapping regardless of effector, finger or toe. The mixed-handers, however, did not show differences between left and right tapping performance. Correlations between performances were highest between hands or between feet. Also, hand performance was more strongly positively associated to foot performance in the mixed- and left-handers than right-handers. Similar inter-limb performance in mixed-handers tends to implicate inconsistent or undeveloped cerebral lateralisation. The results indicate that self-awareness of the pattern of hand use significantly relates to hand and foot performance.
India's Business Prospects in the Global Emissions Market
Authors: Kalpagam U. , Karimullah
Published: May 2008

This article examines business opportunities for India in the global emissions market. It acknowledges that while many have been critical of outsourcing emissions reduction to developing countries, it nevertheless provides scope to introduce environmentally conducive technologies in industrial processes; thereby reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and in adopting sustainable development practices through developing carbon sink projects. It suggests the scope and role of business managers to stimulate projects under Clean Development Mechanism (CDMs) as part of the Kyoto Protocol, as also projects under joint initiatives for the voluntary carbon market.
An Empirical Analysis of the Organic Retail Market in the NCR
Authors: Sondhi Neena , Vani Vina
Published: May 2008

A major change observed worldwide, is the growing concern over health risk associated with consumption of food with residues of agro-chemicals used in production. This heightened awareness about health and environmental issues has generated interest in alternative farming techniques—one of which is organic farming.

However, a major conversion of conventional agriculture to organic agriculture will depend on several reasons-first and foremost being whether the consumers are interested in organic foods, and whether they are willing to pay price premiums for these goods. Second, foreseeing the customer demand is the retailer willing to venture into organic retailing and provide shelf space. A very interesting and a highly lucrative potential market exists in the country itself and there is an urgent need to explore the current organic market and assess its growth potential. The present study focuses on this as well as assessing the potential of marketing organically grown agricultural produce and products in the domestic market. The organic awareness and market is predominantly in the urban metros, Delhi being one of them thus the research is confined to the NCR region.
Dabur India—Working Capital and Cost Management
Authors: Ahuja Narender L. , Gupta Sweta
Published: May 2008

After running as a family business for over 100 years, when in late 1990s, the management of the Dabur was handed over to a team of professional managers, the new management faced a gigantic task of improving performance in several critical areas. In particular, working capital and cost management required urgent attention as the company's performance in these areas had been far from satisfactory. The then prevailing current ratio of 3:2 and quick ratio of 2:4 were considered too high and indicative of heavy unnecessary investments in working capital that would have a negative effect on company's profitability.

Efforts to improve the working capital efficiency were met with stiff resistance from various quarters, but finally yielded results. The case study discusses the measures taken to improve the working capital and cost management performance, and how with concerted efforts the management turned around a highly inefficient working capital management into one of the most efficient in the FMCG sector of the Indian industry. In fact, the company seemed to have taken the matter to the other extreme of negative working capital, with the current ratio declining to 0:8 and the quick ratio to just 0.4 in 2004–05.

In 2005–06 as the company was ready to launch itself into the next phase of fast growth, several critical issues related to the liquidity and solvency of the company confronted the management which are also discussed in the case study.
The Micro-Dynamics of Coalition Formation
Authors: Diermeier Daniel , Swaab Roderick I. , Medvec Victoria Husted , Kern Mary C.
Published: May 2008

We present an experimental approach to study the micro-dynamics of coalition formation in an unrestricted bargaining environment. Specifically, we investigate a fundamental feature of sequential coalition bargaining models: expectations about future bargaining behavior will influence current bargaining outcomes. To do so, we test the hypothesis that coalition bargaining may lead to inefficient outcomes as agents are unable to effectively commit to preliminary agreements during the bargaining process. We conjecture that communication plays an important role in establishing such commitments. We then experimentally manipulate the communication channels and show that restrictions undermine trust and lead to decreased efficiency.
J-Pop and performances of young female identity
Authors: Toth Csaba
Published: May 2008

This article examines the staging of sexuality and femininity in Japan Pop (J-Pop) and its related club-cultural scenes. While historical research on many aspects of gender in Japan has been extensive, the relationship between popular music culture, gender, and urban space has been given little recognition. Based on extensive field research in Japan, the article provides an analysis of not only how present-day female stars, Ayumi Hamasaki, Shina Ringo and Misia reproduce and enact prescribed gender and sexual roles, but also reveals how, in many instances, they transgress those. These female performers managed to carve out a representational space by highlighting girl themes that energized girl solidarity, and held up the possibility for rearticulating young femininity. They represent different angles of Tokyo's current music and style scenes, and cultural geography. These are scenes and geographies shaped by and inseparable from urban markers that female fans follow night after night in Tokyo in order to reach clubs playing the music of their favorite stars. Girls’ active engagement in clubs with commercialized media texts that J-Pop performers produce assists them with the development of their identity and formation of relationships with other young females. The study argues that from trans-ethnic ‘white’-style scenes, ‘black’ soul, and rhythm and blues (R&B)-oriented clubs in Shibuya to Shinjuku's ‘seedy’ disco bars, young women explore possibilities for new ethnic (trans-Asian, ‘Asian black’), gender and sexual, and generational identities. The essay hopes to contribute to applied, transnational gender and cultural studies as well as music criticism.
Orientations of young adults in Slovenia toward the family formation
Authors: Ule Mirjana , Kuhar Metka
Published: May 2008

The article explores the circumstances influencing family formation in Slovenia. Public opinion surveys in Slovenia have shown that young people have high aspirations regarding family life. These findings, however, stand in sharp contrast to demographic indicators, that is, delayed parenthood and a low birth rate. The qualitative analysis comprised both the personal factors, such as family lifestyles identified by young people as being desirable and the role of the family in their plans for the future, as well as structural factors affecting the starting of a family (housing, employment, etc.) and the problems and obstacles accompanying this process. One crucial finding is that personal factors rather than structural constraints are a key barrier to family formation.
Constructing adulthood in a world of uncertainties
Authors: Nugin Raili
Published: May 2008

Rapid changes in the society have surrounded the lives of young people with uncertainties, resulting in the construction of flexible identities. Since traditional values are undergoing a process of change as well, crucial age concepts have become obscure, and have come to depend on a given context. However, in a transitional society, like post-Communist Estonia, these uncertainties are constantly changing and different age cohorts face different uncertainties, and are thus forced to develop different ways of coping with them. This article studies two age cohorts — one born in 1972–74 and the other in 1985–86 — and describes the way these people view uncertainties and cope with them. It is argued that this dealing with uncertainties may also influence generational identity as a whole.