bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
`Ruled By the Spirit': Hans Ulrich's Understanding of Political Existence
Authors: Wannenwetsch Bernd
Published: August 2007

This essay introduces the political thought of Hans G. Ulrich as it is presented in his seminal work Wie Geschöpfe leben . What sets Ulrich's thought apart from most other authors in the field is that his interest is not in an account of community or citizenship, but in the status politicus — the political form of existence that is bestowed on human beings as God's creatures who are called to be `ruled by the spirit' instead of succumbing to any form of rule by which human beings exert dominion over human beings. Drawing from Biblical sources and a fresh reading of Luther's doctrine of the two regimes in the spirit of the Confessing Church, Ulrich arrives at a highly emancipative account of political existence that does not derive its rationale from the necessity for co-existence or common action, but from the liberation from `ungodly ties' that prevent people from free discourse and cooperation.
Persistence in Mutual Funds in Latin American Emerging Markets
Authors: Muga Luis , Rodriguez Adriana , Santamaría Rafael
Published: August 2007

We find persistence in mutual fund performance both over consecutive time periods and in a multi-period setting. There is significant spread, persisting for at least two or three years, between the portfolio with funds from the top past return quintile and those from the bottom past return quintile. This spread remains unexplained by conventional risk factors. Finally, investors are observed to use information on persistence, since a significant positive relationship is shown to exist between fund flows and past returns, though this is a convex relationship, which is weaker in the region of bad returns.
An Empirical Analysis of the Off-Balance Sheet Activities of Indian Banks
Authors: Nachane D.M. , Ghosh Saibal
Published: August 2007

The article traces the determinants of off-balance sheet activities in the Indian banking sector. Using data for the period 1996 to 2004, the article finds that not only regulatory factors, but also market forces captured by banks-specific characteristics and macro-economic conditions are at work in the diffusion pattern of off-balance sheet (OBS) activities. From the regulatory standpoint, while capital adequacy is dominant in the case of public sector banks, non-performing assets seem to he a prime concern for foreign banks, in addition to public sector banks. Among others, at the bank-specific level, size is an important consideration for public sector and foreign banks, while profits are a prime mover only for new private banks. Finally, the macro-economic environment seems to have played an important role in affecting OBS diffusion, more so for public sector and new private banks.
Banking Regulation around the World
Authors: Li Tao
Published: August 2007

This article empirically investigates the patterns, determinants and impact of banking regulation in a large cross section of countries. Major differences of banking regulation across countries are found to be in four dimensions, i.e., the extent of government ownership of banks, the intensity of direct regulation of banks, the amount of measures to empower outside investors to monitor banks and the comprehensiveness of explicit deposit insurance. Based on these four dimensions, we identify five different patterns of banking regulation around the world. The article then tests economic, legal and cultural theories of the determinants of banking regulation, and finds dominant support for economic theory. Assessment regressions present evidence of different correlations of various banking regulation measures with banking efficiency, development and overall financial development. The findings imply a ‘big push’ view of reforming banking regulation, i.e., a big push to economic and financial sector development will lead to subsequent improvements in banking regulation, which in turn will help the country's banking and financial development.
Content Domain, Measurement, and Validity of the Red Tape Concept
Authors: Coursey David H. , Pandey Sanjay K.
Published: August 2007

Red tape, generally defined as burdensome rules and procedures, is a relatively new construct unique to the public management literature. Like many public management constructs, red tape has received scant measurement attention. This study uses second-order confirmatory factor analysis to test two varying theoretical perspectives, one that treats red tape as a formative index, derived from inflexibility in various management subsystems (e.g., budgeting, personnel), and the other as a reflective scale where political accountability and other external influences drive red tape. Results for 16 items designated across five subdimensions suggest better support for the reflective scale perspective. Implications for red tape research are discussed.
The Latent Structure of Psychopathy
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Duncan Scott A. , Mitchell-Perez Kari
Published: August 2007

A taxometric analysis of the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R) is conducted on a group of 409 male maximum-, medium-, and minimum-security federal prison inmates using the four PCL-R facet scores (interpersonal, affective, impulsive lifestyle, and antisocial behavior) as indicators. Results obtained from three quasi-independent taxometric procedures—mean above minus below a cut, maximum eigenvalue, and latent mode factor analysis—reveal consistent support for a dimensional interpretation of the psychopathy concept in a moderately heterogeneous sample of participants. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that psychopathy falls along a continuum and that high and low scores on the PCL-R reflect quantitative differences in degree rather than qualitative differences in kind.
How Do Missing Data Bias Estimates of Within-Group Agreement? Sensitivity of SD WG, CVWG, rWG(J), rWG(J) * , and ICC to Systematic Nonresponse
Authors: Newman Daniel A. , Sin Hock-Peng
Published: August 2007

In multilevel theory testing, estimation of group-level properties (i.e., consensus and diversity) is often complicated by missing data. Researchers are left to draw inferences about group constructs (e.g., organizational climate and climate strength) from the responses of only a subset of group members. This study analyzes the biasing impact of random and non-random missingness patterns on within-group agreement and reliability (standard deviation, coefficient of variation, rWG(J), r*WG(J), ADM, aWG , and intraclass correlation) across a range of response rates, numbers of items, and systematic missing data mechanisms. Results demonstrate biases up to 20% over- or underestimation for common response rates found in organizational research. Correction formulae are presented, which enable assessment of the sensitivity of multilevel results to survey nonresponse.
Development and Validation of a Continuous Production Concept for Thermoplastic Honeycomb
Authors: Bratfisch J. Philipp , Vandepitte Dirk
Published: August 2007

The continuous production of thermoplastic honeycomb cores is a recent development at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The production equipment has been improved to deliver high quality material. This equipment is used for the determination of optimum process parameters. This article describes the production equipment, its development, and the experiments that have been carried out.
Commentary: Consciousness via Practice and Participation: Interactivism vis-à-vis Other Theoretical Accounts
Authors: Kölbl Carlos
Published: August 2007

The interactivist proposal presented by Christopher and Bickhard addresses fundamental issues of great importance for a metatheory of cultural psychology, especially one that is concerned with the detailed articulation of the origins of consciousness via practice and participation. Such issues include the much debated concepts of internalization, agency, levels of knowing and representation. While being an elegant account that offers interesting insights, its use of other approaches and theorists—be they classic or current—is irritating. This is particularly discussed in the cases of Karl Marx and, in greater detail, of Lev Vygotsky and his sociohistorical psychology. It is argued that dealing with these and other authors in more depth would be necessary, fruitful and sooner or later even indispensable, not only in order to avoid misinterpretations or to enrich the interactivist account, but also to answer the pre-eminent question as to the surplus of this proposal in comparison to others.
White wars: Western feminisms and the `War on Terror'
Authors: Thobani Sunera
Published: August 2007

The War on Terror is reconfiguring the practices that constitute whiteness through its definition of the West as endangered by the hatred and violence of its Islamist Other. Critical race and feminist theorists have long defined `whiteness' as a form of subjectivity that is socially constructed, historically contextual, and inherently unstable. The equation of whiteness as a social identity with the socio-political category of the West has been seen as particularly problematic for its implication in colonial and imperialist projects. These theorists have also noted that the economic and political power of the West has enabled white subjects to exalt themselves even as they have sought to define the nature of the Other. This paper examines how three feminist texts engage with the hegemonic discourse of the War on Terror and its (re)constitution of whiteness.
Quality of life and dementia
Authors: Moyle Wendy , Mcallister Margaret , Venturato Lorraine , Adams Trevor
Published: August 2007

Although we know that quality of life (QOL) can greatly influence a person's well-being, the measurement of QOL in individuals with dementia has, unfortunately, been largely ignored as a result of conceptual, logistical and measurement difficulties inherent in this population. To enable the voice of the person with dementia to be heard, a triangulated approach was adopted using survey data that aimed to assess the quality of life-Alzheimer's disease (QOL-AD) in Australian residential aged care and unstructured interviews with a small sample of participants ( n = 33). This article presents the survey results and demonstrates there were significant differences in QOL-AD scores between length of stay in the care setting groups, interpersonal relationship quality and self-esteem. Groups with greater physical impairment had lower QOL scores. It is concluded that the participants in this study were able to provide meaningful commentary on their QOL and that the findings may be useful when planning education of care staff and may contribute to theoretical models of dementia care.
The effect of environmental change on residents with dementia
Authors: Cioffi Jane M . , Fleming Andrew , Wilkes Lesley , Sinfield Melissa , Le Miere Jenny
Published: August 2007

This qualitative study aimed to identify and describe the relatives' and staff's perceptions of environmental change on residents with dementia. Data were collected from audio-taped relative and staff focus group interviews at an aged care facility in Western Sydney. The transcribed data from the focus groups were thematically analysed and categorized. Three major categories emerged from the analysed data: the special care unit as a family home, therapeutic environment and work environment. Relatives and staff identified that the overall design of the unit impacted on the residents' functioning and quality of life, sense of freedom, level of agitation, sleeping patterns and weight. Relatives reported that the environment was conducive to visiting and to children, and staff reported that the working environment was improved because of its layout and equipment. This study has shown that special care units can make a difference to the quality of life of residents and improve conditions for relatives and staff.
Extensive variation in synonymous substitution rates in mitochondrial genes of seed plants
Authors: Mower Jeffrey P , Touzet Pascal , Gummow Julie S , Delph Lynda F , Palmer Jeffrey D
Published: August 2007

Background

It has long been known that rates of synonymous substitutions are unusually low in mitochondrial genes of flowering and other land plants. Although two dramatic exceptions to this pattern have recently been reported, it is unclear how often major increases in substitution rates occur during plant mitochondrial evolution and what the overall magnitude of substitution rate variation is across plants.

Results

A broad survey was undertaken to evaluate synonymous substitution rates in mitochondrial genes of angiosperms and gymnosperms. Although most taxa conform to the generality that plant mitochondrial sequences evolve slowly, additional cases of highly accelerated rates were found. We explore in detail one of these new cases, within the genusSilene. A roughly 100-fold increase in synonymous substitution rate is estimated to have taken place within the last 5 million years and involves only one of ten species ofSilenesampled in this study. Examples of unusually slow sequence evolution were also identified. Comparison of the fastest and slowest lineages shows that synonymous substitution rates vary by four orders of magnitude across seed plants. In other words, some plant mitochondrial lineages accumulate more synonymous change in 10,000 years than do others in 100 million years. Several perplexing cases of gene-to-gene variation in sequence divergence within a plant were uncovered. Some of these probably reflect interesting biological phenomena, such as horizontal gene transfer, mitochondrial-to-nucleus transfer, and intragenomic variation in mitochondrial substitution rates, whereas others are likely the result of various kinds of errors.

Conclusion

The extremes of synonymous substitution rates measured here constitute by far the largest known range of rate variation for any group of organisms. These results highlight the utility of examining absolute substitution rates in a phylogenetic context rather than by traditional pairwise methods. Why substitution rates are generally so low in plant mitochondrial genomes yet occasionally increase dramatically remains mysterious.
Characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Central Asian Strain1 using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit genotyping
Authors: Ali Asho , Hasan Zahra , Tanveer Mahnaz , Siddiqui Amna R , Ghebremichael Solomon , Kallenius Gunilla , Hasan Rumina
Published: August 2007

Background

The Central Asian Strain1 (CAS1) genogroup of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the most prevalent in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing is a reliable and reproducible method for differentiation of MTB isolates. However, information of its utility in determining the diversity of CAS1 strain is limited. We performed standard 12 loci based MIRU-VNTR typing on previously spoligotyped CAS1 strains and 'unique' strains in order to evaluate its discriminatory power for these isolates.

Methods

Twelve loci based MIRU- VNTR typing was used to type178 CAS1 and 189 'unique' MTB strains. The discriminatory index for each of the loci was calculated using the Hunter Gaston Discriminatory Index (HGDI). A subset of these strains (n = 78) were typed using IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). MIRU-VNTR profiles were studied together with their drug susceptibility patterns.

Results

A total of 349 MIRU patterns were obtained for the 367 strains tested. The CAS1 strains were subdivided into 160 distinct patterns; 15 clusters of 2 strains each, 1 cluster of four strains and 144 unique patterns. Using HGDI, seven MIRU loci, (numbers 26, 31, 27, 16, 10, 39, and 40) were found to be "highly discriminatory" (DI: ≥0.6), four MIRU loci (numbers 20, 24, 23, and 4) were "moderately discriminatory" (DI: 0.3–0.59), and one locus (number 2) was "poorly discriminatory" (DI< 0.3). Loci 26 and 31 were the most discriminatory for the CAS1 isolates. Amongst 'unique' strains in addition to loci 26, 31, 27, 16, 10, 39, and 40, locus 23 was highly discriminatory, while no locus was poorly discriminating. DI values for loci 4, 10 and 26 were significantly lower (P-value < .01) in CAS1 strains than in 'unique' strains. The association between CAS1 strains and MDR was not found to be significant (p value = 0.21).

Conclusion

We propose that MIRU typing could be used to estimate the phylogenetic relatedness amongst prevalent CAS1 strains, for which MIRU loci 26, 31, 16, 10, 27, 39 and 40 were found to be the most discriminatory.
Adherence to the European Working Time Directive and its influence on clinical experience
Authors: McLernon Conor , Coccia Floriana , Patel Ashokkumar G.
Published: August 2007

Aims and Method

To identify deficits in senior house officer (SHO) on-call experience since the advent of accident and emergency (A&E) liaison nurse cover, by retrospectively examining records of 267 A&E patients between October 2004 and January 2005. We collated our data in terms of presenting symptoms.

Results

The majority (59%) of A&E referrals received no SHO attention. In particular, SHOs had no involvement in 69% of ‘social’ presentations, 72% of presentations involving drug or alcohol misuse and 63% of presentations with associated suicidality, self-harm or overdose.

Clinical Implications

Clinical experience is being lost in key areas, and is not yet being replaced via other routes. There is a pressing need to consider methods to ensure development of these skills, at the same time as adhering to the European Working Time Directive.
Working with asylum seekers with mental illness distressed by the Home Office dispersal programme
Authors: Ani Cornelius
Published: August 2007

Successive UK governments have introduced increasingly tough asylum policies. Recent immigration legislations (for example the Asylum and Immigration Act 1999 and the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002) have continued this tradition. The dramatic reduction in asylum applications by 54% between 2002 and 2004 (Heath & Jeffries, 2005) suggests these measures are effective and hence politically attractive.
Relationship between food availability, glycerol and glycogen levels in low-temperature challenged rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax
Authors: Driedzic William R. , Short Connie E.
Published: August 2007

Rainbow smelt Osmerus modax accumulate glycerol in winter that serves as an antifreeze. Fish were held at 8°C, or subjected to a decrease in water temperature to –1°C over a 19 day period, and subsequently maintained at –1°C from 15 January to 11 May 2004. Starved fish did not survive the challenge of temperature decrease, with death ensuing above the typical freeze point for marine teleosts (–0.8°C). A decrease in temperature activates the glycerol accumulation mechanism at about 5°C with peak plasma levels exceeding 300 μmol ml–1. Glycerol levels begin to decrease in late February even at water temperatures below–1°C, suggesting either an inherent circannual or photoperiod trigger, possibly in association with sufficiently high levels of antifreeze protein. Glycogen levels in liver did not change significantly in starved fish maintained at 8°C. However, liver glycogen was depleted in fish subjected to the low-temperature challenge and at a faster rate in starved than in fed fish. Stored glycogen in liver and other tissues can account for only a small amount of the total glycerol production, suggesting a strong requirement for food during accelerated glycerol production. Liver glycogen levels increased in April and May in association with the decrease in glycerol. Levels of glycerol in liver, kidney, spleen, gill, intestine, heart, muscle and brain follow the same pattern as that in plasma. During the early part of the glycerol accumulation phase, all tissues except for liver have lower levels of glycerol in the intracellular space than the levels in plasma. In liver,glycerol is in equilibrium between the two compartments.
Behavioral evidence for within-eyelet resolution in twisted-winged insects (Strepsiptera)
Authors: Maksimovic Srdjan , Layne John E. , Buschbeck Elke K.
Published: August 2007

Compound eyes are typically composed of hundreds to thousands of ommatidia,each containing 8–10 receptors. The maximal spatial frequency at which a compound eye can sample the environment is determined by the inter-ommatidial angle. Males of the insect order Strepsiptera are different: their eyes are composed of a smaller number of relatively large units (eyelets), each with an extended retina. Building on a study of Xenos vesparum, we use a behavioral paradigm based on the optomotor response to investigate the possibility that the eyelets of the Strepsiptera Xenos peckii are image-forming units. From anatomical evidence, we hypothesize that spatial sampling in the strepsipteran eye is determined not only by the interactions of widely spaced photoreceptors in different eyelets, but also by the angular separation between groups of closely spaced photoreceptors within eyelets. We compared X. peckii's optomotor response with the predictions of an elementary motion detector (EMD) model consisting of two distinctly different sampling bases. The best match between our empirical results and the model shows that the optomotor response in X. peckii males is determined by both the small (intra-eyelet) and large (possibly inter-eyelet) separations. Our results indicate that the X. peckii eye has sampling bases around 10° and 20°, and that each eyelet could be composed of up to 13 sampling points, which is consistent with previous anatomical findings. This study is the first to use the EMD model explicitly to investigate the possibility that strepsipteran eyes combine motion detection features from both camera and compound eyes.
Corticosterone modulation of reproductive and immune systems trade-offs in female tree lizards: long-term corticosterone manipulationsviainjectable gelling material
Authors: French Susannah S. , McLemore Ryan , Vernon Brent , Johnston Gwynne I. H. , Moore Michael C.
Published: August 2007

Physiological trade-offs arise because multiple processes compete for the same limiting resources. While competition for resources has been demonstrated between reproduction and immune function, the regulation of this competition remains unclear. Corticosterone (CORT) is a likely mediator due to its dual role in mobilizing energy stores throughout the body and regulating physiological responses to stressors. We manipulated CORT concentrations and resources in pre-reproductive and reproductive female tree lizards(Urosaurus ornatus) to test the hypothesis that CORT regulates the distribution of limiting resources between the reproductive and immune systems. To manipulate circulating concentrations of CORT we utilized a novel method of hormone implantation, in which a polymeric compound is mixed with hormone and injected in liquid form into the animal. After injection, the liquid quickly gels in situ forming a slow release hormone implant. This method of hormone delivery eliminated the need for substantial wounds to the animal or repeated handling required by other methods. In this study, the hormone-treated animals had plasma CORT concentrations comparable to high physiological concentrations. We found that CORT treatment suppressed immune function, but only when animals were energetically compromised. We assessed immune function by measuring the healing rate of a cutaneous biopsy. Healing was suppressed in all CORT-treated reproductive animals and in all CORT-treated animals (pre-reproductive and reproductive) undergoing food restriction, but CORT had no effect in ad libitum non-reproductive females. The context-dependent action of CORT renders its response adjustable to changing environmental conditions and may allow for the suppression of specific functions depending on resource availability.
A Novel and Less-expensive Preparation of Titanium Silicalite-1 Membrane
Authors: Chen Pei , Chen Xiangshu , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Kita Hidetoshi
Published: August 2007

A novel method was developed for the preparation of titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) zeolite membrane with low cost through tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr)/weak organic base synthesis system, in which TS-1 crystals grew on an unseeded support from a synthesis gel containing seeds. This membrane reactor showed relatively high catalytic activity for the oxidation of 2-propanol.
A Dimeric Cerium(III) Acetylacetonate Complex Containing Intramolecular and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Bai Fenghua , Su Haiquan , Chang Fei
Published: August 2007

A dimeric [Ce(acac)3(acacH)2] (acacH = acetylacetone) complex has been synthesized. The crystal structure showed that the complex contains intramolecular H-bond and intermolecular H-bond formed through the neutral enol acetylacetone unidentate ligands.
Novel Photoinduced Phase Transition Observed in Three-dimensional Liquid-crystalline Phase of Azobenzene Compound
Authors: Yamamoto Takahiro , Nishiyama Isa , Yokoyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2007

A novel dichiral azobenzene compound which shows two kinds of highly ordered liquid-crystalline phases was prepared. One of the mesophases was found, by miscibility studies, to be a chirality-induced three-dimensional (3D) liquid crystal phase. We, for the first time demonstrate the photoinduced phase transition of the liquid-crystalline 3D structure.
Block Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate from Fluorine-contained Polyimide Macroinitiator by Atom-transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Miyata Sou , Nagai Kazukiyo
Published: August 2007

The linear fluorine-contained polyimide macroinitiator capped with the chloromethylphenyl group at both polymer ends was synthesized and reacted with methyl methacrylate (MMA) to form an ABA-type triblock copolymer (MMA-b-PI-b-MMA) by atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) homopolymer was decomposed completely at ca. 400 °C, whereas the polyimide macroinitiator was thermally stable up to ca. 500 °C The MMA component in MMA-b-PI-b-MMA was selectively decomposed up to ca. 400 °C, while the polyimide component remained.
Synthesis of a Donor Molecule with Metal Coordination Sites toward Multifunctional Complexes
Authors: Katoh Keiichi , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro , Sato Naoki
Published: August 2007

We have synthesized a donor-type ligand 1a–1f containing a 1,3-dithiol ring as the donor site and an N,N,N-tridentate ligand for metal complexation. In the crystal phase, the planar 1a molecules stack along the b axis in the “head-to-tail” fashion. The FeII complex 2 shows typical paramagnetic behavior.
Novel Fluorene-based Biphenolic Monomer: 9,9-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-9-silafluorene
Authors: Seesukphronrarak Surasak , Takata Toshikazu
Published: August 2007

A 9-silafluorene-containing biphenolic monomer, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-9-silafluorene, was prepared from 9,9-dichloro-9-silafluorene and employed for the synthesis of polyesters using a fluorene-based homoditopic acid chloride. Some properties of the polyesters were examined.
A Retractable Small-Span Roof Based on Thin-Walled Lightweight Spatial Units
Authors: Karni E. , Pellegrino S.
Published: August 2007

This paper presents a concept for a low-cost, lightweight, small-span retractable roof, which retracts in a concertina manner. The roof is made of spatial units arranged in pairs, whose motion is coupled by edge pantographs. It is envisaged that thin-walled, high-stiffness composite panels, connected by hinges along the crest and valley lines, would be used for these units. The roof consists of two separate parts that move in opposite directions. Deployment and retraction are controlled by electric motors placed along the roof long sides. When the roof retraction is completed, about two thirds of the covered floor area become exposed to open air.
Innovators, Imitators, and the Evolving Architecture of Problem-Solving Networks
Authors: Chang Myong-Hun , Harrington Joseph E.
Published: August 2007

Scientific progress is driven by innovation—which serves to produce a diversity of ideas—and imitation through a social network—which serves to diffuse these ideas. In this paper, we develop an agent-based computational model of this process, in which the agents in the population are heterogeneous in their abilities to innovate and imitate. The model incorporates three primary forces: the discovery of new ideas, the observation and adoption of these ideas, and the endogenous development of networks. The objective is to explore the evolving architecture of problem-solving networks and the critical roles that different agents play in the process. A central finding is that the emergent network takes a chain structure with innovators (those most skilled at generating new ideas) being the main source of ideas and those most skilled at imitating acting as connectors between the innovators and the masses. The impact of agent heterogeneity and environmental volatility on the network architecture is also characterized.
Expertise and Collaboration in the Geographically Dispersed Organization
Authors: Boh Wai Fong , Ren Yuqing , Kiesler Sara , Bussjaeger Robert
Published: August 2007

The knowledge-based view of the firm has led to greater theoretical interest in how organizations integrate knowledge resources embedded in their employees’ expertise. We examine the knowledge-integration problem in geographically dispersed professional organizations in which experts work in project teams. From consideration of coordination costs and local ties, we argue that (1) the organization will develop specialized expertise within local sites, (2) managers avoid crossing geographic boundaries to staff a project unless bringing on a distant expert helps meet customer requirements, (3) cross-site connections help less-needed members participate in dispersed projects, and (4) dispersed projects that have a better match of expertise generate higher net earnings. We tested these hypotheses using archival data and interviews in a geographically dispersed professional service organization. We examined how managers staffed 493 local and dispersed projects over a five-year period, and the financial outcomes of these projects. Managers created dispersed projects comparatively rarely; they did so when scarce expertise from other sites was needed to match customers’ project requirements. Dispersed projects garnered higher net earnings than local projects when there was a better match of scarce expertise to project requirements. However, a curvilinear relationship was observed, such that a very high percentage of dispersed experts on a project increased coordination costs and reduced net earnings. Our study extends the knowledge-based view by showing how considerations of coordination costs and social ties affect knowledge integration in the geographically dispersed organization. The study also shows, empirically, the managerial trade-offs that encourage or discourage dispersed collaboration.
Wakes of Innovation in Project Networks: The Case of Digital 3-D Representations in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Authors: Boland Richard J. , Lyytinen Kalle , Yoo Youngjin
Published: August 2007

Changes in the technologies of representation in a heterogeneous, distributed sociotechnical system, such as a large construction project, can instigate a complex pattern of innovations in technologies, practices, structures, and strategies. We studied the adoption of digital three-dimensional (3-D) representations in the building projects of the architect Frank O. Gehry, and observed that multiple, heterogeneous firms in those projects produced diverse innovations, each of which created a wake of innovation. Together, these multiple wakes of innovation produce a complex landscape of innovations with unpredictable peaks and valleys. Gehry’s adoption of digital 3-D representations disturbed the ecology of interactions and stimulated innovations in his project networks by: providing path-creating innovation trajectories in separate communities of practice, creating trading zones where communities could create knowledge about diverse innovations, and offering a means for intercalating innovations across heterogeneous communities. Our study suggests that changes in digital representations that are central to the functioning of a distributed system can engender multiple innovations in technologies, work practices, and knowledge across multiple communities, each of which is following its own distinctive tempo and trajectory.
Does Diabetes Increase the Risk for Fractures After Solid Organ Transplantation? A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Rakel Agnès , Sheehy Odile , Rahme Elham , Lelorier Jacques
Published: August 2007

To assess the risk of fractures after a solid organ transplantation among diabetic versus nondiabetic patients, we conducted a nested case-control study. Pretransplant diabetes was associated with a 2-fold increase in post-transplant fractures.

Introduction: Diabetes has been associated with osteoporosis in the general population. However, among patients receiving solid organ transplantation, the association between pretransplant diabetes and post-transplant fractures is not clear, although both diabetes and fractures are prevalent among this patient population. We aimed to determine whether pretransplant diabetes increases the risk of fractures among patients receiving solid organ transplantation.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort of subjects 18 years and older, enrolled in the Quebec Drug Insurance Plan, who received a first solid organ transplantation between January 1986 and December 2005. Cases had sustained a fracture between the date of discharge from the hospitalization for solid organ transplantation and the end of the study period. All remaining patients were eligible controls. The fracture date was the case index date. Cases were matched to up to four controls on the type of organ transplanted and the date of transplantation. The index date of a control patient was that of his/her matched case. Crude and adjusted ORs were obtained with univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression models.

Results: The study included 238 cases and 873 controls. Pretransplant diabetes was present in 30% of the cases and 22% of the controls (crude OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.7–2.8). After adjusting for age, sex, previous fractures, past hyperthyroidism, hospitalization duration, use of narcotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, estrogens, bisphosphonates, calcium, vitamin D, and calcitonin, pretransplantation diabetes remained a significant risk factor for fractures (adjusted OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.5–2.6). Use of narcotics (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 2.0–4.4) and antidepressants (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.1) in the month preceding the index date and use of loop diuretics in the year preceding the index date (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.9) were also associated with increased risks of fractures.

Conclusions: Pretransplant diabetes seemed to significantly increase post-transplant fractures among adults receiving solid organ transplantation. Pretransplant fracture prophylaxis should be considered in these patients.
Characterization of Glyben for Seismic Applications
Authors: Rayhani M. H. T. , El Naggar M. H.
Published: August 2007

Glyben is artificial clay that is prepared by mixing sodium bentonite powder and glycerin. It is used for laboratory tests and scale modeling for geotechnical applications. The mechanical properties of glyben depend on the bentonite and glycerin mix proportions. The shear strength, dynamic shear modulus, damping ratio, and Poisson’s ratio were evaluated for glyben samples prepared with different glycerin/bentonite ratios. Vane shear tests, T-bar tests, hammer tests, and resonant column tests were conducted on glyben specimens and the shear strength and dynamic properties were evaluated considering a wide range of strain values and confining pressure. The measured glyben properties were compared with properties of natural cohesive soils to verify the range of applicability of glyben as a test bed material. It was found that glyben has the same range of strength and dynamic properties as soft to medium stiff clay. The trend of variation of the shear modulus and damping ratios of glyben is similar to that of natural clays. It is noted, however, that the damping ratio of glyben is higher than that of natural clays for shear strains below 0.01%. It was concluded that glyben can reasonably model the nonlinear behavior of natural soil under strong dynamic excitation.
Crystal chemistry of GdScO3, DyScO3, SmScO3 and NdScO3
Authors: Veličkov Boža , Kahlenberg Volker , Bertram Rainer , Bernhagen Margitta
Published: August 2007

The crystal chemistry of GdScO3 and, for the first time, of DyScO3, SmScO3 and NdScO3 has been investigated using single crystals. The structure of the Czochralski grown crystals was refined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data, their chemical compositions were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Orthorhombic distorted perovskite structure types with the space group Pnma could be confirmed in all cases. The B-site of the lanthanoid scandates shows with 2.090 to 2.116 Å typical bond lengths for octahedrally coordinated scandium. The distortion of the B-site is rather small. The A-site is occupied by the lanthanoid (Ln) and the Ln—O bond distances vary from 2.233 to 3.722 Å. This indicates its high distortion and makes an assignment of the coordination number difficult. However, an 8-fold coordination for the A-site has to be assumed. The Ln-scandates show a continuous structural evolution with the size of the lanthanoid. A discontinuity within the intermediate members of the Ln-scandates — which had previously been described — was not observed. The ICP OES investigation of these samples results in non-stoichiometric chemical compositions: the chemical analyses show always a depletion in the lanthanoid. Site occupancy refinements based on single crystal diffraction data support the idea of the Ln-depletion on the A-site (inducing O-defects on the O2-position). Several substitution mechanisms are discussed, but the authors favour that vacancies on the A-site coupled with oxygen vacancies cause the Ln-deficiencies. The crystallochemical formula of the investigated Ln-scandates may be written as: (∀0.056Dy0.944)ScO2.916,(∀0.048Gd0.952)ScO2.928, (∀0.045Sm0.955)ScO2.933 and (∀0.033Nd0.967)ScO2.951.
New solvated form of the antibiotic azithromycin. Clues about the role of the water retained inside the crystal
Authors: Montejo-Bernardo José Manuel , García-Granda Santiago
Published: August 2007

The structure of a new semihydrate solvated form of the antibiotic azithromycin is reported. The new form was obtained by partial dehydration of the crystal of the monohydrate-i-PrOH, when the sample was left in laboratory conditions (22–25 °C, 55–65% relative humidity) over a long period of time (about 40 months). The new semihydrate solvate form retains the crystalline structure of the monohydrate (unit cell parameters and space group) but shows changes in the position of the hydrogen atoms of some OH groups of the azithromycin molecules, leading to a new and different hydrogen bonding network. Moreover, in one of the two azithromycin molecules in the asymmetric unit (the one labelled as “b”), the dimethyl amine group (in the desosamine sugar) shows a significant positional change. This fact provides information about the role of the solvent in the building of the solvated forms of the azithromycin drug, and allows the mobility of this group to be associated with an inversion operation and not a rotation.
Workplace Violence on Workers Caring for Long‐term Institutionalized Schizophrenic Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Wen‐Ching , Wang Jung‐Der , Lew‐Ting Chih‐Yin , Chiu Hsien‐Jane , Lin Yi‐Ping
Published: August 2007

Workplace Violence on Workers Caring for Long‐term Institutionalized Schizophrenic Patients in Taiwan: Wen‐Ching Chen, et al. Yu‐Li Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taiwan—It has been noted that workplace violence most frequently occurrs in psychiatric settings. The purpose of this study was to explore the workplace violence, including violence situation, victims' feeling, and the prevention strategies, on workers caring for long‐term institutionalized schizophrenic patients in Taiwan. We conducted a face‐to‐face, in‐depth, and semi‐structured interview with 13 health care workers suffering from physical violence and/or sexual harassment by patients in 2002. First, the interviews were taped and/or paper‐notes recorded, then transcribed, organized, and analyzed. Results found that all of the victims alleged they did not receive enough post‐incident support, and more than a half of the victims could not call others for help during the violence. To avoid further attack, most victims offered prevention strategies which were considered valuable for establishing guidelines. However, some victims regarded workplace violence as inevitable and part of the job. The most common situations of workplace violence were during routine ward inspections, especially when the victims were alone. The most serious psychological harm was post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In conclusion, we recommended a re‐engineering of the organization to a supportive and safe working environment for prevention of workplace violence in the study hospital.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new crown ethers of Schiff base type
Authors: Yildiz Mustafa , Kĺraz Aşkin , Dülger Başaran
Published: August 2007

New crown ether ligands of the Schiff base type (4a-d) were synthesized by the reaction of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with 6,7-dihydro-13H-dibenzo [e,h] [1,4]dioxonin-2,11-diamine (3). The structures of ligands were investigated by elemental analysis as well as IR, UV-visible, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS spectroscopic data. The antimicrobial and anti-yeast activities of the ligands were screened in vitro against the organisms Escherichia coli ATCC 11230, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Klebsiella pneumoniae UC57, Micrococcus luteus La 2971, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 8427, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Mycobacterium smegmatis CCM 2067, Bacillus cereus ATCC 7064, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Kluyveromyces fragilis NRRL 2415, Rhodotorula rubra DSM 70403, Debaryomyces hansenii DSM 70238 and Hanseniaspora guilliermondii DSM 3432.
Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and different fractions of Juniperus communis L. and a comparison with some commercial antibiotics
Authors: Glisic Sandra , Milojevic Svetomir , Dimitrijevic Suzana , Orlovic Aleksandar , Skala Dejan
Published: August 2007

The essential oil of common juniper (Juniperus communis L., from the southern part of Serbia) and its fractions of different composition, as well as commercial antibiotics were used for testing their antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast and fungi. The essential oil was produced by hydro-distillation in a pilot plant (130 dm3) and then fractionated by distillation over a column, with 36 theoretical stages, under vacuum (26-66 mbar). The essential oil was also fractionated using pure CO2 or CO2 and methanol as co-solvent under supercritical conditions. The native oil showed weak antimicrobial activity, while the fractions with a high content of ?-pinene, and mixture of ?-pinene and sabinene showed the highest antimicrobial activity, especially against fungi. In comparison to the commercial antibiotics, the oil fractions showed more extensive spectra of antimicrobial activity, as well as wider inhibition zones. .
A DSC study of zinc binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA)
Authors: Ostojic Sanja , Dragutinovic Vida , Kicanovic Miodrag , Simonovic Branislav
Published: August 2007

The thermal denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a kinetically and thermodynamically controlled process. The effects of zinc binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA), followed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were investigated in this work, with the purpose of obtaining a better understanding of the albumin/zinc interaction. From the DSC curves, the thermodynamic parameters of protein denaturation were obtained, i.e., the temperature of thermal transition maximum (T m), calorimetric enthalpy (?Hcal), van't Hoff enthalpy (?HvH), the number of binding sites (I, II), the binding constants for each binding site (K bI, K bII) and the average number of ligands bound per mole of native protein X N. The thermodynamic data of protein unfolding showed that zinc binding to bovine serum albumin increases the stability of the protein (higher values of ?Hcal) and the different ratio ?Hcal/?HvH indicates the perturbation of the protein during thermal denaturation.
Does cholesterol bound to haemoglobin affect the anti-oxidant enzyme defence system in human erythrocytes?
Authors: Nikolic Milan , Nikolic-Kokic Aleksandra , Stanic Dragana , Blagojevic Dusko , Vranic Danijela , Jones David , Niketic Vesna , Spasic Mihajlo
Published: August 2007

In a previous study, it was shown that the lipid fraction, which is occasionally observed in red blood cell hemolysates, represents cholesterol (Ch) associated with phospholipid firmly bound to haemoglobin (termed Hb-Ch). The current study was conducted to investigate whether Hb-Ch could affect the primary anti-oxidant enzyme defence system in human erythrocytes. Sixty healthy volunteers were used for the current study. Group 1 consisted of 28 subjects without or with a low level of Hb-Ch. Group 2 comprised 32 subjects with a considerably higher level of Hb-Ch. The activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, as well as the content of methaemoglobin (metHb) were measured in both groups. The results indicated that the amount of Hb-Ch neither influenced the activities of the erythrocyte anti-oxidant enzymes nor altered the level of metHb. However, a higher amount of Hb-Ch changed the correlations in the part of the anti-oxidant defence system relating to glutathione, suggesting increased peroxidative pressure from plasma lipids. Group 2 also had significantly increased concentrations of total plasma Ch and triglycerides. Together, these facts are strong indications that the anti-oxidant defence system in human erythrocytes finely retunes its composition according to plasma oxidative demands. .
Transition metal complexes with a new tridentate ligand, 5-[6-(5-mercapto- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol
Authors: Gudasi Kalagouda , Patil Manjula , Vadavi Ramesh , Shenoy Rashmi , Patil Siddappa
Published: August 2007

A new ligand 5-[6-(5-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole- 2-thiol (L) and its Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes were synthesized. The authenticity of the ligand and its transition metal complexes were established by elemental analyses, conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, as well as spectroscopic (IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, electronic, mass, ESR) and thermal studies. The IR and 1H-NMR spectral studies revealed the existence of the ligand in the thiol form in the solid state, whereas in the thione form in the dissolved state. The magnetic and electronic spectral studies suggest an octahedral geometry for all the complexes. The ligand acts as a tridentate ligand coordinating through the pyridine nitrogen and the nitrogen atoms (N-3' and N-3'') of the two oxadiazole rings. Antimicrobial screening of the ligand and its metal complexes were determined against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus cirroflagellosus, as well as against the fungi, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. .