bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of the Cimosa and high-level coloured Petri net modelling techniques with application in the postal process using hierarchical dispatching rules
Authors: Wong K S , Parkin R M , Coy J
Published: July 2007

Enterprise processes, i.e. business and manufacturing, rely on enterprise modelling and simulation tools to assess the quality of their structure and performance in an unobtrusive and cost-effective way. Each of these processes is a collaboration of inseparable elements such as resources, information, operations, and organization. In order to provide a more complete assessment of enterprise processes, a simulation approach that allows communication and interaction among these elements needs to be provided. The simulation approach requires an analysis of the performance of each element and its influence on other elements in an object-oriented way. It also needs to have the capability to represent the structures and dynamics of the elements mentioned, and to present the performance assessment comprehensively. This will ensure a more holistic simulation modelling task. These simulation requirements have motivated the investigation of the novel integration of two popular enterprise process modelling methods: Cimosa and high-level coloured Petri net. The Cimosa framework is used to formalize the enterprise modelling procedure in the aspects of representing process elements, structure, behaviours, and relationships. The high-level coloured Petri nets method provides the mechanism to simulate the dynamics of objects and their characteristics, and also to enable communication among the objects. The approach is applied on a postal process model, which involves elements from manufacturing processes, i.e. machine processing (sorting), inventory (storage), product flow, and resource planning. Simulation studies based on the hierarchical dispatching rules show that the integrated approach is able to present vital information regarding the communication method, resource management, and the effect of interactions among these manufacturing process elements, which are not provided by the current modelling system in the postal company. The current paper has presented a novel mechanism, i.e. Cimosa—HCTSPN modelling approach, to extract information on process elements and their interactions. It has also presented the novel hierarchical dispatching rules and contributed to the extension of information that can be represented for a postal process.
Sourcing software content for manufactured products
Authors: Probert D , Hunt F , Fraser P , Fleury A , Holden T
Published: July 2007

There has been a rapid growth of software content in manufactured products (i.e. software embedded in a product other than a PC, or software provided as part of a product offering such as software running on a PC allowing the user to configure a product) in recent years, greatly extending the functionality and consumer appeal of products in sectors as diverse as cars, consumer electronics, and scientific instruments. This trend presents traditional mechanical engineering companies (and others) with the problem of deciding whether and how to include software content in their products. The purpose of this paper is to present and justify a management tool that helps companies facing these problems. It is in the form of a checklist decision aid and focuses on the question of whether to develop software internally or externally to the company. The paper first reviews work addressing ‘make or buy’ issues and builds on these ideas to explore the issues specific to software, through case studies and interviews. It then describes work to assess industrial preferences for the format of a decision aid, and in response to this develops the checklist of factors grouped around the themes of ‘business interest’, ‘task suitability’, ‘supplier suitability’, and ‘collaboration arrangements’. Validated through workshop and interviews, this checklist guides managers through the software sourcing process. An online version of the checklist also provides the means for a company to accumulate its own experience of sourcing decisions for future reference.
The opportunities for multimedia supported remote maintenance provided by an implementation of a component-based system in the automotive domain
Authors: Ong Min Huey , West A A , Lee Szer Ming , Harrison R
Published: July 2007

This paper describes an evaluation method for assessing the effectiveness of using multimedia tools for remote maintenance of production machinery in the automotive sector. The multimedia tools have been developed to support the design implementation and maintenance of a component-based control system for manufacturing machines. Scenario testing has been adopted to assess the possible benefits associated with the use of multimedia tools. It has been found that the multimedia tools are effective in improving the diagnostic capability of the maintenance provider in terms of acquiring better information and reducing the time taken to diagnose the problems. However, there are security, human resource restructuring, maintenance agreement, and training issues associated with the service that must be appreciated prior to large-scale adoption of the technology.
Concurrent optimization of manufacturing cycle cost by genetic algorithms
Authors: Deiab I , Al-Ansary M
Published: July 2007

A systematic multi-phase procedure is developed concurrently to optimize the design and manufacturing parameters using the genetic algorithm (GA) method. The simultaneous consideration of both design and manufacturing decision variables overcomes the conflicting relationship between these variables and ensures global optimal design solution. A multi-variable optimization problem for the optimum design of a robot arm is formulated and solved using the GA method to demonstrate the proposed procedure. The objective is to optimize (minimize) the total manufacturing cost under dimensional, weight, and machine power constraints using GA. Finite element analysis was adopted for the structural part of the analysis.
Temporal trends in sexually transmitted infection prevalence and condom use following introduction of the female condom to Madagascar sex workers
Authors: Hoke T H , Feldblum P J , Van Damme K , Nasution M D , Grey T W , Wong E L , Ralimamonjy L , Raharimalala L , Rasamindrakotroka A
Published: July 2007

We followed 1000 sex workers in Madagascar for 18 months to assess whether adding female condoms to male condom distribution led to increased protection levels and decreased sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For months 1–6, participants had access to male condoms only; in the final 12 months, they had access to male and female condoms. We interviewed participants about condom use every two months and tested for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis every six months. Following six months of male condom distribution, participants used protection in 78% of sex acts with clients. Following female condom introduction, protection at months 12 and 18 rose to 83% and 88%, respectively. Aggregate STI prevalence declined from 52% at baseline to 50% at month 6. With the female condom added, STI prevalence dropped to 41% and 40% at months 12 and 18, respectively. We conclude female condom introduction is associated with increased use of protection to levels that reduce STI risk.
HIV risk in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan: an emerging epidemic in injecting and commercial sex networks
Authors: Bokhari Asma , Nizamani Naseer M , Jackson Denis J , Rehan Naghma E , Rahman Motiur , Muzaffar Rana , Mansoor Samina , Raza Hasan , Qayum Kanwal , Girault Philippe , Pisani Elizabeth , Thaver Inayat
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study was to measure HIV prevalence and risk behaviour in injecting drug users (IDUs), male sex workers (MSWs), Hijras (transgenders), female sex workers (FSWs) and male truckers in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan. The design was a linked-anonymous cross-sectional study of individuals identified at key venues or through peer referral. Approximately 400 respondents in each group (200 for Hijras) responded to a standardized questionnaire and were tested for HIV antibodies at each site. In Karachi, 23% of IDUs and 4% of MSWs were HIV positive, and HIV-positive individuals were identified in all risk groups in at least one city. Two-thirds of all IDUs used a shared needle in the previous week, and unprotected commercial sex activity with men and women was high. The HIV epidemic has entered IDU and male and female commercial sex networks in Karachi and Lahore. Targeted intervention services must be scaled up and risk group surveillance intensified.
Optimizing information technology to improve sexual health-care delivery: public and patient preferences
Authors: Ross J D C , Copas A , Stephenson J , Fellows L , Gilleran G
Published: July 2007

Information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to improve the quality of care and efficiency in sexual health clinics, but its introduction requires input not only from health-care professionals and ICT specialists but also from service users and potential future users. In this study, views on ICT in relation to the delivery of sexual health services were assessed using a structured interview in two groups – a community sample of young people and a clinic sample of existing patients. In all, 542 community interviewees and 202 clinic patients participated. About 75% of respondents had access to the Internet and overall 60% reported that the self-collection of a sexual history on an electronic form was acceptable. Black Caribbean individuals had significantly less access to the Internet and a lower acceptance of electronic data collection. For booking an appointment, the majority of patients reported the telephone (community sample 93%, clinic sample 96%) or attending in person (community sample 77%, clinic sample 54%) to be acceptable, with a smaller proportion choosing email (community sample 10%, clinic sample 27%) or the Internet (community sample 7%, clinic sample 11%). Electronic booking was significantly less acceptable to Black Caribbean respondents. Although new technologies offer the opportunity to improve the quality of sexual health services, patient preferences and differences between groups in access to technology also need to be considered when services are reconfigured.
Two cases of Klinefelter's syndrome diagnosed at a sexually transmitted infection clinic
Authors: Dennehy Mary , Roberts Graham A
Published: July 2007

Klinefelter's syndrome is an important genetic cause of infertility in males. Two cases are described, which were picked up at the sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic because of the finding of unusually small testes. Physicians at STI clinics are uniquely placed to detect this condition as they examine the genitalia of thousands of healthy young men each year as part of a sexual health check up. Benefit of early diagnosis and treatment includes improved quality of life and avoidance of serious complications.
Preferences for partner notification method: variation in responses between respondents as index patients and contacts
Authors: Apoola A , Radcliffe K W , Das S , Robshaw V , Gilleran G , Kumari B S , Boothby M , Rajakumar R
Published: July 2007

There have been very few studies focusing on what form of communication patients would find acceptable from a clinic. This study looks at the differences in preferences for various partner notification methods when the respondents were index patients compared with when they had to be contacted because a partner had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). There were 2544 respondents. When the clinic had to notify partners, respondents were more likely to report the method as good when a partner had an STI and they were being contacted compared with when the respondents had an infection and the partner was being contacted. The opposite was true for patient referral partner notification. Therefore, there are variations in the preferences of respondents for partner notification method, which depend on whether they see themselves as index patients or contacts.
AIDS-defining illness diagnosed within 90 days after starting highly active antiretroviral therapy among patients from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database
Authors: Zhou J , Paton N I , Ditangco R ,   The TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database
Published: July 2007

Using data from TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD), this paper aims to assess the rate of, and factors associated with the diagnosis of new AIDS-defining illness (ADI) within 90 days after antiretroviral treatment. Patients starting three or more antiretroviral combinations and having subsequent follow-up were included. New ADI cases were checked for evidence of immune reconstitution syndrome (IRS). Among the 1185 patients included, 75 (6.3%) were diagnosed with a new ADI within 90 days, giving a rate of 26.8/100 person-years, compared with a further 3.6% cumulative incidence of new ADI between 90 days to one year (4.2/100 person-years). Of the 75 patients, 21 were judged as definitive or presumptive IRS, giving a rate of 7.3/100 person-years. Patients with new ADI generally had lower CD4 counts before treatment started (median, 43 cells/μL). Lower CD4 count, lower body mass index and starting treatment in the same year as the first HIV-positive test done were associated with developing a new ADI. The higher rate of new ADI within 90 days may be partly explained by IRS occurring shortly after treatment. Although it is difficult to identify IRS from observational data, it appears that in TAHOD setting IRS was relatively uncommon.
Complementary medicine use among people living with HIV/AIDS in Victoria, Australia: practices, attitudes and perceptions
Authors: Thomas S L , Lam K , Piterman L , Mijch A , Komesaroff P A
Published: July 2007

There is limited evidence suggesting the underlying reasons for the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) by people with HIV/AIDS, or individual attitudes and beliefs about the use of CAMs. Using focus groups and a survey with 151 individuals attending the HIV Clinics at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, we aimed to provide insights into factors that influence the use of CAMs among people living with HIV/AIDS. Roughly half (49%) of the participants had used CAMs to manage their HIV/AIDs. Users of CAMs utilized a wide range of treatments in managing their condition, but costs of the CAMs meant that users were not necessarily able to use them as much as they might have liked. Use of CAMs was based on a desire to find something beneficial rather than on being dissatisfied with conventional medicine. Further research is needed into (a) the effects of CAMs and (b) the enhancement of communication and collaboration between patients, doctors and complementary medicine practitioners.
Unexpected low prevalence of HIV among fertile women in Luanda, Angola. Does war prevent the spread of HIV?
Authors: Strand R T , Fernandes Dias L , Bergström S , Andersson S
Published: July 2007

We studied HIV prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection among fertile women in Luanda for the purposes of obtaining background data for planning of interventions as well as to look into the association of armed conflicts and HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. The HIV-1 prevalence was 1.7% in an antenatal care group ( n = 517) and 1.9% in a family planning group ( n = 518). Socioeconomic and sexual background factors did not significantly differ HIV-positive from HIV-negative women. Data on armed conflict factors were matched with HIV prevalence figures among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. The level of armed conflicts was found to be inversely related to HIV prevalence. The low HIV seroprevalence in Luanda is in sharp contrast to the capitals of neighbouring countries. While the spread of HIV may have been hampered by the long armed conflict in the country, it is feared to increase rapidly with the return of soldiers and refugees in a post-war situation. The challenge for preventive actions is urgent. This example may be relevant to other areas with a recent end-of-war situation.
Mandatory HIV testing in China: the perception of health-care providers
Authors: Li Li , Wu Zunyou , Wu Sheng , Lee Sung-Jae , Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane , Detels Roger , Jia Manhong , Sun Stephanie
Published: July 2007

Health-care providers in China are facing an exponential increase in HIV testing and HIV-positive patients. A total of 1101 service providers were recruited to examine attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in China. Logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with providers' attitudes toward mandatory HIV testing. Providers were most likely to endorse mandatory HIV testing for patients with high-risk behaviour and for all patients before surgery. Over 43% of providers endorsed mandatory testing for anyone admitted to hospital. Controlling for demographics, multivariate analyses indicated that providers with higher perceived risk of HIV infection at work, higher general prejudicial attitudes toward PLWHA, and previous contact with HIV patients were more likely to endorse mandatory HIV testing for anyone admitted to hospital. Results underscore the importance of implementing universal precautions in health-care settings and call attention to social and ethical issues associated with HIV/AIDS control and treatment in China.
Beta‐binomial ANOVA for multivariate randomized response data
Authors: Fox Jean‐Paul
Published: July 2007

There is much empirical evidence that randomized response methods improve the cooperation of the respondents when asking sensitive questions. The traditional methods for analysing randomized response data are restricted to univariate data and only allow inferences at the group level due to the randomized response sampling design. Here, a novel beta‐binomial model is proposed for analysing multivariate individual count data observed via a randomized response sampling design. This new model allows for the estimation of individual response probabilities (response rates) for multivariate randomized response data utilizing an empirical Bayes approach. A common beta prior specifies that individuals in a group are tied together and the beta prior parameters are allowed to be cluster‐dependent. A Bayes factor is proposed to test for group differences in response rates. An analysis of a cheating study, where 10 items measure cheating or academic dishonesty, is used to illustrate application of the proposed model.
Assessment of the potential for negative interaction between re-introduced elk (Cervus elaphus) and resident white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in their wintering areas in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Bellhouse Tim , Rosatte Rick
Published: July 2007

Attempts have been made to reintroduce elk (Cervus elaphus) in Ontario, Canada, since the early 1900's. These efforts are on-going and current plans are to establish viable elk populations in 6 pre-selected restoration sites in Ontario. Significant populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) exist in close proximity to some of the proposed restoration sites. Therefore a decision was made to assess the potential impact of restoring elk in white-tailed deer wintering areas in Ontario, prior to the release of elk. The primary concerns regarding white-tailed deer/elk competition are transmission of the meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) from white-tailed deer to elk and the winter carrying capacity of habitat where the restoration is to occur. A review of existing data revealed that significant winter concentrations of white-tailed deer do exist in the vicinity of the Haliburton Highlands elk release site in southern Ontario. However, that proposed release site is at least 10 km from white-tailed deer wintering areas and restrictive winters occur infrequently in that area. A review of the literature, as well as interviews with Provincial and State biologists and elk managers revealed that although there was anecdotal evidence of competition between elk and white-tailed deer in a few jurisdictions, there was neither quantitative nor qualitative data to support or refute those claims. However, as snow depths increase and elk switch to browse dominated diets, there is potential for white-tailed deer/elk competition for resources if sharing the same winter range, especially during severe winters. The chances that elk and white-tailed deer will share the same winter range will depend on where the released elk decide to settle for the winter, which may be influenced by availability of unused winter habitat and the quality of the available habitat. Therefore, elk will not be released directly into traditional white-tailed deer wintering areas in Ontario. A comprehensive research and monitoring program will be mandatory for future elk releases in Ontario.
Evolutionary and systematic relationships among tuco-tucos of the Ctenomys pundti
complex (Rodentia: Octodontidae): a cytogenetic and morphological approach
Authors: Tiranti Sergio I. , Dyzenchauz Fernando J. , Hasson Esteban R. , Massarini Alicia I.
Published: July 2007

We present new cytogenetic, morphometric, and sperm morphology data of
eight populations belonging to the C. pundti complex from Southern Córdoba
and Eastern La Pampa Provinces in Argentina. The diploid numbers ranged
from 2n = 44 to 2n = 50, and C- bands revealed a pattern of centromeric and
pericentromeric heterochromatin. Comparisons of G-banded karyotypes
revealed that the 2n = 44 (Holmberg, Santa Catalina, Sampacho), 2n = 46
(Realicó), 2n = 48 (El Guanaco, Guatraché), 2n = 46-48 (Vicuña Mackenna),
and 2n = 50 (Puente Olmos) karyotypes, are closely related. In addition, these
karyotypes show a high degree of homology (95%) with C. talarum talarum,
despite the fact that five chromosomal rearrangements differentiate both taxa.
Discriminant Function Analysis of morphometric data allows to distinguish
three clusters: i) the C. mendocinus species group, ii) C. t. talarum, and iii) populations
of the C. pundti complex proposed herein. The close phylogenetic
relationship between C. talarum and the C. pundti complex, which undoubtedly
belong to the same evolutionary lineage, is well supported by two different
kinds of evidence: the extensive chromosomal homology and the same
symmetric type of sperm. The morphological and chromosomal differences
show that these two forms have diverged recently.
Differential habitat use by two sympatric brocket deer species (Mazama americana
and M. gouazoubira) in a seasonal Chiquitano forest of Bolivia
Authors: Rivero Kathia , Rumiz Damián I. , Taber Andrew B.
Published: July 2007

A study of habitat use of two sympatric brocket deer species was conducted by
recording dung and tracks along 40 km trails cleared through four vegetation
types in the chaco-cerrado border of Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. Deer
signs of each species were characterized and discriminated by size and shape
and counted for each habitat (transitional chaco forest, chiquitano riverine
forest, chiquitano moist piedmont forest and cerrado open woodland) by
walking 180-km in the wet season and 90-km in the dry season. The four
habitats showed differences in vegetation structure and plant composition
(canopy height and cover, horizontal visibility, and fruit resources) as well as
frequency of signs for each brocket deer species. Although red brocket signs
were less abundant than gray brocket signs, for both species and in every habitat
we found consistently more tracks than dung in the wet season, and more
dung than tracks in the dry season. Dung and track counts indicated that gray
brockets were common and widespread in the four habitats, while reds
occurred mostly in piedmont and riverine forest. Daily activity hours
recorded by camera trapping showed that red brockets were active mostly
from sunset until sunrise (6 pm to 6 am: 87% of 32 events) and gray brockets
mostly in the morning (5 am to 10 am: 66% of 87 events). Patterns of habitat
use and daily activity suggest that these sympatric deer species segregate in
space and time. A comparative study of their diet, plus more behavioral data
from sympatric and allopatric situations are needed to better understand the
way in which deer may partition resources.
Dynamics of grouping patterns and social segregation in feral goats (Capra hircus) on the Isle of Rum, NW Scotland
Authors: Shi Jianbin , Dunbar Robin I. M. , Buckland David , Miller David
Published: July 2007

We investigated group size, grouping patterns and sexual segregation in feral
goats on the Isle of Rum (NW Scotland) from January 1981 to September
1982 and May to November 2000. A total of 7396 groups of feral goats were
recorded, comprising 30356 adult individuals and 13119 yearlings and kids.
The most commonly observed group size was 1-3 individuals. Mean group
size was larger in 2000 than in 1981-82, possibly reflecting an increase in
population size. In both study periods, group size varied throughout the year:
mean group size was smallest in late winter and early spring, and increased
through summer to reach a maximum during the August/September rutting
period. Mixed-sex groups were larger than single sex groups. Feral goats on
Rum showed obvious social segregation during late spring and summer
months (April to July) as demonstrated by a lower percentage of mixed-sex
groups, lower proportions of adult males and females observed in mixed-sex
groups and a higher social segregation coefficient in these months. The extent
to which the population became sexually segregated correlated most strongly
with daylength. This probably reflects the goats' pattern of habitat use during
foraging: large mixed sex parties, which use caves for overnight shelter, forage
slowly up the hill sides during the day, gradually dispersing more widely as
they go. In winter months, when days are short, the animals are able to move
less far, and so become less dispersed.
Influence of forest structure and composition on population density of the red slender loris Loris tardigradus tardigradus in Masmullah proposed forest reserve, Sri Lanka
Authors: Nekaris K. Anne-Isola , Liyanage Wasantha K. D. D. , Gamage Saman N.
Published: July 2007

Few studies address the influence of habitat disturbance on Sri Lanka's fauna,
including the endemic red slender loris Loris tardigradus tardigradus.
Masmullah Proposed Forest Reserve harbours one of few remaining red slender
loris populations, and is considered a "biodiversity hotspot". Using plotless
sampling, we sampled 387 trees to ascertain density, and to record traits influential
to loris presence. The most common tree species was Humboldtia laurifolia,
occurring at 676 trees/ha, with overall density at 1077 trees/ha.
Twenty-seven families belonging to 40 species were recorded, of which 45%
were endemic, 40% native, 7.5% introduced. Humboldtia laurifolia has a
mutualistic relationship with ants, providing abundant food for lorises.
Substrates available at 3.5 m (height preferred by lorises), were small (less
than 5 cm2), the size preferred by lorises. Vines and branches provided continuous
passage, and trees held a number of potential sleeping sites. The characteristics
of the forest are ideal for lorises, but the abundance of this habitat
as measured by basal area is small, typical of severe degradation associated
with chronic human disturbance. Continued illegal deforestation will impact
severely already fragmented loris populations.
Structure of the squirrel community in the Forêt des Abeilles, central Gabon: rediscovery and revalidation of Funisciurus duchaillui Sanborn, 1953
Authors: Brugière David , Fleury Marie-Claire , Colyn Marc
Published: July 2007

We examined the taxonomic status of Funisciurus duchaillui, an African
squirrel only known by its holotype collected in 1952 in southern Gabon and
subsequently put in synonymy with F. isabella. From 1993 to 1996 we collected
data on the squirrel community of a study site in central Gabon (ca.
100 km to the north of the locality where the duchaillui holotype was collected)
and we recorded the presence of an unidentified taxon. Using biometric
and phenotypic data on four collected specimens of this taxon along with
data on the vertical distribution, we concluded that: (i) the unidentified specimens
from the study site and the duchaillui holotype belong to the same
taxon; (ii) F. isabella and the duchaillui taxon are two different taxa and (iii)
F. duchaillui is a full species distributed in central and south Gabon and possibly
in southern Congo (Lékoumou region).
Activity rhythms, movements and patterns of sett use by badgers,Meles meles, in a Mediterranean woodland
Authors: Rosalino Luís M. , Macdonald David W. , Santos-Reis Margarida
Published: July 2007

Activity rhythms and movement patterns of Eurasian badgers (Meles melesLinnaeus, 1758) inhabiting a cork oak woodland in SW Portugal are described. Twenty months of radio-tracking data for six individuals are presented. Badgers showed crepuscular or nocturnal activity, generally starting after sunset and ending before sunrise, being active on average for 8.26 hours per day. There was some seasonal variation in these parameters, but there was no evidence of any effect due to sex or moonlight. Nevertheless, wind speed seems to be associated with wide-ranging movements. No significant correlation was found between the onset of activity and sunset or between cessation of activity and sunrise. On average, badgers travelled 4378 m per night. Males usually had more extensive movements than did females, probably because maternal behaviour restricted female ranging. The mean distance between setts used on consecutive days was 295 m, and differed seasonally, being greater in spring 2000/2001 and summer 2000. Badgers inhabiting the cork oak woodland of our study area revealed lower sett fidelity than reported for their northern counterparts, especially those of lowland England. Only on 36% of occasions did they come back to sleep in the same sett, with females returning more often to the same den. The mean number of consecutive days spent in a sett was higher in spring and lower in summer.
Asset Building in Rural Communities: The Experience of Individual Development Accounts*
Authors: Grinstein‐Weiss Michal , Charles Pajarita , Curley Jami
Published: July 2007

Abstract  This study examines the unique experiences of low‐income rural participants in an asset building program‐the Individual Development Account. Using data from the American Dream Demonstration, this study addresses three main questions: (1) What are the individual characteristics associated with saving outcomes among rural IDA participants? (2) What are the program characteristics associated with savings among rural participants? (3) What are the policy implications for supporting asset building in rural areas? To answer these questions we conduct an Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis. The results suggest that low‐income rural participants have the ability and willingness to save toward the accumulation of assets in IDAs. Looking at individual characteristics, home ownership appears to be an important predictor of savings. In addition, this study suggests that program characteristics (financial education, peer group meetings, match rate, direct deposit, and monthly saving target), not merely individual characteristics, are important in explaining saving performance for this group.
The Contours and Correlates of Informal Work in Rural Pennsylvania*
Authors: Slack Tim
Published: July 2007

Abstract Social scientists have increasingly come to recognize the informal economy as a prominent and permanent structural feature of modern society. Rural sociologists have made a considerable contribution to this literature, demonstrating informal work to factor prominently in the livelihood strategies of rural Americans. Despite this scholarly attention significant gaps persist in our understanding of the informal economy. Drawing on data from a survey of family households in nonmetropolitan Pennsylvania, this paper examines the contours and correlates of informal work. The results make a strong case that participation in informal work is widespread and most often combined with formal work as a household livelihood strategy. While income is not found to be a significant correlate of informal work, it is found to influence the reasons cited for participation. Important correlates of informal work are identified and differences in the factors associated with informal work done to generate income (cash or in‐kind) versus savings are revealed.
Specificity of the requirement for Foxo3 in primordial follicle activation
Authors: John George B , Shirley Lane J , Gallardo Teresa D , Castrillon Diego H
Published: July 2007

Primordial follicles are long-lived structures assembled early in life. The mechanisms that control the balance between the conservation and the activation of primordial follicles are critically important for fertility and dictate the onset of menopause. The forkhead transcription factor Foxo3 serves an essential role in these processes by suppressing the growth of primordial follicles, thereby preserving them until later in life. While other factors regulating primordial follicle growth have been described, most serve multiple functions at several stages of female germ cell or follicle development, and corresponding mouse mutants exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes with disruption of multiple stages of follicle assembly, development, or survival. To investigate the possibility that Foxo3 also functions in other aspects of ovarian development beyond its known role in primordial follicle activation (PFA), we performed detailed analyses of mouse ovaries including electron microscopy to study primordial follicle structure, assembly, and early growth. These analyses revealed that the timing of primordial follicle assembly, early oocyte survival, and the expression of early germ line markers were unaffected in early Foxo3 ovaries. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the phenotype associated with Foxo3 deficiency is remarkably specific for PFA and further support the placement of Foxo3 in a unique phenotypic class among mammalian female sterile mutants. Lastly, we discuss the implications of the specificity of this mutant phenotype with regard to the hypothesis that oocyte regeneration may occur in adults and serves as a means to replenish oocytes lost via natural physiological processes.
Intraluteal regulation of prostaglandin F2α-induced prostaglandin biosynthesis in pseudopregnant rabbits
Authors: Zerani M , Dall’Aglio C , Maranesi M , Gobbetti A , Brecchia G , Mercati F , Boiti C
Published: July 2007

The objective of the present study was to investigate in rabbit corpora lutea (CL), at both the cellular and molecular level, intraluteal cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2 and prostaglandin (PG) E2-9-ketoreductase (PGE2-9-K) enzymatic activities as well as in vitro PGE2 and PGF2α synthesis following PGF2α treatment at either early- (day-4) or mid-luteal (day-9) stage of pseudopregnancy. By immunohistochemistry, positive staining for COX-2 was localized in luteal and endothelial cells of stromal arteries at both the stages. In CL of both stages, basal COX-2 mRNA levels were poorly expressed, but rose (P < 0.01) 4- to 10-fold 1.5–6 h after treatment and then gradually decreased within 24 h. Compared to mid-stage, day-4 CL had lower (P < 0.01) COX-2 and PGE2-9-K basal activities, and PGF2α synthesis rate, but higher (P < 0.01) PGE2 production. Independent of luteal stage, PGF2α treatment did not affect COX-1 activity. In day-4 CL, PGF2α induced an increase (P < 0.01) in both COX-2 activity and PGF2α synthesis, whereas that of PGE2 remained unchanged. In day-9 CL, PGF2α up-regulated (P < 0.01) both COX-2 and PGE-9-K activities, and PGF2α production, but decreased (P < 0.01) PGE2 synthesis. All changes in gene expression and enzymatic activities occurred within 1.5 h after PGF2α challenge and were more marked in day-9 CL. Our data suggest that PGF2α directs intraluteal PG biosynthesis in mature CL, by affecting the CL biosynthetic machinery to increase the PGF2α synthesis in an auto-amplifying manner, with the activation of COX-2 and PGE-9-K; this may partly explain their differentially, age-dependent, luteolytic capacity to exogenous PGF2α in rabbits.
BAX regulates follicular endowment in mice
Authors: Greenfeld Chuck R , Pepling Melissa E , Babus Janice K , Furth Priscilla A , Flaws Jodi A
Published: July 2007

It is believed that the endowment of primordial follicles in mammalian ovaries is finite. Once follicles are depleted, infertility ensues. Thus, the size of the initial endowment has consequences for fertility and reproductive longevity. Follicular endowment is comprised of various processes that culminate with the incorporation of meiosis-arrested oocytes into primordial follicles. Apoptosis is prominent during follicular endowment, and apoptosis regulatory genes are involved in its regulation. Conflicting data exist with regard to the role of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX) in follicular endowment. Therefore, we investigated the role of BAX during follicular endowment in embryonic and neonatal ovaries. We found that BAX is involved in regulating follicular endowment in mice. Deletion of Bax yields increased oocyte numbers in embryonic ovaries and increased follicle numbers in neonatal ovaries when compared with wild-type ovaries. Increased follicular endowment in Bax−/−ovaries is not due to enhanced germ cell viability. Further, it is not due to an increased primordial germ cell (PGC) allotment, a delay in the onset of meiosis, or altered proliferative activity of oogonia. Instead, our data suggest that the regulatory activity of BAX in follicular endowment likely occurs during PGC migration, prior to PGC colonization of the gonad.
Physiological temperature variants and culture media modify meiotic progression and developmental potential of pig oocytes in vitro
Authors: Ye J , Coleman J , Hunter M G , Craigon J , Campbell K H S , Luck M R
Published: July 2007

Ovarian follicles in vivo are cooler than surrounding abdominal and ovarian tissues. This study investigated whether typical follicular temperatures influence the maturation and developmental potential of pig oocytes in vitro. Oocytes were synchronised at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage and incubated at 39, 37 or 35.5 °C. When compared with 39 °C, which is often used for in vitro studies, lower temperatures delayed spontaneous progression to the metaphase I and II (MI and MII) stages of meiosis. The MII was delayed by about 12 h per °C. All oocytes had normal morphology. Oocytes reaching GV breakdown (GVBD) at 39 °C were subsequently unaffected by cooling, demonstrating thermal sensitivity during the pre-GVBD stage only. Simultaneous assay of maturation-controlling kinases (maturation promoting factor (MPF) and MAPK) showed that cooling delayed kinase activation, provided it was applied prior to GVBD. Activity profiles remained coupled to the stage of meiosis. Neither enzyme was directly thermally sensitive over this temperature range. Following in vitro fertilisation, fewer blastocysts developed from embryos derived from 35.5 or 37 °C oocytes as compared with those from 39 °C oocytes. Manipulation of fertilisation timings to allow for delayed maturation showed that over-maturing or aging at lower temperatures compromises subsequent embryo development, despite normal nuclear maturation; the GV stage was again the thermally sensitive period. Cleavage rates were improved by the culture of oocytes with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at 37 but not at 35.5 °C. Inclusion of 20% follicular fluid in the oocyte medium restored the blastocyst rate to that seen at higher temperatures. Thus, FSH and follicular fluid may allow oocytes to achieve normal developmental potential at in vivo temperatures.
Estrogen receptor-α mediates estrogen-inducible abnormalities in the developing penis
Authors: Goyal H O , Braden T D , Cooke P S , Szewczykowski M A , Williams C S , Dalvi P , Williams J W
Published: July 2007

Previously, we reported an association between estrogen receptor-α (ERα) upregulation and detrimental effects of neonatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in the rat penis. The objective of this study was to employ the ERα knockout (ERαKO) mouse model to test the hypothesis that ERα mediates DES effects in the developing penis. ERαKO and wild-type C57BL/6 mice received oil or DES at a dose of 0.2 μg/pup per day (0.1 mg/kg) on alternate days from postnatal days 2 to 12. Fertility was tested at 80–240 days of age and tissues were examined at 96–255 days of age. DES caused malformation of the os penis, significant reductions in penile length, diameter, and weight, accumulation of fat cells in the corpora cavernosa penis, and significant reductions in weight of the bulbospongiosus and levator ani muscles in wild-type mice. Conversely, ERαKO mice treated with DES developed none of the above abnormalities. While nine out of ten male mice sired pups in the wild-type/control group, none did in the wild-type/DES group. ERαKO mice, despite normal penile development, are inherently infertile. Both plasma and intratesticular testosterone levels were unaltered in the DES-treated wild-type or DES-treated ERαKO mice when compared with controls, although testosterone concentration was much higher in the ERαKO mice. Hence, the resistance of ERαKO mice to developing penile abnormalities provides unequivocal evidence of an obligatory role for ERα in mediating the harmful effects of neonatal DES exposure in the developing penis.
Transfer of a Human Chromosomal Vector from a Hamster Cell Line to a Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Line
Authors: Paulis Marianna , Bensi Mirella , Orioli Donata , Mondello Chiara , Mazzini Giuliano , D'Incalci Maurizio , Falcioni Cristiano , Radaelli Enrico , Erba Eugenio , Raimondi Elena , De Carli Luigi
Published: July 2007

Two transchromosomic mouse embryonic stem (ES) sublines (ESMClox1.5 and ESMClox2.1) containing a human minichromosome (MC) were established from a sample of hybrid colonies isolated in fusion experiments between a normal diploid mouse ES line and a Chinese hamster ovary line carrying the MC. DNA cytometric and chromosome analyses of ESMClox1.5 and ESMClox2.1 indicated a mouse chromosome complement with a heteroploid constitution in a subtetraploid range; the karyotypes showed various degrees of polysomy for different chromosomes. A single copy of the MC was found in the majority of cells in all the isolated hybrid colonies and was stably maintained in the established sublines for more than 100 cell generations either with or without the selective agent. No significant differences from the ES parental cells were observed in growth characteristics of the transchromosomic ES sublines. ESMClox1.5 cells were unable to grow in soft agar; when cultured in hanging drops, they formed embryoid bodies, and when inoculated in nude mice, they produced teratomas. They were able to express the early development markers Oct4 and Nanog, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. All these features are in common with the ES parental line. Further research using the transchromosomic ES sublines described here may allow gene expression studies on transferred human minichromosomes and could shed light on the relationships among ploidy, pluripotency, cell transformation, and tumorigenesis.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Wound Healing Through Differentiation and Angiogenesis
Authors: Wu Yaojiong , Chen Liwen , Scott Paul G. , Tredget Edward E.
Published: July 2007

Although chronic wounds are common, treatment for these disabling conditions remains limited and largely ineffective. In this study, we examined the benefit of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in wound healing. Using an excisional wound splinting model, we showed that injection around the wound and application to the wound bed of green fluorescence protein (GFP)+ allogeneic BM-MSCs significantly enhanced wound healing in normal and diabetic mice compared with that of allogeneic neonatal dermal fibroblasts or vehicle control medium. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of cells derived from the wound for GFP-expressing BM-MSCs indicated engraftments of 27% at 7 days, 7.6% at 14 days, and 2.5% at 28 days of total BM-MSCs administered. BM-MSC-treated wounds exhibited significantly accelerated wound closure, with increased re-epithelialization, cellularity, and angiogenesis. Notably, BM-MSCs, but not CD34+ bone marrow cells in the wound, expressed the keratinocyte-specific protein keratin and formed glandular structures, suggesting a direct contribution of BM-MSCs to cutaneous regeneration. Moreover, BM-MSC-conditioned medium promoted endothelial cell tube formation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis revealed high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1 in BM-MSCs and significantly greater amounts of the proteins in BM-MSC-treated wounds. Thus, our data suggest that BM-MSCs promote wound healing through differentiation and release of proangiogenic factors.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Limitations of Green Fluorescent Protein as a Cell Lineage Marker
Authors: Swenson E. Scott , Price Joanna G. , Brazelton Timothy , Krause Diane S.
Published: July 2007

The enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter has been widely adopted for tracking cell lineage. Here, we compare three transgenic mouse strains in which GFP is considered “ubiquitously expressed,” with the GFP transgene under control of the chicken β-actin (CBA) or human ubiquitin C (UBC) promoter. We compared the expression of GFP using flow cytometry, direct tissue fluorescence, and immunostaining with multiple commercially available anti-GFP antibodies. Mice of CBA-GFP strain 1Osb have strong but variegated expression of GFP in adult liver, kidney, small intestine, and blood. Mice of CBA-GFP strain Y01 have the highest proportion of GFP-positive peripheral blood cells yet limited GFP expression in liver, intestine, and kidney. UBC-GFP mice express GFP only weakly in solid organs and variably in blood. Direct fluorescent detection of GFP in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections was the simplest approach, but it was useful only in high-expressing strains and potentially subject to artifact because of tissue autofluorescence. Immunofluorescence using either primary goat or primary rabbit antibodies was much more sensitive and allowed better discrimination of authentic signal from autofluorescence. Immunohistochemical staining was less sensitive than direct fluorescence or immunofluorescence and was subject to false-positive signal in the small intestine. In conclusion, there is considerable variability of expression within and between GFP transgenic strains. None of the tested strains gave truly ubiquitous GFP expression. A detailed analysis of GFP expression in one's tissues of interest must guide the choice of reporter mouse strain when GFP is used as a marker of cell lineage or donor origin.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.