bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on the Public Administration Paradigm Change in the Last Decade’s Publications
Authors: Domarkas Vladislavas
Published: December 2011

The dominant attitudes of public administration paradigm change and reasons of this change are presented in this article on the base of analysis of recent scientific publications. The materials of well-known international journals and other publications in public administration, as well as materials of global forums on reinventing government were used for analysis. It is emphasized, that previously widely used notions "New Public Administration" and "New Public Management" lately were partially changed by the notion of "New Governance" and its variations "Good Governance" and "Collaborative Governance". However, spread of these notions is not large and for analysis of public administration development problems sometimes it is more preferable to use notions which describe concrete aspects of public administration. It is argued that a great impact to the further development of contemporary public administration has globalization, spread of information technologies, training the next generation of leaders and so on.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.10.1.224
Problems of the Education System Development of Ukraine in Times of Crisis
Authors: Lunyachek Vadim
Published: December 2011

The article aims to discuss the processes of education system development in Ukraine in times of economic andpolitical crisis. The given material will help to under-stand the situation existing in all branches of education: secondary, vocational and higher education. Great attention has been paid to the necessity of cardinal changes in adminis-tration of the field for improvement of the general situation in Ukraine. The reasonability of the implementation of the external independent evaluation of higher educational institu-tions^ graduates has been ascertained. The author has proved the necessity for the principal reformation of the vocational education system. The ways to Ukraine's observance of the Bologna Process agreements have been suggested.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.10.1.229
Integration of Non EU National Scholars in Lithuanian Universities
Authors: Matonyte Irmina , Klementjeviene Ana
Published: December 2011

The paper analyzes integration experience of foreign researchers (non EU nationals) in Lithuanian universities. The paper assesses openness and engagement of Lithuanian public institutions and universities towards highly skilled foreign specialists. The analytical framework distinguishes three levels of factors which contribute to the success of integration: macro level (state) factors such as social structure, institutional design and regulations, cultural attitudes and traditions; mezzo level (university) factors such as infra-structure, competences, organizational visions and expectations of the leadership and the staff and micro level (individual) factors such as personality traits, professional experience and family circumstances of the immigrant scholars.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.10.1.230
On Relationships between Municipal and Non-governmental Organisations in Lithuania
Authors: Guogis Arvydas , Stasiukynas Andrius
Published: December 2011

This article analyses the problems of relationships between Lithuanian municipalities and non-governmental organisations in two Lithuanian municipalities. Aiming to disclose the problems of interaction between Vilnius city and Ukmergė district municipalities and non-governmental organizations, the authors have carried out three surveys based on in-depth interviews and "participatory" research. The article not only proves the insufficient level of social capital at the interaction of municipalities and non-governmental organizations, but also presents the measures to improve it by promoting higher level of interaction, enhancing the potential of non-governmental organisations, and reducing the asymmetrical information, which means uneven and unfair distribution of information from the ruling elite disposing information. In many ways asymmetrical information creates disproportional power relations and increases unnecessary transactional costs. Asymmetrical information was a greaterproblem in Ukmergė district than in Vilnius city.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.10.1.233
Preparation of DNA Containing 5‐Hydroxymethyl‐2′‐Deoxycytidine Modification Through Phosphoramidites with TBDMS as 5‐Hydroxymethyl Protecting Group
Authors: Dai Qing , He Chuan
Published: December 2011

This unit describes procedures for preparation of two phosphoramidite building blocks III and IV, both containing a TBDMS as 5‐CH2OH‐protecting group. Phosphoramidites III and IV allow efficient incorporation of 5‐hmC into DNA and a “one‐step” deprotection procedure to cleanly remove all the protecting groups. A “two‐step” deprotection strategy is compatible with ultramild DNA synthesis, which enables the synthesis of 5hmC‐containing DNA with additional modifications. Methods are also presented for their incorporation into oligonucleotides by solid‐phase synthesis, subsequent deprotection, and HPLC analysis. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 47:4.47.1‐4.47.18. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative CH Bond Acylation of Acetanilides with Benzylic Alcohols
Authors: Yuan Yu , Chen Duanteng , Wang Xiaowei
Published: December 2011

An efficient and clean method to construct CC bonds has been developed via the acylation reaction of acetanilides with benzylic alcohols using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant catalyzed by palladium acetate in the presence of triflic acid (TfOH). The acylation reactions exhibit excellent reactivities, and up to 95% yield of the corresponding aryl ketone could be obtained under the optimal conditions.
Synthesis of α‐Arylphosphonates using Copper‐Catalyzed α‐Arylation and Deacylative α‐Arylation of β‐Ketophosphonates
Authors: Rout Laxmidhar , Regati Sridhar , Zhao Cong‐Gui
Published: December 2011

Efficient methods for the direct arylation and deacylative arylation of β‐ketophosphonates with iodoarenes in presence of a copper(I) or a copper(II) salt as the catalysts have been developed. The corresponding α‐arylphosphonates were obtained in high yields. A tentative mechanism for the deacylative arylation reaction was proposed on the basis of the experimental data.
Sodium Borohydride‐Nickel Chloride‐Methanol Catalytic System for Regioselective Reduction of Electron‐Rich Conjugated Dienes and Reductive Cleavage of Allyl Esters Involving π‐Allylnickel Intermediates
Authors: Yin Biao‐Lin , Cai Cong‐Bi , Lai Jin‐Qiang , Zhang Ze‐Ren , Huang Li , Xu Li‐Wen , Jiang Huan‐Feng
Published: December 2011

The regioslective reduction of electron‐rich dienes to monoolefins and the reductive cleavage of allyl esters were fulfilled by employing a sodium borohydride‐nickel chloride‐methanol catalytic system with exceedingly simple manipulations and high functional group tolerability. Both of the reductive reactions may involve π‐allylnickel intermediates generated from fresh nickel boride.
Changing the Palladium Coordination to Phosphinoimidazolines with a Remote Triazole Substituent
Authors: de la Fuente Verónica , Marcos Rocío , Cambeiro Xacobe C. , Castillón Sergio , Claver Carmen , Pericàs Miquel A.
Published: December 2011

Phosphinoimidazoline (PHIM) ligands bearing a triazolylmethyl substituent at the sp3 nitrogen atom in the imidazoline ring lead to highly improved enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) in allylic substitution reactions with respect to analogous ligands with substituents lacking the triazole unit. NMR and theoretical studies support a shift in the coordination mode of the PHIM ligand to palladium, triggered by a very favourable interaction with the triazole unit.
Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dairy workers
Authors: Patil Anuja , Rosecrance John , Douphrate David , Gilkey David
Published: December 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among dairy workers.

Methods

Sixty‐six dairy parlor workers and 58 non‐parlor workers at dairies in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado participated in structured interviews regarding demographics, work history, and hand symptoms. All participants had nerve conduction studies performed on both hands across the carpal tunnel. A CTS case definition was based on the presence of characteristic CTS symptoms and an abnormal median mononeuropathy across the carpal tunnel.

Results

The prevalence of CTS among the dairy parlor workers was 16.6% and 3.6% among non‐parlor workers. The difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) with an odds ratio of 5.3, CI (1.1–25.5).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that CTS is a significant challenge for dairy parlor workers. The prevalence of CTS was found to be significantly higher among dairy workers performing tasks in the milking parlor as opposed to workers performing tasks in other areas of the dairy farm. The results emphasize the need for administrative and engineering controls to limit the exposure to physical risk factors that are associated with upper limb disorders such as CTS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:127–135, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Valproate‐Loaded hydrogel nanoparticles: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Hamidi Mehrdad , Azadi Amir , Mohamadi‐Samani Soleiman , Rafiei Pedram , Ashrafi Hajar
Published: December 2011

Developing a simple and efficient approach to formulate biodegradable nanoparticles for intravenous delivery of sodium valproate (a hydrophilic small molecule drug chronically used in epileptic patients), is the principal objective of the current study. To fabricate particles via ionotropic gelation approach, a polycation polymer (chitosan) along with a polyanion (tripolyphosphate) was utilized in the presence of sodium valproate, and the Taguchi experimental design method was drawn upon so as to determine the optimum conditions of nanoparticle generation. In the following step, the researchers investigated sodium valproate‐loaded nanoparticles to explore various features of the nanoparticles including drug loading parameters, particle size distribution, zeta‐potential, morphology, stability, yield, and in vitro drug release profile. Nanoparticles with sizes of 63 ± 1 nm (number‐based) and 79 ± 3.21 (volume‐based) were obtained with slightly negative zeta–potential, which was more positive in drug‐loaded nanoparticles than the unloaded ones. The TEM imaging of the hydrogel nanoparticles manifested spherical shapes and corroborated the size achieved via particle size analyzer. The loading efficiency, loading amount, and loading ratio were determined to be 21.81 ± 3.90%, 10.31 ± 1.82 (mg sodium valproate/g nanoparticle) and 23.70 ± 4.54%, respectively, in optimum conditions. Moreover, there was observed a gradual drug release for nearly a week consisting, in average, about 94.64 ± 2.71% of the nanoparticles' drug content. In a nutshell, the present study introduces a practical, simple, and effective ionotropic gelation approach to generate sodium valproate‐loaded nanoparticles, leaving open a window of promising prospects in the field of intravenous long‐term delivery of this chronically used drug. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Using genomics for birth defects epidemiology: Can epigenetics cut the GxE gordian knot?
Authors: Friedman Jan M.
Published: December 2011

Most birth defects are etiologically complex disorders caused by combinations of genetic and environmental factors, but most studies of birth defect etiology have examined only genetic factors or only environmental factors and have not considered interactions among them. Genome‐wide epigenetic studies, which use the same genomic technologies that have revolutionized our ability to identify genetic causes of disease, provide an attractive way to study gene‐environment interactions. However, finding an association between epigenetic variation and an etiologically complex birth defect without knowledge of the genetic variation and environmental exposures affecting the individuals who were studied usually provides little or no information regarding the cause of the disorder. In order for genome‐wide studies of epigenetic variation to contribute to our understanding of the causes of birth defects, these studies must be combined with studies of environmental exposures and studies of genetic variation in the same subjects. Under such circumstances, epigenetic studies may help to establish the molecular basis for gene‐environment interactions. © Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Conformational Analysis of Efrapeptins
Authors: Weigelt Sven , Huber Thomas , Hofmann Frank , Jost Micha , Ritzefeld Markus , Luy Burkhard , Freudenberger Christoph , Majer Zsuzsanna , Vass Elemér , Greie Jörg‐Christian , Panella Lavinia , Kaptein Bernard , Broxterman Quirinus B. , Kessler Horst , Altendorf Karlheinz , Hollósi Miklós , Sewald Norbert
Published: December 2011

The efrapeptin family of peptide antibiotics produced by the fungus Tolypocladium niveum, and the neo‐efrapeptins from the fungus Geotrichum candidumare inhibitors of F1‐ATPase with promising antitumor, antimalaria, and insecticidal activity. They are rich in Cα‐dialkyl amino acids (Aib, Iva, Acc) and contain one β‐alanine and several pipecolic acid residues. The C‐terminus bears an unusual heterocyclic cationic cap. The efrapeptins C–G and three analogues of efrapeptin C were synthesized using α‐azido carboxylic acids as masked amino acid derivatives. All compounds display inhibitory activity toward F1‐ATPase. The conformation in solution of the peptides was investigated with electronic CD spectroscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and VCD spectroscopy. All efrapeptins and most efrapeptin analogues were shown to adopt helical conformations in solution. In the case of efrapeptin C, VCD spectra proved that a 310‐helix prevails. In addition, efrapeptin C was conformationally studied in detail with NMR and molecular modeling. Besides NOE distance restraints, residual dipolar couplings (RDC) observed upon partial alignment with stretched PDMS gels were used for the conformational analysis and confirmed the 310‐helical conformation.
Aurophilicity versus Mercurophilicity: Impact of d10–d10 Metallophilic Interactions on the Structure of Metal‐Rich Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Vreshch Volodimir , Shen Wenting , Nohra Brigitte , Yip Sung‐Kong , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah , Lescop Christophe , Réau Régis
Published: December 2011

Treatment of U‐shaped, binuclear CuI complexes 1,1′ (1, counterion: BF4−; 1′, counterion: PF6−) with metal cyanide linear linkers K[Au(CN)2] (3) and Hg(CN)2 (4) lead to formation of new supramolecular assemblies 5,5′ and 6,6′, respectively, in good yield. These derivatives have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, IR, and X‐ray diffraction studies. Derivative 5,5′ are supramolecular metallacycles in which intramolecular aurophilic interactions between the AuI metal centers of the linkers are observed. Derivative 5 crystallizes as a single solid phase, whereas derivative 5′ is characterized in the solid state as four different pseudo‐polymorphs (5′a–d). Notably in the case of phase 5′d, a dimer of supramolecular metallacycles bounded by intermolecular aurophilic interactions is formed. Conversely, derivatives 6,6′ present large structural diversity depending on the nature of the counterion. Derivative 6 is a supramolecular rectangle in which the HgII–HgII metal distance suggests mercurophilic interaction, whereas 6′ crystallizes as two different pseudo‐polymorphs 6′a,b, that is, a one‐dimensional coordination polymer and one oligomer with no short HgII–HgII metal contacts, respectively. In derivatives 6,6′, short contacts between the HgII metal centers and fluorine atoms of the counterions are also observed, which may explain the counterion structural dependence of these supramolecular assemblies based on HgII metal cyanide linker. Comparison of the different solid‐state structures characterized highlights the importance of weak secondary interactions between the linkers for the formation supramolecular metallacycles from molecular clips 1,1′ and suggests the range of energies required for these interactions to form metallacycles and to induce self‐aggregation.
Free‐Standing Arrays of Isolated TiO2 Nanotubes through Supercritical Fluid Drying
Authors: Deneault James R. , Xiao Xiaoyin , Kang Tae‐Sik , Wang Joanna S. , Wai Chien M. , Brown Gail J. , Durstock Michael F.
Published: December 2011

A common complication in fabricating arrays of TiO2 nanotubes is that they agglomerate into tightly packed bundles during the inevitable solvent evaporation step. This problem is particularly acute for template‐fabricated TiO2 nanotubes, as the geometric tunability of this technique enables relatively large inter‐pore spacings or, from another perspective, more space for lateral displacement. Our work showed that agglomeration results from the surface tension forces that are present as the ambient solvent is evaporated from the nanotube film. Herein, we report a processing and fabrication approach that utilizes supercritical fluid drying (CO2) to prepare arrays of template‐fabricated TiO2 nanotubes that are free‐standing and spatially isolated. This approach could be beneficial to many emerging technologies, such as solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells and vertically‐oriented carbon nanotube electrodes.
Heritability of volumetric brain changes and height in children entering puberty
Authors: van Soelen Inge L.C. , Brouwer Rachel M. , van Baal G. Caroline M. , Schnack Hugo G. , Peper Jiska S. , Chen Lei , Kahn René S. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Pol Hilleke E. Hulshoff
Published: December 2011

The human brain undergoes structural changes in children entering puberty, while simultaneously children increase in height. It is not known if brain changes are under genetic control, and whether they are related to genetic factors influencing the amount of overall increase in height. Twins underwent magnetic resonance imaging brain scans at age 9 (N = 190) and 12 (N = 125). High heritability estimates were found at both ages for height and brain volumes (49–96%), and high genetic correlation between ages were observed (rg > 0.89). With increasing age, whole brain (+1.1%), cerebellum (+4.2%), cerebral white matter (+5.1%), and lateral ventricle (+9.4%) volumes increased, and third ventricle (−4.0%) and cerebral gray matter (−1.6%) volumes decreased. Children increased on average 13.8 cm in height (9.9%). Genetic influences on individual difference in volumetric brain and height changes were estimated, both within and across traits. The same genetic factors influenced both cerebral (20% heritable) and cerebellar volumetric changes (45%). Thus, the extent to which changes in cerebral and cerebellar volumes are heritable in children entering puberty are due to the same genes that influence change in both structures. The increase in height was heritable (73%), and not associated with cerebral volumetric change, but positively associated with cerebellar volume change (rp = 0.24). This association was explained by a genetic correlation (rg = 0.48) between height and cerebellar change. Brain and body each expand at their own pace and through separate genetic pathways. There are distinct genetic processes acting on structural brain development, which cannot be explained by genetic increase in height. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinally guided level sets for consistent tissue segmentation of neonates
Authors: Wang Li , Shi Feng , Yap Pew‐Thian , Lin Weili , Gilmore John H. , Shen Dinggang
Published: December 2011

Quantification of brain development as well as disease‐induced pathologies in neonates often requires precise delineation of white matter, grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid. Unlike adults, tissue segmentation in neonates is significantly more challenging due to the inherently lower tissue contrast. Most existing methods take a voxel‐based approach and are limited to working with images from a single time‐point, even though longitudinal scans are available. We take a different approach by taking advantage of the fact that the pattern of the major sulci and gyri are already present in the neonates and generally preserved but fine‐tuned during brain development. That is, the segmentation of late‐time‐point image can be used to guide the segmentation of neonatal image. Accordingly, we propose a novel longitudinally guided level‐sets method for consistent neonatal image segmentation by combining local intensity information, atlas spatial prior, cortical thickness constraint, and longitudinal information into a variational framework. The minimization of the proposed energy functional is strictly derived from a variational principle. Validation performed on both simulated and in vivo neonatal brain images shows promising results. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body mass index correlates negatively with white matter integrity in the fornix and corpus callosum: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Xu Jiansong , Li Yang , Lin Haiqun , Sinha Rajita , Potenza Marc N.
Published: December 2011

Overweight or obese body habitus is associated with cognitive deficits, impaired brain function, gray matter atrophy, and white matter (WM) hyperintensities. However, few diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have assessed WM integrity in relation to overweight or obese status. This study assessed relationships between body mass index (BMI) and values of DTI parameters among 51 normal weight (lean), overweight, and obese participants who were otherwise healthy. BMI correlated negatively with fractional anisotropy and axial eigenvalues (λ1) in the body of corpus callosum (CC), positively with mean diffusivity and radial eigenvalues (λ⟂) in the fornix and splenium of CC, and positively with λ1 in the right corona radiata (CR) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). These data indicate that BMI correlates negatively with WM integrity in the fornix and CC. Furthermore, the different patterns of BMI‐related differences in DTI parameters at the fornix, body, and splenium of the CC, and the right CR and SLF suggest that different biological processes may underlie BMI‐related impairments of WM integrity in different brain regions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
White matter structures associated with emotional intelligence: Evidence from diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Takeuchi Hikaru , Taki Yasuyuki , Sassa Yuko , Hashizume Hiroshi , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Nagase Tomomi , Nouchi Rui , Fukushima Ai , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: December 2011

Previous studies of brain lesions, functional activity, and gray matter structures have suggested that emotional intelligence (EI) is associated with regions involved in the network of social cognition (SCN) and in somatic marker circuitry (SMC). Our new study is the first to investigate the association between white matter (WM) integrity and EI. We examined this relationship in the brain of healthy young adult men [n= 74, mean age = 21.5 years, standard deviation (SD) = 1.6] and women (n= 44, mean age = 21.9 years, SD = 1.4). We performed a voxel‐based analysis of fractional anisotropy, which is an indicator of WM integrity, using diffusion tensor imaging and used a questionnaire (EI Scale) for measuring EI to identify the correlation of WM integrity with individual EI factor (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and situation management factors). Our results showed that (a) the intrapersonal factor of EI was positively correlated with WM integrity in the right anterior insula, and (b) the interpersonal factor of EI was associated with WM integrity in a part of the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). The right anterior insula is one of the important nodes of the SMC, whereas the ILF connects the visual cortex and areas related to SCN, and thus, is a part of the SCN. Our findings further support the notion that the brain regions involved in the SCN and in the SMC are associated with EI. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uncovering the secrets of the twenty‐first‐century organization
Authors: Sinha Neena , Kakkar N. K. , Gupta Vikas
Published: December 2011

What will shape the organizations of the future? This article presents an eight‐level model that describes past, present, and future modes of operating and deals with the sources of power in an organization, the way that it is structured, how leadership style has changed, the role of stakeholders, the changing face of competition, the importance of creativity, teamwork, and the shifting nature of supply and demand. To keep up with the rapid pace of developments in these areas, today's business leaders need to have the courage to embrace new ways of thinking about shareholders, customers, and employees. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Process informatics tools for predictive modeling: Hydrogen combustion
Authors: You Xiaoqing , Packard Andrew , Frenklach Michael
Published: December 2011

Predictive modeling of chemical reaction systems is facilitated through development of an automated data‐centric infrastructure, Process Informatics Model (PrIMe). Modeling and analysis tools were built to bridge the PrIMe Data infrastructure with DataCollaboration, a framework designed to make inferences from experimental observations in the context of an underlying model. The developed tools were integrated with the PrIMe Workflow Application, allowing users to create and run drag‐and‐drop applications on the fly. Organizing the data, linking the data to scientific methods, and automating the analysis offer new venues of scientific inquiry, such as evaluating the consistency of heterogeneous data records, making uncertainty‐quantified predictions, quantifying the contribution of newly obtained or even hypothetical data to the question of interest, or testing similar “what–if” scenarios. The developed system is demonstrated for the chemical kinetics of hydrogen combustion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 101–116, 2012
Isochromosome 17q, MYC amplification and large cell/anaplastic phenotype in a case of medullomyoblastoma with extracranial metastases
Authors: Wright Karen D. , von der Embse Kendra , Coleman Jamie , Patay Zoltan , Ellison David W. , Gajjar Amar
Published: December 2011

Medullomyoblastoma (MMB) is a rare variant of medulloblastoma, a member of the family of central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumors. The outcome of standard therapy for CNS embryonal tumors is often unpredictable in the setting of MMB. Here, we present the clinical course and treatment of an almost 4‐year‐old girl with MMB that was characterized by MYC amplification, isochromosome 17q and large cell/anaplastic histopathology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:561–564. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinal Strain Dependent Variation of Poisson’s Ratio for HTPB Based Solid Rocket Propellants in Uni‐axial Tensile Testing
Authors: Shekhar Himanshu , Sahasrabudhe Anil D.
Published: December 2011

Poisson’s ratio of HTPB based composite propellant is estimated at break using double dumbbell specimens as per ASTM D638 Type IV standard and its value obtained by change in the volume of specimens is calculated as approximately 0.25. This major finding contradicts the behaviour of solid rocket propellants in respect of Poisson’s ratio, which is reported to be 0.5. Further, Poisson’s ratio varies almost linearly with strain even in linear portion of stress‐strain curve in uni‐axial tensile testing as per theoretical calculations. It must be noted that no change in volume does not necessarily indicate constant Poisson’s ratio equal to 0.5. SEM scan indicates that the rate of reduction of Poisson’s ratio with longitudinal strain accelerates after dewetting due to the formation of vacuoles. Bilinear variation of Poisson’s ratio with longitudinal strain is observed. One slope is valid in pre‐dewetting region, calculated from close form solution and other slope is valid for post‐dewetting region, which is measured at break. Measurement of Poisson’s ratio at various longitudinal strains indicates uni‐linear variation and not a bilinear variation with a kink.

It is also observed that Poisson’s ratio is different along different lateral directions of the propellant specimen. Poisson’s ratio in two orthogonal directions perpendicular to longitudinal axis is calculated as 0.17 and 0.30. As ASTM Specimen has rectangular cross‐section of approximate size 6×4 mm, the directional behavior of Poisson’s ratio may be attributed to initial dimensions. Prismatic propellant specimen with square cross‐section of 115×6×6 mm dimension do not show any variation in respect of Young’s modulus, tensile strength and percentage elongation as compared to ASTM specimen. Directional behavior of Poisson’s ratio with almost similar numerical value is again observed, thus ruling out dependence of this behavior on different initial dimensions of propellant cross‐section. The propellant slurry flow during vacuum casting, directional curing and orientation of specimen with respect to web of the cast propellant are mainly responsible for this directional behaviour of Poisson’s ratio for the composite propellants. Composite propellants behave as compressible material in most of the region and near failure region or at higher strains; Poisson’s ratio is not anywhere close to 0.5, instead it is close to 0.25.
Goos–Hänchen shifts of the reflected waves from the inhomogeneous slab with a positive and negative index transition layer
Authors: Mao Hongmin , Zang Taocheng , Sun Jian , Pan Tao , Xu Guoding
Published: December 2011

Goos–Hänchen (GH) shifts of the reflected waves through a transition layer where both the dielectric permittivity ε and magnetic permeability µ change linearly from positive to negative values are investigated. Based on invariant imbedding approach and the stationary‐phase method, the differential equations for the reflection and transmission coefficients are obtained. We demonstrate numerically the dependence of the shifts on the angle of incidence and the inhomogeneous slab's thickness. The results show that the GH shifts are sensitive to the angle of incidence in a specific thickness. Different thickness of media can result in the different dependences of the shifts on the angle of incidence. At the positions where ε or µ is zero, due to the resonant effect, the GH shifts can be greatly enhanced.
Dynamic subsurface explosive vapor concentrations: Observations and implications
Authors: Kram Mark L. , Morris Peter M. , Everett Lorne G.
Published: December 2011

Conventional vapor intrusion characterization efforts can be challenging due to background indoor air constituents, preferential subsurface migration pathways, sampling access, and collection method limitations. While it has been recognized that indoor air concentrations are dynamic, until recently it was assumed by many practitioners that subsurface concentrations did not vary widely over time. Newly developed continuous monitoring platforms have been deployed to monitor subsurface concentrations of methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, total volatile organic constituents, and atmospheric pressure. These systems have been integrated with telemetry, geographical information systems, and geostatistical algorithms for automatically generating two‐ and three‐dimensional contour images and time‐stamped renderings and playback loops of sensor attributes, and multivariate analyses through a cloud‐based project management platform. The objectives at several selected sites included continuous monitoring of vapor concentrations and related physical parameters to understand explosion risks over space and time and to then design a long‐term risk reduction strategy. High‐frequency data collection, processing, and automated visualization have resulted in greater understanding of natural processes, such as dynamic contaminant vapor intrusion risk conditions potentially influenced by localized barometric pumping. For instance, contemporaneous changes in methane, oxygen, and atmospheric pressure values suggest there is interplay and that vapor intrusion risk may not be constant. As a result, conventional single‐event and composite assessment technologies may not be capable of determining worst‐case risk scenarios in all cases, possibly leading to misrepresentation of receptor and explosion risks. While dynamic risk levels have been observed in several initial continuous monitoring applications, questions remain regarding whether these situations represent special cases and how best to determine when continuous monitoring should be required. Results from a selected case study are presented and implications derived. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concentrated ownership and firm performance: does family control matter?
Authors: Singal Manisha , Singal Vijay
Published: December 2011

In developed markets including the United States, family‐controlled firms, in particular founder‐controlled firms, have been associated with higher firm performance than their nonfamily counterparts. Such family‐controlled firms have concentrated ownership, which, according to agency theory, reduces agency costs and leads to superior firm value. Extant research, however, is not clear whether it is the family control or concentrated ownership that bestows the advantages that lead to enhanced firm performance. By examining different types of concentrated ownership, this study evaluates whether family ownership adds value beyond that provided by concentrated ownership. Based on analyses of panel data from the Indian corporate sector, we find that, in general, firms with concentrated ownership outperform firms with dispersed ownership. Surprisingly, and more importantly, however, we find there are no significant performance differences among family‐controlled firms and firms controlled by either foreign corporations or the state. This result is consistent with the notion that concentrated ownership, not family control, is a key determinant of firm performance. Copyright © 2011 Strategic Management Society.
Promoting minority success in the sciences: The minority opportunities in research programs at CSULA
Authors: Slovacek Simeon , Whittinghill Jonathan , Flenoury Laura , Wiseman David
Published: December 2011

Given the large continued investment by the federal government in programs that promote academic success and the pursuit of advanced degrees in the sciences among members groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, there is a strong need for research which provides rigorous investigations of these programs and their impact on the target population. The current study examines programs funded by the National Institutes of Health Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) Division Office intended to address this underrepresentation at a minority serving comprehensive university. Academic outcomes, including college graduation and acceptance into graduate programs, among undergraduate program participants are compared against a propensity score matched comparison group. Results indicate that students supported by the MORE programs had higher GPAs at graduation, took less time to graduate, and were more likely to both graduate with a science degree and enter Master's and doctoral programs in the sciences. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 199–217, 2012
Daily Intake of Cod or Salmon for 2 Weeks Decreases the 18:1n‐9/18:0 Ratio and Serum Triacylglycerols in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Telle‐Hansen Vibeke H. , Larsen Laila N. , Høstmark Arne T. , Molin Marianne , Dahl Lisbeth , Almendingen Kari , Ulven Stine M.
Published: December 2011

Intake of fish and omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids is associated with a reduced concentration of plasma triacylglycerols (TAG) but the mechanisms are not fully clarified. Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1) activity, governing TAG synthesis, is affected by n‐3 fatty acids. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) display expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to estimate whether intake of lean and fatty fish would influence n‐3 fatty acids composition in plasma phospholipids (PL), serum TAG, 18:1n‐9/18:0 ratio in plasma PL, as well as PBMC gene expression of SCD1 and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Healthy males and females (n = 30), aged 20–40, consumed either 150 g of cod, salmon, or potato (control) daily for 15 days. During intervention docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) increased in the cod group (P < 0.05), while TAG concentration decreased (P < 0.05). In the salmon group both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3) and DHA increased (P < 0.05) whereas TAG concentration and the 18:1n‐9/18:0 ratio decreased (P < 0.05). Reduction of the 18:1n‐9/18:0 ratio was associated with a corresponding lowering of TAG (P < 0.05) and an increase in EPA and DHA (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of SCD1 and FAS in PBMC were not significantly altered after intake of cod or salmon when compared with the control group. In conclusion, both lean and fatty fish may lower TAG, possibly by reducing the 18:1n‐9/18:0 ratio related to allosteric inhibition of SCD1 activity, rather than by influencing the synthesis of enzyme protein.
Acute Pancreatitis Induced by an Obstructing Left Ureteric Calculus
Authors: Dospinescu C. , Lam T.B.L. , Kurban L. , Cohen N.P. , Swami S.K.
Published: December 2011

A 55-year-old woman with acute left-sided renal colic developed acute focal pancreatitis secondary to perinephric inflammation caused by an obstructive 6 mm left upper ureteric calculus.
Missing the multiple dimensions of water? Neoliberal modernization in Mexico City and Buenos Aires
Authors: Romero Lankao Patricia
Published: December 2011

Private participation in the management of water and sanitation has been firmly promoted and concentrated in a handful of countries and their urban centers. Latin America became one of the main recipients of investment in infrastructure projects involving private participation. However, private participation has accomplished neither the scale nor the benefits anticipated by its promoters. Not only have water and sanitation received only a tiny part of the total investment. These reforms and the theories from which they draw have failed to improve water sustainability and associated social values in urban areas of Latin America. This paper combines a theoretical framework drawing on neoliberalism with evidence from Mexico City and Buenos Aires to explore and reflect on some of the reasons why private participation has neither fulfilled its promoters’ expectations nor improved the multiple dimensions of urban water system management. It finds that the main outcomes of the neoliberal water reform were economic (improvements in registered connection and billing). Yet, other dimensions of water such as overexploitation and contamination (environmental value), unequal access to water, and fragmented and weak institutional settings (political dimension) remain. The main lesson from the reform is that the multiple values of water cannot be addressed by merely passing water utilities along with their complex set of social and environmental problems over to private companies or public utilities.
A Blinded, Randomized, Palatability Study Comparing Variations of 2 Popular Field Water Disinfection Tablets
Authors: Heiner Jason D. , Simmons Emily A. , Hile David C. , Wedmore Ian S.
Published: December 2011

Objective

Halogen-based water disinfection tablets may render an unpleasant taste to treated water. Proposed safe additives such as ascorbic acid may reduce this objectionable taste. We compared the palatability of 2 field water disinfectants: iodine-based tetraglycine hydroperiodide (TGHP) and chlorine-based chlorine dioxide (CD) both with and without the concomitant use of an ascorbic acid taste neutralizer.

Methods

Blinded participants randomly sampled 5 different distilled water samples containing combinations of disinfectant tablets and ascorbic acid: 1) water; 2) water with TGHP; 3) water with CD; 4) water with TGHP plus ascorbic acid; and 5) water with CD plus ascorbic acid. Participants rated beverage taste via a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and ranked the samples from “most pleasant” to “least pleasant.”

Results

Sixty participants evaluated the samples. On the VAS, water with TGHP tasted worst and water with CD tasted second worst. Water with TGHP plus ascorbic acid, water alone, and water with CD plus ascorbic acid measured similarly as significantly best tasting. Water with TGHP was ranked by 58% as “least pleasant” tasting, while water with TGHP and ascorbic acid was ranked by 40% as “most pleasant” tasting.

Conclusions

Participants found halogen-based disinfected water significantly less palatable prior to the addition of ascorbic acid. Addition of ascorbic acid to treated water created a beverage of similar preference to distilled water. These results may increase compliance with the use of disinfecting tablets by increasing the palatability of drinking water made potable via addition of ascorbic acid to halogen-based chemical disinfection.
Fighting in Thin Air: Operational Wilderness Medicine in High Asia
Authors: Rodway George W. , Muza Stephen R.
Published: December 2011

Objective

The current conflict in Afghanistan is the first major military action in which the United States and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces have found themselves regularly engaged in combat at high altitudes. However, high altitude warfare is not a new concept in Asia by any means.

Methods

This article will offer a short general historical review of high altitude warfare in Asia and then specifically address some of the operational challenges faced by troops carrying out missions at high altitude in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. Additionally, there will be discussion of evidence-based interventions being used to attempt to maintain optimal health of the warfighter at high altitude in this theater of operations.

Conclusions

Years of research into how to alleviate the problematic nature of military operations in the high altitude environment has resulted in extensive risk management recommendations from the US Army, specifically aimed at preventing altitude-related casualties.
Risk-taking Behavior in Skiing Among Helmet Wearers and Nonwearers
Authors: Ružić Lana , Tudor Anton
Published: December 2011

Objective

To examine differences in on-the-snow ski behavior between helmet wearers and nonwearers.

Methods

The data were collected using a survey. Several tourist agencies helped in administrating the survey to the skiers during the 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 seasons. The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions. The subjects were asked to choose answers most suitable for their skiing style and preferred skiing technique, volume of off-piste skiing, readiness to use time measuring systems on the slopes, and group-skiing preferences, such as leading the group, beside the group, away from the group, etc. The Risk Index was then calculated for each subject.

Results

The answers of 710 skiers (mean age 35.5, range 16–81 years) were analyzed. The predictive power for risk-taking behavior was tested for gender, age, educational level, level of skiing, years of skiing, and helmet usage. Younger age, male gender, higher skiing level, and helmet usage were used as independent predictors for the overall Risk Index (Power [1-β err prob] = 0.942). Significantly higher risk was assessed for the male helmet wearers while the results were not significant for the female helmet wearers. The male occasional helmet wearers were found to be the most prone to risky behavior. In female nonhelmet wearers, there was a significant decrease in risk-taking behavior with age but this was not true for female helmet wearers.

Conclusions

For males under 35 years of age, helmet use is one of the factors influencing risk-taking on the slopes. This is demonstrated for occasional helmet wearers in particular.
Non-extractable proanthocyanidins from grapes are a source of bioavailable (epi)catechin and derived metabolites in rats
Authors: Mateos-Martín María Luisa , Pérez-Jiménez Jara , Fuguet Elisabet , Torres Josep Lluís
Published: December 2011

The non-extractable fraction of many fruit and vegetables contains putatively bioactive polyphenolic compounds that, in most cases, have not been well characterised structurally. Non-extractable proanthocyanidins (NEPA) of a polymeric nature are part of the dietary fibre fraction of food. Using liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionisation chamber and a triple quadrupole mass analyser for tandem analysis (HPLC–ESI–QqQ–MS/MS) techniques, we examine the phenolic metabolites present in urine and faeces from rats 24 h after ingestion of an NEPA-rich fraction. We show that NEPA are partially depolymerised during their transit along the intestinal tract, as evidenced by the presence of (epi)catechin (EC) monomers and dimers in faeces and phase II conjugates of EC in urine. Moreover, NEPA are further metabolised by the intestinal microbiota into smaller metabolites including phenolic acids that are present in urine as both free phenolics and conjugates with glucuronate or sulphate moieties. For the first time, we report evidence that NEPA behave in vivo as a source of phenolics that are released progressively and deliver phenolic species that come into contact with the intestinal walls and are bioavailable for at least 24 h after ingestion.
Civil Liberties and Public Good: Detention of Tuberculous Patients and the Public Health Act 1984
Authors: Coker Richard
Published: December 2011

On 30 August 1998, the Mail on Sunday, under the headline “TB refugee ‘must be held in hospital’”, described the case of a Somalian man who had been “ordered by a court to remain in hospital for six months to prevent him spreading a highly infectious deadly disease”. That disease was tuberculosis and a court order had been issued “after the man had twice staggered into Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, North-West London, for treatment but left without trace. He failed to take prescribed treatment and his condition rapidly deteriorated, forcing him to return to hospital a third time.”
Forms of time in Alaska natural gas development
Authors: Mason Arthur
Published: December 2011

Energy companies and builders of energy transportation infrastructure find it difficult to evaluate Arctic natural gas development. Their business critical decisions require the assessment of not just technical risks but intangible issues regarding the future and past interactions of an energy system. These concerns call attention to the problem of time. In this article, I examine three types of time from which efforts to commercialise Alaska natural gas are drawn into the temporality of global energy markets: (1) volatility time, in which price spikes determine outcome; (2) government time, in which law and regulation assist in commercial enterprise, and; (3) entrepreneurial time, in which individuals of industry take initiative. These types of expectation in Alaska natural gas development correspond consequently to three methods for fixing time and space. In short, they are three development time-spaces or chronotopes. By offering these forms of time, taking place between 2000–2005, this article draws attention to concrete visualisations of constructing a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Alaska to continental United States. I argue that these efforts represent precise and well-marked steps and reflect a specific course of development, passing from self-confident ignorance, to self-reflective consultation and finally to genuine understanding.
Activating Lone Parents: An Evidence-Based Policy Appraisal of Welfare-To-Work Reform in Britain
Authors: Haux Tina
Published: December 2011

The 2008 welfare reform introduced by the previous Labour government requires (most) lone parents with older children to be available for work. This article examines the potential effect of this reform on the employment rate of lone parents and whether the age of the youngest child is a good indicator of ‘ability to work’. It suggests that reform will not lead to the desired increase as the target group is too small and the levels of multiple disadvantages within the group too high. ‘Ability to work’ needs to be conceptualised more broadly if it is to mean ‘ability to get a job’.