bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender role stereotypes and requisite management characteristics
Authors: Booysen Lize A.E. , Nkomo Stella M.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Although Schein's gender role management stereotype hypothesis has been examined in many countries around the world, no studies specifically examine the combined effects of race and gender on this phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to use an intersectional analysis to test the hypothesis among different race and gender groups in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The 92‐item Schein descriptive index was randomly administered to 592 black men, white men, black women, and white women managers. The degree of resemblance between the descriptions of men and successful managers and between women and successful managers was determined by computing intra‐class correlation coefficients.

Findings

Results confirm the think manager, think male hypothesis for black and white men but not for black and white women. Black and white men are less likely to attribute successful managerial characteristics to women. The hypothesis is more robust among black men than among white men. For black women, the resemblance between the characteristics of women in general and successful managers is significantly higher than the resemblance of men in general and successful managers. This represents only the second study globally to report a reversal of the usual pattern. White women perceived men and women to equally possess the requisite management characteristics.

Practical implications

Intersectionality is capable of revealing the ways in which race and gender simultaneously influence perceptions of managerial characteristics.

Originality/value

The paper provides a race and gender intersectional analysis that compares the perceptions of the think manager – think male hypothesis in contrast to the dominant gender only analysis that may mask important differences in the stereotyping of managerial characteristics. It is also the first study of its kind in South Africa.
Micro‐credit for microenterprises?
Authors: Madichie Nnamdi O. , Nkamnebe Anayo D.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that constrain women petty traders' access to microcredit, and the innovative measures they have initiated in order to counter these constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on in‐depth interviews with women micro‐entrepreneurs drawn from a convenience sample of 20 petty traders in the market town of Awka – the capital of a state in Eastern Nigeria.

Findings

The paper identifies three main constraints – internal, socio‐cultural and policy induced – as the key moderating influences on women petty traders' ability access to micro‐credit.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the sample size and research context, the generalisation of the findings may need to be interpreted with caution. However, the paper finds evidence of most of these findings in other studies on other contexts.

Practical implications

This paper posits that the lack of access to credit promotes market exclusion, and deepens the socioeconomic and political vulnerability of women as a consequence. Such vulnerability has prompted these microenterpreneurs into venturing to alternative sources of credit in the form of “Women August Meetings”. The paper has far reaching implications for public policy support geared towards “leveraging” and mainstreaming these initiatives for maximum outreach.

Originality/value

Previous research in the area of micro‐credit access seem to have paid limited attention to the peculiar challenges of this segment of society, i.e. petty traders, who incidentally also form the bulk of occupants at the bottom‐of‐the‐pyramid.
Leadership in global business environment through a vision creation process
Authors: Karaszewski Robert
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Few works have dealt with the impact of a corporation's country of origin on the perception of the qualities and behaviour expected of its leaders. This paper seeks to focus on these aspects with special attention to the specific nature of the Japanese leadership style. The choice of Japan was conditioned neither by the author's admiration for this country, nor by his admiration for their unusual determination to attain perfection, but mainly by the position that Japanese corporations occupy in the global economy. The main objective of the work is to analyze the nature of the vision creation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research project incorporated surveys of and interviews with 2,000 of the world's largest corporations (the Forbes Global 2000 database (2006 version)).

Findings

Japanese corporations' leaders more frequently opt for giving their subordinates a free hand in shaping their own visions than leaders of the other researched corporations. However, in nearly all the cases it was mentioned that the proposed assumptions must be coherent with the vision envisaged by top management.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to examine the phenomenon of leadership from the perspective of corporate business. The work deals with the problem of the impact of the corporation's country of origin on the perception of the expected qualities and behaviours of its leaders.
Implementing a quality‐based performance measurement system
Authors: Jochem Roland , Menrath Martin , Landgraf Katja
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The performance measurement system reflects the corporate strategy and overall business objectives of an organization. The alignment of the performance indicators with the company's critical operating factors, and the processes having bottle‐necks alongside the value chain, could result in a very compact, target‐oriented, and quality‐based performance measurement system. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The quality‐based performance measurement system is developed by integrating the existing performance indicators of an organization with those of best‐in‐class management practices. The organizational processes included range from business leadership to the operational level. The key performance indicators (KPIs) depict the existing status transparently and comprehensively, whereas later on they can be used to control the processes with the pre‐defined values/measures. The KPIs of a process are documented and standardized once they are implemented. An action plan is then developed to write down the prerequisite for the new KPIs and to prioritize the existing ones for the sake of improvement.

Findings

It is affirmed that most of the employees had found the performance measurement system a very useful tool to tightly control the flow of their processes. It is very important to mention that this system does not mean giving way to another flood of information; instead it is designed to support the company's decision‐making process through target‐oriented indicators that could be compared with the existing best practices.

Originality/value

The concept described is aimed at developing and implementing a quality‐based performance measurement system within an organization. This system is developed through comparing the existing organizational practices with those having been labelled “Best‐in‐class” and it provides an alternative to the Balanced Score Card approach.
Six Sigma: an evolutionary analysis through case studies
Authors: Firka Daniel
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Between 2004 and 2007, the Argentinian Institute for Quality conducted an investigation exploring how Six Sigma practices evolved within a set of organizations. The goal was to determine which variables influenced this evolution and the relative weight of critical success factors as the methodology matured. This paper aims to investigate the results of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology followed was a qualitative study of multiple cases thorough interviews with key players in the organizations that agreed to take part in the investigation.

Findings

The study found a complex landscape that makes it difficult to speak about a “one size fits all” definition of Six Sigma, particularly years after the initial deployment. Moreover, certain interactions between factors are summarized, showing how some of the case companies were able to cope with their negative effects.

Originality/value

The results of the study could be beneficial to assess the situation of Six Sigma within an organization and the obstacles and issues that could appear as the initiative evolves.
Performance and change management in the province of Antwerp, Belgium
Authors: Bonner Kris
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Since 2005, the BRABO programme has been part of the province of Antwerp's general intention to move towards an objective‐oriented organisation. With this quality programme, the organisation intends to base its policy on an administrative agreement and a policy programme. BRABO represents the first step towards defining strategic and operational objectives in line with existing policy directives. The programme, and the corresponding communication and change management, gradually created a certain culture in terms of policy reporting and adjustments. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Attention is paid to the objectives, the most important achievements of the subprojects. Furthermore, the BRABO case demonstrates the added value of the project approach and change management methodology used. Finally, important issues that were encountered are discussed, as well as lessons learned.

Findings

The paper finds that a change in culture is a gradual process. It requires a major commitment of the (top) management. The top management should demonstrate what the additional value of the policy cycle is (for example, by effectively identifying and steering agenda based on issues).

Originality/value

At this moment, the structure, the conceptual model and the methodology of the policy and financial cycle are well integrated within the province. A major challenge for the province of Antwerp is to strengthen this culture further and make sure that the policy and financial cycle are fully integrated into the regular activities of the province at all levels.
A historical perspective and empirical analysis on development of theme parks in Japan
Authors: Kawamura Seiji , Hara Tadayuki
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put modern history of theme park developments in Japan in perspective and identify the challenges associated with theme parks in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Amid the structural lack of theme‐park related operational and financial data, the authors approached the issue from the analyses of limited information on theme parks in Japan, where most, if any, of the available data are in Japanese only. This precluded the authors to conduct quantitative analyses of the parks in Japan.

Findings

The authors found that two of the comparable large‐scale theme park developments in Japan led to dramatically different operating results and that continued innovation of the contents of the park is one of the notable differences when the two parks are compared.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the dramatic failure of one park, while in contrast the other thrives; underscoring that theme park investment is subject to embracing high‐risk, high‐maintenance and constant innovation efforts by the operator.

Originality/value

The paper may be valuable to readers in the East Asian region and other nations which have plans to host large‐scale theme park development in the near future, as this presents the rare cases of success and failure in theme park operations in Japan.
The role of animal‐based attractions in ecological sustainability
Authors: Shani Amir , Pizam Abraham
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contribution of animal‐based attractions to ecological causes – particularly wildlife conservation and environmental education – while portraying the debate regarding the legitimacy and effectiveness of these sites.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review gives examples, demonstrating the potential of animal‐based attractions to support the causes of ecological sustainability while raising the challenges, constraints, and limitations in utilizing them to the fullest.

Findings

Opposition to animal‐based attractions is fierce and should be understood and addressed by management and regional associations.

Practical implications

Suggestions for improving the sites' operations are elaborated throughout the paper.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to relevant stakeholders including zoological professionals and animal activists, and it can raise awareness of certain aspects that may not have received adequate attention.
Insight into amusement park ride and device safety in the United States
Authors: Avery Brian , Dickson Duncan R.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dimensions and practices that have shaped the safety of amusement rides and devices in the US amusement park industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview and historical examination of key concepts and phenomena.

Findings

The paper concludes that continued amusement ride and device incidents resulting from a lack of nationally accepted and recognized standards will potentially lead to or cause additional negative guest perception and possibly result in regulation from an external agency. This paper identifies areas of concern and makes recommendations to address the potential consequences resulting from staying the current course. It determines that the industry needs to find a collective voice and establish consistent self‐regulating policies in order to curb the incidents rates and avoid federal regulation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reports on several secondary research, scholarly as well as industry and government publications and personal communications.

Practical implications

The safety of patrons visiting amusement parks has become paramount during recent times. Over the last decade or so, the amusement park industry has struggled with the fallout from numerous serious injuries and ride related deaths. This has generated a great deal of interest from patrons, media outlets, and politicians alike. With the continued operation of amusement parks and attractions and the competition of external entertainment options, it is important for the industry to project a solid and evolving image of safety in order to attract and retain patrons.

Originality/value

The paper explores the evolution of amusement ride and safely in the USA.
The contribution of theme parks and attractions to the social and economic sustainability of destinations
Authors: Milman Ady , Okumus Fevzi , Dickson Duncan
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the contribution made by this theme issue to the question: how far do theme parks and attractions contribute to social and economic sustainability of destinations?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews some of the key contributions emerging from this theme issue.

Findings

Theme parks and attractions will continue growing globally. There seem to be many internal and external reasons that may lead to success and failure of theme parks and attractions. It is evident that theme parks and attractions contribute greatly to sustainability of destinations in many areas including investments in infrastructure, job creation, tax revenues, tourism revenues, donations, and community support. However, it is also evident that failure of a theme park may result in a major decline or failure of a destination.

Research limitations/implications

It also emerges that more research is needed into development and management of theme parks and attractions globally.

Practical implications

There are many stakeholders in developing theme parks and attractions in destinations. It is essential to ensure active participation, coordination, and support from all stakeholders to ensure that theme parks and attractions deliver intended outcomes. Careful and long‐term planning and coordination are necessary to ensure that theme parks and attractions created and managed well so that they contribute to sustainability of destinations.

Originality/value

This current theme issue is perhaps one of the first journal issues that specifically focus on theme parks and attractions and their impact on destinations. This final paper highlights emerging conclusions from this theme and offers practical and theoretical implications to the theme park industry.
Multi‐objective feature selection using a Bayesian artificial immune system
Authors: Castro Pablo A.D. , Von Zuben Fernando J.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a multi‐objective Bayesian artificial immune system (MOBAIS) to feature selection in classification problems aiming at minimizing both the classification error and cardinality of the subset of features. The algorithm is able to perform a multimodal search maintaining population diversity and controlling automatically the population size according to the problem. In addition, it is capable of identifying and preserving building blocks (partial components of the whole solution) effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm evolves candidate subsets of features by replacing the traditional mutation operator in immune‐inspired algorithms with a probabilistic model which represents the probability distribution of the promising solutions found so far. Then, the probabilistic model is used to generate new individuals. A Bayesian network is adopted as the probabilistic model due to its capability of capturing expressive interactions among the variables of the problem. In order to evaluate the proposal, it was applied to ten datasets and the results compared with those generated by state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.

Findings

The experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the multi‐objective approach to feature selection. The algorithm found parsimonious subsets of features and the classifiers produced a significant improvement in the accuracy. In addition, the maintenance of building blocks avoids the disruption of partial solutions, leading to a quick convergence.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper relies on the proposal of a novel algorithm to multi‐objective feature selection.
Constraint learning using adaptive neural‐fuzzy inference system
Authors: Sadoghi Yazdi Hadi , Pourreza Reza , Sadoghi Yazdi Mehri
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for solving parametric programming problems; a new scheme of constraints fuzzification. In the proposed approach, constraints are learned based on deductive learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Adaptive neural‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is used for constraint learning by generating input and output membership functions and suitable fuzzy rules.

Findings

The experimental results show the ability of the proposed approach to model the set of constraints and solve parametric programming. Some notes in the proposed method are clustering of similar constraints, constraints generalization and converting crisp set of constraints to a trained system with fuzzy output. Finally, this idea for modeling of constraint in the support vector machine (SVM) classifier is used and shows that this approach can obtain a soft margin in the SVM.

Originality/value

Properties of the new scheme such as global view of constraints, constraints generalization, clustering of similar constraints, creation of real fuzzy constraints, study of constraint strength and increasing the degree of importance to constraints are different aspects of the proposed method.
Research of a kind of improved immune controller based immune network
Authors: Mo Hongwei , Fu Dongmei , Xu Lifang
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify that improved immune network can be used to design new controller for engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the definition of artificial immune controller is given out. Second, the disadvantage of Varela immune network which is not fit for control system is pointed out. Third, based on the analysis, the Varela immune network is modified for the purpose of designing controller with the mechanisms of immune network. And an immune controller based on improved Varela immune network (improved Varela immune network model (IVINM)‐AIC) is designed out. Its theoretic background is described in detail.

Findings

Based on the theoretic analysis and experiment of motor speed control, it is found that Varela immune work can be used to design immune controller. The experiments results show that IVINM‐AIC is much more robust, stable and anti‐delay and less overshoot than classical proportion, integration, and differentiation controller. It is good at controlling nonlinear system which is single input single output (SISO) system. The limitation of IVINM‐AIC is that it is used for simple SISO system.

Originality/value

The theoretic analysis of improved Varela immune network controller is original and it is useful for the analysis and design of new and complex immune controller. The experiment design is useful for comparison of new test in future.
An empirical study on the positioning point of successful retail enterprises in China
Authors: Fei Li , Bu Mi , Gao Wang , Xiang Li
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the positioning points of successful retail enterprises in China, and to try to conclude the general law for selecting the positioning points.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the evaluation data of countrywide samples and the impact factors of customer satisfaction, the authors select some successful retail enterprises in China to be the study samples. On the base of that, the performance concerning positioning points of the samples are discussed.

Findings

The paper reaches five valuable conclusions: first, successful retail enterprises have definite positioning points; second, successful retail enterprises commonly have a main positioning point and a second best positioning point; third, successful retail enterprises could choose commodity, service, price or shopping environment as their positioning point; fourth, retail enterprises in the same retail format could have different positioning points; fifth, the non‐positioning points of successful retail enterprises are usually above the industry average level, while those of retail enterprises in successful tendency could hardly reach the industry average level.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of samples (only large‐scale supermarkets) might still make the practical applications on other retail formats limited. Meanwhile, the criteria for identifying the successful enterprises in this paper are mainly customer satisfaction and loyalty, without considering the financial performance.

Practical implications

The conclusions in this paper have great significance for Chinese retail enterprises to establish a unique competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The conclusion concerning positioning points of this paper might be the first to answer the key issues in Chinese retail enterprises' positioning strategies.
Preclinical activity of a novel multiple tyrosine kinase and aurora kinase inhibitor, ENMD‐2076, against multiple myeloma
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Sinn Anthony L. , Pollok Karen , Sandusky George , Zhang Shuhong , Chen Li , Liang Jing , Crean Colin D. , Suvannasankha Attaya , Abonour Rafat , Sidor Carolyn , Bray Mark R. , Farag Sherif S.
Published: June 2010

ENMD‐2076 is a novel, orally‐active molecule that has been shown to have significant activity against aurora and multiple receptor tyrosine kinases. We investigated the activity of ENMD‐2076 against multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro and in vivo. ENMD‐2076 showed significant cytotoxicity against MM cell lines and primary cells, with minimal cytotoxicity to haematopoietic progenitors. ENMD‐2076 inhibited the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT pathway and downregulated survivin and X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis as early as 6 h after treatment. With longer treatment (24–48 h), ENMD‐2076 also inhibited aurora A and B kinases, and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. In non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice implanted with H929 human plasmacytoma xenografts, oral treatment with ENMD‐2076 (50, 100, 200 mg/kg per day) resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibition of tumour growth. Immunohistochemical staining of excised tumours showed significant reduction in phospho‐Histone 3 (pH3), Ki‐67, and angiogenesis, and also a significant increase in cleaved caspase‐3 at all dose levels compared to tumours from vehicle‐treated mice. In addition, a significant reduction in p‐FGFR3 was observed on Western blot. ENMD‐2076 shows significant activity against MM cells in vitro and in vivo, and acts on several pathways important for myeloma cell growth and survival. These results provide preclinical rationale for clinical investigation of ENMD‐2076 in MM.
Perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience and burnout among nursing staff in residential elder care
Authors: Juthberg Christina , Eriksson Sture , Norberg Astrid , Sundin Karin
Published: June 2010

juthberg c., eriksson s., norberg a. & sundin k. (2010) Perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience and burnout among nursing staff in residential elder care. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(8), 1708–1718.

Title.  Perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience and burnout among nursing staff in residential elder care.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of patterns of perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience and burnout in relation to occupational belonging among Registered Nurses and nursing assistants in municipal residential care of older people.

Background.  Stress and burnout among healthcare personnel and experiences of ethical difficulties are associated with troubled conscience. In elder care the experience of a troubled conscience seems to be connected to occupational role, but little is known about how Registered Nurses and nursing assistants perceive their conscience, stress of conscience and burnout.

Method.  Results of previous analyses of data collected in 2003, where 50 Registered Nurses and 96 nursing assistants completed the Perceptions of Conscience Questionnaire, Stress of Conscience Questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory, led to a request for further analysis. In this study Partial Least Square Regression was used to detect statistical predictive patterns.

Result.  Perceptions of conscience and stress of conscience explained 41·9% of the variance in occupational belonging. A statistical predictive pattern for Registered Nurses was stress of conscience in relation to falling short of expectations and demands and to perception of conscience as demanding sensitivity. A statistical predictive pattern for nursing assistants was perceptions that conscience is an authority and an asset in their work. Burnout did not contribute to the explained variance in occupational belonging.

Conclusion.  Both occupational groups viewed conscience as an asset and not a burden. Registered Nurses seemed to exhibit sensitivity to expectations and demands and nursing assistants used their conscience as a source of guidance in their work. Structured group supervision with personnel from different occupations is needed so that staff can gain better understanding about their own occupational situation as well as the situation of other occupational groups.
Determining the double‐K fracture parameters for three‐point bending notched concrete beams using weight function
Authors: KUMAR SHAILENDRA , BARAI S. V.
Published: June 2010

Parameters of universal form of weight functions having four terms and five terms are derived for edge cracks in finite width of plate. The standard Tada Green's function is taken as the basis for the derivation. The shape of universal form of weight functions considered enables closed form expressions for cohesive toughness of three‐point bending test geometry of notched concrete beams due to linear cohesive stress distribution in the fictitious fracture zone. This solution provides a viable method to determine the double‐K fracture parameters: the initiation toughness,  and the unstable toughness  for mode I fracture of concrete beam. A comparison with existing analytical method shows that the weight function method for determination of the double‐K fracture parameters yields results without any appreciable error. The use of weight function will not only simplify the calculation to obtain the double‐K fracture parameters,  and  but also it will avoid the need of skilled numerical integration technique due to singularity problem at the integral boundary.
Numerical modelling of fatigue crack initiation and growth of martensitic steels
Authors: JEZERNIK N. , KRAMBERGER J. , LASSEN T. , GLODEŽ S.
Published: June 2010

This paper presents a numerical simulation of micro‐crack initiation that is based on Tanaka‐Mura micro‐crack nucleation model. Three improvements were added to this model. First, multiple slip bands where micro‐cracks may occur are used in each grain. Second improvement deals with micro‐crack coalescence by extending existing micro‐cracks along grain boundaries and connecting them into a macro‐crack. The third improvement handles segmented micro‐crack generation, where a micro‐crack is not nucleated in one step like in Tanaka‐Mura model, but is instead generated in multiple steps. High cycle fatigue testing was also performed and showed reasonably good correlation of proposed model to experimental results. Because numerical model was directed at simulating fatigue properties of thermally cut steel, edge properties of test specimens were additionally inspected in terms of surface roughness and micro‐structural properties.
Listening to urban soundscapes: Physiological validity of perceptual dimensions
Authors: Irwin Amy , Hall Deborah A. , Peters Andrew , Plack Christopher J.
Published: June 2010

Predominantly, the impact of environmental noise is measured using sound level, ignoring the influence of other factors on subjective experience. The present study tested physiological responses to natural urban soundscapes, using functional magnetic resonance imaging and vector cardiogram. City‐based recordings were matched in overall sound level (71 decibel A‐weighted scale), but differed on ratings of pleasantness and vibrancy. Listening to soundscapes evoked significant activity in a number of auditory brain regions. Compared with soundscapes that evoked no (neutral) emotional response, those evoking a pleasant or unpleasant emotional response engaged an additional neural circuit including the right amygdala. Ratings of vibrancy had little effect overall, and brain responses were more sensitive to pleasantness than was heart rate. A novel finding is that urban soundscapes with similar loudness can have dramatically different effects on the brain's response to the environment.
The antidepressant phenelzine protects neurons and astrocytes against formaldehyde‐induced toxicity
Authors: Song Mee‐Sook , Baker Glen B. , Dursun Serdar M. , Todd Kathryn G.
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1405–1413.

Reactive aldehydes have been implicated in the etiology of several neurological and psychiatric disorders, and there is considerable interest in drugs to counteract the actions of these aldehydes. Increased formaldehyde (FA) and up‐regulation of semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase, which forms FA from methylamine, have been implicated in disorders such as cerebrovascular disorders, alcohol abuse, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Phenelzine (PLZ), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, is an antidepressant that has recently received attention for its neuroprotective/neurorescue properties. We investigated FA‐induced toxicity and the effects of PLZ using rat primary cortical neurons and astrocytes and found that FA induced toxicity in neurons and astrocytes by multiple means. In astrocytes, FA decreased glutamate transporter expression, inhibiting glutamate uptake. PLZ reversed the decrease of glutamate uptake and the alteration of the second messengers, AKT and p38, induced by FA. PLZ alone affected the GLT‐1 glutamate transporter in opposite directions in astrocytes and neurons. Thus, PLZ has multiple actions in neurons and astrocytes that may contribute to its neuroprotection.
Neurotoxic mechanisms of DNA damage: focus on transcriptional inhibition
Authors: Hetman Michal , Vashishta Aruna , Rempala Grzegorz
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1537–1549.

Although DNA damage‐induced neurotoxicity is implicated in various pathologies of the nervous system, its underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Transcription is a DNA transaction that is highly active in the nervous system. In addition to its direct role in expression of the genetic information, transcription contributes to DNA damage detection and repair as well as chromatin organization including biogenesis of the nucleolus. Transcription is inhibited by DNA single‐strand breaks and DNA adducts. Hence, transcription inhibition may be an important contributor to the neurotoxic consequences of such types of DNA damage. This review discusses the existing evidence in support of the latter hypothesis. The presented literature suggests that neuronal DNA damage interferes with the RNA‐Polymerase‐2‐dependent transcription of genes encoding proteins with critical functions in neurotransmission and intracellular signaling. The latter category includes extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatases whose lowered expression results in chronic activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 and its reduced responsiveness to physiological stimuli. Conversely, DNA damage‐induced inhibition of RNA‐Polymerase‐1 and the subsequent disruption of the nucleolus induce p53‐mediated apoptosis of developing neurons. Finally, decreasing nucleolar transcription may link DNA damage to chronic neurodegeneration in adults.
Element Stoichiometry of a Mixotrophic Protist Grown Under Varying Resource Conditions
Authors: CHRZANOWSKI THOMAS H. , LUKOMSKI NATALIE C. , GROVER JAMES P.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT. The balance of essential elements (e.g. carbon [C], nitrogen [N], and phosphorus [P]) between consumers and their resources influences not only the growth and reproduction of the consumers but also the nutrients they regenerate. Flagellate protists are significant predators of aquatic bacteria and directly influence nutrient flow to higher trophic levels and, through excretion, influence the mineral element composition of dissolved nutrients. Because the element stoichiometry of protists is poorly characterized, we varied the resource composition of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens and used it to grow the mixotrophic bacterivorous flagellate Ochromonas danica. Using a mass balance approach, the element composition of O. danica was found to vary depending upon the nutrient composition of the prey and ranged between 482:36:1 and 80:12:1 (C:N:P molar). Homeostasis plots suggested that flagellate protists weakly regulate their element composition and are likely to regenerate different elements depending upon the nature of the element limiting growth of their prey.
Temperature‐Gradient Effects in Thermal Barrier Coatings: An Investigation Through Modeling, High Heat Flux Test, and Embedded Sensor
Authors: Tan Yang , Longtin Jon P. , Sampath Sanjay , Zhu Dongming
Published: June 2010

The harsh thermal environment in gas turbines, including elevated temperatures and high heat fluxes, induces significant thermal gradients in ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), which are used to protect metallic components. However, the thermal conductivity of plasma‐sprayed TBC increases with exposure at high temperatures mainly due to sintering phenomena and possible phase transformation, resulting in coating performance degradation and potential thermal runaway issues. An analytical thermal model and experimentally obtained coating thermal conductivity data are used to determine the coating through‐thickness temperature profile and effective thermal conductivity under gradient conditions at high temperatures. High heat flux tests are then performed on TBCs to evaluate coating thermal behavior under temperature gradients close to service conditions. Coating internal temperature during the tests was also measured by thermally sprayed embedded thermocouples within the top coat. This combined approach provides a sintering map with a new model and allows for the assessment of temperature‐gradient effects on the thermal performance of plasma‐sprayed TBCs.
A Phenomenological Model on Phase Transitions in Nanocrystalline Barium Titanate Ceramic
Authors: Sun Tieyu , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Han , Zhang Xiaoquan , Cheng Zhida , Sun Chang Q. , Li Longtu
Published: June 2010

An innovative method is presented to estimate the size effect on the ferroelectric phase transitions in the barium titanate ceramic system. The method is based on the phenomenological thermodynamic theory with additional stress led by surface bond contraction. Two symmetry‐breaking factors are introduced to correct the stress. This method has enabled us to predict the changing trends in phase transitions and the critical grain size for the disappearance of ferroelectric phase, which is beyond the prediction of existing models.
Effect of Transition‐Metal Cobalt Doping on the Thermoelectric Performance of In2O3 Ceramics
Authors: Liu Yong , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Lan Jinle , Xu Wei , Zhang Bo‐Ping , Nan Ce‐Wen , Zhu Hongmin
Published: June 2010

The polycrystalline In2O3 ceramics doped with cobalt were prepared through the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. Both thermoelectric transport properties and microstructure of the ceramics were investigated. The Co‐doped In2O3 by SPS had a remarkable effect on the transport properties. Large electrical conductivity and thermopower was observed in dilute Co‐doped sample. The maximum power factor were found in In1.98Co0.02O3 sample as 4.6 × 10−4 W·(m·K2)−1 at 1073 K with the ZT value up to 0.26.
The effect of rest days on injury rates
Authors: Orlando C. , Levitan E. B. , Mittleman M. A. , Steele R. J. , Shrier I.
Published: June 2010

Despite the importance of recuperation, few have studied the impact of rest periods on injury prevention. We determined the effect of rest days (breaks) on injury rates and treatments using electronic injury records from an acrobatic circus company that employs former world‐class athletes as acrobats. To account for accumulated fatigue, we considered breaks across SD3 (third consecutive week of 1‐day rest) to SD6 as a single exposure level (SD3–6), and vacation and DD (2‐day rest) as a single exposure level. Medical attention injury rates were increased post‐ vs pre‐break {rate ratio 1.45 [95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.22–1.73]} with less of an effect for 1‐day time loss [1.25 (95% CI: 0.58–2.67)] and 15‐day time loss [1.10 (95% CI: 0.26–4.56)]. However, the increase in injury rate post break for SD3–6 was similar to that of DD‐Vacation (P=0.48, 0.53, and 0.65) for medical attention, and both ≥1 day and ≥15 days time loss, respectively. The increase in the number of treatments post‐break was less for SD3–6 vs DD‐vacation. Our findings suggest that 2‐day breaks every four to 6 weeks may be sufficient to avoid an increasing injury rate due to cumulative fatigue in professional acrobatic circus artists.
COMPARISON OF GROUND RAW SOYBEAN AND SOYBEAN MEAL DIETS ON CARCASS TRAITS OF GILTS
Authors: SYKES DANIEL J. , COUVILLION JOHN S. , MARTIN JAMES M. , ALTHEN THOMAS G. , RUDE BRIAN J. , CRENSHAW MARK , GERARD PAT , RYAN PETER L.
Published: June 2010

As part of an ongoing reproductive efficiency study with gilts fed a raw soybean (RSB) diet, an assessment of carcass traits was performed to measure the effect of antinutritional factors present in RSB. Yorkshire × Landrace crossbred gilts (n = 20) were assigned to balanced isonitrogenous (crude protein 14%), isocaloric diets using either soybean meal (SBM, n = 10) or ground RSB (n = 10) as the protein supplement. Gilts were fed to day 35–45 of gestation and then harvested for recovery of the reproductive tract and carcass assessment. Carcass trait values included: a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in hot carcass weight of RSB gilts, but no differences in carcass length, back fat thickness (cm) at 1st rib, 10th rib, last rib, last lumbar and average back fat. Loin area cm2, % fat free lean, muscle score and United States Department of Agriculture grade scores did not differ (P > 0.05). Thus, supplementing diets of prepubertal gilts through to early gestation with ground RSB had no observed adverse effects on carcass quality traits.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Raw soybeans (RSB) are not commonly used in swine diets due to known presence of antinutritional factors that may retard growth in young swine and may also affect carcass quality. However, the effect of using RSB on carcass quality in older swine has yet to be examined. The data from this study show that supplementation of swine diets with RSB can be used in gilts 155 days of age and older without affecting carcass quality.
CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THERMOTOLERANT LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM COOKED SAUSAGES AS BIOPROTECTIVE CULTURES
Authors: RAMÍREZ‐CHAVARÍN NORMA L. , WACHER‐RODARTE CARMEN , PÉREZ‐CHABELA M. LOURDES
Published: June 2010

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are employed in meat products preservation and fermentation. Some strains can survive thermal treatment in cooked meat products, where their bioprotective properties can be used to inhibiting other spoilage flora. A total of 68 presumptive LAB were isolated from commercial cooked sausages collected in Mexico City supermarkets. Based on biochemical tests, 22 strains were selected and their thermotolerant capacity and DT values were determined in water baths. Only 10 strains were considered as thermotolerant after survive thermal treatments (70C at 30 min). Thermotolerant strains were identified by both phenotypic (API system) and genotypic (16S rRNA) analysis. The genera identified were Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, Aerococcus and Enterococcus. Differences in phenotypic and genotypic in some strains were found, because of a close phylogenetic proximity between the strains. Nonetheless, all the identified thermotolerant LAB strains are natural microflora of meat products and can be employed as bioprotective strains inoculating them before thermal processing in cooked meat products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The isolation and identification of LAB strains as the native and dominant flora of meat and meat products could be useful in the looking of bacteria as bioprotective cultures, as LAB inhibit other spoilage and pathogen microorganisms. Thermotolerant capacity of these LAB isolated from cooked meat products is important as the application of these strains as starters during processing before thermal treatment ensures their role as dominant flora during storage. In addition, the potential probiotic of these thermotolerant LAB strains can be useful in functional cooked meat products manufacture.
Pollution in the coastal waters of Hong Kong: case studies of the urban Victoria and Tolo Harbours
Authors: Nicholson S. , Hui Y. H. , Lam P. K. S.
Published: June 2010

Rapid population growth and industrialisation resulted in severe pollution in Hong Kong's urban harbours. Victoria Harbour is located in the centre of Hong Kong and received substantial discharges of untreated sewage and industrial effluents but even the formerly rural Tolo Harbour experienced serious pollution as a consequence of excessive nutrient loadings from livestock wastes and wastewaters following the development of new towns around its shores. This paper provides an overview of the marine ecological disturbance and pollution pressures in Hong Kong coastal waters and discusses the measures adopted to intercept and improve wastewater discharges that consequently led to improvements in coastal water quality in local harbours.
Lithium phosphorus oxynitride solid-state thin-film electrolyte deposited and modified by bias sputtering and low temperature annealing
Authors: Chiu K.-F. , Chen C. C. , Lin K. M. , Lo C. C. , Lin H. C. , Ho W.-H. , Jiang C. S.
Published: June 2010

Amorphous lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) solid-state thin-film electrolyte has been deposited and characterized. The thin films were prepared by rf magnetron sputtering under various substrate biases. By fabricating under different substrate biases and applying low temperature annealing (473 K), the properties of the LiPON thin-film electrolytes and the electrolyte/cathode interfaces were modified. The ionic conductivity as high as 9.4×10−4 S m−1 can be obtained by depositing at optimal bias. The performances of the consequently fabricated SnO2/LiPON/LiMn2O4 all-solid-state lithium ion thin-film batteries were improved using the bias sputtering technique, due to the enhanced the ionic conductivity and uniform interface.
Your Brain Controls Your Cholesterol
Authors: Buettner Christoph
Published: June 2010

The brain regulates circulating cholesterol concentrations by controlling hepatic cholesterol clearance.
Population Turnover in a
Microcystis
Bloom Results in Predominantly Nontoxigenic Variants Late in the Season
Authors: Bozarth Connie S. , Schwartz Andrew D. , Shepardson Jonathan W. , Colwell Frederick S. , Dreher Theo W.
Published: June 2010

Surface samples of the 2007
Microcystis
bloom occurring in Copco Reservoir on the Klamath River in Northern California were analyzed genetically by sequencing clone libraries made with amplicons at three loci: the internal transcribed spacer of the rRNA operon (ITS),
cpcBA
, and
mcyA
. Samples were taken between June and October, during which time two cell count peaks occurred, in mid-July and early September. The ITS and
cpcBA
loci could be classified into four or five allele groups, which provided a convenient means for describing the
Microcystis
population and its changes over time. Each group was numerically dominated by a single, highly represented sequence. Other members of each group varied by changes at 1 to 3 nucleotide positions, while groups were separated by up to 30 nucleotide differences. As deduced by a partial sampling of the clone libraries, there were marked population turnovers during the season, indicated by changes in allele composition at both the ITS and
cpcBA
loci. Different ITS and
cpcBA
genotypes appeared to be dominant at the two population peaks. Toxicity (amount of microcystin per cell) and toxigenic potential (
mcyB
copy number) were lower during the second peak, and the
mcyB
copy number fell further as the bloom declined.
Targeted Chromosomal Knockouts in
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Krishnakumar Radha , Assad-Garcia Nacyra , Benders Gwynedd A. , Phan Quang , Montague Michael G. , Glass John I.
Published: June 2010

Most gene knockouts in mycoplasmas are achieved through labor-intensive transposon mutagenesis. Here, we describe a method for making targeted deletions in
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
by use of homologous recombination. In this method,
M. pneumoniae
is transformed with a plasmid carrying an antibiotic resistance marker flanked by 1-kb regions surrounding the target gene. Following selection for the antibiotic resistance, colonies are screened for double crossovers which indicate complete deletion of the target open reading frame.