bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Oxygenation at Birth and in the Neonatal Period
Authors: Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: June 2007

Background: In recent years it has become clear that even a brief exposure to high oxygen concentration at birth and an oxygen saturation (SaO2) >93–95% in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants is more toxic than previously believed. Objective: To summarize and review clinical studies published to date either dealing with resuscitation of newborn infants with different oxygen concentrations or the use of high or low SaO2 in the neonatal period of ELBW infants. Results: Three systematic reviews of five trials and seven individual studies including up to 2,011 newborn infants have shown that neonatal mortality is reduced by 30–40% if resuscitation is carried out with 21% instead of 100% O2. Room air resuscitation also leads to faster early recovery and need for shorter duration of resuscitation. Six studies of ELBW infants have shown that retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease are significantly reduced if SaO2 is kept <93–95% compared with higher saturations. Avoidance of fluctuations in SaO2 also seems to be important. Two observational studies suggest a significant 2.5- to 3.5-fold increased risk of childhood cancer in infants resuscitated with 100% O2 for a few minutes. Conclusions: To date there are sufficient data available to recommend that newborn resuscitation should not be carried out with 100% O2. In ELBW infants, SaO2 levels should be kept between 85 and 93% or possibly between 88 and 95%, but should definitely not exceed 95%. Fluctuations should be avoided.
Slit Diaphragm Junctional Complex and Regulation of the Cytoskeleton
Authors: Garg Puneet , Verma Rakesh , Holzman Lawrence B.
Published: June 2007

In recent years, identification of proteins found at the slit diaphragm has greatly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for forming and maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier. This review examines the function of proteins identified at the podocyte intercellular junction in coordinating podocyte intercellular junction dynamics or cytoskeletal dynamics.
Podocytes in HIV-Associated Nephropathy
Authors: Lu Ting-Chi , He John Cijiang , Klotman Paul E.
Published: June 2007

HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure in HIV-1 seropositive patients. The pathologic findings include collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with proliferation of epithelial cells in Bowman’s space. Anatomically, these cells correspond to podocytes and exhibit a unique phenotype with loss of many differentiation markers including synaptopodin and dysregulation of the cell cycle markers consistent with proliferation. Podocyte dysfunction appears to be a direct result of HIV-1 protein expression, specifically Nef and Vpr as well as specific host factors that have yet to be elucidated. The mechanism by which Nef induces podocyte proliferation and dedifferentiation has been traced to its ability to activate several signaling pathways including Src-Stat3 and ras-raf-MAPK1, 2. Activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway with all-trans-retinoic acid appears to modulate these changes and returns podocytes to a differentiated, nonproliferating phenotype.
Proposal of a Diagnostic Test for the Detection of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Based on the Determination of Thyroid Hormones in Vaginal Washing Fluid
Authors: Kale Ahmet , Kale Ebru , Akdeniz Nurten , Kuyumcuoğlu U. , Canoruc N.
Published: June 2007

Objectives: To determine whether measurement of total T3 (triiodothyronine) , total T4 (thyroxine), free T3 (free triiodothyronine) and free T4 (free thyroxine) levels in vaginal fluid is useful for the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study Design: The PPROM group and normal pregnancy group consisted of 30 and 30 pregnant patients between 26 and 36 weeks’ gestation, respectively. Vaginal fluid total T4, free T4, total T3 and free T3 levels were measured in both groups. Results: Vaginal fluid total T3 and free T3 levels were not statistically significant in the PPROM group as compared with the control group (p = 0.087, p = 0.123, respectively). Vaginal fluid total T4 and free T4 levels were significantly higher in the PPROM group as compared with the control group (p = 0.002, p < 0.000, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for total T4 (0.866 µg/dl) gave a sensitivity level of 83.3% (65.3–94.3, 95% CI) at a specificity of 60.0% (40.6–77.3, 95% CI) with positive and negative predictive values of 67.6 and 78.3%, respectively. The optimal cut-off value for free T4 (0.079 ng/dl) gave a sensitivity level of 90% (73.4–97.8, 95% CI) at a specificity of 70.0% (50.6–85.2, 95% CI) with positive and negative predictive values of 75.0 and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Total and free T4 measurements from vaginal fluids appears to be a useful marker of PPROM.
Aortico-Right Ventricular Tunnel: Prenatal Diagnosis Leading to Neonatal Survival
Authors: Freund M.W. , Stoutenbeek P. , van der Laan M. , ter Heide H. , Evens J. , Strengers J. , Haas F.
Published: June 2007

In the 36th week of gestation a large aortico-right ventricular tunnel with an otherwise structurally normal heart was diagnosed by fetal echocardiography. This report describes for the first time the impact of the timely prenatal diagnosis of an aortico-right ventricular tunnel followed by successful management in early infancy.
An Ethically Justified Decision-Making Pathway for the Management of Pregnancies Complicated by Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Skupski Daniel , Chervenak Frank A. , McCullough Laurence
Published: June 2007

Objective: To present an ethically justified decision-making pathway to use in the evaluation and treatment of pregnant women whose fetuses have twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods: The ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy and professional integrity were applied to the diagnostic and treatment options for TTTS. Results: An algorithm was developed that includes the use of directive and non-directive counseling which can be used as a guide for informed consent of women whose pregnancies have TTTS. Conclusion: Ethics is an essential component of decision making for both pregnant women and their obstetricians in pregnancies complicated by TTTS.
The Influence of Assisted Reproductive Technology on Growth Discordance in Dichorionic Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Suzuki Shunji , Murata Tomoaki
Published: June 2007

Objective: We examined the relation between first-trimester crown-rump length (CRL) discordance and birth weight discordance in dichorionic twin pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: We examined 101 nulliparous dichorionic twin pregnancies producing male-male or female-female infants conceived spontaneously (n = 38) or following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (n = 63). Results: There were no significant differences in CRL disparity or birth weight discordance between spontaneous and ART-conceived dichorionic twin pregnancies. There was a positive correlation between CRL disparity and birth weight discordance in ART-conceived twin pregnancies (r2 = 0.22, p = 0.02), while there was no such correlation in spontaneous pregnancies (r2 = 0.02, p = 0.40). Conclusion: In ART-conceived dichorionic twin pregnancies, CRL disparity may be associated with birth weight discordance.
Fetus-in-fetu: Parasite or Neoplasm?
Authors: Saito Keisuke , Katsumata Yusuke , Hirabuki Tomoo , Kato Keisuke , Yamanaka Michiko
Published: June 2007

Introduction: Fetus-in-fetu is a rare congenital fetiform mass whose etiology is still controversial. We report two cases of fetus-in-fetu. Case 1: A fetal retroperitoneal cystic tumor including two masses was detected by ultrasonography at 26 gestational weeks. The masses showed distinctive structures resembling a vertebral axis and were prenatally diagnosed as fetus-in-fetu. A resected specimen revealed two fetiform masses. Case 2: An intracranial tumor with hydrocephalus was detected by ultrasonography at 19 gestational weeks. The pregnancy was terminated, and a postmortem examination revealed six fetiform masses with immature teratoma. Discussion: The tumors may possibly consist of parasitic monozygotic diamniotic twins or highly differentiated teratomas.
Non-Replication and Inconsistency in the Genome-Wide Association Setting
Authors: Ioannidis John P.A.
Published: June 2007

Non-replication and inconsistency had been common features in the search for common variants of candidate genes affecting the risk of complex diseases. They may continue to require attention in the current era, when massive hypothesis-free testing of genetic variants is feasible. An empirical evaluation of the early experience with genome-wide association (GWA) studies suggests several examples where proposed associations have failed to be replicated by subsequent investigations. Non-replication and inconsistency is defined here in the framework of cumulative meta-analysis. Ideally, associations exist, GWA finds them, and subsequent investigations should replicate them. However, a number of other possibilities need to be considered. No common genetic variants may associate with the phenotype of interest and GWA may find nothing; or associations may exist, but GWA may miss them. Associations that do not exist may be falsely selected by the GWA and subsequent studies may appropriately refute them or falsely replicate them. Finally, GWA may find true associations that are nevertheless falsely non-replicated in the subsequent studies; or associations may be genuinely inconsistent across study populations. A list of options is presented for consideration in each of these scenarios.
Central Type 2 Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Mediates Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis Activation in the Rat
Authors: Maruyama Hiroshi , Makino Shinya , Noguchi Tohru , Nishioka Tatsuya , Hashimoto Kozo
Published: June 2007

In an attempt to clarify the role of the type 2 corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor (CRHR-2) in the brain in activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, we conducted experiments using male Wistar rats. First, an injection of urocortin-2 (7.5 µg) into the lateral ventricle resulted in transient increases in CRH heteronuclear RNA (hnRNA) in parvocellular paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), whereas sustained increases in arginine vasopressin (AVP) hnRNA and c-fos mRNA in the parvocellular PVN were observed as compared with vehicle treatment. Pretreatment with the selective CRHR-2 antagonist antisauvagine-30 (20 µg) into the lateral ventricle 15 min prior to agonist injection attenuated the stimulatory effects of urocortin-2 on the above-mentioned hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis variables. These effects were similar or rather more potent than those induced by pretreatment with 50 µg of α-helical CRH. Second, we found longer-lasting increases in CRH and AVP hnRNA and c-fos mRNA in parvocellular PVN and in plasma ACTH following central administration of urocortin-3 (7.5 µg) than following urocortin-2. Pretreatment with antisauvagine-30 antagonized the effects of urocortin-3 on the above-mentioned variables. Finally, central administration of antisauvagine-30 as well as α-helical CRH profoundly attenuated restraint-stress-induced increases in AVP hnRNA. However, α-helical CRH, but not antisauvagine-30, attenuated restraint-stress-induced increases in CRH hnRNA in the PVN. Both antagonists transiently attenuated stress responses of c-fos mRNA in PVN and plasma ACTH. These results indicate that there is a CRHR-2-mediated mechanism in the brain that stimulates CRH- and AVP-producing neurons in the PVN which results in the promotion of plasma ACTH secretion.
Aqueous Humor Formation and Its Regulation by Nitric Oxide: A Mini Review
Authors: Do Chi Wai , Kong Chi Wing , Chan Chu Yan , Lam Chuen , To Chi Ho
Published: June 2007

Glaucoma is a common and severe aging eye disease which can cause permanent visual loss if untreated. One common strategy of glaucoma treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. So far, the pharmacologic reduction of IOP is the only proven intervention that can delay the progression of glaucomatous damage. Lowering the IOP can be achieved either by reducing the rate of aqueous humor secretion or by facilitating the rate of aqueous drainage. The formation of aqueous humor is driven primarily by vectorial ion transport, mainly Cl–, across the ciliary epithelium from ciliary stroma into the posterior chamber, resulting in the generation of an osmotic gradient which drives water movement. Many ion transporters and channels have been shown to participate in the process of aqueous secretion. Among several other signaling mechanisms, the nitric oxide (NO) signaling cascade is thought to regulate the ion transport across the ciliary epithelium, thereby reducing the rate of aqueous humor formation and IOP. Therefore, in this review, the potential significance of NO in the regulation of aqueous humor formation and IOP will be discussed.
Disruption of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Affects Axon Routing in the Mouse Optic Chiasm
Authors: Hao Yanli , Wang Jun , Chan Chung-Kit , Chan Sun-On
Published: June 2007

The morphogen Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has recently been shown as an axon guidance molecule in the development of central neural pathways. We investigated here whether Shh serves its axon guidance role in patterning axon course in the mouse optic chiasm. Using immunocytochemistry, Shh-like staining was observed in the caudal regions of the ventral diencephalon in embryonic day (E) 13 embryos. At E14 and E15, the staining became obvious on the optic axons in lateral regions of the chiasm and in the optic tract, but not in the midline region. Blocking Shh signaling with cyclopamine in brain slice preparations of the optic pathway produced several abnormalities in routing of optic axons at the chiasm. Cyclopamine treatment in E13 brain slices reduced the midline crossing and generated a misrouting of axons in the post-midline region of the chiasm. This misrouting was further proven in E14 and E15 brain slices, in which a substantial increase in the retinoretinal axons was observed after cyclopamine treatment. Midline crossing at these developmental stages was not affected. These findings indicated that Shh protein was localized in a regionally and temporally specific pattern in the mouse optic chiasm, which might regulate midline crossing and targeting of axons into the optic tract at different stages of pathway development.
The Impact of Enlargement: Europeanization of Polish Foreign Policy? Tracking Adaptation and Change in the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Authors: Pomorska Karolina
Published: June 2007

This article analyses the process of adaptation of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to EU membership and participation in CFSP, both before and after EU accession. It addresses changes in organizational structure, but also in institutional culture and everyday practices. Despite the initial ambiguity, Polish decision-makers tend to perceive CFSP as an opportunity rather than a constraint on national foreign policy. It is argued that the turning point of the Europeanization process took place in 2003, when Poland became an active observer to the EU and its diplomats were allowed to attend meetings inside the Council. The article also identifies and analyses the gaps in experience and knowledge between the diplomats posted to Brussels and those that stayed in Warsaw. Finally, it examines the various challenges that EU membership held for the MFA and how they have been dealt with so far.
Parliamentary Diplomacy
Authors: de Boer Gonnie , Weisglas Frans
Published: June 2007

Parliamentarians have for decades been present and active in the international arena. 'Parliamentary diplomacy', however, has only quite recently become the common term used to describe the wide range of international activities undertaken by members of parliament in order to increase mutual understanding between countries, to improve scrutiny of government, to represent their people better, and to increase the democratic legitimacy of inter-governmental institutions. It is perhaps a sign of the times that this term has now been coined. The increased blurring of boundaries between national and foreign affairs means that parliamentarians must consider issues put before them with a global mindset. Correspondingly, the significance of international parliamentary contacts is growing, and it is unlikely to cease to do so in the coming years.
Social Polarisation and Poverty in the Global City
Authors: Lee Kim-ming , Wong Hung , Law Kam-yee
Published: June 2007

Unlike the poverty in the developing world which is more likely associated with undevelopment or underdevelopment of industrial capitalism, the new poverty in advanced cities is induced by the development of a new phase of capitalism that goes beyond industrial capitalism and emphasises the role of knowledge, information, global networks and global finance for capital accumulation and profit generation. This new phase of capitalism represents a transformation from country-based economic systems to city-based ones. Hong Kong as a global city is no exception to this trend. Most of the big advanced cities around the globe are witnessing increasing inequalities of income, job opportunities and job securities, and are turning into ‘divided’ or ‘dual’ cities. In these divided global cities, a new group of marginalised urban poor or ‘underclass’ emerges, and new regimes of urban marginality are established. This article is about the poor and the low-income earning marginalised workers in Hong Kong. Following the social polarisation thesis advanced by Sassen, this article will review the current literature and official statistics to portray and examine the trends of poverty and inequalities in Hong Kong. Then we will attempt to explain how low-skilled and less-educated workers are marginalised and trapped in a vicious cycle of low income and poverty. Specifically, we will draw insights from Esping-Andersen's discussion of a post-industrial stratification order, which combines both the Fordist industrial and post-industrial hierarchies in advanced Western countries to analyse the Hong Kong situation. Our article shows that social polarisation, in its narrowest definition of absolute income polarisation and the disappearing middle, does not happen in Hong Kong. However, there are serious problems on income inequality: a low-income-poverty trap against the lower class, and the spatial and economic segregation towards migrant groups.
A Study of the Tibetan Rural Urbanisation Model
Authors: Tao Li
Published: June 2007

Urbanisation is the inevitable outcome of world economic development and an unavoidable stage, as also an important factor, promoting and boosting economic development across the world. There are two objectives of this article—to reveal the specific features of Tibetan urbanisation as Tibet is located on ‘the roof of the world’ with its unique natural, historical and cultural features. The specific features of Tibetan urbanisation can be summarised as low urbanisation when compared to world urbanisation levels, a low starting point and a different background of urbanisation and little urbanisation motivation. The second purpose is to examine whether Mcgee's Desakota model has some relevance in terms of comprehending Tibetan rural urbanisation.
Japanese Nationalism
Authors: Varma Lalima
Published: June 2007

‘Growing Japanese Nationalism’ has become a subject of intense debate during the last one decade, in particular after revision of the history textbooks, formal recognition of the ‘Kimigayo’ anthem which reminds one of Japanese militaristic past, and initiatives taken by the Japanese Government to amend the pacifist Constitution. An attempt is made in this study to compare Japanese nationalism prevalent in the pre-World War II period and the type of nationalism emerging in Japan in recent years. Both the nationalisms are qualitatively different. ‘Aggressive and militant’ nationalism of the pre-World War II period was a response to the environment existing during that period when a large part of the world was colonised by the advanced western countries including China, where each power had its interests and own spheres of influence. Meiji leaders were determined that their country should not suffer the same fate as their neighbour. It was with this objective that the Japanese leadership sought to instil nationalism in the minds of the common people so as extract maximum devotion and support from them for their expansionist foreign policy. On the other hand today nationalism in Japan is basically geared towards seeing that it occupies an important position in world affairs which are commensurate with its being the second largest economy and a major contributor to multilateral organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and a major provider of developmental aid and foreign direct investments (FDI). In simple words it wants to be a ‘normal’ country and not just a follower of the US. It is unlikely that Japanese nationalism will tread the militaristic path as in the pre-War period. This is mainly because the international and the regional environment which exists today is drastically different from the pre-War period. China is no more a weak power and other developing countries which were colonised are emerging powers. Moreover, a peaceful environment is necessary for its economy to prosper. Besides democracy has come to stay in Japan and there are equally assertive groups which strongly oppose any stand taken by the government which may lead to the revival of militarism in Japan.
Shifting Perception of the ‘China Threat’ in America
Authors: Cheow Eric Teo Chu
Published: June 2007

At the invitation of the US State Department to visit Washington DC and New York in the second week of May 2006, the writer delivered a series of lectures to major US think tanks and met senior State Department officials (and also wrote this article in mid 2006), with a view towards understanding how America views, perceives and reacts to ‘emerging Asia’ and a ‘rising China’, which many believe could drastically change the current international economic and political landscape in the next five to ten years. The writer's particular interest was focused on America's appraisal of the ‘China threat’ today, as extensively made out in the American media over the past two years. The discussions also centred on how Americans perceive the evolving regional Asian architecture (especially when the United States was conspicuously excluded from the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 14 December 2005), and the future place of the United States in Asia (especially in contending with significant Chinese ‘advances’ into Southeast Asia). What was discovered was surprisingly three major findings or confirmations, namely, a metamorphosing ‘China threat’ perception in the United States, a feeling of exclusion of the United States from this ‘emerging Asia’, and a ‘decline of Washington's clout and influence in Southeast Asia and in Central Asia’. All these three factors of shift would have severe implications for the American people and market, as well as for Asia.
Cutaneous Vasculitis Associated With Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Greco Filippo , Sorge Anna , Salvo Vincenzo , Sorge Giovanni
Published: June 2007

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important bacterial agent that causes pneumonia in pediatric patients; it can also affect other organs or systems. Extrapulmonary manifestations include neurological, cardiac, hematologic, renal, gastrointestinal, osteoarticular, cutaneous, and ocular involvement. This report presents a 7-year-old male affected with cutaneous and retinal vasculitis due to M pneumoniae infection without pulmonary detection. The available literature on cutaneous vasculitis and M pneumoniae infection is also reviewed.
Cure Simulation of Thermoset Composite Panels
Authors: Capehart T.W. , Kia Hamid G. , Abujoudeh Taher
Published: June 2007

The curing of an open mold composite consisting of three laminated thermoset layers is simulated using a one-dimensional finite element model (FEM). This curing simulation addresses the reaction kinetics of each of the thermoset polyester resins as well as the thermal transport across the composite to calculate a time-dependent cure of each layer. Curing of each of the resins is modeled as an autocatalytic reaction based on the isothermal reaction exotherms at several temperatures. These reaction models depend sensitively on processing parameters. In particular, the models are specific to each polyester formulation, pre-promoter, and concentration of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide initiator. A nonlinear, transient, one-dimensional FEM coupling the reaction exotherm with the thermal properties of the composite is being implemented in Abaqus®. The measured temperature profiles of the composite layers during cure are semi-quantitatively reproduced by the model providing the degree of cure for each composite layer. Using the calculated degree of cure, the time evolution of the modulus of each layer can be estimated. While this simulation serves as a useful guide to the relationship between process parameters and laminate properties, it is not sufficiently accurate to provide process control for parameter optimization.
Fabrication of Radar Absorbing Structure and Evaluation of Radar Cross Section: Case Study of Hybrid Shells
Authors: Jung Woo-Kyun , Ahn Sung-Hoon , Ahn Bierng-Chearl , Park Seoung-Bae , Won Myung-Shik
Published: June 2007

Fiber-reinforced composite materials have outstanding mechanical and electrical properties; their applications have been expanded to commercial products as well as military components. Using composite materials, researchers have studied the radar absorbing, or `stealth' technology. In this research, to develop the radar absorbing structure (RAS), hybrid composite materials are fabricated into three-dimensional `C' and `U' shape shells. A series of experiments and analysis is conducted to characterize the RAS shells. The hybrid composite consists of absorbing layers made of a three-phase composite (glass fiber/epoxy/carbon-black 5 wt%), and reflection layers made of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy. To manufacture the spring-back-free composite shells, aluminum molds with additional bending angles are used during the cure process of composite. Finally, to evaluate the radar absorbing efficiency of the RAS, radar cross section (RCS) is measured by a compact range method. The hybrid RAS shows an average radar absorption efficiency of 11 dB.
Contesting the New Irrational Actor Model
Authors: Law Alex , McNeish Wallace
Published: June 2007

Public opposition to the siting of telecommunications masts tends to focus on perceived health risks, yet scientific evidence suggests that mobile handsets may constitute more of a risk. This paradox is usually explained in terms of cognitive or communication deficit models that contain an implicit thesis of protest actor irrationality. Recent authors (e.g. Burgess, 2002, 2004; Taverne, 2005) have, however, been more explicit in arguing that such protests are an irrational reaction to media constructed fears and state mismanagement of techno-infrastructure modernization. Together these approaches form what we call the `New Irrational Actor Model'. Drawing on insights from social movements theor y and data from a 12-month case study of the campaign against Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) telecommunications masts in nor th-east Fife, we argue that contrar y to the `New Irrational Actor Model', the anti-mast protesters utilize multi-form modes of substantive and instrumental rational action.
The Reconstructed Professional Firm: Explaining Change in English Legal Practices
Authors: Ackroyd Stephen , Muzio Daniel
Published: June 2007

The paper provides a structural analysis of change in the English and Welsh legal profession over the last 25 years, using concepts drawn from Weberian sociology of the professions and more recent theory connecting agency and structure. Through a consideration of data returned to the Law Society, and other data, this paper outlines changes in the internal division of labour in English law firms. It is argued that, in response to external threats, especially the growth in the numbers of qualified recruits, the elite of the profession has reworked professional closure. From controlling access to training places (i.e. labour market closure), legal firms have shifted towards controlling conditions of work and promotion (identified as internal organizational closure). This has produced recognizable effects: it has sustained the remuneration and status of the professional elite of partners, but has also allowed the assimilation of large numbers of recruits to the profession, and the expansion in the size of legal firms, as well as supporting their continued profitability. However, the changes have also involved deterioration in the conditions of work and the promotion prospects of employed solicitors, and produced other effects considered in the paper. The argument is concluded with some critical comments on the work of the archetype theorists whose research into the organization of the professions is widely taken as authoritative. These authors suggest that the introduction of management is a defining characteristic of current reorganization of the legal profession among others, as is indicated by their notion of the managed professional business (MPB). It is suggested, instead, that engagement with management by the professional elite of legal firms in this study is at best rhetorical, and contemporary change in English law firms is better understood as the emergence of a reconstructed professional firm (RPF) based on a new professional closure regime.
A Fresh Look at How Professions Take Shape: Dual-directed Networking Dynamics and Social Boundaries
Authors: Montgomery Kathleen , Oliver Amalya L.
Published: June 2007

Understanding boundary-spanning activities such as interorganizational alliances and professional/organizational integration requires clarity about what boundaries are being spanned and how they were constructed. We approach this goal by drawing on social identity theory and institutional theory to develop a process model, whereby inward- and outward-directed networking activities combine to build the social boundaries marking exclusive membership and proprietary domain. Four stages in the process are demonstrated, using two longitudinal case studies of emerging professions: the Jewish legal profession in Israel and physician executives in the USA. Despite the cases' contextual differences, analysis of networking activities supports propositions based on the model.
Interethnic and interracial dating in college: A longitudinal study
Authors: Levin Shana , Taylor Pamela L. , Caudle Elena
Published: June 2007

Longitudinal data on interethnic and interracial dating were collected from over 2000 students at a large multiethnic university. Results indicated that, controlling for relevant background variables, students who exhibited lower levels of ingroup bias, intergroup anxiety, and group identification before college were more likely to date members of other ethnic and racial groups during college. In addition, controlling for relevant background variables and precollege group attitudes, students who dated outside their group more during college showed less ingroup bias and intergroup anxiety at the end of college, but also felt more pressure not to socialize with or date members of other groups. Some findings varied across ethnic and racial groups. Results are discussed in terms of theories of intergroup contact and interethnic and interracial dating.
An Atlas of the Ethiopian Rural Economy: expanding the range of available information for development planning
Authors: Chamberlin Jordan , Tadesse Mulugeta , Benson Todd , Zakaria Samia
Published: June 2007

This article describes a recently released Atlas of the Ethiopian Rural Economy that synthesizes spatial information on agriculture and other aspects of the rural environment in Ethiopia from a number of secondary sources. A primary goal of the project was to increase the relevance and accessibility of this information for policy-makers and development program planners through its compilation and harmonization within a cartographic format. Understanding the many dimensions of a nation's rural economy is critical to policy-makers and program planners as they develop strategies to transform the rural economy in order to sustainably reduce rural poverty and accelerate broad economic growth. In many countries, there is a wealth of valuable and spatially explicit information that could enlarge and deepen such an understanding. However, this is often difficult to use because it is fragmented, found in many different formats, presented at different levels of aggregation, and held by agencies with different access policies and procedures. Several aspects of a statistical atlas of this nature recommend it as a model for initiating transformations in poor-access and fragmented information environments that characterize many developing countries. This article describes these characteristics, as well as the challenges that face those implementing such projects, and seeks to relate information projects of this nature to the broader importance of information access for guiding rural development policy and strategy formulation.
The Application of GIS as an Assessment and Planning Tool for Smallholder Irrigation Market Development: a case study from the West African Sahel
Authors: Magistro John , Bassolé Andre , Weight Elizabeth
Published: June 2007

This article outlines a regional-scale assessment methodology using geographic information systems (GIS) as a source of value-added information to identify and prioritize areas within Africa where an irrigation and market-based poverty alleviation model could potentially be applied to benefit poor, small-scale farmers. This assessment methodology, Poverty Reduction through Irrigation and Smallholder Markets (PRISM), is being piloted by a US-based private voluntary organization to assist development organizations to better target and identify smallholder communities for pro-poor market-led interventions that will ultimately boost farm income and move large numbers of the rural poor out of poverty. The Sahel region of West Africa is presented as a case study for the piloting of a GIS scoping methodology.
Non-deterministic Tailoring of Advanced Composite Structures
Authors: Abumeri Galib H. , Chamis Christos C.
Published: June 2007

The probability of survival of a uniformly loaded CMC flange is maximized in the presence of uncertainties in the material properties, fabrication process variables, and loading. The effects of uncertainties in primitive variables on the structural response behavior are quantified. The probabilistic optimization is performed by coupling structural optimization with composite mechanics, finite element analysis, and probabilistic methods. It is demonstrated that probabilistic sensitivities can be used to select a reduced set of design variables for optimization. The flange's first three natural frequencies are considered as behavior constraints. The probability of survival is increased by 12% at the end of the optimization process. The termination of the optimization process is dependent on the lower and upper bounds of design variables and behavior constraints. Those bounds are obtained at specified probabilities defining the optimization feasible region. The computational methodology that is presented in this paper is generic and can be applied to perform reliability and risk assessment of other types of structures.
Fatigue Life Prediction under Variable Cyclic Loading Based on Statistical Linear Cumulative Damage Rule for CFRP Laminates
Authors: Noda Junji , Nakada Masayuki , Miyano Yasushi
Published: June 2007

This paper is concerned with the applicability of the statistical linear cumulative damage (SLCD) rule for predicting the fatigue life under variable cyclic loading for CFRP laminates. The three-point bending fatigue tests for plain-woven and quasi-isotropic CFRP laminates were carried out under various cyclic loadings with constant and variable load amplitude and frequency. As a result, the applicability of SLCD rule to the flexural fatigue life of these CFRP laminates was confirmed for the cases of variable frequency as well as variable amplitude from the viewpoint of statistics.
Effect of Meta Kaolin Filler on the Physico-mechanical Properties and Chemical Resistance of Chain Extended Polyurethane
Authors: Roopa S. , Siddaramaiah
Published: June 2007

A series of meta kaolin (MK, clay) filler incorporated chain extended castable polyurethane (PU) [100/0, 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 PU/MK], based on castor oil and 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with tartaric acid as chain extender, were synthesized. The effect of meta kaolin loading on the physico-mechanical properties and chemical resistance of filled chain extended PU have been studied. From the tensile behavior it was noticed that a drastic improvement in tensile strength and tensile modulus increased with filler content. It was observed that the PU composites showed more resistance to acid compared to alkali.
Melt Viscoelastic Behavior in Capillary Extrusion of Polypropylene/EPDM/Glass Bead Ternary Composites
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao
Published: June 2007

The melt viscoelastic properties of polypropylene (PP)/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer copolymer (EPDM)/glass bead (GB) ternary composites were measured in a wide scope of shear rates by using a Rosand capillary rheometer, to indentify the effects of shear stress, particle content and its surface treatment on the melt viscoelastic behavior during extrusion of the composites. The apparent shear rates varied from 10 to 105 s— 1, and the test temperature was 190°C. The results showed that the entry pressure drop (ΔPen) and the melt extension viscosity (ηe) increased with an increase of shear stress (τw), and both the ΔPen and ηe were roughly an exponent function of τw respectively. The influence of the bead surface treatment on the ΔPen and η e is insignificant. The die-swell ratio (B) of the melts increased roughly linearly with an increases of τw, while decreased approximately nonlinearly with an addition of the GB volume fraction. The values of B of the composite system for the EPDM grafted with maleic anhydride were somewhat more than those of the other composite systems under the same test conditions, especially at lower glass bead concentration.
Synthesis and Third-order NLO Properties of polymethacrylates containing Pendent Azobenzene Groups
Authors: Li Najun , Lu Jianmei , Xu Qingfeng , Xia Xuewei , Wang Lihua
Published: June 2007

Six azobenzene monomers containing methacrylate groups were prepared and characterized. The monomers varied by having alkyl spacers of varying lengths and either nitro or methoxy substituents in conjugation with the azo groups. The monomers were polymerized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to give polymethyacrylates with pendent azobenzene groups. The pendent azobenzene groups were separated from the polymer backbone by alkyl spacing groups of varying lengths. The side-chain nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers with variable and controllable molecular weight and low polydispersity (1.2—1.4) were obtained. The kinetics of ATRP for each azo monomer was also studied. The third-order NLO property of azo monomers and their polymers were measured using the degenerated four wave mixing technique. Each of the polymers exhibited relatively high χ (3 ) value and rapid response times. The effects of the substituent and spacer length on the ATRP of the methacrylate monomers and the effect of molecular weight on the third-order NLO property of polymers were investigated.
Synthesis of Polystyrene with Terminal Functional Groups via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization using an Immobilized Catalytic System
Authors: Li Najun , Lu Jianmei , Guo Yeshu , Xu Qingfeng , Wang Lihua
Published: June 2007

A new cross-linked solid catalyst with azo-crown ether functional side chains (PSt-1,10-dicarbonyl-3,6,9-trizaocylcodecane) was prepared under microwave irradiation and its structure was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and solid-state 13 C NMR. The immobilized catalyst system, composed of functionalized lightly cross-linked polystyrene (crosslink degree, 3.5%), CuBr and ethyl-2-bromoisobutyrate (EBiB), was used to perform the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene. The polymer obtained had functional end groups that can coordinate with rare earth ions such as La(III). Thus the polymer was reacted with La(NO3 )3 and the resulting polystyrene-La complex was characterized by FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The polystyrene-La complex exhibited an increase in third-order nonlinear optical properties as determined by the degenerated four wave mixing technique.
Structure-Property Relationships of Soluble Poly(ester-urea)s containing Naphthyl Groups
Authors: Mehdipour-Ataei Shahram , Bahri-Laleh Naeemeh , Rabei Ahmad , Saidi Samaneh
Published: June 2007

The preparation of new types of polyureas with good thermal properties and improved solubility was investigated. Two new bulky diamines as new monomers for the preparation of polyurea were synthesized via two steps. First, a nucleophilic reaction of 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride and then the reduction of the nitro groups by hydrazine hydrate/Pd-C to produce the corresponding diamines (1NA and 2NA). The poly(ester-urea)s were synthesized through the polyaddition reaction of the diamines with various commercially available diisocyanates. The polymers were characterized using IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, viscometry, thermal analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and X-ray diffraction. The copolymers were amorphous and readily soluble in a wide range of organic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N, N-dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N, N-dimethylformamide, and m-cresol. Thermal analysis showed a glass transition temperature between 146 and 178 °C. Their decomposition temperatures were more than 180 °C, and their 10% weight losses were in the range 281—315 ° C in air. The weight average molecular weights ( Mw) of the polymers were about 32 200—40 500 g/mol.
World Cup? What World Cup?
Authors: Mair John
Published: June 2007

Guyanan-born Academic Mair reports from the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, with observations on the sportswriters – “Fans with laptops” and the disappointments of what should have been a wonderful cricket carnival: “…in the home of loud and lively cricket…the previous [Guyanan] Test ground – the Bourda in Georgetown – had been a cauldron for every match. Not so in Providence – the International Cricket Council had rigidly imposed a “one size fits all” policy on the nine West Indies countries hosting the World Cup. Stadiums were built very alike and the ticket prices were alike too – very, very high. Crowd spontaneity was restricted by the banning of bands and musical instruments from the grounds. The result at most matches was, at best, torpor. It was difficult for the press corps to detect the lack of atmosphere, isolated in the press box bubbles as they were.” He continues: “The inward-looking nature of the cricket media corps is even further reinforced by the old pros in their ranks. Retired cricketers do not die; they simply become commentators or writers.”
Weathering the trauma storms
Authors: Rees Gavin
Published: June 2007

Academic Rees writes: “Accounts of distress, loss and suffering are the daily meat of the news industry. Indeed, from nursery tales to Shakespeare, our cultural life has always been founded, in significant part, on the need to understand and face down the various horrors that can destroy life or limit its enjoyment afterwards. In one survey of 906 American print journalists, 96 per cent said that they had been exposed to work-related trauma. In a similar sounding of press photographers, the figure rose to 98 per cent. And yet, despite the fact that so many journalists are directly in the trauma business, there is very little formal instruction in the mechanics of traumatic experience or in how best to work with those who have been affected.” And in advocating trauma awareness training he concludes: “[It] may be the journalistic equivalent of what the military call a live-firing exercise, a situation that forces the development of professional skills – in the journalists’ case, those of empathic listening and dispassionate reporting. [But] It may even encourage better journalism right the way across the range.”
Life and death on the Evening Beast
Authors: The Grey Cardigan
Published: June 2007

The Grey Cardigan emerged blinking into the spotlight 18 months ago in the pages of trade magazine Press Gazette as an antidote to the soulless, journalist-free news factories that seemed to have taken over large swathes of our regional press. His view of life around him is undoubtedly jaundiced, but hopefully any bitterness is tempered by a true love of the newspaperman’s craft: the black arts of em rules and spikes, of cut-throat competition and the ever-ticking clock – many of the things that have left us poorer by their absence... Here, Mr Cardigan recalls items from a column that resonates with many older print journalists and, reflecting on his present job at the fading Evening Beast, writes: “It wasn’t always thus. I’ve chased Ronnie Biggs around Rio, I got the second interview with Terry Waite and I was on the back bench the night Kelvin [MacKenzie, then editor of The Sun] decided ‘Gotcha’ was an appropriate way to mark the deaths of 368 Argentine sailors. After dropping to the regions, I’ve survived pods, modules, and no-sub newsrooms. And I’m still here. For another few years, anyway, unless the management consultants find my hiding place. I’m not ready to fall on my spike just yet.”
The Influence of High-Involvement Human Resources Practices, Procedural Justice, Organizational Commitment, and Citizenship Behaviors on Information Technology Professionals' Turnover Intentions
Authors: Paré Guy , Tremblay Michel
Published: June 2007

The present study investigates the relationships between a multidimensional, theoretically grounded configuration of high-involvement human resources (HR) practices and turnover intentions. Precisely, it addresses two research questions: What high-involvement HR practices are needed to implement an effective strategy for retaining highly skilled professionals? Do procedural justice, organizational commitment, and citizenship behaviors mediate the effects of high-involvement HR practices on turnover intentions? A survey instrument containing previously validated measures was developed and sent to Quebec members of the Canadian Information Processing Society. Data from 394 respondents were used to test the research model. Key findings reveal that nonmonetary recognition and competency development, and, to a lesser extent, fair rewards and information-sharing practices, are negatively and directly related to turnover intentions. The authors also observed that procedural justice, affective and continuance commitment, and citizenship behaviors partially mediate the effects of high-involvement HR practices on the turnover intentions of highly skilled professionals.