bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolution of understanding: Positioning evaluation within a comprehensive performance management system
Authors: Price Kelci M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAlthough performance management has become a common organizational practice, in many cases it has not resulted in substantial program improvement or organizational learning. The author discusses two issues related to performance management systems that are of key concern to evaluators: (a) evaluation is often excluded from these systems in favor of monitoring data, and (b) performance management systems tend to focus on the creation of data rather than its use. The author discusses the complementary roles of evaluation and monitoring data, and highlights some ways in which evaluation can help improve performance management systems. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Utilizing emerging technology in program evaluation
Authors: Galen Matthew , Grodzicki Deborah 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe force of fast‐paced technological growth and globalization influence today's organizational environments. Successful organizations have become more nimble and responsive to these environmental realities, while simultaneously managing increasingly complex informational needs. The success of program evaluations will depend on evaluators' abilities to leverage future technologies to produce and disseminate knowledge in an accessible and actionable form. The authors propose that the roles and responsibilities of the evaluator will shift as current evaluation approaches are adapted to make effective use of these technological tools. Specifically, the authors discuss evaluators' future roles as collaborators with design‐science practitioners, filterers and translators of information, and customizers of knowledge dissemination. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Online learning programs: Evaluation's challenging future
Authors: Nord Derek 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWith the vast array of contextual factors, pedagogical approaches, models of implementation, and purposes of education and training related to online learning, educators, learners, and the general public alike are seeking answers regarding utility and effectiveness of online learning. This article identifies and responds to many of the challenges and issues related to the evaluation of online learning that will likely test evaluators in the years and decades to come. The author provides an early conceptualization of a comprehensive evaluation framework to focus evaluation on the many components of online learning rather than a narrow aspect. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibition enables retinoic acid‐induced neurogenesis in monolayer culture of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Kotasová Hana , Veselá Iva , Kučera Jan , Houdek Zbyněk , Procházková Jiřina , Králičková Milena , Pacherník Jiří 
Published: September 2011

AbstractRetinoic acid (RA) is able to induce the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neuronal lineages. The mechanism of this effect is unknown but it has been evidenced to be dependent on the formation of floating spheroids called embryoid bodies. Results presented here show that the inhibition of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase signaling pre‐determines mouse embryonic stem cells to RA induced neurogenesis in monolayer culture with no need of embryoid bodies formation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 563–570, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perinatal intermittent hypoxia alters γ‐aminobutyric acid: a receptor levels in rat cerebellum
Authors: Pae Eung‐Kwon , Yoon Audrey J. , Ahuja Bhoomika , Lau Gary W. , Nguyen Daniel D. , Kim Yong , Harper Ronald M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPerinatal hypoxia commonly causes brain injury in infants, but the time course and mechanisms underlying the preferential male injury are unclear. Intermittent hypoxia disturbs cerebellar γ‐aminobutyric (GABA)‐A receptor profiles during the perinatal period, possibly responding to transient excitatory processes associated with GABAA receptors. We examined whether hypoxic insults were particularly damaging to the male rodent cerebellum during a specific developmental time window. We evaluated cerebellar injury and GABAA receptor profiles following 5‐h intermittent hypoxia (IH: 20.8% and 10.3% ambient oxygen, switched every 240 s) or room‐air control in groups of male and female rat pups on postnatal d 1–2, wk 1, or wk 3. The cerebella were harvested and compared between groups. The mRNA levels of GABAA receptors α6, normalized to a house‐keeping gene GAPDH, and assessed using real‐time reverse‐transcriptase PCR assays were up‐regulated by IH at wk 1, more extensively in male rats, with sex influencing the regulatory time‐course. In contrast, GABAA α6 receptor protein expression levels, assessed using Western blot assays, reached a nadir at wk 1 in both male and female rats, possibly indicating involvement of a post‐transcriptional mechanism. The extent of cerebellar damage and level of apoptosis, assessed by DNA fragmentation, were greatest in the wk 3 IH‐exposed group. The findings suggest partial protection for female rats against early hypoxic insult in the cerebellum, and that down‐regulation of GABAA receptors, rather than direct neural injury assessed by DNA fragmentation may modify cerebellar function, with potential later motor and other deficits.
The Creation of the Food Administration in Iran
Authors: Floor Willem M. 
Published: September 2011

Agricultural production considered from an economic point of view has two important functions: first, to provide prime necessities for those inside and outside the agricultural sector, and second, to enable the financing of imports. In preindustrial countries like Qajar Iran, where more than 85 percent of the population was earning its living in the agricultural sector, the economic basis of the country was land and agriculture.Agricultural production in Qajar Iran was characterized by a low level of technical specialization and labor division. The landlords showed no great interest in furthering agricultural production as indicated by a low level of investment in this sector, while the farmers were not encouraged by their masters to work for greater productivity.The landlords were interested only in extracting the agricultural surplus, i.e., the agricultural production minus the consumption of the agricultural sector or, in other words, that part of the production that would end up outside the agricultural sector.
The Significance of Private Archives for the Study of the Economic and Social History of Iran in the Late Qajar Period
Authors: Mahdavi Asghar 
Published: September 2011

Since the last world war, there has been an increasing interest in preserving and utilizing archival material in Iran, but, despite several attempts, appropriate institutions have not as yet been established for this purpose. To substantiate their viewpoints, researchers often have to wait long periods before gaining access to the desired archival material. This, of course, does not imply that documents were not preserved in Iran. Throughout the entire Qajar period, the existence of a document chamber at the imperial court, in which documents of unequal value were preserved with reasonable care, indicates that the preservation of archival material is a long-established custom.There are also private archives of considerable interest, but unfortunately these materials were preserved for long periods only if they had legal or administrative importance. For example, the contracts for real estate transactions, or designations of waqf properties, were carefully preserved by heirs or distantly entitled parties, while documents of only practical interest usually disappeared within two or three generations.
Protest for National Rights in the USSR: Characteristics and Consequences*
Authors: Kowalewski David 
Published: September 2011

The Soviet regime's contention that the nationalities problem has been solved can no longer be taken seriously. At his speech honoring the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of the Soviet Union on December 21, 1972, party chief Leonid Brezhnev claimed:By now … solving the nationalities problem, overcoming the backwardness of previously oppressed nations, is … habitual for the Soviet people. We must remember the scope and complexity of the accomplishments, in order to appreciate the wisdom … of the party, which took upon itself such a task — and accomplished it.
Judgement of Act-Outcome Contingency: The Role of Selective Attribution
Authors: Dickinson Anthony , Shanks David , Evenden John 
Published: September 2011

In the first experiment subjects were presented with a number of sets of trials on each of which they could perform a particular action and observe the occurrence of an outcome in the context of a video game. The contingency between the action and outcome was varied across the different sets of trials. When required to judge the effectiveness of the action in controlling the outcome during a set of trials, subjects assigned positive ratings for a positive contingency and negative ratings for a negative contingency. Furthermore, the magnitude of the ratings was related systematically to the strength of the actual contingency. With a fixed probability of an outcome given the action, judgements of positive contingencies decreased as the likelihood that the outcome would occur without the action was raised. Correspondingly, the absolute value of ratings of negative contingencies was increased both by an increment in the probability of the outcome in the absence of the action and by a decrement in the probability of the outcome following the action. A systematic bias was observed, however, in that positive judgements were given under a non-contingent relationship when the outcome frequency was relatively high. However, this bias could be reduced by giving extended exposure to the non-contingent schedule (Experiment 2). This pattern of contingency judgements can be explained if it is assumed that a process of selective attribution operates, whereby people are less likely to attribute an outcome to some potential target cause if another effective cause is present. Experiments 2 and 3 demonstrated the operation of this process by showing that initially establishing another agent as an effective cause of the outcome subsequently reduced or blocked the extent to which the subjects attributed the outcome to the action. Finally, we argue that the pattern and bias in contingency judgements based upon interactions with a causal process can be explained in terms of contemporary conditioning models of associative learning.
RASP: rapid modeling of protein side chain conformations
Authors: Miao Zhichao , Cao Yang , Jiang Taijiao 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Motivation: Modeling of side chain conformations constitutes an indispensable effort in protein structure modeling, protein–protein docking and protein design. Thanks to an intensive attention to this field, many of the existing programs can achieve reasonably good and comparable prediction accuracy. Moreover, in our previous work on CIS-RR, we argued that the prediction with few atomic clashes can complement the current existing methods for subsequent analysis and refinement of protein structures. However, these recent efforts to enhance the quality of predicted side chains have been accompanied by a significant increase of computational cost.
Results: In this study, by mainly focusing on improving the speed of side chain conformation prediction, we present a RApid Side-chain Predictor, called RASP. To achieve a much faster speed with a comparable accuracy to the best existing methods, we not only employ the clash elimination strategy of CIS-RR, but also carefully optimize energy terms and integrate different search algorithms. In comprehensive benchmark testings, RASP is over one order of magnitude faster (~ 40 times over CIS-RR) than the recently developed methods, while achieving comparable or even better accuracy.
Availability: RASP is available to non-commercial users at our website: http://jianglab.ibp.ac.cn/lims/rasp/rasp
Contact: taijiao@moon.ibp.ac.cn
Supplementary Information: Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.
Proposal of a tool for evaluating people’s values regarding Lake Biwa
Authors: Hirayama Naoko , Nakamura Masahisa , Ide Shinji 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe Shiga Prefectural Government (SPG) is in a process of reviewing and revising ‘Mather Lake 21 Plan’, which is a comprehensive conservation plan developed in 2000 for Lake Biwa. This study was meant to compass the values of people for Lake Biwa, allowing them to be reflected in the revised plan. The authors first conducted a value survey (VS) as a part of an opinion survey by the SPG, requesting prefectural inhabitants to evaluate the level of importance of five major functions of the lake in absolute terms. The five major functions include the following: water resources, ecosystem, landscape, lifestyle and industry. An experiment involving undergraduate students also was conducted, in which the students were asked to evaluate the level of importance, in both absolute and relative terms. Relative evaluations were accomplished by the Analytic Hierarchy Process method. The results indicated that (i) The average values of the prefectural people regarding Lake Biwa, in terms of the lake’s functions, were determined, with the values found to be less subject to people’s attributes; (ii) A good linear relationship between the absolute and relative evaluations was obtained in the student experiment, suggesting that the absolute evaluations could be converted to relative ones with the derived relationship; and (iii) By converting the absolute evaluations of the VS to relative ones, it was revealed that prefectural residents attached importance to the lake’s functions, with the relative order of importance being water resources, ecosystem, landscape, industry and lifestyle.
How microcystin‐degrading bacteria express microcystin degradation activity
Authors: Shimizu Kazuya , Maseda Hideaki , Okano Kunihiro , Itayama Tomoaki , Kawauchi Yukio , Chen Rongzhi , Utsumi Motoo , Zhang Zhenya , Sugiura Norio 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAlkali tolerance and the mechanism of microcystin (MC) degradation were investigated in the MC‐degrading bacterial species, Sphingopyxis sp. C‐1, to better understand the increased MC degradation under the alkaline conditions that arise during the disappearance of water blooms. MC‐degrading bacteria harbour mlrA, mlrB and mlrC that encode MC‐degrading enzymes. Sphingopyxis sp. C‐1 also possesses these genes, as well as the mlrD gene that has been assumed to encode MC and its degradation transporter. This study demonstrated that MC degradation activity was promoted by the intermittent addition of microcystin‐LR (MCLR) to cultures of strain C‐1. That the expression of mlrA, mlrB and mlrC is induced by MCLR also was indicated, whereas that of mlrA and mlrB is induced by the MCLR degradation products linear MC, H‐Adda‐Glu‐Mdha‐Ala‐OH (tetra peptide) and 2S, 3S, 8S, 9S‐3‐amino‐9‐methoxy‐2, 6, 8‐trimethyl‐10‐phenyldeca‐4E, 6E‐dienoic acid (Adda). Adda played a key role in the induction of mlrA and mlrB gene expression, and the cyclic structure of MCLR was closely associated with the induction of mlrC gene expression. It is suggested, therefore, that Adda is an essential part of a signalling molecule involved in cell‐to‐cell communication. Finally, the MC‐degrading bacteria responded to MCLR and its degradation products by degrading the MlrA, MlrB and MlrC enzymes through a sequential chain reaction for the expression of each.
A clinical review of peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Bersenas Alexa M.E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo review the principles and practice of peritoneal dialysis in veterinary medicine.Data SourcesClinical and experimental studies and current guideline recommendations from the human literature; and original case studies, case reports, and previous reviews in the veterinary literature.SummaryPeritoneal dialysis involves the exchange of solutes and fluid between the peritoneal capillary blood and the dialysis solution across the peritoneal membrane. It requires placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter for repeated dialysate exchange. The ideal catheter provides reliable, rapid dialysate flow rates without leaks or infections. Catheter selection and placement are reviewed along with dialysate selection, exchange prescriptions, and overall patient management. PD does not require specific or complex equipment, and it can achieve effective control of uremia and electrolyte imbalances.ConclusionsPeritoneal dialysis is a potential life‐saving measure for patients with acute renal failure. Peritoneal dialysis results in gradual decline in uremic toxins. Previously low success rates have been reported. Improved success rates have been noted in dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to leptospirosis. Cats also have a good success rate when PD is elected in patients with a potentially reversible underlying disease. Overall, PD remains a viable intervention for patients with AKI unresponsive to medical management. In select patients a favorable outcome is attained whereby PD provides temporary support until return of effective renal function is attained.
Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and Physical Function in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars
Authors: Houston Denise K. , Tooze Janet A. , Davis Cralen C. , Chaves Paulo H. M. , Hirsch Calvin H. , Robbins John A. , Arnold Alice M. , Newman Anne B. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesTo examine the association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and physical function in adults of advanced age.DesignCross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis of physical function over 3 years of follow‐up in the Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars.SettingForsyth County, North Carolina; Sacramento County, California; Washington County, Maryland; and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling adults aged 77 to 100 (N = 988).MeasurementsSerum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and grip and knee extensor strength assessed at baseline. Mobility disability (difficulty walking half a mile or up 10 steps) and activities of daily living (ADLs) disability were assessed at baseline and every 6 months over 3 years of follow‐up.ResultsAlmost one‐third (30.8%) of participants were deficient in 25(OH)D (<20 ng/mL). SPPB scores were lower in those with deficient 25(OH)D (mean (standard error) 6.53 (0.24)) than in those with sufficient 25(OH)D (≥30 ng/mL) (7.15 (0.25)) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, season, health behaviors, and chronic conditions (P = .006). Grip strength adjusted for body size was also lower in those with deficient 25(OH)D than in those with sufficient 25(OH)D (24.7 (0.6) kg vs 26.0 (0.6) kg, P = .02). Participants with deficient 25(OH)D were more likely to have prevalent mobility (OR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.96–2.14) and ADL disability (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.01–2.25) at baseline than those with sufficient 25(OH)D. Furthermore, participants with deficient 25(OH)D were at greater risk of incident mobility disability over 3 years of follow‐up (hazard ratio = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.06–2.30).ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was common and was associated with poorer physical performance, lower muscle strength, and prevalent mobility and ADL disability in community‐dwelling older adults. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency predicted incident mobility disability.
Study on Preheating Techniques for Start-up of Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Mirahmadi Amin , Valefi Kia 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
For start-up of tubular solid oxide fuel cells preheating concepts of gas heating, induction heating, sequential hybrid of gas and induction heating and concurrent hybrid of gas and induction heating were experimented. Due to impossibility of heating-up of porous electric conductive layers in electromagnetic field, stainless steel material was adopted for the gas distributor tube, which is readily heated by induction method and transfers heat to adjacent layers. Start-up times of 95, 31, 49 and 20 seconds were attained for gas heating, induction heating, hybrid of sequential gas and inductive heating and hybrid of concurrent gas and induction heating methods respectively. Axial distribution of temperature in the course of start-up was steadier in hybrid methods which resulted in diminished axial temperature gradient and reduced performance degradation of the cell. A numerical model was developed and calibrated to predict the preheating phenomenon. Analytical results implied the positive effect of layers porosity on the heating rate, concerning mainly the gas heating methods.
A manual physical therapy approach versus subacromial corticosteroid injection for treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome: a protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Rhon Daniel I , Boyles Robert E , Cleland Joshua A , Brown David L 
Published: September 2011

IntroductionCorticosteroid injections (CSI) are a recommended and often-used first-line intervention for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) in primary care and orthopaedic settings. Manual physical therapy (MPT) offers a non-invasive approach with negligible risk for managing SIS. There is limited evidence to suggest significant long-term improvements in pain, strength and disability with the use of MPT, and there are conflicting reports from systematic reviews that question the long-term efficacy of CSI. Specifically, the primary objective is to compare the effect of CSI and MPT on pain and disability in subjects with SIS at 12 months.DesignThis pragmatic randomised clinical trial will be a mixed-model 2×5 factorial design. The independent variables are treatment (MPT and CSI) and time with five levels from baseline to 1 year. The primary dependent variable is the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the secondary outcome measures are the Global Rating of Change and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. For each ANOVA, the hypothesis of interest will be the two-way group-by-time interaction.Methods and analysisThe authors plan to recruit 104 participants meeting established impingement criteria. Following examination and enrolment, eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive a pragmatic approach of either CSI or MPT. The MPT intervention will consist of six sessions, and the CSI intervention will consist of one to three sessions. All subjects will continue to receive usual care. Subjects will be followed for 12 months.Dissemination and ethicsThe protocol was approved by the Madigan Army Medical Center Institutional Review Board. The results may have an impact on clinical practice guidelines. This study was funded in part by the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Products Grant through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.Trial Registrationhttp://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01190891.