bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A CHARACTERIZATION OF SELF-ADJOINT OPERATORS DETERMINED BY THE WEAK FORMULATION OF SECOND-ORDER SINGULAR DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSIONS
Authors: EL-GEBEILY MOHAMED , O'REGAN DONAL 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn this paper we describe a special class of self-adjoint operators associated with the singular self-adjoint second-order differential expression ℓ. This class is defined by the requirement that the sesquilinear form q(u, v) obtained from ℓ by integration by parts once agrees with the inner product 〈ℓu, v〉. We call this class Type I operators. The Friedrichs Extension is a special case of these operators. A complete characterization of these operators is given, for the various values of the deficiency index, in terms of their domains and the boundary conditions they satisfy (separated or coupled).
A tale of two parasites: the comparative epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis
Authors: SNEL S. J. , BAKER M. G. , KAMALESH V. , FRENCH N. , LEARMONTH J. 
Published: April 2009

SUMMARYNew Zealand has a higher reported incidence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis than most other developed countries. This study aimed to describe and compare the epidemiology of these infections in New Zealand, to better understand their impact on public health and to gain insight into their probable modes of transmission. We analysed cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis notification data for a 10-year period (1997–2006). Highest rates for both diseases were in Europeans, children aged 0–5 years, and those living in low-deprivation areas. Cryptosporidiosis distribution was consistent with mainly farm animal (zoonotic) reservoirs. There was a dose–response relationship with increasing grades of rurality, marked spring seasonality, and positive correlation with farm animal density. Giardiasis distribution was consistent with predominantly human (anthroponotic) reservoirs, with an important contribution from overseas travel. Further research should focus on methods to reduce transmission of Cryptosporidium in rural areas and on reducing anthroponotic transmission of Giardia.
Blastocystis: unravelling potential risk factors and clinical significance of a common but neglected parasite
Authors: STENSVOLD C. R. , LEWIS H. C. , HAMMERUM A. M. , PORSBO L. J. , NIELSEN S. S. , OLSEN K. E. P. , ARENDRUP M. C. , NIELSEN H. V. , MØLBAK K. 
Published: April 2009

SUMMARYTwo independent studies were conducted to describe symptoms and potential risk factors associated withBlastocystisinfection. Isolates were subtyped by molecular analysis. In the NORMAT study (126 individuals randomly sampled from the general population) 24 (19%) were positive forBlastocystis.Blastocystiswas associated with irritable bowel syndrome (P=0·04), contact with pigs (P<0·01) and poultry (P=0·03). In the Follow-up (FU) study (follow-up of 92Blastocystis-positive patients), reports on bloating were associated with subtype (ST) 2 (P<0·01), and blood in stool to mixed subtype infection (P=0·06). ST1 was more common in FU individuals (32%) than in NORMAT individuals (8%), whereas single subtype infections due to ST3 or ST4 were seen in 63% of the NORMAT cases and 28% of the FU cases. Only FU individuals hosted ST7, and ST6/7 infections due to ST7 or ST9 were characterized by multiple intestinal symptoms. The data indicate subtype-dependent differences in the clinical significance ofBlastocystis.
A retrospective model of oocyte competence: global mRNA and housekeeping transcripts are not associated with in vitro developmental outcome
Authors: Biase Fernando Henrique , Martelli Lúcia , Merighe Giovana Krempel Fonseca , Biase Weruska Karyna Freitas Santos , Miranda Moyses , Smith Lawrence Charles , Meirelles Flávio Vieira 
Published: April 2009

SummaryOocyte developmental competence depends on maternal stores that support development throughout a transcriptionally silent period during early embryogenesis. Previous attempts to investigate transcripts associated with oocyte competence have relied on prospective models, which are mostly based on morphological criteria. Using a retrospective model, we quantitatively compared mRNA among oocytes with different embryo development competence. A cytoplasm biopsy was removed from in vitro matured oocytes to perform comparative analysis of amounts of global polyadenylated (polyA) mRNA and housekeeping gene transcripts. After parthenogenetic activation of biopsied oocytes, presumptive zygotes were cultured individually in vitro and oocytes were classified according to embryo development: (i) blocked before the 8-cell stage; (ii) blocked between the 8-cell and morulae stages; or (iii) developed to the blastocyst stage. Sham-manipulated controls confirmed that biopsies did not alter development outcome. Total polyA mRNA amounts correlate with oocyte diameter but not with the ability to develop to the 8-cell and blastocyst stages. The last was also confirmed by relative quantification of GAPDH, H2A and Hprt1 transcripts. In conclusion, we describe a novel retrospective model to identify putative markers of development competence in single oocytes and demonstrate that global mRNA amounts at the metaphase II stage do not correlate with embryo development in vitro.
Antisense Down-Regulation of theFaPG1Gene Reveals an Unexpected Central Role for Polygalacturonase in Strawberry Fruit Softening
Authors: Quesada Miguel A. , Blanco-Portales Rosario , Posé Sara , García-Gago Juan A. , Jiménez-Bermúdez Silvia , Muñoz-Serrano Andrés , Caballero José L. , Pliego-Alfaro Fernando , Mercado José A. , Muñoz-Blanco Juan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa ‘Chandler’) fruit undergoes a fast softening during ripening. Polygalacturonase (PG) activity is low during this process, but two ripening-related PG genes, FaPG1 and FaPG2, have been cloned. Both genes were up-regulated during fruit ripening and were also negatively regulated by auxin. To further assess the role of FaPG1 on strawberry softening, transgenic plants containing an antisense sequence of this gene under the control of the 35S promoter (APG lines) were obtained. Sixteen out of 30 independent transgenic lines showed fruit yields similar to those of the control. Several quality parameters were measured in ripe fruits from these 16 lines. Fruit weight was slightly reduced in four lines, and most of them showed an increase in soluble solid content. Half of these lines yielded fruits significantly firmer than did the control. Four APG lines were selected, their ripened fruits being on average 163% firmer than the control. The postharvest softening of APG fruits was also diminished. Ripened fruits from the four selected lines showed a 90% to 95% decrease in FaPG1 transcript abundance, whereas the level of FaPG2 was not significantly altered. Total PG activity was reduced in three of these lines when compared with control fruits. Cell wall extracts from APG fruits showed a reduction in pectin solubilization and an increase in pectins covalently bound to the cell wall. A comparative transcriptomic analysis of gene expression between the ripened receptacle of the control and those of the APG fruits (comprising 1,250 receptacle expressed sequence tags) did not show any statistically significant change. These results indicate that FaPG1 plays a central role in strawberry softening.
AMR1, an Arabidopsis Gene That Coordinately and Negatively Regulates the Mannose/l-Galactose Ascorbic Acid Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Lorence Argelia , Gruszewski Hope A. , Chevone Boris I. , Nessler Craig L. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis in plants occurs through a complex, interconnected network with mannose (Man), myoinositol, and galacturonic acid as principal entry points. Regulation within and between pathways in the network is largely uncharacterized. A gene that regulates the Man/l-galactose (l-Gal) AsA pathway, AMR1 (for ascorbic acid mannose pathway regulator 1), was identified in an activation-tagged Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ozone-sensitive mutant that had 60% less leaf AsA than wild-type plants. In contrast, two independent T-DNA knockout lines disrupting AMR1 accumulated 2- to 3-fold greater foliar AsA and were more ozone tolerant than wild-type controls. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of steady-state transcripts of genes involved in AsA biosynthesis showed that AMR1 negatively affected the expression of GDP-Man pyrophosphorylase, GDP-l-Gal phosphorylase, l-Gal-1-phosphate phosphatase, GDP-Man-3′,5′-epimerase, l-Gal dehydrogenase, and l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase, early and late enzymes of the Man/l-Gal pathway to AsA. AMR1 expression appears to be developmentally and environmentally controlled. As leaves aged, AMR1 transcripts accumulated with a concomitant decrease in AsA. AMR1 transcripts also decreased with increased light intensity. Thus, AMR1 appears to play an important role in modulating AsA levels in Arabidopsis by regulating the expression of major pathway genes in response to developmental and environmental cues.
TheMYB23Gene Provides a Positive Feedback Loop for Cell Fate Specification in theArabidopsisRoot Epidermis
Authors: Kang Yeon Hee , Kirik Victor , Hulskamp Martin , Nam Kyoung Hee , Hagely Katherine , Lee Myeong Min , Schiefelbein John 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe specification of cell fates during development requires precise regulatory mechanisms to ensure robust cell type patterns. Theoretical models of pattern formation suggest that a combination of negative and positive feedback mechanisms are necessary for efficient specification of distinct fates in a field of differentiating cells. Here, we examine the role of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene, AtMYB23 (MYB23), in the establishment of the root epidermal cell type pattern in Arabidopsis thaliana. MYB23 is closely related to, and is positively regulated by, the WEREWOLF (WER) MYB gene during root epidermis development. Furthermore, MYB23 is able to substitute for the function of WER and to induce its own expression when controlled by WER regulatory sequences. We also show that the MYB23 protein binds to its own promoter, suggesting a MYB23 positive feedback loop. The localization of MYB23 transcripts and MYB23-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein, as well as the effect of a chimeric MYB23-SRDX repressor construct, links MYB23 function to the developing non-hair cell type. Using mutational analyses, we find that MYB23 is necessary for precise establishment of the root epidermal pattern, particularly under conditions that compromise the cell specification process. These results suggest that MYB23 participates in a positive feedback loop to reinforce cell fate decisions and ensure robust establishment of the cell type pattern in the Arabidopsis root epidermis.
The cost of seagull management
Authors: Bradberry Travis 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to separate the leadership skills that get success from those that are inconsequential or harmful.Design/methodology/approachMore than 150,000 managers were studied through the online assessment of their skill in more than 30 competency areas against self‐reported, and company‐reported job performance.FindingsPeople may join companies, but they will leave bosses. No one influences an employee's morale and productivity more than his or her supervisor. It is that simple. Yet, as common as this knowledge may seem, it clearly has not been enough to change the way that managers and organizations treat people.Originality/valueThe paper looks at the issue of seagull managers – and discusses the notion that every single manager is a seagull manager sometimes, in some situations, and with some people. The real challenge lies in understanding where seagull tendencies predominate, so that managers can fly higher and eradicate the negative influences of seagull behavior.
Using the DiSC® model to improve communication effectiveness
Authors: Sugerman Jeffrey 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an explanation of the DiSC personality model along with a real‐world example of its effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe DiSC personality model explores people's communication priorities and how those priorities influence behavior. Kudu Industries is one company that has successfully implemented DiSC throughout the company, and this paper serves as an example of the model's use within an organization.FindingsEvery individual within an organization has unique priorities and work styles, therefore they prefer to be addressed in unique ways. When a company dedicates the necessary resources to learning about the various work styles of its employees, productivity increases.Originality/valueCompanies that are not paying serious attention to employee communication behaviors should take a second look. This paper shows that organizations that take behavioral training seriously stand to benefit greatly.
A dialog on teaching an undergraduate seminar in special collections
Authors: Bond Trevor James , Butler Todd 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a model for the collaborative teaching of undergraduates in special collections and demonstrates how providing students with the opportunities to work rare books can result in meaningful experiences for both students and faculty.Design/methodology/approachCollaborative teaching across disciplines, in this case an English faculty member and a librarian can be challenging and rewarding. This paper is written in dialogue form and highlights both perspectives.FindingsFor academics and librarians interested in incorporating book history and special collections in undergraduate coursework, this paper underscores the benefits and pitfalls in planning such courses.Practical implicationsThis is an honest discussion on methods to engage undergraduates with rare books and exhibit preparations.Originality/valueAs many library professionals seek to make their rare book collections more accessible through class instruction, this paper provides one pedagogical model with reflections on what we would do next time.
Making sense of common sense for change management buy‐in
Authors: Moon Michael Y. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe concept of common sense has not received much attention in the organization literature. In this paper, I propose a model that links a change agent's self‐awareness and reflexivity, his or her sensemaking of common sense perspectives related to planned change, and buy‐in among organization stakeholders. The case is made for change agents to pay close attention to common sense perspectives because they can become the basis for particular problematic ambivalence and diminished change buy‐in among stakeholders in the organization. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachConceptual and theoretical rationales for the model are offered. Examples from the psychological and organizational theory literatures provide support for the various elements of the model.FindingsCommon sense perspectives should be factored into the diagnosis of the organization. Self‐awareness, reflexivity, and sensemaking are all forms of social awareness that are necessary to engage stakeholders on matters of common sense.Research implicationsFour research areas are identified. First, social and cultural contextual influences on common sense require clarification. Second, if resistance is multidimensional, how are dimensions influenced by common sense? Third, what group level of the organization (e.g., individual, group, organization) do common sense perspectives represent? Fourth, how may change agents work out incommensurate common sense perspectives?Practical implicationsCommon sense cannot be mandated. Change agents must maintain self‐awareness and reflexivity as they work with stakeholders in a sensemaking process. Increased buy‐in emerges through minimizing ambivalence towards change.Originality/valueLittle, if anything, has been written on the use of common sense in organizational change management.
Experimental analysis of frictional power loss of hydrostatic slipper bearings
Authors: Canbulut Fazil , Sinanoğlu Cem , Koç Erdem 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate experimentally slippers, which have an important role on power dissipation in the swash plate axial piston pumps. Since slippers affect the performance of the system considerably, the effects of surface roughness on lubrication have been studied in slippers with varying hydrostatic bearing areas and surface roughness.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental set‐up was designed to determine the performance of slippers, which are capable of increasing the efficiency of axial piston pumps, in different conditions.FindingsThe findings suggest that the frictional power loss has been caused by surface roughness, capillary tube diameter, and the size of the hydrostatic bearing area, supply pressure and the relative velocity. In the case of the 0.7 and 9.5 μm surface roughness more power is needed to overcome the friction force between slippers and slipper plates, but less power loss occurs with the slippers with surface roughness of 1.5 μm. The slippers with surface roughness of 1.5 μm are considered, because of the optimum power loss. Moreover, the power loss decreases with increasing capillary tube diameter and supply pressure.Originality/valueIn order to investigate slipper behaviour under different operating conditions, with different capillary tube size and supply pressure an experimental work was carried out for finding exact design parameters of the real time system.
Sliding wear behaviour of a cast iron as affected by test environment and applied load
Authors: Prasad B.K. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the sliding wear response of a cast iron as influenced by applied load and changing concentration of solid lubricant (graphite) particles in oil lubricant, and operating material removal mechanisms in different sets of experimental conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe sliding wear response of a grey cast iron has been examined as a function of test environment and load. Properties evaluated were wear rate, friction coefficient and frictional heating. The wear behaviour of the samples has been substantiated through the characteristics of their wear surfaces, subsurface regions and debris particles.FindingsThe wear rate and frictional heating increased with load while friction coefficient was affected in an opposite manner. The presence of oil lubricant led to a substantial improvement in wear response (in terms of decreasing wear rate, friction coefficient and frictional heating) while the presence of graphite particles in the oil lubricant proved to be still better. A critical content of graphite in the oil lubricant becomes most effective towards improving the wear response of the samples. Formation of dark patches on the wear surface, substantial subsurface deformation and fine debris led to improved wear response.Research limitations/implicationsThe study enables one to understand the wear behaviour of a cast iron as influenced by the changing concentration of solid lubricant (graphite) particles in the oil lubricant. It also enables one to understand the operating material removal mechanisms responsible for the observed wear characteristics of the samples under varying test conditions. The investigation helps one to see that only a critical concentration of the solid lubricant particles in oil can lead to the best wear performance of materials.Originality/valueFrom a practical standpoint, the observations made here gain importance from the fact that solid lubricants are added frequently in oil in engineering applications but it becomes imperative to understand that only a critical concentration can lead to the best wear behaviour of materials.
Advanced entry adult apprenticeship training scheme: a case study
Authors: Sparks Alan , Ingram Hadyn , Phillips Sunny 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate an innovative way to train adult apprentices for the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper emphasizes that, in order to address skills shortages for international construction, training methods must be improved. It looks at the example of an adult apprenticeship scheme in Australia from the perspectives of the apprentice, the training provider and the employer.FindingsThe paper suggests that trained adult apprentices with previous experience can be more productive and loyal, and that this scheme has implications for the training of apprentices generally.Research limitations/implicationsTo date, the scheme has enjoyed success in Australia and for the provision of tradespeople in the international construction industry.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates how a training partnership has sought to provide necessary and increasingly scarce skills for an international construction organization through an original apprenticeship scheme.
Perceived organizational support and expatriate organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Liu Yuwen 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to empirically examine the relationships between organizational support, affective commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) for expatriates.Design/methodology/approachData from 162 expatriates, working in 37 subsidiaries of multinational corporations located in Mainland China, are used to examine the proposed hypotheses. The surveys are administrated in Chinese. Survey items are first translated into Chinese and then back translated to English to reduce the risk of losing meaning. Hierarchical regressions are used in the statistical analyses.FindingsResults indicate that perceived organizational support (POS) from both the parent company and the subsidiary significantly related to affective commitment and organizational‐directed OCB. The results also show that the affective commitment acted as a partial mediator of the relationship between parent company POS and organizational‐directed OCB, and a full mediator of the relationship between subsidiary POS and organizational‐directed OCB.Research limitations/implicationsThe sampling strategy employed possibly could weaken the generalization of the research findings.Practical implicationsThe empirical results would encourage practitioners to enhance their services for expatriates. Management efforts devoted to enhancing the perception and reality of organizational support to expatriates may offer positive outcomes in terms of higher expatriate affective commitment towards the parent company, which significantly mediates the impact of POS on expatriate's ultimate attitudes and behaviors toward the company.Originality/valueThis study using POS as a lens to study expatriates' organizational commitment and organizational‐directed OCB provides a base for additional research to further develop the fields of POS and organizational‐directed OCB as they apply to expatriates.