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Disruptive
Terms modified by Disruptive Selected AbstractsEvaluation of Humidity Correction Factor of Disruptive Discharge Voltage of Standard Sphere Air GapsIEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2008Osamu Fujii Member Abstract The humidity correction method prescribed in the existing IEC standard is based on experimental data obtained under absolute humidity between 5 and 12 g/m3. A discussion on the humidity correction method is needed for higher absolute humidity regions, which is experienced during summer in Japan, and also throughout the year in tropical countries. The effect of absolute humidity on disruptive discharge voltages of standard sphere air gaps has been studied experimentally for several years under conditions of natural humidity, between 2 and 22 g/m3. In the cases of a.c. and lightning impulse voltage application, it was found that the existing IEC humidity correction method seems to be proper for most of the gap spacings studied under absolute humidity up to 22 g/m3. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Peer- and self-rated correlates of a teacher-rated typology of child adjustmentPSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 6 2007William A. Lindstrom External correlates of a teacher-rated typology of child adjustment developed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children were examined. Participants included 377 elementary school children recruited from 26 classrooms in the southeastern United States. Multivariate analyses of variance and planned comparisons were used to determine whether the teacher-rated behavior subtypes could be differentiated and, if so, to create more complete descriptions of each cluster. Self-perceptions of academic, social, and emotional adjustment as well as peer perceptions of behavioral attributes and social status were found to provide convergent evidence for the typology. Divergent evidence emerged related to internalizing difficulties. Parallels between the teacher-rated typology and peer-relations research were drawn. Most notably, peers rated Mildly Disruptive (MD) children as bullying and disruptive, consistent with teacher report. However, peers also rated MD children as "cool" and with high levels of social dominance and social control, consistent with recent reports of popular bullies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Personality disorders in prisoners and their motivation for dangerous and disruptive behaviourCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 3 2002Professor Jeremy W. Coid MD FRCPsych Objectives To examine the associations between DSM-III, axis II, personality disorder, motivation and disruptive behaviour in prisoners. Method Interviews were carried out with 81 prisoners in prison special units in England using research diagnostic instruments and an item sheet measuring disruptive behaviours and their motivations. Independent associations were established using logistic regression. Results Specific associations were established between psychopathy and axis II disorders with violent and disruptive behaviour and motivations for these behaviours. Conclusions The study supported a cognitive model explaining the functional association between personality disorder and antisocial behaviour. Personality disorders act as predisposing factors influencing the development of motivations and subsequently facilitate the enactment of disordered behaviour, in a linear progression. Assessment of personality disorder should be routine in disruptive and dangerous prisoners. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Education and the Dangerous Memories of Historical Trauma: Narratives of Pain, Narratives of HopeCURRICULUM INQUIRY, Issue 2 2008MICHALINOS ZEMBYLAS ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to explore the meanings and implications of dangerous memories in two different sites of past traumatic memories: one in Israel and the other in Cyprus. Dangerous memories are defined as those memories that are disruptive to the status quo, that is, the hegemonic culture of strengthening and perpetuating existing group-based identities. Our effort is to outline some insights from this endeavor,insights that may help educators recognize the potential of dangerous memories to ease pain and offer hope. First, a discussion on memory, history and identity sets the ground for discussing the meaning and significance of dangerous memories in the history curriculum. Next, we narrate two stories from our longitudinal ethnographic studies on trauma and memory in Israel and Cyprus; these stories are interpreted through the lens of dangerous memories and their workings in relation to the hegemonic powers that aim to sustain collective memories. The two different stories suggest that collective memories of historical trauma are not simply "transmitted" in any simple way down the generations,although there are powerful workings that support this transmission. Rather, there seems to be much ambivalence in the workings of memories that under some circumstances may create openings for new identities. The final section discusses the possibilities of developing a pedagogy of dangerous memories by highlighting educational implications that focus on the notion of creating new solidarities without forgetting past traumas. This last section employs dangerous memories as a critical category for pedagogy in the context of our general concern about the implications of memory, history and identity in educational contexts. [source] Spatial, environmental and human influences on the distribution of otter (Lutra lutra) in the Spanish provincesDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 3 2001Ana Márcia Barbosa Abstract In a previous survey of otters (Lutra lutra L. 1758) in Spain, different causes were invoked to explain the frequency of the species in each province. To find common causes of the distribution of the otter in Spain, we recorded a number of spatial, environmental and human variables in each Spanish province. We then performed a stepwise linear multiple regression of the proportion of positive sites of otter in the Spanish provinces separately on each of the three groups of variables. Geographic longitude, January air humidity, soil permeability and highway density were the variables selected. A linear regression of the proportion of otter presence on these variables explained 62.4% of the variance. We then used the selected variables in a partial regression analysis to specify which proportions of the variation are explained exclusively by spatial, environmental and human factors, and which proportions are attributable to interactions between these components. Pure environmental effects accounted for only 5.5% of the variation, while pure spatial and pure human effects explained 18% and 9.7%, respectively. Shared variation among the components totalled 29.2%, of which 10.9% was explained by the interaction between environmental and spatial factors. Human factors explained globally less variance than spatial and environmental ones, but the pure human influence was higher than the pure environmental one. We concluded that most of the variation in the proportion of occurrences of otter in Spanish provinces is spatially structured, and that environmental factors have more influence on otter presence than human ones; however, the human influence on otter distribution is less structured in space, and thus can be more disruptive. This effect of large infrastructures on wild populations must be taken into account when planning large-scale conservation policies. [source] Is the crisis problem growing more severe?ECONOMIC POLICY, Issue 32 2001Michael Bordo The crisis problem is one of the dominant macroeconomic features of our age. Its prominence suggests questions like the following: Are crises growing more frequent? Are they becoming more disruptive? Are economies taking longer to recover? These are fundamentally historical questions, which can be answered only by comparing the present with the past. To this end, this paper develops and analyses a data base spanning 120 years of financial history. We find that crisis frequency since 1973 has been double that of the Bretton Woods and classical gold standard periods and is rivalled only by the crisis-ridden 1920s and 1930s. History thus confirms that there is something different and disturbing about our age. However, there is little evidence that crises have grown longer or output losses have become larger. Crises may have grown more frequent, in other words, but they have not obviously grown more severe. Our explanation for the growing frequency and chronic costs of crises focuses on the combination of capital mobility and the financial safety net, including the implicit insurance against exchange risk provided by an ex ante credible policy of pegging the exchange rate, which encourages banks and corporations to accumulate excessive foreign currency exposures. We also provide policy recommendations for restoring stability and growth. , Michael Bordo, Barry Eichengreen, Daniela Klingebiel and Maria Soledad Martinez-Peria [source] Validation of emergency physician ultrasound in diagnosing hydronephrosis in ureteric colicEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 3 2007Stuart Watkins Abstract Objective:, Patients presenting to the ED with obstructive nephropathies benefit from early detection of hydronephrosis. Out of hours radiological imaging is expensive and disruptive to arrange. Emergency physician ultrasound (EPU) could allow rapid diagnosis and disposition. If accurate it might avert the need for formal radiological imaging, exclude an obstruction and improve patient flow through the ED. Methods:, This was a prospective study of a convenience sample of all adult non-pregnant patients with presumed ureteric colic attending the ED with prior ethics committee approval. An emergency physician or registrar performed a focused ultrasound scan and were blinded to the patient's other management. A computerized tomography scan was also performed for all patients while in the ED or within 24 h of the EPU. The accuracy of EPU detection of hydronephrosis was determined; using computerized tomography scans reported by a senior radiologist as the ,gold-standard'. Results:, Sixty-three patients with suspected ureteric colic were enrolled of whom 57 completed both EPU and computerized tomography imaging. Forty-nine had confirmed nephrolithiasis by computerized tomography with 39 having evidence of hydronephrosis. Overall prevalence of hydronephrosis was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 56,79%); compared with computerized tomography, EPU had a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI 65,89%); specificity of 83% (95% CI 61,94%); positive predictive value of 91% (95% CI 75,98%) and negative predictive value of 65% (95% CI 43,83%). The overall accuracy was 81% (95% CI 69,89%). Conclusion:, Although the accuracy of detection of hydronephrosis after focused training in EPU is encouraging, further experience and training might improve the accuracy of EPU and allow its use as a screening tool. [source] Gabapentin Increases Slow-wave Sleep in Normal AdultsEPILEPSIA, Issue 12 2002Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer Summary: ,Purpose: The older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have a variety of effects on sleep, including marked reduction in rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, slow-wave sleep (SWS), and sleep latency, and an increase in light sleep. The effects of the newer AEDs on sleep are unknown. Our purpose was to study the effect of gabapentin (GBP) on sleep. Methods: Ten healthy adults and nine controls were the subjects of this study. All underwent baseline and follow-up polysomnography (PSG) and completed sleep questionnaires. After baseline, the treated group received GBP titrated to 1,800 mg daily. Polygraphic variables and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, a subjective measure of sleep propensity, were compared by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Nine of the treated subjects achieved the target dose; one was studied with 1,500 mg daily because of dizziness experienced at the higher dose. GBP-treated subjects had an increase in SWS compared with baseline. No difference in the ESS or other polygraphic variables was observed. However, a minor reduction in arousals, awakenings, and stage shifts was observed in treated subjects. Conclusions: GBP appears to be less disruptive to sleep than are some of the older AEDs. These findings may underlie the drug's therapeutic effect in the treatment of disorders associated with sleep disruption. [source] Novel keratin 16 mutations and protein expression studies in pachyonychia congenita type 1 and focal palmoplantar keratodermaEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2000F. J. D. Smith Abstract: Pachyonychia congenita type 1 (PC-1) is an autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia characterized by nail dystrophy, focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (FNEPPK) and oral lesions. We have previously shown that mutations in keratin 16 (K16) cause fragility of specific epithelia resulting in phenotypes of PC-1 or FNEPPK alone. Here, we report 2 novel mutations in K16 causing distinct phenotypes. A heterozygous missense mutation (L124R) was detected in a kindred with PC-1. In a family where mild FNEPPK was the only phenotype, a 23 bp deletion and a separate 1 bp deletion downstream were found in exon 6: [1244,1266del; 1270delG]. At the protein level, these mutations remove 8 residues and substitute 2 residues in the helix termination motif (HTM) of the K16 polypeptide. The HTM sequence is conserved in all known intermediate filament proteins and for convenience, this complex mutation was designated ,HTM. Transient expression of K16 cDNAs carrying either the L124R or the ,HTM mutation in epithelial cell line PtK2 produced aggregation of the keratin cytoskeleton. However, the aggregates observed with the ,HTM mutation were morphologically different and appeared to be less disruptive to the endogenous cytoskeleton. Therefore, loss of the HTM sequence may render this mutant K16 less capable of contributing to filament assembly and decrease its dominant-negative effect, resulting in the milder FNEPPK phenotype. [source] THE A.D. 1300 EVENT IN THE PACIFIC BASIN,GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Issue 1 2007Patrick D. Nunn ABSTRACT. Around a.d. 1300 the entire Pacific Basin (continental Pacific Rim and oceanic Pacific Islands) was affected by comparatively rapid cooling and sea-level fall, and possibly increased storminess, that caused massive and enduring changes to Pacific environments and societies. For most Pacific societies, adapted to the warmer, drier, and more stable climates of the preceding Medieval Climate Anomaly (a.d. 750,1250), the effects of this A.D. 1300 Event were profoundly disruptive, largely because of the reduction in food resources available in coastal zones attributable to the 70,80-centimeter sea-level fall. This disruption was manifested by the outbreak of persistent conflict, shifts in settlements from coasts to refugia inland or on unoccupied offshore islands, changes in subsistence strategies, and an abrupt end to long-distance cross-ocean interaction during the ensuing Little Ice Age (a.d. 1350,1800). The A.D. 1300 Event provides a good example of the disruptive potential for human societies of abrupt, short-lived climate changes. [source] Altered kelp (Laminariales) phlorotannins and growth under elevated carbon dioxide and ultraviolet-B treatments can influence associated intertidal food websGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 8 2007ANDREW K. SWANSON Abstract Due to the importance of brown algae, such as kelp (Laminariales, Phaeophyta), within most cool nearshore environments, any direct responses of kelp to multiple global changes could alter the integrity of future coastal marine systems. Fifty-five-day manipulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ultraviolet light (UVB) within outdoor sea-tanks, approximating past, present and two predicted future levels, examined the direct influences on Saccharina latissima (=Laminaria saccharina) and Nereocystis luetkeana development and biochemistry, as well as the indirect influences on a marine herbivore (Tegula funebralis; Gastropoda, Mollusca) and on naturally occurring intertidal detritivores. Kelp species displayed variable directional (negative and positive growth) and scale responses to CO2 and UVB manipulations, which was influenced by interactions. Kelp phlorotannin (phenolic) production in blade tissues was induced by elevated UVB levels, and especially enhanced (additively) by elevated CO2, further suggesting that some actively growing kelp species are carbon limited in typical nearshore environments. Negative indirect effects upon detritivore consumers fed CO2 -manipulated kelp blade tissues were detected, however, no statistical relationships existed among UVB-treated tissues, and test herbivores did not distinguish between phlorotannin-altered CO2: UVB-treated kelp blade tissues. Results suggest that past and future conditions differentially benefit these kelp species, which implies a potential for shifts in species abundance and community composition. Higher CO2 conditions can indirectly impede marine decay processes delaying access to recycled trace nutrients, which may be disruptive to the seasonal regrowth of algae and/or higher trophic levels of nearshore ecosystems. [source] Hospital inpatients' experiences of access to food: a qualitative interview and observational studyHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 3 2008Smriti Naithani BSc MSc Abstract Background, Hospital surveys indicate that overall patients are satisfied with hospital food. However undernutrition is common and associated with a number of negative clinical outcomes. There is little information regarding food access from the patients' perspective. Purpose, To examine in-patients' experiences of access to food in hospitals. Methods, Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 48 patients from eight acute wards in two London teaching hospitals. Responses were coded and analysed thematically using NVivo. Results, Most patients were satisfied with the quality of the meals, which met their expectations. Almost half of the patients reported feeling hungry during their stay and identified a variety of difficulties in accessing food. These were categorized as: organizational barriers (e.g. unsuitable serving times, menus not enabling informed decision about what food met their needs, inflexible ordering systems); physical barriers (not in a comfortable position to eat, food out of reach, utensils or packaging presenting difficulties for eating); and environmental factors (e.g. staff interrupting during mealtimes, disruptive and noisy behaviour of other patients, repetitive sounds or unpleasant smells). Surgical and elderly patients and those with physical disabilities experienced greatest difficulty accessing food, whereas younger patients were more concerned about choice, timing and the delivery of food. Conclusions, Hospital in-patients often experienced feeling hungry and having difficulty accessing food. These problems generally remain hidden because staff fail to notice and because patients are reluctant to request assistance. [source] Synthetic pH-Responsive Polymers for Protein TransductionADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 38-39 2009William B. Liechty A pH-responsive, endosomal membrane disruptive, metabolite-derived polyamide PP-75 is developed to deliver the MBP-Apoptin fusion protein, which induces tumor-specific apoptosis into human osteogenic sarcoma Saos-2 cells. The intracellular distribution and colocalization of MBP-Apoptin-AF647 (MA-AF649) and PP-75-FITC provide strong evidence that PP-75 both enhances uptake and facilitates cytoplasmic release of MBP-Apoptin. [source] Evaluation of Humidity Correction Factor of Disruptive Discharge Voltage of Standard Sphere Air GapsIEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2008Osamu Fujii Member Abstract The humidity correction method prescribed in the existing IEC standard is based on experimental data obtained under absolute humidity between 5 and 12 g/m3. A discussion on the humidity correction method is needed for higher absolute humidity regions, which is experienced during summer in Japan, and also throughout the year in tropical countries. The effect of absolute humidity on disruptive discharge voltages of standard sphere air gaps has been studied experimentally for several years under conditions of natural humidity, between 2 and 22 g/m3. In the cases of a.c. and lightning impulse voltage application, it was found that the existing IEC humidity correction method seems to be proper for most of the gap spacings studied under absolute humidity up to 22 g/m3. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] The behaviour style observation system for young children predicts teacher-reported externalizing behaviour in middle childhoodINFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2009Alexa Martin-Storey Abstract The Behaviour Style Observation System for Young Children (BSOS) was used to predict preschool-aged children's externalizing and internalizing behaviour problems in middle childhood, 3,5 years after the initial assessment. This observational measurement tool was designed to sample and assess young children's disruptive, non-compliant, and unresponsive behaviour, during a brief (11,min) observation in the child's home. In the current study, the BSOS was used to predict parent and teacher ratings of child behaviour problems after school entry in a longitudinal sample (N=81) of at-risk children at time 2. The BSOS predicted teacher-reported externalizing problems at time 2. In contrast, parent reports of behaviour problems, although correlated with repeated parent reports at time 2, were not significantly predictive of teacher-reported behaviour problems at school age. The BSOS was not associated with either parent or teacher reports of internalizing problems. These findings emphasize the importance and utility of using observational measures when examining the continuity of behaviour problems in young children over time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Disruptive information system innovation: the case of internet computingINFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2003Kalle Lyytinen Abstract., Information system (IS) innovation can be defined as a novel organizational application of digital computer and information communication technologies (ICT). This paper discusses how modalities of applying ICT technologies in their form and scope exhibit radical breaks, which are introduced herein as ,disruptive IS innovations'. This notion of disruptive IS innovation is developed by drawing upon and extending Swanson's (1994) theory of IS innovation as well as the concept of radical innovation. Disruptive innovations strongly influence the future trajectory of the adoption and use of ICT in organizational contexts and make the trajectory deviate from its expected course. In doing so, these disruptive innovations distinctly define what an IS is and how it is deployed in order to address current and future organizational and managerial prerogatives. Such changes are triggered breakthroughs in the capability of ICT that lead to the revision and expansion of associated cognitive models (frames) of computing. Disruptive IS innovations are those that lead to changes in the application of ICT that are both pervasive and radical. The pervasive nature implies that innovative activity spans all innovation subsets of the quad-core model of IS innovation introduced herein. Innovation types include: IS use and development processes; application architecture and capability; and base technologies. Radical in nature, disruptive is innovations depart in significant ways from existing alternatives and lead to deviation from expected use and diffusion trajectory. This paper demonstrates the importance of a concept of disruptive IS innovation by investigating how changes triggered by internet computing (Lyytinen et al., 1998) meet the conditions of a disruptive IS innovation defined herein. The analysis also affirms both the pervasive and radical nature of internet computing and explains how internet computing has fundamentally transformed the application portfolio, development practices and IS services over time. The analysis demonstrates that, with the concept of disruptive IS innovation, we can fruitfully analyse ,long' waves of ICT evolution , an issue that has largely been overlooked in the IS community. On a theoretical plane, the paper advocates the view that we need to look beyond linear, unidirectional, and atomistic concepts of the diffusion of IS innovations where innovative activity takes places in a linear fashion by oscillating between small technological innovations and small organizational innovations. In contrast, IS innovation can exhibit fundamental discontinuity; we need to theoretically grasp such disruptive moments. The recent influx of innovation, spurred by internet-based technology, offers one such moment. [source] An Assessment of the Disorderly Adjustment Hypothesis for Industrial Economies,INTERNATIONAL FINANCE, Issue 1 2006Hilary Croke Much has been written about prospects for US current account adjustment, including the possibility of what is sometimes referred to as a ,disorderly correction': a sharp fall in the exchange rate that boosts interest rates, depresses stock prices and weakens economic activity. This paper assesses some of the empirical evidence bearing on the plausibility of the disorderly adjustment scenario, drawing on the experience of previous current account adjustments in industrial economies. We examined the paths of key economic performance indicators before, during and after the onset of adjustment, building on the analysis of Freund (2000). We found little evidence among past adjustment episodes of the features highlighted by the disorderly adjustment hypothesis. Although some episodes in our sample experienced significant shortfalls in GDP growth after the onset of adjustment, these shortfalls were not associated with significant and sustained depreciations of real exchange rates, increases in real interest rates or declines in real stock prices. By contrast, it was among the episodes where GDP growth picked up during adjustment that the most substantial depreciations of real exchange rates occurred. These findings do not preclude the possibility that future current account adjustments could be disruptive, but they weaken the historical basis for predicting such an outcome. [source] Factors associated with seclusion in a statewide forensic psychiatric service in Australia over a 2-year periodINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2009Stuart D.M. Thomas ABSTRACT Despite seclusion being described as one of the most ethically- and legally-controversial management options available, it remains a widely-used clinical strategy for managing disruptive, aggressive, and violent behaviour. This study sought to determine how frequently seclusion was used, the common characteristics of those secluded and not secluded, and the degree to which the Level of Service Inventory , Revised: Screening Version (LSI-R: SV) could predict seclusion. The study was retrospective, covering the first 2 years of operation of a statewide forensic psychiatry hospital in Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from individual case files, electronic databases, and paper copies of records pertaining to violent incidents and episodes of seclusion. Eighty five (44%) of the 193 patients admitted during this period were secluded. Those secluded were significantly younger and had a more established psychiatric history. LSI-R: SV scores were significantly and positively associated with being secluded. A statistical model containing three LSI-R: SV items, along with age on admission and psychiatric history, achieved an area under the curve of 0.74. Seclusion is used on a regular basis in response to a range of different forms of aggressive behaviour of different severity. The LSI-R: SV demonstrated moderate-to-good accuracy in predicting seclusion and warrants further research using detailed prospective methodologies. [source] Transnational Protest: States, Circuses, and Conflict at the Frontline of Global Politics,INTERNATIONAL STUDIES REVIEW, Issue 2 2004Kate O'Neill Transnational antiglobalization protests have become a hallmark of global activism since 1999. Over this time, the transnational protest movement has generated its own internal and external dynamics of conflict and cooperation, playing them out on a global scale. This essay addresses these dynamics, focusing on the role of performance and theater as a means of generating cooperation within a diverse transnational movement, on intramovement conflict, and on the role of the state with respect to transnational protest. By breaking down dominant conceptions of the state as a unitary actor, transnational protests have helped fuel an as yet understudied form of cooperation: that among policing agencies, across local and national levels of law enforcement, and across national borders. Cross-national police cooperation has become particularly important in the context of the war against terrorism. However, it has also been shaped by the need to maintain public order that has arisen as a result of the large, and often disruptive, street protests against globalization, which have involved activists from many countries. [source] Simultaneous genotyping to detect myostatin gene polymorphism in beef cattle breedsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 6 2002M. E. Miranda Summary The myostatin gene codes for a growth factor involved in muscle development, and polymorphism in this gene can have important economic consequences. Nine mutations affecting the amino-acidic sequence have already been described, six of which are disruptive, inactivating the protein and causing bovine muscular hypertrophy. As the number of known mutations grows, it is necessary to develop a simple, routinely usable technique able to screen individuals in all populations. The oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) is proposed here for the rapid genotyping of the nine mutations known affecting the coding sequence in the main breeds of beef cattle. This technique showed its ability to reveal the genotype of individuals being a good tool to determine the frequency of each mutation in a population. The procedure is very flexible as new mutations can be added and removed at any time. Depending on the genotype of each individual, the technique allows breeders to make quick decisions on matings and general selection tendencies. Zusammenfassung Simultane Genotypisierung von Polymorphismen im Myostatin-Gen in Fleischrinderrassen Das Myostatin-Gen kodiert für einen Wachstumsfaktor, der in die Muskelentwicklung eingebunden ist und Polymorphismen in diesem Gen können daher wichtige ökonomische Konsequenzen haben. Bisher wurden neun Mutationen, die Auswirkungen auf die Aminosäuresequenz haben, beschrieben. Sechs davon inaktivieren das Protein und verursachen bovine muskuläre Hypertrophie. Da die Anzahl der bekannten Mutationen in diesem Gen steigt, ist es notwendig, eine einfache, in der Routine einsetzbare Methode zu entwickeln, um Individuen in allen Populationen untersuchen zu können. Zur schnellen Genotypisierung der neun bekannten Mutationen, welche die kodierende Sequenz in den Hauptfleischrinderrassen betreffen, wird hier der Oligo-Ligationsassay (OLA) vorgeschlagen. Durch diese Technik ist es möglich, den Genotyp jedes Individuums und die Frequenz jeder einzelnen Mutation in der Population festzustellen. Die Prozedur ist sehr flexibel, da zu jedem Zeitpunkt neue Mutationen hinzugefügt bzw. weggelassen werden können. Diese Methode erlaubt dem Züchter, in Abhängigkeit vom Genotyp jedes Individiums schnelle Entscheidungen über die Anpaarung und die allgemeine Selektionsrichtung zu treffen. [source] Pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (Col., Scolytidae), responses to common green leaf volatilesJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2 2000T. M. Poland We tested the hypothesis that green leaf volatiles (GLVs) disrupt the response of overwintered pine shoot beetles, Tomicus piniperda (L.) to multiple-funnel traps baited with the attractive host volatile ,-pinene. A combination of four GLV alcohols, 1-hexanol (E)-2-hexen-1-ol (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, caused 54 and 36% reduction in the number of pine shoot beetles captured in two separate trapping experiments. Similarly, a combination of the four alcohols plus two GLV aldehydes, hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal, caused 38% reduction in the number of pine shoot beetles captured compared with ,-pinene alone. A blend of the two GLV aldehydes was not disruptive. None of the four GLV alcohols nor the two GLV aldehydes were disruptive when tested individually. The finding that the blend of four GLV alcohols reduced attraction of T. piniperda supports the general hypothesis that GLVs common to nonhost angiosperms are disruptive to conifer-attacking bark beetles (Scolytidae). [source] Testing the developmental distinctiveness of male proactive and reactive aggression with a nested longitudinal experimental interventionAGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 2 2010Edward D. Barker Abstract An experimental preventive intervention nested into a longitudinal study was used to test the developmental distinctiveness of proactive and reactive aggression. The randomized multimodal preventive intervention targeted a subsample of boys rated disruptive by their teachers. These boys were initially part of a sample of 895 boys, followed from kindergarten to 17 years of age. Semiparametric analyses of developmental trajectories for self-reported proactive and reactive aggression (between 13 and 17 years of age) indicated three trajectories for each type of aggression that varied in size and shape (Low, Moderate, and High Peaking). Intent-to-treat comparisons between the boys in the prevention group and the control group confirmed that the preventive intervention between 7 and 9 years of age, which included parenting skills and social skills training, could impact the development of reactive more than proactive aggression. The intervention effect identified in reactive aggression was related to a reduction in self-reported coercive parenting. The importance of these results for the distinction between subtypes of aggressive behaviors and the value of longitudinal-experimental studies from early childhood onward is discussed. Aggr. Behav. 36:127,140, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] IT: What's the impact of IFRS?JOURNAL OF CORPORATE ACCOUNTING & FINANCE, Issue 5 2010Royce D. Burnett Everyone is anticipating the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) in the United States. But companies are slowly beginning to realize that conversion to IFRSs will require some complicated, far-reaching changes for firms' information technology (IT) systems. In fact, this may be more costly and disruptive than Y2K and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act combined! Senior managers will need a solid understanding of IFRSs and a workable plan to deal with the conversion process for IT. This article provides guidance for both those challenges. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Colour polymorphism in birds: causes and functionsJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003P. Galeotti Abstract We studied polymorphism in all species of birds that are presently known to show intraspecific variation in plumage colour. At least three main mechanisms have been put forward to explain the maintenance of polymorphism: apostatic, disruptive and sexual selection. All of them make partly different predictions. Our aims were to investigate evolutionary causes and adaptive functions of colour polymorphism by taking into account a number of ecological and morphological features of polymorphic species. Overall, we found 334 species showing colour polymorphism, which is 3.5% of all bird species. The occurrence of colour polymorphism was very high in Strigiformes, Ciconiiformes, Cuculiformes and Galliformes. Phylogenetically corrected analysis using independent contrasts revealed that colour polymorphism was maximally expressed in species showing a daily activity rhythm extended to day/night, living in both open and closed habitats. All these findings support the hypothesis that colour polymorphism probably evolved under selective pressures linked to bird detectability as affected by variable light conditions during activity period. Thus, we conclude that selective agents may be prey, predators and competitors, and that colour polymorphism in birds may be maintained by disruptive selection. [source] Injury risk in young people with intellectual disabilityJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2002J Sherrard Abstract Epidemiological studies have established injury as a major public health problem for young people in the general population, but minimal population-based injury information exists on those with intellectual disability (ID). The present study investigated risk factors for injury to subjects in the Australian Child and Adolescent Development (ACAD) programme, which is examining emotional and behavioural problems in young people with ID. Extensive biopsychosocial data for the ACAD programme were collected at two time intervals (i.e. 1990,1991 and 1995,1996). Carer report of medically attended injury over one year was collected for the first time period (1995,1996) on a sample of 465 ACAD subjects (aged 5,29 years) representative of young people with ID (IQ < 70) to determine risk factors for injury using the ACAD biopsychosocial data. Psychopathology [odds ratio (OR) = 3.4] epilepsy (OR = 2.4) and an overly sociable temperament (OR = 2.2) are associated with injury in young people with ID. Social and family factors had minimal influence on injury risk in this population. Those who are highly disruptive, self-absorbed, anxious, have problems relating socially, have communication disturbance or have attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms are particularly at increased risk for injury. The present study demonstrates a largely under-recognized public health problem of a high unintentional injury risk for young people with ID, and identifies substantial and important risk factors for injury. Injury prevention programmes, with a particular focus on those with highly disturbed behaviours or epilepsy, are warranted in this population. [source] Postcolonial Transitions in Africa: Decolonization in West Africa and Present Day South AfricaJOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 5 2010Stephanie Decker abstract Black Economic Empowerment is a highly debated issue in contemporary South Africa. Yet few South Africans realize that they are following a postcolonial trajectory already experienced by other countries. This paper presents a case study of British firms during decolonization in Ghana and Nigeria in the 1950s and 1960s, which saw a parallel development in business and society to that which occurred in South Africa in the 1990s and 2000s. Despite fundamental differences between these states, all have had to empower a majority of black citizens who had previously suffered discrimination on the basis of race. The paper employs concepts from social capital theory to show that the process of postcolonial transition in African economies has been more politically and socially disruptive than empowerment in Western countries. Historical research contributes to our understanding of the nature of institutional shocks in emerging economies. [source] Evaluation of the North Carolina "Baby Think It Over" ProjectJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 5 2002Lynne R. Tingle ABSTRACT: The North Carolina "Baby Think It Over" (BTIO) evaluation was conducted during spring semester 2000. Data were collected from participating teachers, students, and parents. Twenty-five teachers were selected randomly from different counties in North Carolina. Each randomly selected teacher coordinated the evaluation in conjunction with the intervention. Student surveys determined whether using the BTIO doll changed perceptions and attitudes toward teen parenting. Information also was collected on the veracity of each student's participation based on data provided from the computer in the baby. Surveys were sent home to the parents of participating students so information on communication, disruption of the household, and parenting perceptions could be obtained. Each teacher completed a survey that sought information on topics discussed throughout the intervention, hours of the program, and perceptions of program effectiveness. Parents and teachers were offered participation incentives. Overall, support existed for the BTIO intervention by parents and teachers. Most teachers and parents felt the program was effective at increasing communication about parenting and changing teen's attitudes in a desired direction. Most teachers reported that the intervention was not disruptive to their classes. However, results from student surveys did not reveal the same support. Student changes in attitudes and beliefs about parenting after the intervention were minimal. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(5): 178,183) [source] Asthma Outcomes at an Inner-City School-Based Health CenterJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 1 2001Nicole Lurie§ ABSTRACT Childhood asthma has reached near-epidemic levels in the US cities. Innovative strategies to identify children with asthma and prevent asthma morbidity are needed. This study measured asthma outcomes after initiation of an inner-city elementary school health center with a schoolwide focus on asthma detection and treatment. The site was an inner-city elementary school in Minneapolis, Minn. The study design incorporated a pre and post comparison with a longitudinal cohort of children (n=67) and a cross-sectional cohort of children before (n=156) and after (n=114) the intervention. Hospitalization rates for asthma decreased 75% to 80% over the study period. Outpatient visits for care in the absence of asthma symptoms doubled (p<.01), and the percentage of students seeing a specialist for asthma increased (p<.01). Use of peak flow meters, use of asthma care plans, and use of inhalers also improved (p<.01). While no change occurred in school absenteeism, parents reported that their children had less awakening with asthma and that asthma was less disruptive to family plans. This schoolwide intervention that included identification of children with asthma, education, family support, and clinical care using an elementary school health center was effective in improving asthma outcomes for children. [source] An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship Between Capital Acquisition and Bankruptcy LawsJOURNAL OF SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2009Howard Van Auken Ineffective capital acquisition decisions at start-up may lead to business failure and bankruptcy; a result which is both costly and disruptive to the owners and other stakeholders of the firm. To cope with the risk of failure, owners embark on a variety of risk-reducing activities whereas the U.S. government attempts to moderate the downside effects of such failures through the rules surrounding bankruptcy. Previous studies imply that as owners become more aware of the protections offered through the government regulation of bankruptcy, they should become less concerned with the effects of failure and be willing to raise higher levels of initial capital. Raising higher levels of initial capital, in turn, leads owners to take actions intended to reduce firm risk and to minimize the threat to their personal financial security. Data from a sample of small firms confirm our hypothesis by showing that as the level of initial capital acquisition increases, owners embark on activities intended to reduce firm risk. However, capital acquisition is not associated with the owner's familiarity with bankruptcy regulations. As a result, governmental objectives in establishing these regulations may not be achieved. Our findings have implications for firms' owners, consultants, and policymakers, in terms of the relationship between an entrepreneur's knowledge of bankruptcy laws and the financing of their enterprises. [source] In vivo oxygen detection using exogenous hemoglobin as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance microscopyMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2003Phillip Z. Sun Abstract In this work we show that exogenous molecular hemoglobin (Hb) is an effective indicator of relative local oxygen tension in magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy studies in vivo. This approach is more sensitive than other MRI oximetry methods; it can be used at higher resolutions and in specimens with no blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) effects. Using injection studies in flies, we show that Hb can permeate through relatively dense neural tissue, and that it is not obviously disruptive to physiology. Hb-injected flies show large changes in signal intensity (40,50%) when external O2 levels are manipulated artificially from 0% to 21%. Oxygen-dependent contrast changes produced by exogenous Hb are detected in T2 -weighted imaging experiments, and can be roughly calibrated if necessary. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of a contrast agent technique that may be useful for functional MRI (fMRI) studies of metabolism at tens of microns resolution. Magn Reson Med 49:609,614, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||