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The article focuses on the growing popularity of cathedrals in terms of worshippers and general visitors. It informs that the number of people attending services at Anglican cathedrals in England increased by 30 percent in the last 10 years. It also informs that growth in the number of worshippers at cathedrals is found in other parts of the Anglican Communion.

High-dimensional data sets containing hundreds of variables are difficult to explore, as traditional visualization methods often are unable to represent such data effectively. This is commonly addressed by employing dimensionality reduction prior to visualization. Numerous dimensionality reduction methods are available. However, few reduction approaches take the importance of several structures into account and few provide an overview of structures existing in the full high-dimensional data set. For exploratory analysis, as well as for many other tasks, several structures may be of interest. Exploration of the full high-dimensional data set without reduction may also be desirable. This paper presents flexible methods for exploratory analysis and interactive dimensionality reduction. Automated methods are employed to analyse the variables, using a range of quality metrics, providing one or more measures of ‘interestingness’ for individual variables. Through ranking, a single value of interestingness is obtained, based on several quality metrics, that is usable as a threshold for the most interesting variables. An interactive environment is presented in which the user is provided with many possibilities to explore and gain understanding of the high-dimensional data set. Guided by this, the analyst can explore the high-dimensional data set and interactively select a subset of the potentially most interesting variables, employing various methods for dimensionality reduction. The system is demonstrated through a use-case analysing data from a DNA sequence-based study of bacterial populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To describe the relationship between veterinarian and client genders and veterinarian-client-patient communication. Design--Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample--Random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedures--For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments were videotaped, and the resulting 300 videotapes were analyzed with the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS). Linear regression was conducted to study the relationship between demographic factors, measures of veterinarian-client-patient communication, and gender of the veterinarian and client. Results--Female veterinarians conducted more relationship-centered appointments, provided more positive and rapport-building statements, talked more to the patient, and were perceived as less hurried or rushed, compared with male veterinarians. Clients were more likely to provide lifestyle-social information to female veterinarians. Same-gender veterinarian-client interactions were relationship centered and included client provision of more lifestyle-social information. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Gender influenced veterinarian-client-patient communication, and previously described physician gender differences in medical communication were largely replicated in the veterinary context. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;241:81-88) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To measure veterinarian satisfaction with companion animal visits through an adaptation of a previously validated physician visit satisfaction scale and to identify demographic, personality, appointment, and communication factors that contribute to veterinarian visit satisfaction. Design--Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample--Random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario, Canada, and convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedures--For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments were videotaped, and the resulting 300 videotapes were analyzed by use of the Roter interaction analysis system. The physician satisfaction scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and interpersonal reactivity index were used to measure veterinarian visit satisfaction, self-esteem, and empathy, respectively. Linear regression analysis was conducted to study the relationship between factors and veterinarian visit satisfaction. Results--Veterinarian visit satisfaction ranged from 1 to 5 (mean ± SD, 3.97 ± 0.99) and differed significantly between wellness appointments (mean scale score, 4.13) and problem appointments (mean scale score, 3.81). Various elements of client and veterinarian communication as well as personality measures of veterinarian self-esteem and empathy were associated with veterinarian satisfaction. The specific factors differed depending on the nature of the appointment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Results suggested that veterinarian visit-specific satisfaction is enhanced through the use of communication that builds relationships with clients and is associated with degrees of veterinarian empathetic concern and veterinarian self-esteem. The implications extend to overall job satisfaction and its potential link to the health and well-being of individual veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To provide communication skills education to veterinary professionals in the practice setting and evaluate the training by measuring veterinarian communication pre- and post-intervention. Methods: This is a case-based pre-test/post-test intervention study of a veterinary practice in Denver, CO. Four veterinarians from a single practice and 48 clients (selected to represent wellness and problem visits) were recruited to the study. The veterinarians took part in a training intervention consisting of a year-long curriculum, including interactive communication modules, individual coaching and communication laboratories. Six visit interactions were measured for each of the 4 veterinarians pre- and post-skill training. The Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS) was used to analyze the study''s 48 videotapes. Results: Compared to the pre-training visits, veterinarians gathered twice as much lifestyle-social data (p <0.02), and used 1.5 times more partnership building (p <0.03) and positive rapport-building (p <0.01) communication. Clients provided 1.4 times more lifestyle/social information (p <0.02) and expressed 1.7 times more emotional statements (p <0.01) in post-training visits. Conclusion: The training intervention promoted a more client-centered approach to veterinarian–client communication. Practice implications: Practice-based communication training is novel to veterinary practice. As a case study, generalization of the findings are limited, however the findings support the efficacy of the communication intervention and enhanced utilization of veterinarian–client communication skills by these veterinarians. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Caspases are cysteine-dependent proteases and are important components of animal apoptosis. They introduce specific breaks after aspartate residues in a number of cellular proteins mediating programmed cell death (PCD). Plants encode only distant homologues of caspases, the metacaspases that are involved in PCD, but do not possess caspase-specific proteolytic activity. Nevertheless, plants do display caspase-like activities indicating that enzymes structurally distinct from classical caspases may operate as caspase-like proteases. Here, we report the identification and characterisation of a novel PCD-related subtilisin-like protease from tobacco and rice named phytaspase (plant aspartate-specific protease) that possesses caspase specificity distinct from that of other known caspase-like proteases. We provide evidence that phytaspase is synthesised as a proenzyme, which is autocatalytically processed to generate the mature enzyme. Overexpression and silencing of the phytaspase gene showed that phytaspase is essential for PCD-related responses to tobacco mosaic virus and abiotic stresses. Phytaspase is constitutively secreted into the apoplast before PCD, but unexpectedly is re-imported into the cell during PCD providing insights into how phytaspase operates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity is defined as differences between people, including age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, political affiliation, socio-economic status, education level, gender identity, sexual orientation, and physical, emotional, and mental abilities.1 Differentiating within such categories is natural but limits the ability to work with and learn through diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality control of mRNA maturation is a highly regulated process that surveys pre-mRNA integrity and eliminates improperly matured pre-mRNAs. In nature, certain viruses regulate the expression of their genes b! hijacking the endogenouv RNA quality control machinerv We demonstrate that the inclusion of 5' splice sites within the 3'-untranslated region of a reporter gene in plants alters the pre-mRNA cleavage and polvadenvlation process, resulting in pre-mRNA degradation, esemplifying a regulatory mechanism conserved hetn'een kingdoms. Altered pre-mRNA processing nas associated with an inhibition of homologous gene expression in trans and the preferential accumulation of 24-nucleotide (nt) short-interfering R'sAs (siRNAs) as opposed to 21-nt siRNA subspecies, suggesting that degradation of the aberrant pre-mRNA involves the silencing machinery. However, gene expression was not restored by coexpression of a silencing suppressor or in an RNA-dependent RNA potymerase )RDR6)-deficient background despite reduced 24-nt siRNA accumutation. Our data highlight a complex cross talk between the quality control RNA machinery, 3'-end pre-mRNA maturation, and RN A-silencing pathways capable of discriminating among different type' of aberrant RN As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1726 Mary Toft claimed that she had given birth to rabbits, an event that led to much medical examination and a good deal of satire but surprisingly little religious commentary, apart from William Whiston's interpretation that she was a portent of the apocalypse. And yet Toft was repeatedly remembered and re-invoked throughout the century – along with several other miraculous, supernatural or wondrous events – in relation to broader public discussions about the boundaries between the natural and supernatural, between reason and revelation, with the result that each new ‘remembering’ paradoxically reiterated that those boundaries could not be definitively settled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: RNA-directed RNA polymerases (RDRs) play crucial roles in the RNA silencing response of plants by enhancing and maintaining silencing signals. At least two members of the RDR group, namely RDR1 and RDR6, are implicated in defence against plant viruses. RDRs have so far only been characterized in dicot species. In this report, we identified and characterized HvRDR1, HvRDR2 and HvRDR6 genes in the monocot plant barley (Hordeum vulgare). We analysed their expression under various biotic and abiotic stresses including fungal and viral infections, salicylic acid treatment as well as during plant development. The different classes and subclasses of barley RDRs displayed contrasting expression patterns during pathogen challenge and development suggesting their involvement in specific regulatory pathways. Their response to heat and salicylic acid treatment suggests a conserved pattern of expression of these genes between monocot and dicot plant species. The existence of two HvRDR1 and two HvRDR6 genes suggests an evolutionary selection for specialization in response to biotic and abiotic stresses after gene duplication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the effects of oversharing one's business enterprise with anyone. It mentions that oversharing about one's business enterprise with anyone can be done through social media and its bad effect is that it tends to damage professional relationships with clients and team members alike.

Objective—To compare the clinical interview process, content of the medical dialog, and emotional tone of the veterinarian-client-patient interaction during wellness appointments and appointments related to a health problem in companion animal practice. Design—Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample Population—A random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedure—For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments (3 wellness appointments and 3 problem appointments) were videotaped. The Roter interaction analysis system was used to analyze the resulting 300 videotapes. Results—Wellness appointments were characterized by a broad discussion of topics, with 50% of data-gathering statements and 27% of client education statements related to the pet's lifestyle activities and social interactions. Wellness appointments included twice as much verbal interaction with the pet as did problem appointments, and the emotional atmosphere of wellness appointments was generally relaxed. There were more social talk, laughter, statements of reassurance, and compliments directed toward the client and pet. In contrast, during problem appointments, 90% of the data gathering and client education focused on biomedical topics. Coders rated veterinarians as hurried during 30 of the 150 (20%) problem appointments; they rated clients as anxious during 39 (26%) problem appointments and as emotionally distressed during 21(14%). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that veterinarian-client-patient communication differed between wellness and problem appointments. Owing to the emphasis on biomedical content during problem appointments, veterinarians may neglect lifestyle and social concerns that could impact patient management and outcomes, such as client satisfaction and adherence to veterinarian recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional cattle enterprises send grain-finished beef to a commodity market. Pasture-finishing offers farmers better returns in an alternative "niche" market with different costs, uncertainties and risks. Such enterprise decisions are not well-structured problems soluble with classical decision analysis. Instead, they require an ethnographic process of "framing" from a personal viewpoint. Here we examine the natural and cultural setting of beef cattle enterprise systems, and their time frame for action planning and implementation. We present four brief case studies of farmers who practice pasture-finishing. An "ethnographic decision model" (EDM) asks farmers about their personal, material, social and financial resources. In behavioral decision theory, a parallel line of research is "naturalistic decision making" (NDM), focused on the proficiency of decision makers dealing with ill-structured problems, incomplete information, uncertainty, and urgency. Pasture-finished beef production can he an addition to a risk-reducing portfolio of enterprises. The key is classification of the herd into two groups, destined either for the niche market or for the commodity market. When forage growth conditions are unfavorable, the niche group receives preference and commodity animals get second best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective—To identify communication patterns used by veterinarians during clinical appointments in companion animal practice. Design—Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample Population—A random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedure—For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments (3 wellness appointments and 3 appointments related to a health problem) were videotaped. The Roter interaction analysis system was used to analyze the resulting 300 videotapes, and cluster analysis was used to identify veterinarian communication patterns. Results—175 (58%) appointments were classified as having a biomedical communication pattern, and 125 (42%) were classified as having a biolifestyle-social communication pattern. None were classified as having a consumerist communication pattern. Twenty-three (46%) veterinarians were classified as using a predominantly biomedical communication pattern, 19 (38%) were classified as using a mixed communication pattern, and 8 (16%) were classified as using a predominantly biolifestyle-social communication pattern. Pattern use was related to the type of appointment. Overall, 103 (69%) wellness appointments were classified as biolifestyle-social and 127 (85%) problem appointments were classified as biomedical. Appointments with a biomedical communication pattern (mean, 11.98 minutes) were significantly longer than appointments with a biolifestyle-social communication pattern (10.43 minutes). Median relationship-centered care score (ie, the ratio of client-centered talk to veterinarian-centered talk) was significantly higher during appointments with a biolifestyle-social communication pattern (1.10) than during appointments with a biomedical communication pattern (0.40). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that veterinarians in companion animal practice use 2 distinct patterns of communication. Communication pattern was associated with duration of visit, type of appointment, and relationship-centeredness. Recognition of these communication patterns has implications for veterinary training and client and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a broad survey of 149 producers who identify their product as ‘pasture-finished’ beef. Returns are from 46 different US states and Canada. Survey responses provide information on farm background characteristics, production systems, and marketing. Results show consensus on many points, and diversity on many others. The structure of the pasture-finished beef enterprise is built on direct marketing, niche marketing, source identification, value added, and rising consumer consciousness of health, environmental, and social benefits. There is a need for more attention to the role of animal husbandry in sustainable agriculture. Recent years have seen renewed interest in grazing systems, and a growth in market demand for pasture-finished beef. This is can be seen in popular press and consumer trends. The industrial food system does not take good advantage of the natural characteristics of cattle. In traditional farming systems, cattle perform the useful work of harvesting and concentrating nutrients from outlying pasturelands and transporting them to the human homestead or household. Cattle grazing can be accomplished with minimal material and management inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective-To identify specific components of veterinarian-client-patient communication during clinical appointments in companion animal practice. Design-Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample Population-A random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedure-For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments (3 wellness appointments and 3 appointments related to a health problem) were videotaped, and the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS) was used to analyze the resulting 300 videotapes. Statements made during each appointment were classified by means of a communication framework reflecting the 4 essential tasks of the appointment (ie, data gathering, education and counseling, relationship building, and activation and partnership). Results-57% of the veterinarians contacted (50/87) and 99% of the clients contacted agreed to participate in the study. Mean duration of the appointments was 13 minutes. Typically, veterinarians contributed 62% of the total conversation and clients contributed 38%. Fifty-four percent of the veterinarian interaction was with the client, and 8% was with the pet. Data gathering constituted 9% of the veterinarian-to-client communication and was primarily accomplished through closed-ended questioning; 48% of veterinarian-to-client communication involved client education and counseling, 30% involved relationship building, and 7% involved activation and partnership (the remaining 6% constituted orientation). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that the RIAS was a reliable method of assessing the structure, process, and content of veterinarian client-patient communication and that some veterinarians do not use all the tools needed for effective communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited information in the veterinary literature on veterinarian-client-patient communication, and what is available is predominantly based on expert opinion and anecdotal information, not peer-reviewed scientific studies. In contrast, the human medical communication literature contains a large number of empirical studies. Thus, a review of research of physician-patient interactions is a logical starting place to determine what steps veterinary researchers, educators, and practitioners could take to investigate and address veterinarian-client-patient interactions. The purpose of this report were to summarize recent advances in human medical communication research and education, link findings in human medical communication research to veterinary medicine, and provide a rationale for development of communication research and education programs in veterinary medical schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research in two recently merged teaching hospitals has studied the effects of merger on the organizational culture of the hospitals and individual staff. Organizational culture is both a tool for managers introducing change and also an observable indicator of change, and hospitals have particularly strong cultures. After reviewing different approaches to analysing culture, and adopting Hofstede's six-dimensional model, the researchers describe one hospital as an aggressive, entrepreneurial, results-oriented organization, with a loosely controlled, devolved management, high expectations of staff and limited participation in decision making. The other is described as a tightly controlled, centralized and paternalistic organization, concerned for its staff and open to dialogue, with a principled commitment to partnership. The management's vision for the new trust combines elements of both cultures. In studying the effects of the merger on staff, the research documents individuals' journey through the merger experience, using Stuart's 'map' of the processes of change. The principal experiences are categorized as sensing, worry work, positioning, shock, hoping and sharing, holding on, letting go, moving, and moving on or away. Individuals' perceptions of the changing hospital cultures show a slow convergence but with new 'fault lines' opening up in the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explains the meaning of free-market environmentalism and demonstrate ways in which it is an integral part of environmental economics. Disagreement of economists on the application of free-market environmentalism; Introduction of economics into environmental issues; Conclusion.

The article focuses on the aspects of setting boundaries among managers, clients, and team members in veterinary practice. Topics discussed include the several types of workplace boundaries such as job responsibility, interpersonal boundaries, and personal boundaries, the importance of maintaining workplace boundaries through explaining the limits clearly and concisely, and the significant of bringing up boundary violations in reinforcing the power of the boundaries.

The article focuses on development of persistent veterinary team environment. It suggests implementing timeout method and team-centered approach by leaders for solving problems of unmotivated team members. It mentions presence of burnout among the members and its symptoms such as aggressive behavior, change in relationships and lack in teamwork. It highlights communication with team members and coordinated team efforts that lead to client satisfaction and professional optimism.

The article discusses the need to negotiating a mutually accepted treatment plan with veterinarian clients and encourage their participation while increasing their buy-in. It mentions that helping clients decide on a financial limit provides a point of negotiation for the best treatment options within their budget. It also mentions that the need to acknowledge the client's difficulties, strain, and financial stressors to open the discussion and form a nonjudgmental atmosphere.

The article focuses on how veterinary practice can discuss the financial condition of their business to team members. Topics include the use of communication tools to promote constructive conversations about money matters, the need to give honest answers to the team's questions, and provide clear and concise information to the team.

The article focuses on the expression of employee emotions in the workplace. Topics discussed include emotional reactions of individual, signs of unprofessional behavior, methods of emotion control, outburst of chronic stress and depression into emotions; fatigue and appetite change as the symptoms of big problem, mental and emotional health and identification of emotional triggers for professional and personal growth of workers.

This article is a contribution to the debate on cross-cultural transfer of management practice. It describes the difficulties experienced in introducing 'western' management theory in a Pakistan government training centre; considers the social and cultural context and the local management style; analyses the differences in six key areas of management and discusses their implications for management trainers; and proposes a 'middle way' to ensure that management material is culturally acceptable and practically appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the reason the World Bank failed to assist Cote d'Ivoire in its financial crisis in 1990. Factors which influenced the changes in the country; Reference to the success of the country after World War II; Impact of the government on the growth of the Cote d'Ivoire's economy; Identification of the political organization which dominates the country.

Discusses overpopulation while focusing on Thomas Malthus' predictions in 1798 for the growth in population at a geometric rate while food increases at an arithmetic rate. Examination of Malthus' predictions; Statistical information on population growth in various countries across the world. INSET: Activity.

Presents information on national parks in the United States while focusing on the problems experienced by these parks, referencing to a report in the United States News and World Report entitled `Trouble in Paradise.' What the story focused on; Information on a report from the General Accounting Office (GAO) to Congress in March 1995; Excerpts from the report.

Provides an overview of the history and chemistry of negative-photoresist systems and their development in IBM Research. Negative photoresists for semiconductors and printing wiring boards (PWBs); Advantages of negative-resist chemistry; Negative resists for micromachining applications; Conclusions.

Focuses on the development, manufacturing and research perspectives of optical lithography. Lithographic system; Alternatives to optical lithography; Optical lithography requirements; Resolution limit of optical lithography; Self-assembling materials (SAMs).

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "The Wall That Protestantism Built," in the Fall 1988 issue, "Putting Our Habitat in Order," in the Summer 1988 issue, and "The Munich Men," in the Summer 1988 issue.

The article focuses on public choice in the U.S. It is stated that public choice replaces a romantic and illusory set of notions about the workings of governments by a set of notions that embody more skepticism. It is inferred that public choice also explains some chronic criticisms of bureaucracy, with bureaucrats usually believing in the importance of their mission and naturally wanting to increase their office's impact and prestige. Public choice theorists recommend new constitutional rules that everyone agrees on to guide the political process.

This double-blind cross-over study evaluates in 12 male volunteers the time course of nitroglycerin concentration in plasma with use of the TTS-nitroglycerin, a controlled-release transdermal dosage form for nitroglycerin, and compares the bioavailability of nitroglycerin delivered from the transdermal system with that from three successive applications of 0.5 inch of 2% nitroglycerin ointment placed at 8 hr intervals over 10 cm2 of skin. The mean amounts of nitroglycerin available when subjects wore the TTS-nitroglycerin or received successive applications of ointment were 15.8 mg ± 1.8 (SE) and 9.8 mg±0.8, respectively. Mean plasma concentrations for both treatments ranged from 10–18 pg/ml-cm2. The normalized areas under the curves — 353 and 410 pg/hr/ml-cm2 respectively — did not differ significantly. The ratio of clearance from the two dosage forms was 0.98±0.12. All subjects experienced mild-to-moderate side effects of nitrate therapy with both dosage forms and also decrease in blood pressure and increase in heart rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the environmental impact of life cycle assessment (LCA). Some proponents of life cycle assessment advocate its use as a tool of environmental policy akin to cost-benefit analysis or risk assessment. Life cycle analysis was devised for companies to determine the environmental impact of their products and manufacturing processes. There are four steps of life cycle assessment. The initial step consists of laying out the scope and defining the goals of the study. The next phase is to produce the inventory. The third stage, impact assessment, attempts to translate the inventory data into effects on human health, ecological health, and resource depletion. And the final step is improvement analysis, in which recommendations are made based on the results of the inventory and impact stages.