bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Cell Origin of Circulating MicroRNAs: A Cautionary Note for Cancer Biomarker Studies
Authors: Pritchard Colin C. , Kroh Evan , Wood Brent , Arroyo Jason D. , Dougherty Katy J. , Miyaji Melanie M. , Tait Jonathan F. , Tewari Muneesh
Published: December 2011

Circulating, cell-free microRNAs (miRNAs) hold great promise as a new class of cancer biomarkers due to their surprisingly high stability in plasma, association with disease states, and ease of sensitive measurement. Yet little is known about the origin of circulating miRNAs in either healthy or sick people or what factors influence levels of circulating miRNA biomarkers. Of 79 solid tumor circulating miRNA biomarkers reported in the literature, we found that 58% (46 of 79) are highly expressed in one or more blood cell type. Plasma levels of miRNA biomarkers expressed by myeloid (e.g., miR-223, miR-197, miR-574-3p, and let-7a) and lymphoid (e.g., miR-150) blood cells tightly correlated with corresponding white blood cell counts. Plasma miRNA biomarkers expressed by red blood cells (e.g., miR-486-5p, miR-451, miR-92a, and miR-16) could not be correlated to red cell counts due to limited variation in hematocrit in the cohort studied but were significantly increased in hemolyzed specimens (20- to 30-fold plasma increase; P < 0.0000001). Finally, in a patient undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation, plasma levels of myeloid- and lymphoid-expressed miRNAs (miR-223 and miR-150, respectively) tracked closely with changes in corresponding blood counts. We present evidence that blood cells are a major contributor to circulating miRNA and that perturbations in blood cell counts and hemolysis can alter plasma miRNA biomarker levels by up to 50-fold. Given that a majority of reported circulating miRNA cancer biomarkers are highly expressed in blood cells, we suggest caution in interpretation of such results as they may reflect a blood cell-based phenomenon rather than a cancer-specific origin. Cancer Prev Res; 5(3); 492–7. ©2011 AACR.
Amniocentesis Performed for Karyotyping after Identified Ultrasonographic Abnormalities: What to Expect?
Authors: Gaudry Patrice , Esvan Maxime , Meynard Jean-Baptiste , Lebbar Aziza , Choiset Agnès , Lewin Fanny , Tsatsaris Vassili , Pannier Emmanuelle , Grange Gilles
Published: December 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative risk of identifying fetal chromosomal anomalies after finding ultrasonographic (US) abnormalities in a high-risk population who underwent amniocentesis. Methods: A retrospective review of a cohort of patients with single pregnancies who underwent genetic amniocentesis was undertaken. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine the best correlations between US findings and chromosomal abnormalities. Results: Overall, 191 chromosomal abnormalities were found in 5,604 fetuses (3.4%). Multivariate analysis showed chromosomal abnormalities were significant ly associated with anomalies of the central nervous system (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 2.2-8.7), face and neck (OR = 15.7, 95% CI 9.2-26.8), heart (OR = 5.4, 95% CI 2.6-11.2), abdomen (OR = 5.6, 95% CI 2.9-10.9), extremities (OR = 5.7, 95% CI 2.4-13.4), an increased nuchal fold (OR = 5.2, 95% CI 3.3-8.1), an intrauterine growth restriction (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.6-7.9) and a short femur (OR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.4-12.1). Conclusions: Our results confirm the validity of specific US markers in detecting chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Electron Microscopy Analysis of Neurites Extending from Dorsal Root Ganglia in vitro following Exposure to Intervertebral Disc Cells
Authors: Larsson Karin , Brisby Helena , Johansson Bengt R. , Runesson Eva , Rydevik Björn
Published: December 2011

Nucleus pulposus cells from the intervertebral disc have been shown to have inhibiting effects on neurite outgrowth in vitro. The nucleus pulposus consists of at least 2 cell populations, notochordal cells and chondrocyte-like cells. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology of the neurites, from rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in a culture system, after exposure of these 2 cell populations. DRG from perinatal rats was harvested and placed in culture dishes for 24 h. Nucleus pulposus cells from donor rats were separated into 2 populations and applied to the DRG and neurite culture for a further 24 h and compared to control cultures exposed to culture medium without cells. The DRG and neurites were thereafter prepared for scanning or transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Descriptive SEM and TEM analyses and calculations of the neurite diameter were performed. The visual appearance after SEM and TEM preparation was similar in the three different culture conditions. However, there was a statistically significant reduction of the neurite diameter for the cultures exposed to notochordal cells compared to the cultures exposed to medium and chondrocyte-like cells (TEM preparation). Prominent and frequent pathologic abnormalities in peripheral nerve diseases have been observed with changes in axonal caliber. This study may suggest that a preserved small amount of notochordal cells, as seen in human adults, may play a role in clinical situations where nerve tissue is exposed to disc material, i.e. in disc herniation or degeneration.
Metagenomics: Key to Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Maccaferri Simone , Biagi Elena , Brigidi Patrizia
Published: December 2011

The human gastrointestinal tract harbors the most complex human microbial ecosystem (intestinal microbiota). The comprehensive genome of these microbial populations (intestinal microbiome) is estimated to have a far greater genetic potential than the human genome itself. Correlations between changes in composition and activity of the gut microbiota and common disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, diabetes, and atopic diseases, have been proposed, increasing the interest of the scientific community in this research field. In this perspective, a comprehensive and detailed view of the human gut microbiota, in terms of phylogenetic composition as well as genetic and metabolic potential, is essential to understand the dynamics and possible mechanisms of the cause/effect relationships between gut microbiota and pathology. Metagenomics has emerged as one of the most powerful sequence-driven approaches to study the composition and the genetic potential of this complex ecosystem, and efforts in this direction have been smoothed by the implementation of next generation sequencing platforms. Here, we highlight the potential of the newest high-throughput, culture-independent approaches for the characterization of the human gut microbiome in health and disease. Recent and promising results in this field are presented, underlining the perspectives and future research direction of human gut microbial ecology.
Use of Probiotics in Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Lundell Lars
Published: December 2011

Several clinical trials have demonstrated that the use of probiotics and synbiotics in patients undergoing abdominal surgery might be beneficial in preventing postoperative infectious complications. However, other investigators report that there is no evidence supporting any benefits from preoperative use of pre- and probiotics (synbiotics) in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery, and that in some cases there is even an increased risk of mortality. Possible explanations behind these controversies may be found in the postoperative period of administration (median time of 4 days), the oral (instead of jejunal) route of administration with the accompanying unclear survival rate of the probiotics in the stomach due to low pH, and the high-risk operations such as complicated colectomies resulting in a high overall rate of bacterial translocation and infections. In recent years, three important randomized studies on the effects of probiotics in patients undergoing colorectal surgery have reported that the use of probiotics markedly improved intestinal microbial populations and significantly decreased the incidence of further infectious complications. Furthermore, the patients’ quality of life was also improved by shortening the duration of postoperative hospital stay and the period needed for antibiotics administration. Improvements in infection-related complications and gut defecation function have also been reported in patients receiving perioperative oral probiotics treatment, suggesting that the use of probiotics could reduce the extent of damage to colon mucosa after surgery. Probiotics can improve the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier as well as the balance of the gut microbiota, and they play a role in decreasing the rate of infection. This area, however, requires more research before preoperative oral intake of probiotics combined with postoperative treatment can be recommended for patients in need of gastrointestinal surgery.
Helicobacter pylori and Other Gastric Bacteria
Authors: Varbanova M. , Schulz C. , Malfertheiner P.
Published: December 2011

The discovery of Helicobacter pylori opened a new field for extensive research on the interactions of this bacterium with the gastric mucosa in the past decades. Basic principles of infection, virulence factors, and treatment options have been identified and recognized. New questions have emerged concerning possible interactions of H. pylori with other bacteria in the human stomach. Herein we discuss hallmark findings in relation to H. pylori infection and the new evidence on other bacteria in the human stomach. Probiotic bacteria seem to interfere with colonizing H. pylori bacteria and thus influence the inflammatory response of the gastric mucosa to H. pylori infection.
Prior Use of Antiplatelet Therapy Can Be Associated with a Higher Chance for Early Recanalization of the Occluded Middle Cerebral Artery in Acute Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Šaňák Daniel , Kuliha Martin , Herzig Roman , Roubec Martin , Školoudík David , Zapletalová Jana , Köcher Martin , Král Michal , Veverka Tomáš , Čecháková Eva , Bártková Andrea , Procházka Václav , Kaňovský Petr
Published: December 2011

Background: The early recanalization (ER) of an occluded cerebral artery is important for clinical improvement in acute ischemic stroke. The aim of the study was to assess the possible association between the prior use of antiplatelets (AP) and ER of occluded middle cerebral artery (MCA) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Methods: In 146 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with occluded MCA and treated with IVT, the ER and incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) were compared according to the presence or absence of prior AP use. ER was assessed by transcranial Doppler or digital subtraction angiography within 2 h after the end of IVT. Results: Fifty-six patients (28 males, mean age: 69.8 ± 9.8 years) used AP and 90 patients were AP naïve (51 males, mean age: 65.8 ± 12.5 years). Prior AP use was associated with a higher rate of early MCA recanalization (53.6 vs. 29.5% in AP naïve, p = 0.007) and was shown as a predictor of ER (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.14–4.65; p = 0.020) in unadjusted analysis. No difference was found in the occurrence of SICH. Conclusion: Prior use of AP was associated with a higher rate of ER of occluded MCA, but with no increase of SICH after IVT.
Bacterial Load and Degree of Gastric Mucosal Inflammation in Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Varbanova M. , Malfertheiner P.
Published: December 2011

Helicobacter pylori induces an inflammatory immune response in the gastric mucosa. The degree of gastric mucosal inflammation and its topographic distribution are key factors in the diversity of H. pylori-related complications. Here we summarize substantial evidence reported in the literature concerning the impact of H. pylori density on gastric inflammation, the development of severe complications, and its relation to H. pylori suppression therapy. Most studies demonstrate a significant correlation between H. pylori density and the grade of acute and chronic inflammation, taking into account the limitations of each method for density assessment. Overall, high bacterial loads are associated with increased acute mucosal damage and long-term changes in the gastric mucosa. The influence of H. pylori density reduction on the improvement of gastric mucosal changes was observed in studies using ‘clearance’ therapies. Mucosal agents provoke a significant, but not persistent, reduction in gastritis activity. Treatments suppressing the density and virulence of H. pylori could become strategies to prevent H. pylori-associated disease in the future.
Sex-Specific Influence of Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Stimulation on Renal Function
Authors: Hilliard Lucinda M. , Jones Emma S. , Steckelings U. Muscha , Unger Thomas , Widdop Robert E. , Denton Kate M.
Published: December 2011

The renin-angiotensin system is a powerful regulator of arterial pressure and body fluid volume. Increasing evidence suggests that the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT
2
R), which mediates the vasodilatory and natriuretic actions of angiotensin peptides, is enhanced in females and may, therefore, represent an innovative therapeutic target. We investigated the therapeutic potential of direct AT
2
R stimulation on renal function in 11- to 12-week–old anesthetized male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Renal blood flow was examined in response to a graded infusion of the highly selective, nonpeptide AT
2
R agonist, compound 21 (100, 200, and 300 ng/kg per minute), in the presence and absence of AT
2
R blockade (PD123319; 1 mg/kg per hour). Direct AT
2
R stimulation significantly increased renal blood flow in both males and females, without influencing arterial pressure. This was dose dependent in females only and occurred to a greater extent in females at the highest dose of compound 21 administered (males: 13.1±2.4% versus females: 23.0±3.2% change in renal blood flow at 300 ng/kg per minute versus baseline;
P
<0.01). In addition, AT
2
R stimulation significantly increased sodium and water excretion to a similar extent in males and females (

P
Group

=0.05 and 0.005). However, there was no significant change in glomerular filtration rate in either sex, suggesting that altered tubular function may be responsible for AT
2
R-induced natriuresis rather than hemodynamic effects. Taken together, this study provides evidence that direct AT
2
R stimulation produces vasodilatory and natriuretic effects in the male and female kidney. The AT
2
R may, therefore, represent a valuable therapeutic target for the treatment of renal and cardiovascular diseases in both men and women.
Artistic Prosumption
Authors: Chen Katherine K.
Published: December 2011

Researchers have called for more studies of how organizations institutionalize the unfamiliar as taken for granted. This study answers this call by examining how an organization has advocated an unfamiliar activity, the prosumption of art. To show how particular means and ends become taken for granted, this research analyzes how the Burning Man organization has promoted a logic advocating the prosumption of art. Using an in-depth ethnographic study of the organization behind Burning Man, a weeklong gathering of 50,000 persons around a ceremonial bonfire of a 40-foot-tall sculpture in the Nevada Black Rock Desert, the author shows how the Burning Man organization codified and advocated what she identifies as an inclusive community logic, a set of beliefs and practices that promote artistic prosumption. Members sought to expand who may produce art by recasting producers and consumers as prosumers, what kind of art is produced by encouraging interactions via prosumption, and how art is consumed by imbuing prosumption with specific meaning via connection. However, conflicts about whether particular actions support or undercut the inclusive community logic have not only challenged the Burning Man organization’s authority to shape prosumption but also forced organizers to clarify the ambiguous contours between appropriate and inappropriate activities. This research makes three contributions: (a) It reveals how an organization can facilitate new conceptions of activities by promulgating a logic that highlights contrasts between not-yet-familiar and conventional means; (b) it delves into how an organization adjudicates among competing conceptions of appropriate activities, illuminating the promotion of presumption specifically and the emergence of a logic generally; and (c) it synthesizes three separate literatures on the sociology of organizations, prosumption, and art.
Interdisciplinarity in social work education and training in Hungary
Authors: Török Péter , Korazim-Kőrösy Yossi
Published: December 2011

The study analyzes the educational manifestations of the interdisciplinary and interprofessional training of social work in Hungary through a questionnaire used earlier in the USA, Canada and Israel and which is employed simultaneously in Hong Kong and Japan. After a short description of interdisciplinarity and the history of Hungarian social work training, the methodology of the Hungarian research is presented. The analysis of the Hungarian results is followed by their comparison with the available international data. While in most Hungarian educational institutions there is no dual degree program for social workers, about two-thirds of their international counterparts provide such training. The possibilities for interdisciplinary collaborations in field placements were similarly evaluated by the respondents of all nationalities. Research was considered to be the most applicable category for interdisciplinarity by Hungarians as well as for North Americans and Israelis. While respondents in USA, Canada and Israel found community-based research and evaluation most suitable for the improvement of interdisciplinarity in the future, in Hungary this possibility was ranked only fourth after the improvement of course content, field education and informal lectures (‘brown-bags’). As a closure, the authors enlist some interdisciplinary considerations to be taken into account in planning the future of social work education in Hungary.
Collaborative and Collective: Reflexive Co-ordination and the Dynamics of Open Innovation in the Digital Industry Clusters of the Paris Region
Authors: Halbert Ludovic
Published: December 2011

Economic geography increasingly conceptualises innovation as a collective action. However, the literature on clusters often reduces the collective dimension to the circulation of knowledge between local and regional organisations based on various forms of (market, organisational, social, institutional or cognitive) co-ordination. This paper diverges from this grass-roots perspective by discussing the role of collective actions in clusters—i.e. actions developed by a large number of cluster members acting as a group. Empirical evidence drawing on a study of three digital clusters in the Paris region shows that the cluster as a collective entity holds agency and—thanks to reflexive co-ordination—can contribute to open innovation, including innovation-seeking partnerships in the early stages of cluster life cycles.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of MK‐5046, a Bombesin Receptor Subtype‐3 (BRS‐3) Agonist, in Healthy Patients
Authors: Reitman Marc L. , Dishy Victor , Moreau Allison , Denney William S. , Liu Chengcheng , Kraft Walter K. , Mejia Alex V. , Matson Mark A. , Stoch S. Aubrey , Wagner John A. , Lai Eseng
Published: December 2011

MK‐5046 is an orally active, potent, selective agonist of the orphan G protein—coupled receptor bombesin receptor subtype‐3 (BRS‐3) that is under evaluation for treatment of obesity. We report the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of oral doses of MK‐5046 (10–160 mg) in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study in healthy and obese male volunteers. MK‐5046 exposure increased dose proportionally, and MK‐5046 was eliminated with an apparent terminal half‐life of 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Single doses transiently increased blood pressure. Patients reported adverse events (erections and feeling hot, cold, and/or jittery) that coincided with time of occurrence (Tmax) and increased with increasing dose. No changes were observed in body temperature, heart rate, plasma glucose levels, or feelings of hunger/satiety. The blood pressure and thermal experiences attenuated with a second dose 6 hours after the first. Additionally, the erections suggest a possible, unanticipated, role for BRS‐3 in reproductive physiology. Oral administration of MK‐5046 achieves plasma concentrations that are projected to activate BRS‐3 and therefore should be suitable for exploring its biological role in humans.
Ordinal outlier detection based on recursive uniform partitioning
Authors: Chen Gang , Shi Juan , Cai Yuan Li
Published: December 2011

Outlier detection plays an important role in intelligent cyber systems, especially for fault-tolerant and adaptive ones. Traditional algorithms always need to evaluate distances or densities, which are very time-consuming. Considering the increasingly urgent demand for real-time application, during the past few years, various novel algorithms have been proposed. They are much faster, but less stable and less accurate. To cope with these problems, based on the core idea of ordinal optimization and the ‘few and different’ characteristics of outliers, by introducing the concept of outlier probability, we propose this ordinal outlier detection algorithm (OOD), which extracts outliers in terms of the order of being isolated in a recursive uniform data space partitioning process. It does not need any distance or density evaluation, and the complexity is reduced to O( n). Experiments show that the CPU time of OOD increases linearly with linearly growing data sets. Furthermore, compared with the recent iForest algorithm, OOD is about 30 times faster, with a 20–30% improvement in accuracy and in particular is much more stable. OOD also has good scalability, so it works well in high-dimensional data sets, which have a huge number of instances and irrelevant attributes.
Being Tough or Being Nice? A Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Hard- and Softline Strategies in Distributive Negotiations
Authors: Hüffmeier Joachim , Freund Philipp Alexander , Zerres Alfred , Backhaus Klaus , Hertel Guido
Published: December 2011

A meta-analysis (34 studies) is reported on the impact of hard- and softline bargaining strategies on economic (135 effect sizes) and socioemotional negotiation outcomes (30 effect sizes) in distributive negotiations. As expected, hardline strategies lead to higher economic outcomes, whereas softline strategies lead to higher socioemotional outcomes. Moreover, moderator variables are derived from the graduated reciprocation in tension-reduction model and the level of aspiration theory that are expected to qualify the relation of bargaining strategies and achieved economic outcomes. In accordance with this theoretical background, moderator analyses reveal that hardline negotiators gain the highest economic outcomes when visual contact is possible, when the opposing party is male, when negotiators are instructed to maximize individual outcomes, and when they know the bargaining zone. Also in line with the theoretical assumptions, softline negotiators gain the highest economic outcomes when they accurately reciprocate the opposing party’s concessionary behavior. Contrary to the predictions, softline bargaining does, however, not prevail when the risk and cost of impasses are high. Based on the reported findings, needs for future research and theory building are identified and discussed.
The Role of Empathy in Anger Arousal in Violent Offenders and University Students
Authors: Day Andrew , Mohr Philip , Howells Kevin , Gerace Adam , Lim Loraine
Published: December 2011

A lack of empathic responsiveness toward others has been consistently identified as an important antecedent to aggressive behavior and violent crime, with many rehabilitation programs for violent offenders incorporating treatment modules that are specifically designed to increase offender empathy. This study examined the extent to which cognitive (perspective taking) and affective (empathic concern, personal distress) empathy predicted anger in a clinical (male prisoners convicted of a violent offense) and a nonclinical (student) sample. Perspective taking emerged as the strongest predictor of self-reported anger in response to an interpersonal provocation, as well as being most consistently related to scores on measures of general trait anger and methods of anger control. While the relationship between perspective taking and anger was apparent for offenders as well as students, the results did not support the idea that an inability to perspective take is a particular characteristic of violent offenders.
Motivations for Success
Authors: Stoll Emily E. , Ha-Brookshire Jung E.
Published: December 2011

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been playing an important role in the U.S. economy for a long time. The contribution of SMEs to the textile and apparel industry has been intensified in the global economy. Yet, little is known about what motivates SMEs for success. An understanding of motivations for success is critical to SMES' business strategies and performance. This study explored SMEs' motivations for success through the theoretical framework of Maslow's (1943) theory of human motivation. Results of the content analysis of two prominent small business magazines suggested that Maslow's theory provided a reasonable framework, and that textile and apparel SME owners explained filling the niche as physiological needs, financial security as safety needs, building intimate relationship as love needs, recognition and respect as esteem needs, and being good global citizen as self-actualization needs for their success. The study concludes with contributions, implications, limitations, and future research opportunities.
Synthesis of polyamides by energy-efficient ultrasonic-assisted direct polycondensation
Authors: Sojitra Prakash , Patel Keshav
Published: December 2011

Four polyamides were synthesized by novel ultrasonic irradiation at 50 °C. Direct polymerization of 2-(morpholino)-4,6-bis(phenoxy-3-carboxy)-s-triazine with different diamines was conducted using a condensing agent. Synthesized polyamides were characterized by particle size distribution, solubility, density, viscosity, Fourier transform infrared spectra, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis and accelerated degradation of polyamides. All polyamides were readily soluble in polar organic solvents like N-methylpyrrolidone, N, N-dimethylacetamide and N, N-dimethylformamide at room temperature. The polyamides had inherent viscosities in the range 0.532–0.643 dL g−1 in dimethyl formamide at room temperature (30 °C) and density 1.137–1.198 g cm−3. All the polyamides showed good thermal stability under N2 atmosphere. Under accelerated condition degradation of polyamide was not observed without altering the surface morphology.
The preparation and electrical properties of the functionalized graphene/poly (ether sulfone) nanocomposites
Authors: Yin Shangbing , Rong Changru , Zhang Shuling , Huo Pengfei , Wang Guibin
Published: December 2011

Chemical functionalized graphene (f-G) was obtained by the reaction of the residual epoxide and carboxyl functional groups on the hydrazine-reduced graphene (G) sheets with hydroquinone. The efficacy of the functionalization reaction of graphene was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed that the functionalized graphene can be easily exfoliated into functionalized graphene nanosheets composed of single or bilayers of graphene sheets. The f-G was used to prepare conductive poly (ether sulfone) (PES) composites (f-G/PES) via the solution casting method and the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) properties of f-G/PES composites were investigated. It was observed that good dispersion of f-G nanosheets in PES matrix resulted in a low percolation threshold of 0.355 vol.%. Hopping type of charge transport occurred during the insulator–semiconductor transition of f-G/PES composites. Impedance measurement was carried out to evaluate interfacial capacitance of the composites, and the interfacial capacitance of the composites increased to 1041.9 pF of f-G/PES composites with 5 wt.% f-G from 30.48 pF of f-G/PES composites with 0.5 wt.% f-G.
Response of arboreal pollen abundance to late-Holocene drought events in the Upper Midwest, USA
Authors: Minckley Thomas A , Booth Robert K , Jackson Stephen T
Published: December 2011

The impact of short-term climate anomalies and disturbances on past plant communities can be understood using high temporal or contiguous sedimentary pollen analysis. The response of pollen assemblages to decadal- to multidecadal-scale moisture variability was analyzed for the time intervals 3000–2200 and 1400–500 cal. yr BP. The hydroclimate and vegetation history for Minden Bog in southeastern Michigan were reconstructed using analyses of sedimentary testate amoebae and pollen. Results indicated that moisture anomalies accounted for 3% to 24% of the variation in arboreal pollen abundance for Fagus, Pinus, Quercus, and Tsuga. Betula pollen percentages did not appear to be affected by moisture variability. Given the longevity of these taxa, rapid arboreal pollen assemblage responses to moisture variability at decadal to multidecadal timescales were likely due to climate-induced changes in pollen productivity. Our data suggest that pollen–climate relationships may be counterintuitive at these fine temporal scales. For example, Tsuga pollen percentages generally increased during short-term dry events, in contrast to expected decreases in abundance with drying at millennial timescales based on empirical pollen–climate relationships. Results suggest caution should be used when inferring subdecadal to multidecadal climate variation from highly resolved pollen records. Rather, high-resolution pollen data may more accurately represent superimposed plant responses that are the composite of reproductive output nested within long-term plant community compositional changes in response to climatic variation.
An Integrative Model of the Role of Trust in Transactive Memory Development
Authors: Ashleigh Melanie , Prichard Jane
Published: December 2011

This article extends transactive memory (TM) theory as it is currently conceptualized. We propose a new integrative model of the relationship between transactive memory system (TMS) development and trust. By using the TM encoding cycle, the model proposes that trust acts as an antecedent of TMSs and that wider perceptions of team members’ trustworthiness (benevolence and integrity) also affect the development and maintenance of effective TMSs in teams. Our conceptualization considers the effect of trust on both the knowledge structure and the transactive processes involved in TMSs. From our analysis, we provide a number of propositions and hypotheses relating to different stages of TMS development to be pursued by future research. Finally, we consider the managerial implications of our model.
How Can Significance Tests Be Deinstitutionalized?
Authors: Orlitzky Marc
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this article is to propose possible solutions to the methodological problem of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST), which is framed as deeply embedded in the institutional structure of the social and organizational sciences. The core argument is that, for the deinstitutionalization of statistical significance tests, minor methodological changes within an unreformed epistemology will be as unhelpful as emotive exaggerations of the ill effects of NHST. Instead, several institutional-epistemological reforms affecting cultural-cognitive, normative, and regulative processes and structures in the social sciences are necessary and proposed in this article. In the conclusion, the suggested research reforms, ranging from greater emphasis on inductive and abductive reasoning to statistical modeling and Bayesian epistemology, are classified according to their practical importance and the time horizon expected for their implementation. Individual-level change in researchers' use of NHST is unlikely if it is not facilitated by these broader epistemological changes.
Music and the materialization of identities
Authors: Born Georgina
Published: December 2011

How does music materialize identities? This article argues that music is instructive in conceptualizing the materialization of identity because it opens up new perspectives on issues of materiality, mediation and affect. These perspectives are intimately related in turn to music’s plural socialities, which necessitate a novel approach to theorizing the social. Music, it is proposed, demands an analytics that encompasses four planes of social mediation; while these socialities, with other forms of music’s mediation, together produce a constellation of mediations – an assemblage. All four planes of social mediation enter into the musical assemblage: the first two amount to socialities engendered by musical practice and experience; the last two amount to social and institutional conditions that afford certain kinds of musical practice. The four are irreducible to one another and are articulated in contingent ways through relations of synergy, affordance, conditioning or causality. By adopting the topological metaphor of the plane to stand for distinctive socialities mediated by music, the intention is to highlight both their autonomy and their mutual interference. The second half turns to genre theory to suggest that analysing genre in terms of the mutual mediation between two self-organizing historical entities illuminates both how social identity formations may be refracted in music, and how musical genres can entangle themselves in evolving social formations. Finally, with reference to music’s capacity to create aggregations of the affected, the article considers the efflorescence of theories of affect, association and entrainment. While such theories illuminate the generative nature of the mutual mediation between musical formations and social formations, they are limited by lack of awareness of the four distinctive planes of music’s social mediation, as well as the significance of their autonomy and their contingent interrelations for understanding how music materializes identities.
Does status affect intergroup perceptions of humanity?
Authors: Capozza Dora , Andrighetto Luca , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Falvo Rossella
Published: December 2011

Across three studies, we examined whether ingroup status may affect intergroup perceptions of humanity. In Studies 1 and 2, we considered real groups: Northern versus Southern Italians; in Study 3, we manipulated the socioeconomic status of two minimal groups. In all studies, members of higher status groups perceived the ingroup as more human than the outgroup, while members of lower status groups did not assign a privileged human status to the ingroup. Such findings were obtained using different implicit techniques: the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and the Go/No-go Association Task (GNAT). Further, results suggest that the different perceptions of humanity may depend on the stereotypic traits generally ascribed to higher and lower status groups. The implications of results for infrahumanization research are discussed.
Physiological stress responses to the 2008 U.S. presidential election: The role of policy preferences and social dominance orientation
Authors: Trawalter Sophie , Chung Vicki S. , DeSantis Amy S. , Simon Clarissa D. , Adam Emma K.
Published: December 2011

This study examines physiological stress responses to the 2008 U.S. presidential election. The week before and after Election Day, participants provided three daily saliva samples, assayed for cortisol (a principal “stress hormone”) and testosterone. Results revealed that, on Election Day, all participants on average and Republicans in particular exhibited stunted cortisol and testosterone rhythms, perhaps reflecting participants’ anticipation. After Election Day, participants’ political affiliation was not a strong predictor of physiological responses. Their social dominance orientation—that is, their tolerance of social inequalities—was predictive of responses. Those higher in social dominance orientation had higher cortisol and testosterone morning values. These changes suggest that individuals higher in social dominance orientation were distressed but ready to fight back. The present findings add to an emerging body of work showing that sociopolitical differences can influence biological systems relevant to health and behavior.
Developing Strategies for Reducing Cancer Disparities via Cross-Institutional Collaboration
Authors: Gwede Clement K. , Castro Eida , Brandon Thomas H. , McIntyre Jessica , Meade Cathy D. , Munoz-Antonia Teresita , Simmons Vani N. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Jimenez Julio , Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Published: December 2011

The disproportionate burden of cancer among U.S. Hispanics is well documented. Historically, epidemiologic data on U.S. Hispanics and cancer have aggregated all Hispanics as one homogeneous group without appreciating the diversity of this population with regard to nativity (nationality/geographic origin). The authors report on the initial efforts of a collaborative academic institutional partnership between a minority-serving institution and a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center to address cancer health disparities in two Hispanic communities in Puerto Rico and Florida. This article outlines the joint Outreach Program’s initial collaborative strategies and activities in community outreach, cancer education, and research that mutually benefit both the Ponce (Puerto Rico) and Tampa (Florida) Hispanic communities. This partnership program used innovative multipronged community-engagement strategies in the two communities to reduce cancer health disparities. Specific projects and lessons learned from three outreach/cancer education projects and two pilot research projects are discussed. The challenges of balancing service and research agendas in communities with disparate levels of resources and infrastructure are summarized to inform future initiatives in this partnership, as well as serve as an example for similar minority-serving institution/cancer center partnerships to reduce cancer health disparities.
Build a Bridge Out of Her
Authors: Tillmann Lisa M.
Published: December 2011

This poem uses the structure, aesthetics, and meanings of bridges to engage contemporary political and ethical challenges, including war and economic injustice.
“We’re Real Here”
Authors: Rasmusson Sarah L.
Published: December 2011

This article considers why we cringe at Hooters. Based on yearlong conversations with “Hooters girls” at one local restaurant, it illuminates productive tensions between young women, cultural representation, and research methodology. What can an embodied, generational postethnographic approach to one ideal—the Hooters Girl—reveal about the many conflicting ways young women are conceived or contested? I argue the work of Hooters girls—their representational labor as icons but also their critique of their service employment—challenges the political, ethical, and historical stakes of critical qualitative inquiry (QI). At Hooters, young women share an interpretive community (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). As a result, this research is less about who Hooters girls really are, what they say, or even the controversy over how they look, than it is about new ways to really look with them.
A Review of Gay Men’s Health
Authors: Isacco Anthony , Yallum Nicole K. , Chromik Lindsay C.
Published: December 2011

This article focuses on how health practitioners can better understand and intervene with gay men. Gay men’s health is situated within 3 prominent theoretical models (ie, minority stress, gender socialization, and identity development) and associated with 3 constructs (ie, internalized homonegativity, internalized homophobia, and internalized heterosexism) to contextualize gay men’s health concerns. Throughout the article, the authors draw particular attention to research that emphasizes the strengths of gay men, as this is a notable gap in the extant literature. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS is a central concern of gay men, and this article focuses on how cultural identities and factors may intersect with HIV/AIDS status among gay men and have implications for health decision making. Affirmative clinical interventions based on theory and research are presented throughout the article, which can be applied by health professionals in various settings. Given the confusion around terminology, lack of knowledge of available resources, and prevailing negative societal myths about gay men, the article provides a glossary of definitions for unclear terms, actively disputes myths that are not empirically supported, and provides a list of available resources.
Successful Habits of Weight Losers
Authors: Moreno Jennette P. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: December 2011

Despite the availability of the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the prevalence of obesity in adults has increased by 200% since 1980. Although few people have lost weight and maintained weight loss long term, some have and are tracked by the National Weight Control Registry. Results from these studies suggest that people attempting to maintain weight loss should (a) eat a low-calorie diet, (b) eat a routine diet, (c) self-monitor food intake and weight, and (d) engage in physical activity.
Job satisfaction and intentions to leave of new nurses
Authors: Peterson Jessica , McGillis Hall Linda , O'Brien-Pallas Linda , Cockerill Rhonda
Published: December 2011

Turnover of newly graduated nurses is of significant concern. There are continuing reports that new graduates struggle during the transition to the work setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of perceived demands, control, social support and self-efficacy on the job satisfaction and intention to leave of new nurses utilising Karasek's Job Demands-Control-Support model. A cross-sectional mailed survey was used to gather data. The sample comprised 232 new nurses working in acute care in Canada. Job demands, social support from both supervisors and coworkers and self-efficacy were significantly related to job dissatisfaction, while demands and support from coworkers were related to intention to leave the job. Identifying factors that contribute to the job satisfaction and intentions to leave of new nurses is a first step in developing interventions to assist nurses who are just beginning their careers.
Do Victims of Injustice Punish to Improve Their Mood?
Authors: Gollwitzer Mario , Bushman Brad J.
Published: December 2011

Previous research has shown that angry people sometimes aggress to improve their mood. The present research tests whether people who have been treated unjustly seek revenge (i.e., retributive punishment) to improve their mood. The authors hypothesized that retributive punishment is generally not fuelled by a desire to improve one’s mood, whereas more destructive forms of aggression (e.g., venting one’s anger against people or inanimate objects) are. In Study 1, half of the participants were led to believe that their mood was frozen. In Study 2, half of the participants were led to believe that their mood would automatically improve at the end of the study by visiting a “good mood room” with snacks, beverages, and media. Retributive punishment was not affected by either mood management manipulation, whereas destructiveness was. Study 3 expands these findings by showing that retributive reactions were only reduced by a mood improvement manipulation when self-focus was induced.
Surgery for fistula-in-ano in a specialist colorectal unit: a critical appraisal
Authors: Sileri Pierpaolo , Cadeddu Federica , D'Ugo Stefano , Franceschilli Luana , Del Vecchio Blanco Giovanna , De Luca Elisabetta , Calabrese Emma , Capperucci Sara Mara , Fiaschetti Valeria , Milito Giovanni , Gaspari Achille Lucio
Published: December 2011

Background

Several techniques have been described for the management of fistula-in-ano, but all carry their own risks of recurrence and incontinence. We conducted a prospective study to assess type of presentation, treatment strategy and outcome over a 5-year period.

Methods

Between 1st January 2005 and 31st March 2011 247 patients presenting with anal fistulas were treated at the University Hospital Tor Vergata and were included in the present prospective study. Mean age was 47 years (range 16-76 years); minimum follow-up period was 6 months (mean 40, range 6-74 months).

Patients were treated using 4 operative approaches: fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton placement and rectal advancement flap. Data analyzed included: age, gender, type of fistula, operative intervention, healing rate, postoperative complications, reinterventions and recurrence.

Results

Etiologies of fistulas were cryptoglandular (n = 218), Crohn's disease (n = 26) and Ulcerative Colitis (n = 3). Fistulae were classified as simple -intersphincteric 57 (23%), low transphincteric 28 (11%) and complex -high transphicteric 122 (49%), suprasphincteric 2 (0.8%), extrasphinteric 2 (0.8%), recto-vaginal 7 (2.8%) Crohn 26 (10%) and UC 3 (1.2%).

The most common surgical procedure was the placement of seton (62%), usually applied in case of complex fistulae and Crohn's patients.

Eighty-five patients (34%) underwent fistulotomy, mainly for intersphincteric and mid/low transphincteric tracts. Crohn's patients were submitted to placement of one or more loose setons.

The main treatment successfully eradicated the primary fistula tract in 151/247 patients (61%). Three cases of major incontinence (1.3%) were detected during the follow-up period; Furthermore, three patients complained minor incontinence that was successfully treated by biofeedback and permacol injection into the internal anal sphincter.

Conclusions

This prospective audit demonstrates an high proportion of complex anal fistulae treated by seton placement that was the most common surgical technique adopted to treat our patients as a first line. Nevertheless, a good outcome was achieved in the majority of patients with a limited rate of faecal incontinence (6/247 = 2.4%). New technologies provide promising alternatives to traditional methods of management particularly in case of complex fistulas. There is, however, a real need for high-quality randomized control trials to evaluate the different surgical and non surgical treatment options.