bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volumes to Learn: Advancing Therapeutics with Innovative Computed Tomography Image Data Analysis
Authors: Maitland Michael L.
Published: July 2010

Semi-automated methods for calculating tumor volumes from computed tomography images are a new tool for advancing the development of cancer therapeutics. Volumetric measurements, relying on already widely available standard clinical imaging techniques, could shorten the observation intervals needed to identify cohorts of patients sensitive or resistant to treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 16(18); 4493–5. ©2010 AACR.
UV Radiation Inhibits 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase Levels in Human Skin: Evidence of Transcriptional Suppression
Authors: Judson Benjamin L. , Miyaki Akira , Kekatpure Vikram D. , Du Baoheng , Gilleaudeau Patricia , Sullivan-Whalen Mary , Mohebati Arash , Nair Sudhir , Boyle Jay O. , Granstein Richard D. , Subbaramaiah Kotha , Krueger James G. , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: July 2010

Elevated levels of prostaglandins (PG) have been detected in the skin following UV radiation (UVR). PGs play an important role in mediating both the acute and the chronic consequences of UVR exposure. UVR-mediated induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) contributes to increased PG synthesis. In theory, reduced catabolism might also contribute to increased PG levels. 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin deyhdrogenase (15-PGDH), a tumor suppressor gene, plays a major role in PG catabolism. In this study, we investigated whether UVR exposure suppressed 15-PGDH while inducing COX-2 in keratinocytes and in human skin. UVR exposure caused dose-dependent induction of COX-2, suppression of 15-PGDH, and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in HaCaT cells. Exposure to UVR suppressed the transcription of 15-PGDH, resulting in reduced 15-PGDH mRNA, protein, and enzyme activities. UVR exposure induced Slug, a repressive transcription factor that bound to the 15-PGDH promoter. Silencing Slug blocked UVR-mediated downregulation of 15-PGDH. The effects of UVR were also evaluated in the EpiDerm skin model, a three-dimensional model of human epidermis. Here too, COX-2 levels were induced and 15-PGDH levels suppressed following UVR exposure. Next, the effects of UVR were evaluated in human subjects. UVR treatment induced COX-2 while suppressing 15-PGDH mRNA in the skin of 9 of 10 subjects. Collectively, these data suggest that reduced expression of 15-PGDH contributes to the elevated levels of PGs found in the skin following UVR exposure. Possibly, agents that prevent UVR-mediated downregulation of 15-PGDH will affect the acute or the long-term consequences of UVR exposure, including nonmelanoma skin cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 3(9); 1104–11. ©2010 AACR.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Urinary Ascites in a Fetus with Meningomyelocele
Authors: Son Moeun , Walsh Colin A. , Baxi Laxmi V.
Published: July 2010

Fetal or neonatal urinary ascites is a rare phenomenon, particularly when secondary to rupture of a neuropathic bladder in a fetus with meningomyelocele. To date, all similar cases have only been diagnosed in the neonatal period. We report a case of urinary ascites secondary to rupture of a neuropathic bladder, which was successfully diagnosed via fetal paracentesis at 37 weeks. The infant was delivered by elective cesarean section and managed immediately with therapeutic paracentesis and bladder catheterization. Voiding cystourethrogram on the fifth day of life showed the bladder had spontaneously healed. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention for bladder complications diagnosed in utero may prevent or minimize adverse consequences.
Comparison of Frontomaxillary Facial Angles Using Both 2D and 3D Ultrasound at 11+0 to 13+6 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Alphonse Jennifer , Cox Jennifer , Clarke Jill , Schluter Philip J. , McLennan Andrew
Published: July 2010

Introduction: The aim of this study is to (i) directly compare both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) frontomaxillary facial angle (FMFA) in first trimester, and (ii) to assess the ease with which both may be performed. Materials and Methods: Both 3D volumes of the fetal head and 2D fetal profiles were collected from 251 consenting patients during routine first-trimester nuchal translucency (NT) screening. The FMFA in 2D was measured at the time of the NT screening. The 3D FMFA was measured offline. Results: The 2D FMFA was systematically higher than the 3D FMFA. The difference in 3D–2D FMFA was statistically significant from 11+0 to 12+3 weeks. From 12+4 to 13+6 weeks the difference was no longer significant with p = 0.06. Performing the measurement did not unduly increase the time of the study. Even for the experienced sonographer the technique is technically difficult, relying on many factors for accurate caliper placement. Discussion: The 2D FMFA is greater than the 3D angle. This was found in previous studies, but not thought to be statistically significant. The difference decreased with increasing gestational age. There is a learning curve associated with performing this measurement. Normative data for both 2D and 3D, incorporating ethnicity, may be necessary before inclusion in the first-trimester algorithm.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Attracts Geniculate Ganglion Neurites during Embryonic Targeting
Authors: Hoshino Natalia , Vatterott Phillip , Egwiekhor Amina , Rochlin M. William
Published: July 2010

Geniculate axons are initially guided to discrete epithelial placodes in the lingual and palatal epithelium that subsequently differentiate into taste buds. In vivo approaches show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA is concentrated in these placodes, that BDNF is necessary for targeting taste afferents to these placodes, and that BDNF misexpression disrupts guidance. We used an in vitro approach to determine whether BDNF may act directly on geniculate axons as a trophic factor and as an attractant, and whether there is a critical period for responsiveness to BDNF. We show that BDNF promotes neurite outgrowth from geniculate ganglion explants dissected from embryonic day (E) 15, E18, infant, and adult rats cultured in collagen gels, and that there is a concentration optimum for neurite extension. Gradients of BDNF derived from slow-release beads caused the greatest bias in neurite outgrowth at E15, when axons approach the immature gustatory papillae. Further, neurites advanced faster toward the BDNF bead than away from it, even if the average amount of neurotrophic factor encountered was the same. We also found that neurites that contact BDNF beads did not advance beyond them. At E18, when axons would be penetrating pregustatory epithelium in vivo, BDNF continued to exert a tropic effect on geniculate neurites. However, at postnatal and adult stages, the influence of BDNF was predominantly trophic. Our data support a role for BDNF acting as an attractant for geniculate axons during a critical period that encompasses initial targeting but not at later stages.
Group Therapy for Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Significant Others: Results of a Waiting-List Controlled Trial
Authors: Joosten-Weyn Banningh Liesbeth W.A. , Prins Judith B. , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra J.F.J. , Wijnen Hugo H. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G.M. , Kessels Roy P.C.
Published: July 2010

Background: Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have to deal with an uncertain prognosis and also face a multitude of memory-related problems and psychosocial consequences. A newly developed group programme proved to be feasible, however, it needed confirmation by a controlled study. Aim: This controlled study evaluates this group therapy for MCI patients aimed to help them accept and manage the memory problems and the psychosocial consequences. The programme combines elements from psychoeducation, cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Patients and Methods: Ninety-three MCI patients received treatment, with 30 patients being first assigned to a waiting list, thus serving as their own control group. Pre- and post-treatment acceptance and helplessness were assessed using subscales of the Illness Cognition Questionnaire, while distress and general well-being were gauged with the Geriatric Depression Scale and subscales of the RAND-36. Results: Linear mixed model analyses showed that, relative to the controls, acceptance had increased more in the intervention group compared to the waiting-list period (p = 0.034). Distress and general well-being showed no changes. Treatment responders demonstrating a clinically significant effect on acceptance and two of three secondary outcome measures had higher baseline levels of helplessness and fewer self-reported memory complaints in daily life than patients who did not improve. Conclusion: The intervention helped the patients deal better with their uncertain future in that they were overall better able to accept their condition, with especially the female patients showing a decrease in helplessness cognitions, although the effects were relatively small.
Urinary Collagen IV and πGST: Potential Biomarkers for Detecting Localized Kidney Injury in Diabetes – A Pilot Study
Authors: Cawood T.J. , Bashir M. , Brady J. , Murray B. , Murray P.T. , O’Shea D.
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: Urinary biomarkers can identify damage to specific parts of the nephron. We performed a cross-sectional study to characterise the pattern of diabetic nephropathy using urinary biomarkers of glomerular fibrosis (collagen IV), proximal tubular damage (α-glutathione-S-transferase, GST) and distal tubular damage (πGST). Methods: Clinical data from 457 unselected patients attending a hospital diabetes clinic were collected. Spot urine samples were analysed for albumin and creatinine. Biomarkers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and corrected to urinary creatinine. Results: All 3 biomarkers correlated weakly with albumin/creatinine ratios (Pearson correlation <0.2, p values <0.001). The most common abnormality was elevated urinary collagen IV (glomerular, 35%) compared to αGST (proximal tubule, 18%) or πGST (distal tubule, 15%). The proportion of patients with abnormal biomarker results increased across the normo-, micro- and macroalbuminuria groups, with collagen IV (26, 58, 65%) and πGST (11, 25, 35%) but not αGST. Conclusion: In patients with diabetes, these urinary biomarkers appear to identify renal damage that is related to, but distinct from, urine albumin/creatinine ratios. The markers of glomerular fibrosis and distal tubular damage related most closely to the degree of albuminuria. Longitudinal studies are now required to assess whether these biomarkers can detect early renal disease with greater specificity and sensitivity than the albumin/creatinine ratio.
Rotating Distraction Osteogenesis in 23 Cases of Craniosynostosis: Comparison with the Classical Method of Craniotomy and Remodeling
Authors: Park Dong Ha , Chung Jaiho , Yoon Soo Han
Published: July 2010

Background: The currently employed technique of distraction osteogenesis (DO) for the surgical treatment of craniosynostosis (CS) is commonly performed due to advantages such as shorter operation time, less bleeding and thus less need for transfusions and a lower risk of infections. Several surgical techniques for the various types of CS have been reported, but a uniform surgical method is as yet unavailable. Methods: We compared 23 patients who underwent rotating DO (RDO) with 15 patients who received conventional craniotomy and remodeling (CR). RDO consisted of suturectomy of the pathologic suture and resection of the bone flap to allow wide suture separation for distraction and open-door rotation. Results: The mean operation duration in the RDO group was 255.9 ± 97.8 min, which was significantly shorter than the 414.0 ± 106.9 min for the CR group (p = 0.0001). Perioperative complications in the RDO group consisted of 2 cases of distractor breakage and 2 cases of minimal pus discharge, while in the CR patients there was 1 case of postoperative epidural hematoma and 1 case of spontaneous bone fracture. Conclusion: We suggest that RDO may be a valid and efficient method for treating children with CS by DO by expanding the intracranial volume and correcting abnormal skull contour shapes.
Rhesus Macaque as an Animal Model for Posterior Fossa Syndrome following Tumor Resection
Authors: Buzunov Elena , Ojemann Jeffrey G. , Robinson Farrel R.
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: Posterior fossa tumors are the most common brain tumors in children. Surgeons usually remove these tumors via a midline incision through the posterior vermis of the cerebellum. Though often effective, this surgery causes hypotonia, ataxia, oculomotor deficits, transient mutism, difficulty in swallowing and nausea. To date, there is no animal model that mimics these complications. We found that the rhesus macaque is a good model for the consequences of this surgery. Methods: We made a midline incision through the cerebellar vermis of one monkey to mimic the posterior fossa surgery. Then, we closely monitored the monkey for deficits following the surgery. Results: In the first few days, the monkey exhibited nausea, hypotonia, ataxia, difficulty in swallowing and an absence of vocalization. At 28 days, we recorded eye movements and found severe deficits in the accuracy of rapid eye movements and smooth pursuit of a target. Additionally, the animal had trouble fixating and a rightward-beating nystagmus. Oculomotor signs persisted until we sacrificed the animal 99 days after surgery, but the other effects resolved by 37 days. Conclusion: Our surgery in a monkey caused the same postsurgical signs observed in humans. We expect to use this model to improve the posterior fossa surgery methods.
Genetic Variation at the
Phospholipid Transfer Protein
Locus Affects Its Activity and High-Density Lipoprotein Size and Is a Novel Marker of Cardiovascular Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Vergeer Menno , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Ricketts Sally L. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Brown Morris J. , de Faire Ulf , Leander Karin , Gigante Bruna , Kavousi Maryam , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden Andre G. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Jukema J. Wouter , Schadt Eric E. , van der Schoot Ellen , Kastelein John J.P. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Dullaart Robin P.F. , van Tol Arie , Trip Mieke D. , Dallinga-Thie Geesje M.
Published: July 2010

Background—

In contrast to clear associations between variants in genes participating in low-density lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk, such associations for high-density lipoprotein (HDL)–related genes are not well supported by recent large studies. We aimed to determine whether genetic variants at the locus encoding phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), a protein involved in HDL remodeling, underlie altered PLTP activity, HDL particle concentration and size, and cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods and Results—

We assessed associations between 6
PLTP
tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms and PLTP activity in 2 studies (combined n=384) and identified 2 variants that show reproducible associations with altered plasma PLTP activity. A gene score based on these variants is associated with lower hepatic PLTP transcription (
P
=3.2×10
−18
) in a third study (n=957) and with an increased number of HDL particles of smaller size (
P
=3.4×10
−17
) in a fourth study (n=3375). In a combination of 5 cardiovascular disease case-control studies (n=4658 cases and 11 459 controls), a higher gene score was associated with a lower cardiovascular disease risk (per-allele odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.90 to 0.98;
P
=1.2×10
−3
; odds ratio for highest versus lowest gene score, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.55 to 0.86;
P
=1.0×10
−3
).

Conclusions—

A gene score based on 2
PLTP
single nucleotide polymorphisms is associated with lower PLTP transcription and activity, an increased number of HDL particles, smaller HDL size, and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. These findings indicate that PLTP is a proatherogenic entity and suggest that modulation of specific elements of HDL metabolism may offer cardiovascular benefit.
Relationship Between Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia After Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome and Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Scirica Benjamin M. , Braunwald Eugene , Belardinelli Luiz , Hedgepeth Chester M. , Spinar Jindrich , Wang Whedy , Qin Jie , Karwatowska-Prokopczuk Ewa , Verheugt Freek W.A. , Morrow David A.
Published: July 2010

Background—

Most studies examining the relationship between ventricular tachycardia (VT) after acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death (SCD) were performed before widespread use of reperfusion, revascularization, or contemporary medical therapy and were limited to ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The incidence and prognostic implications of VT in patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome receiving contemporary care have not been examined.

Methods and Results—

The Metabolic Efficiency With Ranolazine for Less Ischemia in Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 36 (MERLIN-TIMI 36) trial randomized 6560 patients hospitalized with a non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome to ranolazine or placebo in addition to standard therapy. Continuous ECG recording was performed for the first 7 days after randomization and evaluated in a blinded core laboratory. SCD (n=121) was assessed over a median follow-up of 1 year. A total of 6345 patients (97%) had continuous ECG recordings evaluable for analysis. Compared with patients with no VT (n=2764), there was no increased risk of SCD in patients with only ventricular triplets (n=1978, 31.2%) (1.4% versus 1.2%); however, the risk of SCD was significantly greater in patients with VT lasting 4 to 7 beats (n=1172, 18.5%) (SCD, 2.9%; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.3;
P
<0.001) and in patients with VT lasting at least 8 beats (n=431, 6.8%) (SCD, 4.3%; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.8;
P
=0.001). This effect was independent of baseline characteristics and ejection fraction. VT occurring within the first 48 hours after admission was not associated with SCD.

Conclusion—

Nonsustained VT is common after admission for non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, and even short episodes of VT lasting 4 to 7 beats are independently associated with the risk of SCD over the subsequent year.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00099788.
Exercise Training and Caloric Restriction Prevent Reduction in Cardiac Ca
2+
-Handling Protein Profile in Obese Rats
Authors: Paulino Ellena Christina , Ferreira Julio Cesar Batista , Bechara Luiz Roberto , Tsutsui Jeane Mike , Mathias Wilson , Lima Fabio Bessa , Casarini Dulce Elena , Cicogna Antonio Carlos , Brum Patricia Chakur , Negrão Carlos Eduardo
Published: July 2010

Previous studies show that exercise training and caloric restriction improve cardiac function in obesity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect on cardiac function remain unknown. Thus, we studied the effect of exercise training and/or caloric restriction on cardiac function and Ca
2+
handling protein expression in obese rats. To accomplish this goal, male rats fed with a high-fat and sucrose diet for 25 weeks were randomly assigned into 4 groups: high-fat and sucrose diet, high-fat and sucrose diet and exercise training, caloric restriction, and exercise training and caloric restriction. An additional lean group was studied. The study was conducted for 10 weeks. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and Ca
2+
handling protein expression by Western blotting. Our results showed that visceral fat mass, circulating leptin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels were higher in rats on the high-fat and sucrose diet compared with the lean rats. Cardiac nitrate levels, reduced/oxidized glutathione, left ventricular fractional shortening, and protein expression of phosphorylated Ser
2808
-ryanodine receptor and Thr
17
-phospholamban were lower in rats on the high-fat and sucrose diet compared with lean rats. Exercise training and/or caloric restriction prevented increases in visceral fat mass, circulating leptin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels and prevented reduction in cardiac nitrate levels and reduced:oxidized glutathione ratio. Exercise training and/or caloric restriction prevented reduction in left ventricular fractional shortening and in phosphorylation of the Ser
2808
-ryanodine receptor and Thr
17
-phospholamban. These findings show that exercise training and/or caloric restriction prevent cardiac dysfunction in high-fat and sucrose diet rats, which seems to be attributed to decreased circulating neurohormone levels. In addition, this nonpharmacological paradigm prevents a reduction in the Ser
2808
-ryanodine receptor and Thr
17
-phospholamban phosphorylation and redox status.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea: Survey for 2000
Authors: Lowe Vaughan
Published: July 2010

This instalment of the Survey considers the decisions in the Camoarco and Monte Confurco cases, the submission of the Swordfish (Chile/European Community) case to the ITLOS, and administrative developments within the Tribunal during the year 2000.
The "Real Dispute" in the Southern Bluefin Tuna Case : a Scientific Dispute?
Authors: Foster Caroline E
Published: July 2010

On 4 August 2000 a LOSC Annex VII ad hoc arbitral tribunal issued its award in the Southern Bluefin Tuna case brought by Australia and New Zealand against Japan. It found it had no jurisdiction under the LOSC in respect of the SBT dispute. The decision has been controversial. This paper identifies the idea, prevalent in many parts of the pleadings in the case, that the "real dispute" in the case lay under the 1993 Convention, and discusses the associated idea that the dispute was scientific in character. Questions raised by the scientific issues in the case are explored, including what may constitute good or "best" scientific evidence, the suitability of scientific disputes for international adjudication, the appropriateness of precautionary approaches, the validity of "margins of appreciation", and the most appropriate forms of dispute resolution for cases involving science. The need for greater attention to be devoted to issues raised by the role of science in international dispute resolution may partly explain the strength of the undercurrent in the SBT case which pushed towards the view that there was only one "real dispute", which fell under the 1993 Convention.
Cryptographic imagination
Authors: Chadha Ashish
Published: July 2010

The success of the cryptographic technique during World War II in decoding enemy ciphers holds an enduring impact on archaeologists working on decoding ancient scripts. The conviction to break open any code, in theory, employing scientific methods, mathematical formulae and computers, gives rise to a cryptographic imagination. This epistemological articulation apprehends the ancient script as a military cryptogram that could be cracked through scientific intervention. I examine cryptographic imagination within the decipherment of the Indus Script—the unknown script of the third millennium BCE Indus civilisation in South Asia. I specifically examine the decipherment attempts of the Finnish and the Russian teams during 1960s and 70s. By analysing the Finnish and Russian decipherment attempts, I argue that cryptographic imagination involves an epistemological shift of conceptualising unknown archaeological script from an epigraphic representation to a cryptographic code.
The Contributions of the Whitings to the Study of the Socialization of Gender
Authors: Best Deborah L.
Published: July 2010

The Six Culture Study and the additional New Samples were the first studies to systematically examine the role of culture in the development of gender differences. Observations of children in their natural environments demonstrated the influential roles of parents, siblings, peers, task assignment, and the environmental setting in determining the course of gender-related learning. Relations between children’s experiences and the development of later social behaviors were clarified by examination of differences between cultural groups. Although sometimes not recognized as legacies of this research, many of the culturally determined aspects of socialization revealed in these studies have been incorporated into current research and theory of gender development.
Following the Whitings: The Study of Male Pregnancy Symptoms
Authors: Munroe Robert L.
Published: July 2010

In their long careers, John and Beatrice Whiting inspired investigation into a great variety of topics. Of these inquiries, men’s experience of pregnancy-like symptoms occupied the interest of the late Ruth Munroe and the author for some years. Men’s symptoms-morning sickness, lassitude, and so on-vary greatly both among individuals and across cultures. At the upper extreme, men average as many as five pregnancy-related symptoms in some culture groups, where they also display other behaviors related to the reproductive process (e.g., male “menstruation”). Tests and behavioral responses among such men (and among similar males elsewhere) typically reveal female-like choices on covert measures but also a surprising pattern of defensively masculine choices at the overt level (e.g., drinking, wife beating). A case study invites still other questions. To help resolve some of the issues raised by these findings, the author proposes a new program of research focusing on potential hormonal correlates of male symptomatology.
Terrain-aware three-dimensional radio-propagation model extension for NS-2
Authors: Filiposka Sonja , Trajanov Dimitar
Published: July 2010

One of the weakest points of modeling wireless systems is radio-signal propagation in an irregular space. For that reason, it is essential that, when analyzing the performances of wireless networks, we observe the network in a natural three-dimensional terrain and we use an appropriate propagation model. However, care must be taken since such simulations demand extensive processing power, especially for mobile scenarios. In this paper, we present an extension for the NS-2 simulator with our optimized Durkin’s propagation model based on digital elevation model data. Going one step further in creating a set of realistic simulation environments, we present a case study for modeling the behavior of a wireless ad hoc network via the social network of users grouped into scale-free communities. The case study presents a blend of topography responsive simulations with realistic traffic and movement pattern, while showing the numerous simulation possibilities of the presented extension.
School Choice or Schools’ Choice?
Authors: Jennings Jennifer L.
Published: July 2010

Drawing on a year and a half of ethnographic research in three New York City small high schools, this study examines the role of the school in managing school choice and asks what social processes are associated with principals’ disparate approaches. Although district policy did not allow principals to select students based on their performance, two of the three schools in this study circumvented these rules to recruit and retain a population that would meet local accountability targets. This article brings together sensemaking and social network theories to offer a theoretical account of schools’ management of choice in an era of accountability. In doing so, the author demonstrates that principals’ sensemaking about the accountability and choice systems occurred within the interorganizational networks in which they were embedded and was strongly conditioned by their own professional biographies and worldviews. Principals’ networks offered access to resources that could be activated to make sense of the accountability and choice systems. How principals perceived accountability and choice policies influenced whether they activated their social networks for assistance in strategically managing the choice process, as well as how they made sense of advice available to them through these networks. Once activated, principals’ networks provided uneven access to instrumental and expressive resources. Taken together, these results suggest that schools respond to accountability and choice plans in varied ways that are not simply a function of their short-term incentives.
Agglomeration Effects and Financial Performance
Authors: Jennen Maarten , Verwijmeren Patrick
Published: July 2010

This study empirically tests the trade-off between the costs and benefits of agglomeration for a large sample of firms. In line with the existing literature, it is found that population and employment density benefit productivity, but increase labour and real estate costs. To test the trade-off of benefits and drawbacks of agglomeration, the analysis focuses on the relation between agglomeration and profitability. For a sample of single-establishment Dutch firms, it is found that on average the costs of settling in an area with a dense spatial distribution of employment outweigh the benefits, an effect that holds for both urbanisation and localisation measures. In general, doubling the employment density will decrease the average return on assets by more than one percentage point.
Race and Gender Oppression in the Classroom: The Experiences of Women Faculty of Color with White Male Students
Authors: Pittman Chavella T.
Published: July 2010

Research shows that an oppressive classroom environment impairs learning and academic performance for students with oppressed identities. Less research examines faculty perceptions of their classroom, but such research could reveal whether an oppressive environment impairs teaching effectiveness. Although the literature shows that women faculty of color spend a disproportionate amount of time teaching, researchers have not systematically examined their classroom experiences. My study relies on transcripts of 17 in-depth interviews with women faculty of color at a large, predominantly white research institution. Despite their legitimate authority as professors, these women describe gendered racism in their classroom interactions with students. Specifically, they depict white male students as challenging their authority, teaching competency, and scholarly expertise, as well as offering subtle and not so subtle threats to their persons and their careers.
Maternal and Teacher Interaction and Student Engagement in Math and Reading Among Mexican American Girls From a Rural Community
Authors: Mireles-Rios Rebeca , Romo Laura F.
Published: July 2010

In this study, 69 Mexican American elementary school girls in Grades 3 through 6 (age 8-13 years) from an agricultural community were interviewed regarding their perceptions of the frequency of communication with their mothers about education and their interaction with their teachers. The authors examined how these variables were associated with the girls’ grades in math and reading and the extent to which they liked these academic subjects. Increased communication with mothers about their grades was associated with girls reporting higher grades in math and liking math and reading. The more the students perceived their teachers to care about their education the better their grades in math. Also, girls with higher grades in reading perceived their teacher as more friendly. The results of the study suggest that elementary school Latina girls receive messages from mothers and teachers about education that positively influence their academic performance and engagement in core subjects.
Using Automatic Rollovers After Layoffs
Authors: Dunne Terry
Published: July 2010

The massive layoffs reported by American companies are intended to reduce operating costs, but for every action there is a reaction. In this case, it is the cost and administrative burden these companies often face when they find themselves administering hundreds or thousands of small retirement accounts held by the ex workers. Many companies are turning to automatic IRA rollover experts to relieve themselves of the cost of maintaining these small accounts and reunite these ex employees with their retirement funds.
Taxation of Deferred Compensation: Overview of 409A and 457
Authors: Wagner Marcia S.
Published: July 2010

The complex rules governing the taxation of deferred compensation are complicated. This article provides an overview of the treatment of nonqualified deferred compensation under Sections 409A and 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It provides background information about nonqualified deferred compensation plans generally and the enactment of Code Section 409A. The related interpretive guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service is also described. The general requirements under Section 409A for nonqualified deferred compensation plans are discussed, and the various types of arrangements that are excluded from coverage by these rules are described.The article also provides an overview of Code Section 457, and its application to 457(f) plans and 457(b) plans maintained by governmental employers and tax-exempt organizations.
Assessing the Situational Awareness of Employees for Pay Practice Adherence to Compensation Philosophy
Authors: Weinberger Theodore E.
Published: July 2010

A compensation philosophy statement communicates a company’s guiding principles regarding pay. Employee satisfaction with pay depends, in part, on finding objective evidence that confirms company adherence to its philosophy. Unfortunately, most company environments are “noisy” and employees have limited situational awareness of ambiguous pay events (i.e., “cues”). In processing and interpreting these cues, employees are prone to error in classifying cues about company pay practices as indicative of nonconformance with the compensation philosophy. This article focuses on assessing the situational awareness of employees for pay practice adherence to compensation philosophy. The premise, conceptual framework and approach for testing the situational awareness of employees through survey instrumentation are presented. Also included is a discussion of implications for compensation administration.
Lake or floodplain? Mid-Holocene settlement patterns and the landscape dynamic of the Ižica floodplain (Ljubljana Marshes, Slovenia)
Authors: Budja Mihael , Mlekuž Dimitrij
Published: July 2010

The Ljubljana Marshes (Ljubljana Moor) is a large wetland in the southern part of the Ljubljana basin in the central part of Slovenia, with well-preserved archaeological evidence of settlements. The data have traditionally been interpreted as the remnants of the prehistoric pile dwelling settlements located in a shallow lake. In this paper, we present new data that challenge these interpretations. An aerial LiDAR survey of the Ižica floodplain on the Ljubljana Marshes has revealed a complex topography of stratified palaeochannels. The 14C dates of the channel infills suggest that the first phase of the palaeochannels can be dated to before 3770 cal. BC, which is contemporary with Eneolithic settlements located on its banks. We suggest that settlements were located in the floodplain, next to active rivers, and not in the lake as was traditionally hypothesised.
Income Tax Policy Design and Implementation in India—Individual Assessees Attitude
Authors: Singh Jaspal , Sharma Poonam
Published: July 2010

A poorly designed tax structure results in several problems like high compliance costs, tax evasion, and so on. In this context, taxpayer‘s attitude can play a vital role in tax policy-making of any country. The present article is an attempt to study the attitude of Indian taxpayers as regards tax policy design and implementation. The study is based on a sample of 414 respondents taken from the major cities of Punjab, Delhi and Chandigarh. Factor analysis has been applied for identifying the factors influencing the attitude of taxpayers. Advocated procedures are applied for assessing the reliability and validity of the scale. The findings reveal that, in India, the taxpayers have shown more concern for the tax base broadening measures like effective linkage between social welfare and the utilization of tax revenue, Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme (VDIS)and so on. Further, the complexity of tax procedure has emerged as an important issue. Technology has also been identified as a major factor as it can provide e-filing facility. These results reflect the support of taxpayers for a simple and transparent tax structure.
An Empirical Test of CAPM—The Case of Indian Stock Market
Authors: Basu Debarati , Chawla Deepak
Published: July 2010

A deluge of tests have been conducted on asset pricing models in literature, more so on the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), to ascertain their validity, efficiency and efficacy in different markets in explaining asset prices. Such tests have been either individual in nature wherein any one model has been studied or comparative in nature where one model has been compared with another. Many studies have also resulted in the development of new models or extensions to the existing theory. However, majority of the aforementioned tests have been undertaken in developed markets, resulting in a dearth of such tests in emerging markets like India where the risk–return relationship gains more significance. A growing, emerging market is always less analyzed but more volatile and thus, more interesting. The article, thus, applies the fundamental CAPM theory to India.

This study examines 10 portfolios, covering 50 stocks, over a 5-year period—from 1 January 2003 to 1 February 2008—to verify the efficiency and efficacy of the model and finds that CAPM fails completely in the Indian context. The intercept term, which is expected to be zero, is found to be significant for all 10 portfolios. The study also finds a negative relationship between beta and excess returns indicating an inefficient capital market. Moreover, residual variance, representing unsystematic risk, is also found significant in certain cases. Moreover, the regressions show poor explanatory power. Thus, it can be concluded that CAPM is not a suitable descriptor of asset prices in India over the chosen sample period.
The Significance of Mentoring and its Repercussions on the Advancement of Professional, Managerial Women in Pakistan
Authors: Arifeen Shehla Riza
Published: July 2010

Mentoring plays an important role in employee growth and advancement. It has been found to be of special significance for the advancement of managerial women in international research. The purpose of this article is to investigate Pakistani female managers’perceptions regarding the significance of mentoring to their career success. The article focuses on the perceptions of managerial women regarding the significance of mentorship to their career success. If women did not think that mentoring was of significance to success, then they would not seek a mentor. If they did not seek out a mentor, they might inadvertently be curtailing their own managerial advancement. The most significant result of this study is that women in the study did not perceive mentoring as important to their advancement. On the other hand, there is an association between women who felt that slow advancement was due to lack of mentor and their managerial advancement.
The ‘Redykyulass Generation‘S’ intellectual interventions in Kenyan public life
Authors: Musila Grace A.
Published: July 2010

This article is interested in the intellectual contributions of the youth to Kenyan public life. It focuses on what has been called the ‘Redykyulass Generation’ as a contemporary generation of politically engaged youths who have successfully used various genres of popular cultural productions and media platforms to engage with Kenyan social imaginaries. Using three case studies — the Redykyulass group and the writings of Binyavanga Wainaina and Parselelo Kantai — the article examines this generation’s ongoing reconstruction of what constitutes knowledge and its contributions in shaping Kenyan public life, while critically engaging with what can be termed the ‘geronto-masculine’ texture of Kenyan political and intellectual public life. The study suggests that the Redykyulass Generation has variously fractured certain conventions embedded in the socio-political terrains of Kenyan public life, while attaining both social relevance and popularity in Kenyan social imaginaries.
Narrow Victories and Hard Games: Revisiting the Primary Divisiveness Hypothesis
Authors: Wichowsky Amber , Niebler Sarah E.
Published: July 2010

The 2008 presidential election offers a unique opportunity to revisit the hypothesis that a divisive primary exacts a tolls on the party’s general election performance—neither party had a sitting president or vice president seeking the nomination, the Democratic nomination was contested all the way to the end, and advertising data provide a way to gauge both the intensity and tenor of the campaigns. In this article, we take advantage of these circumstances to distinguish between primaries that were competitive and those that were negative and find, contrary to the assumptions in the divisive primary literature, that a close contest does not imply a divisive one. Moreover, we find that Obama was helped by his tight battle with Clinton for the nomination and that the tone of the primaries bore no relationship to his general election performance.
Sweeping Six Percent Philanthropy Away: The New Deal in Sunnyside Gardens
Authors: Pearlstein Daniel
Published: July 2010

Built in the 1920s, Sunnyside Gardens, Queens, New York, was a model modern community meant to exemplify best practices in land development, home design, and housing finance. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many homeowners who had been drawn to the attractive neighborhood faced losing their homes to mortgage foreclosure. Rather than go quietly, they formed a committee, gathered economic survey data, and lobbied federal and state officials, ultimately affecting New Deal legislation. When their lobbying yielded little increased security, they adopted the methods of their rent striking forebears in Manhattan tenements, declared solidarity, and struck for lower mortgage payments. Although hundreds ultimately lost their homes, their example stands as a reminder of the promise of democratic participation in times of crisis.
A Home-Based Walking Program Using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation Improves Gait Performance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Conklyn Dwyer , Stough Darlene , Novak Eric , Paczak Sarah , Chemali Kamal , Bethoux Francois
Published: July 2010

Background. Few interventions have been successful in improving gait dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) has demonstrated positive results on gait performance in other neurologically impaired populations. Objective. To measure the effects of RAS on quantitative walking parameters in ambulatory patients with MS. Methods. Ten MS patients with gait disturbance were randomly assigned to receive RAS versus no intervention for 2 weeks. All participants received RAS for another 2 weeks. Between weekly clinic visits, they were provided with MP3 players containing songs whose tempo was 10% above the participant’s spontaneous cadence and were instructed to walk to the music 20 minutes daily. Quantitative gait parameters were measured using the GAITRite system. Results. A statistically significant decrease between groups was found for change in double-support time (left, P = .0176; right, P = .0247), whereas trends with medium to high effect sizes were found for other gait parameters, including walking speed. A pooled within-group analysis showed significant improvement of cadence, stride length, step length, velocity, and normalized velocity after 1 week of treatment. Satisfaction level with RAS was high. Conclusions. These results in a convenience sample of MS patients demonstrate the feasibility and safety of RAS when used at home and suggest a potential benefit on gait parameters.
Power, Legitimacy, and Urgency in Organizational Learning: Learning Through Stakeholder Complaints to Improve Quality in the California Nursing Home Industry
Authors: Desai Vinit M.
Published: July 2010

Although research suggests that organizations learn through interactions with stakeholders, little is known regarding how this process occurs. The author addresses this void by examining how the power, legitimacy, or urgency related to stakeholders’ interactions influence organizations’ abilities to learn from these interactions. Hypothesis tests on a panel of nursing homes suggest that organizations learn more effectively through interactions with powerful stakeholders or those whose feedback requires immediate response. Findings contribute to organizational learning theory by identifying how different forms of experience vary substantially in their impacts on organizational activity. Related implications for stakeholder management and managerial practice are also discussed.
Surgical Management of Unusual Cardiac Tumors in Infants and Children
Authors: Goldberg Steven P. , Knott-Craig Christopher J. , Boston Umar S. , Mari Giancarlo C. , Colvin Edward V. , Chin Thomas K.
Published: July 2010

While most primary tumors of the heart are histologically benign, they are significant space-occupying lesions with serious functional implications for the heart and lungs. Herein, we highlight our experience with the surgical management of selected cardiac tumors in the pediatric population between 2008 and 2010. (1) Intrapericardial teratomas in the fetus can produce fatal tamponade from compression by the attendant pericardial effusion, and a critical life-saving maneuver preoperatively is to drain the effusion prenatally, followed by an expeditious resection after birth. (2) Rhabdomyomas, the most common of the pediatric cardiac tumors, can be intracavitary, large, and associated with the mitral subvalvular apparatus. (3) Cardiac fibromas should be aggressively resected or at least debulked, especially given their propensity for dysrrhythmias. The key to success is as complete a resection as possible, but not at the expense of other normal structures. (4) Complex nonobstructive hypertrophic myopathy can be thought of as a type of neoplastic overgrowth, and aggressive resection of even midcavitary obstructive lesions should be considered as a viable alternative to primary transplantation.
Minimally Invasive Options for Failing Homografts in the Pulmonary Position
Authors: Schreiber Christian , Hörer Jürgen , Eicken Andreas , Brockmann Gernot , Hess John , Lange Rüdiger
Published: July 2010

Homograft implantation in the pulmonary position is usually part of initial repair in congenital heart defects with dysplasia or atresia of the pulmonary valve and at the time of the Ross operation. As part of reoperations, homografts are mainly required after nonvalved right ventricular outflow tract procedures. Due to an annual increase of homograft dysfunction, replacement is inevitable. Recently, percutaneous catheter-based valve implantations gain increasing acceptance. Even transventricular pulmonary valve implantation has been reported. Prior to decision making for any surgical or interventional therapy, the right ventricular outflow tract morphology together with additional pathologies need to be assessed. With the development of new prostheses and delivery modes, the demand for conventional surgery will further decrease.