bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet-induced chromosome aberrations and mitotic delay in human fibroblast cells
Authors: Parrington Jennifer M.
Published: April 2008

Some of the immediate and long-term effects of UV irradiation (2537 Å) on human fibroblasts have been studied by measuring the DNA content of individual nuclei and examining metaphase chromosomes in the irradiated population for up to 18 days. Time-lapse cinematography was used to demonstrate that irradiation of diploid human fibroblasts during a wave of DNA synthesis causes rapid radiation death in a proportion of cells and severe reduction in mitotic activity. Measurement of the DNA content by a spectrophotometric method of individual nuclei remaining attached to the substrate 28 and 52 h after irradiation showed that cells with high DNA values accumulate in the irradiated population. However, significant numbers of giant cells were not maintained in the surviving population. Metaphases sampled up to 31 h after UV irradiation contained predominantly chromatid deletions. Exchange aberrations were less frequent and were not found in cells sampled up to 10 h after irradiation. UV had no immediately apparent effect on mitotic chromosomes, even at high doses. None of the surviving cultures contained a significant number of cells with stable translocations or polyploidy.
Nonrandom arrangement of metaphase chromosomes in cultured cells of the Indian deer, Muntiacus muntjak
Authors: Heneen W.K. , Nichols W.W.
Published: April 2008

The Indian deer, Muntiacus muntjak, with its low number of individually identifiable chromosomes (♂, 2n = 7), is a suitable material for studies on the spatial interrelationships among metaphase chromosomes on the equatorial plate. Cultured monolayers not subjected to colchicine or hypotonic treatments were analyzed in situ. The emphasis mainly was placed on determining the locations of the centromeres of the six large chromosomes, which usually occupied peripheral positions at the equator. The frequencies found of certain patterns of chromosome arrangement deviated significantly from what would be expected if these patterns were random. Cells in which homologs were next to each other were more frequent than expected. In configurations in which no homologous chromosomes occupied adjacent positions, symmetrical radial arrangements, based on homology or proximity in size, were favored. The position of the Y chromosome usually was close to the centromeric region of the X-autosome, which might be a consequence of a heterochromatic association or partial homology between the X and Y. Factors relevant to the chromosome arrangement on the equatorial plate may be somatic pairing, symmetrical spatial interrelationships between chromosomes based on homology or size, and heterochromatic association.
Banding patterns in rat chromosomes (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Schnedl W. , Schnedl M.
Published: April 2008

By means of the Giemsa staining technique described previously, characteristic banding patterns can be made visible in rat chromosomes. All elements of the karyotype can be distinguished. At the centromeric regions of most chromosomes, striking dark spots can be detected. However, these dark regions are much less prominent than in mouse chromosomes. The X chromosome of Rattus norvegicus comprises 5.31% of the homogametic haploid set. The banding patterns of the X chromosomes in man, mouse, and rat are compared. In metaphase plates of R. norvegicus, an association between autosomes No. 3 and No. 11 is frequently observed. This finding could be interpreted like the analogous phenomenon occurring between the nucleolus organizer chromosomes in human cells.
Karyotype and heterochromatin pattern of the Algerian hedgehog
Authors: Gropp A. , Natarajan A.T.
Published: April 2008

The Algerian hedgehog (Aethechinus) has a diploid chromosome number of 48, similar to the European hedgehog species (Erinaceus) and to the long-eared Asiatic hedgehog. There are, however, differences in the size and structure of individual chromosomes. As compared with the European hedgehogs, which display three large blocks of distally located autosomal constitutive heterochromatin, there are only two such segments in the Algerian hedgehog. They are characterized by the following properties, of which some may apply to constitutive heterochromatin in general: heteropyknosis, late DNA replication, chromocenter formation, nucleolus-organizing capacity in the interphase nucleus, and asynchrony in the process of meiotic pairing. Deviating from findings in other species, the heterochromatic segments in the hedgehog fail to stain strongly following the conventional G- and C-banding techniques and do not show bright fluorescence after QM staining. However, when the preparations are subjected to extreme conditions of denaturation and reassociation, the heterochromatin shows marked C-banding. The different response to these dyes and to these staining techniques of various chromosomes and animal species may indicate the existence of several types of constitutive heterochromatin.
Cytogenetics and origin of North African spalax (Rodentia: Spalacidae)
Authors: Lay D.M. , Nadler C.F.
Published: April 2008

Karyotypes of allopatric Egyptian and Israeli mole rats (Spalax ehrenbergi) suggest that these populations share common ancestry. Palaeontological data (faunal and climate) provide evidence that the two populations have been separated for 10,000 to 25,000 years. The combined evidence implies chromosomal stability since isolation and constitutes the best estimate for length of karyotype stability known for mammals.
Chromosome identification in a Chinese hamster pseudodiploid cell line (CHEF-125)
Authors: Lo Curto F. , Scappaticci Susi , Fraccaro M.
Published: April 2008

The chromosomes of the Chinese hamster established cell line CHEF-125 were studied by quinacrine fluorescence, acetic-saline-Giemsa staining, and a technique for localizing constitutive heterochromatin. The modal chromosome number was 22, but there were, in approximately equal proportions, two karyotypes with 22 chromosomes which differed by one chromosome only. Thirteen of the 22 chromosomes were normal ones and could be divided into five pairs of homologs and three in the haploid status. One chromosome was deficient for part of the short arm but otherwise normal, and one chromosome had an additional, unidentified segment. Of the seven new chromosomes, five were not identified, but two had sections of heterochromatin of the type and extent found in the sex chromosomes of the normal complement. One of these was composed in part of the long arm of the X chromosome.
Mouse chromosomes identified by trypsin-Giemsa (T-G) banding
Authors: Wurster Doris H.
Published: April 2008

Mouse chromosomes have been individually identified through the use of the trypsin-Giemsa (T-G) banding technique. Karyotypes were prepared according to the new standard karyotype of the mouse. Bands obtained with the T-G method correlate with those obtained by other methods, but the T-G technique provides greater detail and demonstrates more bands.
Variability of sex-chromosome chimerism in cattle from heterosexual multiple births
Authors: Marcum J.B. , Lasley J.F. , Day B.N.
Published: April 2008

Ratios of sex-chromosome chimerism were determined, by cytogenetic analysis of peripheral leukocyte cultures, in 29 females and 19 males from 27 heterosexual bovine multiple births. A wide range existed in the degree of chimerism between multiple-birth sets, but, within sets, the percentage of XY cells in freemartins and their male co-sibs was positively correlated (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). The mean sex-chromosome ratio in both sexes approached unity. Since the chimeric relationship within sets was parallel rather than reciprocal, it is suggested that previous proposals do not adequately explain the method through which the chimeric variability arises. Reproductive tracts were recovered from 17 sacrificed freemartins, and there appeared to be no definite relationship between degree of virilization and percentage of leukocytes of male origin.
Identification of the linkage groups carried by the metacentric chromosomes of the tobacco mouse (Mus poschiavinus)
Authors: Cattanach B.M. , Williams C.E. , Bailey H.
Published: April 2008

The seven metacentric chromosomes of the tobacco mouse, Mus poschiavinus, have been isolated in seven homozygous lines on a predominantly Mus musculus genetic background. Meiotic analyses of males doubly heterozygous for each metacentric and translocations marking at least one linkage group (LG) have enabled nine of the fourteen LG’s carried by the metacentrics to be identified. T1Bnr carries LG XIII (chromosome 1), T2Bnr carries LG’s VIII and XI (chromosomes 4 and 6), T3Bnr carries LG XVII and an unknown LG common to T6Ca and T1Ald (chromosomes 5 and 15), T4Bnr carries LG XIV (chromosome 13), T5Bnr carries LG XVIII (chromosome 8), T6Bnr carries LG’s II and III (chromosomes 9 and 14), and T7Bnr carries LG IX (chromosome 17). No other LG known to be marked by a translocation is involved.
Rapid processing of primary embryonic tissues for chromosome banding pattern analysis
Authors: Klinger H.P.
Published: April 2008

This is a report of several improved and interdependent chromosome procedures. First, a method is described for dissociating fetal tissues with trypsin-EDTA so that the resulting cell cultures will generally yield good chromosome preparations within two to five days. Then, a method is outlined for making these chromosome preparations in such a way that the majority are suitable for chromosome banding techniques. The essential part of this procedure is that cells are dried in a stream of air of controlled temperature and humidity emanating from a simple apparatus. Finally, a quick trypsin-EDTA-Giemsa method is described which allows well-defined chromosome bands to be obtained consistently in preparations from cultures of many solid tissues, or blood leukocytes, if these are processed according to the methods outlined.
Chromosomes of Peromyscus (Rodentia, Cricetidae)
Authors: Bradshaw W.N. , Hsu T.C.
Published: April 2008

For the 15 subspecies of Peromyscus maniculatus (2n = 48) examined, there was no karyotypic pattern characteristic of a subspecies population. In 13 subspecies, the number of biarmed chromosomes clustered around a single mode. Overlapping ranges were observed in geographically adjacent subspecies, and clinal tendencies were suggested both within and among the subspecies, which seemed to correlate with climate, elevation, and latitude. In two subspecies, P. m. rufinus and P. m. oreas, dual modes were evident, which implied genetic separation within the subspecies populations. P.m. rufinus of southeastern Arizona may be a relict part of the species or possibly a part of another species population. The two cytological types in P.m. oreas are cytologically similar to either adjacent coastal or mountain subspecies. Cytological preparations of five subspecies stained for heterochromatin (C-bands) revealed a uniquely stained Y chromosome and heavily stained short arms among the biarmed elements. The addition of heterochromatin may be one way this evolutionarily plastic species has altered the chromosome pattern in addition to or in conjunction with pericentric inversions and reciprocal translocations. From a limited number of specimens, it is predicted that G-banding will become a powerful tool in future analysis of cytogenetic relationships among individuals, populations, subspecies, and species of Peromyscus.
Translocation heterozygosity and associated subfertility in man
Authors: Chandley Ann C. , Christie Sheila , Fletcher Judith , Frackiewicz Anna , Jacobs Patricia A.
Published: April 2008

Details of meiotic chromosome studies in four human male translocation heterozygotes are given. All are associated with subfertility. One Robertsonian translocation and one reciprocal autosome translocation appear to be associated with increased levels of abortion. Segregation of unbalanced gametic genomes is thought to be the underlying cause of fetal death. Two other reciprocal autosome translocations are associated with gametogenic failure, leading to azospermia in male heterozygotes.
Giemsa banding of meiotic chromosomes with description of a procedure for cytological preparations from solid tissues
Authors: Stock A.D. , Burnham D.B. , Hsu T.C.
Published: April 2008

A procedure is described for preparing solid tissues for Giemsa banding and other cytological applications. Carnoy-fixed tissues are transferred to 60 % acetic acid to dissociate the cells, which are then pipetted onto prewarmed slides and allowed to air dry. Preliminary results obtained with this procedure and demonstrating G-banding of meiotic chromosomes prepared from mouse testicular tissue are presented.
Centromeric heterochromatin and comparison of G-banding in cattle, goat, and sheep chromosomes (Bovidae)
Authors: Schnedl W. , Czaker R.
Published: April 2008

In contrast to findings in many other species, the centromeric heterochromatin in cattle, goats, and sheep is unstained when the C-band method of Arrighi and Hsu (1971) is used. However, a modified C-band technique stains the centromeric heterochromatin strongly. This material also stains strongly with an acridine-orange reverse-banding method. The G-band patterns of some of the chromosomes of these three species show striking similarities, suggesting identity. Even some parts of the metacentric chromosomes of sheep, presumably resulting from Robertsonian fusions, can be identified as nearly unchanged chromosomes of the goat or of cattle. Auto-radiographic studies reveal that these centromeric regions replicate their DNA late in the S phase. Both 3H-thymidine and 3H-deoxycytidine are incorporated at these centromeric regions.
Meiosis in interspecific equine hybrids
Authors: Chandley A.C. , Jones R.C. , Dott H.M. , Allen W.R. , Short R.V.
Published: April 2008

A detailed investigation of meiosis in the male mule and hinny has been made. Although breakdown of spermatogenesis at the pachytene stage of meiotic pro-phase was observed in most germ cells of the two hybrids, a few mature spermatozoa were recovered from the ejaculate and epididymal flushings of the hinny.
Double translocation heterozygosity and normal fertility in domestic sheep
Authors: Bruère A.N. , Chapman H.M.
Published: April 2008

Intermating of sheep heterozygous for what was believed previously to be two different submetacentric translocations (Massey I and Massey III) and subsequent meiotic studies on one of the ram progeny have confirmed that these translocations are completely nonhomologous. A ram heterozygous for the two translocations, when mated to ewes of normal karyotype, produced an above-normal number of progeny. During mating there was no undue return to service. The fertility of double translocation heterozygous ewes was also normal. An hypothesis is suggested to explain the odd anomalies of fertility that have been described in sheep and humans carrying Robertsonian translocations.
Relative activation and inactivation phenomena between homologous and nonhomologous nucleolus organizers on the normal human G chromosomes
Authors: Orye E.
Published: April 2008

Evidence is presented suggesting the existence of activation and inactivation regulatory mechanisms between the normal nucleolus organizers of homologous, as well as of nonhomologous, G chromosomes in man. The analytical procedure used is based on the recognition of five types of normal nucleolar regions which correspond to a progressively increasing length or negative heteropycnosis of the constriction. On the basis of these types, a more (A) and a less (a) allocyclic, or nucleolar active, chromosome is discerned in each of pairs 21 and 22 of the normal G group. From the frequencies of the various types of each more or less allocyclic chromosome, a heteropycnotic index is calculated which is indicative of the mean relative constriction length of a particular chromosome in all mitoses studied of any one patient. In the normal G group, an alternating sequence of the nonhomologous chromosomes in order of decreasing heteropycnotic index is found (22A > 21A > 22a > 21a), which seems to be suggestive of relative inactivation mechanisms between homologous and nonhomologous G chromosomes. Study of the normal G chromosomes in patients with one or more G-chromosome variants supports the findings in the normal G group. Furthermore, it points to a peculiar regulatory mechanism which acts in such a way as to preserve, as far as possible, the alternating nonhomologous sequence of the normal chromosomes when G-chromosome variants are present.
Karyotypic analysis of a near-diploid established mouse cell line
Authors: Farber R.A. , Liskay R.M.
Published: April 2008

A near-diploid mouse ceil line has been produced from C57BL/6J X AKR/J F1-hybrid embryonic cells by spontaneous transformation. The modal chromosome number of this line is 41 (2n = 40), with low numerical and structural variation relative to other mouse lines which have been reported. Giemsa-banded karyotypes on a number of clones and subclones from this line have been analyzed. The modal karyotypes deviate very little from that of a normal diploid female. Most of the cells have two X chromosomes, one of which is unlabeled early in the S phase.
An XO cat
Authors: Norby D.E. , Hegreberg G.A. , Thuline H.C. , Findley D.
Published: April 2008

An orange female kitten born to a blue-and-white queen that had been mated to a tortoise-shell torn had a chromosome count of 37 and a karyotype consistent with an XO sex-chromosome constitution. The kitten lived only three days. Co-arctation of the aorta was found. The presence of the XO condition in cats can explain some previously observed exceptions to the sex-linked inheritance of black and orange.
Meiosis in interspecific equine hybrids
Authors: Short R.V. , Chandley A.C. , Jones R.C. , Allen W.R.
Published: April 2008

Male and female Przewalski horse/domestic horse hybrids are fertile, unlike all other known interspecific equine hybrids, in which meiosis is almost totally arrested in prophase. In the male Przewalski/horse hybrid (2n = 65) we have shown that a trivalent is formed at the first meiotic division, segregation from which gives two classes of genetically balanced spermatozoa. Both of these are capable of producing normal offspring if they fertilize the eggs of a domestic mare. Chromosome banding studies show a close homology between the karyotypes of the Przewalski horse (2n = 66) and the domestic horse (2n = 64), and it is evident that a single Robert-sonian translocation has occurred, transforming four acrocentric chromosomes of E. przewalskii into two metacentric chromosomes in E. caballus. Thus the parental genetic backgrounds are sufficiently similar to permit normal gametogenesis, with regular segregation from the trivalent of the F1 hybrid at meiosis. The significance of this is discussed in relation to the evolution of the Equidae.
Trisomy in the fetal backcross progeny of male and female metacentric heterozygotes of the mouse. I.
Authors: Gropp A. , Giers D. , Kolbus U.
Published: April 2008

In the backcross progeny of single (Robertsonian) metacentric heterozygotes of the mouse, segregational impairment of fertility and reduced litter size are initiated by misdivision of trivalents in meiotic anaphase I. Males heterozygous for the metacentrics Rbl, Rb4, Rb5, and Rb7Bnr of the tobacco mouse series and for the Rb8–10Bnr metacentrics derived from other feral domestic mice produce variable rates of meiotic malsegregation, ranging from 4 % to 26 % unbalanced M II figures. Chromosomally unbalanced gametes become involved in fertilization and produce aneusomic zygotes. Fetal aneuploidy causes developmental breakdown and prenatal death. Mono-somic zygotes are eliminated at an early stage of development. Most aneuploid embryos observed beyond day 8 or 10 of gestation were trisomics. Aneuploidy (trisomy) of the zygotes was considerably more frequent in the progeny of heterozygous females than in that of heterozygous males. There was evidence that this disparity might be the result of a higher nondisjunction rate in the female gametogenesis. Mechanisms of selection against unbalanced male germ cells might operate on a small scale. The highest incidences of aneuploid implants were found (with decreasing frequencies) in the backcross progeny of the Rb(1.3)l, Rb(16.17)7, and Rb(11.13)4Bnr female heterozygotes. With the experimental design used in this study, several trisomic conditions could be observed and their phenotype and developmental profiles described, namely, trisomies (Ts) 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17. Among these, Ts 3, 11, and 17 were characterized by severe developmental impairment and relatively early death, whereas the others could survive until day 13 to 15 or, as in the case of Ts 12, even until day 17. Ts 1 displayed a syndrome of general hypoplasia (fetal runting), whereas exencephaly was found in Ts 12. It was the only trisomy observed in this study that was associated with gross malformation.
Sex-chromosome pairing and male fertility
Authors: Miklos G.L.G.
Published: April 2008

In this paper a hypothesis is presented which relates chromosome pairing and sterility in males. This hypothesis has been formulated on the basis of data from numerous meiotic systems in the male of Drosophila melanogaster, where the sex chromosomes have heterochromatic pairing sites, sites which must interact in order for postmeiotic development to be normal. The predictions of this theory have been tested in three principal situations: (1) in various sex chromosome systems of man, the mouse, voles, and beetles; (2) in the B chromosome system of the grasshopper Myrmeleotettix maculatus; and (3) in univalent autosomal cases in man and in translocation heterozygotes of the mouse. In all three situations a striking correlation has been obtained between reduction or absence of pairing, on the one hand, and gametogenic breakdown, on the other. It is concluded that a saturation of pairing sites between homologous chromosomes, whether sex chromosomes or autosomes, is essential for regular meiotic or postmeiotic development.
Democracy and Memory: Romania Confronts Its Communist Past
Authors: Tismaneanu Vladimir
Published: April 2008

All postcommunist societies face major dilemmas in confronting their traumatic past. A functional democracy cannot be based on lies, denial, and amnesia. Romania's exit from communism has resulted in a hybrid quasi-democratic regime, with former communists like Ion Iliescu maintaining influential positions and opposing a genuine break with the past. In 2006, President Traian Basescu established a Presidential Commission for the Analysis of the Communist Dictatorship in Romania; the author of this article was selected as its chair. The commission's Final Report was the basis for President Basescu's condemnation of the communist dictatorship as illegitimate and criminal. Offering a comparative perspective, the author focuses on the debates that led to the creation of the commission, the commission's activity and the fierce attacks on it by nostalgic communists and xenophobic nationalists, and the impact of moral justice on Romania's democratic political culture.
Coronary Collaterals in Obese Patients: Impact of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Sasmaz Hatice , Mehmet Birhan Yilmaz
Published: April 2008

Obesity is a growing pandemic. Among obese patients with significant coronary artery stenosis, development of coronary collaterals was investigated. Consecutive 104 obese patients with stable angina pectoris were enrolled. Coronary collaterals were assessed according to the Cohen and Rentrop grading system and classified into 2 as those with poor collaterals (grade 0–1, Group 1) and those with good collaterals (grade 2–3, Group 2). Group 1 had higher body mass index, shorter duration of angina pectoris than Group 2. Poor collaterals were present in 82.3% and 59.5% of patients with and without ( P = .019) metabolic syndrome, respectively. Metabolic syndrome score (sum of each component) was found to be negatively correlated with Rentrop score ( r = −691; P < .001). After controlling for symptom duration and body mass index, metabolic syndrome kept independent association with poor collaterals among obese patients ( P = .043, B = 1.8). Metabolic syndrome appears to influence the development of coronary collaterals among obese patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Is Corporate Social Performance a Criterion in the Overseas Investment Strategy of U.S. Pension Plans?
Authors: Cox Paul , Schneider Marguerite
Published: April 2008

This study examines overseas investing by U.S.-domiciled pension plans. The authors explore whether U.S. pension plans invest based on corporate social performance (CSP) in a core overseas market, the United Kingdom. As a guide to social investing opportunities available to U.S. pension funds in the United Kingdom, their investments are compared to U.K.-domiciled pension plan domestic investments. U.S. labor union plan portfolios have a positive relationship with workplace practices, and U.S. private plan portfolios, with CSP’s community dimension. U.S. state and foundation plan portfolios have no relationship with CSP. Other than union plans, U.S. pension plans stress corporate financial performance in their U.K. investments. U.K. union plan portfolios have a positive relationship with workplace practices, and U.K. state, foundation, and private plan portfolios with environment.
Corporate Commitment to Global Quality of Life Issues: Do Slack Resources, Industry Affiliations, and Multinational Headquarters Matter?
Authors: Amato Christie H. , Amato Louis H.
Published: April 2008

Global markets challenge multinational corporations to harmonize quality of life (QOL) commitments across a broad spectrum of stakeholders with different corporate responsibility perspectives. Few studies have examined strategic planning issues associated with international quality of life (IQOL). This research investigates the importance of slack resources, industry affiliation, and multinational headquarter location (U.S. or non-U.S.) on commitment to societal and individual QOL for Fortune U.S. and global companies. Content analysis of corporate mission statements provides the vehicle for assessing QOL commitment. Models are estimated using logistic regression with instrumental variables included to address potential problems with simultaneity between QOL commitment and return on assets, a proxy for slack resources. Findings include a positive and significant relationship between environmental QOL commitment and slack resources as well as industry and cultural differences in QOL commitment issues.
Governance Choice for Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Husted Bryan W. , Allen David Bruce , Rivera Jorge E.
Published: April 2008

The decision to internalize corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, to buy (outsource) them in the form of corporate philanthropy, or to collaborate with other organizations is of great significance to the ability of the firm to reap benefits from such activity. Using insights provided by organizational economics and the resource-based view of the firm, this article describes how CSR centrality affects governance choice. This framework is tested using data collected from Central America. The findings suggest that the higher the centrality of CSR activities to the firms’ mission, the more likely that the firms will engage in CSR internally. The article discusses directions for further research and concludes with the managerial implications of this research.
A Look at Firm—Regulator Exchanges
Authors: Reed Kira Kristal
Published: April 2008

This article examines the relational characteristics of firm—regulator interactions. Many political economists have focused on the relevance, costs, processes, and beneficiaries of regulation. Alternatively, most management researchers treat regulation as one of many environmental factors firms must consider in developing strategy. This article extends management research by examining the subjective, relational components of firm—regulator interactions. Using social exchange and relational governance theories, hypotheses are developed to examine how firms' interactions with their regulators affect both the frequency with which they are monitored and the evaluation they receive. A within-industry (i.e., banking), within-region (i.e., the Northeast) sample is used to examine the relational characteristics of firm—regulator interactions concerning the Community Reinvestment Act. The results indicate that relational characteristics explain a significant amount of incremental variance in predicting the frequency of monitoring and evaluation, over that explained by objective measures and prior performance.
Perceptions of Price Fairness
Authors: Gielissen Robert , Dutilh Chris E. , Graafland Johan J.
Published: April 2008

This article researches factors that influence price fairness judgments. The empirical literature suggests several factors: reference prices, the costs of the seller, a self-interest bias, and the perceived motive of sellers. Using a Dutch sample, we find empirical evidence that these factors significantly affect perceptions of fair prices. In addition, we find that the perceived fairness of prices is also influenced by other distributional concerns that are independent of the transaction. In particular, price increases are judged to be fairer if they benefit poor people or small organizations rather than rich people or big organizations.
The Impact of External Monitoring and Public Reporting on Business Performance in a Global Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Katz Jeffrey P. , Higgins Eric , Dickson Marsha , Eckman Molly
Published: April 2008

This study examines the importance of external monitoring and public reporting on the performance of firms in the global apparel industry. By focusing on the relevance of company reputation in the global community, the authors examine financial performance and stock market reaction to the release of information describing the manufacturing practices of firms made available by a third-party monitor. Using agency theory as a predictive framework, industry-wide changes in market measures of company risk as a result of third-party monitoring are found, suggesting that society values such external reports. The authors’ findings are important to business and society because they bridge the gap in knowledge about how voluntary compliance programs are supplemented by external monitoring and reporting for firms operating in the global environment. This work suggests that external monitoring is valuable to business and society by reducing information asymmetry between the two groups and encouraging accurate assessment of the risks associated with global operations.
NGOs, Social Venturing, and Community Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Easterly Lisa , Miesing Paul
Published: April 2008

Growing concerns about corporations’ business and accounting practices have contributed to increased scrutiny and the adoption of new laws to govern corporate behavior. Nonprofit nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have also come under investigation for their activities, especially when engaging in social venturing. Because NGOs are largely supported by taxpayer dollars and private donations, their existence is strongly based on fulfilling their social purpose mission. In this study, NGOs reported on this increased scrutiny and how it was especially important for them to act as good corporate citizens, which, in corporate citizenship theory, means being economically responsible, abiding by the law, engaging in ethical and moral management, and ensuring the philanthropy of the social venture. The authors find that these components are key to the sustainability of the ventures and the organizations themselves. Based on study findings, the authors propose “community citizenship behavior” as a broader model for application in social ventures.
Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates for Pediatric Asthmatics by Use of an Asthma Educational Tool and a Patient Electronic Care System
Authors: Martin Elmer
Published: April 2008

A prescription-sized asthma educational tool (AET) was used to identify, assess, and educate pediatric asthma patients during a 2-year period. A Patient Electronic Care System (PECS) was used to register these patients over 2 influenza vaccination seasons to determine whether influenza vaccination rates could be improved among these pediatric asthmatics by use of the asthma educational tool. During this study, influenza vaccination rates among all asthmatics increased over 450% from 2003 to 2004 influenza season compared with 2006 to 2007 influenza season (13.1%-59.4%). The mild persistent to severe persistent asthmatics subgroup in this pool of patients also improved their influenza vaccination rates over 250% from the 2003 to 2004 influenza season to the 2006 to 2007 influenza season (36.6%-91.7%). All the results were statistically significant to 95% confidence levels.
Raltegravir Thorough QT/QTc Study: A Single Supratherapeutic Dose of Raltegravir Does Not Prolong the QTcF Interval
Authors: Iwamoto M. , Kost J. T. , Misty G. C. , Wenning L. A. , Breidinger S. A. , Marbury T. C. , Stone J. A. , Gottesdiener K. M. , Bloomfield D. M. , Wagner J. A.
Published: April 2008

Raltegravir is a novel HIV‐1 integrase inhibitor with potent in vitro activity (IC95 = 31 nM in 50% human serum). A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐dummy, 3‐period, single‐dose crossover study was conducted; subjects received single oral doses of 1600 mg raltegravir, 400 mg moxifloxacin, and placebo. The upper limit of the 2‐sided 90% confidence interval for the QTcF interval placebo‐adjusted mean change from baseline of raltegravir was less than 10 ms at every time point. For the raltegravir and placebo groups, there were no QTcF values >450 ms or change from baseline values >30 ms. A mean Cmax of ∼20 μM raltegravir was attained, ∼4‐fold higher than the Cmax at the clinical dose. Moxifloxacin demonstrated an increase in QTcF at the 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐hour time points. Administration of a single supratherapeutic dose of raltegravir does not prolong the QTcF interval. A single supratherapeutic dose design may be appropriate for crossover thorough QTc studies.
The Special Air Service and the Concentration of Military Power
Authors: King Anthony
Published: April 2008

In the past decade, Special Operations Forces have attracted much public attention, and, in the United States, a significant academic literature has developed about them. By contrast, few scholars have analyzed 22 Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), Britain's prime Special Operations Forces unit. This is unfortunate. From a peripheral position during the cold war, the SAS has attained a central position in British defense posture. This article analyzes the rise of the SAS as an example of organizational transformation in the armed forces today. The SAS's new prominence may also illustrate the contemporary dynamics of military change more widely.
Making Pure Science and Pure Politics
Authors: Konopásek Zdeněk , Stöckelová Tereza , Zamykalová Lenka
Published: April 2008

This article is based on a case study of a long-term public controversy over the construction of a highway bypass (around Plzeň, Czech Republic). Two principal variants of the bypass were proposed. One of them began gradually to appear preferable, increasingly attractive for experts, but remaining only on paper. In the meantime, however, the other variant became more realistic, pushed through mainly by local politicians and actually constructed. This article shows how purification of science from politics (and vice versa) played a key role in the development and ending of the case. Initial expertization of the case switched to its sharp politicization, when people got frustrated from protraction and indecisive evidence of accumulated expertise. This turned to be fatal for those who consistently staked everything on “pure facts.” This article concludes by outlining some general consequences of such a development for both democratic decision making and the political relevance of expertise.
Cultural Adaptation Process for International Dissemination of the Strengthening Families Program
Authors: Kumpfer Karol L. , Pinyuchon Methinin , de Melo Ana Teixeira , Whiteside Henry O.
Published: April 2008

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based family skills training intervention developed and found efficacious for substance abuse prevention by U.S researchers in the 1980s. In the 1990s, a cultural adaptation process was developed to transport SFP for effectiveness trials with diverse populations (African, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American). Since 2003, SFP has been culturally adapted for use in 17 countries. This article reviews the SFP theory and research and a recommended cultural adaptation process. Challenges in international dissemination of evidence-based programs (EBPs) are discussed based on the results of U.N. and U.S. governmental initiatives to transport EBP family interventions to developing countries. The technology transfer and quality assurance system are described, including the language translation and cultural adaptation process for materials development, staff training, and on-site and online Web-based supervision and technical assistance and evaluation services to assure quality implementation and process evaluation feedback for improvements.
Acute Effects of Microcystins MC-LR and MC-RR on Acid and Alkaline Phosphatase Activities and Pathological Changes in Intraperitoneally Exposed Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis sp.)
Authors: Atencio Loyda , Moreno Isabel , Prieto Ana I. , Moyano Rosario , Molina Ana M. , Cameán Ana M.
Published: April 2008

Microcystins (MC) are frequently present in cyanobacterial blooms in rivers and lakes, increasing the risk of toxicity to both animals and humans. There more than eighty reported microcystins, and the present study was undertaken to determine whether MC-LR and MC-RR can induce different enzyme alterations and histopathological changes in tilapia fish ( Oreochromis sp.) exposed to a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the pure standards (MC-LR and MC-RR) at a dose of 500 μg/kg; the tilapia fish were then observed for seven days. The two MC variants caused significant changes in the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases (ACP and ALP) in vital organs, showing a different response pattern. The livers and kidneys of fish injected with MC-LR were particularly affected. MC-RR induced a very pronounced increase of ACP in the kidney and a significant increase of ALP in the liver. Both MC variants caused pathological lesions in hepatic tissues, such as megalocytosis, necrotic process, and microvesicular steatosis, particularly in fish treated with MC-LR, and degenerative renal changes, glomerulopathy, were more severe in tilapias exposed to MC-RR. In addition, both microcystins also caused significant myopathy in the heart. In contrast, the gills did not show any change in enzyme activity or histopathological injury.
Summary of Chemically Induced Pulmonary Lesions in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies
Authors: Dixon Darlene , Herbert Ronald A. , Kissling Grace E. , Brix Amy E. , Miller Rodney A. , Maronpot Robert R.
Published: April 2008

The lung is the second most common target site of neoplasia of chemicals tested by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Of all peer-reviewed NTP studies to date (N = 545), a total of sixty-four chemicals in sixty-six reports produced significant site-specific neoplasia in the lungs of rats and/or mice. Of the studies associated with lung tumor induction, approximately 35% were inhalation and 35% were gavage studies, with dosed-feed, dosed-water, topical, intraperitoneal, or in utero routes of chemical administration accounting for 18%, 6%, 3%, 1%, and 1% of the studies, respectively. The most commonly induced lung tumors were alveolar/bronchiolar (A/B) adenoma and/or carcinoma for both species. The most frequently observed nonneoplastic lesions included hyperplasia and inflammation in both species. The liver was the most common primary site of origin of metastatic lesions to the lungs of mice; however, skin was most often the primary site of origin of metastatic lesions to the lungs of rats. In summary, A/B adenoma and carcinoma were the most frequently diagnosed chemically induced tumors in the lungs of both rats and mice in the NTP toxicology and carcinogenesis bioassays, and hyperplasia and inflammation were the most common nonneoplastic changes observed.
Immunolocalization of Kim-1, RPA-1, and RPA-2 in Kidney of Gentamicin-, Mercury-, or Chromium-Treated Rats: Relationship to Renal Distributions of iNOS and Nitrotyrosine
Authors: Zhang Jun , Brown Ronald P. , Shaw Martin , Vaidya Vishal S. , Zhou Yuzhao , Espandiari Parvaneh , Sadrieh Nakissa , Stratmeyer Melvin , Keenan Joe , Kilty Cormac G. , Bonventre Joseph V. , Goering Peter L.
Published: April 2008

Immunohistochemical studies for kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1), renal papillary antigen-1 (RPA-1), and renal papillary antigen-2 (RPA-2) were conducted to explore their relationship to inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day Gen, sc, for 3 days), mercury (0.25 mg Hg/kg, iv, single dose), or chromium (5 mg Cr/kg, sc, single dose) and kidney tissue was examined 24 hours or 72 hours after the last dose of the nephrotoxicant. Another group of kidneys was evaluated 24 hours after rats were administered 3 daily doses (50, 100, 150, 200, or 300 mg/kg/day) of Gen. Gen- and Cr-treated rats exhibited increased immunoreactivity of Kim-1, RPA-1, and RPA-2 largely in the S1/S2 segments and to a lesser extent in the S3 segments of the proximal tubule of the kidney, whereas Hg-treated rats showed increased immunoreactivity of Kim-1, RPA-1, and RPA-2 in the S3 segments. Up-regulation of Kim-1, RPA-1, and RPA-2 expression correlated with injured tubular epithelial cells and also correlated with immunoreactivity of iNOS and nitrotyrosine. It is possible that iNOS activation with nitrotyrosine production in injured nephron segments may be involved in the induction of Kim-1, RPA-1, and RPA-2 following exposure to nephrotoxicants.
Active Parental Consent in School-Based Research
Authors: Esbensen Finn-Aage , Melde Chris , Taylor Terrance J. , Peterson Dana
Published: April 2008

Active parental consent policies have been blamed for low participation rates and selection bias (i.e., loss of “high-risk” youths) in school-based studies. In this article, the authors describe active consent procedures that produced an overall active consent rate of 79% in a sample of more than 4,500 middle school students attending 29 schools in seven cities across the United States. Consent rates, however, varied considerably both within and between schools. To better understand factors associated with active parental consent rates, the authors examined district-level, school-level, and teacher-specific effects on consent rates.
End-of-Life Medical Treatment Choices: Do Survival Chances and Out-of-Pocket Costs Matter?
Authors: Chao Li-Wei , Pagán José A. , Soldo Beth J.
Published: April 2008

Background . Out-of-pocket medical expenditures incurred prior to the death of a spouse could deplete savings and impoverish the surviving spouse. Little is known about the public's opinion as to whether spouses should forego such end-of-life (EOL) medical care to prevent asset depletion. Objectives . To analyze how elderly and near elderly adults assess hypothetical EOL medical treatment choices under different survival probabilities and out-of-pocket treatment costs. Methods . Survey data on a total of 1143 adults, with 589 from the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) and 554 from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), were used to study EOL cancer treatment recommendations for a hypothetical anonymous married woman in her 80s. Results . Respondents were more likely to recommend treatment when it was financed by Medicare than by the patient's own savings and when it had 60% rather than 20% survival probability. Black and male respondents were more likely to recommend treatment regardless of survival probability or payment source. Treatment uptake was related to the order of presentation of treatment options, consistent with starting point bias and framing effects. Conclusions . Elderly and near elderly adults would recommend that the hypothetical married woman should forego costly EOL treatment when the costs of the treatment would deplete savings. When treatment costs are covered by Medicare, respondents would make the recommendation to opt for care even if the probability of survival is low, which is consistent with moral hazard. The sequence of presentation of treatment options seems to affect patient treatment choice.
Interparental Conflict and Adolescent Dating Relationships
Authors: Kim Kerri L. , Jackson Yo , Hunter Heather L. , Conrad Selby M.
Published: April 2008

In line with the cognitive—contextual framework proposed by Grych and Fincham (1990), evidence suggests that children exposed to interparental conflict (IPC) are at risk for experiencing conflict within their own intimate relationships. The mediating role of adolescent appraisal in the relation between IPC and adolescent dating behavior was examined in the current study. Specifically, it was hypothesized that self-blame and threat appraisals would mediate the relation between IPC and adolescent maladaptive dating behaviors. To examine the potential mediating role of appraisal, 169 high school students completed the Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict (Grych, Seid, & Fincham, 1992) and Child and Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (Wolfe, Scott, Reitzel-Jaffe, Wekerle, Grasley, & Straatman, 2004). Findings suggest that self-blame appraisal partially mediated the relation between IPC and adolescent sexual aggression, and between IPC and adolescent threatening behavior. In addition, perceived threat appraisal partially mediated the relation between IPC and adolescent sexual aggression. Implications for the current findings are discussed.
Psychiatric Diagnosis as a Risk Marker for Victimization in a National Sample of Children
Authors: Cuevas Carlos A. , Finkelhor David , Ormrod Richard , Turner Heather
Published: April 2008

Research examining childhood abuse has shown an association between victimization and psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression). Historically, psychiatric diagnoses have been emphasized as a consequence of victimization, with less research examining if it also functions as a risk factor for further victimization, perhaps making diagnoses a general victimization risk marker. In addition, much of this research has emphasized particular types of victimization such as childhood physical or sexual abuse. Researchers have given less attention to other forms of victimization (e.g., peer victimization, witnessed violence) or a diverse victimization history. Using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ) we surveyed parents and children between the ages of 2 and 17 using a random digit dial (RDD) methodology. We examined the relationship between a number of different forms of victimization (termed poly-victimization ) in the preceding year and parent-reported lifetime psychiatric diagnosis. Results show that children with a psychiatric diagnosis have significantly higher rates of victimization than children without a psychiatric diagnosis. In addition, using logistic regression models, we find that psychiatric diagnosis was associated with increased risk for poly-victimization, conventional crime victimization, maltreatment, peer or sibling victimization, and witnessing violence, but not sexual abuse. The results highlight the need to consider psychiatric diagnoses as a risk marker for past and possible future victimization. In addition, the importance of obtaining a comprehensive and more diverse victimization history when working with children is highlighted.