bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Therapy Evaluation of Combined Anti–Death Receptor 5 Antibody and Gemcitabine in Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumor Xenografts by Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kim Hyunki , Morgan Desiree E. , Buchsbaum Donald J. , Zeng Huadong , Grizzle William E. , Warram Jason M. , Stockard Cecil R. , McNally Lacey R. , Long Joshua W. , Sellers Jeffrey C. , Forero Andres , Zinn Kurt R.
Published: October 2008

Early therapeutic efficacy of anti–death receptor 5 antibody (TRA-8) combined with gemcitabine was measured using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor model. Groups 1 to 4 of severe combined immunodeficient mice (n = 5–7 per group) bearing orthotopically implanted, luciferase-positive human pancreatic tumors (MIA PaCa-2) were subsequently (4–5 weeks thereafter) injected with saline (control), gemcitabine (120 mg/kg), TRA-8 (200 μg), or TRA-8 combined with gemcitabine, respectively, on day 0. DWI, anatomic magnetic resonance imaging, and bioluminescence imaging were done on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 after treatment. Three tumors from each group were collected randomly on day 3 after imaging, and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining was done to quantify apoptotic cellularity. At just 1 day after starting therapy, the changes of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in tumor regions for group 3 (TRA-8) and group 4 (TRA-8/Gem) were 21 ± 9% (mean ± SE) and 27 ± 3%, respectively, significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of group 1 (−1 ± 5%) and group 2 (−2 ± 4%). There was no statistical difference in tumor volumes for the groups at this time. The mean ADC values of groups 2 to 4 gradually increased over 3 days, which were concurrent with tumor volume regressions and bioluminescence signal decreases. Apoptotic cell densities of tumors in groups 1 to 4 were 0.7 ± 0.4%, 0.6 ± 0.2%, 3.1 ± 0.9%, and 4.7 ± 1.0%, respectively, linearly proportional to the ADC changes on day 1. Further, the ADC changes were highly correlated with the previously reported mean survival times of animals treated with the same agents and doses. This study supports the clinical use of DWI for pancreatic tumor patients for early assessment of drug efficacy. [Cancer Res 2008;68(20):8369–76]
Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling–Deficient Fibroblasts Enhance Hepatocyte Growth Factor Signaling in Mammary Carcinoma Cells to Promote Scattering and Invasion
Authors: Cheng Nikki , Chytil Anna , Shyr Yu , Joly Alison , Moses Harold L.
Published: October 2008

Fibroblasts are major cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, regulating tumor cell behavior in part through secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and angiogenic factors. In previous studies, conditional deletion of the type II transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor in fibroblasts (Tgfbr2FspKO) was shown to promote mammary tumor metastasis in fibroblast-epithelial cell cotransplantation studies in mice, correlating with increased expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Here, we advance our findings to show that Tgfbr2FspKO fibroblasts enhance HGF/c-Met and HGF/Ron signaling to promote scattering and invasion of mammary carcinoma cells. Blockade of c-Met and Ron by small interfering RNA silencing and pharmacologic inhibitors significantly reduced mammary carcinoma cell scattering and invasion caused by Tgfbr2FspKO fibroblasts. Moreover, neutralizing antibodies to c-Met and Ron significantly inhibited HGF-induced cell scattering and invasion, correlating with reduced Stat3 and p42/44MAPK phosphorylation. Investigation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways by pharmacologic inhibition and small interfering RNA silencing revealed a cooperative interaction between the two pathways to regulate HGF-induced invasion, scattering, and motility of mammary tumor cells. Furthermore, whereas c-Met was found to regulate both the Stat3 and MAPK signaling pathways, Ron was found to regulate Stat3 but not MAPK signaling in mammary carcinoma cells. These studies show a tumor-suppressive role for TGF-β signaling in fibroblasts, in part by suppressing HGF signaling between mammary fibroblasts and epithelial cells. These studies characterize complex functional roles for HGF and TGF-β signaling in mediating tumor-stromal interactions during mammary tumor cell scattering and invasion, with important implications in the metastatic process. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(10):1521–33)
Global Gene Expression Profiling Unveils S100A8/A9 as Candidate Markers in H-Ras-Mediated Human Breast Epithelial Cell Invasion
Authors: Moon Aree , Yong Hae-Young , Song Jae-In , Cukovic Daniela , Salagrama Sridevi , Kaplan David , Putt David , Kim Hyesook , Dombkowski Alan , Kim Hyeong-Reh Choi
Published: October 2008

The goal of the present study is to unveil the gene expression profile specific to the biological processes of human breast epithelial cell invasion and migration using an MCF10A model genetically engineered to constitutively activate the H-ras or N-ras signaling pathway. We previously showed that H-Ras, but not N-Ras, induces MCF10A cell invasion/migration, whereas both H-Ras and N-Ras induce cell proliferation and phenotypic transformation. Thus, these cell lines provide an experimental system to separate the gene expression profile associated with cell invasion apart from cell proliferation/transformation. Analysis of whole human genome microarray revealed that 412 genes were differentially expressed among MCF10A, N-Ras MCF10A, and H-Ras MCF10A cells and hierarchical clustering separated 412 genes into four clusters. We then tested whether S100A8 and S100A9, two of the genes which are most highly up-regulated in an H-Ras–specific manner, play a causative role for H-Ras–mediated MCF10A cell invasion and migration. Importantly, small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of S100A8/A9 expression significantly reduced H-Ras–induced invasion/migration. Conversely, the induction of S100A8/A9 expression conferred the invasive/migratory phenotype to parental MCF10A cells. Furthermore, we provided evidence of signaling cross-talk between S100A8/A9 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways essential for H-Ras–mediated cell invasion and migration. Taken together, this study revealed S100A8/A9 genes as candidate markers for metastatic potential of breast epithelial cells. Our gene profile data provide useful information which may lead to the identification of additional potential targets for the prognosis and/or therapy of metastatic breast cancer. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(10):1544–53)
Genome-Wide Analysis in a Murine Dnmt1 Knockdown Model Identifies Epigenetically Silenced Genes in Primary Human Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Dudley Kevin J. , Revill Kate , Whitby Philip , Clayton Richard N. , Farrell William E.
Published: October 2008

DNA methylation at promoter CpG islands (CGI) is an epigenetic modification associated with inappropriate gene silencing in multiple tumor types. In the absence of a human pituitary tumor cell line, small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of the maintenance methyltransferase DNA methyltransferase (cytosine 5)-1 (Dnmt1) was used in the murine pituitary adenoma cell line AtT-20. Sustained knockdown induced reexpression of the fully methylated and normally imprinted gene neuronatin (Nnat) in a time-dependent manner. Combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) revealed that reexpression of Nnat was associated with partial CGI demethylation, which was also observed at the H19 differentially methylated region. Subsequent genome-wide microarray analysis identified 91 genes that were significantly differentially expressed in Dnmt1 knockdown cells (10% false discovery rate). The analysis showed that genes associated with the induction of apoptosis, signal transduction, and developmental processes were significantly overrepresented in this list (P < 0.05). Following validation by reverse transcription-PCR and detection of inappropriate CGI methylation by COBRA, four genes (ICAM1, NNAT, RUNX1, and S100A10) were analyzed in primary human pituitary tumors, each displaying significantly reduced mRNA levels relative to normal pituitary (P < 0.05). For two of these genes, NNAT and S100A10, decreased expression was associated with increased promoter CGI methylation. Induced expression of Nnat in stable transfected AtT-20 cells inhibited cell proliferation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of array-based “epigenetic unmasking” in combination with Dnmt1 knockdown and reveals the potential of this strategy toward identifying genes silenced by epigenetic mechanisms across species boundaries. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(10):1567–74)
Acardiac Fetus with Large Intestine Only
Authors: Sharbaf Fatemeh Rahimi , Mood Narges Izadi , Hantushzadeh Sedighh , Marsusy Vajih , Davari Fatemeh , Elahipanah Zahra , Baradaran Fatemeh
Published: October 2008

Acardiac twin syndrome is a rare complication affecting monozygotic twins, where one twin fails to develop normally and completely. In this report, we present an acardiac fetus that was seen for evaluation at 26 weeks of gestation. Initial routine ultrasound examination suggested anomalies. The first detailed ultrasound demonstrated a normal fetus with appropriate growth plus an acardiac twin with a hypoplastic lower limb with subcutaneous edema and intestine-like organ near it. The pregnancy was followed with serial ultrasonography and spontaneous delivery occurred at term. A normal infant was born, and after delivery of the placenta, at the chorionic plate of the placenta there was a sac with diminished fluid, containing some loops of the intestine. A thin cord of one vascular channel was attached to the common placenta. In our literature review, this type of acardiac fetus has not been reported previously.
Overexpression of Thymosin Beta-10 Inhibits VEGF mRNA Expression, Autocrine VEGF Protein Production, and Tube Formation in Hypoxia-Induced Monkey Choroid-Retinal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Tonghe , Li Xiaoxin , Yu Wenzhen , Yan Zheng , Zou He , He Xiangjun
Published: October 2008

Purpose: One purpose of this study was to examine if expression of the thymosin β10 (TB10), thymosin β4 (TB4), and VEGF165 isoform genes would change in response to hypoxia in monkey choroidal retinal endothelial cells (RF/6A). We also sought to determine if overexpression of the TB10 gene could inhibit VEGF165 mRNA expression, autocrine VEGF production, and tube formation in hypoxic RF/6A cells. Methods: An adenovirus vector, Ad-TB10, was constructed to deliver the human TB10 gene. Under hypoxic conditions, TB10, TB4, and VEGF165 mRNA were measured using real-time PCR, and VEGF protein expression was evaluated by ELISA. For tube formation assays, the RF/6A cells were transfected with Ad-TB10 and exposed to hypoxia for 4 h. Results: VEGF165 mRNA was 2- and 5.8-fold increased when the RF/6A cells were exposed to hypoxia for 2 and 4 h, respectively. TB10 mRNA decreased at 2 h and increased to a baseline level at 4 h, while TB4 mRNA level increased slightly by 2 and 4 h. Increased VEGF165 mRNA was down-regulated by transfected Ad-TB10, and ELISA results showed that VEGF protein levels increased 2.4-fold after 4-hour hypoxia, and decreased 2-fold after transfection with Ad-TB10. Hypoxia also induced tube formation of the RF/6A cells. This was significantly reduced by Ad-TB10. Conclusion: These data indicate that (1) TB4 and TB10 mRNA expression in RF/6A cells present different changes under 2- and 4-hour hypoxia, and (2) TB10 may be an effective inhibitor of angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGF expression and autocrine protein production.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis – Developments during Changing Times
Authors: Furkert J.D. , Zeier M. , Schwenger V.
Published: October 2008

Introduction: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment is subject to constant changes. Departing from this thesis, it should be analyzed in which respects CAPD treatment at the Heidelberg outpatient clinic has changed when considering demographic data, and CAPD-specific data including infection rates and clinical parameters. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in the course of which a cohort of 67 CAPD patients treated before the year 2000 was compared with a cohort of 53 patients treated from the year 2000 on. Demographic data, CAPD-specific and clinical data at the commencement of treatment and data gathered during the observation period thereafter were recorded. Results: The patients of the more recent cohort were 5 years older. At the initiation of treatment, the volume of residual diuresis was higher in the patients treated from 2000 on than in those treated before. The blood pressure in patients belonging to the more recently treated group was also lower than the blood pressure of those treated before. The incidence of peritonitis and exit-site infections has decreased. On the other hand, the hemoglobin level has risen. Discussion: Compared to the past, many parameters have improved. Above all, the findings suggest that medical care and treatment have become better, probably as a result of the modified guidelines. The significant decrease in infections is probably also due to the use of the new dialysis fluids.
Topological and Developmental Expression Gradients of Kir2.1, an Inward Rectifier K+ Channel, in Spiral Ganglion and Cochlear Hair Cells of Mouse Inner Ear
Authors: Ruan Qingwei , Chen Dong , Wang Zhengmin , Chi Fanglu , Yin Shankai , Wang Jian
Published: October 2008

Objectives: Inwardly rectifying potassium current plays critical roles in setting resting membrane potential and thus modulating the excitability of many excitable cells including the hair cells in inner ears, which are excitable during early development. Up to 7 subfamilies have been identified as channels for this current. The present study investigated the developmental and spatial expression of one member, Kir2.1, in the sensorineural epithelia and spiral ganglion neurons of mouse cochleae starting from neonatal stage to the maturation of hearing function, in an attempt to verify its role in the postnatal cochlear development. Methods: The distribution of Kir2.1 protein and mRNA was observed using immunofluorescence staining and in situ hybridization on samples of surface preparation and cross sections of cochleae. The protein and mRNA were further measured with semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting to show the developmental change of this channel in the cochlea of mice. Results: The expression of Kir2.1 appears to have a clear temporal pattern: increasing from the first postnatal day (PD0) to PD12 and then quickly decreasing after that. The expression cannot be detected on PD20. Throughout this developmental pattern, the expression was stronger at the basal turn on PD0 and shifted upwards (longitudinal gradient), so that stronger signals were generally seen in the apical parts of the cochlea after PD0. A radial gradient of the Kir2.1 protein was also evident with a stronger and consistent signal usually occurring on row 3 outer hair cells. The spatial and developmental changes of Kir2.1 mRNA in in situ hybridization exhibited similar patterns as seen for the Kir2.1 protein on PD8 and PD12. Western blot data showed a slightly higher concentration of the protein in the apical half of the cochlea and a slight increase from PD4 to PD12. This result is consistent with the quantification of mRNA in RT-PCR. No significant expression of Kir2.1 was found in spiral ganglion neurons. Conclusions: Kir2.1 exhibits a clear and temporal expression in the hair cells of mouse cochleae which may be related to the functional maturation of the hair cells and the neurons.
Absence of Exercise Capacity Improvement After Exercise Training Program
Authors: Tabet Jean-Yves , Meurin Philippe , Beauvais Florence , Weber Hélène , Renaud Nathalie , Thabut Gabriel , Cohen-Solal Alain , Logeart Damien , Driss Ahmed Ben
Published: October 2008

Background—

Exercise training is established as adjuvant therapy for chronic heart failure, but the prognostic value of improvement in exercise capacity after exercise training has never been evaluated.

Methods and Results—

In this prospective bicentric study, all chronic heart failure patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <45% who underwent an exercise training program in a cardiac rehabilitation center between January 2004 and September 2006 were consecutively included. Improvement in exercise capacity was assessed by change in peak oxygen consumption (δPV

o

2

) and in PV

o

2

expressed as a percentage of predicted PV

o

2

(δ%PPV

o

2

) measured before and after the training program. We included 155 patients (54�12 years old, male 81%, left ventricular ejection fraction=29.5�7.1%). Patients underwent 20 (10–30) training sessions. PV

o

2

and %PPV

o

2

were significantly increased after the training program (14% and 13%, respectively,
P
<0.001 for both). After 16�6 months follow-up, 27 patients had a cardiac event (death [n=12], cardiac transplantation [n=5], hospitalization for acute heart failure [n=10]). Univariate analysis revealed that among 17 significant predictors of cardiac events, the 2 more powerful ones were level of B-type natriuretic peptide at baseline (
P
<0.0001) and improvement in exercise capacity as assessed by δPV

o

2

and δ%PPV

o

2

(
P
<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed B-type natriuretic peptide level and δ%PPV

o

2

as only independent predictive factors of outcome (
P
=0.01). The risk ratio of cardiac events for nonresponse versus response to the training program (defined as median δ%PPV

o

2

<6%) was 8.2 (
P
=0.0006).

Conclusions—

Among patients with chronic heart failure, the lack of improvement in exercise capacity after an exercise training program has strong prognostic value for adverse cardiac events independent of classical predictive factors such as left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class, and B-type natriuretic peptide level.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Biolo Andreia , Ramamurthy Sujata , Connors Lawreen H. , O'Hara Carl J. , Meier-Ewert Hans K. , Soo Hoo Pamela T. , Sawyer Douglas B. , Seldin David S. , Sam Flora
Published: October 2008

Background—

Cardiac amyloidosis is characterized by amyloid infiltration resulting in extracellular matrix disruption. Amyloid cardiomyopathy due to immunoglobulin light chain protein (AL-CMP) deposition has an accelerated clinical course and a worse prognosis compared with non–light chain cardiac amyloidoses (ie, forms associated with wild-type or mutated transthyretin [TTR]). We therefore tested the hypothesis that determinants of proteolytic activity of the extracellular matrix, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) would have distinct patterns and contribute to the pathogenesis of AL-CMP versus TTR-related amyloidosis.

Methods and Results—

We studied 40 patients with systemic amyloidosis: 10 AL-CMP patients, 20 patients with TTR-associated forms of cardiac amyloidosis, ie, senile systemic amyloidois (involving wild-type TTR) or mutant TTR, and 10 patients with AL amyloidosis without cardiac involvement. Serum MMP-2 and -9, TIMP-1, -2, and -4, brain natriuretic peptide values, and echocardiography were determined. AL-CMP and TTR-related amyloidosis groups had similar degrees of increased left ventricular wall thickness. However, brain natriuretic peptide, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 levels were distinctly elevated accompanied by marked diastolic dysfunction in the AL-CMP group versus no or minimal increases in the TTR-related amyloidosis group. Brain natriuretic peptide, MMPs, and TIMPs were not correlated with the degree of left ventricular wall thickness but were correlated to each other and to measures of diastolic dysfunction. Immunostaining of human endomyocardial biopsies showed diffuse expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in AL-CMP and limited expression in TTR-related amyloidosis hearts.

Conclusions—

Despite comparable left ventricular wall thickness with TTR-related cardiac amyloidosis, AL-CMP patients have higher brain natriuretic peptide, MMPs, and TIMPs, which correlated with diastolic dysfunction. These findings suggest a relationship between light chains and extracellular matrix proteolytic activation that may play an important role in the functional and clinical manifestations of AL-CMP, distinct from the other non–light chain cardiac amyloidoses.
Trans-Coronary-Venous Interventions
Authors: Siminiak Tomasz , Lipiecki Janusz
Published: October 2008

The coronary venous system is routinely targeted during electrophysiological measurements or cardiac resynchronization therapy. However, several novel interventional techniques require coronary venous catheterization and visualization as well as transvenous delivery of devices and/or therapeutic agents. Recent reports suggest the possibility of a transvenous approach for the interventional treatment of refractory angina and mitral valve regurgitation. In addition, the coronary venous system has been used as a route for the delivery of stem cells in patients with left ventricular dysfunction due to ischemic heart disease. We review the potential value of using a coronary venous approach in association with recent therapeutic developments in the interventional treatment of structural and ischemic heart disease. We will also discuss techniques related to coronary venous catheterization.
The Effect of Storm Life Cycle on Satellite Rainfall Estimation Error
Authors: Tadesse Alemu , Anagnostou Emmanouil N.
Published: October 2008

The study uses storm tracking information to evaluate error statistics of satellite rain estimation at different maturity stages of storm life cycles. Two satellite rain retrieval products are used for this purpose: (i) NASA’s Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis–Real Time product available at 25-km/hourly resolution (3B41-RT) and (ii) the University of California (Irvine) Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) product available at 4-km–hourly resolution. Both algorithms use geostationary satellite infrared (IR) observations calibrated to an array of passive microwave (PM) earth-orbiting satellite sensor rain retrievals. The techniques differ in terms of algorithmic structure and in the way they use the PM rainfall to calibrate the IR rain algorithms. The satellite retrievals are evaluated against rain gauge–calibrated radar rainfall estimates over the continental United States. Error statistics of hourly rain volumes are determined separately for thunderstorm and shower-type convective systems and for different storm life durations and stages of maturity. The authors show distinct differences between the two satellite retrieval error characteristics. The most notable difference is the strong storm life cycle dependence of 3B41-RT relative to the nearly independent PERSIANN behavior. Another is in the algorithm performance between thunderstorms and showers; 3B41-RT exhibits significant bias increase at longer storm life durations. PERSIANN exhibits consistently improved correlations relative to the 3B41-RT for all storm life durations and maturity stages. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that incorporating cloud type information into the retrieval (done by the PERSIANN algorithm) can help improve the satellite retrieval accuracy.
Becoming American, Becoming Minority, Getting Ahead: The Role of Racial and Ethnic Status in the Upward Mobility of the Children of Immigrants
Authors: Kasinitz Philip
Published: October 2008

Given the long history of racism in the United States, observers have been concerned that labeling the children of immigrants as “nonwhite” could lead to their downward assimilation. The success of at least some members of the contemporary second generation points to another possibility. The institutions and strategies developed by previous waves of immigrants, the struggles for equality by long-standing minorities, and changing attitudes about race have become a source of opportunity and constraint for immigrant children. Drawing from the New York Second Generation Study, the author of this article argues that programs originally intended to address the needs of earlier immigrant waves and those of native minorities, particularly African Americans, have become increasingly multicultural in focus. These programs have broadened their definition of what minority means and have, however unintentionally, come to serve as an aid to incorporation for members of today's second generation.
Fit to Miss, but Matched to Hatch: Success Factors among the Second Generation's Disadvantaged in South Florida
Authors: Konczal Lisa , Haller William
Published: October 2008

This article examines the elements of successful outcomes among disadvantaged members of the South Florida immigrant communities and assesses the utility of rational choice theory and the Wisconsin model. The findings are derived from ethnographic interviews and analysis of two of the most underprivileged South Florida districts, Little Haiti and Hialeah. The article builds upon the elements of success as identified in the lead article of this volume, which include items relevant to the family, the individual, and the broader community context. The authors add the following to those success factors: (1) ignorance (or disregard) of the barriers to success and the odds against overcoming them; (2) emotionally motivated responses to the surrounding social conditions or to specific (cathartic) events; and (3) exiting underprivileged neighborhoods of origin to facilitate access to resources, mainly educational.
Horatio Alger Lives in Brooklyn: Extrafamily Support, Intrafamily Dynamics, and Socially Neutral Operating Identities in Exceptional Mobility among Children of Mexican Immigrants
Authors: Smith Robert Courtney
Published: October 2008

By analyzing the life course of an exceptionally successful Mexican student, Emmanuel of Brooklyn, this article interrogates current theories on the incorporation of immigrant youth, including “segmented assimilation.” The author explains Emmanuel's unlikely and exceptional achievement as the result of intrafamily dynamics, including his keeping of the immigrant bargain; extrafamily supports, including “first chance, fast track” programs for exceptional students in the New York City public schools and the involvement of mentors; and Emmanuel's development of “socially neutral operating identities” to negotiate his membership in new and disparate social worlds. The study shows the reach and limitations of current theories on the children of immigrants and opens new avenues for further research.
Redefining `Race' in North America
Authors: Kretsedemas Philip
Published: October 2008

This article explores the changing form of white and black racial categories in North America. It argues that this transformation is being shaped by several, relatively distinct tendencies; including anti-immigrant sentiments, anti-black racism and the identity politics of racialized populations. The discussion focuses on two aspects of this transformation. First, the identity politics of Afro-Caribbean populations is used to illustrate how immigrant experiences contest and complicate the process of black racialization; second, the racialization of Latino populations is used to illustrate how normative definitions of whiteness are being redefined. The conclusion uses these examples to discuss the need for explanations of racial stratification that can account for multiple nodes of inclusion and exclusion.
Whistleblowers and Organizational Protesters
Authors: De Maria William
Published: October 2008

The article contemplates a new alliance between whistleblowing and protesting. This is done in the context of seeking more powerful interventions in the fight against corruption in business and government. The prevailing view that whistleblowing and protesting are unconnectable forms of ethical resistance is challenged. The article argues that whistleblowing and protesting may have enormous untapped synergistic potential. This position is considered within a two-level analysis that recognizes the twin intersecting realities of people and structures in the fight against corruption. On the first level, the article elucidates how men and women of conscience use individual and/or collective strategies to expose and correct wrongdoing across two landscapes: the organization and the `street' (public protests). On the second level, the focus goes beyond engaged individuals and collectivities using different landscapes for moral purposes, to a position that treats these landscapes as more than passive backdrops. They are seen as highly interactive action zones that variously promote or obstruct anti-corruption measures despite individual and collective action to the contrary. The article concludes with pointers for future research in this largely unexplored area.
Freedom of Speech Denied, Dignity Assaulted
Authors: Rothschild Joyce
Published: October 2008

This article attempts to answer a central puzzle in the field of whistleblower research: why, with the balance of corporate power arrayed against them, with assaults on their dignity, threats to their job security and with legal enforcement that is inadequate to protect the whistleblowers, do we see a growing number of whistleblowers in US society? This article identifies relevant shifts in the US occupational structure and economy, describes societal and organizational dynamics that lure individuals into disclosure of wrongdoing and managers into retaliation, and considers the pervasive effect upon the individual whistleblower of the whole escalating event into which they have been drawn. In order to show the relationship between the abridgement of employees' `right' to dissent and subsequent assaults on workers' dignity, this article summarizes aspects of the research literature to date that indicate the prevalence of management retaliation against whistleblowers, and considers the effect retaliation may have on others who observe similar organizational misconduct but refrain from voicing their concerns. Further, this article presents discouraging new evidence of how whistleblower cases filed so far under the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002 have been adjudicated.
Some Additional Knowledge Conditions for Sociology
Authors: Wickham Gary , Freemantle Harry
Published: October 2008

If the conventional position that sociology emerged in the 19th century is accepted, then two 18th- and/or 19th-century rationalist knowledge conditions — `positivism gives way to theory' and `the centrality of modern rational philosophy' — can be accepted as the conventional knowledge conditions for the discipline's emergence. While acknowledging that this conventional position and these two conventional knowledge conditions form an important part of the story of sociology, this article argues that they should not be accepted as the whole story, or even as the most important part of it. The article presents two counter-arguments by way of a challenge to convention. The two arguments focus on the history of sociology's principal object, `the social'. One contends that the social actually emerged in the early modern era, not in the 19th century, and that, therefore, the discipline has its most significant roots in the period 1550—1700, especially in the work of thinkers more attuned to voluntarist factors. The second argument contends that sociology was only able to blossom as a discipline when the social achieved a significant level of autonomy from the three forces responsible for its emergence — politics, law and the state — something that did not happen until the late 19th century. On the back of these two arguments, the article develops a further argument: that sociology needs to extend its list of standard knowledge factors beyond the conventional two. This argument has it that while these two accurately reflect some important 18th- and 19th-century developments, they need to be supplemented by conditions that allowed the social to make the journey from the early modern era to the later era. The article then goes on to consider four different technologies for `seeing socially' — perspective, the microscope, the camera obscura and ballooning — as additional knowledge conditions for sociology.
Conversational correlates of children's acquisition of mental verbs and a theory of mind
Authors: Howard Alice Ann , Mayeux Lara , Naigles Letitia R.
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to conduct a detailed examination of the ways mothers use mental verbs in conversations with three- and four-year-old children, and to link these usages to the children's developing understanding of mental verbs and a theory of mind. Sixty three- and four-year-olds, either attending preschool (PS) or not (NPS) were given tasks assessing mental verb distinctions and false belief. Their mothers' mental verb use was coded for (a) frequency, (b) type of utterance, (c) type of subordinate clause, (d) the person of the subject of the verb, and (e) the certainty of think. Within the three-year-olds, the NPS children performed significantly better on the mental verb comprehension task; moreover, compared to the PS mothers, the NPS mothers were found to use: (1) less statements and more questions, (2) less first person utterances and more second person utterances, and (3) think in its `very certain' form less often. In regression analyses, children's mental verb and false belief performance were positively predicted by maternal mental verb 1) questions, and 2) single clause utterances; the children's performance was negatively predicted by statements. These findings indicate how maternal input has the potential to promote or hinder children's understanding of the mind.
Young children's yes bias: How does it relate to verbal ability, inhibitory control, and theory of mind?
Authors: Moriguchi Yusuke , Okanda Mako , Itakura Shoji
Published: October 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate how young children reduce a yes bias, the tendency to answer `yes' to yes-no questions. Specifically, we examined three possible factors: verbal ability, inhibitory control and theory of mind. Results revealed that verbal ability and inhibitory control were strongly associated with a yes bias even after controlling for age. Regression analyses revealed that these two factors significantly predicted a yes bias. Theory of mind was not significantly correlated with a yes bias. The results indicate that young children may have to inhibit a dominant `yes' response when they are supposed to respond `no'. The development of verbal skills may reduce young children's yes biases.
Social Capital in Female Entrepreneurship
Authors: Yetim Nalan
Published: October 2008

The study described in this article has three objectives. The first is to describe female entrepreneurship as a construct based on entrepreneurial personality characteristics, the properties of sociocultural entrepreneurship and gender roles. The second objective is to demonstrate the differences between migrant and non-migrant female entrepreneurship in terms of the aforementioned variables as components of the construct in addition to push and pull factors and social capital. Finally, the third objective is to predict high and low levels of social capital among female entrepreneurs according to the variables present in the realm of female entrepreneurship. The research was conducted among 304 female entrepreneurs in Mersin, Turkey. The data are analysed using correlational analysis, ANOVA and logistic regression analysis. The most striking finding is the higher social capital predicted by migrant status resulting from stronger personal contacts and the sociocultural properties of their respective communities. Additionally, age, professional training and work experience were also tied to higher social capital of entrepreneurs. In contrast, non-migrant status, entrepreneurial personality characteristics and pull factors predicted lower social capital.
Slope failures in municipal solid waste dumps and landfills: a review
Authors: Blight Geoffrey
Published: October 2008

Between 1977 and 2005 six large-scale failures of municipal solid waste dumps and landfills have been recorded in the technical literature. The volumes of waste mobilized in the failures varied from 10—12 000 m3 in a failure that killed nearly 300 people to 1.5 million m3 in a failure that caused no deaths or injuries. Of the six failures, four occurred in dumps that, as far as is known, had not been subjected to any prior technical investigation of their shear stability. The remaining two failures occurred in engineer-designed landfills, one of which practised leachate recirculation, and the other co-disposed of liquid waste along with solid waste. The paper reviews, describes and analyses the failures and summarizes their causes.
Hydraulic conductivity of compacted clay liners permeated with inorganic salt solutions
Authors: Yılmaz Gonca , Yetimoglu Temel , Arasan Seracettin
Published: October 2008

Due to their low permeability, geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) and compacted clay liners (CCLs) are the main materials used in waste disposal landfills. The hydraulic conductivity of GCLs and CCLs is closely related to the chemistry of the permeant fluid. In this study, the effect on the hydraulic conductivity of clays of five different inorganic salt solutions as permeant fluid was experimentally investigated. For this purpose, NaCl, NH4Cl, KCl, CaCl2, and FeCl 3 inorganic salt solutions were used at concentrations of 0.01, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1 M. Laboratory hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted on low plasticity (CL) and high plasticity (CH) compacted raw clays. The change in electrical conductivity and pH values of the clay samples with inorganic salt solutions were also determined. The experimental test results indicated that the effect of inorganic salt solutions on CL clay was different from that on CH clay. The hydraulic conductivity was found to increase for CH clay when the salt concentrations increased whereas when the salt concentrations were increased, the hydraulic conductivity decreased for the CL clay.
Pyridoxine-Dependent Seizures Caused by Alpha Amino Adipic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency: The First Polish Case with Confirmed Biochemical and Molecular Pathology
Authors: Kaczorowska Magdalena , Kmiec Tomasz , Jakobs Cornelis , Kacinski Marek , Kroczka Slawomir , Salomons Gajja S. , Struys Eduard A. , Jozwiak Sergiusz
Published: October 2008

Pyridoxine-dependent seizures are a rare condition recognized when numerous seizures respond to pyridoxine treatment and recur on pyridoxine withdrawal. For decades the diagnosis was confirmed only with pyridoxine treatment withdrawal trial. Recently described biochemical and molecular pathology improved the diagnostic process for those cases in which seizures are caused by alpha amino adipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency. This article presents a girl with recurrent status epilepticus episodes resistant to phenobarbital and phenytoin and partly responding to midazolam. Eventually the seizures were completely controlled with pyridoxine; however, due to the severe condition of this child when seizing, no trial of withdrawal has been performed. The diagnosis of pyridoxine-dependent seizures was confirmed with biochemical and molecular testing revealing elevated α-AASA excretion and the presence of 2 different mutations in the antiquitin ( ALDH7A1) gene. Due to the availability of reliable laboratory testing, confirmation of the diagnosis was made without the life-threatening trial of pyridoxine withdrawal.
The Evolution of Regional Industry Clusters and Their Implications for Sustainable Economic Development
Authors: Montana Jennifer Paige , Nenide Boris
Published: October 2008

The ability to detect embryonic yet dynamic industry cluster changes can help regional decision makers proactively create strategic initiatives that support value-based development. This article examines cluster trends in California's central San Joaquin Valley and northeast Indiana through the introduction of quantitative methods that detect microchanges in cluster development. These methods capture whether a region's clusters are evolving and, if so, how they are changing. Built on the foundation of traditional quantitative cluster analysis techniques, these additional screening methods can capture entrepreneurial and innovative activity within the industry cluster context at an earlier stage than traditional methods can. This approach can provide industry sector clues as to what may drive future cluster development, both positive and negative, and it can offer early-stage opportunities to assess job quality and productivity to help determine the sustainability of new cluster developments.
Portland's Green Building Cluster
Authors: Allen Jennifer H. , Potiowsky Thomas
Published: October 2008

This study offers an initial exploration of the green building cluster in Portland, Oregon. Specific objectives include assessing how the factors identified in Michael Porter's “diamond” support the green building industry cluster in this region, describing the trends in terms of growth and expansion in the sector, and, where possible, providing quantitative data to document the impact of this industry cluster. The authors suggest that Portland has a robust and competitive green building cluster that is supported by many of the elements described in Porter's diamond—local and export demand, a critical mass of leading-edge firms, strong supporting institutions, qualified employees, and a robust supply chain. The study also identifies areas in need of additional support to realize the full potential for economic development in this cluster and offers an approach to mapping the green building cluster that may also inform analysis of other emerging sustainability clusters.
The Relationship Between Occupational Interests and Values
Authors: Smith Thomas J. , Campbell Cynthia
Published: October 2008

A values characterization of the RIASEC occupational interest categories was developed using the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupational data. Values profile plots were constructed for each interest category, then correspondence analysis and canonical correlation were carried out to assess the relationship between the interest and values categories. Suggestions for the use of values information in a counseling context are presented.
Surveying Professionals’ Views of Positive Behavior Support and Behavior Analysis
Authors: Filter Kevin J. , Tincani Matt , Fung Daniel
Published: October 2008

Positive behavior support (PBS) is an empirically driven approach to improve quality of life influenced by the science of behavior analysis. Recent discussions have evolved around PBS, behavior analysis, and their relationship within education and human services fields. To date, few data have been offered to guide behaviorally oriented professionals with respect to PBS and behavior analysis as complementary approaches. In this article, the authors surveyed 847 behavioral professionals about their views of PBS and behavior analysis. Results indicate small but consistent differences between those who affiliate exclusively with either PBS or behavior analysis in regards to their ratings of the importance of service delivery methods, values, and research methods. Although statistically significant differences emerged, both groups provided generally favorable ratings for core components of PBS and behavior analysis. Historical analysis of differences and similarities are discussed, as are considerations for future relations between the two groups.
Preparation and Perceptions of Speech-Language Pathologists Working With Children With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Compton Mary V. , Tucker Denise A. , Flynn Perry F.
Published: October 2008

This study examined the level of preparedness of North Carolina speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who serve school-aged children with cochlear implants (CIs). A survey distributed to 190 school-based SLPs in North Carolina revealed that 79% of the participants felt they had little to no confidence in managing CI technology or in providing services to children with CIs. Survey results disclosed that 47% of SLPs had either no formal instruction or only one college lecture on CIs. Findings indicated that a lack of instruction in other hearing-related topics exists at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These results underscore the urgent need for revising preservice curricula for SLPs and audiologists to include more practical training in the habilitation/rehabilitation of children with CIs. Findings also emphasize the need for current practitioners to engage in continuing education to update their knowledge of emerging innovations in CI technology and habilitation.
The Effect of Adductor Tendon Transposition in the Modified McBride Procedure
Authors: Martínez-Nova Alfonso , Sánchez-Rodríguez Raquel , Gómez-Martín Beatriz , Escamilla Martínez Elena , Expósito-Arcas Antonio , Novel-Martí Virginia
Published: October 2008

The modified McBride technique is widely used in bunion surgery. The aim of this report is to analyze the influence that transferring the adductor hallucis tendon had on the first intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux abductus angle (HAA), and tibial sesamoid position (TSP) when used to correct the hallux valgus deformity. A prospective study was conducted of 31 hallux abducto valgus patients. A modified McBride procedure was performed to repair the deformity. In 16 patients (group 1), the adductor tendon was transferred, and in 15 (group 2), it was not. The tendon transfer was at random. The preoperative and postoperative variables IMA, HAA, and TSP were measured and analyzed by means of univariate and multivariate statistics. In group 1, the preoperative values of the first IMA and the HAA averaged 13.5° and 30°, respectively, decreasing postoperatively to 10.3° and 10.7°. In group 2, the corresponding preoperative angles were 12.9° and 25.6°, and the postoperative angles were 9.7° and 10°. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in the correction of the IMA, HAA, and TSP. As measured by the aforementioned radiographic measurements, there is no advantage in transferring the adductor hallucis tendon to the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule in the correction of hallux valgus
Creativity Research in Music Education
Authors: Running Donald J.
Published: October 2008

This article lays a foundational groundwork of what is currently known regarding creativity and music education to encourage future research. It explores principal research avenues within various scholarly journals related to creativity and music education, including definitions of creativity, empirical measures of creativity, and effects of music instruction on general creativity scores. Definitions (and, consequently, assessments) of creativity fall into three general categories: product based, process based, and performance based. These definitions have generated a number of new theories and tests designed to assess the creativity of products and individuals.