bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holocarboxylase synthetase catalyzes biotinylation of heat shock protein 72, thereby inducing RANTES expression in HEK-293 cells
Authors: Xue Jing , Zhou Jie , Zempleni Janos
Published: October 2013

In a recent mass spectrometry screen, we identified 108 new proteins that were modified endogenously by covalent binding of biotin; members of the heat shock superfamily of proteins, including heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), were overrepresented among the biotinylated proteins. Mammals respond to infections by secreting extracellular HSP72 (eHSP72), which elicits an immune response. Here, using mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified five biotinylation sites in HSP72. We used coimmunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and limited proteolysis assays to demonstrate that HSP72 interacts physically with the protein biotin ligase holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS), leading to biotinylation of residues K112, K128 K348, K361, K415, and, probably, additional lysines. Finally, we demonstrated that HLCS-dependent biotinylation of eHSP72 increases expression of the chemokine regulated on activation normal T-expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) by human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. In conclusion, we report a novel endogenous modification of HSP72 and demonstrated that binding of biotin to eHSP72 prepares cells for a strong immune response.
IFN-γ deficiency attenuates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in a steatohepatitis model induced by a methionine- and choline-deficient high-fat diet
Authors: Luo Xiao-Yu , Takahara Terumi , Kawai Kengo , Fujino Masayuki , Sugiyama Toshiro , Tsuneyama Koichi , Tsukada Kazuhiro , Nakae Susumu , Zhong Liang , Li Xiao-Kang
Published: October 2013

Cytokines play important roles in all stages of steatohepatitis, including hepatocyte injury, the inflammatory response, and the altered function of sinusoidal cells. This study examined the involvement of a major inflammatory cytokine, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), in the progression of steatohepatitis. In a steatohepatitis model by feeding a methionine- and choline-deficient high-fat (MCDHF) diet to both wild-type and IFN-γ-deficient mice, the liver histology, expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis-related markers were examined. To analyze the effects of IFN-γ on Kupffer cells in vitro, we examined the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by a mouse macrophage cell line. Forty two days of MCDHF diet resulted in weight loss, elevated aminotransferases, liver steatosis, and inflammation in wild-type mice. However, the IFN-γ-deficient mice exhibited less extensive changes. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-4 and osteopontin were increased in wild-type mice, although they were suppressed in IFN-γ-deficient mice. Seventy days of MCDHF diet induced much more liver fibrosis in wild-type mice than in IFN-γ-deficient mice. The expression levels of fibrosis-related genes, α-smooth muscle actin, type I collagen, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, were dramatically increased in wild-type mice, whereas they were significantly suppressed in IFN-γ-deficient mice. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that, when RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with IFN-γ, they produced TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. The present study showed that IFN-γ deficiency might inhibit the inflammatory response of macrophages cells and subsequently suppress stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. These findings highlight the critical role of IFN-γ in the progression of steatohepatitis.
Gut-derived short-chain fatty acids are vividly assimilated into host carbohydrates and lipids
Authors: den Besten Gijs , Lange Katja , Havinga Rick , van Dijk Theo H. , Gerding Albert , van Eunen Karen , Müller Michael , Groen Albert K. , Hooiveld Guido J. , Bakker Barbara M. , Reijngoud Dirk-Jan
Published: October 2013

Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are the main short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that arise from the fermentation of fibers by the colonic microbiota. While many studies focus on the regulatory role of SCFAs, their quantitative role as a catabolic or anabolic substrate for the host has received relatively little attention. To investigate this aspect, we infused conscious mice with physiological quantities of stable isotopes [1-13C]acetate, [2-13C]propionate, or [2,4-13C2]butyrate directly in the cecum, which is the natural production site in mice, and analyzed their interconversion by the microbiota as well as their metabolism by the host. Cecal interconversion, pointing to microbial cross-feeding, was high between acetate and butyrate, low between butyrate and propionate, and almost absent between acetate and propionate. As much as 62% of infused propionate was used in whole body glucose production, in line with its role as gluconeogenic substrate. Conversely, glucose synthesis from propionate accounted for 69% of total glucose production. The synthesis of palmitate and cholesterol in the liver was high from cecal acetate (2.8 and 0.7%, respectively) and butyrate (2.7 and 0.9%, respectively) as substrates, but low or absent from propionate (0.6 and 0.0%, respectively). Label incorporation due to chain elongation of stearate was approximately eightfold higher than de novo synthesis of stearate. Microarray data suggested that SCFAs exert a mild regulatory effect on the expression of genes involved in hepatic metabolic pathways during the 6-h infusion period. Altogether, gut-derived acetate, propionate, and butyrate play important roles as substrates for glucose, cholesterol, and lipid metabolism.
The effect of interrupting prolonged sitting time with short, hourly, moderate-intensity cycling bouts on cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy, young adults
Authors: Altenburg Teatske M. , Rotteveel Joost , Dunstan David W. , Salmon Jo , Chinapaw Mai J. M.
Published: October 2013

Although detrimental associations of sitting time and health indicators have been observed in young adults, evidence of pathophysiological mechanisms is lacking. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that the acute cardiometabolic effects of prolonged sitting can be compensated by hourly interruptions to sitting in healthy, young adults. Additionally, leg muscle activation during sitting and moderate-intensity physical activity interruptions was assessed. Eleven apparently healthy adults (18–24 yr; five men/six women) participated in this randomized, crossover study, involving two experimental conditions: 1) 8 h prolonged sitting and 2) 8 h of sitting, interrupted with hourly, 8-min, moderate-intensity cycling exercise bouts. In both conditions, participants consumed two standardized, high-fat mixed meals after 1 and 5 h. Capillary blood samples were collected hourly during each 8-h experimental condition. Muscle activity was measured using electromyography. Muscle activity during cycling was seven to eight times higher compared with rest. Postprandial levels of C-peptide were significantly lower (unstandardized regression coefficient = −0.19; confidence interval = [−0.35; −0.03]; P = 0.017) during interrupted sitting compared with prolonged sitting. Postprandial levels of other cardiometabolic biomarkers (e.g., glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol) were not significantly different between conditions. Hourly physical activity interruptions in sitting time, requiring a muscle activity of seven to eight times the resting value, led to an attenuation of postprandial C-peptide levels but not for other cardiometabolic biomarkers compared with prolonged sitting in healthy, young adults. Whether this acute effect transfers to chronic effects over time is unknown.
Epicardial Fat Thickness Is Independently Associated with Psoriasis
Authors: Akyildiz Zehra Ilke , Seremet Sila , Emren Volkan , Ozcelik Sinan , Gediz Bilal , Tastan Ahmet , Nazlı Cem
Published: October 2013

Background: Several studies have showed an association between psoriasis and cardiovascular (CV) diseases and metabolic syndrome (MS). Assessment of CV risk in patients with psoriasis has become an important issue. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is an emerging cardiometabolic risk factor and has been shown to be related to atherosclerosis. EFT has not been studied in the context of psoriasis. Objective: To compare the EFT in psoriasis patients with that in control subjects. Methods: 31 patients with psoriasis and 32 control subjects were included in this case-control study. EFT was evaluated by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Results: EFT was significantly higher in psoriasis patients compared to controls (p = 0.027). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the association of EFT with psoriasis was independent of MS and age. Conclusion: EFT, which has been suggested as a cardiometabolic risk factor in various diseases, is also independently associated with psoriasis.
Stroke Types in Rural and Urban Northern Portugal: Incidence and 7-Year Survival in a Community-Based Study
Authors: Correia Manuel , Magalhães Rui , Silva Mário Rui , Matos Ilda , Silva Maria Carolina
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim: Differences in stroke incidence and mortality between regions could stem from differences in the incidence of particular stroke types and long-term prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether different risk profiles and stroke types underlie the difference in stroke incidence and patient long-term survival in rural and urban populations. Methods: All suspected first-ever-in-a-lifetime strokes occurring between October 1998 and September 2000 in 37,290 residents of rural municipalities and in 86,023 individuals living in the city of Porto were entered into a population-based registry. Standard definitions of stroke types and overlapping comprehensive sources of information were used for patient identification. Patients were examined by neurologists at 3 months, 1 year and 7 years after the index event. Results: From a total of 688 patients included (226 in rural and 462 in urban areas), 76.2% had an ischaemic stroke (IS; 75.3 vs. 77.9%), 16.1% a primary intracerebral haemorrhage (PICH; 16.3 vs. 14.6%) and 3.3% a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH; 2.7 vs. 3.7%); in 4.4% (4.9 vs. 4.1%), the stroke type could not be determined. The annual incidence rate per 1,000 was 2.13 (95% CI, 1.95-2.31), 0.45 (95% CI, 0.37-0.53), 0.09 (95% CI, 0.06-0.14) and 0.12 (95% CI, 0.08-0.17), respectively. The age-specific rural/urban incidence rate ratios for IS in the youngest group (<55 years) was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.11-0.69), increasing to 1.47 (95% CI, 1.07-2.01) for those aged 65-74 years and to 1.87 (95% CI, 1.39-2.52) for those between 75 and 84 years. Rural compared to urban patients with an IS were predominantly men, had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.28 (95% CI, 1.05-1.56), were 65 years or older (PR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.30) and had in general a lower prevalence of risk factors. There was no evidence of rural/urban differences in 28-day case fatality for the stroke types, although IS tended to be less fatal among urban patients (10.3 vs. 13.1%), whereas PICH (33.3 vs. 24.2%) and SAH (35.3 vs. 16.7%) were less fatal among rural patients. Independently of rural/urban residence, predictors of poor survival after the acute phase (28 days) were age >65 years (HR = 3.57; 95% CI, 2.6-4.9), diabetes (HR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9), ischaemic heart disease (HR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6), atrial fibrillation (HR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0) and smoking habits (HR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3). Conclusions: The age pattern of IS incidence marks the difference between rural and urban populations; the youngest urban and the oldest rural residents were at a higher risk. Although patients from rural areas were older, the relatively lower prevalence of simultaneously occurring risk and prognostic factors among them as well as the similar management of rural and urban patients may justify why rurality is not associated with long-term survival.
Association between Genetic Variations in MTNR1A and MTNR1B Genes and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Han Chinese Women
Authors: Li Chao , Qiao Binglong , Zhan Ying , Peng Wei , Chen Zi-Jiang , Sun Lirong , Zhang Jingjing , Zhao Lei , Gao Qun
Published: October 2013

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between MTNR1A and MTNR1B gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Han Chinese women. Methods: Study participants included 350 patients with GDM and 480 control subjects. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs2119882 in MTNR1A and rs10830963 and rs10830962 in MTNR1B) were genotyped using direct sequencing. Genotype and allele distributions of SNPs in cases of GDM and controls were analyzed. Association of the MTNR1A and MTNR1B gene variants with plasma glucose and insulin levels as well as blood lipid levels was further investigated. Results: The frequencies of genotypes and allele types of rs2119882 in MTNR1A and rs10830963 in MTNR1B were significantly different between women with GDM and controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the GDM group, these SNPs were associated with increased fasting plasma glucose concentrations (p < 0.001) and increased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.001). The rs10830962 polymorphism in MTNR1B was not associated with an increased risk of developing GDM or any of the clinical or metabolic characteristics in patients with GDM (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The genetic polymorphisms rs2119882 in MTNR1A and rs10830963 in MTNR1B are associated with an increased risk of developing GDM and insulin resistance in Han Chinese women.
What Is Hypercalcemia? The Importance of Fasting Samples
Authors: Siyam Fadi F. , Klachko David M.
Published: October 2013

The differentiation between primary or tertiary (both hypercalcemic) and secondary (normocalcemic) hyperparathyroidism requires the identification of hypercalcemia. Calcium in the blood exists as bound, complexed and ionized fractions. Calcium sensors on parathyroid cells interact only with the ionized fraction (about 50% of the total calcium concentration). Many formulas using albumin, total protein or phosphate to correct or adjust total calcium to reflect the level of ionized calcium may be accurate only within a limited range. In addition, they can introduce errors based on inaccuracies in the measurement of these other metabolites. Clinical conditions, mainly those illnesses affecting acid-base balance, can alter the proportions of bound and free calcium. How and when the blood samples are drawn can alter the level of total calcium. Prolonged standing or prolonged venous stasis causes hemoconcentration, increasing the bound fraction. Preceding exercise can also affect blood calcium levels. Ingestion of calcium supplements or calcium-containing nutrients can cause transient elevations in blood calcium levels lasting several hours, leading to unnecessary further testing. Fasting total calcium levels may be sufficient for monitoring progress. However, for diagnostic purposes, fasting ionized calcium levels should be used. Therefore, for an isolated high total calcium level, we recommend obtaining a repeat fasting total and ionized calcium measurement before further investigations. Hypercalcemia may be diagnosed if there are persistent or frequent total or, preferably, ionized calcium levels >3 SD above the mean of the normal range or if there are progressively rising levels.
Impact of the Baseline Anti-A/B Antibody Titer on the Clinical Outcome in ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Chung Byung Ha , Lim Jeong Uk , Kim Yaeni , Kim Ji-Il , Moon In Sung , Choi Bum Soon , Park Cheol Whee , Kim Yong-Soo , Yang Chul Woo
Published: October 2013

Background/AIMS: We investigated the impact of the baseline anti-A/B antibody titer on the clinical outcome in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (IKT). Methods: We included 183 patients who had undergone KT (40 ABO IKT and 143 ABO-compatible KT). Eight patients with a baseline titer of ≥1:512 were assigned to the high-titer group and 32 patients with a baseline titer of ≤1:256 were assigned to the low-titer group. Patients who underwent ABO-compatible KT were used as the control group. We compared the clinical outcomes of the three groups. Results: Before transplantation, the high-titer group displayed more frequent antibody rebound, as shown in a lower titer reduction rate, and more difficulty reaching the target titer (1:16) than the low-titer group. During the postoperative period and out-clinic follow-up, antibody rebound was more frequent, and the rate of acute rejection and infection were significantly higher and allograft function was lower in the high-titer group than in the low-titer and control groups. Multivariate analysis showed that high baseline antibody titer was an independent risk factor for acute rejection. Conclusion: ABO IKT in the high-titer group (baseline titer ≥1:512) required greater caution compared to the low-titer group because of the higher tendency of antibody rebound and the risk for acute rejection.
Tangeretin Regulates Platelet Function Through Inhibition of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase and Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling
Authors: Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Ali Marfoua S. , Moraes Leonardo A. , Sage Tanya , Lewis Kirsty R. , Jones Chris I. , Gibbins Jonathan M.
Published: October 2013

Objective—

Dietary flavonoids have long been appreciated in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, but their mechanisms of action are complex in nature. In this study, the effects of tangeretin, a dietary flavonoid, were explored on platelet function, signaling, and hemostasis.

Approach and Results—

Tangeretin inhibited agonist-induced human platelet activation in a concentration-dependent manner. It inhibited agonist-induced integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out and outside-in signaling, intracellular calcium mobilization, and granule secretion. Tangeretin also inhibited human platelet adhesion and subsequent thrombus formation on collagen-coated surfaces under arterial flow conditions in vitro and reduced hemostasis in mice. Further characterization to explore the mechanism by which tangeretin inhibits platelet function revealed distinctive effects of platelet signaling. Tangeretin was found to inhibit phosphoinositide 3-kinase–mediated signaling and increase cGMP levels in platelets, although phosphodiesterase activity was unaffected. Consistent with increased cGMP levels, tangeretin increased the phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein at S239.

Conclusions—

This study provides support for the ability and mechanisms of action of dietary flavonoids to modulate platelet signaling and function, which may affect the risk of thrombotic disease.
Regulation of ABCA1 Protein Expression and Function in Hepatic and Pancreatic Islet Cells by miR-145
Authors: Kang Martin H. , Zhang Lin-Hua , Wijesekara Nadeeja , de Haan Willeke , Butland Stefanie , Bhattacharjee Alpana , Hayden Michael R.
Published: October 2013

Objective—

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) protein maintains cellular cholesterol homeostasis in several different tissues. In the liver, ABCA1 is crucial for high-density lipoprotein biogenesis, and in the pancreas ABCA1 can regulate insulin secretion. In this study, our aim was to identify novel microRNAs that regulate ABCA1 expression in these tissues.

Approach and Results—

We combined multiple microRNA prediction programs to identify 8 microRNAs that potentially regulate ABCA1. A luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that 5 of these microRNAs (miR-148, miR-27, miR-144, miR-145, and miR-33a/33b) significantly repressed ABCA1 3′-untranslated region activity with miR-145 resulting in one of the larger decreases. In hepatic HepG2 cells, miR-145 can regulate both ABCA1 protein expression levels and cholesterol efflux function. In murine islets, an increase in miR-145 expression decreased ABCA1 protein expression, increased total islet cholesterol levels, and decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Inhibiting miR-145 produced the opposite effect of increasing ABCA1 protein levels and improving glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Finally, increased glucose levels in media significantly decreased miR-145 levels in cultured pancreatic beta cells. These findings suggest that miR-145 is involved in glucose homeostasis and is regulated by glucose concentration.

Conclusions—

Our studies demonstrate that miR-145 regulates ABCA1 expression and function, and inhibiting this microRNA represents a novel strategy for increasing ABCA1 expression, promoting high-density lipoprotein biogenesis in the liver, and improving glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in islets.
Predictors of Disease Progression in Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Molina Kimberly M. , Shrader Peter , Colan Steven D. , Mital Seema , Margossian Renee , Sleeper Lynn A. , Shirali Girish , Barker Piers , Canter Charles E. , Altmann Karen , Radojewski Elizabeth , Selamet Tierney Elif Seda , Rychik Jack , Tani Lloyd Y.
Published: October 2013

Background—

Despite medical advances, children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remain at high risk of death or need for cardiac transplantation. We sought to identify predictors of disease progression in pediatric DCM.

Methods and Results—

The Pediatric Heart Network evaluated chronic DCM patients with prospective echocardiographic and clinical data collection during an 18-month follow-up. Inclusion criteria were age <22 years and DCM disease duration >2 months. Patients requiring intravenous inotropic/mechanical support or listed status 1A/1B for transplant were excluded. Disease progression was defined as an increase in transplant listing status, hospitalization for heart failure, intravenous inotropes, mechanical support, or death. Predictors of disease progression were identified using Cox proportional hazards modeling and classification and regression tree analysis. Of the 127 patients, 28 (22%) had disease progression during the 18-month follow-up. Multivariable analysis identified older age at diagnosis (hazard ratio=1.14 per year;
P
<0.001), larger left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic M-mode dimension
z
-score (hazard ratio=1.49;
P
<0.001), and lower septal peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity
z
-score (hazard ratio=0.81;
P
=0.01) as independent predictors of disease progression. Classification and regression tree analysis stratified patients at risk of disease progression with 89% sensitivity and 94% specificity based on LV end-diastolic M-mode dimension
z
-score ≥7.7, LV ejection fraction <39%, LV inflow propagation velocity (color M-mode)
z
-score <−0.28, and age at diagnosis ≥8.5 months.

Conclusions—

In children with chronic stable DCM, a combination of diagnosis after late infancy and echocardiographic parameters of larger LV size and systolic and diastolic function predicted disease progression.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00123071.
Preceding and Poststroke Infections in Young Adults With First-Ever Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Heikinheimo Terttu , Broman Jenna , Haapaniemi Elena , Kaste Markku , Tatlisumak Turgut , Putaala Jukka
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—

Poststroke infections (PSIs) worsen the outcome in acute ischemic stroke, but the effect of preceding infection (PI) is controversial. Data on young patients are scarce. We characterized PI and PSI in young adults with first-ever stroke and studied whether they are associated with 3-month and long-term outcomes, recurrent vascular events, and death.

Methods—

From our database of 1008 consecutive patients aged 15 to 49 years, we included in the present study those who had brain imaging done within the first 2 days from stroke onset. Outcomes were unfavorable at 3 months and during long-term follow-up, vascular events, and all-cause death. Logistic regression and Cox proportional models were used to determine associations between infections and clinical outcomes.

Results—

A total of 681 patients (62.3% men) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 70 (10.3%) had PI, most commonly upper respiratory tract infection, and 103 (15.1%) had PSI, most commonly pneumonia. After adjusting for sex, age, and risk factors, both PI (odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.48–5.54) and PSI (odds ratio, 2.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–4.76) were independently associated with unfavorable 3-month outcome. PSI was also associated with long-term (follow-up, 7.8±4.0 years) higher risk of all-cause death.

Conclusions—

In young patients with ischemic stroke, both PI and PSIs are associated with unfavorable short-term outcome. PSIs are also associated with higher long-term mortality.
Bearded saki socioecology: affiliative male–male interactions in large, free-ranging primate groups in Suriname
Authors: Gregory Tremaine , Norconk Marilyn A.
Published: October 2013

Bearded sakis (Chiropotes spp.) are among the least known primates in the world, particularly with regard to their social organization. However, extremely large and variable group size and growing evidence for affiliative relationships among males, make them a fascinating subject for studies of male–male tolerance and the evolution of large groups. During a 13-month study of free ranging Guianan bearded sakis (Chiropotes sagulatus) in continuous forest in Suriname, we documented variation in group size seasonally and social behaviour, particularly among males. We found that group size was smaller and more variable in the long dry season than the short wet season, perhaps in response to changes in resource availability. We found clear evidence of affiliative male–male relationships, with males being more social than females (89.2% of events involved one male versus 15.6% that involved one female) and typically socializing with other males (68.7% of events involved 2 or more males). We also found no evidence of hierarchical relationships between males (complete absence of agonistic interactions), and we documented unique male-affiliative behaviours and temporary all-male subgroups for the first time. To investigate potential explanations of male tolerance, we compared bearded saki social patterns to other multi-male group living primates (Ateline and Pan spp.). We found similarities with Brachyteles that suggest high intergroup mating competition and scramble competition for mates within groups.
Post-Agreement Negotiating within Multilateral Regimes
Authors: Zartman I. William , Spector Bertram I.
Published: October 2013

Abstract

This thematic issue of the journal revisits the thesis introduced ten years ago in the book, Getting It Done: Post-Agreement Negotiation and International Regimes, that regimes are recursive negotiations and not merely one-off settlements that turn next to ratification. Seven cases are presented in the issue and discussed in this article that develop a number of reasons why regimes are marked by post-agreement negotiations. They examine the dimensions of these different types of encounters, all negotiations to be explored by established negotiation analysis but incomplete and incomprehensible without the context of the previous agreement, which then they complement.
A 3D Canopy Radiative Transfer Model for Global Climate Modeling: Description, Validation, and Application
Authors: Yuan Hua , Dickinson Robert E. , Dai Yongjiu , Shaikh Muhammad J. , Zhou Liming , Shangguan Wei , Ji Duoying
Published: October 2013

The process of solar radiative transfer at the land surface is important to energy, water, and carbon balance, especially for vegetated areas. Currently the most commonly used two-stream model considers the plant functional types (PFTs) within a grid to be independent of each other and their leaves to be horizontally homogeneous. This assumption is unrealistic in most cases. To consider canopy three-dimensional (3D) structural effects, a new framework of 3D canopy radiative transfer model was developed and validated by numerical simulations and shows a good agreement. A comparison with the two-stream model in the offline Community Land Model (CLM4.0) shows that an increase of canopy absorption mainly happens with sparse vegetation or with multilayer canopies with a large sun zenith angle θsun and is due to increases of the ground and sky shadows and of the optical pathlength because of the shadow overlapping between bushes and canopy layers. A decrease of canopy absorption occurs in densely vegetated areas with small θsun. For a one-layer canopy, these decreases are due to crown shape effects that enhance the transmission through the canopy edge. For a multilayer canopy, aside from these shape effects, transmission is also increased by the decreased ground shadow due to the shadow overlapping between layers. Ground absorption usually changes with opposite sign as that of the canopy absorption. Somewhat lower albedos are found over most vegetated areas throughout the year. The 3D model also affects the calculation of the fraction of sunlit leaves and their corresponding absorption.
Resolved Turbulence Characteristics in Large-Eddy Simulations Nested within Mesoscale Simulations Using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model
Authors: Mirocha Jeff , Kosović Branko , Kirkil Gokhan
Published: October 2013

One-way concurrent nesting within the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) is examined for conducting large-eddy simulations (LES) nested within mesoscale simulations. Wind speed, spectra, and resolved turbulent stresses and turbulence kinetic energy from the nested LES are compared with data from nonnested simulations using periodic lateral boundary conditions. Six different subfilter-scale (SFS) stress models are evaluated using two different nesting strategies under geostrophically forced flow over both flat and hilly terrain. Neutral and weakly convective conditions are examined. For neutral flow over flat terrain, turbulence appears on the nested LES domains only when using the two dynamic SFS stress models. The addition of small hills and valleys (wavelengths of 2.4 km and maximum slopes of ± 10°) yields small improvements, with all six models producing some turbulence on nested domains. Weak convection (surface heat fluxes of 10 W m−2) further accelerates the development of turbulence on all nested domains. However, considerable differences in key parameters are observed between the nested LES domains and their nonnested counterparts. Nesting of a finer LES within a coarser LES provides superior results to using only one nested LES domain. Adding temperature and velocity perturbations near the inlet planes of nested domains shows promise as an easy-to-implement method to accelerate turbulence generation and improve its accuracy on nested domains.
Voice Flows to and around Leaders
Authors: Detert James R. , Burris Ethan R. , Harrison David A. , Martin Sean R.
Published: October 2013

In two studies, we develop and test theory about the relationship between speaking up, one type of organizational citizenship behavior, and unit performance by accounting for where employee voice is flowing. Results from a qualitative study of managers and professionals across a variety of industries suggest that voice to targets at different formal power levels (peers or superiors) and locations in the organization (inside or outside a focal unit) differs systematically in terms of its usefulness in generating actions to a unit’s benefit on the issues raised and in the likely information value of the ideas expressed. We then theorize how distinct voice flows should be differentially related to unit performance based on these core characteristics and test our hypotheses using time-lagged field data from 801 employees and their managers in 93 units across nine North American credit unions. Results demonstrate that voice flows are positively related to a unit’s effectiveness when they are targeted at the focal leader of that unit—who should be able to take action—whether from that leader’s own subordinates or those in other units, and negatively related to a unit’s effectiveness when they are targeted at coworkers who have little power to effect change. Together, these studies provide a structural framework for studying the nature and impact of multiple voice flows, some along formal reporting lines and others that reflect the informal communication structure within organizations. This research demonstrates that understanding the potential performance benefits and costs of voice for leaders and their units requires attention to the structure and complexity of multiple voice flows rather than to an undifferentiated amount of voice.
Are Referrals More Productive or More Likeable? Social Networks and the Evaluation of Merit
Authors: Shwed Uri , Kalev Alexandra
Published: October 2013

Scholars and practitioners agree that referrals provide firms with better workers. Economists and sociologists debate whether the underlying mechanism behind such relations is a better match between workers and firms or an advantage conferred by social relations. Building on insights from network theory and cognitive psychology, we offer a new approach to the debate, arguing that network relations can also create evaluative bias. We reexamine the connection between social ties and workers’ performance using unique data on the actual productivity of sales employees and their evaluations in a large global firm. Results suggest that the preexistence of ties between an incoming employee and insiders in the firm creates an evaluative advantage—an advantage that is unrelated to workers’ concrete performance. We discuss the implications of these results for a relational approach to social stratification, organizations and work, as well as social networks.
Courting the Swing Voter
Authors: Schill Dan , Kirk Rita
Published: October 2013

This essay reports the results of an analysis of undecided swing state voters during the six presidential debates of the 2008 and 2012 elections. Combining Real Time Response with a pretest-posttest design, the researchers identify the overall impact of the debates on undecided voters, both successful and unsuccessful message strategies, and changes in the overall perception of the candidates.
The Crisis of the Southern European Union and its Impact on the American Presidential Election
Authors: Carbonell Josep Maria
Published: October 2013

Since 2009, the countries that form the southern part of the European Union (EU) have been experiencing a grave economic, political, and social crisis that has had repercussions throughout the whole of the EU and has especially called into question its fragile system of governance. It has also resulted in Chancellor Angela Merkel imposing upon the rest of the EU her neoliberal political policies as the remedy to the crisis. Germany’s power at the center of the EU has created tensions between the north and the south of Europe and has revealed the precariousness and the inefficiencies of the institutions of government of the European Community. In the American presidential election, the crisis in southern Europe was brought up by the Republican candidate in order to try to show that the economic policies of President Obama would lead the United States down the same road as Greece, Italy, or Spain. At no point was there any analysis of the gravity of this crisis or of its impact on the future of the EU. For the southern countries of the EU, the economic policies of President Obama are what they hoped for. His victory was greeted with relief. A strong, stable, and integrated EU is in the interests of the United States. The alliance between the United States and the EU is more and more important in a multipolar and global world.
Partisan Media Selective Exposure During the 2012 Presidential Election
Authors: Wicks Robert H. , Wicks Jan L. , Morimoto Shauna A.
Published: October 2013

This report explores the variables related to partisan selective media exposure, a process by which people select media outlets and content consistent with their political predispositions. This study employs national survey data ( N = 876) during the month of October 2012 immediately prior to the U.S. presidential election. Political orientation (i.e., liberal, moderate, or conservative) served as the dependent variable. The analysis revealed that political orientation was related to gender, race, and religion. The civic engagement variables of participation in a church project and participation in volunteer work within one’s community were also related. Finally, the results suggest that conservatives were most prone to use conservative talk radio, Christian radio and TV, and Fox News. Liberals were more prone to use PBS and Facebook. As such, the data indicate that audience members appear to seek out partisan media and messages consistent with their political leanings. The implications of partisan selective media exposure concerning the development of political knowledge are discussed.
A Functional Analysis of 2012 Presidential Primary TV Spots
Authors: Benoit William L. , Compton Jordan L.
Published: October 2013

In 2012, only the GOP had a contested primary. As of March 2012 none of the four candidates remaining in the race (Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum) had secured enough delegates to claim the nomination, indicating that this primary season would drag on (McCain clinched the 2008 Republican nomination on March 4, 2008). This protracted primary meant that the Republicans had to devote most of their efforts to their immediate opponents, rather than concentrating on President Barack Obama. Obama did not have to worry about attacks from his own party. This study applies Benoit’s functional theory to 143 primary television spots from this campaign. This sample of ads broke with tradition by attacking as much as they acclaimed. The topic of utterance was split about evenly between policy and character.
Collateral Damage
Authors: Painter David Lynn
Published: October 2013

Unprecedented numbers of negative political advertisements aired in battleground markets during the 2012 primaries, the first presidential campaign since the 2010 Citizens United decision. Grounded in theories of involvement, this investigation parses the influence of partisanship and political expression on the affective effects of negative Super PAC ads. Based on a pretest–posttest design with two experimental conditions and 585 participants, the results indicate both enduring and situational involvement exerted significant main and interaction effects on viewers’ affect toward the general election candidates and the political parties. Driven by Independents who did not engage in political expression, these Super PAC ads evoked significant net decreases in affect toward Mitt Romney and the Republican Party and net increases toward Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. These results suggest enduring and situational involvement moderate the affective effects of negative Super PAC advertising in primary contests.
Social Watching a 2012 Republican Presidential Primary Debate
Authors: McKinney Mitchell S. , Houston J. Brian , Hawthorne Joshua
Published: October 2013

This study examines the “Twitter election of 2012,” and specifically young citizens’ “social watching” behaviors while live-tweeting a 2012 nationally televised Republican primary debate. We find several important relationships between key demographic, social, and political engagement variables and participants’ social watching activity (frequency of tweeting while watching the debate). We also find important links between tweet content (frequency of candidate mentions in tweets) and debate viewers’ candidate evaluations.
Childhood Infections, Antibiotics, and Resistance
Authors: Finkelstein Jonathan A. , Dutta-Linn Maya , Meyer Robert , Goldman Roberta
Published: October 2013

Parental misconceptions and even “demand” for unnecessary antibiotics were previously viewed as contributors to overuse of these agents. We conducted focus groups to explore the knowledge and attitudes surrounding common infections and antibiotic use in the current era of more judicious prescribing. Among diverse groups of parents, we found widespread use of home remedies and considerable concern regarding antibiotic resistance. Parents generally expressed the desire to use antibiotics only when necessary. There was appreciation of inherent error in the diagnosis of common infections, with most trust placed in providers with whom parents had long-standing relationships. While some parents had experience with “watchful waiting” for otitis media, there was little enthusiasm for this approach. While there may still be room for further education, it appears that parents have become more informed and sophisticated regarding appropriate uses of antibiotics. This has likely contributed to the declines seen in their use nationally.
Hepatitis A Screening for Internationally Adopted Children From Hepatitis A Endemic Countries
Authors: Raabe Vanessa N. , Sautter Casey , Chesney Mary , Eckerle Judith K. , Howard Cynthia R. , John Chandy C.
Published: October 2013

Screening for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is not currently routinely recommended in internationally adopted children. International adoptees seen at the University of Minnesota International Adoption Clinic from 2006 to 2010 were assessed for acute HAV infection (positive HAV immunoglobulin M). Thirty of the 656 children screened (4.6%) were acutely HAV infected. HAV-infected children emigrated from Ethiopia (16), Guatemala (4), China (2), Colombia (2), Haiti (2), Philippines (2), Liberia (1), and Nepal (1). Infection was most frequent among children younger than 2 years (6.7%). No symptoms distinguished children with acute HAV infection from uninfected children. HAV infection caused significant social disruption, including separation of children from their ill adoptive parents during the initial weeks postarrival, a period important for postadoption adjustment and attachment. All international adoptees arriving from countries with high or intermediate HAV endemicity should be screened for HAV infection on arrival to the United States.
Asymmetric Crying Facies in the 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Pasick Christina , McDonald-McGinn Donna M. , Simbolon Christine , Low David , Zackai Elaine , Jackson Oksana
Published: October 2013

Objective. Asymmetric crying facies (ACF) is congenital hypoplasia of the depressor anguli oris muscle characterized by asymmetry of lower lip depression during crying. This has an overall incidence of 0.6%. This study determines the incidence of ACF in a large population of patients with 22q11.2 deletion. Patients and Methods. A retrospective review of medical records on patients with a confirmed 22q11.2 deletion was undertaken. Results. A total of 836 records were reviewed. Of these, 117 (14%) were noted to have ACF on physical examination. Within this latter group, palatal anomalies were common (77%), as was congenital heart disease (78%); however, these numbers did not differ significantly from their known prevalence in the 22q11.2 population. Conclusions. We report a 14% incidence of ACF in patients with a 22q11.2 deletion, significantly higher than in the general population. We suggest, therefore, that newborns with ACF be referred for further screening for the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
How Listening to Student Voices Informs and Strengthens Social Justice Research and Practice
Authors: Mansfield Katherine Cumings
Published: October 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this research article is to illustrate the value of including students’ voices in educational leadership and research practices, to more fully understand what students are actually experiencing in transformative learning spaces, and to determine what we might learn from them in terms of how to improve both leadership practice and our research efforts. Method: The first 2 years of an ongoing ethnography used participant observation, photography, a student survey, and focus group interviews to discover and describe the emergent school culture and the lived experiences of female secondary students in a single-sex public magnet school. Findings: Findings illumine why the young women in this study chose to attend an all-female STEM academy and what makes their schooling experiences at this particular school different from their prior experiences. Students’ voices also bring to the fore unintended negative consequences associated with attending a school devoted to social justice praxis and point to the ways leadership practices must evolve to provide an even more powerful, transformative learning space that better meet students’ needs. Implications: Findings have implications for leadership preparation programs as well as continuing professional development. That is, true transformative and social justice leadership is not static or linear. Rather, it is a fluid process that is dialectical and requires adaptation based on new knowledge and interaction with people and with systems. Moreover, findings implicate the need for educational leadership researchers concerned with social justice to include listening to students’ voices in their research endeavors to more adequately capture the lived experiences of students as well as promote more inclusive research and practice.
Novice School Principals’ Sense of Ultimate Responsibility
Authors: Spillane James P. , Lee Linda C.
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To investigate the problems of practice experienced by novice school principals as they transition into their new occupation, focusing in particular on the first 3 months on the job—a critical transition period according to the literature. Research Methods/Approach: This theory-building, mixed-methods, longitudinal study examines a random sample of novice principals from one cohort of new Chicago Public School principals. Using interviews at two time points, we systematically examine the “reality shocks” novices encounter as they experience their new occupation firsthand. Findings: A major “reality shock” for novice principals as they transitioned into their new occupation was a sense of ultimate responsibility. This sense of ultimate responsibility contributed to three core problems of practice—task volume, diversity, and unpredictability. While almost all novices experienced the responsibility shock as well as one or more of the practice problems, the conditions of novices’ transitions to the principalship either eased or exacerbated the level of practice problems they encountered. Implications for Research and Practice: Our account shows how the volume, diversity, and unpredictability of tasks emerge early and intensify over new principals’ first 3 months on the job, largely due to new principals’ sense of ultimate responsibility. In our conclusion, we discuss the implications of our work for research and practice by considering ways that problems of practice can be eased for novices as they transition into their new position.
The Effect of Differential Item Functioning in Anchor Items on Population Invariance of Equating
Authors: Huggins Anne Corinne
Published: October 2013

Invariant relationships in the internal mechanisms of estimating achievement scores on educational tests serve as the basis for concluding that a particular test is fair with respect to statistical bias concerns. Equating invariance and differential item functioning are both concerned with invariant relationships yet are treated separately in the psychometric literature. Connecting these two facets of statistical invariance is critical for developing a holistic definition of fairness in educational measurement, for fostering a deeper understanding of the nature and causes of equating invariance and a lack thereof, and for providing practitioners with guidelines for addressing reported score-level equity concerns. This study hypothesizes that differential item functioning manifested in anchor items of an assessment will have an effect on equating dependence. Findings show that when anchor item differential item functioning varies across forms in a differential manner across subpopulations, population invariance of equating can be compromised.