bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Hemodynamic Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure, a Narrow QRS Duration, and No Dyssynchrony
Authors: Williams Lynne K. , Ellery Susan , Patel Kiran , Leyva Francisco , Bleasdale Robert A. , Phan Thanh T. , Stegemann Berthold , Paul Vince , Steendijk Paul , Frenneaux Michael
Published: October 2009

Background—

Cardiac resynchronization therapy produces both short-term hemodynamic and long-term symptomatic/mortality benefits in symptomatic heart failure patients with a QRS duration >120 ms. This is conventionally believed to be due principally to relief of dyssynchrony, although we recently showed that relief of external constraint to left ventricular filling may also play a role. In this study, we evaluated the short-term hemodynamic effects in symptomatic patients with a QRS duration <120 ms and no evidence of dyssynchrony on conventional criteria and assessed the effects on contractility and external constraint.

Methods and Results—

Thirty heart failure patients (New York Heart Association class III/IV) with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% who were in sinus rhythm underwent pressure-volume studies at the time of pacemaker implantation. External constraint, left ventricular stroke work, dP/dtmax, and the slope of the preload recruitable stroke work relation were measured from the end-diastolic pressure-volume relation before and during delivery of biventricular and left ventricular pacing. The following changes were observed during delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy: Cardiac output increased by 25±5% (
P
<0.05), absolute left ventricular stroke work increased by 26±5% (
P
<0.05), the slope of the preload recruitable stroke work relation increased by 51±15% (
P
<0.05), and dP/dtmax increased by 9±2% (
P
<0.05). External constraint was present in 15 patients and was completely abolished by both biventricular and left ventricular pacing (
P
<0.05).

Conclusion—

Cardiac resynchronization therapy results in an improvement in short-term hemodynamic variables in patients with a QRS <120 ms related to both contractile improvement and relief of external constraint. These findings provide a potential physiological basis for cardiac resynchronization therapy in this patient population.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Solution, Somah, for the Procurement and Preservation of Beating and Nonbeating Donor Hearts for Transplantation
Authors: Thatte Hemant S. , Rousou Laki , Hussaini Bader E. , Lu Xiu-Gui , Treanor Patrick R. , Khuri Shukri F.
Published: October 2009

Background—Injury to myocytes, endocardium, and the coronary endothelium during harvesting and storage can compromise outcomes after heart transplantation. Safeguarding of structure and function of cardiomyocytes and endothelium in donor hearts may lead to improved patient survival after transplantation. Information gained from porcine hearts stored in standard transplant solution was used to design a superior preservation solution that would optimally protect and maintain organs from beating heart and/or nonbeating heart donors during long-term storage.

Methods and Results—Multiphoton microscopy was used to image deep within cardiac biopsies and coronary artery tissue harvested from porcine hearts obtained from beating heart and nonbeating heart donors for analysis of myocyte and endothelial cell structure and function. Cell structural integrity and viability, calcium mobilization, and nitric oxide generation were determined with fluorescence viability markers, immunofluorescence, and Western blots. During hypothermic storage in standard preservation solution, Celsior, myocyte, and endothelial viability was markedly attenuated in hearts obtained from beating heart donors. In contrast, hearts from beating and nonbeating heart donors stored in the newly formulated Somah solution demonstrated an increase in high-energy phosphate levels, protection of cardiac myocyte viability, mitochondrial membrane polarization, and structural proteins. Similarly, coronary artery endothelial organization and function, calcium mobilization, and nitric oxide generation were well maintained during temporal storage in Somah.

Conclusions—The Celsior preservation solution in clinical use today has led to a profound decline in cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell viability, whereas the newly designed Somah solution has safeguarded myocyte and endothelial integrity and function during organ storage. Use of Somah as a storage medium may lead to optimized graft function and long-term patient survival after transplantation.
Early On–Cardiopulmonary Bypass Hypotension and Other Factors Associated With Vasoplegic Syndrome
Authors: Levin Matthew A. , Lin Hung-Mo , Castillo Javier G. , Adams David H. , Reich David L. , Fischer Gregory W.
Published: October 2009

Background—

Vasoplegic syndrome is a form of vasodilatory shock that can occur after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We hypothesized that the severity and duration of the decline in mean arterial pressure immediately after CPB is begun can be used as a predictor of patients will develop vasoplegia in the immediate post-CPB period and of poor clinical outcome. We quantified the decline in mean arterial pressure by calculating an area above the mean arterial blood pressure curve.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively analyzed 2823 adult cardiac surgery cases performed between July 2002 and December 2006. Of these 2823, 577 (20.4%) were vasoplegic after separation from CPB. We found that 1645 patients (58.3%) had a clinically significant decline in mean arterial pressure after starting CPB (area above the mean arterial blood pressure curve >0) and were significantly more likely to become vasoplegic (23.0% versus 16.9%; odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.43;
P
<0.001). These patients were also far more likely either to die in hospital or to have a length of stay >10 days (odds ratio, 3.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 7.57;
P
=0.005). Additional risk factors for developing vasoplegia that were identified included the additive euroSCORE, procedure type, prebypass mean arterial pressure, length of bypass, administration of pre-CPB vasopressors, core temperature on CPB, pre- and post-CPB hematocrit, the preoperative use of β-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and the intraoperative use of aprotinin.

Conclusions—

The results of this investigation suggest that it is possible to predict vasoplegia intraoperatively before separation from CPB and that the presence of a clinically significant area above the mean arterial blood pressure curve serves as a predictor of poor clinical outcome.
Suppression of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Prevents Cardiac Aging in Mice
Authors: Inuzuka Yasutaka , Okuda Junji , Kawashima Tsuneaki , Kato Takao , Niizuma Shinichiro , Tamaki Yodo , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Yoshida Yuki , Kosugi Rie , Watanabe-Maeda Kayo , Machida Yoji , Tsuji Shingo , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Izumi Tohru , Kita Toru , Shioi Tetsuo
Published: October 2009

Background—

Heart failure is a typical age-associated disease. Although age-related changes of heart are likely to predispose aged people to heart failure, little is known about the molecular mechanism of cardiac aging.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed age-associated changes in murine heart and the manner in which suppression of the p110α isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity modified cardiac aging. Cardiac function declined in old mice associated with the expression of senescence markers. Accumulation of ubiquitinated protein and lipofuscin, as well as comprehensive gene expression profiling, indicated that dysregulation of protein quality control was a characteristic of cardiac aging. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase preserved cardiac function and attenuated expression of the senescence markers associated with enhanced autophagy. Suppression of target of rapamycin, a downstream effector of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, also prevented lipofuscin accumulation in the heart.

Conclusions—

Suppression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase prevented many age-associated changes in the heart and preserved cardiac function of aged mice.
Mice Overexpressing Both Human Angiotensinogen and Human Renin as a Model of Superimposed Preeclampsia on Chronic Hypertension
Authors: Falcao Stéphanie , Stoyanova Ekatherina , Cloutier Guy , Maurice Roch L. , Gutkowska Jolanta , Lavoie Julie L.
Published: October 2009

Preeclampsia is the major cause of maternal and fetal mortality/morbidity. Because hypertension is an important risk factor for preeclampsia, we investigated whether hypertensive mice that overexpress human renin and angiotensinogen develop superimposed preeclampsia. Given that the mechanisms underlying this disease are still poorly understood, animal models are of great use for elucidatation. Blood pressure and proteinuria were measured by telemetry and ELISA, respectively. Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography, whereas pathological cardiac hypertrophy–related genes were assessed by real-time PCR. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 plasma concentrations were quantitated by ELISA and placental expression by real-time PCR. Transgenic mice develop de novo proteinuria during gestation and marked blood pressure elevation, which are hallmarks of superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension. Abnormal placentation present in these mothers produced a significant decrease in pup and placental weight and was associated with an increased placental expression of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1. We also found heightened circulating levels of this receptor, when adjusted for placental mass, as has been observed in women who suffer from preeclampsia. Cardiac hypertrophy could be observed in the transgenic mice and was exacerbated by gestation. As a result, heart function was significantly decreased, and markers of pathological hypertrophy were increased. Our data, thus, confirm the characterization of a new model of superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension. Because chronically hypertensive women are at risk of developing the pathology, our model reflects a clinical reality and is, thus, an excellent tool to elucidate the molecular mechanisms triggering this disease.
Glutathione
S
-Transferase-μ1 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yang Yanqiang , Parsons Kelly K. , Chi Liqun , Malakauskas Sandra M. , Le Thu H.
Published: October 2009

Glutathione
S
-transferase-μ1, GSTM1, belongs to a superfamily of glutathione
S
-transferases that metabolizes a broad range of reactive oxygen species and xenobiotics. Across species, genetic variants that result in decreased expression of the
Gstm1
gene are associated with increased susceptibility for vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis in humans. We previously identified
Gstm1
as a positional candidate in our gene mapping study for susceptibility to renal vascular injury characterized by medial hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the renal vessels. To determine the role of
Gstm1
in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), we isolated VSMCs from mouse aortas. We demonstrate that VSMCs from the susceptible C57BL/6 mice have reduced expression of
Gstm1
mRNA and its protein product compared with that of the resistant 129 mice. After serum stimulation, C57BL/6 VSMCs proliferate and migrate at a much faster rate than 129 VSMCs. Furthermore, C57BL/6 VSMCs have higher levels of reactive oxygen species and exhibit exaggerated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation after exposure to H
2
O
2
. To establish causality, we show that knockdown of Gstm1 by small interfering RNA results in increased proliferation of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, as well as in increased reactive oxygen species levels and VSMC migration. Moreover, Gstm1 small interfering RNA causes increased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and attenuates the antiproliferative effect of Tempol. Our data suggest that
Gstm1
is a novel regulator of VSMC proliferation and migration through its role in handling reactive oxygen species. Genetic variants that cause a decremental change in expression of
Gstm1
may permit an environment of exaggerated oxidative stress, leading to susceptibility to vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis.
Moist Dynamical Linkage between the Equatorial Indian Ocean and the South Asian Monsoon Trough*
Authors: Annamalai H.
Published: October 2009

During boreal summer, both the monsoon trough and the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) receive intense climatological precipitation. At various time scales, EIO sea surface temperature (SST) and/or precipitation variations interact with rainfall along the trough. For instance, during July–August in strong Indian Ocean dipole/zonal mode (IODZM) years, EIO experiences below-normal rainfall while regions along the monsoon trough receive above-normal rainfall. A lack of spatial coherency between SST and precipitation variations is noted in both regions. This paper posits the hypothesis that interaction between equatorial waves and moist physics is important in determining precipitation anomalies over these regions and in setting up the teleconnection. The hypothesis is tested using a linear baroclinic model (LBM). IODZM-related SST anomalies derived from multicentury integrations of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory coupled model (GFDL CM2.1) are used to force the LBM. Consistent with observations and CM2.1 composites of strong IODZM events, steady-state LBM solutions simulate zonally oriented negative (positive) precipitation anomalies over the EIO (along the monsoon trough). To identify the processes simulated in the LBM, moisture and moist static energy budgets are examined. Over both regions, analyses reveal that moisture advection contributes the most to the LBM budget, with advection of climatological moisture by the anomalous wind being the principal factor. Specifically, in response to cold SST anomalies in the EIO, moist stability due to surface fluxes increases, giving rise to below-normal rainfall. These conditions produce anomalous anticyclonic circulation as a Rossby wave response in the lower troposphere. Over the central-eastern EIO, this anomalous circulation advects climatological air of lower moisture content from the subtropics. In addition, advection of anomalous moisture by both climatological and anomalous wind results in anomalous dry conditions over the entire EIO. In contrast, anomalous divergent circulations that emanate from the EIO advect climatological air of higher moisture content from the equatorial region, amplifying rainfall along the monsoon trough. Consequently, the two regions are connected by a thermally driven overturning meridional circulation. Budget diagnostics performed with CM2.1 composites and the ECMWF interim reanalysis for observed IODZM events support the hypothesis. The results here imply that in coupled models, realistic representation of the basic state and details of the moist processes are necessary for successful monsoon prediction.
Simulating the IHOP_2002 Fair-Weather CBL with the WRF-ARW–Noah Modeling System. Part I: Surface Fluxes and CBL Structure and Evolution along the Eastern Track
Authors: LeMone Margaret A. , Chen Fei , Tewari Mukul , Dudhia Jimy , Geerts Bart , Miao Qun , Coulter Richard L. , Grossman Robert L.
Published: October 2009

Fair-weather data from the May–June 2002 International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) 46-km eastern flight track in southeast Kansas are compared to simulations using the advanced research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled to the Noah land surface model (LSM), to gain insight into how the surface influences convective boundary layer (CBL) fluxes and structure, and to evaluate the success of the modeling system in representing CBL structure and evolution. This offers a unique look at the capability of the model on scales the length of the flight track (46 km) and smaller under relatively uncomplicated meteorological conditions.

It is found that the modeled sensible heat flux H is significantly larger than observed, while the latent heat flux (LE) is much closer to observations. The slope of the best-fit line ΔLE/ΔH to a plot of LE as a function of H, an indicator of horizontal variation in available energy H + LE, for the data along the flight track, was shallower than observed. In a previous study of the IHOP_2002 western track, similar results were explained by too small a value of the parameter C in the Zilitinkevich equation used in the Noah LSM to compute the roughness length for heat and moisture flux from the roughness length for momentum, which is supplied in an input table; evidence is presented that this is true for the eastern track as well. The horizontal variability in modeled fluxes follows the soil moisture pattern rather than vegetation type, as is observed; because the input land use map does not capture the observed variation in vegetation. The observed westward rise in CBL depth is successfully modeled for 3 of the 4 days, but the actual depths are too high, largely because modeled H is too high. The model reproduces the timing of observed cumulus cloudiness for 3 of the 4 days.

Modeled clouds lead to departures from the typical clear-sky straight line relating surface H to LE for a given model time, making them easy to detect. With spatial filtering, a straight slope line can be recovered. Similarly, larger filter lengths are needed to produce a stable slope for observed fluxes when there are clouds than for clear skies.
Simulating the IHOP_2002 Fair-Weather CBL with the WRF-ARW–Noah Modeling System. Part II: Structures from a Few Kilometers to 100 km across
Authors: LeMone Margaret A. , Chen Fei , Tewari Mukul , Dudhia Jimy , Geerts Bart , Miao Qun , Coulter Richard L. , Grossman Robert L.
Published: October 2009

Fair-weather data along the May–June 2002 International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) eastern track and the nearby Argonne Boundary Layer Experiments (ABLE) facility in southeast Kansas are compared to numerical simulations to gain insight into how the surface influences convective boundary layer (CBL) structure, and to evaluate the success of the modeling system in replicating the observed behavior. Simulations are conducted for 4 days, using the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled to the Noah land surface model (LSM), initialized using the High-Resolution Land Data Assimilation System (HRLDAS). Because the observations focus on phenomena less than 60 km in scale, the model is run with 1-km grid spacing, offering a critical look at high-resolution model behavior in an environment uncomplicated by precipitation.

The model replicates the type of CBL structure on scales from a few kilometers to ∼100 km, but some features at the kilometer scales depend on the grid spacing. Mesoscale (tens of kilometers) circulations were clearly evident on 2 of the 4 days (30 May and 20 June), clearly not evident on 1 day (22 June), with the situation for the fourth day (17 June) ambiguous. Both observed and modeled surface-heterogeneity-generated mesoscale circulations are evident for 30 May. On the other hand, 20 June satellite images show north-northwest–south-southeast cloud streets (rolls) modulated longitudinally, presumably by tropospheric gravity waves oriented normal to the roll axis, creating northeast–southwest ridges and valleys spaced 50–100 km apart. Modeled cloud streets showed similar longitudinal modulation, with the associated two-dimensional structure having maximum amplitude above the CBL and no relationship to the CBL temperature distribution; although there were patches of mesoscale vertical velocity correlated with CBL temperature. On 22 June, convective rolls were the dominant structure in both model and observations.

For the 3 days for which satellite images show cloud streets, WRF produces rolls with the right orientation and wavelength, which grows with CBL depth. Modeled roll structures appeared for the range of CBL depth to Obukhov length ratios (−zi/L) associated with rolls. However, sensitivity tests show that the roll wavelength is also related to the grid spacing, and the modeled convection becomes more cellular with smaller grid spacing.
Patterns of Precipitation and Mesolow Evolution in Midlatitude Mesoscale Convective Vortices
Authors: James Eric P. , Johnson Richard H.
Published: October 2009

Surface pressure manifestations of mesoscale convective vortices (MCVs) that traversed Oklahoma during the periods May–August 2002–05 are studied using the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), the Oklahoma Mesonet, and the NOAA Profiler Network data. Forty-five MCVs that developed from mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) have been investigated, 28 (62%) of which exhibit mesolows detectable at the surface. Within this group, three distinct patterns of precipitation organization and associated mesolow evolution have been identified. The remaining 17 (38%) of the cases do not contain a surface mesolow. Two repeating patterns of precipitation organization are identified for the latter group.

The three categories of MCVs possessing a surface mesolow are as follows. Nineteen are classified as “rear-inflow-jet MCVs,” and tend to form within large and intense asymmetric MCSs. Rear inflow into the MCS, enhanced by the development of an MCV on the left-hand side relative to system motion, produces a rear-inflow notch and a distinct surface wake low at the back edge of the stratiform region. Hence, the surface mesolow and MCV are displaced from one another. Eight are classified as “collapsing-stratiform-region MCVs.” These MCVs arise from small asymmetric MCSs. As the stratiform region of the MCS weakens, a large mesolow appears beneath its dissipating remnants due to broad subsidence warming, and at the same time the midlevel vortex spins up due to column stretching. One case, called a “vertically coherent MCV,” contains a well-defined surface mesolow and associated cyclonic circulation, apparently due to the strength of the midlevel warm core and the weakness of the low-level cold pool. In these latter two cases, the surface mesolow and MCV are approximately collocated.

Within the group of MCVs without a surface mesolow, 14 are classified as “remnant-circulation MCVs” containing no significant precipitation or surface pressure effects. Finally, three are classified as “cold-pool-dominated MCVs;” these cases contain significant precipitation but no discernible surface mesolow.

This study represents the first systematic analysis of the surface mesolows associated with MCVs. The pattern of surface pressure and winds accompanying MCVs can affect subsequent convective development in such systems. Extension of the findings herein to tropical oceans may have implications regarding tropical cyclogenesis.
Nongovernmental Organizations in Business and Society, Management, and International Business Research
Authors: Kourula Arno , Laasonen Salla
Published: October 2009

This review shows how the relationship between nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses has been examined in business and society, management, and international business (IB) literatures. Altogether 88 relevant studies have been identified through the analysis of article abstracts from 11 leading journals in these fields. The articles have been classified into three categories according to their focus: NGO—business interface, NGO—business— government interface, and NGOs as one of many corporate stakeholders. Six main themes are identified: (a) Activism and NGO influence, (b) dyadic partnership (NGO—business), (c) cross-sector partnership (NGO—business— government), (d) global governance and standardization, (e) national-level governance, and (f) stakeholder management. The state of the research topic is assessed, and implications and avenues for further research are provided.
Farmers’ Suicide in India: Implications for Public Mental Health
Authors: Das Anindya
Published: October 2009

Farmers’ suicide in India is a cause of concern and government figures, though conservative, predict an impending epidemic. Various measures to curb this calamity are being made in a piecemeal manner. Considering it as an issue of social and mental health concern, this article attempts to evaluate the situation based on the tenet that health and illness are the result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, social, environmental, economic and political factors. Thus in India the agrarian crisis, among other causes, has been largely debated as the major reason for the current state of farmers. It is important that (psychiatric) epidemiology and public mental health try to evolve mechanisms to understand and implement measures, and take this into consideration when attempting health promotion and prevention.
Improving Compressive Strength and Oxidation Resistance of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy by Addition of Nano-Al2O3 Particulates and Ca
Authors: Quy Bau Nguyen  , Gupta Manoj
Published: October 2009

In the present study, new light weight nanocomposites (AZ311.5Al2 O3-Ca) based on magnesium alloy AZ31B are developed using disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies revealed equiaxed grain structure, minimal porosity, and good matrix-reinforcement interfacial integrity. The results also showed that addition of both nano-Al 2O3 and Ca led to a simultaneous improvement in 0.2% yield compressive strength (0.2% YCS), ultimate compressive strength (UCS), and work of fracture (WoF) of the AZ31B magnesium alloy while failure strain was slightly compromised. Moreover, excellent oxidation resistance of this composite was realized when compared to AZ31B up to 500°C. The results suggest that this composite formulation can be used in diverse engineering applications requiring light weight structural materials.
Goal Consensus and Collaboration in Psychotherapy: An Existential Rationale
Authors: Mackrill Thomas
Published: October 2009

Goal consensus and collaboration has proved to be significant for treatment outcome. Why this is the case has not been studied. The terms suggest a technical rationale; that increased attention to consensus and collaboration will lead to a more efficient use of therapeutic resources on the part of both client and therapist. However, an existential rationale is also a possibility. This study explores such a rationale. When therapists focus on goal consensus and collaboration in sessions, they implicitly draw attention to the clients’ directedness toward the future; sense of self-worth; isolation, relatedness, and freedom; agency; and the changing nature of the client and the world.
Towards a Digital (Societal) Infrastructure?
Authors: Öhman Jan
Published: October 2009

In what ways might informational techniques and information technology alter the infrastructure of society? The approach employed in this paper involves a number of fundamental, almost historically determined, conditions for the emergence of an increasingly societal infrastructure. This discussion is then related to analyses of the significance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in terms of ubiquities, agglomerations and clusters. Are there grounds for assuming that these trends are having an impact on the systems of towns and cities of differing sizes and at varying distances? In conclusion, the discussion turns to the issue of whether developments in informational techniques over the past 20 years are leading towards what has been referred to as a digital division of labour and, by extension, also towards a ‘digital (societal) infrastructure’.
Markets, Large Projects and Sustainable Development: Traditional and New Planning in the Thames Gateway
Authors: Greenwood Dan , Newman Peter
Published: October 2009

The transition from traditional hierarchical government to new forms of governance and planning can be overstated. The regionalisation of planning and new ambitions for spatial planning in the UK are commonly understood to have created an overcomplex system concerned with co-ordination and integration across jurisdictional spheres. However, this new governance of planning sits alongside traditional planning processes such as the public inquiry and ministerial decision. This case study of a large port development near London suggests that the emphasis upon the move to new, collaborative practices understimates the influence of traditional governmental structures. This provides cause for questioning the capacity of the current planning system to address the challenge of sustainable development, a central concern for the new planning.
Economic Transition, Dynamic Externalities and City-industry Growth in China
Authors: He Canfei , Pan Fenghua
Published: October 2009

Using data on two-digit manufacturing industries for prefecture-level cities during the period of 2000—05, this study found a significant non-linear relationship between dynamic externalities and city-industry growth. Industrial specialisation and local competition may help city-industry growth, but may harm growth when they exceed a certain level. Diversity helps industry growth, but only when it reaches a certain level. Liberalised, globalised and locally protected industries are more likely to benefit from dynamic externalities. Industries located in cities with greater authorities are also found to grow faster. The empirical findings indicate that economic transition has created conditions to allow a larger role of dynamic externalities in stimulating city-industry growth.
Shyness Predicts Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents
Authors: Murberg Terje A.
Published: October 2009

This study examines the relation between shyness, social support and depressive symptoms in a sample of 259 students (aged 14—16 years) in two secondary schools. Results at both time-points showed positive associations of depressive symptoms with shyness and with being female and negative associations of depressive symptoms with social support and extraversion. Cross time-point results showed that shyness at T1 predicted change in depressive symptoms at T2, even when the effects of gender and extraversion were partialled out. In addition, a significant interaction effect appeared of shyness and peer support in relation to depressive symptoms.
Intensity of ADHD Symptoms and Subjective Feelings of Competence in School Age Children
Authors: Hanć Tomasz , Brzezińska Anna Isabela
Published: October 2009

The aim of this investigation was to assess how different levels of intensity of ADHD symptoms influence the development of the subjective feeling of competence in school age children. The sample was comprised of 62 children age 11 to13. For the purpose of estimation of the subjective feeling of competence, The Feeling of Competence Questionnaire was created. Level of ADHD symptoms intensity was estimated with the use of The Symptoms of ADHD Questionnaire, created on the basis of diagnostic criteria for ADHD included in DSM-IV and ICD-10. Cluster analysis distinguished two groups of children: a group with a lower level of ADHD symptoms intensity (Group 1) and a group with a higher level of ADHD symptoms intensity (Group 2). Group 2 revealed a significantly lower level of global feelings of competence and lower scores on the subscales: adaptive properties, knowledge and skills, acknowledgement, emotional factor and belief in success. There was no significant difference in the level of the feeling of co-operation skills and social adjustment. The results suggest that children with symptoms of ADHD are likely to have a low level of feelings of competence, which may well be a risk factor leading to later social disorders.
Views of Chinese Psychologists Toward Intelligence
Authors: Yan Gonggu , Saklofske Donald H. , Oakland Thomas
Published: October 2009

The concepts of intelligence and methods to assess it constitute important contributions to psychology and have had a profound impact on school psychology practice. While the perspectives and practices of North American and European psychologists toward the construct and assessment of intelligence generally are well known, the views held by psychologists in the People’s Republic of China are less well known. This research describes the views of Chinese psychologists about intelligence and compares them with previously expressed summaries obtained from American psychologists in 1921 and 1986. The results indicate that Chinese psychologists view intelligence as an important construct that includes a large and robust set of attributes, including some that are not commonly identified by psychologists in the United States.
Hydrology: catchment vegetation and runoff
Authors: Peel Murray C.
Published: October 2009

The interactions between catchment vegetation and runoff continue to be a staple area of hydrological research. Drawing mainly upon material published since 2002, this report briefly reviews progress in this area with specific reference to: (1) paired and single catchment studies; (2) top-down models; and (3) the likely impact of climate change. Results from a wider range of paired and single catchments studies are revealing the complex relationship between catchment vegetation and runoff and prompting a reassessment of the methodologies used to generalize this relationship. Vegetation appears to have a significant influence on runoff at small scales, which reduces to a second-order influence, relative to aridity, at larger scales. Top-down models of catchment behaviour generally reflect this second-order influence at the large scale. As vegetation responds to CO2 enrichment under climate change, the magnitude and direction of associated changes in runoff remains uncertain. A key element in quantifying the hydrological impact of climate change is the relationship between catchment vegetation and runoff, which continues to be a productive area of research within hydrology.
Effect of resveratrol on tubular damage and interstitial fibrosis in kidneys of rats exposed to cigarette smoke
Authors: Kuruş Meltem , Ugras Murat , Esrefoglu Mukaddes
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on kidney tissue of rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Forty adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. Animals in group 1 was the control group. For 6 weeks, group 2 was exposed to cigarette smoke; group 3 received daily intraperitoneal injections of resveratrol (10 mg/kg/d); and group 4 was exposed to both cigarette smoke and intraperitoneal resveratrol. All rats were sacrificed with cervical dislocation. The kidney tissues were obtained, fixed in Bouin’s fixative and embeded in paraffin blocks. Samples were sectioned to 4-5 microns thickness, stained with hematoxylin/eosin (H/E), Masson’s trichromic, periodic acid-schiff (PAS) and were examined by light microscopy for tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis. Results were compared by non-parametric tests. Hydropic degeneration, tubular atrophy, tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, interstitial cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration and desquamation were prominent in group 2. In group 4, hydropic degeneration, epithelial cell vacuolization and desquamation was not observed, but occasional tubular atrophy and dilation were observed. Our study suggests that, some morphological alterations in the rat kidney, due to cigarette smoke may be prevented by resveratrol.
Effect of toluene on erythrocyte membrane stability under in vivo and in vitro conditions with assessment of oxidant/antioxidant status
Authors: Karabulut Ismail , Balkanci Z. Dicle , Pehlivanoglu Bilge , Erdem Aysen , Fadillioglu Ersin
Published: October 2009

Toluene, an organic solvent used widely in the industry, is highly lipophilic and accumulates in the cell membrane impeding transport through it. Its metabolites cause oxygen radical formation that react with unsaturated fatty acids and proteins in erythrocytes leading to lipid peroxidation and protein breakdown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the membrane stabilizing and the oxidative stress—inducing effects of toluene in human erythrocytes. Measurements of osmotic fragility, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities were performed simultaneously both in individuals exposed to toluene professionally (in vivo) and human erythrocytes treated with toluene (in vitro). To measure osmotic fragility, erythrocytes were placed in NaCl solutions at various concentrations (0.1% [blank], 0.38%, 0.40%, 0.42%, 0.44%, 0.46%, 0.48% and 1% [stock]). Percentage of haemolysis in each solution was calculated with respect to the 100% haemolysis in the blank solution. The erythrocyte packs prepared at the day of the above-mentioned measurements were kept at —80°C until the time for determination of malonyldialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels, and catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase activities as indicators of oxidative stress. Toluene increased oxidative stress parameters significantly both in vivo and in vitro; it also caused a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Osmotic fragility was altered only in the case of in vitro exposure. In conclusion, toluene exposure resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and protein damage both in vivo and in vitro. Although, it is natural to expect increased osmotic fragility due to oxidative properties of toluene, its membrane-stabilizing effect overcame the oxidative properties leading to decreased osmotic fragility or preventing its deterioration in vitro and in vivo toluene exposures, respectively, in the present study.
General Disregard for Details of GRI Human Rights Reporting by Large Corporations
Authors: Morhardt J. Emil
Published: October 2009

This article examines the web-based social responsibility reporting of the 100 largest companies in six broad industrial sectors to determine the extent to which the reporting follows the specific guidance of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 Human Rights Performance Indicators (HR1–HR9). Ninety-seven of these companies have some sort of social information on their websites, and 95 of them have formal corporate responsibility reports. Seventy-one of these companies indicate that their reports were based on the G3 guidelines, and 66 of these provide a detailed index to them. The nine G3 HR guidelines can be subdivided into 17 specific items; six of them can be interpreted as requiring only that actions or measures taken be described, and these are widely followed, primarily in the form of policy statements. The remaining items, reported much less frequently, are quantitative, requiring total numbers or percentages of specific actions or incidents, or identification of operations in which such incidents are at significant risk. Thus, although the G3 guidelines for human rights reporting contemplate quantitative statements of performance, most of the reports examined for this article do not provide any, nor, for the most part, indicate why not. I argue that the reporting likely would be more informative if the guidelines were rewritten to request the nature of the processes and procedures the company is implementing for achieving the desired human rights outcomes, and the degree to which they are in place.
Efficiency and Futures Trading-Price Nexus in Indian Commodity Futures Markets
Authors: Sahoo Pravakar , Kumar Rajiv
Published: October 2009

Trading in commodity derivatives on exchange platforms is an instrument to achieve price discovery, better price risk management, besides helping macroeconomy with better resource allocation. Though the volume of commodity futures trade increased exponentially after the withdrawal of prohibition in 2003, the functioning of futures markets came under scrutiny during 2006–07 due to price rise and the government has proposed to impose transaction tax by 0.017 per cent on trading volume in the 2008–09 budget. In this context, we examine the efficiency and futures trading-price nexus for five top selected commodities namely gold, copper, petroleum crude, soya oil, and chana (chickpea) in commodity futures markets in India. Our results suggest that the commodity futures market is efficient for all five commodities. Further, we do not have sufficient evidence to support that futures market leads to higher inflation.
Factors Influencing Bank Profitability in a Developing Economy
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan
Published: October 2009

The present article examines the determinants of bank profitability in a developing economy. Specifically working within the Malaysian financial sector, the analysis is confined to the universe of the domestic and foreign commercial banks operating in the Malaysian financial sector during the period 2000–04. The empirical findings suggest that Malaysian banks with a higher credit risk and a higher loan concentration exhibit lower profitability level. On the other hand, banks that have a higher level of capitalization, a higher proportion of income from non-interest sources, and high operational expenses tend to exhibit higher profitability level. The results suggest that economic growth has a negative effect on Malaysian banks’ profitability, while a higher inflation rate has a positive impact on Malaysian banks’ profitability.
Dimensions of Non-performing Assets in Urban Cooperative Banks in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Ramu N.
Published: October 2009

The Urban Cooperative Banking (UCB) system has come a long way since 1904 when the first UCB was started at Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu. UCBs remain not-for-profit, owned and controlled by the members who use their services. They are unit banks of the American model rather than branch banks of the British model. With the tightening of prudential norms, the banking sector has been consistently conforming to and adopting international prudential norms and accounting practices. Such strengthening of prudential norms have resulted in increased levels of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) for the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector. As per CAMELS rating model, the highest weight is given to asset quality components. Today, UCBs are compelled to maintain superior asset quality in the competitive market for their survival. In the wake of large scale defaults of UCBs in India, this study is an attempt to analyze the asset quality in select UCBs in Tamil Nadu. This paper also traces the Non-Performing Assets of financial cooperatives in other countries. A comparison of UCBs with financial cooperatives abroad is also done.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Swedish Adaptation of the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals—Revised (IAPCC-R)
Authors: Olt Helen , Jirwe Maria , Gustavsson Petter , Emami Azita
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to describe the translation, adaption, and psychometric evaluation process in relation to validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the instrument, Inventory for Assessing The Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals—Revised (IAPCC-R) following the translation, adaptation, and psychometric evaluation process. Validity tests were conducted on the response processes ( N = 15), the content ( N = 7), and the internal structure of the instrument ( N = 334). Reliability (α = .65 for the total scale varying between -.01 and .65 for the different subscales) was evaluated in terms of internal consistency. Results indicated weak validity and reliability though it is difficult to conclude whether this is related to adaptation issues or the original construction.The testing of the response process identified problems in relation to respondents’ conceptualization of cultural competence. The test of the content identified a weak correspondence between the items and the underlying model. In addition, a confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the proposed structure of the instrument. This study concludes that this instrument is not valid and reliable for use with a Swedish population of practicing nurses or nursing students.
The Mature Entrepreneur: A Narrative Approach to Entrepreneurial Goals
Authors: Clarke Jean , Holt Robin
Published: October 2009

The majority of existing research on entrepreneurial goals is individualistically oriented and tends to begin with the assumption that entrepreneurs are animated solely by the pursuit of independence, freedom and profit-making. In this study, we employ Kant’s concept of maturity to develop insight into entrepreneurial goals as socially embedded. Drawing on a narrative orientation we explore how entrepreneurs articulate their goals and the images they use to metaphorically express these goals. We find that entrepreneurs articulate goals that evoke public, social and moral concerns alongside the more commonly accepted entrepreneurial goals of independence and challenging existing orthodoxies.
About Elastoplastic Nonlocal Formulations with Damage Gradients
Authors: Sornin D. , Saanouni K.
Published: October 2009

FEM results of softening materials are well known to show pathological mesh dependency. The main goal of this work is to revisit and propose efficient nonlocal damage gradient enhanced formulations able to avoid mesh dependency in the context of elastoplastic damage models with destination to industrial applications. This formulation is presented and studied for simple tension tests, with various spatial discretizations. Numerical aspects and implementation in ABAQUS-standard environment are discussed. The structure of the nonlocal element needed for those formulations is presented. For a given set of meshes, the ability of the proposed formulation to control the size of the necking zone is studied. In the same time the independence of the global dissipation to the mesh size is checked. Theoretical and practical limits of the proposed approach are highlighted.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the First Step to Success Early Intervention
Authors: Walker Hill M. , Seeley John R. , Small Jason , Severson Herbert H. , Graham Bethany A. , Feil Edward G. , Serna Loretta , Golly Annemieke M. , Forness Steven R.
Published: October 2009

This article reports on a randomized controlled trial of the First Step to Success early intervention that was conducted over a 4-year period in Albuquerque Public Schools. First Step is a selected intervention for students in Grades 1 through 3 with externalizing behavior problems, and it addresses secondary prevention goals and objectives. It consists of three modular components (screening, school intervention, parent training); lasts approximately 3 months; and is initially set up, delivered, and coordinated by a behavioral coach (e.g., school counselor, behavior specialist, social worker). Project Year 1 of this efficacy trial was devoted to gearing-up activities (e.g., hiring, training, planning, logistical arrangements); Years 2 and 3 each involved implementing First Step with approximately 100 behaviorally at-risk students. Students, teachers, and classrooms were randomly assigned to either intervention or usual care comparison conditions. Year 4 activities focused on conducting long-term, follow-up assessments and implementing sustainability procedures to preserve achieved gains. Pre-post teacher and parent ratings of student behavior and social skills showed moderately robust effect sizes, ranging from .54 to .87, that favored the intervention group. Direct measures of academic performance (oral reading fluency, letter—word identification) were not sensitive to the intervention. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.