bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Priming Enhances the Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Their Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Chen Ji , Xiao Xiang , Chen Shuzhen , Zhang Cheng , Chen Jianying , Yi Dan , Shenoy Vinayak , Raizada Mohan K. , Zhao Bin , Chen Yanfang
Published: December 2012

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a lately discovered enzyme catalyzing Angiotensin II into Angiotensin 1-7. Angiotensin II has been reported to impair endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function and is detrimental to stroke. Here, we studied the role of ACE2 in regulating EPC function in vitro and in vivo. EPCs were cultured from human renin and angiotensinogen transgenic (R+A+) mice and their controls (R−A−). In in vitro experiments, EPCs were transduced with lentivirus-ACE2 or lentivirus-green fluorescence protein. The effects of ACE2 overexpression on EPC function and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox) expression were determined. ACE2, eNOS, and Nox inhibitors were used for pathway validation. In in vivo studies, the therapeutic efficacy of EPCs overexpressing ACE2 was determined at day 7 after ischemic stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. We found that (1) lentivirus-ACE2 transduction resulted in a 4-fold increase of ACE2 expression in EPCs. This was accompanied with an increase in eNOS expression and NO production, and a decrease in Nox2 and -4 expression and reactive oxygen species production. (2) ACE2 overexpression improved the abilities of EPC migration and tube formation, which were impaired in R+A+ mice. These effects were inhibited by ACE2 or eNOS inhibitor and further enhanced by Nox inhibitor. (3) Transfusion of lentivirus-ACE2–primed EPCs reduced cerebral infarct volume and neurological deficits, and increased cerebral microvascular density and angiogenesis. Our data demonstrate that ACE2 improves EPC function, via regulating eNOS and Nox pathways, and enhances the efficacy of EPC-based therapy for ischemic stroke.
Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Protect Against Angiotensin II–Induced Vascular Dysfunction and Hypertension
Authors: Johnson Andrew W. , Kinzenbaw Dale A. , Modrick Mary L. , Faraci Frank M.
Published: December 2012

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to promote vascular disease and hypertension in part by formation of cytokines, such as interleukin-6. However, the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in these processes and Ang II/interleukin-6 signaling is unclear. Using 2 models, we tested the hypothesis that STAT3 is essential for Ang II–induced vascular dysfunction and hypertension. Incubation of isolated carotid arteries from C57BL/6J mice with Ang II overnight increased superoxide ≈2-fold and reduced vasodilator responses to the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine by ≈50% versus controls (
P
<0.05). These effects were prevented by the addition of small-molecular inhibitors of STAT3 activation (S3I-201 or STATTIC). In vivo, administration of Ang II (1.4 mg kg
−1
day
−1
) using osmotic minipumps increased arterial pressure by ≈40 mm Hg at day 14 compared with vehicle-treated mice, and this effect was prevented by S3I-201 treatment (5 mg/kg IP, QOD). After systemic treatment with Ang II, dilator responses to acetylcholine were reduced by ≈30% to 50% in carotid artery and basilar arteries, whereas S3I-201 treatment prevented most of this impairment (
P
<0.05). In contrast to effects on vascular function and blood pressure, S31-201 did not prevent Ang II–induced hypertrophy in the carotid artery. These findings provide the first evidence that inhibitors of STAT3 activation protect against Ang II–induced oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and hypertension. Because Ang II promotes vascular disease in the presence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors, these results suggest that selective targeting of STAT3 may have substantial therapeutic potential.
Angiotensin Type 1a Receptors in the Subfornical Organ Are Required for Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertension
Authors: Hilzendeger Aline M. , Cassell Martin D. , Davis Deborah R. , Stauss Harald M. , Mark Allyn L. , Grobe Justin L. , Sigmund Curt D.
Published: December 2012

Although elevated renin–angiotensin system activity and angiotensinergic signaling within the brain are required for hypertension, polydipsia, and increased metabolic rate induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt, the contribution of specific receptor subtypes and brain nuclei mediating these responses remains poorly defined. We hypothesized that angiotensin type 1a receptors (AT
1a
R) within the subfornical organ (SFO) mediate these responses. Transgenic mice carrying a conditional allele of the endogenous AT
1a
R (AT
1a
R
flox
) were administered an adenovirus encoding Cre-recombinase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or adenovirus encoding eGFP alone into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Adenovirus encoding Cre-recombinase reduced AT
1a
R mRNA and induced recombination in AT
1a
R
flox
genomic DNA specifically in the SFO, without significant effect in the paraventricular or arcuate nuclei, and also induced SFO-specific recombination in ROSA
TdTomato
reporter mice. The effect of SFO-targeted ablation of endogenous AT
1a
R was evaluated in AT
1a
R
flox
mice at 3 time points: (1) baseline, (2) 1 week after virus injection but before DOCA-salt, and (3) after 3 weeks of DOCA-salt. DOCA-salt–treated mice with deletion of AT
1a
R in SFO exhibited a blunted increase in arterial pressure. Increased sympathetic cardiac modulation and urine copeptin, a marker of vasopressin release, were both significantly reduced in DOCA-salt mice when AT
1a
R was deleted in the SFO. Additionally, deletion of AT
1a
R in the SFO significantly attenuated the polydipsia, polyuria, and sodium intake in response to DOCA-salt. Together, these data highlight the contribution of AT
1a
R in the SFO to arterial pressure regulation potentially through changes on sympathetic cardiac modulation, vasopressin release, and hydromineral balance in the DOCA-salt model of hypertension.
Angiotensin II, Independent of Plasma Renin Activity, Contributes to the Hypertension of Autonomic Failure
Authors: Arnold Amy C. , Okamoto Luis E. , Gamboa Alfredo , Shibao Cyndya , Raj Satish R. , Robertson David , Biaggioni Italo
Published: December 2012

At least half of primary autonomic failure patients exhibit supine hypertension, despite profound impairments in sympathetic activity. Although the mechanisms underlying this hypertension are unknown, plasma renin activity is often undetectable, suggesting renin–angiotensin (Ang) pathways are not involved. However, because aldosterone levels are preserved, we tested the hypothesis that Ang II is intact and contributes to the hypertension of autonomic failure. Indeed, circulating Ang II was paradoxically increased in hypertensive autonomic failure patients (52±5 pg/mL, n=11) compared with matched healthy controls (27±4 pg/mL, n=10;
P
=0.002), despite similarly low renin activity (0.19±0.06 versus 0.34±0.13 ng/mL per hour, respectively;
P
=0.449). To determine the contribution of Ang II to supine hypertension in these patients, we administered the AT
1
receptor blocker losartan (50 mg) at bedtime in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=11). Losartan maximally reduced systolic blood pressure by 32±11 mm Hg at 6 hours after administration (
P
<0.05), decreased nocturnal urinary sodium excretion (
P
=0.0461), and did not worsen morning orthostatic tolerance. In contrast, there was no effect of captopril on supine blood pressure in a subset of these patients. These findings suggest that Ang II formation in autonomic failure is independent of plasma renin activity, and perhaps Ang-converting enzyme. Furthermore, these studies suggest that elevations in Ang II contribute to the hypertension of autonomic failure, and provide rationale for the use of AT
1
receptor blockers for treatment of these patients.
Parental Smoking in Pregnancy and the Risks of Adult-Onset Hypertension
Authors: de Jonge Layla L. , Harris Holly R. , Rich-Edwards Janet W. , Willett Walter C. , Forman Michele R. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Michels Karin B.
Published: December 2012

Fetal exposure to parental smoking may lead to developmental adaptations and promote various diseases in later life. This study evaluated the associations of parental smoking during pregnancy with the risk of hypertension in the daughter in adulthood, and assessed whether these associations are explained by birth weight or body weight throughout life. We used data on 33 086 participants of the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Nurses’ Mothers’ Cohort. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of maternal and paternal smoking during pregnancy with the nurse daughter, with self-reported physician-diagnosed hypertension from 1989 until 2007. Overall, 8575 (25.9%) mothers and 18 874 (57.0%) fathers smoked during pregnancy. During follow-up, 7825 incident cases of adult-onset hypertension were reported. Both maternal and paternal smoking of ≥15 cigarettes/d during pregnancy were associated with increased risks of hypertension (rate ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09–1.29; and rate ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.12–1.25, respectively) in the age-adjusted models. Further adjustment for birth weight did not affect the effect estimates appreciably, whereas additional adjustment for body shape and weight until age 18, or current body mass index, attenuated the associations with both maternal and paternal smoking (rate ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.98–1.16; and rate ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.12, respectively). The associations of parental smoking during pregnancy with the risk of hypertension in the offspring were largely explained by body weight throughout life, suggesting that these associations may not reflect direct intrauterine mechanisms.
Cognitive Impairment Evaluated With Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards in a Multicenter Prospective Stroke Cohort in Korea
Authors: Yu Kyung-Ho , Cho Soo-Jin , Oh Mi Sun , Jung San , Lee Ju-Hun , Shin Joon-Hyun , Koh Im-Suck , Cha Jae-Kwan , Park Jong-Moo , Bae Hee-Joon , Kang Yeonwook , Lee Byung-Chul
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Since the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards (VCIHS) neuropsychological test protocol was proposed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Canadian Stroke Network, no studies have applied this neuropsychological protocol to poststroke survivors in a large-scale, multicenter stroke cohort. We determined the frequency of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and investigated the feasibility of using the Korean version of the VCIHS neuropsychological protocol in a multicenter, hospital-based stroke cohort in Korea.

Methods—

We prospectively enrolled 620 subjects with ischemic stroke within 7 days of symptom onset among 899 patients who were consecutively admitted to 12 university hospitals in Korea. Neuropsychological assessments using the 60-minute Korean VCIHS neuropsychological protocol were administered at 3 months after stroke.

Results—

Of the 620 patients, 506 were followed up at 3 months after stroke. Of these, 353 (69.8%) were evaluated for cognitive function using the 60-minute Korean VCIHS neuropsychological protocol. The frequency of VCI at 3 months was 62.6%: VCI with no dementia in 49.9% and vascular dementia in 12.7%. Old age (
P
=0.014), poor functional outcomes at 3 months (
P
=0.029), and stroke subtypes other than small vessel disease (
P
=0.004) were independent risk factors of VCI.

Conclusions—

VCI, evaluated using the Korean VCIHS neuropsychological protocol, is substantial at 3 months after ischemic stroke in Korea. The use of the 60-minute Korean VCIHS neuropsychological protocol was feasible in large-scale multicenter studies.
Predictors of Insulin Resistance in Patients With Obesity
Authors: Stępień Mariusz , Stępień Anna , Wlazeł Rafał N. , Paradowski Marek , Rizzo Manfredi , Banach Maciej , Rysz Jacek
Published: December 2012

We compared adipokines and inflammatory markers in obese insulin-sensitive (group A, n = 16) and insulin-resistant (group B, n = 48) patients divided according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, resistin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α were measured. Weight, height, waist (WC) and hip circumferences, waist to hip ratio , weight to height ratio, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and body adiposity index (BAI) were measured. The WC and VAI were significantly higher in group B (113.9 ± 11.1 vs 105.3 ± 9.8cm; P < .01 and 2.3 ± 1.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.9; P < .05, respectively), while serum adiponectin levels were higher in group A (24.5 ± 14.6 vs 15.1 ± 9.6 ng/mL; P < .005). The BAI strongly correlated with adiponectin and leptin in group B ( r = .479; P < .001 and r = .705; P < .001). Insulin resistance is associated with visceral adiposity described by VAI and WC. The BAI may be a useful index in obese patients, especially with insulin resistance.
Relation Between Aortic Valve Sclerosis and Ankle–Brachial Index in Participants Clinically Free of Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease
Authors: Korkmaz Levent , Ağaç Mustafa Tarık , Bektas Huseyin , Varol Mustafa Oguz , Erkan Hakan , Acar Zeydin , Kurt Devrim , Çelik Şükrü
Published: December 2012

Most patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are asymptomatic and have similar vascular morbidity and mortality with patients with symptomatic PAD. Despite being a very highly prevalent disease, physicians underdiagnose and undertreat PAD. A total of 100 participants with aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and 100 participants without AVS and age-, gender-, and cardiovascular risk factor–matched participants were enrolled. Ankle–brachial index (ABI) and AVS were evaluated by handheld Doppler device and echocardiography, respectively. There was significantly lower ABI in participants with AVS compared with those without AVS (1.04 ± 0.14 v 1.11 ± 0.07, P = .001). There was a negative correlation between ABI and AVS ( r = −.29, P < .001). Linear regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between ABI and AVS (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.91 to −0.27, P < .001) and β-blocker use (95% CI: −0.96 to −0.02, P: .04). Our findings confirm an association between AVS and PAD that may be attributed to shared vascular risk factors.
Central Diastolic Blood Pressure Is Associated With the Degree of Coronary Collateral Development
Authors: Ege Meltem Refiker , Zorlu Ali , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan , Acıkgoz Savas , Tandogan İzzet , Cinar Ziynet
Published: December 2012

Coronary collaterals (CCs) serve as alternative conduits for blood flow in obstructive coronary artery disease. We investigated the association of various components of blood pressure (BP) parameters with the the degree of coronary collateralization. Patients (n = 245) who underwent coronary angiography were included. Intraarterial BP in the ascending aorta was determined using a standard fluid-filled system. Readings of the conventional peripheral pressure were measured using a manual sphygmomanometer. All blood samples were drawn at admission, before coronary angiography. A total of 65 patients were found to have adequate CC development. Central diastolic BP and peripheral diastolic BP were found to be lower in the group with adequate CC. In multivariate logistic regression model, central diastolic BP and Gensini score were found to be independent predictors of adequate CC. In conclusion, low central diastolic BP in the case of severe coronary stenosis may be an important stimulus for adequate CC development.
Effects of the Two-Way Communication Checklist (2-COM): A one-year cluster randomized study in a group of severely mentally ill persons
Authors: Arvidsson Hans , Olin Elisabeth , Strand Jennifer , Tidefors Inga
Published: December 2012

Background:

In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and well-being, the communication process between patient and professionals is essential. There is a lack of research on this matter.

Aim:

The aim was to investigate, in a group of severely mentally ill persons, whether the use of a simple communication tool could influence the sense of empowerment, satisfaction with care, therapeutic alliance and unmet needs.

Method:

The study had a cluster randomized design. The intervention was a communication tool (2-COM) applied in two teams during one year. In a comparison group of two other teams, the treatment was as usual. At baseline, after six months, and after one year, assessments were made.

Results:

After one year the 2-COM groups seemed to have a larger reduction in unmet needs compared to the treatment-as-usual group. However, there were large problems with attrition in the study, and it was not possible to draw relevant conclusions.

Conclusions:

The methodological problems were substantial, and the study may be considered as a pilot study. In a main study the researchers ought to take control over the selection of patients on the basis of the experiences from this study.
“There’s Gotta Be Some Give and Take”
Authors: Alcantara Liezl , Harper Gary W. , Keys Christopher B. ,   The Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions
Published: December 2012

Successful community partnerships for youth are based on the premise that reciprocity exists between all parties, but to what extent is equal power actually present? The current investigation examines the benefits and contributions associated with partnerships from community partners’ perspectives. Respondents from 15 different Connect to Protect® coalitions initiated by the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions were interviewed at the onset of their partnerships. Community partners asserted that their contributions to partnerships are more varied than researchers’, yet they perceived that researchers acquire more kinds of benefits. Findings indicate nuances regarding reciprocity and power inequities between partners. Community partners’ insights have implications for defining best practices within partnerships that benefit youth.
Epoxidized natural rubber-50 toughened polyamide 6 nanocomposites
Authors: Nouparvar Hamed , Hassan Azman , Mohamad Zurina , Wahit Mat Uzir
Published: December 2012

Nanocomposites consisting of polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix with epoxidized natural rubber 50 (ENR-50) and organoclay-modified montmorillonite was prepared by melt blending in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The influence of varying amounts (0–30 phr) of ENR-50 loadings on ENR-50-toughened PA6 nanocomposites was examined. Morphological characterizations and mechanical and thermal properties of the blend and nanocomposites were investigated. Addition of ENR-50 resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength and modulus, while impact strength enhanced until a maximum at 10 wt% ENR-50. Thermal study revealed no significant change in the thermal properties with ENR-50 loadings. Exfoliated structure was observed using the x-ray diffraction patterns and was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic images. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed dispersed ENR-50 particles and increased rubber particles size with increasing ENR-50 loadings.
Styrene butadiene copolymer-based transparent conducting thin films
Authors: Faseena NM , Santhamma G , Mathew Anisha Mary , Padmanabhan Predeep
Published: December 2012

Conducting plastics emerge as a new area of providing a cost effective and unique alternative material for applications ranging from consumer electronics to optoelectronics, solar cells, lighting, memory and a host of new photonic applications. In this work, an attempt has been made to produce conducting elastomeric thin films pertinent to optoelectronic applications. A thermoplastic elastomer, styrene butadiene rubber, is doped with suitable dopants by chemical-doping method. The spectroscopic analysis reveals the formation of conjugated sequences, which is responsible for high intrinsic conductivity in polymeric materials. The polystyrene segment of the elastomer seems to affect the doping rate and the length of the conjugated sequences formed. In this study, the electrical conductivity is found to increase from 10−13 S cm−1 to 10−1 S cm−1 upon doping, and the conduction mechanisms involved are also proposed.
Influence of the percentage of recycled material on the mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Marulanda Diana , Pérez Marco , Correa Luis
Published: December 2012

The aim of this article was to fabricate virgin polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and low-density polyethylene blended with their corresponding recycled material in different ratios of virgin/recycled via injection molding and to evaluate their tensile strength, impact fracture, and hardness behavior. Raman spectroscopy was used to qualitatively study the characteristics of the recycled material in comparison with  the virgin material. The impact testing method was the Charpy impact test, and for the hardness measurement, the shore D hardness method was used. The tensile tests were performed following the ATSM 683 standard. Scanning electron microscopy was used for chemical analysis and imaging to confirm the presence of contaminants.
Is the Inequality Equitable? An Examination of the Distributive Equity of Philanthropic Grants to Rural Communities
Authors: Ashley Shena R.
Published: December 2012

The primary question in this study is whether the inequality observed in rural and urban giving patterns is equitable. Practitioners and policy makers have expressed concern about equity in foundation giving, but these concerns are often conflated with equality measures. The focus of this article is to disentangle equity and equality and then propose—in the absence of equity standards in philanthropic literature—three equity standards that can be used by scholars, practitioners, and policy makers to assess the spatial distributional equity of philanthropic grant making. In an illustrative application of the equity standards to grants made in 2005 by foundations in the state of Georgia, it is determined that rural communities receive an equitable share of philanthropic grants and grant dollars in the state.
Understanding Information Exchange During Disaster Response
Authors: Steelman Toddi A. , Nowell Branda , Bayoumi Deena , McCaffrey Sarah
Published: December 2012

We leverage economic theory, network theory, and social network analytical techniques to bring greater conceptual and methodological rigor to understand how information is exchanged during disasters. We ask, “How can information relationships be evaluated more systematically during a disaster response?” “Infocentric analysis”—a term and approach we develop here—can (a) define an information market and information needs, (b) identify suppliers of information and mechanisms for information exchange, (c) map the information exchange network, and (d) diagnose information exchange failures. These steps are essential for describing how information flows, diagnosing complications, and positing solutions to rectify information problems during a disaster.
How have I developed my own personal views of gifts and talents in education and how does this influence what I do in the classroom?
Authors: Skuse Amy
Published: December 2012

I write this article in an attempt to establish my own view upon gifted and talented education and as an attempt to review and analyse the perspectives and opinions of others in the field of education. I will examine how people believe gifts and talents are created in an attempt to establish and affirm my own viewpoint. I will look at what I believe are my own gifts and talents and how I nurture these and offer them to others. I will look reflectively at how I draw out gifts and talents in the children I teach in my role as Foundation Stage teacher.
Passion for activities and relationship quality
Authors: Jowett Sophia , Lafrenière Marc-André K. , Vallerand Robert J.
Published: December 2012

The dualistic model of passion (Vallerand (2010) On passion for life activities: The dualistic model of passion. In M. P. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 42, pp. 97–193). New York, NY: Academic Press) regards passion as a strong inclination toward a self-defining activity that one loves, values, and in which one invests a substantial amount of time and energy. The model proposes two distinct types of passion, harmonious and obsessive, which predict adaptive and less adaptive outcomes, respectively. The present study examined the role of passion for an activity in relationship satisfaction and interpersonal conflict within the purview of the activity using a dyadic approach. We hypothesized that harmonious and obsessive passion would predict adaptive and less adaptive interpersonal outcomes, respectively. Coach–athlete dyads ( N = 103) completed a questionnaire assessing harmonious and obsessive passions, relationship satisfaction, and interpersonal conflict. Results revealed both actor and partner effects of harmonious and obsessive passions and generally supported our hypotheses. Future research directions are discussed in light of the dualistic model of passion and interpersonal relationships.
Discriminating disorder from difference using dynamic assessment with bilingual children
Authors: Hasson Natalie , Camilleri Bernard , Jones Caroline , Smith Jodie , Dodd Barbara
Published: December 2012

The DAPPLE (Dynamic Assessment of Preschoolers’ Proficiency in Learning English) is currently being developed in response to a clinical need. Children exposed to English as an additional language may be referred to speech and language therapy because their proficiency in English is not the same as their monolingual peers. Some, but not all, of these children are likely to have a core language learning difficulty. Clinicians need to be able to distinguish disorder from difference due to a child’s language learning context. The assessment used a test–teach–test format to examine children’s ability to learn vocabulary, sentence structure and phonology. The assessment, which takes less than 60 minutes to administer, was given to 26 children who were bilingual: 12 currently on a speech and language therapy caseload and 14 children matched for age and socio-economic status who had never been referred to speech and language therapy. The DAPPLE data clearly discriminated the two groups. The caseload group required a greater amount of prompting to identify targeted words in the receptive vocabulary assessment and performed less well in the post-teaching expressive component. For sentence structure, the caseload group required more cues to acquire the targeted clause elements in the teaching phase. The caseload group made more phoneme errors at the initial and final assessments than the controls, and the type of errors made differed. Teaching resulted in greater positive change in percent phonemes correct for the caseload participants. Qualitative analyses of individual children’s performance on the DAPPLE suggested that it has the potential to discriminate core language deficits from difference due to a bilingual language learning context. Future directions for development of the test are considered.
A review of the impact of bilingualism on the development of phonemic awareness skills in children with typical speech development
Authors: Wren Yvonne , Hambly Helen , Roulstone Sue
Published: December 2012

This review investigated what is known about the impact of bilingualism on children’s phonemic awareness. Studies of bilingual children where one language was English were identified by searching electronic databases and bibliographies from the last 50 years. Thirteen studies were analysed thematically and summarized in terms of methods and key findings. Findings suggest a variable pattern of performance, with some studies showing no difference between bilingual and monolingual performance on tasks. However, there was also evidence for advanced acquisition of phonemic awareness skills in some bilingual children, mediated by characteristics of languages spoken.
How do banks assess entrepreneurial competence? The role of voluntary information disclosure
Authors: Moro Andrea , Fink Matthias , Kautonen Teemu
Published: December 2012

This article explores relationship lending in the small business context: it discusses the roles of entrepreneurial competence and voluntarily disclosed information as determinants of credit access. More specifically, it proposes that the loan manager’s evaluation of the information voluntarily disclosed by the entrepreneur is an important complement to publicly available financial data and soft information collected through observation and third parties in framing the loan manager’s perception of entrepreneur competence. Further, the article argues that banks charge lower interest rates if the loan manager perceives the entrepreneur to be competent. Econometric analysis based on 433 bank–firm relationships supports these hypothesised relationships. The results imply that entrepreneurs need to communicate their competence effectively to loan managers, and that banks should utilise these personal evaluations as inputs to lending decisions.
Strategic entrepreneurship and small firm growth in Ghana
Authors: Obeng Bernard Acquah , Robson Paul , Haugh Helen
Published: December 2012

Using concepts derived from strategic entrepreneurship, this article discusses small firm growth models and investigates the determinants of small firm growth in Ghana. The study develops hypotheses that relate firm growth to investment in research and development, human capital, social capital, innovation and exporting. Using data from a sample of 441 entrepreneurs, the study develops ordinary least square regression models to test the hypotheses. The models find several positive relationships between firm growth and the characteristics of the entrepreneur, firm resources and firm strategy, and in so doing provide some support from a developing country for the strategic entrepreneurship framework.
Are Performance Management Practices Associated With Better Outcomes? Empirical Evidence From New York Public Schools
Authors: Sun Rusi , Van Ryzin Gregg G.
Published: December 2012

Performance management is widely assumed to be an effective strategy for improving outcomes in the public sector. However, few attempts have been made to empirically test this assumption. Using data on New York City public schools, we examine the relationship between performance management practices by school leaders and educational outcomes, as measured by standardized test scores. The empirical results show that schools that do a better job at performance management indeed have better outcomes in terms of both the level and gain in standardized test scores, even when controlling for student, staffing, and school characteristics. Thus, our findings provide some rare empirical support for the key assumption behind the performance management movement in public administration.
The Münchhausen Movement
Authors: Vos Joost , Wagenaar Hendrik
Published: December 2012

In February 2006 a group of social service executives in the Dutch city of Rotterdam founded what they called the Münchhausen Movement. This movement is an initiative to improve collaboration between public institutions that service vulnerable members of society, such as the homeless, addicts, people with mental health impairments, and frequent recidivists. The members of the Münchhausen Movement explicitly refer to their collaboration as a “Movement.” This is a new concept in the world of multiagency collaboration. Coordination of social services is generally seen in terms of public management, organizational innovation, citizenship, or a relational, interpretive effort. This study aims to demonstrate that the concept of a social movement is a useful perspective for understanding and promoting multiagency coordination. This concept is elaborated by using the methods of grounded theory to unravel the initiators of the Münchhausen Movement’s central ideas, values, and practices. This case study results in a critical evaluation of the added value of social movements for multiagency coordination between public institutions., It analyzes the mechanisms, such as trust building, realizing small, but highly visible successes, and value articulation, by which collaboration is achieved. It concludes with the finding that a social movement can contribute to cultural change in fragmented organizational fields and to the enhancement of the density and effectiveness of the professional networks of representatives of the involved organizations but that further dissemination of the movement’s principles and modes of action is essential for its wider success.
Voluntary Disclosure of Environmental Performance
Authors: Bae Hyunhoe
Published: December 2012

Public and private differences have been a central topic in public administration research. This study explores electric utilities’ voluntary disclosure of environmental performance and examines if private (investor-owned) and public (government-owned) utilities have different drivers for voluntary disclosure. In particular, this study analyzes the panel data on electric utilities’ participation in the Department of Energy’s Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Registry program (VGGR) from 1995 to 2005 and attempts to explain the different participation patterns between public and private utilities based on two perspectives—public–private distinction and corporate environmentalism—which probes private firms’ voluntary environmental actions in particular. The findings show that private utilities tend to participate in the VGGR program when they have better performance, higher consumer interaction and market pressure, and also when they anticipate further regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. This is consistent with the existing theoretical and empirical studies on corporate environmentalism, which suggests private firms under intensive government regulation and market pressure actively use voluntary disclosure strategy to preempt future regulations and to gain economic benefit or legitimacy. On the other hand, it is found that public utilities tend to participate in the VGGR program when other related mandatory rules exist. This suggests that public utilities’ voluntary disclosure is primarily being driven by other mandatory requirements.
Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programs in Europe, Part I
Authors: Hamilton Leah , Koehler Johann A. , Lösel Friedrich A.
Published: December 2012

Most research on domestic violence perpetrator programs has been carried out in North America. It does not yet provide a clear picture on what works with these offenders and cannot be generalized to other cultural and legal systems. Therefore, in Part I of this article, we present the results of a survey of 54 programs that were in place in 19 European countries that addressed the programs’ practice and effects. The survey captured data about program design, delivery, administration, infrastructure, and other features. Most programs applied cognitive-behavioral, profeminist, or psychodynamic treatment, or a combination of multiple treatment types. There was a wide disparity in approaches to handling domestic violence perpetrators, and a particular dearth of high-quality evaluation throughout the continent. Possible explanations for this disparity and avenues for improvement are discussed, related to a systematic review of European outcome evaluations (Part II).
Experience and Expression of Anger Among Australian Prisoners and the Relationship Between Anger and Reintegration Variables
Authors: Shinkfield Alison J. , Graffam Joseph
Published: December 2012

We examined the experience and expression of anger among a group of Australian prisoners prior to and following prison release, as well as the relationship between anger and several reintegration variables. Participants were 79 adult prisoners (54 male, 25 female) who completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2) 1 month prior to release and again at 1 to 4 weeks and 3 to 4 months post-release. A postrelease questionnaire was also administered at the two postrelease points focusing on the quality of life conditions experienced following release. Mean state and trait anger scores were significantly higher at pre-release than post-release. As well, higher levels of anger expression and anger control were reported at pre-release compared with post-release. Higher age was related to lower state anger at post-release, whereas several variables were related to trait anger at post-release. Theoretical implications for reintegration theory are discussed, together with practical applications.
Homicide–Suicide in Ghana
Authors: Adinkrah Mensah
Published: December 2012

Homicide–suicide in the industrialized West has been studied for many years. Yet, only limited scholarly research currently exists on the subject in Africa and other non-Western societies. The aim of the present descriptive study was to investigate homicide–suicides in contemporary Ghana. A content analysis of homicide–suicide reports in a major Ghanaian daily newspaper during 1990 to 2009 was conducted. The results overwhelmingly support findings in the literature, suggesting that homicide–suicides are extremely rare events in Ghana. The overwhelming majority of reported homicide–suicides were committed by males, with females substantially more likely to be the homicide victims. The offenders and victims were generally of low socioeconomic status. Most homicide–suicides involved victims and offenders who were intimately acquainted as family members. The majority of cases involved men who killed their wives on suspicion of infidelity; the next largest category involved men who murdered wives who threatened divorce or separation. The principal homicide and suicide methods were shooting with firearms, hacking with machetes, and stabbing with knives. The findings of the study are discussed in relation to Ghana’s patriarchal family system and ideology and present socioeconomic issues in the country. This study recommends further research on this subject in Ghana and other African countries. This is necessary to further an understanding of homicide–suicide as a phenomenon, as well as a necessary prelude to the development and implementation of effective preventive programs.
Ontario Government Funding and Supervision of Infants’ Homes 1875–1893
Authors: Neff Charlotte
Published: December 2012

Prior to 1893, the Ontario government did not accept direct responsibility for the care of neglected and dependent infants. However, charitable infants’ homes received government grants for the infants and for their nursing mothers, and from 1874 were inspected annually or twice annually. Most of these infants were illegitimate, most of their mothers were poor, and many were in poor physical condition, and thus their chances of survival outside such homes was poor. The success of these homes and the effectiveness of government inspection can thus be judged in part by the mortality rate among the infants admitted.
Chiari Type 1 Malformation and Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia in a 6-Year-Old Boy With Congenital Hemiplegia
Authors: Kaushik Jaya Shankar , Sharma Suvasini , Aneja Satinder , Kumar Atin
Published: December 2012

A 6-year-old boy presented with weakness of the right upper and lower limbs, noted since infancy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed periventricular nodular heterotopia lining the trigone and occipital horns of bilateral lateral ventricles along with herniation of the cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum suggestive of Chiari type 1 malformation. The association of periventricular nodular heterotopia with Chiari type 1 malformation has not been described earlier in children.
Schizencephaly
Authors: Dies Kira A. , Bodell Adria , Hisama Fuki M. , Guo Chao-Yu , Barry Brenda , Chang Bernard S. , Barkovich A. James , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: December 2012

Schizencephaly is a rare malformation of cortical development characterized by congenital clefts extending from the pial surface to the lateral ventricle that are lined by heterotopic gray matter. The clinical presentation is variable and can include motor or cognitive impairment and epilepsy. The causes of schizencephaly are heterogeneous and can include teratogens, prenatal infection, or maternal trauma. Reported genetic causes include chromosomal aneuploidy, EMX2 mutations, and possible autosomal recessive familial cases based on recurrence in siblings. In an effort to identify risk factors for schizencephaly, we conducted a survey of 48 parents or primary caretakers of patients with schizencephaly born between 1983 and 2004. We discovered that young maternal age, lack of prenatal care, and alcohol use were all significantly associated with risk of schizencephaly. Our results suggest that there are important nongenetic, intrauterine events that predispose to schizencephaly.
Hemimegalencephaly in a Patient With Coexisting Trisomy 21 and Hypomelanosis of Ito
Authors: Okanari Kazuo , Miyahara Hiroaki , Itoh Masayuki , Takahashi Akio , Aizaki Koichi , Nakagawa Eiji , Otsuki Taisuke , Izumi Tatsuro
Published: December 2012

A male infant with trisomy 21 simultaneously showed clinical features of hypomelanosis of Ito and hemimegalencephaly, with related intractable epileptic seizures. The epileptic seizures were refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs and persisted until the patient underwent functional hemispherotomy. It is well known that patients with hypomelanosis of Ito may also have cortical dysplasia and hemimegalencephaly and that approximately half of these patients have chromosomal abnormalities. However, to our knowledge, there is no previous report of a patient with trisomy 21 associated with hemimegalencephaly. Here, we describe a rare case of coexisting trisomy 21 and hypomelanosis of Ito, associated with hemimegalencephaly.
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in Children With Intermediate and Premutation Range Fragile X Cytosine-Guanine-Guanine Expansions
Authors: Renda Meredith M. , Voigt Robert G. , Babovic-Vuksanovic Dusica , Highsmith W. Edward , Vinson Sherry S. , Sadowski Christine M. , Hagerman Randi J.
Published: December 2012

To determine the range of neurodevelopmental diagnoses associated with intermediate (45-54 repeats) and premutation (55-200 repeats) range cytosine-guanine-guanine fragile X expansions, the medical records of children with intermediate or premutation range expansions were retrospectively reviewed, and all neurodevelopmental diagnoses were abstracted. Twenty-nine children (9 female, 20 male; age, 13 months to 17 years) with intermediate (n = 25) or premutation (n = 4) range expansions were identified with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, including global developmental delay/intellectual disability (n = 15), language and learning disorders (n = 9), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 5), epilepsy (n = 5), and motor disorders (n = 12), including 2 boys younger than 4 years of age with tremor and ataxia. Thus, children with intermediate or premutation range fragile X cytosine-guanine-guanine expansions may be more susceptible than children without such expansions to other processes, both genetic and environmental, that contribute to neurodevelopmental disability.
How Much Does “How Much” Matter? Assessing the Relationship Between Children’s Lifetime Exposure to Violence and Trauma Symptoms, Behavior Problems, and Parenting Stress
Authors: Hickman Laura J. , Jaycox Lisa H. , Setodji Claude M. , Kofner Aaron , Schultz Dana , Barnes-Proby Dionne , Harris Racine
Published: December 2012

The study explores whether and how lifetime violence exposure is related to a set of negative symptoms: child internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, child trauma symptoms, and parenting stress. Using a large sample of violence-exposed children recruited to participate in intervention research, the study employs different methods of measuring that exposure. These include total frequency of all lifetime exposure, total frequency of lifetime exposure by broad category (i.e., assault, maltreatment, sexual abuse, and witnessing violence), and polyvictimization defined as exposure to multiple violence categories. The results indicate that only polyvictimization, constructed as a dichotomous variable indicating two or more categories of lifetime exposure, emerged as a consistent predictor of negative symptoms. The total lifetime frequency of all violence exposure was not associated with negative symptoms, after controlling for the influence of polyvictimization. Likewise, in the presence of a dichotomous polyvictimization indicator the total lifetime frequency of exposure to a particular violence category was unrelated to symptoms overall, with the exception of trauma symptoms and experiences of sexual abuse. Taken together, these findings suggest that total lifetime exposure is not particularly important to negative symptoms, nor is any particular category of exposure after controlling for polyvictimization, with the single exception of sexual abuse and trauma symptoms. Instead, it is the mix of exposure experiences that predict negative impacts on children in this sample. Further research is needed to continue to explore and test these issues.
Initial Validation of the Spanish Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form
Authors: Hernandez Ana , Gallardo-Pujol David , Pereda Noemí , Arntz Arnoud , Bernstein David P. , Gaviria Ana M. , Labad Antonio , Valero Joaquín , Gutiérrez-Zotes Jose Alfonso
Published: December 2012

The present study examines the internal consistency and factor structure of the Spanish version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the association between the CTQ-SF subscales and parenting style. Cronbach’s α and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed in a female clinical sample ( n = 185). Kendall’s ι correlations were calculated between the maltreatment and parenting scales in a subsample of 109 patients. The Spanish CTQ-SF showed adequate psychometric properties and a good fit of the 5-factor structure. The neglect and abuse scales were negatively associated with parental care and positively associated with overprotection scales. The results of this study provide initial support for the reliability and validity of the Spanish CTQ-SF.
Factors Contributing to Ongoing Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: Babcock Rebecca L. , DePrince Anne P.
Published: December 2012

Identifying the factors that contribute to ongoing intimate partner abuse (IPA) among survivors of childhood abuse is essential to developing appropriate interventions. The current study assessed prospectively whether childhood betrayal trauma (BT) history and women’s potential dependence on their perpetrators (unemployment, number of children below 13) increased women’s risk of ongoing victimization, while controlling for trauma-related symptoms (PTSD, depression, dissociation). Women survivors of IPA ( N = 190) from an urban U.S. city were recruited based on an IPA incident reported to the police. At the initial interview, women reported on childhood betrayal trauma experiences, their employment status, number of children, and current trauma-related symptoms. Women returned 6 months later and reported on ongoing events of victimization (physical, sexual, psychological aggression, and injury) in their relationships with the initial IPA perpetrator. Results showed that higher levels of childhood BT were associated with ongoing victimization over the course of 6 months. Women’s unemployment status predicted greater physical and sexual aggression and injuries. Higher levels of depression and lower levels of PTSD symptoms were also associated with increases in physical, sexual, and psychological aggression, and bodily injury. The findings have important implications for interventions by demonstrating the need to process women’s betrayal trauma experiences, target depression symptoms, and increase women’s economic opportunities to prevent further victimization.