bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Paraventricular Nucleus Plays a Major Role in the Sympathoexcitatory Response to Salt
Authors: Colombari Eduardo , Colombari Debora S.A. , Li Hongwei , Shi Peng , Dong Ying , Jiang Nan , Raizada Mohan K. , Sumners Colin , Murphy David , Paton Julian F.R.
Published: October 2010

Central hyperosmotic stimulation (HS) evokes increases in sympathetic nerve activity mediated by activation of angiotensin type 1 receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Macrophage inhibitory migration factor (MIF) is an intracellular inhibitory regulator of angiotensin type 1 receptor–mediated actions of angiotensin II within neurons of the PVN. MIF mediates its actions via its intrinsic thiol-protein oxidoreductase activity. We demonstrate that intracerebroventricular injection of hypertonic saline into Sprague-Dawley rats elicits a significant (≈112%) increase in MIF mRNA expression in the PVN. Next, we evaluated the effect of viral-mediated expression of either MIF or [C60S]-MIF (which lacks thiol-protein oxidoreductase activity) in the PVN on the sympathoexcitation evoked by HS. We used a decorticate, arterially perfused in situ preparation of male Wistar rats (60 to 80 g). HS was induced by raising perfusate osmolality from 290 to 380 milliosmoles for 40 seconds. Seven to 10 days before experiments, rats were injected bilaterally (500 nL per side) with 0.9% saline (control) or with adenoassociated virus to express MIF, [C60S]-MIF, or enhanced green fluorescent protein in the PVN. HS produced sympathoexcitation in both the 0.9% saline and enhanced green fluorescent protein groups (sympathetic nerve activity increase of +27±4% and +25±4%, respectively;
P
<0.05), an effect that was not observed in the MIF group (+4±5%). Conversely, the HS-induced increase in sympathetic nerve activity was potentiated in the [C60S]-MIF group (+45±6%;
P
<0.05). We propose that MIF acting within the PVN is a major counterregulator of HS-induced sympathoexcitation, an effect that depends on thiol-protein oxidoreductase activity.
Adrenal Cortex Remodeling and Functional Zona Glomerulosa Hyperplasia in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Boulkroun Sheerazed , Samson-Couterie Benoit , Dzib José-Felipe Golib , Lefebvre Hervé , Louiset Estelle , Amar Laurence , Plouin Pierre-François , Lalli Enzo , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Benecke Arndt , Meatchi Tchao , Zennaro Maria-Christina
Published: October 2010

Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of secondary hypertension with hypokalemia and suppressed renin-angiotensin system caused by autonomous aldosterone production. Our aim was to compare zona glomerulosa (ZG) structure and function between control adrenals and the peritumoral tissue from patients operated on for aldosterone-producing adenoma. ZG morphology and CYP11B1, CYP11B2, and disabled 2 expression were studied in 15 control adrenals and 25 adrenals with aldosterone-producing adenoma. A transcriptome analysis was done using publicly available data sets. In control adrenals, ZG was discontinuous, and CYP11B2 expression was focal or partly continuous and localized to 3 structures, foci, megafoci, and aldosterone-producing cell clusters. CYP11B2 expression was restricted to a limited number of ZG cells expressing Dab2 but not CYP11B1; aldosterone-producing cell clusters were composed of cells with an intermediate phenotype expressing CYP11B2 but not disabled 2 or CYP11B1. In peritumoral tissue, large remodeling of the adrenal cortex was observed with increased nodulation and decreased vascularization that were not correlated with CYP11B2 expression. In 17 out of 25 adrenals, hyperplasia of adjacent ZG was observed with persistent expression of CYP11B2 that was extended to the entire ZG. In all of the adrenals from patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma, CYP11B2 expression was present in foci, megafoci, and aldosterone-producing cell clusters. Transcriptome profiling indicates a close relationship between peritumoral and control adrenal cortex. In conclusion, adrenal cortex remodeling, reduced vascularization, and ZG hyperplasia are major features of adrenals with aldosterone-producing adenoma. Transcriptional phenotyping is not in favor of this being an intermediate step toward the formation of aldosterone-producing adenoma.
Prevalence and Predictors of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation on Holter Monitor in Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Alhadramy Osama , Jeerakathil Thomas J. , Majumdar Sumit R. , Najjar Emad , Choy Jonathan , Saqqur Maher
Published: October 2010

Background and Purpose—

Our aims were to quantify the yield of Holter monitor for detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in patients with stroke and TIA, and to determine potential predictors of PAF to allow more focused testing.

Methods—

We reviewed records of 1128 consecutive patients attending a university stroke clinic from September 2005 to September 2006 and identified 426 patients with definite TIA or stroke. We abstracted clinical, cardiac imaging, and neuroimaging data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of PAF on Holter monitor.

Results—

Overall, 413 of 426 patients (65±15 years; male, 49.8%) with a definite TIA (53%) or stroke (47%) underwent Holter monitoring for a mean of 22.6 hours. PAF occurred in 39 patients (9.2%) all older than age 55 years. PAF lasting >30 seconds was evident in 11 patients (2.5%). The other 28 patients had PAF <30 seconds (6.5%). In multivariate analyses, number of acute (odds ratio [OR], 1.7 for each 1 lesion increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–2.6;
P
=0.0047) and chronic (OR, 1.6 for each 1 lesion increase; 95% CI, 1.2–2.3;
P
=0.0001) infarcts on brain CT, number of chronic infarcts on MRI (OR, 3.0 for each 1 lesion increase; 95% CI, 1.7–5.1;
P
<0.0001), and any acute cortical infarct on imaging (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.9–17.8;
P
=0.0023) were associated with PAF.

Conclusions—

PAF is present in 9.2% of patients with definite stroke or TIA. Age older than 55 years and presence of acute or chronic brain infarcts on neuroimaging are strongly associated with PAF.
Cloud-Resolving Simulations of Deep Convection over a Heated Mountain
Authors: Kirshbaum Daniel J.
Published: October 2010

Cloud-resolving numerical simulations of airflow over a diurnally heated mountain ridge are conducted to explore the mechanisms and sensitivities of convective initiation under high pressure conditions. The simulations are based on a well-observed convection event from the Convective and Orographically Induced Precipitation Study (COPS) during summer 2007, where an isolated afternoon thunderstorm developed over the Black Forest mountains of central Europe, but they are idealized to facilitate understanding and reduce computational expense.

In the conditionally unstable but strongly inhibited flow under consideration, sharp horizontal convergence over the mountain acts to locally weaken the inhibition and moisten the dry midtroposphere through shallow cumulus detrainment. The onset of deep convection occurs not through the deep ascent of a single updraft but rather through a rapid succession of thermals that are vented through the mountain convergence zone into the deepening cloud mass. Emerging thermals rise through the saturated wakes of their predecessors, which diminishes the suppressive effects of entrainment and allows for rapid glaciation above the freezing level as supercooled cloud drops rime onto preexisting ice particles. These effects strongly enhance the midlevel cloud buoyancy and enable rapid ascent to the tropopause. The existence and vigor of the convection is highly sensitive to small changes in background wind speed U0, which controls the strength of the mountain convergence and the ability of midlevel moisture to accumulate above the mountain. Whereas vigorous deep convection develops for U0 = 0 m s−1, deep convection is completely eliminated for U0 = 3 m s−1. Although deep convection is able to develop under intermediate winds (U0 = 1.5 m s−1), its formation is highly sensitive to small-amplitude perturbations in the initial flow.
Anthropogenic Influence on Long Return Period Daily Temperature Extremes at Regional Scales
Authors: Zwiers Francis W. , Zhang Xuebin , Feng Yang
Published: October 2010

Observed 1961–2000 annual extreme temperatures, namely annual maximum daily maximum (TXx) and minimum (TNx) temperatures and annual minimum daily maximum (TXn) and minimum (TNn) temperatures, are compared with those from climate simulations of multiple model ensembles with historical anthropogenic (ANT) forcing and with combined anthropogenic and natural external forcings (ALL) at both global and regional scales using a technique that allows changes in long return period extreme temperatures to be inferred. Generalized extreme value (GEV) distributions are fitted to the observed extreme temperatures using a time-evolving pattern of location parameters obtained from model-simulated extreme temperatures under ANT or ALL forcing. Evaluation of the parameters of the fitted GEV distributions shows that both ANT and ALL influence can be detected in TNx, TNn, TXn, and TXx at the global scale over the land areas for which there are observations, and also regionally over many large land areas, with detection in more regions in TNx. Therefore, it is concluded that the influence of anthropogenic forcing has had a detectable influence on extreme temperatures that have impacts on human society and natural systems at global and regional scales. External influence is estimated to have resulted in large changes in the likelihood of extreme annual maximum and minimum daily temperatures. Globally, waiting times for extreme annual minimum daily minimum and daily maximum temperature events that were expected to recur once every 20 yr in the 1960s are now estimated to exceed 35 and 30 yr, respectively. In contrast, waiting times for circa 1960s 20-yr extremes of annual maximum daily minimum and daily maximum temperatures are estimated to have decreased to fewer than 10 and 15 yr, respectively.
Global Ensemble Predictions of 2009’s Tropical Cyclones Initialized with an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Hamill Thomas M. , Whitaker Jeffrey S. , Fiorino Michael , Benjamin Stanley G.
Published: October 2010

Verification was performed on ensemble forecasts of 2009 Northern Hemisphere summer tropical cyclones (TCs) from two experimental global numerical weather prediction ensemble prediction systems (EPSs). The first model was a high-resolution version (T382L64) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS). The second model was a 30-km version of the experimental NOAA/Earth System Research Laboratory’s Flow-following finite-volume Icosahedral Model (FIM). Both models were initialized with the first 20 members of a 60-member ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) using the T382L64 GFS. The GFS–EnKF assimilated the full observational data stream that was normally assimilated into the NCEP operational Global Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation, plus human-synthesized “observations” of tropical cyclone central pressure and position produced at the National Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The forecasts from the two experimental ensembles were compared against four operational EPSs from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), NCEP, the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC), and the Met Office (UKMO).

The errors of GFS–EnKF ensemble track forecasts were competitive with those from the ECMWF ensemble system, and the overall spread of the ensemble tracks was consistent in magnitude with the track error. Both experimental EPSs had much lower errors than the operational NCEP, UKMO, and CMC EPSs, but the FIM–EnKF tracks were somewhat less accurate than the GFS–EnKF. The ensemble forecasts were often stretched in particular directions, and not necessarily along or across track. The better-performing EPSs provided useful information on potential track error anisotropy. While the GFS–EnKF initialized relatively deep vortices by assimilating the TC central pressure estimate, the model storms filled during the subsequent 24 h. Other forecast models also systematically underestimated TC intensity (e.g., maximum forecast surface wind speed). The higher-resolution models generally had less bias.

Analyses were conducted to try to understand whether the additional central pressure observation, the EnKF, or the extra resolution was most responsible for the decrease in track error of the experimental Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS)–EnKF over the operational NCEP. The assimilation of the additional TC observations produced only a small change in deterministic track forecasts initialized with the GSI. The T382L64 GFS–EnKF ensemble was used to initialize a T126L28 ensemble forecast to facilitate a comparison with the operational NCEP system. The T126L28 GFS–EnKF EPS track forecasts were dramatically better than the NCEP operational, suggesting the positive impact of the EnKF, perhaps through improved steering flow.
Cloud-Resolving Ensemble Simulations of Mediterranean Heavy Precipitating Events: Uncertainty on Initial Conditions and Lateral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Vié Benoît , Nuissier Olivier , Ducrocq Véronique
Published: October 2010

This study assesses the impact of uncertainty on convective-scale initial conditions (ICs) and the uncertainty on lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) in cloud-resolving simulations with the Application of Research to Operations at Mesoscale (AROME) model. Special attention is paid to Mediterranean heavy precipitating events (HPEs). The goal is achieved by comparing high-resolution ensembles generated by different methods. First, an ensemble data assimilation technique has been used for assimilation of perturbed observations to generate different convective-scale ICs. Second, three ensembles used LBCs prescribed by the members of a global short-range ensemble prediction system (EPS). All ensembles obtained were then evaluated over 31- and/or 18-day periods, and on 2 specific case studies of HPEs. The ensembles are underdispersive, but both the probabilistic evaluation of their overall performance and the two case studies confirm that they can provide useful probabilistic information for the HPEs considered.

The uncertainty on convective-scale ICs is shown to have an impact at short range (under 12 h), and it is strongly dependent on the synoptic-scale context. Specifically, given a marked circulation near the area of interest, the imposed LBCs rapidly overwhelm the initial differences, greatly reducing the spread of the ensemble. The uncertainty on LBCs shows an impact at longer range, as the spread in the coupling global ensemble increases, but it also depends on the synoptic-scale conditions and their predictability.
The Golden Radius in Balanced Atmospheric Flows
Authors: Willoughby H. E.
Published: October 2010

In gradient-balanced, cyclonic flow around low pressure systems, a golden radius exists where RG, the gradient-wind Rossby number, is φ−1 = 0.618 034, the inverse golden ratio. There, the geostrophic, cyclostrophic, and inertia-circle approximations to the wind all produce equal magnitudes. The ratio of the gradient wind to any of these approximations is φ−1. In anomalous (anticyclonic) flow around a low, the golden radius falls where RG = −φ = −1.618 034, and the magnitude of the ratio of the anomalous wind to any of the two-term approximations is φ. In normal flow, the golden radius marks the transition between more-nearly cyclostrophic and more-nearly geostrophic regimes. In anomalous flow, it marks the transition between more-nearly cyclostrophic (anticyclonic) and inertia-circle regimes. Over a large neighborhood surrounding the golden radius, averages of the geostrophic and cyclostrophic winds weighted as φ−2 and φ−3 are good approximations to the gradient wind. In high pressure systems Rg, the geostrophic Rossby number, must be in the range 0 > Rg ≥ −¼, and the pressure gradient cannot produce inward centripetal accelerations. An analogous radius where Rg = −φ−3 plays a role somewhat like that of the golden radius, but it is much less interesting.
Seasonal, Regional, and Storm-Scale Variability of Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Characteristics in Florida
Authors: Rudlosky Scott D. , Fuelberg Henry E.
Published: October 2010

Seasonal, regional, and storm-scale variations of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning characteristics in Florida are presented. Strong positive CG (+CG) and negative CG (−CG) flashes (i.e., having large peak current) are emphasized since they often are associated with strong storms, structural damage, and wildfire ignitions. Although strong −CG flashes are most common during the warm season (May–September) over the peninsula, the greatest proportion of strong +CG flashes occurs during the cool season (October–April) over the panhandle. The warm season exhibits the smallest +CG percentage but contains the greatest +CG flash densities, due in part to more ambiguous +CG reports (15–20 kA). The more frequent occurrence of ambiguous +CG reports helps explain the unusually small average +CG peak current during the warm season, whereas strong +CG reports (>20 kA) appear to be responsible for the greater average warm season +CG multiplicity. The −CG flash density, multiplicity, and peak current appear to be directly related, exhibiting their greatest values during the warm season when deep storms are most common. A case study examines the atmospheric conditions and storm-scale processes associated with two distinct groups of storms on 13–14 May 2007. Although these groups of storms form in close proximity, several factors combine to produce predominately strong +CG and −CG flashes in the northern (south Georgia) and southern (north Florida) regions, respectively. Results suggest that heat and smoke very near preexisting wildfires are key ingredients in producing reversed-polarity (+CG dominated) storms that often ignite subsequent wildfires.
Deadly Communities: Local Political Milieus and the Persecution of Jews in Occupied Poland
Authors: Kopstein Jeffrey S. , Wittenberg Jason
Published: October 2010

Why, after the outbreak of World War II in Eastern Europe, did the inhabitants of some communities erupt in violence against their Jewish neighbors? The authors hypothesize that the greater the degree of preexisting intercommunal polarization between Jews and the titular majority group, the more likely a pogrom. They test this proposition using an original data set of matched census and electoral returns from interwar Poland. Where Jews supported ethnic parties that advocated minority cultural autonomy, the local populations perceived the Jews as an obstacle to the creation of a nation-state in which minorities acknowledged the right of the titular majority to impose its culture across a country’s entire territory. These communities became toxic. Where determined state elites could politically integrate minorities, pogroms were far less likely to occur. The results point to the theoretical importance of political assimilation and are also consistent with research that extols the virtues of interethnic civic engagement.
Three Two Tango: Territorial Control and Selective Violence in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Authors: Bhavnani Ravi , Miodownik Dan , Hyun Jin Choi
Published: October 2010

This article extends the formal logic of Stathis Kalyvas’ theory of selective violence to account for three political actors with asymmetric capabilities. In contrast to Kalyvas’ theory, the authors’ computer simulation suggests that (1) selective violence by the stronger actor will be concentrated in areas where weaker actors exercise control; (2) the relative level of selective violence used by weaker actors will be lower because of a reduced capacity to induce civilian collaboration; and (3) areas of parity among the three actors will exhibit low levels of selective violence perpetrated primarily by the strongest actor. Results from a logistic regression, using empirical data on Israel and two rival Palestinian factions from 2006 to 2008, are consistent with these predictions: Israel was more likely to use selective violence in areas largely controlled by Palestinian factions; zones of incomplete Israeli control were not prone to selective violence; and zones of mixed control witnessed moderate levels of selective violence, mainly by Israel. Nonetheless, Palestinian violence remained consistent with Kalyvas’ predictions.
Novel WDR72 Mutation and Cytoplasmic Localization
Authors: Lee S.-K. , Seymen F. , Lee K.-E. , Kang H.-Y. , Yildirim M. , Bahar Tuna E. , Gencay K. , Hwang Y.-H. , Nam K.H. , De La Garza R.J. , Hu J.C.-C. , Simmer J.P. , Kim J.-W.
Published: October 2010

The proven candidate genes for amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) are AMELX, ENAM, MMP20, KLK4, FAM83H, and WDR72. We performed mutation analyses on seven families with hypomaturation AI. A novel WDR72 dinucleotide deletion mutation (g.57,426_57,427delAT; c.1467_ 1468delAT; p.V491fsX497) was identified in both alleles of probands from Mexico and Turkey. Haplotype analyses showed that the mutations arose independently in the two families. The disease perfectly segregated with the genotype. Only persons with both copies of the mutant allele were affected. Their hypomineralized enamel suffered attrition and orange-brown staining following eruption. Expression of WDR72 fused to green fluorescent protein showed a cytoplasmic localization exclusively and was absent from the nucleus. We conclude that WDR72 is a cytoplasmic protein that is critical for dental enamel formation.
Simulating adaptive service-oriented software systems
Authors: Muqsith Mohammed A , Sarjoughian Hessam S , Huang Dazhi , Yau Stephen S
Published: October 2010

Simulation of dynamic service-based software systems is important for studying services that may change their composition and thus interactions at run-time. An approach based on Service Oriented Architecture-compliant DEVS (SOAD) and Dynamic Structure DEVS (DSDEVS) modeling approaches is developed to support structural changes in service model composition. To achieve this goal, a broker–executive model is devised based on the broker model defined for SOAD and the executive model defined for DSDEVS. The capability to simulate dynamic services is incorporated to the DEVS-Suite simulator. To demonstrate modeling of dynamic service-based software systems, a real voice communication system and a model of this system have been developed. The importance of enabling simulation-based design for adaptable systems is briefly discussed.
A Social Capital Framework for the Study of Institutional Agents and Their Role in the Empowerment of Low-Status Students and Youth
Authors: Stanton-Salazar Ricardo D.
Published: October 2010

This article builds on a sociological account of working-class minority youth development and differential access to social capital—defined in terms of key resources and support provided by institutional agents ( Stanton-Salazar, 1997 , 2001 , 2004 ). The article elaborates on the concept of institutional agents—specifically, high-status, non-kin, agents who occupy relatively high positions in the multiple dimensional stratification system, and who are well positioned to provide key forms of social and institutional support. The article focuses on the kinds of institutional support such agents are able to provide, and on the multiple and simultaneous [help-giving] roles assumed by those who provide this support. Drawing from empowerment theory in critical social work, the article provides a discussion about manifesting one’s capacity as an institutional agent in ways that not only entails providing key resources, but also that enables the authentic empowerment of the student or young person. Influenced by Freirean philosophy, the article makes a critical distinction between “widening the pipeline” and “changing the world.” Also new to this body of work is how access to resources and institutional support—among low-status students and youth—is significantly dependent upon the network characteristics, network-related capacities and skills, and networking orientations of those institutional agents devoted to supporting and empowering low-status youth.
“If They Don’t Start Listening to Us, the Future Is Going to Look the Same as the Past”: Young People and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Magill Clare , Hamber Brandon
Published: October 2010

This article, based on empirical research from Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, explores how young people conceptualize reconciliation and examines the meaning this concept holds for them. Qualitative data are collected through one-to-one interviews with young people aged 16 to 18 living in Northern Ireland ( N = 15) and Bosnia and Herzegovina ( N = 15). Results indicate that young people’s conceptualizations of reconciliation are largely relationship based. In terms of their role in the reconciliation process, young people see themselves as both potential peacemakers and potential troublemakers. They feel that politicians and the older generations have a significant impact on whether the role of young people in the future would be constructive or destructive. The research finds that a lack of political and economic change was one of the major factors that negatively influenced the potential for reconciliation, as did the lack of intergenerational dialogue. The research also indicates that it is vital to include young people in the debate about reconciliation.
Adolescent Girls’ Assessment and Management of Sexual Risks
Authors: Bay-Cheng Laina Y. , Livingston Jennifer A. , Fava Nicole M.
Published: October 2010

We conducted focus groups with girls ages 14 to 17 ( N = 43) to study how the dominant discourse of sexual risk shapes young women’s understanding of the sexual domain and their management of these presumably pervasive threats. Through inductive analysis, we developed a coding scheme focused on three themes: (a) types of sexual risk, (b) factors that moderate sexual risk, and (c) strategies for managing sexual risk. Collectively, participants identified many risks but distanced themselves from these by claiming that girls’ susceptibility is largely a function of personal factors and therefore avoidable given the right traits, values, and skills. We consider this reliance on other-blaming and self-exemption, as well as instances in which individual participants diverged from this group discourse, in the context of neoliberalism.
Examining the Predictors of Recidivism Among Men and Women Released From Prison in Ohio
Authors: Makarios Matthew , Steiner Benjamin , Travis Lawrence F.
Published: October 2010

Deficits in education, employment, and housing as well as the lack of treatment programs pose significant barriers to the successful reentry of inmates released from prison. This research uses a representative sample of inmates released from Ohio prisons to examine the extent to which these factors are associated with recidivism. Furthermore, building on prior research, it examines potential differences in these predictors by gender. The findings provide support for Petersilia’s suggestions and indicate that employment, housing, and the completion of some forms of treatment are negatively associated with multiple measures of recidivism. Also, no gender differences in the predictors examined here are detected, suggesting that the factors likely behave in a gender-neutral manner.
Truth From Language and Truth From Fit: The Impact of Linguistic Concreteness and Level of Construal on Subjective Truth
Authors: Hansen Jochim , Wänke Michaela
Published: October 2010

In four experiments, the impact of concreteness of language on judgments of truth was examined. In Experiments 1 and 2, it was found that statements of the very same content were judged as more probably true when they were written in concrete language than when they were written in abstract language. Findings of Experiment 2 also showed that this linguistic concreteness effect on judgments of truth could most likely be attributed to greater perceived vividness of concrete compared to abstract statements. Two further experiments demonstrated an additional fit effect: The truth advantage of concrete statements occurred especially when participants were primed with a concrete (vs. abstract) mind-set (Experiment 3) or when the statements were presented in a spatially proximal (vs. distant) location (Experiment 4). Implications for communication strategies are discussed.
Resource Search, Interpersonal Similarity, and Network Tie Valuation in Nascent Entrepreneurs’ Emerging Networks
Authors: Grossman Elissa B. , Yli-Renko Helena , Janakiraman Ramkumar
Published: October 2010

This article contributes to the entrepreneurship and network literatures by addressing the fundamental research question of how a new venture’s initial network ties are formed. The authors focus on the broad network search evinced by nascent entrepreneurs at the very earliest stages of venture and network creation and examine some of the instrumental and interpersonal mechanisms driving nascent entrepreneurs’ value attributions about the contacts met during this network search. The authors utilize a unique empirical data set of 1,407 entrepreneur–contact dyads collected during a 6-month period of real-time nascent venture activity. Their results suggest a view of new venture network construction in which the content benefits conferred through anticipated or real resource acquisition form a clear basis for entrepreneurs’ assessments of value, with the process benefits of interpersonal age and gender similarity playing an amplifying role. Contrary to their expectations, the authors did not observe direct interpersonal similarity effects. Their findings shed light on some of the very early decision processes that underlie an entrepreneur’s network search and thus are critical to network formation.
Determinants of Rural Industrial Entrepreneurship of Farmers in West Bengal: A Structural Equations Approach
Authors: Folmer Henk , Dutta Subrata , Oud Han
Published: October 2010

This article presents a structural equations model of rural industrial entrepreneurship (RIE) among farmers in the Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India. It identifies the determinants of RIE but also analyzes impacts of RIE on its endogenous determinants. Age, education, marital status, number of children, number of crops, financial family support, innovativeness, wealth, and occupational status are identified as the main determinants of RIE. On the basis of these findings, promotion, education, and training programs are suggested as important policy handles to encourage and support farmers to start a rural industrial enterprise. Moreover, the development of properly functioning capital markets in rural areas is recommended. This policy instrument may not only stimulate rural industrialization but may also be instrumental in controlling the development of inefficient rural industrial activities.
Implementing Diversity Plans: Principals’ Perception of Their Ability to Address Diversity in Their Schools
Authors: Young Billy L. , Madsen Jean , Young Mary Ann
Published: October 2010

Traditionally schools in the past were mostly homogenous, but with demographic shifts, schools are becoming more ethnically diverse, disadvantaged, and multilingual. In contrast, the teaching population still reflects that outdated homogenous template: “predominantly white and female,” middle-class, and unilingual. This exploratory study examined administrators’ perceptions of their ability to implement a diversity plan. Principals were unable to articulate what “diversity” meant in terms of its strategic implementation; they saw no value in addressing their changing student demographics. Principals were ill prepared to lead on issues of diversity and were unable to address conflicts that often occur among diverse demographic groups. Principals had a sense of diversity awareness but lacked the efficacy to address diversity-related issues with teachers and parents.
Lessons Learned: How Early College High Schools Offer a Pathway for High School Reform
Authors: Kaniuka Theodore Stefan , Vickers Melinda
Published: October 2010

In 2002, Early College High Schools Initiative became a reality across the United States for students and educators looking for ways to improve student graduation rates, college attendance, and overall student achievement. This mixed method case study found that (a) the early college high school environment supported the academic success of disadvantaged and underrepresented students, (b) during subsequent conversations with teachers, students, and the administration, it was revealed that these stakeholders readily identified critical success factors, and (c) there was a high degree of agreement on what these factors were—high expectations, purposeful actions, and meaningful relationships.
Intravascular Thrombophlebitis Related to the Peripheral Infusion of Amiodarone and Vancomycin
Authors: Mowry Jole' L. , Hartman Laurie Shawn
Published: October 2010

Patients on a telemetry unit experienced an increase in thrombophlebitis in 2004. The purpose of this research was to determine if peripheral IV amiodarone and vancomycin influenced the incidence of thrombophlebitis in an adult cardiothoracic population. Amiodarone phlebitis rates range up to 27%. In December 2004, Pharmacy diluted the amiodarone concentration to 600 mg/500 ml. By 2005, data demonstrated a consistent decrease in the incidence of thrombophlebitis. However, related to institutional policies and patient safety concerns, the amiodarone infusion concentration was reversed back to 900 mg/500 ml in October 2005. Thrombophlebitis increased after the return to a more concentrated amiodarone IV solution. Vancomycin infusion administration did not change during this time period. A retrospective chart review and observational, before and after study, demonstrated a correlation between amiodarone concentration and the incidence of thrombophlebitis. Vancomycin infusions appeared to prevent peripheral thrombophlebitis in the study population. Data was compelling and resulted in the institution standardizing the more dilute amiodarone IV concentration.
Salvia divinorum use and phenomenology: results from an online survey
Authors: Sumnall HR , Measham F , Brandt SD , Cole JC
Published: October 2010

Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogenic plant with ethnopharmacological and recreational uses. It differs from classic serotonergic hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocin in both phenomenology and potent agonist activity of the active component salvinorin A at κ-opioid receptors. Awareness of S. divinorum has grown recently, with both an increase in its public representation and concern over its potential harmful effects. This discussion is particularly relevant as S. divinorum is legal to use in many countries and regions and easily available through online retailers. Drawing upon previous investigations of S. divinorum and other hallucinogens, this study surveyed 154 recent users and questioned them on their use behaviours, consequences of use and other attitudinal measures. Although reporting an extensive substance use history, and considering the limitations of online surveys, there was little evidence of dysfunctional S. divinorum use, and few reports of troubling adverse consequences of use. Furthermore, there was no evidence that users exhibited increased schizotypy. Respondents reported that S. divinorum produced mixed hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, which lends support to assertions that it phenomenologically differs from other hallucinogens with primary serotonergic activity. The functions of use changed with greater experiences with the drug, and although many respondents reported use of S. divinorum as an alternative to illegal drugs it, was apparent that legal proscription would be unlikely to dissuade them from use. These results are discussed with reference to psychopharmacologically informed public health responses to substance use.
Sustained pain freedom and no adverse events as an endpoint in clinical trials of acute migraine treatments: Application to patient-level data from a trial of the CGRP receptor antagonist, telcagepant, and zolmitriptan
Authors: Dodick David W , Kost James , Assaid Christopher , Lines Christopher , Ho Tony W
Published: October 2010

Background: Endpoints used to evaluate the efficacy of acute anti-migraine drugs do not measure the tolerability. Sustained pain-free response with no adverse events has been recommended as a composite endpoint which measures the efficacy and tolerability attributes that patients desire.

Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate new composite efficacy-plus-tolerability endpoints based on a post-hoc analysis of patient-level data from a previous randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, telcagepant, and zolmitriptan in the acute treatment of migraine. Endpoints were 2–24-hour sustained pain freedom and no adverse events from 0–24 hours (SPF24NAE), 2–24 hour sustained pain relief and no adverse events from 0–24 hours (SPR24NAE), pain freedom at 2 hours and no adverse events from 0–24 hours (PF2NAE), and pain relief at 2 hours and no adverse events from 0–24 hours (PR2NAE).

Results: Compared with placebo, both telcagepant 300 mg and 150 mg achieved nominal superiority ( p values <.05) for SPF24NAE, SPR24NAE, PF2NAE and PR2NAE. Zolmitriptan 5 mg showed nominal superiority versus placebo for SPF24NAE, SPR24NAE and PF2NAE, but not PR2NAE. Telcagepant 300 mg showed nominal superiority versus zolmitriptan for SPF24NAE, SPR24NA and PR2NAE.

Conclusion: Composite efficacy-plus-tolerability endpoints may be useful for facilitating comparisons between treatments.
Mostly Mismatched With a Chance of Settling
Authors: Reynolds Jeremy , Aletraris Lydia
Published: October 2010

Mismatches between Americans’ actual and preferred hours of paid work are common, but the understanding of such mismatches is still limited. In this article, the authors provide the first large-scale, longitudinal study of hour mismatches in the United States. They found that the population of workers with hour mismatches is in constant flux. Nevertheless, hour mismatches seem to persist for long periods of time: The vast majority of respondents who wanted fewer hours when first interviewed still wanted fewer hours 5 years later. The authors also found inequalities in the methods through which people develop and resolve mismatches. Women who want fewer hours were less likely than men to resolve their mismatches by working less. Also, they found evidence suggesting that non-Whites who want fewer hours may be settling for the hours they can get rather than getting the hours they want.
Techno-economic evaluation for the improvement of MSW collection in Somaliland and Puntland
Authors: Collivignarelli Carlo , Vaccari Mentore , Di Bella Veronica , Giardina Daniela
Published: October 2010

This paper is based on a study, which aim is to provide an overview of the current MSW management in the main cities in Somaliland and Puntland and to identify strategies to improve the present situation. In particular, this article illustrates assessments concerning waste collection and technical solutions identified for its improvement, whereas waste treatment and disposal phases will be discussed in a further paper. The survey, which has been carried out in close collaboration with local administrators and technicians, has shown that MSW management is very lacking and needs both structural and operational actions. Waste collection in the surveyed cities covers 65% of population at its best, whereas it is substantially absent in Gardo and Sheik. The extension of waste collection service to the entire population of each city would need investment costs varying between 17,500 USD for Sheik and 200,000 USD for Galkayo, whereas total operational costs would vary between 1.17 USD/ inh/y in Boroma and 5.73 USD/inh/y in Garowe. Anyway, technical interventions are necessary to provide a larger number of citizens with a regular waste collection service and they should be preceded and accompanied by public awareness campaigns on environmental protection and capacity building services addressed to local administrators and technicians.
Toxicological aspects of cadmium and occupational health activities to prevent workplace exposure in Japan: A narrative review
Authors: Usuda Kan , Kono Koichi , Ohnishi Keiko , Nakayama Shin , Sugiura Yumiko , Kitamura Yasuhiro , Kurita Akihiro , Tsuda Yuko , Kimura Motoshi , Yoshida Yasuhisa
Published: October 2010

Chemicals are an essential part of modern manufacture processes. Their use must be managed with great attention in occupational settings to avoid serious detrimental effects to the health of employees. For example, cadmium compounds are indispensable for the production of nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries or as chemical stabilizer in plastics. It is an exceptionally toxic heavy metal and personnel exposed to cadmium in the workplace meet with potential health risks that can lead to the development of kidney, skeletal and respiratory disorders. In consequence, proactive and systematical development of occupational hygiene and health activities are necessary to reduce chemical exposure to cadmium in the workplace. This review describes the known facts of cadmium toxicity, the biological effects of cadmium exposure, possible regulation measures to prevent occupational cadmium exposure in three industrial health management systems and discusses future cooperation programs in these systems, proactive safety activities and occupational safety and health management strategies.
The effects of amitrole on thyroglobulin and iodide uptake in FRTL-5 cells
Authors: Pan Hongmei  , Sun Yulan  , Zhang Lishi
Published: October 2010

Thyroid is a frequent target for endocrine effects of pesticides. Thyroglobulin (TG) and iodide uptake are crucial to thyroid hormone synthesis and may be targets of thyroid-disrupting chemicals. In our study, thyroid follicular FRTL-5 cells were treated with amitrole, an inhibitor of the thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and the effects on TG and total iodide uptake were observed. The results showed that 1 -100 mg/L amitrole had no marked effects on FRTL-5 cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. However, it significantly increased the transcription of tg gene and inhibited the total iodide uptake. And 10-100 mg/L amitrole significantly decreased TG in the culture medium. The data suggests amitrole may disrupt the expression and secretion of TG and iodide uptake.
Protective effect of hawthorn extract against genotoxicity induced by methyl methanesulfonate in human lymphocytes
Authors: Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr  , Azadbakht Mohammad , Tanha Mohammad , Mahmodzadeh Aziz , Mohammadifar Sohila
Published: October 2010

The preventive effect of hawthorn (Crataegus microphylla) fruit extract against genotoxicity induced by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) has been investigated in human cultured blood lymphocytes. Peripheral blood samples were collected from human volunteers at 0 (10 minutes before), and at 1 and 2 hours after a single oral ingestion of 1 g hawthorn powder extract. At each time point, the whole blood was treated in vitro with MMS (200 µmol) at 24 hours after cell culture, and then the lymphocytes were cultured with mitogenic stimulation to determine the micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. The lymphocytes treated with hawthorn and MMS to exhibit a significant decreasing in the incidence of micronucleated binucleated cells, as compared with similarly MMS-treated lymphocytes from blood samples collected at 0 hour. The maximum protection and decreasing in frequency of micronuclei (36%) was observed at 1 hour after ingestion of hawthorn extract. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that hawthorn contained chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and hyperoside. It is obvious that hawthorn, particularly flavonoids constituents with antioxidative activity, reduced the oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by toxic compounds. This set of data may have an important application for the protection of human lymphocyte from the genetic damage and side effects induced by chemicals hazardous in people.
‘‘Dreaming of . . . ’’: Reflections on Participatory Action Research as a Feminist Praxis of Critical Hope
Authors: Cahill Caitlin , Quijada Cerecer David Alberto , Bradley Matt
Published: October 2010

In this article, the authors reflect on their collective engagements with community-based participatory action research (PAR) as part of a university—community partnership. The authors discuss both the transformative potential of PAR and the tensions that they struggle with in their praxis. The analysis raises questions of representation, accountability, and inclusion that are central to feminist and antiracist theory, critical pedagogy, community-based research, and social justice work. First, the authors discuss PAR by locating their position within this critical perspective. Second, the authors focus on research that the authors conducted with young people participating in the Mestizo Arts and Activism Collective of Salt Lake City, Utah. The authors identify key contributions of a liberatory PAR that may be of particular relevance to researchers who are working toward social change. To conclude, the authors identify the tensions and challenges in doing this work as a feminist praxis of ‘‘critical hope,’’ ‘‘where what could be is sought; where what has been, is critiqued; and where what is, is troubled.’’
Facing Freeze
Authors: Roelofs Karin , Hagenaars Muriel A. , Stins John
Published: October 2010

Freezing is a common defensive response in animals threatened by predators. It is characterized by reduced body motion and decreased heart rate (bradycardia). However, despite the relevance of animal defense models in human stress research, studies have not shown whether social threat cues elicit similar freeze-like responses in humans. We investigated body sway and heart rate in 50 female participants while they were standing on a stabilometric force platform and viewing cues that were socially threatening, socially neutral, and socially affiliative (angry, neutral, and happy faces, respectively). Posturographic analyses showed that angry faces (compared with neutral faces and happy faces) induced significant reductions in body sway. In addition, the reduced body sway for angry faces was accompanied by bradycardia and correlated significantly with subjective anxiety. Together, these findings indicate that spontaneous body responses to social threat cues involve freeze-like behavior in humans that mimics animal freeze responses. These findings open avenues for studying human freeze responses in relation to various sociobiological markers and social-affective disorders.
Sesquiterpene lactones from Carpesium rosulatum with potential cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines
Authors: Moon Hyung-In , Zee Okpyo
Published: October 2010

In search for plant-derived cytotoxicity compound against human cancer cells (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, XF498, HCT15), it was found that the chloroform extracts obtained from the whole plant of Carpesium rosulatum MlQ. (Compositae) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity. Four sesquiterpene lactone, CRC1 (2α, 5-epoxy-5,10-dihydroxy-6-angeloyl-oxy-9β-isobutyloxy-germacran-8α,12-olide), CRC2 (2α,5-epoxy-5,10-dihydroxy-6α,9β-diangeloyloxy-germacran-8α,12-olide), CRC3 (2α,5-epoxy-5,10-dihydroxy-6α-angeloyloxy-9β-(3-methyl-butanoyloxy)-gemacran-8α,12-olide), CRC4 (2β,5-epoxy-5,10-dihydroxy-6α,9β-diangeloyloxy-germacran-8α,12-olide) were isolated from the whole parts of C. rosulatum. 2α,5-epoxy-5,10-dihydroxy-6α,9β-diangeloyloxy-germacran-8α,12-olide (CRC2) showed the most potent cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 6.01 μM against SK-MEL-2.