bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTEN Loss Confers BRAF Inhibitor Resistance to Melanoma Cells through the Suppression of BIM Expression
Authors: Paraiso Kim H.T. , Xiang Yun , Rebecca Vito W. , Abel Ethan V. , Chen Y. Ann , Munko A. Cecilia , Wood Elizabeth , Fedorenko Inna V. , Sondak Vernon K. , Anderson Alexander R.A. , Ribas Antoni , Palma Maurizia Dalla , Nathanson Katherine L. , Koomen John M. , Messina Jane L. , Smalley Keiran S.M.
Published: February 2011

This study addresses the role of PTEN loss in intrinsic resistance to the BRAF inhibitor PLX4720. Immunohistochemical staining of a tissue array covering all stages of melanocytic neoplasia (n = 192) revealed PTEN expression to be lost in >10% of all melanoma cases. Although PTEN expression status did not predict for sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effects of PLX4720, it was predictive for apoptosis, with only limited cell death observed in melanomas lacking PTEN expression (PTEN−). Mechanistically, PLX4720 was found to stimulate AKT signaling in the PTEN− but not the PTEN+ cell lines. Liquid chromatography multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-MRM) was performed to identify differences in apoptosis signaling between the two cell line groups. PLX4720 treatment significantly increased BIM expression in the PTEN+ (>14-fold) compared with the PTEN− cell lines (four-fold). A role for PTEN in the regulation of PLX4720-mediated BIM expression was confirmed by siRNA knockdown of PTEN and through reintroduction of PTEN into cells that were PTEN−. Further studies showed that siRNA knockdown of BIM significantly blunted the apoptotic response in PTEN+ melanoma cells. Dual treatment of PTEN− cells with PLX4720 and a PI3K inhibitor enhanced BIM expression at both the mRNA and protein level and increased the level of apoptosis through a mechanism involving AKT3 and the activation of FOXO3a. In conclusion, we have shown for the first time that loss of PTEN contributes to intrinsic BRAF inhibitor resistance via the suppression of BIM-mediated apoptosis. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2750–60. ©2011 AACR.
Cells Lacking IKKα Show Nuclear Cyclin D1 Overexpression and a Neoplastic Phenotype: Role of IKKα as a Tumor Suppressor
Authors: Kwak Youn-Tae , Radaideh Sofyan M. , Ding Lianghao , Li Rui , Frenkel Eugene , Story Michael D. , Girard Luc , Minna John , Verma Udit N.
Published: February 2011

The catalytic subunits of IκB kinase (IKK) complex, IKKα and IKKβ, are involved in activation of NF-κB and in mediating a variety of other biological functions. Though these proteins have a high-sequence homology, IKKα exhibits different functional characteristics as compared with IKKβ. Earlier, we have shown that cyclin D1 is overexpressed and predominantly localized in the nucleus of IKKα−/− cells, indicating that IKKα regulates turnover and subcellular distribution of cyclin D1, which is mediated by IKKα-induced phosphorylation of cyclin D1. Because cyclin D nuclear localization is implicated in tumor development, we examined whether the absence of IKKα leads to tumor development as well. In the current study, we show that IKKα plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Though IKKα−/− MEF cells show a slower anchorage-dependent growth, they are clonogenic in soft agar. These cells are tumorigenic in nude mice. Microarray analysis of IKKα−/− cells indicates a differential expression of genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, analysis of microarray data of human lung cancer cell lines revealed decreased IKKα RNA expression level as compared with cell lines derived from normal bronchial epithelium. These results suggest that IKKα may function as a tumor suppressor gene. Absence of IKKα may induce tumorigenicity by nuclear localization of cyclin D1 and modulating the expression of genes involved in neoplastic transformation. Mol Cancer Res; 9(3); 341–9. ©2011 AACR.
Hypertension, White Matter Hyperintensities, and Concurrent Impairments in Mobility, Cognition, and Mood
Authors: Hajjar Ihab , Quach Lien , Yang Frances , Chaves Paulo H.M. , Newman Anne B. , Mukamal Kenneth , Longstreth Will , Inzitari Marco , Lipsitz Lewis A.
Published: February 2011

Background—

Our objective was to investigate the association between hypertension and concurrent impairments in mobility, cognition, and mood; the role of brain white matter hyperintensities in mediating this association; and the impact of these impairments on disability and mortality in elderly hypertensive individuals.

Methods and Results—

—Blood pressure, gait speed, digit symbol substitution test, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale were measured yearly (1992–1999) on 4700 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study (age: 74.7, 58% women, 17% blacks, 68% hypertension, 3600 had brain magnetic resonance imaging in 1992–1993, survival data 1992–2005). Using latent profile analysis at baseline, we found that 498 (11%) subjects had concurrent impairments and 3086 (66%) were intact on all 3 measures. Between 1992 and 1999, 651 (21%) became impaired in all 3 domains. Hypertensive individuals were more likely to be impaired at baseline (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.42,
P
=0.01) and become impaired during the follow-up (hazard ratio=1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.66,
P
=0.037). A greater degree of white matter hyperintensities was associated with impairments in the 3 domains (
P
=0.007) and mediated the association with hypertension (
P
=0.19 for hypertension after adjusting for white matter hyperintensities in the model, 21% hazard ratio change). Impairments in the 3 domains increased subsequent disability with hypertension (
P
<0.0001). Hypertension mortality also was increased in those impaired (compared with unimpaired hypertensive individuals: HR=1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.17,
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

Hypertension increases the risk of concurrent impairments in mobility, cognition, and mood, which increases disability and mortality. This association is mediated in part by microvascular brain injury.
Low Prevalence of “Ideal Cardiovascular Health” in a Community-Based Population
Authors: Bambs Claudia , Kip Kevin E. , Dinga Andrea , Mulukutla Suresh R. , Aiyer Aryan N. , Reis Steven E.
Published: February 2011

Background—

Cardiovascular health is a new construct defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as part of its 2020 Impact Goal definition. The applicability of this construct to community-based populations and the distributions of its components by race and sex have not been reported.

Methods and Results—

The AHA construct of cardiovascular health and the AHA ideal health behaviors index and ideal health factors index were evaluated among 1933 participants (mean age 59 years; 44% blacks; 66% women) in the community-based Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation (Heart SCORE) study. One of 1933 participants (0.1%) met all 7 components of the AHA's definition of ideal cardiovascular health. Less than 10% of participants met ≥5 components of ideal cardiovascular health in all subgroups (by race, sex, age, and income level). Thirty-nine subjects (2.0%) had all 4 components of the ideal health behaviors index and 27 (1.4%) had all 3 components of the ideal health factors index. Blacks had significantly fewer ideal cardiovascular health components than whites (2.0±1.2 versus 2.6±1.4;
P
<0.001). After adjustment by sex, age, and income level, blacks had 82% lower odds of having ≥5 components of ideal cardiovascular health (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.34;
P
<0.001). No interaction was found between race and sex.

Conclusion—

The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health is extremely low in a middle-aged community-based study population. Comprehensive individual and population-based interventions must be developed to support the attainment of the AHA′s 2020 Impact Goal for cardiovascular health.
Outcome of Patients With Low-Gradient “Severe” Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Jander Nikolaus , Minners Jan , Holme Ingar , Gerdts Eva , Boman Kurt , Brudi Philippe , Chambers John B. , Egstrup Kenneth , Kesäniemi Y. Antero , Malbecq William , Nienaber Christoph A. , Ray Simon , Rossebø Anne , Pedersen Terje R. , Skjærpe Terje , Willenheimer Ronnie , Wachtell Kristian , Neumann Franz-Josef , Gohlke-Bärwolf Christa
Published: February 2011

Background—

Retrospective studies have suggested that patients with a low transvalvular gradient in the presence of an aortic valve area <1.0 cm
2
and normal ejection fraction may represent a subgroup with an advanced stage of aortic valve disease, reduced stroke volume, and poor prognosis requiring early surgery. We therefore evaluated the outcome of patients with low-gradient “severe” stenosis (defined as aortic valve area <1.0 cm
2
and mean gradient ≤40 mm Hg) in the prospective Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) study.

Methods and Results—

Outcome in patients with low-gradient “severe” aortic stenosis was compared with outcome in patients with moderate stenosis (aortic valve area 1.0 to 1.5 cm
2
; mean gradient 25 to 40 mm Hg). The primary end point of aortic valve events included death from cardiovascular causes, aortic valve replacement, and heart failure due to aortic stenosis. Secondary end points were major cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death. In 1525 asymptomatic patients (mean age, 67±10 years; ejection fraction, ≥55%), baseline echocardiography revealed low-gradient severe stenosis in 435 patients (29%) and moderate stenosis in 184 (12%). Left ventricular mass was lower in patients with low-gradient severe stenosis than in those with moderate stenosis (182±64 versus 212±68 g;
P
<0.01). During 46 months of follow-up, aortic valve events occurred in 48.5% versus 44.6%, respectively (
P
=0.37; major cardiovascular events, 50.9% versus 48.5%,
P
=0.58; cardiovascular death, 7.8% versus 4.9%,
P
=0.19). Low-gradient severe stenosis patients with reduced stroke volume index (≤35 mL/m
2
; n=223) had aortic valve events comparable to those in patients with normal stroke volume index (46.2% versus 50.9%;
P
=0.53).

Conclusions—

Patients with low-gradient “severe” aortic stenosis and normal ejection fraction have an outcome similar to that in patients with moderate stenosis.
Ablation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Myocytes But Not in Fibroblasts Preserves Cardiac Function
Authors: Lother Achim , Berger Stefan , Gilsbach Ralf , Rösner Stephan , Ecke Andreas , Barreto Frederico , Bauersachs Johann , Schütz Günther , Hein Lutz
Published: February 2011

Antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor improve morbidity and mortality in patients with severe heart failure. However, the cell types involved in these beneficial effects are only partially known. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether genetic deletion of mineralocorticoid receptors in mouse cardiomyocytes or fibroblasts in vivo is cardioprotective after chronic left ventricular pressure overload. After transverse aortic constriction, mice deficient in myocyte mineralocorticoid receptors but not those deficient in fibroblast mineralocorticoid receptors were protected from left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. After pressure overload, left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in mice lacking myocyte mineralocorticoid receptors (70.2±4.4%) as compared with control mice (54.3±2.5%;
P
<0.01). Myocyte mineralocorticoid receptor-deficient mice showed mild cardiac hypertrophy at baseline, contributing to reduced left ventricular wall tension at baseline and after pressure overload. Cardiac levels of phospho-extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 were higher in myocyte mineralocorticoid receptor-deficient mice than in control mice after pressure overload. Neither fibroblast nor myocyte mineralocorticoid receptor ablation altered the development of cardiac hypertrophy or fibrosis after pressure overload. Both mineralocorticoid receptor mutant mouse strains developed similar degrees of myocyte apoptosis, proinflammatory gene expression, and macrophage infiltration after pressure overload. Thus, mineralocorticoid receptors in cardiac myocytes but not in fibroblasts protect from cardiac dilatation and failure after chronic pressure overload.
Amount but Not Pattern of Protective Sensory Stimulation Alters Recovery After Permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Davis Melissa F. , Lay Christopher C. , Chen-Bee Cynthia H. , Frostig Ron D.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Using a rodent model of ischemia (permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion), our laboratory previously demonstrated that 4.27 minutes of patterned single-whisker stimulation delivered over 120 minutes can fully protect from impending damage when initiated within 2 hours of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (“early”). When initiated 3 hours postpermanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (“late”), stimulation resulted in irreversible damage. Here we investigate the effect of altering pattern, distribution, or amount of stimulation in this model.

Methods—

We assessed the cortex using functional imaging and histological analysis with altered stimulation treatment protocols. In 2 groups of animals we administered the same number of whisker deflections but in a random rather than patterned fashion distributed either over 120 minutes or condensed into 10 minutes postpermanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. We also tested increased (full-whisker array versus single-whisker) stimulation.

Results—

Early random whisker stimulation (condensed or dispersed) resulted in protection equivalent to early patterned stimulation. Early full-whisker array patterned stimulation also resulted in complete protection but promoted faster recovery. Late full-whisker array patterned stimulation, however, resulted in loss of evoked function and infarct volumes larger than those sustained by single-whisker counterparts.

Conclusions—

When induced early on after ischemic insult, stimulus-evoked cortical activity, irrespective of the parameters of peripheral stimulation that induced it, seems to be the important variable for neuroprotection.
Interrater Reliability of the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) in a Multicenter Study
Authors: Ichord Rebecca N. , Bastian Rachel , Abraham Lisa , Askalan Rand , Benedict Susan , Bernard Timothy J. , Beslow Lauren , deVeber Gabrielle , Dowling Michael , Friedman Neil , Fullerton Heather , Jordan Lori , Kan Li , Kirton Adam , Amlie-Lefond Catherine , Licht Daniel , Lo Warren , McClure Chalmer , Pavlakis Steve , Smith Sabrina E. , Tan Marilyn , Kasner Scott , Jawad Abbas F.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is an important cause of death and disability among children. Clinical trials for childhood stroke require a valid and reliable acute clinical stroke scale. We evaluated interrater reliability (IRR) of a pediatric adaptation of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale.

Methods—

The pediatric adaptation of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was developed by pediatric and adult stroke experts by modifying each item of the adult National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for children, retaining all examination items and scoring ranges of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Children 2 to 18 years of age with acute arterial ischemic stroke were enrolled in a prospective cohort study from 15 North American sites from January 2007 to October 2009. Examiners were child neurologists certified in the adult National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Each subject was examined daily for 7 days or until discharge. A subset of patients at 3 sites was scored simultaneously and independently by 2 study neurologists.

Results—

IRR testing was performed in 25 of 113 a median of 3 days (interquartile range, 2 to 4 days) after symptom onset. Patient demographics, total initial pediatric adaptation of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, risk factors, and infarct characteristics in the IRR subset were similar to the non-IRR subset. The 2 raters' total scores were identical in 60% and within 1 point in 84%. IRR was excellent as measured by concordance correlation coefficient of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94 to 0.99); intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99); precision measured by Pearson ρ of 0.97; and accuracy measured by the bias correction factor of 1.0.

Conclusions—

There was excellent IRR of the pediatric adaptation of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale in a multicenter prospective cohort performed by trained child neurologists.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Mediates Endogenous Protection Against Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Cerebral Vasospasm
Authors: Vellimana Ananth K. , Milner Eric , Azad Tej D. , Harries Michael D. , Zhou Meng-Liang , Gidday Jeffrey M. , Han Byung Hee , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Vasospasm-induced delayed cerebral ischemia remains a major source of morbidity in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We hypothesized that activating innate neurovascular protective mechanisms by preconditioning (PC) may represent a novel therapeutic approach against SAH-induced vasospasm and neurological deficits and, secondarily, that the neurovascular protection it provides is mediated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

Methods—

Wild-type mice were subjected to hypoxic PC or normoxia followed 24 hours later by SAH. Neurological function was analyzed daily; vasospasm was assessed on post-surgery Day 2. Nitric oxide availability, eNOS expression, and eNOS activity were also assessed. In a separate experiment, wild-type and eNOS-null mice were subjected to hypoxic PC or normoxia followed by SAH and assessed for vasospasm and neurological deficits.

Results—

PC nearly completely prevented SAH-induced vasospasm and neurological deficits. It also prevented SAH-induced reduction in nitric oxide availability and increased eNOS activity in mice with and without SAH. PC-induced protection against vasospasm and neurological deficits was lost in wild-type mice treated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester and in eNOS-null mice.

Conclusions—

Endogenous protective mechanisms against vasospasm exist, are powerful, and can be induced by PC. eNOS-derived nitric oxide is a critical mediator of PC-induced neurovascular protection. These data provide strong “proof-of-principle” evidence that PC represents a promising new strategy to reduce vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia after SAH.
A Pilot Program to Identify and Reverse Childhood Obesity in a Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Kwapiszewski Ramona M. , Lee Wallace Alex
Published: February 2011

This pilot study is an innovative approach to addressing the issue of childhood obesity that starts with the primary care physician and involves group education with peers. The primary care physician assesses the child’s well-being at each interaction, whether for a scheduled well-child visit or for an acute illness. At each office visit the vital signs are taken, including the height, weight, and the calculated body mass index (BMI). The BMI is a tool that helps the provider identify children who are overweight or obese. Using the patient empowerment readiness model, the provider addresses obesity with the patient and the parent to determine if they are ready to implement behavioral changes. During a 10-month period, 68 patients were enrolled in the pilot program. The initial results after the 10 months showed that when the provider identified the issue of obesity and the child was assessed for readiness and integrated in the behavioral modification program the outcome was 63% of the group reduced their BMI. It was also noted that asthma was the most frequent comorbidity in the overweight/obese children. Whereas BMI increased in a matched control group, participants in the pilot program succeeded in reducing BMI.
Guns and Trafficking in Crack-Cocaine and Other Drug Markets
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Bonkiewicz Luke
Published: February 2011

This article examines the relationship between gun possession and the nature of an offender’s involvement in drug markets. The analyses are based on data obtained from drug offenders who participated in the 1997 Survey of Inmates of State and Federal Correctional Facilities. The authors find that participants in crack-cocaine markets are more likely to possess guns than participants in powdered-cocaine, opiate, and marijuana markets, particularly if they are street-level crack dealers. However, participants in barbiturates and amphetamine markets also have high rates of gun possession. The authors also find relatively high levels of gun possession among traffickers who handle stashes of moderately large market value, who have central roles in the trade, and who are members of drug organizations. Finally, offenders who are young, female, African American, and from lower economic status are more likely to traffic in crack cocaine than in other drugs.
Looming Auditory Collision Warnings for Driving
Authors: Gray Rob
Published: February 2011

Objective: A driving simulator was used to compare the effectiveness of increasing intensity (looming) auditory warning signals with other types of auditory warnings.

Background: Auditory warnings have been shown to speed driver reaction time in rear-end collision situations; however, it is not clear which type of signal is the most effective. Although verbal and symbolic (e.g., a car horn) warnings have faster response times than abstract warnings, they often lead to more response errors.

Method: Participants ( N = 20) experienced four nonlooming auditory warnings (constant intensity, pulsed, ramped, and car horn), three looming auditory warnings (“veridical,” “early,” and “late”), and a no-warning condition. In 80% of the trials, warnings were activated when a critical response was required, and in 20% of the trials, the warnings were false alarms. For the early (late) looming warnings, the rate of change of intensity signaled a time to collision ( TTC) that was shorter (longer) than the actual TTC.

Results: Veridical looming and car horn warnings had significantly faster brake reaction times (BRT) compared with the other nonlooming warnings (by 80 to 160 ms). However, the number of braking responses in false alarm conditions was significantly greater for the car horn. BRT increased significantly and systematically as the TTC signaled by the looming warning was changed from early to veridical to late.

Conclusion: Looming auditory warnings produce the best combination of response speed and accuracy.

Application: The results indicate that looming auditory warnings can be used to effectively warn a driver about an impending collision.
ONJ in Two Dental Practice-Based Research Network Regions
Authors: Fellows J.L. , Rindal D.B. , Barasch A. , Gullion C.M. , Rush W. , Pihlstrom D.J. , Richman J. ,   The DPBRN Collaborative Group, Brooks W.T. , Carroll J. , Holmes J. , Tso R. , Wallace M. , Kelly M. , Thoele M.J. , Morgan G. , Waiwaiole L. , Dixon A. , Ferguson K. , Gilbert G. , Makija S. , Matthews A. , Robinson M. , Voinea-Griffin A. , Wallace M. , Jenkins K. , Williams D. , Winston V. , Kessler A. , Redmonds R. , Graffeo C.
Published: February 2011

The incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in the population is low, but specifics are unknown. Potential risk factors include bisphosphonate treatment, steroid treatment, osteoporosis, and head/neck radiation. This Dental Practice-Based Research Network study estimated ONJ incidence and odds ratios from bisphosphonate exposure and other risk factors using a key word search and manual chart reviews of electronic records for adults aged ≥ 35 yrs enrolled during 1995–2006 in two large health-care organizations. We found 16 ONJ cases among 572,606 cohort members; seven additional cases were identified through dental plan resources. Among 23 cases (0.63 per 100,000 patient years), 20 (87%) had at least one risk factor, and six (26%) had received oral bisphosphonates. Patients with oral bisphosphonates were 15.5 (CI, 6.0–38.7) more likely to have ONJ than non-exposed patients; however, the sparse number of ONJ cases limits firm conclusions and suggests that the absolute risks for ONJ from oral bisphosphonates is low.
Risk Factors for Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
Authors: Barasch A. , Cunha-Cruz J. , Curro F.A. , Hujoel P. , Sung A.H. , Vena D. , Voinea-Griffin A.E. ,   the CONDOR Collaborative Group, Beadnell Steven , Craig Ronald G. , DeRouen Timothy , Desaranayake Ananda , Gilbert Ann , Gilbert Gregg H. , Goldberg Ken , Hauley Richard , Hashimoto Mariko , Holmes Jon , Latzke Brooke , Leroux Brian , Lindblad Anne , Richman Joshua , Safford Monika , Ship [deceased] Jonathan , Thompson Van P. , Williams O. Dale , Yin Wanrong
Published: February 2011

Case reports and cohort studies have linked bisphosphonate therapy and osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), but neither causality nor specific risks for lesion development have been clearly established. We conducted a 1:3 case-control study with three dental Practice-based Research Networks, using dentist questionnaires and patient interviews for collection of data on bisphosphonate therapy, demographics, co-morbidities, and dental and medical treatments. Multivariable logistic regression analyses tested associations between bisphosphonate use and other risk factors with ONJ. We enrolled 191 ONJ cases and 573 controls in 119 dental practices. Bisphosphonate use was strongly associated with ONJ (odds ratios [OR] 299.5 {95%CI 70.0-1282.7} for intravenous [IV] use and OR = 12.2 {4.3-35.0} for oral use). Risk markers included local suppuration (OR = 7.8 {1.8-34.1}), dental extraction (OR = 7.6 {2.4-24.7}), and radiation therapy (OR = 24.1 {4.9-118.4}). When cancer patients (n = 143) were excluded, bisphosphonate use (OR = 7.2 {2.1-24.7}), suppuration (OR = 11.9 {2.0-69.5}), and extractions (OR = 6.6 {1.6-26.6}) remained associated with ONJ. Higher risk of ONJ began within 2 years of bisphosphonate initiation and increased four-fold after 2 years. Both IV and oral bisphosphonate use were strongly associated with ONJ. Duration of treatment > 2 years; suppuration and dental extractions were independent risk factors for ONJ.
Rebellion, mediation, and group change
Authors: Lounsbery Marie Olson , Cook Alethia H
Published: February 2011

Multilateral and diplomatic resolutions to intrastate conflicts are the preferred method of termination. However, mediated settlements tend toward failure and conflict recurrence. A significant factor in this failure is that government and groups are heterogeneous. While the demands, goals, preferences, and intentions of both sides are sometimes viewed as being held in common, they are potentially as diverse as the groups’ members. Understanding the relationship between resolution efforts and group heterogeneity is complicated but crucial to improving mediation success. The current article examines all intrastate conflicts for the period 1945–1999, in order to test two competing propositions found in the literature on group change and the occurrence of mediation. The primary question of interest is whether group change tends to result from or precede mediation attempts. In other words, is group change an impetus to engage in mediation or do mediation processes tend to result in altered group characteristics. The findings support only the proposition that when governments engage rebels in mediation, rebel group changes are significantly more likely to occur than without mediation. The implications of the findings are also discussed.
Experiences of Rural Vocational Rehabilitation Clients Who Leave the System Prematurely: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Rigles Bethany , Ipsen Catherine , Arnold Nancy , Seekins Tom
Published: February 2011

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients who leave the system prematurely experience worse employment outcomes than clients who stay in services. The authors conducted this study to learn about factors leading to premature exit by rural VR clients. Results will inform survey development for a large longitudinal study on this topic. The authors content coded 27 qualitative telephone interviews with former rural VR clients who exited the system prematurely. Reported reasons for premature exit included (a) discrepancies between services provided and services desired, (b) unmet counselor expectations, (c) counselor—client relationship problems, (d) health issues, (e) limited job opportunities, (f) work disincentives, and (g) slow service speed. VR might reduce premature exits by helping clients better understand the VR process, including the types of VR services offered and associated counselor expectations.
Explaining the Frequency of Intimate Partner Violence By Male Perpetrators
Authors: Harris Grant T. , Hilton N. Zoe , Rice Marnie E.
Published: February 2011

The authors measured potential causes of prolonged male violence against female intimate partners in four domains: enduring antisocial traits, perpetrator’s attitudes and values, aspects of the relationship, and neighborhood characteristics. They also examined perpetrators’ substance abuse and the couples’ socioeconomic status as possible causes of prolonged intimate partner violence. The dependent variable was the total number of instances of violence against a female intimate partner recorded for each male perpetrator in comprehensive police and criminal justice archives. As expected, antisocial traits (especially psychopathy) gave the best evidence of causal status. Variables in each other domain exhibited some explanatory power, but some of the apparent causal role could be attributable to enduring antisociality.
Correspondence Between the Psychopathic Personality Inventory and the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised: a Look At Self-Reported Personality Traits
Authors: Ray James V. , Weir John W. , Poythress Norman G. , Rickelm Angela
Published: February 2011

The authors examined the correspondence between the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) and a recent revision of this measure, the Psychopathic Personality Inventory—Revised (PPI-R) in a sample of 85 male and female offenders in a community-based residential drug treatment program. Participants completed the PPI and PPI-R along with self-report measures of narcissism, aggression, emotional intelligence, and negative emotionality. Analyses focused on the associations between the total and factor scores, as well as content scale scores across the two measures, and the similarity between parallel indices from these measures in their associations with external criteria. Results suggest that findings from prior research examining PPI associations with criterion measures in the self-report domain of personality traits can reasonably be generalized to the PPI-R.
Differences in the Nature of Body Image Disturbances Between Female Obese Individuals With Versus Without a Comorbid Binge Eating Disorder: An Exploratory Study Including Static and Dynamic Aspects of Body Image
Authors: Legenbauer Tanja , Vocks Silja , Betz Sabrina , Báguena Puigcerver María José , Benecke Andrea , Troje Nikolaus F. , Rüddel Heinz
Published: February 2011

Various components of body image were measured to assess body image disturbances in patients with obesity. To overcome limitations of previous studies, a photo distortion technique and a biological motion distortion device were included to assess static and dynamic aspects of body image. Questionnaires assessed cognitive-affective aspects, bodily attitudes, and eating behavior. Patients with obesity and a binge eating disorder (OBE, n = 15) were compared with patients with obesity only (ONB; n = 15), to determine the nature of any differences in body image disturbances. Both groups had high levels of body image disturbances with cognitive-affective deficits. Binge eating disorder (BED) participants also had perceptual difficulties (static only). Both groups reported high importance of weight and shape for self-esteem. There were some significant differences between the groups suggesting that a comorbid BED causes further aggravation. Body image interventions in obesity treatment may be warranted.
Decisions for Others Are More Creative Than Decisions for the Self
Authors: Polman Evan , Emich Kyle J.
Published: February 2011

Four studies investigate whether decisions for others produce more creative solutions than do decisions for the self and if construal level explains this relation. In Study 1, participants carried out a structured imagination task by drawing an alien for a story that they would write, or alternatively for a story that someone else would write. As expected, drawing an alien for someone else produced a more creative alien. In Studies 2a and 2b, construal level (i.e., psychological distance) was independently manipulated. Participants generated more creative ideas on behalf of distant others than on behalf of either close others or themselves. Finally, in Study 3, a classic insight problem was investigated. Participants deciding for others were more likely to solve the problem; furthermore, this result was mediated by psychological distance. These findings demonstrate that people are more creative for others than for themselves and shed light on differences in self—other decision making.
Breaking Habits With Implementation Intentions: A Test of Underlying Processes
Authors: Adriaanse Marieke A. , Gollwitzer Peter M. , De Ridder Denise T. D. , de Wit John B. F. , Kroese Floor M.
Published: February 2011

Implementation intentions specifying the replacement of a habitual response with an alternative response in a critical situation can overrule habits. In three experiments the cognitive effects of such counterhabitual implementation intentions were investigated. Results showed that implementation intentions eliminated the cognitive advantage of the habitual means in the “horse race” with the alternative response. That is, in the control condition, the habitual means was more accessible than the alternative means on encountering the critical situation, but this was no longer the case when implementation intentions were formulated. However, the cognitive advantage of the habitual means was not immediately replaced by an automatic activation of the alternative means. This suggests that formulating counterhabitual implementation intentions increases individuals’ flexibility to choose which behavior to perform in the critical situation but that actual behavior will depart from their habits only to the extent that individuals have strong alternative goal intentions.
Mindful Staffing
Authors: Wilson Deleise S. , Talsma AkkeNeel , Martyn Kristy
Published: February 2011

Patient outcomes are linked to nurse staffing. Although charge nurses are responsible for intrashift staffing decisions, little is known about their decision-making behaviors. This study describes the behaviors of charge nurses from the perspective of charge nurses, nurse managers, and staff nurses. This qualitative descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 24 nurses. The findings revealed that staffing the unit was the most important role for charge nurses. Charge nurses reported spending up to 90% of a shift resolving intrashift staffing issues. Five effective decision-making behaviors emerged: (a) resourcefulness, (b) tactful communication, (c) flexibility, (d) decisiveness, and (e) awareness of the big picture. These behaviors of charge nurses are similar to mindful behaviors of workers in hazardous work environments, and are therefore described as mindful staffing. Practice implications and considerations for the education of charge nurses in relation to safe intrashift staffing are suggested by the findings of this study.
Networking: Gender differences and the association with firm performance
Authors: Watson John
Published: February 2011

This study had two primary objectives. First, to determine whether there are any systematic networking diffesrences between male and female SME owners. Second, to determine if there is an association between networking and firm performance, for both male- and female-controlled SMEs. The results of examining 2,919 male- and 181 female-controlled SMEs (with at least one employee) over a three-year period suggest little difference in the networks accessed by male and female SME owners after controlling for education, experience, industry, age and size. The results also indicate that several formal and informal networks are positively associated with firm survival but only formal networks appear to be associated with growth. In particular, accessing an external accountant is associated with survival and growth for both male- and female-controlled SMEs.
The intrapreneur and innovation in creative firms
Authors: Camelo-Ordaz Carmen , Fernández-Alles Mariluz , Ruiz-Navarro José , Sousa-Ginel Elena
Published: February 2011

This article analyses how the intrapreneur’s demographic characteristics and personal values influence innovation performance in small creative firms. We demonstrate that the intrapreneur’s previous experience in developing and commercializing creative products and services, together with an entrepreneurial value system (EVS), constitute characteristics that positively affect a firm’s innovation performance. This article makes two main contributions. First, research on factors that stimulate innovation in small creative firms is scarce. Second, the article applies a cognitive approach integrating demographic characteristics and personal values, aspects that are rarely jointly explored in entrepreneurship research.
Planning’s Core Curriculum: Knowledge, Practice, and Implementation
Authors: Edwards Mary M. , Bates Lisa K.
Published: February 2011

We examine the core curricula of the master’s degree programs of thirty planning schools in the United States and Canada and discuss patterns in core requirements. We compare current planning core curricula to those described more than fifteen years ago by John Friedmann and explore several questions surrounding core curricula, planning practice, and the demands of academic legitimacy. The article concludes with a brief case study highlighting the implementation of a new core curriculum at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The Relationship between Residential Foreclosures, Race, Ethnicity, and Nativity Status
Authors: Allen Ryan
Published: February 2011

Existing research indicates that minority homeowners are more likely to experience a foreclosure than a white borrower, but despite the importance of immigrants to the owner-occupied housing market, no research has examined the relationship between nativity status and foreclosure. Using a unique data set and binomial logistic regression models, this article examines the relationship between race, ethnicity, nativity status, and foreclosure for a sample of households in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Research results indicate that the relationship between nativity status and foreclosure differs by the race and ethnicity of the household and whether the mortgage was refinanced or for a home purchase.
B-type Natriuretic Peptide: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications in Infants and Children
Authors: Tobias Joseph D.
Published: February 2011

The natriuretic peptide system plays an active role in the regulation of fluid balance and systemic vascular resistance. Peptides of the natriuretic system produced through recombinant DNA technology are now available for clinical use including both atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Assays of BNP are available and may be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes in various clinical scenarios. The basic physiology of the natriuretic peptide system is presented, applications of BNP monitoring as a diagnostic tool are reviewed, and reports regarding the use of recombinant BNP in the pediatric population are discussed.
Hedonic Price Effects of Pedestrian- and Transit-Oriented Development
Authors: Bartholomew Keith , Ewing Reid
Published: February 2011

Recent consumer surveys and demographic analyses have indicated a growing market for pedestrian- and transit-designed development. Theoretically, this market shift should be reflected in the price people are willing to pay for those styles of development. This article traces the literature that uses hedonic price methods for testing this hypothesis, either by assessing pedestrian/transit-design development holistically or by evaluating its component parts. The literature confirms that the market shift is, indeed, being capitalized into real estate prices and demonstrates that the amenity-based elements of transit-designed development play an important positive role in urban land markets, independent of the accessibility benefits provided by transit.
Marketplaces: Prospects for Social, Economic, and Political Development
Authors: Morales Alfonso
Published: February 2011

This article summarizes what we know about marketplaces in the United States, relates that knowledge to a research agenda on the subject, and makes suggestions for planning practice. This review accomplishes these three goals beginning with a historical review of marketplaces, focused mostly on the United States. The research literature on marketplaces is reviewed from political, economic, social, and health perspectives with suggestions for further basic and applied research. In short, the article shows how marketplaces were once tools of nascent planning and public policy, describes the reasons they should be again, and shows how planners and policy makers can advance public purposes through markets.
The Emerging Housing Policy Framework in China
Authors: Deng Lan , Shen Qingyun , Wang Lin
Published: February 2011

This article describes the emerging housing policy framework in China, which includes three major affordable housing programs and a heavily regulated housing finance sector. The three programs are the Economical and Comfortable Housing (ECH) program, the Housing Provident Fund (HPF) program, and the Cheap Rental Housing (CRH) program. For each program, the authors examine how it works and whether it has been effective in achieving its policy objectives. They also describe the characteristics of China’s newly developed mortgage market and present some examples of the recent government efforts to regulate mortgage lending and to address concerns about potential real estate bubbles.
Challenges and Inspirations: Student Teachers’ Experiences in Early Childhood Special Education Classrooms
Authors: Recchia Susan L. , Puig Victoria I.
Published: February 2011

Preparing teachers to meet the needs of children with disabilities remains a complex challenge. General education teachers feel unprepared, and attrition and teacher shortages in special education remain high. Despite a trend toward inclusive education, many children continue to be educated in segregated settings. This study explores the potential challenges and learning opportunities that self-contained settings offer early childhood special education teachers in training. Five early childhood preservice students seeking dual certification reflected on their placements in self-contained early childhood special education classrooms. Through an analysis of their weekly student teaching journals, we explored students’ experiences in segregated early childhood special education classrooms and implications for teacher education. Our findings revealed that including a self-contained setting as one of several field experiences encouraged future teachers to think flexibly about teaching children with special needs while enhancing their understanding of the principles behind the continuum of services.
Progressive Trends and Impact of the Journal of Career Development
Authors: Chaichanasakul Adipat , He Yuhong , Chen Hsui-Hui , Allen G. E. Kawika , Khairallah Taleb S. , Ramos Karina
Published: February 2011

As one of the four premier journals in vocational psychology, the Journal of Career Development ( JCD) has published over 830 articles over the past three decades. This study examined the performance of JCD through a citation analysis and provided evaluative data for scholars publishing in the field of vocation psychology. Articles published by JCD between 1986 and 2007 were analyzed. Additional data pertaining JCD’s performance were also collected through the Journal Citation Reports. The analyses revealed a strong and growing impact of articles published by JCD on researchers and professionals. Specifically, results provided (a) the frequency and trends of JCD’s citations overtime, (b) the journals where JCD’s articles were most often cited, (c) the most frequently cited JCD’s articles, (d) JCD’s impact data in applied psychology, and (e) JCD’s citation information among the other three vocational psychology journals. Implications of the results for the journal are discussed.
Preparation and characterization of polyaniline containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles using sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate as a surfactant
Authors: Khorshidi Hamid Reza , Eisazadeh Hossein , Khesali Ali Reza
Published: February 2011

Magnetic and conducting polyaniline (PAn)/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared in the aqueous solution by using sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBSNa) as a surfactant. The chemical structure and surface morphology of PAn/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The conductivity of the composites was measured as a function of the Fe 3O4 content of the reaction solution. The magnetic properties of the resulting composites showed superparamagnetic behavior, such as saturated magnetization ( Ms = 1.8 emu g- 1), remnant magnetization ( Mr = 0), and coercive force ( Hc = 0). The nanometer size (about 14 nm) Fe3O4 in the composites causes of the superparamagnetic behavior of the product.
Contextual Illusions Reveal the Limit of Unconscious Visual Processing
Authors: Harris Julia J. , Schwarzkopf D. Samuel , Song Chen , Bahrami Bahador , Rees Geraint
Published: February 2011

The perception of even the most elementary features of the visual environment depends strongly on their spatial context. In the study reported here, we asked at what level of abstraction such effects require conscious processing of the context. We compared two visual illusions that alter subjective judgments of brightness: the simultaneous brightness contrast illusion, in which two circles of identical physical brightness appear different because of different surround luminance, and the Kanizsa triangle illusion, which occurs when the visual system extrapolates a surface without actual physical stimulation. We used a novel interocular masking technique that allowed us to selectively render only the context invisible. Simultaneous brightness contrast persisted even when the surround was masked from awareness. In contrast, participants did not experience illusory contours when the inducing context was masked. Our findings show that invisible context is resolvable by low-level processes involved in surface-brightness perception, but not by high-level processes that assign surface borders through perceptual completion.
On the Foundations of Beliefs in Free Will
Authors: Aarts Henk , van den Bos Kees
Published: February 2011

The concept of an ability to make choices and to determine one’s own outcomes fits well with experiences that most people have, and these experiences form the basis for beliefs in free will. However, the existence of conscious free will is challenged by modern research findings highlighting the unconscious origins of goal-directed behavior that gives rise to free-will beliefs. This report expands on these insights by revealing that both conscious and unconscious processes play an important role in free-will beliefs. Specifically, Experiment 1 demonstrates that free-will beliefs are strengthened when conscious intentions to produce action outcomes bind the perception of action and outcome together in time. Experiment 2 shows that these beliefs are strengthened when unconscious priming of action outcomes creates illusory experiences of self-agency when the primed outcomes occur. Together, these findings suggest that beliefs in free will are associated with self-agency and are enhanced by both conscious and unconscious information processing of goal-directed behavior.