bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TO BALANCE OR UNBALANCE LOAD IN SIZE-INTERVAL TASK ALLOCATION
Authors: Harchol-Balter Mor , Vesilo Rein
Published: March 2010

Server farms, consisting of a collection of hosts and a front-end router that dispatches incoming jobs to hosts, are now commonplace. It is well known that when job service requirements (job sizes) are highly variable, then theSize-Intervaltask assignment policy is an excellent rule for assigning jobs to hosts, since it provides isolation for short jobs by directing short jobs to one host's queue and long jobs to another host's queue. What isnotunderstood is how to classify a “short” job versus a “long” job. For a long time it was believed that the size cutoff separating “short” jobs from “long” ones should be chosen tobalancethe load at the hosts in the server farm. However, recent literature has provided empirical evidence that load balancing is not always optimal for minimizing mean response time. This article provides the firstanalytical criteriafor when it is preferable tounbalanceload between two hosts usingSize-Intervaltask assignment and in which direction the load should be unbalanced. Some very simple sufficient criteria are provided under which we prove that the short job host should be underloaded, and likewise for the long job host. These criteria are then used to prove that the direction of load imbalance depends onmoment index propertiesrelated to the job size distribution. For example, under the Bounded Pareto (BP) job size distribution with parameter α and a sufficiently high upper bound (the BP is well known to be a good model of empirical computer system workloads), we show that α determines the direction of load imbalance. For α<1, the short job host should be underloaded; for α=1, load should be balanced; and for α>1, the long job host should be underloaded. Many other job size distributions are considered as well. We end by showing that load unbalancing can have a dramatic impact on performance, reducing mean response time by an order of magnitude compared to load balancing in many common cases.
EQUIVALENT CHARACTERIZATIONS ON ORDERINGS OF ORDER STATISTICS AND SAMPLE RANGES
Authors: Mao Tiantian , Hu Taizhong
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this article is to present several equivalent characterizations of comparing the largest-order statistics and sample ranges of two sets of n independent exponential random variables with respect to different stochastic orders, where the random variables in one set are heterogeneous and the random variables in the other set are identically distributed. The main results complement and extend several known results in the literature. The geometric distribution can be regarded as the discrete counterpart of the exponential distribution. We also study the orderings of the largest-order statistics from geometric random variables and point out similarities and differences between orderings of the largest-order statistics from geometric variables and from exponential variables.
The regulation of post-germinative transition from the cotyledon- to vegetative-leaf stages by microRNA-targeted SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN LIKE13 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Martin Ruth C. , Asahina Masashi , Liu Po-Pu , Kristof Jessica R. , Coppersmith Jennifer L. , Pluskota Wioletta E. , Bassel George W. , Goloviznina Natalya A. , Nguyen Theresa T. , Martínez-Andújar Cristina , Arun Kumar M.B. , Pupel Piotr , Nonogaki Hiroyuki
Published: March 2010

Germination and early seedling development are critical for successful stand establishment of plants. Following germination, the cotyledons, which are derived from embryonic tissue, emerge from the seed. Arabidopsis seedlings at post-germinative stages are supported mainly by the supply of nutrition from the cotyledons until vegetative leaves emerge and initiate photosynthesis. The switch to autotrophic growth is a significant transition at the post-germinative stage. Here, we provide evidence that down-regulation of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN LIKE13 (SPL13) by microRNA156 (miR156) plays an important role in the regulation of the post-germinative switch from the cotyledon stage to the vegetative-leaf stage. Silent mutations created in the SPL13 sequence in the region that is complementary to the miR156 sequence caused the deregulation of the mutant form of SPL13 (mSPL13) mRNA from miR156. Mutant seedlings over-accumulated miRNA-resistant messages and exhibited a delay in the emergence of vegetative leaves compared to wild-type seedlings. The delay was not observed in control transgenic plants expressing non-mutated SPL13, indicating that the phenotype was caused specifically by the silent mutations and deregulation of SPL13 from miR156. Characterization of the SPL13 promoter indicated that this gene is expressed mainly in the hypocotyl and affects leaf primordium development. These results suggest that the repression of SPL13 by miR156 is essential for normal post-germinative growth in Arabidopsis.
Clustering of multiple lifestyle behaviours and its relationship with weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness in a sample of Flemish 11- to 12-year-olds
Authors: Seghers Jan , Rutten Cindy
Published: March 2010

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore the existence of clusters in multiple lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity (PA), sedentariness and food habits, in young adolescents. The present study also investigated whether the identified groups could be characterised by gender and components of health-related physical fitness, especially weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Design

A cross-sectional survey. Leisure-time PA, sedentary behaviour and food consumption were assessed by a questionnaire. Overweight prevalence was estimated using BMI (kg/m2) calculated from self-reported height and weight. CRF was measured using a 20 m shuttle-run test.

Setting

The study was conducted in four middle schools in Flanders, Belgium.

Subjects

The sample size was 317 seventh grade students aged 11–12 years.

Results

Four reliable and meaningful lifestyle clusters could be identified, labelled as ‘Sporty media-oriented mixed eaters’ (boys:n34; girls:n16), ‘Academic healthy eaters’ (boys:n30; girls:n58), ‘Inactive healthy eaters’ (boys:n38; girls:n57) and ‘Inactive media-oriented unhealthy eaters’ (boys:n35; girls:n49). The lifestyle clusters could not be characterised by adolescents’ weight status. Among boys, the ‘Sporty media-oriented mixed eaters’ group performed significantly better on the shuttle-run test than those in clusters with the lowest levels of PA (clusters 3 and 4).

Conclusions

Our results showed that healthy and risk-related behaviours may coexist in some groups of young adolescents. Isolated unhealthy behaviours, such as high levels of screen-based media use or high consumption of energy-dense food items, are not necessarily related with negative health outcomes, on the condition that these risk-related behaviours co-occur with more health-enhancing behaviours such as PA.
Pension reforms, liquidity constraints and labour supply responses
Authors: COLOMBINO UGO , HERNÆS ERIK , LOCATELLI MARILENA , STRØM STEINAR
Published: March 2010

Labour supply responses among older people are estimated on 1996 cross-section register data covering all Norwegians aged 55–68, with an inter-temporal structural model of retirement decisions. Simulations illustrate the impact of introducing flexible pension take-up with actuarial adjustment. With the option of perfect consumption smoothing via the credit market, the reform which comes into effect in Norway from 2011 will reduce the share of retired persons in the age bracket 60–67 (in the base year 15–16%) by around 3 percentage points. With no consumption smoothing, the reduction will be 0.75 percentage points.
Forecasting low‐latitude radio scintillation with 3‐D ionospheric plume models: 2. Scintillation calculation
Authors: Retterer J. M.
Published: March 2010

A three‐dimensional model has been developed for the plasma plumes caused by interchange instabilities in the low‐latitude ionosphere to describe the structure and extent of the radio scintillation generated by turbulence around and within the plumes. With the inclusion of the processes that determine the transport of plasma parallel to the geomagnetic field lines as well as transverse to them, the model can predict the extent in latitude of the plumes and their scintillation. Diagnostics presented here include illustrations of the spectral density of the density irregularities that develop within the plumes. An extrapolation of the density irregularity spectrum down into the wavelength regime effective for radio wave scattering permits a phase screen calculation of the amplitude scintillation caused by the plumes. The scintillation produced by the model has much the same character as measurements of scintillation do in terms of the time and rate of onset of scintillation, duration, and latitudinal extent.
Apparent geocenter oscillations in Global Navigation Satellite Systems solutions caused by the ionospheric effect of second order
Authors: Palamartchouk Kirill
Published: March 2010

The international reference ionosphere (IRI2007) and International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF2005) models are used to create a worldwide model of apparent Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) site displacements due to unmodeled higher‐order ionospheric delays for different time, seasons, and phases of the solar activity cycle. It is shown that diurnal and seasonal variability of the higher‐order ionospheric delays causes apparent oscillations of the geometric center of the Earth's figure as determined by GNSS. The amplitude of the oscillations in thezdirection reaches 2.5 mm for the semiannual and 3.5 mm for 11 year components when satellite orbits are considered fixed and degree 1 parameterization is used. Failure to account for the higher‐order ionospheric delay when performing precise orbit determination for space‐borne receivers, flying above, while the ground‐based fiducial network is located below the ionosphere, will result in biases between the ground and the space segment. Such biases, changing with time and location, can cause difficulties in interpretation of results from satellite altimetry and satellite gravity missions, as systematic biases in orbital parameters can be interpreted as manifestations of geophysical processes. On the basis of the results presented, it is recommended to introduce the modeling of the second‐order ionospheric delay in routine GNSS processing for global geodetic networks, especially in view of the forthcoming solar activity maximum.
Geodetic observations of an earthquake cycle at the Sumatra subduction zone: Role of interseismic strain segmentation
Authors: Prawirodirdjo Linette , McCaffrey Robert , Chadwell C. David , Bock Yehuda , Subarya Cecep
Published: March 2010

We use survey mode and continuous GPS data from 1991 to 2007 to examine fault segmentation in the earthquake cycle at the Sumatra megathrust, site of the 26 December 2004 Mw 9.1 Sumatra‐Andaman, the 28 March 2005 Mw 8.7 Nias‐Simeulue, and the 12 September 2007 Mw 8.4 Mentawai earthquakes. These data, including new observations from 2006 and 2007, allow us to observe the final few years of one earthquake cycle and the beginning of the next. Our analysis reveals that the megathrust is segmented, a characteristic that may persist through multiple earthquake cycles. The Nias‐Simeulue earthquake ruptured approximately the same region that broke in 1861, a 300 km long segment abutting the Sumatra‐Andaman rupture zone. Farther southeast, the Mentawai segment of the megathrust (0.5°S–5°S), which produced M > 8 earthquakes in 1797 and 1833, is fully locked in the interseismic period but is flanked by two freely slipping regions, the Batu Islands in the NW and Enggano in the SE. The 12 September 2007 Mentawai earthquake sequence ruptured only the southern one third of the 1833 rupture zone. We model postseismic deformation from the Sumatra‐Andaman and Nias‐Simeulue earthquakes and find that afterslip was concentrated updip and downdip, respectively, from the main shocks. Comparing the velocity fields before and after 2001, we find the subduction zone underneath the Batu Islands and Enggano, which, prior to the earthquakes, was partially to fully coupled, appears now to be slipping freely. Thus, while the segmentation of the subduction zone is preserved, interseismic coupling on the subduction fault may vary with time.
Synthetic modelling of acoustical propagation applied to seismic oceanography experiments
Authors: Kormann Jean , Cobo Pedro , Biescas Berta , Sallarés Valentí , Papenberg Cord , Recuero Manuel , Carbonell Ramón
Published: March 2010

Recent work shows that multichannel seismic (MCS) systems provide detailed information on the oceans' finestructure. The aim of this paper is to analyze if high order numerical algorithms are suitable to accurately model the extremely weak wavefield scattered by the oceans' finestructures. For this purpose, we generate synthetic shot records along a coincident seismic and oceanographic profile acquired across a Mediterranean salt lens in the Gulf of Cadiz. We apply a 2D finite‐difference time‐domain propagation model, together with second‐order Complex Frequency Shifted Perfectly Matched Layers at the numerical boundaries, using as reference a realistic sound speed map with the lateral resolution of the seismic data. We show that our numerical propagator creates an acoustical image of the ocean finestructures including the salt lens that reproduces with outstanding detail the real acquired one.
Comparative study of climate and human impacts on seasonal baseflow in urban and agricultural watersheds
Authors: Wang Dingbao , Cai Ximing
Published: March 2010

This study explores the long‐term trends of low flow magnitude and the slopes and shapes of the recession curves during winter and summer seasons under climatic and human factors. Four watersheds in the American Midwest are selected for the analysis, including two urban watersheds (Salt Creek and Des Plaines) and two agricultural watersheds (Embarras and Kankakee). The results show that the long‐term baseflow recession slope trends in all the watersheds are primarily induced by human interferences. In the urban watersheds, the recession slopes decrease over time in both winter and summer due to effluent discharges. In the Kankakee watershed with irrigation, the recession slopes decrease in winter but increase in summer, and the opposite winter and summer trends are caused by the seasonal water use regime of irrigated agriculture. In the Embarras watershed with rainfed agriculture, the recession slopes decrease over time in winter but display no change in summer. Sources of water withdrawal (groundwater versus surface water) also have different impacts on the recession process. This long‐term analysis of recession rates, in conjunction with the changes in low flow magnitude, offers valuable insight on human interferences to hydrologic processes. Beyond the specific case studies, this paper documents how a scientific approach based on existing streamflow observation can be applied to improving our understanding of the impact of human and climatic influences on baseflow and low flow processes.
Crustal velocity structure of the Lucky Strike segment of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge at 37°N from seismic refraction measurements
Authors: Seher Tim , Crawford Wayne C. , Singh Satish C. , Cannat Mathilde , Combier Violaine , Dusunur Doga
Published: March 2010

We estimate the seismic structure of the slow spreading Lucky Strike segment of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, located approximately 300 km south of the Azores platform, using seismic reflection and seismic refraction data acquired in June 2005 as a part of the Seismic Study for Monitoring of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (SISMOMAR) survey. The three‐dimensional velocity model shows an upper crustal low‐velocity anomaly running parallel to the ridge axis, which is limited by the median valley bounding faults. The velocity models also show a low‐velocity anomaly underlying the axial melt lens reflector located at the segment center below the Lucky Strike volcano. This lower crustal low‐velocity region can be explained by elevated temperatures and possibly small amounts of melt. The lower crustal low‐velocity anomaly and the axial melt lens reflector constrain the geometry of the magma chamber responsible for the construction of the Lucky Strike volcano. The presence of this magma chamber and thick crust at the segment center are consistent with a focused melt supply to the segment center.
Sea state bias in altimeter sea level estimates determined by combining wave model and satellite data
Authors: Tran N. , Vandemark D. , Labroue S. , Feng H. , Chapron B. , Tolman H. L. , Lambin J. , Picot N.
Published: March 2010

This study documents a method for increasing the precision of satellite‐derived sea level measurements. Results are achieved using an enhanced three‐dimensional (3‐D) sea state bias (SSB) correction model derived from both Jason‐1 altimeter ocean observations (i.e., sea state and wind) and estimates of mean wave period from a numerical ocean wave model, NOAA's WAVEWATCH III. A multiyear evaluation of Jason‐1 data indicates sea surface height variance reduction of 1.26 (±0.2) cm2 in comparison to the commonly applied two‐parameter SSB model. The improvement is similar for two separate variance reduction metrics and for separate annual data sets spanning 2002–2004. Spatial evaluation of improvement shows skill increase at all latitudes. Results indicate the new model can reduce the total Jason‐1 and Jason‐2 altimeter range error budgets by ∼7.5%. In addition to the 2‐D (two‐dimensional) and 3‐D model differences in correcting the range for wavefield variability, mean model regional differences also occur across the globe and indicate a possible 1–2 cm gradient across ocean basins linked to the zonal variation in wave period (short fetch and period in the west, swells and long period in the east). Overall success of this model provides first evidence that operational wave modeling can support improved ocean altimetry. Future efforts will attempt to work within the limits of wave modeling capabilities to maximize their benefit to Jason‐1 and Jason‐2 SSB correction methods.
Responses of microbial community functional structures to pilot-scale uranium in situ bioremediation
Authors: Xu Meiying , Wu Wei-Min , Wu Liyou , He Zhili , Van Nostrand Joy D , Deng Ye , Luo Jian , Carley Jack , Ginder-Vogel Matthew , Gentry Terry J , Gu Baouhua , Watson David , Jardine Philip M , Marsh Terence L , Tiedje James M , Hazen Terry , Criddle Craig S , Zhou Jizhong
Published: March 2010

A pilot-scale field test system with an inner loop nested within an outer loop was constructed for in situ U(VI) bioremediation at a US Department of Energy site, Oak Ridge, TN. The outer loop was used for hydrological protection of the inner loop where ethanol was injected for biostimulation of microorganisms for U(VI) reduction/immobilization. After 2 years of biostimulation with ethanol, U(VI) levels were reduced to below drinking water standard (<30 μg l−1) in the inner loop monitoring wells. To elucidate the microbial community structure and functions under in situ uranium bioremediation conditions, we used a comprehensive functional gene array (GeoChip) to examine the microbial functional gene composition of the sediment samples collected from both inner and outer loop wells. Our study results showed that distinct microbial communities were established in the inner loop wells. Also, higher microbial functional gene number, diversity and abundance were observed in the inner loop wells than the outer loop wells. In addition, metal-reducing bacteria, such as Desulfovibrio, Geobacter, Anaeromyxobacter and Shewanella, and other bacteria, for example, Rhodopseudomonas and Pseudomonas, are highly abundant in the inner loop wells. Finally, the richness and abundance of microbial functional genes were highly correlated with the mean travel time of groundwater from the inner loop injection well, pH and sulfate concentration in groundwater. These results suggest that the indigenous microbial communities can be successfully stimulated for U bioremediation in the groundwater ecosystem, and their structure and performance can be manipulated or optimized by adjusting geochemical and hydrological conditions.
Oxidative Stress Increases Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability and Induces Alterations in Occludin during Hypoxia–Reoxygenation
Authors: Lochhead Jeffrey J , McCaffrey Gwen , Quigley Colleen E , Finch Jessica , DeMarco Kristin M , Nametz Nicole , Davis Thomas P
Published: March 2010

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) has a critical role in central nervous system homeostasis. Intercellular tight junction (TJ) protein complexes of the brain microvasculature limit paracellular diffusion of substances from the blood into the brain. Hypoxia and reoxygenation (HR) is a central component to numerous disease states and pathologic conditions. We have previously shown that HR can influence the permeability of the BBB as well as the critical TJ protein occludin. During HR, free radicals are produced, which may lead to oxidative stress. Using the free radical scavenger tempol (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), we show that oxidative stress produced during HR (6% O2for 1 h, followed by room air for 20 min) mediates an increase in BBB permeability in vivo using in situ brain perfusion. We also show that these changes are associated with alterations in the structure and localization of occludin. Our data indicate that oxidative stress is associated with movement of occludin away from the TJ. Furthermore, subcellular fractionation of cerebral microvessels reveals alterations in occludin oligomeric assemblies in TJ associated with plasma membrane lipid rafts. Our data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of disease states with an HR component may help preserve BBB functional integrity.
Alterations in Nitric Oxide and Endothelin-1 Bioactivity Underlie Cerebrovascular Dysfunction in ApoE-Deficient Mice
Authors: Yamashiro Kazuo , Milsom Alexandra B , Duchene Johan , Panayiotou Catherine , Urabe Takao , Hattori Nobutaka , Ahluwalia Amrita
Published: March 2010

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and endothelial dysfunction, a phenomenon thought to have a major role in the altered cerebral blood flow evident in stroke. Therefore, strategies that increase endothelial NO production have potential utility. Vascular reactivity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) from C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice, apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice, and mice treated with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor cilostazol (100 mg/kg) was analyzed using the tension myograph. Contractile responses to endothelin-1 were significantly enhanced in MCA from ApoE−/− mice compared with WT mice ( P<0.01), an effect absent in cilostazol-treated ApoE−/− mice. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation (which is entirely NO-dependent) was significantly impaired in MCA of ApoE−/− mice compared with WT mice ( P<0.05), again an effect prevented by cilostazol treatment. Endothelial NOS phosphorylation at Ser1179 was decreased in the aorta of ApoE−/− mice compared with WT mice ( P<0.05), an effect normalized by cilostazol. Taken together, our data suggest that the endothelial dysfunction observed in MCA associated with hypercholesterolemia is prevented by cilostazol, an effect likely due to the increase in eNOS phosphorylation and, therefore, activity.
Impaired Feedback Regulation of the Receptor Activity and the Myofilament Ca2+Sensitivity Contributes to Increased Vascular Reactiveness after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Kikkawa Yuichiro , Kameda Katsuharu , Hirano Mayumi , Sasaki Tomio , Hirano Katsuya
Published: March 2010

Cerebral vasospasm determines the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The increased vascular reactiveness has an important role in the development of cerebral vasospasm. This study analyzed the roles of the receptor-mediated signaling and the myofilament Ca2+sensitivity in the increased vascular reactiveness in SAH, using the basilar artery of a rabbit SAH model. Endothelin-1, thrombin, and phenylephrine induced transient increases in [Ca2+]i, myosin light chain phosphorylation, and contraction in the controls. All these responses were not only enhanced but also became sustained in SAH. In the sequential stimulation of thrombin receptor or α1-adrenoceptor, the second response was substantially attenuated in the controls, whereas it was maintained in SAH. The thrombin-induced contraction in SAH irreversibly persisted even after terminating the thrombin stimulation. This contraction was completely reversed by trypsin and a Gαqinhibitor YM254890, thus suggesting the sustained receptor activity during the sustained contraction. YM254890 also inhibited the endothelin-1- and phenylephrine-induced sustained contraction. Furthermore, the GTPγS-induced transient contraction in the control α-toxin-permeabilized strips was converted to a sustained contraction in SAH. The results provide the first evidence that the feedback inactivation of the receptor activity and the myofilament Ca2+sensitivity was impaired in SAH, thus contributing to the increased vascular reactiveness.
Adiposity and β‐Cell Function: Relationships Differ With Ethnicity and Age
Authors: Chandler‐Laney Paula C. , Phadke Radhika P. , Granger Wesley M. , Muñoz Julian A. , Dalla Man Chaira , Cobelli Claudio , Ovalle Fernando , Fernández Jose R. , Gower Barbara A.
Published: March 2010

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is higher among African Americans (AA) vs. European Americans (EA), is highest at middle age, and is related to obesity. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the association of adiposity (percent body fat (%fat)) with indexes of insulin sensitivity (SI) and β‐cell function would differ with ethnicity and age. Subjects were 168 healthy, normoglycemic AA and EA girls and women aged 7–12 years, 18–32 years, and 40–70 years. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was used to assess indexes of insulin secretion and action: SI, acute C‐peptide secretion (X0); basal, first‐phase, second‐phase, and total β‐cell responsivity to glucose (PhiB, Phi1, Phi2, and PhiTOT, respectively); and the disposition index (DI = SI × PhiTOT). %Fat was assessed with dual energy X‐ray absorptiometrys. Adiposity was significantly associated with SI among EA (−0.57, P < 0.001) but not AA (−0.20, P = 0.09). Adiposity appeared stimulatory to β‐cell function in the two groups of younger subjects and in EA, but inhibitory in postmenopausal women, particularly AA postmenopausal women. Among AA postmenopausal women, %fat was inversely associated with Phi1 (r = −0.57, P < 0.05) and PhiTOT (r = −0.68, P < 0.01). These results suggest that the impact of adiposity on insulin secretion and action differs with age and ethnicity.
A Model of Binge‐Like Eating Behavior in Mice That Does Not Require Food Deprivation or Stress
Authors: Czyzyk Traci A. , Sahr Allison E. , Statnick Michael A.
Published: March 2010

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by excessive food intake during a short period of time and is often associated with obesity. Mouse models of binge‐like eating behavior are lacking making it difficult to employ genetic models in the identification of mechanisms regulating excessive eating. We report a rapid and simple model to induce binge‐like eating behavior in mice that does not require food deprivation or exogenous stressors. Weekly 24 h access to a nutritionally complete high energy diet (HED), along with continuous access to standard chow, resulted in a significant increase in HED intake following its presentation compared to mice that had continuous access to both diets. Mice exhibiting binge‐like eating consumed one‐third of their normal total daily caloric intake within 2.5 h of HED presentation. Moreover, total 24‐h caloric intakes were increased by 50% in mice exhibiting binge‐like eating. Following repeated cycles, binge‐like eating of the HED was maintained over several weeks with no evidence of habituation or significant alterations in body weight and adiposity. Pharmacological evaluation of binge‐like eating behavior was performed using clinically employed compounds. Interestingly, binge‐like eating was dose‐dependently decreased by fluoxetine, but not baclofen or topiramate. These data support clinical validation of this mouse model of binge‐like eating behavior, as fluoxetine has been shown to reduce binge frequency in human subjects with BED. The availability of transgenic and knockout mice will allow for the determination of genes that are involved in the initiation and maintenance of binge‐like eating behavior.
The Effect of the Interleukin‐1 Cytokine Family Members IL‐1F6 and IL‐1F8 on Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: van Asseldonk Edwin J.P. , Stienstra Rinke , Koenen Tim B. , van Tits Lambertus J.H. , Joosten Leo A.B. , Tack Cees J. , Netea Mihai G.
Published: March 2010

Obesity is characterized by chronic low‐grade inflammation originating from expanding adipose tissue. In the present study, we examined the adipogenic expression levels of IL‐1F6 and IL‐1F8, both members of the IL‐1 family of cytokines, and their effects on adipose tissue gene expression. Although IL‐1F6 is primarily present in adipose tissue resident macrophages and induced by inflammation, IL‐1F8 is absent. IL‐1F6, but not IL‐1F8, reduces adipocyte differentiation, as shown by a significant decrease in PPARγ gene expression. Finally, both IL‐1F6 and IL‐1F8 are able to induce inflammatory gene expression in mature adipocytes. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that IL‐1F6 is present in adipose tissue and that IL‐1F6 and IL‐1F8 are involved in the regulation of adipose tissue gene expression. Importantly, IL‐1F6 inhibits PPARγ expression which may lead to reduced adipocyte differentiation suggesting metabolic effects of this cytokine.
In Search of Organizational Cockaigne: Identifying the Pillars of the Ideal Organization
Authors: Cunha Miguel Pina E
Published: March 2010

The literature on organizations is replete with ideal-type-theories. Most of them take the whole organization as their level of analysis and study the ideal organization from an objective and macro point of view (e.g. the bureaucracy). Less is known, however, about what the ideal organization might look like from the employee's, micro, and subjective point of view. Inspired by the medieval myth of the Land of Cockaigne, immortalised in Bruegel-the-Elder's 1567 painting, this paper presents an empirical study of the perfect workplace, according to the subjective perspective of the individual employee. Seventy-seven subjects from a single organization were interviewed. The only question they were asked was “Please, imagine the perfect workplace. It can be different from any organization you may have known until now. Can you please describe how it looks?” Results suggest that the ideal workplace is imagined on the basis of three interrelated pillars, or sets of elements: spiritual, material and organizational.
Managing Jewish Museums in a Multi-faith Society: Notes From Italy.
Authors: Clark David
Published: March 2010

The growth of Jewish museums in recent years should be seen within a wider context of interest in the histories of indigenous, minority and disadvantaged groups. This has led to demands for increasing multivocality within museum and exhibition displays, allowing members of indigenous,
minority and disadvantaged groups to speak for themselves.This study focuses on Jewish museums in Italy. In Venice, Florence and Ferrara, the local Jewish communities set up museums, but lacked the financial resources to run them on a day-to-day basis. Hence the need to subcontract operational
management to an outside organisation. The paper explores the implications of this split between ownership and control, and examines the ways in which the local Jewish community seeks to maintain control over performative narrative and interpretative practices. The argument focuses on the
inter-relationship between performative and spatial narrative in the museum context and the importance of social meanings attached to space.
Integrating Spirituality at Work: An Interview with Ken Wilber
Authors: Pauchant Thierry C. , Bennett Joel , Benefiel Margaret , Delbecq Andre , Fitzgibbons Dale , Goddard Thomas , Gurudev Khalsa , McGee Jim , Neal Judi , Robbins Lee , Steingard David , Trott David , Young John
Published: March 2010

During the Academy of Management meeting in Denver, Colorado (August 2002), a team of members of the Academy's Management, Spirituality and Religion Interest Group (MSR) interviewed Ken Wilber at his down-town Denver apartment. Known as a leading voice in spirituality and the founding
father of the Integral Institute, Ken Wilber presents in this interview some of his views on the challenges of integrating spirituality in organizations, in terms of management practice, research and education.
From the Editors:
Authors: Biberman Jerry , Altman Yochanan
Published: March 2010

Issue 2 of volume 1 of the Journal of Management, Spirituality and Religion presents an exciting collection (well, we are somewhat biased) of theoretical, empirical and reflexive articles I on spiritual and religious themes related to management.
The Christian Manager's Spiritual Journey
Authors: Delbecq Andre L.
Published: March 2010

During the past five years I have facilitated a seminar attended by more than 350 senior and middle management executives, “Spirituality of Organizational Leadership” at Santa Clara University. (Delbecq, 2000) I also direct the Institute for Leadership Spirituality that
conducts discourse between Theologians, CEOs, and Management (Delbecq, 2001) Finally, I participate in an Inter-religious meditation community where managers gather each week for contemplative practice and sharing focused on the vocation of organizational leadership (www.thecommunityofjoseph.org).Reflecting
on these experiences, I will share a perspective on the spiritual journey of the Christian manager. Although all of the above contexts are inter-religious, the focus of my paper will be on the Christian perspective. My own tradition is Roman Catholic.Before reflecting on my shared experiences
with Christian business leaders let me preface my remarks with a short statement regarding contemporary Christian theology and the role of the “laity” (nonclerical Christians).
A Causal Assessment of the Spirituality-Leadership-Commitment Relationship
Authors: Sanders Joseph E. , Hopkins Willie E. , Geroy Gary D.
Published: March 2010

The relationship between spirituality, leadership, and organizational commitment was assessed using a sample of 225 non-managerial employees working for an independent, not-for-profit hospital. Using structural equation modelling techniques, we found significant causal relationships
between leadership and spirituality in the workplace and between leadership and organizational commitment. However, we did not find significant causal relationships between spirituality and commitment; nor was spirituality found to be a significant mediator of the leadership-commitment relationship.
In spite of the non-significant results, we concluded that the empirical, exploratory model represents a step towards understanding the organizational dynamics involved with these relationships in the workplace.
Religious Conviction and the Relative Centrality of Major Life Domains
Authors: Snir Raphael , Harpaz Itzhak
Published: March 2010

The effect of religious conviction on the relative centrality of major life domains was examined through a representative sample of the Israeli labor force (n=942). The data were gathered in the framework of the MOW (Meaning of Work) international project. Independent-samples t tests
yielded significant findings. Respondents with a strong religious conviction had a lower work centrality and a lower leisure centrality than those with a weak religious conviction. People with a strong religious conviction had a higher community centrality than those with a weak religious
conviction. No significant difference was found between respondents with a strong religious conviction and those with a weak religious conviction concerning family centrality.
The Spiritual Challenges of Power Humility and Love as Offsets To Leadership Hubris
Authors: Delbecq Andre L.
Published: March 2010

Contemporary business press and academic studies are replete with examples of previously acclaimed leaders who slip into situational narcissism leading to distorted decisions and subsequent public embarrassment. An examination of the classic virtues of humility and love in the spiritual
traditions (little talked about in the world of “celebrity” leadership) will suggest how these spiritual gifts can protect executives from such a “fall from grace.”
Europe Versus Asia: Truth Versus Virtue
Authors: Hofstede Geert
Published: March 2010

Science and technology are products of human ingenuity, and as such they are cultural phenomena: products of human culture. Values also belong to culture, but to a different kind of culture. The word ‘culture’ is used in two meanings, but in discussions people often do not
realize this. There is culture in the narrow sense, let us call it ‘culture one’, which stands for civilization and its products; and there is culture in the wider, anthropological sense, ‘culture two’, which means patterns of thinking, feeling and acting that differ
from one group of people to another. Values belong to culture two, not to culture one. My research has been on values, that is culture two, and I will compare values in Europe and in Asia.Several studies have been devoted to differences in values among similar people from different countries.
I compared people working for the same multinational organization in the same jobs, but in more than fifty different countries. My Hong Kong colleague Michael Bond compared psychology students in ten different countries. We both found that the differences in the values of our respondents reflected
four basic dimensions of national culture: Power Distance, or the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally: from relatively equal to extremely unequal. Individualism,
or the degree to which people in a country learn to act as individuals rather than as members of cohesive groups: from collectivist to individualist. Masculinity, or the degree to which values like assertiveness, performance, success and competition, which in most cultures are traditionally
considered the domain of men, prevail over values like the quality of life, maintaining warm personal relationships, service, care for the weak, and solidarity, which in most cultures are considered to be more the domain of women: from tender to tough. Uncertainty Avoidance, or
the degree to which people in a country feel threatened by uncertain or unknown situations: the extent to which they believe in one single Truth with a big T and reject those who do not think, look and act like themselves; from relatively flexible to extremely rigid.
Empirical Research In Management, Spirituality & Religion During Its Founding Years
Authors: Dean Kathy Lund , Fornaciari Charles J.
Published: March 2010

Studying management, spirituality, and religion (MSR) in the workplace involves multi-disciplinary and broadly based literatures. This study utilizes a unique, quantitative visual analysis to explore the disciplinary inclusiveness of MSR in its founding decade from 1996–2005 by
examining the population of 231 peer-reviewed empirical MSR-based journal articles. Results show conceptual research construct distinctions within the MSR domain and which disciplines are most represented in the field. The results also demonstrate what ideas from other fields might be missing
in business-related MSR research. Finally, the study identifies conceptual clusters and conversations for MSR research in business contexts to utilize going forward.
Congruence and Clash of Scientific and Spiritual Identities: Consequences for Scientists, Organizations, and Organizational Leadership
Authors: James Keith
Published: March 2010

The foci of this paper are the implications of the relationship between scientific identities and spiritual identities for individual and collective affect and, through them, individual and organizational processes and outcomes. Attachment to and involvement with science (and closely allied disciplines such as engineering) are both driven by and impact individuals' identities (Jackson, 1987; Pacey, 1983; Reich, 2000). Spirituality also both unfolds from, and influences, identity (Fry, in press; Gorsuch, 1988; Mael and Ashforth, 2001). Scientific and spiritual identities can fit together harmoniously; can be essentially independent and neutral in how their relationship impacts affective and organizational outcomes, or can be discrepant. The match of the two types of identity depends on their specific contents, their internal strength, surrounding events and contexts, and the nature of other identities that either they or situations evoke (James, 2000; Mael and Ashforth, 2001). Affective processes and reactions seem to mediate both the impact of organizations on the relationship between the two types of identities, and to mediate the effects of that relationship on individual and organizational outcomes. This study presents models of how and why scientific and spiritual identities fit or fail to fit together and discusses the models and their implications for scientists, their organizations, and society. The ideas outlined above are supported with citations from the literature, with archival information about some historical scientists and information from interviews with scientists.
Spirituality within a Religious Workplace: Is It So Different?
Authors: Groen Janet
Published: March 2010

Viewing spirituality through the lens of a religious workplace, a Catholic School Board, this paper considers whether the manifestations of spirituality within the workplace are significantly different between a secular workplace and a religious workplace. Using a qualitative research approach which compared the two contexts, the author concluded that, at the surface, the differences were minimal. Specifically, there is remarkable similarity as one considers the various ideals of a spiritually infused workplace, such as vocation, ethics, interconnectedness, and being responsible to our local and global community. However, by going deeper, one realizes that the underlying motivations and values for creating, cultivating and sustaining a spiritually infused workplace within a religious workplace come from a specifically agreed upon set of religious values, which cannot be claimed for secular workplaces.
Spirituality As A Determinant Of Transformational Leadership: Moderating Effects Of Religious Orientation
Authors: Twigg Nicholas W. , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: March 2010

This study empirically tests the relationship between spirituality, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership. Spirituality is conceptualized as an attitude or basic human need. Consistent with transformational leadership theory (Bass, 1985), it measures transformational
and transactional leadership behaviors. As the study of spirituality in the workplace is still emerging (Giacalone and Jurkiewicz, 2003; Giacalone, Jurkiewicz, and Fry, 2005; Paloutzian and Park, 2005a) and the scientific study of the psychology of religion is a well established discipline
(Allport and Ross, 1967; Gorsuch and McPherson, 1989; Hood, Spilka, Hunsberger, and Gorsuch, 1996; Paloutzian and Park, 2005b), it integrates a mature measure of religious orientation into a model to give support to the relationship between spirituality and leadership style. Results from a
sample of 186 senior executives from industry and academia indicate that religious orientation strengthens the relationship between spirituality and transformational leader behaviors. Results also support the moderating role of religious orientation in the relationship between transactional
leadership and transformational leader behaviors. The paper concludes with future research directions and managerial implications.
Wealth Maximization, Self-Realization, and the Spiritually Sustainable Enterprise
Authors: Vos Ed , Barker James
Published: March 2010

We argue for a spirituality-based, self-realization perspective on organizational ethics and action that stands in contrast to the more commonly held wealth maximization perspective. We first describe the wealth maximization perspective paying particular attention to its power, pervasiveness,
and ability to shape what we consider to be organizational ethics. Then, we develop an alternative perspective that rests on a more metaphysical and collective consideration of self realization as an alternative orientation for guiding our ethical determinations. We argue that engaging organizational
ethics from the perspective of self realization provides a more solid foundation for conceptualizing and creating sustainable enterprises and for mitigating many of the ethical dilemmas that arise from the dominance of wealth maximization.
Restructuring God Ideologies in Work Spaces: A Critical Catholic Perspective
Authors: Hope Angela
Published: March 2010

This paper attempts to unveil new ways of making sense of our organizational realities through theology. As someone trained in theology, I would like to offer fresh insights related to the intersectionality of theology and work. I start from the assumption that theologies as ideologies
cannot be viewed as distinct or set apart from the structural frameworks by which the capitalist system and many work organizations are formed and by which they operate. A careful and critical approach to theology will reveal that certain privileged theo-ideologies inform the structures of
many workplaces. This dominant god ideology is reinforced in the Catholic social teaching on work, enabling the marginalization and dehumanization of workers on the basis of their socioeconomic status. A call for a restructuring of our theo-ideologies is put forth. I offer an alternative representation
of the divine through feminist and process theological insights rooted in a post-structuralist framework.
The Neuroscience of Spiritual Experience in Organizations
Authors: Smith Aaron C.T.
Published: March 2010

This article uses research in brain science to examine spiritual experiences and speculate on their occurrence in the workplace. Neuroscientific data suggest that spiritual experiences are likely to be correlated with specific brain activities, particularly unusual activity within the
limbic system. At work these experiences may occur during episodes of powerful concentration on a singular task, and are characterized by feelings of well-being, connection, and temporal and spatial distortion. Research from psychology suggests that spiritual experiences defined in this way
may be similar to those described as flow states and may be relevant to the attribution of meaning to occupational tasks. Both spiritual experiences and flow states may be precipitated by ritualized behaviors that encourage the brain conditions associated with simultaneous sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous system operation. While individuals need not undergo spiritual experiences in order to appreciate organizational spirituality, spiritual experiences in the workplace are relevant to organizational transformation in general.