bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a novel splice variant of δ ENaC subunit in human lungs
Authors: Zhao Run-Zhen , Nie Hong-Guang , Su Xue-Feng , Han Dong-Yun , Lee Andrew , Huang Yao , Chang Yongchang , Matalon Sadis , Ji Hong-Long
Published: April 2012

Salt absorption via apical epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) is a critical rate-limiting process in maintaining airway and lung lining fluid at the physiological level. δ ENaC (termed δ1 in this article) has been detected in human lung epithelial cells in addition to α, β, and γ subunits (Ji HL, Su XF, Kedar S, Li J, Barbry P, Smith PR, Matalon S, Benos DJ. J Biol Chem 281: 8233–8241, 2006; Nie HG, Chen L, Han DY, Li J, Song WF, Wei SP, Fang XH, Gu X, Matalon S, Ji HL, J Physiol 587: 2663–2676, 2009) and may contribute to the differences in the biophysical properties of amiloride-inhibitable cation channels in pulmonary epithelial cells. Here we cloned a splicing variant of the δ1 ENaC, namely, δ2 ENaC in human bronchoalveolar epithelial cells (16HBEo). δ2 ENaC possesses 66 extra amino acids attached to the distal amino terminal tail of the δ1 ENaC. δ2 ENaC was expressed in both alveolar type I and II cells of human lungs as revealed by in situ hybridization and real-time RT-PCR. To characterize the biophysical and pharmacological features of the splicing variant, we injected Xenopus oocytes with human ENaC cRNAs and measured whole cell and single channel currents of δ1βγ, δ2βγ, and αβγ channels. Oocytes injected with δ2βγ cRNAs exhibited whole cell currents significantly greater than those expressing δ1βγ and αβγ channels. Single channel activity, unitary conductance, and open probability of δ2βγ channels were significantly greater compared with δ1βγ and αβγ channels. In addition, δ2βγ and δ1βγ channels displayed significant differences in apparent Na+ affinity, dissociation constant for amiloride ( K iamil), the EC50 for capsazepine activation, and gating kinetics by protons. Channels comprising of this novel splice variant may contribute to the diversities of native epithelial Na+ channels.
Use of reflectance interference contrast microscopy to characterize the endothelial glycocalyx stiffness
Authors: Job Kathleen M. , Dull Randal O. , Hlady Vladimir
Published: April 2012

Reflectance interference contrast microscopy (RICM) was used to study the mechanics of the endothelial glycocalyx. This technique tracks the vertical position of a glass microsphere probe that applies very light fluctuating loads to the outermost layer of the bovine lung microvascular endothelial cell (BLMVEC) glycocalyx. Fluctuations in probe vertical position are used to estimate the effective stiffness of the underlying layer. Stiffness was measured before and after removal of specific glycocalyx components. The mean stiffness of BLMVEC glycocalyx was found to be ∼7.5 kT/nm2 (or ∼31 pN/nm). Enzymatic digestion of the glycocalyx with pronase or hyaluronan with hyaluronidase increased the mean effective stiffness of the glycocalyx; however, the increase of the mean stiffness on digestion of heparan sulfate with heparinase III was not significant. The results imply that hyaluronan chains act as a cushioning layer to distribute applied forces to the glycocalyx structure. Effective stiffness was also measured for the glycocalyx exposed to 0.1%, 1.0%, and 4.0% BSA; glycocalyx compliance increased at two extreme BSA concentrations. The RICM images indicated that glycocalyx thickness increases with BSA concentrations. Results demonstrate that RICM is sensitive to detect the subtle changes of glycocalyx compliance at the fluid-fiber interface.
Expression of P2X7 Receptor IncreasesIn VivoTumor Growth
Authors: Adinolfi Elena , Raffaghello Lizzia , Giuliani Anna Lisa , Cavazzini Luigi , Capece Marina , Chiozzi Paola , Bianchi Giovanna , Kroemer Guido , Pistoia Vito , Di Virgilio Francesco
Published: April 2012

The P2X7 receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel known for its cytotoxic activity. However, recent evidence suggests a role for P2X7 in cell proliferation. Here, we found that P2X7 exhibits significant growth-promoting effects in vivo. Human embryonic kidney cells expressing P2X7 exhibited a more tumorigenic and anaplastic phenotype than control cells in vivo, and the growth rate and size of these tumors were significantly reduced by intratumoral injection of the P2X7 inhibitor–oxidized ATP. The accelerated growth of P2X7-expressing tumors was characterized by increased proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and a high level of activated transcription factor NFATc1. These tumors also showed a more developed vascular network than control tumors and secreted elevated amounts of VEGF. The growth and neoangiogenesis of P2X7-expressing tumors was blocked by intratumoral injection of the VEGF-blocking antibody Avastin (bevacizumab), pharmacologic P2X7 blockade, or P2X7 silencing in vivo. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong P2X7 positivity in several human cancers. Together, our findings provide direct evidence that P2X7 promotes tumor growth in vivo. Cancer Res; 72(12); 2957–69. ©2012 AACR.
Gene Immunotherapy of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Phase I Study of Intranodally Injected Adenovirus Expressing a Chimeric CD154 Molecule
Authors: Castro Januario E. , Melo-Cardenas Johanna , Urquiza Mauricio , Barajas-Gamboa Juan S. , Pakbaz Ramin S. , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: April 2012

New therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are needed, particularly those that can eradicate residual disease and elicit anti-CLL immune responses. CD40 ligation on CLL cells, which can be achieved using adenovirus encoding chimeric CD154 (Ad-ISF35), enhances their ability to function as antigen-presenting cells and increases their sensitivity to clearance by immune-effector mechanisms. In this study, we report the results of a first-in-man phase I trial of intranodal direct injection (IDI) of Ad-ISF35 in patients with CLL to evaluate toxicity, safety, and tolerability. Fifteen patients received a single IDI of 1 × 1010 to 33 × 1010 Ad-ISF35 viral particles (vp), with a defined maximum tolerated dose as 1 × 1011 vp. Although the most common adverse events were transient grade 1 to 2 pain at the injection site and flu-like symptoms following IDI, some patients receiving the highest dose had transient, asymptomatic grade 3 to 4 hypophosphatemia, neutropenia, or transaminitis. Increased expression of death receptor, immune costimulatory molecules, and Ad-ISF35 vector DNA was detected in circulating CLL cells. Notably, we also observed preliminary clinical responses, including reductions in leukemia cell counts, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. Six patients did not require additional therapy for more than 6 months, and three achieved a partial remission. In conclusion, Ad-ISF35 IDI was safely delivered in patients with CLLs and induced systemic biologic and clinical responses. These results provide the rationale for phase II studies in CLLs, lymphomas, and CD40-expressing solid tumors. Cancer Res; 72(12); 2937–48. ©2012 AACR.
Polycomb Protein EZH2 Regulates Tumor Invasion via the Transcriptional Repression of the Metastasis Suppressor RKIP in Breast and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ren Gang , Baritaki Stavroula , Marathe Himangi , Feng Jingwei , Park Sungdae , Beach Sandy , Bazeley Peter S. , Beshir Anwar B. , Fenteany Gabriel , Mehra Rohit , Daignault Stephanie , Al-Mulla Fahd , Keller Evan , Bonavida Ben , de la Serna Ivana , Yeung Kam C.
Published: April 2012

Epigenetic modifications such as histone methylation play an important role in human cancer metastasis. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which encodes the histone methyltransferase component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is overexpressed widely in breast and prostate cancers and epigenetically silences tumor suppressor genes. Expression levels of the novel tumor and metastasis suppressor Raf-1 kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) have been shown to correlate negatively with those of EZH2 in breast and prostate cell lines as well as in clinical cancer tissues. Here, we show that the RKIP/EZH2 ratio significantly decreases with the severity of disease and is negatively associated with relapse-free survival in breast cancer. Using a combination of loss- and gain-of-function approaches, we found that EZH2 negatively regulated RKIP transcription through repression-associated histone modifications. Direct recruitment of EZH2 and suppressor of zeste 12 (Suz12) to the proximal E-boxes of the RKIP promoter was accompanied by H3-K27-me3 and H3-K9-me3 modifications. The repressing activity of EZH2 on RKIP expression was dependent on histone deacetylase promoter recruitment and was negatively regulated upstream by miR-101. Together, our findings indicate that EZH2 accelerates cancer cell invasion, in part, via RKIP inhibition. These data also implicate EZH2 in the regulation of RKIP transcription, suggesting a potential mechanism by which EZH2 promotes tumor progression and metastasis. Cancer Res; 72(12); 3091–104. ©2012 AACR.
High Expression of IL-13 Receptor α2 in Colorectal Cancer Is Associated with Invasion, Liver Metastasis, and Poor Prognosis
Authors: Barderas Rodrigo , Bartolomé Rubén A. , Fernandez-Aceñero María Jesús , Torres Sofia , Casal J. Ignacio
Published: April 2012

Autocrine secretion of cytokines by metastatic colorectal cancer cells and their role during invasion and liver homing has been poorly characterized. In this study, we used cytokine arrays to analyze the secretomes of poorly and highly metastatic colorectal cancer cells. Compared with poorly metastatic cancer cells, highly metastatic cells expressed increased levels of the immunosuppressive cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 in addition to increased surface expression of the high affinity IL-13 receptor IL-13Rα2, suggesting that IL-13Rα2 mediates IL-13 effects in colorectal cancer cells. Silencing of IL-13Rα2 in highly metastatic cells led to a decrease in adhesion capacity in vitro and a reduction in liver homing and increased survival in vivo, revealing a role for this receptor in cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and metastatic colonization. In support of this, IL-13 signaling activated the oncogenic signaling molecules phosphoinositide 3-kinase, AKT, and SRC in highly metastatic cells. Clinically, high expression of IL-13Rα2 was associated with later stages of disease progression and poor outcome in patients with colorectal cancer. Our findings therefore support a critical role for IL-13Rα2 expression in colon cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2780–90. ©2012 AACR.
In Vivo Imaging of Drug-Induced Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilization at Single-Cell Resolution
Authors: Earley Sarah , Vinegoni Claudio , Dunham Joshua , Gorbatov Rostic , Feruglio Paolo Fumene , Weissleder Ralph
Published: April 2012

Observing drug responses in the tumor microenvironment in vivo can be technically challenging. As a result, cellular responses to molecularly targeted cancer drugs are often studied in cell culture, which does not accurately represent the behavior of cancer cells growing in vivo. Using high-resolution microscopy and fluorescently labeled genetic reporters for apoptosis, we developed an approach to visualize drug-induced cell death at single-cell resolution in vivo. Stable expression of the mitochondrial intermembrane protein IMS-RP was established in human breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Image analysis was then used to quantify release of IMS-RP into the cytoplasm upon apoptosis and irreversible mitochondrial permeabilization. Both breast and pancreatic cancer cells showed higher basal apoptotic rates in vivo than in culture. To study drug-induced apoptosis, we exposed tumor cells to navitoclax (ABT-263), an inhibitor of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-w, both in vitro and in vivo. Although the tumors responded to Bcl-2 inhibition in vivo, inducing apoptosis in around 20% of cancer cells, the observed response was much higher in cell culture. Together, our findings show an imaging technique that can be used to directly visualize cell death within the tumor microenvironment in response to drug treatment. Cancer Res; 72(12); 2949–56. ©2012 AACR.
Preclinical Analysis of the γ-Secretase Inhibitor PF-03084014 in Combination with Glucocorticoids in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Samon Jeremy B. , Castillo-Martin Mireia , Hadler Michael , Ambesi-Impiobato Alberto , Paietta Elisabeth , Racevskis Janis , Wiernik Peter H. , Rowe Jacob M. , Jakubczak John , Randolph Sophia , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Ferrando Adolfo A.
Published: April 2012

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) and lymphomas are aggressive hematologic cancers frequently associated with activating mutations in NOTCH1. Early studies identified NOTCH1 as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of T-ALL through the use of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSI). Here, we characterized the interaction between PF-03084014, a clinically relevant GSI, and dexamethasone in preclinical models of glucocorticoid-resistant T-ALL. Combination treatment of the GSI PF-03084014 with glucocorticoids induced a synergistic antileukemic effect in human T-ALL cell lines and primary human T-ALL patient samples. Mechanistically PF-03084014 plus glucocorticoid treatment induced increased transcriptional upregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoid target genes. Treatment with PF-03084014 and glucocorticoids in combination was highly efficacious in vivo, with enhanced reduction of tumor burden in a xenograft model of T-ALL. Finally, glucocorticoid treatment effectively reversed PF-03084014–induced gastrointestinal toxicity via inhibition of goblet cell metaplasia. These results warrant the analysis of PF-03084014 and glucocorticoids in combination for the treatment of glucocorticoid-resistant T-ALL. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(7); 1565–75. ©2012 AACR.
Environmental Estrogens Differentially Engage the Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 to Increase Risk of Uterine Tumorigenesis
Authors: Greathouse K. Leigh , Bredfeldt Tiffany , Everitt Jeffrey I. , Lin Kevin , Berry Tia , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Mittelstadt Megan L. , Ho Shuk-mei , Walker Cheryl L.
Published: April 2012

Environmental exposures during sensitive windows of development can reprogram normal physiologic responses and alter disease susceptibility later in life in a process known as developmental reprogramming. For example, exposure to the xenoestrogen diethylstilbestrol during reproductive tract development can reprogram estrogen-responsive gene expression in the myometrium, resulting in hyperresponsiveness to hormone in the adult uterus and promotion of hormone-dependent uterine leiomyoma. We show here that the environmental estrogens genistein, a soy phytoestrogen, and the plasticizer bisphenol A, differ in their pattern of developmental reprogramming and promotion of tumorigenesis (leiomyomas) in the uterus. Whereas both genistein and bisphenol A induce genomic estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in the developing uterus, only genistein induced phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT nongenomic ER signaling to the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). As a result, this pregenomic signaling phosphorylates and represses EZH2 and reduces levels of H3K27me3 repressive mark in chromatin. Furthermore, only genistein caused estrogen-responsive genes in the adult myometrium to become hyperresponsive to hormone; estrogen-responsive genes were repressed in bisphenol A–exposed uteri. Importantly, this pattern of EZH2 engagement to decrease versus increase H3K27 methylation correlated with the effect of these xenoestrogens on tumorigenesis. Developmental reprogramming by genistein promoted development of uterine leiomyomas, increasing tumor incidence and multiplicity, whereas bisphenol A did not. These data show that environmental estrogens have distinct nongenomic effects in the developing uterus that determines their ability to engage the epigenetic regulator EZH2, decrease levels of the repressive epigenetic histone H3K27 methyl mark in chromatin during developmental reprogramming, and promote uterine tumorigenesis. Mol Cancer Res; 10(4); 546–57. ©2012 AACR.
Resolvin D1 Limits Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Recruitment to Inflammatory Loci
Authors: Norling Lucy V. , Dalli Jesmond , Flower Roderick J. , Serhan Charles N. , Perretti Mauro
Published: April 2012

Objective—

Resolvin D1 (RvD1) limits neutrophil recruitment during acute inflammation and is derived from omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid to promote catabasis. The contribution of its specific receptors, the lipoxin A
4
/Annexin-A1 receptor formyl-peptide receptor 2 (FPR2/ALX) and the orphan receptor G-protein–coupled receptor 32 (GPR32) are of considerable interest.

Methods and Results—

RvD1 reduced human polymorphonuclear leukocytes recruitment to endothelial cells under shear conditions as quantified using a flow chamber system. Receptor-specific antibodies blocked these anti-inflammatory actions of RvD1, with low (1 nmol/L) concentrations sensitive to GPR32 blockade, while the higher (10 nmol/L) concentration appeared FPR2/ALX-specific. Interestingly, polymorphonuclear leukocytes surface expression of FPR2/ALX but not GPR32 increased following activation with pro-inflammatory stimuli, corresponding with secretory vesicle mobilization. Lipid mediator metabololipidomics carried out with 24-hour exudates revealed that RvD1 in vivo gave a significant reduction in the levels of a number of pro-inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins and leukotriene B
4
. These actions of RvD1 were abolished in
fpr2
null mice.

Conclusion—

Pro-resolving lipid mediators and their receptors, such as RvD1 and the 2 G-protein–coupled receptors, studied here regulate resolution and may provide new therapeutic strategies for diseases with a vascular inflammatory component.
Trabeculated (Noncompacted) and Compact Myocardium in Adults
Authors: Kawel Nadine , Nacif Marcelo , Arai Andrew E. , Gomes Antoinette S. , Hundley W. Gregory , Johnson W. Craig , Prince Martin R. , Stacey R. Brandon , Lima João A. C. , Bluemke David A.
Published: April 2012

Background—

A high degree of noncompacted (trabeculated) myocardium in relationship to compact myocardium (trabeculated to compact myocardium [T/M] ratio >2.3) has been associated with a diagnosis of left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). The purpose of this study was to determine the normal range of the T/M ratio in a large population-based study and to examine the relationship to demographic and clinical parameters.

Methods and Results—

The thickness of trabeculation and the compact myocardium were measured in 8 left ventricular regions on long axis cardiac MR steady-state free precession cine images in 1000 participants (551 women; 68.1±8.9 years) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort. Of 323 participants without cardiac disease or hypertension and with all regions evaluable, 140 (43%) had a T/M ratio >2.3 in at least 1 region; in 20 of 323 (6%), T/M >2.3 was present in >2 regions. A multivariable linear regression model revealed no association of age, sex, ethnicity, height, and weight with maximum T/M ratio in participants without cardiac disease or hypertension (
P
>0.05). In the entire cohort (n=1000), left ventricular ejection fraction (β=−0.02/%;
P
=0.015), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (β=0.01/mL;
P
<0.0001), and left ventricular end-systolic volume (β=0.01/mL;
P
<0.001) were associated with maximum T/M ratio in adjusted models, whereas there was no association with hypertension or myocardial infarction (
P
>0.05). At the apical level, T/M ratios were significantly lower when obtained on short- compared with long-axis images (
P
=0.017).

Conclusions—

A ratio of T/M of >2.3 is common in a large population-based cohort. These results suggest re-evaluation of the current cardiac MR criteria for left ventricular noncompaction may be necessary.
Measuring Energy Expenditure After Stroke
Authors: Moore Sarah A. , Hallsworth Kate , Bluck Les J.C. , Ford Gary A. , Rochester Lynn , Trenell Michael I.
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

Current means of assessing physical activity and energy expenditure have restrictions in stroke, limiting our understanding of its role in therapeutic management. This study validates a portable multisensor array for measuring free-living total energy expenditure compared with a gold standard method (doubly labeled water) in individuals with stroke.

Methods—

Daily energy expenditure was measured in 9 participants with stroke (73±8 years) over a 10-day period with 2 techniques: a portable multisensor array and doubly labeled water.

Results—

Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean difference of 94 kcal/day (3.8%) in total energy expenditure measures given by the multisensor array in comparison to doubly labeled water with lower and upper limits of agreement of −276 to 463.8 kcal/day (2473±468 versus 2380±551,
P
=0.167). There was strong agreement between the multisensor array and labeled water methods of capturing total daily energy expenditure (
r
=0.850,
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

The multisensor array is a portable and accurate method of capturing daily energy expenditure and may assist in understanding how stroke influences free-living energy expenditure and aid in clinical management.
The Limits of Immigration Policies
Authors: Oishi Nana
Published: April 2012

Despite its open and lenient policies for highly skilled migration, Japan has not been successful in attracting many professionals from overseas. Japanese corporations have also found it difficult to retain migrant professionals. This article, based on qualitative interviews with migrant professionals and corporate managers in the Tokyo metropolitan area, examines why the world’s third largest economy still remains a considerably small magnet for global talent. It also analyzes what kind of individual and institutional factors prevent migrant professionals’ long-term settlement in Japan. The article addresses the limits of immigration policies and emphasizes the importance of reforms in corporate structures, business practices, and overall integration policies in Japan.
Alternatives to Migration in the United States
Authors: Rosenblum Marc R.
Published: April 2012

Despite public opinion favoring reduced immigration, U.S. immigration policy since the 1980s has led to increased inflows of both legal and unauthorized immigrant workers, and migrants accounted for 12% of the U.S. population and 16% of its workforce in 2010. Given this disjuncture, this article explores practical alternatives to high levels of immigration in managing the U.S. workforce. The U.S. economy could reduce foreign-born employment by increasing employment among native workers, by increasing investment in technology and other enhancements to productivity, or by reducing production in immigrant-intensive industries. The article explores the feasibility of these alternatives in relation to current demographic and labor market conditions, possible policy tools, and the likely economic costs and benefits. The analysis reveals that the greatest economic benefits may be gained from enhancements to productivity, which would allow for reduced immigration without loss of output, whereas the reduction of U.S.-based production would likely generate net economic costs.
Perceived usefulness of learning strategies by children with Tourette syndrome plus, their parents and their teachers
Authors: Thomas Roger , Carroll Alan , Chomin Elizabeth , Williamson Tyler , Beran Tanya , Palacios-Derflingher Luz , Drummond Neil
Published: April 2012

Objective:

Children with Tourette syndrome and other co-morbidities (abbreviated hereafter to TS+) experience significant learning difficulties. We wished to identify educational strategies that these students, their parents and teachers considered useful.

Design:

An ‘educational toolkit’ was compiled of 84 strategies identified by teachers of TS+ children.

Setting:

Children attending the TS+ clinic of a university hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.

Method:

The educational toolkit was administered to 30 randomly selected TS+ children attending the clinic, their teachers, and their parents.

Results:

13 strategies were endorsed by ≥ 50% of the students, 53 by ≥ 50% of parents, and 42 by ≥ 50% of teachers. The 10 strategies students most strongly endorsed were: (1) computers; (2) calculators; (3) spell-checkers; (4) extra time in class; (5) less homework; (6) information from the teacher; (7) feedback on how to improve work; (8) printed assignments; (9) TS+ explained to their teacher; and (10) not being punished or suspended because of TS+ behaviours. The 10 strategies most frequently endorsed by parents were: (1) the student paying attention and being informed; (2) computers; (3) the teacher telling the whole class ‘listen carefully’ when discussing important ideas; (4) providing ideas about organizing work; (5) providing printed assignments; (6) telling students when they are being helpful; (7) encouraging students for good behaviour and signaling incorrect behaviour; (8) checking students understand each idea the teacher presents; (9) outside experts explaining TS+ to the teacher; and (10) exchanging notes with the teacher. The 10 items most strongly endorsed by teachers were: (1) providing information and direction; (2) feedback on how to improve work; (3) checking students wrote down homework assignments; (4) helping students start work assignments; (5) computers; (6) spell-checkers; (7) monitoring time and work; (8) extra time; (9) feedback about the student’s behaviour and advice if misbehaving; and (10) the teacher explaining to the class how students can help students with learning challenges.

Conclusions:

There is considerable agreement among parents and teachers about how to help children with TS+ with their schoolwork and behaviours.
Shouldering a silent burden: The toll of dirty tasks
Authors: Baran Benjamin E , Rogelberg Steven G , Carello Lopina Erika , Allen Joseph A , Spitzmüller Christiane , Bergman Mindy
Published: April 2012

Dirty work involves tasks that are stigmatized owing to characteristics that the public finds disgusting, degrading, or objectionable. Conservation of resources theory suggests such experiences should induce strain and decreased work satisfaction; social identity theory suggests such work should lead to strong psychological investment in the work, among other outcomes. Integrating these two perspectives, this study hypothesizes and presents quantitative evidence from 499 animal-shelter workers, demonstrating how dirty-work engagement relates to higher levels of strain, job involvement, and reluctance to discuss work while negatively influencing work satisfaction. Additionally, this study takes a unique perspective on dirty work by focusing on dirty tasks within a dirty-work occupation. The data suggest meaningful differences between the outcomes of dirty-task frequency and dirty-task psychological salience, providing additional insight into the complexity of stigmatized occupations and ways in which future research and theory benefit as a result.
Influencing Preservice Teachers’ Attitudes About Working With Low-Income and/or Ethnic Minority Families
Authors: Amatea Ellen S. , Cholewa Blaire , Mixon Kacy A.
Published: April 2012

There is a growing literature revealing the complexity of family–school relationships and the significant power imbalances and mismatches between the role expectations of caregivers and teachers who differ by class and race. This study investigates a course at a large research university in the Southeastern United States designed to influence the attitudes of preservice teachers (PSTs) about how they might work with low-income and/or ethnic minority families. Study results on 138 PSTs demonstrate that, after completing the course, their attitudes were less stereotypic, they were more confident about using family-centric involvement practices, and conceptualized student’s problems in less blaming terms.
In the Aftermath of a State Takeover of a School District
Authors: Rogers Rebecca
Published: April 2012

Although research has been conducted on state and city interventions of educational systems in urban districts in the United States, very little has been written from the perspective of an elected school board, the governing bodies being replaced during this era of reform. This case study illustrates how an elected school board in St. Louis, Missouri advocated for a return to elected governance following a period of state takeover using the tools of public consultative discourse analysis (PCDA; Scollon, 2010). Data sources consisted entirely of publicly available records and included agendas, handouts and minutes of meetings, media reports, transcripts of public hearings, reports, and policy documents. The analyses of the discourses included a close analysis of the textual devices that contribute to power and consent. In the spirit of PCDA, the elected school board did not simply analyze these texts and associated discourses but used the analyses to influence public policy. Three of the elected board’s interventions are the focus of this article: reframing the state’s charge; foregrounding the “public” in public education; and creating a counternarrative. This case study in public consultative discourse analysis provides insight into how discourse practices work to construct consensus around educational reform initiatives and the challenges inherent in creating alternative perspectives.
Conduct-Disordered Adolescents With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Novick Brown Natalie , Connor Paul D. , Adler Richard S.
Published: April 2012

Youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are in a perilous circumstance. FASD is associated with a high rate of self-regulation problems and trouble with the law and is underdiagnosed. Standard juvenile corrections-based interventions often do not meet the needs of these vulnerable youth. This article describes what is known about conduct-disordered adolescents with FASD and the neurocognitive deficits that directly affect emotional and behavioral self-control. The authors propose guidelines for the assessment of FASD within residential treatment settings and analyze interventions that show promise for inpatient treatment of youth with FASD.
Performance analysis on a residential radiant chilled ceiling system and evaluation on indoor thermal environment in summer: an application
Authors: Sui Xuemin , Zhang Xu , Han Xing
Published: April 2012

The performance of a residential radiant chilled ceiling system combined with an outdoor air handling unit under steady operating conditions in summer was tested, and the stable operating characteristics of this system were analyzed. Indoor thermal environment parameters of room which employed this system were measured and analyzed and the thermal comfort evaluation of occupants was given. The results show that the composite system works well in summer, which can provide low- and high-temperature chilled water for the air supply terminal and the radiant terminal devices. Good thermal comfort can be achieved in room which employed this system, and no condensation risk occurs when it is applied in hot summer and cold winter zone of China. All the analysis provides a technical support for the popularization of the residential radiant chilled ceiling system combined with an outdoor air handling unit in China, and provides a reference for the further optimization of this system.
A quasi-proportional electoral system ‘only for honest men’? The hidden potential for manipulating mixed compensatory electoral systems
Authors: Bochsler Daniel
Published: April 2012

Mixed compensatory systems have risen in popularity in recent years. Under such systems, single-seat districts elect only the leader of the local suffrage, but the systems nevertheless produce (nearly) proportional outcomes overall, via compensatory mandates. Elections in Albania, Italy, Lesotho, and Venezuela, however, demonstrate a particular loophole for such systems: strategic voting, organized by political parties. Large parties can achieve over-representation by encouraging their voters to split their votes. In this way, they outsmart the compensatory mechanism designed to lead to proportional results. These disproportional results are particularly controversial, since they are deliberate and strategic. This article takes the 2005 Albanian elections as its main case study, and uses simulations to illustrate its political consequences.
Can conditional commitments break the climate change negotiations deadlock?
Authors: Underdal Arild , Hovi Jon , Kallbekken Steffen , Skodvin Tora
Published: April 2012

Can a conditional commitment by a major actor (for example, the European Union) induce other major actors (such as the USA, China, India, or Japan) to do more to mitigate global climate change? We analyse this question by first estimating the impact of emission reductions by one of these actors on the mitigation costs of the others and, second, by exploring how domestic politics influence the willingness of the European Union and the USA to contribute. We find that an emission cut by any actor will reduce mitigation costs for all the others and thereby expand the settlement range. These cost reductions seem, however, insufficient to induce significant unilateral policy change. Emissions trading can cut aggregate costs further, but also redistribute wealth. Domestic politics tend to add weight to the concerns of powerful actors that stand to lose from more ambitious mitigation policies.
What Media Critics Reveal About Journalism
Authors: Handley Robert L.
Published: April 2012

In September 2000 Palestine Media Watch (PMW), a group of activists who were critical of American journalism’s coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, began to lobby journalists to revise their coverage. They lobbied by appealing to professional journalism’s ideal-typical traits and by bombarding news organizations with complaints. This study examines the period between 2000 and 2004 when PMW lobbied newsworkers and does so in order to uncover what journalistic responses to PMW—what criticisms journalists legitimized and what criticisms they rejected—reveal about journalism’s professional ideology. The study finds that journalism’s ideal-typical traits possess a core-like quality that allows critics to make professionally resonating criticisms but that journalism’s fluidity often prevents these criticisms from achieving a “journalistically useful” level in which coverage revisions result. Journalism’s ideal-typical traits are so fluid, in fact, that professional journalists will often denigrate their professional tenets in order to defend whatever content is produced by those denigrated tenets.
YouTube, fanvids, forums, vlogs and blogs: Informal music learning in a convergent on- and offline music community
Authors: Waldron Janice
Published: April 2012

In this paper I examine the music learning and teaching in the Banjo Hangout online music community ( www.banjohangout.org/ ) using cyber ethnographic methods of interview and participant observation conducted entirely through computer-mediated communication, which includes Skype and written narrative texts – forum posts, email, chat room conversations – along with hyperlinks to YouTube and other Internet music-learning resources. The Hangout is an example of an online community based on the pre-existing offline interests of its founding members and it is thus connected to and overlaps with the offline Old Time and Bluegrass music banjo communities. Although I focus on the Banjo Hangout online community, this study also provides peripheral glimpses – embedded in the participants’ narratives – into the offline Old Time and Bluegrass banjo communities of practice. As a cyber ethnographic field study, this research also highlights the epistemological differences between on- and offline community as reflected in music education online narrative qualitative research and research practice.
Toward authentic electronic music in the curriculum: Connecting teaching to current compositional practices
Authors: Martin Jeffrey
Published: April 2012

Despite emerging efforts to teach from within authentic music making contexts, electronic music in schools generally remains detached from the practices of actual composers. Often electronic technology is regarded merely as a set of tools for learning and, as a result, many view active engagement in technology-based music making as a supplementary, rather than essential, component of the music curriculum. This article introduces some of the practices of electronic music composition in which many composers currently engage, including perspectives, concepts, techniques and resources. The purpose is to provide a basis for the development of teaching approaches that are informed by authentic practices, and that have the potential to engage learners in music making beyond the classroom.
‘Letting go’: An auto-ethnography of higher degree supervision in music
Authors: Harrison Scott D.
Published: April 2012

This paper examines my role as supervisor of research higher degree music students. Within this dyad, the pedagogical design has centred on conventional delivery, conceptualized in terms of the time-honoured top–down, supervisor–candidate interaction rather than exploration of a co-mentoring collaboration. Many doctoral candidates in music perceive this merely as an extension of the one-to-one instrumental or vocal tuition from their pre-tertiary and undergraduate learning experiences. This can serve to perpetuate over-reliance on the supervisor as master to provide the student as apprentice with technical work (researching and writing skills); repertoire (literature); and stylistic input (writing genre). Compared with undergraduate approaches, these aspects of learning may be often cobbled together in a haphazard fashion where an understanding of the overall project is somewhat fragmented. Consequently, the particular nature of pedagogy in research higher degrees in music remains under-developed and in need of reconceptualization or the development of an enlightened eye.

This paper will review and explore this pedagogy, drawing on narratives presented from my perspectives as supervisor. My role is explored through an autoethnographic account of my experiences as a teacher of groups and individuals, and this is interwoven with references to the projects of candidates at various stages in their programme. In my self-study, I will consider some of my emerging themes, including confidence, project design and management, academic writing, teaching preparation and multi-exegetical formats.
Parental work characteristics and time with children: The moderating effects of parent’s gender and children’s age
Authors: Roeters A , van der Lippe T , Kluwer E , Raub W
Published: April 2012

This article investigates the association between work characteristics and parent–child interaction time. In addition to studying the commonly considered working hours, the authors investigated the effects of job demands and resources such as job insecurity, autonomy and non-standard hours. Moreover, they analysed whether these associations were different for fathers than for mothers and for parents with young vs adolescent children. The authors analysed self-collected data on 2593 Dutch parents and found that parents participated more in parent–child activities when they worked shorter hours, experienced more autonomy, could be reached by their children at work and worked during non-standard hours. Nevertheless, the work characteristics had little explanatory value additional to the working hours. The association between working hours and parent–child time was weaker for mothers and for parents with young children. Moreover, the beneficial effect of non-standard hours was stronger for mothers and autonomy more relevant for parents with adolescent children.
Feedback Seeking in Early Adolescence
Authors: Rosen Lisa H. , Principe Connor P. , Langlois Judith H.
Published: April 2012

The authors examined whether early adolescents ( N = 90) solicit self-enhancing feedback (i.e., positive feedback) or self-verifying feedback (i.e., feedback congruent with self-views, even when these views are negative). Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders first completed a self-perception measure and then selected whether to receive positive or negative feedback from an unknown peer in different domains of self. Results were consistent with self-verification theory; adolescents who perceived themselves as having both strengths and weaknesses were more likely to seek negative feedback regarding a self-perceived weakness compared to a self-perceived strength. The authors found similar support for self-verification processes when they considered the entire sample regardless of perceived strengths and weaknesses; hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) examined the predictive power of ratings of self-perceived ability, certainty, and importance on feedback seeking for all participants and provided additional evidence of self-verification strivings in adolescence.
Decision Coaching to Prepare Patients for Making Health Decisions
Authors: Stacey Dawn , Kryworuchko Jennifer , Bennett Carol , Murray Mary Ann , Mullan Sarah , Légaré France
Published: April 2012

Background. Decision coaching is individualized, nondirective facilitation of patient preparation for shared decision making. Purpose. To explore characteristics and effectiveness of decision coaching evaluated within trials of patient decision aids (PtDAs) for health decisions. Data Sources. A subanalysis of trials included in the 2011 Cochrane Review of PtDAs. Study Selection. Eligible trials allowed the effectiveness of decision coaching to be compared with another intervention and/or usual care. Data Extraction. Two reviewers independently screened 86 trials, extracted data, and appraised quality. Data Synthesis. Ten trials were eligible. Decision coaching was provided by genetic counselors, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, psychologists, or health educators. Coaching compared with usual care ( n = 1 trial) improved knowledge. Coaching plus PtDA compared with usual care ( n = 4) improved knowledge and participation in decision making without reported dissatisfaction. Coaching compared with PtDA alone ( n = 4) increased values-choice agreement and improved satisfaction with the decision-making process without any difference in knowledge or participation in decision making. Coaching plus PtDA compared with PtDA alone ( n = 4) had no difference in knowledge, values-choice agreement, participation in decision making, or satisfaction with the process. Decision coaching plus PtDA was more cost-effective compared with PtDA alone or usual care ( n = 1). Limitations. Methodological quality, number of trials, and description of decision coaching. Conclusions. Compared with usual care, decision coaching improved knowledge. However, the improvement in knowledge was similar when coaching was compared with PtDA alone. Outcomes for other comparisons are more variable, some trials showing positive effects and other trials reporting no difference. Given the small number of trials and variability in results, further research is required to determine the effectiveness of decision coaching.
Alternative Service Delivery
Authors: Carroll Deborah A. , Calabrese Thad D.
Published: April 2012

We analyze panel data of U.S. states to determine whether nonprofit contribution and program service revenues are correlated with state tax burden. State tax burden is modeled as a function of (a) state tax policy, (b) nontax policy factors that affect state income, and (c) other exogenous factors that are independent of state tax policy and do not directly induce income; regression results reveal correlations with variables in all three categories. Intergovernmental revenue (IGR) paid to local governments, debt burden, tax exporting, a tax revenue limitation, and nonprofit revenue are most consistently correlated with state tax burden. Financial support for nonprofits in the form of contributions helps to reduce state tax burden and does so at a meaningful level. This finding implies nonprofits provide goods and services that are supplementary to government provision. However, the supplementary nature of nonprofit service provision is not universal. Further analysis of contribution and program service revenues for nonprofits in particular service categories finds either no correlation with state tax burden, a reduction in state tax burden, or an increase in tax burden imposed on state residents over time. By controlling for factors influencing demand for service provision and state tax policy changes, the regression results also provide evidence that government acts as a free rider.
The Resurgence of India
Authors: Iyer Gopalkrishnan R. , Sheth Jagdish N. , Sharma Arun
Published: April 2012

Recent economic growth in India has raised its potential to be an economic giant, along with the United States and China. One unique aspect of the Indian economy is that tremendous economic growth has been achieved despite weak infrastructure, resource shortages, and other travails that restrict growth in emerging economies. Recent economic explanations suggest that institutions supporting the economy and economic development are vital to sustained economic growth and may even be more important than infrastructure development. Examining the historic context of the Indian economy, we contend that vital market institutions were always present in India and that economic reforms have unleashed the full potential of these institutions. Using some industry examples, the authors argue that economic policies that strengthen market institutions may be more important compared to conventional policies geared toward infrastructure development.
The long- and short-run financial impacts of cross listing on Australian firms
Authors: Ng Yen Hou , Yong Hue Hwa Au , Faff Robert
Published: April 2012

This paper investigates the short-run and long-run performance of Australian cross-listed firms relative to their industry rivals. The role of share trading liquidity and firm visibility in explaining abnormal returns is also investigated. In the short run, an abnormal return of 1.91% for cross-listed firms is found at announcement, while no significant abnormal returns is found for rivals on the event day. For the long-run analysis, only rival firms (especially for rivals of the non-market leaders) experience significant abnormal returns, which are negative. Cross listing into NEW ZEALAND and other countries induces a more negative impact on rivals than the UK. Lastly, liquidity is found to be a determinant of the short- and long-run abnormal returns.
Striving for Pleasure Without Fear
Authors: Kim Janna L. , Ward L. Monique
Published: April 2012

Contemporary women’s magazines are replete with scripts about sexual relationships and sexual roles for women. Our study used an experimental design to assess whether short-term exposure to a women’s magazine affected young women’s endorsement of sexual scripts commonly found in this genre, including scripts framing sexual intercourse as risky and portraying women’s sexual assertiveness as serving men’s sexual fantasies or women’s own sexual desires. Undergraduate women ( N = 160) were randomly assigned in groups to read articles either depicting scripts about sexual relationships in a popular women’s magazine (experimental) or containing no scripts about sexual relationships in a general entertainment magazine (control). Compared to women in the control group, women who were briefly exposed to a women’s magazine were less likely to believe that sexual intercourse is a risky activity and more likely to believe that women should be assertive in prioritizing their sexual desire for their own sake, but not for a male partner’s. Individual and cultural differences in women’s acceptance of magazines’ sexual scripts also emerged based on factors such as regular frequency of magazine reading, level of sexual experience, and ethnic background. Our results suggest that the complex and sometimes conflicting representations of female sexuality proliferating in the mass media and popular culture could potentially have both empowering and problematic effects on women’s developing sexual identities.