bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Resource-Based Perspective on the Dynamic Strategy-Performance Relationship: An Empirical Examination of the Focus and Differentiation Strategies in Entrepreneurial Firms
Authors: Mosakowski Elaine
Published: November 2010

This research applies a resource-based perspective, which emphusizes a firm’s specialized or unique resources, to the question of how the focus and differentiation strategies affect the economic performance of entrepreneurial firms. We develop dynamic models that separate the period of creating or acquiring these resources from subsequent periods. With longitudinal data on entrepreneurial software firms, we examine the dynamic effects of multiple forms of these strategies on a firm’s performance. The results generally support the hypotheses that, when the focus and differentiation strategies are established, performance is higher than for other firms. The results fail to support the hypothesis that firm performance will decrease when these strategies are adopted.
Environmental Change and Management Staffing: A Reply
Authors: Guthrie James P. , Grimm Curtis M. , Smith Ken G.
Published: November 2010

In their comment, Thomas and Ramaswamy (1993) contend that our findings, which revealed a relationship between deregulation and changes in the characteristics of top managers, are not generalizable beyond the railroad industry. In this rejoinder; we take issue with their criticisms of our work and argue that the results of their airline industry study fail to provide compelling evidence in support of their contention.
Bankruptcy in Strategic Studies: Past and Promise
Authors: Daily Catherine M.
Published: November 2010

Organizational research has historically been dominated by a focus on those factors associated with organizational growth and survival. Yet, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of organizations, researchers must also examine an alternative outcome-organizational failure. Filing for bankruptcy protection provides an explicit case of formal organizational failure; consequently, bankruptcy offers what may be the definitive organizational performance indicator. Unlike alternative performance measures which are more readily manipulated by management, a bankruptcy filing is a discrete event. This paper explores the contributions of the behavioral, environmental, financial/accounting, and legal approaches to bankruptcy. The challenge currently facing organizational researchers is the integration of these diverse perspectives, particularly as they apply to strategic studies.
Executive Succession: Past, Present & Future
Authors: Kesner Idalene F. , Sebora Terrence C.
Published: November 2010

In this study we review over thirty years of succession research in an effort to discern what we know conclusively about the subject, what we do not know because of mixed results, and what has not yet been studied. We begin by answering two key questions: (1) Why is succession such an important topic? and (2) What makes CEO succession different from other types of turnover? Next, we explore the three key stages of succession research. The first phase covers the period from the 1950s to the 1960s. This period is best described as the emergence of the field. The second phase, covering the 1970s reflects a period of theory building and empirical investigation. The final phase from the 1980s to the present is characterized by review and explosive growth. Following our review, we use these combined studies to create an overall model of succession-a model designed to offer prescriptions as to where researchers have been and where they should be going in the future.
A Review of Current Practices for Evaluating Causal Models in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management Research
Authors: Medsker Gina J. , Williams Larry J. , Holahan Patricia J.
Published: November 2010

This paper reviews the literature on structural model evaluation. It discusses the use of fit indices, the influential work of James, Mulaik, and Brett (19821, with emphasis on their prescriptions for model assessment, and recent developments in model evaluation presented since James et al. It then analyzes current modeling practices to determine how well evaluation techniques are being applied. Although modeling practices have improved since an earlier review (James & James, 19891, several problems remain. Suggestions are made for improving model evaluation.
Crossing Internal Career Boundaries: The State of Research on Subjective Career Transitions
Authors: Stephens Gregory K.
Published: November 2010

Today's dynamic and constantly changing business environment is a catalyst for change in the subjective career. These subjective career transitions are an important aspect of career development, and failure to manage them effectively carries profound consequences for both the individual and the organization. This review examines the current status of research on subjective career transitions, and seeks to encourage ongoing research by: (I) identifying gaps in current understandings of subjective career transitions; (2) integrating existing theory on work role transitions with a model of career stages as an illustration of theory-based research on subjective career transitions; and (3) developing research propositions based on this integration as a partial guide for future research.
The Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements for Teamwork: Implications for Human Resource Management
Authors: Stevens Michael J. , Campion Michael A.
Published: November 2010

This study reviews the literature on groups to determine the knowledge, skill, and ability (KSA) requirements for teamwork. The focus is on: (1) KSAs rather than personality traits; (2) team rather than technical KSAs; and (3) the individual rather than team level of analysis. Fourteen specific KSAs are derived. Then, the implications of these teamwork KSAs for the modification or development of human resource (HR) management systems are determined, and research issues are discussed.
Pressure, Opportunity and Predisposition: A Multivariate Model of Corporate Illegality
Authors: Baucus Melissa S.
Published: November 2010

Corporate illegality researchers often maintain that wrongdoing occurs when factors pressure a firm to behave illegally, leading managers to make a rational decision to commit wrongdoing. Yet, corporate illegality results also from conditions of opportunity and predisposition, and it may be an unintended outcome of corporate actions. A multivariate model of corporate illegality is proposed, in which situational factors-conditions of pressure, opportunity, or predisposition-lead to unintentional and intentional illegality. The model distinguishes between intentional and unintentional illegal activities, and it recognizes that intentional illegality results from a decision to engage in wrongdoing, so characteristics of the individual decision maker affect the likelihood of wrongdoing. Implications of this model for researchers and managers are discussed.
Rater Motivation in the Performance Appraisal Context: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Harris Michael M.
Published: November 2010

Although researchers have indicated the potential importance of rater motivation for understanding and improving performance appraisal processes, little empirical research or conceptual writing has addressed this topic. The purpose of this paper is to offer a model of the antecedents and outcomes of appraiser motivation, and suggest hypotheses for research. Researchers are encouraged to conduct further research on this important issue.
Strategy and Bankruptcy: An Exploration in to Organizational Death
Authors: Sheppard Jerry Paul
Published: November 2010

Because an organizations existence is a prerequisite for its accomplishments, one would expect that researchers would be intensely interested in those factors which could lessen the likelihood of organizational decline and failure. Yet, until recently little research appeared regarding this topic and very little of it focused on the effectiveness of strategy on the likelihood of corporate bankruptcy. This research will review some of the strategy variables and investigate avenues that are most likely to hold the greatest potential for altering a firm’s likelihood of failure. An exploratory model was developed to study the effects of corporate and business level strategies, as well as cooperative interorganizational and financial strategies. A consistent, significant positive relationship was discovered between survival and a firm’s number of interorganizational linkages in the form of director interlocks. A consistent, significant negative relationship was discovered between survival and a firm S financial leverage. It was also discovered that as failing firms move closer toward bankruptcy they exhibit a degree of isomorphism with their surviving counterparts regarding certain interorganizational arrangements. That such changes in the interorganizational arrangements of failing companies do little to help save them suggests that turnaround efforts must start early in a firm 2 decline of it is to overcome the substantial amount of organizational inertia present in the corporation.
Computerized Content Analysis in Management Research: A Demonstration of Advantages & Limitations
Authors: Morris Rebecca
Published: November 2010

Content analysis is a research technique used to objectively and systematically make inferences about the intentions, attitudes, and values of individuals by identifying specified characteristics in textual messages. The unobtrusive nature of content analysis makes it well suited for strategic management research. To date, the content analyses in most management studies have been performed by human coders, despite advances in computer technology that enable researchers to perform the same analyses more reliably and less expensively. In this paper, the investigator compares human-coded content analysis to computerized coding of the same text communications. The results suggest the two methods may be equally effective. Differences in results obtained using different units of analysis (such as analysis by sentence, by paragraph or by whole document) are also examined. Better reliability, improved stability, and comparability of results suggest more extensive use of computerized content analysis in future research.
Testing for Cross-Situational-Consistency: A Confirmatory Factor Analytic Approach
Authors: Hemmelgarn Anthony L. , James Larry R. , Ladd Robert T. , Mitchell Terence R.
Published: November 2010

Numerous procedures have been suggested for investigating behaviors across situations for consistency versus situational specificity. It is proposed here that Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) may provide an useful addition to these procedures. To illustrate the process, a CFA model based on simulated data is presented and tested. The results of this simulation are employed to make recommendations for conducting CFA to test for cross-situational consistency.
A Method for Eliciting and Comparing Causal Maps
Authors: Markíczy Lívia , Goldberg Jeff
Published: November 2010

Causal mapping has long been valued as a tool for exploring individuals’ idiosyncratic beliefs. in this paper we do three things to make these benefits more utilizable by researchers. First, by detailing a replicable elicitation technique, we lay the ground for systematic and objective comparison of these beliefs: Systematic analysis and comparison require systematic elicitation. Secondly, through a careful analysis of what a causal map means, we have been able to refine a way of comparing maps which uses all of the available information within the maps and is objective in the sense that all subjective aspects of the method are made explicit (e.g., the pool of constructs, the interpretation of missing information, etc.). Thirdly, we discuss and extend various tools for analyzing the distance based measures which the comparison yields. In addition, a brief example of the use of the method is sketched.
Memsahibs and Health in Colonial Medical Writings, c. 1840 to c. 1930
Authors: Sen Indrani
Published: November 2010

Medical literature in colonial India, written mainly for the guidance of colonial personnel, became an important tool for dissemination of western medical knowledge and information but also reinforced wider colonial agendas. Focused mainly on men’s health, only few books or sections in this genre of literature addressed white middle class women’s health issues. This article examines several medical manuals within the wider parameters of race, class, gender and imperialism, seeking to understand their construction of women, health and empire with a focus on the social history of health management in the colonial home. The medical guidance that these manuals offered as well as the various health issues they touched upon are tested in relation to the racialised gender ideologies underpinning these medical narratives. A careful re-reading of these sources suggests that both the memsahib and her native support staff, specifically the ‘native’ Indian wet nurse as a virtual milch cow, were put into the service of the Empire by the reinforced colonial agenda of such writing.
A baseline study of a Dwesa rural community for the Siyakhula Information and Communication Technology for Development project: understanding the reality on the ground
Authors: Pade-Khene Caroline , Palmer Robin , Kavhai Mitchell
Published: November 2010

A necessary foundation for implementing Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects is an understanding of the existing status of a rural community, in terms of its socio-economic status and its readiness to uptake innovative development activities supported by ICT. A Baseline Study of the Mpume rural community in the Dwesa-Cwebe area of the Wild Coast in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was conducted as part of an initiating component of the newly adopted Living Lab concept for the Siyakhula ICT project. The Siyakhula Living Lab exists as a collaboration between public-private-civic partnerships to co-create innovative solutions for development. An understanding of the targeted rural community was essential to set a foundation for building on existing living lab activities, and a new Village Connection project aimed at offering affordable mobile phone services in rural contexts. This paper presents the Baseline Study findings, including a summary of the existing local economy and quality of life of the targeted community, and a detailed discussion of the readiness of the communities to be or become partners in the living lab. The findings illustrate the reality and need for development in a typical rural area of South Africa; not only highlighting targeted areas for development that can be supported by information access, but also informing and guiding project stakeholders on how best to implement living lab activities.
Beating the drum and rallying support
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: November 2010

Internal and external efforts to monitor and win support for change are an essential element of academic activity. Are library and information studies schools addressing these key issues?
Resveratrol commonly displays hormesis: Occurrence and biomedical significance
Authors: Calabrese Edward J , Mattson Mark P , Calabrese Vittorio
Published: November 2010

Resveratrol induces hormetic dose responses in a wide range of biological models, affecting numerous endpoints of biomedical and therapeutic significance. These responses were reported for numerous human tumor cell lines affecting breast, prostate, colon, lung, uterine and leukemia. In such cases, low concentrations of resveratrol enhanced tumor cell proliferation whereas higher concentrations were inhibitory. Similar resveratrol-induced biphasic dose responses were seen with several parasitic diseases, including Leishmaniasis and trichinella. Hormetic effects were also reported in animal models for cardiovascular induced injury, gastric lesions, ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. In these cases, there was often a protective effect at low doses but an adverse effect at higher doses, exacerbating the disease process/incidence. This analysis indicates that many effects induced by resveratrol are dependent on dose and that opposite effects occur at low and high doses, being indicative of a hormetic dose response. Despite consistent occurrence of hormetic dose responses of resveratrol in a wide range of biomedical models, epidemiologic and clinical trials are needed to assess the nature of its dose-response in humans.
Commentary on ‘Resveratrol commonly displays hormesis: Occurrence and biomedical significance’
Authors: Tedesco Idolo , Russo Maria , Russo Gian Luigi
Published: November 2010

The review by Calabrese et al. describes the hormetic dose responses induced by phytoalexin resveratrol in a wide range of biological models. We agree and support the authors’ strategy to present an impressive number of experiments furnished with an exhaustive bibliography to emphasize that ‘many effects induced by resveratrol are dependent on dose and that opposite effects occur at low and high doses, being indicative of a hormetic dose response.’ We also highly appreciate the holistic view of the hormetic behavior of resveratrol provided by the authors spanning from tumor and non-tumor cell lines to human and parasitic diseases. In our comments, we touched minor points whose discussion would have strengthened the work of Calabrese, such as contradictions on the role of resveratrol in the ‘French Paradox,’ its effect on aromatase activity, glutamate cysteine ligase expression and glutathione levels. Overall, we encourage colleagues working in this field to read the present review and consider its relevant biological implications. The vision of Calabrese et al. is far too important to be ignored.
Commentary on ‘Resveratrol commonly displays hormesis: Occurrence and biomedical significance’
Authors: Young Jette F , Bhattacharya Sumangala
Published: November 2010

The lead article ‘‘Resveratrol commonly displays hormesis: occurrence and biomedical significance’’ underlines the hormetic response of resveratrol in many disease models. This commentary suggests that the greatest potential advantage of the positive effects of resveratrol for the broad population would be as prevention of disease development through oral administration in its original food matrix, although it still remains important to investigate the extent of resveratrol administration giving maximum beneficial effect for biomedical purposes. In relation to resveratrol ‘‘supplementation’’ through its natural environment further investigation of the impact of co-occurring bioactive compounds and matrix effects on hormetic responses of resveratrol is necessary for revealing mechanisms behind e.g. the ‘‘French paradox’’.
Commentary on ‘Resveratrol commonly displays hormesis: Occurrence and biomedical significance’
Authors: Lindsay David G
Published: November 2010

Many phenolics found naturally in food have the capacity to show beneficial effects at low doses and toxicity at high doses in in vitro systems. Resveratrol is no exception. Nonetheless, in the nutritional context, the evidence that resveratrol shows hormetic effects is very limited and is of questionable relevance given its rapid metabolism in the stomach. Hormesis can only be confirmed if evidence for a J- or U-shaped dose-response relationship is found in in vivo doses that are relevant to human intakes.
Can Subject Matter Experts’ Ratings of Statement Extremity Be Used to Streamline the Development of Unidimensional Pairwise Preference Scales?
Authors: Stark Stephen , Chernyshenko Oleksandr S. , Guenole Nigel
Published: November 2010

Interest in on-demand noncognitive assessment has flourished due to advances in computer technology and studies demonstrating noteworthy predictive validities for organizational outcomes. Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) based on the Zinnes-Griggs (ZG) ideal point item response theory (IRT) model may hold promise for organizational settings, because a large pool of items can be created from a modest number of stimuli, and the items have been shown to be resistant to some types of rater bias. However, sample sizes needed for marginal maximum likelihood (MML) estimation of statement parameters are quite large and could thus limit usefulness in practice. This article addresses that concern and its ramifications for CAT. Specifically, we conducted empirical and simulation studies to examine whether subject matter expert (SME) ratings of statement extremity (location) can be substituted for MML estimates to streamline test development and launch. Results showed that error in SME-based location estimates had little detrimental effect on score accuracy or validity, regardless of whether measures were constructed adaptively or nonadaptively. Implications for research involving small samples and CAT in field settings are discussed.
Interobjectivity: Representations and artefacts in Cultural Psychology
Authors: Sammut Gordon , Daanen Paul , Sartawi Mohammad
Published: November 2010

This paper revisits the emerging concept of interobjectivity and furthers Moghaddam’s (2003, 2006) proposal to prioritize this concept in Cultural Psychology. We argue that Heidegger’s phenomenology provides insights into a foundational understanding of what interobjectivity entails. We argue that human relations are not essentially characterized by intersubjective relations but rely on the non-conscious engagement in practices that occur within a social field that is phenomenally objective for subjects. From the phenomenological point of view, the distinction between subjectivity and objectivity is a false one. Thus, we argue that the study of objects and object relations should be given greater attention in Cultural Psychology. To this end, we distinguish between two meanings of interobjectivity: (a) inter-objectivity as a description of object-relations; (b) interobjectivity as a description of a representation spanning different objectifications, and that permits diverse inter-objective relations. We claim that, taken together, these concepts provide a useful framework that can guide inquiry into cultural practices and intercultural relations.
Commentary: Intersubjectivity, interobjectivity, and the embryonic fallacy in developmental science
Authors: Moghaddam Fathali M.
Published: November 2010

Traditional research adopts the embryonic fallacy: the assumption that as soon as life begins, the individual becomes the source of psychological experiences. The embryonic fallacy has resulted in intersubjectivity being treated as ‘a problem’: how can each individual, the source of private experiences, understand the private experiences of ‘self-contained’ others? This ‘problem’ disappears when we recognize that intersubjectivity is regulated through interobjectivity: how individuals understand others arises out of the cultural collective in which they are socialized. The source of our understandings of others is ‘out there’ in the social world.
Review Essay: A structuralist approach to argumentation in education
Authors: Matusov Eugene , Soslau Elizabeth
Published: November 2010

The authors present a review and critique of Argumentation and Education, a compilation of conceptual and research chapters about the theoretical foundations and practices of using argumentation in education. The book is described as providing a structuralist approach to constructing and evaluating arguments. Contrasting the structuralist paradigm with a dialogic perspective, the authors argue that authentic argumentation is a pedagogical tool, which involves dynamic, ever-changing, and unpredictable interactions. Ultimately, the authors highlight the absence of an essential focus in a book about argumentation and education: an authentic description of natural, spontaneous, student-created, and student-valued argumentation.
Commentary: Autonomy and relatedness reconsidered: Learning from Indian families
Authors: Luciano Margaret M.
Published: November 2010

The relationships between individuals and between individuals and contexts have been studied extensively in cultural psychology as well as in several other disciplines. This commentary attempts to discuss the roles of autonomy and relatedness in these relationships while preserving meaning in the cultural context. It explores further the nature of the constructs as domain-specific, situational, and relative, as well as the concept of choice in terms of the process of choosing and limitations. The potential disparities in events as they are experienced and as they are explained are both considered, together with the construction of meaning. Situational behaviors as related to varying circumstances and social contexts are also reflected on. Finally, autonomy and relatedness are reconsidered within the sociological network, in which the individual systems at the psycho-logics level interact with the functions at the socio-logics level.
Care-giving in dementia: Contours of a curriculum
Authors: Miesen Bère
Published: November 2010

The article starts out by describing the suffering and problems confronting people with dementia and their families, elaborating various factors that determine how they cope with the trauma of the disease. Against this background, the tasks for professional care-givers are then identified. Care-giving in dementia is a specialty that should be based on a high level of expertise and a professional approach - but changes are essential if we want to provide ‘good care’ and ensure support for the increasing number of people with dementia. Core topics are then set out, forming the building blocks for a curriculum, with contours based on the relational perspective of caring for people with dementia. To ensure a high standard of professional care-giving in dementia, such training is necessary as a life-long attachment alone is not enough.
Quetiapine in the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shotbolt Paul , Samuel Mike , David Anthony
Published: November 2010

Psychosis (delusions and/or hallucinations) is a common nonmotor feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Use of the older ‘typical’ antipsychotic drugs led to worsening of motor symptoms. The introduction of ‘atypical’ antipsychotics opened up a range of therapeutic options. These agents include clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole and quetiapine. All have been used to treat psychosis in PD with varying success. Clozapine is the only drug with proven efficacy. We review the evidence for the efficacy of quetiapine. Eight open-label studies have assessed quetiapine use in 191 patients, with improvement in psychosis recorded in 152 (80%). In addition to the open-label studies, there have been two single-blind, randomized trials comparing quetiapine and clozapine. These studies suggest that quetiapine has similar efficacy to clozapine in controlling psychosis. Following the promising results of the open-label and clozapine comparison studies, five randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed to further establish the efficacy of quetiapine. Unfortunately, the results have been disappointing. The only positive placebo-controlled study excluded patients with delusions, which seem to be harder to treat than hallucinations. The four negative RCTs discussed seriously undermine the evidence from the open-label studies. The differences in design and interpretation of the RCTs emphasizes the need for further large, well-controlled trials, using strict inclusion criteria, appropriate psychosis rating scales, carer input and clinical significance. Currently, many physicians continue to cautiously offer a trial of low-dose quetiapine empirically. Clozapine should be considered in patients who can tolerate the required blood monitoring.
Hydrophobic Effect and Substrate Specificity in Reaction of Thioester and Amine in Water
Authors: Torihata Atsushi , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: November 2010

The extent of hydrophobic effect in amidation reaction of alkyl thioester with alkylamine in water was studied. The yield of the products was primarily dependent on the alkyl group of amine. For example, the reaction of S-dodecyl dodecanethioate with dodecylamine proceeded in good yield, while the reaction did not occur with cyclohexylamine, piperidine, and dipropylamine. The effect of chain length of n-alkylamine was studied to suggest the presence of hydrophobic effect. The yield of amide also depended on the alkyl group of the thioester secondarily, but the effect was smaller than amine.
Crystal Structure of Fast Lithium-ion-conducting Cubic Li7La3Zr2O12
Authors: Awaka Junji , Takashima Akira , Kataoka Kunimitsu , Kijima Norihito , Idemoto Yasushi , Akimoto Junji
Published: November 2010

The detailed crystal structure of cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 has been successfully determined by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. The three-dimensional network of the Li-ion migration pathway with short Li–Li distance and occupational disordering is formed in the garnet-type framework structure. The basic unit of the pathway can be expressed as a loop constructed by the Li1 and Li2 sites. The loop links to another one, where only the Li1 site is shared by two loops as a junction.
Silodosin for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Tolerability
Authors: Lepor Herbert , Hill Lawrence A.
Published: November 2010

Relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)‐related lower urinary tract symptoms by α‐blockers (α‐adrenoceptor antagonists) is mediated primarily through the blockade of α1A‐receptors, leading to relaxation of smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck. Early α‐blockers that were nonselective for adrenoceptor subtypes have been associated with blood pressure‐related adverse effects, such as orthostatic hypotension, that may be attributed at least in part to the blockade of α1B‐adrenoceptors in arterial vessels. Silodosin, a novel α‐blocker with exceptionally high selectivity for α1A‐ versus α1B‐adrenoceptors, was recently approved in the United States for the treatment of urinary symptoms related to BPH. The unique receptor selectivity profile likely accounts for some of the desirable clinical features of the drug. Silodosin possesses an excellent cardiac‐ and blood pressure‐related safety profile, and data have demonstrated that it does not promote QT‐interval prolongation. Therapeutic doses of silodosin are safe for men with mild‐to‐moderate liver dysfunction; dosage adjustment is recommended in those with moderate renal impairment. The drug should not be taken with potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors. Silodosin may be especially beneficial in patients who need to maximize cardiovascular tolerability.
The concentrations of Fe, Cu and Zn in selected wines from South-East Serbia
Authors: Kostic Danijela , Mitic Snezana , Miletic Gordana , Despotovic Sasa , Zarubica Aleksandra
Published: November 2010

Fruits and vegetables constitute the cheapest source of essential trace
elements for the majority of people living in developing countries. The Cu,
Fe and Zn contents in twenty selected wine samples produced in the South-East
region of Serbia were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The
Cu concentrations varied from 0.07 to 0.57 ppm in wines, and the Fe
concentrations fluctuated from 2.93 to 36.2 ppm, while the Zn levels were in
the range from 0.21 to 0.67 ppm. The established contents of Cu and Zn showed
that wines from this part of the world could serve as good dietary sources of
the essential trace metals, and the determined values were within the allowed
metals levels in wines for human consumption.
All-Cause Mortality Trends in a Large Population-Based Cohort With Long-Standing Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Secrest Aaron M. , Becker Dorothy J. , Kelsey Sheryl F. , LaPorte Ronald E. , Orchard Trevor J.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE

Although management of type 1 diabetes improved dramatically in the 1980s, the effect on mortality is not clear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We report trends in 30-year mortality using the Allegheny County (Pennsylvania) childhood-onset (age <18 years) type 1 diabetes registry (n = 1,075) with diagnosis from 1965–1979, by dividing the cohort into three diagnosis year cohorts (1965–1969, 1970–1974, and 1975–1979). Local (Allegheny County) mortality data were used to calculate standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

RESULTS

As of 1 January 2008, vital status was ascertained for 97.0% of participants (n = 1,043) when mean age ± SD and duration of diabetes were 42.8 ± 8.0 and 32.0 ± 7.6 years, respectively. The 279 deaths (26.0%) observed were 7 times higher than expected (SMR 6.9 [95% CI 6.1–7.7]). An improving trend in SMR was seen by diagnosis cohort at 30 years of diabetes duration (9.3 [7.2–11.3], 7.5 [5.8–9.2], and 5.6 [4.0–7.2] for 1965–1969, 1970–1974, and 1975–1979, respectively). Although no sex difference in survival was observed (P = 0.27), female diabetic patients were 13 times more likely to die than age-matched women in the general population (SMR 13.2 [10.7–15.7]), much higher than the SMR for men (5.0 [4.0–6.0]). Conversely, whereas 30-year survival was significantly lower in African Americans than in Caucasians (57.2 vs. 82.7%, respectively; P < 0.001), no differences in SMR were seen by race.

CONCLUSIONS

Although survival has clearly improved, those with diabetes diagnosed most recently (1975–1979) still had a mortality rate 5.6 times higher than that seen in the general population, revealing a continuing need for improvements in treatment and care, particularly for women and African Americans with type 1 diabetes.
Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Colberg Sheri R. , Sigal Ronald J. , Fernhall Bo , Regensteiner Judith G. , Blissmer Bryan J. , Rubin Richard R. , Chasan-Taber Lisa , Albright Ann L. , Braun Barry
Published: November 2010

Although physical activity (PA) is a key element in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, many with this chronic disease do not become or remain regularly active. High-quality studies establishing the importance of exercise and fitness in diabetes were lacking until recently, but it is now well established that participation in regular PA improves blood glucose control and can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, along with positively affecting lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Structured interventions combining PA and modest weight loss have been shown to lower type 2 diabetes risk by up to 58% in high-risk populations. Most benefits of PA on diabetes management are realized through acute and chronic improvements in insulin action, accomplished with both aerobic and resistance training. The benefits of physical training are discussed, along with recommendations for varying activities, PA-associated blood glucose management, diabetes prevention, gestational diabetes mellitus, and safe and effective practices for PA with diabetes-related complications.
Development of a Combined Real Time Monitoring and Integration Analysis System for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Authors: Oka Kentaro , Iizuka Atsushi , Inoue Yasuo , Mizukoshi Atsushi , Noguchi Miyuki , Yamasaki Akihiro , Yanagisawa Yukio
Published: November 2010

A combined integration analysis and real time monitoring (Peak Capture System) system was developed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Individual integration analysis and real time monitoring can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze VOCs in the atmosphere and in indoor environments and determine the variation in total VOC (TVOC) concentration with time, respectively. In the Peak Capture System, real time monitoring was used to predict future elevations in the TVOC concentration (peak), and this was used an indicator of when to collect (capture) ambient air samples for integration analysis. This enabled qualitative and quantitative analysis of VOCs when the TVOC concentration was high. We developed an algorithm to predict variation in the TVOC concentration, and constructed an automatic system to initiate air sampling for integration analysis. With the system, auto-sampling and analysis of VOCs in a conventional house were conducted. In comparison with background concentrations, the results of peak analysis enabled identification of compounds whose concentration rose. This also enabled an evaluation of possible VOC emission sources.
In Situ and in Vivo Study of Nasal Absorption of Paeonol in Rats
Authors: Chen Xiaolan , Lu Yang , Du Shouying , Xu Bing , Wang Shan , Zhai Yongsong , Song Xiao , Li Pengyue
Published: November 2010

The objective of this work was to study the in situ and in vivo nasal absorption of paeonol. A novel single pass in situ nasal perfusion technique was applied to examine the rate and extent of nasal absorption of paeonol by rats. Various experimental conditions, such as perfusion rate, pH, osmotic pressure and drug concentration, were investigated. The in situ experiments showed that the nasal absorption of paeonol was not dependent on drug concentration, and fitted a first order process. The absorption rate constant, Ka, increased with an increase in perfusion speed. Paeonol was better absorbed in acidic solutions than in neutral or alkaline solutions. The value of Ka was higher in a hypertonic environment than under isotonic or hypotonic conditions. In vivo studies of paeonol absorption were carried out in rats and the pharmacokinetics parameters of intranasal (i.n.) and intragastric (i.g.) administration were compared with intravenous (i.v.) administration. The bioavailabilities of paeonol were 52.37% and 15.81% for i.n. and i.g, respectively, while Tmax values were 3.05 ± 1.46 min and 6.30 ± 0.70 min. MRT (Mean Residence Time) were 23.19 ± 6.46 min, 41.49 ± 2.96 min and 23.09 ± 5.88 min for i.n., i.g. and i.v. methods, respectively. The results demonstrate that paeonol could be absorbed promptly and thoroughly by i.n. administration in rats.
Anticariogenic Properties of ent-Pimarane Diterpenes Obtained by Microbial Transformation
Authors: Severiano Marcela E. , Simao Marilia R. , Porto Thiago S. , Martins Carlos H. G. , Veneziani Rodrigo C. S. , Furtado Niege A. J. C. , Arakawa Nilton S. , Said Suraia , Oliveira Dioneia C. R. de , Cunha Wilson R. , Gregorio Luiz E. , Ambrosio Sergio R.
Published: November 2010

In the present work, the anticariogenic activities of three pimarane-type diterpenes obtained by fungal biotransformation were investigated. Among these metabolites, ent-8(14),15-pimaradien-19-ol was the most active compound, displaying very promising MIC values (ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 μg mL-1) against the main microorganisms responsible for dental caries: Streptococcus salivarius, S. sobrinus, S. mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguinis, and Lactobacillus casei. Time kill assays performed with ent-8(14),15-pimaradien-19-ol against the primary causative agent S. mutans revealed that this compound only avoids growth of the inoculum in the first 12 h (bacteriostatic effect). However, its bactericidal effect is clearly noted thereafter (between 12 and 24 h). The curve profile obtained by combining ent-8(14),15-pimaradien-19-ol and chlorhexidine revealed a significant reduction in the time necessary for killing S. mutans compared with each of these two chemicals alone. However, no synergistic effect was observed using the same combination in the checkerboard assays against this microorganism. In conclusion, our results point out that ent-8(14),15-pimaradien-19-ol is an important metabolite in the search for new effective anticariogenic agents.
A New Approach to Laminar Flowmeters
Authors: Lopez Pena Fernando , Deibe Diaz Alvaro , Rodriguez Lema Marcos , Vazquez Rodriguez Santiago
Published: November 2010

After studying the performance and characteristics of actual laminar flowmeters a new disposition for this type of sensors is proposed in such a way that the measurement errors introduced by the intrinsic nature of the device can be minimized. The preliminary study shows that the developing entry region introduces non-linearity effects in all these devices. These effects bring about not only errors, but also a change in the slope of the linear calibration respect of the Poiseuille relation. After a subsequent analysis on how these non-linearity errors can be reduced, a new disposition of this type of flowmeters is introduced. This device makes used of flow elements having pressure taps at three locations along its length and connected to three isolated chambers. In this way, the static pressure can be measured at three locations and contributed to by the pressure taps at the level of each chamber. Thus the linearization error is reduced with an additional advantage of producing a reduced pressure drop.
Transport Infrastructure Surveillance and Monitoring by Electromagnetic Sensing: The ISTIMES Project
Authors: Proto Monica , Bavusi Massimo , Bernini Romeo , Bigagli Lorenzo , Bost Marie , Bourquin Frédrèric. , Cottineau Louis-Marie , Cuomo Vincenzo , Vecchia Pietro Della , Dolce Mauro , Dumoulin Jean , Eppelbaum Lev , Fornaro Gianfranco , Gustafsson Mats , Hugenschimdt Johannes , Kaspersen Peter , Kim Hyunwook , Lapenna Vincenzo , Leggio Mario , Loperte Antonio , Mazzetti Paolo , Moroni Claudio , Nativi Stefano , Nordebo Sven , Pacini Fabrizio , Palombo Angelo , Pascucci Simone , Perrone Angela , Pignatti Stefano , Ponzo Felice Carlo , Rizzo Enzo , Soldovieri Francesco , Taillade Fédrèric
Published: November 2010

The ISTIMES project, funded by the European Commission in the frame of a joint Call “ICT and Security” of the Seventh Framework Programme, is presented and preliminary research results are discussed. The main objective of the ISTIMES project is to design, assess and promote an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based system, exploiting distributed and local sensors, for non-destructive electromagnetic monitoring of critical transport infrastructures. The integration of electromagnetic technologies with new ICT information and telecommunications systems enables remotely controlled monitoring and surveillance and real time data imaging of the critical transport infrastructures. The project exploits different non-invasive imaging technologies based on electromagnetic sensing (optic fiber sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite platform based, hyperspectral spectroscopy, Infrared thermography, Ground Penetrating Radar-, low-frequency geophysical techniques, Ground based systems for displacement monitoring). In this paper, we show the preliminary results arising from the GPR and infrared thermographic measurements carried out on the Musmeci bridge in Potenza, located in a highly seismic area of the Apennine chain (Southern Italy) and representing one of the test beds of the project.
Extension et limites du contrôle judiciaire
Authors: Delarue Jean-Marie
Published: November 2010

Résumé À côté du rôle important qu’il lui accorde dans l’aménagement des peines, le code de procédure pénale – et, désormais, la loi pénitentiaire de 2009 – confie une mission de contrôle des établissements à l’autorité judiciaire. Toutefois, si les magistrats concernés sont bien définis, les modalités de leur contrôle et surtout la portée de ce dernier restent imprécises. C’est la raison essentielle pour laquelle on peut constater, aujourd’hui comme hier, que le contrôle judiciaire des prisons ne produit pas tous ses effets. Sans doute peut-il être amélioré. L’institution d’un contrôle extérieur (le Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté) ne réduit pas, bien au contraire, le rôle en la matière de l’autorité judiciaire.
Le contrôle non juridictionnel des prisons
Authors: Lecerf Jean-René
Published: November 2010

Résumé Le contrôle non juridictionnel des prisons s’est longtemps caractérisé davantage par sa multiplicité que par son efficacité. La loi pénitentiaire de 2009 a considérablement transformé et enrichi les pouvoirs du Parlement et montré la voie des réformes à venir, cependant qu’en moins de deux ans le Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté prenait toute la dimension de son rôle dans le respect des droits des personnes détenues et l’amélioration de leurs conditions de détention.
Repenser la peine de prison après la loi du 24 novembre 2009
Authors: Pottier Philippe
Published: November 2010

Résumé On discourt beaucoup sur la prison, mais on la pense peu. La loi pénitentiaire du 24 novembre 2009 est l’occasion de la repenser, en tentant de définir quelques axes permettant de mieux l’organiser et la gérer. En prenant en compte que la prison est d’abord un temps de peine, un espace-temps qui doit viser à prévenir la récidive, par une action socialisante ayant pour objectif de permettre à la personne détenue de mener, maintenant et plus tard, une vie responsable.
Les prisons françaises et européennes : différentes ou semblables ?
Authors: Morel d’Arleux Julien
Published: November 2010

Résumé Est-il possible d’évaluer la situation du système pénitentiaire français en le comparant à ceux de nos voisins européens ? Cette situation est en constante évolution (loi pénitentiaire du 24 novembre 2009, rénovations immobilières, recrutement de personnels...) et il peut être utile de s’appuyer sur les travaux du Conseil de l’Europe, d’un point de vue normatif ou statistique, pour mieux cerner la place de notre pays. Cette comparaison européenne permet également d’esquisser les contours d’un système pénitentiaire auquel la France doit pouvoir contribuer de manière positive, à l’instar du travail réalisé depuis le printemps 2006 pour diffuser et mettre en pratique les règles pénitentiaires européennes ( rpe ).
Gregor Kreks Lebensweg
Authors: Dolenc Janez
Published: November 2010

Gregor Krek, bajtarski otrok, je namesto teologije študiral jezike na univerzi Karla in Franca v Gradcu. Tam je doktoriral in se habilitiral za slovanske jezike. Postal je prvi profesor in predstojnik stolice za slovansko filologijo, današnjega inštituta za slavistiko v Gradcu. Bil je tudi dekan filozofske fakultete na Univerzi Karla in Franca v Gradcu. Njegovo najpomembnejše delo je Einleitung in die slavische Literaturgeschichte, v prvi izdaji 1874, v bistveno dopolnjeni pa 1887.
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Gregor Krek, the son of a cottager, studied languages instead of theology at the University of Graz, where he received a doctorate in Slavic languages. He became the first professor and chair for Slavic philology at today’s Institute of Slavic Studies in Graz. His most important work was Einleitung in die slavische Literaturgeschichte (Introduction to the History of Slavic Literature), first published in 1874 and revised in 1887.
Desenvolvimento Sustentável e Sistemas Agroflorestais na Amazônia matogrossense
Authors: Oliveira Nara Lina , Jacq Clara , Dolci Maurício , Delahaye Florian
Published: November 2010

No âmbito da cooperação entre a Universidade de São Paulo (Brasil) e da Universidade de Haute Bretagne (França), sustentabilidades aspectos sociais econômicos e ambientais são estudados na Amazônia brasileira. Esta análise centra-se sobre os impactos do desenvolvimento do sistema agroflorestal (SAF’s) em dois municípios no norte de Mato Grosso. Apesar de uma base de dados limitada, as investigações bio-geográfica mostra uma relação entre sociedade e natureza que estão caminhando para uma alternativa ao desmatamento e crescimento da frente pioneira. SAF’s permite acreditar em uma nova área da Amazônia sustentável, que deve ser mais explorado. O envolvimento dos governos locais e globais é um fator chave para a consolidação do desenvolvimento destes sistemas