bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MASSES AND RADII OF THE NUCLEI WITH N ≥ Z IN AN ALPHA-CLUSTER MODEL
Authors: NIE G. K.
Published: June 2010

In the framework of a recently developed alpha-cluster model a nucleus is represented as a core (alpha-cluster liquid drop with dissolved excess neutron pairs in it) and a nuclear molecule on its surface. From analysis of experimental nuclear binding energies one can find the number of alpha-clusters in the molecule and calculate the nuclear charge radii. It was shown that for isotopes of one Z with growing A the number of alpha-clusters in the molecule decreases to three, which corresponds to the nucleus 12 C for even Z and 15 N for odd Z, and the specific density of the core binding energy ρ grows and reaches its saturation value. In this paper it is shown that the value ρ=2.55 MeV/fm 3 explains the particular number of excess neutrons in stable nuclei.
PepT1 mediates transport of the proinflammatory bacterial tripeptidel-Ala-γ-d-Glu-meso-DAP in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Dalmasso Guillaume , Nguyen Hang Thi Thu , Charrier-Hisamuddin Laetitia , Yan Yutao , Laroui Hamed , Demoulin Benjamin , Sitaraman Shanthi V. , Merlin Didier
Published: June 2010

PepT1 is a di/tripeptide transporter highly expressed in the small intestine, but poorly or not expressed in the colon. However, during chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, PepT1 expression is induced in the colon. Commensal bacteria that colonize the human colon produce a large amount of di/tripeptides. To date, two bacterial peptides ( N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and muramyl dipeptide) have been identified as substrates of PepT1. We hypothesized that the proinflammatory tripeptide l-Ala-γ-d-Glu- meso-DAP (Tri-DAP), a breakdown product of bacterial peptidoglycan, is transported into intestinal epithelial cells via PepT1. We found that uptake of glycine-sarcosine, a specific substrate of PepT1, in intestinal epithelial Caco2-BBE cells was inhibited by Tri-DAP in a dose-dependent manner. Tri-DAP induced activation of NF-κB and MAP kinases, consequently leading to production of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8. Tri-DAP-induced inflammatory response in Caco2-BBE cells was significantly suppressed by silencing of PepT1 expression by using PepT1-shRNAs in a tetracycline-regulated expression ( Tet-off) system. Colonic epithelial HT29-Cl.19A cells, which do not express PepT1 under basal condition, were mostly insensitive to Tri-DAP-induced inflammation. However, HT29-Cl.19A cells exhibited proinflammatory response to Tri-DAP upon stable transfection with a plasmid encoding PepT1. Accordingly, Tri-DAP significantly increased keratinocyte-derived chemokine production in colonic tissues from transgenic mice expressing PepT1 in intestinal epithelial cells. Finally, Tri-DAP induced a significant drop in intracellular pH in intestinal epithelial cells expressing PepT1, but not in cells that did not express PepT1. Our data collectively support the classification of Tri-DAP as a novel substrate of PepT1. Given that PepT1 is highly expressed in the colon during inflammation, PepT1-mediated Tri-DAP transport may occur more effectively during such conditions, further contributing to intestinal inflammation.
Roles of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase in leg vasodilation and oxygen consumption during prolonged low-intensity exercise in untrained humans
Authors: Schrage William G. , Wilkins Brad W. , Johnson Christopher P. , Eisenach John H. , Limberg Jacqueline K. , Dietz Niki M. , Curry Timothy B. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: June 2010

The vasodilator signals regulating muscle blood flow during exercise are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that in young adults leg muscle vasodilation during steady-state exercise would be reduced independently by sequential pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) and ketorolac, respectively. We tested a second hypothesis that NOS and COX inhibition would increase leg oxygen consumption (V̇o2) based on the reported inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by nitric oxide. In 13 young adults, we measured heart rate (ECG), blood pressure (femoral venous and arterial catheters), blood gases, and venous oxygen saturation (indwelling femoral venous oximeter) during prolonged (25 min) steady-state dynamic knee extension exercise (60 kick/min, 19 W). Leg blood flow (LBF) was determined by Doppler ultrasound of the femoral artery. Whole body V̇o2 was measured, and leg V̇o2 was calculated from blood gases and LBF. Resting intra-arterial infusions of acetylcholine (ACh) and nitroprusside (NTP) tested inhibitor efficacy. Leg vascular conductance (LVC) to ACh was reduced up to 53 ± 4% by l-NAME + ketorolac infusion, and the LVC responses to NTP were unaltered. Exercise increased LVC from 4 ± 1 to 33.1 ± 2 ml·min−1·mmHg−1 and tended to decrease after l-NAME infusion (31 ± 2 ml·min−1·mmHg−1, P = 0.09). With subsequent administration of ketorolac LVC decreased to 29.6 ± 2 ml·min−1·mmHg−1 ( P = 0.02; n = 9). While exercise continued, LVC returned to control values (33 ± 2 ml·min−1·mmHg−1) within 3 min, suggesting involvement of additional vasodilator mechanisms. In four additional subjects, LVC tended to decrease with l-NAME infusion alone ( P = 0.08) but did not demonstrate the transient recovery. Whole body and leg V̇o2 increased with exercise but were not altered by l-NAME or l-NAME + ketorolac. These data indicate a modest role for NOS- and COX-mediated vasodilation in the leg of exercising humans during prolonged steady-state exercise, which can be restored acutely. Furthermore, NOS and COX do not appear to influence muscle V̇o2 in untrained healthy young adults.
Phenotypic and evolutionary plasticity of body composition in rats selectively bred for high endurance capacity
Authors: Swallow J. G. , Wroblewska A. K. , Waters R. P. , Renner K. J. , Britton S. L. , Koch L. G.
Published: June 2010

We investigated the effects of genetic selection and prolonged wheel access (8 wk) on food consumption and body composition in lines of rats selected for high and low intrinsic (untrained) endurance running capacity (HCR and LCR, respectively) to test the generality of phenotypic correlations between physical activity levels, aerobic capacity, and body composition. HCR rats ran more minutes per day on activity wheels than LCR rats, supporting the hypothesis that voluntary activity and physiological capacity are genetically correlated (self-induced adaptive plasticity). Both treatments (selection and wheel access) significantly affected food consumption. HCR rats consumed and digested more food than LCR rats. Access to running wheels did not result in changes in overall body mass, but lean body mass increased and percent body fat decreased in both lines. Selection for high endurance capacity resulted in hypertrophy of the heart and kidneys and decreased long intestine length. We found significant phenotypic flexibility in a number of organ masses after wheel running. Specifically, access to running wheels resulted in hypertrophy of the heart, liver, kidney, stomach, and small and large intestines in LCR and HCR rats. The selected line × wheel access interaction was significantly greater in HCR rats in relative mass for the heart and lung. Compared with LCR rats, HCR rats fortify wheel running with increased food consumption along with greater hypertrophy of key organs for O2transport.
Circulating platelet-neutrophil complexes are important for subsequent neutrophil activation and migration
Authors: Kornerup Kristin N. , Salmon Gary P. , Pitchford Simon C. , Liu Wai L. , Page Clive P.
Published: June 2010

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that platelets are essential for the migration of eosinophils into the lungs of allergic mice, and that this is dependent on the functional expression of platelet P-selectin. We sought to investigate whether the same is true for nonallergic, acute inflammatory stimuli administered to distinct anatomic compartments. Neutrophil trafficking was induced in two models, namely zymosan-induced peritonitis and LPS-induced lung inflammation, and the platelet dependence of these responses investigated utilizing mice rendered thrombocytopenic. The relative contribution of selectins was also investigated. The results presented herein clearly show that platelet depletion (>90%) significantly inhibits neutrophil recruitment in both models. In addition, we show that P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, but not P-selectin, is essential for neutrophil recruitment in mice in vivo, thus suggesting the existence of different regulatory mechanisms for the recruitment of leukocyte subsets in response to allergic and nonallergic stimuli. Further studies in human blood demonstrate that low-dose prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory stimuli (CCL17 or CCL22) synergize to induce platelet and neutrophil activation, as well as the formation of platelet-neutrophil conjugates. We conclude that adhesion between platelets and neutrophils in vivo is an important event in acute inflammatory responses. Targeting this interaction may be a successful strategy for inflammatory conditions where current therapy fails to provide adequate treatment.
Time Needed for Treatment Is the Major Predictor of Quality of Life in Psoriasis
Authors: Blome Christine , Simianer Stefan , Purwins Sandra , Laass Anna , Rustenbach Stephan Jeff , Schaefer Ines , Radtke Marc , Augustin Matthias
Published: June 2010

Background: The literature on predictors of health-related quality of life in psoriasis is inconsistent. Objective: To assess potential predictors of quality of life in psoriasis. Methods: In a cross-sectional study involving 130 dermatological practices and outpatient clinics, data of 1,210 patients with psoriasis were collected. Quality of life was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index. Medical history, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, therapy and health care features were used as independent variables in a backward multiple regression analysis. Results: Twelve predictors were included in the model explaining 38% of variance in quality of life. The strongest predictor was daily treatment time (β = 0.30), followed by patient-defined treatment benefit (β = –0.18), disease severity (β = 0.19) and treatment satisfaction (β = –0.16). Conclusion: Treatment burden requires special attention when quality of life in psoriasis is to be improved. Since the larger part of variance is left unexplained, further factors predicting quality of life have yet to be detected.
The Induced Regulatory T Cell Level, Defined as the Proportion of IL-10+Foxp3+ Cells among CD25+CD4+ Leukocytes, Is a Potential Therapeutic Biomarker for Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Fujimura Takashi , Yonekura Syuji , Taniguchi Yuriko , Horiguchi Shigetoshi , Saito Akemi , Yasueda Hiroshi , Nakayama Toshinori , Takemori Toshitada , Taniguchi Masaru , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Okamoto Yoshitaka
Published: June 2010

Background:Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis is one of the most prevalent allergies in Japan. Recently, two reports described the positive effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) against Japanese cedar pollinosis. However, the therapeutic biomarkers for SLIT are still unclear. We performed this unblinded, nonrandomized, open-label study to identify therapeutic biomarkers for SLIT against Japanese cedar pollinosis. Methods:We performed an open-label study during one pollinosis season in 2007, enrolling 19 patients from in-house volunteers suffering from Japanese cedar pollinosis. Peripheral blood was obtained from all participants before SLIT treatment as well as before and after the pollen season. The plasma levels of an immunoglobulin specific to a major allergen (Cry j 1) were determined. We analyzed the induction of regulatory T cells (iTregs), namely IL-10+Foxp3+ cells in CD25+CD4+ leukocytes, by flow cytometry. The Th2-type responses were analyzed by cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells after stimulation with Cry j 1. Clinical symptoms were estimated using a quality of life questionnaire in the middle of the pollen season. Results: The difference in numbers of iTregs between the medium-only control cell culture and cells stimulat- ed with Cry j 1 was significantly decreased in the non-SLIT group but was unchanged in the SLIT group after the pollen season. The subgroup of the SLIT group with increased iTregs showed more attenuated Th2-type cytokine profiles, and symptom scores in the subgroup with increased iTregs were significantly lower than those in the subgroup with decreased iTregs. Conclusion:The antigen-specific iTreg level is a potential therapeutic biomarker that correlates with clinical pollinosis symptoms and may be involved in the therapeutic mechanisms of SLIT.
Association of Indoor Air Pollution with Rhinitis Symptoms, Atopy and Nitric Oxide Levels in Exhaled Air
Authors: Hersoug Lars-Georg , Husemoen Lise Lotte N. , Thomsen Simon Francis , Sigsgaard Torben , Thuesen Betina H. , Linneberg Allan
Published: June 2010

Background: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) outdoors can induce airway inflammation and exacerbation of asthma in adults. However, there is limited knowledge about the effects of exposure to indoor PM. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of exposure to indoor sources of PM with rhinitis symptoms, atopy and nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO) as a measure of airway inflammation. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of 3,471 persons aged 18–69 years. Exposure to indoor sources of PM and prevalence of rhinitis symptoms were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Atopy was defined as at least 1 positive test (≧0.35 kU/l) for serum-specific IgE against grass, birch, cat or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. Results: Self-reported exposure to the use of woodstoves, candles or gas kitchen cookers was not significantly associated with either increased prevalence of rhinitis symptoms or atopy or increased levels of FeNO. The prevalence of atopy and allergic rhinitis and the levels of FeNO were significantly decreased among current and previous smokers. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for 0.5–5 h, but not above 5 h, was significantly associated with a slightly increased prevalence of rhinitis symptoms. Conclusion: Self-reported exposure to the use of woodstoves, candles or gas cookers was not significantly associated with an increased risk of rhinitis symptoms or atopy, nor increased FeNO. Self-reported exposure to ETS was associated with a slightly higher prevalence of self-reported rhinitis symptoms without any clear dose-response relationship.
HLA Status in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Bozek Andrzej , Krajewska Jolanta , Filipowska Barbara , Polanska Jolanta , Rachowska Regina , Grzanka Alicja , Jarzab Jerzy
Published: June 2010

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is the most common form of chronic urticaria. A considerable amount of data supports an immunological basis for CSU. Some research has focused on the association between chronic urticaria and specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. The aim of this study was to investigate the HLA status of Polish patients diagnosed with CSU. Methods: The standard complement-dependent microlymphocytotoxicity assay and PCR amplification with sequence-specific primers were used to analyze HLA alleles in 115 patients diagnosed with CSU, and the results were compared to those from 162 healthy, genetically unrelated individuals. Results: Among the HLA-A alleles, A-33 occurred significantly more often in the control group (p < 0.01). Analysis of the HLA-B allele frequencies revealed the prevalence of the B44 antigen in the study group (p < 0.0001). Frequencies of HLA-C alleles and HLA-DQ did not differ significantly between the groups. Among the HLA class II alleles, DRB1*04 was observed significantly more often in the study population (p < 0.001), mainly in the autoimmunological subtype of urticaria. Conclusion: HLA alleles may be involved in CSU development or play a protective role in CSU.
Transcriptional Analysis of Genes Associated with Stress and Adhesion in Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM during the Passage through an in vitro Gastrointestinal Tract Model
Authors: Weiss G. , Jespersen L.
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate the transcription of genes associated with stress and adhesion in Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM during the passage through an in vitro gastrointestinal tract model. As acidified milk exerted a protective effect on the bacteria leading to increased survival, the gene expression studies were carried out with pre-inoculation of L. acidophilus NCFM in acidified milk. The induction of the genes encoding the stress-related proteins GroEL, DnaK and ClpP, and adhesion-related genes encoding mucin-binding proteins, fibronectin-binding protein and S-layer was analyzed by real-time PCR. The genes encoding GroEL, DnaK and ClpP were significantly up-regulated (9- to 16-fold) during gastric digestion and declined upon subsequent duodenal digestion. The genes encoding mucin-binding proteins and fibronectin-binding protein were not influenced by saliva and gastric juice, but they were significantly upregulated during incubation in duodenal juice and bile (6- to 7-fold). A significant induction of the gene encoding the S-layer protein was not detected. Our results give a better understanding of the functionality of L. acidophilus NCFM and other probiotics during passage through the gastrointestinal tract; hence, they provide an implementable basis for the selection of prospective probiotic candidates.
Risk of Hematoma Complications After Device Implant in the Clopidogrel Era
Authors: Kutinsky Ilana B. , Jarandilla Regina , Jewett Maralee , Haines David E.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Device implant pocket hematoma is a recognized complication after permanent pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Pocket hematoma is associated with local discomfort, an increased risk of infection, and may require surgical intervention or lead to lengthier hospital stays. The purpose of the study was to identify the clinical factors associated with hematoma formation after PM or ICD device implantation.

Methods and Results—

The subjects of this prospective observational study were 935 consecutive patients at Beaumont Hospital who underwent implantation of a PM or an ICD. Clinical characteristics and anticoagulant/antiplatelet drug use were recorded. A pocket hematoma was documented in 89 of 935 patients. Significant predictors of device pocket hematoma included ongoing clopidogrel therapy (18.3% on therapy, 10.5% recently discontinued, and 7.9% off therapy;
P
<0.001) and use of intravenous heparin (22.0% on therapy versus 8.2%;
P
<0.0001). Patients in whom clopidogrel was discontinued >4 days before device implantation had no hematoma. Hematomas occur more frequently in patients receiving ICDs than those receiving PMs. Device pocket hematoma was associated with an increased median length of hospital stay (4 days [interquartile range, 1 to 9] days with versus 2 days [ interquartile range, 1 to 6] days without hematoma;
P
=0.004) and increased late complications or surgical intervention.

Conclusions—

The use of clopidogrel or intravenous heparin significantly increased the risk of hematoma at the time of PM or ICD implantation. By withholding clopidogrel before surgery, the excess risk of bleeding complications may be reduced.
Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of T-Lymphocyte Activation and Vascular Inflammation Produced by Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Marvar Paul J. , Thabet Salim R. , Guzik Tomasz J. , Lob Heinrich E. , McCann Louise A. , Weyand Connie , Gordon Frank J. , Harrison David G.
Published: June 2010

Rationale:We have previously found that T lymphocytes are essential for development of angiotensin II–induced hypertension; however, the mechanisms responsible for T-cell activation in hypertension remain undefined.

Objective:We sought to study the roles of the CNS and pressure elevation in T-cell activation and vascular inflammation caused by angiotensin II.

Methods and Results:To prevent the central actions of angiotensin II, we created anteroventral third cerebral ventricle (AV3V) lesions in mice. The elevation in blood pressure in response to angiotensin II was virtually eliminated by AV3V lesions, as was activation of circulating T cells and the vascular infiltration of leukocytes. In contrast, AV3V lesioning did not prevent the hypertension and T-cell activation caused by the peripheral acting agonist norepinephrine. To determine whether T-cell activation and vascular inflammation are attributable to central influences or are mediated by blood pressure elevation, we administered hydralazine (250 mg/L) in the drinking water. Hydralazine prevented the hypertension and abrogated the increase in circulating activated T cells and vascular infiltration of leukocytes caused by angiotensin II.

Conclusions:We conclude that the central and pressor effects of angiotensin II are critical for T-cell activation and development of vascular inflammation. These findings also support a feed-forward mechanism in which modest degrees of blood pressure elevation lead to T-cell activation, which in turn promotes inflammation and further raises blood pressure, leading to severe hypertension.
Inhibition of Notch1-Dependent Cardiomyogenesis Leads to a Dilated Myopathy in the Neonatal Heart
Authors: Urbanek Konrad , Cabral-da-Silva Mauricio Castro , Ide-Iwata Noriko , Maestroni Silvia , Delucchi Francesca , Zheng Hanqiao , Ferreira-Martins João , Ogórek Barbara , D'Amario Domenico , Bauer Michael , Zerbini Gianpaolo , Rota Marcello , Hosoda Toru , Liao Ronglih , Anversa Piero , Kajstura Jan , Leri Annarosa
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

Physiological hypertrophy in the developing heart has been considered the product of an increase in volume of preexisting fetal cardiomyocytes in the absence of myocyte formation.

Objective:

In this study, we tested whether the mouse heart at birth has a pool of cardiac stem cells (CSCs) that differentiate into myocytes contributing to the postnatal expansion of the parenchymal cell compartment.

Methods and Results:

We have found that the newborn heart contains a population of c-kit–positive CSCs that are lineage negative, self-renewing, and multipotent. CSCs express the Notch1 receptor and show the nuclear localization of its active fragment, N1ICD. In 60% of cases, N1ICD was coupled with the presence of Nkx2.5, indicating that the commitment of CSCs to the myocyte lineage is regulated by Notch1. Importantly, overexpression of N1ICD in neonatal CSCs significantly expanded the proportion of transit-amplifying myocytes. To establish whether these in vitro findings had a functional counterpart in vivo, the Notch pathway was blocked in newborn mice by administration of a γ-secretase inhibitor. This intervention resulted in the development of a dilated myopathy and high mortality rates. Ventricular decompensation was characterized by a 62% reduction in amplifying myocytes, which resulted in a 54% decrease in myocyte number. After cessation of Notch blockade and recovery of myocyte regeneration, cardiac anatomy and function were largely restored.

Conclusions:

Notch1 signaling is a critical determinant of CSC growth and differentiation; when this cascade of events is altered, cardiomyogenesis is impaired, physiological cardiac hypertrophy is prevented, and a life-threatening myopathy supervenes.
Deficiency of the NR4A Orphan Nuclear Receptor NOR1 Decreases Monocyte Adhesion and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhao Yue , Howatt Deborah A. , Gizard Florence , Nomiyama Takashi , Findeisen Hannes M. , Heywood Elizabeth B. , Jones Karrie L. , Conneely Orla M. , Daugherty Alan , Bruemmer Dennis
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

The orphan nuclear receptor NOR1 is a member of the evolutionary highly conserved and ligand-independent NR4A subfamily of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Members of this subfamily have been characterized as early response genes regulating essential biological processes including inflammation and proliferation; however, the role of NOR1 in atherosclerosis remains unknown.

Objective:

The goal of the present study was to determine the causal contribution of NOR1 to atherosclerosis development and to identify the mechanism by which this nuclear receptor participates in the disease process.

Methods and Results:

In the present study, we demonstrate expression of NOR1 in endothelial cells of human atherosclerotic lesions. In response to inflammatory stimuli, NOR1 expression is rapidly induced in endothelial cells through a nuclear factor κB–dependent transactivation of the NOR1 promoter. Overexpression of NOR1 in human endothelial cells increased the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, whereas NOR1 deficiency altered adhesion molecule expression in response to inflammatory stimuli. Transient transfection experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that NOR1 induces VCAM-1 promoter activity by binding to a canonical response element for NR4A receptors in the VCAM-1 promoter. Further functional studies confirmed that NOR1 mediates monocyte adhesion by inducing VCAM-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in endothelial cells. Finally, we demonstrate that NOR1 deficiency reduces hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis formation in apoE
−/−
mice by decreasing the macrophage content of the lesion.

Conclusions:

In concert, these studies identify a novel pathway underlying monocyte adhesion and establish that NOR1 serves a previously unrecognized atherogenic role in mice by positively regulating monocyte recruitment to the vascular wall.
An Overview of Synoptic and Mesoscale Factors Contributing to the Disastrous Atlanta Flood of 2009
Authors: Shepherd Marshall , Mote Thomas , Dowd John , Roden Mike , Knox Pamela , McCutcheon Steven C. , Nelson Steven E.
Published: June 2010

No Abstract available.
Analysis of the Arctic System for Freshwater Cycle Intensification: Observations and Expectations
Authors: Rawlins Michael A. , Steele Michael , Holland Marika M. , Adam Jennifer C. , Cherry Jessica E. , Francis Jennifer A. , Groisman Pavel Ya , Hinzman Larry D. , Huntington Thomas G. , Kane Douglas L. , Kimball John S. , Kwok Ron , Lammers Richard B. , Lee Craig M. , Lettenmaier Dennis P. , McDonald Kyle C. , Podest Erika , Pundsack Jonathan W. , Rudels Bert , Serreze Mark C. , Shiklomanov Alexander , Skagseth Øystein , Troy Tara J. , Vörösmarty Charles J. , Wensnahan Mark , Wood Eric F. , Woodgate Rebecca , Yang Daqing , Zhang Ke , Zhang Tingjun
Published: June 2010

Hydrologic cycle intensification is an expected manifestation of a warming climate. Although positive trends in several global average quantities have been reported, no previous studies have documented broad intensification across elements of the Arctic freshwater cycle (FWC). In this study, the authors examine the character and quantitative significance of changes in annual precipitation, evapotranspiration, and river discharge across the terrestrial pan-Arctic over the past several decades from observations and a suite of coupled general circulation models (GCMs). Trends in freshwater flux and storage derived from observations across the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas are also described.

With few exceptions, precipitation, evapotranspiration, and river discharge fluxes from observations and the GCMs exhibit positive trends. Significant positive trends above the 90% confidence level, however, are not present for all of the observations. Greater confidence in the GCM trends arises through lower interannual variability relative to trend magnitude. Put another way, intrinsic variability in the observations tends to limit confidence in trend robustness. Ocean fluxes are less certain, primarily because of the lack of long-term observations. Where available, salinity and volume flux data suggest some decrease in saltwater inflow to the Barents Sea (i.e., a decrease in freshwater outflow) in recent decades. A decline in freshwater storage across the central Arctic Ocean and suggestions that large-scale circulation plays a dominant role in freshwater trends raise questions as to whether Arctic Ocean freshwater flows are intensifying. Although oceanic fluxes of freshwater are highly variable and consistent trends are difficult to verify, the other components of the Arctic FWC do show consistent positive trends over recent decades. The broad-scale increases provide evidence that the Arctic FWC is experiencing intensification. Efforts that aim to develop an adequate observation system are needed to reduce uncertainties and to detect and document ongoing changes in all system components for further evidence of Arctic FWC intensification.
Wildlife Damage and its Impact on Public Attitudes Towards Conservation: A Comparative Study of Kenya and Botswana, with Particular Reference to Kenya’s Laikipia Region and Botswana’s Okavango Delta Region
Authors: Sifuna Nixon
Published: June 2010

While wildlife is a valuable natural resource with several beneficial values to the people of Kenya and Botswana, wild animals in both countries usually cause damage to society in terms of attacks on people and livestock, damage to crops and other property such as infrastructure, and disruption of peaceful existence in local communities living in close proximity to wildlife areas. Wildlife damage would ordinarily result in people having negative attitudes towards conservation. Interestingly, however, people’s perceptions of wildlife in these countries seem to be diametrically different in that whereas public attitudes in Kenya are generally negative, in Botswana they are remarkably positive. This study set out to establish the reasons for this variance in conservation attitudes. It established that the major cause for this variance in perception is that while in Kenya wildlife conservation is more often thought of in terms of wildlife welfare and hardly in terms of human welfare, in Botswana human welfare concerns have been mainstreamed in conservation efforts. People have, for instance, been allowed to derive direct benefits from wildlife through consumptive utilization, unlike in Kenya where only indirect benefits through non-consumptive uses are permitted. These direct benefits seem to mitigate the effects of wildlife damage, especially the resultant negative attitudes of people towards wildlife. The present and future survival of wildlife in many parts of the world, and especially in African countries such as Kenya and Botswana, depends to a large measure on the goodwill of the people, particularly local communities, in their everyday contact with it.
The Geo-strategy of Oil in the Gulf of Guinea: Implications for Regional Stability
Authors: Onuoha Freedom C.
Published: June 2010

This study highlights the security implications of the rising geo-strategic prominence of West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea (GG) oil, deriving from the security calculus of the major oil-consuming countries. It argues that the extension of the traditional militaristic approach to energy security by major oil-consuming countries, particularly the US, to energy affairs in the GG will reignite the global arms race involving other major oil consumers including China. The logic being that energy-hungry China and others are also likely to respond with their own militaristic strategies to safeguard their own supplies in the GG. All of that will flood the sub-region with arms and weapons and further destabilize weak or fragile states in the sub-region. To avoid that situation and forestall the attendant consequences to states and inhabitants of the sub-region, the paper recommends that efforts must be made to entrench consistent dialogue, good governance and investment in human capital development.
The Pernicious Consequences of UN Security Council Membership
Authors: Bueno de Mesquita Bruce , Smith Alastair
Published: June 2010

Nations elected to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as temporary members have lower levels of economic growth, become less democratic, and experience more restrictions on press freedoms than comparable nations not elected to the UNSC. Using regression and matching techniques the authors show, for instance, that over the two-year period of UNSC membership and the following two years during which a nation is ineligible for reelection, UNSC nations experience a 3.5 percent contraction in their economy relative to nations not elected to the UNSC. The detrimental effects of UNSC membership are strongest in nondemocratic nations. The authors contrast these results with the growing evidence that nations elected to the UNSC receive greater development assistance.
Bodies, Technologies and Action Possibilities
Authors: Bloomfield Brian P. , Latham Yvonne , Vurdubakis Theo
Published: June 2010

Borrowed from ecological psychology, the concept of affordances is often said to offer the social study of technology a means of re-framing the question of what is, and what is not, ‘social’ about technological artefacts. The concept, many argue, enables us to chart a safe course between the perils of technological determinism and social constructivism. This article questions the sociological adequacy of the concept as conventionally deployed. Drawing on ethnographic work on the ways technological artefacts engage, and are engaged by, disabled bodies, we propose that the ‘affordances’ of technological objects are not reducible to their material constitution but are inextricably bound up with specific, historically situated modes of engagement and ways of life.
‘It’s Not Just About the Money’: Non-resident Fathers’ Perspectives on Paying Child Support
Authors: Natalier Kristin , Hewitt Belinda
Published: June 2010

This article explores the question ‘Why do fathers resist paying child support?’ through interviews with 26 separated or divorced non-residential fathers in Australia. Drawing on Zelizer’s typology we argue that the men in this study attempt to define child support as a gift — a payment that emphasizes the power and beneficence of the payer and the obligation of the receiver — but struggle to do so in legal and bureaucratic structures that position its receipt as an entitlement. The tension between child support as a gift and child support as entitlement is informed by gendered power over money, a key element of fathering in traditional and non-traditional family structures.The payment and non-payment of child support is used to reinforce the economic dimensions of fathering identities and define family relationships in remarkably traditional ways.
Sociological Forensics: Illuminating the Whole from the Particular
Authors: Inglis Tom
Published: June 2010

A central task in sociology is to make links between the micro world of events in everyday life and wider social structures and long-term processes of change. This is particularly evident in studying the impact of globalization on local cultural life. I argue that case studies are a good method for making connections between the micro and the macro. I use an example of a study of globalization I conducted in a village in Ireland. However, I also argue that within each case study there will be clues, episodes or events which, when analysed with the appropriate theories and concepts, will illuminate the micro and macro connections. This is what I mean by sociological forensics. I justify this approach by grounding it in sociological theory and pointing out how versions of it have been used in some classical case studies.
Scientific Communication: Sociology Journals and Publication Practices
Authors: Vanderstraeten Raf
Published: June 2010

The rise of scientific specializations and disciplines depends on the formation of specialized scientific communities. The establishment of specialized scholarly journals facilitates the formation of such communities or networks. Publications, especially articles in specialized journals, have become institutionalized as the ‘ultimate’ form of scientific communication. Specialized journals fulfil a key role in the scientific disciplines. They both secure the shared values of a scientific community and endorse what that community takes to be certified knowledge. This article first elaborates on the evolution of communication within scientific disciplines. Afterwards, it presents an analysis of publication practices in the main generalist sociology journals in the Low Countries. Because of the close relationship between journals and discipline, this sociological analysis addresses the evolution of sociology itself.
Explaining the Impact of Attachment Style on Evaluations of Supportive Messages: A Dual-Process Framework
Authors: Bodie Graham D. , Burleson Brant R. , Gill-Rosier Jennifer , McCullough Jennifer D. , Holmstrom Amanda J. , Rack Jessica J. , Hanasono Lisa , Mincy Jerilyn
Published: June 2010

This article reports tests of hypotheses derived from a theory of supportive message outcomes that maintains that the effects of supportive messages are moderated by factors influencing the motivation and ability to process these messages. Participants ( N = 331) completed measures of attachment style, which provided individual-level assessments of processing motivation, and responded to either a mildly or moderately severe problem, which manipulated situational motivation.They subsequently evaluated the helpfulness of comforting messages that varied in person centeredness and were attributed to either an acquaintance or a close friend. Although message evaluations were strongly influenced by person centeredness, this effect, as expected, was also moderated by attachment style and problem severity. Results are discussed in terms of the dual-process theory of supportive message outcomes.
The Effects of an Abolishing Operation Intervention Component on Play Skills, Challenging Behavior, and Stereotypy
Authors: Lang Russell , O'Reilly Mark , Sigafoos Jeff , Machalicek Wendy , Rispoli Mandy , Lancioni Giulio E. , Aguilar Jeannie , Fragale Christina
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to reduce stereotypy and challenging behavior during play skills instruction by adding an abolishing operation component (AOC) to the intervention strategy. An alternating treatments design compared one condition in which participants were allowed to engage in stereotypy freely before beginning the play skills intervention (AOC condition) to a second condition without this free access period (No AOC condition). Across 4 participants with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), levels of stereotypy and challenging behavior were lower and functional play was higher during play intervention sessions that followed the AOC. These data provided support for the inclusion of an AOC in interventions aimed at increasing the play skills of children with ASD who present with stereotypy.
Automatic Prompting and Positive Attention to Reduce Tongue Protrusion and Head Tilting by Two Adults With Severe to Profound Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Didden Robert , Pichierri Sabrina
Published: June 2010

This study assessed a simple behavioral strategy for reducing stereotypic tongue protrusion and forward head tilting displayed by a woman and a man with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. The strategy involved (a) auditory prompting (i.e., verbal encouragements to keep the tongue in the mouth or the head upright) delivered automatically at fixed intervals via a portable device, and (b) social approval delivered by a research assistant at adjustable intervals for the absence of the inappropriate behavior. The intervals arranged for the delivery of approval were extended if the inappropriate behavior occurred in concomitance with the expected delivery. Data showed that the intervention strategy was effective in reducing the stereotypic tongue protrusion and forward head tilting. Their occurrences dropped from above 40% (tongue protrusion) and close to 80% (head tilting) of the observation instances during the initial baseline to around or slightly above 10% of those instances during the second intervention period and the 3-month postintervention check.
Thirty Years of Organization Studies: Enduring Themes in a Changing Institutional Field
Authors: Hinings C.R.
Published: June 2010

Over its 30 years of existence, Organization Studies has embodied three enduring themes, namely: a desire and respect for diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches; a concern with the study of organizations, organizing, and the organized in and between societies; sustaining an interdisciplinary range. These three interrelated themes constitute the core identity of Organization Studies and EGOS — indeed, constituting the idea of a distinctive European identity. The paper traces how these themes have survived as the field of academic scholarship and publishing in organization and management has changed, in particular: the emergence of international business school ranking systems; the development of the US Academy of Management into a more and more international body; and even greater influence or hegemony of the United States in organizational and management scholarship.
Advancing selection in an SME: Is best practice methodology applicable?
Authors: Wyatt Madeleine R.R. , Pathak Suchi B. , Zibarras Lara D.
Published: June 2010

Effective selection tools are important for identifying high caliber employees in SMEs, yet few SMEs use tools created using ‘best practice’ methodology. Selection literature tends to focus on large organizations and is conceptual rather than empirical; which may make it difficult for SMEs to use a best practice approach. This article addresses this by providing an empirical account of the design and validation of two selection tools in a medium-sized recruitment consultancy using a best practice selection methodology. Two work sample tests were developed using critical incident technique interviews, and validated using a concurrent design with existing recruitment consultants who were ‘high’ or ‘low’ performers according to sales output. Results indicated that the tools significantly differentiated between high and low performers, and there was a significant correlation between test performance and individual sales output. Findings are discussed in relation to implications for research and practice in SMEs and selection.
Determinants of trade credit: A comparative study of European SMEs
Authors: García-Teruel Pedro Juan , Martínez-Solano Pedro
Published: June 2010

This article presents the analysis of the determinants of the trade credit granted and received by a panel of 47,197 SMEs in Europe over the period 1996—2002. Our results show a strong homogeneity in the factors determining trade credit in European countries. On the one hand, firms with greater capacity to obtain resources from the capital markets, and more cheaply, grant more trade credit to their customers. Moreover, the results appear to support the price discrimination theory. We also found that firms react by increasing the credit they grant in an attempt to stem falling sales. On the other hand, larger firms, with greater growth opportunities and greater investment in current assets, receive more finance from their suppliers. Where firms have alternative sources of finance they are less likely to resort to vendor financing (substitution effect).
Developing a model of innovation implementation for UK SMEs: A path analysis and explanatory case analysis
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Moffett Sandra , Hazlett Shirley Ann , Shevlin Mark
Published: June 2010

Continuous large-scale changes in technology and the globalization of markets have resulted in the need for many SMEs to use innovation as a means of seeking competitive advantage where innovation includes both technological and organizational perspectives (Tapscott, 2009). However, there is a paucity of systematic and empirical research relating to the implementation of innovation management in the context of SMEs. The aim of this article is to redress this imbalance via an empirical study created to develop and test a model of innovation implementation in SMEs. This study uses Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the plausibility of an innovation model, developed from earlier studies, as the basis of a questionnaire survey of 395 SMEs in the UK. The resultant model and construct relationship results are further probed using an explanatory multiple case analysis to explore ‘how’ and ‘why’ type questions within the model and construct relationships. The findings show that the effects of leadership, people and culture on innovation implementation are mediated by business improvement activities relating to Total Quality Management/Continuous Improvement (TQM/ CI) and product and process developments. It is concluded that SMEs have an opportunity to leverage existing quality and process improvement activities to move beyond continuous improvement outcomes towards effective innovation implementation. The article concludes by suggesting areas suitable for further research.
The influence of local institutional differences on the capital structure of SMEs: Evidence from Italy
Authors: La Rocca Maurizio , La Rocca Tiziana , Cariola Alfio
Published: June 2010

This paper explains both capital-structure and debt-maturity choices for SMEs in terms of institutional differences at the local level, making use of regions as the unit of analysis. Specifically, the article considers local financial development and the effectiveness of the local enforcement system, controlling for firm-specific characteristics. The ability of the local financial market to provide funds efficiently is of particular interest to SMEs, due to the fact that large firms can tolerate imperfections in the local financial system by moving to international, more highly integrated financial markets. The main findings of the analysis suggest that capital-structure and debt-maturity choices interact as complementary factors and that corporate financial decisions are not only the result of firm-specific or industry-specific characteristics, but are also based on the institutional climate in which a firm operates. After controlling for heterogeneity in firm characteristics, leverage was found to be positively influenced by local financial development, while the enforcement system was less relevant. Conversely, debt maturity was longer in regions with high levels of law enforcement, whereas local financial development did not play a relevant role.
An exploration of the experience, confidence and attitudes of staff to the provision of palliative care to people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Ryan Karen , McEvoy John , Guerin Suzanne , Dodd Philip
Published: June 2010

Research suggests that shortcomings exist in the provision of palliative care to people with intellectual disabilities. This mixed-methods study aimed to describe the experience, confidence and attitudes of staff to the provision of palliative care to people with intellectual disabilities. The sample was drawn from the population of one Health Service Executive area in Ireland. Staff from intellectual disability and palliative care services completed surveys and participated in focus group discussions. Three hundred and eighty-nine questionnaires were distributed and 16 focus groups were held. Fifty-nine per cent of palliative care staff and 67% of intellectual disability services staff had cared for someone with intellectual disability who had died but level of experience was low. Both palliative care and intellectual disability services staff lacked confidence in their ability to provide palliative care. Staff were challenged by perceived ‘differences’ and ‘difficulties’ in the provision of care. They endorsed a partnership approach to care but focus group discussions revealed that a shared desire to cooperate was insufficient to guarantee effective collaboration.