bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ketosis-Prone Diabetes: Dissection of a Heterogeneous Syndrome Using an Immunogenetic and β-Cell Functional Classification, Prospective Analysis, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Maldonado Mario , Hampe Christiane S. , Gaur Lakshmi K. , D’Amico Susana , Iyer Dinakar , Hammerle Lisa P. , Bolgiano Douglas , Rodriguez Lucille , Rajan Arun , Lernmark Åke , Balasubramanyam Ashok
Published: November 2003

Ketosis-prone diabetes is heterogeneous. Its causes could include novel β-cell functional defects. To characterize such defects, 103 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis were evaluated for β-cell autoimmunity and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles, with longitudinal measurements of β-cell function and biochemical and clinical parameters. They were classified into four Aβ groups, based on the presence of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)65, GAD67, or IA-2 autoantibodies (A+ or A−) and β-cell functional reserve (β+ or β−). The group distribution was: 18 A+β−, 23 A−β−, 11 A+β+, and 51 A−β+. Collectively, the two β− groups differed from the two β+ groups in earlier onset and longer duration of diabetes, lower body mass index, less glycemic improvement, and persistent insulin requirement. HLA class II genotyping showed that the A−β− group differed from the A+β− group in having lower frequencies of two alleles strongly associated with autoimmune type 1 diabetes susceptibility: DQA*03 and DQB1*02. Similarly, the A−β+ group differed from the A+β+ group in having a lower frequency of DQB1*02. Ketosis-prone diabetes comprises at least four etiologically distinct syndromes separable by autoantibody status, HLA genotype, and β-cell functional reserve. Novel, nonautoimmune causes of β-cell dysfunction are likely to underlie the A−β+ and A−β− syndromes.
Increased Risk of Falls and Increased Bone Resorption in Elderly Men with Partial Androgen Deficiency: The MINOS Study
Authors: Szulc P. , Claustrat B. , Marchand F. , Delmas P. D.
Published: November 2003

The goal of this study was to identify the clinical and biological patterns of hypogonadism in a cohort of 1040 elderly men. Residual androgenic activity was estimated by total testosterone as well as the apparent free testosterone concentration (AFTC) and free testosterone index (FTI) calculated on the basis of concentrations of SHBG and total testosterone using appropriate formulae. The lower limit of the normal range defined by 2 sd below the mean in 150 healthy, nonobese, and nonsmoking men, aged 19–40 yr, was calculated for total testosterone (9.26 nmol/liter), AFTC (146 pmol/liter), and FTI (0.14 nmol/nmol). The prevalence of hypogonadism increased with ageing. Hypogonadal men were older and heavier (due to a higher fat body mass) and had lower concentrations of 17β-estradiol and androstenedione than men with normal androgenic activity. Men with decreased AFTC had a slightly lower bone mineral density (BMD) at certain sites. Men with decreased FTI had lower appendicular skeletal muscle mass and relative skeletal muscle index. For all three measures of androgenic activity, hypogonadal men had increased levels of the markers of bone resorption. In the multiple regression models including both 17β-estradiol and testosterone (total, AFTC, or FTI), 17β-estradiol was the only significant determinant of BMD. In the multiple regression models including 17β-estradiol and AFTC or FTI, only testosterone was a significant determinant of the variability in bone formation markers, whereas both 17β-estradiol and testosterone were significant determinants of the variability of the markers of bone resorption. Hypogonadism was associated with an increase in the risk of falls, an impairment of static and dynamic balance, as well as the inability to stand up from a chair and to perform the tandem walk. Decreased AFTC (<146 pmol/liter) discriminated best men with functional disabilities (odds ratio, 1.54–7.95; P < 0.05–0.0001). Hypogonadal elderly men had increased bone resorption that was not adequately matched by an increase in bone formation, lower muscle strength, impaired static and dynamic balance, a higher risk of falls, and, in men with low AFTC, a slightly lower BMD. Low AFTC seems to have the best discriminative power for densitometric, biochemical, and functional parameters, followed by FTI, whereas total testosterone was the least discriminative. In multiple regression models, 17β-estradiol was the strongest determinant of BMD, and AFTC and FTI were significant determinants of the variability in bone formation markers, whereas both 17β-estradiol and testosterone determined the variability in bone resorption markers.
Adolescents with Partial Growth Hormone (GH) Deficiency Develop Alterations of Body Composition after GH Discontinuation and Require Follow-Up
Authors: Tauber Maithé , Jouret Béatrice , Cartault Audrey , Lounis Nadia , Gayrard Michèle , Marcouyeux Corinne , Pienkowski Catherine , Oliver Isabelle , Moulin Pierre , Otal Philippe , Joffre Francis , Arnaud Catherine , Rochiccioli Pierre
Published: November 2003

It is now a consensus to resume GH treatment in adolescents with severe GH deficiency (GHD) at retesting to prevent the occurrence of adult GHD syndrome. However, we do not have any data on the follow-up of adolescents with nonsevere GHD at completion of treatment. This report presents preliminary data from a 1-yr prospective study that includes the first 91 patients retested. Anthropometric data, IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 levels, glycemia and insulinemia, lipid profile, and body composition using dual x-ray absorptiometry and abdominal computed tomography scan were recorded at completion of GH treatment and 1 yr later. Body composition was significantly different at both evaluations, with increased total body fat and decreased lean body mass in the partial GHD group vs. the normal group. Moreover, these alterations worsened after 1 yr without GH in the partial GHD group, whereas there were no modifications in the normal group. We did not find any metabolic alterations such as elevated triglyceride, total cholesterol, or insulin levels. Adolescents with reconfirmed partial GHD exhibit alterations in body composition after 1 yr without GH, whereas those retested normal do not. These changes are similar to those described in severe GHD, although less marked, and justify a precise follow-up.
Antecedent Adrenaline Attenuates the Responsiveness to But Not the Release of Counterregulatory Hormones during Subsequent Hypoglycemia
Authors: de Galan Bastiaan E. , Rietjens Saskia J. , Tack Cees J. , van der Werf Sieberen P. , Sweep C. G. J. (Fred) , W. M. Lenders Jacques , Smits Paul
Published: November 2003

Hypoglycemia unawareness is thought to be the consequence of recurrent hypoglycemia, yet the underlying mechanism is still incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of antecedent elevated adrenaline in the pathogenesis of hypoglycemia unawareness. Sixteen healthy volunteers (eight of either sex) participated in two experiments, performed in random order and at least 3 wk apart. During the morning, three consecutive doses of 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 μg·kg−1·min−1 of adrenaline or matching placebo (normal saline) were infused for the total duration of 1 h. Three hours later, a hyperinsulinemic (360 pmol·m−2·min−1) two-step hypoglycemic (5.0–3.5–2.5 mmol·liter−1) clamp study was performed. During hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic symptoms, counterregulatory hormones, cardiovascular responses, and cognitive function were monitored. Hypoglycemia induced similar responses of autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms, counterregulatory hormones, and lengthening in reaction time on the choice reaction time task, irrespective of antecedent infusions. However, prior adrenaline was associated with higher exogenous glucose requirements at hypoglycemic nadir (10.1 ± 1.3 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3 μmol·kg−1·min−1, P = 0.017), an attenuated hypoglycemia-induced fall in blood pressure (mean arterial pressure, −13 ± 2 vs. −8 ± 2 mm Hg, P = 0.006), and preserved cognitive function as assessed by the symbol digit test during hypoglycemia, when compared with prior placebo. We conclude that elevated adrenaline attenuates the responsiveness to, but not the release of counterregulatory hormones during subsequent hypoglycemia. As such, adrenaline’s role in the development of hypoglycemia unawareness is limited.
Serum Osteoprotegerin as a Determinant of Bone Metabolism in a Longitudinal Study of Human Pregnancy and Lactation
Authors: Naylor K. E. , Rogers A. , Fraser R. B. , Hall V. , Eastell R. , Blumsohn A.
Published: November 2003

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble decoy receptor that inhibits bone resorption by binding to receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand. Murine studies suggest that OPG is elevated in pregnancy, but its role in human pregnancy is unknown. We evaluated the relationship among OPG, bone turnover, and bone density in a longitudinal study of planned human pregnancy and lactation (n = 17; age, 20–36 yr). Samples were collected before conception; at 16, 26, and 36 wk gestation; and at 2 and 12 wk postpartum. Indexes of bone resorption included serum β C-terminal and urinary N-terminal (uNTX) telopeptides of type I collagen. OPG increased by 110 ± 16% (mean ± sem) at 36 wk (P < 0.001), followed by a rapid postpartum decline in both lactating and nonlactating women. Bone resorption was elevated at 36 wk (serum β C-terminal telopeptides by 76 ± 17%; urinary N-terminal telopeptides by 219 ± 41%; P < 0.001). The tissue source of OPG in pregnancy is unknown. Human breast milk contains large amounts of OPG (162 ± 58 ng/ml in milk vs. 0.42 ± 0.03 ng/ml in nonpregnant serum). However, the rapid postpartum decline in serum OPG and the low serum OPG in neonates suggest a placental source. There was no correlation between change in OPG and bone turnover or bone mineral density (P > 0.05), and the physiological importance of elevated OPG in human pregnancy remains uncertain.
Myostatin Is a Skeletal Muscle Target of Growth Hormone Anabolic Action
Authors: Liu Wei , Thomas Scott G. , Asa Sylvia L. , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor , Bhasin Shalendar , Ezzat Shereen
Published: November 2003

Myostatin is a cytokine that has recently been shown to selectively and potently inhibit myogenesis. To investigate the mechanisms of anabolic actions of GH on skeletal muscle growth, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of GH on myostatin regulation. Twelve GH-deficient hypopituitary adult subjects were treated with recombinant GH (5 μg/kg·d) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. Body composition and physical function were assessed and skeletal muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis performed at 6-monthly intervals during 18 months of treatment. Myostatin mRNA expression was significantly inhibited to 31 ± 9% (P < 0.001) of control by GH but not by placebo administration (79 ± 11%) as determined by quantitative real-time PCR normalized for the housekeeping glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. The inhibitory effect of GH on myostatin was sustained after 12 and 18 months of GH treatment. These effects were associated with increases in lean body mass and translated into enhanced aerobic performance as determined by maximal oxygen uptake and ventilation threshold. Parallel in vitro studies of skeletal muscle cells demonstrated significant reduction of myostatin expression by myotubes in response to GH, compared with vehicle treatment. Conversely, GH receptor antagonism resulted in up-regulation of myostatin in myoblasts. Given the potent catabolic actions of myostatin, our data suggest that myostatin represents a potential key target for GH-induced anabolism.
Estimating the Contribution of the Prostate to Blood Dihydrotestosterone
Authors: Toorians Arno W. F. T. , Kelleher Sharyn , Gooren Louis J. , Jimenez Mark , Handelsman David J.
Published: November 2003

The prostate strongly expresses type 2 5α-reductase, which avidly converts on entry most testosterone (T) to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, the quantitative contribution of the prostate to blood DHT is uncertain. We evaluated prostatic contribution to blood DHT by comparing the blood DHT concentrations in androgen-deficient patients with or without a prostate while they were receiving standard dose of T replacement. Androgen-deficient males (ADM) and female to male (F2M) transsexuals were studied in 2 centers, with both groups receiving either testosterone ester injections (250 mg mixed T esters) every 1 wk (Amsterdam) or 800 mg subdermal T implantation (Sydney). Among 39 Dutch patients, F2M (n = 21) were younger and smaller in physique than ADM (n = 18). One week (±1 d) after an injection, plasma DHT concentrations were 1.6 ± 0.2 (F2M) vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 (ADM) nmol/liter (P = 0.47), but the postinjection time interval to blood sampling was shorter in F2M (5.9 ± 0.4 vs. 7.2 ± 0.3 d; P = 0.01). Covariance adjustment for time since last injection, age, and physique did not change the lack of significant difference in postinjection plasma DHT concentration. The rapid and wide excursions in plasma T concentrations after an im T ester injection make the timing of blood sampling critical. To remove confounding by this variable, the experiment was repeated at a second site in similar patients, but using a depot T that achieves steady-state delivery for prolonged periods. Among 29 Australian patients, before and 1 month after subdermal implantation of 800 mg T, plasma DHT concentrations were not significantly different between groups [F2M, 1.1 ± 0.1 (n = 14); ADM, 1.3 ± 0.1 (n = 15); P = 0.28]. Correction for covariates, including age, height, weight, body surface area, and body mass index, did not influence the lack of significant difference between treated groups. As both modes of T administration yielded similar plasma DHT concentrations regardless of the presence of a prostate, this study indicates that the normal human prostate is not a major contributor to circulating blood DHT concentrations.
Endocrine Status in Patients with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: Relationship to Midline Central Nervous System Abnormalities and Appearance of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Birkebæk N. H. , Patel L. , Wright N. B. , Grigg J. R. , Sinha S. , Hall C. M. , Price D. A. , Lloyd I. C. , Clayton P. E.
Published: November 2003

We here: 1) describe the phenotypic spectrum, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of the pituitary stalk and anterior and posterior pituitary [H-P (hypothalamic-pituitary) axis], in children with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) with or without an abnormal septum pellucidum (SP); and 2) define endocrine dysfunction according to the MRI findings. Medical records of 55 children with ONH who had been assessed by ophthalmology and endocrine services were reviewed. All had MRI of the brain and H-P axis.

Forty-nine percent of the ONH patients had an abnormal SP on MRI, and 64% had a H-P axis abnormality. Twenty-seven patients (49%) had endocrine dysfunction, and 23 of these had H-P axis abnormality. The frequency of endocrinopathy was higher in patients with an abnormal SP (56%) than a normal SP (39%). Patients were divided into four groups based on SP and H-P axis appearance: 1) both normal; 2) abnormal SP and normal H-P axis; 3) normal SP and abnormal H-P axis; and 4) both abnormal. The frequency of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency was highest (56%) in group 4, lower (35%) in group 3, and even lower (22%) in group 2. Precocious puberty was most common in group 2. None of the patients in group 1 had endocrine dysfunction. Thus, SP and H-P axis appearances on MRI can be used to predict the likely spectrum of endocrinopathy.
Elevated Physical Activity and Low Leptin Levels Co-occur in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Holtkamp Kristian , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Mika Claudia , Heer Martina , Heussen Nicole , Fichter Manfred , Herpertz Stephan , Senf Werner , Blum Werner F. , Schweiger Ulrich , Warnke Andreas , Ballauff Anne , Remschmidt Helmut , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: November 2003

Low leptin levels are an endocrinological hallmark of acute anorexia nervosa (AN); a subthreshold leptin secretion in adipocytes as a consequence of a reduced energy intake is presumed to be the major trigger of the adaptation of an organism to semistarvation. The aim of the current study is to define symptoms of AN that are potentially linked to low leptin levels. For this purpose, quantitative somatic and psychopathological variables were obtained in 61 inpatients with acute AN (study group 1) upon referral for inpatient treatment, and they were concomitantly blood sampled to allow determination of serum leptin levels. Correlations between these variables and logarithmic transformed (lg10) leptin levels were descriptively assessed. Apart from the well-known correlations between leptin levels and anthropometric measurements, the strongest correlation was observed between lg10 serum leptin levels and expert ratings of motor restlessness (r = −0.476; nominal P = 0.003) upon use of visual analog scales. We thus generated the hypothesis that physical activity levels in AN patients are related to serum leptin levels. This hypothesis was tested in an independent study group of 27 adolescent inpatients (study group 2) who were also assessed upon referral. Physical activity levels, which, in this study group, were assessed with the activity module of the expert rating form of the Structured Inventory for Anorexic and Bulimic Syndromes, were significantly correlated with lg10 leptin levels (r = −0.51; one-sided P = 0.006). A regression model based on the independent variables body mass index and lg10 leptin levels explained 37% of the variance of physical activity (R2 = 0.37; P = 0.003); only the lg10 leptin levels contributed significantly to the variance (P = 0.003). Our results suggest that, similar to semistarvation-induced hyperactivity in rats, hypoleptinemia in patients with AN may be one important factor underlying the excessive physical activity.
Effects of Bezafibrate and Simvastatin on Endothelial Activation and Lipid Peroxidation in Hypercholesterolemia: Evidence of Different Vascular Protection by Different Lipid-Lowering Treatments
Authors: Desideri Giovambattista , Croce Giuseppe , Tucci Marzia , Passacquale Gabriella , Broccoletti Simona , Valeri Letizia , Santucci Anna , Ferri Claudio
Published: November 2003

Hypercholesterolemia is combined with enhanced lipid peroxidation, which can promote atherogenesis by inducing endothelial adhesion molecule expression. Statins may protect vascular endothelium in hypercholesterolemia by reducing enhanced plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein and decreasing oxidative stress. Herein, we describe increased circulating levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin and total 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) concentrations, as indexes of endothelial activation and lipid peroxidation, respectively, in 67 hypercholesterolemic patients compared with 32 normocholesterolemic subjects. Significant cholesterol reductions were achieved in hypercholesterolemic patients after 6 months under either simvastatin (40 mg/d) or bezafibrate (800 mg/d) treatment, given according to a randomized double-blind trial. Simvastatin but not bezafibrate simultaneously reduced soluble adhesin and total 8-iso-PGF2α concentrations also. Vitamin E supplementation (400 IU/d) further reduced indexes of endothelial activation and lipid peroxidation in simvastatin-treated patients and significantly reduced the above indexes in bezafibrate-treated patients. Changes in circulating soluble adhesion molecule levels were directly correlated with changes in total 8-iso-PGF2α concentrations in simvastatin-treated patients also receiving vitamin E supplementation. All together, our data demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia was combined with endothelial activation and lipid peroxidation, which were efficaciously counteracted by simvastatin but not bezafibrate treatment. Thus, a different vascular protection can be achieved by different lipid-lowering treatments.
Muscle Oxidative Capacity Is a Better Predictor of Insulin Sensitivity than Lipid Status
Authors: Bruce Clinton R. , Anderson Mitchell J. , Carey Andrew L. , Newman David G. , Bonen Arend , Kriketos Adamandia D. , Cooney Gregory J. , Hawley John A.
Published: November 2003

We determined whole-body insulin sensitivity, long-chain fatty acyl coenzyme A (LCACoA) content, skeletal muscle triglyceride (TGm) concentration, fatty acid transporter protein content, and oxidative enzyme activity in eight patients with type 2 diabetes (TYPE 2); six healthy control subjects matched for age (OLD), body mass index, percentage of body fat, and maximum pulmonary O2 uptake; nine well-trained athletes (TRAINED); and four age-matched controls (YOUNG). Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis were taken before and after a 2-h euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Oxidative enzyme activities, fatty acid transporters (FAT/CD36 and FABPpm), and TGm were measured from basal muscle samples, and total LCACoA content was determined before and after insulin stimulation. Whole-body insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was lower in TYPE 2 (P < 0.05) than in OLD, YOUNG, and TRAINED. TGm was elevated in TYPE 2 compared with all other groups (P < 0.05). However, both basal and insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle LCACoA content were similar. Basal citrate synthase activity was higher in TRAINED (P < 0.01), whereas β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase activity was higher in TRAINED compared with TYPE 2 and OLD. There was a significant relationship between the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle and insulin sensitivity (citrate synthase, r = 0.71, P < 0.001; β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase, r = 0.61, P = 0.001). No differences were found in FAT/CD36 protein content between groups. In contrast, FABPpm protein was lower in OLD compared with TYPE 2 and YOUNG (P < 0.05). In conclusion, despite markedly elevated skeletal muscle TGm in type 2 diabetic patients and strikingly different levels of whole-body glucose disposal, both basal and insulin-stimulated LCACoA content were similar across groups. Furthermore, skeletal muscle oxidative capacity was a better predictor of insulin sensitivity than either TGm concentration or long-chain fatty acyl CoA content.
BRAF Mutations in Thyroid Tumors Are Restricted to Papillary Carcinomas and Anaplastic or Poorly Differentiated Carcinomas Arising from Papillary Carcinomas
Authors: Nikiforova Marina N. , Kimura Edna T. , Gandhi Manoj , Biddinger Paul W. , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Basolo Fulvio , Zhu Zhaowen , Giannini Riccardo , Salvatore Giuliana , Fusco Alfredo , Santoro Massimo , Fagin James A. , Nikiforov Yuri E.
Published: November 2003

Activating point mutations of the BRAF gene have been recently reported in papillary thyroid carcinomas. In this study, we analyzed 320 thyroid tumors and six anaplastic carcinoma cell lines and detected BRAF mutations in 45 (38%) papillary carcinomas, two (13%) poorly-differentiated carcinomas, three (10%) anaplastic carcinomas, and five (83%) thyroid anaplastic carcinoma cell lines but not in follicular, Hürthle cell, and medullary carcinomas, follicular and Hürthle cell adenomas, or benign hyperplastic nodules. All mutations involved a T→A transversion at nucleotide 1796. In papillary carcinomas, BRAF mutations were associated with older age, classic papillary carcinoma or tall cell variant histology, extrathyroidal extension, and more frequent presentation at stages III and IV. All BRAF-positive poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinomas contained areas of preexisting papillary carcinoma, and mutation was present in both the well-differentiated and dedifferentiated components. These data indicate that BRAF mutations are restricted to papillary carcinomas and poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinomas arising from papillary carcinomas. They are associated with distinct phenotypical and biological properties of papillary carcinomas and may participate in progression to poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinomas.
The contribution of parenting practices in a risk and resiliency model of children's adjustment
Authors: Prevatt Frances F.
Published: November 2003

A risk and resiliency model of children's adjustment was evaluated, with a focus on the relationship of parenting practices to risk and protective factors. Risk factors included family stress, family conflict, parent psychopathology and low socio‐economic status. Protective factors included family cohesion, family social support and family moral– religious orientation. The research hypothesis was that parenting practices would have a direct effect on child outcomes, as well as a moderating effect on the relationship between risk and protective factors and child outcomes. Three different outcomes were utilized: disruptive behaviour disorders, adaptive emotional functioning and school achievement. Participants were 80 children aged 6–12 years and their mothers. Hierarchical regression analyses suggested that the combination of family risk and protection and parenting practices was highly predictive of child functioning for both disruptive externalizing behaviours and positive emotional adaptation. It was found that negative family factors were more highly associated with negative child outcomes, whereas positive family factors were more highly associated with positive child outcomes. Family risk factors and poor parenting primarily accounted for the variance in externalizing child behaviours. Alternately, family protective factors and positive parenting primarily accounted for the variance in child adaptive behaviours. Parenting practices had a direct effect on child outcomes, but was not a strong moderator of the relationship between risk and protection factors and child outcomes.
The social context of school playground games: Sex and ethnic differences, and changes over time after entry to junior school
Authors: Blatchford Peter , Baines Ed , Pellegrini Anthony
Published: November 2003

This short‐term longitudinal study examined activities at recess and peer relations. We were interested in changes over the school year, and the sex and ethnic mix of groups. Data came from systematic observations of 129 pupils (61 boys and 68 girls) aged 7–8 years. Results showed that peer interaction dominated recess. Ball games increased over the year, and chasing games decreased. Aggression was most common during vigorous play and conversation, but not ball games. Cleavage in boys' and girls' play and activity was common but not inevitable. Mixed‐sex play was not supported by particular game types. Boys' game networks were larger than those of girls but there were no sex differences in active networks. There was little ethnic group segregation on playgrounds, and games became more integrated with time. The results indicate that playground activities can have a positive role in social relations between different ethnic groups.
Ethnic in‐group bias among minority and majority early adolescents: The perception of negative peer behaviour
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel
Published: November 2003

Using social identity theory (SIT) as a framework, this study investigates in‐group bias in the context of negative social behaviour among Dutch and Turkish children (10–13 years of age) living in the Netherlands. Using stories about peer behaviour in which ethnicity was an available dimension, the children were asked to evaluate the perpetrator and to explain the negative behaviour. Explanations were analysed in terms of the locus of explanation and the level of linguistic abstraction at which the perpetrator's behaviour was explained. Hence, there were three measures of in‐group bias. In addition, ethnic identification, perceived multicultural education and participants' experiences with ethnic victimization were considered as predictor variables. The results revealed a small degree of in‐group bias for the evaluation and the locus of explanation, but not for linguistic abstraction. Furthermore, for both ethnic groups, it was found that stronger ethnic identification was related to a less negative evaluation of an in‐group perpetrator. A higher degree of ethnic victimization was related to a less negative perception of the perpetrator. In addition, a higher degree of perceived exposure to multicultural education was associated with a more negative perception of the perpetrator, particularly among the Dutch participants. It was concluded that the study of ethnic attitudes among children should focus more on the perceptions of actual ethnic conflicts and on specific settings such as schools. Furthermore, it is important to use explicit and implicit measures and to include both majority and minority group children.
Building Organizational Capabilities for Managing Economic Crisis: The Role of Market Orientation and Strategic Flexibility
Authors: Grewal Rajdeep , Tansuhaj Patriya
Published: November 2003

Firms around the world often must manage and survive economic crises. Recent cases in Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America bear testimony to this point. As economic weak spots are integrated into the global economy, it is timely to develop an understanding of organizational capabilities that can help firms manage their way through such crises. The authors investigate the role of market orientation and strategic flexibility in helping Thai firms manage the recent Asian crisis. The results demonstrate the contingent nature of the influence of market orientation and strategic flexibility on firm performance after a crisis has occurred. As hypothesized, market orientation has an adverse effect on firm performance after a crisis. This effect is moderated by demand and technological uncertainty and is enhanced by competitive intensity. In contrast, strategic flexibility has a positive influence on firm performance after a crisis, which is enhanced by competitive intensity and moderated by demand and technological uncertainty. It seems that market orientation and strategic flexibility complement each other in their efficacy to help firms manage varying environmental conditions.
Some New Thoughts on Conceptualizing Perceived Service Quality: A Hierarchical Approach
Authors: Brady Michael K. , Cronin J. Joseph
Published: November 2003

Through qualitative and empirical research, the authors find that the service quality construct conforms to the structure of a third-order factor model that ties service quality perceptions to distinct and actionable dimensions: outcome, interaction, and environmental quality. In turn, each has three subdimensions that define the basis of service quality perceptions. The authors further suggest that for each of these subdimensions to contribute to improved service quality perceptions, the quality received by consumers must be perceived to be reliable, responsive, and empathetic. The authors test and support this conceptualization across four service industries. They consider the research and managerial implications of the study and its limitations.
Successful and Unsuccessful Sales Calls: Measuring Salesperson Attributions and Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Dixon Andrea L. , Spiro Rosann L. , Jamil Maqbul
Published: November 2003

Applying attribution theory to consumer behavior issues is quite common. In the managerial arena, previous research suggests that salespeople's attribution processes affect their expectancies for success and future behavior. However, no published research has developed adequate measures that might be used to examine the full range of attributional responses for sales success or failure and the behaviors that are likely to follow such attributions. The goal of this research is to develop a complete set of attributional and behavioral scales for sales success and failure and validate such scales in a real-world context—among field sales representatives. Following Churchill's (1979) recommended process, the authors develop a complete set of attributional and behavioral intention scales that is applicable to a field sales force setting. The authors then measure 228 financial services representatives' performance attributions for a previous sales interaction; their intended behaviors for a future, similar selling situation; and their personal characteristics. The authors test the validities of the scales and examine the usefulness of applying the scales within a theoretically justified nomological network of relationships.
Promotion of Prescription Drugs and Its Impact on Physicians' Choice Behavior
Authors: Gönül Füsun F. , Carter Franklin , Petrova Elina , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: November 2003

The authors investigate whether and how pricing and promotional activities influence prescription choice behavior using a comprehensive panel of physicians and data on competitive price and promotional activities. The authors find that physicians are characterized by fairly limited price sensitivity, detailing and samples have a mostly informative effect on physicians, and physicians with a relatively large number of Medicare or health maintenance organization patients are less influenced by promotion than other physicians are.
The Impact of Brand Extension Introduction on Choice
Authors: Swaminathan Vanitha , Fox Richard J. , Reddy Srinivas K.
Published: November 2003

This article focuses on the impact of a new brand extension introduction on choice in a behavioral context using national household scanner data involving multiple brand extensions. Particularly, the authors investigate the reciprocal impact of trial of successful and unsuccessful brand extensions on parent brand choice. In addition, the authors examine the effects of experience with the parent brand on consumers’ trial and repeat of a brand extension using household scanner data on six brand extensions from a national panel. In the case of successful brand extensions, the results show positive reciprocal effects of extension trial on parent brand choice, particularly among prior non-users of the parent brand, and consequently on market share. The authors find evidence for potential negative reciprocal effects of unsuccessful extensions. In addition, the study shows that experience with the parent brand has a significant impact on extension trial, but not on extension repeat.
Logistics Service Quality as a Segment-Customized Process
Authors: Mentzer John T. , Flint Daniel J. , Hult G. Tomas M.
Published: November 2003

Logistics excellence has become a powerful source of competitive differentiation within diverse marketing offerings of world-class firms. Although researchers have suggested that logistics competencies complement marketing efforts, empirical evidence is lacking on what logistics service quality means to customers and whether it has different meanings for separate customer segments. The authors present empirical support for nine related logistics service quality constructs; demonstrate their unidimensionality, validity, and reliability across four customer segments of a large logistics organization; and provide empirical support for a logistics service quality process. Although structural equation modeling offers support for the logistics service quality process across customer segments, the authors find that the relative parameter estimates differ for each segment, which suggests that firms ought to customize their logistics services by customer segments.
Free Cash Flow, Agency Costs, and the Affordability Method of Advertising Budgeting
Authors: Joseph Kissan , Richardson Vernon J.
Published: November 2003

The allocation of excess cash has long been recognized in the finance literature as an important aspect of the basic agency conflict between managers and owners. In the advertising budgeting context, marketing scholars report that firms possessing high levels of cash tend to spend more on advertising than what seems necessary or desirable. Indeed, this positive link between excess cash and advertising expenditures constitutes a part of what is commonly referred to as the affordability method of advertising budgeting. Surprisingly, there has been little research that attempts to view this association as a manifestation of agency costs. Therefore, in this article, the authors examine whether agency costs, as measured by managerial ownership, moderate the relationship between excess cash and advertising expenditures. On the basis of received theory, the authors conceptualize that agency costs will first decrease, then increase, and then decrease again with the level of managerial ownership. Accordingly, the authors hypothesize and find that the fraction of incremental earnings reinvested in advertising follows the same pattern in managerial ownership. These findings support the notion that the use of the affordability method is driven, in part, by agency costs. The authors conclude by discussing the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings.
The Market Valuation of Internet Channel Additions
Authors: Geyskens Inge , Gielens Katrijn , Dekimpe Marnik G.
Published: November 2003

The emergence of the Internet has pushed many established companies to explore this radically new distribution channel. Like all market discontinuities, the Internet creates opportunities as well as threats—it can be performance-enhancing as readily as it can be performance-destroying. Making use of event-study methodology, the authors assess the net impact of adding an Internet channel on a firm's stock market return, a measure of the change in expected future cash flows. The authors find that, on average, Internet channel investments are positive net-present-value investments. The authors then identify firm, introduction strategy, and marketplace characteristics that influence the direction and magnitude of the stock market reaction. The results indicate that powerful firms with a few direct channels are expected to achieve greater gains in financial performance than are less powerful firms with a broader direct channel offering. In terms of order of entry, early followers have a competitive advantage over both innovators and later followers, even when time of entry is controlled for. The authors also find that Internet channel additions that are supported by more publicity are perceived as having a higher performance potential.
Passing the Torch: Intergenerational Influences as a Source of Brand Equity
Authors: Moore Elizabeth S. , Wilkie William L. , Lutz Richard J.
Published: November 2003

In today's competitive battleground, the concept of brand equity has proved to be an important source of strategic insights for marketers. However, one potentially valuable source of brand equity—the operation of intergenerational influences—has generally been overlooked in the marketing literature. This article reports the findings of two studies that show intergenerational impacts on brand equity to be persistent and powerful across an array of consumer packaged goods. However, as a strategic challenge, these effects seem to apply strongly for some brands but not for others—they are selective. In Study 1, the authors use parallel surveys of mother–daughter dyads to isolate and quantify intergenerational impacts, and the surveys reveal a differential range of effects at both the product category and the brand level. In Study 2, the authors use interpretivist methods to delve more deeply into these effects—the forms they take, the way they have developed, and factors that sustain or disrupt them. On the basis of these findings, the authors identify implications for managers and future research needs. Overall, intergenerational influences are a real marketplace phenomenon and a factor that merits much closer attention from marketing strategists who are interested in brand equity issues.
Role Stress and Effectiveness in Horizontal Alliances
Authors: Nygaard Arne , Dahlstrom Robert
Published: November 2003

Horizontal arrangements are increasingly deployed in organizational networks, yet research has rarely examined the effectiveness of these alliances. The coalition of disparate corporate cultures yields appreciable levels of role stress for people in boundary-spanning positions. Dedicated assets and communication modality are factors that influence the level of role ambiguity and conflict. The authors implicate these facets of role stress as antecedents to four forms of effectiveness drawn from the competing values framework. The authors present alternative perspectives that examine the relationship between stress and performance. The received view frames role stressors as linear, negative antecedents to organizational outcomes. The authors contrast this perspective with theories that espouse triphasic, parabolic, and interactive influences of stressors on organizational outcomes. Data gathered with 218 managers of dual-branded retail oil outlets indicate that the relevance of these alternative perspectives is mitigated by the form of effectiveness pursued by the organization. The results support a linear relationship between role conflict and bargaining efforts, yet they also offer evidence of nonlinear influences of role ambiguity on contributions to sales, customer satisfaction, and competence. The study concludes with a discussion of relevance of the findings to the management of horizontal alliances and to interorganizational theory.
Managing Business-to-Business Customer Relationships following Key Contact Employee Turnover in a Vendor Firm
Authors: Bendapudi Neeli , Leone Robert P.
Published: November 2003

Customers form relationships with the employees who serve them as well as with the vendor firms these employees represent. In many cases, a customer's relationship with an employee who is closest to them, a key contact employee, may be stronger than the customer's relationship with the vendor firm. If the key contact employee is no longer available to serve that customer, the vendor firm's relationship with the customer may become vulnerable. In this article, the authors present the results of two studies that examine what business-to-business customers value in their relationships with key contact employees, what customers' concerns are when a favored key contact employee is no longer available to serve them, and what vendor firms can do to alleviate these concerns and to retain employee knowledge even if they cannot retain the employee in that position. The studies are based on a discovery-oriented approach and integrate input from business-to-business customers, key contact employees, and managers from a broad cross-section of companies to develop testable propositions. The authors discuss managerial and theoretical implications and directions for further research.
Phenomenal characteristics of co‐created guided imagery and autobiographical memories
Authors: Kealy Kinda L. K. , Arbuthnott Katherine D.
Published: November 2003

Concern has recently been raised about the potential for guided images to be mistaken for memories of actual events. According to the reality‐monitoring framework, such misattributions can occur due to the similarity of sensory and reflective memory characteristics acquired at encoding, or due to source judgement processes at retrieval. A study was conducted to examine the similarity of guided images and perceived memories at imagery encoding, and after a short delay. Participants rated the characteristics of an actual event, a natural imagery event (e.g. a fantasy), and a guided imagery experience, immediately and after a one‐week interval. For each condition, participants discussed their memory or guided imagery experience with the researcher as they reviewed or created it. Ratings indicated that guided imagery was similar to perceived memory with respect to sensory characteristics. However, the factors associated with supporting memories (contextual and temporal detail, setting familiarity, and recollection of surrounding events) were less vivid for guided imagery than for perceived events. In all cases, these patterns were stable over time. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absorption and hallucinatory experience
Authors: Glicksohn Joseph , Barrett Terry R.
Published: November 2003

In this paper, we investigate whether the personality trait of Absorption is a predisposing factor for hallucinatory experience. Our participants completed a number of questionnaires, assessing absorption, hallucinatory experiences, subjective experiences along the sleep–wakefulness continuum, paranormal experiences and belief, and dissociation. Our findings are indicative of a common, pseudo‐hallucinatory experiential base, suggesting that absorption can indeed serve as the predisposing factor for hallucinatory experience. In our discussion, we look at the implications of this finding for applied cognitive psychology, focusing on the study of false memories and reality monitoring, and on the study of probability judgement and paranormal belief. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral and endocrine dynamics associated with infanticide in a black and white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza)
Authors: Harris Tara R. , Monfort Steven L.
Published: November 2003

Infanticide has been observed in several colobines, but only one infanticide has previously been documented for black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza). This report describes an infanticide observed in Kibale National Park, Uganda, in the summer of 2001. An adult male from a neighboring group attacked and killed a young infant whose mother subsequently remained in her own group and was observed mating 10 days later. She engaged in two mating periods of several days each, separated by approximately 1 month, during which she copulated frequently with the dominant male within her group. Urinary estrogen (EC) and progesterone metabolite (PdG) excretion patterns demonstrated that the female resumed ovarian cycling soon after the infanticide. Because the infanticidal male did not attempt to mate with the victim's mother, his actions were not consistent with the predictions of the sexual‐selection hypothesis. We speculate that infanticide associated with intergroup aggression may help secure access to high‐quality resources for the infanticidal male's group. Am. J. Primatol. 61:135–142, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Steam absorption into aqueous lithium bromide solution films falling inside vertical pipes
Authors: Kiyota Masanori , Morioka Itsuki , Matsuyama Tomohiro
Published: November 2003

The realization of a compact and efficient air‐cooled absorber is the key technology for the small‐capacity absorption refrigerator for domestic use. A vertical pipe with absorbent flowing inside and air flowing outside is the best choice for the air‐cooled absorber due to the easy addition of fins to enhance heat transfer on the air side. In this paper, first, the modeling of the absorption process in the vertical pipe for a constant heat transfer coefficient on the outer surface is described. Then, experimental results are presented for pipes of inner diameters 8 to 26 mm, pressure 5 and 6 mm Hg, and outer surface heat transfer coefficient 2000 and 3300W/(m2·K). It was found that for pipes of diameter 13 mm or more, the absorption process is well estimated by the proposed model. The absorption with addition of surfactant is estimated by the pseudo‐turbulent method. The necessary heat transfer area for the air‐cooled condition is about three times that for the water‐cooled condition. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 32(8): 740–752, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10128
Kinetic and thermodynamic study of thiolato and sulfenato Co(III) complexes in water–acetonitrile mixtures
Authors: Aranyosiová Monika , Benko Ján , Vollárová Ol'Ga
Published: November 2003

Rate constants are reported for peroxodisulfate as well as periodate oxidation of[Co(en)2{SCH2CH(COO)NH2}]+, [Co(en)2(SCH2CH2NH2)]2+, and [Co(en)2(SOCH2CH2NH2)]2+ in water–acetonitrile mixtures. The dependence of rate constants on the acetonitrile concentration is established and discussed. Ancillary information relevant to solvation of reactants has been obtained from solvatochromism and from Gibbs transfer functions. The solvent effect is discussed from the viewpoint of change in solvation of initial and transition state on going from water to water–acetonitrile mixtures. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 34–40, 2004