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Selected AbstractsUnderstanding and using the implicit association test: V. measuring semantic aspects of trait self-conceptsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 8 2008Konrad Schnabel Abstract Implicit Association Tests (IATs) often reveal strong associations of self with positive rather than negative attributes. This poses a problem in using the IAT to measure associations involving traits with either positive or negative evaluative content. In two studies, we employed non-bipolar but evaluatively balanced Big Five traits as attribute contrasts and explored correlations of IATs with positive (e.g. sociable vs. conscientious) or negative (e.g. reserved vs. chaotic) attributes. Results showed (a) satisfactory internal consistencies for all IATs, (b) explicit,explicit and implicit,implicit correlations that were moderate to high and comparable in strength after both were corrected for attenuation and (c) better model fit for latent variable models that linked the implicit and explicit measures to distinct latent factors rather to the same factor. Together, the results suggest that IATs can validly assess the semantic aspect of trait self-concepts and that implicit and explicit self-representations are, although correlated, also distinct constructs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] NMR Characterization of Complex p- Oligophenyl Scaffolds by Means of Aliasing Techniques to Obtain Resolution-Enhanced Two-Dimensional SpectraHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 9 2004Damien Jeannerat The usefulness of computer-assisted aliasing to secure maximal resolution of signal clusters in 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra (which is essential for structure determination by HMBC 2D NMR spectroscopy) in minimal acquisition time is exemplified by the complete characterization of the two complementary p -octiphenyls 1 and 2 with complex substitution patterns. The need for digital resolution near 1,Hz/pt to dissect the extensive signal clusters in the NMR spectra of these refined oligomers excluded structure determination under routine conditions. High resolution was secured by exploiting the low signal density in the 13C dimension of HMBC spectra by using computer-assisted aliasing to maximize signal density. Based on the observed shifts in DEPT and 1H-decoupled 13C-NMR spectra of 1 and 2, computer-assisted aliasing allowed to reduce the number of required time increments by a factor of 20 to 30 compared to full-width spectra with identical resolution. Without signal-to-noise constraints, this computer-assisted aliasing reduced the acquisition time for high-resolution NMR spectra needed for complete characterization of refined oligomers 1 and 2 by the same factor (e.g., from over a day to about an hour). With resolved signal clusters in fully aliased HSQC and HMBC spectra, unproblematic structure determination of 1 and 2 is demonstrated by unambiguous assignment of all C- and H-atoms. These findings demonstrate that computer-assisted aliasing of the underexploited 13C dimension makes extensive molecular complexity accessible by conventional multidimensional heteronuclear NMR experiments without extraordinary efforts. [source] High resolution in heteronuclear 1H,13C NMR experiments by optimizing spectral aliasing with one-dimensional carbon dataMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2003Damien Jeannerat Abstract In the chemistry literature it is common to provide NMR data on both proton and carbon spectra based on one-dimensional experiments, but often only proton spectra are assigned. The absence of a complete attribution of the carbons is in good part due to the difficulty in reaching the necessary resolution in the carbon dimension of two-dimensional experiments. It has already been shown that high-resolution heteronuclear spectra can be acquired within nearly the same acquisition time using a violation of the Nyquist condition. For a spectral width reduction by a given factor k, the resolution increases by the same factor as long as it is not limited by relaxation. The price to pay for such an improvement is a k -fold ambiguity in the chemical shift of the signal along the folded or aliased dimension. The computer algorithm presented in this paper takes advantage of the peak list stemming from one-dimensional spectra in order to calculate spectral widths for which the ambiguities in the aliased dimension of heteronuclear experiments are eliminated or at least minimized. The resolution improvement factor is only limited by the natural lineshape and reaches a typical value higher than 100. The program may be set to run automatically on spectrometers equipped with automatic sample changers. Applications to short-range HSQC experiments and long-range HMBC spectra of steroids, carbohydrates, a peptide and a mixture of isomers are shown as examples. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Morphological and genetic differentiation in Isodon umbrosus by altitudinal variation in bumblebee pollinator assemblagesPLANT SPECIES BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010IKUMI DOHZONO Abstract The corolla tube length of the bumblebee-pollinated plant Isodon umbrosus shows conspicuous geographical variation, corresponding with the proboscis length of its bumblebee pollinators across its distributional range. We hypothesized that altitudinal variation in the pollinator assemblage is a principal factor mediating morphological and genetic differentiation among I. umbrosus populations. We examined determinants of the morphological and genetic differentiation of Isodon umbrosus by analyzing floral morphology and allozyme variation across the distributional range. A reanalysis of previous data confirmed that altitude was a good indicator of pollinator assemblages. Corolla tube length was highly variable among the 15 study populations, and genetic differentiation among the populations (GST = 0.360) was also highly significant. The differentiation in corolla tube length was explained by altitudinal difference, a proxy of the difference in pollinator assemblages. Genetic differentiation among populations also tended to be affected by the same factor, but statistical support was weak. To better understand the mechanisms responsible for morphological and genetic differentiation in I. umbrosus, we need to investigate altitudinally different populations over a narrower geographical scale. [source] Sprouting capacity of lumbar motoneurons in normal and hemisected spinal cords of the ratTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 15 2010T. Gordon Nerve sprouting to reinnervate partially denervated muscles is important in several disease and injury states. To examine the effectiveness of sprouting of active and inactive motor units (MUs) and the basis for a limit to sprouting, one of three rat lumbar spinal roots was cut under normal conditions and when the spinal cord was hemisected at T12. Muscle and MU isometric contractile forces were recorded and muscle fibres in glycogen-depleted single muscle units enumerated 23 to 380 days after surgery. Enlargement of intact MUs by sprouting was effective in compensating for up to 80% loss of innervation. For injuries that removed >70,80% of the intact MUs, muscle contractile force and weight dropped sharply. For partial denervation of <70%, all MUs increased contractile force by the same factor in both normally active muscles and muscles whose activity was reduced by T12 hemisection. Direct measurements of MU size by counting glycogen-depleted muscle fibres in physiologically and histochemically defined muscle units, provided direct evidence for a limit in MU size, whether or not the activity of the muscles was reduced by spinal cord hemisection. Analysis of spatial distribution of muscle fibres within the outer boundaries of the muscle unit demonstrated a progressive increase in fibres within the territory to the limit of sprouting when most of the muscle unit fibres were adjacent to each other. We conclude that the upper limit of MU enlargement may be explained by the reinnervation of denervated muscle fibres by axon sprouts within the spatial territory of the muscle unit, formerly distributed in a mosaic pattern. [source] Ecological Traits Predicting Amphibian Population Declines in Central AmericaCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Karen R. Lips Populations of some species are extirpated, others have declined but survive, some have not obviously declined, and some are increasing. If amphibian populations at multiple sites were affected by the same factors, then surviving species should share traits that promote persistence, whereas declining species should share traits that promote susceptibility. Identifying these traits can help diagnose potential causes and thus help to direct conservation actions. Using logistic regression, we quantified the vulnerability of amphibian populations in four areas in Central America. We analyzed a species-specific database of taxonomic identity, geographic and elevational range, elevational distribution, adult and larval habitat, activity period, and maximum adult body size. We found that ( 1 ) all four sites exhibited the same pattern of decline ( there were no interactions between site and other variables ); ( 2 ) declining populations shared aquatic habitats, restricted elevational ranges, and large body sizes; and ( 3 ) there was an interaction between body size and elevational range. The most significant variable in the model was lifetime aquatic index, a factor unrelated to demographic vulnerability and one that therefore might indicate the potential causative agent( s ). Our results provide a predictive model with which to assess potential causes of population declines in other areas, and we generated a list of 52 species predicted to decline at a currently unaffected site in central Panama. Resumen: Las poblaciones de anfibios están declinando en todos los continentes donde ocurren, pero no todas las especies han sido afectadas por igual. Algunas especies han sido extirpadas, otras han declinado pero sobreviven, algunas no han declinado notablemente y otras están aumentando. Si las poblaciones de anfibios en varios sitios fueran afectadas por los mismos factores, las especies sobrevivientes deberían compartir características que promuevan la persistencia mientras que las especies en declinación deberían compartir características que promuevan la susceptibilidad. La identificación de estas características puede ayudar a diagnosticar las causas potenciales y así ayudar a dirigir medidas de conservación. Utilizando regresión logística, cuantificamos la vulnerabilidad de las poblaciones de anfibios en cuatro áreas de Centro América. Analizamos una base de datos de identidad taxonómica de especies, rango geográfico y altitudinal, distribución altitudinal, hábitat de larvas y adultos, período de actividad y máxima talla corporal de adultos. Encontramos que ( 1 ) los cuatro sitios presentaron el mismo patrón de declinación ( no hubo interacciones entre el sitio y otras variables ), ( 2 ) las poblaciones en declinación compartieron hábitats acuáticos, rangos altitudinales restringidos y tamaño corporal grande y ( 3 ) hubo interacción entre el tamaño corporal y el rango altitudinal. La variable más significativa del modelo fue el índice de vida acuática, un factor no relacionado con la vulnerabilidad demográfica y que, por lo tanto, podría indicar el agente causal potencial. Nuestros resultados proporcionan un modelo predictivo para evaluar las causas potenciales de declinación poblacional en otras áreas, y generamos una lista de 52 especies de declinación prevista en un sitio actualmente no afectado del centro de Panamá. [source] Critical Success Factors for Radical Technological Innovation: A Five Case StudyCREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2000Pier A. Abetti We analyze the critical success factors for radical technological innovation according to four perspectives: as R&D projects, as technological innovations, as internal ventures, and as changes in corporate strategy. We apply ex-post eleven critical success factors to the pairwaise comparison of three radical innovations: GE Project EHV-UHV (success), GE non-impact printer (failure), and Xerox non-impact printer (success). We then apply ex-ante the same factors to "predict" the failure of Motorola's Iridium satellite communication system and the success of Nokia's cellular phones. [source] Comparative seed ecology of the endangered shrub, Pimelea spicata and a threatening weed, Bridal Creeper: Smoke, heat and other fire-related germination cuesECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION, Issue 1 2003Anthony J. Willis SummaryPimelea spicata R. Br. is a nationally listed endangered Australian shrub threatened with extinction by habitat fragmentation and environmental weed invasion. Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides L. W. Wight) is the primary weed threat to the largest remaining populations of P. spicata in the Cumberland Plain. Fire, as part of an integrated pest management program, offers the potential to stimulate P. spicata populations while controlling Bridal Creeper. It is important, therefore, to understand how the components of fire affect the germination and growth of both species. Using laboratory experiments we investigated the effects of smoke, heat, ash and/or light on the germination of P. spicata and Bridal Creeper. We found a significant promotive effect of smoke and indication of an inhibitory heat shock (90°C for 10 min) effect on the germination of P. spicata seeds. The response of Bridal Creeper seeds to the same factors was complex; while the results of one experiment suggested an inhibitory effect of smoke and a promotive effect of heat, subsequent trials were contradictory, implying that Bridal Creeper, like many weeds, is able to germinate under a wide range of environmental conditions. Other experiments investigated the optimal germination temperature and innate dormancy of P. spicata in the absence of fire-related germination cues. Of the incubation temperatures investigated, the optimal diurnally fluctuating regime for P. spicata germinations was 10°C and 20°C in the night and day, respectively. The innate dormancy of freshly produced seeds disappeared after 3 months. In contrast to Bridal Creeper, we found a persistent germinable seed bank of about 97 P. spicata seeds/m2 located in the top 5 cm of the soil profile. While fire alone is unlikely to kill Bridal Creeper plants, fire may help to manage local infestations of the weed by limiting germination and providing opportunity for herbicide treatment of regrowth. [source] Volcanic calderas delineate biogeographic provinces among Yellowstone thermophilesENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2008Cristina Takacs-Vesbach Summary It has been suggested that the distribution of microorganisms should be cosmopolitan because of their enormous capacity for dispersal. However, recent studies have revealed that geographically isolated microbial populations do exist. Geographic distance as a barrier to dispersal is most often invoked to explain these distributions. Here we show that unique and diverse sequences of the bacterial genus Sulfurihydrogenibium exist in Yellowstone thermal springs, indicating that these sites are geographically isolated. Although there was no correlation with geographic distance or the associated geochemistry of the springs, there was a strong historical signal. We found that the Yellowstone calderas, remnants of prehistoric volcanic eruptions, delineate biogeographical provinces for the Sulfurihydrogenibium within Yellowstone (,2: 9.7, P = 0.002). The pattern of distribution that we have detected suggests that major geological events in the past 2 million years explain more of the variation in sequence diversity in this system than do contemporary factors such as habitat or geographic distance. These findings highlight the importance of historical legacies in determining contemporary microbial distributions and suggest that the same factors that determine the biogeography of macroorganisms are also evident among bacteria. [source] 5.2 Ethics, equity and global responsibilities in oral health and diseaseEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 2002Martin Hobdell The charge of this Section is ethics and global responsibilities in oral health and disease. Oral health is determined by the same factors as those for general health. To a limited extent, the level of oral health care and dental education. The philosophy and organization of the health care system and dental education, therefore, are key determinants of oral health. Dental education has expanded in many countries where there has been an increase in wealth. Unfortunately, there has been no concomitant increase in the number of dental educators. This is a problem throughout the world. This present situation raises certain ethical issues with regard to professional responsibilities. It also raises some important questions for dental education. This Section has chosen to focus its efforts on examining two issues: , ,What can be done within dental schools? , ,What can be done external to dental schools , either individually or collectively? The best practices identified are more akin to goals, as it is recognized that, in a world in which there are enormous variations in economic, environmental, social, and cultural features, a single uniform set of practices is impracticable. The central core value identified is the realization by students, and faculty/teaching staff of the quest of life-long learning against a background of the social and ethical responsibilities of health professionals. The conclusion of the group is that biology is not the sole determinant of health. Understanding the role of social, economic, environmental and other factors in determining health status is critical if greater equity in dental education and care are to be achieved. [source] Factors Influencing Dividend Policy Decisions of Nasdaq FirmsFINANCIAL REVIEW, Issue 3 2001H. Kent Baker G35 Abstract This study reports the results of a 1999 survey of Nasdaq-listed firms. Respondents provided information about the importance of 22 different factors that influence their dividend policy. Our results suggest that many managers of Nasdaq firms make dividend decisions consistent with Lintner's (1956) survey results and model. The results also show significant differences between the manager responses of financial and non-financial firms on nine of the 22 factors. This finding implies the presence of industry effects on dividend policy decisions. In general, the same factors that are important to Nasdaq firms are also important to NYSE firms. [source] Species co-occurrence, nestedness and guild,environment relationships in stream macroinvertebratesFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 9 20092Article first published online: 2 JUN 200, JANI HEINO Summary 1. Describing species distribution patterns and the underlying mechanisms is at the heart of ecological research. A number of recent studies have used null model approaches to explore mechanisms behind spatial variation in community structure. 2. However, unexplored questions are the degree to which single guilds of potentially competing stream macroinvertebrate species show: (i) interspecific segregation among-stream sites (i.e. occur together less often than expected by chance), suggesting competitive interactions; (ii) interspecific aggregation (i.e. occur together more often than expected by chance), suggesting similar responses to the environment; (iii) comply with nestedness, suggesting the existence of selective extinctions or colonisations and (iv) show similar environmental relationships. 3. The present analyses showed that guilds of stream macroinvertebrates exhibit non-random co-occurrence patterns that were generally contingent on the weighting of sites by stream size. Despite significant segregation of species, each guild also showed significantly nested patterns. Species richness was correlated with different environmental factors between the guilds, although these correlations were relatively low. By contrast, correlations between the major ordination axes and key environmental variables were slightly stronger in canonical correspondence analysis, and generally the same factors were most strongly correlated with variation in the species composition of each guild. 4. The present findings are the first to show that species within each stream macroinvertebrate guild show significant negative co-occurrence at the among-stream riffle scale. These findings present challenges for future studies that aim to disentangle whether these patterns comply with the habitat checkerboard or the competitive checkerboard explanations. [source] Headache Triggers in the US MilitaryHEADACHE, Issue 5 2010Brett J. Theeler MD (Headache 2010;50:790-794) Background., Headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors. Military service members have a high prevalence of headache but the factors triggering headaches in military troops have not been identified. Objective., The objective of this study is to determine headache triggers in soldiers and military beneficiaries seeking specialty care for headaches. Methods., A total of 172 consecutive US Army soldiers and military dependents (civilians) evaluated at the headache clinics of 2 US Army Medical Centers completed a standardized questionnaire about their headache triggers. Results., A total of 150 (87%) patients were active-duty military members and 22 (13%) patients were civilians. In total, 77% of subjects had migraine; 89% of patients reported at least one headache trigger with a mean of 8.3 triggers per patient. A wide variety of headache triggers was seen with the most common categories being environmental factors (74%), stress (67%), consumption-related factors (60%), and fatigue-related factors (57%). The types of headache triggers identified in active-duty service members were similar to those seen in civilians. Stress-related triggers were significantly more common in soldiers. There were no significant differences in trigger types between soldiers with and without a history of head trauma. Conclusion., Headaches in military service members are triggered mostly by the same factors as in civilians with stress being the most common trigger. Knowledge of headache triggers may be useful for developing strategies that reduce headache occurrence in the military. [source] MR-determined hippocampal asymmetry in full-term and preterm neonatesHIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 2 2009Deanne K. Thompson Abstract Hippocampi are asymmetrical in children and adults, where the right hippocampus is larger. To date, no literature has confirmed that hippocampal asymmetry is evident at birth. Furthermore, gender differences have been observed in normal hippocampal asymmetry, but this has not been examined in neonates. Stress, injury, and lower IQ have been associated with alterations to hippocampal asymmetry. These same factors often accompany preterm birth. Therefore, prematurity is possibly associated with altered hippocampal asymmetry. There were three aims of this study: First, we assessed whether hippocampi were asymmetrical at birth, second whether there was a gender effect on hippocampal asymmetry, and third whether the stress of preterm birth altered hippocampal asymmetry. This study utilized volumetric magnetic resonance imaging to compare left and right hippocampal volumes in 32 full-term and 184 preterm infants at term. Full-term infants demonstrated rightward hippocampal asymmetry, as did preterm infants. In the case of preterm infants, hippocampal asymmetry was proportional to total hemispheric asymmetry. This study is the first to demonstrate that the normal pattern of hippocampal asymmetry is present this early in development. We did not find gender differences in hippocampal asymmetry at term. Preterm infants tended to have less asymmetrical hippocampi than full-term infants, a difference which became significant after correcting for hemispheric brain tissue volumes. This study may suggest that hippocampal asymmetry develops in utero and is maintained into adulthood in infants with a normal neurological course. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Culture, Structure, and the Refugee Experience in Somali Immigrant Family TransformationINTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, Issue 1 2010Elizabeth Heger Boyle This analysis suggests a theoretical refinement of migrant acculturation theories to deal specifically with refugee acculturation experiences. Using the case of family dynamics among Somali refugees in Minnesota, we find that the same factors that are theorized to affect voluntary migrants are also important for refugees. Specifically, the nature of exit from the sending society, the reception in a new location, and group characteristics all appear to be important. However, within the category of exit from the sending society, there are specific concerns that will be more relevant to refugees than to "voluntary" migrants. Specifically, the ongoing condition of the sending society and the effects of any transitions on transnational ties are critically important in the refugee context. We demonstrate how the societal upheaval that created the Somali refugee community also affected culture and connections within Somalia, and how this has an ongoing impact on the US Somali refugee community. We argue that it is valuable to refine the acculturation framework when considering refugees. [source] The Russian Federation: Confronting the special challenges of ageing and social security policy in an era of demographic crisisINTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY REVIEW, Issue 3-4 2010Nicholas Eberstadt Abstract This article focuses on the Russian Federation's demographic crisis and the implications it holds for the ability of the Russian government (or the Russian people through their own efforts) to generate enough funds to provide a reasonable level of old-age economic security. Although Russia's overall population profile structure stands to be broadly similar to that of other more-developed societies, both today and in coming decades, the challenges of providing for an ageing population are far more acute for Russia than for typical Member States of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. One factor that adds significantly to the problem is that working-age Russians today suffer substantially worse health and higher mortality than residents of other countries at similar , and indeed even at much lower , levels of income. Although the arguments presented focus on pensions, the same factors that will make it difficult to supply adequate pensions also mean that other aspects of social protection will be similarly difficult to fulfil. Successful social security policy for Russia, consequently, will depend upon much more than social programmes alone: it will require the reduction of mortality rates for working-age individuals, the revitalization of higher education, and fundamental reform of the country's institutions and economic policies. [source] Plasma lipoprotein concentrations in the dog: the effects of gender, age, breed and dietJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 6 2008A. Pasquini Summary Earlier studies of canine lipoprotein metabolism have frequently not taken into account such variables as age, gender, lifestyle or feeding status. In the last years, many changes to lifestyle and feeding of dogs have occurred. In this study, C-tot, C-HDL, C-LDL, triglycerides and lipoprotein fractions were determined in 251 healthy dogs by means of enzymatic methods and through the electrophoretic technique. All data were analysed by multifactor anova test to determine which factors (age, gender, breed and diet) have a statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) on the determined parameter and subsequently Bonferroni's test was applied where necessary. Gender, age, breed and diet can significantly affect lipid metabolism, in particular lipoproteins involved in cholesterol plasma transport; on the contrary, triglycerides are not influenced by the same factors. The most important observation about age is the high level of C-LDL in puppies under 1 year of age. The highest cholesterol concentrations are found in Rottweiler but high values of plasma cholesterol are found also in Pyrenees Mountain dog and a great level of C-LDL in Labrador. Diet has shown a great influence on lipidic metabolism: dogs fed with different high-quality dry foods had significant differences in plasma cholesterol values (C-tot, C-HDL, C-LDL,), in particular, dogs fed with a diet rich in fish and fish-by-products have shown the lowest levels of C-tot, C-HDL and C-LDL. [source] Mesoscale distribution patterns of Amazonian understorey herbs in relation to topography, soil and watershedsJOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 5 2005FLÁVIA R. C. COSTA Summary 1Many authors have suggested that topography and soils are the major determinants of species distributions and community patterns at small or regional scales, but few studies addressed the patterns at mesoscales. We used Reserva Ducke (100 km2) as a model to analyse the effects of soil, topography and watersheds on the variation of the herb community composition, and to determine the relative importance of the environmental factors on species composition. 2Taxonomic groups are frequently used as surrogates in studies of biodiversity distribution and complementarity, but their efficacy is controversial. We therefore studied the correlations between the distributional patterns of three different herb groups (Marantaceae, pteridophytes and ,others') and their responses to environmental predictors. 3Terrestrial herbs were sampled in 59 plots of 250 × 2 m, systematically distributed over the reserve. Plots followed isoclines of altitude, to minimize the internal variation of soil. Composition of the total herb community and of the three herb groups was summarized with PCoA. 4Soil structure, represented by PCA axes, was the main determinant of the variation in herb composition for all groups, but slope affected only pteridophytes. Soil and topography explained less than one-third of the variance in community data. Herb composition was significantly different between watersheds, but watersheds differ only slightly in soil parameters. Our results indicate high turnover in species composition, on spatial scales of 5,10 km in central Amazonia, which is not necessarily associated with soil change. 5Compositional patterns of the three groups analysed were significantly correlated, but with low values for the correlation coefficient. Although composition was correlated, the responses to environmental predictors differed among groups, and the use of one group as a surrogate will miss around 50% of the variation in other groups. 6Although important, soil and topography alone cannot predict herb community structure. Knowledge of geographical, historical or other landscape features, such as watershed morphology, may therefore be necessary to predict the turnover patterns over mesoscales. Moreover, the same factors may not have the same effectiveness as predictors of the structure of seemingly similar biological groups. [source] When Predictions Fail: The Case of Unexpected Pathways Toward High School DropoutJOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES, Issue 1 2008Linda S. Pagani This study examines childhood variables that tend to deflect life-course trajectories away from finishing high school. We examined unexpectedly graduating in the presence of three empirical risk factors (having a mother that did not finish high school, being from a single-parent family in early childhood, and having repeated a grade in primary school) and unexpectedly not graduating in the absence these same factors (low risk). The comparison groups comprised individuals who expectedly did not graduate (first case) and expectedly graduated (second case). We found that having experienced all three factors practically guaranteed not finishing high school, thus defining a crystal clear target group for policy. Without screening, intervention, and follow-up, individuals facing such cumulative risk are most unlikely to graduate. We also found a group of males and females that did not finish high school despite not having these three risk factors. These missed estimates become nontrivial once they are translated into a population-level statistic of lost human capital investments. Specific family and individual factors helped explain the unexpected life course toward not finishing high school, especially for low-risk males and females. Our results suggest policies that support childhood screening for attention-related difficulties and helping parents better understand supervision during adolescence. [source] Synthesis of Hydrated Aluminum Sulfate from Kaolin by Microwave ExtractionJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 6 2000Seong Soo Park The feasibility of extracting alumina from kaolin via a microwave extraction process was investigated by comparing reaction times, reaction temperatures, and acid concentrations under microwave treatment with the same factors under conventional thermal extraction. The maximum amount of alumina extracted from kaolin under conventional processing at 90°C for 240 min with 1M H2SO4 was 99.9%; the same amount of alumina was extracted under microwave processing at 90°C for 120 min with 1M H2SO4. [source] Extending the Resource-based View to the Mega-event: Entrepreneurial Rents and InnovationMANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION REVIEW, Issue 2 2010Marc J. Dollinger abstract The resource-based view of the firm has previously been expanded by including relational rents and rent from network and alliance participation. This paper extends the Dyer-Singh-Lavie synthesis by considering the special circumstances arising from the relationships, alliances, and networks of a mega-event, using the Beijing Olympics as a case for our analyses. The mega-event that is organized as a cartel increases the pricing power of the participants, produces relational rent, and is an ideal venue to introduce innovations. We discuss six factors that can influence the rent creation and capture from a mega-event and offer related propositions: periodicity (Proposition 1), event location (Proposition 2), governance structure (Proposition 3), media coverage (Proposition 4), network connectivity (Proposition 5), and membership rules (Proposition 6). We identify four innovation types associated with such mega-events and contend that the same factors can affect the entrepreneurial rent creation and capture within these innovation types (Proposition 7). [source] A comparison study of career satisfaction and emotional states between primary care and speciality residentsMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2006Donald E Girard Objective, To evaluate career satisfaction, emotional states and positive and negative experiences among residents in primary care and speciality programmes in 1 academic medical centre prior to the implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's (ACGME) duty hour requirements. Design, Cross-sectional survey. Measurements, All 581 residents in the academic health centre were asked to participate voluntarily in a confidential survey; 327(56%) completed the survey. Results, Compared to their primary care colleagues, speciality residents had higher levels of satisfaction with career choice, feelings of competence and excitement, lower levels of inferiority and fatigue and different perceptions of positive and negative training experiences. However, 77% of all respondents were consistently or generally pleased with their career choices. The most positive residents' experiences related to interpersonal relationships and their educational value; the most negative experiences related to interpersonal relationships and issues perceived to be outside of residents' control. Age and training level, but not gender also influenced career satisfaction, emotional states and positive and negative opinions about residency. Conclusions, Less satisfaction with career choice and more negative emotional states for primary care residents compared to speciality residents probably relate to the training experience and may influence medical students' selections of careers. The primary care residents, compared to speciality residents, appear to have difficulty in fulfilling their ideals of professionalism in an environment where they have no control. These data provide baseline information with which to compare these same factors after the implementation of the ACGME duty hours' and competency requirements. [source] Gd(III)-EPTPAC16, a new self-assembling potential liver MRI contrast agent: in vitro characterization and in vivo animal imaging studies,NMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 4 2008Suzana Torres Abstract The recently reported amphiphilic chelate, [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2,, forms supramolecular aggregates in aqueous solution by self-assembly of the monomers with a relaxometrically determined critical micellar concentration (CMC) of 0.34,mM. The effect of sonication on the aggregate size was characterized by dynamic light scattering and relaxometry, indicating the presence of premicellar aggregates and an overall decrease in aggregate size and polydispersity upon sonication, slightly below the CMC. {[153Sm](EPTPAC16)(H2O)}2, radiotracer was evaluated in vivo from , scintigraphy and biodistribution in Wistar rats. It was found to depend strongly on the sample concentration, below or above the CMC, and its sonication, in a way that correlates with the effect of the same factors on the size of the aggregates formed in solution. Below CMC, the very large aggregates of the [153Sm]3+ -labeled chelate were persistently and mainly taken up by the lungs, and also by the macrophage-rich liver and spleen. Sonication of this solution led to loss of the lung uptake. Above CMC, the metal chelate was mainly taken up by the liver, with very little uptake by the spleen and lungs. In vivo, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI evaluation of the micellar [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2, compound in Wistar rats showed a persistent hepatic positive-contrast effect in T1 -weighted images, qualitatively similar to the clinically established GdIII -based hepatobiliary-selective agents. No enhancement effect was observed in the lungs because of the scarcity of mobile protons in this organ, despite the scintigraphic evidence of significant lung retention of the [153Sm]3+ -labeled chelate at concentrations below the CMC. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Oxidative gating of water channels (aquaporins) in corn rootsPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 4 2006QING YE ABSTRACT An oxidative gating of water channels (aquaporins: AQPs) was observed in roots of corn seedlings as already found for the green alga Chara corallina. In the presence of 35 m m hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) , a precursor of hydroxyl radicals (*OH) , half times of water flow (as measured with the aid of pressure probes) increased at the level of both entire roots and individual cortical cells by factors of three and nine, respectively. This indicated decreases in the hydrostatic hydraulic conductivity of roots (Lphr) and of cells (Lph) by the same factors. Unlike other stresses, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) had no ameliorative effect either on root Lphr or on cell Lph when AQPs were inhibited by oxidative stress. Closure of AQPs reduced the permeability of acetone by factors of two in roots and 1.5 in cells. This indicated that AQPs were not ideally selective for water but allowed the passage of the organic solute acetone. In the presence of H2O2, channel closure caused anomalous (negative) osmosis at both the root and the cell level. This was interpreted by the fact that in the case of the rapidly permeating solute acetone, channel closure caused the solute to move faster than the water and the reflection coefficient (,s) reversed its sign. When H2O2 was removed from the medium, the effects were reversible, again at both the root and the cell level. The results provide evidence of oxidative gating of AQPs, which leads on to inhibition of water uptake by the roots. Possible mechanisms of the oxidative gating of AQPs induced by H2O2 (*OH) are discussed. [source] Constitutional Jurisdiction and the Consolidation of DemocracyPOLITICS & POLICY, Issue 1 2009DIETER NOHLEN This lecture elaborates on the kind of relationship that exists between constitutional jurisdiction and democratic consolidation by applying the comparative method to cover Latin American political,and especially judicial,systems. The argument is that constitutional jurisdiction is influenced by the very same factors that either favor or constrain democratic consolidation and that it exerts no negative influence over democratic consolidation. However, Nohlen identifies patterns of behavior that both judges and politicians are encouraged to adopt that strengthen the judiciary, and with it democratic stability, by fostering among the citizenry a culture of constitutionality. Nohlen also hopes to show that departures from those patterns of behavior even while conditions for democratic consolidation have not been terribly adverse, can be identified in the behavior of key actors in the period preceding and throughout, the populist turn that is now affecting Ecuadorean, Venezuelan, and Bolivian politics. [source] Delayed Marriage and Very Low Fertility in Pacific AsiaPOPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW, Issue 3 2007Gavin W. Jones The general decline in fertility levels in Pacific Asia has in its vanguard countries where fertility rates are among the lowest in the world. A related trend is toward delayed marriage and nonmarriage. When prevalence of cohabitation in European countries is allowed for, levels of "effective singlehood" in many countries of Pacific Asia have run ahead of those in northern and western Europe. This raises questions about the extent to which delayed marriage has been implicated in fertility declines, and whether the same factors are leading both to delayed marriage and to lowered fertility within marriage. The article argues that involuntary nonmarriage is likely to be more common in Pacific Asia than in Western countries, and that resultant involuntary childlessness plays a substantial role in the low fertility rates currently observed. [source] Development, repair and fibrosis: What is common and why it mattersRESPIROLOGY, Issue 5 2009Wei SHI ABSTRACT The complex structure of the lung is developed sequentially, initially by epithelial tube branching and later by septation of terminal air sacs with accompanying coordinated growth of a variety of lung epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Groups of transcriptional factors, peptide growth factors and their intracellular signaling regulators, as well as extracellular matrix proteins are programmed to be expressed at appropriate levels in the right place at the right time to control normal lung formation. Studies of lung development and lung repair/fibrosis to date have discovered that many of the same factors that control normal development are also key players in lung injury repair and fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-, (TGF-,) family peptide signaling is a prime example. Lack of TGF-, signaling results in abnormal lung branching morphogenesis and alveolarization during development, whereas excessive amounts of TGF-, signaling cause severe hypoplasia in the immature lung and fibrosis in mature lung. This leads us to propose the ,Goldilocks' hypothesis of regulatory signaling in lung development and injury repair that everything must be done just right! [source] Labour Market Policy Developments in Japan: Following an Australian Lead?THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 4 2005Noel Gaston In recent times, Japan has experienced a rapid expansion in its service sector, increases in casual and part-time employment and record unemployment. In addition, there has been an associated rise of freeters and NEETs,predominantly young workers with tenuous labour market attachment. While somewhat slow in initiating policy responses, the Japanese government responded to these structural changes by reforming its existing employment policies. In this article we argue that recent changes in the nature of Japan's labour market policies appear to have been driven by some of the same factors which led to the radical overhaul of Australia's own labour market policies. [source] R&D INVESTMENT, CREDIT RATIONING AND SAMPLE SELECTIONBULLETIN OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007Claudio A. Piga D45; G21; G32; E51 ABSTRACT We study whether R&D-intensive firms are liquidity constrained, by modelling their antecedent decision to apply for credit. This sample selection issue is relevant when studying a borrower,lender relationship, as the same factors can influence the decisions of both parties. We find firms with no or low R&D intensity to be less likely to request extra funds. When they do, we observe a higher probability of being denied credit. Such a relationship is not supported by evidence from the R&D-intensive firms. Thus, our findings lend support to the notion of credit constraints being severe only for a sub-sample of innovative firms. Furthermore, the results suggest that the way in which the R&D activity is organized may differentially affect a firm's probability of being credit constrained. [source] Real-Time Investigation of Referential Domains in Unscripted Conversation: A Targeted Language Game ApproachCOGNITIVE SCIENCE - A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2008Sarah Brown-Schmidt Abstract Two experiments examined the restriction of referential domains during unscripted conversation by analyzing the modification and online interpretation of referring expressions. Experiment 1 demonstrated that from the earliest moments of processing, addressees interpreted referring expressions with respect to referential domains constrained by the conversation. Analysis of eye movements during the conversation showed elimination of standard competition effects seen with scripted language. Results from Experiment 2 pinpointed two pragmatic factors responsible for restriction of the referential domains used by speakers to design referential expressions and demonstrated that the same factors predict whether addressees consider local competitors to be potential referents during online interpretation of the same expressions. These experiments demonstrate, for the first time, that online interpretation of referring expressions in conversation is facilitated by referential domains constrained by pragmatic factors that predict when addressees are likely to encounter temporary ambiguity in language processing. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||