bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Oral Glutamine on Enterocyte Turnover during Methotrexate-Induced Mucositis in Rats
Authors: Sukhotnik Igor , Mogilner Jorge G. , Karry Rahel , Shamian Benhoor , Lurie Michael , Kokhanovsky Natalie , Ure Benno M. , Coran Arnold G.
Published: January 2009

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral glutamine in preventing intestinal mucosal damage caused by methotrexate (MTX) in rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 experimental groups: control rats, rats treated intraperitoneally with MTX (MTX rats) and rats treated with oral glutamine in the drinking water (2%) 72 h following intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of MTX (MTX-glutamine rats). Intestinal mucosal damage (Park’s injury score), mucosal structural changes, enterocyte proliferation and enterocyte apoptosis were determined 72 h following MTX injection. RT-PCR was used to determine Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Results: MTX-glutamine rats demonstrated greater jejunal and ileal mucosal weight and mucosal DNA, greater ileal villus height and crypt depth, and a greater index of proliferation in the jejunum and ileum compared to MTX animals. A significant decrease in enterocyte apoptosis in the ileum of MTX-glutamine rats (vs. MTX) was accompanied by decreased Bax and increased Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Conclusions: Treatment with oral glutamine prevents mucosal injury and improves intestinal recovery following MTX injury in the rat.
Recovery of Functional Impairment after Acute Illness and Mortality: One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Baztán Juan J. , Gálvez César P. , Socorro Alberto
Published: January 2009

Background: Functional status in older people is a dynamic situation, which makes it necessary to evaluate functional capacity at different times to determinate their prognostic value. Objective: To examine the association between functional status (baseline and change after acute illness) and mortality and functional changes at 1 year. Methods: Hospital-based prospective longitudinal cohort study of all patients over 65 years old, admitted for multidisciplinary treatment of functional impairment after acute illness in a medium-stay unit (post-acute geriatric unit) of a teaching hospital ascribed to the Spanish National Health Service from Spain during 15 consecutive months. Functional status (Barthel Index, BI) was assessed prior to the acute illness, at admission in a post-acute unit, at discharge and 1 year later. At admission, other variables were collected: sociodemographic, main diagnostic for hospitalization (stroke, orthopedic process, or deconditioning), serum albumin, comorbidity (Charlson Index), cognitive status (Pfeiffer´s Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire). In order to analyze mortality 1 year after discharge, a Cox regression analysis was performed. Results: Three hundred and sixty-nine patients consituted the study population, mean age was 80.74 years (SD 7.4), 66.6% were female and 1 year after discharge mortality was 20%. In the multivariate analysis, variables associated with a higher 1-year mortality were age (HR 1.06; 95% CI = 1.00–1.07) male gender (HR 2.11; 95% CI = 1.26–3.55), worse prior functional status (HR 0.98; 95% CI = 0.96–0.99), and higher functional loss in BI at admission (HR 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00–1.04). On the other hand, a greater functional gain in BI at discharge was associated with a lower 1-year mortality (HR 0.98; 95% CI = 0.96–0.99). Conclusions: The main functional gain obtained after treatment in a multidisciplinary post-acute geriatric unit is independently associated with a reduction in long-term mortality. In addition to baseline functional status and after acute illness, the subsequent potential recovery is very important to predict poor long-term outcomes.
Elapsed Time in Emergency Medical Services for Patients With Cardiac Complaints
Authors: Concannon Thomas W. , Griffith John L. , Kent David M. , Normand Sharon-Lise , Newhouse Joseph P. , Atkins James , Beshansky Joni R. , Selker Harry P.
Published: January 2009

Background—

In patients with a major cardiac event, the first priority is to minimize time to treatment. For many patients, first contact with the health system is through emergency medical services (EMS). We set out to identify patient-level and neighborhood-level factors that were associated with elapsed time in EMS.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 10 municipalities in Dallas County, Tex, from January 1 through December 31, 2004. The data set included 5887 patients with suspected cardiac-related symptoms. The region was served by 29 hospitals and 98 EMS depots. Multivariate models included measures of distance traveled, time of day, day of week, and patient and neighborhood characteristics. The main outcomes were elapsed time in EMS (continuous; in minutes) and delay in EMS (dichotomous; >15 minutes beyond median elapsed time). We found positive associations between patient characteristics and both average elapsed time and delay in EMS care. Variation in average elapsed time was not large enough to be clinically meaningful. However, approximately 11% (n=647) of patients were delayed ≥15 minutes. Women were more likely to be delayed (adjusted odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.32 to 1.74), and this association did not change after adjusting for other characteristics, including neighborhood socioeconomic composition.

Conclusions—

Compared with otherwise similar men, women have 50% greater odds of being delayed in the EMS setting. The determinants of delay should be a special focus of EMS studies in which time to treatment is a priority.
Shape Homeostasis in Virtual Embryos
Authors: Andersen Tim , Newman Richard , Otter Tim
Published: January 2009

We have constructed a computational platform suitable for examining emergence of shape homeostasis in simple three-dimensional cellular systems. An embryo phenotype results from a developmental process starting with a single cell and its genome. When coupled to an evolutionary search, this platform can evolve embryos with particular stable shapes and high capacity for self-repair, even though repair is not genetically encoded or part of the fitness criteria. With respect to the genome, embryo shape and self-repair are emergent properties that arise from complex interactions among cells and cellular components via signaling and gene regulatory networks, during development or during repair. This report analyzes these networks and the underlying mechanisms that control embryo growth, organization, stability, and robustness to injury.
Residence Hall Room Type and Alcohol Use Among College Students Living on Campus
Authors: Cross Jennifer E. , Zimmerman Don , O'Grady Megan A.
Published: January 2009

The objectives were to explore the relation between the built environment of residence halls and the alcohol use of college students living on campus from the perspective of the theory of routine activity. This exploratory study examined data from two samples on one college campus. Online surveys assessed alcohol use, attitudes toward alcohol use, perceptions of campus alcohol norms, and individual factors (i.e., gender). Data came from an Alcohol Norms Survey using a random sample ( N = 440) and a Resident Assessment Survey using a random sample ( N = 531) in 2006 and 2007. After controlling for other drinking behavior predictors (attitudes, gender, high school drinking, and perceptions of peer drinking), regression analysis showed that students living in suite halls had a higher odds of drinking more frequently, drinking more alcohol when they socialize, heavy episodic drinking, and drinking more often in their residence halls.
Preserving masculinity in service work: An exploration of the underreporting of customer anti-social behaviour
Authors: Bishop Victoria , Cassell Catherine M. , Hoel Helge
Published: January 2009

This article explores bus drivers' underreporting of passengers' anti-social behaviour within the UK bus industry. Anti-social behaviour is a widespread phenomenon affecting a large proportion of the working population across many sectors and occupations. Although internal reporting systems can provide organizations with necessary information to tackle this problem, where employees regularly fail to report anti-social behaviour and where such underreporting is endemic, any effort to address the problem is likely to fail. Given this importance of reporting, an understanding of the factors affecting widespread underreporting is essential. Taking an interpretive, ethnographic approach, we explore bus drivers' accounts of the reasons for underreporting, as well as why bus drivers construct their interpretations in this way. In attempting to answer this question we found that underpinning participants' reasons for underreporting, was a dominant culture of masculinity. Introducing gender to the underreporting literature, we examine the construction of masculinity in the area of male dominated service work, a relatively under-researched area. This article draws on data taken from multiple qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, observation and analysis of formal documentation.
`I'm tired': Differential effects of physical and emotional fatigue on workload management strategies
Authors: Barnes Christopher M. , Van Dyne Linn
Published: January 2009

This article integrates self-efficacy theory with decision latitude theory to generate a typology of workload management strategies used by knowledge workers working under conditions of high job demands. We then propose that physical and emotional fatigue should differentially influence usage of these workload management strategies based on anticipated differences in their effects on selfefficacy. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of our model with regards to knowledge workers who often face ongoing challenging job demands.
The emotional implications of organizational politics: A process model
Authors: Rosen Christopher C. , Harris Kenneth J. , Kacmar K. Michele
Published: January 2009

Using affective events theory as a framework, this study examined the role of emotions in mediating the effects of perceived politics on adverse employee outcomes. The authors proposed that frustration translates employees' perceptions of politics into lower levels of performance and increased organizational withdrawal (i.e. turnover intentions) through a mediational path that involves job satisfaction. The proposed model received support with empirical results from 134 subordinate—supervisor dyads sampled across a single government agency. In particular, there was evidence that frustration and job satisfaction mediated the effects of politics perceptions on employee behavioral outcomes.
Modeling Factors Central to Recidivism
Authors: Hancock Philip G. , Raeside Robert
Published: January 2009

This investigation explores the relationship of sentence management and recidivism. Data were manually gathered on a sample of more than 200 prisoners released from two facilities in Scotland. Key elements of sentence management are observed as significant in the prediction of reoffending, such as a prisoner's previous offense history and employability. However, other elements integral to the design of sentence management, such as psychometric and behavioral test results, are not. In addition, survival analysis shows that release from an open prison environment is associated with reduced reconviction rates, but only during the 1st year from release.
Schumpeter's Leadership Democracy
Authors: Mackie Gerry
Published: January 2009

Schumpeter's redefinition of representative democracy as merely leadership competition was canonical in postwar political science. Schumpeter denies that individual will, common will, or common good are essential to democracy, but he, and anyone, I contend, is forced to assume these conditions in the course of denying them. Democracy is only a method, of no intrinsic value, its sole function to select leaders, according to Schumpeter. Leaders impose their views, and are not controlled by voters, and this is as it should be, he says. I respond that his leadership democracy is implausible, both descriptively and prescriptively. Competitive election is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition of democracy, not sufficient even for the limited empirical purpose of regime classification. Any adequate definition of democracy must make reference to the common will, the common good, and other values, I submit.
The Concept of Private Property and the Limits of the Environmental Imagination
Authors: Meyer John M.
Published: January 2009

An absolutist concept of property has the power to shape and constrain the public imagination. Libertarian theorists normatively embrace this concept. Yet its influence extends far beyond these proponents, shaping the views of an otherwise diverse array of theorists and activists. This limits the ability of environmentalists, among others, to respond coherently to challenges from property rights advocates in the U.S. I sketch an alternative concept—rooted in practice—that understands private property as necessarily embedded in social and ecological relations, rather than constrained by these relations. I argue that this concept can prefigure a more robust environmentalism.
Antigone's Laments, Creon's Grief
Authors: Honig Bonnie
Published: January 2009

This paper reads Sophocles' Antigone contextually, as an exploration of the politics of lamentation and larger conflicts these stand for. Antigone defies Creon's sovereign decree that her brother Polynices, who attacked the city with a foreign army and died in battle, be dishonoured - left unburied. But the play is not about Polynices' treason. It explores the clash in 5th century Athens between Homeric/ elite and democratic mourning practices. The former (represented by Antigone) memorialize the unique individuality of the dead, focus on the family's loss and bereavement and call for vengeance. The latter (represented by Creon) memorialize the dead's contribution to the immortal polis and emphasize (as in the Funeral Oration) the replaceability of those lost. Each economy of mourning sees the other as excessive and politically unstable. The remainders of both, managed by way of exception institutions such as tragedy and the Dionysian Festival, continue to haunt us now.
An adaptive grey PID-type fuzzy controller design for a non-linear liquid level system
Authors: Kayacan Erdal , Kaynak Okyay
Published: January 2009

Product-sum-type fuzzy controllers are known to have similar characteristics to PD-type controllers. In the case of type-0 control systems, PID-type fuzzy controllers have been proposed in the literature in order to eliminate the steady-state error. However, these control methods, essentially based on conventional PID theory, have no predictive capabilities. The concept of grey system theory, which has a certain prediction capability, offers an alternative approach for various kinds of conventional control methods, such as PID control and fuzzy control. This paper proposes a grey prediction-based fuzzy PID controller that can overcome the stated shortcomings. In order to obtain a better controller performance, another fuzzy controller is designed to change the step size of the grey predictor. A non-linear liquid level system is taken as a test bed. The grey model developed is examined under several different conditions and it is shown that the proposed grey fuzzy PID controller can predict the future output value of the system. It is clear that the proposed adaptive PID-type fuzzy controller is effective in controlling such a non-linear system accurately by changing the step size adaptively for real-time working.
Stereotyping Based on Voice in the Presence of Individuating Information: Vocal Femininity Affects Perceived Competence but Not Warmth
Authors: Sei Jin Ko  , Judd Charles M. , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: January 2009

In two experiments the authors examined the effect of vocal cues on warmth and competence judgments when other competing information was concurrently available. In Experiment 1, using male and female speakers posing as job applicants, the authors investigated how applicants' vocal cues and résumé information impacted judgments of competence and warmth. Results showed competence was solely affected by vocal femininity—applicants with masculine voices were rated as more competent than applicants with feminine voices, regardless of applicant gender or résumé information. Warmth was predominantly affected by résumés—applicants with feminine résumés were rated as warmer than applicants with masculine résumés. In Experiment 2, the potent effect of vocal femininity on competence was replicated even under conditions where the competing background information was directly diagnostic of warmth and competence. Furthermore, the authors found that the impact of vocal femininity on competence was largely due to the overlap between perceptions of vocal femininity and babyishness.
The Motivating Role of Violence in Video Games
Authors: Przybylski Andrew K. , Ryan Richard M. , Rigby C. Scott
Published: January 2009

Six studies, two survey based and four experimental, explored the relations between violent content and people's motivation and enjoyment of video game play. Based on self-determination theory, the authors hypothesized that violence adds little to enjoyment or motivation for typical players once autonomy and competence need satisfactions are considered. As predicted, results from all studies showed that enjoyment, value, and desire for future play were robustly associated with the experience of autonomy and competence in gameplay. Violent content added little unique variance in accounting for these outcomes and was also largely unrelated to need satisfactions. The studies also showed that players high in trait aggression were more likely to prefer or value games with violent contents, even though violent contents did not reliably enhance their game enjoyment or immersion. Discussion focuses on the significance of the current findings for individuals and the understanding of motivation in virtual environments.
Prosocial Benefits of Feeling Free: Disbelief in Free Will Increases Aggression and Reduces Helpfulness
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Masicampo E.J. , DeWall C. Nathan
Published: January 2009

Laypersons' belief in free will may foster a sense of thoughtful reflection and willingness to exert energy, thereby promoting helpfulness and reducing aggression, and so disbelief in free will may make behavior more reliant on selfish, automatic impulses and therefore less socially desirable. Three studies tested the hypothesis that disbelief in free will would be linked with decreased helping and increased aggression. In Experiment 1, induced disbelief in free will reduced willingness to help others. Experiment 2 showed that chronic disbelief in free will was associated with reduced helping behavior. In Experiment 3, participants induced disbelief in free will caused participants to act more aggressively than others. Although the findings do not speak to the existence of free will, the current results suggest that disbelief in free will reduces helping and increases aggression.
I Continue to Feel So Good About Us: In-Group Identification and the Use of Social Identity—Enhancing Strategies to Reduce Intragroup Dissonance
Authors: Glasford Demis E. , Dovidio John F. , Pratto Felicia
Published: January 2009

The present research examined the relation between in-group identification and the use of social identity— enhancing strategies for dealing with the discomfort associated with inconsistency between personal beliefs and in-group behavior (intragroup dissonance). Consistent with the hypothesis that social identity—enhancing strategies would be more effective at reducing intragroup dissonance for those highly identified with the in-group, Experiment 1 demonstrated that level of group identification moderated the effectiveness of group affirmation for reducing psychological discomfort associated with intragroup dissonance, but not the effectiveness of self-affirmation. In Experiment 2, which manipulated level of group identification, participants in a high-identification condition, relative to those in a low-identification condition, were more likely to choose to reduce intragroup dissonance with a strategy that enhanced social identity (i.e., out-group derogation) over a strategy less effective at social identity enhancement (i.e., activism to change the behavior of the group). Implications for intergroup relations are discussed.
Political Participation and Regime Stability: A Framework for Analyzing Hybrid Regimes
Authors: Ekman Joakim
Published: January 2009

In past decades a number of countries that have moved away from outright authoritarianism have not transformed into democracies, but rather into regimes that combine democratic and non-democratic characteristics, sometimes labeled hybrid regimes. This article develops a framework for analyzing hybrid regimes. Empirically, the article examines three cases, Tanzania, Russia, and Venezuela, looking specifically at electoral participation and support for the opposition, as well as the potential for political change, i.e. public discontent and conditions for mobilization. The article demonstrates that the stability of hybrid regimes is related to the incumbents' ability to circumvent the opposition, but also to the lack of interplay between citizens and opposition parties.
Cognitive Style and Foreign Policy: Margaret Thatcher's Black-and-White Thinking
Authors: Dyson Stephen Benedict
Published: January 2009

Margaret Thatcher was a key late-20th-century political figure, with a major part of her influence felt in international affairs. Her colleagues and interlocutors agree that Thatcher was a distinctive and forceful individual. Yet, few studies have sought to systematically investigate her worldview and leadership style, and evaluate their impact upon her policy choices. Here, I apply Hermann's conceptual complexity content analysis scheme to the entirety of Thatcher's responses to foreign policy questions in the House of Commons, finding that she scores significantly lower in complexity than both the average world leader and the average post-1945 British prime minister. This aspect of cognitive style, which has been associated with stark, black-and-white worldviews, is shown to have strongly conditioned Thatcher's foreign policy decisions in the Falklands crisis, her relationship with Ronald Reagan, her evaluation of the Soviet Union and of Mikhail Gorbachev, and her attitude toward German reunification. I conclude, then, that Thatcher's personality is key to understanding her time in office, and that she presents a vivid example of how individuals matter in politics.
Conceptualizing Islamic Movements: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Delibas Kayhan
Published: January 2009

The September 11 atrocities brought Islamic movements to the attention of the world media. The events of this day also became a significant focus of academic analysis. However, media reports and most academic discussions have confused the reason for the existence of Islamic movements with the results of their extreme actions. Sociological analyses suggest that these movements have arisen as a response to diverse socioeconomic and political conditions aggravated by rapid urbanization and globalization. Characterizing Islamic movements as grounded in a religious-based antipathy to the Western world does not tell the full story. In this article, the Turkish Islamic movement will be used as a case study in order to shed light on the way in which Islamic movements emerge and develop.
Developmental Trajectories and Antecedents of Distal Parental Supervision
Authors: Laird Robert D. , Criss Michael M. , Pettit Gregory S. , Bates John E. , Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: January 2009

Groups of adolescents were identified on the basis of developmental trajectories of their families' rules and their parents' knowledge of their activities. Characteristics of the adolescent, peer antisociality, and family context were tested as antecedents. In sum, 404 parent-adolescent dyads provided data for adolescents aged 10-16. Most adolescents were classified into groups characterized by low levels and reductions in family rules over time. However, low socioeconomic status and residence in unsafe neighborhoods increased membership in the group characterized by consistently high levels of family rules. Most adolescents were assigned membership in groups characterized by relatively stable moderate-to-high levels of parental knowledge of their activities. However, greater externalizing problems and peer antisociality, as well as residence in an unsafe neighborhood, increased membership in the group characterized by low and decreasing levels of knowledge. Results suggest that personal and contextual risk antecedes nonnormative decreases in parental knowledge, whereas contextual risk inhibits normative reductions in family rules.
Parent and Teacher Relationships as Predictors of School Engagement and Functioning Among Low-Income Urban Youth
Authors: Murray Christopher
Published: January 2009

This investigation examined associations between early adolescents' relationships with parents and teachers and indicators of school-adjustment. Participants were primarily students of color (91% Latino) in a low-income urban environment, and analyses were conducted to examine the relative contributions of parent-child and teacher-student relationships to school adjustment among these youth. Findings indicated that parent-child relationship quality accounted for a significant portion of the variance in student-rated school engagement, school competence, and standardized achievement in reading. Teacher-student relationship quality accounted for a significant amount of variance in student-reported engagement, grades in language arts, grades in mathematics, and mathematical achievement. Unclear expectations in relationships with parents, and closeness-trust with teachers made particularly strong contributions to school adjustment. Interaction analyses between parent and teacher relationship factors were significant for only one of the six school adjustment variables (i.e., student-rated school competence). The implications of these findings for teachers and other school personnel are discussed.
Controlling for Drug Dose in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: A Case Study of the Effect of Antidepressant Dose
Authors: Hansen Richard A. , Moore Charity G. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Leinwand Brian I. , Gartlehner Gerald , Gaynes Bradley N.
Published: January 2009

Purpose . To describe a method for quantitatively dealing with drug dose in comparative effectiveness reviews. Second-generation antidepressants are used as an example to illustrate this method and to determine whether dose influences conclusions on comparative effectiveness. Methods . Studies previously identified in a systematic review of second-generation antidepressants were included if data on drug dose were available. The usual dosing range for each drug was defined and then used to create 2- and 3-level dose categories. Placebo-controlled data were used to calculate overall effect sizes for the drug class and effect sizes stratified by drug dose. Meta-regression tested the impact of dose on effect size. Weighted mean differences and risk ratios were calculated for comparative studies, stratifying by whether compared doses were equivalent. Results . The dose classification method was able to identify dose-response trends in the context of meta-analysis. Compared to low-dose studies, medium- and high-dose studies had a 1- to 2-point greater differential in mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) change (P < 0:001 ). Dose was not a statistically significant predictor of categorical HAM-D response. Among comparative trials with nonequivalent doses, trends favored higher dose categories but generally were not statistically significant. Conclusions . A structured method for quantitatively dealing with drug dose in comparative effectiveness reviews is described, with application to the second-generation antidepressants. Dose-dependent reductions in HAM-D scores were identified, although differences did not translate into better response rates for higher doses. Dose equivalency was not a significant factor among comparative studies in second-generation antidepressants.
Church-Based Volunteering, Providing Informal Support at Church, and Self-Rated Health in Late Life
Authors: Krause Neal
Published: January 2009

Objective: To assess the relationships among volunteer work at church, providing informal support to fellow church members, religious commitment, and change in self-rated health over time. Method: Data are obtained from a nationwide longitudinal sample of 681 older adults. The study participants are aged 66 years or older at the baseline interview. The between-round interval was 6 years. Results: The findings suggest that providing informal tangible support to fellow church members is associated with better health but only for study participants who were more deeply committed to their faith. In contrast, a comparable interaction effect between volunteer work at church and religious commitment do not emerge from the data. Discussion: Although older people may assist others in different ways within the church, the informal assistance they provide to coreligionists appears to be more strongly associated with health when they are more deeply committed to their faith.
Assisted Living Pilot Program
Authors: Chapko Michael K. , Manheim Larry M. , Guihan Marylou , Sullivan Jean H. , Zhou Xiao-Hua Andrew , Li Wang  , Mambourg Floss J. , Hedrick Susan C.
Published: January 2009

Objective: The Department of Veterans Affairs funded assisted living, adult family home, and adult residential care for the first time in the Assisted Living Pilot Program (ALPP). This article compares the use and cost for individuals that entered ALPP and a comparison group. Method: This was a nonrandomized study. The comparison group consisted of VA patients who were eligible but did not enter an ALPP facility. The ALPP ( n = 393) and comparison ( n = 259) groups were followed for 12 months to assess ALPP facility, case management, and health care costs. Results: ALPP facility and ALPP case management costs were respectively $5,560 and $2,830 per individual. Total health care costs, including ALPP costs, were $11,533 higher for the ALPP group compared to the comparison group after adjusting for baseline differences. Discussion: Although ALPP successfully helped individuals transition to longer term care in these facilities, it was more costly than the comparison group.
An Exploration of Culture, Diabetes, and Nursing in the South Asian Community
Authors: Fleming Elizabeth , Gillibrand Warren
Published: January 2009

South Asian people are often perceived as a homogenous group whose culture is prescriptive and constraining. A metasynthesis of how culture influences diabetes self-management in the context of a South Asian population was undertaken. Theory explication was used to deconstruct and reconceptualize the findings of the studies. Eleven publications reported themes of health beliefs, individuality, context, and shared experiences. The results indicate that culture does not influence diabetes self-management in a rigid and prescriptive way; instead, individuals negotiate and interpret culture in a shifting and diverse context. An individualized approach to delivering culturally appropriate nursing care should be taken.
The Electoral Benefits of Distributive Spending
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey , Reilly Shauna
Published: January 2009

Prior studies search for evidence that distributive spending influences Congress members’ vote shares but find limited evidence. The authors argue that Democratic and Republican members each benefit from different types of distributive projects. Democrats benefit from delivering spending projects (what most people think of as “pork”) to their constituents, while many Republican members benefit from delivering contingent liabilities (in which the federal treasury underwrites a private entity’s financial risk). Empirical tests using data from U.S. House elections between 1984 and 2002 generally confirm these hypotheses, with one exception: only Republicans in relatively conservative districts gain from contingent liabilities. This result is further explored in the text.
An Islamic Language of Toleration: Rumi’s Criticism of Religious Persecution
Authors: Masroori Cyrus
Published: January 2009

Persian Sufi and poet Muhammad Jalal al-Din Balkhi, 1207—73 (also known as Rumi) presents one of the most extensive and vigorous Islamic theories of toleration.1 This article examines Rumi’s theory by placing it in its historical context, and examining its various arguments. It suggests that toleration, not only as a policy but also as a language, preceded liberalism. It also provides evidence that Rumi’s defense is by far more inclusive than most early modern theories of toleration.
The Agony of Ambivalence and Ways to Resolve It: Introducing the MAID Model
Authors: van Harreveld Frenk , van der Pligt Joop , de Liver Yael N.
Published: January 2009

People are generally averse toward conflict between beliefs and/or feelings underlying their attitudes—that is, attitudinal ambivalence. This review integrates literature on attitudinal ambivalence with theories on decision making and coping strategies to gain a better understanding of when and how people deal with feelings of ambivalence. First it shows that ambivalence is experienced as being particularly unpleasant when the ambivalent attitude holder is confronted with the necessity to make a choice concerning the ambivalent attitude object; then, incongruent evaluative components of the attitude become accessible, and feelings of uncertainty about the potential outcomes arise, which may involve the anticipation of aversive emotions. Several coping strategies are employed when ambivalence is experienced as unpleasant. Emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies are discussed. The article concludes with a discussion of the MAID (model of ambivalence-induced discomfort), which aims to describe the consequences of ambivalence.
The Strong Situation Hypothesis
Authors: Cooper William H. , Withey Michael J.
Published: January 2009

A conventional wisdom in personality and social psychology and organizational behavior is that personality matters most in weak situations and least in strong situations. The authors trace the origins of this claim and examine the evidence for the personality-dampening effect of strong situations. The authors identify the gap between claim and evidence and suggest an agenda for future research.
Biobehavioral Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults Prenatally Exposed to Cocaine: Evidence From Animal Models
Authors: Chae Sun-Mi , Covington Chandice Y.
Published: January 2009

Cocaine has been a popular illicit drug among drug-using pregnant women over the last three decades. Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) has significant effects on children's development throughout early childhood. Very few human studies, however, report the effects of PCE on adolescent or early-adult development. As knowledge about early childhood effects in human children was informed by animal studies, this review considers the effects of PCE on behavioral outcomes in adolescent and young adult animals and provides potential guidance for research in human children. Animal models prenatally exposed to cocaine manifest play deficits, decreased social interaction, and increased aggression during competition in adolescence and young adulthood. Altered behavioral adaptation after stress exposure, including hormonal response change, is also evident. Attention deficits are reported in adult offspring with PCE, not only in a novel environment, but also in a final task session, indicating effects of PCE on transition and maintenance of attention. Animal studies support that PCE effects may extend beyond early childhood and continue to adolescence and adulthood. Additionally, some studies highlight that behavioral changes in offspring with PCE born without teratogenesis remain latent and reveal themselves during adulthood when animals are under stress conditions. Based on the evidence from animal models, well-designed human studies are needed to elucidate the effects of PCE on older human children. Research models that combine behavioral measures with stressful challenges may hold potential in discerning a longer term influence of PCE.
Collagens in the progression and complications of atherosclerosis
Authors: Adiguzel Eser , Ahmad Pamela J , Franco Christopher , Bendeck Michelle P
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Collagens constitute a major portion of the extracellular matrix in the atherosclerotic plaque, where they contribute to the strength and integrity of the fibrous cap, and also modulate cellular responses via specific receptors and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the diverse roles that collagens play in atherosclerosis; regulating the infiltration and differentiation of smooth muscle cells and macrophages; controlling matrix remodeling through feedback signaling to proteinases; and influencing the development of atherosclerotic complications such as plaque rupture, aneurysm formation and calcification. Expanding our understanding of the pathways involved in cell–matrix interactions will provide new therapeutic targets and strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
The role of optical coherence tomography in vascular medicine
Authors: Farooq Muhammad U , Khasnis Atul , Majid Arshad , Kassab Mounzer Y
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging imaging modality that provides high-resolution, microstructural information on atherosclerotic plaques in biological systems. Intracoronary OCT can identify thin-cap fibroatheroma and other vulnerable plaques that may be responsible for acute coronary events. These characteristics make OCT helpful in guiding coronary management and interventions, including stent apposition and early identification of procedure-related complications. OCT is being assessed for its potential role in carotid plaque characterization and in the diagnosis of peripheral arterial atherosclerosis. Its current use in studying carotid and cerebral vasculature and in the diagnosis of peripheral arterial diseases is limited and ill defined, but it is finding increasing application in these areas. Its performance can be further improved by increasing the signal to noise ratio and by using dynamic focus tracking techniques. It can potentially be used to monitor the progression and regression of atherosclerosis in the coronary, cerebral and peripheral vasculature. New indications for its use in vascular medicine are emerging as its technology continues to improve over time.
Endovascular treatment of septic thrombophlebitis: a case report of a rare complication and review of the literature
Authors: Schifferdecker Branislav , Merchán Juan Andrés , Ahmar Corinne , Worthington Michael , Griben Andre , Schainfeld Robert M , Soukas Peter A
Published: January 2009

Abstract

We report a case of severe deep venous thrombosis (DVT) treated with multimodality therapy that was complicated by sepsis due to thrombus likely infected by Salmonella virchow. We review the current therapeutic options in the therapy of severe DVT and cardiovascular pathology associated with non-typhoid Salmonella.
Estradiol-induced, endothelial progenitor cell-mediated neovascularization in male mice with hind-limb ischemia
Authors: Ruifrok Willem-Peter T , de Boer Rudolf A , Iwakura Atsushi , Silver Marcy , Kusano Kengo , Tio Rene A , Losordo Douglas W
Published: January 2009

Abstract

We investigated whether administration of estradiol to male mice augments mobilization of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and incorporation into foci of neovascularization after hind-limb ischemia, thereby contributing to blood flow restoration. Mice were randomized and implanted with placebo pellets or pellets containing low-dose estradiol (0.39 mg) or high-dose estradiol (1.7 mg). Hind-limb ischemia was induced by unilateral resection of the left femoral artery 1 week after pellet implantation, then EPC mobilization and functional recovery was evaluated. EPC recruitment was assessed in mice transplanted with bone marrow from transgenic donors expressing β-galactosidase driven by the Tie-2 promoter. EPC culture assay performed 2 weeks after pellet implantation revealed a significantly greater ( p < 0.05) number of circulating EPCs in the high-dose estradiol group than in the low-dose estradiol and placebo groups. At 3 and 4 weeks after induction of hind-limb ischemia, perfusion was significantly greater ( p < 0.05) in high-dose estradiol mice than in mice implanted with the low-dose estradiol or placebo pellets. At 1 and 4 weeks after hind-limb ischemia surgery, more bone marrow-derived EPCs, identified as β-galactosidase-positive cells, were observed in ischemic regions from high-dose estradiol animals than in low-dose ( p < 0.05) or placebo groups ( p < 0.05). These results indicate that estradiol dose-dependently increases the levels of EPCs in peripheral blood in male animals, improves the recovery of blood flow, and decreases limb necrosis after hind-limb ischemia, and that this enhancement occurs, in part, through augmentation of EPC mobilization and greater incorporation of bone marrow-derived EPCs into foci of neovascularization.
Dual roles of tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-1 in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia
Authors: Jiang Jun , Wang Jianan , Li Changling , Yu Shan Ping , Wei Ling
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Signals in the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) pathway are upregulated after ischemia, yet its role in peripheral ischemia remains unclear. We investigated the effect of TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR-1) in acute limb ischemia of TNFR-1 knockout (TNFR-1–/–) and wild type (WT, TNFR-1+/+) mice. Laser Doppler scanning showed that although pre-ischemia blood flow levels were similar in these mice, the limb reperfusion after ischemia was significantly higher in TNFR-1–/– mice 1–7 days after injury. Consistently, fewer TUNEL-positive cells, less DNA fragmentation, and a lower ischemic score were detected in the TNFR-1–/– group when compared to WT controls. Western blot analysis revealed less expression of pro-apoptotic markers Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in TNFR-1–/– mice 1 day after ischemia, supporting the hypothesis that the absence of TNFR-1 results in a reduction of apoptosis. The rate of post-ischemia amputation was 50% in WT mice versus 0% in TNFR-1–/– mice. However, immunohistochemical co-staining of microvessel marker CD31 and cellular proliferation marker BrdU 21 days after ischemia showed an impaired angiogenic activity in the TNFR-1–/– mice. These data were supported by Western blot analysis, which indicated a decreased expression of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and its receptor Tie-2 in TNFR-1–/– mice. Our results suggest that a deficiency in TNFR-1 prevents the activation of death-related proteins downstream to TNF-α and attenuates apoptosis in acute limb ischemia, but the lack of TNFR-1 signaling hinders the belated angiogenesis mediated by the Ang-1/Tie-2 pathway.
Tooth loss and obesity in a defined Swedish population
Authors: Östberg Anna-Lena , Nyholm Maria , Gullberg Bo , Råstam Lennart , Lindblad Ulf
Published: January 2009

Aims: To explore the association between tooth loss and obesity in an adult Swedish population, and to investigate the influence of socioeconomy, life-style, and co-morbidity. Methods: A cross-sectional population health survey conducted in 2001—2005 in 2816 randomly selected Swedish men and women (age: 30—74 years; participation rate 76%). Main measures were; tooth loss: < 20 remaining teeth (self-reported), general obesity: BMI≥30 kg m-2, abdominal obesity: waist circumference >88 in women and >102 cm in men. Adjustments were made for socioeconomy, life-style, and co-morbidity. Results: 420 individuals (21.2%) had < 20 remaining teeth: 30—59 years 6.0%, 60—74 years 53.5%. Mean BMI was similar in men and women (26.9 kg m-2), however, both general and abdominal obesity was still more frequent among women (both p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between age and tooth loss in the association with both general (p = 0.004) and abdominal obesity (p < 0.011) in men. In participants below 60 years of age, the association between tooth loss and general obesity (OR 2.17 [95% CI 1.51 — 3.12]) and abdominal obesity (2.23 [1.58 — 3.15]), respectively, was statistically significant independent of age and gender, and remained so also when accounting for differences in socioeconomy, life-style, and co-morbidity. There was no similar association in those 60 years or older. The findings in men and women were robust and concordant. Conclusions: Common mechanisms for oral health and obesity should be explored more also including longitudinal designs. The findings are important for targeting comprehensive interventions against obesity and tooth loss, especially among younger adults.
Gender differences in daily smoking prevalence in different age strata: A population-based study in southern Sweden
Authors: Ali Sadiq M. , Chaix Basile , Merlo Juan , Rosvall Maria , Wamala Sarah , Lindström Martin
Published: January 2009

Objectives: To investigate gender differences in daily smoking prevalence in different age groups in southern Sweden. Methods: The 2004 public-health survey in Skane is a cross-sectional study. A total of 27,757 persons aged 18—80 years answered a postal questionnaire, which represents 59% of the random sample. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations between gender and daily smoking according to age. The multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the importance of possible confounders (country of origin, education, snus use, alcohol consumption, leisure-time physical activity, and BMI) on the gender differences in daily smoking in different age groups. Results: 14.9% of the men and 18.1% of the women were daily smokers. Middle-aged respondents were daily smokers to a significantly higher extent than young and old respondents. The prevalence of daily smoking also varied according to other demographic, socioeconomic, health related behaviour, and BMI characteristics. The crude odds ratios of daily smoking were 1.79 (1.42—2.26) among women compared to men in the 18—24 years age group, and 0.95 (0.80—1.12) in the 65—80 years age group. These odds ratios changed to 2.00 (1.49—2.67) and 0.95 (0.76—1.18), respectively, when all confounders were included. Conclusions: For the first time in Sweden women have a higher prevalence of daily smoking than men. The odds ratios of daily smoking are highest among women compared to men in the youngest age group of 18—24 years and the odds ratios decrease with increasing age. The findings point to a serious public health problem. Strategic interventions targeting young women's tobacco smoking are needed.