bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trust in a “Fallen World”: The Case of Protestant Theological Conservatism
Authors: Hempel Lynn M. , Matthews Todd , Bartkowski John
Published: September 2012

Important questions remain about religion‐based variations in the propensity to trust. A new perspective on the religion‐trust nexus is proposed by examining Protestant theological conservatism as a moral framework reflected in personal convictions about scripture (the authoritativeness of the Bible), sin (beliefs in human depravity and the existence of hell), and salvation (the need for a born‐again experience to be saved). Findings indicate that personal commitment to this framework is negatively related to the propensity to trust unknown others, net of other religious factors (religious affiliation and involvement). Commitment to this moral framework also suppresses the positive relationship between religious attendance and generalized trust among Christians. The findings highlight a considerable negative relationship between Protestant theological conservatism and generalized trust, while further underscoring the crucial importance of analyzing belief systems, when investigating complex linkages between religious participation, faith, and civic life.
Religion, Religious Tradition, and Nationalism: Jewish Revival in Poland and “Religious Heritage” in Québec
Authors: Zubrzycki Geneviève
Published: September 2012

This article uses and develops Martin Riesebrodt's distinction between religion and religious tradition to shed light on the making of various articulations of religious identities and political projects. Based on extensive research on the Polish and Québécois cases, I show how social and state actors in these societies reactivate past religious traditions to respond to current social transformations and articulate societal projects and advance political agendas in the present. In both cases, religion and religious tradition are juxtaposed to articulate new national identities or fortify older ones, and to respond more specifically to the challenges posed by “pluralism.” I suggest that sociologists who work at the intersection of religion and politics can contribute to our understanding of the various registers through which religion, religious action, and religious tradition are rendered meaningful to social actors, used for different goals (religious and not) and transformed in the process.
Generations of Catholics in Eastern Africa: A Practice‐Centered Analysis of Religious Change
Authors: Kollman Paul
Published: September 2012

This article considers how well Martin Riesebrodt's practice‐centered theory of religion addresses religious change among Catholics in eastern Africa. Two arguments are advanced using a generational change scheme. First, Riesebrodt's focus on religious practices assists in understanding many changes that African Catholics and their communities have experienced over time. It acknowledges believers’ perspectives and the impact of missionaries, and it generates comparative insights across different cases. However, Riesebrodt's approach has limitations when developing a comparative perspective on historical transformation in these communities. Therefore, his focus on the objective meaning of interventionist religious practices needs supplementing: (1) capturing religious change within a given religion requires attention both to practices and their subjective appropriation by believers, and (2) in the forging of collective identities, theological reflection by elites helped connect Catholic practices to preexisting worldviews and Catholic practices marked generational change by distinguishing Catholics from other African Christians.
Religion, Religiousness, and Narrative: Decoding Women's Practices in Senegalese Islamic Reform
Authors: Augis Erin
Published: September 2012

Martin Riesebrodt argues that his theory of religion can help explain religion's enduring power in the contemporary globalizing and secularizing world. Although he emphasizes the necessity of objective categories for theorizing religion's purpose, adherents’ narratives about their religious practices reveal lived relationships between ideal‐typical liturgical texts (which help comprise religion) and their appropriations of them for navigating rapidly changing social contexts (religiousness). The validity of Riesebrodt's approach for explaining religion in empirical settings is demonstrated by using ethnographic interviews of Muslim reformist women in Dakar, Senegal. These female adherents’ discourses on the practices of veiling, prayer, and preaching the uniqueness of God highlight the ways religion's directives operate in a dialectical relationship with a religiousness that encompasses their dual efforts to achieve closeness to God and overtly critique other Muslim groups, contemporary urban life, and the state.
Religion and the Acceptability of White‐Collar Crime: A Cross‐National Analysis
Authors: Corcoran Katie E. , Pettinicchio David , Robbins Blaine
Published: September 2012

This article examines whether shared religious beliefs and religious social relationships (Durkheim) and belief in a personal, moral God (Stark) negatively affect attitudes toward the acceptability of white‐collar crime. In addition, using a large cross‐national sample and estimating multilevel models, we test whether effects are conditional on modernization and religious contexts characterized by belief in an impersonal or amoral God. Shared religious beliefs and the importance of God in one's life are negatively related to the acceptability of white‐collar crime. These effects, however, weaken in religious contexts characterized by belief in an impersonal or amoral God as do the effects of religious social relationships and belonging to a religious organization; modernization, on the other hand, does not have a moderating effect. In short, religious belief is associated with lower acceptance of white‐collar crime and certain types of religious contexts condition this relationship.
Larger bioavailability of soil phosphorus for irrigated rice compared with rainfed rice in Madagascar: results from a soil and plant survey
Authors: Rabeharisoa L. , Razanakoto O. R. , Razafimanantsoa M.‐P. , Rakotoson T. , Amery F. , Smolders E.
Published: September 2012

Irrigated rice is less prone generally to phosphorus (P) deficiency than rainfed rice because redox reactions release P upon soil flooding. It is not known whether that is also true in highly weathered soils of Madagascar where the combination of high soil Fe and low P input may impede significant release of P. Soils and flag leaf samples were collected in 2010 in 38 irrigated rice and 46 rainfed rice fields belonging to private farmers. A critical flag leaf P content was derived from a P‐dosed pot trial study with three soils, and the results suggested 2.4 g P/kg as the critical value. Average flag leaf P was significantly larger in irrigated than in rainfed rice (2.2 compared with 1.7 g P/kg), and flag leaf P was below the critical value in 76% of irrigated rice fields while this fraction was 100% in rainfed rice. Nitrogen and K deficiencies were less prevalent. Flag leaf P increased with increasing soil pH and soil pH explained partially differences in leaf P between irrigated and rainfed rice. Flag leaf P was unrelated to soil organic matter, but increased with oxalate‐extractable soil P (Po). Multiple regression analysis revealed greater leaf P at equal soil Po and equal pH in irrigated compared with rainfed rice. Grain yield estimates (1‐m2 squares) increased with flag leaf P but not with leaf N and K. In a regression model, about 42 % of the yield variance was explained with soil Po and a rice‐growing system. The survey suggests that P is the main limiting nutrient for rice, and that soil P bioavailability is larger for irrigated than for rainfed rice in weathered soils of Madagascar.
What Hospital Inpatient Services Contributed the Most to the 2001–2006 Growth in the Cost per Case?
Authors: Maeda Jared Lane K. , Raetzman Susan O. , Friedman Bernard S.
Published: September 2012

Objective

To demonstrate a refined cost‐estimation method that converts detailed charges for inpatient stays into costs at the department level to enable analyses that can unravel the sources of rapid growth in inpatient costs.

Data Sources

Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases and Medicare Cost Reports for all community, nonrehabilitation hospitals in nine states that reported detailed charges in 2001 and 2006 (n = 10,280,416 discharges).

Study Design

We examined the cost per discharge across all discharges and five subgroups (medical, surgical, congestive heart failure, septicemia, and osteoarthritis).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We created cost‐to‐charge ratios (CCRs) for 13 cost‐center or department‐level buckets using the Medicare Cost Reports. We mapped service‐code‐level charges to a CCR with an internally developed crosswalk to estimate costs at the service‐code level.

Principal Findings

Supplies and devices were leading contributors (24.2 percent) to the increase in mean cost per discharge across all discharges. Intensive care unit and room and board (semiprivate) charges also substantially contributed (17.6 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively). Imaging and other advanced technological services were not major contributors (4.9 percent).

Conclusions

Payers and policy makers may want to explore hospital stay costs that are rapidly rising to better understand their increases and effectiveness.
Determination of carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen (CA 15‐3) in bitches with tumours on mammary gland: preliminary report
Authors: Valencakova‐Agyagosova A. , Frischova Z. , Sevcikova Z. , Hajurka J. , Lepej J. , Szakallova I. , Kredatusova G. , Nagy V. , Ledecky V.
Published: September 2012

The aim of this work was to determine levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA 15‐3) in the blood serum of 45 bitches. A modified procedure was used to determine the CEA and CA 15‐3 markers with the human kits using the radioimmunoassay method. Samples collected from extirpated tumour of mammary glands were histologically processed and classified as per WHO guidelines. The average age of animals with tumour was 10.00 ± 2.2 years; for healthy bitches average age was 4.2 ± 3.2 years. Values of CEA and CA 15‐3 were considered positive, if they exceeded 0.23 ng mL−1 and 7 IU mL−1, respectively. Average levels of CEA in the tumour group were 0.25 ± 0.06 versus 0.20 ± 0.03 in healthy bitches (P = 0.0001). The average CA 15‐3 value in bitches with tumour was 8.58 ± 1.27 versus 5.14 ± 1.34 in healthy animals (P < 0.0001).
Benign childhood focal epilepsies
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Pellacani Simona
Published: September 2012

The idiopathic focal epilepsies comprise a group of syndromes characterized by focal‐onset seizures for which there is no detectable structural brain abnormality and for which there is a proposed functional mechanism for the epilepsy and electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities. This group includes benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE), benign epilepsy with occipital paroxysms (both early onset and late‐onset types), idiopathic photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy, and some less well‐defined syndromes. The limits of the early onset idiopathic occipital epilepsy syndrome are not clear, and perhaps this entity represents part of a larger syndrome group of “autonomic” age‐related epilepsies. The term “idiopathic” implies absence of a structural brain lesion and a genetic propensity to seizures. The term “benign” implies that the epileptic seizures are easily treated or require no treatment, show remission without sequelae with ultimate and definitive remission before adulthood, do not have severe or exceedingly disturbing seizures, and have no associated serious intellectual or behavioral disturbances. It may be that a syndrome is benign only when it can be recognized early with reasonable certainty, thereby avoiding unnecessary investigations, overtreatment, and lifestyle restrictions. Although BRE has such characteristic clinical and EEG features to make early recognition possible, this is less constantly so in the other focal idiopathic epilepsy syndromes, where the term “benign” may be inappropriate. Mild and selective neuropsychological impairment may occur even in those with typical syndromes but it is unclear whether such selective deficits outlast the active phase of epilepsy. Sometimes the clinical course may be complicated by obvious cognitive and language impairments. In such cases, the term benign is obviously inappropriate, even when seizures are rare. In most patients with the typical focal idiopathic epilepsy syndromes, medication is not necessary.
Autoimmune and inflammatory epilepsies
Authors: Nabbout Rima
Published: September 2012

The role of immunity and inflammation in epilepsy have long been suggested by the anticonvulsant activity of steroids in some infancy and childhood epilepsies. The role of fever and infection in exacerbating seizures due to possible proinflammatory molecules, the increased frequency of seizures in systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematous, and, recently, the detection of autoantibodies in some unexplained epilepsies reinforced the causal place of immunity and inflammation in epilepsies with unknown etiology. In this article, we summarize epilepsies where clinical and biologic data strongly support the pathogenic role of autoantibodies (e.g., limbic encephalitides,N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate [NMDA] encephalitis) and epilepsies where immune‐mediated inflammation occurs, but the full pathogenic cascade is either not clear (e.g., Rasmussen’s encephalitis) or only strongly hypothesized (idiopathic hemiconvulsion–hemiplegia syndrome [IHHS] and fever‐induced refractory epilepsy in school‐aged children [FIRES]). We emphasize the electroclinical features that would help to diagnose these conditions, allowing early immunomodulating therapy. Finally, we raise some questions that remain unclear regarding diagnosis, mechanisms, and future therapies.
Causes of status epilepticus
Authors: Trinka Eugen , Höfler Julia , Zerbs Alexander
Published: September 2012

Status epilepticus (SE) is the most extreme form of epilepsy. It describes a prolonged seizure that may occur in patients with previous epilepsy or in acute disorders of the central nervous system. It is one of the most common neurologic emergencies, with an incidence of up to 41 per 100,000 per year and an estimated mortality is 20%. The three major determinants of prognosis are the duration of SE, patient age, and the underlying cause. Common and easily recognized causes of SE include cerebrovascular disorders, brain trauma, infections, and low antiepileptic drug levels in patients with epilepsy. Less common causes present a clinical and diagnostic challenge, but are major determinants of prognosis. Among them, inflammatory causes and inborn errors of metabolism have gained wide interest; recent insights into these causes have contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of SE and its appropriate treatment. This review focuses on the different etiologies of SE and emphasizes the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of the underlying causes.
A Systematic Review of the Clinical Performance of Tooth‐Retained and Implant‐Retained Double Crown Prostheses with a Follow‐Up of ≥3 Years
Authors: Verma Rohini , Joda Tim , Brägger Urs , Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela
Published: September 2012

Purpose: The objective of this review was to systematically screen the literature for data related to the survival and complication rates observed with dental or implant double crown abutments and removable prostheses under functional loading for at least 3 years.

Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the dental literature from January 1966 to December 2009 was performed in electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) as well as by an extensive hand search to investigate the clinical outcomes of double crown reconstructions.

Results: From the total of 2412 titles retrieved from the search, 65 were selected for full‐text review. Subsequently, 17 papers were included for data extraction. An estimation of the cumulative survival and complication rates was not feasible due to the lack of detailed information. Tooth survival rates for telescopic abutment teeth ranged from 82.5% to 96.5% after an observation period of 3.4 to 6 years, and for tooth‐supported double crown retained dentures from 66.7% to 98.6% after an observation period of 6 to 10 years. The survival rates of implants were between 97.9% and 100% and for telescopic‐retained removable dental prostheses with two mandibular implants, 100% after 3.0 and 10.4 years. The major biological complications affecting the tooth abutments were gingival inflammation, periodontal disease, and caries. The most frequent technical complications were loss of cementation and loss of facings.

Conclusions: The main findings of this review are: (I) double crown tooth abutments and dentures demonstrated a wide range of survival rates. (II) Implant‐supported mandibular overdentures demonstrated a favorable long‐term prognosis. (III) A greater need for prosthetic maintenance is required for both tooth‐supported and implant‐supported reconstructions. (IV) Future areas of research would involve designing appropriate longitudinal studies for comparisons of survival and complication rates of different reconstruction designs.
Editor's Introduction. Entrepreneurs’ Behavior: Elucidation and Measurement
Authors: Bird Barbara , Schjoedt Leon , Baum J. Robert
Published: September 2012

Entrepreneurs’ behavior is a key construct in understanding how entrepreneurs create new organizations. We define entrepreneurs’ behavior as concrete and observable, and distinguish it from related concepts. In reviewing the literature in top entrepreneurship and management journals, we note that behaviors are poorly defined and the cumulative research is fragmented with often ad hoc measures lacking important validation in many studies. To better define behavior, we outline taxonomic (types of behavior) and partonomy (parts of behavior) approaches. Then, we offer a list of important exemplar behaviors based on the extant literature. Finally, we introduce the articles in the issue.
What Do Entrepreneurs Actually Do? An Observational Study of Entrepreneurs’ Everyday Behavior in the Start–Up and Growth Stages
Authors: Mueller Susan , Volery Thierry , von Siemens Björn
Published: September 2012

In this study, we used the sociological method of structured observation to investigate the everyday behavior of six entrepreneurs in the start–up stage and six entrepreneurs in the growth stage. Our results suggest the existence of both commonalities and differences between these two stages with regard to activities, functions, exploration vs. exploitation, and communication. Building on these detailed observations, we develop a taxonomy specifying the constitutive elements of entrepreneurs’ behavior on a continuum that spans from single, discrete actions of entrepreneurs to actions concerning the broader organization.
The Influence of Entrepreneurs’ Credentials and Impression Management Behaviors on Perceptions of New Venture Legitimacy
Authors: Nagy Brian G. , Pollack Jeffrey M. , Rutherford Matthew W. , Lohrke Franz T.
Published: September 2012

We examine how entrepreneurs’ behaviors related to credentials and impression management (IM) impact perceptions of new venture (NV) legitimacy. Results from this experiment, as hypothesized, show that entrepreneurs’ credentials and IM behaviors are positively related to legitimacy perceptions. Contrary to expectations, however, findings do not support either interaction hypothesis when credentials are high or low. We discuss how these findings illustrate the importance of entrepreneurs’ behaviors during the NV creation process and outline multiple directions for future research.
Clinical Impact of an Open‐Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter with Direct Force Measurement on Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: MARTINEK MARTIN , LEMES CHRISTINE , SIGMUND ELISABETH , DERNDORFER MICHAEL , AICHINGER JOSEF , WINTER SIEGMUND , NESSER HANS‐JOACHIM , PÜRERFELLNER HELMUT
Published: September 2012

Background: Electrode‐tissue contact is crucial for adequate lesion formation in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Objective: We assessed the impact of direct catheter force measurement on acute procedural parameters during RFCA of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: Fifty consecutive patients (28 male) with paroxysmal AF who underwent their first procedure of circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) were assigned to either RFCA using (1) a standard 3.5‐mm open‐irrigated‐tip catheter or (2) a catheter with contact force measurement capabilities. Using the endpoint of PVI with entry and exit block, acute procedural parameters were assessed.

Results: Procedural data showed a remarkable decline in ablation time (radiofrequency time needed for PVI) from 50.5 ± 15.9 to 39.0 ± 11.0 minutes (P = 0.007) with a reduction in overall procedure duration from 185 ± 46 to 154 ± 39 minutes (P = 0.022). In parallel, the total energy delivered could be significantly reduced from 70,926 ± 19,470 to 58,511 ± 14,655 Ws (P = 0.019). The number of acute PV reconnections declined from 36% to 12% (P = 0.095).

Conclusions: The use of contact force sensing technology is able to significantly reduce ablation and procedure times in PVI. In addition, energy delivery is substantially reduced by avoiding radiofrequency ablation in positions with insufficient surface contact. Procedural efficacy and safety of this new feature have to be evaluated in larger cohorts. (PACE 2012; 35:1312–1318)
Electrocardiographic Patterns during Left Ventricular Epicardial Pacing
Authors: JASTRZEBSKI MAREK , FIJOREK KAMIL , CZARNECKA DANUTA
Published: September 2012

Background: There is a paucity of data concerning the use of QRS morphology patterns for identifying pacing sites during left ventricle (LV)‐only epicardial pacing in patients with a biventricular device. The objective of this study was to identify QRS patterns during LV‐only pacing, and to establish their relationship with LV lead position. In addition, to validate the diagnostic performance of such electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns for predicting posterolateral versus anterior and apical versus nonapical LV pacing site.

Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed data from 376 cardiac resynchronization therapy device patients. Data analyzed included ECGs registered during LV‐only VVI pacing, fluoroscopic projections, and lateral chest roentgenograms that documented postimplantation LV lead position. Phase one of the study involved categorization of the ECG patterns of the first 66 study cases. Phase two of the study examined the association between ECG pattern and different LV lead positions.

Results: As the LV epicardial pacing site became more anteroapical, the LV‐only paced QRS complexes in the precordial leads became more negative. Three ECG patterns were identified (posterolateral, intermediate, and anteroapical), and their distribution was found to be associated with LV lead position (P < 0.001). The posterolateral ECG pattern was mostly observed in cases where the LV lead was in the posterolateral area (diagnostic accuracy of 89.1% for predicting a nonapical LV lead position). The anteroapical ECG pattern was associated with LV leads in anteroapical segments (specificity of 98.5%, accuracy of 89.1% for predicting an anteroapical pacing site).

Conclusions: Posterolateral and anteroapical ECG patterns are highly predictive of LV lead position. (PACE 2012; 35:1361–1368)
Clinical Observations and Outcome of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: HERWEG BENGT , ILERCIL ARZU , KRISTOF‐KUTEYEVA OLGA , RINDE‐HOFFMAN DEBBIE , CALDEIRA CHRISTIANO , MANGAR DEVANAND , KARLNOSKY RACHEL , BAROLD S. SERGE
Published: September 2012

Background: Ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) is challenging and not well documented. This report describes our experience with endocardial VT ablation in six patients with an LVAD.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of LVAD patients who underwent an ablation procedure for refractory VT.

Results: A total of eight ablation procedures were performed in six patients who, during the last 2 weeks before the ablation procedure, received a total of 101 appropriate shocks for VT. A closed aortic valve (n = 2) or aortic atheroma (n = 1) required a transseptal catheterization in three of six patients. The apical LVAD cannula served as a VT substrate in two of six patients. VT was eliminated in four patients and markedly reduced in two others. The latter two patients experienced a total of only four implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks during a follow‐up of 130 and 493 days. Intravenous antiarrhythmic medications used in five of six patients before ablation were discontinued in all. The ablation procedures permitted hospital discharge in four of six patients. Five patients died during follow‐up (228 ± 207 days after the procedure). The cause of death was unrelated to cardiac arrhythmias. One patient is still alive 1,205 days after the procedure.

Conclusion: Ablation of VT in LVAD patients is feasible and can result in a markedly decreased VT burden with a reduction of ICD shocks. The subsequent discontinuation of intravenous antiarrhythmic medications may facilitate hospital discharge. (PACE 2012; 35:1377–1383)
Causal Attributions Predict Willingness to Support the Allocation of Funding to Lung Cancer Treatment Programs
Authors: Knapp‐Oliver Sarah , Moyer Anne
Published: September 2012

Lung cancer patients may experience stigmatization as a result of the link between their disease and smoking, such as lack of public support for funding lung cancer treatment programs. This study examines whether causal attributions for the contraction of lung cancer predict the stigmatization of individuals with the disease by investigating willingness to support the allocation of funds to hypothetical lung cancer treatment programs. Participants were 766 undergraduate students. The findings indicate that participants who made causal attributions preferred to support the allocation of funding to programs that value the lives of breast cancer patients, rather than lung cancer patients. These findings have implications for understanding the influence of causal attributions on the stigmatization of lung cancer.
Reversal of subcellular remodelling by losartan in heart failure due to myocardial infarction
Authors: Babick Andrea , Chapman Donald , Zieroth Shelley , Elimban Vijayan , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: September 2012

This study tested the reversal of subcellular remodelling in heart failure due to myocardial infarction (MI) upon treatment with losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Twelve weeks after inducing MI, rats were treated with or without losartan (20 mg/kg; daily) for 8 weeks and assessed for cardiac function, cardiac remodelling, subcellular alterations and plasma catecholamines. Cardiac hypertrophy and lung congestion in 20 weeks MI‐induced heart failure were associated with increases in plasma catecholamine levels. Haemodynamic examination revealed depressed cardiac function, whereas echocardiographic analysis showed impaired cardiac performance and marked increases in left ventricle wall thickness and chamber dilatation at 20 weeks of inducing MI. These changes in cardiac function, cardiac remodelling and plasma dopamine levels in heart failure were partially or fully reversed by losartan. Sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) Ca2+‐pump activity and protein expression, protein and gene expression for phospholamban, as well as myofibrillar (MF) Ca2+‐stimulated ATPase activity and α‐myosin heavy chain mRNA levels were depressed, whereas β‐myosin heavy chain expression was increased in failing hearts; these alterations were partially reversed by losartan. Although SR Ca2+‐release activity and mRNA levels for SR Ca2+‐pump were decreased in failing heart, these changes were not reversed upon losartan treatment; no changes in mRNA levels for SR Ca2+‐release channels were observed in untreated or treated heart failure. These results suggest that the partial improvement of cardiac performance in heart failure due to MI by losartan treatment is associated with partial reversal of cardiac remodelling as well as partial recovery of SR and MF functions.
Rho‐kinase mediates diphosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain in cultured uterine, but not vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Aguilar Hector N. , Tracey Curtis N. , Zielnik Barbara , Mitchell Bryan F.
Published: September 2012

Phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) triggers contraction in smooth muscle myocytes. Dephosphorylation of phosphorylated RLC (pRLC) is mediated by myosin RLC phosphatase (MLCP), which is negatively regulated by rho‐associated kinase (ROK). We have compared basal and stimulated concentrations of pRLC in myocytes from human coronary artery (hVM), which has a tonic contractile pattern to myocytes from human uterus (hUM), which has a phasic contractile pattern. Our studies reveal fundamental differences between hVM and hUM regarding the mechanisms regulating phosphorylation RLC. Whereas hVM responded to stimulation by phosphorylation of RLC at S19, hUM responded by forming diphosphorylated RLC (at T18 and S19; ppRLC), which, compared to pRLC, causes two to threefold greater activation of myosin ATPase that provides energy to power the contraction. Importantly, the conversion of pRLC to ppRLC is mediated by ROK. In hUM, MLCP has high activity for ppRLC and this is inhibited by ROK through phosphorylation of the substrate targeting subunit (MYPT1) at T853. Inhibitors of ROK significantly reduce contractility in both hVM and hUM. We demonstrated that inhibition of ppRLC in phasic myocytes (hUM) is 100‐fold more sensitive to ROK inhibitors than is pRLC in tonic myocytes (hVM). We speculate that these differences in phosphorylation of RLC might reflect evolution of different contractile patterns to perform distinct physiological functions. Furthermore, our data suggest that low concentrations of ROK inhibitors might inhibit uterine contractions with minimal effects on vascular tone, thus posing a novel strategy for prevention or treatment of conditions such as preterm birth.
Immunolocalization and expression of small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels in human myometrium
Authors: Rosenbaum Sofia T. , Svalø Julie , Nielsen Karsten , Larsen Torben , Jørgensen Jørgen C. , Bouchelouche Pierre
Published: September 2012

Small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK3) channels have been detected in human myometrium and we have previously shown a functional role of SK channels in human myometrium in vitro. The aims of this study were to identify the precise localization of SK3 channels and to quantify SK3 mRNA expression in myometrium from pregnant and non‐pregnant women. Myometrial biopsies were obtained from pregnant (n = 11) and non‐pregnant (n = 11) women. The expression of SK3 channels was assessed using immunohistochemistry and SK3 mRNA was determined by qRT‐PCR. In non‐pregnant myometrium SK3 immunoreactivity was observed in CD34 positive (CD34+) interstitial Cajal‐like cells (ICLC), now called telocytes. Although CD34+ cells were also present in pregnant myometrium, they lacked SK3 immunoreactivity. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical results showed that SK3 expression in vascular endothelium was similar between the two groups. CD117 immunoreactivity was only detected in small round cells that resemble mast cells. Compared to non‐pregnant myometrium we found significantly less SK3 mRNA in pregnant myometrium. We demonstrate that SK3 channels are localized solely in CD34+ cells and not in smooth muscle cells, and that the molecular expression of SK3 channels is higher in non‐pregnant compared to pregnant myometrium. On the basis of our previous study and the present findings, we propose that SK3 activators reduce contractility in human myometrium by modulating telocyte function. This is the first report to provide evidence for a possible role of SK3 channels in human uterine telocytes.
Examining the Relationship Between Financial Issues and Divorce
Authors: Dew Jeffrey , Britt Sonya , Huston Sandra
Published: September 2012

Using longitudinal data from the National Survey of Families and Households and both wife‐ and husband‐reported data (N = 4,574 couples), this study examined how financial well‐being, financial disagreements, and perceptions of financial inequity were associated with the likelihood of divorce. When financial disagreements were in the model, financial well‐being was not associated with divorce. Both wives' and husbands' financial disagreements were the strongest disagreement types to predict divorce. Mediators derived from systems theory (conflict tactics) and social exchange theory (marital satisfaction) fully mediated the association between financial disagreement and the hazard of divorce. Finally, financial disagreements fully mediated the association between perceptions of financial inequity and divorce. These findings suggest that financial disagreements are stronger predictors of divorce relative to other common marital disagreements. They further suggest that financial disagreements (e.g., “content”) are associated with marital process.
Parenting, Race, and Socioeconomic Status: Links to School Readiness
Authors: Dotterer Aryn M. , Iruka Iheoma U. , Pungello Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

This study examined the link between socioeconomic status (SES) and school readiness, testing whether parenting (maternal sensitivity and negative behavior/intrusiveness) and financial stress mediated this association and if race moderated these paths. Participants included 164 mother‐child dyads from African American and European American families. Findings supported moderated mediation hypotheses: maternal sensitivity mediated the link between SES and school readiness for European Americans only; maternal negative/intrusive behaviors mediated the link between SES and school readiness for both European Americans and African Americans. These results indicate that the meaning and effects of parenting behaviors can vary by racial groups, and findings obtained for European American families cannot be assumed to apply to ethnic minority families as well. Among the implications of these findings is that programs aimed at increasing school readiness and closing the achievement gap need to be mindful of the cultural context in which children are raised.
Risk and Resilience in Rural Communities: The Experiences of Immigrant Latina Mothers
Authors: Raffaelli Marcela , Tran Steve P. , Wiley Angela R. , Galarza‐Heras Maria , Lazarevic Vanja
Published: September 2012

Immigrants from Latin America are increasingly settling in rural U.S. communities that welcome them as workers but are often unprepared to address their needs and promote their well‐being. Building on recent descriptive studies, we examined factors associated with individual and family well‐being in a sample of 112 immigrant Latina mothers (mean age 34.5 years, 93% Mexican) who completed in‐person interviews. Mothers who reported a more negative community climate reported lower levels of individual and family well‐being (life satisfaction, financial well‐being, and food security). Composite measures of economic and social capital were positively related to family well‐being; unexpectedly, mothers with higher levels of human capital reported lower levels of life satisfaction. Discussion focuses on implications of results for future research, theory‐building, and practice.
Marital Quality and Divorce Decisions: How Do Premarital Cohabitation and Nonmarital Childbearing Matter?
Authors: Tach Laura M. , Halpern‐Meekin Sarah
Published: September 2012

This study used the 1979 cohort of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 3,481) to test whether the association between marital quality and divorce is moderated by premarital cohabitation or nonmarital childbearing status. Prior research identified lower marital quality as a key explanation for why couples who cohabit or have children before marrying are more likely to divorce than other couples. Using event history and fixed‐effects models, we found that the effect of marital quality on divorce is similar for cohabitors and noncohabitors, with cohabitors more likely to end both high‐ and low‐quality marriages. In contrast, the relationship between marital quality and divorce is weaker for women with nonmarital births; they are less likely than others to dissolve low‐quality marriages. We discuss how commitment norms and self‐efficacy might explain these differences in the association between marital quality and divorce.
A Typology of Work‐Family Arrangements Among Dual‐Earner Couples in Norway
Authors: Kitterød Ragni Hege , Lappegård Trude
Published: September 2012

A symmetrical family model of two workers or caregivers is a political goal in many western European countries. We explore how common this family type is in Norway, a country with high gender‐equality ambitions, by using a multinomial latent class model to develop a typology of dual‐earner couples with children based on the partners' allocations of paid and unpaid work. Using data on 2,617 respondents from the Norwegian Generations and Gender Survey, we estimate 4 classes, of which 2 are characterized by a fairly equal sharing between the partners and 2 have more traditional arrangements. Equal sharing is practiced by 4 out of 10 couples and is most likely when the partners are well educated and work regular hours and the father is in public‐sector employment. A traditional practice is likely when the partners have less education, the mother has health problems, the father has private‐sector employment, and the partners work irregular hours.
Parenting Stress, Social Support, and Mother‐Child Interactions in Families of Multiple and Singleton Preterm Toddlers
Authors: Lutz Kristin F. , Burnson Cynthia , Hane Amanda , Samuelson Anne , Maleck Sarah , Poehlmann Julie
Published: September 2012

The study investigated family support as a buffer of stress in 153 mothers and preterm toddlers. Data were collected regarding maternal depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and family support; infant health; and videotaped mother‐child interactions. Although more parenting stress related to less optimal child play, only information support functioned as a protective factor. Information support predicted positive play under high, but not low, maternal stress. Mothers of multiples reported more parenting stress than mothers of singletons.
Beneficial effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper on dermal wound healing: an experimental study
Authors: Akalin Cagri , Kuru Serdar , Barlas Aziz Mutlu , Kismet Kemal , Kaptanoglu Bugra , Demir Aydin , Astarci Hesna Muzeyyen , Ustun Huseyin , Ertas Ertugrul
Published: September 2012

Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) is a folkloric medicinal plant extract used as a haemostatic agent in traditional Turkish medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ABS on the healing of dermal wounds in a rat model. Twenty Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups. Standard full‐thickness skin defects were created on the back of the rats. In the control group (group 1), dressings moisturised with saline were changed daily. In the study group (group 2), the wounds were cleaned daily with saline, Ankaferd solution was applied, then the wounds were covered with moisturised dressings. The contraction percentage of wound areas were calculated on the 3rd, 7th, 10th and 14th days using a planimetric programme. On day 14, the wound areas were excised for histopathological examination, inflammatory scoring and evaluation of collagen deposition. The study group was superior to the control group in terms of inflammatory scoring, type I/type III collagen ratio and wound contraction rates. ABS® may be used effectively and safely on full‐thickness wounds as a natural product.
Influence of Beet Sugar, Calcium Lactate, and Staphylococcus xylosus (with Nitrate Reductase Activity) on the Chemical, Microbiological, and Sensorial Properties of Persian Uncured Frankfurters
Authors: Tahmouzi Saeed , Razavi Seyed Hadi , Safari Mohammad , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  This study investigated the effects of beet sugar (BS), calcium lactate (CL), and Staphylococcus xylosus (SX) on the general characteristics of uncured frankfurters. Minimum residual nitrite was observed in samples with a high level of BS and S. xylosus (8log10 l0 viable cfu/g) after 2 mo. There was an increase in total aerobic counts in frankfurters after 4 wk. Samples containing higher BS and CL had no Clostridium perfringens at storage time. Histamine content was similar for all treatments except SX. No differences were observed in textural properties among the treatments. Water activity was decreased significantly in treatment CL1+BS2. The results indicated that samples treated with BS or CL had (P < 0.05) taste and sensory attributes considered appropriate by a tasting panel.

Practical Applications:  Frankfurters are among the most popular meat products in many countries. Health problems (such as cancer) associated with the overconsumption of cured meat have led to searches for new, alternative methods of preservation. Hurdle technology (combinations of beet sugar, calcium lactate, and Staphylococcus xylosus in different concentrations) can be developed for frankfurter processing. Results of this research will be useful for meat manufacturers; however, any new process may affect the strategies chosen for marketing these products.
A Novel Sample Preparation Method Using Rapid Nonheated Saponification Method for the Determination of Cholesterol in Emulsified Foods
Authors: Jeong In‐Seek , Kwak Byung‐Man , Ahn Jang‐Hyuk , Leem Donggil , Yoon Taehyung , Yoon Changyong , Jeong Jayoung , Park Jung‐Min , Kim Jin‐Man
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  In this study, nonheated saponification was employed as a novel, rapid, and easy sample preparation method for the determination of cholesterol in emulsified foods. Cholesterol content was analyzed using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC‐FID). The cholesterol extraction method was optimized for maximum recovery from baby food and infant formula. Under these conditions, the optimum extraction solvent was 10 mL ethyl ether per 1 to 2 g sample, and the saponification solution was 0.2 mL KOH in methanol. The cholesterol content in the products was determined to be within the certified range of certified reference materials (CRMs), NIST SRM 1544 and SRM 1849. The results of the recovery test performed using spiked materials were in the range of 98.24% to 99.45% with an relative standard devitation (RSD) between 0.83% and 1.61%. This method could be used to reduce sample pretreatment time and is expected to provide an accurate determination of cholesterol in emulsified food matrices such as infant formula and baby food.

Practical Application:  A novel, rapid, and easy sample preparation method using nonheated saponification was developed for cholesterol detection in emulsified foods. Recovery tests of CRMs were satisfactory, and the recoveries of spiked materials were accurate and precise. This method was effective and decreased the time required for analysis by 5‐fold compared to the official method.
Numerical Simulation of Variable Water Diffusivity during Drying of Peeled and Unpeeled Tomato
Authors: Xanthopoulos G. , Yanniotis S. , Boudouvis A.G.
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  A mathematical model was formulated for the estimation, in conjunction with experimental measurements, of water diffusivity parameters during convective drying of peeled and unpeeled tomatoes. Fick's 2nd law of diffusion was solved numerically for a sphere, by explicit finite differences, considering shrinkage effect, variable diffusivity, and constant boundary conditions. Experiments were performed in a laboratory tunnel dryer. The equivalent radius of tomato decreased by 50% until the end of the process, which explains the necessity for shrinkage inclusion in the mass transfer model. The mean estimated diffusivities varied between 2.03 × 10−10 and 15.1 × 10−10 m2/s for peeled tomatoes and 0.59 × 10−10 and 15.2 × 10−10 m2/s for unpeeled tomatoes. The estimated water diffusivities and their variation with the tested drying temperatures (45, 55, and 65 °C) provide an insight of peeling effect during air‐drying. Peeling was beneficial since yielded greater drying rates and shortened significantly drying times, thus saving energy during drying. In all the studied cases, good agreement was found between experimental and predicted drying curves (≥ 0.99, mean relative deviation [MRD]≤ 0.12, and root mean square error [RMSE]≤ 0.03). In overall, the proposed methodology provides a reliable and easy estimation of temperature and moisture‐dependent mass transfer properties and drying simulation of shrinkable food products such as tomato.

Practical Application:  Water diffusivity is a food property, difficult in estimation but essential in drying processing optimization. This property was estimated as a function of moisture content and drying temperature employing a numerical simulation procedure. The peeling effect was also studied and found beneficial for lower temperature drying (<55 °C) which is useful in the energy optimization of the drying process as well as the retention of the end‐product quality.
Prevalence of periodontal disease among inpatients in a psychiatric hospital in India
Authors: Gopalakrishnapillai Ajithkrishnan Champettil , Iyer Ramya Radhakrishnan , Kalantharakath Thanveer
Published: September 2012

This paper assessed the periodontal status of inpatients at Government Mental Hospital, Vadodara, India, and studied the possible relationship between periodontal status and age, length of hospitalization, type of mental illness, and medication and tobacco use. Information about psychiatric diagnosis, length of hospitalization, and prescribed medication was obtained from hospital records. We interviewed 165 inpatients and recorded their chief dental complaints (if any) and relevant histories. Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. The most prevalent periodontal condition was shallow pockets (47.27%). Some subjects (10.3%) had loss of attachment (LOA) of 9–11 mm. Age and length of hospitalization were significantly associated with periodontal status. Multiple logistic regression revealed that only age was significantly associated with periodontal pockets. Male gender, age, and tobacco‐related habits were significantly associated with LOA of more than 0–3 mm.
Nonea dumanii sp. nov. (Boraginaceae) from the Taurus mountains (south Turkey)
Authors: Bilgili Bilgehan , Coppi Andrea , Selvi Federico
Published: September 2012

The new species Nonea dumanii, endemic to the mountains of the western Taurus in south Turkey (C4 Antalya), is described an illustrated based on original collections by the authors. Karyological observations and analysis of ITS1 DNA sequences showed that the species is probably hexaploid with 2n = 6x = 60 and has phylogenetic affinity to the diploid N. monticola from the Paphlagonian mountains as well as to the tetraploid N. anchusoides from northwest Iran and southeast Turkey. From these allopatric species it is morphologically distinct in characters of the indumentum, flower and fruit. Polyploidy is supported as a major driving force for speciation in Nonea, especially in the group of Anatolian mountain species with primary base number x = 10.