bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of stimulus contrast on the human pupil orienting response
Authors: Wang Chin‐An , Munoz Douglas P.
Published: June 2014

The sudden appearance of a novel stimulus initiates a series of responses to orient the body for appropriate actions, including not only shifts of gaze and attention, but also transient pupil dilation. Modulation of pupil dynamics by stimulus properties is less understood, although its effects on other components of orienting have been extensively explored. Microstimulation of the superior colliculus evoked transient pupil dilation, and the initial component of pupil dilation evoked by microstimulation was similar to that elicited by the presentation of salient sensory stimuli, suggesting a coordinated role of the superior colliculus on this behavior, although evidence in humans is yet to be established. To examine pupil orienting responses in humans, we presented visual stimuli while participants fixated on a central visual spot. Transient pupil dilation in humans was elicited after presentation of a visual stimulus in the periphery. The evoked pupil responses were modulated systematically by stimulus contrast, with faster and larger pupil responses triggered by higher contrast stimuli. The pupil response onset latencies for high contrast stimuli were similar to those produced by the light reflex and significantly faster than the darkness reflex, suggesting that the initial component of pupil dilation is probably mediated by inhibition of the parasympathetic pathway. The contrast modulation was pronounced under different levels of baseline pupil size. Together, our results demonstrate visual contrast modulation on the orienting pupil response in humans.
Evolutionary histories of soil fungi are reflected in their large‐scale biogeography
Authors: Treseder Kathleen K. , Maltz Mia R. , Hawkins Bradford A. , Fierer Noah , Stajich Jason E. , McGuire Krista L.
Published: June 2014

Although fungal communities are known to vary along latitudinal gradients, mechanisms underlying this pattern are not well‐understood. We used high‐throughput sequencing to examine the large‐scale distributions of soil fungi and their relation to evolutionary history. We tested the Tropical Conservatism Hypothesis, which predicts that ancestral fungal groups should be more restricted to tropical latitudes and conditions than would more recently derived groups. We found support for this hypothesis in that older phyla preferred significantly lower latitudes and warmer, wetter conditions than did younger phyla. Moreover, preferences for higher latitudes and lower precipitation levels were significantly phylogenetically conserved among the six younger phyla, possibly because the older phyla possess a zoospore stage that is vulnerable to drought, whereas the younger phyla retain protective cell walls throughout their life cycle. Our study provides novel evidence that the Tropical Conservatism Hypothesis applies to microbes as well as plants and animals.
Inlay‐retained cantilever fixed dental prostheses to substitute a single premolar: impact of zirconia framework design after dynamic loading
Authors: Shahin Ramez , Tannous Fahed , Kern Matthias
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this in‐vitro study was to evaluate the influence of the framework design on the durability of inlay‐retained cantilever fixed dental prostheses (IR‐FDPs), made from zirconia ceramic, after artificial ageing. Forty‐eight caries‐free human premolars were prepared as abutments for all‐ceramic cantilevered IR‐FDPs using six framework designs: occlusal–distal (OD) inlay, OD inlay with an oral retainer wing, OD inlay with two retainer wings, mesial–occlusal–distal (MOD) inlay, MOD inlay with an oral retainer ring, and veneer partial coping with a distal box (VB). Zirconia IR‐FDPs were fabricated via computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The bonding surfaces were air‐abraded (50 μm alumina/0.1 MPa), and the frameworks were bonded with adhesive resin cement. Specimens were stored for 150 d in a 37°C water bath during which they were thermocycled between 5 and 55°C for 37,500 cycles; thereafter, they were exposed to 600,000 cycles of dynamic loading with a 5‐kg load in a chewing simulator. All surviving specimens were loaded onto the pontic and tested until failure using a universal testing machine. The mean failure load of the groups ranged from 260.8 to 746.7 N. Statistical analysis showed that both MOD groups exhibited significantly higher failure loads compared with the other groups (i.e. the three OD groups and the VB group) and that there was no significant difference in the failure load among the OD groups and the VB group. In conclusion, zirconia IR‐FDPs with a modified design exhibited promising failure modes.
Interrogating the integument: the role of the epidermis in hair induction
Authors: Higgins Claire A.
Published: June 2014

Hair follicle development is driven by interactions between the epithelium and underlying mesenchyme. These reciprocal interactions are essential for development, as a lack of response from either the mesenchyme or epithelium results in arrested growth. A large body of research has focused on the role of mesenchymal cells during hair follicle development and their inductive properties for hair neogenesis. In this commentary, the role of the epidermis during hair follicle induction will be discussed.
Relevant new insights into the effects of photoprotection in cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kreuter Alexander , Lehmann Percy
Published: June 2014

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) denotes a heterogeneous spectrum of autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the skin. Ultraviolet irradiation (UV) is one of the most important environmental factors that can trigger skin lesions in CLE or even induce systemic organ manifestation. It has been shown that broad‐spectrum sunscreen with high sun protection factors can effectively prevent UV‐induced skin lesions in patients with different subtypes of CLE. In a recent issue of Experimental Dermatology, Zahn and colleagues demonstrate that potent photoprotection blocks disease‐specific skin lesions in CLE patients by reducing lesional tissue damage and interferon‐driven inflammation.
Evidence and conjecture about mechanisms of cutaneous disease in photodermatology
Authors: Porter Rebecca M. , Anstey Alex
Published: June 2014

Photosensitivity disorders are caused by a variety of mechanisms. Three common themes are as follows: excess chromophore allowing visible light energy to cause photodynamic damage, reduced DNA repair capacity to UV‐induced DNA damage, and enhanced sensitivity to light‐induced allergens mediated immunologically. Although the cause of each condition may be known, the precise pathogenesis underlying the photosensitivity has taken longer to understand. By focussing on three clinical disorders under each of these themes, we have explored the following: why erythropoietic protoporphyria differs so markedly from the other cutaneous porphyrias; how a DNA repair defect was eventually revealed to be the underlying cause of the vitamin B3 deficiency disorder of pellagra; an immunological explanation for the over reactivity to photoallergens in chronic actinic dermatitis.
Aberrant sumoylation signaling evoked by reactive oxygen species impairs protective function of Prdx6 by destabilization and repression of its transcription
Authors: Chhunchha Bhavana , Fatma Nigar , Kubo Eri , Singh Dhirendra P.
Published: June 2014

Loss of the cytoprotective protein peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) in cells that are aging or under oxidative stress is known to be linked to the pathobiology of many age‐related diseases. However, the mechanism by which Prdx6 activity goes awry is largely unknown. Using Prdx6‐deficient (Prdx6−/−) cells as a model for aging or redox active cells, human/mouse lens epithelial cells (LECs) facing oxidative stress and aging lenses, we found a significant increase in the levels of small ubiquitin‐like modifier (Sumo)1 conjugates. These cells displayed increased levels of Sumo1 and reduced the expression of Prdx6. Specifically, we observed that Prdx6 is a target for aberrant sumoylation signaling, and that Sumo1 modification reduces its cellular abundance. LECs overexpressing Sumo1 showed reduced expression and activity of Prdx6 and its transactivator specificity protein 1 (Sp1), mRNA and protein with increased levels of reactive oxygen species; those cells were vulnerable to oxidative stress‐induced cell death. A significant reduction in Prdx6, Sp1 protein and mRNA expression was observed in redox active Prdx6−/− cells and in aging lenses/LECs. The reduction was correlated with increased expression of Sumo1 and enrichment of the inactive form (dimeric) of Sumo‐specific protease (Senp)1. Experiments with Sumo1‐fused Prdx6 and Prdx6 promoter‐linked to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene constructs indicated that Sumo1 dysregulated Prdx6 activity by reducing its abundance and attenuating its transcription; in contrast, the delivery of Senp1 or Prdx6 reversed the process. The data show that reactive oxygen species‐evoked aberrant sumoylation signaling affects Prdx6 activity by reducing Prdx6 abundance, as well as transcription. The findings of the present study may provide a foundation for a strategy to repair deleterious oxidative signaling generated by a reduced activity of Prdx6.
Influence of severe shot peening on wear behaviour of an aluminium alloy
Authors: Palacios M. , Bagherifard S. , Guagliano M. , Fernández Pariente I.
Published: June 2014

Recent developments in shot peening demonstrate that it can be applied using unconventional parameters in order to obtain nanocrystals on a thin surface layer of the treated material. These microstructural modifications have shown to be able to induce superior fatigue and corrosion properties, but still few data are available about their effect on wear behaviour of the materials.

In this study, four series of Al 6063 alloy specimens, as‐received, conventionally shot peened, severely shot peened and severely shot peened followed by a slight mechanical grinding are subjected to block on ring wear tests with lubrication, according to ASTM G77 standard. The results evidence the significant role played by the applied shot peening treatments on wear behaviour of the 6063 aluminium alloy with respect to the as‐received not peened material. The important effect of the surface roughness is also highlighted. The data are discussed on the basis of roughness, surface layer microstructure, microhardness trends and the wear marks observed by means of scanning electron microscopy.
Terrestrial gross primary production inferred from satellite fluorescence and vegetation models
Authors: Parazoo Nicholas C. , Bowman Kevin , Fisher Joshua B. , Frankenberg Christian , Jones Dylan B. A. , Cescatti Alessandro , Pérez‐Priego Óscar , Wohlfahrt Georg , Montagnani Leonardo
Published: June 2014

Determining the spatial and temporal distribution of terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) is a critical step in closing the Earth's carbon budget. Dynamical global vegetation models (DGVMs) provide mechanistic insight into GPP variability but diverge in predicting the response to climate in poorly investigated regions. Recent advances in the remote sensing of solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) opens up a new possibility to provide direct global observational constraints for GPP. Here, we apply an optimal estimation approach to infer the global distribution of GPP from an ensemble of eight DGVMs constrained by global measurements of SIF from the Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT). These estimates are compared to flux tower data in N. America, Europe, and tropical S. America, with careful consideration of scale differences between models, GOSAT, and flux towers. Assimilation of GOSAT SIF with DGVMs causes a redistribution of global productivity from northern latitudes to the tropics of 7–8 Pg C yr−1 from 2010 to 2012, with reduced GPP in northern forests (~3.6 Pg C yr−1) and enhanced GPP in tropical forests (~3.7 Pg C yr−1). This leads to improvements in the structure of the seasonal cycle, including earlier dry season GPP loss and enhanced peak‐to‐trough GPP in tropical forests within the Amazon Basin and reduced growing season length in northern croplands and deciduous forests. Uncertainty in predicted GPP (estimated from the spread of DGVMs) is reduced by 40–70% during peak productivity suggesting the assimilation of GOSAT SIF with models is well‐suited for benchmarking. We conclude that satellite fluorescence augurs a new opportunity to quantify the GPP response to climate drivers and the potential to constrain predictions of carbon cycle evolution.
The Costs of Power Interruptions in Germany: A Regional and Sectoral Analysis
Authors: Growitsch Christian , Malischek Raimund , Nick Sebastian , Wetzel Heike
Published: June 2014

A high standard of security of electricity supply comes at serious electricity system costs. However, these system costs have to be balanced with the economic costs induced by an insecure supply of electricity. Following a macroeconomic approach, we analyze the economic costs imposed by potential power interruptions in Germany. Using an extensive dataset on industries and households, we estimate both Values of Lost Load and the associated hourly costs of power interruptions for different German regions and sectors. We find that interruption costs vary significantly over time, between sectors and regions. Peaking at midday on a Monday in December at 750 Mio € per hour, the average total national outage costs amount to approximately 430 Mio € per hour. A missing gigawatt hour creates average outage costs of about 7.6 Mio €.
A Review of Political Skill: Current Research Trend and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Kimura Takuma
Published: June 2014

This paper reviews theoretical and empirical research on the use of political skill in organizations and proposes some agendas for future research. Although political skill is a relatively new construct in organizational politics research, a large number of theoretical and empirical studies have been conducted. Five major themes were identified in previous research. These are: (a) definition and measurement of political skill; (b) political skill and stress management; (c) political skill and career success; (d) political skill and individual performance; and (e) political skill and leadership effectiveness. This review critically examines previous empirical studies in light of this theoretical background and points out that, although previous empirical studies support the theoretically assumed effects of political skills, they fail to confirm how and why these skills bring about these effects. Based on this examination, the author suggests the examination of mediators and dimensional differences derived from theory that can lead to more effective exploration of the impact of political skill. In addition, several issues for future research are proposed, which may provide useful insights for both literature and practice.
Notch1 is an important mediator for enhancing of B‐cell activation and antibody secretion by Notch ligand
Authors: Kang Jung‐Ah , Kim Woo‐Seok , Park Sung‐Gyoo
Published: June 2014

The roles of Notch1 and Notch2 in T‐cell function have been well studied, but the functional roles of Notch in B cells have not been extensively investigated, except for Notch2 involvement in peripheral marginal zone B‐cell differentiation. This study examined the roles of Notch1 in murine primary B cells. During B‐cell activation by B‐cell receptor ligation, Notch1 was up‐regulated while Notch2 was not. In addition, Notch1 up‐regulation itself did not contribute to the further activation of B cells, but the Notch ligand was important for Notch1‐mediated further B‐cell activation. Moreover, Notch1 deficiency significantly decreased B‐cell activation and antibody secretion under the presence of Notch ligand. These data suggest that Notch1 is an important mediator for enhancing B‐cell activation and antibody secretion by Notch ligand.
Social Isolation and Spousal Violence: Comparing Female Marriage Migrants With Local Women
Authors: Choi Susanne Y. P. , Cheung Y. W. , Cheung Adam K. L.
Published: June 2014

This research examined the impact of network participation, social support, and social control on the violence victimization of female marriage migrants by a spouse. Data were from a household survey of 492 cross‐border and 379 local married couples in Hong Kong in 2007. The findings indicated that female marriage migrants were more vulnerable to spousal violence and more socially isolated, compared with local women. Husbands of marriage migrants were also more socially isolated compared with men who married locally. The network participation of both husband and wife was associated positively with spousal violence against women, whereas their perceived social control was associated negatively with violence. Female marriage migrants' greater vulnerability to spousal physical assault was a result of their younger age compared with local women, but their greater vulnerability to spousal psychological aggression and sexual coercion was related, in part, to their own and their husbands' network participation as well as their level of social control.
Same‐Sex Parent Families and Children's Academic Achievement
Authors: Potter Daniel
Published: June 2014

Children in traditional families (i.e., married, 2 biological parents) tend to do better than their peers in nontraditional families. An exception to this pattern appears to be children from same‐sex parent families. Children with lesbian mothers or gay fathers do not exhibit the poorer outcomes typically associated with nontraditional families. Studies of same‐sex parent families, however, have relied on a static conceptualization of the family and discounted the importance of the timing and number of family transitions for understanding children's outcomes. To examine whether same‐sex parent families represent an exception among nontraditional families, the author used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten cohort (N = 19,043) to create a dynamic indicator of children's family structure and tested its association with math assessment scores. The results indicated that children in same‐sex parent families scored lower than their peers in married, 2‐biological parent households, but the difference was nonsignificant net of family transitions.
Relationship Quality in Marital and Cohabiting Unions Across Europe
Authors: Aarskaug Wiik Kenneth , Keizer Renske , Lappegård Trude
Published: June 2014

In this study, the authors used data from the first wave of the Generations and Gender Survey to investigate relationship quality among currently married and cohabiting individuals ages 18 to 55 (N = 41,760) in 8 European countries (Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Romania, Russia, and The Netherlands). They expected to find fewer differences between cohabitation and marriage in countries where cohabitation is widespread. Controlling for a range of selection characteristics of respondents and their partners (e.g., common children, union duration, and education), the analyses showed that in all countries cohabiters more often had breakup plans and were less satisfied with their relationships than individuals who married. This cohabitation gap in relationship quality was largest in Russia, Romania, and Germany, which indeed were among the countries in the current sample where cohabitation was least prevalent.
Racial Differences in Exposure and Reactivity to Daily Family Stressors
Authors: Cichy Kelly E. , Stawski Robert S. , Almeida David M.
Published: June 2014

Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences, the authors examined racial differences in exposure and reactivity to daily stressors involving family members. Respondents included African American and European American adults age 34 to 84 (N = 1,931) who participated in 8 days of daily interviews during which they reported on daily stressors, affect, and physical health symptoms. The results revealed racial similarities in family stressor exposure. Both races were also emotionally reactive to family arguments and family network events (i.e., events that happen to a family member), whereas African Americans were more physically reactive to family arguments. For African Americans, reactivity to family arguments endured; the increased negative affect and physical symptoms associated with family arguments lasted into the next day. The findings provide evidence for racial similarities and differences, suggesting that family relationships are universally stressful, whereas the negative effects of family stressors are more enduring among African Americans.
The Role of Pre‐ and Postconception Relationships for First‐Time Parents
Authors: Rackin Heather , Gibson‐Davis Christina M.
Published: June 2014

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, a nationally representative cohort of young adults, the authors analyzed relationship type at the time of a first birth (N = 4,044). More than 10% of births were to a postconception cohabiting household (cohabitations that were initiated between conception and birth), a higher proportion of births than those born to postconception married households. Individuals in postconception and preconception cohabiting relationships (cohabitations that existed prior to conception) were demographically similar; both groups were associated with lower levels of socioeconomic advantage relative to those in preconception and postconception marriage. Postconception and preconception cohabiting relationships were associated with similar levels of dissolution, as 40% dissolved within 3 years of a child's birth. Having a marital union, rather than whether relationship was established pre‐ or postconception, was more strongly associated with who selected into the relationship and how long the relationship lasted.
Impact of Widowhood on Parent–Child Relations: Does Parents' Personality Matter?
Authors: Pai Manacy , Ha Jung‐Hwa
Published: June 2014

The authors evaluated the extent to which the short‐term effect of late life widowhood on parent–child relationships is moderated by 5 personality traits—Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, and Openness to Experience—and how these interactive effects differ by gender. Data were from the Changing Lives of Older Couples Study (N = 1,532). The results indicated that the effects of widowhood on positive and negative interactions with children were significantly moderated by Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Openness to Experience. An agreeable personality helped widowed persons receive more positive interactions, whereas Openness to Experience reduced negative interactions. Widowed persons with higher Extraversion reported more negative interactions. Furthermore, moderating effects of Extraversion and Openness to Experience differed by gender; specifically, higher Extraversion scores predicted increased positive interactions with children for widowed women but decreased positive interactions for widowed men. The significant association between Openness to Experience and decreased negative interactions with children was more apparent among men than among women.
Helicopter Parents and Landing Pad Kids: Intense Parental Support of Grown Children
Authors: Fingerman Karen L. , Cheng Yen‐Pi , Wesselmann Eric D. , Zarit Steven , Furstenberg Frank , Birditt Kira S.
Published: June 2014

Popular media describe adverse effects of helicopter parents who provide intense support to grown children, but few studies have examined implications of such intense support. Grown children (N = 592, M age = 23.82 years, 53% female, 35% members of racial/ethnic minority groups) and their parents (N = 399, M age = 50.67 years, 52% female; 34% members of racial/ethnic minority groups) reported on the support they exchanged with one another. Intense support involved parents' providing several types of support (e.g., financial, advice, emotional) many times a week. Parents and grown children who engaged in such frequent support viewed it as nonnormative (i.e., too much support), but grown children who received intense support reported better psychological adjustment and life satisfaction than grown children who did not receive intense support. Parents who perceived their grown children as needing too much support reported poorer life satisfaction. The discussion focuses on generational differences in the implications of intense parental involvement during young adulthood.
Becoming a Parent and Relationship Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Dyadic Perspective
Authors: Keizer Renske , Schenk Niels
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the extent to which women's and men's relationship satisfaction within couples is similarly or differently affected by becoming a parent and the extent to which changes in work hours and hours spent on household labor affect a person's own and his or her spouse's relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood. The authors conducted longitudinal dyadic analyses, based on 12 waves of the British Household Panel Study (BHPS). They selected 689 couples who remained together during the period of observation and who were employed, childless, and living with their partner (of which 28% married) at the first moment of observation. The results revealed that relationship satisfaction of both members in a couple changed in tandem. Although work hours and household labor had some effect on people's own and their spouse's relationship satisfaction, these factors did not account for the U‐shaped relationship satisfaction pattern associated with the transition to parenthood.
Marriage, Cohabitation, and Happiness: A Cross‐National Analysis of 27 Countries
Authors: Lee Kristen Schultz , Ono Hiroshi
Published: June 2014

The authors investigated how the reported happiness of married and cohabiting individuals varies cross‐nationally with societal gender beliefs and religious context. They used the 2002 International Social Survey Programme data from 27 countries (N = 36,889) and specified hierarchical linear models with macro – micro level interactions in order to examine how the social – institutional context affects happiness at the individual level. Consistent with previous research, they found a happiness gap between married and cohabiting persons. In the case of women, this gap was moderated by the gender climate and the religious context in the country. This suggests that, at least for women, this gap is not intractable but is rather an outcome of the social context. For men, the relationship between marital status and happiness was less variable across the different social contexts studied.
Political Activism of Palestinian Youth: Exploring Individual, Parental, and Ecological Factors
Authors: Spellings Carolyn R. , Barber Brian K. , Olsen Joseph A.
Published: June 2014

The growing literature on youth and political conflict has not included an adequate focus on youth activism. To address this deficit, this study used youth‐ and parent‐reported data (N = 6,718) from the 1994–1995 Palestinian Family Study to test an ecological model of family influence (parents' activism, expectations for their adolescents' activism, support, psychological control), youth characteristics (self‐evaluation), and elements of the broader social ecology (socioeconomic status, religiosity, and region of residence) predicting Palestinian 9th graders' political activism during the first intifada (1987–1993). Parental activism was the strongest predictor of youth activism, both directly and via parental expectations for activism. Classic parenting behaviors were not systematically useful in understanding activism; neither were socioeconomic status or religiosity. The model applied equally well for sons and daughters, with the exception that maternal activism contributed uniquely to daughters' activism beyond the significant effect of fathers' activism.
Marital and Cohabitation Dissolution and Parental Depressive Symptoms in Fragile Families
Authors: Kamp Dush Claire M.
Published: June 2014

The consequences of divorce are pronounced for parents of young children, and cohabitation dissolution is increasing in this population and has important implications. The mental health consequences of union dissolution were examined, by union type and parental gender, using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n= 1,998 for mothers and 1,764 for fathers). Overall, cohabitation and marital dissolution were both associated with increased maternal and paternal depressive symptoms, though for married mothers, depressive symptoms returned to predissolution levels with time. Difference‐in‐difference estimates indicated no differences in the magnitude of the increase in depressive symptoms by type of dissolution, though pooled difference models suggested that married fathers increased in depressive symptoms more than cohabiting fathers. Potential time‐variant mediators did not account for these associations, though greater family chaos was associated with increased maternal depressive symptoms, and decreased social support and father–child contact were associated with increased paternal depressive symptoms.
Marital Quality, Gender, and Markers of Inflammation in the MIDUS Cohort
Authors: Donoho Carrie J. , Crimmins Eileen M. , Seeman Teresa E.
Published: June 2014

Marital quality is an important factor for understanding the relationship between marriage and health. Low‐quality relationships may not have the same health benefits as high‐quality relationships. To understand the association between marital quality and health, we examined associations between two indicators of marital quality (marital support and marital strain) and two biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin‐6 and C‐reactive protein) among men and women in long‐term marriages using data from the Survey of Midlife in the United States (N = 542). Lower levels of spousal support were associated with higher levels of inflammation among women but not men. Higher levels of spousal strain were weakly and inconsistently associated with higher levels of inflammation among women and men; the effects were diminished with the addition of psychosocial and behavioral covariates. These findings suggest marital quality is an important predictor of inflammation, especially among women.
Gendered Divisions of Fertility Work: Socioeconomic Predictors of Female Versus Male Sterilization
Authors: Bertotti Andrea M.
Published: June 2014

Domestic labor researchers have examined a multitude of duties disproportionately performed by women, yet the responsibility associated with navigating a couple's fertility—fertility work—has been overlooked. Using data from the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth (N = 1,415), the author examined how racial and socioeconomic factors affect the division of contraceptive fertility work among married and cohabiting women who rely on either their partners' vasectomies or their own sterilizations. Drawing theoretical connections between fertility work and housework, resource‐ and gender‐based perspectives were used to assess whether women's or their partners' characteristics are stronger predictors of sterilization type, and whether women's absolute or relative education level has a greater impact. Findings suggest that White and socioeconomically privileged women are more likely to have vasectomized partners than disadvantaged women. Male partners' characteristics were more closely associated with sterilization type than women's characteristics, lending greater support for the gender‐based hypotheses.
Marital Well‐being and Religiousness as Mediated by Relational Virtue and Equality
Authors: Day Randal D. , Acock Alan
Published: June 2014

This study investigated religiousness and couple well‐being as mediated by relational virtue and equality. Relational spiritual framework theory posits that religiousness is associated with couple well‐being through relational virtues (e.g., forgiveness, commitment, and sacrifice). Theories of relational inequality postulate that religion decreases couple well‐being and indirectly lessens couple well‐being. Data from a 3‐year longitudinal community sample of 354 married couples were used. The authors found that religiousness's relationship to couple well‐being was fully mediated by relational virtue but was not connected to relational inequality. They also found that relational inequality was associated with women's conflict, men's conflict, and marital instability. They did not find that higher religiousness benefits marital outcomes directly. Although these findings do not support the idea that religious activities are directly associated with stronger relationships, the data did show that religiousness can contribute to expressed relational virtue, and relational virtue in turn is associated with marital well‐being.
Marital Satisfaction, Family Emotional Expressiveness, Home Learning Environments, and Children's Emergent Literacy
Authors: Froyen Laura C. , Skibbe Lori E. , Bowles Ryan P. , Blow Adrian J. , Gerde Hope K.
Published: June 2014

The current study investigates associations among marital satisfaction, family emotional expressiveness, the home learning environment, and preschool‐aged children's emergent literacy skills among 385 Midwestern mothers and their children. Path analyses examined how marital satisfaction related to emotional expressiveness in the home and whether this path was associated with the home learning environment and children's literacy skills. Higher maternal satisfaction was associated with higher levels of positive and lower levels of negative family emotional expressiveness. Additionally, family emotional environments characterized by mothers with higher positive expression were related to better home learning environments, which in turn were associated with higher literacy skills in children. Study findings underscore the importance of marital and family processes when considering young children's academic development.
New Climate‐Proof Cropping Systems in Dry Areas of the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Jacobsen S.‐E.
Published: June 2014

A climate‐proof cropping system is a system which is able to mitigate the effects of climate change, which often are unpredictable and extreme. The special issue is related to the subject of improving cropping systems in the Mediterranean region, which is one of the regions in the world facing most severe consequences of climate changes, under influence of multiple abiotic stresses. These stresses are becoming even more pronounced under changing climate, resulting in drier conditions, increasing temperatures and greater variability, causing desertification. This topic has been addressed in the EU FP7 project entitled ‘Sustainable water use securing food production in dry areas of the Mediterranean region (SWUP‐MED)’ working on climate‐proof cropping systems in Morocco, Syria, Turkey and southern Europe, collaborating with UK, Denmark and Australia. The results are valid for other parts of the world, where Mediterranean climate is found, such as Western Australia and Western Chile, and in many dry areas of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Preparation and Dielectric Characterization of Lead‐Free Niobate Glass‐Ceramic Composites Added with Lu2O3
Authors: Tian Yuming , Zhou Yi , Du Jun
Published: June 2014

Lead‐free niobate glass‐ceramic composites added with Lu2O3 were synthesized through melt‐quenching followed by controlled crystallization techniques. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy showed that a minor phase determined as LuNbO4 was formed as the Lu2O3 addition exceeded 1 mol% in the basic glass‐ceramic. The formation of LuNbO4 was due to the saturation of Lu3+ doping in the major crystalline phases. Analyses of the dielectric properties and breakdown strength (BDS) indicated that they were closely related to the formation of this new minor phase. Although the dielectric constant was not increased continuously, the dielectric loss tangent was well controlled below 0.017, and the BDS increased from 40.2 to 47.2 kV/mm for the glass‐ceramic composites with increasing Lu2O3 addition. This study provided the Lu2O3 added lead‐free niobate glass‐ceramic as an attractive candidate for making high‐energy density capacitors.
Fracture Toughness of Plasma‐Sprayed Thermal Barrier Ceramics: Influence of Processing, Microstructure, and Thermal Aging
Authors: Dwivedi Gopal , Viswanathan Vaishak , Sampath Sanjay , Shyam Amit , Lara‐Curzio Edgar
Published: June 2014

Fracture toughness of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) has gained significant interest in recent years as one of the dominant design parameters dictating selection of materials and assessing durability. Much progress has been made in characterizing and understanding fracture toughness of relevant TBC compositions in their bulk form, but it is also apparent that the toughness is significantly affected by process‐induced microstructural defects. In this investigation, a systematic study of the influence of coating microstructure on the fracture toughness of atmospheric plasma‐sprayed TBCs has been carried out. Yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings were fabricated under different process conditions inducing different levels of porosity and defect densities. Fracture toughness was measured on free‐standing coatings in as‐processed and thermally aged conditions using the double torsion technique. Results indicate significant variance in fracture toughness among coatings with different microstructures including changes induced by thermal aging. Comparative studies were also conducted on an alternative composition, Gd2Zr2O7 which, as anticipated, shows significantly lower fracture toughness compared to YSZ. The results not only point toward a need for process and microstructure optimization for enhancing TBC performance, but also a framework for establishing performance metrics for promising new TBC compositions.
Prolactin induces the production of Th17 and Th1 cytokines/chemokines in murine Imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform skin
Authors: Hau C.S. , Kanda N. , Tada Y. , Shibata S. , Sato S. , Watanabe S.
Published: June 2014

Background

Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary‐derived neuropeptide hormone that has been suggested to promote the development of psoriasis, a Th17/Th1‐mediated inflammatory dermatosis. PRL increases the expression of Th1 cytokines; however, its effects on Th17 responses are unknown.

Objective

This study aims to determine the in vivo effects of PRL on the expression of Th17 cytokines/chemokines in imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform skin inflammation in mice.

Methods

BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with PRL or phosphate‐buffered saline, and imiquimod cream or Vaseline was applied to the shaved back skin for six consecutive days.

Results

Intraperitoneal PRL increased the mRNA levels of IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐22, IL‐23p19, IL‐12p40, CCL20 and STAT3 in imiquimod‐treated skin. Mice treated with imiquimod plus PRL, but not those treated with imiquimod plus phosphate‐buffered saline, showed significantly increased mRNA levels of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐12p35 and CXCL2 compared with controls. Intraperitoneal PRL increased the numbers of CD3+ and GR‐1+ cells in the dermis of imiquimod‐treated skin.

Conclusions

These results suggest that intraperitoneal PRL enhances the expression of Th17 and Th1 cytokines/chemokines, and augments inflammation in imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform skin. Prolactin may thus exacerbate psoriasis through the enhancement of Th17/Th1 responses.
Lessons from 28 cases of reconstruction by lenticular island pedicle flap at a single institution
Authors: Hata H. , Aoyagi S. , Homma E. , Shimizu H.
Published: June 2014

Background

Lenticular island pedicle flap (LIPF) has been reported to be one of the most useful techniques for reconstructing middle cheek skin defects. LIPF may have been used all over the world on a daily basis; however, no reports have examined a large number of LIPF cases at a single institution.

Materials and methods

A total of 28 cases of reconstruction by LIPF at the Hokkaido University Hospital from 2005 to 2013 were analysed. We examined the tumour type, location, area of defect and presence/absence of antithrombotic treatment and complications, including transient circulatory impairment, damage to facial nerves and eyelid ectropion.

Results

We found that nine patients had transiently impaired circulation. This complication was statistically more frequent in the patients without antithrombotic treatment than in the patients with antithrombotic treatment (0/8 vs. 10/20, P = 0.0292; Fisher's exact test).

Conclusion

We revelled that LIPF have been safely performed even under antithrombotic treatment, so, when patients are taking antithrombotic agents, we should choose LIPF rather than conventional flap including cheek flap, island pedicle flap and so on.
Mucosal leishmaniasis of the lip: an emerging clinical form in Tunisia
Authors: Hammami‐Ghorbel H. , Ben Abda I. , Badri T. , Chelbi H. , Fenniche S. , Mokhtar I. , Bouratbine A. , Benmously‐Mlika R. , Aoun K.
Published: June 2014

Background

Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), which mostly occurs in the New World, is mainly associated with Leishmania braziliensis. Primary lip ML is very rare in the Mediterranean basin and particulary in Tunisia despite the endemicity of both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in this area.

Objectives

To highlight a recent emergence of primary lip ML in Tunisia, to describe its epidemiological and clinical features and to identify the causative Leishmania species.

Methods

Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data of 10 cases presenting a ML of the lip were collected. Diagnosis confirmation of leishmaniasis was obtained by microscopic examination of Leishmania parasites in Giemsa stained smears of the lesion sampling and in cutaneous biopsies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detecting Leishmania DNA directly from dermal scraping was also performed for diagnosis and species identification.

Results

Seven men and three women with lip ML were diagnosed during the last 6 years (2008‐2013). The mean age was 29.7 years. Clinical presentation was characterized by an infiltrated and ulcerated plaque leading to macrocheilitis involving the upper lip in eight cases and the lower lip in two cases. Mean diagnosis delay was 6.9 months. PCR identified L. infantum in seven cases and L. major in two cases. Seven patients received intramuscular injections of meglumine antimoniate (MA) and three patients received both MA intralesional injections of MA and cryotherapy. A clinical remission was rapidly observed in all cases (on average in 2.2 months).

Conclusions

Primary lip ML is emerging in Tunisia. Macrocheilitis of the upper lip is the main clinical presentation. PCR revealed more sensitive than direct examination in the diagnosis of such form (P < 0.01). Leishmania infantum was the most identified species (7 cases) while L major was involved in only two lesions. A benign local evolution and a rapid recovery were observed in all cases after MA treatment.
Premature newborns with fatal intrauterine herpes simplex virus‐1 infection: first report of twins and review of the literature
Authors: Pichler M. , Staffler A. , Bonometti N. , Messner H. , Deluca J. , Thuile T. , Kluge R. , Schmuth M. , Eisendle K.
Published: June 2014

Background

Neonates with blistering skin diseases are dermatologic emergencies. The pathologies involved can pose diagnostic difficulties and there exists a variety of potential life‐threatening differential diagnoses.

Objective

description of the first case of intrauterine acquired herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 infection in twins.

Methods

We present the case of two premature bicordial biamniotic twins (27th week of gestation) whose intrauterine growth retardation, fetal anaemia and cardiotocography abnormalities led to a caesarean emergency delivery.

Results

Accurate medical history revealed a maternal febrile gingivostomatitis at the 23rd week of gestation, which was neglected by the treating gynaecologist. Respiratory distress was present at delivery and intubation was necessary in both children. The whole skin showed extensive erosions and ulcerations and the mucosa of the eyes and genitals was also involved. Intrauterine Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 infection was confirmed by immunohistochemistry of skin Tzanck smear (HSV 1 positive, HSV 2 negative), real‐time polymerase chain reaction of both serum and skin (HSV 1 positive; HSV 2 negative) and maternal serology positive for HSV 1 IgM and IgG. Siblings were immediately treated with high‐dose endovenous acyclovir. Anaemia thrombocytopenia and hepatorenal values markedly deteriorated and both developed consequential hepatorenal failure. The third day live supportive measures were terminated after parental informed consent and both siblings deceased shortly after on their mother's breast.

Discussion

Intrauterine HSV infection is rare and accounts only for 5% of neonatal HSV infections. Literature reports only 64 cases and 90% of those are related to HSV‐2. Transplacental viral transmission is highest during the first 20 weeks of gestation and has been observed in pregnant women with disseminated HSV infection. Mortality and morbidity of intrauterine herpetic infection are extremely high.

Conclusion

Despite transplacental HSV transmission remains a rare event, the potential devastating outcome justifies immediate adequate antiviral treatment in a pregnant woman affected by primary HSV infection.
Heritability of flight and resting metabolic rates in theGlanville fritillary butterfly
Authors: Mattila A. L. K. , Hanski I.
Published: June 2014

Dispersal capacity is a key life‐history trait especially in species inhabiting fragmented landscapes. Evolutionary models predict that, given sufficient heritable variation, dispersal rate responds to natural selection imposed by habitat loss and fragmentation. Here, we estimate phenotypic variance components and heritability of flight and resting metabolic rates (RMRs) in an ecological model species, theGlanville fritillary butterfly, in which flight metabolic rate (FMR) is known to correlate strongly with dispersal rate. We modelled a two‐generation pedigree with the animal model to distinguish additive genetic variance from maternal and common environmental effects. The results show thatFMRis significantly heritable, with additive genetic variance accounting for about 40% of total phenotypic variance; thus,FMRhas the potential to respond to selection on dispersal capacity. Maternal influences on flight metabolism were negligible. Heritability of flight metabolism was context dependent, as in stressful thermal conditions, environmentally induced variation dominated over additive genetic effects. There was no heritability inRMR, which was instead strongly influenced by maternal effects. This study contributes to a mechanistic understanding of the evolution of dispersal‐related traits, a pressing question in view of the challenges posed to many species by changing climate and fragmentation of natural habitats.