bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: The Scope of Religious Influences on Personal and Societal Well‐Being
Authors: Paloutzian Raymond F. , Kirkpatrick Lee A.
Published: April 2010

That religious belief and behavior have far‐reaching influences on personal and social life, in both beneficial and deleterious ways, is self‐evident. The purpose of the present volume is to examine religious influences on a variety of aspects of well‐being, broadly defined to include both personal and societal levels of analysis. Religion and well‐being are both multifaceted constructs, and the empirical relationships between them prove to be highly complex. The authors in this volume examine these relationships across a diverse sampling of conceptualizations of well‐being (coping, mental health, physical health, and substance abuse and recovery), social issues and problems (religion‐related and ritualistic child abuse, prejudice and right‐wing authoritarianism, and HIV infection), and special populations (adolescents and the elderly).
Religious Aspects of Substance Abuse and Recovery
Authors: Gorsuch Richard L.
Published: April 2010

Studies have typically found less substance abuse among highly religious people than among less religious people. Some research suggests that religiousness is associated with lower substance abuse because religious people have been socialized to accept antiabuse norms, are involved with antiabuse peers, and have a mechanism for satisfying needs for social contact and meaning in life. However, the relationship occurs only for a nurturing and supportive religiousness, and not for a restrictive, negativistic, and ritualistic religiousness. While religiousness has seldom been a variable in the treatment of substance abuse, the available data suggest that, for religious people who desire that their beliefs be considered in such treatment, the treatment may be effective if it shifts abusers from restrictive, negativistic, and ritualistic religiosity, and toward nurturing and supportive religiousness. Knowledge of this research may help nonreligious institutions in their efforts to treat substance abuse.
Religion and Prejudice: The Role of Religious Fundamentalism, Quest, and Right‐Wing Authoritarianism
Authors: Hunsberger Bruce
Published: April 2010

Does religion contribute to, or inhibit, prejudice? Although major world religions espouse tolerance and love toward others, empirical evidence provides little support for the effectiveness of such religious teachings, and a considerable body of research suggests that, at a general (and simplistic) level, religion and prejudice are positively correlated. Suggestions that this relationship is actually curvilinear and possibly a result of differences in intrinsic I extrinsic religious orientation are questioned. Recent investigations suggest that conceptualizations of religious fundamentalism and quest offer better ways of distinguishing between more and less prejudiced individuals. Further, the fundamentalism and quest relationships with prejudice are especially meaningful in light of an association with right‐wing authoritarianism. Limitations and implications of the related research are discussed. In the end, it would seem that it is not religion per se, but rather the ways in which individuals hold their religious beliefs, which are associated with prejudice.
Religion as a Community Resource for Well‐Being: Prevention, Healing, and Empowerment Pathways
Authors: Maton Kenneth I. , Wells Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2010

The potential of religion as a resource for well‐being is examined, with special focus on prevention, healing, and empowerment pathways of influence— pathways operative both inside congregations and in outreach to the community beyond the congregation. Concerning the prevention pathway, religion offers potentially important access to families and children, and the resources of support, lifestyle values, community access, and volunteers. For the healing pathway, religion offers unique and powerful means and vantage points for influencing cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. Concerning group empowerment, religion has the potential to facilitate groups' critical awareness of oppressive forces, to offer compelling alternative visions and cultural values, and to mobilize human and institutional resources. Psychologists are encouraged to focus more effort on learning from and working with religion and religious organizations to enhance their potential for prevention, healing, and empowerment in the community. A number of limitations and potential negative influences of religion in community contexts are also discussed.
Obedience in Retrospect
Authors: Elms Alan C.
Published: April 2010

Milgram's original paradigm for studying obedience to authority is briefly described, and the main results are summarized. Personal observations of the conduct of the initial studies give added context for interpreting the results. Psychologists' reactions to the Milgram experiments are discussed in terms of(1) rejecting the research on ethical grounds, (2) explaining away the results as expressions of trivial phenomena, (3) subsuming obedience to destructive authority under other explanatory rubrics, and (4) endorsing or rejecting the results in terms of their perceived social relevance or irrelevance.
When is “Obedience” Obedience? Conceptual and Historical Commentary
Authors: Lutsky Neil
Published: April 2010

This article reassesses the role of obedience to authority in the Milgram experiment and in the Holocaust. I argue that the term “obedience” can be used to both describe and explain the behavior of subjects in Milgram's experiment, and that a failure to distinguish the two uses conceptually has led to an inflated sense of the extent to which Milgram's experiment demonstrates underlying obedience to authority. The article also reviews empirical evidence and alternative analyses to show that when authority influences behavior in the experiment, it may do so for reasons other than the subjects' felt obligation to obey. Finally, I suggest that contemporary history presents a more complex and problematic view of the Holocaust than that implied by social psychology's application of obedience to authority.
The Child Care Crisis: Implications for the Growth and Development of the Nation's Children
Authors: Zigler Edward F. , Finn‐Stevenson Matia
Published: April 2010

The child care issue in the U.S. has reached crisis proportions. This article begins by describing the extent and nature of the problem. The 1990 Child Care and Development Act is a step, albeit an imperfect one, toward solving the problem. Several guidelines for developing an effective child care system are articulated. One approach, the School of the 21st Century, is described and preliminary evidence of its effectiveness is presented. Concluding reflections are offered on overcoming barriers in order to establish quality day care services.
Psychological, Cultural, and Informational Barriers to Sustainability
Authors: Milbrath Lester W.
Published: April 2010

The path to societal sustainability is strewn with barriers, opponents, and traps. That path is mainly uncharted and we can only imagine the barriers that lie ahead. By rehearsing in our minds what the barriers will look like and how they might be surmounted, we will be better prepared for the arduous expedition. Some of the barriers result from deficiencies in consciousness, knowledge, and information. People cannot intentionally change things they do not cognize. Significant barriers are being erected by opponents of environmental protection. Additional barriers stem from being trapped in our culture. Becoming aware of these barriers constitutes the first step toward finding ways to surmount them. I suggest possible solutions for some barriers but others defy solution at this time.
Global Concern for the Environment: Is Affluence a Prerequisite?
Authors: Dunlap Riley E. , Mertig Angela G.
Published: April 2010

It is widely assumed that public concern for environmental quality is dependent on affluence, and is therefore stronger in wealthy nations than in poor nations. This assumption is tested via results from a 1992 international survey conducted by the George H. Gallup International Institute that obtained data on a wide range of environmental perceptions and opinions from citizens in 24 economically and geographically diverse nations. Aggregate, national‐level scores for a variety of measures of public concern for environmental quality were created and correlated with per capita gross national product. Although the results vary considerably depending upon the measure, overall national affluence is more often negatively rather than positively related to citizen concern for environmental quality—contradicting conventional wisdom.
Determinants of Responsible Environmental Behavior
Authors: McKenzie‐Mohr Doug , Nemiroff Lisa Sara , Beers Laurie , Desmarais Serge
Published: April 2010

Attaining a sustainable future will involve dramatic changes to contemporary lifestyles. In order to promote these changes effectively it is essential to have a clear comprehension of the variables characteristic of individuals who engage in responsible environmental behavior. To this end, this paper presents three studies. The first study illustrates that no common set of variables can be used to predict a wide range of proenvironmental activity. The second study clarifies the factors that predict householders' composting, while the third study investigates householders who invest in energy efficiency.
The Ecology of Empowerment: Predicting Participation in Community Organizations
Authors: Perkins Douglas D. , Brown Barbara B. , Taylor Ralph B.
Published: April 2010

The community empowerment model of grassroots organizing is briefly described. A particular ecological framework of physical, economic, and social environmental predictors of citizen participation in grassroots community or ganizations is presented. Individual and block‐level (contextual) survey and observational data from New York City, Baltimore, and Salt Lake City were used to predict residents' participation in such organizations, cross‐sectionally and after a one‐year time lag. Longitudinal data from one city were used to predict the viability of block associations seven years later. Crime and fear were unrelated to participation. Defensible space, territoriality, and physical incivilities were sometimes negatively and sometimes positively related to participation. Income, home ownership, minority status, and residential stability were positively, but inconsistently, related to participation. Community‐focused social cognitions (organizational efficacy, civic responsibility, community attachments) and behaviors (neighboring, volunteer work through churches and other community organizations) were consistently and positively predictive of participation at both the individual and block levels. The model explained up to 28% of the variance in individual participation and up to 52% of the variance in block‐level participation. Implications for theory, research, and community organizing are discussed.
Grassroots Organizing with Homeless People: A Participatory Research Approach
Authors: Yeich Susan
Published: April 2010

This article discusses Participatory Research (PR), an intervention approach that involves oppressed people in the analysis of and solutions to social problems. A case study is provided to illustrate the application of PR's principles and components. The project involved the creation of a Homeless Persons Union, whose purpose was to empower participants both individually and collectively in a political struggle against homelessness. PR is suggested as a useful approach for researchers and activists engaged in grassroots organizing.
Persuasion and Democracy: Strategies for Increasing Deliberative Participation and Enacting Social Change
Authors: Pratkanis Anthony R. , Turner Marlene E.
Published: April 2010

Grassroots action can be undertaken as the result of either deliberative persuasion (a process that encourages thought, reflection, and critical analysis) or propaganda (a process that truncates thought through the use of simplistic symbols and images that play on prejudices and emotions). True democratic social change can only be accomplished by encouraging deliberative persuasion and forestalling propaganda. Effective deliberative persuasion can be accomplished when participants are both motivated and capable of issue processing and group decision making. To that end, we examine the characteristics of the persuasion landscape, identify barriers to deliberative persuasion, and describe some techniques for promoting deliberative persuasion.
Teen Nonmarital Childbearing and Welfare: The Gap Between Research and Political Discourse
Authors: Wilcox Brian L. , Robbennolt Jennifer K. , O'Keeffe Janet E. , Pynchon Marisa E.
Published: April 2010

Contemporary welfare reform efforts frequently include provisions intended to alter current policies that are presumed to provide incentives for out‐of‐wedlock childbearing, especially for adolescents. This article examines the political debate around “welfare incentive effects.” The history of the debate is briefly presented, followed by an introduction to both the federal cash welfare program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and the trends in both welfare use and adolescent pregnancy and nonmarital childbearing. Social science research examining the question of whether welfare is implicated as a significant cause of teen nonmarital childbearing is presented and discussed in light of the current policy debates.
Parental Leave: Policy and Research
Authors: Hyde Janet Shibley , Essex Marilyn J. , Clark Roseanne , Klein Marjorie H. , Byrd Janis E.
Published: April 2010

Parental leave, a key aspect of family policy, is a relatively new concept in the United States; it is crucial that policy development be guided by social science research. In this article we first review policy issues associated with parental leave. Following that, we consider relevant social science research pertaining to parental leave and mothers' and fathers' functioning (e.g., mental health, relationship with spouse and infant). We focus particularly on results emerging from the Wisconsin Maternity Leave and Health Project, which suggest, for example, that short leave (6 weeks or less) for women is a risk factor, when combined with other risk factors such as marital concerns, for depression. We conclude with policy implications of this and related research.
Affirmative Action: Linking Research, Policy, and Implementation
Authors: Skedsvold Paula R. , Mann Tammy L.
Published: April 2010

Although Americans value the principles of equality and fairness, our history shows that we have not always extended these rights and concerns to all groups of people. Since the implementation of civil rights initiatives in the middle of this century, social and economic progress has been made by traditionally disadvantaged groups, and now federal policymakers are considering whether policies designed to eliminate discriminatory practices and achieve equality are still needed. In this issue, we bring together a collection of articles that has relevance for public policy on affirmative action. This introductory article summarizes the research in this issue, and presents broad themes relevant to discussions of affirmative action. At the heart of a reconsideration of federal policy on affirmative action is the issue of fairness, and evaluations of fairness at both the macro, societal level and micro, individual level are considered.
Assessing Affirmative Action: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Murrell Audrey J. , Jones Ray
Published: April 2010

A fundamental goal of affirmative action is to eliminate both the consequences of past discrimination and likelihood of future discrimination. Thus, any assessment of the impact of affirmative action must examine two basic questions: (1) Have the consequences of discrimination been eliminated? (2) Are measures in place to prevent discrimination from occurring in the future? The basic conclusion that will be offered in this assessment is that while affirmative action has been successful in reducing some of the effects of discrimination, a wide variety of evidence suggests that the ultimate goal of affirmative action has yet to be reached. Some concerns and limitations of any attempt to assess the impact of affirmative action are discussed along with some thoughts about the future of these programs and policies.
Toward Equal Opportunities: Fairness, Values, and Affirmative Action Programs in the U.S
Authors: Chang Weining C.
Published: April 2010

Affirmative action has not been enjoying widespread support in the United States. This commentary addresses the issues of why the policy of affirmative action is not supported by some Americans. Equity and equality are values cherished by many Americans. Affirmative action as a means toward equality is seen as at odds with the principle of equity and meritocracy. At the center of the problem is a “sense of fairness.” Two issues may be involved in the judgment of fairness of affirmative action programs: (1) heightened salience of group identity and differences and (2) perceived scarcity of resources. Action programs can be designed to address the issue of functional integration, therefore reducing the salience of group differences. It is proposed that workforce diversity should be seen as a viable means toward economic expansion, which will help address the issue of scarcity.
The Proactive Removal of Discriminatory Barriers: Affirmative Action as Effective Help
Authors: Pratkanis Anthony R. , Turner Marlene E.
Published: April 2010

A review of the empirical literature shows that affirmative action has been moderately successful in increasing the representation of women and minorities in many organizations. However, the affirmative action recipient often must bear the stigma of “preferentially selected” —a stigma that can raise self‐doubts about one's ability and status. To account for these effects, we proposed a social psychological model of affirmative action as help (Turner & Pratkanis, 1994c). According to this model, help that does not conform to societal values and implies the recipient lacks certain abilities can be threatening and induce defensive behaviors. On the other hand, help that is directed toward removing discriminatory barriers does not produce these negative effects and can further the goals of an affirmative action program. We conclude by describing twelve principles for making affirmative action more effective.
Taking Affirmative Action in Education and Employment
Authors: Wittig Michele Andrisin
Published: April 2010

To complement psychological research evaluating the fairness, feasibility, and effectiveness of affirmative action policies and practices in the U.S., the author discusses the predictive validity of commonly used tests for educational and employment screening and selection and offers recommendations. The success of efforts to improve screening and selection systems rests on coordinating technical considerations and social structural concerns. At the technical level, racial group norming is not a substitute for direct improvement of test validity via the study of shared and unique group predictors. At the same time, affirmative action outreach and training as well as direct efforts to change the conditions that create the need for differential group predictors are in order. These efforts are needed in the short term to overcome barriers to equal opportunity in the long term.
Electrical Polarization of β‐Tricalcium Phosphate Ceramics
Authors: Wang Wei , Itoh Soichiro , Yamamoto Naoki , Okawa Atsushi , Nagai Akiko , Yamashita Kimihiro
Published: April 2010

The β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP)‐sintered pellets and powders were prepared and the ability of β‐TCP to store an electrical charge by electrical polarization was studied. The prepared β‐TCP was characterized by X‐ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Alternating‐current impedance conductivity and the energy of activation required for the ionic migration of β‐TCP were calculated. After electrical polarization of synthesized β‐TCP, the thermally stimulated depolarization current was measured, and the total stored charges in the samples were calculated. The energy of activation for the relaxation of electrical polarization in the synthesized β‐TCP pellets and powders approximated the energy of activation required for ionic migration in the β‐TCP pellets. It was confirmed that β‐TCP has a suitable composition and structure for ion conduction and a large electrical charge is stored in both the β‐TCP pellets and powders. Instead of proton transport polarization in hydroxyapatite, other charge carrier, such as Ca2+ or O2−, is assumed in β‐TCP, in which proton is not contained.
Microwave Sintering of Multilayer Integrated Passive Devices
Authors: Vaidhyanathan Balasubramaniam , Annapoorani Ketharam , Binner Jon , Raghavendra Ramesh
Published: April 2010

Microwave sintering of multilayer capacitor/varistor‐based integrated passive devices (IPDs) has been investigated for the first time. The sintered samples were characterized for density, microstructure, composition, and electrical performance. It was found that IPDs with varistor/capacitor formulations could be microwave sintered to fully dense device components within 3 h of total cycle time, which is <1/10th of the time required by conventional methods. Microwave sintering resulted in products with a finer grain structure and without delamination or significant interdiffusion between the ceramic/electrode and varistor/capacitor interfaces. The microwave method also completely eliminated the need for a separate binder burnt‐out step. The electrical properties of the microwave‐sintered samples were found to better or match those obtained by conventional, industrial processing. In general, the simplicity, rapidity, and superior product performance make the microwave technique an attractive sintering methodology for the processing of IPDs.
Electrode Properties of the Ruddlesden–Popper Series, Lan+1NinO3n+1 (n=1, 2, and 3), as Intermediate‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Takahashi Suguru , Nishimoto Shunsuke , Matsuda Motohide , Miyake Michihiro
Published: April 2010

The Ruddlesden–Popper phases, Lan+1NinO3n+1 (n=1, 2, and 3), were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction for use as cathodes in an intermediate‐temperature (500°–700°C) solid oxide fuel cell. The samples crystallized into an orthorhombic layered perovskite structure. The overall electrical conductivity increased with the increase of n in the intermediate temperature range. Single test‐cells, which consisted of samarium‐oxide‐doped ceria (SDC; Sm0.2Ce0.8Ox) as an electrolyte, Ni–SDC cermet (Ni–SDC) as an anode, and Lan+1NinO3n+1 as a cathode, were fabricated for measurements of cell performance at 500°–700°C. Current interruption measurements revealed that both the ohmic and overpotential losses at 700°C decreased with the increase of n. La4Ni3O10 was found to exhibit the best cathode characteristics in the Lan+1NinO3n+1 series. Maximum test‐cell power densities with La4Ni3O10 (n=3) were 10.2, 36.5, and 88.2 mW/cm2 at 500°, 600°, and 700°C, respectively.
Interaction Between Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers and Amorphous Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Habbaba Ahmad , Plank Johann
Published: April 2010

Ground granulated blast furnace slag produced in iron‐making is an amorphous, glassy material, which is widely used in blended cements. Here, the surface chemistry of slag dispersed in water and its behavior in cement paste were studied in the absence and presence of anionic dispersants. Three different slag samples possessing different oxide compositions and two polycarboxylate (PC) dispersants based on methacrylic acid—co—ω‐methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate ester were investigated. When suspended in deionized water, all slag samples released different amounts of Ca2+, K+, Na+, and OH− ions, thus producing pore solutions possessing high pH. Electrokinetic properties of slag suspensions were determined by zeta potential measurement, revealing that initially negatively charged slag adsorbs considerable amounts of Ca2+ ions on its surface until saturation is reached. Through this mechanism, slag attains a strongly positive zeta potential in pore solutions containing Ca2+ ions. Onto this positively charged layer of adsorbed Ca2+ ions, anionic PC dispersants adsorb, producing a Langmuir‐type adsorption isotherm. PC consumption generally correlates with the absolute value of the positive zeta potential of slag. The study demonstrates that when blended into cement, slag is not inert relative to anionic superplasticizers. Instead, competition occurs between cement and slag for the dispersant.
Luminescence Properties of Eu2+‐Doped Glass Ceramics Containing SrF2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Luo Qun , Qiao Xvsheng , Fan Xianping , Zhang Xianghua
Published: April 2010

The Eu2+‐doped glasses and glass ceramics containing SrF2 nanocrystals were prepared and their luminescence properties were investigated. The formation of SrF2 nanocrystals in glass ceramics was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The melting in a reducing atmosphere and then the crystallization of glass resulted in the reduction of almost all Eu3+ ions to Eu2+ ions in the glass ceramics. The Eu2+‐doped glass ceramics containing SrF2 nanocrystals exhibited a much stronger broad blue emission band and a longer lifetime of excited state than the glasses.
The Impact of Constructive Controversy on Moral Development
Authors: Tichy Michelle , Johnson David W. , Johnson Roger T. , Roseth Cary J.
Published: April 2010

We examined the effects of a constructive controversy compared with individualistic learning on 3rd, 4th, and 5th‐grade students' (N = 56) moral development, ethical skills, academic achievement, and attitudes toward social interdependence. The results indicated that participating in constructive controversy (compared with individualistic learning) resulted in greater moral development (i.e., moral reasoning, moral motivation, moral character), greater ethical skills (i.e., perspective taking, perception of self as a moral person, rule orientation), higher academic achievement, and more positive attitudes toward competition. These results extend constructive controversy theory, as well as Piagetian and social interdependent theories. They also provide guidance as to how discussions of moral dilemmas and conflicts among students should be structured and conducted.
Championing Diversity: The Influence of Personal and Organizational Antecedents
Authors: Cunningham George B. , Sartore Melanie L.
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this research was to examine antecedents of championing diversity (i.e., extra‐role behaviors aimed at ensuring the success of diversity initiatives). In Study 1 (N = 170 students), race and sex were marginally related to championing diversity, while extraversion, racial prejudice, and sexual prejudice held stronger associations with the behavior. In Study 2 (N = 299 employees), racial prejudice, sexual prejudice, and coworker support for diversity were all predictive of championing behavior. The findings suggest that both personal and social factors influence people's championing behaviors. Contributions, limitations, and future directions are advanced.
Muslim Discrimination: Evidence From Two Lost‐Letter Experiments
Authors: Ahmed Ali M.
Published: April 2010

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, there has been considerable concern about whether Muslims living in Western countries are targets of prejudice. A considerable amount of survey‐based evidence suggests that Muslims are victims of discrimination. This paper tested this hypothesis. Two lost‐letter experiments were conducted to test whether the difference in returned letters would be attributable to whether the addressee was Muslim or Swedish. The results show that Muslims receive far fewer letters than do Swedes. However, this discrimination only appears when the lost letters contain money; in which case, the finder gains by not posting the letter.
The Effects of Stereotyping and Implicit Theory on Benevolent Prejudice Toward Aboriginal Canadians
Authors: Werhun Cherie D. , Penner April J.
Published: April 2010

Stereotyping and implicit theory on benevolent prejudice toward an Aboriginal student were investigated in a mock work setting. In a 2 (Stereotype: prime vs. no prime) × 2 (Theory: entity vs. incremental) × 2 (Race: Aboriginal vs. Caucasian) between‐subjects design, non‐Aboriginal participants were primed or not primed with a negative Aboriginal stereotype and an entity or incremental implicit theory before evaluating an Aboriginal or Caucasian student. Consistent with a benevolent prejudice perspective, when primed with the stereotype, only participants holding an entity theory expressed greater desire to help the Aboriginal compared to the Caucasian candidate, despite both candidates demonstrating identical performance information. Implications for prejudice in work environments are discussed.
Brief Report: Physician Narcissism, Ego Threats, and Confidence in the Face of Uncertainty
Authors: Alexander G. Caleb , Humensky Jennifer , Guerrero Cesar , Park Hannah , Loewenstein George
Published: April 2010

Although adequate self‐esteem is essential for psychological health, people with high but fragile self‐esteem have been shown to exhibit defensive, often aggressive behavior when their self‐esteem is threatened. We measured physician narcissism (as a proxy for high but fragile self‐esteem) and used a subtle manipulation to examine how physicians who varied in levels of narcissism responded to an ego threat. We found that physicians high in narcissism, as compared with those lower in narcissism, were more likely to respond to ego threat by attempting to bolster their self‐image. Concerned about self‐image, physicians in this situation may be insufficiently receptive to new information and instead attempt to justify initial opinions.
Phenotype of NK Cells and Cytotoxic/Apoptotic Mediators Expression in Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Laskarin Gordana , Redzovic Arnela , Vukelic Petar , Veljkovic Danijela , Gulic Tamara , Haller Herman , Rukavina Daniel
Published: April 2010

Citation Laskarin G, Redzovic A, Vukelic P, Veljkovic D, Gulic T, Haller H, Rukavina D. Phenotype of NK cells and cytotoxic/apoptotic mediators expression in ectopic pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010

Problem  The expression of cytotoxic/apoptotic mediators and the phenotype characteristics of uterine NK cells (uNK) in tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) were investigated.

Method of study  Samples of uterine decidua and tubal mucosa as well as peripheral blood (PB) of the same women with EP were used for phenotype characterization of NK cells and detection of cytotoxic/apoptotic mediators and IL‐15.

Results  In tubal mucosa, perforin, FasL, granulysin and IL‐15 were almost completely absent, but they were present in normal and EP uterine deciduas. TRAIL was present on trophoblast and tubal mucosa, contrary to its lack in normal and EP uterine decidua. CD16−CD56dim NK cells, mostly CD94− and NKG2A−, predominate in tubal mucosa, whereas CD16−CD56bright NK cells, predominantly CD94+ and NKG2A+ prevail in EP uterine decidua. NK cells at the EP implantation site express lower percentages of perforin and granulysin, but they express a higher percentage of TRAIL than do EP uterine decidual and PB NK cells. Lower percentage of TNF‐α‐expressing and IL‐4‐expressing NK cells were found at the implantation site compared to EP uterine decidua.

Conclusions  Authentic uNK cell population seems to be insufficient to restrict trophoblast invasion because of low expression of cytotoxic/apoptotic mediators.
Using biological traits to assess how urbanization filters plant species of small woodlands
Authors: Vallet Jeanne , Daniel Hervé , Beaujouan Véronique , Rozé Françoise , Pavoine Sandrine
Published: April 2010

Question: Which biological traits (persistence, regeneration, dispersion traits and resource requirements) may explain the distribution of woodland flora along an urban–rural gradient?

Location: The study was carried out in three medium‐sized conurbations of north‐western France: Angers, Nantes and Rennes.

Methods: We sampled the vegetation of 36 small woodlands of about 1.5 ha composed of non‐planted vegetation along an urban–rural gradient. We characterized the position of woodlands along the urban–rural gradient by examining adjacent land cover. By using an ordination analysis (RLQ), we analysed which traits out of –23 tested were related to the contrasted distribution of species along the urban–rural gradient.

Results: Species that are more likely to be found in urban woodlands than rural woodlands have different persistence traits (higher specific leaf area, more often rosette or semi‐rosette form, less underground vegetative multiplication), resource requirements (affinity for base‐rich and fertile soils) and regeneration traits (short life‐span). Dispersion traits were not related to the distribution of species along the urban–rural gradient.

Conclusions: Our approach identifies traits that can help to determine the vulnerability of forest species as a result of the environmental changes that follow urbanization. Limiting the influence of the urban environment on habitat quality (particularly disturbance and soil enrichment) is likely to be of major importance in maintaining the plant biodiversity in woodlands.
Extraosseous osteosarcoma: Single institutional experience in Korea
Authors: LEE Soohyeon , LEE Mi Rae , LEE Su Jin , AHN Hee Kyung , YI Junho , YI Seong Yoon , SEO Sung Wook , SUNG Ki‐Sun , PARK Joon Oh , LEE Jeeyun
Published: April 2010

Aim:  Extraosseous osteosarcoma (EOO) is a rare soft tissue form of osteosarcoma without involvement of the skeletal system. Due to the rarity of disease, its clinical features and optimal treatment are yet to be defined.

Methods:  Between 1 January 1999 and 30 June 2008 ten patients were pathologically confirmed with extra‐skeletal osteosarcoma. A retrospective analysis of the ten patients was performed.

Results:  The anatomical distribution of the osteosarcomas was as follows: lower extremities (n = 3), upper extremities (n = 2), breast (n = 2), lung (n = 1), cheek (n = 1) and retroperitoneum (n = 1). Nine patients initially underwent resection of the primary mass. One patient, who received six cycles of adjuvant doxorubicin and cisplatin chemotherapy was alive in remission at 42.6 months. One patient with postoperative radiotherapy after curative surgery was alive in remission at 6.2 months. However, all three patients who received curative resection but no postoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy died of the disease at 10.7, 11.1 and 15.6 months after surgery. The median time to failure was only 4.4 months (95% CI, 0.6, 8.2 months) and the median survival time of all patients was only 11.1 months (95% CI, 5.6, 16.6 months). At the time of analysis, seven patients were dead and all died of the disease recurrence.

Conclusion:  EOO should be treated as a soft tissue sarcoma with aggressive behavior and multimodality treatment should be actively sought to improve treatment outcome. The impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival of EOO needs further investigation.
Helping Young People Who Self‐Harm: Perspectives From England
Authors: Pryjmachuk Steven , Trainor Gemma
Published: April 2010

TOPIC:  Interventions for young people who self‐harm.

PURPOSE:  To inform the international community of concerns that have arisen in England in relation to self‐harm in young people, the therapies available to young people, and the evidence base for these therapies.

SOURCE(S) USED:  Published literature on the topic, together with the clinical and academic expertise of the paper's authors.

CONCLUSIONS:  A variety of treatment modalities (categorized according to whether they were individual, family, group, or psychopharmacological therapies) used in England with young people who self‐harm are discussed. The overall picture regarding these interventions is unclear: a few have no research evidence; some, however, do show promise though limitations in study design, and a lack of replication means no definitive conclusions can be drawn. There needs to be further research and development in this area, especially evaluative research of interventions. Nurses should play a lead role here as they are often in the most unique position to help young people who self‐harm.
Emotion Regulation Related to Children's Future Externalizing and Internalizing Behaviors
Authors: Bowie Bonnie H.
Published: April 2010

PROBLEM:  Emotion regulation in children is a construct with important theoretical and clinical implications for healthcare providers, yet currently there is not a reliable and valid instrument that can be easily administered to young children.

METHODS:  The study was based on interviews with 126 children ages 5.5–12 years from a longitudinal study conducted over 4 years. Reliability, internal construct, and discriminant and predictive validity were examined.

FINDINGS:  The study was able to distinguish between two types of emotions, sadness and anger, and provided evidence that outcomes may be different for each of these emotion dysregulations.

CONCLUSIONS:  This study provides empirical evidence that an interview with children as young as 5.5 years can provide researchers with a reliable and valid measure of emotion regulation.
Raising an Autistic Child: Perspectives From Turkish Mothers
Authors: Bilgin Hulya , Kucuk Leyla
Published: April 2010

PROBLEM:  Autism is an illness with severe deficits in reciprocal social interactions, imagination, communication, and restricted or unusual behavioral repertories that affect all areas of a child's life such as daily living activities, home/school life, and relationships with family members and others. Yet, there is much to be learned about the impact of this disorder on parents' experiences, and ways in which their lives are altered and ways that they can be assisted to better manage the home environment.

METHODS:  The purpose of this study was to explore and categorize the experiences of mothers having an autistic child using a phenomenological design in the qualitative tradition. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 43 mothers regarding their experiences with their autistic children. Data were analyzed with deductive content analysis based on coding, and were grouped into categories based on common themes. The distributions of common responses in categories were presented as percentages.

FINDINGS:  Based on this qualitative study, mothers expressed feelings of burden and stress because of their child's behaviors associated with autism, as well as their own role and future expectations, and the complexity of care needed by their children at home.

CONCLUSIONS:  This study provided new knowledge about the difficulties and experiences of mothers of autistic children in Turkey. The results underscored the needs of mothers who require support from family members, healthcare organizations, and society. The findings support the need for training programs for mothers and parents conducted by nurses and other healthcare professionals who have special knowledge and skill to provide education and modeling of therapeutic interventions.
Effect of Hydrodynamic Pressure Processing on the Processing and Quality Characteristics of Moisture‐Enhanced Pork Loins
Authors: Bowker B. , Liu M. , Callahan J. , Solomon M.
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to determine the influence of hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) and aging on the processing characteristics and final meat quality of moisture‐enhanced pork loins. Boneless pork loins (n = 24) were split into 3 portions and assigned treatments: control (non‐HDP treated, brine‐injected), HDP treated before brine‐injection, or HDP treated after brine‐injection. Pork loins were injected with a salt/phosphate/water solution to 110% of original weight on day 0, intermittently tumbled 3 h, and then held overnight. Meat quality and protein characteristics were measured on days 1 and 8. HDP‐treated loins had greater (P < 0.05) brine retention after overnight equilibration and a higher (P < 0.05) processing yield than controls. Warner–Bratzler shear force and expressible moisture decreased (P < 0.0001) with aging from days 1 to 8, but were not significantly affected by either HDP treatment. When the drip loss data from HDP treatments were pooled, HDP samples had lower drip loss values than controls. L* and b* measurements exhibited significant HDP by aging interaction effects, but a* was not influenced by either HDP or aging. Myofibrillar protein solubility and gel electrophoresis measurements of protein degradation were influenced by aging treatments. Data from this study suggest that HDP may have beneficial effects on the processing and final product quality of moisture‐enhanced pork loins.

Practical Application: This study demonstrates that hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) is an effective postharvest technology for improving the processing and meat quality characteristics of moisture‐enhanced pork loin products, benefiting both meat processors and consumers.
Efficacy of Sanitized Ice in Reducing Bacterial Load on Fish Fillet and in the Water Collected from the Melted Ice
Authors: Feliciano Lizanel , Lee Jaesung , Lopes John A. , Pascall Melvin A.
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the efficacy of sanitized ice for the reduction of bacteria in the water collected from the ice that melted during storage of whole and filleted Tilapia fish. Also, bacterial reductions on the fish fillets were investigated. The sanitized ice was prepared by freezing solutions of PRO‐SAN® (an organic acid formulation) and neutral electrolyzed water (NEW). For the whole fish study, the survival of the natural microflora was determined from the water of the melted ice prepared with PRO‐SAN® and tap water. These water samples were collected during an 8 h storage period. For the fish fillet study, samples were inoculated with Escherichia coli K12, Listeria innocua, and Pseudomonas putida then stored on crushed sanitized ice. The efficacies of these were tested by enumerating each bacterial species on the fish fillet and in the water samples at 12 and 24 h intervals for 72 h, respectively. Results showed that each bacterial population was reduced during the test. However, a bacterial reduction of < 1 log CFU was obtained for the fillet samples. A maximum of approximately 2 log CFU and > 3 log CFU reductions were obtained in the waters sampled after the storage of whole fish and the fillets, respectively. These reductions were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the water from sanitized ice when compared with the water from the unsanitized melted ice. These results showed that the organic acid formulation and NEW considerably reduced the bacterial numbers in the melted ice and thus reduced the potential for cross‐contamination.
First‐Session Competency: The Brief Strategic Therapy Scale‐1
Authors: Amini Rachelle L. , Woolley Scott R.
Published: April 2010

The first session in brief strategic therapy is the most critical phase of treatment. More than a mere “assessment phase,” the first session in a true intervention sets the stage for all subsequent therapeutic maneuvers. This article presents a supervisory observation tool, the Brief Strategic Therapy Scale‐1 (BSTS‐1), a fidelity measure proposed as a more formal method of analyzing performance and competency of the therapist for the first session. During scale development, a narrow group of expert judges defined the core skills of therapists and determined the structure/phases of a brief strategic therapy first session. In addition, expert collaborators gave feedback on the scale's usability. This article concludes with the BSTS‐1.
Selective aldosterone blocker, eplerenone, attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma growth and angiogenesis in mice
Authors: Kaji Kosuke , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Kitade Mitsuteru , Ikenaka Yasuhide , Noguchi Ryuichi , Shirai Yusaku , Yoshii Junichi , Yanase Koji , Namisaki Tadashi , Yamazaki Masaharu , Tsujimoto Tatsuhiro , Kawaratani Hideto , Fukui Hiroshi
Published: April 2010

Aim:  The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) has become known as a prerequisite for tumor angiogenesis, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although angiotensin II is known to play an important role in tumor growth and angiogenesis, the role of aldosterone (Ald) is still obscure. The aim of our current study was to elucidate the effect of eplerenone, a clinically used selective Ald blocker (SAB), on murine HCC development especially in conjunction with angiogenesis.

Methods:  To create an allograft model, we injected 1 × 106 of BNL‐HCC cells into the flanks of BALB/c mice. After the tumor was established, SAB was administrated at dose of 100 mg/kg per day.

Results:  Administration of SAB significantly suppressed HCC development along with inhibition of angiogenesis and expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor. SAB treatment resulted in a marked increase of apoptosis in the tumor, whereas tumor cell proliferation was not altered. Our in vitro study showed that SAB significantly suppressed the Ald‐induced endothelial proliferation and tubular formation through inhibition of phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2. On the contrary, neither Ald nor SAB affected the proliferation of HCC cells in vitro.

Conclusion:  Ald plays a pivotal role in HCC development through VEGF‐mediated tumor angiogenesis, and SAB may be a potential new strategy in HCC therapy in the future.
Effects of 1‐O‐hexyl‐2,3,5‐trimethylhydroquinone on carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic cirrhosis in rats
Authors: An Jun , Feng Guo‐Gang , Huang Lei , Kurokawa Tsuyoshi , Nonami Toshiaki , Koide Tatsuro , Kondo Fumio , Komatsu Toru , Tsunekawa Koji , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Goto Hidemi , Nishikawa Hiroshi , Miki Tokutaro , Sugiyama Satoru , Ishikawa Naohisa
Published: April 2010

Aim:  The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of 1‐O‐hexyl‐2,3,5‐trimethylhydroquinone (HTHQ), a synthesized vitamin E derivative, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced cirrhosis.

Methods:  Rats were treated with hypodermic injections of CCl4 twice a week to induce the hepatic cirrhosis, and given drinking water containing HTHQ or solvent. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were performed to evaluate the effects of HTHQ on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Results:  Masson's staining of rat livers showed fibrosis around pseudo‐lobules in the CCl4 group, the lesions being reduced in the CCl4 HTHQ group. Increases in liver tissue hydroxyproline and α1(I) collagen, α‐smooth muscle actin and iNOS induced by CCl4, were also markedly diminished by HTHQ. Furthermore, both HTHQ and vitamin E attenuated interleukin‐1β‐induced iNOS protein expression in cultured hepatocytes, the potency of HTHQ being 10‐times higher than that of vitamin E.

Conclusion:  HTHQ may inhibit development of hepatic cirrhosis in rats, more potently than vitamin E, by inhibiting the iNOS expression in hepatocytes. Because vitamin E has a radical scavenging action, roles of NO and peroxynitrite will be discussed in the effects of HTHQ on the fibrosis.