bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene Polymorphisms and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Okada Rieko , Kawai Sayo , Naito Mariko , Hishida Asahi , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Shinchi Koichi , Chowdhury Turin Tanvir , Suzuki Sadao , Mantjoro Eva Mariane , Toyomura Kengo , Arisawa Kokichi , Kuriyama Nagato , Hosono Satoyo , Mikami Haruo , Kubo Michiaki , Tanaka Hideo , Wakai Kenji ,   The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study Group
Published: October 2012

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and polymorphisms in the genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MMPs degrade extracellular matrix proteins in the glomerulus, and play important roles in kidney disease progression. Methods: DNA samples from 3,309 subjects aged 35–69 years were genotyped for 10 potentially functional polymorphisms in MMP and TIMP genes. The prevalence of CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) was compared among the genotypes. Results: The prevalence of CKD decreased significantly with the number of minor alleles in MMP9 C–1562T (odds ratios (ORs) 0.77 for CT and 0.65 for TT compared with CC; p for trend = 0.023) and MMP9 R668Q (ORs, 0.79 for RQ and 0.64 for QQ compared with RR; p for trend = 0.024). The haplotype MMP9 –1562T/279R/668Q showed a reduced risk for CKD compared with the most common –1562C/279R/668R (OR 0.77, p = 0.008), and the genotype combination –1562TT/ 279RR/668QQ showed a halved risk for CKD compared with major allele homozygous –1562CC/279RR/668RR (OR 0.53, p = 0.091). Conclusion: The potentially functional polymorphisms of MMP9 were associated with the prevalence of CKD in a large Japanese population. These genotypes have been reported to increase MMP9 expression, supporting the hypothesis that MMP-9 has a protective role in the progression of kidney diseases.
MK-0448, a Specific Kv1.5 Inhibitor
Authors: Pavri Behzad B. , Greenberg Howard E. , Kraft Walter K. , Lazarus Nicole , Lynch Joseph J. , Salata Joseph J. , Bilodeau Mark T. , Regan Christopher P. , Stump Gary , Fan Li , Mehta Anish , Wagner John A. , Gutstein David E. , Bloomfield Daniel
Published: October 2012

Background—

We evaluated the viability of I
Kur
as a target for maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation through the testing of MK-0448, a novel I
Kur
inhibitor.

Methods and Results—

In vitro MK-0448 studies demonstrated strong inhibition of I
Kur
with minimal off-target activity. In vivo MK-0448 studies in normal anesthetized dogs demonstrated significant prolongation of the atrial refractory period compared with vehicle controls without affecting the ventricular refractory period. In studies of a conscious dog heart failure model, sustained atrial fibrillation was terminated with bolus intravenous MK-0448 doses of 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg. These data led to a 2-part first-in-human study: Part I evaluated safety and pharmacokinetics, and part II was an invasive electrophysiological study in healthy subjects. MK-0448 was well-tolerated with mild adverse experiences, most commonly irritation at the injection site. During the electrophysiological study, ascending doses of MK-0448 were administered, but no increases in atrial or ventricular refractoriness were detected, despite achieving plasma concentrations in excess of 2 μmol/L. Follow-up studies in normal anesthetized dogs designed to assess the influence of autonomic tone demonstrated that prolongation of atrial refractoriness with MK-0448 was markedly attenuated in the presence of vagal nerve simulation, suggesting that the effects of I
Kur
blockade on atrial repolarization may be negated by enhanced parasympathetic neural tone.

Conclusions—

The contribution of I
Kur
to human atrial electrophysiology is less prominent than in preclinical models and therefore is likely to be of limited therapeutic value for the prevention of atrial fibrillation.
Left and Codominant Coronary Artery Circulations Are Associated With Higher In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Parikh Nisha I. , Honeycutt Emily F. , Roe Matthew T. , Neely Megan , Rosenthal Eric J. , Mittleman Murray A. , Carrozza Joseph P. , Ho Kalon K.L.
Published: October 2012

Background—

Left or codominant coronary arterial circulation may represent less well-balanced myocardial perfusion and thus confer worse prognosis in acute coronary syndrome, especially for culprit lesions arising from the left coronary artery.

Methods and Results—

We related left and codominance, relative to right dominance, with in-hospital mortality in 207 926 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Cath Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (CathPCI) Registry database version 4. Generalized estimating equations and logistic regression analyses were used in unadjusted and multivariable adjusted models. Models were adjusted using the validated National Cardiovascular Data Registry mortality risk model. We performed subgroup analyses and formally tested for effect modification by the epicardial coronary artery containing the culprit lesion. Left coronary dominance was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in unadjusted (odds ratio=1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.42) and adjusted models (1.19, 95% CI, 1.06–1.34). Codominance was associated with worsened mortality only in adjusted models (odds ratio=1.16, 95% CI, 1.01–1.34). Addition of coronary dominance to the National Cardiovascular Data Registry risk model did not materially change model discrimination or calibration. The odds of death for left versus right dominance among those with left circumflex or left main culprit lesions was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.02–1.53), for right coronary artery lesions was 1.19 (95% CI, 0.83–1.71), and for left anterior descending artery lesions was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.93–1.28). There was no statistical evidence for effect modification by culprit lesion vessel (
P
=0.8).

Conclusions—

Left and codominance are associated with modestly increased post-percutaneous coronary intervention in-hospital mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Confirmation of these findings with angiographic core laboratory verification of coronary dominance and longer term follow-up will be desirable.
Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in Patients With Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Fung Christian , Murek Michael , Z’Graggen Werner J. , Krähenbühl Anna K. , Gautschi Oliver P. , Schucht Philippe , Gralla Jan , Schaller Karl , Arnold Marcel , Fischer Urs , Mattle Heinrich P. , Raabe Andreas , Beck Jürgen
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose—

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) lowers intracranial pressure and improves outcome in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery stroke. Its usefulness in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze feasibility and safety of DC without clot evacuation in ICH.

Methods—

We compared consecutive patients (November 2010–January 2012) with supratentorial ICH treated with DC without hematoma evacuation and matched controls treated by best medical treatment. DC measured at least 150mm and included opening of the dura. We analyzed clinical (age, sex, pathogenesis, Glasgow Coma Scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), radiological (signs of herniation, side and size of hematoma, midline shift, hematoma expansion, distance to surface), and surgical (time to and indication for surgery) characteristics. Outcome at 6 months was dichotomized into good (modified Rankin Scale 0–4) and poor (modified Rankin Scale 5–6).

Results—

Twelve patients (median age 48 years; interquartile range 35–58) with ICH were treated by DC. Median hematoma volume was 61.3mL (interquartile range 37–83.5mL) and median preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale was 8 (interquartile range 4.3–10). Four patients showed signs of herniation. Nine patients had good and 3 had poor outcomes. Three patients (25%) of the treatment group died versus 8 of 15 (53%) of the control group. There were 3 manageable complications related to DC.

Conclusions—

DC is feasible in patients with ICH. Based on this small cohort, DC may reduce mortality. Larger prospective cohorts are warranted to assess safety and efficacy.
Retinal Microvascular Signs and Risk of Stroke
Authors: Kawasaki Ryo , Xie Jing , Cheung Ning , Lamoureux Ecosse , Klein Ronald , Klein Barbara E. K. , Cotch Mary Frances , Sharrett A. Richey , Shea Steven , Wong Tien Y. ,   for MESA*
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose—

Small-vessel disease contributes to the pathophysiology of stroke, and retinal microvascular signs have been linked to the risk of stroke. We examined the relationship of retinal signs with incident stroke in a multiethnic cohort.

Methods—

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a prospective cohort study that enrolled participants without clinical cardiovascular diseases from 6 US communities between 2000 and 2002. Of the participants, 4849 (71.2%) had fundus photography performed in 2002 to 2004. Retinopathy and retinal vessel caliber were assessed from retinal images. Stroke risk factors including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, carotid artery intima-media thickness, and coronary artery calcium were measured using standardized protocols. Incident stroke was confirmed from medical record review and death certificates.

Results—

After 6 years of follow-up, there were 62 incident strokes. Narrower retinal arteriolar caliber was associated with increased risk of stroke after adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.34—5.95;
P
=0.006; adjusted hazard ratio, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.29–6.99;
P
=0.011). Retinopathy in persons without diabetes was associated with increased risk of stroke (adjusted adjusted incidence rate ratio, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.50–5.84;
P
=0.002; adjusted hazard ratio, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.17–8.09;
P
=0.023). These associations remained significant after adjusting for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, carotid intima-media thickness, or coronary artery calcium.

Conclusions—

Narrower retinal arteriolar caliber and retinopathy in nondiabetic persons were associated with increased risk of stroke in this relatively healthy multiethnic cohort independent of traditional risk factors and measures of atherosclerosis. The association between narrower retinal arteriolar caliber and stroke warrants further investigation.
Hydroclimate Analysis of Severe Floods in China’s Poyang Lake Region
Authors: Shankman David , Keim Barry D. , Nakayama Tadanobu , Li Rongfang , Wu Dunyin , Remington W. Craig
Published: October 2012

Poyang Lake in Jiangxi Province is the largest freshwater lake in China and is historically a region of significant floods. Maximum annual lake stage and the number of severe flood events have increased during the past few decades because of levee construction that reduced the area available for floodwater storage. The most severe floods since 1950 occurred during 1954, 1973, 1983, 1995, and 1998. Each of these floods followed El Niño events that influence the Asian monsoon and that are directly linked to rainfall in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) basin. The 1954 flood was the largest ever recorded until the 1990s. That year the peak Changjiang stage at Hukou was 21.6 m, which was 1.6 m above the previous record high. The last major flood on the Changjiang was during 1998, when the peak Changjiang stage reached 22.5 m, higher than during 1954, even though peak discharge was lower. The most severe floods, including those in 1954 and 1998, require both 1) high rainfall and tributary discharge into Poyang Lake and 2) high Changjiang discharge and stage at Hukou that backflows into the lake or slows Poyang Lake drainage. Since gauging stations were established on the Changjiang, these conditions always occurred following an El Niño.
Observed Tropospheric Temperature Response to 11-yr Solar Cycle and What It Reveals about Mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Jiansong , Tung Ka-Kit
Published: October 2012

Using 54 yr of NCEP reanalysis global data from 1000 to 10 hPa, this study establishes the existence and the statistical significance of the zonal-mean temperature response to the 11-yr solar cycle throughout the troposphere and parts of the lower stratosphere. Two types of statistical analysis are used: the composite-mean difference projection method, which tests the existence of the solar cycle signal level by level, and the adaptive AR(p)-t test, which tells if a particular local feature is statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. A larger area of statistical significance than that in previous published work is obtained, due to the longer record and a better trend removal process. It reveals a spatial pattern consistent with a “bottom up” mechanism, involving evaporative feedback near the tropical ocean surface and tropical vertical convection, latent heating of the tropical upper troposphere, and poleward large-scale heat transport to the polar regions. It provides an alternative to the currently favored “top down” mechanism involving stratospheric ozone heating.
An Idealized Prototype for Large-Scale Land–Atmosphere Coupling
Authors: Lintner Benjamin R. , Gentine Pierre , Findell Kirsten L. , D’Andrea Fabio , Sobel Adam H. , Salvucci Guido D.
Published: October 2012

A process-based, semianalytic prototype model for understanding large-scale land–atmosphere coupling is developed here. The metric for quantifying the coupling is the sensitivity of precipitation P to soil moisture W, . For a range of prototype parameters typical of conditions found over tropical or summertime continents, the sensitivity measure exhibits a broad minimum at intermediate soil moisture values. This minimum is attributed to a trade-off between evaporation (or evapotranspiration) E and large-scale moisture convergence across the range of soil moisture states. For water-limited, low soil moisture conditions, is dominated by evaporative sensitivity , reflecting high potential evaporation Ep arising from relatively warm surface conditions and a moisture-deficient atmospheric column under dry surface conditions. By contrast, under high soil moisture (or energy limited) conditions, becomes slightly negative as Ep decreases. However, because convergence and precipitation increase strongly with decreasing (drying) moisture advection, while soil moisture slowly saturates, is large. Variation of key parameters is shown to impact the magnitude of , for example, increasing the time scale for deep convective adjustment lowers at a given W, especially on the moist side of the profile where convergence dominates. While the prototype’s applicability for direct quantitative comparison with either observations or models is clearly limited, it nonetheless demonstrates how the complex interplay of surface turbulent and column radiative fluxes, deep convection, and horizontal and vertical moisture transport influences the coupling of the land surface and atmosphere that may be expected to occur in either more realistic models or observations.
Impact of Moisture Flux and Freezing Level on Simulated Orographic Precipitation Errors over the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Lin Yanluan , Colle Brian A. , Yuter Sandra E.
Published: October 2012

Two cool seasons (November–March) of daily simulations using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) over the Pacific Northwest are used to investigate orographic precipitation bias. Model simulations are compared with data from a radiosonde site at Salem, Oregon, just upstream (west) of the Oregon Cascades; precipitation gauges over a portion of the Pacific Northwest; and a National Weather Service Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) in Portland, Oregon. The 77 storms analyzed are partitioned into warm/cold storms based on the freezing level above/below the Oregon Cascades crest (~1600 m MSL). Although the seasonal precipitation is well simulated, the model has a tendency to overpredict surface precipitation for cold storms. The correlation between the upstream relative humidity–weighted integrated moisture transport and precipitation for warm storms (r2 = 0.81) is higher than that for cold storms (r2 = 0.54). Comparisons of model ice water content (IWC) and derived reflectivity with radar-retrieved IWC and observed reflectivity for the 38 well-simulated storms show reasonably good agreement for warm storms but an overprediction of IWC and reflectivity aloft for cold storms. One plausible reason for the persistent overprediction of IWC in cold storms might be related to the positive bias in snow depositional growth formulation in the model bulk microphysics parameterization. A favorable overlap of the maximum snow depositional growth region with the mountain wave ascent region in cold storms magnifies the bias and likely contributes to the precipitation overprediction. This study also highlights the benefit of using data aloft from an operational radar to complement surface precipitation gauges for model precipitation evaluation over mountainous terrain.
Horizontal Scales of Variability over the Middle Atlantic Bight Shelf Break and Continental Rise from Finescale Observations
Authors: Todd Robert E. , Gawarkiewicz Glen G. , Owens W. Brechner
Published: October 2012

Observations with fine horizontal resolution are used to identify the horizontal scales of variability over the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) shelf break and continental rise. Spray gliders collected observations along two alongshelf transects over the continental rise in March–April 2006 and along 16 cross-shelf transects over the shelf break and continental rise during July–October 2007. Horizontal resolution varied from 1 km or finer over the shelf to 6 km in deep water. These observations allow horizontal thermohaline variability offshore of the MAB shelf break to be examined for the first time. Structure functions of temperature and salinity, the mean square difference between observations separated by specified distances, reveal the horizontal spatial scales in the region. Exponential (e-folding) scales of temperature and salinity increase from 8–13 km near the shelf break to about 30 km over the continental rise. Just offshore of the shelf break, alongshelf structure functions exhibit periodicity with a 40–50-km wavelength that matches the wavelength of shelfbreak frontal meanders. Farther offshore, alongshelf structure functions suggest a dominant wavelength of 175–250 km, but these scales are only marginally resolved by the available observations. Examination of structure functions of along-isopycnal salinity (i.e., spice) suggests that interleaving of shelf and slope water masses contributes most of the horizontal variability near the MAB shelf break, but heaving of isopycnals is the primary source of horizontal variability over the continental rise.
Reviewing the critique of individualization
Authors: Dawson Matt
Published: October 2012

This is a review article of the substantial sociological literature on individualization. It is especially concerned with empirical research that questions the largely theoretical claims of Zygmunt Bauman, Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens. I argue that this literature can be split into three camps: Modernist, Interactionist, Discourse. Although all three perspectives come to different conclusions, and use different methods to get there, a synthesis of their conclusions can give us a more empirically informed conception of individualization. This includes an increased focus on: inequality, collective identification and the political nature of individualization. The review concludes by suggesting that we can differentiate between a form of ‘disembedded’ individualization, which lacks empirical backing, and an ‘embedded’ conception, which does not.
Who wants to work less? Significance of socio-economic status and work conditions for work commitment among Swedish lottery winners
Authors: Hedenus Anna
Published: October 2012

Manual workers and workers who experience their jobs as ‘bad’ are presumed to have a more instrumental attitude toward work than those with high job satisfaction. This study examines whether demonstrated differences in Swedish lottery winners’ work patterns – where blue-collar winners are more apt than white-collar winners to scale back their time spent on paid work – can be explained by a difference in work conditions for these socio-economic groups. Starting from such expectations, this article examines the impact of work conditions on winners’ decisions to leave their jobs, take periods of leave, or reduce their working hours. Negative job perceptions accompanying physical strain, poor possibilities for further training, ‘bad’ colleagues and lack of influence over one’s working hours were found to be central in the decision to spend less time at work. The effect of socio-economic status on the option of working shorter hours, however, was still significant even when controlling for job characteristics.
Gender representation in school textbooks in Iran: The place of languages
Authors: Foroutan Yaghoob
Published: October 2012

This article focuses on the association between language and gender from a sociological perspective. The article provides research-based evidence to analyse whether and to what extent gender characteristics represented through the educational system are associated with the languages used in the educational resources. The analysis uses socialization theory which recognizes the educational system, particularly the school and its educational materials, as the first official agent and the most powerful engine of gender socialization. Using the method of content analysis, this study is based on Iranian school textbooks, including 35 teaching and grammar textbooks for Persian ( Farsi), Arabic and English languages. Generally speaking, the results show that while the dominance of male gender persists throughout the textbooks, the intensity of the dominance varies according to the learning stages of the languages. The results also suggest that the association between ‘gender and language’ is more strongly influenced by social and ideological structure.
Dimensions of trust: An empirical revisit to Simmel’s formal sociology of intersubjective trust
Authors: Frederiksen Morten
Published: October 2012

Georg Simmel is the seminal author on trust within sociology, but though inspired by Simmel, subsequent studies of intersubjective trust have failed to address Simmel’s suggestion that trust is as differentiated as the social relations of which it is part. Rather, trust has been studied within limited sets of exchange or work relations. This article revisits Simmel’s concept of trust as social form in order to investigate this differentiation. From an interview study, the differentiation and limits of trust are analysed within different types of social relations. Trust is found to vary greatly in scope and mode influenced by the intersecting dimensions of relations, objects and situations. Furthermore, trust exists between an outer threshold of expected deceit and an inner threshold of confident reliance. The findings from the qualitative study contribute new knowledge on the diversity of trust, opening new avenues of sociological investigation of trust outside exchange and work relations.
Human Rights and the Transformations of War
Authors: Bhatt Chetan
Published: October 2012

The article explores a range of themes in the sociology of human rights that arise from recent transformations of war and warfare. Despite declining armed conflict since the end of the Cold War, much military discourse in the post-9/11 context maintains an apocalyptic vision of global threats and total wars. One set of themes relates to changes in the nature and means of wars, such as the use of drones, the robotics revolution and complex irregular warfare. A second set of themes focuses on a dominant global policy context related to ungoverned territories, failed and fragile states and state-building – and the need to develop counterinsurgency states. These two sets of themes currently complement each other and their exploration is intended to demonstrate how a broader geosociology can expand our understanding of human rights beyond the often narrow, normative disciplinary frames within which they are commonly situated.
Global Cities Are Coastal Cities Too: Paradox in Sustainability?
Authors: Boschken Herman L.
Published: October 2012

World-wide, most global cities are located in coastal zones, but a paradox of sustainability is especially striking for US global cities. This article examines such a paradox, drawn between globalisation-induced development and coastal ecosystems. It focuses on two developmental components found principally in global cities: the agglomeration of foreign waterborne commerce and global business services; and, the accelerated activity and mobility habits of a global professional class. Despite formidable gaps in research, some anecdotal evidence suggests that unique hazards exist for the coastal ecology as globalisation pressures expand a global city’s urban footprint.
Minarets without Mosques: Limits to the Urban Politics of Neo-liberal Islamism
Authors: Batuman Bülent
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses urban politics in contemporary Turkey through a particular architectural phenomenon: that of minarets without mosques. Local administrations under neo-liberal Islamists propose urban regeneration projects which require extensive demolitions in squatter areas. Yet, their reluctance to tear down minarets creates ruinscapes in which minarets seem to have miraculously survived destruction. In this regard, the minarets without mosques should be understood as symptoms of urban transformation led by neo-liberal Islamism. Neo-liberal Islamists envisage these projects as spatial forms of politics of convergence, juxtaposing slum upgrading with luxurious housing within the unifying cultural codes of Islam. It is proposed to interpret these minarets not as bearers of religious symbolism but as nodes within the urban network of everyday life referring to Lefebvre’s concept of rhythmanalysis. Viewed in this way, it becomes possible for the minarets to take on new meanings and serve as signs of the displacement of the squatters.
Pension trusteeship and diversity in the UK: A new boardroom recipe for change or continuity?
Authors: Sayce Susan , Özbilgin Mustafa F
Published: October 2012

Drawing on interviews, this article investigates change and continuity induced by greater diversity among pension trustees in terms of trustees’ involvement in boardroom activities in the UK. Utilizing Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, the authors demonstrate the agency of trustees, and how greater diversity among trustees changes the boardroom decision-making process. However, the authors also reveal forms of continuity by reproduction of educational, corporate and social values within a boardroom context. The findings challenge the assumption that greater diversity may radically transform organizations.
Trust Between Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors
Authors: Bammens Yannick , Collewaert Veroniek
Published: October 2012

The study of trust-related outcomes has had a long tradition in the organizational literature. However, few have considered potential darker sides of trust or have explored its effects in the setting of entrepreneurial ventures. This study does so by examining how perceptions of entrepreneurs and angel investors concerning the degree of trust in their relationship impact the latter’s assessments of venture performance. Hypotheses are tested using survey data from the lead entrepreneur and angel investor of 54 ventures. Results indicate that angel investors evaluate portfolio company performance more positively when they perceive high trust, whereas entrepreneurs’ trust perceptions are negatively associated with angel investors’ assessments of venture performance. Further, these effects are partially mediated by the quality of information exchanges between both parties. Together, these findings point to the benefits as well as threats that come with the presence of strong trust in entrepreneur–angel investor relationships.
Using Hierarchical Multivariate Analysis to Examine Interactions Between Alternative Appraisals of Cancer and Virtual Health Support Among Middle-Aged and Older Internet Users
Authors: Seçkin Gül
Published: October 2012

The advent of online communication is transforming how older adults find social support with a community of peers who cope with similar health issues. This article explores whether participation in virtual health support groups demonstrates a significant interaction with users’ appraisal of their illness experience and predicts self-reappraisal among adults 50 years of age and older ( N = 157). Hierarchical multiple regressions demonstrate the significance of the combined effect of virtual health support and its interaction with illness appraisal measures to predict the outcome variable of self-reappraisal. The results indicate that even though appraisal of cancer as a traumatic experience reduces positive self-reappraisal, those who appraised their illness to have been a traumatic experience perceived virtual support to be more influential on their sense of positive change after cancer. In contrast, perceived benefit of virtual support on positive self-appraisal is reduced if illness is appraised as an opportunity for personal growth.
The Role of Work Status on European Older Volunteers’ Motivation
Authors: Principi Andrea , Warburton Jeni , Schippers Joop , Rosa Mirko Di
Published: October 2012

The article aims to identify differences in motivation between working and nonworking older volunteers, in order to contribute to knowledge on the relationship between work status and volunteering in later life. The study also contributes a cross-European view, given that most literature emanates from the United States. It was conducted utilizing a database of 955 working and nonworking older volunteers in three European countries: the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Results showed that work status has a significant impact on the motivation to volunteer, suggesting that voluntary organizations need to consider responding to different motivations between older volunteers still in paid employment and those who are retired. Specifically, those in paid work may be more driven by the desire to improve their career or knowledge, whereas older retired volunteers and those employed part time may consider volunteering as a response to challenges associated with retirement and later life or an unsatisfactory working situation.
Psychosocial and Environmental Correlates of Physical Activity Among Korean Older Adults
Authors: Kim YoungHo , Kosma Maria
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to identify differences in individual, social, and physical environmental factors across the stages of physical activity and explore the effect of those variables on physical activity among older adults. Two hundred and ninety adults aged over 65 years were recruited from the Seodaemun district of Seoul. Standardized scales were used to measure physical activity, stage of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, social support, and the physical environment. The results indicated that 70.7% of older adults engaged in regular physical activity. Based on the multivariate analysis of variance, only the psychological variables of self-efficacy and perceived benefits and the environmental variables of family support and the physical environment increased significantly across the stages of physical activity change. Based on the regression analysis, the most important predictors of physical activity in a descending order of significance were self-efficacy, perceived benefits, family support, and the physical environment. The total variance in physical activity explained by these variables was 40%.
Two measures of self-regulation for young adults and late adolescents in the academic and social domains
Authors: Geldhof John , Little Todd D. , Hawley Patricia H.
Published: October 2012

In this paper we present domain-specific measures of academic and social self-regulation in young adults. We base our scales on Baltes and colleagues’ Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) model, and establish the factor structure of our new measures using data collected from a sample of 152 college students. We then compare the predictive validity of our scales to that of a domain-general version of the original SOC questionnaire. Our results support the internal and external validity of the academic SOC scale, although support for the social SOC scale is more tentative than support for our academic measure. We discuss these scales as useful supplements to the existing SOC questionnaire.
Subjects of Inquiry: Statistics, Stories, and the Production of Knowledge
Authors: Ainsworth Susan , Hardy Cynthia
Published: October 2012

Statistics and stories are often equated with different types of knowledge in contemporary western societies: statistics are associated more with the authority of objective, disinterested experts while stories are able to encapsulate subjective, personal experience. In this paper, we explore how both genres were used to produce knowledge in the context of a public inquiry on the problems facing older workers in securing and maintaining employment. Drawing on the concept of power/knowledge relations we examine how statistics and stories were used in different inquiry texts and trace their use across texts over time. Our findings show that to establish their authority as a valid form of knowledge representing the subject of inquiry, statistics and stories both had to be embedded in the appropriate discursive conventions. In the case of statistics, knowledge had to be expressed through discursive conventions that conveyed distance from the subject of inquiry, i.e. independent, objective research. In contrast, stories produced knowledge through discursive conventions that established proximity to the older worker – by being or knowing an older worker. The study shows the effects of these discursive conventions on how knowledge is institutionalized through processes of textual re-inscription, as well as the way in which they constructed a marginalized older worker subject.
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Sialorrhea
Authors: Vashishta Rishi , Nguyen Shaun A. , White David R. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Botulinum toxin has emerged as an effective approach for the management of sialorrhea. This study presents a critical literature review and meta‐analysis to determine the impact of botulinum toxin on drooling severity in patients with sialorrhea.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases.

Review Methods

The above sources were searched to identify studies examining botulinum toxin for the treatment of sialorrhea. Included studies were randomized, placebo‐controlled trials. Excluded studies failed to report quantifiable outcome measures of drooling severity at 4 weeks postintervention.

Results

Eight studies involving 181 patients (83 placebo; 98 active) were included in the analysis. Botulinum toxin was found to significantly decrease the severity of drooling in patients with sialorrhea (standardized mean difference [SMD], −1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.05 to −1.04; P =. 06; I2 = 48%) when compared with placebo control using random effects models. The effect was significant in both adult (SMD, −1.29; 95% CI, −1.88 to −0.71) and pediatric (SMD, −1.84; 95% CI, −2.67 to −1.00) populations. Both botulinum toxin A (SMD, −1.53; 95% CI, −2.27 to −0.79) and B (SMD, −1.56; 95% CI, −2.32 to −0.79) produced similar effects. Botulinum toxin doses greater than 50 U (SMD, −3.81; 95% CI, –6.19 to −1.43) produced much stronger effects compared with doses less than or equal to 50 U (SMD, −1.32; 95% CI, −2.28 to −0.36).

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin is a clinically effective therapy that improves drooling severity in patients with sialorrhea. Future studies will need to further evaluate the technique and examine dosages required to achieve optimal outcomes.
Comparison of Clinical Data, CT, and Bone Histopathology in Unilateral Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis
Authors: Joshua Ben‐Zion , Sachs Ofer , Shelef Ilan , Vardy‐Sion Netta , Novack Lena , Vaiman Michael , Puterman Max
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To evaluate bone changes demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) as a predictor of the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Settings

Tertiary referral university medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐eight patients diagnosed with unilateral chronic maxillary sinusitis underwent endoscopic sinus surgery from 2003 to 2009. Preoperative CTs of all patients were reviewed by a single radiologist blinded to the pathologic diagnosis. Bone density was evaluated and expressed in Hounsfield units (HU). Sinus wall thickness (WT) was also measured and compared with the contralateral side. All the histopathologic specimens were reviewed. A database was constructed containing demographic data, clinical symptoms, CT measurements, and histopathologic findings.

Results

Average age was 44.07 years, with 22 women (57.9%) and 16 men (42.1%). The average wall density (WD) was 828.7 HU, and no correlation was found between the density of the diseased maxillary sinus bony walls and the severity of the histopathologic inflammatory process of the soft tissue (P =. 474). The average wall thickness of the diseased sinuses was 2.6 mm, and a correlation was found between inflammation severity and wall thickness (P =. 018). Wall thickening was found in 97.3% of the cases and an increase in density in 78.9% without correlation between WD and WT.

Conclusion

Wall thickness but not WD obtained from CT scans may be a simple index for evaluation of unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis and its severity. Further studies confirming these results and comparing them with clinical correlates are indicated.
An Evaluation of Biodegradable Synthetic Polyurethane Foam in Patients following Septoplasty
Authors: Yilmaz Mahmut Sinan , Guven Mehmet , Elicora Sultan Sevik , Kaymaz Recep
Published: October 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study is to examine the usability of biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (BSPF) after septoplasty by comparing it with Merocel and silicone intranasal splints as packing materials in terms of patient comfort and efficiency.

Study Design

A prospective, unmasked, randomized trial.

Setting

A tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

This study was designed to be a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Sixty‐eight patients who underwent septoplasty were included in this study. The patients were randomized to receive Merocel, silicone intranasal septal splint (INS), or BSPF after septoplasty. Clinical efficacy on bleeding, pain, and subjective symptoms related to packing materials was evaluated.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between the Merocel group and the other 2 groups in terms of bleeding and adhesion. The average score on the pain scale was 2.47 ± 1.01 for BSPF, 3.68 ± 1.27 for INS, and 6 ± 2.21 for Merocel. Scores on general satisfaction scales were 6.95 ± 1.42 for Merocel, 8.44 ± 2.12 for INS, and 8.28 ± 1.88 for BSPF.

Conclusion

The efficacy of BSPF was comparable with that of Merocel and INS. Biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam significantly reduced pain and patient discomfort during packing and removal, followed by INS, compared with Merocel.
The Web as Television Reimagined? Online Networks and the Pursuit of Legacy Media
Authors: Christian Aymar Jean
Published: October 2012

Television’s perceived weakness at the turn of the century opened a rhetorical and economic space for entrepreneurs eager to curate and distribute web programs. These companies introduced various forms of experimentation they associated with the advantages of digital technologies, but they also maintained continuity with television’s business practices. This dialectic between old and new, continuity and change, insiders and outsiders, reflected the instability of television as a concept and the promise of the web as an alternative. Using articles in the trade press, this essay explores the history of episodic web programming—variously called web series, webisodes, bitcoms, web television and, in its earliest form, cybersoaps—as new media network executives hoped to replicate but also differentiate themselves from legacy media.
The value-added contribution of advisors in the process of acquiring venture capital
Authors: Lahti Tom
Published: October 2012

This article examines the determinants of the value-added contribution offered by advisors to entrepreneurs seeking venture capital (VC) funding. It hypothesizes that the contribution of advisors is particularly helpful in addressing problems of asymmetric information and uncertainty. The study develops seven hypotheses derived from agency theory using data from questionnaire responses given by entrepreneurs that used advisors to acquire VC. The results indicate that advisor value-added contributions are substantial when entrepreneurs have limited experience in dealing with venture capitalists (VCs). Other determinants are stage of venture development, level of innovation and the entrepreneur’s industry sector experience.
CACNA1H antibodies associated with headache with neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL)
Authors: Kürtüncü Murat , Kaya Dilaver , Zuliani Luigi , Erdağ Ece , İçöz Sema , Uğurel Elif , Çavuş Filiz , Ayşit Neşe , Birişik Ömer , Vincent Angela , Eraksoy Mefkure , Vural Burçak , Akman-Demir Gülşen , Tüzün Erdem
Published: October 2012

Background

Patients with the syndrome of headache with neurological deficits and lymphocytosis (HaNDL) typically present with recurrent and temporary attacks of neurological symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis.

Aim and methods

To identify potential HaNDL‐associated antibodies directed against neuronal surface and/or synapse antigens, sera of four HaNDL patients and controls were screened with indirect immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, cell-based assay, radioimmunoassay, protein macroarray and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Although HaNDL sera did not yield antibodies to any of the well-characterized neuronal surface or synapse antigens, protein macroarray and ELISA studies showed high-titer antibodies to a subunit of the T-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC), CACNA1H, in sera of two HaNDL patients.

Conclusion

Our results support the notion that ion channel autoimmunity might at least partially contribute to HaNDL pathogenesis and occurrence of neurological symptoms.
“Giving Guilt the Flick”?
Authors: Williams Kate , Donaghue Ngaire , Kurz Tim
Published: October 2012

Manuals offering advice to new parents on the topic of infant feeding have recently begun to attend to the possible implications of pro-breast-feeding discourses for mothers’ subjective experiences, particularly with respect to guilt. In this article, we present a discursive analysis of focus groups with 35 Australian mothers in which we examine how mothers discuss their infant-feeding practices and their related subjective experiences. We focus on how the mothers draw upon notions of “guilt,” “choice,” and “emotional self-control” to attend to the possibility of moral judgment over their infant-feeding practices. We highlight a construction of choice that dramatically restricts permissible reasons for not breast-feeding one’s infant and a pervasive view that guilt is a natural and appropriate response for “good” mothers who do not breast-feed. We argue that the incorporation of advice to mothers that they should “not feel guilty” is unrealistic in a context in which breast-feeding is so heavily advocated and that, rather than providing relief or comfort, this advice can create an additional burden for mothers who do not breast-feed. Finally, we reflect upon the implications of our findings in relation to the provision of public health information to women making choices around how to feed their infants.
Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament in Children and Adolescents With Open Growth Plates
Authors: Nelitz Manfred , Dreyhaupt Jens , Reichel Heiko , Woelfle Julia , Lippacher Sabine
Published: October 2012

Background:

Recurrent lateral patellar dislocation is a common knee injury in the skeletally immature adolescent. Because of the open physis, operative therapy in children is challenging. This study presents the outcomes of a minimally invasive technique for anatomic reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in children that respects the distal femoral physis.

Hypothesis:

Anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL in children that maintains the distal femoral physis will prevent redislocation, preserve the distal femoral physis, and improve knee function.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twenty-one consecutive patients with patellofemoral instability and open growth plates underwent anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL that maintained the distal femoral growth plate. Preoperative radiographic examination included AP and lateral views to assess patella alta and limb alignment. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate trochlear dysplasia and tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Evaluation included preoperative and postoperative physical examination, Kujala score, and Tegner activity score.

Results:

The average age at the time of operation was 12.2 years (range, 10.3-13.9). The average follow-up after operation was 2.8 years after surgery (range, 2.0-3.6). No recurrent dislocation occurred, but 2 patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia still had a positive apprehension sign. The Kujala score significantly improved from 72.9 (range, 37-87) preoperatively to 92.8 (range, 74-100) postoperatively ( P < .01). The Tegner activity score decreased, but not significantly, from 6.0 (range, 3-9) preoperatively to 5.8 (range, 3-9) postoperatively ( P = .48).

Conclusion:

Anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL that respects the distal femoral physis in skeletally immature patients is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of patellofemoral instability and allows patients to return to sports without redislocation of the patella.
Dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties of bamboo–polylactic acid bionanocomposites
Authors: Kumar V , Sharma Naresh Kr , Kumar Rakesh
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to develop bamboo fiber/polylactic acid/Cloisite 30B nanoclay-based laminated hybrid composites using the film-stacking method. The nanoclay was dispersed in polylactic acid using intermeshing twin-screw extruder and converted into polylactic acid–nanoclay films. Polylactic acid/nanoclay/bamboo fiber hybrid composites were fabricated using temperature-controlled compression molding machine. The dielectric properties were analyzed as a function of frequency (100 Hz–1 MHz) for temperatures in the range from 30°C to 140°C using standard impedance analyzer. Dielectric constant and dissipation factor decreased with increasing frequency for both virgin bamboo–polylactic acid composite and bamboo–polylactic acid nanocomposites. Significant improvement in impact strength of bamboo–polylactic acid nanocomposites was observed as compared to virgin bamboo–polylactic acid composites. The morphology of bamboo–polylactic acid nanocomposites was investigated using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope.