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Using identity theory and the gender role framework, this study examined the interactive effects of family identity salience, family-interference-with-work (FIW), and gender on two outcome variables: job satisfaction and job distress. Results from a sample of 163 employees support the proposed buffering hypothesis for job distress and job satisfaction, such that individuals who experienced a high level of FIW reported more job distress and less job satisfaction only when they were low in family identity salience. Additionally, we found support for a three-way interaction, such that the two-way interactive effects of family identity salience and FIW on job satisfaction were stronger for women than for men. Theoretical and practical implications of the results, as well as directions for future research, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) is one of the most widely used social desirability scales. The authors conducted a reliability generalization study to examine the typical reliability coefficients of BIDR scores and explored factors that explained the variability of reliability estimates across studies. The results indicated that the overall BIDR scale produced scores that were adequately reliable. The mean score reliability estimates for the two subscales, Self-Deception Enhancement and Impression Management, were not satisfactory. In addition, although a number of study characteristics were statistically significantly related to reliability estimates, they accounted for only a small portion of the overall variability in reliability estimates. The results of these findings and their implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-precision analyses of supersymmetry parameters aim at reconstructing the fundamental supersymmetric theory and its breaking mechanism. A well defined theoretical framework is needed when higher-order corrections are included. We propose such a scheme, Supersymmetry Parameter Analysis SPA, based on a consistent set of conventions and input parameters. A repository for computer programs is provided which connect parameters in different schemes and relate the Lagrangian parameters to physical observables at LHC and high energy e + e - linear collider experiments, i.e., masses, mixings, decay widths and production cross sections for supersymmetric particles. In addition, programs for calculating high-precision low energy observables, the density of cold dark matter (CDM) in the universe as well as the cross sections for CDM search experiments are included. The SPA scheme still requires extended efforts on both the theoretical and experimental side before data can be evaluated in the future at the level of the desired precision. We take here an initial step of testing the SPA scheme by applying the techniques involved to a specific supersymmetry reference point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Species of the isoetid life form have many physiological, anatomical and morphological traits that can be seen as adaptations to the environmental characteristics of softwater lakes. Among these, dependence on CO2 from the interstitial water for photosynthesis is one of the more distinctive.2. To assess the impact of environmental conditions on morphology and resource allocation ofLittorella uniflora(L.) Ascherson, and to test whether CO2 supply from the sediment constrains the maximum attainable leaf length of these plants, a suite of morphological plant traits were measured along a gradient of sediment CO2 availability. The sediment CO2 gradient (0·4–7 mol CO2 m−3 interstitial water) was obtained by collecting specimen from 13 Faroese lakes.3. Along the CO2 gradient, the maximum leaf length of the plants more than doubled and was significantly correlated to sediment CO2 concentration. In addition to leaf length, plant size, leaf number and below : above-ground biomass ratio were also correlated with sediment CO2 concentration, whereas only weak or no correlations between wave exposure and morphological features of the plants were found. Likewise, no correlation between the nutrient status of the plants and morphology was observed.4. The results obtained emphasize the importance of sediment CO2 for the performance ofL. unifloraand support the suggestion that the maximum attainable leaf length of these plants is set by the CO2 concentration in the interstitial water.Functional Ecology(2004)18, 946 –951 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between admission plasma glucose and 30-day mortality after primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in nondiabetic patients.Research Design and Methods: All nondiabetic patients with admission plasma glucose measurement undergoing primary isolated CABG from 1993 to 1997 were included in this study.Results: In 878 consecutive patients (155 women), overall mortality was 3.4% (95% CI 2.3-4.8). The mortality rate in women (n = 11; 7.1%, 3.6-12.3) was higher than in men (n = 19; 2.6%, 1.6-4.1) (P = 0.01). There was a positive correlation between plasma glucose and 30-day mortality among women only (P = 0.0001). There was a higher mortality rate in the upper two glucose quartiles (11.7%, 5.5-21.0) compared with the lower two quartiles (2.6%, 3.0-8.9) in the female patients (P = 0.03); a plasma glucose of 6.0 mmol/l separated high- and low-mortality groups. Furthermore, women in the upper two glucose quartiles had a fourfold higher mortality rate than men in the similar quartiles (P = 0.002). Among men, there was no difference in mortality rate across glucose quartiles. In a multivariate analysis, admission plasma glucose, history of thyroid disease, left ventricular ejection fraction <0.35, operation bypass time, and perioperative myocardial infarction were independently associated with mortality.Conclusions: Women with admission plasma glucose < or =6.0 mmol/l and men across the whole range of glucose values had similar mortality rates after CABG. The surplus female mortality was found only in subjects with plasma glucose >6 mmol/l. Further studies are needed to appraise the possible influence of glucose status on outcome from CABG in nondiabetic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study 1) variations in esophageal motility and pH values and 2) electrocardiographic ST-segment changes in patients with angina-like chest pain but normal coronary angiograms.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Tertiary cardiologic referral center.Patients: 63 consecutive patients referred to the study center over a 3-year period and 22 healthy controls. Patients were grouped according to the results of exercise electrocardiography: normal response to exercise (n = 28) and ischemic response to exercise (n = 35).Measurements: 1) 24-hour three-channel esophageal manometry and two-channel pH monitoring, 2) provocation testing with intravenous edrophonium chloride and esophageal acid perfusion, and 3) Holter electrocardiography conducted during the first two tests. In conventional time-weighted analyses, values during periods of pain and the 2 minutes before pain developed were compared with baseline values.Results: Regardless of the outcome of exercise testing, no differences were seen in 24-hour esophageal variables between patients and controls. Forty-six patients had a total of 248 spontaneous episodes of chest pain. Only minor differences were seen between baseline and the prepain and pain periods. Edrophonium chloride provocation and acid perfusion caused chest pain in 9 patients (14%) and 10 patients (16%), respectively. Esophageal monitoring variables did not differ between patients with a positive response to one or both provocation tests (n = 16 [25%]) and controls and did not change between baseline and the prepain or pain perioids. Forty-eight ST-segment depressions were recorded on Holter monitoring in 16 patients (25%), but these depressions were associated with one prepain period and four pain periods. No ST-segment changes were seen during esophageal provocation testing.Conclusion: The rationale for routine esophageal investigations in this patient group is questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten patients with chronic effort angina and coronary artery disease (luminal diameter reduction greater than 75%) were stressed by atrial pacing (140 beats/minutes) before and 15 minutes after intravenous propranolol (mean dose 7.4 mg). Myocardial substrate exchange of oxygen, blood lactate, plasma free fatty acids, citrate, glucose, glutamate, and alanine as well as coronary sinus blood flow were measured. Coronary sinus blood flow, oxygen consumption, and systemic haemodynamics did not change after propranolol. Propranolol did not influence arterial lactate concentration, and it reduced the arterial concentration of free fatty acid by 37% and increased that of glutamate by 21%. During pacing myocardial lactate extraction increased in all 10 patients; in two lactate release was converted to lactate uptake. Propranolol reduced free fatty acid uptake and increased glutamate uptake during pacing. For both substances the changes in aortocoronary sinus differences or in uptake or both correlated positively with the changes in their delivery to the heart from extracardial sources (arterial concentrations/loads). In the unstressed state before pacing, aortocoronary sinus lactate differences correlated inversely with free fatty acid differences and positively with those of glutamate. During pacing the relation between lactate and glutamate differences remained positive while the inverse correlation between lactate and free fatty acid differences was lost. Myocardial citrate release was halved during pacing and recovery. Propranolol did not influence alanine or glucose exchanges. An improved myocardial lactate extraction after propranolol administration may be secondary to decreased free fatty acid uptake or increased glutamate uptake or both. In the unstressed state both mechanisms may be of importance. During pacing induced ischaemia, increased glutamate uptake is more likely than reduced free fatty acid uptake to be the mechanism responsible for the improvement in myocardial lactate extraction. The propranolol mediated alterations in myocardial substrate exchanges may reflect the extracardial effects of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A retrospective study was carried out to assess the incidence of cardiomyopathy in western Denmark (Jutland and Funen) (population 2 798 000) during a two year period (1980-81). The WHO/ISCF classification was strictly followed, and rigid criteria for exclusion and inclusion of patients were adopted. Thus cases in which specific heart muscle disorders (myocarditis, alcoholic heart disease, hypertension etc) were merely suspected were excluded. Forty one patients had dilated cardiomyopathy (overall incidence 7.3/10(6) population/year) and 20 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (overall incidence 3.6/10(6) population/year). In men aged 40-59 years the occurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy was 23.4/10(6) population/year. Only one case of Löffler's endomyocardial disease was diagnosed during the study period. Since the investigation was retrospective and was a study of diseased persons and not a population, and since a specific set of criteria for exclusion and inclusion was rigidly applied, the results represent the minimum frequency of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Intracardiac electrography and 24 hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring were carried out in 20 patients with calcific aortic stenosis (mean pressure gradient 86 mm Hg) to investigate (a) the role of bradycardia and tachycardia in the pathogenesis of syncope in aortic stenosis, (b) the relation between haemodynamic data and electrophysiological abnormalities, and (c) whether valve replacement corrects electrophysiological abnormalities. Intracardiac electrograms showed impaired sinus node function in five patients and a prolonged HV interval (greater than or equal to 50 ms) in 11 but there was no difference in the findings of 13 patients with syncope and seven without. Ambulatory monitoring showed short pauses in three patients and brief episodes of tachycardia in four, but there was no difference in the findings of patients with and without syncope. The HV interval correlated inversely with the left ventricular ejection fraction, whereas no correlation was found between the HV interval and the pressure gradient. Nine patients were re-evaluated 15 months after aortic valve replacement. No change was found in sinus node function, but the HV interval had increased by 7.8 ms. It is concluded that in calcific aortic stenosis neither bradycardia nor tachycardia is shown to be a frequent cause of syncope, a prolonged HV interval is a frequent finding and further prolongation occurs after valve replacement, and contractility and conductivity appear to deteriorate in parallel. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ten patients with stable angina pectoris and obstructed coronary arteries (greater than 75% reduction in diameter) were studied before and during two periods of pacing, the second of which was preceded by sublingual administration of glyceryl trinitrate (mean dose 0.78 mg). Coronary sinus blood flow measurements and aortocoronary sinus blood sampling for metabolite determinations were carried out. Although the rate of pacing was increased by 10 beats/minute after glyceryl trinitrate administration, the onset of angina was delayed in eight patients during pacing. Drug administration decreased coronary sinus blood flow by 42% and myocardial oxygen uptake by 41% during pacing and induced a shift in mean lactate extraction towards a net release (from 3.1% to -12.6%). It increased the number of patients producing lactate from three to five. Glyceryl trinitrate administration decreased myocardial glucose uptake throughout the study, decreased lactate extraction during recovery, and increased the aortocoronary sinus citrate gradient at rest and during recovery, while the exchange of free fatty acids remained unchanged. A decrease in aortocoronary sinus lactate difference during pacing after glyceryl trinitrate administration correlated positively with the fall in coronary sinus blood flow. The metabolic data do not indicate an augmented myocardial lactate production after glyceryl trinitrate administration. A decrease in coronary sinus blood flow seems, therefore, to be of primary importance in explaining the elevated coronary sinus lactate concentration. Our finding that coronary sinus lactate concentration increased during pacing after glyceryl trinitrate administration despite clinical improvement questions the validity of its use as a quantitative index of ischaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effects of increasing doses ofi.v. nicardipine (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 or 10.0 mg) on blood pressure, heart rate and exercise performance were studied in 12 patients with chronic effort angina. Plasma nicardipine concentrations correlated closely with the infused doses (r=0.90). Resting haemodynamic changes after nicardipine included a dose-related fall in systolic (5%, 13%, 15%) anddiastolic (0%, 6%, 8%) blood pressure and a rise in heart rate (10%, 19%, 30%). Rate-pressure product was slightly increased after the highest dose (10%). During exercise, maximal systolic blood pressure decreased (3%, 9%, 9%) and heart rate increased (2%, 4%, 9%) but the rate-pressure product remained unchanged. Exercise tolerance improved in 10 patients as indicated by prolonged exercise duration in all, delayed appearance of ST-segment depression in 6, decreased maximal ST-segment depression in 5, and abolished (N = 3) or diminished (N=4) anginal pain at the end of exercise after optimal nicardipine dose. Five of the 10 patients obtained maximum benefit after the highest dose. The other five patients improved after 2.5 or 5.0 mg but deteriorated (N=4) or had no further benefit when the dose was increased (N= 1). One patient deteriorated even after the lowest dose, whereas one patient neither improved nor deteriorated after any dose. The patients who deteriorated after low or high doses tended to be more severely diseased than those who tolerated the maximal dose well. The results stress the importance of individual dose titration of nicardipine to ensure maximum benefit in patients with chronic effort angina. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effect of 30 mg sublingual nifedipine on cardiac metabolism and haemodynamics was studied during two identical periods of pacing in 11 patients with chronic coronary artery disease. The pace time to angina pectoris improved after nifedipine in 6 patients, deteriorated in 2 and was unchanged in 3. Nifedipine decreased blood pressure (12%), rate pressure product (10%) and coronary vascular resistance (17%) during pacing. Aorto-coronary sinus (A-Cs) oxygen difference decreased at rest (9%) and postpacing (10%) after nifedipine, although an opposite tendency in coronary sinus blood flow resulted in unchanged myocardial oxygen uptake throughout the study. Although mean myocardial lactate extraction after nifedipine was unchanged during pacing in the whole group of patients, it increased in 9 patients who showed a net lactate release at control pacing (from −50.9±33.5% to −35.9±30.2%, P>0.05). Nifedipine increased free fatty acid (FFA) extraction during pacing (from 1.5±12.9% to 17.4±13.1%, P<0.02) and uptake (from 1.8±8.5 to 11.1±10.6 μmol min, P<0.05). Nifedipine influenced only glucose exchange significantly (46% decreased extraction) at 5 min postpacing. The A–Cs citrate gradient lessened 30–40% postpacing after nifedipine administration. Since the unloading effects of nifedipine did not alter myocardial oxygen uptake, the most important net haemodynamicfinding was the decrease in coronary vascular resistance. Although no significant antianginal effect of a fixed dose of nifedipine was found, the increased uptake of FFA may reflect improved myocardial oxidative metabolism after nifedipine [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We performed coronary artery spasm provocation, using the cold pressor test (CPT) and hyperventilation (HVT) in 105 patients (87 males, 18 females) with mean age 51-9 years (range 25-69) consecutively admitted for coronary angiography due to attacks of chest pain. A positive response to spasm provocation (STsegment elevation or depression 0.1 mV or pseudonor-malization of negative T-waves) was seen in 25 patients (23.9%) (group A), with 8 patients responding to CPT and 23 to HVT. In the remaining patients (group B) a negative response was found. Of 80 patients with coronary artery stenosis (diameter reduction >50%), 22 (27.5%) showed a positive response. During CPT and HVT the rate pressure product increased 25% and 16%, respectively in group A versus an increase of 139% during exercise testing in the same patients. This suggests that ischaemia induced by CPT or HVT is not caused by increased myocardial oxygen demand. Repeat spasm provocation was performed during coronary angiography in 14 patients from group A and 14 from group B. The induced reduction in the diameters of the ischaemia related vessels was on average 48.3% in group A versus a 9.9% reduction of the left anterior descending artery in the patients from group B (P<0.01). In group A 88% had a history of nocturnal angina versus 38.8% in group B (P<0.001). A positive exercise test was found in 87% and 35.6% in group's A and B respectively (P<0.0005). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Dangerous or long lasting ventricular arrhythmias developed in three patients who had sustained an electrical injury in which current passed through the thorax. In all three cases there was a delay of 8-12 hours between the injury and the onset of symptoms. The ventricular arrhythmias were severe and long lasting. In two of the three patients, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation or both occurred and in one patient ventricular parasystole developed. No enzymatic evidence of myocardial necrosis was found but the results of an endomyocardial biopsy carried out in two of the three patients showed focal myocardial fibrosis and increased numbers of Na, K-pumps. The two patients with ventricular tachycardia became symptom free after appropriate antiarrhythmic treatment and in the third patient ventricular parasystole disappeared spontaneously within two years. Patients sustaining electrical injury in which current passes through the thorax should be monitored electrocardiographically for at least 24 hours, and patients with unexpected arrhythmias should be questioned about previous electrical injury. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]