bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TERMINATING ALTERNATOR
Authors: KULKARNI SANDEEP S.
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we present an program that enables the transformation of a non-terminating alternator into a terminating alternator. Our solution is stabilization preserving and has the potential to preserve maximal concurrency (if available) provided by the non-terminating alternator. It can also be used to transform a program that is stabilizing in interleaving semantics into a program that is stabilizing in powerset semantics. We also discuss how the terminating alternator can be used to enable a process to gain an understanding of system stability.
FAILURE MANAGEMENT IN GRIDS: THE CASE OF THE EGEE INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: NEOCLEOUS KYRIAKOS , DIKAIAKOS MARIOS D. , FRAGOPOULOU PARASKEVI , MARKATOS EVANGELOS P.
Published: January 2008

The emergence of Grid infrastructures like EGEE has enabled the deployment of large-scale computational experiments that address challenging scientific problems in various fields. However, to realize their full potential, Grid infrastructures need to achieve a higher degree of dependability, i.e., they need to improve the ratio of Grid-job requests that complete successfully in the presence of Grid-component failures. To achieve this, however, we need to determine, analyze and classify the causes of job failures on Grids. In this paper we study the reasons behind Grid job failures in the context of EGEE, the largest Grid infrastructure currently in operation. We present points of failure in a Grid that affect the execution of jobs, and describe error types and contributing factors. We discuss various information sources that provide users and administrators with indications about failures, and assess their usefulness based on error information accuracy and completeness. We describe two real-life case studies, describing failures that occurred on a production site of EGEE and the troubleshooting process for each case. Finally, we propose the architecture for a system that could provide failure management support to administrators and end-users of large-scale Grid infrastructures like EGEE.
A Lazy Concurrent List-Based Set Algorithm
Authors: HELLER STEVE , HERLIHY MAURICE , LUCHANGCO VICTOR , MOIR MARK , SCHERER WILLIAM N. , SHAVIT NIR
Published: January 2008

We present a novel “lazy” list-based implementation of a concurrent set object. It is based on an optimistic locking scheme for inserts and removes and includes a simple wait-free membership test. Our algorithm improves on the performance of all previous such algorithms.
BIQUANDLES FOR VIRTUAL KNOTS
Authors: HRENCECIN DAVID , KAUFFMAN LOUIS H.
Published: January 2008

This paper studies the biquandle as an invariant of virtual knots and links, analyzing its structure via composition of biquandle morphisms where elementary morphisms are associated with the crossings and virtual crossings in the diagram.
Loss of Saccular Function after Cochlear Implantation: The Diagnostic Impact of Intracochlear Electrically Elicited Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Authors: Basta D. , Todt I. , Goepel F. , Ernst A.
Published: January 2008

Cochlear implant surgery has become a successful procedure for deaf patients to restore their hearing again. Some of the patients, however, complain of persisting dizziness after the surgery which can have a major impact on their quality of life. Neurotological tests of the vestibular system were applied in a total of 18 cochlear implantees pre- and postoperatively. In addition, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were evoked intraoperatively to investigate possible interferences of the electrically stimulated cochlear implant electrode (eVEMP) with vestibular receptor cells of the saccule in more detail. After cochlear implantation, the saccular function was impaired in the majority of the patients. However, eVEMPs could be recorded intraoperatively in all patients by intracochlear, high-level electrical stimulation via the cochlear implant electrode. In essence, acute, short-term dizziness after cochlear implantation seems to result primarily from a transient vestibular deficit of various origins. In contrast to this, chronic, persisting dizziness after cochlear implant surgery is largely based on a dysfunction of the saccular macula which is an integral component of the otolith system. This saccular impairment is induced most likely by the insertion trauma of the cochlear implant electrode when advancing it into the inner ear. A possible coactivation of the inferior vestibular nerve by the electrical stimulation might play an additional role in the pathogenesis of the persisting postsurgical dizziness.
Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy Increases the Risk of Postnatal Infections in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Jeppesen Dorthe Lisbeth , Nielsen Susanne Dam , Ersbøll Annette Kjær , Valerius Niels Henrik
Published: January 2008

Background: Maternal smoking during pregnancy is known to be associated with perinatal complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of smoking during pregnancy on the risk of postnatal infections in preterm neonates. Method: We examined 80 preterm infants (gestational age 24–36 weeks), of whom 40% had been exposed to tobacco smoking during pregnancy. Results: Infections occurred in 31 infants. Gestational age and maternal smoking had a significant effect on the occurrence of infections (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively). An increase in maternal tobacco consumption by 10 cigarettes/day showed an odds ratio of 2.7 (95% confidence interval 1.1–6.4) for occurrence of infections. Conclusions: A significant association between maternal use of tobacco and the occurrence of infections in preterm neonates was found. Thus, campaigns about the damaging effects of tobacco are still warranted.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Symptomatic Gallstones – A Prospective Population Study in the EPIC-Norfolk Cohort
Authors: Hart Andrew R. , Luben Robert , Welch Ailsa , Bingham Sheila , Khaw Kay-Tee
Published: January 2008

Background/Aims: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of symptomatic gallstones, but this association has not been investigated in a prospective study in a European population. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between HRT and the development of symptomatic gallstones in a free-living population. Methods: Use of HRT was ascertained by questionnaire in 13,433 women aged 45–74 years living in Norfolk, UK, who participated in the EPIC-Norfolk Study (European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer). The use of HRT was that at the time of recruitment rather than at the point of diagnosis. Participants were followed up for the development of symptomatic gallstones. The analysis used a nested case-control method in a prospective study. Results: A total of 117 women developed symptomatic gallstones. Women who reported either ever using HRT, currently using HRT or who had been past users all had a greater risk of gallbladder disease than age-matched control women who had never used HRT, after adjusting for known risk factors for gallstones. Women who had ever used HRT had a risk of 1.94 (95% CI = 1.17–3.22) compared with women who had never used HRT. For past users of HRT, the risk of symptomatic gallstones was greater, the longer the duration of use (OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.12–14.76 for use >1 year, compared to OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.79–5.30 for ≤1 year). Conclusions: Use of HRT was positively associated with an increased risk of symptomatic gallstones in this population. This confirms trial data and additionally shows effects of duration of use and increased risk associated with past use.
PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism, cytokine levels and their relations with metabolic parameters in obese children
Authors: Yuce Muammer , Yazici Ayse , Verdi Hasibe , Ataç F. Belgin , Kinik Sibel , Özbek Namik
Published: January 2008

Obesity is associated with the changes of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) levels. However, the precise effect of the 4G allele on obesity is still contradictory. Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of the 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene on the PAI-1 level and determine the associations between cytokines, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters in obese children. Thirty-nine obese children (mean age 11.4 ± 3.3 years) and 38 age-matched healthy control group (mean age 10.3 ± 3.5 years) were included in the study. In all cases, serum levels of glucose, lipid and insulin were measured, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) was calculated, and 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 gene, plasma PAI-1 level and serum TNFα and TGFβ levels were studied. The mean relative body mass index (BMI) and HOMA-IR score, VLDL,TG, insulin, PAI-1,TNFα levels were higher, and HDL and TGFβ levels were lower in the obese group. The frequency of the 4G/4G genotype was considerably higher in obese children than in controls. Also, a positive correlation was found between PAI-1 and TNFα levels, and relative BMI, HOMA-IR score, insulin,TG, HDL levels. TGFβ was inversely correlated only with relative BMI. There was no correlation among three cytokines. In conclusion, childhood obesity contributes to higher PAI-1 andTNFα and lowerTGFβ levels. Especially PAI-1 andTNFα accompany insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.
Increased thrombin generation after acute versus chronic coronary disease as assessed by the thrombin generation test
Authors: Orbe Josune , Zudaire Maite , Serrano Rosario , Coma-Canella Isabel , de Sizarrondo Sara , Rodríguez Jose A. , Páramo Jose A.
Published: January 2008

Atherosclerosis is the most common pathophysiologic substrate of coronary artery disease (CAD).Whereas plaque progression and arterial remodeling are critical components in chronic CAD, intracoronary thrombosis over plaque disruption is causally related to acute CAD. It was the objective of this study to investigate the differences between prior acute CAD and chronic CAD by a simple global coagulation assay measuring thrombin generation. A cross-sectional study involving 15 healthy controls, 35 patients with chronic stable CAD, and 60 patients after an episode of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was performed. Thrombin generation was measured between three and 11 months after the initial diagnosis (mean 6 months) by a commercially available fluorogenic assay (Technothrombin TGA). In each patient the lag phase, velocity index and peak thrombin were obtained from the thrombogram profile. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were recorded, and the inflammatory markers, fibrinogen and hs-C-reactive protein were determined. Compared with stable CAD patients, showing normal thrombograms, those with previous AMI showed earlier lag phase (p<0.05) and significant increase of both the velocity index (p<0.001) and peak thrombin (p<0.05), indicating faster and higher thrombin generation in the AMI group. Differences in thrombin generation between stable and acute CAD patients remained significant (p<0.001) after adjusting for conventional CAD risk factors (age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia). In conclusion, patients with a previous history of acute CAD showed earlier, faster and higher thrombin generation than stable chronic CAD patients. The thrombin generation test may be of clinical value to monitor hypercoagulable/ vulnerable blood and/or guide therapy in CAD.
The antigenic binding sites of autoantibodies to factor XII in patients with recurrent pregnancy losses
Authors: Fujita Yoshimi , Matsubayashi Hidehiko , Izumi Shun-ichiro , Mikami Mikio , Inomo Akifumi , Sugi Toshitaka
Published: January 2008

Recently, numerous studies have suggested an association between factor XII (FXII) deficiency and recurrent pregnancy losses, and between autoantibodies to FXII and recurrent pregnancy losses. Autoantibodies to FXII rather than FXII deficiency may be a risk factor for recurrent pregnancy losses. To know the pathogenesis of autoantibodies to FXII, epitope mapping study was done. Seventeen anti-FXII antibody positive recurrent pregnancy loss patients were chosen for this study. We used synthetic peptides in inhibition and direct binding studies to identify the antigenic binding site of autoantibodies to FXII. Among plasmas from 17 recurrent pregnancy loss patients who were positive for autoantibodies to FXII, 13 patients (76.5%) recognized amino acids 1–30, the amino-terminal heavy chain region that is known as factor XII binding site to platelet glycoprotein Ibα.
Endothelial cell apoptosis induced by bacteria-activated platelets requires caspase-8 and -9 and generation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Kuckleburg Christopher J. , Tiwari Raksha , Czuprynski Charles J.
Published: January 2008

A common feature of severe sepsis is vascular inflammation and damage to the endothelium. Because platelets can be directly activated by bacteria and endotoxin, these cells may play an important role in determining the outcome of sepsis. For example, inhibiting platelet interactions with the endothelium has been shown to attenuate endothelial cell damage and improve survival during sepsis. Although not entirely understood, the interactions between bacteria-activated platelets and the endothelium may play a key role in the vascular pathology of bacterial sepsis. Haemophilus somnus is a bacterial pathogen that causes diffuse vascular inflammation and endothelial damage. In some cases H.somnus infection results in an acute and fatal form of vasculitis in the cerebral microvasculature known as thrombotic meningoencephalitis (TME). In this study, we have characterized the mechanisms involved in endothelial cell apoptosis induced
by activated platelets. We observed that direct contact between H.somnus-activated platelets and endothelial cells induced significant levels of apoptosis; however, Fas receptor activation on bovine endothelial cells was not able to induce apoptosis unless protein synthesis was disrupted. Endothelial cell apoptosis by H.somnus-activated platelets required activation of both caspase-8 and caspase-9, as inhibitors of either caspase inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, activated platelets induced endothelial cell production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupting ROS activity in endothelial cells significantly inhibited apoptosis. These findings suggest that bacterial activation of platelets may contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction observed during sepsis, specifically by inducing endothelial cell apoptosis.
Thrombin and protease-activated receptors (PARs) in atherothrombosis
Authors: Martorell Lluis , Rodríguez Cristina , Gentile Maurizio , Calvayrac Olivier , Badimon Lina , Martínez-González José
Published: January 2008

Thrombin is a multifunctional serine protease generated at the site of vascular injury that transforms fibrinogen into fibrin, activates blood platelets and elicits multiple effects on a variety of cell types including endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), monocytes,T lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Cellular effects of thrombin are mediated by protease-activated receptors (PARs), members of the G protein-coupled receptors that carry their own ligand which remains cryptic until unmasked by proteolytic cleavage. Thrombin signalling in platelets contributes to haemostasis and thrombosis. In normal arteries PARs are mainly expressed in endothelial cells, while their expression in VSMC is limited. Endothelial PARs participate in the regulation of vascular tone, vascular permeability and endothelial secretory activity while in VSMC they mediate contraction, migration, proliferation, hypertrophy and production of extra-cellular matrix. PARs contribute to the pro-inflammatory phenotype observed in endothelial dysfunction and their up-regulation inVSMC seems to be a key element in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis. In the last years a myriad of studies have emphasized the critical role of PAR signalling in thrombin mediated effects in haemostasis, inflammation, cancer and embryonic development. Lately, PARs have become a therapeutic target to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Early data from a clinical trial (TRA-PCI) to evaluate safety and efficacy of a potent new oral thrombin receptor antagonist (TRA) have promisingly indicated that overallTRA treatment reduces adverse event rates without an increase in bleeding risk. In this paper we review cellular responses triggered by thrombin and their implication in vascular pathophysiology.
Stroke and thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review of stroke risk factors, risk stratification schema and cost effectiveness data
Authors: Hughes Michael , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   on behalf of the Guideline Development Group for the NICE national clinical guideline for management of atrial fibrillation in primary and secondary care
Published: January 2008

The risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) needs to be assessed in each patient to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis, with the aim of appropriate use of antithrombotic therapy. To achieve this, stroke risk factors in AF populations need to be identified and stroke risk stratification models have been devised on the basis of these risk factors. In this article, we firstly provide a systematic review of studies examining the attributable stroke risk of various clinical, demographic and echocardiographic patient characteristics in AF populations. Secondly, we performed a systematic review of published stroke risk stratification models, in terms of the results of the review of stroke risk factors and their ability to accurately discriminate between different levels of stroke risk. Thirdly, we review the health economic evidence relating to the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy as thromboprophylaxis in AF patients. The studies included in the systematic review of stroke risk factors identified history of stroke or TIA, increasing age, hypertension and structural heart disease (left-ventricular dysfunction or hypertrophy) to be good predictors of stroke risk in AF patients. The evidence regarding diabetes mellitus, gender and other patient characteristics was less consistent. Three stroke risk stratification models were identified that were able to discriminate between different categories of stroke risk to at least 95% accuracy. Few models had addressed the cumulative nature of risk factors where a combination of risk factors would confer a greater risk than either factor alone. In patients at high risk of stroke, anticoagulation is cost effective, but not for those with a low risk of stroke. With the evidence available for stroke risk factors and the various alternative stroke risk stratification models, a review of these models in terms of the evidence on which they are devised and their performance in representative AF populations is important. The appropriate administration of thromboprophylaxis in AF patients would need to balance the risks and benefits of antithrombotic therapy with its cost-effectiveness.
Associations between common fibrinogen gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease in older adults
Authors: Cushman Mary , Jones Daniel , Lange Leslie A. , Hindorff Lucia A. , Rice Kenneth , Jenny Nancy S. , Durda J. Peter , Walston Jeremy , Carlson Christopher S. , Nickerson Debbie , Tracy Russell P. , Reiner Alex P. , Carty Cara L.
Published: January 2008

Elevated plasma fibrinogen is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but associations between fibrinogen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and disease risk are inconsistent. We investigated whether common (≥ 5% minor allele frequency) variation in the fibrinogen genes (FGA, FGB, FGG) is associated with fibrinogen concentration, carotid artery intima-medial thickness (IMT) and risk of incident myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke and CVD mortality in European-(EA) and African-descent (AA) adults (≥ 65 years) from the Cardiovascular Health Study. TagSNPs were genotyped in 3,969 EA and 719 AA free of MI or stroke at baseline. Race-specific models included multiple testing correction and adjustment for sex, age and site. Among EA, minor alleles of FGA3807,FGB1437 and FGG902 were associated with higher fibrinogen levels; whereas FGA251, FGA2224, FGA6534 and FGG10034 were associated with lower levels, p<0.004 for each. Strongest associations were seen for FGB1437;each additional copy of the minor allele was associated with 13 mg/dl (95%CI: 9–16) higher fibrinogen level. Similar trends in AA were not significant. Fibrinogen haplotypes were not significantly associated with internal or common carotid IMT. No associations with MI or CVD mortality were seen in EA, though FGB1038 and FGG902 were significantly associated with increased and decreased risk of stroke in men, respectively, as were related haplotypes. FGB1038 was also associated with CVD mortality in AA, HR=1.9 (95%CI: 1.3–2.7). In conclusion, while fibrinogen genetic variation was strongly associated with fibrinogen levels, there was less evidence of association with the more complex outcomes of IMT and CVD events.
Glycoprotein Ibα and von Willebrand factor in primary platelet adhesion and thrombus formation: Lessons from mutant mice
Authors: Chauhan Anil K. , Wagner Denisa D. , Bergmeier Wolfgang
Published: January 2008

The von Willebrand factor (VWF) receptor complex, glycoprotein (GP)Ib-V-IX, and its main ligand VWF play a key role in the adhesion process of platelets to sites of vascular injury. Recent studies in mutant mice have shed new light on the importance of either molecule for the development of arterial and venous thrombosis. In this review, we summarize the most important aspects from these studies.
Sensory and Association Cortex in Time Perception
Authors: Bueti Domenica , Bahrami Bahador , Walsh Vincent
Published: January 2008

The recent upsurge of interest in brain mechanisms of time perception is beginning to converge on some new starting points for investigating this long under studied aspect of our experience. In four experiments, we asked whether disruption of normal activity in human MT/V5 would interfere with temporal discrimination. Although clearly associated with both spatial and motion processing, MT/V5 has not yet been implicated in temporal processes. Following predictions from brain imaging studies that have shown the parietal cortex to be important in human time perception, we also asked whether disruption of either the left or right parietal cortex would interfere with time perception preferentially in the auditory or visual domain. The results show that the right posterior parietal cortex is important for timing of auditory and visual stimuli and that MT/V5 is necessary for timing only of visual events.
Patient Registries in Cognitive Neuroscience Research: Advantages, Challenges, and Practical Advice
Authors: Fellows Lesley K. , Stark Marianna , Berg Arlene , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: January 2008

Neuropsychological work is the historical foundation of cognitive neuroscience and continues to be an important method in the study of the neural basis of human behavior, complementing newer techniques for investigating brain structure-function relationships in human subjects. Recent advances in neuroimaging, statistics and information management provide powerful tools to support neuropsychological research. At the same time, changing ethical requirements and privacy concerns impose increasingly high standards on the procedures used to recruit research participants, and on subsequent data management. Shared, centrally managed research registries provide a framework for facilitating access to this method for nonclinicians, addressing ethical concerns, streamlining recruitment and screening procedures, and coordinating subsequent research contacts and data storage. We report the experience of two such registries: the patient database of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Cognitive Neuroscience Research Registry at McGill University.
Is it Mine? Hemispheric Asymmetries in Corporeal Self-recognition
Authors: Frassinetti Francesca , Maini Manule , Romualdi Sabrina , Galante Emanuela , Avanzi Stefano
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the recognition of “self body parts” is independent from the recognition of other people's body parts. If this is the case, the ability to recognize “self body parts” should be selectively impaired after lesion involving specific brain areas. To verify this hypothesis, patients with lesion of the right (right brain-damaged [RBD]) or left (left brain-damaged [LBD]) hemisphere and healthy subjects were submitted to a visual matching-to-sample task in two experiments. In the first experiment, stimuli depicted their own body parts or other people's body parts. In the second experiment, stimuli depicted parts of three categories: objects, bodies, and faces. In both experiments, participants were required to decide which of two vertically aligned images (the upper or the lower one) matched the central target stimulus. The results showed that the task indirectly tapped into bodily self-processing mechanisms, in that both LBD patients and normal subjects performed the task better when they visually matched their own, as compared to others', body parts. In contrast, RBD patients did not show such an advantage for self body parts. Moreover, they were more impaired than LBD patients and normal subjects when visually matching their own body parts, whereas this difference was not evident in performing the task with other people's body parts. RBD patients' performance for the other stimulus categories (face, body, object), although worse than LBD patients' and normal subjects' performance, was comparable across categories. These findings suggest that the right hemisphere may be involved in the recognition of self body parts, through a fronto-parietal network.
Illusory Vowels Resulting from Perceptual Continuity: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Heinrich Antje , Carlyon Robert P. , Davis Matthew H. , Johnsrude Ingrid S.
Published: January 2008

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the neural processing of vowels whose perception depends on the continuity illusion. Participants heard sequences of two-formant vowels under a number of listening conditions. In the “vowel conditions,” both formants were always present simultaneously and the stimuli were perceived as speech-like. Contrasted with a range of nonspeech sounds, these vowels elicited activity in the posterior middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and superior temporal sulcus (STS). When the two formants alternated in time, the “speech-likeness” of the sounds was reduced. It could be partially restored by filling the silent gaps in each formant with bands of noise (the “Illusion” condition) because the noise induced an illusion of continuity in each formant region, causing the two formants to be perceived as simultaneous. However, this manipulation was only effective at low formant-to-noise ratios (FNRs). When the FNR was increased, the illusion broke down (the “illusion-break” condition). Activation in vowel-sensitive regions of the MTG was greater in the illusion than in the illusion-break condition, consistent with the perception of Illusion stimuli as vowels. Activity in Heschl's gyri (HG), the approximate location of the primary auditory cortex, showed the opposite pattern, and may depend instead on the number of perceptual onsets in a sound. Our results demonstrate that speech-sensitive regions of the MTG are sensitive not to the physical characteristics of the stimulus but to the perception of the stimulus as speech, and also provide an anatomically distinct, objective physiological correlate of the continuity illusion in human listeners.
Neural Correlates of Post-error Slowing during a Stop Signal Task: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Li Chiang-shan Ray , Huang Cong , Yan Peisi , Paliwal Prashni , Constable Robert Todd , Sinha Rajita
Published: January 2008

The ability to detect errors and adjust behavior accordingly is essential for maneuvering in an uncertain environment. Errors are particularly prone to occur when multiple, conflicting responses are registered in a situation that requires flexible behavioral outputs; for instance, when a go signal requires a response and a stop signal requires inhibition of the response during a stop signal task (SST). Previous studies employing the SST have provided ample evidence indicating the importance of the medial cortical brain regions in conflict/error processing. Other studies have also related these regional activations to postconflict/error behavioral adjustment. However, very few studies have directly explored the neural correlates of postconflict/error behavioral adjustment. Here we employed an SST to elicit errors in approximately half of the stop trials despite constant behavioral adjustment of the observers. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we showed that prefrontal loci including the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex are involved in post-error slowing in reaction time. These results delineate the neural circuitry specifically involved in error-associated behavioral modifications.
Event-related Potentials Associated with Masked Priming of Test Cues Reveal Multiple Potential Contributions to Recognition Memory
Authors: Woollams Anna M. , Taylor Jason R. , Karayanidis Frini , Henson Richard N.
Published: January 2008

The relationship between recognition memory and repetition priming remains unclear. Priming is believed to reflect increased processing fluency for previously studied items relative to new items. Manipulations that affect fluency can also affect the likelihood that participants will judge items as studied in recognition tasks. This attribution of fluency to memory has been related to the familiarity process, as distinct from the recollection process, that is assumed by dual-process models of recognition memory. To investigate the time courses and neural sources of fluency, familiarity, and recollection, we conducted an event-related potential (ERP) study of recognition memory using masked priming of test cues and a remember/know paradigm. During the recognition test, studied and unstudied words were preceded by a brief, masked word that was either the same or different. Participants decided quickly whether each item had been studied (“old” or “new”), and for items called old, indicated whether they “remembered” (R) the encoding event, or simply “knew” (K) the item had been studied. Masked priming increased the proportion of K, but not R, judgments. Priming also decreased response times for hits but not correct rejections (CRs). Four distinct ERP effects were found. A medial-frontal FN400 (300–500 msec) was associated with familiarity (R, K Hits > CRs) and a centro-parietal late positivity (500–800 msec) with recollection (R Hits > K Hits, CRs). A long-term repetition effect was found for studied items judged “new” (Misses > CRs) in the same time window as the FN400, but with a posterior distribution. Finally, a centrally distributed masked priming effect was visible between 150 and 250 msec and continued into the 300–500 msec time window, where it was topographically dissociable from the FN400. These results suggest that multiple neural signals are associated with repetition and potentially contribute to recognition memory.
The Effects of Stereotypes on the Achievement Gap: Reexamining the Academic Performance of African American High School Students
Authors: Kellow J. Thomas , Jones Brett D.
Published: January 2008

This study investigated whether African American high school freshman students experience stereotype threat when taking a test that is seen as a predictor of their success on a high-stakes test. The authors conceptually replicated a previous study by Kellow and Jones (2005) using a true experimental design, as opposed to a quasi-experimental design. White students scored statistically significantly higher than African American students when told that their test performance would be predictive of their performance on a statewide, high-stakes standardized test. The following potential mediators of stereotype threat were included in the study and the effects of each are discussed: (a) perceptions of ability and expectancy for success, (b) achievement goal orientation, (c) anxiety, and (d) perceptions of stereotype threat. The results suggest that African American students are at a disadvantage compared to White students when their knowledge and skills are measured using a high-stakes standardized test. Implications for high-stakes testing of African American students are discussed.
Motivated to Penalize: Women's Strategic Rejection of Successful Women
Authors: Parks-Stamm Elizabeth J. , Heilman Madeline E. , Hearns Krystle A.
Published: January 2008

Two studies tested the hypothesis that females penalize women who succeed in male gender-typed jobs to salvage their own self-views regarding competence. The authors proposed that women are motivated to penalize successful women (i.e., characterize them as unlikable and interpersonally hostile) to minimize the self-evaluative consequences of social comparison with a highly successful female target. Results supported the hypothesis. Whereas both male and female participants penalized successful women, blocking this penalization reduced female—but not male—participants' self-ratings of competence (Study 1). Moreover, positive feedback provided to female participants about their potential to succeed (Study 2) weakened negative reactions to successful women without costs to subsequent self-ratings of competence. These results suggest that the interpersonal derogation of successful women by other women functions as a self-protective strategy against threatening upward social comparisons.
Mental Exercising Through Simple Socializing: Social Interaction Promotes General Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Ybarra Oscar , Burnstein Eugene , Winkielman Piotr , Keller Matthew C. , Manis Melvin , Chan Emily , Rodriguez Joel
Published: January 2008

Social interaction is a central feature of people's life and engages a variety of cognitive resources. Thus, social interaction should facilitate general cognitive functioning. Previous studies suggest such a link, but they used special populations (e.g., elderly with cognitive impairment), measured social interaction indirectly (e.g., via marital status), and only assessed effects of extended interaction in correlational designs. Here the relation between mental functioning and direct indicators of social interaction was examined in a younger and healthier population. Study 1 using survey methodology found a positive relationship between social interaction, assessed via amount of actual social contact, and cognitive functioning in people from three age groups including younger adults. Study 2 using an experimental design found that a small amount of social interaction (10 min) can facilitate cognitive performance. The findings are discussed in the context of the benefits social relationships have for so many aspects of people's lives.
Victoria's Dirty Secret: How Sociocultural Norms Influence Adolescent Girls and Women
Authors: Strahan Erin J. , Lafrance Adèle , Wilson Anne E. , Ethier Nicole , Spencer Steven J. , Zanna Mark P.
Published: January 2008

The present studies tested whether the salience of sociocultural norms for ideal appearance leads women to base their self-worth more strongly on appearance, which in turn leads them to feel more concerned with others' perceptions and less satisfied with their bodies. Study 1 tested this model by manipulating the salience of the sociocultural norm among female university students. The model was supported. In Study 2 an intervention challenging the legitimacy of the sociocultural norm was delivered to female and male adolescents. Compared to controls, females who received this intervention were less accepting of the sociocultural norms for appearance, based their self-worth less strongly on appearance, and in turn were less concerned with others' perceptions and were more satisfied with their bodies. The implications for women are discussed.
Untying the knot of knowledge management measurement: a study of six public service agencies in Singapore
Authors: Chua Alton Y.K. , Goh Dion H.
Published: January 2008

This paper seeks to contribute to the on-going research in knowledge management (KM) by presenting a study conducted in six public service agencies in Singapore. The study was guided by three research foci, namely, (1) to elucidate the nebulous nature of KM initiatives, (2) to uncover the motivation behind KM measurement and (3) to identify the various elements of a KM initiative that can be measured. Data collected from the public service agencies revealed that KM initiatives were generally top-down and technology-focused. Project management and the need to quantify the value of KM initiatives drove KM measurement. The measurement indicators adopted by the agencies encompassed four elements of measurement: activities, knowledge assets, organizational processes and business outcomes. In conclusion, this paper highlights two practical implications for the design of a KM measurement regime and suggests a number of possible directions for further research.
Sequentially allocated clinical trial of rhythmic stabilization exercises and TENS in women with chronic low back pain
Authors: Kofotolis Nikolaos D. , Vlachopoulos Symeon P. , Kellis Eleftherios
Published: January 2008

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of rhythmic stabilization exercises and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and their combination in treating women with chronic low back pain.

Design: Sequentially allocated, single-blinded and controlled study, with a two-month follow-up.

Setting: The data were collected in a patient rehabilitation setting.

Subjects: A total of 92 women (34—46 years old) with chronic low back pain were studied.

Interventions: Sequential allocation was undertaken into four groups: `rhythmic stabilization' (n=23), `rhythmic stabilization — TENS' (n=23), TENS (n=23), and a placebo group (n = 23). Each programme lasted for four weeks. All outcome measures were assessed prior to, immediately after, four weeks and eight weeks post intervention.

Main measures: Data were obtained on functional disability, pain intensity, trunk extension range of motion, dynamic endurance of trunk flexion and static endurance of trunk extension.

Results: A total of 88 patients provided two-month follow-up data. The `rhythmic stabilization' and the `rhythmic stabilization — TENS' groups displayed statistically significant (P<0.05) improvements in functional disability and pain intensity (ranging from 21.2 to 42.8%), trunk extension range of motion (ranging from 6.5 to 25.5%), dynamic endurance of trunk flexion and static endurance of trunk extension (ranging from 13.5 to 74.3%) compared with the remaining groups.

Conclusions: The rhythmic stabilization programmes resulted in more gains in women with chronic low back pain regarding the present outcome variables compared with the other groups; therefore, its application in female chronic low back pain patients aged 34—46 years is recommended.
A meta-analysis examining clinical test utilities for assessing meniscal injury
Authors: Meserve Brent B. , Cleland Joshua A. , Boucher Thomas R.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To systematically review the most recent literature with meta-analysis to summarize the accuracy of clinical tests for assessing meniscal lesions of the knee.

Methods and measures: A computerized database search was performed to identify eligible articles. Identified articles were reviewed to determine eligibility and methodological quality. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odd ratios were reproduced or recorded from each study. Meta-analysis was performed using the reported study sensitivity and specificity values.

Results: Three tests — joint line tenderness, McMurray's and Apley's — were compared in the meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the studies was found to have a significant effect on both the test sensitivities and specificities. Summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity values, mean likelihood ratios and diagnostic odd ratios (DOR) uniformly show joint line tenderness (DOR = 10.98) to be the best `common' test, followed by McMurray's (DOR = 3.99) and Apley's (DOR = 2.2). Thessaly's test reported the strongest DOR of 227, but samples were smaller (n = 410), than those for joint line tenderness (n = 1354), McMurray's (n = 1232) and Apley's (n = 479).

Conclusion: Methodological quality varied from poor to fair among studies, affecting test performance. Future studies should, where possible, utilize larger samples of individuals without meniscal lesions to better estimate test specificity and thus more accurately identify optimal clinical tests.
A study of constraint-induced movement therapy in subacute stroke patients in Hong Kong
Authors: Myint Jennifer Ma Wai Wai , Yuen Grace Fung Chi , Yu Teresa Kim Kam , Kng Carolyn Poey Lyn , Wong Amy Mei Yee , Chow Keith Kit Chi , Li Hercy Chi Kong , Chun Por Wong
Published: January 2008

Objective: To investigate the beneficial effect of constraint-induced movement therapy in improving the function of hemiplegic upper extremity in the early subacute stroke patients.

Design: A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled study comparing the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy or control treatment at post intervention and 12 weeks follow-up.

Subjects: The inclusion criteria were 2—16 weeks after stroke, hemiparesis of the affected limb, minimal function of ≥20 degrees wrist extension and ≥10 degrees extension of all digits and Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥17.

Interventions: The intervention group underwent a programme of 10 days upper extremity training (4 hours per day) with the unaffected limb being restrained in

a shoulder sling and the control group received an equivalent duration of conventional rehabilitation therapy.

Main measures: Functional level for hemiparetic upper extremity, Motor Activity Log, Action Research Arm Test and modified Barthel Index.

Results: There were 23 and 20 subjects respectively in the constraint-induced movement therapy and control groups. Significant improvements were seen at post intervention and 12 weeks after constraint-induced movement therapy in functional level for hemiparetic upper extremity (P= 0.001), and in the `amount of use' (P= 0.001) and `how well' (P= 0.021) subscales of the Motor Activity Log. The total Action Research Arm Test score, grasp (P= 0.004), grip (P= 0.004), pinch (P= 0.032) and gross (P= 0.006) components showed significant improvement over the control group at post intervention. The grip component (P=0.019) and the total Action Research Arm Test score (P= 0.009) were superior to the control group at 12 weeks.

Conclusion: Significant improvement in hand function could be achieved with constraint-induced movement therapy in subacute stroke patients, which was maintained up to 12 week follow-up.
Hypotension caused by therapeutic doses of venlafaxine: case report and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms
Authors: Alexandrino-Silva Clóvis , Nadalini Mauá Fernando Henrique , de Andrade Arthur Guerra , de Toledo Ferraz Alves Tânia Corrêa
Published: January 2008

Although venlafaxine is usually associated with modest increases in blood pressure and not so often clinical hypertension, there are a few reported cases of hypotension related to overdoses of this specific antidepressant. The case study of a young female patient with a history of Major Depressive Disorder who initiated treatment with venlafaxine 75 mg/day and developed hypotension when the dosage was titrated up to 225 mg/day is described. The patient did not present comorbid diseases nor use other medication. A temporal association and a dose-dependent relationship between the hypotension and the use of venlafaxine is shown. To the best of the knowledge of the authors,

this is the first case report that specifically associates regular doses of venlafaxine with the presence of hypotension. A pathophysiological mechanism is proposed, involving the participation of presynaptic alpha2-adrenergic receptors and the presence of a possible genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P4502D6, which is associated with lower drug metabolization, to explain the relationship between venlafaxine in regular dosage and development of hypotension.
Anxiolytic and panicolytic effects of escitalopram in the elevated T-maze
Authors: Pinheiro SN , Del-Ben CM , Zangrossi H. , Graeff FG
Published: January 2008

Escitalopram is a highly selective inhibitor of serotonin re—uptake that is used to treat anxiety disorders. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acute, sub-chronic (14 days) and chronic (21 days) administration of escitalopram (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg, PO) on the performance of rats in the elevated T-maze. For comparison, imipramine (15 mg/kg, PO) was also studied. The apparatus is made of three elevated arms of equal dimension, one enclosed transversal to the two open arms. Inhibitory avoidance of the open arms, trained in the enclosed arm, has been related to generalised anxiety disorder, while one-way escape from one open arm, to panic disorder. After acute administration, the three doses of escitalopram impaired avoidance (anxiolytic effect), while imipramine was ineffective. Escape was unaffected by either drug. With subchronic administration, both drugs were ineffective on either avoidance or escape. After chronic treatment, avoidance was impaired by imipramine and by the two highest doses of escitalopram. In addition, escape was impaired (panicolytic effect) by imipramine and by the highest dose of escitalopram. Locomotion measured in a square arena was increased by the three doses of escitalopram, given chronically. Therefore, both imipramine and escitalopram had anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effects after chronic administration, but acutely only escitalopram decreased anxiety. Since no such effect was observed following subchronic administration, it is likely that the mechanisms of the early and late anxiolytic actions of escitalopram are different.
Escitalopram in specific phobia: results of a placebo-controlled pilot trial
Authors: Alamy Sayed , Wei Zhang  , Varia Indu , Davidson Jonathan RT , Connor Kathryn M
Published: January 2008

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of escitalopram in treating specific phobia. Method: The study was performed in an academic medical center. Adults meeting DSM-IV criteria for specific phobia were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with escitalopram or placebo. Efficacy measures included the Main Phobia Scale (MPS), the Marks Fear Questionnaire (FQ) and the Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I) scale. Data were collected between September 2002 and September 2004. Results: Of 13 subjects enrolled, 12 returned for at least one post-randomization visit and were included in the intent to treat sample. Response rates on the various subscales of the MPS and the FQ ranged from 20 to 80% for escitalopram, compared to 0—43% with placebo. Rates of response using the CGI-I scale were 60% for escitalopram and 29% for placebo, with a strong between treatment effect in favor of the drug at week 12 (effect-size = 1.13). Using the last observation carried forward, no statistically significant treatment differences were found. The drug was well tolerated. Conclusion: Treatment response was consistently greater for escitalopram than for placebo, with strong effects observed in favor of the drug. However, treatment differences on the primary outcome measures were not significant in this under-powered pilot study. Escitalopram may hold promise as a treatment for specific phobia and larger randomized controlled trials are needed.
Mirtazapine associated with recurrent pancreatitis — a case report
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Burke John
Published: January 2008

Pancreatitis can be a rare but serious side-effect of Mirtazapine. There are very few case reports worldwide that highlight this. We present a case of recurrent pancreatitis which demonstrates this potential clinical association.