bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of Personality States, Goals, and Well-Being
Authors: Heller Daniel , Komar Jennifer , Lee Wonkyong Beth
Published: May 2007

The authors examine the within-individual dynamics of Big-5 personality states over time in people's daily lives. They focus on the magnitude of this within-individual variability, and the associations between personality states, short-term goals, and subjective well-being states. A total of 101 undergraduate students participated in a 10-day interval-contingent diary study. The authors' findings, based on multilevel procedures, establish a considerable amount of within-individual variability that is both (a) equal or larger than that observed between individuals and (b) larger or similar to other constructs assessed with a state approach (e.g., self-esteem and mood). In addition, both neuroticism and extraversion states are systematically related to the short-term pursuit of approach—avoidance goals. Finally, support was obtained for the mediating role of both neuroticism and extraversion states of the association between goals and subjective well-being. In sum, the authors' findings testify to the importance and utility of studying within-individual variability in personality states over time.
Understanding the Negative Effects of Legal Education on Law Students: A Longitudinal Test of Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Sheldon Kennon M. , Krieger Lawrence S.
Published: May 2007

Longitudinal studies suggest that law school has a corrosive effect on the well-being, values, and motivation of students, ostensibly because of its problematic institutional culture. In a 3-year study of two different law schools, the authors applied self-determination theory's (SDT) dynamic process model of thriving to explain such findings. Students at both schools declined in psychological need satisfaction and well-being over the 3 years. However, student reports of greater perceived autonomy support by faculty predicted less radical declines in need satisfaction, which in turn predicted better well-being in the 3rd year and also a higher grade point average, better bar exam results, and more self-determined motivation for the first job after graduation. Institution-level analyses showed that although students at both schools suffered, one school was perceived as more controlling than the other, predicting greater difficulties for its students. Implications for SDT and for legal education are discussed.
Perceptions of Immigrants: Modifying the Attitudes of Individuals Higher in Social Dominance Orientation
Authors: Danso Henry A. , Sedlovskaya Alexandra , Suanda Sumarga H.
Published: May 2007

Previous research has demonstrated that directly challenging people's beliefs about immigrants may result in even stronger anti-immigration attitudes, especially among those higher in social dominance orientation (SDO). In addition, inducing the perception that immigrants are part of a larger ingroup does not modify immigration attitudes. In three studies, the article explores conditions that can reduce prejudice toward immigrants among those high in SDO. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate that focusing attention on group identity maintains prejudice, whereas focusing attention on others reduces prejudice among those higher in SDO. Study 3 extends the findings of the first two studies by demonstrating that focusing attention on others in a way that induces perception of similarity with immigrants maintains negative attitudes toward immigrants, whereas focusing on individual values reduces prejudice among those higher in SDO. Implications for how prejudice could be reduced among those high in SDO through de-emphasis on group identity are discussed.
Helping to Improve the Group Stereotype: On the Strategic Dimension of Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Hopkins Nick , Reicher Steve , Harrison Kate , Cassidy Clare , Bull Rebecca , Levine Mark
Published: May 2007

Three studies consider a basis for intergroup helping. Specifically, they show that group members may help others to disconfirm a stereotype of their own group as mean. Study 1 shows that Scots believe they are seen as mean by the English, resent this stereotype, are motivated to refute it, and believe out-group helping is a particularly effective way of doing so. Study 2 shows that increasing the salience of the English stereotype of the Scottish as mean leads Scots to accentuate the extent to which Scots are depicted as generous. Study 3 shows that increasing the salience of the stereotype of the Scots as mean results in an increase in the help volunteered to out-group members. These results highlight how strategic concerns may result in out-group helping. In turn, they underscore the point that helping others may be a means to advance a group's interest.
Development of a Duplex Ultrasound Service for Dialysis Patients with Vascular Access Problems
Authors: Healey A. , Gould D. , Murphy M. , Sodha I. , Howell A. , Baty L. , Acharya G. , Powell S.
Published: May 2007

Change is often seen as threatening and is usually met with some resistance. Old methods are perceived to be 'safe' with change often disruptive in the short term. Patient choice, combined with appropriately trained and dedicated staff working as part of an integrated team, can vastly improve service provision for ultrasound patients. Simple changes can sometimes drastically improve outcomes without necessarily involving an increase in resources. This article illustrates steps that can be taken to identify problems, using the model of a dialysis fistula ultrasound service, and demonstrates how implemented change can improve services to patients and to referring clinicians.
A Comparison Between Urethane and Gel Test Objects for Ultrasound Imaging Performance Testing
Authors: Green Hannah L. , Dudley Nicholas J. , Gibson Nicholas M.
Published: May 2007

Both urethane and gel based test objects are widely used for ultrasound imaging performance testing. Urethane has a lower sound propagation speed, resulting in defocusing of the ultrasound beam. The aims of this work were to compare the ability of urethane and gel test objects in demonstrating the deliberate de-optimization of an ultrasound scanner via resolution and dynamic range changes. Images were captured from two test objects using four scanners with optimized and de-optimized settings for focusing and dynamic range. The images were analysed for resolution, grey-scale target contrast and visibility, and high contrast target visibility and the significance of differences between optimized and de-optimized settings were assessed. Overall, the urethane test object demonstrated more significant changes (15; 9 for gel test object) with the lateral resolution changing more often than the other image qualities. If the beam profile or grey scale changes, we are more likely to see a change in resolution measurement and the urethane test object is more likely to demonstrate these changes.
The History of Ultrasound Training in Bangladesh
Authors: Taher M. A. , Ali Murshed
Published: May 2007

Ultrasound training in Bangladesh was started in 1980 when the first ultrasound machines arrived in the capital city of Dhaka—one in the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (ICVD) supported by Japanese cardiologists for echocardiography, the other in the Institute of Nuclear Medicine (INM), a joint project of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), and the Institute of Postgraduate Medicine and Research (later named Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University). In February 2006 we started a heel ultrasound project with the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Johns Hopkins University, USA.
Turning up the Power: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Haar Gail ter
Published: May 2007

Diagnostic ultrasound is generally considered to provide images without causing any significant biological effects in the tissues being visualized. If, however, the energy used is increased sufficiently, ultrasound can kill cells instantaneously, and causes thermal necrosis. High intensity focused ultrasound beams are being used to destroy masses in deep-seated tissues without damage to the intervening, overlying structures. This new technique is being investigated for use in the treatment of cancer of the prostate, liver, kidney, breast and bone.
Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum: A cause for haemoperitoneum
Authors: Nandish S. , Weston M. J. , Wolstenhulme S.
Published: May 2007

Meckel's diverticulum is a true diverticulum involving the three layers of intestine. It occurs as a result of incomplete atrophy of the omphalomesenteric duct. Usually asymptomatic, presentation is most often due to complications. Sonographic features are diverse and can represent the diverticulum per se or be due to its complications. Haemoperitoneum is one such finding caused by perforation of the diverticulum.
Amniotic Band Syndrome
Authors: Kumar M. , Das S. , Kumar B.
Published: May 2007

Amniotic band syndrome comprises a group of fetal malformations of varying severity. Malformations may be minor, causing constriction rings in the fetus or major, being incompatible with post-natal life or causing fetal death. In this article we describe a case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome first detected at 23 weeks gestation. The pregnancy resulted in an intrauterine death at 26 weeks gestation, possibly due to placental abruption as a result of tight amniotic bands attached between the fetal surface of the placenta and the fetal limbs. Post mortem examination of the fetus confirmed placental abruption and amniotic bands.
Functional deficiencies of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and interleukin-3 contribute to insulitis and destruction of β cells
Authors: Enzler Thomas , Gillessen Silke , Dougan Michael , Allison James P. , Neuberg Donna , Oble Darryl A. , Mihm Martin , Dranoff Glenn
Published: May 2007

The pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) involves the immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Genetic analysis of families with a high incidence of T1D and nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, a prototypical model of the disorder, uncovered multiple susceptibility loci, although most of the underlying immune defects remain to be delineated. Here we report that aged mice doubly deficient in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-3 (IL-3) manifest insulitis, destruction of insulin-producing β cells, and compromised glucose homeostasis. Macrophages from mutant mice produce increased levels of p40 after LPS stimulation, whereas concurrent ablation of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) ameliorates the disease. The administration of antibodies that block cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) to young mutant mice precipitates the onset of insulitis and hyperglycemia. These results, together with previous reports of impaired hematopoietic responses to GM-CSF and IL-3 in patients with T1D and in NOD mice, indicate that functional deficiencies of these cytokines contribute to diabetes.
Genetic and pharmacologic evidence implicating the p85α, but not p85β, regulatory subunit of PI3K and Rac2 GTPase in regulating oncogenic KIT-induced transformation in acute myeloid leukemia and systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Munugalavadla Veerendra , Sims Emily C. , Borneo Jovencio , Chan Rebecca J. , Kapur Reuben
Published: May 2007

Oncogenic activation loop KIT mutations are observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and systemic mastocytosis (SM); however, unlike the KIT juxtamembrane mutants, the activation loop mutants are insensitive to imatinib mesylate. Furthermore, as prior studies primarily used heterologous cell lines, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying oncogenic KIT-induced transformation in primary cells is poorly understood. We demonstrate that expression of KITD814V in primary hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC/Ps) and mast cell progenitors (MCps) induces constitutive KIT autophosphorylation, supports ligand-independent hyperproliferation, and promotes promiscuous cooperation with multiple cytokines. Genetic disruption of p85α, the regulatory subunit of class IA lipid kinase phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), but not of p85β, or genetic disruption of the hematopoietic cell-specific Rho GTPase, Rac2, normalizes KITD814V-induced ligand-independent hyperproliferation. Additionally, deficiency of p85α or Rac2 corrects the promiscuous hyperproliferation observed in response to multiple cytokines in both KITD814V-expressing HSC/Ps and MCps. Treatment of KITD814V-expressing HSC/Ps with a Rac inhibitor (NC23766) or with rapamycin showed a dose-dependent suppression in ligand-independent growth. Taken together, our results identify p85α and Rac2 as potential novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of KITD814V-bearing AML and SM.
Noncanonical NF-κB signaling in dendritic cells is required for indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) induction and immune regulation
Authors: Tas Sander W. , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J. , Hajji Najat , Schuitemaker Joost H. N. , van der Sluijs Koen F. , May Michael J. , Ghosh Sankar , Kapsenberg Martien L. , Tak Paul P. , de Jong Esther C.
Published: May 2007

Ligation of CD40 on dendritic cells (DCs) induces early production of inflammatory mediators via canonical NF-κB signaling, as well as late expression of the anti-inflammatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) via unknown signal transduction. By selective blocking of either the canonical NF-κB pathway using the NEMO-binding domain peptide or the noncanonical NF-κB pathway by small interfering RNA, we demonstrate that IDO expression requires noncanonical NF-κB signaling. Also, noncanonical NF-κB signaling down-regulates proinflammatory cytokine production in DCs. In addition, selective activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway results in noninflammatory DCs that suppress T-cell activation and promote the development of T cells with regulatory properties. These findings reveal an important role of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway in the regulation of immunity.
The Effects of Clinical Workload on Teaching in the Emergency Department
Authors: Kelly Sean P. , Shapiro Nathan , Woodruff Michael , Corrigan Kelly , Sanchez Leon D. , Wolfe Richard E.
Published: May 2007

Background:Academic emergency physicians have expressed concern that increased clinical workload and overcrowding adversely affect clinical teaching.

Objectives:To evaluate the influence of clinical workload and attending physicians' teaching characteristics on clinical teaching in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:This was a prospective observational study using learner satisfaction assessment tools to evaluate bedside teaching. On days when a research assistant was available, all ED residents and attending physicians were queried. A total of 335 resident surveys were administered over nine months (89% response). Clinical workload was measured by perception and patient volume. Teaching quality and characteristics were rated on ten‐point scales. A linear mixed‐effects model was used to obtain adjusted impact estimates of clinical workload and teaching attributes on teaching scores while controlling for individual attending physicians' teaching ability and residents' grading tendencies.

Results:No clinical workload parameter had a significant effect on teaching scores: residents' workload perception (β estimate, 0.024; p = 0.55), attending physicians' workload perception (β estimate, −0.05; p = 0.28), patient volume in patients per hour (β estimate, −0.010; p = 0.36), and shift type (β estimate, −0.19; p = 0.28). The individual attending physician effect was significant (p < 0.001) and adjusted in each case. In another model, the attending physicians' learning environment established (β estimate, 0.12; p = 0.005), clinical teaching skills (β estimate, 0.36; p < 0.001), willingness to teach (β estimate, 0.25; p < 0.001), and interpersonal skills (β estimate, 0.19; p < 0.001) affected teaching scores, but the attending physicians' availability to teach had no significant effect (β estimate, 0.007; p = 0.35).

Conclusions:Clinical workload and attending physicians' availability had little effect on teaching scores. Attending physicians' clinical teaching skills, willingness to teach, interpersonal skills, and learning environment established were the important determinants of overall scores. Skilled instructors received higher scores, regardless of how busy they were.
Development of the Video Assessment of Propensity to Use Emergency Restraints Scale (VAPERS): Results of the VAPERS Study Group
Authors: Macias Darryl , Weiss Steven , Ernst Amy , Nick Todd G. , Sklar David
Published: May 2007

Background:Emergency physicians (EPs) may disagree on when or whether patients need restraints. There is no good objective measure of the likelihood of EPs to restrain patients.

Objectives:To 1) develop a scale to determine the likelihood that an EP would restrain a patient, 2) develop subscale scoring, and 3) determine a shortened version that correlates highly with the full scale.

Methods:This was a prospective cross sectional study. The Video Assessment of Propensity to use Emergency Restraints Scale (VAPERS), consisting of 17 scenarios utilizing actors, was videotaped to produce a research video assessment tool. The VAPERS was designed by development experts to reflect the spectrum of patients who are considered for restraint in an emergency department. The VAPERS was piloted among a 22‐member pilot panel of EPs (faculty and residents). The pilot panel was asked to determine the degree to which each video patient possessed the following patient characteristics: medical instability, trauma, belligerence, agitation, and altered mental status. Each “degree of characteristic” was measured on a separate 100‐mm visual analog scale. Participants were then asked whether or not they would restrain each patient and whether the patient exhibited the potential to harm him‐ or herself or others. VAPERS subscales were developed for the likelihood to restrain patients with each of the patient characteristics. Spearman correlations were used for all comparisons. Linear regression was used to determine which patient characteristics were most related to likelihood to restrain and to develop a reduced scale to predict the overall likelihood to restrain.

Results:The overall VAPERS score ranged from 0 to 100, with a median of 50 (interquartile range [IQR], 24–88). The visual analog scale results of how likely each video patient possessed specific characteristics were as follows: medical instability ranged from 0 to 100 (median, 32; IQR, 12–64), trauma ranged from 0 to 69 (median, 0; IQR, 0–31), belligerence ranged from 20 to 93 (median, 28; IQR, 14–63), agitation ranged from 3 to 84 (median, 52; IQR, 23–72), and altered mental status ranged from 1 to 93 (median, 29; IQR, 16–69). Linear regression indicated that two characteristic variables (danger to self and degree of agitation) in the video scenarios were highly correlated (0.87) with overall likelihood to restrain. Based on the results, the authors developed a shortened video assessment tool consisting of five of the original videos that were highly correlated (R= 0.94) with the full VAPERS scale on overall likelihood to restrain.

Conclusions:The VAPERS scale covers a wide range of important variables in emergency situations. It successfully measured likelihood to restrain in this pilot study for overall situations, and for subgroups, based on patient characteristics. A shortened five‐video VAPERS also successfully measured the overall likelihood to restrain.
Implications of Question Format in Emergency Department Preventive Health Knowledge Surveys
Authors: Merchant Roland C. , Vuittonet Cynthia L. , Clark Melissa A. , Gee Erin M. , Bock Beth C. , Becker Bruce M.
Published: May 2007

Objectives:To determine if respondents differed by their demography (age group, race or ethnicity, and insurance status) in their tendency to correctly answer knowledge‐based questions when they were in an agree‐disagree instead of a multiple‐choice format.

Methods:Women aged 18–55 years seeking treatment in the emergency department completed surveys of preventive health knowledge on three cancer screening tests (Pap smears, breast self‐examinations, and mammograms) and two contraceptive measures (birth control pills and emergency contraception) that contained paired versions of questions in two different formats (agree‐disagree format and multiple‐choice format). Linear and ordinal regressions were used to determine demographic correlates of correctly answering the agree‐disagree questions more often than the corresponding multiple‐choice questions.

Results:Of the 570 women included in this analysis, 64.6% were younger than 35 years, 62.1% were white, and 54.8% had private health care insurance. Older, white, and privately insured women demonstrated greater comprehension of all topics. Younger women, nonwhite women, and women without private health care insurance were more likely to respond to items correctly when they were in an agree‐disagree format compared with a multiple‐choice format.

Conclusions:This study demonstrated that survey responses are influenced by the format of the questions, particularly in certain demographic groups. Policy makers and researchers might draw false conclusions about the baseline knowledge and need for education of patients, especially in these populations. The use of agree‐disagree format questions in preventive health knowledge surveys should be avoided whenever possible.
Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Stimulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production by Luteinized Granulosa Cells: Comparison between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Non-PCOS Women
Authors: Stanek Meghan B. , Borman Sherri M. , Molskness Theodore A. , Larson Janine M. , Stouffer Richard L. , Patton Phillip E.
Published: May 2007

Context: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a potent cytokine that promotes angiogenesis and vascular permeability. After controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF), excessive VEGF-A production can occur, particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); however, it is unclear whether the regulation of VEGF-A production is different between PCOS and non-PCOS women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in the dose- and time-dependent effects of insulin and IGFs on VEGF-A production by luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs) from women with and without PCOS.

Design and Setting: A prospective comparative experimental study was conducted at an institutional practice.

Patients: Patients included six PCOS and six non-PCOS women undergoing COS and IVF.

Interventions: Interventions included COS for IVF.

Main Outcome Measures: VEGF-A levels in culture media were collected daily for 3 d from LGCs after incubation with variable doses of insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II in the presence and absence of LH.

Results: In both study groups, exposure to LH alone did not alter VEGF-A levels. However, insulin or IGF increased VEGF-A levels within 1 d and appeared to synergize with LH at 3 d. VEGF-A production by non-PCOS LGCs was more sensitive to IGF exposure, whereas PCOS cells were more sensitive to insulin. Although an increase in DNA content (P < 0.05) was noted in cultures of PCOS cells, progesterone levels were lower compared with non-PCOS LGCs.

Conclusion: Insulin and IGFs promote VEGF-A production in LGCs, but the response patterns are different when cells from PCOS and non-PCOS women are compared.
RhoA-mediated apical actin enrichment is required for ciliogenesis and promoted by Foxj1
Authors: Pan Jiehong , You Yingjian , Huang Tao , Brody Steven L.
Published: May 2007

Programs that direct cellular differentiation are dependent on the strict temporal expression of regulatory factors that can be provided by Rho GTPases. Ciliogenesis is a complex sequence of events involving the generation and docking of basal bodies at the apical membrane, followed by ciliary axoneme generation. Although a cilia proteome has been assembled, programs that direct ciliated cell differentiation are not well established, particularly in mammalian systems. Using mouse primary culture airway epithelial cells, we identified a critical stage of ciliogenesis requiring the temporal establishment of an apical web-like structure of actin for basal body docking and subsequent axoneme growth. Apical web formation and basal body docking were prevented by interruption of actin remodeling and were dependent on RhoA activation. Additional evidence for this program was provided by analysis of Foxj1-null mice that failed to dock basal bodies and lacked apical actin. Foxj1 expression coincided with actin web formation, activated RhoA and RhoB, and persisted despite RhoA inhibition, suggesting that Foxj1 promoted RhoA during ciliogenesis. Apical ezrin localization was also dependent on Foxj1, actin remodeling, and RhoA, but was not critical for ciliogenesis. Thus, temporal Foxj1 and RhoA activity are essential regulatory events for cytoskeletal remodeling during mammalian ciliogenesis.
Increased phosphorylation and dimethylation of XY body histones in theHr6b-knockout mouse is associated with derepression of the X chromosome
Authors: Baarends Willy M. , Wassenaar Evelyne , Hoogerbrugge Jos W. , Schoenmakers Sam , Sun Zu-Wen , Grootegoed J. Anton
Published: May 2007

Mono-ubiquitylated H2A marks the transcriptionally silenced XY body during male meiotic prophase. Concomitant with H2AK119ub1, the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme HR6B is also enriched on the XY body. We analyzed H2A and H2B ubiquitylation in Hr6b-knockout mouse spermatocytes, but no global changes were detected. Next, we analyzed phosphorylation of the threonine residues T120 and T119 that are adjacent to the K119 and K120 target sites for ubiquitylation in H2A and H2B, respectively. In wild-type cells, H2AT120ph and H2BT119ph mark meiotically unpaired and silenced chromatin, including the XY body. In Hr6b-knockout spermatocytes, the H2BT119ph signal was unchanged, but H2AT120ph was enhanced from late pachytene until metaphase I. Furthermore, we found increased H3K4 dimethylation on the X and Y chromosomes of diplotene Hr6b-knockout spermatocytes, persisting into postmeiotic round spermatids. In these cells, the X and Y chromosomes maintained an unchanged H3K9m2 level, even when this modification was lost from centromeric heterochromatin. Analysis of gene expression showed derepression of X chromosome genes in postmeiotic Hr6b-knockout spermatids. We conclude that HR6B exerts control over different histone modifications in spermatocytes and spermatids, and that this function contributes to the postmeiotic maintenance of X chromosome silencing.
Conjugate Addition of RMgX–3MeLi to α,β-Unsaturated Amides and α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Kikuchi Mikiko , Niikura Satomi , Chiba Nao , Terauchi Nahoko , Asaoka Morio
Published: May 2007

In the presence of 3 equivalents of MeLi, various Grignard reagents reacted with secondary α,β-unsaturated amides and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to give the corresponding Michael adducts in good yields.
STM Observation of Labile Axial Ligands to Zinc Porphyrin at Liquid/Solid Interface
Authors: Otsuki Joe , Seki Emiko , Taguchi Toshiharu , Asakawa Masumi , Miyake Koji
Published: May 2007

Observation of labile axial ligand coordination to zinc porphyrins on a graphite surface at liquid/solid interface was achieved by scanning tunneling microscopy. The presence of an axial ligand is clearly manifested as an increased height from the basal porphyrin molecule. Further, the trans and cis isomers of the phenylazopyridine ligand can be distinguished on a statistical basis.
Experimental Study of the Low-Frequency Noise Characteristics of Empty and Fitted Workshops
Authors: Wong Galen , Hodgson Murray
Published: May 2007

In order to investigate the temporal and steady-state low-frequency characteristics of sound in industrial workshops, measurements were made of reverberation times and sound-pressure levels in a machine shop and in a 1/8-scale-model workshop when empty and fitted. Low-frequency pure tones and octave-band noise were used as the source excitation. Fittings generally reduced reverberation times. In the empty machine shop, levels showed strong spatial variations due to modal effects, as expected. When fitted with machine tools, levels changed by up to 20 dB, and local variations increased, despite the fittings being small compared to the sound wavelengths. In the scale model, smaller and larger fittings were tested. Results for the model when empty and when fitted with the larger fittings were similar to those in the machine shop. With the smaller fittings, the results suggested that fittings can act to diffuse sound, reducing spatial variations. Tests were also done in an empty and fitted hemi-anechoic chamber to study the effect of fittings in the absence of the room. Fittings alone only slightly affected the sound field, demonstrating that modal effects are predominantly due to the room, possible modified by the presence of fittings.
Integrating social identity theory and the theory of planned behaviour to explain decisions to engage in sustainable agricultural practices
Authors: Fielding Kelly S. , Terry Deborah J. , Masser Barbara M. , Hogg Michael A.
Published: May 2007

The present research integrates core aspects of social identity theory with the theory of planned behaviour to investigate factors influencing engagement in sustainable agricultural practices. Using a two‐wave prospective design, two studies were conducted with samples of farmers (N=609 and N=259, respectively). At Time 1, a questionnaire survey assessed theory of planned behaviour variables in relation to engaging in riparian zone management (a sustainable agricultural practice). In addition, intergroup perceptions (i.e. relations between rural and urban groups), group norms and group identification were assessed. At Time 2, self‐reported behaviour was measured. There was support for the integrated model across both studies. As predicted, past behaviour, attitudes and perceived behavioural control were significant predictors of intentions, and intentions significantly predicted self‐reported behaviour. Group norms and intergroup perceptions were also significant predictors of intentions providing support for the inclusion of social identity concepts in the theory of planned behaviour. More supportive group norms were associated with higher intentions, especially for high‐group identifiers. In contrast, more negative intergroup perceptions were associated with lower intentions and, unexpectedly, this effect only emerged for low‐group identifiers. This suggests that in the context of decisions to engage in riparian zone management, an important sustainable agricultural practice, high identifiers are influenced predominantly by in‐group rather than out‐group considerations, whereas low identifiers may attend to cues from both the in‐group and the out‐group when making their decisions.
Clustering of insulin resistance, total and central abdominal fat: same genes or same environment?
Authors: Samaras Katherine , Nguyen Tuan V , Jenkins Arthur B , Eisman John A , Howard Gabrielle M , Kelly Paul J , Campbell Lesley V
Published: May 2007

Obesity, insulin resistance and disturbed glucose metabolism cluster within the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS). Whether this reflects shared genetic or environmental factors detectable in ‘normal’ populations (not selected for IRS features) is unknown. This study estimated (i) genetic influences on IRS traits and (ii) shared and specific genetic and environmental factors on the relationships between these traits in healthy female twins. Fasting insulin, glucose, total and central fat were measured in 59 monozygotic (MZ) and 51 dizygotic (DZ) female twin pairs aged ( ± SD) 52 ± 13 years. Body fat was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, insulin resistance and secretion by a modified homeostasis model assessment. Using intraclass correlation coefficients and univariate model-fitting analyses, genetic influences were found in total fat, central fat, insulin resistance, fasting glucose and insulin secretion, with genetic factors explaining 64, 57, 59, 75 and 68% of their variance, respectively, using the latter technique. In matched analysis intra-pair differences in total and central fat related to intra-pair differences in insulin resistance (r2 = 0.19, P < 0.001). Multivariate model-fitting showed a close genetic relationship between total and central fat (r = 0.88). The genetic correlation between IR and central fat (0.41) was significantly greater than that for total fat (0.24), suggesting that central fat is not only a predictor of, but shares considerable genetic influence with, insulin resistance. In Cholesky analysis, these genetic influences were separate from those shared between central and total fat. In conclusion, both shared and specific genetic factors regulate components of the IRS in healthy females. However, there were discrete genetic influences on -cell insulin secretion, not shared with other IRS components, suggesting that a separate genetic propensity exists for Type2 diabetes. These findings suggest we may understand the genetic and environmental influences on IRS from the study of the normal population.
Zygosity diagnosis in young twins by parental report
Authors: Rietveld MJH , van der Valk JC , Bongers IL , Stroet TM , Slagboom PE , Boomsma DI
Published: May 2007

This study reports on zygosity determination in twins of childhood age. Parents responded to questionnaire items dealing with twin similarity in physical characteristics and frequency of mistaking one twin for another by parents, relatives and strangers. The accuracy of zygosity diagnosis was evaluated across twins aged 6, 8, and 10 and across parents. In addition, it was examined whether the use of multiple raters and the use of longitudinal data lead to an improvement of zygosity assignment. Complete data on zygosity questions and on genetic markers or blood profiles were available for 618 twin pairs at the age of 6 years. The method used was predictive discriminant analyses. Agreement between zygosity assigned by the replies to the questions and zygosity determined by DNA markers/blood typing was around 93%. The accuracy of assignment remained constant across age and parents. Analyses of data provided by both parents and collected over multiple ages did not result in better prediction of zygosity. Details on the discriminant function are provided. Twin Research (2000) 3, 134–141.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation and Puberty in Girls
Authors: Voordouw Jasper J. , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A.
Published: May 2007

Some, albeit not all studies on the relationship between intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and female pubertal development have found an earlier and rapidly progressing puberty as well as concomitant disorders of related functional systems such as polycystic ovary syndrome and short stature. These pubertal changes are part of a growing list of IUGR-related diseases, which includes non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. A pulsatile release of gonadotropin releasing hormone is thought to be a conditio-sinne-qua-non for the initiation of puberty. In the absence of prospective studies on gonadotropin releasing hormone pulse patterns in IUGR-children other markers of pubertal development such as age at menarche have been deployed. From these studies it is not clear, however, whether the findings of an earlier onset of puberty in IUGR-girls merely reflect a more rapid progression of puberty. Both the role for IUGR and the mechanisms behind the onset of puberty are still elusive. Assuming a connection between IUGR and pubertal development, parallels can be drawn between hypotheses on the longterm consequences of IUGR and hypotheses on the initiation of puberty. For example, the somatometer concept proposes a role for fat mass in the initiation of puberty, which is compatible with the hypothesis on non-skeletal catch-up growth after IUGR. The debate on the origins of puberty and the role of IUGR mainly focuses on nature and nurture. Judgmentally, studies in mono- and dizygotic twins discordant for birth weight may be of particular help.
The Foetal Origins of Adult Disease: Interpreting the Evidence From Twin Studies
Authors: Leon David A.
Published: May 2007

Twin studies have a contribution to make to the debate concerning the foetal origins of adult disease. Twins are growth retarded compared to singletons and experience post-natal catch-up growth. However, there is no evidence that twins are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Studying whether discordance in size at birth within monozygotic twin pairs is predictive of discordance in later life disease should help resolve whether the association between size at birth and later disease is due to common genetic factors. Results from studies of blood pressure in childhood and adult life looking at these within twin effects are far from conclusive. There are, however, methodological problems in the interpretation of these results, not least of which is the relatively small numbers of twin pairs studied. Studies exploring the effect of zygosity and chorion type on later disease provide may provide a useful extension of the research agenda. In summary, twin studies to date have raised more questions about the foetal origins hypothesis than they have resolved.
Fetal Growth and the Fetal Origins Hypothesis in Twins — Problems and Perspectives
Authors: Phillips David I.W. , Davies Michael J. , Robinson Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2007

Although there is substantial evidence from studies of singletons that small size at birth is linked with long-term adverse health effects, until recently little was known as to whether these associations extend to twins. A review of published studies suggests that at present there is little consistent evidence that birthsize in twins is associated with increased morbidity or morality. While, these findings may reflect methodological limitations, it is also argued that they arise as a consequence of the substantially different biology of fetal growth in twins.
Intra-uterine and Genetic Influences on the Relationship Between Size at Birth and Height in Later Life: Analysis in Twins
Authors: IJzerman Richard G. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , de Geus Eco J. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: May 2007

Epidemiological studies have consistently shown a positive association between size at birth (i.e. birth weight or birth length) and height in children, adolescents and adults. To examine whether this association is explained by genetic or nongenetic (intra-uterine) factors, we investigated birth weight, birth length and height in 60 dizygotic and 68 monozygotic adolescent twin pairs still living with their parents. Birth weight of the twins was obtained from their mothers. Height was measured in a standardised way. The mean age was 17±1.7 years for the dizygotic twins and 16±1.8 years for the monozygotic twins. Both dizygotic and monozygotic twins with the lowest birth weight from each pair had a height that was lower compared to their co-twins with the highest birth weight (dizygotic twins: 172.2±7.9 vs. 173.8±9.4 cm [p= 0.05]; monozygotic twins: 171.1±9.4 vs. 171.8±9.5 cm [p= 0.01]). Similarly, both dizygotic and monozygotic twins with the shortest birth length from each pair had a height that was lower compared to their co-twins with the longest birth length (dizygotic twins: 172.3±7.9 vs. 174.9±9.7 cm [p< 0.05]; monozygotic twins: 168.9±10.6 vs. 169.9±10.2 cm [p< 0.01]). In addition, intra-pair differences in birth weight and birth length were significantly associated with differences in height in both dizygotic twins (regression coefficient: 4.3 cm/kg [95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 7.5] and 0.96 cm/cm [0.17 to 1.74], respectively) and monozygotic twins (2.8 cm/kg [1.4 to 4.1] and 0.73 cm/cm [0.40 to 1.06], respectively). These associations were stronger in dizygotic than in monozygotic twins, but this difference was not statistically significant (for birth weightp= 0.4; and for birth lengthp= 0.6). However, genetic model fitting indicated that models incorporating a genetic source of the covariance gave a better description of the observed association of birth weight and length with height in later life than models not incorporating this genetic source. The results were similar for data on adult height after 12 years of follow-up in a subgroup of these twin pairs. These data suggest that the association between size at birth and height in later life is influenced by non-genetic intra-uterine and by genetic factors.
Multi-Fetal Pregnancy Reduction Does Not Influence Perinatal Results in Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Jirsova Simona , Mardesic Tonko , Muller Pavel , Huttelova Renata , Zvarova Jana , Jirkovsky Milan
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study was to compare perinatal results in multifetal pregnancies where the reduction to twins was performed with non-reduced twin pregnancies. Perinatal results in 99 sets of twins after transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction of triple and higher-order multiple pregnancies performed in a single center were compared with a control group consisting of 151 twin pregnancies conceived in the same time period after infertility treatment, which were not a result of reduction. The main outcome measures were length of pregnancies, weight of the newborns, percentage of miscarriages and the mode of the delivery were analyzed. No significant difference could be found at a 5% level of significance regarding the average duration of pregnancy or average weight of the twins. Fisher test on 5% significance level did not ascertain any significant difference in the probability of miscarriage between the group with reduction (5.26%) and the group without reduction (12.84%). At a 5% level of statistical significance, no significant difference in probability of perinatal death of the fetus or delivery of a stillborn fetus was found. The percentage of cesarean sections did not differ significantly in both groups. The analysis of both groups demonstrated that reduction of multifetal pregnancies to twins may not influence perinatal results in comparison to twin pregnancies where reduction was not performed.
Contribution of Downregulation of L-type Calcium Currents to Delayed Neuronal Death in Rat Hippocampus after Global Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Li Xiao-Ming , Yang Jian-Ming , Hu De-Hui , Hou Feng-Qing , Zhao Miao , Zhu Xin-Hong , Wang Ying , Li Jian-Guo , Hu Ping , Chen Liang , Qin Lu-Ning , Gao Tian-Ming
Published: May 2007

Transient forebrain ischemia induces delayed, selective neuronal death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The underlying molecular mechanisms are as yet unclear, but it is known that activation of L-type Ca2+channels specifically increases the expression of a group of genes required for neuronal survival. Accordingly, we examined temporal changes in L-type calcium-channel activity in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia by patch-clamp techniques. In vulnerable CA1 neurons, L-type Ca2+-channel activity was persistently downregulated after ischemic insult, whereas in invulnerable CA3 neurons, no change occurred. Downregulation of L-type calcium channels was partially caused by oxidation modulation in postischemic channels. Furthermore, L-type but neither N-type nor P/Q-type Ca2+-channel antagonists alone significantly inhibited the survival of cultured hippocampal neurons. In contrast, specific L-type calcium-channel agonist remarkably reduced neuronal cell death and restored the inhibited channels induced by nitric oxide donor. More importantly, L-type calcium-channel agonist applied after reoxygenation or reperfusion significantly decreased neuronal injury inin vitrooxygen-glucose deprivation ischemic model and in animals subjected to forebrain ischemia–reperfusion. Together, the present results suggest that ischemia-induced inhibition of L-type calcium currents may give rise to delayed death of neurons in the CA1 region, possibly via oxidation mechanisms. Our findings may lead to a new perspective on neuronal death after ischemic insult and suggest that a novel therapeutic approach, activation of L-type calcium channels, could be tested at late stages of reperfusion for stroke treatment.
Defective Retrotranslocation Causes Loss of Anti-Bax Function in Human Familial Prion Protein Mutants
Authors: Jodoin Julie , Laroche-Pierre Stéphanie , Goodyer Cynthia G. , LeBlanc Andréa C.
Published: May 2007

Prion protein (PrP) inhibits the activation of proapoptotic Bax in primary human neurons and MCF-7 cells. Because neuronal apoptosis occurs in human prion diseases, here we examine the anti-Bax function of familial PrP mutants. All Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and fatal familial insomnia-associated prion protein mutations partially or completely lose the anti-Bax function in human neurons and, except for A117V and V203I, in MCF-7 cells. The ability of the mutants to protect against Bax-mediated cell death is divided into three groups: (1) group I, retention of anti-Bax function in both the Val129and Met129mutants; (2) group II, retention of anti-Bax function only in Val129mutants; and (3) group III, reduction or no anti-Bax function in Val129and Met129mutants. The loss of anti-Bax function in these PrP mutants correlates completely with a significant decrease in the production of cytosolic PrP, a form of PrP shown previously to have anti-Bax function in human neurons. Cotransfection of the full-length PrP mutants with wild-type or mutant cytosolic PrP, but not with wild type full-length PrP, rescues the anti-Bax function of PrP. The results show that the failure of PrP mutants to produce cytosolic PrP is responsible for the loss of anti-Bax function and that the effect of the PrP mutants is dominant over wild-type PrP. Furthermore, these results imply that misfolded PrP that escapes retrotranslocation could accumulate at the cell surface and cause neuronal dysfunction.
Identification of Compartment- and Process-Specific Molecules Required for “Synaptic Tagging” during Long-Term Potentiation and Long-Term Depression in Hippocampal CA1
Authors: Sajikumar Sreedharan , Navakkode Sheeja , Frey Julietta U.
Published: May 2007

Protein synthesis-dependent forms of hippocampal long-term potentiation (late LTP) and long-term depression (late LTD) are prominent cellular mechanisms underlying memory formation. Recent data support the hypothesis that neurons store relevant information in dendritic functional compartments during late LTP and late LTD rather than in single synapses. It has been suggested that processes of “synaptic tagging” are restricted to such functional compartments. Here, we show that in addition to apical CA1 dendrites, synaptic tagging also takes place within basal CA1 dendritic compartments after LTP induction. We present data that tagging in the basal dendrites is restricted to these compartments. Plasticity-related proteins, partially nonspecific to the locally induced process, are synthesized in dendritic compartments and then captured by local, process-specific synaptic tags. We support these findings in two ways: (1) late LTP/LTD, locally induced in apical or basal (late LTP) dendrites of hippocampal CA1 neurons, does not spread to the basal or apical compartment, respectively; (2) the specificity of the synaptic plasticity event is achieved by the activation of process- and compartment-specific synaptic tag molecules. We have identified calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II as the first LTP-specific and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 as LTD-specific tag molecules in apical dendritic CA1 compartments, whereas either protein kinase A or protein kinase Mζ mediates LTP-specific tags in basal dendrites.
Universal Taylor series on unbounded open sets
Authors: Diamantopoulos E. , Mouratides Ch. , Tsirivas N.
Published: May 2007

Universal Taylor series where the universal approximation is valid on the boundary of the open unit disc can not be smooth or bounded. If the universal approximation is not requested to be valid on the boundary, then it is well known that the universal function can be bounded and smooth. We extend this result to unbounded open sets Ω, such that {∞} ∪ (C – Ω¯) is connected.