bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mechanical Study of Ligature Security of Commercially Available Pre‐Tied Ligatures Versus Hand Tied Ligatures for Use in Equine Laparoscopy
Authors: CARPENTER ELAINE M. , HENDRICKSON DEAN A. , JAMES SUSAN , FRANKE CHAD , FRISBIE DAVID , TROSTLE STEVEN , WILSON DAVID
Published: January 2006

Objective— To determine a hand‐tied ligature knot configuration, suture size, and suture type that would be an acceptable substitute to commercially available ligature knots for use in equine laparoscopic surgery.

Study Design— Three‐factor ANOVA with the fixed effects being suture type, suture size, and knot type. The dependent variable was ligature security (load to failure).

Methods— Commercially available Endoloop® and 4 hand‐tied slipknot ligatures were compared with a 4‐layer square knot. The hand tied ligature knots tested were the 4S modified Roeder knot, the Brooks knot, the modified Roeder knot, and the Weston knot. Two suture sizes (0, 2) of each of 2 suture types (polydioxanone, polyglactin 910) were tested with each hand tied knot. Two types (polydioxanone, polyglactin 910) of size 0 Endoloop® were tested. Twenty repetitions of each knot suture type were tested for force to yield on a materials testing machine. Statistical analysis consisted of a 3‐way ANOVA with individual comparisons made using the Bonferroni method. Significance was P≤.05.

Results— Only the 4S modified Roeder knot in 2 polydioxanone (103 N) was comparable with the breaking strength of the square knots (157 N). All other knot suture combinations tested were significantly weaker than the square knot (range, 2–18 N).

Conclusion— For equine laparoscopy, a 2 polydioxanone 4S modified Roeder knot would be an acceptable alternative to the commercially available Endoloop.®

Clinical Relevance— Laparoscopic slip knots are commonly used in equine laparoscopic surgery. Various knot configuration and suture size and type combinations will affect the security of the slip knot.
Vertical Patellar Position in Large‐Breed Dogs with Clinically Normal Stifles and Large‐Breed Dogs with Medial Patellar Luxation
Authors: JOHNSON ALLEN L. , BROADDUS KRISTYN D. , HAUPTMAN JOE G. , MARSH SARAH , MONSERE JAIME , SEPULVEDA GUSTAVO
Published: January 2006

Objective— To further define vertical patellar position, as measured by the ratio of patellar ligament length to patellar length (L:P), in large‐breed dogs with clinically normal stifles and compare that to the L:P of large‐breed dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL).

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Sample Population— Large‐breed dogs (n=50) with clinically normal stifle joints and 30 large‐breed dogs with MPL.

Methods— Large‐breed dogs with clinically normal stifle joints or MPL were identified and divided into groups (NORM and MPL, respectively). L:P values were determined for each dog by 4 observers from single lateral stifle radiographs. L:P was compared between NORM and MPL groups and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results— All 4 observers found a significantly higher L:P (more proximally positioned patella) for the MPL group compared with the NORM group. Overall mean (±SEM) L:P were: NORM, 1.71±0.020 and MPL, 1.87±0.025. The 95% CI was determined to be 1.45–1.97 for the NORM group and 1.57–2.17 for the MPL group.

Conclusions— Large‐breed dogs with MPL had a significantly more proximal vertical patellar position compared with large‐breed dogs with clinically normal stifles. Large‐breed dogs with L:P values >1.97 are considered to have patella alta.

Clinical Relevance— Proximal displacement of the patella within the femoral trochlear groove may play a role in MPL in large‐breed dogs.
Evaluation of Hemorrhage, Sample Size, and Collateral Damage for Five Hepatic Biopsy Methods in Dogs
Authors: VASANJEE SUNIL C. , BUBENIK LORETTA J. , HOSGOOD GISELLE , BAUER RUDY
Published: January 2006

Objectives— To compare the volume of hemorrhage, number of lobules, and portal triads available for histologic evaluation, and resultant collateral damage between 5 hepatic biopsy methods: biopsy punch, biopsy needle, ligature method, laparoscopic biopsy forceps, and ultrasonically activated scalpel (UAS).

Study Design— Experimental, repeated measures, block.

Animals— Twelve adult dogs.

Methods— Biopsies were obtained from the periphery and center of the left lateral liver lobe of each dog using each of 5 biopsy techniques. Hemorrhage was quantified and compared between methods and sites. Biopsy samples were evaluated histologically to characterize collateral damage and determine the number of lobules and portal triads sampled.

Results— Regardless of technique, liver biopsy resulted in minimal hemorrhage (<2 mL). For peripheral biopsies, UAS was comparable with the ligature method, but caused significantly less hemorrhage than all other methods, whereas for central biopsies, UAS caused significantly less hemorrhage than other methods. Except for the laparoscopic biopsy forceps, UAS caused significantly more collateral damage than other methods. UAS and ligature biopsy methods yielded specimens that had more portal triads per sample than other methods. Eight of 48 biopsy needle samples were inadequate for histologic evaluation, whereas other methods yielded adequate specimens.

Conclusions— All biopsy methods produced minimal hemorrhage and except for needle biopsy yielded adequate tissue samples for histologic evaluation.

Clinical Relevance— Use of UAS is a reliable, safe alternative technique for liver biopsy and can be used laparoscopically to obtain large tissue samples.
The Effects of Epidural Deracoxib on the Ground Reaction Forces in an Acute Stifle Synovitis Model
Authors: KARNIK PRITI S. , JOHNSTON SPENCER , WARD DANIEL , BROADSTONE RICHARD , INZANA KAREN
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of epidurally administered deracoxib to mediate the signs of a sodium urate crystal‐induced stifle synovitis in dogs, and to compare the efficacy of epidural versus subcutaneously administered deracoxib.

Study Design—Experimental, randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled modified cross‐over design.

Animals—Random source, adult, mixed breed dogs (n=24; 14 males, 10 females).

Methods—Sodium urate crystals were used to create a stifle synovitis model to evaluate the efficacy of deracoxib. Dogs were divided into 4 groups: 3 mg/kg epidural deracoxib, 1.5 mg/kg epidural deracoxib, 3 mg/kg subcutaneous deracoxib, and a placebo (vehicle for deracoxib). Force plate and subjective evaluations were made at time 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post‐treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni‐corrected post hoc comparisons was used to determine significant treatment effects.

Results—Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) were both significantly higher in deracoxib treated dogs compared with placebo. For 3 mg/kg epidural and subcutaneous deracoxib, PVF and VI were significantly greater than for 1.5 mg/kg epidural deracoxib. Overall pain score for all deracoxib‐treated dogs was significantly lower than for placebo dogs.

Conclusions—Epidural administration of deracoxib is effective at providing analgesia in an acute joint pain model; however, it does not appear to be more effective than systemic administration.

Clinical Relevance—Injectable deracoxib is effective in providing analgesia in acute inflammatory conditions of synovial joints.
Increased Mitral Regurgitation During the Valsalva Maneuver in a Patient with Pheochromocytoma, Uncontrolled Hypertension, Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Dynamic Outflow Tract Obstruction
Authors: Gilman Gregory , Hansen William H. , Prasad Abhiram , Ommen Steve R.
Published: January 2006

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a common feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but it can also be demonstrated in other conditions that result in increased thickness of the left ventricular septal wall. Severe uncontrolled hypertension may lead to severe hypertrophy of the left ventricle and produce systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and an outflow gradient. We report a case of pheochromocytoma with echocardiographic demonstration of markedly increased mitral regurgitation during the Valsalva maneuver in a patient with left ventricular hypertrophy and a dynamic outflow tract obstruction.
Echocardiographic Detection of Intrapulmonary Shunting in a Patient with Hepatopulmonary Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pacca Richard , Maddukuri Prasad , Pandian Natesa G. , Kuvin Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2006

Transthoracic echocardiography is a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with intrapulmonary and intracardiac shunts. We describe a case of a 49‐year‐old female with severe hypoxemia in the setting of aortic stenosis and cirrhosis of the liver. The use of agitated saline contrast during an echocardiography study helped to establish the diagnosis of intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunting consistent with the hepatopulmonary syndrome, thereby confirming the etiology of her symptoms and laboratory findings. This case report highlights the utility of echocardiography in diagnosing intrapulmonary shunts and assists in the understanding of the pathophysiology of hypoxemia in such patients.
Early Experience with Real‐Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Guidance of Right Ventricular Biopsy in Children
Authors: Scheurer Mark , Bandisode Varsha , Ruff Pamela , Atz Andrew , Shirali Girish
Published: January 2006

Background: Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard for detecting active myocardial inflammation in cardiomyopathy as well as rejection after cardiac transplantation. This procedure has historically required the exclusive use of fluoroscopic guidance to guide catheter, sheath, and bioptome manipulation. The current study evaluates the feasibility and utility of real‐time transthoracic three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to guide right ventricular endomyocardial biopsies in children. Methods: From July 2003 to April 2004, we utilized real‐time 3DE in 28 consecutive cardiac catheterizations in children aged 18 months to 16 years who were undergoing endomyocardial biopsy. A commercially available 3DE scanner (Philips Sonos 7500) equipped with a 2–4 MHz 3D matrix array transthoracic probe was utilized in all cases. Results: A total of 123 endomyocardial biopsy samples were obtained in nine patients (BSA 0.85 m2± 0.33 m2). Of these 123 samples, 99 (80%) were obtained with the use of real‐time transthoracic 3DE. There were no complications, including no new tricuspid valve leaflet flail or pericardial effusion. 3DE proved to be a reliable noninvasive modality to properly direct the bioptome to the desired site of biopsy within the right ventricle. As familiarity with this technique increased, the need for fluoroscopic guidance of bioptome manipulation in the right ventricle was minimized. Conclusions: The use of real‐time transthoracic 3DE in endomyocardial right ventricular biopsies in children is both feasible and safe. Further study to determine the impact of real‐time 3DE guidance on fluoroscopy and case times for endomyocardial biopsies is warranted.
Myocardial Systolic Activation Delay in Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block and Either Normal or Impaired Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Caso Pio , D'Andrea Antonello , Martiniello Alfonso Roberto , Severino Sergio , Cioppa Carmela , Iengo Raffaele , Di Salvo Giovanni , Ascione Luigi , Scherillo Marino , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: January 2006

Aim of the study: to evaluate determinants of myocardial activation delay of both left (LV) and right (RV) ventricle in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and either normal or impaired LV ejection fraction (EF). Methods: From an initial cohort of patients with LBBB, 42 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (group A) and 33 with normal global LV systolic function (group B), all comparable in age and sex, underwent standard Doppler echo, pulsed Doppler myocardial imaging (DMI), and coronary angiography. Using DMI, the following regional parameters were evaluated in five different basal myocardial segments (LV anterior, inferior, septal, lateral walls–RV lateral wall): systolic (Sm), early‐ and late‐diastolic (Em and Am) peak velocities. As index of myocardial systolic activation was calculated: precontraction time (PCTm) (from the beginning of Q‐wave of ECG to the onset of Sm). Intraventricular systolic dyssynchrony was analyzed by difference of PCTm in different LV myocardial segments. Interventricular activation delay was calculated by the difference of PCTm between the most delayed LV segment and RV lateral wall. Results: Patients of group A showed increased heart rate (HR), QRS duration and LV end‐diastolic diameter, and reduced LV EF. By DMI, patients of group A showed reduced myocardial peak velocities and a significant intraventricular delay in activation of LV lateral wall, with increased regional PCTm (P < 0.001). In addition, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy showed a more pronounced interventricular dyssynchrony, even after adjustment for HR and QRS duration. By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a cut‐off value of 55 msec of interventricular delay showed 86% sensitivity and 92% specificity in identifying patients with impaired EF. In the overall population, by use of stepwise forward multivariate linear regression analyses, LV end‐diastolic diameter (β cofficient = 0.52; P < 0.001) and LV EF (β cofficient =−0.58; P < 0.0001) were the only independent determinants of interventricular activation delay. Conclusions: Pulsed DMI is an effective noninvasive technique for assessing the severity of regional delay in activation of LV walls in patients with LBBB. The impairment of interventricular systolic sychronicity is strongly related to LV dilatation and to the degree of global systolic dysfunction. Therefore, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy suitable for cardiac resynchronization therapy may be better selected.
Clinical outcome of dental implants placed in fibula‐free flaps used for the reconstruction of maxillo‐mandibular defects following ablation for tumors or osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Chiapasco Matteo , Biglioli Federico , Autelitano Luca , Romeo Eugenio , Brusati Roberto
Published: January 2006

Objectives: (a) To evaluate the clinical outcome of fibula revascularized flaps used for the reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects due to resection for tumors or osteoradionecrosis and (b) to evaluate the survival and success rates of implants placed in the reconstructed areas.

Material and methods: In a 8‐year period (1995–2002), 59 patients, 38 males and 21 females, aged from 13 years to 69 years (mean age: 48.7 years), presenting with maxillary and mandibular defects due to resection for tumors or osteoradionecrosis, were reconstructed with fibula‐free flaps. Of the 59 patients, 16 received 71 implants for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the reconstructed edentulous areas.

Results: Out of 59 fibula‐free flaps, three failed and had to be removed, nine underwent partial necrosis involving the bone segment and/or the skin paddle but survived, while the remaining 47 healed uneventfully. The mean follow‐up of patients after the reconstruction was 55 months (range: 24–120 months). The cumulative survival rate of fibula‐free flaps was 94.9%. The mean follow‐up of the 16 patients treated with dental implants and implant‐supported prostheses was 50.2 months (range: 24–96 months). The cumulative implant success and survival rates of implants were 98.6% and 93.1% respectively.

Conclusion: The reconstruction of maxillo‐mandibular defects following ablation for tumors or osteoradionecrosis with fibula‐ free flaps has been demonstrated to be a reliable technique with good long‐term results. Implants placed in the reconstructed areas were demonstrated to integrate normally, with success and survival rates comparable to those obtained in case of implants placed in native bone.
The Function and Diversity of Plastid Protein Import Pathways: A Multilane GTPase Highway into Plastids
Authors: Kessler Felix , Schnell Danny J.
Published: January 2006

The photosynthetic chloroplast is the hallmark organelle of green plants. During the endosymbiotic evolution of chloroplasts, the vast majority of genes from the original cyanobacterial endosymbiont were transferred to the host cell nucleus. Chloroplast biogenesis therefore requires the import of nucleus‐encoded proteins from their site of synthesis in the cytosol. The majority of proteins are imported by the activity of Toc and Tic complexes located within the chloroplast envelope. In addition to chloroplasts, plants have evolved additional, non‐photosynthetic plastid types that are essential components of all cells. Recent studies indicate that the biogenesis of various plastid types relies on distinct but homologous Toc–Tic import pathways that have specialized in the import of specific classes of substrates. These different import pathways appear to be necessary to balance the essential physiological role of plastids in cellular metabolism with the demands of cellular differentiation and plant development.
Laser Sintering of UltraPure SiO2 Crucibles
Authors: Günster J. , Heinrich J. G. , Schwertfeger F.
Published: January 2006

The present work introduces the laser sintering as a novel and cost‐effective production process for ultrapure quartz glass crucibles. By employing CO2 laser systems, providing a power output of up to 12 kW, large SiO2 crucible preforms are sintered to graded structures with no contamination and without any change in geometry.
In Situ Processing and High‐Temperature Properties of Ti3Si(Al)C2/SiC Composites
Authors: Zhou Y. C. , Wan D. T. , Bao Y. W. , Wang J. Y. , Wan D. T.
Published: January 2006

Ti3SiC2 has many salient properties including low density, high strength and modulus, damage tolerance at room temperature, good machinablity, and being resistant to thermal shock and oxidation below 1100°C. However, the low hardness and poor oxidation resistance above 1100°C limit the application of this material. The poor oxidation resistance at temperatures above 1100°C was because of the absence of protective layer in the scale and the presence of TiC impurity phase. TiC impurity could be eliminated by adding a small amount of Al to form Ti3Si(Al)C2 solid solutions. Although the high‐temperature oxidation resistance was significantly improved for the Ti3Si(Al)C2 solid solutions, the strength at high temperatures was lost. One important way to enhance the high‐temperature strength is to incorporate hard ceramic particles like SiC. In this article, we describe the in situ synthesis and simultaneous densification of Ti3Si(Al)C2/SiC composites using Ti, Si, Al, and graphite powders as the initial materials. The effect of SiC content on high‐temperature mechanical properties and oxidation resistance were investigated. The mechanisms for the improved high‐temperature properties are discussed.
In Situ Preparation of Si3N4/SiC Nanocomposites for Cutting Tools Application
Authors: Šajgalík P. , Hnatko M. , Lenčéš Z. , Dusza J. , Kašiarová M.
Published: January 2006

Silicon nitride–silicon carbide nanocomposite has been prepared by an in situ method that utilizes the formation of SiC nanograins by carbothermal reduction of intentionally added fine SiO2 during the sintering process. The mean value of room‐temperature four‐point bending strength is 675 MPa with the Weibull modulus of 6.4 and an indentation fracture toughness of 7.4 MPa·m1/2. A significantly enhanced creep resistance was achieved by the incorporation of SiC nanoparticles into the matrix up to 1400°C. The tribological properties of the material were tested using a ball‐on‐disk configuration and showed a friction coefficient of about 0.7. The cutting inserts machined from this composite had three times longer lifetime compared with those available on the market. On the other hand, the scatter of results is much larger compared with those measured for the commercial inserts.
LTCC Fabrication for a Leaf Spring Vertical Actuator
Authors: Newborn Craig H. , English Jennifer M. , Coe David J.
Published: January 2006

Ceramic laminate systems (LTCC) provide an alternative to silicon for three‐dimensional actuator fabrication. The results of a LTCC vertical actuator study are presented. Based on a multi‐fold leaf spring design, appearing as a series of cantilevers oriented in opposite directions, vertical motion is achieved via electrostatic actuation to compress and release the structure. Single and multi‐fold proof‐of‐concept devices were modeled, fabricated, and tested. The device can vertically actuate 10‐μm per fold under an applied voltage of 35 V. The actuation per fold may be controlled at 0.33‐μm/V, over the range of 5–35 V.
Bird Species Sensitivity in a Fragmented Landscape of the Atlantic Forest in Southern Brazil1
Authors: Anjos Luiz dos
Published: January 2006

I tested whether terrestrial/understory habits, large body sizes, low tolerance to edge or to matrix habitat, and food/habitat specialization are characteristics of the most vulnerable bird species based on point counts conducted in 14 forest fragments in northern Paraná, southern region of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. In addition, the sensitivity level of each bird species to forest fragmentation in northern Paraná (high, medium, and low) was compared to the Viçosa region, another fragmented landscape of the Atlantic forest. Contrary to expectations, large body size and terrestrial/understory habits were not features clearly related to high sensitivity to forest fragmentation; but species with tolerance to edge did have lower sensitivity. I found also that specialized habitat/food were not good predictors of extinctions; the most specialized guilds, bamboo and vine‐tangle insectivores and trunk and twig insectivores, had a high number of species with low sensitivity. Patterns of sensitivity were compared for 75 bird species that occurred in both northern Paraná and Viçosa; higher incongruence occurred for 14 and 7 species considered as highly sensitive in Viçosa but were of medium or low sensitivity, respectively, in northern Paraná. These differences may occur because sensitivity to habitat fragmentation may vary from the center to the periphery of a species' geographic range. Geographic variation in patterns of sensitivity to forest fragmentation may be important for conservation planning.
Distribution and Flowering Ecology of Bromeliads along Two Climatically Contrasting Elevational Transects in the Bolivian Andes1
Authors: Krömer Thorsten , Kessler Michael , Herzog Sebastian K.
Published: January 2006

We compared the diversity, taxonomic composition, and pollination syndromes of bromeliad assemblages and the diversity and abundance of hummingbirds along two climatically contrasting elevational gradients in Bolivia. Elevational patterns of bromeliad species richness differed noticeably between transects. Along the continuously wet Carrasco transect, species richness peaked at mid‐elevations, whereas at Masicurí most species were found in the hot, semiarid lowlands. Bromeliad assemblages were dominated by large epiphytic tank bromeliads at Carrasco and by small epiphytic, atmospheric tillandsias at Masicurí. In contrast to the epiphytic taxa, terrestrial bromeliads showed similar distributions across both transects. At Carrasco, hummingbird‐pollination was the most common pollination mode, whereas at Masicurí most species were entomophilous. The proportion of ornithophilous species increased with elevation on both transects, whereas entomophily showed the opposite pattern. At Carrasco, the percentage of ornithophilous bromeliad species was significantly correlated with hummingbird abundance but not with hummingbird species richness. Bat‐pollination was linked to humid, tropical conditions in accordance with the high species richness of bats in tropical lowlands. At Carrasco, mixed hummingbird/bat‐pollination was found especially at mid‐elevations, i.e., on the transition between preferential bat‐pollination in the lowlands and preferential hummingbird‐pollination in the highlands. In conclusion, both richness patterns and pollination syndromes of bromeliad assemblages varied in distinct and readily interpretable ways in relation to environmental humidity and temperature, and bromeliad pollination syndromes appear to follow the elevational gradients exhibited by their pollinators.
Comparison Between Two Methods for Measuring Fruit Production in a Tropical Forest1
Authors: Parrado‐Rosselli Angela , Machado Jose‐Luis , Prieto‐López Tatiana
Published: January 2006

We compared fruiting data derived simultaneously from fruit traps placed on the ground and from canopy‐surveyed plots in a terra firme rain forest, Colombian Amazonia. Values derived from the canopy‐surveyed plots were higher than fruit‐trap estimates. Fruiting patterns obtained throughout both methods were not correlated. Our results showed that the fruit‐trap method does not accurately reflect fruiting patterns occurring at the highest levels of the forest, while the canopy‐surveyed plots provided both quantitative and qualitative information on canopy fruit production, and each species contribution.
Vertically Integrated Flows, Discharge Potential, and the Dupuit‐Forchheimer Approximation
Authors: Strack O.D.L. , Barnes R.J. , Verruijt A.
Published: January 2006

We summarize observations made by various researchers regarding the discharge potential, vertically integrated flows, and the Dupuit‐Forchheimer approximation. If a regional flow model is formulated in terms of the discharge potential and the boundary conditions can be written in terms of the discharge potential and the boundary discharges, then the discharges are correct throughout the model domain, without embracing any additional simplifying assumptions.
UNKNOTTING TUNNELS FOR P(-2,3,7)
Authors: HEATH DANIEL J. , SONG HYUN-JONG
Published: January 2006

There are exactly four mutually non-isotopic unknotting tunnels τi, i = 1,2,3,4 for the pretzel knot P(-2,3,7). Moreover, there are at most 3 non-stabilized genus 3 Heegaard splittings.
THEORETICAL MECHANISMS AND KINETICS FOR THE REACTION OF DIMETHYL SULFIDE AND OZONE IN WATER VAPOR
Authors: SHIH ANGELA , CIOBANU CALINA , TAO FU-MING
Published: January 2006

The reaction mechanisms and kinetics for DMS + O 3 ⇒ DMSO + O 2 in water vapor are studied using density functional theory. A series of reaction pathways are determined with molecular clusters containing the reacting species and up to three water molecules. The results show that the energy barrier, defined as the energy difference between the reactant complex and the transition state, decreases progressively as each water molecule is added to the reacting system. A decreasing energy barrier is attributed to favorable electrostatic interactions between the reacting species and water at the transition state and at the more polar product. Rate constants for the second-order reactions, involving different combinations of hydrated reactants up to three water molecules, are calculated using transition state theory with Eckart tunneling corrections. Effective rate constants for DMS + O 3 ⇒ DMSO + O 2 are obtained using the calculated second-order rate constants and the concentrations of hydrated reactants present in saturated water vapor. The results show that the rate of reaction for DMS + O 3 ⇒ DMSO + O 2 increases dramatically in the presence of water vapor, by up to seven orders of magnitude for reactions involving three water molecules. The study implies that the gas-phase reaction of DMS with ozone is significant in the troposphere and can greatly influence the global climate.
The Impact of Geophagy on Ranging Behaviour in Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei)
Authors: Pages Guillaume , Lloyd Emily , Suarez Scott A.
Published: January 2006

Resource use is known to influence the ranging behaviour of primates, and this effect may be pronounced when the resource is uncommon in the environment. Here we investigate the effect of geophagy on the ranging behaviour of Phayre’s leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei) in the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. UTM coordinates were collected via GPS from the group centre every 30 min during all-day follows of one study group over a 4-month period. On days during which the group visited a distant saltlick (n = 3), the monkeys travelled significantly further (p - 0.001), significantly faster (p - 0.001) and with fewer stops compared to non-saltlick days (n = 61). Saltlick visits also increased the home range size from 73.7 ha to 93.4 ha. Increased daily path length, increased travel speed and consistent pace are necessary because of the distance from the saltlick to the regularly used portion of the home range, and these reflect the importance of soil consumption to the leaf monkeys.
Intake of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in an Elderly German Population
Authors: Schwarzpaul S. , Strassburg A. , Lührmann P.M. , Neuhäuser-Berthold M.
Published: January 2006

Aim: To assess the prevalence of vitamin and mineral supplement use in a free-living elderly population and the contribution of these supplements to usual dietary intake. Methods: Analyses are based on data obtained from 388 subjects (≧60 years) participating in the longitudinal study on nutrition and health status in an ageing population in Giessen (GISELA), Germany, in 2002. Nutrient intake from food was assessed by means of a 3-day estimated dietary record. Supplement use was recorded over a period of 3 days using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Nearly half of the study population consumed at least 1 supplement within these 3 days. The use of supplements was more prevalent among women than among men (51.5 vs. 33.9%). On average women consumed 2.03 ± 1.30 products and men 1.65 ± 1.07 products. Magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin E were supplemented most often by men, while women supplemented magnesium, vitamin E and calcium most often. Most of the supplemented nutrients did not distinctly increase the average intake of the respective nutrients from the diet in this population. However, supplement use markedly decreased the proportions of elderly subjects with an intake below the current reference values for certain nutrients, particularly for vitamin E. Conclusion: Results indicate that the intake of supplements is a common behavior in the population under investigation and therefore has to be considered when nutrient intake is evaluated.
An Estimate of the Worldwide Prevalence and Direct Costs of Dementia in 2003
Authors: Wimo A. , Jonsson L. , Winblad B.
Published: January 2006

Dementia disorders are today considered to be a major driver of costs in health care and social systems and worrying estimates of future dementia prevalence have been presented. It is of great interest for policy makers to have an estimate of dementia disorders’ contribution to global social and health care costs, particularly in light of the demographic prognoses. The worldwide costs of dementia were estimated from prevalence figures for different regions, and cost-of-illness studies from key countries using a model based on the relationship between direct costs of care per demented and the gross domestic product per capita in each country. The worldwide direct costs for dementia in 2003 are estimated at 156 billion USD in the main scenario based on a worldwide prevalence of 27.7 million demented persons (sensitivity analysis: 129–159 billion USD). Ninety-two percent of the costs are found in the advanced economies with 38% of the prevalence. Although there are several sources of uncertainty, it is obvious that the worldwide costs are substantial and the expected increase in elderly people in the developing countries presents a great challenge.
Determinants of the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients as Assessed by the Japanese Version of the Quality of Life – Alzheimer’s Disease Scale
Authors: Matsui Teruo , Nakaaki Shutaro , Murata Yoshie , Sato Junko , Shinagawa Yoshihiro , Tatsumi Hiroshi , Furukawa Toshiaki A.
Published: January 2006

Background: Although QOL is an important indicator to assess multiple facets of life, the QOL of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) subjects with impaired cognitive ability due to dementia has not yet been fully investigated. In this study, we developed the Japanese version of the Quality of Life – Alzheimer’s disease (QOL-AD) scale by means of back-translation, and ascertained its reliability and validity for evaluating the quality of life in AD subjects. We also hypothesized that the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms may determine the characteristics and determinants of both the patients’ and the caregivers’ responses to the patients’ QOL questionnaire. Methods: We administered the QOL-AD questionnaire to subjects with mild or moderate AD (n = 140). The test-retest reliability was evaluated by the same interviewer after a month’s interval. Data from the following tests were also collected to ascertain the validity of the questionnaire: Short Memory Questionnaire (SMQ), Neuropsychiatry Inventory (NPI), Hyogo Activities of Daily Living Scale (HADL) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The Japanese version of the QOL-AD questionnaire demonstrated good internal reliability for both the patients’ (Cronbach’s α = 0.84) and the caregivers’ responses (Cronbach’s α = 0.82) and good test-retest reliability for both the patients’ (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84) and caregivers’ reports (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91). The concordance between the patients’ self-report and the caregivers’ observation was moderate (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.60). The score for the ‘mood factor’ (apathy, depression/dysphoria) in NPI predicted the overall QOL score as determined from both the patients’ and the caregivers’ responses for subjects with mild (MMSE≧21, n = 88) and moderate (MMSE<21, n = 52) AD. The score for the ‘psychosis factor’ (delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, agitation, disinhibition, irritability, aberrant motor activity) in NPI predicted the total QOL score as determined by the patients and the caregivers among subjects with moderate AD only. Conclusions: As hypothesized, the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms may be an important predictor of both the patients’ and caregivers’ responses to the patients’ QOL questionnaire. QOL-AD appears to be a promising measure of the QOL of subjects with mild to moderate AD in Japan.
Is Hypoperfusion an Important Cause of Strokes? If So, How?
Authors: Caplan Louis R. , Wong Ka Sing , Gao Shan , Hennerici Michael G.
Published: January 2006

Traditionally hypoperfusion and embolism are considered separate important causes of stroke in patients with arterial occlusive disease. However, although hypoperfusion and embolism differ in mechanisms and location, they generally coincide in severe obstructive lesions and cause washout disturbances of embolism in low perfusion territories distal to stenosis. Unless the collateral blood supply is sufficient to prevent ischemia, multiple remote spot-like infarctions occur within the hypoperfused brain territory. In border-zone distributed infarction – long suspected to result from hemodynamic compromise alone – complementary interaction of embolisation and hypoperfusion territories has to be considered. Thus hypoperfusion with embolism or embolism alone are the most common explanations for stroke, the former often associated with less severe clinical deficits than the latter.
Public Sector Pension Plans: Defined Benefit Versus Defined Contribution
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: January 2006

California faces large costs in funding its public sector pension plans, and its governor has proposed replacing its traditional defined-benefit plans with a 401(k)-type defined-contribution plan. This proposal, which will probably go directly to the voters in June 2006 and has generated nationwide interest, does not stand alone. Other states have adopted similar measures, and nonunion employers in the private sector have already shifted to defined-contribution and cashbalance pension plans. Other established industrial economies have also revised their retirement income programs in response to the increased competition from new entrants to the global economy. This article examines this development with attention to the arguments on both sides of the issue, what has already happened elsewhere, and the likely outcome of the current debate.
The Evolution of Executive Pay in the United States
Authors: Ellig Bruce R.
Published: January 2006

Charges of excessive executive pay combined with financial malfeasance in some situations have been featured in the business press the past several years. But how did this happen? As one might suspect, it did not occur in a vacuum. Dating back to when President George Washington was paid about 1,000 times that of the average worker, there have been examples throughout U.S. history where top executives were paid handsomely. This can be examined in the following four time frames: (a) up to 1913 with the appearance of stock plans and no taxes or pay regulations; (b) 1913 to 1933 with the introduction of personal income tax and a booming stock market up to the 1929 crash; (c) 1933 to 1972 with insider trading rules coupled with fluctuating tax rates, three periods of pay controls, a relatively flat stock market, and significant creativity in executive pay plan design; and (d) 1972 to present, which added the importance of stock plan accounting to the mix. Tax law, SEC-required disclosure, and APB/FASB accounting rules have provided headaches for many companies but also opportunities for the few creative executive pay planners.
Deferred Compensation After IRC Section 409A
Authors: Neuhauser Derrick
Published: January 2006

Internal Revenue Code Section 409A was enacted by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 on October 22, 2004. IRC §409A was enacted by Congress to prevent perceived abuses by executives and corporations of deferred compensation amounts. Recent corporate scandals, along with the perception that executives were receiving preferential treatment from trustees shortly before bankruptcy filing, prompted the Treasury Department to broadly reform the taxation of deferred compensation. The new law requires that deferred compensation arrangements must meet specific restrictions to avoid immediate taxation. IRC §409A also provides that previous nonqualified deferred amounts could be currently taxable and subject to excise taxes and interest penalties unless certain requirements are met. All companies with deferred compensation plans or considering implementing such plans will have to comply with the new rules. In addition, these rules also impact all equity-based compensation such as bonuses, restricted stock, and stock options. These plans should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance. Otherwise, the executives could be subject to a 20% excise tax.
The ADEA, Disparate Impact Claims, and Compensation Adjustments
Authors: Reilly D. Michael , Valaas Karin E.
Published: January 2006

In 2001, 30 police officers and public safety dispatchers for Jackson, Mississippi, filed suit against the city, alleging they had been discriminated against because of age by the city's new performance pay plan. The city claimed its new performance pay plan was enacted to attract new police officers and to make the city's pay for all officers more competitive with comparable markets. Among their allegations, the officers claim that the city violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) because officers aged 40 and older received proportionately smaller pay increases. The question before the U.S. Supreme Court was whether an employer's neutral policy or practice can constitute a violation of the ADEA if it causes a disparate impact on older workers. The Supreme Court held that neutral employment practices causing a disparate impact on older workers might constitute a violation of the ADEA. However, the Court held that plaintiffs alleging such a claim not only have to show a statistical disparity disfavoring older workers but must also specifically identify the particular practice within the employer's decision-making process that caused the statistical disparity. Employers can defend such claims by showing the practice in question is based on a “reasonable” factor other than age. Although the Supreme Court found that the officers could bring a disparate impact claim under the ADEA, the Court held that the officers' claim failed. In dismissing the disparate impact claim, the Court said that the officers had failed to identify a specific practice within the new pay plan that caused the alleged age discrimination. The Court further held that the city's purpose behind the pay plan-making officers' compensation competitive with comparable jurisdictions-was “reasonable.”
Pearson's r and Spread: A Classroom Demonstration
Authors: Huck Schuyler W. , Wright S. Paul , Park Soohee
Published: January 2006

For many students, the connection between spread and Pearson's r is elusive. Confusion arises because different factors that increase score variability do not have the same effect on r. To help students understand that increases in a may lead to an increase or a decrease in r or to no change whatsoever, we devised a simple and enjoyable classroom exercise. Using standard decks of playing cards, students generate hypothetical data on two well-known variables (IQ and GPA). Once analyzed, the data make clear the point that changes in score variability influence r in different ways—or not at all—depending on the reason why σx (or σy) increases or decreases.
Academic Dishonesty: Prevalence, Determinants, Techniques, and Punishments
Authors: Davis Stephen F. , Grover Cathy A. , Becker Angela H. , McGregor Loretta N.
Published: January 2006

Data from more than 6,000 students regarding the prevalence, causes, techniques, faculty and institutional responsibility, deterrent measures, and punishment dimensions of academic dishonesty are presented.
“A Thousand Points of Light” Illuminate the Psychology Curriculum: Volunteering as a Learning Experience
Authors: Raupp Carol D. , Cohen David C.
Published: January 2006

Most psychology departments offer field placements that allow undergraduates to learn practical skills and test career options. The psychology curriculum should encourage community service placements because they are consistent with psychology's values, good for students, and beneficial to the community. To close the acknowledged gap between good intentions and volunteer action, our department has developed two models of community service: elementary school tutoring within a child psychology course and credit for individual placements in a variety of settings. We describe procedures followed, decisions made, and lessons learned in setting up these courses. Student testimony about the value of these experiences is offered. Encouraging volunteerism is well worth the effort of psychology departments.
The Janus Illusion
Authors: Klopfer Dale , Doherty Michael E.
Published: January 2006

A perceptual illusion, especially suitable for introductory psychology demonstrations, is described. The essence of the illusion is that an ordinary dime-store plastic mask, when facing 180° away from an observer, will nonetheless appear to face that observer. Moreover, as one moves left and right in the frontal plane, thereby changing the angle from which the mask is viewed, the mask generally appears to follow the moving observer. When the observer is stationary but the mask is rotated slowly, it will appear to oscillate. In addition to being fascinating in its own right, the illusion can be used to illustrate several important points, including that perception is still, as enunciated in the 19th century by Helmholtz, usefully conceptualized as hypothesis testing.
B. F. Skinner: Myth and Misperception
Authors: DeBell Camille S. , Harless Debra K.
Published: January 2006

Although B. F. Skinner is probably the best known American psychologist, his provocative ideas have generated widespread controversy, and his deceptively simple theory lends itself to misunderstanding. We investigated the extent to which individuals hold misperceptions about Skinner's ideas. Subjects at various levels of education in psychology (N = 75) completed a truefalse questionnaire on Skinner's ideas. Results indicate that subjects at all levels of eduation hold several myths concerning Skinner's work. Implications of the results for the teaching of psychology, particularly Skinner's ideas, are discussed.
Therapy Evaluation: Using an Absurd Pseudotreatment to Demonstrate Research Issues
Authors: Viken Richard J.
Published: January 2006

The research presented in abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, and psychotherapy classes must compete for student attention with misinformation presented by the popular press and commercial interests. Abstract principles of research design rarely prevail in this competition. This article describes a classroom demonstration in which students apply abstract research concepts to a concrete analogue of therapy evaluation. Students rate their food consumption and mood before and after an absurd pseudotreatment. The data are used to demonstrate that absolutely useless treatments may initially appear to be highly effective and that careful attention to research design is necessary for appropriate therapy evaluation. Student evaluations indicate that this experience helps them understand and remember important issues in therapy outcome research.
Comments on “A Demonstration of Measurement Error and Reliability”
Authors: Allen Mary J.
Published: January 2006

Buck's (1991) “A Demonstration of Measurement Error and Reliability” contains errors that mislead students about true scores and the calculation of reliability coefficients.
Perspectives on Human Aggression: Writing to Einstein and Freud on “Why War?”
Authors: Dunn Dana S.
Published: January 2006

A letter writing exercise on the nature of human aggression is described. Students read the 1932 “Why War?” correspondence between Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud (1932/1964) and then composed letters responding to it. Variations of the exercise are presented.
So You Want to Review Journal Articles
Authors: Matthews Janet R. , Giordano Peter J.
Published: January 2006

Reviewing articles for professional journals is a challenging and rewarding activity, but getting started as a reviewer is not always easy. Benefits of becoming a reviewer are outlined, and general guidelines for reviewing are mentioned. Teaching of Psychology is used as an illustrative example.
Teaching Students to Manage the Oral Defense
Authors: Kuhlenschmidt Sally L.
Published: January 2006

Graduate students rarely receive formal preparation for oral defenses as part of their educational experience. This article describes the content of a class on oral examinations. In the class, students learn to cope with anxiety about the oral defense and to understand and manage the defense meeting. Topics include self-management, the format and process of the meeting, and ways to handle questions.
Fraudulent Excuse Making among College Students
Authors: Caron Mark D. , Whitbourne Susan Krauss , Halgin Richard P.
Published: January 2006

We investigated the incidence of self-reported excuse making by undergraduates, including the extent of legitimate and fraudulent excuses, the nature of these excuses, causes and consequences of excuse making, and emotional reactions to having given fraudulent excuses. Fraudulent excuse making was reported by 68% of the 261 students who completed questionnaires. Issues involved in discriminating fraudulent from legitimate excuses are discussed along with ways to reduce the frequency of fraudulent excuses.
Women and Mental Health: Augmenting Undergraduates' Knowledge and Critical Thinking
Authors: Gibson Pamela Reed
Published: January 2006

This article describes a course that introduces undergraduates to important information about women. This course prepares students to articulate controversies related to culture and women's mental health and provides a background for a more genderbalanced view of psychology. Cultural factors that influence mental health and treatment for women are explored in relation to specific mental health topics, such as eating disorders, self-esteem, sexual assault, depression, sex bias in diagnosis, and feminist therapy. Pretest and posttest scores collected on a 25-item truefalse measure of relevant information showed a significant gain in knowledge.