bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testosterone Reduces Conscious Detection of Signals Serving Social Correction
Authors: van Honk Jack , J.L.G. Schutter Dennis
Published: July 2007

Elevated levels of testosterone have repeatedly been associated with antisocial behavior, but the psychobiological mechanisms underlying this effect are unknown. However, testosterone is evidently capable of altering the processing of facial threat, and facial signals of fear and anger serve sociality through their higher-level empathy-provoking and socially corrective properties. We investigated the hypothesis that testosterone predisposes people to antisocial behavior by reducing conscious recognition of facial threat. In a within-subjects design, testosterone (0.5 mg) or placebo was administered to 16 female volunteers. Afterward, a task with morphed stimuli indexed their sensitivity for consciously recognizing the facial expressions of threat (disgust, fear, and anger) and nonthreat (surprise, sadness, and happiness). Testosterone induced a significant reduction in the conscious recognition of facial threat overall. Separate analyses for the three categories of threat faces indicated that this effect was reliable for angry facial expressions exclusively. This testosterone-induced impairment in the conscious detection of the socially corrective facial signal of anger may predispose individuals to antisocial behavior.
How Is the Boss's Mood Today? I Want a Raise
Authors: Andrade Eduardo B. , Ho Teck-Hua
Published: July 2007

Other people's incidental feelings can influence one's decision in a strategic manner. In a sequential game in which proposers moved first by dividing a given pot of cash (keeping 50% or 75% of the pot) and receivers responded by choosing the size of the pot (from $0 to $1), proposers were more likely to make an unfair offer (i.e., to keep 75% of the pot) if they were told that receivers had watched a funny sitcom, rather than a movie clip portraying anger, in an unrelated study prior to the game playing. However, when proposers were told that receivers knew proposers had this affective information, the effect dissipated. In other words, a proposer expects a happy receiver to be more accommodating or cooperative than an angry receiver as long as the happy receiver does not realize that the proposer may be trying to benefit from the receiver's current incidental feelings.
Self-Reference During Explicit Memory Retrieval
Authors: Magno Elena , Allan Kevin
Published: July 2007

Is there a specific neurocognitive system underlying the subjective sense of having a unitary continuous self across time? If so, it should be possible to isolate functions involved in the sense of self from those supporting mental activities that the self is currently engaged in. We report a study of real-time noninvasive recordings of the brain's electrical activity (event-related potentials, ERPs). We found a common neural signature that is associated with self-referential processing regardless of whether subjects are retrieving general knowledge (noetic awareness) or reexperiencing past episodes (autonoetic awareness). These ERP data are consistent with models of autobiographical memory that postulate a single locus of control over explicit memory for various kinds of self-related information. The temporal properties and scalp distribution of this novel self-reference ERP effect also suggest that it may be a neurophysiological correlate of self-related activation in medial prefrontal and parietal neocortical circuits identified in functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments.
The Generation Effect in Monkeys
Authors: Kornell Nate , Terrace Herbert S.
Published: July 2007

How well one retains new information depends on how actively it is processed during learning. Active attempts to retrieve information from memory result in more learning than passive observation of the same information (the generation effect). Here, we present evidence for the generation effect in monkeys. Subjects were trained to respond to five-item lists of photographs in a particular order. On some lists, they could request “hints” to guide their behavior; on others, they had to generate the correct order from memory. Training with hints resulted in high levels of initial performance, but accuracy dropped precipitously when the hints were removed on the criterion test. Training without hints led to relatively poor initial performance, but accuracy increased steadily and remained high on the criterion test.
Interpersonal Disgust, Ideological Orientations, and Dehumanization as Predictors of Intergroup Attitudes
Authors: Hodson Gordon , Costello Kimberly
Published: July 2007

Disgust is a basic emotion characterized by revulsion and rejection, yet it is relatively unexamined in the literature on prejudice. In the present investigation, interpersonal-disgust sensitivity (e.g., not wanting to wear clean used clothes or to sit on a warm seat vacated by a stranger) in particular predicted negative attitudes toward immigrants, foreigners, and socially deviant groups, even after controlling for concerns with contracting disease. The mechanisms underlying the link between interpersonal disgust and attitudes toward immigrants were explored using a path model. As predicted, the effect of interpersonal-disgust sensitivity on group attitudes was indirect, mediated by ideological orientations (social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism) and dehumanizing perceptions of the out-group. The effects of social dominance orientation on group attitudes were both direct and indirect, via dehumanization. These results establish a link between disgust sensitivity and prejudice that is not accounted for by fear of infection, but rather is mediated by ideological orientations and dehumanizing group representations. Implications for understanding and reducing prejudice are discussed.
Anxiety Moderates the Interplay Between Cognitive and Affective Processing
Authors: Dvorak-Bertsch Jeremy D. , Curtin John J. , Rubinstein Tal J. , Newman Joseph P.
Published: July 2007

Evidence suggests that focus of attention and cognitive load may each affect emotional processing and that individual differences in anxiety moderate such effects. We examined (a) fear-potentiated startle (FPS) under threat-focused (TF), low-load/alternative-set (LL/AS), and high-load/alternative-set (HL/AS) conditions and (b) the moderating effect of trait anxiety on FPS across these conditions. As predicted, redirecting attentional focus away from threat cues and increasing cognitive load reduced FPS. However, the moderating effects of anxiety were specific to the LL/AS condition. Whereas FPS was comparable for high-anxiety and low-anxiety subjects in the TF and HL/AS conditions, FPS was significantly greater for high-anxiety than for low-anxiety subjects in the LL/AS condition. These results suggest that affective processing requires attentional resources and that exaggerated threat processing in anxious individuals relates to direction of attention rather than emotional reactivity per se.
Planning to Reach for an Object Changes How the Reacher Perceives It
Authors: Vishton Peter M. , Stephens Nicolette J. , Nelson Lauren A. , Morra Sarah E. , Brunick Kaitlin L. , Stevens Jennifer A.
Published: July 2007

Three experiments assessed the influence of the Ebbinghaus illusion on size judgments that preceded verbal, grasp, or touch responses. Prior studies have found reduced effects of the illusion for the grip-scaling component of grasping, and these findings are commonly interpreted as evidence that different visual systems are employed for perceptual judgment and visually guided action. In the current experiments, the magnitude of the illusion was reduced by comparable amounts for grasping and for judgments that preceded grasping (Experiment 1). A similar effect was obtained prior to reaching to touch the targets (Experiment 2). The effect on verbal responses was apparent even when participants were simply instructed that a target touch task would follow the verbal task. After participants had completed a grasping task, the reduction in the magnitude of the illusion remained for a subsequent verbal-response judgment task (Experiment 3). Overall, the studies demonstrate strong connections between action planning and perception.
Who Benefits From Memory Training?
Authors: Bissig David , Lustig Cindy
Published: July 2007

Cognitive training programs can have significant benefits. However, their efficacy is often reduced for individuals of advanced age or lower cognitive ability. Using older adult subjects, we examined the role of self-initiation of cognitive control in a training program that targets recollection memory. Relative time spent on an open-ended, intentional encoding task that requires the self-initiation of cognitive control was highly predictive of improvement in the training task, and fully accounted for individual differences related to age and crystallized intelligence. Analyzing training programs from the perspective of cognitive theory may help clarify how these programs have their effects and suggest ways to optimize such programs for the individuals who need them most.
Silence Is Not Golden
Authors: Cuc Alexandru , Koppel Jonathan , Hirst William
Published: July 2007

The present research explored the effect of selective remembering and the resulting “silences” on memory. In particular, we examined whether unmentioned information is more likely to be forgotten by a listener if related information is recollected by the speaker than if related information is not recollected by the speaker. In a modification of the retrieval-induced forgetting paradigm, pairs of individuals studied material, but in the practice phase, only one member of each pair selectively recalled it, while the other listened. Experiment 1 employed paired associates, and Experiment 2 used stories. Experiment 3 involved not controlled practice, but free-flowing conversation. In each case, results from a final memory test established not only within-individual retrieval-induced forgetting, but also socially shared retrieval-induced forgetting. The results demonstrate that listening to a speaker remember selectively can induce forgetting of related information in the listener.
Choosing What to Protect: Strategic Defensive Allocation against an Unknown Attacker
Authors: BIER VICKI , OLIVEROS SANTIAGO , SAMUELSON LARRY
Published: July 2007

We study a strategic model in which a defender must allocate defensive resources to a collection of locations and an attacker must choose a location to attack. In equilibrium, the defender sometimes optimally leaves a location undefended and sometimes prefers a higher vulnerability at a particular location even if a lower risk could be achieved at zero cost. The defender prefers to allocate resources in a centralized (rather than decentralized) manner, the optimal allocation of resources can be non‐monotonic in the value of the attacker's outside option, and the defender prefers her defensive allocation to be public rather than secret.
When Redistribution Leads to Regressive Taxation
Authors: HARITON CYRIL , PIASER GWENAËL
Published: July 2007

We introduce labor contracts in a framework of optimal redistribution: firms have some local market power and try to discriminate among heterogeneous workers. In this setting we show that if the firms have perfect information, i.e., they perfectly discriminate against workers and take all the surplus, the best tax function is flat. If firms have imperfect information, i.e., if they offer incentive contracts, then (under some assumptions) the best redistributive taxation is regressive.
Preemptive Competition in City Development
Authors: HEUBECK STEVEN
Published: July 2007

The rise of decentralization and polycentrism in cities raises questions of optimality. This paper proposes a model of two competing developers that generates new development prior to the optimal time. If demand is growing for new developments, the development built later will have potentially lower present value profitability, due to discounting, when compared to the earlier development. Both developers compete to gain the “first‐mover advantage” to build the first of the two developments, and developing sooner than what is optimal achieves this goal. This preemptive theory of competition offers a result that cities are more decentralized and polycentric than what is optimal.
Poverty‐Reducing and Welfare‐Improving Marginal Public Price and Price Cap Reforms
Authors: MAKDISSI PAUL , WODON QUENTIN
Published: July 2007

This paper extends familiar results on the optimal pricing of publicly provided goods and price cap regulations in a stochastic dominance framework. The key advantage is that the assessment as to whether pricing or price cap reforms are poverty reducing or welfare improving is not contingent on any given social welfare function. Rather, robust assessments of the impact of reforms can be made for wide classes of ethical judgments.
On the Choice of Public Pensions when Income and Life Expectancy Are Correlated
Authors: BORCK RAINALD
Published: July 2007

The paper presents a model where public pensions are determined by majority voting. Voters differ by age and income. Moreover, life expectancy increases with income. Depending on the strength of the link between contributions and benefits, and the relationship between income and life expectancy, individually optimal tax rates may increase or decrease with income. If they decrease, high tax rates are supported by pensioners and poor workers. If they increase with income, the coalition for high tax rates consists of pensioners and rich workers. “Ends against the middle” equilibria are also possible.
Correlation of a high D‐dimer level with poor outcome in traumatic intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Kuo J.‐R. , Lin K.‐C. , Lu C.‐L. , Lin H.‐J. , Wang C.‐C. , Chang C. H.
Published: July 2007

The correlations between D‐dimer and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pupillary light reflex, distance of midline shift on brain computed tomography (CT), and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) in patients with trauma/non‐trauma intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) are not consistent in studies. Ninety‐eight traumatic and 59 non‐traumatic ICH patients were studied. Pre‐existing venous thrombosis, recent surgery, drug use (aspirin or coumadin), or malignancy, were excluded. D‐dimer level was estimated within hours after acute insult, and statistical analyses were used for comparisons between groups. Traumatic ICH patients had higher D‐dimer levels than controls (2984 vs. 256 μg/l; P = 0.001). The GCS, midline shift on brain CT, pupillary reflex, and GOS at 3 months were significantly correlated with high D‐dimer value in traumatic patients (individual P < 0.001), but not in the non‐traumatic group. Using receiver‐operating characteristic curve (ROC), the cutoff point was 1496 μg/l, with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83%, respectively. D‐dimer ≥1496 μg/l predicted a poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 14.44, 95% CI 1.16–179.27; P = 0.038]. A high D‐dimer level is associated with a poor outcome in patients with traumatic ICH. It can be used in addition to neurological assessment to predict the outcome.
The management of retail design: demystifying the activity
Authors: Moore Christopher M , Lochhead Malcolm
Published: July 2007

Abstract The activity of design within retailing has received only partial consideration within the literature, and there has been a tendency to speculate upon the possible impact of design upon market positioning, retailer store image development and consumer behaviour at the expense of any understanding of the actual process of design development and implementation within retailing. The aim of this paper is to examine the process of design, and in particular the interrelationships that ought to exist between retailer (as client) and the designer in order to ensure that the values, benefits and opportunities afforded by design are fully realized within the organization. Integral to the effective management of design is the design brief, which is examined here within a retailing context. The paper concludes by examining the particular role that the store exterior has upon the development of a retailer's image and argues that further consideration needs to be given, not only to the positive outcomes of design investment in retailing, but also to the mechanisms by which it is achieved.
Dietary intake and the contribution of snacks among adolescents during the summer months
Authors: Anding Jenna D. , Kubena Karen S. , McIntosh William A. , Wolinsky Ira
Published: July 2007

Abstract Adolescent diets are often cited as nutritionally inadequate, possibly because of their reported snacking habits. This study examined 48 adolescent diets using a 24‐h diet recall and a 2‐day food record during summer months. Total intake and snacks identified by the subjects were analysed for energy and nutrient content. Male and female subjects reported similar intakes of fat, cholesterol and sugar. Ninety‐eight per cent of subjects reported at least one snack daily. Snacks contributed 25% to the total energy, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium intakes. Although these subjects were not adhering to national recommendations for fat and sugar, the snacks they consumed contributed positively to the nutrient content of adolescent diets.
Environmental profiles of female apparel shoppers in the Midwest, USA
Authors: Domina Tanya , Koch Kathryn
Published: July 2007

Abstract Concern for the environment has become an accepted part of our lifestyle. A largely untapped consumer commodity with strong reuse or recycling potential is textiles and apparel. Apparel retailers can benefit from a knowledge of the environmentally concerned apparel shopper and can be instrumental in extending society's appreciation for environmental responsibility. The purpose of this exploratory study was to segment female apparel shoppers into environmentally oriented groups and to profile each group with respect to importance of store attributes, lifestyle activities, general environmental attitudes and textile disposal patterns. Factor analysis, stepwise multiple regression and chi‐square analysis were used to analyse data from 113 returned questionnaires. The results indicated that environmental groups can be profiled for textile/apparel products and that each group places emphasis on a different set of store/product attributes when making patronage and purchasing decisions. Profiles of each environmental group with suggestions for retail marketing approaches are provided.
Household activities of men and women and their effect upon perceived sense of control and satisfaction with level of living
Authors: Williams Flora L. , Ness A. Jean
Published: July 2007

Abstract Examination of household economic activities including management, interfamily economic exchange and production as they influence level of living was conducted on samples of men and women. Differences in reported activities as well as perceptions were observed for men and women. Forty‐five per cent of the variation in men's satisfaction with level of living was explained by economic and management activities and socioeconomic demographic characteristics, whereas 46% of women's variation was explained by these variables. The paths to satisfaction with level of living were different. Perceived sense of control was an intervening variable between activities/characteristics and satisfaction with level of living for women but not for men. The results support the hypothesized relationships in the family economic model. The results document the possibility for household economic activities as sources of real income to maintain and improve level of living, especially in times of decreased purchasing power.
Molecular and cellular characterization of the age‐related neuroinflammatory processes occurring in normal rat hippocampus: potential relation with the loss of somatostatin GABAergic neurons
Authors: Gavilán M. Paz , Revilla Elisa , Pintado Cristina , Castaño Angélica , Vizuete M. Luisa , Moreno‐González Inés , Baglietto‐Vargas David , Sánchez‐Varo Raquel , Vitorica Javier , Gutiérrez Antonia , Ruano Diego
Published: July 2007

Increased neuroinflammatory reaction is frequently observed during normal brain aging. However, a direct link between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration during aging has not yet been clearly shown. Here, we have characterized the age‐related hippocampal inflammatory processes and the potential relation with hippocampal neurodegeneration. The mRNA expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and the iNOs enzyme was significantly increased in aged hippocampus. Accordingly, numerous activated microglial cells were observed in aged rats. These cells were differentially distributed along the hippocampus, being more frequently located in the hilus and the CA3 area. The mRNA expression of somatostatin, a neuropeptide expressed by some GABAergic interneurons, and the number of somatostatin‐immunopositive cells decreased in aged rats. However, the number of hippocampal parvalbumin‐containing GABAergic interneurons was preserved. Interestingly, in aged rats, the mRNA expression of somatostatin and IL‐1β was inversely correlated and, the decrease in the number of somatostatin‐immunopositive cells was higher in the hilus of dentate gyrus than in the CA1 region. Finally, intraperitoneal chronic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in young animals mimicked the age‐related hippocampal inflammation as well as the decrease of somatostatin mRNA expression. Present results strongly support the neuroinflammation as a potential factor involved in the age‐related degeneration of somatostatin GABAergic cells.
High mobility group box 1 protein is released by neural cells upon different stresses and worsens ischemic neurodegeneration in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Faraco G. , Fossati S. , Bianchi M. E. , Patrone M. , Pedrazzi M. , Sparatore B. , Moroni F. , Chiarugi A.
Published: July 2007

High mobility group proteins are chromatin binding factors with key roles in maintenance of nuclear homeostasis. The evidence indicates that extracellularly released high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein behaves as a cytokine, promoting inflammation and participating to the pathogenesis of several disorders in peripheral organs. In this study, we have investigated the expression levels and relocation dynamics of HMGB1 in neural cells, as well as its neuropathological potential. We report that HMGB1 is released in the culture media of neurons and astrocytes challenged with necrotic but not apoptotic stimuli. Recombinant HMGB1 prompts induction of pro‐inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2, interleukin‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor α, and increases excitotoxic as well as ischemic neuronal death in vitro. Dexamethasone reduces HMGB1 dependent immune glia activation, having no effect on the protein’s neurotoxic effects. HMGB1 is expressed in the nucleus of neurons and astrocytes of the mouse brain, and promptly (1 h) translocates into the cytoplasm of neurons within the ischemic brain. Brain microinjection of HMGB1 increases the transcript levels of pro‐inflammatory mediators and sensitizes the tissue to the ischemic injury. Together, data underscore the neuropathological role of nuclear HMGB1, and point to the protein as a mediator of post‐ischemic brain damage.
Nicotine‐induced phosphorylation of ERK in mouse primary cortical neurons: evidence for involvement of glutamatergic signaling and CaMKII
Authors: Steiner Rebecca C. , Heath Christopher J. , Picciotto Marina R.
Published: July 2007

Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) is activatedin vivoin a number of brain areas by nicotine and other drugs of abuse. Here we show that nicotine stimulation of cultured mouse cortical neurons leads to a robust induction of ERK phosphorylation that is dependent on nicotine concentration and duration of exposure. Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II activity is necessary for nicotine‐induced ERK phosphorylation and neither cAMP‐dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C appear to be involved. Activity of glutamate receptors, L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels, and voltage‐gated sodium channels are also required for nicotine‐induced ERK phosphorylation. Nicotine‐induced ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by high concentrations of mecamylamine, however it was not blocked by other broad nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) inhibitors (including hexamethonium and chlorisondamine) or nAChR subtype selective inhibitors (such as methyllycaconitine, alpha‐bungarotoxin, dihydro‐beta‐erythroidine, and α‐conotoxin Au1B). In accord with these pharmacological results, nicotine‐induced ERK phosphorylation was normal in primary cultures made from β2 or α7 nAChR subunit knockout mice. The α3/β4 nAChR agonist cytisine did not induce ERK phosphorylation suggesting that α3/β4 nAChRs were not involved in this process. Taken together, these data define a necessary role for glutamatergic signaling and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II in nicotine‐induced ERK phosphorylation in cortical neurons and do not provide evidence for the involvement of classical nAChRs.
Calcineurin activity is required for depolarization‐induced, CREB‐dependent gene transcription in cortical neurons
Authors: Kingsbury Tami J. , Bambrick Linda L. , Roby Clinton D. , Krueger Bruce K.
Published: July 2007

Cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) functions as an activity‐dependent transcription factor in the nervous system. Increases in intracellular Ca2+ due to neuronal activity lead to the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of CREB. Although phosphorylation of CREB at Ser‐133 is necessary for the stimulation of transcriptional activity, it is not sufficient. Here we demonstrate that in mouse cortical neurons, inhibition of the Ca2+‐dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin by FK506 or cyclosporine A blocks CREB‐dependent gene expression induced by depolarization without inhibiting depolarization‐induced Ca2+ influx or CREB Ser‐133 phosphorylation. Over‐expression of a constitutively‐active allele of the transducer of regulated CREB activity could not bypass the requirement for calcineurin activity. Stimulation of a CRE‐luciferase reporter gene by depolarization was sensitive to FK506 throughout the entire time course of the transcriptional response, revealing that calcineurin activity is required to maintain CREB‐dependent transcription. Stimulation of CRE‐luciferase expression by forskolin and 8‐Br‐cAMP also required calcineurin activity. These results suggest that calcineurin functions as a critical determinant in shaping genome responses to CREB activation in cortical neurons.
Emerging functions of the calpain superfamily of cysteine proteases in neuroendocrine secretory pathways
Authors: Evans Joanne S. , Turner Mark D.
Published: July 2007

The first calpain protease was discovered over 40 years ago now, yet despite the vast amount of literature that has subsequently emerged detailing their involvement in the pathophysiology of a variety of human diseases, it is only in the last decade that calpain‐mediated actions along the secretory pathway have begun to emerge. However, the number of secretory pathway substrates identified and their diversity of function continues to grow. This review summarizes our current knowledge of calpain‐mediated mechanisms of action that are pertinent to synaptic vesicle assembly and budding, cytoskeletal organization, endosomal recycling, and exocytotic membrane fusion.
Hydroxyapatite–Polyphosphazane Composites Prepared at Low Temperatures
Authors: Greish Y. E. , Brown P. W. , Bender J. D. , Allcock H. R. , Lakshmi S. , Laurencin C. T.
Published: July 2007

Owing to their similarities to bone apatite, calcium phosphate bioceramics, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp), are used as biomaterials for hard tissue replacements. Composites of bioceramics and biomedical polymers can mimic bone structure and properties. The characteristics of composites comprising HAp and a biomedical polymer and prepared at low temperatures are described. The kinetics of HAp formation in the presence of a polyphosphazene polymer that carries carboxylic acid moieties (acid‐PCPP) were established at temperatures from 25° to 50°C. Evolution in the compositions of the solids present, solution chemistry, and microstructure development were established as functions of reaction time and temperature. The polymer participated in HAp formation affecting its rates of nucleation and growth through the formation of calcium cross links. The presence of polymer also enhanced ductility.
Fabrication and Characterization of an Ultra‐High‐Temperature Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced ZrB2–SiC Matrix Composite
Authors: Tang Sufang , Deng Jingyi , Wang Shijun , Liu Wenchuan
Published: July 2007

A novel carbon fiber‐reinforced ZrB2–SiC matrix composite was fabricated by heaterless chemical vapor infiltration through infiltration of SiC matrix into a carbon fiber‐ZrB2 powder preform. The C/ZrB2–SiC composite presented a flexural strength of 148 MPa, a fracture toughness of 5.6 MPa·m1/2, and a good oxidation and ablation resistance.
Space Charge Signature and Its Effects on Ionic Transport in Heterogeneous Solids
Authors: Kumar Binod , Thokchom Joykumar S.
Published: July 2007

The Arrhenius plots of heterogeneous solids comprising of lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) glass–ceramic, Al2O3, and Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (0.6 BST) exhibit an inflection or peak around 27°C, which is interpreted as a signature of space charge. The space charge is formed by the adsorption of lithium ions onto the dielectric phases below 27°C. The space charge is also a source of an electric field, which influences the transport of conducting ions. The adsorbed ions are desorbed above 27°C, resulting in a reduction or elimination of the space charge effect. A high dielectric constant phase, 0.6 BST, retains the space charge effect even at temperatures greater than 27°C.
Revised Method for the Prediction of Lattice Constants in Cubic and Pseudocubic Perovskites
Authors: Ubic Rick
Published: July 2007

The correlation between ionic radii and the lattice constants of cubic/pseudocubic perovskites is re‐examined and a new empirical formula for the relationship is derived. The average absolute error in the predicted lattice constants of perovskites thus derived is expected to be about 0.60%. Discrepancies between measured lattice constants and those calculated from idealized structural models are shown to be due to stretching or compression of bond lengths and are strongly correlated to both tolerance factor and cation bond valence sums. The formula derived may be useful in the engineering of substrates or buffer layers for heteroepitaxial films, in which a lattice match is essential.
Nd/V Co‐Doped Bi4Ti3O12 Powder Prepared By Molten Salt Synthesis
Authors: Tang Qing‐Yuan , Kan Yan‐Mei , Wang Pei‐Ling , Li Yao‐Gang , Zhang Guo‐Jun
Published: July 2007

Powders of Nd/V‐doped Bi4Ti3O12 with a composition Bi3.74Nd0.26Ti2.98V0.02O12.01 (BNTV), prepared by the molten salt synthesis, using chlorides as the fluxes, were successfully obtained. The influences of the molar ratio of KCl to NaCl, temperature, and soak time on the formation and morphology of BNTV were investigated. The results indicated that Na+ can enter the lattice of Bi4Ti3O12 (BIT), leading to a decrease in the cell dimensions of BIT phase. The grain size and morphology of BNTV powders were considerably affected by the molar ratio of KCl to NaCl in the fluxes, in which the platelets showed the morphology of a rectangle and no regular shape in KCl and NaCl fluxes, respectively. The grain size of BNTV increased with increasing amount of NaCl in the fluxes, but the thickness decreased. The platelets prepared in the NaCl flux were faceted along (0 0 1) plane.
Skin exposure in geriatric care – a comparison between observation and self‐assessment of exposure
Authors: Anveden Ingegärd , Meding Birgitta
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to compare observation and self‐assessment of skin exposure to irritants during a working day in nursing in geriatric care. The study group consisted of 40 volunteers, 13 nurses, and 27 assistant nurses. Before the start of a working day, the participants completed a questionnaire regarding skin exposure to water, gloves, hand disinfection, and moisturizers. Observers subsequently used a hand‐held computer to register the time and frequency of each exposure. The total mean skin exposure time was 96 min per working day, including glove use. The mean exposure time to water was 9 min per working day. A tendency to overestimate was found for all exposures. A strong correlation between self‐reports and observations was found for hand disinfection and moisturizers, while a moderate correlation was found for gloves and number of water exposures and a weak correlation for total time of water exposure. Despite the differences between self‐assessment and observation of the exposure, we consider the questionnaire to be useful for surveying skin exposure in nursing. Furthermore, the observations in this study suggest that nursing work in geriatric care may comprise limited exposure to water.
Prevalence of fimA genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis and periodontal health status in Chinese adults
Authors: Zhao L. , Wu Y.‐F. , Meng S. , Yang H. , OuYang Y.‐L. , Zhou X.‐D.
Published: July 2007

Background and Objective:  Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae play a key role in colonization of the oral cavity. The fimA gene, which encodes fimbrillin (FimA), can be classified into six types (I–V and Ib) according to nucleotide sequence. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the prevalence of P. gingivalis‐specific fimA genotypes and periodontal health status in Chinese adults.

Material and Methods:  One‐hundred and fifteen patients with chronic periodontitis and 136 periodontally healthy adults were selected. P. gingivalis detection, determination of fimA genotypes, and the co‐existence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia with various fimA types, were assessed by the polymerase chain reaction. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for associating the fimA‐specific genes with periodontitis.

Results:  P. gingivalis was detected in 22.1% of healthy subjects and in 81.7% of the patients. A single fimA genotype was detected in most samples. In healthy adults, the most prevalent fimA genotype was type I (66.7%). However, type II was detected most frequently (43.6%) in the patient group, followed by type IV (30.9%). The frequency of co‐existing A. actinomycetemcomitans and T. forsythia was highest in type II fimA‐positive sites. Statistical analysis revealed that periodontitis was associated with occurrences of type I (odds ratio 0.97), Ib (odds ratio 13.26), II (odds ratio 36.62), III (odds ratio 4.57), IV (odds ratio 22.86) and V (odds ratio 1.19).

Conclusion:  P. gingivalis type II followed by type IV were considered as disease‐associated strains that account for the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis in Chinese adults.
A physiologically based mathematical model of melatonin including ocular light suppression and interactions with the circadian pacemaker
Authors: St Hilaire Melissa A. , Gronfier Claude , Zeitzer Jamie M. , Klerman Elizabeth B.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The rhythm of plasma melatonin concentration is currently the most accurate marker of the endogenous human circadian pacemaker. A number of methods exist to estimate circadian phase and amplitude from the observed melatonin rhythm. However, almost all these methods are limited because they depend on the shape and amplitude of the melatonin pulse, which vary among individuals and can be affected by environmental influences, especially light. Furthermore, these methods are not based on the underlying known physiology of melatonin secretion and clearance, and therefore cannot accurately quantify changes in secretion and clearance observed under different experimental conditions. A published physiologically‐based mathematical model of plasma melatonin can estimate synthesis onset and offset of melatonin under dim light conditions. We amended this model to include the known effect of melatonin suppression by ocular light exposure and to include a new compartment to model salivary melatonin concentration, which is widely used in clinical settings to determine circadian phase. This updated model has been incorporated into an existing mathematical model of the human circadian pacemaker and can be used to simulate experimental protocols under a number of conditions.
Female Sexual Dysfunction in Urogenital Prolapse Surgery: Colposacropexy vs. Hysterocolposacropexy
Authors: Zucchi Alessandro , Costantini Elisabetta , Mearini Luigi , Fioretti Fabrizio , Bini Vittorio , Porena Massimo
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Colposacropexy (CSP), with or without hysterectomy, is a valid technique for the repair of severe urogenital prolapse. For many years, uterine prolapse has represented an indication for hysterectomy, apart from the presence or absence of uterine disease and the patient's desires. Nevertheless, sparing the uterus is essential to women not only to have normal sexual functioning but to maintain physical and anatomical integrity as well.

Aim

To assess sexual function in a group of patients who underwent CSP or hysterocolposacropexy (HSP).

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 37 patients who underwent surgery for urogenital prolapse (15 HSP, mean age 53 years; 22 CSP, mean age 56 years). Based on a preliminary sexual history and sexual questionnaire, all patients were sexually active before surgery. At a mean follow-up of 39 months, we reassessed the patients using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Main Outcome Measure

We considered sexual activity with a score of 30=good, 23–29=intermediate, and <23=poor.

Results

In patients who underwent CSP and HSP, sexual activity was good in 13% and 26%, intermediate in 33% and 21%, and poor in 54% and 53%, respectively; considering also five patients who no longer had sexual activity postoperatively. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis, performed based on the data obtained from the FSFI questionnaire, showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups of points in terms of total score—CSP 21.1 (1.2–33.5) vs. HSP 22.8 (3.6–34.5)—and single domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) (P =not significant).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated no substantial differences regarding sexual activity in patients in which the uterus has been spared as opposed to those in whom it has been removed. Furthermore, in a small percentage of cases, surgery actually reduced regular sexual activity.
Predictive Correlation Between the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM): Implications for Calculating a Derived SHIM for Clinical Use
Authors: Ramanathan Rajan , Mulhall John , Rao Sandhya , Leung Robert , Martinez Salamanca Juan I. , Mandhani Anil , Tewari Ashutosh
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Validated questionnaires are used to assess postoperative continence, sexual function, and other quality-of-life issues after radical prostatectomy. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is one such well-tested inventory that is routinely used. However, some centers use the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) or the IIEF-6 to record erectile function, and comparison between the three can be difficult.

Aims

To define if there was a predictive correlation between IIEF (or IIEF-6) and SHIM, and to explore a strategy for the use of an abbreviated and rapid functional assessment of erectile function in patients.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative and postoperative IIEF questionnaires from the robotic prostatectomy program at our institution were included in the study. The total IIEF, IIEF-6, and SHIM scores were calculated and correlations between the three were sought. We also looked at the feasibility of using only two questions from the IIEF with an aim of calculating both the SHIM and IIEF scores.

Main Outcome Measures

The power to differentiate between patients with SHIM ≥22 from those with SHIM ≤21 for (i) the ratio allowing direct conversion of IIEF (or IIEF-6) to SHIM; and (ii) a two-question-based recalculation of SHIM.

Results

Two hundred seventy-five questionnaires were available for review. If the total IIEF score is known, the IIEF-derived SHIM score can be calculated by dividing the total IIEF score by a factor of 2.8 and then rounding off to a whole number. Furthermore, we have shown that an abbreviated questionnaire using Q5 and Q15 of the IIEF can be used to calculate the SHIM scores (two-question-SHIM).

Conclusions

We described an easy way to calculate the SHIM score when the IIEF (or IIEF-6) score alone is known. The two-question model can be used for a rapid assessment of the patients' sexual function.
Correlates of Placebo Response in the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bradford Andrea , Meston Cindy
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Placebo responses have been large across a number of clinical trials for treatment of women's sexual dysfunction. Studying placebo responses may elucidate predictors of symptom reduction and responsiveness to intervention.

Aim

To determine the correlates of placebo response in participants enrolled in a clinical trial for female sexual dysfunction.

Methods

We analyzed data from 16 women with sexual arousal and orgasmic dysfunction who were randomized to receive 8 weeks of placebo treatment within a larger randomized controlled trial. Using nonparametric correlations, we tested whether age, length of relationship, psychological symptoms, and scores on self-report measures predicted change in sexual function with placebo treatment.

Main Outcome Measure

Female Sexual Function Index.

Results

Consistent with findings from other studies, we found a significant improvement in sexual function scores after 8 weeks of treatment with placebo. We also found that age and length of relationship predicted the magnitude of change in sexual function across treatment. Changes in relationship adjustment, but not relationship adjustment at baseline, predicted the magnitude of improvement in sexual function scores. We observed no relationship between psychological symptom severity and change in sexual function.

Conclusions

Participant age and length of relationship predicted subsequent magnitude of change in sexual function scores during treatment with placebo. In addition, relationship adjustment covaried with changes in sexual function. Our findings suggest that “placebo effects” may represent underlying factors that influence the way in which women respond to the process of treatment.
Synthesis of Novel 3‐Butyl‐2‐Substituted Amino‐3H‐Quinazolin‐4‐ones as Analgesic and Anti‐inflammatory Agents
Authors: Alagarsamy V. , Meena S. , Ramaseshu K. V. , Solomon V. Raja , Kumar T. Durai Ananda , Thirumurugan K.
Published: July 2007

A variety of novel 3‐butyl‐2‐substituted amino‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐ones were synthesized by reacting the amino group of 3‐butyl‐2‐hydrazino‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐one with various aldehydes and ketones. The title compounds were investigated for analgesic, anti‐inflammatory and ulcerogenic index activities. The compound 3‐butyl‐2‐(1‐methylbutylidene‐hydrazino)‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐one (AS3) emerged as the most active analgesic agent. Compound 3‐butyl‐2‐(1‐ethylpropylidene‐hydrazino)‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐one (AS2) emerged as the most active anti‐inflammatory agent and is moderately more potent when compared to the reference standard diclofenac sodium. Interestingly, the test compounds showed only mild ulcerogenic potential when compared to aspirin.
Conjugation of methotrexate to immunoglobulins kills macrophages by Fc receptor mediated uptake?
Authors: WANG X. , YAO C. , JIANG Z.
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to conjugate methotrexate (MTX) with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and investigate whether the conjugate produce selective cytotoxicity on macrophages to provide a new strategy for the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. MTX was bound to IVIG via human serum albumin as an intermediary. The binding activity of the Fc fragment of the conjugate was assayed by flow cytometry. The selective cytotoxicity of the conjugate was determined by trypan blue exclusion. After conjugating, the binding activity of the conjugate to Fc receptors did not diminish when compared with IVIG. In vitro, the conjugate showed significantly higher cytotoxicity to macrophages than Hela cells. The conjugate of IVIG and MTX showed potent and selective cytotoxicity to macrophages in vitro.
Different kinetic patterns of BCR‐ABL transcript levels in imatinib‐treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients after achieving complete cytogenetic response
Authors: QIN Y. Z. , LIU Y. R. , ZHU H. H. , LI J. L. , RUAN G. R. , ZHANG Y. , JIANG Q. , JIANG H. , LI L. D. , CHANG Y. , HUANG X. J. , CHEN S. S.
Published: July 2007

Bone marrow BCR‐ABL transcript levels were monitored serially by real‐time quantitative PCR in 46 imatinib‐treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients after achieving complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) for a median of 42 months (range: 9–53). Of 41 patients in continuous CCyR, 32 and nine could achieve a ≥3‐log (MMoR group) or 2‐ to 3‐log reduction (non‐MMoR group), respectively. The MMoR group had a significantly lower recurrence rate of Ph+ metaphase than the non‐MMoR group (6/32 vs. 7/9, P = 0.002), which was not significantly different between patients first achieving CCyR within or after 12 months of imatinib treatment (7/27 vs. 6/14, P = 0.086). Five patients suffered cytogenetic or hematological relapse. For all 46 patients, a >2‐log reduction but not time when CCyR was first achieved was related to a lower relapse rate (1/42 vs. 4/4, P < 0.001). We concluded that the depth of BCR‐ABL reduction after CCyR is more critical than when CCyR is first achieved. The kinetic pattern of BCR‐ABL transcript is a good predictor of disease stability.
An Overview of Normal Theory Structural Measurement Error Models
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey R. , Carter Randy L.
Published: July 2007

This paper gives an introduction and overview to the often under‐used measurement error model. The purpose is to provide a simple summary of problems that arise from measurement error and of the solutions that have been proposed. We start by describing how measurement error models occur in real‐world situations. Then we proceed with defining the measurement error model, initially introducing the multivariate form of the model, and then, starting with the simplest form of the model thoroughly discuss its features and solutions to the problems introduced due to measurement error. We discuss higher‐dimensional and more advanced forms of the model and give a brief numerical illustration.
Information and Economics in Fisher's Design of Experiments
Authors: Aldrich John
Published: July 2007

In 1951 R. A. Fisher described what had been achieved in the 20th century so far: “we have learnt (i) To conserve in its statistical reduction the scientific information latent in any body of observations. (ii) To conduct experimental and observational inquiries so as to maximise the information obtained for a given expenditure.” This paper asks what Fisher meant and, in particular, how he saw his work on experimental design as contributing to the objective of maximizing information for a given expenditure. The material examined ranges from detailed work on issues like “the information lost in measurement of error” to polemics against decision theory.