bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved sleep efficiency after anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Taylor-Gjevre Regina M. , Gjevre John A. , Skomro Robert P. , Nair Bindu V. , Lim Hyun J.
Published: August 2011

Background: Poor sleep health is increasingly recognized as contributing to decreased quality of life, increased morbidity/mortality and heightened pain perception. Our purpose in this study was to observe the effect on sleep parameters, specifically sleep efficiency, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) therapy.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study of RA patients with hypersomnolence/poor sleep quality as defined by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Study patients underwent overnight polysomnograms and completed questionnaire instruments assessing sleep prior to starting anti-TNF-α therapy and again after being established on therapy. The questionnaire included the ESS, PSQI, the Berlin instrument for assessment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, restless legs syndrome (RLS) diagnostic criteria, and measures of disease activity/impact.

Results: A total of 12 RA patients met inclusion criteria, of which 10 initiated anti-TNF-α therapy and underwent repeat polysomnograms and questionnaire studies approximately 2 months later. Polysomnographic criteria for OSA were met by 60% of patients. Following anti-TNF-α therapy initiation, significant improvements were observed by polysomnography (PSG) for sleep efficiency, increasing from 73.9% (SD 13.5) to 85.4% (SD 9.6) ( p = 0.031), and ‘awakening after sleep onset’ time, decreasing from 84.1 minutes (SD 43.2) to 50.7 minutes (SD 36.5) ( p = 0.048). Questionnaire instrument improvements were apparent in pain, fatigue, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ), and Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI) scores.

Conclusions: Improved sleep efficiency and ‘awakening after sleep onset’ time

were observed in RA patients treated with anti-TNF-α therapy.
Sox4 cooperates with PU.1 haploinsufficiency in murine myeloid leukemia
Authors: Aue Georg , Du Yang , Cleveland Susan M. , Smith Stephen B. , Davé Utpal P. , Liu Delong , Weniger Marc A. , Metais Jean Yves , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G. , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: August 2011

Cooperation of multiple mutations is thought to be required for cancer development. In previous studies, murine myeloid leukemias induced by transducing wild-type bone marrow progenitors with a SRY sex determining region Y-box 4 (Sox4)–expressing retrovirus frequently carried proviral insertions at Sfpi1, decreasing its mRNA levels, suggesting that reduced Sfpi1 expression cooperates with Sox4 in myeloid leukemia induction. In support of this hypothesis, we show here that mice receiving Sox4 virus-infected Sfpi1ko/+ bone marrow progenitors developed myeloid leukemia with increased penetrance and shortened latency. Interestingly, Sox4 expression further decreased Sfpi1 transcription. Ectopic SOX4 expression reduced endogenous PU.1 mRNA levels in HL60 promyelocytes, and decreased Sfpi1 mRNA levels were also observed in the spleens of leukemic and preleukemic mice receiving Sox4 virus-infected wild-type bone marrow cells. In addition, Sox4 protein bound to a critical upstream regulatory element of Sfpi1 in ChIP assays. Such cooperation probably occurs in de novo human acute myeloid leukemias, as an analysis of 285 acute myeloid leukemia patient samples found a significant negative correlation between SOX4 and PU.1 expression. Our results establish a novel cooperation between Sox4 and reduced Sfpi1 expression in myeloid leukemia development and suggest that SOX4 could be an important new therapeutic target in human acute myeloid leukemia.
Perspective on sequence evolution of microsatellite locus (CCG)n in Rv0050 gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Qin Lianhua , Wang Jie , Zheng Ruijuan , Lu Junmei , Yang Hua , Liu Zhonghua , Cui Zhenling , Jin Ruiliang , Feng Yonghong , Hu Zhongyi
Published: August 2011

Background

The mycobacterial genome is inclined to polymerase slippage and a high mutation rate in microsatellite regions due to high GC content and absence of a mismatch repair system. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying microsatellite variation have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated mutation events in the hyper-variable trinucleotide microsatellite locus MML0050 located in the Rv0050 gene of W-Beijing and non-W-Beijing Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in order to gain insight into the genomic structure and activity of repeated regions.

Results

Size analysis indicated the presence of five alleles that differed in length by three base pairs. Moreover, nucleotide gains occurred more frequently than loses in this trinucleotide microsatellite. Mutation frequency was not completely related with the total length, though the relative frequency in the longest allele was remarkably higher than that in the shortest. Sequence analysis was able to detect seven alleles and revealed that point mutations enhanced the level of locus variation. Introduction of an interruptive motif correlated with the total allele length and genetic lineage, rather than the length of the longest stretch of perfect repeats. Finally, the level of locus variation was drastically different between the two genetic lineages.

Conclusion

The Rv0050 locus encodes the bifunctional penicillin-binding protein ponA1 and is essential to mycobacterial survival. Our investigations of this particularly dynamic genomic region provide insights into the overall mode of microsatellite evolution. Specifically, replication slippage was implicated in the mutational process of this microsatellite and a sequence-based genetic analysis was necessary to determine that point mutation events acted to maintain microsatellite size integrity while providing genomic diversity.
Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of nano-TiC
x
particles with different shapes by using carbon nano-tube as C source
Authors: Jin Shenbao , Shen Ping , Zhou Dongshuai , Jiang Qichuan
Published: August 2011

With using the carbon nano-tube (CNT) of high chemical activity, nano-TiC
x
particles with different growth shapes were synthesized through the self-propagating high temperature in the 80 wt.% metal (Cu, Al, and Fe)-Ti-CNT systems. The growth shapes of the TiC
x
particles are mainly octahedron in the Cu- and Al-Ti-CNT systems, while mainly cube- and sphere-like in the Fe-Ti-CNT system.
EARTH CONDUCTIVITY DETERMINATIONS EMPLOYING A SINGLE SUPERCONDUCTING COIL
Authors: Morrison H. F. , Dolan William , Dey Abhijit
Published: August 2011

A low‐frequency airborne electromagnetic prospecting method has been developed which exploits the inherent low resistance of a superconducting coil. Changes in the input resistance of this coil are monitored in the presence of the conducting earth. The response of the system, the change in the input resistance, is proportional to the quadrature secondary magnetic field at the transmitter, although unlike two‐coil systems, the response does not decrease with increasing frequency.

This research has demonstrated that superconducting wires, large scale nonmetallic cryostats, the requisite measurement circuitry, and an appropriate data acquisition system are realizable in a practical flight configuration.

The unicoil presents the following significant advantages in electromagnetic prospecting:

1) The measurement sensitivity is not limited by the relative coil motion experienced by two‐coil systems.

2) Ample field strength may be supplied to override ambient noise.

3) Optimum frequencies for specific geologic sections are easily implemented in the range of 10 to 2000 Hz.

4) Maps of ground conductivity may be obtained because precise thermal stability is maintained and the measurement, therefore, is absolute.

5) The point source observation minimizes analytic complexity.

6) The combination of the foregoing features with multiple frequency operation, yields a system of potentially high sensitivity and unprecedented depth of exploration.

The unicoil system also possesses some disadvantages: 1) An operational complexity results from the cryogenic procedures required in the field, and 2) the heavy sensor requires a large helicopter.
Importance of PKCδ signaling in fractionated-radiation-induced expansion of glioma-initiating cells and resistance to cancer treatment
Authors: Kim Min-Jung , Kim Rae-Kwon , Yoon Chang-Hwan , An Sungkwan , Hwang Sang-Gu , Suh Yongjoon , Park Myung-Jin , Chung Hee Young , Kim In Gyu , Lee Su-Jae
Published: August 2011

Brain tumors frequently recur or progress as focal masses after treatment with ionizing radiation. However, the mechanisms underlying the repopulation of tumor cells after radiation have remained unclear. In this study, we show that cellular signaling from Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog (Abl) to protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is crucial for fractionated-radiation-induced expansion of glioma-initiating cell populations and acquisition of resistance to anticancer treatments. Treatment of human glioma cells with fractionated radiation increased Abl and PKCδ activity, expanded the CD133-positive (CD133+) cell population that possesses tumor-initiating potential and induced expression of glioma stem cell markers and self-renewal-related proteins. Moreover, cells treated with fractionated radiation were resistant to anticancer treatments. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of PKCδ expression blocked fractionated-radiation-induced CD133+ cell expansion and suppressed expression of glioma stem cell markers and self-renewal-related proteins. It also suppressed resistance of glioma cells to anticancer treatments. Similarly, knockdown of Abl led to a decrease in CD133+ cell populations and restored chemotherapeutic sensitivity. It also attenuated fractionated-radiation-induced PKCδ activation, suggesting that Abl acts upstream of PKCδ. Collectively, these data indicate that fractionated radiation induces an increase in the glioma-initiating cell population, decreases cellular sensitivity to cancer treatment and implicates activation of Abl–PKCδ signaling in both events. These findings provide insights that might prove pivotal in the context of ionising-radiation-based therapeutic interventions for brain tumors.
Modern imaging techniques during therapy in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Horger M , Weisel K , Bares R , Ernemann U , Claussen CD , Lichy M , Fenchel M
Published: August 2011

Imaging modalities used in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma have evolved and most of them are also suitable for either early or mid-term monitoring of response to novel antimyeloma therapy. This pictorial essay focuses on modern imaging techniques for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with multiple myeloma in order to highlight their individual strengths and limitations. Also, the impact of recently established modern pharmaceutical therapy, like anti-angiogenic medication, on the tumor is addressed.
Elastic and Elastic-Plastic Stability of Dual Structural Systems
Authors: Tong Gengshu , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2011

A closed form solution is presented for the elastic buckling of dual shear-flexural strucutral systems. For elastic-plastic systems, Jezek's model is extended to be connected continuously along height with hinged columns modeling frames in a dual system. Initial drift is introduced in this extended model, veritical loads are exerted to top of the bracing elastic-plastic column and the hinged columns, a horizontal force is acted on the top of the bracing column. Approximate closed form solution on the load carrying capacity of the bracing column is obtained, from which the demand on the cross-sectional stiffness of the bracing column is derived. From this simplified dual structural system, observations on the stability design approach of high-rise buildings are presented.
Structural Form and Mechanical Properties of the Suspended Cylindrical Lattice Shells
Authors: Dong Shi-Lin , Yuan Xing-Fei , Pang Bo , Tian Wei
Published: August 2011

Suspended-dome is a typical space structure composed of cables, struts and beam elements. By introducing pre-stressing technology, the stiffness and load carrying capacity of the single-layer shell is significantly improved. However, the structural planes of suspended-dome are mostly circular, which affects the promotion application of the suspended-dome. This paper presents a new form of suspended cylindrical lattice shell, which is a combination of an upper single-layer cylindrical shell and a lower suspended system. According to the grid type of single-layer cylindrical shell and the form of the suspended system, four types of suspended cylindrical lattice shells are defined including n-loop suspended orthogonal grid with one bracing type, n-loop suspended two way orthogonal grid type, n-loop suspended lamella grid type, and n-loop suspended three-way grid type. The mechanical properties of n-loop suspended orthogonal grid with one brace type of suspended cylindrical shell are investigated. The eigenvalue buckling and non-linear instability are also analyzed. A model experiment based on a practical engineering application is finally introduced. The comparison between the theoretic values and the experimental values shows the present analysis method is correct and reliable.
New Development in Steel Tubular Joints
Authors: Zhao X.L. , Tong L.W.
Published: August 2011

This paper presents the latest design procedures for welded steel tubular truss joints subject to static and fatigue loading. Recent research on fatigue of thin-walled tubular joints is reported. Discussion is made on thick-walled tubular joints that are used in mining equipment, bridges and wind farms. It also describes the new development in steel tubular joints such as elliptical hollow sections, cast steel, bird beak joints and composite tubular joints. A comprehensive list of references is given.
Development of New-Type Buckling-Restrained Braces and Their Application in Aseismic Steel Frameworks
Authors: Sun Fei-Fei , Li Guo-Qiang , Guo Xiao-Kang , Hu Da-Zhu , Hu Bao-Lin
Published: August 2011

Two new-type BRBs, i.e. TJI-type and TJII-type, were developed at Tongji University. TJI-type was designed for small load-carrying applications while TJII-type for large ones. Full scale cyclic test results demonstrated stable hysteretic behavior and substantial energy dissipation capacity of the new-type BRBs. Hysteretic model and stiffness equation were established for the new-type BRBs, being capable of simulating accurately experimental behavior of the BRBs under low cyclic loading. BRB-moment frames (BRBF) and ordinary concentrically braced frames (CBF) were compared by means of elasto-plastic seismic analysis on a typical 8-story building, showing that under severe earthquakes BRB acted as structural “fuse”, to protect beams and columns from significant yielding, while ordinary braces buckled, and led to large amount of plastic hinges occurring in beams and columns and inter-story drift larger than 1/50. As an alternative application of BRBs, the structural system of simple-connected steel frame with buckling restrained braces was proposed for multistory buildings. By non-linear static and time-history analysis, the seismic behavior of this system was investigated. The results showed that this system had energy-dissipation behavior as good as steel moment frame. The superiority of this system in terms of seismic performance under extremely severe earthquakes was also verified by shaking table test on a two-story full-scale structure.
Unbonded Post Tensioned Concrete Slabs in Fire - Part I - Experimental Response of Unbonded Tendons under Transient Localized Heating
Authors: Gales John , Bisby Luke , Gillie Martin
Published: August 2011

The fire-safe structural design and construction of unbonded post-tensioned (UPT) flat plate concrete structures has recently come under debate in the UK, and questions are being raised regarding the response to fire of post-tensioned concrete slabs. Related to these concerns is the real world response of continuous UPT tendons inside such structures both during and after a fire, which is largely unknown and depends on many potentially important factors which are not currently accounted for in standard fire tests. Several credible concerns exist for UPT concrete structures in fire, most notably the potential for premature tendon rupture due to localized heating which may result from a number of possible causes (discussed herein). The research presented in this paper deals specifically with the time-temperature-stress-strength interdependencies of stressed UPT tendons under localized transient heating, as may be experienced by tendons in a real UPT building in a real fire. Nineteen high temperature stress relaxation tests on UPT tendons of realistic length and parabolic longitudinal profile are reported. It is shown that localized heating of UPT tendons is likely to induce premature tendon rupture during fire, even in structures which meet the prescriptive concrete cover requirements imposed by available design codes.
Influence of Polypropylene Fibres on the Thermal Strain of High Strength Concrete at High Temperatures
Authors: Huismann Sven , Weise Frank , Meng Birgit , Schneider Ulrich
Published: August 2011

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the influence of polypropylene (PP) fibres on the thermal strain of high strength concrete (HSC) at temperatures up to 750°C. Concerning this topic only few results can be found in the literature and systematic investigations are missing. However, basic knowledge is necessary to understand the internal damage processes as well as for structural design.

To explain the differences in the thermal strain of HSC with and without addition of PP fibres the internal damage processes were investigated with acoustic emission (AE) analysis and ultrasound (US). Furthermore the weight loss was measured continuously during heating to monitor the drying of the specimen. This novel approach by combining these different methods with strain measurements at high temperatures allows the integral description of the internal damage processes. The results reveal significant differences in the thermal strain of HSC when PP fibres are added. Between 200°C and 250°C the thermal strain of HSC with PP fibres is superimposed by shrinkage caused by accelerated drying. Above 250°C it is lower than that of plain HSC without PP fibres. It is supposed that it is caused by a more homogeneous distribution of micro cracks whereby the fibre beds acting as defects in the concrete.

Hence this paper gives a contribution to the general understanding of the impact of PP fibres in HSC at high temperatures and points out the influence of the fibres on the thermal strain of HSC.
Investigations on the Behavior of Steel Single Plate Beam End Framing Connections in Fire
Authors: Hu Guanyu , Engelhardt Michael
Published: August 2011

This paper summarizes the results of computational and experimental investigations on the behavior of steel simple beam end framing connections subjected to fire. Connections are critical elements in maintaining the integrity of a structure during a fire. Fire can cause large force and deformation demands on connections during both the heating and cooling stages, while reducing connection strength and stiffness.

In the US, one of the most common types of simple beam end framing connections is the single plate connection. In order to better understand the behavior of this type of connection in fire, a series of computational and experimental investigations have been completed by the authors. The computational studies investigated the typical behavior of the connection during heating and cooling phase of fires as well as the connection force and deformation demands. Experimental studies on connections at elevated temperatures were conducted to validate predictions of connection capacity developed by computational and design models as well as providing knowledge of failure modes. This paper will present key results from this study.
Budesonide for the Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Snider Kenneth R , Potter Teresa G
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To evaluate the use of budesonide for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Data Sources:

Literature was accessed through PubMed/MEDLINE (1966-June 2011) and Web of Science (1965-June 2011) using the terms autoimmune hepatitis and budesonide. Literature was limited to English-language publications. In addition, references from publications identified were reviewed.

Study Selection And Data Extraction:

All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated.

Data Synthesis:

The initial treatment of choice for A1H is prednisone alone or with azathioprine. However, a significant number of patients do not respond adequately or have adverse reactions to this regimen; therefore, alternative treatments are required. Budesonide is an orally administered synthetic corticosteroid with high affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor that undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. It has Food and Drug Administration-approved labeling for the treatment and maintenance of remission of mild-to-moderate Crohn disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon. One prospective, active-controlled study of budesonide in the treatment of AIH was identified, as well as 5 small open-label studies and 1 retrospective chart review. Budesonide appears to have efficacy in the treatment of AIH, including in patients intolerant to standard therapy with prednisone alone or with azathioprine, with a reduced incidence of corticosteroid-related adverse reactions. However, in patients with AIH and cirrhosis, the efficacy of budesonide may be reduced and the incidence of corticosteroid-related adverse reactions may be increased.

Conclusions:

Budesonide may be an additional treatment option for patients with AIH but without cirrhosis who are intolerant to standard therapy with prednisone or prednisone with azathioprine.
Polythiophene-cellulose composites: synthesis, optical properties and homogeneous oxidative co-polymerization
Authors: Sakakibara Keita , Rosenau Thomas
Published: August 2011

Composites of cellulose and conjugated polymers based on oligo- and polythiophene are reported, inspired by the assembly of cellulose and lignin in wood as a composite that survives harsh environmental conditions and meets most complex demands. The regioselectively oligothiophene-substituted cellulose derivatives were synthesized according to a protecting group strategy and used to prepare the polythiophene-cellulose composites through a FeCl3-initiated oxidative co-polymerization with thiophene co-monomers. The optical property of the cellulose derivatives with mono-, bi- and terthiophene moieties at the C-6 position was investigated with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The UV-Vis absorption spectra exhibited a broad band reflecting the intense π-π* transition within the conjugated oligothiophene side chains, which were greater than those of the corresponding reference monomers owing to their intermolecular π-electron interactions, even in solution. This was also supported by the negative CD band, indicative of cellulosic supramolecular stacking structures in solution. The soluble polythiophene-cellulose composites were prepared by the oxidative co-polymerization of the oligothiophene substituted celluloses with excess 3-hexylthiophene in the presence of FeCl3 as the oxidative initiator. The supplied amount of thiophene co-monomer was crucial for producing large π-conjugated structures and a cross-linked network structure. The soluble composites, with properties, such as electric conductivity, semiconductivity, or photoelectroactivity, were applied for the preparation of thin films which will have to be optimized for the respective application.
Apoptosis gene signature of Survivin and its splice variant expression in breast carcinoma
Authors: Végran Frédérique , Boidot Romain , Bonnetain Franck , Cadouot Muriel , Chevrier Sandy , Lizard-Nacol Sarab
Published: August 2011

Survivin, an anti-apoptotic protein, was described as strongly expressed in human cancers including breast cancer. However, little is known about the association between Survivin variants (Survivin-2B, Survivin-ΔEx3, Survivin-3B, and Survivin-2α) and the other apoptotic-related genes. In this study, we analyzed the apoptosis gene signature of Survivin and its variant expression in breast cancer. Human Apoptosis Gene Arrays were used to screen genes that could be associated with Survivin variants. Expression of the five transcripts was measured by RT-PCR in 135 breast carcinomas and Cox survival analysis was analyzed according to the patient outcome. Significant associations between Survivin transcripts and apoptotic genes were found. Interestingly, Survivin-3B variant showed major inverse correlations with pro-apoptotic genes. In addition, in vitro results indicated that overexpression of Survivin-3B strongly inhibits 5-fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide-induced apoptosis in breast tumor cell lines. In breast carcinomas, uni- and multivariate analysis showed patients with high level of Survivin-3B expression had a shorter overall (P=0.030 and P=0.042 respectively), and disease-free (P=0.024 and P=0.009) survival. Our data suggest that Survivin-3B contributes to cell survival through the anti-apoptotic pathway and that its expression level could be an important factor in determining therapeutic strategies for breast carcinoma.
Citytunneln, Malmö: geotechnical hazards and opportunities
Authors: Hartlén Jan , Christensen Henrik , Jansson Sven
Published: August 2011

Penetrating limestone in Malmö, Sweden, the underground works at Citytunneln comprise two parallel 7·8 m internal diameter railway tunnels, 6 km long, excavated with tunnel-boring machines. Triangeln Station, halfway along the tunnels, is a 30 m wide cavern with 15 m soil/rock cover and a row of pillars for central support. Malmö C Station at the northern end is an open cut-and-cover structure. There are two contracts, one for the tunnels and cavern (Lot E201) and another for Malmö C Station (Lot E101). Differing risk management techniques maintained an appropriate balance in the risk distribution. Groundwater lowering close to the harbour and the stability of adjacent historic buildings were the main hazards in E101. The design was based on the client's geotechnical interpretative report (GIR), and encountered deviations were compensated within a unit rate contract (E101). By contrast, the tunnelling risks in E201 were handled in a design–build contract (Lot E201), with the contractor responsible for the GIR. The geotechnical risk management was based on contractual geotechnical reference conditions. The observational method was used successfully to mitigate geotechnical hazards as well as to exploit opportunities.
High Efficiency Drive for Micro-Turbine Generator Based on Current Phase and Revolving Speed Optimizations
Authors: Urasaki Naomitsu , Howlader Abdul Motin , Senjyu Tomonobu , Funabashi Toshihisa , Yousuf Saber Ahmed
Published: August 2011

This paper presents a high efficiency drive strategy for micro-turbine generator (MTG) in which permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is used. PMSG operates at maximum efficiency point by optimizing the phase of armature current of PMSG; i.e., an optimum d-axis current in the rotor reference frame is analytically derived from mathematical model of PMSG taking iron loss into account. In addition, in order to use turbine output power effectively, compressor input power is minimized by optimizing revolving speed of PMSG. Simulation results confirm validity of the proposed method.
Instance-Based Clusters of Fear and Anxiety: Is Ambiguity an Essential Dimension?
Authors: Wicker Frank W. , Young Edwin L.
Published: August 2011

Students rated instances of fear-like emotions on 34 attributes related to distinctions between fear and anxiety in the literature, and then on relative degree of fear vs anxiety produced. Instances rated most fear-like had been rated as higher than more anxiety-like instances in terms of clarity and reality of causes, but lower in terms of the clarity of understanding the situation and knowing what to do when in it. There were two distinct clusters of fear-like instances and two distinct “anxiety clusters;” the two fear clusters were more different from each other than from the two anxiety clusters in terms of ratings on these clarity-related attributes. Analysis suggested (a) that “pure fear” is less vague than anxiety in some ways but more vague in other ways and (b) that comparisons have to be qualified because emotion-labels usually encompass more than one kind of emotion. However, differences in present-centeredness and other factors may be reliable and general.
Component Abilities of Spelling, Memory, and Motor Skill in Novices' Transcription Typing
Authors: Cohen Marsha R. , Wicklund David A.
Published: August 2011

Component abilities in transcription typing were examined among novice typists. The relations of spelling ability, memory for the keyboard, and motor skill to typing ability among male and female novice typists were considered. High school students, 138 girls and 130 boys, served as subjects. Students in one- and two-semester typing courses were tested for speed of typing and were administered a test battery that assessed component abilities. A keyboard memory task showed variability in the subjects' recall of key locations of letters of the alphabet. Knowledge of key locations was associated with faster typing speed. Spelling, memory for the keyboard, and motor skill positively correlated with typing speed, suggesting each is essential for good performance.
Developmental Characteristics of Figure Drawings Made by Boys and Girls Ages Five through Eleven
Authors: Brown Eleese V.
Published: August 2011

526 children from the ages of 5 yr. through 11 yr. (257 boys and 269 girls) responded when asked to draw the figure of a man. Of the 68 characteristics investigated the girls' responses were significantly different from the boys' on 41 items (60%) while boys' responses were significantly different on 28 items (41%). Although there were significant differences in some responses they were not necessarily indicative of higher levels of performance. Given the number of boys and girls participating and the number of significant differences, the over-all significant difference was 0. There were, however, many significant differences found in the drawings made by boys and girls ages 5, 6 and 9 yr.
Geophysical Variables and Behavior: LIX. The Seasonal Variation in Suicide Rates: Three Studies
Authors: Lester David , Frank Michael L.
Published: August 2011

The seasonal variation in suicide in the USA was not more pronounced in 1980 in northern regions but was more clear for married people than for those with other marital statuses. The seasonal variation in suicide was not associated with the gross domestic product of the region.
Contemporary Opinions on Health Issues: Another Look
Authors: Trinkaus John
Published: August 2011

In a comparison of 802 undergraduates, in the main between 17 and 23 yr. old, with 211 physicians who responded to an Hippocrates survey, most agreed that a mother should be informed by physicians that her teenage daughter is pregnant, but students were less inclined than physicians to misrepresent to an insurance company the reason for a screening test, and more in favor than physicians of acknowledging an error in medication. Understanding of values is desirable as is their recognition of influences on the future of society.
Maximizing Test Reliability by Stepwise Variable Deletion: A Case Study with the Finding Embedded Figures Test
Authors: Melancon Janet G. , Thompson Bruce
Published: August 2011

A method of identifying item subsets that optimize coefficient alpha is described. To make the discussion concrete, analysis of data from an administration of the Finding Embedded Figures Test to 791 middle-school students is presented. The complementary use of iterative item deletion and bootstrap evaluation of generalizability of results should facilitate more reliable measurement and greater likelihood of accurately estimating effect sizes in substantive studies.
Sleep Satisfaction and Intentional Self-Awakening: An Alternative Protocol for Self-Report Data
Authors: Hawkins James , Shaw Paul
Published: August 2011

We have reported that sleep satisfaction provides an effective research variable for use with large groups. It affects self-report measures of waking behavior, time spent in bed, and both spontaneous and intentional awakenings from sleep. Here, we report that with a counterbalanced design and self-awakening requirements meant to be more difficult for the subjects to attain, systematic differences were, again, found for the sleep-satisfaction groups. Self-reported sleep satisfaction is an heritable behavior. The genetic and environmental implications are discussed.
An Increase in Strength of Tilt Aftereffect Associated with Tryptophan Depletion
Authors: Masini Roberto , Antonietti Alessandro , Moja Egidio A.
Published: August 2011

The effects of a tryptophan-free amino acid mixture on tilt aftereffect, movement aftereffect, and the Mueller-Lyer illusion were studied. 12 male subjects ingested either a balanced amino acid mixture or a tryptophan-free mixture which causes a marked depletion of brain tryptophan and serotonin. The tryptophan-free mixture significantly increased the strength of tilt aftereffect but had no effect on movement aftereffect or the Mueller-Lyer illusion. These results were discussed with reference to the pharmacological activity of serotonin and its influence on the strength of lateral inhibition in mammalian brains.
Gradual Increase in Cutaneous Threshold Induced by Repeated Hypnosis of Healthy Individuals and Patients with Atopic Eczema
Authors: Hájek P. , Jakoubek B. , Radil T.
Published: August 2011

Gradual increase in cutaneous pain threshold was found in healthy subjects and patients with atopic eczema during repeated hypnotic sessions with specific suggestions. This increase was less in the former than in the latter group. Repeated threshold measurements did not influence the threshold. The analgesic effect outlasted the hypnotic sessions by several months. It could be, however, suddenly reduced by appropriate hypnotic suggestion.
Procedure-Specific Estimates of Structural and Strategic Factors in the Horizontal-Vertical Illusion
Authors: Rowe-Boyer M. Michelle , Brosvic Gary M.
Published: August 2011

The present study examined potential differences in structural and strategic factor estimates involved in the Horizontal-Vertical (HV) illusion. Performance on adjustment and production-task forms of the illusion was examined under the conditions of intertrial feedback, continued visual inspection, combined feedback and visual inspection, as well as control procedures. Estimates of structural and strategic factors were procedure-specific and, for each task, the correction of inaccurate strategic factors was significantly greater for the feedback than the visual-inspection and control groups. There were no significant additive effects when feedback was combined with visual inspection. The illusion results from an overestimation of the length of vertical lines, seems to be predominantly cognitive in nature, and exists in the absence of line bisection and a comparison line.
Ability to Register New Information: A Memory Measure for the Aged
Authors: Aronson H. , Tsang Michael Hing-Pui
Published: August 2011

Ability to register new information is a necessity for the maintenance of autonomy. Its measurement is especially critical with older patients to distinguish cognitive from other aging losses. This paper introduces the Aronson Shopping List, constructed to assess that ability. It describes a check on the test's reliability and an aspect of construct validity for its use. The subjects were 67 community volunteers aged 62 to 89 yr. Those aged 80 to 89 yr. required more training than members of the two preceding decades. Correlations of learning scores on the Aronson Shopping List with WAIS or WAIS—R subtests and prorated IQs were significant. Alternate form stability/reliability, checked after a mean interval of 11 mo. was .75. Assessing cognitive aging was discussed and related to memory.
Contributions to the History of Psychology: LXVI. Abstracts, in German, in Psychological Bulletin, 1921–1926
Authors: Brožek Josef
Published: August 2011

Abstracts of scientific literature constitute an important link in the exchange of information in science, both on the national and, in particular, the international level. Strange as it may be, historians of North American psychology are all but unaware of the existence of a large body of abstracts—close to 2000—written in German by German psychologists and specialists in closely allied fields, and covering the relevant writings of the early 1920s. To the surprise of just about everybody, the abstracts were published in the Psychological Bulletin and constitute a fascinating facet of the “prehistory” of the journal, Psychological Abstracts, founded in 1927.
An Analysis of Holistic Mode by Verbal Reports
Authors: Sugimura Takeshi , Suzuki Tokoha
Published: August 2011

120 college students were given a classification task with strong or weak family-resemblance structure under the “Impression” or the “Dimension” instruction. After reaching each of two learning criteria (4/4 and 10/10), the subjects were tested whether or not they used the holistic mode and then they were required to justify the basis of their test performances. Four classification strategies were inferred from the verbal reports. Even when the subjects showed the holistic mode, they used the impression, the single-dimension, the multiple-dimension, or the general-rule strategy. For the last three strategies the test exemplars were assumed to be processed dimensionally. The finding!, suggest that the holistic mode is not necessarily based on nondimensional processing or over-all similarity.
Stanford-Binet, Fourth Edition and the Wisc—R for Children in the Lower Range of Intelligence
Authors: Lukens John
Published: August 2011

The Stanford-Binet IV and the WISC—R were administered to 30 children, ages 8 to 15 yr., whose scores were in the range of mild mental retardation. The mean interval between testings was 7 mo. The correlation was .83, with a median difference of 4 points. The WISC—R mean IQ was significantly lower than the Stanford-Binet-IV Composite mean score for the group. The disparity in scores points to the need to evaluate measures of intelligence together with other indices of functioning in decision-making for mildly retarded children.
Addiction Time and Value of Z Indicators in Rorschachs of Heroin Users
Authors: Cipolli Carlo , Galliani Ivan
Published: August 2011

Rorschach test scores for short-term (1 to 3 yr.) and long-term (5 or more yr.) heroin users ( ns = 25 each) were compared, to ascertain whether the use of heroin influences the organizational activity, namely, the form level of each response (as measured by Zf and Zd indices). Zd values were significantly lower in long-term than in short-term users, while Zf values approached significance. These findings support the hypothesis that cognitive functioning is impaired along with addiction time.
Effect of Auditory Presentation of Words on Color Naming: The Intermodal Stroop Effect
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: August 2011

To verify two hypotheses (the automatic parallel-processing model vs the feature integration theory) using the Stroop effect, an intermodal presentation method was introduced. The intermodal presentation (auditory presentation of the distractor word and visual presentation of color patch) separates completely the color and word information. Subjects were required to name the color patch on the CRT and to ignore the auditory color-word in the present experiment. A 5 (stimulus onset asynchronies) × 4 (levels of congruency) analysis of variance with repeated measures was performed on the response times. Two main effects and an interactive effect were significant. The findings indicate that without the presentation of color and word component in the same spatial location the Stroop effect occurs. These results suggest that the feature-integration theory cannot explain the mechanisms underlying the Stroop effect.
Lefthandedness among Students of Architecture and Music
Authors: Götestam K. Olof
Published: August 2011

Three groups of subjects (60 students of architecture and 88 of music, and 87 from a general student group) were assessed on lefthandedness, reading problems, dyslexia, and stuttering. There was a higher frequency of lefthandedness among students of architecture, as well as a higher frequency of reading difficulties, dyslexia and stuttering among students of architecture and music, than the comparison group. The findings were discussed in relation to Geschwind's hypotheses.
Attitudes of Handicapped and Nonhandicapped High School Students toward Physical Education
Authors: Toon Cathy J. , Gench Barbara E.
Published: August 2011

The attitudes of 381 handicapped and nonhandicapped high school students toward physical education in mainstreamed classes were compared using measures from the Kneer Attitude Inventory and Diagnostic Statements. A two-way analysis of variance yielded a significant difference between the groups' attitudes. Nonhandicapped high school students had significantly more positive attitudes toward physical education than their handicapped peers. No sex differences were significant.
Perceived Risk of Occupational Injury: Control over Pace of Work and Blue-Collar versus White-Collar Work
Authors: Harrell W. Andrew
Published: August 2011

Factors influencing the perception of risk of work-related accidental injury were investigated for 244 full-time employed men and women. Autonomy and freedom in one's work were the strongest predictors of perceived risk, with those respondents exercising the greatest control over their work perceiving the least risk of accidental injury. Two other dimensions of control over work—task repetitiveness and speed of pace—had weaker effects. Respondents using primarily blue collar kinds of equipment felt more at risk than those using white collar equipment or no equipment. This result is interpreted in terms of the impact of ‘sudden harm’ on perceptions. Present working conditions, represented by the number of hazards identified in the workplace, predicted perceived risk more strongly than previous accident history.
Outcome for Preschoolers of Very Low Birthweight: Sociocultural and Environmental Influences
Authors: Pfeiffer Steven I. , Aylward Glen P.
Published: August 2011

The impact of the environment on the outcome of children of very low birthweight at preschool age was assessed. Embracing an ecologic perspective, the study incorporated several family and sociocultural variables. The role of the environment was significant in explaining the cognitive, language, and temperamental status of these children at age 3 years. Although the high-risk cohort performed less well than a matched comparison group, maternal IQ and family sociocultural status essentially obscured differences on two of the three outcome measures. In addition, all three high-risk groups—children of very low birthweight with and without concomitant medical complications, and full-term children with perinatal asphyxia—obtained scores on all outcome measures within one standard deviation of the mean of the scores of the comparison group. Favorable early environmental circumstances appear to compensate frequently for difficult prenatal and perinatal insults. Biologic and environmental factors interact and appear differentially to influence emerging cognitive, language, and behavioral functions.
Neuropsychological False Positives in Litigation: Trail Making Test Findings
Authors: Lees-Haley Paul R. , Fox David D.
Published: August 2011

100 workers' compensation claimants with no known history of brain injury and no claim for neuropsychological impairment were administered a generally accepted neuropsychological screening instrument, the Trail Making Test, to consider the possibility that the presence of litigation may be reflected in neuropsychological test scores. On Trails A and B, respectively, 40% and 36% of subjects scored in the impaired range. Clinicians are urged to interpret the results of the Trail Making Test cautiously when a patient is in litigation. Suggestions for research are offered.
A Choice-Reaction Time Task Utilizing Congruent and Incongruent Colour/Word Stimuli: Another Reaction to Stroop
Authors: Head Andrew S. , Pedoe D. S. Tunstall
Published: August 2011

A choice reaction time task was devised, using incongruent colour/word (Stroop-type) and congruent colour/word stimuli. A significant difference was found between reaction times to the two stimulus types with the Stroop-type stimuli eliciting longer reaction times. It is argued that traditional hypotheses about channel limitation can not explain this finding, the suggestion that the delay may lie in the decision-making process is put forward.
Sex and Cultural Differences in Lefthandedness
Authors: Götestam K. Olof
Published: August 2011

Sex differences are presented for the students of architecture and music, and the distribution of sex in the tested sample and the population is discussed. The results are related to other studies in Scandinavia, which give comparable results. A genetic/cultural model is used to discuss the differences between results from Scandinavia, USA, and other parts of the world.
Exotic Beliefs May Be Substitutes for Religious Beliefs
Authors: Persinger M. A. , Makarec K.
Published: August 2011

The percentages of items of the Personal Philosophy Inventories that reflect either traditional religious or exotic (alien intelligence, reincarnation) beliefs were compared for 504 female and 343 male university students as a function of church attendance; the data were collected over a 10-yr. period. A statistically significant interaction between the two clusters of beliefs and church attendance suggested that exotic beliefs may substitute for religious beliefs. Years of university experience did not reduce the incidence of either type of belief while preteenage religious experiences enhanced endorsement of both religious and exotic beliefs.
Effects of Contextual Interference on Retention of Three Volleyball Skills
Authors: French Karen E. , Rink Judith E. , Werner Peter H.
Published: August 2011

Previous research in motor learning has shown that random practice schedules facilitate retention and transfer of motor skills more than repetitive practice schedules. The purpose of this study was to investigate the generalizability of contextual interference effects. High school students (63 boys, 76 girls) from three physical education class periods were randomly assigned to one of three practice conditions, random, random-blocked, or blocked practice within a class period. Three teachers were randomly assigned to a practice group within a class period and taught a different practice condition each class period. There were nine groups with three practice groups per class period. Subjects practiced the volleyball forearm pass, set, or overhead serve for 30 trials every day for nine class periods. All subjects recorded scores for their practice trials each day during acquisition and were posttested after a 2-day retention interval. Analysis of variance indicated significant improvement in all groups but no significant effects of practice condition during acquisition or retention. These findings suggest that practice was long enough to produce change during acquisition. However, factors characteristic of physical education classes may reduce or mask contextual interference effects commonly observed in other settings.