bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment with azathioprine and cyclic methylprednisolone has little or no effect on bioactivity in anti-interferon beta antibody-positive patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ravnborg M , Bendtzen K , Christensen O , Jensen PEH , Hesse D , Tovey MG , Sørensen PS
Published: November 2008

Background

It is unknown whether immunosuppression of patients who have developed interferon-β (IFN-β) neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) hastens disappearance of NAbs in the blood.

Objective

We wanted to test whether immunosuppression with cyclic methylprednisolone (MP) in combination with azathioprine (AZA) for 6 months accelerates recovery of IFN-β bioactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with abolished in-vivo myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) mRNA response to IFN-β.

Methods

We included 13 patients with MS with NAbs and a low IFN-β bioavailability detected by the MxA-mRNA response in a descriptive, non-randomized trial. Another 14 NAb-positive patients with a low MxA-mRNA response served as controls. The primary outcome was the fraction of patients who regained an MxA-mRNA response to IFN-β. NAbs were measured by means of a clinically validated cytopathic effect assay and a new reporter gene assay. The in-vivo MxA-mRNA response was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

A total of 11 patients in the treatment group completed the trial. In all, two of these 11 patients regained an in-vivo MxA-mRNA response as compared to one of 14 patients in the control group.

Conclusion

Treatment with AZA and cyclic MP for 6 months has little or no effect on IFN-β bioactivity in NAb-positive patients with MS.
An Examination of Differential Association and Social Control Theory
Authors: Church Wesley T. , Wharton Tracy , Taylor Julie K.
Published: November 2008

This study applies differential association and social control theories to juvenile delinquency. Using a path analysis model, relationships between family, self-image, and behavior are explored. Analyses suggest that positive self-image leads to decreased delinquency, and association with delinquent peers is the greatest predictor of delinquent behavior, regardless of race.
Identifying Latent Classes of Behavioral Risk Based on Early Childhood
Authors: Vaughn Michael G. , DeLisi Matt , Beaver Kevin M. , Wright John Paul
Published: November 2008

This study explored early childhood manifestations of self-control in a nationally representative cohort of kindergarten children. Finite mixture modeling was used to identify five latent classes of children based on parent and teacher reports of self control across three waves of data. These were a low impairment, teacher report ( n = 5,047, 29.3%), low impairment, parent and teacher report ( n = 2,889, 16.8%), moderate impairment, teacher report ( n = 5,267, 30.6%), moderate impairment, parent report ( n = 2,415, 14.0%), and severely impaired subgroups ( n = 1,594, 9.3%). Parental stress, externalizing behaviors, and interpersonal skills deficits were important differentiators across class memberships. The severely impaired subgroup possessed an array of neurocognitive deficits, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties relative to other classes. To forestall life-course problem behaviors for impaired children appropriate screening and intervention is warranted.
Weapon Carrying Prevention
Authors: Fleschler Peskin Melissa , Tortolero Susan R. , Addy Robert C. , Weller Nancy F.
Published: November 2008

Positive youth involvement with any adult—not just parents—may be protective against adolescent participation in risk behaviors. This cross-sectional study examines the association between adult involvement and weapon carrying among predominantly low-income African American and Hispanic urban high school students. Adult involvement was measured using a 6-item scale that assessed frequency of student participation in activities with an adult; weapon carrying was measured using questions from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Almost 20% of high school students reported carrying a weapon at least once during the past month. In the adjusted model, adult involvement was protective against student participation in weapon carrying. School absenteeism caused by safety concerns, threats at school, and substance use were also associated with weapon carrying. Interventions that aim to increase the amount of time youth spend with adults may be beneficial for the prevention of weapon carrying behaviors. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the temporal association between variables.
The strain induced martensite transformation in austenitic stainless steels: Part 1 – Influence of temperature and strain history
Authors: Spencer K. , Véron M. , Yu-Zhang K. , Embury J. D.
Published: November 2008

The strain induced martensite transformation in austenitic stainless steels is of considerable interest, because it results in materials with attractive combinations of strength and ductility. The present work examines the mechanical response for a variety of strain and temperature paths, and relates these to microstructural observations. New evidence of the detailed transformation sequence is presented, along with direct evidence of codeformation of the austenite and martensite. Using different deformation temperature sequences enables the transformation to be changed from one that is heterogeneous to one that propagates axially along the sample. The strain hardening that occurs due to combined plasticity and martensitic transformation results in high kinematic hardening that is revealed by microstructural observations here, and which are linked directly to the mechanical response of these materials described in Part II of the present work.
The strain induced martensite transformation in austenitic stainless steels: Part 2 – Effect of internal stresses on mechanical response
Authors: Spencer K. , Conlon K. T. , Bréchet Y. , Embury J. D.
Published: November 2008

In Part 1 of the present study attention was given to the influence of the deformation temperature on the structural aspects of the strain induced martensite transformation in austenitic stainless steels. In this part the mechanical response is examined, both during and after the martensite transformation, with particular attention to the development of internal stress. The influence of internal stresses on the bulk mechanical response concerns both the nature of the elastoplastic transition and the extent of kinematic hardening. The approach taken to assess the development of internal stresses is to use strain reversal (Bauschinger) tests and tensile experiments performed on a neutron diffractometer. In this way the evolution of stresses in partially transformed samples can be measured in the absence of any further martensite transformation.
Characterisation of interfacial imperfections of TiAl and 40Cr diffusion bonding by ultrasonic amplitude and phase
Authors: Gang T. , Luan Y. L. , Zhao X. M. , Xu Z. Y.
Published: November 2008

A characteristics extraction algorithm is proposed to characterise the interfacial imperfections in TiAl and 40Cr diffusion bonding. The algorithm is based on analysing the variation of the ultrasonic amplitude and phase after interacting with the bonding interface. Ultrasonic measurements were performed by an ultrasonic imaging testing system, and broadband transducers with central frequency of the 10 and 20 MHz were employed. Metallographic analyses and shear tests were also performed on the joints. It was found that the amplitude of the reflection coefficient is almost a constant, and the phase of the reflection coefficient is the same for the perfectly bonded interface; for the kissing bond interface, the amplitude increases with the ultrasonic frequency, and the phase is the same at the low frequencies and opposite at the high frequencies; the amplitude does not vary with the frequency, and the phase is opposite for the unbonded interface.
Evaluation of tensile behaviour of 5754 aluminium–magnesium alloy at cold and warm temperatures
Authors: Ozturk F. , Toros S. , Pekel H.
Published: November 2008

Cost effective lightweight vehicles have recently become a key target for automotive manufactures due to increasing concerns about minimising environmental impact and maximising fuel economy without sacrificing the vehicle performance and comfort. Aluminium–magnesium alloys are the most important candidate materials due to their excellent high strength to weight ratio, good formability, good corrosion resistance and recycling potential. Although their deformations leave undesirable traces on the surface of the final product and their formability are not very favorable at room temperatures, the formability can be improved by changing the forming temperature to either cryogenic or warm. In this study, uniaxial tensile deformation behaviour of 5754 aluminium–magnesium alloy sheet was extensively studied at cold (–60 to 0°C) and warm (room to 250°C) forming temperatures and a strain rate range of 0·0016–0·042 s–1. Results indicate that the formability of this material at cold and warm temperatures is better than at room temperature. Stretching lines were eliminated at both cold and warm temperatures especially above 175°C and 0·0016 s–1 strain rate. The most suitable forming conditions were obtained at 250°C and 0·0083 s–1 or 175°C and 0·0016 s–1.
Ipsilateral ectopic pregnancy occurring in the stump of a previous ectopic site: a case report
Authors: Faleyimu Bode-Law , Igberase Gabriel O , Momoh Mojeed O
Published: November 2008

Background

Ectopic pregnancy continues to be a significant cause of maternal morbidity, mortality and reproductive failure in Nigeria. Ipsilateral ectopic pregnancy occurs rarely and may be difficult to diagnose in low resource settings where there are no diagnostic tools. Few cases have been reported in the literature but none in our region.

Case presentation

We present an unusual case of a 22 year old female undergraduate, from the Urhobo tribe in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria who had a recurrent left ectopic pregnancy at the stump of a previous cornual resection done five years earlier. She had a left salpingo-oophorectomy done and did well postoperatively.

Conclusion

Ectopic pregnancy could pose a diagnostic dilemma where diagnostic facilities are not available. Every woman with a previous ectopic pregnancy would be at high risk for recurrence and that would be the condition to be ruled out if a pregnant woman presented at early gestation with abdominal pain.
Role of initial protein phosphorylation events and localized release-activated calcium influx in B cell antigen receptor signaling
Authors: Lyubchenko Taras , Nielsen J Paul , Miller Sara M , Liubchenko Ganna A , Holers V Michael
Published: November 2008

An increase in intracellular calcium concentration is one of the major initial steps in B cell activation following antigen receptor (BCR) ligation. We show herein that in C57BL/6 murine B lymphocytes and in model cell lines, BCR-mediated calcium ion (Ca2+) influx occurs via highly selective Ca2+ release-activated channels, and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) plays an important role in this pathway. We also demonstrate the temporal relation between Ca2+-dependent signaling events and formation of the immune synapse. Our data indicate that cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels in areas adjacent to the immune synapse differ from those in the rest of the cytoplasm. Finally, a comparison of phosphorylation patterns of BCR-triggered signaling proteins in the presence or absence of Ca2+ revealed the unanticipated finding that initial BCR-triggered, Ca2+-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation events involve predominantly Ca2+ released from intracellular stores and that influx-derived Ca2+ is not essential. This suggests a different role for this phase of Ca2+ influx.
DCIR is endocytosed into human dendritic cells and inhibits TLR8-mediated cytokine production
Authors: Meyer-Wentrup Friederike , Cambi Alessandra , Joosten Ben , Looman Maaike W , de Vries I Jolanda M , Figdor Carl G , Adema Gosse J
Published: November 2008

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) expressed on APCs play a pivotal role in the immune system as pattern-recognition and antigen-uptake receptors. In addition, they may signal directly, leading to cytokine production and immune modulation. To this end, some CLRs, like dectin-1 and dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR), contain intracellular ITIMs or ITAMs. In this study, we explored expression and function of the ITIM-containing CLR DCIR on professional APCs. DCIR is expressed on immature and mature monocyte-derived DCs (moDC) but also on monocytes, macrophages, B cells, and freshly isolated myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs. We show that endogenous DCIR is internalized efficiently into human moDC after triggering with DCIR-specific mAb. DCIR internalization is clathrin-dependent and leads to its localization in the endo-/lysosomal compartment, including lysosome-associated membrane protein-1+ lysosomes. DCIR triggering affected neither TLR4- nor TLR8-mediated CD80 and CD86 up-regulation. Interestingly, it did inhibit TLR8-mediated IL-12 and TNF-α production significantly, and TLR2-, TLR3-, or TLR4-induced cytokine production was not affected. Collectively, the data presented characterize DCIR as an APC receptor that is endocytosed efficiently in a clathrin-dependent manner and negatively affects TLR8-mediated cytokine production. These data provide further support to the concept of CLR/TLR cross-talk in modulating immune responses.
Zebrafish myelination: a transparent model for remyelination?
Authors: Buckley Clare E. , Goldsmith Paul , Franklin Robin J. M.
Published: November 2008

There is currently an unmet need for a therapy that promotes the regenerative process of remyelination in central nervous system diseases, notably multiple sclerosis (MS). A high-throughput model is, therefore, required to screen potential therapeutic drugs and to refine genomic and proteomic data from MS lesions. Here, we review the value of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) larva as a model of the developmental process of myelination, describing the powerful applications of zebrafish for genetic manipulation and genetic screens, as well as some of the exciting imaging capabilities of this model. Finally, we discuss how a model of zebrafish myelination can be used as a high-throughput screening model to predict the effect of compounds on remyelination. We conclude that zebrafish provide a highly versatile myelination model. As more complex transgenic zebrafish lines are developed, it might soon be possible to visualise myelination, or even remyelination, in real time. However, experimental outputs must be designed carefully for such visual and temporal techniques.
Content vs. Advertising: The Impact of Competition on Media Firm Strategy
Authors: Godes David , Ofek Elie , Sarvary Miklos
Published: November 2008

Media firms compete in two connected markets. They face rivalry for the sale of content to consumers, and at the same time, they compete for advertisers seeking access to the attention of these consumers. We explore the implications of such two-sided competition on the actions and source of profits of media firms. One main conclusion we reach is that media firms may charge higher content prices in a duopoly than in a monopoly. This happens because competition for advertisers can reduce the return per customer impression from the ad market, making each firm less willing to underprice content to increase demand. Greater competitive intensity may thus increase content profits and decrease ad profits. These findings are in sharp contrast to those in a regular one-sided product market, in which competition typically lowers product prices and profits. We extend the framework to examine competition across different media (e.g., between magazines and cable TV) and show that firms in a duopolistic medium may benefit from more intense competition from a monopolist in another medium. We characterize the conditions for each firm in the duopoly medium to bundle more ads and earn greater total profits than the rival firm in the monopoly medium.
Strategic Assortment Reduction by a Dominant Retailer
Authors: Dukes Anthony J. , Geylani Tansev , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: November 2008

In certain product categories, large discount retailers are known to offer shallower assortments than traditional retailers. In this paper, we investigate the competitive incentives for such assortment decisions and the implications for manufacturers' distribution strategies. Our results show that if one retailer has the channel power to determine its assortment first, then it can strategically reduce its assortment by carrying only the popular variety while simultaneously inducing the rival retailer to carry both the specialty and popular varieties. The rival retailer then bears higher assortment costs, which leads to relaxed price competition for the commonly carried popular variety. We also show that when the manufacturer has relative channel power, it chooses alternatively to distribute both product varieties through both retailers. Our analysis suggests, therefore, that when a retailer becomes dominant in the distribution channel, it facilitates retail segmentation into discount shops, carrying limited product lines, and specialty shops carrying wider assortments. We also illustrate how retailer power leading to strategic assortment reduction can lead to lower consumer surplus.
Limited Edition Products: When and When Not to Offer Them
Authors: Balachander Subramanian , Stock Axel
Published: November 2008

Many brands today introduce limited edition (LE) products as part of their product line. However, little is known about the conditions under which a brand should introduce an LE product or the competitive implications of doing so. We investigate this issue using a game theoretic model of a market where two brands compete for consumers who desire exclusivity. Our analysis shows that adding an LE product has a positive direct effect on brand profits through the increased willingness of consumers to pay for such a product, but also has a negative strategic effect by increasing price competition between brands. These effects result in different conclusions depending on the nature of brand differentiation. When brands differ in quality, we show that only the high-quality brand may gain in comparison to a scenario where there are no LE products. Although a low-quality brand may offer an LE product as a defensive strategy, its profits are lower than would be in a world without LE products because of the negative strategic effect. When we consider brands that are differentiated on a horizontal attribute such as taste, we find that the negative strategic effects cause lower equilibrium profits if both brands introduce LE products. Yet brands cannot avoid introducing LE products because they face a prisoners' dilemma.
On Zero Duality Gap and the Farkas Lemma for Conic Programming
Authors: Zălinescu Constantin
Published: November 2008

Recently S. A. Clark published an interesting duality result in linear conic programming dealing with a convex cone that is not closed in which the usual (algebraic) dual problem is replaced by a topological dual with the aim of having zero duality gap under certain usual hypotheses met in mathematical finance. We present some examples to show that an extra condition is needed to reach a conclusion; this supplementary condition is also provided. We also give counterexamples for three results on hedging prices and simple proofs for two known solvability results (see Propositions 4.1 and 4.2).
Phonological awareness and language intervention in preschoolers from low socio‐economic backgrounds: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: O'Connor Meghan , Arnott Wendy , McIntosh Beth , Dodd Barbara
Published: November 2008

This study examines the literacy outcomes for children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds who had received specific whole‐class phonological awareness (PA) and language intervention in preschool. The participants were 57 children who had been involved in the original intervention study. Their PA skills, letter‐sound knowledge, real word and non‐word spelling and reading comprehension were assessed in Grade 2. The results indicated that children who had received intervention in preschool performed similarly to the children who had not received intervention. The gains made in PA and language skills post intervention had failed to augment further literacy development. A post hoc examination of individual student profiles, however, revealed that a subgroup of children who had received intervention had maintained their enhanced performance and that the intervention cohort had similar scores on tests of PA ability to their age‐matched peers in the population. It was concluded that whole‐class, teacher‐delivered, PA and language intervention, while effective in the short term, does not lead to a generalized improvement in literacy skills in Grade 2. Possible reasons for the failure of the program to produce medium term gains are discussed.
Reason and reaction: The utility of a dual‐focus, dual‐processing perspective on promotion and prevention of adolescent health risk behaviour
Authors: Gibbons Frederick X. , Houlihan Amy E. , Gerrard Meg
Published: November 2008

Purpose A brief overview of theories of health behaviour that are based on the expectancy‐value perspective is presented. This approach maintains that health behaviours are the result of a deliberative decision‐making process that involves consideration of behavioural options along with anticipated outcomes associated with those options. It is argued that this perspective is effective at explaining and predicting many types of health behaviour, including health‐promoting actions (e.g. UV protection, condom use, smoking cessation), but less effective at predicting risky health behaviours, such as unprotected, casual sex, drunk driving or binge drinking. These are behaviours that are less reasoned or premeditated – especially among adolescents. An argument is made for incorporating elements of dual‐processing theories in an effort to improve the ‘utility’ of these models. Specifically, it is suggested that adolescent health behaviour involves both analytic and heuristic processing. Both types of processing are incorporated in the prototype‐willingness (prototype) model, which is described in some detail.

Methods Studies of health behaviour based on the expectancy‐value perspective (e.g. theory of reasoned action) are reviewed, along with studies based on the prototype model.

Results These two sets of studies together suggest that the dual‐processing perspective, in general, and the prototype model, in particular, add to the predictive validity of expectancy‐value models for predicting adolescent health behaviour.

Conclusion Research and interventions that incorporate elements of dual‐processing and elements of expectancy‐value are more effective at explaining and changing adolescent health behaviour than are those based on expectancy‐value theories alone.
Current Issues in Measurement and Reporting of Urinary Albumin Excretion
Authors: Miller W Greg , Bruns David E , Hortin Glen L , Sandberg Sverre , Aakre Kristin M , McQueen Matthew J , Itoh Yoshihisa , Lieske John C , Seccombe David W , Jones Graham , Bunk David M , Curhan Gary C , Narva Andrew S ,   on behalf of the National Kidney Disease Education Program-IFCC Working Group on Standardization of Albumin in Urine
Published: November 2008

Background: Urinary excretion of albumin indicates kidney damage and is recognized as a risk factor for progression of kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. The role of urinary albumin measurements has focused attention on the clinical need for accurate and clearly reported results. The National Kidney Disease Education Program and the IFCC convened a conference to assess the current state of preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical issues affecting urine albumin measurements and to identify areas needing improvement.

Content: The chemistry of albumin in urine is incompletely understood. Current guidelines recommend the use of the albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) as a surrogate for the error-prone collection of timed urine samples. Although ACR results are affected by patient preparation and time of day of sample collection, neither is standardized. Considerable intermethod differences have been reported for both albumin and creatinine measurement, but trueness is unknown because there are no reference measurement procedures for albumin and no reference materials for either analyte in urine. The recommended reference intervals for the ACR do not take into account the large intergroup differences in creatinine excretion (e.g., related to differences in age, sex, and ethnicity) nor the continuous increase in risk related to albumin excretion.

Discussion: Clinical needs have been identified for standardization of (a) urine collection methods, (b) urine albumin and creatinine measurements based on a complete reference system, (c) reporting of test results, and (d) reference intervals for the ACR.
Population-Based Genomewide Genetic Analysis of Common Clinical Chemistry Analytes
Authors: Chasman Daniel I , Paré Guillaume , Ridker Paul M
Published: November 2008

Background: Recent technologies enable genetic association studies of common clinical analytes on a genomewide basis in populations numbering thousands of individuals. The first publications using these technologies are already revealing novel biological functions for both genic and nongenic loci, and are promising to transform knowledge about the biological networks underlying disease pathophysiology. These early studies have also led to development of a set of principles for conducting a successful genomewide association study (GWAS).

Content: This review focuses on these principles with emphasis on the use of GWAS for plasma-based analytes to better understand human disease, with examples from cardiovascular biology.

Conclusions: The correlation of common genetic variation on a genomewide basis with clinical analytes, or any other outcome of interest, promises to reveal how parts of the genome work together in human physiology. Nonetheless, performing a genomewide association study demands an awareness of very specific epidemiologic and analytic principles.
Polymorphisms in Inflammatory Genes and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: Results of a Multilocus Genotyping Assay
Authors: Greisenegger Stefan , Zehetmayer Sonja , Bauer Peter , Endler Georg , Ferrari Julia , Lang Wilfried , Janisiw Michael , Steiner Lori , Cheng Suzanne , Lalouschek Wolfgang , Mannhalter Christine
Published: November 2008

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammation-related genes have been linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Most of these SNP results have not been replicated, however, and metaanalyses of the effects of inflammation-related genes are rare. We investigated 49 SNPs in 34 genes previously reported to be related to inflammation in our study. We tested 459 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and 459 controls individually matched by sex and age.

Methods: We studied genetic variation by PCR analysis and subsequent hybridization to linear arrays of sequence-specific oligonucleotides. We used univariate conditional logistic regression analysis to test for associations of conventional vascular risk factors and the SNPs with stroke. Variables showing significant differences (P < 0.05) between cases and controls were included in a multivariate model. ROC curves were plotted to assess the contribution of genetic variation to stroke risk in addition to that of conventional risk factors.

Results: Univariate regression analysis revealed 3 SNPs with significant allelic differences between patients and controls, which fulfilled the criteria for further analysis. Only one of these SNPs, the C5 (complement component 5) 2416A>G variant (rs17611), remained significant after the multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.585; P = 0.0037). ROC curve analysis revealed no contribution of this genetic variation to stroke risk.

Conclusions: We found evidence for an association of the 2416A>G polymorphism in the C5 gene with the risk for ischemic stroke. Our data suggest that the C5 gene particularly influences the risk for patients with microangiopathy.
Reactive oxygen species generators affect quality parameters and apoptosis markers differently in red deer spermatozoa
Authors: Martínez-Pastor Felipe , Aisen Eduardo , Fernández-Santos María Rocío , Esteso Milagros C , Maroto-Morales Alejandro , García-Álvarez Olga , Garde J Julián
Published: November 2008

Fe2+/ascorbate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase (XOD) are commonly used for inducing oxidative stress on spermatozoa. A comparative study of these agents was carried out on thawed spermatozoa from red deer. First, we tested a high, medium, and low concentration of each agent: 100, 10, and 1 μM Fe2+(hydroxyl radical generator); 1 mM, 100, and 10 μM H2O2; and 100, 10, and 1 mU/ml XOD (superoxide and H2O2generator), incubated at 37 °C for 180 min. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS; H2DCFDA) increased with dose and time similarly for the three systems at each concentration level. Motility and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were considerably decreased by H2O2(1 mM and 100 μM) and XOD (100 and 10 mU/ml). Only 1 mM H2O2reduced viability. The antioxidant Trolox (10 μM) reduced intracellular ROS, but could not prevent the H2O2or XOD effects. In a second experiment, YO-PRO-1 and M540 were used as apoptotic and membrane stability markers respectively. Only H2O2increased the proportion of apoptotic and membrane-destabilized spermatozoa. Catalase added to XOD prevented Δψmloss, confirming that H2O2was the causative agent, not superoxide. In a third experiment, caspase activation was tested using the (FAM-VAD-FMK) probe. Viable spermatozoa with activated caspases could be detected in untreated samples, and only H2O2increased their proportion after 60 min. There were important differences between ROS generators, H2O2being the most cytotoxic. Although H2O2and XOD caused Δψmdissipation, this was not reflected in increasing apoptotic markers.
Intracellular pH regulation in human Sertoli cells: role of membrane transporters
Authors: Oliveira P F , Sousa M , Barros A , Moura T , Rebelo da Costa A
Published: November 2008

Sertoli cells are responsible for regulating a wide range of processes that lead to the differentiation of male germ cells into spermatozoa. Intracellular pH (pHi) is an important parameter in cell physiology regulating namely cell metabolism and differentiation. However, pHi regulation mechanisms in Sertoli cells have not yet been systematically elucidated. In this work, pHi was determined in primary cultures of human Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells were exposed to weak acids, which caused a rapid acidification of the intracellular milieu. pHi then recovered by a mechanism that was shown to be particularly sensitive to the presence of the inhibitor DIDS (4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene disulfonic acid). In the presence of amiloride and PSA (picrylsulfonic acid), pHi recovery was also significantly affected. These results indicate that, in the experimental conditions used, pHi is regulated by the action of an Na+-driven HCO3−/Cl−exchanger and an Na+/HCO3−co-transporter and also by the action of the Na+/H+exchanger. On the other hand, pHi recovery was only slightly affected by concanamycin A, suggesting that V-Type ATPases do not have a relevant action on pHi regulation in human Sertoli cells, and was independent of the presence of bumetanide, suggesting that the inhibition of the Na+/K+/Cl−co-transporter does not affect pHi recovery, not even indirectly via the shift of ionic gradients. Finally, pHi was shown to be sensitive to the removal of external Cl−, but not of Na+or K+, evidencing the presence of a membrane Cl−-dependent base extruder, namely the Na+-independent HCO3−/Cl−exchanger, and its role on pHi maintenance on these cells.
CULTURAL VALUES AND COGNITIVE MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF ACCOUNTING ETHICS: A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY
Authors: Ho Yi-Hui , Lin Chieh-Yu
Published: November 2008

Taking accounting students in the US and Taiwan as research subjects, the relationship between cultural values and cognitive moral development was explored. The accountingspecific Defining Issues Test (Thorne, 2000) was used to assess participants' cognitive moral development,
and the Values Survey Module (VSM 94; Institute for Research on Intercultural Cooperation) was used to determine participants' cultural values. Research results indicate significant differences in cognitive moral development between the US and Taiwanese accounting students. To some extent,
cultural values had a significant influence on students' moral development of ethics within accounting.
EVALUATION OF BODY LANGUAGE BEHAVIOR IN A CLASS DEBATE
Authors: Yeşil Rüştü
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which students taking part in class discussions were affected by their fellow debaters' nonverbal behavior. Senior year Faculty of Education students were surveyed for the study. Data collection was done during class discussion
sessions. Results showed that: (1) students were negatively affected by facial expression, gesture and physical appearance of other debaters and highly negatively affected by their intonation; (2) female debaters were negatively influenced to a greater degree by nonverbal behavior than males
were; (3) four dimensions of nonverbal behavior all had significantly positive relationships with another; and (4) there was a significant relationship between the family environment in which students were raised and the degree to which they were affected by other debaters' intonation.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS' STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH STRESS AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF STUDENT CONTROL
Authors: Baloglu Nuri
Published: November 2008

The relationship between prospective teachers' preferred strategies for coping with stress and their perceptions of student control were examined by use of a relational survey model to determine the relations between these concepts. The study group consisted of 267 prospective
teachers at the Faculty of Education in Kirşehir, Turkey. Data were collected from senior class faculty students using 2 scales: The Ways of Coping Scale (WCS) originally developed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) and adapted into Turkish by Şahin and Durak (1994) and the Scale
of Locus of Student Control developed by Miller et al. (1988) and adapted into Turkish by Abaci (1996). Pearson moment correlation was used to analyze the data. Findings showed that there was a noticeable meaningful statistical relation between variables. Findings are discussed based on the
literature.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE VALIDATION OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ENJOYMENT SCALE IN AN ITALIAN SAMPLE
Authors: Carraro Attilio , Young Maria Christina , Robazza Claudio
Published: November 2008

Assessing motivation for and enjoyment of physical activity is an important step in the promotion of an active lifestyle. This study assessed the factor structure and reliability of the Italian version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale in a sample of Italian students (N
= 5,934) aged from 11 to 19. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on subsamples of girls and boys grouped into 4 age categories. Gender and age differences were also examined through a 2 (sex) × 4 (age) multivariate analysis of variance. Findings supported the factor structure
and reliability of the Italian version of the PACES.
THE TRANSLATION EQUIVALENCE OF THE EFFORT SCALE BETWEEN CHINESE AND PORTUGUESE TRAVEL AGENTS
Authors: Chen Yi-Jung , Huang Pei-Wen
Published: November 2008

The problem of establishing translation equivalence of the Effort Scale (O'Neil & Snow, 1990) to Chinese and Portuguese was examined with the goal of conducting cross-cultural research on attributions of success and failure in the travel industry of Taiwan and Brazil. The methods
of establishing translation equivalence utilized here included a judgmental back-translation method and a statistical method. A group of 80 bilingual travel agents made up of 34 Brazilian travel agents and 46 Chinese travel agents, of ages ranging from 25 to 40 years old, completed the source
and target versions of the Effort Scale.
ADOLESCENT SELF-ESTEEM, PROBLEM BEHAVIORS, AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT IN TURKEY
Authors: Siyez Diğdem Müge
Published: November 2008

This study was conducted as a predictive examination of family conflict and parent and peer support on adolescent self-esteem, depression, and problem behaviors. The other aim of the study was to determine whether adolescent self-esteem, depression, and problem behaviors differed according
to gender. The study sample consisted of 1,734 high school students. The results support the general hypothesis that perceptions of high conflict in the family context are related to lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of depression; and lower levels of self-esteem are related to
higher levels of depression, which are expected to lead to higher levels of involvement in problem behaviors. To increase the level of wellness in adolescents, improving friendship quality and solving parent-adolescent crises are recommended. At the same time, prevention and intervention programs
for problem behaviors and emotional problems could be beneficial for adolescents.
MEDICAL STUDENTS' GENDER-SPECIFIC EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE
Authors: Mistik Selcuk
Published: November 2008

In this study the experiences of final-year medical students performing gender-specific examinations were assessed. In 2006, all students in the final year of medical school at the University of Erciyes, Turkey, were given a questionnaire containing 17 questions on gender-specific examinations.
A total of 200 (94%) students completed the questionnaire. Female students were less confident in performing male genital and prostate examinations. In this study, it was demonstrated that there was suboptimal exposure to gender-specific examinations, resulting particularly in less
than confident female students. Student logbooks should be used more accurately and efficiently to increase opportunities to perform gender-specific examinations.
Proprioception after Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Conti Stephen F. , Dazen Derek , Stewart Gary , Green Aron , Martin Rob , Kuxhaus Laurel , Miller Mark Carl
Published: November 2008

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is becoming an effective treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. It is unknown if TAA alters the patient's ability to sense ankle joint position. Materials and Methods: Thirteen unilateral TAA patients with a minimum of 2-years followup completed proprioceptive testing of the TAA and the contralateral side. The task was to reproduce a given ankle angle using a joystick-driven device while the lower limb was obscured from view. Nine angles were tested, including two angles in dorsiflexion, three in plantarflexion, two in inversion, and two in eversion. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the results. Results: No statistically significant differences between the TAA ankle and the contralateral side were found. Conclusion: TAA does not cause a change in proprioceptive abilities in arthritis patients when compared to the contralateral, unaffected side in a small sample of unilateral patients. Surgeons and rehabilitation professionals may use this information when designing rehabilitation plans following the insertion of a TAA.

Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Case Series
Fusion of the Second Metatarsocuneiform Joint for the Painful Osteoarthrosis
Authors: Kilmartin Timothy E. , O'Kane Claire
Published: November 2008

Background: Osteoarthrosis of the second metatarsocuneiform joint presents as pain, stiffness and osteophytic thickening of the midfoot. This study sought to determine the effectiveness and outcome of surgical fusion of osteoarthritic second metatarsocuneiform (MC) joint. The association between the condition and second metatarsal length was also explored. Materials and Methods: A series of 23 patients (22 female) of average age 58 years (SD 4.9) underwent second MCJ fusion and were reviewed at an average of 42 months (SD 19.5) postoperatively. The second MC joint fusion involved resection of the joint surfaces and internal fixation with a 3-hole 2.7-mm plate. A variety of graft materials were utilized. Results: The AOFAS midfoot rating scale score rose from a preoperative mean of 47 (SD 13) to a mean 90.5 (SD 12.5) postoperatively, p < 0.0001. Seventeen patients (74%) were completely satisfied. Four patients (17%) were satisfied with reservations. Two patients (9%) were dissatisfied. Twenty-one patients (91%) considered that they were better than before the operation and two patients were no better. Nonunion occurred in three patients and internal fixation was removed in four patients. One patient went onto develop osteoarthrosis in the third MC joint. We could not establish a causal relationship between osteoathrosis of the second MC joint and second metatarsal length. Conclusion: Fusion of the second MCJ is a moderately effective treatment for osteoarthrosis of the joint. In this series of patients, 74% were pain-free and nonunion was the most serious complication encountered, no patient was made worse by surgery.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Subtalar Kinematics Following Resection of Tarsal Coalition
Authors: Hetsroni Iftach , Nyska Meir , Mann Gideon , Rozenfeld Gal , Ayalon Moshe
Published: November 2008

Background: Pain relief and functional improvement in the short term have been demonstrated in the majority of patients with tarsal coalition following resection. Recreation of normal subtalar kinematics is an important goal in these patients as well, and may have long term implications. The purpose of our study was to examine whether kinematic variables of foot motion are normalized following resection of tarsal coalition. Materials and Methods: This study compared three groups: nine candidates for resection of tarsal coalition, nine patients between 2 and 4 years after bar resection, and nine control subjects. Ankle hindfoot scoring was evaluated according to the AOFAS. Kinematic analysis of subtalar motion in the coronal plane and in the sagittal plane was performed using a computerized gait analysis system. Results: Significantly increased passive subtalar range of motion and AOFAS ankle hindfoot scoring were demonstrated in postoperative subjects relative to preoperative subjects ( p = 0.000). However, the kinematic analysis performed during walking, revealed similar, severe restriction of the subtalar eversion-inversion motion in postoperative and preoperative subjects. Angular velocity of the subtalar motion was also similar in both coalition groups, and was significantly increased compared with control. Kinematic analysis of foot motion in the sagittal plain demonstrated improved motion in postoperative subjects, which was comparable with the control group. Conclusion: Foot kinematics are not recreated following tarsal coalition resection, despite the favorable clinical outcome observed. Clinical Relevance: Following resection of a tarsal coalition, patients continue to be subjected to increased loading and torque in their subtalar and adjacent articulations. This may promote further articular deterioration in the long term. Additional operative procedures or rehabilitation protocols should be examined to improve foot kinematics in this population.

Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Case Control Study
Outcome of Proximal Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus With and Without Transverse Kirschner Wire Fixation
Authors: Lee Keun-Bae , Seo Chang-Young , Hur Chang-Ich , Moon Eun-Sun , Lee Jae-Jun
Published: November 2008

Background: Proximal chevron osteotomy (PCO) for hallux valgus is inherently more stable than the other forms of proximal metatarsal osteotomy, but complications, such as, delayed union, nonunion, and malunion can occur. In this study, we have compared results of two axial Kirschner wire fixation with or without transverse Kirschner wires in PCO for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 65 patients (85 feet) that underwent PCO and a distal soft tissue procedure for moderate to severe hallux valgus. Patients were divided into two groups, two axial Kirschner wire fixation (Group I) and two axial and supplementary transverse Kirschner wire fixation (Group II). Group I comprised 41 feet of 32 patients and Group II 44 feet of 33 patients. Results: Average AOFAS scores were 52.8 points in group I and 49.6 points in group II preoperatively, and 92.8 and 89.6 points, respectively, at last followup. Patients were very satisfied or satisfied in 92.7% in Group I and 93.2% in Group II. Average hallux valgus angles in Groups I and II changed from 34.9 degrees and 37.2 degrees preoperatively to 12.3 degrees and 13.9 degrees postoperatively, and intermetatarsal angles in Groups I and II changed from an average of 17.9 degrees and 17.2 degrees preoperatively to 10.3 degrees and 10.4 degrees postoperatively. No significant inter-group differences were found. Conclusion: Supplementary transverse Kirschner wire fixation is not recommended for proximal metatarsal chevron osteotomy since two axial Kirschner wires provided sufficient stability.

Level of Evidence: I, Prospective Radomized Study
In Vivo Kinematics of the Salto Total Ankle Prosthesis
Authors: Leszko Filip , Komistek Richard D. , Mahfouz Mohamed R. , Ratron Yves-Alain , Judet Thierry , Bonnin Michel , Colombier Jean-Alain , Lin Sheldon S.
Published: November 2008

Background: Recent technological advancements in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) have included the introduction of the mobile bearing concept. This bearing has several advantages, but researchers have questioned whether or not increased mobility sacrifices joint stability or durability of the implant. The present study evaluated the kinematics of this type of prosthesis implanted in patients. Materials and Methods: Fluoroscopy and 3D-to-2D registration techniques were used to determine the in vivo kinematics for 20 TAA subjects performing two activities: gait and step-up. The motion of the prostheses was described in terms of clinical rotations and as rotation about the helical (screw) axis. Then, the anterior-posterior translation and axial rotation of the mobile bearing insert were determined. Results: Among the clinical rotations, the dorsi-/plantarflexion was the most dominant, revealing the greatest pattern change and the largest magnitude. During gait, the orientation of the prosthetic components changed smoothly from plantarflexion to dorsiflexion. The average range of this motion was 9.2 degrees. For step-up activity, the range was 8.0 degrees. However, between 33% and 66% of stance phase, the talar component's orientation changed from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion. The average absolute range of anterior-posterior translation of the mobile bearing insert was 1.5 mm and 2.3 mm for gait and step-up, respectively. Conclusion: These measured translations were relatively small and may suggest that the rotational portion of the motion was more dominant than translational and provided sufficient mobility.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series