bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Care-Specialist Collaboration in the Care of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Diamantidis Clarissa Jonas , Powe Neil R. , Jaar Bernard G. , Greer Raquel Charles , Troll Misty U. , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: January 2011

Background and objectives

Collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widely advocated, but physician preferences regarding collaboration are unknown. Physicians' desires to collaborate in the care of a hypothetical patient with CKD, their preferred content of collaboration, and their perceived barriers to collaboration were assessed.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A questionnaire describing the care of a hypothetical patient with progressive CKD was administered to a national sample of U.S. PCPs and nephrologists. Physician characteristics and attitudes associated with desires to collaborate were identified.

Results

Among 124 PCPs and 120 nephrologists, most physicians (85% PCPs versus 94% nephrologists) desired collaboration. Nephrologists were more likely than PCPs to prefer collaboration focus on predialysis/renal replacement therapy preparation and electrolyte management (73% versus 52% and 81% versus 46%, respectively). PCPs were more likely to desire collaboration if the hypothetical patient had diabetes and hypertension (versus hypertension alone), if they believed the care they provide helps slow CKD disease progression, and if they did not perceive health insurance as a barrier to nephrology referral (adjusted percentages [95% confidence interval]: 94% [80 to 98] versus 75% [reference]), 92% [75 to 98] versus 75% [reference], 42% [9 to 85] versus 88% [reference], respectively).

Conclusions

Most PCPs and nephrologists favored collaborative care for a patient with progressive CKD, but their preferred content of collaboration differed. Collaborative models that explicitly include PCPs in the care of patients with CKD may help improve patients' clinical outcomes.
Acute Kidney Injury and Increasing Nephrotoxic-Medication Exposure in Noncritically-Ill Children
Authors: Moffett Brady S. , Goldstein Stuart L.
Published: January 2011

Background and objectives

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized children results in increased patient morbidity and mortality. Nephrotoxic-medication exposure is a common cause of AKI. Currently, no data exist to quantify the risks of developing AKI for various nephrotoxic medications in children. The primary aim of the current study is to assess for a potential association between nephrotoxic medications and the risk of developing AKI in hospitalized noncritically ill children with no pre-existing renal insufficiency.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We performed a retrospective case-control study in pediatric hospitalized noncritically ill patients aged 1 day to 18 years. The cases were patients who developed AKI, as defined by the pediatric modified RIFLE (pRIFLE) criteria; patients without AKI served as controls and were matched by age category, gender, and disease state.

Results

561/1660 (33.8%) patients identified for inclusion had AKI (441 category “R,” 117 category “I,” three category “F”); 357 cases were matched with 357 controls. Patients with AKI had longer length of hospital stay and increased hospital costs. Patients with AKI had exposure to more nephrotoxic medications for a longer period of time compared with controls. Odds of exposure for at least one nephrotoxic medication was significant for development of AKI. Exposure to more nephrotoxic medications was associated with an increased risk of AKI.

Conclusions

Increasing exposure to three or more nephrotoxic medications places pediatric patients at greater risk of acute kidney injury with resultant increased hospital costs and patient morbidity.
Response Frequency and Exner's Active-Passive Ratio as Rorschach Indicators of Flexibility
Authors: McCloskey Lawrence
Published: January 2011

Among 75 college students, response frequency from the Rorschach correlated significantly at .21 with Alternate Uses and at .20 with Match Problems (measures of divergent thinking), but not significantly ( r = .07) with the Questionnaire (a self-report measure of flexibility) from the Test of Behavioral Rigidity. Contrary to hypothesis, the Active-Passive Movement Ratio from the Comprehensive System did not correlate significantly with any of these tests ( r = .04–.11). Whereas Response Frequency can be seen as another reflection of ideational fluency or productivity, as long has been speculated, the conceptual and empirical links between flexibility and the ratio of active to passive movement are dubious.
Meditation-Specific Prefrontal Cortical Activation during Acem Meditation: An FMRI Study
Authors: Davanger Svend , Ellingsen Øyvind , Holen Are , Hugdahl Kenneth
Published: January 2011

Some of the most popular meditation practices emphasize a relaxed focus of attention in which thoughts, images, sensations, and emotions may emerge and pass freely without actively controlling or pursuing them. Several recent studies show that meditation activates frontal brain areas associated with attention focusing and physical relaxation. The objective of the present study was to assess whether brain activation during relaxed focusing on a meditation sound could be distinguished from similar, concentrative control tasks. Brain activation was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in experienced practitioners of Acem meditation. Bilateral areas of the inferior frontal gyrus (BA47) were significantly more activated during repetition of a meditation sound than during concentrative meditation-like cognitive tasks. Meditation-specific brain activation did not habituate over time, but increased in strength with continuous meditation bouts. These observations suggest that meditation with a relaxed focus of attention may activate distinct areas of the prefrontal cortex, with implications for the understanding of neurobiological correlates of meditation.
Studying the Effects of Self-Talk on Thought Content with Male Adult Tennis Players
Authors: Latinjak Alexander T. , Torregrosa Miquel , Renom Jordi
Published: January 2011

The current study examined the effects of self-talk on thought content during a tennis forehand crosscourt exercise. 16 adult tennis players ( M age = 37.3 yr., SD = 8.31) were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. After completing three baseline assessments, the players of the intervention group developed and implemented self-determined instructional cue words throughout three intervention trials. The participants' thought content was divided into three categories, and repeated-measures analyses of variance indicated a significant group by time interaction for execution-related thoughts and outcome-related thoughts, but not for circumstance-related thoughts. Follow-up comparisons showed that the experimental group players' execution-related thoughts increased and outcome-related thoughts decreased significantly, whereas thought content did not change significantly in the control group. The results of this study provided evidence for the effects of self-talk on players' thought content and supported the idea that self-talk could help athletes to focus on task relevant information.
Mood Enhancement Persists for up to 12 Hours following Aerobic Exercise: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sibold Jeremy S. , Berg Kathleen M.
Published: January 2011

The objective was to estimate the duration of the effects of aerobic exercise on mood. Healthy men ( n = 13) and women ( n = 35) ages 18 to 25 years ( M = 20.2, SD = 3.4) were randomly assigned to either a control or exercise group. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States before, after, and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours following either exercise at 60% VO2 peak or quiet rest. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance was utilized with VO2 peak entered as a covariate. The exercise group showed significantly lower total mood disturbance immediately after and at 4, 8, and 12 hours following exercise.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Attachment Styles and Parental Bonding
Authors: Ercolani Mauro , Farinelli Marina , Agostini Alessandro , Baldoni Franco , Baracchini Federica , Ravegnani Gianni , Bortolotti Mauro
Published: January 2011

The attachment styles and parental bonding by 64 patients ( M age = 43.2 yr., SD = 13.3) with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) were compared with those of 64 patients ( M age = 42.2 yr., SD = 13.5) with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and 126 Healthy participants ( M age = 42.2 yr., SD = 12.1). Analysis of scores on the Attachment Style Questionnaire indicated insecure attachment in both the patient and control groups. The Parental Bonding scores indicated perceptions of Affectionless Control by parents in both patient groups. In particular, the mean Father-Protection subscale scores were significantly higher for in the GERD group than in the Healthy and IBD groups.
Intra- and Inter-Judge Reliabilities in Measuring the Skin-Fold Thicknesses of Ultra Runners under Field Conditions
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Joleska Irena , Wirth Andrea , Knechtle Patrizia , Rosemann Thomas , Senn Oliver
Published: January 2011

Inter- and intra-judge reliabilities of skinfold measures were investigated in a sample of 27 men and 11 women ultramarathon runners. Two physicians had agreement higher than 90% in field measurements before an ultramarathon race.
Left-Handed Wrestlers are More Successful
Authors: Ziyagil Mehmet Akif , Gursoy Recep , Dane Şenol , Yuksel Ramazan
Published: January 2011

It has been reported that there is a high proportion of left-handers among top athletes in different sports. In this study, the goal was to examine the rate of left-handedness in the top wrestlers at the world championships for achievement by left-handed wrestlers. The rate of left-handedness was higher in wrestlers with medal honors compared to wrestlers without medals for both men and women. The winning numbers and match degrees were higher in the left-handed wrestlers than in both right- and mixed-handed wrestlers among top international wrestlers.
Effect of Pre- and Postcompetition Emotional State on Salivary Cortisol in Top-Ranking Wrestlers
Authors: Coelho Ricardo Weigert , Keller Birgit , da Silva Andressa Melina Becker
Published: January 2011

The purpose was three-fold: (1) to investigate the effect of baseline, precompetition, and postcompetition stress on salivary cortisol levels in top-ranking Brazilian wrestlers ( N = 17) participating in a national competition; (2) to estimate correlations among three stress measures (perceived stress, salivary cortisol, and physiological stress reaction); and (3) to compare cortisol concentrations between losers and winners. Salivary cortisol was collected at baseline, pre-, and postcompetition. Physiological stress reaction and perceived stress scores were measured just before warm-up for the competition. Analysis showed a significant main effect for testing time. Correlations among the stress measures were not significant. Analysis of covariance between the winners ( n = 10) and the losers ( n = 7) was also not significant. Salivary cortisol concentrations increased after the intense exercise of competition. The wrestlers did not perceive any physiological effects.
Examining Relations of Entertainment with Social Interaction Motives and Team Identification
Authors: Gau Li-Shiue , Wann Daniel L. , James Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2011

The goal was to investigate a potential causal pattern between the motives of sport spectators and team identification by using a cross-lagged panel design. Questionnaires were completed by 229 participants at the beginning and end of one NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) college football season for 4 mo. in the USA. The questionnaire included three items for each motive (Social Interaction and Entertainment), three items measuring team identification, and demographic items. The relation of Entertainment at Time 1 to team identification at Time 2 was larger than the relation of team identification at Time 1 to Entertainment at Time 2. This suggests that the motivation of Entertainment may lead to the formation of team identification more than team identification leads to Entertainment. However, the motive of Social Interaction did not show the same pattern. As results of this study suggested some spectator sport motives might lead to identification with a team, the hypothesis that all motives would be the basis of team identification might not be correct.
Learning a Complex Motor Skill from Video and Point-Light Demonstrations
Authors: Rodrigues Sérgio T. , de C. Ferracioli Marcela , Denardi Renata A.
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to compare the learning process of a highly complex ballet skill following demonstrations of point-light and video models. 16 participants divided into point-light and video groups ( ns = 8) performed 160 trials of a pirouette, equally distributed in blocks of 20 trials, alternating periods of demonstration and practice, with a retention test a day later. Measures of head and trunk oscillation, coordination disparity from the model, and movement time difference showed similarities between video and point-light groups; ballet experts' evaluations indicated superiority of performance in the video over the point-light group. Results are discussed in terms of the task requirements of dissociation between head and trunk rotations, focusing on the hypothesis of sufficiency and higher relevance of information contained in biological motion models applied to learning of complex motor skills.
Static One-Legged Balance in Soccer Players during Use of a Lifted Leg
Authors: Matsuda Shigeki , Demura Shinichi , Nagasawa Yoshinori
Published: January 2011

The goal was to describe static one-legged balance during use of a lifted leg and to compare balance between the dominant and nondominant legs of soccer players. Participants were 17 male soccer players and 17 untrained male students (control). Balance ability was evaluated with four sway measures: sway velocity, anterior–posterior sway, medial–lateral sway, and high-frequency sway. Soccer players had smaller magnitude mean anterior–posterior and medial–lateral sway than untrained students. Although mean sway velocity and anterior–posterior sway were higher with the dominant leg than in the nondominant leg of the control group, there was no significant difference on any sway factor between the two legs of the soccer group. In conclusion, the soccer players were observed to have superior static one-legged balance during use of a lifted leg, and there is no difference in balance for the two legs in the soccer group.
Predictors of Race Time in Male Ironman Triathletes: Physical Characteristics, Training, or Prerace Experience?
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Wirth Andrea , Rosemann Thomas
Published: January 2011

The aim of the present study was to assess whether physical characteristics, training, or prerace experience were related to performance in recreational male Ironman triathletes using bi- and multivariate analysis. 83 male recreational triathletes who volunteered to participate in the study ( M age 41.5 yr., SD = 8.9) had a mean body height of 1.80 m ( SD = 0.06), mean body mass of 77.3 kg ( SD = 8.9), and mean Body Mass Index of 23.7 kg/m2 ( SD = 2.1) at the 2009 IRONMAN SWITZERLAND competition. Speed in running during training, personal best marathon time, and personal best time in an Olympic distance triathlon were related to the Ironman race time. These three variables explained 64% of the variance in Ironman race time. Personal best marathon time was significantly and positively related to the run split time in the Ironman race. Faster running while training and both a fast personal best time in a marathon and in an Olympic distance triathlon were associated with a fast Ironman race time.
Turkish Adolescents' Attitudes toward Physical Education
Authors: Hünük Deniz , Demirhan Giyasettin
Published: January 2011

1,163 middle school students (586 girls, 577 boys; Grades 6–8) were selected through a stratified random sampling method to examine their attitudes toward physical education (PE) by grade, student's sex, sports participation characteristics, and teacher's sex. They were administered the Attitude Toward Physical Education Scale for Children. Factorial analysis of variance indicated that Grade 8 students' mean attitude scores were less positive than those of Grade 6 students, but the attitudes of boys and of sports participants were more positive than of girls and nonsports participants. Findings were similar regardless of the teacher's sex.
The Effect of Physical Fitness Training on Reaction Time in Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Yildirim Necmiye ün , Erbahçeci Fatih , Ergun Nevin , Pitetti Kenneth H. , Beets Michael W.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess whether reaction time in persons with intellectual disabilities can be improved with an exercise program. 50 children and adolescents ( M age = 14.7 yr., SD = 1.4, range = 11–18) with mild intellectual disability without Downs syndrome were randomly divided into control (20 boys, 5 girls) and experimental (19 boys, 6 girls) groups. The experimental group participated in a structured physical fitness program for 12 weeks. Reaction time was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Significant improvements in reaction time were observed in the exercise group but not for the control group. Results indicated that reaction time can be improved with an exercise program in youth with intellectual disability.
Fundamental Movement Skills and Motivational Factors Influencing Engagement in Physical Activity
Authors: Kalaja Sami , Jaakkola Timo , Liukkonen Jarmo , Watt Anthony
Published: January 2011

To assess whether subgroups based on children's fundamental movement skills, perceived competence, and self-determined motivation toward physical education vary with current self-reported physical activity, a sample of 316 Finnish Grade 7 students completed fundamental movement skills measures and self-report questionnaires assessing perceived competence, self-determined motivation toward physical education, and current physical activity. Cluster analysis indicated a three-cluster structure: “Low motivation/low skills profile,” “High skills/low motivation profile,” and “High skills/ high motivation profile.” Analysis of variance indicated that students in the third cluster engaged in significantly more physical activity than students of clusters one and two. These results provide support for previous claims regarding the importance of the relationship of fundamental movement skills with continuing engagement in physical activity. High fundamental movement skills, however, may represent only one element in maintaining adolescents' engagement in physical activity.
Depth of Ankle Inversion and Discrimination of Foot Positions
Authors: Symes Michael , Waddington Gordon , Adams Roger
Published: January 2011

Ankle inversion injuries are common, yet little is known about the error associated with different positions as inversion depth increases. In this study, absolute judgments made without feedback were used to measure discrimination of different extents of ankle inversion which arose from active movements made to physical stops by 20 self-reported right side-dominant participants. Testing was conducted over three sets of five inversion depths that were within a range of 1.4 degrees and centered around mean depths of 8, 11, and 14°. Discrimination of ankle inversion movements decreased linearly with depths of movement further into inversion, both within and across the sets of inversion depths. Thus, error in assessing movement position increased with inversion depth. Inversion movements that were made with the left foot were significantly better discriminated at all depths than those made with the right foot.
Reliability and Preliminary Evidence of Validity of a Farsi Version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales
Authors: Bayani Ali Asghar
Published: January 2011

The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the Farsi version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were examined, with a sample of 306 undergraduate students (123 men, 183 women) ranging from 18 to 51 years of age ( M age = 25.4, SD = 6.1). Participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. The findings confirmed the preliminary reliabilities and preliminary construct validity of the Farsi translation of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales.
Comparison of Balance and Gait in Visually or Hearing Impaired Children
Authors: Uysal Songül Atasavun , Erden Zafer , Akbayrak Türkan , Demirtürk Funda
Published: January 2011

The study was planned to evaluate the effect of loss of hearing and vision on balance and gait in 60 children, 20 of whom had hearing loss ( M age = 9.3 yr., SD = 0.9), 20 who were visually impaired ( M age = 12.2 yr., SD = 2.5), and 20 controls with no disability ( M age = 9.4 yr., SD = 0.6). Standing Balance subtests of the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests were used. Gait analysis was conducted on a powdered surface. When the gait analysis results of the three groups of children were compared, statistically significant differences were noted. Scores for the hearing impaired group were more like those of the control group than those of the visually impaired group. Results show that children with visual impairment had more problems with balance and gait than controls.
Causal Relationships among Academic Delay of Gratification, Motivation, and Self-Regulated Learning in Elementary School Children
Authors: Maruno Shun'Ichi , Zhang Lili
Published: January 2011

Academic delay of gratification refers to the postponement of immediate rewards by students and the pursuit of more important, temporally remote academic goals. A path model was designed to identify the causal relationships among academic delay of gratification and motivation, self-regulated learning strategies (as specified in the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire), and grades among 386 Chinese elementary school children. Academic delay of gratification was found to be positively related to motivation and metacognition. Cognitive strategy, resource management, and grades mediated these two factors and were indirectly related to academic delay of gratification.
Preschoolers' Knowledge about the Appearance of Proper Names
Authors: Stewart Kathryn Maycumber , Pasnak Robert
Published: January 2011

Preschoolers' knowledge of the appearance of proper names was tested in three experiments with 25 boys and 22 girls from low-income families. Children from a Head Start program, whose parents signed a permission letter, participated. Their ages ranged from 3 yr. 6 mo. to 5 yr. 6 mo. ( M = 52.2 mo., SD = 4.9). When shown consonant-vowel-consonant trigrams such as Rit or baF or dEg with various capitalization patterns, the children showed a tendency to recognize that CVC trigrams with the first letter capitalized or all letters capitalized were the ones most likely to represent a person's name. When their own names were substituted, which typically contained more than three letters, their performance was markedly better. Children also had a strong tendency to consider trigrams of Latin letters as more likely to be a person's name than trigrams of non-Latin characters (e.g., Sanskrit).
Evaluation of Key Points in the Sit-to-Stand Movement Using Two Force Platforms
Authors: Chang Chih-Sheng , Leung Cherng-Yee , Liou Jeih-Jang , Tsai Wen-Wei
Published: January 2011

Three key points of the sit-to-stand (STS) movement were confirmed as aspects of the ground reaction force (GRF): the onset, maximum GRF, and seat-off. 46 healthy subjects ( M age = 22.2 yr. SD = 4.4) participated. During the STS movement, two vertical force platforms were used to measure the resultant GRF, defined as the whole-body force, and its two components, the buttock and leg GRFs. The onsets of the component GRFs identified the sequence of the important time points in the STS movement more precisely than the onset of the resultant GRF. Data showed that the maximum whole-body GRF, the maximum GRF of both legs, and seat-off appeared in sequence and not simultaneously.
National Income, Life Satisfaction, and Male-Female Suicide Ratio in Industrialised Countries
Authors: Gaygisiz Esma
Published: January 2011

The relationships between gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, life satisfaction, and male-female suicide ratio were analyzed for 25 industrialized countries. GDP per capita was the strongest correlate of male–female suicide ratio even when life satisfaction was controlled using partial correlations. Life satisfaction correlated significantly with GDP per capita but not with suicide rates.
Depression and Heart Rate Variability in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients: Exploring the Roles of Physical Activity and Fitness
Authors: Hughes Joel W. , Casey Elizabeth , Doe Vicki H. , Glickman Ellen L. , Stein Phyllis K. , Josephson Richard , Waechter Donna , Rosneck James
Published: January 2011

Cardiac patients with depression have shown altered autonomic nervous system functioning, expressed as reduced heart rate variability. This may be associated with poorer physical fitness and less physical activity among depressed patients. These relationships were explored among patients enrolled in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. 22 depressed and 22 nondepressed patients, matched for sex and age, were assessed at enrollment. The Beck Depression Inventory and structured interviews were used to measure depression. Patients completed ambulatory monitoring of ECG (i.e., Holter) and physical activity, as well as a treadmill stress test. Depression was associated with several measures of heart rate variability. Activity and fitness were lower among the depressed patients. Although exploratory, accounting for activity and fitness attenuated the relationship between depression and heart rate variability. This suggests that altered fitness and activity may help explain altered autonomic tone that characterizes patients with cardiovascular diseases who are psychologically depressed.
Persons with Acquired Brain Injury and Multiple Disabilities Access Stimulation Independently through Microswitch-Based Technology
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Singh Nirbhay N. , Sigafoos Jeff , Buonocunto Francesca , Sacco Valentina , Navarro Jorge , Addante Luigi M. , D'Agostino Ida
Published: January 2011

The possibility of enabling two adults with acquired brain injury and profound multiple disabilities to use microswitch-based technology to attain preferred environmental stimuli on their own was assessed. Each of the participants was provided with two microswitches that could be activated by right and left head-turning or head-bending responses. The microswitches were introduced sequentially according to a multiple probe design across microswitches (responses) and allowed access to different sets of auditory or visual stimuli. Eventually, the two microswitches were made available simultaneously. Sessions lasted 5 min. Each participant learned to use the two microswitches successfully and maintained consistent levels of responding when they were simultaneously available. During this phase, both participants showed large within-session variations in their right and left response frequencies, with one of them showing an overall prevalence of the left-side response. The importance of assistive technology within programs for persons with acquired brain injury and multiple disabilities is discussed.
Decreased Activation in the Primary Motor Cortex Area during Middle-Intensity Hand Grip Exercise to Exhaustion in Athlete and Nonathlete Participants
Authors: Shibuya Kenichi , Kuboyama Naomi
Published: January 2011

It remains unclear whether activation kinetics in the motor cortex area is affected by training. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of training on the motor cortex activation. To accomplish this, the correlation between maximal voluntary contraction and motor cortex (M1) activity was examined. Differences in the motor cortex activation between two groups during exercise were examined in 14 male volunteer participants ( M age 25.2 yr., SD = 1.4): seven highly trained athletes (VO2max = 60 ml/kg/min.; maximal voluntary contraction > 55 kg, M MVC = 63.6 kg, SD = 4.2) and seven nonathletes (VO2max < 45 ml/kg/min.; MVC < 50.0 kg, M MVC = 43.5 kg, SD = 5.2). Participants were familiarized with the study protocol, during which they performed a maximal voluntary static handgrip test. Specifically, M1 activation was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy throughout a handgrip exercise in which participants performed a sustained middle-intensity handgrip exercise (50% of maximal voluntary contraction) until voluntary exhaustion. In the Athlete group, activation in the M1 at voluntary exhaustion fell below the resting value. In the Nonathlete group, activation in the M1 was elevated throughout the exercise. Results suggest that motor signals from the motor cortex area correlate with exercise training status, especially during fatiguing exercise.
Number of Options in a Movement Sequence Affects Learners' Behavior in a Self-Controlled Practice Condition
Authors: Bastos Flavio Henrique , Tani Go , de Araujo Ulysses Okada , Walter Cinthya , Freudenheim Andrea Michele
Published: January 2011

Self-controlling practice implies a process of decision making, which suggests that the options in a self-controlled practice condition could affect learners. The number of task components with no fixed position in a movement sequence may affect the way learners self-control their practice. A 200-cm coincident timing track with 90 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) — the first and the last LEDs being the warning and the target lights, respectively — was set so that the apparent speed of the light along the track was 1.33 m/sec. Participants were required to touch six sensors sequentially, the last one coincidently with the lighting of the target light (timing task). Group 1 ( n = 55) had only one constraint, and were instructed to touch the sensors in any order, except for the last sensor which had to be the one positioned close to the target light. Group 2 ( n = 53) had three constraints: the first two and the last sensor to be touched. Both groups practiced the task until timing error was less than 30 msec. on three consecutive trials. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the number of trials needed to reach the performance criterion, but (a) participants in Group 2 created fewer sequences compared to Group 1, and (b) were more likely to use the same sequence throughout the learning process. The number of options for a movement sequence affected the way learners self-controlled their practice, but had no effect on the amount of practice to reach criterion performance.
Lists of Spanish Sentences with Equivalent Predictability, Phonetic Content, Length, and Frequency of the Last Word
Authors: Cervera Teresa , González-Alvarez Julio
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a pool of Spanish sentences designed for use in cognitive research and speech processing in circumstances in which the effects of context are relevant. These lists of sentences are divided into six lists of 25 equivalent high-predictability sentences and six lists of 25 low-predictability sentences according to the extent to which the last word can be predicted by the preceding context. These lists were also equivalent in phonetic content, length and frequency of the last word. These lists are intended for use in psycholinguistic research with Spanish-speaking listeners.
Two-Sample Multivariate Similarity Permutation Comparison
Authors: Mielke Paul W. , Berry Kenneth J.
Published: January 2011

A multivariate permutation test of similarity between two populations with corresponding unordered disjoint categories is described. The test statistic, resampling probability value, and measure of effect size are described.
Preliminary Evidence for Validity of the Bahasa Indonesian Version of Study Process Questionnaire
Authors: Liem Arief Darmanegara , Prasetya Paulus Hidajat
Published: January 2011

This study provides preliminary evidence for the validity of the Bahasa Indonesian version of the Study Process Questionnaire (BI-SPQ) from a sample of 147 psychology students (22 men and 125 women; M age = 21.8 yr., SD=1.3). The internal consistency alpha of the BI-SPQ subscales were found to range from .46 (Surface Strategy) to .77 (Deep Strategy), with a median of .67. Principal component analysis indicated a two-factor solution, where the Deep and Achieving subscales loaded onto Factor 1 and the Surface subscales loaded on Factor 2. Students' GPAs were associated negatively with Surface Motive ( r = −.24) and were associated positively with Deep and Achieving Motives ( rs = .20). Further studies with larger samples involving students majoring in other disciplines are needed to provide further evidence of the validity of the BI-SPQ.
Planning-based approaches for supporting sustainable landscape developmen
Authors: Albert Christian , Vargas-Moreno Juan Carlos
Published: January 2011

Planning often yields only limited influence on policy making. This paper explores how planning could address this challenge and support most effectively transitions towards sustainable landscape change. In merging insights from sustainability science research and nine recently concluded case studies of landscape planning, the paper reflects upon the applicability of the concept of transition support, discusses planning approaches and their perceived effectiveness to induce change in landscape governance, and identifies lessons learned. The paper's outcomes include insights and potentially useful approaches that can be attributed to four emerging cross-cutting themes: approaches for (i) dealing with the high degree of complexity and uncertainty of landscape systems, (ii) integrating the various perspectives of experts, decision makers, and stakeholders in the assessment process (transdisciplinarity), (iii) enhancing policy influence, and (iv) initiating and sustaining learning and adaptive governance.
Transformation of rural-urban cultural landscapes in Europe: Integrating approaches from ecological, socio-economic and planning perspectives
Authors: Pauleit Stephan , Breuste Jürgen , Qureshi Salman , Sauerwein Martina
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a review of the presentations and synthesis of the discussion during a Symposium on 'Transformation of rural-urban cultural landscapes in Europe: Integrating approaches from ecological, socio-economic and planning perspectives' held at the European IALE conference 2009 in Salzburg, Austria. The symposium addressed an extended and much debated subject of the landscape dynamics in Europe. The papers presented during the symposium showcased a broad spectrum of cutting edge research questions and challenges faced by the cultural landscapes of Europe. During six sessions, 18 presentations (besides 20 posters) were made by 36 scientists (including co-authors) from 14 countries, representing 25 institutions of Europe. A glance at the presentations revealed that the state-of-the-art focuses on driving forces and selected aspects of transformation processes, methods of its analysis and planning support as dimensions of research in this field. However, inter- and transdisciplinary research and integrative approaches to the development of rural-urban cultural landscapes are needed. The extended discussion session at the latter part of the symposium highlighted some critical and unaddressed research questions which remained a pending agenda for future research.
The third and fourth dimensions of landscape: Towards conceptual models of topographically complex landscapes
Authors: Drăguţ Lucian , Walz Ulrich , Blaschke Thomas
Published: January 2011

Relating spatial patterns to ecological processes is one of the central goals of landscape ecology. The patch-corridor-matrix model and landscape metrics have been the predominant approach to describe the spatial arrangement of discrete elements ("patches") for the last two decades. However, the widely used approach of using landscape metrics for characterizing categorical map patterns is connected with a number of problems. We aim at stimulating further developments in the field of the analysis of spatio-temporal landscape patterns by providing both a critical review of existing techniques and clarifying their pros and cons as well as demonstrating how to extent common approaches in landscape ecology (e.g. the patch-corridor-matrix model). The extension into the third dimension means adding information on the relief and height of vegetation, while the fourth dimension means the temporal, dynamic aspect of landscapes. The contribution is structured around three main topics: the third dimension of landscapes, the fourth dimension of landscapes, and spatial and temporal scales in landscape analysis. Based on the results of a symposium on this theme at the IALE conference in 2009 in Salzburg and a literature review we emphasize the need to add topographic information into evaluations of landscape structure, the appropriate consideration of scales; and to consider the ambiguity and even contradiction between landscape metrics.
Geometric approaches to computing 3D-landscape metrics
Authors: Stupariu Mihai Sorin , Pàtru-Stupariu Ileana Georgeta , Cuculici Roxana
Published: January 2011

The relationships between patterns and processes lie at the core of modern landscape ecology. These dependences can be quantified by using indices related to the patch-corridor-matrix model. This model conceptualizes landscapes as planar mosaics consisting of discrete patches. On the other hand, relief variability is a key factor for many ecological processes, and therefore these processes can be better modeled by integrating information concerning the third dimension of landscapes. This can be done by generating a triangle mesh which approximates the original terrain. The aim of this methodological paper is to introduce two new constructions of triangulations which replace a digital elevation model. These approximation methods are compared with the method which was already used in the computation of 3D-landscape metrics (firstly for parameterized surfaces and secondly for two landscape mosaics). The statistical analysis shows that all three methods are of almost equal sensitivity in reflecting the relationship between terrain ruggedness and the patches areas and perimeters. In particular, either of the methods can be used for approximating the real values of these basic metrics. However, the two methods introduced in this paper have the advantage of yielding continuous approximations of the terrain, and this fact could be useful for further developments.
Avifaunal diversity and water quality analysis of an inland wetland
Authors: Sonal Deshkar , Jagruti Rathod , Geeta Padate
Published: January 2011

The key physical and chemical parameters of one of the major habitats for birds - the wetlands are known to influence congregation of migratory and resident species of birds. The present study deals with the interactions between these abiotic factors and bird diversity of one such pond in semiarid zone of Gujarat, India. The pond was visited twice in a month. During each visit waterfowl census was carried out and water samples were also collected to document changes in physico-chemical parameters over the seasons. The aggregation of birds in the area is mainly related to the increase in migratory population of birds during winter. The variations in bird aggregations as well as physico-chemical factors are discussed.  Key Words: Abiotic factors; Gujarat; physico-chemical parameters; semi-arid zone; waterfowl; wetlandDOI: 10.3126/jowe.v4i0.4151Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2010) Vol. 4, pp 1-32
Analysis of Genetic Diversity within Nepalese Maize Populations Using SSR Markers
Authors: Gurung Dil Bahadur , George Maria Luz C , Dela Cruz Quirino D
Published: January 2011

Information on genetic diversity and relationships among breeding materials is necessary for hybrid maize breeding. Four open-pollinated varieties were analyzed using SSR markers to determine the genetic diversity within the varieties. In each variety, 15 individuals were genotyped with 30 SSR markers. Average heterozygosity percentage of the varieties was 45.07%, ranging from 35.23% in Rampur Composite to 54.64% in Khumal Yellow, indicating the higher level of heterozygosity in these two varieties. An average PIC value across all the polymorphic SSR loci was 0.50; which ranged from 0.47 in Manakamana-2 to 0.52 in Khumal Yellow and Arun-4. At the genotype level, the range was from 0.07 in umc1161 to 0.84 in umc1136. The total number of alleles detected was 415 for 30 SSR markers in 60 genotypes. The unique and common alleles detected respectively were 27 and 71. The average number of alleles per locus was 3.45 among the varieties, ranging from 3.21in Manakamana-2 to 3.76 in Khumal Yellow. Average gene diversity across the varieties was 0.54 and ranged from 0.51 in Manakamana-2 to 0.56 in Khumal Yellow and Arun-4. The genetic similarity coefficient of all individuals among the varieties was seen at 0.35.The MRD values were higher between Arun-4 and Manakamana-2 (0.290) and low between Khumal Yellow and Rampur Composite (0.221). Estimate of genetic distances among the varieties showed that Rampur Composite, Khumal Yellow, and Manakamana-2 were closely related sharing the similar genetic backgrounds, whereas Arun-4 was genetically more distantly related. Efforts are being made for the development and evaluation of inbred lines from these distantly related maize varieties for developing high yielding maize hybrids. Key Words: genetic diversity; maize hybrid; SSR markers DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4082Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 1-8
On the Status of Irreducibility Problems of Open Shop Sequencing Problems
Authors: Dhamala Tanka Nath
Published: January 2011

In an open shop scheduling problem (OSSP) one of the major tasks is to minimize the makespan over the sequences. It has practical values, for instance, in manufacturing, service industries, communication, and facility assignments. The concept of irreducibility has proven one of the most important and fertile research topics as the set of all irreducible sequences attains optimality independent of processing times. This work presents the recent complexity status of irreducibility of OS sequences. The recent works give encouraging results. The results obtained in past several years are viewed with useful hints for the developments of exact or heuristic algorithms and generalize the idea to general regular objectives. Key words: scheduling/sequencing theory; open shop; reducibility; potential optimality; complexity DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4147Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 205-214
Transarticular screw fixation of C1–2 for the treatment of arthropathy-associated occipital neuralgia
Authors: Pakzaban Peyman
Published: January 2011

Two patients with occipital neuralgia due to severe arthropathy of the C1–2 facet joint were treated using atlantoaxial fusion with transarticular screws without decompression of the C-2 nerve root. Both patients experienced immediate postoperative relief of occipital neuralgia. The resultant motion elimination at C1–2 eradicated not only the movement-evoked pain, but also the paroxysms of true occipital neuralgia occurring at rest. A possible pathophysiological explanation for this improvement is presented in the context of the ignition theory of neuralgic pain. This represents the first report of C1–2 transarticular screw fixation for the treatment of arthropathy-associated occipital neuralgia.
Comparison of MR imaging and FDG-PET/CT in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Cho Won-Ik , Chang Ung-Kyu
Published: January 2011

Object

Differentiation between malignant and benign vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) is important but sometimes difficult, especially in elderly cancer patients. The authors investigated the findings of MR imaging and FDG-PET/CT for the differentiation of VCFs.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2008, the authors evaluated and treated 102 VCFs in 96 patients. The final diagnosis, based on biopsy results or clinical follow-up, was benign fracture in 67 lesions in 65 patients and malignant fracture in 35 lesions in 31 patients. Magnetic resonance images were obtained in all patients, and FDG-PET/CT was performed in 17 patients in the benign fracture group and 20 in the malignant fracture group. The prevalence of 3 significant MR imaging findings (posterior cortical bulging, epidural mass formation, and pedicle enhancement) and the presence of radiotracer uptake on FDG-PET/CT were evaluated in the 2 groups. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on FDG-PET/CT was compared between the 2 groups, and diagnostic threshold value was sought to confirm malignancy. The diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging and FDG-PET/CT was compared in the differentiation of malignant from benign VCFs.

Results

Posterior cortical bulging was seen in 26 (74%) of 35 malignant lesions and 30 (45%) of 67 benign ones, epidural mass formation in 27 (77%) of the malignant lesions and 25% of the benign ones, and pedicle enhancement in 30 (91%) of the 33 malignant lesions and 18 (39%) of the 46 benign ones evaluated with Gd-enhanced MR imaging. These differences were statistically significant for each feature. Sensitivity and specificity for predicting malignancy were, respectively, 74% and 55% for posterior cortical bulging, 77% and 74% for epidural mass formation, and 90% and 61% for pedicle enhancement. Simultaneous occurrence of 3 significant features was found in 21 (64%) of the 33 malignant and 8 (17%) of the 46 benign lesions for which complete MR imaging data were available and showed sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 83%. The presence of radiotracer uptake on FDG-PET/CT was seen in all 20 (100%) of the 20 malignant lesions and 12 (71%) 17 of the benign lesions evaluated by FDG-PET/CT and showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 29%. There was a significant difference in mean (± SD) SUVmax for the malignant (6.29 ± 3.50) and benign (2.38 ± 1.90) lesions (p < 0.001). The most reliable threshold for SUVmax was found to be 4.25, which yielded a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 71%.

Conclusions

When MR imaging findings are equivocal, FDG-PET/CT can be considered as an adjunctive diagnostic method for differentiating malignant from benign VCFs. In comparison with MR imaging, FDG-PET/CT showed slightly higher sensitivity and lower specificity.