bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radioiodination of humic substances
Authors: Franke K. , Kupsch H.
Published: May 2010

The known IODO-GEN™-method [1] was adapted for radiolabeling of humic and fulvic acids with131I. The water insoluble oxidizing agent 1,3,4,6tetrachloro-3α,6α-diphenylglycoluril (IODO-GEN™) forms an iodous ion species (I+), which undergoes an electrophilic I/H-substitution on aromatic moieties of the humic and fulvic acids. This method offers mild conditions with a lesser extent of oxidative alterations of the target molecule, accompanied by an easy handling due to the virtual water-insolubility of the oxidizing agent. The method was optimized and different techniques were tested for the purification of the radioiodinated humic material. The yield of the labeling procedure varies between 45 and 75% depending on the provenance of the humic material and the applied purification method. A specific activity up to 40 MBq/mg was achieved. Furthermore, the known inherent photo-susceptibility of the iodinated humic substance and the influence of reducing agents were verified. An additional release of131I up to 20% and up to 35%, respectively were observed.
Comments on “Optimization of the decision threshold for single radioactive counting”
Authors: Sterlinski S.
Published: May 2010

It is argued that in the recent papers by A. Vivier and J. Aupiais (Radiochim. Acta95, 471 (2007) and96, 385 (2008)) some relevant probability distributions are incorrectly composed. The argument is supported by applying the Feller and Markov formulae.
Coprecipitation of gadolinium with calcium sulphate dihydrate
Authors: Bouhlassa S. , Selhamen F.
Published: May 2010

The present study reports the coprecipitation of gadolinium with calcium sulphate dihydrate, in aqueous solutions of sulphuric acid, at constant ionic strength using a radiotracer technique.

The experimental results obtained at ambient temperature, show that the quantity of gadolinium ions coprecipitated in gypsum identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis is very small, lower than 4ߙat.ߙ%. The mechanism of coprecipitation of Gd(III) has been discussed, although the elementary processes of the mechanism are not clear.

The distribution of gadolinium between precipitate of gypsum and saturated aqueous solutions of H2SO4 has been measured between 30 and 70 °C. Experiments of coprecipitation indicate that the coefficient of distribution of Gd(III) depends on the solubility and nature of solid calcium sulphate phase.
63Ni in Chernobyl “ruthenium hot particles” and in forest soil samples
Authors: Kleszcz Krzysztof , Mietelski Jerzy W.
Published: May 2010

Results of 63Ni and 60Co determination in forest litter samples collected in 2007 in highly contaminated Chernobyl exclusion zone as well as in isolated “ruthenium hot particles” collected in 1986 in Northeastern Poland are presented. In case of bulk samples relatively complicated radiochemical procedure was necessary for nickel separation from matrix elements and other radioisotopes present. The main steps in radiochemical operations were cobalt separation on Dowex 1×8 anion-exchange resin and separation of most of the matrix elements under basic conditions. Nickel was precipitated with sodium sulfide and when dissolved in aqua regia, Ni-DMG complex was formed, extracted with chloroform and back-extracted with hydrochloric acid. 63Ni activity was measured with a liquid scintillation spectrometer, and the chemical yields were controlled by means of AAS method. A significant correlation between 60Co and 63Ni was found for both sets of samples, and the 63Ni/60Co mean ratio (decay corrected) is comparable for the two sets of samples.
Modeling of transport of radionuclides in beds of crushed crystalline rocks under equilibrium non-linear sorption isotherm conditions
Authors: Palágyi S. , Stamberg Karel
Published: May 2010

A simple method for fitting the values of the experimental breakthrough curves in the form of pulse response obtained in dynamic flow column experiments is presented. It is based on the equation obtained by the analytical solution of a 1-D advection-dispersion equation (ADE) under defined conditions (equilibrium dynamics, linear sorption isotherm, constant bed height, pulse input), where the concentration (or activity) dependence on the number of pore volumes is expressed explicitly. It is shown that the method can be used in the case of validity of a non-linear Freundlich sorption isotherm if the experimental data are fitted by means of a Newton-Raphson multidimensional non-linear regression procedure in which the regression function consists of the above mentioned ADE equation and of the equation for a retardation coefficient including the first derivative of the Freundlich equation. Values of four parameters, namely, Freundlich equation parameters (nF, kF), Peclet number (Pe) and integration constant (k
int) are sought in the course of the regression procedure. Applicability of the method is demonstrated in the evaluation of breakthrough curves of the 137Cs and 85Sr obtained by dynamic flow column experiments in beds of five different types of crushed crystalline rocks, where synthetic groundwater spiked with both radionuclides is used.
Influence of nitric acid and plutonium concentrations in dissolver solution of mixed oxide fuel on decontamination factors for uranyl nitrate hexahydrate crystal
Authors: Nakahara M. , Nomura K. , Washiya T. , Chikazawa T. , Hirasawa I.
Published: May 2010

In order to examine the decontamination behavior of the Pu and fission products (FPs) that contained with the uranyl nitrate hexahydrate (UNH) crystals in the U crystallization process, experiments were carried out using mixed oxide (MOX) fuel dissolver solution. The experiments confirmed that Eu was adequately decontaminated by washing the UNH crystals with a HNO3 solution. However, Ba crystallized as Ba(NO3)2 and the washing was ineffective for the decontamination of Ba. High HNO3 and Pu concentrations in the mother liquor, the decontamination factor (DF) of Cs was low because Cs precipitated with Pu as Cs2Pu(NO3)6. The Pu clearly showed a reasonable DF because the amount of Pu in the dissolver solution was higher than that of Cs. Almost all the amount of Pu remains in the mother liquor except the one in the Cs2Pu(NO3)6 precipitate.
IGF-binding protein 1 and abdominal obesity in the development of type 2 diabetes in women
Authors: Lewitt Moira S , Hilding Agneta , Brismar Kerstin , Efendic Suad , Östenson Claes-Göran , Hall Kerstin
Published: May 2010

Objective

Low levels of IGF-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) are associated with metabolic syndrome and predict diabetes development in men. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of IGFBP1 in women who later develop diabetes, in relation to abdominal obesity, and to compare these levels with those of men.

Methods

IGFBP1 levels were determined at baseline and after 8 years in a case–control, prospective study of Swedish women aged 35–56 years. Individuals with normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) who developed abnormal glucose regulation (n=240) were pair matched to controls for age and family history of diabetes and also compared to men of the same age (n=355).

Results

Low fasting IGFBP1 and increased waist measurement predicted development of diabetes in women (n=60; odds ratio (OR) 70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8–661, lowest tertile and OR 27, 95% CI 5–141, highest tertile). In women developing diabetes, baseline IGFBP1 levels were lower than expected for fasting insulin values, were associated with impaired suppression after OGTT and increased during 8 years despite an increase in fasting insulin. All individuals in the highest tertile for waist and with ≤40% suppression of IGFBP1 developed diabetes within 8 years. Circulating IGFBP1 concentrations were higher in women compared to men. Women and men who developed diabetes had a similar degree of abdominal obesity, corrected for height.

Conclusions

We conclude that low IGFBP1 and elevated waist measurement predict diabetes development and that IGFBP1 production is suppressed by a novel factor(s) in women developing diabetes. Increasing levels of IGFBP1 during the emergence of diabetes in men and women suggest the emergence of hepatic insulin resistance.
Estudo biomecânico da rigidez da osteossíntese com placas em ponte em tíbias de cadáveres humanos
Authors: Sunada Edwin Eiji , Ejnisman Leandro , Leal Rafael Demura , Pailo Alexandre Felício , Malavolta Eduardo Angeli , Sakaki Marcos Hideyo , Pereira César Augusto Martins , Zumiotti Arnaldo Valdir , Sato João Ricardo
Published: May 2010

OBJETIVO: comparar a rigidez de três diferentes montagens de placa em ponte com a da haste intramedular bloqueada, em tíbias de cadáveres com fratura tipo C. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: vinte tíbias humanas captadas de cadáveres, submetidas à fratura do tipo C; quinze fixadas com placas em ponte, divididas em 03 grupos, de acordo com o tamanho das placas (10, 14 e 18 furos) e 05 fixadas com hastes intramedulares bloqueadas. Todas as tíbias foram expostas a cargas progressivas e semelhantes. Foram medidos os deslocamentos de ambos fragmentos (proximal e distal), nos planos sagital, coronal e axial do espaço, conforme incremento gradual de carga. RESULTADOS: tíbias fixadas com placas em ponte de 18 furos apresentam um comportamento biomecânico semelhante às fixadas com haste intramedular bloqueada. CONCLUSÕES: Em fraturas do tipo C em tíbias há maior mobilidade do segmento ósseo distal no plano coronal, quando a fratura é fixada com placas em ponte de 14 e 18 furos que quando fixada com haste intramedular bloqueada sem fresagem. Apesar dessa maior mobilidade, os movimentos relativos entre os fragmentos fraturários nos GHB e GP18 tendem a ser semelhantes entre si.
Tumor fibroso solitário maligno de extremidades
Authors: Chang Daniel , Oliveira Cláudia Regina Gomes Cardim Mendes de , Saito Carlos Fernando
Published: May 2010

Tumor fibroso solitário extrapleural (TFS) é neoplasia mesenquimal rara, sendo que há menos de 40 casos descritos com localização em extremidades até o presente momento. Acomete preferencialmente pacientes na quinta década e não tem predileção por sexo. Relatamos um caso com os aspectos clínicos, radiológicos, histológicos e imunoistoquímicos característicos, discutindo a importância do diagnóstico diferencial com outros sarcomas.Pouco é conhecido sobre o comportamento biológico do TFS. Fatores de risco para menor sobrevida livre de metástases incluem: margens cirúrgicas comprometidas, tamanho maior que 10 cm e histologia maligna. Excisão completa é o tratamento recomendado.
Obesity and Cancer
Authors: Wolin Kathleen Y. , Carson Kenneth , Colditz Graham A.
Published: May 2010

Weight, weight gain, and obesity account for approximately 20% of all cancer cases. Evidence on the relation of each to cancer is summarized, including esophageal, thyroid, colon, renal, liver, melanoma, multiple myeloma, rectum, gallbladder, leukemia, lymphoma, and prostate in men; and postmenopausal breast and endometrium in women. Different mechanisms drive etiologic pathways for these cancers. Weight loss, particularly among postmenopausal women, reduces risk for breast cancer. Among cancer patients, data are less robust, but we note a long history of poor outcomes after breast cancer among obese women. While evidence on obesity and outcomes for other cancers is mixed, growing evidence points to benefits of physical activity for breast and colon cancers. Dosing of chemotherapy and radiation therapy among obese patients is discussed and the impact on therapy-related toxicity is noted. Guidelines for counseling patients for weight loss and increased physical activity are presented and supported by strong evidence that increased physical activity leads to improved quality of life among cancer survivors. The “Five A's” model guides clinicians through a counseling session: assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange. The burden of obesity on society continues to increase and warrants closer attention by clinicians for both cancer prevention and improved outcomes after diagnosis.
Gender-Related Needs and Preferences in Cancer Care Indicate the Need for an Individualized Approach to Cancer Patients
Authors: Wessels Hester , Graeff Alexander , Wynia Klaske , Heus Miriam , Kruitwagen Cas L.J.J. , Woltjer Gerda T.G.J. , Teunissen Saskia C.C.M. , Voest Emile E.
Published: May 2010

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Enumerate reasons for a patient-centered model of care and plan changes in your practice/facility consistent with patient-centered care.Differentiate between the general preferences of male and female cancer patients and tailor care of individual patients accordingly.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Aim.

Improving quality of care for cancer patients requires insight into their specific wishes, needs, and preferences concerning cancer care. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of gender on cancer patients' needs and preferences.

Patients and Methods.

Data were obtained from 386 questionnaires assessing cancer patients' preferences for health care. Multivariate regression analyses were performed with data obtained from medical oncology patients treated in seven Dutch hospitals, using the scales of the questionnaire as dependent variables.

Results.

Patients rated safety, expertise, performance, and attitude of physicians and nurses highest on their list of preferences. There were significant differences between male and female patients concerning preferences in health care in 15 of the 21 scales and in two of the eight single items. Without exception, women found the care aspects mentioned in these scales and items more important than men. Multivariate regression analysis showed that, of all the patient- and disease-related factors, gender was the most important independent predictor of patient preferences.

Conclusion.

Gender impacts cancer patients' needs and preferences and should be taken into account for optimal cancer care. Cancer care might be tailored toward gender, for example, with regard to the means and extent of communication, manner and extent of support, counseling and rehabilitation, consultation length, and physician assignment. The results of this study may guide health care professionals and organizations to develop a gender-specific health care approach to further improve cancer patient–centered care.
Acute cytokine-mediated downregulation of the zinc transporter ZnT8 alters pancreatic β-cell function
Authors: El Muayed Malek , Billings Liana K , Raja Meera R , Zhang Xiaomin , Park Paul J , Newman Marsha V , Kaufman Dixon B , O'Halloran Thomas V , Lowe William L
Published: May 2010

Genetic studies suggest that Zn transporters such as ZnT8 play a role in insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells; however, little is known about the dynamic roles of Zn trafficking pathways on β-cell physiology. To test the acute effects of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) on Zn homeostasis, the mRNA expression profile of Zn transporters of the ZnT and ZIP families was examined. Exposure of MIN6 cells or primary murine islets to IL1β or TNFα altered the mRNA expression profile of Zn transporters; most notable was decreased ZnT8 mRNA levels. siRNA-mediated gene knockdown was used to examine the effects of decreased ZnT8 expression in primary dispersed murine islet cells from C57/BL6 mice and MIN6 cells. ZnT8 knockdown in these murine islets led to reduced glucose stimulated insulin secretion without altering the total cellular insulin content or cell viability at normal or supraphysiological Zn concentrations. The labile Zn content determined by flow cytometry after loading with the Zn-specific sensor FluoZin-3 AM was decreased in MIN6 cells following ZnT8 knockdown or IL1β treatment. These results suggest that an acute decrease in ZnT8 levels impairs β-cell function and Zn homeostasis, and may contribute to inflammatory cytokine-induced alterations in β-cell function.
A flexible OLED display with an OTFT backplane made by scalable manufacturing process
Authors: Katsuhara Mao , Yagi Iwao , Yumoto Akira , Noda Makoto , Hirai Nobukazu , Yasuda Ryoichi , Moriwaki Toshiki , Ushikura Shinichi , Imaoka Ayaka , Urabe Tetsuo , Nomoto Kazumasa
Published: May 2010

Abstract— A full‐color top‐emission AMOLED display driven by an organic TFT backplane manufactured using a scalable, lift‐off‐free, and shadow‐mask‐free process has been developed. It was shown that cost‐efficient copper can be used for S/D electrodes. The display has shown no significant degradation over a storage life of more than 10 months and operation over 25 hours during which the display is bent over 10,000 times.
Fenton's Process for Post-Biologically Treated Cheese Production Wastewaters Final Remediation. Toxicity Assessment
Authors: Martins Rui C , Rossi André F. , Castro-Silva Sergio , Quinta-Ferreira Rosa M.
Published: May 2010

The use of the Fenton's process for the depuration of a post-biological treated milk whey wastewater was studied, aiming to achieve adequate operational conditions for a cost effective treatment to generate a suitable effluent to be directly discharged into the natural water courses. A design of experiments was implemented in order to understand the role of the independent parameters and their combinations over the treatment process. From our results the hydrogen peroxide concentration and the ratio between [H2O2]:[Fe2+] as well as their interaction were statistically important concerning both TOC and COD removal. The experiments performed at the highest value of [H2O2] and at the lowest level of [H2O2]:[Fe2+] lead to effluents accomplishing the environmental legislation. Moreover, toxicological tests revealed that the treated effluent was harmless to the ecosystems. A cost estimation analysis was performed and the catalytic activity of the remaining sludge from the homogeneous process was checked. This activity decreases with the number of reuses which reduces the possibility of the direct utilization of the sludge.
Family Job Search, Wage Bargaining, and Optimal Unemployment Insurance
Authors: Ek Susanne , Holmlund Bertil
Published: May 2010

In this paper we develop an equilibrium search and matching model where two-person families as well as singles participate in the labor market. We show that equilibrium entails wage dispersion among equally productive risk-averse workers. Marital status as well as spousal labor market status matters for wage outcomes. In general, employed members of two-person families receive higher wages than employed singles. The model is applied to a welfare analysis of alternative unemployment insurance systems, recognizing the role of spousal employment as a partial substitute for public insurance. The optimal system involves benefit differentiation based on marital status as well as spousal labor market status.
Walrasian Equilibrium and Reputation under Imperfect Public Monitoring
Authors: Vial Bernardita
Published: May 2010

This paper examines a reputation-based mechanism that sustains the provision of high quality in the presence of competition among providers, where the incentive for high-quality production comes from a reputation premium: firms with higher reputations charge higher prices. The way we model the market highlights the fact that prices are not solely determined from consumers' willingness to pay as in the monopolistic setting studied in the previous literature. In effect, equilibrium prices are determined endogenously, from the interaction of the distribution of consumers' valuations for high quality and the distribution of firms' reputationsthe demand and the supply sides of the market, respectively. This paper shows that: (i) there is a steady-state distribution of reputations, a result that allows the study of a stationary equilibrium; (ii) there are parameter configurations for which the existence of a high-quality equilibrium is guaranteed, and where the incentives for high quality production in the repeated game depend on the shape of the price function; and (iii) the Walrasian-equilibrium price function depends on the shape of the steady-state distribution of reputations, and the assignment of consumers to firms with different reputation levels in such an equilibrium is positively assortative if quality is a normal good.
Research on Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder—Some Challenges! Commentary on C. L. Tsai and S. K. Wu (2008)
Authors: Sigmundsson H. , Haga M.
Published: May 2010

This commentary focuses on the need for proper inclusion criteria for research on children who have motor problems. Researchers must be aware of the large range of individual differences found in samples used in research on children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. New theoretical perspectives in development and learning are a basis for research and practice.
Seniors' Perceived Driving Skill in a Postlicense Training Program: Comparison of Instructors' Assessments and Self-Assessments by Seniors' Age and Sex
Authors: Boccara Vincent , Delhomme Patricia , Vidal-Gomel Christine , Dommès Aurélie , Rogalski Janine
Published: May 2010

This exploratory study was carried out during a postlicense training program for senior drivers. The aim was to study driving-ability assessments made by 37 older drivers and by instructors, according to age (<72 yr.; ≥72 yr.) and sex. After an open-road test course, both the older drivers' self-assessments and the instructors' assessments were collected on an ad hoc questionnaire that considered both general and specific aspects of driving ability. The seniors' ratings of their own driving ability were consistent with the instructors' ratings, at both levels considered. For general driving ability, men were evaluated more positively than were women, both by themselves and by the instructors. For specific aspects of driving, men got higher ratings than did women for driving on roundabouts. Concerning driving on four-lane roads, men in the younger senior group (< 72 yr.) were assessed more positively than were women in that group, whereas no significant gender-related difference was found among the older seniors. Concerning visual skills, the younger participants assessed their own visual skills more positively than did the older participants. In contrast, the instructors' assessments of the younger and older seniors were not significantly different. The results are discussed in terms of possible ways of improving training programs for licensed senior drivers.
Facial Features in Perceived Intensity of Schematic Facial Expressions
Authors: Hasegawa Hisa , Unuma Hideyuki
Published: May 2010

Facial expressions may be perceived continuously or categorically, i.e., perception of facial expressions may be explained by feature-based models or holistic models. A linear additive model is proposed, with weightings for facial features to reflect configural spatial relationships or distances of features from each other. Predictions from the model regarding the perception of affect intensities (e.g., of anger and sadness) were tested using schematic faces, with three facial features, eyebrows, eyes, and mouth as predictors. Model predictions, based on multiple regression analyses, corresponded well with rating judgments of anger and sadness in three experiments. The results suggest not only the limit of feature–configural models of facial expression perception but the feature-selective configuration of facial features and continuous perception of facial expressions. Findings also indicate that the salience or weight of each feature varies with the emotion perceived by observers.
Medical College of Georgia Complex Figures in Repeated Memory Testing: A Preliminary Study of Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Yasugi Mina , Yamashita Hikari
Published: May 2010

The Medical College of Georgia Complex Figures developed as an alternate version of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure for repeated assessments. The aim of this study was to examine whether serial assessment with different figures of the Medical College of Georgia Complex Figures could attenuate the practice effects. 64 volunteers ( M age = 20.0 yr., SD = 1.9) from a Japanese university were randomly assigned to Same or Different figure conditions. Participants in the Same figure condition underwent repeated assessment using Figure 1 of the Medical College of Georgia Complex Figures on both trials, whereas participants in the Different figure condition received Figure 1 on first trials and the Figure 2 on second trials over a 1-mo. test-retest interval. While the Same figure condition showed significant improvements at recall, no practice effect was observed in the Different figure condition. The findings indicated that use of different figures may help attenuate practice effects in repeated testing.
Memory Load and Display Polarity in Visual Search Performance and EEG Response
Authors: Chan Tam , Hsu Hsin-Yi
Published: May 2010

Electroencephalogram measures have frequently been shown to be highly sensitive to variations in task conditions; however, research on the effects of memory load on EEG response and Visual Display Terminal (VDT) performance is lacking. Data from 19 college students were analyzed for effects of memory load and polarity on VDT performance. Included also were modulation of the EEG distribution around the cerebrum, the inferred source of operation of working memory and comprehension. Analyses indicated that the effects of memory load on finish time were statistically significant. The theta (θ) band at FP1 and FP2 had larger change in power than at T6, showing a large effect between memory load and frontal lobe function. This experiment on polarity and EEG response indicated the power change in the θ band was stronger for positive contrast than negative; however, the polarity of the display had no statistically significant effect on EEG response.
Identification of a Rating of Perceived Exertion-Based Warning Zone to Anticipate Graded Treadmill Test Termination
Authors: Goss Fredric L. , Robertson Robert J. , Haile Luke , Krause Maressa P. , Nagle Elizabeth F. , Metz Kenneth F. , Kim Kevin H.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to identify a perceptually based warning zone to anticipate termination of Bruce treadmill tests. Apparently healthy adult women ( n = 116) and men ( n = 55) participated. The time to test termination was measured from the point during the treadmill test at which participants estimated a rating of perceived exertion of 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 using the Borg 6–20 scale to specify the rating of perceived exertion which was less than or equal to one exercise test stage. Women exercised for 141.9 ± 99.2 sec. after reporting a rating of perceived exertion of 14. Men terminated the treadmill test 120.1 ± 80.0 sec. after estimating their rating of perceived exertion to be 15, indicating volitional test termination will occur before the next exercise stage is completed. Accurate and timely prediction of test termination using ratings of perceived exertion may enhance the safety of exercise tests administered to apparently healthy adults and facilitate obtaining endpoint measures upon which to prescribe exercise intensity.
A Repeated Measure Analysis of the Serial Color-Word Test in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Zanna Valeria , Filippucci Ludovica , Castiglioni Maria Chiara
Published: May 2010

Patterns of adaptation to conflict in anorexia nervosa were assessed with the Serial Color-Word Test. A group of teenage girls with anorexia nervosa ( n = 34) was compared with an age-matched group of normal girls ( n = 54). Measures of linear and nonlinear change of reading times during each of the five consecutive trials of the test were compared between groups by means of a multivariate model with doubly repeated measures. Multivariate testing indicated statistically significant main effects of group and time, as well as a group × time interaction. The groups did not differ on linear change, while anorexia patients had higher scores of nonlinear change. When the same analysis was performed covarying for total reading times, the main effect of group remained significant and anorexia patients had higher scores on linear change. The anorexia group seemed less able to master the conflict situation over time, a tendency which could be related to treatment outcomes.
Effects of Preferred and Nonpreferred Music on Continuous Cycling Exercise Performance
Authors: Nakamura Priscila M. , Pereira Gleber , Papini Camila B. , Nakamura Fábio Y. , Kokubun Eduardo
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preferred and nonpreferred music on exercise distance, Heart Rate (HR), and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during continuous cycling exercise performed at high intensity. Fifteen participants performed five test sessions. During two sessions, they cycled with fixed workload on ergometer to determine the Critical Power (CP) intensity. Then, they performed three more sessions cycling at CP intensity: listening to Preferred Music, listening to Nonpreferred Music, and No Music. The HR responses in the exercise sessions did not differ among all conditions. However, the RPE was higher for Nonpreferred Music than in the other conditions. The performance under Preferred Music (9.8 ± 4.6km) was greater than under Nonpreferred Music (7.1 ± 3.5km) conditions. Therefore, listening to Preferred Music during continuous cycling exercise at high intensity can increase the exercise distance, and individuals listening to Nonpreferred Music can perceive more discomfort caused by the exercise.
Skill Acquisition in Skin Cancer Detection
Authors: Speelman Craig , Martin Katie , Flower Steven , Simpson Terry
Published: May 2010

Previous research has shown that the ability to detect potentially dangerous skin lesions is not improved by viewing a pamphlet describing the characteristic features of such lesions. A different approach to improving this skill was investigated in this study. 100 student recruits were tested to investigate the effect of practice at distinguishing between dangerous and nondangerous skin lesions. Around 30 minutes of such practice, viewing 360 pictures of skin lesions, provided a significant advantage in making decisions about a target set of dangerous and nondangerous lesions, compared to no practice or practice with a filler task. Viewing a skin cancer pamphlet for 5 min. at the beginning of the experiment made no difference to the speed or accuracy of decisions regarding the test lesions. The results are interpreted as evidence for a form of implicit learning of a skin cancer detection skill, a finding that is consistent with what is known of the nature of expertise in dermatologists. The results also point to the ineffectiveness of pamphlets to engender such expertise in the general public.
Differential Functioning of Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test Items
Authors: Sisto Fermino Fernandes , Santos Acácia Aparecida Angeli dos , Noronha Ana Paula Porto
Published: May 2010

Differential Item Functioning (DIF) refers to items that do not function the same way for comparable members of different groups. The present study focuses on analyzing and classifying sex-related differential item functioning in the Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test. Subjects were 1,052 children attending public schools (513 boys, 539 girls, ages 6–10 years). The protocols were scored using the Bender Graduated Scoring System, which evaluates only the distortion criterion using the Rasch logistic response model. The scoring system fit the Rasch model, although two items were found to be biased by sex. When analyzing differential functioning of items for boys and girls separately, the number of differentially functioning items was equal.
Relationship between Athletes' Emotional Intelligence and Precompetitive Anxiety
Authors: Lu Frank J-H. , Li Gladys Shuk-Fong , Hsu Eva Ya-Wen , Williams Lavon
Published: May 2010

This study examined the relationship between athletes' Emotional Intelligence (EI) and precompetitive anxiety. Taiwanese intercollegiate track and field athletes ( N = 111; 64 men, 47 women) completed the Bar-On EQ-i 1 mo. before a national intercollegiate athletic meet, and the Competition State Anxiety Inventory-2R 1 hr. before the competition. Analyses indicated that participants with the lowest EI scores reported greater intensity of precompetitive cognitive anxiety than those with the highest EI scores. No other statistically significant differences were found among the groups. Further, correlational analyses and multiple stepwise regression analyses revealed that EI components such as stress management, intrapersonal EI, and interpersonal EI were associated with precompetitive anxiety. Current EI measures provide limited understanding of precompetitive anxiety. A sport-specific EI measure is needed for future research.
Bench Press Training Program with Attached Chains for Female Volleyball and Basketball Athletes
Authors: Burnham Timothy R. , Ruud Jason D. , McGowan Robert
Published: May 2010

Attaching chains to barbells to increase strength and power has become popular for athletes; however, little scientific evidence supports this practice. The present purpose was to compare chain training to traditional training for the bench press. Women collegiate athletes in volleyball and basketball ( N = 19) participated in a 16-session bench press program. They were matched into either a Traditional or a Chain training group by 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The Traditional group performed the bench press with conventional equipment, while the Chain group trained with attached chains (5% of weight). Analysis showed a significant increase in 1RM for both groups over 16 sessions, Traditional +11.8% and Chain +17.4%. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant, but suggests the women who trained with attached chains improved their bench press more than the Traditional group.
Recognition of Asymmetric Alterations to Pictures of Cats: Effects of Method of Alteration and Type of Change in Elderly Subjects
Authors: Ando Michiyo , Hakoda Yuji , Ogasawara Eiko , Shiihara Yasufumi , Otsubo Masaki
Published: May 2010

Recognition of environmental changes is essential in everyday life. In this study, recognition of animate objects by elderly people was examined with various methods (introduction, restoration) and types (addition, deletion) of change. For restoration, deletions and additions were produced by eliminating features from pictures and reintroducing the deleted features, respectively. In introduction, additions and deletions were produced by adding and deleting features from original pictures. 37 subjects ( M age = 74 yr.) viewed each card for 10 sec. (learning phase) and were then asked (test phase) whether they had viewed the card in the learning phase and to rate their confidence in their answer. Percentage correct rejection and confidence ratings were higher for introductions compared to restorations and for deletions compared to additions. Findings are similar to those in young adults and children, which indicates developmental robustness of asymmetric effects in recognition of animate objects.
Blocked and Random Practice Organization in the Learning of Rhythmic Dance Step Sequences
Authors: Bertollo Maurizio , Berchicci Marika , Carraro Attilio , Comani Silvia , Robazza Claudio
Published: May 2010

This study investigated the role played by Blocked (low contextual interference) and Random (high contextual interference) schedules in the acquisition of rhythmic footstep sequences by adolescent females ( N = 40, M age = 15.8 yr., SD = 1.3). After a baseline assessment (T0), motor learning was assessed after six sessions (T1) in terms of the participants' ability to reproduce the step sequences using visual and auditory guidance. A retention test (T2) also occurred 21 days after T1. Analysis of variance yielded significant main effects of group, test, and an interaction. Both groups improved performance from T0 to T1, but the Blocked schedule group outperformed the Random schedule group at T2. Significant group differences were not observed at T2. The Random schedule group's performance did not significantly change from T1 to T2, and the Blocked schedule group's performance significantly decreased. Apparently, the learning of rhythmic footstep dance sequences was not influenced by practice organization.
The De-Differentiation Hypothesis in Normal Elderly Persons
Authors: Balsamo Michela , Romanelli Roberta , Saggino Aristide
Published: May 2010

The factor structure of intelligence was examined, as assessed on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised, in two groups of Italian normal elderly participants ages 65 to 100 years ( ns = 267 and 256). Analysis provided further support for the de-differentiation hypothesis in the Italian population: cognitive abilities differentiate from adolescence to adulthood and then the process is reversed in later adulthood.
Inhibitory Effects of Circumferential Pressure on Flexor Carpi Radialis H-Reflex in Adults with Neurological Deficits
Authors: Agostinucci James
Published: May 2010

The effects of circumferential air-splint pressure on the flexor carpi radialis H-reflex in 22 participants with cerebrovascular accident and 5 with spinal cord injury were examined. H-reflexes were assessed by measuring the peak-to-peak amplitude change before, during, and after circumferential pressure was applied to the forearm. 12 H-reflexes (H/Mmax ratio: M = 25%; SD = 14) were recorded before pressure application to obtain a baseline value for comparison of data. A pneumatic 34-cm air splint inflated to 51–60 mmHg provided pressure around the forearm. H-reflex recordings were taken at 1, 3, and 5 min. during and 1 min. after application of pressure. A one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was applied to compare pressure and postpressure measurements against the baseline value. Tukey multiple-comparison tests were used when significant F ratios were noted. Analysis indicated H-reflex amplitudes decreased significantly at 1, 3, and 5 min. during pressure and quickly returned to baseline when pressure was released. The study suggests air splints decreased the H-reflex in participants with neurological deficits and may be used in the upper extremity temporarily to reduce muscle activity associated with neurological dysfunction.
Sport Team Identification and Social Fear
Authors: Normansell David M. , Wann Daniel L.
Published: May 2010

Previous research has explored the relationship between identifying with a sport team and psychological health. The current study focused on team identification and social fear. For 75 college undergraduates, these two variables were not significantly correlated.
Second-Language Listening Anxiety before and after a 1-Yr. Intervention in Extensive Listening Compared with Standard Foreign Language Instruction
Authors: Chang Anna Ching-Shyang
Published: May 2010

Many studies have shown that language anxiety is correlated negatively with language competence. This study tests the hypothesis that second language learners' listening anxiety might be reduced when listening skills improve. Building on previous research showing that extensive reading is as effective and efficient as formal instruction in acquiring English as a foreign language and is even more effective with longer treatment duration, changes in listening anxiety were explored under two different instructional approaches—extensive listening and formal instruction—over a 1-yr. period in a sample of 92 Chinese college students. Listening anxiety and listening comprehension tests were administered to the participants before and after the experiment. Analysis showed that the Extensive Listening group improved more compared to the Formal Instruction group in listening competence, but their mean anxiety score also rose significantly. Factors contributing to the unexpected outcome indicate that the increase in anxiety should be considered facilitative to learning.
Sex Differences in Verbal and Visual-Spatial Tasks under Different Hemispheric Visual-Field Presentation Conditions
Authors: Boyle Gregory J. , Furedy John J. , Neumann David. L. , Westbury H. Rae
Published: May 2010

This paper reports sex differences in cognitive task performance that emerged when 39 Australian university undergraduates (19 men, 20 women) were asked to solve verbal (lexical) and visual-spatial cognitive matching tasks which varied in difficulty and visual field of presentation. Sex significantly interacted with task type, task difficulty, laterality, and changes in performance across trials. The results revealed that the significant individual-differences' variable of sex does not always emerge as a significant main effect, but instead in terms of significant interactions with other variables manipulated experimentally. Our results show that sex differences must be taken into account when conducting experiments into human cognitive-task performance.
Color Combinations of Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Icon on User Preferences and EEG Response
Authors: Ko Ya-Hsien , Shen I-Hsuan , Lee Der-Song
Published: May 2010

This study explored the effects of color combinations and polarity on user preferences and EEG responses using an icon design for a visual display terminal. 72 college students ( M = 24.5 yr., SD = 2.3 yr.) were tested. The seven color combinations of top 16% with rating scores (5-point scale) over 3.60 almost always included black or white as a target or background, including white-on-black, red-on-black, yellow-on-black, blue-on-white, and black-on-white; the other two preferred color combinations were yellow-on-blue and blue-on-yellow. The eight color combinations of the bottom 16% with rating scores under 2.38 almost always included green, turquoise, or purple as a target or background. Negative image polarity (higher luminance color image shown on a lower luminance color background) was preferred over positive image polarity (lower luminance color image shown on a higher luminance color background) by the subjects. The θ and α band power in the right hemisphere were greater than those in the left hemisphere during the experiment. There seemed to be no linear correlation between the rating scores of subjective preferences and brain wave power of θ and α bands, so the possibility of using brain wave power to measure subjective preference is questionable.
Dichotomous Scoring of Trails B in Patients Referred for a Dementia Evaluation
Authors: Schmitt Andrew L. , Livingston Ronald B. , Smernoff Eric N. , Harris James B. , Waits Bethany L. , Davis Kent M.
Published: May 2010

The Trail Making Test is a popular neuropsychological test and its interpretation has traditionally used time-based scores. This study examined an alternative approach to scoring that is simply based on the examinees' ability to complete the test. If an examinee is able to complete Trails B successfully, they are coded as “completers”; if not, they are coded as “noncompleters.” To assess this approach to scoring Trails B, the performance of 97 diagnostically heterogeneous individuals referred for a dementia evaluation was examined. In this sample, 55 individuals successfully completed Trails B and 42 individuals were unable to complete it. Point-biserial correlations indicated a moderate-to-strong association ( rpb = .73) between the Trails B completion variable and the Total Scale score of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neurological Status (RBANS), which was larger than the correlation between the Trails B time-based score and the RBANS Total Scale score ( rpb =.60). As a screen for dementia status, Trails B completion showed a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 100% in this sample. These results suggest that dichotomous scoring of Trails B might provide a brief and clinically useful measure of dementia status.
Strategic Use of Number Representation is Independent of Test Instruction in Random Number Generation
Authors: Strenge Hans , Rogge Carolin
Published: May 2010

The effects of different instructions on verbal random number generation were examined in 40 healthy students who attempted to generate random sequences of the digits 1 to 6. Two groups of 20 received different instructions with alternative numerical representations. The Symbolic group (Arabic digits) was instructed to randomize while continuously using the analogy of selecting and replacing numbered balls from a hat, whereas the Nonsymbolic group (arrays of dots) was instructed to imagine repeatedly throwing a die. Participants asked for self-reports on their strategies reported spontaneously occurring visuospatial imagination of a mental number line (42%), or imagining throwing a die (23%). Individual number representation was not affected by the initial instruction. There were no differences in randomization performance by group. Comprehensive understanding of the nature of the randomization task requires considering individual differences in construction of mental models.
Dysfunctional Workplace Behavior among Municipal Employees in Spanish and Finnish Cities: A Cross-National Comparison
Authors: Varhama Lasse M. , Báguena María José , Toldos María Paz , Beleña María Ángeles , Roldán María Consuelo , Díaz Amelia , Österman Karin , Björkqvist Kaj
Published: May 2010

A comparative study measuring differences in the prevalence of conflicts, burnout, bullying, and sexual harassment among municipal employees between two European cities was conducted using a self-report instrument, the Psychosocial Workplace Inventory. The cities were Valencia, Spain ( n = 1,007) and Vaasa, Finland ( n = 1,979). Significant differences were found between reports of employees from the two cities. The Spanish employees reported higher scores on every type of dysfunctional workplace behavior measured: conflicts, burnout, bullying, and sexual harassment.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Rhythmic, Stationary Basketball Bouncing in Skilled and Unskilled Players
Authors: Katsuhara Yoji , Fujii Shinya , Kametani Ryosuke , Oda Shingo
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of rhythmic, stationary basketball bouncing in skilled and unskilled adult basketball players. Skilled ( n = 12) and unskilled ( n = 11) basketball players were asked to bounce a basketball every 700 msec, in as temporally stable and spatially accurate a manner as possible, while keeping their eyes fixed straight ahead. Spatial analyses revealed a lower variability of the ball bouncing point and less deviation from a target point in the performance of skilled players compared to unskilled players. Temporal analyses revealed no significant difference in variability of the interbounce interval in skilled versus unskilled players. However, skilled players had longer and more consistent contact time between hand and ball compared to the unskilled players. These results suggest that longer and more consistent hand contact with the ball play an important role in spatial control of basketball bouncing position.
Performance on the Portable Rod and Frame Test Predicts Variation in Learning the Kayak Roll
Authors: Hodgson Christopher I. , Christian Edward , McMorris Terry
Published: May 2010

Expert performers in sports that include a high proportion of closed skills have often been found to score relatively high in field independence tests; a field-independent cognitive style may be advantageous for learning and performance of closed skills. The relationship between field dependence-independence (measured on a Portable Rod and Frame Test) and the acquisition of a kayak skill was examined. Undergraduates (6 men, 11 women; M age = 21.6 yr., SD = 3.2) who had no previous kayaking experience participated. Participants completed a structured teaching session (2 hr.) designed to develop three key subskills necessary for the kayak roll. Number of trials taken to consistently perform the underwater orientation and paddle movement subskills and duration of practice taken to develop the upper/lower body separation subskill as well as participants' ability to complete the roll were assessed. Field independence was associated with better performance of subskills and skill acquisition tests. Learners with greater field independence may have an advantage when acquiring sport skills that require cognitive restructuring and a strong reliance on kinesthetic and proprioceptive feedback.