bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of prolactin-related vasoinhibin in sera from patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Triebel Jakob , Huefner Michael , Ramadori Giuliano
Published: May 2009

Objective

In vitro experiments and in vivo studies on rodents demonstrate that N-terminal 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 kDa fragments prolactin-related vasoinhibin (PRL-V) of human PRL are natural inhibitors of neovascularization in the retina and elsewhere. These N-terminal PRL fragments belong to a family of peptides named vasoinhibins, which act as endogenous regulators of angiogenesis and vascular function. These observations led to the hypothesis that PRL-V could play a role in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy have aberrant concentrations of PRL-V in the circulating blood.

Research design

We performed a case–control study and developed a new technique to semi-quantitatively determine PRL-V in serum samples from 48 male subjects. The case group consisted of 21 patients with diabetes mellitus and proliferative or non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The control group consisted of 27 healthy subjects with no history of diabetes mellitus.

Methods

For the detection of PRL-V, we developed a new analytical method, consisting of immunologic and laser-induced fluorescence techniques.

Results

The case group had significantly lower PRL-V serum concentrations than the control group (P=0.041). There was no significant difference between patients with proliferative and those with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

We conclude that given the antiangiogenic and antivasopermeability actions of PRL-V, the decreased serum levels of PRL-V in patients with diabetes mellitus could contribute to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Características estruturais e índice de tombamento de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk em pastagens diferidas
Authors: Santos Manoel Eduardo Rozalino , Fonseca Dilermando Miranda da , Euclides Valéria Pacheco Batista , Nascimento Júnior Domicio do , Queiroz Augusto César de , Ribeiro Júnior José Ivo
Published: May 2009

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito dos períodos de diferimento e de pastejo sobre a densidade populacional de perfilhos, a massa dos componentes morfológicos da forragem e o índice de tombamento em pastagens de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk. Dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro denominado ano 1 e, o segundo, ano 2. Adotou-se o esquema de parcelas subdivididas, segundo o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com duas repetições para cada combinação dos períodos de diferimento da pastagem com os períodos de pastejo. No ano 1, os períodos de diferimento foram 103, 121, 146 e 163 dias; e no ano 2, foram 73, 103, 131 e 163 dias. Os períodos de pastejo foram 1, 29, 57 e 85 dias. O aumento do período de diferimento elevou a densidade populacional de perfilhos reprodutivos (ano 2: de 37 para 304 perfilhos/m²) e reduziu a de perfilhos vegetativos (ano 1: de 1.253 para 889 perfilhos/m²; ano 2: de 1.235 para 627 perfilhos/m²). Durante o período de pastejo, ocorreu diminuição no número de perfilhos vegetativo (ano 1: de 988 para 868 perfilhos/m²) e reprodutivo (ano 1: de 216 para 0 perfilhos/m²; ano 2: de 203 para 0 perfilhos/m²) e aumento no número de perfilhos mortos (ano 1: 463 para 1.088 perfilhos/m²; ano 2: de 341 para 1.010 perfilhos/m²). Pastagens sob maiores períodos de diferimento e de pastejo apresentaram maior massa de colmo morto (6.093 e 3.819 kg/ha de MS nos anos 1 e 2, respectivamente) e menor massa de lâmina foliar verde (341 e 177 kg/ha de MS nos anos 1 e 2, respectivamente). Pastos de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, submetidos a longos períodos de diferimento e de pastejo possuem características estruturais desfavoráveis à produção animal.
Soil acidification as a confounding factor on metal phytotoxicity in soils spiked with copper-rich mine wastes
Authors: Ginocchio Rosanna , de la Fuente Luz María , Sánchez Pablo , Bustamante Elena , Silva Yasna , Urrestarazu Paola , Rodríguez Patricio H.
Published: May 2009

Pollution of soil with mine wastes results in both Cu enrichment and soil acidification. This confounding effect may be very important in terms of phytotoxicity, because pH is a key parameter influencing Cu solubility in soil solution. Laboratory toxicity tests were used to assess the effect of acidification by acidic mine wastes on Cu solubility and on root elongation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Three contrasting substrates (two soils and a commercial sand) and two acidic, Cu-rich mine wastes (oxidized tailings [OxT] and smelter dust [SmD]) were selected as experimental materials. Substrates were spiked with a fixed amount of either SmD or OxT, and the pH of experimental mixtures was then modified in the range of 4.0 to 6.0 and 7.0 using PIPES (piperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)), MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid), and MOPS (3-(N-Morpholino)-propanesulfonic acid) buffers. Chemical (pore-water Cu and pH) and toxicological (root length of barley plants) parameters were determined for experimental mixtures. Addition of SmD and OxT to substrates resulted in acidification (0.11–1.16 pH units) and high levels of soluble Cu and Zn. Neutralization of experimental mixtures with MES (pH 6.0) and MOPS (pH 7.0) buffers resulted in a marked decrease in soluble Cu and Zn, but the intensity of the effect was substrate-dependent. Adjustment of soil pH above the range normally considered to be toxic to plants (pH in water extract, >5.5) significantly reduced metal toxicity in barley, but phytotoxicity was not completely eliminated. The present results stress the importance of considering confounding effects on derivation of toxicity thresholds to plants when using laboratory phytotoxicity tests.
The Incremental Value of Troponin Biomarkers in Risk Stratification of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Is the Relationship Multiplicative?
Authors: Amin Amit P , Nathan Sandeep , Vassallo Patricia , Calvin James E
Published: May 2009

Structured Abstract

Objective:

To emphasize the importance of troponin in the context of a new score for risk stratifying acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients. Although troponins have powerful prognostic value, current ACS scores do not fully capitalize this prognostic ability. Here, we weigh troponin status in a multiplicative manner to develop the TRACS score from previously published Rush score risk factors (RRF).

Methods:

2,866 ACS patients (46.7% troponin positive) from 9 centers comprising the TRACS registry, were randomly split into derivation (n=1,422) and validation (n=1,444) cohorts. In the derivation sample, RRF sum was multiplied by 3 if troponins were positive to yield the TRACS score, which was grouped into five categories of 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-15 (multiples of 3). Predictive performance of this score to predict hospital death was ascertained in the validation sample.

Results:

The TRACS score had ROC AUC of 0.71 in the validation cohort. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, likelihood-ratio and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) test indicated that weighing troponin status with 3 in the TRACS score improved the prediction of mortality. Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated sound model fit.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that weighing troponin as a multiple of 3 yields robust prognostication of hospital mortality in ACS patients, when used in the context of the TRACS score.
Preventing Children's Tobacco Consumption
Authors: Adams Michael
Published: May 2009

Careers of smokers almost always start in youth, and as a result, the tobacco industry reaps large returns from each cigarette smoked by children. An additional tax on cigarettes smoked by minors commensurate with the social damage and declining with a smoker's age should and can be introduced, according to Michael Adams.
Value judgments and perceived self-efficacy of biology teacher candidates
Authors: Öztaş Fulya , Dilmac Bülent
Published: May 2009

The main values perception of biology teacher candidates was examined, as well as the effects of those values on self-efficacy perception. Research was conducted on a heterogeneous group of 162 biology teacher candidates (44 males and 118 females) studying at the Faculty of Education,
Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. The Teacher Self-Efficiency Scale developed on the basis of Bandura's theory by Schwarzer, Schmitz, and Daytner (1999) was modified and applied in this research in order to measure the self-efficacy perception of teachers. Findings demonstrate that
teachers' values significantly predict their professional self-efficacy levels.
Reducing service agents' emotional labor by emotion-focused human resource management practices
Authors: Chen Ling-Hsiu , Lin Shang-Ping
Published: May 2009

To uncover the effectiveness of human resource strategy for emotional labor, this study was designed to explore the relationships between human resource management practices and the consequences of emotional labor of service agents in Taiwan's service industry. Results indicated that
all human resource practices (recruitment, selection, socialization and training, performance appraisal, and reward systems) can reduce emotional exhaustion and enhance the feelings of personal accomplishment for service agents.
The relationship of transformational leadership with group cohesiveness and emotional intelligence
Authors: Wang Yung-Shui , Huang Tung-Chun
Published: May 2009

Previous work on transformational leadership has focused predominantly on individual level analysis, while less attention has been paid to investigating why leaders engage in transformational leadership. In this study, group level outcomes pertaining to cohesiveness as well as the antecedent
factor of emotional intelligence as it relates to transformational leadership are investigated. Data were collected from 51 department managers and 252 employees in 23 small-medium textile business firms in Taiwan. Results indicate that both emotional intelligence and group cohesiveness are
positively associated with transformational leadership. In addition, transformational leadership mediates the relationship between leaders' emotional intelligence and group cohesiveness. Implications of the findings in terms of theory and practice are discussed.
Reliability of Traditional Cephalometric Landmarks as Seen in Three-Dimensional Analysis in Maxillary Expansion Treatments
Authors: Lagravère Manuel O. , Gordon Jillian M. , Guedes Ines H. , Flores-Mir Carlos , Carey Jason P. , Heo Giseon , Major Paul W.
Published: May 2009

Objective: To evaluate intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of 3D CBCT-generated landmarks previously used in traditional 2D cephalometry.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four CBCTs NewTom 3G (Aperio Services, Verona, Italy) were randomly selected from patients participating in a clinical trial involving maxillary expansion treatments. The principal investigator located the landmarks five times, and four other investigators located the same landmarks once. Intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability values were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). To assist in interpretation of the clinical significance of landmark identification differences, average mean differences for x, y, and z landmark coordinates were determined from the repeated assessments. Landmarks then were separated into groups with respect to the region they represented and then were compared via repeated measures ANOVA and multiple comparisons via Bonferroni corrected α.

Results: Intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability for x, y, and z coordinates for all landmarks were acceptable, all being greater than 0.80. Most of the mean measurement differences obtained from trials within the principal investigator in all three axes were less than 1.5 mm. Inter-examiner mean measurement differences generally were larger than the intra-examiner differences.

Conclusions: Based on this, the best landmarks for use in verifying expansion treatment results are Ekm, buccal surface, and apexes of upper molars, upper premolars and upper canines, and buccal surfaces of lower molars and lower canines. Foramen Spinosum, ELSA, Auditory External Meatus, and Dorsum Foramen Magnum demonstrated adequate reliability for determining a standardized reference system.
Orthodontic Treatment of Malocclusion Improves Impaired Skillfulness of Masticatory Jaw Movements
Authors: Tome Wakako , Yashiro Kohtaro , Takada Kenji
Published: May 2009

Objective: To investigate whether individuals with malocclusion show less skillfulness, as represented by kinematic parameters that characterize masticatory jaw movement, compared with those having normal occlusion and, if so, to examine whether more skilled movements are achieved after completion of orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods: Lower incisor point movement in space during gum chewing was recorded, and the kinematic traits of such movement were compared among four subject groups: a Control Group (36 females with good occlusion), a Malocclusion Group (24 females with dental malocclusions), an Extraction Group (31 females who had received orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction) and a Nonextraction Group (27 females who had been treated orthodontically without tooth extraction). Before treatment, all subjects in the three experimental groups exhibited dental malocclusions and skeletal class I jaw-base relationship.

Results: Compared with the Malocclusion Group, the lower normalized jerk-cost, the shorter phase durations, the more symmetric property of the velocity profile, and the smaller variance of lateral jaw-closing trajectories near the tooth intercuspation position were determined in the Extraction Group and the Nonextraction Group as well as in the Control Group.

Conclusions: As measured by kinematic parameters such as normalized jerk-costs, velocity profile, and variance of movement trajectories near the endpoint of movement, dental malocclusions were associated with significantly lower skillfulness of masticatory jaw motion, whereas good occlusion and orthodontically improved occlusion (either with or without premolar extraction) were both associated with more skillful motion.
Cytotoxicity and Degree of Conversion of Orthodontic Adhesives
Authors: Jagdish Nithya , Padmanabhan Sridevi , Chitharanjan Arun B. , Revathi J. , Palani Gunasekaran , Sambasivam Mohana , Sheriff Khaleefathullah , Saravanamurali K.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the cytotoxicity related to the modes of polymerization of five commercially available orthodontic bonding resins, with and without an oxygen-inhibited layer (OIL), and to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of these resins and correlate this to cytotoxicity.

Materials and Methods: Five commercially available orthodontic bonding resins were tested for cytotoxicity and DC. Thirty-six disks of standardized dimensions, for each resin, were used for cytotoxicity assessment. Half of them were washed with 99% acetone to remove the OIL (washed resins), and the remaining disks were left intact (intact resins). Glass disks were used as a control. Vero cells were exposed to intact and washed resins on day 1. Cell viability was determined by tetrazolium bromide reduction assay 1, 3, and 6 days after exposure. The DC of the adhesive specimens of each resin, prepared with a procedure identical to the clinical bonding process, was assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Results: Single-cured systems were comparatively less cytotoxic than dual-cured systems. With removal of the OIL, increased cell viability was noted only with two resins on all three days. Resins tested showed differences in DC. A positive correlation was demonstrated by two resins.

Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. Single-cured systems are superior to dual-cured systems in exhibiting comparatively less toxicity and higher DC. A significant positive correlation was not established between cytotoxicity and DC.
Face and Neck Dermatitis from a Stainless Steel Orthodontic Appliance
Authors: Ehrnrooth Minna , Kerosuo Heidi
Published: May 2009

Although nickel is the most common cause of contact allergy, nickel-containing orthodontic appliances seldom cause adverse reactions that result in discontinuation of treatment. We report on an eruption of dermatitis in the face and neck of an adult female patient after placement of a rapid maxillary expansion appliance (RME). Because the patient suspected nickel allergy, her tolerance to the appliance material was tested intraorally before treatment by cementing bands on four teeth for a week. No visible adverse reactions were seen during the test. One week after cementation of the RME appliance, the patient reported strong itching of the face and a red rash. Clinical examination showed itchy papular erythema on the face and neck. No intraoral reactions or symptoms were present. The RME appliance was removed, and symptoms disappeared in 4 to 5 days. The patient was referred for a nickel patch test, which gave a strong positive result. Adverse patient reactions of potential allergic origin should be diagnosed carefully, and their possible impact on further treatment should be evaluated accordingly.
Molecular Markers of Early Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Brooks Patricia Joyce , Nilforoushan Dorrin , Manolson Morris Frank , Simmons Craig A. , Gong Siew-Ging
Published: May 2009

Objective: To understand the molecular basis of early orthodontic tooth movement by looking at the expression of KI-67, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11 (RANKL) proteins.

Materials and Methods: We employed a rat model of early orthodontic tooth movement using a split-mouth design (where contralateral side serves as a control) and performed immunohistochemical staining to map the spatial expression patterns of three proteins at 3 and 24 hours after appliance insertion.

Results: We observed increased expression of KI-67, a proliferation marker, and RANKL, a molecule associated with osteoclastic differentiation, in the compression sites of the periodontal ligament subjected to 3 hours of force. In contrast, there was increased expression of KI-67 and Runx2, a marker of osteoblast precursors, in tension areas after 24 hours of force. Decreased KI-67 expression in the mesial and distal regions of the periodontal ligament was observed at the midpoint of the tooth root.

Conclusions: The early RANKL expression indicates that at this early stage cells are involved in osteoclast precursor signaling. Also, decreased KI-67 expression found near the midpoint of the tooth root is believed to represent the center of rotation, providing a molecular means of visualizing mechanical loading patterns.
Insulin-Stimulated Cardiac Glucose Oxidation Is Increased in High-Fat Diet–Induced Obese Mice Lacking Malonyl CoA Decarboxylase
Authors: Ussher John R. , Koves Timothy R. , Jaswal Jagdip S. , Zhang Liyan , Ilkayeva Olga , Dyck Jason R.B. , Muoio Deborah M. , Lopaschuk Gary D.
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE

Whereas an impaired ability to oxidize fatty acids is thought to contribute to intracellular lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and cardiac dysfunction, high rates of fatty acid oxidation could also impair glucose metabolism and function. We therefore determined the effects of diet-induced obesity (DIO) in wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient for malonyl CoA decarboxylase (MCD−/−; an enzyme promoting mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation) on insulin-sensitive cardiac glucose oxidation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

WT and MCD−/− mice were fed a low- or high-fat diet for 12 weeks, and intramyocardial lipid metabolite accumulation was assessed. A parallel feeding study was performed to assess myocardial function and energy metabolism (nanomoles per gram of dry weight per minute) in isolated working hearts (+/– insulin).

RESULTS

DIO markedly reduced insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation compared with low fat–fed WT mice (167 ± 31 vs. 734 ± 125; P < 0.05). MCD−/− mice subjected to DIO displayed a more robust insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation (554 ± 82 vs. 167 ± 31; P < 0.05) and less incomplete fatty acid oxidation, evidenced by a decrease in long-chain acylcarnitines compared with WT counterparts. MCD−/− mice had long-chain acyl CoAs similar to those of WT mice subjected to DIO but had increased triacylglycerol levels (10.92 ± 3.72 vs. 3.29 ± 0.62 μmol/g wet wt; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

DIO does not impair cardiac fatty acid oxidation or function, and there exists disassociation between myocardial lipid accumulation and insulin sensitivity. Our results suggest that MCD deficiency is not detrimental to the heart in obesity.
Correlation of Flicker-Induced and Flow-Mediated Vasodilatation in Patients With Endothelial Dysfunction and Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Pemp Berthold , Weigert Günther , Karl Katharina , Petzl Ursula , Wolzt Michael , Schmetterer Leopold , Garhofer Gerhard
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE

Flicker-induced vasodilatation is reduced in patients with vascular-related diseases, which has at least partially been attributed to endothelial dysfunction of retinal vessels. Currently, the standard method to assess endothelial function in vivo is flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD). Thus, the present study was performed to investigate whether a correlation exists between flicker-induced vasodilatation and FMD in patients with known endothelial dysfunction and healthy subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the present study, 20 patients with type 1 diabetes, 40 patients with systemic hypertension (systolic blood pressure 140–159 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure 90–99 mmHg) and/or serum cholesterol levels ≥0.65 mmol/l, and 20 healthy control subjects were included. The flicker response was measured using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyzer. FMD was determined using a high-resolution ultrasound system, measuring brachial artery diameter reactivity during reperfusion after arterial occlusion.

RESULTS

The flicker response of both retinal arteries and veins was significantly reduced in the two patients groups. Likewise, FMD was significantly reduced in patients compared with healthy control subjects. However, only a weak correlation between flicker-induced vasodilatation and FMD was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirms that flicker responses and FMD are reduced in the selected patient groups. Whether the weak correlation between FMD and flicker is due to the different stimulation type, the different vascular beds measured, or other mechanisms has yet to be investigated.
Relation of Body Mass Index and Body Fat Mass for Spanish University Students, Taking into Account Leisure-Time Physical Activity
Authors: Molina-García Javier , Castillo Isabel , Pablos Carlos , Queralt Ana
Published: May 2009

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the relation of Body Mass Index with body fat mass while taking into account the amount of leisure-time physical activity for 299 male university students. Body fat mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. An estimation of energy expenditure in leisure-time physical activity in metabolic equivalents (METs) was obtained so participants were divided into six activity groups by percentile: no physical activity by the first group and participants physically active were divided into five groups by percentiles: <25%, 26–50%, 51–75%, 76–90%, and 91–100%. Correlations of Body Mass Index with body fat mass were strong in different groups—values ranged from .76 to .85, except for the >90% group.
Adolescents' Cognition of Projectile Motion: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhao Jun-Yan , Yu Guoliang
Published: May 2009

Previous work on the development of intuitive knowledge about projectile motion has shown a dissociation between action knowledge expressed on an action task and conceptual knowledge expressed on a judgment task for young children. The research investigated the generality of dissociation for adolescents. On the action task, participants were asked to swing Ball A of a bifilar pendulum to some height then release it to collide with Ball B, which was projected to hit a target. On the judgment task, participants indicated orally the desired swing angle at which Ball A should be released so that Ball B would strike a target. Unlike previous findings with adults, the adolescents showed conceptual difficulties on the judgment task and well-developed action knowledge on the action task, which suggests dissociation between the two knowledge systems is also present among adolescents. The result further supports the hypothesis that the two knowledge systems follow different developmental trajectories and at different speeds.
Measurement of Spontaneity: The Relationship between Intensity and Frequency of the Spontaneous Experience
Authors: Kipper David A , Buras Eva
Published: May 2009

In the present article, the construct validity of one aspect of the definition of spontaneity is examined. Two ways of measuring spontaneity are presented. One involves the use of the revised version of a Spontaneity Assessment Inventory in which respondents are asked to indicate the intensity of the feeling of spontaneity they experience during a typical day. The second was a specially worded version of the Spontaneity Assessment Inventory–Revised: respondents were asked to indicate the frequency with which they experienced spontaneity during a typical day. 81 students responded to the two versions, which were given 1 wk. apart. The order of administration of the two versions was counterbalanced across the participants. The very high positive correlation between versions ( r = .84) suggests that either measure may be used as an estimator of spontaneity.
Role of Exercise Stages in Self-Reported Health-Promoting Behaviors of a Group of Turkish Adolescents at Transition to University
Authors: İnce Mustafa Levent , Ebem Zeynep
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the self-perceived health-promoting behaviors with respect to exercise stages of Turkish adolescents at transition from high school to university. Participants were 358 adolescents (192 boys, 166 girls) who were accepted to a research university for undergraduate education. The Adolescent Health Promotion Scale was used to examine Nutrition, Health Responsibility, Life Appreciation, Social Support, Exercise and Stress Management behaviors. Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire was used to examine the exercise stages of change. Scores were lowest for Exercise and highest for Life Appreciation regardless of exercise stage. All health-promoting behaviors differed by exercise stage. Participants at lower exercise stages had lower scores. Interventions should focus on increasing physical activity of physically inactive adolescents for holistic development of all health-promoting behaviors.
Effects of Playing Video Games on Pain Response during a Cold Pressor Task
Authors: Raudenbush Bryan , Koon Jerrod , Cessna Trevor , McCombs Kristin
Published: May 2009

Two studies assessed whether playing video games would significantly distract participants from painful stimulation via a cold pressor test. In Study 1, participants (8 men, 22 women, M age= 18.5 yr., SD = 1.3) in an action-oriented game condition tolerated pain for a longer time period and reported lower pain intensity ratings than those in a nonaction-oriented game or a nongame control condition. No differences were found on scores of aggressiveness, competitiveness, or prior video game experience, suggesting that these factors play little role. In Study 2, participants (14 men, 13 women, M age= 19.7 yr., SD= 1.3) engaged in six video game conditions (action, fighting, puzzle, sports, arcade, and boxing) and a nongame control condition. Video game play produced an increase in pulse, which was greatest during the action, fighting, sports, and boxing games. Pain tolerance was greatest during the sports and fighting games. Thus, certain games produce greater distraction, which may have implications for the medical field as an adjunct to pain management.
Children's Imitations of Movements are Goal-Directed and Context-Specific
Authors: Mizuguchi Takashi , Sugimura Ryoko , Deguchi Toshisada
Published: May 2009

Previous research indicates that imitation of gestures in preschool children is goal-directed. A goal may be a salient feature from a presented movement; that goal may be imitated correctly, but other features were ignored, resulting in observable errors. Objects (e.g., a dot on the table) can become the most salient features and presence or absence of objects influences imitation responses. Imitation responses were examined under conditions in which objects could not be used directly as the most salient feature. 60 children ( M age = 5:6) were assigned to Gestural, Dot, No-dot, and Un-dot conditions, and they were asked to imitate 20 movements. The type of presented movement and the occurrence of correct, mirror, and error responses were examined. Responses in the Un-dot condition were similar to those in the Dot condition. Error responses in the Un-dot condition were related to age. Children may extract a more abstract feature in a context without visible objects. This ability is associated with a cognitive mechanism developed in preschool years.
A Study of Optimal Handle Shape and Muscle Strength Distribution on Lower Arm When Holding a Foil
Authors: Chang Chih-Lin , Li Kai-Way , Lin Fang-Tsan , Jou Yung-Tsan , Huang Chuen-Der
Published: May 2009

The strength of five working muscle groups of the lower arms of 8 male fencers, including adductor pollicis, extensor carpi radialis, flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi ulnaris, and flexor carpi ulnaris, were examined during competition. Root mean square values of muscular electromyographic signals indicated that the shape of foil handles significantly influenced distribution of working strength of each muscle group. Use of the Pistol-Viscounti type of foil handle showed better distribution of strength among the 5 muscle groups than did other types of foils. Using the Pistol-Viscounti foil handle not only reduced muscular fatigue but also lessened cumulative trauma symptoms while holding a foil for a long duration.
Verbal Regulation of Grip Force in Preschoolers
Authors: Haishi Koichi , Komatsu Ayumi , Okuzumi Hideyuki , Kokubun Mitsuru , Kitajima Yoshio , Hosobuchi Tomio
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study was to clarify the developmental processes in verbal regulation by preschool children. Participants were 152 typically developing children (74 boys, 78 girls) between 4 and 6 years of age ( M = 5.3, SD =.8), and 30 healthy adults (15 men, 15 women) between 19 and 26 years of age ( M = 20.8, SD = 1.4). In Exp. 1, the task was to regulate grip force based on quantitative instruction which implies using a scale for regulation. Participants were required to produce a half-grip force of the maximum (Task 1). In Exp. 2, the task was grip-force regulation based on nonquantitative instruction. The participants were asked to respond with a slightly weaker grip force than the maximum (Task 2) and then a further weaker grip force (Task 3) than that used on Task 2. The regulation rates produced the extent of regulation and suggest regulation by quantitative instruction may develop earlier than by nonquantitative instruction. Also, precise grip-force regulation based on the semantic aspect of instruction may be difficult for young children. The developmental changes in the rate of performance especially observed in children of 4 to 6 years indicate that the tendency to use too much grip force disappears during this preschool period. In addition, too little grip force in regulation may reflect the developmental process toward fine grasping movements.
Regional Differences in Spatial Frame of Reference Systems for People in Different Areas of China
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Kan
Published: May 2009

Levinson defined spatial frame of reference systems into three types and found that people who spoke different languages all over the world had different habits in the use of these systems. Some quasi-experimental designed research in China suggested that Chinese people in various areas had different preferences for frame of reference systems in nonlinguistic spatial tasks. In this study, a newly designed and strictly controlled laboratory experiment was conducted to measure performance on linguistic spatial tasks. Response times of two groups of participants, respectively selected from the north (10 men and 12 women; M age = 24 yr., SD = 4) and south (11 men and 12 women; M age = 24 yr., SD = 3) of China, were compared on processing of spatial terms used in different systems: absolute (e.g., east) versus relative (e.g., right). To reduce the effect of living experience, the Northern participants with less than 4 yr. living experience in the south of China were included, and vice versa. Analysis showed that Southerners, but not Northerners, differed in response times to terms between absolute and relative systems. This finding suggests that speed of processing spatial terms differs among people who speak the uniform language Mandarin but live in geographically distinct home areas in China and use different frame of reference systems.
Postural Stability of Athletes in Special Olympics
Authors: Dellavia Claudia , Pallavera Andrea , Orlando Fabiana , Sforza Chiarella
Published: May 2009

To assess body equilibrium in athletes with intellectual disability, 60 adults with intellectual disability (30 Down syndrome, 30 nonsyndromic) participating in the 2005 Italian Special Olympics games were tested, and data for 30 healthy control adults were tested. Each subject performed four posturographic tests with open eyes, open eyes and cotton rolls between antagonist teeth, and closed eyes and cotton rolls between teeth. For each subject and test, oscillations of the body's center of foot pressure on a force platform were measured. Comparisons of the center of foot pressure sway area between groups were computed. Ratios of the sway area for the center of foot pressure among experimental conditions were compared for all athletes. The athletes with Down syndrome had larger sway of center of foot pressure area than controls and smaller than that of athletes for the nonsyndromic. All participants oscillated less with open eyes than with closed eyes. The cotton rolls reduced the sway area for the center of foot pressure by participants, while athletes with intellectual disability showed larger body sway than healthy ones, but cotton rolls between the teeth seemed to improve their postural performance.
Evaluating Independent Proportions for Statistical Difference, Equivalence, Indeterminacy, and Trivial Difference Using Inferential Confidence Intervals
Authors: Tryon Warren W. , Lewis Charles
Published: May 2009

Tryon presented a graphic inferential confidence interval (ICI) approach to analyzing two independent and dependent means for statistical difference, equivalence, replication, indeterminacy, and trivial difference. Tryon and Lewis corrected the reduction factor used to adjust descriptive confidence intervals (DCIs) to create ICIs and introduced trivial statistical difference. They also introduced hybrid confidence intervals containing both ICI and DCI limits as replacements for error bars. This article generalizes the ICI method to include asymmetric as well as symmetric confidence intervals. Application is made to two independent proportions, odds, odds ratios, and log odds.
Sample Size Estimation in Cluster Randomized Educational Trials: An Empirical Bayes Approach
Authors: Rotondi Michael A. , Donner Allan
Published: May 2009

The educational field has now accumulated an extensive literature reporting on values of the intraclass correlation coefficient, a parameter essential to determining the required size of a planned cluster randomized trial. We propose here a simple simulation-based approach including all relevant information that can facilitate this task. An example and corresponding computer code is attached.
John Murray Carnochan (1817–1887): the first description of successful surgery for trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: May 2009

Description of and treatment for trigeminal neuralgia has a long history. One pivotal pioneer in this disease, however, has been more or less lost to history, along with his first description of a series of patients treated successfully for trigeminal neuralgia with surgery. John Murray Carnochan, a surgeon practicing in New York City, performed successful neurosurgery on 3 patients some 3 decades earlier than the first commonly accepted successful procedure by William Rose of London in 1890. In the present paper, the authors discuss the life of Dr. Carnochan and his descriptions of patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Based on this review, John Murray Carnochan should properly be remembered as the first surgeon to perform successful neurosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia.
Characterization of a fatal methyl bromide exposure by analysis of the water cooler
Authors: Hewitt David J. , Gandy Jay
Published: May 2009

Background

A suspected inhalation exposure to methyl bromide (MeBr) in the packaging and shipping area of a chemical manufacturer resulted in a worker fatality and several symptomatic cases. However, air testing was negative for MeBr resulting in uncertainty regarding the potential chemical exposure. Methods of quickly confirming the exposure and magnitude were sought.

Methods

Head space air and water samples were obtained from the breakroom water cooler in the facility and tested for MeBr.

Results

Increased levels of MeBr were identified in the air and water samples from the cooler and used to calculate the MeBr concentration of air entering the cooler. The MeBr air concentration within the breakroom was estimated as 1,200–2,100 ppm depending on assumptions regarding the amount of water dispensed from the cooler both before and during the incident.

Conclusions

Estimated MeBr air concentrations in the breakroom were consistent with those known to be associated with reported health effects among the involved workers. The water cooler analysis represented a unique method of retrospectively verifying and quantifying exposure to MeBr. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:579–586, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating the growth models of news stories on disasters
Authors: Wei Jiuchang , Zhao Dingtao , Liang Liang
Published: May 2009

Understanding the growth models of news stories on disasters is a key issue for efficient disaster management. This article proposes a method to identify three growth models: the Damped Exponential Model, the Normal Model, and the Fluctuating Model. This method is proven to be valid using the 112 disasters occurring between 2003 and 2008. The factors that influence the likelihood of the growth models include disaster types, newsworthy material, disaster severity, and economic development of the affected area. This article suggests that disaster decision‐makers can identify the respective likelihood of the three growth models of news stories when a disaster happens, and thereby implement effective measures in response to the disaster situation.
A model for online consumer health information quality
Authors: Stvilia Besiki , Mon Lorri , Yi Yong Jeong
Published: May 2009

This article describes a model for online consumer health information consisting of five quality criteria constructs. These constructs are grounded in empirical data from the perspectives of the three main sources in the communication process: health information providers, consumers, and intermediaries, such as Web directory creators and librarians, who assist consumers in finding healthcare information. The article also defines five constructs of Web page structural markers that could be used in information quality evaluation and maps these markers to the quality criteria. Findings from correlation analysis and multinomial logistic tests indicate that use of the structural markers depended significantly on the type of Web page and type of information provider. The findings suggest the need to define genre‐specific templates for quality evaluation and the need to develop models for an automatic genre‐based classification of health information Web pages. In addition, the study showed that consumers may lack the motivation or literacy skills to evaluate the information quality of health Web pages, which suggests the need to develop accessible automatic information quality evaluation tools and ontologies.
Combustion synthesis of Na2Sr(PO4)F:Dy3+ white light emitting phosphor
Authors: Nagpure I. M. , Pawade V. B. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: May 2009

The synthesis, X‐ray diffraction, photoluminescence, TGA/DTA and FTIR techniques in Dy3+ activated Na2Sr(PO4)F phosphor are reported in this paper. The prepared phosphor gave blue, yellow and red emission in the visible region of the spectrum at 348 nm excitation. CIE color co‐ordinates of Na2Sr(PO4)F:Dy3+ are suitable as white light‐emitting phosphors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: Directly Relating Gas‐Phase Cluster Measurements to Solution‐Phase Hydrolysis, the Absolute Standard Hydrogen Electrode Potential, and the Absolute Proton Solvation Energy (Chem. Eur. J. 24/2009)
Authors: Donald William A. , Leib Ryan D. , O'Brien Jeremy T. , Williams Evan R.
Published: May 2009

A new method for measuring the absolute standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) potential is demonstrated by E. R. Williams et al. on page 5926 ff. Gaseous clusters containing one of nine different divalent metal ions and 24 water molecules (red and gray spheres) are reduced by thermally generated electrons. From reaction energies measured for nine different metal‐ion‐containing clusters, and other thermochemical data, an average absolute value for the SHE potential of +4.29±0.02 V is obtained. The cover image was created by Mariam ElNaggar.

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Promoter methylation of glutathione S‐transferase π1 and multidrug resistance gene 1 in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and its correlation with DNA methyltransferase 1 expression
Authors: Gao Peng , Yang Xi , Xue Yu‐Wen , Zhang Xiao‐Fang , Wang Yan , Liu Wen‐Jun , Wu Xiao‐Juan
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

The presence of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) π1 (GSTP1) or multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) promoter methylation in lung cancer was studied for the first time to the authors' knowledge; and, to date, the clinical significance of methylation is not clear. The objective of the current study was to determine the promoter methylation status of GSTP1 and MDR1, which encode GST‐π and P‐glycoprotein (Pgp), respectively, in patients with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) and to investigate whether methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)‐mediated GSTP1 or MDR1 methylation are responsible for disease progression and prognosis in patients with BAC.

METHODS:

Protein expression levels of DNTM1, GST‐π, and Pgp were determined by immunohistochemistry in samples from 36 patients with BAC. Promoter methylation status of the GSTP1 and MDR1 genes was determined by using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS:

The results demonstrated a significant correlation between the methylation of the GSTP1 or MDR1 promoters and negative expression of their respective proteins in BAC (P < .05). A significant correlation also was demonstrated between GSTP1 methylation and recurrence‐free and overall survival of patients with BAC. DNMT1 protein expression levels were correlated with GSTP1 promoter methylation and patient prognosis (P < .05). However, no correlation was observed between DNMT1 expression and MDR1 methylation.

CONCLUSIONS:

GSTP1 promoter methylation mediated by DNMT1 may promote BAC progression and could serve as a poor prognostic indicator for patients with this disease. DNMT1 protein expression also may be considered as a prognostic indicator. Methylation of the MDR1 promoter may be mediated through pathways other than DNMT1 in BAC and does not appear to be associated with disease progression or patient prognosis. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Targeting the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor with a monoclonal antibody impairs the growth of human colorectal cancer in the liver
Authors: Van Buren George , Gray Michael J. , Dallas Nikolaos A. , Xia Ling , Lim Sherry J. , Fan Fan , Mazar Andrew P. , Ellis Lee M.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND.

Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expression has been shown to correlate with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors hypothesized that targeting uPAR, a receptor involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and angiogenesis, would impair the growth of CRC in the liver, the most common site of metastasis.

METHODS.

Human CRC cell lines were examined for uPAR expression by Western blot analysis. The in vitro effects of the uPAR monoclonal antibody (MoAb) (ATN‐658) were tested in proliferation and migration assays. For in vivo studies, human HCT116 CRC cells were injected directly into the livers of mice in 2 separate studies, the first to determine the effect of therapy with ATN‐658 on small‐volume disease (therapy begun on Day 4), and a second study to determine the effect of therapy on established disease (therapy begun on Day 12). Mice were randomized to receive either nonspecific immunoglobulin G MoAb (control) or ATN‐658, and were sacrificed 1 month after tumor implantation.

RESULTS.

uPAR was expressed by all CRC cell lines studied. In vitro, ATN‐658 had minimal effect on CRC proliferation in monolayers, but significantly decreased CRC cell migration. In vivo, ATN‐658 lead to significant reductions in tumor growth versus control when initiated either 4 or 12 days after tumor implantation (−65% vs control [P ≤ .05] and −85% vs control [P ≤ .05]). ATN‐658 significantly inhibited in vivo tumor cell proliferation in both studies.

CONCLUSIONS.

uPAR MoAb therapy impaired CRC tumor growth in the liver in both small‐volume and large‐volume disease models. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The association of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and tamoxifen in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Saphner Tom , Triest‐Robertson Shirley , Li Hailun , Holzman Paul
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of liver damage that can progress to cirrhosis. NASH is associated with obesity and diabetes. The condition also may be associated with some medications, including tamoxifen. Early case reports and small series have documented NASH in patients who received tamoxifen.

METHODS:

The records of patients registered in the St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Registry of Green Bay Wisconsin from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2000 were reviewed.

RESULTS:

In total, 1105 patients with breast cancer were evaluated for NASH, and 24 cases of NASH were documented (2.2%). Seven patients had NASH before their diagnosis of breast cancer, and 17 patients developed NASH after their diagnosis of breast cancer. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with NASH were tamoxifen use (odds ratio [OR], 8.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐63.72), body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.20), and age (OR, 95% CI, 0.91‐0.99). NASH improved after tamoxifen was stopped. After discontinuation of tamoxifen, transaminase levels returned to normal in 14 of 16 patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

NASH was present in 24 of 1105 patients with breast cancer (2.2%). Seven patients had NASH before they were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 17 patients developed NASH after their diagnosis. NASH was associated with the use of tamoxifen and improved when tamoxifen was stopped. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.