bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Categories and Student Perceptions in High School Mathematics
Authors: Watt Helen M. G. , Bornholt Laurel J.
Published: August 2006

The plans that adolescent boys and girls make about participating in senior mathematics courses and mathematics‐related careers are often at odds with their actual mathematics achievements. In contrast to explanations relating plans to gender differences in mathematics performance, mathematics participation can be explained by expectancy‐value models of academic choice, based on gendered self‐perceptions, task perceptions, and value judgments. This study with Year 10 Australian students (N= 199) added to an expectancy‐value model the students' current course levels that act as salient social categories. The results suggest that intervention programs need to target perceptions by girls and boys about mathematical talent, as well as making mathematics more useful and interesting to young adults. The findings raise further questions about the stratification of students into separate mathematics courses during the early years of high school.
Bright Cars and Outsiders: Evidence of Asymmetric Estimates in Vehicular Speeds
Authors: Cherry Todd L. , Andrade Pablo
Published: August 2006

Using an improved analysis, this paper provides new evidence regarding the influence of vehicle attributes on the estimation of vehicular speed by an observer. An analysis of speeding records indicates that brightly colored vehicles systematically receive citations for relatively lower speeds. Findings also indicate that trucks were cited for significantly higher speeds than were cars. The findings clarify earlier conflicts in the literature as to whether vehicular characteristics give an impression of higher speed. As an additional topic of investigation, evidence is provided that outsiders, those not living in the jurisdiction, received citations for significantly lower speeds.
The Effects of Trait Driving Anger, Anonymity, and Aggressive Stimuli on Aggressive Driving Behavior
Authors: Ellison‐Potter Patricia , Bell Paul , Deffenbacher Jerry
Published: August 2006

We examined the effects of trait driving anger, aggressive stimuli, and anonymity on aggressive driving behavior in a driving simulation task. High and low driving anger participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (a) anonymous vs. identifiable driver; and (b) exposure to aggressive stimuli versus nonaggressive stimuli. Participants drove more aggressively when they were anonymous (d = .28) and exposed to aggressive stimuli (d = .05). Males drove more aggressively than did females (d = .06). No main or interaction effects were found for trait driving anger. Results suggest that situational factors affecting other forms of aggression are also important in aggressive driving.
Influence Tactics in Plays1
Authors: Kipnis David
Published: August 2006

This paper examines the use of influence by the protagonists of 5 plays: King Lear, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Doll's House, and The Caretaker. The analysis is based on a taxonomy of influence tactics found to be used at work and in affectionate relations. The frequency and strength of the influence tactics used by each protagonist, during each act of the play, are described. Changes in the use of influence are related to the protagonist's control of resources and reasons for influencing. It is suggested that a useful classification of plays may be based on the frequency and strength of influence tactics that are used.
Can I Do It? Will I Try? Personal Efficacy, Assigned Goals, and Performance Norms as Motivators of Individual Performance1
Authors: Gibbons Deborah E. , Weingart Laurie R.
Published: August 2006

This study tested concurrent influences of personal efficacy, assigned goals, and performance norms on individual performance, mediated by personal goals and task‐specific self‐efficacy. Seventy‐seven undergraduate students performed a verbal task in this laboratory experiment that manipulated assigned goal level (low, high) and information about the performance of others (low, high). Relations among variables, including general, domain, and task‐specific self‐efficacy, as well as performance were examined through structural equation modeling. Results demonstrated simultaneous effects of assigned goals and normative information on self‐efficacy, personal goals, and subsequent performance, as well as mediated effects of domain efficacy on performance.
College Students' Given Names: A Test of the Preference‐Feedback Hypothesis1
Authors: ELLINGTON JANE ELIZABETH
Published: August 2006

According to the preference‐feedback hypothesis, liking generally increases with familiarity up to a point and then declines. However, for stimuli such as given names, liking increases monotonically with familiarity, because given names that become too familiar tend to be chosen less frequently by parents, thus becoming less familiar once again. A college sample of 160 men and 211 women provided potential names for first son and first daughter, as well as reasons for their selections. Comparing given names of the research participants with names that they chose for sons and daughters, high‐frequency participants' names occurred less frequently as choices for sons and daughters' names, although this effect was significant for women's names only. Frequency was mentioned as a reason for choices by 10% to 20% of the sample, and significantly more often for daughters' names than for sons' names.
Fairness Perceptions of Employee Promotion Systems: A Two‐Study Investigation of Antecedents and Mediators
Authors: Kaplan David M. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: August 2006

The present research provided a test of the Ferris, Buckley, and Allen (1992) model depicting the antecedents and consequences of promotion systems in organizations. A 2‐study design is utilized to investigate the role of promotion system characteristics as mediating the relationship between organizational factors, environmental factors, and job factors/employee characteristics and perceptions of organizational justice and advancement opportunity. Results provide convergence of support for the model across both studies. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
A Test of a Model of Consumers' Responses to Product‐Manual Safety Information: A Replication and Extension1
Authors: Celuch Kevin , Lust John , Showers Linda
Published: August 2006

Product manuals play an important role in the delivery of marketplace safety information. The present study extends prior conceptualizations of individuals' responses to threat communication by explicitly incorporating coping response efficacy and assessing relationships among arousal dimensions and coping appraisal processes in a more naturalistic context (i. e., in‐home, self‐paced exposure) than previous research. Proposed relationships among arousal, efficacy, and behavioral intentions are tested and largely supported. Based on the findings of the study, issues relevant to researchers and practitioners in the area are discussed.
Affect Generated by Social Comparisons Among Nurses High and Low in Burnout1
Authors: Buunk Bram P. , Ybema Jan F. , van der Zee Karen , Schaufeli Wllmar B. , Gibbons Frederick X.
Published: August 2006

The affective consequences of social comparison were examined in 2 field studies among nurses and related to the 3 dimensions of professional burnout: emotional exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment, and depersonalization. Study t was conducted in a sample of 99 nurses of a psychiatric hospital, and Study 2 in a sample of 237 nurses employed in various settings In general, upward comparisons evoked more positive and less negative affect than did downward comparisons. However, the affective consequences of social comparison were different for those high and low in burnout. Those low in personal accomplishment reported higher levels of negative affect from upward comparisons and higher levels of positive affect from downward comparisons than did those high in personal accomplishment. In addition, in Study 2, those high in depersonalization and emotional exhaustion derived more positive affect from downward comparisons than did those with lower levels of burnout.
Collective Outcomes and Justice Considerations in Evaluating Equalization of a Special‐Education Budget1
Authors: Ybema Jan F. , Hagedoorn Marieut , Buunk Bram P.
Published: August 2006

This study examined evaluations of a proposal to equalize the budget for special education across regions among 1,114 participants affiliated with either mainstream or special education in The Netherlands. In line with predictions, it was found that equalization was more positively evaluated as expected outcomes for the own region were more favorable, and as the procedures and distribution were regarded as more fair. Moreover, equalization was evaluated more positively as referent distributions were rated as less fair. This research shows that perceived quality and fairness of a policy measure are strongly related to the perceived favorability of collective outcomes.
Improving Predictions of Condom Behavioral Intentions With Partner‐Specific Measures of Risk Perception
Authors: Ellen Jonathan M. , Adler Nancy , Gurvey Jill E. , Dunlop Miranda B. V. , Millstein Susan G. , Tschann Jeanne
Published: August 2006

Inconsistent findings regarding the predictive validity of perceptions of risk for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV may be related to the use of nonspecific measures. The objective of this study was to determine whether more specific measures of perceptions of risk for SI Ds and HIV are associated with intentions to use a condom. We interviewed 490 male and female adolescents, 14 to 19 years old, from a free municipal STD clinic. Controlling for whether a condom was used at last sex, the association between perceptions of risk for an STD and HIV with a casual sex partner and intentions to use a condom with a casual sex partner was significant (βHIV= 14, p < .01, and βSTD=.20, p < .01), as was the association between perceptions of risk for an STD and HIV with a main sex partner and intentions to use a condom with a main sex partner (βHIV= .31, p <.001, and βSTD= .32, p < .001). This supports the continued inclusion of this construct in models of sexual and other health‐related behaviors.
Gender Differences in the Relation Between Neighborhood Quality and Cardiovascular Reactivity in African American Adolescents1
Authors: Kliewer Wendy , Wilson Dawn K. , Plybon Laura E.
Published: August 2006

Although research on the influence of neighborhoods on the development of youth is growing, few researchers have examined the impact of neighborhood quality on physiological outcomes or across gender. The present experiment examined gender differences in the association of neighborhood quality and cardiovascular reactivity (increased blood pressure, BP, in response to stress) among 77 healthy African American adolescents (46% male; M age = 14 years). Participants took part in a cold‐face stimulus task to determine reactivity scores. After controlling for baseline BP, family income, and parental education, poorer neighborhood quality was associated with increases in both systolic and diastolic BP to the cold‐face task for females, and decreases in BP for males. Adolescents’ reports of life stress and support from family members did not explain the differential effect of neighborhood quality across gender. Implications for future research are discussed.
The Theory of Reasoned Action as a Model of Children's Health Behavior1
Authors: Morrison Diane M. , Mar Corinne M. , Wells Elizabeth A. , Gillmore Mary Rogers , Hoppe Marilyn J. , Wilsdon Anthony , Murowchick Elise , Archibald Matthew E.
Published: August 2006

This research examined the applicability of the theory of reasoned action to school‐age children. Using structural equation modeling, we longitudinally modeled children's attitudes, norms, intentions, and behavior with regard to drinking alcohol. Respondents were 1,061 children attending public schools in the northwestern United States. Attitude, norms, and intentions (measured when the children were in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades) were used to predict alcohol use 1 year later. Two modifications of the model improved the overall fit at each grade level: separating attitude into 2 dimensions (positive and negative), and adding a path from social norm to behavior. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
The Efficacy Advantage: Factors Related to the Formation of Group Efficacy1
Authors: Gibson Cristina B.
Published: August 2006

Extending previous research investigating factors related to the formation of group efficacy, this research examined predictors across cultures and groups of various types. Based on theories of collective cognition, hypothesized predictors included self‐efficacy, group affect, status differential, and collectivism. These were investigated using 2 methodologies (simulation and field study), each conducted in 2 cultural contexts. Self‐efficacy, group affect, and collectivism were significant predictors, explaining between 27% and 49% of the variance in group efficacy across the studies. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Explaining Façades of Choice: Timing, Justice Effects, and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Weaver Gary R. , Conlon Donald E.
Published: August 2006

Organizations sometimes present their members with facades of choice: situations that appear to promise a choice but that, in fact, do not do so. Our study examines how facades of choice, relative to genuine choice, influence justice perceptions and negative and compensatory behavioral reactions. We then consider how the adequacy and timing of explanations for façades of choice affect justice perceptions and negative and compensatory reactions following façades of choice. Results indicate that the impact of explanations is influenced by their adequacy and timing (before or after one actually suffers the broken promise inherent in a façade of choice), suggesting that the experience of an injustice may frame a person's understanding of the explanation given for that injustice.
The Relationship Between Psychological Needs, Self‐Determined Motivation, Exercise Attitudes, and Physical Fitness1
Authors: Wilson Philip M. , Rodgers WendY M. , Blanchard Chris M. , Gessell Joanne
Published: August 2006

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between psychological need satisfaction (competence, autonomy, and relatedness), exercise regulations, and motivational consequences proposed by Self‐Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2000). The secondary purpose was to explore changes in these constructs over the course of a 12‐week prescribed exercise program. Results indicated competence and autonomy were positively correlated with more self‐determined exercise regulations, which in turn were more positively related to exercise behavior, attitudes, and physical fitness. Multiple regression analyses revealed that exercise behavior mediated the relationship between self‐determined motives and physical fitness, and both identified and intrinsic exercise regulations contributed significantly to the prediction of attitudes. Paired‐sample t tests supported modest to large changes in need satisfaction constructs, as well as identified and intrinsic regulations over the 12‐week exercise program. These results suggest that SDT is a useful framework for studying motivational issues in the exercise domain.
A Game of Inches: Spontaneous Use of Counterfactuals by Broadcasters During Major League Baseball Playoffs1
Authors: Sanna Lawrence J. , Parks Craig D. , Meier Susanne , Chang Edward C. , Kassin Briana R. , Lechter Joshua L. , Turley‐Ames Kandi Jo , Miyake Tina M.
Published: August 2006

We tested whether counterfactuals are made spontaneously outside of the laboratory by coding sportscasters’ online verbalizations during 1998 and 1999 Major League Baseball (MLB) playoff broadcasts, and we assessed whether naturally occurring game features relating to closeness (score closeness, series closeness, game end, and playoff end) delineated some conditions under which counterfactuals were more likely. Sportscasters made counterfactuals quite frequently during these MLB playoff games. In addition, sportscasters uttered greater numbers of counterfactuals as games progressed from early to late innings, which was particularly true when scores were close. Counterfactuals were also uttered in greater numbers with closer scores when series were tied than when one team had a lead. Results are discussed in terms of spontaneous counterfactuals, closeness as an antecedent, and the ecological validity of such thoughts.
Some Outcomes of Pressure, Ingratiation, and Rational Persuasion Used With Peers in the Workplace1
Authors: Buckle Gerhard
Published: August 2006

In a cross‐sectional organizational field study, the effects of ingratiation, pressure, and rational persuasion on performance appraisal, compliance gaining, and reactance were investigated. Actors were asked to describe their lateral‐influence strategies, and peers were asked to assess actors’ impact. Actors and assessors from 140 German lateral‐influence dyads who were public officeholders and employees participated in the study. The data support the hypothesis that the more an actor uses rational persuasion and the longer the assessor has known the actor, the more positively the assessor will evaluate the actor's task performance. In addition, the results support the hypothesis that the more an actor uses ingratiation and the longer the assessor has known the actor, the more positively the assessor will evaluate actor's compliance‐gaining success.
Understanding Male Bias Against Girls and Women in Science1
Authors: Stake Jayne E.
Published: August 2006

Boys consistently have expressed more negative attitudes toward women in science than have girls. The basis of these negative male attitudes was explored in a sample of 159 male and 158 female science‐oriented high school students. The students participated in a science enrichment program in which positive information about women in science was provided. Consistent with theories of prejudice and stereotyping: (a) at the beginning of the program, more negative attitudes toward women in science were linked to lower science self‐confidence among boys, but not among girls; and (b) following the program, analysis of residual post‐scores (with pre‐scores controlled) indicated that changes in self‐confidence over the course of the program were related significantly to changes in attitudes toward women in science among boys but not among girls. Implications for girls’ and women's participation in science are discussed.
Raising the Price of Agreement: Public Commitment and the Lowball Compliance Procedure1
Authors: Burger Jerry M. , Cornelius Tara
Published: August 2006

Three studies examined the effect on compliance when a requester raises the price of the request. Participants in Experiment 1 were told that they would receive a free coffee mug for donating money to a fundraiser but were interrupted before they could respond and were told that the fundraisers were out of mugs. These participants were less likely to donate money than a group told nothing about the mugs. Experiments 2 and 3 compared this interruption procedure with the lowball procedure, which also uses a small‐to‐large price progression. The results from these two studies indicate that allowing people to respond to the initial price is critical for producing the lowball effect. Without a statement of public commitment, the small‐to‐large price progression led to a decrease rather than an increase in compliance relative to a control group.
Students’ Perceptions of Sexual Harassment: Is It Harassment Only If the Offender Is a Man and the Victim Is a Woman?
Authors: Runtz Marsha G. , O'Donnell Cedar W.
Published: August 2006

The present study investigated 3 potential sources of variability in university students’ perceptions of sexual harassment in hypothetical professor‐student scenarios: raters'gender, gender of the professor and student, and rater’ own sexual harassment. Participants were most likely to identify the interactions as harassment when they involved a male offender and a female victim. They were less likely to label the behaviors as harassment when they occurred between members of the same gender or between a female professor and a male student. Women were more open to viewing the scenarios as harassment and men were unlikely to view the interactions between a female professor and a male student as harassment. Personal history of sexual harassment did not influence participants’ perceptions.
Determinants of Money Management Behavior
Authors: Kidwell Blair , Brinberg David , Turrisi Robert
Published: August 2006

Financial debt continues to rise, especially among college students, indicating a need for behavioral research to develop more effective money‐management interventions. This study examined social psychological variables relevant to money management decision making among college students. Attitude, affect, perceived ability, and past experience were found to influence money‐management behavior (i.e., maintaining a budget). We also examined an attitude model of money management and found 9 variables (e.g., normative influence, perceived barrier, perceived control) that determined attitudes toward maintaining a budget. The relevance of our findings to debt prevention is discussed.
Is Business Mistreating America's Model Minority?
Authors: Gilbert G. Ronald
Published: August 2006

Business institutions are expected to treat customers of diverse backgrounds without bias. This study explores the relative satisfaction of Asians following service episodes at fast food establishments in the United States as compared to non‐Asians. The study findings indicate Asians are less satisfied with both the personal service and the service settings in which fast food is provided them. The causes for the differences identified remain unclear. The results may bring to light a need to place greater emphasis on enabling businesses to become more culturally competent in terms of this growing minority group within the United States.
Death Can Be Good for Your Health: Fitness Intentions as a Proximal and Distal Defense Against Mortality Salience1
Authors: Arndt Jamie , Schimel Jeff , Goldenberg Jamie L.
Published: August 2006

Although terror management theory has stimulated a wide body of research, no research to date has demonstrated empirically that intentions to engage in health‐oriented behavior can function as a terror management defense. Toward this end, the present studies examined whether increased fitness intentions could be used as both a direct defense against conscious concerns with death, but also as an indirect defense against unconscious death concerns among individuals for whom fitness is important to their self‐esteem. In Study 1, both high and low fitness esteem participants responded to reminders of mortality with immediate exaggerated fitness intentions, relative to controls. Study 2 replicated this effect, but also found that a similar increase in fitness intentions only emerged following a delay when fitness was important to the individuals’ self‐esteem. Discussion focuses on the implications for different types of psychological defense on heath‐related behavior.
Who Benefits From What? Drive for Thinness as a Moderator of Responsiveness to Different Eating Disorder Prevention Messages1
Authors: Sanderson Catherine A. , Holloway Rachel M.
Published: August 2006

This research examined how women respond to different types of messages regarding eat ing disorders, and specifically whether women's degree of drive for thinness moderated their responsiveness to particular messages. In this study, 112 undergraduate women were randomly assigned to receive a condition focusing on either healthy eating or disordered eating. First, and as hypothesized, findings at an immediate posttest revealed that women found the healthy eating condition more enjoyable, personally relevant, and interesting, whereas they found the disordered eating condition more anxiety‐provoking and fear‐inducing. Second, and contrary to predictions, findings at the 3‐month follow‐up indicated that those who were high on drive for thinness were hurt by participation in the disordered eating condition, whereas those who were low on drive for thinness were helped by participation in this condition. Discussion focuses on the theoretical and applied implications of these findings.
Causal Attributions of Ghanaian Industrial Workers for Accident Occurrence
Authors: Gyekye Seth Ayim , Salminen Simo
Published: August 2006

This study confirms the self‐defensive attribution hypothesis on causal attributions of accidents in Ghana's work environment. In this investigation, Ghanaian industrial workers and their supervisors assigned causality to industrial accidents, and their responses were compared. The results showed that the victims attributed their accidents to external causes to a greater extent than did the supervisors, and to internal causes to a lesser extent than did the supervisors. This finding reflects the tendency toward self‐protective bias, whereby people tend to project blame for their failures onto external circumstances.
Drivers' Ratings of Different Components of Their Own Driving Skill: A Greater Illusion of Superiority for Skills That Relate to Accident Involvement1
Authors: Horswill Mark S. , Waylen Andrea E. , Tofield Matthew I.
Published: August 2006

Different components of driving skill relate to accident involvement in different ways. For instance, while hazard‐perception skill has been found to predict accident involvement, vehicle‐control skill has not. We found that drivers rated themselves superior to both their peers and the average driver on 18 components of driving skill (N= 181 respondents). These biases were greater for hazard‐perception skills than for either vehicle‐control skills or driving skill in general. Also, ratings of hazard‐perception skill related to self‐perceived safety after overall skill was controlled for. We suggest that although drivers appear to appreciate the role of hazard perception in safe driving, any safety benefit to be derived from this appreciation may be undermined by drivers' inflated opinions of their own hazard‐perception skill. We also tested the relationship between illusory beliefs about driving skill and risk taking and looked at ways of manipulating drivers' illusory beliefs.
Optimism and Attributional Retraining: Longitudinal Effects on Academic Achievement, Test Anxiety, and Voluntary Course Withdrawal in College Students1
Authors: Ruthig Joelle C. , Perry Raymond P. , Hall Nathan C. , Hladkyj Steven
Published: August 2006

A longitudinal study examined how optimism and attributional retraining (AR) influenced 256 first‐year college students' test anxiety, cumulative academic achievement, and course persistence in college over an academic year. Students' optimism was assessed at the start of the academic year and they were assigned to either an AR or no‐AR (control) condition. Measures of students' test anxiety, cumulative grade point average, and voluntary course withdrawal were obtained at the end of the academic year. Results suggest that although high optimism was an academic risk factor among students who did not receive AR, high‐optimism students who did receive the AR cognitive intervention benefited from its effects to a greater extent than did low‐optimism students.
Narrative and Propositional Reasoning in an Instructional Context
Authors: Colesante Robert J. , Biggs Donald A.
Published: August 2006

This study examined the influence of narrative and propositional reasoning in a classroom context. Students viewed 1 of 4 videotaped instructional simulations that varied the controversial issue presented by the teacher and ways of reasoning about it. After viewing a videotape, students rated the expertness, trustworthiness, and attractiveness of the teacher, and the effectiveness of instruction. They rated the teacher as more attractive and the presentation more effective when he used a narrative rather than a propositional approach.
The Effects of Musical and Voice “Fit” on Responses to Advertisements1
Authors: North Adrian C. , Mackenzie Liam C. , Law Ruth M. , Hargreaves David J.
Published: August 2006

Research on musical “fit” suggests that listeners might recall more of a radio advertisement if it features musical/voice content that corresponds with features of the advertised brand. This is because the music/voice should prime certain aspects of listeners' knowledge. Two studies were carried out to test this, each involving 5 specially prepared radio ads. The first indicated that musical fit enhanced recall of the products advertised, the brands advertised, and specific claims made during the course of the ad copy; and also participants' ratings of liking for the ad and likelihood of purchasing the advertised product. A second similar study considered voice fit and found that this could also promote recall of specific product claims and lead to higher ratings of liking for the ad and likelihood of purchasing the advertised product. These results confirm that both musical and voice fit can prime certain aspects of listeners' knowledge and also increase liking for ads, such that it might improve knowledge‐based and affective responses to advertising. The theoretical implications of this are discussed in terms of the concept of involvement and what precisely is meant by musical/voice fit.
A melatonin‐rich germplasm line of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)
Authors: Murch Susan J. , Saxena Praveen K.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of selecting genetic variants of plants with enhanced concentrations of the indoleamine melatonin. A germplasm line of the medicinal plant species, St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), with high levels of melatonin was selected in vitro using mutagenized tissues. The germplasm line has remained stable over a 5‐yr period and contained >12‐fold (1200%) melatonin content compared with the wild‐type plant. Melatonin is a ubiquitous, highly conserved molecule with known therapeutic roles in the treatment of sleep disorders, depression, aging, inhibition of cancer cell growth and as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The selected melatonin‐rich germplasm line of St John's wort may facilitate fundamental studies on melatonin biosynthesis, metabolism and new developments in natural products for treatment of human diseases.
Transfusion‐Related Risks of Intradermal Allogeneic Lymphocyte Immunotherapy: Single Cases in a Large Cohort and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kling Christiane , Steinmann Jörg , Flesch Brigitte , Westphal Eckhard , Kabelitz Dieter
Published: August 2006

Problem  Lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is applied in infertility treatment. Moreover, it has been suggested for prevention of rhesus D‐hemolytic disease and as a vaccine for reduction of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 susceptibility. Although transfusion‐related problems have been rarely reported they were a matter of debate. Here we discuss extensive single‐center experience with intradermal LIT for implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages.

Method of study  Retrospective 2‐ to 3‐year follow‐up of in vitro fertilization couples treated during 1996–2002 (feedback 2848/3041 = 93%), registering 930 deliveries. Prospective survey for acute reactions for 2000–2003 (feedback 2687/3246 = 83%). Review of the literature.

Results  Infections of the patient and transplant rejection later in life are minor residual risks. Post‐transfusion purpura was suspected once but not verified. Anaphylaxis or malignancy were not promoted. Fetal/newborn alloimmune disease (severe hemolytic disease, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia) were not observed.

Conclusion  Based on microbiological, immunological, and hematological testing the risks of intradermal LIT are low.
High‐Temperature Ceramic Gas Sensors: A Review
Authors: Akbar Sheikh , Dutta Prabir , Lee Chonghoon
Published: July 2006

Identifying chemical species and their quantification have become important in many industrial applications involving high temperatures and chemical contaminants. Center for Industrial Sensors and Measurements has developed TiO2semiconducting sensors, zirconia and lithium phosphate‐based electrochemical sensors, and a sensor array for high‐temperature emission control. The underlying theme in our sensor development has been the use of materials science and chemistry to promote high‐temperature performance with selectivity. This article presents key results of previous studies on CO, NOx, CO2, and O2sensors, and scope for future development.
Lanthanum Oxyfluoride: Structure, Stability, and Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Jacob Kallarackel T. , Saji Viswanathan S. , Waseda Yoshio
Published: July 2006

Structure and phase transition of LaO1−xF1+2x, prepared by solid‐state reaction of La2O3 and LaF3, was investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry for both positive and negative values of the nonstoichiometric parameter x. The electrical conductivity was investigated as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure using AC impedance spectroscopy. Fluoride ion was identified as the migrating species in LaOF by coulometric titration and transport number determined by Tubandt technique and EMF measurements. Activation energy for conduction in LaOF was 58.5 (±0.8) kJ/mol. Conductivity increased with increasing fluorine concentration in the oxyfluoride phase, suggesting that interstitial fluoride ions are more mobile than vacancies. Although the values of ionic conductivity of cubic LaOF are lower, the oxygen partial pressure range for predominantly ionic conduction is larger than that for the commonly used stabilized‐zirconia electrolytes. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the oxyfluoride is stable in atmospheres containing diatomic oxygen. However, the oxyfluoride phase can degrade with time at high temperatures in atmospheres containing water vapor, because of the higher stability of HF compared with H2O.
Effect of Processing Parameters on the Mechanical and Microstructural Behavior of Ultra‐Fine Al2O3– (ZrO2+8%Mol Y2O3) Bioceramic, Densified By High‐Frequency Induction Heat Sintering
Authors: Khalil Khalil Abdelrazek , Kim Sug Won
Published: July 2006

High‐frequency induction heat sintering (HFIHS) is a comparatively new technique that consolidates metals and ceramics very rapidly to full density. In this work, superfast densification behavior and the attendant microstructural features of Al2O3–(ZrO2+8% mol Y2O3) composites processed by HFIHS were investigated. The effects of processing parameters such as sintering temperatures, pressures, and heating rate, on the mechanical and microstructural properties were studied. The results indicated that HFIHS was effective in the preparation of fine‐grained, nearly fully dense Al2O3–8YSZ ceramics from the powder with a smaller particle size by optimizing the overall processing parameters.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Po‐Yi , Pike Jenna , Zhang Feng , Chan Siu‐Wai
Published: July 2006

Crystalline zinc oxide nanoparticles have been prepared by mixing aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) at 60°C and 80°C. Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction show that the ZnO nanoparticles of diameters ranging from 15–33 nm and 25–43 nm long are formed. Aspect ratio is observed to range from 1.18 to 1.74 at 60°C and 1.22 to 1.70 at 80°C as the HMT to zinc nitrate concentration ratio increases from 10 to 150. Nanoparticle size decreases as the concentration of HMT increases. Much larger ZnO particles are formed with ammonium hydroxide as a hydrolysis agent without HMT. In summary, HMT is an ammonium‐hydroxide source in the reaction, a surfactant for retaining nanosize, and not necessarily a template for ZnO nucleation.
Three‐Dimensional Laser Surface Sintering of SiO2 Green Bodies
Authors: Gahler A. , Heinrich J. G. , Kawanowa H. , Schwertfeger F. , Günster J.
Published: July 2006

The present work presents first results obtained with a new semi‐solid freeform fabrication technique for ceramic products. It is a combination of three‐dimensional (3D) surface milling and laser surface sintering (3D‐LSS). By using the 3D‐LSS technique, complex‐shaped vitreous silica prototypes with high durability have been constructed.
Ant Defense Versus Induced Defense in Lafoensia pacari (Lythraceae), a Myrmecophilous Tree of the Brazilian Cerrado1
Authors: Korndörfer Ana Paula , Del‐Claro Kleber
Published: July 2006

We compared the effects of ant presence at extrafloral nectaries of Lafoensia pacari St. Hil. on herbivore damage and silicon accumulation. Plants that were accessible to ants experienced lower herbivory levels over the first 3 mo of the experiment. After 3 mo, most leaves were fully expanded with inactive extrafloral nectaries; by 6 mo there was no effect of ant access on herbivore damage. Along with experiencing higher herbivory, plants in the ant‐exclusion treatment had significantly higher silicon levels in their leaves, suggesting that silicon serves as an induced defense in this ant–plant–herbivore interaction.
Cloning of Salt Tolerance‐Related cDNAs from the Mangrove Plant Sesuvium portulacastrum L.
Authors: Zeng Hui‐Cai , Deng Liu‐Hong , Zhang Chun‐Fa
Published: August 2006

In an attempt to isolate and identify the target genes relevant to salt tolerance in a mangrove plant (Sesuvium portulacastrum L.), a subtracted cDNA library was constructed via suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH), in which the poly(A)+RNA isolated from salt‐tolerant S. portulacastrum leaves was used as a tester, whereas the driver was poly(A)+RNA, derived from salt‐sensitive S. portulacastrum leaves. Screening of this subtracted cDNA library revealed five clones, of which the expression levels in the salt‐tolerant plant were markedly higher than those observed in the salt‐sensitive plant, indicating that these candidate clones may be involved in salt‐tolerance pathways. Among the clones isolated, P66, P175, and P233 are novel because no significant similarity was obtained upon alignment with the GenBank database. Clone P89 demonstrated high homology with NADPH of Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas clone P152 was highly homologous with the gene encoding late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein of A. thaliana. The full‐length gene of clone P152, with a predicated 344 amino acid residues, was shown to bear LEA‐2 domains, a signature motif for proteins that have been enriched under salty and drought conditions. It is thus implied that clone P152 would be a salt‐tolerance gene of S. portulacastrum. In addition, we have also developed a strategy for the extraction of total RNA from mangrove plants.

(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
Solubilization of Myofibrils and Inhibition of Autolysis of Squid Mantle Muscle by Sodium Citrate
Authors: Kuwahara K. , Osako K. , Okamoto A. , Konno K.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:  The effects of organic salts (sodium (Na)‐citrate, Na‐gluconate, and Na‐succinate) on the solubilization of myofibrillar proteins and the inhibition of autolysis of squid mantle muscle were investigated. All of the organic compounds dissolved myofibrils as NaCl did. Na‐citrate showed the strongest ability with half dissolving at 0.06 M. Half dissolving by Na‐gluconate, Na‐succinate, and NaCl were 0.27, 0.21, and 0.27 M, respectively. Dissolving myofibrils by Na‐citrate was not accompanied by the acceleration of autolysis. Na‐citrate above 0.25 M almost completely inhibited the autolysis. The inhibition of autolysis by Na‐gluconate and Na‐succinate was much less than that of Na‐citrate. Consequently, it was concluded that Na‐citrate was the organic salt to dissolve squid myofibrils without inducing autolysis.
Influence of Gender and Spawning on Meat Quality of Australian Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) Stored at 2 °C
Authors: Kong Baohua , Xiong Youling L. , Fang Caodi , Thompson Kenneth R. , Metts Linda S. , Muzinic Laura A. , Webster Carl D.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:  Shell‐on tails of male (M), nonspawning female (F), and spawning female (SF) Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) (n= 270) were aerobically stored at 2 °C up to 10 d to monitor meat quality changes under a retail condition. Percentage protein of SF muscle was higher (P < 0.05) and moisture and ash content lower (P < 0.05) than those of M and F muscles. The pH of muscle changed during storage, with SF generally having a lower value than M or F (P < 0.05). Lipid oxidation increased during the 1st 5 d and no significant difference existed between the 3 muscle groups. Cooking yield of SF (91.72%) at 10 d was significantly lower than that of M (96.25%) or F (97.81%), and its muscle shear force was also higher (P < 0.05) than M at 0, 3, 5, and 7 d and than F at 5 and 7 d. Sensory panel results (cooked meat tenderness, juiciness) were significantly correlated with instrumental results (shear force, cooking yield), with SF showing a lower meat tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability than M and F samples.
Determining Acceptance of Domestic Forage‐ or Grain‐Finished Beef by Consumers from Three Southeastern U.S. States
Authors: Cox Ryan B. , Kerth Chris R. , Gentry Jessica G. , Prevatt J. Walter , Braden Kirk W. , Jones William R.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:  Twenty‐six crossbred steers were finished either on ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) forage (FOR, n= 13) or a primarily grain diet containing 85% corn, 7.5% cotton‐seed hulls, and 7.5% vitamin/mineral/urea supplement (GRAIN, n= 13) to determine the consumer acceptance of forage‐ and grain‐finished beef in 3 southeastern states. Shear force values were not affected by finishing treatment (P= 0.62), and both total and heat‐labile collagen content means of the FOR and GRAIN steaks were similar (P= 0.88 and 0.14, respectively). Ribeye steaks were cut from wholesale roasts after 14 d of aging and were evaluated by 1250 consumers in a retail study and 87 consumers in a take‐home study across Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Retail consumers rated GRAIN steaks higher for flavor (P= 0.001), overall palatability (P= 0.001), and price per kg (P= 0.001) compared to FOR steaks, but consumers in the take‐home study found no differences in any of the 3 traits. Consumers that preferred FOR steaks were willing to pay an average of $2.38/kg and $5.61/kg more for FOR steaks than for GRAIN steaks in the retail and take‐home studies, respectively (P= 0.001). Among consumers surveyed across all 3 states, 34.1% of retail consumers and 54.0% of take‐home consumers preferred FOR steaks. At least one‐third of the consumers surveyed preferred the taste of forage‐finished beef and were willing to pay a premium.
Pentagastrin‐induced nitric oxide‐dependent protein secretion from the parotid gland of the anaesthetized rat
Authors: Çevik Aras Hülya , Ekström J.
Published: July 2006

Infusion of pentagastrin (20 μg kg−1 h−1, i.v.) for 10 min evokes protein output but no overt fluid secretion from the parotid gland of the rat, as revealed by increased protein concentration in a subsequent wash‐out flow of saliva in response to a bolus injection of methacholine (5 μg kg−1, i.v.) 10 min later. Using this experimental set‐up, the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) generation to the protein and amylase response evoked by pentagastrin was investigated. Neither the neuronal type NO synthase inhibitor Nω‐propyl‐l‐arginine (N‐PLA; 30 mg kg−1, i.v.) nor the non‐selective NO synthase inhibitor l‐NAME (30 mg kg−1, i.v.) as such affected the methacholine‐evoked volume response or the outputs of protein and amylase. However, when preceeded by the pentagastrin infusion, the expected increases in concentrations of protein (145%) and amylase activity (127%) of the methacholine‐evoked response (compared to a pre‐infusion methacholine response) were reduced to 68 and 74%, respectively, in the presence of N‐PLA, and to 70 and 63%, respectively, in the presence of l‐NAME. Thus, NO generation resulting from the activity of the neuronal type NO synthase, most probably of parenchymal origin, plays an important role in the pentagastrin‐induced protein and amylase secretion of the rat parotid gland.
Local and diffuse mechanisms of primary afferent depolarization and presynaptic inhibition in the rat spinal cord
Authors: Lidierth Malcolm
Published: July 2006

Two types of dorsal root potential (DRP) were found in the spinal cord of urethane‐anaesthetized rats. Local DRPs with short latency‐to‐onset were evoked on roots close to the point of entry of an afferent volley. Diffuse DRPs with a longer latency‐to‐onset were seen on more distant roots up to 17 segments from the volley entry zone. The switch to long latency‐to‐onset occurred abruptly as a function of distance along the cord and could not be explained by conduction delays within the dorsal columns. Long‐latency DRPs were also present and superimposed on the short‐latency DRPs on nearby roots. Both local and diffuse DRPs were evoked by light mechanical stimuli: von Frey hair thresholds were ≤ 1 gram force Changes in excitability of the terminals of sural nerve afferents were used to confirm that both local and diffuse DRPs were associated with primary afferent depolarization (PAD). These effects were potent: the area of the antidromic volley evoked in the sural nerve by intraspinal microstimulation in the L4/5 spinal segment was increased by 109 ± 50% (mean ±s.d.; n= 5) by nearby conditioning stimuli, and by 52 ± 12% (n= 6) with stimuli applied 9–13 mm (5–8 segments) away. The time course of the changes in terminal excitability closely matched those of the DRPs. Reduction of the field potentials evoked in the dorsal horn by stimulation of dorsal roots was also shown to accompany both local and diffuse DRPs. The area of the monosynaptically evoked field potential was reduced by 48 ± 19% (n= 7) with nearby conditioning stimulation and 16 ± 9% (n= 10) with stimulation 9–12 mm distant. Evidence is presented that this inhibition includes a presynaptic component. Similar effects were seen with field potentials evoked by sural nerve stimulation. It is concluded that diffuse DRPs are mediated through propriospinal networks which may contribute to the gating of sensory information flow during natural behaviour as they respond to weak mechanical stimuli and provoke presynaptic inhibition.