bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissolution measurement free from mass transport
Authors: Colombani Jean
Published: August 2012

Standard dissolution experiments are carried out in stirred liquid. Therefore, the measured dissolution rate contains also diffusive and convective contributions, besides the desired surface reaction contribution. We present here a methodology, based on the hydrodynamical analysis of classical dissolution experiments, enabling us to extract the pure dissolution rate constant from the set of the already measured dissolution rates. The application of this analysis to the case of gypsum shows that the removal of the mass transport contribution from the dissolution rates of this mineral found in the literature brings, despite their apparent inconsistency, a coherent description of its dissolution kinetics and a well-defined value of its rate constant.
New developments in the medical treatment of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: van der Pas R , de Herder W W , Hofland L J , Feelders R A
Published: August 2012

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a severe endocrine disorder characterized by chronic cortisol excess due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, ectopic ACTH production, or a cortisol-producing adrenal neoplasia. Regardless of the underlying cause, untreated CS is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Surgery is the primary therapy for all causes of CS, but surgical failure and ineligibility of the patient to undergo surgery necessitate alternative treatment modalities. The role of medical therapy in CS has been limited because of lack of efficacy or intolerability. In recent years, however, new targets for medical therapy have been identified, both at the level of the pituitary gland (e.g. somatostatin, dopamine, and epidermal growth factor receptors) and the adrenal gland (ectopically expressed receptors in ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia). In this review, results of preclinical and clinical studies with drugs that exert their action through these molecular targets, as well as already established medical treatment options, will be discussed.
Photoperiod-gonadotropin mismatches induced by treatment with acyline or FSH in Siberian hamsters: impacts on ovarian structure and function
Authors: Zysling D A , Park S-U , McMillan E L , Place N J
Published: August 2012

Many seasonal breeders time their reproductive efforts to specific times of the year to ensure adequate resources for the production and care of young. For long-day (LD) breeders, females born before the summer solstice (LDs) reach sexual maturity quickly and often breed that same year, whereas females born after the summer solstice (short days (SDs)) may delay reproductive development to the following spring when environmental conditions are favorable for reproduction. In Siberian hamsters, development in SD is associated with structural and functional differences in the ovary compared with females held in LD, including a greater number of primordial follicles and an abundance of hypertrophied granulosa cells (HGCs), which are immunoreactive for anti-Müllerian hormone. The goal of this study was to determine whether SD-induced gonadotropin suppression is responsible for these phenotypic differences. Gonadotropin levels were suppressed in LD hamsters using the GNRH antagonist acyline. Conversely, to determine whether the SD ovarian phenotype is completely reversed by gonadotropin stimulation, recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) was administered. Our treatments were successful in mimicking FSH concentrations of the opposite photoperiod, but they did not produce a comparable change in the ovarian phenotype. Most notable was the lack of HGCs in the ovaries of acyline-treated LD females. Similarly, HGCs were maintained in the ovaries of SD females treated with rhFSH. Our data suggest that gonadotropins alone do not account for the SD ovarian phenotype. Future studies will determine whether SD-induced changes in other factors underlie these phenotypic changes.
Physiological and pathophysiological role of the circadian clock system
Authors: Halmos Tamás , Suba Ilona
Published: August 2012

It has been well known for ages that in living organisms the rhythmicity of biological processes is linked to the ~ 24-hour light–dark cycle. However, the exact function of the circadian clock system has been explored only in the past decades. It came to light that the photosensitive primary “master clock” is situated in the suprachiasmatic photosensitive nuclei of the special hypothalamic region, and that it is working according to ~24-hour changes of light and darkness. The master clock sends its messages to the peripheral “slave clocks”. In many organs, like pancreatic β-cells, the slave clocks have autonomic functions as well. Two essential components of the clock system are proteins encoded by the CLOCK and BMAL1 genes. CLOCK genes are in interaction with endonuclear receptors such as peroxisoma-proliferator activated receptors and Rev-erb-α, as well as with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, regulating the adaptation to stressors, energy supply, metabolic processes and cardiovascular system. Melatonin, the product of corpus pineale has a significant role in the functions of the clock system. The detailed discovery of the clock system has changed our previous knowledge about the development of many diseases. The most explored fields are hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic processes, mental disorders, cancers, sleep apnoe and joint disorders. CLOCK genes influence ageing as well. The recognition of the periodicity of biological processes makes the optimal dosing of certain drugs feasible. The more detailed discovery of the interaction of the clock system might further improve treatment and prevention of many disorders. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1370–1379.
Basic consideration on the security checking of sick travelers at airports
Authors: Felkai Péter , Mártai István
Published: August 2012

The authorities guarantee the safety of passengers during air travel by strict ground security measures. All of these measures are restrictive and can affect the health status of both healthy and ill travelers. Patients who are in critical condition or confined to a stretcher and have to be repatriated by stretcher on a regular flight, must pass the airport security check as well. But the developers of security system should take into account the medical safety of patients during the procedure. The relevant medical principles are painfully missing not only in Hungary, but unfortunately also at most international airports. On the basis of principles reviewed in the present publication, an unambiguous, professionally reconciled regulation is necessary that would serve as a guideline for airport management and authorities, as well as for the involved medical personnel. Although setting principles into practice requires a different solution at each airport, yet, passenger safety and patient safety have to be harmonized as soon as possible. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1380–1384.
Intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy for leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
Authors: Kullmann Tamás , Gauthier Hélène , le Maignan Christine , Szabó Andrea , Culine Stéphane
Published: August 2012

Lung and breast cancer can give meningeal metastases. Clinical manifestations of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis include all forms of defect of the central nervous system depending on the localization of carcinomatous foci. Diagnosis is based on the detection of carcinomatous cells by the cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. Without treatment the prognosis is limited to only some weeks or months. In case the meningeal carcinomatosis is related to breast cancer, intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy may allow a significant survival benefit and improve the quality of life in about half of the patients. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1385–1388.
The role of intestinal alkaline phosphatase in pediatric inflammatory bowel and celiac diseases
Authors: Molnár Kriszta , Vannay Ádám , Sziksz Erna , Bánki Nóra Fanni , Cseh Áron , Győrffy Hajnalka , Dezsőfi Antal , Arató András , Veres Gábor
Published: August 2012

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase enzyme plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of intestinal mucosal barrier integrity with the detoxification capacity of lipopolysaccharide, the ligand of Toll-like receptor 4. The inappropriate immune responses and the damage of the mucosal barrier may contribute to the initiation of inflammatory bowel and celiac diseases. In the inflamed colonic mucosa of children with inflammatory bowel disease and in the duodenal mucosa of newly diagnosed children with celiac disease, the decreased intestinal alkaline phosphatase and increased Toll-like receptor 4 protein expression may generate enhanced lipopolysaccharide activity, which may strengthen tissue damaging processes. The enhancement of intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in an animal model of colitis and in therapy resistant, adult patients with ulcerative colitis reduced the symptoms of intestinal inflammation. In accordance with these results, the targeted intestinal administration of the enzyme in the two examined disorders may be a supplemental therapeutic option in the future. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1389–1395.
THE INTERACTION OF TEMPORAL GENERALIZATION GRADIENTS PREDICTS THE CONTEXT EFFECT
Authors: de Castro Ana Catarina Vieira , Machado Armando
Published: August 2012

In a temporal double bisection task, animals learn two discriminations. In the presence of Red and Green keys, responses to Red are reinforced after 1‐s samples and responses to Green are reinforced after 4‐s samples; in the presence of Blue and Yellow keys, responses to Blue are reinforced after 4‐s samples and responses to Yellow are reinforced after 16‐s samples. Subsequently, given a choice between Green and Blue, the probability of choosing Green increases with the sample duration—the context effect. In the present study we asked whether this effect could be predicted from the stimulus generalization gradients induced by the two basic discriminations. Six pigeons learned to peck Green following 4‐s samples (S+) but not following 1‐s samples (S−) and to peck Red following 4‐s samples (S+) but not following 16‐s samples (S−). Temporal generalization gradients for Green and Red were then obtained. Finally, the pigeons were given a choice between Green and Red following sample durations ranging from 1 to 16 s. Results showed that a) the two generalization gradients had the minimum at the S− duration, an intermediate value between the S− and the S+ durations, and the maximum at the S+ as well as more extreme durations; b) on choice trials, preference for Green over Red increased with sample duration, the context effect; and c) the two generalization gradients predicted the average context effect well. The Learning‐to‐Time model accounts for the major trends in the data.
DELAY DISCOUNTING IN LEWIS AND FISCHER 344 RATS: STEADY‐STATE AND RAPID‐DETERMINATION ADJUSTING‐AMOUNT PROCEDURES
Authors: Stein Jeffrey S. , Pinkston Jonathan W. , Brewer Adam T. , Francisco Monica T. , Madden Gregory J.
Published: August 2012

Lewis rats have been shown to make more impulsive choices than Fischer 344 rats in discrete‐trial choice procedures that arrange fixed (i.e., nontitrating) reinforcement parameters. However, nontitrating procedures yield only gross estimates of preference, as choice measures in animal subjects are rarely graded at the level of the individual subject. The present study was designed to examine potential strain differences in delay discounting using an adjusting‐amount procedure, in which distributed (rather than exclusive) choice is observed due to dynamic titration of reinforcer magnitude across trials. Using a steady‐state version of the adjusting‐amount procedure in which delay was manipulated between experimental conditions, steeper delay discounting was observed in Lewis rats compared to Fischer 344 rats; further, delay discounting in both strains was well described by the traditional hyperbolic discounting model. However, upon partial completion of the present study, a study published elsewhere (Wilhelm & Mitchell, 2009) demonstrated no difference in delay discounting between these strains with the use of a more rapid version of the adjusting‐amount procedure (i.e., in which delay is manipulated daily). Thus, following completion of the steady‐state assessment in the present study, all surviving Lewis and Fischer 344 rats completed an approximation of this rapid‐determination procedure in which no strain difference in delay discounting was observed.
PREFERENCE FOR GAMMA‐HYDROXYBUTYRATE (GHB) IN CURRENT USERS
Authors: Roll John M. , Newton Thomas , Chudzynski Joy , Cameron Jennifer M. , Mcpherson Sterling , Fong Timothy , Torrington Matt
Published: August 2012

Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a drug with significant abuse potential. The present study aimed to assess the relative value of escalating doses of GHB to current GHB users via the Multiple Choice Procedure (MCP), and to validate that the dose rated highest with the MCP would be self‐administered at a greater rate than placebo. Participants were 5 current GHB users who were not currently trying to stop using GHB. To examine the value of escalating doses of GHB, the following doses of GHB were used: 0 (placebo), 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 mg/kg. Participants typically assigned higher doses of GHB had higher crossover points on the MCP. During choice sessions, participants made repeated choices between administering GHB, placebo or nothing. All participants selected GHB exclusively (5 out of 5 instances) except for one participant who selected GHB on 4 out of 5 instances, thus 96% (i.e., 24/25) of choices were for active GHB. Based on these data, GHB appears likely to function as a dose‐dependent reinforcer for humans based on our sample.
DEVELOPMENT OF KEY‐PECKING, PAUSE, AND AMBULATION DURING EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO A FIXED‐INTERVAL SCHEDULE OF REINFORCEMENT
Authors: Berry Meredith S. , Kangas Brian D. , Branch Marc N.
Published: August 2012

Six pigeons key‐pecked under a fixed‐interval (FI) 3‐min schedule of food presentation. Each pigeon was studied for 200 daily sessions with 15 intervals per session (3,000 total food presentations). Analyses included the examination of latency to first peck (pause), mean rate of key pecking, and ambulation. Characterizations of stable performance were assessed across measures of behavior and evaluated using commonly employed stability criteria. Stability of response rate and pause was identified better by assessments that evaluated variability and trend, rather than just variability. Between‐subject differences in rate of acquisition and terminal values of steady‐state performance of pause were observed, and stable pause durations took longer to develop than did stable key‐pecking rates. Relative variability in response rate and pause duration decreased as the means increased. A temporally organized pattern of key‐pecking (the so‐called FI scallop) developed within 50 sessions of exposure to the schedule. Overall ambulation decreased during the early sessions of exposure and further analyses showed greater rates of ambulation during the pause than after it for 4 of the 6 pigeons. Performance under the FI 3‐min schedule developed relatively slowly, and key‐pecking, pause, and ambulation developed at different rates.
DEFINING BEHAVIOR—ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS: TRANSLATING AND DEVELOPING AN EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED BEHAVIOR‐ANALYTIC VOCABULARY IN AND TO THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE
Authors: Tuomisto Martti T. , Parkkinen Lauri
Published: August 2012

Verbal behavior, as in the use of terms, is an important part of scientific activity in general and behavior analysis in particular. Many glossaries and dictionaries of behavior analysis have been published in English, but few in any other language. Here we review the area of behavior analytic terminology, its translations, and development in languages other than English. As an example, we use our own mother tongue, Finnish, which provides a suitable example of the process of translation and development of behavior analytic terminology, because it differs from Indo‐European languages and entails specific advantages and challenges in the translation process. We have published three editions of a general dictionary of behavior analysis including 801 terms relevant to the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis and one edition of a dictionary of applied and clinical behavior analysis containing 280 terms. Because this work has been important to us, we hope this review will encourage similar work by behavior analysts in other countries whose native language is not English. Behavior analysis as an advanced science deserves widespread international dissemination and proper translations are essential to that goal.
Sympathy for a Character's Plight: Sex Differences in Response to Theatre
Authors: Goldstein Thalia R. , Winner Ellen
Published: August 2012

What causes us to feel sympathy for fictional characters? Using audience members from four theatrical productions we tested the relative strength of three oft-cited predictors: understanding the emotions of another (cognitive empathy), feeling the emotions of another (emotional empathy), and experiencing a negative emotional reaction to another's plight (personal distress). Predictors of sympathy held constant for a wide range of ages but differed for males versus females. Level of sympathy was predicted by emotional empathy in males but by cognitive empathy in females. These findings suggest that when watching theatrical performances, sympathy for characters is more other-directed for females than for males.
Mature Cinematic Content for Immature Minds: “Pushing the Envelope” versus “Toning it Down” in Family Films
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith , Skidmore Lauren Elizabeth , Kaufman James C.
Published: August 2012

How does a film's content influence its reception by moviegoers and critics? What movie qualities result in better reviews, a higher box office, and more awards? This study investigates these questions in the specific genre of family films. One strategy is to “push the envelope” by intensifying adult themes and hints of sex and violence. An alternative strategy is to “tone it down,” and keep any adult content to a minimum. A sample of 220 family films was assessed on (a) 15 measures of mature content; (b) multiple measures of film evaluations (3), box office performance (4), and movie honors (3, including children and teenager awards); and (c) 5 control variables. Broadly, this study supports the “pushing the envelope” strategy, especially regarding violence, topics to talk about, jump scenes, blood/gore, and inappropriate music. The optimal mature content for a family film differs markedly from that needed for films in general.
Serene Arts: The Effect of Personal Unsettledness and of Paintings' Narrative Structure on Personality
Authors: Djikic Maja , Oatley Keith , Peterson Jordan B.
Published: August 2012

Previous research has demonstrated that art can produce some variation in self-reported personality traits. The present experiment addressed two questions. First, does visual art cause greater fluctuations in personality for unsettled or serene individuals, and second, do unsettled individuals respond more to art as a function of its narrative structure? Participants ( N = 61) completed a set of questionnaires, then viewed a series of paintings, Giotto's Seven Vices, either unmodified to exhibit high narrative structure, or modified to exhibit low narrative structure, and then filled another set of questionnaires. The results show that unsettled individuals experienced significantly less fluctuation of personality across conditions, and that in the condition of low narrative coherence, serene individuals experienced significantly more personality fluctuations than unsettled individuals. The results suggest that unsettled persons may need more narrative coherence in the art they engage with, while serene individuals may remain open to less-structured and more ambiguous art.
Origins of Originality: Innovation Motivation and Intelligence in Poetry and Comics
Authors: Joy Stephen P.
Published: August 2012

Fifty undergraduates wrote associative poems, produced Draw-A-Story (DAS) comics using stimulus drawings, and completed self-report measures of the need to be different and innovation expectancies as well as the 16PF. The originality of the poems was scored based on variables such as use of unusual words. The originality of the DAS protocols was scored using variables such as unusual picture choices. Both creative works also were rated for creative merit by independent judges. The need to be different correlated with both approaches to evaluating both creative works. Innovation expectancies and certain 16PF scales, notably Factor I (“Sensitivity”) and Factor M (“Abstractedness” or “Imagination”) displayed similar, but weaker, patterns of correlation. Intelligence (16PF factor B) was also a noteworthy correlate of some aspects of creativity.
Equally Discarded?: The Influence of Age and Gender on the Popularity of Screen Actors
Authors: Taylor Christa L. , Kaufman James C. , Riggs Matt
Published: August 2012

Gendered aging effects have been documented in television and film, such that older female characters are more underrepresented and stereotypically portrayed than their male counterparts. This trend has an adverse impact on the careers of female screen actors. This study examines whether the popularity of female screen actors among general audiences is impacted by age as well. Specifically, we expected that the popularity of female screen actors would decline more sharply with age than that of male screen actors. Biographical and filmographical information was collected for 347 actors (153 males, 194 females) from the IMDbpro website. Data were analyzed using growth modeling and hierarchical multiple regression. Results showed no gendered aging effects, but did demonstrate that male screen actors are more popular at all age groups than female screen actors and both groups' popularity declined with age. Implications are discussed.
Person Repetition Neglect While Viewing Continuous Pictorial Narratives
Authors: Kalkofen Hermann , Strack Micha
Published: August 2012

Continuous pictorial narratives (CPN) present protagonists repeatedly, yet adult viewers report seeing different persons instead. We presented 12 CPNs to 16 adults, whose oculomotor and verbal responses were continuously recorded. We addressed (a) the capability of instructions to compensate for lacking aesthetic fluency (Smith & Smith, 2006); (b) perceptual-cognitive processes accompanying Person Repetition Detection (PRD); (c) formal stimulus properties related with PRD. The results demonstrated that (a) search for presented persons especially similar to each other yielded more PRD than estimation of average age or aesthetic evaluation; (b) saccades between picture regions with repeated persons and PRDs were positively correlated; and (c) formal properties and PRD are not reliably correlated.
Attitude, Achievement, and Gender in a Middle School Science-Based Ludic Simulation for Learning
Authors: Kimmons R. , Liu M. , Kang J. , Santana L.
Published: August 2012

This study examined the learning experiences of 478 middle school science students using a problem-based ludic simulation over a 3-week period to learn space science. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative data revealed that use of the simulation supported student learning and that knowledge gains helped reduce gender-based achievement gaps between boys and girls in the subject matter. Student attitude was additionally linked to learning success while using the simulation. These findings suggest that student engagement and self-recognition of progress and learning are important design factors when developing problem-based learning experiences.
How Does Early Feedback in an Online Programming Course Change Problem Solving?
Authors: Ebrahimi Alireza
Published: August 2012

How does early feedback change the programming problem solving in an online environment and help students choose correct approaches? This study was conducted in a sample of students learning programming in an online course entitled Introduction to C++ and OOP (Object Oriented Programming) using the ANGEL learning management system platform. My overall observations on teaching online introductory programming courses for 7 years (2005–2012) convinced me that online students try various ways to solve a problem. I found that some of the students' problem solving approaches generated the correct output but are not straightforward and thus difficult to understand. However, some of the solutions were innovative, challenging, and unique but gave an early impression that they were wrong (before a little investigation). The students apparently used trial-and-error in conjunction with their own logic to get to the correct output. The lack of communication and weak dissemination of information between instructor and students have caused a major problem in selecting a right problem solving approach. In this study, three problem sets are taken from the course text and are discussed in module 1 and module 2 of the term. The problems were to compute the salary of an employee with a given input such as number of hours worked and the hourly rate. In order to learn progressively, students were asked to program an employee's gross pay, net pay with a fixed tax rate, net pay with a variable tax rate, marital status, and overtime pay. The course communication was mainly through discussion boards between students and instructor, e-mails, instructor announcements, and the area where the assignment was to be submitted. In addition, students could call the instructor's cell phone to seek assistance in clarifying programming problems. The present study will show the effectiveness of early feedback in helping students to develop the right programs. Early and consistent feedback to students increases the awareness of potential errors and avoidance of having students choose a wrong path. However, there was an undesirable side effect in giving early feedback which resulted in limiting possible student-innovation. Early feedback seems to have inhibited the creativity of innovative students and thus to have skewed such students radically toward the classroom main stream.
Implementing a World-Class E-Learning Technology in a Graduate Instructional Design Course
Authors: Snyder Dawn , Gardner Joel
Published: August 2012

At Franklin University, we are in the process of creating a master's degree in Instructional Design and Performance Technology. In one of the program courses, Enhancing Learning with Technology, we wanted students to experience applying principles of e-learning while using an industry standard e-learning application. However, we have learned by experience that it can be difficult to set up the appropriate infrastructure and support needed to successfully provide this technology in a course. In this article, we describe the unique instructional design context at Franklin University and the process we used to design and develop this course. We describe the process we used to select the technology, Articulate Rapid E-Learning Studio ‘09. We also describe the steps taken to support students in their use of this technology. We present several obstacles in designing and developing the course, as well as our solutions.
Pre-Service Teachers in Second Life: Potentials of Simulations
Authors: Teoh Jase
Published: August 2012

An in-depth qualitative study with nine secondary pre-service teachers from an undergraduate Language and Literacy class was conducted to examine the potential of simulation using Second Life (SL) in teacher education. Games and simulations were operationally defined in the broadest sense to distinguish key characteristics between them. This study identified a number of ways (e.g., extra credit option, supplementary tool, and enhancement to teaching and learning) SL could be used as an educational tool to engage students in learning.
Imagined Interactions and Personality Preferences as Predictors of Relationship Quality
Authors: Honeycutt James M. , Keaton Shaughan A.
Published: August 2012

One goal of this study is to gather further evidence concerning the predictive validity of personality preferences from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). While other studies have researched the extent of the MBTI's relationship with comparable personality measures, many have done so by separating the continua of the four dimensions. However, we contend that each is one trait with bipolar extremes. Accordingly, we examine the MBTI with its four dimensions intact. Because previous research demonstrates connections between personalities, imagined interactions, and relationship satisfaction, a model is proposed. A sample of 136 couples who were either dating, engaged, or married were recruited using a snowball technique from students enrolled in psychology and communication courses at a large southern university and administered the MBTI, the SII (Survey of Imagined Interactions), and the QMI (Quality Marriage Index). Results indicate both II attributes and personality preferences predict relationship satisfaction and indicate extraversion is a comparable construct across personality measures.
Imagined Interactions as a Deterrent to Students' Antisocial Email Requests
Authors: Berkos Kristen M.
Published: August 2012

This study examined the role of imagined interactions (IIs) in student email to their teachers due to the cultural popularity of social media usage. One hundred seventeen students were placed in an imagined interaction condition or a distracter task condition. Using their laptops, students were given a request scenario on which to construct and send an email to an instructor. Four hypotheses were tested. Results indicated that students who had an II prior to sending their email were more likely to use prosocial strategies to make their requests. Students in the II condition were also less likely to use the most direct, antisocial compliance gaining strategies. Additional findings are reported and discussed.
The Effects of Symmetry and Personality on Aesthetic Preferences
Authors: Swami Viren , Furnham Adrian
Published: August 2012

This study examined the effect of introducing symmetry into Piet Mondrian's asymmetric neo-plastic paintings and individual difference correlates of their aesthetic appeal. Left and right mirror reflections of 19 paintings by Mondrian were created using a computer graphics program. The 19 original paintings, 19 left-left mirror alternatives, and 19 right-right mirror alternatives were randomly presented to 158 undergraduates who rated each for aesthetic appeal. In addition, participants completed scales that measured their cognitive ability, sensation seeking, ambiguity tolerance, Big Five personality factors, artistic activities, and demographics. Results showed that participants rated the asymmetric originals as more appealing than either the right-right or left-left mirror alternatives. In addition, a multiple regression showed that participants' Openness to Experience and cognitive ability were significant predictors of liking toward Mondrian's original paintings. These results support the notion that masterworks of art are aesthetically pleasing because they include the optimal representational balance of visual components.
Do Emotion Words Interfere with Processing Emotion Faces? Stroop-Like Interference versus Automatic Vigilance for Negative Information
Authors: Cothran D. Lisa , Larsen Randy J. , Zelenski John M. , Prizmic Zvjezdana
Published: August 2012

Algom, Chajut, and Lev (2004) reported that the Emotion-Word Stroop task does not generate the cognitive processes involved in the Color-Word Stroop paradigm. An Emotion Face-Word naming task that satisfies the criteria of the Stroop paradigm is explored. Two alternative hypotheses were tested: that valence can produce Stroop-like interference or that negative information captures attention, i.e., automatic vigilance. This naming task produced facilitation and interference when the emotion words were congruent or incongruent, respectively. Vigilance effects for negative faces and negative words were also found, such that naming the faces was significantly slower when they were negative or when the superimposed words were negative.
The Phenomenology of Alcohol Cue-Reactivity: A Partial Replication and Extension
Authors: Rock Adam J. , Kambouropoulos Nicolas
Published: August 2012

Addiction researchers have emphasized that an important element of the subjective craving construct is phenomenology. A recent study conducted by Kambouropoulos and Rock (2009-2010) experimentally investigated individual differences in the phenomenology of alcohol cue-reactivity and found that various phenomenological effects were significantly more intense for the neutral (i.e., water) cue compared to the alcohol cue (i.e., the participant's favorite beverage). These results appear incongruent with the ostensibly neutral nature of the water cue and may be an artefact of sequencing effects associated with standard cue-reactivity protocols. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to partially replicate Kambouropoulos and Rock's study by experimentally assessing individual variation in the phenomenology of alcohol cue-reactivity using counterbalanced sequences of neutral cue and alcohol cue presentation. Fifty-eight participants were exposed to counterbalanced sequences of neutral and alcohol cues, and urge to drink and phenomenological responses were measured. Findings indicated that exposure to the alcohol stimulus produced significant changes in volitional control, altered awareness, attention, and joy. These results suggest that examining the phenomenology of alcohol cue presentation may provide additional insights into the nature of alcohol cue responses. Finally, the results appeared to provide preliminary support for the utility of counterbalancing neutral cue and alcohol cue presentation.
Effect of Low Doses of Low-Let Radiation on the Innate Anti-Tumor Reactions in Radioresistant and Radiosensitive Mice
Authors: Nowosielska Ewa M. , Cheda Aneta , Wrembel-Wargocka Jolanta , Janiak Marek K.
Published: August 2012

BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice differ in their Th1/Th2 lymphocyte and M1/M2 macrophage phenotypes, radiosensitivity, and post-irradiation tumor incidence. In this study we evaluated the effects of repeated low-level exposures to X-rays on the development of artificial tumor colonies in the lungs of animals from the two strains and cytotoxic activities of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages obtained from these mice. After ten daily irradiations of BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice with 0.01, 0.02, and 0.1 Gy X-rays NK cell-enriched splenocytes collected from the animals demonstrated significant and comparable up-regulation of their anti-tumor cytotoxic function. Likewise, peritoneal macrophages collected from the two irradiated strains of mice exhibited the similarly stimulated cytotoxicities against susceptible tumor cells and produced significantly more nitric oxide. These results were accompanied by the significantly reduced numbers of the neoplastic colonies induced in the lungs by intravenous injection of syngeneic tumor cells. The obtained results indicate that ten low-level irradiations with X-rays stimulate the generally similar anti-tumor reactions in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice.
Dietary Acid Load and Metabolic Acidosis in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: van den Berg Else , Engberink Mariëlle F. , Brink Elizabeth J. , van Baak Marleen A. , Joosten Michel M. , Gans Reinold O.B. , Navis Gerjan , Bakker Stephan J.L.
Published: August 2012

Background and objectives

Acidosis is prevalent among renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and adversely affects cardiometabolic processes. Factors contributing to acidosis are graft dysfunction and immunosuppressive drugs. Little is known about the potential influence of diet on acidosis in RTRs. This study examined the association of metabolic acid load with acidosis and with cardiovascular risk factors in RTRs and aimed to identify dietary factors associated with acidosis.

Design, participants, setting, & measurements

707 RTRs were included. Metabolic acid load was assessed by measuring 24-hour urinary net acid excretion (NAE; i.e., titratable acid + ammonium − bicarbonate). Acidosis was defined as serum [HCO3
−] < 24 mmol/L. BP and insulin resistance, reflected by hemoglobin A1c, were among cardiovascular risk factors. Diet was assessed with food-frequency questionnaires. Linear regression analysis was applied to investigate association between NAE and acidosis and between dietary factors and acidosis.

Results

Mean age ± SD was 53±13 years; 57% of patients were male. Acidosis was present in 31% of RTRs. NAE was associated with acidosis (serum HCO3
−: β=−0.61; serum pH: β=−0.010; both P<0.001). Patients with high intake of animal protein (i.e., from meat, cheese, and fish) and low intake of fruits and vegetables had significantly lower serum HCO3
− and serum pH. No associations were observed between NAE and cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

In addition to conventional factors contributing to acidosis, diet might influence acid-base homeostasis in RTRs. Higher intake of fruits and vegetables and lower animal protein intake is associated with less acidosis in RTRs.
Relationship between Ambulatory BP and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Hypertensive CKD
Authors: Gabbai Francis B. , Rahman Mahboob , Hu Bo , Appel Lawrence J. , Charleston Jeanne , Contreras Gabriel , Faulkner Marquetta L. , Hiremath Leena , Jamerson Kenneth A. , Lea Janice P. , Lipkowitz Michael S. , Pogue Velvie A. , Rostand Stephen G. , Smogorzewski Miroslaw J. , Wright Jackson T. , Greene Tom , Gassman Jennifer , Wang Xuelei , Phillips Robert A.
Published: August 2012

Background and objectives

Abnormal ambulatory BP (ABP) profiles are commonplace in CKD, yet the prognostic value of ABP for renal and cardiovascular outcomes is uncertain. This study assessed the relationship of baseline ABP profiles with CKD progression and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes to determine the prognostic value of ABP beyond that of clinic BP measurements.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Between 2002 and 2003, 617 African Americans with hypertensive CKD treated to a clinic BP goal of <130/80 mmHg were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. Participants were followed for a median of 5 years. Primary renal outcome was a composite of doubling of serum creatinine, ESRD, or death. The primary cardiovascular outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction, hospitalized congestive heart failure, stroke, revascularization procedures, cardiovascular death, and ESRD.

Results

Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that higher 24-hour systolic BP (SBP), daytime, night-time, and clinic SBP were each associated with subsequent renal (hazard ratio, 1.17–1.28; P<0.001) and cardiovascular outcomes (hazard ratio, 1.22–1.32; P<0.001). After controlling for clinic SBP, ABP measures were predictive of renal outcomes in participants with clinic SBP <130 mmHg (P<0.05 for interaction). ABP predicted cardiovascular outcomes with no interaction based on clinic BP control.

Conclusions

ABP provides additional information beyond that of multiple clinic BP measures in predicting renal and cardiovascular outcomes in African Americans with hypertensive CKD. The primary utility of ABP in these CKD patients was to identify high-risk individuals among those patients with controlled clinic BP.
Daily Menstrual Blood Loss and Quality of Life in Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Authors: Lukes Andrea S , Baker Jeffrey , Eder Scott , Adomako Tammie L
Published: August 2012

Aim: Excessive blood loss during menstruation is a major problem for women of reproductive age. Women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) often present to physicians because of the subsequent negative impact HMB has on their daily lives and activities. The objective of this post-hoc analysis is to evaluate daily menstrual blood loss (MBL) in women with HMB and assess the relationship between daily MBL and women's perceptions of MBL, limitations in physical activities and limitations in social/leisure activities as measured by the Menorrhagia Impact Questionnaire. Materials & methods: Data from two randomized, placebo-controlled studies of an oral tranexamic acid formulation in women with HMB were assessed. Daily MBLs and Menorrhagia Impact Questionnaire scores were evaluated for two pretreatment cycles and the first three tranexamic acid treatment cycles of each study. Effect-size analyses were not conducted. Results & conclusion: Highest daily MBLs occurred on days 2 and 3 of menstrual cycles. Women's perceptions of daily MBL were consistent with objective measures of MBL. Higher daily MBL was related to increased limitations in physical activities and limitations in social/leisure activities. Daily MBL values were consistent with women's perceptions of MBL. Reduced daily MBL was associated with improvements in health-related quality of life.
BRCA Carriers, Prophylactic Salpingo-Oophorectomy and Menopause: Clinical Management Considerations and Recommendations
Authors: Finch Amy , Evans Gareth , Narod Steven A
Published: August 2012

Women who inherit a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have greatly elevated lifetime risks of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and breast cancer. Preventive surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) is recommended to these women, often prior to natural menopause, to prevent cancer. The ensuing hormone deprivation may impact on health and quality of life. Most of these women experience menopausal symptoms shortly after surgery; however, there may also be longer term consequences that are less well understood. In this review, we highlight recent studies that examine the implications of salpingo-oophorectomy on health and quality of life in BRCA-positive women and we discuss the care of women following prophylactic surgery.
Women'S Awareness of Cancer Symptoms: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Jones Sandra C , Johnson Keryn
Published: August 2012

Improvements in cancer detection and treatment have led to consistent declines in mortality from many cancers. However, many patients present for treatment at a point where more invasive treatment is required and/or treatment outcomes are less than optimal. One factor that has been consistently shown to be associated with late diagnosis and treatment is delay in seeking help for symptoms. This paper reviews the literature on women's awareness of cancer symptoms and aims to identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in order to improve help-seeking behaviors. The discovery of substantial gaps in awareness suggest a need for improved community education regarding cancer symptoms.
Surface and mechanical properties of polypropylene/clay nanocomposite
Authors: Dibaei Asl , Abdouss Majid , Torabi Angaji , Haji Aminoddin
Published: August 2012

Huge consumption of polypropylene in the industries like automotive motivates
academic and industrial R&Ds to find new and excellent approaches to improve
the mechanical properties of this polymer, which has no degradation effect on
other required performance properties like impact resistance, controlled
crystallinity, toughness and shrinkage. Nowadays, nanoparticles play a key
role in improving the mechanical and surface properties of polypropylene. In
this study, three compositions of "Polypropylene/nanoclay", containing 0%, 2%
and 5% of nanoclay were prepared in internal mixer. For characterizing the
nanoclay dispersion in polymer bulk, TEM and XRD tests were used. For scratch
resistance test, scratch lines were created on the load of 900 grain on
sheets and SEM images were taken and compared with neat PP scratch image.
Crystallinity and mechanical behavior were studied. The results showed that
mechanical properties and scratch resistance of the composites have been
improved.
The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of silver doped hydroxyapatite coating in simulated body fluid used as corrosive agent
Authors: Jankovic Ana , Erakovic Sanja , Dindune Antonija , Veljovic Djordje , Stevanovic Tatjana , Janackovic Djordje , Miskovic-Stankovic Vesna
Published: August 2012

Titanium is a key biomedical material due its good biocompatibility,
mechanical properties and corrosion stability, but infections of the
implantation site still pose serious threat. One approach to prevent
infection is to improve antimicrobial ability of the coating material. Silver
doped hydroxyapatite (Ag/HAP) nanoparticles were synthesized by new modified
precipitation method. The synthesized powder was used for preparation of
Ag/HAP coating on titanium by electrophoretic deposition. The coating was
characterized in terms of phase composition and structure by Attenuated total
reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray
diffraction (XRD); surface morphology and chemical composition was assessed
using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy
(EDS). Research focused on evaluation of the corrosion behaviour of Ag/HAP
coating in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 ?C during prolonged immersion
time by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Silver doped HAP
coating provided good corrosion protection in SBF solution.
QSAR study for anti-HIV-1 activities of HEPT derivatives using MLR and PLS
Authors: Ivan Daniela , Crisan Luminita , Funar-Timofei Simona , Mracec Mircea
Published: August 2012

A QSAR study using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and a Partial Least
Squares (PLS) methodology was performed for a series of 127 derivatives of
1-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)-timine (HEPT), a potent inhibitor
of the of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1, HIV-1 reverse
transcriptase (RT). To explore the relationship between a pool of HEPT
derivative descriptors (as independent variables) and anti-HIV-1 activity
expressed as log (1/EC50), as dependent variable) MLR and PLS methods have
been employed. Using Dragon descriptors, the present study aims to develop a
predictive and robust QSAR model for predicting anti-HIV activity of the HEPT
derivatives for better understanding the molecular features of these
compounds important for their biological activity. According to the squared
correlation coefficients, which had values between 0.826 and 0.809 for the
MLR and PLS methods, the results demonstrate almost identical qualities and
good predictive ability for both MLR and PLS models. After dividing the
dataset into training and test sets, the model predictability was tested by
several parameters, including the Golbraikh-Tropsha external criteria and the
goodness of fit tested with the Y-randomization test.