bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of direct Cedrol inhalation into the lower airway on autonomic nervous activity in totally laryngectomized subjects
Authors: Umeno Katsumi , Hori Etsuro , Tsubota Masahito , Shojaku Hideo , Miwa Takaki , Nagashima Yoshinao , Yada Yukihiro , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Ono Taketoshi , Nishijo Hisao
Published: October 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Relationships between smell sensation and autonomic changes have been studied extensively.

• However, the possibility that odorants may also act on the lung and lower airway remains unknown.

What this study adds

• The present results provide the first evidence that the lung and lower airway exert an inhibitory influence on the cardiovascular system in response to Cedrol (odorant) in the air under physiological conditions.

Aims

Previous studies reported that Cedrol (odorant) inhalation (CI) induced changes in autonomic balance and baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) in both healthy subjects and anosmic patients. This suggests that Cedrol may act on the lower airway, and that the pulmonary system may exert an inhibitory influence on the cardiovascular system.

Method

To test the above possibility, vaporized Cedrol (64.0 ± 7.7 10−9m) or blank air was directly inhaled through the lower airway from a hole in the trachea, but not through the upper airway, using totally laryngectomized subjects. During the experiment, ECG, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity was estimated by spectral analyses of variability in these parameters (heart rate variability (HRV), SBP variability (SBPV) and DBP variability (DBPV)). BRS was computed from transfer gain between SBP and the R‐R interval of the ECG.

Results

SBP and DBP significantly decreased during CI, although there were no significant differences in HR and respiratory rate. BRS significantly increased during CI. The low frequency components of SBPV and DBPV (indices for sympathetic activity) significantly decreased during CI, while high frequency components of HRV (an index for parasympathetic activity) significantly increased.

Conclusions

The present experiment using totally laryngectomized patients replicated the similar results in healthy subjects who inhaled Cedrol through the nose, suppression of sympathetic outflow and increase in parasympathetic outflow. These results demonstrated that Cedrol acts on the lower airway and pulmonary system, and suggest a new target for drug therapy of hypertension.
Imprint cytology of vacuum‐assisted breast biopsy specimens: a rapid diagnostic tool in non‐palpable solid lesions
Authors: Oikonomou V. , Fotou M. , Zagouri F. , Sergentanis T. N. , Nonni A. , Athanassiadou P. , Drouveli T. , Patsouris E. , Kotzia E. , Zografos G. C.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  Imprint cytology provides a rapid preliminary diagnosis shortly after the completion of breast biopsy. This study aims to assess the validity of imprint cytology for the pre‐operative diagnosis of non‐palpable mammographic solid lesions excised by vacuum‐assisted breast biopsy (VABB).

Methods:  Seventy‐two women with non‐palpable Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 and 4 mammographic solid lesions without microcalcifications underwent VABB on the stereotactic Fischer’s table with 11‐G Mammotome vacuum probes. Imprint samples were examined (Diff‐Quick stain, modified Papanicolaou stain and May‐Grünwald–Giemsa). The cores were dipped into a CytoRich Red Collection fluid for a few seconds in order to obtain samples with the use of the specimen wash. After the completion of cytological procedures, the core was prepared for routine pathological study. The pathologist was blind to the preliminary cytological results. The cytological and pathological diagnoses were comparatively evaluated.

Results:  The sensitivity of the cytological imprints for cancer was 90%. The specificity of the method for cancer diagnosis was 100%. Two precursor lesions were present in the material: one case of atypical ductal hyperplasia, which was successfully detected, and one case of lobular neoplasia, which escaped detection. The cytological imprints were inadequate in four out of 72 cases (5.6%), but none of them were included within the malignant subgroup.

Conclusions:  Imprint cytology seems to be an important adjunctive tool in the management of patients with non‐palpable mammographic solid lesions. Its very satisfactory sensitivity and optimal specificity could establish its use in general clinical practice.
Hepatocyte turnover in transient and chronic hepadnavirus infections
Authors: Mason W. S. , Litwin S. , Xu C. , Jilbert A. R.
Published: October 2007

Summary.  Hepatocyte turnover appears to be an important feature in the resolution of transient and progression of chronic hepadnavirus infections. Hepatocyte death, initiated through attack by antiviral cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTL), and compensatory hepatocyte proliferation, are both believed to be major contributing factors in the loss of virus DNA during immune resolution of transient infections. Noncytopathic curing of hepatocytes is also suggested to occur, though this mechanism does not prevent the death of large numbers of hepatocytes. Hepatocyte death, proliferation and curing are also important features of chronic infections, though the outcomes are different. In particular, immune selection due to persistent attack by antiviral CTL is thought to play a role in the emergence of hepatocytes infected with mutant strains of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (e.g. HBV e antigen‐negative strains) and in the emergence of hepatocytes that appear refractory to HBV infection. In both instances, clonal expansion of subpopulations of hepatocytes may be inferred to have taken place. Interestingly, foci of altered hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) typically do no support virus replication. Thus, immune selection of hepatocytes by antiviral CTL, by inducing clonal expansion, may also play an important role in the progression to HCC. In this review, we discuss the evidence in support of roles for hepatocyte turnover in the resolution of transient and progression of chronic HBV infections.
Therapeutic vaccination in chronic hepatitis B: preclinical studies in the woodchuck model
Authors: Roggendorf M. , Schulte I. , Xu Y. , Lu M.
Published: October 2007

Summary.  Interferon‐α and nucleoside analogues are available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection but do not lead to a satisfactory result. New findings about the immunological control of HBV during acute infection suggest the pivotal role of T‐cell mediated immune responses. Several preclinical and clinical trials were undertaken to explore the possibility of stimulating specific immune responses in chronically infected animals and patients by vaccination. However, vaccination with commercially available HBV vaccines in patients and immunization in woodchucks with core or surface proteins of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) did not result in effective control of HBV and WHV infection, suggesting that new formulations of therapeutic vaccines are needed. Some new approaches combining antiviral treatments with nucleoside analogues, DNA vaccines and protein vaccines were tested in the woodchuck model. It could be shown that therapeutic vaccinations are able to stimulate specific B‐ and T‐cell responses and to achieve transient suppression of viral replication. These results suggest the great potential of therapeutic vaccination in combination with antivirals to reach an effective and sustained control of HBV infection.
The progamic phase and seed formation in Armoracia rusticana
Authors: Winiarczyk K. , Bednara J.
Published: October 2007

The progamic phase is a period of specific interaction between the male gametophyte and the pistil tissues and is very important for proper seed development in plants. The aims of this study were to investigate the events during the progamic phase in Armoracia rusticana, to examine a plant’s capability of sexual reproduction and to obtain vital seeds under natural conditions. There were very few pollen grains on the stigmas at anthesis stage. The incompatibility reaction between the stigma cells and pollen grains was observed by using fluorescence microscopy. A series of ovary cross‐sections revealed a high accumulation of Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)‐positive globules in all the embryo sacs. About 33% of ovules in the ovary were fertilized, but only 3% of them were able to germinate into seedlings.
Unusual Vaginal Angiomatous Neoformation in a 3‐year Old Pug
Authors: Beccaglia M , Battocchio M , Sironi G , Luvoni GC
Published: October 2007

Contents

A 3‐year‐old female pug (8 kg bodyweight) was referred by a local veterinarian for evaluation of vaginal bleeding. Historically, the owner indicated chronic haematic vaginal discharge initiated approximately 3 months ago, overall good appetite and slight general dullness. Two months prior to the visit, the bitch had been spayed by the local veterinarian, but vaginal bleeding persisted after surgery. Following a general examination and complete blood analysis, a genital tract examination was performed and, through vaginal endoscopy, a red, smooth, and apparently broad‐based vaginal mass was found. An episiotomy was performed and on surgical exploration, the bleeding site was determined to be on the surface of a mass composed of two congested, adjacent cylindrical structures, symmetric to the vaginal sagittal midline, broad‐based and quite regular on the surface. The mass appeared to be well delimited from the surrounding tissue by a thin capsula, and each cylindrical structure had a tributary vessel. Ectopic and dysplastic corpora cavernosa of the clitoris characterized by angiomatous proliferation, cavernous haemangioma and vascular hamartoma were considered in the differential diagnosis. The presence of small intralesional nerves identified by S100 immunostaining was used as a diagnostic clue to classify this unusual vaginal angiomatous neoformation as vascular hamartoma.
Radical radiotherapy with high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for uterine cervix cancer long‐term results†
Authors: Khor TH , Tuan JKL , Hee SW , Tham IWK
Published: October 2007

The aim of this is to report the results of radical radiotherapy in carcinoma of the cervix treated by high‐dose rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy (XRT) at a single centre in Singapore. This is a retrospective analysis of 106 consecutive cases with histologically proven cervical cancer, treated by HDR brachytherapy and XRT at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital from 1990 to 1993. External beam radiotherapy to the pelvis was delivered with 6 MV photons, to 45–50.4 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions. High‐dose‐rate brachytherapy comprised two to three applications of an intrauterine tandem with paired ovoids, to a median dose of 18 Gy to point ‘A’, carried out during XRT. All 106 patients completed treatment. Their ages ranged from 32 to 80 years (median 57 years). Most patients presented with stage II or III disease (44 and 37%, respectively) and with squamous cell carcinoma (91%). Median follow‐up time was 59 months (range 2–169 months). The 5‐year relapse‐free survival rate across all stages was 71%. The corresponding overall survival rate was 69%. Local control was achieved in 86 patients (81%); six patients had residual disease (6%), and 14 patients had local recurrence (13%). Fourteen patients developed metastatic disease (13%). On univariate analysis, tumour stage, haemoglobin level, number of brachytherapy treatments and overall treatment time were found to be prognostic factors for overall survival. Late complications were mild (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group score 1–2), except for one patient with grade 4 rectal toxicity. The complication rates were 8, 14 and 45%, respectively, for the rectum, bladder and vagina (stenosis). The use of two to three fractions of HDR intracavitary brachytherapy in addition to pelvic XRT achieves good outcomes.
What is a large breast? Measuring and categorizing breast size for tangential breast radiation therapy
Authors: Dundas KL , Atyeo J , Cox J
Published: October 2007

Despite consensus in published studies that larger‐breasted patients who undergo radiation therapy tend to suffer from more severe acute skin reactions and a more adverse cosmetic outcome, there appears to be no consensus on the definition of a ‘large breast’. This paper describes an analysis of breast size that was undertaken on 50 patients and compares this data with other published studies. The desired outcome for the study was to formulate a definition of ‘large breast size’ that would be appropriate for Australian patients and that could be determined simply and quickly in busy radiation oncology clinics. Analysis suggests that cup and brassiere size may be used to separate breast size into two categories. On the basis of published data and results from this study, it is recommended that patients with a cup size ≥D or a bra size ≥18 could be categorized as having large breasts, with all other patients considered average in size.
Polymorphisms of interferon‐γ and interferon‐γ receptor 1 genes and pulmonary tuberculosis in Koreans
Authors: HWANG Jung Hye , KIM Eun Joo , KIM Su Yeon , LEE Shin‐Hye , SUH Gee Young , KWON O Jung , JI Yongick , KANG Miyeon , KIM Duk‐Hwan , KOH Won‐Jung
Published: October 2007

Background and objective:  Many genetic variations are thought to be risk factors for the development of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The association of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IFN‐γ receptor 1 (IFN‐γR1) gene polymorphisms with pulmonary TB is controversial. This study examined the association between IFN‐γ and IFN‐γR1 gene polymorphisms and pulmonary TB among Koreans.

Methods:  Eighty patients with culture‐confirmed pulmonary TB and 80 controls were studied. Polymorphisms of the IFN‐γ gene at position +874 were determined using the amplification refractory mutation system PCR assay, and the IFN‐γR1 gene was genotyped at positions −611, −270, −56 and +95 employing matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry using genomic DNA.

Results:  The genotype and allele frequencies of the IFN‐γ and IFN‐γR1 gene polymorphisms did not differ significantly between the patients with pulmonary TB and controls.

Conclusions:  The IFN‐γ and IFN‐γR1 gene polymorphisms do not appear to be responsible for host susceptibility to pulmonary TB in the Korean population.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide mediates acid‐induced lung injury in mice
Authors: AOKI‐NAGASE Tomoko , NAGASE Takahide , OH‐HASHI Yoshio , KURIHARA Yukiko , YAMAGUCHI Yasuhiro , YAMAMOTO Hiroshi , NAGATA Taiji , KURIHARA Hiroki , OUCHI Yasuyoshi
Published: October 2007

Background and objective:  Acid‐induced lung injury from aspiration is one of the most important causes of ARDS. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that has various biological actions. The current study investigated whether CGRP might have pathophysiological roles in acid‐induced lung injury.

Methods:  The investigations employed CGRP gene‐disrupted mice––mutant mice (CGRP–/–) and their littermate controls (CGRP+/+). Anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated mice received 2 mL/kg HCl (pH = 1.5) intratracheally. Lung wet‐to‐dry weight ratios were calculated to assess pulmonary oedema, total and differential cell counts of the BALF were determined, and measurements of myeloperoxidase activity were performed.

Results:  Acid‐induced lung injury was characterized by an increase in lung permeability and respiratory failure. Disruption of the CGRP gene significantly attenuated acid‐induced injury, oedema and respiratory failure.

Conclusions:  This study suggests that CGRP is involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury caused by acid aspiration and CGRP mutant mice may provide an appropriate model to study molecular mechanisms in this context.
Prevalence of pleural effusions post orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: MISRA Heather , DIKENSOY Oner , RODRIGUEZ R. Michael , BILACEROGLU Semra , WIGGER Mark , AARON Mark , LIGHT Richard
Published: October 2007

Background and objective:  The prevalence and natural history of pleural effusions occurring after orthotopic heart transplantations (OHT) are essentially unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, laterality, size and prognosis of pleural effusions occurring after OHT.

Methods:  Eighty‐three patients who underwent OHT between August 1997 and January 2003 were screened retrospectively. CXR and chest CT scans of all patients were reviewed. Chart review was performed for patients with large effusions (occupying 25% or more of a hemithorax) with specific attention to thoracentesis results.

Results:  Seventy‐two patients were included in the study. Sixty‐one (85%) developed an effusion at some time during the first 365 postoperative days. The majority of post‐OHT effusions were bilateral and small, occupying less than 25% of the hemithorax. Pleural effusions occupying 25% or more of a hemithorax occurred in 17% (12/72) of the patients within 12 months of OHT. Overall, the majority of effusions resolved within the first year after transplantation.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of pleural effusions within 12 months following OHT is high (85%). Most effusions are small, bilateral and resolve within 1 year.
Influence of the parent–adolescent relationship on condom use among South Korean male college students*
Authors: Cha Eun Seok , Kim Kevin H. , Doswell Willa M.
Published: October 2007

Abstract  This study examined the mediating role of condom self‐efficacy between the parent–adolescent relationship and the intention to use condoms with a submodel based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Male students aged 18–25 years (n = 176) were recruited from a university in Seoul, South Korea, using a flyer and self‐referral in 2004. A sample of 170 male students was retained for the final data analyses as six subjects had incomplete data on more than one instrument. Condom self‐efficacy completely mediated the prediction of intention to use condoms by the quality of the mother–son relationship. However, condom self‐efficacy did not mediate the relationship between the quality of the father–son relationship and the intention to use condoms. Only an indirect effect between the quality of the father–son relationship and the intention to use condoms existed. The suggested sex education programs should develop culture‐specific, theory‐based, and family‐based interventions in order to reduce risky sexual behavior among South Korean adolescents.
Poverty and development: Pulling forces and the challenges for nursing in Africa
Authors: Klopper Hester C.
Published: October 2007

Abstract  In September 2000 the United Nations Millennium Declaration was adopted and endorsed by 189 countries, translating into eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be reached by 2015. At the midpoint between the MDG adoption in 2000 and the 2015 target date for achieving the goals, Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is not on track to achieve their MDGs. Poverty and development are pulling forces and impact on the ability to achieve the MDGs in SSA, thus the main purpose of this article is to participate in the debate concerning the global theme of poverty and development and the challenges for the nursing profession. In this article the concepts of poverty and development are explored, and the existing trends with specific reference to SSA are investigated. An evaluation of the present status of SSA in reaching the MDG's is examined and the article concludes with a discussion of the challenges for nursing in Africa.
Geovisualization of Human Hybrid Activity‐Travel Patterns
Authors: Ren Fang , Kwan Mei‐Po
Published: October 2007

While GIS‐based geovisualization techniques have been fruitfully employed in a wide range of fields, they have not been applied to explore human hybrid activity‐travel patterns (i.e. the patterns of people's activities and/or travel in both the physical and virtual worlds). This study develops two geovisualization approaches using 3D and 2D GIS techniques to address the difficulties faced by past studies. First, the notions of information cube and hybrid 3D space‐time paths are developed to accommodate cyberspatial activities in exploratory data analysis. Second, a new representation of 2D space‐time paths that incorporates parallel coordinate plots is developed for exploring the multiple attributes of people's Internet and physical activities. These two methods were implemented using ArcObjects and the Visual Basic for Applications environment in ArcGIS. They were used to visualize a complex Internet‐activity diary dataset collected in Columbus (Ohio, USA). The study shows that the 3D and 2D geovisualization methods developed allow us to uncover important patterns in hybrid human activity‐travel behavior.
Enabling Spatially Aware Mobile Applications
Authors: Simon Rainer , Fröhlich Peter , Anegg Hermann
Published: October 2007

Recently, increasing numbers of mobile phones are appearing on the market that feature advanced navigation capabilities: embedded GPS receivers for global positioning, integrated digital compasses for detecting the heading of the device, or accelerometer‐based tilt sensors will potentially enable upcoming and future mobile phones to measure their location and orientation in 3D space. In this paper, we present an application framework for building spatially aware mobile applications – applications that visualize, process or exchange geospatial information – on mobile phones equipped with such features. The core component of the framework is a novel, platform‐independent XML data exchange format for the interface between application server and mobile device that describes the geographic vicinity of the user. The format enables a variety of new mobile interaction styles and user interface types – from traditional text‐based local search and information interfaces to innovative real‐time user interfaces like Geo‐Wands and Smart Compasses.
Review: Does Warfarin Safely Prevent Clotting of Hemodialysis Catheters?
Authors: Willms Lisa , Vercaigne Lavern M.
Published: October 2007

This article reviews the efficacy and safety of warfarin to prevent tunneled cuffed catheter (TCC) thrombosis in the hemodialysis population. Literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were performed until April 1, 2007. Bibliographies of relevant articles were reviewed for additional publications. Minidose (1 mg/day) warfarin is ineffective in preventing TCC malfunction. Warfarin titrated to an international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.5–2.0, 1.8–2.5, and 2.0‐3.0 was found to decrease the rate of thrombosis in selected patients. Early initiation of warfarin after catheter placement may be advantageous. Despite evidence of efficacy, safety is of greater concern. There were no major bleeds reported at an INR range of 1.5–2.5 specifically in catheter studies. However, an increase in major bleeding episodes has been reported with INR ranging from 1.4 to 3.0 in patients receiving warfarin for other indications (e.g., graft patency or cardiovascular indications). There is insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of warfarin to prevent TCC thrombosis in all patients, primarily because of safety concerns. There is an increased risk of bleeding associated with warfarin use in the hemodialysis population. If a decision is made to use warfarin on a case‐by‐case basis, literature to date suggests that an INR target of 1.5–2.5 should suffice. Bleeding must be monitored carefully in this population, especially in patients using antiplatelet medications for concurrent conditions.
Are concomitant patch test reactions to epoxy resin and BIS‐GMA indicative of cross‐reactivity?
Authors: Geier Johannes , Lessmann Holger , Uter Wolfgang , Schnuch Axel
Published: October 2007

Background:  Despite rare simultaneous exposure, concomitant sensitisation to bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate (BIS‐GMA) and epoxy resin frequently occurs. Immunological cross‐reactivity has not been proven by animal experiments so far.

Objective:  Our objective was to examine cross‐reactivity epidemiologically by analysing data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK).

Patients/methods:  From 2001 to 2005, 3,777 patients were patch tested with epoxy resin and BIS‐GMA in the IVDK. We retrospectively analysed concomitant reactions to these allergens and to BIS‐GMA and selected methacrylates. Additionally, we compared clinical characteristics of patients reacting to both, epoxy resin and BIS‐GMA, with those of patients reacting to epoxy resin or BIS‐GMA only.

Results:  185 patients reacted to epoxy resin, and 40 to BIS‐GMA. Of the latter, 34 reacted to epoxy resin. There was no difference concerning exposure between the above‐mentioned groups of patients. Concomitant reactions to BIS‐GMA and methacrylates hardly ever occurred.

Conclusions: Considering the fact that very few patients had been potentially exposed to BIS‐GMA and that 85% of those reacting to BIS‐GMA also reacted to epoxy resin, we conclude that our data are presumably indicative of immunological cross‐reactivity. A verification of this hypothesis by animal experiments would be promising.
AN APPLICATION OF IMAGE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGE ANALYSIS
Authors: McEVOY FINTAN J.
Published: October 2007

An estimate of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue at differing positions around the body was required in a study examining body composition. To eliminate human error associated with the manual placement of markers for measurements and to facilitate the collection of data from a large number of animals and image slices, automation of the process was desirable. The open‐source and free image analysis program ImageJ was used. A macro procedure was created that provided the required functionality. The macro performs a number of basic image processing procedures. These include an initial process designed to remove the scanning table from the image and to center the animal in the image. This is followed by placement of a vertical line segment from the mid point of the upper border of the image to the image center. Measurements are made between automatically detected outer and inner boundaries of subcutaneous adipose tissue along this line segment. This process was repeated as the image was rotated (with the line position remaining unchanged) so that measurements around the complete circumference were obtained. Additionally, an image was created showing all detected boundary points so that sites of measurement could be checked by visual inspection. This paper provides a detailed account of this macro, illustrates the effect of its components on the image, and the applicability of standard image processing techniques to veterinary imaging.
STANDING MYELOGRAPHY IN THE HORSE USING A NONIONIC CONTRAST AGENT
Authors: ROSE PATRICIA L. , ABUTARBUSH SAMEEH M. , DUCKETT WENDY
Published: October 2007

Standing myelography in the horse has been previously described. In that study, metrizamide was used and significant complications were reported. In recent years, the introduction of less‐toxic nonionic contrast media has reduced the incidence of complications. This study was undertaken to determine whether standing myelography using a nonionic contrast medium could provide a diagnostic study and be performed safely in the equine patient. Standing myelography was performed in eight horses. The contrast medium used was iohexol. In five horses a myelogram of diagnostic quality was achieved; in one horse contrast flowed only to the level of C6 and in two horses contrast medium did not reach the cervical subarachnoid space. Owing to the difficulty in achieving good flow of the contrast medium in some horses, this procedure may be of limited utility. However, if puncture of the lumbosacral subarachnoid space can be achieved easily and quickly, standing myelography may be a clinically useful procedure. It may be attempted in cases in which the economic value of the patient makes myelography under general anesthesia impractical. In patients presenting for evaluation of ataxia it may be possible to perform a standing myelogram at the time of CSF sample collection from the lumbosacral space.
Fear of Sexual Intercourse in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Study of Associated Morbidity
Authors: Kazemi-Saleh Davoud , Pishgou Bahram , Assari Shervin , Tavallaii Seyed Abbass
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Sexual fear is a known cause for avoidance of intercourse, especially in patients with chronic conditions.

Aim

Given the significant impact of fear of intercourse on the quality of life, we herein report our pilot results regarding the differences in the demographic, clinical, marital, and psychological characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with and without sexual fear.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study conducted in Baqyiatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran, in 2006, 87 married CAD patients were assessed for the presence of sexual fear. Subjects with and without sexual fear were compared for demographic and clinical data as well as for Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Revised-Dyadic Adjustment Scale (R-DAS) scores.

Main Outcome Measure

Demographic and clinical data, sexual fear (Relationship and Sexuality Scale), symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS), and marital relation quality (R-DAS).

Results

Twenty-nine subjects were reported to have some degrees of fear of sexual intercourse and a lower frequency of sexual intercourse. Age, socioeconomic status, education level, tobacco smoking, and history of myocardial infarction were significantly different between those with and the ones without sexual fear. Body mass index, extent of coronary involvement, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, stroke, hyperlipidemia, history of diabetes, and the use of beta-blockers were not statistically different in the two groups. The subjects with sexual fear reported higher HADS depressive and R-DAS scores but not higher HADS anxiety scores.

Conclusion

Among different nonmodifiable and modifiable correlates of fear of sexual intercourse in CAD patients, marital relationship and depressive symptoms should be highlighted in future interventional studies with the aim of allaying such fears.
Visualization and Characterization of High‐Order Chromatin Fibers under Light Microscope during Interphase and Mitotic Stages in Plants
Authors: Liu Jing‐Yu , She Chao‐Wen , Hu Zhong‐Li , Li Fen , Diao Ying , Liu Li‐Hua , Song Yun‐Chun
Published: October 2007

Using genomic in situ hybridization with genomic DNA, high‐order chromatin fibers were successfully exhibited under a light microscope through the cell cycle in barley, rice, maize and field bean. From the interphase to prophase and metaphase of mitosis, the fibers were basically similar. Each was estimated to be around 200 nm in diameter, but the strength of signals was not the same along the fiber length. Through the cell cycle a series of dynamic distribution changes occurred in the fibers. In the interphase, they were unraveled. At the early prophase they were arranged with parallel and mirror symmetry. During late‐prophase and metaphase, the fibers were bundled and became different visible chromosomes. The parallel coiling and mirror symmetry structures were visible clearly until the metaphase. In anaphase they disappeared. During telophase, in peripheral regions of congregated chromosome group, borderlines of the chromosomes disappeared and the fibers were unraveled. This demonstrated that mitotic chromosomes are assembled and organized by parallel and adjacent coiling of the fibers and the fibers should be the highest order structure for DNA coiling.
Gibberellin Is Involved in the Regulation of Cell Death‐mediated Apical Senescence in G2 Pea
Authors: Wang Da‐Yong , Li Qing , Cui Ke‐Ming , Zhu Yu‐Xian
Published: October 2007

Senescence is the process of programmed degradation. The G2 line of pea exhibits apical senescence‐delaying phenotype under short‐day (SD) conditions, but the mechanism regulating the apical senescence is still largely unknown. Gibberellin (GA) was proved to be able to delay this apical senescence phenotype in G2 pea grown under long‐day (LD) conditions. Here we show that the initiation of cell death signals in the terminal floral meristem was involved in the regulation of apical senescence in pea plants. SD signals prevented the formation of the cell death region in the apical mersitem. Moreover, GA3 treatment could effectively inhibit the occurrence of cell death‐mediated apical senescence in LD‐grown apical buds. Therefore, our data suggest that the prevention of apical senescence in SD‐grown G2 pea through GA3 treatment may be largely responsible for the regulation of occurrence of the DNA fragmentation in apical meristem.
Proficiency Tests for Introductory Physics
Authors: Hoffman Eugene J.
Published: October 2007

Just as passing a music course from “Appreciation” on up demands at least basic proficiency in note reading and harmony, so even physics for nonscience students requires some mathematical skills. We are often frustrated, however, by students who in the midst of a beautifully deductive derivation hesitate over, say, the definition of a cosine. In an effort to hasten development of key problem-solving skills, I have added timed proficiency tests to the conventional array of learning tools, homework, quizzes, hour exams, etc.
Student Problem-Solving Behaviors
Authors: Harper Kathleen A.
Published: October 2007

Kathy Harper is director of undergraduate curriculum development in the physics department at The Ohio State University. She has been involved in local and national workshops for in-service teachers and conducts research in student problem solving.
Estimating the Speed of Light from Earth-Moon Communication
Authors: Keeports David
Published: October 2007

During the Moon landing of Apollo 16 on April 21, 1972, a spoken message from Earth is heard returning to Earth roughly 2.7 s later. The signal traveled from Earth to the Moon, from the earphone to the microphone of astronaut John Young's space helmet, and back to Earth. A recording of this “space echo,” available at Ref. 1, enables a simple approximate determination of the speed of light.
Gravitational Waves: New Observatories for New Astronomy
Authors: Rubbo Louis J. , Larson Shane L. , Larson Michelle B. , Zaleski Kristina D.
Published: October 2007

This article reviews the current status of gravitational wave astronomy and explains why astronomers are excited about the new generation of gravitational wave detectors. As part of the review we compare and contrast gravitational radiation to the more familiar electromagnetic radiation. We discuss the current indirect experimental evidence for gravitational waves and how current and future gravitational wave detectors will operate as our newest telescopes are pointed at the skies.
Classroom Use of Martial Arts Exhibitions
Authors: Landry Shane Garrett , Denn Grant R.
Published: October 2007

Martial arts are becoming increasingly popular, and many of the techniques used by martial artists can provide effective demonstrations to showcase basic physics concepts. Many students have martial arts experience by the time they reach the senior level of high school or college. In one conceptual physics course, seven students out of 40 had studied some form of martial arts. Teachers can use experienced students as a resource and exploit the popularity of martial arts to demonstrate some basic points in Newtonian mechanics via martial arts demonstrations. This interactive mode of learning, we have found, is very popular and highly motivational for the students. In this paper we provide some of the possible examples of effective classroom demonstrations; there are many additional examples that your students may want to introduce.
Thermal Physics Concepts: The Role of the Thermal Effusivity
Authors: Marín E.
Published: October 2007

Inspired by a previously published TPT article,1 this paper describes the concept of thermal effusivity and the role of this parameter in understanding thermal physics concepts, in particular the fact that when we touch objects of equal temperature but of different materials we often feel that one body is “hotter” or “colder.”
Remote Experimentation Made Easy with LabVIEW™
Authors: Tompkins Perry A.
Published: October 2007

While a lot of emphasis is being placed on Internet-based physics simulations, technology will easily support real experimentation across the Internet.1 Instead of students logging on to a site to watch cartoons following the theoretical equations, they could be logging on to a site that has an actual experiment, run the experiment, and download their unique data to analyze. This is not much more difficult to create than a simulation with the modern software and hardware that is available. This paper discusses two different approaches to real experimentation using National Instrument's LabVIEW™2 software development language. The first approach is to embed the application in a webpage served by the server computer. The second approach is the older and still more powerful use of client/server paired programs (called VIs or virtual instruments in LabVIEW terminology.) For either approach a dedicated computer that has an Internet static IP address will be needed.
Temperature Transformation Equations
Authors: Neal H. L.
Published: October 2007

The temperature transformation equations given in introductory physics textbooks1 are written inconsistently with respect to the units to be converted. In this paper I propose temperature transformation equations that eliminate this inconsistency.
Blending Old Technology With New: Measuring the Mass of the Electron
Authors: Brown Jeremy
Published: October 2007

One day back in 1974, I was searching through the equipment storage area, where I found these intriguing-looking solenoids, current balances, and electron tubes sitting in the storeroom all covered with dust, obviously unused for some time, calling out to me to be used in some experiment. Eventually I decided to drag out those dusty coils and tubes. I had my students do two experiments from the PSSC Laboratory Manual (1968 edition)1 called “The Measurement of a Magnetic Field in Fundamental Units,” and its companion experiment, “The Mass of the Electron.”
A Standing-Wave Experiment with a Guitar
Authors: Inman Fred W.
Published: October 2007

When teaching standing waves, one often uses as examples musical instruments with strings, e.g., pianos, violins, and guitars. In today's popular music culture, young people may be more familiar with guitars than any other string instrument. I was helping my 15-year-old granddaughter make some repairs and adjustments to her electric guitar, and the subject of the spacing between the frets on the fingerboard was raised. I told her that the physics of standing waves and the equal tempered musical scale dictate the location of the frets. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that students might be introduced to the physics of standing waves using a guitar and to the formula for the fret locations. By measuring the positions of the frets, this formula can be tested.
A Simple Electric Field Probe in a Gauss's Law Laboratory
Authors: Ludwigsen Daniel O. , Hassold Gregory N.
Published: October 2007

Early in our calculus-based introductory course, students are introduced to electric fields and sometimes struggle with the abstraction of a vector field. They have less familiarity with the phenomena associated with electric fields, and the connection between phenomena and mathematical formalism is weaker.1 Our very next topic is Gauss's law. While this provides an elegant approach to finding electric field in special cases, the expression involves additional mathematical baggage that may further obscure the electric field. These students aren't yet comfortable with dot products and surface integrals. The usual symmetries are invoked in example problems but require students to visualize flux in three dimensions. It is possible to reach this point in the introductory sequence without venturing outside of two-dimensional problems.
A descriptive profile of age-specific knee extension flexion strength in elite junior tennis players
Authors: Ellenbecker Todd S , Roetert E Paul , Sueyoshi Tetsuro , Riewald Scott
Published: October 2007

Background:

Tennis requires repetitive multidirectional movement patterns that can lead to lower extremity injury. Knowledge of population and age-specific strength parameters can be used during performance enhancement training and rehabilitation of tennis players.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to generate population and age-specific descriptive profiles of concentric isokinetic knee extension and flexion strength in elite junior tennis players, and determine whether bilateral differences exist between extremities and across age ranges.

Methods:

A total of 103 elite male tennis players (mean (SD) 15.92 (2.14), range 11–21) and 53 female tennis players (mean (SD) 15.0 (2.30, range 11–21) were isokinetically tested on a Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer at 180 and 300°/s to assess bilateral concentric knee extension and flexion strength using a standard bilateral testing protocol.

Results:

No significant bilateral difference between the dominant (racquet side) lower extremity and the contralateral non-dominant side were measured in lower extremity knee extension or flexion strength normalised to body weight, or in the hamstring quadriceps strength ratios in male and female subjects. Male subjects did show significant (p<0.001) increases in knee extension and flexion strength across the age ranges from 11–15 years of age to 16–21 years. Female subjects did not show any significant change in the normalised knee extension or flexion strength across age ranges. Hamstring/quadriceps strength ratios were bilaterally symmetric and remained clinically and statistically constant across age ranges for the male and female elite tennis players.

Conclusions:

Population and age-specific isokinetic descriptive data from elite tennis players can provide guidance in the development and monitoring of performance enhancement and rehabilitation programs for elite tennis players. The changes identified in normalised knee extension and flexion strength in elite male tennis players necessitate the use of population and age-specific descriptive data.
Pre- and post-impact muscle activation in the tennis volley: effects of ball speed, ball size and side of the body
Authors: Chow John W , Knudson Duane V , Tillman Mark D , Andrew Damon P S
Published: October 2007

Aim:

To examine the pre- and post-impact activation of five upper extremity muscles in the tennis volley across conditions of ball speed, ball type and side of the body.

Methods:

A repeated measures design in a biomechanics laboratory setting was used. A total of 24 recreational tennis players (mean (SD) age 24 (5) years, height 176 (10) cm, mass 76 (13) kg) were recruited from a university. Participants performed tennis volleys under 18 ball conditions: three ball speeds (slow, medium and fast), with three ball types (two oversize and one regular size) each from two sides (forehand and backhand). Average normalised electromyographic levels of the flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachii, anterior/middle deltoid and posterior/middle deltoid of the hitting arm during pre- and post-impact phases (200 ms before and after ball–racquet impact, respectively) were assessed.

Results:

For the pre-impact phase, a significant muscle and side interaction (p<0.001) and significant main effects for speed (p = 0.002) and muscle (p<0.001) were observed. For the post-impact phase, significant interactions were observed for ball type and side (p = 0.002), ball speed and side (p = 0.011) and muscle and side (p = 0.001), as well significant main effects for muscle (p<0.001), speed (p = 0.035) and side (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Oversize tennis balls do not significantly increase upper extremity muscle activation compared to regular size balls during a tennis volley. The highest post-impact activation was observed in the ECR indicating a vigorous wrist stabilisation role that could irritate players with lateral epicondylalgia.
Biomass and nutrient element dynamics in Douglas-fir: effects of thinning and nitrogen fertilization over 18 years
Authors: Mitchell A.K. , Barclay H.J. , Brix H. , Pollard D.F.W. , Benton R. , deJong R.
Published: October 2007

The effects of thinning (two-thirds of basal area removed) and N fertilization (448 kg N/ha as urea) on biomass and nutrition of a 24-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stand at Shawnigan Lake were studied over 18 years. At years 0, 9, and 18 after treatments, the aboveground biomass and N, P, K, Ca, and Mg contents of stemwood, stem bark, foliage, and dead and live branches were determined (kg/ha), and increments in these properties (kg•ha−1•year−1) were calculated for the 0–9 and 9–18 year periods. Foliar biomass was increased by both treatments during the first period and also by thinning in the second period. Aboveground net primary production (ANPP) per unit of foliage biomass (foliage efficiency) was increased by treatments in the 0–9 year period. The combined effects of increased foliage mass and foliage efficiency resulted in increased total biomass production. Thinning and fertilization increased the uptake of all elements except for P with fertilization. This increase may have contributed to the long-term increase in stem growth. Retranslocation of elements before foliage shedding was important for tree nutrition, but was not improved by fertilization during the 9–18 year measurement period. The efficiency of N use in dry matter production (ANPP/unit of N uptake) was decreased by fertilization. This implied that poor sites would respond better to fertilization than rich sites.
Spruce decline as a disturbance event in the subalpine forests of the northeastern United States
Authors: Battles John J. , Fahey Timothy J.
Published: October 2007

During the last 2 decades red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) trees have died at high rates in the mountains of New York and New England. Given the importance of disturbance in organizing plant communities, the impact of the decline was evaluated in terms of its effect on disturbance processes. The first step was to describe the current disturbance regime in subalpine forests across the region. Canopy gaps were the predominant mode of disturbance. Estimates of gap-phase disturbance in four old-growth sites ranged from 15% to 42% of the total forested area. Gap abundance varied between 19 and 49 gaps/ha. A constant among the sites was that dead spruce trees accounted for more of the gap area than expected considering their abundance in the canopy. In the spruce–fir forest, most gaps were small (<100 m2). Gaps were not shaped like simple geometric figures but rather like irregular polygons. Forty percent of the canopy gaps were created by the death of a single tree; the rest were multitree gaps. Standing dead trees were the most common damage type. It seems that decline of spruce effected a quantitative but not qualitative shift in the disturbance regime.
Elite populations for conifer breeding and gene conservation
Authors: Williams Claire G. , Hamrick J.L.
Published: October 2007

Elite populations managed for short-term gain have received increasing attention as advanced-generation breeding strategies have taken shape for forest tree species. They are prevalent for two reasons: (1) their short-term gains provide justification for the rising costs of recurrent forest tree breeding and (2) the advent of control-pollinated seed production has reduced the requirement for a large number of unrelated selections. This paper addresses the concept of an elite population, its potential for compressed generation intervals, its predicted long-term selection response, as well as the concomitant risks of severe inbreeding depression and loss of genetic diversity.